WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.980 Well, last week began with a day of action as we went to the polls on Monday to cast our votes. 00:00:07.540 --> 00:00:18.000 And the next day, Tuesday, we found ourselves settling into the reality of what the majority of our fellow Canadians in each riding had decided. 00:00:18.780 --> 00:00:22.379 And for many of us, the result was quite disappointing. 00:00:22.379 --> 00:00:38.379 We all have a deep longing in our hearts for a country where righteousness and goodness and justice and peace reign. 00:00:42.460 --> 00:00:52.359 And yet we need to ask ourselves, even if the leader most of us wanted to win had won, could he bring that about in Canada? 00:00:52.380 --> 00:00:56.420 Or was he just better than the other guy? 00:00:58.920 --> 00:01:04.260 Moments like these stir up a deep desire within us for a greater country. 00:01:06.079 --> 00:01:18.040 And what I want to do this morning in our time in the Word is to remind us that we who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, we have a greater country to which we belong. 00:01:18.719 --> 00:01:21.020 And so this morning's sermon is going to be a little different. 00:01:21.019 --> 00:01:29.199 We're going to meander through a few different passages of Scripture which remind us of the great and certain hope that we have. 00:01:30.399 --> 00:01:34.259 This week I was reminded of Abraham. 00:01:34.260 --> 00:01:52.700 By faith, Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 00:01:53.800 --> 00:02:00.500 By faith, he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country. 00:02:00.500 --> 00:02:09.840 He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:20.620 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God. 00:02:20.620 --> 00:02:34.240 And by faith, even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 00:02:34.240 --> 00:02:49.879 And so from this one man, and he is good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. 00:02:49.879 --> 00:02:56.359 All these people were still living by faith when they died. 00:02:57.560 --> 00:03:00.219 They did not receive the things promised. 00:03:01.159 --> 00:03:10.340 They only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 00:03:10.340 --> 00:03:18.219 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 00:03:20.219 --> 00:03:25.140 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 00:03:26.640 --> 00:03:32.080 Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. 00:03:32.080 --> 00:03:41.220 Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 00:03:43.680 --> 00:03:46.960 This is from the New Testament book of Hebrews. 00:03:47.900 --> 00:03:52.880 And the author there points us back to the story of Abraham to encourage us. 00:03:53.620 --> 00:03:58.100 His main goal is to illustrate what true faith looks like. 00:03:58.099 --> 00:04:02.239 And so he points us back to Abraham's life. 00:04:03.799 --> 00:04:12.479 There in Canaan, Abraham pitched his tents, trusting the promise that God would give him that land someday as his inheritance. 00:04:13.620 --> 00:04:19.399 And by the end of his life, he owned little more than a burial plot in Canaan. 00:04:21.719 --> 00:04:25.980 God also promised that he would be the father of a great nation through his son Isaac. 00:04:25.980 --> 00:04:33.259 And yet Abraham barely lived to see Isaac's two sons enter their teenage years. 00:04:34.360 --> 00:04:38.220 The words that struck me the most here came in verse 13. 00:04:39.439 --> 00:04:43.560 All these people were still living by faith when they died. 00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:47.080 They did not receive the things promised. 00:04:47.079 --> 00:04:52.180 They only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. 00:04:53.379 --> 00:04:58.539 Admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 00:05:00.779 --> 00:05:02.139 What is he saying here? 00:05:03.539 --> 00:05:12.180 He seems to be saying that Abraham continued to trust the promise of God right up until the day that he died. 00:05:12.180 --> 00:05:18.000 Even though he had not yet come to possess the land of Canaan, which was promised. 00:05:19.879 --> 00:05:26.480 In other words, Abraham died believing that God would still yet give him the land. 00:05:29.420 --> 00:05:33.240 Even though at the time of his death, he owned almost none of it. 00:05:33.240 --> 00:05:39.280 We might wonder, how does that make any sense? 00:05:40.600 --> 00:05:43.060 Well, the author of Hebrews gives us a clue. 00:05:44.199 --> 00:05:49.379 There was something in Abraham's faith which looked beyond the present state of things. 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:57.360 There was something in Abraham's faith which hoped beyond the mere stuff of earth and the way things were in his day. 00:05:57.360 --> 00:06:04.139 In faith, he reasoned that there would be a future day in which God would make good on his promise. 00:06:04.980 --> 00:06:11.660 And if not before Abraham died, then after in the resurrection. 00:06:13.639 --> 00:06:18.620 There would be a future day in which God would give him a country of his own. 00:06:18.620 --> 00:06:24.939 A place to live where he wasn't a foreigner and a stranger. 00:06:25.680 --> 00:06:30.280 A better country than the one that he was tenting in. 00:06:32.280 --> 00:06:33.699 A heavenly country. 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:38.879 Verse 16. 00:06:39.180 --> 00:06:41.319 They were longing for a better country. 00:06:41.740 --> 00:06:42.840 A heavenly one. 00:06:42.839 --> 00:06:49.000 I wonder if Abraham's thoughts and feelings resonate with you. 00:06:50.019 --> 00:06:51.619 Do you look around at our world? 00:06:52.560 --> 00:06:53.679 And at our country? 00:06:54.679 --> 00:06:58.879 Do you see what the majority of Canadians in each riding valued and decided? 00:06:59.799 --> 00:07:01.639 And do you feel like Abraham did? 00:07:03.339 --> 00:07:04.279 Like a foreigner. 00:07:05.179 --> 00:07:06.179 And stranger. 00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:08.459 Living in a country. 00:07:09.559 --> 00:07:11.819 But not the country that we long for. 00:07:12.839 --> 00:07:16.000 I want to encourage you this morning. 00:07:16.699 --> 00:07:17.239 Take heart. 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:20.279 There is a better country. 00:07:21.279 --> 00:07:23.839 And it's not the United States of America. 00:07:25.739 --> 00:07:32.959 There is a heavenly country which God is preparing for all who have faith in him. 00:07:33.519 --> 00:07:34.819 Like Abraham did. 00:07:34.819 --> 00:07:40.860 And it's a place which actually feels like home. 00:07:42.459 --> 00:07:45.040 Not like this world where we live now. 00:07:45.040 --> 00:07:51.100 I was reminded also of what the Apostle Paul said to the church in Philippi. 00:07:52.379 --> 00:07:55.200 In Philippians chapter 3 he writes this. 00:07:55.199 --> 00:07:57.000 As I have often told you before. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:07:59.039 And now tell you again. 00:07:59.599 --> 00:08:00.979 Even with tears. 00:08:01.939 --> 00:08:02.699 Many. 00:08:03.300 --> 00:08:04.259 Live as enemies. 00:08:04.639 --> 00:08:05.920 Of the cross of Christ. 00:08:07.180 --> 00:08:08.439 Their destiny. 00:08:08.939 --> 00:08:09.980 Is destruction. 00:08:10.860 --> 00:08:12.139 Their God. 00:08:12.719 --> 00:08:13.639 Is their stomach. 00:08:14.839 --> 00:08:15.959 And their glory. 00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:17.740 Is in their shame. 00:08:19.019 --> 00:08:20.099 Their mind. 00:08:20.219 --> 00:08:21.919 Is set on earthly things. 00:08:21.920 --> 00:08:25.140 But our citizenship. 00:08:25.939 --> 00:08:26.680 Is in heaven. 00:08:28.120 --> 00:08:31.180 And we eagerly await a savior from there. 00:08:32.240 --> 00:08:34.399 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:38.759 Who by the power that enables him to bring everything. 00:08:39.019 --> 00:08:40.019 Under his control. 00:08:40.200 --> 00:08:42.539 Will transform our lowly bodies. 00:08:43.060 --> 00:08:47.220 So that they will be like his glorious body. 00:08:47.220 --> 00:08:51.920 We may be discouraged with the state of our world. 00:08:52.019 --> 00:08:53.000 When we look at the news. 00:08:53.759 --> 00:08:56.160 When we hear the results of elections. 00:08:57.540 --> 00:09:00.100 When we discover just who there is to choose. 00:09:00.460 --> 00:09:01.820 Between on the ballot. 00:09:03.019 --> 00:09:05.259 But Paul puts things in perspective for us. 00:09:06.899 --> 00:09:07.440 Many. 00:09:08.139 --> 00:09:10.680 Live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 00:09:11.740 --> 00:09:12.340 Many. 00:09:13.259 --> 00:09:15.040 Are on the path of destruction. 00:09:15.039 --> 00:09:15.839 Many. 00:09:15.839 --> 00:09:16.879 Many. 00:09:16.879 --> 00:09:17.000 Many. 00:09:17.679 --> 00:09:18.379 Celebrate. 00:09:18.899 --> 00:09:20.099 And pride themselves. 00:09:20.500 --> 00:09:21.620 In what is shameful. 00:09:23.219 --> 00:09:23.860 Many. 00:09:24.459 --> 00:09:25.659 Have their minds set. 00:09:25.919 --> 00:09:26.980 On the stuff. 00:09:27.319 --> 00:09:27.860 Of earth. 00:09:27.939 --> 00:09:28.799 The things of earth. 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:32.039 God reminds us here. 00:09:32.139 --> 00:09:34.319 That if we love the cross of Christ. 00:09:36.319 --> 00:09:37.639 We're in the minority. 00:09:39.699 --> 00:09:40.299 Many. 00:09:40.480 --> 00:09:42.439 The majority of people in our world. 00:09:42.719 --> 00:09:43.480 Are against. 00:09:43.480 --> 00:09:45.519 What we love. 00:09:47.080 --> 00:09:48.279 What we value. 00:09:48.500 --> 00:09:49.139 They are driven. 00:09:49.480 --> 00:09:50.700 By their gut desires. 00:09:51.200 --> 00:09:53.340 Living only to please themselves. 00:09:54.320 --> 00:09:55.600 Caught up entirely. 00:09:56.279 --> 00:09:57.600 In the stuff of earth. 00:09:59.759 --> 00:10:01.039 But the good news. 00:10:01.680 --> 00:10:02.460 Is that we. 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:04.019 Belong. 00:10:04.659 --> 00:10:05.060 To heaven. 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:08.600 But our citizenship is in heaven. 00:10:09.399 --> 00:10:10.560 I love this statement. 00:10:10.559 --> 00:10:12.699 Paul reminds us that we. 00:10:13.179 --> 00:10:13.979 Jesus people. 00:10:14.319 --> 00:10:15.179 Do indeed. 00:10:15.419 --> 00:10:15.979 Belong. 00:10:16.239 --> 00:10:17.799 To that heavenly country. 00:10:20.079 --> 00:10:21.539 We have a share in it. 00:10:23.359 --> 00:10:23.919 Citizenship. 00:10:24.219 --> 00:10:25.079 It's our home. 00:10:27.159 --> 00:10:28.619 Which means that this world. 00:10:28.619 --> 00:10:29.179 As it is. 00:10:29.239 --> 00:10:29.819 Is not. 00:10:30.159 --> 00:10:31.279 Our lasting home. 00:10:33.339 --> 00:10:33.859 Canada. 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:34.579 As it is. 00:10:34.579 --> 00:10:35.139 Is not. 00:10:35.359 --> 00:10:35.759 To be. 00:10:35.959 --> 00:10:36.619 Our ultimate. 00:10:36.959 --> 00:10:37.439 Home. 00:10:37.440 --> 00:10:38.780 And native land. 00:10:39.780 --> 00:10:41.560 We have been born from above. 00:10:42.120 --> 00:10:43.260 Of God's spirit. 00:10:44.080 --> 00:10:45.240 And now we belong. 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:46.180 To his country. 00:10:47.800 --> 00:10:48.880 Our citizenship. 00:10:49.220 --> 00:10:50.080 Is in heaven. 00:10:50.780 --> 00:10:51.880 Where he is. 00:10:53.540 --> 00:10:55.380 And I love how Paul describes. 00:10:55.380 --> 00:10:55.940 Our hope. 00:10:56.100 --> 00:10:57.000 Related to that. 00:10:57.520 --> 00:10:58.140 In verse. 00:10:58.620 --> 00:10:59.080 20. 00:10:59.080 --> 00:11:05.800 He says. 00:11:05.800 --> 00:11:06.500 Our citizenship. 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:07.259 Is in heaven. 00:11:07.480 --> 00:11:08.620 And we eagerly. 00:11:08.620 --> 00:11:09.379 Await a savior. 00:11:09.379 --> 00:11:10.000 From there. 00:11:10.100 --> 00:11:10.520 The Lord. 00:11:10.660 --> 00:11:11.460 Jesus Christ. 00:11:11.879 --> 00:11:13.020 Who by the power. 00:11:13.020 --> 00:11:13.759 That enables him. 00:11:13.759 --> 00:11:14.680 To bring everything. 00:11:14.680 --> 00:11:15.840 Under his control. 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:17.520 Will transform. 00:11:17.520 --> 00:11:18.860 Our lowly bodies. 00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:20.639 So that they will be like. 00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:22.300 His glorious body. 00:11:22.480 --> 00:11:24.020 Is so much good news. 00:11:24.360 --> 00:11:25.240 In those words. 00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:26.680 Speaking of heaven. 00:11:26.920 --> 00:11:27.440 Paul says. 00:11:27.440 --> 00:11:28.660 We eagerly. 00:11:28.660 --> 00:11:29.820 Await a savior. 00:11:30.260 --> 00:11:30.860 From there. 00:11:31.240 --> 00:11:32.080 One of the things. 00:11:32.080 --> 00:11:33.060 That caught my attention. 00:11:33.060 --> 00:11:33.920 With this statement. 00:11:33.920 --> 00:11:34.520 This week. 00:11:34.520 --> 00:11:35.260 Is how Paul. 00:11:35.260 --> 00:11:36.140 Could have said it. 00:11:36.780 --> 00:11:37.660 He could have said. 00:11:37.760 --> 00:11:38.300 Our citizenship. 00:11:38.300 --> 00:11:39.100 Is in heaven. 00:11:39.100 --> 00:11:40.000 And we eagerly. 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:41.120 Await our arrival. 00:11:41.460 --> 00:11:41.660 There. 00:11:43.420 --> 00:11:44.240 When we all. 00:11:44.340 --> 00:11:44.940 Get to heaven. 00:11:45.540 --> 00:11:46.280 What a day. 00:11:46.340 --> 00:11:46.860 Of rejoicing. 00:11:46.860 --> 00:11:47.500 That will be. 00:11:47.980 --> 00:11:48.440 But no. 00:11:48.500 --> 00:11:49.120 That's not quite. 00:11:49.120 --> 00:11:49.560 Where Paul. 00:11:49.620 --> 00:11:50.360 Wants us to fix. 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:50.840 Our hope. 00:11:51.040 --> 00:11:52.360 Not just on a place. 00:11:53.520 --> 00:11:54.760 But on the person. 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:56.720 Who is coming. 00:11:56.720 --> 00:11:57.860 From that place. 00:11:57.860 --> 00:11:58.679 To us. 00:11:59.480 --> 00:12:00.860 And we eagerly. 00:12:00.860 --> 00:12:01.340 Await. 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:02.379 A savior. 00:12:04.080 --> 00:12:04.960 From there. 00:12:06.919 --> 00:12:08.500 What are we to anticipate. 00:12:08.819 --> 00:12:09.319 Eagerly. 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:10.899 Not just getting to heaven. 00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:12.819 But the one. 00:12:13.200 --> 00:12:14.580 Who is from heaven. 00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:16.159 Coming to us. 00:12:17.179 --> 00:12:18.240 We eagerly. 00:12:18.240 --> 00:12:18.779 Await. 00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:19.620 Him. 00:12:19.620 --> 00:12:22.980 And who is he. 00:12:23.299 --> 00:12:24.659 Paul uses a number of words. 00:12:24.960 --> 00:12:25.700 Titles really. 00:12:25.840 --> 00:12:26.620 To describe him. 00:12:26.720 --> 00:12:27.980 He is the savior. 00:12:28.299 --> 00:12:28.820 A savior. 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:30.779 The one who has delivered us. 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:31.639 From our sins. 00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:33.039 And from our guilt. 00:12:34.179 --> 00:12:34.799 And someday. 00:12:34.919 --> 00:12:35.960 The one who will deliver us. 00:12:36.039 --> 00:12:37.039 From all of our troubles. 00:12:37.139 --> 00:12:37.480 Forever. 00:12:38.440 --> 00:12:39.340 He is our savior. 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:40.960 He is our lord. 00:12:42.580 --> 00:12:43.940 Our great master. 00:12:45.060 --> 00:12:45.840 The one. 00:12:46.440 --> 00:12:47.820 To rule over us. 00:12:47.820 --> 00:12:49.180 He is. 00:12:49.760 --> 00:12:50.700 The Christ. 00:12:51.280 --> 00:12:53.220 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:53.600 --> 00:12:55.080 To put that word Christ. 00:12:55.180 --> 00:12:56.160 In terms we understand. 00:12:56.379 --> 00:12:57.600 He is the Lord Jesus. 00:12:58.100 --> 00:13:00.160 God's specially chosen king. 00:13:00.940 --> 00:13:02.120 For his people. 00:13:03.440 --> 00:13:05.420 We eagerly await him. 00:13:07.660 --> 00:13:09.060 This heavenly country. 00:13:09.060 --> 00:13:10.120 Of which we are citizens. 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:11.700 Is a monarchy. 00:13:12.420 --> 00:13:13.280 And Jesus. 00:13:13.660 --> 00:13:14.400 Is the king. 00:13:14.399 --> 00:13:17.220 And Paul reminds us here. 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:18.379 Of just how powerful. 00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:19.939 King Jesus is. 00:13:20.579 --> 00:13:22.360 And of one of the wonderful things. 00:13:22.360 --> 00:13:22.860 That he. 00:13:23.039 --> 00:13:23.959 Is going to do. 00:13:24.120 --> 00:13:24.899 With that power. 00:13:25.860 --> 00:13:26.240 He says. 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:27.220 He will transform. 00:13:27.439 --> 00:13:28.639 Our lowly bodies. 00:13:29.139 --> 00:13:30.480 So that they will be like. 00:13:30.559 --> 00:13:31.939 His glorious body. 00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:34.240 This I believe. 00:13:34.240 --> 00:13:35.519 Is another way of describing. 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:36.779 The great resurrection. 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:38.039 That Jesus. 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:39.019 Has promised. 00:13:39.299 --> 00:13:40.480 To those who believe in him. 00:13:41.079 --> 00:13:41.899 It's not just. 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:43.399 Bringing us back to life. 00:13:43.399 --> 00:13:44.039 From the dead. 00:13:45.199 --> 00:13:46.459 It's transforming. 00:13:46.779 --> 00:13:47.519 Our bodies. 00:13:47.679 --> 00:13:49.159 From lowly bodies. 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:50.579 These bodies we have now. 00:13:50.959 --> 00:13:51.500 Which. 00:13:51.959 --> 00:13:52.500 Get sick. 00:13:53.659 --> 00:13:55.199 Which are prone to injury. 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:56.399 Which die. 00:13:57.399 --> 00:13:59.299 Into glorious bodies. 00:14:00.779 --> 00:14:01.340 Immortal. 00:14:02.720 --> 00:14:03.319 Incorruptible. 00:14:04.179 --> 00:14:04.819 Imperishable. 00:14:05.759 --> 00:14:07.319 A body like Jesus. 00:14:07.319 --> 00:14:08.399 Himself has. 00:14:10.179 --> 00:14:11.419 And how will Jesus. 00:14:11.600 --> 00:14:12.319 Accomplish this. 00:14:12.320 --> 00:14:14.379 It's just one of. 00:14:14.600 --> 00:14:15.379 The many things. 00:14:15.540 --> 00:14:16.480 Jesus will do. 00:14:17.040 --> 00:14:17.879 By the power. 00:14:18.080 --> 00:14:18.879 That enables him. 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:20.140 To bring everything. 00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:22.100 Under his control. 00:14:22.879 --> 00:14:24.360 I love that statement. 00:14:24.580 --> 00:14:25.379 Paul reminds us. 00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:26.460 That Jesus Christ. 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:27.080 Our Lord. 00:14:27.160 --> 00:14:28.440 Is all powerful. 00:14:29.800 --> 00:14:31.480 He is all powerful. 00:14:31.480 --> 00:14:32.340 By the power. 00:14:32.340 --> 00:14:33.260 That enables him. 00:14:33.360 --> 00:14:33.800 To bring. 00:14:34.480 --> 00:14:35.040 Everything. 00:14:36.260 --> 00:14:37.480 Under his control. 00:14:37.480 --> 00:14:39.480 There's nothing. 00:14:39.480 --> 00:14:40.440 There's no one. 00:14:40.440 --> 00:14:41.779 Who can resist. 00:14:42.200 --> 00:14:43.360 Or subvert. 00:14:43.740 --> 00:14:45.259 His coming reign. 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:46.560 He will be king. 00:14:46.639 --> 00:14:47.360 Over all. 00:14:47.700 --> 00:14:48.800 When he returns. 00:14:50.480 --> 00:14:51.899 And so we need not. 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:52.539 Lose heart. 00:14:52.920 --> 00:14:54.220 Or be discouraged. 00:14:54.220 --> 00:14:55.000 As we watch. 00:14:55.539 --> 00:14:56.200 The choices. 00:14:56.200 --> 00:14:57.139 That the people. 00:14:57.320 --> 00:14:58.539 In our earthly country. 00:14:59.539 --> 00:15:00.340 Are making. 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:04.259 God has told us. 00:15:04.680 --> 00:15:06.580 That this is how it is. 00:15:06.800 --> 00:15:07.720 For many. 00:15:08.480 --> 00:15:09.300 On earth. 00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:14.060 We are not to be eagerly awaiting. 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:16.420 The promise of Canada. 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:18.100 To be kept. 00:15:19.060 --> 00:15:20.200 Or to be restored. 00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:22.700 Our citizenship. 00:15:22.700 --> 00:15:23.600 Is in heaven. 00:15:23.600 --> 00:15:25.639 And we are eagerly. 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:26.720 Awaiting the Lord. 00:15:26.860 --> 00:15:27.759 Jesus Christ. 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:28.420 To come. 00:15:28.840 --> 00:15:29.440 And keep. 00:15:29.560 --> 00:15:30.519 His promises. 00:15:31.159 --> 00:15:31.899 To us. 00:15:32.659 --> 00:15:33.320 The promise. 00:15:33.779 --> 00:15:35.320 Of a far better country. 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:37.560 A heavenly one. 00:15:39.360 --> 00:15:40.080 Now of course. 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:40.759 This doesn't mean. 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:41.800 That we shouldn't work. 00:15:41.800 --> 00:15:42.519 For change. 00:15:42.519 --> 00:15:43.920 Or advocate for change. 00:15:43.920 --> 00:15:44.980 In our earthly country. 00:15:45.060 --> 00:15:45.920 Of course we should. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:47.180 We must. 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:48.899 We're commanded by Christ. 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:50.259 To pray for kings. 00:15:50.560 --> 00:15:52.279 And for all those in authority. 00:15:52.279 --> 00:15:54.139 God has told us. 00:15:54.139 --> 00:15:55.360 That it's through the blessing. 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:56.839 Spoken by the upright. 00:15:57.059 --> 00:15:58.360 That a city is exalted. 00:15:58.519 --> 00:15:59.240 And so we should. 00:15:59.439 --> 00:16:00.379 Bless our communities. 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:01.360 And our country. 00:16:01.539 --> 00:16:02.519 And pray for them. 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:03.259 Asking God. 00:16:03.319 --> 00:16:04.240 To deal favorably. 00:16:04.620 --> 00:16:05.299 With them. 00:16:06.199 --> 00:16:07.439 We've been commanded by God. 00:16:07.519 --> 00:16:08.559 To truly love. 00:16:08.559 --> 00:16:09.179 Our neighbor. 00:16:13.259 --> 00:16:14.559 Thinking back to Jeremiah. 00:16:14.759 --> 00:16:16.100 God commanded the exiles. 00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:19.720 To pray for the Babylonian cities. 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:21.480 Where they were. 00:16:21.860 --> 00:16:22.259 Taken. 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:23.439 As exiles. 00:16:23.559 --> 00:16:24.819 And to seek the peace. 00:16:24.819 --> 00:16:25.699 And prosperity. 00:16:25.699 --> 00:16:26.699 Of those cities. 00:16:26.699 --> 00:16:27.839 While they live there. 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:31.459 But we must. 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:32.799 Do these things. 00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:33.980 While keeping our hearts. 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:34.639 And minds. 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:36.459 On our heavenly country. 00:16:37.519 --> 00:16:38.579 And on our. 00:16:38.939 --> 00:16:39.939 Ultimate king. 00:16:42.439 --> 00:16:43.959 It's a sobering thought. 00:16:44.600 --> 00:16:45.299 But this nation. 00:16:45.459 --> 00:16:46.360 We belong to now. 00:16:46.699 --> 00:16:47.860 May continue. 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:49.620 To spiral downward. 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:50.299 We voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy voy 00:17:19.619 --> 00:17:24.339 He would often say, that's how many of his parables began, 00:17:24.339 --> 00:17:29.799 he told us to watch and to wait for the return of the master, 00:17:30.379 --> 00:17:34.079 the return of the king, the coming harvest at the end. 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:37.799 Even the prayer Jesus taught us to pray 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:40.639 says what our mindset and what our heart should be. 00:17:41.219 --> 00:17:47.539 Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. 00:17:47.539 --> 00:17:53.819 It's God's will that we yearn for the kingdom of Christ to come here on earth. 00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:56.200 He told us to pray for it. 00:17:58.200 --> 00:18:01.180 And this truth of the kingdom is all over the Bible. 00:18:04.779 --> 00:18:08.859 Another place we find it described is in Colossians chapter 1. 00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:13.079 Paul's praying for the church there in Colossae and he says, 00:18:13.079 --> 00:18:18.220 giving joyful thanks to the father who has qualified you 00:18:18.220 --> 00:18:23.480 to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 00:18:25.079 --> 00:18:27.899 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness 00:18:27.899 --> 00:18:31.639 and brought us into the kingdom of the son he loves 00:18:31.639 --> 00:18:34.179 in whom we have redemption, 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.740 the forgiveness of sins. 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:39.380 I love that passage. 00:18:39.559 --> 00:18:41.500 It's the kingdom of light. 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:44.240 It's the kingdom of the son. 00:18:45.400 --> 00:18:47.480 And the good news of God to all the world 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:50.200 is that even though all of us have rebelled against him 00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:51.779 and broken his commands, 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:53.180 all who come to Jesus 00:18:53.180 --> 00:18:54.900 and repent 00:18:54.900 --> 00:18:56.880 and believe in him 00:18:56.880 --> 00:18:58.279 may be qualified 00:18:58.279 --> 00:19:02.259 to share in this inheritance as well. 00:19:02.859 --> 00:19:04.720 Citizenship in this coming kingdom. 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:07.339 The kingdom of light. 00:19:08.360 --> 00:19:09.759 This is our hope 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:11.600 as followers of Jesus. 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:15.420 We have become children of God 00:19:15.420 --> 00:19:17.120 and we are set 00:19:17.120 --> 00:19:18.200 to inherit 00:19:18.200 --> 00:19:20.240 along with Abraham 00:19:20.240 --> 00:19:22.559 the heavenly country. 00:19:25.140 --> 00:19:27.740 It will be the home and native land 00:19:27.740 --> 00:19:29.559 that we long for. 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:33.599 It will be the place 00:19:33.599 --> 00:19:34.659 where we will rejoice 00:19:34.659 --> 00:19:36.299 and be glad forever. 00:19:38.200 --> 00:19:39.419 Life in that place 00:19:39.419 --> 00:19:40.440 will be a delight 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:42.940 and a joy at all times. 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:45.559 We're promised by God 00:19:45.559 --> 00:19:46.759 that the sound of weeping 00:19:46.759 --> 00:19:47.599 and crying 00:19:47.599 --> 00:19:49.559 will never be heard there. 00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:51.980 Never again 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:53.379 will we see the tragedy 00:19:53.379 --> 00:19:54.940 and pain 00:19:54.940 --> 00:19:56.500 and loss 00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:58.140 and death 00:19:58.140 --> 00:19:59.880 we see so often 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:00.640 here and now. 00:20:02.320 --> 00:20:03.720 I'm just taking some of this 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.820 from Isaiah 65. 00:20:05.160 --> 00:20:05.480 It says, 00:20:05.640 --> 00:20:06.779 we will build houses 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:07.799 and live in them. 00:20:08.200 --> 00:20:09.519 We will plant vineyards 00:20:09.519 --> 00:20:10.600 and eat their fruit. 00:20:11.120 --> 00:20:11.620 God says, 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:12.820 we will long enjoy 00:20:12.820 --> 00:20:14.200 the work of our hands. 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.559 It'll be a place 00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:18.039 of unending peace. 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:20.839 no more conflicts 00:20:20.839 --> 00:20:21.859 no more arguments 00:20:21.859 --> 00:20:22.899 no more fighting 00:20:22.899 --> 00:20:23.879 no more war. 00:20:25.539 --> 00:20:27.079 Not even the animals 00:20:27.079 --> 00:20:27.799 will do harm 00:20:27.799 --> 00:20:28.539 to one another 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:30.539 said God 00:20:30.539 --> 00:20:31.720 through the prophet Isaiah. 00:20:32.200 --> 00:20:33.599 God will live among us 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:35.759 and we will live 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:36.500 with him 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.940 like never before. 00:20:38.119 --> 00:20:38.480 There will be 00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:39.339 no more sadness 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:40.799 no more pain 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:43.700 and this glorious kingdom 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:44.779 this heavenly country 00:20:44.779 --> 00:20:45.879 this new earth 00:20:45.879 --> 00:20:47.319 will last forever. 00:20:48.039 --> 00:20:51.399 this is what we long for. 00:20:52.079 --> 00:20:53.779 This is what we're looking for 00:20:53.779 --> 00:20:56.779 and it's not going to come about 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:58.639 by earthly political reform. 00:20:59.639 --> 00:21:00.759 Try as we may. 00:21:01.220 --> 00:21:02.579 It's not going to come about 00:21:02.579 --> 00:21:03.759 by an earthly leader. 00:21:06.359 --> 00:21:08.039 We are awaiting our savior 00:21:08.039 --> 00:21:09.460 Jesus 00:21:09.460 --> 00:21:10.259 our king 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:10.859 to come 00:21:10.859 --> 00:21:12.039 and make it happen 00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:13.599 just as he promised. 00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:16.240 He alone has the power 00:21:16.240 --> 00:21:17.119 to do this. 00:21:18.039 --> 00:21:19.019 to subdue 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:20.079 all the nations 00:21:20.079 --> 00:21:21.500 and rule 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:23.379 with righteousness 00:21:23.379 --> 00:21:25.059 and justice. 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:28.039 And so he is our hope 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:28.659 as Christians 00:21:28.659 --> 00:21:29.879 in Canada. 00:21:31.379 --> 00:21:32.859 The results of the election 00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:33.619 this past week 00:21:33.619 --> 00:21:34.659 brought bad news 00:21:34.659 --> 00:21:36.500 but we 00:21:36.500 --> 00:21:38.359 still have a good news 00:21:38.359 --> 00:21:40.279 of a better country 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:41.839 and a better leader. 00:21:41.839 --> 00:21:44.899 that we can rejoice 00:21:44.899 --> 00:21:45.419 in that 00:21:45.419 --> 00:21:46.879 and we can share 00:21:46.879 --> 00:21:47.500 that joy 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:48.579 and that news 00:21:48.579 --> 00:21:49.139 with others. 00:21:52.299 --> 00:21:53.000 This morning 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:53.539 we want to take 00:21:53.539 --> 00:21:54.299 the last few minutes 00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:55.220 of our service here 00:21:55.220 --> 00:21:56.539 just to look back 00:21:56.539 --> 00:21:57.240 at the cross. 00:21:58.919 --> 00:21:59.839 All this talk 00:21:59.839 --> 00:22:00.740 of a coming king 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:02.220 who will rule 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:02.859 the nations 00:22:02.859 --> 00:22:04.419 might sound frightening 00:22:04.419 --> 00:22:05.139 to some. 00:22:06.339 --> 00:22:07.759 Usually that sort of talk 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:09.139 relates to empires 00:22:09.140 --> 00:22:09.660 and kingdoms 00:22:09.660 --> 00:22:10.400 of the past 00:22:10.400 --> 00:22:11.460 which were led 00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:12.000 by wicked 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:12.880 and cruel men. 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:15.300 But this is where 00:22:15.300 --> 00:22:15.720 Jesus 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:16.380 our king 00:22:16.380 --> 00:22:17.120 stands apart. 00:22:17.780 --> 00:22:18.540 He is not only 00:22:18.540 --> 00:22:19.300 all powerful 00:22:19.300 --> 00:22:21.000 but he is truly good. 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:24.440 So good 00:22:24.440 --> 00:22:26.040 that there is no evil 00:22:26.040 --> 00:22:27.120 in him at all. 00:22:28.280 --> 00:22:29.140 He is the kind 00:22:29.140 --> 00:22:29.600 of king 00:22:29.600 --> 00:22:30.700 who would come down 00:22:30.700 --> 00:22:32.280 from his heavenly throne 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:34.379 and suffer 00:22:34.379 --> 00:22:35.379 and die 00:22:35.379 --> 00:22:36.619 in our place 00:22:36.619 --> 00:22:38.160 to save us. 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:41.839 That's what the cross 00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:42.519 is all about. 00:22:43.639 --> 00:22:44.779 It's about love. 00:22:46.399 --> 00:22:46.960 Deep 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:48.059 love. 00:22:48.879 --> 00:22:49.799 Powerful love 00:22:49.799 --> 00:22:51.299 by which a king 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:53.000 rescued 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:54.420 guilty rebels 00:22:54.420 --> 00:22:56.180 like you and me. 00:22:56.180 --> 00:23:00.140 his will be 00:23:00.140 --> 00:23:00.539 a kingdom 00:23:00.539 --> 00:23:01.620 marked by pure 00:23:01.620 --> 00:23:03.460 and perfect justice 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:05.779 and that would 00:23:05.779 --> 00:23:06.640 exclude us 00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:08.539 because we've all 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:08.860 sinned. 00:23:08.940 --> 00:23:09.640 We've all broken 00:23:09.640 --> 00:23:10.840 his holy law 00:23:10.840 --> 00:23:12.799 but he has loved 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:14.440 us so much 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:14.980 that he did 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:15.660 what was needed 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:17.140 to atone 00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:18.000 for our sins 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:19.120 and put us 00:23:19.120 --> 00:23:20.480 back on the right 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:21.440 side of justice 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:22.660 so that we can 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:23.259 be with him. 00:23:24.600 --> 00:23:25.360 Let me just point 00:23:25.360 --> 00:23:26.080 you back to that 00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:27.059 word Paul used 00:23:27.059 --> 00:23:27.599 earlier in 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:28.119 Colossians 00:23:28.119 --> 00:23:29.519 chapter 1. 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:33.619 God has 00:23:33.619 --> 00:23:34.439 qualified 00:23:34.439 --> 00:23:35.279 you 00:23:35.279 --> 00:23:37.839 qualified 00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:38.419 you 00:23:38.419 --> 00:23:39.519 to share 00:23:39.519 --> 00:23:40.240 in the inheritance 00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:41.019 of his holy 00:23:41.019 --> 00:23:41.460 people 00:23:41.460 --> 00:23:42.460 in the kingdom 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:42.980 of light 00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:44.259 and so we want 00:23:44.259 --> 00:23:44.939 to remember 00:23:44.939 --> 00:23:45.759 the qualifying 00:23:45.759 --> 00:23:46.699 work of Jesus 00:23:46.699 --> 00:23:49.359 that got us 00:23:49.359 --> 00:23:50.000 this heavenly 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:50.639 citizenship. 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:52.559 We want to 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.099 remember this 00:23:53.099 --> 00:23:53.599 morning how 00:23:53.599 --> 00:23:54.339 Jesus offered 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:55.139 his own body 00:23:55.140 --> 00:23:57.360 and blood 00:23:57.360 --> 00:23:59.660 up to death 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:00.920 on the cross 00:24:00.920 --> 00:24:02.200 for us. 00:24:02.980 --> 00:24:03.900 We do this 00:24:03.900 --> 00:24:04.759 by eating bread 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:06.140 by drinking 00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:06.680 of the fruit 00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:07.160 of the vine 00:24:07.160 --> 00:24:07.980 just as Jesus 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:09.080 did with his 00:24:09.080 --> 00:24:10.000 first disciples 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:11.280 the night before 00:24:11.280 --> 00:24:11.840 he died 00:24:11.840 --> 00:24:13.540 and so 00:24:13.540 --> 00:24:15.240 we're going to 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:15.780 take a moment 00:24:15.780 --> 00:24:16.740 to just reflect 00:24:16.740 --> 00:24:17.640 quietly and to 00:24:17.640 --> 00:24:17.920 pray 00:24:17.920 --> 00:24:19.680 and if you 00:24:19.680 --> 00:24:20.220 believe in 00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:20.840 Jesus as 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:21.539 your savior 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:22.080 and king 00:24:22.080 --> 00:24:23.160 then I want 00:24:23.160 --> 00:24:23.580 to invite you 00:24:23.580 --> 00:24:24.140 to remember 00:24:24.140 --> 00:24:24.680 with us 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.259 and partake 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:25.820 with us 00:24:25.820 --> 00:24:27.380 if not 00:24:27.380 --> 00:24:27.880 please just 00:24:27.880 --> 00:24:28.200 let the 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:28.880 elements pass 00:24:28.880 --> 00:24:29.259 you by 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:30.360 we'll have a few 00:24:30.360 --> 00:24:31.060 minutes of quiet 00:24:31.060 --> 00:24:31.860 now to reflect 00:24:31.860 --> 00:24:32.860 on what Jesus 00:24:32.860 --> 00:24:33.920 has done for us 00:24:33.920 --> 00:24:34.820 at the cross 00:24:34.820 --> 00:24:36.200 and then once 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:36.920 everyone has been 00:24:36.920 --> 00:24:38.039 served I'll lead 00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:38.840 us in partaking 00:24:38.840 --> 00:24:39.320 together 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:40.519 in remembrance