WEBVTT 00:00:00.980 --> 00:00:07.700 My original plan for this morning was to preach on Romans chapter 4 and to speak about how 00:00:07.700 --> 00:00:10.339 what Paul says there ties into the story of Abraham. 00:00:11.120 --> 00:00:17.280 But as I watched the outcome of the election early on at the beginning of the week and 00:00:17.280 --> 00:00:22.600 started to see how various groups of people were responding to this, there was something 00:00:22.600 --> 00:00:25.879 that was just stirred within me that felt, I need to address this. 00:00:25.879 --> 00:00:32.479 Um, my main concern is simply where do we as Christians fit in this larger story of what's 00:00:32.479 --> 00:00:33.759 happening in our country today? 00:00:33.759 --> 00:00:38.960 And what has God said in his word that we can really anchor ourselves to as we look at 00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:42.960 the outcome of this and the government that we now have. 00:00:43.480 --> 00:00:46.879 So this morning's message is a pastoral message. 00:00:47.640 --> 00:00:54.219 But my heart is that we would hear from God as we look at his word and what pertains to 00:00:54.219 --> 00:00:56.039 what's happened in this past week as well. 00:00:57.199 --> 00:01:03.100 I don't think that it's any secret who most of us voted for on Monday in the federal election. 00:01:03.100 --> 00:01:06.620 And I know that the outcome was disappointing to many of us. 00:01:07.459 --> 00:01:13.759 Many feel as though we cast our vote and it had little impact, uh, that it brought little 00:01:13.759 --> 00:01:17.159 change on the overall picture of government that we have in our country. 00:01:17.159 --> 00:01:21.039 And it's certainly not just us here in the room who feel this way. 00:01:21.619 --> 00:01:24.179 Um, but there's many in our community and our province. 00:01:24.179 --> 00:01:28.420 And as we've seen in the news in neighboring provinces that feel the same way. 00:01:29.519 --> 00:01:36.439 But what really, I guess, caught me by surprise this week was, uh, some of the way that people 00:01:36.439 --> 00:01:40.400 have responded specifically to the results of the election. 00:01:40.400 --> 00:01:50.260 Many in Alberta and even in our own province are talking about Wexit and sharing posts about 00:01:50.260 --> 00:01:53.200 starting our own Western Republic of Canada. 00:01:55.960 --> 00:02:00.439 Talking about separating and forming our own country. 00:02:02.360 --> 00:02:07.620 As I watched one of the live broadcasts online this week from a political figure, I was shocked 00:02:07.620 --> 00:02:11.960 at just how many are posting and making comments like this. 00:02:13.280 --> 00:02:21.800 Not only that, but along with those comments, making, uh, statements of, of anger and animosity 00:02:21.800 --> 00:02:29.140 and hatred and racism towards other people, especially those who are different or think different. 00:02:30.280 --> 00:02:34.980 There are many right now who are looking for someone to blame in the midst of all this. 00:02:34.979 --> 00:02:39.919 And the fingers being pointed at different people all over the place. 00:02:40.719 --> 00:02:46.139 And in some cases, what's being said to those people is downright nasty and evil. 00:02:48.219 --> 00:02:53.000 This is the moment when we as Christians should be shining brightly. 00:02:54.500 --> 00:02:56.839 Beacons of light in the darkness. 00:02:56.840 --> 00:02:57.840 We are in the darkness. 00:02:57.840 --> 00:02:58.039 We are in the darkness. 00:02:58.039 --> 00:02:58.439 We are in the darkness. 00:02:58.439 --> 00:02:58.700 We are in the darkness. 00:02:58.700 --> 00:03:06.319 Unshaken in our hope and confidence and joy, no matter what changes take place in the government. 00:03:06.900 --> 00:03:11.159 And yet it seems as though the church has fallen into one of two pitfalls. 00:03:12.080 --> 00:03:19.240 We either completely avoid and abstain from participating in our democracy. 00:03:20.080 --> 00:03:25.740 We kind of abdicate our responsibility and just allow our world to make the decisions. 00:03:27.960 --> 00:03:43.180 Or we participate to some degree, more or less, but we place far too much of our hope and our joy and our confidence in the people and the party that we voted for and hoped we'll win. 00:03:43.180 --> 00:03:52.659 And so this morning I just want to remind us all of how our faith in Christ connects to the results that we've seen in this past week. 00:03:53.960 --> 00:04:08.300 The first thing that I want to remind us of is that our hope and our confidence and our joy should not be placed in the government of the day or the government that we want to see voted in. 00:04:08.300 --> 00:04:16.639 As Christians, our hope and our confidence and our joy is in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:04:17.560 --> 00:04:22.160 But perhaps we've lost sight a little bit of what that means. 00:04:22.720 --> 00:04:27.080 The gospel, that word means good news, literally. 00:04:27.480 --> 00:04:29.759 The good news of Jesus Christ. 00:04:30.900 --> 00:04:36.840 And Christ means more, but not less, than King. 00:04:38.300 --> 00:04:41.759 The good news of Jesus Christ. 00:04:41.980 --> 00:04:43.500 Jesus the King. 00:04:45.040 --> 00:04:48.819 Is where our hope and confidence and joy should be based. 00:04:49.620 --> 00:04:52.400 And what is the good news of Jesus the King? 00:04:53.840 --> 00:05:00.939 We're usually pretty quick to go to the cross and the empty tomb, and those are wonderful truths to go to. 00:05:00.939 --> 00:05:07.439 But this morning I want to remind us all that the good news of the gospel is about, includes more than just those things. 00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:18.300 I want you to point your attention to how the good news is described by Matthew and Luke and even by Jesus himself. 00:05:18.300 --> 00:05:25.480 My slideshow thing is not working here, David, but if you want to click through for me, that would be awesome. 00:05:29.980 --> 00:05:31.520 Matthew 4.23. 00:05:31.519 --> 00:05:39.779 Jesus went through Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of what? 00:05:41.699 --> 00:05:42.859 Of the kingdom. 00:05:44.539 --> 00:05:46.479 Luke 4.43. 00:05:46.480 --> 00:05:52.379 Jesus said, I must proclaim the good news of what? 00:05:53.800 --> 00:06:00.020 Of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent. 00:06:00.980 --> 00:06:02.980 Matthew 24.14. 00:06:02.980 --> 00:06:07.020 And this gospel, this good news of what? 00:06:08.700 --> 00:06:15.420 Of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. 00:06:15.660 --> 00:06:17.160 And then the end will come. 00:06:18.240 --> 00:06:19.200 Acts 8.12. 00:06:20.420 --> 00:06:24.300 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of what? 00:06:24.300 --> 00:06:32.579 Of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 00:06:32.720 --> 00:06:38.160 And so what is the good news that we, as the people of Christ, have to tell? 00:06:40.780 --> 00:06:45.699 Jesus, in his own words, said it this way in Mark 1.15. 00:06:47.060 --> 00:06:49.160 He said, the time has come. 00:06:50.620 --> 00:06:52.939 The kingdom of God has come near. 00:06:54.300 --> 00:06:55.060 Repent. 00:06:55.500 --> 00:06:57.740 And believe the good news. 00:06:59.520 --> 00:07:02.400 Do you hear what Jesus is saying here? 00:07:03.560 --> 00:07:06.759 What the writers of the gospels are saying? 00:07:07.060 --> 00:07:12.540 The message that Jesus brought and called people to believe in and trust 00:07:12.540 --> 00:07:17.519 is the good news that the kingdom of God is near. 00:07:18.759 --> 00:07:20.939 The kingdom from heaven. 00:07:20.939 --> 00:07:28.219 In the days that Jesus walked the earth, they were looking for a political figure. 00:07:28.839 --> 00:07:34.399 They were looking for someone who would overturn the Roman government of the day. 00:07:34.399 --> 00:07:38.979 Jesus told them that there was good news. 00:07:39.979 --> 00:07:40.899 God's kingdom. 00:07:41.719 --> 00:07:44.639 The kingdom from heaven is near. 00:07:45.919 --> 00:07:47.339 And this is the gospel. 00:07:47.539 --> 00:07:51.839 This is the good news that should be part of our main message. 00:07:51.839 --> 00:07:59.459 This should be the anchor point of our faith and hope and the basis of our joy. 00:07:59.459 --> 00:08:05.739 Those of us who have received Jesus as our king and belong to him. 00:08:06.439 --> 00:08:10.859 We belong to the greatest kingdom that this world will ever know. 00:08:12.219 --> 00:08:18.620 Listen to what Paul said as he encouraged the Philippians who lived in that prominent city of Philippi. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:19.959 He said, 00:08:19.959 --> 00:08:24.240 Those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ, their mind is set on earthly things. 00:08:24.639 --> 00:08:28.120 But our citizenship is in heaven. 00:08:29.060 --> 00:08:32.620 And we eagerly await a savior from there. 00:08:33.600 --> 00:08:36.500 The Lord Jesus Christ or King. 00:08:37.440 --> 00:08:44.080 He goes on in verse 21 to talk about how he has the power to bring everything under his control. 00:08:44.080 --> 00:08:51.639 And so our hope and our joy and our confidence is not to be in the government of the day. 00:08:51.759 --> 00:08:56.400 Or as some of the one of the political leaders said in the government in waiting. 00:08:57.259 --> 00:08:59.600 The government that we hoped would win. 00:09:00.660 --> 00:09:05.040 Our confidence in the midst of all this is in the unseen kingdom. 00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:09.879 Which is coming in its fullness from heaven to earth. 00:09:10.020 --> 00:09:12.960 When Jesus the king returns in glory. 00:09:14.080 --> 00:09:21.300 As I said earlier, many are looking for someone to blame for the results of the election. 00:09:21.660 --> 00:09:23.280 Someone to point the finger at. 00:09:23.379 --> 00:09:29.879 And in the worst of cases, someone to make pay for the way that things went. 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:38.860 But at the end of the day, the problem that's led to this outcome is much deeper than perhaps we've thought. 00:09:38.860 --> 00:09:43.720 The people that were chosen to represent our country in Ottawa. 00:09:44.720 --> 00:09:48.680 At the end of the day, they're a reflection of the people who voted for them. 00:09:48.679 --> 00:09:55.579 And the problem here, it transcends location. 00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:57.399 And occupation. 00:09:57.939 --> 00:09:59.219 And status. 00:09:59.659 --> 00:10:00.819 And cultural heritage. 00:10:01.079 --> 00:10:02.179 And ethnic background. 00:10:02.539 --> 00:10:03.459 And class. 00:10:04.239 --> 00:10:07.579 The problem runs much deeper than all these things. 00:10:07.580 --> 00:10:20.460 And it's the same problem that is driving the deeply self-interested outpouring of anger and racism and hatred online today. 00:10:22.300 --> 00:10:24.000 The problem is sin. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:29.500 We are all sinners here in Canada. 00:10:29.500 --> 00:10:33.419 We're all bent towards our own selfish ambitions. 00:10:34.139 --> 00:10:39.419 And that's why when our interests and desires are not met, we get angry. 00:10:40.019 --> 00:10:45.720 And we spew racist and hateful comments and call names and insult people. 00:10:45.720 --> 00:10:48.940 But listen. 00:10:50.279 --> 00:10:58.580 Your heart will never be satisfied with the government of the day or the government in waiting. 00:10:59.259 --> 00:11:04.660 Because at the end of the day, these governments are made up of sinners like you and me. 00:11:06.180 --> 00:11:13.540 They can never be the government that we hope for, that we long for, because of their origin. 00:11:13.539 --> 00:11:19.559 Their makeup is, by nature, hostile to God. 00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:22.659 To borrow from the words of the Apostle Paul. 00:11:22.799 --> 00:11:34.439 And even if we did get a party that was composed 100% of strong, faithful Christian people representing strong Christian values, 00:11:34.539 --> 00:11:39.159 we should not be surprised if the majority of people in our nation don't vote for them. 00:11:39.159 --> 00:11:45.639 This is the reality of the world that we live in, according to God's word. 00:11:46.179 --> 00:11:54.919 And this is exactly why our confidence and joy and hope should not be in the earthly and human governments of our day. 00:11:55.919 --> 00:11:59.439 No, we need a different government. 00:11:59.879 --> 00:12:02.639 A government that has a different origin. 00:12:02.639 --> 00:12:05.259 We need a government that comes from God. 00:12:06.659 --> 00:12:12.740 And thanks be to God, he has promised us just such a government. 00:12:12.960 --> 00:12:17.639 Listen to these wonderful words about Jesus, spoken by Isaiah long ago. 00:12:17.639 --> 00:12:22.639 For to us, a child is born. 00:12:23.460 --> 00:12:26.059 To us, a son is given. 00:12:26.819 --> 00:12:30.460 And the government will be on his shoulders. 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:34.779 And he will be called Wonderful Counselor. 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:36.779 Mighty God. 00:12:38.059 --> 00:12:39.659 Everlasting Father. 00:12:40.659 --> 00:12:42.460 Prince of Peace. 00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:47.660 Of the greatness of his government and peace. 00:12:48.259 --> 00:12:50.100 There will be no end. 00:12:51.660 --> 00:13:04.259 He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. 00:13:05.540 --> 00:13:10.220 The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. 00:13:12.460 --> 00:13:18.000 The good news is that this child has been born. 00:13:19.340 --> 00:13:22.000 This son has been given. 00:13:22.660 --> 00:13:27.440 And according to his own word, his kingdom is near. 00:13:28.600 --> 00:13:35.120 He's the only one who can establish the kind of good government that we all hope for and long for. 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:38.300 And he will do it when he returns. 00:13:38.299 --> 00:13:46.299 We as his people should not be looking to the governments of the day. 00:13:46.620 --> 00:13:48.259 The governments of earth. 00:13:48.719 --> 00:13:50.579 To do what they cannot do. 00:13:50.839 --> 00:13:52.859 Or to be what they cannot be. 00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:55.319 Only God's king. 00:13:56.359 --> 00:13:58.139 Only God's son. 00:13:58.859 --> 00:14:00.079 Can bring peace. 00:14:00.620 --> 00:14:01.799 And justice. 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:03.120 And righteousness. 00:14:03.599 --> 00:14:05.419 That lasts forever. 00:14:05.419 --> 00:14:05.500 Forever. 00:14:07.979 --> 00:14:16.860 And the last thing that our world needs to see when they look at us is people who claim the name of Christ, this king. 00:14:17.419 --> 00:14:26.000 And yet are bitterly disappointed and angry because our hope was in the people and the party that we voted for. 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:29.720 Are we disappointed? 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:31.799 Yes. 00:14:32.460 --> 00:14:37.519 Are we saddened by where many seem to be steering our country? 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:38.799 Yes. 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:42.399 But what else is new under the sun? 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:55.759 Are we going to let that eclipse the glorious good news of the kingdom that we will inherit when Jesus, our king, returns? 00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:07.279 Listen to some of the words that the apostles gave us as they described what our outlook as Christians should be. 00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:10.299 1 Corinthians 1 verse 7. 00:15:11.879 --> 00:15:21.439 There Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that they should be eagerly awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:15:21.440 --> 00:15:24.780 Titus 2 verse 13. 00:15:24.780 --> 00:15:36.680 He reminds Titus that we should be looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. 00:15:38.140 --> 00:15:49.780 Peter in his letter talks about how according to the Lord's promise, we should be looking for a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. 00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:59.079 All of these passages push us towards the question, is that our attitude? 00:15:59.779 --> 00:16:01.379 Is that our perspective? 00:16:02.519 --> 00:16:06.459 Are we eagerly awaiting the return of the king? 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:11.439 Or are we looking to human governments to fix the problems? 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:20.760 Wouldn't it be wonderful if we stood out as the people of Christ, despite the result of the election? 00:16:21.260 --> 00:16:22.580 Because we're joyful. 00:16:23.260 --> 00:16:24.700 Because we're confident. 00:16:25.240 --> 00:16:33.240 We're hopeful because of where those things are anchored in these promises that we have from the Lord himself. 00:16:33.240 --> 00:16:46.580 Now, all of this, of course, doesn't mean that we should just take a back seat when it comes to our democracy and let the unbelieving world make all the decisions for us. 00:16:46.580 --> 00:16:56.480 But we still have an obligation to pray for and serve and love and influence for Christ however we can in our country. 00:16:57.400 --> 00:17:03.220 The words that came to my mind as I was thinking about this this week are from Jeremiah. 00:17:03.960 --> 00:17:07.600 The words that the Lord spoke to the exiles. 00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:14.859 He said, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:18.319 Pray to the Lord for it. 00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:22.599 Because if it prospers, you too will prosper. 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:36.579 This is just one of many passages like this where it talks about how we are to seek the welfare and the prosperity of the place that the Lord has put us. 00:17:37.599 --> 00:17:40.019 The people that live around us. 00:17:41.139 --> 00:17:54.019 And in our country, in our day, we have tremendous opportunity to help others see people of good character and qualities. 00:17:54.500 --> 00:18:00.279 People with God's kinds of ideas about how we should live and what kind of laws we should make. 00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:05.839 We have the opportunity to shine the spotlight on those kinds of people as Christians. 00:18:06.119 --> 00:18:10.299 To participate in the decision of who will lead our country. 00:18:12.200 --> 00:18:21.039 As Christians, do we not want to be known and seen as those who stand up for what is good and right according to what the Lord has revealed? 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:26.440 And so when we see candidates, when we see people who are saying, yes, this is how we should live. 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:29.099 This is what kind of country we should have. 00:18:29.920 --> 00:18:34.339 Do we not want to be people that are known for getting behind those people and supporting them? 00:18:34.339 --> 00:18:42.359 There is no shame in knocking on doors or making phone calls for good men and women. 00:18:42.819 --> 00:18:47.279 People who are people of character and who stand for Christian values. 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:48.899 And we can be up front with people. 00:18:49.000 --> 00:18:50.480 Our hope is not in the system. 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:53.579 It is not in the outcome of the election. 00:18:54.019 --> 00:18:56.419 It is not even in the candidate that we may support. 00:18:56.420 --> 00:19:10.320 Rather, it is our faith in Christ that leads us to participate in helping our country and our province select the best people to lead. 00:19:15.360 --> 00:19:20.720 Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. 00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:25.820 That word peace really jumped out at me as I was meditating on these words. 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:28.680 Seek the peace of the city. 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:34.460 How might that apply to us today as we think of our country? 00:19:36.420 --> 00:19:37.100 Peace. 00:19:39.060 --> 00:19:41.440 I'm reminded of those words that Jesus said, 00:19:41.600 --> 00:19:48.440 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 00:19:50.300 --> 00:19:52.980 As the children of God, what should we be known for? 00:19:52.980 --> 00:20:02.500 We should be known for making peace, helping to bring peace between people who are in conflict with one another. 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:11.360 That's the exact opposite of those who are saying nasty and hurtful things right now because of the results of the election. 00:20:11.359 --> 00:20:22.119 We're to be known for people who help others reconcile with their differences and their problems, their conflicts. 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:29.099 That's the exact opposite of those who are saying we should just separate and leave Canada and go start our own country. 00:20:29.099 --> 00:20:41.039 If there's anyone out there who should be saying we have some issues, yes, but let's come to the table and work through them. 00:20:41.679 --> 00:20:47.679 Let's find a solution that works for all of us here in Canada so that we can live together in peace and prosperity. 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:52.600 Should it not be the people of Christ that are first saying that? 00:20:53.920 --> 00:20:57.220 We should be setting the example in these kinds of conversations. 00:20:58.700 --> 00:21:03.860 Showing people what it means to speak respectfully to other people. 00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:07.860 To listen well to other people. 00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:13.460 To take a genuine interest in the desires and needs and wants of other people. 00:21:13.460 --> 00:21:20.740 We're called to be people who, like Christ, do not merely consider our own interests, but also consider the interests of others. 00:21:21.840 --> 00:21:24.680 Which includes the people of eastern Canada. 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:28.319 People of other ethnic backgrounds. 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:31.059 People who are different from us. 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:37.600 Peacemakers are those who bring people who are at odds with each other together. 00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:45.439 Not people who participate in further driving a wedge between them. 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:49.099 And now, this doesn't mean that we'll always agree with everyone. 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:51.000 With their point of view. 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:51.959 Of course it doesn't. 00:21:53.439 --> 00:21:58.659 But will we patiently work towards peace and cooperation with our neighbors? 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.519 Yes. 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:11.960 This kind of Christian attitude and conduct is a powerful testimony to the people who live in our world around us. 00:22:12.319 --> 00:22:13.920 And they're watching us closely. 00:22:15.379 --> 00:22:17.619 They know that we claim the name of Christ. 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:25.619 And they're watching us to see if we will live the kind of love that Jesus commanded us to live towards our neighbor. 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:28.920 Or will we just live to please ourselves? 00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:34.680 And so when we react no differently than our world. 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:37.759 And talk no differently than our world. 00:22:38.420 --> 00:22:39.779 We dishonor the Lord. 00:22:40.440 --> 00:22:44.080 And we send the message that we're the same as everybody else. 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:55.080 This morning, I want to remind us of some of the words that God has given when it comes to our relationship with government. 00:22:55.079 --> 00:22:57.079 We have a... 00:22:57.079 --> 00:22:59.079 We have a... 00:22:59.079 --> 00:23:02.500 I won't say new government because some of it's the same. 00:23:02.599 --> 00:23:08.119 But we have a different government than we had a couple weeks ago. 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:14.259 And so how should we think about our relationship as Christians to the government? 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:19.420 And the first passage that I really want to draw your attention to is 1 Timothy chapter 2. 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:21.779 This is what Paul said. 00:23:22.039 --> 00:23:22.319 He said, 00:23:22.319 --> 00:23:49.879 He goes on down in verse 8 to say, 00:23:49.880 --> 00:23:58.560 Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 00:23:58.559 --> 00:24:03.559 Peter writes to the churches and says this. 00:24:04.339 --> 00:24:04.679 He says, 00:24:04.679 --> 00:24:10.019 Live such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong, 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:16.460 they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:17.839 He says, 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:22.439 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority, 00:24:22.439 --> 00:24:26.319 whether to the emperor as the supreme authority, 00:24:26.659 --> 00:24:33.079 or to governors who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:36.659 For it is God's will that by doing good, 00:24:37.099 --> 00:24:40.279 you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:42.759 Live as free people, 00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:46.379 but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil. 00:24:46.380 --> 00:24:49.440 Live as God's slaves. 00:24:50.640 --> 00:24:52.920 Show proper respect to everyone. 00:24:54.020 --> 00:24:55.460 Love the family of believers. 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:56.920 Fear God. 00:24:58.140 --> 00:24:59.280 Honor the emperor. 00:25:01.020 --> 00:25:03.460 To the church at Rome, Paul said this. 00:25:03.580 --> 00:25:03.840 He said, 00:25:04.020 --> 00:25:06.820 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, 00:25:07.340 --> 00:25:12.200 for there is no authority except that which God has established. 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:17.059 The authorities that exist have been established by God. 00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:21.559 He goes on and down in verse, I think, six and seven. 00:25:21.680 --> 00:25:22.000 He says, 00:25:22.420 --> 00:25:24.240 This is also why you pay taxes, 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:26.759 for the authorities are God's servants 00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:30.640 who give their full time to governing. 00:25:30.640 --> 00:25:34.980 Give to everyone what you owe them. 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:37.920 If you owe taxes, pay taxes. 00:25:38.420 --> 00:25:40.259 If revenue, then revenue. 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:42.560 If respect, then respect. 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:45.220 If honor, then honor. 00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:48.799 Now, our government today looks a little different 00:25:48.799 --> 00:25:52.960 than the Roman government of the day back then. 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:55.360 Whether it was better or worse 00:25:55.360 --> 00:25:58.700 is not what we're going to evaluate this morning. 00:25:59.160 --> 00:26:01.740 But the principles that are here 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:03.700 apply to us today just the same. 00:26:03.779 --> 00:26:06.360 We may not like those who are in authority over us, 00:26:06.559 --> 00:26:09.259 but we are charged just the same by God 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:10.720 to submit to their authority 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:12.539 and to show them respect, 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:15.019 to treat them with honor, 00:26:15.279 --> 00:26:16.680 those who hold those positions. 00:26:18.860 --> 00:26:19.920 Justin Trudeau, 00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:22.900 who's probably been the brunt of 00:26:22.900 --> 00:26:25.299 most of the verbal abuse 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:26.720 that I've heard from Christians, 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:30.120 he is one of our many Canadian neighbors. 00:26:31.720 --> 00:26:32.500 Jesus said, 00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:34.299 Love your neighbor as yourself. 00:26:35.620 --> 00:26:37.400 Even if you consider him an enemy, 00:26:37.559 --> 00:26:38.720 you still don't get a pass 00:26:38.720 --> 00:26:39.700 because Jesus said, 00:26:39.920 --> 00:26:40.460 Love your enemy. 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:42.759 And pray for them too. 00:26:43.960 --> 00:26:44.880 And so I want to challenge 00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:46.339 and encourage us all this morning 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:49.700 to pray for our government regularly. 00:26:50.299 --> 00:26:51.799 To pray for Justin Trudeau, 00:26:51.940 --> 00:26:52.779 our Prime Minister. 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:55.039 To pray for the members of Parliament. 00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:57.839 To pray for those who hold cabinet positions. 00:26:58.120 --> 00:27:00.460 To pray for those who take a second look 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.600 over things in the Senate. 00:27:02.100 --> 00:27:05.740 To pray for our MLAs here in Saskatchewan as well. 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:10.079 Pray that God would bring good men and women 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:11.939 into these representative roles 00:27:11.939 --> 00:27:14.500 as a gift of grace to our country. 00:27:16.619 --> 00:27:19.059 We've been given not just an opportunity, 00:27:19.559 --> 00:27:22.139 but an obligation by God 00:27:22.139 --> 00:27:25.439 as his people to be channels and conduits 00:27:25.439 --> 00:27:27.919 through which his grace and mercy flows 00:27:27.920 --> 00:27:29.620 to our neighbors, 00:27:29.620 --> 00:27:31.460 to our country, 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:32.980 to people who, 00:27:33.340 --> 00:27:33.500 who, 00:27:33.580 --> 00:27:34.940 who just like us, 00:27:35.039 --> 00:27:36.220 don't deserve it. 00:27:40.140 --> 00:27:40.700 Now, 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:42.480 I know that some of these changes in government 00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:45.380 have real impact on our lives 00:27:45.380 --> 00:27:47.740 or the lack of change in government. 00:27:48.540 --> 00:27:51.880 One example that hits close to home here for us 00:27:51.880 --> 00:27:53.700 is the agricultural community. 00:27:54.420 --> 00:27:55.660 People are actually affected 00:27:55.660 --> 00:27:57.840 by our country's foreign policy 00:27:57.840 --> 00:27:59.100 and foreign relations 00:27:59.100 --> 00:28:01.540 and how things have gone in the past four years 00:28:01.540 --> 00:28:02.800 with the government we have 00:28:02.800 --> 00:28:05.280 and how things will go in the next four years 00:28:05.280 --> 00:28:06.480 with the government we have. 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:09.380 Our ability to develop our natural resources 00:28:09.380 --> 00:28:11.240 is affected by the government of the day. 00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:13.220 How much we pay in tax 00:28:13.220 --> 00:28:15.480 and what we receive for that 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:16.660 in Saskatchewan 00:28:16.660 --> 00:28:18.480 is affected by the government of the day. 00:28:19.900 --> 00:28:23.400 But as real as these challenges are 00:28:23.400 --> 00:28:24.559 and some of the difficulties 00:28:24.559 --> 00:28:27.480 that can come from these policies are, 00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:30.539 let's not forget the words of Jesus. 00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:33.940 In Luke chapter 12, 00:28:34.059 --> 00:28:34.700 he said this. 00:28:34.900 --> 00:28:35.140 He said, 00:28:35.140 --> 00:28:35.820 And how should I tell you? 00:28:36.660 --> 00:28:38.620 Do not worry about your life, 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:40.920 what you will eat, 00:28:41.860 --> 00:28:42.960 or about your body, 00:28:43.360 --> 00:28:44.240 what you will wear. 00:28:45.440 --> 00:28:47.600 For life is more than food 00:28:47.600 --> 00:28:50.740 and the body more than clothes. 00:28:52.020 --> 00:28:53.300 Consider the ravens. 00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:57.780 They do not sow or reap. 00:28:58.240 --> 00:29:00.840 They have no storeroom or barn, 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:03.660 yet God feeds them. 00:29:03.660 --> 00:29:07.600 And how much more valuable you are 00:29:07.600 --> 00:29:09.279 than birds. 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:12.320 Who of you, by worrying, 00:29:12.440 --> 00:29:14.540 can add a single hour to your life? 00:29:16.220 --> 00:29:18.740 Since you cannot do this very little thing, 00:29:19.180 --> 00:29:21.240 why do you worry about the rest? 00:29:22.960 --> 00:29:24.740 Consider how the wildflowers grow. 00:29:24.740 --> 00:29:28.359 They do not labor or spin. 00:29:28.359 --> 00:29:30.819 Yet I tell you, 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:32.599 not even Solomon, 00:29:32.960 --> 00:29:34.539 in all his splendor, 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:36.599 was dressed like one of these. 00:29:37.599 --> 00:29:40.420 If that's how God clothes the grass of the field, 00:29:40.900 --> 00:29:42.779 which is here today and tomorrow, 00:29:42.859 --> 00:29:43.960 was thrown into the fire, 00:29:44.279 --> 00:29:46.779 how much more will he clothe you, 00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:49.160 you of little faith? 00:29:49.160 --> 00:29:52.019 And do not set your heart 00:29:52.019 --> 00:29:54.320 on what you will eat or drink. 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:56.120 Do not worry about it. 00:29:57.040 --> 00:29:58.320 For the pagan world 00:29:58.320 --> 00:30:01.040 runs after all such things. 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:03.800 And your Father knows that you need them. 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:07.320 But seek his kingdom. 00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:09.080 There it is again. 00:30:09.860 --> 00:30:11.500 Seek his kingdom. 00:30:11.500 --> 00:30:14.359 And these things will be given to you as well. 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:17.980 Do not be afraid, little flock. 00:30:18.920 --> 00:30:21.059 For your Father has been pleased 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:23.720 to give you the kingdom. 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:26.380 Sell your possessions 00:30:26.380 --> 00:30:27.720 and give to the poor. 00:30:27.960 --> 00:30:29.380 Provide purses for yourselves 00:30:29.380 --> 00:30:30.720 that will not wear out. 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:32.759 A treasure in heaven 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:33.960 that will never fail. 00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:35.539 Where no thief comes near 00:30:35.539 --> 00:30:37.200 and no moth destroys. 00:30:37.480 --> 00:30:39.140 For where your treasure is, 00:30:39.720 --> 00:30:41.359 there your heart will be also. 00:30:42.319 --> 00:30:43.839 I love these words of Jesus. 00:30:44.880 --> 00:30:46.599 Don't worry about your life. 00:30:47.819 --> 00:30:50.779 God will take care of his people. 00:30:52.000 --> 00:30:53.119 He always has. 00:30:54.400 --> 00:30:55.539 And he always will. 00:30:56.180 --> 00:30:58.480 Rather, seek his kingdom. 00:31:00.140 --> 00:31:02.359 Your Father has been pleased 00:31:02.359 --> 00:31:05.619 to give you the kingdom 00:31:05.619 --> 00:31:07.039 that we've been talking about. 00:31:07.759 --> 00:31:10.019 And what a great and glorious kingdom it is 00:31:10.019 --> 00:31:10.700 and will be 00:31:10.700 --> 00:31:12.359 when Jesus, the Lord, 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:15.099 comes to establish it in full. 00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:21.279 The reaction of many 00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:22.619 in our neck of the woods 00:31:22.619 --> 00:31:23.920 to the election 00:31:23.920 --> 00:31:26.019 has been to grumble 00:31:26.019 --> 00:31:27.039 and to complain 00:31:27.039 --> 00:31:28.099 over what happened. 00:31:29.059 --> 00:31:31.180 But may it not be so among us. 00:31:31.180 --> 00:31:34.240 As Paul said in his letter 00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:35.140 to the Philippians, 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:36.400 do everything 00:31:36.400 --> 00:31:38.039 without grumbling 00:31:38.039 --> 00:31:39.460 or arguing 00:31:39.460 --> 00:31:41.160 so that you may become 00:31:41.160 --> 00:31:42.840 blameless and pure. 00:31:43.580 --> 00:31:44.759 Children of God 00:31:44.759 --> 00:31:45.140 without fault 00:31:45.779 --> 00:31:47.080 in a warped 00:31:47.080 --> 00:31:48.400 and crooked generation. 00:31:49.080 --> 00:31:51.340 Then you will shine 00:31:51.340 --> 00:31:52.620 among them 00:31:52.620 --> 00:31:54.299 like stars in the sky 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:56.539 as you hold firmly 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:58.000 to the word of life. 00:31:58.000 --> 00:32:02.319 The Lord Jesus, 00:32:02.700 --> 00:32:03.400 our King, 00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:04.880 has promised 00:32:04.880 --> 00:32:06.700 that he will return 00:32:06.700 --> 00:32:07.680 soon 00:32:07.680 --> 00:32:10.019 and that when he does, 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:11.420 he will make all things 00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:12.039 new. 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:13.400 He will make all things 00:32:13.400 --> 00:32:14.339 right. 00:32:14.799 --> 00:32:16.019 He will bring peace. 00:32:17.859 --> 00:32:18.680 Things will be 00:32:18.680 --> 00:32:19.920 the way we long 00:32:19.920 --> 00:32:20.779 for them to be. 00:32:22.099 --> 00:32:23.140 But in the words 00:32:23.140 --> 00:32:24.039 of Habakkuk, 00:32:24.039 --> 00:32:26.500 what's been revealed 00:32:26.500 --> 00:32:28.180 to us about that future 00:32:28.180 --> 00:32:30.460 awaits an appointed time. 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:33.240 It speaks of the end 00:32:33.240 --> 00:32:35.019 and will not prove false. 00:32:36.299 --> 00:32:37.480 Though it linger, 00:32:38.559 --> 00:32:39.440 wait for it. 00:32:40.399 --> 00:32:41.960 It will certainly come 00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:43.960 and will not delay. 00:32:46.339 --> 00:32:47.099 Let's pray. 00:32:54.039 --> 00:32:54.879 Father in heaven, 00:32:55.159 --> 00:32:56.379 we confess 00:32:56.379 --> 00:32:59.839 even just this past week 00:32:59.839 --> 00:33:00.700 what's been revealed 00:33:00.700 --> 00:33:01.619 in our own hearts. 00:33:02.619 --> 00:33:03.420 We confess 00:33:03.420 --> 00:33:04.440 that we have 00:33:04.440 --> 00:33:05.519 put our faith 00:33:05.519 --> 00:33:06.799 in some cases 00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:07.759 too much 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:08.619 in people, 00:33:09.240 --> 00:33:09.779 too much 00:33:09.779 --> 00:33:10.700 in human government. 00:33:11.659 --> 00:33:12.460 We've longed 00:33:12.460 --> 00:33:13.339 for what only 00:33:13.339 --> 00:33:13.960 you can bring 00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:14.480 to come 00:33:14.480 --> 00:33:15.859 other ways 00:33:15.859 --> 00:33:17.019 and we're sorry. 00:33:18.399 --> 00:33:19.759 We admit that to you. 00:33:19.839 --> 00:33:20.420 We ask that you 00:33:20.420 --> 00:33:21.240 would forgive us. 00:33:21.460 --> 00:33:22.079 We ask that you 00:33:22.079 --> 00:33:22.879 would just fill 00:33:22.880 --> 00:33:23.720 our hearts again 00:33:23.720 --> 00:33:25.440 with the joy 00:33:25.440 --> 00:33:26.680 that we can have 00:33:26.680 --> 00:33:27.360 because of what 00:33:27.360 --> 00:33:28.280 you are going to do 00:33:28.280 --> 00:33:29.960 when you come back. 00:33:31.680 --> 00:33:32.720 Help us to live 00:33:32.720 --> 00:33:33.600 in light of that. 00:33:34.720 --> 00:33:36.200 Help us to be peacemakers 00:33:36.200 --> 00:33:37.320 as we go into 00:33:37.320 --> 00:33:38.680 our week, 00:33:38.740 --> 00:33:39.880 as we bump shoulders 00:33:39.880 --> 00:33:41.220 with other people 00:33:41.220 --> 00:33:42.300 at work, 00:33:42.920 --> 00:33:44.280 here in town, 00:33:45.100 --> 00:33:46.560 as conversations happen, 00:33:46.740 --> 00:33:46.900 Lord, 00:33:47.400 --> 00:33:48.360 give us the words 00:33:48.360 --> 00:33:48.880 to say 00:33:48.880 --> 00:33:52.180 to really represent you 00:33:52.180 --> 00:33:53.259 and the kind of love 00:33:53.259 --> 00:33:55.240 that you've called us to. 00:33:57.200 --> 00:33:58.200 We ask this all 00:33:58.200 --> 00:33:59.039 in Jesus' name. 00:33:59.980 --> 00:34:00.279 Amen.