WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.660 The first point is this, the first line of the parachute is, well it's really the risen Jesus. 00:00:09.519 --> 00:00:13.880 ! Three points are going into one main point of the passage. 00:00:14.759 --> 00:00:18.440 And the main point of the passage is there in verses 47, let me just show you that. 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:25.060 The big point of this is that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all the nations beginning from Jerusalem. 00:00:25.059 --> 00:00:30.519 And so if you think of that at the heart of the parachute, if we can use that, you've got three lines going in. 00:00:31.279 --> 00:00:33.119 The first line is this, the risen Jesus. 00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:36.579 The risen Jesus should be preached. 00:00:36.799 --> 00:00:38.179 Verses 36 to 43. 00:00:38.899 --> 00:00:40.379 It's been a big day for the disciples. 00:00:41.840 --> 00:00:44.759 Jesus died a couple of days before, they're in the upper room. 00:00:45.379 --> 00:00:48.439 They've been hearing stories about Jesus' body being risen from the dead. 00:00:48.439 --> 00:00:58.699 And just when the barbecue fish is about to be ready and done, Cleopas and his friend, partner, companion, first into the room and say, we've met Jesus. 00:00:59.479 --> 00:01:02.519 He is alive if he was with us seven miles away in Emmaus. 00:01:03.820 --> 00:01:10.819 And then suddenly, it says behind closed doors, Jesus stood in the middle of them. 00:01:11.840 --> 00:01:12.519 Right in the middle. 00:01:12.519 --> 00:01:21.439 Now I just need to pause here for a minute and say what is very important about this passage is Jesus' resurrection is not resuscitation. 00:01:22.959 --> 00:01:24.819 It's great to people who were here for the first time. 00:01:24.979 --> 00:01:26.259 It's great to people who are back with us tonight. 00:01:26.679 --> 00:01:29.539 Jesus' resurrection is not resuscitation. 00:01:30.379 --> 00:01:36.280 It's not Jesus has survived death to live a little bit longer in this world to die again. 00:01:36.280 --> 00:01:37.840 No, this is a resurrection. 00:01:38.379 --> 00:01:39.719 And a resurrection body. 00:01:40.159 --> 00:01:44.480 And his body has a different relation to space and time. 00:01:45.260 --> 00:01:49.480 So in the same way this morning when we looked at the passage before, he suddenly disappeared in Emmaus. 00:01:49.840 --> 00:01:51.640 He now suddenly appears in the upper room. 00:01:52.500 --> 00:01:55.620 And the resurrection body doesn't obey the old rules. 00:01:56.520 --> 00:01:58.980 But his new body has got flesh and bones. 00:02:00.359 --> 00:02:03.260 And Jesus is at pains to point out his identity. 00:02:03.620 --> 00:02:05.000 That he is the same person. 00:02:05.000 --> 00:02:06.599 Look at verse 39. 00:02:06.959 --> 00:02:08.759 See my hands and my feet. 00:02:09.020 --> 00:02:10.759 That it is I myself. 00:02:11.259 --> 00:02:12.919 Touch me and see. 00:02:13.479 --> 00:02:17.400 For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have. 00:02:18.219 --> 00:02:19.020 Handle me. 00:02:19.960 --> 00:02:20.539 See me. 00:02:21.699 --> 00:02:24.240 So the resurrection of Jesus is not a ghost. 00:02:25.360 --> 00:02:26.400 And it's not a zombie. 00:02:27.420 --> 00:02:28.939 And it's not a hallucination. 00:02:29.920 --> 00:02:30.979 It's not a vision. 00:02:31.879 --> 00:02:33.120 It's the same Jesus. 00:02:33.120 --> 00:02:36.379 The same Jesus that was born in Bethlehem. 00:02:36.980 --> 00:02:40.240 The same Jesus who went on the mountainside and fed 5,000 people. 00:02:40.939 --> 00:02:44.319 The same Jesus who was nailed to the cross by his hands and by his feet. 00:02:45.120 --> 00:02:46.740 That is the man standing before them. 00:02:46.740 --> 00:02:49.040 Flesh and bones. 00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:52.800 But these are flesh and bones of the new creation. 00:02:53.020 --> 00:02:54.020 He's risen from the dead. 00:02:54.820 --> 00:02:58.900 And as they are fluttering and gasping and touching his hands and touching his feet. 00:02:59.240 --> 00:03:00.100 He says look. 00:03:01.480 --> 00:03:02.500 Give me something to eat. 00:03:03.500 --> 00:03:05.360 And they give him a piece of barbecue fish. 00:03:06.080 --> 00:03:06.800 And he ate it. 00:03:06.800 --> 00:03:10.080 They give him a piece of barbecue fish in the attic. 00:03:10.219 --> 00:03:14.120 And one of the commentators said scholars have had intergestion ever since. 00:03:14.439 --> 00:03:16.500 That is a wonderful, wonderful lie. 00:03:17.260 --> 00:03:18.120 It really is. 00:03:19.080 --> 00:03:21.680 Because there are people out there who would call themselves Christian ministers. 00:03:21.860 --> 00:03:22.860 Who would call themselves bishops. 00:03:23.560 --> 00:03:24.500 Christian theologians. 00:03:24.660 --> 00:03:25.920 That want to say to you today. 00:03:25.920 --> 00:03:28.620 The resurrection is not a bodily thing. 00:03:28.840 --> 00:03:30.480 It's a spiritual thing. 00:03:31.479 --> 00:03:35.799 It's just a mystical, mythical, spiritual thing. 00:03:36.079 --> 00:03:38.919 And the disciples are having a kind of group hallucination. 00:03:39.399 --> 00:03:41.199 But if you say that it is just spiritual. 00:03:41.339 --> 00:03:42.699 You have to kiss goodbye. 00:03:43.560 --> 00:03:44.699 The new creation. 00:03:45.699 --> 00:03:48.419 Because the resurrection is the beginning of a new world. 00:03:49.639 --> 00:03:52.280 Jesus is the firstborn from the man and the dead. 00:03:53.159 --> 00:03:55.500 God has taken the flesh and the bones of Jesus. 00:03:56.319 --> 00:03:57.679 In his earthly life. 00:03:57.680 --> 00:04:00.780 And he's raised them to a new existence. 00:04:01.400 --> 00:04:02.760 A resurrection life. 00:04:03.159 --> 00:04:06.000 And now with his flesh and bones. 00:04:06.300 --> 00:04:09.659 They have the capacity to stand in front of God. 00:04:09.879 --> 00:04:11.400 And to bear the glory of God. 00:04:11.460 --> 00:04:12.939 There is a man in heaven tonight. 00:04:14.180 --> 00:04:15.379 To live for eternity. 00:04:16.500 --> 00:04:19.980 And it means that something has happened in this world that has never happened before. 00:04:20.340 --> 00:04:21.519 The old creation. 00:04:21.860 --> 00:04:22.819 In this passage. 00:04:23.360 --> 00:04:24.600 Meets the new creation. 00:04:24.600 --> 00:04:28.140 The old creation has met its Lord. 00:04:30.120 --> 00:04:32.040 Now of course the old creation when he was born. 00:04:32.480 --> 00:04:33.760 They knew he was the son of God. 00:04:34.480 --> 00:04:38.040 But now the old creation meets its future for the first time. 00:04:38.760 --> 00:04:41.200 In the resurrected flesh and bones of Jesus. 00:04:41.580 --> 00:04:42.740 A new body. 00:04:43.939 --> 00:04:46.400 A deathless and glorious body. 00:04:46.399 --> 00:04:51.419 Not the fruit of some natural process in this creation. 00:04:51.799 --> 00:04:52.439 But the first. 00:04:53.060 --> 00:04:55.279 For the first time the old creation. 00:04:55.500 --> 00:04:58.019 Has not just seen the end of the beginning. 00:04:59.099 --> 00:05:00.839 But it's seen the beginning of the end. 00:05:02.019 --> 00:05:05.039 The worst thing that the world can throw at you is death. 00:05:06.060 --> 00:05:07.579 And Jesus just overturned it. 00:05:08.819 --> 00:05:09.979 Let me put it a different way. 00:05:10.219 --> 00:05:11.259 In the resurrection. 00:05:11.259 --> 00:05:14.699 God gives Jesus a different name. 00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:17.579 So do you remember Philippians chapter 2. 00:05:17.899 --> 00:05:19.279 That God exalted him. 00:05:19.959 --> 00:05:22.000 And gave him a name that is above every name. 00:05:22.240 --> 00:05:24.420 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. 00:05:24.699 --> 00:05:26.560 And every tongue confess that Jesus is. 00:05:26.879 --> 00:05:27.980 But what is his new name? 00:05:28.620 --> 00:05:29.279 His Lord. 00:05:31.279 --> 00:05:32.300 Before the resurrection. 00:05:32.480 --> 00:05:34.339 Jesus was the son of God in weakness. 00:05:35.620 --> 00:05:37.360 But now he is raised. 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:38.439 He is Lord of all. 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:40.100 And as you go through the book of Acts. 00:05:41.480 --> 00:05:42.719 Luke's volume 2. 00:05:43.699 --> 00:05:46.120 As you go through the life of the Christians in the book of Acts. 00:05:46.199 --> 00:05:46.860 Again and again. 00:05:46.939 --> 00:05:48.040 They refer to the name. 00:05:48.879 --> 00:05:49.660 So the name. 00:05:50.060 --> 00:05:52.980 The name which means Jesus Christ is Lord. 00:05:54.160 --> 00:05:55.920 And that has huge implications for you and I. 00:05:56.240 --> 00:05:58.379 It means that the Christian faith is not a private. 00:05:59.259 --> 00:06:01.659 Individually experienced thing between me and Jesus. 00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:05.100 I hope you know that when we come to the Lord's table. 00:06:05.319 --> 00:06:06.319 It isn't just you and Jesus. 00:06:06.319 --> 00:06:08.519 It is us. 00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:10.540 We are the body of Christ. 00:06:11.719 --> 00:06:12.899 It is a public thing. 00:06:14.620 --> 00:06:15.620 It is not a private. 00:06:15.800 --> 00:06:17.079 Individually experienced thing. 00:06:17.120 --> 00:06:17.939 Between me and Jesus. 00:06:18.279 --> 00:06:19.740 It is not me when I die. 00:06:19.800 --> 00:06:21.339 Just kind of flipping off and going to heaven. 00:06:21.959 --> 00:06:24.079 It is about Jesus taking this creation. 00:06:25.120 --> 00:06:26.899 And transforming it. 00:06:27.120 --> 00:06:28.699 Through his death and resurrection. 00:06:28.920 --> 00:06:29.860 Into the new creation. 00:06:29.860 --> 00:06:32.740 And that is why Jesus says. 00:06:32.740 --> 00:06:36.660 Now God wants to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in my name. 00:06:38.280 --> 00:06:40.199 The reason I have this name. 00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:43.639 Is that so repentance and forgiveness of sins will go forward. 00:06:45.379 --> 00:06:48.220 It is not that the new creation is over here. 00:06:48.660 --> 00:06:51.340 And repentance and forgiveness of sins is over there. 00:06:51.879 --> 00:06:52.980 They are part of the same thing. 00:06:52.980 --> 00:06:59.240 So repentance is calling on Jesus by his new name. 00:07:01.060 --> 00:07:04.720 It is chastening the new life of God. 00:07:06.060 --> 00:07:07.920 It is chastening of the new life of God. 00:07:08.020 --> 00:07:09.140 It is calling on him as Lord. 00:07:09.520 --> 00:07:12.740 It is chastening the forgiveness of the resurrection. 00:07:12.740 --> 00:07:15.199 That is the first line of the parachute. 00:07:15.319 --> 00:07:15.879 There is Jesus. 00:07:16.120 --> 00:07:17.220 There is a second line. 00:07:17.860 --> 00:07:19.439 The second line is the written scriptures. 00:07:20.920 --> 00:07:22.000 The written scriptures. 00:07:22.500 --> 00:07:23.000 Now it is interesting. 00:07:23.139 --> 00:07:24.819 Even after they see Jesus eat. 00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:25.620 They do not believe. 00:07:27.500 --> 00:07:30.160 And again I think that Luke is playing with the image here. 00:07:30.259 --> 00:07:30.500 Isn't he? 00:07:30.759 --> 00:07:32.800 The image is that the picture of Jesus eating. 00:07:32.900 --> 00:07:34.000 It must trigger us. 00:07:34.220 --> 00:07:36.420 Back to the heavenly feast that we saw this morning. 00:07:37.600 --> 00:07:39.240 The purpose of redemption. 00:07:39.240 --> 00:07:44.060 Now if your disciples didn't believe that you had risen from the dead. 00:07:44.259 --> 00:07:46.980 And you are standing there in a new resurrection body. 00:07:47.920 --> 00:07:50.720 I think I would probably show them some tricks. 00:07:50.819 --> 00:07:51.220 Wouldn't you? 00:07:52.360 --> 00:07:54.500 I would show them some of the things that I can do. 00:07:54.560 --> 00:07:56.180 If I had come back from the dead. 00:07:57.040 --> 00:07:58.079 I can disappear. 00:07:59.259 --> 00:08:01.560 I can go through locked doors. 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:05.000 But Jesus doesn't do that. 00:08:05.420 --> 00:08:05.800 Does he? 00:08:06.960 --> 00:08:09.220 Jesus doesn't say I am going to set up some kind of invitation. 00:08:09.240 --> 00:08:12.560 Enormous spiritual internet connection. 00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:14.980 That you can somehow download all my goodness and thoughts. 00:08:15.100 --> 00:08:15.720 Now look what he does. 00:08:15.819 --> 00:08:17.240 Verses 44 and 45. 00:08:19.800 --> 00:08:20.560 And he said to them. 00:08:20.600 --> 00:08:22.620 These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you. 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:25.800 So undramatic. 00:08:27.180 --> 00:08:28.840 That everything written about me. 00:08:29.160 --> 00:08:30.900 In the law of Moses. 00:08:31.100 --> 00:08:32.899 And the prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. 00:08:34.360 --> 00:08:36.299 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. 00:08:36.299 --> 00:08:39.740 While I was with you this is what I said. 00:08:41.359 --> 00:08:43.779 Now that I'm raised in a new relationship. 00:08:44.459 --> 00:08:46.120 I'm no longer going to be with you physically. 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:48.919 But the way that God is going to direct you. 00:08:49.319 --> 00:08:51.099 The way that God is going to speak to you. 00:08:51.339 --> 00:08:53.139 The way that God is going to guide you. 00:08:53.359 --> 00:08:54.839 Is through everything that is written. 00:08:54.840 --> 00:08:58.060 And he casts his mind back. 00:08:58.160 --> 00:08:59.300 Over the whole of the Old Testament. 00:08:59.500 --> 00:08:59.899 Moses. 00:09:00.379 --> 00:09:01.100 The prophets. 00:09:01.320 --> 00:09:02.139 The Psalms. 00:09:02.460 --> 00:09:03.940 And he says it is one story. 00:09:04.620 --> 00:09:05.920 And it has one focus. 00:09:06.240 --> 00:09:07.180 And one purpose. 00:09:07.420 --> 00:09:08.220 And one goal. 00:09:08.300 --> 00:09:09.720 He says it is all about me. 00:09:12.320 --> 00:09:12.680 And so. 00:09:13.060 --> 00:09:15.639 It's not a matter of an occasional proof text. 00:09:15.840 --> 00:09:16.540 In the Old Testament. 00:09:16.660 --> 00:09:17.420 That points to Jesus. 00:09:17.419 --> 00:09:19.639 Jesus is saying. 00:09:19.740 --> 00:09:21.219 That the deepest intention. 00:09:21.219 --> 00:09:23.099 Of every one of the Old Testament books. 00:09:23.159 --> 00:09:23.479 Is him. 00:09:25.139 --> 00:09:26.659 So why did God create the world? 00:09:28.719 --> 00:09:30.279 Well he had Jesus Christ in mind. 00:09:31.779 --> 00:09:33.699 Jesus the goal and the purpose of creation. 00:09:35.519 --> 00:09:37.099 Why did God promise. 00:09:37.439 --> 00:09:38.659 Blessing through Abraham. 00:09:38.979 --> 00:09:40.559 It was so Christ would come into the world. 00:09:41.819 --> 00:09:43.339 Jesus Christ fulfills the law. 00:09:44.379 --> 00:09:46.559 Jesus Christ fulfills the sacrificial system. 00:09:47.559 --> 00:09:49.159 Jesus Christ fulfills the prophets. 00:09:49.579 --> 00:09:51.279 Jesus Christ fulfills the kingship. 00:09:51.619 --> 00:09:53.259 Jesus Christ fulfills the ark. 00:09:53.359 --> 00:09:54.079 And the temple. 00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:55.479 All the Old Testament. 00:09:55.819 --> 00:09:56.939 The Old Testament is God. 00:09:57.039 --> 00:09:57.799 Getting ready. 00:09:58.159 --> 00:09:58.699 The world. 00:09:58.859 --> 00:09:59.519 For his son. 00:10:01.339 --> 00:10:02.659 But they don't understand it. 00:10:04.879 --> 00:10:06.279 And they don't understand it. 00:10:06.279 --> 00:10:07.939 Until he opens their minds. 00:10:08.159 --> 00:10:09.639 And then the puzzle starts coming together. 00:10:11.139 --> 00:10:12.199 And then Jesus says. 00:10:12.299 --> 00:10:13.559 If you want to summarize it all. 00:10:13.819 --> 00:10:15.379 If you want to summarize the scriptures. 00:10:15.379 --> 00:10:16.399 From beginning to end. 00:10:16.399 --> 00:10:18.059 You want the kind of bullet points here. 00:10:18.100 --> 00:10:18.759 Are the three points. 00:10:18.819 --> 00:10:19.879 Look down at verse 46. 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:21.199 There are three verbs. 00:10:23.720 --> 00:10:24.759 That should happen the same way. 00:10:24.779 --> 00:10:25.259 Thus it is written. 00:10:25.319 --> 00:10:25.939 Verve number one. 00:10:26.199 --> 00:10:27.120 That the Christ should suffer. 00:10:28.500 --> 00:10:29.100 Verve number two. 00:10:29.179 --> 00:10:30.419 That he should rise from the dead. 00:10:31.860 --> 00:10:32.459 Verve number three. 00:10:32.600 --> 00:10:33.819 Repentance and forgiveness of sins. 00:10:33.879 --> 00:10:35.000 Should be preached in his name. 00:10:35.079 --> 00:10:35.759 To all nations. 00:10:38.299 --> 00:10:38.819 He says. 00:10:38.860 --> 00:10:40.059 You want to boil it all down. 00:10:40.139 --> 00:10:41.100 From God's perspective. 00:10:41.500 --> 00:10:42.460 Here are three things. 00:10:42.519 --> 00:10:43.679 Three things about this world. 00:10:43.679 --> 00:10:44.279 The cross. 00:10:44.279 --> 00:10:45.719 The resurrection of Jesus. 00:10:46.099 --> 00:10:47.519 And now the announcement. 00:10:47.739 --> 00:10:48.959 The proclamation of repentance. 00:10:49.159 --> 00:10:50.159 And forgiveness of sins. 00:10:52.059 --> 00:10:53.639 And what this means is this. 00:10:54.339 --> 00:10:56.359 That the first word of the gospel. 00:10:57.199 --> 00:10:58.039 Is forgiveness. 00:11:00.219 --> 00:11:01.419 The first word. 00:11:01.659 --> 00:11:02.679 Is that Christ has died. 00:11:03.719 --> 00:11:04.959 And that Christ has risen. 00:11:05.059 --> 00:11:06.039 Isn't that amazing news? 00:11:06.039 --> 00:11:08.719 That God is willing. 00:11:08.879 --> 00:11:09.500 To offer you. 00:11:09.599 --> 00:11:10.519 The gospel tonight. 00:11:12.179 --> 00:11:12.899 God is willing. 00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:14.019 To offer you. 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:14.559 Freedom. 00:11:16.339 --> 00:11:17.799 The first word of the gospel. 00:11:17.959 --> 00:11:18.599 Is comfort. 00:11:20.719 --> 00:11:21.839 Comfort my people. 00:11:24.699 --> 00:11:25.919 Let me put it to you this way. 00:11:25.980 --> 00:11:27.159 If God requires repentance. 00:11:27.319 --> 00:11:28.279 And forgiveness of sins. 00:11:28.279 --> 00:11:28.899 To be announced. 00:11:29.039 --> 00:11:29.899 It means that the gospel. 00:11:30.019 --> 00:11:31.139 Has got two sides to it. 00:11:33.459 --> 00:11:34.599 So on the one hand. 00:11:34.600 --> 00:11:36.460 What this table says to you tonight. 00:11:37.600 --> 00:11:39.100 Is that you are more sinful. 00:11:39.220 --> 00:11:39.879 And more evil. 00:11:40.019 --> 00:11:41.320 Than you ever dreamed. 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:42.420 And you even know. 00:11:43.800 --> 00:11:44.879 You are more sinful. 00:11:45.040 --> 00:11:45.800 And more evil. 00:11:45.940 --> 00:11:46.720 Than you ever know. 00:11:47.080 --> 00:11:48.080 But on the other side. 00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:48.740 It says to you. 00:11:48.759 --> 00:11:49.080 Doesn't it? 00:11:49.340 --> 00:11:50.180 You are more forgiven. 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:52.200 And more accepted. 00:11:52.440 --> 00:11:53.740 Than you ever possibly imagined. 00:11:55.360 --> 00:11:56.540 And some of us tonight. 00:11:56.540 --> 00:11:57.019 In this room. 00:11:57.139 --> 00:11:58.200 Are thoroughly convinced. 00:11:58.279 --> 00:11:59.300 Of our own sinfulness. 00:12:00.480 --> 00:12:01.720 And you don't need anybody else. 00:12:01.779 --> 00:12:02.259 To remind you. 00:12:02.340 --> 00:12:03.019 That you failed. 00:12:03.019 --> 00:12:05.159 But you find it very difficult. 00:12:05.159 --> 00:12:06.379 To grasp the freedom. 00:12:06.460 --> 00:12:07.379 Of God's forgiveness. 00:12:07.559 --> 00:12:08.000 Completely. 00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:11.100 Other of us. 00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:11.620 May think. 00:12:11.720 --> 00:12:12.559 Well it's just God's job. 00:12:12.620 --> 00:12:13.100 To forgive me. 00:12:13.159 --> 00:12:13.399 And I've. 00:12:13.539 --> 00:12:14.419 You've never really. 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:15.279 Taken responsibility. 00:12:15.559 --> 00:12:16.039 For your sin. 00:12:16.079 --> 00:12:16.960 And you don't know. 00:12:17.059 --> 00:12:17.799 The joy. 00:12:18.319 --> 00:12:19.039 Of repentance. 00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:20.079 And freedom. 00:12:20.139 --> 00:12:20.559 Of forgiveness. 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:24.259 In Luke's gospel. 00:12:25.079 --> 00:12:25.860 The characteristic. 00:12:25.860 --> 00:12:26.720 Of forgiveness. 00:12:26.939 --> 00:12:27.919 Is always freedom. 00:12:28.199 --> 00:12:28.600 And liberty. 00:12:28.899 --> 00:12:29.439 And release. 00:12:29.440 --> 00:12:32.640 And God does not give it to you. 00:12:32.660 --> 00:12:33.620 Because you deserve it. 00:12:34.620 --> 00:12:35.660 Or because you're sorry. 00:12:35.760 --> 00:12:36.260 For your sin. 00:12:36.580 --> 00:12:37.580 He gives us forgiveness. 00:12:37.900 --> 00:12:39.160 For one reason alone. 00:12:39.800 --> 00:12:40.960 For Christ's sake. 00:12:42.360 --> 00:12:43.000 And he. 00:12:43.660 --> 00:12:45.020 Delights to give us forgiveness. 00:12:45.220 --> 00:12:46.780 To free us from the bondage. 00:12:46.860 --> 00:12:47.280 To sin. 00:12:47.760 --> 00:12:48.820 And that is why. 00:12:50.100 --> 00:12:50.580 Repentance. 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:50.900 Is. 00:12:51.300 --> 00:12:52.060 Is not. 00:12:53.160 --> 00:12:54.240 This terribly. 00:12:54.580 --> 00:12:55.060 Difficult. 00:12:55.540 --> 00:12:55.980 Joyless. 00:12:56.420 --> 00:12:56.900 Negative. 00:12:57.580 --> 00:12:57.980 Groveling. 00:12:57.980 --> 00:12:58.620 Over the things. 00:12:58.620 --> 00:12:59.320 That I've done. 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:02.039 There is a real sense. 00:13:02.060 --> 00:13:02.580 In which repentance. 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:03.220 Is joyful. 00:13:05.060 --> 00:13:05.960 It is running. 00:13:06.139 --> 00:13:06.620 Through the door. 00:13:06.700 --> 00:13:06.980 And saying. 00:13:07.120 --> 00:13:07.379 Yes. 00:13:07.420 --> 00:13:08.220 This is what I want. 00:13:08.320 --> 00:13:08.620 Father. 00:13:10.680 --> 00:13:11.159 And I think. 00:13:11.220 --> 00:13:11.720 That is the. 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:12.940 The tragedy. 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:14.039 Of liberal. 00:13:14.840 --> 00:13:15.500 And wishing. 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:15.940 Washy. 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:16.899 Evangelical. 00:13:17.039 --> 00:13:17.519 Charismatic. 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:18.019 Theology. 00:13:19.399 --> 00:13:20.720 Because what it has done. 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:21.940 And what they are doing. 00:13:22.259 --> 00:13:22.980 Is replacing. 00:13:23.139 --> 00:13:23.720 The freedom. 00:13:23.820 --> 00:13:24.379 Of forgiveness. 00:13:25.200 --> 00:13:26.379 With an acceptance. 00:13:26.700 --> 00:13:27.639 And tolerance. 00:13:27.639 --> 00:13:28.340 And approval. 00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:29.080 Of my sin. 00:13:30.299 --> 00:13:31.100 And let me say to you. 00:13:31.139 --> 00:13:31.899 That is a wicked. 00:13:32.059 --> 00:13:32.659 And an evil. 00:13:32.659 --> 00:13:33.259 Thing to do. 00:13:34.620 --> 00:13:35.139 It says. 00:13:35.199 --> 00:13:35.819 God accepts me. 00:13:35.840 --> 00:13:36.419 Just as I am. 00:13:36.480 --> 00:13:37.039 And I'll be okay. 00:13:37.439 --> 00:13:38.059 Can you imagine. 00:13:38.059 --> 00:13:38.639 What it would be like. 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:39.319 On the day of judgment. 00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:40.799 For the people. 00:13:40.919 --> 00:13:41.860 That have sat in churches. 00:13:42.439 --> 00:13:43.139 And they've been told. 00:13:43.240 --> 00:13:43.860 It is alright. 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:45.059 To live morally. 00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:45.799 As you want. 00:13:46.759 --> 00:13:48.559 It is absolutely fine. 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:49.659 The urges. 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:50.299 That you have. 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:51.080 They're not sinful. 00:13:51.199 --> 00:13:51.939 Just go with it. 00:13:51.980 --> 00:13:52.200 It's okay. 00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:52.799 God loves you. 00:13:52.860 --> 00:13:53.679 Don't worry about it. 00:13:53.899 --> 00:13:55.220 And on the day of judgment. 00:13:55.220 --> 00:13:58.480 That they would be. 00:13:58.480 --> 00:13:59.240 In the British shop. 00:13:59.320 --> 00:13:59.560 Wouldn't they? 00:14:01.100 --> 00:14:02.259 And the teachers. 00:14:02.680 --> 00:14:03.500 Of God's word. 00:14:03.560 --> 00:14:04.360 Who have said that. 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:06.080 Well they would be judged. 00:14:06.159 --> 00:14:06.600 More severely. 00:14:09.060 --> 00:14:10.300 But in Luke's gospel. 00:14:10.460 --> 00:14:10.920 We have learned. 00:14:10.920 --> 00:14:12.399 That sin is a spiritual sickness. 00:14:12.399 --> 00:14:13.440 That leads to death. 00:14:13.700 --> 00:14:14.580 My sin. 00:14:15.100 --> 00:14:16.300 Is a spiritual sickness. 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:17.420 That leads to death. 00:14:18.700 --> 00:14:19.759 And sin is me. 00:14:19.840 --> 00:14:20.539 Wandering off. 00:14:20.680 --> 00:14:21.539 And going my own way. 00:14:21.620 --> 00:14:22.980 Until I am utterly lost. 00:14:23.399 --> 00:14:24.560 And sin is a slave. 00:14:24.680 --> 00:14:25.600 Becoming a slave. 00:14:25.600 --> 00:14:26.779 To the opinion of others. 00:14:27.080 --> 00:14:28.200 And a slave of Satan. 00:14:29.360 --> 00:14:30.639 And sin is having. 00:14:31.480 --> 00:14:32.320 Other things. 00:14:32.440 --> 00:14:33.800 In the place of God. 00:14:34.740 --> 00:14:35.460 And worshipping. 00:14:35.580 --> 00:14:36.259 God's gift. 00:14:36.399 --> 00:14:36.980 Good gifts. 00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:37.600 That he's given me. 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:38.159 Instead of him. 00:14:38.200 --> 00:14:39.340 It's living upside down. 00:14:39.920 --> 00:14:41.019 But here is the announcement. 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:41.680 Of the gospel. 00:14:42.180 --> 00:14:43.480 God does not. 00:14:43.560 --> 00:14:44.259 Accept me. 00:14:44.340 --> 00:14:45.220 Just as I am. 00:14:46.899 --> 00:14:48.100 But he accepts me. 00:14:48.180 --> 00:14:49.159 Just as Jesus is. 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:52.019 He accepts me. 00:14:52.160 --> 00:14:53.000 Just as Jesus is. 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:56.820 Jesus comes as the divine doctor. 00:14:57.980 --> 00:14:59.019 To bring us healing. 00:15:00.740 --> 00:15:01.960 He comes as the son of man. 00:15:02.039 --> 00:15:02.440 To seek. 00:15:02.580 --> 00:15:03.279 And to save. 00:15:03.460 --> 00:15:03.919 The lost. 00:15:05.080 --> 00:15:06.840 He comes bringing freedom. 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:07.700 And reversal. 00:15:08.100 --> 00:15:08.659 And forgiveness. 00:15:09.039 --> 00:15:09.720 Because it is. 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:10.639 His good pleasure. 00:15:10.740 --> 00:15:11.480 It's a great picture. 00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:11.879 Isn't it? 00:15:13.460 --> 00:15:14.700 Here are the disciples. 00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:16.259 They are confused. 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:17.779 They are unsure. 00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:19.980 They are uncertain. 00:15:20.620 --> 00:15:22.179 They face insecurity. 00:15:22.179 --> 00:15:23.299 What does Jesus do? 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:25.199 He shows them his resurrection body. 00:15:25.319 --> 00:15:26.879 And he takes them to the word of God. 00:15:29.419 --> 00:15:31.379 And throughout the history of God's people. 00:15:31.379 --> 00:15:33.120 When the church faces uncertainty. 00:15:33.359 --> 00:15:33.959 And confusion. 00:15:34.239 --> 00:15:34.379 And insecurity. 00:15:35.259 --> 00:15:36.120 Where do we go? 00:15:37.219 --> 00:15:38.219 Where do we go? 00:15:38.679 --> 00:15:40.120 We go to the word of God written. 00:15:42.199 --> 00:15:43.399 And it says to us. 00:15:44.059 --> 00:15:45.019 Christ has died. 00:15:46.000 --> 00:15:46.699 Christ has risen. 00:15:47.719 --> 00:15:48.519 Christ will come again. 00:15:48.519 --> 00:15:51.740 And that it announces to us. 00:15:51.980 --> 00:15:54.120 Repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name. 00:15:55.539 --> 00:15:57.480 So here are the first two lines of the parachute. 00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:59.259 The first is the risen body of Jesus. 00:16:00.419 --> 00:16:02.059 The second is the written scriptures. 00:16:03.059 --> 00:16:04.819 And the third line is the living church. 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:06.259 Listen again to verse 47. 00:16:06.259 --> 00:16:09.799 And that repentance and forgiveness of sins. 00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:10.960 Should be proclaimed in his name. 00:16:11.039 --> 00:16:12.860 To all nations beginning from Jerusalem. 00:16:13.819 --> 00:16:15.879 You are witnesses of these things. 00:16:15.960 --> 00:16:18.539 And behold I am sending the promise of my father upon you. 00:16:19.200 --> 00:16:22.059 But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. 00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:25.980 Now amongst vital believing Christians. 00:16:26.340 --> 00:16:26.879 There are. 00:16:27.720 --> 00:16:28.919 There are two views. 00:16:29.039 --> 00:16:29.879 I'm speaking broadly. 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:32.379 There are two views as to what the purpose of the church is. 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:33.860 What is the purpose of the church? 00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:35.559 What is the vision of the church? 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:40.939 One says the purpose of the church is to worship God. 00:16:41.080 --> 00:16:42.039 And to glorify God. 00:16:42.539 --> 00:16:43.580 To magnify God. 00:16:43.659 --> 00:16:44.319 And exalt God. 00:16:44.439 --> 00:16:44.960 It's to worship. 00:16:45.919 --> 00:16:48.620 The other view is the purpose of the church's mission. 00:16:50.220 --> 00:16:53.819 So the church is in itself by its definition a missionary organization. 00:16:53.939 --> 00:16:54.319 You've heard it. 00:16:54.340 --> 00:16:56.360 The church exists for the benefit of those outside. 00:16:57.080 --> 00:16:58.439 We are missionaries. 00:16:58.840 --> 00:17:01.319 By virtue of following Jesus Christ. 00:17:02.319 --> 00:17:03.779 And at this point in the Bible. 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:05.420 Jesus is changing. 00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:07.379 The direction of mission. 00:17:08.579 --> 00:17:09.700 So in the Old Testament. 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:10.759 Mission in the Old Testament. 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:12.599 The nations came into Jerusalem. 00:17:13.879 --> 00:17:15.920 But now the mission changes direction. 00:17:16.640 --> 00:17:20.200 And we are sent out to proclaim repentance and forgiveness. 00:17:20.640 --> 00:17:21.359 In the book of Acts. 00:17:21.400 --> 00:17:22.379 That is what happens. 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:26.119 As the gospel goes outward and outward and outward. 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:29.559 What I want to say to you is both. 00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:29.879 That's good. 00:17:31.139 --> 00:17:32.440 And the two views. 00:17:32.639 --> 00:17:33.379 Worship and mission. 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:36.460 They are not mutually exclusive in any way. 00:17:37.919 --> 00:17:40.419 And Jesus is a wonderful way of bringing them together. 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:42.679 So if you listen carefully. 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:44.500 He is saying that the purpose of God. 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:46.500 And the purpose for his church. 00:17:46.960 --> 00:17:49.779 Is repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name. 00:17:49.779 --> 00:17:51.519 So there is ministry and there is mission. 00:17:52.319 --> 00:17:54.139 There is an inward focus. 00:17:54.339 --> 00:17:55.899 And there is an outward side to this. 00:17:55.980 --> 00:17:57.539 Let me speak about these two together. 00:17:59.139 --> 00:18:00.319 So the missional. 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.779 I don't like that word at all. 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:03.319 But the missional application. 00:18:03.899 --> 00:18:05.519 Of repentance and forgiveness. 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:07.339 Well of course isn't it? 00:18:07.339 --> 00:18:10.500 Jesus is the greatest missionary. 00:18:11.559 --> 00:18:15.199 Jesus crossed the biggest cultural gap that the world has ever seen. 00:18:16.220 --> 00:18:18.699 He came from the glory of heaven to first century Israel. 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:23.119 And throughout the gospel Jesus has been deeply purposeful. 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:25.359 From Luke 9.51 isn't it? 00:18:25.579 --> 00:18:27.480 He set his face towards Jerusalem. 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:29.359 Because he knew that he was going to the cross. 00:18:30.459 --> 00:18:31.659 And three times in this chapter. 00:18:32.019 --> 00:18:34.379 We have heard that this Christ must suffer and die. 00:18:34.480 --> 00:18:35.559 He must suffer and die. 00:18:35.879 --> 00:18:36.519 He must suffer and die. 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:37.519 That is why he came. 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:39.740 And that is the purpose of God the Father. 00:18:41.079 --> 00:18:42.119 And that is what God wanted. 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:44.139 So that forgiveness and redemption. 00:18:44.359 --> 00:18:47.359 Is not some accidental byproduct of his death. 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:50.740 But it has been planned for all eternity. 00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:53.139 It is his mission. 00:18:53.299 --> 00:18:54.059 And now he says. 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:55.539 That same must. 00:18:55.859 --> 00:18:57.019 That drove me. 00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:59.500 Must drive you. 00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:03.160 Must drive you. 00:19:03.160 --> 00:19:06.720 And if you are a Christian. 00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:09.120 It means that the death and resurrection of Jesus. 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:12.779 Is the most necessary thing that's ever happened. 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:16.300 And so you cannot. 00:19:17.380 --> 00:19:18.080 You cannot. 00:19:18.940 --> 00:19:19.620 You cannot. 00:19:20.480 --> 00:19:21.480 And you will not. 00:19:21.560 --> 00:19:22.220 Keep it to yourself. 00:19:22.300 --> 00:19:22.560 Will you? 00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:26.539 So when the women discovered that Jesus was risen from the dead. 00:19:26.639 --> 00:19:28.339 They spontaneously ran. 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:29.240 And they told people. 00:19:29.339 --> 00:19:30.159 As did Cleopas. 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:31.399 It's the pattern of Luke 24. 00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:35.099 They did not do an evangelism training course. 00:19:36.179 --> 00:19:38.159 They did not do the introduction of Christianity. 00:19:38.419 --> 00:19:38.599 Explore. 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:40.359 They did not do evangelism exposure. 00:19:40.359 --> 00:19:44.000 They just loved Jesus. 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:44.919 And they told people about him. 00:19:46.539 --> 00:19:48.500 The mission of the church is not complicated. 00:19:50.159 --> 00:19:51.219 It is not complicated. 00:19:52.719 --> 00:19:55.319 It is to bring the entire world to repentance for sins. 00:19:56.339 --> 00:19:57.399 And forgiveness in his name. 00:19:57.979 --> 00:20:00.019 It is not to bring people into our church building. 00:20:00.399 --> 00:20:02.000 As lovely as our church building will be. 00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:04.539 It is to go out to the Ealing. 00:20:04.699 --> 00:20:05.119 Paragirl. 00:20:05.219 --> 00:20:05.459 Grief. 00:20:05.539 --> 00:20:06.279 Where you work. 00:20:06.379 --> 00:20:06.859 Where you live. 00:20:07.199 --> 00:20:07.959 Who you mix with. 00:20:08.099 --> 00:20:09.000 Who you go to the pub with. 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:10.179 With this message of forgiveness. 00:20:11.359 --> 00:20:13.799 And the reason for that is because we know that there is no other name. 00:20:15.159 --> 00:20:16.399 There is no other way of forgiveness. 00:20:16.639 --> 00:20:18.240 There is no other way to reverse the curse. 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:24.039 And we know that all those who are investing their lives in having the best life now. 00:20:25.419 --> 00:20:27.119 Well they are just building people. 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:28.939 Again and again. 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:33.959 So repentance and forgiveness of sins means the living church lives for mission. 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:39.859 But it also means that the living church lives for ministry. 00:20:40.359 --> 00:20:41.059 For worship. 00:20:42.699 --> 00:20:44.319 And it is very important for us to see that. 00:20:44.579 --> 00:20:47.079 Repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus name. 00:20:47.139 --> 00:20:49.240 Is not just about mission to others. 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:49.579 Is it? 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:53.039 So repentance and forgiveness of sins. 00:20:53.139 --> 00:20:54.240 We immediately think. 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:54.619 Ah. 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:55.659 Outsiders. 00:20:56.319 --> 00:20:56.719 Missionaries. 00:20:57.379 --> 00:20:57.859 Booktamer. 00:20:57.859 --> 00:21:00.639 But it is not just that. 00:21:02.519 --> 00:21:04.259 It is not just the ABC of Christianity. 00:21:04.699 --> 00:21:05.259 How do we. 00:21:05.379 --> 00:21:06.639 How we become Christians. 00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:09.119 Is the source of our ongoing growth. 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:09.399 Is it? 00:21:09.399 --> 00:21:09.500 Is it? 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:12.880 And spiritual change in our lives. 00:21:12.920 --> 00:21:14.400 Until we come to the kingdom fully. 00:21:15.839 --> 00:21:16.500 So this. 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:17.779 The most godly. 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:20.299 And the most saintly Christian. 00:21:21.420 --> 00:21:24.440 Is someone who is doing nothing more. 00:21:25.339 --> 00:21:28.359 Doing nothing other than growing deeper in repentance. 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:32.720 And stronger in their grasp of the reality of forgiveness of sins. 00:21:32.779 --> 00:21:33.539 That's a long sentence. 00:21:33.660 --> 00:21:34.599 Let me say that again. 00:21:34.599 --> 00:21:37.139 The most godly. 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:39.399 And saintly Christian. 00:21:40.639 --> 00:21:45.399 Is someone who is doing nothing other than growing deeper in repentance. 00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:50.219 And stronger in their grasp of the reality of forgiveness of sins. 00:21:52.639 --> 00:21:53.439 And to be honest. 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:54.099 As you do that. 00:21:54.179 --> 00:21:55.039 Mission will happen won't it? 00:21:56.399 --> 00:21:58.059 And the more godly you become. 00:21:58.159 --> 00:22:00.439 The deeper you have a sense of your own sinfulness. 00:22:02.059 --> 00:22:03.439 And at the same time. 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.980 The greater you grasp. 00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:09.319 The absolute acceptance and approval of God through Jesus Christ. 00:22:09.419 --> 00:22:11.459 Now that can apply to any area of life. 00:22:12.919 --> 00:22:14.480 Let me give you a couple of applications. 00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:16.799 Take marriage for example. 00:22:17.679 --> 00:22:19.980 What makes a Christian marriage work? 00:22:21.079 --> 00:22:22.079 Is it scoring. 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:25.719 Or is it 98% on your compatibility marks? 00:22:26.679 --> 00:22:28.959 What makes a Christian marriage work? 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:30.319 It's not finding your soul mate. 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:31.980 In the end. 00:22:32.099 --> 00:22:34.659 It is repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus name. 00:22:36.039 --> 00:22:36.879 So in marriage. 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:38.939 You have two very sinful people commit themselves. 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:40.599 For one flesh friendship. 00:22:41.019 --> 00:22:42.159 For the rest of their life. 00:22:43.159 --> 00:22:44.039 To the glory of God. 00:22:45.460 --> 00:22:47.279 And my purpose in marriage is redemption. 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:48.759 It is redemption for my partner. 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:52.980 And that cannot happen unless I am willing to repent. 00:22:53.420 --> 00:22:54.440 And I am willing to forgive. 00:22:55.519 --> 00:22:57.240 And I am not really going to repent. 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:58.680 And I am not really going to forgive. 00:22:58.759 --> 00:23:01.480 Unless I grasp that Jesus has really forgiven me. 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:03.879 And I can repent to him. 00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:07.180 So lots of marriages we know. 00:23:07.260 --> 00:23:07.440 Don't we? 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:10.260 They settle into a pattern of pretense and defence. 00:23:10.840 --> 00:23:12.380 This sort of mutual deal. 00:23:12.660 --> 00:23:13.920 Where I won't hurt you too much. 00:23:13.940 --> 00:23:15.120 If you don't hurt me too much. 00:23:16.060 --> 00:23:17.100 It's a cold war. 00:23:17.100 --> 00:23:19.420 It's easier to focus on the kids or the jobs. 00:23:19.520 --> 00:23:20.500 When the kids leave home. 00:23:20.600 --> 00:23:21.720 The marriage disintegrates. 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:23.820 Or when work goes wrong. 00:23:23.900 --> 00:23:25.020 And stress comes there. 00:23:25.520 --> 00:23:26.220 It cracks. 00:23:27.400 --> 00:23:30.840 The only place of real change. 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:33.280 Is this virtual dynamic. 00:23:34.880 --> 00:23:36.620 Repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 00:23:36.780 --> 00:23:37.280 In Jesus name. 00:23:37.300 --> 00:23:38.600 And it has to be in Jesus name. 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:41.200 Because the only place where I can know. 00:23:41.280 --> 00:23:42.280 That I'm completely accepted. 00:23:42.640 --> 00:23:43.580 And completely forgiven. 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:45.100 Is not because of my performance. 00:23:45.360 --> 00:23:46.680 Or lack of performance. 00:23:46.860 --> 00:23:47.960 It is in Jesus Christ. 00:23:49.340 --> 00:23:51.100 And when I start to understand that. 00:23:51.140 --> 00:23:51.700 I'm free. 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.720 I'm free to forgive. 00:23:54.060 --> 00:23:54.700 Take conflict. 00:23:56.560 --> 00:23:57.580 Most of us here. 00:23:57.760 --> 00:23:58.700 Hate conflict. 00:23:59.860 --> 00:24:01.120 And those of you who don't. 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:02.620 We really wish you did. 00:24:03.880 --> 00:24:05.500 But of course. 00:24:05.580 --> 00:24:06.980 Not all conflict is wrong. 00:24:07.080 --> 00:24:07.320 Is it? 00:24:09.100 --> 00:24:10.720 Jesus lived a life full of conflict. 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.920 How do we deal with conflict? 00:24:14.100 --> 00:24:15.920 We deal with it in a godly way. 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:17.460 And the answer is not to know. 00:24:17.560 --> 00:24:18.520 That I am right on everything. 00:24:18.620 --> 00:24:19.840 And everything else is wrong. 00:24:20.060 --> 00:24:21.180 Nor is it to master. 00:24:21.280 --> 00:24:22.740 The techniques of conflict. 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:27.640 The heart of being godly in conflict. 00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:30.140 Is repentance and forgiveness of sins. 00:24:30.259 --> 00:24:30.859 In Jesus name. 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:33.640 If I'm accepted by God. 00:24:34.359 --> 00:24:35.559 Not because of what I've done. 00:24:36.359 --> 00:24:37.519 If I'm accepted by God. 00:24:37.579 --> 00:24:39.160 Not because of what you think of me. 00:24:40.660 --> 00:24:42.140 But because of his delight. 00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:44.960 I can risk being wrong. 00:24:45.019 --> 00:24:45.400 Can't I? 00:24:45.400 --> 00:24:48.800 And I can stand up to your disapproval. 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:50.120 Because my approval. 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.100 And my acceptance. 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:53.660 Doesn't ultimately depend on what you think. 00:24:55.100 --> 00:24:56.340 Therefore I can speak kindly. 00:24:56.500 --> 00:24:58.500 And I can act in a godly fashion in conflict. 00:24:58.780 --> 00:24:59.880 I can have a repenting heart. 00:25:01.019 --> 00:25:02.620 Or I can know that God delights in me. 00:25:04.040 --> 00:25:05.900 You can apply this in every area of life. 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:06.440 To bitterness. 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:07.560 To anger. 00:25:07.680 --> 00:25:08.140 To jealousy. 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.600 My point is simply this. 00:25:09.600 --> 00:25:10.880 When we become Christians. 00:25:11.080 --> 00:25:12.080 The gospel of repentance. 00:25:12.340 --> 00:25:13.380 And forgiveness of sins. 00:25:13.380 --> 00:25:14.200 In Jesus name. 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:16.180 Is not something that you give away to other people. 00:25:17.620 --> 00:25:19.600 It is the deepest power of change. 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:22.760 And that is something that we grow into. 00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:24.960 More and more and more every day. 00:25:25.040 --> 00:25:26.840 The Christian life is a lifelong. 00:25:28.020 --> 00:25:28.380 Process. 00:25:29.300 --> 00:25:30.760 Of growing in repentance. 00:25:31.120 --> 00:25:32.780 And understanding God's forgiveness. 00:25:33.260 --> 00:25:34.700 And we learn and we relearn. 00:25:34.760 --> 00:25:35.960 And we learn and we relearn. 00:25:37.240 --> 00:25:39.800 I think that's partly why Jesus mentions the Holy Spirit. 00:25:39.920 --> 00:25:40.520 In verse 49. 00:25:41.060 --> 00:25:42.620 He says you will be clothed in power. 00:25:42.619 --> 00:25:43.979 And that is not just a mission. 00:25:45.659 --> 00:25:47.059 It means being clothed. 00:25:47.459 --> 00:25:49.500 With repentance and forgiveness of sins. 00:25:49.939 --> 00:25:51.500 So there is the third line of the parachute. 00:25:52.419 --> 00:25:53.579 The first is the resurrection. 00:25:54.119 --> 00:25:55.139 The second is the scriptures. 00:25:56.379 --> 00:25:57.839 And the third is the living church. 00:25:59.399 --> 00:26:01.079 Now how do you finish the series on Luke? 00:26:03.439 --> 00:26:06.279 Well I want to say thank you for the privilege of being able to work in this book. 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:12.879 And the only thing I think I want to finish with is I want to point you to how beautiful Jesus is. 00:26:14.079 --> 00:26:17.339 And I want you to see how Luke shows you how different he is. 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:23.359 So that you go away from the table tonight with a picture of his goodness and kindness and his grace. 00:26:24.819 --> 00:26:25.519 And his compassion. 00:26:25.619 --> 00:26:28.799 And the more you read Luke's gospel the more it just feeds your faith. 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:30.539 There are treasures on every line. 00:26:30.539 --> 00:26:33.220 Don't tell me that you've studied it. 00:26:33.559 --> 00:26:35.059 There are treasures on every page. 00:26:35.059 --> 00:26:40.720 So do you know that what Jesus said to his disciples when he came into the room. 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:43.079 What does he say? 00:26:43.980 --> 00:26:45.279 He says peace to you. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:48.940 These are people that have betrayed him. 00:26:49.139 --> 00:26:50.099 That have abandoned him. 00:26:52.399 --> 00:26:53.319 They've let him down. 00:26:53.419 --> 00:26:54.200 They've denied him. 00:26:54.619 --> 00:26:55.279 But what does he do? 00:26:55.319 --> 00:26:56.159 He comes with forgiveness. 00:26:57.639 --> 00:26:59.559 He wants to overcome their sin. 00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:02.099 And he delights at mercy. 00:27:02.099 --> 00:27:05.740 And it means that God is far more ready to forgive than we are to be forgiven. 00:27:07.079 --> 00:27:08.179 He's so different to us. 00:27:08.339 --> 00:27:09.699 Do you notice in verse 47. 00:27:10.219 --> 00:27:15.000 He says where does repentance and forgiveness of sins first get preached in Jesus' mind? 00:27:15.099 --> 00:27:16.079 It is Jerusalem. 00:27:17.819 --> 00:27:19.399 The very place he was rejected. 00:27:20.719 --> 00:27:22.000 And tortured and executed. 00:27:23.679 --> 00:27:28.299 And that means for us that there's not a single person who's gone too far for the grace and forgiveness of Jesus. 00:27:29.679 --> 00:27:31.099 There's no person too evil. 00:27:32.099 --> 00:27:34.219 There's no person who's gone too far. 00:27:35.419 --> 00:27:37.419 And the compassion of Jesus is astounding. 00:27:37.559 --> 00:27:38.879 Look at how the gospel finishes. 00:27:39.399 --> 00:27:41.159 It finishes with blessing doesn't it? 00:27:41.919 --> 00:27:45.439 And he led them out as far as Bethany and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:50.480 While he blessed them he parted from them who was carried up into heaven. 00:27:51.159 --> 00:27:52.819 He goes the same way he came. 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:54.939 Bringing blessing. 00:27:55.740 --> 00:27:56.699 And leaving blessing. 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:59.439 And that is what he's come to do isn't it? 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:02.120 He's come to reverse the curse. 00:28:03.320 --> 00:28:04.940 He's come as the friend of sinners. 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:08.160 And you will never find a heart more tender. 00:28:08.940 --> 00:28:09.660 More loving. 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:11.200 More patient. 00:28:11.640 --> 00:28:12.360 More compassionate. 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:14.259 More kind. 00:28:14.259 --> 00:28:16.799 And he was gracious in his coming. 00:28:17.960 --> 00:28:19.980 He was gracious in his life and in his teaching. 00:28:21.859 --> 00:28:22.619 What he did. 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:23.859 He was gracious in his death. 00:28:24.019 --> 00:28:25.779 He's gracious in his resurrection. 00:28:26.099 --> 00:28:27.819 He's gracious in his ascension. 00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:31.940 And he remains the same yesterday, today and forever. 00:28:31.940 --> 00:28:34.860 And it fills us with great joy. 00:28:36.539 --> 00:28:37.660 And so let us sing. 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:38.100 00:28:38.099 --> 00:29:08.079 Thank you.