WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.320 Please open up your Bibles this morning to the Gospel of John. 00:00:06.879 --> 00:00:13.839 Some of you may be here for the first time and think that we just happened to pick John 316 because it's Easter Sunday, 00:00:13.839 --> 00:00:20.379 but we've actually been walking through the Gospel of John for a few months now together and in God's providence. 00:00:20.600 --> 00:00:24.280 As I laid out the preaching schedule, I realized that here on Easter Sunday, 00:00:24.280 --> 00:00:34.420 we'd have the opportunity to preach from one of, if not the most cherished, beloved, summary verses of the Gospel message in the entire Bible. 00:00:34.560 --> 00:00:41.299 So if you would, open up your Bibles to John chapter 3. We're going to read from verses 13 through 16. 00:00:41.579 --> 00:00:46.579 If you didn't bring your own Bible with you, we have a few Bibles there in the seat backs in front of you, 00:00:46.579 --> 00:00:52.540 and you can find this passage on page 835 of those Bibles there in front of you. 00:00:52.539 --> 00:01:00.039 Either way, I encourage you to have the Bible open because we're looking to the Word of God and not just listening to what I had to say this morning. 00:01:00.200 --> 00:01:05.840 So if you would, John 3 verses 13 through 16. Follow along with me as I read. 00:01:08.840 --> 00:01:09.759 Jesus says, 00:01:09.759 --> 00:01:17.579 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 00:01:17.579 --> 00:01:24.819 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 00:01:25.340 --> 00:01:29.140 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:34.359 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, 00:01:35.159 --> 00:01:41.500 that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 00:01:41.719 --> 00:01:42.980 This is good news. 00:01:43.500 --> 00:01:44.840 This is the Word of God. 00:01:44.840 --> 00:01:46.960 Let's bow and pray once more. 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:51.920 Father, we thank you for your perfect Word. 00:01:53.100 --> 00:01:57.560 That is inerrant, it's infallible, it's living, and it's active. 00:01:57.719 --> 00:02:02.000 And we pray now as it goes forth, would it accomplish the purposes for which you send it. 00:02:02.060 --> 00:02:03.740 We pray in Christ's name. 00:02:04.740 --> 00:02:05.060 Amen. 00:02:05.060 --> 00:02:05.219 Amen. 00:02:05.219 --> 00:02:14.759 Friday evening, we gathered here for our Good Friday service just a couple of evenings ago 00:02:14.759 --> 00:02:17.680 as we reflected on the death of Christ on the cross. 00:02:18.180 --> 00:02:23.759 And the text that we considered here was 1 Corinthians 1 verse 18, which says this. 00:02:23.759 --> 00:02:24.020 It says, 00:02:24.020 --> 00:02:44.420 There is an eternal difference here between those who are perishing on one hand and those who are being saved on the other. 00:02:44.419 --> 00:02:51.399 And the difference is how you view the word of the cross, the message of the gospel. 00:02:51.579 --> 00:02:57.799 Is it foolishness to you or is it the very power of God for your salvation? 00:02:57.800 --> 00:03:02.620 I love the story of Gaylord Kambarami. 00:03:02.760 --> 00:03:04.680 Maybe you've heard this story before. 00:03:05.100 --> 00:03:10.400 Mr. Kambarami was the general secretary of the Bible Society of Zimbabwe. 00:03:10.780 --> 00:03:16.460 And he tells the story of how he once tried to sell a copy of the New Testament to a man who, 00:03:16.840 --> 00:03:20.220 at least on the surface, appeared interested in what he was selling. 00:03:20.219 --> 00:03:26.039 What turned out to be the case was, in fact, the man was not interested in the message of the book. 00:03:26.120 --> 00:03:28.860 He was actually interested in the paper. 00:03:29.460 --> 00:03:36.000 To his natural eyes, this word of God was just another book. 00:03:36.439 --> 00:03:39.240 And he had a bad habit of smoking. 00:03:39.979 --> 00:03:45.759 And so to his natural eyes, the size of the pages and the texture of the paper 00:03:45.759 --> 00:03:50.759 was just the right size and material for rolling up his cigarettes. 00:03:52.139 --> 00:03:57.199 And so Mr. Kambarami, he was confident that he wouldn't be able to change this man's mind, 00:03:57.199 --> 00:04:04.419 but even more confident in the power of the message of the gospel, he made this man a deal. 00:04:05.319 --> 00:04:08.719 He said, I will give you this book for free on one condition, 00:04:09.199 --> 00:04:13.039 that you read every page before you smoke it. 00:04:13.039 --> 00:04:17.420 15 years went by. 00:04:17.639 --> 00:04:21.579 People didn't see each other, speak to each other, didn't know what had happened. 00:04:21.699 --> 00:04:27.480 Mr. Kambarami attended a convention in Zimbabwe where the speaker was a church evangelist. 00:04:27.959 --> 00:04:33.399 And to his surprise, the speaker looked out and singled him out from the audience. 00:04:34.279 --> 00:04:37.519 And he said, this man doesn't remember me, but I remember him. 00:04:38.459 --> 00:04:41.539 About 15 years ago, he tried to sell me a New Testament. 00:04:43.040 --> 00:04:48.660 And when I told him that I would just use the pages to smoke and roll cigarettes, 00:04:48.840 --> 00:04:50.920 he said, I'll make you a deal. 00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:52.920 You read each page before you smoke it. 00:04:52.980 --> 00:04:54.300 Well, I smoked through Matthew. 00:04:56.200 --> 00:04:58.200 I smoked through Mark. 00:04:58.200 --> 00:05:00.240 And then I smoked through Luke. 00:05:00.240 --> 00:05:09.600 But when I got to chapter 3 of John, verse 16, I couldn't smoke anymore. 00:05:10.980 --> 00:05:13.740 He said, my life was changed forever. 00:05:14.500 --> 00:05:17.780 The message that that page proclaimed. 00:05:17.779 --> 00:05:26.079 Friends, the message of the gospel is powerful to save any who would believe it. 00:05:26.579 --> 00:05:29.219 This is what we profess this morning. 00:05:29.339 --> 00:05:34.619 So I will make you a deal that if you will listen intently for the next 30 minutes or so 00:05:34.619 --> 00:05:41.119 to what I have to say from this book, from what we're about to hear from the chapter that we're talking about in John, 00:05:41.120 --> 00:05:49.259 if you will truly believe the message of the gospel this morning, then I guarantee that you too will be changed. 00:05:51.699 --> 00:05:57.120 We're jumping in the middle here to a conversation that Jesus is having with a man named Nicodemus. 00:05:57.120 --> 00:06:05.459 Nicodemus, and he's laid out for him the one necessary condition for anyone to enter into the kingdom of God. 00:06:05.680 --> 00:06:10.579 Jesus gave this requirement to Nicodemus, and he gives it to us here this morning. 00:06:10.920 --> 00:06:13.120 A humanly impossible requirement. 00:06:14.360 --> 00:06:23.620 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 00:06:23.620 --> 00:06:30.699 Nicodemus' last recorded words to this requirement, you see it there in John 3, verse 9. 00:06:31.220 --> 00:06:33.680 He said, how can these things be? 00:06:35.019 --> 00:06:36.300 How can these things be? 00:06:37.300 --> 00:06:42.439 Our passage this morning, our verses that we're going to see here in just a few minutes, 00:06:42.519 --> 00:06:45.519 is Jesus' response to this question. 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:51.259 He says, it's not by your goodness, not by your heritage, it's not by your works. 00:06:51.259 --> 00:06:56.860 It is only by believing the message of the gospel. 00:06:57.500 --> 00:07:01.300 By believing the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:07:01.439 --> 00:07:04.699 And we see that good news here this morning in four parts. 00:07:05.459 --> 00:07:07.959 If you're taking notes, this is going to be our outline this morning. 00:07:08.079 --> 00:07:12.500 We see four life-changing truths of the gospel. 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:16.360 Four life-changing truths of the gospel. 00:07:16.360 --> 00:07:23.580 We'll see the problem, the provision, the power, and the proof. 00:07:24.620 --> 00:07:31.480 The problem, the provision, the power, and the proof. 00:07:31.620 --> 00:07:36.379 First, we see here our great problem. 00:07:37.520 --> 00:07:38.879 How can these things be? 00:07:39.400 --> 00:07:40.860 This was Nicodemus' question. 00:07:40.860 --> 00:07:49.580 Well, Jesus says in chapter 3, verse 13, that he is the one, he is the only one who has ascended up into heaven. 00:07:49.740 --> 00:07:52.120 The only one who has descended from heaven. 00:07:52.240 --> 00:07:58.319 So if we would learn anything about what it means to be born again, anything about what it means to enter the kingdom of God, 00:07:58.660 --> 00:08:00.980 we must come and listen to him. 00:08:01.540 --> 00:08:04.139 Listen to his authoritative voice. 00:08:04.259 --> 00:08:05.660 And here's what he says, verse 14. 00:08:05.740 --> 00:08:06.040 Look there. 00:08:07.180 --> 00:08:08.300 I love this. 00:08:08.300 --> 00:08:16.680 Here's this Pharisee who has spent his entire life devoted to the Old Testament scriptures seeking to understand God's word. 00:08:17.220 --> 00:08:20.259 And Jesus here sums it up in a sentence. 00:08:21.500 --> 00:08:27.540 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 00:08:27.800 --> 00:08:32.779 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 00:08:32.820 --> 00:08:33.759 What is he talking about? 00:08:33.759 --> 00:08:40.539 This is a reference that Nicodemus would have understood, but it's probably less familiar to us. 00:08:40.620 --> 00:08:45.059 He's referring a story from the book of Numbers chapter 21. 00:08:45.439 --> 00:08:47.700 So I'm going to read that story to us. 00:08:47.740 --> 00:08:48.779 You can turn there if you'd like. 00:08:48.860 --> 00:08:50.279 Numbers chapter 21. 00:08:50.500 --> 00:08:51.919 And we'll see what Jesus is saying. 00:08:52.819 --> 00:08:58.580 Here in Numbers 21, the people of Israel have come out of Egypt. 00:08:58.580 --> 00:09:01.100 They've come out of their slavery in Egypt. 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:03.200 They're wandering in the wilderness. 00:09:03.860 --> 00:09:06.560 And here's what happens starting in verse 4. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:08.560 It says, 00:09:08.559 --> 00:09:35.399 Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people. 00:09:35.399 --> 00:09:40.199 And they bit the people, so that many of the people of Israel died. 00:09:41.579 --> 00:09:43.419 And the people came to Moses and said, 00:09:43.559 --> 00:09:47.459 We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. 00:09:47.679 --> 00:09:52.600 Pray to the Lord that he take away the serpents from us. 00:09:53.559 --> 00:09:57.039 So Moses prayed for the people, and the Lord said to Moses, 00:09:57.039 --> 00:10:00.399 Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, 00:10:01.039 --> 00:10:05.379 And everyone who is bitten when he sees it shall live. 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:09.639 So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole, 00:10:09.759 --> 00:10:15.959 And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. 00:10:15.960 --> 00:10:23.019 Now, I would be willing to bet that most of us in the room this morning 00:10:23.019 --> 00:10:29.900 Have not been attacked by a big brood of fiery serpents like this event here in Numbers. 00:10:29.900 --> 00:10:34.019 But I want us to see several lessons here from this account 00:10:34.019 --> 00:10:41.259 Because we share the same essential problem that the Israelites had here in the wilderness. 00:10:41.259 --> 00:10:44.500 This is an illustration of our sin. 00:10:45.960 --> 00:10:50.860 So lesson number one, sin is foolishness. 00:10:52.200 --> 00:10:55.120 Sin is foolishness. 00:10:55.200 --> 00:10:56.439 There is nothing rational. 00:10:56.740 --> 00:10:58.919 There is nothing logical about sin. 00:10:59.019 --> 00:11:01.620 And since we are here on the outside of this story, 00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:03.899 We can, from the outside looking in, 00:11:04.220 --> 00:11:06.679 See all of this very clearly. 00:11:06.799 --> 00:11:07.439 That it's foolish. 00:11:07.639 --> 00:11:08.679 Do you see what was going on here? 00:11:08.679 --> 00:11:15.679 These people are complaining that their deliverance from slavery is taking too long. 00:11:16.620 --> 00:11:18.859 How foolish is this? 00:11:18.919 --> 00:11:20.399 It says verse 4, Numbers 21, 00:11:20.539 --> 00:11:23.019 They became impatient on the way. 00:11:23.139 --> 00:11:26.299 God has just brought them out of their harsh slavery. 00:11:26.479 --> 00:11:28.199 He's brought them through the Red Sea. 00:11:28.319 --> 00:11:30.000 He's brought judgment on their enemies. 00:11:30.419 --> 00:11:34.199 And in their foolish sin, they get impatient. 00:11:35.099 --> 00:11:36.399 And what was their complaint? 00:11:36.399 --> 00:11:38.639 They don't like the food. 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:41.399 They're hangry. 00:11:41.639 --> 00:11:42.659 Verse 5, look there. 00:11:43.720 --> 00:11:46.379 The people spoke against God and against Moses. 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:50.139 Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:52.679 For there is no food and no water, 00:11:53.079 --> 00:11:55.539 And we loathe this worthless food. 00:11:55.620 --> 00:11:56.059 Do you hear that? 00:11:56.559 --> 00:11:57.899 There is no food, 00:11:58.539 --> 00:11:59.919 And we hate this food. 00:11:59.919 --> 00:12:02.500 This is foolish. 00:12:02.939 --> 00:12:04.019 That's not really true. 00:12:04.159 --> 00:12:08.479 What is true is that they are simply not content with God's plan, 00:12:08.599 --> 00:12:10.319 Not content with God's provision, 00:12:10.559 --> 00:12:13.979 Not content with God being God. 00:12:14.219 --> 00:12:15.240 This is sin, 00:12:15.439 --> 00:12:17.360 And this is foolish. 00:12:17.740 --> 00:12:18.719 Lesson number two. 00:12:20.199 --> 00:12:22.659 Sin brings disastrous consequence. 00:12:23.959 --> 00:12:27.819 Sin brings disastrous consequence. 00:12:27.820 --> 00:12:28.620 What happened? 00:12:29.520 --> 00:12:30.320 Verse 6, 00:12:31.400 --> 00:12:34.700 Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, 00:12:34.820 --> 00:12:36.140 And they bit the people, 00:12:36.280 --> 00:12:40.300 So that many of the people of Israel died. 00:12:40.500 --> 00:12:45.360 This is quick and immediate consequence for sin. 00:12:45.360 --> 00:12:49.680 Some of y'all I know don't mind snakes. 00:12:50.300 --> 00:12:53.340 I've seen some of you move towards snakes before. 00:12:53.539 --> 00:12:55.120 That's not how we roll in my house. 00:12:55.220 --> 00:12:56.840 That's not how we handle it. 00:12:56.860 --> 00:13:00.000 There's no such thing as a good snake in our house. 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:03.919 A few years ago I was in the garage with one of my sons, 00:13:04.360 --> 00:13:06.159 And he was digging through the toys, 00:13:06.360 --> 00:13:09.720 And he picked up a helmet that had been there for who knows how long. 00:13:09.759 --> 00:13:10.379 I'm not sure. 00:13:10.840 --> 00:13:12.600 He picked it up off the ground. 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:14.460 He tipped it up over his head. 00:13:14.519 --> 00:13:15.399 You see where this is going? 00:13:16.139 --> 00:13:19.740 And the snake came out of the helmet on top of his head, 00:13:19.860 --> 00:13:21.740 Bounced off his head onto his foot, 00:13:21.860 --> 00:13:22.639 Slithered away. 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:25.480 This was the judgment of God. 00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:29.680 I'm not sure who sinned in that moment. 00:13:30.440 --> 00:13:31.600 This was our worst nightmare. 00:13:32.379 --> 00:13:34.620 My wife didn't go outside the whole summer. 00:13:34.620 --> 00:13:43.919 I think we realized that summer that the water behind our house was prime territory for an abundance of serpents in our backyard. 00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:46.279 I think I might have killed 20 or 30 snakes that summer. 00:13:47.440 --> 00:13:50.919 If you're snake friendly, I don't even feel the need to apologize to you. 00:13:51.460 --> 00:13:53.960 My wife did not go outside. 00:13:54.259 --> 00:13:54.860 It was terrible. 00:13:54.860 --> 00:14:00.659 But that was not even a fraction of what's happening here in numbers. 00:14:01.200 --> 00:14:03.139 Of what this must have been like. 00:14:03.440 --> 00:14:04.519 Fiery serpents, 00:14:04.700 --> 00:14:05.200 Venomous, 00:14:05.340 --> 00:14:05.740 Deadly, 00:14:05.879 --> 00:14:06.440 Dangerous, 00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:07.659 Not just a few, 00:14:07.820 --> 00:14:10.639 But enough to come upon the whole people of Israel. 00:14:10.820 --> 00:14:11.300 Angry, 00:14:11.860 --> 00:14:13.000 Ready to strike. 00:14:13.139 --> 00:14:14.399 This is clear, 00:14:14.840 --> 00:14:15.560 Immediate, 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:18.960 Visible consequence for the people's sin. 00:14:19.039 --> 00:14:21.120 And it says many of the people of Israel died. 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:27.440 This is shocking to us when we read it. 00:14:28.060 --> 00:14:28.440 Why? 00:14:29.879 --> 00:14:36.220 It's because we don't often see sin and consequence this closely together. 00:14:37.320 --> 00:14:43.379 In fact, we often act surprised when we read scripture and we see punishment for sin. 00:14:43.519 --> 00:14:45.680 This seems severe to us, 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:50.279 but we have to realize the seriousness of sin. 00:14:50.279 --> 00:14:51.139 And until we do, 00:14:51.240 --> 00:14:53.480 This will never make sense to us. 00:14:53.579 --> 00:14:57.559 The cross will never make sense to us. 00:14:58.600 --> 00:15:01.839 Sin is rebellion against God. 00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:06.279 And we're told the wages of sin is death. 00:15:06.379 --> 00:15:08.139 If you have sinned even once, 00:15:08.179 --> 00:15:10.379 You have earned death for your sin. 00:15:10.559 --> 00:15:13.519 Anything short of that is mercy. 00:15:14.819 --> 00:15:17.279 Sin brings disastrous consequence. 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:25.059 And the reason that this sort of quick consequence surprises us is because in God's patient mercy, 00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:29.240 He often withholds the punishment that sin deserves. 00:15:30.179 --> 00:15:35.500 And we are so accustomed to the mercy of God that we're surprised by judgment. 00:15:35.500 --> 00:15:40.860 But if we truly understood the seriousness of our sin, 00:15:41.259 --> 00:15:43.379 Church, we would be surprised by mercy. 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:49.919 All of us live in a flood of incredible mercy. 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:57.620 But friend, do not be deceived into thinking that God's mercy towards sinners will last forever. 00:15:57.620 --> 00:16:00.379 Because lesson number three, 00:16:01.060 --> 00:16:02.679 All of our sin, 00:16:03.600 --> 00:16:05.279 All of our rebellion, 00:16:05.740 --> 00:16:08.060 Is an offense to God. 00:16:08.580 --> 00:16:11.159 And it will be dealt with. 00:16:12.440 --> 00:16:21.600 Ultimately, this event in Numbers chapter 21 is a picture of God's holy wrath against sin. 00:16:21.600 --> 00:16:25.399 Some sin carries immediate consequence. 00:16:25.759 --> 00:16:28.800 All sin carries eternal consequence. 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:31.120 God is just. 00:16:31.940 --> 00:16:33.700 He will judge all sin. 00:16:33.779 --> 00:16:38.860 We think that we can hide our sin from God like Adam and Eve hide ourselves in the bushes. 00:16:39.480 --> 00:16:41.899 We cannot hide anything from God. 00:16:42.019 --> 00:16:44.860 And the day is coming when all will be exposed. 00:16:45.139 --> 00:16:48.220 And we all will give an account. 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:51.660 This is a great problem for sinners like me. 00:16:52.600 --> 00:16:53.399 And like you. 00:16:54.540 --> 00:16:55.660 Our greatest problem. 00:16:55.899 --> 00:16:57.040 We need to see. 00:16:57.240 --> 00:16:58.580 It's not stress. 00:16:59.560 --> 00:17:01.060 It's not our jobs. 00:17:01.160 --> 00:17:02.340 It's not our relationships. 00:17:02.700 --> 00:17:04.200 It's not our financial situation. 00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:07.880 It's not whatever political drama happens to be going on this week. 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:10.500 Our greatest problem. 00:17:10.740 --> 00:17:12.759 The greatest problem for sinners. 00:17:12.759 --> 00:17:18.279 Is the wrath of God that stands against you in your sin. 00:17:18.279 --> 00:17:19.720 Our greatest problem. 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:24.140 Is that we must be born again of the spirit of God. 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:26.119 Washed clean by his spirit. 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:30.619 Or we cannot enter the kingdom of God. 00:17:31.879 --> 00:17:33.339 So where do we turn? 00:17:35.140 --> 00:17:36.819 We have a great problem. 00:17:36.819 --> 00:17:37.700 But second. 00:17:38.279 --> 00:17:44.059 The second gospel truth here is that God has made a greater provision. 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:45.519 Second. 00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:48.939 God has made a greater provision. 00:17:49.200 --> 00:18:00.200 The unbelievably good news of the gospel is that God himself has provided all that we need in order to be saved from his wrath against our sin. 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:02.819 Think back again to Numbers 21. 00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:04.819 The Israelites are perishing. 00:18:05.619 --> 00:18:06.579 The snakes are biting. 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:12.179 The people are feeling the searing pain and consequence for their guilt and their sin. 00:18:12.679 --> 00:18:14.740 Look what he says to Moses in verse 8. 00:18:15.099 --> 00:18:15.839 Chapter 21. 00:18:16.139 --> 00:18:16.559 Numbers. 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:18.519 He says, 00:18:18.779 --> 00:18:21.139 Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole. 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:25.579 And everyone who is bitten when he sees it shall live. 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:29.779 So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. 00:18:29.779 --> 00:18:35.579 And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:42.519 The Lord provided a way of escape. 00:18:43.779 --> 00:18:45.899 And this is incredible. 00:18:46.160 --> 00:18:48.240 He does not have to do this. 00:18:49.160 --> 00:18:50.799 He does not need to do this. 00:18:50.859 --> 00:18:56.480 He's not compelled or constrained by any external cause to make him do this. 00:18:56.480 --> 00:19:00.640 He's not compelled by our goodness, by our deserving, by our earning. 00:19:00.640 --> 00:19:11.180 It is simply in his sheer heart of mercy and grace towards sinners that he chooses to provide exactly what we need to live. 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:16.539 He provides one effective way to be saved. 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:19.640 One effective way. 00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:21.100 One way. 00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:23.660 Some people take issue with this. 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:27.620 They want what they call the freedom of options. 00:19:27.940 --> 00:19:35.300 To live and to worship how they want to be and to do and to live and to act however they please and all paths be equal. 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:37.860 The Israelites could have chosen any path they wanted. 00:19:38.840 --> 00:19:40.740 They could have climbed to higher ground. 00:19:40.840 --> 00:19:43.140 They could have shook the snakes off of their feet. 00:19:43.140 --> 00:19:46.759 They could have called out the name of any false god of Egypt that they wanted. 00:19:47.240 --> 00:19:50.180 And the result would have been that they would perish. 00:19:50.600 --> 00:19:51.940 There is one path here. 00:19:52.440 --> 00:19:53.500 One provision. 00:19:54.340 --> 00:20:00.780 But when you are perishing and someone provides one cure, one cure is all you need. 00:20:02.380 --> 00:20:04.840 If it is effective. 00:20:05.440 --> 00:20:07.560 And we see here that it was. 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:17.919 The provision of God here in Numbers is that if any were bitten by this fiery serpent that they might simply look at the bronze serpent and they would live. 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:26.399 Now, do you see the comparison that Jesus is making here for us? 00:20:26.460 --> 00:20:29.440 Flip back to John chapter 3 if you've been in Numbers. 00:20:29.539 --> 00:20:31.019 Flip back there to John chapter 3. 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:33.299 Look at verse 14. 00:20:33.399 --> 00:20:34.200 Here's the comparison. 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:35.120 Jesus says, 00:20:35.120 --> 00:20:48.120 Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:56.000 One effective provision for salvation that sinners like me and like you might not perish. 00:20:56.000 --> 00:21:04.039 Jesus is showing us that this story of sin and salvation in the Old Testament was a pointer. 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:05.000 It was an indicator. 00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:08.680 It was a shadow to which Jesus is the reality. 00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:18.400 He's showing us that he and he alone is the true lasting provision of God for the salvation of sinners. 00:21:18.759 --> 00:21:19.559 He and he alone. 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:21.940 That there is salvation in no one else. 00:21:21.940 --> 00:21:27.360 There is no other name given among men by which we must be saved. 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:35.420 What Jesus is doing here is he's taking this blurry black and white image of sin and salvation from the Old Testament. 00:21:35.420 --> 00:21:45.160 And he's showing us how he magnifies it, enhances it, enlarges it in full color, high definition in himself at the cross. 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:56.240 Just as the Israelites looked upon this image of their curse, they looked upon the very image of that which afflicted them. 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:58.080 They saw it with their eyes. 00:21:58.180 --> 00:22:01.300 God's provision held up, lifted up. 00:22:01.380 --> 00:22:06.700 They looked upon this gracious provision of God and escaped the wrath of God. 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:12.400 So must we behold the man upon the cross. 00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:16.840 My sin upon his shoulders. 00:22:17.840 --> 00:22:23.600 The call here is to behold the image of our sin lifted up. 00:22:23.700 --> 00:22:28.700 We must look to what he accomplished on the cross and see it with eyes of faith. 00:22:29.080 --> 00:22:31.400 And we will live. 00:22:31.400 --> 00:22:41.800 Church, the only way that we can be saved from the wrath of God is if Jesus bears it in our place. 00:22:42.580 --> 00:22:46.420 This is what Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5.21. 00:22:46.620 --> 00:22:49.400 This might be my favorite verse in the Bible. 00:22:49.400 --> 00:23:09.000 No sin will be found in the kingdom of God. 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:12.380 Not a trace. 00:23:12.680 --> 00:23:19.339 If you have a trace of sin's venom running through your veins, you will not enter. 00:23:19.819 --> 00:23:21.900 How many cures do you need for your sickness? 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:26.380 One effective provision. 00:23:27.740 --> 00:23:29.140 We praise God. 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:35.799 The good news of the gospel is that God gave his only son. 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:40.599 Christ became sin for us. 00:23:41.339 --> 00:23:47.079 That any who look to him in faith might not perish but have eternal life. 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:51.419 Church, this is the power of God for salvation. 00:23:52.519 --> 00:23:55.480 The power of God for salvation. 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:59.859 This is our third truth of the gospel this morning. 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:03.779 We see the great power of salvation. 00:24:03.779 --> 00:24:08.940 Look to verse 16, John chapter 3. 00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:16.399 And here we come to this precious and beautiful and familiar summary of the gospel. 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:22.700 For God so loved the world that he gave his only son. 00:24:23.559 --> 00:24:29.599 That whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 00:24:30.440 --> 00:24:31.399 How can this be? 00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:34.240 How can this be? 00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:42.800 How is it true that if we simply believe in this man Jesus that we will have eternal life? 00:24:42.880 --> 00:24:44.019 How can this be? 00:24:44.800 --> 00:24:55.200 It's because this message of the gospel is the power of God for salvation to any who would believe. 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:57.200 Do you believe? 00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:58.880 Do you believe this message? 00:25:00.600 --> 00:25:01.200 Through faith. 00:25:02.620 --> 00:25:03.580 Through faith. 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:08.200 Sinners like me and you are united to Jesus Christ. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:11.200 You know, faith is not simply believing intellectually. 00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:16.960 It's just a fact like you believe any other fact to be true that has no bearing on your life whatsoever. 00:25:17.360 --> 00:25:20.559 Like we believe the Eiffel Tower stands in Paris. 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:32.279 No, this faith, this believing in Jesus Christ is an all-in personal trust in the person and work of Christ. 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:40.220 An all-in personal trust that unless this Savior bleeds and dies and rises for me, 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:42.299 that I cannot be saved, 00:25:42.299 --> 00:25:45.079 that He has died for me, 00:25:45.860 --> 00:25:48.480 that He has risen for me. 00:25:49.140 --> 00:25:50.700 So now the life I live, 00:25:50.759 --> 00:25:52.240 I live by faith 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:54.519 in the Son of God who loved me 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:57.299 and gave Himself for me. 00:25:57.440 --> 00:25:59.319 That is the faith of a Christian. 00:25:59.319 --> 00:26:04.839 I think we need to demystify faith. 00:26:05.679 --> 00:26:09.700 It's such a precious biblical word, 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:12.319 a precious Christian term, 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:15.539 but culturally it's been so watered down 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:17.939 that it just means absolutely nothing. 00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:20.740 Just have faith. 00:26:21.079 --> 00:26:22.079 Just believe. 00:26:23.299 --> 00:26:25.519 My faith is as good as your faith. 00:26:25.659 --> 00:26:27.659 Faith is what saves you. 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:29.460 That's not what this is. 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:33.220 That's not what Christ is saying. 00:26:33.940 --> 00:26:36.580 Faith is not the power for salvation. 00:26:38.360 --> 00:26:40.140 Faith is a channel. 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:42.040 It's a power cable. 00:26:42.920 --> 00:26:45.259 It connects you and your life 00:26:45.259 --> 00:26:48.580 to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ 00:26:48.580 --> 00:26:52.580 so that if you are connected to Him by faith, 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:54.680 the life that He lives is yours, 00:26:54.680 --> 00:26:58.980 the death that He dies to sin in your place is yours, 00:26:59.120 --> 00:27:00.840 and the life that He lives 00:27:00.840 --> 00:27:03.060 through His resurrection from the grave 00:27:03.060 --> 00:27:05.380 by faith is yours. 00:27:06.380 --> 00:27:08.600 Faith trusts Christ alone 00:27:08.600 --> 00:27:10.160 to be the power of God 00:27:10.160 --> 00:27:11.200 for your forgiveness, 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:13.000 for your joy, 00:27:13.140 --> 00:27:13.840 for your hope, 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:14.740 for your peace, 00:27:15.100 --> 00:27:17.680 and for your eternal life. 00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:21.519 This is what He says here in verse 16. 00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:23.400 Whoever believes in Him 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:24.539 might not perish 00:27:24.539 --> 00:27:27.519 but have eternal life. 00:27:28.359 --> 00:27:29.379 Someone asked me this week 00:27:29.379 --> 00:27:31.180 what my Easter text was going to be. 00:27:31.920 --> 00:27:33.319 I told him it was going to be John 3, 00:27:33.559 --> 00:27:34.900 13 through 16, 00:27:34.900 --> 00:27:35.559 and he asked, 00:27:35.639 --> 00:27:37.859 well, how are you going to tie that into Easter? 00:27:41.059 --> 00:27:42.059 Here it is. 00:27:44.420 --> 00:27:47.619 Apart from the resurrection of Jesus Christ 00:27:47.619 --> 00:27:48.579 from the dead, 00:27:49.119 --> 00:27:51.159 there is no power for salvation. 00:27:52.839 --> 00:27:56.899 If Christ is not risen from the grave, 00:27:57.059 --> 00:27:58.819 actually, truly, 00:27:59.259 --> 00:28:00.779 a fact of history 00:28:00.779 --> 00:28:02.859 that He died and He rose, 00:28:03.219 --> 00:28:06.000 our hope of eternal life is in vain. 00:28:06.919 --> 00:28:09.079 There is no eternal life 00:28:09.079 --> 00:28:11.099 apart from the eternal life 00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:12.579 that Christ offers 00:28:12.579 --> 00:28:14.979 through the power of His resurrection. 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:17.380 The fact that He lives 00:28:17.380 --> 00:28:20.120 means that we live in Him 00:28:20.120 --> 00:28:20.980 by faith. 00:28:21.720 --> 00:28:22.819 We can no more perish 00:28:22.819 --> 00:28:25.319 than Christ Jesus can perish again 00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:27.539 if we are united to Him by faith. 00:28:27.660 --> 00:28:28.200 The grace, 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:31.839 the grave cannot have us 00:28:31.839 --> 00:28:33.440 because it could not have Him. 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:35.120 Sin will not conquer us 00:28:35.120 --> 00:28:38.319 because He took its best blow 00:28:38.319 --> 00:28:39.980 and rendered it powerless 00:28:39.980 --> 00:28:43.180 if we are united to Him 00:28:43.180 --> 00:28:43.980 by faith. 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:48.240 That's a big if, church. 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:51.900 A necessary if. 00:28:53.140 --> 00:28:53.880 In this verse, 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:54.759 John 3.16, 00:28:54.980 --> 00:28:56.180 there is both 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:58.140 an incredible availability 00:28:58.140 --> 00:29:02.160 and an undeniable exclusivity here. 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:05.339 People want to emphasize 00:29:05.339 --> 00:29:06.660 one or the other, 00:29:06.819 --> 00:29:08.360 pit them both against each other. 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:09.640 They are both here 00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:11.299 and both are precious. 00:29:11.640 --> 00:29:13.400 Do not pit them against each other. 00:29:13.400 --> 00:29:16.540 It is undeniably clear 00:29:16.540 --> 00:29:17.740 that this salvation 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:19.500 is made available 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:21.320 to the whole world. 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:25.300 Whosoever would believe. 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:26.820 And this is, 00:29:26.960 --> 00:29:28.820 this is something that would have been 00:29:28.820 --> 00:29:30.660 just absolutely stunning 00:29:30.660 --> 00:29:32.019 to Nicodemus. 00:29:32.100 --> 00:29:33.080 The Jewish understanding 00:29:33.080 --> 00:29:33.360 was, 00:29:33.600 --> 00:29:35.080 was that God's love, 00:29:35.180 --> 00:29:36.500 His covenant love 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:39.200 was only reserved for the Jews. 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:40.420 Now, 00:29:40.420 --> 00:29:41.420 only the Jewish people 00:29:41.420 --> 00:29:42.220 were included 00:29:42.220 --> 00:29:43.660 in the love of God. 00:29:43.660 --> 00:29:44.519 Out of all the peoples 00:29:44.519 --> 00:29:45.140 of the world, 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.160 it was the Jews. 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:46.819 But here, 00:29:46.960 --> 00:29:47.940 John tells us, 00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:49.620 God so loved 00:29:49.620 --> 00:29:50.860 the world. 00:29:52.080 --> 00:29:53.019 Not just you, 00:29:53.100 --> 00:29:53.759 Nicodemus. 00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:56.039 Not just the Jews. 00:29:56.299 --> 00:29:56.900 Not just all 00:29:56.900 --> 00:29:57.539 and allians. 00:29:57.720 --> 00:29:58.539 Even some of those people 00:29:58.539 --> 00:29:59.340 from Mount Pleasant. 00:30:00.340 --> 00:30:01.259 And Hugee. 00:30:01.259 --> 00:30:03.160 in McClellanville. 00:30:04.160 --> 00:30:05.039 Some of the transplants 00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:06.119 from up north even 00:30:06.119 --> 00:30:07.379 might get in on this. 00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:08.920 Even me. 00:30:09.980 --> 00:30:10.680 Even you. 00:30:11.819 --> 00:30:12.119 You see, 00:30:12.200 --> 00:30:14.039 this provision of God 00:30:14.039 --> 00:30:15.519 is so powerful 00:30:15.519 --> 00:30:16.759 that His effectiveness 00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:18.339 is not drained 00:30:18.339 --> 00:30:19.640 or lessened 00:30:19.640 --> 00:30:20.279 or weakened 00:30:20.279 --> 00:30:21.319 in the slightest 00:30:21.319 --> 00:30:22.619 by making it available 00:30:22.619 --> 00:30:24.400 to all the peoples 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:25.879 of the world. 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:28.579 Distance is no issue. 00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:30.779 Any who hear this message 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:31.279 and believe 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.220 from Jerusalem 00:30:32.220 --> 00:30:33.000 to Judea 00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:34.139 to the ends of the earth 00:30:34.139 --> 00:30:34.980 may not perish 00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:36.259 but have eternal life. 00:30:36.399 --> 00:30:38.259 Ability is no issue. 00:30:38.399 --> 00:30:39.419 The world would rank 00:30:39.419 --> 00:30:40.159 and rate you 00:30:40.159 --> 00:30:41.539 based on your usefulness. 00:30:41.599 --> 00:30:42.299 But God says, 00:30:42.679 --> 00:30:43.720 Any who would look 00:30:43.720 --> 00:30:44.939 and believe in my Son 00:30:44.939 --> 00:30:46.319 may have eternal life. 00:30:46.419 --> 00:30:47.699 The weak and the poor 00:30:47.699 --> 00:30:48.419 to the rich 00:30:48.419 --> 00:30:49.419 and successful. 00:30:49.619 --> 00:30:50.899 Resources are no issue. 00:30:51.079 --> 00:30:52.759 Stature is no issue. 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:54.799 Sinfulness is no issue. 00:30:56.559 --> 00:30:58.359 This is unbelievably powerful. 00:30:58.579 --> 00:31:01.259 It does not matter 00:31:01.259 --> 00:31:03.039 how far you have gone, 00:31:03.119 --> 00:31:04.720 how deeply you have rebelled, 00:31:04.879 --> 00:31:06.259 what you have done. 00:31:06.279 --> 00:31:07.799 If you would simply look 00:31:07.799 --> 00:31:09.359 with eyes of faith 00:31:09.359 --> 00:31:10.000 and believe 00:31:10.000 --> 00:31:10.839 and trust 00:31:10.839 --> 00:31:11.980 in this risen Savior, 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:14.199 you will be forgiven. 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:17.139 You will have eternal life. 00:31:19.339 --> 00:31:20.779 That message 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:21.720 is proclaimed 00:31:21.720 --> 00:31:24.699 to all who would hear it. 00:31:24.700 --> 00:31:25.360 Yet, 00:31:25.799 --> 00:31:27.380 there is also 00:31:27.380 --> 00:31:28.860 undeniable 00:31:28.860 --> 00:31:30.400 exclusivity 00:31:30.400 --> 00:31:31.279 here. 00:31:32.340 --> 00:31:32.759 Only 00:31:32.759 --> 00:31:33.920 those 00:31:33.920 --> 00:31:34.920 who believe 00:31:34.920 --> 00:31:35.600 in Christ 00:31:35.600 --> 00:31:36.920 will be saved. 00:31:38.160 --> 00:31:38.660 Only 00:31:38.660 --> 00:31:39.580 those 00:31:39.580 --> 00:31:40.660 who look 00:31:40.660 --> 00:31:42.019 to Jesus Christ 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:42.539 alone 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:43.680 for their salvation 00:31:43.680 --> 00:31:44.860 will inherit 00:31:44.860 --> 00:31:45.860 eternal life. 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:47.440 Why are not all saved? 00:31:47.539 --> 00:31:48.380 Not all look. 00:31:49.100 --> 00:31:50.080 Not all 00:31:50.080 --> 00:31:50.819 trust. 00:31:50.960 --> 00:31:51.500 Not all 00:31:51.500 --> 00:31:52.279 believe. 00:31:52.279 --> 00:31:52.839 And this 00:31:52.839 --> 00:31:54.319 type of all 00:31:54.319 --> 00:31:55.480 in personal 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:56.480 trusting and 00:31:56.480 --> 00:31:56.940 believing 00:31:56.940 --> 00:31:57.940 does not 00:31:57.940 --> 00:31:59.200 come from us. 00:31:59.420 --> 00:32:00.279 It can't. 00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:01.700 It's a gift 00:32:01.700 --> 00:32:02.440 of God. 00:32:02.579 --> 00:32:03.039 We're saved 00:32:03.039 --> 00:32:03.839 by grace 00:32:03.839 --> 00:32:05.019 through faith 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:05.440 and this 00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:06.240 is not 00:32:06.240 --> 00:32:06.960 from yourselves. 00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:08.000 It is a gift 00:32:08.000 --> 00:32:08.740 of God 00:32:08.740 --> 00:32:09.740 that no one 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:11.220 may boast. 00:32:11.339 --> 00:32:12.359 The great evangelist 00:32:12.359 --> 00:32:12.920 D.L. 00:32:13.460 --> 00:32:13.740 Moody 00:32:13.740 --> 00:32:15.039 he said 00:32:15.039 --> 00:32:15.319 it like 00:32:15.319 --> 00:32:15.620 this. 00:32:15.700 --> 00:32:15.980 He said 00:32:15.980 --> 00:32:16.240 written 00:32:16.240 --> 00:32:16.579 on the 00:32:16.579 --> 00:32:16.960 outside 00:32:16.960 --> 00:32:17.420 of the 00:32:17.420 --> 00:32:17.680 gate 00:32:17.680 --> 00:32:18.299 of heaven 00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:18.799 are the 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:19.240 words 00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:20.019 whosoever 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:20.720 may come 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.819 and on 00:32:21.819 --> 00:32:22.299 the inside 00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:22.779 of the 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:23.019 gate 00:32:23.019 --> 00:32:23.620 it reads 00:32:23.620 --> 00:32:24.079 chosen 00:32:24.079 --> 00:32:24.799 before the 00:32:24.799 --> 00:32:25.339 foundation 00:32:25.339 --> 00:32:26.400 of the 00:32:26.400 --> 00:32:26.859 world. 00:32:28.620 --> 00:32:29.299 Church 00:32:29.299 --> 00:32:29.839 so long 00:32:29.839 --> 00:32:30.220 as we 00:32:30.220 --> 00:32:31.120 are here 00:32:31.120 --> 00:32:32.599 on the 00:32:32.599 --> 00:32:33.120 outside 00:32:33.120 --> 00:32:34.180 of the 00:32:34.180 --> 00:32:34.559 gate 00:32:34.559 --> 00:32:36.180 our 00:32:36.180 --> 00:32:36.779 responsibility 00:32:36.779 --> 00:32:37.460 is to 00:32:37.460 --> 00:32:37.859 proclaim 00:32:37.859 --> 00:32:38.319 this 00:32:38.319 --> 00:32:38.799 message 00:32:38.799 --> 00:32:39.359 of hope 00:32:39.359 --> 00:32:39.880 far 00:32:39.880 --> 00:32:40.519 and wide 00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:41.319 to any 00:32:41.319 --> 00:32:42.319 who would 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:42.640 hear. 00:32:42.640 --> 00:32:44.440 this 00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:45.920 radical 00:32:45.920 --> 00:32:46.960 availability 00:32:46.960 --> 00:32:47.960 of the 00:32:47.960 --> 00:32:48.400 gospel 00:32:48.400 --> 00:32:49.000 hope 00:32:49.000 --> 00:32:50.180 and the 00:32:50.180 --> 00:32:50.720 confidence 00:32:50.720 --> 00:32:51.240 that we 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:51.580 have 00:32:51.580 --> 00:32:52.220 that God 00:32:52.220 --> 00:32:52.800 will 00:32:52.800 --> 00:32:53.640 save 00:32:53.640 --> 00:32:54.480 his own 00:32:54.480 --> 00:32:55.220 ought to 00:32:55.220 --> 00:32:55.780 compel 00:32:55.780 --> 00:32:56.300 us to 00:32:56.300 --> 00:32:56.840 cast our 00:32:56.840 --> 00:32:57.080 net 00:32:57.080 --> 00:32:57.620 far 00:32:57.620 --> 00:32:57.960 and 00:32:57.960 --> 00:32:58.480 wide 00:32:58.480 --> 00:32:58.700 and 00:32:58.700 --> 00:32:59.200 proclaim 00:32:59.200 --> 00:33:00.200 eternal 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:00.640 life 00:33:00.640 --> 00:33:01.320 to any 00:33:01.320 --> 00:33:01.980 who would 00:33:01.980 --> 00:33:02.480 look to 00:33:02.480 --> 00:33:02.980 Christ 00:33:02.980 --> 00:33:03.660 and would 00:33:03.660 --> 00:33:04.220 listen 00:33:04.220 --> 00:33:05.240 and believe 00:33:05.240 --> 00:33:05.660 that if 00:33:05.660 --> 00:33:06.280 you will 00:33:06.280 --> 00:33:06.960 look to 00:33:06.960 --> 00:33:07.380 Christ 00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:08.200 in faith 00:33:08.200 --> 00:33:09.460 you will 00:33:09.460 --> 00:33:09.920 live 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:11.960 trusting 00:33:11.960 --> 00:33:12.519 that God 00:33:12.519 --> 00:33:12.720 will 00:33:12.720 --> 00:33:13.100 save 00:33:13.100 --> 00:33:13.400 even 00:33:13.400 --> 00:33:13.779 as he 00:33:13.779 --> 00:33:14.279 has 00:33:14.279 --> 00:33:14.620 saved 00:33:14.620 --> 00:33:15.160 us 00:33:15.160 --> 00:33:16.079 who 00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:16.519 believe 00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:17.019 this is 00:33:17.019 --> 00:33:17.360 a 00:33:17.360 --> 00:33:18.160 powerful 00:33:18.160 --> 00:33:19.440 powerful 00:33:19.440 --> 00:33:20.039 message 00:33:20.039 --> 00:33:20.759 church 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:22.460 there's a 00:33:22.460 --> 00:33:22.940 fourth and 00:33:22.940 --> 00:33:23.480 final 00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:25.039 gospel truth 00:33:25.039 --> 00:33:25.660 here 00:33:25.660 --> 00:33:27.059 that cannot 00:33:27.059 --> 00:33:28.100 go overlooked 00:33:28.100 --> 00:33:28.620 fourth 00:33:28.620 --> 00:33:30.660 we see 00:33:30.660 --> 00:33:31.500 the greatest 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:32.539 proof 00:33:32.539 --> 00:33:33.860 of the 00:33:33.860 --> 00:33:34.380 love of 00:33:34.380 --> 00:33:34.779 God 00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:36.480 the 00:33:36.480 --> 00:33:36.980 greatest 00:33:36.980 --> 00:33:37.759 proof 00:33:37.759 --> 00:33:39.619 love 00:33:39.619 --> 00:33:40.519 of 00:33:40.519 --> 00:33:40.839 God 00:33:40.839 --> 00:33:41.240 look there 00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:41.579 to verse 00:33:41.579 --> 00:33:42.019 16 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:42.400 one more 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:42.740 time 00:33:42.740 --> 00:33:45.480 because 00:33:45.480 --> 00:33:45.859 here we 00:33:45.859 --> 00:33:46.259 see 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:47.279 the 00:33:47.279 --> 00:33:48.039 grounds 00:33:48.039 --> 00:33:48.420 the 00:33:48.420 --> 00:33:49.339 basis 00:33:49.339 --> 00:33:50.140 for this 00:33:50.140 --> 00:33:50.740 incredible 00:33:50.740 --> 00:33:51.299 provision 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:51.980 of God 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:52.339 and it 00:33:52.339 --> 00:33:52.640 is 00:33:52.640 --> 00:33:53.759 shocking 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:55.299 for 00:33:55.299 --> 00:33:55.740 God 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:56.180 so 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:56.940 loved 00:33:56.940 --> 00:33:57.200 the 00:33:57.200 --> 00:33:57.599 world 00:33:57.599 --> 00:33:58.759 that 00:33:58.759 --> 00:33:58.920 he 00:33:58.920 --> 00:33:59.339 gave 00:33:59.339 --> 00:33:59.539 his 00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:00.000 only 00:34:00.000 --> 00:34:00.619 son 00:34:00.619 --> 00:34:02.180 for 00:34:02.180 --> 00:34:02.599 God 00:34:02.599 --> 00:34:03.059 so 00:34:03.059 --> 00:34:03.779 loved 00:34:03.779 --> 00:34:04.299 the 00:34:04.299 --> 00:34:04.660 world 00:34:04.660 --> 00:34:04.920 this 00:34:04.920 --> 00:34:05.640 world 00:34:05.640 --> 00:34:05.920 that 00:34:05.920 --> 00:34:06.259 has 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:06.820 spat 00:34:06.820 --> 00:34:07.080 in 00:34:07.080 --> 00:34:07.340 his 00:34:07.340 --> 00:34:07.820 face 00:34:07.820 --> 00:34:08.019 the 00:34:08.019 --> 00:34:08.360 world 00:34:08.360 --> 00:34:08.659 that 00:34:08.659 --> 00:34:09.079 has 00:34:09.079 --> 00:34:09.579 rebelled 00:34:09.579 --> 00:34:09.940 against 00:34:09.940 --> 00:34:10.220 him 00:34:10.220 --> 00:34:10.360 in 00:34:10.360 --> 00:34:10.740 every 00:34:10.740 --> 00:34:11.099 way 00:34:11.099 --> 00:34:11.320 the 00:34:11.320 --> 00:34:11.639 world 00:34:11.639 --> 00:34:11.840 that 00:34:11.840 --> 00:34:11.980 would 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:12.240 hang 00:34:12.240 --> 00:34:12.480 his 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:12.760 son 00:34:12.760 --> 00:34:13.079 upon 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:13.320 the 00:34:13.320 --> 00:34:13.780 cross 00:34:13.780 --> 00:34:15.159 for 00:34:15.159 --> 00:34:15.599 God 00:34:15.599 --> 00:34:15.980 so 00:34:15.980 --> 00:34:16.460 loved 00:34:16.460 --> 00:34:16.659 the 00:34:16.659 --> 00:34:16.880 world 00:34:16.880 --> 00:34:17.059 that 00:34:17.059 --> 00:34:17.220 he 00:34:17.220 --> 00:34:17.800 gave 00:34:17.800 --> 00:34:18.260 his 00:34:18.260 --> 00:34:18.700 only 00:34:18.700 --> 00:34:19.280 son 00:34:19.280 --> 00:34:20.680 that 00:34:20.680 --> 00:34:20.920 whoever 00:34:20.920 --> 00:34:21.659 believes 00:34:21.659 --> 00:34:21.840 in 00:34:21.840 --> 00:34:22.099 him 00:34:22.099 --> 00:34:22.360 should 00:34:22.360 --> 00:34:22.619 not 00:34:22.619 --> 00:34:23.000 perish 00:34:23.000 --> 00:34:23.460 but 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:23.980 have 00:34:23.980 --> 00:34:24.559 eternal 00:34:24.559 --> 00:34:25.900 life 00:34:25.900 --> 00:34:26.559 God 00:34:26.559 --> 00:34:27.539 loves 00:34:27.539 --> 00:34:27.980 us 00:34:27.980 --> 00:34:29.680 he 00:34:29.680 --> 00:34:30.019 does 00:34:30.019 --> 00:34:30.360 not 00:34:30.360 --> 00:34:30.980 desire 00:34:30.980 --> 00:34:31.980 that 00:34:31.980 --> 00:34:32.200 any 00:34:32.200 --> 00:34:32.480 should 00:34:32.480 --> 00:34:33.059 perish 00:34:33.059 --> 00:34:35.400 John 00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:35.880 Calvin 00:34:35.880 --> 00:34:36.139 the 00:34:36.139 --> 00:34:36.380 great 00:34:36.380 --> 00:34:37.019 reformer 00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:37.759 he 00:34:37.759 --> 00:34:38.019 says 00:34:38.019 --> 00:34:38.159 of 00:34:38.159 --> 00:34:38.320 this 00:34:38.320 --> 00:34:38.699 verse 00:34:38.699 --> 00:34:39.860 our 00:34:39.860 --> 00:34:40.239 minds 00:34:40.239 --> 00:34:40.639 cannot 00:34:40.639 --> 00:34:41.259 find 00:34:41.259 --> 00:34:41.739 calm 00:34:41.739 --> 00:34:42.420 repose 00:34:42.420 --> 00:34:43.400 until 00:34:43.400 --> 00:34:43.639 we 00:34:43.639 --> 00:34:44.000 arrive 00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:44.179 at 00:34:44.179 --> 00:34:44.340 the 00:34:44.340 --> 00:34:44.940 unmerited 00:34:44.940 --> 00:34:45.320 love 00:34:45.320 --> 00:34:45.480 of 00:34:45.480 --> 00:34:45.840 God 00:34:45.840 --> 00:34:46.960 as 00:34:46.960 --> 00:34:47.079 the 00:34:47.079 --> 00:34:47.320 matter 00:34:47.320 --> 00:34:47.500 of 00:34:47.500 --> 00:34:47.679 our 00:34:47.679 --> 00:34:48.219 salvation 00:34:48.219 --> 00:34:48.559 must 00:34:48.559 --> 00:34:48.759 not 00:34:48.759 --> 00:34:48.940 be 00:34:48.940 --> 00:34:49.179 sought 00:34:49.179 --> 00:34:49.679 anywhere 00:34:49.679 --> 00:34:50.139 else 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:50.340 than 00:34:50.340 --> 00:34:50.619 in 00:34:50.619 --> 00:34:51.139 Christ 00:34:51.139 --> 00:34:51.980 so 00:34:51.980 --> 00:34:52.219 we 00:34:52.219 --> 00:34:52.519 must 00:34:52.519 --> 00:34:52.860 see 00:34:52.860 --> 00:34:53.320 whence 00:34:53.320 --> 00:34:53.639 Christ 00:34:53.639 --> 00:34:54.000 came 00:34:54.000 --> 00:34:54.179 to 00:34:54.179 --> 00:34:54.500 us 00:34:54.500 --> 00:34:54.659 and 00:34:54.659 --> 00:34:55.059 why 00:34:55.059 --> 00:34:55.279 he 00:34:55.279 --> 00:34:55.440 was 00:34:55.440 --> 00:34:55.739 offered 00:34:55.739 --> 00:34:55.940 to 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:56.079 be 00:34:56.079 --> 00:34:56.320 our 00:34:56.320 --> 00:34:56.719 savior 00:34:56.719 --> 00:34:57.860 both 00:34:57.860 --> 00:34:58.279 points 00:34:58.279 --> 00:34:58.460 are 00:34:58.460 --> 00:34:59.179 distinctly 00:34:59.179 --> 00:34:59.659 stated 00:34:59.659 --> 00:35:00.279 to 00:35:00.279 --> 00:35:00.539 us 00:35:00.539 --> 00:35:00.860 namely 00:35:00.860 --> 00:35:01.099 that 00:35:01.099 --> 00:35:01.679 faith 00:35:01.679 --> 00:35:01.860 in 00:35:01.860 --> 00:35:02.199 Christ 00:35:02.199 --> 00:35:02.559 brings 00:35:02.559 --> 00:35:02.920 life 00:35:03.059 --> 00:35:03.159 to 00:35:03.159 --> 00:35:03.639 all 00:35:03.639 --> 00:35:04.380 and 00:35:04.380 --> 00:35:04.539 that 00:35:04.539 --> 00:35:04.920 Christ 00:35:04.920 --> 00:35:05.320 brought 00:35:05.320 --> 00:35:05.880 life 00:35:05.880 --> 00:35:06.619 because 00:35:06.619 --> 00:35:06.840 the 00:35:06.840 --> 00:35:07.159 heavenly 00:35:07.159 --> 00:35:07.579 father 00:35:07.579 --> 00:35:08.199 loves 00:35:08.199 --> 00:35:08.440 the 00:35:08.440 --> 00:35:08.759 human 00:35:08.759 --> 00:35:09.259 race 00:35:09.259 --> 00:35:09.980 and 00:35:09.980 --> 00:35:10.360 wishes 00:35:10.360 --> 00:35:10.719 that 00:35:10.719 --> 00:35:10.960 they 00:35:10.960 --> 00:35:11.259 should 00:35:11.259 --> 00:35:11.659 not 00:35:11.659 --> 00:35:12.440 perish 00:35:12.440 --> 00:35:14.940 there 00:35:14.940 --> 00:35:15.179 are 00:35:15.179 --> 00:35:16.639 many 00:35:16.639 --> 00:35:18.340 unknown 00:35:18.340 --> 00:35:19.199 truths 00:35:19.199 --> 00:35:20.039 about 00:35:20.039 --> 00:35:20.519 God 00:35:20.519 --> 00:35:21.119 it 00:35:21.119 --> 00:35:21.239 will 00:35:21.239 --> 00:35:21.420 take 00:35:21.420 --> 00:35:21.759 all 00:35:21.759 --> 00:35:21.880 of 00:35:21.880 --> 00:35:22.279 eternity 00:35:22.279 --> 00:35:22.820 for 00:35:22.820 --> 00:35:23.059 us 00:35:23.059 --> 00:35:23.279 to 00:35:23.279 --> 00:35:23.679 to 00:35:23.679 --> 00:35:24.139 plunge 00:35:24.139 --> 00:35:24.360 the 00:35:24.360 --> 00:35:24.799 depths 00:35:24.799 --> 00:35:25.299 of 00:35:25.299 --> 00:35:25.480 the 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:26.079 mysteries 00:35:26.079 --> 00:35:26.639 of 00:35:26.639 --> 00:35:26.779 the 00:35:26.779 --> 00:35:27.360 wonders 00:35:27.360 --> 00:35:27.659 of 00:35:27.659 --> 00:35:28.039 who 00:35:28.039 --> 00:35:28.659 God 00:35:28.659 --> 00:35:29.159 is 00:35:29.159 --> 00:35:29.360 but 00:35:29.360 --> 00:35:29.639 we 00:35:29.639 --> 00:35:30.019 do 00:35:30.019 --> 00:35:30.519 know 00:35:30.519 --> 00:35:31.199 what 00:35:31.199 --> 00:35:31.420 he 00:35:31.420 --> 00:35:31.699 has 00:35:31.699 --> 00:35:32.079 revealed 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:32.340 to 00:35:32.340 --> 00:35:32.779 us 00:35:32.780 --> 00:35:33.860 and 00:35:33.860 --> 00:35:34.019 we 00:35:34.019 --> 00:35:34.160 can 00:35:34.160 --> 00:35:34.500 know 00:35:34.500 --> 00:35:35.100 with 00:35:35.100 --> 00:35:35.800 certainty 00:35:35.800 --> 00:35:36.160 without 00:35:36.160 --> 00:35:36.440 an 00:35:36.440 --> 00:35:36.840 ounce 00:35:36.840 --> 00:35:37.140 of 00:35:37.140 --> 00:35:37.580 doubt 00:35:37.580 --> 00:35:38.720 that 00:35:38.720 --> 00:35:39.140 God 00:35:39.140 --> 00:35:39.920 loves 00:35:39.920 --> 00:35:40.760 us 00:35:40.760 --> 00:35:42.140 he 00:35:42.140 --> 00:35:42.500 proved 00:35:42.500 --> 00:35:42.780 it 00:35:42.780 --> 00:35:43.700 on the 00:35:43.700 --> 00:35:44.220 cross 00:35:44.220 --> 00:35:48.040 imagine 00:35:48.040 --> 00:35:49.019 with me 00:35:49.019 --> 00:35:49.380 for a 00:35:49.380 --> 00:35:49.660 moment 00:35:49.660 --> 00:35:51.340 that you 00:35:51.340 --> 00:35:51.940 were sick 00:35:51.940 --> 00:35:54.140 going about 00:35:54.140 --> 00:35:54.640 your life 00:35:54.640 --> 00:35:55.200 doing what 00:35:55.200 --> 00:35:55.580 you want 00:35:55.580 --> 00:35:56.019 to do 00:35:56.019 --> 00:35:56.580 not thinking 00:35:56.580 --> 00:35:56.940 of it 00:35:56.940 --> 00:35:57.460 at all 00:35:57.460 --> 00:35:57.639 and 00:35:57.639 --> 00:35:57.659 and 00:35:57.659 --> 00:35:58.139 suddenly 00:35:58.139 --> 00:35:58.519 you 00:35:58.519 --> 00:35:58.740 begin 00:35:58.740 --> 00:35:58.920 to 00:35:58.920 --> 00:35:59.340 notice 00:35:59.340 --> 00:35:59.940 the 00:35:59.940 --> 00:36:00.420 symptoms 00:36:00.420 --> 00:36:01.800 you 00:36:01.800 --> 00:36:02.220 become 00:36:02.220 --> 00:36:03.480 aware 00:36:03.480 --> 00:36:04.400 of your 00:36:04.400 --> 00:36:04.800 sickness 00:36:04.800 --> 00:36:05.320 that you're 00:36:05.320 --> 00:36:05.860 you're 00:36:05.860 --> 00:36:06.340 sick 00:36:06.340 --> 00:36:06.619 and you 00:36:06.619 --> 00:36:07.159 look around 00:36:07.159 --> 00:36:07.440 you see 00:36:07.440 --> 00:36:07.760 it's not 00:36:07.760 --> 00:36:08.039 just 00:36:08.039 --> 00:36:08.400 you 00:36:08.400 --> 00:36:08.860 but it's 00:36:08.860 --> 00:36:09.519 everyone 00:36:09.519 --> 00:36:09.960 in your 00:36:09.960 --> 00:36:10.380 family 00:36:10.380 --> 00:36:10.720 everyone 00:36:10.720 --> 00:36:11.059 in your 00:36:11.059 --> 00:36:11.420 family 00:36:11.420 --> 00:36:11.679 is 00:36:11.679 --> 00:36:12.619 sick 00:36:12.619 --> 00:36:12.980 and not 00:36:12.980 --> 00:36:13.179 just 00:36:13.179 --> 00:36:13.340 your 00:36:13.340 --> 00:36:13.679 family 00:36:13.679 --> 00:36:13.880 but 00:36:13.880 --> 00:36:14.139 everyone 00:36:14.139 --> 00:36:14.519 in your 00:36:14.519 --> 00:36:15.019 neighborhood 00:36:15.019 --> 00:36:15.539 not just 00:36:15.539 --> 00:36:15.980 your 00:36:15.980 --> 00:36:16.440 neighborhood 00:36:16.440 --> 00:36:16.820 everyone 00:36:16.820 --> 00:36:17.220 in your 00:36:17.220 --> 00:36:17.980 community 00:36:17.980 --> 00:36:18.519 not just 00:36:18.519 --> 00:36:18.780 in your 00:36:18.780 --> 00:36:19.280 community 00:36:19.280 --> 00:36:19.920 every 00:36:19.920 --> 00:36:20.840 individual 00:36:20.840 --> 00:36:21.519 of 00:36:21.519 --> 00:36:22.019 every 00:36:22.019 --> 00:36:22.619 nation 00:36:22.619 --> 00:36:23.199 in the 00:36:23.199 --> 00:36:23.599 world 00:36:23.599 --> 00:36:24.780 is sick 00:36:24.780 --> 00:36:26.260 and it's 00:36:26.260 --> 00:36:26.640 terminal 00:36:26.640 --> 00:36:29.440 you don't 00:36:29.440 --> 00:36:29.740 know how 00:36:29.740 --> 00:36:30.200 long 00:36:30.200 --> 00:36:31.019 you have 00:36:31.019 --> 00:36:31.340 but you 00:36:31.340 --> 00:36:31.760 know that 00:36:31.760 --> 00:36:32.040 it's 00:36:32.040 --> 00:36:32.700 serious 00:36:32.700 --> 00:36:33.400 and this 00:36:33.400 --> 00:36:33.780 is a 00:36:33.780 --> 00:36:34.480 great 00:36:34.480 --> 00:36:35.600 and terrible 00:36:35.600 --> 00:36:36.600 problem 00:36:36.600 --> 00:36:37.280 but 00:36:37.280 --> 00:36:38.860 you hear 00:36:38.860 --> 00:36:39.420 a word 00:36:39.420 --> 00:36:42.000 somewhere 00:36:42.000 --> 00:36:42.660 there is a 00:36:42.660 --> 00:36:43.160 great 00:36:43.160 --> 00:36:44.160 physician 00:36:44.160 --> 00:36:45.980 who has 00:36:45.980 --> 00:36:46.560 come on 00:36:46.560 --> 00:36:47.160 his own 00:36:47.160 --> 00:36:47.780 dime 00:36:47.780 --> 00:36:48.019 and 00:36:48.019 --> 00:36:48.920 developed 00:36:48.920 --> 00:36:49.940 a cure 00:36:49.940 --> 00:36:50.500 one 00:36:50.500 --> 00:36:51.140 effective 00:36:51.140 --> 00:36:51.620 cure 00:36:51.620 --> 00:36:51.940 would that 00:36:51.940 --> 00:36:52.300 be enough 00:36:52.300 --> 00:36:52.760 for you 00:36:52.760 --> 00:36:54.340 of course 00:36:54.340 --> 00:36:54.760 it would 00:36:54.760 --> 00:36:56.720 the word 00:36:56.720 --> 00:36:57.320 is that 00:36:57.320 --> 00:36:58.000 this cure 00:36:58.000 --> 00:36:59.300 is available 00:36:59.300 --> 00:36:59.920 it's offered 00:36:59.920 --> 00:37:00.300 to you 00:37:00.300 --> 00:37:00.880 free of 00:37:00.880 --> 00:37:01.260 charge 00:37:01.260 --> 00:37:01.640 you couldn't 00:37:01.640 --> 00:37:02.140 afford it 00:37:02.140 --> 00:37:02.420 if you 00:37:02.420 --> 00:37:02.920 tried 00:37:02.920 --> 00:37:03.460 it's simply 00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:03.960 given 00:37:03.960 --> 00:37:04.500 freely 00:37:04.500 --> 00:37:05.140 to any 00:37:05.140 --> 00:37:05.640 who would 00:37:05.640 --> 00:37:06.060 come 00:37:06.060 --> 00:37:07.160 it's available 00:37:07.160 --> 00:37:07.820 to any 00:37:07.820 --> 00:37:08.140 who would 00:37:08.140 --> 00:37:08.360 simply 00:37:08.360 --> 00:37:08.820 come 00:37:08.820 --> 00:37:09.700 and receive 00:37:09.700 --> 00:37:10.140 it 00:37:10.140 --> 00:37:11.020 why would 00:37:11.020 --> 00:37:11.360 you not 00:37:11.360 --> 00:37:11.700 come 00:37:11.700 --> 00:37:12.200 and receive 00:37:12.200 --> 00:37:12.680 the cure 00:37:12.680 --> 00:37:14.760 I can 00:37:14.760 --> 00:37:15.020 think of 00:37:15.020 --> 00:37:15.300 a few 00:37:15.300 --> 00:37:15.860 reasons 00:37:15.860 --> 00:37:18.740 maybe you 00:37:18.740 --> 00:37:19.300 don't 00:37:19.300 --> 00:37:19.780 trust 00:37:19.780 --> 00:37:20.440 the cure 00:37:20.440 --> 00:37:20.980 to be 00:37:20.980 --> 00:37:21.520 effective 00:37:21.520 --> 00:37:23.200 you look 00:37:23.200 --> 00:37:23.560 at it 00:37:23.559 --> 00:37:25.079 scoff 00:37:25.079 --> 00:37:25.579 you laugh 00:37:25.579 --> 00:37:25.940 it off 00:37:25.940 --> 00:37:26.619 you ridicule 00:37:26.619 --> 00:37:27.119 the cure 00:37:27.119 --> 00:37:27.880 and count 00:37:27.880 --> 00:37:28.299 it as 00:37:28.299 --> 00:37:28.960 foolishness 00:37:28.960 --> 00:37:29.420 that anyone 00:37:29.420 --> 00:37:29.920 would trust 00:37:29.920 --> 00:37:30.299 this with 00:37:30.299 --> 00:37:30.799 their life 00:37:30.799 --> 00:37:33.380 maybe you 00:37:33.380 --> 00:37:33.980 don't yet 00:37:33.980 --> 00:37:35.679 realize the 00:37:35.679 --> 00:37:36.199 depth 00:37:36.199 --> 00:37:36.880 and the 00:37:36.880 --> 00:37:37.340 severity 00:37:37.340 --> 00:37:38.440 of your 00:37:38.440 --> 00:37:38.820 sickness 00:37:38.820 --> 00:37:41.019 you assume 00:37:41.019 --> 00:37:41.539 that maybe 00:37:41.539 --> 00:37:41.940 you have 00:37:41.940 --> 00:37:42.579 more time 00:37:42.579 --> 00:37:43.320 than you 00:37:43.320 --> 00:37:44.059 really do 00:37:44.059 --> 00:37:44.659 who could 00:37:44.659 --> 00:37:44.940 know 00:37:44.940 --> 00:37:47.179 maybe you've 00:37:47.179 --> 00:37:47.719 trusted in 00:37:47.719 --> 00:37:48.480 another cure 00:37:48.480 --> 00:37:49.019 you think 00:37:49.019 --> 00:37:49.400 you found 00:37:49.400 --> 00:37:50.139 another solution 00:37:50.139 --> 00:37:50.500 to the 00:37:50.500 --> 00:37:50.840 problem 00:37:50.840 --> 00:37:51.140 and so 00:37:51.140 --> 00:37:51.700 you self 00:37:51.700 --> 00:37:52.340 medicate 00:37:52.340 --> 00:37:52.820 with other 00:37:52.820 --> 00:37:53.460 false 00:37:53.460 --> 00:37:54.059 hopes 00:37:54.059 --> 00:37:54.640 false 00:37:54.640 --> 00:37:55.300 cures 00:37:55.300 --> 00:37:55.740 that will 00:37:55.740 --> 00:37:56.360 never 00:37:56.360 --> 00:37:57.420 work 00:37:57.420 --> 00:38:00.000 but maybe 00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:00.360 you don't 00:38:00.360 --> 00:38:01.079 come because 00:38:01.079 --> 00:38:01.800 the truth 00:38:01.800 --> 00:38:02.280 is deep 00:38:02.280 --> 00:38:02.680 down 00:38:02.680 --> 00:38:03.140 you hate 00:38:03.140 --> 00:38:03.680 the physician 00:38:03.680 --> 00:38:06.340 so you 00:38:06.340 --> 00:38:06.700 rebel 00:38:06.700 --> 00:38:08.220 against him 00:38:08.220 --> 00:38:09.600 and you 00:38:09.600 --> 00:38:10.280 choose rather 00:38:10.280 --> 00:38:11.059 to die 00:38:11.059 --> 00:38:12.039 than to come 00:38:12.039 --> 00:38:12.380 to him 00:38:12.380 --> 00:38:12.960 for life 00:38:12.960 --> 00:38:16.200 but now 00:38:16.200 --> 00:38:16.820 ask yourself 00:38:16.820 --> 00:38:17.240 what would 00:38:17.240 --> 00:38:17.620 this tell 00:38:17.620 --> 00:38:17.980 you about 00:38:17.980 --> 00:38:18.519 the doctor 00:38:18.519 --> 00:38:21.380 no one 00:38:21.380 --> 00:38:21.920 has compelled 00:38:21.920 --> 00:38:22.519 him to do 00:38:22.519 --> 00:38:22.800 this 00:38:22.800 --> 00:38:23.139 he's not 00:38:23.139 --> 00:38:23.579 under any 00:38:23.579 --> 00:38:24.500 compulsion 00:38:24.500 --> 00:38:24.960 and the 00:38:24.960 --> 00:38:25.619 word is 00:38:25.619 --> 00:38:26.039 that this 00:38:26.039 --> 00:38:26.880 cure has 00:38:26.880 --> 00:38:27.460 cost him 00:38:27.460 --> 00:38:28.119 a great 00:38:28.119 --> 00:38:28.860 fortune 00:38:28.860 --> 00:38:29.639 his greatest 00:38:29.639 --> 00:38:30.320 treasure 00:38:30.320 --> 00:38:30.679 that the 00:38:30.679 --> 00:38:31.119 blood of 00:38:31.119 --> 00:38:31.880 his own 00:38:31.880 --> 00:38:32.639 son was 00:38:32.639 --> 00:38:33.159 spilled 00:38:33.159 --> 00:38:33.760 to provide 00:38:33.760 --> 00:38:34.320 this cure 00:38:34.320 --> 00:38:35.079 for you 00:38:35.079 --> 00:38:36.019 and anyone 00:38:36.019 --> 00:38:36.460 else who 00:38:36.460 --> 00:38:36.980 would come 00:38:36.980 --> 00:38:37.579 and be 00:38:37.579 --> 00:38:38.280 made well 00:38:38.280 --> 00:38:38.860 what could 00:38:38.860 --> 00:38:39.719 we conclude 00:38:39.719 --> 00:38:40.679 but that 00:38:40.679 --> 00:38:41.659 this physician 00:38:41.659 --> 00:38:42.619 deeply 00:38:42.619 --> 00:38:43.760 loves 00:38:43.760 --> 00:38:44.460 those 00:38:44.460 --> 00:38:45.139 who are 00:38:45.139 --> 00:38:45.699 perishing 00:38:45.699 --> 00:38:49.819 friend 00:38:49.819 --> 00:38:50.359 if you 00:38:50.359 --> 00:38:50.619 are 00:38:50.619 --> 00:38:51.519 our 00:38:51.519 --> 00:38:51.859 guest 00:38:51.859 --> 00:38:52.139 this 00:38:52.139 --> 00:38:52.480 morning 00:38:52.480 --> 00:38:54.139 I don't 00:38:54.139 --> 00:38:54.559 know where 00:38:54.559 --> 00:38:55.139 you stand 00:38:55.139 --> 00:38:55.719 with God 00:38:55.719 --> 00:38:57.799 but I 00:38:57.799 --> 00:38:58.419 know this 00:38:58.419 --> 00:39:00.179 I know 00:39:00.179 --> 00:39:00.500 that God 00:39:00.500 --> 00:39:01.019 loves you 00:39:01.019 --> 00:39:03.219 and I 00:39:03.219 --> 00:39:03.559 know that 00:39:03.559 --> 00:39:04.019 Christ 00:39:04.019 --> 00:39:04.960 stands 00:39:04.960 --> 00:39:05.739 now 00:39:05.739 --> 00:39:06.500 risen 00:39:06.500 --> 00:39:08.179 and alive 00:39:08.179 --> 00:39:09.319 ready 00:39:09.319 --> 00:39:09.859 and able 00:39:09.859 --> 00:39:11.059 to provide 00:39:11.059 --> 00:39:11.659 the cure 00:39:11.659 --> 00:39:12.019 that you 00:39:12.019 --> 00:39:12.539 need 00:39:12.539 --> 00:39:13.439 for your 00:39:13.439 --> 00:39:13.719 sin 00:39:13.719 --> 00:39:15.959 that in 00:39:15.959 --> 00:39:16.339 him 00:39:16.339 --> 00:39:16.759 and in 00:39:16.759 --> 00:39:17.119 him 00:39:17.119 --> 00:39:17.719 alone 00:39:17.719 --> 00:39:18.939 can we 00:39:18.939 --> 00:39:19.279 have the 00:39:19.279 --> 00:39:19.799 power 00:39:19.799 --> 00:39:20.819 of eternal 00:39:20.819 --> 00:39:21.359 life 00:39:21.359 --> 00:39:21.879 forever 00:39:21.879 --> 00:39:23.019 with God 00:39:23.019 --> 00:39:25.539 so if you're 00:39:25.539 --> 00:39:26.079 hearing these 00:39:26.079 --> 00:39:26.799 words and you 00:39:26.799 --> 00:39:28.039 you don't 00:39:28.039 --> 00:39:29.000 know if you 00:39:29.000 --> 00:39:29.480 have that 00:39:29.480 --> 00:39:30.219 eternal life 00:39:30.219 --> 00:39:30.480 if you 00:39:30.480 --> 00:39:31.359 if you don't 00:39:31.359 --> 00:39:31.859 know whether 00:39:31.859 --> 00:39:32.279 you've been 00:39:32.279 --> 00:39:32.799 made right 00:39:32.799 --> 00:39:33.359 with God 00:39:33.359 --> 00:39:33.779 would you 00:39:33.779 --> 00:39:34.779 now turn 00:39:34.779 --> 00:39:35.259 from your 00:39:35.259 --> 00:39:35.799 sin and 00:39:35.799 --> 00:39:36.759 trust and 00:39:36.759 --> 00:39:37.639 look to 00:39:37.639 --> 00:39:38.139 the risen 00:39:38.139 --> 00:39:38.699 Christ 00:39:38.699 --> 00:39:39.599 and you 00:39:39.599 --> 00:39:40.219 will live 00:39:40.219 --> 00:39:43.819 what do 00:39:43.819 --> 00:39:44.179 you see 00:39:44.179 --> 00:39:44.579 when you 00:39:44.579 --> 00:39:45.619 consider the 00:39:45.619 --> 00:39:46.139 message of 00:39:46.139 --> 00:39:46.639 the gospel 00:39:46.639 --> 00:39:48.899 to the 00:39:48.899 --> 00:39:49.299 perishing 00:39:49.299 --> 00:39:49.779 world 00:39:49.779 --> 00:39:50.419 they see 00:39:50.419 --> 00:39:51.519 foolishness 00:39:51.519 --> 00:39:53.019 a waste 00:39:53.019 --> 00:39:53.659 of time 00:39:53.659 --> 00:39:55.099 a waste 00:39:55.099 --> 00:39:55.779 of energy 00:39:55.779 --> 00:39:57.359 worth no 00:39:57.359 --> 00:39:57.859 more than 00:39:57.859 --> 00:39:58.379 to be rolled 00:39:58.379 --> 00:39:58.899 up and 00:39:58.899 --> 00:40:00.000 smoked away 00:40:00.000 --> 00:40:02.199 but to 00:40:02.199 --> 00:40:02.819 those who 00:40:02.819 --> 00:40:03.179 have been 00:40:03.179 --> 00:40:04.019 born again 00:40:04.019 --> 00:40:04.459 by the 00:40:04.459 --> 00:40:05.000 grace of 00:40:05.000 --> 00:40:05.299 God 00:40:05.299 --> 00:40:05.959 we see 00:40:05.959 --> 00:40:06.259 the 00:40:06.259 --> 00:40:07.399 undeniable 00:40:07.399 --> 00:40:09.219 irreversible 00:40:09.219 --> 00:40:10.299 irrefutable 00:40:10.299 --> 00:40:11.139 proof 00:40:11.139 --> 00:40:11.959 of the 00:40:11.959 --> 00:40:12.619 love of 00:40:12.619 --> 00:40:13.119 God 00:40:13.119 --> 00:40:14.059 for sinners 00:40:14.059 --> 00:40:15.819 God 00:40:15.819 --> 00:40:16.480 demonstrates 00:40:16.480 --> 00:40:16.959 his own 00:40:16.959 --> 00:40:17.459 love for 00:40:17.459 --> 00:40:18.059 us in 00:40:18.059 --> 00:40:18.619 this that 00:40:18.619 --> 00:40:19.419 while we 00:40:19.419 --> 00:40:20.019 were still 00:40:20.019 --> 00:40:20.739 sinners 00:40:20.739 --> 00:40:21.419 Christ 00:40:21.419 --> 00:40:22.219 died 00:40:22.219 --> 00:40:23.399 for us 00:40:23.399 --> 00:40:24.939 and we 00:40:24.939 --> 00:40:25.379 know by 00:40:25.379 --> 00:40:25.819 the grace 00:40:25.819 --> 00:40:26.359 of God 00:40:26.359 --> 00:40:27.119 that no 00:40:27.119 --> 00:40:27.639 matter what 00:40:27.639 --> 00:40:28.279 comes against 00:40:28.279 --> 00:40:28.859 us in 00:40:28.859 --> 00:40:29.500 this life 00:40:29.500 --> 00:40:29.819 whatever 00:40:29.819 --> 00:40:30.519 struggle 00:40:30.519 --> 00:40:30.919 whatever 00:40:30.919 --> 00:40:31.639 temptation 00:40:31.639 --> 00:40:32.139 whatever 00:40:32.139 --> 00:40:32.899 hardship 00:40:32.899 --> 00:40:33.299 whatever 00:40:33.299 --> 00:40:33.799 loss 00:40:33.799 --> 00:40:34.079 whatever 00:40:34.079 --> 00:40:34.699 suffering 00:40:34.699 --> 00:40:35.579 we are 00:40:35.579 --> 00:40:36.459 sure that 00:40:36.459 --> 00:40:36.699 neither 00:40:36.699 --> 00:40:37.299 death 00:40:37.299 --> 00:40:38.239 nor life 00:40:38.239 --> 00:40:39.119 nor angels 00:40:39.119 --> 00:40:40.019 nor rulers 00:40:40.019 --> 00:40:40.619 nor things 00:40:40.619 --> 00:40:41.259 present 00:40:41.259 --> 00:40:42.059 nor things 00:40:42.059 --> 00:40:42.719 to come 00:40:42.719 --> 00:40:43.759 nor powers 00:40:43.759 --> 00:40:44.339 nor height 00:40:44.339 --> 00:40:44.940 nor depth 00:40:44.940 --> 00:40:45.819 nor anything 00:40:45.819 --> 00:40:46.619 else in 00:40:46.619 --> 00:40:47.739 all creation 00:40:47.739 --> 00:40:48.719 will be able 00:40:48.719 --> 00:40:49.859 to separate 00:40:49.859 --> 00:40:51.000 us from 00:40:51.000 --> 00:40:51.480 the love 00:40:51.480 --> 00:40:52.159 of God 00:40:52.159 --> 00:40:53.119 in Christ 00:40:53.119 --> 00:40:53.719 Jesus 00:40:53.719 --> 00:40:54.940 our Lord 00:40:54.940 --> 00:40:58.859 the cross 00:40:58.859 --> 00:40:59.579 of Christ 00:40:59.579 --> 00:41:01.299 powerfully 00:41:01.299 --> 00:41:02.339 proves 00:41:02.339 --> 00:41:03.179 God's love 00:41:03.179 --> 00:41:03.960 for the world 00:41:03.960 --> 00:41:05.780 and the 00:41:05.780 --> 00:41:06.400 resurrection 00:41:06.400 --> 00:41:07.460 of Christ 00:41:07.460 --> 00:41:09.240 powerfully 00:41:09.240 --> 00:41:10.220 secures 00:41:10.220 --> 00:41:11.659 our experience 00:41:11.659 --> 00:41:12.340 of that 00:41:12.340 --> 00:41:12.840 love 00:41:12.840 --> 00:41:13.599 in ever 00:41:13.599 --> 00:41:14.360 increasing 00:41:14.360 --> 00:41:15.220 depth 00:41:15.220 --> 00:41:16.220 and delight 00:41:16.220 --> 00:41:17.599 for the rest 00:41:17.599 --> 00:41:18.720 of eternity 00:41:18.720 --> 00:41:20.980 this is good 00:41:20.980 --> 00:41:21.519 news 00:41:21.519 --> 00:41:22.280 church 00:41:22.280 --> 00:41:24.539 should you 00:41:24.539 --> 00:41:25.460 ever doubt 00:41:25.460 --> 00:41:26.139 the depth 00:41:26.139 --> 00:41:27.000 and seriousness 00:41:27.000 --> 00:41:28.039 of your sin 00:41:28.039 --> 00:41:28.400 would you 00:41:28.400 --> 00:41:29.220 remember the 00:41:29.220 --> 00:41:30.119 message of the 00:41:30.119 --> 00:41:30.539 gospel 00:41:30.539 --> 00:41:31.719 the love 00:41:31.719 --> 00:41:32.500 should you 00:41:32.500 --> 00:41:33.500 ever doubt 00:41:33.500 --> 00:41:34.199 the holiness 00:41:34.199 --> 00:41:34.980 of God 00:41:34.980 --> 00:41:35.960 his justice 00:41:35.960 --> 00:41:36.719 would you 00:41:36.719 --> 00:41:37.219 remember 00:41:37.219 --> 00:41:38.480 the message 00:41:38.480 --> 00:41:39.320 of the 00:41:39.320 --> 00:41:39.820 gospel 00:41:39.820 --> 00:41:39.860 will you 00:41:39.860 --> 00:41:41.599 ever doubt 00:41:41.599 --> 00:41:42.159 the power 00:41:42.159 --> 00:41:42.800 of God 00:41:42.800 --> 00:41:43.099 for the 00:41:43.099 --> 00:41:43.579 salvation 00:41:43.579 --> 00:41:44.119 of any 00:41:44.119 --> 00:41:44.320 who 00:41:44.320 --> 00:41:44.820 believes 00:41:44.820 --> 00:41:45.159 should you 00:41:45.159 --> 00:41:46.000 remember 00:41:46.000 --> 00:41:48.480 the message of the gospel. 00:41:48.699 --> 00:41:50.960 Should you ever doubt the love of God 00:41:50.960 --> 00:41:52.199 for a sinner like you, 00:41:53.579 --> 00:41:56.679 remember the message of the gospel. 00:41:57.960 --> 00:42:01.099 Look to Christ and live. 00:42:02.260 --> 00:42:02.940 Let's pray. 00:42:10.980 --> 00:42:13.579 Lord, we thank you and we praise you 00:42:13.579 --> 00:42:16.619 for your love, undeserved, unmerited, 00:42:17.880 --> 00:42:21.980 but given freely to all 00:42:21.980 --> 00:42:26.179 who come to Christ in faith. 00:42:27.219 --> 00:42:29.400 We thank you for this promise of eternal life 00:42:29.400 --> 00:42:31.639 that whosoever believes in him 00:42:31.639 --> 00:42:34.599 should not perish but have eternal life. 00:42:34.699 --> 00:42:37.219 We pray that if there are any here among us 00:42:37.219 --> 00:42:38.940 this morning who don't know you, 00:42:39.039 --> 00:42:41.199 would you give them that gift of eternal life. 00:42:41.199 --> 00:42:45.539 And Lord, for those who do belong to you, 00:42:45.699 --> 00:42:48.179 Father, we pray that we would be moved 00:42:48.179 --> 00:42:49.839 and encouraged and nourished 00:42:49.839 --> 00:42:51.799 by the love of God 00:42:51.799 --> 00:42:55.000 and the hope of the resurrection. 00:42:56.439 --> 00:42:57.759 We pray this in Christ's name. 00:42:58.719 --> 00:42:59.000 Amen. 00:42:59.000 --> 00:42:59.139 Amen. 00:42:59.500 --> 00:43:00.000 Amen. 00:43:00.000 --> 00:43:01.000 Amen. 00:43:01.000 --> 00:43:02.000 Amen. 00:43:02.000 --> 00:43:03.000 Amen. 00:43:03.000 --> 00:43:03.059 Amen. 00:43:03.059 --> 00:43:03.139 Amen. 00:43:03.139 --> 00:43:03.159 Amen.