WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.780 With me to Matthew chapter 5. 00:00:03.359 --> 00:00:04.679 Matthew chapter 5. 00:00:06.219 --> 00:00:07.839 So, as you're turning there, 00:00:08.839 --> 00:00:11.460 you probably can already hear it a little bit in my voice, 00:00:11.460 --> 00:00:12.800 ! But I'm fairly pollinated. 00:00:13.599 --> 00:00:17.960 So, continue praying for me this morning. 00:00:18.080 --> 00:00:22.120 I appreciate all the prayers I know that you have been lifting up to our Lord. 00:00:23.039 --> 00:00:25.500 Thank you for that and continue in that. 00:00:25.500 --> 00:00:30.800 So, we've reached verses 10 through 12. 00:00:31.339 --> 00:00:33.399 I just want to start off by reading those, 00:00:33.519 --> 00:00:35.240 and then we will jump right into it. 00:00:35.240 --> 00:00:39.939 So, verses 10 through 12, picking up in verse 10 of Matthew chapter 5. 00:00:41.179 --> 00:00:41.380 It says, 00:00:41.480 --> 00:00:44.320 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, 00:00:44.760 --> 00:00:46.760 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:00:47.640 --> 00:00:51.179 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you 00:00:51.179 --> 00:00:55.200 and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 00:00:55.500 --> 00:01:00.500 11 and 12 are really just an expansion and a clarification of verse 10. 00:01:02.079 --> 00:01:06.500 Most believe that Jesus talked about this beatitude a bit more, 00:01:06.500 --> 00:01:09.980 just to stress its weight, its importance, and its surety. 00:01:11.019 --> 00:01:15.000 It's certainly not a foreign concept at all to other New Testament writers. 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:21.680 So much of the New Testament does focus on the realities of persecution 00:01:21.680 --> 00:01:23.879 and what the Christian's response should be to it. 00:01:24.200 --> 00:01:25.739 Even in that last song, we're just saying, 00:01:25.939 --> 00:01:28.700 set your mind, your mind, your mind on things above. 00:01:28.819 --> 00:01:33.039 So much of the New Testament devotes itself to that. 00:01:33.040 --> 00:01:36.480 I think I'm getting picked up through the sound system now. 00:01:36.660 --> 00:01:37.080 You got you. 00:01:37.200 --> 00:01:37.400 Okay. 00:01:37.460 --> 00:01:38.400 The one of the mic was still on. 00:01:38.719 --> 00:01:39.080 Got you. 00:01:39.320 --> 00:01:39.860 Okay, cool. 00:01:40.680 --> 00:01:46.580 So, because this is a big topic in the New Testament in general, 00:01:46.840 --> 00:01:50.680 there are a lot of different ways I could go with this sermon. 00:01:50.680 --> 00:01:55.300 But so that you are just in knowing how I'm thinking about this, 00:01:55.460 --> 00:01:57.700 I want to preach it from this text. 00:01:58.260 --> 00:02:01.500 I want to stay true to what this text here talks about it. 00:02:01.560 --> 00:02:05.020 And I'll also be talking about it a good bit within our context. 00:02:05.780 --> 00:02:08.280 So, that's kind of where we're going with it today. 00:02:08.400 --> 00:02:09.360 A lot more could be said. 00:02:09.420 --> 00:02:10.939 I wish we could say a lot more. 00:02:11.920 --> 00:02:14.700 But we'll hone it in a little bit for today. 00:02:15.420 --> 00:02:18.379 So, how I'm going to structure it is in four main ways. 00:02:18.379 --> 00:02:19.040 So, here they are. 00:02:19.039 --> 00:02:25.539 So, just a bunch of different things of how the New Testament talks about persecution. 00:02:25.840 --> 00:02:28.180 First one I have is the reason for persecution. 00:02:29.519 --> 00:02:31.139 The reason for persecution. 00:02:32.340 --> 00:02:35.959 The next is the reality of persecution. 00:02:36.739 --> 00:02:38.399 The reality of persecution. 00:02:39.399 --> 00:02:42.419 Next is the response to persecution. 00:02:43.419 --> 00:02:45.159 The response to persecution. 00:02:45.539 --> 00:02:48.479 And lastly, we'll have the results. 00:02:49.039 --> 00:02:49.919 Of persecution. 00:02:50.699 --> 00:02:52.539 The results of persecution. 00:02:53.439 --> 00:02:58.539 So, first off, let's just go ahead and get right into it and start off with the reason for persecution. 00:02:59.239 --> 00:03:07.259 So, I'd like to bring back to mind of how Nathan broke down the different sections of the Beatitudes a few weeks ago. 00:03:07.340 --> 00:03:12.739 He said that the first three are really just focused on a great awareness of our sin. 00:03:12.740 --> 00:03:15.920 And the world's lack of righteousness and their need for it. 00:03:15.980 --> 00:03:17.000 So, looking at verse 3. 00:03:18.740 --> 00:03:18.960 It says, 00:03:19.040 --> 00:03:21.580 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:03:21.659 --> 00:03:24.400 So, the poor in spirit being those who realize that they are dead. 00:03:24.520 --> 00:03:25.640 They are stuck in their sins. 00:03:25.719 --> 00:03:27.020 They can't do anything about it. 00:03:27.400 --> 00:03:30.460 Can never get rid of them or become righteous on their own. 00:03:31.140 --> 00:03:31.500 Verse 4. 00:03:31.580 --> 00:03:33.860 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 00:03:33.860 --> 00:03:40.200 So, those mourning over the wickedness of the world as they see its brokenness and its just lack of concern. 00:03:40.940 --> 00:03:43.920 A deep sadness, really, for the state of everything around us. 00:03:45.120 --> 00:03:45.740 Verse 5. 00:03:45.900 --> 00:03:48.460 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 00:03:48.600 --> 00:03:52.900 The meek being those who do not make much of themselves, but make much of God. 00:03:52.900 --> 00:03:58.060 Those that acknowledge that everything is the Lord's and not theirs. 00:03:59.819 --> 00:04:02.099 They'll have a great inheritance in the new earth. 00:04:02.420 --> 00:04:09.400 So, those first three being about the reality of our need for righteousness and our inability to produce it on our own. 00:04:10.159 --> 00:04:12.560 And then there's great blessings declared on them. 00:04:13.360 --> 00:04:16.180 So, in the next one, we see that great need being met. 00:04:16.180 --> 00:04:23.240 And then in verses, or the 5th, 6th, and 7th Beatitudes, we see outflows of that righteousness. 00:04:23.639 --> 00:04:24.300 So, in verse 7. 00:04:25.220 --> 00:04:27.660 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:32.319 So, we see that those that have been given Christ's righteousness, they'll begin in their new nature. 00:04:32.500 --> 00:04:33.920 They have that whole person righteousness. 00:04:34.220 --> 00:04:37.040 They are restored image bearers of God. 00:04:37.699 --> 00:04:40.680 And they're going to begin to show the mercifulness of God. 00:04:40.680 --> 00:04:42.300 He's shown so much to us. 00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:45.079 And so, we're beginning to express that to others. 00:04:45.079 --> 00:04:47.459 In verse 8, it says, 00:04:47.579 --> 00:04:49.979 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 00:04:50.339 --> 00:04:53.419 So, again, those regenerated believers are now pure in heart. 00:04:53.639 --> 00:04:56.479 They are not just seeking to do the right things. 00:04:56.539 --> 00:04:58.479 But the Lord has given them a whole new nature. 00:04:58.899 --> 00:05:04.139 That not only is able to do those right things, but longs to do those right things. 00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:07.019 They're beginning to have that whole person righteousness. 00:05:07.919 --> 00:05:10.819 They're not just doing the right things they want to. 00:05:10.819 --> 00:05:16.719 And they're not, on the other end, just thinking the right things in their heart. 00:05:16.800 --> 00:05:17.959 They're actually living them out. 00:05:18.099 --> 00:05:20.560 They're living those out as that outflow of that new nature. 00:05:22.120 --> 00:05:23.600 Verse 9, from last week. 00:05:23.699 --> 00:05:27.120 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 00:05:27.480 --> 00:05:33.000 So, yet another way that the new regenerated believers are becoming like our Lord. 00:05:33.079 --> 00:05:35.339 He was the ultimate and perfect peacemaker. 00:05:35.339 --> 00:05:38.579 And so, we're following him in making peace. 00:05:39.719 --> 00:05:48.539 And so, all of those, be added to that section, were the outflows of us being granted that righteousness and that new nature from the Lord. 00:05:48.659 --> 00:05:50.859 But we get to verses 10 and 12. 00:05:51.879 --> 00:05:52.779 It's something new. 00:05:53.120 --> 00:05:55.219 It's all about persecution. 00:05:55.220 --> 00:05:59.020 Not something that is coming from us. 00:06:00.860 --> 00:06:04.800 And not something that we're realizing our need in. 00:06:04.960 --> 00:06:07.760 But instead, that people are persecuting us. 00:06:08.920 --> 00:06:13.420 So, something coming from outside of us, not from inside at all. 00:06:13.520 --> 00:06:14.240 Not a longing. 00:06:14.640 --> 00:06:16.160 Not an outflow. 00:06:16.900 --> 00:06:21.320 It's something that we can't really foster or would ever want to foster. 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:30.319 But, the Lord declares those that experience persecution for righteousness' sake, blessed or flourishing or happy. 00:06:31.699 --> 00:06:33.620 So, what causes this persecution? 00:06:33.860 --> 00:06:36.019 What is the reason for it? 00:06:36.100 --> 00:06:38.019 Why do people hate Christians? 00:06:39.439 --> 00:06:42.579 Well, it's an outflow of all these other beatitudes. 00:06:42.719 --> 00:06:44.159 Let's think about those again for a minute. 00:06:44.980 --> 00:06:46.579 Is the world poor in spirit? 00:06:47.339 --> 00:06:49.899 Is the world mourning over their sin? 00:06:49.899 --> 00:06:53.739 Are unbelievers meek and unselfish? 00:06:55.339 --> 00:06:56.199 Absolutely not. 00:06:56.319 --> 00:06:57.500 We can attest to that. 00:06:57.579 --> 00:06:59.279 We have been there. 00:06:59.379 --> 00:07:03.179 Before we were given our new nature without Christ, we boast in ourselves. 00:07:03.299 --> 00:07:05.739 We don't care much about our sin at all. 00:07:06.219 --> 00:07:07.759 We don't see it as that big of a deal. 00:07:08.539 --> 00:07:14.339 If we do start to see the horrors of what sin is, we don't seek to do the correct things to fix it. 00:07:14.620 --> 00:07:16.779 We try to cover our own sin up. 00:07:16.779 --> 00:07:23.459 But, we are in fact incapable of longing for righteousness. 00:07:24.559 --> 00:07:25.619 No one is righteous. 00:07:25.839 --> 00:07:27.799 No one seeks for God. 00:07:27.879 --> 00:07:29.139 We were dead in our sins. 00:07:30.279 --> 00:07:35.459 We certainly, before the Lord opened our eyes, did not hunger and thirst after righteousness. 00:07:35.459 --> 00:07:36.779 We didn't show mercy. 00:07:37.859 --> 00:07:44.739 Even if we had seemed to have some sort of good outward action, some inward motive proved our hearts to be impure. 00:07:47.680 --> 00:07:49.919 We didn't have whole person righteousness at all. 00:07:50.839 --> 00:07:55.060 We certainly were not striving after peace with others or peace with God. 00:07:55.359 --> 00:07:56.019 None of this. 00:07:56.019 --> 00:08:03.519 All these things are brought after the Lord gives us our new nature and begins the work of these things, of sanctifying us. 00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:04.039 Right? 00:08:04.879 --> 00:08:14.139 So, all those are given to you not because of a great longing in us to do better, to be better, to come to God. 00:08:16.279 --> 00:08:18.839 But all those come to us when the Lord knocks us down. 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:22.599 When he makes us see the reality of our sin. 00:08:23.719 --> 00:08:27.699 And gives us that new nature when we trust in him as our only hope for salvation. 00:08:27.699 --> 00:08:33.720 So, why am I going on this really big, long spill about all this? 00:08:35.080 --> 00:08:39.439 Because this is exactly why unbelievers persecute believers. 00:08:40.200 --> 00:08:41.240 It's exactly why. 00:08:41.299 --> 00:08:43.939 Because we are so, so, so different from them. 00:08:45.419 --> 00:08:48.100 There's something about a believer that condemns them. 00:08:48.759 --> 00:08:51.939 That makes them see that their so-called righteousness is nothing. 00:08:52.779 --> 00:08:54.179 It looks like filthy rags. 00:08:54.559 --> 00:08:54.720 Right? 00:08:54.720 --> 00:08:57.240 They start to see that a bit and they hate that. 00:08:57.700 --> 00:08:58.759 They hate that. 00:08:59.620 --> 00:09:00.900 And so, who do they take it out on? 00:09:01.240 --> 00:09:04.220 They take it out on the people that made them realize that. 00:09:04.340 --> 00:09:06.780 The believers that have a new nature. 00:09:06.920 --> 00:09:09.400 They see that they're completely different. 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:17.200 So, there's our reason for persecution. 00:09:17.840 --> 00:09:20.440 Let's think about it in a little bit different of a light. 00:09:20.820 --> 00:09:23.580 What does being righteous really mean? 00:09:23.580 --> 00:09:27.400 What does being persecuted for righteousness sake really mean? 00:09:28.040 --> 00:09:29.120 What means being like Jesus? 00:09:29.480 --> 00:09:33.040 There's a very simplified way to think about it. 00:09:33.100 --> 00:09:34.640 That's the truth, right? 00:09:35.100 --> 00:09:37.820 To see that a little bit more, turn moving to John 15. 00:09:37.820 --> 00:09:39.480 John 15. 00:09:39.480 --> 00:09:39.500 John 15. 00:09:39.500 --> 00:10:05.240 We're going to read verses 18 through 20 here. 00:10:05.240 --> 00:10:08.779 It's another confirmation from the Lord about this. 00:10:08.779 --> 00:10:10.899 Verse 18 starts saying, 00:10:10.899 --> 00:10:15.720 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 00:10:16.679 --> 00:10:19.500 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:24.819 But because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 00:10:25.579 --> 00:10:27.220 Remember the word that I said to you. 00:10:27.279 --> 00:10:29.559 A servant is not greater than his master. 00:10:30.079 --> 00:10:32.939 If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. 00:10:32.940 --> 00:10:36.340 If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 00:10:36.340 --> 00:10:42.480 So we see here the Lord telling us, yeah, if you're different than the world, they're going to be able to tell. 00:10:42.980 --> 00:10:44.259 And they're not going to like that. 00:10:44.680 --> 00:10:45.720 They're not going to like that at all. 00:10:45.780 --> 00:10:47.500 If you were of the world, then yeah, you'd be all right. 00:10:47.600 --> 00:10:48.340 They'd like you okay. 00:10:48.879 --> 00:10:54.980 But no, if you are different and different in the way of being like me, they're going to hate you because they'll be convicted. 00:10:55.280 --> 00:10:56.480 They'll see that otherness. 00:10:56.940 --> 00:10:59.720 They'll notice that they're not just differing in degree. 00:10:59.720 --> 00:11:02.899 We're not just trying a little bit harder to be good people. 00:11:03.139 --> 00:11:05.160 We're an entirely different kind of creature. 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:07.440 The Lord has given us that new nature. 00:11:08.519 --> 00:11:13.660 Jesus even goes so far to say that we should be concerned if the world does not hate us. 00:11:14.740 --> 00:11:15.720 Luke 6.26. 00:11:15.940 --> 00:11:22.779 So just after Luke's account of the Beatitudes, he lists a long list of woe unto yous. 00:11:23.420 --> 00:11:25.560 And one of them says just that. 00:11:25.559 --> 00:11:31.559 It says, woe to you when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. 00:11:33.879 --> 00:11:34.899 Think about that. 00:11:35.179 --> 00:11:39.179 Jesus, the vast majority of the time, was not well spoken of. 00:11:39.379 --> 00:11:41.019 Sure, many people did follow him. 00:11:41.539 --> 00:11:44.299 But so, so, so many did not. 00:11:45.399 --> 00:11:50.639 But think about just how you picture a good Christian in your head. 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:59.360 I know that, like, when I think about that, for me, I tend to see someone that is always there for everyone in the community. 00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:02.100 Someone well respected by all. 00:12:03.379 --> 00:12:10.980 But I very rarely think of someone who is willing to take a stand for the truth and therefore people hate him. 00:12:10.980 --> 00:12:20.980 He's kicked out of society, put in exile, told to stay away from everyone so that he can't pollute everyone with his thoughts. 00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:23.539 I rarely think of that. 00:12:25.879 --> 00:12:31.039 Or even the men that are, and women that are killed for taking a stand for the truth. 00:12:31.039 --> 00:12:35.620 But our Lord Jesus says to be careful. 00:12:35.779 --> 00:12:38.980 He says, woe unto us when society thinks well of us. 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:42.719 To be concerned when the world is right there with us. 00:12:43.439 --> 00:12:46.879 When our lives don't bring some pushback, we should be alarmed. 00:12:48.379 --> 00:12:51.099 Now, I want to clarify a bit right here. 00:12:51.100 --> 00:13:02.600 I don't think it's generally the tendency in America or in our church culture to seek persecution or to root for it or to ag it on. 00:13:03.460 --> 00:13:09.379 But in order just to be sure that we know what type of persecution Jesus is declaring this blessing on, 00:13:09.680 --> 00:13:13.879 we should talk about the type it is, which I think we've hit some, and the type it is not. 00:13:14.840 --> 00:13:17.960 He says that it is when we are persecuted for righteousness sake. 00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:21.900 Or, in other words, persecuted for being like Jesus. 00:13:22.560 --> 00:13:22.720 Right? 00:13:22.820 --> 00:13:25.379 Living out these outflows, given that new nature. 00:13:26.280 --> 00:13:27.680 Here are some things it does not say. 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:34.300 It does not say, blessed are they who are persecuted for being careless with their words. 00:13:36.259 --> 00:13:42.560 It does not say, blessed are they who are persecuted for their political views, that they get confused with their faith. 00:13:42.559 --> 00:13:53.099 It does not say that we are blessed when we are persecuted for a cause. 00:13:54.359 --> 00:13:58.839 It says that we are blessed when we are persecuted for righteousness sake. 00:13:59.599 --> 00:14:01.699 Now, think about those things as that it's not. 00:14:01.700 --> 00:14:10.220 We certainly should not be careless with our words and should represent Christ both in grace and in truth when speaking into hard situations. 00:14:10.800 --> 00:14:13.540 But these others that I mentioned, there's nothing wrong with them. 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:20.920 There's nothing wrong with having strong political views or having a really strong allegiance to some cause that you believe in. 00:14:21.000 --> 00:14:25.480 And for sure, these certainly can and they should be informed by our faith. 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:32.480 But the blessing here is declared specifically when we are persecuted for righteousness sake. 00:14:33.420 --> 00:14:41.920 Not slanders coming from someone who disagrees with your political views or your cause or that they think you said something that you shouldn't have. 00:14:43.700 --> 00:14:45.779 We should not be going around trying to pick fights. 00:14:46.800 --> 00:14:52.240 But we're simply trying to speak the truth and live the truth out in love. 00:14:52.240 --> 00:15:01.240 When we come across a passage like this, I think it's important to remember the whole of Scripture on how we should live. 00:15:01.419 --> 00:15:10.639 And there's so many exhortations in the New Testament that are about living quiet lives and to live as peaceably as we can with others. 00:15:11.060 --> 00:15:13.539 Here's an example that comes to my mind. 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:15.779 Romans 12 verse 18 says, 00:15:16.180 --> 00:15:20.840 If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. 00:15:20.840 --> 00:15:25.340 So, we're not going around picking fights. 00:15:26.040 --> 00:15:32.399 But we do teach, we warn, we encourage, we exhort everyone with the truth. 00:15:33.340 --> 00:15:35.500 So, in summary of that first point, 00:15:36.960 --> 00:15:39.019 when we are persecuted for righteousness sake, 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:43.519 it is an outflow of us demonstrating the characteristics of a true believer in our Lord. 00:15:43.700 --> 00:15:47.580 It's the outflow of that new nature that He has given us. 00:15:47.580 --> 00:15:52.639 And when we do demonstrate those, people are not going to like it. 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:55.240 So, that leads to the second point. 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:57.780 The reality of persecution. 00:15:59.660 --> 00:16:01.360 The reality of persecution. 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:07.759 So, already with what we've seen with the flow of this beatitude, 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:09.019 Jesus saying, 00:16:09.180 --> 00:16:11.379 Woe unto us when men speak highly of us. 00:16:11.840 --> 00:16:14.220 And Jesus saying that because the world hated Him, 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:16.800 it's also going to hate us as we follow Him. 00:16:17.419 --> 00:16:24.560 I think we can see a pretty good case already that persecution is or should just be a reality for us. 00:16:24.559 --> 00:16:27.779 In some form or fashion for all Christians. 00:16:28.299 --> 00:16:30.799 To make that argument a little bit stronger, 00:16:31.119 --> 00:16:32.839 turn with me to 2 Timothy 3. 00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:37.359 2 Timothy 3. 00:16:40.959 --> 00:16:45.659 So, this is a verse that I think is probably the most commonly quoted on this topic. 00:16:45.659 --> 00:16:49.899 It comes in the middle of just a passage of Paul. 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:54.620 He's encouraging Timothy about persecution and about the authority of Scripture. 00:16:55.399 --> 00:16:58.779 And in 2 Timothy 3 verse 12, he says this. 00:17:00.079 --> 00:17:04.859 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 00:17:06.359 --> 00:17:07.139 Read that again. 00:17:08.159 --> 00:17:13.379 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 00:17:13.380 --> 00:17:16.720 It makes no excuses. 00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:17.880 It makes no ifs. 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:19.800 It makes no exceptions. 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:21.500 It says all. 00:17:23.280 --> 00:17:27.440 All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 00:17:28.640 --> 00:17:29.120 Everyone. 00:17:31.180 --> 00:17:33.640 Everyone who desires to live a godly life in Christ Jesus. 00:17:34.060 --> 00:17:35.860 Now, is that every believer? 00:17:37.340 --> 00:17:40.160 Yes, that's absolutely every believer. 00:17:40.300 --> 00:17:42.420 Because every believer has been given that new nature, 00:17:42.420 --> 00:17:45.860 and that new nature's desire is to live a godly life. 00:17:46.360 --> 00:17:49.800 So, that's absolutely every believer. 00:17:50.500 --> 00:17:53.060 So, we can say, yeah, if we are followers of Christ, 00:17:53.120 --> 00:17:54.480 if we love what He loves, 00:17:54.860 --> 00:17:56.480 if we have been given the promised Spirit, 00:17:56.700 --> 00:17:59.400 if we keep His commands and His commands are not grievous, 00:17:59.980 --> 00:18:03.259 all of us, all of us who have put our full hope in Christ 00:18:03.259 --> 00:18:05.100 will be persecuted. 00:18:05.099 --> 00:18:08.740 Let that challenge us. 00:18:08.980 --> 00:18:12.879 Let us examine our lives a bit in light of that. 00:18:14.459 --> 00:18:16.059 Are we truly following Christ? 00:18:16.359 --> 00:18:20.299 Are we actually living our lives in light of the truth of the gospel? 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:22.299 Are we blending in with the world? 00:18:22.299 --> 00:18:26.440 Are men speaking highly of us? 00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:29.379 Or are we being hated just as our Lord and Savior was hated? 00:18:29.380 --> 00:18:36.820 Now, if someone was preaching this to me, 00:18:37.220 --> 00:18:41.120 I would have three questions, I think, at least at this point. 00:18:41.820 --> 00:18:45.540 So, a few different things that people might come up with. 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:49.980 First one is saying, I have never been persecuted. 00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:51.119 What is wrong? 00:18:52.119 --> 00:18:53.500 Am I an unfaithful Christian? 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:55.799 Maybe, maybe not. 00:18:56.579 --> 00:18:58.680 Secondly, am I being disobedient? 00:18:59.180 --> 00:19:00.539 Maybe, maybe not. 00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:05.059 And third, are we really all going to experience persecution? 00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:08.259 And we can confidently say absolutely yes on that one. 00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:10.559 Now, join me back in Matthew 5. 00:19:10.659 --> 00:19:11.700 So, flip back over there for a minute. 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:22.599 Let's notice the three different types of persecution that verses 10 to 12 mentions. 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:27.960 First off, we have physical persecution. 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:33.379 The word used in verses 10, 11, and 12 that is translated as persecuted, 00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:37.920 its basic meaning is chasing, driving away, or pursuing. 00:19:39.139 --> 00:19:43.659 So, over time, that word developed connotations of physical persecution, harassment, 00:19:43.660 --> 00:19:46.279 abuse, or unjust treatment. 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:49.340 So, really, really intense persecution. 00:19:50.480 --> 00:19:53.480 Secondly, in verse 12, we see reviling. 00:19:54.440 --> 00:20:00.259 In other translations, the word revile is translated as insult or cast insult. 00:20:01.340 --> 00:20:05.400 And it means exactly that, to cast a very strong insult at someone. 00:20:05.400 --> 00:20:09.460 The third type we see is false accusation. 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:12.940 As people around us may utter, as it says, 00:20:13.120 --> 00:20:16.200 all kinds of evil against you falsely. 00:20:17.800 --> 00:20:21.300 Now, for those of us that are born and raised here, 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:23.840 maybe especially here in the South, 00:20:24.360 --> 00:20:27.080 where almost everyone seems to be a cultural Christian, 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:30.380 may find that we have never been chased, 00:20:30.660 --> 00:20:31.940 we've never been driven away, 00:20:31.940 --> 00:20:34.900 or we've never been physically beaten for the faith. 00:20:35.600 --> 00:20:37.100 I would wager to say that 00:20:37.100 --> 00:20:40.140 very, very few of us in this room 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:42.799 have experienced this intense amount of persecution 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:46.420 that many of the early church did experience, 00:20:46.539 --> 00:20:47.440 which is recorded for us, 00:20:47.460 --> 00:20:48.700 and so many around the world 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:50.600 still experience today. 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:53.740 But that does not necessarily 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:56.420 mean that we have not experienced persecution. 00:20:56.420 --> 00:21:00.900 Now, I want to be very, very, very careful here. 00:21:01.080 --> 00:21:04.480 I'm not at all trying to put the pushback 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:07.560 or the slander or the false accusation 00:21:07.560 --> 00:21:08.720 or the insults 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:11.560 that we may experience here on the same level 00:21:11.560 --> 00:21:14.519 as our brothers and sisters being persecuted around the world. 00:21:16.380 --> 00:21:16.860 But, 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:19.000 our faithfulness to our Lord, 00:21:19.720 --> 00:21:22.340 our desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus, 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:24.340 our living out of that new nature, 00:21:24.339 --> 00:21:26.439 is going to create some pushback. 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:29.240 It absolutely is going to create some pushback. 00:21:29.339 --> 00:21:30.480 It's going to make some conflict 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:32.659 with those who are utterly unlike us. 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:33.480 We're new creatures. 00:21:33.639 --> 00:21:35.799 We're different than the world. 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:38.619 It says, 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:42.220 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:43.899 will be persecuted. 00:21:45.679 --> 00:21:47.019 Now, this might look like 00:21:47.019 --> 00:21:49.359 a lot of different things. 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:52.299 A family member telling you 00:21:52.299 --> 00:21:54.000 that there are two things 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:54.839 that you were raised 00:21:54.839 --> 00:21:56.979 not to talk about, 00:21:57.419 --> 00:21:59.479 and those were politics and religion 00:21:59.479 --> 00:22:01.519 as they're sitting frustrated 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:03.399 with you speaking truth at a holiday dinner. 00:22:04.839 --> 00:22:06.319 It may look like a roommate 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:07.679 beginning to blame 00:22:07.679 --> 00:22:10.079 everything that is wrong in the world on you 00:22:10.079 --> 00:22:12.559 because they are beginning to be convicted 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:14.099 of their own sin 00:22:14.099 --> 00:22:15.199 as they see your godly living. 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:19.140 It may look like a lost friendship 00:22:19.140 --> 00:22:20.080 of a friend who 00:22:20.080 --> 00:22:21.680 just doesn't want to 00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:23.620 associate with you at all anymore 00:22:23.620 --> 00:22:24.680 because you 00:22:24.680 --> 00:22:26.559 spoke the gospel to them. 00:22:26.900 --> 00:22:28.039 They were convicted of their sin, 00:22:28.120 --> 00:22:28.220 and 00:22:28.220 --> 00:22:30.220 you hated to see someone 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:31.400 that you're so close to 00:22:31.400 --> 00:22:33.460 deny the Lord of 00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:34.180 everything 00:22:34.180 --> 00:22:35.340 and to suffer eternally. 00:22:36.700 --> 00:22:38.080 It may be a grandparent 00:22:38.080 --> 00:22:39.860 saying, 00:22:40.039 --> 00:22:41.380 Your religion is great for you, 00:22:41.580 --> 00:22:41.900 but 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:43.840 I don't want to talk to you about it, 00:22:44.140 --> 00:22:45.960 and if that's what you're going to talk about, 00:22:46.060 --> 00:22:46.920 I don't want to see you. 00:22:49.540 --> 00:22:51.100 Could be being unwelcomed 00:22:51.100 --> 00:22:52.480 at the lunch table at work 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:53.860 because you aren't willing to 00:22:53.860 --> 00:22:54.820 tolerate the gossip 00:22:54.820 --> 00:22:55.759 that usually happens. 00:22:57.400 --> 00:22:58.259 Brothers and sisters, 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:59.680 these are all 00:22:59.680 --> 00:23:01.580 so, so sad. 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:04.420 There are situations 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:05.620 that we would all regret. 00:23:06.580 --> 00:23:07.280 There are situations 00:23:07.280 --> 00:23:08.960 that show the depravity 00:23:08.960 --> 00:23:10.300 of the natural human heart 00:23:10.300 --> 00:23:11.500 before it's regenerated. 00:23:11.500 --> 00:23:13.500 It does not want to hear truth, 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:15.579 and as it sees it 00:23:15.579 --> 00:23:16.420 and sees its guilt, 00:23:16.599 --> 00:23:18.180 it wants no part of it, 00:23:18.400 --> 00:23:19.539 no part of it at all. 00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:22.000 John MacArthur said 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:23.700 of this text 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:24.720 that Ty will preach 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:25.779 next week, 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:27.900 and I think it explains 00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:29.319 why persecution 00:23:29.319 --> 00:23:30.740 happens so well. 00:23:31.839 --> 00:23:33.920 It just speaks to the reality 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:35.339 of that it's going to happen. 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:35.980 He said this, 00:23:35.980 --> 00:23:37.440 when we become 00:23:37.440 --> 00:23:38.380 Christ's salt 00:23:38.380 --> 00:23:39.680 and Christ's light, 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:41.279 our salt 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:42.099 will sting 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:42.860 the world's 00:23:42.860 --> 00:23:43.559 open wounds 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:44.059 of sin, 00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:46.200 and our light 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:47.000 will irritate 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:47.640 its eyes 00:23:47.640 --> 00:23:48.640 that are so used 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:49.240 to darkness. 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:52.339 Indeed, 00:23:52.620 --> 00:23:54.000 all who desire 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:55.259 to live godly lives 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:56.039 in Christ Jesus 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:56.960 will be persecuted. 00:23:56.960 --> 00:24:00.420 But church, 00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:01.779 there is an outflow 00:24:01.779 --> 00:24:03.299 of this persecution, 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.079 and that brings us 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:04.840 to our third point. 00:24:07.059 --> 00:24:08.720 The result of persecution. 00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:11.539 The result of persecution. 00:24:12.380 --> 00:24:13.940 So back in Matthew 5 again, 00:24:14.160 --> 00:24:14.660 I want to read 00:24:14.660 --> 00:24:15.400 the whole thing again. 00:24:15.400 --> 00:24:18.300 So blessed are those 00:24:18.300 --> 00:24:19.160 who are persecuted 00:24:19.160 --> 00:24:20.440 for righteousness' sake, 00:24:20.800 --> 00:24:21.920 for theirs is the kingdom 00:24:21.920 --> 00:24:22.360 of heaven. 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:23.660 Blessed are you 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:25.040 when others revile you 00:24:25.040 --> 00:24:26.240 and persecute you 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:27.340 and utter all kinds 00:24:27.340 --> 00:24:28.259 of evil against you 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:29.560 falsely on my account. 00:24:30.340 --> 00:24:31.640 Rejoice and be glad, 00:24:31.780 --> 00:24:32.540 for your reward 00:24:32.540 --> 00:24:34.180 is great in heaven. 00:24:34.940 --> 00:24:36.100 For so they persecuted 00:24:36.100 --> 00:24:36.759 the prophets 00:24:36.759 --> 00:24:38.000 who were before you. 00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:40.780 So Jesus says 00:24:40.780 --> 00:24:41.900 that when we are persecuted 00:24:41.900 --> 00:24:43.420 for righteousness' sake, 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:45.019 when others revile us 00:24:45.019 --> 00:24:45.839 and persecute us 00:24:45.839 --> 00:24:46.920 and utter all kinds 00:24:46.920 --> 00:24:47.879 of false accusations 00:24:47.879 --> 00:24:48.680 against us, 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:49.900 then we are blessed. 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:51.000 We are flourishing. 00:24:51.559 --> 00:24:52.259 We are happy. 00:24:53.299 --> 00:24:54.200 Now we just said 00:24:54.200 --> 00:24:56.200 that all of these things 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.119 are awful 00:24:57.119 --> 00:24:58.440 and that we should 00:24:58.440 --> 00:25:00.319 never want persecution. 00:25:00.839 --> 00:25:01.119 Ever. 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:02.019 We would never want 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:02.859 to foster that. 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:03.379 We would never 00:25:03.379 --> 00:25:05.700 want that for ourselves. 00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:09.400 And it's true 00:25:09.400 --> 00:25:13.740 that all of these things 00:25:13.740 --> 00:25:14.480 are really awful. 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:15.980 even in our context. 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:18.180 These false accusations, 00:25:18.380 --> 00:25:19.299 these insults, 00:25:19.940 --> 00:25:20.799 they're awful. 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:21.559 They really are. 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:22.980 And so much more so 00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:23.880 are brothers and sisters 00:25:23.880 --> 00:25:24.700 worldwide that are 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:25.500 suffering physically 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:26.079 for the faith. 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:27.559 That's so awful. 00:25:27.660 --> 00:25:29.420 It really, really is. 00:25:30.279 --> 00:25:31.339 But the Lord says 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:32.440 we are blessed. 00:25:33.339 --> 00:25:34.339 Now why is that? 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:36.440 What reason does He give? 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:37.319 Why are we blessed 00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:39.000 when all of these awful things 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:39.860 happen to us? 00:25:39.859 --> 00:25:41.819 Look at verse 10. 00:25:42.759 --> 00:25:43.839 Verse 10 says, 00:25:44.279 --> 00:25:45.779 For theirs is the kingdom 00:25:45.779 --> 00:25:46.219 of heaven. 00:25:46.679 --> 00:25:48.559 And down in verse 12, 00:25:48.899 --> 00:25:49.259 it says, 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:50.399 For your reward 00:25:50.399 --> 00:25:51.500 is great in heaven. 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:53.139 Okay? 00:25:53.659 --> 00:25:55.059 So with those, 00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:56.599 that should tell us 00:25:56.599 --> 00:25:58.539 that we really are blessed 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.599 because this life 00:25:59.599 --> 00:26:00.740 ultimately doesn't have 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:01.539 that much weight. 00:26:01.539 --> 00:26:03.720 James 4.14 says, 00:26:04.399 --> 00:26:05.539 For what is your life? 00:26:06.440 --> 00:26:07.460 It is even a vapor 00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:09.319 that appears for a little time 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:11.180 and then vanisheth away. 00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:13.680 Our life here is so, 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.799 so fleeting. 00:26:15.799 --> 00:26:16.659 So, so fleeting. 00:26:16.660 --> 00:26:19.880 And so with that, 00:26:20.300 --> 00:26:22.779 the promise that we're given 00:26:22.779 --> 00:26:23.759 is His kingdom. 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:26.100 That we will reign with Him. 00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:26.800 That our reward 00:26:26.800 --> 00:26:27.820 is great in heaven. 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:28.920 An eternal thing. 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:31.180 Not a fleeting vapor. 00:26:32.040 --> 00:26:33.420 And so we are blessed. 00:26:34.560 --> 00:26:35.259 And another thing 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:36.360 to think about with this 00:26:36.360 --> 00:26:37.340 is if we are persecuted 00:26:37.340 --> 00:26:38.480 for righteousness sake, 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:39.920 it should give us 00:26:39.920 --> 00:26:41.720 such great assurance. 00:26:42.600 --> 00:26:43.560 Such great assurance. 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:45.279 Verse 12 says 00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:45.980 that they persecuted 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:46.660 the prophets 00:26:46.660 --> 00:26:47.879 who were before us. 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:48.759 Just like this. 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:50.460 On multiple occasions 00:26:50.460 --> 00:26:51.359 throughout the book of Acts, 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:52.480 you'll see as the apostles 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:54.139 are like after a beating 00:26:54.139 --> 00:26:55.660 or they've been run out 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.200 of a city. 00:26:56.839 --> 00:26:57.579 What were they doing? 00:26:57.720 --> 00:26:58.839 They were rejoicing 00:26:58.839 --> 00:26:59.599 that they were count 00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:00.700 worthy to suffer 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:01.299 for the Lord. 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:04.059 So if we were persecuted 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:05.000 for righteousness sake, 00:27:05.059 --> 00:27:06.180 we are counted among 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:08.160 that long list 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:08.960 of God's people 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:10.059 that have suffered 00:27:10.059 --> 00:27:10.460 for Him. 00:27:11.799 --> 00:27:12.619 Flip over to 00:27:12.619 --> 00:27:13.279 1 Peter 4. 00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:28.639 I'm going to read 00:27:28.639 --> 00:27:29.519 a few verses here. 00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:30.700 I'll jump around 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:31.160 a little bit. 00:27:39.240 --> 00:27:40.819 Pick it up in verse 12 00:27:40.819 --> 00:27:41.660 to begin with. 00:27:41.660 --> 00:27:43.080 It says, 00:27:43.080 --> 00:27:43.620 Beloved, 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:44.840 do not be surprised 00:27:44.840 --> 00:27:45.960 at the fiery trial 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:47.160 when it comes upon you 00:27:47.160 --> 00:27:48.040 to test you 00:27:48.040 --> 00:27:49.140 as though something strange 00:27:49.140 --> 00:27:49.920 were happening to you. 00:27:50.600 --> 00:27:51.340 But rejoice 00:27:51.340 --> 00:27:52.620 insofar as you share 00:27:52.620 --> 00:27:53.640 Christ's sufferings, 00:27:53.840 --> 00:27:55.240 you may also rejoice 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:55.980 and be glad 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:57.240 when His glory is revealed. 00:27:58.060 --> 00:27:59.180 If you are insulted 00:27:59.180 --> 00:28:00.259 for the name of Christ, 00:28:00.420 --> 00:28:01.200 you are blessed 00:28:01.200 --> 00:28:02.779 because the Spirit of glory 00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:03.540 and of God 00:28:03.540 --> 00:28:04.440 rests upon you. 00:28:05.440 --> 00:28:06.440 Jumping to 16. 00:28:07.080 --> 00:28:08.140 Yet if anyone suffers 00:28:08.140 --> 00:28:08.720 as a Christian, 00:28:09.000 --> 00:28:10.019 let him not be ashamed, 00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:11.420 but let him glorify God 00:28:11.420 --> 00:28:12.119 in that name. 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:13.579 Jumping to 19. 00:28:14.139 --> 00:28:14.339 Therefore, 00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:15.500 let those who suffer 00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:17.240 according to God's will 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:18.379 entrust their souls 00:28:18.379 --> 00:28:19.619 to a faithful Creator 00:28:19.619 --> 00:28:21.019 while doing good. 00:28:21.920 --> 00:28:23.039 So we can see here 00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:23.720 very clearly 00:28:23.720 --> 00:28:24.599 that if we share 00:28:24.599 --> 00:28:25.879 in Christ's sufferings, 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.639 then we can be confident 00:28:27.639 --> 00:28:28.759 that the Spirit of God 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:29.639 rests upon us. 00:28:30.519 --> 00:28:30.839 Therefore, 00:28:30.960 --> 00:28:31.900 let us glorify God 00:28:31.900 --> 00:28:32.639 that we are part 00:28:32.639 --> 00:28:33.299 of His kingdom, 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:34.759 part of His family. 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:36.279 What sweet assurance 00:28:36.279 --> 00:28:37.259 to be part of that group, 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.059 to know we have 00:28:38.059 --> 00:28:39.559 the promised Spirit, 00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:40.799 and to be part of those 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:41.399 that have suffered 00:28:41.399 --> 00:28:42.019 for the Lord. 00:28:43.019 --> 00:28:43.659 What blessings 00:28:43.659 --> 00:28:44.759 to be co-heirs 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:46.039 with Christ 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:47.079 and to be part 00:28:47.079 --> 00:28:48.379 of His kingdom. 00:28:49.659 --> 00:28:50.779 What rejoicing 00:28:50.779 --> 00:28:52.700 to be part of God's people 00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:53.720 and for all eternity, 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:55.720 not just a short vapor 00:28:55.720 --> 00:28:57.200 to rejoice with Him. 00:28:58.079 --> 00:28:59.220 So that leads to our next 00:28:59.220 --> 00:29:00.240 and our final point. 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:02.339 That is the response 00:29:02.339 --> 00:29:03.279 to persecution. 00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:05.839 The response 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:06.579 to persecution. 00:29:06.579 --> 00:29:09.759 I know I'm having you 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.599 flip back and forth 00:29:10.599 --> 00:29:11.379 from Matthew so much. 00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:12.339 Turn back to Matthew 5. 00:29:12.539 --> 00:29:12.819 Sorry. 00:29:20.319 --> 00:29:21.079 So look down 00:29:21.079 --> 00:29:21.919 at verse 12 here. 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:23.559 It gives us 00:29:23.559 --> 00:29:24.259 the command 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:25.139 to rejoice 00:29:25.139 --> 00:29:26.599 and to be glad 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:27.740 or in KJV 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.779 to rejoice 00:29:28.779 --> 00:29:30.179 and be exceeding glad 00:29:30.179 --> 00:29:31.399 for our reward 00:29:31.399 --> 00:29:32.319 is great in heaven. 00:29:32.319 --> 00:29:34.639 For believers, 00:29:34.879 --> 00:29:35.740 these are not 00:29:35.740 --> 00:29:37.159 the greatest days 00:29:37.159 --> 00:29:37.799 of our lives. 00:29:38.460 --> 00:29:39.539 This is not 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:40.639 all we have. 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:41.960 This is short. 00:29:42.279 --> 00:29:43.279 This is fleeting. 00:29:43.799 --> 00:29:44.859 It is but a vapor. 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.279 And so this persecution, 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.299 this pushback, 00:29:47.379 --> 00:29:48.099 this tension, 00:29:48.639 --> 00:29:49.379 these lies, 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.119 this wickedness 00:29:50.119 --> 00:29:50.559 of this world, 00:29:50.639 --> 00:29:51.619 these insults, 00:29:51.899 --> 00:29:52.819 it's fleeting. 00:29:52.980 --> 00:29:53.939 It's passing away. 00:29:54.480 --> 00:29:55.400 2 Corinthians 4, 00:29:55.500 --> 00:29:56.100 17 and 18 00:29:56.100 --> 00:29:56.360 says, 00:29:56.480 --> 00:29:57.240 For this light 00:29:57.240 --> 00:29:58.559 momentary affliction 00:29:58.559 --> 00:30:00.500 is preparing for us 00:30:00.500 --> 00:30:01.539 an eternal weight 00:30:01.539 --> 00:30:02.000 of glory 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:03.539 beyond all comparison 00:30:03.539 --> 00:30:04.720 as we look 00:30:04.720 --> 00:30:05.500 not to the things 00:30:05.500 --> 00:30:06.160 that are seen 00:30:06.160 --> 00:30:06.960 but to the things 00:30:06.960 --> 00:30:07.740 that are unseen. 00:30:08.500 --> 00:30:09.000 For the things 00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:09.440 that are seen 00:30:09.440 --> 00:30:10.000 are transient 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:10.700 but the things 00:30:10.700 --> 00:30:11.559 that are unseen 00:30:11.559 --> 00:30:12.440 are eternal. 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:15.559 This life 00:30:15.559 --> 00:30:16.740 can't even be compared 00:30:16.740 --> 00:30:17.779 at all 00:30:17.779 --> 00:30:18.620 with the next. 00:30:19.580 --> 00:30:20.240 And so this is not 00:30:20.240 --> 00:30:20.799 what we should be 00:30:20.799 --> 00:30:21.600 focusing on 00:30:21.600 --> 00:30:22.480 so much of the time 00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:23.000 but instead 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:23.680 focus on that 00:30:23.680 --> 00:30:24.279 eternal weight 00:30:24.279 --> 00:30:24.820 of glory. 00:30:25.600 --> 00:30:26.120 Focus on the 00:30:26.120 --> 00:30:26.820 kingdom of heaven. 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:28.000 Focus on the 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:28.680 treasures that the 00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:29.259 Lord has stored 00:30:29.259 --> 00:30:30.060 up for us there. 00:30:30.700 --> 00:30:31.220 And the greatest 00:30:31.220 --> 00:30:32.019 treasure is one 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:32.740 that we even have 00:30:32.740 --> 00:30:33.120 now. 00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:34.980 Knowing our Lord. 00:30:35.140 --> 00:30:35.820 Knowing our Savior 00:30:35.820 --> 00:30:37.060 who gave everything 00:30:37.060 --> 00:30:37.920 for us. 00:30:39.320 --> 00:30:40.460 Focusing on those 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:43.120 not whatever 00:30:43.120 --> 00:30:44.019 may come at us 00:30:44.019 --> 00:30:44.720 in this world. 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.440 Now so many 00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:48.140 will try to make 00:30:48.140 --> 00:30:48.840 a counter argument 00:30:48.840 --> 00:30:50.200 here that says 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:51.220 that anything 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:53.180 that is fueled 00:30:53.180 --> 00:30:53.940 by a motive 00:30:53.940 --> 00:30:55.220 of reward 00:30:55.220 --> 00:30:56.660 can't be proper. 00:30:56.660 --> 00:30:57.680 Can't be a good 00:30:57.680 --> 00:30:58.400 motivation. 00:30:59.240 --> 00:30:59.940 That a person 00:30:59.940 --> 00:31:01.980 that's having 00:31:01.980 --> 00:31:02.700 that can't have 00:31:02.700 --> 00:31:04.080 a true love 00:31:04.080 --> 00:31:04.759 for Christ. 00:31:06.420 --> 00:31:07.480 But they're simply 00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:08.460 just seeking 00:31:08.460 --> 00:31:09.100 a reward. 00:31:10.200 --> 00:31:10.779 Now this 00:31:10.779 --> 00:31:11.600 seems great 00:31:11.600 --> 00:31:12.440 to do everything 00:31:12.440 --> 00:31:13.779 out of love 00:31:13.779 --> 00:31:14.680 for where you're 00:31:14.680 --> 00:31:15.340 at now 00:31:15.340 --> 00:31:15.940 and to enjoy 00:31:15.940 --> 00:31:16.460 this life 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.039 for where it's 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:17.400 at. 00:31:18.400 --> 00:31:19.539 But that's simply 00:31:19.539 --> 00:31:20.339 not scriptural. 00:31:21.119 --> 00:31:22.039 And any argument 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:22.799 that contradicts 00:31:22.799 --> 00:31:23.920 scripture is not 00:31:23.920 --> 00:31:24.619 great no matter 00:31:24.619 --> 00:31:25.200 how great it 00:31:25.200 --> 00:31:25.519 sounds. 00:31:26.960 --> 00:31:27.379 Here we are 00:31:27.379 --> 00:31:28.159 told to rejoice 00:31:28.159 --> 00:31:29.079 for our reward 00:31:29.079 --> 00:31:30.019 is great in heaven. 00:31:30.220 --> 00:31:31.059 That is the reason 00:31:31.059 --> 00:31:31.899 it says that we 00:31:31.899 --> 00:31:32.379 are blessed, 00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:33.339 we are flourishing, 00:31:33.579 --> 00:31:34.259 and we are happy 00:31:34.259 --> 00:31:35.779 that our reward 00:31:35.779 --> 00:31:36.759 is great in heaven. 00:31:36.839 --> 00:31:37.299 In Hebrews, 00:31:37.639 --> 00:31:38.079 I think it was 00:31:38.079 --> 00:31:38.879 quoted this morning 00:31:38.879 --> 00:31:39.420 in the Lord's 00:31:39.420 --> 00:31:39.940 Supper service, 00:31:40.019 --> 00:31:41.220 it says that our 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:42.339 Lord endured the 00:31:42.339 --> 00:31:43.519 cross for the joy 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:44.359 set before him. 00:31:44.700 --> 00:31:45.359 He was looking 00:31:45.359 --> 00:31:46.319 to an eternal 00:31:46.319 --> 00:31:46.819 reward. 00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:48.480 All throughout 00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:48.799 scripture, 00:31:48.939 --> 00:31:49.579 we are told so 00:31:49.579 --> 00:31:50.579 much about eternity 00:31:50.579 --> 00:31:51.419 and our life 00:31:51.419 --> 00:31:51.779 to come, 00:31:51.879 --> 00:31:52.419 and that is what 00:31:52.419 --> 00:31:53.139 we are to long 00:31:53.139 --> 00:31:53.460 for. 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:55.200 To use a bit 00:31:55.200 --> 00:31:55.879 of MacArthur 00:31:55.879 --> 00:31:56.799 language that I 00:31:56.799 --> 00:31:57.279 heard in a sermon 00:31:57.279 --> 00:31:57.899 of his a long 00:31:57.899 --> 00:31:58.359 time ago, 00:31:58.519 --> 00:31:59.299 to get through 00:31:59.299 --> 00:31:59.919 the nasty 00:31:59.919 --> 00:32:00.659 now and now, 00:32:00.799 --> 00:32:01.379 we have to set 00:32:01.379 --> 00:32:01.899 our minds 00:32:01.899 --> 00:32:02.539 on the sweet 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:03.139 by and by. 00:32:03.679 --> 00:32:03.939 Right? 00:32:03.980 --> 00:32:04.519 We're longing 00:32:04.519 --> 00:32:05.539 for a future, 00:32:05.960 --> 00:32:06.980 future grace. 00:32:08.379 --> 00:32:09.179 As believers, 00:32:09.339 --> 00:32:10.259 we should not 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:11.159 consent ourselves 00:32:11.159 --> 00:32:11.700 to dwell in 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:12.179 the temporal, 00:32:12.379 --> 00:32:13.000 the fleeting, 00:32:13.599 --> 00:32:14.439 the here and now, 00:32:14.559 --> 00:32:15.220 the imperfect, 00:32:15.539 --> 00:32:16.220 but to dwell in 00:32:16.220 --> 00:32:16.839 the eternal, 00:32:17.860 --> 00:32:18.600 the everlasting, 00:32:18.880 --> 00:32:19.360 and the perfect. 00:32:20.819 --> 00:32:21.440 And that's what 00:32:21.440 --> 00:32:21.980 gets us through 00:32:21.980 --> 00:32:22.539 this suffering, 00:32:22.799 --> 00:32:23.559 this persecution, 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:24.500 this pushback, 00:32:25.019 --> 00:32:25.799 and that's the 00:32:25.799 --> 00:32:26.240 command we're 00:32:26.240 --> 00:32:26.779 given here. 00:32:27.440 --> 00:32:28.299 Rejoice and be 00:32:28.299 --> 00:32:28.700 glad, 00:32:28.980 --> 00:32:29.759 for your reward 00:32:29.759 --> 00:32:30.400 is great in 00:32:30.400 --> 00:32:30.600 heaven. 00:32:31.640 --> 00:32:32.079 Grab your 00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:32.460 bulletin. 00:32:35.440 --> 00:32:36.200 John Calvin 00:32:36.200 --> 00:32:36.539 said, 00:32:37.460 --> 00:32:38.180 that's the quote 00:32:38.180 --> 00:32:38.860 on your bulletin, 00:32:39.220 --> 00:32:40.900 surely the gospel 00:32:40.900 --> 00:32:42.160 does not confine 00:32:42.160 --> 00:32:43.039 men's hearts to 00:32:43.039 --> 00:32:43.680 delight in the 00:32:43.680 --> 00:32:44.299 present life, 00:32:44.299 --> 00:32:44.339 death, 00:32:44.740 --> 00:32:45.919 but lifts them 00:32:45.919 --> 00:32:46.539 to the hope 00:32:46.539 --> 00:32:47.419 of immortality. 00:32:48.359 --> 00:32:49.059 It does not 00:32:49.059 --> 00:32:49.859 fasten them 00:32:49.859 --> 00:32:50.339 to earthly 00:32:50.339 --> 00:32:50.839 pleasures, 00:32:51.159 --> 00:32:52.000 but by announcing 00:32:52.000 --> 00:32:52.619 a hope that 00:32:52.619 --> 00:32:53.279 rests in heaven, 00:32:53.779 --> 00:32:54.539 it, so to speak, 00:32:54.680 --> 00:32:55.579 transports them 00:32:55.579 --> 00:32:55.940 thither. 00:32:58.099 --> 00:32:59.059 We have so 00:32:59.059 --> 00:32:59.659 little here. 00:33:01.639 --> 00:33:02.599 Our brothers and 00:33:02.599 --> 00:33:03.419 sisters around the 00:33:03.419 --> 00:33:04.319 world suffering the 00:33:04.319 --> 00:33:05.159 physical persecution 00:33:05.159 --> 00:33:05.980 have so little 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:06.299 here. 00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:08.559 Whatever insults, 00:33:08.639 --> 00:33:09.079 pushback, 00:33:09.139 --> 00:33:09.539 or false 00:33:09.539 --> 00:33:10.720 accusations we may 00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:11.019 suffer, 00:33:11.019 --> 00:33:12.400 and so much 00:33:12.400 --> 00:33:12.859 more so, 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:13.879 whatever beatings 00:33:13.879 --> 00:33:14.799 or tortures 00:33:14.799 --> 00:33:15.779 or even murders 00:33:15.779 --> 00:33:17.160 that our fellow 00:33:17.160 --> 00:33:17.759 brothers and 00:33:17.759 --> 00:33:18.440 sisters suffer, 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:19.879 these are so 00:33:19.879 --> 00:33:20.259 awful, 00:33:20.859 --> 00:33:21.599 but we have 00:33:21.599 --> 00:33:22.720 such a great 00:33:22.720 --> 00:33:23.480 hope in heaven. 00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:25.279 We have so 00:33:25.279 --> 00:33:25.859 much to look 00:33:25.859 --> 00:33:26.460 forward to. 00:33:27.279 --> 00:33:28.000 I think so 00:33:28.000 --> 00:33:29.599 many of our 00:33:29.599 --> 00:33:30.460 hymns just 00:33:30.460 --> 00:33:31.139 capture that 00:33:31.139 --> 00:33:32.579 so, so, so 00:33:32.579 --> 00:33:32.879 well. 00:33:33.859 --> 00:33:34.420 I'm going to 00:33:34.420 --> 00:33:34.900 take a couple 00:33:34.900 --> 00:33:35.400 more minutes 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:36.539 here and 00:33:36.539 --> 00:33:38.119 really help us 00:33:38.119 --> 00:33:38.819 start living out 00:33:38.819 --> 00:33:39.299 some of that 00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:41.799 rejoicing command, 00:33:41.960 --> 00:33:42.759 rejoicing in 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:43.700 our future 00:33:43.700 --> 00:33:44.059 hope. 00:33:44.659 --> 00:33:45.179 I just want to 00:33:45.179 --> 00:33:46.399 read, I'll read 00:33:46.399 --> 00:33:47.159 four hymns here 00:33:47.159 --> 00:33:48.039 and then we'll 00:33:48.039 --> 00:33:48.379 close. 00:33:49.039 --> 00:33:49.740 So the first 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:50.539 two I'm going to 00:33:50.539 --> 00:33:51.399 share are our 00:33:51.399 --> 00:33:52.259 longing songs, 00:33:52.359 --> 00:33:53.759 songs that are 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:55.019 excited about that 00:33:55.019 --> 00:33:55.919 future reality but 00:33:55.919 --> 00:33:57.220 aren't there yet. 00:33:58.759 --> 00:33:59.839 So the first one, 00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:01.000 there's going to 00:34:01.000 --> 00:34:01.939 be a great 00:34:01.939 --> 00:34:02.500 rejoicing. 00:34:03.819 --> 00:34:04.579 There's going to 00:34:04.579 --> 00:34:05.579 be a great 00:34:05.579 --> 00:34:06.159 rejoicing. 00:34:07.099 --> 00:34:07.980 The troubles of 00:34:07.980 --> 00:34:09.480 this world will 00:34:09.480 --> 00:34:10.500 wither up and 00:34:10.500 --> 00:34:10.800 die. 00:34:11.679 --> 00:34:12.780 That river of 00:34:12.780 --> 00:34:13.679 tears made by 00:34:13.679 --> 00:34:15.059 the lonely someday 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:15.820 will be dry. 00:34:16.800 --> 00:34:17.539 There's going to 00:34:17.539 --> 00:34:18.599 be a great 00:34:18.599 --> 00:34:19.159 rejoicing. 00:34:19.980 --> 00:34:20.780 There is going 00:34:20.780 --> 00:34:21.679 to be a great 00:34:21.679 --> 00:34:22.380 joy river. 00:34:23.539 --> 00:34:24.000 There is going 00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:24.820 to be a great 00:34:24.820 --> 00:34:25.420 joy river. 00:34:26.500 --> 00:34:27.280 Questions of 00:34:27.280 --> 00:34:28.400 this world someday 00:34:28.400 --> 00:34:29.280 will be known. 00:34:30.099 --> 00:34:30.920 Who's robbing you 00:34:30.920 --> 00:34:32.039 of peace and who 00:34:32.039 --> 00:34:32.539 is the giver? 00:34:33.579 --> 00:34:34.300 There's going to 00:34:34.300 --> 00:34:35.300 be a great 00:34:35.300 --> 00:34:35.800 joy river. 00:34:35.800 --> 00:34:37.920 Some day you 00:34:37.920 --> 00:34:38.640 will find me 00:34:38.640 --> 00:34:39.740 guarded in his 00:34:39.740 --> 00:34:41.019 fortress, open 00:34:41.019 --> 00:34:41.740 heart and wings 00:34:41.740 --> 00:34:42.600 that never touch 00:34:42.600 --> 00:34:43.080 the ground. 00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:44.420 Some day we 00:34:44.420 --> 00:34:45.920 will gather in a 00:34:45.920 --> 00:34:46.539 grand reunion. 00:34:47.000 --> 00:34:47.519 The depths of 00:34:47.519 --> 00:34:48.660 this old world are 00:34:48.660 --> 00:34:49.360 nowhere to be 00:34:49.360 --> 00:34:49.660 found. 00:34:50.480 --> 00:34:51.140 There's going to 00:34:51.140 --> 00:34:52.000 be a great 00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:52.560 rejoicing. 00:34:53.840 --> 00:34:54.920 This next one, 00:34:55.180 --> 00:34:56.340 kingdom of heaven 00:34:56.340 --> 00:34:57.920 that Alex and 00:34:57.920 --> 00:34:58.580 Christopher led. 00:34:59.900 --> 00:35:00.660 Where death 00:35:00.660 --> 00:35:01.440 shall be no 00:35:01.440 --> 00:35:01.840 more. 00:35:01.840 --> 00:35:04.000 no mourning, 00:35:04.200 --> 00:35:04.820 no crying, 00:35:04.920 --> 00:35:05.440 no pain. 00:35:06.400 --> 00:35:07.840 Every tear he'll 00:35:07.840 --> 00:35:09.260 wipe away in the 00:35:09.260 --> 00:35:09.940 kingdom of heaven. 00:35:11.200 --> 00:35:12.539 Where nothing is 00:35:12.539 --> 00:35:14.059 accursed, a city 00:35:14.059 --> 00:35:14.740 with a crystal 00:35:14.740 --> 00:35:16.500 river, the throne 00:35:16.500 --> 00:35:18.280 of God and of the 00:35:18.280 --> 00:35:19.519 land in the kingdom 00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:20.000 of heaven. 00:35:20.960 --> 00:35:21.940 Set your mind, 00:35:22.280 --> 00:35:22.800 your mind, 00:35:22.880 --> 00:35:23.539 your mind on 00:35:23.539 --> 00:35:24.360 things above. 00:35:25.220 --> 00:35:26.260 Set your eyes, 00:35:26.539 --> 00:35:27.079 your eyes, 00:35:27.160 --> 00:35:27.840 your eyes on the 00:35:27.840 --> 00:35:28.420 risen sun. 00:35:29.680 --> 00:35:30.320 Where there shall 00:35:30.320 --> 00:35:31.140 be no night, 00:35:31.700 --> 00:35:32.440 nor need for 00:35:32.440 --> 00:35:33.160 sun to shine. 00:35:33.740 --> 00:35:34.760 The Lord himself 00:35:34.760 --> 00:35:35.440 will be our 00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.240 light in the 00:35:36.240 --> 00:35:36.980 kingdom of heaven. 00:35:38.340 --> 00:35:39.180 Set your mind, 00:35:39.600 --> 00:35:40.100 your mind, 00:35:40.160 --> 00:35:40.740 your mind on 00:35:40.740 --> 00:35:41.580 things above. 00:35:41.940 --> 00:35:42.640 Set your eyes, 00:35:42.720 --> 00:35:43.080 your eyes, 00:35:43.140 --> 00:35:43.940 your eyes on 00:35:43.940 --> 00:35:44.600 the risen sun. 00:35:46.059 --> 00:35:46.500 Behold, 00:35:46.640 --> 00:35:47.360 the home of 00:35:47.360 --> 00:35:48.519 God is with 00:35:48.519 --> 00:35:48.820 man. 00:35:50.760 --> 00:35:51.640 Set your mind, 00:35:51.800 --> 00:35:52.200 your mind, 00:35:52.280 --> 00:35:52.860 your mind on 00:35:52.860 --> 00:35:53.640 things above. 00:35:54.120 --> 00:35:54.880 Set your eyes, 00:35:54.980 --> 00:35:55.340 your eyes, 00:35:55.420 --> 00:35:55.860 your eyes on 00:35:55.860 --> 00:35:56.480 the risen sun. 00:35:57.480 --> 00:35:57.980 Oh, let the 00:35:57.980 --> 00:35:58.740 thirsty come. 00:35:58.739 --> 00:36:00.319 Oh, let the 00:36:00.319 --> 00:36:01.179 one who wants 00:36:01.179 --> 00:36:02.879 drink freely of 00:36:02.879 --> 00:36:03.879 the water of 00:36:03.879 --> 00:36:04.519 the kingdom of 00:36:04.519 --> 00:36:04.739 heaven. 00:36:06.899 --> 00:36:07.879 So these next 00:36:07.879 --> 00:36:09.039 two are more 00:36:09.039 --> 00:36:10.299 in the perspective 00:36:10.299 --> 00:36:11.859 of looking at 00:36:11.859 --> 00:36:12.759 scenes in 00:36:12.759 --> 00:36:13.199 eternity. 00:36:14.099 --> 00:36:14.839 So this is the 00:36:14.839 --> 00:36:15.679 last verse of 00:36:15.679 --> 00:36:16.339 How Deep the 00:36:16.339 --> 00:36:16.959 Father's Love. 00:36:18.439 --> 00:36:19.219 Behold the 00:36:19.219 --> 00:36:20.279 king upon the 00:36:20.279 --> 00:36:21.159 throne, the 00:36:21.159 --> 00:36:22.159 sons all brought 00:36:22.159 --> 00:36:22.719 to glory. 00:36:23.500 --> 00:36:24.479 Cry hallelujah 00:36:24.479 --> 00:36:25.459 to the lamb 00:36:25.459 --> 00:36:26.219 and sing 00:36:26.219 --> 00:36:27.279 redemption story. 00:36:27.280 --> 00:36:28.800 And all 00:36:28.800 --> 00:36:29.720 creation joins 00:36:29.720 --> 00:36:30.200 as one. 00:36:30.380 --> 00:36:30.980 The wretch is 00:36:30.980 --> 00:36:31.880 now God's 00:36:31.880 --> 00:36:32.200 treasure. 00:36:32.760 --> 00:36:33.400 By grace 00:36:33.400 --> 00:36:34.680 alone, through 00:36:34.680 --> 00:36:36.300 faith alone, in 00:36:36.300 --> 00:36:36.980 Christ alone, 00:36:37.400 --> 00:36:37.720 forever. 00:36:39.300 --> 00:36:40.080 Last one. 00:36:40.640 --> 00:36:40.980 This is the 00:36:40.980 --> 00:36:41.560 last part of 00:36:41.560 --> 00:36:42.180 All Glory Be 00:36:42.180 --> 00:36:42.640 to Christ. 00:36:43.680 --> 00:36:44.620 When on the 00:36:44.620 --> 00:36:45.540 day the 00:36:45.540 --> 00:36:46.280 great I am, 00:36:46.580 --> 00:36:47.160 the faithful 00:36:47.160 --> 00:36:47.920 and the 00:36:47.920 --> 00:36:49.500 true, the 00:36:49.500 --> 00:36:50.040 lamb who 00:36:50.040 --> 00:36:50.640 was for 00:36:50.640 --> 00:36:51.420 sinners slain 00:36:51.420 --> 00:36:52.200 is making 00:36:52.200 --> 00:36:53.120 all things 00:36:53.120 --> 00:36:53.420 new. 00:36:54.340 --> 00:36:55.019 Behold, our 00:36:55.019 --> 00:36:55.740 God shall 00:36:55.740 --> 00:36:56.620 live with us 00:36:56.619 --> 00:36:57.299 and be our 00:36:57.299 --> 00:36:58.179 steadfast light 00:36:58.179 --> 00:36:59.239 and we 00:36:59.239 --> 00:36:59.799 shall air 00:36:59.799 --> 00:37:00.480 his people 00:37:00.480 --> 00:37:00.759 be. 00:37:01.239 --> 00:37:01.759 All Glory 00:37:01.759 --> 00:37:02.079 Be to 00:37:02.079 --> 00:37:02.480 Christ. 00:37:03.239 --> 00:37:03.980 All Glory 00:37:03.980 --> 00:37:04.359 Be to 00:37:04.359 --> 00:37:04.920 Christ our 00:37:04.920 --> 00:37:05.259 King. 00:37:05.599 --> 00:37:06.079 All Glory 00:37:06.079 --> 00:37:06.420 Be to 00:37:06.420 --> 00:37:06.799 Christ. 00:37:07.319 --> 00:37:07.980 His rule 00:37:07.980 --> 00:37:08.859 and his reign 00:37:08.859 --> 00:37:09.239 we will 00:37:09.239 --> 00:37:10.000 ever sing. 00:37:10.420 --> 00:37:10.960 All Glory 00:37:10.960 --> 00:37:11.279 Be to 00:37:11.279 --> 00:37:11.599 Christ. 00:37:11.599 --> 00:37:12.539 Let's 00:37:12.539 --> 00:37:12.779 pray.