WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.799 So if you have a Bible, perhaps you can turn with me to 1 John chapter 1. 00:00:07.400 --> 00:00:13.140 So the first letter written by the Apostle John, page 1225 if you're using a church Bible. 00:00:14.620 --> 00:00:18.600 For the next few months, we're going to think about the house that Jesus builds. 00:00:19.260 --> 00:00:20.559 We're going to think about the life. 00:00:20.559 --> 00:00:22.359 We'll look at that for the next few months. 00:00:22.440 --> 00:00:26.699 And to help us to lay the foundations, we come to this section. 00:00:27.339 --> 00:00:32.379 We're going to read the whole chapter, but we're going to focus on 1 John 1 verses 1 to 4. 00:00:33.280 --> 00:00:34.859 And we're going to see spiritual fellowship. 00:00:35.539 --> 00:00:37.299 And we're going to see the joy that that produces. 00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:39.920 So let's hear God's words together. 00:00:41.200 --> 00:00:46.759 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, 00:00:47.179 --> 00:00:52.920 which we have looked at and our hands have touched, this we proclaim concerning the word of life. 00:00:53.579 --> 00:00:54.460 The life appeared. 00:00:54.460 --> 00:00:57.120 We have seen it and testified to it. 00:00:57.179 --> 00:01:02.780 And we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 00:01:03.280 --> 00:01:08.980 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. 00:01:09.620 --> 00:01:14.500 And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 00:01:14.980 --> 00:01:18.140 We write this to make our joy complete. 00:01:18.140 --> 00:01:22.379 This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you. 00:01:22.799 --> 00:01:24.140 God is light. 00:01:24.599 --> 00:01:26.900 In Him there is no darkness at all. 00:01:27.480 --> 00:01:34.780 If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 00:01:35.500 --> 00:01:40.359 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, 00:01:40.359 --> 00:01:44.620 and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 00:01:45.319 --> 00:01:51.019 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 00:01:51.500 --> 00:02:01.159 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 00:02:01.159 --> 00:02:09.060 If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us. 00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:10.240 Amen. 00:02:11.960 --> 00:02:13.400 Let's begin here. 00:02:13.800 --> 00:02:19.199 We have two different family members doing house extensions at the same time. 00:02:19.500 --> 00:02:27.159 So there are in two different cities, similar processes happening and probably similar stages of progress. 00:02:27.159 --> 00:02:31.319 So we have watched the deep foundations be dug in a garden. 00:02:32.020 --> 00:02:35.800 We have seen steel support beams go into each. 00:02:36.159 --> 00:02:39.159 And now we've seen a wooden timber frame arrive. 00:02:40.039 --> 00:02:42.400 So similar processes, similar progress. 00:02:42.719 --> 00:02:44.699 But at the same time, there are differences. 00:02:45.599 --> 00:02:47.639 Design features that differ. 00:02:48.259 --> 00:02:50.759 So they've made different choices for doors and windows. 00:02:50.759 --> 00:02:58.000 They have had the joys of choosing taps and cupboards and handles and all the fine points that go along with extensions. 00:02:58.359 --> 00:03:12.079 But each house extension, like every building project, it has its own foundation, its own strength, and it has its own particular features, its own style. 00:03:13.659 --> 00:03:15.500 Why do we begin with house extensions? 00:03:15.759 --> 00:03:17.819 Well, the Bible uses an image for the church. 00:03:17.819 --> 00:03:24.479 It has that idea of God's people being built together as living stones. 00:03:25.419 --> 00:03:35.400 They're joined together by the Spirit, united in and upon the Lord Jesus to become a house, a living house, where God Himself can dwell. 00:03:36.099 --> 00:03:40.419 So the idea of a house that God builds is one that we find in the Bible. 00:03:40.719 --> 00:03:44.859 So then the question becomes, well, what kind of house is Jesus building? 00:03:44.860 --> 00:03:50.500 What is the foundation of a local church that Jesus builds? 00:03:51.460 --> 00:03:58.040 And what kind of features can we expect to find in this house that Jesus is building? 00:03:58.560 --> 00:04:03.780 And that's what we're going to be looking at for the next few weeks and months. 00:04:04.000 --> 00:04:05.960 But what's John's message here? 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:09.200 Well, it's mostly about the foundation. 00:04:10.240 --> 00:04:18.400 And the foundation that we find in these opening three verses of his first chapter, of his first letter, is spiritual fellowship. 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:25.800 The reality that we share and we enjoy life with God together. 00:04:25.800 --> 00:04:34.360 And from that foundation, there is one particular feature that John then focuses our attention on. 00:04:34.800 --> 00:04:44.720 That as Christians believe the truth about Jesus, and as we share life with Jesus, it creates a particular joy in the people of God. 00:04:45.160 --> 00:04:48.860 So we're going to look at spiritual fellowship and we're going to look at joy together. 00:04:48.860 --> 00:04:52.040 So spiritual fellowship. 00:04:52.139 --> 00:04:53.360 What is spiritual fellowship? 00:04:53.500 --> 00:04:56.139 Fellowship is one of those, I guess it's a very Christian word. 00:04:56.240 --> 00:04:58.600 We don't hear it too often in other contexts. 00:04:59.100 --> 00:05:02.259 Let's say, first of all, what spiritual fellowship is not. 00:05:02.840 --> 00:05:05.860 So it's not merely a set of church activities. 00:05:06.960 --> 00:05:12.759 So having a church activity does not mean fellowship, though it might very well provide the opportunity for fellowship. 00:05:13.680 --> 00:05:18.280 Fellowship is not, let's put on some programs and have particular places. 00:05:18.279 --> 00:05:24.359 That doesn't guarantee it, though those programs, places, may very well help. 00:05:25.099 --> 00:05:28.799 So it's not simply about being in the same place and doing the same thing. 00:05:30.119 --> 00:05:32.699 So what do we mean when we talk about spiritual fellowship? 00:05:33.379 --> 00:05:40.119 Well, the idea of fellowship, as we have it in the Bible, is the idea of a participation in something. 00:05:40.659 --> 00:05:42.519 A sharing in something. 00:05:42.699 --> 00:05:45.639 A communion with someone. 00:05:45.639 --> 00:05:48.620 Look with me at verse 3. 00:05:49.459 --> 00:05:55.180 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. 00:05:55.240 --> 00:05:58.659 So there's a participation, a sharing life with the apostles. 00:05:58.660 --> 00:06:18.640 So to be a Christian is to share communion with God the Father and God the Son through God the Spirit and to share life with one another in God's church. 00:06:18.639 --> 00:06:28.659 It's one of those big ideas that perhaps even change the way that we think about life in a local church as we begin to work that out. 00:06:29.599 --> 00:06:33.399 Well, John gives us, I think, three helpful truths about spiritual fellowship. 00:06:33.519 --> 00:06:34.360 And here's the first. 00:06:35.120 --> 00:06:37.699 It is a personal experience. 00:06:37.699 --> 00:06:40.060 So look at verse 1. 00:06:41.259 --> 00:06:50.139 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched, this we proclaim concerning the word of life. 00:06:50.980 --> 00:06:56.939 And so the writer is John the Apostle, probably the closest friend of Jesus while on the earth. 00:06:56.939 --> 00:07:06.600 And he is presenting himself here, isn't he, as a personal eyewitness based on three years spent together sharing in the ministry of Jesus. 00:07:07.579 --> 00:07:20.139 And he says he is writing about Jesus as, look at the words he uses for Jesus, the word of life in verse 1, verse 2, the life, and also in verse 2, the eternal life. 00:07:20.139 --> 00:07:24.019 And what John is making here is a staggering claim. 00:07:24.139 --> 00:07:29.899 He is saying, I have seen, I have touched, I have handled life. 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:33.699 And the word choice he uses is interesting. 00:07:33.860 --> 00:07:47.199 It's the idea of a blind person carefully handling a face or an object to examine it in order to fully understand, to appreciate what is in front of him. 00:07:47.199 --> 00:07:52.420 And John is saying, this is what I have done with the eternal Son of God. 00:07:53.779 --> 00:08:03.319 And so he begins his letter saying, the one who is from the beginning, the one who is uncreated, the one who is eternal, he entered time and space. 00:08:03.919 --> 00:08:07.980 And he entered into John's frame of reference. 00:08:09.519 --> 00:08:13.759 John spent time with the one who is eternal life from the beginning. 00:08:13.759 --> 00:08:27.839 He is telling us that the immortal and invisible God at a point in time took on flesh and bone and ate food and drank with John. 00:08:28.500 --> 00:08:33.799 That John's best friend, Jesus, is life itself. 00:08:34.819 --> 00:08:36.639 The source of all life. 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:43.779 The one who came so that we could enjoy the life of God in our lives. 00:08:44.740 --> 00:08:48.220 And so what he has witnessed, he proclaims. 00:08:48.460 --> 00:08:52.120 And that's the second thing about spiritual fellowship as John talks. 00:08:52.179 --> 00:08:53.819 He says it's a personal experience. 00:08:54.139 --> 00:08:59.299 And then he moves immediately to say it's a personal experience that he is proclaiming to others. 00:08:59.299 --> 00:09:03.859 End of verse 1, this we proclaim concerning the word of life. 00:09:04.219 --> 00:09:05.019 The life appeared. 00:09:05.659 --> 00:09:07.299 We have seen it and testify to it. 00:09:07.539 --> 00:09:12.339 And we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 00:09:12.679 --> 00:09:16.679 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard. 00:09:16.859 --> 00:09:19.419 So the idea of proclaiming is the idea of being a herald. 00:09:19.419 --> 00:09:25.659 This is a task that John has been commissioned to by Jesus. 00:09:26.559 --> 00:09:29.959 An eyewitness who's now commissioned, go and tell others. 00:09:30.479 --> 00:09:34.500 Having personally met the source of life and the source of joy, 00:09:35.319 --> 00:09:40.459 what we discover now is that John finds his joy in sharing Jesus with others. 00:09:40.460 --> 00:09:47.320 He has found for himself that the power source spiritually, 00:09:48.160 --> 00:09:52.660 and now he wants to pass it on that others, including us, who read this letter, 00:09:52.720 --> 00:09:54.019 that we might find it too. 00:09:55.680 --> 00:10:00.879 And it's all tied up with a personal experience of the living God. 00:10:02.440 --> 00:10:08.400 Francis Schaeffer, he spoke about Christian joy as communion with God, 00:10:08.399 --> 00:10:16.079 something that was a day-by-day reality, a personal living relationship. 00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:19.159 That's our source of spiritual power. 00:10:20.279 --> 00:10:22.039 You know, it's like an electrical socket. 00:10:22.199 --> 00:10:27.799 We need to be plugged in in order to draw on God's power. 00:10:28.439 --> 00:10:38.360 We need to stay close to this one who is the life if we are to enjoy the life of God in our lives. 00:10:39.079 --> 00:10:45.240 Because if we don't, like our phone or any other device, we will lose power. 00:10:45.679 --> 00:10:49.379 And with that, our spiritual joy will stop. 00:10:50.819 --> 00:10:55.620 And so John, who has this personal experience of knowing the one who is life and the source of joy, 00:10:55.779 --> 00:11:00.399 he proclaims it to others so that they and we might have it too. 00:11:00.519 --> 00:11:02.460 Because here's the third thing that becomes clear. 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:05.679 This is to be a shared experience. 00:11:05.679 --> 00:11:06.819 Look at verse 3. 00:11:07.419 --> 00:11:13.859 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard so that, purpose, you also may have fellowship with us 00:11:13.859 --> 00:11:18.939 and our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 00:11:18.940 --> 00:11:27.940 I imagine all of us were watching in the last couple of weeks the unfolding tragedy of the Nepal floods. 00:11:28.840 --> 00:11:34.220 And in all the bad news and all the horrible news, there was one good news story that hit the headlines. 00:11:34.360 --> 00:11:35.020 You may have seen it. 00:11:35.019 --> 00:11:41.319 There was the school teacher who, 10 minutes before the water was due to hit the school, got a report. 00:11:42.019 --> 00:11:48.500 And so immediately, he sounded the alarms and he evacuated pupils and teachers to higher ground 00:11:48.500 --> 00:11:52.279 with the effect that 900 lives were saved. 00:11:52.279 --> 00:11:56.139 A life-saving message came. 00:11:56.860 --> 00:11:58.720 It created a sense of purpose. 00:11:59.240 --> 00:12:02.879 And he shared that message so others could have life too. 00:12:04.079 --> 00:12:06.139 That's the pattern we see in 1 John. 00:12:06.799 --> 00:12:09.620 And it's the pattern of the local church. 00:12:10.439 --> 00:12:12.339 It's why we preach the gospel. 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:16.659 That in Jesus, we come to know the God who is life, 00:12:16.659 --> 00:12:21.500 the one who gives eternal life through His death and resurrection. 00:12:22.259 --> 00:12:24.559 He shares life with us. 00:12:25.299 --> 00:12:29.779 And because this news is so good and so life-transforming, 00:12:30.399 --> 00:12:38.259 that we proclaim also so that others may share fellowship with God and within the church. 00:12:39.919 --> 00:12:46.259 John is reminding his first readers and us by extension of this massive privilege 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:50.779 that our standing is not less than the apostles. 00:12:50.779 --> 00:12:58.200 We too share in the life of God that by God's Holy Spirit, we are united to Jesus. 00:12:58.399 --> 00:13:00.059 Our Savior is our brother. 00:13:00.500 --> 00:13:02.860 And we have God as our Father. 00:13:03.220 --> 00:13:06.399 And we have the certain hope of true life, eternal life, 00:13:06.419 --> 00:13:09.340 because the source of life has now come to live within us. 00:13:09.340 --> 00:13:14.879 And this spiritual fellowship that John talks about, 00:13:14.960 --> 00:13:17.920 it's the strength and the foundation of the church. 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:23.340 We are cemented together with a new identity, 00:13:23.340 --> 00:13:26.899 which at the same time gives us a new purpose. 00:13:27.680 --> 00:13:31.680 We are a worshiping people because we have come to know God. 00:13:31.679 --> 00:13:36.799 And we are also a people on mission to make God known so that others might share it. 00:13:37.339 --> 00:13:39.819 In John 17, this is what Jesus prays for. 00:13:40.659 --> 00:13:44.719 Jesus prays for a people who hadn't yet heard the good news about Him, 00:13:44.899 --> 00:13:47.179 people yet to be born, people like us, 00:13:47.479 --> 00:13:51.539 but that they would be a people united in knowing the love of the Father and the Son, 00:13:51.939 --> 00:13:54.000 sharing the life of the Father and the Son, 00:13:54.099 --> 00:13:56.659 and that unity being made visible. 00:13:56.659 --> 00:14:04.100 That's why Jesus came, so that we could share life with God. 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:09.559 That's a concrete reality in God's plan for His church. 00:14:10.939 --> 00:14:13.639 And because Jesus prayed in John 17 for it, 00:14:13.699 --> 00:14:17.959 and because Jesus, now risen and ascended and glorified, continues to pray, 00:14:18.740 --> 00:14:21.860 we get to enjoy this breathtaking privilege together, 00:14:22.659 --> 00:14:25.639 real relationship with the living God. 00:14:26.659 --> 00:14:34.199 So that's the foundation that John wants to present for us about our life together, 00:14:34.199 --> 00:14:38.899 that we share fellowship together as we share fellowship with God, Father and Son. 00:14:39.480 --> 00:14:41.779 And that then produces something. 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:48.459 And the feature that produces, it's there in verse 4, is joy. 00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:54.360 We write this to make our joy, or we write this to make your joy complete. 00:14:54.360 --> 00:15:00.220 Again, just to go back to the picture of family extensions for a moment, 00:15:00.320 --> 00:15:03.000 even when those extensions are not yet complete, 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:06.480 you can tell very quickly, either by looking at the plans, 00:15:06.539 --> 00:15:08.980 or just by looking at what's on the ground at the moment, 00:15:09.220 --> 00:15:10.279 why they're being built. 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:14.200 More space to cook and to eat with others, 00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:16.899 more living space for a growing family. 00:15:16.899 --> 00:15:20.179 There's always a goal for a building project. 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:26.879 The goal for Jesus' building project is joy. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:33.259 What he's looking to cultivate in the family of God is joy. 00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:38.439 Jesus came to give us life with God 00:15:38.440 --> 00:15:44.380 so that you and I could share what John calls complete joy. 00:15:45.700 --> 00:15:47.020 That's a bold claim. 00:15:48.160 --> 00:15:51.940 In his message, and the one that he speaks about, 00:15:52.340 --> 00:15:57.140 John is saying there is a capacity for a joy that has no limit. 00:15:58.680 --> 00:16:01.080 Now, there's a question, who is this joy for? 00:16:01.220 --> 00:16:03.940 So you can see there's a little footnote in verse 4. 00:16:03.940 --> 00:16:06.220 Or we write this to make our joy complete. 00:16:06.360 --> 00:16:08.140 Some manuscripts say your. 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:12.500 Is it the delight of the apostles to know Jesus and to share Jesus? 00:16:12.840 --> 00:16:16.640 Or is it the delight of the church who receive the good news message of Jesus? 00:16:16.740 --> 00:16:18.140 And truly, the answer is both. 00:16:19.960 --> 00:16:22.640 Because every Christian shares in the life of God. 00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:25.940 And so every Christian gets this joy. 00:16:27.140 --> 00:16:29.240 And what John is saying to us 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:33.120 is that there is within the good news message of Jesus, 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:34.600 his forgiveness, 00:16:35.500 --> 00:16:37.340 the reality of peace with God, 00:16:38.279 --> 00:16:40.759 a restored relationship with God, 00:16:41.360 --> 00:16:43.840 the renewal of all things, including us, 00:16:44.139 --> 00:16:45.960 the prospect of eternal joy. 00:16:46.060 --> 00:16:48.240 There is something within the gospel message 00:16:48.240 --> 00:16:54.440 that can inflate and overflow and expand our capacity for joy. 00:16:54.440 --> 00:17:01.120 In Hebrews chapter 12, verse 2, 00:17:01.780 --> 00:17:05.059 we come upon a very striking idea. 00:17:06.340 --> 00:17:07.799 Because the author there says, 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:11.580 Jesus, who for the joy set before him, 00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:13.539 endured the cross, 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:15.640 scorned its shame. 00:17:16.740 --> 00:17:19.180 Think about what the author of Hebrews is saying there. 00:17:19.180 --> 00:17:23.539 That Jesus faced the agony of Calvary, 00:17:23.820 --> 00:17:24.799 physical and spiritual. 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:29.720 Jesus went under the wrath of God 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:32.799 against sin as the sin bearer. 00:17:34.140 --> 00:17:38.740 Jesus became a curse for his people. 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:42.580 Jesus went to his death 00:17:42.579 --> 00:17:45.279 with joy. 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:48.439 With joy. 00:17:49.439 --> 00:17:51.319 Because he knew death was not the end. 00:17:52.379 --> 00:17:53.539 He knew he would return 00:17:53.539 --> 00:17:55.859 to the glory of his father. 00:17:56.859 --> 00:17:57.919 But joy too, 00:17:58.019 --> 00:18:00.480 because he knew in those actions, 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:02.960 he was achieving the redemption of his people. 00:18:04.279 --> 00:18:05.679 Jesus has joy 00:18:05.679 --> 00:18:08.220 in saving a people for himself, 00:18:08.859 --> 00:18:10.740 inviting us into the joy of God. 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:14.380 Why is joy so important? 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:15.799 Where does it come from? 00:18:17.299 --> 00:18:19.240 We'll think about that for a few moments. 00:18:19.400 --> 00:18:21.880 Sometimes preachers are really clever 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:23.660 and they have nice mnemonics. 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:25.759 I would have loved to have given you the ABCs. 00:18:26.200 --> 00:18:27.000 I'm not that clever. 00:18:27.859 --> 00:18:31.220 You're getting the FGHs of Christian joy. 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.880 Make of that what you will. 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:35.660 But let's begin with faith and joy. 00:18:36.859 --> 00:18:38.599 So what's the connection between faith and joy? 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:41.279 If you use the Solid Joys devotional, 00:18:41.379 --> 00:18:42.699 you might have seen this a few days ago. 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:45.179 John Piper uses the image of a house, 00:18:45.399 --> 00:18:46.099 very timely. 00:18:46.579 --> 00:18:47.179 He says this, 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:50.039 Picture salvation as a house you live in. 00:18:50.319 --> 00:18:52.859 And this house offers perfect protection 00:18:52.859 --> 00:18:53.980 and shelter 00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:56.359 and it's fully provided for. 00:18:56.459 --> 00:18:58.299 Every cupboard is well stocked. 00:18:58.539 --> 00:18:59.480 It's got beauty 00:18:59.480 --> 00:19:01.039 and it's got strength. 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:02.379 And wherever you look, 00:19:02.459 --> 00:19:03.740 whichever window you look out of, 00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:04.779 if you're sitting in the garden, 00:19:04.879 --> 00:19:05.659 it's just perfect, 00:19:05.799 --> 00:19:06.279 it's beautiful. 00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:08.220 Everything is what you would want. 00:19:09.099 --> 00:19:10.779 God built you that house. 00:19:11.299 --> 00:19:12.740 That house of salvation. 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:15.639 And it comes to us free of charge. 00:19:17.180 --> 00:19:19.759 And there is a contract to guarantee that. 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:21.859 It's called the New Covenant. 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:24.180 In Jesus' blood. 00:19:24.899 --> 00:19:26.160 We have forgiveness. 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:27.819 We have peace with God. 00:19:27.899 --> 00:19:29.099 We have fellowship with God 00:19:29.099 --> 00:19:31.079 because of Jesus' death 00:19:31.079 --> 00:19:32.339 and resurrection 00:19:32.339 --> 00:19:33.819 and the New Covenant. 00:19:34.339 --> 00:19:35.740 And Christian joy 00:19:35.740 --> 00:19:38.779 comes as we receive 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:41.539 the gospel of God's free grace. 00:19:41.959 --> 00:19:43.679 As we come to discover 00:19:43.679 --> 00:19:45.779 that we are saved 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:47.579 not because of anything we have done 00:19:47.579 --> 00:19:49.439 but because of what Jesus has done. 00:19:50.159 --> 00:19:51.519 And there is joy for us 00:19:51.519 --> 00:19:53.539 as we live in that reality 00:19:53.539 --> 00:19:55.579 day after day. 00:19:56.220 --> 00:19:57.599 It fuels our faith 00:19:57.599 --> 00:19:59.059 and that fuels our joy. 00:20:00.059 --> 00:20:01.939 And just to extend his image. 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:04.319 So we're in this wonderful house 00:20:04.319 --> 00:20:06.219 where everywhere you turn, 00:20:06.319 --> 00:20:07.439 on every wall, 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:09.519 every picture that you look at, 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:12.059 you are surrounded by 00:20:12.059 --> 00:20:14.319 happy facts about God 00:20:14.319 --> 00:20:17.539 to strengthen our own happiness and joy. 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:18.500 So you turn one way 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:20.119 and you remember 00:20:20.119 --> 00:20:22.639 that God is all wise. 00:20:23.579 --> 00:20:24.720 And we find joy 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:26.559 in knowing that God, 00:20:26.859 --> 00:20:28.200 God, 00:20:28.440 --> 00:20:29.279 He knows us 00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:31.619 and He knows all that we need. 00:20:33.379 --> 00:20:34.480 We turn this way 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:36.899 and remember God is all powerful. 00:20:37.799 --> 00:20:38.700 And we find joy 00:20:38.700 --> 00:20:39.440 as we recognize 00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:40.799 that He can meet 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:42.139 all our needs 00:20:42.139 --> 00:20:43.480 according to His sufficiency 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.440 in Christ. 00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:46.940 God is in control. 00:20:47.539 --> 00:20:49.339 And so we find joy 00:20:49.339 --> 00:20:50.460 even in hardships 00:20:50.460 --> 00:20:51.579 knowing everything 00:20:51.579 --> 00:20:52.819 somehow 00:20:52.819 --> 00:20:55.339 works for His glory 00:20:55.339 --> 00:20:55.980 and our good. 00:20:57.039 --> 00:20:58.259 We remind ourselves 00:20:58.259 --> 00:21:00.139 that God is love. 00:21:00.659 --> 00:21:01.639 And He sent Jesus 00:21:01.639 --> 00:21:02.299 to forgive 00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:03.299 and to purify 00:21:03.299 --> 00:21:04.659 and to bring us home. 00:21:05.099 --> 00:21:06.420 God is life. 00:21:06.579 --> 00:21:07.279 And in Jesus, 00:21:07.399 --> 00:21:08.539 He shares life with me 00:21:08.539 --> 00:21:10.579 now and forever. 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:14.839 For John, 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:17.159 it's the gospel, 00:21:17.160 --> 00:21:18.779 it's the good news of Jesus. 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:20.340 That's where complete joy 00:21:20.340 --> 00:21:21.340 is found. 00:21:22.660 --> 00:21:23.259 And that's why 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:24.880 He has joy in sharing it. 00:21:25.440 --> 00:21:27.420 And as we live by faith, 00:21:27.580 --> 00:21:30.160 as we grow into the gospel, 00:21:30.279 --> 00:21:31.279 as we stay close 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:31.960 to the gospel, 00:21:32.860 --> 00:21:33.700 through faith, 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.680 that's where our joy 00:21:34.680 --> 00:21:35.600 is found too. 00:21:36.900 --> 00:21:38.380 So our faith in Jesus 00:21:38.380 --> 00:21:39.100 and the good news 00:21:39.100 --> 00:21:39.720 of the gospel, 00:21:39.840 --> 00:21:41.120 that helps to cultivate 00:21:41.120 --> 00:21:42.759 Christian joy. 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:44.460 G, 00:21:44.799 --> 00:21:45.720 let's think about 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:47.680 God and joy. 00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:50.119 So we have heard John. 00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:51.559 He is saying, 00:21:51.879 --> 00:21:53.019 here is my joy. 00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:55.160 Here is your joy 00:21:55.160 --> 00:21:56.379 to enjoy 00:21:56.379 --> 00:21:57.460 living, 00:21:57.799 --> 00:21:58.799 personal relationship 00:21:58.799 --> 00:21:59.900 with God the Father 00:21:59.900 --> 00:22:01.240 and God the Son 00:22:01.240 --> 00:22:02.500 through God the Spirit. 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:05.059 We heard Paul 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:05.619 at the beginning 00:22:05.619 --> 00:22:07.160 in Philippians chapter 3. 00:22:07.680 --> 00:22:08.859 I consider everything 00:22:08.859 --> 00:22:10.579 a loss compared to 00:22:10.579 --> 00:22:12.559 surpassing greatness 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:14.119 of knowing 00:22:14.119 --> 00:22:15.500 Christ Jesus, 00:22:15.660 --> 00:22:16.200 my Lord. 00:22:16.380 --> 00:22:17.359 There is nothing 00:22:17.359 --> 00:22:18.059 greater, 00:22:18.059 --> 00:22:18.920 says Paul, 00:22:19.119 --> 00:22:21.059 than knowing God, 00:22:21.440 --> 00:22:22.259 than knowing Jesus. 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:23.460 I want to know Christ, 00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:23.960 he said. 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:26.640 And then we read 00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:27.400 Jesus' words 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:28.340 in John 14. 00:22:29.940 --> 00:22:30.460 And he said, 00:22:30.579 --> 00:22:31.740 anyone who loves me 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:33.740 will obey my teaching. 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:36.340 My Father will love them 00:22:36.340 --> 00:22:38.700 and we will come to them 00:22:38.700 --> 00:22:40.779 and make our home 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:42.220 with them. 00:22:43.140 --> 00:22:44.340 So the joy 00:22:44.340 --> 00:22:45.559 of the apostles, 00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:48.259 knowing God 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:49.259 and his love, 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:50.720 is the joy 00:22:50.720 --> 00:22:51.620 that Jesus 00:22:51.620 --> 00:22:53.319 came to bring. 00:22:53.960 --> 00:22:55.240 the joy 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:55.660 of sharing 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:56.660 life and love 00:22:56.660 --> 00:22:57.319 from the Father 00:22:57.319 --> 00:22:57.920 and the Son, 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:59.180 shared with us 00:22:59.180 --> 00:22:59.900 by the Spirit. 00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:02.740 In God's house, 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:05.700 joyful love 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.720 is a mark 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:09.019 of God's people. 00:23:10.259 --> 00:23:11.039 It's the promise 00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:12.880 of Psalm 16. 00:23:13.640 --> 00:23:14.600 We'll sing it. 00:23:14.680 --> 00:23:15.579 You will fill me 00:23:15.579 --> 00:23:16.460 with joy 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:18.299 in your presence, 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:20.759 with eternal pleasures 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:23.400 at your right hand. 00:23:23.960 --> 00:23:26.140 Psalmist understands 00:23:26.140 --> 00:23:27.840 our eternal future 00:23:27.840 --> 00:23:29.700 is perfect pleasure 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:31.340 in the perfect presence 00:23:31.340 --> 00:23:32.840 of our perfect God 00:23:32.840 --> 00:23:33.500 and Savior. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:35.240 Jesus will be 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:36.860 our complete joy. 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:38.340 But in everyday life, 00:23:39.400 --> 00:23:40.039 we're invited 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:40.960 to experience 00:23:40.960 --> 00:23:41.660 the joy 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:42.660 of God, 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:43.980 joy in God 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:44.940 today. 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:46.320 God's people 00:23:46.320 --> 00:23:47.940 are in the perfect 00:23:47.940 --> 00:23:48.500 house. 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:49.340 We've seen some 00:23:49.340 --> 00:23:50.080 perfect pictures. 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.120 Now let's imagine 00:23:51.120 --> 00:23:52.559 the kitchen table 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.940 and on that kitchen table 00:23:53.940 --> 00:23:55.820 there is a glorious meal. 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:57.200 I don't know 00:23:57.200 --> 00:23:57.880 what would be 00:23:57.880 --> 00:23:59.120 your glorious meal. 00:23:59.259 --> 00:23:59.880 Perhaps it would be 00:23:59.880 --> 00:24:01.100 a nice piece of steak 00:24:01.100 --> 00:24:02.140 or a piece of salmon. 00:24:02.920 --> 00:24:03.660 Perhaps it would just be 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:04.299 a nice pizza, 00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:05.340 whatever it might be. 00:24:05.820 --> 00:24:06.500 But imagine 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:07.480 a perfect meal 00:24:07.480 --> 00:24:08.140 laid out 00:24:08.140 --> 00:24:09.400 on that table. 00:24:09.400 --> 00:24:11.840 What is our 00:24:11.840 --> 00:24:13.580 normal reaction 00:24:13.580 --> 00:24:15.040 to seeing something 00:24:15.040 --> 00:24:16.480 good and delicious? 00:24:18.160 --> 00:24:19.440 We don't want to take 00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:20.460 the museum 00:24:20.460 --> 00:24:21.440 or art gallery 00:24:21.440 --> 00:24:22.460 critic approach. 00:24:23.140 --> 00:24:24.500 Some nice shapes 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:25.340 and shades there. 00:24:25.500 --> 00:24:27.100 I appreciate the composition 00:24:27.100 --> 00:24:28.360 that the chef 00:24:28.360 --> 00:24:29.580 has put on the table. 00:24:29.579 --> 00:24:31.960 there comes a point 00:24:31.960 --> 00:24:32.720 where we want 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:33.679 to tuck in. 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:34.939 Where we want 00:24:34.939 --> 00:24:35.500 to taste 00:24:35.500 --> 00:24:36.179 and to see 00:24:36.179 --> 00:24:38.000 how good it is. 00:24:39.799 --> 00:24:41.079 God wants us 00:24:41.079 --> 00:24:42.740 to take that approach 00:24:42.740 --> 00:24:44.819 to life with Him. 00:24:45.579 --> 00:24:46.259 To find 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:47.179 our deepest 00:24:47.179 --> 00:24:47.879 joy 00:24:47.879 --> 00:24:49.139 in God. 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:51.399 To be greedy 00:24:51.399 --> 00:24:52.379 as it were 00:24:52.379 --> 00:24:53.740 for more 00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:54.539 joy 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:55.199 in 00:24:55.199 --> 00:24:56.000 Jesus. 00:24:57.039 --> 00:24:57.819 Knowing that 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:58.879 He gladly gives it. 00:24:59.579 --> 00:25:01.419 united to Jesus. 00:25:02.119 --> 00:25:03.159 We never want 00:25:03.159 --> 00:25:04.480 to settle. 00:25:05.699 --> 00:25:06.359 There are 00:25:06.359 --> 00:25:07.539 infinite supplies 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.299 of blessing 00:25:08.299 --> 00:25:08.839 and life 00:25:08.839 --> 00:25:09.319 and love 00:25:09.319 --> 00:25:10.079 on offer. 00:25:10.179 --> 00:25:10.939 So we always 00:25:10.939 --> 00:25:12.500 want more. 00:25:13.199 --> 00:25:13.819 That we would 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.859 delight in Him 00:25:14.859 --> 00:25:16.119 more completely 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:16.859 as individuals 00:25:16.859 --> 00:25:18.519 and as a church. 00:25:19.639 --> 00:25:21.099 Jesus invites us 00:25:21.099 --> 00:25:22.199 come to the feast. 00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:24.339 He says to us 00:25:24.339 --> 00:25:25.240 choose to find 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:25.960 your joy 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:26.919 in me 00:25:26.919 --> 00:25:28.240 and my love. 00:25:29.579 --> 00:25:31.099 So we thought 00:25:31.099 --> 00:25:31.659 about faith 00:25:31.659 --> 00:25:32.159 and joy. 00:25:32.439 --> 00:25:32.740 We thought 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.199 about God 00:25:33.199 --> 00:25:33.599 and joy. 00:25:33.699 --> 00:25:34.119 The one last 00:25:34.119 --> 00:25:34.599 thing to think 00:25:34.599 --> 00:25:35.439 about is holiness 00:25:35.439 --> 00:25:36.139 and joy. 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:36.559 Because that's 00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:37.539 where John 00:25:37.539 --> 00:25:38.379 goes next 00:25:38.379 --> 00:25:38.939 in the rest 00:25:38.939 --> 00:25:39.919 of the chapter. 00:25:40.359 --> 00:25:40.960 Look with me 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:41.939 at verse 5. 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.500 This is the message 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:44.159 we've heard from 00:25:44.159 --> 00:25:44.839 Him and declared 00:25:44.839 --> 00:25:45.399 to you. 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:46.819 God is light. 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:47.439 In Him 00:25:47.439 --> 00:25:47.980 there is no 00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:49.119 darkness at all. 00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:50.359 That's a metaphor 00:25:50.359 --> 00:25:51.179 for holiness. 00:25:51.379 --> 00:25:52.299 God is holy 00:25:52.299 --> 00:25:52.960 and pure. 00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:55.240 He is untouched 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:56.660 by the darkness 00:25:56.660 --> 00:25:57.859 of sin 00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:59.039 and evil. 00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:00.920 If we claim 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:01.500 to have fellowship 00:26:01.500 --> 00:26:01.920 with Him 00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:02.440 and yet walk 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:03.079 in the darkness 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:03.740 we lie 00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:04.319 and do not 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:05.039 live out the truth. 00:26:05.339 --> 00:26:06.220 But if we walk 00:26:06.220 --> 00:26:06.940 in the light 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:08.599 as He is in the light 00:26:08.599 --> 00:26:09.759 we have fellowship 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.599 with one another 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:11.500 and the blood 00:26:11.500 --> 00:26:12.440 of Jesus His Son 00:26:12.440 --> 00:26:13.339 purifies us 00:26:13.339 --> 00:26:14.319 from all sin. 00:26:16.339 --> 00:26:17.240 So He's saying 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:17.519 to us 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:18.700 to share fellowship 00:26:18.700 --> 00:26:19.420 with God. 00:26:19.640 --> 00:26:20.539 To enjoy life 00:26:20.539 --> 00:26:20.940 with God. 00:26:21.220 --> 00:26:21.779 To enjoy 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:22.940 the full measure 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:23.680 of joy 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:24.779 that Jesus 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:25.640 came to bring 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:26.920 we need to walk 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:27.500 in the light. 00:26:28.299 --> 00:26:29.039 There is a particular 00:26:29.039 --> 00:26:30.120 path that we need 00:26:30.120 --> 00:26:30.880 to choose 00:26:30.880 --> 00:26:32.420 and it's the path 00:26:32.420 --> 00:26:33.380 of holiness 00:26:33.380 --> 00:26:34.400 wanting to be set 00:26:34.400 --> 00:26:36.059 apart for God. 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:37.519 And so He goes on 00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:38.039 to talk about 00:26:38.039 --> 00:26:38.640 the importance 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:39.920 of not covering 00:26:39.920 --> 00:26:40.700 up our sin. 00:26:41.759 --> 00:26:42.600 Of not deceiving 00:26:42.600 --> 00:26:43.400 ourselves and saying 00:26:43.400 --> 00:26:43.880 we don't have 00:26:43.880 --> 00:26:44.580 a sin problem 00:26:44.580 --> 00:26:45.680 rather part of 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:46.259 being holy 00:26:46.259 --> 00:26:47.400 involves when we 00:26:47.400 --> 00:26:47.920 mess up 00:26:47.920 --> 00:26:48.460 when we sin 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:49.019 we confess 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:50.200 quickly 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:51.420 and we return 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:52.320 to the light 00:26:52.320 --> 00:26:52.720 rather than 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:53.500 keeping our sin 00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:54.740 in the darkness. 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:56.019 One of the marks 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:56.839 of church life 00:26:56.839 --> 00:26:57.960 is a desire 00:26:57.960 --> 00:26:59.019 to walk the path 00:26:59.019 --> 00:27:00.100 of holy joy 00:27:00.100 --> 00:27:00.779 together. 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:02.579 That growing 00:27:02.579 --> 00:27:04.059 closer to Jesus 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:05.620 we would become 00:27:05.620 --> 00:27:06.779 more like 00:27:06.779 --> 00:27:08.100 Jesus together. 00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:09.160 That we'd be 00:27:09.160 --> 00:27:10.019 growing in 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:12.000 everyday holiness. 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:13.559 And when we do 00:27:13.559 --> 00:27:14.220 we'd find that 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:15.380 to be our true 00:27:15.380 --> 00:27:16.519 joy 00:27:16.519 --> 00:27:18.140 as we understand 00:27:18.140 --> 00:27:19.680 who Jesus is 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:20.799 and the life 00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:21.940 that He offers. 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:26.079 God is all 00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:26.759 light. 00:27:27.640 --> 00:27:28.799 God is all 00:27:28.799 --> 00:27:29.539 holiness. 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.279 And all that 00:27:31.279 --> 00:27:32.039 is eternally 00:27:32.039 --> 00:27:32.799 joyful 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:34.319 comes from 00:27:34.319 --> 00:27:34.839 Him 00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:36.860 and when we 00:27:36.860 --> 00:27:37.660 walk in the 00:27:37.660 --> 00:27:37.960 light 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:39.519 we are drawn 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:40.500 towards 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:41.539 Him 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.200 as the source 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:43.220 of eternal joy. 00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:44.839 We're drawn 00:27:44.839 --> 00:27:45.480 together 00:27:45.480 --> 00:27:47.539 and that creates 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:48.380 a holy 00:27:48.380 --> 00:27:49.400 fellowship 00:27:49.400 --> 00:27:51.180 sharing the 00:27:51.180 --> 00:27:51.680 love of the 00:27:51.680 --> 00:27:52.160 Father and 00:27:52.160 --> 00:27:52.580 the Son. 00:27:53.480 --> 00:27:53.980 A church 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:54.300 life 00:27:54.300 --> 00:27:55.300 positively 00:27:55.300 --> 00:27:56.759 overflowing 00:27:56.759 --> 00:27:58.060 with our 00:27:58.060 --> 00:27:58.940 appreciation, 00:27:59.100 --> 00:27:59.880 our experience 00:27:59.880 --> 00:28:00.660 of God's 00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:01.160 love. 00:28:01.900 --> 00:28:02.380 A love that 00:28:02.380 --> 00:28:03.200 overflows from 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:03.860 us to the 00:28:03.860 --> 00:28:04.320 people 00:28:04.320 --> 00:28:05.360 around. 00:28:08.040 --> 00:28:08.640 So what kind 00:28:08.640 --> 00:28:09.259 of house is 00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:10.140 Jesus building 00:28:10.140 --> 00:28:11.380 here and in 00:28:11.380 --> 00:28:11.940 us? 00:28:12.360 --> 00:28:13.220 John reminds us 00:28:13.220 --> 00:28:13.940 that there is a 00:28:13.940 --> 00:28:14.560 foundation 00:28:14.560 --> 00:28:15.900 and that foundation 00:28:15.900 --> 00:28:16.540 is spiritual 00:28:16.540 --> 00:28:16.980 fellowship. 00:28:16.980 --> 00:28:17.860 It's a sharing 00:28:17.860 --> 00:28:18.720 in the life 00:28:18.720 --> 00:28:19.180 of God. 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:19.819 It's personal 00:28:19.819 --> 00:28:21.220 relationship with 00:28:21.220 --> 00:28:21.900 the risen Lord 00:28:21.900 --> 00:28:23.299 Jesus and that's 00:28:23.299 --> 00:28:23.839 something that we 00:28:23.839 --> 00:28:25.000 share with one 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:25.420 another. 00:28:27.019 --> 00:28:27.740 To put our 00:28:27.740 --> 00:28:28.660 faith in Jesus 00:28:28.660 --> 00:28:29.779 is to be stacked 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:30.700 and cemented 00:28:30.700 --> 00:28:31.259 and joined 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:31.839 and raised 00:28:31.839 --> 00:28:33.000 together as a 00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:33.720 house that God 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:34.279 lives in. 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:35.759 A house in which 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.759 God's glory 00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:38.319 is put on 00:28:38.319 --> 00:28:38.819 display. 00:28:40.259 --> 00:28:41.180 And a key 00:28:41.180 --> 00:28:43.000 feature of this 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:43.980 house that Jesus, 00:28:44.140 --> 00:28:44.740 the architect, 00:28:44.740 --> 00:28:44.940 architect, 00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:47.039 builds what 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:48.039 Jesus wants in 00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:48.500 our lives 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:49.120 together. 00:28:49.980 --> 00:28:50.240 Well, it's 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:51.019 nothing less than 00:28:51.019 --> 00:28:52.299 a deep joy in 00:28:52.299 --> 00:28:54.200 God himself that 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:55.220 we would love and 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:56.620 delight in God 00:28:56.620 --> 00:28:58.140 the Father and 00:28:58.140 --> 00:28:58.779 God the Son 00:28:58.779 --> 00:28:59.299 together. 00:28:59.920 --> 00:29:00.940 Let's pray to 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:01.539 that end. 00:29:01.839 --> 00:29:02.160 Let's pray. 00:29:03.319 --> 00:29:04.460 Our God and 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:05.259 our Father, we 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:06.200 thank you for 00:29:06.200 --> 00:29:07.920 this wonderful 00:29:07.920 --> 00:29:09.339 reality that John 00:29:09.339 --> 00:29:11.180 reminds us of, 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:13.339 that there is in 00:29:13.339 --> 00:29:15.019 Jesus, the way 00:29:15.019 --> 00:29:17.339 into life with 00:29:17.339 --> 00:29:18.599 God the Father 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:19.459 and the Son 00:29:19.459 --> 00:29:20.819 through God the 00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:21.119 Spirit. 00:29:21.819 --> 00:29:22.579 And we thank you 00:29:22.579 --> 00:29:23.699 that Jesus came, 00:29:24.179 --> 00:29:25.099 that we might have 00:29:25.099 --> 00:29:26.579 this complete joy, 00:29:27.159 --> 00:29:28.119 the joy of being 00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:29.019 restored to 00:29:29.019 --> 00:29:30.519 personal living 00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:32.059 relationship, the 00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:33.179 joy of being part 00:29:33.179 --> 00:29:35.019 of the people of 00:29:35.019 --> 00:29:35.899 God and the 00:29:35.899 --> 00:29:36.819 family of God. 00:29:37.439 --> 00:29:38.559 And so we pray 00:29:38.559 --> 00:29:39.279 that you would 00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:40.879 cultivate within 00:29:40.879 --> 00:29:42.539 our hearts that 00:29:42.539 --> 00:29:43.980 sense of gratitude 00:29:43.980 --> 00:29:45.940 and joy for 00:29:45.940 --> 00:29:46.279 what you have 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:47.359 done for us in 00:29:47.359 --> 00:29:48.319 the Lord Jesus. 00:29:49.079 --> 00:29:50.420 And we pray that 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:51.319 our faith would 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:52.480 expand and that 00:29:52.480 --> 00:29:53.740 our joy would 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:54.920 expand at the 00:29:54.920 --> 00:29:55.559 same time. 00:29:56.119 --> 00:29:56.740 And we pray that 00:29:56.740 --> 00:29:57.240 you would enable 00:29:57.240 --> 00:29:58.420 us to walk in 00:29:58.420 --> 00:30:00.099 the light as we 00:30:00.099 --> 00:30:01.180 come to recognize 00:30:01.180 --> 00:30:02.700 that what you 00:30:02.700 --> 00:30:04.000 offer is so much 00:30:04.000 --> 00:30:05.559 greater than what 00:30:05.559 --> 00:30:06.859 this world offers. 00:30:07.359 --> 00:30:08.159 And so help us 00:30:08.159 --> 00:30:09.700 and teach us and 00:30:09.700 --> 00:30:10.539 build us together 00:30:10.539 --> 00:30:12.000 together upon 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.259 Jesus and 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:13.839 his word. 00:30:14.259 --> 00:30:14.759 And we pray in 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:15.220 his name. 00:30:15.680 --> 00:30:15.899 Amen.