WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.439 We continue on in our summer series in the second book of the Psalms, and we find ourselves in Psalm 67. 00:00:08.740 --> 00:00:12.560 But before we get into the Psalm, let me just tell you another part of Scripture. 00:00:14.040 --> 00:00:15.140 Talk about it briefly. 00:00:15.820 --> 00:00:22.620 There's this incredible story in the Gospel of Mark, of Jesus delivering a man who was ravaged by unclean spirits. 00:00:23.160 --> 00:00:28.920 If you were with us months ago, we were from the beginning of the church plant. 00:00:28.920 --> 00:00:33.060 We went through Mark, and we got through it, I think, earlier this year. 00:00:33.420 --> 00:00:41.100 To be honest, I don't remember when we finished Mark, but maybe about a year ago, or at the turn of 2022 to 2023. 00:00:41.420 --> 00:00:42.439 But you'd remember this story. 00:00:42.560 --> 00:00:48.939 Jesus, he meets this man, the Gerizim demoniac. 00:00:49.660 --> 00:00:52.260 And this man is ravaged by unclean spirits. 00:00:52.480 --> 00:00:55.219 He is a troubled, troubled man. 00:00:55.219 --> 00:01:01.000 He was abandoned to the fringes of his land, and he was left completely alone. 00:01:01.960 --> 00:01:08.840 He was a violent man, and he wouldn't be held down. 00:01:08.939 --> 00:01:11.759 He would break the bonds that held him in place. 00:01:11.840 --> 00:01:13.659 There was a lot of fear around this fellow. 00:01:14.539 --> 00:01:15.879 He was completely chaotic. 00:01:16.159 --> 00:01:19.359 He was screaming and naked, and he would cut himself. 00:01:20.200 --> 00:01:23.280 It was a terrible, very, very scary scene. 00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:25.340 And Jesus heals him. 00:01:26.079 --> 00:01:31.239 He heals him in an incredible way by just speaking, and he is made well. 00:01:32.500 --> 00:01:36.780 And all the things that excluded this man from his society were turned around. 00:01:37.599 --> 00:01:41.740 And the Gospel writer tells us that he was clothed at peace and in his right mind. 00:01:41.859 --> 00:01:43.359 It's a remarkable story. 00:01:44.180 --> 00:01:49.799 So his life went from being a curse to a blessing, from chaotic to a life of order. 00:01:49.799 --> 00:01:58.000 But what is interesting about this man is that, I mean, he wanted to go with Jesus and be one of his disciples, 00:01:58.179 --> 00:01:59.799 and he begged Jesus that he would come with him. 00:01:59.859 --> 00:02:07.979 But Jesus actually commands him to stay and to go into his town and testify about the blessings to those around him. 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:12.919 In a sense, Jesus commands him to share his blessing with others. 00:02:12.919 --> 00:02:19.639 Later on in the narrative, this town, which had previously been very hostile to Jesus, 00:02:20.639 --> 00:02:22.799 came to welcome him with gladness. 00:02:22.939 --> 00:02:27.959 And what isn't said in the narrative, but what is implied is that this man, 00:02:28.060 --> 00:02:34.019 who was completely blessed by God, listened to Jesus, went into the town, 00:02:34.019 --> 00:02:42.519 shared his blessing, and it resulted in the town coming, in a sense, to welcome Jesus with gladness. 00:02:42.919 --> 00:02:49.979 And this man turned out to be, at least in the Gospel of Mark, the first evangelist in the New Testament. 00:02:51.060 --> 00:02:54.139 And our psalm today is yet another psalm of praise. 00:02:54.239 --> 00:03:01.500 It's actually fitted in this short little group of psalms from Psalm 65 to 68. 00:03:01.739 --> 00:03:04.259 They're psalms that would be sung during the harvest. 00:03:04.259 --> 00:03:13.879 But this psalm in particular gives us a blueprint, a vision of what it means to live out the Christian faith under the triune God, 00:03:13.959 --> 00:03:20.259 which is a life on mission, which is a life of blessing in order to bless. 00:03:21.840 --> 00:03:23.899 So a life on mission, what does it mean? 00:03:24.319 --> 00:03:29.180 It means simply not only enjoying the blessings of God, like this man who was healed, 00:03:29.180 --> 00:03:36.960 this Gerizim demoniac, but then turning around and blessing others with the blessing that you have received. 00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:40.599 So we'll look at it in three sections, Psalm 67. 00:03:41.260 --> 00:03:42.520 We'll look at it first. 00:03:44.020 --> 00:03:49.040 We'll ask the question, what does this tell us about the Christian life and how it means to live on mission, 00:03:49.580 --> 00:03:52.340 to be evangelists, to share our blessing. 00:03:52.680 --> 00:03:53.840 And we'll look at it in three sections. 00:03:53.840 --> 00:03:59.120 In verse 1, we'll see that the Christian life is to be enjoyed and to be enjoyed publicly. 00:04:00.020 --> 00:04:06.699 The second, verses 2 to 5, we'll see the Christian life is to be a blessing to those around us. 00:04:07.800 --> 00:04:08.740 And we'll unpack that. 00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:17.819 Verse 6 to 7, the third point, we'll see how the Christian life culminates into eternal blessing. 00:04:17.819 --> 00:04:25.060 Not just temporal blessing, not blessing for the moment or just this life, but for all eternity. 00:04:27.300 --> 00:04:28.659 So let's jump right into it. 00:04:28.699 --> 00:04:31.159 Verse 1, if you have a Bible, follow along with me. 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:33.279 Verse 1 says this, 00:04:34.060 --> 00:04:39.480 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face to shine upon us. 00:04:40.100 --> 00:04:46.319 So these opening words, this opening verse echoes the Aaronic blessing. 00:04:46.319 --> 00:04:51.279 The Aaronic blessing, we can find it in number 6, verses 24 to 26. 00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:55.680 But really it was the blessing that God gave Aaron, who was the high priest, 00:04:55.920 --> 00:04:58.459 and his sons and all the priests that would come after him. 00:04:58.779 --> 00:05:03.959 And it would be a blessing upon them, but not just on them, but on all of Israel. 00:05:04.100 --> 00:05:10.920 That really to hear this Aaronic blessing is to know God, 00:05:10.920 --> 00:05:16.900 to be welcomed into his family, and then to be a blessing to those around you. 00:05:16.960 --> 00:05:20.920 Here's the actual Aaronic blessing from Numbers chapter 6. 00:05:21.379 --> 00:05:24.840 And hear the similarities with the opening verse in our psalm. 00:05:25.900 --> 00:05:27.480 The Lord bless you and keep you. 00:05:27.560 --> 00:05:30.860 The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. 00:05:31.280 --> 00:05:34.319 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. 00:05:34.319 --> 00:05:42.620 Coincidence that Psalm 67 verse 1 sounds just like the Aaronic blessing? 00:05:42.959 --> 00:05:43.719 I would say to you no. 00:05:44.740 --> 00:05:50.180 That David, the psalmist rather, he has this in view. 00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:52.379 This priestly blessing in view. 00:05:52.779 --> 00:05:56.019 And this is the foundation of what it means to know God 00:05:56.019 --> 00:05:59.699 and to live under His good and kindly rule. 00:05:59.839 --> 00:06:01.539 To be a part of the covenant community. 00:06:01.540 --> 00:06:08.000 The blessing entails provision, protection, mercy, and belonging. 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:10.319 So in short, it means to be blessed. 00:06:10.660 --> 00:06:15.140 To be blessed by God means to be held secure in the midst of danger. 00:06:15.780 --> 00:06:18.560 It means to know peace in the midst of chaos. 00:06:19.220 --> 00:06:21.840 It is to know mercy when judgment is owed. 00:06:22.680 --> 00:06:24.960 And it is for the estranged to have a place. 00:06:24.959 --> 00:06:31.899 Think about all of those things that I just mentioned. 00:06:32.180 --> 00:06:33.359 The negative bits. 00:06:34.139 --> 00:06:35.560 The danger. 00:06:36.199 --> 00:06:36.899 The chaos. 00:06:37.339 --> 00:06:38.079 The judgment. 00:06:38.500 --> 00:06:39.399 The estrangement. 00:06:39.799 --> 00:06:42.599 Think of how that Gerizim demoniac, 00:06:43.459 --> 00:06:45.319 that was his experience. 00:06:45.399 --> 00:06:46.679 How he experienced all of these things. 00:06:46.680 --> 00:06:50.400 And when Jesus came in and healed him and delivered him 00:06:50.400 --> 00:06:51.740 and how he was blessed, 00:06:52.280 --> 00:06:56.560 he was, remember, clothed at peace and in his right mind. 00:06:58.160 --> 00:07:02.360 It's what the blessing of God looks like for the covenant people. 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:05.759 So to be blessed by God is to have, in a sense, 00:07:05.879 --> 00:07:09.019 all of our life's pursuits and our deep down desires 00:07:09.019 --> 00:07:11.699 fulfilled in the most complete and perfect way 00:07:11.699 --> 00:07:14.339 and to have all of our fears cast out. 00:07:16.899 --> 00:07:19.199 Throughout the Bible and especially in the Psalms, 00:07:19.939 --> 00:07:23.099 this is expressed in enjoyment of God. 00:07:23.300 --> 00:07:25.860 To have joy in God, but to enjoy him. 00:07:26.420 --> 00:07:28.779 That he is the object of our affection. 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:32.719 He is the object of our greatest desire. 00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:34.839 He is everything we could hope for. 00:07:34.919 --> 00:07:36.120 We are to enjoy him. 00:07:36.599 --> 00:07:39.659 I commend to you Psalm 119 as an example of this. 00:07:39.660 --> 00:07:41.960 It is long, so I won't read it. 00:07:42.020 --> 00:07:44.100 But what I will read is Psalm 103. 00:07:44.340 --> 00:07:45.820 A few verses from Psalm 103. 00:07:46.460 --> 00:07:49.520 And see how King David is enjoying God. 00:07:50.800 --> 00:07:52.460 Bless the Lord, O my soul, 00:07:53.080 --> 00:07:54.420 and all that is within me. 00:07:54.900 --> 00:07:55.879 Bless his holy name. 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:57.760 Bless the Lord, O my soul, 00:07:58.160 --> 00:08:00.100 and forget not all his benefits, 00:08:00.180 --> 00:08:03.020 who forgives all your iniquity, 00:08:03.340 --> 00:08:04.960 who heals all your diseases, 00:08:05.140 --> 00:08:07.900 who redeems your life from the pit, 00:08:07.899 --> 00:08:10.939 crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 00:08:11.339 --> 00:08:13.579 who satisfies you with good, 00:08:13.659 --> 00:08:16.759 so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. 00:08:16.979 --> 00:08:17.779 My goodness! 00:08:18.079 --> 00:08:19.579 It's a man who's enjoying the Lord. 00:08:21.459 --> 00:08:22.939 The Christian life is one of beauty, 00:08:23.139 --> 00:08:24.359 and truth, and goodness, 00:08:24.699 --> 00:08:25.539 and enjoyment. 00:08:25.739 --> 00:08:27.679 And how can one truly understand that 00:08:27.679 --> 00:08:30.239 if it is not enjoyed? 00:08:30.240 --> 00:08:33.659 In fact, if Christianity is a grind, 00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:36.600 and a weight around your neck, 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:42.080 if it feels a bit like just a huge drag, 00:08:42.500 --> 00:08:44.879 then I would say, rather than joy, 00:08:44.980 --> 00:08:50.000 then I would say that you either discover the faith afresh, 00:08:50.840 --> 00:08:53.480 or you discover the faith for the first time. 00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:56.879 And by the way, this is a bit of a disclaimer. 00:08:56.879 --> 00:08:59.019 This doesn't mean that you're a Christian, 00:08:59.139 --> 00:09:01.100 you experience joy for the rest of your life 00:09:01.100 --> 00:09:03.860 without sadness, without valleys, 00:09:04.139 --> 00:09:05.159 without depressions. 00:09:06.439 --> 00:09:09.620 It doesn't mean that we are enthralled with joyful glee 00:09:09.620 --> 00:09:11.740 every waking minute of your life. 00:09:12.659 --> 00:09:14.659 There is a real struggle in the Christian life. 00:09:15.559 --> 00:09:18.360 And there is a back and forth with trusting the Lord, 00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:20.500 or trusting ourselves, or in the world, 00:09:20.679 --> 00:09:23.279 or being tempted to abandon Him. 00:09:23.279 --> 00:09:26.559 And there's also very real struggles that we go through 00:09:26.559 --> 00:09:29.399 with the breakdown of our bodies, 00:09:29.639 --> 00:09:30.600 or relationships. 00:09:31.019 --> 00:09:34.259 And the Bible makes a lot of room 00:09:34.259 --> 00:09:36.759 for expressing depression, 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:39.319 and non-joyful times. 00:09:39.439 --> 00:09:41.539 Now, there's a lot to be said about that. 00:09:42.039 --> 00:09:43.000 I'll just pause it there. 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:48.559 It's not the morning to deep dive into that. 00:09:49.879 --> 00:09:50.980 By the way, I just say, 00:09:51.080 --> 00:09:53.580 if you are in a prolonged season 00:09:53.580 --> 00:09:56.679 of feeling like there's a shadow over your life, 00:09:57.019 --> 00:09:58.440 I would love to talk to you. 00:09:58.500 --> 00:09:59.100 We can pray. 00:10:00.340 --> 00:10:02.639 It doesn't mean that somehow you lost your faith. 00:10:03.340 --> 00:10:04.539 But let's get back to the text. 00:10:04.539 --> 00:10:09.699 So, Christian life is to be a joy-filled, 00:10:09.879 --> 00:10:11.659 enjoyed life, 00:10:11.799 --> 00:10:15.779 where we know and enjoy God forever. 00:10:16.559 --> 00:10:18.579 But the second part of the first point is this. 00:10:19.139 --> 00:10:21.639 To enjoy the Christian life is to enjoy it publicly. 00:10:22.799 --> 00:10:25.399 In short, our faith is not to be a closeted faith. 00:10:26.980 --> 00:10:28.539 Let me ask you this question. 00:10:28.659 --> 00:10:32.379 Is joy in general to be regulated to the private? 00:10:32.379 --> 00:10:37.840 I mean, if you find something that brings you life and joy, 00:10:38.039 --> 00:10:39.340 you're excited about something, 00:10:40.500 --> 00:10:42.059 do you not share it with others? 00:10:45.139 --> 00:10:47.820 Is it, I mean, that's an almost unhealthy thing 00:10:47.820 --> 00:10:49.360 to not share your joy. 00:10:50.220 --> 00:10:51.539 I'll share two examples. 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:53.700 The first one is silly. 00:10:54.379 --> 00:10:55.639 When Christine and I were dating, 00:10:55.759 --> 00:11:01.080 we went to this cafe in downtown Ottawa. 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:04.580 They had kind of like a chef's special. 00:11:04.740 --> 00:11:07.520 I ordered the turkey gorgonzola sandwich. 00:11:08.060 --> 00:11:08.879 It was on a panini. 00:11:09.480 --> 00:11:10.259 And I ate it. 00:11:10.639 --> 00:11:12.120 And it was very delicious. 00:11:12.700 --> 00:11:14.820 And I think I was trying to be a bit goofy and funny. 00:11:14.960 --> 00:11:16.400 But I went over. 00:11:16.660 --> 00:11:18.820 I gave the kitchen staff a bunch of high fives. 00:11:18.900 --> 00:11:20.000 I think I embarrassed Christine. 00:11:20.660 --> 00:11:23.220 But the joy, again, stupid example. 00:11:23.580 --> 00:11:27.420 But the joy was not joy unless I could share it. 00:11:27.419 --> 00:11:29.519 And be happy about it. 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:32.679 The other example, it's a lot more serious. 00:11:34.299 --> 00:11:35.740 Man, I'll get teary-eyed. 00:11:35.860 --> 00:11:38.939 But when Nora was born, my first daughter, my firstborn, 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:42.639 man, the joy was just like, I couldn't contain it. 00:11:42.679 --> 00:11:44.579 There was tears and excitement. 00:11:44.699 --> 00:11:47.179 I think I phoned everybody that I could think of. 00:11:47.639 --> 00:11:48.360 Texted people. 00:11:48.539 --> 00:11:50.120 I had to share my joy. 00:11:50.659 --> 00:11:51.339 I was a dad. 00:11:51.419 --> 00:11:52.000 I had a daughter. 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:54.580 It was a very exciting moment. 00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:58.980 Joy ought not to be contained. 00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:01.500 It's a very public thing. 00:12:02.200 --> 00:12:07.980 And if this faith is a faith where the chief experience is to know God 00:12:07.980 --> 00:12:12.179 and be known by Him, despite the fact that we are sinners, 00:12:12.299 --> 00:12:14.500 actually in spite of the fact that we are sinners, 00:12:14.580 --> 00:12:17.879 that God has made a way for us to come to Him as we are 00:12:17.879 --> 00:12:22.080 and to know Him because of what Christ has done on the cross, 00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:24.939 there is a joy that has to be shared. 00:12:25.899 --> 00:12:26.939 It must be shared. 00:12:28.379 --> 00:12:32.559 See, if you find joy in something, you ought to share it. 00:12:32.580 --> 00:12:33.500 You have to share it. 00:12:34.159 --> 00:12:36.419 And if it feels almost, like I mentioned, 00:12:36.480 --> 00:12:38.200 it feels almost unhealthy not to share it, 00:12:38.200 --> 00:12:43.460 then this is not a mere fantasy, but a reality that we experience. 00:12:43.460 --> 00:12:48.420 So we enjoy God and not an idea of God or a philosophy of God, 00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:53.680 but a real God who is true, that is rooted in fact. 00:12:55.139 --> 00:12:57.280 Historical realities that had happened. 00:12:57.639 --> 00:13:02.280 Christ actually died on a physical cross at a specific time in human history. 00:13:02.980 --> 00:13:08.000 We do not testify to a fairy tale or hallucination or falsity. 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:12.059 We know God's gracious blessing and closeness 00:13:12.059 --> 00:13:15.899 because Christ took upon Himself our sin and wretchedness 00:13:15.899 --> 00:13:20.620 in a real way, in a real place, on a real cross. 00:13:21.440 --> 00:13:23.960 And this call is to share that with others 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:27.080 by enjoying the Lord in a very public way. 00:13:27.179 --> 00:13:28.720 But the question is, how do we do that? 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:31.840 How do we enjoy the Lord in a public way? 00:13:31.960 --> 00:13:34.600 How is our faith to be enjoyed publicly? 00:13:34.600 --> 00:13:38.139 Well, turn with me to verses 2-5. 00:13:38.420 --> 00:13:39.279 And this is our second point, 00:13:39.340 --> 00:13:42.200 how the Christian life is to be a blessing to those around us. 00:13:42.300 --> 00:13:42.800 Look with me. 00:13:44.879 --> 00:13:47.980 Actually, I'll read verse 1, but focus on verses 2-5. 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:50.220 May God be gracious to us and bless us 00:13:50.220 --> 00:13:51.840 and make His face to shine upon us, 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:54.180 that Your way may be known on earth, 00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:56.720 Your saving power among all nations. 00:13:57.379 --> 00:13:59.160 Let the peoples praise You, O God. 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:00.480 Let all the peoples praise You. 00:14:00.860 --> 00:14:03.600 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy. 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:06.480 For You judge the peoples with equity 00:14:06.480 --> 00:14:08.680 and guide the nations upon earth. 00:14:09.300 --> 00:14:11.440 Let the peoples praise You, O God. 00:14:11.540 --> 00:14:13.960 Let all the peoples praise You. 00:14:14.860 --> 00:14:17.340 This text tells us that our love and enjoyment 00:14:17.340 --> 00:14:19.820 of knowing and living for the Lord 00:14:19.820 --> 00:14:22.840 ought to manifest itself in two ways. 00:14:23.600 --> 00:14:25.320 And we'll move somewhat quickly through this. 00:14:25.700 --> 00:14:29.920 First, that God's ways may be known on all the earth. 00:14:30.060 --> 00:14:32.300 We see this in verse 2, the first part of verse 2. 00:14:32.299 --> 00:14:35.279 And in short, this means that we are to teach 00:14:35.279 --> 00:14:37.500 and to advocate for and to promote 00:14:37.500 --> 00:14:41.279 and live out a vision of the human life 00:14:41.279 --> 00:14:44.039 that God has laid out in Holy Scripture. 00:14:44.579 --> 00:14:48.039 It means we are to be about protecting the orphan and the widow. 00:14:48.039 --> 00:14:53.059 It means we are to stand up for the rights of the alien. 00:14:54.059 --> 00:14:57.559 It means we are to stand against organizations and laws 00:14:57.559 --> 00:14:58.939 that promote a culture of death. 00:14:59.699 --> 00:15:03.120 And it means strengthening families, starting with our own. 00:15:04.819 --> 00:15:07.139 Not engaging in mass consumerism, 00:15:07.219 --> 00:15:08.699 that is really a form of gluttony. 00:15:09.699 --> 00:15:12.860 Telling the truth even if it costs us money 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:14.720 and opportunities and friends, 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:17.759 fighting against sloth. 00:15:18.919 --> 00:15:20.019 And these are just a few. 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:22.139 I mean, the list could go on and on and on. 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:24.300 But in a sense, this is what it means 00:15:24.300 --> 00:15:27.680 to teach the nations the Lord's ways. 00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:32.159 It means that we are both for and against 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:34.620 things that express the Lord's justice. 00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:36.620 And we see, again, this reference 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:39.720 in the second part of verse 4. 00:15:40.039 --> 00:15:41.759 For you judge the peoples with equity. 00:15:41.919 --> 00:15:45.060 You guide the nations upon the earth. 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:49.120 Christianity has been doing this throughout the centuries. 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:52.039 I know it's kind of in fashion 00:15:52.039 --> 00:15:56.340 to hate on Christendom, 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:58.320 both in the church and outside the church. 00:15:58.399 --> 00:15:59.639 And Christendom had its issues. 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:02.379 But Christianity, Christendom, 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:05.899 the adoption by and large of Christianity 00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:07.840 throughout entire cultures 00:16:07.840 --> 00:16:10.399 has resulted in many blessings. 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:12.840 Also, there's been issues, 00:16:12.959 --> 00:16:14.519 but many, many blessings. 00:16:15.620 --> 00:16:17.639 So, you know, an example of how it 00:16:17.639 --> 00:16:19.059 didn't work out so well is 00:16:19.059 --> 00:16:23.720 the justification of man-stealing 00:16:23.720 --> 00:16:26.039 during the transatlantic slave trade. 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:27.639 Terrible thing. 00:16:28.519 --> 00:16:30.100 Justifying it through Scripture 00:16:30.100 --> 00:16:32.000 in a not great way. 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:35.480 But out of all of the cultures, 00:16:35.480 --> 00:16:36.740 Christian or not, 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:38.100 that practiced slavery, 00:16:38.200 --> 00:16:39.220 it was Christianity 00:16:39.220 --> 00:16:42.259 in the late 18th century 00:16:42.259 --> 00:16:44.519 and in the early 19th century 00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:46.600 that put an end to the slave trade 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:47.899 at great cost, 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:48.899 financial cost, 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:49.779 to themselves. 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:51.420 There was no economic benefit 00:16:51.420 --> 00:16:52.940 to stopping the slave trade. 00:16:54.279 --> 00:16:57.100 There's examples throughout history of this. 00:16:57.240 --> 00:17:00.039 Again, Christians aren't perfect. 00:17:00.159 --> 00:17:00.980 They're human beings. 00:17:00.980 --> 00:17:01.920 But by and large, 00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:04.120 when Christians take very seriously 00:17:04.120 --> 00:17:04.680 the Scriptures 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:07.640 and seek to teach the nations 00:17:07.640 --> 00:17:09.059 God's ways, 00:17:09.660 --> 00:17:10.519 good things happen. 00:17:10.599 --> 00:17:13.339 Because God has a view, 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:14.039 a vision, 00:17:14.319 --> 00:17:15.920 of what human flourishing 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:17.039 ought to look like. 00:17:19.400 --> 00:17:20.779 Another great example, 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:21.920 a bad example, 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:22.740 and then a good example, 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:24.259 is a bad example first 00:17:24.259 --> 00:17:26.819 of how Christians here in Canada 00:17:26.819 --> 00:17:29.920 forbade the speaking 00:17:29.920 --> 00:17:31.660 of indigenous languages 00:17:31.660 --> 00:17:33.579 as Christianity was introduced 00:17:33.579 --> 00:17:34.660 to First Nations. 00:17:34.740 --> 00:17:35.240 Not great. 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:36.960 But Christianity, 00:17:37.140 --> 00:17:37.960 on the flip side, 00:17:39.059 --> 00:17:41.759 especially in the past century 00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:42.799 and into this century, 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:46.220 incredibly instrumental 00:17:46.220 --> 00:17:50.000 in reviving indigenous languages 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:51.559 as they sought to translate 00:17:51.559 --> 00:17:54.680 the Bible into mother tongues. 00:17:54.860 --> 00:17:55.740 An example of this, 00:17:55.779 --> 00:17:57.440 I worked for the Canadian Bible Society 00:17:57.440 --> 00:17:58.920 a number of years ago 00:17:58.920 --> 00:18:01.740 and as I started with them, 00:18:01.839 --> 00:18:02.819 they were just finishing up 00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:04.140 a 30-year project 00:18:04.140 --> 00:18:06.120 of translating the New Testament 00:18:06.120 --> 00:18:08.000 into the language 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:09.220 of the Inuit people 00:18:09.220 --> 00:18:10.319 in the north. 00:18:10.440 --> 00:18:10.819 Incredible. 00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:12.279 30-year project. 00:18:13.160 --> 00:18:13.980 I'm sure some people 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:14.960 started that project 00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:16.779 and probably passed away 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:19.140 before they saw it completed. 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:19.840 But for them, 00:18:19.900 --> 00:18:20.680 it was a beautiful, 00:18:20.880 --> 00:18:21.380 wonderful thing. 00:18:21.500 --> 00:18:21.880 You see, 00:18:22.600 --> 00:18:23.220 Christianity, 00:18:23.759 --> 00:18:26.100 teaching God's ways 00:18:26.100 --> 00:18:26.880 to the nations, 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:29.559 ought to redeem 00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:31.100 and heighten 00:18:31.100 --> 00:18:32.019 the good parts 00:18:32.019 --> 00:18:34.980 of a culture's culture, 00:18:35.120 --> 00:18:36.039 a nation's culture. 00:18:36.420 --> 00:18:37.340 But also, 00:18:37.920 --> 00:18:39.460 look to erase 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:42.160 or do away with 00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:43.319 irredeemable, 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:44.579 incongruent parts 00:18:44.579 --> 00:18:45.240 of a culture 00:18:45.240 --> 00:18:46.599 that is antithetical 00:18:46.599 --> 00:18:47.339 to the vision 00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:48.199 of the Christian life. 00:18:51.159 --> 00:18:52.619 That's very controversial. 00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:54.019 It might be a bit of a hot take. 00:18:54.879 --> 00:18:56.339 But is it not better 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:57.519 to live in a world 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:58.159 where widows 00:18:58.159 --> 00:18:59.159 don't burn themselves 00:18:59.159 --> 00:18:59.919 on the pyres 00:18:59.919 --> 00:19:00.599 of their husbands? 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:04.460 I would say yes. 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:06.059 Christianity, 00:19:06.639 --> 00:19:08.359 teaching God's ways, 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:09.379 sought to do that 00:19:09.380 --> 00:19:10.720 and in a sense, 00:19:10.720 --> 00:19:12.980 it eliminated a part 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:14.380 of a culture 00:19:14.380 --> 00:19:15.060 that was practiced 00:19:15.060 --> 00:19:15.700 for centuries 00:19:15.700 --> 00:19:16.280 and centuries 00:19:16.280 --> 00:19:16.860 and centuries. 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:19.000 I'll end it there. 00:19:19.100 --> 00:19:20.160 If you have issues 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:21.120 with what I've said, 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:22.300 I'd be happy to talk about it. 00:19:22.300 --> 00:19:23.220 I have pretty broad shoulders 00:19:23.220 --> 00:19:25.779 and I can handle criticism. 00:19:27.519 --> 00:19:28.559 But when we are called 00:19:28.559 --> 00:19:30.279 to teach the nations 00:19:30.279 --> 00:19:31.480 the Lord's ways, 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:34.420 blessing comes. 00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:35.640 Blessing comes. 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:37.680 The second, 00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:39.420 and connected to the first, 00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:41.779 is that God's saving power 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:42.440 would be known 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:43.420 among the nations. 00:19:43.660 --> 00:19:44.980 We see that also 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:45.880 in verse 2. 00:19:46.080 --> 00:19:47.140 And it ought not 00:19:47.140 --> 00:19:48.840 to be separated 00:19:48.840 --> 00:19:51.140 from teaching the nations 00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:52.460 the ways of the Lord, 00:19:52.800 --> 00:19:53.520 but for the sake 00:19:53.520 --> 00:19:54.560 of explaining, 00:19:54.700 --> 00:19:55.700 I've broken it up. 00:19:56.860 --> 00:19:57.580 But really, 00:19:57.720 --> 00:19:58.820 we ought not to look at them 00:19:58.820 --> 00:20:00.000 as two separate things. 00:20:01.020 --> 00:20:01.580 In short, 00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:02.800 we are to be evangelists. 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:03.800 We are to testify 00:20:03.800 --> 00:20:05.500 and bear witness 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:06.600 to the hope we have 00:20:06.600 --> 00:20:07.440 in Christ Jesus. 00:20:07.620 --> 00:20:08.480 To share with those 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:09.120 around us 00:20:09.120 --> 00:20:10.440 that the freedom 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:11.260 won by Christ 00:20:11.260 --> 00:20:11.980 on the cross 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:12.980 can be their freedom 00:20:12.980 --> 00:20:13.460 as well. 00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:15.600 To share the gospel 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:16.079 truth. 00:20:17.399 --> 00:20:18.579 But this can be frightening 00:20:18.579 --> 00:20:20.139 because, 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:21.179 by and large, 00:20:21.579 --> 00:20:22.539 we can lack courage. 00:20:23.659 --> 00:20:24.379 And we like 00:20:24.379 --> 00:20:25.679 the comfort, 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:27.199 and comfort's not 00:20:27.199 --> 00:20:28.419 necessarily a bad thing, 00:20:28.679 --> 00:20:29.559 but we like the comfort 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:30.299 that we live in 00:20:30.299 --> 00:20:31.039 and we don't want 00:20:31.039 --> 00:20:31.819 to shake the boat 00:20:31.819 --> 00:20:33.319 and we don't want 00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:34.619 to put our necks out. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:37.399 We lack courage. 00:20:39.719 --> 00:20:40.519 It's frightening, 00:20:41.359 --> 00:20:43.059 but it can also, 00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:44.039 in a sense, 00:20:44.039 --> 00:20:46.480 be frightening 00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:47.720 not because we lack courage, 00:20:47.839 --> 00:20:48.720 but because we trust 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.599 in a false gospel. 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:51.639 We trust in other things 00:20:51.639 --> 00:20:52.960 that we put our hope in. 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:56.379 When I say false gospel, 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:57.119 I mean something 00:20:57.119 --> 00:20:58.319 that promises 00:20:58.319 --> 00:21:01.119 what the true gospel promises 00:21:01.119 --> 00:21:01.960 but can never 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:04.039 possibly deliver on. 00:21:06.099 --> 00:21:07.559 Everyone hopes in something. 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:10.099 Nobody truly 00:21:10.099 --> 00:21:11.720 is an atheist. 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:12.799 They say there's no 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:14.019 atheists in foxholes. 00:21:15.660 --> 00:21:16.579 Everybody puts 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:18.120 a hope in something 00:21:18.120 --> 00:21:18.759 and to put a hope 00:21:18.759 --> 00:21:19.220 in something 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.839 is a very religious act. 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:23.140 Everyone trusts 00:21:23.140 --> 00:21:23.819 in some sort 00:21:23.819 --> 00:21:24.500 of good news. 00:21:25.779 --> 00:21:26.799 Even here, 00:21:27.100 --> 00:21:27.620 we can trust 00:21:27.620 --> 00:21:28.200 in good news 00:21:28.200 --> 00:21:28.799 and we are 00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:30.519 every single week 00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:31.579 church attenders. 00:21:32.640 --> 00:21:33.779 We struggle with this, 00:21:33.839 --> 00:21:34.579 myself included. 00:21:35.660 --> 00:21:36.740 But here's the thing, 00:21:36.839 --> 00:21:37.460 there is no 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:39.980 multiple gospels, 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:41.079 there's only one gospel 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:43.940 and there's only one salvation 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:45.019 because there can only be 00:21:45.019 --> 00:21:46.000 one true savior. 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:47.799 He is the good shepherd 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:49.960 who will leave the 99 00:21:49.960 --> 00:21:51.240 to pursue the one 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:52.740 and consider how remarkable 00:21:52.740 --> 00:21:53.420 that is. 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:55.220 That God 00:21:55.220 --> 00:21:57.640 has sought you out 00:21:57.640 --> 00:21:59.519 in this corner of the world. 00:22:00.819 --> 00:22:01.799 As you are, 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:02.579 not saying 00:22:02.579 --> 00:22:04.099 dust yourself off, 00:22:04.200 --> 00:22:05.140 clean yourself up, 00:22:05.140 --> 00:22:06.580 but as you are, 00:22:07.160 --> 00:22:08.340 He has pursued you 00:22:08.340 --> 00:22:09.860 and that He 00:22:09.860 --> 00:22:10.820 has been moved 00:22:10.820 --> 00:22:11.400 by love 00:22:11.400 --> 00:22:12.080 and compassion 00:22:12.080 --> 00:22:12.740 and He seeks 00:22:12.740 --> 00:22:13.800 and saves the lost. 00:22:14.540 --> 00:22:15.200 He desires 00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:16.240 to be the good shepherd 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:17.940 and welcomes 00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:18.640 in those 00:22:18.640 --> 00:22:20.820 that were far off 00:22:20.820 --> 00:22:22.700 into His fold. 00:22:22.780 --> 00:22:23.300 We see this 00:22:23.300 --> 00:22:25.360 in verse 4, 00:22:25.560 --> 00:22:26.620 the third 00:22:26.620 --> 00:22:27.380 kind of bit 00:22:27.380 --> 00:22:28.800 in verse 4, 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:29.660 that He guides 00:22:29.660 --> 00:22:30.220 the nations 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:30.940 upon the earth. 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:32.040 This is a 00:22:32.040 --> 00:22:32.880 shepherding 00:22:32.880 --> 00:22:34.540 word, 00:22:34.539 --> 00:22:35.379 the guiding. 00:22:35.579 --> 00:22:36.220 It is a 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:38.799 picture of a shepherd 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:40.000 shepherding a flock. 00:22:41.579 --> 00:22:41.960 So, 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:42.579 it is 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:44.319 a scary thing 00:22:44.319 --> 00:22:45.019 to share our faith, 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:45.859 especially if 00:22:45.859 --> 00:22:46.720 you haven't done it 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:47.099 in a while. 00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:48.059 And by the way, 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:48.899 this isn't like a 00:22:48.899 --> 00:22:50.759 terrible Christians 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:51.799 who haven't shared 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.319 their faith. 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:52.619 Like, 00:22:53.379 --> 00:22:54.039 it's hard. 00:22:54.359 --> 00:22:55.220 I recognize it. 00:22:56.079 --> 00:22:57.420 Not having courage 00:22:57.420 --> 00:22:59.099 is to do 00:22:59.099 --> 00:22:59.599 certain things 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:00.079 that we're called 00:23:00.079 --> 00:23:00.480 to do. 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:02.019 It can be 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:03.139 a very discouraging 00:23:03.139 --> 00:23:03.500 thing. 00:23:03.779 --> 00:23:04.420 And again, 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:05.960 I am with you. 00:23:06.580 --> 00:23:07.000 I mean, 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:07.660 I'm up here, 00:23:07.800 --> 00:23:08.860 but I am with you 00:23:08.860 --> 00:23:10.259 in the midst of that. 00:23:10.320 --> 00:23:11.120 It's a struggle. 00:23:12.019 --> 00:23:12.400 So, 00:23:12.460 --> 00:23:13.240 it is not a stick 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:13.920 that I bring 00:23:13.920 --> 00:23:15.840 to hit you with, 00:23:15.920 --> 00:23:16.980 but an opportunity 00:23:16.980 --> 00:23:17.940 this fall. 00:23:19.400 --> 00:23:20.100 This fall, 00:23:20.180 --> 00:23:20.620 we're going to be 00:23:20.620 --> 00:23:22.140 doing a series 00:23:22.140 --> 00:23:22.600 called 00:23:22.600 --> 00:23:23.740 Christianity Explored. 00:23:23.840 --> 00:23:25.000 There's a number 00:23:25.000 --> 00:23:26.220 of different, 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:28.880 I guess, 00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:29.360 courses. 00:23:29.580 --> 00:23:30.039 There's something 00:23:30.039 --> 00:23:30.259 called 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:31.300 Christianity Explored. 00:23:31.380 --> 00:23:32.060 It's the flagship. 00:23:32.500 --> 00:23:33.220 It's based on 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:34.120 the Gospel of Mark. 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:35.160 There's another one 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:36.019 called Hope Explored 00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:36.940 and Life Explored. 00:23:37.539 --> 00:23:37.900 Really, 00:23:38.059 --> 00:23:38.799 it is a vehicle 00:23:38.799 --> 00:23:39.860 that we can 00:23:39.860 --> 00:23:41.660 use in our church 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:43.079 to invite our friends 00:23:43.079 --> 00:23:44.160 to hear the good news 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:44.579 of Christ. 00:23:45.140 --> 00:23:45.860 And it means 00:23:45.860 --> 00:23:46.759 that we don't have 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.839 to know 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:48.799 A through Z 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:50.360 and have a perfectly 00:23:50.360 --> 00:23:51.480 put together pitch. 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:53.400 It means that 00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:54.480 we can participate 00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:55.600 and help out 00:23:55.600 --> 00:23:57.319 and invite friends 00:23:57.319 --> 00:23:57.980 to something 00:23:57.980 --> 00:24:00.640 that could change 00:24:00.640 --> 00:24:01.100 their life. 00:24:01.099 --> 00:24:02.159 because it's 00:24:02.159 --> 00:24:02.980 changed our life. 00:24:04.439 --> 00:24:05.099 There'll be more 00:24:05.099 --> 00:24:06.099 information about that 00:24:06.099 --> 00:24:07.639 in the coming week 00:24:07.639 --> 00:24:09.000 or two, 00:24:09.219 --> 00:24:10.099 but I wanted to 00:24:10.099 --> 00:24:10.699 plug that 00:24:10.699 --> 00:24:11.139 and keep it 00:24:11.139 --> 00:24:11.759 on your radar. 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:13.099 It'll likely happen 00:24:13.099 --> 00:24:13.899 at the church 00:24:13.899 --> 00:24:14.500 midweek, 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:16.939 but Christianity Explored, 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:18.219 it's tried and true. 00:24:18.719 --> 00:24:19.719 It's not flashy. 00:24:20.159 --> 00:24:20.779 It gets into 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:21.559 the Word of God 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:22.740 and it really gives 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.519 people an opportunity 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.679 to experience the Lord 00:24:24.679 --> 00:24:25.639 for the first time 00:24:25.639 --> 00:24:26.619 or maybe 00:24:26.619 --> 00:24:28.159 to come back 00:24:28.159 --> 00:24:28.539 to the Lord 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:29.399 after a season 00:24:29.400 --> 00:24:30.440 away. 00:24:31.560 --> 00:24:32.080 So, 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:33.460 the Christian life 00:24:33.460 --> 00:24:34.400 is to be enjoyed 00:24:34.400 --> 00:24:35.380 and enjoyed publicly 00:24:35.380 --> 00:24:36.120 and it's to be 00:24:36.120 --> 00:24:37.000 a blessing 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:38.460 to those around us 00:24:38.460 --> 00:24:39.620 through first teaching 00:24:39.620 --> 00:24:40.280 the nations 00:24:40.280 --> 00:24:41.860 the Lord's ways 00:24:41.860 --> 00:24:43.620 and testifying 00:24:43.620 --> 00:24:44.720 to the Gospel. 00:24:45.560 --> 00:24:46.180 And thirdly, 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:47.259 that the Christian life 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:48.000 will culminate 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.120 in eternal blessing. 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:49.620 Look with me 00:24:49.620 --> 00:24:51.080 in verses 6 and 7. 00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:53.779 The earth has yielded 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.599 its increase. 00:24:55.399 --> 00:24:56.259 God, our God, 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:57.199 shall bless us. 00:24:57.859 --> 00:24:59.539 God shall bless us. 00:24:59.639 --> 00:25:00.899 Let all the ends 00:25:00.899 --> 00:25:01.480 of the earth 00:25:01.480 --> 00:25:02.059 fear Him. 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:06.099 It's a beautiful 00:25:06.099 --> 00:25:08.339 kind of ending 00:25:08.339 --> 00:25:11.079 to a psalm of praise, 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:13.299 but it has overtones 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:14.220 these two verses 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:19.039 of the end of the age, 00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:19.819 the culmination 00:25:19.819 --> 00:25:20.799 of all things, 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:23.019 the eternal life 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.700 that awaits 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:24.359 those that are 00:25:24.359 --> 00:25:25.319 in Christ Jesus. 00:25:26.099 --> 00:25:26.980 The harvest 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:27.700 of harvest 00:25:27.700 --> 00:25:28.680 when all things 00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:29.220 come to 00:25:29.220 --> 00:25:30.740 their climactic end. 00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:33.240 What we see 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:33.960 in part now, 00:25:34.119 --> 00:25:35.220 but what we will 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:36.440 eventually see 00:25:36.440 --> 00:25:37.420 in fullness. 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:38.599 It means that 00:25:38.599 --> 00:25:39.480 all the brokenness 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:40.139 and evil, 00:25:40.899 --> 00:25:41.500 mistakes 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.039 and injustices, 00:25:42.899 --> 00:25:43.319 loneliness 00:25:43.319 --> 00:25:45.159 and rampant pride 00:25:45.159 --> 00:25:46.500 come to an end. 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:50.559 but it will also 00:25:50.559 --> 00:25:51.700 positively mean 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:52.539 that we will know 00:25:52.539 --> 00:25:54.339 true and full 00:25:54.339 --> 00:25:56.720 and without reservation 00:25:56.720 --> 00:25:59.000 complete satisfaction, 00:25:59.279 --> 00:25:59.619 joy 00:25:59.619 --> 00:26:02.960 and closeness 00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:04.259 with the one true God. 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:07.920 When we fully behold 00:26:07.920 --> 00:26:09.119 the shining face 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:10.799 of God Himself. 00:26:10.799 --> 00:26:13.859 And how on earth 00:26:13.859 --> 00:26:14.879 does this come to be? 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:18.119 The triune God, 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:18.680 the Father, 00:26:18.859 --> 00:26:19.720 Son and Holy Spirit, 00:26:19.839 --> 00:26:20.579 He extends 00:26:20.579 --> 00:26:22.259 and He extends 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:23.440 and He extends 00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:23.940 some more. 00:26:24.039 --> 00:26:24.859 That's what God does. 00:26:24.919 --> 00:26:25.539 He's constantly 00:26:25.539 --> 00:26:26.720 extending. 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:28.960 He is a joyful God 00:26:28.960 --> 00:26:29.220 who, 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:30.559 in a sense, 00:26:30.859 --> 00:26:31.299 I don't want to say 00:26:31.299 --> 00:26:32.819 He can't contain His joy, 00:26:33.240 --> 00:26:34.259 but He doesn't contain 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:34.720 His joy. 00:26:35.599 --> 00:26:36.680 He shares 00:26:36.680 --> 00:26:37.779 His joy. 00:26:37.879 --> 00:26:38.599 He blesses 00:26:38.599 --> 00:26:39.200 and shares 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:39.720 His goodness 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:41.000 and makes a way 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:41.900 for us to know Him 00:26:41.900 --> 00:26:43.059 in a very deep 00:26:43.059 --> 00:26:43.900 and intimate way 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:44.940 through Christ 00:26:44.940 --> 00:26:45.660 dying on the cross. 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:46.779 He gives Himself 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:48.500 in the person 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:49.660 and work of Jesus Christ. 00:26:49.799 --> 00:26:50.339 He gives. 00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:52.579 The blessing 00:26:52.579 --> 00:26:53.360 is extended 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:54.400 to us. 00:26:54.860 --> 00:26:55.319 He removes 00:26:55.319 --> 00:26:56.039 any barrier 00:26:56.039 --> 00:26:57.799 that previously existed. 00:26:57.960 --> 00:26:59.140 He meets us 00:26:59.140 --> 00:26:59.660 where we're at. 00:26:59.720 --> 00:27:00.620 He teaches us 00:27:00.620 --> 00:27:01.600 His ways. 00:27:01.799 --> 00:27:03.120 He tells us 00:27:03.120 --> 00:27:04.180 about the good news 00:27:04.180 --> 00:27:05.339 and invites us in 00:27:05.339 --> 00:27:06.220 and gives us 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:06.819 a Holy Spirit 00:27:06.819 --> 00:27:07.600 that awakens 00:27:07.600 --> 00:27:08.240 in our heart 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:09.420 what was previously 00:27:09.420 --> 00:27:09.880 dead 00:27:09.880 --> 00:27:11.779 and He enlivens it. 00:27:12.359 --> 00:27:13.460 He is constantly, 00:27:13.660 --> 00:27:14.799 constantly blessing 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:15.640 and extending 00:27:15.640 --> 00:27:16.680 and loving 00:27:16.680 --> 00:27:19.079 and reaching out 00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:20.559 and inviting in. 00:27:22.460 --> 00:27:23.960 Jesus dies 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:24.799 on the cross 00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:26.339 of His own 00:27:26.339 --> 00:27:27.079 free will 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:29.480 for you and me. 00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:31.539 While you and me 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:33.200 worship false gods. 00:27:33.299 --> 00:27:35.019 While you and me 00:27:35.019 --> 00:27:36.180 trusted in 00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:37.380 false gospels. 00:27:38.160 --> 00:27:39.160 While you and me 00:27:39.160 --> 00:27:41.539 were obsessed 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.320 and addicted 00:27:42.320 --> 00:27:44.740 to a secularism 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:45.740 and a materialism 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:46.480 and a self. 00:27:47.140 --> 00:27:47.840 That's what God 00:27:47.840 --> 00:27:48.340 has done. 00:27:50.100 --> 00:27:51.160 God the Father 00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:52.880 He shares with us 00:27:52.880 --> 00:27:54.320 His very self 00:27:54.320 --> 00:27:56.779 by sending us 00:27:56.779 --> 00:27:58.160 His blessed Son. 00:27:58.259 --> 00:27:59.140 God the Father, 00:27:59.279 --> 00:27:59.799 God the Son, 00:27:59.900 --> 00:28:00.759 God the Holy Spirit. 00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:02.059 God the Son, 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:02.980 that blessing 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:03.579 is known 00:28:03.579 --> 00:28:04.420 by some of us 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.720 today. 00:28:05.920 --> 00:28:07.220 And some of us 00:28:07.220 --> 00:28:08.519 haven't yet 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:09.539 enjoyed that blessing. 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:10.500 By the way, 00:28:10.579 --> 00:28:11.259 I'm not the one 00:28:11.259 --> 00:28:12.519 who figures that out. 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:13.640 That's between you 00:28:13.640 --> 00:28:14.119 and the Lord. 00:28:14.759 --> 00:28:15.879 But if you hear 00:28:15.879 --> 00:28:16.900 this this morning 00:28:16.900 --> 00:28:18.200 and you are unsure 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:19.559 if you have embraced 00:28:19.559 --> 00:28:21.779 Almighty God 00:28:21.779 --> 00:28:22.279 and what He has 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:23.140 extended to you 00:28:23.140 --> 00:28:24.099 and blessed you with 00:28:24.099 --> 00:28:25.299 and offered you 00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:26.299 as an opportunity 00:28:26.299 --> 00:28:27.299 for enjoyment 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:28.619 that will bleed 00:28:28.619 --> 00:28:29.420 into eternity. 00:28:29.420 --> 00:28:30.980 and that is Him 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:32.039 at work in your heart 00:28:32.039 --> 00:28:32.680 this morning 00:28:32.680 --> 00:28:33.840 beckoning you in. 00:28:35.539 --> 00:28:36.060 Friends, 00:28:36.180 --> 00:28:37.300 look at these 00:28:37.300 --> 00:28:39.240 short seven verses 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:40.900 and see how many times 00:28:40.900 --> 00:28:42.600 joy and gladness 00:28:42.600 --> 00:28:43.220 and praise 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:44.080 and thankfulness 00:28:44.080 --> 00:28:44.820 is expressed. 00:28:46.259 --> 00:28:47.220 We are not being 00:28:47.220 --> 00:28:48.060 invited in 00:28:48.060 --> 00:28:49.039 to something 00:28:49.039 --> 00:28:49.759 that is boring 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:51.100 or something 00:28:51.100 --> 00:28:52.480 that will trip us up 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:53.500 or something 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:54.259 that will cause 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:55.380 our life to wilt 00:28:55.380 --> 00:28:57.080 but rather 00:28:57.080 --> 00:28:57.660 the opposite. 00:28:58.800 --> 00:28:59.160 Friends, 00:28:59.160 --> 00:29:00.380 this is what awaits us 00:29:00.380 --> 00:29:01.480 in Christ Jesus 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:01.840 our Lord. 00:29:01.900 --> 00:29:02.340 Let's pray. 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:04.519 Father in Heaven, 00:29:04.620 --> 00:29:05.200 we thank You 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:07.600 that You are 00:29:07.600 --> 00:29:08.620 the God 00:29:08.620 --> 00:29:09.380 that blesses 00:29:09.380 --> 00:29:11.900 and You bless us 00:29:11.900 --> 00:29:12.680 in order that 00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:13.720 we may be a blessing 00:29:13.720 --> 00:29:14.740 so in a sense 00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:16.080 we are blessed 00:29:16.080 --> 00:29:17.460 to bless 00:29:17.460 --> 00:29:18.700 so that we would 00:29:18.700 --> 00:29:19.460 reflect Your 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:20.320 very character. 00:29:22.100 --> 00:29:22.580 Lord, 00:29:22.940 --> 00:29:24.120 for some of us 00:29:24.120 --> 00:29:24.940 including myself 00:29:24.940 --> 00:29:26.440 who lack courage 00:29:26.440 --> 00:29:27.740 help us 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.420 to be courageous. 00:29:29.740 --> 00:29:30.019 Lord, 00:29:30.080 --> 00:29:30.840 for some of us 00:29:30.840 --> 00:29:32.480 who are 00:29:32.480 --> 00:29:33.880 afraid of 00:29:33.880 --> 00:29:35.860 walking in Your ways 00:29:35.860 --> 00:29:37.059 remind us 00:29:37.059 --> 00:29:38.299 that Your ways 00:29:38.299 --> 00:29:39.279 will lead to flourishing 00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:40.400 and all other ways 00:29:40.400 --> 00:29:41.539 will not. 00:29:42.600 --> 00:29:43.059 Lord, 00:29:43.120 --> 00:29:43.860 for some of us 00:29:43.860 --> 00:29:44.420 who are 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:45.600 yet to 00:29:45.600 --> 00:29:47.320 enjoy You 00:29:47.320 --> 00:29:48.180 because they have 00:29:48.180 --> 00:29:49.059 not truly 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:50.759 put their faith 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:51.440 and trust 00:29:51.440 --> 00:29:51.960 and hope 00:29:51.960 --> 00:29:53.779 in the almighty 00:29:53.779 --> 00:29:54.900 risen Savior 00:29:54.900 --> 00:29:55.700 Jesus Christ 00:29:55.700 --> 00:29:56.039 and Lord, 00:29:56.100 --> 00:29:56.640 may they do that 00:29:56.640 --> 00:29:57.120 this morning. 00:29:58.019 --> 00:29:58.240 And Lord, 00:29:58.279 --> 00:29:58.819 as we go into 00:29:58.819 --> 00:29:59.860 this fall season 00:29:59.860 --> 00:30:01.819 we ask Your blessing 00:30:01.819 --> 00:30:04.840 on Christianity Explored 00:30:04.840 --> 00:30:05.740 Lord, 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:06.940 that many people 00:30:06.940 --> 00:30:07.519 in our community 00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:07.920 friends, 00:30:08.079 --> 00:30:08.440 family, 00:30:08.920 --> 00:30:09.400 co-workers, 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:10.019 neighbors 00:30:10.019 --> 00:30:11.360 would come to faith. 00:30:12.180 --> 00:30:12.400 Lord, 00:30:12.460 --> 00:30:13.039 we ask that You 00:30:13.039 --> 00:30:13.579 would use us 00:30:13.579 --> 00:30:14.279 in a mighty way 00:30:14.279 --> 00:30:15.039 to extend 00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:16.120 Your blessing out 00:30:16.120 --> 00:30:17.600 and Lord, 00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:18.160 we lift up 00:30:18.160 --> 00:30:19.079 all of these things 00:30:19.079 --> 00:30:19.620 in the name 00:30:19.620 --> 00:30:20.500 of Your blessed Son. 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:22.380 In His name we pray. 00:30:22.640 --> 00:30:22.880 Amen.