WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.540 Believe it or not, today is our final message in Revelation, at least for this round. 00:00:05.600 --> 00:00:06.940 We'll probably get back to it at some point. 00:00:07.100 --> 00:00:07.980 It's a pretty good book. 00:00:08.540 --> 00:00:13.640 But this 13-week series is finally drawing to an end, and some of you might be breathing 00:00:13.640 --> 00:00:14.519 a sigh of relief. 00:00:15.839 --> 00:00:18.980 Some of you might be really upset because you've enjoyed being in the one book for an 00:00:18.980 --> 00:00:22.660 extended period, and some of you don't remember the conversation you just had, let alone sermons 00:00:22.660 --> 00:00:25.940 from a week or 13 weeks ago, so you've got no idea what I'm talking about. 00:00:25.940 --> 00:00:33.000 But the fact is, tonight is the last installment in our trip through Revelation for the last 00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:33.620 13 weeks. 00:00:33.760 --> 00:00:39.200 And so it's really important for us, as we jump into this last scene, that we realize 00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:41.179 what it is that's drawing to a close. 00:00:42.240 --> 00:00:49.380 This book of Revelation is not just a 13-week sermon outline that Jesus gave to John so that 00:00:49.380 --> 00:00:52.040 we would have something to do for this particular set of 13 weeks. 00:00:53.340 --> 00:00:54.380 It's a revelation. 00:00:54.920 --> 00:00:55.799 It's a vision. 00:00:55.939 --> 00:00:56.599 It's a prophecy. 00:00:56.780 --> 00:00:57.299 It's a unit. 00:00:57.939 --> 00:01:03.199 And so we need to, as we draw to the close, be mindful of everything that's gone before. 00:01:03.379 --> 00:01:07.879 All 13 weeks, plus the 12 and a half chapters that we didn't actually get to deal with in 00:01:07.879 --> 00:01:08.159 detail. 00:01:08.340 --> 00:01:12.400 So there is a lot that we need to try and squash back into our minds. 00:01:12.920 --> 00:01:18.420 You need to remember the wonder and the amazement and the encouragement and maybe the fear as 00:01:18.420 --> 00:01:18.680 well. 00:01:18.680 --> 00:01:23.380 All the different things that God has pushed into your mind and heart over the last 13 00:01:23.380 --> 00:01:27.900 weeks because that ride is about to come to an end. 00:01:28.640 --> 00:01:30.120 Revelation is about to finish. 00:01:30.120 --> 00:01:35.620 And it almost feels a bit like that feeling you get when holidays is over. 00:01:36.380 --> 00:01:38.460 It doesn't matter how amazing your holiday was. 00:01:38.460 --> 00:01:41.140 It doesn't matter how refreshing it was laying on the beach and doing nothing. 00:01:41.280 --> 00:01:44.240 It doesn't matter how fantastic or how long it was. 00:01:44.239 --> 00:01:48.799 The moment you turn back into your street or back into your driveway, it's like it just 00:01:48.799 --> 00:01:51.759 fades away into the distance and reality comes racing back. 00:01:51.839 --> 00:01:52.859 I've got to go to school tomorrow. 00:01:53.219 --> 00:01:55.159 I've got to get up and go to work in the morning. 00:01:55.479 --> 00:01:57.619 I've got to get up and make lunches for the kids tomorrow. 00:01:58.019 --> 00:02:01.539 Whatever it is, reality comes racing back into focus. 00:02:01.540 --> 00:02:07.780 And so as this vision ends, we need to focus and be aware of everything that's gone before. 00:02:08.400 --> 00:02:13.360 What I want you to try and do is I want you to do your best to imagine that you are John, 00:02:13.960 --> 00:02:15.879 to put yourself in his shoes. 00:02:16.319 --> 00:02:19.240 So you're being shown this vision by an angel. 00:02:19.640 --> 00:02:21.980 You're being given a sneak peek into eternity. 00:02:22.400 --> 00:02:26.860 You're seeing things that are true from the past, things that are true now, things that 00:02:26.860 --> 00:02:28.060 will be true in the future. 00:02:28.600 --> 00:02:30.460 And you are being amazed again. 00:02:30.460 --> 00:02:33.640 You're being encouraged again as God's love is put on display. 00:02:34.200 --> 00:02:36.800 You're being reminded that Jesus is victorious. 00:02:37.120 --> 00:02:40.840 You're being encouraged to stand firm in the trials that are coming. 00:02:41.640 --> 00:02:46.260 And this amazing encounter is about to finish. 00:02:47.060 --> 00:02:49.659 It's about to come to an end. 00:02:51.379 --> 00:02:56.800 Now, last week, sorry, we looked at essentially the finale, if you like, of the book of Revelation. 00:02:56.920 --> 00:02:59.800 There's a lot of pressure when you get to a finale because we have expectations. 00:03:00.500 --> 00:03:03.040 The finale needs to tie it all together, needs to finish things. 00:03:03.040 --> 00:03:08.320 And you know when you're reading a book or a series of book or watching a series of TV shows, 00:03:08.680 --> 00:03:12.219 you've got certain things that you want to be achieved when you get to the finale. 00:03:12.760 --> 00:03:17.160 And if they're not, you kind of feel like it was a letdown or maybe there's another series coming 00:03:17.160 --> 00:03:18.260 and it's not the last event. 00:03:18.259 --> 00:03:24.459 And so the finale of Revelation, which isn't just the finale of Revelation, it's the finale of the whole Bible. 00:03:24.699 --> 00:03:26.780 It's the finale of all of human history. 00:03:27.379 --> 00:03:30.399 There's a lot of pressure for this to finish neatly. 00:03:31.079 --> 00:03:35.939 I mean, I don't know if you guys have seen the last Harry Potter, but it's like it was supposed to pull it all together. 00:03:36.120 --> 00:03:38.359 Harry was supposed to defeat Voldemort and all that sort of stuff. 00:03:38.360 --> 00:03:42.180 But, you know, it's obvious that deep down, I can't remember the lady who wrote its name, 00:03:42.480 --> 00:03:46.100 but she knew that people would be asking the question, what happens next? 00:03:46.160 --> 00:03:50.760 And so you've got that really strange, weird scene where we pretend that they've suddenly grown up 30 years, 00:03:50.820 --> 00:03:54.220 even though they look exactly the same, and they have little kids running around. 00:03:54.320 --> 00:03:58.080 And it's a bit of a letdown because the finale didn't achieve its purpose. 00:03:58.080 --> 00:04:01.600 And so it had to go weird at the end to pretend that it was all finishing neatly. 00:04:01.599 --> 00:04:08.060 But the good news is, Revelation didn't disappoint us when we got to the episode in chapter 21. 00:04:08.599 --> 00:04:11.479 In fact, if anything, it was better than we were hoping for. 00:04:11.939 --> 00:04:15.340 Even as we looked through Revelation and saw that the victory was won, 00:04:15.659 --> 00:04:17.459 even when we saw Jesus on the throne, 00:04:17.560 --> 00:04:21.060 even when we were encouraged that there would be vindication for his people, 00:04:21.420 --> 00:04:27.159 you couldn't have begun to imagine just how good the picture was going to be when you got to chapter 21. 00:04:27.160 --> 00:04:33.200 This glorious heavenly city comes down and God dwells with his people. 00:04:34.160 --> 00:04:35.220 There is no more pain. 00:04:35.340 --> 00:04:36.460 There is no more tears. 00:04:36.760 --> 00:04:39.080 The shadow of death has been removed. 00:04:40.500 --> 00:04:46.820 Sin and Satan and temptation and failure are no longer a part of our experience as God's people. 00:04:47.820 --> 00:04:50.300 There is a city with no sea and no night. 00:04:50.420 --> 00:04:51.760 It is perfect in every way. 00:04:52.460 --> 00:04:54.080 It is beautiful beyond description, 00:04:54.079 --> 00:04:57.800 so it requires strange imagery that we looked at last week. 00:04:58.300 --> 00:05:02.240 It's apparently a cube city with jewels and pearls for gates 00:05:02.240 --> 00:05:07.379 and we know that those are images trying to explain to us that it is immeasurably beautiful, 00:05:07.719 --> 00:05:09.159 that it is immeasurably large, 00:05:09.240 --> 00:05:11.360 that there is room for all those who would come in 00:05:11.360 --> 00:05:14.099 and most importantly, that when we get there, 00:05:14.459 --> 00:05:16.379 every injustice will be righted. 00:05:16.379 --> 00:05:28.560 Every Christian will be vindicated, washed clean, adopted and perfectly satisfied living in the presence of God. 00:05:29.139 --> 00:05:31.399 I mean, you could not have asked for more. 00:05:32.139 --> 00:05:34.579 God has fixed everything that was wrong 00:05:34.579 --> 00:05:37.180 and in chapter 22 in these first few verses, 00:05:37.319 --> 00:05:40.019 the image just keeps rolling out and getting better and better. 00:05:40.019 --> 00:05:44.139 I mean, the big problem with our existence on this earth is death. 00:05:44.939 --> 00:05:47.019 It's the issue that we struggle with in everything. 00:05:47.159 --> 00:05:48.639 It's the thing that we try and avoid. 00:05:48.779 --> 00:05:49.859 It's the thing that we fear. 00:05:49.979 --> 00:05:51.479 It's the thing that drives us. 00:05:52.500 --> 00:05:55.139 And yet, chapter 22 opens with these amazing words 00:05:55.139 --> 00:05:57.759 to describe the future city that God has prepared. 00:05:58.539 --> 00:05:59.159 In verse 1, 00:05:59.160 --> 00:06:10.640 Life is flowing in this new city. 00:06:10.960 --> 00:06:11.900 There is no death. 00:06:12.600 --> 00:06:15.140 Life is flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb. 00:06:15.240 --> 00:06:15.820 And then verse 2, 00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:17.740 Down the middle of the great street of the city, 00:06:18.180 --> 00:06:20.780 on each side of the river stood the tree of life. 00:06:21.660 --> 00:06:23.500 There is no death in this city. 00:06:23.500 --> 00:06:26.920 There is only life coming from the great source of life, 00:06:27.280 --> 00:06:28.379 our Saviour Jesus. 00:06:29.160 --> 00:06:31.160 There's something really, really clever here 00:06:31.160 --> 00:06:32.460 that God has done in this image. 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:34.700 The word that is used for tree here 00:06:34.700 --> 00:06:36.260 when it talks about the tree of life 00:06:36.260 --> 00:06:39.040 is not the word that you would normally use for tree. 00:06:40.000 --> 00:06:44.280 It's a word that kind of refers to a dried piece of wood 00:06:44.280 --> 00:06:46.040 or a bit of wood that's been removed 00:06:46.040 --> 00:06:49.660 that might be used to build something like a cross. 00:06:50.480 --> 00:06:53.740 It's the same word that the New Testament uses in other places 00:06:53.740 --> 00:06:56.960 to describe the tree that Jesus was nailed to. 00:06:56.959 --> 00:07:00.419 If you think back to the Garden of Eden 00:07:00.419 --> 00:07:02.199 and the apparently perfect picture there, 00:07:02.259 --> 00:07:03.599 you've got trees, you've got fruit, 00:07:03.859 --> 00:07:05.139 and you've still got that here, 00:07:05.299 --> 00:07:08.120 but there's something extra going on with this tree of life. 00:07:09.240 --> 00:07:11.500 The tree of life in the eternal city 00:07:11.500 --> 00:07:13.599 is the cross of Jesus. 00:07:14.879 --> 00:07:17.819 The source of life, the defeat of death, 00:07:17.819 --> 00:07:22.000 all flows from the death and resurrection of Jesus. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:27.480 This future city will be life. 00:07:27.980 --> 00:07:29.339 Life will flow through it. 00:07:29.399 --> 00:07:30.480 Night will be removed. 00:07:30.480 --> 00:07:34.420 And the shadow of what Jesus has achieved 00:07:34.420 --> 00:07:36.860 will mean that we live forever. 00:07:38.700 --> 00:07:40.460 It removes the curse. 00:07:40.819 --> 00:07:42.140 It deals with the issue. 00:07:43.100 --> 00:07:45.319 Have a look at verse 3, just this first sentence. 00:07:45.939 --> 00:07:48.220 Just let it sit for a second. 00:07:49.220 --> 00:07:51.879 No longer will there be any curse. 00:07:51.879 --> 00:07:55.600 In this new city where death is removed, 00:07:55.819 --> 00:07:57.879 so is every problem that we have faced 00:07:57.879 --> 00:07:59.600 in our experience, in our existence. 00:08:00.240 --> 00:08:02.339 If you go right back to the beginning of the Bible 00:08:02.339 --> 00:08:03.519 in Genesis chapter 3, 00:08:03.600 --> 00:08:04.879 when Adam and Eve get it all wrong, 00:08:05.279 --> 00:08:06.199 when they reject God 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:09.100 and they try and take His place as being in charge, 00:08:09.180 --> 00:08:09.699 what happens? 00:08:10.620 --> 00:08:11.779 Everything breaks. 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:13.339 Friction is introduced. 00:08:13.519 --> 00:08:14.560 Opposition is introduced. 00:08:15.040 --> 00:08:16.860 Our relationships become broken 00:08:16.860 --> 00:08:18.319 and damaged and painful. 00:08:18.319 --> 00:08:21.439 Our interaction with the creation that we live in 00:08:21.439 --> 00:08:23.339 becomes difficult and a struggle. 00:08:24.040 --> 00:08:24.980 And most importantly, 00:08:25.379 --> 00:08:28.620 our ability to have an unhindered relationship 00:08:28.620 --> 00:08:30.240 with the God who made us 00:08:30.240 --> 00:08:32.519 is removed. 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:36.120 And when we get to this city, 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:40.159 every part of that curse is dealt with. 00:08:41.179 --> 00:08:43.480 Our relationships will be restored. 00:08:44.039 --> 00:08:45.340 There will no longer be jealousy 00:08:45.340 --> 00:08:47.600 or spite or unforgiveness 00:08:47.600 --> 00:08:49.740 or selfishness or hurt. 00:08:50.420 --> 00:08:52.320 Our struggles in our day-to-day life, 00:08:52.420 --> 00:08:53.060 that feeling of, 00:08:53.180 --> 00:08:54.040 I don't want to get up today, 00:08:54.100 --> 00:08:54.779 I can't be bothered. 00:08:55.159 --> 00:08:55.820 None of that. 00:08:56.519 --> 00:08:57.860 There will only be joy 00:08:57.860 --> 00:08:59.940 as we fulfill tasks 00:08:59.940 --> 00:09:01.139 that God will have for us 00:09:01.139 --> 00:09:02.019 in the new creation. 00:09:02.440 --> 00:09:03.800 But most importantly, 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:09.300 we finally get to have access to God. 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:13.080 It says in verse 3, 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:15.460 There will no longer be any curse. 00:09:15.460 --> 00:09:17.060 The throne of God and of the Lamb 00:09:17.060 --> 00:09:17.840 will be in the city 00:09:17.840 --> 00:09:19.379 and His servants will serve Him. 00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:19.879 And this bit, 00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:20.520 really important, 00:09:20.980 --> 00:09:22.780 they will see His face 00:09:22.780 --> 00:09:25.420 and His name will be on their foreheads. 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:27.639 The first thing that Adam and Eve did 00:09:27.639 --> 00:09:28.160 in Genesis 00:09:28.160 --> 00:09:29.220 when they realized 00:09:29.220 --> 00:09:30.300 they'd done the wrong thing 00:09:30.300 --> 00:09:31.560 was they hid 00:09:31.560 --> 00:09:32.879 from God's presence. 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:36.259 They feared to be in God's presence. 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:37.280 There was shame. 00:09:37.379 --> 00:09:38.540 They knew they'd done the wrong thing. 00:09:38.620 --> 00:09:39.559 But the reality was 00:09:39.559 --> 00:09:40.679 God in His perfection 00:09:40.679 --> 00:09:41.879 became dangerous 00:09:41.879 --> 00:09:43.319 to sinful people 00:09:43.319 --> 00:09:44.219 like Adam and Eve. 00:09:44.799 --> 00:09:46.299 And that's ultimately why 00:09:46.299 --> 00:09:48.019 He removed them from the garden 00:09:48.019 --> 00:09:49.879 and their relationship 00:09:49.879 --> 00:09:51.480 was given distance 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:53.299 so that they would not be destroyed. 00:09:53.439 --> 00:09:54.240 So there was a chance 00:09:54.240 --> 00:09:55.159 of restoration. 00:09:56.199 --> 00:09:57.500 And we read this incredible thing 00:09:57.500 --> 00:09:58.899 in Exodus chapter 33 00:09:58.899 --> 00:10:01.139 when Moses is leading God's people. 00:10:01.939 --> 00:10:03.519 And Moses is like the guy. 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:04.699 He's got like special, 00:10:05.059 --> 00:10:05.259 you know, 00:10:05.259 --> 00:10:06.799 direct access to God. 00:10:06.799 --> 00:10:07.899 And he cries out 00:10:07.899 --> 00:10:08.620 and he says to God, 00:10:08.959 --> 00:10:10.799 let me see your glory. 00:10:11.359 --> 00:10:12.719 So show me your glory. 00:10:13.159 --> 00:10:14.579 And God's response is, 00:10:15.159 --> 00:10:17.759 I will hide you 00:10:17.759 --> 00:10:19.059 and walk past you 00:10:19.059 --> 00:10:20.599 and give you just a sneak peek 00:10:20.599 --> 00:10:21.579 of my back 00:10:21.579 --> 00:10:23.979 because if you see my face 00:10:23.979 --> 00:10:24.599 you will die. 00:10:26.339 --> 00:10:27.019 Now remember, 00:10:27.139 --> 00:10:28.819 Moses is like the top of the top 00:10:28.819 --> 00:10:30.139 of God's people at this point. 00:10:30.519 --> 00:10:31.579 There is no one better. 00:10:31.699 --> 00:10:32.979 There is no one more chosen. 00:10:32.980 --> 00:10:35.720 Yet for him to see God's face 00:10:35.720 --> 00:10:37.080 would mean being destroyed 00:10:37.080 --> 00:10:38.519 because God is that holy 00:10:38.519 --> 00:10:39.620 and that perfect 00:10:39.620 --> 00:10:41.879 and even Moses has no right 00:10:41.879 --> 00:10:44.920 to stand face to face 00:10:44.920 --> 00:10:45.820 with the God of heaven. 00:10:47.200 --> 00:10:48.180 And yet, 00:10:49.480 --> 00:10:51.420 in the finale, 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:53.460 in the end, 00:10:53.980 --> 00:10:56.220 those who bear the name of Jesus 00:10:56.220 --> 00:11:00.220 will see God face to face. 00:11:00.220 --> 00:11:03.019 you will have access 00:11:03.019 --> 00:11:04.460 to the one who spoke 00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:06.120 the earth into being. 00:11:06.540 --> 00:11:06.700 I mean, 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:08.100 it's hard for us to comprehend 00:11:08.100 --> 00:11:10.080 just how different this city, 00:11:10.440 --> 00:11:11.940 this future eternal existence 00:11:11.940 --> 00:11:12.740 is going to be 00:11:12.740 --> 00:11:15.240 because our lives 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:16.259 are so tainted 00:11:16.259 --> 00:11:17.480 by sin and rebellion 00:11:17.480 --> 00:11:19.519 and this will be perfect. 00:11:21.220 --> 00:11:23.220 This will be absolutely perfect. 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:26.259 Heaven will be the fulfillment 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:27.420 of every good thing 00:11:27.420 --> 00:11:28.600 that God has promised, 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:30.100 every blessing 00:11:30.100 --> 00:11:31.500 that has been held back, 00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:33.300 every curse removed, 00:11:33.440 --> 00:11:34.960 every relationship restored 00:11:34.960 --> 00:11:36.600 and we will get to see 00:11:36.600 --> 00:11:38.320 God face to face. 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:40.040 No more wondering 00:11:40.040 --> 00:11:40.820 what he thinks. 00:11:41.180 --> 00:11:41.960 No more wondering 00:11:41.960 --> 00:11:42.980 what he's like. 00:11:43.139 --> 00:11:43.899 No more wondering 00:11:43.899 --> 00:11:44.899 if he loves us. 00:11:45.759 --> 00:11:47.379 We will have direct access 00:11:47.379 --> 00:11:49.340 to our great heavenly father. 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:51.820 And we are told 00:11:51.820 --> 00:11:53.460 that his servants 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:54.620 will reign with him 00:11:54.620 --> 00:11:55.940 forever and ever. 00:11:55.940 --> 00:11:58.020 no more being 00:11:58.020 --> 00:11:59.020 on the sideline, 00:11:59.220 --> 00:12:00.640 no more missing out, 00:12:00.820 --> 00:12:01.800 no more being oppressed 00:12:01.800 --> 00:12:02.760 because we follow 00:12:02.760 --> 00:12:04.420 a saviour that is 00:12:04.420 --> 00:12:05.420 mocked and ridiculed. 00:12:06.140 --> 00:12:07.480 We will be vindicated. 00:12:08.080 --> 00:12:09.600 We will reign with him. 00:12:10.660 --> 00:12:11.880 We will celebrate 00:12:11.880 --> 00:12:13.520 and share in his victory. 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:16.919 The glory of this finale 00:12:16.919 --> 00:12:17.559 of this image 00:12:17.559 --> 00:12:18.919 is almost overwhelming. 00:12:21.319 --> 00:12:22.840 If you just reflect 00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:23.799 on it a little bit, 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:24.659 if you just grab 00:12:24.659 --> 00:12:25.519 one issue 00:12:25.519 --> 00:12:26.539 that is in your life 00:12:26.539 --> 00:12:27.139 right now, 00:12:27.240 --> 00:12:28.559 it is resolved here. 00:12:29.699 --> 00:12:30.699 The thing that is 00:12:30.699 --> 00:12:31.179 causing you 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:32.039 the most pain 00:12:32.039 --> 00:12:32.579 and grief 00:12:32.579 --> 00:12:33.259 in your life 00:12:33.259 --> 00:12:33.879 right now, 00:12:34.059 --> 00:12:35.720 it is resolved here. 00:12:36.100 --> 00:12:37.460 And not just made okay. 00:12:37.460 --> 00:12:39.460 It is perfectly 00:12:40.079 --> 00:12:40.460 restored. 00:12:40.460 --> 00:12:41.019 Restored. 00:12:41.840 --> 00:12:42.879 Whether that is 00:12:42.879 --> 00:12:43.720 physical, 00:12:44.980 --> 00:12:45.720 emotional, 00:12:48.280 --> 00:12:50.320 perfectly restored. 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:53.040 But now, 00:12:54.200 --> 00:12:55.759 the vision is over. 00:12:58.139 --> 00:12:59.840 John is still 00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:00.660 in exile 00:13:00.660 --> 00:13:01.720 on the island 00:13:01.720 --> 00:13:02.400 of Patmos. 00:13:02.820 --> 00:13:03.879 We still have 00:13:03.879 --> 00:13:04.580 to go to work 00:13:04.580 --> 00:13:05.500 or school tomorrow 00:13:05.500 --> 00:13:06.420 or do our normal 00:13:06.420 --> 00:13:07.379 day-to-day lives. 00:13:08.500 --> 00:13:08.960 And suddenly, 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:10.060 those circumstances 00:13:10.060 --> 00:13:10.780 come screaming 00:13:10.780 --> 00:13:11.780 back into focus. 00:13:13.420 --> 00:13:14.379 Now that the vision 00:13:14.379 --> 00:13:14.920 is over, 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:15.600 it might feel 00:13:15.600 --> 00:13:16.379 a little bit like 00:13:16.379 --> 00:13:17.340 you've just arrived 00:13:17.340 --> 00:13:18.240 home from holiday. 00:13:19.280 --> 00:13:20.180 The angel gives 00:13:20.180 --> 00:13:21.000 John a little sign 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:21.180 off. 00:13:21.259 --> 00:13:21.780 These words 00:13:21.780 --> 00:13:22.340 are trustworthy 00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:23.019 and true. 00:13:24.139 --> 00:13:24.580 He says, 00:13:24.660 --> 00:13:25.580 you can trust these 00:13:25.580 --> 00:13:26.240 because Jesus 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:26.759 is the one 00:13:26.759 --> 00:13:27.300 who sent me 00:13:27.300 --> 00:13:28.019 with this message. 00:13:28.160 --> 00:13:28.600 But then you've 00:13:28.600 --> 00:13:29.320 got to ask the question, 00:13:29.420 --> 00:13:29.920 what do we do 00:13:29.920 --> 00:13:30.600 with this vision? 00:13:31.460 --> 00:13:32.180 Now that our 00:13:32.180 --> 00:13:33.060 day-to-day experience 00:13:33.060 --> 00:13:33.800 comes back in 00:13:33.800 --> 00:13:34.259 and we're not 00:13:34.259 --> 00:13:35.019 just sitting here 00:13:35.019 --> 00:13:36.500 drunk on the excitement 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:37.500 of how fantastic 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:38.280 it's going to be, 00:13:38.279 --> 00:13:39.819 what do we do 00:13:39.819 --> 00:13:40.439 with this book? 00:13:41.059 --> 00:13:41.699 What do we do 00:13:41.699 --> 00:13:42.519 tomorrow as we 00:13:42.519 --> 00:13:42.879 struggle? 00:13:42.959 --> 00:13:43.339 What do we do 00:13:43.339 --> 00:13:43.959 the next day 00:13:43.959 --> 00:13:44.519 as we struggle? 00:13:44.600 --> 00:13:45.379 What's the point 00:13:45.379 --> 00:13:46.500 of all of this? 00:13:49.639 --> 00:13:50.379 One of the 00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:51.179 interesting things 00:13:51.179 --> 00:13:52.439 I find in my role 00:13:52.439 --> 00:13:53.740 is that I kind of 00:13:53.740 --> 00:13:54.720 live in between 00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:56.139 adults and kids 00:13:56.139 --> 00:13:57.139 in my role 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:57.839 here at church. 00:13:58.000 --> 00:13:59.039 So I get to kind of 00:13:59.039 --> 00:13:59.720 hang out with all 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:00.699 the different age groups 00:14:00.699 --> 00:14:02.159 and get to talk 00:14:02.159 --> 00:14:03.220 about Jesus with them 00:14:03.220 --> 00:14:04.480 and I love 00:14:04.480 --> 00:14:05.339 the different ways 00:14:05.339 --> 00:14:06.139 that we express 00:14:06.139 --> 00:14:07.079 what we understand 00:14:07.080 --> 00:14:08.220 from the Bible. 00:14:09.080 --> 00:14:10.520 And so if I was 00:14:10.520 --> 00:14:11.340 to talk with many 00:14:11.340 --> 00:14:11.820 of you about 00:14:11.820 --> 00:14:12.259 the book of 00:14:12.259 --> 00:14:12.660 Revelation, 00:14:12.820 --> 00:14:13.240 we would find 00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:14.000 it quite difficult 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:15.980 to sort of 00:14:15.980 --> 00:14:16.580 summarize it, 00:14:16.620 --> 00:14:17.180 to bring it down 00:14:17.180 --> 00:14:17.639 into a neat 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:18.180 little package. 00:14:18.280 --> 00:14:18.759 There's so much 00:14:18.759 --> 00:14:19.120 in there, 00:14:19.160 --> 00:14:19.800 so many images 00:14:19.800 --> 00:14:20.180 and we want 00:14:20.180 --> 00:14:20.560 to kind of 00:14:20.560 --> 00:14:21.240 make sure 00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:21.639 we've ticked 00:14:21.639 --> 00:14:22.139 all the boxes 00:14:22.139 --> 00:14:22.720 and included 00:14:22.720 --> 00:14:23.259 everything. 00:14:23.740 --> 00:14:24.160 And so we might 00:14:24.160 --> 00:14:24.540 be a little bit 00:14:24.540 --> 00:14:25.120 nervous about 00:14:25.120 --> 00:14:26.020 a task like that 00:14:26.020 --> 00:14:26.680 but I love 00:14:26.680 --> 00:14:27.639 that if I went 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:28.780 to kids church 00:14:28.780 --> 00:14:29.400 next door, 00:14:29.759 --> 00:14:30.259 they could probably 00:14:30.259 --> 00:14:30.940 give me a one-word 00:14:30.940 --> 00:14:31.460 answer and that 00:14:31.460 --> 00:14:32.080 would be exactly 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:32.620 correct. 00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:34.460 They might not 00:14:34.460 --> 00:14:34.879 know they were 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:35.120 correct, 00:14:35.220 --> 00:14:35.580 they might just 00:14:35.580 --> 00:14:36.080 be reaching for 00:14:36.080 --> 00:14:36.520 the answer that 00:14:36.520 --> 00:14:36.900 they know is 00:14:36.900 --> 00:14:37.660 probably correct 00:14:37.660 --> 00:14:39.040 but they would 00:14:39.040 --> 00:14:39.820 probably be right. 00:14:41.200 --> 00:14:41.940 They know that 00:14:41.940 --> 00:14:42.280 when you get 00:14:42.280 --> 00:14:43.400 asked a question 00:14:43.400 --> 00:14:44.400 by somebody 00:14:44.400 --> 00:14:44.820 at church, 00:14:44.900 --> 00:14:45.360 the answer is 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:46.180 probably Jesus. 00:14:47.139 --> 00:14:47.759 If not, 00:14:47.820 --> 00:14:48.280 it's Bible 00:14:48.280 --> 00:14:49.139 but Jesus is 00:14:49.139 --> 00:14:49.840 always good to 00:14:49.840 --> 00:14:50.360 start with. 00:14:53.460 --> 00:14:54.139 But I pray 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:54.700 they never grow 00:14:54.700 --> 00:14:55.180 out of that. 00:14:56.879 --> 00:14:57.759 I pray that 00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:58.440 we never grow 00:14:58.440 --> 00:14:59.000 out of that 00:14:59.000 --> 00:15:00.720 because that 00:15:00.720 --> 00:15:01.400 is the point, 00:15:02.080 --> 00:15:03.440 that is the 00:15:03.440 --> 00:15:03.780 summary. 00:15:03.779 --> 00:15:06.259 for 13 weeks 00:15:06.259 --> 00:15:06.779 the main 00:15:06.779 --> 00:15:07.339 character 00:15:07.339 --> 00:15:08.039 has been 00:15:08.039 --> 00:15:08.500 Jesus. 00:15:09.079 --> 00:15:09.659 For every 00:15:09.659 --> 00:15:10.259 chapter in 00:15:10.259 --> 00:15:10.659 scripture 00:15:10.659 --> 00:15:11.159 the main 00:15:11.159 --> 00:15:11.579 character 00:15:11.579 --> 00:15:12.079 has been 00:15:12.079 --> 00:15:12.439 Jesus 00:15:12.439 --> 00:15:12.779 and in 00:15:12.779 --> 00:15:13.379 this final 00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:13.879 city, 00:15:14.019 --> 00:15:14.600 this eternal 00:15:14.600 --> 00:15:15.179 future, 00:15:15.600 --> 00:15:15.939 the main 00:15:15.939 --> 00:15:16.360 character 00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:16.779 is still 00:15:16.779 --> 00:15:17.199 Jesus. 00:15:18.699 --> 00:15:19.100 I don't know 00:15:19.100 --> 00:15:19.539 if you remember 00:15:19.539 --> 00:15:20.339 chapter 1, 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:21.279 John is given 00:15:21.279 --> 00:15:21.980 this vision 00:15:21.980 --> 00:15:22.579 of Jesus 00:15:22.579 --> 00:15:23.539 amongst his 00:15:23.539 --> 00:15:24.039 churches, 00:15:24.279 --> 00:15:25.059 blazing like 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:25.839 fire with a 00:15:25.839 --> 00:15:26.480 sword out of 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.000 his mouth, 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:28.100 speaking words 00:15:28.100 --> 00:15:28.779 like a rushing 00:15:28.779 --> 00:15:29.120 wind, 00:15:29.199 --> 00:15:29.819 this picture 00:15:29.819 --> 00:15:31.000 of a glorious 00:15:31.000 --> 00:15:31.820 Jesus. 00:15:32.820 --> 00:15:33.440 In chapters 00:15:33.440 --> 00:15:34.259 4 and 5 00:15:34.259 --> 00:15:35.000 the Lamb 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:35.659 Jesus is 00:15:35.659 --> 00:15:36.299 on the throne 00:15:36.299 --> 00:15:36.820 and all 00:15:36.820 --> 00:15:37.419 of the heavenly 00:15:37.419 --> 00:15:38.100 hosts gather 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:38.500 round, 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:39.299 bow down 00:15:39.299 --> 00:15:39.860 and worship 00:15:39.860 --> 00:15:40.159 him, 00:15:40.279 --> 00:15:40.879 crying out 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:41.519 holy, 00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:42.019 holy, 00:15:42.200 --> 00:15:42.720 holy is 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:43.139 the Lamb 00:15:43.139 --> 00:15:43.460 who was 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:43.820 slain. 00:15:44.779 --> 00:15:45.360 In chapter 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:46.039 12 it's 00:15:46.039 --> 00:15:46.720 Jesus who 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:47.360 is exalted 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:48.179 to the throne 00:15:48.179 --> 00:15:49.779 having defeated 00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:50.379 Satan and 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:51.000 cast him out 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:51.399 of heaven. 00:15:52.340 --> 00:15:52.820 In chapter 00:15:52.820 --> 00:15:53.679 19 it's 00:15:53.679 --> 00:15:54.379 Jesus who 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:54.980 arrives on 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:55.340 the white 00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:55.820 horse as 00:15:55.820 --> 00:15:56.500 the victorious 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:57.000 king. 00:15:58.059 --> 00:15:58.580 And here 00:15:58.580 --> 00:15:58.960 in chapters 00:15:58.960 --> 00:15:59.720 21 and 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:00.340 22 it's 00:16:00.340 --> 00:16:00.940 the throne 00:16:00.940 --> 00:16:01.740 of God 00:16:01.740 --> 00:16:02.080 and the 00:16:02.080 --> 00:16:02.840 Lamb Jesus 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:03.700 who is in 00:16:03.700 --> 00:16:04.100 the city. 00:16:05.259 --> 00:16:05.860 It is his 00:16:05.860 --> 00:16:06.300 presence, 00:16:06.780 --> 00:16:07.300 it is his 00:16:07.300 --> 00:16:07.980 blood that 00:16:07.980 --> 00:16:08.560 has washed 00:16:08.560 --> 00:16:09.180 us clean 00:16:09.180 --> 00:16:09.580 and given 00:16:09.580 --> 00:16:10.200 us access 00:16:10.200 --> 00:16:10.720 to this 00:16:10.720 --> 00:16:11.540 great city. 00:16:11.900 --> 00:16:13.180 It is all 00:16:13.180 --> 00:16:14.400 about Jesus. 00:16:14.800 --> 00:16:15.259 And just to 00:16:15.259 --> 00:16:15.900 make sure that 00:16:15.900 --> 00:16:16.440 we don't miss 00:16:16.440 --> 00:16:17.019 this point, 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:18.639 Jesus interrupts 00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:19.379 John reflecting 00:16:19.379 --> 00:16:19.920 on this great 00:16:19.920 --> 00:16:20.360 vision that 00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:20.740 he's just 00:16:20.740 --> 00:16:21.060 seen. 00:16:21.360 --> 00:16:21.920 Verse 7 00:16:21.920 --> 00:16:23.860 Behold I 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:24.720 am coming 00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:25.200 soon. 00:16:25.800 --> 00:16:26.200 It's not the 00:16:26.200 --> 00:16:26.860 angel talking 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:27.120 anymore, 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:27.460 it's not the 00:16:27.460 --> 00:16:28.100 angel pointing, 00:16:28.100 --> 00:16:29.019 Jesus' voice 00:16:29.019 --> 00:16:29.920 cuts through 00:16:29.920 --> 00:16:30.680 and says 00:16:30.680 --> 00:16:31.700 I am 00:16:31.700 --> 00:16:32.540 coming soon. 00:16:33.740 --> 00:16:34.379 Blessed is 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:35.300 he who 00:16:35.300 --> 00:16:35.980 keeps the 00:16:35.980 --> 00:16:36.700 words of 00:16:36.700 --> 00:16:37.300 the prophecy 00:16:37.300 --> 00:16:38.360 in this 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:38.720 book. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:41.139 It's all 00:16:41.139 --> 00:16:42.080 about Jesus. 00:16:43.420 --> 00:16:44.060 Now there's 00:16:44.060 --> 00:16:44.460 a really 00:16:44.460 --> 00:16:45.560 strange little 00:16:45.560 --> 00:16:46.060 verse that 00:16:46.060 --> 00:16:46.480 comes up 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:46.779 here which 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:47.279 I think is 00:16:47.279 --> 00:16:47.659 there for 00:16:47.659 --> 00:16:48.360 our encouragement. 00:16:48.980 --> 00:16:49.240 I don't 00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:49.540 know if you 00:16:49.540 --> 00:16:49.940 noticed it 00:16:49.940 --> 00:16:50.340 when Jase 00:16:50.340 --> 00:16:50.759 was reading 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:51.279 it out but 00:16:51.279 --> 00:16:51.879 this is 00:16:51.879 --> 00:16:52.379 the end. 00:16:53.240 --> 00:16:53.680 This is 00:16:53.680 --> 00:16:55.420 like victorious, 00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:56.279 this is no 00:16:56.279 --> 00:16:56.820 more Satan, 00:16:56.960 --> 00:16:57.340 this is no 00:16:57.340 --> 00:16:57.759 more issue, 00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:58.200 no more 00:16:58.200 --> 00:16:58.379 sin, 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.700 this is 00:16:58.700 --> 00:16:59.039 everything 00:16:59.039 --> 00:16:59.539 should be 00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:00.360 fantastic but 00:17:00.360 --> 00:17:01.039 this is the 00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:01.759 Harry Potter 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:02.340 as a dad 00:17:02.340 --> 00:17:03.059 moment in 00:17:03.059 --> 00:17:03.559 the finale. 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:05.379 Have a look 00:17:05.379 --> 00:17:05.960 at verse 8. 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:08.519 I John 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:09.240 am the one 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:09.740 who heard 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.140 and saw 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:10.940 these things. 00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:14.559 I John 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:15.039 am the one 00:17:15.039 --> 00:17:15.480 who saw 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:16.079 this incredible 00:17:16.079 --> 00:17:16.579 vision of 00:17:16.579 --> 00:17:17.839 Jesus and 00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:18.160 so what 00:17:18.160 --> 00:17:18.379 does he 00:17:18.379 --> 00:17:18.619 do? 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:21.160 And when 00:17:21.160 --> 00:17:21.519 I had 00:17:21.519 --> 00:17:22.019 heard and 00:17:22.019 --> 00:17:22.579 seen them 00:17:22.579 --> 00:17:23.180 I fell 00:17:23.180 --> 00:17:24.059 down to 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:25.000 worship at 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:25.640 the feet of 00:17:25.640 --> 00:17:26.359 the angel 00:17:26.359 --> 00:17:26.959 who had 00:17:26.959 --> 00:17:27.119 been 00:17:27.119 --> 00:17:27.459 showing 00:17:27.459 --> 00:17:27.699 me. 00:17:29.139 --> 00:17:29.699 It's 00:17:29.699 --> 00:17:30.579 all about 00:17:30.579 --> 00:17:31.019 Jesus. 00:17:32.379 --> 00:17:33.139 It's not 00:17:33.139 --> 00:17:33.539 about the 00:17:33.539 --> 00:17:34.599 angel but 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:35.599 John the 00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:36.199 disciple. 00:17:37.359 --> 00:17:38.439 The first 00:17:38.439 --> 00:17:38.959 thing he 00:17:38.959 --> 00:17:39.579 does having 00:17:39.579 --> 00:17:40.219 seen this 00:17:40.219 --> 00:17:41.619 glorious victorious 00:17:41.619 --> 00:17:42.379 picture of 00:17:42.379 --> 00:17:44.799 Jesus is 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:45.439 bow down to 00:17:45.439 --> 00:17:45.859 an angel. 00:17:46.859 --> 00:17:47.659 The angel 00:17:47.659 --> 00:17:48.359 corrects him. 00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:49.179 He said to 00:17:49.179 --> 00:17:49.319 me, 00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:49.759 do not 00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:50.119 do it. 00:17:50.179 --> 00:17:50.579 I am a 00:17:50.579 --> 00:17:51.200 fellow servant 00:17:51.200 --> 00:17:51.819 with you and 00:17:51.819 --> 00:17:52.179 with your 00:17:52.179 --> 00:17:52.759 brothers the 00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:53.619 prophets and 00:17:53.619 --> 00:17:54.179 of all who 00:17:54.179 --> 00:17:54.579 keep the 00:17:54.579 --> 00:17:55.000 words of 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:55.480 this book 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:56.720 worship God. 00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:58.220 That's the 00:17:58.220 --> 00:17:58.559 point. 00:17:59.359 --> 00:18:00.139 It's all 00:18:00.139 --> 00:18:00.939 about Jesus. 00:18:01.099 --> 00:18:01.579 It's showing 00:18:01.579 --> 00:18:02.279 us who he 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:02.740 is. 00:18:03.079 --> 00:18:03.559 It's showing 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:03.960 us his 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:05.039 infinite worth, 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:06.460 his unique 00:18:06.460 --> 00:18:07.240 worth that he 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:07.960 alone is to 00:18:07.960 --> 00:18:08.619 be worshipped. 00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:09.439 But I think 00:18:09.439 --> 00:18:09.919 this little 00:18:09.919 --> 00:18:11.259 strange John 00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:11.799 episode, 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.099 remember this 00:18:13.099 --> 00:18:13.859 is the end. 00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:15.139 It should be 00:18:15.139 --> 00:18:15.659 all neat. 00:18:15.960 --> 00:18:16.379 This should be 00:18:16.379 --> 00:18:16.879 the point where 00:18:16.879 --> 00:18:17.679 John gets it, 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:18.259 where it clicks 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:18.779 and it makes 00:18:18.779 --> 00:18:19.379 sense and he 00:18:19.379 --> 00:18:20.079 worships Jesus 00:18:20.079 --> 00:18:21.279 but he 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:21.779 fails 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:23.000 spectacularly. 00:18:24.440 --> 00:18:25.480 I believe 00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:26.559 that Jesus 00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:27.440 includes this 00:18:27.440 --> 00:18:28.099 little bit for 00:18:28.099 --> 00:18:29.420 us so that 00:18:29.420 --> 00:18:29.700 we might 00:18:29.700 --> 00:18:30.339 understand a 00:18:30.339 --> 00:18:30.759 little bit of 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:31.059 what it's 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:31.660 like to live 00:18:31.660 --> 00:18:32.440 between seeing 00:18:32.440 --> 00:18:33.000 this vision 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.859 and fully 00:18:33.859 --> 00:18:34.660 experiencing it 00:18:34.660 --> 00:18:34.960 when he 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:35.599 comes back. 00:18:36.960 --> 00:18:37.700 Having just 00:18:37.700 --> 00:18:38.220 heard the 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:38.559 words, 00:18:38.660 --> 00:18:39.200 I'm coming 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:39.640 soon, 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:40.480 John is 00:18:40.480 --> 00:18:41.200 trying to 00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:41.640 deal with 00:18:41.640 --> 00:18:42.480 the hope 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:43.480 and his 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.960 reality and 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:45.539 he fails. 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:47.480 And so 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:48.680 often great 00:18:48.680 --> 00:18:49.220 hope and 00:18:49.220 --> 00:18:49.980 great encouragement 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:51.400 like this are 00:18:51.400 --> 00:18:52.440 followed by 00:18:52.440 --> 00:18:53.360 temptation and 00:18:53.360 --> 00:18:53.779 failure, 00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:55.240 are followed 00:18:55.240 --> 00:18:56.140 by distraction. 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:58.079 If you think 00:18:58.079 --> 00:18:58.339 of the 00:18:58.339 --> 00:18:59.279 disciple Peter 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.039 when Jesus 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:00.319 is in 00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:00.839 Gethsemane, 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:01.339 he is the 00:19:01.339 --> 00:19:02.460 first one to 00:19:02.460 --> 00:19:02.940 jump to 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:03.200 Jesus' 00:19:03.380 --> 00:19:03.880 defence, 00:19:04.660 --> 00:19:05.319 showing his 00:19:05.319 --> 00:19:05.700 colours, 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:06.240 how committed 00:19:06.240 --> 00:19:06.620 he is, 00:19:06.640 --> 00:19:07.039 he pulls 00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:07.599 his sword, 00:19:08.140 --> 00:19:08.539 but just 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:09.180 moments later 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:09.720 he denies 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:10.319 Jesus three 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:10.799 times. 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:13.420 I can think 00:19:13.420 --> 00:19:13.940 in my own 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:14.819 life of times 00:19:14.819 --> 00:19:15.519 where I have 00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:16.059 gotten up to 00:19:16.059 --> 00:19:16.659 speak of 00:19:16.659 --> 00:19:17.220 the incredible 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:17.859 grace of 00:19:17.859 --> 00:19:18.200 God, 00:19:18.299 --> 00:19:18.619 which in 00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:19.059 no way 00:19:19.059 --> 00:19:20.039 depends on 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:20.679 anything that 00:19:20.679 --> 00:19:21.200 I could or 00:19:21.200 --> 00:19:21.799 couldn't do 00:19:21.799 --> 00:19:22.419 and which is 00:19:22.419 --> 00:19:22.819 an open 00:19:22.819 --> 00:19:23.619 invitation for 00:19:23.619 --> 00:19:24.019 absolutely 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:24.700 anybody to 00:19:24.700 --> 00:19:25.099 come to 00:19:25.099 --> 00:19:25.460 Jesus, 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:28.980 and literally 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:29.839 moments later 00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:30.419 be standing 00:19:30.419 --> 00:19:30.980 chatting to 00:19:30.980 --> 00:19:32.259 somebody and 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.179 internally judging 00:19:33.179 --> 00:19:33.720 the things that 00:19:33.720 --> 00:19:34.119 I'm hearing. 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:38.179 It is a 00:19:38.179 --> 00:19:39.179 difficult reality 00:19:39.179 --> 00:19:40.019 for us that 00:19:40.019 --> 00:19:41.059 we are still 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:41.799 in the battle. 00:19:42.200 --> 00:19:43.220 As glorious 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:44.019 as our hope 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:44.639 is, we are 00:19:44.639 --> 00:19:45.259 still in the 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:45.660 battle and 00:19:45.660 --> 00:19:45.879 there is 00:19:45.879 --> 00:19:46.500 encouragement 00:19:46.500 --> 00:19:46.960 here. 00:19:47.539 --> 00:19:48.160 This vision 00:19:48.160 --> 00:19:48.640 was given 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:49.140 to John 00:19:49.140 --> 00:19:49.680 not because 00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:50.000 of who 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:50.660 John is, 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:51.519 he's just 00:19:51.519 --> 00:19:52.240 like us, 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:53.619 but because 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:54.160 our God 00:19:54.160 --> 00:19:54.980 is gracious 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:57.059 and that 00:19:57.059 --> 00:19:57.960 same grace 00:19:57.960 --> 00:19:59.039 forgives John 00:19:59.039 --> 00:19:59.359 in this 00:19:59.359 --> 00:19:59.799 moment, 00:20:00.859 --> 00:20:01.400 sets him 00:20:01.400 --> 00:20:01.900 back on his 00:20:01.900 --> 00:20:02.279 feet and 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:02.700 points him 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:03.039 in the right 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.559 direction, 00:20:04.099 --> 00:20:05.079 worship Jesus. 00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:07.180 And as we 00:20:07.180 --> 00:20:07.859 struggle and 00:20:07.859 --> 00:20:08.680 fail in our 00:20:08.680 --> 00:20:09.619 lives, the 00:20:09.619 --> 00:20:10.299 same grace 00:20:10.299 --> 00:20:10.859 that called 00:20:10.859 --> 00:20:11.259 us and 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:11.799 showed us 00:20:11.799 --> 00:20:12.720 Jesus will 00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:13.379 forgive us 00:20:13.379 --> 00:20:13.980 and pick us 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:14.559 up and 00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:15.240 strengthen us 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:15.599 to keep 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:16.000 going. 00:20:17.799 --> 00:20:18.740 Worship him 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:19.140 alone. 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:20.339 That's what it 00:20:20.339 --> 00:20:21.039 means to keep 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:21.539 the words of 00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:22.120 this prophecy. 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:23.380 It means you 00:20:23.380 --> 00:20:24.420 see Jesus as 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:25.079 one who is 00:20:25.079 --> 00:20:25.720 worthy of 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:26.299 your worship, 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:27.620 who is worthy 00:20:27.620 --> 00:20:27.940 of your 00:20:27.940 --> 00:20:28.420 allegiance, 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:29.140 who is worthy 00:20:29.140 --> 00:20:29.420 of your 00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:29.859 commitment, 00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:30.539 who is worthy 00:20:30.539 --> 00:20:30.839 of your 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:31.279 service, 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:31.900 who is worthy 00:20:31.900 --> 00:20:32.180 of your 00:20:32.180 --> 00:20:33.000 whole life. 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:34.120 That's what 00:20:34.120 --> 00:20:34.440 it's all 00:20:34.440 --> 00:20:34.740 about. 00:20:36.620 --> 00:20:37.539 This vision 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:38.519 isn't necessarily 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:39.200 a specific 00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:39.900 description of 00:20:39.900 --> 00:20:40.259 how it's 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:40.440 going to 00:20:40.440 --> 00:20:40.819 happen and 00:20:40.819 --> 00:20:41.099 what it's 00:20:41.099 --> 00:20:41.319 going to 00:20:41.319 --> 00:20:41.839 look like. 00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:43.299 the end 00:20:43.299 --> 00:20:43.500 in 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:44.000 revelation 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:44.980 is a 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:45.459 person. 00:20:46.259 --> 00:20:46.619 It's 00:20:46.619 --> 00:20:46.939 Jesus. 00:20:49.939 --> 00:20:50.659 When we 00:20:50.659 --> 00:20:51.159 get to the 00:20:51.159 --> 00:20:52.139 end, we 00:20:52.139 --> 00:20:52.619 will see 00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:53.379 him fully. 00:20:54.039 --> 00:20:54.619 That's what 00:20:54.619 --> 00:20:55.139 will make it 00:20:55.139 --> 00:20:55.679 the end. 00:20:57.679 --> 00:20:58.359 Jesus says, 00:20:58.519 --> 00:20:59.019 I'm coming 00:20:59.019 --> 00:21:00.839 soon, so 00:21:00.839 --> 00:21:01.439 worship me 00:21:01.439 --> 00:21:01.819 alone. 00:21:02.659 --> 00:21:03.079 He says 00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:03.399 again, 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:04.159 verse 12, 00:21:04.160 --> 00:21:05.600 behold, I 00:21:05.600 --> 00:21:06.019 am coming 00:21:06.019 --> 00:21:06.400 soon. 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:07.259 Three times 00:21:07.259 --> 00:21:07.620 he makes 00:21:07.620 --> 00:21:07.960 it clear, 00:21:08.060 --> 00:21:08.380 I am 00:21:08.380 --> 00:21:08.740 coming 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:09.580 soon. 00:21:11.360 --> 00:21:12.000 So get 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:12.600 excited. 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:15.720 Revelation 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:16.740 coming to 00:21:16.740 --> 00:21:17.840 an end is 00:21:17.840 --> 00:21:18.200 not the 00:21:18.200 --> 00:21:18.480 end of 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:18.620 your 00:21:18.620 --> 00:21:18.980 holidays. 00:21:19.660 --> 00:21:20.140 It's 00:21:20.140 --> 00:21:20.480 Christmas 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:20.900 Eve. 00:21:22.680 --> 00:21:23.460 The point 00:21:23.460 --> 00:21:24.220 is to 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:24.660 tell you 00:21:24.660 --> 00:21:25.120 that something 00:21:25.120 --> 00:21:26.019 amazing is 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.740 just around 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.220 the corner. 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:28.700 You know 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:29.340 that feeling 00:21:29.340 --> 00:21:29.820 on Christmas 00:21:29.820 --> 00:21:30.040 Eve. 00:21:30.080 --> 00:21:30.500 It happens 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:31.019 here when we 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.420 gather for 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:31.880 church, the 00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:32.460 11pm 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:32.800 service. 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:33.279 Little plug, 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:33.879 Christmas Eve 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:34.819 11pm is 00:21:34.819 --> 00:21:35.619 really exciting 00:21:35.619 --> 00:21:36.460 because you 00:21:36.460 --> 00:21:36.899 know that if 00:21:36.899 --> 00:21:37.480 church runs 00:21:37.480 --> 00:21:37.859 long enough, 00:21:37.899 --> 00:21:38.319 it's Christmas 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:38.799 Day and you 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:39.200 can go home 00:21:39.200 --> 00:21:39.579 and open a 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:39.839 present. 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:41.779 I remember 00:21:41.779 --> 00:21:42.319 as a kid 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:42.759 wanting to 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:43.319 pester my 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:43.680 parents, 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.039 come on, 00:21:44.099 --> 00:21:44.460 can I open 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:45.220 one, can I 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:45.680 open two, 00:21:45.779 --> 00:21:46.119 can I open 00:21:46.119 --> 00:21:46.519 three, can I 00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:46.879 just open a 00:21:46.879 --> 00:21:47.240 couple of 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:47.680 presents the 00:21:47.680 --> 00:21:48.119 day before. 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:48.779 Christmas Eve 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:49.480 is all about 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:50.539 the anticipation 00:21:50.539 --> 00:21:51.160 and the 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:51.819 excitement and 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.579 the expectation 00:21:52.579 --> 00:21:53.220 of what is 00:21:53.220 --> 00:21:53.680 to come. 00:21:56.399 --> 00:21:57.220 Jesus says 00:21:57.220 --> 00:21:57.920 in verse 12, 00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:58.899 behold, I am 00:21:58.899 --> 00:22:00.119 coming soon. 00:22:01.079 --> 00:22:01.660 He's whetting 00:22:01.660 --> 00:22:02.440 our appetite. 00:22:02.440 --> 00:22:04.220 my reward is 00:22:04.220 --> 00:22:04.940 with me and I 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:05.380 will give to 00:22:05.380 --> 00:22:06.240 everyone according 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:06.920 to what he has 00:22:06.920 --> 00:22:07.180 done. 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:07.880 I am the 00:22:07.880 --> 00:22:08.660 alpha and the 00:22:08.660 --> 00:22:09.320 omega, the 00:22:09.320 --> 00:22:10.039 first and the 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:10.500 last, the 00:22:10.500 --> 00:22:11.100 beginning and 00:22:11.100 --> 00:22:11.559 the end. 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:12.799 Blessed are 00:22:12.799 --> 00:22:13.759 those who 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:14.380 wash their 00:22:14.380 --> 00:22:15.100 robes that 00:22:15.100 --> 00:22:15.720 they may have 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:16.400 the right to 00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:16.980 the tree of 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:18.000 life and may 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:18.740 go through the 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:19.900 gates into the 00:22:19.900 --> 00:22:20.160 city. 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:21.860 If you are 00:22:21.860 --> 00:22:23.120 trusting Jesus, 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:24.600 revelation should 00:22:24.600 --> 00:22:25.299 be making you 00:22:25.299 --> 00:22:26.180 excited because 00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:27.120 Jesus is coming 00:22:27.120 --> 00:22:27.539 soon. 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:28.460 and when he 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.119 shows up, 00:22:29.659 --> 00:22:31.319 everything that 00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:32.039 we have seen 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:32.879 in these last 00:22:32.879 --> 00:22:33.539 two chapters 00:22:33.539 --> 00:22:34.960 comes with 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:35.200 him. 00:22:37.099 --> 00:22:37.700 Perfection, 00:22:38.420 --> 00:22:38.879 complete 00:22:38.879 --> 00:22:39.420 forgiveness, 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:41.259 access to our 00:22:41.259 --> 00:22:42.079 heavenly father 00:22:42.079 --> 00:22:43.599 face to face. 00:22:44.659 --> 00:22:45.539 I'm coming 00:22:45.539 --> 00:22:46.359 soon so get 00:22:46.359 --> 00:22:46.839 excited. 00:22:46.839 --> 00:22:46.899 excited. 00:22:49.179 --> 00:22:50.079 I want to say 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:51.139 that if the 00:22:51.139 --> 00:22:52.199 vision that we 00:22:52.199 --> 00:22:52.740 have been given 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:53.359 in these chapters 00:22:53.359 --> 00:22:54.179 is not something 00:22:54.179 --> 00:22:54.779 that's appealing 00:22:54.779 --> 00:22:55.859 to you, is not 00:22:55.859 --> 00:22:56.439 something that's 00:22:56.439 --> 00:22:58.439 exciting, I want 00:22:58.439 --> 00:22:59.019 to challenge you 00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.659 to look again. 00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:02.379 I understand 00:23:02.379 --> 00:23:03.399 it's imagery, it's 00:23:03.399 --> 00:23:04.139 prophecy, it's 00:23:04.139 --> 00:23:07.139 not just plain, but 00:23:07.139 --> 00:23:07.879 I want to challenge 00:23:07.879 --> 00:23:08.439 you that if it's 00:23:08.439 --> 00:23:09.519 not exciting, you 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:10.059 need to look 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:10.439 again. 00:23:11.079 --> 00:23:11.779 If you're being 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:13.119 distracted by the 00:23:13.119 --> 00:23:13.779 angels in your 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:14.559 life like John 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:15.299 was or if you're 00:23:15.299 --> 00:23:16.559 busy bowing down 00:23:16.559 --> 00:23:17.559 to comfort or 00:23:17.559 --> 00:23:18.480 security or a 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:21.079 career or 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:23.759 whatever else, it 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:24.619 just means you 00:23:24.619 --> 00:23:25.279 need to look 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:25.639 again. 00:23:26.359 --> 00:23:26.960 You need to 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:27.559 look at Jesus. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:28.500 You need to 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.259 understand who 00:23:29.259 --> 00:23:30.139 he is and how 00:23:30.139 --> 00:23:31.079 worthy he is and 00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:32.059 how good he is and 00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:33.119 how satisfying he 00:23:33.119 --> 00:23:35.259 is and you need 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:35.799 to start getting 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:36.700 excited for what 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:37.220 is to come. 00:23:39.139 --> 00:23:39.919 The whole 00:23:39.919 --> 00:23:41.740 Christian life is 00:23:41.740 --> 00:23:43.179 a response to 00:23:43.179 --> 00:23:43.519 Jesus. 00:23:44.000 --> 00:23:44.679 That's why this 00:23:44.679 --> 00:23:45.480 book is such an 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:46.359 incredible gift. 00:23:46.559 --> 00:23:47.659 That's why this 00:23:47.659 --> 00:23:48.240 is the way it 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:48.619 finishes. 00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:51.639 Because then we 00:23:51.639 --> 00:23:52.240 will see him 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:53.839 fully and in the 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:54.419 light of that 00:23:54.419 --> 00:23:55.539 complete revelation 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:56.079 we will be 00:23:56.079 --> 00:23:57.200 released to live 00:23:57.200 --> 00:23:57.980 the lives that we 00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:58.619 were made to 00:23:58.619 --> 00:23:58.899 live. 00:24:00.259 --> 00:24:01.460 But even now in 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.179 the battle we 00:24:02.179 --> 00:24:02.779 need to look 00:24:02.779 --> 00:24:03.839 again at Jesus. 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:05.379 He is the 00:24:05.379 --> 00:24:06.639 motivation for us 00:24:06.639 --> 00:24:07.379 to live the 00:24:07.379 --> 00:24:08.139 Christian life. 00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:09.000 The incredible 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:10.059 love and grace 00:24:10.059 --> 00:24:10.659 and forgiveness 00:24:10.659 --> 00:24:11.159 that he has 00:24:11.159 --> 00:24:12.399 shown us are 00:24:12.399 --> 00:24:13.559 motivation when 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:14.079 we're struggling. 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:14.740 But more than 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:15.940 that he is the 00:24:15.940 --> 00:24:16.859 power for you 00:24:16.859 --> 00:24:17.440 to live the 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:18.160 Christian life. 00:24:19.680 --> 00:24:20.319 He is the 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:20.839 power that 00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:21.660 forgives you by 00:24:21.660 --> 00:24:22.519 his blood so 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:23.079 that you can be 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:23.940 washed clean so 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:24.359 that you can have 00:24:24.359 --> 00:24:25.000 access to the 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:25.660 tree of life. 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:26.799 His spirit at 00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:27.460 work in you is 00:24:27.460 --> 00:24:28.500 the strength to 00:24:28.500 --> 00:24:29.180 convict you and 00:24:29.180 --> 00:24:30.000 grow your heart to 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:30.819 love him as he 00:24:30.819 --> 00:24:31.359 deserves. 00:24:32.740 --> 00:24:34.099 All of being a 00:24:34.099 --> 00:24:34.920 Christian is about 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:36.079 fixing your eyes 00:24:36.079 --> 00:24:37.839 on Jesus and 00:24:37.839 --> 00:24:38.559 having your heart 00:24:38.559 --> 00:24:39.559 respond to him. 00:24:40.519 --> 00:24:41.620 It has nothing to 00:24:41.620 --> 00:24:42.640 do with how strong 00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:43.580 you are, how 00:24:43.580 --> 00:24:44.380 disciplined you 00:24:44.380 --> 00:24:45.420 are, how good 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:45.920 you are. 00:24:47.600 --> 00:24:49.300 It's all about 00:24:49.300 --> 00:24:49.600 him. 00:24:51.280 --> 00:24:51.800 There's this 00:24:51.800 --> 00:24:53.140 amazing couple of 00:24:53.140 --> 00:24:53.840 verses there in 00:24:53.840 --> 00:24:54.640 verse 17. 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.900 The spirit and the 00:24:56.900 --> 00:24:57.920 bride say come. 00:24:58.580 --> 00:24:59.540 Having gotten this 00:24:59.540 --> 00:25:00.860 vision of Jesus, 00:25:01.040 --> 00:25:01.780 even the Holy 00:25:01.780 --> 00:25:03.460 Spirit says come. 00:25:04.560 --> 00:25:05.740 The Holy Spirit is 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:06.500 getting excited. 00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:07.640 He anticipates the 00:25:07.640 --> 00:25:08.340 glorious city. 00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:09.460 And let him who 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:10.820 hears say come. 00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:12.179 Let anyone who 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:13.220 hears these words 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:14.200 and begins to see 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:15.240 Jesus in his glory 00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:16.379 say come because 00:25:16.379 --> 00:25:17.259 it's good news. 00:25:18.919 --> 00:25:20.639 Whoever is thirsty, 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.419 let him come. 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:24.460 And whoever wishes, 00:25:24.879 --> 00:25:25.879 let him take the 00:25:25.879 --> 00:25:27.279 free gift of the 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:28.639 water of life. 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:32.019 Jesus says I am 00:25:32.019 --> 00:25:33.039 coming soon and he 00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:33.559 means it. 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:35.159 But in his 00:25:35.159 --> 00:25:36.919 incredible grace and 00:25:36.919 --> 00:25:38.919 sovereignty, that 00:25:38.919 --> 00:25:39.779 little gap that he 00:25:39.779 --> 00:25:40.420 has given us 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:41.500 between the 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:43.119 vision and his 00:25:43.119 --> 00:25:45.299 arrival is an 00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:46.259 invitation for 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:48.059 whoever wishes. 00:25:49.619 --> 00:25:51.180 Whoever wants to 00:25:51.180 --> 00:25:52.019 be in that city 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:52.720 can come. 00:25:56.240 --> 00:25:57.639 Whoever wants to 00:25:57.639 --> 00:25:58.559 know forgiveness 00:25:58.559 --> 00:25:59.660 and joy and 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:00.579 peace and 00:26:00.579 --> 00:26:01.519 perfection and 00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:02.899 satisfaction can 00:26:02.899 --> 00:26:04.099 come and take the 00:26:04.099 --> 00:26:04.920 free gift of the 00:26:04.920 --> 00:26:05.680 water of life. 00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:05.740 love. 00:26:09.019 --> 00:26:09.779 We've got to 00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:10.560 understand the 00:26:10.560 --> 00:26:11.080 hope that we 00:26:11.080 --> 00:26:12.299 have is an open 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:13.400 offer to anyone 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:14.160 who would come. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.880 It's not a hope to 00:26:15.880 --> 00:26:17.060 be apologized for. 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:18.620 When we can speak of 00:26:18.620 --> 00:26:19.080 the kind of 00:26:19.080 --> 00:26:20.220 perfection that is in 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:22.560 these pages, don't be 00:26:22.560 --> 00:26:23.560 embarrassed about it. 00:26:25.460 --> 00:26:26.900 Every issue that 00:26:26.900 --> 00:26:27.940 anyone on this 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:28.799 earth is dealing 00:26:28.799 --> 00:26:30.519 with right now will 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:32.100 only be fully and 00:26:32.100 --> 00:26:33.759 finally dealt with in 00:26:33.759 --> 00:26:34.039 heaven. 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:37.500 We can tell 00:26:37.500 --> 00:26:38.420 people about that. 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:40.039 We can point them 00:26:40.039 --> 00:26:41.039 to the solution in 00:26:41.039 --> 00:26:41.359 Jesus. 00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:42.819 There is nothing to 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:44.779 be sorry for or 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.440 shy about. 00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:49.319 Jesus says, I am 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:50.859 coming soon. 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:55.599 And with him comes 00:26:55.599 --> 00:26:57.799 his kingdom, this 00:26:57.799 --> 00:27:00.480 perfect creation, and 00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:01.599 a perfect relationship 00:27:01.599 --> 00:27:02.160 with God. 00:27:03.640 --> 00:27:04.740 If you're struggling 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:06.460 now, hear the 00:27:06.460 --> 00:27:08.440 words of Jesus, I'm 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:09.579 coming soon. 00:27:14.140 --> 00:27:15.360 If you're going 00:27:15.360 --> 00:27:16.180 great and life is 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:19.059 fantastic, hear the 00:27:19.059 --> 00:27:20.380 words of Jesus, I'm 00:27:20.380 --> 00:27:21.339 coming soon and with 00:27:21.339 --> 00:27:22.200 me comes something 00:27:22.200 --> 00:27:22.599 better. 00:27:24.319 --> 00:27:25.460 If right now you're 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:26.039 feeling pretty 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:28.740 apathetic, hear the 00:27:28.740 --> 00:27:29.420 words of Jesus. 00:27:29.420 --> 00:27:30.960 Jesus says, I'm 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:32.200 coming soon. 00:27:39.779 --> 00:27:41.660 Jesus says, he's 00:27:41.660 --> 00:27:42.300 coming soon. 00:27:43.840 --> 00:27:45.039 Three times. 00:27:46.660 --> 00:27:47.860 He means it. 00:27:50.800 --> 00:27:52.940 Are you ready for 00:27:52.940 --> 00:27:53.460 when he comes? 00:27:54.580 --> 00:27:56.279 Are you excited for 00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:56.960 when he comes? 00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:58.500 Jesus says, I'm 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:58.960 coming soon. 00:27:58.960 --> 00:28:01.240 Are you living now in 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:02.880 light of this image of 00:28:02.880 --> 00:28:03.299 Jesus? 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:06.380 In light of the king, the 00:28:06.380 --> 00:28:07.700 risen one, the saviour? 00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:13.480 Are you living now in 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:15.180 anticipation of 00:28:15.180 --> 00:28:15.720 perfection? 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:19.680 Jesus says, I'm 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:20.920 coming soon. 00:28:20.920 --> 00:28:23.420 Amen. 00:28:23.420 --> 00:28:25.360 Come, Lord Jesus.