WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.980
 Thank you.

00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:59.980
 Thank you.

00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:29.980
 Thank you.

00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:32.000
 Thank you.

00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:02.000
 Thank you.

00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:04.000
 Thank you.

00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:06.120
 Right, Taylor?

00:02:06.299 --> 00:02:07.200
 Okay, that works.

00:02:07.739 --> 00:02:08.300
 Good morning.

00:02:09.139 --> 00:02:10.659
 Thank you for your warm welcome.

00:02:10.979 --> 00:02:12.199
 It is so good to be with you.

00:02:12.199 --> 00:02:15.459
 You can open your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 41.

00:02:16.639 --> 00:02:20.039
 And just a couple of things before we look at this text.

00:02:20.359 --> 00:02:29.399
 When Sean invited me to come to Trinity Cambridge and teach on the Get to Prophecy, which we did yesterday,

00:02:29.400 --> 00:02:33.120
 and with me are Dan Welch, who's over here.

00:02:33.219 --> 00:02:34.060
 Dan, raise your hand.

00:02:34.439 --> 00:02:38.080
 And Rick Orlando right here, who you heard from Rick earlier.

00:02:38.520 --> 00:02:40.680
 These men have traveled with me to serve you.

00:02:40.680 --> 00:02:52.120
 I was eager to accept Sean's invitation, mainly so that I could come here and personally thank you for being a part of our denomination,

00:02:52.760 --> 00:02:56.000
 to be a part of our family of churches known as Sovereign Grace.

00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:59.699
 And I'm grateful for you in many ways.

00:02:59.699 --> 00:03:02.419
 This is not just a general appreciation.

00:03:02.419 --> 00:03:13.900
 I want to communicate to you, the people of Trinity Cambridge, of why you are so valuable to our partnership and the contribution that you're making.

00:03:13.900 --> 00:03:16.939
 You're actually strengthening our denomination.

00:03:18.159 --> 00:03:22.099
 And here's how, just some of the ways that I see you doing that.

00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:26.140
 Your gospel presence right here in East Cambridge and beyond,

00:03:26.740 --> 00:03:33.580
 a church that is faithful to preach the gospel and to reach out to the gospel and share the gospel with the lost,

00:03:33.719 --> 00:03:35.259
 that strengthens us.

00:03:35.759 --> 00:03:37.240
 Because that's really what we're about.

00:03:37.520 --> 00:03:41.599
 We're just a small family of churches advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

00:03:41.680 --> 00:03:42.819
 That's what he's called us to do.

00:03:42.819 --> 00:03:48.519
 And you're doing that here with 70 plus other churches that are doing that together,

00:03:48.519 --> 00:03:54.299
 so that we can reach every tribe and tongue and nation with the good news of Jesus Christ.

00:03:54.400 --> 00:03:57.019
 So thank you for your gospel faithfulness.

00:03:58.060 --> 00:04:07.919
 There's been several prophetic words throughout the weekend about this church being a base from which other missions is going to happen globally,

00:04:07.919 --> 00:04:12.039
 and other church plants, maybe in Massachusetts and throughout the globe.

00:04:12.039 --> 00:04:14.500
 And I believe the Lord's going to do that here.

00:04:14.959 --> 00:04:20.019
 Because you are a church that loves Jesus and wants to see the gospel spread.

00:04:20.139 --> 00:04:23.279
 That strengthens us as a family of churches.

00:04:23.459 --> 00:04:26.439
 And just one other thing I want to mention, many of you may not know this,

00:04:26.539 --> 00:04:30.360
 but Sean, while he is planting a church,

00:04:30.360 --> 00:04:35.939
 serves on a national committee, a standing committee in sovereign grace known as the theology committee.

00:04:36.680 --> 00:04:39.620
 Now, to be on this committee, you need to be really smart.

00:04:40.660 --> 00:04:41.840
 We put our bright...

00:04:41.840 --> 00:04:42.819
 That's why I'm not on it.

00:04:43.220 --> 00:04:45.980
 The brightest and the best are on that theology committee,

00:04:46.139 --> 00:04:48.980
 and they have done an incredible amount of work.

00:04:49.060 --> 00:04:53.300
 And Sean, I want to thank you publicly in front of your church for the amount of work you have put into,

00:04:53.300 --> 00:04:56.960
 especially updating our statement of faith.

00:04:57.560 --> 00:04:58.759
 There's nothing new in it.

00:04:58.759 --> 00:05:01.079
 It's just being strengthened in so many ways.

00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:07.800
 And that statement of faith hopefully will be approved sometime late this year, early in 2020.

00:05:08.100 --> 00:05:09.519
 And I can't wait for you to read it.

00:05:09.800 --> 00:05:12.840
 Because as I read it, I just want to worship God.

00:05:14.280 --> 00:05:18.259
 It's just such good theology that it directs you to God,

00:05:18.319 --> 00:05:19.500
 and you just want to worship Him.

00:05:19.500 --> 00:05:22.060
 So, Sean, thank you for doing that.

00:05:22.120 --> 00:05:27.420
 But Sean couldn't do that without just the strength of a local church behind him.

00:05:27.740 --> 00:05:28.439
 So, thank you.

00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:31.860
 Those are just some of the ways that you are strengthening sovereign grace.

00:05:31.980 --> 00:05:32.680
 So, thank you.

00:05:32.740 --> 00:05:33.740
 That's why I wanted to come.

00:05:34.139 --> 00:05:35.360
 Let me mention one other thing.

00:05:35.439 --> 00:05:39.500
 This is more spontaneous, but I was hearing this, I believe, from the Lord

00:05:39.500 --> 00:05:42.560
 during the wonderful singing to Him.

00:05:43.980 --> 00:05:46.439
 Let me just give you a verse that He brought to mind,

00:05:46.439 --> 00:05:52.500
 and a word that I kept hearing repeated again as I was worshiping the Lord.

00:05:52.959 --> 00:05:54.180
 And it's the word favor.

00:05:55.920 --> 00:06:01.120
 I just believe there's a unique God-given favor upon this church's life.

00:06:02.959 --> 00:06:05.540
 And it's God's choosing.

00:06:06.220 --> 00:06:07.899
 It's God's doing.

00:06:07.899 --> 00:06:08.519
 It's God's choosing.

00:06:08.519 --> 00:06:08.899
 It's God's choosing.

00:06:08.899 --> 00:06:10.939
 But it's a wonderful thing.

00:06:11.839 --> 00:06:14.759
 And because of the favor upon this church,

00:06:15.060 --> 00:06:17.539
 you're going to have favor with others.

00:06:18.159 --> 00:06:20.739
 That favor is going to open doors for you,

00:06:21.419 --> 00:06:23.379
 not only here in the Boston area,

00:06:23.439 --> 00:06:24.839
 but I believe throughout the world,

00:06:25.560 --> 00:06:29.759
 so that God will use Trinity Cambridge in exactly the way He wants to use you.

00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:32.719
 And I believe the Lord wants you to be aware of that.

00:06:32.720 --> 00:06:37.740
 The verse that He brought to mind was Psalm 84, verse 11.

00:06:38.960 --> 00:06:42.760
 For the Lord God is a sun and shield.

00:06:43.720 --> 00:06:48.460
 The Lord bestows favor and honor.

00:06:49.420 --> 00:06:54.860
 No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

00:06:55.480 --> 00:06:57.440
 And I believe that's a description of you.

00:06:57.439 --> 00:07:03.199
 People who are following Christ, not perfectly, but uprightly.

00:07:03.779 --> 00:07:07.279
 And the Lord has chosen to bestow favor upon you.

00:07:08.040 --> 00:07:09.879
 And He wants you to delight in that.

00:07:10.540 --> 00:07:12.240
 He wants you to have joy in that.

00:07:12.779 --> 00:07:16.459
 Because He's going to use that for His purposes and for His plans.

00:07:17.540 --> 00:07:21.000
 Okay, Isaiah chapter 41, verses 1 through 20.

00:07:21.000 --> 00:07:24.399
 In these first 20 verses in this chapter,

00:07:24.579 --> 00:07:28.120
 we encounter some of the most fear-conquering,

00:07:28.720 --> 00:07:31.180
 hope-giving, faith-building truth

00:07:31.180 --> 00:07:34.060
 that I believe is found in all of Scripture.

00:07:35.060 --> 00:07:36.500
 And so if you're here this morning

00:07:36.500 --> 00:07:39.800
 and you are a person who is fearful right now,

00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:42.079
 you're anxious about many things,

00:07:42.199 --> 00:07:44.279
 maybe you're weary and hopeless,

00:07:44.500 --> 00:07:49.079
 these divinely inspired words are going to be used

00:07:49.079 --> 00:07:52.399
 not only to comfort you, but to embolden you.

00:07:52.919 --> 00:07:54.659
 This is essentially what we're going to learn

00:07:54.659 --> 00:07:56.459
 from this text this morning.

00:07:56.620 --> 00:08:00.740
 God's activity and presence emboldens the fearful.

00:08:01.699 --> 00:08:04.539
 Title of my message is Fear Not.

00:08:05.219 --> 00:08:08.879
 And we're going to read the first 20 verses of Isaiah 41.

00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:14.719
 Listen to me in silence, O coastlands.

00:08:15.639 --> 00:08:19.240
 Let the peoples renew their strength.

00:08:19.779 --> 00:08:21.659
 Let them approach, let them speak,

00:08:21.800 --> 00:08:24.639
 let us together draw near for judgment.

00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:27.839
 Who stirred up one from the east

00:08:27.839 --> 00:08:30.719
 whom victory meets at every step?

00:08:31.439 --> 00:08:33.059
 He gives up nations before Him

00:08:33.059 --> 00:08:36.080
 so that He tramples kings underfoot.

00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:39.160
 He makes them like dust with His sword,

00:08:39.560 --> 00:08:41.480
 like driven stubble with His bow.

00:08:41.680 --> 00:08:44.500
 He pursues them and passes on safely

00:08:44.500 --> 00:08:47.480
 by paths His feet have not trod.

00:08:48.400 --> 00:08:51.520
 Who has performed and done this,

00:08:52.220 --> 00:08:54.520
 calling the generations from the beginning?

00:08:55.580 --> 00:08:59.100
 I, the Lord, the first and with the last,

00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:00.520
 I am He.

00:09:01.300 --> 00:09:04.440
 The coastlands have seen and are afraid.

00:09:04.440 --> 00:09:06.820
 The ends of the earth tremble.

00:09:07.300 --> 00:09:08.960
 They've drawn near and come.

00:09:09.040 --> 00:09:10.360
 Everyone helps his neighbor

00:09:10.360 --> 00:09:12.040
 and says to his brother,

00:09:12.160 --> 00:09:12.860
 Be strong.

00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:15.860
 The craftsman strengthens the goldsmith.

00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:18.080
 He who smooths with the hammer,

00:09:18.280 --> 00:09:20.360
 him who strikes the anvil,

00:09:20.540 --> 00:09:21.920
 saying of the soldering,

00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:22.680
 It is good.

00:09:23.200 --> 00:09:25.260
 And they strengthen it with nails

00:09:25.260 --> 00:09:27.580
 so that it cannot be moved.

00:09:27.580 --> 00:09:32.460
 But you, Israel, my servant,

00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:35.160
 Jacob, whom I have chosen,

00:09:35.620 --> 00:09:37.120
 the offspring of Abraham,

00:09:38.320 --> 00:09:39.400
 my friend,

00:09:40.280 --> 00:09:42.560
 you whom I took from the ends of the earth

00:09:42.560 --> 00:09:44.400
 and called from its farthest corner,

00:09:44.580 --> 00:09:45.280
 saying to you,

00:09:45.639 --> 00:09:46.759
 You are my servant.

00:09:47.300 --> 00:09:49.980
 I have chosen you and not cast you off.

00:09:51.320 --> 00:09:52.920
 Fear not,

00:09:52.919 --> 00:09:54.939
 for I am with you.

00:09:55.939 --> 00:09:57.819
 Be not dismayed,

00:09:58.079 --> 00:10:00.620
 for I am your God.

00:10:01.240 --> 00:10:02.919
 I will strengthen you.

00:10:03.579 --> 00:10:04.759
 I will help you.

00:10:04.879 --> 00:10:06.120
 I will uphold you

00:10:06.120 --> 00:10:08.199
 with my righteous right hand.

00:10:09.120 --> 00:10:09.599
 Behold,

00:10:10.159 --> 00:10:12.199
 all who are in sense against you

00:10:12.199 --> 00:10:15.120
 shall be put to shame and confounded.

00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:16.959
 Those who strive against you

00:10:16.959 --> 00:10:19.219
 shall be as nothing

00:10:19.219 --> 00:10:20.819
 and shall perish.

00:10:20.820 --> 00:10:23.780
 You shall seek those who contend with you,

00:10:24.220 --> 00:10:26.040
 but you shall not find them.

00:10:26.520 --> 00:10:28.040
 Those who war against you

00:10:28.040 --> 00:10:30.440
 shall be as nothing at all.

00:10:31.460 --> 00:10:33.520
 For I, the Lord your God,

00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:35.840
 hold your right hand.

00:10:36.520 --> 00:10:37.840
 It is I who say to you,

00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:38.660
 Fear not.

00:10:39.379 --> 00:10:41.160
 I am the one who helps you.

00:10:42.160 --> 00:10:43.900
 Fear not, you worm Jacob,

00:10:44.080 --> 00:10:45.440
 you men of Israel.

00:10:45.960 --> 00:10:47.660
 I am the one who helps you,

00:10:47.760 --> 00:10:48.720
 declares the Lord,

00:10:49.720 --> 00:10:50.800
 your Redeemer.

00:10:50.820 --> 00:10:53.440
 Fear is the Holy One of Israel.

00:10:54.340 --> 00:10:54.600
 Behold,

00:10:54.680 --> 00:10:56.640
 I make you a threshing sledge,

00:10:56.760 --> 00:10:57.820
 new, sharp,

00:10:57.920 --> 00:10:58.740
 and having teeth.

00:10:58.960 --> 00:11:00.400
 You shall thresh the mountains

00:11:00.400 --> 00:11:01.320
 and crush them,

00:11:01.379 --> 00:11:03.340
 and you shall make the hills like chaff.

00:11:03.500 --> 00:11:04.660
 You shall winnow them,

00:11:04.720 --> 00:11:06.900
 and the wind shall carry them away,

00:11:07.340 --> 00:11:09.180
 and the tempest shall scatter them.

00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:12.140
 And you shall rejoice in the Lord.

00:11:12.860 --> 00:11:14.460
 In the Holy One of Israel

00:11:14.460 --> 00:11:15.380
 you shall glory.

00:11:16.420 --> 00:11:18.380
 When the poor and needy seek water,

00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:19.379
 and there is none,

00:11:19.919 --> 00:11:21.980
 and their tongue is parched with thirst,

00:11:22.439 --> 00:11:23.620
 I, the Lord,

00:11:23.700 --> 00:11:24.899
 will answer them.

00:11:25.080 --> 00:11:26.240
 I, the God of Israel,

00:11:26.299 --> 00:11:27.419
 will not forsake them.

00:11:27.500 --> 00:11:28.740
 I will open rivers

00:11:28.740 --> 00:11:29.759
 on the bare heights

00:11:29.759 --> 00:11:30.580
 and fountains

00:11:30.580 --> 00:11:32.000
 in the midst of valleys.

00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:33.840
 I will make the wilderness

00:11:33.840 --> 00:11:34.960
 a pool of water

00:11:34.960 --> 00:11:37.139
 and the dry springs of,

00:11:37.340 --> 00:11:39.340
 and the dry land springs of water.

00:11:39.820 --> 00:11:41.440
 I will put in the wilderness

00:11:41.440 --> 00:11:42.240
 the cedar

00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:43.659
 and the acacia,

00:11:43.840 --> 00:11:44.320
 the myrtle,

00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:44.879
 and the olive.

00:11:44.960 --> 00:11:46.019
 I will set in the desert

00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:47.919
 the cypress and plain

00:11:47.919 --> 00:11:49.039
 and the pine together

00:11:49.039 --> 00:11:51.719
 that they may see and know.

00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:54.500
 May consider and understand

00:11:54.500 --> 00:11:55.699
 together

00:11:55.699 --> 00:11:58.360
 that the hand of the Lord

00:11:58.360 --> 00:11:59.480
 has done this.

00:12:00.339 --> 00:12:01.679
 The Holy One of Israel

00:12:01.679 --> 00:12:03.539
 has created it.

00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:06.679
 May God bless the preaching

00:12:06.679 --> 00:12:08.199
 of His Word.

00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:10.360
 John Adams,

00:12:10.480 --> 00:12:11.179
 who would become

00:12:11.179 --> 00:12:12.159
 the second president

00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:13.199
 of our nation,

00:12:13.339 --> 00:12:15.379
 had gained a reputation

00:12:15.379 --> 00:12:17.139
 of being an effective attorney

00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:19.460
 right here in the city of Boston

00:12:19.460 --> 00:12:21.899
 in the mid-1700s.

00:12:22.299 --> 00:12:25.819
 And it was in December of 1770

00:12:25.819 --> 00:12:29.340
 that Adams made a risky decision

00:12:29.340 --> 00:12:31.340
 to defend the British soldiers

00:12:31.340 --> 00:12:33.840
 who had fired their rifles

00:12:33.840 --> 00:12:36.259
 into a crowd of Boston citizens

00:12:36.259 --> 00:12:39.080
 and was in killing five of them

00:12:39.080 --> 00:12:40.980
 in what's become known

00:12:40.980 --> 00:12:42.279
 as the Boston Massacre.

00:12:43.220 --> 00:12:44.819
 The British soldiers

00:12:44.819 --> 00:12:46.279
 were charged with murder

00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:47.539
 and John Adams

00:12:47.539 --> 00:12:49.699
 in his effective

00:12:49.699 --> 00:12:51.339
 closing argument

00:12:51.339 --> 00:12:53.399
 that did lead to the acquittal

00:12:53.399 --> 00:12:54.199
 of the soldiers.

00:12:54.939 --> 00:12:56.059
 He said this

00:12:56.059 --> 00:12:58.759
 in a tense courtroom

00:12:58.759 --> 00:12:59.879
 right here in this city.

00:13:00.819 --> 00:13:02.100
 This is what he said.

00:13:03.439 --> 00:13:06.299
 Facts are stubborn things.

00:13:07.039 --> 00:13:08.579
 And whatever may be our wishes,

00:13:08.879 --> 00:13:10.059
 our inclinations,

00:13:10.439 --> 00:13:12.620
 or the dictates of our passion,

00:13:12.620 --> 00:13:14.039
 they cannot alter

00:13:14.039 --> 00:13:16.500
 the state of facts

00:13:16.500 --> 00:13:18.159
 and evidence.

00:13:19.299 --> 00:13:20.299
 I share that quote

00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:21.899
 from a courtroom scene

00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:23.080
 because the context

00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:25.299
 of Isaiah chapter 41

00:13:25.299 --> 00:13:27.120
 is that of a courtroom.

00:13:27.580 --> 00:13:29.379
 We know that from verse 1

00:13:29.379 --> 00:13:30.580
 where God Himself

00:13:30.580 --> 00:13:31.539
 has summoned

00:13:31.539 --> 00:13:34.000
 all the nations of the world

00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:35.659
 to come and to listen

00:13:35.659 --> 00:13:37.379
 to Him in silence.

00:13:38.039 --> 00:13:39.279
 And the language there

00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.919
 tells us that it is a courtroom.

00:13:40.919 --> 00:13:42.299
 When it says,

00:13:42.620 --> 00:13:43.579
 let them approach,

00:13:43.719 --> 00:13:45.459
 like approaching a bench

00:13:45.459 --> 00:13:46.219
 in a courtroom,

00:13:46.539 --> 00:13:47.639
 and let them speak

00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:48.699
 and let us together

00:13:48.699 --> 00:13:49.899
 draw near

00:13:49.899 --> 00:13:51.199
 for judgment.

00:13:51.819 --> 00:13:52.839
 It tells us that

00:13:52.839 --> 00:13:54.719
 that language tells us

00:13:54.719 --> 00:13:55.740
 that God has gathered

00:13:55.740 --> 00:13:56.339
 the nations

00:13:56.339 --> 00:13:57.539
 into His courtroom

00:13:57.539 --> 00:13:59.240
 where God will present

00:13:59.240 --> 00:14:00.419
 His evidence

00:14:00.419 --> 00:14:01.779
 to all the nations

00:14:01.779 --> 00:14:02.860
 and ask them

00:14:02.860 --> 00:14:03.979
 to make a decision

00:14:03.979 --> 00:14:04.879
 about Him

00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:06.519
 based on the evidence

00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:07.459
 He presents.

00:14:07.460 --> 00:14:09.519
 And we are told

00:14:09.519 --> 00:14:10.280
 in verse 1

00:14:10.280 --> 00:14:11.200
 that the reason

00:14:11.200 --> 00:14:12.379
 that God has gathered

00:14:12.379 --> 00:14:13.220
 all the nations

00:14:13.220 --> 00:14:14.540
 into His courtroom

00:14:14.540 --> 00:14:15.320
 is this,

00:14:15.980 --> 00:14:17.440
 so that the peoples

00:14:17.440 --> 00:14:20.100
 can renew their strength.

00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:21.400
 That's the purpose

00:14:21.400 --> 00:14:22.680
 of this courtroom scene.

00:14:22.800 --> 00:14:23.980
 And that language

00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:25.400
 is very similar

00:14:25.400 --> 00:14:26.400
 to what you find

00:14:26.400 --> 00:14:27.400
 at the end of Isaiah

00:14:27.400 --> 00:14:28.280
 chapter 40

00:14:28.280 --> 00:14:29.340
 verse 31

00:14:29.340 --> 00:14:31.100
 where Isaiah writes,

00:14:31.300 --> 00:14:31.800
 the peoples,

00:14:32.280 --> 00:14:33.240
 those who wait

00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:34.320
 upon the Lord

00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:36.160
 shall renew their strength.

00:14:36.159 --> 00:14:37.199
 So one way

00:14:37.199 --> 00:14:38.100
 to renew your strength

00:14:38.100 --> 00:14:39.299
 is to wait upon the Lord,

00:14:39.600 --> 00:14:40.339
 but here in Isaiah

00:14:40.339 --> 00:14:41.939
 chapter 41 verse 1

00:14:41.939 --> 00:14:43.399
 it is those who

00:14:43.399 --> 00:14:46.659
 hear God's evidence

00:14:46.659 --> 00:14:48.139
 and make a decision

00:14:48.139 --> 00:14:49.279
 about the facts

00:14:49.279 --> 00:14:50.679
 that He presents,

00:14:50.919 --> 00:14:52.360
 it is by that means

00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:54.079
 that people can have

00:14:54.079 --> 00:14:55.399
 their strength renewed.

00:14:56.719 --> 00:14:58.539
 But the question is why?

00:14:58.639 --> 00:14:59.000
 Why?

00:14:59.139 --> 00:15:00.399
 Why did the peoples

00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:01.339
 need to have

00:15:01.339 --> 00:15:03.480
 their strength renewed?

00:15:03.480 --> 00:15:05.259
 Well, even though

00:15:05.259 --> 00:15:06.480
 all of the nations

00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:07.500
 are being gathered

00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:08.920
 into God's courtroom,

00:15:09.700 --> 00:15:11.039
 including the Jews

00:15:11.039 --> 00:15:12.240
 and the Gentiles,

00:15:12.560 --> 00:15:13.379
 including all Jews

00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:14.200
 and Gentiles,

00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:17.000
 we know from the text here

00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:18.039
 that the bulk

00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:18.820
 of the evidence

00:15:18.820 --> 00:15:19.899
 that is presented

00:15:19.899 --> 00:15:21.519
 in this chapter

00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:23.159
 is for God's people.

00:15:23.680 --> 00:15:25.180
 It is for the nation

00:15:25.180 --> 00:15:25.860
 of Israel.

00:15:26.860 --> 00:15:27.060
 You see,

00:15:27.120 --> 00:15:27.960
 at this point,

00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:29.379
 the nation of Israel

00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:31.019
 is living in exile

00:15:31.019 --> 00:15:32.100
 in Babylon.

00:15:32.840 --> 00:15:34.199
 And as their years

00:15:34.199 --> 00:15:34.960
 of exile,

00:15:35.299 --> 00:15:36.460
 as they lingered on

00:15:36.460 --> 00:15:37.340
 and drew on,

00:15:37.439 --> 00:15:39.419
 they became fearful

00:15:39.419 --> 00:15:41.199
 and anxious

00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:42.460
 and weary

00:15:42.460 --> 00:15:43.899
 and hopeless.

00:15:44.899 --> 00:15:46.079
 And so God knew

00:15:46.079 --> 00:15:46.860
 what they needed.

00:15:47.039 --> 00:15:48.319
 God knew that they needed

00:15:48.319 --> 00:15:49.600
 to hear the facts

00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:51.539
 that, as John Adams said,

00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:53.620
 are stubborn things

00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:55.139
 that are immovable

00:15:55.139 --> 00:15:56.039
 and necessary

00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:57.319
 in our lives,

00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:59.000
 especially when

00:15:59.000 --> 00:16:00.580
 we are being ruled

00:16:00.580 --> 00:16:01.779
 by the dictates

00:16:01.779 --> 00:16:03.080
 of our emotions,

00:16:03.200 --> 00:16:04.019
 as Adam says,

00:16:04.279 --> 00:16:05.440
 which in this case,

00:16:05.940 --> 00:16:06.679
 contextually,

00:16:06.820 --> 00:16:08.480
 is that of fear

00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:09.419
 and anxiety.

00:16:10.779 --> 00:16:11.620
 And maybe that's you.

00:16:11.700 --> 00:16:12.299
 Maybe you're here

00:16:12.299 --> 00:16:12.820
 this morning

00:16:12.820 --> 00:16:13.419
 and you would say,

00:16:13.500 --> 00:16:13.700
 Mark,

00:16:13.820 --> 00:16:15.200
 I arrive here

00:16:15.200 --> 00:16:15.759
 this morning

00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:16.899
 as one that needs

00:16:16.899 --> 00:16:18.679
 to have my strength

00:16:18.679 --> 00:16:19.419
 renewed.

00:16:19.419 --> 00:16:20.240
 Because the troubling

00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:21.559
 situation that you're

00:16:21.559 --> 00:16:22.559
 facing at work

00:16:22.559 --> 00:16:24.639
 or in your extended

00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:25.519
 family

00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:27.500
 or even the uncertainty

00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:28.899
 you presently have

00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:30.360
 about your future,

00:16:30.639 --> 00:16:32.659
 it is creating fear

00:16:32.659 --> 00:16:33.779
 and anxiety

00:16:33.779 --> 00:16:35.039
 in your life.

00:16:36.059 --> 00:16:36.580
 And so God

00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:37.279
 has brought you

00:16:37.279 --> 00:16:37.919
 here today.

00:16:38.019 --> 00:16:38.940
 He's calling you

00:16:38.940 --> 00:16:40.460
 into His courtroom

00:16:40.460 --> 00:16:41.860
 to hear His evidence

00:16:41.860 --> 00:16:42.480
 that's found

00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:43.279
 in this chapter

00:16:43.279 --> 00:16:44.820
 to make a decision

00:16:44.820 --> 00:16:45.820
 about Him

00:16:45.820 --> 00:16:47.220
 and how He works

00:16:47.220 --> 00:16:47.899
 in your life

00:16:47.899 --> 00:16:48.659
 for the purpose

00:16:48.659 --> 00:16:50.580
 of not only comforting

00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:51.700
 you and renewing

00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:52.360
 your strength,

00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:54.080
 but to embolden you

00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:55.820
 if you are fearful.

00:16:55.820 --> 00:16:57.600
 And the evidence

00:16:57.600 --> 00:16:58.400
 that you are about

00:16:58.400 --> 00:16:59.020
 to hear

00:16:59.020 --> 00:17:00.760
 in this courtroom scene

00:17:00.760 --> 00:17:02.160
 is God-centered

00:17:02.160 --> 00:17:04.400
 and God-saturated evidence.

00:17:04.400 --> 00:17:06.400
 Because in these 20 verses,

00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:08.240
 the personal pronoun

00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:10.519
 I is used 20 times

00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:11.880
 where God refers

00:17:11.880 --> 00:17:12.460
 to Himself.

00:17:13.259 --> 00:17:14.259
 So the phrase is,

00:17:14.620 --> 00:17:15.120
 I am.

00:17:15.640 --> 00:17:16.620
 I the Lord.

00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:17.539
 I who.

00:17:17.740 --> 00:17:19.180
 I the God of Israel.

00:17:19.500 --> 00:17:20.680
 They're used approximately

00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:21.539
 eight times

00:17:21.539 --> 00:17:22.400
 that reveal

00:17:22.400 --> 00:17:24.140
 the presence of God

00:17:24.140 --> 00:17:25.100
 in our lives.

00:17:25.380 --> 00:17:26.320
 And then phrases

00:17:26.320 --> 00:17:26.720
 like,

00:17:26.880 --> 00:17:27.340
 I took,

00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:28.060
 I will,

00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:28.720
 I make,

00:17:28.759 --> 00:17:30.040
 are used approximately

00:17:30.040 --> 00:17:31.000
 ten times

00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:33.360
 referring to God's activity

00:17:33.360 --> 00:17:35.020
 in our lives.

00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:37.560
 So this God-saturated text

00:17:37.560 --> 00:17:38.300
 is intended

00:17:38.300 --> 00:17:40.100
 to renew our strength

00:17:40.100 --> 00:17:41.420
 by presenting

00:17:41.420 --> 00:17:43.240
 stubborn facts,

00:17:43.820 --> 00:17:44.380
 evidence

00:17:44.380 --> 00:17:46.100
 about the activity

00:17:46.100 --> 00:17:47.800
 and presence of God

00:17:47.800 --> 00:17:49.480
 that emboldens

00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:50.300
 the fearful.

00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:51.200
 So,

00:17:51.420 --> 00:17:52.960
 four fear-conquering truths

00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:53.759
 that we see here

00:17:53.759 --> 00:17:54.799
 in this text.

00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:55.420
 Number one,

00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:58.160
 God's sovereign activity.

00:17:58.940 --> 00:18:00.380
 God's sovereign activity.

00:18:00.539 --> 00:18:00.980
 Now note,

00:18:01.120 --> 00:18:02.579
 after verse one,

00:18:02.700 --> 00:18:03.620
 after He gathers

00:18:03.620 --> 00:18:04.500
 all the nations

00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:06.220
 into His courtroom,

00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:07.600
 note how God

00:18:07.600 --> 00:18:08.579
 begins presenting

00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.279
 the evidence

00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:10.059
 that He has

00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:10.740
 by asking

00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:11.779
 all of the nations

00:18:11.779 --> 00:18:12.779
 gathered a question.

00:18:13.259 --> 00:18:13.720
 Look at that

00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:14.319
 in verse two.

00:18:14.579 --> 00:18:15.420
 Here's this question.

00:18:16.200 --> 00:18:17.140
 Who stirred up

00:18:17.140 --> 00:18:18.660
 one from the east

00:18:18.660 --> 00:18:20.500
 whom victory

00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:21.519
 meets

00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:23.680
 at every step.

00:18:24.500 --> 00:18:24.680
 Now,

00:18:24.759 --> 00:18:25.720
 even though He's not

00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:27.140
 specifically identified

00:18:27.140 --> 00:18:28.160
 in this chapter,

00:18:28.340 --> 00:18:29.420
 we know historically

00:18:29.420 --> 00:18:30.600
 the one that God

00:18:30.600 --> 00:18:31.580
 stirs up

00:18:31.580 --> 00:18:32.480
 from the east

00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.759
 is Cyrus,

00:18:34.060 --> 00:18:34.680
 the emperor

00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:35.720
 of Persia.

00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:37.200
 The text gives us

00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:38.180
 even more clues

00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:39.660
 that this is Cyrus

00:18:39.660 --> 00:18:41.320
 because Cyrus

00:18:41.320 --> 00:18:41.980
 was known

00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:43.120
 for his complete

00:18:43.120 --> 00:18:43.840
 destruction

00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:44.960
 of his enemies,

00:18:45.140 --> 00:18:45.759
 which is why

00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:47.019
 it's described,

00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:47.639
 his victories

00:18:47.639 --> 00:18:48.440
 are described

00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:49.819
 as he tramples

00:18:49.819 --> 00:18:51.279
 kings underfoot

00:18:51.279 --> 00:18:52.559
 and he makes them

00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:53.259
 like dust

00:18:53.259 --> 00:18:54.139
 in verse two.

00:18:54.879 --> 00:18:56.379
 Cyrus was also known

00:18:56.379 --> 00:18:57.220
 as an emperor

00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:57.859
 and his army

00:18:57.859 --> 00:18:59.920
 that moved very swiftly

00:18:59.920 --> 00:19:00.960
 when they defeated

00:19:00.960 --> 00:19:01.579
 their enemies,

00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:02.339
 which is why

00:19:02.339 --> 00:19:03.379
 verse three says,

00:19:03.819 --> 00:19:05.599
 who passes on safely

00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:06.879
 by paths

00:19:06.879 --> 00:19:08.480
 his feet have not trod,

00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:10.099
 which literally means

00:19:10.099 --> 00:19:10.740
 that Cyrus

00:19:10.740 --> 00:19:11.500
 and his army

00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:12.639
 moved so fast

00:19:12.639 --> 00:19:13.980
 it's as if their feet

00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:15.960
 never touched the ground.

00:19:17.019 --> 00:19:17.900
 The answer

00:19:17.900 --> 00:19:19.579
 to God's question

00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.839
 is significant

00:19:20.839 --> 00:19:22.440
 because Isaiah,

00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:23.379
 again, remember,

00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:24.940
 is writing to the Jews

00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:26.700
 who were in exile

00:19:26.700 --> 00:19:27.339
 in Babylon

00:19:27.339 --> 00:19:29.799
 in the 6th century B.C.

00:19:30.619 --> 00:19:31.960
 And as the decades

00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:32.940
 wore on,

00:19:33.319 --> 00:19:35.319
 they became fearful

00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:37.319
 and discouraged

00:19:37.319 --> 00:19:38.519
 and weary

00:19:38.519 --> 00:19:39.639
 and hopeless.

00:19:40.139 --> 00:19:40.539
 However,

00:19:40.680 --> 00:19:41.839
 we know historically

00:19:41.839 --> 00:19:42.879
 that Cyrus

00:19:42.879 --> 00:19:45.359
 did ride swiftly

00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:46.419
 and triumphantly

00:19:46.419 --> 00:19:47.679
 from the east

00:19:47.679 --> 00:19:49.039
 with his Persian army

00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:50.779
 and he conquered Babylon

00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:53.579
 in the year 539 B.C.

00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:55.199
 And when he does that,

00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:55.919
 he liberates

00:19:55.919 --> 00:19:56.879
 all the people,

00:19:57.279 --> 00:19:58.559
 including the Jews,

00:19:58.720 --> 00:20:00.099
 and he allows them

00:20:00.099 --> 00:20:01.059
 to return

00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:01.919
 to their home.

00:20:02.619 --> 00:20:03.240
 In other words,

00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:04.519
 in these verses,

00:20:04.859 --> 00:20:05.759
 God announces

00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:07.500
 through the prophet Isaiah,

00:20:08.159 --> 00:20:09.119
 decades before

00:20:09.119 --> 00:20:10.159
 it would happen,

00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:11.800
 that he would stir up

00:20:11.800 --> 00:20:13.100
 one from the east

00:20:13.100 --> 00:20:14.240
 who would come

00:20:14.240 --> 00:20:15.060
 and defeat

00:20:15.060 --> 00:20:16.940
 the Babylonian oppressors

00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:18.380
 and he would set

00:20:18.380 --> 00:20:20.400
 his exiled people free.

00:20:21.840 --> 00:20:22.920
 Did you note

00:20:22.920 --> 00:20:24.380
 that Cyrus

00:20:24.380 --> 00:20:25.279
 is not even mentioned

00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:26.440
 by name in this chapter?

00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:27.880
 In fact,

00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:28.720
 Cyrus' name

00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:29.500
 won't be mentioned

00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:31.400
 until Isaiah 44,

00:20:31.660 --> 00:20:32.360
 verse 28,

00:20:32.359 --> 00:20:33.500
 because Isaiah,

00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:35.299
 because God

00:20:35.299 --> 00:20:36.679
 wants us all

00:20:36.679 --> 00:20:37.299
 to see

00:20:37.299 --> 00:20:38.319
 that this is

00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:39.159
 God's activity,

00:20:39.719 --> 00:20:40.559
 that this is

00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:42.259
 God's doing.

00:20:43.379 --> 00:20:44.259
 And that point

00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:45.719
 of God's activity

00:20:45.719 --> 00:20:46.919
 is emphasized

00:20:46.919 --> 00:20:48.079
 when God asks

00:20:48.079 --> 00:20:49.179
 another question

00:20:49.179 --> 00:20:50.339
 in verse 4

00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:51.919
 and then he answers it

00:20:51.919 --> 00:20:53.379
 with ringing clarity.

00:20:53.539 --> 00:20:54.599
 Look at verse 4 again.

00:20:56.219 --> 00:20:58.519
 Who has performed

00:20:58.519 --> 00:20:59.740
 and done this?

00:21:00.059 --> 00:21:00.279
 Meaning,

00:21:00.379 --> 00:21:01.219
 who is going to set

00:21:01.220 --> 00:21:02.140
 the people free, right?

00:21:02.400 --> 00:21:03.259
 Who has performed

00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:03.980
 and done this

00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:05.100
 calling the generations

00:21:05.100 --> 00:21:05.940
 from the beginning?

00:21:06.200 --> 00:21:06.640
 Answer,

00:21:07.860 --> 00:21:08.319
 I,

00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:09.600
 the Lord,

00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:10.900
 the first

00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:12.799
 and with the last,

00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:14.600
 I am He.

00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:17.059
 It reveals to us

00:21:17.059 --> 00:21:18.019
 that it is God

00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:19.140
 who sovereignly

00:21:19.140 --> 00:21:20.500
 rules over

00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:21.839
 all of the world

00:21:21.839 --> 00:21:23.140
 and He activates

00:21:23.140 --> 00:21:24.019
 who He wants

00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:24.640
 to activate,

00:21:24.839 --> 00:21:25.460
 when He wants

00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:26.519
 to activate them

00:21:26.519 --> 00:21:27.519
 to accomplish

00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:28.839
 His good purposes

00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:30.039
 in setting

00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:31.339
 His fearful

00:21:31.339 --> 00:21:33.179
 people free.

00:21:34.179 --> 00:21:34.579
 Do you see

00:21:34.579 --> 00:21:35.379
 how God's

00:21:35.379 --> 00:21:36.519
 sovereign activity

00:21:36.519 --> 00:21:37.839
 and presence

00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:39.079
 emboldens

00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:39.699
 the fearful?

00:21:40.859 --> 00:21:41.099
 You see,

00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.099
 God's sovereignty

00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:43.359
 is not just

00:21:43.359 --> 00:21:44.359
 this theological

00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:45.339
 concept,

00:21:45.579 --> 00:21:46.459
 it is a

00:21:46.459 --> 00:21:47.959
 stubborn truth

00:21:47.959 --> 00:21:49.240
 for our lives

00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:50.679
 that tells you

00:21:50.679 --> 00:21:51.939
 that the things

00:21:51.939 --> 00:21:52.659
 that are happening

00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:53.519
 in your life

00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:53.959
 right now

00:21:53.959 --> 00:21:54.699
 that are causing

00:21:54.699 --> 00:21:55.480
 you fear

00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:57.119
 and anxiety

00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:58.099
 and uncertainty.

00:21:58.599 --> 00:21:59.059
 Those things

00:21:59.059 --> 00:21:59.979
 are not random

00:21:59.979 --> 00:22:00.599
 at all,

00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:02.419
 but they are a part

00:22:02.419 --> 00:22:03.559
 of God's

00:22:03.559 --> 00:22:04.659
 sovereign plan,

00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:06.059
 the sovereign God

00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:06.979
 who rules over

00:22:06.979 --> 00:22:07.799
 all of history

00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:08.479
 in your life.

00:22:08.659 --> 00:22:10.059
 They're part of a plan

00:22:10.059 --> 00:22:11.299
 as He works out

00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:12.439
 His good purposes

00:22:12.439 --> 00:22:13.139
 and will

00:22:13.139 --> 00:22:14.259
 in your life.

00:22:15.919 --> 00:22:16.839
 One of the things

00:22:16.839 --> 00:22:18.000
 I have a joy doing

00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:18.979
 as a pastor

00:22:18.979 --> 00:22:20.879
 at Covenant Fellowship Church

00:22:20.879 --> 00:22:21.959
 is I lead a

00:22:21.959 --> 00:22:23.599
 faith and work group

00:22:23.599 --> 00:22:24.679
 Bible and book study.

00:22:24.859 --> 00:22:26.179
 It's for men and women

00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:26.940
 in our church

00:22:26.940 --> 00:22:27.759
 that work in

00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.820
 different vocations.

00:22:29.580 --> 00:22:30.900
 We meet on Friday mornings

00:22:30.900 --> 00:22:32.039
 and we study God's Word

00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:33.519
 together and we read

00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.799
 good books together.

00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:36.700
 And there was a man,

00:22:36.860 --> 00:22:37.539
 there is a man

00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.759
 in my faith and work group

00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:39.539
 Bible and book study,

00:22:39.600 --> 00:22:40.160
 his name is

00:22:40.160 --> 00:22:41.500
 John Musum

00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:42.580
 and he knew

00:22:42.580 --> 00:22:43.880
 that I was working

00:22:43.880 --> 00:22:44.680
 on this sermon

00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.880
 and he sent me this email

00:22:45.880 --> 00:22:47.039
 and this is what John said.

00:22:48.320 --> 00:22:49.500
 Mark, I prayed for

00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.500
 your sermon prep

00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:51.060
 this morning.

00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:52.720
 I prayed that God

00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:53.240
 would help you

00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:53.779
 to remember

00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:55.200
 that folks like me

00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:56.960
 need encouragement

00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:57.680
 in the things

00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:59.059
 He has called us to do

00:22:59.059 --> 00:23:01.059
 and to walk through

00:23:01.059 --> 00:23:03.740
 in a 9-5 work world

00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:05.519
 that often seems

00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:07.039
 intent on destruction.

00:23:08.200 --> 00:23:09.980
 That God would protect us

00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:10.839
 from fear

00:23:10.839 --> 00:23:12.200
 and strengthen,

00:23:12.460 --> 00:23:13.799
 help and support us

00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:15.359
 in the trials

00:23:15.359 --> 00:23:17.279
 that a good God

00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:18.899
 sends our way.

00:23:20.079 --> 00:23:20.960
 John gets it,

00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:21.460
 doesn't he?

00:23:21.460 --> 00:23:23.000
 He recognizes

00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:24.000
 that the trials

00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:24.900
 that he is currently

00:23:24.900 --> 00:23:25.960
 facing at work

00:23:25.960 --> 00:23:27.240
 are not random

00:23:27.240 --> 00:23:28.360
 in his life

00:23:28.360 --> 00:23:29.900
 but they are being sent

00:23:29.900 --> 00:23:31.240
 by a good God

00:23:31.240 --> 00:23:33.500
 who will sovereignly

00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:34.880
 work in his life

00:23:34.880 --> 00:23:36.360
 and accomplish

00:23:36.360 --> 00:23:37.680
 his good plans

00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:38.420
 and it's that

00:23:38.420 --> 00:23:40.299
 stubborn truth

00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:41.799
 of God's activity

00:23:41.799 --> 00:23:43.160
 that will renew

00:23:43.160 --> 00:23:44.100
 John's strength

00:23:44.100 --> 00:23:45.160
 as he walks back

00:23:45.160 --> 00:23:46.140
 into a difficult

00:23:46.140 --> 00:23:47.600
 work situation

00:23:47.600 --> 00:23:48.319
 tomorrow morning.

00:23:48.319 --> 00:23:50.679
 Now,

00:23:50.859 --> 00:23:51.960
 if you are still

00:23:51.960 --> 00:23:52.599
 uncertain

00:23:52.599 --> 00:23:54.279
 that God's

00:23:54.279 --> 00:23:55.500
 sovereign activity

00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:56.200
 can actually

00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:57.399
 conquer your fear,

00:23:58.099 --> 00:23:59.159
 note how God

00:23:59.159 --> 00:24:00.099
 describes himself

00:24:00.099 --> 00:24:00.839
 in verse 4.

00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:01.879
 Can't miss that.

00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:04.079
 Second part of verse 4,

00:24:04.159 --> 00:24:04.759
 the Lord says,

00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:06.139
 I the Lord,

00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.720
 the first

00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:09.659
 and with the last,

00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:11.139
 I am He.

00:24:12.099 --> 00:24:13.259
 This is one of many

00:24:13.259 --> 00:24:14.279
 verses in our Bibles

00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:15.119
 that reveals

00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:17.200
 the self-existence

00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:18.059
 of God.

00:24:18.360 --> 00:24:19.080
 Meaning that

00:24:19.080 --> 00:24:20.000
 He had no beginning

00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:21.039
 and He has no end

00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:23.180
 because He always has

00:24:23.180 --> 00:24:25.420
 and always will exist.

00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:27.180
 That theological truth

00:24:27.180 --> 00:24:28.220
 of the self-existence

00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:28.660
 of God,

00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:30.039
 it has many implications

00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:31.140
 for our lives.

00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:32.400
 Let me just give you one.

00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:34.840
 God's self-existence

00:24:34.840 --> 00:24:36.500
 means that He is not

00:24:36.500 --> 00:24:37.460
 dependent upon

00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:39.400
 anyone or anything.

00:24:40.180 --> 00:24:41.000
 That's what it means.

00:24:41.779 --> 00:24:42.380
 Michael Horton

00:24:42.380 --> 00:24:43.559
 makes this observation.

00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:45.059
 Precisely because

00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:46.480
 God is not dependent

00:24:46.480 --> 00:24:47.319
 on anyone

00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:48.099
 or anything

00:24:48.099 --> 00:24:49.159
 He has created,

00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.500
 we are assured

00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.539
 that nothing

00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:52.419
 will keep Him

00:24:52.419 --> 00:24:53.200
 from fulfilling

00:24:53.200 --> 00:24:54.480
 His promises

00:24:54.480 --> 00:24:55.740
 and being there

00:24:55.740 --> 00:24:56.899
 for us.

00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:59.059
 So when the trials

00:24:59.059 --> 00:24:59.859
 you're facing

00:24:59.859 --> 00:25:00.720
 at work

00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:01.779
 are being caused

00:25:01.779 --> 00:25:03.839
 by a difficult boss

00:25:03.839 --> 00:25:04.879
 or a co-worker,

00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.779
 you can be assured

00:25:06.779 --> 00:25:07.899
 that those people

00:25:07.899 --> 00:25:09.819
 will not keep God

00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:11.279
 from being with you

00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:12.519
 and accomplishing

00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:13.619
 His good purposes

00:25:13.619 --> 00:25:15.779
 and plans for your life.

00:25:16.559 --> 00:25:17.679
 Or maybe even

00:25:17.679 --> 00:25:18.979
 when you are suffering

00:25:18.979 --> 00:25:20.179
 unjustly,

00:25:20.839 --> 00:25:22.159
 when those who are

00:25:22.159 --> 00:25:23.079
 opposing you

00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:25.079
 are using unrighteous

00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:26.839
 or maybe even evil

00:25:26.839 --> 00:25:27.739
 means,

00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:29.379
 you can be assured

00:25:29.379 --> 00:25:31.839
 that your self-existent God

00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:33.199
 will not be stopped

00:25:33.199 --> 00:25:34.139
 by those things,

00:25:34.239 --> 00:25:35.179
 rather He will fight

00:25:35.179 --> 00:25:35.639
 for you.

00:25:36.419 --> 00:25:37.579
 Again, Michael Horton,

00:25:38.879 --> 00:25:40.359
 evil powers

00:25:40.359 --> 00:25:43.119
 never have the last word.

00:25:43.619 --> 00:25:44.799
 God remains

00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:46.339
 qualitatively distinct

00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:47.259
 from creation

00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:49.659
 and this is good news

00:25:49.659 --> 00:25:50.319
 for those

00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:51.539
 to whom the future

00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:52.939
 seems destined

00:25:52.939 --> 00:25:54.099
 to be controlled

00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:55.639
 by oppressors.

00:25:56.439 --> 00:25:58.179
 The people of Israel

00:25:58.179 --> 00:25:59.719
 thought their future

00:25:59.719 --> 00:26:01.359
 was destined

00:26:01.359 --> 00:26:02.259
 to be controlled

00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:04.479
 by these Babylonian oppressors

00:26:04.479 --> 00:26:06.019
 and yet God,

00:26:06.599 --> 00:26:08.119
 distinct from creation,

00:26:08.679 --> 00:26:10.439
 acted when He wanted to act

00:26:10.440 --> 00:26:11.660
 to stir up Cyrus

00:26:11.660 --> 00:26:13.440
 and He quickly conquered

00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:14.440
 the Babylonians

00:26:14.440 --> 00:26:17.620
 and God set His people free.

00:26:18.220 --> 00:26:18.440
 You see,

00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:19.480
 that same God

00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:20.340
 that acted then

00:26:20.340 --> 00:26:21.940
 can act in your life

00:26:21.940 --> 00:26:22.519
 right now

00:26:22.519 --> 00:26:23.880
 in whatever unjust,

00:26:24.480 --> 00:26:25.200
 unrighteous,

00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:26.000
 unsafe,

00:26:26.120 --> 00:26:28.220
 or even oppressive situation

00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:29.660
 that you find yourself in.

00:26:30.299 --> 00:26:31.440
 Do you see how God's

00:26:32.019 --> 00:26:33.600
 sovereign activity

00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:34.440
 and presence,

00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:36.360
 do you see how it

00:26:36.359 --> 00:26:38.039
 emboldens the fearful?

00:26:40.199 --> 00:26:40.719
 Now,

00:26:40.979 --> 00:26:41.679
 did you know

00:26:41.679 --> 00:26:43.599
 in this courtroom

00:26:43.599 --> 00:26:45.459
 how the other nations

00:26:45.459 --> 00:26:47.119
 responded to the evidence

00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:48.179
 that was being presented?

00:26:48.679 --> 00:26:50.500
 We see that in verses 5-7.

00:26:50.579 --> 00:26:51.859
 Look at those again.

00:26:51.859 --> 00:26:54.939
 the coastlands

00:26:54.939 --> 00:26:55.500
 have seen

00:26:55.500 --> 00:26:56.799
 and are afraid.

00:26:57.659 --> 00:26:58.579
 The ends of the earth

00:26:58.579 --> 00:26:59.740
 tremble.

00:27:00.479 --> 00:27:01.759
 They have drawn near

00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:02.599
 and come.

00:27:02.699 --> 00:27:03.740
 Everyone helps his neighbor

00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.599
 and says to his brother,

00:27:04.679 --> 00:27:05.259
 Be strong.

00:27:06.059 --> 00:27:07.039
 The craftsman

00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:08.379
 strengthens the goldsmith

00:27:08.379 --> 00:27:09.759
 and he who smooths

00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:10.379
 with the hammer,

00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:12.199
 him who strikes the anvil,

00:27:12.359 --> 00:27:13.319
 saying of the soldering,

00:27:13.379 --> 00:27:14.000
 It is good.

00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:16.359
 And they strengthen it

00:27:16.359 --> 00:27:17.339
 with nails

00:27:17.339 --> 00:27:19.399
 so that it cannot

00:27:19.399 --> 00:27:20.899
 be moved.

00:27:21.859 --> 00:27:23.859
 So that the other nations,

00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:24.919
 they hear what God

00:27:24.919 --> 00:27:25.959
 is about to do

00:27:25.959 --> 00:27:27.399
 in stirring up Cyrus

00:27:27.399 --> 00:27:28.839
 and the text tells us

00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:29.759
 they are fearful.

00:27:30.439 --> 00:27:31.299
 They are afraid

00:27:31.299 --> 00:27:32.839
 and they deal with their fear

00:27:32.839 --> 00:27:34.319
 not by running

00:27:34.319 --> 00:27:35.759
 to the self-existent God

00:27:35.759 --> 00:27:36.939
 who can alleviate

00:27:36.939 --> 00:27:37.699
 their fear

00:27:37.699 --> 00:27:39.459
 but they run to false gods

00:27:39.459 --> 00:27:41.039
 whose very existence

00:27:41.039 --> 00:27:42.599
 depends upon the work

00:27:42.599 --> 00:27:44.099
 of human hands.

00:27:45.139 --> 00:27:46.500
 And then they foolishly

00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:48.339
 seek to reassure themselves

00:27:48.339 --> 00:27:50.399
 that their man-made idols,

00:27:50.400 --> 00:27:51.960
 their man-made gods,

00:27:52.100 --> 00:27:52.800
 small g,

00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:54.759
 are good and strong enough

00:27:54.759 --> 00:27:55.640
 to protect them

00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:57.820
 from the Persian army.

00:27:59.080 --> 00:28:00.240
 The irony here

00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:01.680
 is unmistakable, isn't it?

00:28:02.200 --> 00:28:03.300
 The irony here,

00:28:03.480 --> 00:28:05.720
 these texts drip with irony

00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:07.380
 in fear.

00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:10.280
 These people turn to the gods

00:28:10.280 --> 00:28:12.259
 who can't relieve their fear

00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:13.759
 and they turn away

00:28:13.759 --> 00:28:14.660
 from the God

00:28:14.660 --> 00:28:15.740
 who says to them,

00:28:16.100 --> 00:28:16.840
 Fear not!

00:28:16.839 --> 00:28:19.079
 It's illogical,

00:28:19.179 --> 00:28:19.759
 isn't it?

00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:23.379
 But here's the reality.

00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:25.859
 We are all prone

00:28:25.859 --> 00:28:28.539
 to make illogical decisions

00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:31.679
 and to do illogical things

00:28:31.679 --> 00:28:34.259
 when we are driven by fear.

00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:36.099
 That's the reality.

00:28:37.939 --> 00:28:39.879
 And it's in those moments

00:28:39.879 --> 00:28:42.139
 I need and you need

00:28:42.139 --> 00:28:43.959
 stubborn truth.

00:28:43.960 --> 00:28:46.539
 We need the stubborn truth

00:28:46.539 --> 00:28:48.519
 of God's sovereign activity

00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:51.940
 who speaks to our fears.

00:28:52.579 --> 00:28:53.819
 The stubborn truth

00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:55.480
 that points us to God

00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:58.360
 and whatever is causing anxiety

00:28:58.360 --> 00:28:59.579
 and fear in your life,

00:28:59.700 --> 00:29:00.680
 God says to you,

00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:01.480
 Fear not!

00:29:02.019 --> 00:29:03.279
 I've got this!

00:29:04.500 --> 00:29:05.960
 And God's sovereign activity

00:29:05.960 --> 00:29:08.059
 can embolden you.

00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:10.140
 So let me ask you,

00:29:10.240 --> 00:29:11.460
 where are you turning

00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:13.759
 when you are fearful

00:29:13.759 --> 00:29:15.120
 and anxious?

00:29:16.319 --> 00:29:17.640
 Turn to the God

00:29:17.640 --> 00:29:20.819
 that Scripture consistently reveals

00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:23.200
 as the one who sovereignly

00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:25.720
 not only rules over all of history

00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:27.680
 but rules over your life

00:29:27.680 --> 00:29:30.160
 and whose self-existence

00:29:30.160 --> 00:29:31.799
 can assure you

00:29:31.799 --> 00:29:33.420
 that nothing at all

00:29:33.420 --> 00:29:34.819
 will stop His good purposes

00:29:34.819 --> 00:29:36.700
 and plans from occurring

00:29:36.700 --> 00:29:37.960
 in your life.

00:29:38.960 --> 00:29:39.640
 Second fear,

00:29:39.740 --> 00:29:40.420
 conquering truth.

00:29:40.420 --> 00:29:40.980
 Number two,

00:29:41.360 --> 00:29:43.279
 God's powerful presence.

00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:45.400
 God's powerful presence.

00:29:45.560 --> 00:29:46.259
 In verse 8,

00:29:46.360 --> 00:29:49.000
 God now speaks only to Israel

00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:51.900
 who He has said

00:29:51.900 --> 00:29:52.840
 that He's chosen,

00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:56.080
 who He calls a friend

00:29:56.080 --> 00:29:59.440
 and twice in verses 8 and 9

00:29:59.440 --> 00:30:01.340
 calls them His servants.

00:30:01.500 --> 00:30:02.660
 And then He says to them

00:30:02.660 --> 00:30:03.980
 in verse 10,

00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:05.960
 Fear not,

00:30:06.960 --> 00:30:09.300
 for I am with you.

00:30:09.299 --> 00:30:10.299
 I mean,

00:30:10.379 --> 00:30:11.359
 that truth alone,

00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.379
 knowing that God is with us,

00:30:13.440 --> 00:30:14.480
 God's presence

00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:16.059
 emboldens the fearful

00:30:16.059 --> 00:30:17.759
 because we know

00:30:17.759 --> 00:30:19.159
 that He is with us.

00:30:19.819 --> 00:30:21.319
 And this fear-conquering truth,

00:30:21.379 --> 00:30:23.440
 it not only comforts His people,

00:30:23.639 --> 00:30:24.879
 He goes on to say

00:30:24.879 --> 00:30:26.319
 how He's going to act

00:30:26.319 --> 00:30:27.319
 through His presence

00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:28.259
 on their behalf.

00:30:28.339 --> 00:30:29.119
 Did you notice that

00:30:29.119 --> 00:30:30.319
 in verses 10-12?

00:30:31.119 --> 00:30:32.200
 Fear not,

00:30:32.839 --> 00:30:33.960
 for I am with you.

00:30:34.659 --> 00:30:36.220
 Be not dismayed,

00:30:36.559 --> 00:30:37.819
 for I am your God.

00:30:37.819 --> 00:30:39.779
 I will strengthen you.

00:30:39.879 --> 00:30:40.799
 I will help you.

00:30:41.000 --> 00:30:42.079
 I will uphold you

00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:43.700
 with My righteous right hand.

00:30:43.799 --> 00:30:44.839
 How is He going to do that?

00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.539
 Behold,

00:30:46.799 --> 00:30:47.399
 verse 11,

00:30:48.039 --> 00:30:49.819
 all who are incensed against you

00:30:49.819 --> 00:30:51.519
 shall be put to shame

00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:52.460
 and confounded.

00:30:53.159 --> 00:30:54.720
 Those who strive against you

00:30:54.720 --> 00:30:57.279
 shall be as nothing

00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:59.059
 and shall perish.

00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:01.859
 You shall seek those

00:31:01.859 --> 00:31:03.019
 who contend with you,

00:31:03.079 --> 00:31:04.500
 but you shall not find them.

00:31:04.500 --> 00:31:06.819
 And those who war against you

00:31:06.819 --> 00:31:10.500
 shall be as nothing at all.

00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:14.180
 These verses speak of God's

00:31:14.180 --> 00:31:15.640
 powerful presence

00:31:15.640 --> 00:31:16.940
 where He acts,

00:31:17.420 --> 00:31:18.660
 as it says in verse 10,

00:31:18.759 --> 00:31:20.920
 by upholding us

00:31:20.920 --> 00:31:22.599
 with His righteous right hand.

00:31:22.660 --> 00:31:24.140
 What that literally means

00:31:24.140 --> 00:31:26.000
 is that God is doing

00:31:26.000 --> 00:31:27.299
 the right thing

00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:29.240
 in dealing with our enemies.

00:31:29.799 --> 00:31:32.079
 That's what those verses mean.

00:31:32.079 --> 00:31:33.740
 And as God powerfully acts,

00:31:34.059 --> 00:31:36.059
 note the reversal theme

00:31:36.059 --> 00:31:37.819
 as God does deal

00:31:37.819 --> 00:31:40.460
 with the enemies of Israel.

00:31:42.939 --> 00:31:43.659
 Contextually,

00:31:44.159 --> 00:31:44.639
 remember,

00:31:45.099 --> 00:31:48.000
 Israel is in exile.

00:31:48.419 --> 00:31:49.279
 They are the ones

00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:51.059
 who are dismayed

00:31:51.059 --> 00:31:52.460
 in their exile.

00:31:52.919 --> 00:31:53.240
 And yet,

00:31:53.319 --> 00:31:54.859
 God powerfully acts

00:31:54.859 --> 00:31:56.460
 in sending Cyrus

00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:57.819
 so much so

00:31:57.819 --> 00:31:59.419
 that those who are incensed

00:31:59.419 --> 00:32:00.299
 against him,

00:32:00.299 --> 00:32:01.779
 the Babylonians,

00:32:01.839 --> 00:32:02.720
 will be the ones

00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:04.720
 who are dismayed

00:32:04.720 --> 00:32:06.019
 and the ones

00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:07.139
 who are confounded.

00:32:07.279 --> 00:32:08.680
 There's reversal there,

00:32:08.720 --> 00:32:09.220
 isn't there?

00:32:10.319 --> 00:32:11.659
 Those who strive

00:32:11.659 --> 00:32:13.419
 against and contend

00:32:13.419 --> 00:32:14.359
 with Israel

00:32:14.359 --> 00:32:16.000
 in such a dominant way

00:32:16.000 --> 00:32:16.819
 that they hold them

00:32:16.819 --> 00:32:17.399
 in exile,

00:32:17.839 --> 00:32:18.519
 God says,

00:32:18.599 --> 00:32:19.639
 shall be as nothing

00:32:19.639 --> 00:32:20.319
 at all

00:32:20.319 --> 00:32:21.500
 in verse 12.

00:32:21.619 --> 00:32:23.419
 There's reversal there,

00:32:23.480 --> 00:32:24.159
 isn't there?

00:32:24.419 --> 00:32:27.059
 Why this powerful reversal?

00:32:27.639 --> 00:32:28.599
 Why does it happen?

00:32:28.599 --> 00:32:30.559
 Then, verse 13,

00:32:30.679 --> 00:32:31.799
 answers the question.

00:32:33.079 --> 00:32:34.899
 For I,

00:32:35.740 --> 00:32:37.159
 the Lord your God,

00:32:38.119 --> 00:32:40.379
 hold your right hand.

00:32:41.059 --> 00:32:42.399
 It is I who say to you,

00:32:42.559 --> 00:32:43.279
 fear not.

00:32:44.099 --> 00:32:44.559
 I,

00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:46.359
 the God of the universe,

00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:47.259
 am the one

00:32:47.259 --> 00:32:48.799
 who helps you.

00:32:49.419 --> 00:32:50.279
 That word for

00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:51.240
 that connects

00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:51.959
 his activity

00:32:51.959 --> 00:32:54.119
 to his powerful presence

00:32:54.119 --> 00:32:55.759
 there in verse 13

00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:56.419
 tells us

00:32:56.420 --> 00:32:58.400
 that his powerful presence,

00:32:59.019 --> 00:33:00.800
 the one where he upholds us

00:33:00.800 --> 00:33:02.400
 with his righteous right hand

00:33:02.400 --> 00:33:04.539
 and deals with our enemies

00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:05.440
 in a way

00:33:05.440 --> 00:33:07.160
 that he takes dismayed

00:33:07.160 --> 00:33:08.400
 and fearful servants

00:33:08.400 --> 00:33:09.759
 and he turns them

00:33:09.759 --> 00:33:10.680
 into faith-filled,

00:33:10.880 --> 00:33:11.680
 courageous people.

00:33:12.120 --> 00:33:13.180
 That's the reversal

00:33:13.180 --> 00:33:14.019
 that you see

00:33:14.019 --> 00:33:15.240
 in those verses.

00:33:16.380 --> 00:33:16.740
 Now,

00:33:16.880 --> 00:33:18.039
 these reverses,

00:33:18.160 --> 00:33:19.560
 they remind us of something.

00:33:19.559 --> 00:33:21.339
 they remind us

00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:23.460
 that when we are fearful,

00:33:24.139 --> 00:33:25.779
 we have this tendency

00:33:25.779 --> 00:33:27.579
 to make our enemies

00:33:27.579 --> 00:33:29.059
 bigger than what they really are.

00:33:29.539 --> 00:33:30.619
 That's what these verses

00:33:30.619 --> 00:33:32.299
 remind us of.

00:33:33.980 --> 00:33:35.599
 They remind us

00:33:35.599 --> 00:33:37.619
 that if we don't live

00:33:37.619 --> 00:33:38.220
 with an awareness

00:33:38.220 --> 00:33:39.200
 of God's presence,

00:33:39.359 --> 00:33:41.179
 our enemies are giants.

00:33:41.180 --> 00:33:43.279
 But when we live

00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:43.940
 with an awareness

00:33:43.940 --> 00:33:44.960
 of God's presence

00:33:44.960 --> 00:33:45.820
 and a knowledge

00:33:45.820 --> 00:33:46.960
 that it is he

00:33:46.960 --> 00:33:47.900
 who upholds us

00:33:47.900 --> 00:33:49.259
 with his righteous right hand

00:33:49.259 --> 00:33:51.299
 and that he will deliver us,

00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:52.400
 what happens

00:33:52.400 --> 00:33:53.539
 is that your enemies,

00:33:53.680 --> 00:33:54.799
 they shrink down

00:33:54.799 --> 00:33:56.360
 to their right proportionality.

00:33:58.660 --> 00:34:00.039
 This past October,

00:34:00.320 --> 00:34:01.720
 I had the joy

00:34:01.720 --> 00:34:02.080
 of leading

00:34:02.080 --> 00:34:03.600
 the Sovereign Grace Pastors Conference

00:34:03.600 --> 00:34:05.420
 and a part of my experience there

00:34:05.420 --> 00:34:07.279
 is we had three pastors

00:34:07.279 --> 00:34:09.119
 travel from the nation of India

00:34:09.119 --> 00:34:10.799
 representing churches

00:34:10.799 --> 00:34:11.799
 who are interested

00:34:11.799 --> 00:34:13.480
 in forming a partnership

00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:14.420
 with Sovereign Grace.

00:34:15.079 --> 00:34:16.079
 And two of the men,

00:34:16.159 --> 00:34:16.940
 they brought their wives

00:34:16.940 --> 00:34:17.460
 with them

00:34:17.460 --> 00:34:18.940
 and I shared lunch

00:34:18.940 --> 00:34:19.380
 with them

00:34:19.380 --> 00:34:20.900
 for a little over two hours

00:34:20.900 --> 00:34:21.779
 during the conference.

00:34:22.859 --> 00:34:24.259
 These men live

00:34:24.259 --> 00:34:25.380
 in a region

00:34:25.380 --> 00:34:26.179
 in the southeast

00:34:26.179 --> 00:34:27.259
 part of India

00:34:27.259 --> 00:34:28.839
 and in this particular

00:34:28.839 --> 00:34:29.779
 part of India

00:34:29.779 --> 00:34:30.519
 there is

00:34:30.519 --> 00:34:31.980
 the persecution

00:34:31.980 --> 00:34:32.859
 of Christians

00:34:32.859 --> 00:34:34.739
 by Hindu extremists.

00:34:34.859 --> 00:34:36.259
 They all told stories

00:34:36.259 --> 00:34:37.639
 that quite frankly

00:34:37.639 --> 00:34:38.359
 humbled me.

00:34:39.119 --> 00:34:40.420
 in the way

00:34:40.420 --> 00:34:41.739
 that they face persecution

00:34:41.739 --> 00:34:42.519
 all the time

00:34:42.519 --> 00:34:44.000
 in sharing the gospel.

00:34:45.039 --> 00:34:46.299
 One of those pastors,

00:34:46.579 --> 00:34:47.279
 his name is

00:34:47.279 --> 00:34:47.960
 Shiraj

00:34:47.960 --> 00:34:49.799
 and this is just

00:34:49.799 --> 00:34:50.639
 one of the stories

00:34:50.639 --> 00:34:51.480
 from that lunch.

00:34:51.599 --> 00:34:52.759
 He was in his city

00:34:52.759 --> 00:34:54.359
 and on that day

00:34:54.359 --> 00:34:55.039
 he went to

00:34:55.039 --> 00:34:56.880
 sort of the town center

00:34:56.880 --> 00:34:58.980
 and he just publicly

00:34:58.980 --> 00:34:59.799
 was preaching

00:34:59.799 --> 00:35:01.079
 and sharing the gospel.

00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:02.859
 Just trying to reach people

00:35:02.859 --> 00:35:03.440
 for Christ

00:35:03.440 --> 00:35:04.199
 and he got done

00:35:04.199 --> 00:35:05.239
 sharing the gospel

00:35:05.239 --> 00:35:06.400
 and he went home alone

00:35:06.400 --> 00:35:07.039
 and he went down

00:35:07.039 --> 00:35:07.659
 the street

00:35:07.659 --> 00:35:08.940
 that he thought

00:35:08.940 --> 00:35:09.619
 was vacant

00:35:09.619 --> 00:35:11.039
 and as he walked

00:35:11.039 --> 00:35:11.940
 he heard this noise

00:35:11.940 --> 00:35:12.579
 behind him

00:35:12.579 --> 00:35:13.239
 and there was this

00:35:13.239 --> 00:35:14.639
 crowd of men

00:35:14.639 --> 00:35:15.759
 that ran after him

00:35:15.759 --> 00:35:16.719
 and they caught him

00:35:16.719 --> 00:35:18.119
 and they just began

00:35:18.119 --> 00:35:19.639
 to beat him mercilessly.

00:35:20.679 --> 00:35:21.559
 And in that moment

00:35:21.559 --> 00:35:22.019
 there was just

00:35:22.019 --> 00:35:23.119
 no one around

00:35:23.119 --> 00:35:24.099
 and so Shiraj

00:35:24.099 --> 00:35:25.340
 he just prayed

00:35:25.340 --> 00:35:26.820
 he cried out aloud

00:35:26.820 --> 00:35:28.739
 Lord come and help me.

00:35:29.259 --> 00:35:30.779
 There is no one here.

00:35:31.119 --> 00:35:32.699
 Come and take these men

00:35:32.699 --> 00:35:33.579
 off of me.

00:35:33.840 --> 00:35:34.739
 Send your help.

00:35:34.739 --> 00:35:35.079
 And he said

00:35:35.079 --> 00:35:35.759
 Mark you're not going

00:35:35.759 --> 00:35:36.179
 to believe it.

00:35:36.219 --> 00:35:36.899
 Out of nowhere

00:35:36.899 --> 00:35:37.919
 these other men

00:35:37.919 --> 00:35:38.559
 showed up.

00:35:38.859 --> 00:35:39.919
 They pulled these other men

00:35:39.919 --> 00:35:40.679
 off of me

00:35:40.679 --> 00:35:42.979
 and they chased them away.

00:35:44.139 --> 00:35:44.699
 And he said

00:35:44.699 --> 00:35:45.339
 I'm not

00:35:45.339 --> 00:35:46.439
 I've had experiences

00:35:46.439 --> 00:35:47.039
 like that

00:35:47.039 --> 00:35:47.679
 where the Lord

00:35:47.679 --> 00:35:49.099
 worked on my behalf.

00:35:49.519 --> 00:35:50.659
 And I'm not afraid

00:35:50.659 --> 00:35:52.159
 to share the gospel anymore.

00:35:52.459 --> 00:35:53.699
 Even though I will face

00:35:53.699 --> 00:35:54.679
 persecution

00:35:54.679 --> 00:35:55.879
 even though I may be

00:35:55.879 --> 00:35:56.659
 attacked again

00:35:56.659 --> 00:35:58.619
 I don't fear that

00:35:58.619 --> 00:35:59.279
 any longer

00:35:59.279 --> 00:36:00.299
 because I know

00:36:00.299 --> 00:36:01.339
 that my God

00:36:01.339 --> 00:36:02.359
 is with me

00:36:02.359 --> 00:36:03.639
 and that he fights for me.

00:36:03.639 --> 00:36:05.699
 See I tell you that story

00:36:05.699 --> 00:36:07.239
 because Shiraj's God

00:36:07.239 --> 00:36:08.619
 is your God.

00:36:09.119 --> 00:36:10.179
 He's your God too

00:36:10.179 --> 00:36:12.019
 and whatever difficult situation

00:36:12.019 --> 00:36:13.639
 whatever situation

00:36:13.639 --> 00:36:14.500
 in your life

00:36:14.500 --> 00:36:16.079
 that is causing anxiety

00:36:16.079 --> 00:36:17.299
 and fear

00:36:17.299 --> 00:36:18.779
 he will act

00:36:18.779 --> 00:36:20.000
 on your behalf

00:36:20.000 --> 00:36:21.500
 upholding you

00:36:21.500 --> 00:36:22.759
 with his righteous

00:36:22.759 --> 00:36:23.779
 right hand.

00:36:24.119 --> 00:36:25.079
 And when he does so

00:36:25.079 --> 00:36:26.900
 your enemies shrink down

00:36:26.900 --> 00:36:29.159
 to their right proportionality.

00:36:29.859 --> 00:36:31.519
 So let me ask you a question.

00:36:31.519 --> 00:36:34.800
 In light of that stubborn truth

00:36:34.800 --> 00:36:37.300
 in light of God's powerful presence

00:36:37.300 --> 00:36:38.159
 in your life

00:36:38.159 --> 00:36:40.440
 do you see your enemies

00:36:40.440 --> 00:36:43.920
 in their right proportionality?

00:36:45.259 --> 00:36:47.280
 One other fear conquering picture

00:36:47.280 --> 00:36:49.199
 that we see in these verses

00:36:49.199 --> 00:36:50.219
 that's found there

00:36:50.219 --> 00:36:51.539
 in verses 10 and 13.

00:36:51.780 --> 00:36:53.179
 In verse 10 God says

00:36:53.179 --> 00:36:54.780
 I uphold you

00:36:54.780 --> 00:36:57.059
 with my righteous right hand.

00:36:57.119 --> 00:36:57.579
 In other words

00:36:57.579 --> 00:36:59.219
 he has weapons of righteousness

00:36:59.219 --> 00:37:00.959
 to do what is right

00:37:00.959 --> 00:37:02.639
 in dealing with our enemies.

00:37:03.579 --> 00:37:05.279
 And then in verse 13

00:37:05.279 --> 00:37:06.159
 he says

00:37:06.159 --> 00:37:07.819
 for I the Lord your God

00:37:07.819 --> 00:37:10.099
 hold your right hand.

00:37:10.980 --> 00:37:11.739
 In other words

00:37:11.739 --> 00:37:13.059
 it's a picture of God

00:37:13.059 --> 00:37:14.699
 who in his right hand

00:37:14.699 --> 00:37:16.500
 holds these righteous

00:37:16.500 --> 00:37:18.879
 these righteous weapons

00:37:18.879 --> 00:37:20.279
 to fight off your enemies

00:37:20.279 --> 00:37:22.659
 and in his left hand

00:37:22.659 --> 00:37:25.139
 he holds your hand.

00:37:25.139 --> 00:37:27.559
 And if you're a Christian

00:37:27.559 --> 00:37:29.420
 he holds your hand

00:37:29.420 --> 00:37:31.079
 as a son

00:37:31.079 --> 00:37:33.059
 or as a daughter

00:37:33.059 --> 00:37:35.480
 that he dearly loves.

00:37:36.480 --> 00:37:38.400
 And with fatherly instinct

00:37:38.400 --> 00:37:41.619
 he fights for you.

00:37:43.119 --> 00:37:45.440
 Do you see how God's activity

00:37:45.440 --> 00:37:48.519
 and powerful loving presence

00:37:48.519 --> 00:37:49.940
 do you see how it emboldens

00:37:49.940 --> 00:37:50.500
 the fearful?

00:37:51.900 --> 00:37:53.219
 Third fear conquering truth.

00:37:53.219 --> 00:37:53.639
 Number three

00:37:53.639 --> 00:37:56.019
 God's transforming help.

00:37:56.619 --> 00:37:57.959
 God's transforming help.

00:37:58.059 --> 00:37:58.659
 Now note

00:37:58.659 --> 00:37:59.839
 as we begin to read

00:37:59.839 --> 00:38:00.779
 verse 14

00:38:00.779 --> 00:38:02.459
 how God then addresses

00:38:02.459 --> 00:38:03.699
 his people.

00:38:04.019 --> 00:38:04.639
 Verse 14

00:38:04.639 --> 00:38:05.879
 Fear not

00:38:05.879 --> 00:38:08.239
 you worm.

00:38:08.779 --> 00:38:09.179
 Jacob?

00:38:10.439 --> 00:38:10.919
 Wait a minute

00:38:10.919 --> 00:38:12.179
 I thought we were friends

00:38:12.179 --> 00:38:12.559
 right?

00:38:13.179 --> 00:38:13.899
 What happened to

00:38:13.899 --> 00:38:14.779
 verses 8 and 9?

00:38:14.839 --> 00:38:15.859
 I thought we were friends

00:38:15.859 --> 00:38:16.579
 you chose us

00:38:16.579 --> 00:38:17.039
 and serve us.

00:38:17.739 --> 00:38:18.299
 Worms?

00:38:20.219 --> 00:38:21.139
 Fear not

00:38:21.139 --> 00:38:21.639
 you worm.

00:38:21.639 --> 00:38:22.039
 Jacob?

00:38:22.039 --> 00:38:22.139
 Jacob?

00:38:22.799 --> 00:38:23.940
 You men of Israel?

00:38:25.139 --> 00:38:27.139
 I am the one

00:38:27.139 --> 00:38:28.379
 who helps you

00:38:28.379 --> 00:38:29.659
 declares the Lord.

00:38:29.799 --> 00:38:31.480
 Your redeemer

00:38:31.480 --> 00:38:33.500
 is the holy one

00:38:33.500 --> 00:38:34.139
 of Israel.

00:38:34.960 --> 00:38:36.400
 Now God is not

00:38:36.400 --> 00:38:37.440
 being critical.

00:38:37.699 --> 00:38:39.679
 God is calling them worms

00:38:39.679 --> 00:38:41.099
 to make them aware

00:38:41.099 --> 00:38:42.119
 of their limitations

00:38:42.119 --> 00:38:43.599
 and weakness

00:38:43.599 --> 00:38:46.039
 and also to awaken

00:38:46.039 --> 00:38:47.679
 their need

00:38:47.679 --> 00:38:49.639
 for their redeemer.

00:38:49.639 --> 00:38:51.400
 the holy one

00:38:51.400 --> 00:38:52.000
 of Israel.

00:38:52.679 --> 00:38:53.659
 And that language

00:38:53.659 --> 00:38:54.420
 your redeemer

00:38:54.420 --> 00:38:55.379
 is the holy one

00:38:55.379 --> 00:38:55.940
 of Israel

00:38:55.940 --> 00:38:57.599
 would have conjured up

00:38:57.599 --> 00:38:59.179
 memories of the Jews

00:38:59.179 --> 00:39:00.059
 who were in exile

00:39:00.059 --> 00:39:01.099
 when they read

00:39:01.099 --> 00:39:01.799
 those words

00:39:01.799 --> 00:39:03.440
 of God's past

00:39:03.440 --> 00:39:04.819
 saving acts

00:39:04.819 --> 00:39:05.879
 throughout history.

00:39:06.779 --> 00:39:07.699
 The exodus

00:39:07.699 --> 00:39:08.519
 from Egypt

00:39:08.519 --> 00:39:09.980
 where he delivered them.

00:39:10.059 --> 00:39:10.480
 They would have

00:39:10.480 --> 00:39:11.259
 thought about that.

00:39:11.319 --> 00:39:12.500
 His deliverance

00:39:12.500 --> 00:39:13.739
 of their enemies

00:39:13.739 --> 00:39:14.839
 at the Red Sea

00:39:14.839 --> 00:39:16.079
 as he parted it

00:39:16.079 --> 00:39:17.440
 and set them free

00:39:17.440 --> 00:39:18.740
 and then defeated

00:39:18.740 --> 00:39:19.880
 their enemies.

00:39:20.340 --> 00:39:21.360
 See in their time

00:39:21.360 --> 00:39:22.059
 of exile

00:39:22.059 --> 00:39:23.159
 God is saying

00:39:23.159 --> 00:39:23.700
 to them

00:39:23.700 --> 00:39:24.539
 to the people

00:39:24.539 --> 00:39:25.139
 who are in exile

00:39:25.139 --> 00:39:25.780
 I'm not only

00:39:25.780 --> 00:39:26.900
 your past redeemer

00:39:26.900 --> 00:39:28.340
 I am also

00:39:28.340 --> 00:39:29.659
 your present

00:39:29.659 --> 00:39:30.539
 redeemer

00:39:30.539 --> 00:39:31.760
 the holy one

00:39:31.760 --> 00:39:32.420
 of Israel

00:39:32.420 --> 00:39:33.420
 and therefore

00:39:33.420 --> 00:39:34.700
 fear not.

00:39:35.700 --> 00:39:36.579
 Now note the nature

00:39:36.579 --> 00:39:37.460
 of God's help.

00:39:37.579 --> 00:39:39.539
 He says he's helping them.

00:39:39.980 --> 00:39:40.559
 Note the nature

00:39:40.559 --> 00:39:41.340
 of God's help

00:39:41.340 --> 00:39:42.820
 in verses 15 and 16.

00:39:42.820 --> 00:39:46.019
 Behold I make of you

00:39:46.019 --> 00:39:47.420
 a threshing sledge

00:39:47.420 --> 00:39:48.539
 new sharp

00:39:48.539 --> 00:39:49.460
 and having teeth

00:39:49.460 --> 00:39:50.580
 you shall thresh

00:39:50.580 --> 00:39:51.059
 the mountains

00:39:51.059 --> 00:39:51.840
 and crush them

00:39:51.840 --> 00:39:52.480
 you shall make

00:39:52.480 --> 00:39:53.559
 the hills like chaff

00:39:53.559 --> 00:39:55.000
 you shall winnow them

00:39:55.000 --> 00:39:55.700
 and the wind

00:39:55.700 --> 00:39:57.140
 shall carry them away

00:39:57.140 --> 00:39:59.800
 and the tempest

00:39:59.800 --> 00:40:00.760
 shall scatter them

00:40:00.760 --> 00:40:01.820
 and you shall rejoice

00:40:01.820 --> 00:40:02.440
 in the Lord

00:40:02.440 --> 00:40:03.760
 in the holy one

00:40:03.760 --> 00:40:04.320
 of Israel

00:40:04.320 --> 00:40:06.019
 you shall glory.

00:40:06.980 --> 00:40:07.500
 In other words

00:40:07.500 --> 00:40:09.280
 God transforms

00:40:09.280 --> 00:40:11.880
 weak people

00:40:11.880 --> 00:40:12.860
 which is why

00:40:12.860 --> 00:40:13.800
 he calls them worms

00:40:13.800 --> 00:40:14.640
 and makes them

00:40:14.640 --> 00:40:15.980
 a powerful

00:40:15.980 --> 00:40:17.599
 threshing sledge

00:40:17.599 --> 00:40:18.119
 that is able

00:40:18.119 --> 00:40:19.000
 to thresh mountains

00:40:19.000 --> 00:40:20.019
 and crush hills

00:40:20.019 --> 00:40:20.940
 and winnow

00:40:20.940 --> 00:40:22.180
 their enemies away

00:40:22.180 --> 00:40:23.780
 like a strong wind.

00:40:23.880 --> 00:40:24.640
 All of that

00:40:24.640 --> 00:40:25.800
 is imagery

00:40:25.800 --> 00:40:27.500
 intended to convey

00:40:27.500 --> 00:40:28.079
 this

00:40:28.079 --> 00:40:29.599
 that whatever

00:40:29.599 --> 00:40:30.440
 obstacles

00:40:30.440 --> 00:40:32.780
 face God's people

00:40:32.780 --> 00:40:33.720
 whether enemies

00:40:33.720 --> 00:40:35.480
 or false accusations

00:40:35.480 --> 00:40:36.940
 or oppressors

00:40:36.940 --> 00:40:39.200
 or even our own sin

00:40:39.200 --> 00:40:39.980
 that does

00:40:39.980 --> 00:40:41.840
 that does contend

00:40:41.840 --> 00:40:42.460
 with us

00:40:42.460 --> 00:40:44.039
 those obstacles

00:40:44.039 --> 00:40:45.800
 will be swept away

00:40:45.800 --> 00:40:46.980
 because God's

00:40:46.980 --> 00:40:48.699
 transforming help

00:40:48.699 --> 00:40:50.159
 he helps the weak

00:40:50.159 --> 00:40:51.400
 and he makes them

00:40:51.400 --> 00:40:52.099
 strong.

00:40:53.179 --> 00:40:53.860
 J. Alec Montier

00:40:53.860 --> 00:40:54.420
 says this

00:40:54.420 --> 00:40:55.159
 in his commentary

00:40:55.159 --> 00:40:56.159
 whatever barriers

00:40:56.159 --> 00:40:56.860
 may confront

00:40:56.860 --> 00:40:57.740
 the Lord's people

00:40:57.740 --> 00:40:59.420
 they are not

00:40:59.420 --> 00:41:00.199
 to be measured

00:41:00.199 --> 00:41:00.920
 in proportion

00:41:00.920 --> 00:41:02.320
 to the people's

00:41:02.320 --> 00:41:03.539
 inherent weakness

00:41:03.539 --> 00:41:04.679
 but in proportion

00:41:04.679 --> 00:41:06.639
 to the Lord's promise

00:41:06.639 --> 00:41:08.159
 to transform.

00:41:09.619 --> 00:41:10.239
 And certainly

00:41:10.239 --> 00:41:11.179
 the transforming

00:41:11.179 --> 00:41:12.480
 work that God

00:41:12.480 --> 00:41:13.679
 does for his people

00:41:13.679 --> 00:41:14.980
 as their redeemer

00:41:14.980 --> 00:41:16.440
 the Holy One of Israel

00:41:16.440 --> 00:41:17.400
 seen in this text

00:41:17.400 --> 00:41:18.980
 not only points back

00:41:18.980 --> 00:41:19.859
 to his past

00:41:19.859 --> 00:41:20.679
 saving acts

00:41:20.679 --> 00:41:22.139
 but also points

00:41:22.139 --> 00:41:23.019
 forward

00:41:23.019 --> 00:41:24.619
 to the saving work

00:41:24.619 --> 00:41:25.779
 of Jesus Christ

00:41:25.779 --> 00:41:26.739
 accomplished

00:41:26.739 --> 00:41:27.920
 on the cross

00:41:27.920 --> 00:41:29.539
 as our redeemer

00:41:29.539 --> 00:41:30.900
 the Holy One

00:41:30.900 --> 00:41:31.679
 of Israel.

00:41:32.420 --> 00:41:32.579
 You see

00:41:32.579 --> 00:41:33.379
 as we read

00:41:33.379 --> 00:41:34.199
 these verses

00:41:34.199 --> 00:41:34.980
 on this side

00:41:34.980 --> 00:41:35.500
 of the cross

00:41:35.500 --> 00:41:36.400
 brothers and sisters

00:41:36.400 --> 00:41:37.380
 we must remember

00:41:37.380 --> 00:41:39.059
 that our biggest

00:41:39.059 --> 00:41:39.639
 obstacle

00:41:39.639 --> 00:41:40.699
 was our sin.

00:41:41.300 --> 00:41:43.039
 It was our sin

00:41:43.039 --> 00:41:44.099
 that was our biggest

00:41:44.099 --> 00:41:44.739
 obstacle.

00:41:44.980 --> 00:41:45.559
 Our sin

00:41:45.559 --> 00:41:47.340
 as Romans talks about

00:41:47.340 --> 00:41:48.280
 held us

00:41:48.280 --> 00:41:49.340
 in captivity

00:41:49.340 --> 00:41:51.000
 under the dominion

00:41:51.000 --> 00:41:51.480
 of sin

00:41:51.480 --> 00:41:52.219
 like Israel

00:41:52.219 --> 00:41:53.079
 was being held

00:41:53.079 --> 00:41:53.719
 in exile

00:41:53.719 --> 00:41:55.260
 as we awaited

00:41:55.260 --> 00:41:56.760
 the coming judgment

00:41:56.760 --> 00:41:58.519
 and eternal condemnation.

00:41:59.360 --> 00:42:01.000
 But at the appointed time

00:42:01.000 --> 00:42:01.860
 God the Father

00:42:01.860 --> 00:42:03.539
 he stirs up

00:42:03.539 --> 00:42:04.639
 like he stirred up Cyrus

00:42:04.639 --> 00:42:05.980
 he stirs up his son

00:42:05.980 --> 00:42:08.099
 and he sends his son

00:42:08.099 --> 00:42:09.079
 Jesus Christ

00:42:09.079 --> 00:42:10.879
 who steps into

00:42:10.879 --> 00:42:11.639
 our dark

00:42:11.639 --> 00:42:12.739
 fallen world

00:42:12.739 --> 00:42:13.839
 and he comes

00:42:13.839 --> 00:42:15.359
 as our redeemer

00:42:15.359 --> 00:42:17.440
 shedding his blood

00:42:17.440 --> 00:42:18.219
 on the cross

00:42:18.219 --> 00:42:19.440
 for my sin

00:42:19.440 --> 00:42:21.440
 and for your sin

00:42:21.440 --> 00:42:24.139
 taking it captive

00:42:24.139 --> 00:42:25.599
 so that we are

00:42:25.599 --> 00:42:26.500
 no longer

00:42:26.500 --> 00:42:27.779
 slaves to the

00:42:27.779 --> 00:42:28.900
 dominion of sin

00:42:28.900 --> 00:42:30.259
 but like Israel

00:42:30.259 --> 00:42:31.980
 we have been set free

00:42:31.980 --> 00:42:32.900
 from the dominion

00:42:32.900 --> 00:42:33.539
 of sin

00:42:33.539 --> 00:42:34.559
 through the death

00:42:34.559 --> 00:42:35.340
 and resurrection

00:42:35.340 --> 00:42:37.160
 of Jesus Christ.

00:42:38.019 --> 00:42:39.760
 See it is the cross

00:42:39.760 --> 00:42:41.119
 that symbol of weakness

00:42:41.119 --> 00:42:42.360
 that we see

00:42:42.360 --> 00:42:43.780
 the most transforming

00:42:43.780 --> 00:42:44.980
 work of God

00:42:44.980 --> 00:42:45.940
 that history

00:42:45.940 --> 00:42:47.280
 will ever know

00:42:47.280 --> 00:42:48.019
 in the person

00:42:48.019 --> 00:42:48.480
 and work

00:42:48.480 --> 00:42:49.420
 of Jesus Christ.

00:42:50.059 --> 00:42:51.180
 It is the cross

00:42:51.180 --> 00:42:52.519
 where our redeemer

00:42:52.519 --> 00:42:54.200
 transforms sinners

00:42:54.200 --> 00:42:56.079
 and makes them saints

00:42:56.079 --> 00:42:57.119
 and he calls us

00:42:57.119 --> 00:42:57.720
 friends.

00:42:58.559 --> 00:42:59.619
 It is the cross

00:42:59.619 --> 00:43:00.759
 that transforms

00:43:00.759 --> 00:43:01.599
 the vile

00:43:01.599 --> 00:43:03.000
 and makes them

00:43:03.000 --> 00:43:03.759
 clean.

00:43:04.059 --> 00:43:05.179
 It is the cross

00:43:05.179 --> 00:43:06.400
 where our redeemer

00:43:06.400 --> 00:43:08.400
 transforms the fear

00:43:08.400 --> 00:43:09.199
 of death

00:43:09.199 --> 00:43:10.500
 into hope

00:43:10.500 --> 00:43:11.500
 of eternal life

00:43:11.500 --> 00:43:12.000
 with him.

00:43:12.699 --> 00:43:13.400
 And by the way

00:43:13.400 --> 00:43:14.059
 if you are here

00:43:14.059 --> 00:43:14.579
 this morning

00:43:14.579 --> 00:43:15.079
 and you are not

00:43:15.079 --> 00:43:15.679
 a Christian

00:43:15.679 --> 00:43:17.400
 and you do fear

00:43:17.400 --> 00:43:17.859
 death

00:43:17.859 --> 00:43:18.779
 that is a right fear

00:43:18.779 --> 00:43:19.259
 to have.

00:43:20.159 --> 00:43:21.000
 You should fear

00:43:21.000 --> 00:43:21.380
 death.

00:43:21.480 --> 00:43:22.139
 There will be

00:43:22.139 --> 00:43:23.400
 an eternal judgment

00:43:23.400 --> 00:43:24.839
 that every person

00:43:24.839 --> 00:43:25.799
 will face

00:43:25.799 --> 00:43:26.460
 for the sins

00:43:26.460 --> 00:43:27.099
 that we all

00:43:27.099 --> 00:43:27.819
 have committed.

00:43:27.820 --> 00:43:29.460
 And today

00:43:29.460 --> 00:43:30.160
 you've been brought

00:43:30.160 --> 00:43:30.780
 here to hear

00:43:30.780 --> 00:43:31.460
 the good news

00:43:31.460 --> 00:43:32.480
 of Jesus Christ.

00:43:32.920 --> 00:43:33.559
 And if you will

00:43:33.559 --> 00:43:34.740
 turn from your sin

00:43:34.740 --> 00:43:35.780
 and if you will

00:43:35.780 --> 00:43:36.680
 place your faith

00:43:36.680 --> 00:43:37.400
 in Christ

00:43:37.400 --> 00:43:38.600
 and what he has

00:43:38.600 --> 00:43:39.300
 done for you

00:43:39.300 --> 00:43:40.160
 upon the cross

00:43:40.160 --> 00:43:41.539
 he will save you

00:43:41.539 --> 00:43:42.539
 from that eternal

00:43:42.539 --> 00:43:43.160
 judgment.

00:43:43.860 --> 00:43:44.660
 The Bible says

00:43:44.660 --> 00:43:45.820
 call upon his name

00:43:45.820 --> 00:43:46.220
 today

00:43:46.220 --> 00:43:47.120
 and you will be

00:43:47.120 --> 00:43:47.680
 saved.

00:43:48.600 --> 00:43:49.980
 See our redeemer

00:43:49.980 --> 00:43:51.200
 Jesus Christ

00:43:51.200 --> 00:43:52.880
 is the only one

00:43:52.880 --> 00:43:54.260
 that can transform

00:43:54.260 --> 00:43:55.080
 us

00:43:55.080 --> 00:43:56.280
 once who were

00:43:56.280 --> 00:43:57.100
 his enemies

00:43:57.099 --> 00:43:58.880
 into people

00:43:58.880 --> 00:43:59.519
 who are now

00:43:59.519 --> 00:44:00.420
 his friends

00:44:00.420 --> 00:44:01.400
 knowing that

00:44:01.400 --> 00:44:02.039
 we have

00:44:02.039 --> 00:44:03.059
 eternal life

00:44:03.059 --> 00:44:03.380
 with him.

00:44:03.460 --> 00:44:04.119
 There's nothing

00:44:04.119 --> 00:44:04.639
 like that

00:44:04.639 --> 00:44:05.679
 transforming help

00:44:05.679 --> 00:44:06.480
 that we will

00:44:06.480 --> 00:44:07.099
 ever know

00:44:07.099 --> 00:44:07.920
 in the gospel.

00:44:08.619 --> 00:44:09.440
 So here is

00:44:09.440 --> 00:44:10.099
 my point.

00:44:10.860 --> 00:44:11.860
 Whatever obstacle

00:44:11.860 --> 00:44:12.779
 that you are facing

00:44:12.779 --> 00:44:13.440
 in your life

00:44:13.440 --> 00:44:13.960
 right now

00:44:13.960 --> 00:44:15.400
 that is causing

00:44:15.400 --> 00:44:17.239
 fear and anxiety

00:44:17.239 --> 00:44:18.019
 the gospel

00:44:18.019 --> 00:44:18.960
 tells you

00:44:18.960 --> 00:44:20.639
 that you have

00:44:20.639 --> 00:44:21.360
 hope

00:44:21.360 --> 00:44:22.420
 because if God

00:44:22.420 --> 00:44:23.339
 removed the

00:44:23.339 --> 00:44:24.299
 biggest obstacle

00:44:24.300 --> 00:44:25.620
 which was

00:44:25.620 --> 00:44:26.980
 judgment for

00:44:26.980 --> 00:44:27.780
 your sin

00:44:27.780 --> 00:44:28.560
 he certainly

00:44:28.560 --> 00:44:29.440
 has the power

00:44:29.440 --> 00:44:30.300
 to remove

00:44:30.300 --> 00:44:31.019
 the obstacles

00:44:31.019 --> 00:44:32.100
 and the challenges

00:44:32.100 --> 00:44:33.480
 you are facing

00:44:33.480 --> 00:44:34.800
 at their sovereignly

00:44:34.800 --> 00:44:36.580
 appointed time.

00:44:37.340 --> 00:44:38.240
 See God is saying

00:44:38.240 --> 00:44:38.980
 to you today

00:44:38.980 --> 00:44:39.820
 through this text

00:44:39.820 --> 00:44:40.980
 your redeemer

00:44:40.980 --> 00:44:42.120
 is not only

00:44:42.120 --> 00:44:43.260
 your past redeemer

00:44:43.260 --> 00:44:44.860
 he is your present

00:44:44.860 --> 00:44:45.500
 redeemer

00:44:45.500 --> 00:44:46.440
 and he fights

00:44:46.440 --> 00:44:46.980
 for you.

00:44:47.960 --> 00:44:48.420
 Fourth fear

00:44:48.420 --> 00:44:49.220
 conquering truth

00:44:49.220 --> 00:44:50.140
 that we see in this text.

00:44:50.220 --> 00:44:50.640
 Number four

00:44:50.639 --> 00:44:52.539
 God's timely provision.

00:44:53.299 --> 00:44:54.539
 God's timely provision.

00:44:54.699 --> 00:44:55.940
 So in the courtroom

00:44:55.940 --> 00:44:57.059
 remember we're in the courtroom

00:44:57.059 --> 00:44:58.339
 God presents evidence

00:44:58.339 --> 00:45:00.039
 of his sovereign rule

00:45:00.039 --> 00:45:01.179
 over all of history.

00:45:01.839 --> 00:45:02.699
 He presents evidence

00:45:02.699 --> 00:45:04.460
 of his powerful presence

00:45:04.460 --> 00:45:06.400
 and of his transforming health.

00:45:06.920 --> 00:45:07.940
 And now he begins

00:45:07.940 --> 00:45:09.059
 to present evidence

00:45:09.059 --> 00:45:11.460
 of his timely provision

00:45:11.460 --> 00:45:13.659
 that only he can provide

00:45:13.659 --> 00:45:15.159
 as the creator

00:45:15.159 --> 00:45:16.319
 of the universe.

00:45:17.159 --> 00:45:18.059
 We see that in verses

00:45:18.059 --> 00:45:19.920
 17 through 20.

00:45:20.639 --> 00:45:22.420
 When the poor

00:45:22.420 --> 00:45:23.119
 and needy

00:45:23.119 --> 00:45:23.819
 seek water

00:45:23.819 --> 00:45:25.339
 and there is none

00:45:25.339 --> 00:45:26.759
 and their tongue

00:45:26.759 --> 00:45:27.960
 is parched with thirst

00:45:27.960 --> 00:45:29.659
 I the Lord

00:45:29.659 --> 00:45:30.619
 will answer them.

00:45:30.779 --> 00:45:32.519
 I the God of Israel

00:45:32.519 --> 00:45:33.639
 will not forsake them.

00:45:33.940 --> 00:45:35.879
 I will open up rivers

00:45:35.879 --> 00:45:37.319
 on the bare heights

00:45:37.319 --> 00:45:38.279
 and fountains

00:45:38.279 --> 00:45:39.179
 in the midst of valleys.

00:45:39.339 --> 00:45:40.379
 I will make the wilderness

00:45:40.379 --> 00:45:41.319
 a pool of water

00:45:41.319 --> 00:45:42.679
 and the dry land

00:45:42.679 --> 00:45:43.779
 springs of water.

00:45:43.879 --> 00:45:44.579
 I will put

00:45:44.579 --> 00:45:45.379
 in the wilderness

00:45:45.379 --> 00:45:46.699
 the cedar

00:45:46.699 --> 00:45:47.379
 and the acacia

00:45:47.379 --> 00:45:47.980
 the myrtle

00:45:47.980 --> 00:45:48.639
 and the olive.

00:45:49.199 --> 00:45:50.219
 I will set in the desert

00:45:50.219 --> 00:45:50.959
 the cypress

00:45:50.959 --> 00:45:51.959
 the plain

00:45:51.959 --> 00:45:52.980
 and the pine together

00:45:52.980 --> 00:45:55.019
 that they may see

00:45:55.019 --> 00:45:55.439
 and know

00:45:55.439 --> 00:45:57.139
 may consider

00:45:57.139 --> 00:45:58.179
 and understand together

00:45:58.179 --> 00:46:00.279
 that the hand

00:46:00.279 --> 00:46:00.819
 of the Lord

00:46:00.819 --> 00:46:01.699
 has done this.

00:46:02.399 --> 00:46:03.279
 The Holy One

00:46:03.279 --> 00:46:04.139
 of Israel

00:46:04.139 --> 00:46:06.079
 has created it.

00:46:06.079 --> 00:46:08.299
 the imagery there

00:46:08.299 --> 00:46:09.119
 is clear

00:46:09.119 --> 00:46:10.679
 in this text

00:46:10.679 --> 00:46:11.900
 that the wilderness

00:46:11.900 --> 00:46:12.699
 and the desert

00:46:12.699 --> 00:46:14.460
 probably which

00:46:14.460 --> 00:46:16.579
 Israel would pass

00:46:16.579 --> 00:46:17.480
 after exile

00:46:17.480 --> 00:46:18.619
 as they headed back home

00:46:18.619 --> 00:46:20.299
 where they would have

00:46:20.299 --> 00:46:21.460
 encountered dryness

00:46:21.460 --> 00:46:22.579
 and a lack of shade

00:46:22.579 --> 00:46:24.980
 where there's no easy

00:46:24.980 --> 00:46:26.500
 access to water

00:46:26.500 --> 00:46:28.360
 where there's no

00:46:28.360 --> 00:46:29.900
 trees to sit under

00:46:29.900 --> 00:46:30.759
 to rest yourself

00:46:30.760 --> 00:46:31.820
 it is there

00:46:31.820 --> 00:46:33.580
 that the Lord

00:46:33.580 --> 00:46:35.500
 will provide rivers

00:46:35.500 --> 00:46:37.300
 and fountains

00:46:37.300 --> 00:46:38.360
 and pools of water

00:46:38.360 --> 00:46:39.620
 to quench our thirst

00:46:39.620 --> 00:46:40.360
 and did you note

00:46:40.360 --> 00:46:41.760
 seven different

00:46:41.760 --> 00:46:42.900
 kinds of trees

00:46:42.900 --> 00:46:45.100
 that you can stop

00:46:45.100 --> 00:46:46.660
 and rest under

00:46:46.660 --> 00:46:48.140
 in the shade.

00:46:49.540 --> 00:46:50.080
 See the point

00:46:50.080 --> 00:46:50.780
 of the text

00:46:50.780 --> 00:46:52.060
 is that

00:46:52.060 --> 00:46:53.760
 only God

00:46:53.760 --> 00:46:55.380
 can refresh

00:46:55.380 --> 00:46:55.860
 the poor

00:46:55.860 --> 00:46:56.500
 and needy

00:46:56.500 --> 00:46:58.420
 especially when

00:46:58.420 --> 00:46:59.119
 they are fearful

00:46:59.119 --> 00:47:00.099
 and anxious

00:47:00.099 --> 00:47:01.000
 by providing

00:47:01.000 --> 00:47:01.800
 for us

00:47:01.800 --> 00:47:03.420
 in only ways

00:47:03.420 --> 00:47:03.960
 that He

00:47:03.960 --> 00:47:05.199
 can provide.

00:47:06.679 --> 00:47:07.579
 You see we've got to remember

00:47:07.579 --> 00:47:08.440
 we've got to keep in mind

00:47:08.440 --> 00:47:08.900
 verse 1

00:47:08.900 --> 00:47:09.619
 we've got to remember

00:47:09.619 --> 00:47:11.059
 the purpose of this

00:47:11.059 --> 00:47:12.000
 courtroom scene

00:47:12.000 --> 00:47:13.599
 it's so that the peoples

00:47:13.599 --> 00:47:15.340
 can renew

00:47:15.340 --> 00:47:17.079
 their strength.

00:47:18.039 --> 00:47:18.900
 God is speaking

00:47:18.900 --> 00:47:19.659
 to His people

00:47:19.659 --> 00:47:21.239
 who are in Babylonian exile

00:47:21.239 --> 00:47:21.800
 they've been there

00:47:21.800 --> 00:47:22.559
 for decades

00:47:22.559 --> 00:47:24.960
 it's a long time

00:47:24.960 --> 00:47:27.079
 they were fearful

00:47:27.079 --> 00:47:27.880
 they were anxious

00:47:27.880 --> 00:47:29.039
 they were hopeless

00:47:29.039 --> 00:47:30.019
 and as a result

00:47:30.019 --> 00:47:30.900
 they were weary

00:47:30.900 --> 00:47:33.099
 they'd had it

00:47:33.099 --> 00:47:34.099
 they were exhausted

00:47:34.099 --> 00:47:36.119
 and yet God

00:47:36.119 --> 00:47:37.039
 speaks right into

00:47:37.039 --> 00:47:37.619
 their need

00:47:37.619 --> 00:47:39.079
 as the Creator

00:47:39.079 --> 00:47:39.800
 the Holy One

00:47:39.800 --> 00:47:40.340
 of Israel

00:47:40.340 --> 00:47:41.599
 and He says

00:47:41.599 --> 00:47:42.280
 I'm going to bring you

00:47:42.280 --> 00:47:43.280
 timely provision

00:47:43.280 --> 00:47:45.500
 that will strengthen you.

00:47:47.780 --> 00:47:48.440
 Many of you

00:47:48.440 --> 00:47:49.380
 can relate to that

00:47:49.380 --> 00:47:50.920
 maybe you're walking

00:47:50.920 --> 00:47:51.860
 through a prolonged

00:47:51.860 --> 00:47:52.820
 trial right now

00:47:52.820 --> 00:47:53.320
 maybe you've

00:47:53.320 --> 00:47:54.019
 walked through

00:47:54.019 --> 00:47:55.539
 prolonged trials

00:47:55.539 --> 00:47:56.300
 and challenges

00:47:56.300 --> 00:47:58.480
 they create

00:47:58.480 --> 00:47:59.420
 a fear

00:47:59.420 --> 00:48:00.179
 and anxiety

00:48:00.179 --> 00:48:01.039
 in our lives

00:48:01.039 --> 00:48:02.699
 that are physically

00:48:02.699 --> 00:48:03.659
 and mentally

00:48:03.659 --> 00:48:04.500
 and emotionally

00:48:04.500 --> 00:48:05.099
 exhausting.

00:48:06.179 --> 00:48:07.259
 Trials and challenges

00:48:07.259 --> 00:48:08.219
 they tap us

00:48:08.219 --> 00:48:10.119
 like nothing else

00:48:10.119 --> 00:48:10.719
 do.

00:48:12.420 --> 00:48:13.360
 Maybe that's you

00:48:13.360 --> 00:48:14.719
 you're here this morning

00:48:14.719 --> 00:48:15.440
 you're saying

00:48:15.440 --> 00:48:16.440
 Mark my soul

00:48:16.440 --> 00:48:17.920
 feels like that

00:48:17.920 --> 00:48:19.039
 that desert

00:48:19.039 --> 00:48:20.179
 that's being described

00:48:20.179 --> 00:48:20.559
 there.

00:48:21.940 --> 00:48:23.440
 It's just dry.

00:48:24.019 --> 00:48:26.420
 And if that's you

00:48:26.420 --> 00:48:27.940
 don't miss

00:48:27.940 --> 00:48:28.480
 what you're supposed

00:48:28.480 --> 00:48:28.940
 to do.

00:48:30.480 --> 00:48:31.400
 The text says

00:48:31.400 --> 00:48:32.159
 when the poor

00:48:32.159 --> 00:48:32.800
 and needy

00:48:32.800 --> 00:48:33.900
 seek water

00:48:33.900 --> 00:48:34.380
 you've got to

00:48:34.380 --> 00:48:34.860
 seek it

00:48:34.860 --> 00:48:37.059
 I the Lord

00:48:37.059 --> 00:48:38.500
 will answer them.

00:48:39.259 --> 00:48:39.920
 Verse 17

00:48:39.920 --> 00:48:42.019
 That language

00:48:42.019 --> 00:48:42.940
 is very similar

00:48:42.940 --> 00:48:43.460
 to what

00:48:43.460 --> 00:48:44.780
 Jesus spoke

00:48:44.780 --> 00:48:45.400
 to those

00:48:45.400 --> 00:48:46.420
 who were exhausted

00:48:46.420 --> 00:48:47.460
 and of dry soul

00:48:47.460 --> 00:48:48.340
 when He says

00:48:48.340 --> 00:48:48.659
 to them

00:48:48.659 --> 00:48:49.800
 in John chapter 7

00:48:49.800 --> 00:48:50.539
 verses 37

00:48:50.539 --> 00:48:51.519
 and 37

00:48:51.519 --> 00:48:52.219
 and 38

00:48:52.219 --> 00:48:54.460
 If anyone thirsts

00:48:54.460 --> 00:48:55.159
 let him come

00:48:55.159 --> 00:48:56.039
 to me and drink.

00:48:57.000 --> 00:48:57.860
 Whoever believes

00:48:57.860 --> 00:48:58.199
 in me

00:48:58.199 --> 00:48:58.900
 as the scripture

00:48:58.900 --> 00:48:59.579
 has said

00:48:59.579 --> 00:49:00.800
 out of his heart

00:49:00.800 --> 00:49:01.460
 will flow

00:49:01.460 --> 00:49:03.259
 rivers of living water

00:49:03.259 --> 00:49:03.639
 today

00:49:03.639 --> 00:49:04.619
 if your soul

00:49:04.619 --> 00:49:05.279
 is dry

00:49:05.279 --> 00:49:05.980
 if it's like

00:49:05.980 --> 00:49:06.599
 a desert

00:49:06.599 --> 00:49:08.340
 if life has drained

00:49:08.340 --> 00:49:08.559
 you

00:49:08.559 --> 00:49:09.579
 seek Jesus

00:49:09.579 --> 00:49:11.219
 come to Jesus

00:49:11.219 --> 00:49:12.360
 with your need

00:49:12.360 --> 00:49:13.699
 and let His

00:49:13.699 --> 00:49:14.480
 living water

00:49:14.480 --> 00:49:15.639
 through the work

00:49:15.639 --> 00:49:16.300
 of the Spirit

00:49:16.300 --> 00:49:17.099
 refresh you

00:49:17.099 --> 00:49:18.099
 to the tired

00:49:18.099 --> 00:49:18.980
 and exhausted

00:49:18.980 --> 00:49:20.579
 Jesus also says

00:49:20.579 --> 00:49:21.799
 in Matthew chapter 11

00:49:21.799 --> 00:49:22.799
 verse 28

00:49:22.799 --> 00:49:23.920
 come to me

00:49:23.920 --> 00:49:25.579
 He invites you

00:49:25.579 --> 00:49:26.199
 to come

00:49:26.199 --> 00:49:27.480
 all who labor

00:49:27.480 --> 00:49:28.579
 and are heavy laden

00:49:28.579 --> 00:49:30.380
 and I will give you rest

00:49:30.380 --> 00:49:31.980
 today if you are burdened

00:49:31.980 --> 00:49:33.199
 and if you are weary

00:49:33.199 --> 00:49:34.079
 seek Him

00:49:34.079 --> 00:49:36.159
 come near to Jesus

00:49:36.159 --> 00:49:38.719
 and He will give you rest

00:49:38.719 --> 00:49:42.079
 Do you know why

00:49:42.079 --> 00:49:42.860
 we as Christians

00:49:42.860 --> 00:49:43.719
 are to do that

00:49:43.719 --> 00:49:44.559
 when we are in need?

00:49:44.559 --> 00:49:47.259
 verse 20 answers

00:49:47.259 --> 00:49:48.079
 the question

00:49:48.079 --> 00:49:50.500
 that they may

00:49:50.500 --> 00:49:51.920
 see and know

00:49:51.920 --> 00:49:54.159
 may consider

00:49:54.159 --> 00:49:54.980
 and understand

00:49:54.980 --> 00:49:55.559
 together

00:49:55.559 --> 00:49:57.539
 that the hand

00:49:57.539 --> 00:49:58.440
 of the Lord

00:49:58.440 --> 00:49:59.940
 has done this

00:49:59.940 --> 00:50:01.380
 the Holy One

00:50:01.380 --> 00:50:02.000
 of Israel

00:50:02.000 --> 00:50:04.719
 has created it

00:50:04.719 --> 00:50:06.299
 you see

00:50:06.299 --> 00:50:06.940
 as Christians

00:50:06.940 --> 00:50:07.840
 we are not to be

00:50:07.840 --> 00:50:08.259
 these

00:50:08.259 --> 00:50:10.420
 perfect specimens

00:50:10.420 --> 00:50:12.420
 who walk through

00:50:12.420 --> 00:50:13.659
 life never fearful

00:50:13.659 --> 00:50:16.079
 because that's not true

00:50:16.079 --> 00:50:17.739
 we are fearful

00:50:17.739 --> 00:50:18.279
 and anxious

00:50:18.279 --> 00:50:18.980
 at times

00:50:18.980 --> 00:50:20.839
 we are not to be

00:50:20.839 --> 00:50:21.719
 people who walk

00:50:21.719 --> 00:50:22.500
 through the trials

00:50:22.500 --> 00:50:24.219
 of this fallen world

00:50:24.219 --> 00:50:25.539
 pretending that we

00:50:25.539 --> 00:50:26.259
 aren't hopeless

00:50:26.259 --> 00:50:27.000
 and exhausted

00:50:27.000 --> 00:50:27.559
 at times

00:50:27.559 --> 00:50:29.359
 because if we were

00:50:29.359 --> 00:50:30.179
 honest with one another

00:50:30.179 --> 00:50:30.759
 we are

00:50:30.759 --> 00:50:31.799
 hopeless

00:50:31.799 --> 00:50:32.699
 and exhausted

00:50:32.699 --> 00:50:33.359
 at times

00:50:33.359 --> 00:50:35.379
 rather we're to be

00:50:35.379 --> 00:50:36.079
 what this text

00:50:36.079 --> 00:50:36.920
 tells us to be

00:50:36.920 --> 00:50:38.719
 we're to be

00:50:38.719 --> 00:50:39.279
 servants

00:50:39.279 --> 00:50:41.219
 and friends

00:50:41.219 --> 00:50:41.739
 of God

00:50:41.739 --> 00:50:43.659
 and worms

00:50:43.659 --> 00:50:45.139
 yes

00:50:45.139 --> 00:50:45.719
 worms

00:50:45.719 --> 00:50:47.879
 those who

00:50:47.879 --> 00:50:48.599
 at times

00:50:48.599 --> 00:50:49.359
 are poor

00:50:49.359 --> 00:50:50.419
 and needy

00:50:50.419 --> 00:50:52.159
 but also

00:50:52.159 --> 00:50:53.000
 people who have

00:50:53.000 --> 00:50:53.719
 stood in God's

00:50:53.719 --> 00:50:54.500
 courtroom today

00:50:54.500 --> 00:50:56.199
 we've stood

00:50:56.199 --> 00:50:56.699
 in God's

00:50:56.699 --> 00:50:57.139
 courtroom

00:50:57.139 --> 00:50:58.139
 and we've seen

00:50:58.139 --> 00:50:58.859
 the evidence

00:50:58.859 --> 00:50:59.779
 that he's

00:50:59.779 --> 00:51:00.479
 presented

00:51:00.479 --> 00:51:01.279
 and based

00:51:01.279 --> 00:51:02.219
 on the stubborn

00:51:02.219 --> 00:51:03.179
 truth that we

00:51:03.179 --> 00:51:04.039
 have heard

00:51:04.039 --> 00:51:05.239
 we are people

00:51:05.239 --> 00:51:06.099
 who fear

00:51:06.099 --> 00:51:06.639
 no evil

00:51:06.639 --> 00:51:08.239
 we fear

00:51:08.239 --> 00:51:08.699
 no evil

00:51:08.699 --> 00:51:09.779
 because God

00:51:09.780 --> 00:51:11.380
 is with us

00:51:11.380 --> 00:51:12.540
 we fear

00:51:12.540 --> 00:51:12.980
 no evil

00:51:12.980 --> 00:51:13.560
 because he's

00:51:13.560 --> 00:51:14.280
 powerfully

00:51:14.280 --> 00:51:15.480
 working on

00:51:15.480 --> 00:51:16.500
 our behalf

00:51:16.500 --> 00:51:17.000
 we fear

00:51:17.000 --> 00:51:17.580
 no evil

00:51:17.580 --> 00:51:18.600
 because even

00:51:18.600 --> 00:51:19.500
 when we are

00:51:19.500 --> 00:51:20.380
 exhausted by

00:51:20.380 --> 00:51:21.060
 our trials

00:51:21.060 --> 00:51:22.160
 we know

00:51:22.160 --> 00:51:23.240
 that he has

00:51:23.240 --> 00:51:24.160
 us by his

00:51:24.160 --> 00:51:24.620
 hand

00:51:24.620 --> 00:51:25.280
 and he will

00:51:25.280 --> 00:51:26.000
 never let us

00:51:26.000 --> 00:51:26.360
 go

00:51:26.360 --> 00:51:28.080
 so that

00:51:28.080 --> 00:51:29.240
 as we walk

00:51:29.240 --> 00:51:29.980
 through trials

00:51:29.980 --> 00:51:30.800
 and challenges

00:51:30.800 --> 00:51:32.420
 with peace

00:51:32.420 --> 00:51:34.060
 and with hope

00:51:34.060 --> 00:51:35.140
 and with a

00:51:35.140 --> 00:51:35.680
 lack of

00:51:35.680 --> 00:51:36.460
 fear

00:51:36.460 --> 00:51:38.000
 people around

00:51:38.000 --> 00:51:38.460
 us may

00:51:38.460 --> 00:51:38.900
 see and

00:51:38.900 --> 00:51:39.260
 know

00:51:39.260 --> 00:51:40.340
 that this

00:51:40.340 --> 00:51:40.940
 is God's

00:51:40.940 --> 00:51:41.300
 doing

00:51:41.300 --> 00:51:42.400
 in our

00:51:42.400 --> 00:51:42.900
 lives

00:51:42.900 --> 00:51:44.159
 and therefore

00:51:44.159 --> 00:51:45.619
 he alone

00:51:45.619 --> 00:51:46.900
 receives all

00:51:46.900 --> 00:51:47.460
 the glory

00:51:47.460 --> 00:51:48.820
 let's pray

00:51:48.820 --> 00:51:52.740
 but we thank

00:51:52.740 --> 00:51:53.179
 you for your

00:51:53.179 --> 00:51:54.079
 word and

00:51:54.079 --> 00:51:55.659
 its clarity

00:51:55.659 --> 00:51:56.519
 and for its

00:51:56.519 --> 00:51:57.420
 present help

00:51:57.420 --> 00:51:59.320
 I pray for

00:51:59.320 --> 00:52:00.139
 anyone here

00:52:00.139 --> 00:52:01.220
 truth

00:52:01.219 --> 00:52:02.719
 believe in

00:52:02.719 --> 00:52:03.139
 1

00:52:03.139 --> 00:52:20.059
 comes Hy

00:52:20.059 --> 00:52:20.799
 it's

00:52:20.799 --> 00:52:22.699
 25

00:52:22.699 --> 00:52:24.819
 wwww

00:52:24.819 --> 00:52:26.159
 and

00:52:26.779 --> 00:52:27.539
 what I