WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.940 Good morning. 00:00:09.599 --> 00:00:14.160 If you'd like to, there are plenty of Bibles in the pews around you. 00:00:14.240 --> 00:00:17.900 ! I think it's page 780 is where we're going to park a little bit today. 00:00:18.640 --> 00:00:20.420 So you can be turning there. 00:00:21.800 --> 00:00:25.199 You saw on the back of your bulletin there's a little bit of an outline to follow. 00:00:25.199 --> 00:00:34.719 Now, Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11 may have been a favorite verse of many over the centuries. 00:00:35.700 --> 00:00:38.379 But I don't remember people quoting it when I was a kid. 00:00:39.640 --> 00:00:46.359 I think that since the escalation of something called the health and wealth movement over the past few decades, 00:00:46.359 --> 00:00:53.019 this verse has probably been quoted as a favorite verse and is seen on plaques and in greeting cards 00:00:53.020 --> 00:00:55.260 and other Christian merchandise. 00:00:55.500 --> 00:01:02.300 In fact, I just received this week a refrigerator magnet of Jeremiah 29 11. 00:01:02.859 --> 00:01:04.359 And I put it on my refrigerator, alright? 00:01:06.560 --> 00:01:11.100 Generally, this verse is quoted in the New International Version of the Bible. 00:01:11.579 --> 00:01:12.420 It goes like this, 00:01:12.420 --> 00:01:27.500 Now, on its face, I would say that believers, I want to emphasize that, 00:01:27.579 --> 00:01:29.500 believers in the Lord Jesus can say, 00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:30.140 Amen. 00:01:30.659 --> 00:01:33.480 Certainly, God knows the plans He has for us, right? 00:01:34.040 --> 00:01:36.400 I mean, after all, they're His plans, right? 00:01:36.400 --> 00:01:41.920 And He works all things according to His will and for His own good pleasure. 00:01:42.640 --> 00:01:46.380 His plans are for us good and not evil. 00:01:46.520 --> 00:01:48.440 We learn that from many places in the Bible. 00:01:49.160 --> 00:01:51.440 In Him, we have hope regarding the future, 00:01:51.800 --> 00:01:54.820 at least for our future glorification. 00:01:55.380 --> 00:01:56.060 That's certain. 00:01:57.500 --> 00:01:59.600 There are good things to remember. 00:01:59.780 --> 00:02:00.800 These are good things to remember. 00:02:00.960 --> 00:02:04.280 Good reasons to give thanks to God and good reasons to rejoice. 00:02:04.280 --> 00:02:12.240 Unfortunately, too many people have fixated their attention on plans to prosper you. 00:02:12.639 --> 00:02:17.460 I think assuming material possessions are the focal point of Jeremiah's prophecy. 00:02:18.280 --> 00:02:24.280 The expectation of hope in a future is often understood today as short-term 00:02:24.280 --> 00:02:31.639 in expectation of or anticipating material blessings here during our earthly lives, 00:02:31.639 --> 00:02:35.919 even expecting prosperity in the immediate future. 00:02:36.899 --> 00:02:42.379 And I would like for us to look a little bit more closely to the context of this passage. 00:02:42.559 --> 00:02:43.779 We'll get there in a couple minutes. 00:02:44.419 --> 00:02:45.639 I would like for us to... 00:02:46.199 --> 00:02:51.799 And part of the reason is I think that together we need to learn perhaps a little bit more 00:02:51.799 --> 00:02:54.759 about how to interpret the Bible 00:02:54.759 --> 00:02:57.579 so that we make sure that we interpret it correctly 00:02:57.579 --> 00:03:03.599 and that will help us sharpen our focus on the promises that God has made 00:03:03.599 --> 00:03:06.479 and promises that He will absolutely keep. 00:03:07.459 --> 00:03:11.840 What I don't want to do is to rip off a promise like tearing, 00:03:12.419 --> 00:03:15.399 trying to remove a stubborn bandage and leave you in pain. 00:03:15.539 --> 00:03:17.399 I'm not trying to do that. 00:03:17.400 --> 00:03:21.439 But what I want us to do is to understand this passage in its context 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:27.980 and then see if we can actually accurately and appropriately make some application 00:03:27.980 --> 00:03:33.379 and see if we can understand a little bit more what this is saying. 00:03:33.980 --> 00:03:35.180 So here's the verse again. 00:03:35.939 --> 00:03:38.900 This is from NIV to start with. 00:03:38.980 --> 00:03:41.080 We'll get to another translation in a bit. 00:03:41.080 --> 00:03:44.920 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 00:03:45.440 --> 00:03:48.160 plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 00:03:48.620 --> 00:03:52.100 plans to give you hope and a future. 00:03:53.360 --> 00:03:55.800 Let's pray before we get into this. 00:03:56.100 --> 00:03:57.820 Father, thank You for Your Word. 00:03:58.400 --> 00:04:02.760 Thank You that Your Word is given to us by You 00:04:02.760 --> 00:04:06.620 through prophets, apostles, and others who recorded it. 00:04:07.140 --> 00:04:08.520 Thank You that we have it. 00:04:08.520 --> 00:04:10.920 You desire that we understand it. 00:04:11.660 --> 00:04:15.600 And You call us to make appropriate application to it. 00:04:16.280 --> 00:04:19.560 And You call us to have our lives driven by it. 00:04:20.280 --> 00:04:23.120 So help us, we pray, as we study this text 00:04:23.120 --> 00:04:26.840 and then encourage us by the promises that You have made. 00:04:27.280 --> 00:04:30.900 For Your promises that are made certainly are always kept. 00:04:31.600 --> 00:04:33.220 And we thank You in Jesus' name. 00:04:33.639 --> 00:04:33.900 Amen. 00:04:33.900 --> 00:04:35.460 All right. 00:04:35.800 --> 00:04:39.000 Context in terms of where this verse appears. 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:42.000 Nebuchadnezzar, that's probably a name you know. 00:04:42.540 --> 00:04:44.300 Nebuchadnezzar was during the time of Daniel. 00:04:44.819 --> 00:04:48.019 He was involved with the Babylonian people, 00:04:48.500 --> 00:04:49.480 the Babylonian Empire. 00:04:49.720 --> 00:04:51.699 Nebuchadnezzar was leading the Babylonian army. 00:04:52.519 --> 00:04:55.839 He besieged Jerusalem about 605 B.C. 00:04:55.839 --> 00:04:58.899 And he was on the threshold of taking the city. 00:04:58.899 --> 00:05:04.899 In fact, he succeeded actually in bringing the king of Judah, Jehoiakim, to a place of surrender. 00:05:05.199 --> 00:05:06.779 And he planned to take him back to Babylon. 00:05:06.779 --> 00:05:09.939 But before the process could be completed, 00:05:10.539 --> 00:05:16.000 Nebuchadnezzar got a very serious and important message given to him 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:20.599 that his father, the king Nebuchadnezzar, had just died. 00:05:21.139 --> 00:05:26.879 Well, he had to hurry and get back to Babylon in order to secure the throne for himself. 00:05:26.879 --> 00:05:31.079 So he didn't complete his siege against the city. 00:05:31.779 --> 00:05:36.980 But before he left, he did force Jehoiakim, the king of Judah, 00:05:37.519 --> 00:05:41.639 to promise loyalty by paying annual tributes. 00:05:42.699 --> 00:05:43.759 It went something like this. 00:05:44.199 --> 00:05:47.180 You give me money, maybe I won't destroy you. 00:05:47.639 --> 00:05:49.219 How's that for an agreement? 00:05:49.480 --> 00:05:51.159 That was pretty much what was going on. 00:05:51.819 --> 00:05:55.879 So some of the Israelites were deported at this time. 00:05:55.879 --> 00:05:59.920 Daniel, you know the stories of Daniel and his three friends. 00:06:00.240 --> 00:06:02.279 We know them as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 00:06:02.719 --> 00:06:05.180 They were all transported back to Babylon. 00:06:05.600 --> 00:06:07.000 There are many others that were too. 00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:12.879 Well, things went reasonably well during that three years 00:06:12.879 --> 00:06:17.060 that Jehoiakim was paying tribute to Nebuchadnezzar. 00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:22.420 But at the end of three years, he decided to no longer do that. 00:06:22.420 --> 00:06:29.040 That was against the threat of Nebuchadnezzar coming back. 00:06:29.280 --> 00:06:36.040 But it was also against the warnings, the vigorous warnings by the prophet Jeremiah. 00:06:37.580 --> 00:06:41.900 So actually this verse that we're considering was written to the exiles 00:06:41.900 --> 00:06:45.800 from Jerusalem who were in Babylon. 00:06:45.800 --> 00:06:49.879 Not to the people in Jerusalem at the time, but to the exiles. 00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:54.240 Those who were already there in Babylon, including Daniel and others. 00:06:54.800 --> 00:06:58.040 Jeremiah prophesied that the captivity would eventually end, 00:06:58.259 --> 00:07:01.139 but it would be many years before it actually would happen. 00:07:01.680 --> 00:07:06.199 The city was captured in 597 B.C., 00:07:06.199 --> 00:07:09.980 methodically destroyed by the time of 586 B.C. 00:07:09.980 --> 00:07:13.080 Temple gone, walls gone, city gone. 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:18.939 Well, here's a portion of the text that will help us to get a grip 00:07:18.939 --> 00:07:22.000 on what Jeremiah 29.11 is saying. 00:07:22.199 --> 00:07:23.879 This is from the English Standard Version, 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:27.620 the version that we typically use here at Christ the King Church 00:07:27.620 --> 00:07:29.299 when we preach and teach. 00:07:29.799 --> 00:07:31.560 So here it is. You can turn there if you like. 00:07:31.699 --> 00:07:33.459 It's the beginning of chapter 29. 00:07:33.459 --> 00:07:39.739 These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem 00:07:39.739 --> 00:07:44.439 to the surviving elders of the exiles, 00:07:44.620 --> 00:07:46.419 and to the priests, and to the prophets, 00:07:46.419 --> 00:07:50.979 and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile 00:07:50.979 --> 00:07:53.319 from Jerusalem to Babylon. 00:07:54.099 --> 00:07:56.019 Thus says the Lord of hosts, verse 4, 00:07:56.019 --> 00:08:25.159 Now, what's he talking about? Babylon. 00:08:25.160 --> 00:08:27.439 Babylon. All you people in Babylon do this. 00:08:28.520 --> 00:08:32.279 Seek the welfare of the city, Babylon, where I have sent you in exile, 00:08:32.700 --> 00:08:35.259 and pray to the Lord on its behalf, 00:08:35.660 --> 00:08:39.460 for in its welfare you will find your welfare. 00:08:41.080 --> 00:08:43.240 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, 00:08:43.680 --> 00:08:48.960 Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, 00:08:48.960 --> 00:08:51.600 and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, 00:08:52.240 --> 00:08:57.379 for it's a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name. 00:08:57.379 --> 00:08:59.600 I did not send them, declares the Lord. 00:09:00.080 --> 00:09:01.040 For thus says the Lord, 00:09:01.240 --> 00:09:04.360 When seventy years are completed for Babylon, 00:09:04.759 --> 00:09:06.180 I will visit you. 00:09:06.179 --> 00:09:09.979 I will fulfill to you my promise, 00:09:10.159 --> 00:09:12.899 and bring you back to this place. 00:09:13.899 --> 00:09:16.379 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. 00:09:16.779 --> 00:09:18.759 Plans for welfare, not for evil, 00:09:18.939 --> 00:09:21.559 to give you a future and a hope. 00:09:21.779 --> 00:09:24.339 So all that related to them being exiled, 00:09:24.579 --> 00:09:26.659 and then seventy years brought back. 00:09:27.379 --> 00:09:30.839 The rest of the part of the text I'm going to read begins at verse 12. 00:09:30.840 --> 00:09:34.780 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, 00:09:34.899 --> 00:09:35.860 and I will hear you. 00:09:36.139 --> 00:09:37.639 You will seek me and find me, 00:09:37.700 --> 00:09:39.379 and when you seek me with all your heart, 00:09:39.639 --> 00:09:42.060 I will be found by you, declares the Lord. 00:09:42.300 --> 00:09:44.840 I will restore your fortunes and gather you 00:09:44.840 --> 00:09:48.100 from all the nations and all the places where I've driven you, 00:09:48.180 --> 00:09:48.780 declares the Lord, 00:09:48.940 --> 00:09:54.019 and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. 00:09:54.820 --> 00:09:55.900 And that's what happened. 00:09:56.440 --> 00:09:57.639 After seventy years, 00:09:58.019 --> 00:09:59.720 God's promise was fulfilled. 00:09:59.720 --> 00:10:02.440 Judah was allowed back into the land of promise. 00:10:03.220 --> 00:10:04.320 But most of the people, 00:10:04.519 --> 00:10:05.800 I think this is important to remember, 00:10:06.180 --> 00:10:07.800 most of the people in exile, 00:10:08.120 --> 00:10:10.460 to whom the letter was written by Jeremiah, 00:10:10.860 --> 00:10:13.680 a letter probably written in 594 B.C., 00:10:13.680 --> 00:10:18.820 most of those people never made it back to Jerusalem. 00:10:19.320 --> 00:10:19.840 You know why? 00:10:20.960 --> 00:10:24.080 Because if they were an adult going into exile, 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:26.620 seventy years passed before they could go back. 00:10:26.620 --> 00:10:28.620 Most of them died in Babylon. 00:10:29.720 --> 00:10:33.279 Though false prophets, 00:10:33.440 --> 00:10:36.560 both in Jerusalem and in Babylon, 00:10:37.440 --> 00:10:39.660 claimed the captivity would be over very quickly, 00:10:40.220 --> 00:10:42.420 God, through Jeremiah, said no. 00:10:43.000 --> 00:10:45.660 Even the time of the captivity was made very clear. 00:10:45.820 --> 00:10:47.120 In one of the verses I read, 00:10:47.500 --> 00:10:49.500 it was prophesied to be seventy years, 00:10:49.820 --> 00:10:51.240 and it was exactly true, 00:10:51.560 --> 00:10:53.180 just as God had said. 00:10:53.179 --> 00:10:54.359 All right. 00:10:54.799 --> 00:10:56.559 So, let's go back to that verse 00:10:56.559 --> 00:10:58.219 and see if we can learn a little bit more. 00:10:58.979 --> 00:11:00.419 Jeremiah 29 11. 00:11:00.419 --> 00:11:02.620 I'm going to read about four different translations, 00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:04.979 just to give you an idea of what translators 00:11:04.979 --> 00:11:06.219 sometimes do with the text. 00:11:06.599 --> 00:11:09.639 The verse that you often see on refrigerator magnets 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:10.919 and other places, 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:14.239 the verses that you see are almost always quoted 00:11:14.239 --> 00:11:16.759 in the New International Version. 00:11:17.359 --> 00:11:18.120 And here's the verse. 00:11:18.120 --> 00:11:19.940 For I know the plans I have for you, 00:11:20.259 --> 00:11:21.060 declares the Lord, 00:11:21.460 --> 00:11:23.299 plans to prosper you 00:11:23.299 --> 00:11:24.899 and not to harm you, 00:11:25.240 --> 00:11:26.639 plans to give you hope 00:11:26.639 --> 00:11:27.659 in a future. 00:11:29.100 --> 00:11:30.440 ESV, which we use, 00:11:31.279 --> 00:11:32.860 for I know the plans I have for you, 00:11:32.940 --> 00:11:33.679 declares the Lord, 00:11:33.679 --> 00:11:34.320 the Lord, 00:11:34.399 --> 00:11:35.720 the Lord, 00:11:36.259 --> 00:11:40.100 plans for not prosper, 00:11:40.240 --> 00:11:41.940 but plans for welfare 00:11:41.940 --> 00:11:44.240 and not harm, 00:11:44.320 --> 00:11:45.380 but not for evil, 00:11:45.960 --> 00:11:47.880 to give you a future 00:11:47.880 --> 00:11:48.900 and a hope. 00:11:49.820 --> 00:11:50.460 King James, 00:11:50.580 --> 00:11:52.620 if you still are using the King James Version, 00:11:52.960 --> 00:11:53.500 goes like this. 00:11:53.720 --> 00:11:54.720 For I know the thoughts 00:11:54.720 --> 00:11:56.580 that I think toward you, 00:11:56.680 --> 00:11:57.660 saith the Lord, 00:11:58.020 --> 00:11:59.520 thoughts of peace 00:11:59.520 --> 00:12:00.680 and not of evil, 00:12:01.140 --> 00:12:03.360 to give you an expected end. 00:12:04.160 --> 00:12:05.120 The New King James, 00:12:05.200 --> 00:12:06.760 which updated a few things, 00:12:07.160 --> 00:12:07.420 said, 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:08.420 for I know the thoughts 00:12:08.420 --> 00:12:09.620 that I think toward you, 00:12:09.700 --> 00:12:10.280 says the Lord, 00:12:10.660 --> 00:12:11.920 thoughts of peace, 00:12:11.940 --> 00:12:12.920 and not of evil, 00:12:13.220 --> 00:12:14.840 to give you a future 00:12:14.840 --> 00:12:16.140 and a hope. 00:12:16.880 --> 00:12:18.120 So the Hebrew word 00:12:18.120 --> 00:12:20.240 that's translated prosper 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:21.880 in the one text, 00:12:22.280 --> 00:12:23.400 welfare in another, 00:12:23.560 --> 00:12:24.960 and peace in the other two, 00:12:25.160 --> 00:12:28.640 is actually the word shalom. 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:31.300 That's the Hebrew word. 00:12:32.380 --> 00:12:33.720 So we're going to compare that 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:34.200 a little bit 00:12:34.200 --> 00:12:35.920 with another passage, 00:12:36.080 --> 00:12:36.620 another verse, 00:12:36.940 --> 00:12:38.420 that comes from Jeremiah, 00:12:38.540 --> 00:12:39.840 comes from God through Jeremiah, 00:12:40.400 --> 00:12:41.920 and it's in Jeremiah chapter 38. 00:12:41.940 --> 00:12:43.100 You can look at that if you like, 00:12:43.180 --> 00:12:44.480 chapter 38, verse 4. 00:12:45.720 --> 00:12:47.540 When Jerusalem was under siege, 00:12:47.740 --> 00:12:48.900 Jeremiah was telling the people 00:12:48.900 --> 00:12:51.260 to surrender to the Babylonians 00:12:51.260 --> 00:12:52.640 and to go with them 00:12:52.640 --> 00:12:54.660 into captivity without resistance. 00:12:55.160 --> 00:12:56.080 That was his message. 00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:58.900 That's what God had told him to do. 00:12:58.960 --> 00:12:59.180 Remember? 00:12:59.320 --> 00:12:59.840 Go there 00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:01.860 and live the way 00:13:01.860 --> 00:13:03.000 you're supposed to live there. 00:13:03.460 --> 00:13:04.920 Raise your families there. 00:13:05.400 --> 00:13:06.720 Build houses there. 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:08.379 But in 70 years 00:13:08.379 --> 00:13:10.220 will bring the nation back. 00:13:10.440 --> 00:13:11.300 That was the promise. 00:13:12.340 --> 00:13:12.560 Well, 00:13:12.759 --> 00:13:14.019 if the Jews refused 00:13:14.019 --> 00:13:15.860 and they stayed in Jerusalem, 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:17.259 guess what would happen to them? 00:13:17.320 --> 00:13:18.139 They would perish. 00:13:19.060 --> 00:13:19.240 So, 00:13:19.399 --> 00:13:21.139 Jeremiah's encouraging them, 00:13:21.540 --> 00:13:22.519 surrender to Babylon, 00:13:22.840 --> 00:13:24.040 go to Babylon in exile. 00:13:25.440 --> 00:13:26.240 Here's the verse. 00:13:27.100 --> 00:13:27.899 Then the officials, 00:13:28.180 --> 00:13:28.960 these are the officials 00:13:28.960 --> 00:13:29.879 of Jerusalem, 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:30.540 in Jerusalem, 00:13:30.940 --> 00:13:31.800 said to the king, 00:13:31.860 --> 00:13:32.680 the king of Judah, 00:13:32.679 --> 00:13:35.659 let this man be put to death. 00:13:35.699 --> 00:13:36.439 They're talking about Jeremiah. 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:38.419 Let this man be put to death 00:13:38.419 --> 00:13:39.679 for he is weakening 00:13:39.679 --> 00:13:40.899 the hands of the soldiers 00:13:40.899 --> 00:13:42.539 who are left in this city 00:13:42.539 --> 00:13:44.120 and the hands of all the people 00:13:44.120 --> 00:13:46.219 by speaking such words to them. 00:13:46.679 --> 00:13:48.299 For this man is not, 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:49.939 not seeking the welfare 00:13:49.939 --> 00:13:50.639 of this people, 00:13:51.239 --> 00:13:52.319 but their harm. 00:13:53.819 --> 00:13:54.839 Interesting, isn't it? 00:13:54.839 --> 00:13:55.819 Just about backwards 00:13:55.819 --> 00:13:57.479 of what God had said. 00:13:58.459 --> 00:13:59.459 The promise of peace 00:13:59.459 --> 00:14:01.439 was given to the exiles 00:14:01.440 --> 00:14:03.200 in Babylon, 00:14:03.640 --> 00:14:04.740 not to the people 00:14:04.740 --> 00:14:06.560 who were in Jerusalem. 00:14:07.420 --> 00:14:09.000 God's plan for the exiles 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:10.680 was for their welfare, 00:14:11.100 --> 00:14:12.380 not for their harm, 00:14:12.720 --> 00:14:14.080 not for evil against them. 00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:15.100 If they surrendered 00:14:15.100 --> 00:14:16.220 to the Babylonians, 00:14:16.560 --> 00:14:17.860 but if they remained 00:14:17.860 --> 00:14:18.480 in Jerusalem 00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:19.860 resisting the Babylonians, 00:14:20.200 --> 00:14:21.240 harm would come to them. 00:14:21.920 --> 00:14:23.100 The officials were warning 00:14:23.100 --> 00:14:24.380 that if Jeremiah's counsel 00:14:24.380 --> 00:14:25.040 was followed, 00:14:25.400 --> 00:14:26.180 the results would be 00:14:26.180 --> 00:14:26.920 exactly opposite 00:14:26.920 --> 00:14:27.900 of what God had said, 00:14:28.900 --> 00:14:29.820 God had promised 00:14:29.820 --> 00:14:31.020 and Jeremiah had announced. 00:14:31.440 --> 00:14:33.580 So Jeremiah was telling 00:14:33.580 --> 00:14:36.060 the exiles in Babylon 00:14:36.060 --> 00:14:37.600 to live out their lives 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:39.280 in Babylon 00:14:39.280 --> 00:14:40.660 as normal as they could. 00:14:41.200 --> 00:14:42.400 The promise to return 00:14:42.400 --> 00:14:43.540 would come eventually, 00:14:43.700 --> 00:14:44.400 but for most, 00:14:44.860 --> 00:14:45.600 they would probably 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:46.520 not see it. 00:14:48.800 --> 00:14:49.960 That's the background 00:14:49.960 --> 00:14:50.940 of our text. 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:51.840 For I know the plans 00:14:51.840 --> 00:14:52.680 I have for you, 00:14:53.040 --> 00:14:53.720 declares the Lord, 00:14:53.820 --> 00:14:54.720 plans for welfare 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:56.220 and not for evil, 00:14:56.660 --> 00:14:57.740 to give you a future 00:14:57.740 --> 00:14:59.100 and a hope. 00:14:59.100 --> 00:15:01.460 Now, let's look at 00:15:01.460 --> 00:15:03.800 application just a little bit. 00:15:04.980 --> 00:15:06.860 Is there appropriate 00:15:06.860 --> 00:15:08.659 application for believers 00:15:08.659 --> 00:15:12.159 from Jeremiah 29, verse 11? 00:15:13.440 --> 00:15:15.320 Let's start with just looking 00:15:15.320 --> 00:15:17.420 at Daniel and his three friends 00:15:17.420 --> 00:15:17.899 for a moment. 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:20.320 They were exiled to Babylon 00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:21.600 and they remained there. 00:15:22.540 --> 00:15:24.500 They rose to prominent positions 00:15:24.500 --> 00:15:25.420 there, actually, 00:15:25.419 --> 00:15:27.399 but their lives were not 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:28.939 without trials and dangers. 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:31.240 Remember that they were 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:33.139 charged with betrayal 00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:36.039 by jealous coworkers. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:38.799 They were demanded 00:15:38.799 --> 00:15:41.179 to bow to idolatrous images 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:43.500 or they would face death 00:15:43.500 --> 00:15:44.899 by being burned alive 00:15:44.899 --> 00:15:46.299 in a fiery furnace 00:15:46.299 --> 00:15:48.000 or thrown into a den 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:48.839 of hungry lions. 00:15:49.039 --> 00:15:50.039 You know the stories. 00:15:50.039 --> 00:15:53.360 With God's protection, 00:15:54.459 --> 00:15:55.219 these people 00:15:55.219 --> 00:15:56.740 lived out their years 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:57.959 generally in peace 00:15:57.959 --> 00:15:59.579 as God had promised 00:15:59.579 --> 00:16:00.599 regarding their welfare 00:16:00.599 --> 00:16:01.419 and their protection 00:16:01.419 --> 00:16:02.740 from evil. 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:04.059 So do we have 00:16:04.059 --> 00:16:05.480 a parallel today? 00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:05.919 Well, 00:16:07.500 --> 00:16:08.299 though the fulfillment 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:09.039 of the promise 00:16:09.039 --> 00:16:09.959 of hope and a future 00:16:09.959 --> 00:16:11.139 was decades away, 00:16:11.699 --> 00:16:13.379 God's purposes remained 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:15.480 and he was in complete control. 00:16:16.039 --> 00:16:17.219 Certainly that's true today. 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:19.440 After 70 years, 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:20.720 God promised his people 00:16:20.720 --> 00:16:23.220 that judgment 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:24.680 would be fulfilled 00:16:24.680 --> 00:16:26.279 and they would go back 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:26.920 into the land. 00:16:27.160 --> 00:16:28.120 But even exile, 00:16:28.300 --> 00:16:29.340 God was with his people. 00:16:29.940 --> 00:16:30.279 In fact, 00:16:30.800 --> 00:16:31.720 I'm sorry, 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:34.120 Isaiah prophesied 00:16:34.120 --> 00:16:35.899 about 100 years 00:16:35.899 --> 00:16:37.360 before any of this happened 00:16:37.360 --> 00:16:39.080 in a passage you know, 00:16:39.540 --> 00:16:40.940 Isaiah chapter 40. 00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:42.100 You know the end of it, 00:16:42.139 --> 00:16:42.519 I'm sure. 00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:45.160 He's talking about Babylon. 00:16:45.340 --> 00:16:45.899 He's talking about 00:16:45.899 --> 00:16:46.720 what was going to happen. 00:16:47.220 --> 00:16:48.840 Ten decades from there. 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:49.899 Behold, 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:51.420 the Lord God comes 00:16:51.420 --> 00:16:52.220 with might 00:16:52.220 --> 00:16:54.320 and his arm rules 00:16:54.320 --> 00:16:55.160 for him. 00:16:55.660 --> 00:16:55.940 Behold, 00:16:56.019 --> 00:16:57.740 his reward is with him 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:58.860 and his recompense 00:16:58.860 --> 00:16:59.540 before him. 00:16:59.879 --> 00:17:02.160 He will tread his flock 00:17:02.160 --> 00:17:02.860 like a shepherd. 00:17:03.580 --> 00:17:04.059 I'm sorry, 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:05.000 tend his flock 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:05.600 like a shepherd. 00:17:06.079 --> 00:17:06.779 He will gather 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:08.299 the lambs in his arms. 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:09.799 He will carry them 00:17:09.799 --> 00:17:10.700 in his bosom 00:17:10.700 --> 00:17:12.259 and gently lead 00:17:12.259 --> 00:17:13.700 those that are 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:14.559 with young. 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:16.240 even youths 00:17:16.240 --> 00:17:17.119 shall faint 00:17:17.119 --> 00:17:17.859 and be weary 00:17:17.859 --> 00:17:19.000 and young men 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:20.440 shall fall exhausted 00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:22.200 but those who wait 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:22.919 for the Lord 00:17:22.919 --> 00:17:24.779 shall renew their strength. 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:26.359 They shall mount up 00:17:26.359 --> 00:17:26.960 with wings 00:17:26.960 --> 00:17:27.720 like eagles. 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:29.039 They shall run 00:17:29.039 --> 00:17:29.799 and not be weary. 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:31.539 They shall walk 00:17:31.539 --> 00:17:32.779 and not faint. 00:17:33.119 --> 00:17:34.279 Most likely a prophecy 00:17:34.279 --> 00:17:35.139 for the people 00:17:35.139 --> 00:17:36.200 in Babylon. 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:39.200 Now I think 00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:40.100 we can make 00:17:40.100 --> 00:17:40.819 a good case 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:41.400 right now 00:17:41.400 --> 00:17:42.440 that we as believers 00:17:42.440 --> 00:17:43.860 are essentially 00:17:43.860 --> 00:17:45.620 aliens, 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:46.740 exiles, 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:47.700 right? 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:48.500 I mean, 00:17:48.580 --> 00:17:49.160 we are living 00:17:49.160 --> 00:17:50.900 in a Babylonish world, 00:17:51.120 --> 00:17:51.460 okay? 00:17:51.940 --> 00:17:52.460 We're living 00:17:52.460 --> 00:17:53.420 in a lost world, 00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:54.360 a messed up world, 00:17:54.460 --> 00:17:55.279 a terrible world 00:17:55.279 --> 00:17:56.500 and so in that sense 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:57.380 we are kind of like 00:17:57.380 --> 00:17:58.039 the exiles 00:17:58.039 --> 00:18:00.100 of Judah 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:01.919 and we need 00:18:01.919 --> 00:18:02.339 to remember 00:18:02.339 --> 00:18:03.779 that our citizenship 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:04.639 is in heaven 00:18:04.639 --> 00:18:06.819 and Jesus promises 00:18:06.819 --> 00:18:07.740 us that we will 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:08.639 have tribulations 00:18:08.639 --> 00:18:09.079 here, 00:18:09.219 --> 00:18:09.439 right? 00:18:10.039 --> 00:18:10.619 But remember 00:18:10.619 --> 00:18:11.219 what he said, 00:18:12.019 --> 00:18:12.759 in me 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:14.799 you will have 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:15.959 peace. 00:18:17.399 --> 00:18:18.419 It's a great promise. 00:18:19.379 --> 00:18:20.039 And then he said, 00:18:20.419 --> 00:18:21.019 take heart, 00:18:21.500 --> 00:18:22.699 I have overcome 00:18:22.699 --> 00:18:24.099 the world. 00:18:25.099 --> 00:18:25.779 So though we may 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.959 live in a Babylonish 00:18:26.959 --> 00:18:28.039 world kind of today 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:29.399 and we are exiles 00:18:29.399 --> 00:18:30.619 on our way 00:18:30.619 --> 00:18:31.759 to heaven, 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.859 the problems 00:18:33.859 --> 00:18:34.299 are there, 00:18:34.419 --> 00:18:34.959 the difficulties 00:18:34.959 --> 00:18:35.500 are there, 00:18:35.639 --> 00:18:36.299 but we have 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:36.819 his peace 00:18:36.819 --> 00:18:37.939 and we have 00:18:37.939 --> 00:18:39.699 the assurance 00:18:39.699 --> 00:18:40.179 that he has 00:18:40.179 --> 00:18:41.019 overcome the world. 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:42.899 Now there's no 00:18:42.899 --> 00:18:43.419 promise 00:18:43.419 --> 00:18:44.459 guaranteeing 00:18:44.459 --> 00:18:45.000 that we will be 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:45.879 healthy and wealthy 00:18:45.879 --> 00:18:47.919 throughout this life. 00:18:48.399 --> 00:18:48.719 In fact, 00:18:48.819 --> 00:18:50.019 any biblical promises 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:51.019 of prosperity 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:52.719 for the believer 00:18:52.719 --> 00:18:54.079 is spiritual. 00:18:54.879 --> 00:18:56.539 It's not physical. 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:58.139 Some may live 00:18:58.139 --> 00:18:58.919 a long time 00:18:58.919 --> 00:18:59.679 and have excellent 00:18:59.679 --> 00:19:00.059 health. 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:01.559 Others may be 00:19:01.559 --> 00:19:02.779 sickly most 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:03.519 of their lives. 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:04.699 Some will gain 00:19:04.699 --> 00:19:05.219 much of this 00:19:05.219 --> 00:19:06.039 world's possessions 00:19:06.039 --> 00:19:07.039 while others 00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:07.799 will have very little. 00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:09.500 Any riches 00:19:09.500 --> 00:19:10.719 we might possess 00:19:10.719 --> 00:19:12.419 did not come to us 00:19:12.419 --> 00:19:13.240 as rewards 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:14.279 for faithfulness. 00:19:15.459 --> 00:19:16.039 In fact, 00:19:16.359 --> 00:19:17.119 sometimes 00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:18.539 they are more 00:19:18.539 --> 00:19:19.379 of a curse 00:19:19.379 --> 00:19:20.539 than a blessing. 00:19:21.379 --> 00:19:21.919 The Bible 00:19:21.919 --> 00:19:22.839 talks about that. 00:19:22.839 --> 00:19:24.919 They are often 00:19:24.919 --> 00:19:25.779 a distraction 00:19:25.779 --> 00:19:26.779 from following 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:27.259 Jesus. 00:19:28.220 --> 00:19:29.019 Contentment 00:19:29.019 --> 00:19:31.019 is the blessing 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:32.659 regardless of 00:19:32.659 --> 00:19:33.279 whether we have 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:34.779 little or much. 00:19:35.619 --> 00:19:36.599 Thanks for that, 00:19:36.899 --> 00:19:37.240 Zach, 00:19:37.439 --> 00:19:37.939 yesterday. 00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:41.440 God has 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:42.480 to understand 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:43.140 the plans 00:19:43.140 --> 00:19:43.700 God has 00:19:43.700 --> 00:19:44.360 for us 00:19:44.360 --> 00:19:45.440 and for our 00:19:45.440 --> 00:19:45.900 peace 00:19:45.900 --> 00:19:47.100 and for our 00:19:47.100 --> 00:19:47.440 hope 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:49.019 and for our 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:49.480 future. 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:51.140 What I'd like to do 00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:52.500 is take those 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:53.500 concepts 00:19:53.500 --> 00:19:54.539 that appear 00:19:54.539 --> 00:19:56.460 in Jeremiah 29 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:58.059 and transpose 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:58.600 those, 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.380 if you will, 00:19:59.580 --> 00:20:00.720 to the New Testament 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:01.940 and give you 00:20:01.940 --> 00:20:02.799 promises 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:02.839 promises 00:20:02.839 --> 00:20:03.619 that were 00:20:03.619 --> 00:20:04.279 specifically 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:04.940 given 00:20:04.940 --> 00:20:06.480 to us 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:07.099 as believers 00:20:07.099 --> 00:20:07.740 in Jesus 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:08.919 right now. 00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:09.419 Okay? 00:20:10.180 --> 00:20:10.940 So let's start 00:20:10.940 --> 00:20:13.399 with a sample 00:20:13.399 --> 00:20:14.019 of New Testament 00:20:14.019 --> 00:20:14.559 promises 00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:15.779 given to us 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:16.440 by God 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:17.460 about His 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:18.799 plans for us. 00:20:19.619 --> 00:20:20.399 I love this 00:20:20.399 --> 00:20:20.859 passage. 00:20:21.139 --> 00:20:21.740 You know it, 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:22.139 but sometimes 00:20:22.139 --> 00:20:23.619 we don't get 00:20:23.619 --> 00:20:25.059 the magnitude 00:20:25.059 --> 00:20:25.639 of it. 00:20:26.639 --> 00:20:27.819 For we know 00:20:27.819 --> 00:20:29.000 that those 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:30.259 who love God, 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:31.460 let me read it 00:20:31.460 --> 00:20:31.619 again, 00:20:31.859 --> 00:20:32.420 and we know 00:20:32.420 --> 00:20:33.079 that for those 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:33.859 who love God, 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:35.359 all things, 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:37.240 all things 00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:38.400 work together 00:20:38.400 --> 00:20:40.079 for good. 00:20:40.920 --> 00:20:41.500 Not all things 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:41.819 are good. 00:20:42.079 --> 00:20:42.700 All things work 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:43.680 together for good 00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:44.900 for those 00:20:44.900 --> 00:20:46.099 who are called 00:20:46.099 --> 00:20:47.559 according to 00:20:47.559 --> 00:20:48.400 His purpose. 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:49.900 Talk about plans 00:20:49.900 --> 00:20:50.420 that God has 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:50.779 for us. 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:51.720 That's amazing. 00:20:52.819 --> 00:20:53.460 What about this? 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:54.819 This gets even 00:20:54.819 --> 00:20:55.460 more specific. 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:56.879 Romans chapter 8 00:20:56.879 --> 00:20:57.879 verses 31-32. 00:20:58.359 --> 00:20:59.720 If God is for us, 00:21:00.259 --> 00:21:00.640 what? 00:21:01.599 --> 00:21:02.039 Who can be 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:02.759 against us? 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:05.519 He who did not 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:06.460 spare His own 00:21:06.460 --> 00:21:07.500 Son but gave 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:08.400 Him up for us 00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:10.379 all, how will 00:21:10.379 --> 00:21:11.940 He not also 00:21:11.940 --> 00:21:13.000 with Him 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:13.819 graciously give 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:14.480 us all things? 00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:15.799 And the all 00:21:15.799 --> 00:21:16.980 things are all 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:17.480 the things we 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:18.019 live to live 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:18.879 godly in Christ 00:21:18.879 --> 00:21:19.240 Jesus. 00:21:20.059 --> 00:21:20.460 That's His 00:21:20.460 --> 00:21:21.259 promise to us. 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:22.480 Or how about 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:22.819 this? 00:21:23.799 --> 00:21:24.599 Ephesians chapter 00:21:24.599 --> 00:21:24.980 1. 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:26.920 In Him we have 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:27.460 redemption 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:28.420 through His blood, 00:21:28.819 --> 00:21:29.359 the forgiveness 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:30.599 of our trespasses 00:21:30.599 --> 00:21:31.539 according to 00:21:31.539 --> 00:21:32.099 the riches 00:21:32.099 --> 00:21:33.039 of His grace 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:33.679 which He 00:21:33.679 --> 00:21:35.259 lavished on us 00:21:35.259 --> 00:21:36.639 in all wisdom 00:21:36.639 --> 00:21:37.299 and insight 00:21:37.299 --> 00:21:38.319 making known 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:38.959 to us the 00:21:38.959 --> 00:21:39.619 mystery of His 00:21:39.619 --> 00:21:40.519 will according 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:41.339 to His purpose 00:21:41.339 --> 00:21:42.179 which He set 00:21:42.179 --> 00:21:43.039 forth in Christ 00:21:43.039 --> 00:21:44.359 as a plan 00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:45.779 for the fullness 00:21:45.779 --> 00:21:46.599 of time 00:21:46.599 --> 00:21:47.799 to unite all 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:48.599 things in Him, 00:21:48.939 --> 00:21:49.599 things in heaven 00:21:49.599 --> 00:21:51.539 and things on earth. 00:21:51.919 --> 00:21:52.339 Wow. 00:21:52.879 --> 00:21:53.639 They're His plans 00:21:53.639 --> 00:21:54.139 for us. 00:21:54.859 --> 00:21:55.339 That good? 00:21:55.339 --> 00:21:57.119 And remember 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:57.679 what God 00:21:57.679 --> 00:21:58.159 promises 00:21:58.159 --> 00:21:59.879 He always 00:21:59.879 --> 00:22:00.240 answers. 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.139 He keeps 00:22:01.139 --> 00:22:01.720 His promises. 00:22:02.579 --> 00:22:02.720 Alright, 00:22:02.879 --> 00:22:03.319 how about 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:03.779 peace? 00:22:04.159 --> 00:22:04.419 The Bible 00:22:04.419 --> 00:22:04.759 has some 00:22:04.759 --> 00:22:05.199 things to say 00:22:05.199 --> 00:22:05.740 about peace. 00:22:06.419 --> 00:22:06.959 Jesus said 00:22:06.959 --> 00:22:07.199 to His 00:22:07.199 --> 00:22:07.659 disciples, 00:22:08.139 --> 00:22:08.579 Peace I 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.439 leave with 00:22:09.439 --> 00:22:09.779 you, 00:22:10.339 --> 00:22:11.099 my peace 00:22:11.099 --> 00:22:11.720 I give 00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:12.319 to you, 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:13.419 not as the 00:22:13.419 --> 00:22:14.119 world gives 00:22:14.119 --> 00:22:14.639 do I give 00:22:14.639 --> 00:22:15.099 to you, 00:22:15.379 --> 00:22:15.980 let not your 00:22:15.980 --> 00:22:16.439 hearts be 00:22:16.439 --> 00:22:16.879 troubled, 00:22:17.399 --> 00:22:18.139 neither let 00:22:18.139 --> 00:22:18.659 them be 00:22:18.659 --> 00:22:19.019 afraid. 00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:19.939 Whatever our 00:22:19.939 --> 00:22:20.579 circumstances, 00:22:20.899 --> 00:22:21.459 we have 00:22:21.459 --> 00:22:22.419 His peace. 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:23.559 That's a 00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:23.939 promise. 00:22:23.940 --> 00:22:24.059 peace. 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:25.240 And the 00:22:25.240 --> 00:22:25.620 peace of 00:22:25.620 --> 00:22:25.860 God, 00:22:25.920 --> 00:22:26.259 he says 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:26.779 in Philippians 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:27.360 chapter 3, 00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:27.980 Paul writes, 00:22:28.840 --> 00:22:29.200 and the 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:29.620 peace of 00:22:29.620 --> 00:22:30.100 God which 00:22:30.100 --> 00:22:30.720 surpasses 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.059 all 00:22:31.059 --> 00:22:31.840 understanding 00:22:31.840 --> 00:22:33.740 will guard 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.500 your hearts 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:34.860 and your 00:22:34.860 --> 00:22:35.440 minds in 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:36.039 Christ Jesus. 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:36.680 I'm so 00:22:36.680 --> 00:22:37.180 grateful we 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:37.640 have something 00:22:37.640 --> 00:22:38.580 guarding that. 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:39.880 Peace 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:40.799 seems like 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:41.420 for many 00:22:41.420 --> 00:22:41.820 of us 00:22:41.820 --> 00:22:42.380 sort of 00:22:42.380 --> 00:22:42.620 one of 00:22:42.620 --> 00:22:42.900 those 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:43.840 it drifts 00:22:43.840 --> 00:22:44.240 in and 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:44.519 out 00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:44.860 kind of 00:22:44.860 --> 00:22:45.000 thing. 00:22:45.080 --> 00:22:45.200 No, 00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:45.400 no, 00:22:45.600 --> 00:22:45.940 God 00:22:45.940 --> 00:22:46.519 guards 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:46.860 His 00:22:46.860 --> 00:22:47.360 peace 00:22:47.360 --> 00:22:47.960 in us. 00:22:50.259 --> 00:22:50.920 Peace of 00:22:50.920 --> 00:22:51.299 God which 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:51.880 surpasses 00:22:51.880 --> 00:22:52.039 all 00:22:52.039 --> 00:22:52.559 understanding 00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:53.740 will guard 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:54.420 your 00:22:54.420 --> 00:22:55.039 hearts 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:55.420 and 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:55.759 your 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.259 minds. 00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:58.140 Let's 00:22:58.140 --> 00:22:58.660 look at 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.599 Romans 5. 00:23:00.339 --> 00:23:00.779 Since we 00:23:00.779 --> 00:23:01.099 have been 00:23:01.099 --> 00:23:01.579 justified 00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:02.480 by faith, 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.559 we have 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:04.680 peace 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.620 with God 00:23:05.620 --> 00:23:06.299 through our 00:23:06.299 --> 00:23:06.700 Lord Jesus 00:23:06.700 --> 00:23:07.240 Christ. 00:23:07.799 --> 00:23:07.960 Through 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:08.339 Him, 00:23:08.700 --> 00:23:09.099 we have 00:23:09.099 --> 00:23:09.420 also 00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:09.819 obtained 00:23:09.819 --> 00:23:10.740 access 00:23:10.740 --> 00:23:12.160 by faith 00:23:12.160 --> 00:23:13.180 into this 00:23:13.180 --> 00:23:13.700 grace in 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:14.059 which we 00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:15.039 stand and 00:23:15.039 --> 00:23:15.819 we rejoice 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:17.359 in hope 00:23:17.359 --> 00:23:18.259 of the 00:23:18.259 --> 00:23:19.200 glory of 00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:19.359 God. 00:23:19.420 --> 00:23:19.700 That gives 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:19.980 us a 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:20.920 transition 00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:21.359 now to 00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:21.660 hope. 00:23:22.140 --> 00:23:22.400 Here's 00:23:22.400 --> 00:23:22.540 some 00:23:22.540 --> 00:23:23.019 samples 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:23.620 of what 00:23:23.620 --> 00:23:23.759 the 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:23.980 Bible 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:24.220 has 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:24.380 to 00:23:24.380 --> 00:23:24.580 say 00:23:24.580 --> 00:23:24.800 to 00:23:24.800 --> 00:23:25.080 us. 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:25.900 Promises 00:23:25.900 --> 00:23:26.160 of 00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:26.480 God 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:27.100 to 00:23:27.100 --> 00:23:27.560 believers 00:23:27.560 --> 00:23:28.320 about 00:23:28.320 --> 00:23:28.700 hope. 00:23:29.340 --> 00:23:29.620 Here's 00:23:29.620 --> 00:23:29.960 the first 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:30.220 one. 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:31.440 No, 00:23:31.560 --> 00:23:31.820 in all 00:23:31.820 --> 00:23:32.040 these 00:23:32.040 --> 00:23:32.519 things 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.100 we are 00:23:33.100 --> 00:23:33.320 more 00:23:33.320 --> 00:23:33.519 than 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:34.180 conquerors 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:34.340 through 00:23:34.340 --> 00:23:34.500 Him 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:34.600 who 00:23:34.600 --> 00:23:34.800 loved 00:23:34.800 --> 00:23:35.160 us. 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:36.640 These 00:23:36.640 --> 00:23:36.759 are 00:23:36.759 --> 00:23:37.080 Paul's 00:23:37.080 --> 00:23:37.340 words. 00:23:37.440 --> 00:23:37.519 They're 00:23:37.519 --> 00:23:37.960 amazing. 00:23:38.680 --> 00:23:38.800 For 00:23:38.800 --> 00:23:39.100 I am 00:23:39.100 --> 00:23:39.519 sure 00:23:39.519 --> 00:23:40.620 that 00:23:40.620 --> 00:23:40.820 neither 00:23:40.820 --> 00:23:41.280 death 00:23:41.280 --> 00:23:41.800 nor 00:23:41.800 --> 00:23:42.200 life 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:43.340 nor 00:23:43.340 --> 00:23:43.680 angels 00:23:43.680 --> 00:23:43.960 nor 00:23:43.960 --> 00:23:44.420 rulers 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:45.220 nor 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:45.620 things 00:23:45.620 --> 00:23:46.040 present 00:23:46.040 --> 00:23:46.240 nor 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:46.540 things 00:23:46.540 --> 00:23:46.700 to 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:46.900 come 00:23:46.900 --> 00:23:47.080 nor 00:23:47.080 --> 00:23:47.700 powers 00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:48.280 nor 00:23:48.280 --> 00:23:48.620 height 00:23:48.620 --> 00:23:48.880 nor 00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:49.280 depth 00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:50.500 anything 00:23:50.500 --> 00:23:51.019 else 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:51.500 in all 00:23:51.500 --> 00:23:52.039 creation 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:52.399 will be 00:23:52.399 --> 00:23:52.819 able to 00:23:52.819 --> 00:23:53.319 separate 00:23:53.319 --> 00:23:53.839 us 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:54.460 from the 00:23:54.460 --> 00:23:54.839 love of 00:23:54.839 --> 00:23:55.079 God 00:23:55.079 --> 00:23:55.379 in 00:23:55.379 --> 00:23:55.779 Christ 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:56.180 Jesus 00:23:56.180 --> 00:23:56.519 our 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:56.759 Lord. 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:57.480 That 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:57.879 is 00:23:57.879 --> 00:23:58.480 hope. 00:23:59.480 --> 00:23:59.920 Amazing 00:23:59.920 --> 00:24:00.399 hope. 00:24:01.859 --> 00:24:02.579 We read 00:24:02.579 --> 00:24:03.259 from the 00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:03.599 words of 00:24:03.599 --> 00:24:03.920 Jesus 00:24:03.920 --> 00:24:04.539 in John 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:05.180 14. 00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:06.059 Let not 00:24:06.059 --> 00:24:06.519 your hearts 00:24:06.519 --> 00:24:07.079 be troubled. 00:24:08.059 --> 00:24:08.500 Believe in 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:08.740 God, 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:09.339 believe also 00:24:09.339 --> 00:24:09.639 in me. 00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:09.920 In my 00:24:09.920 --> 00:24:10.359 Father's 00:24:10.359 --> 00:24:10.579 house 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:10.920 are many 00:24:10.920 --> 00:24:11.339 rooms. 00:24:12.759 --> 00:24:13.039 If it 00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:13.319 were not 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:13.680 so, 00:24:13.799 --> 00:24:14.019 would I 00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:14.440 have told 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:14.759 you that 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:14.980 I go 00:24:14.980 --> 00:24:15.339 to prepare 00:24:15.339 --> 00:24:15.680 a place 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:16.039 for you? 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:16.599 And if 00:24:16.599 --> 00:24:16.940 I go 00:24:16.940 --> 00:24:17.339 and prepare 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:17.759 a place 00:24:17.759 --> 00:24:18.099 for you, 00:24:18.220 --> 00:24:18.659 I will 00:24:18.659 --> 00:24:19.240 come again 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:19.659 and take 00:24:19.659 --> 00:24:19.899 you to 00:24:19.899 --> 00:24:20.379 myself, 00:24:20.619 --> 00:24:21.220 that where 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:22.000 I am, 00:24:22.399 --> 00:24:22.879 you may 00:24:22.879 --> 00:24:23.539 be also. 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:24.279 Do you 00:24:24.279 --> 00:24:24.879 realize that 00:24:24.879 --> 00:24:25.299 the promise 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:25.680 that God 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:26.099 has made 00:24:26.099 --> 00:24:26.779 for everybody 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:27.220 who belongs 00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:27.740 to Jesus 00:24:27.740 --> 00:24:28.559 is someday 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:29.220 you will be 00:24:29.220 --> 00:24:29.839 with Him? 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:31.980 Face 00:24:31.980 --> 00:24:32.559 to face? 00:24:33.579 --> 00:24:34.099 That's 00:24:34.099 --> 00:24:34.440 hope. 00:24:36.559 --> 00:24:36.920 And this 00:24:36.920 --> 00:24:37.279 I love 00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:37.899 from Peter 00:24:37.899 --> 00:24:39.240 chapter 1. 00:24:39.879 --> 00:24:40.200 Blessed 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:40.720 be the 00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:41.159 God and 00:24:41.159 --> 00:24:41.599 Father of 00:24:41.599 --> 00:24:41.899 our Lord 00:24:41.899 --> 00:24:42.159 Jesus 00:24:42.159 --> 00:24:42.720 Christ. 00:24:43.599 --> 00:24:43.940 According 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:44.480 to His 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:44.899 great 00:24:44.899 --> 00:24:45.460 mercy, 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:46.319 He has 00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:46.860 caused 00:24:46.860 --> 00:24:47.420 us to 00:24:47.420 --> 00:24:47.900 be born 00:24:47.900 --> 00:24:48.360 again 00:24:48.360 --> 00:24:49.200 to a 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:49.539 living 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.079 hope 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:50.660 through 00:24:50.660 --> 00:24:50.819 the 00:24:50.819 --> 00:24:51.259 resurrection 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:51.740 of Jesus 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.100 Christ 00:24:52.100 --> 00:24:52.480 from the 00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:52.759 dead. 00:24:54.079 --> 00:24:54.299 Though 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:54.700 we have 00:24:54.700 --> 00:24:54.980 not 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:55.380 seen 00:24:55.380 --> 00:24:55.680 Him, 00:24:56.400 --> 00:24:56.579 though 00:24:56.579 --> 00:24:56.840 you have 00:24:56.840 --> 00:24:57.000 not 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:57.259 seen 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:57.380 Him, 00:24:57.420 --> 00:24:57.779 you love 00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:57.960 Him. 00:24:58.500 --> 00:24:58.759 And though 00:24:58.759 --> 00:24:59.079 you do 00:24:59.079 --> 00:25:00.460 not now 00:25:00.460 --> 00:25:01.000 see Him, 00:25:01.259 --> 00:25:01.759 you believe 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:02.100 in Him 00:25:02.100 --> 00:25:02.680 and rejoice 00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:03.539 with joy 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:04.319 that is 00:25:04.319 --> 00:25:05.680 inexpressible 00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:06.100 and filled 00:25:06.100 --> 00:25:06.720 with glory, 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:07.980 obtaining 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:08.700 the outcome 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:09.140 of your 00:25:09.140 --> 00:25:09.640 faith, 00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:10.860 the salvation 00:25:10.860 --> 00:25:11.920 of your 00:25:11.920 --> 00:25:12.420 souls. 00:25:13.120 --> 00:25:13.380 And then 00:25:13.380 --> 00:25:14.059 verse 13 00:25:14.059 --> 00:25:14.720 of chapter 1 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:15.120 he says, 00:25:15.460 --> 00:25:16.960 set your 00:25:16.960 --> 00:25:17.480 hope 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:18.380 fully 00:25:18.380 --> 00:25:19.240 on the 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:19.620 grace 00:25:19.620 --> 00:25:20.240 that will 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:20.700 be brought 00:25:20.700 --> 00:25:21.279 to you 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:22.039 at the 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.539 revelation 00:25:22.539 --> 00:25:23.660 of Jesus 00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:24.220 Christ. 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:25.200 That means 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:26.140 our hope 00:25:26.140 --> 00:25:27.319 becomes 00:25:27.319 --> 00:25:28.640 reality. 00:25:29.559 --> 00:25:29.860 Our 00:25:29.860 --> 00:25:30.400 assurance 00:25:30.400 --> 00:25:32.259 is made 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:32.759 full 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:33.480 in the 00:25:33.480 --> 00:25:33.840 presence 00:25:33.840 --> 00:25:34.660 of Jesus. 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:36.779 And I love 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:37.380 this passage. 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.720 1 John 3 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:40.539 See what kind 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:40.960 of love the 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:41.400 Father has 00:25:41.400 --> 00:25:42.160 given to us? 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:43.559 That we should 00:25:43.559 --> 00:25:44.079 be called 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:44.740 children of 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:45.019 God? 00:25:46.139 --> 00:25:46.960 And so 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:47.539 we are, 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.720 John writes. 00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:49.519 The reason 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:50.199 why this 00:25:50.199 --> 00:25:50.699 world does 00:25:50.699 --> 00:25:51.220 not know 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:52.019 us is that 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:52.279 it did 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:52.619 not know 00:25:52.619 --> 00:25:52.879 Him. 00:25:53.179 --> 00:25:53.639 Beloved, 00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:54.059 we are 00:25:54.059 --> 00:25:54.460 God's 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:54.759 children 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:55.699 now and 00:25:55.699 --> 00:25:56.139 what we 00:25:56.139 --> 00:25:56.759 will be 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:57.220 has not 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:57.799 yet appeared 00:25:57.799 --> 00:25:58.419 but we 00:25:58.419 --> 00:25:58.859 know that 00:25:58.859 --> 00:25:59.279 when He 00:25:59.279 --> 00:25:59.679 appears 00:25:59.679 --> 00:26:00.419 we shall 00:26:00.419 --> 00:26:01.159 be like 00:26:01.159 --> 00:26:01.439 Him 00:26:01.439 --> 00:26:02.299 because we 00:26:02.299 --> 00:26:03.079 shall see 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:03.819 Him as 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:04.619 He is. 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:06.259 And everyone 00:26:06.259 --> 00:26:06.740 who has 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:08.880 and everyone 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:09.620 who thus 00:26:09.620 --> 00:26:10.200 hopes in 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:10.460 Him 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:11.500 purifies 00:26:11.500 --> 00:26:11.980 Himself 00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:12.960 even as 00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:13.539 He is 00:26:13.539 --> 00:26:13.880 pure. 00:26:14.099 --> 00:26:14.500 That's 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:16.160 real hope 00:26:16.160 --> 00:26:17.259 directed 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:18.400 to a 00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:18.680 certain 00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:19.440 future. 00:26:20.200 --> 00:26:20.500 And what 00:26:20.500 --> 00:26:20.759 is that 00:26:20.759 --> 00:26:21.380 future for 00:26:21.380 --> 00:26:21.660 us? 00:26:22.079 --> 00:26:22.339 Here are 00:26:22.339 --> 00:26:22.900 some passages 00:26:22.900 --> 00:26:23.980 that remind 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.299 us of 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:24.559 those 00:26:24.559 --> 00:26:25.559 promises. 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:27.880 Romans 00:26:27.880 --> 00:26:28.500 chapter 8 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:28.859 again. 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:29.359 For 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:30.140 those 00:26:30.140 --> 00:26:30.420 whom 00:26:30.420 --> 00:26:30.620 He 00:26:30.620 --> 00:26:31.200 foreknew 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:32.799 He also 00:26:32.799 --> 00:26:33.620 predestined 00:26:33.620 --> 00:26:34.819 to be 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:35.779 conformed 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.880 to the 00:26:36.880 --> 00:26:37.420 image 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.580 of His 00:26:38.580 --> 00:26:38.900 Son. 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:39.279 It's 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:39.480 going to 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:39.819 happen. 00:26:42.080 --> 00:26:42.680 I look 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:43.240 at myself 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:43.779 and it 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:44.240 isn't even 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:44.759 close to 00:26:44.759 --> 00:26:45.140 being in 00:26:45.140 --> 00:26:45.460 the image 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:45.840 of Jesus. 00:26:47.299 --> 00:26:47.860 But the 00:26:47.860 --> 00:26:48.460 promise that 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:48.980 God makes 00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:50.039 is if 00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:50.980 He foreknew 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:51.380 me, 00:26:51.720 --> 00:26:51.920 if He 00:26:51.920 --> 00:26:52.340 loved me a 00:26:52.340 --> 00:26:52.720 long time 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:53.059 ago, 00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:54.299 predestined 00:26:54.299 --> 00:26:54.759 me to be 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:55.259 conformed to 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:55.539 the image 00:26:55.539 --> 00:26:55.819 of His 00:26:55.819 --> 00:26:56.039 Son, 00:26:56.100 --> 00:26:56.400 it's going 00:26:56.400 --> 00:26:56.799 to happen. 00:26:57.180 --> 00:26:57.480 That's 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:57.600 His 00:26:57.600 --> 00:26:57.940 promise. 00:26:59.100 --> 00:26:59.660 And those 00:26:59.660 --> 00:27:00.000 whom He 00:27:00.000 --> 00:27:00.580 predestined 00:27:00.580 --> 00:27:01.000 He also 00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:01.599 called, 00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:02.779 and those 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:03.039 whom He 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:03.460 called He 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:03.740 also 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.460 justified, 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:05.220 declared as 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:05.599 righteous, 00:27:06.440 --> 00:27:07.099 and those 00:27:07.099 --> 00:27:07.579 whom He 00:27:07.579 --> 00:27:09.480 justified He 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.720 also glorified. 00:27:11.339 --> 00:27:11.799 It's very 00:27:11.799 --> 00:27:12.140 interesting, 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.039 Paul uses 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:13.980 all past tense 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:14.559 words there. 00:27:15.700 --> 00:27:15.940 Now, 00:27:16.119 --> 00:27:17.579 I get the 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:18.279 predestined 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:19.220 and the 00:27:19.220 --> 00:27:20.059 conformed 00:27:20.059 --> 00:27:20.740 and the 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:21.180 called 00:27:21.180 --> 00:27:21.839 and the 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:22.279 justified, 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:24.160 but I 00:27:24.160 --> 00:27:24.539 got news 00:27:24.539 --> 00:27:24.960 for you, 00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:25.700 I'm not 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:26.500 glorified yet. 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:29.980 Starting with 00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:30.640 my voice 00:27:30.640 --> 00:27:31.019 today, 00:27:31.180 --> 00:27:31.660 sorry about 00:27:31.660 --> 00:27:31.960 that. 00:27:32.900 --> 00:27:33.960 We're not 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:34.480 glorified, 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:34.799 we got 00:27:34.799 --> 00:27:35.259 aches and 00:27:35.259 --> 00:27:35.779 pains and 00:27:35.779 --> 00:27:36.539 difficulties and 00:27:36.539 --> 00:27:37.180 problems and 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:37.960 the only thing 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:38.880 certain for us 00:27:38.880 --> 00:27:39.460 in the future 00:27:39.460 --> 00:27:40.440 is probably a 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:40.799 box, 00:27:41.059 --> 00:27:41.279 okay? 00:27:41.680 --> 00:27:41.880 I mean, 00:27:41.920 --> 00:27:42.380 that's where 00:27:42.380 --> 00:27:42.920 we're kind of 00:27:42.920 --> 00:27:43.120 heading, 00:27:43.440 --> 00:27:44.019 unless Jesus 00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:44.660 comes back, 00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:45.440 right? 00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:48.039 But Paul 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:48.400 says, 00:27:48.579 --> 00:27:49.180 it is so 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:49.940 certain to 00:27:49.940 --> 00:27:50.279 happen, 00:27:50.380 --> 00:27:50.799 I already 00:27:50.799 --> 00:27:51.400 wrote it as 00:27:51.400 --> 00:27:51.980 if it did. 00:27:53.420 --> 00:27:54.299 Not only have 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:54.599 you been 00:27:54.599 --> 00:27:55.099 called, 00:27:55.380 --> 00:27:55.799 and not only have 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.039 you been 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:56.680 justified, 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.640 you have 00:27:57.640 --> 00:27:58.980 been glorified 00:27:58.980 --> 00:28:00.759 in God's 00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:01.279 plan and 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:01.720 purpose, 00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:02.759 that is 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:03.759 your future 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:04.560 guaranteed. 00:28:05.340 --> 00:28:05.759 That's 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:06.259 amazing. 00:28:08.759 --> 00:28:09.440 And he 00:28:09.440 --> 00:28:09.940 goes on, 00:28:11.080 --> 00:28:11.680 Jesus said 00:28:11.680 --> 00:28:12.180 to Martha 00:28:12.180 --> 00:28:12.920 at the funeral 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:13.860 of Lazarus, 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.220 I'm the 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:15.680 resurrection 00:28:15.680 --> 00:28:16.080 and the 00:28:16.080 --> 00:28:16.460 life. 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:17.460 Whoever 00:28:17.460 --> 00:28:18.200 believes in 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:18.519 me, 00:28:18.860 --> 00:28:19.340 though he 00:28:19.340 --> 00:28:19.880 die, 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:22.120 yet shall 00:28:22.120 --> 00:28:22.519 he live. 00:28:23.360 --> 00:28:24.019 And everyone 00:28:24.019 --> 00:28:24.620 who lives 00:28:24.620 --> 00:28:25.120 and believes 00:28:25.120 --> 00:28:25.720 in me shall 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.660 never die. 00:28:27.380 --> 00:28:27.920 The promise 00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:28.279 for my 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:28.920 future is, 00:28:29.380 --> 00:28:29.840 the day I 00:28:29.840 --> 00:28:30.400 close my 00:28:30.400 --> 00:28:30.920 eyes on 00:28:30.920 --> 00:28:31.340 the planet 00:28:31.340 --> 00:28:32.600 earth and 00:28:32.600 --> 00:28:33.060 open them 00:28:33.060 --> 00:28:33.420 again, 00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:34.220 I will be 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:34.580 in heaven. 00:28:35.600 --> 00:28:35.940 Death, 00:28:36.400 --> 00:28:36.820 though he 00:28:36.820 --> 00:28:37.160 die, 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:38.000 yet shall 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:39.019 he live. 00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:39.940 That's 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:40.200 God's 00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:40.519 promise. 00:28:41.259 --> 00:28:41.539 That's 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:41.920 amazing. 00:28:43.060 --> 00:28:43.240 And how 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:43.799 about this? 00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:44.600 Titus 00:28:44.600 --> 00:28:45.340 chapter 3, 00:28:46.180 --> 00:28:46.560 but when 00:28:46.560 --> 00:28:46.980 the goodness 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:47.500 and loving 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:48.200 kindness of 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:48.519 God, 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:49.320 our Savior 00:28:49.320 --> 00:28:49.900 appeared, 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:51.100 he saved 00:28:51.100 --> 00:28:51.480 us, 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:52.299 not because 00:28:52.299 --> 00:28:52.759 of works 00:28:52.759 --> 00:28:53.400 done by 00:28:53.400 --> 00:28:53.740 us in 00:28:53.740 --> 00:28:54.200 righteousness, 00:28:55.240 --> 00:28:55.740 but according 00:28:55.740 --> 00:28:56.299 to his 00:28:56.299 --> 00:28:57.119 own mercy, 00:28:57.680 --> 00:28:58.180 by the 00:28:58.180 --> 00:28:58.740 washing of 00:28:58.740 --> 00:28:59.200 regeneration 00:28:59.200 --> 00:29:00.639 and renewal 00:29:00.639 --> 00:29:01.139 of the Holy 00:29:01.139 --> 00:29:01.599 Spirit, 00:29:02.539 --> 00:29:02.919 whom he 00:29:02.919 --> 00:29:03.500 poured out 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:03.859 on us 00:29:03.859 --> 00:29:04.639 richly 00:29:04.639 --> 00:29:05.759 through Jesus 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:06.220 Christ, 00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:06.839 our Savior, 00:29:07.180 --> 00:29:07.759 so that being 00:29:07.759 --> 00:29:08.740 justified by 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.559 his grace, 00:29:09.940 --> 00:29:10.339 we might 00:29:10.339 --> 00:29:11.319 become heirs 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:12.480 according to 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:13.000 the hope 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:14.180 of eternal 00:29:14.180 --> 00:29:14.940 life. 00:29:16.339 --> 00:29:17.039 A couple 00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:17.339 more. 00:29:18.139 --> 00:29:18.720 1 Thessalonians 00:29:18.720 --> 00:29:19.399 chapter 4, 00:29:19.400 --> 00:29:21.160 for the 00:29:21.160 --> 00:29:21.740 Lord himself 00:29:21.740 --> 00:29:22.280 will descend 00:29:22.280 --> 00:29:22.900 from heaven 00:29:22.900 --> 00:29:23.960 with the 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:24.360 cry of 00:29:24.360 --> 00:29:24.700 command, 00:29:24.800 --> 00:29:25.019 with the 00:29:25.019 --> 00:29:25.380 voice of 00:29:25.380 --> 00:29:25.480 the 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:25.920 archangel, 00:29:26.300 --> 00:29:26.759 with the 00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:27.200 sound of 00:29:27.200 --> 00:29:27.600 the trumpet 00:29:27.600 --> 00:29:28.100 of God, 00:29:29.160 --> 00:29:29.500 in the 00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:29.880 dead in 00:29:29.880 --> 00:29:30.320 Christ, 00:29:31.040 --> 00:29:31.600 our bodies 00:29:31.600 --> 00:29:32.880 rise first. 00:29:33.620 --> 00:29:34.100 Then we 00:29:34.100 --> 00:29:34.300 who are 00:29:34.300 --> 00:29:34.759 alive and 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:35.120 remain, 00:29:35.240 --> 00:29:35.460 who are 00:29:35.460 --> 00:29:35.820 left, 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:36.460 will be 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:36.880 caught up 00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:37.460 together with 00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:37.759 him in 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:38.420 the clouds 00:29:38.420 --> 00:29:39.720 to meet 00:29:39.720 --> 00:29:40.080 the Lord 00:29:40.080 --> 00:29:40.340 in the 00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:40.700 air, 00:29:41.780 --> 00:29:42.100 in this 00:29:42.100 --> 00:29:42.400 part of 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:42.940 the promise. 00:29:43.900 --> 00:29:44.440 And so 00:29:44.440 --> 00:29:46.059 we will 00:29:46.059 --> 00:29:47.340 always be 00:29:47.340 --> 00:29:48.299 with the 00:29:48.299 --> 00:29:48.580 Lord. 00:29:49.840 --> 00:29:50.160 What a 00:29:50.160 --> 00:29:50.440 promise. 00:29:51.559 --> 00:29:51.880 And then 00:29:51.880 --> 00:29:52.259 one of my 00:29:52.259 --> 00:29:52.820 favorite verses 00:29:52.820 --> 00:29:53.259 in all the 00:29:53.259 --> 00:29:53.539 Bible, 00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:55.259 Jude 24 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:55.900 and 25, 00:29:56.580 --> 00:29:57.380 now to 00:29:57.380 --> 00:29:58.720 him who 00:29:58.720 --> 00:29:59.340 is able to 00:29:59.340 --> 00:29:59.820 keep you 00:29:59.820 --> 00:30:00.620 from stumbling 00:30:00.620 --> 00:30:02.820 and to 00:30:02.820 --> 00:30:03.660 present you 00:30:03.660 --> 00:30:04.539 blameless 00:30:04.539 --> 00:30:05.120 before the 00:30:05.120 --> 00:30:05.680 presence of 00:30:05.680 --> 00:30:06.220 his glory 00:30:06.220 --> 00:30:06.940 with great 00:30:06.940 --> 00:30:07.420 joy, 00:30:08.059 --> 00:30:08.960 to the 00:30:08.960 --> 00:30:09.620 only God 00:30:09.620 --> 00:30:10.180 our Savior 00:30:10.180 --> 00:30:10.860 through Jesus 00:30:10.860 --> 00:30:11.600 Christ our 00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:11.960 Lord, 00:30:12.279 --> 00:30:12.920 be glory, 00:30:13.160 --> 00:30:13.539 majesty, 00:30:13.740 --> 00:30:14.160 dominion, 00:30:14.160 --> 00:30:14.740 and authority 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:15.700 before all 00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:16.200 time and 00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:16.600 now and 00:30:16.600 --> 00:30:17.240 forevermore. 00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:18.180 Amen. 00:30:18.720 --> 00:30:19.560 Now that 00:30:19.560 --> 00:30:20.820 believer is 00:30:20.820 --> 00:30:21.560 what God 00:30:21.560 --> 00:30:22.340 has planned 00:30:22.340 --> 00:30:23.380 for you. 00:30:24.460 --> 00:30:25.360 That's your 00:30:25.360 --> 00:30:26.300 hope in 00:30:26.300 --> 00:30:26.620 him. 00:30:26.980 --> 00:30:27.860 That's your 00:30:27.860 --> 00:30:29.320 future in 00:30:29.320 --> 00:30:30.279 Jesus Christ. 00:30:30.940 --> 00:30:31.640 Our great 00:30:31.640 --> 00:30:32.160 God has 00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:32.759 plans for 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:33.900 us and 00:30:33.900 --> 00:30:34.200 he's going 00:30:34.200 --> 00:30:34.620 to work 00:30:34.620 --> 00:30:35.180 them out, 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:35.759 all those 00:30:35.759 --> 00:30:36.320 plans to 00:30:36.320 --> 00:30:36.800 perfection. 00:30:37.600 --> 00:30:38.279 Those plans 00:30:38.279 --> 00:30:38.700 are not 00:30:38.700 --> 00:30:39.380 for evil. 00:30:40.380 --> 00:30:40.920 Those plans 00:30:40.920 --> 00:30:41.240 are for 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:41.759 peace, 00:30:42.160 --> 00:30:42.860 his peace 00:30:42.860 --> 00:30:43.560 which he 00:30:43.560 --> 00:30:43.980 promised 00:30:43.980 --> 00:30:44.559 to us. 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:45.839 It's for 00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:46.039 our 00:30:46.039 --> 00:30:46.440 spiritual 00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:46.960 welfare 00:30:46.960 --> 00:30:48.079 which he 00:30:48.079 --> 00:30:48.480 promised 00:30:48.480 --> 00:30:48.980 us. 00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:50.120 He has 00:30:50.120 --> 00:30:50.880 promised us 00:30:50.880 --> 00:30:51.420 a future 00:30:51.420 --> 00:30:52.019 that will 00:30:52.019 --> 00:30:52.500 ultimately 00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:53.299 open up 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:54.400 into eternity 00:30:54.400 --> 00:30:55.000 with him. 00:30:55.660 --> 00:30:56.259 That's our 00:30:56.259 --> 00:30:56.599 hope. 00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:57.500 That's our 00:30:57.500 --> 00:30:57.920 confidence. 00:30:58.559 --> 00:30:59.140 That's our 00:30:59.140 --> 00:30:59.720 assurance. 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:01.220 What the 00:31:01.220 --> 00:31:01.920 Lord said to 00:31:01.920 --> 00:31:02.599 the Jews 00:31:02.599 --> 00:31:03.480 in exile 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:04.180 through the 00:31:04.180 --> 00:31:05.200 prophet Jeremiah 00:31:05.200 --> 00:31:06.299 was very 00:31:06.299 --> 00:31:07.480 good and 00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:08.400 very encouraging. 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:09.599 But what 00:31:09.599 --> 00:31:09.839 he has 00:31:09.839 --> 00:31:10.539 promised to 00:31:10.539 --> 00:31:11.799 us is 00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:12.120 beyond 00:31:12.119 --> 00:31:12.779 comparison. 00:31:16.159 --> 00:31:16.759 Hallelujah. 00:31:17.579 --> 00:31:18.139 To our 00:31:18.139 --> 00:31:18.579 wonderful 00:31:18.579 --> 00:31:19.139 counselor 00:31:19.139 --> 00:31:20.199 who has 00:31:20.199 --> 00:31:20.819 declared his 00:31:20.819 --> 00:31:21.399 plans and 00:31:21.399 --> 00:31:21.899 his purpose 00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:22.659 for us. 00:31:23.339 --> 00:31:24.199 Who as 00:31:24.199 --> 00:31:24.659 the prince 00:31:24.659 --> 00:31:25.159 of peace 00:31:25.159 --> 00:31:25.779 has extended 00:31:25.779 --> 00:31:26.339 to us 00:31:26.339 --> 00:31:26.979 a peace 00:31:26.979 --> 00:31:27.559 that passes 00:31:27.559 --> 00:31:28.599 all understanding. 00:31:28.979 --> 00:31:29.479 As the 00:31:29.479 --> 00:31:29.939 father of 00:31:29.939 --> 00:31:30.339 eternity 00:31:30.339 --> 00:31:31.099 has our 00:31:31.099 --> 00:31:31.719 future in 00:31:31.719 --> 00:31:32.219 his hands 00:31:32.219 --> 00:31:32.799 and as 00:31:32.799 --> 00:31:33.219 the God 00:31:33.219 --> 00:31:33.699 of might 00:31:33.699 --> 00:31:34.519 he will 00:31:34.519 --> 00:31:35.079 not let 00:31:35.079 --> 00:31:35.439 go. 00:31:35.779 --> 00:31:36.279 To know 00:31:36.279 --> 00:31:37.019 and love 00:31:37.019 --> 00:31:37.699 this God 00:31:37.700 --> 00:31:38.279 is to 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:38.880 have hope 00:31:38.880 --> 00:31:39.980 that it 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:40.400 will never 00:31:40.400 --> 00:31:41.400 dissipate 00:31:41.400 --> 00:31:41.819 or be 00:31:41.819 --> 00:31:42.240 lost. 00:31:44.160 --> 00:31:45.059 All of 00:31:45.059 --> 00:31:45.420 this 00:31:45.420 --> 00:31:46.920 and more 00:31:46.920 --> 00:31:48.279 is yours 00:31:48.279 --> 00:31:49.120 if you 00:31:49.120 --> 00:31:49.640 belong to 00:31:49.640 --> 00:31:49.940 the Lord 00:31:49.940 --> 00:31:50.220 Jesus 00:31:50.220 --> 00:31:50.779 Christ. 00:31:51.660 --> 00:31:52.259 Have you 00:31:52.259 --> 00:31:52.920 trusted him? 00:31:53.960 --> 00:31:54.799 If not 00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:55.940 ask him to 00:31:55.940 --> 00:31:56.340 save you 00:31:56.340 --> 00:31:56.759 and watch 00:31:56.759 --> 00:31:57.180 what he 00:31:57.180 --> 00:31:57.580 does. 00:31:58.660 --> 00:31:59.100 He has a 00:31:59.100 --> 00:31:59.680 plan that 00:31:59.680 --> 00:32:00.500 includes peace 00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:01.039 and hope 00:32:01.039 --> 00:32:02.120 and a future 00:32:02.120 --> 00:32:03.259 for all who 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:03.799 belong to 00:32:03.799 --> 00:32:04.059 him. 00:32:05.100 --> 00:32:05.460 Hallelujah. 00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:07.180 Thank you 00:32:07.180 --> 00:32:07.620 Jesus 00:32:07.620 --> 00:32:08.640 for what 00:32:08.640 --> 00:32:09.460 you promised 00:32:09.460 --> 00:32:09.960 us. 00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:11.160 I'm hanging 00:32:11.160 --> 00:32:11.640 on to those 00:32:11.640 --> 00:32:12.059 promises. 00:32:13.240 --> 00:32:13.720 Unfortunately 00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:14.900 he's got a 00:32:14.900 --> 00:32:15.360 hold of them 00:32:15.360 --> 00:32:16.279 even tighter 00:32:16.279 --> 00:32:17.400 and they 00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:18.039 will come 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:18.420 true. 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:20.220 We've got 00:32:20.220 --> 00:32:20.720 an amazing 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.440 future out 00:32:21.440 --> 00:32:21.720 of us. 00:32:22.420 --> 00:32:22.860 Let's pray. 00:32:23.920 --> 00:32:24.480 Father 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:26.220 we thank 00:32:26.220 --> 00:32:26.740 you for 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:27.360 your word 00:32:27.360 --> 00:32:27.960 and we thank 00:32:27.960 --> 00:32:28.240 you that 00:32:28.240 --> 00:32:28.740 your word 00:32:28.740 --> 00:32:29.579 is clear. 00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:31.240 We thank 00:32:31.240 --> 00:32:31.720 you that if 00:32:31.720 --> 00:32:32.259 we spend 00:32:32.259 --> 00:32:32.640 a little bit 00:32:32.640 --> 00:32:32.960 of time 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:33.579 looking at 00:32:33.579 --> 00:32:34.660 it we may 00:32:34.660 --> 00:32:35.079 discover 00:32:35.079 --> 00:32:35.819 truths that 00:32:35.819 --> 00:32:36.279 we never 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:36.819 really 00:32:36.819 --> 00:32:37.960 realized. 00:32:38.599 --> 00:32:38.960 We never 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:39.559 saw them 00:32:39.559 --> 00:32:40.659 there before. 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:42.139 We never 00:32:42.139 --> 00:32:43.139 were able to 00:32:43.139 --> 00:32:43.919 get into the 00:32:43.919 --> 00:32:44.359 depth of 00:32:44.359 --> 00:32:44.699 what they 00:32:44.699 --> 00:32:45.019 mean. 00:32:45.859 --> 00:32:46.299 We thank 00:32:46.299 --> 00:32:46.579 you that 00:32:46.579 --> 00:32:46.859 you are 00:32:46.859 --> 00:32:47.199 a God 00:32:47.199 --> 00:32:49.319 who gives 00:32:49.319 --> 00:32:49.939 promises 00:32:49.939 --> 00:32:50.379 throughout 00:32:50.379 --> 00:32:51.000 your word. 00:32:52.879 --> 00:32:53.339 And to 00:32:53.339 --> 00:32:54.139 us you've 00:32:54.139 --> 00:32:54.619 given many 00:32:54.619 --> 00:32:55.179 promises 00:32:55.179 --> 00:32:57.179 and you 00:32:57.179 --> 00:32:57.759 keep them. 00:32:59.000 --> 00:32:59.919 And we 00:32:59.919 --> 00:33:00.419 thank you 00:33:00.419 --> 00:33:00.939 for that. 00:33:01.419 --> 00:33:02.059 Our confidence 00:33:02.059 --> 00:33:03.000 is in you 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:04.099 because you 00:33:04.099 --> 00:33:04.900 always do 00:33:04.900 --> 00:33:05.220 what you 00:33:05.220 --> 00:33:05.519 say. 00:33:06.720 --> 00:33:07.039 And so 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:07.720 we rest 00:33:07.720 --> 00:33:08.200 in you. 00:33:08.839 --> 00:33:09.200 If there 00:33:09.200 --> 00:33:09.500 are some 00:33:09.500 --> 00:33:09.839 here who 00:33:09.839 --> 00:33:10.160 do not 00:33:10.160 --> 00:33:10.680 know you 00:33:10.680 --> 00:33:11.019 and never 00:33:11.019 --> 00:33:11.839 trusted you 00:33:11.839 --> 00:33:12.680 as Savior 00:33:12.680 --> 00:33:13.240 and Lord, 00:33:14.039 --> 00:33:14.440 dear Father 00:33:14.440 --> 00:33:15.039 I pray that 00:33:15.039 --> 00:33:15.460 you would 00:33:15.460 --> 00:33:17.099 call them. 00:33:18.519 --> 00:33:19.119 That you 00:33:19.119 --> 00:33:19.579 would open 00:33:19.579 --> 00:33:20.019 their heart 00:33:20.019 --> 00:33:20.779 to believe. 00:33:21.539 --> 00:33:22.019 That they 00:33:22.019 --> 00:33:22.420 would cry 00:33:22.420 --> 00:33:23.140 out to you 00:33:23.140 --> 00:33:23.680 that they 00:33:23.680 --> 00:33:25.079 want to know 00:33:25.079 --> 00:33:25.480 you and 00:33:25.480 --> 00:33:26.079 trust you. 00:33:26.660 --> 00:33:27.000 And you 00:33:27.000 --> 00:33:27.359 would bring 00:33:27.359 --> 00:33:27.880 new life 00:33:27.880 --> 00:33:28.240 into their 00:33:28.240 --> 00:33:28.539 heart. 00:33:29.700 --> 00:33:30.400 Save them. 00:33:30.400 --> 00:33:31.880 justify them. 00:33:32.540 --> 00:33:33.100 Declare them 00:33:33.100 --> 00:33:33.540 righteous. 00:33:34.280 --> 00:33:34.820 Welcome them 00:33:34.820 --> 00:33:35.240 into the 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:35.720 family. 00:33:37.160 --> 00:33:37.580 And all 00:33:37.580 --> 00:33:38.320 those promises 00:33:38.320 --> 00:33:38.840 then are 00:33:38.840 --> 00:33:40.060 applied to 00:33:40.060 --> 00:33:40.340 them. 00:33:41.759 --> 00:33:42.400 Grant that 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:42.980 we pray 00:33:42.980 --> 00:33:45.120 in your 00:33:45.120 --> 00:33:45.480 name. 00:33:45.800 --> 00:33:46.280 Your precious 00:33:46.280 --> 00:33:46.720 name. 00:33:47.380 --> 00:33:47.640 Amen.