WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.580 The question smoulders all night. In the morning it blazes like a flaming fire. 00:00:05.200 --> 00:00:08.859 All of them are hot as an oven. They devour their rulers. 00:00:09.540 --> 00:00:12.099 All their kings fall, and none of them calls on me. 00:00:13.140 --> 00:00:17.660 Ephraim mixes with the nations. Ephraim is a flat cake not turned over. 00:00:18.559 --> 00:00:22.219 Foreigners sap his strength, but he does not realize it. 00:00:22.820 --> 00:00:25.640 His hair is sprinkled with gray, but he does not notice. 00:00:26.640 --> 00:00:31.120 Israel's arrogance testifies against him, but despite all this, 00:00:31.380 --> 00:00:34.640 he does not return to the Lord his God or search for him. 00:00:35.859 --> 00:00:39.420 Ephraim is like a dove, easily deceived and senseless, 00:00:39.880 --> 00:00:43.320 now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria. 00:00:43.719 --> 00:00:46.460 When they go, I will throw my net over them. 00:00:46.960 --> 00:00:49.420 I will pull them down like birds of the air. 00:00:49.939 --> 00:00:52.820 When I hear them flocking together, I will catch them. 00:00:52.820 --> 00:00:56.600 Woe to them, because they have strayed from me. 00:00:57.299 --> 00:01:00.380 Destruction to them, because they have rebelled against me. 00:01:01.100 --> 00:01:04.680 I long to redeem them, but they speak lies against me. 00:01:05.340 --> 00:01:09.620 They do not cry out to me from their hearts, but wail upon their beds. 00:01:10.420 --> 00:01:14.620 They gather together for grain and new wine, but turn away from me. 00:01:15.519 --> 00:01:19.719 I trained them and strengthened them, but they plot evil against me. 00:01:19.719 --> 00:01:22.299 They do not turn to the Most High. 00:01:22.780 --> 00:01:25.359 They are like a faulty bow. 00:01:25.859 --> 00:01:29.180 Their leaders will fall by the sword because of their insolent words. 00:01:29.719 --> 00:01:32.319 For this, they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt. 00:01:32.319 --> 00:01:44.019 Thank you. 00:01:44.780 --> 00:01:47.479 Well, let's pray. 00:01:48.019 --> 00:01:52.079 And just as a reminder, something that Mary mentioned in her story, 00:01:52.879 --> 00:01:55.299 the importance of God's word. 00:01:55.299 --> 00:02:03.739 Well, we, all of us, speaker, listener, together, we come under the authority of God's word. 00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:07.420 We want to hear what God has to say to us today. 00:02:07.560 --> 00:02:12.919 So let's commit ourselves to him and pray for his work in our lives. 00:02:12.919 --> 00:02:26.839 Father, thank you for your word, for its truth, trusting that it is your voice speaking to us today by your spirit. 00:02:26.840 --> 00:02:34.860 And Father, we not only want to hear it, but we want it to change us. 00:02:35.840 --> 00:02:46.520 We want your word to show us what we are like and who you are and how we should come to you. 00:02:48.140 --> 00:02:51.180 So help us now, we ask in Jesus' name. 00:02:51.960 --> 00:02:52.400 Amen. 00:02:52.400 --> 00:02:52.500 Amen. 00:02:52.500 --> 00:02:59.479 Well, I had a frightening experience the other day. 00:03:01.300 --> 00:03:02.680 I looked in the mirror. 00:03:04.120 --> 00:03:11.439 I look in the mirror every day, but this time I stopped and had a good hard look. 00:03:12.420 --> 00:03:14.920 It wasn't just the lack of hair on my head. 00:03:15.699 --> 00:03:20.920 It was the fact that I seemed to have more hair in my ears and up my nose. 00:03:20.919 --> 00:03:23.000 It wasn't a pretty sight. 00:03:24.619 --> 00:03:28.739 And I have a lot more sympathy for what my wife has to wake up to every morning. 00:03:30.639 --> 00:03:37.799 You see, looking in a mirror is a scary ordeal because it shows us up for what we are really like. 00:03:38.679 --> 00:03:39.719 There's no hiding. 00:03:40.759 --> 00:03:42.359 It tells the truth. 00:03:42.360 --> 00:03:46.860 It reveals what we normally can't see. 00:03:48.240 --> 00:03:56.960 Well, in chapters 6 to 7, it's like God is holding up a huge mirror to our lives. 00:03:56.960 --> 00:04:06.400 Yes, God wants Israel to see what they are like, but he also wants us to see what we are like. 00:04:07.939 --> 00:04:14.240 And what we see is a little bit unnerving. 00:04:14.800 --> 00:04:17.439 Look at chapter 6, verse 7. 00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:20.699 Do you see it there? 00:04:20.939 --> 00:04:22.480 Like Adam. 00:04:23.600 --> 00:04:24.879 We look in the mirror. 00:04:25.660 --> 00:04:26.500 What do we see? 00:04:28.300 --> 00:04:29.379 Like Adam. 00:04:30.279 --> 00:04:32.180 They have broken the covenant. 00:04:33.139 --> 00:04:35.620 They were unfaithful to me there. 00:04:36.759 --> 00:04:38.920 You see, as we look into the mirror, 00:04:39.439 --> 00:04:43.659 we see a reflection of the first man, Adam. 00:04:43.660 --> 00:04:52.040 You remember the story of Adam in Genesis, created by God, loved by God, treasured by God. 00:04:52.520 --> 00:04:54.560 But Adam turned against God. 00:04:54.680 --> 00:04:55.620 He broke the covenant. 00:04:55.840 --> 00:04:57.860 He broke those marriage vows. 00:04:58.260 --> 00:04:59.920 He was unfaithful. 00:05:00.840 --> 00:05:06.379 So as God holds up the mirror to us, we see what we are really like. 00:05:07.600 --> 00:05:10.960 We are just like Adam. 00:05:10.959 --> 00:05:18.039 Because God's word is a mirror of the human heart. 00:05:18.379 --> 00:05:24.439 As we look into God's word and as we come to these verses here in this section of Hosea, 00:05:24.959 --> 00:05:29.519 God's word reveals, it shows us up for what we are really like. 00:05:30.359 --> 00:05:31.519 There is no hiding. 00:05:32.599 --> 00:05:34.060 It tells the truth. 00:05:35.159 --> 00:05:38.599 It reveals what we can't normally see. 00:05:38.600 --> 00:05:43.900 So what does the mirror of God's word show us? 00:05:45.240 --> 00:05:50.660 Well, first, we see the condition of our sinful hearts. 00:05:51.840 --> 00:05:56.040 There's three things about our hearts that we see. 00:05:57.020 --> 00:06:02.320 First, our love is like a morning mist. 00:06:03.080 --> 00:06:05.520 Look at verse 4, chapter 6, verse 4. 00:06:05.519 --> 00:06:07.939 What can I do with you, Ephraim? 00:06:08.519 --> 00:06:10.459 What can I do with you, Judah? 00:06:11.479 --> 00:06:15.539 Your love is like the morning mist. 00:06:16.180 --> 00:06:19.019 Like the early dew that disappears. 00:06:20.279 --> 00:06:22.579 I want you to imagine the scene. 00:06:22.759 --> 00:06:23.459 It's dawn. 00:06:24.919 --> 00:06:27.099 There's this low-lying mist. 00:06:28.159 --> 00:06:32.560 The grass is covered in dew and everything is soaking wet. 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:42.000 But within a few minutes, the sun rises, the mist fades, the dew evaporates, and everything. 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:43.860 The ground is completely dry. 00:06:45.939 --> 00:06:49.340 But God is saying that's what our love is like. 00:06:50.519 --> 00:06:52.399 It does not last. 00:06:52.560 --> 00:06:53.540 It fades. 00:06:53.540 --> 00:06:54.960 It evaporates. 00:06:54.960 --> 00:06:54.980 It evaporates. 00:06:54.980 --> 00:06:57.000 We say we love God. 00:06:57.319 --> 00:06:59.439 We promise to be faithful and loyal. 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:05.900 But it quickly disappears like the morning mist and the dew. 00:07:07.100 --> 00:07:07.960 Verse 6. 00:07:08.680 --> 00:07:10.600 God says, I desire mercy. 00:07:11.340 --> 00:07:16.840 Or I desire steadfast love or faithful love. 00:07:16.839 --> 00:07:19.039 Not sacrifice. 00:07:20.079 --> 00:07:23.539 And acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings. 00:07:25.279 --> 00:07:32.659 As Ralph read just a moment ago in Isaiah, Israel performed all their religious duties. 00:07:33.659 --> 00:07:38.159 They make all their sacrifices, but it's an outward show. 00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:42.620 It's like us turning up to church once a week. 00:07:43.500 --> 00:07:45.020 We sing our hymns. 00:07:45.160 --> 00:07:46.480 We say our prayers. 00:07:47.220 --> 00:07:50.580 And then we forget God for the rest of the week. 00:07:51.520 --> 00:07:54.060 And it's all so fickle. 00:07:54.840 --> 00:07:59.700 It's like the morning mist that disappears and evaporates. 00:07:59.700 --> 00:08:05.300 Our love for God just zaps into thin air. 00:08:05.300 --> 00:08:05.379 Amen. 00:08:08.160 --> 00:08:13.340 Isaiah also says in chapter 29 verse 13. 00:08:13.520 --> 00:08:14.180 He says this. 00:08:14.460 --> 00:08:17.800 These people, they come near to me with their mouth. 00:08:18.180 --> 00:08:20.040 They honour me with their lips. 00:08:20.840 --> 00:08:24.340 But their hearts are far from me. 00:08:24.460 --> 00:08:28.340 Their worship is made up of rules taught by men. 00:08:30.080 --> 00:08:34.960 You see, God is not duped by religious outward performance. 00:08:34.960 --> 00:08:38.500 Trying to get God's attention by the things we do. 00:08:38.500 --> 00:08:41.320 He sees past the outward show. 00:08:42.259 --> 00:08:44.100 And he looks at the heart. 00:08:44.240 --> 00:08:48.680 He looks for that steadfast, loyal, faithful love. 00:08:50.160 --> 00:08:53.840 But what he sees is a love that is like the morning mist. 00:08:53.840 --> 00:08:58.759 It just evaporates into thin air. 00:09:01.200 --> 00:09:06.660 Second, he says our hearts are like a burning oven. 00:09:07.680 --> 00:09:09.740 Look at chapter 7 verse 7. 00:09:09.740 --> 00:09:17.279 All of them are hot as an oven. 00:09:18.279 --> 00:09:20.080 They devour their rulers. 00:09:21.080 --> 00:09:22.600 All their kings fall. 00:09:23.519 --> 00:09:25.560 And none of them calls on me. 00:09:26.820 --> 00:09:31.419 Now it might be part of our language to describe someone as a burning oven. 00:09:31.419 --> 00:09:37.279 But we can describe people as being, we might say, hot with anger. 00:09:38.179 --> 00:09:40.259 And that seems to be the picture here. 00:09:40.719 --> 00:09:43.839 The people are fuelled by anger. 00:09:44.919 --> 00:09:49.000 Intent on getting rid of the leaders and the kings that they don't like. 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:52.059 Have a look at chapter 6 verse 8. 00:09:52.059 --> 00:09:57.319 Gilead is a city of wicked men. 00:10:00.119 --> 00:10:02.839 Stained with footprints of blood. 00:10:03.399 --> 00:10:06.079 As marauders lie in ambush for a man. 00:10:06.659 --> 00:10:07.659 Well, so do the priests. 00:10:07.799 --> 00:10:09.179 They're involved in it too. 00:10:09.599 --> 00:10:14.139 They murder on the road to Shechem as people make their way to the religious shrines. 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:17.419 Committing shameful crimes. 00:10:17.419 --> 00:10:25.479 History tells us that during the ministry of Hosea, there was a succession of different kings. 00:10:26.439 --> 00:10:34.419 And four of Israel's kings were ruthlessly assassinated over a 13 year period. 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:40.699 Keep your finger in Hosea and go back in your Bibles to two kings. 00:10:42.639 --> 00:10:43.759 Chapter 15. 00:10:43.899 --> 00:10:45.099 I haven't got a page number. 00:10:45.240 --> 00:10:45.679 I'm sorry. 00:10:45.679 --> 00:10:49.359 If somebody gets it, they can shout it out. 00:10:50.139 --> 00:10:52.179 2 Kings chapter 15. 00:11:02.039 --> 00:11:03.620 3.8.5 00:11:03.620 --> 00:11:07.979 So this gives a history. 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:12.299 If you want to know about the kings who were ruling at the time of Hosea, 00:11:12.299 --> 00:11:18.120 well, 2 Kings chapter 15 tells you who those kings are and what happened to them. 00:11:18.219 --> 00:11:21.439 So this is a history and tells us what it was like. 00:11:22.599 --> 00:11:25.559 2 Kings chapter 15 and verse 10. 00:11:27.359 --> 00:11:28.500 So we read there, 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:33.839 Shalom, son of Jabesh, conspired against Zechariah. 00:11:33.840 --> 00:11:37.460 He attacked him in front of the people. 00:11:37.460 --> 00:11:42.200 He attacked him and succeeded him as king. 00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:45.340 Now look at verse 14. 00:11:46.680 --> 00:11:53.040 Then Menahem, son of Gadai, went up from Tirzah up to Samaria. 00:11:53.039 --> 00:12:01.139 He attacked Shalom, son of Jabesh in Samaria and assassinated him and succeeded him as king. 00:12:02.500 --> 00:12:04.559 Not safe to be a king, is it? 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:06.419 Verse 25. 00:12:06.419 --> 00:12:14.479 One of the chief officers, Pekah, son of Remaliah, conspired against him, 00:12:14.979 --> 00:12:16.919 taking 50 men of Gilead. 00:12:17.379 --> 00:12:21.179 Do you remember we just read about Gilead being a place of wicked men? 00:12:21.839 --> 00:12:24.719 Taking 50 men of Gilead with him, 00:12:25.059 --> 00:12:31.179 he assassinated Pekahiah along with Argob and Ariah 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:33.959 in the citadel of the royal palace of Samaria. 00:12:33.960 --> 00:12:39.820 So Pekah killed Pekahiah and succeeded him as king. 00:12:40.980 --> 00:12:43.019 And it wasn't safe for him either. 00:12:43.320 --> 00:12:44.500 Look at verse 30. 00:12:45.700 --> 00:12:50.500 Then Hoshea, son of Elah, conspired against Pekah, son of Remaliah. 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:57.360 He attacked and assassinated him and then succeeded him as king. 00:12:58.740 --> 00:13:00.780 Go back to Hosea. 00:13:00.779 --> 00:13:05.439 You see, when Hosea describes what it was like, 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:07.819 murder on the roads, 00:13:08.419 --> 00:13:09.299 bloodshed, 00:13:10.519 --> 00:13:13.279 leaving footprints of blood where they went, 00:13:13.600 --> 00:13:14.939 they were all involved, 00:13:15.039 --> 00:13:16.139 even the priests, 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:17.939 in plotting and scheming. 00:13:18.199 --> 00:13:21.120 They were all consumed with anger and hate 00:13:21.120 --> 00:13:23.939 and it drove them to get what they wanted. 00:13:23.940 --> 00:13:27.880 So look at chapter 7, verse 6. 00:13:28.400 --> 00:13:31.140 Their hearts are like an oven. 00:13:31.680 --> 00:13:33.320 They are burning with anger. 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:35.160 They approach him. 00:13:35.460 --> 00:13:37.880 That is, they come to a king with intrigue. 00:13:37.960 --> 00:13:39.660 It's like they're sucking up to him. 00:13:40.120 --> 00:13:42.280 Their passion smoulders all night. 00:13:42.620 --> 00:13:46.080 And in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire. 00:13:46.080 --> 00:13:49.040 And all of them are as hot as an oven. 00:13:49.420 --> 00:13:50.920 They devour their rulers. 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:52.740 All their kings fall. 00:13:53.420 --> 00:13:53.980 Assassinated. 00:13:54.800 --> 00:13:57.820 And none of them calls on me. 00:13:57.820 --> 00:14:03.900 It's an awful picture of what was going on. 00:14:05.440 --> 00:14:08.260 And we just need to turn on the news ourselves. 00:14:08.980 --> 00:14:11.820 And every day we hear of another murder 00:14:11.820 --> 00:14:14.000 fuelled by anger and hate. 00:14:14.800 --> 00:14:16.560 A lover becomes jealous 00:14:16.560 --> 00:14:19.820 and has her partner killed. 00:14:19.820 --> 00:14:22.360 A gang takes revenge 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:25.700 and an innocent victim is killed. 00:14:26.580 --> 00:14:30.340 Getting rid of people they don't like. 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:33.260 Fuelled by anger and hate. 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:39.040 But let's not be so quick to go pointing the fingers. 00:14:40.680 --> 00:14:42.340 Do you remember the words of Jesus? 00:14:44.940 --> 00:14:48.460 You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 00:14:48.460 --> 00:14:50.320 do not murder. 00:14:52.220 --> 00:14:53.540 But I tell you, 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:58.100 anyone who is angry with his brother or sister 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:59.920 will be subject to judgment. 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:01.460 Anyone who says, 00:15:01.680 --> 00:15:02.360 you fool, 00:15:03.139 --> 00:15:04.860 or I hate you, 00:15:06.180 --> 00:15:08.660 will be in danger of the fire of hell. 00:15:10.280 --> 00:15:12.700 You see, we may not pull the trigger 00:15:12.700 --> 00:15:14.139 and assassinate someone, 00:15:14.139 --> 00:15:17.000 but we know what it is 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:19.679 to nurse anger inside our hearts 00:15:19.679 --> 00:15:21.559 towards those who have hurt us, 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:23.779 those who have offended us. 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:26.799 Well, we might not kill them. 00:15:27.799 --> 00:15:30.340 We might not speak out verbally against them, 00:15:30.460 --> 00:15:31.419 but inside, 00:15:32.559 --> 00:15:34.899 we are hot with anger. 00:15:36.840 --> 00:15:39.899 God says it is just as vile. 00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:45.519 Third, he says, 00:15:45.579 --> 00:15:49.059 our thinking is like a senseless dove. 00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:51.860 Chapter 7, verse 11. 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:56.819 Ephraim, which was another name for Israel, 00:15:56.939 --> 00:15:57.980 is like a dove. 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:02.340 Easily deceived and senseless. 00:16:04.120 --> 00:16:05.799 Now, you might not have seen a dove, 00:16:05.939 --> 00:16:07.319 but I am sure we have seen pigeons, 00:16:07.320 --> 00:16:08.560 same family. 00:16:08.920 --> 00:16:09.700 You know what they are like 00:16:09.700 --> 00:16:11.480 when they take off from the ground. 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:13.680 You are never quite sure 00:16:13.680 --> 00:16:15.720 which direction they are going to fly in. 00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:18.240 They flitter and flutter one way 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:18.879 and then another. 00:16:19.420 --> 00:16:20.000 But God is saying, 00:16:20.100 --> 00:16:22.500 this is just what Israel are like. 00:16:23.660 --> 00:16:25.740 Easily deceived, verse 11. 00:16:26.300 --> 00:16:27.480 And senseless. 00:16:28.100 --> 00:16:30.000 Now they are off calling to Egypt. 00:16:30.260 --> 00:16:32.280 Now they are turning off to Assyria. 00:16:32.900 --> 00:16:35.140 Making an allegiance with one nation. 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:36.480 Come and help us. 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:38.879 And then looking to another nation, 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:41.080 thinking we can get a better offer over here. 00:16:42.220 --> 00:16:43.120 In reality, 00:16:44.679 --> 00:16:46.799 their chasing after these other nations 00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:49.779 for support was turning away from God. 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:51.279 Look at verse 13. 00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:52.860 Woe to them, 00:16:53.939 --> 00:16:57.039 because they have strayed from me. 00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:59.539 Destruction to them, 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:03.439 because they have rebelled against me. 00:17:03.440 --> 00:17:07.960 You see, the point is, 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:11.980 it's an accurate description of what we are like. 00:17:12.920 --> 00:17:15.500 We are so easily deceived. 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:18.000 We're senseless at times. 00:17:18.360 --> 00:17:19.980 We're so flighty. 00:17:20.920 --> 00:17:23.539 If only I could change my job, 00:17:24.259 --> 00:17:25.360 then I'd be happy. 00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:28.740 Or if I had a partner in my life, 00:17:28.900 --> 00:17:30.200 then I would be fulfilled. 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:32.860 If I just had more time to do, 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:36.019 then I would be content. 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:41.160 We're always chasing after another dream, 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:42.640 another plan, 00:17:42.980 --> 00:17:44.160 another philosophy, 00:17:44.620 --> 00:17:46.180 another thing to do. 00:17:46.640 --> 00:17:48.360 We're never satisfied. 00:17:49.059 --> 00:17:50.840 Like a senseless dove, 00:17:51.180 --> 00:17:53.220 flying from one thing to another, 00:17:53.620 --> 00:17:54.580 all the while, 00:17:55.340 --> 00:17:58.720 it's actually a turning away from God. 00:18:00.200 --> 00:18:03.240 And it can be like that with church. 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:06.880 We can move from one church to another. 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:09.200 Oh, I like that church over there. 00:18:09.259 --> 00:18:10.559 It has better music. 00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:12.660 I'll go over here. 00:18:13.080 --> 00:18:14.539 They've got more young people. 00:18:14.779 --> 00:18:16.660 Or have you seen the place over there? 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:18.960 They've got a really nice building. 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:20.180 And their program, 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:21.460 it's fabulous. 00:18:21.460 --> 00:18:25.960 We are so restless, 00:18:26.720 --> 00:18:29.240 flying from one thing to another, 00:18:29.440 --> 00:18:30.480 all the while, 00:18:31.140 --> 00:18:34.900 it's an expression of our turning away from God. 00:18:34.900 --> 00:18:42.100 Augustine was a young man who lived around 400 AD. 00:18:43.300 --> 00:18:45.580 MB students should remember him. 00:18:46.120 --> 00:18:47.320 For most of his life, 00:18:47.420 --> 00:18:48.940 he had searched for happiness. 00:18:50.060 --> 00:18:51.580 Denying himself nothing, 00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:54.400 he did whatever he pleased. 00:18:55.440 --> 00:18:56.740 In his confession, 00:18:57.000 --> 00:18:57.940 he wrote this. 00:18:57.940 --> 00:18:59.019 He said, 00:18:59.200 --> 00:19:01.320 all persons want to be happy. 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:04.519 And no persons are happy 00:19:04.519 --> 00:19:08.019 who do not have what they want. 00:19:09.140 --> 00:19:11.559 So he did whatever he pleased 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:13.920 to try and gain that happiness. 00:19:14.320 --> 00:19:17.720 But it left him restless and unfulfilled. 00:19:17.720 --> 00:19:20.339 And all that changed 00:19:20.339 --> 00:19:21.819 when he turned to Christ. 00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:24.039 He was reading a section of Romans 00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:25.660 and he came to Christ 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:26.779 and trusted in him. 00:19:27.019 --> 00:19:29.299 And he wrote this in his confession. 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:31.059 He said this about God. 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:34.000 You have made us for yourself. 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:37.440 And our hearts are restless 00:19:37.440 --> 00:19:42.559 until they can find rest in you. 00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:46.860 The people of Israel were restless, 00:19:46.859 --> 00:19:48.500 a chasing after this, 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:49.759 a chasing after that. 00:19:50.159 --> 00:19:51.439 We can be restless 00:19:51.439 --> 00:19:53.919 as we chase after different things. 00:19:55.119 --> 00:19:58.159 But our hearts only find rest 00:19:58.159 --> 00:20:02.899 when we find our true joy and happiness 00:20:02.899 --> 00:20:05.179 in God himself. 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:07.919 You see, 00:20:08.219 --> 00:20:11.319 it's not easy to look into the mirror. 00:20:12.779 --> 00:20:14.759 And it's certainly not easy 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:17.059 to look into the mirror of God's word. 00:20:17.700 --> 00:20:19.759 It's not a pretty sight. 00:20:20.900 --> 00:20:23.240 Our love is like the morning mist. 00:20:23.579 --> 00:20:25.559 Our hearts are like a burning oven. 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:28.319 Our thinking is like a senseless dove. 00:20:28.759 --> 00:20:31.500 We are just like Adam. 00:20:32.839 --> 00:20:34.099 There is no hiding. 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:36.759 It tells the truth. 00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:40.900 It reveals what we can't normally see. 00:20:44.900 --> 00:20:46.900 But the second thing we see 00:20:46.900 --> 00:20:49.220 as we look into this mirror 00:20:49.220 --> 00:20:53.859 is the heartache expressed by God. 00:20:54.519 --> 00:20:57.519 It reveals something of God's own heart. 00:20:58.019 --> 00:20:59.779 Look at chapter 6, verse 4. 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:05.000 What can I do with you, Ephraim? 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:08.420 What can I do with you, Judah? 00:21:10.339 --> 00:21:11.480 As a young teen, 00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:13.119 I remember lying in my bed 00:21:13.119 --> 00:21:16.579 what I could only describe as 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:18.139 a period, 00:21:18.339 --> 00:21:20.279 a time of teenage rebellion. 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:23.660 I'm sure you can understand 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:24.519 what I'm saying. 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:25.940 My mum came in, 00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:26.759 as she always did, 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:27.559 to say goodnight. 00:21:27.559 --> 00:21:30.899 And I pretended to be asleep. 00:21:31.919 --> 00:21:33.679 And thinking I was asleep, 00:21:34.279 --> 00:21:35.419 she leant over me, 00:21:35.899 --> 00:21:37.359 started to rub my hair, 00:21:37.619 --> 00:21:38.799 my long blonde hair 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:40.099 that I used to have, by the way. 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:41.720 She began to whisper, 00:21:42.940 --> 00:21:45.119 Oh, I do love you, son. 00:21:45.960 --> 00:21:48.159 But what am I going to do with you? 00:21:49.599 --> 00:21:52.079 It was the heartache of a parent 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:54.559 over her wayward son. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:57.639 And that's what we have here 00:21:57.639 --> 00:21:58.539 in verse 4. 00:21:58.919 --> 00:22:00.759 God, the loving father, 00:22:01.259 --> 00:22:03.500 leaning over his rebellious child. 00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:05.480 Or in the context of Hosea, 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:07.559 the loving, faithful husband, 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:10.839 calling out to his wayward wife, 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:13.679 Oh, I do love you, 00:22:14.599 --> 00:22:17.119 but what am I going to do with you? 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:20.859 How will your heart change? 00:22:24.279 --> 00:22:26.679 Sometimes it seems we're sincere 00:22:26.679 --> 00:22:28.579 and we do want to change. 00:22:29.239 --> 00:22:30.579 Look at chapter 7, 00:22:31.219 --> 00:22:32.079 verse 1, 00:22:32.179 --> 00:22:35.359 or just the end of verse 11 of chapter 6. 00:22:35.459 --> 00:22:36.059 He says there, 00:22:36.419 --> 00:22:39.719 Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people, 00:22:40.079 --> 00:22:41.839 whenever I would heal Israel, 00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:45.980 well, the sins of Ephraim are exposed 00:22:45.980 --> 00:22:48.319 and the crimes of Samaria are revealed. 00:22:49.179 --> 00:22:49.859 God is saying, 00:22:49.959 --> 00:22:51.539 I'm willing to restore you. 00:22:51.659 --> 00:22:54.179 Can't you see I'm offering to heal you? 00:22:54.399 --> 00:22:56.379 I want you to come back to me. 00:22:56.899 --> 00:22:58.519 But when he comes to them 00:22:58.519 --> 00:22:59.639 and calls out to them, 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:02.220 all he finds is wandering hearts. 00:23:03.500 --> 00:23:06.039 The idea of forgiveness sounds great, 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:08.220 but when it comes to dealing with the sin, 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:10.720 well, it's just easier to push it 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:12.339 and sweep it under the carpet. 00:23:12.559 --> 00:23:13.160 Verse 2, 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:16.079 verse of chapter 7, 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:17.880 But they do not realize 00:23:17.880 --> 00:23:21.259 that I remember all their evil deeds. 00:23:21.660 --> 00:23:23.380 You can't just sweep it away 00:23:23.380 --> 00:23:24.720 and pretend it's not there. 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:26.680 Their sins engulf them. 00:23:27.180 --> 00:23:29.519 They are always before me. 00:23:31.680 --> 00:23:35.759 You see, we can so easily ignore our sin. 00:23:36.059 --> 00:23:37.279 We're like Adam. 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:38.599 Back in the garden. 00:23:38.799 --> 00:23:40.619 We begin to make excuses 00:23:40.619 --> 00:23:42.279 and point the finger. 00:23:43.339 --> 00:23:45.680 I know I shouldn't have spoken like that, 00:23:45.819 --> 00:23:47.980 but you've got to understand, 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:49.059 I was just tired. 00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:53.759 I know I shouldn't have clicked on that site, 00:23:54.599 --> 00:23:56.440 but it's been a stressful week 00:23:56.440 --> 00:23:57.639 and I was just lonely. 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:01.720 I know I should have been serving, 00:24:01.720 --> 00:24:04.740 but I just wanted some me time. 00:24:04.740 --> 00:24:09.039 I should have told the truth, 00:24:09.640 --> 00:24:12.799 but it's not like they would have found out. 00:24:14.940 --> 00:24:16.680 And as God looks, 00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:19.819 God's heart is broken 00:24:19.819 --> 00:24:22.579 because sin that is not dealt with 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:25.559 breaks our relationship with God. 00:24:25.559 --> 00:24:28.960 chapter 7, verse 13, 00:24:29.059 --> 00:24:30.399 the end of verse 13, 00:24:30.899 --> 00:24:32.200 God cries out, 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:34.179 I long to redeem them. 00:24:34.819 --> 00:24:36.539 I long to redeem them. 00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:40.619 But they speak lies against me. 00:24:42.159 --> 00:24:45.099 The picture isn't unlike what Jesus sees 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:46.659 as he looks over Jerusalem. 00:24:46.660 --> 00:24:49.759 Jesus is heartbroken. 00:24:50.600 --> 00:24:52.700 He longs to restore and redeem. 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:56.759 We read these words in Luke chapter 13. 00:24:57.519 --> 00:24:58.080 He says, 00:24:58.279 --> 00:24:58.960 O Jerusalem, 00:24:59.100 --> 00:25:00.600 we have the picture of Jesus 00:25:00.600 --> 00:25:02.180 looking out over the city. 00:25:02.540 --> 00:25:03.440 O Jerusalem, 00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:04.120 Jerusalem, 00:25:04.560 --> 00:25:05.980 you who kill the prophets 00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:07.740 and stone those sent to you, 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:09.759 how often I have longed 00:25:09.759 --> 00:25:11.620 to gather your children together 00:25:11.620 --> 00:25:14.000 as a hen gathers her chicks 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:15.300 under her wings. 00:25:15.299 --> 00:25:17.779 But you are not willing. 00:25:19.139 --> 00:25:21.779 And this is the cry of God's heart today. 00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:24.059 He longs to gather us 00:25:24.059 --> 00:25:26.240 under the care and protection 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:27.759 of his wings. 00:25:28.339 --> 00:25:30.000 He longs to redeem. 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:32.319 He longs to restore us. 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:34.700 What will I do with you? 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:38.399 What will change your heart? 00:25:40.399 --> 00:25:42.180 So we not only see 00:25:42.180 --> 00:25:43.799 our own sinful hearts, 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:45.879 but we get a picture 00:25:45.879 --> 00:25:49.039 of God's heart-breaking concern 00:25:49.039 --> 00:25:51.639 and love for his people. 00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:53.960 But third, 00:25:54.440 --> 00:25:57.759 we see the way of true repentance. 00:25:58.559 --> 00:26:01.359 As we look into this mirror, 00:26:01.559 --> 00:26:02.700 we get a reflection 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:05.819 of what true repentance looks like. 00:26:07.180 --> 00:26:09.079 Let's look at it in two ways. 00:26:09.359 --> 00:26:11.299 First, how not to repent. 00:26:11.299 --> 00:26:15.919 It seems the people of Israel 00:26:15.919 --> 00:26:17.839 had no desire to change. 00:26:17.940 --> 00:26:18.799 Look at verse 10. 00:26:21.200 --> 00:26:22.819 Chapter 7, verse 10. 00:26:23.139 --> 00:26:24.319 Israel's arrogance 00:26:24.319 --> 00:26:26.240 testifies against him. 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:28.379 But despite all this, 00:26:28.919 --> 00:26:31.299 he does not turn to the Lord his God 00:26:31.299 --> 00:26:32.339 or search for him. 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:34.799 God has held up the mirror, 00:26:35.740 --> 00:26:36.980 revealed the sin, 00:26:36.980 --> 00:26:40.039 but still there's no desire to change. 00:26:40.400 --> 00:26:41.519 And even when we think 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:43.000 they might be ready to repent, 00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:44.279 it's not even genuine. 00:26:44.720 --> 00:26:46.140 Look down at verse 14. 00:26:47.480 --> 00:26:49.860 They do not cry out to me 00:26:49.860 --> 00:26:51.019 from their hearts, 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:53.620 but they wail upon their beds. 00:26:53.940 --> 00:26:55.120 They gather together 00:26:55.120 --> 00:26:57.339 for grain and new wine, 00:26:57.920 --> 00:26:59.559 but turn away from me. 00:27:01.079 --> 00:27:02.140 It's more like, 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:03.460 their prayers are more like 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:04.880 a 999 call. 00:27:05.319 --> 00:27:07.140 They cry out to God for help 00:27:07.140 --> 00:27:08.579 only because they want 00:27:08.579 --> 00:27:09.640 something from God, 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:10.720 a better harvest, 00:27:11.059 --> 00:27:11.819 new wine, 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:13.980 better rains, 00:27:14.160 --> 00:27:14.980 better sunshine, 00:27:15.200 --> 00:27:16.779 so life will go well for them. 00:27:18.740 --> 00:27:20.279 Have you ever prayed those prayers? 00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:23.440 Lord, I promise I'll change 00:27:23.440 --> 00:27:25.539 if you get me out of this mess. 00:27:26.299 --> 00:27:28.140 Lord, I'll stop 00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:30.740 so long as you give me. 00:27:32.800 --> 00:27:34.180 God, if you can get me 00:27:34.180 --> 00:27:36.020 that job or that partner, 00:27:36.160 --> 00:27:37.020 a better salary, 00:27:37.340 --> 00:27:39.840 then I'll be able to serve more 00:27:39.840 --> 00:27:40.800 or give more. 00:27:42.140 --> 00:27:43.660 But it's not sincere. 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:45.320 It's not from the heart. 00:27:45.600 --> 00:27:47.620 It's not about genuine change. 00:27:47.780 --> 00:27:49.620 It's about crying out to God 00:27:49.620 --> 00:27:51.600 to get things that we want. 00:27:53.520 --> 00:27:56.000 They simply did not want God 00:27:56.000 --> 00:27:57.220 for who he was. 00:27:58.099 --> 00:27:59.779 They just wanted his gifts. 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:02.180 It wasn't a cry from the heart. 00:28:02.180 --> 00:28:04.660 And that's not repentance. 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:09.140 So how do we repent? 00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:12.579 Well, look at verse 16. 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.960 It starts with a negative, 00:28:18.220 --> 00:28:19.579 but we'll get to the positive. 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:23.220 They do not turn to the Most High. 00:28:23.220 --> 00:28:26.900 They are like a faulty bow. 00:28:29.720 --> 00:28:32.440 I was helped with this illustration 00:28:32.440 --> 00:28:34.500 as I was reading through the week. 00:28:34.600 --> 00:28:38.000 A faulty bow is your bow and arrow. 00:28:39.100 --> 00:28:42.220 And when that arrow is fired at the target, 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:44.980 it's as if it starts off 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:46.200 in the right direction, 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:49.380 but then veers off 00:28:49.380 --> 00:28:52.140 and misses its target completely. 00:28:52.140 --> 00:28:54.120 It's a faulty bow. 00:28:55.140 --> 00:28:56.759 And God is saying to his people, 00:28:56.920 --> 00:28:59.220 well, this is what your repentance is like. 00:28:59.880 --> 00:29:01.100 You're like that arrow 00:29:01.100 --> 00:29:02.759 that's being fired from the bow. 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:05.380 You start off heading towards your target. 00:29:05.720 --> 00:29:07.640 You start heading towards God. 00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:11.540 But when you see what repentance really means, 00:29:12.840 --> 00:29:14.500 it just veers away. 00:29:14.640 --> 00:29:16.100 You turn away from God. 00:29:17.460 --> 00:29:18.480 Verse 16. 00:29:18.580 --> 00:29:20.820 They do not turn to the Most High. 00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:24.139 They are like a faulty bow. 00:29:25.139 --> 00:29:26.460 In other words, 00:29:26.799 --> 00:29:27.500 positively, 00:29:28.480 --> 00:29:29.419 true repentance 00:29:29.419 --> 00:29:31.700 is the complete opposite. 00:29:33.059 --> 00:29:34.039 You see, repentance 00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:35.599 isn't just simply a quick, 00:29:35.980 --> 00:29:37.559 oh Lord, please forgive me, 00:29:38.099 --> 00:29:39.740 and then veering off again. 00:29:41.139 --> 00:29:42.500 It's a heading towards 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:43.759 the direction of God 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:44.980 and asking God, 00:29:45.159 --> 00:29:46.079 pleading with God, 00:29:46.079 --> 00:29:48.299 not just will you forgive me, 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:51.299 but will you change me? 00:29:52.019 --> 00:29:54.699 Will you change my heart? 00:29:57.179 --> 00:29:59.759 Let me give you four steps 00:29:59.759 --> 00:30:02.559 to true repentance. 00:30:04.399 --> 00:30:06.899 Repentance from the heart. 00:30:08.359 --> 00:30:10.039 Repentance that will bring about 00:30:10.039 --> 00:30:12.720 change of our lives. 00:30:12.720 --> 00:30:15.039 And I think they all flow 00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:16.860 from the text we've been looking at 00:30:16.860 --> 00:30:17.539 this morning. 00:30:18.360 --> 00:30:19.600 Here's the first one. 00:30:20.440 --> 00:30:20.839 First, 00:30:22.120 --> 00:30:23.880 ask God to reveal 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:26.420 your sin to you. 00:30:27.539 --> 00:30:27.960 You see, 00:30:28.019 --> 00:30:29.740 as we read God's Word, 00:30:30.620 --> 00:30:31.000 yes, 00:30:31.100 --> 00:30:32.160 we read it to 00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:35.120 help us express our praise to Him, 00:30:35.600 --> 00:30:36.960 to learn about God, 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:39.299 but we also read it 00:30:39.299 --> 00:30:40.019 asking God, 00:30:40.279 --> 00:30:40.519 Lord, 00:30:40.720 --> 00:30:41.980 search my heart. 00:30:42.819 --> 00:30:44.600 Show me the attitudes 00:30:44.600 --> 00:30:45.799 and the behaviours 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:46.500 in my life 00:30:46.500 --> 00:30:48.319 that are not Christ-like. 00:30:49.299 --> 00:30:49.799 Remember, 00:30:49.940 --> 00:30:50.980 we're saying God's Word 00:30:50.980 --> 00:30:51.980 is like a mirror 00:30:51.980 --> 00:30:53.140 that reflects 00:30:53.140 --> 00:30:54.480 what our hearts are like. 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:54.720 So, 00:30:54.960 --> 00:30:56.539 as we read God's Word, 00:30:56.660 --> 00:30:57.180 ask God, 00:30:57.799 --> 00:30:58.180 reveal, 00:30:58.420 --> 00:30:59.000 show me. 00:31:00.120 --> 00:31:01.319 Show me the things 00:31:01.319 --> 00:31:01.920 in my life 00:31:01.920 --> 00:31:03.500 that need to change. 00:31:03.500 --> 00:31:08.460 Second, 00:31:09.099 --> 00:31:11.299 take responsibility 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:13.099 of your sin. 00:31:14.059 --> 00:31:14.720 As God 00:31:14.720 --> 00:31:16.200 shows us 00:31:16.200 --> 00:31:17.059 our heart, 00:31:18.740 --> 00:31:19.980 face up to it. 00:31:20.259 --> 00:31:21.480 Look in that mirror. 00:31:21.660 --> 00:31:22.720 Don't look away. 00:31:23.220 --> 00:31:23.940 Look into it. 00:31:24.039 --> 00:31:24.799 Accept it. 00:31:24.940 --> 00:31:25.519 Own it. 00:31:26.119 --> 00:31:27.779 Israel would not own it 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:28.559 or accept it. 00:31:28.640 --> 00:31:29.240 They wouldn't 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:31.000 look into the mirror. 00:31:31.000 --> 00:31:34.619 But we are to own it 00:31:34.619 --> 00:31:35.420 and accept it. 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:36.440 Don't ignore 00:31:36.440 --> 00:31:37.299 or hide, 00:31:37.579 --> 00:31:38.900 but take responsibility 00:31:38.900 --> 00:31:39.559 and say, 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:39.980 yes, 00:31:40.160 --> 00:31:41.119 this is me. 00:31:41.299 --> 00:31:42.099 I am 00:31:42.099 --> 00:31:43.539 like Adam. 00:31:44.980 --> 00:31:45.559 So, 00:31:45.640 --> 00:31:46.579 take responsibility. 00:31:48.980 --> 00:31:49.579 Third, 00:31:50.920 --> 00:31:53.019 replace your sinful desires 00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:54.880 with a desire for Christ. 00:31:56.019 --> 00:31:57.259 Rather than running 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:58.440 to other things 00:31:58.440 --> 00:32:00.200 and other people, 00:32:00.200 --> 00:32:01.840 we instead run 00:32:01.840 --> 00:32:02.539 to Christ. 00:32:02.660 --> 00:32:03.100 Remember 00:32:03.100 --> 00:32:04.640 the restlessness 00:32:04.640 --> 00:32:05.779 that Israel had 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:06.279 as they went 00:32:06.279 --> 00:32:07.200 from one nation 00:32:07.200 --> 00:32:07.860 to another? 00:32:08.640 --> 00:32:08.860 Well, 00:32:08.900 --> 00:32:09.880 we can be the same. 00:32:10.019 --> 00:32:10.980 We can just swap 00:32:10.980 --> 00:32:11.620 one thing 00:32:11.620 --> 00:32:12.539 for another thing. 00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:14.900 But we are to replace 00:32:14.900 --> 00:32:16.380 those sinful desires 00:32:16.380 --> 00:32:17.299 with a desire 00:32:17.299 --> 00:32:18.160 for Christ. 00:32:19.039 --> 00:32:19.880 Just like 00:32:19.880 --> 00:32:20.759 Augustine 00:32:20.759 --> 00:32:22.000 as he talked 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:23.519 about our restlessness. 00:32:24.319 --> 00:32:25.840 That is not fulfilled 00:32:25.840 --> 00:32:26.740 until we find 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:27.480 our rest 00:32:27.480 --> 00:32:28.640 in Him. 00:32:28.640 --> 00:32:31.240 or as Tim Keller 00:32:31.240 --> 00:32:31.860 put it, 00:32:33.040 --> 00:32:34.860 Christ is the only one 00:32:34.860 --> 00:32:35.980 who will satisfy 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:37.120 you completely 00:32:37.120 --> 00:32:39.860 and if you fail 00:32:39.860 --> 00:32:40.200 Him, 00:32:41.440 --> 00:32:42.780 will forgive you 00:32:42.780 --> 00:32:44.180 eternally. 00:32:45.860 --> 00:32:47.780 Replace your sinful desires 00:32:47.780 --> 00:32:48.680 with a desire 00:32:48.680 --> 00:32:50.240 for Christ. 00:32:50.240 --> 00:32:50.460 Christ. 00:32:51.720 --> 00:32:52.460 And then 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:53.000 fourth, 00:32:54.200 --> 00:32:55.819 learn to rejoice 00:32:55.819 --> 00:32:57.180 in the forgiveness 00:32:57.180 --> 00:32:58.059 of your sin. 00:32:59.400 --> 00:32:59.779 You see, 00:32:59.880 --> 00:33:00.440 when we 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:01.859 truly repent, 00:33:03.259 --> 00:33:04.380 God will not 00:33:04.380 --> 00:33:05.440 disappoint you. 00:33:06.200 --> 00:33:07.000 He will 00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:07.920 and He does 00:33:07.920 --> 00:33:08.559 forgive you. 00:33:08.839 --> 00:33:09.779 All our sin 00:33:09.779 --> 00:33:10.500 is dealt with 00:33:10.500 --> 00:33:11.759 no matter what it is. 00:33:12.019 --> 00:33:12.819 No longer 00:33:12.819 --> 00:33:14.380 held against us. 00:33:14.700 --> 00:33:15.700 He welcomes us. 00:33:15.759 --> 00:33:16.799 He treasures us. 00:33:16.799 --> 00:33:17.960 We are fully 00:33:17.960 --> 00:33:19.299 and completely 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:20.419 restored. 00:33:20.879 --> 00:33:21.740 Rejoice 00:33:21.740 --> 00:33:22.919 and live 00:33:22.919 --> 00:33:24.539 in your forgiveness. 00:33:28.659 --> 00:33:30.079 This is what 00:33:30.079 --> 00:33:31.119 true repentance 00:33:31.119 --> 00:33:32.059 is all about. 00:33:32.240 --> 00:33:33.139 Repentance 00:33:33.139 --> 00:33:34.799 from the heart. 00:33:35.659 --> 00:33:36.720 That arrow 00:33:36.720 --> 00:33:37.599 from the bow 00:33:37.599 --> 00:33:38.819 that is directed 00:33:38.819 --> 00:33:40.000 towards God. 00:33:40.960 --> 00:33:42.099 A calling out. 00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:43.819 Change me. 00:33:45.259 --> 00:33:46.599 Change my heart. 00:33:46.799 --> 00:33:48.639 for a heart 00:33:48.639 --> 00:33:50.119 that is for you. 00:33:52.159 --> 00:33:53.099 We're going to be 00:33:53.099 --> 00:33:54.019 very practical 00:33:54.019 --> 00:33:54.740 this morning 00:33:54.740 --> 00:33:56.440 and we're going to 00:33:56.440 --> 00:33:57.339 move straight 00:33:57.339 --> 00:33:59.599 to our communion 00:33:59.599 --> 00:34:00.960 as we remember 00:34:00.960 --> 00:34:02.399 the Lord's death 00:34:02.399 --> 00:34:03.220 for us. 00:34:03.940 --> 00:34:05.119 And as we do so, 00:34:06.319 --> 00:34:07.299 I'm going to leave 00:34:07.299 --> 00:34:09.099 the slide there, 00:34:09.279 --> 00:34:10.119 particularly the 00:34:10.119 --> 00:34:11.179 four points 00:34:11.179 --> 00:34:11.960 at the bottom. 00:34:12.519 --> 00:34:13.159 But I want us 00:34:13.159 --> 00:34:13.920 to turn to where 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:15.320 we started this morning 00:34:15.320 --> 00:34:16.639 which is in 1 John. 00:34:16.800 --> 00:34:23.340 1 John chapter 1. 00:34:23.340 --> 00:34:24.039 It's on page 00:34:24.039 --> 00:34:26.240 1225. 00:34:26.920 --> 00:34:29.240 1225. 00:34:30.560 --> 00:34:32.539 1225. 00:34:32.960 --> 00:34:35.240 1 John chapter 1 00:34:35.240 --> 00:34:38.140 verses 8 to 10. 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:44.679 1225. 00:34:44.679 --> 00:34:45.719 So let me read 00:34:45.719 --> 00:34:46.579 these words 00:34:46.579 --> 00:34:47.779 and then we're just 00:34:47.779 --> 00:34:48.299 going to have a 00:34:48.299 --> 00:34:49.920 quiet time of repentance. 00:34:51.259 --> 00:34:52.239 I'll talk about that 00:34:52.239 --> 00:34:53.219 now in just a minute. 00:34:53.379 --> 00:34:54.179 But here we go. 00:34:54.679 --> 00:34:55.900 1 John chapter 1 00:34:55.900 --> 00:34:56.859 verses 8 00:34:56.859 --> 00:34:57.900 and 9. 00:34:57.900 --> 00:34:59.440 1 John chapter 1. 00:34:59.440 --> 00:35:00.440 2 John chapter 1. 00:35:00.440 --> 00:35:01.539 If we claim to be 00:35:01.539 --> 00:35:02.440 without sin, 00:35:03.240 --> 00:35:04.440 we deceive ourselves 00:35:05.200 --> 00:35:07.320 and the truth 00:35:07.320 --> 00:35:08.639 is not in us. 00:35:10.220 --> 00:35:12.440 If we confess our sins, 00:35:12.700 --> 00:35:13.720 he is faithful 00:35:13.720 --> 00:35:14.480 and just 00:35:14.480 --> 00:35:16.579 and will forgive us 00:35:16.579 --> 00:35:17.440 our sins. 00:35:17.440 --> 00:35:18.440 And, 00:35:18.440 --> 00:35:21.079 not only forgive us, 00:35:22.019 --> 00:35:23.400 but purify us. 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:23.800 that is 00:35:23.800 --> 00:35:24.860 that ongoing 00:35:24.860 --> 00:35:26.599 change in our hearts 00:35:26.599 --> 00:35:27.280 and our lives 00:35:27.280 --> 00:35:28.660 from all 00:35:28.660 --> 00:35:30.800 unrighteousness. 00:35:32.940 --> 00:35:33.300 Repentance 00:35:33.300 --> 00:35:34.680 leads to 00:35:34.680 --> 00:35:35.660 restoration 00:35:35.660 --> 00:35:38.200 and a change 00:35:38.200 --> 00:35:39.000 of our hearts. 00:35:40.139 --> 00:35:41.500 And it starts 00:35:41.500 --> 00:35:42.019 with these 00:35:42.019 --> 00:35:43.000 four things 00:35:43.000 --> 00:35:44.599 that we leave 00:35:44.599 --> 00:35:45.440 with this morning. 00:35:45.440 --> 00:35:46.340 ask God 00:35:46.340 --> 00:35:46.880 to reveal 00:35:46.880 --> 00:35:47.440 your sin. 00:35:48.139 --> 00:35:49.639 Take responsibility. 00:35:51.179 --> 00:35:51.800 Replace 00:35:51.800 --> 00:35:52.420 your sinful 00:35:52.420 --> 00:35:52.940 desires 00:35:52.940 --> 00:35:53.639 with Christ. 00:35:54.820 --> 00:35:55.539 Rejoice 00:35:55.539 --> 00:35:56.639 in the 00:35:56.639 --> 00:35:57.059 forgiveness 00:35:57.059 --> 00:35:58.740 of your sin. 00:36:02.420 --> 00:36:03.300 I'm going to 00:36:03.300 --> 00:36:04.099 pass the bread 00:36:04.099 --> 00:36:04.800 around 00:36:04.800 --> 00:36:07.000 which is 00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:07.599 a picture, 00:36:08.960 --> 00:36:09.820 a helpful, 00:36:10.179 --> 00:36:11.000 tangible way 00:36:11.000 --> 00:36:11.400 for us 00:36:11.400 --> 00:36:12.159 to remember 00:36:12.159 --> 00:36:13.539 the death 00:36:13.539 --> 00:36:14.659 of Jesus Christ 00:36:14.659 --> 00:36:16.059 on the cross 00:36:16.059 --> 00:36:16.759 for us 00:36:16.759 --> 00:36:18.379 who became 00:36:18.379 --> 00:36:18.940 sin 00:36:18.940 --> 00:36:20.379 for us. 00:36:21.199 --> 00:36:21.899 The one 00:36:21.899 --> 00:36:22.619 who invites 00:36:22.619 --> 00:36:23.099 us now 00:36:23.099 --> 00:36:24.000 to confess, 00:36:24.480 --> 00:36:25.339 to repent. 00:36:27.420 --> 00:36:28.599 So as the bread 00:36:28.599 --> 00:36:29.420 is being passed 00:36:29.420 --> 00:36:29.699 around, 00:36:29.859 --> 00:36:30.579 take a piece. 00:36:31.579 --> 00:36:32.440 We'll eat together 00:36:32.440 --> 00:36:33.000 in a minute. 00:36:33.799 --> 00:36:34.420 But I'm going 00:36:34.420 --> 00:36:35.039 to encourage 00:36:35.039 --> 00:36:36.159 all of us 00:36:36.159 --> 00:36:36.940 together, 00:36:37.599 --> 00:36:38.500 just privately 00:36:38.500 --> 00:36:39.279 where we are, 00:36:39.399 --> 00:36:40.039 to go through 00:36:40.039 --> 00:36:41.159 that one to four 00:36:41.159 --> 00:36:44.059 and ask God 00:36:44.059 --> 00:36:45.219 to work 00:36:45.219 --> 00:36:46.860 in your hearts. 00:36:48.059 --> 00:36:49.279 Whatever it is 00:36:49.279 --> 00:36:51.340 that God is 00:36:51.340 --> 00:36:52.799 saying to you 00:36:52.799 --> 00:36:53.139 right now, 00:36:53.179 --> 00:36:53.840 this needs to 00:36:53.840 --> 00:36:54.420 change. 00:36:56.460 --> 00:36:57.159 Let's do 00:36:57.159 --> 00:36:57.739 business 00:36:57.739 --> 00:36:58.719 with God 00:36:58.719 --> 00:37:00.880 as the bread 00:37:00.880 --> 00:37:01.279 is being 00:37:01.279 --> 00:37:02.079 passed around. 00:37:02.079 --> 00:37:14.519 do 00:37:14.519 --> 00:37:17.159 as the bread 00:37:17.159 --> 00:37:18.199 asマjou 00:37:18.199 --> 00:37:19.079 as the bread 00:37:19.079 --> 00:37:19.199 is being 00:37:19.199 --> 00:37:19.559 committed. 00:37:19.639 --> 00:37:20.599 All right. 00:37:20.679 --> 00:37:21.360 Let's do 00:37:21.360 --> 00:37:21.940 the bread 00:37:21.940 --> 00:37:23.319 as the bread 00:37:23.319 --> 00:37:25.460 is being 00:37:25.460 --> 00:37:26.000 rock, 00:37:26.000 --> 00:37:26.079 as the bread 00:37:26.079 --> 00:37:27.500 is being 00:37:27.500 --> 00:37:28.759 a Years 00:37:28.759 --> 00:37:29.179 Mahoglage 00:37:29.179 --> 00:37:30.239 as the bread 00:37:30.679 --> 00:37:30.719 is being 00:37:30.719 --> 00:38:00.699 Thank you.