WEBVTT 00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:11.859 Good morning everyone. Good to see you all. Welcome. I don't know whether you have ever been to a royal event. 00:00:12.759 --> 00:00:22.339 If you have, you will know. Maybe the Queen or one of the members of the royal family that are opening something, a building or something similar. 00:00:22.339 --> 00:00:33.140 But it's something to behold. If you have been to one of those, and I've been to many, I've been paid for it as well, which is really nice. 00:00:33.640 --> 00:00:40.179 But it smells of paint and polish. You know, everything is bright, sparklingly new. 00:00:40.740 --> 00:00:45.620 But there is something, something special about the crowd that gathers. 00:00:45.619 --> 00:00:53.479 Many of them have been there. They want to sleep overnight. They've been there and there is this expectation. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:01:00.420 People have come along with their flags, whatever, because they want to be part of this event, 00:01:00.619 --> 00:01:06.679 just to get a view or a fleeting glimpse of royalty as they pass by. 00:01:06.680 --> 00:01:18.180 And in the minutes and hours that precede this, the expectation and energy in the crowd grow and grow and grow. 00:01:18.680 --> 00:01:23.880 You know, the crowd are anticipating something amazing that's going to happen. 00:01:24.620 --> 00:01:31.719 And then having waited all this time, you get a police outrider with blue lights that come. 00:01:32.020 --> 00:01:35.240 There's an energy that builds. This is about to happen. 00:01:35.239 --> 00:01:38.399 Then you get a couple of black Range Rovers that come through. 00:01:38.659 --> 00:01:40.219 What's all that about, people say. 00:01:40.739 --> 00:01:46.039 And then you get the outriders come and people start to cheer. 00:01:46.299 --> 00:01:51.759 You hear the cheering from down the road where the cortege is starting to come through. 00:01:52.139 --> 00:01:58.699 And then for that moment, people will grab whatever they can, shout and scream and wave, 00:01:59.099 --> 00:02:01.759 because that's what they've been waiting for. 00:02:01.760 --> 00:02:07.960 People are clamoring to get a glimpse of the person that they've been waiting for. 00:02:09.819 --> 00:02:17.819 The issue here is that this is a thing that people have been waiting for, 00:02:18.099 --> 00:02:21.219 not overnight, not for a few hours. 00:02:21.939 --> 00:02:27.060 People have been waiting a lifetime and even more for the Messiah to arrive. 00:02:27.060 --> 00:02:33.280 And so as we read about this morning, they don't get the flashing lights from the Range Rovers, 00:02:33.520 --> 00:02:39.080 but their expectation is through the roof because the Messiah is coming. 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:40.939 They've heard the stories. 00:02:41.400 --> 00:02:45.620 They've seen and also maybe some of them have brought back those stories. 00:02:45.620 --> 00:02:48.599 So all their friends have come out and they're looking, 00:02:48.740 --> 00:02:53.140 they're going to see this person who will make a huge difference. 00:02:53.259 --> 00:02:55.920 Can you imagine what the atmosphere was like? 00:02:56.180 --> 00:02:58.460 Maybe we caught a glimpse of it on the clip. 00:02:58.740 --> 00:03:05.780 People ripping down whatever they could, palm leaves to wave and lay before Jesus. 00:03:05.780 --> 00:03:16.500 The difference is that each one of them had a different expectation of who this Messiah was going to be. 00:03:17.620 --> 00:03:25.259 They had already maybe in their own mind decided what they wanted Jesus to be before they'd even met him. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:30.960 You know, you see, some of these people thought the Messiah, Jesus, would come like a warrior 00:03:30.960 --> 00:03:37.680 who would come, raise up a revolution, get hold of the Romans, and we would chuck them all out 00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:40.920 and things would be totally different. 00:03:42.500 --> 00:03:45.280 Some wanted him to be a political figure. 00:03:46.140 --> 00:03:49.560 Maybe some wanted him to be like a celebrity rabbi, 00:03:49.980 --> 00:03:55.659 to come along and just make people very, very happy and do well. 00:03:55.980 --> 00:03:58.200 Everybody had a different expectation. 00:03:58.199 --> 00:04:02.519 The leaders, of course, had decided that Jesus had to go. 00:04:03.019 --> 00:04:08.019 Because Jesus was there, they saw in their mind, to threaten the status quo. 00:04:08.299 --> 00:04:12.280 They had the power, they had control, there was no change here. 00:04:12.799 --> 00:04:17.139 There was going to be no change at all, because that's the way they wanted it, 00:04:17.279 --> 00:04:19.139 to keep it nice and tidy. 00:04:19.500 --> 00:04:21.399 Yet there's a clue in this story. 00:04:21.980 --> 00:04:28.039 There's a clue in this story that they didn't get because they didn't know Jesus. 00:04:28.199 --> 00:04:30.620 And that's the donkey. 00:04:32.939 --> 00:04:36.039 You see, warriors come on a horse. 00:04:36.519 --> 00:04:38.740 They come with an army with them. 00:04:38.819 --> 00:04:40.719 They come with people that are trained. 00:04:41.719 --> 00:04:49.480 But this, this warrior, this Jesus, this King of Kings, comes on a donkey. 00:04:49.480 --> 00:04:55.980 With a ragtag group of men around him, his disciples. 00:04:57.180 --> 00:05:01.840 Maybe it isn't already what people expect it to be. 00:05:02.540 --> 00:05:06.240 The King of Kings comes in humility and peace. 00:05:06.240 --> 00:05:11.860 You see, we've all got a decision to make. 00:05:11.960 --> 00:05:13.740 That's what the four-point gospel is about. 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:15.480 That's what the question is about. 00:05:15.819 --> 00:05:17.639 We have this question here. 00:05:18.120 --> 00:05:23.079 You see, to think, because Jesus asked his disciples before this very day, 00:05:23.540 --> 00:05:24.980 this very important question. 00:05:24.980 --> 00:05:29.140 Who do you say that the Son of Man is? 00:05:30.200 --> 00:05:31.800 Who do you say that I am? 00:05:33.439 --> 00:05:36.680 They replied, some said John the Baptist, others said Elijah, 00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:39.439 and still others Jeremiah and one of the prophets. 00:05:39.580 --> 00:05:44.400 You see, some people already write Jesus off before they know him. 00:05:45.480 --> 00:05:48.439 And that's the essence of the decision today. 00:05:48.439 --> 00:05:52.219 But what Jesus asked them is, said, what about you? 00:05:53.219 --> 00:05:54.279 What about you? 00:05:54.540 --> 00:05:57.060 Who do you say that I am? 00:05:58.180 --> 00:06:02.000 And that's the important question that we have to ask ourselves 00:06:02.000 --> 00:06:03.420 at the beginning of Holy Week. 00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:07.560 Because Simon Peter, the one who thinks, who gets, 00:06:07.699 --> 00:06:11.079 I think Simon gets a really unfair press this week. 00:06:11.800 --> 00:06:14.819 You know, the one who tries to stay close to Jesus. 00:06:14.819 --> 00:06:16.259 All the rest have gone. 00:06:16.899 --> 00:06:20.439 He's the one that goes up to that campfire on that night. 00:06:20.579 --> 00:06:25.079 Yeah, okay, he denies him when he's actually faced with the crunch 00:06:25.079 --> 00:06:27.459 of taking up his cross and following him. 00:06:27.639 --> 00:06:29.420 But he stayed close. 00:06:30.540 --> 00:06:32.100 He tried to stay close. 00:06:32.300 --> 00:06:34.459 And it's him who says, you are the Messiah, 00:06:34.860 --> 00:06:36.360 the Son of the living God. 00:06:36.399 --> 00:06:37.120 He got it. 00:06:40.500 --> 00:06:43.579 Effectively, the question is, do you know me? 00:06:44.819 --> 00:06:48.560 In those dark days 2,000 years ago and today, 00:06:48.699 --> 00:06:51.480 Jesus says, I am the light of the world. 00:06:53.000 --> 00:06:55.279 Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, 00:06:55.639 --> 00:06:58.240 but will have the light of life. 00:06:58.339 --> 00:07:00.219 You see, on this day in Jerusalem, 00:07:00.600 --> 00:07:02.399 lots of people have made up their minds 00:07:02.399 --> 00:07:04.600 what they wanted him to be. 00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:08.079 And they became very quickly disillusioned 00:07:08.860 --> 00:07:12.019 because he didn't fit with how they wanted it. 00:07:12.019 --> 00:07:14.879 Without really getting to know him. 00:07:14.979 --> 00:07:16.419 Maybe that's still true today. 00:07:17.899 --> 00:07:19.319 Maybe that is true today. 00:07:20.079 --> 00:07:21.939 The people who say, Jesus, you are the Messiah, 00:07:22.039 --> 00:07:23.079 but do you really know me? 00:07:23.819 --> 00:07:26.079 Do you really, really know me? 00:07:28.799 --> 00:07:31.019 In our four-part gospel, we ask the question, 00:07:31.159 --> 00:07:32.680 how well do I really know Jesus? 00:07:32.899 --> 00:07:35.079 Because there is a cost to relationship. 00:07:35.439 --> 00:07:37.599 We all know that there's a cost to a relationship. 00:07:37.600 --> 00:07:41.000 You know, it's my 40th wedding anniversary this year. 00:07:41.460 --> 00:07:43.379 I know there's a cost to a relationship. 00:07:43.720 --> 00:07:45.939 We all do, for those of us who have been married. 00:07:46.060 --> 00:07:48.580 It's not, you know, you work at it every day, don't you? 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:49.860 It's true. 00:07:51.740 --> 00:07:54.960 But in this thing, Jesus calls us friends, 00:07:55.840 --> 00:07:58.240 but we've got to invest in that relationship. 00:07:59.640 --> 00:08:01.300 You know, maybe there's many of us here 00:08:01.300 --> 00:08:04.520 who have done Easter and Lent many, many times. 00:08:04.519 --> 00:08:08.180 You know, and for us, it becomes a week. 00:08:08.379 --> 00:08:09.339 Oh, there's the week. 00:08:09.439 --> 00:08:10.180 We've done Lent. 00:08:10.299 --> 00:08:10.859 That's it. 00:08:11.060 --> 00:08:12.259 I've given up my chocolate, 00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:13.839 but now I can have it on Easter day. 00:08:14.099 --> 00:08:15.279 You know, that's fine. 00:08:15.899 --> 00:08:19.159 But maybe, maybe this year, for one year, 00:08:19.500 --> 00:08:21.060 just Jesus asks us the question 00:08:21.060 --> 00:08:22.599 and looks at us directly and said, 00:08:22.899 --> 00:08:24.620 who do you say that I am? 00:08:24.799 --> 00:08:26.639 And what's it about our relationship? 00:08:28.159 --> 00:08:29.779 Where have we taken our relationship 00:08:29.779 --> 00:08:31.199 for granted with you, Jesus? 00:08:31.519 --> 00:08:33.699 Where has it just been maybe one-sided 00:08:33.700 --> 00:08:35.840 that we use you like a magic charm? 00:08:36.280 --> 00:08:38.100 You know, when things go wrong, 00:08:38.180 --> 00:08:40.200 oh, I'll pray to you then when things go wrong. 00:08:40.400 --> 00:08:42.020 But where are we on Monday morning? 00:08:42.660 --> 00:08:44.580 Where are we at five o'clock this afternoon 00:08:44.580 --> 00:08:45.640 when we've all left here? 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:46.580 Where are we? 00:08:46.620 --> 00:08:47.740 We're in the mess of life. 00:08:48.140 --> 00:08:50.960 That is what builds the relationship, 00:08:51.680 --> 00:08:54.220 is the relationship isn't just all sunshine. 00:08:54.640 --> 00:08:57.280 As we know, it's about tough times as well. 00:08:58.200 --> 00:09:01.160 And many people follow celebrities on social media. 00:09:01.159 --> 00:09:03.539 You know, people boast, don't they? 00:09:03.559 --> 00:09:05.500 Oh, I follow so-and-so on social media. 00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:09.319 In fact, celebrities themselves will boast to say, 00:09:09.659 --> 00:09:12.740 so many people follow me on social media. 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:16.039 But does the celebrity know you? 00:09:18.120 --> 00:09:19.759 Do you know this celebrity? 00:09:19.759 --> 00:09:24.519 You know, we've got to be careful about who we follow. 00:09:25.019 --> 00:09:28.600 And in that following, Jesus offers us not just to follow him, 00:09:28.799 --> 00:09:30.840 but to come into a deep, deep relationship 00:09:30.840 --> 00:09:32.500 if we choose to do that. 00:09:34.100 --> 00:09:36.519 The question doesn't go away for us. 00:09:36.659 --> 00:09:38.480 Jesus died for me. 00:09:39.139 --> 00:09:43.319 This is a personal for many of us this week. 00:09:43.320 --> 00:09:45.420 Deeply personal. 00:09:46.200 --> 00:09:48.700 And maybe for many of us, it will be deeper still 00:09:48.700 --> 00:09:52.080 as we go deeper, deeper into our relationship with him. 00:09:52.660 --> 00:09:55.760 You know, the question doesn't go away from every follower 00:09:55.760 --> 00:09:59.460 where Jesus says, who do you say that I am? 00:09:59.760 --> 00:10:01.540 Not who do we say corporately you are, 00:10:01.720 --> 00:10:04.100 but who do you say personally in your life? 00:10:04.500 --> 00:10:07.180 You know, who do you say when I'm at work or shopping 00:10:07.180 --> 00:10:08.340 or raising children? 00:10:08.800 --> 00:10:11.740 Who do you say that I am when I'm starting a new relationship? 00:10:11.740 --> 00:10:14.399 Who do you say I am this afternoon? 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:15.639 Who do you say? 00:10:15.960 --> 00:10:20.700 How much will you make Jesus known in our relationship 00:10:20.700 --> 00:10:25.039 to the community that we know and we share with every day? 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:29.039 In our decision-making about how much, 00:10:29.360 --> 00:10:32.620 who do you say that I am when the conversation 00:10:32.620 --> 00:10:36.399 turns to religion in a pub or a social setting? 00:10:37.379 --> 00:10:39.919 Do we shrink away as chameleon Christians? 00:10:39.919 --> 00:10:42.860 Or do we stand out there and say, 00:10:43.139 --> 00:10:45.059 you know, what did you do over the weekend? 00:10:45.219 --> 00:10:46.679 Oh, I went to church. 00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:48.500 What on earth do you do that for? 00:10:49.419 --> 00:10:51.459 Because Jesus is my Lord and Savior 00:10:51.459 --> 00:10:53.799 and it makes a difference to my life and I know him. 00:10:53.879 --> 00:10:54.759 Do you want to know him as well? 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:58.479 Because I can talk to you all day about him 00:10:58.479 --> 00:11:00.579 as I would talk to you about a friend. 00:11:02.099 --> 00:11:03.980 We think it's so difficult, don't we? 00:11:03.980 --> 00:11:06.279 But when you're deeply in love with somebody, 00:11:06.379 --> 00:11:08.159 when you're in a relationship with somebody, 00:11:08.600 --> 00:11:10.899 if you know, if you remember that first love, 00:11:11.279 --> 00:11:13.100 you don't stop talking about them, do you? 00:11:15.560 --> 00:11:17.639 Who do you say that I am? 00:11:19.600 --> 00:11:23.820 It's a nine-year-old chorister with my little white ruff. 00:11:24.680 --> 00:11:26.740 There I was, butter couldn't melt, 00:11:26.980 --> 00:11:30.940 totally angelic on Good Friday in church. 00:11:30.940 --> 00:11:35.620 There we were in the middle of what would have been described 00:11:35.620 --> 00:11:37.100 as a solemn mass. 00:11:38.360 --> 00:11:40.200 And through the incense, 00:11:40.540 --> 00:11:45.980 I could see in the front row a man. 00:11:46.060 --> 00:11:47.440 Now, we were quite high church 00:11:47.440 --> 00:11:53.000 and people weren't given over to expressing much emotion openly. 00:11:53.000 --> 00:11:56.639 But there was this man in the front seat, 00:11:57.220 --> 00:12:00.980 gazing at the cross and openly weeping. 00:12:03.659 --> 00:12:06.019 And I looked at him as a nine-year-old 00:12:06.019 --> 00:12:06.899 and I thought, 00:12:07.559 --> 00:12:10.139 you know who Jesus is, don't you? 00:12:11.039 --> 00:12:13.000 Because you're feeling the pain. 00:12:14.019 --> 00:12:15.500 You know the relationship. 00:12:16.539 --> 00:12:16.899 Why? 00:12:17.419 --> 00:12:19.299 Because this is personal. 00:12:19.299 --> 00:12:22.399 And when it gets personal, 00:12:22.839 --> 00:12:23.779 it gets real. 00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:27.779 Who do you say that I am? 00:12:28.979 --> 00:12:31.419 Who do you say that I am 00:12:31.419 --> 00:12:33.459 that makes it personal 00:12:33.459 --> 00:12:35.259 and makes it real? 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:35.319 Well, 00:12:35.879 --> 00:12:45.939 God takes me back to that moment 00:12:45.939 --> 00:12:48.919 again and again and again. 00:12:49.899 --> 00:12:51.979 I don't know what your reminder is 00:12:51.979 --> 00:12:55.379 of that relationship with Jesus and the cross 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:57.059 and everything that he did. 00:12:58.259 --> 00:12:59.579 We're very fortunate 00:12:59.579 --> 00:13:02.159 because we have the opportunity 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:03.839 to know that Easter Day happens. 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:06.519 We know the glorious resurrection. 00:13:06.519 --> 00:13:10.500 which is why I think the relationship 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:11.659 should be even deeper 00:13:11.659 --> 00:13:13.899 because we know 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:15.279 what he has done 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:17.179 for each and every one of us 00:13:17.179 --> 00:13:18.159 in our lives 00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:19.299 in different ways 00:13:19.299 --> 00:13:20.960 and the hope we have. 00:13:21.199 --> 00:13:22.740 Somebody asked me this week, 00:13:23.059 --> 00:13:23.919 what do you feel 00:13:23.919 --> 00:13:25.480 when you press the button 00:13:25.480 --> 00:13:26.519 at a crematorium 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:28.460 before the curtains come round? 00:13:28.460 --> 00:13:30.780 And the beauty is 00:13:30.780 --> 00:13:32.360 none of us have to judge 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:33.300 one another, do we? 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:36.100 Because we all have the choice 00:13:36.100 --> 00:13:37.580 of that relationship with Jesus 00:13:37.580 --> 00:13:39.160 and what we make 00:13:39.160 --> 00:13:40.660 that relationship with Jesus 00:13:40.660 --> 00:13:42.580 on that great day 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:43.600 when we will meet him 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:44.759 face to face. 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:45.900 So, 00:13:46.080 --> 00:13:47.200 who do you say I am? 00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:49.160 Is it a Sunday fix? 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:51.300 Here for the tough times? 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:53.200 Maybe something else 00:13:53.200 --> 00:13:54.320 to do on a Sunday morning? 00:13:55.980 --> 00:13:56.379 No. 00:13:57.320 --> 00:13:59.120 Or are you so passionate 00:13:59.120 --> 00:13:59.960 about Jesus 00:13:59.960 --> 00:14:02.020 that you say 00:14:02.020 --> 00:14:02.780 I'll follow you? 00:14:04.160 --> 00:14:04.480 You know, 00:14:04.580 --> 00:14:05.220 I'll serve 00:14:05.220 --> 00:14:07.020 on the children's team 00:14:07.020 --> 00:14:07.940 on a Sunday morning. 00:14:08.780 --> 00:14:10.140 I'll come an extra Sunday 00:14:10.140 --> 00:14:11.600 and be part of the children's team. 00:14:11.940 --> 00:14:12.600 We need people 00:14:12.600 --> 00:14:13.600 on the children's team. 00:14:13.940 --> 00:14:14.640 Put your hand up 00:14:14.640 --> 00:14:15.140 and volunteer. 00:14:16.580 --> 00:14:17.680 I'll join a home group 00:14:17.680 --> 00:14:19.240 because I want to know more 00:14:19.240 --> 00:14:20.120 and I want to know 00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:20.900 from other people. 00:14:21.040 --> 00:14:21.580 I want to build 00:14:21.580 --> 00:14:22.360 that relationship 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:23.160 with you, Jesus. 00:14:24.200 --> 00:14:25.879 When I do my finances, 00:14:26.300 --> 00:14:27.280 I'll make sure 00:14:27.280 --> 00:14:28.700 that the life and mission 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:29.480 of Christchurch 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:30.360 and what you're doing 00:14:30.360 --> 00:14:31.379 is at the top 00:14:31.379 --> 00:14:32.480 of my direct debits 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:33.400 and standing orders 00:14:33.400 --> 00:14:34.900 rather than near the bottom. 00:14:36.540 --> 00:14:38.540 I'll do what you want me to do, Lord, 00:14:38.600 --> 00:14:39.759 because I'm in a relationship 00:14:39.759 --> 00:14:40.400 with you 00:14:40.400 --> 00:14:41.800 and it's so important. 00:14:42.460 --> 00:14:44.140 I want you to know you more 00:14:44.140 --> 00:14:46.140 in every area of my life 00:14:46.140 --> 00:14:46.740 and serving. 00:14:47.080 --> 00:14:48.780 That's why people come to Alpha. 00:14:50.180 --> 00:14:51.020 And that's more challenge 00:14:51.020 --> 00:14:52.480 to everybody here in the church. 00:14:52.480 --> 00:14:53.899 If we're so passionate 00:14:53.899 --> 00:14:54.879 about this person, 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:56.539 I'd want you to meet my friend. 00:14:57.740 --> 00:14:59.360 I'd want you to meet the person 00:14:59.360 --> 00:15:00.440 who makes a difference 00:15:00.440 --> 00:15:02.980 to every part of my life. 00:15:04.300 --> 00:15:05.379 Wouldn't I want that 00:15:05.379 --> 00:15:06.639 for everybody that I know? 00:15:07.639 --> 00:15:09.060 The invitations are on there 00:15:09.060 --> 00:15:09.740 on the table. 00:15:10.080 --> 00:15:10.539 Take one. 00:15:10.659 --> 00:15:11.700 I would love everybody 00:15:11.700 --> 00:15:12.399 in the church 00:15:12.399 --> 00:15:14.100 to bring a friend 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:14.960 to Alpha 00:15:14.960 --> 00:15:16.159 or two 00:15:16.159 --> 00:15:17.159 or three 00:15:17.159 --> 00:15:18.779 or even your street. 00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:20.199 that might be even good. 00:15:21.919 --> 00:15:23.279 That's why people come. 00:15:24.899 --> 00:15:26.379 But it starts with us. 00:15:26.919 --> 00:15:27.600 Jesus asks, 00:15:27.980 --> 00:15:29.360 who do you say that I am? 00:15:29.679 --> 00:15:31.480 Come and show me 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:32.720 who you are 00:15:32.720 --> 00:15:35.120 so that I can know you better. 00:15:35.240 --> 00:15:36.539 There is no better week 00:15:36.539 --> 00:15:37.539 than this week 00:15:37.539 --> 00:15:39.480 to read your Bible 00:15:39.480 --> 00:15:41.240 step by step 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:42.879 and come to know Jesus. 00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:45.740 of everything that he did, 00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:47.240 everything he went through 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:48.419 as a friend 00:15:48.419 --> 00:15:50.039 for each and every one of us. 00:15:50.399 --> 00:15:51.000 And then, 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:52.539 and then, 00:15:53.340 --> 00:15:54.419 we know. 00:15:54.419 --> 00:15:57.639 because everything he did for us 00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:59.939 makes me want to do more for him 00:15:59.939 --> 00:16:01.199 in our relationship. 00:16:01.959 --> 00:16:03.479 It's as simple as that. 00:16:04.399 --> 00:16:06.519 This could be a life-changing week. 00:16:06.599 --> 00:16:08.319 I think it's a Lent like no others, 00:16:08.839 --> 00:16:09.339 personally, 00:16:09.839 --> 00:16:11.500 to come and engage with Jesus. 00:16:12.959 --> 00:16:13.799 And instead of us 00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:15.620 just handing out a palm cross, 00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:17.240 when you're ready, 00:16:17.639 --> 00:16:18.679 when you are ready 00:16:18.679 --> 00:16:22.079 to come and pick up a palm cross 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:24.660 for whatever you feel 00:16:24.660 --> 00:16:26.780 that that would mean for you 00:16:26.780 --> 00:16:28.480 this Lent and this year. 00:16:29.960 --> 00:16:31.220 If it's going to go in your window, 00:16:31.400 --> 00:16:33.040 then a commitment is to tell people 00:16:33.040 --> 00:16:34.420 about Jesus in your street. 00:16:35.180 --> 00:16:36.360 If it's going to go in your Bible, 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:37.840 it's going to be reading my Bible 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:38.500 more and more. 00:16:38.680 --> 00:16:39.639 To ask myself, 00:16:39.740 --> 00:16:40.340 as I read it, 00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:42.060 I read Scripture every day, 00:16:42.200 --> 00:16:43.160 what does this do 00:16:43.160 --> 00:16:44.200 to build my relationship 00:16:44.200 --> 00:16:44.980 with you, Jesus? 00:16:46.140 --> 00:16:47.759 If I put it in my car, 00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:48.980 probably it means 00:16:48.980 --> 00:16:49.900 I shouldn't speed. 00:16:50.340 --> 00:16:51.480 But it also, 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:53.000 actually is a signal 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:53.980 for people, 00:16:54.100 --> 00:16:54.320 you know, 00:16:54.500 --> 00:16:55.659 to talk about that, 00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:56.580 maybe at the garage, 00:16:56.700 --> 00:16:57.420 at the car wash, 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:58.200 wherever we are. 00:16:58.899 --> 00:17:00.100 Why have you got that in your car? 00:17:01.240 --> 00:17:02.360 Maybe it's in the office 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:03.300 and you're going to pin it 00:17:03.300 --> 00:17:03.820 to the board 00:17:03.820 --> 00:17:05.599 or on the front of your desk. 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:07.480 What does that mean for you? 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:08.960 A huge opportunity. 00:17:09.220 --> 00:17:10.519 Whatever we're going to do 00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:11.700 with these, 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:13.700 it is about the relationship. 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:16.799 Because the decision is, 00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:18.640 who do you say that I am? 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:23.900 I can take advantage of 00:17:23.900 --> 00:17:25.980 it. 00:17:26.320 --> 00:17:27.740 Go into it.