WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.140 Good morning, church. 00:00:04.179 --> 00:00:07.060 We are looking at Romans chapter 8 again this morning. 00:00:07.700 --> 00:00:09.839 We're going to focus in on verses 18 through 22. 00:00:10.040 --> 00:00:14.439 Let me invite you to turn there with me in the Pew Bible, Romans 8, verses 18 through 00:00:14.439 --> 00:00:14.859 22. 00:00:15.060 --> 00:00:17.339 The page number is in the bulletin if you need help finding that. 00:00:18.300 --> 00:00:22.100 We're going to look closely at these words this morning, so it'll be helpful if you have 00:00:22.100 --> 00:00:23.080 it open before you. 00:00:25.580 --> 00:00:28.560 Romans chapter 8, verse 18. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.340 As we come to God's Word, let me pray for us. 00:00:39.980 --> 00:00:45.299 God, as we've just sung, we pray that you would, by your Spirit, give us a posture of humility 00:00:45.299 --> 00:00:49.219 now as we come before you in your Word. 00:00:50.060 --> 00:00:55.480 Lord, like Isaiah the prophet many years ago, we acknowledge that before you, our holy God, 00:00:55.480 --> 00:00:57.659 we are an unclean people. 00:00:57.659 --> 00:01:02.739 We are unclean in our lips, unclean in our hearts. 00:01:03.619 --> 00:01:06.239 God, only by your grace are we cleansed. 00:01:06.239 --> 00:01:13.739 So, as we come to your Word, we thank you for the grace that allows us to have ears that 00:01:13.739 --> 00:01:15.799 are open and hearts that are soft before you. 00:01:16.619 --> 00:01:21.659 We pray that your Spirit would take these words that you've inspired and that He would 00:01:21.659 --> 00:01:30.699 bring them like a gardening tool deep into our hearts to dig up that earth and sow good 00:01:30.700 --> 00:01:34.600 seed there, that it might bear much fruit in our life as a church. 00:01:36.920 --> 00:01:39.600 Thank you for working, God, in our midst. 00:01:40.480 --> 00:01:42.579 Thank you for being faithful to us, your people. 00:01:42.760 --> 00:01:44.240 Thank you for not abandoning us. 00:01:45.719 --> 00:01:49.540 Thank you for giving us this moment when you, God, speak to us. 00:01:50.620 --> 00:01:51.500 Give us ears to hear. 00:01:51.579 --> 00:01:52.579 We pray for Christ's sake. 00:01:52.859 --> 00:01:53.100 Amen. 00:01:53.099 --> 00:01:53.179 Amen. 00:01:55.679 --> 00:02:00.419 So, Romans chapter 8, we're going to pick up, we're going to begin in verse 16 to catch 00:02:00.419 --> 00:02:04.179 some of the context for our sermon passage this morning. 00:02:04.819 --> 00:02:06.280 Let me begin in verse 16. 00:02:07.479 --> 00:02:11.799 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 00:02:11.800 --> 00:02:19.560 And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer 00:02:19.560 --> 00:02:23.400 with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. 00:02:24.939 --> 00:02:29.340 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:31.700 glory that is to be revealed to us. 00:02:33.180 --> 00:02:38.300 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 00:02:38.300 --> 00:02:45.880 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected 00:02:45.880 --> 00:02:54.140 it in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and 00:02:54.140 --> 00:02:59.820 obtain the glory, the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 00:03:01.060 --> 00:03:05.360 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until 00:03:05.360 --> 00:03:05.720 now. 00:03:06.500 --> 00:03:10.360 And not only the creation, but we ourselves who have the first fruits of the Spirit grown 00:03:10.360 --> 00:03:15.480 inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 00:03:16.320 --> 00:03:18.300 For in this hope we were saved. 00:03:19.680 --> 00:03:23.020 A hope that is seen is not hope for who hopes for what he sees. 00:03:23.900 --> 00:03:29.380 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 00:03:29.379 --> 00:03:41.180 So, there are some passages in Scripture where you are allowed to step back and take in the 00:03:41.180 --> 00:03:41.819 whole view. 00:03:42.840 --> 00:03:48.579 There are some moments in the Bible where you get glimpses of the whole story in very short 00:03:48.579 --> 00:03:48.939 scope. 00:03:49.060 --> 00:03:53.139 And Romans 8 verses 18 and following is actually one of those places. 00:03:53.139 --> 00:04:00.179 Up until this point in Romans 8, it's as if we've been following Paul on a trail through 00:04:00.179 --> 00:04:01.059 a dense forest. 00:04:01.939 --> 00:04:06.599 We've been going really slowly through this dense forest this fall, looking at all the 00:04:06.599 --> 00:04:07.039 details. 00:04:07.239 --> 00:04:09.699 And it's been beautiful in its own right. 00:04:09.779 --> 00:04:11.079 The trees have been towering above. 00:04:11.279 --> 00:04:13.719 The sunlight has been streaming through the canopy. 00:04:13.859 --> 00:04:17.419 But here in verse 18, the trail suddenly comes out of the thick undergrowth. 00:04:17.420 --> 00:04:21.420 And we find ourselves standing atop a cliff's edge. 00:04:21.620 --> 00:04:25.379 And what bursts into view is a breathtaking sight. 00:04:26.300 --> 00:04:28.360 A deep valley stretches out below. 00:04:29.160 --> 00:04:34.020 You're up so high now that you can see whole towns scattered into the distance. 00:04:34.160 --> 00:04:35.740 You can see smoke rising from chimneys. 00:04:35.860 --> 00:04:38.300 You can see the cars driving on the interstate. 00:04:38.400 --> 00:04:40.620 You can see for miles and miles into the horizon. 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:43.900 You can see mountains rising up in majesty. 00:04:44.740 --> 00:04:46.759 You can see the ocean in the distance. 00:04:47.420 --> 00:04:51.720 You can see the ocean stretching even further beyond, farther than your eye can see. 00:04:53.520 --> 00:05:00.080 Here we stand in Romans 8, in this moment, taking in the whole scope of redemption and 00:05:00.080 --> 00:05:02.020 breathtaking heights. 00:05:04.720 --> 00:05:12.860 But this majestic view in Romans 8, 18 and following is here actually for a very practical 00:05:12.860 --> 00:05:14.560 pastoral purpose. 00:05:14.560 --> 00:05:22.600 Paul has just been describing in verses 14 through 17 how all those who believe in Jesus are made 00:05:22.600 --> 00:05:23.439 God's children. 00:05:25.040 --> 00:05:29.660 And if we are God's children, Paul says, then we are God's heirs. 00:05:31.160 --> 00:05:34.220 Heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. 00:05:34.379 --> 00:05:39.680 But if we are heirs with Christ, Paul says, then we will come into that inheritance in the 00:05:39.680 --> 00:05:42.840 same way as Jesus our King did. 00:05:44.280 --> 00:05:48.019 In other words, the road to glory will be marked with suffering. 00:05:48.860 --> 00:05:54.780 Paul ends verse 17 by saying, provided we suffer with Christ in order that we may also 00:05:54.780 --> 00:05:56.019 be glorified with him. 00:05:56.019 --> 00:06:01.779 Suffering and glory were inseparable for Jesus, weren't they? 00:06:01.819 --> 00:06:05.259 For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, Hebrews says. 00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:07.599 And it will be the same for us as followers. 00:06:07.759 --> 00:06:13.459 1 Peter 5 says that it's only after we have suffered a little while that we will enter into 00:06:13.459 --> 00:06:15.379 eternal glory in Christ. 00:06:15.379 --> 00:06:22.300 And this suffering that Paul is talking about here is not just persecution for the name of 00:06:22.300 --> 00:06:23.939 Christ, although it certainly includes that. 00:06:24.019 --> 00:06:30.519 It also takes within its scope the whole host of hardships and afflictions and diseases and 00:06:30.519 --> 00:06:35.579 broken relationships and heartbreaks that we will face in this life, in this age, in this 00:06:35.579 --> 00:06:36.259 fallen world. 00:06:37.219 --> 00:06:41.779 Being a child of God does not exempt us from these things in this age, you see. 00:06:41.779 --> 00:06:54.379 And when that suffering comes, whether it's a chronic bad back from that injury so many 00:06:54.379 --> 00:07:02.359 years ago, or whether it's cancer that takes your life, whether it's a friendship that's 00:07:02.359 --> 00:07:10.059 strained or whether it's a marriage that's on the verge of meltdown, whether it's a season 00:07:10.060 --> 00:07:17.040 of unemployment or a natural disaster that steals everything earthly that you love, your home, 00:07:17.180 --> 00:07:26.920 your family, your community, when suffering comes, as verse 17 says, it will, what is it 00:07:26.920 --> 00:07:29.759 that will keep us from walking away? 00:07:29.759 --> 00:07:38.439 What will keep us from thinking, God, if this is how you treat your children, no thanks. 00:07:42.439 --> 00:07:49.959 Paul has a very practical pastoral reason for leading us out of the woods to this high cliff's 00:07:49.959 --> 00:07:52.819 edge so we can take in the whole breathtaking view. 00:07:52.819 --> 00:07:56.779 Look at verse 18 again. 00:07:58.099 --> 00:08:01.060 For I consider, Paul says. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:03.540 I consider. 00:08:04.099 --> 00:08:05.959 This isn't Paul's sort of private opinion. 00:08:06.699 --> 00:08:12.319 This isn't sort of his ephemeral emotional response to some fleeting reality. 00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:22.420 No, this is Paul using his mind and thinking deeply, reasoning deeply about what he knows to 00:08:22.420 --> 00:08:25.500 be true in light of who God is and the gospel. 00:08:26.860 --> 00:08:31.040 As if to say we're not to be blown and tossed by sloppy thinking. 00:08:31.160 --> 00:08:38.899 No, Paul says, I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing 00:08:38.899 --> 00:08:42.519 with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:56.179 Suffering and glory may be inseparable for the Christian, but they are not comparable, Paul says. 00:08:57.340 --> 00:08:58.480 Put them on a scale. 00:08:59.079 --> 00:09:00.759 That's a bit of what considering means. 00:09:00.960 --> 00:09:01.620 Weigh them up. 00:09:02.939 --> 00:09:07.340 Take the sufferings of this now time, this present age, and put them over here. 00:09:07.340 --> 00:09:13.860 And now take the glory that is to be revealed to us and put it on the other side. 00:09:14.660 --> 00:09:22.879 And Paul says, watch the scales tip so quickly that those sufferings suddenly seem so light 00:09:22.879 --> 00:09:24.720 in comparison. 00:09:24.720 --> 00:09:29.720 Now, what's Paul not saying here? 00:09:29.759 --> 00:09:31.720 He's not saying that suffering isn't suffering. 00:09:32.100 --> 00:09:33.960 He's not saying that evil is not evil. 00:09:34.060 --> 00:09:39.000 He's not denying the harsh, awful reality of our existence in a fallen world. 00:09:39.100 --> 00:09:42.759 He's not turning a blind eye to Alzheimer's or depression. 00:09:42.980 --> 00:09:48.560 He's not saying earthquakes and hurricanes don't matter or aren't really that bad. 00:09:48.639 --> 00:09:50.060 No, but he wants us to know. 00:09:50.059 --> 00:09:56.579 Paul wants us to know how to face those things when they come. 00:09:58.619 --> 00:10:00.839 And he says, put it on the scale. 00:10:03.319 --> 00:10:05.699 There's a glory that's going to be revealed. 00:10:05.939 --> 00:10:12.619 God is going to unfurl a beauty of such staggering dimensions in the coming age, 00:10:12.699 --> 00:10:18.500 a breathtaking majesty of such proportion that the real sufferings of this present time will 00:10:18.500 --> 00:10:20.480 not be worth comparison. 00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:31.120 And this glory will not just be revealed to us as if we'll sort of see it from afar and that's it. 00:10:31.200 --> 00:10:36.039 No, the word there actually means it will be revealed unto us. 00:10:36.899 --> 00:10:40.259 We will be participants in the glory to come. 00:10:40.340 --> 00:10:42.940 We will be swept up along with it. 00:10:42.940 --> 00:10:50.060 What God has in store in his coming glory isn't going to be a sort of mere movie that we get to watch 00:10:50.060 --> 00:10:55.260 in comfy stadium seating with a cup holder there and it sort of reclines. 00:10:56.060 --> 00:10:56.960 Have you been to those movie theaters? 00:10:58.860 --> 00:11:00.280 That's not what God has in store. 00:11:01.780 --> 00:11:03.380 It's not going to be like watching a movie. 00:11:03.379 --> 00:11:09.460 We know what's coming is going to be a drama for us to enact. 00:11:09.919 --> 00:11:12.000 Each of us with a part in hand. 00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:14.279 Each of us with a role to play. 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:19.340 God's glory will come and it will sweep us into it as his children. 00:11:23.419 --> 00:11:24.240 So what is it? 00:11:24.460 --> 00:11:29.679 What is this vision, this practical pastoral vision of glory that Paul lays out for us 00:11:29.679 --> 00:11:32.599 so that when suffering comes on the path of discipleship, we won't give up? 00:11:35.179 --> 00:11:38.279 Well, it's a vision of glory that has two interlocking parts. 00:11:39.500 --> 00:11:42.059 The first part is a vision of God's creation. 00:11:42.839 --> 00:11:46.439 The second part is a vision of God's children, of us Christians. 00:11:46.839 --> 00:11:50.279 And they're interwoven, they're interlocked in this passage. 00:11:52.299 --> 00:11:55.479 And we're actually going to spend two weeks in our morning service 00:11:55.479 --> 00:11:57.939 unpacking this interlocking vision. 00:11:57.940 --> 00:12:00.640 Today we're going to look at verses 19 through 22 00:12:00.640 --> 00:12:04.520 and see what Paul has to say about God's creation, that first element. 00:12:04.940 --> 00:12:07.080 And then next week Greg's going to pick up in verse 23 00:12:07.080 --> 00:12:08.960 and we're going to consider what God has to say, 00:12:09.220 --> 00:12:12.060 what Paul has to say about us Christians, about us as God's children. 00:12:13.460 --> 00:12:16.560 So God's creation this week, God's children next week 00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:19.480 in this vision of glory to come. 00:12:21.420 --> 00:12:23.860 So what does Paul want us to see about God's creation 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:27.140 and the incomparable glory that's in store for us? 00:12:27.940 --> 00:12:31.820 Well, first, before Paul actually gets into that, 00:12:32.680 --> 00:12:34.020 he wants to teach us a little bit. 00:12:35.240 --> 00:12:38.900 He wants us first to see that the present state of this world 00:12:38.900 --> 00:12:41.820 is not how it was originally intended to be. 00:12:43.480 --> 00:12:45.260 Let's get our thinking right, Paul says. 00:12:45.680 --> 00:12:46.540 Look at verse 20. 00:12:47.200 --> 00:12:47.920 Verse 20 says, 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:51.160 the creation was subjected to futility. 00:12:51.159 --> 00:12:57.079 Now it's easy to look around the world and see futility, isn't it? 00:12:58.219 --> 00:13:01.779 That same word futility is used in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, 00:13:01.959 --> 00:13:02.519 chapter 1. 00:13:02.679 --> 00:13:06.079 Everything under the sun, the writer of Ecclesiastes observes, 00:13:06.740 --> 00:13:08.100 it never seems to go anywhere. 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:12.019 Empires are built, empires fall. 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:14.620 The wise man builds up an inheritance, 00:13:15.159 --> 00:13:16.399 but it's left to a fool. 00:13:17.240 --> 00:13:18.500 Pleasures come and pleasures go. 00:13:18.500 --> 00:13:22.039 Everything seems trapped in a cycle of decay and disrepair. 00:13:22.360 --> 00:13:24.460 And as soon as you think you've made your mark, 00:13:25.740 --> 00:13:29.240 the tides of history rise and wash it all away. 00:13:30.620 --> 00:13:33.279 And those books you've labored long to write 00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:37.500 are found in the dusty corners of a used bookshop somewhere 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:40.059 that will eventually go out of business thanks to Amazon. 00:13:40.059 --> 00:13:47.759 It's easy to look around and see futility, isn't it? 00:13:48.819 --> 00:13:50.679 Frustration, even emptiness. 00:13:53.119 --> 00:13:54.599 But that's not how it began. 00:13:56.959 --> 00:13:58.459 Creation didn't begin this way. 00:13:58.539 --> 00:13:59.859 It's not how it's supposed to be. 00:14:00.919 --> 00:14:02.500 You see, look carefully at what Paul says here. 00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:05.799 The creation was subjected to futility. 00:14:05.799 --> 00:14:08.719 Something happened along the way. 00:14:11.139 --> 00:14:13.759 And here Paul's alluding to the opening chapters of Genesis, 00:14:14.179 --> 00:14:17.659 where as a result of Adam's rebellion against God, 00:14:17.979 --> 00:14:20.279 God didn't just banish Adam and Eve from the garden, 00:14:20.559 --> 00:14:22.299 but God also cursed the ground. 00:14:24.099 --> 00:14:27.000 God subjected creation to futility. 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:32.059 Now you have to see that God's intention for humanity, 00:14:32.240 --> 00:14:36.120 God's intention for us as his unique image bearers, 00:14:36.159 --> 00:14:38.659 he intended us to be stewards of creation. 00:14:39.379 --> 00:14:42.399 This is why he made us and put us in the created order. 00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:45.340 He put us there to joyfully unlock 00:14:45.340 --> 00:14:47.899 and discover this created order's potential, 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:51.779 to unwrap its latent potencies and its treasures, 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:55.000 to unwrap them like a gift that we would offer back to God. 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:58.879 We were meant to sort of take our place in this created order 00:14:58.879 --> 00:15:00.840 and to tune it like an instrument 00:15:00.840 --> 00:15:03.600 so that it would sing the praises of its creator. 00:15:10.440 --> 00:15:12.320 But as a result of Adam's sin, 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:16.139 and as a judgment on that sin, 00:15:17.320 --> 00:15:19.519 God subjected creation to futility. 00:15:21.139 --> 00:15:23.059 No longer would it yield its treasure, 00:15:23.059 --> 00:15:25.639 now it would produce thorns and thistles. 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:30.399 And Adam and his descendants would extract the good from it 00:15:30.399 --> 00:15:32.559 only by painful toil and sweat 00:15:32.559 --> 00:15:34.439 until death claimed them 00:15:34.439 --> 00:15:37.199 and they returned to the dust from which they had been taken. 00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:42.339 What does all this mean? 00:15:45.459 --> 00:15:47.059 Friends, it means that the present futility 00:15:47.059 --> 00:15:49.219 futility of the created order 00:15:49.219 --> 00:15:51.779 from the worst of natural disasters 00:15:51.779 --> 00:15:53.639 to the weeds that choke out 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:55.399 your measly little vegetable garden 00:15:55.399 --> 00:15:58.119 are a signpost. 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:03.179 The futility of creation is a signpost 00:16:03.179 --> 00:16:07.079 declaring that our relationship with God 00:16:07.079 --> 00:16:09.879 has been broken because of sin 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:12.759 and desperately needs to be repaired. 00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:19.100 The futility of creation is like a giant hedge 00:16:19.679 --> 00:16:21.720 on our self-centered path. 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:25.299 Because as fallen humans, 00:16:25.399 --> 00:16:28.460 we want to live life without God, right? 00:16:29.019 --> 00:16:30.860 We want to be our own lords 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:32.259 and our own saviors. 00:16:32.559 --> 00:16:34.200 We don't want anything to do with God. 00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:35.299 Thank you very much. 00:16:35.559 --> 00:16:37.980 We want to seek our joy and life and peace 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:39.860 apart from God and apart from God's rule 00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:40.919 on our own two feet. 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:44.679 We want to run things our own way. 00:16:45.959 --> 00:16:50.299 But in God's severe mercy to us, 00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:56.579 He subjects His good creation to futility 00:16:56.579 --> 00:16:58.959 against its own will 00:16:58.959 --> 00:17:01.799 so that we rebellious humans 00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:04.039 will be constantly reminded 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:09.220 that our satisfaction can't be found 00:17:09.220 --> 00:17:11.119 in created things, 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:13.099 but only in our Creator. 00:17:17.339 --> 00:17:20.000 So that we would be constantly reminded 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:22.339 that we aren't in control 00:17:22.339 --> 00:17:25.460 and we can't be the master of our own destiny. 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:29.340 And that if we keep trying, 00:17:30.059 --> 00:17:32.160 a much worse fate awaits us, 00:17:32.819 --> 00:17:34.200 an eternity without God. 00:17:39.380 --> 00:17:41.220 So friends, if you sometimes get the sense 00:17:41.220 --> 00:17:44.100 that this world isn't the way it's supposed to be, 00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:47.519 that all the evil and suffering and chaos 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:49.420 isn't how it should be, 00:17:49.680 --> 00:17:52.220 then there is a sense in which you are utterly right. 00:17:52.220 --> 00:18:00.839 But are you listening rightly to the signpost 00:18:00.839 --> 00:18:06.700 that creation was subjected to futility? 00:18:11.860 --> 00:18:13.019 That's point number one, 00:18:13.420 --> 00:18:15.100 that the present state of the world 00:18:15.100 --> 00:18:17.160 is not the way it was originally supposed to be. 00:18:17.220 --> 00:18:18.259 But here's point number two, 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:20.200 the present state of the world 00:18:20.200 --> 00:18:21.980 is not the way it will always be. 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:24.640 Look again at verse 20. 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:27.779 For the creation was subjected to futility, 00:18:27.900 --> 00:18:28.539 not willingly, 00:18:28.740 --> 00:18:31.740 but because of him who subjected it in hope. 00:18:34.740 --> 00:18:37.019 God subjected creation to futility 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:39.400 as a judicial sentence on Adam's sin, 00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:41.519 but God did so in hope. 00:18:41.920 --> 00:18:43.620 When God struck the ground, 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:45.299 he did so with a plan, 00:18:45.640 --> 00:18:46.579 with a purpose, 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:48.240 with a goal in mind. 00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:51.480 God subjected creation to futility 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:53.819 in redemptive hope. 00:18:59.819 --> 00:19:01.039 What is the future? 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:04.440 This hope that God has in store for creation. 00:19:04.539 --> 00:19:05.279 Look at verse 21, 00:19:05.420 --> 00:19:08.859 in hope that the creation will be set free. 00:19:10.120 --> 00:19:11.519 One day, Paul says, 00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:13.380 creation itself will be set free. 00:19:13.799 --> 00:19:14.680 It'll be liberated. 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:16.560 Its shackles will come off. 00:19:16.620 --> 00:19:17.720 Its chains will be broken. 00:19:17.820 --> 00:19:19.519 And what is it going to be set free from? 00:19:20.640 --> 00:19:22.460 The creation will be set free from 00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:25.180 its bondage to corruption. 00:19:26.600 --> 00:19:27.660 That word corruption here means 00:19:27.660 --> 00:19:30.320 decay and decline 00:19:30.320 --> 00:19:32.200 and disintegration. 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:36.480 Of course, yes, 00:19:36.539 --> 00:19:38.460 there is now still amazing beauty in the world. 00:19:38.580 --> 00:19:40.340 There is now still life and birth 00:19:40.340 --> 00:19:41.640 and growth and joy, 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:44.420 but none of these present graces 00:19:44.420 --> 00:19:46.900 escape the cycle of decay 00:19:46.900 --> 00:19:49.160 and disease and death now, do they? 00:19:49.779 --> 00:19:52.259 Creation is enslaved to futility, 00:19:52.640 --> 00:19:53.600 to disintegration, 00:19:53.819 --> 00:19:56.380 but not forever. 00:19:56.380 --> 00:20:00.620 One day, it will be set free 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:03.080 from the tyranny of decay. 00:20:07.360 --> 00:20:08.820 That's what it will be set free from. 00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:10.820 What will it be set free for? 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:13.040 Verse 21 again, 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:14.400 the creation will be set free 00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:16.520 from its bondage to corruption 00:20:16.520 --> 00:20:19.080 and obtain the freedom 00:20:19.080 --> 00:20:22.740 of the glory of the children of God. 00:20:22.800 --> 00:20:23.360 And it's here. 00:20:23.359 --> 00:20:27.259 It's right here in this very moment. 00:20:27.399 --> 00:20:28.559 This is the moment 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:31.519 when we step out of the forest trail 00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:32.959 and onto the cliff's edge. 00:20:33.119 --> 00:20:36.099 This is where we get the breathtaking view. 00:20:38.299 --> 00:20:40.579 This is what, as verse 19 says, 00:20:40.679 --> 00:20:42.719 creation is waiting for 00:20:42.719 --> 00:20:44.159 with eager longing. 00:20:46.159 --> 00:20:48.000 Paul says the whole created order 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:50.259 is standing on tiptoe, 00:20:50.659 --> 00:20:52.039 stretching its neck, 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:53.500 craning forward. 00:20:53.619 --> 00:20:55.279 That's the image of eager longing 00:20:55.279 --> 00:20:56.059 in verse 19. 00:20:56.359 --> 00:20:58.119 Creation is straining out its neck 00:20:58.119 --> 00:20:59.859 to see with eager expectation. 00:21:00.039 --> 00:21:01.319 What is it eagerly expecting? 00:21:02.420 --> 00:21:03.839 What is it yearning for? 00:21:03.899 --> 00:21:05.279 What is it waiting for? 00:21:08.859 --> 00:21:11.859 For the revealing of the sons of God. 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:15.220 Or as verse 21 puts it, 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:19.399 for the glory of the children of God. 00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:22.480 So friends, 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:24.320 if you've come to put your trust in Christ, 00:21:25.100 --> 00:21:26.460 if you've put your faith in Him, 00:21:27.560 --> 00:21:28.700 and you are a daughter, 00:21:28.820 --> 00:21:29.759 you are a son of God, 00:21:29.840 --> 00:21:31.660 and this verse is about you. 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:36.720 In Christ, 00:21:36.820 --> 00:21:38.560 you have become one of God's children, 00:21:39.100 --> 00:21:40.220 and God's purpose, 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:41.480 God's plan, 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:44.540 God's supreme hope for creation 00:21:44.540 --> 00:21:46.560 is bound up with you. 00:21:46.559 --> 00:21:51.960 When the children are revealed in glory, 00:21:53.419 --> 00:21:55.919 it will bring all creation with them. 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:02.700 When Christ returns in this old age, 00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:04.599 finally gives way to the age to come, 00:22:04.639 --> 00:22:05.759 when the sun comes up 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:07.819 and drives away the darkness forever, 00:22:07.940 --> 00:22:08.700 on that day, 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:11.139 all of God's children will be seen 00:22:11.139 --> 00:22:13.079 as they truly are in Christ. 00:22:13.079 --> 00:22:15.079 We will be raised imperishable, 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:16.399 incorruptible, 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:18.039 and we will take our place 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:19.539 with Christ as heirs, 00:22:19.659 --> 00:22:21.439 as the regents of creation 00:22:21.439 --> 00:22:23.539 God originally made us to be. 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:24.819 And then, 00:22:24.939 --> 00:22:26.899 as the sons and daughters of God 00:22:26.899 --> 00:22:28.220 take their place, 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:30.399 at long last, 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:32.579 creation will be set free. 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:38.859 And you just thought 00:22:38.859 --> 00:22:39.819 you were coming to church. 00:22:45.539 --> 00:22:47.079 This is how it was meant to be, friends. 00:22:47.179 --> 00:22:47.839 You see, Adam, 00:22:48.659 --> 00:22:49.099 Adam, 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:50.980 as God's image bearer, 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:52.319 was meant 00:22:52.319 --> 00:22:54.859 to lead creation 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:56.119 into glory. 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:58.220 Adam was meant to be 00:22:58.220 --> 00:23:00.179 at the head of the train, 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:02.180 leading the procession 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:03.100 of creation 00:23:03.100 --> 00:23:05.480 into the never-ending joy 00:23:05.480 --> 00:23:06.299 of God. 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:10.820 Creation from the very start 00:23:10.820 --> 00:23:11.600 had a direction, 00:23:12.620 --> 00:23:13.900 and Adam was the one. 00:23:14.380 --> 00:23:15.320 Humanity were the ones 00:23:15.320 --> 00:23:15.660 who were supposed 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:16.539 to take it there. 00:23:19.820 --> 00:23:21.100 But Adam failed. 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:24.400 And we've all continued 00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:25.720 to fail after him. 00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:28.000 Yet, 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:31.779 where Adam failed, 00:23:32.860 --> 00:23:34.640 Christ has succeeded. 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:39.600 That through his perfect life. 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:42.660 Do you think they were just 00:23:42.660 --> 00:23:43.759 magic tricks 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:45.240 that Christ came, 00:23:45.600 --> 00:23:47.160 healing creation in his wake 00:23:47.160 --> 00:23:48.299 during his earthly ministry? 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:52.879 In his life, 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:53.879 he was showing us 00:23:53.879 --> 00:23:54.680 that he'd come 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:56.859 to set creation free 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:58.399 from its bondage to decay. 00:23:59.460 --> 00:24:01.259 But how would he ultimately do it? 00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:04.539 In death, 00:24:04.619 --> 00:24:05.759 he would destroy death. 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:09.740 He would bear the curse 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:11.000 of Adam, 00:24:11.339 --> 00:24:13.259 and he would bear the curse 00:24:13.259 --> 00:24:14.379 of creation, 00:24:14.879 --> 00:24:16.220 and he would go down 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:18.000 and swallow it whole. 00:24:20.360 --> 00:24:21.480 And three days later, 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:22.360 he would rise. 00:24:24.579 --> 00:24:26.019 And a new creation 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:26.700 would begin. 00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:31.700 And friends, 00:24:32.360 --> 00:24:34.000 through faith, 00:24:34.839 --> 00:24:35.980 by his Spirit, 00:24:36.980 --> 00:24:38.360 those who respond 00:24:38.360 --> 00:24:40.240 to the call of God 00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:41.019 that goes out 00:24:41.019 --> 00:24:42.019 with the proclamation 00:24:42.019 --> 00:24:42.839 of the gospel, 00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:43.940 those who respond 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:45.600 to Christ in faith 00:24:45.599 --> 00:24:46.899 and put their trust in him, 00:24:47.299 --> 00:24:48.139 are made, 00:24:48.419 --> 00:24:50.019 his brothers and sisters, 00:24:50.179 --> 00:24:50.859 are made, 00:24:51.219 --> 00:24:52.919 co-heirs with him. 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:54.980 And we, 00:24:55.519 --> 00:24:56.599 along with Christ, 00:24:56.879 --> 00:24:57.839 will lead, 00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:58.779 once again, 00:24:59.079 --> 00:24:59.859 the procession 00:24:59.859 --> 00:25:01.039 of the created world 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:02.740 into the never-ending 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.819 joy of God. 00:25:08.459 --> 00:25:09.679 And it won't end. 00:25:10.639 --> 00:25:12.240 That's what never-ending means. 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:16.799 Because if God is an 00:25:16.799 --> 00:25:19.160 infinitely majestic God, 00:25:19.940 --> 00:25:21.079 then there must be 00:25:21.079 --> 00:25:22.039 infinite ways 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.640 in which we, 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.359 as his creatures, 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:24.440 can enjoy it 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:25.940 and explore it 00:25:25.940 --> 00:25:27.339 and display it. 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:34.319 Do you see the vision here? 00:25:36.200 --> 00:25:37.319 God isn't going to 00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:38.559 scrap this world, 00:25:39.319 --> 00:25:40.079 annihilate it, 00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:40.920 and start over. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:42.039 He's got a much 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:42.980 deeper plan than that. 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:44.259 He's going to liberate it. 00:25:44.840 --> 00:25:45.500 He's going to take 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:46.440 this material world 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:47.039 and it's going to be 00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:48.800 set free and transformed. 00:25:49.980 --> 00:25:50.880 And this is something 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:51.660 that the New Testament 00:25:51.660 --> 00:25:52.900 says again and again 00:25:52.900 --> 00:25:53.240 and again. 00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:54.200 This isn't just Paul 00:25:54.200 --> 00:25:54.960 being a weirdo. 00:25:55.880 --> 00:25:56.960 This is what the New Testament 00:25:56.960 --> 00:25:58.019 says again and again. 00:25:58.140 --> 00:25:59.980 Jesus himself spoke 00:25:59.980 --> 00:26:00.640 of the new birth 00:26:00.640 --> 00:26:01.519 of the world 00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:02.480 at his second coming. 00:26:02.880 --> 00:26:03.539 Peter talked about 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:04.100 the restoration 00:26:04.100 --> 00:26:05.000 of all things. 00:26:05.300 --> 00:26:05.920 Paul elsewhere 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:06.400 will talk about 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.019 the reconciliation 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:08.000 of all things. 00:26:08.320 --> 00:26:09.259 And John will speak 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:09.960 of the new heavens 00:26:09.960 --> 00:26:10.640 and the new earth 00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:11.779 where God dwells 00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:12.380 with his people. 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:15.180 And we don't just see it 00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:15.759 in the New Testament, 00:26:15.840 --> 00:26:16.900 we see it in the Old Testament. 00:26:17.460 --> 00:26:18.259 The Psalms speak 00:26:18.259 --> 00:26:19.480 of creation clapping 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:20.220 their hands 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.420 and rejoicing 00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:22.720 when God comes to judge. 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:23.519 We read it earlier. 00:26:23.640 --> 00:26:24.720 Elizabeth read it for us. 00:26:26.819 --> 00:26:27.500 Did you get an echo 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:28.680 of creation set free 00:26:28.680 --> 00:26:29.380 from its bondage 00:26:29.380 --> 00:26:29.799 to decay 00:26:29.799 --> 00:26:30.420 in that Psalm 00:26:30.420 --> 00:26:30.940 at the end? 00:26:33.620 --> 00:26:34.319 Isaiah says 00:26:34.319 --> 00:26:35.039 that God will one day 00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:35.740 create a new heaven 00:26:35.740 --> 00:26:36.400 and a new earth 00:26:36.400 --> 00:26:37.960 and out of the desert 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.740 will come streams 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:39.259 of water 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:40.840 and ferocious 00:26:40.840 --> 00:26:41.960 poisonous animals 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:43.040 will end up laying down 00:26:43.040 --> 00:26:43.720 in peace. 00:26:45.600 --> 00:26:46.060 Death, 00:26:46.519 --> 00:26:47.019 disease, 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:47.860 decay 00:26:47.860 --> 00:26:49.560 will be forever cast off. 00:26:49.680 --> 00:26:50.259 Isaiah says 00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:51.019 it's like a sheet 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:53.160 that's been laid over us, 00:26:53.340 --> 00:26:54.320 like a shroud 00:26:54.320 --> 00:26:55.160 that's come down, 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:55.740 a veil. 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:56.660 But he says 00:26:56.660 --> 00:26:57.360 one day 00:26:57.360 --> 00:26:58.900 it will be torn off 00:26:58.900 --> 00:26:59.940 and on the mountain 00:26:59.940 --> 00:27:00.540 of God 00:27:00.540 --> 00:27:01.640 will be a feast 00:27:01.640 --> 00:27:02.340 of rich food 00:27:02.340 --> 00:27:02.900 and wine 00:27:02.900 --> 00:27:04.360 for us to enjoy 00:27:04.360 --> 00:27:05.060 forevermore. 00:27:05.059 --> 00:27:11.019 God's material creation 00:27:11.019 --> 00:27:11.899 will be redeemed 00:27:11.899 --> 00:27:13.200 and glorified 00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:14.859 because God's children 00:27:14.859 --> 00:27:16.480 will be redeemed 00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:17.200 and glorified. 00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:21.240 Now, 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:21.879 if you're sitting there 00:27:21.879 --> 00:27:22.419 speculating 00:27:22.419 --> 00:27:22.960 how on earth 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:23.659 that's going to happen, 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:26.299 how these molecules 00:27:26.299 --> 00:27:26.799 are going to make 00:27:26.799 --> 00:27:27.619 those molecules, 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:30.339 well, 00:27:30.419 --> 00:27:31.179 I think it's probably best 00:27:31.179 --> 00:27:31.639 to let God 00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:32.659 work out all the details 00:27:32.659 --> 00:27:33.859 of transforming this world 00:27:33.859 --> 00:27:34.759 into the world to come. 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:36.399 There's going to be continuity 00:27:36.399 --> 00:27:37.359 and discontinuity. 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:37.720 Clearly, 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:38.679 what God has in store 00:27:38.679 --> 00:27:40.059 is beyond our imaginations. 00:27:42.399 --> 00:27:43.039 Yet, 00:27:43.139 --> 00:27:44.179 what's in store? 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:46.399 This glimpse we're given 00:27:46.399 --> 00:27:47.079 is meant 00:27:47.079 --> 00:27:48.200 to start engaging 00:27:48.200 --> 00:27:49.359 our hearts now. 00:27:51.679 --> 00:27:52.480 It's meant 00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:53.659 to instill in us 00:27:53.659 --> 00:27:54.359 a sense 00:27:54.359 --> 00:27:55.639 of the incomparable 00:27:55.639 --> 00:27:56.700 glory to come 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:59.119 so that all 00:27:59.119 --> 00:28:00.319 of our present suffering 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:02.139 can be considered 00:28:02.139 --> 00:28:04.019 in the right perspective. 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:07.000 And our third 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:07.559 and last point 00:28:07.559 --> 00:28:08.139 is meant to do 00:28:08.139 --> 00:28:08.819 that very thing 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:10.420 to help reframe 00:28:10.420 --> 00:28:11.579 our perspective 00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:12.839 on present suffering. 00:28:13.139 --> 00:28:14.619 If our first point, 00:28:14.680 --> 00:28:15.359 if Paul's sort of 00:28:15.359 --> 00:28:15.900 first point 00:28:15.900 --> 00:28:16.900 looked to the past 00:28:16.900 --> 00:28:18.440 when God subjected 00:28:18.440 --> 00:28:19.420 creation to futility 00:28:19.420 --> 00:28:20.539 and this next point, 00:28:20.879 --> 00:28:21.599 the second point 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:22.500 sort of looked ahead 00:28:22.500 --> 00:28:23.759 to when creation 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:24.519 will be liberated 00:28:24.519 --> 00:28:25.279 from its bondage 00:28:25.279 --> 00:28:25.779 to decay, 00:28:26.099 --> 00:28:26.740 Paul now brings us 00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:27.879 back to the present 00:28:27.879 --> 00:28:28.740 in verse 22. 00:28:29.740 --> 00:28:30.660 He comes back 00:28:30.660 --> 00:28:31.920 to the here and now. 00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:35.060 in creation, 00:28:35.220 --> 00:28:35.580 he says, 00:28:35.620 --> 00:28:36.200 is groaning. 00:28:39.900 --> 00:28:40.980 And we hear it, 00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:41.380 don't we? 00:28:42.519 --> 00:28:43.740 We feel it, 00:28:44.580 --> 00:28:44.920 groaning. 00:28:48.580 --> 00:28:49.440 But you see, 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:50.180 this groaning 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:51.440 isn't the meaningless 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:52.539 groan 00:28:52.539 --> 00:28:54.080 of futility 00:28:54.080 --> 00:28:56.220 that it will never end. 00:28:56.220 --> 00:28:58.480 And this groan 00:28:58.480 --> 00:28:59.059 isn't the groan 00:28:59.059 --> 00:29:00.000 of despair 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:01.259 in the face 00:29:01.259 --> 00:29:02.100 of disease 00:29:02.100 --> 00:29:03.120 and decay. 00:29:04.720 --> 00:29:05.200 No, 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:06.059 what does Paul say? 00:29:07.120 --> 00:29:08.339 This is the groan 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:09.720 of a mother 00:29:09.720 --> 00:29:11.100 in labor. 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:13.900 The whole creation 00:29:13.900 --> 00:29:14.700 has been groaning 00:29:14.700 --> 00:29:15.160 together 00:29:15.160 --> 00:29:15.779 in the pains 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:16.600 of childbirth 00:29:16.600 --> 00:29:18.440 until now. 00:29:18.440 --> 00:29:21.660 Now, 00:29:21.740 --> 00:29:22.600 you can probably guess 00:29:22.600 --> 00:29:23.259 that I have not 00:29:23.259 --> 00:29:23.860 given birth, 00:29:24.660 --> 00:29:28.700 but I have been 00:29:28.700 --> 00:29:29.500 present for three. 00:29:32.080 --> 00:29:32.920 And I think 00:29:32.920 --> 00:29:33.580 it is a safe 00:29:33.580 --> 00:29:34.920 assumption 00:29:34.920 --> 00:29:35.700 to say that 00:29:35.700 --> 00:29:36.240 childbirth 00:29:36.240 --> 00:29:36.920 is a painful 00:29:36.920 --> 00:29:37.680 process. 00:29:41.279 --> 00:29:41.779 Excruciating 00:29:41.779 --> 00:29:43.400 and exhausting. 00:29:44.200 --> 00:29:45.080 It takes 00:29:45.080 --> 00:29:45.900 the whole of you 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:48.000 and it lays 00:29:48.000 --> 00:29:48.360 you down 00:29:48.360 --> 00:29:48.980 in pain. 00:29:55.460 --> 00:29:56.560 But in the end, 00:29:57.160 --> 00:29:58.820 it's exhilarating, 00:29:59.100 --> 00:29:59.660 is it not? 00:30:00.460 --> 00:30:01.259 At the end 00:30:01.259 --> 00:30:01.759 of the day, 00:30:02.720 --> 00:30:03.620 the pain 00:30:03.620 --> 00:30:04.840 of childbirth 00:30:04.840 --> 00:30:06.100 is not worth 00:30:06.100 --> 00:30:06.920 comparing 00:30:06.920 --> 00:30:08.720 to the joy 00:30:08.720 --> 00:30:09.420 of holding 00:30:09.420 --> 00:30:10.340 a new child 00:30:10.340 --> 00:30:11.519 in your arms. 00:30:13.780 --> 00:30:15.200 I have never 00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:16.200 seen 00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:16.840 someone 00:30:16.840 --> 00:30:17.680 move 00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:18.740 from 00:30:18.740 --> 00:30:22.100 excruciating 00:30:22.100 --> 00:30:23.799 pain 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:25.920 to limitless 00:30:25.920 --> 00:30:26.819 joy 00:30:26.819 --> 00:30:27.759 in such 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:28.660 a second 00:30:28.660 --> 00:30:29.539 as when 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:30.019 my children 00:30:30.019 --> 00:30:30.580 were born. 00:30:35.720 --> 00:30:36.720 And Paul 00:30:36.720 --> 00:30:37.000 says, 00:30:37.120 --> 00:30:37.360 friends, 00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:38.019 the world 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:39.200 in which we live 00:30:39.200 --> 00:30:40.259 is not a 00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:40.799 random, 00:30:41.360 --> 00:30:42.440 directionless 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:43.400 mass 00:30:43.400 --> 00:30:44.460 of atoms 00:30:44.460 --> 00:30:45.300 fluttering 00:30:45.300 --> 00:30:46.360 this way 00:30:46.360 --> 00:30:47.060 and that. 00:30:47.340 --> 00:30:47.740 It's the 00:30:47.740 --> 00:30:48.720 good creation 00:30:48.720 --> 00:30:49.860 of a good 00:30:49.860 --> 00:30:50.320 God 00:30:50.320 --> 00:30:50.860 who, 00:30:51.140 --> 00:30:51.220 yes, 00:30:51.259 --> 00:30:52.100 subjected it 00:30:52.100 --> 00:30:53.080 to futility, 00:30:53.220 --> 00:30:53.759 but did so 00:30:53.759 --> 00:30:54.460 in hope 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.360 that one day 00:30:55.360 --> 00:30:55.700 it would be 00:30:55.700 --> 00:30:56.460 set free 00:30:56.460 --> 00:30:57.620 when Christ 00:30:57.620 --> 00:30:58.240 and all the 00:30:58.240 --> 00:30:58.960 children of God 00:30:58.960 --> 00:30:59.540 are revealed 00:30:59.540 --> 00:31:00.380 and God 00:31:00.380 --> 00:31:01.340 gives birth 00:31:01.340 --> 00:31:02.340 to a new 00:31:02.340 --> 00:31:02.820 world 00:31:02.820 --> 00:31:05.880 that fulfills 00:31:05.880 --> 00:31:06.600 the deepest 00:31:06.600 --> 00:31:07.220 longings 00:31:07.220 --> 00:31:07.820 and intentions 00:31:07.820 --> 00:31:08.360 that this one 00:31:08.360 --> 00:31:09.040 was always 00:31:09.040 --> 00:31:09.500 meant to 00:31:09.500 --> 00:31:09.900 fulfill. 00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:14.300 I mean, 00:31:14.380 --> 00:31:15.100 goodness gracious 00:31:15.100 --> 00:31:15.540 friends, 00:31:16.680 --> 00:31:18.019 why do we 00:31:18.019 --> 00:31:18.560 as human beings 00:31:18.560 --> 00:31:19.300 still have an 00:31:19.300 --> 00:31:20.500 impulse to 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.200 make art 00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:22.140 and music? 00:31:22.280 --> 00:31:22.640 Why do we 00:31:22.640 --> 00:31:23.140 still have an 00:31:23.140 --> 00:31:23.660 impulse to 00:31:23.660 --> 00:31:24.120 wake up in 00:31:24.120 --> 00:31:24.440 the morning 00:31:24.440 --> 00:31:24.920 and go to 00:31:24.920 --> 00:31:25.640 our jobs? 00:31:27.320 --> 00:31:28.080 Why are 00:31:28.080 --> 00:31:28.759 any of us 00:31:28.759 --> 00:31:29.960 crazy enough 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:30.560 to have 00:31:30.560 --> 00:31:31.700 children given 00:31:31.700 --> 00:31:32.240 the present 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:32.920 state of 00:31:32.920 --> 00:31:33.360 the planet? 00:31:33.359 --> 00:31:33.559 it? 00:31:39.079 --> 00:31:39.799 Why would 00:31:39.799 --> 00:31:40.119 you bring 00:31:40.119 --> 00:31:40.659 children into 00:31:40.659 --> 00:31:41.259 this world? 00:31:46.139 --> 00:31:46.819 Because you 00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:47.099 and all, 00:31:47.459 --> 00:31:47.939 you and I 00:31:47.939 --> 00:31:48.259 know 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:51.139 that God 00:31:51.139 --> 00:31:51.799 subjected it 00:31:51.799 --> 00:31:52.379 to futility 00:31:52.379 --> 00:31:52.959 and hope 00:31:52.959 --> 00:31:56.079 and the 00:31:56.079 --> 00:31:56.519 suffering 00:31:56.519 --> 00:31:56.839 that we 00:31:56.839 --> 00:31:57.399 see now 00:31:57.399 --> 00:31:58.000 is not 00:31:58.000 --> 00:31:58.500 the final 00:31:58.500 --> 00:31:58.919 word. 00:32:00.219 --> 00:32:00.659 They're the 00:32:00.659 --> 00:32:01.919 birth pains 00:32:01.920 --> 00:32:03.480 pointing ahead. 00:32:03.779 --> 00:32:04.039 They're 00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:05.160 excruciating. 00:32:05.500 --> 00:32:05.759 They're 00:32:05.759 --> 00:32:06.640 exhausting. 00:32:07.100 --> 00:32:07.840 But one 00:32:07.840 --> 00:32:08.160 day, 00:32:08.320 --> 00:32:08.800 they will 00:32:08.800 --> 00:32:09.640 give way 00:32:09.640 --> 00:32:10.700 to joy. 00:32:17.700 --> 00:32:18.340 But here's 00:32:18.340 --> 00:32:18.560 where the 00:32:18.560 --> 00:32:18.920 rubber hits 00:32:18.920 --> 00:32:19.240 the road, 00:32:19.340 --> 00:32:19.560 friends. 00:32:19.640 --> 00:32:19.940 If you're 00:32:19.940 --> 00:32:20.100 going to 00:32:20.100 --> 00:32:20.640 be a part 00:32:20.640 --> 00:32:21.480 of that 00:32:21.480 --> 00:32:22.100 renewed 00:32:22.100 --> 00:32:22.720 creation, 00:32:22.840 --> 00:32:23.180 and all 00:32:23.180 --> 00:32:23.640 of us 00:32:23.640 --> 00:32:24.759 are beckoned 00:32:24.759 --> 00:32:25.060 in, 00:32:26.400 --> 00:32:27.019 if you're 00:32:27.019 --> 00:32:27.180 going to 00:32:27.180 --> 00:32:27.580 be a part 00:32:27.580 --> 00:32:27.820 of that 00:32:27.820 --> 00:32:28.160 renewal 00:32:28.160 --> 00:32:28.560 of all 00:32:28.560 --> 00:32:29.019 things, 00:32:29.539 --> 00:32:29.920 then you 00:32:29.920 --> 00:32:30.320 yourself 00:32:30.320 --> 00:32:30.680 need to 00:32:30.680 --> 00:32:31.160 be renewed. 00:32:31.920 --> 00:32:34.320 And that 00:32:34.320 --> 00:32:34.700 brings us 00:32:34.700 --> 00:32:34.920 to the 00:32:34.920 --> 00:32:35.140 heart of 00:32:35.140 --> 00:32:35.620 the gospel, 00:32:36.720 --> 00:32:38.539 that God 00:32:38.539 --> 00:32:40.200 wanting to 00:32:40.200 --> 00:32:40.779 create 00:32:40.779 --> 00:32:43.360 and recreate 00:32:43.360 --> 00:32:44.039 His people 00:32:44.039 --> 00:32:45.180 so that they 00:32:45.180 --> 00:32:45.600 might lead 00:32:45.600 --> 00:32:46.320 creation into 00:32:46.320 --> 00:32:46.759 glory, 00:32:47.420 --> 00:32:49.940 in love, 00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:50.279 sent His 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:50.920 one and only 00:32:50.920 --> 00:32:51.440 Son into 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:51.940 the world, 00:32:52.240 --> 00:32:53.960 who died 00:32:53.960 --> 00:32:54.460 in the place 00:32:54.460 --> 00:32:54.900 of sinners 00:32:54.900 --> 00:32:55.759 to take away 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:56.360 the penalty 00:32:56.360 --> 00:32:56.840 of sin 00:32:56.840 --> 00:32:57.120 that we 00:32:57.120 --> 00:32:57.580 deserve, 00:32:57.940 --> 00:32:58.400 and who 00:32:58.400 --> 00:32:59.019 rose again 00:32:59.019 --> 00:32:59.440 on the third 00:32:59.440 --> 00:32:59.840 day to give 00:32:59.840 --> 00:33:00.360 us new 00:33:00.360 --> 00:33:00.800 life. 00:33:01.920 --> 00:33:04.060 You see, 00:33:04.140 --> 00:33:04.779 how was it 00:33:04.779 --> 00:33:05.380 that God 00:33:05.380 --> 00:33:06.440 could subject 00:33:06.440 --> 00:33:07.279 creation to 00:33:07.279 --> 00:33:08.039 futility and 00:33:08.039 --> 00:33:08.380 hope? 00:33:09.300 --> 00:33:09.920 How would 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:11.200 God save 00:33:11.200 --> 00:33:12.340 creation from 00:33:12.340 --> 00:33:12.940 the futility 00:33:12.940 --> 00:33:13.779 that He 00:33:13.779 --> 00:33:14.779 sentenced it 00:33:14.779 --> 00:33:15.039 to? 00:33:17.440 --> 00:33:18.360 How would 00:33:18.360 --> 00:33:19.580 God rescue 00:33:19.580 --> 00:33:20.820 creation from 00:33:20.820 --> 00:33:21.160 Himself? 00:33:23.920 --> 00:33:24.740 Where did 00:33:24.740 --> 00:33:25.120 the hope 00:33:25.120 --> 00:33:25.779 spring from? 00:33:25.779 --> 00:33:26.779 God save 00:33:26.779 --> 00:33:27.779 Him? 00:33:27.779 --> 00:33:30.240 It sprang from 00:33:30.240 --> 00:33:31.019 the eternal 00:33:31.019 --> 00:33:32.500 counsels of 00:33:32.500 --> 00:33:33.259 our triune 00:33:33.259 --> 00:33:33.720 God, 00:33:34.359 --> 00:33:36.519 because God 00:33:36.519 --> 00:33:37.119 the Father 00:33:37.119 --> 00:33:37.960 and God 00:33:37.960 --> 00:33:38.460 the Son 00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:39.119 and God 00:33:39.119 --> 00:33:39.519 the Holy 00:33:39.519 --> 00:33:40.139 Spirit had 00:33:40.139 --> 00:33:41.059 planned from 00:33:41.059 --> 00:33:42.039 eternity a 00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:42.759 work of 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:43.180 redemption, 00:33:43.619 --> 00:33:44.359 that where sin 00:33:44.359 --> 00:33:44.859 abounded, 00:33:45.059 --> 00:33:45.720 grace would 00:33:45.720 --> 00:33:46.359 much more 00:33:46.359 --> 00:33:46.779 abound, 00:33:47.319 --> 00:33:47.980 and where 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:49.480 death reigned, 00:33:49.859 --> 00:33:50.599 life would 00:33:50.599 --> 00:33:51.579 give way to 00:33:51.579 --> 00:33:52.480 final victory. 00:33:52.480 --> 00:33:54.960 from the 00:33:54.960 --> 00:33:55.599 moment God 00:33:55.599 --> 00:33:56.579 struck the 00:33:56.579 --> 00:33:57.099 ground, 00:33:57.380 --> 00:33:57.920 He already 00:33:57.920 --> 00:33:58.500 knew that He 00:33:58.500 --> 00:33:58.960 was going to 00:33:58.960 --> 00:33:59.960 strike His 00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:00.940 Son so that 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:01.480 we could all 00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:02.319 be set free, 00:34:02.579 --> 00:34:03.259 so that everyone 00:34:03.259 --> 00:34:04.539 who comes and 00:34:04.539 --> 00:34:05.400 takes hold of 00:34:05.400 --> 00:34:06.339 Christ would 00:34:06.339 --> 00:34:07.079 have their guilt 00:34:07.079 --> 00:34:07.480 of sin 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:08.260 released, 00:34:09.079 --> 00:34:10.619 their hearts 00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:11.320 made new, 00:34:12.320 --> 00:34:13.539 and they might 00:34:13.539 --> 00:34:14.480 be adopted into 00:34:14.480 --> 00:34:15.440 God's family and 00:34:15.440 --> 00:34:16.699 made heirs of 00:34:16.699 --> 00:34:17.619 this new creation 00:34:17.619 --> 00:34:18.740 hope that God 00:34:18.740 --> 00:34:19.559 has always had. 00:34:19.559 --> 00:34:23.380 So friends, 00:34:23.440 --> 00:34:23.820 if you hear 00:34:23.820 --> 00:34:24.619 God's voice, 00:34:25.500 --> 00:34:26.519 don't harden 00:34:26.519 --> 00:34:27.059 your heart. 00:34:29.699 --> 00:34:30.320 Place your 00:34:30.320 --> 00:34:30.820 trust in the 00:34:30.820 --> 00:34:31.539 One who came 00:34:31.539 --> 00:34:32.599 in love for 00:34:32.599 --> 00:34:32.880 you. 00:34:35.139 --> 00:34:35.920 To all who 00:34:35.920 --> 00:34:36.440 received Him, 00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:37.019 who believed in 00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:37.360 His name, 00:34:37.420 --> 00:34:37.860 He gave them 00:34:37.860 --> 00:34:38.480 the right to 00:34:38.480 --> 00:34:38.860 become the 00:34:38.860 --> 00:34:39.320 children of 00:34:39.320 --> 00:34:39.679 God, 00:34:39.900 --> 00:34:40.400 and if 00:34:40.400 --> 00:34:40.739 children, 00:34:40.920 --> 00:34:41.440 then heirs, 00:34:41.599 --> 00:34:42.039 heirs of 00:34:42.039 --> 00:34:42.420 God, 00:34:42.759 --> 00:34:43.440 and co-heirs 00:34:43.440 --> 00:34:44.000 with Christ. 00:34:44.099 --> 00:34:46.299 And here is 00:34:46.299 --> 00:34:46.739 the good news 00:34:46.739 --> 00:34:47.259 for all of 00:34:47.259 --> 00:34:47.579 those who 00:34:47.579 --> 00:34:48.059 have trusted 00:34:48.059 --> 00:34:48.639 in Christ. 00:34:49.559 --> 00:34:51.559 God's going 00:34:51.559 --> 00:34:51.920 to renew 00:34:51.920 --> 00:34:52.619 all of 00:34:52.619 --> 00:34:53.019 creation. 00:34:54.340 --> 00:34:54.860 This whole 00:34:54.860 --> 00:34:55.360 thing is going 00:34:55.360 --> 00:34:56.059 to be transformed, 00:34:56.299 --> 00:34:56.739 set free from 00:34:56.739 --> 00:34:57.039 decay, 00:34:57.219 --> 00:34:57.860 and we will 00:34:57.860 --> 00:34:58.360 enjoy it 00:34:58.360 --> 00:34:58.860 forever, 00:34:58.860 --> 00:34:59.199 and God 00:34:59.199 --> 00:34:59.599 will give us 00:34:59.599 --> 00:35:00.299 new bodies 00:35:00.299 --> 00:35:00.880 and minds 00:35:00.880 --> 00:35:01.259 and hearts 00:35:01.259 --> 00:35:01.940 to be able 00:35:01.940 --> 00:35:02.659 to enjoy it. 00:35:02.779 --> 00:35:03.539 But the best 00:35:03.539 --> 00:35:04.039 thing of all 00:35:04.039 --> 00:35:04.579 is this, 00:35:04.840 --> 00:35:05.739 all of the 00:35:05.739 --> 00:35:06.779 ways in which 00:35:06.779 --> 00:35:07.599 creation was 00:35:07.599 --> 00:35:08.219 meant to 00:35:08.219 --> 00:35:09.079 display God's 00:35:09.079 --> 00:35:10.360 glory will be 00:35:10.360 --> 00:35:10.820 repaired. 00:35:11.599 --> 00:35:12.619 When creation's 00:35:12.619 --> 00:35:13.619 futility gives 00:35:13.619 --> 00:35:14.960 way to the 00:35:14.960 --> 00:35:15.480 liberty and the 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:16.019 glory of the 00:35:16.019 --> 00:35:16.820 children of God, 00:35:17.259 --> 00:35:18.119 we will then 00:35:18.119 --> 00:35:19.019 taste and see 00:35:19.019 --> 00:35:19.599 that the Lord 00:35:19.599 --> 00:35:20.360 is good in 00:35:20.360 --> 00:35:21.019 ways that you 00:35:21.019 --> 00:35:21.539 and I right 00:35:21.539 --> 00:35:22.179 now can't 00:35:22.179 --> 00:35:22.619 imagine. 00:35:22.759 --> 00:35:22.940 Friends, 00:35:22.980 --> 00:35:23.639 if a sunset 00:35:23.639 --> 00:35:24.920 thrills your 00:35:24.920 --> 00:35:25.280 soul, 00:35:25.440 --> 00:35:26.320 imagine what 00:35:26.320 --> 00:35:26.860 that sunset 00:35:26.860 --> 00:35:27.579 will be like 00:35:27.579 --> 00:35:28.380 when creation 00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:29.059 is set free 00:35:29.059 --> 00:35:29.440 from its 00:35:29.440 --> 00:35:30.000 bondage to 00:35:30.000 --> 00:35:30.340 decay. 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:33.579 If the 00:35:33.579 --> 00:35:34.739 massive redwoods 00:35:34.739 --> 00:35:35.420 of California 00:35:35.420 --> 00:35:36.199 speak of the 00:35:36.199 --> 00:35:37.340 majesty of God, 00:35:38.380 --> 00:35:39.360 if the stars 00:35:39.360 --> 00:35:40.420 and constellations 00:35:40.420 --> 00:35:41.039 and galaxies 00:35:41.039 --> 00:35:42.159 declare how holy 00:35:42.159 --> 00:35:43.159 and powerful 00:35:43.159 --> 00:35:43.659 God is, 00:35:43.699 --> 00:35:44.659 if the waves 00:35:44.659 --> 00:35:46.019 pounding against 00:35:46.019 --> 00:35:46.940 the shore echo 00:35:46.940 --> 00:35:48.079 God's faithfulness 00:35:48.079 --> 00:35:49.019 and greatness 00:35:49.019 --> 00:35:50.400 and steadfast 00:35:50.400 --> 00:35:51.059 love that just 00:35:51.059 --> 00:35:51.719 keep coming 00:35:51.719 --> 00:35:52.860 and coming 00:35:52.860 --> 00:35:53.940 and coming 00:35:53.940 --> 00:35:54.599 and don't 00:35:54.599 --> 00:35:55.340 stop. 00:35:56.759 --> 00:35:58.199 Imagine what 00:35:58.199 --> 00:35:59.639 God will show 00:35:59.639 --> 00:36:00.759 us of Himself 00:36:00.759 --> 00:36:01.820 in the new 00:36:01.820 --> 00:36:02.759 heavens and 00:36:02.759 --> 00:36:03.360 the new earth 00:36:03.360 --> 00:36:04.179 when we can 00:36:04.179 --> 00:36:05.300 enjoy it with 00:36:05.300 --> 00:36:06.659 totally new 00:36:06.659 --> 00:36:07.840 bodies and 00:36:07.840 --> 00:36:08.300 selves. 00:36:08.300 --> 00:36:12.039 then we'll 00:36:12.039 --> 00:36:12.620 see that the 00:36:12.620 --> 00:36:13.120 sufferings of 00:36:13.120 --> 00:36:13.600 this present 00:36:13.600 --> 00:36:14.160 age really 00:36:14.160 --> 00:36:14.740 aren't worth 00:36:14.740 --> 00:36:15.940 comparing to 00:36:15.940 --> 00:36:17.039 the glory that 00:36:17.039 --> 00:36:17.820 is to be 00:36:17.820 --> 00:36:19.120 revealed unto 00:36:19.120 --> 00:36:19.760 us. 00:36:21.600 --> 00:36:22.560 So hold on, 00:36:22.640 --> 00:36:23.019 brothers and 00:36:23.019 --> 00:36:23.360 sisters. 00:36:25.100 --> 00:36:25.920 Hold on. 00:36:28.120 --> 00:36:28.940 One day an 00:36:28.940 --> 00:36:29.380 incomparable 00:36:29.380 --> 00:36:30.120 glory is coming 00:36:30.120 --> 00:36:30.760 and you will be 00:36:30.760 --> 00:36:32.440 at the front of 00:36:32.440 --> 00:36:33.060 the procession 00:36:33.060 --> 00:36:33.740 with Christ, 00:36:34.500 --> 00:36:34.880 your King. 00:36:37.019 --> 00:36:37.539 Amen. 00:36:38.300 --> 00:36:39.200 Amen. 00:36:39.500 --> 00:36:39.980 Let's pray. 00:36:46.120 --> 00:36:47.000 Father, we need 00:36:47.000 --> 00:36:49.000 Your Spirit to 00:36:49.000 --> 00:36:50.480 come and 00:36:50.480 --> 00:36:51.620 testify to 00:36:51.620 --> 00:36:52.340 our hearts 00:36:52.340 --> 00:36:53.300 that we are 00:36:53.300 --> 00:36:53.880 indeed Your 00:36:53.880 --> 00:36:54.400 children. 00:36:55.560 --> 00:36:56.340 And we need 00:36:56.340 --> 00:36:57.080 Your Spirit to 00:36:57.080 --> 00:36:57.980 come and make 00:36:57.980 --> 00:36:59.019 this vision of 00:36:59.019 --> 00:37:00.460 glory real to 00:37:00.460 --> 00:37:00.820 us. 00:37:01.720 --> 00:37:02.480 Oh God, we've 00:37:02.480 --> 00:37:03.320 lived in the 00:37:03.320 --> 00:37:04.220 futility of this 00:37:04.220 --> 00:37:05.280 creation for so 00:37:05.280 --> 00:37:06.420 long that sometimes 00:37:06.420 --> 00:37:07.380 it just seems like 00:37:07.380 --> 00:37:07.880 a dream. 00:37:08.300 --> 00:37:10.160 And yet, 00:37:10.240 --> 00:37:10.720 Holy Spirit, 00:37:10.820 --> 00:37:12.460 bring us back to 00:37:12.460 --> 00:37:13.039 the resurrection 00:37:13.039 --> 00:37:15.440 of Christ, to 00:37:15.440 --> 00:37:16.400 the conquest of 00:37:16.400 --> 00:37:16.960 death, to the 00:37:16.960 --> 00:37:17.560 beginning of the 00:37:17.560 --> 00:37:18.480 new creation in 00:37:18.480 --> 00:37:18.840 Him. 00:37:19.160 --> 00:37:20.140 And Lord, help us 00:37:20.140 --> 00:37:21.000 to see and to 00:37:21.000 --> 00:37:21.860 trust Your Word that 00:37:21.860 --> 00:37:22.500 one day that will 00:37:22.500 --> 00:37:24.160 be true of all 00:37:24.160 --> 00:37:25.480 things and we in 00:37:25.480 --> 00:37:27.580 Christ with it at 00:37:27.580 --> 00:37:28.080 its head. 00:37:29.120 --> 00:37:30.120 And Lord, help us 00:37:30.119 --> 00:37:32.659 apart that, in the 00:37:32.659 --> 00:37:33.460 midst of suffering, 00:37:33.659 --> 00:37:35.019 to hold these 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.719 things tightly, we 00:37:35.719 --> 00:37:36.019 pray. 00:37:36.819 --> 00:37:37.819 In Jesus' name, 00:37:38.039 --> 00:37:38.299 Amen. 00:37:38.300 --> 00:37:38.400 Amen. 00:38:03.080 --> 00:38:04.019 So I'll stand. 00:38:08.300 --> 00:38:15.800 All creatures of our God and King 00:38:15.800 --> 00:38:21.580 Lift up your voice and with us sing 00:38:21.580 --> 00:38:27.140 Oh, praise Him, hallelujah 00:38:27.140 --> 00:38:33.260 Thou burning sun with golden dew 00:38:33.260 --> 00:38:39.140 Thou silver moon is often lean 00:38:39.140 --> 00:38:44.920 Oh, praise Him, oh, praise Him 00:38:44.920 --> 00:38:50.260 Hallelujah, hallelujah 00:38:50.260 --> 00:39:05.340 Now rushing with my heart so strong 00:39:05.340 --> 00:39:11.220 Ye clouds that sail in heaven alone 00:39:11.220 --> 00:39:16.340 Oh, praise Him, hallelujah 00:39:16.340 --> 00:39:22.220 Thou rising moon in praise rejoin 00:39:22.219 --> 00:39:27.839 The lights of evening fire roar 00:39:27.839 --> 00:39:34.219 Oh, praise Him, oh, praise Him 00:39:34.219 --> 00:39:39.219 Hallelujah, hallelujah 00:39:39.219 --> 00:39:42.219 Hallelujah, hallelujah 00:39:42.219 --> 00:39:54.659 And let all things their Creator bless 00:39:54.659 --> 00:40:00.299 And worship Him in humbleness 00:40:00.300 --> 00:40:06.180 Oh, praise Him, oh, praise Him 00:40:06.180 --> 00:40:11.060 Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son 00:40:11.060 --> 00:40:17.080 And praise the Spirit three in one 00:40:17.080 --> 00:40:23.120 Oh, praise Him, oh, praise Him 00:40:23.119 --> 00:40:28.599 Hallelujah, hallelujah 00:40:28.599 --> 00:40:32.519 Hallelujah, hallelujah 00:40:32.519 --> 00:40:35.579 Hallelujah 00:40:35.579 --> 00:40:37.000 ¡Oh, praise Him, hallelujah! 00:40:37.000 --> 00:40:37.739 Hallelujah! 00:40:38.239 --> 00:40:42.119 Hallelujah, hallelujah 00:40:42.119 --> 00:40:43.299 we 00:41:05.519 --> 00:41:07.559 praise praise our father 00:41:07.559 --> 00:41:09.559 Oh 00:41:37.559 --> 00:41:45.059 Well friends feel free to stick around up here for fellowship. 00:41:45.699 --> 00:41:47.460 There's coffee hour downstairs. 00:41:47.659 --> 00:41:49.759 Feel free to meet someone new and encourage one another down there. 00:41:49.840 --> 00:41:50.279 If you would like to