WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.459 We'll now be reading the passage that we just sung, Hebrews chapter 11, and we'll be reading 00:00:05.459 --> 00:00:05.459 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:59.980 the passage. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:05.719 And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must 00:01:05.719 --> 00:01:09.299 believe that he exists, and he rewards those who seek him. 00:01:10.879 --> 00:01:17.579 By faith, Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed 00:01:17.579 --> 00:01:19.980 an ark for the saving of his household. 00:01:20.900 --> 00:01:26.140 By this, he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by 00:01:26.140 --> 00:01:26.560 faith. 00:01:26.560 --> 00:01:33.519 By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive 00:01:33.519 --> 00:01:34.640 as an inheritance. 00:01:35.540 --> 00:01:38.180 And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 00:01:38.180 --> 00:01:45.840 By faith, he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with 00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:49.500 Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 00:01:50.500 --> 00:01:56.020 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is 00:01:56.020 --> 00:01:56.440 God. 00:01:56.439 --> 00:02:04.519 By faith, Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered 00:02:04.519 --> 00:02:06.539 him faithful who had promised. 00:02:07.819 --> 00:02:13.579 Therefore, from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars 00:02:13.579 --> 00:02:17.620 of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 00:02:17.620 --> 00:02:25.240 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and 00:02:25.240 --> 00:02:31.060 greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the 00:02:31.060 --> 00:02:31.300 earth. 00:02:32.340 --> 00:02:35.879 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 00:02:36.939 --> 00:02:41.080 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had 00:02:41.080 --> 00:02:42.420 opportunity to return. 00:02:43.340 --> 00:02:47.860 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. 00:02:48.720 --> 00:02:54.120 Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. 00:02:55.520 --> 00:03:02.100 By faith, Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promise 00:03:02.100 --> 00:03:07.420 was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your 00:03:07.420 --> 00:03:08.340 offspring be named. 00:03:08.340 --> 00:03:14.120 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively 00:03:14.120 --> 00:03:16.240 speaking, he did receive him back. 00:03:17.259 --> 00:03:21.360 By faith, Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 00:03:22.140 --> 00:03:27.340 By faith, Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over 00:03:27.340 --> 00:03:28.360 the head of his staff. 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:35.020 By faith, Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave 00:03:35.020 --> 00:03:36.819 directions concerning his bones. 00:03:36.819 --> 00:03:39.359 And that's where we'll be leaving the passage today. 00:03:39.360 --> 00:03:45.840 Good morning, everyone. 00:03:47.100 --> 00:03:48.060 My name's Martin. 00:03:48.300 --> 00:03:52.460 For any of you who are new here, it's lovely to have you here. 00:03:52.720 --> 00:04:00.640 And I hope you are able to join with church for lunch after this service. 00:04:00.639 --> 00:04:04.519 We're going to be looking at Hebrews chapter 11, the passage that was read for us. 00:04:04.579 --> 00:04:08.119 So it would be really great if you could have your Bibles open there at Hebrews chapter 11. 00:04:08.879 --> 00:04:11.299 I'm getting my notes sorted out here. 00:04:12.179 --> 00:04:13.019 Trying to... 00:04:13.019 --> 00:04:13.519 Oh, here we go. 00:04:18.019 --> 00:04:18.399 Sorry. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:19.899 Computer is not responding. 00:04:19.899 --> 00:04:22.899 I've taken some advice from Alan Lucas. 00:04:24.579 --> 00:04:28.379 And I now own a pair of multifocal glasses. 00:04:29.639 --> 00:04:30.639 So that... 00:04:30.639 --> 00:04:34.199 Purely for this purpose, for preaching. 00:04:34.399 --> 00:04:37.099 So that I can preach without having to take them on and off constantly. 00:04:37.259 --> 00:04:40.939 So this is the first sermon I'm giving with multifocal glasses. 00:04:41.060 --> 00:04:43.159 So if it doesn't work, Alan, I blame you. 00:04:43.160 --> 00:04:49.180 But, yeah, if it does work, then, well, that's to his credit. 00:04:49.640 --> 00:04:50.800 Okay, so Hebrews chapter 11. 00:04:51.980 --> 00:04:54.340 And there's an outline you can follow along if you'd like to. 00:04:56.460 --> 00:04:58.380 Let me pray again as we come to God's word. 00:04:58.620 --> 00:05:02.960 Heavenly Father, we thank you for the scriptures, that you speak to us in them, 00:05:03.600 --> 00:05:07.960 for our faith, for our edification, for our encouragement, for our hope. 00:05:09.040 --> 00:05:11.460 So please speak to us again this morning. 00:05:11.459 --> 00:05:16.159 And grow us in faith. 00:05:16.899 --> 00:05:18.060 And grant us perseverance. 00:05:19.419 --> 00:05:20.539 In Jesus' name. 00:05:21.019 --> 00:05:21.359 Amen. 00:05:23.219 --> 00:05:27.979 Well, Christians stand in an ancient tradition of faith. 00:05:28.359 --> 00:05:30.419 We are people who say, we believe. 00:05:31.259 --> 00:05:32.719 We affirm it in creeds. 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:36.699 Maybe not a race evangelical, but in lots of churches. 00:05:37.099 --> 00:05:41.159 We believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 00:05:42.419 --> 00:05:45.099 We believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 00:05:45.180 --> 00:05:46.459 We believe in the Holy Spirit. 00:05:46.560 --> 00:05:48.859 I'm not saying we don't believe those things at grace. 00:05:49.620 --> 00:05:51.659 We don't often say creeds out loud. 00:05:51.660 --> 00:05:57.280 But creeds have been said at churches for centuries, since the early church. 00:05:57.480 --> 00:06:00.700 We affirm that we believe, we declare it in songs. 00:06:01.700 --> 00:06:10.680 I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom, but I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection. 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:12.680 We express faith in prayers. 00:06:12.680 --> 00:06:14.680 Your kingdom come, your will be done. 00:06:15.060 --> 00:06:16.780 We are people who believe. 00:06:17.040 --> 00:06:19.319 To be a Christian is to be a believer. 00:06:19.319 --> 00:06:27.920 There's an overall trend in Western society of rising unbelief. 00:06:27.920 --> 00:06:33.240 And you can track that in census data. 00:06:33.240 --> 00:06:39.120 There are fewer and fewer people who nominate that they're Christians on the Australian census. 00:06:39.520 --> 00:06:42.060 There are more who nominate that they have no religion. 00:06:42.060 --> 00:06:49.360 But there are also many who buck that trend, who buck the trend of rising unbelief. 00:06:49.439 --> 00:06:54.560 As people find secularism to be shallow and empty and unsatisfying. 00:06:54.720 --> 00:06:59.699 As people find atheism to be unable to answer the most important questions of life. 00:06:59.699 --> 00:07:13.699 So, for example, in the UK, in the last six years, so between 2019 and 2025 in the UK, the percentage of 18 to 24 year olds who say they believe in God has more than doubled. 00:07:15.219 --> 00:07:16.120 Six years. 00:07:16.719 --> 00:07:18.740 2019, it was 22%. 00:07:18.740 --> 00:07:23.459 2025, 45% of 18 to 24 year olds say they believe in God. 00:07:23.459 --> 00:07:40.179 In about that same period, so between 2018 and 2024, the percentage of 18 to 24 year olds who attend church at least once a month in the UK has risen from 4% to 16%. 00:07:40.179 --> 00:07:41.839 It's quadrupled. 00:07:43.199 --> 00:07:44.240 Isn't that extraordinary? 00:07:44.379 --> 00:07:49.759 Young people who are coming back to church and back to faith in God. 00:07:50.479 --> 00:07:51.279 I mean, praise the Lord. 00:07:51.279 --> 00:08:01.119 In Australia, while the overall number of Christians has declined, there are also people moving in the other direction. 00:08:02.579 --> 00:08:17.539 Do you know that I was reading an article this week that nearly 785,000 Australians who ticked no religion in the 2016 census identified as Christian in the 2021 census. 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:20.279 785,000 people. 00:08:21.279 --> 00:08:30.359 Who have realised, now whether they're all practising Christians and I don't know, but they've realised there's something empty in no religion. 00:08:30.699 --> 00:08:31.719 They don't want to be that. 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:37.039 And that includes a large number of people in Australia, over 55. 00:08:38.319 --> 00:08:39.399 In that age bracket. 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:43.000 See, there may be rising unbelief. 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:47.159 But there are also trend buckers. 00:08:47.159 --> 00:08:55.360 And God gave us the book of Hebrews in the Bible to encourage us to be trend buckers. 00:08:55.360 --> 00:09:01.340 To be those who stand up and say, we believe. 00:09:02.039 --> 00:09:02.820 We believe. 00:09:02.820 --> 00:09:05.019 Look at chapter 10, verse 39. 00:09:05.779 --> 00:09:09.340 Just before the chapter that we're focusing on this morning. 00:09:09.440 --> 00:09:10.519 Chapter 10, verse 39. 00:09:10.519 --> 00:09:19.559 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. 00:09:19.679 --> 00:09:20.899 We are those who believe. 00:09:21.019 --> 00:09:22.860 We are those who have faith. 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:29.519 And within that overall purpose. 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:39.680 I mean, that in a sense is the overall purpose of Hebrews, the book of Hebrews, to encourage us to be trend buckers who continue in faith, even in the face of rising unbelief. 00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:45.699 Within that overall purpose, chapter 11 has a special place. 00:09:46.839 --> 00:09:51.039 In fact, the author of Hebrews could really have left chapter 11 out. 00:09:53.979 --> 00:10:02.239 We could jump straight from chapter 10, verse 39, to chapter 12 without skipping a beat. 00:10:02.939 --> 00:10:04.299 So if you look at chapter 12, verse 1. 00:10:04.359 --> 00:10:07.079 I'm going to have to leave a few words out of this verse. 00:10:07.080 --> 00:10:12.759 But chapter 12, verse 1, you could go straight from 10, verse 39. 00:10:13.200 --> 00:10:18.280 We are of those who have faith and preserve their souls to chapter 12, verse 1. 00:10:18.440 --> 00:10:31.960 Therefore, and then halfway through the verse, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that's set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. 00:10:31.960 --> 00:10:36.120 So we could have left out chapter 11. 00:10:38.320 --> 00:10:45.320 This chapter is essentially one long list of examples of faith from the Old Testament. 00:10:45.320 --> 00:11:02.600 It's included so that the writer could say in 12, verse 1, therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and so on. 00:11:03.080 --> 00:11:05.080 That's the contribution chapter 11 makes. 00:11:05.200 --> 00:11:10.120 It's to allow him to say, since we're surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. 00:11:10.120 --> 00:11:21.740 It's so that we know that we who believe today stand in an ancient tradition of faith. 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:24.419 And so we can take courage from that. 00:11:24.419 --> 00:11:36.740 Now, the antiquity of faith, the fact that faith stretches back centuries and millennia, that's not something to be embarrassed about. 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:41.939 In fact, I think that is a strength of Christianity. 00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:50.659 In the age we live in, where everyone has to invent themselves, everyone has to come up with their own identity and express it and discover who they are. 00:11:50.659 --> 00:11:54.439 In this age, people are adrift. 00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:57.000 They have no anchor. 00:11:57.219 --> 00:11:58.159 They have no shore. 00:11:59.659 --> 00:12:02.839 They have nothing deep to draw on. 00:12:02.919 --> 00:12:05.439 They just have to invent themselves anew. 00:12:09.159 --> 00:12:14.939 People today are, as Jesus saw them in Matthew chapter 9, harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. 00:12:16.039 --> 00:12:18.019 But the Bible offers something different. 00:12:18.019 --> 00:12:23.779 It offers a faith that has roots, that reaches back millennia. 00:12:24.740 --> 00:12:28.779 A faith that has sustained people, that has given hope for hundreds of generations. 00:12:28.980 --> 00:12:32.579 A faith that is attested by a great crowd of witnesses. 00:12:34.679 --> 00:12:35.919 Now, what is faith? 00:12:36.679 --> 00:12:37.799 What does it mean to believe? 00:12:37.939 --> 00:12:40.419 Well, Hebrews chapter 11, verse 1, we get into our chapter 9. 00:12:40.579 --> 00:12:42.860 It gives us a definition of sorts. 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:49.980 Actually, let's look carefully at verse 1 there in chapter 11, and you'll notice it's not one definition, but two overlapping definitions. 00:12:50.759 --> 00:12:51.539 11, verse 1. 00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:59.680 Now, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 00:12:59.679 --> 00:13:02.139 So, two things. 00:13:02.199 --> 00:13:05.620 The assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 00:13:05.739 --> 00:13:07.839 In each case, faith has an object. 00:13:08.719 --> 00:13:11.699 We're believing for something. 00:13:13.039 --> 00:13:18.179 But that object is, in some sense, beyond our present perception or possession. 00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:20.120 It's future. 00:13:20.579 --> 00:13:21.399 It's hoped for. 00:13:21.399 --> 00:13:23.759 Or it's invisible. 00:13:23.980 --> 00:13:24.939 It's not seen. 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:34.079 I don't think this verse is intended as a comprehensive definition of faith, as if every time you come across the word faith in your Bible, 00:13:34.279 --> 00:13:37.879 you should flick to chapter 11, verse 1 of Hebrews to find out what faith means. 00:13:37.939 --> 00:13:38.959 No, it's not functioning like that. 00:13:39.679 --> 00:13:43.840 I mean, faith, like all words, has a range, a semantic range, a range of meanings. 00:13:43.840 --> 00:13:50.280 But what verse 1 does is draw attention to the features of faith that are most pertinent in this context. 00:13:52.340 --> 00:14:00.440 To have faith is to trust in God for things we do not yet have and for things which we do not yet see. 00:14:02.440 --> 00:14:05.240 That's faith, as it's being spoken of here. 00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:08.920 So it is today and so it's always been. 00:14:08.919 --> 00:14:18.959 We stand in a long, ancient succession of those who trust God for things we do not yet have and things we do not yet see. 00:14:20.459 --> 00:14:21.399 Verse 2. 00:14:21.899 --> 00:14:27.779 For by it, that is by faith, the people of old received their commendation. 00:14:29.199 --> 00:14:36.860 In other words, God commended them, rewarding their faith and including them in the Bible as positive examples for us. 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:39.820 And that's what chapter 11 does. 00:14:40.060 --> 00:14:46.940 It gives us this long list of people of old and describes their faith and how their faith is instructive for us today. 00:14:47.980 --> 00:14:52.320 It's arranged chronologically from the beginning of the Old Testament, the beginning of the Bible onwards. 00:14:53.899 --> 00:14:58.159 There are 16 individuals who are named as examples of faith. 00:14:58.779 --> 00:15:01.420 There are others who are alluded to without being named. 00:15:01.419 --> 00:15:09.079 Occasionally, what's commended is not the faith of an individual but of the whole people, the people of Israel as a whole. 00:15:10.500 --> 00:15:14.099 Chapter 11 is not an exegesis of the Old Testament. 00:15:15.699 --> 00:15:24.759 Rather, it offers a theological perspective on the Old Testament in which faith is central and faith is pivotal. 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:36.220 The writer of Hebrews perceives faith as the critical element in the life of God's people, even when the Old Testament text doesn't explicitly mention faith. 00:15:36.220 --> 00:15:46.180 In fact, for most of the people listed in Hebrews, the word faith or the word believe or belief, those words don't come up in the text that describe them in the Old Testament. 00:15:47.180 --> 00:15:56.019 But the writer of the Hebrews looks back and says, what is central, what is in common, the theme, the thread that runs through all these different stories is the thread of faith. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:16:01.500 The list doesn't attempt to be complete. 00:16:01.500 --> 00:16:05.139 In verse 32, the writer admits he doesn't have time to give a complete list. 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:09.759 It's a sample. 00:16:11.240 --> 00:16:21.240 I was chatting with a uni student who's part of NCS this week and he said his church did an entire sermon series on Hebrews chapter 11. 00:16:21.240 --> 00:16:33.799 And so basically each talk just took one of the figures who's mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, one of the examples of faith, and then started in Hebrews and then sort of dived back in the Old Testament to read their background. 00:16:34.120 --> 00:16:41.060 And so each talk became, in a sense, was in a sense a character study on, you know, one person mentioned in Hebrews 11. 00:16:42.560 --> 00:16:47.360 Well, we only have two talks we're doing on Hebrews this week, Hebrews 11, this week and next week. 00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:50.000 So we don't have time for that. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:53.820 So I'm not going to be taking you back into the Old Testament passages. 00:16:53.960 --> 00:16:57.559 Sometimes I'll fill in a little bit of detail, but I'm not going to take you back into the Old Testament. 00:17:00.059 --> 00:17:08.400 But I don't think that's a bad thing because the way Hebrews 11 works, the way it functions, the way it impacts us, 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:14.880 is by just having this list of ancient examples of faith wash over us. 00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:21.460 Now, admittedly, the writer of Hebrews assumes we're going to be familiar with them. 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:28.740 There's an assumption here that, you know, there's some, we know the Old Testament context. 00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:36.559 And if you're new to faith, if you're not a believer here, if you're new to the Bible, these things are all new to you, 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:40.519 there's a good chance you won't be familiar with all the people who are mentioned here. 00:17:42.200 --> 00:17:43.779 That's okay, right? 00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:47.099 You can do background reading in your own time if you want to. 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:55.619 But I think there's enough said in Hebrews 11 that you'll get the point, even if some of the figures that are mentioned, you know, you don't know the background. 00:17:55.619 --> 00:18:09.119 Well, given where chapter 11 is going and what verse 2 has led us to expect, verse 3 comes as a bit of a surprise. 00:18:09.739 --> 00:18:15.599 Because verse 3 is not about the faith of ancients, but about the faith of present-day believers, 00:18:15.739 --> 00:18:20.939 whether that's present-day believers in the first century when Hebrews was written or in the 21st century today. 00:18:21.879 --> 00:18:22.959 Look at verse 3. 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:33.779 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:37.019 Now, why start here? 00:18:38.319 --> 00:18:48.740 I mean, the text is kind of flagged that what's going to follow is a list of the faith of earlier believers, Old Testament believers. 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:51.000 Why start here? 00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:56.680 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God. 00:18:57.599 --> 00:18:58.799 Well, I think three reasons. 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:04.519 First reason, because the writer starts at the beginning of the Bible with Genesis chapter 1. 00:19:05.099 --> 00:19:07.660 The examples from the Old Testament are arranged chronologically. 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:09.440 He wants to go right back to the beginning. 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:10.660 Creation. 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:21.360 Second reason, because believing that God created the universe is foundational for every other expression of faith. 00:19:22.360 --> 00:19:24.560 It's a baseline belief. 00:19:25.620 --> 00:19:27.220 Believing in God as creator. 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:32.880 A baseline belief that divides people into fundamentally different worldviews. 00:19:32.880 --> 00:19:42.180 A baseline belief that divides us between the materialist who says there's nothing but matter. 00:19:42.860 --> 00:19:43.960 Matter is all there is. 00:19:44.920 --> 00:19:45.760 Physical stuff. 00:19:47.620 --> 00:19:51.220 And the theist who says that behind the universe there's a creator. 00:19:52.420 --> 00:19:54.660 There is a God who made it all. 00:19:54.660 --> 00:20:00.400 There could not be a more fundamental disagreement than that. 00:20:01.620 --> 00:20:09.460 You know, the disagreement between the materialist, nothing but matter, and the theist, a creator God. 00:20:10.279 --> 00:20:13.880 It's not just a disagreement about whether or not God exists. 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.400 Can you see that? 00:20:16.120 --> 00:20:20.340 When you disagree on that, you're not just disagreeing on the existence of God. 00:20:20.339 --> 00:20:25.740 It's a disagreement about the nature of everything that exists. 00:20:27.939 --> 00:20:33.299 Is everything that exists just stuff? 00:20:34.919 --> 00:20:40.059 Or is everything that exists the creation of God? 00:20:40.059 --> 00:20:51.899 See, believing that God created all things, that is a foundational belief, fundamental to every other expression of faith. 00:20:53.359 --> 00:21:03.720 Third reason I think the author starts here is because the author begins his list of examples of faith from the Old Testament by drawing us into it. 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:06.740 By including us with the ancients. 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:12.960 He says, by faith, we understand that the universe was created. 00:21:13.240 --> 00:21:16.220 We believe that God created the universe. 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:27.220 Now, it's important for us today to realise that science cannot tell us why there is something rather than nothing. 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:33.559 Science can't tell us why there's something rather than nothing. 00:21:33.559 --> 00:21:37.220 It's just, that's a question science can't answer. 00:21:38.279 --> 00:21:39.559 Do you ever ponder that question? 00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:45.179 I mean, you believe, if you believe God created the universe, maybe you don't ponder the question because you have an answer to it. 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:47.200 But do you ever ponder that question? 00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:50.039 Why is there something rather than nothing? 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:51.679 Why does anything exist? 00:21:53.119 --> 00:21:57.220 You know, when I just try and ponder that question philosophically, my mind goes into a head spin. 00:21:57.299 --> 00:21:58.519 It's like mental vertigo. 00:21:58.519 --> 00:22:01.680 Now, why does anything exist? 00:22:04.160 --> 00:22:05.839 Science can't answer that question. 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:10.720 Because science is only concerned with material causes. 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:22.779 That is, the kind of answers science can give is when there is some law or process in material reality that causes other things to take place. 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:29.779 So there already has to be something rather than nothing before science has anything to say. 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:40.779 You know, I guess science can propose theories of the material forces and effects that were operating the very moment there was something. 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:45.660 You know, so the Big Bang or whatever theory there might be. 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:53.299 But that doesn't explain why there were any material forces and effects in the first place. 00:22:53.399 --> 00:22:54.200 Do you understand? 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:56.660 It's just a question. 00:22:56.740 --> 00:23:00.799 It is beyond the competence of science to rule on why there's something rather than nothing. 00:23:00.799 --> 00:23:09.039 There's nothing irrational about believing that God created the universe. 00:23:10.639 --> 00:23:15.200 But it is an understanding we have by faith, not by sight. 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:17.960 We didn't see God create all things. 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:21.059 We just see the things God's created. 00:23:21.059 --> 00:23:27.500 We believe God created all things because that is what he's revealed to us. 00:23:28.419 --> 00:23:34.919 We also believe it because, in my view, it's the most sensible conclusion to draw from the fact that there is something rather than nothing. 00:23:35.879 --> 00:23:39.200 It's the belief that best explains the existence of all things. 00:23:41.079 --> 00:23:45.220 But that's why, this is where Hebrews 11 starts, and this is why Hebrews 11 starts here. 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:51.220 Because this is the baseline belief that God spoke the universe into existence. 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:53.799 He made something from nothing. 00:23:55.660 --> 00:24:04.980 And if that's so, then not only is the existence of everything due to God, but the nature and meaning and purpose of all things is due to God. 00:24:08.220 --> 00:24:09.579 So there's our first belief. 00:24:09.640 --> 00:24:11.339 We believe that God created all things. 00:24:11.339 --> 00:24:27.279 Then, we also follow in the faith of Abel and Enoch, who believe that the God who had created all things rewards those who seek him. 00:24:28.679 --> 00:24:32.079 We believe that God rewards those who seek him. 00:24:32.119 --> 00:24:32.819 Look at verse 4. 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:40.559 By faith, Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous. 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:43.980 God commending him by accepting his gifts. 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:48.759 And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:53.980 Cain and Abel, this is referred to here in Genesis chapter 4. 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:56.519 Cain and Abel were brothers, sons of Adam and Eve. 00:24:57.179 --> 00:24:59.839 In Genesis 4, each offered a sacrifice to God. 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:04.359 God accepted Abel's sacrifice, but rejected Cain's sacrifice. 00:25:05.359 --> 00:25:07.000 Abel was pleasing to God. 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:08.819 Cain was not pleasing to God. 00:25:09.459 --> 00:25:09.939 Why? 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:15.599 Verse 4 explains, it's because Abel had faith and Cain did not. 00:25:16.859 --> 00:25:22.339 The sacrifice was acceptable because it was not just an empty religious gesture. 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:29.000 It was offered by one who actually had faith in God. 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:32.419 Who trusted God. 00:25:33.919 --> 00:25:35.039 Likewise with Enoch. 00:25:35.139 --> 00:25:36.199 Look at verse 5. 00:25:37.139 --> 00:25:40.919 By faith, Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death. 00:25:41.419 --> 00:25:44.859 And he was not found because God had taken him. 00:25:44.859 --> 00:25:49.539 Now, before he was taken, he was commended as having pleased God. 00:25:49.799 --> 00:25:52.259 And without faith, it is impossible to please him. 00:25:52.799 --> 00:25:58.359 For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 00:26:00.139 --> 00:26:08.240 This is from Genesis chapter 5, where Enoch is directly taken up into God's presence without dying. 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:08.740 Why? 00:26:12.140 --> 00:26:14.180 Well, it's a unique case in the Bible. 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:15.500 It's mentioned very briefly. 00:26:15.620 --> 00:26:17.299 The Bible doesn't give a full explanation. 00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:21.240 It occurs in the middle of Genesis chapter 5. 00:26:21.299 --> 00:26:25.240 And Genesis chapter 5 is a record of generations from Adam. 00:26:26.420 --> 00:26:32.680 And essentially, in this record of generations from Adam, the point of emphasis is that everyone dies. 00:26:34.200 --> 00:26:36.380 Adam lived so many years, then he died. 00:26:36.380 --> 00:26:38.900 Seth lived so many years, then he died. 00:26:39.100 --> 00:26:41.320 Enosh lived so many years, then he died. 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:42.000 On it goes. 00:26:42.200 --> 00:26:46.740 But when we get to Enoch, in the words of Hebrews 11 verse 5, 00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:50.540 Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death. 00:26:51.920 --> 00:26:56.360 It's an early sign in the Bible that God saves his people from death. 00:26:57.420 --> 00:26:59.940 And he was taken up, Hebrews tells us, by faith. 00:27:01.180 --> 00:27:03.580 Verse 6 expands on what that faith looks like. 00:27:03.680 --> 00:27:05.120 Enoch drew near to God. 00:27:06.380 --> 00:27:13.760 He drew near to God, not only believing that God exists, the creator of all things, but also believing that God rewards those who seek him. 00:27:15.800 --> 00:27:23.920 Now, there are various reasons you might believe God exists, but that he does not reward those who seek him. 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:27.259 Perhaps God is indifferent. 00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:31.560 After all, who are you? 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.580 A mist. 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:35.500 A speck. 00:27:36.800 --> 00:27:37.480 Here today. 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:39.720 Forgotten tomorrow. 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:44.140 Why should God be interested in you at all? 00:27:47.259 --> 00:27:51.220 But the Bible teaches that God is interested in you. 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:51.740 You. 00:27:54.700 --> 00:27:56.900 As Jesus said, God feeds the ravens. 00:27:57.039 --> 00:27:59.019 He clothes with splendor the flowers of the field. 00:27:59.100 --> 00:28:00.360 He cares about sparrows. 00:28:01.740 --> 00:28:02.900 He cares about you. 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:13.780 Perhaps God doesn't reward those who seek him because he's angry with you. 00:28:15.640 --> 00:28:17.500 After all the wicked things you've done. 00:28:19.380 --> 00:28:20.980 The cruel words you've spoken. 00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:25.100 The evil thoughts you pondered. 00:28:26.360 --> 00:28:27.759 He could never accept you. 00:28:27.860 --> 00:28:29.180 He could never be pleased with you. 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:30.600 He could never reward you. 00:28:30.599 --> 00:28:37.179 But the Bible teaches that God will accept you. 00:28:37.939 --> 00:28:39.299 If only you come to him. 00:28:40.839 --> 00:28:44.000 As Jesus said, ask and it will be given to you. 00:28:44.359 --> 00:28:45.399 Seek and you will find. 00:28:45.579 --> 00:28:47.039 Knock and the door will be opened. 00:28:48.939 --> 00:28:51.740 You don't even need to offer a sacrifice as Abel did. 00:28:52.839 --> 00:28:58.939 Because the whole point of Hebrews chapter 7 to 10 is that Jesus has already offered the sacrifice on your behalf. 00:29:00.599 --> 00:29:03.079 All you need to do is draw near to him. 00:29:04.359 --> 00:29:05.980 All you need to do is come. 00:29:06.159 --> 00:29:08.899 All you need to do is ask, seek and knock. 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:13.619 God is not indifferent towards us. 00:29:14.119 --> 00:29:15.019 He cares. 00:29:16.019 --> 00:29:18.379 God is not angry with us. 00:29:18.939 --> 00:29:20.019 He forgives. 00:29:20.019 --> 00:29:24.220 And so we draw near to God. 00:29:24.579 --> 00:29:25.720 Believing with Abel. 00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:27.119 Believing with Enoch. 00:29:27.279 --> 00:29:29.700 That he rewards those who seek him. 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:36.480 But how should we think about the way in which God rewards those who seek him? 00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:41.740 Well, it's not with worldly, temporal rewards. 00:29:42.840 --> 00:29:46.900 It's not with riches, with perfect health, by fulfilling our career ambitions. 00:29:46.900 --> 00:29:49.300 No. 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:59.160 With Noah, with Abraham and Sarah, with Isaac, with Jacob, we believe that God has promised a heavenly city. 00:30:00.100 --> 00:30:01.200 Look at verse 7. 00:30:01.200 --> 00:30:12.480 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear, constructed an ark for the saving of his household. 00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:19.580 By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 00:30:19.579 --> 00:30:30.359 Now Noah's mentioned in passing here, he only gets one verse, but his example is something of a prototype for those who follow, including us. 00:30:32.419 --> 00:30:35.579 Noah was warned by God concerning events as yet unseen. 00:30:35.699 --> 00:30:40.019 That is, the flood, as Catherine pointed out in the kids' talk. 00:30:40.179 --> 00:30:42.339 The flood that was about to destroy the world. 00:30:43.220 --> 00:30:48.159 And so by faith, Noah constructed an ark. 00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:55.019 It's an activity that made no sense apart from the word of God. 00:30:56.460 --> 00:31:01.319 Everyone around him was busy building houses and cities and planting orchards and vineyards. 00:31:02.559 --> 00:31:03.519 Noah built an ark. 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:06.779 He trusted God's word. 00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:15.259 He recognised that all projects aimed at nothing more than comfort and prosperity in this world were utterly doomed in the end. 00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:27.099 And the only project that would last was the one that would carry people through the flood into the new world God had promised. 00:31:27.099 --> 00:31:42.219 Abraham also looked to a future which God had promised, which he did not see. 00:31:43.339 --> 00:31:45.799 He walked by faith, not sight. 00:31:46.539 --> 00:31:50.019 The future God promised Abraham concerned a place. 00:31:50.019 --> 00:31:51.859 Look at verse 8 to 10. 00:31:51.859 --> 00:31:52.859 A place. 00:31:52.859 --> 00:32:00.619 By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. 00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:05.500 And he went out not knowing where he was going. 00:32:05.500 --> 00:32:16.779 By faith, he went to live in the land of promise as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 00:32:17.660 --> 00:32:23.779 For he was looking to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:49.299 Abraham set out from the place he was living to go to the place that God had showed him and dwelt in the land that God had promised him, the land that God had shown him, as a foreigner living in tents, trusting God to give what he'd promised. 00:32:49.299 --> 00:32:52.319 God's promise concerned a place. 00:32:52.419 --> 00:32:55.079 God's promise also concerned a people, innumerable descendants. 00:32:56.159 --> 00:32:57.500 Verse 11 and 12. 00:32:58.399 --> 00:33:07.359 By faith, Sarah, Abraham's wife, herself received power to conceive even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 00:33:08.259 --> 00:33:17.399 Therefore, from one man and him as good as dead were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:36.220 In both cases, God's promise of a place, God's promise of descendants, Abraham and his wife, Sarah, and so his subsequent descendants, Isaac and Jacob, they were powerless. 00:33:36.220 --> 00:33:47.339 They looked to God to give something God had promised, but something which they themselves could not achieve. 00:33:48.839 --> 00:33:51.079 Abraham couldn't claim the land. 00:33:53.460 --> 00:33:56.720 He dwelt in it as a foreigner, living in tents. 00:33:58.360 --> 00:34:00.640 Abraham couldn't establish his own descendants. 00:34:00.640 --> 00:34:04.780 Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 00:34:05.280 --> 00:34:07.020 Sarah was barren, moreover. 00:34:07.780 --> 00:34:11.599 Abraham himself was 100 years old, as good as dead. 00:34:12.680 --> 00:34:14.680 The Hebrews verse 12 says here. 00:34:16.599 --> 00:34:27.180 Faith for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob meant trusting God for a future reward which they could not see and which they were powerless to achieve. 00:34:27.179 --> 00:34:33.460 They had nothing to stand on but the word of God. 00:34:36.519 --> 00:34:38.079 Their faith looked forward. 00:34:38.259 --> 00:34:42.940 They lived in the assurance of things hoped for based on the promise of God. 00:34:43.279 --> 00:34:45.399 Verses 13 to 16 drive home the point. 00:34:45.480 --> 00:34:47.099 Look at verses 13 to 16 with me. 00:34:47.099 --> 00:34:50.339 These all died in faith. 00:34:50.339 --> 00:34:53.500 I think the all there is Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 00:34:55.659 --> 00:34:56.679 And Sarah as well. 00:34:56.900 --> 00:34:58.239 But yeah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 00:34:58.719 --> 00:35:12.259 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 00:35:12.260 --> 00:35:16.680 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 00:35:17.400 --> 00:35:22.620 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 00:35:23.140 --> 00:35:26.460 But as it is, they desire a better country that is a heavenly one. 00:35:27.620 --> 00:35:32.040 Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. 00:35:33.420 --> 00:35:36.040 Abraham, Isaac and Jacob died in faith. 00:35:36.340 --> 00:35:39.500 They died as strangers and exiles on the earth. 00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:46.699 The homeland they were seeking was not this present world, but a better country, a heavenly one. 00:35:47.800 --> 00:35:50.179 Now the Bible is talking about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 00:35:51.619 --> 00:35:55.639 But it's also, and in fact I think here it's especially talking about us. 00:35:57.440 --> 00:36:02.400 Now we stand in the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 00:36:02.679 --> 00:36:04.300 That is what faith was for them. 00:36:04.539 --> 00:36:06.099 That is what faith is for us. 00:36:06.099 --> 00:36:11.139 We've just had the federal election. 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:19.719 People voted based on promises politicians made to them. 00:36:20.900 --> 00:36:22.599 Promises of a better country. 00:36:25.819 --> 00:36:29.360 Labor promised to reduce hex debts. 00:36:30.559 --> 00:36:32.219 Increase funding to Medicare. 00:36:32.219 --> 00:36:35.899 So that there's more bulk billing available. 00:36:38.299 --> 00:36:40.899 Maintain fee-free places at TAFE. 00:36:43.899 --> 00:36:45.519 Now promises of a better country. 00:36:46.539 --> 00:36:50.339 The coalition promised to reduce fuel excise. 00:36:52.939 --> 00:36:54.399 What else did the coalition promise? 00:36:55.819 --> 00:36:56.839 I can't really remember. 00:36:56.939 --> 00:36:57.639 Not much, I think. 00:36:57.919 --> 00:36:58.939 That's probably why they lost. 00:36:58.939 --> 00:36:59.000 They lost. 00:37:02.219 --> 00:37:06.459 People vote based on promises of a better country. 00:37:09.739 --> 00:37:12.539 But God has promised us a heavenly country. 00:37:13.619 --> 00:37:15.079 A city without foundations. 00:37:15.579 --> 00:37:15.899 Sorry, sorry. 00:37:15.939 --> 00:37:17.119 A city with foundations. 00:37:17.379 --> 00:37:18.239 The new Jerusalem. 00:37:19.379 --> 00:37:21.219 Something beyond this world. 00:37:21.219 --> 00:37:29.299 Which we will not see until God draws the curtains on this present age. 00:37:33.539 --> 00:37:37.279 Albanese has promised to reduce student debts. 00:37:39.139 --> 00:37:41.959 Well, God promises to wipe out all your debts. 00:37:42.679 --> 00:37:44.179 In fact, he already has. 00:37:44.179 --> 00:37:49.500 The debt of your sin has been paid at the cross. 00:37:51.699 --> 00:37:53.859 Albanese promised to make healthcare cheaper. 00:37:55.339 --> 00:37:58.619 Well, God has promised a new creation in which there's no more sickness. 00:37:59.000 --> 00:38:00.059 There's no more death. 00:38:00.279 --> 00:38:01.379 There's no more crying. 00:38:01.579 --> 00:38:02.500 There's no more pain. 00:38:02.500 --> 00:38:23.539 There's no more έ 00:38:23.539 --> 00:38:25.440 We don't look for our reward now. 00:38:25.440 --> 00:38:27.380 the best is yet to come. 00:38:29.260 --> 00:38:34.679 As it did for Abraham, who left his land to go to a new land, 00:38:35.220 --> 00:38:38.440 as it did for Abraham, faith in God's promise enables us 00:38:38.440 --> 00:38:40.300 to live radically in the present. 00:38:41.760 --> 00:38:44.599 We're not building a permanent home here. 00:38:45.760 --> 00:38:48.119 We don't seek our comfort here. 00:38:49.019 --> 00:38:52.599 We desire a better country, a heavenly one. 00:38:52.599 --> 00:38:58.799 Now, when you forego luxuries in this life so that you can be 00:38:58.799 --> 00:39:02.679 more generous, you're looking forward to a heavenly city. 00:39:04.139 --> 00:39:08.960 When you give money to support world mission, you're looking forward 00:39:08.960 --> 00:39:09.799 to a heavenly city. 00:39:10.880 --> 00:39:14.980 When you share the gospel with someone, you're looking forward 00:39:14.980 --> 00:39:15.880 to a heavenly city. 00:39:16.900 --> 00:39:21.619 When you forgive someone rather than seeking revenge, you're looking 00:39:21.619 --> 00:39:22.900 forward to a heavenly city. 00:39:23.920 --> 00:39:27.559 When you pray your kingdom come, you're looking forward to a heavenly city. 00:39:28.519 --> 00:39:32.319 When you sacrificially love others rather than serving yourself, 00:39:32.480 --> 00:39:34.799 you're looking forward to a heavenly city. 00:39:34.800 --> 00:39:41.500 The sure and certain promise of God frees us to live radically and generously 00:39:41.500 --> 00:39:46.440 and sacrificially in this life, knowing that those who trust in God 00:39:46.440 --> 00:39:48.140 will never lose. 00:39:49.519 --> 00:39:50.920 We'll never miss out. 00:39:52.620 --> 00:39:54.120 God has prepared for us a city. 00:39:54.119 --> 00:39:56.519 God has prepared for us a city. 00:39:56.519 --> 00:40:01.799 And what's more, we believe that even death is no obstacle. 00:40:03.179 --> 00:40:07.239 We see this too in the example of the ancient men and women of faith. 00:40:07.319 --> 00:40:08.339 Look at verse 17. 00:40:08.619 --> 00:40:11.799 From verse 17 to 19. 00:40:11.800 --> 00:40:17.460 19, by faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, he who had received the promises, 00:40:18.400 --> 00:40:23.920 was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, through Isaac shall your 00:40:23.920 --> 00:40:29.480 offspring be named. He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, 00:40:29.620 --> 00:40:36.580 from which figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. This is referring back to Genesis chapter 00:40:36.579 --> 00:40:44.519 22, God instructed Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, the son God had promised Abraham, the son of whom God 00:40:44.519 --> 00:40:50.779 had said, through Isaac, through this son, your offspring will be named, through this son, God's 00:40:50.779 --> 00:41:00.360 promises to Abraham would be fulfilled for all the families of the earth. It was a supreme test of 00:41:00.360 --> 00:41:08.440 faith. Not only did Abraham face the horror of sacrificing his own son, how could God command 00:41:08.440 --> 00:41:15.680 such a thing? But also the supreme threat that represented to the promises of God. If Isaac 00:41:15.680 --> 00:41:23.380 died, what would happen to the promises of God? Such was Abraham's firm confidence in God's word, 00:41:23.380 --> 00:41:32.160 that he recognised death itself was no obstacle to the promise. He considered that God was able to raise 00:41:32.160 --> 00:41:39.579 him from the dead and figuratively speaking, this verse says he received him back. What that's 00:41:39.579 --> 00:41:47.119 referring to is in the last moment, God stayed Abraham's hand and provided a ram to sacrifice in 00:41:47.119 --> 00:41:58.980 the place of Isaac. Just as God has provided his own son to sacrifice in our place. The faith of Abraham 00:41:58.980 --> 00:42:04.980 was faith that even death could not thwart the promises of God. That same faith echoed down the 00:42:04.980 --> 00:42:13.480 generations as Abraham's son and grandson and great-grandson looked to a future beyond their own mortal 00:42:13.480 --> 00:42:21.980 lifespans. And so verse 20, by faith Isaac, Abraham's son, invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau, 00:42:22.079 --> 00:42:30.280 looking ahead. Verse 21, by faith Jacob, Abraham's grandson, when dying, blessed each of the sons of 00:42:30.280 --> 00:42:36.840 Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. And by faith Joseph, Abraham's great-grandson, 00:42:37.059 --> 00:42:42.980 at the end of his life made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his 00:42:42.980 --> 00:42:51.460 bones, each looking ahead beyond the span of their mortal life. Because death itself cannot obstruct the 00:42:51.579 --> 00:42:56.480 promises of God. Death is no obstacle. 00:42:59.760 --> 00:43:03.460 I've been reading, we've been reading The Hobbit to our kids. 00:43:03.460 --> 00:43:12.400 And how many of you have read The Hobbit? Who's read The Hobbit? Let's do a show of hands. Okay. 00:43:12.900 --> 00:43:17.519 All right. Okay. I'm about to spoil something for you, for those who haven't read it. Maybe you've seen 00:43:17.519 --> 00:43:24.300 the movie. I don't know. My favourite chapter in The Hobbit is the chapter Riddles in the Dark. 00:43:24.300 --> 00:43:31.960 I'm seeing some nods. That's the chapter where Gollum and Bilbo have this contest of riddles. 00:43:32.760 --> 00:43:41.580 If Gollum wins, he'll eat Bilbo. If Bilbo wins, Gollum will show Bilbo the way out of the caves. 00:43:42.420 --> 00:43:48.260 And so they go backwards and forwards with these riddles. Until Gollum gets to his ultimate riddle. 00:43:48.260 --> 00:44:16.720 And the answer, for those who've read The Hobbit, is 00:44:16.719 --> 00:44:24.939 time. Time. In this present age, 00:44:25.819 --> 00:44:28.539 time means death. 00:44:31.799 --> 00:44:33.639 Time means decay. 00:44:35.559 --> 00:44:37.359 Time means destruction. 00:44:38.639 --> 00:44:40.539 By the laws of this world, 00:44:41.239 --> 00:44:42.319 everyone loses. 00:44:42.320 --> 00:44:44.320 time means death. 00:44:44.320 --> 00:44:47.480 But for those who trust in God, 00:44:48.480 --> 00:44:50.620 you can miss out in this life. 00:44:51.420 --> 00:44:52.900 And you won't miss out. 00:44:54.080 --> 00:44:57.640 You might never be able to afford to buy a house. 00:45:00.360 --> 00:45:01.740 Yet you have a home. 00:45:04.420 --> 00:45:06.640 Your citizenship might be revoked. 00:45:06.639 --> 00:45:10.039 Yet you have a country. 00:45:12.539 --> 00:45:14.099 Your health might fail. 00:45:15.859 --> 00:45:21.400 Yet you have a resurrection body such as even Gout Gout or Lachlan Kennedy could not imagine. 00:45:21.400 --> 00:45:27.019 If you were to die tomorrow 00:45:27.019 --> 00:45:33.079 and miss out on such amazing benefits as a reduced hex debt, 00:45:33.480 --> 00:45:34.660 bulk bill doctor's appointments, 00:45:34.800 --> 00:45:36.099 or a free TAFE education, 00:45:37.099 --> 00:45:39.760 which seems to be the best our world has to offer, 00:45:41.380 --> 00:45:43.160 well, you've not missed out. 00:45:43.159 --> 00:45:48.039 I have hopes for this life. 00:45:49.559 --> 00:45:51.379 You have hopes for this life too. 00:45:52.759 --> 00:45:53.399 Guess what? 00:45:55.019 --> 00:45:56.619 Some of those hopes will fail. 00:45:59.239 --> 00:46:02.019 Some of those hopes will fail because they're beyond my power. 00:46:03.219 --> 00:46:03.719 My hopes. 00:46:03.719 --> 00:46:07.000 Some of my hopes will fail. 00:46:07.959 --> 00:46:08.519 Well, 00:46:09.519 --> 00:46:11.139 simply because of time. 00:46:13.819 --> 00:46:18.759 Because time for you and me in our mortal state means death. 00:46:20.859 --> 00:46:23.439 But hope in God will never fail. 00:46:25.419 --> 00:46:27.259 God raised Jesus from the dead. 00:46:28.899 --> 00:46:30.000 He will raise you too. 00:46:30.000 --> 00:46:34.719 God created the first heavens and earth. 00:46:35.760 --> 00:46:38.079 He will make the new heavens and earth too. 00:46:40.019 --> 00:46:41.739 You who believe in God, 00:46:42.300 --> 00:46:45.380 you are a stranger and an exile here. 00:46:47.099 --> 00:46:48.659 Your home is there. 00:46:51.139 --> 00:46:54.300 So stand in the ancient faith. 00:46:57.360 --> 00:46:59.300 Hebrews 12 verses 1 and 2. 00:47:00.000 --> 00:47:01.340 Amen. 00:47:01.340 --> 00:47:01.619 Therefore, 00:47:02.699 --> 00:47:07.019 since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 00:47:07.960 --> 00:47:11.599 let us also lay aside every weight 00:47:11.599 --> 00:47:14.599 and sin which clings so closely 00:47:14.599 --> 00:47:19.179 and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 00:47:20.260 --> 00:47:21.239 looking to Jesus, 00:47:22.460 --> 00:47:25.400 the founder and perfecter of our faith. 00:47:28.400 --> 00:47:29.119 Amen. 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:30.679 00:47:30.679 --> 00:47:51.039 έ έ έ 00:47:51.039 --> 00:47:51.039 00:47:51.039 --> 00:47:51.039 00:47:51.039 --> 00:47:51.039 00:47:51.039 --> 00:47:51.039 00:47:51.039 --> 00:47:51.039 00:47:51.039 --> 00:47:51.039 00:47:51.039 --> 00:47:51.039 00:47:51.039 --> 00:47:51.039 00:47:51.039 --> 00:47:51.039