WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.599 Hi, my name is George Sinclair. I'm the lead pastor of Church of the Messiah. 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:20.480 ! It is wonderful that you would like to check out some of the sermons done by Church of the Messiah, 00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:25.679 either by myself or some of the others. Listen, just a couple of things. First of all, would you pray for us 00:00:25.679 --> 00:00:32.159 that we will open God's Word well to His glory and for the good of people like yourself? 00:00:32.159 --> 00:00:37.359 The second thing is, if you aren't connected to a church and if you are a Christian, 00:00:37.359 --> 00:00:42.159 we really, I would really like to encourage you to find a good local church where they believe the 00:00:42.159 --> 00:00:48.799 Bible, they preach the gospel, and if you have some trouble finding that, send us an email. We will do 00:00:48.799 --> 00:00:55.120 what we can to help connect you with a good local church wherever you are. And if you're a non-Christian, 00:00:55.119 --> 00:01:00.320 checking us out, we're really, really, really glad you're doing that. Don't hesitate to send us 00:01:00.320 --> 00:01:05.280 questions. It helps me actually to know, as I'm preaching, how to deal with the types of things 00:01:05.280 --> 00:01:07.759 that you're really struggling with. So God bless. 00:01:12.640 --> 00:01:18.879 The text we're looking at today. If you're familiar with house building, or if you're familiar with 00:01:18.879 --> 00:01:25.679 general construction or general contracting, you know that one of the first things to be done 00:01:26.319 --> 00:01:33.920 is that you would make a blueprint or drawings or architectural drawings of what's being, what's the 00:01:33.920 --> 00:01:41.679 project is that's being proposed to be built. These blueprints must be very detailed. They must have 00:01:41.680 --> 00:01:48.000 everything that's required to complete the building. Some of these things would be the footings of the 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:54.400 building. Some of these things would be the concrete work. Other things would be the framing, the electrical, 00:01:54.400 --> 00:02:02.000 the plumbing, the HVAC. All these things are required for a building to be functional. They're all required 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:07.680 for it to pass inspection, and they're all required to be living. If you don't have these, you can't live in 00:02:07.680 --> 00:02:15.680 it because it won't function properly. Some of you have heard me talk about before the time that 00:02:15.680 --> 00:02:22.240 myself and Amy, my wife, we built a house in Perth, Ontario, during COVID. And during this time, we had 00:02:22.240 --> 00:02:29.200 to make plans or blueprints of the house. So, and we decided to do it ourselves. And we did it. We drew 00:02:29.200 --> 00:02:34.080 them up. We had a friend also help us. And then we presented it to the township of Perth, and they 00:02:34.080 --> 00:02:39.520 rejected it right away because it wasn't detailed enough, because we didn't know everything that 00:02:39.520 --> 00:02:43.520 needed to be on the plan. So we had to hire a professional to do it, get the stamp of approval, 00:02:43.520 --> 00:02:51.920 and then it was passed. The thing about blueprints is that they will never look as good as the building 00:02:51.920 --> 00:02:57.439 when it's completed and when you're standing before it. They'll never look as good. They may look super 00:02:57.439 --> 00:03:03.120 fancy with all the drawings and all the certain things it tells you to do, the schedule of the 00:03:03.120 --> 00:03:08.879 building. But it'll never look as good as the building itself when it's completed and you're 00:03:08.879 --> 00:03:16.639 before it. What the writer to the book of Hebrews does is that he's showing that there is a blueprint. 00:03:17.039 --> 00:03:23.840 It's come. It's already been created. And what he's pointing to, he points to the completed work 00:03:23.840 --> 00:03:32.560 through the blueprint. He argues, and what I hope to show you, is that the completed work is far greater 00:03:32.560 --> 00:03:39.759 than the blueprint, than what's been already made. The text I'm speaking on today is just over halfway 00:03:39.759 --> 00:03:45.039 through the book of Hebrews. Normally you would want to start at the beginning of a book. When you 00:03:45.039 --> 00:03:49.439 start it, you want to start at the beginning, go to the end, because you want to know the line of thought. 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:56.479 But because I'm preaching on the lectionary, I'm just, we're going right into the middle of it. The 00:03:56.479 --> 00:04:01.120 lectionary, if you're not familiar with it, is in the book of, the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. And 00:04:01.120 --> 00:04:07.919 what it is, is that it gives you on Sunday the texts that are to be read. So Ross read the Hebrews text, 00:04:07.979 --> 00:04:13.020 I read the Gospel text. At the beginning of the service, we read a part of the Psalm that's proposed to be 00:04:13.020 --> 00:04:19.740 read today. And what the lectionary was, at the time it was created, was that the people who came to 00:04:19.740 --> 00:04:24.579 church on Sunday couldn't, they couldn't read. Most of them couldn't read. They're farmers, they're 00:04:24.579 --> 00:04:29.280 laborers, they didn't have time to learn how to read. They went to work at a very young age, so they 00:04:29.280 --> 00:04:34.579 couldn't read. So they created this lectionary so that those, when they came to church, they would hear 00:04:34.579 --> 00:04:40.259 key scriptures through the year that would be read to them, and then they would hear scripture. They 00:04:40.259 --> 00:04:45.379 wouldn't get everything, but they would get the key scripture moments. So that's what we're looking 00:04:45.379 --> 00:04:52.439 at. But that's a complete sidetrack. Just one of those Anglican geek moments. So how do I hope to 00:04:52.439 --> 00:04:59.180 show you that the completed work is better than the blueprint? Well, the texts that Ross read were 00:04:59.180 --> 00:05:04.939 dropped right in the middle of the argument. And the argument is between the old covenant and the new 00:05:04.939 --> 00:05:10.199 covenant. And it gives us the points. This text that we're looking at, it already lays out the points for us. 00:05:10.259 --> 00:05:16.740 Which is very helpful for me, for PrEP. What the points are is that it procures redemption. 00:05:17.839 --> 00:05:24.860 It purifies our conscience and sanctifies our service. I'll say it again. It procures our 00:05:24.860 --> 00:05:32.860 redemption, purifies our conscience, and sanctifies our service. So turn with me, if you haven't already, 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:39.920 I believe the scripture will also be on the screen, to Hebrews 9, verses 11 to 15. It's helpful to have 00:05:39.920 --> 00:05:46.220 your Bibles. If you don't have one, grab one up there. Because it's good to see what happens before 00:05:46.220 --> 00:05:51.460 and what happens after, and the text itself. Because you never know, I might be up here not even saying 00:05:51.460 --> 00:05:57.600 the right text to you. You have no idea. It's good to have your Bible with you. And also for this sermon, 00:05:57.600 --> 00:06:05.300 because it's such a dense little verses, we need to jump around a bit in the book of Hebrews to get the 00:06:05.300 --> 00:06:12.600 full scope of it. So I may have already lost you with this idea of old covenant and new covenant. 00:06:12.800 --> 00:06:19.819 What the heck is that? Now just a quick explainer of it. A covenant is kind of like a contract a little 00:06:19.819 --> 00:06:27.240 bit, but a covenant is more serious. Normally they're impossible to break, and if they are broken, 00:06:27.360 --> 00:06:34.800 it normally results in death, or the repercussions feel like death. If it's broken, there's the consequence 00:06:35.300 --> 00:06:40.680 and repercussions of death. When you buy a phone, we all have phones, you make a contract with the 00:06:40.680 --> 00:06:47.300 company, and if you break it, there's a fee. A covenant is made with someone, and it's for life 00:06:47.300 --> 00:06:55.160 or until it's fulfilled. In the Bible, God makes covenants with his people to show his love and 00:06:55.160 --> 00:07:00.519 commitment for them. Oftentimes we confuse a covenant with a contract when we come to God, 00:07:00.519 --> 00:07:08.740 but God makes covenants because he wants to show us his deep, deep commitment to us. And you see it 00:07:08.740 --> 00:07:15.279 all through the Old Testament into the New, and we experience it ourselves as we walk and follow Christ. 00:07:18.419 --> 00:07:24.740 At the beginning of the Bible, in the second book, the book of Exodus, which we're going to refer to a 00:07:24.740 --> 00:07:32.840 little bit, it's all about the liberation of God's people out of slavery from the land of Egypt, 00:07:32.980 --> 00:07:38.840 because they've become enslaved. They're in Egypt, they've been enslaved, the Egyptians are treating 00:07:38.840 --> 00:07:45.600 them poorly, and God sees it, and he liberates them. And then the rest of Exodus is a law, God gives them 00:07:45.600 --> 00:07:50.620 the law, the Ten Commandments we said at the beginning of the service. See, God liberates them, 00:07:50.620 --> 00:07:56.399 and this is normally referred to as the Mosaic Covenant, because Moses is the one who led them. 00:07:56.579 --> 00:08:03.319 God spoke through Moses to the people, so it's called the Mosaic Covenant. Now this is where the 00:08:03.319 --> 00:08:08.399 Ten Commandments is given, and the designs for the tabernacle, the place of worship, and where God 00:08:08.399 --> 00:08:14.120 dealt among his people. And how to worship God, God explains it through rituals and ceremonies. 00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:19.860 The tabernacle had two rooms. This is very important for us to think about in our minds when we're 00:08:19.860 --> 00:08:24.920 talking about this text, because the text is all about these two rooms. But the two rooms, there's 00:08:24.920 --> 00:08:30.060 the Holy of Holies, and this is the place where God dwelt. This is the place where the high priest 00:08:30.060 --> 00:08:37.779 would come once a year to make atonement for the sins of his sins, then also atonement for the sins 00:08:37.779 --> 00:08:46.080 of the people. And these sins were for unintentional sins. So you come once a year. The other room was for 00:08:46.080 --> 00:08:53.280 the everyday rituals and ceremonies to make yourself clean before God. This was done through sacrifices 00:08:53.280 --> 00:09:00.440 of animals, through the blood of animals that were without blemish. So this is the blueprint. This is 00:09:00.440 --> 00:09:06.700 the blueprint that the writer of the book of Hebrews is referring to as he makes his argument through it. 00:09:07.139 --> 00:09:14.180 It's the Old Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, through the temple, the tabernacle, through the Holy of Holies, 00:09:14.179 --> 00:09:19.779 and then also the other room where everyone would come for the everyday worship. Well, this finally 00:09:19.779 --> 00:09:24.259 gets us to our first point. We're eight minutes in, and we're at the first point. So look with me. 00:09:24.899 --> 00:09:30.339 Hebrews, we're going to look at Hebrews 9, verses 11 to 12. 00:09:30.340 --> 00:09:38.600 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater 00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:46.379 and more perfect tent, not made of hands, that is, not of this creation, he entered once for all into 00:09:46.379 --> 00:09:54.200 the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of his own blood, thus securing 00:09:54.200 --> 00:09:56.680 and of eternal redemption. 00:09:58.240 --> 00:10:00.600 See, up to this point in the book of Hebrews, 00:10:01.160 --> 00:10:02.900 the writer has been arguing 00:10:02.900 --> 00:10:06.200 that Jesus is the greater high priest. 00:10:06.640 --> 00:10:09.460 He's the better high priest, the one who lasts forever. 00:10:10.040 --> 00:10:13.040 And how is Jesus better than the other high priests that are 00:10:13.040 --> 00:10:13.800 elected? 00:10:13.800 --> 00:10:17.940 Every high priest that comes before, or came before Jesus 00:10:17.940 --> 00:10:19.600 and came after Jesus, died. 00:10:19.600 --> 00:10:22.060 Christ did not die. 00:10:22.560 --> 00:10:29.300 If you look at chapter 7 in the book of Hebrews, verses 23 and onwards, it says this, 00:10:30.080 --> 00:10:32.639 talking about Jesus. 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:38.279 The former priests were many in number because they died, because they were prevented by death 00:10:38.279 --> 00:10:40.019 from continuing in office. 00:10:40.700 --> 00:10:45.820 But Jesus holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. 00:10:45.820 --> 00:10:50.020 However, consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost 00:10:50.020 --> 00:10:53.280 those who draw near to God through him, 00:10:53.900 --> 00:10:58.140 since he always lives to make intercession for them. 00:10:59.020 --> 00:11:03.720 Because of the fall, humanity is continually in a state of death, 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:05.760 physically and spiritually. 00:11:06.420 --> 00:11:10.140 So the office of the high priest had to be continually filled. 00:11:10.560 --> 00:11:14.800 When the priest would die, the need for a high priest would continue. 00:11:14.799 --> 00:11:17.199 And this cycle would continue. 00:11:17.599 --> 00:11:21.219 It needed to be performed once a year, this idea of atonement, 00:11:21.679 --> 00:11:24.159 that the priest would enter the Holy of Holies. 00:11:24.299 --> 00:11:28.219 It was a continual cycle inaugurated at Mount Sinai. 00:11:28.379 --> 00:11:29.779 You see it in the book of Exodus. 00:11:31.059 --> 00:11:34.039 But because the human heart is inclined to sin, 00:11:34.459 --> 00:11:37.799 the ritual can never fully make people right before God. 00:11:38.599 --> 00:11:40.019 Hence the continual cycle. 00:11:40.019 --> 00:11:45.500 Humanity became enslaved to it and started relying on it, 00:11:45.620 --> 00:11:48.579 on the ritual, to make them right before God, 00:11:48.659 --> 00:11:51.139 instead of going to God himself. 00:11:52.139 --> 00:11:56.980 See, they would rely on their works and forget about God. 00:11:57.100 --> 00:11:59.259 They thought if they did this, they'd be good. 00:11:59.620 --> 00:12:04.259 And they forgot about relying on him to personally rely on God. 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:08.679 The thing about the ritual is that it was for unintentional sins. 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:12.059 So it did not cover intentional sins. 00:12:12.740 --> 00:12:15.439 So sins, the people who made intentional sins, 00:12:15.919 --> 00:12:18.179 were always left with no hope. 00:12:19.100 --> 00:12:20.299 It always weighed on them. 00:12:20.559 --> 00:12:22.439 A better high priest was needed. 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:24.279 Look again at verse 11. 00:12:24.279 --> 00:12:32.699 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:35.860 then through the greater and more perfect tent, 00:12:36.339 --> 00:12:40.159 not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 00:12:41.399 --> 00:12:43.600 See, did you notice it says the good things have come? 00:12:44.360 --> 00:12:49.019 The ritual of atonement for the people's sins pointed to a better way. 00:12:49.439 --> 00:12:50.319 It was the blueprint. 00:12:50.639 --> 00:12:52.259 It pointed to something greater. 00:12:52.259 --> 00:12:55.759 And Moses talked about it in the book of Deuteronomy. 00:12:55.939 --> 00:12:56.580 It points to it. 00:12:56.620 --> 00:12:58.259 And you see it all through the prophets. 00:12:58.539 --> 00:13:01.259 They're all pointing to something that is better. 00:13:01.819 --> 00:13:05.360 And when Jesus went to the cross for you and me, it came. 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:07.620 The blueprint came. 00:13:07.840 --> 00:13:08.799 The building was built. 00:13:11.220 --> 00:13:14.220 Jesus assumed the role of high priest. 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:17.559 He assumed the role of the sacrifice that was needed. 00:13:17.919 --> 00:13:20.220 And when he went to the cross through his blood, 00:13:20.220 --> 00:13:23.840 he entered into the tabernacle, not made with hands. 00:13:24.320 --> 00:13:26.940 He entered into the throne room of heaven 00:13:26.940 --> 00:13:29.920 and sat down at the right hand of the Father 00:13:29.920 --> 00:13:36.220 to break the continual cycle that was happening of enslavement to sin and death. 00:13:36.720 --> 00:13:37.820 The cycle was broken. 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:41.860 And I don't know if you've noticed that in verse 12, 00:13:42.460 --> 00:13:43.960 right at the end of it, it says, 00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:49.400 by means of his own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. 00:13:50.120 --> 00:13:53.660 Now, this word redemption is very important here. 00:13:53.860 --> 00:13:56.580 When you see it in the Greek, it's very important. 00:13:57.320 --> 00:14:00.600 And the best way it's described, the commentaries describe it like this. 00:14:00.680 --> 00:14:07.800 So if it provokes ill feelings, it's not the intention 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:11.120 because what's going on here is that it's pointing to something greater. 00:14:11.459 --> 00:14:12.779 It's pointing to a great hope. 00:14:13.299 --> 00:14:16.579 The way it's described and the way the word makes sense within this text 00:14:16.579 --> 00:14:18.219 is that you have the picture, 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:21.579 the best way to describe it is to picture a slave market. 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:24.779 And a slave market was where they were present. 00:14:24.919 --> 00:14:25.979 It was present in this time, 00:14:26.539 --> 00:14:28.719 and it was present during the African enslavement. 00:14:29.079 --> 00:14:31.919 The slave market was for captured slaves, 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:34.500 not for bond servants that's talked about. 00:14:34.500 --> 00:14:36.620 It was for captured slaves, 00:14:36.740 --> 00:14:39.779 people who weren't willing to become bond servants. 00:14:40.220 --> 00:14:43.220 These people were taken, and they became slaves. 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:46.340 And the idea here is that the slave market, 00:14:46.500 --> 00:14:48.779 once the people were enslaved, there was no hope for them. 00:14:50.059 --> 00:14:51.419 They would become property. 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:55.659 They'd be forced to do whatever their owners deemed fit until they died. 00:14:56.220 --> 00:14:58.860 They would go up onto the platform and be sold, 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:01.240 or into the market and be sold. 00:15:02.320 --> 00:15:03.519 But here's the thing. 00:15:03.519 --> 00:15:05.840 This is what the word redemption means. 00:15:06.659 --> 00:15:10.919 The idea is that when the people were presented to be sold, 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:12.419 someone buys them. 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:17.860 And then immediately, right after the person buys them, 00:15:18.579 --> 00:15:21.519 he announces that you are free from your enslavement. 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:23.840 No longer will there be pain. 00:15:24.220 --> 00:15:26.199 No longer will there be eternal suffering. 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:29.120 I redeem you for all eternity. 00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:31.320 That's the idea here, 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:35.299 is that this redemption is made through the cross of Christ, 00:15:35.419 --> 00:15:39.200 because before it, the old covenant, the blueprint, 00:15:39.860 --> 00:15:40.820 enslaved you. 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:43.440 Because of our hearts, 00:15:43.580 --> 00:15:47.100 we wanted to do things ourself and not rely on God. 00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:49.320 That's what the blueprint points to, 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:50.480 is through God's work. 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:56.460 The blueprint of the earthly high priest pointed to the finished work. 00:15:57.019 --> 00:15:58.740 It points to the finished work, 00:15:58.820 --> 00:16:00.360 the work of the heavenly priest, 00:16:00.560 --> 00:16:02.320 who procures redemption. 00:16:02.820 --> 00:16:03.539 And it says here, 00:16:03.680 --> 00:16:05.580 once and for all in verse 12. 00:16:06.220 --> 00:16:06.800 It's done. 00:16:07.460 --> 00:16:09.340 It's been done once and through all, 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:10.600 through Christ's work. 00:16:11.340 --> 00:16:13.860 But what else does the completed work do? 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:18.419 Well, look with me at verses 13 and 14. 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:20.419 And this is point two. 00:16:20.560 --> 00:16:22.000 It purifies our conscience. 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:23.139 Look with me at it. 00:16:25.759 --> 00:16:28.259 For if the blood of goats and bulls 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:30.899 and the sprinkling of defiled persons 00:16:30.899 --> 00:16:33.180 with the ashes of a heifer sanctify, 00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:35.840 for the purification of the flesh, 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:38.620 how much more will the blood of Christ, 00:16:39.060 --> 00:16:40.779 who through the eternal spirit, 00:16:40.940 --> 00:16:43.139 offered himself without blemish to God, 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:46.720 purify our conscience from dead works 00:16:46.720 --> 00:16:48.620 to serve the living God. 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:52.419 See, Josiah earlier in the service 00:16:52.419 --> 00:16:55.199 led us through the Ten Commandments. 00:16:55.840 --> 00:16:57.340 And we all responded, 00:16:57.939 --> 00:17:00.000 inclined our hearts to keep this law. 00:17:01.179 --> 00:17:03.639 This is done in most Anglican churches 00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:04.900 during the season of Lent, 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:08.039 because Lent is a season to remind us 00:17:08.039 --> 00:17:09.480 how deeply we need Christ. 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:12.039 It is a season where we're called 00:17:12.039 --> 00:17:13.819 to reflect on God's moral law 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:16.500 and to realize how much we need Christ. 00:17:17.119 --> 00:17:18.720 Lent is a season of self-reflection 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:21.319 and repentance that culminates 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:23.279 in the celebration of Easter. 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:25.079 Why bring this up? 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:28.000 See, the law was given to the people of Israel 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:30.460 as they entered into the promised land. 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:33.180 But the promised land was full of nations 00:17:33.180 --> 00:17:35.119 that practiced other ways of worship. 00:17:35.259 --> 00:17:36.480 It would have been called pagan worship. 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:38.559 God gave them the law 00:17:38.559 --> 00:17:40.079 so they would be recognized 00:17:40.079 --> 00:17:41.839 as the living God's people 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:43.900 and to keep them from falling 00:17:43.900 --> 00:17:45.380 into this pagan worship. 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:47.319 But here's the thing, 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:48.599 the law can never be kept. 00:17:49.160 --> 00:17:50.339 It was to show the people 00:17:50.339 --> 00:17:51.740 they can never measure up 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:53.259 as hard as they tried. 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.759 It was to show them 00:17:54.759 --> 00:17:56.079 that only God is holy 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:57.940 and they needed God in their lives. 00:17:58.299 --> 00:17:59.140 The more they tried, 00:17:59.220 --> 00:17:59.980 the more they failed. 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:01.660 The more their consciences 00:18:01.660 --> 00:18:02.599 would haunt them. 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:05.039 Maybe you're here 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:07.219 and you call yourself a Christian, 00:18:07.500 --> 00:18:08.919 but it feels like you constantly 00:18:08.919 --> 00:18:10.539 are failing at being one. 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:12.539 You always go back to the things 00:18:12.539 --> 00:18:13.579 you know you shouldn't. 00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:15.980 You feel the weight of the law 00:18:15.980 --> 00:18:16.879 on your shoulders. 00:18:17.339 --> 00:18:18.559 Your conscience haunts you. 00:18:19.199 --> 00:18:19.819 Martin Luther, 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:21.159 who is a famous reformer, 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:22.439 one of the most famous ones, 00:18:22.980 --> 00:18:25.699 he struggled with this for a long time 00:18:25.699 --> 00:18:29.000 before he read the book of Romans 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:30.839 in a thoughtful way. 00:18:30.839 --> 00:18:32.179 And he struggled with it. 00:18:32.180 --> 00:18:33.640 And he would go to extreme measures 00:18:33.640 --> 00:18:34.880 where he would punish himself 00:18:34.880 --> 00:18:35.920 by whipping his back. 00:18:36.620 --> 00:18:37.799 Or maybe you're here 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:39.920 and you don't call yourself Christian, 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:42.200 but you call yourself a good person. 00:18:42.539 --> 00:18:43.299 You give to the poor. 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:44.940 You help out your neighbor. 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:46.600 You try to be polite 00:18:46.600 --> 00:18:47.980 and a good member of society. 00:18:48.420 --> 00:18:50.640 But if people truly knew your thoughts, 00:18:50.860 --> 00:18:51.500 you would fear 00:18:51.500 --> 00:18:53.259 they would never talk to you again. 00:18:54.420 --> 00:18:55.720 Because in your mind, 00:18:56.100 --> 00:18:57.860 you're not the way you portray yourself. 00:18:58.140 --> 00:18:59.440 You feel the weight 00:18:59.440 --> 00:19:00.900 of your self-imposed law 00:19:00.900 --> 00:19:01.680 on your shoulders 00:19:01.680 --> 00:19:03.460 because your conscience haunts you. 00:19:03.560 --> 00:19:04.880 You never live up to your own law. 00:19:05.340 --> 00:19:06.519 When you try to live up 00:19:06.519 --> 00:19:08.480 to the standard of your own mind, 00:19:08.620 --> 00:19:09.180 your own law, 00:19:09.640 --> 00:19:10.480 you put yourself 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:12.700 under a works-based model. 00:19:12.940 --> 00:19:14.800 And that's what the blueprint was as well. 00:19:14.900 --> 00:19:16.500 It became a works-based model 00:19:16.500 --> 00:19:17.580 for the people of Israel. 00:19:18.280 --> 00:19:18.700 They thought, 00:19:18.780 --> 00:19:19.519 if I do this, 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:20.800 then I'll get that. 00:19:21.280 --> 00:19:22.600 But that's not the gospel. 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:26.000 The gospel is good news. 00:19:26.459 --> 00:19:28.019 That is bad news. 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:29.319 So what is the gospel? 00:19:29.719 --> 00:19:30.159 And you may think, 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:30.500 well, Matt, 00:19:30.539 --> 00:19:31.799 you've already talked about the cross. 00:19:31.859 --> 00:19:32.339 What is it? 00:19:32.439 --> 00:19:33.719 How else can you talk about it? 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:35.119 Well, 00:19:36.139 --> 00:19:37.759 the writer of the Hebrews does it. 00:19:38.039 --> 00:19:39.579 And he does it in chapter 8. 00:19:39.699 --> 00:19:40.759 And we're going to look at it. 00:19:40.980 --> 00:19:41.699 Chapter 8, 00:19:41.980 --> 00:19:43.339 verses 8 to 12, 00:19:43.539 --> 00:19:44.399 it says this. 00:19:44.959 --> 00:19:46.240 And he's quoting Jeremiah. 00:19:46.379 --> 00:19:48.619 I believe it's chapter 31 of Jeremiah 00:19:48.619 --> 00:19:49.259 he quotes. 00:19:49.879 --> 00:19:50.619 It says this. 00:19:50.619 --> 00:19:51.919 This is God talking. 00:19:52.339 --> 00:19:52.619 Behold, 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:54.119 the days are coming, 00:19:54.239 --> 00:19:55.039 declares the Lord, 00:19:55.319 --> 00:19:57.299 when I will establish a new covenant 00:19:57.299 --> 00:19:58.439 with the house of Israel 00:19:58.439 --> 00:19:59.859 and with the house of Judah, 00:20:00.399 --> 00:20:01.619 not like the covenant 00:20:01.619 --> 00:20:02.939 that I made with their fathers 00:20:02.939 --> 00:20:04.139 on the day 00:20:04.139 --> 00:20:05.559 when I took them by the hand 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:06.399 to bring them out 00:20:06.399 --> 00:20:07.379 of the land of Egypt. 00:20:08.159 --> 00:20:09.279 For they did not continue 00:20:09.279 --> 00:20:10.039 in my covenant. 00:20:10.859 --> 00:20:12.659 And so I showed no concern for them, 00:20:12.779 --> 00:20:13.519 declares the Lord. 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:16.619 For this is the covenant 00:20:17.139 --> 00:20:17.879 that I will make 00:20:17.879 --> 00:20:18.979 with the house of Israel. 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:20.759 After those days, 00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:22.160 declares the Lord, 00:20:22.299 --> 00:20:23.680 I will put my laws 00:20:23.680 --> 00:20:24.640 into their minds 00:20:24.640 --> 00:20:27.140 and write them on their hearts. 00:20:27.440 --> 00:20:28.640 I will be their God 00:20:28.640 --> 00:20:30.120 and they shall be my people. 00:20:30.640 --> 00:20:31.900 They shall not teach 00:20:31.900 --> 00:20:33.259 each one his neighbor 00:20:33.259 --> 00:20:35.039 and each one of his brothers, 00:20:35.180 --> 00:20:35.460 saying, 00:20:35.700 --> 00:20:36.360 Know the Lord, 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:38.860 for they shall all know me. 00:20:39.480 --> 00:20:40.860 For the least of them 00:20:40.860 --> 00:20:41.440 to the greatest, 00:20:41.920 --> 00:20:43.180 for I will be merciful 00:20:43.180 --> 00:20:44.980 toward their iniquities 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:46.360 and I will remember 00:20:46.360 --> 00:20:48.740 their sins no more. 00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:51.059 See, Jeremiah points 00:20:51.059 --> 00:20:52.180 to the completed work. 00:20:53.120 --> 00:20:55.680 The blueprint left on its own 00:20:55.680 --> 00:20:56.720 does nothing. 00:20:57.079 --> 00:20:58.599 But did you notice in this text, 00:20:59.240 --> 00:20:59.599 it says, 00:20:59.860 --> 00:21:01.099 I will five times. 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:03.059 God is the one 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:04.640 who will take the weight 00:21:04.640 --> 00:21:05.259 of the law 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:06.700 and he does this 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:07.720 through his son. 00:21:08.339 --> 00:21:09.099 If you believe 00:21:09.099 --> 00:21:10.240 that Jesus is your Lord 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:10.720 and Savior, 00:21:11.259 --> 00:21:12.579 no longer do you need 00:21:12.579 --> 00:21:13.359 to measure up 00:21:13.359 --> 00:21:14.399 because Christ 00:21:14.399 --> 00:21:15.319 has done it for you. 00:21:15.759 --> 00:21:16.659 If you don't believe 00:21:16.659 --> 00:21:17.659 that Jesus is your Lord 00:21:17.659 --> 00:21:18.099 and Savior, 00:21:18.319 --> 00:21:19.599 you will never measure up. 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:21.740 But you can 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:22.799 if you believe 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:23.960 in Jesus as your Lord 00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:24.759 and Savior. 00:21:25.439 --> 00:21:26.279 Trust in him. 00:21:27.879 --> 00:21:28.740 Through Christ 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:30.019 being our high priest, 00:21:30.679 --> 00:21:31.939 our hearts become new 00:21:31.939 --> 00:21:33.699 and willingly accept 00:21:33.699 --> 00:21:34.419 God's law. 00:21:35.079 --> 00:21:36.039 That's why we say, 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:36.919 write these laws 00:21:36.919 --> 00:21:37.480 in our hearts, 00:21:37.579 --> 00:21:38.240 incline our hearts 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:38.919 to these laws. 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:41.619 But if we don't follow it, 00:21:41.619 --> 00:21:43.219 if we follow it 00:21:43.219 --> 00:21:44.500 to impress him 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:45.500 or elevate ourselves, 00:21:45.639 --> 00:21:46.299 we become under 00:21:46.299 --> 00:21:47.359 the works-based law. 00:21:47.839 --> 00:21:48.979 But if we follow it 00:21:48.979 --> 00:21:49.899 out of devotion 00:21:49.899 --> 00:21:52.199 to God's love towards us, 00:21:52.279 --> 00:21:54.239 no longer does our conscience 00:21:54.239 --> 00:21:55.439 haunt us 00:21:55.439 --> 00:21:57.339 because we can trust 00:21:57.339 --> 00:21:57.959 in Christ 00:21:57.959 --> 00:21:59.059 and then we can say 00:21:59.059 --> 00:21:59.500 willingly, 00:21:59.719 --> 00:22:00.559 nothing to the cross 00:22:00.559 --> 00:22:01.119 I bring, 00:22:01.739 --> 00:22:03.099 simply to the cross 00:22:03.099 --> 00:22:03.719 I cling. 00:22:04.679 --> 00:22:05.839 The old covenant 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:07.379 could never achieve this 00:22:07.379 --> 00:22:08.519 because it was done 00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:09.199 with animals. 00:22:09.599 --> 00:22:10.319 Animals could never 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:11.019 pay the price 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:11.720 that was required. 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:14.119 And because of Christ's 00:22:14.119 --> 00:22:14.920 completed work, 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:16.480 we can serve God 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:17.160 out of love 00:22:17.160 --> 00:22:17.980 and not gain. 00:22:18.619 --> 00:22:19.879 Look again with me 00:22:19.879 --> 00:22:21.420 at verses 13 and 14. 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:23.740 For if the blood 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:24.960 of goats and bulls 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:26.400 and the sprinkling 00:22:26.400 --> 00:22:27.639 of defiled persons 00:22:27.639 --> 00:22:28.519 with the ashes 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.119 of a heifer 00:22:29.119 --> 00:22:29.859 sanctify 00:22:29.859 --> 00:22:31.700 for the purification 00:22:31.700 --> 00:22:32.680 of the flesh, 00:22:33.099 --> 00:22:33.859 how much more 00:22:33.859 --> 00:22:34.299 will the blood 00:22:34.299 --> 00:22:34.900 of Christ, 00:22:35.019 --> 00:22:35.420 who through 00:22:35.420 --> 00:22:36.519 the eternal spirit 00:22:36.519 --> 00:22:37.799 offered himself 00:22:37.799 --> 00:22:38.759 without blemish 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:41.039 purify our conscience 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:42.299 and from dead works 00:22:42.299 --> 00:22:43.000 to serve 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:44.240 the living God. 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:45.500 See, 00:22:45.559 --> 00:22:45.940 something that's 00:22:45.940 --> 00:22:46.579 very tempting 00:22:46.579 --> 00:22:48.599 is to view 00:22:48.599 --> 00:22:49.200 our service 00:22:49.200 --> 00:22:49.859 to God 00:22:49.859 --> 00:22:51.200 as acts 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:51.879 of earning. 00:22:52.379 --> 00:22:53.259 But that instantly 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:53.920 puts us under 00:22:53.920 --> 00:22:54.759 the old covenant 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:55.160 again. 00:22:56.259 --> 00:22:56.960 This is a very 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:57.700 common thing 00:22:57.700 --> 00:22:58.500 among pastors. 00:22:59.000 --> 00:23:00.079 They start to view 00:23:00.079 --> 00:23:00.700 their ministries 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.720 as their identities 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:03.700 and how it performs 00:23:03.700 --> 00:23:05.019 dictates their mood 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:05.700 and standing 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.640 before God. 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:08.059 Please pray 00:23:08.059 --> 00:23:08.940 for myself, 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:10.180 for George, 00:23:10.460 --> 00:23:11.420 for Daniel Avitan, 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:12.420 for Josiah, 00:23:12.580 --> 00:23:13.279 for Jono, 00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:14.400 and all others 00:23:14.400 --> 00:23:15.720 in leadership positions 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:16.819 because this can 00:23:16.819 --> 00:23:18.580 so easily creep in 00:23:18.580 --> 00:23:19.860 and we can succumb 00:23:19.860 --> 00:23:20.700 to this temptation. 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:21.759 Please pray for us. 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:23.200 But people who aren't 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:24.220 in leadership positions 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:25.539 can also fall prey 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:26.019 to this, 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:27.259 that they view 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:28.100 their service 00:23:28.100 --> 00:23:29.200 as a way 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:30.299 of gaining merit 00:23:30.299 --> 00:23:30.900 to God. 00:23:31.620 --> 00:23:32.240 And this isn't 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:33.080 a new thing either. 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:34.240 When we read 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:35.039 the Gospels, 00:23:35.579 --> 00:23:36.460 we always are reading 00:23:36.460 --> 00:23:37.599 about the Pharisees 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:38.579 and how they 00:23:38.579 --> 00:23:39.779 dedicated their lives 00:23:39.779 --> 00:23:41.140 to memorizing Scripture. 00:23:41.420 --> 00:23:42.400 They dedicated their lives 00:23:42.400 --> 00:23:43.319 to doing the law 00:23:43.319 --> 00:23:44.740 of God perfectly. 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:45.980 And they dedicated 00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:46.740 their lives 00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:47.740 to serving the people 00:23:47.740 --> 00:23:48.339 of Israel. 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:50.559 But a quick reading 00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:51.319 will show you 00:23:51.319 --> 00:23:52.240 that their ministries 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:52.839 were poisoned 00:23:52.839 --> 00:23:53.660 by pride 00:23:53.660 --> 00:23:55.279 and self-promotion 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:55.799 and gain. 00:23:56.420 --> 00:23:57.440 And Jesus is quick 00:23:57.440 --> 00:23:58.599 to call them out on it. 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:00.940 This is not just 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:02.180 a religious issue either. 00:24:02.680 --> 00:24:03.980 It's a human issue. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.000 This idea 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:05.920 of gaining merit. 00:24:06.519 --> 00:24:07.259 Service becomes 00:24:07.259 --> 00:24:07.920 the marker 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:08.799 of how we measure 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:10.220 oneself in society. 00:24:10.640 --> 00:24:11.620 The more you serve, 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:12.259 the more you should 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:13.620 be glorified by society. 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:14.799 This is where the notion 00:24:14.799 --> 00:24:15.799 of virtue signaling 00:24:15.799 --> 00:24:16.559 comes from. 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:18.620 I recently read 00:24:18.620 --> 00:24:19.220 an article, 00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:20.980 I don't remember 00:24:20.980 --> 00:24:22.220 where I read it, 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.099 but I remember reading it, 00:24:23.620 --> 00:24:25.039 that the premise 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:25.799 of this article 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:27.039 is that you can judge 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:27.759 someone now 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:29.099 by if they're 00:24:29.099 --> 00:24:30.120 a good person or not, 00:24:30.180 --> 00:24:30.940 by if they return 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:31.779 their shopping cart 00:24:31.779 --> 00:24:32.920 to the shopping corral. 00:24:33.360 --> 00:24:33.880 You can judge 00:24:33.880 --> 00:24:34.680 them on this now. 00:24:34.860 --> 00:24:35.720 And that deems 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:36.340 you in society 00:24:36.340 --> 00:24:36.880 if you're a good 00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:37.539 person or not. 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:38.900 And let me tell you, 00:24:38.940 --> 00:24:39.560 as someone who 00:24:39.560 --> 00:24:40.539 was a cart pusher 00:24:40.539 --> 00:24:42.840 for most of his 00:24:42.840 --> 00:24:43.759 teenage years, 00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:45.920 we did not care 00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:47.160 if someone returned 00:24:47.160 --> 00:24:47.880 their cart or not. 00:24:47.940 --> 00:24:48.440 It just gave us 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:49.080 work to do. 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:50.800 But we are at 00:24:50.800 --> 00:24:51.620 this point now 00:24:51.620 --> 00:24:52.220 that we have 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:53.400 these unspoken laws 00:24:53.400 --> 00:24:54.380 within our culture 00:24:54.380 --> 00:24:55.480 that the way 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:56.019 we can measure 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:56.580 ourselves 00:24:56.580 --> 00:24:57.620 and measure 00:24:57.620 --> 00:24:58.600 others against 00:24:58.599 --> 00:25:00.159 to see if we 00:25:00.159 --> 00:25:00.980 measure up or not. 00:25:01.579 --> 00:25:02.179 So what are we 00:25:02.179 --> 00:25:02.839 left with? 00:25:03.319 --> 00:25:04.199 If Christians 00:25:04.199 --> 00:25:04.779 are called 00:25:04.779 --> 00:25:05.799 to serve their God 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:07.379 and if non-Christians 00:25:07.379 --> 00:25:07.740 are called 00:25:07.740 --> 00:25:08.779 to serve society 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:09.919 but both fail 00:25:09.919 --> 00:25:10.679 to do it, 00:25:11.159 --> 00:25:11.919 how do we go 00:25:11.919 --> 00:25:12.419 from here? 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:14.439 We have to go 00:25:14.439 --> 00:25:15.240 to the cross 00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:16.139 where Jesus 00:25:16.139 --> 00:25:17.219 performed the duty 00:25:17.219 --> 00:25:18.179 of high priest. 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:19.839 We have to trust 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:20.480 in his blood 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:21.980 and we have to realize 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:23.199 we can only serve 00:25:23.199 --> 00:25:23.859 God through 00:25:23.859 --> 00:25:24.799 Jesus' work, 00:25:24.899 --> 00:25:25.659 not our own. 00:25:25.660 --> 00:25:28.120 If we don't 00:25:28.120 --> 00:25:29.440 or choose not to, 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:30.200 once again, 00:25:30.360 --> 00:25:30.980 we are left 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.660 under the burden 00:25:31.660 --> 00:25:32.460 of the old covenant 00:25:32.460 --> 00:25:33.040 of the blueprint. 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:35.019 Here we see 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:35.680 the old covenant, 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.240 the blueprint, 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.100 was that, 00:25:37.300 --> 00:25:37.860 a blueprint, 00:25:38.820 --> 00:25:39.920 something looking 00:25:39.920 --> 00:25:41.279 forward to fulfillment 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:42.259 of the good things 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:42.759 to come. 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:44.200 We see that 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.140 the new covenant, 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:46.200 which is done 00:25:46.200 --> 00:25:47.220 through Christ's 00:25:47.220 --> 00:25:48.279 shedding of his blood, 00:25:48.740 --> 00:25:49.600 which the blueprint 00:25:49.600 --> 00:25:50.720 pointed to, 00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:52.320 is the completed work. 00:25:52.560 --> 00:25:53.660 Look at verse 15. 00:25:55.660 --> 00:25:56.620 Therefore, 00:25:57.580 --> 00:25:59.620 Christ is the mediator 00:25:59.620 --> 00:26:00.540 of the new covenant, 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:01.840 so that those 00:26:01.840 --> 00:26:02.519 who are called 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:03.180 may receive 00:26:03.180 --> 00:26:03.920 the promised 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:05.000 eternal inheritance 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:06.320 since a death 00:26:06.320 --> 00:26:06.940 has occurred 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:08.300 that redeems them 00:26:08.300 --> 00:26:09.400 from the transgressions 00:26:09.400 --> 00:26:10.240 committed under 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:11.140 the first covenant. 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:13.180 It's all through 00:26:13.180 --> 00:26:14.180 Christ's finished 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:15.180 work on the cross. 00:26:15.640 --> 00:26:16.340 He lived 00:26:16.340 --> 00:26:17.460 the perfect life. 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:19.440 He was completely 00:26:19.440 --> 00:26:21.720 unblemished. 00:26:22.400 --> 00:26:22.920 He lived 00:26:22.920 --> 00:26:23.640 the perfect life. 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.220 He died 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:25.059 for the sins 00:26:25.059 --> 00:26:26.039 that we commit 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:27.319 for the burden 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:28.319 that was supposed 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:29.600 to be put on us, 00:26:29.700 --> 00:26:30.519 the wrath of God. 00:26:30.720 --> 00:26:32.019 He went to the cross 00:26:32.019 --> 00:26:33.940 and he rose again 00:26:33.940 --> 00:26:34.680 for us 00:26:34.680 --> 00:26:36.100 so that we can 00:26:36.100 --> 00:26:37.160 come before God, 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:38.200 that we can enter 00:26:38.200 --> 00:26:40.200 in to the Holy of Holies 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:41.519 because of Christ's 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:42.440 redeeming work 00:26:42.440 --> 00:26:43.519 of being our 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.460 high priest. 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:45.700 That is what is 00:26:45.700 --> 00:26:46.940 going on in the text here. 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:48.500 It is a great hope. 00:26:49.160 --> 00:26:50.440 That is the Christian hope 00:26:50.440 --> 00:26:51.680 that Christ came 00:26:51.680 --> 00:26:52.380 for us. 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:53.980 See, through Jesus 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:55.080 we have redemption, 00:26:55.360 --> 00:26:56.340 eternal redemption. 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:58.100 You don't have to 00:26:58.100 --> 00:26:59.180 continue this cycle. 00:26:59.779 --> 00:27:00.900 We go to the cross. 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:02.340 Through Jesus 00:27:02.340 --> 00:27:03.299 our consciences 00:27:03.299 --> 00:27:04.380 are purified. 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:05.860 When we feel like 00:27:05.860 --> 00:27:07.039 we're not measuring up, 00:27:07.240 --> 00:27:08.200 remember the cross. 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:09.720 It is finished. 00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:12.580 Give your struggles 00:27:12.580 --> 00:27:13.940 to Christ. 00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:15.340 Tell your brothers 00:27:15.340 --> 00:27:16.740 or sisters in Christ 00:27:16.740 --> 00:27:17.660 what you're dealing with 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:18.539 and pray together. 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:20.359 And through Jesus 00:27:20.359 --> 00:27:21.159 our service 00:27:21.159 --> 00:27:22.460 becomes sanctified 00:27:22.460 --> 00:27:23.279 because remember 00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:25.059 the work is already completed. 00:27:25.680 --> 00:27:26.559 Nothing we do 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:27.359 will merit us 00:27:27.359 --> 00:27:28.059 before God. 00:27:28.579 --> 00:27:29.559 Everything we do 00:27:29.559 --> 00:27:30.379 is a blessing 00:27:30.379 --> 00:27:31.200 because Christ 00:27:31.200 --> 00:27:32.180 has done it already. 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:33.839 That's what's going on 00:27:33.839 --> 00:27:34.339 in Hebrews. 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:35.359 That is the story. 00:27:35.500 --> 00:27:36.359 That is the gospel. 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.319 That is what everything 00:27:37.319 --> 00:27:38.180 points to. 00:27:38.379 --> 00:27:39.440 The pinnacle moment 00:27:39.440 --> 00:27:41.480 of the cross. 00:27:41.639 --> 00:27:42.839 That is the gospel. 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:43.859 And let us pray. 00:27:45.859 --> 00:27:46.839 Heavenly Father, 00:27:46.839 --> 00:27:47.759 Father, we thank you 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:49.240 for Christ. 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:50.359 We thank you 00:27:50.359 --> 00:27:51.879 that he is our high priest 00:27:51.879 --> 00:27:52.899 who will never die. 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:54.019 We thank you 00:27:54.019 --> 00:27:54.799 that he sits 00:27:54.799 --> 00:27:55.879 at your right hand, 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:57.779 that he mediates for us 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:59.220 and intercedes for us. 00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:00.500 Father, help us 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:02.279 to trust in his finished work 00:28:02.279 --> 00:28:03.439 and not in our own work. 00:28:03.939 --> 00:28:04.339 And I pray this 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:05.119 in Jesus' name. 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:06.099 Amen. 00:28:16.839 --> 00:28:17.839 Amen. 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:17.839 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:18.959 desde 00:28:18.959 --> 00:28:17.839 !