WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.240 Well, good morning. It's good to be with you this morning. If we haven't met, my name is Keith Knowlton. 00:00:07.740 --> 00:00:10.080 ! It's a pleasure to bring God's Word with you this morning. 00:00:10.519 --> 00:00:16.000 As James said, we're starting a brief sermon series as we lead up to Christmas looking at the names of Jesus. 00:00:16.839 --> 00:00:23.000 And today we'll be looking at the name, the Prince of Peace, taken from Isaiah chapter 9, verses 1 through 7. 00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:27.800 So you can read that on the screen behind me or turn in your pew Bible to page 694. 00:00:28.780 --> 00:00:34.240 But by way of introduction, I wonder if how many of us have heard of the Christmas truce. 00:00:35.039 --> 00:00:40.200 Going back to December 1914, World War I was raging. 00:00:41.039 --> 00:00:45.040 By that time, only five months have passed in the war and over a million men have died. 00:00:46.299 --> 00:00:49.480 Many thought going to war that this war would only last a few months. 00:00:49.479 --> 00:00:57.739 But now they were entrenched in this trench warfare that had caused them to be locked in this bitter turmoil, 00:00:57.919 --> 00:01:04.399 this bitter stalemate, exhausted, and soldiers feeling the fatigue of war. 00:01:05.039 --> 00:01:11.179 But on Christmas Eve 1914, near Epers, Belgium, something rather extraordinary occurred. 00:01:11.180 --> 00:01:16.820 As the light was beginning to fade, the British soldiers could see off in the distance across from No Man's Land, 00:01:17.200 --> 00:01:20.440 in the German trenches, these little lights being lit. 00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:27.260 And then slowly over No Man's Land, they hear the sound of Christmas carols being sung in German. 00:01:28.200 --> 00:01:30.260 And at first, the British troops thought this might be a trap. 00:01:30.360 --> 00:01:32.460 They thought this was very peculiar that this would happen. 00:01:32.700 --> 00:01:36.320 But as they continued to listen, they realized this was no trap. 00:01:36.319 --> 00:01:43.439 This was true Christmas caroling, and slowly the British forces began to join in in English. 00:01:44.559 --> 00:01:47.879 And what happened, even more extraordinary, was the next morning on Christmas Day, 00:01:48.739 --> 00:01:54.419 that German soldiers came out of their trenches with hands raised and beckoned the British soldiers to do the same. 00:01:54.519 --> 00:01:57.199 And they met in the middle of this No Man's Land. 00:01:58.060 --> 00:02:03.799 And soldiers who were just hours before, readying themselves to shoot and kill one another, 00:02:03.799 --> 00:02:11.300 were now shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries, small gifts of tobacco and photographs. 00:02:11.460 --> 00:02:13.699 Even games of football were breaking out. 00:02:15.020 --> 00:02:17.960 These few hours, war had stopped. 00:02:19.240 --> 00:02:24.939 Guns were not fired, shells were not dropped, and these young men, weary from war, far from home, 00:02:25.479 --> 00:02:28.519 were granted this temporary, rather unexpected peace. 00:02:28.520 --> 00:02:35.240 But as expected, by nightfall, command had come down from the generals to say, 00:02:35.340 --> 00:02:37.120 there is to be no fraternizing with the enemy. 00:02:37.920 --> 00:02:40.439 And by the next day, fighting had resumed. 00:02:41.360 --> 00:02:43.520 This temporary truce did not last. 00:02:44.360 --> 00:02:47.840 And war continued for four more years, with millions more dying. 00:02:49.400 --> 00:02:52.600 The reality is this famous Christmas truth, it didn't end the war, 00:02:52.599 --> 00:02:58.079 but I think it shows really a universal truth that human hearts long for peace. 00:02:59.299 --> 00:03:03.060 But that as man, we are not able to achieve this permanent peace on our own. 00:03:04.439 --> 00:03:09.639 And so as we turn to our passage today, we're looking at this prophecy that anticipates a different kind of peace. 00:03:09.799 --> 00:03:12.500 Not a man-made peace, not a temporary peace, 00:03:12.599 --> 00:03:15.599 but a peace that is lasting and restorative, 00:03:15.979 --> 00:03:19.180 that comes from our one true king, the prince of peace. 00:03:19.180 --> 00:03:22.000 And so let's look at our passage together. 00:03:22.120 --> 00:03:25.260 Isaiah chapter 9, starting in verse 1. 00:03:27.020 --> 00:03:30.819 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who are in distress. 00:03:31.760 --> 00:03:35.420 In the past, he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, 00:03:35.840 --> 00:03:40.939 but in the future, he will honor Galilee of the nations by the way of the sea beyond the Jordan. 00:03:41.960 --> 00:03:45.120 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. 00:03:45.120 --> 00:03:50.300 On those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has drawn. 00:03:51.360 --> 00:03:54.120 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy. 00:03:54.680 --> 00:03:57.360 They rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, 00:03:57.560 --> 00:03:59.700 as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 00:04:00.420 --> 00:04:02.360 For as in the day of Midian's defeat, 00:04:02.900 --> 00:04:05.439 you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, 00:04:05.939 --> 00:04:09.060 the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors. 00:04:09.060 --> 00:04:13.599 Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood 00:04:13.599 --> 00:04:17.579 will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 00:04:18.620 --> 00:04:23.040 For unto us a child is born, for us a son is given, 00:04:23.600 --> 00:04:25.540 and the government will be on his shoulders. 00:04:26.279 --> 00:04:29.740 And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 00:04:30.459 --> 00:04:33.199 Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 00:04:34.060 --> 00:04:37.779 Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. 00:04:37.779 --> 00:04:41.099 He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, 00:04:41.279 --> 00:04:44.299 establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness 00:04:44.299 --> 00:04:46.479 from that time on and forever. 00:04:47.159 --> 00:04:50.159 The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. 00:04:50.899 --> 00:04:52.159 This is the word of God. 00:04:52.859 --> 00:04:53.619 Will you pray with me? 00:04:58.459 --> 00:05:00.799 God, our Heavenly Father, 00:05:00.879 --> 00:05:03.939 we ask that you guide us this morning by your word and by your spirit, 00:05:03.939 --> 00:05:07.560 that in your light we may see light, 00:05:08.259 --> 00:05:11.300 that in your truth we may find wisdom, 00:05:12.259 --> 00:05:15.819 that in your will we may discover your peace. 00:05:16.860 --> 00:05:20.279 We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. 00:05:20.939 --> 00:05:21.339 Amen. 00:05:21.339 --> 00:05:26.659 Now I imagine that this passage is familiar to many of us. 00:05:26.719 --> 00:05:30.679 It's one of those passages that we easily dust off the Christmas season 00:05:30.679 --> 00:05:33.119 for a Christmas sermon or an Advent devotional. 00:05:33.779 --> 00:05:35.659 And while I think it's good that we know this text, 00:05:35.719 --> 00:05:36.539 it's familiar to us, 00:05:36.599 --> 00:05:38.699 oftentimes we can pluck it out of its context 00:05:38.699 --> 00:05:43.539 without really knowing where does it fit into this Old Testament narrative. 00:05:44.219 --> 00:05:45.799 And so I want us to do when we begin 00:05:45.799 --> 00:05:48.319 is trying to figure out what is the context of this prophecy? 00:05:48.319 --> 00:05:51.319 What is going on in the people of Israel at this time? 00:05:52.459 --> 00:05:56.759 This prophecy was given by God through the prophet Isaiah to King Ahaz. 00:05:57.740 --> 00:05:59.240 Now if you know anything about King Ahaz, 00:05:59.339 --> 00:06:03.379 if you were to rank the kings of Judah and Israel from best to worst, 00:06:04.079 --> 00:06:06.120 Ahaz would be at the very bottom of this list. 00:06:07.000 --> 00:06:08.620 Ahaz was a wicked king. 00:06:08.779 --> 00:06:11.439 He worshipped idols of other gods. 00:06:11.560 --> 00:06:13.980 He sacrificed his own sons to these idols. 00:06:13.980 --> 00:06:17.000 He took elements, the riches of the temple, 00:06:17.100 --> 00:06:20.600 and he gave them to other kings in order to make alliances with them. 00:06:21.759 --> 00:06:25.140 And even as Israel starts to face judgment for having turned against God, 00:06:25.540 --> 00:06:28.100 his faithlessness even grows. 00:06:28.600 --> 00:06:30.160 He cuts up the vessels from the temple, 00:06:30.460 --> 00:06:31.920 he shuts the doors to the temple, 00:06:32.040 --> 00:06:34.939 and he sets up idols in every corner of Jerusalem. 00:06:35.939 --> 00:06:38.220 And so Isaiah is instructed to go to Ahaz 00:06:38.220 --> 00:06:40.020 to encourage him to repent, 00:06:40.140 --> 00:06:41.540 to put his trust in God. 00:06:42.460 --> 00:06:43.160 He even says, 00:06:43.540 --> 00:06:46.700 Go give Ahaz the ability to ask for a sign 00:06:46.700 --> 00:06:48.220 that I will show him, 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:50.280 that I will prove that I'm the one true God, 00:06:50.580 --> 00:06:52.360 and he'll put his trust in me. 00:06:53.360 --> 00:06:54.360 But Ahaz refuses. 00:06:55.520 --> 00:06:55.960 So you think, 00:06:56.020 --> 00:06:58.740 Well, God has every right just to strike Ahaz dead right there 00:06:58.740 --> 00:07:00.520 to end his kingship at that point, 00:07:00.580 --> 00:07:01.360 but he doesn't. 00:07:02.080 --> 00:07:03.819 Instead, he grants him a sign, 00:07:03.920 --> 00:07:04.960 even though he refuses. 00:07:05.819 --> 00:07:08.520 He wants to prove his covenant faithfulness to his people, 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:10.639 even when his people have been unfaithful to him. 00:07:11.660 --> 00:07:14.000 And so we see earlier on in the book of Isaiah, 00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:16.680 this first prophecy of this sign. 00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:19.500 A virgin will give birth to a son, 00:07:20.480 --> 00:07:22.759 and his name will be called Emmanuel, 00:07:23.420 --> 00:07:24.319 God with us. 00:07:24.960 --> 00:07:28.000 And so what we see in our passage today in chapter 9 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:30.340 is this same Christ child. 00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:33.160 Now, it may seem obvious for us. 00:07:33.639 --> 00:07:34.780 We recognize this passage. 00:07:34.980 --> 00:07:36.920 It relates to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. 00:07:37.620 --> 00:07:38.420 But for these people, 00:07:38.520 --> 00:07:39.960 they have no concept of Christmas. 00:07:40.080 --> 00:07:41.660 They don't understand when this prophecy 00:07:41.660 --> 00:07:42.879 is going to be fulfilled. 00:07:43.460 --> 00:07:44.840 And so it's good to ask, 00:07:44.980 --> 00:07:46.740 What would the people have thought in that time 00:07:46.740 --> 00:07:49.280 when they hear this prophecy of a prince of peace? 00:07:49.840 --> 00:07:51.400 Certainly, they long for peace 00:07:51.400 --> 00:07:54.960 as the Assyrian army is ready to overthrow them. 00:07:55.040 --> 00:07:56.439 They want peace in their lives. 00:07:56.520 --> 00:07:57.680 They want peace in their nation. 00:07:57.819 --> 00:07:58.660 When will it come? 00:07:58.660 --> 00:08:02.160 Well, this wicked king Ahaz, he does die, 00:08:02.900 --> 00:08:04.960 and his son Hezekiah comes to the throne. 00:08:05.060 --> 00:08:06.640 And Hezekiah is actually a good king. 00:08:07.700 --> 00:08:09.620 He repairs and he restores, 00:08:09.740 --> 00:08:10.820 and he reopens the temple. 00:08:11.020 --> 00:08:12.940 He gets rid of all the idols. 00:08:13.140 --> 00:08:14.660 He reorganizes the priests. 00:08:15.360 --> 00:08:16.960 He brings the people of Israel, 00:08:17.100 --> 00:08:18.280 the people of Judah to repentance, 00:08:18.280 --> 00:08:19.760 and they worship God once again. 00:08:21.500 --> 00:08:23.060 The thing is that Hezekiah, 00:08:23.200 --> 00:08:24.660 even though he was a faithful king, 00:08:24.720 --> 00:08:25.980 he couldn't fulfill this prophecy. 00:08:25.980 --> 00:08:28.980 Because it says that Hezekiah, 00:08:29.740 --> 00:08:31.439 as he amassed this wealth 00:08:31.439 --> 00:08:32.840 and this power and his influence, 00:08:33.220 --> 00:08:34.519 he too became prideful. 00:08:35.639 --> 00:08:36.440 And he died, 00:08:37.120 --> 00:08:38.960 and peace did not remain 00:08:38.960 --> 00:08:40.320 in the land of Judah. 00:08:41.500 --> 00:08:42.300 And so this prophecy, 00:08:42.420 --> 00:08:43.019 it points out to us, 00:08:43.080 --> 00:08:44.960 there must have been someone greater 00:08:44.960 --> 00:08:45.980 who was being prophesied. 00:08:47.139 --> 00:08:50.659 Because Hezekiah couldn't fulfill this prophecy. 00:08:50.800 --> 00:08:53.420 He is only a shadow of the one to come. 00:08:53.419 --> 00:08:56.959 This divine child is to be born. 00:08:57.860 --> 00:09:00.240 This only son of the Father, 00:09:00.699 --> 00:09:03.740 He alone can forever lift this cloud of darkness 00:09:03.740 --> 00:09:05.419 and establish this eternal kingdom. 00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:09.179 And so that leads us to the titles we see in this passage. 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:11.319 Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 00:09:11.500 --> 00:09:13.240 Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 00:09:13.419 --> 00:09:15.639 It's really this crescendo that we see. 00:09:16.319 --> 00:09:18.139 This Prince of Peace being this peak, 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:19.919 this ultimate, this promised leader 00:09:19.919 --> 00:09:23.219 who promises to ensure the peace and prosperity 00:09:23.219 --> 00:09:25.139 and well-being of His people forever. 00:09:26.459 --> 00:09:27.819 And so that title specifically, 00:09:27.939 --> 00:09:29.199 I want us to consider today, 00:09:29.579 --> 00:09:30.419 this Prince of Peace. 00:09:30.559 --> 00:09:31.759 What is this peace 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:34.899 that our leader and king provides? 00:09:35.479 --> 00:09:37.539 Three ways I want us to consider this peace. 00:09:37.639 --> 00:09:39.259 First of all, this upward peace, 00:09:40.059 --> 00:09:41.219 an outward peace, 00:09:41.779 --> 00:09:43.000 and an inward peace. 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:46.220 So let's first think about this upward peace. 00:09:46.840 --> 00:09:47.620 And I think when we do, 00:09:47.720 --> 00:09:49.539 I think it's important to define our terms. 00:09:49.700 --> 00:09:51.799 What do we mean when we say peace? 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:55.120 My family and I have been in the UK for over five years. 00:09:55.820 --> 00:09:57.379 And while we speak the same language, 00:09:57.480 --> 00:09:59.240 we've had to adjust to the vocabulary. 00:09:59.399 --> 00:10:01.179 There are certain words that we have meaning for 00:10:01.179 --> 00:10:04.259 in the US that have very different meaning in the UK. 00:10:04.259 --> 00:10:05.519 So things like chips, 00:10:06.379 --> 00:10:07.220 or biscuits, 00:10:07.939 --> 00:10:08.919 or a vest, 00:10:09.559 --> 00:10:10.379 or trolleys, 00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:11.139 or pants. 00:10:11.879 --> 00:10:12.000 Right? 00:10:12.039 --> 00:10:13.240 All things that we need to make sure 00:10:13.240 --> 00:10:15.259 we understand what our terms are. 00:10:15.500 --> 00:10:16.819 Even though we're speaking the same language, 00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:18.620 words can have very different meanings. 00:10:19.100 --> 00:10:20.899 So the same thing when we think about peace. 00:10:20.980 --> 00:10:22.159 What does peace mean? 00:10:23.340 --> 00:10:24.559 Oftentimes we think, 00:10:24.659 --> 00:10:27.659 well, it just means a sense of serenity 00:10:27.659 --> 00:10:29.159 or the absence of fighting. 00:10:30.319 --> 00:10:32.220 But if we look at what this word peace means 00:10:32.220 --> 00:10:33.040 in the Old Testament, 00:10:33.240 --> 00:10:34.720 in this word shalom, 00:10:34.879 --> 00:10:36.320 which probably many of us have heard before, 00:10:36.620 --> 00:10:38.340 it has a much fuller meaning. 00:10:39.580 --> 00:10:40.899 It means a wholeness, 00:10:41.420 --> 00:10:42.379 a flourishing, 00:10:43.000 --> 00:10:44.200 a completeness. 00:10:45.300 --> 00:10:47.860 Not simply the absence of fighting, 00:10:48.060 --> 00:10:50.740 but the presence of harmony and order. 00:10:52.160 --> 00:10:53.720 And so this is exactly what we see 00:10:53.720 --> 00:10:55.320 in the creation story in Genesis. 00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:56.399 In the beginning, 00:10:56.399 --> 00:10:58.700 we have a triune God 00:10:58.700 --> 00:11:00.399 who creates all things 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:01.600 in the span of six days. 00:11:01.600 --> 00:11:03.019 And he says it is all good. 00:11:04.300 --> 00:11:06.399 He creates man in his own image 00:11:06.399 --> 00:11:08.139 that he may share in this peace. 00:11:08.220 --> 00:11:11.040 He gives man a wife, Eve, 00:11:11.820 --> 00:11:13.620 to provide completeness for him. 00:11:13.740 --> 00:11:14.800 He gives them a garden 00:11:14.800 --> 00:11:15.899 with good things to eat. 00:11:15.980 --> 00:11:17.040 He gives them a purpose 00:11:17.040 --> 00:11:18.779 that they may take dominion 00:11:18.779 --> 00:11:19.980 over creation 00:11:19.980 --> 00:11:22.480 and experience this wholeness together. 00:11:23.740 --> 00:11:24.500 We have a God 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:26.560 who descends and walks 00:11:26.560 --> 00:11:27.460 in this garden 00:11:27.460 --> 00:11:29.840 in peace with Adam and Eve. 00:11:29.840 --> 00:11:31.879 But unfortunately, 00:11:32.100 --> 00:11:33.540 this shalom is broken 00:11:33.540 --> 00:11:34.780 when sin enters the world. 00:11:35.800 --> 00:11:36.519 Adam and Eve 00:11:36.519 --> 00:11:37.800 are tempted by the serpent. 00:11:37.960 --> 00:11:39.280 They eat the fruit 00:11:39.280 --> 00:11:40.280 of the forbidden tree 00:11:40.280 --> 00:11:42.160 and their eyes are open 00:11:42.160 --> 00:11:43.080 to their nakedness. 00:11:44.200 --> 00:11:45.120 And so rather than walk 00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:46.360 in fellowship with God, 00:11:46.540 --> 00:11:47.920 they hide in shame. 00:11:49.379 --> 00:11:51.639 Rather than enjoy this peace, 00:11:52.320 --> 00:11:54.540 they run from God, 00:11:54.940 --> 00:11:55.700 fearing his judgment. 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:58.300 But what we see next 00:11:58.300 --> 00:11:59.520 is something that's really remarkable 00:11:59.520 --> 00:12:01.460 because God could have condemned 00:12:01.460 --> 00:12:02.460 Adam and Eve there, 00:12:02.840 --> 00:12:04.640 but instead he speaks 00:12:04.640 --> 00:12:07.000 these words of shalom over them. 00:12:08.320 --> 00:12:09.660 While there would be consequences 00:12:09.660 --> 00:12:10.680 for their action, 00:12:11.180 --> 00:12:12.600 God comforts his children 00:12:12.600 --> 00:12:13.280 with the promise 00:12:13.280 --> 00:12:14.500 that peace will come 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:16.540 through one who will crush the head 00:12:16.540 --> 00:12:19.620 of this lying, murderous serpent. 00:12:20.820 --> 00:12:23.820 Though sin has now separated man from God, 00:12:23.820 --> 00:12:26.000 God promises this full restoration 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:26.580 will come 00:12:26.580 --> 00:12:27.300 and it's going to come 00:12:27.300 --> 00:12:28.280 through the seed of a woman. 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:29.740 And so this is the beginning 00:12:29.740 --> 00:12:31.080 of God's rescue plan. 00:12:32.280 --> 00:12:33.320 So as we continue on 00:12:33.320 --> 00:12:34.560 in the book of Genesis, 00:12:34.720 --> 00:12:35.600 we see that God comes 00:12:35.600 --> 00:12:36.500 to a man named Abram. 00:12:37.260 --> 00:12:39.620 And he chooses to bless Abram. 00:12:40.379 --> 00:12:41.600 And he says he's going to make him 00:12:41.600 --> 00:12:42.420 into a great nation 00:12:42.420 --> 00:12:43.540 that all nations 00:12:43.540 --> 00:12:45.080 through him will be blessed. 00:12:46.420 --> 00:12:47.760 And as we continue on 00:12:47.760 --> 00:12:48.120 in the Bible, 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:49.360 these descendants of Abraham, 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:50.580 they become slaves 00:12:50.580 --> 00:12:51.540 in the land of Egypt. 00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:54.399 And God proves his faithfulness again. 00:12:54.519 --> 00:12:55.339 He raises up Moses 00:12:55.339 --> 00:12:56.139 to lead the people 00:12:56.139 --> 00:12:57.019 out of slavery, 00:12:57.199 --> 00:12:57.959 out of Egypt, 00:12:58.099 --> 00:12:59.159 into the promised land. 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:01.059 And on their way there, 00:13:01.099 --> 00:13:02.519 he takes them to Mount Sinai 00:13:02.519 --> 00:13:03.939 where he again 00:13:03.939 --> 00:13:05.539 renews this covenant promise. 00:13:05.659 --> 00:13:06.620 He gives them the law 00:13:06.620 --> 00:13:08.339 with its blessings and curses. 00:13:08.959 --> 00:13:09.659 And so we've heard 00:13:09.659 --> 00:13:10.399 this blessing before. 00:13:10.519 --> 00:13:12.019 Oftentimes we end our service 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:12.939 with this blessing 00:13:12.939 --> 00:13:15.139 of Aaron, the high priest, 00:13:15.219 --> 00:13:16.419 to give to his people 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:17.539 the Lord bless you 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:18.219 and keep you. 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:20.279 The Lord make his face 00:13:20.279 --> 00:13:21.420 to shine on you 00:13:21.420 --> 00:13:22.560 and be gracious to you. 00:13:23.500 --> 00:13:24.879 The Lord turn his face 00:13:24.879 --> 00:13:25.360 towards you 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:27.320 and give you peace. 00:13:29.000 --> 00:13:30.040 And so we may think 00:13:30.040 --> 00:13:31.220 that after 40 years 00:13:31.220 --> 00:13:32.480 of wandering in the wilderness, 00:13:33.440 --> 00:13:34.560 God's going to bring them 00:13:34.560 --> 00:13:35.759 into this promised land 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:36.240 and we think, 00:13:36.379 --> 00:13:37.080 okay, this is where 00:13:37.080 --> 00:13:37.759 this restoration 00:13:37.759 --> 00:13:38.920 is going to occur. 00:13:40.360 --> 00:13:41.420 This relationship 00:13:41.420 --> 00:13:42.700 that had been ruined by sin 00:13:42.700 --> 00:13:43.620 will be restored. 00:13:44.040 --> 00:13:45.360 God's people will be obedient 00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:46.160 and faithful 00:13:46.159 --> 00:13:47.199 and they'll experience 00:13:47.199 --> 00:13:48.539 this unending prosperity 00:13:48.539 --> 00:13:49.600 and blessing. 00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:52.319 We know that's not right. 00:13:52.419 --> 00:13:53.319 Something we see 00:13:53.319 --> 00:13:54.339 very different occurs. 00:13:54.459 --> 00:13:55.120 Instead, we see 00:13:55.120 --> 00:13:56.039 this repeated cycle 00:13:56.039 --> 00:13:57.839 of sin and rebellion 00:13:57.839 --> 00:13:59.419 that's followed 00:13:59.419 --> 00:14:00.199 by discipline 00:14:00.199 --> 00:14:01.219 and judgment 00:14:01.219 --> 00:14:03.779 and brief periods 00:14:03.779 --> 00:14:04.360 of repentance 00:14:04.360 --> 00:14:05.559 and deliverance 00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:06.600 and then what happens again? 00:14:07.139 --> 00:14:07.819 More sin, 00:14:08.360 --> 00:14:09.139 more rebellion. 00:14:10.579 --> 00:14:11.100 And so we see 00:14:11.100 --> 00:14:11.959 this is the history 00:14:11.959 --> 00:14:12.679 of God's people 00:14:12.679 --> 00:14:13.659 throughout the Old Testament. 00:14:13.839 --> 00:14:15.159 One of brokenness 00:14:15.159 --> 00:14:15.980 and chaos 00:14:15.980 --> 00:14:16.899 and disorder. 00:14:17.819 --> 00:14:19.219 One defined by war 00:14:19.219 --> 00:14:20.419 and occupation 00:14:20.419 --> 00:14:21.659 and division 00:14:21.659 --> 00:14:22.799 and exile. 00:14:24.279 --> 00:14:24.699 And maybe 00:14:24.699 --> 00:14:26.759 you even experience this 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:28.519 as you read these texts, 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:29.819 this desire to cry out, 00:14:29.980 --> 00:14:31.319 when will peace come? 00:14:32.679 --> 00:14:33.360 It's obvious 00:14:33.360 --> 00:14:34.299 that they are not going 00:14:34.299 --> 00:14:34.639 to be able 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:35.439 to save themselves. 00:14:35.860 --> 00:14:36.839 When will this Messiah, 00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:38.480 when will this rescuer arrive? 00:14:38.480 --> 00:14:41.379 And what we see 00:14:41.379 --> 00:14:42.300 is a prophecy 00:14:42.300 --> 00:14:43.460 like one in Isaiah 00:14:43.460 --> 00:14:44.100 that promises 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:45.460 this Prince of Peace, 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:46.680 that points us forward 00:14:46.680 --> 00:14:47.220 to the coming 00:14:47.220 --> 00:14:48.000 of this Messiah. 00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:49.899 And we see that He arrives 00:14:49.899 --> 00:14:51.440 in the most unexpected way. 00:14:52.240 --> 00:14:53.060 The Son of God 00:14:53.060 --> 00:14:53.899 becoming man, 00:14:54.940 --> 00:14:56.180 being born of a woman 00:14:56.180 --> 00:14:57.639 to a poor family 00:14:57.639 --> 00:14:58.180 in a stable. 00:15:00.060 --> 00:15:01.279 This is what the angels 00:15:01.279 --> 00:15:01.860 announce 00:15:01.860 --> 00:15:03.560 the night of Jesus' birth. 00:15:03.559 --> 00:15:04.739 Glory to God 00:15:04.739 --> 00:15:05.459 in the highest 00:15:05.459 --> 00:15:06.319 and on earth 00:15:06.319 --> 00:15:06.939 peace 00:15:06.939 --> 00:15:08.339 among those 00:15:08.339 --> 00:15:09.500 with whom He is pleased. 00:15:11.119 --> 00:15:11.579 Jesus, 00:15:11.719 --> 00:15:12.379 when He starts 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:13.239 His earthly ministry, 00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:13.979 He too quotes 00:15:13.979 --> 00:15:14.659 from Isaiah 00:15:14.659 --> 00:15:15.519 when He announces 00:15:15.519 --> 00:15:16.559 His mission 00:15:16.559 --> 00:15:17.500 for coming to earth. 00:15:18.219 --> 00:15:18.879 What we see 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:19.639 at the Last Supper 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:21.219 before Jesus' crucifixion 00:15:21.219 --> 00:15:22.819 is that He takes 00:15:22.819 --> 00:15:23.459 this bread 00:15:23.459 --> 00:15:24.719 and He takes this wine 00:15:24.719 --> 00:15:26.559 and He tells 00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:27.299 His apostles, 00:15:27.559 --> 00:15:28.179 this bread 00:15:28.179 --> 00:15:29.179 is like My body 00:15:29.179 --> 00:15:29.899 that will be broken. 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:30.559 This wine 00:15:30.559 --> 00:15:31.719 is like My blood 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:32.639 that will be spilled. 00:15:34.200 --> 00:15:35.180 And what does He declare 00:15:35.180 --> 00:15:35.560 to them? 00:15:35.680 --> 00:15:37.300 Peace I leave with you. 00:15:37.980 --> 00:15:39.200 My peace I give you. 00:15:41.180 --> 00:15:42.139 And it's within days 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:43.340 that He goes to the cross 00:15:43.340 --> 00:15:44.519 to fulfill the promise 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:45.480 and the purpose 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:46.259 for which He came. 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:48.420 What was also prophesied 00:15:48.420 --> 00:15:49.899 by the prophet Isaiah 00:15:49.899 --> 00:15:50.779 in Isaiah 53, 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:51.600 He was pierced 00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:52.680 for our transgressions. 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:53.379 He was crushed 00:15:53.379 --> 00:15:54.379 for our iniquities. 00:15:54.820 --> 00:15:55.360 Upon Him 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:56.420 was the chastisement 00:15:56.420 --> 00:15:58.180 that brought us peace. 00:15:59.660 --> 00:16:00.779 And with His wounds 00:16:00.779 --> 00:16:01.320 we're healed. 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:04.240 And so again, 00:16:04.340 --> 00:16:05.139 it's not a peace 00:16:05.139 --> 00:16:05.560 that's simply 00:16:05.560 --> 00:16:06.320 this serenity. 00:16:06.560 --> 00:16:07.200 It's not simply 00:16:07.200 --> 00:16:07.660 a peace 00:16:07.660 --> 00:16:08.399 that's the absence 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:08.980 of fighting. 00:16:09.100 --> 00:16:10.620 This is full restoration 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:11.879 of our relationship 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:12.440 with God. 00:16:13.779 --> 00:16:14.500 And so this is what 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:15.500 we see Paul talk about 00:16:15.500 --> 00:16:16.259 in Colossians 1 00:16:16.259 --> 00:16:17.259 that Christ restores 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:18.460 all things to God 00:16:18.460 --> 00:16:19.100 through His death 00:16:19.100 --> 00:16:20.420 making peace 00:16:20.420 --> 00:16:21.500 through the blood 00:16:21.500 --> 00:16:21.980 of Jesus. 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:24.440 This is what 00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:25.879 we read earlier 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:26.759 in the book of Romans 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:27.399 chapter 5 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:28.240 that since we have 00:16:28.240 --> 00:16:29.360 been justified by faith 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:30.399 we have peace 00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:31.100 with God 00:16:31.100 --> 00:16:32.240 through our Lord 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:32.960 Jesus Christ. 00:16:33.919 --> 00:16:35.080 So our relationship 00:16:35.080 --> 00:16:35.980 that had been ruined 00:16:35.980 --> 00:16:36.840 in the Garden of Eden 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:38.360 has now been restored 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:39.039 and it's not 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:39.560 through the works 00:16:39.560 --> 00:16:39.940 of man. 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:41.940 It's only through 00:16:41.940 --> 00:16:43.080 this promised Messiah 00:16:43.080 --> 00:16:44.519 who is truly 00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:45.139 our peace. 00:16:47.200 --> 00:16:47.779 And so a question 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:48.519 for each one of us 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:49.080 this morning is 00:16:49.080 --> 00:16:50.340 have we been 00:16:50.340 --> 00:16:51.379 reconciled to God? 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:53.840 have we experienced 00:16:53.840 --> 00:16:54.740 the wholeness 00:16:54.740 --> 00:16:56.080 and the restoration 00:16:56.080 --> 00:16:57.220 that comes only 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:57.840 through the blood 00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:58.419 of Jesus? 00:17:00.419 --> 00:17:01.159 Because without 00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:02.120 the sacrifice of Jesus 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:02.939 there's nothing 00:17:02.939 --> 00:17:04.019 that we can do 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:04.880 to earn God's favor. 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:05.579 There's nothing 00:17:05.579 --> 00:17:06.319 that we can do 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:07.200 to put ourselves 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:08.339 in right standing 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:09.119 before God. 00:17:10.400 --> 00:17:11.599 Judgment and death 00:17:11.599 --> 00:17:12.440 are all that remain 00:17:12.440 --> 00:17:13.019 for us. 00:17:14.619 --> 00:17:15.720 But we have Jesus 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:17.359 who is our 00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:18.380 Prince of Peace 00:17:18.380 --> 00:17:19.260 Prince of Peace 00:17:19.260 --> 00:17:20.260 who loves 00:17:20.260 --> 00:17:22.160 to save 00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:23.300 sinners like me 00:17:23.300 --> 00:17:24.100 you and me 00:17:24.100 --> 00:17:25.020 loves 00:17:25.020 --> 00:17:26.700 to supply shalom 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:28.580 between man and God. 00:17:30.360 --> 00:17:31.420 And so that brings us 00:17:31.420 --> 00:17:32.320 to our second form 00:17:32.320 --> 00:17:33.060 of peace then. 00:17:33.640 --> 00:17:34.940 Not only an upward peace 00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:36.060 but an outward peace. 00:17:36.160 --> 00:17:36.840 That upward peace 00:17:36.840 --> 00:17:37.440 describes that 00:17:37.440 --> 00:17:38.440 vertical relationship 00:17:38.440 --> 00:17:39.940 between man and God. 00:17:40.040 --> 00:17:40.860 This outward peace 00:17:40.860 --> 00:17:41.720 describes this 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:42.700 horizontal relationship 00:17:42.700 --> 00:17:43.420 between man 00:17:43.420 --> 00:17:43.960 and the world. 00:17:45.460 --> 00:17:46.340 These past few months 00:17:46.340 --> 00:17:47.000 if you've been with us 00:17:47.000 --> 00:17:47.880 we've been going through 00:17:47.880 --> 00:17:48.420 in the morning 00:17:48.420 --> 00:17:49.400 a sermon series 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:50.440 on the book of Acts. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:51.480 And so we've been 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:52.540 looking at what happens 00:17:52.540 --> 00:17:53.720 to the New Testament church 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:55.360 after Jesus' crucifixion 00:17:55.360 --> 00:17:56.380 and resurrection 00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:57.220 and ascension 00:17:57.220 --> 00:17:57.820 and the sending 00:17:57.820 --> 00:17:58.740 of the Holy Spirit. 00:18:00.040 --> 00:18:01.000 Well you see the apostles 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:01.580 with the power 00:18:01.580 --> 00:18:02.160 of the Holy Spirit 00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:02.780 they're preaching 00:18:02.780 --> 00:18:04.120 a gospel of reconciliation. 00:18:05.480 --> 00:18:06.680 That though you 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.620 talking to the Jewish 00:18:07.620 --> 00:18:08.360 leaders of the day 00:18:08.360 --> 00:18:09.920 though you crucify 00:18:09.920 --> 00:18:10.660 this man 00:18:10.660 --> 00:18:12.600 he is truly 00:18:12.600 --> 00:18:13.780 the Lord and the Christ 00:18:13.780 --> 00:18:15.220 and one who offers 00:18:15.220 --> 00:18:16.020 peace and life 00:18:16.020 --> 00:18:16.820 to each person. 00:18:17.880 --> 00:18:18.840 And so recognize 00:18:18.840 --> 00:18:19.920 how this message 00:18:19.920 --> 00:18:20.520 was received 00:18:20.520 --> 00:18:21.560 by the New Testament church 00:18:21.560 --> 00:18:22.760 how it benefited 00:18:22.760 --> 00:18:23.460 the church. 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:26.040 We read how 00:18:26.040 --> 00:18:27.540 the people 00:18:27.540 --> 00:18:29.100 of this New Testament church 00:18:29.100 --> 00:18:30.460 they devoted themselves 00:18:30.460 --> 00:18:31.700 to the teaching 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:32.300 and preaching 00:18:32.300 --> 00:18:33.100 of God's word 00:18:33.100 --> 00:18:33.800 to fellowship 00:18:33.800 --> 00:18:34.500 to the breaking 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:35.420 of bread and prayer. 00:18:36.420 --> 00:18:38.040 They held all things 00:18:38.040 --> 00:18:38.580 in common 00:18:38.580 --> 00:18:39.800 they sold their possessions 00:18:39.800 --> 00:18:40.420 and belongings 00:18:40.420 --> 00:18:41.800 and distributed the proceeds 00:18:41.800 --> 00:18:43.160 to those in need. 00:18:43.160 --> 00:18:45.200 every day 00:18:45.200 --> 00:18:46.060 attending the temple 00:18:46.060 --> 00:18:46.480 together 00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:47.300 breaking bread 00:18:47.300 --> 00:18:48.340 in each other's homes 00:18:48.340 --> 00:18:50.300 they received their food 00:18:50.300 --> 00:18:51.640 with glad and generous hearts 00:18:51.640 --> 00:18:52.120 and so we see 00:18:52.120 --> 00:18:53.519 this beautiful picture 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:54.200 of unity 00:18:54.200 --> 00:18:55.860 of God's people 00:18:55.860 --> 00:18:57.779 in the early church. 00:18:58.940 --> 00:18:59.759 But what we see 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:00.300 is this unity 00:19:00.300 --> 00:19:01.759 even goes a step further 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:02.480 as we advance 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:03.279 in the book of Acts. 00:19:03.400 --> 00:19:04.980 If we go to Acts 10 00:19:04.980 --> 00:19:05.920 we see this vision 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:06.860 that Peter has 00:19:06.860 --> 00:19:07.900 this vision 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:08.800 of clean 00:19:08.800 --> 00:19:10.440 and unclean animals 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:12.400 and it's God 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:13.400 communicating to him 00:19:13.400 --> 00:19:14.840 that this gospel peace 00:19:14.840 --> 00:19:15.900 is not simply 00:19:15.900 --> 00:19:16.480 for the Jews 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:17.620 it is for the Gentiles 00:19:17.620 --> 00:19:18.120 as well. 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:20.420 God offers 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:20.960 his peace 00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:21.860 to all men. 00:19:23.640 --> 00:19:24.420 So again 00:19:24.420 --> 00:19:25.440 this is what Paul says 00:19:25.440 --> 00:19:26.400 in Ephesians 2 00:19:26.400 --> 00:19:28.840 but now in Christ Jesus 00:19:28.840 --> 00:19:30.220 those who are far off 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:31.400 talking about Gentiles 00:19:31.400 --> 00:19:32.420 like you and me 00:19:32.420 --> 00:19:33.620 have been brought near 00:19:33.620 --> 00:19:34.200 through the blood 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:34.700 of Jesus 00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:37.460 for he himself 00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:38.640 is our peace 00:19:38.640 --> 00:19:39.920 he has made 00:19:39.920 --> 00:19:40.779 these two groups 00:19:40.779 --> 00:19:41.120 one 00:19:41.120 --> 00:19:42.180 Jew and Gentile 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:43.080 he has made them one 00:19:43.080 --> 00:19:44.360 destroying the barrier 00:19:44.360 --> 00:19:45.380 dividing the wall 00:19:45.380 --> 00:19:46.440 this dividing wall 00:19:46.440 --> 00:19:47.140 of hostility. 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:49.360 His purpose 00:19:49.360 --> 00:19:50.039 was to create 00:19:50.039 --> 00:19:50.680 in himself 00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:51.880 one new humanity 00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:52.500 out of two 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:54.180 thus making peace. 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:55.860 He came 00:19:55.860 --> 00:19:57.019 preaching peace 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:58.360 to you who are far off 00:19:58.360 --> 00:19:59.360 and peace to those 00:19:59.360 --> 00:20:00.279 who are near. 00:20:02.060 --> 00:20:03.080 This is true 00:20:03.080 --> 00:20:03.860 for us today 00:20:03.860 --> 00:20:04.320 certainly 00:20:04.320 --> 00:20:05.180 I would imagine 00:20:05.180 --> 00:20:06.019 most of us here 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:08.060 are of that 00:20:08.060 --> 00:20:09.019 Gentile tribe 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:09.259 right? 00:20:09.259 --> 00:20:10.180 we have been 00:20:10.180 --> 00:20:11.220 grafted into 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:11.920 God's family 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:12.900 so that the issue 00:20:12.900 --> 00:20:13.559 is not necessarily 00:20:13.559 --> 00:20:15.099 Jew or Greek 00:20:15.099 --> 00:20:15.460 today 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:16.039 it is a matter 00:20:16.039 --> 00:20:16.680 of unity 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:17.720 between all people 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:18.319 in the body 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:18.859 of Christ. 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:19.900 We are united 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:21.480 in Christ's spirit. 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:23.859 And so this is why 00:20:23.859 --> 00:20:24.519 Paul goes on 00:20:24.519 --> 00:20:25.039 to talk about 00:20:25.039 --> 00:20:25.940 the body of Christ 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.400 the church 00:20:26.400 --> 00:20:27.640 as the body of Christ 00:20:27.640 --> 00:20:28.579 we're equipped 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:29.220 for service 00:20:29.220 --> 00:20:29.859 we're built up 00:20:29.859 --> 00:20:30.259 in love 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:30.839 we're united 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:31.440 in faith. 00:20:33.119 --> 00:20:33.799 So again 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:34.539 a question for us 00:20:34.539 --> 00:20:34.900 this morning 00:20:34.900 --> 00:20:35.819 does this describe 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:36.420 our church? 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:39.420 are we a church 00:20:39.420 --> 00:20:40.539 that loves 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:41.660 to extend grace 00:20:41.660 --> 00:20:42.320 to one another 00:20:42.320 --> 00:20:43.800 rather than 00:20:43.800 --> 00:20:44.500 hold grudges? 00:20:46.080 --> 00:20:47.240 We talk a lot 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:47.900 about the value 00:20:47.900 --> 00:20:49.080 of community groups 00:20:49.080 --> 00:20:51.340 do we desire 00:20:51.340 --> 00:20:52.420 to spend time 00:20:52.420 --> 00:20:52.880 together 00:20:52.880 --> 00:20:54.180 around God's word 00:20:54.180 --> 00:20:56.080 in times of prayer 00:20:56.080 --> 00:20:56.900 and encouragement 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:58.320 as we put aside 00:20:58.320 --> 00:20:58.840 our work 00:20:58.840 --> 00:20:59.380 midweek 00:20:59.380 --> 00:21:01.680 or are we content 00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:02.260 to simply 00:21:02.260 --> 00:21:03.260 keep our distance 00:21:03.260 --> 00:21:04.580 to show up 00:21:04.580 --> 00:21:05.400 on a Sunday morning 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:07.720 and be no further 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.160 involved 00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:09.000 in the church? 00:21:09.600 --> 00:21:10.400 Do we long 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:10.900 to see 00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:11.500 to be a part 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:11.960 of the work 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:12.340 of the church 00:21:12.340 --> 00:21:13.320 extending the gospel 00:21:13.320 --> 00:21:14.080 to our community 00:21:14.080 --> 00:21:15.180 and to our city 00:21:15.180 --> 00:21:16.980 or do we pack 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:17.560 our schedules 00:21:17.560 --> 00:21:18.980 just so full 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:19.480 that we have 00:21:19.480 --> 00:21:20.040 no room 00:21:20.040 --> 00:21:20.760 to participate 00:21:20.760 --> 00:21:21.320 in the ministry 00:21:21.320 --> 00:21:21.860 of the church? 00:21:23.860 --> 00:21:24.460 I think one 00:21:24.460 --> 00:21:24.920 of the greatest 00:21:24.920 --> 00:21:25.400 witnesses 00:21:25.400 --> 00:21:26.500 that we can have 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:27.100 corporately 00:21:27.100 --> 00:21:28.000 as a church 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:29.559 is to demonstrate 00:21:29.559 --> 00:21:30.359 the love 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:31.380 of Christ 00:21:31.380 --> 00:21:32.980 to those around us. 00:21:35.140 --> 00:21:36.480 We want people 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:37.119 to come through 00:21:37.119 --> 00:21:37.660 our doors 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:38.440 to experience 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:39.059 the warmth 00:21:39.059 --> 00:21:40.079 of fellowship 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:40.680 and friendship. 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:43.160 We want the gospel 00:21:43.160 --> 00:21:44.079 to be portrayed 00:21:44.079 --> 00:21:45.059 in word 00:21:45.059 --> 00:21:45.960 and in deed 00:21:45.960 --> 00:21:46.700 in personal 00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:48.019 and intangible ways 00:21:48.019 --> 00:21:49.200 to those who don't 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:49.720 know Christ. 00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:53.220 And we see 00:21:53.220 --> 00:21:54.279 it should be 00:21:54.279 --> 00:21:54.660 our desire 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:55.359 not only for this 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:56.180 peace to be extended 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:57.039 in our community 00:21:57.039 --> 00:21:58.019 in our city 00:21:58.019 --> 00:21:58.480 but truly 00:21:58.480 --> 00:21:59.099 to the ends 00:21:59.099 --> 00:21:59.539 of the earth 00:21:59.539 --> 00:22:00.259 because this is 00:22:00.259 --> 00:22:01.579 what we see 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:02.519 at the very end 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:03.059 of the Bible 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:03.460 in the book 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:04.059 of Revelation 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:06.119 when every nation 00:22:06.119 --> 00:22:06.740 and tribe 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:07.299 and people 00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:08.200 and language 00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:09.879 come together 00:22:09.879 --> 00:22:10.559 and stand 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:11.299 before the throne 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:12.319 shouting salvation 00:22:12.319 --> 00:22:13.139 belongs 00:22:13.139 --> 00:22:14.379 to our God 00:22:14.379 --> 00:22:15.759 who sits 00:22:15.759 --> 00:22:16.359 on the throne 00:22:16.359 --> 00:22:17.079 and to the Lamb. 00:22:19.079 --> 00:22:19.879 And we long 00:22:19.879 --> 00:22:20.480 for this day 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:20.980 of peace 00:22:20.980 --> 00:22:22.059 when God's people 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:23.659 praise 00:22:23.660 --> 00:22:24.800 our Savior 00:22:24.800 --> 00:22:25.620 in unity 00:22:25.620 --> 00:22:28.380 giving praise 00:22:28.380 --> 00:22:29.180 to our King. 00:22:30.320 --> 00:22:31.540 This is the peace 00:22:31.540 --> 00:22:34.040 that the Prince 00:22:34.040 --> 00:22:34.440 of Peace 00:22:34.440 --> 00:22:35.259 gives our church. 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:37.600 And finally 00:22:37.600 --> 00:22:38.460 this last form 00:22:38.460 --> 00:22:38.980 of peace 00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:40.360 in inward peace. 00:22:41.580 --> 00:22:42.279 Many of you 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:42.759 probably know 00:22:42.759 --> 00:22:43.320 that the Princess 00:22:43.320 --> 00:22:43.800 of Wales 00:22:43.800 --> 00:22:44.779 hosted her annual 00:22:44.779 --> 00:22:45.920 Christmas service 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:46.960 just this past week 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:48.560 and as she usually does 00:22:48.560 --> 00:22:48.940 she wrote 00:22:48.940 --> 00:22:49.680 an open letter 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:50.300 to those who 00:22:50.300 --> 00:22:50.740 are attending 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:51.320 the service. 00:22:51.319 --> 00:22:52.740 and I read the letter 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:53.599 and I want to read 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:54.539 just a few excerpts 00:22:54.539 --> 00:22:55.279 from this letter. 00:22:56.899 --> 00:22:57.419 She began 00:22:57.419 --> 00:22:58.299 at its heart 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:59.419 Christmas speaks 00:22:59.419 --> 00:23:00.179 of love 00:23:00.179 --> 00:23:01.119 taking form 00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:02.039 in the simplest 00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:03.460 most human ways 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:05.759 not in sentimental 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.799 or grand gestures 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:07.759 but gentle ones. 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:09.460 These simple acts 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:09.879 of care 00:23:09.879 --> 00:23:10.859 might seem small 00:23:10.859 --> 00:23:12.419 but they contribute 00:23:12.419 --> 00:23:13.099 to the beautiful 00:23:13.099 --> 00:23:14.359 tapestry of life 00:23:14.359 --> 00:23:15.259 to which we belong. 00:23:16.339 --> 00:23:16.939 At a time 00:23:16.939 --> 00:23:17.500 when life 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:18.159 can sometimes 00:23:18.159 --> 00:23:19.059 feel fragmented 00:23:19.059 --> 00:23:19.700 and uncertain 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:21.039 the Christmas season 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:21.639 invites us 00:23:21.639 --> 00:23:22.039 to remember 00:23:22.039 --> 00:23:22.579 the power 00:23:22.579 --> 00:23:23.279 of reaching out 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:23.799 to one another 00:23:23.799 --> 00:23:24.420 with generosity 00:23:24.420 --> 00:23:24.920 of heart 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:25.839 understanding 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:26.339 and hope. 00:23:27.339 --> 00:23:27.980 As the year 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:28.879 draws to a close 00:23:28.879 --> 00:23:29.779 I hope this season 00:23:29.779 --> 00:23:30.500 will bring moments 00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:31.159 of peace 00:23:31.159 --> 00:23:32.099 and clarity 00:23:32.099 --> 00:23:33.200 and that you 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:33.480 will feel 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:34.079 surrounded 00:23:34.079 --> 00:23:34.819 by the same 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:35.539 love and care 00:23:35.539 --> 00:23:35.920 that you 00:23:35.920 --> 00:23:36.639 freely offer 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:37.079 others. 00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:39.659 It's a lovely 00:23:39.659 --> 00:23:40.500 sentiment perhaps 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:42.200 but pretty 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:43.000 devoid of truth. 00:23:44.619 --> 00:23:45.319 See the Princess 00:23:45.319 --> 00:23:46.159 she describes 00:23:46.159 --> 00:23:47.059 I think how many 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:47.920 people in our 00:23:47.920 --> 00:23:48.579 culture view 00:23:48.579 --> 00:23:49.240 Christianity 00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:49.819 excuse me 00:23:49.819 --> 00:23:50.759 view Christmas 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:52.200 there's this 00:23:52.200 --> 00:23:53.440 desire for peace 00:23:53.440 --> 00:23:55.799 but people 00:23:55.799 --> 00:23:56.420 don't think 00:23:56.420 --> 00:23:57.039 about a 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:58.119 divine love 00:23:58.119 --> 00:23:59.480 they concentrate 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:00.119 on a human 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:00.539 love. 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:02.879 They recognize 00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:03.720 disorder 00:24:03.720 --> 00:24:04.759 in our world 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:05.220 but they 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:06.240 think the 00:24:06.240 --> 00:24:06.799 simple remedy 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:07.359 to this world 00:24:07.359 --> 00:24:07.740 is simply 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:08.500 acts of kindness 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:09.240 toward one another. 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:11.740 The Bible 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:12.099 shows us 00:24:12.099 --> 00:24:12.619 something very 00:24:12.619 --> 00:24:13.059 different 00:24:13.059 --> 00:24:13.900 is that disorder 00:24:13.900 --> 00:24:14.500 is not simply 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:15.140 something that is 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:15.700 around us 00:24:15.700 --> 00:24:16.539 disorder is 00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:16.980 something that 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:17.940 is within us 00:24:17.940 --> 00:24:19.380 because of the 00:24:19.380 --> 00:24:20.019 fall our 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:21.019 very desires 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:22.820 are disordered 00:24:22.820 --> 00:24:24.279 and so we 00:24:24.279 --> 00:24:25.880 may long 00:24:25.880 --> 00:24:26.660 for wholeness 00:24:26.660 --> 00:24:27.700 but we try 00:24:27.700 --> 00:24:28.059 to find 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:29.039 solutions of 00:24:29.039 --> 00:24:29.660 our own 00:24:29.660 --> 00:24:32.039 that maybe 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.519 if I can 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:32.940 just get 00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:33.519 that job 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:34.019 promotion 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:35.140 then I'll 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:35.519 experience 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.220 satisfaction. 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:38.120 Maybe if I 00:24:38.120 --> 00:24:38.600 can only 00:24:38.600 --> 00:24:39.580 find a 00:24:39.580 --> 00:24:39.960 spouse 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:40.740 then I'll 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:41.519 feel complete. 00:24:42.360 --> 00:24:42.940 Maybe if I 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:43.680 can only do 00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:44.240 well on my 00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:44.700 exams 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.480 then I'll 00:24:45.480 --> 00:24:46.140 be satisfied. 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:48.100 Maybe if I 00:24:48.100 --> 00:24:48.779 can only 00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:49.740 fill in the 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:50.019 blank 00:24:50.019 --> 00:24:51.819 and then 00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:52.580 I'll feel 00:24:52.580 --> 00:24:53.019 peace in 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:53.519 my life. 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.019 And so 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:56.279 for the 00:24:56.279 --> 00:24:56.900 non-believer 00:24:56.900 --> 00:24:57.160 these 00:24:57.160 --> 00:24:58.059 disordered 00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:58.720 desires 00:24:58.720 --> 00:24:59.600 only bring 00:24:59.600 --> 00:25:00.100 about this 00:25:00.100 --> 00:25:00.680 constant 00:25:00.680 --> 00:25:01.360 striving 00:25:01.360 --> 00:25:02.160 and yearning 00:25:02.160 --> 00:25:03.340 hoping that 00:25:03.340 --> 00:25:03.700 we do 00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:04.200 enough good 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:04.460 things 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:05.019 hoping that 00:25:05.019 --> 00:25:05.620 we can 00:25:05.620 --> 00:25:06.039 collect 00:25:06.039 --> 00:25:06.299 enough 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:06.580 things 00:25:06.580 --> 00:25:06.920 to make 00:25:06.920 --> 00:25:07.080 us 00:25:07.080 --> 00:25:07.440 comfortable 00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:08.200 hoping that 00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:08.420 if we 00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:09.360 lean into 00:25:09.360 --> 00:25:09.640 the 00:25:09.640 --> 00:25:10.380 sentimentality 00:25:10.380 --> 00:25:10.740 of this 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:11.100 Christmas 00:25:11.100 --> 00:25:11.440 season 00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:11.920 with lights 00:25:11.920 --> 00:25:12.500 and songs 00:25:12.500 --> 00:25:13.400 and presents 00:25:13.400 --> 00:25:13.960 then we'll 00:25:13.960 --> 00:25:14.400 experience 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:14.860 peace. 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:17.340 But the 00:25:17.340 --> 00:25:17.920 Bible again 00:25:17.920 --> 00:25:18.360 tells a 00:25:18.360 --> 00:25:18.900 different story 00:25:18.900 --> 00:25:19.120 in the 00:25:19.120 --> 00:25:19.400 book of 00:25:19.400 --> 00:25:19.720 James 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:20.500 chapter 1 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:21.660 verse 14 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:22.079 it says 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:22.480 that each 00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:23.259 person is 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:23.720 tempted 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.480 when they 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:25.000 are dragged 00:25:25.000 --> 00:25:25.480 away by 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:25.940 their own 00:25:25.940 --> 00:25:26.400 desires 00:25:26.400 --> 00:25:27.140 and enticed 00:25:27.140 --> 00:25:28.860 and those 00:25:28.860 --> 00:25:29.600 desires when 00:25:29.600 --> 00:25:30.079 conceived 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:30.700 give birth 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:31.299 to sin 00:25:31.299 --> 00:25:32.440 and sin 00:25:32.440 --> 00:25:32.819 when it's 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:33.299 fully grown 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:33.819 give birth 00:25:33.819 --> 00:25:34.380 to death. 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:36.539 Our 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:37.019 disordered 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:37.779 desires don't 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:38.380 bring us 00:25:38.380 --> 00:25:38.860 life they 00:25:38.860 --> 00:25:39.620 only bring 00:25:39.620 --> 00:25:40.059 us death. 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:42.240 And so 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:42.680 even as 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.319 believers we 00:25:43.319 --> 00:25:43.700 may 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:44.500 experience 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.220 this 00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:45.660 tension. 00:25:47.539 --> 00:25:48.120 Because of 00:25:48.120 --> 00:25:48.580 the fall 00:25:48.580 --> 00:25:49.380 we've become 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:50.059 less than 00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:50.559 we ought 00:25:50.559 --> 00:25:51.059 to be. 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:51.920 Yes we've 00:25:51.920 --> 00:25:52.740 been reconciled 00:25:52.740 --> 00:25:53.080 to God 00:25:53.080 --> 00:25:53.840 but we still 00:25:53.840 --> 00:25:54.500 struggle with 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:54.900 the reality 00:25:54.900 --> 00:25:55.220 of our 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:55.460 sin. 00:25:56.600 --> 00:25:57.200 So we 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:57.779 want to 00:25:57.779 --> 00:25:58.160 obey God 00:25:58.160 --> 00:25:58.700 we want 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.039 to follow 00:25:59.039 --> 00:25:59.340 after him 00:25:59.340 --> 00:25:59.840 but also 00:25:59.840 --> 00:26:00.240 our sin 00:26:00.240 --> 00:26:00.480 nature 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.160 still pulls 00:26:01.160 --> 00:26:01.720 us away 00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:03.059 and we're 00:26:03.059 --> 00:26:03.519 so often 00:26:03.519 --> 00:26:04.240 tempted to 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:05.480 turn away 00:26:05.480 --> 00:26:06.039 from God. 00:26:07.180 --> 00:26:07.420 And so 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:08.319 often we are 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:08.819 at war 00:26:08.819 --> 00:26:09.059 with 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:09.580 ourselves. 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:11.740 but it's 00:26:11.740 --> 00:26:12.240 important to 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:13.000 realize that 00:26:13.000 --> 00:26:14.240 Jesus when 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:14.879 he restored 00:26:14.879 --> 00:26:15.639 our relationship 00:26:15.639 --> 00:26:16.220 to God 00:26:16.220 --> 00:26:16.480 when he 00:26:16.480 --> 00:26:17.019 provided this 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:17.399 means of 00:26:17.399 --> 00:26:17.839 salvation 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:18.359 his work 00:26:18.359 --> 00:26:18.720 does not 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:19.220 end there. 00:26:19.659 --> 00:26:20.159 He gives 00:26:20.159 --> 00:26:20.759 us his 00:26:20.759 --> 00:26:21.259 spirit that 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:21.559 we may 00:26:21.559 --> 00:26:22.759 also continue 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.240 to become 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:23.980 more and more 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.539 like Christ 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:24.899 in our 00:26:24.899 --> 00:26:25.539 sanctification. 00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:26.699 So yes he 00:26:26.699 --> 00:26:27.480 provides us 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:28.000 in inward 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:28.500 peace 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.240 through the 00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:29.679 restoration 00:26:29.679 --> 00:26:30.720 of our 00:26:30.720 --> 00:26:31.199 relationship 00:26:31.199 --> 00:26:31.679 with God 00:26:31.679 --> 00:26:31.980 but he 00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:32.720 also wants 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:33.059 us to 00:26:33.059 --> 00:26:33.720 grow in 00:26:33.720 --> 00:26:34.319 this peace 00:26:34.319 --> 00:26:35.259 through the 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:35.720 grace of 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:35.940 God 00:26:35.940 --> 00:26:36.339 working 00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:36.700 in our 00:26:36.700 --> 00:26:37.100 lives. 00:26:39.380 --> 00:26:39.579 And so 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:40.019 looking at 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:40.460 Philippians 00:26:40.460 --> 00:26:40.920 4 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:43.039 verse 7 00:26:43.039 --> 00:26:43.700 Paul says 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:44.079 this 00:26:44.079 --> 00:26:44.860 he says 00:26:44.860 --> 00:26:45.480 the peace 00:26:45.480 --> 00:26:46.059 of God 00:26:46.059 --> 00:26:47.039 which transcends 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:48.000 our understandings 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:48.500 will guard 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:49.180 our hearts 00:26:49.180 --> 00:26:50.180 and our minds 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:50.579 in Christ 00:26:50.579 --> 00:26:50.920 Jesus. 00:26:52.360 --> 00:26:52.700 And so 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:53.400 he encourages 00:26:53.400 --> 00:26:53.700 us 00:26:53.700 --> 00:26:54.200 whatever's 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:54.539 true 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:55.039 whatever's 00:26:55.039 --> 00:26:55.380 noble 00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:55.880 whatever's 00:26:55.880 --> 00:26:56.220 right 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:56.700 whatever's 00:26:56.700 --> 00:26:57.079 pure 00:26:57.079 --> 00:26:57.799 whatever's 00:26:57.799 --> 00:26:58.220 lovely 00:26:58.220 --> 00:26:58.720 whatever's 00:26:58.720 --> 00:26:59.180 admirable 00:26:59.180 --> 00:26:59.660 whatever's 00:26:59.660 --> 00:27:00.420 praiseworthy 00:27:00.420 --> 00:27:01.460 think about 00:27:01.460 --> 00:27:02.259 these things 00:27:02.259 --> 00:27:03.240 and the 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:03.720 God of 00:27:03.720 --> 00:27:03.980 peace 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:04.259 will be 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:04.700 with you. 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:07.120 As 00:27:07.120 --> 00:27:07.460 believers 00:27:07.460 --> 00:27:08.259 we grow 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:08.740 in the 00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:09.059 peace 00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:09.519 of God 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:09.860 as we 00:27:09.860 --> 00:27:10.299 grow in 00:27:10.299 --> 00:27:10.839 likeness 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:11.799 to Christ. 00:27:13.740 --> 00:27:14.480 But even 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:14.960 so 00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:16.579 there is 00:27:16.579 --> 00:27:17.039 maybe a 00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:17.480 sense of 00:27:17.480 --> 00:27:18.460 incompleteness 00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:20.500 because though 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.019 this peace 00:27:21.019 --> 00:27:21.600 is a gift 00:27:21.600 --> 00:27:21.960 to us 00:27:21.960 --> 00:27:22.559 maybe we 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:22.940 recognize 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:23.400 we don't 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:24.220 experience it 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:24.860 to its 00:27:24.860 --> 00:27:25.559 fullest extent 00:27:25.559 --> 00:27:25.880 now. 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:28.539 It's because 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:29.039 we live in 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:29.539 this period 00:27:29.539 --> 00:27:30.339 of the 00:27:30.339 --> 00:27:30.799 already 00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:31.200 and the 00:27:31.200 --> 00:27:31.759 not yet. 00:27:32.299 --> 00:27:32.539 And this 00:27:32.539 --> 00:27:32.900 is what we 00:27:32.900 --> 00:27:33.600 even celebrate 00:27:33.600 --> 00:27:34.039 at this 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:34.759 Advent season. 00:27:34.900 --> 00:27:35.400 We celebrate 00:27:35.400 --> 00:27:36.000 that Christ 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:36.800 has come 00:27:36.800 --> 00:27:37.620 but we're 00:27:37.620 --> 00:27:38.160 also looking 00:27:38.160 --> 00:27:38.580 forward to 00:27:38.580 --> 00:27:39.080 when Christ 00:27:39.080 --> 00:27:40.300 will return. 00:27:41.440 --> 00:27:42.000 He has 00:27:42.000 --> 00:27:42.519 come and 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:42.960 he's brought 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:43.480 us peace 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:43.840 but the 00:27:43.840 --> 00:27:44.840 full experience 00:27:44.840 --> 00:27:45.180 of that 00:27:45.180 --> 00:27:45.680 peace is 00:27:45.680 --> 00:27:46.100 still yet 00:27:46.100 --> 00:27:46.500 to come. 00:27:48.540 --> 00:27:48.780 And so 00:27:48.780 --> 00:27:49.240 that is 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:49.700 our hope. 00:27:51.360 --> 00:27:52.100 The promised 00:27:52.100 --> 00:27:52.620 bodily 00:27:52.620 --> 00:27:53.480 return of 00:27:53.480 --> 00:27:53.800 Jesus 00:27:53.800 --> 00:27:54.400 our Prince 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:54.780 of Peace 00:27:54.780 --> 00:27:55.060 who will 00:27:55.060 --> 00:27:55.500 establish 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:56.200 a new 00:27:56.200 --> 00:27:56.480 heaven 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.060 and a new 00:27:57.060 --> 00:27:57.340 earth 00:27:57.340 --> 00:27:58.120 a better 00:27:58.120 --> 00:27:58.440 Eden 00:27:58.440 --> 00:27:58.780 where we 00:27:58.780 --> 00:27:59.280 will once 00:27:59.280 --> 00:27:59.960 again enjoy 00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:00.620 perfect 00:28:00.620 --> 00:28:01.500 upward 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:02.060 outward 00:28:02.060 --> 00:28:02.820 and inward 00:28:02.820 --> 00:28:03.360 peace 00:28:03.359 --> 00:28:04.119 with our 00:28:04.119 --> 00:28:04.459 God. 00:28:05.959 --> 00:28:06.679 This is 00:28:06.679 --> 00:28:06.939 what's 00:28:06.939 --> 00:28:07.399 described 00:28:07.399 --> 00:28:07.699 at the 00:28:07.699 --> 00:28:07.979 end of 00:28:07.979 --> 00:28:08.099 our 00:28:08.099 --> 00:28:08.599 passage 00:28:08.599 --> 00:28:09.479 in 00:28:09.479 --> 00:28:09.679 verse 00:28:09.679 --> 00:28:10.000 7 00:28:10.000 --> 00:28:11.719 of the 00:28:11.719 --> 00:28:12.419 increase 00:28:12.419 --> 00:28:13.079 of his 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:13.479 government 00:28:13.479 --> 00:28:13.919 and of 00:28:13.919 --> 00:28:14.359 the peace 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:14.899 there will 00:28:14.899 --> 00:28:15.299 be no 00:28:15.299 --> 00:28:15.619 end. 00:28:15.619 --> 00:28:16.879 On the 00:28:16.879 --> 00:28:17.379 throne of 00:28:17.379 --> 00:28:17.679 David 00:28:17.679 --> 00:28:18.139 and over 00:28:18.139 --> 00:28:18.740 his kingdom 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:19.459 to establish 00:28:19.459 --> 00:28:19.859 it and 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:20.319 uphold it 00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:21.099 with justice 00:28:21.099 --> 00:28:21.819 and with 00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:22.379 righteousness 00:28:22.379 --> 00:28:23.079 from this 00:28:23.079 --> 00:28:23.759 time forth 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:24.599 and forever 00:28:24.599 --> 00:28:24.899 more. 00:28:26.639 --> 00:28:27.500 And so 00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:28.139 is this 00:28:28.139 --> 00:28:29.139 our hope? 00:28:29.140 --> 00:28:30.440 because this 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:30.720 is a 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:31.120 prophecy 00:28:31.120 --> 00:28:32.160 that is 00:28:32.160 --> 00:28:32.600 true 00:28:32.600 --> 00:28:33.900 and is 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:34.140 also 00:28:34.140 --> 00:28:34.480 coming 00:28:34.480 --> 00:28:34.800 true. 00:28:35.900 --> 00:28:36.520 Because 00:28:36.520 --> 00:28:37.020 Jesus 00:28:37.020 --> 00:28:38.440 Christ 00:28:38.440 --> 00:28:38.860 our 00:28:38.860 --> 00:28:39.200 Prince 00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:39.580 of Peace 00:28:39.580 --> 00:28:40.420 has come 00:28:40.420 --> 00:28:41.140 and he 00:28:41.140 --> 00:28:41.780 is coming 00:28:41.780 --> 00:28:42.500 again 00:28:42.500 --> 00:28:42.960 to bring 00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:43.540 full 00:28:43.540 --> 00:28:44.420 restoration 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:45.080 full 00:28:45.080 --> 00:28:46.120 completeness 00:28:46.120 --> 00:28:46.860 full 00:28:46.860 --> 00:28:47.500 harmony 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:48.259 between 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:48.780 God 00:28:48.780 --> 00:28:49.220 and man. 00:28:50.980 --> 00:28:51.200 And so 00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:51.759 may this 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:52.240 be something 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:52.600 that we 00:28:52.600 --> 00:28:53.300 marvel at 00:28:53.300 --> 00:28:54.480 this Christmas 00:28:54.480 --> 00:28:54.840 season. 00:28:55.920 --> 00:28:56.480 Let's 00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:56.700 pray. 00:28:59.140 --> 00:29:04.040 Heavenly 00:29:04.040 --> 00:29:04.520 Father we 00:29:04.520 --> 00:29:04.980 thank you 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:05.600 for sending 00:29:05.600 --> 00:29:06.259 your son 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:06.800 as our 00:29:06.800 --> 00:29:07.080 Prince 00:29:07.080 --> 00:29:07.640 of Peace. 00:29:08.600 --> 00:29:09.480 We thank 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:09.800 you though 00:29:09.800 --> 00:29:10.640 we are 00:29:10.640 --> 00:29:11.280 responsible 00:29:11.280 --> 00:29:12.220 for sin 00:29:12.220 --> 00:29:13.860 you have 00:29:13.860 --> 00:29:14.520 desired to 00:29:14.520 --> 00:29:15.140 restore 00:29:15.140 --> 00:29:15.480 our 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:16.060 relationship. 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:17.580 And so 00:29:17.580 --> 00:29:18.220 we recognize 00:29:18.220 --> 00:29:18.780 Father that 00:29:18.780 --> 00:29:19.280 is nothing 00:29:19.280 --> 00:29:19.660 that we 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.180 can do 00:29:20.180 --> 00:29:21.780 to make 00:29:21.780 --> 00:29:22.120 ourselves 00:29:22.120 --> 00:29:22.620 right before 00:29:22.620 --> 00:29:22.900 you. 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:24.980 But we 00:29:24.980 --> 00:29:25.300 come to 00:29:25.300 --> 00:29:25.820 the cross 00:29:25.820 --> 00:29:27.140 and we 00:29:27.140 --> 00:29:27.720 claim the 00:29:27.720 --> 00:29:28.080 blood of 00:29:28.080 --> 00:29:28.340 Jesus. 00:29:29.140 --> 00:29:30.020 who brings 00:29:30.020 --> 00:29:30.340 us 00:29:30.340 --> 00:29:30.800 peace. 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:32.600 And so 00:29:32.600 --> 00:29:33.020 may the 00:29:33.020 --> 00:29:33.759 reality of 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:34.080 that peace 00:29:34.080 --> 00:29:34.720 transcend 00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:35.520 our lives 00:29:35.520 --> 00:29:35.740 and our 00:29:35.740 --> 00:29:36.259 relationship 00:29:36.259 --> 00:29:36.880 with others 00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:37.180 and our 00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:37.660 relationship 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:38.240 with you. 00:29:39.380 --> 00:29:39.860 A peace 00:29:39.860 --> 00:29:40.340 that simply 00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:40.980 doesn't come 00:29:40.980 --> 00:29:41.780 through sentimentality 00:29:41.780 --> 00:29:42.220 at Christmas 00:29:42.220 --> 00:29:42.780 but a peace 00:29:42.780 --> 00:29:43.220 that comes 00:29:43.220 --> 00:29:43.480 in the 00:29:43.480 --> 00:29:43.860 confidence 00:29:43.860 --> 00:29:44.820 of Jesus' 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:45.259 work on 00:29:45.259 --> 00:29:45.680 the cross. 00:29:47.060 --> 00:29:47.700 May we 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.160 live with 00:29:48.160 --> 00:29:48.560 that joy 00:29:48.560 --> 00:29:49.060 and confidence 00:29:49.060 --> 00:29:49.440 today. 00:29:50.580 --> 00:29:51.000 We pray 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:51.280 this in 00:29:51.280 --> 00:29:51.520 Jesus' 00:29:51.720 --> 00:29:51.900 name. 00:29:52.640 --> 00:29:52.940 Amen. 00:29:55.759 --> 00:29:56.440 We have 00:29:56.440 --> 00:29:56.980 one final 00:29:56.980 --> 00:29:57.600 hymn of 00:29:57.600 --> 00:29:58.140 praise. 00:29:58.140 --> 00:29:59.040 Good Christian 00:29:59.040 --> 00:30:00.200 men rejoice. 00:30:00.420 --> 00:30:00.920 Please stand 00:30:00.920 --> 00:30:01.120 and we'll 00:30:01.120 --> 00:30:01.600 sing together. 00:30:01.600 --> 00:30:01.700 Amen. 00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:17.800 Good Christian 00:30:17.800 --> 00:30:19.600 men rejoice 00:30:19.599 --> 00:30:21.679 with heart 00:30:21.679 --> 00:30:22.579 and soul 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:24.379 and voice. 00:30:24.879 --> 00:30:25.819 Give ye 00:30:25.819 --> 00:30:26.699 heed to 00:30:26.699 --> 00:30:27.639 what we 00:30:27.639 --> 00:30:28.219 say. 00:30:28.740 --> 00:30:30.319 Jesus Christ 00:30:30.319 --> 00:30:31.339 was born 00:30:31.339 --> 00:30:32.179 this day. 00:30:32.740 --> 00:30:33.799 Walks and 00:30:33.799 --> 00:30:34.319 ass 00:30:34.319 --> 00:30:35.759 before him 00:30:35.759 --> 00:30:36.379 bow 00:30:36.379 --> 00:30:37.299 and he 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:38.480 is in 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:39.579 the manger 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:40.339 now. 00:30:40.859 --> 00:30:41.519 Christ 00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:42.459 is born 00:30:42.459 --> 00:30:43.339 today. 00:30:44.879 --> 00:30:45.599 Christ 00:30:45.599 --> 00:30:46.639 is born 00:30:46.639 --> 00:30:47.480 today. 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:49.480 Bluetooth 00:30:49.480 --> 00:30:50.480 Bluetooth 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:50.480 00:31:17.480 --> 00:31:33.680 this. Christ is born for this. Good Christian men rejoice with heart and soul and voice. 00:31:33.680 --> 00:31:44.759 Now ye need not fear the grave. Jesus Christ was born to save. Calls you one and calls 00:31:44.759 --> 00:31:58.119 you all to gain his everlasting hope. Christ was born to save. Christ was born to save. 00:32:02.700 --> 00:32:10.059 Now hear these familiar words of God's blessing to his people. The Lord bless you and keep you. The 00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:16.839 Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face to you and give you peace.