WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.980 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.480 --> 00:00:09.040 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:09.580 --> 00:00:10.120 Join us. 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:12.200 Amen. 00:00:12.400 --> 00:00:13.339 I love that song. 00:00:15.439 --> 00:00:17.080 We had it sung to us in India. 00:00:18.179 --> 00:00:19.019 It's true there too. 00:00:20.039 --> 00:00:24.699 He's the God of that city and of that nation and great things because of who he is. 00:00:24.699 --> 00:00:34.159 Thank you once again for praying for us and for caring for my family while Skeets and I were in India for a couple of weeks. 00:00:35.420 --> 00:00:41.560 This particular Sunday, this particular sermon I had marked as a sermon on giving. 00:00:42.239 --> 00:00:47.679 It's the right time of year for that and seemed like an appropriate thing. 00:00:48.280 --> 00:00:51.179 And our passage is still going to address that a bit this morning. 00:00:51.179 --> 00:00:56.179 But God began writing a bit of a different sermon while I was in India. 00:00:56.960 --> 00:01:02.140 And especially while I was not sleeping on the plane on the way back. 00:01:02.560 --> 00:01:07.359 Because of all the things that my heart was full of from my time there. 00:01:07.900 --> 00:01:11.560 So I'm excited to share with you some things that God has been teaching me. 00:01:11.780 --> 00:01:15.859 Some burdens that he's given me for us. 00:01:15.859 --> 00:01:18.179 So let's pray. 00:01:18.439 --> 00:01:22.319 And in a few minutes I'll read Psalm 96 for us. 00:01:22.539 --> 00:01:23.539 Join me in prayer. 00:01:25.579 --> 00:01:27.359 Father those words are true. 00:01:27.480 --> 00:01:28.719 They're straight out of your word. 00:01:28.840 --> 00:01:30.239 There is no one like you. 00:01:31.459 --> 00:01:34.159 There is no other God besides you. 00:01:35.620 --> 00:01:40.480 Father show us what that must mean for us. 00:01:41.560 --> 00:01:43.859 Show us how that changes everything. 00:01:43.859 --> 00:01:47.439 You alone are worthy of our praise. 00:01:48.299 --> 00:01:53.359 Holy Spirit would you come and inflame our hearts this morning for you. 00:01:53.760 --> 00:02:00.359 Might we meet with God and be like all those who meet with him that don't leave unchanged. 00:02:01.819 --> 00:02:03.739 Holy Spirit speak through your word. 00:02:04.879 --> 00:02:08.439 We might know you and love you and serve you more. 00:02:09.079 --> 00:02:10.520 We ask in Jesus name. 00:02:11.520 --> 00:02:11.840 Amen. 00:02:11.840 --> 00:02:12.020 Amen. 00:02:13.860 --> 00:02:20.500 Baba Tu was one of the students in our seminary class while we were in India. 00:02:20.980 --> 00:02:22.580 He's 23 years old. 00:02:23.360 --> 00:02:25.340 He comes from a Hindu family. 00:02:25.540 --> 00:02:27.040 Five children. 00:02:28.100 --> 00:02:33.680 And just a couple of years ago he came to faith in Christ through his uncle. 00:02:34.640 --> 00:02:41.220 When he did, adding him to his uncle, that made for two Christians in the entire extended family. 00:02:41.219 --> 00:02:44.439 Dozens of family members in a very tight knit family. 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:45.780 He became the second. 00:02:46.740 --> 00:02:48.719 And the rest of his family ran him off. 00:02:49.460 --> 00:02:50.759 They didn't want him around anymore. 00:02:50.900 --> 00:02:52.960 They sent him away out of the home. 00:02:53.139 --> 00:02:57.240 It was over a year before his parents or any of his siblings would speak with him. 00:02:58.240 --> 00:03:00.400 He can talk to them by phone now. 00:03:00.479 --> 00:03:01.000 They'll answer. 00:03:01.139 --> 00:03:03.460 But he's not welcome at home. 00:03:03.460 --> 00:03:09.860 Despite this, Baba Tu is the life of the party on the seminary campus. 00:03:10.040 --> 00:03:11.400 Everyone loves him. 00:03:12.159 --> 00:03:17.640 You'd think he'd want to stay right there where he has so much fun and everybody loves being with him. 00:03:17.980 --> 00:03:19.900 But Baba Tu can't wait to leave. 00:03:20.900 --> 00:03:26.080 He can't wait to finish his training so that he can get back home to his village. 00:03:26.080 --> 00:03:28.660 To tell people about Jesus. 00:03:28.840 --> 00:03:30.660 To evangelize his village. 00:03:30.740 --> 00:03:32.600 He wants to start a church there. 00:03:33.580 --> 00:03:38.140 Even though he knows that he may well suffer harm from his family. 00:03:39.120 --> 00:03:40.060 From others. 00:03:40.939 --> 00:03:42.100 That's his vision. 00:03:42.220 --> 00:03:42.800 That's his heart. 00:03:42.880 --> 00:03:45.580 That vision is what drives him every day. 00:03:46.460 --> 00:03:47.620 He likes cricket. 00:03:48.360 --> 00:03:49.439 He's really good at it. 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:58.400 But if he's getting excited as you talk to him, it's probably because he's telling you the story of his conversion and coming to meet Jesus. 00:03:58.759 --> 00:04:06.900 Or he's telling you some glimpses of hope that he's had from conversations with family members or friends sharing with them about Jesus. 00:04:07.020 --> 00:04:08.379 That's what gets him excited. 00:04:09.400 --> 00:04:16.839 And I could tell you story after story, dozens of times over, of people we met in India just like that. 00:04:16.839 --> 00:04:23.219 And every time I tell him or think about him, it challenges me. 00:04:23.859 --> 00:04:28.060 It challenges me to consider what truly drives me. 00:04:28.659 --> 00:04:30.599 I mean, I'm a pastor, right? 00:04:31.279 --> 00:04:37.620 So being all about Jesus and the kingdom of God on the books, that's what I'm supposed to be about, right? 00:04:38.699 --> 00:04:42.399 By occupation, I'm all about the kingdom of God. 00:04:42.399 --> 00:04:51.699 But outside of my preaching and teaching, Babatoo has probably shared about Jesus with more people this year than I have in my 35. 00:04:52.919 --> 00:04:54.620 I'm pretty confident of that. 00:04:55.639 --> 00:04:59.039 I'm pretty passionate about a lot of things, about my reputation. 00:05:00.679 --> 00:05:05.959 Passionate about my family and going on vacation together and telling people about our times together. 00:05:05.959 --> 00:05:08.719 I can get passionate about Clemson football. 00:05:10.659 --> 00:05:17.899 But practically speaking, in my life, in my relationships, when you talk to me, when I'm excited about something, 00:05:18.060 --> 00:05:20.639 is it likely to be about the kingdom and Jesus? 00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:22.240 Is that what it's going to be? 00:05:22.240 --> 00:05:31.800 On a corporate level, Mission India, the group we were there with, has a vision. 00:05:31.939 --> 00:05:36.500 You can see it just barely on this tower right as you walk into their campus. 00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:37.319 You can't miss it. 00:05:37.620 --> 00:05:41.420 100,000 Christ-like global leaders. 00:05:41.420 --> 00:05:48.759 These people, they want to raise up and send out to plant churches, to run orphanages. 00:05:51.780 --> 00:05:53.319 I'll have to practice that word. 00:05:53.840 --> 00:05:59.319 To teach children, to teach youth, to evangelize in every village in India. 00:05:59.319 --> 00:06:02.740 And everything they do is driven by that commitment. 00:06:03.660 --> 00:06:07.560 To reach India and beyond for Jesus, they will say. 00:06:07.740 --> 00:06:08.580 It's really crazy. 00:06:08.579 --> 00:06:15.399 In India alone, there are twice as many unbelievers as there are people in America, Canada, and Mexico combined. 00:06:16.379 --> 00:06:18.539 You'd think that'd be a big enough vision for them, right? 00:06:18.659 --> 00:06:20.439 Maybe we can just get into all of India. 00:06:21.300 --> 00:06:22.939 And yet, what do they want to do? 00:06:23.199 --> 00:06:30.379 They want to dream about reaching every village in India and then the whole world for the kingdom of Jesus. 00:06:30.699 --> 00:06:37.379 They talk about 1.3 billion people as a missionary force that the world has never seen before. 00:06:37.379 --> 00:06:39.519 That's how they think about India. 00:06:41.459 --> 00:06:42.860 But they don't just talk. 00:06:43.980 --> 00:06:44.980 They pray. 00:06:45.879 --> 00:06:48.279 They pray about that all the time. 00:06:48.579 --> 00:06:52.680 They wake up talking about it when they're exercising at 5 in the morning. 00:06:53.240 --> 00:06:54.680 They fundraise for it. 00:06:54.759 --> 00:06:59.100 They prioritize the worship of God and the word of God. 00:06:59.100 --> 00:07:08.420 Many of the people we were with for the week of the conference were spending their only two weeks of the year that they and their families would be on vacation. 00:07:09.220 --> 00:07:12.480 The only times they'd be outside of their village the whole year. 00:07:13.020 --> 00:07:17.240 Traveling two, three days each way for many of them. 00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:22.340 And then participating in a conference about worship and preaching. 00:07:22.339 --> 00:07:24.259 And they loved it. 00:07:24.919 --> 00:07:27.719 It was the only thing they wanted to do with that time. 00:07:28.239 --> 00:07:36.579 With their families sitting for four hours at a time in a crowded room with no AC to hear God's word and to praise his name. 00:07:36.579 --> 00:07:44.079 One of the pastors we met there was so excited to send me pictures of his new church building this week. 00:07:44.180 --> 00:07:48.419 He sent me 50 pictures of this building. 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:52.979 50 pictures of that. 00:07:53.019 --> 00:07:54.899 How many different things can you show? 00:07:55.419 --> 00:07:56.279 50 pictures. 00:07:57.219 --> 00:07:59.919 He's excited because the church is being built. 00:08:00.039 --> 00:08:02.259 The kingdom of God is advancing. 00:08:02.259 --> 00:08:04.719 And he wanted to share the joy of that. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:11.399 Now on the books, our corporate vision is exactly the same. 00:08:12.139 --> 00:08:14.399 To advance the kingdom of God. 00:08:14.920 --> 00:08:15.099 Right? 00:08:16.259 --> 00:08:21.860 But is it truly our driving passion the way I'm describing it is for them? 00:08:22.839 --> 00:08:27.899 Is everything else in our lives scheduled and shaped around the worship of God? 00:08:28.420 --> 00:08:30.920 Do we hunger for God's word? 00:08:30.920 --> 00:08:37.560 How often do we sacrifice our own comfort to see the vision of God's kingdom advancing? 00:08:37.700 --> 00:08:39.539 Is that a regular thing for us? 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:45.000 I really wrestled with this while we were there. 00:08:45.120 --> 00:08:49.200 It was challenging for me to think about us corporately. 00:08:50.279 --> 00:08:54.320 I told Skeets we had basically two options as I saw it. 00:08:54.320 --> 00:09:04.620 Being really honest, option one is that we shut these doors and send all our money over there to them. 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:08.860 Where they really do need the money. 00:09:09.900 --> 00:09:14.480 Where they really are committed to seeing God's kingdom advance. 00:09:14.640 --> 00:09:17.020 And where a little bit of money goes a long way. 00:09:17.820 --> 00:09:20.060 And that seems like a viable option. 00:09:20.059 --> 00:09:32.879 Option two is that we truly begin to share that tangible passion for everyone in our villages. 00:09:32.879 --> 00:09:35.859 In the village of Huntsville and beyond. 00:09:36.219 --> 00:09:37.279 To know King Jesus. 00:09:37.879 --> 00:09:41.879 To see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 00:09:42.119 --> 00:09:43.599 And to live like that. 00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:46.220 Now please hear me. 00:09:46.980 --> 00:09:47.820 I love y'all. 00:09:48.980 --> 00:09:51.080 My preference is option number two. 00:09:52.019 --> 00:09:55.620 I've told you I want to storm the gates of hell with y'all. 00:09:55.620 --> 00:09:59.920 I want to be about God doing great things in this city and around the world. 00:10:00.100 --> 00:10:04.240 I'm just saying that there's no longer for me this option three. 00:10:04.639 --> 00:10:06.920 Where we say all of those things. 00:10:07.100 --> 00:10:10.399 But really it doesn't make a lot of difference. 00:10:10.399 --> 00:10:15.019 That doesn't seem like a viable option anymore. 00:10:15.340 --> 00:10:17.860 Where intellectually we have a lot of right answers. 00:10:18.340 --> 00:10:23.819 But really advancing the kingdom is down the list of what truly drives us and shapes our lives. 00:10:24.559 --> 00:10:27.340 It doesn't seem viable for me. 00:10:28.559 --> 00:10:29.759 Or for us. 00:10:31.840 --> 00:10:35.039 And I've thought again as I've wrestled with that. 00:10:35.500 --> 00:10:36.600 I've thought it myself. 00:10:36.740 --> 00:10:37.960 I've heard other people say it. 00:10:37.960 --> 00:10:43.360 Well they're just zealous for Jesus because they don't have anything else. 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:46.780 Maybe you've thought that. 00:10:48.820 --> 00:10:50.139 I've got to tell you. 00:10:50.320 --> 00:10:55.259 If that's all it takes to be zealous for Jesus like that. 00:10:55.840 --> 00:11:00.580 Then take away these walls and these padded seats and the AC. 00:11:00.900 --> 00:11:03.660 And all of these wonderful things that I call blessings. 00:11:03.659 --> 00:11:08.939 But if what it takes for me to treasure Jesus the way they do is just not to have some of that. 00:11:09.059 --> 00:11:10.459 That's a great place to start. 00:11:15.899 --> 00:11:19.240 Some of you are thinking that Pastor has a bit of heartburn. 00:11:21.679 --> 00:11:26.459 Maybe he had a bit too much of the spicy curry while he was in India. 00:11:26.460 --> 00:11:29.400 And this is just something he's got to get out of his system. 00:11:30.060 --> 00:11:31.600 I did have a lot of it. 00:11:31.639 --> 00:11:32.540 I really like it. 00:11:34.420 --> 00:11:37.280 But I wouldn't preach this to you if it was just what I felt. 00:11:37.279 --> 00:11:41.179 It's all over. 00:11:41.659 --> 00:11:43.179 Every page of this book. 00:11:43.839 --> 00:11:44.959 From beginning to end. 00:11:45.860 --> 00:11:48.379 It's what it says we're to be about. 00:11:48.759 --> 00:12:02.860 Psalm 96 reminds us this morning that God's glory here and everywhere must be the driving, formative, energizing passion of our lives and our church. 00:12:02.939 --> 00:12:03.720 There are three words. 00:12:03.819 --> 00:12:05.360 I think they mean basically the same thing. 00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:08.980 What I'm trying to say is it has to be the experiential reality. 00:12:09.220 --> 00:12:11.220 Not just something we write down in a book. 00:12:12.220 --> 00:12:18.460 It must actually shape our individual lives and our corporate lives together. 00:12:20.039 --> 00:12:21.560 Let's read the first few verses. 00:12:21.779 --> 00:12:22.519 Psalm 96. 00:12:23.220 --> 00:12:25.019 Oh sing to the Lord a new song. 00:12:25.379 --> 00:12:26.779 Sing to the Lord all the earth. 00:12:27.180 --> 00:12:27.879 Sing to the Lord. 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:28.840 Bless his name. 00:12:29.200 --> 00:12:31.759 Tell of his salvation from day to day. 00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:34.420 Declare his glory among the nations. 00:12:34.419 --> 00:12:37.039 He says, marvelous works among all peoples. 00:12:38.039 --> 00:12:40.579 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. 00:12:40.860 --> 00:12:42.759 He is to be feared above all gods. 00:12:43.120 --> 00:12:45.759 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols. 00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:48.259 But the Lord made the heavens. 00:12:49.379 --> 00:12:51.919 Splendor and majesty are before him. 00:12:52.279 --> 00:12:55.159 Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 00:12:55.159 --> 00:12:58.519 Yahweh alone is glorious. 00:12:58.519 --> 00:13:01.759 There is none like him. 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:09.899 All the other so-called gods are over one nation or one arena of life. 00:13:10.839 --> 00:13:12.899 But Yahweh owns it all. 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:15.199 That's what he's saying. 00:13:15.740 --> 00:13:16.500 Splendor. 00:13:17.559 --> 00:13:18.179 Majesty. 00:13:18.699 --> 00:13:19.399 Strength. 00:13:19.899 --> 00:13:20.299 Beauty. 00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:22.059 They all belong to him. 00:13:22.419 --> 00:13:29.379 And the purpose of our lives then is to declare this unparalleled glory everywhere. 00:13:30.799 --> 00:13:32.139 First, upward. 00:13:32.859 --> 00:13:34.259 To God himself. 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:39.079 Worshipping the one who is greatly to be praised. 00:13:40.759 --> 00:13:43.759 It must be central to everything we do. 00:13:43.759 --> 00:13:46.419 Because, y'all know how God has made us. 00:13:46.500 --> 00:13:49.980 We're always ascribing worth to something, aren't we? 00:13:50.319 --> 00:13:51.340 That's what it means to worship. 00:13:52.419 --> 00:13:55.259 We're always seeking for strength. 00:13:55.700 --> 00:13:57.120 For beauty. 00:13:57.639 --> 00:13:59.980 For value in something. 00:14:00.860 --> 00:14:04.360 And if it's not in the one true God, 00:14:04.700 --> 00:14:07.200 our lives are out of whack. 00:14:07.200 --> 00:14:10.200 We're chasing worthless idols. 00:14:11.379 --> 00:14:12.280 The psalmist says. 00:14:14.680 --> 00:14:17.540 Then we also declare God's glory, 00:14:18.040 --> 00:14:19.940 his great worth to each other. 00:14:20.640 --> 00:14:21.200 Inward. 00:14:21.660 --> 00:14:23.180 Among the family of God. 00:14:23.280 --> 00:14:23.800 Right here. 00:14:24.460 --> 00:14:28.060 This psalm is a song for the worship of God's people, right? 00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:31.020 So day after day, what are they doing as they sing this? 00:14:31.300 --> 00:14:35.120 We remind ourselves of his salvation day after day. 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:37.399 We tell each other about it. 00:14:37.779 --> 00:14:41.179 Of the grace we have experienced from this glorious God. 00:14:41.340 --> 00:14:43.279 And we gather to do that. 00:14:44.500 --> 00:14:48.500 But it must never stop there. 00:14:49.320 --> 00:14:51.100 We worship God, yes. 00:14:51.240 --> 00:14:54.379 We remind each other of his greatness, yes. 00:14:54.580 --> 00:14:58.039 But we must declare God's glory outward. 00:14:59.019 --> 00:15:01.019 To every nation. 00:15:01.680 --> 00:15:02.500 Verse three. 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:05.120 We're going to see in the rest of the psalm 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:06.539 that what we're actually doing 00:15:06.539 --> 00:15:10.600 is we're inviting them in to this worship of God 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:12.480 and fellowship with each other, 00:15:12.820 --> 00:15:14.179 saying among the nations, 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:15.980 Yahweh reigns. 00:15:16.399 --> 00:15:17.519 Verse 10. 00:15:19.460 --> 00:15:21.799 I love the way Charles Spurgeon says it. 00:15:22.220 --> 00:15:26.759 Each day brings us deeper experience of our saving God. 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:32.179 Each day shows us anew how deeply men need his salvation. 00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:33.580 Boy, isn't that the truth? 00:15:34.399 --> 00:15:35.919 Don't you realize that every day? 00:15:36.659 --> 00:15:39.279 How much people need salvation? 00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:42.139 Each day reveals the power of the gospel, 00:15:42.259 --> 00:15:43.360 that that's where our hope is. 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:46.679 Each day the Spirit strives with the sons of men. 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:47.879 And so what? 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:51.600 Therefore, never pausing, 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:56.120 be it ours to tell out the glorious message of free grace. 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:57.200 Amen. 00:15:57.679 --> 00:15:57.960 Amen. 00:15:58.360 --> 00:15:59.419 That's good stuff. 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:02.879 We do this or we shut the doors. 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:03.980 Right? 00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:09.519 We do this with every breath that God gives us. 00:16:09.840 --> 00:16:10.899 It's why we're here. 00:16:11.460 --> 00:16:14.360 Y'all know this is not the focus of Psalm 96 only. 00:16:14.360 --> 00:16:17.560 Remember in Ephesians, 00:16:17.820 --> 00:16:20.159 when we walked together through that book 00:16:20.159 --> 00:16:22.440 during the last senior pastor transition? 00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:24.820 We learned what Southwood needed 00:16:24.820 --> 00:16:26.419 was not a new senior pastor. 00:16:27.279 --> 00:16:28.600 What we need, 00:16:28.740 --> 00:16:30.440 what this community needs, 00:16:30.680 --> 00:16:32.440 what the next generation needs, 00:16:32.580 --> 00:16:34.980 is an exalted vision of God. 00:16:35.200 --> 00:16:39.460 A grand view of his immeasurable love for us. 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:41.360 How wide and how long 00:16:41.360 --> 00:16:43.139 and how high and how deep. 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:45.960 And Ephesians says that's where the power comes from. 00:16:46.159 --> 00:16:47.860 That's where his power shows up 00:16:47.860 --> 00:16:51.580 when we see him as glorious as he is. 00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:56.139 God's glory everywhere, 00:16:57.159 --> 00:16:57.860 filling the nations, 00:16:58.039 --> 00:16:58.720 filling the earth, 00:16:58.939 --> 00:17:01.759 is the story of all of the Bible. 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:03.779 Of all of history. 00:17:04.920 --> 00:17:08.259 God creates mankind in his image 00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:10.559 to reflect his glory 00:17:10.559 --> 00:17:12.879 and sends us out to fill the earth, right? 00:17:13.859 --> 00:17:15.359 Except that we don't. 00:17:16.379 --> 00:17:18.740 Not only do we fail to reflect his image, 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:21.119 we actually decide we're not filling the earth. 00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:22.339 At the Tower of Babel, 00:17:22.659 --> 00:17:25.619 mankind decides to gather together into one place. 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:28.460 The opposite of what God has created them 00:17:28.460 --> 00:17:29.460 and told them to do. 00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:30.859 And God is so committed 00:17:30.859 --> 00:17:32.819 that he confuses their language 00:17:32.819 --> 00:17:35.440 and it says scatters them over the whole earth 00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:38.820 because he will see it filled with his glory. 00:17:40.380 --> 00:17:41.940 And then he blesses Abraham 00:17:41.940 --> 00:17:43.559 and Abraham's descendants. 00:17:43.820 --> 00:17:44.059 Why? 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:47.380 That they might be a blessing to the nations. 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:50.440 The nation of Israel he establishes 00:17:51.200 --> 00:17:53.120 as a light for the nations. 00:17:53.119 --> 00:17:58.839 But because they too fail to shine his glory everywhere, 00:17:59.079 --> 00:18:00.359 he sends the Messiah, 00:18:00.899 --> 00:18:02.379 Isaiah chapter 49, 00:18:02.939 --> 00:18:05.179 as a light for the nations 00:18:05.179 --> 00:18:07.879 that my salvation may reach 00:18:07.879 --> 00:18:09.599 to the end of the earth. 00:18:11.819 --> 00:18:13.219 You see what he's doing? 00:18:14.319 --> 00:18:16.179 He sends the Messiah 00:18:16.179 --> 00:18:19.379 that this vision of his glory being everywhere 00:18:19.379 --> 00:18:20.899 and every nation knowing 00:18:20.900 --> 00:18:23.240 might come to fruition. 00:18:23.600 --> 00:18:24.460 And that's what happens. 00:18:24.560 --> 00:18:26.400 He sends him and redeems us 00:18:26.400 --> 00:18:29.340 and sends us on the same mission. 00:18:29.660 --> 00:18:30.700 Why is it that we're here? 00:18:31.240 --> 00:18:32.200 What are we to be doing? 00:18:32.300 --> 00:18:33.640 1 Peter chapter 2, 00:18:34.040 --> 00:18:35.080 you're a chosen race, 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:36.180 a royal priesthood, 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:37.040 a holy nation, 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:39.160 a people for God's own possession 00:18:39.160 --> 00:18:41.420 that you may proclaim 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:43.519 the excellencies of him 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:45.200 who called you out of darkness 00:18:45.200 --> 00:18:46.600 into his marvelous light 00:18:46.600 --> 00:18:48.620 that we might declare his glory 00:18:48.620 --> 00:18:49.600 among the nations. 00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:52.619 That's what we're here for. 00:18:53.699 --> 00:18:54.919 It's the whole story. 00:18:55.299 --> 00:18:57.339 It's what's going on cover to cover. 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:59.740 It's why God has us here. 00:19:00.679 --> 00:19:01.980 And the best part is that 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:03.699 we know how the story ends. 00:19:03.879 --> 00:19:04.779 It ends with what we read 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:05.519 a couple weeks ago 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:06.980 in Habakkuk chapter 2, 00:19:07.399 --> 00:19:08.759 that the earth will be filled 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:09.839 with the knowledge 00:19:09.839 --> 00:19:11.240 of the glory of the Lord 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:13.899 as the waters cover the seas. 00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:16.439 The earth full of God's glory. 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:17.299 That's where it's going. 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:19.139 And a multitude gathered 00:19:19.139 --> 00:19:20.419 around the throne of the Lamb 00:19:20.419 --> 00:19:21.720 that is from every tribe 00:19:21.720 --> 00:19:23.339 and tongue and people 00:19:23.339 --> 00:19:24.299 and nation, 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:25.659 worshiping him. 00:19:25.700 --> 00:19:26.599 That's where it's going. 00:19:27.319 --> 00:19:28.079 It's headed there. 00:19:28.159 --> 00:19:29.220 God's going to do that. 00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:31.399 So if we want to be a part of that, 00:19:31.619 --> 00:19:32.819 if we want to be a part 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:34.940 of something eternally glorious, 00:19:35.419 --> 00:19:36.500 greater than ourselves, 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:38.359 that's what we have to be about. 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:40.119 That's what he's doing. 00:19:40.119 --> 00:19:42.639 This is where we must focus 00:19:42.639 --> 00:19:43.459 our energies. 00:19:44.179 --> 00:19:45.019 The word of God 00:19:45.019 --> 00:19:47.719 must actually be our daily bread. 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:52.239 Prayer must be our native language. 00:19:53.379 --> 00:19:54.500 The kingdom of God 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:56.819 must become our primary homeland. 00:19:57.919 --> 00:19:59.239 The glory of God 00:19:59.239 --> 00:20:00.779 must be our chief delight. 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:02.679 And that's got to change everything. 00:20:03.159 --> 00:20:03.979 We were created 00:20:03.979 --> 00:20:05.119 and we were redeemed 00:20:05.119 --> 00:20:07.179 to declare God's glory here 00:20:07.180 --> 00:20:08.299 and everywhere. 00:20:09.759 --> 00:20:10.860 Not just to make it a slogan. 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:13.220 Not just to go to a church 00:20:13.220 --> 00:20:14.620 that says that's what we're doing. 00:20:15.840 --> 00:20:17.600 But to shape our lives 00:20:17.600 --> 00:20:18.740 around it 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:20.039 in everything that we do. 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:23.759 Now because this is 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:24.700 our driving passion, 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:26.140 of course we give to it. 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:28.360 Here's the giving part. 00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:30.320 Look at verses 7 through 9. 00:20:30.319 --> 00:20:31.819 Ascribe to the Lord 00:20:31.819 --> 00:20:33.319 O families of the peoples. 00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:34.779 Ascribe to the Lord 00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:36.419 glory and strength. 00:20:37.159 --> 00:20:38.000 Ascribe to the Lord 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:39.439 the glory due His name. 00:20:40.159 --> 00:20:40.899 Bring an offering 00:20:40.899 --> 00:20:42.700 and come into His courts. 00:20:43.960 --> 00:20:44.819 Worship the Lord 00:20:44.819 --> 00:20:46.220 in the splendor of holiness. 00:20:46.960 --> 00:20:48.240 Tremble before Him 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:49.879 all the earth. 00:20:51.359 --> 00:20:53.559 God is so worthy of worship 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:54.659 that as the peoples 00:20:54.659 --> 00:20:55.659 come to worship Him 00:20:55.659 --> 00:20:57.599 they bring offerings to Him. 00:20:57.639 --> 00:20:58.759 All sorts of offerings. 00:21:00.319 --> 00:21:01.879 The offerings in verse 8 00:21:01.879 --> 00:21:02.539 are interesting 00:21:02.539 --> 00:21:05.139 because they aren't the kinds 00:21:05.139 --> 00:21:06.480 for a specific sin 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:08.359 or a particular celebration 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:09.740 in the life of God's people. 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:10.839 If you've read the Old Testament 00:21:10.839 --> 00:21:11.599 you know there are lots 00:21:11.599 --> 00:21:12.519 of offerings, right? 00:21:13.159 --> 00:21:14.059 A lot of reasons 00:21:14.059 --> 00:21:16.200 for sacrifices to be brought 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:17.500 at particular times 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:18.500 and to atone 00:21:18.500 --> 00:21:19.839 for particular sins. 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:21.859 That's not what this word means. 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:24.019 Rather these are 00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:25.139 our free will 00:21:25.139 --> 00:21:27.019 thank offerings. 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:29.179 Offerings you bring 00:21:29.180 --> 00:21:29.920 to Yahweh 00:21:29.920 --> 00:21:31.259 merely because 00:21:31.259 --> 00:21:32.060 He's worthy 00:21:32.060 --> 00:21:34.299 and because you delight 00:21:34.299 --> 00:21:36.019 to honor Him. 00:21:36.840 --> 00:21:37.920 Offerings you bring 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:39.799 to declare His glory 00:21:39.799 --> 00:21:40.400 and proclaim 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:41.740 that He owns everything 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:42.700 including you. 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:46.640 So when we talk about giving 00:21:46.640 --> 00:21:49.180 people want to know numbers. 00:21:50.240 --> 00:21:50.340 You know, 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:52.980 pastor is 10% enough? 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:54.600 Is that the right thing? 00:21:55.500 --> 00:21:56.680 Gross or net? 00:21:57.539 --> 00:21:58.299 Help me know 00:21:58.299 --> 00:21:59.460 what am I supposed to do? 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:00.480 Listen, 00:22:00.600 --> 00:22:01.180 the Old Testament 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:03.759 talks about the 10% tithe 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:05.920 and even these 00:22:05.920 --> 00:22:07.220 thank offerings 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:08.799 to the glory of God 00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:09.580 in the Old Testament 00:22:09.580 --> 00:22:11.019 go well beyond that. 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:13.420 But then the New Testament 00:22:13.420 --> 00:22:14.720 emphasis is not on numbers 00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:15.580 but it's on the God 00:22:15.580 --> 00:22:16.720 who says give it all. 00:22:17.560 --> 00:22:19.240 Leave 10% in the dust 00:22:19.240 --> 00:22:20.820 because what you're doing 00:22:20.820 --> 00:22:22.019 is you owe everything 00:22:22.019 --> 00:22:22.960 to me. 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:24.360 I want your life 00:22:24.360 --> 00:22:25.539 given to my glory 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:26.399 and my kingdom. 00:22:29.740 --> 00:22:30.500 It's interesting 00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:31.259 to watch people 00:22:31.259 --> 00:22:32.220 in India give. 00:22:34.659 --> 00:22:35.659 They don't have 00:22:35.659 --> 00:22:36.579 much money 00:22:36.579 --> 00:22:38.039 most of them 00:22:38.039 --> 00:22:39.579 but they have 00:22:39.579 --> 00:22:40.379 a lot of needs 00:22:40.379 --> 00:22:41.000 around 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:42.359 and they love 00:22:42.359 --> 00:22:43.119 to give whatever 00:22:43.119 --> 00:22:43.819 they have 00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:44.680 when they see 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.240 those needs. 00:22:45.559 --> 00:22:46.039 And when they run 00:22:46.039 --> 00:22:46.659 out of money 00:22:46.659 --> 00:22:48.039 they'll offer themselves 00:22:48.039 --> 00:22:48.839 to help 00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:50.000 in any way 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:50.740 that they can. 00:22:51.680 --> 00:22:52.299 And I think 00:22:52.299 --> 00:22:53.159 they're open handed 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:54.320 with their money 00:22:54.320 --> 00:22:55.840 and their time 00:22:55.840 --> 00:22:57.600 because they trust 00:22:57.600 --> 00:22:58.779 that God is worth it 00:22:58.779 --> 00:23:00.700 and that God 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.460 will actually 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:02.500 care for them. 00:23:02.740 --> 00:23:03.700 They have seen 00:23:03.700 --> 00:23:04.880 Him care for them 00:23:04.880 --> 00:23:05.840 when they have nothing. 00:23:06.540 --> 00:23:07.120 They're not afraid 00:23:07.120 --> 00:23:07.440 of that. 00:23:08.880 --> 00:23:10.500 This water tower 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:11.120 right here 00:23:11.120 --> 00:23:12.560 stands in the 00:23:12.560 --> 00:23:13.500 middle of 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:14.320 the campus 00:23:14.320 --> 00:23:15.279 there at Mission India 00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:16.140 as a testament 00:23:16.140 --> 00:23:16.779 to this. 00:23:17.920 --> 00:23:18.860 When they bought 00:23:18.860 --> 00:23:20.960 this 25 acre field 00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:22.660 way outside of town 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:23.640 in the middle of nowhere 00:23:23.640 --> 00:23:24.880 20 some years ago 00:23:24.880 --> 00:23:26.019 it was too far away 00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:26.579 from the city 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:28.200 to have any water lines 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:28.900 to it at all. 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:30.840 So they purchased 00:23:30.840 --> 00:23:31.420 the field 00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:32.640 but really didn't know 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:33.380 how they were going 00:23:33.380 --> 00:23:34.100 to get water 00:23:34.100 --> 00:23:34.880 on the property 00:23:34.880 --> 00:23:36.039 of their new campus. 00:23:36.900 --> 00:23:37.860 And so they prayed 00:23:37.860 --> 00:23:39.360 that God would provide 00:23:39.360 --> 00:23:40.019 in some way 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:41.140 they didn't have 00:23:41.140 --> 00:23:42.340 in their plans 00:23:42.340 --> 00:23:43.460 and pretty soon 00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:45.000 they found a water source 00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:45.400 in the middle 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:45.960 of the property. 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:48.519 It became a large well 00:23:48.519 --> 00:23:49.920 that's now connected 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:51.240 to this water tower 00:23:51.240 --> 00:23:53.119 that for 20 plus years 00:23:53.119 --> 00:23:54.039 has provided 00:23:54.039 --> 00:23:54.940 all the water 00:23:54.940 --> 00:23:57.400 for 200 plus residents 00:23:57.400 --> 00:23:58.400 on the campus 00:23:58.400 --> 00:23:59.200 for 20 years. 00:23:59.879 --> 00:24:00.599 And at times 00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:01.139 like the week 00:24:01.139 --> 00:24:01.559 we were there 00:24:01.559 --> 00:24:03.279 2,000 people at a time 00:24:03.279 --> 00:24:04.299 and there's plenty 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:05.039 of water left. 00:24:05.799 --> 00:24:06.480 Isn't it awesome 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:08.180 to see God work like that? 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.980 To provide like that 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:12.000 exactly what His people need? 00:24:12.139 --> 00:24:13.180 Isn't that exciting? 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:14.619 Isn't God someone 00:24:14.619 --> 00:24:15.680 we can trust 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:17.259 to care for us? 00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:19.140 Yes, they know that. 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:20.039 They've seen that. 00:24:21.400 --> 00:24:22.259 Y'all, we don't give 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.420 because we have to. 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:25.799 Because God told us 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:26.379 there was something 00:24:26.379 --> 00:24:27.460 we had to do 00:24:27.460 --> 00:24:29.019 and meet a certain criteria. 00:24:29.379 --> 00:24:30.960 We give of our resources 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:32.319 because we get 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:33.339 to be a part 00:24:33.339 --> 00:24:34.759 of God's glory 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:35.640 being declared 00:24:35.640 --> 00:24:36.500 to the nations. 00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:39.339 For many of us 00:24:39.339 --> 00:24:40.059 who've never given 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:41.359 to the church before 00:24:41.359 --> 00:24:42.980 10% is a good place 00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:44.700 to help guide us 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.700 and figuring out 00:24:45.700 --> 00:24:47.299 how we start doing that. 00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:49.799 But think honestly 00:24:49.799 --> 00:24:50.660 if this is to be 00:24:50.660 --> 00:24:51.519 the formative 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:53.460 energizing passion 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:54.539 of your life 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:55.539 the focus 00:24:55.539 --> 00:24:56.460 of what you're about 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.819 then we must always 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:58.519 be asking 00:24:58.519 --> 00:24:59.580 where can God 00:24:59.580 --> 00:25:00.140 free up 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:01.480 more of our resources 00:25:01.480 --> 00:25:03.039 more of ourselves 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:04.180 for His mission? 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:05.480 That's something 00:25:05.480 --> 00:25:06.960 that we then love to do. 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:08.140 I love the way 00:25:08.140 --> 00:25:09.380 John Stott describes 00:25:09.380 --> 00:25:10.700 how Jesus functioned. 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:12.240 He says 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:13.019 what dominated 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:14.680 Jesus' mind 00:25:14.680 --> 00:25:16.539 was not the living 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:18.359 but the giving 00:25:18.359 --> 00:25:20.160 of His life. 00:25:21.759 --> 00:25:22.240 Those are the kind 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:22.900 of conversations 00:25:22.900 --> 00:25:23.579 you have. 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:26.059 How can we 00:25:26.059 --> 00:25:26.960 reorganize 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:28.160 reprioritize 00:25:28.160 --> 00:25:28.980 to give our money 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:29.940 our time 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:30.940 our home 00:25:30.940 --> 00:25:31.720 to the kingdom? 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:34.200 Do you talk 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:34.740 more about 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:35.400 the living 00:25:35.400 --> 00:25:37.240 or the giving 00:25:37.240 --> 00:25:38.839 of your life? 00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:40.759 Try it. 00:25:40.859 --> 00:25:41.259 It's actually 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:42.039 pretty fun 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:43.180 to sacrifice 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:45.019 for the sake 00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:45.460 of seeing 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:45.900 the church 00:25:45.900 --> 00:25:46.799 of Jesus Christ 00:25:46.799 --> 00:25:47.619 His kingdom 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:48.460 advance. 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.420 It's really exciting. 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:52.319 See Jesus 00:25:52.319 --> 00:25:52.879 gave up 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:53.579 the privileges 00:25:53.579 --> 00:25:54.619 and the riches 00:25:54.619 --> 00:25:55.839 of heaven 00:25:55.839 --> 00:25:56.259 didn't He? 00:25:57.319 --> 00:25:58.460 And He came 00:25:58.460 --> 00:25:59.460 for the nations 00:25:59.460 --> 00:26:01.400 at the cost 00:26:01.400 --> 00:26:02.460 of His own life. 00:26:03.220 --> 00:26:04.299 It cost Him 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:05.140 everything 00:26:05.140 --> 00:26:06.099 that the nations 00:26:06.099 --> 00:26:06.779 might know 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:07.680 the glory 00:26:07.680 --> 00:26:08.480 of God. 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:10.819 that the salvation 00:26:10.819 --> 00:26:11.420 of God 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:11.980 might reach 00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:12.559 to the ends 00:26:12.559 --> 00:26:13.039 of the earth. 00:26:13.160 --> 00:26:13.799 That's what 00:26:13.799 --> 00:26:14.480 He was about. 00:26:15.120 --> 00:26:16.000 See He's the hero 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.819 of this story 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:17.259 isn't He? 00:26:17.680 --> 00:26:18.279 The story 00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:19.160 of God's glory 00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:20.420 that we told 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:21.019 really quickly 00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:21.940 through the Bible 00:26:21.940 --> 00:26:22.960 just a few minutes ago. 00:26:23.380 --> 00:26:24.720 Jesus is the hero 00:26:24.720 --> 00:26:25.559 of that story. 00:26:25.920 --> 00:26:26.420 He's the one 00:26:26.420 --> 00:26:27.039 who comes 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:28.240 as the perfect 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:28.839 reflection 00:26:28.839 --> 00:26:30.160 of God's image. 00:26:31.140 --> 00:26:31.740 He's the one 00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:32.220 who comes 00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:32.900 and lives 00:26:32.900 --> 00:26:33.720 perfectly 00:26:33.720 --> 00:26:34.480 obediently 00:26:34.480 --> 00:26:35.440 and He dies 00:26:35.440 --> 00:26:36.480 and rises again 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:37.720 so the nations 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:38.480 can know 00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:39.519 the salvation 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:40.500 of God. 00:26:41.059 --> 00:26:41.799 He comes 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:43.240 so that the glory 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:44.620 of God's salvation 00:26:44.620 --> 00:26:45.799 can explode 00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:46.460 to the nations 00:26:46.460 --> 00:26:47.160 in new ways 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:47.700 like it never 00:26:47.700 --> 00:26:48.400 has before. 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.640 That's how this works. 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:51.299 Before Jesus 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:52.160 very few 00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:53.079 outside of 00:26:53.079 --> 00:26:53.720 the nation 00:26:53.720 --> 00:26:54.259 of Israel 00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:55.640 and Jesus comes 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:56.860 and it's to the uttermost 00:26:56.860 --> 00:26:58.220 parts of the earth 00:26:58.220 --> 00:26:59.339 because what? 00:26:59.940 --> 00:27:00.539 He not only 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:01.319 gives His life 00:27:01.319 --> 00:27:02.460 He not only dies 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:03.140 for the nations 00:27:03.140 --> 00:27:04.560 but He then commissions 00:27:04.560 --> 00:27:05.440 His followers 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:06.400 to go 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:07.940 and make disciples 00:27:07.940 --> 00:27:08.860 of all nations. 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:10.500 He says 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:11.420 be my witnesses 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:12.800 to the uttermost 00:27:12.800 --> 00:27:13.960 parts of the earth 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:16.120 so that all of them 00:27:16.120 --> 00:27:16.460 may know 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.300 who I am 00:27:17.300 --> 00:27:18.540 what I've done 00:27:18.540 --> 00:27:19.180 for them 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:21.000 and we get to tell people 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:22.280 about this God? 00:27:22.540 --> 00:27:23.200 Are you kidding me? 00:27:24.000 --> 00:27:24.920 We get that kind 00:27:24.920 --> 00:27:25.660 of good news? 00:27:26.220 --> 00:27:26.960 We could have been asked 00:27:26.960 --> 00:27:27.580 to say something 00:27:27.580 --> 00:27:29.259 a lot more downer. 00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:31.660 This is great stuff 00:27:31.660 --> 00:27:32.840 and we get to introduce 00:27:32.839 --> 00:27:33.399 people 00:27:33.399 --> 00:27:34.859 to this God. 00:27:37.699 --> 00:27:38.919 See this is a God 00:27:38.919 --> 00:27:40.559 worth exalting 00:27:40.559 --> 00:27:42.059 and rejoicing 00:27:42.059 --> 00:27:43.000 in 00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:44.459 and we forget 00:27:44.459 --> 00:27:45.439 that so quickly. 00:27:47.439 --> 00:27:48.759 In the Hindu faith 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:49.299 there are 00:27:49.299 --> 00:27:50.559 many gods. 00:27:51.819 --> 00:27:52.599 We heard 00:27:52.599 --> 00:27:53.179 while we were there 00:27:53.179 --> 00:27:54.699 the story 00:27:54.699 --> 00:27:55.419 of one village 00:27:55.419 --> 00:27:55.859 in India 00:27:55.859 --> 00:27:57.159 last India story 00:27:57.159 --> 00:27:57.779 I promise 00:27:57.779 --> 00:28:00.579 where there's 00:28:00.579 --> 00:28:01.259 a God 00:28:01.259 --> 00:28:02.339 who supposedly 00:28:02.339 --> 00:28:03.460 lives up 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:03.980 on the top 00:28:03.980 --> 00:28:04.480 of a hill 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:05.359 that's overlooking 00:28:05.359 --> 00:28:05.980 the village 00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:07.899 and for the Hindu 00:28:07.899 --> 00:28:08.659 people living 00:28:08.659 --> 00:28:09.480 in the village 00:28:09.480 --> 00:28:10.740 it's very rare 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:11.539 that you would 00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:12.779 speak or interact 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.639 with this God 00:28:13.639 --> 00:28:14.079 at all. 00:28:14.919 --> 00:28:15.240 In fact 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:16.220 if you really need 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:16.500 to 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:17.119 here's what you 00:28:17.119 --> 00:28:17.799 have to do. 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:19.639 Spend 40 days 00:28:19.639 --> 00:28:20.679 with no food 00:28:20.679 --> 00:28:22.259 and no familial 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:22.879 interactions 00:28:22.880 --> 00:28:24.060 40 days 00:28:24.060 --> 00:28:26.340 then wash 00:28:26.340 --> 00:28:26.800 yourself 00:28:26.800 --> 00:28:27.220 cleanse 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:27.860 yourself 00:28:27.860 --> 00:28:29.760 dress in 00:28:29.760 --> 00:28:30.540 all black 00:28:30.540 --> 00:28:32.480 and make 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:32.940 your way 00:28:32.940 --> 00:28:33.460 all the way 00:28:33.460 --> 00:28:34.120 up that hill 00:28:34.120 --> 00:28:35.140 to the very top 00:28:35.140 --> 00:28:36.160 and when you get 00:28:36.160 --> 00:28:36.920 there you can 00:28:36.920 --> 00:28:37.620 talk to him 00:28:37.620 --> 00:28:38.540 and see what 00:28:38.540 --> 00:28:38.940 happens 00:28:38.940 --> 00:28:39.760 see how he 00:28:39.760 --> 00:28:40.800 responds. 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:43.899 Listen to what 00:28:43.899 --> 00:28:44.399 the one 00:28:44.399 --> 00:28:45.339 true 00:28:45.339 --> 00:28:46.940 all glorious 00:28:46.940 --> 00:28:47.960 God who lives 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:49.319 above the heavens 00:28:49.319 --> 00:28:51.539 exalted far higher 00:28:51.539 --> 00:28:52.659 than anything like that 00:28:52.659 --> 00:28:54.180 how does he relate 00:28:54.180 --> 00:28:55.319 to people 00:28:55.319 --> 00:28:56.460 as gloriously 00:28:56.460 --> 00:28:56.899 different 00:28:56.899 --> 00:28:57.559 listen to this 00:28:57.559 --> 00:28:59.319 say among the nations 00:28:59.319 --> 00:29:01.240 the Lord reigns 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:02.259 yes the world 00:29:02.259 --> 00:29:02.940 is established 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:03.579 it shall never 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:04.159 be moved 00:29:04.159 --> 00:29:05.000 he will judge 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:05.480 the peoples 00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:06.159 with equity 00:29:06.159 --> 00:29:07.119 let the heavens 00:29:07.119 --> 00:29:07.639 be glad 00:29:07.639 --> 00:29:08.339 and let the earth 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:08.879 rejoice 00:29:08.879 --> 00:29:10.339 let the sea roar 00:29:10.339 --> 00:29:11.259 and all that fills 00:29:11.259 --> 00:29:11.459 it 00:29:11.459 --> 00:29:12.399 let the field 00:29:12.399 --> 00:29:12.839 exult 00:29:12.839 --> 00:29:13.519 and everything 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:14.000 in it 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:14.839 then shall all 00:29:14.839 --> 00:29:15.259 the trees 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:16.220 of the forest 00:29:16.220 --> 00:29:17.199 sing for joy 00:29:17.199 --> 00:29:18.619 before the Lord 00:29:18.619 --> 00:29:19.480 why? 00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:20.379 what's everybody 00:29:20.379 --> 00:29:21.439 so excited about? 00:29:22.619 --> 00:29:23.539 why are they all 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.359 before Yahweh 00:29:24.359 --> 00:29:25.459 rejoicing 00:29:25.459 --> 00:29:26.399 and exulting 00:29:26.399 --> 00:29:29.099 for he comes 00:29:29.099 --> 00:29:31.159 he comes 00:29:31.159 --> 00:29:31.899 to judge 00:29:31.899 --> 00:29:32.839 the earth 00:29:32.839 --> 00:29:33.500 he'll judge 00:29:33.500 --> 00:29:34.019 the world 00:29:34.019 --> 00:29:34.839 in righteousness 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:36.399 and the peoples 00:29:36.399 --> 00:29:37.659 in his 00:29:37.659 --> 00:29:39.000 faithfulness 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:41.180 he comes 00:29:41.180 --> 00:29:41.200 he comes 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:43.000 the psalmist 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:43.480 repeats 00:29:43.480 --> 00:29:44.980 he comes 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:46.359 to us 00:29:46.359 --> 00:29:48.599 and this is a huge 00:29:48.599 --> 00:29:50.519 part of the glory 00:29:50.519 --> 00:29:51.539 that is to be 00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:52.039 declared 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:53.559 it's that he 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:54.940 pursues relationship 00:29:54.940 --> 00:29:56.220 as our father 00:29:56.220 --> 00:29:57.460 that he's full 00:29:57.460 --> 00:29:58.039 of grace 00:29:58.039 --> 00:29:59.000 that he moves 00:29:59.000 --> 00:30:00.460 toward us 00:30:00.460 --> 00:30:02.160 the good news 00:30:02.160 --> 00:30:02.740 we declare 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:03.420 to the nations 00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:04.220 is a God 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:05.240 you can know 00:30:05.240 --> 00:30:06.579 a God 00:30:06.579 --> 00:30:07.240 you can have 00:30:07.240 --> 00:30:08.160 relationship with 00:30:08.160 --> 00:30:08.560 a God 00:30:08.560 --> 00:30:09.279 who will 00:30:09.279 --> 00:30:09.800 in fact 00:30:09.800 --> 00:30:11.060 make everything 00:30:11.060 --> 00:30:11.680 right 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:12.640 one day 00:30:12.640 --> 00:30:15.100 see some of you 00:30:15.100 --> 00:30:16.040 are good enough 00:30:16.040 --> 00:30:17.080 Bible students 00:30:17.080 --> 00:30:17.560 to say 00:30:17.560 --> 00:30:18.019 pastor 00:30:18.019 --> 00:30:18.700 you're not really 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:19.380 being honest 00:30:19.380 --> 00:30:20.560 it says he comes 00:30:20.560 --> 00:30:21.440 to judge 00:30:21.440 --> 00:30:22.800 it's not nearly 00:30:22.800 --> 00:30:23.560 so exciting 00:30:23.560 --> 00:30:24.320 as you think 00:30:24.320 --> 00:30:25.279 in fact it says it 00:30:25.279 --> 00:30:26.120 three times 00:30:26.120 --> 00:30:27.380 he comes 00:30:27.380 --> 00:30:28.200 to judge 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:30.320 look at what 00:30:30.320 --> 00:30:30.940 happens 00:30:30.940 --> 00:30:31.800 when he does 00:30:31.800 --> 00:30:33.160 what's the context 00:30:33.160 --> 00:30:34.160 of this judgment 00:30:34.160 --> 00:30:35.860 it's not the fearful 00:30:35.860 --> 00:30:36.460 judgment 00:30:36.460 --> 00:30:37.519 of God 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:38.299 being highlighted 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:38.660 here 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:39.640 it's a judgment 00:30:39.640 --> 00:30:40.180 that brings 00:30:40.180 --> 00:30:41.200 rejoicing 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:42.480 everywhere 00:30:42.480 --> 00:30:44.299 everything's 00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:44.860 rejoicing 00:30:44.860 --> 00:30:45.960 when this God 00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:46.640 shows up 00:30:46.640 --> 00:30:47.500 as the judge 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:48.440 because he's 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:49.579 making everything 00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:50.079 right 00:30:50.079 --> 00:30:51.039 everyone and 00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:51.720 everything in 00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:52.160 creation 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:53.000 rejoicing 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:55.360 he's coming 00:30:55.360 --> 00:30:55.940 to make all 00:30:55.940 --> 00:30:56.759 things new 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:58.299 for the blessing 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:59.259 of his creation 00:30:59.259 --> 00:31:00.259 for the good 00:31:00.259 --> 00:31:01.039 of his people 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:02.059 for the glory 00:31:02.059 --> 00:31:03.139 of his name 00:31:03.139 --> 00:31:04.819 he comes 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:07.539 friends 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:08.259 we have the 00:31:08.259 --> 00:31:09.240 good news 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:10.240 of the one 00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:11.039 true God 00:31:11.039 --> 00:31:12.319 who reigns 00:31:12.319 --> 00:31:13.099 over the nations 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:14.639 and who comes 00:31:14.639 --> 00:31:16.339 for the nations 00:31:16.339 --> 00:31:17.740 to them 00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:19.879 and so many 00:31:19.879 --> 00:31:21.059 know nothing 00:31:21.059 --> 00:31:22.440 of a God 00:31:22.440 --> 00:31:23.019 they can have 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:23.720 a relationship 00:31:23.720 --> 00:31:24.279 with 00:31:24.279 --> 00:31:27.960 many in India 00:31:27.960 --> 00:31:28.559 know only 00:31:28.559 --> 00:31:29.119 of a God 00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:29.739 they can try 00:31:29.739 --> 00:31:30.439 to manipulate 00:31:30.439 --> 00:31:32.339 or work 00:31:32.339 --> 00:31:34.279 to impress 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:35.719 and maybe 00:31:35.719 --> 00:31:36.879 possibly walk 00:31:36.879 --> 00:31:37.659 their way up 00:31:37.659 --> 00:31:38.279 to receive 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:38.819 a blessing 00:31:38.819 --> 00:31:39.459 from him 00:31:39.459 --> 00:31:42.239 and many in 00:31:42.239 --> 00:31:42.899 Huntsville 00:31:42.899 --> 00:31:43.919 know only 00:31:43.919 --> 00:31:45.199 of a God 00:31:45.199 --> 00:31:46.000 who's a fiction 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:47.379 for weak 00:31:47.379 --> 00:31:47.839 people 00:31:47.839 --> 00:31:50.500 or a God 00:31:50.500 --> 00:31:51.500 who I have 00:31:51.500 --> 00:31:52.299 to perform 00:31:52.299 --> 00:31:53.439 for to placate 00:31:53.439 --> 00:31:54.079 and keep at a 00:31:54.079 --> 00:31:54.859 distance so he 00:31:54.859 --> 00:31:55.459 doesn't get in the 00:31:55.459 --> 00:31:56.399 way of my life 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:57.900 no wonder 00:31:57.900 --> 00:31:59.320 they don't love 00:31:59.320 --> 00:32:00.500 that God 00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:02.620 they don't know 00:32:02.620 --> 00:32:03.240 the one 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:04.259 that you 00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:04.860 and I 00:32:04.860 --> 00:32:05.900 know 00:32:05.900 --> 00:32:07.400 who's their 00:32:07.400 --> 00:32:08.000 father 00:32:08.000 --> 00:32:09.759 who comes 00:32:09.759 --> 00:32:10.759 to them 00:32:10.759 --> 00:32:11.980 who loves 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:12.680 them 00:32:12.680 --> 00:32:13.519 they don't know 00:32:13.519 --> 00:32:14.140 what that would 00:32:14.140 --> 00:32:14.880 be like 00:32:14.880 --> 00:32:16.420 that's a God 00:32:16.420 --> 00:32:17.960 worthy of rejoicing 00:32:17.960 --> 00:32:19.580 of exaltation 00:32:19.580 --> 00:32:20.840 of celebration 00:32:20.840 --> 00:32:22.040 and our job 00:32:22.040 --> 00:32:22.700 is to invite 00:32:22.700 --> 00:32:23.800 everyone to that 00:32:23.800 --> 00:32:24.200 party 00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:24.759 right 00:32:24.759 --> 00:32:29.140 now you may 00:32:29.140 --> 00:32:29.619 be thinking 00:32:29.619 --> 00:32:30.259 this is that 00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:31.599 one crazy 00:32:31.599 --> 00:32:32.039 sermon 00:32:32.039 --> 00:32:33.379 that you have 00:32:33.379 --> 00:32:33.879 to put up 00:32:33.879 --> 00:32:34.440 with when you 00:32:34.440 --> 00:32:34.799 send your 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:35.460 pastor to 00:32:35.460 --> 00:32:35.980 India 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.480 for two 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:36.859 weeks 00:32:36.859 --> 00:32:39.819 I tell you 00:32:39.819 --> 00:32:40.400 two reasons 00:32:40.400 --> 00:32:40.920 why I 00:32:40.920 --> 00:32:41.819 hope and 00:32:41.819 --> 00:32:42.400 believe that's 00:32:42.400 --> 00:32:42.839 not true 00:32:42.839 --> 00:32:45.240 the first one 00:32:45.240 --> 00:32:45.720 is that this 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:46.799 is a burden 00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:47.299 that's not 00:32:47.299 --> 00:32:48.879 new to us 00:32:48.879 --> 00:32:50.180 but the burden 00:32:50.180 --> 00:32:50.779 to live it 00:32:50.779 --> 00:32:51.519 is one that I 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:52.180 pray doesn't 00:32:52.180 --> 00:32:52.960 leave me 00:32:52.960 --> 00:32:54.140 and you can 00:32:54.140 --> 00:32:54.740 pray for that 00:32:54.740 --> 00:32:55.079 too 00:32:55.079 --> 00:32:57.059 but the second 00:32:57.059 --> 00:32:57.880 reason is more 00:32:57.880 --> 00:32:58.539 important than 00:32:58.539 --> 00:32:59.759 that and way 00:32:59.759 --> 00:33:00.319 more important 00:33:00.319 --> 00:33:00.880 than whether or 00:33:00.880 --> 00:33:01.980 not I'm here 00:33:01.980 --> 00:33:02.700 or have a burden 00:33:02.700 --> 00:33:03.339 like that 00:33:03.339 --> 00:33:04.620 and that's that 00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:06.759 Jesus regularly 00:33:06.759 --> 00:33:07.759 calls us to 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:08.519 remember this 00:33:08.519 --> 00:33:10.400 he regularly 00:33:10.400 --> 00:33:11.460 wants us to 00:33:11.460 --> 00:33:12.700 remember how 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:13.579 valuable the 00:33:13.579 --> 00:33:14.519 nations are to 00:33:14.519 --> 00:33:14.880 him 00:33:14.880 --> 00:33:16.079 he wants us to 00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:16.640 remember our 00:33:16.640 --> 00:33:17.700 God's heart 00:33:17.700 --> 00:33:18.660 for the nations 00:33:18.660 --> 00:33:19.440 that he would 00:33:19.440 --> 00:33:20.319 come at the 00:33:20.319 --> 00:33:21.019 cost of his 00:33:21.019 --> 00:33:21.980 own life 00:33:21.980 --> 00:33:23.920 and lay it 00:33:23.920 --> 00:33:25.259 down for them 00:33:25.259 --> 00:33:26.079 that they might 00:33:26.079 --> 00:33:27.000 know the glory 00:33:27.000 --> 00:33:27.940 the salvation 00:33:27.940 --> 00:33:28.779 the love 00:33:28.779 --> 00:33:30.160 of our God 00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:31.740 it's here at 00:33:31.740 --> 00:33:32.319 this table 00:33:32.319 --> 00:33:34.220 that we celebrate 00:33:34.220 --> 00:33:34.940 the God who 00:33:34.940 --> 00:33:36.599 comes to us 00:33:36.599 --> 00:33:39.319 to heal our 00:33:39.319 --> 00:33:40.640 hearts that were 00:33:40.640 --> 00:33:42.039 wayward from him 00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:42.819 that were broken 00:33:42.819 --> 00:33:44.440 seemingly beyond 00:33:44.440 --> 00:33:45.099 repair 00:33:45.099 --> 00:33:46.339 and he comes 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:47.200 to heal 00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:48.600 those hearts 00:33:48.600 --> 00:33:49.779 it's here at 00:33:49.779 --> 00:33:50.400 this table 00:33:50.400 --> 00:33:51.480 that we celebrate 00:33:51.480 --> 00:33:52.039 a God who 00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:53.240 comes to us 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:54.640 to eradicate 00:33:54.640 --> 00:33:55.640 the evil 00:33:55.640 --> 00:33:56.539 and injustice 00:33:56.539 --> 00:33:57.360 in this world 00:33:57.360 --> 00:33:58.299 and make things 00:33:58.299 --> 00:33:58.799 right 00:33:58.799 --> 00:33:59.940 once 00:33:59.940 --> 00:34:01.220 and for all 00:34:01.220 --> 00:34:02.400 and we celebrate 00:34:02.400 --> 00:34:03.400 that that is 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:04.019 the God 00:34:04.019 --> 00:34:05.240 who eats 00:34:05.240 --> 00:34:06.420 and drinks 00:34:06.420 --> 00:34:07.720 with us 00:34:07.720 --> 00:34:10.039 remember what 00:34:10.039 --> 00:34:10.760 Paul said 00:34:10.760 --> 00:34:12.119 about this 00:34:12.119 --> 00:34:12.559 sacrament 00:34:12.559 --> 00:34:12.940 he said 00:34:12.940 --> 00:34:13.440 I received 00:34:13.440 --> 00:34:14.059 from the Lord 00:34:14.059 --> 00:34:14.699 what I also 00:34:14.699 --> 00:34:15.800 delivered to you 00:34:15.800 --> 00:34:17.000 that the Lord 00:34:17.000 --> 00:34:17.880 Jesus on the night 00:34:17.880 --> 00:34:18.480 he was betrayed 00:34:18.480 --> 00:34:19.320 took bread 00:34:19.320 --> 00:34:20.500 and when he had 00:34:20.500 --> 00:34:21.100 given thanks 00:34:21.100 --> 00:34:21.920 he broke it 00:34:21.920 --> 00:34:22.820 and said 00:34:22.820 --> 00:34:23.880 this is my body 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:25.100 which is for you 00:34:25.100 --> 00:34:26.180 do this 00:34:26.180 --> 00:34:27.180 in remembrance 00:34:27.180 --> 00:34:27.820 of me 00:34:27.820 --> 00:34:29.480 in the same way 00:34:29.480 --> 00:34:30.100 also he took 00:34:30.100 --> 00:34:30.519 the cup 00:34:30.519 --> 00:34:31.160 after supper 00:34:31.160 --> 00:34:31.600 saying 00:34:31.600 --> 00:34:32.480 this cup 00:34:32.480 --> 00:34:32.920 is the new 00:34:32.920 --> 00:34:33.260 covenant 00:34:33.260 --> 00:34:34.039 in my blood 00:34:34.039 --> 00:34:34.860 do this 00:34:34.860 --> 00:34:35.560 as often 00:34:35.560 --> 00:34:36.360 as you drink 00:34:36.360 --> 00:34:36.560 it 00:34:36.560 --> 00:34:37.180 in remembrance 00:34:37.180 --> 00:34:37.860 of me 00:34:37.860 --> 00:34:39.120 for as often 00:34:39.120 --> 00:34:39.600 as you eat 00:34:39.600 --> 00:34:40.140 this bread 00:34:40.140 --> 00:34:41.380 and drink 00:34:41.380 --> 00:34:41.920 the cup 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:43.039 you proclaim 00:34:43.039 --> 00:34:43.820 the Lord's 00:34:43.820 --> 00:34:44.360 death 00:34:44.360 --> 00:34:45.519 until he 00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:45.900 comes 00:34:45.900 --> 00:34:46.720 every time 00:34:46.720 --> 00:34:47.099 you do 00:34:47.099 --> 00:34:47.539 this 00:34:47.539 --> 00:34:49.099 you declare 00:34:49.099 --> 00:34:50.180 that God 00:34:50.180 --> 00:34:50.980 came 00:34:50.980 --> 00:34:52.240 for the nations 00:34:52.240 --> 00:34:53.300 and is coming 00:34:53.300 --> 00:34:53.880 again 00:34:53.880 --> 00:34:55.079 to bring them 00:34:55.079 --> 00:34:56.059 to his 00:34:56.059 --> 00:34:56.820 throne 00:34:56.820 --> 00:34:57.599 forever 00:34:57.599 --> 00:34:58.940 we declare 00:34:58.940 --> 00:34:59.300 that 00:34:59.300 --> 00:35:00.000 and rejoice 00:35:00.000 --> 00:35:00.440 in that 00:35:00.440 --> 00:35:01.019 this morning 00:35:01.019 --> 00:35:02.160 let's pray 00:35:02.160 --> 00:35:02.460 and we'll 00:35:02.460 --> 00:35:02.800 celebrate 00:35:02.800 --> 00:35:03.340 together 00:35:03.340 --> 00:35:07.420 father we 00:35:07.420 --> 00:35:07.740 give you 00:35:07.740 --> 00:35:08.300 thanks 00:35:08.300 --> 00:35:10.519 and praise 00:35:10.519 --> 00:35:12.179 for your 00:35:12.179 --> 00:35:13.059 great 00:35:13.059 --> 00:35:14.119 and greatly 00:35:14.119 --> 00:35:14.599 to be 00:35:14.599 --> 00:35:15.059 praised 00:35:15.059 --> 00:35:15.539 and there's 00:35:15.539 --> 00:35:16.079 none other 00:35:16.079 --> 00:35:17.699 we chase 00:35:17.699 --> 00:35:18.139 a lot 00:35:18.139 --> 00:35:18.739 of lesser 00:35:18.739 --> 00:35:20.079 things 00:35:20.079 --> 00:35:20.739 in our 00:35:20.739 --> 00:35:21.159 lives 00:35:21.159 --> 00:35:22.280 but the 00:35:22.280 --> 00:35:22.719 way you 00:35:22.719 --> 00:35:23.440 love us 00:35:23.440 --> 00:35:24.139 knows 00:35:24.139 --> 00:35:24.860 no 00:35:24.860 --> 00:35:25.800 comparison 00:35:25.800 --> 00:35:26.719 and we 00:35:26.719 --> 00:35:27.300 rejoice 00:35:27.300 --> 00:35:27.940 in that 00:35:27.940 --> 00:35:28.800 and we 00:35:28.800 --> 00:35:29.440 ask now 00:35:29.440 --> 00:35:29.780 that you 00:35:29.780 --> 00:35:30.199 would set 00:35:30.199 --> 00:35:30.920 these common 00:35:30.920 --> 00:35:31.460 elements 00:35:31.460 --> 00:35:32.079 aside 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:33.039 for a 00:35:33.039 --> 00:35:33.340 sacred 00:35:33.340 --> 00:35:33.900 purpose 00:35:33.900 --> 00:35:34.320 in our 00:35:34.320 --> 00:35:34.719 hearts 00:35:34.719 --> 00:35:35.539 that the 00:35:35.539 --> 00:35:36.000 death 00:35:36.000 --> 00:35:36.639 of Jesus 00:35:36.639 --> 00:35:37.539 for us 00:35:37.539 --> 00:35:38.400 might 00:35:38.400 --> 00:35:39.360 overwhelm 00:35:39.360 --> 00:35:39.579 us 00:35:39.579 --> 00:35:40.200 and overflow 00:35:40.200 --> 00:35:41.260 from us 00:35:41.260 --> 00:35:42.519 to others 00:35:42.519 --> 00:35:43.860 we ask it 00:35:43.860 --> 00:35:44.220 in his 00:35:44.220 --> 00:35:44.579 name 00:35:44.579 --> 00:35:45.980 amen 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:50.519 for more 00:35:50.519 --> 00:35:51.039 information 00:35:51.039 --> 00:35:51.840 visit us 00:35:51.840 --> 00:35:52.340 online 00:35:52.340 --> 00:35:52.740 at 00:35:52.740 --> 00:35:53.640 southwood.org