WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.540 Well, good morning. It's good to be here with you. 00:00:04.660 --> 00:00:06.080 I don't know about you. 00:00:06.839 --> 00:00:11.220 This past week for me has been a particularly challenging one. 00:00:12.500 --> 00:00:14.019 Personal disappointments, 00:00:15.040 --> 00:00:18.920 the news of others who are suffering in various ways, 00:00:19.600 --> 00:00:23.740 not only because of this virus, but exacerbated by this virus 00:00:23.740 --> 00:00:26.440 as they face other challenges. 00:00:26.440 --> 00:00:30.280 It's just been a harder week. 00:00:31.500 --> 00:00:36.700 I've battled to have my hope maintained, 00:00:37.100 --> 00:00:43.620 and I've found myself at times struggling to not fall into despair. 00:00:44.840 --> 00:00:48.840 I find myself crying like the man who cried out to Jesus. 00:00:49.740 --> 00:00:52.900 I believe help my unbelief. 00:00:52.899 --> 00:01:00.019 I think that's a common struggle that we may be facing in our world today 00:01:00.019 --> 00:01:01.700 and in our lives in general, 00:01:02.179 --> 00:01:07.780 and maybe particularly in this most unusual season that we are in. 00:01:09.159 --> 00:01:11.680 As we come to the end of the book of Luke, 00:01:11.739 --> 00:01:13.019 this is the end of our series, 00:01:13.120 --> 00:01:17.739 we come to a situation where the disciples are believing and not believing as well. 00:01:17.739 --> 00:01:23.640 We saw last week that Jesus met with some of the disciples 00:01:23.640 --> 00:01:27.859 as they were walking away from Jerusalem in despair and discouragement. 00:01:29.099 --> 00:01:32.479 And as he met with them, he revealed himself to them, 00:01:32.539 --> 00:01:36.459 and he opened their eyes to see that he indeed was risen from the dead. 00:01:36.579 --> 00:01:39.039 And so we see in Luke 24, 34, 00:01:39.259 --> 00:01:41.239 that he returns, 00:01:41.239 --> 00:01:45.039 or that these disciples returned to Jerusalem 00:01:45.039 --> 00:01:47.699 to talk to the 12 apostles and the disciples, 00:01:47.699 --> 00:01:49.959 and they're all together saying, 00:01:50.459 --> 00:01:52.099 the Lord is risen indeed. 00:01:54.539 --> 00:01:57.019 So believing, they're rejoicing. 00:01:57.919 --> 00:02:00.299 And yet Jesus is not done with them, 00:02:00.319 --> 00:02:02.140 and he has more for them. 00:02:02.199 --> 00:02:05.500 And this is the passage that we're going to look at this morning. 00:02:06.379 --> 00:02:08.340 They believe, and yet they don't believe. 00:02:08.340 --> 00:02:14.980 And as he reveals himself to them in that context, 00:02:15.840 --> 00:02:17.439 he anchors them in their faith, 00:02:17.780 --> 00:02:20.340 and he launches them out into the world 00:02:20.340 --> 00:02:24.480 to be witnesses to him as a resurrected Savior. 00:02:25.659 --> 00:02:27.039 And my friends, this is the hope, 00:02:27.140 --> 00:02:30.180 is that this passage can do the same for us this morning. 00:02:30.740 --> 00:02:31.840 So let's look. 00:02:32.159 --> 00:02:37.099 We're in Luke chapter 24, starting in verse 36 to the end. 00:02:37.099 --> 00:02:39.780 So let's go ahead and read that together, 00:02:40.060 --> 00:02:41.340 and then we can pray. 00:02:44.039 --> 00:02:45.919 As they were talking about these things, 00:02:46.060 --> 00:02:47.740 Jesus himself stood among them 00:02:47.740 --> 00:02:48.799 and said to them, 00:02:49.079 --> 00:02:50.079 Peace to you. 00:02:51.560 --> 00:02:53.379 But they were startled and frightened 00:02:53.379 --> 00:02:54.719 and thought they saw a spirit. 00:02:56.079 --> 00:02:56.979 And he said to them, 00:02:57.079 --> 00:02:57.979 Why are you troubled? 00:02:58.159 --> 00:02:59.180 And why do you doubt? 00:02:59.439 --> 00:03:01.719 Why do doubts arise in your heart? 00:03:01.719 --> 00:03:04.780 See my hands and my feet, 00:03:04.879 --> 00:03:06.560 that it is I myself. 00:03:07.180 --> 00:03:08.400 Touch me and see, 00:03:09.340 --> 00:03:11.219 for spirit does not have flesh and bones, 00:03:11.259 --> 00:03:12.599 as you see that I have. 00:03:13.479 --> 00:03:14.800 And when he had said this, 00:03:14.860 --> 00:03:17.120 he showed them his hands and his feet. 00:03:18.240 --> 00:03:20.939 And while they still disbelieved for joy 00:03:20.939 --> 00:03:21.939 and were marveling, 00:03:22.259 --> 00:03:23.219 he said to them, 00:03:23.620 --> 00:03:25.819 Have you anything here to eat? 00:03:26.139 --> 00:03:28.639 And they gave him a piece of broiled fish, 00:03:28.639 --> 00:03:31.500 and he took it and ate it before them. 00:03:33.159 --> 00:03:34.500 Then he said to them, 00:03:35.099 --> 00:03:36.199 These are my words, 00:03:36.259 --> 00:03:39.379 that I spoke to you while I was still with you, 00:03:39.899 --> 00:03:41.559 that everything written about me 00:03:41.559 --> 00:03:42.679 in the law of Moses 00:03:42.679 --> 00:03:44.459 and the prophets and the Psalms 00:03:44.459 --> 00:03:46.119 must be fulfilled. 00:03:46.979 --> 00:03:48.579 Then he opened their minds 00:03:48.579 --> 00:03:49.919 to understand the Scriptures 00:03:49.919 --> 00:03:51.519 and said to them, 00:03:51.659 --> 00:03:52.759 Thus it is written, 00:03:53.619 --> 00:03:54.959 that the Christ should suffer 00:03:54.960 --> 00:03:57.640 and on the third day rise from the dead, 00:03:58.180 --> 00:04:00.379 and that repentance and forgiveness of sin 00:04:00.379 --> 00:04:01.960 should be proclaimed in his name 00:04:01.960 --> 00:04:03.080 to all nations, 00:04:03.240 --> 00:04:04.800 beginning from Jerusalem. 00:04:05.840 --> 00:04:09.060 You are witnesses of these things. 00:04:09.640 --> 00:04:10.200 And behold, 00:04:10.319 --> 00:04:12.960 I am sending the promise of my Father upon you, 00:04:14.040 --> 00:04:15.020 but stay in the city 00:04:15.020 --> 00:04:17.600 until you are clothed with power from on high. 00:04:18.900 --> 00:04:21.139 And then he led them out as far as Bethany 00:04:21.139 --> 00:04:22.560 and lifting up his hands, 00:04:22.740 --> 00:04:23.600 he blessed them. 00:04:23.600 --> 00:04:24.860 While he blessed them, 00:04:24.920 --> 00:04:25.939 he parted from them 00:04:25.939 --> 00:04:27.939 and was carried up into heaven. 00:04:29.260 --> 00:04:30.379 And they worshipped him 00:04:30.379 --> 00:04:32.960 and returned to Jerusalem with great joy 00:04:32.960 --> 00:04:35.460 and were continually in the temple, 00:04:36.600 --> 00:04:37.439 blessing God. 00:04:39.200 --> 00:04:40.360 Let's pray together. 00:04:43.660 --> 00:04:47.080 Lord, even as you helped the disciples so long ago, 00:04:47.160 --> 00:04:49.780 we ask today that you would do for us. 00:04:50.140 --> 00:04:52.180 Lord, that you would open up our minds 00:04:52.180 --> 00:04:54.400 so that we would understand the scriptures. 00:04:55.340 --> 00:04:58.420 And Lord, that as you open up our minds 00:04:58.420 --> 00:04:59.840 to give us understanding, 00:05:00.540 --> 00:05:03.079 Lord, you would strengthen our faith. 00:05:04.100 --> 00:05:06.740 Lord, that you would fill our hearts with joy. 00:05:07.879 --> 00:05:09.500 And Lord, that we would be moved 00:05:09.500 --> 00:05:11.800 to worship and proclaim you 00:05:11.800 --> 00:05:15.280 as we understand this passage this morning. 00:05:15.279 --> 00:05:18.439 Holy Spirit, I pray for your help, 00:05:18.759 --> 00:05:20.659 both for me as I speak 00:05:20.659 --> 00:05:23.299 and for all as we listen to your word, 00:05:24.199 --> 00:05:26.639 Lord, that you would help us this morning 00:05:26.639 --> 00:05:29.259 to believe. 00:05:29.739 --> 00:05:31.679 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:05:32.979 --> 00:05:33.299 Amen. 00:05:33.300 --> 00:05:33.460 Amen. 00:05:33.460 --> 00:05:33.500 Amen. 00:05:33.500 --> 00:05:33.540 Amen. 00:05:35.740 --> 00:05:38.199 Well, this is the final resurrection appearance 00:05:38.199 --> 00:05:40.540 of Jesus in the book of Luke. 00:05:40.840 --> 00:05:42.420 And remember, if you aren't aware, 00:05:42.620 --> 00:05:44.680 that Luke is actually the first half 00:05:44.680 --> 00:05:46.540 of a two-book series. 00:05:46.840 --> 00:05:50.220 The book of Acts was Luke's second volume 00:05:50.220 --> 00:05:52.819 that continues the work of Christ 00:05:52.819 --> 00:05:54.540 through the church, 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:58.060 the proclamation of his name 00:05:58.060 --> 00:05:59.180 and the work that he does 00:05:59.180 --> 00:06:00.439 in building his church. 00:06:00.439 --> 00:06:04.079 But here we see Jesus 00:06:04.079 --> 00:06:06.719 at this last section, 00:06:07.600 --> 00:06:11.100 anchoring his followers 00:06:11.100 --> 00:06:13.100 in a truth that cannot be denied 00:06:13.100 --> 00:06:15.519 and launching his followers 00:06:15.519 --> 00:06:16.420 into a mission 00:06:16.420 --> 00:06:18.800 that will consume their lives. 00:06:19.699 --> 00:06:21.439 So let's look at those two things 00:06:21.439 --> 00:06:23.159 in order, a truth to be anchored 00:06:23.159 --> 00:06:25.360 and then a mission to be launched into. 00:06:26.459 --> 00:06:30.060 First, we're going to look at 24, 36 through 47, 00:06:30.060 --> 00:06:31.839 a truth to be anchored in. 00:06:33.420 --> 00:06:38.500 The truth is that Jesus really did rise from the dead. 00:06:40.500 --> 00:06:42.740 And they become eyewitnesses of this 00:06:42.740 --> 00:06:45.600 as they see him in his resurrection body. 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:47.560 Now, it's a fascinating story 00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:49.800 because we've already seen Jesus appear to people. 00:06:49.899 --> 00:06:50.779 He's appeared to Mary. 00:06:51.220 --> 00:06:53.100 He's appeared to Clopas. 00:06:53.100 --> 00:06:56.160 Peter went and saw the empty tomb. 00:06:56.260 --> 00:06:57.340 There are a number of people 00:06:57.340 --> 00:06:59.560 who have already have real evidence 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:01.820 of Jesus rising from the dead 00:07:01.820 --> 00:07:03.960 and they have all gathered back together 00:07:03.960 --> 00:07:06.100 and they're trading these accounts 00:07:06.100 --> 00:07:07.400 and they're comparing them. 00:07:07.740 --> 00:07:09.760 And it seemed, as we said in verse 34, 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:11.439 that they did believe it. 00:07:13.240 --> 00:07:16.520 And yet, Jesus then shows up in their midst 00:07:16.519 --> 00:07:22.939 and as is not unexpected 00:07:22.939 --> 00:07:25.959 because no one had ever seen someone 00:07:25.959 --> 00:07:27.879 be raised from the dead like this before. 00:07:28.939 --> 00:07:30.439 They didn't believe it. 00:07:31.180 --> 00:07:32.959 Jesus steps into the midst of them 00:07:32.959 --> 00:07:34.359 and he knows their response 00:07:34.359 --> 00:07:36.259 and so he says, peace be with you. 00:07:36.620 --> 00:07:37.539 Don't be afraid. 00:07:37.540 --> 00:07:42.080 And yet, they are afraid. 00:07:42.200 --> 00:07:43.780 They think they've seen a ghost. 00:07:44.080 --> 00:07:45.360 They think they've seen a spirit 00:07:45.360 --> 00:07:47.280 because this was all that they could imagine. 00:07:47.600 --> 00:07:50.840 If coming back from the dead meant anything, 00:07:50.939 --> 00:07:51.700 it meant this, 00:07:51.740 --> 00:07:53.700 that you would come back as some kind of spirit 00:07:53.700 --> 00:07:54.860 and they were terrified. 00:07:56.980 --> 00:07:59.740 And Jesus is so gracious and gentle with them. 00:08:00.040 --> 00:08:01.480 Why are you so troubled? 00:08:03.100 --> 00:08:05.580 Why do doubts rise in your heart? 00:08:06.360 --> 00:08:07.320 Look at me. 00:08:08.400 --> 00:08:10.260 See that it is really I. 00:08:10.420 --> 00:08:13.280 Look at the way that he says this in verse 39. 00:08:13.939 --> 00:08:16.160 See my hands and my feet, 00:08:16.280 --> 00:08:18.060 that it is I myself. 00:08:18.160 --> 00:08:19.040 He repeats that. 00:08:19.100 --> 00:08:20.939 In Greek, it comes out so strongly. 00:08:21.080 --> 00:08:22.340 It is really me. 00:08:22.740 --> 00:08:25.259 I am the one that is standing before you. 00:08:25.360 --> 00:08:26.560 This is not just a vision. 00:08:26.700 --> 00:08:27.700 This is not a dream. 00:08:28.080 --> 00:08:29.020 It is really me. 00:08:29.080 --> 00:08:29.680 You can see. 00:08:29.759 --> 00:08:31.300 And not only say you can see me, 00:08:31.379 --> 00:08:32.480 but it says touch me. 00:08:32.800 --> 00:08:35.080 And touch actually has the sense of being handled. 00:08:35.139 --> 00:08:37.000 You can put your hands on me 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:39.580 and know that it is really me. 00:08:41.480 --> 00:08:43.460 Because spirits you can't touch, 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:45.899 they don't have flesh and bone the way I do. 00:08:47.220 --> 00:08:48.000 And then he said this, 00:08:48.019 --> 00:08:48.980 and he showed them, 00:08:49.440 --> 00:08:50.860 and he showed them especially, 00:08:50.980 --> 00:08:52.259 his hands and his feet. 00:08:53.220 --> 00:08:56.580 His hands and his feet with the marks of the crucifixion, 00:08:56.580 --> 00:09:01.240 the marks of his death just three days ago, 00:09:01.800 --> 00:09:07.460 just recently where he had gained these scars 00:09:07.460 --> 00:09:10.120 that would be on his physical body forever, 00:09:11.080 --> 00:09:12.980 remembering his death for them. 00:09:12.980 --> 00:09:17.220 This is not just a vision of a spirit, 00:09:17.340 --> 00:09:18.320 but this is Jesus, 00:09:18.460 --> 00:09:20.519 the real one who hung on the cross, 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:22.860 risen again. 00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:27.039 It's remarkable. 00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:29.539 And they believe, 00:09:30.580 --> 00:09:33.039 and yet there's this great phrase in verse 39, right? 00:09:33.039 --> 00:09:36.980 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, 00:09:38.059 --> 00:09:39.259 it's kind of like, 00:09:39.819 --> 00:09:42.000 I remember when I was in college, 00:09:42.240 --> 00:09:44.620 me and my brothers conspired 00:09:44.620 --> 00:09:48.099 to travel back to visit my parents 00:09:48.099 --> 00:09:49.599 for their 25th anniversary. 00:09:50.240 --> 00:09:51.659 They didn't know that anyone was, 00:09:51.659 --> 00:09:51.860 no, 00:09:51.939 --> 00:09:53.639 one of my brothers had planned to go home 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:54.459 and celebrate with them, 00:09:54.719 --> 00:09:56.279 and the rest of us were, 00:09:56.379 --> 00:09:57.459 you know, 00:09:57.559 --> 00:09:59.480 off living in other parts of the country. 00:10:00.219 --> 00:10:02.620 And we managed to surprise them 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:07.500 so that we just drove into the driveway together 00:10:07.500 --> 00:10:08.860 and opened the door, 00:10:09.079 --> 00:10:10.179 and there we were. 00:10:10.299 --> 00:10:11.399 And mom and dad said, 00:10:11.480 --> 00:10:13.100 I can't believe you're here, 00:10:13.639 --> 00:10:15.219 with joy and marveling. 00:10:15.219 --> 00:10:17.379 And I think that's what the disciples are doing here. 00:10:17.620 --> 00:10:17.860 Like, 00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:19.639 I can't believe you're here. 00:10:19.639 --> 00:10:21.840 It's joy, 00:10:22.059 --> 00:10:22.580 it's wonder, 00:10:22.720 --> 00:10:23.580 it's amazement, 00:10:23.699 --> 00:10:25.279 it's still a little doubting. 00:10:25.980 --> 00:10:26.460 Like, 00:10:26.519 --> 00:10:27.620 is this really true? 00:10:27.720 --> 00:10:28.899 Is this really happening? 00:10:31.939 --> 00:10:33.720 So Jesus appears to them, 00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:35.279 and he's so gracious. 00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:38.000 He just casually says, 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:38.259 hey, 00:10:38.360 --> 00:10:39.919 do you have any leftovers around? 00:10:40.399 --> 00:10:41.860 Can I get something to eat? 00:10:43.419 --> 00:10:44.759 And this is not a throwaway. 00:10:44.779 --> 00:10:45.779 It's a weird detail, 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:46.179 isn't it? 00:10:46.200 --> 00:10:47.299 But it's not a throwaway. 00:10:47.379 --> 00:10:48.819 Jesus is intentionally saying, 00:10:48.820 --> 00:10:50.260 you can see me, 00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:51.220 you can touch me, 00:10:51.260 --> 00:10:51.900 now watch. 00:10:52.820 --> 00:10:54.080 Spirits don't eat food. 00:10:54.840 --> 00:10:56.500 There's no body to put the food in. 00:10:56.540 --> 00:10:57.480 It just doesn't happen. 00:10:58.340 --> 00:10:59.800 And so he picks up a piece of bread, 00:10:59.840 --> 00:11:00.680 and he eats it. 00:11:01.600 --> 00:11:03.160 And in doing this, 00:11:03.660 --> 00:11:06.480 he's establishing for his disciples, 00:11:06.860 --> 00:11:07.820 not just Mary, 00:11:07.980 --> 00:11:08.980 not just Clopas, 00:11:09.320 --> 00:11:10.560 although how gracious it is 00:11:10.560 --> 00:11:12.140 that God started with them, 00:11:12.139 --> 00:11:13.960 but now even the twelve, 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:16.740 they are all eyewitnesses to 00:11:16.740 --> 00:11:20.019 the living flesh and blood, 00:11:20.699 --> 00:11:22.939 risen Jesus Christ. 00:11:22.940 --> 00:11:27.900 And having done this then, 00:11:28.220 --> 00:11:30.240 he goes on in the next couple of verses 00:11:30.240 --> 00:11:32.100 to open their minds 00:11:32.100 --> 00:11:34.600 so that they can not only see him, 00:11:34.880 --> 00:11:36.600 but so they can understand 00:11:36.600 --> 00:11:38.220 what it is 00:11:38.220 --> 00:11:40.960 that he is doing. 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:41.960 So they can understand 00:11:42.780 --> 00:11:44.100 what it means 00:11:44.100 --> 00:11:45.640 for what they're seeing. 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:48.040 Having satisfied their eyes, 00:11:48.039 --> 00:11:49.839 now he's going to 00:11:49.839 --> 00:11:52.379 help their minds to understand. 00:11:53.439 --> 00:11:55.139 And this is the fourth time 00:11:55.139 --> 00:11:57.459 in chapter 24 of Luke 00:11:57.459 --> 00:11:59.559 that Jesus says again 00:11:59.559 --> 00:12:03.319 that the Christ must suffer and die 00:12:03.319 --> 00:12:04.919 and then be raised again. 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:06.599 It's the fourth account 00:12:06.599 --> 00:12:09.639 where this is the basic storyline 00:12:09.639 --> 00:12:11.299 of the life of Jesus, 00:12:11.579 --> 00:12:13.759 that he came to suffer and to die 00:12:13.759 --> 00:12:15.699 and then to rise again. 00:12:15.700 --> 00:12:18.140 And Jesus says, 00:12:18.360 --> 00:12:19.400 this is what I've told you 00:12:19.400 --> 00:12:20.740 all along. 00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:22.800 This is what the Old Testament 00:12:22.800 --> 00:12:23.600 is talking about 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:25.160 when he says in verse 44, 00:12:25.300 --> 00:12:26.100 the law of Moses 00:12:26.100 --> 00:12:27.600 and the prophets and the Psalms. 00:12:27.759 --> 00:12:29.520 Those aren't particular books 00:12:29.520 --> 00:12:30.160 of the Bible. 00:12:30.480 --> 00:12:31.740 He's actually using that 00:12:31.740 --> 00:12:32.540 as shorthand 00:12:32.540 --> 00:12:34.259 for the whole Old Testament. 00:12:34.920 --> 00:12:35.780 The law of Moses 00:12:35.780 --> 00:12:37.060 would have been the Pentateuch. 00:12:37.480 --> 00:12:38.600 The prophets included 00:12:38.600 --> 00:12:40.180 not only the latter prophets, 00:12:40.280 --> 00:12:41.480 which we think of like Isaiah 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:42.340 or Jeremiah 00:12:42.340 --> 00:12:43.300 and the minor prophets, 00:12:43.299 --> 00:12:46.759 but also the former prophets, 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:47.939 what we normally call 00:12:47.939 --> 00:12:49.059 the historical books, 00:12:49.059 --> 00:12:50.459 which are telling forth 00:12:50.459 --> 00:12:51.500 about what's true 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:53.079 about what God did in the world 00:12:53.079 --> 00:12:54.279 in establishing the kingdom 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:55.839 of Israel. 00:12:56.519 --> 00:12:57.579 And then the Psalms 00:12:57.579 --> 00:12:58.500 doesn't just mean 00:12:58.500 --> 00:12:59.240 the book of Psalms, 00:12:59.299 --> 00:13:01.199 but includes all the wisdom literature. 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:03.000 So Jesus is saying 00:13:03.000 --> 00:13:04.439 the whole Old Testament 00:13:04.439 --> 00:13:09.019 was talking about me. 00:13:09.019 --> 00:13:14.799 Maybe he was thinking 00:13:14.799 --> 00:13:16.139 about Leviticus 16 00:13:16.139 --> 00:13:19.220 and the sacrifice of atonement 00:13:19.220 --> 00:13:20.319 done in the temple. 00:13:21.519 --> 00:13:22.480 Maybe he was thinking 00:13:22.480 --> 00:13:24.039 about Psalm 22. 00:13:25.079 --> 00:13:25.960 My God, my God, 00:13:26.039 --> 00:13:27.720 why have you forsaken me? 00:13:27.899 --> 00:13:30.799 The cry of hope 00:13:30.799 --> 00:13:33.240 and dereliction 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:34.720 at the cross. 00:13:35.460 --> 00:13:36.399 Maybe he was thinking 00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:38.319 of Exodus 34, 6, 00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:39.320 where Jesus reveals, 00:13:40.140 --> 00:13:41.680 or when God reveals himself 00:13:41.680 --> 00:13:42.220 to Moses, 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:42.600 says, 00:13:42.780 --> 00:13:43.700 I am the Lord, 00:13:44.160 --> 00:13:45.000 slow to anger 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:45.740 and abounding 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:46.940 and loving kindness 00:13:46.940 --> 00:13:49.200 from generation to generation. 00:13:50.060 --> 00:13:51.280 Maybe he was talking 00:13:51.280 --> 00:13:53.080 about 2 Samuel 7, 00:13:53.400 --> 00:13:54.700 where he tells David, 00:13:54.820 --> 00:13:55.560 makes a covenant 00:13:55.560 --> 00:13:56.600 with King David, 00:13:56.860 --> 00:13:57.500 that there will be 00:13:57.500 --> 00:13:58.780 a kingdom upon which 00:13:58.780 --> 00:13:59.840 one of his descendants 00:13:59.840 --> 00:14:00.360 will sit, 00:14:00.680 --> 00:14:01.379 which will reign 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:02.480 forever and ever. 00:14:02.480 --> 00:14:07.519 and maybe lots more 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:08.580 of the Old Testament. 00:14:09.180 --> 00:14:10.980 One commentator says this. 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:12.940 He's talking about 00:14:12.940 --> 00:14:13.920 the need for the payment 00:14:13.920 --> 00:14:14.500 of sins, 00:14:14.600 --> 00:14:16.039 including sacrificial victims, 00:14:16.220 --> 00:14:17.320 the pervasive theme 00:14:17.320 --> 00:14:18.720 of suffering in the Psalter, 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:20.620 the comprehensive testimony 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:22.500 of the Old Testament 00:14:22.500 --> 00:14:23.580 to God's mercy, 00:14:23.800 --> 00:14:24.120 love, 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:24.700 and forgiveness 00:14:24.700 --> 00:14:25.659 of the penitent, 00:14:26.120 --> 00:14:27.759 and the increasing specifications 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:29.259 of the Old Testament 00:14:29.259 --> 00:14:29.960 covenants, 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:32.480 culminating in Jeremiah 31, 00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:33.980 31 through 34, 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:36.379 and Ezekiel 36, 00:14:36.580 --> 00:14:37.980 25 through 28. 00:14:38.220 --> 00:14:40.399 Both of those last prophecies 00:14:40.399 --> 00:14:41.120 talking about 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:41.879 a new covenant 00:14:41.879 --> 00:14:42.740 that is to come 00:14:42.740 --> 00:14:44.500 when God will come, 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.659 make a new covenant 00:14:45.659 --> 00:14:46.340 with his people 00:14:46.340 --> 00:14:48.000 where he will take the law 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:48.899 and he will write it 00:14:48.899 --> 00:14:49.679 in their hearts, 00:14:49.679 --> 00:14:50.980 and he will renew 00:14:50.980 --> 00:14:52.000 their hearts of stone 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:53.200 and give them a heart of flesh 00:14:53.200 --> 00:14:54.439 where the Holy Spirit 00:14:54.439 --> 00:14:54.960 will come 00:14:54.960 --> 00:14:56.480 and make them born again. 00:14:56.480 --> 00:14:59.800 It says, 00:15:00.159 --> 00:15:00.980 all of these things 00:15:00.980 --> 00:15:02.480 are leading 00:15:02.480 --> 00:15:05.539 and pointing to Jesus, 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:07.120 the first one 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:08.240 who was born again 00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:09.539 as he was raised 00:15:09.539 --> 00:15:10.259 from the dead. 00:15:13.240 --> 00:15:14.759 Why is this so important 00:15:14.759 --> 00:15:16.480 for Jesus to say this again? 00:15:16.659 --> 00:15:17.820 He already did this 00:15:17.820 --> 00:15:19.080 with Clopas and his friend 00:15:19.080 --> 00:15:20.139 on the way to Emmaus. 00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:21.720 He's already done this once. 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:23.159 Why is he doing it again? 00:15:24.899 --> 00:15:26.159 Pastor Kent Hughes 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:28.240 former pastor of a church 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:30.439 in Wheaton, Illinois, 00:15:30.620 --> 00:15:31.159 said this, 00:15:31.259 --> 00:15:32.620 Jesus did not want them 00:15:32.620 --> 00:15:33.799 to rest their belief 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:34.659 in his resurrection 00:15:34.659 --> 00:15:37.659 on their personal experience alone. 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:40.399 He was not interested 00:15:40.399 --> 00:15:42.699 in an elite group 00:15:42.699 --> 00:15:44.219 with a special knowledge 00:15:44.219 --> 00:15:45.899 or experience of Christ. 00:15:47.059 --> 00:15:47.959 Resting their faith 00:15:47.959 --> 00:15:48.659 on a miracle 00:15:48.659 --> 00:15:50.399 was not sufficient. 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:52.199 He wanted them 00:15:52.199 --> 00:15:53.879 to ground their experience 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:55.000 of his resurrection 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:57.559 on the massive testimony 00:15:57.559 --> 00:15:58.320 of Scripture. 00:15:59.539 --> 00:16:01.639 So their establishment 00:16:01.639 --> 00:16:02.879 as eyewitnesses 00:16:02.879 --> 00:16:03.740 isn't simply 00:16:03.740 --> 00:16:04.840 that they were there 00:16:04.840 --> 00:16:06.039 and they could see it, 00:16:06.220 --> 00:16:07.600 but now he's opening 00:16:07.600 --> 00:16:08.539 their minds 00:16:08.539 --> 00:16:10.460 so that they can see 00:16:10.460 --> 00:16:11.860 that this book 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:14.500 testifies about Jesus 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:17.019 from start to finish, 00:16:17.019 --> 00:16:20.019 and that in that understanding 00:16:20.019 --> 00:16:21.559 it is rich 00:16:21.559 --> 00:16:23.600 and meaningful 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:25.980 and has cosmic power. 00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:29.000 And with this power, 00:16:29.179 --> 00:16:30.340 with this understanding, 00:16:30.899 --> 00:16:33.259 then comes the call 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:34.679 of proclamation. 00:16:35.100 --> 00:16:36.299 Do you see the three things 00:16:36.299 --> 00:16:37.240 that Jesus said 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:40.299 in 46? 00:16:40.659 --> 00:16:41.539 Thus it is written, 00:16:41.679 --> 00:16:42.699 the Christ should suffer 00:16:42.699 --> 00:16:45.259 and on the third day rise. 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:46.559 And then verse 47, 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:48.700 and then his message 00:16:48.700 --> 00:16:49.939 should be proclaimed 00:16:49.939 --> 00:16:52.460 to the ends of the earth. 00:16:53.399 --> 00:16:53.879 You see, 00:16:53.960 --> 00:16:54.659 because if Jesus 00:16:54.659 --> 00:16:56.299 really did rise from the dead, 00:16:56.419 --> 00:16:58.139 and if it really is true, 00:16:58.519 --> 00:17:00.659 what the Bible says 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:01.659 about the significance 00:17:01.659 --> 00:17:02.159 of that, 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:03.639 it changes everything. 00:17:06.019 --> 00:17:07.259 This is my own experience. 00:17:09.099 --> 00:17:10.200 Having grown up 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:11.379 knowing something 00:17:11.379 --> 00:17:12.259 about Christianity, 00:17:12.259 --> 00:17:12.819 Christianity, 00:17:13.259 --> 00:17:15.400 but not really understanding 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:16.680 Christ and the gospel. 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:18.720 In high school, 00:17:18.819 --> 00:17:19.599 I had friends 00:17:19.599 --> 00:17:21.420 who believed in Christ, 00:17:21.640 --> 00:17:23.140 and they shared with me 00:17:23.140 --> 00:17:24.079 by their lives 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:24.980 and by their love 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:26.019 and by their words 00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:28.619 more about who Jesus is 00:17:28.619 --> 00:17:29.599 and what he did. 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:31.759 In the end, 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:32.799 someone gave me a copy 00:17:32.799 --> 00:17:33.759 of Mere Christianity 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.819 by C.S. Lewis, 00:17:35.059 --> 00:17:36.160 and as I read it, 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:38.299 my mind was opened, 00:17:38.299 --> 00:17:41.079 and I became convinced 00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:43.579 that Jesus really was 00:17:43.579 --> 00:17:44.720 who he said he was 00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:45.399 in the Bible. 00:17:46.839 --> 00:17:49.319 And if Jesus really was that, 00:17:49.819 --> 00:17:52.740 then it changed everything. 00:17:53.159 --> 00:17:55.319 It called me to respond. 00:17:55.859 --> 00:17:57.019 It called me 00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:59.759 to have to make a decision. 00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:01.259 Do I believe 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:02.379 and entrust myself 00:18:02.379 --> 00:18:03.259 to this Savior 00:18:03.259 --> 00:18:04.659 or not? 00:18:04.660 --> 00:18:09.960 And if it's true, 00:18:10.580 --> 00:18:11.120 then not only 00:18:11.120 --> 00:18:12.340 do I have to respond, 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:14.700 but that it's a message 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:15.860 that must be proclaimed 00:18:15.860 --> 00:18:17.440 to the ends of the earth. 00:18:18.640 --> 00:18:19.620 And so, 00:18:19.820 --> 00:18:21.860 we come to the second point. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:23.060 Not only does Jesus 00:18:23.060 --> 00:18:25.360 anchor his followers 00:18:25.360 --> 00:18:28.779 in a truth 00:18:28.779 --> 00:18:29.960 about his resurrection, 00:18:31.040 --> 00:18:32.820 but having anchored him, 00:18:32.920 --> 00:18:34.320 then he launches them out 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:35.179 into the world 00:18:35.179 --> 00:18:37.859 to proclaim this good news, 00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:39.779 to be on a mission 00:18:39.779 --> 00:18:41.980 that they are launched into. 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:43.539 And this is a focal point. 00:18:43.619 --> 00:18:45.259 You see this in verse 48 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:46.559 and following. 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:48.579 You are witnesses 00:18:48.579 --> 00:18:50.119 of these things. 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:52.000 And he's not merely saying 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:53.519 you are passive recipients 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:54.579 of these things. 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:56.019 He's saying witnesses 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:57.599 who must now testify, 00:18:58.319 --> 00:19:00.059 witnesses who now must stand 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:01.839 in the court of public opinion 00:19:01.839 --> 00:19:02.679 and say, 00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:04.740 this is what I have seen 00:19:04.740 --> 00:19:05.420 and heard 00:19:05.420 --> 00:19:07.000 and know is true. 00:19:09.799 --> 00:19:11.200 He says to his disciples, 00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:13.220 this is what I have called you to do. 00:19:14.840 --> 00:19:16.039 And this is what he says 00:19:16.039 --> 00:19:17.539 to his disciples even today. 00:19:17.640 --> 00:19:19.340 This is what I have called you to do. 00:19:19.720 --> 00:19:20.140 And look, 00:19:20.220 --> 00:19:21.799 we need to recognize one thing. 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:24.560 We are not eyewitnesses 00:19:24.560 --> 00:19:25.799 in the same way, 00:19:25.840 --> 00:19:26.480 are we? 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:29.640 And yet, 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:31.200 Daryl Bach, 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.279 one of the commentators 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:32.839 on Luke, 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:33.599 says this, 00:19:33.599 --> 00:19:34.380 we are witnesses, 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:34.860 however, 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:36.079 in a different sense 00:19:36.079 --> 00:19:38.059 than these original disciples. 00:19:38.799 --> 00:19:39.480 They testified 00:19:39.480 --> 00:19:40.779 to what they saw, 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:43.019 whereas we bear witness 00:19:43.019 --> 00:19:44.360 to their testimony 00:19:44.360 --> 00:19:47.539 and to our experience 00:19:47.539 --> 00:19:50.200 of the resurrected Jesus. 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:53.500 God's call wasn't simply 00:19:53.500 --> 00:19:54.519 for the first group 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:56.539 of people in that room, 00:19:56.680 --> 00:19:57.319 men and women, 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:58.299 who saw him 00:19:58.299 --> 00:20:00.200 to tell the story 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:01.180 for one generation 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:02.420 and then for it to fade, 00:20:02.620 --> 00:20:04.140 but that they would be a model 00:20:04.140 --> 00:20:06.539 and that their eyewitness testimony 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:09.700 becomes the basis 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:11.600 upon which we have a testimony 00:20:11.600 --> 00:20:12.259 and a witness 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:13.400 for us to share 00:20:13.400 --> 00:20:15.039 throughout all generations. 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:16.559 This is what the passage 00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:17.720 that Laura read earlier 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:19.200 from 1 John says, 00:20:19.200 --> 00:20:20.019 what we have seen, 00:20:20.120 --> 00:20:20.880 what we have heard, 00:20:21.100 --> 00:20:22.080 what we have touched 00:20:22.080 --> 00:20:22.799 with our hands. 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:24.140 This is what we proclaim 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:25.640 and pass along to you 00:20:25.640 --> 00:20:26.799 so that you may have 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:28.500 the joy of knowing Christ. 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:29.960 Friends, 00:20:30.080 --> 00:20:31.440 this is why this book 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:32.440 is so important 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:34.180 because we are not 00:20:34.180 --> 00:20:35.080 without testimony. 00:20:35.340 --> 00:20:36.860 We are not without evidence 00:20:36.860 --> 00:20:38.440 that this is true. 00:20:38.860 --> 00:20:40.960 The whole book of the Bible 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:41.799 and particularly 00:20:41.799 --> 00:20:42.819 the New Testament 00:20:42.819 --> 00:20:44.980 testifies to the reality 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:45.660 of this 00:20:45.660 --> 00:20:47.620 and empowers us 00:20:47.620 --> 00:20:48.920 to be witnesses 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:49.759 as well. 00:20:51.820 --> 00:20:52.920 What are we empowered 00:20:52.920 --> 00:20:54.019 to do as witnesses? 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:55.820 Well, there are a couple of things. 00:20:56.019 --> 00:20:57.759 One, being witnesses 00:20:57.759 --> 00:20:59.340 means we have something to say. 00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:02.019 In verse 47, 00:21:02.160 --> 00:21:02.660 it says, 00:21:02.940 --> 00:21:04.000 what do we have to say? 00:21:04.080 --> 00:21:05.460 We have to talk about repentance 00:21:05.460 --> 00:21:06.539 and forgiveness 00:21:06.539 --> 00:21:08.680 in the name of Jesus. 00:21:09.580 --> 00:21:10.320 Repentance means 00:21:10.320 --> 00:21:11.080 that there's a call 00:21:11.080 --> 00:21:12.100 to respond 00:21:12.100 --> 00:21:13.880 to the truth 00:21:13.880 --> 00:21:14.800 of the resurrection. 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:18.839 Repentance is a response 00:21:18.839 --> 00:21:19.779 of turning away 00:21:19.779 --> 00:21:20.700 from other things, 00:21:20.799 --> 00:21:21.299 turning away 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:22.220 from other ways 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:23.519 in which we might try 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:26.639 to become right with God 00:21:26.639 --> 00:21:28.220 or to save ourselves 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:29.359 or to make us right 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:30.259 in the universe. 00:21:31.579 --> 00:21:32.139 It is turning 00:21:32.139 --> 00:21:33.220 from all of those 00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:33.879 other things 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:35.119 and turning to Jesus 00:21:35.119 --> 00:21:36.960 because he rose 00:21:36.960 --> 00:21:37.700 from the dead. 00:21:37.899 --> 00:21:38.299 Why? 00:21:38.619 --> 00:21:40.099 Because he has achieved 00:21:40.099 --> 00:21:41.559 forgiveness of sins 00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:42.639 on our behalf. 00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:45.080 If repentance 00:21:45.080 --> 00:21:46.500 is the response 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:48.140 that we're calling people to, 00:21:48.560 --> 00:21:48.940 forgiveness 00:21:48.940 --> 00:21:49.820 is the offer 00:21:49.820 --> 00:21:51.180 that we're giving to them. 00:21:51.420 --> 00:21:53.080 Not because we can do it, 00:21:53.100 --> 00:21:53.900 but because Jesus 00:21:53.900 --> 00:21:55.020 has already done it. 00:21:55.820 --> 00:21:56.340 You see, 00:21:56.420 --> 00:21:57.460 the whole story 00:21:57.460 --> 00:21:58.100 of the gospel 00:21:58.100 --> 00:21:59.940 is that Jesus came 00:21:59.940 --> 00:22:01.940 to bear the sin 00:22:01.940 --> 00:22:03.460 of human beings, 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.440 of you and me, 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:05.520 as we reject 00:22:05.520 --> 00:22:07.100 and deny God 00:22:07.100 --> 00:22:08.480 on a regular basis 00:22:08.480 --> 00:22:11.180 by our unbelief 00:22:11.180 --> 00:22:14.500 by our willful independence, 00:22:14.860 --> 00:22:17.340 by our self-salvation. 00:22:18.840 --> 00:22:19.779 And Jesus came 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:21.539 to die on the cross 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:22.460 for those sins 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:24.080 so that we might not bear 00:22:24.080 --> 00:22:25.320 the wrath of God 00:22:25.320 --> 00:22:26.120 against those sins, 00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:26.860 but rather 00:22:26.860 --> 00:22:28.840 that we might receive 00:22:28.840 --> 00:22:29.900 forgiveness 00:22:29.900 --> 00:22:31.180 because the sins 00:22:31.180 --> 00:22:32.580 have been paid for 00:22:32.580 --> 00:22:33.900 by Jesus. 00:22:34.860 --> 00:22:35.960 And so rather than them 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:37.120 being in our account, 00:22:38.620 --> 00:22:40.360 the account has been cleared. 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:42.460 And we are now able 00:22:42.460 --> 00:22:43.900 to come to God 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:45.480 in trusting faith. 00:22:45.880 --> 00:22:46.880 This is what Jesus 00:22:46.880 --> 00:22:48.759 has done for us. 00:22:48.840 --> 00:22:49.720 And so repentance 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:51.019 is the call to respond. 00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:52.700 Forgiveness is the offer 00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:53.920 that's given out 00:22:53.920 --> 00:22:55.400 in Jesus' name. 00:22:55.480 --> 00:22:57.120 That is on the basis 00:22:57.120 --> 00:22:58.620 of what Jesus has done 00:22:58.620 --> 00:23:00.100 and who He is. 00:23:00.099 --> 00:23:03.119 Jesus, 00:23:03.639 --> 00:23:05.559 our substitute 00:23:05.559 --> 00:23:06.959 and our Savior. 00:23:07.799 --> 00:23:08.299 Jesus, 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:09.740 by His resurrection, 00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:12.199 the one who has victory 00:23:12.199 --> 00:23:13.619 over sin and death 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:14.980 and is declared 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:16.659 to be vindicated 00:23:16.659 --> 00:23:18.759 as the Son of God. 00:23:21.259 --> 00:23:23.119 A resurrected Christ 00:23:23.119 --> 00:23:25.019 calls the world 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:26.759 to respond. 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:30.319 and in that response 00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:31.579 results in a new 00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:33.400 relationship with God. 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.220 Friends, 00:23:36.259 --> 00:23:36.619 I don't know 00:23:36.619 --> 00:23:37.720 if you've thought about this. 00:23:38.420 --> 00:23:39.140 There are many today 00:23:39.140 --> 00:23:39.720 in our world 00:23:39.720 --> 00:23:40.220 who think 00:23:40.220 --> 00:23:41.519 aren't all religions 00:23:41.519 --> 00:23:42.119 the same? 00:23:42.500 --> 00:23:43.059 They believe 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:44.000 in a higher power. 00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:44.960 They try to make us 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:45.680 better people. 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:47.299 They're hoping, 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:47.779 you know, 00:23:47.879 --> 00:23:49.000 ideally to improve 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:49.640 the world. 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:52.680 And sure, 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:53.859 some of those things 00:23:53.859 --> 00:23:54.740 are similar 00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:55.799 across the board. 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:58.440 But Christianity 00:23:58.440 --> 00:23:59.640 is distinct 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:02.279 in this very thing. 00:24:03.119 --> 00:24:04.039 It claims 00:24:04.039 --> 00:24:04.759 that God 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:05.680 came to earth 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:06.359 and lived 00:24:06.359 --> 00:24:07.039 and died 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:08.319 and rose again. 00:24:09.539 --> 00:24:11.259 And if He did that, 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:13.599 that is the most 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:14.539 important thing 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:15.740 that we would ever know. 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:19.460 No other religion 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.440 teaches that. 00:24:21.079 --> 00:24:22.339 This is the thing 00:24:22.339 --> 00:24:23.379 that I had to wrestle 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:23.980 with 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:24.920 on my own journey 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:25.400 to faith 00:24:25.400 --> 00:24:26.460 and this is what 00:24:26.460 --> 00:24:27.840 we all have to wrestle 00:24:27.840 --> 00:24:28.180 with 00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:29.740 as the world, 00:24:30.080 --> 00:24:30.860 as Christ 00:24:30.860 --> 00:24:31.660 is proclaimed. 00:24:35.800 --> 00:24:36.280 Friends, 00:24:36.360 --> 00:24:36.780 I wonder 00:24:36.780 --> 00:24:39.780 what do we preach? 00:24:40.660 --> 00:24:41.380 And by that, 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:41.800 I don't mean 00:24:41.800 --> 00:24:42.920 standing on a street corner 00:24:42.920 --> 00:24:44.160 or sitting up here 00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:44.740 in a pulpit. 00:24:45.400 --> 00:24:46.840 But by our lives, 00:24:47.200 --> 00:24:48.820 what do we say? 00:24:48.819 --> 00:24:52.579 Jesus is a friend 00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:53.139 is a friend 00:24:53.139 --> 00:24:53.879 next to you. 00:24:54.639 --> 00:24:55.460 Jesus is one 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:55.859 who comes 00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:56.419 and helps us 00:24:56.419 --> 00:24:57.119 in our troubles. 00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:58.799 Jesus will heal 00:24:58.799 --> 00:24:59.599 your diseases. 00:25:01.139 --> 00:25:01.899 Jesus is going 00:25:01.899 --> 00:25:02.799 to bring meaning 00:25:02.799 --> 00:25:03.439 and purpose 00:25:03.439 --> 00:25:04.119 and richness 00:25:04.119 --> 00:25:05.119 to your life. 00:25:06.879 --> 00:25:07.339 Friends, 00:25:07.379 --> 00:25:07.799 I'll tell you what, 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.460 all those things 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:08.960 are true 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:10.399 and they're wonderful 00:25:10.399 --> 00:25:11.099 truths about 00:25:11.099 --> 00:25:12.039 who Jesus is. 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:15.000 but the core 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.799 of the gospel 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:18.259 is that Jesus 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:19.599 came to die 00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:20.839 for sinners 00:25:20.839 --> 00:25:21.960 like you and me. 00:25:23.639 --> 00:25:24.879 And by rising 00:25:24.879 --> 00:25:25.819 from the dead, 00:25:26.180 --> 00:25:27.180 he achieved 00:25:27.180 --> 00:25:27.940 a salvation 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:28.659 for us 00:25:28.659 --> 00:25:29.720 whereby we may 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.539 have peace 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:31.319 with God, 00:25:33.339 --> 00:25:33.779 forgiveness 00:25:33.779 --> 00:25:34.579 of sin, 00:25:35.460 --> 00:25:36.119 and eternal 00:25:36.119 --> 00:25:37.799 life with us. 00:25:37.799 --> 00:25:42.220 are we ashamed 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:43.240 to talk about that? 00:25:44.159 --> 00:25:45.079 Are we embarrassed 00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:46.000 to talk about 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:47.259 a resurrected Savior? 00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:50.079 Are we convinced 00:25:50.079 --> 00:25:51.139 in our own mind 00:25:51.139 --> 00:25:52.460 that it really 00:25:52.460 --> 00:25:53.319 did happen? 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:55.740 Can we explain 00:25:55.740 --> 00:25:56.720 its significance? 00:25:59.000 --> 00:25:59.480 Friends, 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.319 it's good for us 00:26:00.319 --> 00:26:00.940 to know 00:26:00.940 --> 00:26:02.139 and to grow 00:26:02.139 --> 00:26:03.859 in our understanding 00:26:03.859 --> 00:26:04.799 and our ability 00:26:04.799 --> 00:26:05.759 to explain it 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:06.399 to others. 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:07.659 I want to point 00:26:07.660 --> 00:26:08.279 you to a few 00:26:08.279 --> 00:26:08.940 resources. 00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:10.120 We're going to 00:26:10.120 --> 00:26:10.600 put them up 00:26:10.600 --> 00:26:11.220 on the stream 00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:11.800 in the chat. 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:12.540 They'll also be 00:26:12.540 --> 00:26:13.340 on our website. 00:26:14.360 --> 00:26:14.960 One of the great 00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:15.779 resources out there 00:26:15.779 --> 00:26:16.340 is actually one 00:26:16.340 --> 00:26:16.860 of our elders, 00:26:17.040 --> 00:26:17.740 James Choi, 00:26:17.860 --> 00:26:19.360 on his faculty page 00:26:19.360 --> 00:26:19.920 in the School 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:20.440 of Management 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:21.040 at Yale. 00:26:21.700 --> 00:26:22.420 James Choi, 00:26:22.620 --> 00:26:23.440 you can look it up, 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.440 Google his name. 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.820 He has a great 00:26:25.820 --> 00:26:26.460 thing called 00:26:26.460 --> 00:26:27.700 Why I Am a Christian 00:26:27.700 --> 00:26:30.700 and it is a page 00:26:30.700 --> 00:26:31.920 worth looking at. 00:26:33.000 --> 00:26:33.480 There are some 00:26:33.480 --> 00:26:34.300 other resources 00:26:34.300 --> 00:26:34.820 out there 00:26:34.820 --> 00:26:35.340 that I think 00:26:35.340 --> 00:26:35.940 are wonderful 00:26:35.940 --> 00:26:36.840 resources for you 00:26:36.839 --> 00:26:38.359 to become established 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:39.299 and convinced 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:40.419 about the resurrection 00:26:40.419 --> 00:26:42.139 and understanding 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:42.659 of it. 00:26:43.059 --> 00:26:44.259 William Lane Craig 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:44.779 wrote a book 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.779 called The Sun 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:46.539 Rises. 00:26:48.019 --> 00:26:48.740 There's also 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:50.359 a great book 00:26:50.359 --> 00:26:50.740 out there. 00:26:50.879 --> 00:26:51.319 It's edited 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:52.119 by a guy named 00:26:52.119 --> 00:26:53.179 David Baggett 00:26:53.179 --> 00:26:53.819 but it's called 00:26:53.819 --> 00:26:54.879 Did the Resurrection 00:26:54.879 --> 00:26:55.740 Happen? 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:57.779 And it's a conversation 00:26:57.779 --> 00:26:58.500 and actually 00:26:58.500 --> 00:26:59.939 an ongoing conversation 00:26:59.939 --> 00:27:02.059 between Gary Habermas 00:27:02.059 --> 00:27:03.220 and Anthony Flew. 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:04.179 Anthony Flew 00:27:04.180 --> 00:27:05.140 was an atheist 00:27:05.140 --> 00:27:06.640 and Gary Habermas 00:27:06.640 --> 00:27:07.360 was a Christian 00:27:07.360 --> 00:27:08.320 and they debated 00:27:08.320 --> 00:27:08.960 the evidence 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:09.799 for the resurrection 00:27:09.799 --> 00:27:11.000 but this book 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:12.340 is 20 years later 00:27:12.340 --> 00:27:13.440 talking about 00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:14.100 the evolution 00:27:14.100 --> 00:27:15.279 of their conversation 00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:15.960 and involving 00:27:15.960 --> 00:27:16.900 some other people 00:27:16.900 --> 00:27:17.900 in the conversation 00:27:17.900 --> 00:27:19.720 to talk about it. 00:27:19.759 --> 00:27:21.259 It's a wonderful exchange. 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:23.140 And for those of you 00:27:23.140 --> 00:27:24.100 who are scholars, 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:25.340 N.T. Wright, 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:27.399 the resurrection 00:27:27.399 --> 00:27:28.879 and the Son of God 00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:32.139 is an overwhelmingly 00:27:32.139 --> 00:27:34.699 convincing narrative 00:27:34.699 --> 00:27:37.959 testifying to the truth 00:27:37.959 --> 00:27:38.740 of the resurrection 00:27:38.740 --> 00:27:39.839 of Jesus Christ. 00:27:40.399 --> 00:27:41.639 And if you're out there, 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:42.759 if you're in seminary 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:44.819 or if you're in divinity school 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:46.139 or if you're in 00:27:46.139 --> 00:27:47.439 religious studies classes 00:27:47.439 --> 00:27:48.379 and you're wrestling 00:27:48.379 --> 00:27:48.959 with this 00:27:48.959 --> 00:27:50.199 at a whole other level, 00:27:50.799 --> 00:27:51.699 this is the book 00:27:51.699 --> 00:27:52.779 for you to go to. 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:55.160 It's about 700 pages. 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:56.180 It's not easy. 00:27:56.440 --> 00:27:57.440 I'm not going to lie. 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:59.420 But it's a wonderful resource 00:27:59.420 --> 00:28:00.720 for you to be convinced, 00:28:01.180 --> 00:28:02.519 for you to know 00:28:02.519 --> 00:28:03.359 these things. 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.279 Friends, 00:28:05.359 --> 00:28:06.019 these are ways 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:07.240 that you can be equipped 00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:10.079 to be convinced of 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.980 and understand 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:12.639 why we believe 00:28:12.639 --> 00:28:13.779 the resurrection. 00:28:13.779 --> 00:28:16.960 but I'll tell you what, 00:28:17.119 --> 00:28:19.259 you don't have to know 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:20.160 all those things 00:28:20.160 --> 00:28:23.720 to be able to bear witness. 00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:25.119 You don't have to be 00:28:25.119 --> 00:28:26.279 a New Testament scholar. 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:29.139 You do need to know 00:28:29.139 --> 00:28:29.839 His Word 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:32.799 to know how it is an account 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:34.519 of Jesus raised from the dead 00:28:34.519 --> 00:28:35.920 and to be willing 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:37.279 to stand up and say, 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.819 this is what we know. 00:28:40.779 --> 00:28:42.139 This is what we know. 00:28:42.140 --> 00:28:44.380 And if this is true, 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:46.580 it changes everything. 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:50.700 So witnesses have something 00:28:50.700 --> 00:28:51.460 to share, 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:52.280 don't they? 00:28:52.640 --> 00:28:53.640 But they also have 00:28:53.640 --> 00:28:54.800 a world to tell. 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:56.220 Jesus goes on 00:28:56.220 --> 00:28:58.360 in verse 47 00:28:58.360 --> 00:28:58.980 and He says, 00:28:59.100 --> 00:29:00.400 repentance and forgiveness 00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:01.000 of sin 00:29:01.000 --> 00:29:01.940 should be proclaimed 00:29:01.940 --> 00:29:02.980 in His name 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:05.180 to all nations 00:29:05.180 --> 00:29:05.900 beginning 00:29:05.900 --> 00:29:07.480 in Jerusalem. 00:29:08.880 --> 00:29:10.220 And this is an amazing thing, 00:29:10.280 --> 00:29:10.420 right? 00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:11.240 Because Jerusalem 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:13.200 has been the terminal point 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:14.060 of Jesus' life 00:29:14.060 --> 00:29:14.640 and ministry. 00:29:15.080 --> 00:29:16.300 He ends up there 00:29:16.300 --> 00:29:17.180 to accomplish 00:29:17.180 --> 00:29:18.640 His work of salvation 00:29:18.640 --> 00:29:19.660 by dying and rising 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.240 from the dead. 00:29:20.460 --> 00:29:21.580 But now Jerusalem, 00:29:21.840 --> 00:29:22.580 according to Jesus, 00:29:22.640 --> 00:29:23.880 is the launching point. 00:29:24.160 --> 00:29:24.920 It is the place 00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:25.820 from where 00:29:25.820 --> 00:29:26.680 this sound 00:29:26.680 --> 00:29:27.580 is going to go out 00:29:27.580 --> 00:29:28.660 to the ends 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:29.420 of the earth 00:29:29.420 --> 00:29:30.840 to all people. 00:29:31.160 --> 00:29:31.600 And of course, 00:29:31.740 --> 00:29:32.980 this has always been 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:33.860 God's plan. 00:29:34.300 --> 00:29:35.620 This was not a new thought 00:29:35.620 --> 00:29:35.860 like, 00:29:35.980 --> 00:29:36.080 hey, 00:29:36.120 --> 00:29:37.180 we've got a great product. 00:29:37.539 --> 00:29:38.560 Let's see how many people 00:29:38.559 --> 00:29:39.480 we can sell it to. 00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:40.940 This has always been 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:41.519 God's plan. 00:29:41.619 --> 00:29:42.619 Going all the way back 00:29:42.619 --> 00:29:43.799 to Genesis 12, 00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:45.519 God comes to Abraham 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:46.179 and He says, 00:29:46.379 --> 00:29:47.679 I am calling you 00:29:47.679 --> 00:29:51.839 to trust in Me 00:29:51.839 --> 00:29:53.019 and to follow Me 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:54.879 and I will make you 00:29:54.879 --> 00:29:57.599 a father of great nations 00:29:57.599 --> 00:29:58.619 and I will bless you 00:29:58.619 --> 00:29:59.819 and I will make you 00:29:59.819 --> 00:30:00.299 a blessing 00:30:00.299 --> 00:30:02.139 to all peoples 00:30:02.139 --> 00:30:02.839 of the earth. 00:30:02.839 --> 00:30:04.639 in the very beginning 00:30:04.639 --> 00:30:05.839 of God establishing 00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:06.939 His redemptive work, 00:30:07.959 --> 00:30:08.459 He said, 00:30:08.579 --> 00:30:09.399 the goal of this 00:30:09.399 --> 00:30:10.659 is that the whole world 00:30:10.659 --> 00:30:11.399 would be blessed. 00:30:11.699 --> 00:30:12.359 And we see it 00:30:12.359 --> 00:30:13.059 throughout Scripture. 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:14.359 Isaiah 49, 00:30:14.619 --> 00:30:15.599 verse 6 says, 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:18.000 it is too light a thing 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:18.839 that you should be 00:30:18.839 --> 00:30:19.399 my servant 00:30:19.399 --> 00:30:20.139 to raise up 00:30:20.139 --> 00:30:21.240 the tribes of Jacob 00:30:21.240 --> 00:30:22.339 to bring back 00:30:22.339 --> 00:30:23.559 the preserved of Israel. 00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:25.559 I will make you 00:30:25.559 --> 00:30:27.019 a light to the nations 00:30:27.019 --> 00:30:28.939 that my salvation 00:30:28.939 --> 00:30:29.799 may reach 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:30.639 the ends 00:30:30.639 --> 00:30:31.939 of the earth. 00:30:32.839 --> 00:30:35.379 Or Psalm 22, 27, 00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:36.539 all the ends 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:36.959 of the earth 00:30:36.959 --> 00:30:37.720 shall remember 00:30:37.720 --> 00:30:38.959 and turn to the Lord 00:30:38.959 --> 00:30:40.480 and all the families 00:30:40.480 --> 00:30:41.439 and the nations 00:30:41.439 --> 00:30:42.919 of the nations 00:30:42.919 --> 00:30:44.619 shall worship before you. 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:46.659 And friends, 00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:47.619 this doesn't seem 00:30:47.619 --> 00:30:48.859 new to us, 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:50.419 but in the first century 00:30:50.419 --> 00:30:51.299 where Jesus, 00:30:51.619 --> 00:30:52.259 as a Jew, 00:30:52.399 --> 00:30:53.559 coming among Jews 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:54.279 primarily, 00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:54.939 initially, 00:30:55.639 --> 00:30:57.699 this was momentous. 00:30:57.759 --> 00:30:58.779 Now Luke has given us 00:30:58.779 --> 00:31:00.059 hints all the way along 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:01.359 where Roman centurions 00:31:01.359 --> 00:31:02.659 and Syrophoenician women 00:31:02.660 --> 00:31:03.660 and all sorts of people 00:31:03.660 --> 00:31:05.100 are being brought in 00:31:05.100 --> 00:31:06.180 from the outside. 00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:09.779 But Jesus, 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:11.000 risen from the dead, 00:31:12.740 --> 00:31:13.759 I have not come 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:15.320 just for the Jews, 00:31:15.660 --> 00:31:16.800 but for the Greeks, 00:31:17.080 --> 00:31:18.300 for the Ethiopians 00:31:18.300 --> 00:31:19.060 and the Arabs 00:31:19.060 --> 00:31:19.920 and the Persians 00:31:19.920 --> 00:31:21.360 and all the peoples 00:31:21.360 --> 00:31:23.120 around in their world. 00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:26.939 and now we know 00:31:26.939 --> 00:31:28.599 that he meant as well 00:31:28.599 --> 00:31:29.439 the Laotians 00:31:29.439 --> 00:31:30.899 and the French 00:31:30.899 --> 00:31:32.779 and the Aleutians 00:31:32.779 --> 00:31:34.000 and the Quechua 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:35.579 and the Russians 00:31:35.579 --> 00:31:37.000 and the Maasai 00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:39.879 and people from every continent, 00:31:40.439 --> 00:31:41.439 from every people group, 00:31:42.159 --> 00:31:43.439 from every tribe 00:31:43.439 --> 00:31:45.299 and language and tongue. 00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:46.599 And we know this 00:31:46.599 --> 00:31:47.399 because in Revelation 00:31:47.399 --> 00:31:48.700 there's a picture of God 00:31:48.700 --> 00:31:49.399 gathering people 00:31:49.399 --> 00:31:50.700 from every tribe 00:31:50.700 --> 00:31:51.659 and tongue and nation 00:31:51.659 --> 00:31:53.259 around the throne 00:31:53.259 --> 00:31:55.299 worshiping Jesus. 00:31:58.759 --> 00:31:59.279 Friends, 00:31:59.359 --> 00:32:00.359 if you've ever wondered 00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:01.659 whether Christianity 00:32:01.659 --> 00:32:03.480 is an exclusive religion, 00:32:03.940 --> 00:32:05.519 whether it is inaccessible, 00:32:05.940 --> 00:32:07.119 whether it is only for 00:32:07.119 --> 00:32:09.000 a certain group of people, 00:32:09.000 --> 00:32:12.160 here we see so clearly 00:32:12.160 --> 00:32:13.299 it is not. 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:15.599 God has opened wide 00:32:15.599 --> 00:32:17.339 the doors of his banquet hall 00:32:17.339 --> 00:32:18.079 to the world 00:32:18.079 --> 00:32:18.940 and he has said 00:32:18.940 --> 00:32:21.059 by the proclamation of Jesus 00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:22.200 to the end of the world, 00:32:22.400 --> 00:32:23.799 he is inviting everyone 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:24.660 to come in. 00:32:25.900 --> 00:32:27.079 Come and take part 00:32:27.079 --> 00:32:28.500 in his salvation banquet. 00:32:29.059 --> 00:32:30.759 Turn from the fruitless meals 00:32:30.759 --> 00:32:32.480 of your own life 00:32:32.480 --> 00:32:35.000 and feast here in Jesus. 00:32:35.839 --> 00:32:36.900 Believe in him. 00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:40.160 He's not just 00:32:40.160 --> 00:32:41.859 the savior of a tribe, 00:32:42.160 --> 00:32:43.420 but he's the savior 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:44.940 of the whole world. 00:32:48.359 --> 00:32:48.799 Friends, 00:32:48.900 --> 00:32:49.680 we here at Trinity 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:50.920 have a great opportunity 00:32:50.920 --> 00:32:52.420 because we live 00:32:52.420 --> 00:32:53.359 in a wonderful city 00:32:53.359 --> 00:32:54.619 that is a crossroads. 00:32:55.980 --> 00:32:56.220 Did you know 00:32:56.220 --> 00:32:57.839 that over 16% of people 00:32:57.839 --> 00:32:58.720 who live in New Haven 00:32:58.720 --> 00:32:59.980 were not born in America? 00:33:02.759 --> 00:33:03.779 It's really interesting, 00:33:03.880 --> 00:33:04.200 isn't it? 00:33:04.420 --> 00:33:04.579 Yeah. 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:07.240 It's a high percentage, 00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:08.319 far higher 00:33:08.319 --> 00:33:09.539 than the national average. 00:33:11.480 --> 00:33:12.960 Because we have universities 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:14.139 that are world-renowned, 00:33:14.399 --> 00:33:16.019 because we are a sanctuary city 00:33:16.019 --> 00:33:16.740 for refugees, 00:33:17.240 --> 00:33:19.119 we have people 00:33:19.119 --> 00:33:20.639 from all over the world 00:33:20.639 --> 00:33:21.559 who are our neighbors 00:33:21.559 --> 00:33:23.039 and our friends 00:33:23.039 --> 00:33:24.480 and our co-workers. 00:33:27.599 --> 00:33:28.659 What an opportunity 00:33:28.659 --> 00:33:29.359 we have 00:33:29.359 --> 00:33:30.059 to bear witness 00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:30.639 to Jesus 00:33:30.639 --> 00:33:31.759 to the ends of the earth 00:33:31.759 --> 00:33:33.059 right here. 00:33:33.059 --> 00:33:35.700 But I also want you 00:33:35.700 --> 00:33:35.960 to know 00:33:35.960 --> 00:33:37.019 that the elders 00:33:37.019 --> 00:33:37.539 at Trinity 00:33:37.539 --> 00:33:38.419 pray regularly 00:33:38.419 --> 00:33:39.299 that we would not 00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:40.519 merely be a place, 00:33:40.919 --> 00:33:42.279 a church that witnesses here, 00:33:42.339 --> 00:33:42.879 though we want 00:33:42.879 --> 00:33:43.899 to do that well. 00:33:44.619 --> 00:33:45.259 But we pray 00:33:45.259 --> 00:33:46.359 that some of us 00:33:46.359 --> 00:33:47.460 from our midst 00:33:47.460 --> 00:33:48.980 would hear the call 00:33:48.980 --> 00:33:50.319 to go to places 00:33:50.319 --> 00:33:51.619 like Jonathan and Natalie, 00:33:51.879 --> 00:33:52.720 go to places 00:33:52.720 --> 00:33:54.259 where Christ is not known, 00:33:54.619 --> 00:33:55.259 go to places 00:33:55.259 --> 00:33:55.700 where people 00:33:55.700 --> 00:33:56.619 have not heard 00:33:56.619 --> 00:33:57.980 about a resurrected Savior, 00:33:57.980 --> 00:34:01.039 that they would be willing 00:34:01.039 --> 00:34:02.259 to spend their lives 00:34:02.259 --> 00:34:03.019 doing this. 00:34:06.680 --> 00:34:07.900 We pray that Trinity 00:34:07.900 --> 00:34:09.579 would be a church 00:34:09.579 --> 00:34:11.199 that launches people 00:34:11.199 --> 00:34:12.019 into the world 00:34:12.019 --> 00:34:13.320 ready to be witnesses 00:34:13.320 --> 00:34:14.000 for them. 00:34:16.240 --> 00:34:17.320 So what about you? 00:34:20.320 --> 00:34:21.199 Are you ready 00:34:21.199 --> 00:34:22.079 to be a witness? 00:34:25.940 --> 00:34:27.380 Whether near or far, 00:34:27.980 --> 00:34:29.400 are you ready 00:34:29.400 --> 00:34:29.960 to stand 00:34:29.960 --> 00:34:31.440 and tell the story 00:34:31.440 --> 00:34:31.940 of Jesus 00:34:31.940 --> 00:34:33.079 who came 00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:33.519 and lived 00:34:33.519 --> 00:34:33.980 and died 00:34:33.980 --> 00:34:34.760 and rose again 00:34:34.760 --> 00:34:36.420 for our salvation? 00:34:37.760 --> 00:34:38.900 Feels pretty daunting, 00:34:39.599 --> 00:34:40.019 I'll bet, 00:34:40.300 --> 00:34:41.179 to many of you, 00:34:41.539 --> 00:34:42.519 as it does to me 00:34:42.519 --> 00:34:43.000 often. 00:34:44.280 --> 00:34:45.179 The good news 00:34:45.179 --> 00:34:46.139 is that Jesus 00:34:46.139 --> 00:34:47.360 knows how hard it is. 00:34:48.099 --> 00:34:48.980 And so at the very end 00:34:48.980 --> 00:34:49.579 of this passage 00:34:49.579 --> 00:34:51.400 we see two things 00:34:51.400 --> 00:34:52.400 that give us great hope. 00:34:52.579 --> 00:34:52.900 One, 00:34:53.460 --> 00:34:54.440 in verse 49, 00:34:54.599 --> 00:34:55.679 he gives us a promise 00:34:55.679 --> 00:34:56.840 that we don't have 00:34:56.840 --> 00:34:57.740 to do this alone. 00:34:57.980 --> 00:35:00.699 Luke says it 00:35:00.699 --> 00:35:01.360 very briefly. 00:35:02.019 --> 00:35:03.179 He'll expand on this 00:35:03.179 --> 00:35:04.000 in the book of Acts 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:04.619 hugely. 00:35:06.079 --> 00:35:07.960 That he is going away 00:35:07.960 --> 00:35:08.760 to the Father 00:35:08.760 --> 00:35:09.719 so that the Father 00:35:09.719 --> 00:35:11.420 can send the Holy Spirit 00:35:11.420 --> 00:35:13.500 down on his disciples 00:35:13.500 --> 00:35:14.699 to empower them 00:35:14.699 --> 00:35:15.740 and fill them 00:35:15.740 --> 00:35:17.019 with confidence 00:35:17.019 --> 00:35:17.860 and joy 00:35:17.860 --> 00:35:19.219 in the resurrected Christ 00:35:19.219 --> 00:35:20.840 and to loosen 00:35:20.840 --> 00:35:21.559 their tongues 00:35:21.559 --> 00:35:23.780 to proclaim him. 00:35:23.780 --> 00:35:26.620 And so he tells them, 00:35:26.760 --> 00:35:27.380 go to Jerusalem 00:35:27.380 --> 00:35:28.019 and wait 00:35:28.019 --> 00:35:29.460 because this is 00:35:29.460 --> 00:35:30.240 the next move. 00:35:30.640 --> 00:35:31.660 I'm going to pour out 00:35:31.660 --> 00:35:32.240 my Spirit 00:35:32.240 --> 00:35:33.160 and I'm going to 00:35:33.160 --> 00:35:34.019 empower you 00:35:34.019 --> 00:35:35.460 for this mission 00:35:35.460 --> 00:35:36.580 that I've called you to. 00:35:38.500 --> 00:35:39.580 And then finally, 00:35:39.940 --> 00:35:41.519 look at the way 00:35:41.519 --> 00:35:42.600 that these disciples 00:35:42.600 --> 00:35:43.600 end their days. 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:44.519 He led them out 00:35:44.519 --> 00:35:45.340 as far as Bethany 00:35:45.340 --> 00:35:46.180 and they lift him 00:35:46.180 --> 00:35:47.100 and he blessed them 00:35:47.100 --> 00:35:48.140 and he goes up 00:35:48.140 --> 00:35:48.600 to heaven. 00:35:48.740 --> 00:35:49.040 And again, 00:35:49.100 --> 00:35:50.700 this is a very brief 00:35:50.699 --> 00:35:52.199 account of what we see 00:35:52.199 --> 00:35:53.000 more expanded 00:35:53.000 --> 00:35:53.559 at the beginning 00:35:53.559 --> 00:35:54.980 of the book of Acts 00:35:54.980 --> 00:35:56.960 where Jesus bodily 00:35:56.960 --> 00:35:58.399 raises up, 00:35:58.679 --> 00:35:59.939 right, 00:36:00.119 --> 00:36:01.059 so that he's 00:36:01.059 --> 00:36:02.159 with the Father 00:36:02.159 --> 00:36:04.500 sending the Spirit 00:36:04.500 --> 00:36:05.779 with the promise 00:36:05.779 --> 00:36:06.819 that he will come again. 00:36:09.519 --> 00:36:11.059 And the effect of this 00:36:11.059 --> 00:36:12.659 is that when he had 00:36:12.659 --> 00:36:13.639 parted from them 00:36:13.639 --> 00:36:14.279 and was carried up 00:36:14.279 --> 00:36:14.719 to heaven, 00:36:15.079 --> 00:36:16.199 what did they do? 00:36:17.539 --> 00:36:18.500 They didn't say, 00:36:18.619 --> 00:36:18.779 huh, 00:36:18.899 --> 00:36:19.599 that was weird 00:36:19.599 --> 00:36:20.960 and go home. 00:36:22.539 --> 00:36:23.819 It's what I might have done. 00:36:26.319 --> 00:36:26.759 Instead, 00:36:26.900 --> 00:36:27.799 they go back 00:36:27.799 --> 00:36:28.440 to Jerusalem 00:36:28.440 --> 00:36:29.400 as he told them 00:36:29.400 --> 00:36:31.219 and they worshipped 00:36:31.219 --> 00:36:31.839 in the temple. 00:36:32.199 --> 00:36:32.679 And remember, 00:36:32.819 --> 00:36:33.179 the temple 00:36:33.179 --> 00:36:34.239 was the very place 00:36:34.239 --> 00:36:35.739 where four days ago 00:36:35.739 --> 00:36:36.900 the leaders of the temple 00:36:36.900 --> 00:36:38.259 had crucified Jesus 00:36:38.259 --> 00:36:39.619 and they're going 00:36:39.619 --> 00:36:40.440 right back 00:36:40.440 --> 00:36:41.759 to that place 00:36:41.759 --> 00:36:44.420 to worship God 00:36:44.420 --> 00:36:46.099 with great joy 00:36:46.099 --> 00:36:47.099 anticipating 00:36:47.099 --> 00:36:49.719 God's helping power 00:36:49.719 --> 00:36:50.900 coming upon them 00:36:50.900 --> 00:36:51.980 so that they will 00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:53.179 live out this calling. 00:36:53.179 --> 00:36:57.279 if at the beginning 00:36:57.279 --> 00:36:58.899 of this passage 00:36:58.899 --> 00:37:00.059 they were still 00:37:00.059 --> 00:37:01.699 where I am often, 00:37:01.919 --> 00:37:02.799 I believe, 00:37:02.980 --> 00:37:03.099 Lord, 00:37:03.199 --> 00:37:04.219 help my unbelief. 00:37:04.940 --> 00:37:06.339 At the end of this passage, 00:37:06.819 --> 00:37:08.059 they are worshipping 00:37:08.059 --> 00:37:09.019 courageously 00:37:09.019 --> 00:37:09.699 in the face 00:37:09.699 --> 00:37:10.559 of their enemies 00:37:10.559 --> 00:37:12.079 with joy 00:37:12.079 --> 00:37:14.339 because they have seen 00:37:14.339 --> 00:37:15.139 and know 00:37:15.139 --> 00:37:16.159 that Jesus 00:37:16.159 --> 00:37:17.719 is risen from the dead. 00:37:19.059 --> 00:37:20.679 May that be ours as well. 00:37:20.899 --> 00:37:21.440 Let's pray. 00:37:21.440 --> 00:37:25.700 Lord, 00:37:25.760 --> 00:37:26.440 we thank you 00:37:26.440 --> 00:37:28.260 for this passage. 00:37:28.920 --> 00:37:29.539 We thank you 00:37:29.539 --> 00:37:29.980 for 00:37:29.980 --> 00:37:32.320 the way 00:37:32.320 --> 00:37:33.559 that it comforts us, 00:37:34.380 --> 00:37:35.139 the way 00:37:35.139 --> 00:37:36.420 that it challenges us, 00:37:36.440 --> 00:37:36.860 and the way 00:37:36.860 --> 00:37:37.880 that it calls us. 00:37:38.639 --> 00:37:38.860 Lord, 00:37:38.920 --> 00:37:39.619 I pray for those 00:37:39.619 --> 00:37:40.200 this morning 00:37:40.200 --> 00:37:41.800 who may be 00:37:41.800 --> 00:37:43.340 wrestling with 00:37:43.340 --> 00:37:44.380 the truth 00:37:44.380 --> 00:37:45.159 of the resurrection. 00:37:46.200 --> 00:37:46.400 Lord, 00:37:46.460 --> 00:37:47.159 will you 00:37:47.159 --> 00:37:48.619 come alongside 00:37:48.619 --> 00:37:49.119 of them 00:37:49.119 --> 00:37:49.880 and equip them 00:37:49.880 --> 00:37:50.619 and help them 00:37:50.619 --> 00:37:51.719 to know 00:37:51.719 --> 00:37:52.779 and to understand 00:37:52.779 --> 00:37:53.920 this truth. 00:37:55.239 --> 00:37:55.759 Lord, 00:37:55.799 --> 00:37:56.980 I pray for all of us 00:37:56.980 --> 00:37:57.900 that we would 00:37:57.900 --> 00:37:59.059 be strengthened 00:37:59.059 --> 00:38:00.079 in our faith, 00:38:01.400 --> 00:38:02.480 filled with joy, 00:38:03.420 --> 00:38:04.440 and that our tongues 00:38:04.440 --> 00:38:05.279 would be loosened 00:38:05.279 --> 00:38:06.319 to bear witness 00:38:06.319 --> 00:38:09.460 that Christ is risen. 00:38:09.980 --> 00:38:11.599 He is risen indeed. 00:38:11.599 --> 00:38:14.099 Lord, 00:38:14.099 --> 00:38:14.119 Lord, 00:38:14.159 --> 00:38:14.679 that we would do 00:38:14.679 --> 00:38:15.319 this here 00:38:15.319 --> 00:38:16.799 in New Haven 00:38:16.799 --> 00:38:17.699 and in the New Haven 00:38:17.699 --> 00:38:18.159 area 00:38:18.159 --> 00:38:19.500 and to the ends 00:38:19.500 --> 00:38:20.299 of the earth. 00:38:21.579 --> 00:38:22.460 We pray this 00:38:22.460 --> 00:38:23.219 in Jesus' name. 00:38:23.719 --> 00:38:24.000 Amen.