WEBVTT 00:00:00.140 --> 00:00:06.900 Good morning. My name is Matthew Capone and I'm the pastor here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church. 00:00:07.320 --> 00:00:14.220 And it's my joy to bring God's word to you today. A special welcome if you're new or visiting with us. 00:00:14.320 --> 00:00:19.440 We're glad that you're here and we're glad that you're here not because we're trying to fill seats, 00:00:19.580 --> 00:00:23.120 but because we're following Jesus together as one community. 00:00:23.120 --> 00:00:27.839 And as we follow him together, we become convinced that there's no one so good. 00:00:28.519 --> 00:00:32.320 They don't need God's grace and no one so bad they can't have it, 00:00:32.420 --> 00:00:38.399 which is why we gather week after week to hear what God has to say to us in his word. 00:00:39.159 --> 00:00:42.380 We're continuing our series in the Gospel of Mark. 00:00:42.500 --> 00:00:44.939 We're also still in Mark chapter 6. 00:00:45.359 --> 00:00:52.039 And you'll remember that the Gospels tell the story of Jesus in his life and his death and his resurrection. 00:00:52.299 --> 00:00:55.200 And the two questions that we've been asking in this book are, 00:00:55.200 --> 00:00:59.440 one, who is Jesus? And two, how do we respond to him? 00:00:59.740 --> 00:01:04.240 So I'll invite you to go ahead and turn there with me now to Mark chapter 6. 00:01:05.200 --> 00:01:11.120 I want to mention first, though, that I had a very successful trip to Costco on Friday. 00:01:12.879 --> 00:01:18.100 And there's only a few things that I buy at Costco that are extremely well-priced. 00:01:18.099 --> 00:01:22.339 And one of them are these Perfect Bars, which is a refrigerated protein bar. 00:01:22.399 --> 00:01:25.939 And they're a little bit expensive, but they're on coupon right now. 00:01:26.759 --> 00:01:29.039 And they will be through April 3rd. 00:01:29.039 --> 00:01:29.699 So you heard it here. 00:01:31.140 --> 00:01:33.259 So I got five of them and I stuck them in my freezer. 00:01:34.319 --> 00:01:37.019 And if you look on the bar, there's this circle. 00:01:37.519 --> 00:01:39.840 There's a lot of different labels on it, but there's this circle and it says, 00:01:39.840 --> 00:01:42.299 a low and then under it, GI. 00:01:43.500 --> 00:01:44.100 Low GI. 00:01:44.640 --> 00:01:47.219 And some of you watch your blood sugar carefully. 00:01:47.439 --> 00:01:48.840 And so you know what that means. 00:01:48.880 --> 00:01:50.800 It means it has a low glycemic index. 00:01:51.460 --> 00:01:55.260 The glycemic index is a way of telling us which foods burn fast 00:01:55.260 --> 00:01:57.400 and which foods burn slow. 00:01:57.820 --> 00:02:00.520 And if something burns fast, maybe it has a lot of sugar in it, 00:02:00.540 --> 00:02:04.420 it'll give you a quick spike and then it'll give you a quick crash. 00:02:05.320 --> 00:02:08.280 If it has that low GI, you know that's what you want. 00:02:08.360 --> 00:02:10.920 It's not going to digest quickly. 00:02:11.060 --> 00:02:14.460 It's going to be something that's going to give you energy over the long haul. 00:02:14.840 --> 00:02:18.599 It's going to keep, as I think my dad would say, it'll stick to your insides. 00:02:19.259 --> 00:02:20.060 Maybe that was my mom. 00:02:20.099 --> 00:02:20.759 I forget now. 00:02:21.879 --> 00:02:25.379 But as we come to this passage, that's the question that I want us to ask together. 00:02:25.759 --> 00:02:27.000 What is our fuel? 00:02:27.219 --> 00:02:31.259 What is our power as we move forward in the Christian life? 00:02:31.259 --> 00:02:36.560 As we do the things that God has called us to do, especially as we talk about and share the gospel. 00:02:36.840 --> 00:02:40.560 That's what we're going to see from the disciples in this passage. 00:02:40.840 --> 00:02:44.500 Jesus, remember back in chapter 3, told them they were going to be with him 00:02:44.500 --> 00:02:45.939 and he was going to send them out. 00:02:46.120 --> 00:02:48.379 And he finally does it in this passage. 00:02:48.959 --> 00:02:52.840 Their motivation, the things that power them are what we want to look at 00:02:52.840 --> 00:02:56.979 because there's a variety of different fuels that we can use in the Christian life. 00:02:56.979 --> 00:03:01.159 I could try to motivate you this morning with shame or guilt. 00:03:02.139 --> 00:03:04.459 And that would probably work for a little bit. 00:03:05.060 --> 00:03:07.919 That would be a high GI plan. 00:03:08.199 --> 00:03:10.019 It might get you to do something fast. 00:03:10.099 --> 00:03:12.379 Maybe it would give you a hit of that shame or that guilt, 00:03:12.500 --> 00:03:14.459 but it would also lead to a quick crash. 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:21.419 That is not what's going to carry us forward week after week, year after year in the Christian life. 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:22.179 We don't rely. 00:03:22.539 --> 00:03:23.959 We don't want to look to shame and guilt. 00:03:23.960 --> 00:03:28.719 In fact, quite the opposite, we look to Jesus to remove our shame and guilt. 00:03:29.020 --> 00:03:33.080 And so we need God to provide something else for us as our fuel, 00:03:33.200 --> 00:03:39.159 something to keep us going as we follow after him together, loving and serving Jesus. 00:03:39.379 --> 00:03:44.159 And so the question then is, what is the low GI power and fuel in the Christian life? 00:03:44.200 --> 00:03:47.319 What is going to keep us burning for a long time? 00:03:47.360 --> 00:03:52.180 What allows these apostles to go forward doing what Jesus has commanded them? 00:03:52.180 --> 00:03:57.000 It's with that question that we're going to turn together to Mark chapter 6, starting at verse 7. 00:03:57.120 --> 00:03:59.000 You can turn with me in your worship guide. 00:03:59.480 --> 00:04:00.780 You can turn in your Bible. 00:04:01.400 --> 00:04:02.599 You can turn on your phone. 00:04:03.340 --> 00:04:06.140 No matter where you turn, remember that this is God's word. 00:04:06.219 --> 00:04:10.600 And God tells us that his word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, 00:04:11.040 --> 00:04:14.960 which means that God has not left us to stumble alone in the dark, 00:04:15.240 --> 00:04:19.379 but instead he's given us his word to show us the way to go. 00:04:19.379 --> 00:04:21.779 And so that's why we read now, starting at verse 7. 00:04:22.899 --> 00:04:26.500 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two. 00:04:27.100 --> 00:04:29.600 And he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 00:04:30.180 --> 00:04:33.899 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff, 00:04:34.259 --> 00:04:38.060 no bread, no bag, no money in their belts, 00:04:38.319 --> 00:04:41.379 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 00:04:41.379 --> 00:04:43.079 And he said to them, 00:04:43.519 --> 00:04:46.899 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 00:04:47.680 --> 00:04:52.120 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you when you leave, 00:04:52.639 --> 00:04:56.839 shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them. 00:04:57.379 --> 00:05:00.699 So they went out and proclaimed that the people should repent. 00:05:01.420 --> 00:05:07.139 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. 00:05:07.139 --> 00:05:12.319 And I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's word. 00:05:14.899 --> 00:05:19.740 Our Father in heaven, we freely admit and confess this morning 00:05:19.740 --> 00:05:24.479 that we are not able to understand your words without your help. 00:05:25.019 --> 00:05:26.560 And so we ask for that. 00:05:27.099 --> 00:05:31.439 We ask that you would speak to us in ways that we can understand, 00:05:31.539 --> 00:05:33.639 that you'd honor your promise in Isaiah 55, 00:05:33.639 --> 00:05:37.539 that your word will accomplish what you've sent it for, 00:05:37.959 --> 00:05:40.439 that you'd honor your promise in 1 Corinthians 2, 00:05:40.500 --> 00:05:44.879 that the Holy Spirit will help us to understand these spiritual things. 00:05:45.139 --> 00:05:46.079 We ask for that help. 00:05:46.500 --> 00:05:47.599 We're helpless without it, 00:05:47.740 --> 00:05:49.899 that you would open our eyes, 00:05:50.099 --> 00:05:51.180 you'd unstop our ears, 00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:52.719 you'd soften our hearts, 00:05:52.759 --> 00:05:53.639 and you'd clear our minds, 00:05:53.699 --> 00:05:56.219 that we would see and hear and believe 00:05:56.219 --> 00:06:00.099 and understand everything that you've written for us in your word. 00:06:00.100 --> 00:06:04.300 And we ask these things grateful that we don't have to earn them or deserve them, 00:06:04.420 --> 00:06:07.760 but instead we ask them in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:06:08.240 --> 00:06:08.540 Amen. 00:06:13.360 --> 00:06:17.760 We start here, chapter 6, verse 7, with a reference to the 12. 00:06:17.840 --> 00:06:19.520 It's been a while since we've seen them. 00:06:20.060 --> 00:06:23.680 This phrase, the 12, only appears 10 times in the Gospel of Mark, 00:06:23.720 --> 00:06:26.280 and the first time we heard it was in chapter 3. 00:06:26.279 --> 00:06:28.859 You might remember that Jesus had gone up into a mountain, 00:06:29.199 --> 00:06:31.239 he'd called a variety of people to himself, 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:36.199 and he had chosen these 12 to be his especially close group. 00:06:36.299 --> 00:06:39.039 We also saw in chapter 3 that they're not just called the 12, 00:06:39.359 --> 00:06:41.119 Jesus also called them the apostles. 00:06:41.579 --> 00:06:43.519 You may know that this group, the apostles, 00:06:43.719 --> 00:06:47.539 were a narrower band that Jesus worked most closely with 00:06:47.539 --> 00:06:48.819 during his earthly ministry, 00:06:48.819 --> 00:06:52.259 and they had a special role in representing Jesus 00:06:52.259 --> 00:06:53.879 after he had returned to heaven. 00:06:53.879 --> 00:06:57.659 So we already know that we're working with the insider group 00:06:57.659 --> 00:06:58.659 that's around Jesus, 00:06:58.759 --> 00:07:02.579 the group he's most focused on discipling and developing. 00:07:03.079 --> 00:07:05.560 The first time we saw them was back in chapter 3, 00:07:05.639 --> 00:07:07.980 and you'll remember, as I mentioned earlier this morning, 00:07:08.079 --> 00:07:09.719 Jesus had two goals for them. 00:07:10.180 --> 00:07:12.480 Goal number one is that they would be with him. 00:07:12.719 --> 00:07:15.540 Goal number two is that he would be able to send them out, 00:07:15.600 --> 00:07:18.060 it says, to preach and to cast out demons. 00:07:18.439 --> 00:07:21.259 And so Jesus has kept his word in this situation, 00:07:21.259 --> 00:07:23.339 and he's also kept the order. 00:07:23.339 --> 00:07:27.199 In other words, it's important that they are with Jesus first 00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:28.939 before he sends them out. 00:07:29.119 --> 00:07:31.319 And we talked about that in chapter 3, 00:07:31.479 --> 00:07:33.219 that it's that relationship with Jesus, 00:07:33.359 --> 00:07:36.579 that mentoring and developing that they receive from him 00:07:36.579 --> 00:07:40.019 that is critical before and as Jesus sends them out. 00:07:40.739 --> 00:07:42.179 And that's what we saw the second time 00:07:42.179 --> 00:07:44.579 they were mentioned in chapter 4, verse 10. 00:07:44.679 --> 00:07:45.959 It says, and when he was alone, 00:07:46.399 --> 00:07:49.659 those around him with the 12, that's the apostles, 00:07:50.099 --> 00:07:51.519 asked him about the parables. 00:07:51.519 --> 00:07:54.680 That was when Jesus had taught the parable of the sower, 00:07:54.839 --> 00:07:58.159 and they needed this explanation to help them understand 00:07:58.159 --> 00:08:00.500 what Jesus was actually talking about. 00:08:01.019 --> 00:08:03.459 Jesus was working with them, developing them, 00:08:03.699 --> 00:08:05.359 mentoring them during this time. 00:08:05.919 --> 00:08:09.120 It would certainly have been easy and tempting for him 00:08:09.120 --> 00:08:11.939 to pull them in as his help and his assistance, 00:08:11.939 --> 00:08:15.240 because Jesus was pressed in from every side. 00:08:15.479 --> 00:08:17.299 You might remember at one point he gets on a boat 00:08:17.299 --> 00:08:18.699 so that he can save his life. 00:08:18.699 --> 00:08:21.819 His family's worried about him, that he's working too much. 00:08:21.860 --> 00:08:23.860 And so it would make sense for Jesus 00:08:23.860 --> 00:08:27.639 to immediately delegate to these men to help him out. 00:08:28.759 --> 00:08:30.519 And yet Jesus does the opposite. 00:08:31.259 --> 00:08:34.360 He focuses on his relationship with them 00:08:34.360 --> 00:08:35.899 above everything else. 00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:39.439 He spends his time teaching and developing them 00:08:39.439 --> 00:08:40.539 rather than using them. 00:08:40.919 --> 00:08:46.299 Jesus is more interested that these men grow and know him 00:08:46.299 --> 00:08:50.559 than he is that they immediately get to work in his mission. 00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:54.559 And so it's here in chapter 3, 00:08:55.240 --> 00:08:58.819 Jesus has spent three chapters from 3 to 6, 00:08:59.339 --> 00:09:01.319 developing them and teaching them 00:09:01.319 --> 00:09:04.979 before he gives his apostles the car keys. 00:09:04.980 --> 00:09:07.759 It was in chapter 3, verse 15, 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:10.039 that he said he was going to give them authority 00:09:10.039 --> 00:09:11.060 to cast out demons. 00:09:11.240 --> 00:09:13.759 Here in chapter 6, verse 7, he finally does it. 00:09:13.820 --> 00:09:16.860 It tells us he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 00:09:16.980 --> 00:09:19.340 And so again, as I mentioned, Jesus has kept his word, 00:09:19.420 --> 00:09:22.680 he's kept his promise, and he's kept the order. 00:09:23.060 --> 00:09:25.720 It is critical that they are with Jesus 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:27.539 before he sends them out. 00:09:28.039 --> 00:09:29.340 And it's false, by the way, 00:09:29.399 --> 00:09:32.120 for us to believe that these are two separate movements. 00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:33.720 So I don't want you to go away thinking, 00:09:34.100 --> 00:09:37.600 well, there was phase one, the being with Jesus phase, 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:40.879 and then there was the phase two being sent out by Jesus. 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:43.639 No, these are things that are connected together. 00:09:43.799 --> 00:09:45.960 There is a relationship between the two. 00:09:46.320 --> 00:09:48.080 Jesus is going to send them out here, 00:09:48.120 --> 00:09:49.179 and what are they going to do next? 00:09:50.460 --> 00:09:52.259 Well, we're going to have this little short story 00:09:52.259 --> 00:09:53.980 next time about Herod. 00:09:54.919 --> 00:09:56.460 Then they're going to come back. 00:09:56.940 --> 00:09:59.580 They're going to come back to be with Jesus again. 00:09:59.820 --> 00:10:01.659 As we go on through the Gospel of Mark, 00:10:01.659 --> 00:10:03.939 we're going to see that that relationship doesn't end. 00:10:04.299 --> 00:10:05.419 In Mark chapter 11, 00:10:05.699 --> 00:10:08.839 as Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, 00:10:09.039 --> 00:10:11.559 it notes that he does it with the 12. 00:10:11.959 --> 00:10:15.600 As Jesus gathers in Mark chapter 14 to have the Passover, 00:10:15.779 --> 00:10:18.039 we're told he does it with the 12. 00:10:18.659 --> 00:10:21.719 Yes, Jesus sends these men out, 00:10:22.419 --> 00:10:26.079 and his presence with them never ends. 00:10:27.620 --> 00:10:31.059 Jesus doesn't stop being with his apostles. 00:10:31.059 --> 00:10:33.799 Jesus doesn't stop being with his people. 00:10:34.099 --> 00:10:38.559 Jesus doesn't stop giving himself to those who follow after him. 00:10:39.079 --> 00:10:40.859 In fact, we're told in other books of the Bible 00:10:40.859 --> 00:10:42.619 that this continues even now. 00:10:42.779 --> 00:10:44.259 Jesus is still with us. 00:10:44.339 --> 00:10:45.619 Matthew chapter 28, 00:10:46.019 --> 00:10:49.219 Jesus gives these men his final commission, 00:10:49.319 --> 00:10:50.079 the great commission, 00:10:50.239 --> 00:10:52.659 telling them to go out and teach people 00:10:52.659 --> 00:10:54.359 and baptize them, making disciples. 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:56.099 And what does he tell them at the very end? 00:10:56.100 --> 00:10:57.180 Verse 20, 00:10:58.680 --> 00:11:03.720 And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:11:05.060 --> 00:11:08.000 I am going to heaven physically. 00:11:09.220 --> 00:11:11.519 Spiritually, my presence continues, 00:11:11.639 --> 00:11:14.340 and it will continue forever. 00:11:16.240 --> 00:11:18.220 Jesus leaves the earth. 00:11:18.220 --> 00:11:21.040 He does not leave his people. 00:11:22.580 --> 00:11:25.980 Jesus' mission is added to his presence. 00:11:26.899 --> 00:11:29.720 Jesus' mission does not replace his presence. 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:35.960 What is our fuel as we go on Jesus' mission? 00:11:36.139 --> 00:11:37.879 What is it that keeps us going? 00:11:38.019 --> 00:11:42.399 It is first that Jesus is still with us. 00:11:42.399 --> 00:11:47.100 Jesus is still with us. 00:11:47.740 --> 00:11:51.439 Jesus' promise from Matthew chapter 28 is still true. 00:11:51.539 --> 00:11:52.559 It continues now. 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:53.519 How do I know? 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:55.799 We have not reached the end of the age. 00:11:57.220 --> 00:11:59.439 That's how long the promise lasts. 00:12:00.019 --> 00:12:00.100 Okay? 00:12:00.620 --> 00:12:03.399 Jesus calls his apostles to be with him. 00:12:03.779 --> 00:12:05.860 He does the same for us. 00:12:06.919 --> 00:12:11.779 We are not merely or simply cogs in the machine of God's kingdom. 00:12:11.779 --> 00:12:14.259 We're his beloved sons and daughters. 00:12:16.379 --> 00:12:18.819 Now, as we come to with us language, 00:12:18.959 --> 00:12:20.500 it's tempting to stop there. 00:12:20.600 --> 00:12:24.620 It's tempting for that to simply be this pie-in-the-sky phrase, 00:12:24.699 --> 00:12:27.299 what I've talked before about the temptation of God talk. 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:29.639 And God talk is where we throw these things out 00:12:29.639 --> 00:12:31.579 that sound nice and wonderful. 00:12:31.839 --> 00:12:32.679 They're sentimental, 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:35.100 and maybe they make us feel good for a moment, 00:12:35.439 --> 00:12:37.339 and we have no idea what they mean. 00:12:37.340 --> 00:12:42.639 What does it mean on the ground this Wednesday 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:44.080 that God is with you, 00:12:44.160 --> 00:12:45.800 that Jesus is with you? 00:12:46.780 --> 00:12:48.620 Well, I'm going to give you not necessarily everything, 00:12:48.780 --> 00:12:49.980 but a few things that it means. 00:12:50.080 --> 00:12:51.800 First of all, John chapter 14, 00:12:52.180 --> 00:12:55.180 Jesus makes this promise that as he leaves physically, 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:58.500 he's going to do something even better than being here. 00:12:58.560 --> 00:13:01.400 He's going to send his spirit to be with his people. 00:13:01.399 --> 00:13:03.439 He says, 00:13:03.519 --> 00:13:05.439 I'm going to give you the spirit of truth 00:13:05.439 --> 00:13:07.100 whom the world cannot receive. 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:10.459 You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 00:13:10.939 --> 00:13:12.059 Now, you might ask at this point, 00:13:12.159 --> 00:13:14.240 okay, great, the Holy Spirit's going to be with us. 00:13:14.679 --> 00:13:16.459 What good does that do for us? 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:19.439 Well, thankfully, Jesus goes on in chapter 14 of John 00:13:19.439 --> 00:13:21.819 to tell us practically what that means for these people. 00:13:22.240 --> 00:13:24.360 Verses 25 and 26, he says, 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:26.840 the spirit will teach you all things 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:30.379 and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:36.720 How was Peter able to remember everything that he told to Mark 00:13:36.720 --> 00:13:40.960 so that Mark could write them down for this gospel in Greek 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:42.200 that was then translated 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:44.740 and we are reading and studying together right now. 00:13:46.259 --> 00:13:48.659 Peter was able to remember those things 00:13:48.659 --> 00:13:50.220 and tell them to Mark 00:13:50.220 --> 00:13:54.019 because Jesus by his spirit was with him. 00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:58.600 The Holy Spirit gave Peter practical help 00:13:58.600 --> 00:14:00.820 in his mind and his memory 00:14:00.820 --> 00:14:03.500 so that he would know the things that Jesus taught 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:05.620 while he was with us on this earth. 00:14:05.960 --> 00:14:08.740 Jesus being with us is not a mere sentiment. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:11.340 It is a real and helpful presence. 00:14:12.180 --> 00:14:14.759 Luke chapter 12, we're told something similar. 00:14:15.220 --> 00:14:16.639 Jesus tells his disciples, 00:14:17.000 --> 00:14:18.480 don't be afraid when you're called 00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:21.300 to appear before rulers and authorities. 00:14:22.019 --> 00:14:22.500 Why? 00:14:22.639 --> 00:14:24.600 Because the Holy Spirit will teach you 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:27.100 in that very hour what you ought to say. 00:14:28.200 --> 00:14:30.600 And so it's not just that Jesus was with Peter 00:14:30.600 --> 00:14:33.159 when the apostle Paul in the book of Acts 00:14:33.159 --> 00:14:35.920 appears before the rulers of the Roman government 00:14:35.920 --> 00:14:37.420 and has to give them a defense. 00:14:37.519 --> 00:14:39.420 When he's invited to appear before them 00:14:39.420 --> 00:14:41.779 over and over again over the period of years, 00:14:41.879 --> 00:14:43.440 when he makes his trip to Rome, 00:14:43.540 --> 00:14:46.680 how is it that Paul knows exactly what to say? 00:14:47.680 --> 00:14:51.160 It is not because of Paul's many years of education. 00:14:51.159 --> 00:14:53.539 It's not because he had the best teachers. 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:55.339 No, Paul is able to stand 00:14:55.339 --> 00:14:56.980 and give a defense for the gospel 00:14:56.980 --> 00:15:00.139 because Jesus by his spirit is with him. 00:15:01.480 --> 00:15:04.819 Jesus' presence is real and powerful. 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:12.939 Jesus is teaching us by his word this morning 00:15:12.939 --> 00:15:16.259 and he doesn't leave us alone by ourselves 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:17.199 to figure it out. 00:15:17.519 --> 00:15:19.720 I've mentioned it at least twice this morning. 00:15:19.720 --> 00:15:23.460 1 Corinthians 2 tells us that the only reason 00:15:23.460 --> 00:15:25.759 and the only way we can understand 00:15:25.759 --> 00:15:27.759 what God has for us in his word 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:30.620 is if his spirit comes and helps us. 00:15:31.820 --> 00:15:34.340 And so if you are understanding, 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:37.420 if you've ever sat and listened to a sermon 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:39.779 and you had that moment where you heard the word of God 00:15:39.779 --> 00:15:42.040 and everything came together for you 00:15:42.040 --> 00:15:44.019 and you understood it and you loved it 00:15:44.019 --> 00:15:45.120 and you wanted to change, 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:46.460 do you know why that happened? 00:15:46.460 --> 00:15:51.160 It did not happen because the preacher was brilliant. 00:15:52.300 --> 00:15:56.519 It happened because Jesus was with you 00:15:56.519 --> 00:15:59.400 by his spirit, 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:01.700 explaining and helping you comprehend 00:16:01.700 --> 00:16:04.100 and understand the things that are in his word. 00:16:05.040 --> 00:16:06.920 Okay, maybe the preacher was brilliant. 00:16:07.920 --> 00:16:08.759 Why? 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:12.960 Because Jesus was with him. 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:19.840 It is Jesus' presence that makes the difference. 00:16:21.799 --> 00:16:22.939 We're gonna go on. 00:16:23.059 --> 00:16:24.899 James chapter one, verse five 00:16:24.899 --> 00:16:27.159 makes a bold promise to God's people. 00:16:27.319 --> 00:16:31.360 It tells us if we lack wisdom and we ask for it, 00:16:31.740 --> 00:16:33.879 God is going to give it to us. 00:16:34.519 --> 00:16:37.019 That's a promise you should claim, by the way. 00:16:37.019 --> 00:16:38.759 You can go in prayer and say, 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:40.720 God, you promised me in your word 00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:43.299 that you would give wisdom to those who ask for it. 00:16:43.519 --> 00:16:44.740 I'm asking for it. 00:16:47.279 --> 00:16:50.379 What is our hope as we face the challenges in this world? 00:16:50.419 --> 00:16:52.079 As you are parenting children 00:16:52.079 --> 00:16:54.139 and you run up against situations 00:16:54.139 --> 00:16:56.279 that you have no idea how to approach, 00:16:56.419 --> 00:16:57.659 when you're talking with people 00:16:57.659 --> 00:16:59.980 and you don't have the wisdom to know the words to say 00:16:59.980 --> 00:17:03.460 in that moment to help and to calm and protect. 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:06.180 What is your hope as you're dealing with those older 00:17:06.180 --> 00:17:07.039 and younger than you? 00:17:07.080 --> 00:17:09.120 As you're facing situations at work 00:17:09.120 --> 00:17:10.519 that are beyond your capacity, 00:17:10.779 --> 00:17:12.720 as you're trying to share the gospel 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:14.259 with those who don't know Christ, 00:17:14.759 --> 00:17:16.600 your hope, brothers and sisters, 00:17:16.600 --> 00:17:19.080 is that Jesus is with you. 00:17:20.060 --> 00:17:22.299 Your hope is that he honors his promise 00:17:22.299 --> 00:17:24.140 in James chapter one, verse five, 00:17:24.200 --> 00:17:26.620 that he gives wisdom to those who ask. 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:29.080 If you remember from the book of Proverbs, 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:32.180 Jesus is the one who is the ultimate representation 00:17:32.180 --> 00:17:34.920 and fulfillment of wisdom. 00:17:35.120 --> 00:17:38.799 Jesus is with you by his spirit. 00:17:40.440 --> 00:17:43.259 That is our fuel and our power 00:17:43.259 --> 00:17:46.160 that keeps us going in the Christian life. 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:51.860 As I prepare week in and week out 00:17:51.860 --> 00:17:54.299 to preach in this church building, 00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:57.820 I pray multiple times a week 00:17:57.819 --> 00:18:00.099 that God would be with me 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:02.599 and that he would be with you 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:06.200 because I know that if he isn't 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:07.980 and I step into this pulpit, 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:10.240 I am dead on arrival. 00:18:12.579 --> 00:18:15.819 I can do no good apart from him. 00:18:17.259 --> 00:18:18.579 John chapter 15, 00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:20.319 I'm the vine, you are the branches. 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:23.460 Apart from me, you can do no good. 00:18:24.599 --> 00:18:26.879 He is the one who is at work. 00:18:27.819 --> 00:18:29.359 Remember Mark chapter four, 00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:31.179 verses 26 through 29, 00:18:31.619 --> 00:18:33.439 the parable of the seed growing. 00:18:33.599 --> 00:18:35.399 The sower doesn't know how it grows. 00:18:35.500 --> 00:18:36.679 He's just sleeping, right? 00:18:38.419 --> 00:18:40.839 Because we're simply instruments. 00:18:41.919 --> 00:18:44.039 We're instruments for God's power 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:46.099 at work in our lives. 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:51.759 We don't just have the fuel though 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:52.759 of Jesus' presence. 00:18:52.879 --> 00:18:55.019 We're told something else in this passage. 00:18:55.019 --> 00:18:58.000 It's not just that Jesus is with you, 00:18:58.400 --> 00:19:01.720 it's that others are with you as well. 00:19:02.579 --> 00:19:03.559 Okay, look with me. 00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:06.940 Verse seven, he calls the 12 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:10.059 and he begins to send them out two by two. 00:19:11.379 --> 00:19:12.579 You'll notice this appeared 00:19:12.579 --> 00:19:14.139 in our Old Testament reading as well. 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:16.639 Ecclesiastes says it's better 00:19:16.639 --> 00:19:18.859 for there to be two rather than one. 00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:21.839 Not only does Jesus send them out two by two, 00:19:21.839 --> 00:19:24.839 we're not told which two get paired up together. 00:19:25.799 --> 00:19:27.639 I mean, maybe like James and John 00:19:27.639 --> 00:19:29.879 were really hoping they were gonna get paired, you know? 00:19:30.419 --> 00:19:32.359 And maybe James got put with Matthias 00:19:32.359 --> 00:19:35.359 and that's not who he wanted to go out with. 00:19:36.079 --> 00:19:37.939 We don't even know because we're not told. 00:19:38.439 --> 00:19:39.819 Why would we need to be told? 00:19:41.159 --> 00:19:42.480 Personality is not what matters. 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:46.059 We're not interested in personalities 00:19:46.059 --> 00:19:48.279 or personality-driven ministry. 00:19:48.400 --> 00:19:50.519 There's nothing complicated here about this point. 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:52.299 I don't need to spend a lot of time explaining it 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:53.319 because it's very simple. 00:19:53.680 --> 00:19:55.160 Christianity is not a team sport. 00:19:55.579 --> 00:19:56.440 It is a team sport. 00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:57.400 It's not a solo sport. 00:19:58.980 --> 00:20:00.559 Jesus sends people out as groups. 00:20:00.660 --> 00:20:02.680 He calls us together as a church community. 00:20:03.099 --> 00:20:04.940 When Jesus calls you to himself, 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:06.860 he calls you to his people as well. 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:08.420 It is a package deal. 00:20:08.420 --> 00:20:11.800 You cannot separate Jesus from his church. 00:20:12.140 --> 00:20:14.900 You cannot separate your Christian walk 00:20:14.900 --> 00:20:17.039 from the brothers and sisters around you. 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:22.160 Do not try to follow Jesus by yourself. 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:26.200 Those who are sitting in front of you 00:20:26.200 --> 00:20:28.940 and behind you and to your left and your right this morning 00:20:28.940 --> 00:20:32.200 are part of the fuel that God has given you 00:20:32.200 --> 00:20:34.100 to make it in the Christian life. 00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:38.699 They are who God has blessed you with. 00:20:41.079 --> 00:20:44.279 Remember I said God gives wisdom to those who ask for it? 00:20:45.419 --> 00:20:47.159 How do you think he gives that wisdom? 00:20:49.919 --> 00:20:53.359 Yes, at times directly by his spirit. 00:20:53.619 --> 00:20:56.839 Many other times, God gives you that wisdom 00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:58.859 through older and wiser saints. 00:20:58.859 --> 00:21:03.399 You can pray as much as you want for wisdom 00:21:03.399 --> 00:21:05.319 and you also need to put yourself 00:21:05.319 --> 00:21:07.099 in the place where wisdom comes. 00:21:07.579 --> 00:21:10.240 God has given you these people 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:14.319 as part of his plan to impart you with wisdom. 00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:16.339 Those who are in this room with you 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:18.399 are part of your answer to that prayer 00:21:18.399 --> 00:21:19.939 that God would honor his promise 00:21:19.939 --> 00:21:22.059 in James chapter one, verse five. 00:21:23.159 --> 00:21:24.879 You might hear people say things like this. 00:21:24.919 --> 00:21:26.119 I don't really need the church. 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:28.740 You know, I've got my three Christian friends. 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:30.779 And we have a group and we have fellowship 00:21:30.779 --> 00:21:31.700 and we meet together. 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:33.539 That's great. 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:36.720 How many of them are older than you and wiser than you? 00:21:39.299 --> 00:21:43.400 It's in the church that God blesses us 00:21:43.400 --> 00:21:45.339 with multiple generations. 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:47.980 It's in the church that God blesses us 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:51.299 with multiple backgrounds and ways of life. 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:53.940 It's in the church that God puts us with people 00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:56.059 we would not otherwise be connected with. 00:21:56.059 --> 00:22:00.119 My guess is those three other people you hang out with 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:02.419 are somewhat similar to you. 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:05.519 There are people in this building 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:07.419 that if they were not part of this church with you 00:22:07.419 --> 00:22:08.779 you would never meet them. 00:22:10.500 --> 00:22:13.240 And you would never go to them for wisdom. 00:22:16.899 --> 00:22:18.220 You often hear the phrase, 00:22:18.399 --> 00:22:19.940 don't try this at home. 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:23.279 Christian version is this, 00:22:23.360 --> 00:22:24.259 don't try it alone. 00:22:25.900 --> 00:22:30.080 Do not live the Christian life by yourself. 00:22:31.279 --> 00:22:33.059 That's part of the reason we as a church 00:22:33.059 --> 00:22:35.960 are not interested in personality-driven ministries. 00:22:36.519 --> 00:22:39.000 If you've been at our church for a really long time, 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:41.380 you might remember the time in our history 00:22:41.380 --> 00:22:43.299 where the pastor did everything up front. 00:22:43.299 --> 00:22:47.680 David Johnson's already been up here 00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:50.099 to read the Old Testament reading and to pray. 00:22:51.059 --> 00:22:52.899 Next week, it's gonna be Jim Franks 00:22:52.899 --> 00:22:53.619 who's gonna be up here 00:22:53.619 --> 00:22:55.319 to read the Old Testament reading and to pray. 00:22:55.539 --> 00:22:57.500 Week after that, first Sunday of April, 00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:58.700 it's gonna be John Alpeter 00:22:58.700 --> 00:22:59.579 who's gonna be up front 00:22:59.579 --> 00:23:01.480 to read the Old Testament reading and to pray. 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:03.019 And I say that not to say 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:05.319 that it's all about what happens here on Sunday morning, 00:23:05.359 --> 00:23:06.700 but that's one piece, 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:09.440 one symbol of what it is that we want as a church, 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:11.460 that our focus and our intensity 00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:13.640 is not around one person or personality, 00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:16.279 but that we are actually following Jesus together 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.220 as one community, 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:19.779 that we're not relying on one individual, 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:22.559 but instead people who are walking side by side, 00:23:22.900 --> 00:23:24.140 following Jesus together. 00:23:25.319 --> 00:23:27.980 And as you see that assisting elder up front 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:29.079 every Sunday morning, 00:23:29.460 --> 00:23:31.420 that is just one piece, 00:23:31.620 --> 00:23:33.840 one picture of what we want to be true 00:23:33.840 --> 00:23:37.240 of our lives as Christians Monday through Saturday. 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:43.220 We want to be people who go at least two by two. 00:23:46.359 --> 00:23:48.039 Don't try to witness alone. 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:51.940 Have others praying with and for you. 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:55.059 Don't try to fight sin alone. 00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:59.759 Have others that you can confess to and grow with. 00:24:01.940 --> 00:24:04.779 Don't try to follow Jesus alone. 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:08.980 And so that's why I say every Sunday 00:24:08.980 --> 00:24:14.279 that we're following Jesus together as one community. 00:24:16.660 --> 00:24:20.700 Jesus has given us his fuel in the church. 00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:23.639 What's our power to keep going? 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:25.000 It's that Jesus is with us. 00:24:25.920 --> 00:24:27.059 Others are with us. 00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:28.819 It's not simply that though. 00:24:28.859 --> 00:24:31.500 It's also that Jesus provides for us. 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:34.440 We have this interesting section here 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:35.539 in verses eight through 10, 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:38.160 where Jesus tells them to take nothing for their journey. 00:24:39.079 --> 00:24:40.940 And what I want to tell you up front 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:43.640 is that all of you in your Christian life 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:44.700 need to take a staff. 00:24:45.799 --> 00:24:46.839 That was a joke, okay? 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:50.900 We don't want to approach this passage rigidly. 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:54.240 Jesus is giving specific instructions 00:24:54.240 --> 00:24:56.559 for this specific group. 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:58.480 So we want not a rigid rule from this, 00:24:58.559 --> 00:24:59.180 but a principle. 00:24:59.180 --> 00:25:01.680 We read scripture with scripture. 00:25:01.860 --> 00:25:03.759 That's one of the ways we interpret the Bible. 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:05.980 And we can look at other portions of scripture 00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:08.580 and see these are not always Jesus' instructions. 00:25:09.400 --> 00:25:10.740 So in this passage, 00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:12.380 they're allowed to have sandals with them. 00:25:12.940 --> 00:25:13.340 Guess what? 00:25:13.400 --> 00:25:15.460 In Luke 10, they're out of luck, no sandals. 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:18.180 Matthew 10, no sandals. 00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:20.660 Matthew 10, Luke 9, no staff. 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.900 Here, they're allowed to have a staff. 00:25:22.740 --> 00:25:25.400 Jesus doesn't give these sorts of requirements 00:25:25.400 --> 00:25:26.740 in other commissioning passages. 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:28.660 So I've already talked about Matthew 28. 00:25:29.120 --> 00:25:30.200 Jesus does not say, 00:25:30.600 --> 00:25:32.720 behold, I'm with you to the end of the age 00:25:32.720 --> 00:25:34.640 as long as you don't have a second tunic. 00:25:36.040 --> 00:25:36.279 Okay? 00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:38.060 Mark 8, there's a commissioning. 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:40.320 Jesus does not provide these sorts of instructions. 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:42.640 In fact, we have opposite examples. 00:25:42.840 --> 00:25:45.540 So in Acts chapter 28, we see the apostle Paul. 00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:47.279 He's in prison for two years. 00:25:47.560 --> 00:25:48.940 He supports himself, 00:25:49.580 --> 00:25:51.480 presumably out of his own savings, 00:25:51.600 --> 00:25:52.960 while under house arrest, 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:55.360 and people come visit him so he can teach. 00:25:55.359 --> 00:25:56.919 Other parts in Paul's career, 00:25:57.059 --> 00:25:57.899 he's making tents. 00:25:57.979 --> 00:25:59.419 He's working to support himself. 00:25:59.979 --> 00:26:01.459 Luke chapter 8, verse 3, 00:26:01.599 --> 00:26:03.500 Jesus is supported by women 00:26:03.500 --> 00:26:04.959 out of their resources 00:26:04.959 --> 00:26:06.240 who give him what he needs. 00:26:07.819 --> 00:26:09.259 Another way of coming at it is this. 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:10.779 This is for a limited mission, right? 00:26:10.839 --> 00:26:12.659 Jesus is sending out these particular people 00:26:12.659 --> 00:26:13.799 on a specific mission. 00:26:15.019 --> 00:26:16.279 He's not sending you out 00:26:16.279 --> 00:26:17.419 on that same specific mission. 00:26:17.559 --> 00:26:18.539 So if you have two tunics, 00:26:18.779 --> 00:26:19.500 it might be okay. 00:26:20.380 --> 00:26:20.539 Okay? 00:26:21.940 --> 00:26:23.960 It also assumes other people aren't doing it. 00:26:24.119 --> 00:26:25.839 If everyone is doing this, 00:26:25.880 --> 00:26:27.039 there's not going to be any house 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:28.480 for people to stay at and be fed by. 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:31.559 So the whole thing is predicated 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:33.240 on this other community that's helping them. 00:26:33.880 --> 00:26:35.500 At risk of beating a dead horse, 00:26:35.539 --> 00:26:36.339 I just want to say, 00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:38.099 when we come to passages like this, 00:26:38.160 --> 00:26:39.900 it's tempting to get weird with them. 00:26:41.180 --> 00:26:41.480 Okay? 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:44.119 What we want to do with passages like this 00:26:44.119 --> 00:26:46.000 is recognize what's different 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:47.980 between us and the original context. 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:49.400 What we also want to do 00:26:49.400 --> 00:26:51.799 is to draw out the general principle 00:26:51.799 --> 00:26:53.740 that can apply to multiple people 00:26:53.740 --> 00:26:54.940 in multiple situations. 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:57.059 The principle is this. 00:26:57.180 --> 00:26:57.519 Simply, 00:26:58.200 --> 00:27:01.140 that we look to God ultimately 00:27:01.140 --> 00:27:03.160 for our power and our provision. 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:06.200 The principle is simply 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:08.019 that we look to God 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:11.480 for our power and our provision. 00:27:12.339 --> 00:27:15.099 God is the one who bankrolls his mission. 00:27:15.099 --> 00:27:17.419 Our hope, 00:27:17.879 --> 00:27:18.980 personally, 00:27:19.219 --> 00:27:20.359 and our hope as a church, 00:27:20.519 --> 00:27:22.939 is not in large bank accounts. 00:27:24.259 --> 00:27:25.219 Our hope, 00:27:25.779 --> 00:27:26.240 personally, 00:27:26.439 --> 00:27:27.199 and as a church, 00:27:27.339 --> 00:27:28.599 is not in buildings. 00:27:29.959 --> 00:27:31.039 And I'm not just talking about 00:27:31.039 --> 00:27:32.619 things that are financial and physical. 00:27:33.639 --> 00:27:34.559 We trust, 00:27:34.659 --> 00:27:36.159 as we go out in God's mission, 00:27:36.319 --> 00:27:37.759 that he is at work. 00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:40.099 Because if he isn't, 00:27:41.000 --> 00:27:42.039 it's worthless. 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:45.819 The promise, 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:47.159 as we go out 00:27:47.159 --> 00:27:48.359 and share the good news, 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:50.500 is that God already has people 00:27:50.500 --> 00:27:52.359 who belong to him 00:27:52.359 --> 00:27:54.359 to hear it and receive it. 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:55.559 In fact, 00:27:55.579 --> 00:27:56.759 that's the word of encouragement 00:27:56.759 --> 00:27:57.779 he gives to Paul 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:59.200 in Acts chapter 18. 00:27:59.339 --> 00:28:00.099 Paul's in Corinth. 00:28:01.579 --> 00:28:02.779 The Lord says to this, 00:28:02.839 --> 00:28:03.039 it says, 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:19.759 God has already planned 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:21.279 who he's going to use Paul 00:28:21.279 --> 00:28:22.099 as his instrument 00:28:22.099 --> 00:28:23.139 to bring to himself. 00:28:23.140 --> 00:28:26.380 When we go out 00:28:26.380 --> 00:28:28.259 following Jesus together, 00:28:28.880 --> 00:28:30.120 our reliance, 00:28:30.620 --> 00:28:31.259 our power, 00:28:31.400 --> 00:28:32.040 our provision 00:28:32.040 --> 00:28:33.840 is from him alone. 00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:37.060 Even the people 00:28:37.060 --> 00:28:38.400 who hear and respond 00:28:38.400 --> 00:28:39.500 to his word 00:28:39.500 --> 00:28:40.380 are people 00:28:40.380 --> 00:28:41.259 he's already chosen. 00:28:43.160 --> 00:28:44.980 We have nothing 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:46.500 that Jesus doesn't provide. 00:28:47.820 --> 00:28:49.080 And so the apostles here 00:28:49.080 --> 00:28:50.740 present us a small picture 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:54.460 of that in this situation. 00:28:54.579 --> 00:28:55.140 In other words, 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:56.200 we are instruments. 00:28:57.200 --> 00:28:58.740 God provides the power. 00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:01.599 We're simply instruments. 00:29:02.380 --> 00:29:03.079 God's the one 00:29:03.079 --> 00:29:04.079 who provides. 00:29:04.180 --> 00:29:04.400 In fact, 00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:06.339 we see that in verse 7. 00:29:08.779 --> 00:29:10.099 He gives them authority 00:29:10.099 --> 00:29:11.440 over the unclean spirits. 00:29:11.920 --> 00:29:12.059 Okay? 00:29:12.539 --> 00:29:13.200 We're instruments. 00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:14.140 We need God's power. 00:29:15.759 --> 00:29:17.140 Speaking of instruments, 00:29:17.140 --> 00:29:17.740 instruments, 00:29:18.340 --> 00:29:19.700 I had a lot of trouble 00:29:19.700 --> 00:29:21.140 the past couple weeks 00:29:21.140 --> 00:29:22.460 with my vacuum cleaner. 00:29:24.320 --> 00:29:25.560 And I'll tell you, 00:29:26.300 --> 00:29:27.820 I have a shark vacuum cleaner. 00:29:29.100 --> 00:29:29.520 I bought it. 00:29:29.720 --> 00:29:30.320 Yeah, that's right. 00:29:30.380 --> 00:29:30.759 Watch out. 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:32.800 I bought it three, 00:29:32.960 --> 00:29:33.840 almost three years ago 00:29:33.840 --> 00:29:34.660 when I got my house. 00:29:34.820 --> 00:29:35.960 And I'll tell you 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:38.740 that as I was having trouble 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:39.700 with this vacuum cleaner, 00:29:40.180 --> 00:29:41.100 the roller wasn't working, 00:29:41.100 --> 00:29:42.680 I began to have great 00:29:42.680 --> 00:29:43.980 and magnificent dreams 00:29:43.980 --> 00:29:44.540 of a Dyson. 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:50.399 And I looked on Amazon 00:29:50.399 --> 00:29:52.159 to see what it would cost 00:29:52.159 --> 00:29:52.740 for a Dyson. 00:29:53.839 --> 00:29:56.319 And I think it was at least 00:29:56.319 --> 00:29:58.039 a promise of two future children, 00:29:58.119 --> 00:29:58.740 if not three, 00:29:58.839 --> 00:29:59.519 depending on the model. 00:30:00.019 --> 00:30:00.839 And so I decided 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:02.180 that was not part of my future. 00:30:03.059 --> 00:30:03.859 I would like my, 00:30:04.039 --> 00:30:04.200 you know, 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:04.899 if I ever have children, 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:06.039 I'd like them to stay in my house. 00:30:06.059 --> 00:30:06.819 I don't want them to have to go 00:30:06.819 --> 00:30:07.460 and work for Amazon 00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:08.259 for the rest of their lives. 00:30:13.000 --> 00:30:14.039 Maybe you have a Dyson. 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:15.220 And if you do, 00:30:15.460 --> 00:30:17.099 I'm grateful for you. 00:30:19.240 --> 00:30:20.079 It's not the Dyson 00:30:20.079 --> 00:30:20.799 that has the power. 00:30:22.379 --> 00:30:23.319 It's not the Dyson 00:30:23.319 --> 00:30:24.099 that's great. 00:30:25.480 --> 00:30:26.720 It's the one who made it. 00:30:28.399 --> 00:30:29.559 And it doesn't matter 00:30:29.559 --> 00:30:31.500 how great your Dyson is 00:30:31.500 --> 00:30:32.599 if you can't plug it in. 00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:37.200 It doesn't matter 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:38.299 how glorious 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.759 of a vacuum cleaner it is 00:30:39.759 --> 00:30:40.319 if it doesn't have 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:41.159 a power source. 00:30:41.160 --> 00:30:44.340 Brothers and sisters, 00:30:44.460 --> 00:30:45.400 some of us are sharks. 00:30:46.840 --> 00:30:48.460 Maybe a few of us are Dysons. 00:30:50.820 --> 00:30:52.200 All the glory goes to God. 00:30:54.200 --> 00:30:55.560 And without his power, 00:30:55.680 --> 00:30:56.320 it doesn't matter. 00:30:58.500 --> 00:31:00.080 Without God's provision, 00:31:00.420 --> 00:31:01.560 it doesn't matter. 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:04.440 It's a worthless piece of plastic. 00:31:04.440 --> 00:31:08.320 Same is true for us. 00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:10.519 It is Jesus 00:31:10.519 --> 00:31:11.480 who provides 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.180 the fuel 00:31:12.180 --> 00:31:12.980 and the power 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:14.259 for our mission. 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:17.620 God made you. 00:31:18.960 --> 00:31:20.100 Gives you all the power 00:31:20.100 --> 00:31:20.640 that you need. 00:31:20.640 --> 00:31:26.240 And so that's what we do 00:31:26.240 --> 00:31:27.460 when we pray every Sunday. 00:31:28.580 --> 00:31:29.420 It's what you do 00:31:29.420 --> 00:31:29.920 when you pray 00:31:29.920 --> 00:31:30.560 as an individual. 00:31:31.240 --> 00:31:31.759 It's what you do 00:31:31.759 --> 00:31:32.580 when you pray as families. 00:31:32.580 --> 00:31:32.980 You're saying, 00:31:33.080 --> 00:31:33.759 we don't have power. 00:31:35.500 --> 00:31:36.920 We don't have an extra tunic. 00:31:37.600 --> 00:31:38.700 We didn't bring any food. 00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:41.900 If this is going to work, 00:31:42.460 --> 00:31:42.820 God, 00:31:42.880 --> 00:31:43.880 you're going to have to show up. 00:31:44.600 --> 00:31:46.240 And so we're coming to you now 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:47.880 and we're asking you to do that. 00:31:47.980 --> 00:31:49.400 We're asking you to show up. 00:31:49.720 --> 00:31:51.360 We're asking you to give us wisdom 00:31:51.360 --> 00:31:52.300 where we need wisdom. 00:31:52.780 --> 00:31:53.980 We're asking you to provide 00:31:53.980 --> 00:31:55.000 where we need provision. 00:31:55.640 --> 00:31:57.720 We're asking that you would be at work 00:31:57.720 --> 00:31:58.740 because if you're not, 00:31:59.740 --> 00:32:01.300 what we do is worthless. 00:32:02.980 --> 00:32:05.440 We're asking for God's power 00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:07.560 and fuel to keep us going. 00:32:10.920 --> 00:32:13.300 We have a sobering ending here 00:32:13.300 --> 00:32:15.780 to this passage. 00:32:16.700 --> 00:32:17.519 Verse 11, 00:32:17.640 --> 00:32:18.060 they're told, 00:32:18.059 --> 00:32:20.259 if a city doesn't receive them, 00:32:20.379 --> 00:32:22.279 they're to shake the dust 00:32:22.279 --> 00:32:23.539 off of their feet. 00:32:24.159 --> 00:32:25.940 The way we would say it is this. 00:32:26.679 --> 00:32:27.179 You know what? 00:32:27.200 --> 00:32:28.440 You just need to wash your hands of that. 00:32:29.960 --> 00:32:30.960 It's time to move on. 00:32:32.159 --> 00:32:33.159 It's a symbol 00:32:33.159 --> 00:32:34.599 that they're moving on 00:32:34.599 --> 00:32:35.639 from that place. 00:32:36.019 --> 00:32:37.319 Don't have anything to do with it. 00:32:37.399 --> 00:32:38.519 Don't be polluted by it. 00:32:38.579 --> 00:32:39.659 Don't be affected by it. 00:32:39.700 --> 00:32:40.700 Just move on. 00:32:40.700 --> 00:32:44.319 There are times 00:32:44.319 --> 00:32:46.980 when God's word 00:32:46.980 --> 00:32:49.000 is accepted and rejoiced at. 00:32:50.380 --> 00:32:51.720 There are times 00:32:51.720 --> 00:32:52.720 when God's word 00:32:52.720 --> 00:32:53.580 is rejected 00:32:53.580 --> 00:32:54.660 and hated. 00:32:56.019 --> 00:32:57.640 In both situations, 00:32:57.819 --> 00:32:59.380 the word has served its purpose. 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:03.500 The Bible actually teaches this explicitly 00:33:03.500 --> 00:33:05.200 in 2 Corinthians 2. 00:33:05.200 --> 00:33:06.880 Paul talks about 00:33:06.880 --> 00:33:07.160 what's called 00:33:07.160 --> 00:33:08.400 the aroma of Christ 00:33:08.400 --> 00:33:09.420 and he says, 00:33:09.620 --> 00:33:10.519 to some people, 00:33:11.200 --> 00:33:12.080 it's a fragrance 00:33:12.080 --> 00:33:13.500 from death to death. 00:33:14.180 --> 00:33:14.620 The other, 00:33:14.799 --> 00:33:15.120 a fragrance 00:33:15.120 --> 00:33:16.100 from life to life. 00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:18.840 Some people smell the gospel 00:33:18.840 --> 00:33:20.000 and it smells wonderful 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:20.600 and beautiful. 00:33:21.559 --> 00:33:22.480 Other people smell 00:33:22.480 --> 00:33:23.360 the aroma of Christ 00:33:23.360 --> 00:33:24.519 and it smells like death. 00:33:24.519 --> 00:33:27.759 The apostles are going 00:33:27.759 --> 00:33:29.019 to experience that 00:33:29.019 --> 00:33:30.139 as they go. 00:33:30.259 --> 00:33:31.680 They're not to be stopped by it 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:32.440 but instead 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:34.839 to keep preaching repentance. 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:36.160 We're told explicitly, 00:33:36.319 --> 00:33:36.859 verse 12, 00:33:37.220 --> 00:33:38.480 what it is that they're saying. 00:33:39.119 --> 00:33:39.400 It says, 00:33:39.700 --> 00:33:40.259 so they went out 00:33:40.259 --> 00:33:40.779 and proclaimed 00:33:40.779 --> 00:33:42.460 that people should repent. 00:33:44.940 --> 00:33:45.940 It's what I've said before 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:46.680 is that knowledge 00:33:46.680 --> 00:33:47.500 is dangerous. 00:33:48.279 --> 00:33:48.859 And knowledge 00:33:48.859 --> 00:33:49.519 is dangerous 00:33:49.519 --> 00:33:50.400 because we're held 00:33:50.400 --> 00:33:50.879 accountable 00:33:50.879 --> 00:33:52.000 for what we know. 00:33:52.599 --> 00:33:54.059 God uses his word 00:33:54.059 --> 00:33:54.919 to convict 00:33:54.919 --> 00:33:55.579 and convert. 00:33:56.379 --> 00:33:57.740 God also uses 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:58.399 his word 00:33:58.399 --> 00:33:59.440 to confirm 00:33:59.440 --> 00:34:00.159 his judgment. 00:34:01.379 --> 00:34:02.399 It confirms 00:34:02.399 --> 00:34:03.279 even more 00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:04.259 how much someone 00:34:04.259 --> 00:34:05.440 has rejected 00:34:05.440 --> 00:34:06.259 him. 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:09.980 And so we end 00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:10.340 with this 00:34:10.340 --> 00:34:10.940 as we look 00:34:10.940 --> 00:34:12.259 to God's fuel 00:34:12.259 --> 00:34:13.820 and his power. 00:34:14.799 --> 00:34:15.639 As we look 00:34:15.639 --> 00:34:16.340 to the ways 00:34:16.340 --> 00:34:16.880 he provides 00:34:16.880 --> 00:34:17.860 by being with us 00:34:17.860 --> 00:34:18.460 and giving us 00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:19.059 his people, 00:34:19.360 --> 00:34:20.059 it's important 00:34:20.059 --> 00:34:20.719 to remember 00:34:20.719 --> 00:34:22.000 that is for those 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:22.699 who follow 00:34:22.699 --> 00:34:23.480 after Jesus. 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:24.559 that's for those 00:34:24.559 --> 00:34:25.039 who have heard 00:34:25.039 --> 00:34:26.099 this verse 12 00:34:26.099 --> 00:34:27.179 message of repentance 00:34:27.179 --> 00:34:29.099 and they have received it. 00:34:29.199 --> 00:34:30.079 Not that the dust 00:34:30.079 --> 00:34:31.099 has been shaken off 00:34:31.099 --> 00:34:31.579 but instead 00:34:31.579 --> 00:34:32.719 they are joining 00:34:32.719 --> 00:34:33.760 with the apostles, 00:34:34.300 --> 00:34:35.500 following after Jesus, 00:34:35.699 --> 00:34:36.900 looking to enjoy him 00:34:36.900 --> 00:34:37.980 and glorify him 00:34:37.980 --> 00:34:38.460 forever. 00:34:39.860 --> 00:34:40.340 Because 00:34:40.340 --> 00:34:41.760 Jesus is going 00:34:41.760 --> 00:34:42.460 to go on 00:34:42.460 --> 00:34:43.300 later in the gospel 00:34:43.300 --> 00:34:43.760 of Mark 00:34:43.760 --> 00:34:44.820 and die 00:34:44.820 --> 00:34:46.159 for all of these people. 00:34:48.860 --> 00:34:49.780 God the Father 00:34:49.780 --> 00:34:50.740 is going to shake 00:34:50.740 --> 00:34:51.260 the dust 00:34:51.260 --> 00:34:51.880 off his feet 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:52.580 at Jesus 00:34:52.580 --> 00:34:54.740 so he doesn't 00:34:54.740 --> 00:34:55.240 have to do it 00:34:55.240 --> 00:34:55.720 for us. 00:34:58.040 --> 00:34:58.820 He is going 00:34:58.820 --> 00:34:59.600 to do that 00:34:59.600 --> 00:35:00.280 to bridge 00:35:00.280 --> 00:35:00.780 the gap 00:35:00.780 --> 00:35:01.500 that's been created 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:02.160 between us 00:35:02.160 --> 00:35:02.600 and God 00:35:02.600 --> 00:35:03.620 so that Jesus 00:35:03.620 --> 00:35:04.660 can be with us. 00:35:04.860 --> 00:35:05.520 He is going 00:35:05.520 --> 00:35:06.060 to do that 00:35:06.060 --> 00:35:07.080 to adopt us 00:35:07.080 --> 00:35:07.740 as his sons 00:35:07.740 --> 00:35:08.200 and daughters 00:35:08.200 --> 00:35:08.980 and so that Jesus 00:35:08.980 --> 00:35:09.780 is not simply 00:35:09.780 --> 00:35:10.340 with us 00:35:10.340 --> 00:35:11.060 but he also 00:35:11.060 --> 00:35:11.440 gives us 00:35:11.440 --> 00:35:12.020 this great 00:35:12.020 --> 00:35:12.740 inheritance 00:35:12.740 --> 00:35:13.700 as people 00:35:13.700 --> 00:35:14.600 who are his family. 00:35:14.860 --> 00:35:15.680 He does that 00:35:15.680 --> 00:35:16.360 to earn 00:35:16.360 --> 00:35:17.320 for us 00:35:17.320 --> 00:35:17.940 and provide 00:35:17.940 --> 00:35:18.740 for us 00:35:18.740 --> 00:35:19.700 the fuel 00:35:19.700 --> 00:35:20.760 and the provision 00:35:20.760 --> 00:35:21.559 that we need 00:35:21.559 --> 00:35:22.420 to keep going 00:35:22.420 --> 00:35:24.619 and that is 00:35:24.619 --> 00:35:25.200 a fuel 00:35:25.200 --> 00:35:26.679 that will burn 00:35:26.679 --> 00:35:28.240 longer and farther 00:35:28.240 --> 00:35:29.240 than any guilt 00:35:29.240 --> 00:35:29.860 or shame. 00:35:30.800 --> 00:35:31.840 It is the fuel 00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:32.579 that will keep us 00:35:32.579 --> 00:35:32.940 going 00:35:32.940 --> 00:35:34.480 in the Christian life. 00:35:36.039 --> 00:35:37.539 In Luke chapter 10 00:35:37.539 --> 00:35:38.079 we're told 00:35:38.079 --> 00:35:39.119 a similar story. 00:35:39.260 --> 00:35:39.960 Jesus is sending 00:35:39.960 --> 00:35:40.980 not the 12 00:35:40.980 --> 00:35:42.440 but he's sending 00:35:42.440 --> 00:35:43.280 out the 72. 00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:43.900 He's sending out 00:35:43.900 --> 00:35:44.880 this greater number 00:35:44.880 --> 00:35:45.720 to do a very 00:35:45.720 --> 00:35:47.139 similar mission. 00:35:47.940 --> 00:35:48.960 And they return 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:49.599 after Jesus 00:35:49.599 --> 00:35:50.320 has given them 00:35:50.320 --> 00:35:51.099 this authority 00:35:51.099 --> 00:35:52.539 and they're so 00:35:52.539 --> 00:35:53.200 excited 00:35:53.200 --> 00:35:54.220 because of all 00:35:54.220 --> 00:35:54.599 the things 00:35:54.599 --> 00:35:54.960 they've seen 00:35:54.960 --> 00:35:55.320 and done 00:35:55.320 --> 00:35:56.119 and it says this 00:35:56.119 --> 00:35:57.179 the 72 00:35:57.179 --> 00:35:58.260 returned with joy 00:35:58.260 --> 00:35:59.000 saying Lord 00:35:59.000 --> 00:36:00.159 even the demons 00:36:00.159 --> 00:36:01.179 are subject 00:36:01.179 --> 00:36:02.019 to us 00:36:02.019 --> 00:36:02.940 in your name. 00:36:04.200 --> 00:36:05.619 They're thrilled 00:36:05.619 --> 00:36:06.639 that God's 00:36:06.639 --> 00:36:06.980 at work 00:36:06.980 --> 00:36:07.440 through them 00:36:07.440 --> 00:36:09.679 and Jesus 00:36:09.679 --> 00:36:10.480 rebukes them. 00:36:12.079 --> 00:36:13.019 Verse 20 00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:14.900 do not rejoice 00:36:14.900 --> 00:36:15.639 in this 00:36:15.639 --> 00:36:16.860 that the spirits 00:36:16.860 --> 00:36:17.620 are subject 00:36:17.620 --> 00:36:18.300 to you 00:36:18.300 --> 00:36:19.700 but rejoice 00:36:19.700 --> 00:36:20.980 that your names 00:36:20.980 --> 00:36:21.940 are written 00:36:21.940 --> 00:36:23.019 in heaven. 00:36:24.620 --> 00:36:25.640 Brothers and sisters 00:36:25.640 --> 00:36:26.400 our ultimate 00:36:26.400 --> 00:36:27.200 hope and joy 00:36:27.200 --> 00:36:27.720 the fuel 00:36:27.720 --> 00:36:28.380 that keeps us 00:36:28.380 --> 00:36:28.700 going 00:36:28.700 --> 00:36:29.460 in the Christian 00:36:29.460 --> 00:36:29.800 life 00:36:29.800 --> 00:36:30.980 is not guilt 00:36:30.980 --> 00:36:31.579 or shame 00:36:31.579 --> 00:36:32.260 or discipline 00:36:32.260 --> 00:36:33.000 or diligence. 00:36:33.140 --> 00:36:33.620 The fuel 00:36:33.620 --> 00:36:34.820 that keeps us 00:36:34.820 --> 00:36:35.160 going 00:36:35.160 --> 00:36:35.840 is what Jesus 00:36:35.840 --> 00:36:36.740 provides for us 00:36:36.740 --> 00:36:37.380 this promise 00:36:37.380 --> 00:36:38.380 that he 00:36:38.380 --> 00:36:39.980 is with us. 00:36:40.200 --> 00:36:41.360 He is with us 00:36:41.360 --> 00:36:41.900 now and he 00:36:41.900 --> 00:36:42.700 will be with us 00:36:42.700 --> 00:36:43.360 in an even 00:36:43.360 --> 00:36:44.280 greater way 00:36:44.280 --> 00:36:45.160 in the future 00:36:45.160 --> 00:36:46.280 that our names 00:36:46.280 --> 00:36:46.820 are written 00:36:46.820 --> 00:36:47.700 down in heaven 00:36:47.700 --> 00:36:48.260 and that there's 00:36:48.260 --> 00:36:49.040 nothing that can 00:36:49.040 --> 00:36:49.519 be done 00:36:49.519 --> 00:36:50.400 to erase them. 00:36:50.400 --> 00:36:51.840 That is a motivation 00:36:51.840 --> 00:36:52.480 and a power 00:36:52.480 --> 00:36:53.019 and a fuel 00:36:53.019 --> 00:36:54.160 that enables us 00:36:54.160 --> 00:36:55.100 to do more 00:36:55.100 --> 00:36:55.860 than anything 00:36:55.860 --> 00:36:56.560 else could 00:36:56.560 --> 00:36:57.740 and so we look 00:36:57.740 --> 00:36:58.680 forward to that 00:36:58.680 --> 00:36:59.460 time when we 00:36:59.460 --> 00:37:00.640 experience God 00:37:00.640 --> 00:37:01.420 with us 00:37:01.420 --> 00:37:03.120 more than we 00:37:03.120 --> 00:37:04.060 ever can imagine. 00:37:04.400 --> 00:37:05.400 We experience 00:37:05.400 --> 00:37:06.240 being with 00:37:06.240 --> 00:37:07.019 others and we 00:37:07.019 --> 00:37:07.980 see the 00:37:07.980 --> 00:37:08.620 fulfillment 00:37:08.620 --> 00:37:09.800 of everything 00:37:09.800 --> 00:37:10.640 that Jesus 00:37:10.640 --> 00:37:11.600 has promised 00:37:11.599 --> 00:37:13.119 that no eye 00:37:13.119 --> 00:37:13.539 has seen 00:37:13.539 --> 00:37:13.920 or ear 00:37:13.920 --> 00:37:14.400 has heard 00:37:14.400 --> 00:37:15.279 but God 00:37:15.279 --> 00:37:16.079 has prepared 00:37:16.079 --> 00:37:17.199 for those 00:37:17.199 --> 00:37:17.839 who love 00:37:17.839 --> 00:37:18.099 him. 00:37:18.839 --> 00:37:19.119 Let's pray. 00:37:21.119 --> 00:37:21.860 Our Father 00:37:21.860 --> 00:37:22.259 in heaven 00:37:22.259 --> 00:37:23.539 we praise 00:37:23.539 --> 00:37:24.099 you and 00:37:24.099 --> 00:37:24.860 thank you 00:37:24.860 --> 00:37:25.960 that you 00:37:25.960 --> 00:37:26.779 are with us 00:37:26.779 --> 00:37:27.059 and we 00:37:27.059 --> 00:37:27.420 thank you 00:37:27.420 --> 00:37:27.960 for the ways 00:37:27.960 --> 00:37:28.299 you've been 00:37:28.299 --> 00:37:28.699 with us 00:37:28.699 --> 00:37:29.219 this morning 00:37:29.219 --> 00:37:29.679 by your 00:37:29.679 --> 00:37:30.039 word 00:37:30.039 --> 00:37:30.779 to encourage 00:37:30.779 --> 00:37:31.619 and sustain 00:37:31.619 --> 00:37:32.039 us. 00:37:32.440 --> 00:37:32.819 We ask 00:37:32.819 --> 00:37:33.019 that you 00:37:33.019 --> 00:37:33.679 would continue 00:37:33.679 --> 00:37:34.299 to do 00:37:34.299 --> 00:37:34.579 that 00:37:34.579 --> 00:37:34.980 that you 00:37:34.980 --> 00:37:35.619 would stir 00:37:35.619 --> 00:37:36.019 up 00:37:36.019 --> 00:37:36.860 Jesus' 00:37:37.039 --> 00:37:37.239 words 00:37:37.239 --> 00:37:37.639 in our 00:37:37.639 --> 00:37:37.960 minds 00:37:37.960 --> 00:37:38.339 and you'd 00:37:38.339 --> 00:37:38.900 stir us 00:37:38.900 --> 00:37:39.299 up to 00:37:39.299 --> 00:37:39.659 walk 00:37:39.659 --> 00:37:40.259 not alone 00:37:40.259 --> 00:37:40.599 but with 00:37:40.599 --> 00:37:41.039 each other 00:37:41.039 --> 00:37:41.779 that we 00:37:41.779 --> 00:37:41.980 would 00:37:41.980 --> 00:37:42.500 experience 00:37:42.500 --> 00:37:42.900 your 00:37:42.900 --> 00:37:43.340 presence 00:37:43.340 --> 00:37:43.980 we'd 00:37:43.980 --> 00:37:44.539 experience 00:37:44.539 --> 00:37:45.179 the 00:37:45.179 --> 00:37:45.519 presence 00:37:45.519 --> 00:37:45.759 of 00:37:45.759 --> 00:37:45.920 one 00:37:45.920 --> 00:37:46.219 another 00:37:46.219 --> 00:37:46.679 and 00:37:46.679 --> 00:37:46.940 we'd 00:37:46.940 --> 00:37:47.400 experience 00:37:47.400 --> 00:37:47.779 the 00:37:47.779 --> 00:37:48.239 provision 00:37:48.239 --> 00:37:48.739 and the 00:37:48.739 --> 00:37:49.199 power 00:37:49.199 --> 00:37:49.579 that you 00:37:49.579 --> 00:37:50.139 give us 00:37:50.139 --> 00:37:50.980 along the 00:37:50.980 --> 00:37:51.219 way. 00:37:51.719 --> 00:37:52.340 We thank 00:37:52.340 --> 00:37:52.599 you that 00:37:52.599 --> 00:37:53.039 we haven't 00:37:53.039 --> 00:37:53.440 earned or 00:37:53.440 --> 00:37:53.759 deserved 00:37:53.759 --> 00:37:54.199 any of 00:37:54.199 --> 00:37:54.380 these 00:37:54.380 --> 00:37:54.699 things 00:37:54.699 --> 00:37:55.159 but instead 00:37:55.159 --> 00:37:55.779 we look 00:37:55.779 --> 00:37:56.259 to your 00:37:56.259 --> 00:37:56.679 son and 00:37:56.679 --> 00:37:56.860 our 00:37:56.860 --> 00:37:57.259 savior 00:37:57.259 --> 00:37:57.900 our 00:37:57.900 --> 00:37:58.099 Lord 00:37:58.099 --> 00:37:58.340 Jesus 00:37:58.340 --> 00:37:58.719 Christ 00:37:58.719 --> 00:37:59.059 and we 00:37:59.059 --> 00:37:59.579 ask for 00:37:59.579 --> 00:37:59.739 them 00:37:59.739 --> 00:38:00.139 in his 00:38:00.139 --> 00:38:00.460 name 00:38:00.460 --> 00:38:01.039 amen.