WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.700 Well, happy Thanksgiving. 00:00:05.139 --> 00:00:11.000 I trust you had a good time with family and lots of good eating and fellowship over the 00:00:11.000 --> 00:00:12.580 ! past several days. 00:00:12.740 --> 00:00:15.640 So it's good to have you here with us this morning. 00:00:16.339 --> 00:00:20.280 Those of you who have been with us over the last several weeks and couple of months will 00:00:20.280 --> 00:00:22.920 know that we've been working through the book of Colossians. 00:00:23.280 --> 00:00:28.820 And in this final month of November, we were kind of celebrating this month of thanks. 00:00:28.820 --> 00:00:34.299 And as a part of this month of thanks, we have encouraged you to consider the possibility 00:00:34.299 --> 00:00:41.840 of contributing as kind of an expression of thanks to God, but contributing a gift, a monetary 00:00:41.840 --> 00:00:43.320 gift to some of our missionaries. 00:00:43.759 --> 00:00:47.740 And so each week we've been kind of walking you through and giving you a chance to meet 00:00:47.740 --> 00:00:52.260 our missionaries that maybe you haven't met before and getting a sense of what God is doing 00:00:52.260 --> 00:00:58.100 in their life and how we can participate with them, not only in prayer and Thanksgiving, but 00:00:58.100 --> 00:00:58.899 also in ministry. 00:00:59.120 --> 00:01:04.240 So this morning we have the Reynolds. 00:01:04.540 --> 00:01:05.000 Thank you. 00:01:05.700 --> 00:01:07.079 It was on the tip of my tongue. 00:01:07.560 --> 00:01:08.079 We have the Reynolds. 00:01:10.079 --> 00:01:11.320 Greetings from England. 00:01:12.079 --> 00:01:14.000 We are the Reynolds family. 00:01:14.200 --> 00:01:20.099 My name is Cliff and this is my wife, Allie, and we are missionaries serving with ABWE here 00:01:20.099 --> 00:01:20.540 in England. 00:01:20.540 --> 00:01:26.840 We are currently involved in a church plant called Pathway Church in a village called Perton, 00:01:27.219 --> 00:01:29.260 just on the outskirts of Swindon. 00:01:29.460 --> 00:01:34.880 And we wanted to share with you today just a real brief update on how God has been at 00:01:34.880 --> 00:01:35.780 work among us. 00:01:36.460 --> 00:01:40.820 One of the really exciting things is over the summer we saw four people baptized. 00:01:40.819 --> 00:01:47.419 And that was a really exciting time for us to see that as a new church plant as well, to 00:01:47.419 --> 00:01:50.679 see people come to faith and also follow the Lord in believers' baptism. 00:01:51.639 --> 00:01:58.519 Then also in October we had a holiday Bible club, which is like our vacation Bible schools 00:01:58.519 --> 00:01:59.759 in the States. 00:02:00.299 --> 00:02:03.939 Though we don't often do them in the summer, we tend to do them in October. 00:02:03.939 --> 00:02:10.000 And it was exciting to see we had around 70 children throughout the few days that we had 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:10.240 it. 00:02:10.840 --> 00:02:15.719 Lots of people that were serving in different ways and just excitement to be able to share 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:19.740 the story of the Bible, the overview of the Bible with those children. 00:02:20.259 --> 00:02:22.900 Some of them may never have really understood that before. 00:02:23.020 --> 00:02:27.900 So we're excited to be able to have offered that and to be able to see the kids interact 00:02:27.900 --> 00:02:28.360 with that. 00:02:29.139 --> 00:02:33.659 And then another really exciting thing is that we've had several people come to know Christ 00:02:33.659 --> 00:02:36.039 recently, just in the last month. 00:02:36.460 --> 00:02:38.919 People that we had been praying for specifically. 00:02:39.400 --> 00:02:44.139 And it's exciting to see how the Lord has worked and has begun to help open their eyes 00:02:44.139 --> 00:02:47.479 to their need of a Savior, them submitting to Him. 00:02:47.879 --> 00:02:52.979 And we're just excited to see how they'll continue to grow and get connected with the church. 00:02:53.800 --> 00:02:58.159 Yeah, one of the other things that we've been working on over the past several months have 00:02:58.159 --> 00:03:03.639 been some documents which will allow us to move towards becoming an independent church. 00:03:03.659 --> 00:03:05.919 from North Swindon Baptist Church. 00:03:05.919 --> 00:03:10.459 And we've just finished the draft documents for that, which we're excited about. 00:03:10.959 --> 00:03:16.599 And so we're now in a phase of discussing those with the church family and praying towards 00:03:16.599 --> 00:03:19.019 becoming an independent church next year. 00:03:19.139 --> 00:03:22.619 So we'd appreciate your continued prayers for us in that. 00:03:22.679 --> 00:03:25.739 But it will be a real big milestone for us. 00:03:26.279 --> 00:03:30.519 We're also really grateful for the partnership that we've had with North Swindon Baptist Church 00:03:30.520 --> 00:03:31.960 that we're being planted from. 00:03:32.680 --> 00:03:38.260 And for the partnership that we've had with Fraser Kay, who has been the pastor at North Swindon Baptist 00:03:38.260 --> 00:03:40.620 over the past 17 years. 00:03:41.160 --> 00:03:47.040 And in God's kind of leading in Providence, he has called Fraser to serve at Pathway 00:03:47.040 --> 00:03:49.540 in a full-time capacity moving forward. 00:03:50.040 --> 00:03:51.360 And so we're really excited about that. 00:03:51.520 --> 00:03:54.040 He's going to be transitioning in January to the church. 00:03:54.039 --> 00:03:59.840 There's still quite a bit that will need to happen before we'll be kind of finished with our part of the work. 00:03:59.959 --> 00:04:06.359 But we're really excited and thankful for that partnership that allows us to be able to serve the village of Purton 00:04:06.359 --> 00:04:07.299 with the gospel. 00:04:07.859 --> 00:04:14.139 A few things that are coming up that is an opportunity for you guys through your harvest offering to be a part of 00:04:14.139 --> 00:04:16.219 is our Christmas outreaches. 00:04:16.480 --> 00:04:21.879 Christmas is a great time in the UK to be able to reach out to people that maybe don't normally come to church. 00:04:21.879 --> 00:04:28.360 They're typically a little bit more open during this time to explore those things or to come along to different events. 00:04:28.839 --> 00:04:30.199 So we're taking advantage of that. 00:04:30.680 --> 00:04:37.519 And we are hosting a ladies' wreath-making event, which we held last year, which was very well attended. 00:04:37.759 --> 00:04:40.860 We had all the tickets booked out really quickly. 00:04:41.540 --> 00:04:48.219 And being able to make wreaths together, but then also to be able to share the message of the gospel with them. 00:04:48.719 --> 00:04:51.860 Another opportunity is our children's craft afternoon. 00:04:51.879 --> 00:04:58.360 And this will be just a time for families to come in and have like a drop-in time of just exploring different crafts 00:04:58.360 --> 00:04:59.860 and making different crafts. 00:05:00.060 --> 00:05:02.759 More time for us to get alongside them and get to know them. 00:05:03.199 --> 00:05:06.980 And just letting them know that we are a church there in the village. 00:05:07.139 --> 00:05:09.219 We do not have a church building. 00:05:09.480 --> 00:05:11.899 We rent a community hall. 00:05:12.339 --> 00:05:16.579 So when we're not there on Sunday, it's hard for them to see the building as a church building. 00:05:16.579 --> 00:05:24.379 So it's great for us to be able to just continually reach out and help them know that we are there and to be able to have these opportunities. 00:05:25.060 --> 00:05:30.279 One other opportunity is our carol service, which is such a traditional thing to do here in England. 00:05:30.819 --> 00:05:35.939 We've tried to do it in a slightly different way, adding different stories and things along the way. 00:05:35.939 --> 00:05:43.860 And we're excited about families that come in to enjoy the carols, but also to be able to hear the message of the gospel, 00:05:44.360 --> 00:05:49.399 the message of the story of Christmas through the Bible, and excited about those opportunities too. 00:05:49.500 --> 00:05:51.839 So you can be praying for us as we reach out. 00:05:51.899 --> 00:05:53.079 That all happens in December. 00:05:53.279 --> 00:05:57.959 It's a busy month, but it's an exciting month to be able to celebrate the birth of our Savior 00:05:57.959 --> 00:06:01.220 and be able to share the good news of him with others in our community. 00:06:01.220 --> 00:06:05.100 Yeah, and so hopefully that just gives you a little bit of an update from us. 00:06:05.440 --> 00:06:12.320 It's really exciting what God's doing, and we're continuing to pray that we'll see more fruit that would abound to his glory. 00:06:12.620 --> 00:06:19.540 And we are really thankful for your partnership in us being able to be here, both financially and prayer, 00:06:19.680 --> 00:06:22.820 as you continue to support us, hold the ropes for us. 00:06:23.100 --> 00:06:24.380 We are really grateful. 00:06:24.379 --> 00:06:31.339 And just as we come to this week of Thanksgiving, we just again wanted to express our thankfulness for you. 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:41.680 So I'm grateful for many of you who've already contributed, and this is the last week of that harvest offering. 00:06:41.959 --> 00:06:47.360 If you still haven't contributed and would like to, there is a gift box in the back. 00:06:47.459 --> 00:06:52.819 You can put your checks in there and mark with the memo, harvest offering. 00:06:52.819 --> 00:06:55.500 So I trust that you will take advantage of that. 00:06:56.360 --> 00:07:01.759 Well, we enter into the Advent season, and one of the things that becomes more and more clear 00:07:01.759 --> 00:07:08.139 as we're moving through these kinds of season is the competing voices, the competing messages, 00:07:08.439 --> 00:07:15.639 the competition for your attention, whether it be advertisers or whether it be the kinds of music 00:07:15.639 --> 00:07:18.500 or political activists, whoever they might be. 00:07:18.500 --> 00:07:25.300 They want your attention, and so the messages that you hear can be confusing. 00:07:26.019 --> 00:07:27.519 We're bombarded by voices. 00:07:28.519 --> 00:07:34.759 And so it's important for us to make sure that the voice that we listen to is a voice that's worth hearing, 00:07:35.399 --> 00:07:39.339 and that the voice that we're listening to is a voice that is true. 00:07:39.339 --> 00:07:47.899 That, of course, is no greater scene in The Charge of the Light Brigade. 00:07:48.639 --> 00:07:54.179 It's a poem that was put together by Alfred Lord Tennyson in 1865. 00:07:54.579 --> 00:08:03.839 It kind of captures a historic battle that took place in the region of the Black Sea. 00:08:03.839 --> 00:08:10.179 It was between British forces and Russian forces in kind of a struggle for power in Europe. 00:08:10.859 --> 00:08:17.579 What was at stake was control for trade and national honor and a balance of power. 00:08:18.839 --> 00:08:21.539 In this moment, the British army found itself. 00:08:22.059 --> 00:08:23.979 They were facing a Russian artillery. 00:08:23.980 --> 00:08:33.940 And in a valley town of Balaklava, the commander's name was Lord Raglan. 00:08:34.580 --> 00:08:41.639 And he saw Russian forces taking away artillery and taking them along a ridge down into a valley 00:08:41.639 --> 00:08:45.680 where the rest of the artillery from the Russians was located. 00:08:46.259 --> 00:08:49.279 So he sent an urgent order to the Light Brigade. 00:08:49.279 --> 00:08:57.019 This was an elite cavalry known for its courage, but they were lightly armored so they could make their way and do it quickly. 00:08:57.839 --> 00:09:01.919 The order that was given to them was to retrieve that artillery. 00:09:02.839 --> 00:09:09.079 But it was confusing to know which artillery the commander wanted them to retrieve. 00:09:09.240 --> 00:09:13.799 Was it the artillery that was already in the valley or the artillery along the ridge? 00:09:13.799 --> 00:09:23.819 The message was unclear and the wording was vague and the officer delivering it couldn't explain what the commanding officer really wanted. 00:09:24.859 --> 00:09:30.599 So when the officer, the commanding officer of this Light Brigade read this message, 00:09:31.639 --> 00:09:35.620 he commanded his men to charge straight down the valley, 00:09:36.579 --> 00:09:41.979 down this deadly quarter lined with Russian cannons on three different sides. 00:09:41.980 --> 00:09:45.360 And while some of the officers hesitated, 00:09:46.019 --> 00:09:52.600 they understood the wrongness of this message and wondered why they were being sent into this slaughterhouse. 00:09:53.500 --> 00:09:56.320 They still followed the order. 00:09:56.840 --> 00:10:01.700 600 men mounted their horses and rode straight into cannon fire. 00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:04.680 The valley exploded around them. 00:10:04.800 --> 00:10:06.220 Horses collapsed. 00:10:06.600 --> 00:10:07.960 Men were cut down. 00:10:07.960 --> 00:10:13.820 And yet they kept writing, obedient, courageous, and tragically misinformed. 00:10:14.780 --> 00:10:17.940 Almost half of the Light Brigade never returned. 00:10:18.800 --> 00:10:24.060 And Alfred Lord Tettison would capture and mortalize this moment in his poem by saying, 00:10:24.280 --> 00:10:26.180 Theirs was not to make reply. 00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:28.700 Theirs was not to reason why. 00:10:29.080 --> 00:10:31.240 Theirs was but to do and die. 00:10:32.019 --> 00:10:34.920 Into the valley of death rode the 600. 00:10:34.919 --> 00:10:44.659 Of course, this tragic story is a reminder of the devastating consequences of listening to messages that are wrong. 00:10:45.819 --> 00:10:50.379 And the crucial nature of getting words right, messages right. 00:10:51.139 --> 00:10:56.919 It's also a lesson that underscores the urgency for us to have discernment in what we hear. 00:10:56.919 --> 00:11:00.519 Are we listening to words that lead to life? 00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:07.740 Or are we listening to words that tickle our ears but leave us empty and open to danger? 00:11:07.740 --> 00:11:13.940 This was also on the forefront of the Apostle Paul's mind as we worked our way through Colossians. 00:11:14.019 --> 00:11:21.519 And you can remember the consistent prayer of the Apostle Paul who's praying for these Colossian believers. 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:22.919 Praying for wisdom. 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:26.399 We find in Colossians 2, 4-5, 00:11:26.399 --> 00:11:47.259 You see, true faith is dependent upon true words. 00:11:48.559 --> 00:11:51.939 True faith is dependent upon true words. 00:11:51.940 --> 00:11:55.820 Are you listening to messages that are true? 00:11:57.380 --> 00:12:02.380 You see, there is one who spoke a word that was clear. 00:12:03.160 --> 00:12:05.580 There's one that spoke a word that was authoritative. 00:12:06.140 --> 00:12:13.560 One that spoke the words that were life-giving and meant to arrest attention and rescue us from danger. 00:12:13.559 --> 00:12:17.039 And so as we move into the Advent season, 00:12:17.179 --> 00:12:20.519 We're going to be discovering and learning about this messenger. 00:12:20.679 --> 00:12:22.459 And of course you know who he is. 00:12:22.519 --> 00:12:26.099 He is the word of God who was made flesh and dwelt among us. 00:12:26.179 --> 00:12:29.539 He gives these life-giving words to us. 00:12:30.759 --> 00:12:32.639 These words of God. 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:38.839 That God has spoken clearly, perfectly, and decisively in his son, Jesus Christ. 00:12:38.839 --> 00:12:42.079 Who is the very word of God. 00:12:42.080 --> 00:12:48.240 This word that was made flesh was full of grace and truth. 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:51.080 And that word came to us from a... 00:12:51.940 --> 00:12:54.340 That word came to a virgin named Mary. 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:57.120 And to her husband named Joseph. 00:12:57.840 --> 00:13:00.060 In a little town called Bethlehem in the first century. 00:13:00.220 --> 00:13:03.280 And it reminds us of the next several weeks. 00:13:03.340 --> 00:13:05.680 That we're going to be looking at this Advent story. 00:13:05.680 --> 00:13:09.900 Of how that word of God was made flesh and dwelt among us. 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:14.000 And we're going to see this perspective of this one. 00:13:14.120 --> 00:13:15.500 This living word. 00:13:15.799 --> 00:13:18.379 And the ministry of this word to his people. 00:13:18.899 --> 00:13:21.019 Captured for us throughout the scriptures. 00:13:21.840 --> 00:13:24.039 What did this word bring? 00:13:25.100 --> 00:13:27.059 What did this ministry entail? 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:29.399 What did Jesus do? 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:34.259 What were the features of his ministry that we can see? 00:13:34.259 --> 00:13:41.919 And how does his life encompass the totality of the ministry that God intends for his people to receive? 00:13:43.259 --> 00:13:50.000 So this morning, we really don't have a text to kind of base our messages on. 00:13:51.100 --> 00:13:54.580 But this morning I want to just encourage you to open up to Hebrews chapter 3. 00:13:54.779 --> 00:13:56.580 Or chapter 1 as we get started. 00:13:57.319 --> 00:13:59.059 Hebrews chapter 1 verses 1 and 3. 00:13:59.059 --> 00:14:02.139 We're going to see this fourfold ministry of Christ. 00:14:03.119 --> 00:14:04.219 This fourfold ministry. 00:14:05.939 --> 00:14:12.459 We're going to begin by seeing Jesus as the prophet, priest, king, and shepherd. 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:16.000 The prophet, priest, king, and shepherd. 00:14:16.099 --> 00:14:19.239 Notice as we read through these first three verses. 00:14:19.479 --> 00:14:23.459 Notice these three offices that stand out. 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:26.719 And I've kind of boldened them in the passage. 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:31.200 You can kind of see for yourself how these offices kind of leap off the page. 00:14:32.519 --> 00:14:33.879 Hebrews 1 says this. 00:14:34.040 --> 00:14:40.379 Long ago, at many times, and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets. 00:14:41.580 --> 00:14:44.920 But in these last days, he has spoken to us by his son. 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:49.200 Whom he has appointed the heir of all things. 00:14:49.840 --> 00:14:51.940 Through whom also he has created the world. 00:14:51.940 --> 00:14:57.260 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. 00:14:58.380 --> 00:15:00.820 And he upholds the universe by the word of his power. 00:15:01.740 --> 00:15:08.480 And after making purification for sin, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. 00:15:09.240 --> 00:15:09.940 Do you see them? 00:15:10.740 --> 00:15:14.980 You see these three offices of prophet, priest, and king? 00:15:15.420 --> 00:15:17.340 Kind of elevated off the page? 00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:25.980 As we continue to read through the book of Hebrews, we see this theme continue to develop. 00:15:26.660 --> 00:15:30.740 In Hebrews chapter 1, verses 8 and 9, it says, 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:35.360 But of the Son, he says, your throne, O God, is forever and ever. 00:15:35.820 --> 00:15:38.920 The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 00:15:39.940 --> 00:15:42.620 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. 00:15:42.620 --> 00:15:49.299 Therefore, God, your God, has anointed you with oil and gladness beyond your companions. 00:15:49.440 --> 00:15:53.720 This office of king that is embodied in the person of Jesus. 00:15:54.580 --> 00:15:59.700 And then as you turn to the next chapter, in Hebrews chapter 2, verses 17 and 18, we see, 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:05.440 Therefore, he had to be, speaking of Jesus, made like his brothers in every respect, 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:11.720 so that he might become the merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, 00:16:12.440 --> 00:16:14.540 to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 00:16:14.640 --> 00:16:22.160 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 00:16:23.020 --> 00:16:29.280 This ministry of Jesus as priest that carries its way through this letter to the Hebrews. 00:16:29.279 --> 00:16:35.839 We see it emerge again in chapter 4, and in chapter 7, and chapter 9, and chapter 10, and chapter 12. 00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:38.860 We're going to see this as we come to this in a few weeks. 00:16:39.720 --> 00:16:44.179 This priestly role of Jesus himself and all that that means. 00:16:45.120 --> 00:16:50.500 And then this letter closes in Hebrews chapter 13, verses 20 and 21, where it says, 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:58.519 Now, may the God of peace, who brought you again from the dead of our Lord Jesus, 00:16:59.740 --> 00:17:03.919 the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:07.779 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:12.079 working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, 00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:18.519 through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:24.400 And this work of Christ as being shepherd of his people. 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:29.259 We find in Christ the convergence of these four offices. 00:17:30.019 --> 00:17:32.779 Three of which kind of come from the Old Testament. 00:17:33.160 --> 00:17:34.619 This prophet, priest, and kin. 00:17:34.660 --> 00:17:36.680 We're going to look at them in just a moment here. 00:17:36.940 --> 00:17:40.759 But also the emergence of this additional office of shepherd. 00:17:41.440 --> 00:17:44.339 And you might know them as elders or pastors. 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:47.960 We find in Ephesians chapter 4, verse 11, 00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:53.039 And he gave, speaking of Jesus, he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, 00:17:53.339 --> 00:17:55.480 the shepherds and teachers. 00:17:56.420 --> 00:17:59.859 This office of shepherd and leadership and teaching. 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:05.859 Their oversight that God uses in the new covenant community to lead his people. 00:18:07.099 --> 00:18:09.700 Positions of leadership of all of these men. 00:18:10.759 --> 00:18:14.740 Collectively ordained to lead the people of God. 00:18:14.740 --> 00:18:21.960 But ultimately they culminate to describe the perfect leadership of Jesus himself. 00:18:22.900 --> 00:18:25.200 As we saw in our study through Colossians, 00:18:25.339 --> 00:18:29.200 they were just a shadow of the substance that was to come. 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:33.500 Those promises and those symbols that were contained in the Old Testament 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:38.599 pointed forward to something specific, something physical, something greater. 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:45.679 Those who are acquainted with the scripture will know that these designations, 00:18:45.819 --> 00:18:50.379 prophet, priest, and king, also find their origins in the Old Testament. 00:18:51.500 --> 00:18:55.339 And so not surprisingly, these four offices are described. 00:18:55.819 --> 00:18:57.599 They're described in the book of Deuteronomy. 00:18:57.679 --> 00:18:59.519 And I just want to, we have some slides. 00:18:59.639 --> 00:19:03.819 I want to just kind of take you through a bit of a journey. 00:19:03.819 --> 00:19:06.779 We see instructions for leadership. 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:12.339 And I want you to notice these four offices that find their way in the Old Testament. 00:19:13.139 --> 00:19:17.339 These instructions for leaders to judges first in Deuteronomy 16, 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:20.299 to kings in Deuteronomy 17, 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:22.700 to priests in Deuteronomy 18, 00:19:22.899 --> 00:19:24.980 to prophets in Deuteronomy 18. 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:28.700 Notice the progression that's taking place. 00:19:29.179 --> 00:19:31.379 Notice the grouping that's happening. 00:19:31.380 --> 00:19:36.100 Notice the instructions to leaders that are here in this passage, 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:38.140 this retelling of the law. 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:40.600 And that's essentially what Deuteronomy means. 00:19:40.660 --> 00:19:42.100 It means second law. 00:19:42.380 --> 00:19:44.100 It's not an additional law. 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:46.420 It's a retelling of the original law 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:51.420 as the people are preparing to move their way into the promised land. 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:54.320 It begins with instructions to judges. 00:19:55.680 --> 00:19:59.180 They were to be righteous, impartial, and God-fearing. 00:19:59.180 --> 00:20:02.240 They weren't merely legal arbiters. 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:05.060 But they were to lead God's people into righteousness. 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:10.620 Then we find God's instructions to kings in Deuteronomy 17. 00:20:11.640 --> 00:20:17.620 And we find that kings were to be among the very people of Israel. 00:20:18.320 --> 00:20:23.100 They were to not acquire for themselves many wives, 00:20:23.320 --> 00:20:24.380 or many horses, 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:27.340 or to acquire excessive silver. 00:20:27.339 --> 00:20:31.359 And one of the predominant features that we find of kings 00:20:31.359 --> 00:20:34.559 given to the Old Testament kings 00:20:34.559 --> 00:20:36.299 was these instructions for them 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:39.279 to also write for themselves a copy of the law. 00:20:40.579 --> 00:20:41.500 It's interesting. 00:20:42.339 --> 00:20:44.079 They were to write this copy of the law. 00:20:44.339 --> 00:20:47.619 It was to be approved by the Levitical priests. 00:20:48.659 --> 00:20:51.480 And then the promise was it would be well with them, 00:20:51.480 --> 00:20:55.039 and that he would read that copy of the law 00:20:55.039 --> 00:20:57.120 all the days of his life. 00:20:57.940 --> 00:21:00.259 The intent was to learn to fear the Lord, 00:21:00.660 --> 00:21:03.240 to keep his statutes, his words, 00:21:03.700 --> 00:21:04.960 so that his heart would be humble, 00:21:05.900 --> 00:21:07.900 and so that he would not turn aside from the commands 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:09.160 that God had given to him. 00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:12.720 These instructions that God had given to kings, 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:14.059 and we're going to talk about that more 00:21:14.059 --> 00:21:16.460 as we make our way through this series. 00:21:16.460 --> 00:21:20.680 But his instructions to priests we find in Deuteronomy 18. 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:24.100 They were hand-selected to serve the people. 00:21:24.840 --> 00:21:27.340 Their life was meant to be a model of dedication. 00:21:28.100 --> 00:21:30.000 They were to depend upon the support 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:31.900 that would come from the other tribes. 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:34.920 They stood there to intercede for the people. 00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:37.279 They were there to atone for their sins 00:21:37.279 --> 00:21:39.259 as representatives of God. 00:21:40.180 --> 00:21:41.860 They were to defend God's truth. 00:21:41.859 --> 00:21:46.219 They were to understand and to defend that truth 00:21:46.219 --> 00:21:47.219 before the people. 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:50.139 And then his instructions of prophets, 00:21:50.559 --> 00:21:53.319 which we'll get to more in just a moment. 00:21:54.279 --> 00:21:57.359 So it's easy to see this three-fold office, 00:21:57.459 --> 00:22:00.299 this office of prophet, priest, and king. 00:22:00.859 --> 00:22:02.919 But maybe you're asking yourself the question, 00:22:03.099 --> 00:22:04.139 well, what about judges? 00:22:04.939 --> 00:22:08.000 How did judges fit into this equation? 00:22:09.459 --> 00:22:11.659 Well, judges were tasked with upholding righteousness. 00:22:12.419 --> 00:22:14.439 With judging without partiality. 00:22:15.199 --> 00:22:18.399 They had the function of delivering God's people 00:22:18.399 --> 00:22:19.699 on numerous occasions. 00:22:20.899 --> 00:22:23.199 So we find in Jesus this convergence 00:22:23.199 --> 00:22:25.119 of this shepherding role. 00:22:26.319 --> 00:22:29.939 I want to draw your attention to 2 Samuel 5, verse 2. 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:32.279 Notice this statement about judges 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:34.259 and how it's coupled with shepherding. 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:38.379 In times past when Saul was king over us, 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:43.819 it was you who led out and brought in Israel. 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:45.759 And the Lord said to you, 00:22:46.420 --> 00:22:48.720 you shall be shepherd of my people Israel, 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:52.000 and you shall be prince over Israel. 00:22:52.359 --> 00:22:55.740 This role of judges in executing 00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:57.559 some shepherding responsibility, 00:22:57.819 --> 00:22:59.599 some care over the people. 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:03.799 And then in 2 Samuel 7, 00:23:04.939 --> 00:23:05.659 excuse me, 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:08.579 there we go. 00:23:08.939 --> 00:23:10.419 In the places where I have moved 00:23:10.419 --> 00:23:11.839 with all the people of Israel, 00:23:12.159 --> 00:23:14.519 did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:16.939 whom I commanded to shepherd my people? 00:23:17.139 --> 00:23:17.740 Israel saying, 00:23:18.139 --> 00:23:20.399 why have you not built a house for me? 00:23:20.400 --> 00:23:25.280 God is speaking directly to judges here. 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:28.560 Judges who were intended to shepherd God's people. 00:23:28.700 --> 00:23:30.220 And then God allows, 00:23:30.340 --> 00:23:30.960 then David, 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:34.140 and I got the passages mixed up, 00:23:34.360 --> 00:23:35.780 in chapter 5, verse 2, 00:23:36.180 --> 00:23:38.080 David is one who is now commissioned 00:23:38.080 --> 00:23:40.540 with this role of shepherding God's people 00:23:40.540 --> 00:23:42.540 as king over Israel. 00:23:43.280 --> 00:23:45.780 And so now this convergence of leadership. 00:23:46.420 --> 00:23:48.420 Now judges who executed leadership, 00:23:48.420 --> 00:23:51.640 and now kings who would also carry out that leadership 00:23:51.640 --> 00:23:55.200 and would do it as a tender shepherd 00:23:55.200 --> 00:23:59.060 would oversee their people. 00:24:00.160 --> 00:24:03.200 David is this model of a shepherd king 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:05.779 and a portrait of the ultimate shepherd, 00:24:05.980 --> 00:24:07.279 Jesus Christ. 00:24:08.320 --> 00:24:09.539 So we're going to turn our attention 00:24:09.539 --> 00:24:11.600 to the office of prophets. 00:24:11.900 --> 00:24:13.660 And that's trying to lay for you 00:24:13.660 --> 00:24:16.279 kind of a case for why we're talking about 00:24:16.279 --> 00:24:18.039 prophet priests and kings 00:24:18.039 --> 00:24:19.319 and then shepherds. 00:24:19.359 --> 00:24:22.019 We're going to see this role of shepherds 00:24:22.019 --> 00:24:25.399 in how they play out throughout the scripture. 00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:29.480 So who were prophets? 00:24:31.039 --> 00:24:32.240 Well, we see, first of all, 00:24:32.279 --> 00:24:33.519 the prophet that God promised. 00:24:34.180 --> 00:24:35.899 There was a prophet that God promised. 00:24:37.160 --> 00:24:40.180 We find that in Deuteronomy, chapter 18, verse 15. 00:24:40.180 --> 00:24:41.420 It says, 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:43.580 The Lord your God will raise up for you 00:24:43.580 --> 00:24:44.700 a prophet like me 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:46.660 from among your brothers. 00:24:47.519 --> 00:24:50.400 It is to him you shall listen. 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:53.580 So God is speaking to Moses 00:24:53.580 --> 00:24:56.440 and promising that he's going to raise up 00:24:56.440 --> 00:24:58.120 a prophet like Moses 00:24:58.120 --> 00:24:59.460 to shepherd the people. 00:25:00.840 --> 00:25:01.519 Verse 18, 00:25:01.700 --> 00:25:04.779 I will raise up for them a prophet like you 00:25:04.779 --> 00:25:05.900 from among their brothers. 00:25:05.900 --> 00:25:09.140 And I will put my words in his mouth 00:25:09.140 --> 00:25:11.040 and he shall speak to them 00:25:11.040 --> 00:25:12.680 all that I have commanded. 00:25:13.540 --> 00:25:15.720 And whoever will not listen to my words 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:18.000 that he shall speak in my name, 00:25:18.080 --> 00:25:21.060 I myself will require it of him. 00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:25.380 This prophetic ministry of Moses was epic. 00:25:25.600 --> 00:25:28.519 And those of you who know the story of Moses 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:31.420 will come to understand the role that he played. 00:25:31.420 --> 00:25:34.300 He was one of two figures, 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:35.900 both Moses and Elijah, 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:39.140 whose words were not only accompanied by authority, 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:41.300 but were also accompanied by miracles. 00:25:41.920 --> 00:25:43.779 This working of God through them 00:25:43.779 --> 00:25:45.440 to confirm his message, 00:25:45.560 --> 00:25:46.600 to validate it. 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:50.019 And God did the same for Moses, 00:25:50.220 --> 00:25:52.980 confirming his message through his power. 00:25:54.060 --> 00:25:56.140 Moses will become the leader of God's people. 00:25:56.259 --> 00:25:58.539 He will be instrumentally used of God 00:25:58.539 --> 00:26:00.500 to lead the people out of Egypt. 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:04.599 He becomes this mediator of the Mosaic covenant 00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:07.259 as they're standing there at Mount Sinai. 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:09.980 This basis of relationship, 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:14.519 this invitation that God makes to his people, 00:26:14.640 --> 00:26:17.660 inviting them in to relationship with him. 00:26:18.420 --> 00:26:19.759 Setting forth these conditions, 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:23.079 you will be a treasured possession among my people. 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:26.339 Kingdom of priests, a holy nation. 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:30.180 But the prominent feature that God draws attention to, 00:26:30.180 --> 00:26:31.860 that we see here in Deuteronomy, 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:37.400 is this office of prophet that God had given to Moses. 00:26:39.100 --> 00:26:42.620 Deuteronomy gives this sense of what was required to be a prophet. 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:44.460 As we have read through this passage, 00:26:44.580 --> 00:26:47.240 we see first that he will speak God's words. 00:26:47.340 --> 00:26:49.340 You see that in verse 18. 00:26:49.339 --> 00:26:53.539 I will put my words in his mouth. 00:26:55.699 --> 00:26:58.839 487 times you find throughout the Old Testament, 00:26:59.099 --> 00:27:01.220 thus says the Lord. 00:27:02.159 --> 00:27:04.339 If we add this phrase, 00:27:04.859 --> 00:27:06.220 thus declares the Lord, 00:27:06.439 --> 00:27:08.639 or the phrase the word of the Lord came, 00:27:08.939 --> 00:27:10.659 or the phrase says the Lord, 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.939 or the Lord spoke, 00:27:12.039 --> 00:27:15.379 you get to 1600 times throughout the Old Testament 00:27:15.380 --> 00:27:18.800 that prophets spoke the words of God, 00:27:18.840 --> 00:27:20.860 and only the words of God. 00:27:22.300 --> 00:27:24.900 You see, a prophet was meant to deliver God's word, 00:27:25.160 --> 00:27:26.280 not his own opinion. 00:27:27.340 --> 00:27:29.700 His task was to deliver the word that he heard, 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:32.200 not to invent new words. 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:35.420 He spoke from divine command, 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:37.200 not personal preference. 00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:42.100 He did not speak the words he thought the people wanted to hear. 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:44.680 He spoke the words that had been delivered to him 00:27:44.680 --> 00:27:47.240 directly from the mouth of God. 00:27:47.920 --> 00:27:51.259 He must speak the words of God. 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:54.140 Second, he will speak with God's authority. 00:27:54.279 --> 00:27:55.980 Notice in verse 18 of Deuteronomy, 00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:58.000 or verse 19, 00:27:58.360 --> 00:27:58.700 it says, 00:27:58.980 --> 00:28:02.180 whoever will not listen to my words, 00:28:02.420 --> 00:28:04.539 that he shall speak in my name, 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:08.099 I myself will require it of him. 00:28:08.899 --> 00:28:09.559 In other words, 00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:12.920 I will hold him personally accountable. 00:28:13.659 --> 00:28:15.940 I will deal with him myself. 00:28:16.879 --> 00:28:17.980 I will judge him. 00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:21.599 You see, since the prophet speaks the words of God, 00:28:21.899 --> 00:28:24.700 he is speaking with the authority of God. 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:28.299 And those words that carry authority 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:30.039 will be judged. 00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:31.519 Third, 00:28:32.680 --> 00:28:34.159 his words will always prove true. 00:28:35.399 --> 00:28:37.960 As we continue our way in Deuteronomy chapter 18, 00:28:38.079 --> 00:28:39.000 we come to verse 20, 00:28:39.039 --> 00:28:39.799 and it says this, 00:28:40.119 --> 00:28:40.899 but the prophet, 00:28:41.460 --> 00:28:43.899 who presumes to speak a word in my name 00:28:43.899 --> 00:28:46.220 that I have not commanded him to speak, 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:48.539 that same prophet shall die. 00:28:49.619 --> 00:28:50.740 And if you say in your heart, 00:28:50.859 --> 00:28:51.579 how will we know 00:28:51.579 --> 00:28:53.539 the words of the Lord has spoken, 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:54.859 or not spoken? 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:57.460 When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, 00:28:57.659 --> 00:28:59.720 if the word does not come to pass, 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:00.940 or come true, 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:04.200 that is a word that the Lord has not spoken. 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:08.500 The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:10.659 You need not be afraid of him. 00:29:12.159 --> 00:29:12.740 You see, 00:29:13.460 --> 00:29:15.799 this is a serious test of credibility. 00:29:16.460 --> 00:29:18.440 If you speak my words, 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:21.619 the prophecies that you make will come true. 00:29:22.420 --> 00:29:25.740 And there will be consequences for false prophets. 00:29:27.039 --> 00:29:28.559 Those consequences were severe. 00:29:29.379 --> 00:29:33.000 And those severe consequences were meant to keep in check, 00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:35.279 and to filter out those false prophets 00:29:35.279 --> 00:29:37.220 from speaking presumptuously. 00:29:38.460 --> 00:29:38.899 Fourth, 00:29:39.419 --> 00:29:41.559 his life will be marked by faithfulness. 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:43.740 Deuteronomy chapter 13, 00:29:44.339 --> 00:29:45.919 we go back just a few chapters, 00:29:46.059 --> 00:29:46.779 and we see this. 00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:49.480 If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams 00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:50.879 arises among you, 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:53.139 and gives you a sign or wonder, 00:29:53.140 --> 00:29:56.000 and the sign or wonder that he tells you 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:57.100 comes to pass. 00:29:58.100 --> 00:29:58.840 And if he says, 00:29:59.200 --> 00:30:00.280 let us go after other gods, 00:30:00.600 --> 00:30:01.960 which you have not known, 00:30:02.180 --> 00:30:03.340 and let us serve them, 00:30:04.140 --> 00:30:06.280 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet, 00:30:06.759 --> 00:30:08.100 or that dreamer of dreams, 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:10.780 for the Lord your God is testing you. 00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:12.360 But that prophet, 00:30:12.460 --> 00:30:13.560 or that dreamer of dreams, 00:30:13.640 --> 00:30:14.360 shall be put to death, 00:30:14.359 --> 00:30:16.979 because he has taught rebellion 00:30:16.979 --> 00:30:19.259 against the Lord your God. 00:30:20.139 --> 00:30:21.379 You see this other test? 00:30:22.359 --> 00:30:23.479 He's speaking words. 00:30:23.559 --> 00:30:24.799 Those words come true. 00:30:25.339 --> 00:30:28.000 But there's something wrong about his life. 00:30:28.539 --> 00:30:31.459 His life does not match his words. 00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:35.019 His life does not match his message. 00:30:36.479 --> 00:30:36.799 You see, 00:30:36.859 --> 00:30:38.179 a life of faithful devotion 00:30:38.179 --> 00:30:41.079 is what God requires of prophets. 00:30:41.799 --> 00:30:43.259 Not a life of inconsistency, 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:45.180 but a life that represents 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:47.700 the very words that the prophet speaks. 00:30:49.059 --> 00:30:50.879 This serves as a warning to us. 00:30:51.920 --> 00:30:55.640 Do our lives match our message? 00:30:56.960 --> 00:30:58.920 Do the people that we listen to, 00:30:59.000 --> 00:31:00.299 the people that we follow, 00:31:00.700 --> 00:31:02.440 the people on the podcast, 00:31:02.599 --> 00:31:06.079 the music that we fill our minds and hearts with, 00:31:06.339 --> 00:31:08.279 do they live lives that are consistent 00:31:08.279 --> 00:31:09.539 with the scripture? 00:31:09.539 --> 00:31:13.639 Do they reflect the image of Christ? 00:31:14.859 --> 00:31:16.920 Do they embody holiness? 00:31:17.700 --> 00:31:19.460 Do they embody humility? 00:31:20.240 --> 00:31:22.460 Do you see in them a pursuit of peace? 00:31:22.899 --> 00:31:24.519 Is there a desire for unity? 00:31:24.879 --> 00:31:26.420 A courage to defend truth? 00:31:26.740 --> 00:31:28.579 A self-sacrificing, 00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:30.899 laying down kind of nature? 00:31:32.039 --> 00:31:34.019 A dedication to growing in wisdom? 00:31:34.379 --> 00:31:35.539 A prayer for the saints? 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:37.500 And all of these things we would expect 00:31:37.500 --> 00:31:39.159 of those forth-telling, 00:31:39.519 --> 00:31:40.799 those prophetic voices, 00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:43.200 those messengers who are delivering 00:31:43.200 --> 00:31:44.799 the word of God to us, 00:31:44.839 --> 00:31:47.700 are they consistently living out 00:31:47.700 --> 00:31:49.599 that word in their life? 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.059 You see, 00:31:51.139 --> 00:31:52.940 God promised that he would raise up 00:31:52.940 --> 00:31:54.599 such a prophet. 00:31:55.819 --> 00:31:56.639 And that prophet, 00:31:57.240 --> 00:31:58.720 and that promise was repeated 00:31:58.720 --> 00:31:59.680 throughout the New Testament. 00:32:00.019 --> 00:32:01.839 We find it again in Acts chapter 3, 00:32:01.839 --> 00:32:03.959 verses 22 to 24. 00:32:05.159 --> 00:32:05.879 Moses said, 00:32:06.059 --> 00:32:08.399 The Lord God will raise up for you 00:32:08.399 --> 00:32:09.839 a prophet like me 00:32:09.839 --> 00:32:10.799 from among your brothers. 00:32:11.619 --> 00:32:12.959 You shall listen to him 00:32:12.959 --> 00:32:14.179 in whatever he tells you. 00:32:14.859 --> 00:32:16.480 And it shall be that every soul 00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:18.480 who does not listen to that prophet 00:32:18.480 --> 00:32:20.099 shall be destroyed from the people. 00:32:20.959 --> 00:32:21.740 And all the prophets 00:32:21.740 --> 00:32:23.619 who have spoken from Samuel 00:32:23.619 --> 00:32:25.459 and those who came after him 00:32:25.459 --> 00:32:27.779 also proclaimed these days. 00:32:28.419 --> 00:32:30.000 The day is coming. 00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:32.819 A prophet that's better than Moses 00:32:32.819 --> 00:32:33.759 will be here. 00:32:33.960 --> 00:32:34.700 Look for him. 00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:35.859 Watch for him. 00:32:36.839 --> 00:32:37.420 And in fact, 00:32:37.500 --> 00:32:38.779 God honored that promise 00:32:38.779 --> 00:32:41.039 in his son, Jesus. 00:32:41.660 --> 00:32:44.059 The true and greater prophet 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:47.200 who spoke the very words of God, 00:32:47.940 --> 00:32:50.880 whose words carried the authority of God, 00:32:51.019 --> 00:32:53.519 whose message always proved true, 00:32:53.779 --> 00:32:57.099 and whose life always matched that message. 00:32:57.099 --> 00:32:59.459 Jesus is the fulfillment 00:32:59.459 --> 00:33:00.679 of that promise. 00:33:01.939 --> 00:33:02.299 And so, 00:33:03.099 --> 00:33:04.279 while we see the promise, 00:33:04.419 --> 00:33:05.419 we also see now 00:33:05.419 --> 00:33:06.859 the prophet that God sent. 00:33:06.939 --> 00:33:08.059 Who was this prophet 00:33:08.059 --> 00:33:09.179 that God sent? 00:33:09.219 --> 00:33:10.339 And of course you know the answer. 00:33:10.740 --> 00:33:12.299 That Jesus was that perfect, 00:33:12.439 --> 00:33:13.699 promised prophet. 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:17.379 We see him throughout the New Testament. 00:33:18.119 --> 00:33:19.319 We see his authority 00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:20.379 through the Gospels. 00:33:20.740 --> 00:33:22.179 In Matthew chapter 7, 00:33:22.339 --> 00:33:23.939 verses 27 and 29. 00:33:23.940 --> 00:33:27.440 And when Jesus finished these sayings, 00:33:27.820 --> 00:33:29.500 the crowds were astonished 00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:30.320 at his teaching, 00:33:30.740 --> 00:33:32.279 for he was teaching them 00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:34.559 as one who had authority, 00:33:35.200 --> 00:33:36.460 and not as the scribes. 00:33:37.039 --> 00:33:38.640 Teaching with authority 00:33:38.640 --> 00:33:39.720 as a prophet. 00:33:39.840 --> 00:33:40.940 This greater prophet 00:33:40.940 --> 00:33:43.120 was found in Jesus himself. 00:33:43.600 --> 00:33:45.160 We also see in Christ 00:33:45.160 --> 00:33:47.400 him speaking God's words. 00:33:48.580 --> 00:33:51.100 John chapter 7, verse 16 says this, 00:33:51.099 --> 00:33:53.039 So Jesus answered them, 00:33:53.459 --> 00:33:55.119 My teaching is not mine, 00:33:55.639 --> 00:33:57.459 but his who sent me. 00:33:58.339 --> 00:33:59.659 In John 8, 28, 00:33:59.980 --> 00:34:01.059 So Jesus said to them, 00:34:01.199 --> 00:34:02.559 When you have lifted up 00:34:02.559 --> 00:34:03.219 the Son of Man, 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:04.319 then you will know 00:34:04.319 --> 00:34:05.459 that I am he, 00:34:05.939 --> 00:34:06.859 and that I do nothing 00:34:06.859 --> 00:34:07.779 on my own authority, 00:34:07.899 --> 00:34:08.719 but I speak 00:34:08.719 --> 00:34:10.299 just as the Father 00:34:10.299 --> 00:34:11.579 has taught me. 00:34:12.839 --> 00:34:14.239 Then in John chapter 12, 00:34:14.299 --> 00:34:16.099 verses 49 to 50, 00:34:16.759 --> 00:34:17.659 For I have not spoken 00:34:17.659 --> 00:34:18.400 on my own authority, 00:34:18.400 --> 00:34:19.320 but the Father 00:34:19.320 --> 00:34:20.639 who has sent me 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:21.400 has himself 00:34:21.400 --> 00:34:22.860 given me a commandment. 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:24.059 What to say 00:34:24.059 --> 00:34:25.559 and what to speak. 00:34:26.280 --> 00:34:27.000 And I know 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:28.360 that his commandment 00:34:28.360 --> 00:34:28.880 is eternal. 00:34:29.300 --> 00:34:30.099 What I say, 00:34:30.240 --> 00:34:31.240 therefore I say 00:34:31.240 --> 00:34:32.340 as the Father 00:34:32.340 --> 00:34:33.599 has told me. 00:34:34.039 --> 00:34:35.220 The Father himself 00:34:35.220 --> 00:34:36.880 has given me the words 00:34:36.880 --> 00:34:38.920 and I have submitted myself 00:34:38.920 --> 00:34:40.039 to his authority 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:42.180 to only speak the words 00:34:42.180 --> 00:34:42.940 the Father 00:34:42.940 --> 00:34:44.400 has placed in my mouth. 00:34:44.500 --> 00:34:46.320 As this perfect prophet 00:34:46.320 --> 00:34:47.960 and as the one 00:34:47.960 --> 00:34:48.660 you would expect. 00:34:49.820 --> 00:34:50.600 His message 00:34:50.600 --> 00:34:51.880 was also consistently 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:53.340 proved true. 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:55.720 There's so many examples. 00:34:55.960 --> 00:34:57.059 I just want to mention 00:34:57.059 --> 00:34:57.660 them briefly. 00:34:58.400 --> 00:34:59.960 Matthew 26, verse 34, 00:35:00.500 --> 00:35:01.780 where Jesus says, 00:35:01.880 --> 00:35:02.120 Peter, 00:35:02.519 --> 00:35:03.620 you're going to deny me 00:35:03.620 --> 00:35:04.220 three times. 00:35:04.900 --> 00:35:05.440 And it happened. 00:35:06.280 --> 00:35:07.500 In John chapter 13, 00:35:07.580 --> 00:35:08.160 verse 21, 00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:09.460 speaking of Judas, 00:35:09.860 --> 00:35:10.600 one of you 00:35:10.600 --> 00:35:11.360 will betray me. 00:35:12.280 --> 00:35:13.400 And then three times 00:35:13.400 --> 00:35:14.160 Jesus predicted 00:35:14.160 --> 00:35:14.700 his death 00:35:14.699 --> 00:35:15.799 and his resurrection. 00:35:16.460 --> 00:35:17.519 In Luke 9, 21. 00:35:17.899 --> 00:35:19.379 In Luke 9, 44. 00:35:19.859 --> 00:35:22.480 In Luke 18, 31. 00:35:24.079 --> 00:35:25.259 Jesus also said 00:35:25.259 --> 00:35:26.559 the word of God 00:35:26.559 --> 00:35:27.279 will be preached 00:35:27.279 --> 00:35:28.579 across the world. 00:35:28.919 --> 00:35:30.059 Matthew chapter 24, 00:35:30.239 --> 00:35:31.019 verse 14. 00:35:31.779 --> 00:35:32.819 In Acts chapter 1, 00:35:32.879 --> 00:35:33.279 verse 8, 00:35:33.439 --> 00:35:34.799 he says much the same thing. 00:35:35.039 --> 00:35:36.500 He confirms that promise 00:35:36.500 --> 00:35:37.419 by saying 00:35:37.419 --> 00:35:38.879 the word will be preached 00:35:38.879 --> 00:35:39.599 in Jerusalem, 00:35:39.799 --> 00:35:40.559 in all Judea, 00:35:40.659 --> 00:35:41.379 in Samaria, 00:35:41.939 --> 00:35:43.019 in the uttermost parts 00:35:43.019 --> 00:35:43.619 of the earth. 00:35:44.699 --> 00:35:45.919 And that Christ 00:35:45.919 --> 00:35:46.839 would send 00:35:46.839 --> 00:35:47.739 his Holy Spirit 00:35:47.739 --> 00:35:48.980 to empower 00:35:48.980 --> 00:35:49.980 his people. 00:35:51.059 --> 00:35:51.960 In Matthew 24, 00:35:52.079 --> 00:35:52.579 verse 5, 00:35:52.679 --> 00:35:53.359 Jesus predicted, 00:35:53.759 --> 00:35:54.639 many false prophets 00:35:54.639 --> 00:35:55.219 will come 00:35:55.219 --> 00:35:56.119 in my name. 00:35:56.179 --> 00:35:57.359 And on and on 00:35:57.359 --> 00:35:58.039 the list 00:35:58.039 --> 00:35:59.439 of promises 00:35:59.439 --> 00:36:01.199 and prophecies 00:36:01.199 --> 00:36:03.379 that Jesus spoke 00:36:03.379 --> 00:36:04.500 came true. 00:36:04.939 --> 00:36:06.399 You can trust 00:36:06.399 --> 00:36:07.419 his word. 00:36:07.859 --> 00:36:08.779 It's dependable. 00:36:09.099 --> 00:36:10.399 He is the greater prophet. 00:36:10.400 --> 00:36:10.519 prophet. 00:36:11.619 --> 00:36:12.720 And then we see 00:36:12.720 --> 00:36:14.240 his life 00:36:14.240 --> 00:36:15.320 that matched 00:36:15.320 --> 00:36:16.059 his message. 00:36:17.200 --> 00:36:18.579 John chapter 14, 00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:20.079 verses 8 to 11. 00:36:20.579 --> 00:36:21.099 You're familiar 00:36:21.099 --> 00:36:22.180 with this passage. 00:36:23.119 --> 00:36:24.180 This is in the upper room 00:36:24.180 --> 00:36:25.000 and Jesus is having 00:36:25.000 --> 00:36:25.880 this conversation 00:36:25.880 --> 00:36:27.079 with his disciples. 00:36:28.820 --> 00:36:30.539 And he says to Philip, 00:36:30.599 --> 00:36:31.559 or Philip says to him, 00:36:31.660 --> 00:36:31.880 Lord, 00:36:32.059 --> 00:36:32.980 show us the Father 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:34.539 and it's enough 00:36:34.539 --> 00:36:35.099 for us. 00:36:35.099 --> 00:36:36.739 And Jesus said to him, 00:36:36.960 --> 00:36:38.259 Have I been with you 00:36:38.259 --> 00:36:39.000 so long 00:36:39.000 --> 00:36:40.039 and you still 00:36:40.039 --> 00:36:40.839 do not know me, 00:36:40.940 --> 00:36:41.099 Philip? 00:36:42.000 --> 00:36:43.860 Whoever has seen me 00:36:43.860 --> 00:36:45.639 has seen the Father. 00:36:46.239 --> 00:36:47.239 How can you say, 00:36:47.400 --> 00:36:48.239 show us the Father? 00:36:49.079 --> 00:36:49.920 Do you not believe 00:36:49.920 --> 00:36:51.059 that I am in the Father 00:36:51.059 --> 00:36:51.659 and the Father 00:36:51.659 --> 00:36:52.159 is in me? 00:36:52.380 --> 00:36:53.219 The words 00:36:53.219 --> 00:36:54.779 that I say to you, 00:36:55.039 --> 00:36:56.319 I do not speak 00:36:56.319 --> 00:36:57.299 on my own authority. 00:36:57.699 --> 00:36:58.519 But the Father 00:36:58.519 --> 00:37:00.139 who dwells in me 00:37:00.139 --> 00:37:00.920 does 00:37:00.920 --> 00:37:02.019 his works. 00:37:02.019 --> 00:37:03.719 Believe me 00:37:03.719 --> 00:37:05.179 that I am in the Father 00:37:05.179 --> 00:37:06.119 and the Father 00:37:06.119 --> 00:37:06.699 is in me 00:37:06.699 --> 00:37:07.719 or else believe 00:37:07.719 --> 00:37:08.259 on the count 00:37:08.259 --> 00:37:09.519 of the works 00:37:09.519 --> 00:37:10.139 themselves. 00:37:10.259 --> 00:37:10.639 Do you see 00:37:10.639 --> 00:37:12.920 the grammatical switch 00:37:12.920 --> 00:37:14.300 that Jesus created there? 00:37:15.480 --> 00:37:16.519 That he does not speak 00:37:16.519 --> 00:37:17.739 on his own authority 00:37:17.739 --> 00:37:18.960 there in verse 10. 00:37:19.280 --> 00:37:19.780 But the Father 00:37:19.780 --> 00:37:21.579 who dwells in me 00:37:21.579 --> 00:37:23.400 doesn't speak his words 00:37:23.400 --> 00:37:24.500 but does his works. 00:37:24.579 --> 00:37:24.840 Do you see 00:37:24.840 --> 00:37:26.820 the grammatical switch 00:37:26.820 --> 00:37:27.519 that's taking place? 00:37:27.619 --> 00:37:28.860 Jesus is helping 00:37:28.860 --> 00:37:30.579 to create a correlation 00:37:30.579 --> 00:37:31.139 between 00:37:31.139 --> 00:37:32.460 the words 00:37:32.460 --> 00:37:33.759 that he speaks 00:37:33.759 --> 00:37:36.559 and the works 00:37:36.559 --> 00:37:37.920 that he plays out 00:37:37.920 --> 00:37:38.480 in his life. 00:37:39.019 --> 00:37:40.159 Jesus' life 00:37:40.159 --> 00:37:41.199 was marked 00:37:41.199 --> 00:37:42.440 by the power 00:37:42.440 --> 00:37:43.179 of the Spirit. 00:37:44.059 --> 00:37:44.879 And that Spirit 00:37:44.879 --> 00:37:45.819 not only showed up 00:37:45.819 --> 00:37:47.059 in the miraculous things 00:37:47.059 --> 00:37:47.839 that Jesus did 00:37:47.839 --> 00:37:49.739 in multiplying the fish 00:37:49.739 --> 00:37:51.339 in multiplying the loaves 00:37:51.339 --> 00:37:52.639 in walking on water 00:37:52.639 --> 00:37:53.559 but it showed up 00:37:53.559 --> 00:37:55.900 in the miraculous work 00:37:55.900 --> 00:37:56.639 of Christ 00:37:56.639 --> 00:37:58.099 to carry out 00:37:58.099 --> 00:37:59.739 this righteous 00:37:59.739 --> 00:38:01.559 disobedient life. 00:38:02.899 --> 00:38:03.519 His life 00:38:03.519 --> 00:38:04.659 was a visible 00:38:04.659 --> 00:38:05.479 portrait 00:38:05.479 --> 00:38:06.459 of the Father. 00:38:06.839 --> 00:38:07.099 Philip, 00:38:07.159 --> 00:38:08.199 if you want to know me, 00:38:08.559 --> 00:38:09.599 if you want to know the Father, 00:38:09.759 --> 00:38:11.500 just look at my life. 00:38:11.759 --> 00:38:12.359 My life 00:38:12.359 --> 00:38:13.199 is this perfect 00:38:13.199 --> 00:38:14.059 replica, 00:38:14.259 --> 00:38:15.239 this perfect picture, 00:38:15.779 --> 00:38:17.559 this perfect portrait 00:38:17.559 --> 00:38:18.839 of the Father. 00:38:20.259 --> 00:38:20.819 And it's exactly 00:38:20.819 --> 00:38:21.359 what we saw 00:38:21.359 --> 00:38:22.119 in Hebrews 1. 00:38:22.519 --> 00:38:23.599 Hebrews 1.3, 00:38:23.599 --> 00:38:25.659 He is the radiance 00:38:25.659 --> 00:38:26.559 of the glory 00:38:26.559 --> 00:38:27.480 of God, 00:38:27.579 --> 00:38:29.139 the exact imprint 00:38:29.139 --> 00:38:30.440 of His nature. 00:38:31.559 --> 00:38:32.319 And He upholds 00:38:32.319 --> 00:38:32.799 the universe 00:38:32.799 --> 00:38:33.339 by the word 00:38:33.339 --> 00:38:33.920 of His power. 00:38:34.339 --> 00:38:35.619 After making purification 00:38:35.619 --> 00:38:36.139 for sin, 00:38:36.199 --> 00:38:37.259 He sat down 00:38:37.259 --> 00:38:38.460 at the right hand 00:38:38.460 --> 00:38:39.559 of the majesty 00:38:39.559 --> 00:38:40.519 on high. 00:38:41.539 --> 00:38:43.380 As we encounter Jesus, 00:38:43.599 --> 00:38:44.420 we encounter 00:38:44.420 --> 00:38:46.380 the greater prophet 00:38:46.380 --> 00:38:48.099 in every extent 00:38:48.099 --> 00:38:48.599 of the word. 00:38:48.679 --> 00:38:50.360 This perfect replica 00:38:50.360 --> 00:38:51.559 of God. 00:38:53.400 --> 00:38:54.360 He was God 00:38:54.360 --> 00:38:54.900 in the flesh. 00:38:55.740 --> 00:38:56.900 That very word 00:38:56.900 --> 00:38:57.360 of God 00:38:57.360 --> 00:38:57.920 who came 00:38:57.920 --> 00:38:58.760 to earth. 00:38:59.440 --> 00:39:00.300 And that's what we find 00:39:00.300 --> 00:39:02.740 in John 1.1-3 00:39:02.740 --> 00:39:03.860 and verse 14. 00:39:04.340 --> 00:39:04.940 In the beginning 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:05.860 was this word. 00:39:06.599 --> 00:39:07.660 The word was God. 00:39:07.840 --> 00:39:09.000 The word was God. 00:39:09.820 --> 00:39:10.680 He was in the beginning 00:39:10.680 --> 00:39:11.099 with God. 00:39:11.200 --> 00:39:11.800 All things 00:39:11.800 --> 00:39:12.960 were made through Him. 00:39:13.820 --> 00:39:14.680 And without Him 00:39:14.680 --> 00:39:15.880 was not anything 00:39:15.880 --> 00:39:16.680 made that was made. 00:39:17.220 --> 00:39:18.039 And the word 00:39:18.039 --> 00:39:19.120 became flesh 00:39:19.119 --> 00:39:20.639 and dwelt among us. 00:39:21.119 --> 00:39:22.019 And we have seen 00:39:22.019 --> 00:39:22.639 His glory. 00:39:22.719 --> 00:39:23.279 The glory 00:39:23.279 --> 00:39:25.359 as of the only Son 00:39:25.359 --> 00:39:26.559 from the Father 00:39:26.559 --> 00:39:28.400 full of grace 00:39:28.400 --> 00:39:29.699 and truth. 00:39:30.299 --> 00:39:32.359 This long-awaited prophet 00:39:32.359 --> 00:39:34.019 has finally come 00:39:34.019 --> 00:39:35.259 in the person 00:39:35.259 --> 00:39:36.639 of Jesus Christ. 00:39:36.739 --> 00:39:37.239 That word 00:39:37.239 --> 00:39:38.119 has come near. 00:39:38.739 --> 00:39:40.239 Once seemed distant. 00:39:40.400 --> 00:39:41.759 Once seemed silent. 00:39:42.019 --> 00:39:43.039 Is now present. 00:39:43.960 --> 00:39:44.839 This definitive 00:39:44.839 --> 00:39:45.839 word of truth. 00:39:45.839 --> 00:39:47.480 This prophetic witness 00:39:47.480 --> 00:39:49.420 possessing authority. 00:39:51.079 --> 00:39:52.260 Once shadowed 00:39:52.260 --> 00:39:54.019 now is shining. 00:39:54.780 --> 00:39:56.280 Once promised 00:39:56.280 --> 00:39:57.699 now is present. 00:39:58.219 --> 00:39:59.300 Once anticipated 00:39:59.300 --> 00:40:01.340 now is alive. 00:40:01.900 --> 00:40:02.800 Once heard 00:40:02.800 --> 00:40:03.740 through the prophets 00:40:03.740 --> 00:40:04.659 is now visible 00:40:04.659 --> 00:40:05.880 through the very 00:40:05.880 --> 00:40:07.119 prophet Himself. 00:40:08.019 --> 00:40:09.639 He is God's 00:40:09.639 --> 00:40:10.699 final word. 00:40:11.019 --> 00:40:11.900 He is God's 00:40:11.900 --> 00:40:13.599 decisive word. 00:40:13.599 --> 00:40:14.639 He is God's 00:40:14.639 --> 00:40:16.480 authoritative word. 00:40:16.480 --> 00:40:18.920 He is the voice 00:40:18.920 --> 00:40:20.519 that breaks through 00:40:20.519 --> 00:40:21.480 the silence. 00:40:22.719 --> 00:40:23.579 He is the truth 00:40:23.579 --> 00:40:24.480 in human flesh. 00:40:24.920 --> 00:40:25.800 No more confusion. 00:40:26.659 --> 00:40:27.559 He is the word 00:40:27.559 --> 00:40:28.280 made clear. 00:40:29.159 --> 00:40:30.599 No more shadows. 00:40:31.380 --> 00:40:32.280 No more distance. 00:40:33.260 --> 00:40:34.579 He is the definitive word. 00:40:34.659 --> 00:40:36.039 The final prophet. 00:40:36.199 --> 00:40:37.079 The embodiment 00:40:37.079 --> 00:40:38.240 of truth. 00:40:38.960 --> 00:40:40.260 Jesus is that 00:40:40.260 --> 00:40:41.599 greater prophet. 00:40:41.599 --> 00:40:41.719 prophet. 00:40:43.659 --> 00:40:45.099 We also recognize 00:40:45.099 --> 00:40:46.420 that Jesus 00:40:46.420 --> 00:40:47.000 is the prophet 00:40:47.000 --> 00:40:47.480 we need. 00:40:48.440 --> 00:40:49.480 Not just the prophet 00:40:49.480 --> 00:40:50.179 who was promised 00:40:50.179 --> 00:40:51.480 but He is the prophet 00:40:51.480 --> 00:40:51.940 we need. 00:40:53.179 --> 00:40:54.179 We see so many 00:40:54.179 --> 00:40:54.719 advantages 00:40:54.719 --> 00:40:56.339 to a God 00:40:56.339 --> 00:40:57.000 who speaks. 00:40:58.059 --> 00:40:58.980 We see that 00:40:58.980 --> 00:40:59.539 a speaking 00:40:59.539 --> 00:41:00.440 God 00:41:00.440 --> 00:41:01.179 is a noble 00:41:01.179 --> 00:41:01.619 God 00:41:01.619 --> 00:41:02.779 because 00:41:02.779 --> 00:41:03.599 God has 00:41:03.599 --> 00:41:04.219 communicated 00:41:04.219 --> 00:41:04.920 Himself 00:41:04.920 --> 00:41:05.960 through His word. 00:41:05.960 --> 00:41:06.860 We can know 00:41:06.860 --> 00:41:07.500 His attributes. 00:41:07.739 --> 00:41:08.219 We can know 00:41:08.219 --> 00:41:09.219 His character. 00:41:09.219 --> 00:41:10.339 We can know 00:41:10.339 --> 00:41:11.599 what He expects 00:41:11.599 --> 00:41:12.419 of His people. 00:41:13.679 --> 00:41:14.379 We can see 00:41:14.379 --> 00:41:14.980 His will 00:41:14.980 --> 00:41:15.699 His promises 00:41:15.699 --> 00:41:16.839 His plans 00:41:16.839 --> 00:41:17.579 His warnings. 00:41:18.500 --> 00:41:19.019 That's because 00:41:19.019 --> 00:41:20.339 God is prophetic. 00:41:20.879 --> 00:41:21.639 He speaks 00:41:21.639 --> 00:41:22.219 His word 00:41:22.219 --> 00:41:22.759 to us. 00:41:23.039 --> 00:41:23.839 It's knowable. 00:41:25.159 --> 00:41:25.659 And a speaking 00:41:25.659 --> 00:41:26.119 God 00:41:26.119 --> 00:41:27.539 also invites us 00:41:27.539 --> 00:41:28.359 into relationship. 00:41:29.359 --> 00:41:29.899 And I just want to 00:41:29.899 --> 00:41:30.819 pause here for a moment. 00:41:30.819 --> 00:41:32.099 I wonder 00:41:32.099 --> 00:41:33.019 do you have 00:41:33.019 --> 00:41:33.899 a relationship 00:41:33.899 --> 00:41:34.859 with Jesus? 00:41:35.639 --> 00:41:36.419 This living 00:41:36.419 --> 00:41:37.279 word of God 00:41:37.280 --> 00:41:38.680 who has made 00:41:38.680 --> 00:41:39.460 His word 00:41:39.460 --> 00:41:40.260 His gospel 00:41:40.260 --> 00:41:40.980 clear 00:41:40.980 --> 00:41:41.800 through the person 00:41:41.800 --> 00:41:42.380 of His Son 00:41:42.380 --> 00:41:43.060 Jesus. 00:41:44.120 --> 00:41:45.040 He's spoken about 00:41:45.040 --> 00:41:46.860 He's spoken about 00:41:46.860 --> 00:41:48.200 our depravity 00:41:48.200 --> 00:41:48.780 our sin 00:41:48.780 --> 00:41:50.420 that our sin 00:41:50.420 --> 00:41:51.460 separates us 00:41:51.460 --> 00:41:52.160 from Him 00:41:52.160 --> 00:41:53.180 but there's a solution 00:41:53.180 --> 00:41:54.220 that's provided 00:41:54.220 --> 00:41:54.720 for us 00:41:54.720 --> 00:41:55.360 in the person 00:41:55.360 --> 00:41:56.540 of Jesus Christ 00:41:56.540 --> 00:41:57.620 that if we believe 00:41:57.620 --> 00:41:59.080 in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:41:59.080 --> 00:42:00.400 we will be saved. 00:42:01.120 --> 00:42:01.780 If we confess 00:42:01.780 --> 00:42:03.100 our sins 00:42:03.100 --> 00:42:04.120 He is faithful 00:42:04.120 --> 00:42:04.800 and just 00:42:04.800 --> 00:42:05.920 to forgive our sins 00:42:05.920 --> 00:42:06.880 and to cleanse us 00:42:06.880 --> 00:42:07.659 from all 00:42:07.659 --> 00:42:08.659 unrighteousness. 00:42:08.760 --> 00:42:09.579 Do you know 00:42:09.579 --> 00:42:10.940 this prophet 00:42:10.940 --> 00:42:12.019 this Savior 00:42:12.019 --> 00:42:12.820 this word 00:42:12.820 --> 00:42:13.480 of God 00:42:13.480 --> 00:42:14.820 who has made flesh 00:42:14.820 --> 00:42:16.200 and invites us 00:42:16.200 --> 00:42:17.420 into this relationship 00:42:17.420 --> 00:42:18.019 with Him? 00:42:19.700 --> 00:42:20.659 We also understand 00:42:20.659 --> 00:42:21.220 that a speaking 00:42:21.220 --> 00:42:22.400 God gives meaning 00:42:22.400 --> 00:42:23.539 and purpose 00:42:23.539 --> 00:42:25.900 through His creation 00:42:25.900 --> 00:42:27.559 through His humanity 00:42:27.559 --> 00:42:28.840 through all that 00:42:28.840 --> 00:42:30.059 He has communicated 00:42:30.059 --> 00:42:30.680 to us 00:42:30.680 --> 00:42:31.780 we understand 00:42:31.780 --> 00:42:32.460 the mission 00:42:32.460 --> 00:42:33.180 that He's called 00:42:33.180 --> 00:42:33.740 us to 00:42:33.739 --> 00:42:35.500 and the work 00:42:35.500 --> 00:42:36.159 that He seeks 00:42:36.159 --> 00:42:36.779 to accomplish 00:42:36.779 --> 00:42:38.199 in and through 00:42:38.199 --> 00:42:39.279 our lives. 00:42:40.659 --> 00:42:41.099 A speaking 00:42:41.099 --> 00:42:41.779 God 00:42:41.779 --> 00:42:42.779 is a God 00:42:42.779 --> 00:42:43.399 we need. 00:42:44.679 --> 00:42:45.099 I love how 00:42:45.099 --> 00:42:45.659 John Calvin 00:42:45.659 --> 00:42:46.159 puts this 00:42:46.159 --> 00:42:46.599 he says 00:42:46.599 --> 00:42:47.839 God has so 00:42:47.839 --> 00:42:48.899 communicated Himself 00:42:48.899 --> 00:42:49.699 in Christ 00:42:49.699 --> 00:42:50.859 that it would be 00:42:50.859 --> 00:42:51.439 vain 00:42:51.439 --> 00:42:52.639 to seek Him 00:42:52.639 --> 00:42:53.359 elsewhere. 00:42:54.819 --> 00:42:55.339 F.F. Bruce 00:42:55.339 --> 00:42:55.919 says God 00:42:55.919 --> 00:42:56.439 has spoken 00:42:56.439 --> 00:42:57.139 in His Son 00:42:57.139 --> 00:42:57.839 in a way 00:42:57.839 --> 00:42:58.319 that leaves 00:42:58.319 --> 00:42:58.979 no room 00:42:58.979 --> 00:42:59.619 for further 00:42:59.619 --> 00:43:00.619 or higher 00:43:00.619 --> 00:43:01.519 revelation. 00:43:01.519 --> 00:43:03.820 the voices 00:43:03.820 --> 00:43:05.079 that we listen 00:43:05.079 --> 00:43:05.400 to 00:43:05.400 --> 00:43:06.340 will shape 00:43:06.340 --> 00:43:06.759 your life. 00:43:07.780 --> 00:43:08.360 Who are the 00:43:08.360 --> 00:43:08.659 voices 00:43:08.659 --> 00:43:09.860 that you tune 00:43:09.860 --> 00:43:10.099 into? 00:43:11.199 --> 00:43:11.659 Who are the 00:43:11.659 --> 00:43:11.940 voices 00:43:11.940 --> 00:43:12.960 that you allow 00:43:12.960 --> 00:43:14.079 to speak 00:43:14.079 --> 00:43:14.659 into your 00:43:14.659 --> 00:43:15.500 heart and mind? 00:43:16.659 --> 00:43:17.280 And whether 00:43:17.280 --> 00:43:17.739 or not 00:43:17.739 --> 00:43:18.420 you believe 00:43:18.420 --> 00:43:19.199 it's possible 00:43:19.199 --> 00:43:19.960 those voices 00:43:19.960 --> 00:43:20.559 will begin 00:43:20.559 --> 00:43:21.940 to carry you. 00:43:22.219 --> 00:43:23.099 Those voices 00:43:23.099 --> 00:43:23.820 will begin 00:43:23.820 --> 00:43:24.940 to lead you 00:43:24.940 --> 00:43:25.619 in a direction 00:43:25.619 --> 00:43:27.039 and cause you 00:43:27.039 --> 00:43:28.039 to believe 00:43:28.039 --> 00:43:28.960 certain things 00:43:28.960 --> 00:43:29.659 and then as 00:43:29.659 --> 00:43:30.239 you believe 00:43:30.239 --> 00:43:30.799 those things 00:43:30.799 --> 00:43:32.199 you will start 00:43:32.199 --> 00:43:32.699 to do 00:43:32.699 --> 00:43:33.539 those things. 00:43:34.659 --> 00:43:34.979 Are you 00:43:34.979 --> 00:43:35.599 allowing this 00:43:35.599 --> 00:43:36.159 definitive 00:43:36.159 --> 00:43:37.259 authoritative 00:43:37.259 --> 00:43:38.919 once for all 00:43:38.919 --> 00:43:39.500 prophet 00:43:39.500 --> 00:43:40.379 Jesus 00:43:40.379 --> 00:43:40.979 who was the 00:43:40.979 --> 00:43:41.619 Word of God 00:43:41.619 --> 00:43:42.219 made flesh 00:43:42.219 --> 00:43:43.059 to be that 00:43:43.059 --> 00:43:43.579 definitive 00:43:43.579 --> 00:43:44.799 voice for you? 00:43:44.839 --> 00:43:45.059 Are you 00:43:45.059 --> 00:43:45.739 tuning in 00:43:45.739 --> 00:43:46.459 to His 00:43:46.459 --> 00:43:46.899 voice? 00:43:48.219 --> 00:43:48.459 You're 00:43:48.459 --> 00:43:48.979 allowing His 00:43:48.979 --> 00:43:49.359 voice 00:43:49.359 --> 00:43:50.119 to be 00:43:50.119 --> 00:43:50.699 predominant 00:43:50.699 --> 00:43:51.759 in the midst 00:43:51.759 --> 00:43:52.419 of the jumble 00:43:52.419 --> 00:43:53.059 of noises 00:43:53.059 --> 00:43:54.439 especially during 00:43:54.439 --> 00:43:56.099 this busy 00:43:56.099 --> 00:43:56.539 season. 00:43:57.339 --> 00:43:57.739 Allow 00:43:57.739 --> 00:43:58.479 the Word 00:43:58.479 --> 00:43:59.119 the voice 00:43:59.119 --> 00:44:00.099 of God 00:44:00.099 --> 00:44:00.579 to be 00:44:00.579 --> 00:44:01.579 that voice 00:44:01.579 --> 00:44:01.920 for you 00:44:01.920 --> 00:44:02.739 that clarion 00:44:02.739 --> 00:44:03.199 call 00:44:03.199 --> 00:44:04.119 to direct 00:44:04.119 --> 00:44:04.460 you into 00:44:04.460 --> 00:44:05.019 relationship 00:44:05.019 --> 00:44:05.440 with Him 00:44:05.440 --> 00:44:05.739 and to 00:44:05.739 --> 00:44:06.239 call your 00:44:06.239 --> 00:44:06.619 heart 00:44:06.619 --> 00:44:08.199 to please 00:44:08.199 --> 00:44:08.460 Him. 00:44:09.480 --> 00:44:10.039 Let's pray. 00:44:11.719 --> 00:44:12.359 Lord we're 00:44:12.359 --> 00:44:13.000 grateful for 00:44:13.000 --> 00:44:13.480 this Word 00:44:13.480 --> 00:44:13.779 of God 00:44:13.779 --> 00:44:14.000 that was 00:44:14.000 --> 00:44:14.579 made flesh. 00:44:15.779 --> 00:44:16.199 God we're 00:44:16.199 --> 00:44:17.019 thankful for 00:44:17.019 --> 00:44:18.059 this prophetic 00:44:18.059 --> 00:44:18.519 voice 00:44:18.519 --> 00:44:19.219 this greater 00:44:19.219 --> 00:44:19.659 than 00:44:19.659 --> 00:44:20.359 prophet 00:44:20.359 --> 00:44:21.759 this once 00:44:21.759 --> 00:44:22.259 for all 00:44:22.259 --> 00:44:22.699 prophet. 00:44:24.279 --> 00:44:25.139 God I pray 00:44:25.139 --> 00:44:25.519 that you would 00:44:25.519 --> 00:44:26.079 help us 00:44:26.079 --> 00:44:26.759 to not just 00:44:26.759 --> 00:44:27.460 recognize 00:44:27.460 --> 00:44:29.099 His value 00:44:29.099 --> 00:44:30.760 but that 00:44:30.760 --> 00:44:31.360 our lives 00:44:31.360 --> 00:44:31.740 would be 00:44:31.740 --> 00:44:32.199 governed 00:44:32.199 --> 00:44:34.380 and responsive 00:44:34.380 --> 00:44:35.619 to what we 00:44:35.619 --> 00:44:36.199 believe about 00:44:36.199 --> 00:44:36.420 Him. 00:44:38.039 --> 00:44:38.920 Help it to 00:44:38.920 --> 00:44:40.360 cause us 00:44:40.360 --> 00:44:42.059 to press 00:44:42.059 --> 00:44:42.340 in 00:44:42.340 --> 00:44:44.559 as you say 00:44:44.559 --> 00:44:45.179 to so many 00:44:45.179 --> 00:44:45.639 of the 00:44:45.639 --> 00:44:46.280 leaders 00:44:46.280 --> 00:44:46.720 throughout 00:44:46.720 --> 00:44:47.099 the Old 00:44:47.099 --> 00:44:47.480 Testament 00:44:47.480 --> 00:44:50.360 that as 00:44:50.360 --> 00:44:51.000 they are 00:44:51.000 --> 00:44:52.139 immersing 00:44:52.139 --> 00:44:52.619 themselves 00:44:52.619 --> 00:44:53.059 in the Word 00:44:53.059 --> 00:44:53.460 of God 00:44:53.460 --> 00:44:55.019 that you 00:44:55.019 --> 00:44:55.659 are directing 00:44:55.659 --> 00:44:56.380 their steps 00:44:56.380 --> 00:44:57.280 and you're 00:44:57.280 --> 00:44:57.780 helping to 00:44:57.780 --> 00:44:58.119 preserve 00:44:58.119 --> 00:44:58.659 their ways. 00:44:59.679 --> 00:45:00.139 Oh God I pray 00:45:00.139 --> 00:45:00.440 that you would 00:45:00.440 --> 00:45:00.860 do that for 00:45:00.860 --> 00:45:01.019 us. 00:45:01.119 --> 00:45:01.440 Thank you 00:45:01.440 --> 00:45:01.780 for that 00:45:01.780 --> 00:45:02.240 promise. 00:45:02.740 --> 00:45:03.400 That promise 00:45:03.400 --> 00:45:04.039 that as we 00:45:04.039 --> 00:45:04.720 cling to 00:45:04.720 --> 00:45:05.280 your Word 00:45:05.280 --> 00:45:07.079 as we rest 00:45:07.079 --> 00:45:07.720 in your Word 00:45:07.720 --> 00:45:08.760 as we run 00:45:08.760 --> 00:45:09.880 to your Word 00:45:09.880 --> 00:45:11.220 that you will 00:45:11.220 --> 00:45:12.079 draw us 00:45:12.079 --> 00:45:12.659 not only to 00:45:12.659 --> 00:45:13.119 yourself 00:45:13.119 --> 00:45:14.260 but you will 00:45:14.260 --> 00:45:14.619 make us 00:45:14.619 --> 00:45:15.000 fruitful 00:45:15.000 --> 00:45:16.220 in the lives 00:45:16.220 --> 00:45:16.599 in which 00:45:16.599 --> 00:45:16.800 you've 00:45:16.800 --> 00:45:17.139 called us 00:45:17.139 --> 00:45:17.500 to live. 00:45:18.500 --> 00:45:18.980 Do that 00:45:18.980 --> 00:45:19.559 work for us 00:45:19.559 --> 00:45:19.940 we pray 00:45:19.940 --> 00:45:20.559 in Jesus 00:45:20.559 --> 00:45:20.900 name. 00:45:21.300 --> 00:45:21.500 Amen. 00:45:22.500 --> 00:45:23.019 God bless 00:45:23.019 --> 00:45:23.159 you. 00:45:23.460 --> 00:45:24.039 Have a great 00:45:24.039 --> 00:45:24.280 week.