WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.180 Turn to Acts chapter 6. 00:00:04.240 --> 00:00:06.080 Now it's full Lord's Day, isn't it? 00:00:06.100 --> 00:00:06.759 It's a good Lord's Day. 00:00:10.259 --> 00:00:12.060 The church meeting that we're going to have 00:00:12.060 --> 00:00:12.060 00:00:12.060 --> 00:00:13.380 straight after this. 00:00:13.679 --> 00:00:14.900 There is going to be, I think, 00:00:15.140 --> 00:00:15.980 Pilgrim's Progress, 00:00:16.179 --> 00:00:16.760 the video of that 00:00:16.760 --> 00:00:18.240 on the creche for children, 00:00:18.320 --> 00:00:18.900 just for children. 00:00:19.160 --> 00:00:19.960 You can't go in there as adults. 00:00:20.839 --> 00:00:21.760 But do stay. 00:00:22.019 --> 00:00:22.920 It'll be, I think, 00:00:22.940 --> 00:00:24.120 the encouragement for you to stay around. 00:00:24.199 --> 00:00:24.940 We'll have coffee and then 00:00:24.940 --> 00:00:26.740 gather back in here just for a short time. 00:00:27.240 --> 00:00:28.940 And then we've got the Hope Pregnancy Prayer 00:00:28.940 --> 00:00:29.800 at 5 o'clock. 00:00:30.839 --> 00:00:32.420 And the whole issue of abortion, 00:00:32.640 --> 00:00:34.799 how we need to ask the Lord to work, 00:00:35.520 --> 00:00:37.600 ask the Lord to make us effective in this ministry. 00:00:37.740 --> 00:00:39.659 Do come at 5 o'clock this evening. 00:00:40.359 --> 00:00:43.539 And there is an outline for this sermon. 00:00:43.620 --> 00:00:45.359 It's a really long passage. 00:00:46.960 --> 00:00:49.179 Interestingly, Stephen didn't need an outline. 00:00:49.920 --> 00:00:51.240 But I do. 00:00:51.719 --> 00:00:53.439 And so I hope that might help you. 00:00:53.920 --> 00:00:56.299 Reactions to sermons are funny things, aren't they? 00:00:57.299 --> 00:01:00.219 I've been preaching for a long time. 00:01:00.519 --> 00:01:01.899 There are a handful of occasions 00:01:01.899 --> 00:01:05.000 when I can remember people have responded angrily. 00:01:05.879 --> 00:01:08.359 There was one time I went to preach in a church in Twickenham. 00:01:09.159 --> 00:01:12.319 And I was supposed to be preaching on one passage. 00:01:12.480 --> 00:01:13.539 I got up, opened my Bible, 00:01:13.659 --> 00:01:15.959 and I had another sermon note. 00:01:16.719 --> 00:01:17.659 And so I thought, 00:01:17.739 --> 00:01:18.379 well, in for a penny, 00:01:18.459 --> 00:01:18.879 in for a pound, 00:01:18.939 --> 00:01:19.599 I'll preach that. 00:01:20.159 --> 00:01:21.719 And a man got up halfway through, 00:01:22.780 --> 00:01:23.400 stomped out, 00:01:23.560 --> 00:01:24.299 slammed the door, 00:01:24.299 --> 00:01:26.920 and shouted at the person on the door 00:01:26.920 --> 00:01:27.840 that I was getting at him. 00:01:28.519 --> 00:01:29.739 I didn't even know what I was preaching 00:01:29.739 --> 00:01:32.280 until about 30 seconds before I got up to preach. 00:01:32.640 --> 00:01:34.780 But he was very, very angry. 00:01:35.799 --> 00:01:37.979 I've never had anyone throw stones at me, though. 00:01:39.179 --> 00:01:42.280 Can you see the end of the reaction to Stephen's sermon? 00:01:42.400 --> 00:01:43.459 It's ferocious, isn't it? 00:01:43.459 --> 00:01:46.179 A sermon that creates fireworks. 00:01:46.180 --> 00:01:54.380 Why would a speaker address people so strongly and so accusingly? 00:01:56.000 --> 00:01:57.700 And would a preacher be that insensitive? 00:01:58.760 --> 00:01:59.860 Or is the preacher angry? 00:02:00.600 --> 00:02:02.540 Or does he want to be offensive? 00:02:02.780 --> 00:02:03.840 Have you heard those kind of preachers? 00:02:04.240 --> 00:02:05.340 Is he a proud man? 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:06.420 Self-righteous? 00:02:08.540 --> 00:02:11.100 Or is it possible that he speaks like that 00:02:11.100 --> 00:02:13.280 because he wants the listeners 00:02:13.280 --> 00:02:16.580 to find something better than they've found? 00:02:18.560 --> 00:02:20.120 C.S. Lewis has got a famous quote. 00:02:20.240 --> 00:02:20.420 He says, 00:02:20.479 --> 00:02:22.860 People fool around with drink and sex and ambition 00:02:22.860 --> 00:02:27.319 while God is offering them infinite joy. 00:02:28.599 --> 00:02:31.020 People are like infinite children, Lewis says, 00:02:31.319 --> 00:02:32.800 making ignorant children, 00:02:33.259 --> 00:02:34.280 making mud pies 00:02:34.280 --> 00:02:37.900 because they cannot imagine a holiday by the sea. 00:02:39.759 --> 00:02:41.860 In other words, C.S. Lewis is telling us 00:02:41.860 --> 00:02:43.500 that people aim too low 00:02:43.500 --> 00:02:46.500 and somebody needs to come along 00:02:46.500 --> 00:02:48.340 and lift their gaze 00:02:48.340 --> 00:02:51.520 and religious people 00:02:51.520 --> 00:02:54.140 can aim too low. 00:02:56.460 --> 00:02:57.800 You may be the sort of person 00:02:57.800 --> 00:03:01.600 that's happy to be in a one-hour service 00:03:01.600 --> 00:03:03.760 in a nice building. 00:03:05.080 --> 00:03:05.580 You think, 00:03:05.780 --> 00:03:07.020 that'll do me. 00:03:08.500 --> 00:03:10.200 You've aimed too low. 00:03:11.860 --> 00:03:13.520 The history of the early churches, 00:03:13.620 --> 00:03:14.700 we've seen it in Acts, 00:03:14.780 --> 00:03:16.100 we've seen the Lord Jesus Christ 00:03:16.100 --> 00:03:19.040 being raised to his throne in heaven 00:03:19.040 --> 00:03:21.320 and building his church. 00:03:22.640 --> 00:03:24.680 And as he builds his church, 00:03:25.580 --> 00:03:27.020 opposition builds as well. 00:03:28.660 --> 00:03:29.220 And so today, 00:03:29.300 --> 00:03:30.620 we come to the first martyr 00:03:30.620 --> 00:03:32.080 in the history of the church 00:03:32.080 --> 00:03:33.260 whose name was Stephen, 00:03:34.140 --> 00:03:35.840 who was killed for his faith. 00:03:35.840 --> 00:03:38.099 You might think, 00:03:38.219 --> 00:03:40.879 sometimes people are in the wrong place 00:03:40.879 --> 00:03:42.379 at the wrong time 00:03:42.379 --> 00:03:44.159 and it can be fatal. 00:03:46.340 --> 00:03:47.280 Open Doors, 00:03:47.400 --> 00:03:48.819 the ministry organisation 00:03:48.819 --> 00:03:51.840 that works amongst the persecuted church, 00:03:52.199 --> 00:03:54.780 tells me that every two hours, 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:56.819 somewhere in the world, 00:03:56.900 --> 00:03:58.620 a Christian is killed 00:03:58.620 --> 00:04:00.800 simply for believing in the Lord Jesus. 00:04:02.599 --> 00:04:03.740 Every two hours. 00:04:03.740 --> 00:04:06.620 So from your arrival, 00:04:07.120 --> 00:04:08.379 when you got here, 00:04:09.040 --> 00:04:10.659 to the time you leave 00:04:10.659 --> 00:04:12.080 after tea and coffee, 00:04:13.300 --> 00:04:14.580 somewhere in the world, 00:04:15.439 --> 00:04:16.360 somebody has been killed 00:04:16.360 --> 00:04:18.100 for just being a Christian. 00:04:20.280 --> 00:04:22.259 Stephen was stoned to death. 00:04:23.460 --> 00:04:24.519 And why was he killed? 00:04:24.660 --> 00:04:25.400 What did he say 00:04:25.400 --> 00:04:27.759 that made the crowd so angry? 00:04:27.759 --> 00:04:30.759 If you were here last week, 00:04:30.819 --> 00:04:31.939 you'll remember that Stephen 00:04:31.939 --> 00:04:33.659 was chosen to be a servant 00:04:33.659 --> 00:04:36.519 distributing food and goods 00:04:36.519 --> 00:04:37.279 in the church. 00:04:37.339 --> 00:04:38.699 He was obviously a remarkable man, 00:04:38.779 --> 00:04:39.839 a multi-talented man. 00:04:41.060 --> 00:04:42.259 There are five reminders 00:04:42.259 --> 00:04:42.959 in the book of Acts 00:04:42.959 --> 00:04:43.939 that he was a man 00:04:43.939 --> 00:04:45.319 full of the Holy Spirit 00:04:45.319 --> 00:04:46.819 and wisdom and power. 00:04:47.180 --> 00:04:48.079 And he's obviously doing 00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:49.959 a lot more than just administration. 00:04:51.659 --> 00:04:53.060 We're told chapter 6, verse 8, 00:04:53.599 --> 00:04:54.519 he was working miracles. 00:04:54.519 --> 00:04:56.519 Chapter 6, verse 10, 00:04:56.899 --> 00:04:57.819 he was preaching. 00:04:58.479 --> 00:04:59.539 And just as Jesus 00:04:59.539 --> 00:05:01.139 was strongly attacked 00:05:01.139 --> 00:05:01.979 for his miracles 00:05:01.979 --> 00:05:02.759 and his preaching, 00:05:03.240 --> 00:05:04.219 now Stephen 00:05:04.219 --> 00:05:05.399 is strongly attacked. 00:05:06.899 --> 00:05:08.219 We're told verse 9, 00:05:09.199 --> 00:05:10.439 people argued with him. 00:05:11.500 --> 00:05:12.759 Verse 11, 00:05:12.959 --> 00:05:14.000 they slandered him. 00:05:15.199 --> 00:05:16.039 It always happens, isn't it, 00:05:16.039 --> 00:05:16.560 when you're not winning 00:05:16.560 --> 00:05:17.060 the argument, 00:05:17.180 --> 00:05:18.060 if someone slanders you. 00:05:18.939 --> 00:05:19.899 And then in verse 12, 00:05:19.979 --> 00:05:20.680 they seize him, 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:22.180 they take him to trial, 00:05:22.180 --> 00:05:23.620 and in verse 13, 00:05:23.699 --> 00:05:24.660 they tell lies about him. 00:05:26.300 --> 00:05:27.160 And so we're meant 00:05:27.160 --> 00:05:29.500 to read Acts 6 and 7 00:05:29.500 --> 00:05:30.699 and see the echo 00:05:30.699 --> 00:05:31.680 of the Lord Jesus. 00:05:33.300 --> 00:05:34.680 The same sort of stuff 00:05:34.680 --> 00:05:35.740 that landed on Jesus 00:05:35.740 --> 00:05:37.180 is now landing on Stephen. 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:40.220 And because the religious people, 00:05:40.560 --> 00:05:41.420 they can feel 00:05:41.420 --> 00:05:43.600 their religious comfort blanket 00:05:43.600 --> 00:05:44.600 being taken away. 00:05:46.040 --> 00:05:47.100 They attack Stephen. 00:05:47.100 --> 00:05:50.780 I was once on a committee 00:05:50.780 --> 00:05:52.780 with an angry man. 00:05:52.939 --> 00:05:53.660 I didn't know 00:05:53.660 --> 00:05:55.160 he was an angry man 00:05:55.160 --> 00:05:55.920 when I went on the committee. 00:05:57.040 --> 00:05:57.740 But he didn't like 00:05:57.740 --> 00:05:58.360 to be crossed. 00:06:00.100 --> 00:06:00.600 He particularly 00:06:00.600 --> 00:06:01.760 didn't like to be blocked. 00:06:03.860 --> 00:06:04.560 They say, don't they, 00:06:04.600 --> 00:06:06.680 that anger is a blocked goal. 00:06:08.580 --> 00:06:09.960 Why is there anger 00:06:09.960 --> 00:06:10.640 in your home? 00:06:12.120 --> 00:06:12.900 I want to say 00:06:12.900 --> 00:06:14.480 it's because of a blocked goal. 00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:17.520 As on the committee, 00:06:17.860 --> 00:06:18.400 he would say 00:06:18.400 --> 00:06:19.500 something had to be done 00:06:19.500 --> 00:06:21.020 and somebody would 00:06:21.020 --> 00:06:22.040 contradict it 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:23.620 or they'd even question it. 00:06:24.680 --> 00:06:25.520 Guy's face 00:06:25.520 --> 00:06:26.460 would become contorted. 00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:28.400 It looked like 00:06:28.400 --> 00:06:28.939 he was going to 00:06:28.939 --> 00:06:30.020 break into tears. 00:06:31.319 --> 00:06:32.460 But it was actually 00:06:32.460 --> 00:06:33.340 anger. 00:06:33.680 --> 00:06:34.379 His path 00:06:34.379 --> 00:06:35.780 was being blocked. 00:06:37.759 --> 00:06:38.300 And so it is 00:06:38.300 --> 00:06:38.920 with these people 00:06:38.920 --> 00:06:39.400 who are listening 00:06:39.400 --> 00:06:39.920 to Stephen. 00:06:40.360 --> 00:06:41.420 This fury 00:06:41.420 --> 00:06:43.040 rises up inside of them 00:06:43.040 --> 00:06:43.460 because they're 00:06:43.460 --> 00:06:44.080 being challenged. 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:47.620 It's easy, isn't it, 00:06:47.620 --> 00:06:48.580 for us to be threatened 00:06:48.580 --> 00:06:50.240 when something precious 00:06:50.240 --> 00:06:51.340 is being taken away 00:06:51.340 --> 00:06:51.900 from us. 00:06:53.900 --> 00:06:54.920 But understand that 00:06:54.920 --> 00:06:55.660 sometimes the person 00:06:55.660 --> 00:06:56.360 is taking something 00:06:56.360 --> 00:06:57.180 away from us. 00:06:57.700 --> 00:06:58.860 They're taking a false 00:06:58.860 --> 00:07:00.200 God away from us. 00:07:01.780 --> 00:07:02.700 Something that we're 00:07:02.700 --> 00:07:03.360 trusting in, 00:07:03.400 --> 00:07:04.060 depending in, 00:07:04.120 --> 00:07:05.420 finding our identity 00:07:05.420 --> 00:07:06.480 that we shouldn't be 00:07:06.480 --> 00:07:07.240 trusting in. 00:07:07.740 --> 00:07:08.259 And therefore, 00:07:08.620 --> 00:07:09.879 when we're challenged, 00:07:10.200 --> 00:07:10.780 very often, 00:07:10.920 --> 00:07:11.780 it's a kindness, 00:07:12.020 --> 00:07:12.300 isn't it, 00:07:12.300 --> 00:07:12.720 of the person 00:07:12.720 --> 00:07:13.480 to challenge us? 00:07:14.020 --> 00:07:15.240 Or to take it away? 00:07:17.500 --> 00:07:18.480 And their security 00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:19.220 blanket here 00:07:19.220 --> 00:07:20.180 is being threatened 00:07:20.180 --> 00:07:21.100 by Stephen. 00:07:22.940 --> 00:07:23.640 Can you see 00:07:23.640 --> 00:07:24.260 what their security 00:07:24.260 --> 00:07:24.940 blanket was? 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:25.540 Where was their comfort? 00:07:25.640 --> 00:07:26.060 Chapter 6, 00:07:26.140 --> 00:07:26.780 verse 13. 00:07:27.280 --> 00:07:28.000 The people trusted 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:29.080 in the holy place, 00:07:29.200 --> 00:07:29.600 the temple, 00:07:30.120 --> 00:07:31.440 and the law 00:07:31.440 --> 00:07:32.440 was their great weapon. 00:07:34.300 --> 00:07:35.020 And Stephen, 00:07:35.260 --> 00:07:36.040 in his sermon, 00:07:36.240 --> 00:07:37.720 is dethroning 00:07:37.720 --> 00:07:38.420 the temple 00:07:38.420 --> 00:07:39.920 and dethroning 00:07:39.920 --> 00:07:40.500 the law. 00:07:40.660 --> 00:07:41.720 And he's saying 00:07:41.720 --> 00:07:43.319 Jesus Christ 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:44.060 is on the throne. 00:07:45.879 --> 00:07:46.780 And the temple, 00:07:47.000 --> 00:07:48.160 it may point you 00:07:48.160 --> 00:07:48.600 to Jesus 00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:50.020 and the law 00:07:50.020 --> 00:07:50.700 may point you 00:07:50.700 --> 00:07:51.140 to Jesus, 00:07:52.220 --> 00:07:52.780 but you're not 00:07:52.780 --> 00:07:53.400 meant to worship 00:07:53.400 --> 00:07:53.980 the temple 00:07:53.980 --> 00:07:54.900 and you're not 00:07:54.900 --> 00:07:55.300 meant to be 00:07:55.300 --> 00:07:56.220 trusting the temple 00:07:56.220 --> 00:07:57.060 and you're not 00:07:57.060 --> 00:07:57.460 meant to be 00:07:57.460 --> 00:07:58.439 worshipping the law 00:07:58.439 --> 00:07:59.280 and you're not 00:07:59.280 --> 00:07:59.600 meant to be 00:07:59.600 --> 00:08:00.220 trusting the law. 00:08:01.120 --> 00:08:01.840 You are meant 00:08:01.840 --> 00:08:02.500 to be worshipping 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:03.100 and trusting 00:08:03.100 --> 00:08:04.600 Jesus Christ. 00:08:04.600 --> 00:08:07.680 so these things 00:08:07.680 --> 00:08:08.560 the temple and the law 00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:10.580 they'd become like the rabbit's foot 00:08:10.580 --> 00:08:13.460 they'd become like a lucky charm to the people 00:08:13.460 --> 00:08:16.420 that's what they trusted in 00:08:16.420 --> 00:08:19.180 for you it probably isn't that 00:08:19.180 --> 00:08:20.800 but there will be things in your life 00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:23.060 which your identity is resting on 00:08:23.060 --> 00:08:24.040 which you're trusting in 00:08:24.040 --> 00:08:27.040 and as Thievin exposes that 00:08:27.040 --> 00:08:28.800 and shows them what it is 00:08:28.800 --> 00:08:31.120 they go on the attack 00:08:31.120 --> 00:08:35.000 there's two points you can see from the outline 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:37.159 first God's word on what really matters 00:08:37.159 --> 00:08:40.000 and then God's word on what really lasts 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:42.759 it's a speech 00:08:42.759 --> 00:08:43.940 Stephen is on trial 00:08:43.940 --> 00:08:46.440 and they're asking him 00:08:46.440 --> 00:08:49.539 whether the charges that have been brought against him are true 00:08:49.539 --> 00:08:52.179 and he begins to speak in chapter 7 verse 2 00:08:52.179 --> 00:08:53.299 let's look at that 00:08:53.299 --> 00:08:54.620 the speech has got four parts 00:08:54.620 --> 00:08:56.860 the first part is God's dealing with Abraham 00:08:56.860 --> 00:08:57.740 Father Abraham 00:08:57.740 --> 00:09:00.580 in verses 2 to 8 00:09:00.580 --> 00:09:03.420 Stephen obviously doesn't need to tell them who Abraham was 00:09:03.420 --> 00:09:04.759 they know he is 00:09:04.759 --> 00:09:08.520 but he is showing them that they've missed the obvious 00:09:08.520 --> 00:09:11.720 so in chapter 7 verse 3 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:13.540 he reminds them that God met with Abraham 00:09:13.540 --> 00:09:15.139 God is the one who took the initiative 00:09:15.139 --> 00:09:17.620 and God is the one who told Abraham 00:09:17.620 --> 00:09:19.400 to go to the promised land 00:09:19.400 --> 00:09:22.680 and then look at chapter 7 verse 5 00:09:22.680 --> 00:09:28.840 Abraham never owned a scrap of the promised land 00:09:28.840 --> 00:09:32.259 and that's what Stephen wants these people to know 00:09:32.259 --> 00:09:34.980 he says to them 00:09:34.980 --> 00:09:36.780 you're so interested in the holy place 00:09:36.780 --> 00:09:38.980 but your father Abraham 00:09:38.980 --> 00:09:41.060 never owned one scrap of the promised land 00:09:41.060 --> 00:09:45.080 and of course Abraham didn't have the law either did he 00:09:45.080 --> 00:09:47.899 because the law came centuries later with Moses 00:09:47.899 --> 00:09:50.899 so Abraham had no land 00:09:50.899 --> 00:09:51.580 no law 00:09:51.580 --> 00:09:53.980 and Stephen wants the people to remember this 00:09:53.980 --> 00:09:55.300 he's saying to his listeners 00:09:55.299 --> 00:09:56.839 do you remember that 00:09:56.839 --> 00:09:59.819 do you realise that the founding father of the faith 00:09:59.819 --> 00:10:01.539 him who you look to 00:10:01.539 --> 00:10:03.620 had no holy place and no holy law 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:06.359 but what did Abraham have? 00:10:08.139 --> 00:10:09.759 what did Abraham have from God 00:10:09.759 --> 00:10:10.359 verse 5? 00:10:11.479 --> 00:10:12.199 a promise 00:10:12.199 --> 00:10:15.240 God gave him a promise 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:16.819 for the future 00:10:16.819 --> 00:10:21.199 that one day the land would belong to the people of God 00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:22.759 a promise 00:10:22.759 --> 00:10:25.280 and in chapter 7 verse 8 00:10:25.280 --> 00:10:26.460 God gave to Abraham 00:10:26.460 --> 00:10:28.000 a relationship 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:30.379 a covenant 00:10:30.379 --> 00:10:33.980 I will be your God Abraham 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:35.440 and you will be my people 00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:38.340 and you will belong to me forever 00:10:38.340 --> 00:10:45.820 I've noticed that when somebody is at the end of their life 00:10:45.820 --> 00:10:48.100 and they know that they're coming to the end of their life 00:10:48.100 --> 00:10:50.680 they often come to their senses 00:10:50.680 --> 00:10:56.320 what interests those who are coming to the end of their life 00:10:56.320 --> 00:10:58.899 and they know that they're coming to the end of their life? 00:11:00.600 --> 00:11:01.540 is it their possessions? 00:11:04.159 --> 00:11:05.080 is it their car? 00:11:08.340 --> 00:11:09.320 is it the office? 00:11:11.960 --> 00:11:13.740 is it the work on the house that needs doing? 00:11:13.740 --> 00:11:17.659 now when people come to the end of their life 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:20.279 what are they interested in? 00:11:20.600 --> 00:11:21.899 how do they come to their senses? 00:11:22.440 --> 00:11:23.600 they are interested in 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:25.159 relationships 00:11:25.159 --> 00:11:27.519 and the promise 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:31.480 relationships and the promise 00:11:31.480 --> 00:11:32.960 that's what a dying person is interested in 00:11:32.960 --> 00:11:33.779 they've come to their senses 00:11:33.779 --> 00:11:36.720 they've realised what really matters in life 00:11:36.720 --> 00:11:39.299 it's the promises 00:11:39.299 --> 00:11:41.740 and the relationship 00:11:41.740 --> 00:11:44.240 they long for a promise 00:11:44.240 --> 00:11:45.860 that can get them through death 00:11:45.860 --> 00:11:48.080 they long 00:11:48.080 --> 00:11:49.180 and they rejoice 00:11:49.180 --> 00:11:49.960 in the relationships 00:11:49.960 --> 00:11:50.980 that they've had 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:52.460 they have with the Lord 00:11:52.460 --> 00:11:56.240 and so what would you rather have? 00:11:56.340 --> 00:11:57.659 would you rather have the temple 00:11:57.659 --> 00:11:58.960 that can do nothing for you 00:11:58.960 --> 00:11:59.639 or the law 00:11:59.639 --> 00:12:00.759 which only convicts you 00:12:00.759 --> 00:12:01.919 or would you like to have 00:12:01.919 --> 00:12:02.940 the promise of God 00:12:02.940 --> 00:12:04.320 and a relationship with God? 00:12:05.840 --> 00:12:07.580 and Stephen is teaching his listeners 00:12:07.580 --> 00:12:09.539 that God gave Abraham 00:12:09.539 --> 00:12:10.879 what really matters 00:12:10.879 --> 00:12:13.500 and all the promises 00:12:13.500 --> 00:12:15.279 point to Jesus 00:12:15.279 --> 00:12:16.799 and the relationship 00:12:16.799 --> 00:12:18.419 that you can have with God 00:12:18.419 --> 00:12:19.899 comes through Jesus 00:12:19.899 --> 00:12:21.399 who takes away 00:12:21.399 --> 00:12:22.460 the barrier of our sin 00:12:22.460 --> 00:12:24.679 and he brings us 00:12:24.679 --> 00:12:25.720 into fellowship 00:12:25.720 --> 00:12:27.679 with God through the cross 00:12:27.679 --> 00:12:28.500 that's the first thing 00:12:28.500 --> 00:12:29.039 in the speech 00:12:29.039 --> 00:12:30.139 it's got to do with God 00:12:30.139 --> 00:12:30.580 and Abraham 00:12:30.580 --> 00:12:31.740 the second section 00:12:31.740 --> 00:12:32.679 has got to do with 00:12:32.679 --> 00:12:34.259 God and Moses 00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:35.320 not God and Moses 00:12:35.320 --> 00:12:36.059 God and Joseph 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:38.340 remember Joseph 00:12:38.340 --> 00:12:39.220 in the technicolor coat 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:40.300 there's no mention 00:12:40.300 --> 00:12:41.000 of the color coat 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:43.180 in verses 9 to 19 00:12:43.180 --> 00:12:45.320 Stephen doesn't talk 00:12:45.320 --> 00:12:45.899 about the coat 00:12:45.899 --> 00:12:48.540 that's not important 00:12:48.540 --> 00:12:49.740 but what does he tell them? 00:12:51.040 --> 00:12:52.259 chapter 7 verse 9 00:12:52.259 --> 00:12:53.240 it's that Joseph 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:54.280 landed in 00:12:54.280 --> 00:12:55.580 Egypt 00:12:55.580 --> 00:12:58.139 and he says the word 00:12:58.139 --> 00:12:58.740 Egypt 00:12:58.740 --> 00:12:59.700 six times 00:12:59.700 --> 00:13:00.560 he says 00:13:00.560 --> 00:13:01.800 don't you remember 00:13:01.800 --> 00:13:02.480 that Joseph 00:13:02.480 --> 00:13:03.460 your forefather 00:13:03.460 --> 00:13:04.500 went to Egypt 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:05.120 Egypt 00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:05.340 Egypt 00:13:05.340 --> 00:13:06.080 Egypt 00:13:06.080 --> 00:13:06.899 Egypt 00:13:06.899 --> 00:13:07.580 Egypt 00:13:07.580 --> 00:13:09.300 not the promised land 00:13:09.300 --> 00:13:12.540 is it possible 00:13:12.540 --> 00:13:13.740 that God can do 00:13:13.740 --> 00:13:15.160 anything with his people 00:13:15.160 --> 00:13:15.960 if they're not 00:13:15.960 --> 00:13:16.780 in the promised land? 00:13:17.240 --> 00:13:17.879 yes of course 00:13:17.879 --> 00:13:20.420 we're told 00:13:20.420 --> 00:13:20.780 aren't we 00:13:20.780 --> 00:13:21.280 wonderfully 00:13:21.280 --> 00:13:22.040 chapter 7 00:13:22.040 --> 00:13:22.660 verse 9 00:13:22.660 --> 00:13:24.019 God was 00:13:24.019 --> 00:13:24.759 with 00:13:24.759 --> 00:13:25.480 Joseph 00:13:25.480 --> 00:13:29.600 it's a wonderful thing 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:29.840 isn't it? 00:13:29.860 --> 00:13:30.480 a wonderful truth 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:31.120 for you and I 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:31.900 as the Lord's people 00:13:31.900 --> 00:13:32.379 this morning 00:13:32.379 --> 00:13:33.660 God was 00:13:33.659 --> 00:13:34.899 with his servant 00:13:34.899 --> 00:13:36.139 isn't that a precious thing? 00:13:38.360 --> 00:13:39.759 as you walk home 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:41.439 as you get on the bus 00:13:41.439 --> 00:13:42.740 as you drive home 00:13:42.740 --> 00:13:44.399 as you face 00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:45.620 the rest of this week 00:13:45.620 --> 00:13:48.219 you can say 00:13:48.219 --> 00:13:49.799 having trusted in the Lord Jesus 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:50.319 God 00:13:50.319 --> 00:13:51.939 with me 00:13:51.939 --> 00:13:54.980 and then we're told 00:13:54.980 --> 00:13:55.559 chapter 7 00:13:55.559 --> 00:13:55.959 verse 10 00:13:55.959 --> 00:13:57.139 that God rescued Joseph 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:59.039 and God rescued him 00:13:59.039 --> 00:13:59.500 from prison 00:13:59.500 --> 00:14:00.500 and then God used him 00:14:00.500 --> 00:14:01.779 very wonderfully 00:14:01.779 --> 00:14:02.519 and God provided 00:14:02.519 --> 00:14:03.139 for Joseph 00:14:03.139 --> 00:14:04.039 and he provided 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:04.759 for the family 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:06.980 through the famine 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:08.299 God looked after him 00:14:08.299 --> 00:14:09.340 but it was all 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:10.000 where was it all? 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:10.659 it was all in 00:14:10.659 --> 00:14:11.240 Egypt 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:11.879 Egypt 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:12.519 Egypt 00:14:12.519 --> 00:14:12.539 Egypt 00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:14.519 did Joseph live 00:14:14.519 --> 00:14:15.779 in the promised land? 00:14:16.159 --> 00:14:16.379 no 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:19.279 did Joseph have the law? 00:14:19.639 --> 00:14:20.139 no 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:22.720 are those things vital? 00:14:22.939 --> 00:14:23.779 they are not 00:14:23.779 --> 00:14:26.679 but God rescued him 00:14:26.679 --> 00:14:27.779 and provided for his family 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:29.199 and that is what really 00:14:29.199 --> 00:14:30.139 matters 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:32.559 that you would be rescued 00:14:32.559 --> 00:14:34.639 and that you would have 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:36.539 a place in God's family 00:14:36.539 --> 00:14:40.539 I remember hearing 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:41.199 a missionary 00:14:41.199 --> 00:14:42.079 going to Pakistan 00:14:42.079 --> 00:14:43.019 with a family 00:14:43.019 --> 00:14:43.720 he was interviewed 00:14:43.720 --> 00:14:46.279 and they asked the dad 00:14:46.279 --> 00:14:48.399 aren't you a little bit nervous 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:50.299 about your children 00:14:50.299 --> 00:14:51.199 going to Pakistan? 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:53.660 aren't you afraid 00:14:53.660 --> 00:14:54.360 for your children? 00:14:56.259 --> 00:14:56.920 and he said 00:14:56.920 --> 00:14:58.100 I remember being really surprised 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:59.420 about this as a teenager 00:14:59.420 --> 00:14:59.920 he said 00:14:59.920 --> 00:15:01.040 I'd be more afraid 00:15:01.040 --> 00:15:01.800 to keep them here 00:15:01.800 --> 00:15:02.320 in the UK 00:15:02.320 --> 00:15:07.220 things are comfortable here 00:15:07.220 --> 00:15:08.740 and it's easy to forget 00:15:08.740 --> 00:15:10.100 the important things 00:15:10.100 --> 00:15:13.960 John Patton 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:15.000 John Payton 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:17.100 you children learn about him 00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:17.620 in Club 16 00:15:17.620 --> 00:15:17.940 don't you? 00:15:17.940 --> 00:15:19.320 and he went to the New Hebrides 00:15:19.320 --> 00:15:21.160 which is now called Vanuatu 00:15:21.160 --> 00:15:23.040 and John Payton 00:15:23.040 --> 00:15:23.620 was a missionary 00:15:23.620 --> 00:15:24.520 preparing to go 00:15:24.520 --> 00:15:25.280 to the New Hebrides 00:15:25.280 --> 00:15:25.780 Vanuatu 00:15:25.780 --> 00:15:26.540 and he was told 00:15:26.540 --> 00:15:27.720 by a member of the church 00:15:27.720 --> 00:15:28.520 as he was heading off 00:15:28.520 --> 00:15:29.380 to the New Hebrides 00:15:29.380 --> 00:15:31.080 where there were cannibals 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:32.500 John Payton was told 00:15:32.500 --> 00:15:33.360 you will be eaten 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:34.320 by cannibals 00:15:34.320 --> 00:15:35.560 my boy 00:15:35.560 --> 00:15:38.340 John Payton said 00:15:38.340 --> 00:15:38.860 to the man 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.920 you sir 00:15:39.920 --> 00:15:40.620 are old 00:15:40.620 --> 00:15:42.200 and you will soon 00:15:42.200 --> 00:15:43.540 be eaten by worms 00:15:43.540 --> 00:15:46.420 and whether I'm eaten 00:15:46.420 --> 00:15:47.200 by cannibals 00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:48.040 or worms 00:15:48.040 --> 00:15:49.000 I don't mind 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:50.940 because I will soon 00:15:50.940 --> 00:15:52.259 stand before my Redeemer 00:15:52.259 --> 00:15:53.500 and so will you 00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:58.820 that is the courage 00:15:58.820 --> 00:15:59.680 of a man 00:15:59.680 --> 00:16:02.220 who knows 00:16:02.220 --> 00:16:02.780 that he has 00:16:02.780 --> 00:16:04.000 actually given 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:04.700 his life 00:16:04.700 --> 00:16:05.879 to the most important 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:06.600 things 00:16:06.600 --> 00:16:09.740 and so what would 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.379 you prefer? 00:16:12.480 --> 00:16:13.400 would you prefer 00:16:13.400 --> 00:16:14.080 to have a temple 00:16:14.080 --> 00:16:15.000 or the law 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:17.100 or would you 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:18.460 prefer to be able 00:16:18.460 --> 00:16:18.759 to say 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:20.120 Christ has rescued 00:16:20.120 --> 00:16:20.580 me 00:16:20.580 --> 00:16:22.139 and Christ 00:16:22.139 --> 00:16:22.980 has provided 00:16:22.980 --> 00:16:23.500 for me 00:16:23.500 --> 00:16:25.179 and Christ 00:16:25.179 --> 00:16:25.879 will provide 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:26.279 for me 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:28.379 because that is 00:16:28.379 --> 00:16:28.799 what Joseph 00:16:28.799 --> 00:16:29.679 received from God 00:16:29.679 --> 00:16:30.179 he received 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:31.440 rescue and provision 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:33.299 on a small scale 00:16:33.299 --> 00:16:35.639 but the Lord Jesus 00:16:35.639 --> 00:16:36.679 he delivers 00:16:36.679 --> 00:16:38.799 and provides 00:16:38.799 --> 00:16:39.240 for us 00:16:39.240 --> 00:16:40.220 on a mighty 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:42.139 a massive scale 00:16:42.139 --> 00:16:44.000 because 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:44.879 he died 00:16:44.879 --> 00:16:45.360 for you 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:47.060 and he rose 00:16:47.060 --> 00:16:47.879 again for you 00:16:47.879 --> 00:16:48.620 and he lives 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:49.200 for you 00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:51.980 and so that's 00:16:51.980 --> 00:16:52.379 what Stephen 00:16:52.379 --> 00:16:53.620 says about Joseph 00:16:53.620 --> 00:16:54.180 now the third 00:16:54.180 --> 00:16:54.820 section is God 00:16:54.820 --> 00:16:55.540 dealing with Moses 00:16:55.540 --> 00:16:57.080 it's verses 17 00:16:57.080 --> 00:16:57.800 to 43 00:16:57.800 --> 00:16:58.680 it's a long 00:16:58.680 --> 00:16:59.200 section 00:16:59.200 --> 00:17:01.600 why does Stephen 00:17:01.600 --> 00:17:03.100 spend so long 00:17:03.100 --> 00:17:04.720 speaking about 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.380 Moses 00:17:05.380 --> 00:17:07.820 well because 00:17:07.820 --> 00:17:08.460 if you look 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:09.180 at chapter 6 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:09.780 and verse 11 00:17:09.780 --> 00:17:10.600 he's been accused 00:17:10.600 --> 00:17:11.240 of speaking 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:12.200 against Moses 00:17:12.200 --> 00:17:15.400 and what Stephen 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:16.320 does is he tells 00:17:16.320 --> 00:17:16.840 his listeners 00:17:16.840 --> 00:17:19.420 and they don't 00:17:19.420 --> 00:17:19.960 need to be told 00:17:19.960 --> 00:17:20.520 again about the 00:17:20.520 --> 00:17:21.340 law on Mount Sinai 00:17:21.340 --> 00:17:22.120 they know about 00:17:22.120 --> 00:17:22.660 that Stephen 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:23.640 reminds them 00:17:35.380 --> 00:17:46.760 in the end 00:17:46.760 --> 00:17:47.660 God owns 00:17:47.660 --> 00:17:48.280 the whole 00:17:48.280 --> 00:17:49.020 world 00:17:49.020 --> 00:17:51.600 now here's 00:17:51.600 --> 00:17:52.040 the question 00:17:52.040 --> 00:17:53.600 the question 00:17:53.600 --> 00:17:53.960 is this 00:17:53.960 --> 00:17:54.500 was Moses 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:55.140 appreciated 00:17:55.140 --> 00:17:58.380 and Stephen 00:17:58.380 --> 00:17:59.320 says you know 00:17:59.320 --> 00:17:59.700 that people 00:17:59.700 --> 00:18:00.020 have brought 00:18:00.020 --> 00:18:00.380 the chapter 00:18:00.380 --> 00:18:01.060 of chapter 7 00:18:01.060 --> 00:18:01.500 verse 25 00:18:01.500 --> 00:18:05.080 he didn't 00:18:05.079 --> 00:18:05.319 have any 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:05.699 interest 00:18:05.699 --> 00:18:06.179 in him 00:18:06.179 --> 00:18:07.799 you didn't 00:18:07.799 --> 00:18:08.519 recognize him 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:09.220 you did not 00:18:09.220 --> 00:18:09.679 want him 00:18:09.679 --> 00:18:10.099 can you believe 00:18:10.099 --> 00:18:10.379 that 00:18:10.379 --> 00:18:13.899 God raised 00:18:13.899 --> 00:18:14.480 that Moses 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:15.059 but the people 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:15.699 didn't want him 00:18:15.699 --> 00:18:18.939 you can see 00:18:18.939 --> 00:18:19.319 where this is 00:18:19.319 --> 00:18:19.519 going 00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:19.980 can't you 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:22.019 because God 00:18:22.019 --> 00:18:23.000 raised Jesus 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:25.359 and these people 00:18:25.359 --> 00:18:25.919 in front of 00:18:25.919 --> 00:18:26.220 him 00:18:26.220 --> 00:18:27.960 very very 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:28.259 religious 00:18:28.259 --> 00:18:28.679 but they 00:18:28.679 --> 00:18:29.019 didn't want 00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:29.220 him 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:33.199 and Stephen 00:18:33.199 --> 00:18:33.960 reminded his 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:34.539 listeners that 00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:34.859 the people 00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:35.159 of God 00:18:35.159 --> 00:18:35.899 disobeyed 00:18:35.899 --> 00:18:36.319 Moses 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:36.740 yes they 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:36.859 did 00:18:36.859 --> 00:18:37.000 they 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:37.639 disobeyed 00:18:37.639 --> 00:18:38.599 they refused 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:39.279 chapter 7 00:18:39.279 --> 00:18:39.819 verse 39 00:18:39.819 --> 00:18:40.779 they refused 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:41.379 to obey 00:18:41.379 --> 00:18:41.680 him 00:18:41.680 --> 00:18:42.980 in fact 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:44.159 they turned 00:18:44.159 --> 00:18:44.619 from what 00:18:44.619 --> 00:18:45.139 Moses had 00:18:45.139 --> 00:18:45.500 said 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:46.139 to false 00:18:46.139 --> 00:18:46.619 gods 00:18:46.619 --> 00:18:47.379 they turned 00:18:47.379 --> 00:18:47.720 and made 00:18:47.720 --> 00:18:48.059 themselves 00:18:48.059 --> 00:18:48.460 a golden 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:48.980 calf 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:50.759 and they 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:51.119 made a 00:18:51.119 --> 00:18:51.559 golden calf 00:18:51.559 --> 00:18:52.119 to worship 00:18:52.119 --> 00:18:52.579 and to put 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:53.019 their trust 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:53.220 in 00:18:53.220 --> 00:18:53.759 and you can 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:54.059 see where 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:54.299 this is 00:18:54.299 --> 00:18:54.480 going 00:18:54.480 --> 00:18:54.759 can't you 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:55.099 because 00:18:55.099 --> 00:18:56.680 God's 00:18:56.680 --> 00:18:56.879 son 00:18:56.879 --> 00:18:57.259 the Lord 00:18:57.259 --> 00:18:57.519 Jesus 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:58.599 was rejected 00:18:58.599 --> 00:18:59.519 and the 00:18:59.519 --> 00:18:59.960 people in 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:00.399 front of 00:19:00.399 --> 00:19:00.680 Stephen 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:01.200 have turned 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:01.720 away from 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:02.039 Jesus 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:03.139 they don't 00:19:03.139 --> 00:19:03.680 want him 00:19:03.680 --> 00:19:04.140 and they've 00:19:04.140 --> 00:19:04.660 turned to 00:19:04.660 --> 00:19:05.180 the temple 00:19:05.180 --> 00:19:05.560 and the 00:19:05.560 --> 00:19:05.820 law 00:19:05.820 --> 00:19:07.240 false 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:07.660 gods 00:19:07.660 --> 00:19:10.500 and so 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:10.740 again 00:19:10.740 --> 00:19:11.140 were the 00:19:11.140 --> 00:19:11.500 temple 00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:12.039 and the 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:12.200 law 00:19:12.200 --> 00:19:12.620 bad 00:19:12.620 --> 00:19:12.920 things 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:13.220 no they 00:19:13.220 --> 00:19:13.539 weren't 00:19:13.539 --> 00:19:14.740 they were 00:19:14.740 --> 00:19:14.960 good 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:15.320 things 00:19:15.320 --> 00:19:15.940 they were 00:19:15.940 --> 00:19:17.680 signposts 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:18.060 to the 00:19:18.060 --> 00:19:18.240 Lord 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:18.539 Jesus 00:19:18.539 --> 00:19:19.000 but they 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:19.320 were not 00:19:19.320 --> 00:19:19.720 meant to be 00:19:19.720 --> 00:19:20.140 worshipped 00:19:20.140 --> 00:19:22.400 the 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:22.700 temple 00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:22.960 and the 00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:23.120 law 00:19:23.120 --> 00:19:23.620 were not 00:19:23.620 --> 00:19:24.100 meant to 00:19:24.100 --> 00:19:24.280 be 00:19:24.280 --> 00:19:24.780 trusted 00:19:24.780 --> 00:19:25.180 in 00:19:25.180 --> 00:19:28.740 and so 00:19:28.740 --> 00:19:28.980 can you 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:29.259 see where 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:29.600 the speech 00:19:29.600 --> 00:19:30.040 is going 00:19:30.040 --> 00:19:30.700 follow the 00:19:30.700 --> 00:19:31.180 trajectory 00:19:31.180 --> 00:19:31.740 Moses 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:32.120 has been 00:19:32.120 --> 00:19:32.580 sent by 00:19:32.580 --> 00:19:32.980 God 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:33.580 greatly 00:19:33.580 --> 00:19:34.040 used 00:19:34.040 --> 00:19:34.280 by 00:19:34.280 --> 00:19:34.620 God 00:19:34.620 --> 00:19:35.060 but he 00:19:35.060 --> 00:19:35.180 was 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:35.540 rejected 00:19:35.540 --> 00:19:35.860 by the 00:19:35.860 --> 00:19:36.180 people 00:19:36.180 --> 00:19:37.220 and 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:37.800 disobeyed 00:19:37.800 --> 00:19:38.060 by the 00:19:38.060 --> 00:19:38.360 people 00:19:38.360 --> 00:19:41.100 and Moses 00:19:41.100 --> 00:19:41.720 spoke of 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.280 Jesus 00:19:42.280 --> 00:19:43.980 chapter 7 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:44.640 verse 37 00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:47.500 and Jesus 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:48.020 has now 00:19:48.020 --> 00:19:48.220 been 00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:48.680 rejected 00:19:48.680 --> 00:19:49.080 and 00:19:49.080 --> 00:19:50.280 disobeyed 00:19:50.280 --> 00:19:52.880 and Stephen 00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:53.620 preaches 00:19:53.620 --> 00:19:53.900 what the 00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:54.320 Lord Jesus 00:19:54.320 --> 00:19:56.820 and Stephen 00:19:56.820 --> 00:19:57.920 as a preacher 00:19:57.920 --> 00:19:58.300 of the Lord 00:19:58.300 --> 00:19:58.960 Jesus is now 00:19:58.960 --> 00:19:59.580 being rejected 00:19:59.580 --> 00:20:00.100 himself 00:20:00.100 --> 00:20:01.840 and being 00:20:01.840 --> 00:20:02.560 disobeyed 00:20:02.560 --> 00:20:04.240 and there 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:05.160 is hostility 00:20:05.160 --> 00:20:09.140 hostility to 00:20:09.140 --> 00:20:09.460 the Lord 00:20:09.460 --> 00:20:10.320 Jesus is 00:20:10.320 --> 00:20:11.400 ferocious 00:20:11.400 --> 00:20:13.540 and it's 00:20:13.540 --> 00:20:14.120 strange 00:20:14.119 --> 00:20:15.259 and ferocious 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:17.559 you can 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:18.279 lift the 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:18.679 lid 00:20:18.679 --> 00:20:19.899 of what 00:20:19.899 --> 00:20:20.379 looks like 00:20:20.379 --> 00:20:21.119 boredom 00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:21.899 and underneath 00:20:21.899 --> 00:20:23.219 there's a 00:20:23.219 --> 00:20:23.679 serious 00:20:23.679 --> 00:20:24.199 dislike 00:20:24.199 --> 00:20:24.779 of Jesus 00:20:24.779 --> 00:20:27.319 find the 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:27.759 person who 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.259 just seems 00:20:28.259 --> 00:20:28.539 to be 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:28.919 bored by 00:20:28.919 --> 00:20:29.319 the subject 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:29.739 not really 00:20:29.739 --> 00:20:30.119 interested 00:20:30.119 --> 00:20:30.619 in the 00:20:30.619 --> 00:20:30.859 subject 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:31.079 of the 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:31.199 Lord 00:20:31.199 --> 00:20:31.479 Jesus 00:20:31.479 --> 00:20:33.019 and you 00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:33.359 probe a 00:20:33.359 --> 00:20:33.479 little 00:20:33.479 --> 00:20:33.759 deeper 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:34.079 and you 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:34.459 find that 00:20:34.459 --> 00:20:34.779 they are 00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:35.419 strongly 00:20:35.419 --> 00:20:36.119 opposed 00:20:36.119 --> 00:20:36.399 to 00:20:36.399 --> 00:20:36.819 Jesus 00:20:36.819 --> 00:20:40.319 I read 00:20:40.319 --> 00:20:41.159 this week 00:20:41.159 --> 00:20:42.219 about T.S. 00:20:42.299 --> 00:20:42.519 Eliot 00:20:42.519 --> 00:20:43.179 the poet 00:20:43.180 --> 00:20:44.539 I didn't 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:44.799 know this 00:20:44.799 --> 00:20:45.259 but T.S. 00:20:45.320 --> 00:20:45.480 Eliot 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:45.820 became 00:20:45.820 --> 00:20:46.200 Christian 00:20:46.200 --> 00:20:47.539 and it 00:20:47.539 --> 00:20:47.940 was a 00:20:47.940 --> 00:20:48.299 massive 00:20:48.299 --> 00:20:48.740 shock 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:49.060 to his 00:20:49.060 --> 00:20:49.480 friends 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:51.019 T.S. 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:51.180 Eliot 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:51.460 was a 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:51.580 really 00:20:51.580 --> 00:20:51.820 bright 00:20:51.820 --> 00:20:52.039 man 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:52.960 he wrote 00:20:52.960 --> 00:20:53.140 this 00:20:53.140 --> 00:20:53.820 he wrote 00:20:53.820 --> 00:20:54.299 that the 00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:54.740 majority 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:55.400 of mankind 00:20:55.400 --> 00:20:56.400 is lazy 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:56.820 minded 00:20:56.820 --> 00:20:57.860 in curious 00:20:57.860 --> 00:20:58.759 absorbed 00:20:58.759 --> 00:20:59.940 in vanities 00:20:59.940 --> 00:21:00.799 tepid in 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:01.180 emotion 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:01.980 and is 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:02.299 therefore 00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:02.759 incapable 00:21:02.759 --> 00:21:03.259 of either 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:03.880 much doubt 00:21:03.880 --> 00:21:04.440 or much 00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:04.880 faith 00:21:04.880 --> 00:21:08.300 T.S. 00:21:08.300 --> 00:21:08.460 Eliot 00:21:08.460 --> 00:21:08.740 became 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:08.880 a 00:21:08.880 --> 00:21:09.120 Christian 00:21:09.120 --> 00:21:09.520 and 00:21:09.520 --> 00:21:09.960 his 00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:10.200 fellow 00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:10.500 writer 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:10.900 Virginia 00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:11.400 Wolfe 00:21:11.400 --> 00:21:12.100 was so 00:21:12.100 --> 00:21:12.720 angry 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:13.020 that he 00:21:13.020 --> 00:21:13.220 became 00:21:13.220 --> 00:21:13.380 a 00:21:13.380 --> 00:21:13.680 Christian 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:14.900 she wrote 00:21:14.900 --> 00:21:15.300 to a 00:21:15.300 --> 00:21:15.660 friend 00:21:15.660 --> 00:21:17.840 she said 00:21:17.840 --> 00:21:18.380 a most 00:21:18.380 --> 00:21:19.060 shameful 00:21:19.060 --> 00:21:20.280 and distressing 00:21:20.280 --> 00:21:20.900 interview 00:21:20.900 --> 00:21:21.500 with Tom 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:21.780 Eliot 00:21:21.780 --> 00:21:23.200 he has 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:23.680 become a 00:21:23.680 --> 00:21:24.080 believer 00:21:24.080 --> 00:21:24.820 in God 00:21:24.820 --> 00:21:26.500 and immortality 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:27.880 and goes 00:21:27.880 --> 00:21:28.660 to church 00:21:28.660 --> 00:21:30.640 a corpse 00:21:30.640 --> 00:21:31.300 would be 00:21:31.300 --> 00:21:32.000 more credible 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:33.480 I mean 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:33.799 there is 00:21:33.799 --> 00:21:34.119 something 00:21:34.119 --> 00:21:34.839 obscene 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.279 that a 00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:35.539 living 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:36.099 person 00:21:36.099 --> 00:21:36.740 sitting 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:37.180 by the 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:37.539 fire 00:21:37.539 --> 00:21:38.599 would 00:21:38.599 --> 00:21:38.940 believe 00:21:38.940 --> 00:21:39.480 in God 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:42.039 that's 00:21:42.039 --> 00:21:42.319 fairly 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:42.660 hostile 00:21:42.660 --> 00:21:43.279 isn't it 00:21:43.279 --> 00:21:46.039 but it's 00:21:46.039 --> 00:21:46.319 there 00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:48.599 and that 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:48.839 is what 00:21:48.839 --> 00:21:49.119 Stephen 00:21:49.119 --> 00:21:49.619 is facing 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:52.140 so in 00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:52.579 these three 00:21:52.579 --> 00:21:53.140 sections 00:21:53.140 --> 00:21:54.140 Stephen 00:21:54.140 --> 00:21:54.640 has talked 00:21:54.640 --> 00:21:55.180 about God 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:55.640 dealing with 00:21:55.640 --> 00:21:56.000 Abraham 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:57.119 with Joseph 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:57.740 and dealing 00:21:57.740 --> 00:21:58.980 with Moses 00:21:58.980 --> 00:22:00.960 and so in 00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:01.539 this last 00:22:01.539 --> 00:22:01.980 section 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:02.559 from verses 00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:03.319 44 to 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:03.660 50 00:22:03.660 --> 00:22:05.299 he deals 00:22:05.299 --> 00:22:05.779 with God's 00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:06.480 special place 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:08.960 and he 00:22:08.960 --> 00:22:09.460 says to the 00:22:09.460 --> 00:22:09.640 people 00:22:09.640 --> 00:22:10.240 God's special 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:10.740 place in the 00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:11.140 Old Testament 00:22:11.140 --> 00:22:13.180 was originally 00:22:13.180 --> 00:22:13.759 a tent 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:14.299 in the 00:22:14.299 --> 00:22:14.599 wilderness 00:22:14.599 --> 00:22:15.720 did you 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:16.079 know that 00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:18.039 God said 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:18.220 to his 00:22:18.220 --> 00:22:18.400 people 00:22:18.400 --> 00:22:18.779 I want 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:18.960 you to 00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:19.200 have a 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:19.599 tent 00:22:19.599 --> 00:22:21.059 because when 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:21.200 you're 00:22:21.200 --> 00:22:21.500 travelling 00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:21.759 it will 00:22:21.759 --> 00:22:22.039 be a 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:22.279 symbol 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:22.579 of my 00:22:22.579 --> 00:22:23.039 presence 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:23.539 with you 00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:24.059 and as 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:24.579 you travel 00:22:24.579 --> 00:22:24.980 and you 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.640 get to 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:25.940 a base 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:26.259 at night 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:26.720 set up 00:22:26.720 --> 00:22:26.920 my 00:22:26.920 --> 00:22:27.339 tent 00:22:27.339 --> 00:22:27.640 it'll 00:22:27.640 --> 00:22:27.759 be 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.200 there 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:30.400 as a 00:22:30.400 --> 00:22:30.640 symbol 00:22:30.640 --> 00:22:31.059 to tell 00:22:31.059 --> 00:22:31.460 you I 00:22:31.460 --> 00:22:31.920 am with 00:22:31.920 --> 00:22:32.140 you 00:22:32.140 --> 00:22:32.799 and when 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:33.059 you get 00:22:33.059 --> 00:22:33.380 into the 00:22:33.380 --> 00:22:34.039 promised land 00:22:34.039 --> 00:22:34.860 the tent 00:22:34.860 --> 00:22:35.519 is replaced 00:22:35.519 --> 00:22:35.940 by the 00:22:35.940 --> 00:22:36.380 temple 00:22:36.380 --> 00:22:38.340 and the 00:22:38.340 --> 00:22:38.819 temple was 00:22:38.819 --> 00:22:39.319 built by 00:22:39.319 --> 00:22:39.680 Solomon 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:41.620 but the 00:22:41.620 --> 00:22:42.360 temple was 00:22:42.360 --> 00:22:43.059 never meant 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:44.160 to box 00:22:44.160 --> 00:22:44.840 God in 00:22:44.840 --> 00:22:47.519 it was never 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:48.079 assumed that 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:48.660 the temple 00:22:48.660 --> 00:22:49.220 no matter how 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:49.860 great and how 00:22:49.860 --> 00:22:50.860 grand that 00:22:50.860 --> 00:22:51.400 the temple 00:22:51.400 --> 00:22:51.960 could somehow 00:22:51.960 --> 00:22:52.840 hold God 00:22:52.840 --> 00:22:53.120 in 00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:54.660 could control 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:54.920 God 00:22:54.920 --> 00:22:55.640 could box 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:55.920 God 00:22:55.920 --> 00:22:56.900 even Solomon 00:22:56.900 --> 00:22:57.539 when he 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:57.960 prayed at 00:22:57.960 --> 00:22:58.480 the dedication 00:22:58.480 --> 00:22:58.800 of the 00:22:58.800 --> 00:22:59.160 temple 00:22:59.160 --> 00:23:01.100 he says 00:23:01.100 --> 00:23:01.560 God who 00:23:01.560 --> 00:23:02.039 could hold 00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:02.420 you in 00:23:02.420 --> 00:23:04.680 you are 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.240 too great 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:05.580 and then 00:23:05.580 --> 00:23:05.840 Jesus 00:23:05.840 --> 00:23:06.360 comes 00:23:06.360 --> 00:23:08.060 and in 00:23:08.060 --> 00:23:08.480 John chapter 00:23:08.480 --> 00:23:09.480 1 we are 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:10.400 told he 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:11.380 made his 00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:13.100 tent 00:23:13.100 --> 00:23:13.880 among us 00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:17.720 the proof 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:18.220 that God 00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:19.019 is interested 00:23:19.019 --> 00:23:19.580 in this 00:23:19.580 --> 00:23:19.960 world 00:23:19.960 --> 00:23:21.800 the proof 00:23:21.800 --> 00:23:22.200 that God 00:23:22.200 --> 00:23:22.779 is interested 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:23.519 in you 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.220 this morning 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:25.940 is that 00:23:25.940 --> 00:23:26.740 Jesus came 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.460 and made 00:23:27.460 --> 00:23:28.200 his tent 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:29.160 among us 00:23:29.160 --> 00:23:32.279 and Stephen's 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:32.680 listeners 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:33.460 rejected 00:23:33.460 --> 00:23:34.599 Jesus 00:23:34.599 --> 00:23:36.359 and they 00:23:36.359 --> 00:23:36.960 replaced him 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:40.099 that is the 00:23:40.099 --> 00:23:40.399 speech 00:23:40.399 --> 00:23:43.059 and so 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:43.500 secondly 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:43.920 and briefly 00:23:43.920 --> 00:23:44.579 God's word 00:23:44.579 --> 00:23:44.879 on what 00:23:44.879 --> 00:23:45.779 really lasts 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:48.579 verse 51 00:23:48.579 --> 00:23:49.160 Stephen 00:23:49.160 --> 00:23:50.019 turns to his 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:50.319 listeners 00:23:50.319 --> 00:23:51.079 and he says 00:23:51.079 --> 00:23:52.039 you are just 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:52.680 like the 00:23:52.680 --> 00:23:53.240 Old Testament 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:54.019 evildoers 00:23:54.019 --> 00:23:54.759 yes you 00:23:54.759 --> 00:23:54.980 are 00:23:54.980 --> 00:23:57.720 you killed 00:23:57.720 --> 00:23:58.240 the prophets 00:23:58.240 --> 00:23:59.420 you killed 00:23:59.420 --> 00:23:59.900 the Messiah 00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:00.480 you had 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:00.920 the law 00:24:00.920 --> 00:24:01.460 said Stephen 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:01.740 but you 00:24:01.740 --> 00:24:02.380 just disobeyed 00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:02.580 it 00:24:02.580 --> 00:24:04.660 and the 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:05.140 crowd 00:24:05.140 --> 00:24:06.460 goes crazy 00:24:06.460 --> 00:24:08.580 they block 00:24:08.580 --> 00:24:09.340 their years 00:24:09.340 --> 00:24:09.980 they start 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:10.580 screaming 00:24:10.580 --> 00:24:11.440 they run 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:11.799 at him 00:24:11.799 --> 00:24:12.560 they drag 00:24:12.560 --> 00:24:13.039 him out 00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:13.600 of the city 00:24:13.600 --> 00:24:14.259 where have 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:14.580 you seen 00:24:14.580 --> 00:24:15.259 that before 00:24:15.259 --> 00:24:18.200 Jesus was 00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:18.720 dragged 00:24:18.720 --> 00:24:19.180 out of the 00:24:19.180 --> 00:24:19.440 city 00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:21.680 they stone 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:22.340 Stephen to 00:24:22.340 --> 00:24:22.799 death 00:24:22.799 --> 00:24:23.759 and how 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:24.660 interesting 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:25.000 it is 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:26.779 that as 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:27.360 Stephen is 00:24:27.360 --> 00:24:27.660 dying 00:24:27.660 --> 00:24:28.160 we're told 00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:28.460 that he 00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:29.120 looks up 00:24:29.120 --> 00:24:29.680 to heaven 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:30.900 he's given 00:24:30.900 --> 00:24:31.680 a vision 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:32.400 into heaven 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:33.600 and he 00:24:33.600 --> 00:24:34.279 sees the 00:24:34.279 --> 00:24:34.820 Lord Jesus 00:24:34.820 --> 00:24:35.640 standing 00:24:35.640 --> 00:24:38.059 it's the only 00:24:38.059 --> 00:24:38.779 place in the 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:39.920 whole of the 00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:40.320 New Testament 00:24:40.320 --> 00:24:41.779 where we're told 00:24:41.779 --> 00:24:42.440 that Jesus is 00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:43.220 standing in heaven 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:43.960 always because 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:44.720 Jesus finished 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:45.259 his work 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:46.680 we're told that 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:47.100 the priest 00:24:47.100 --> 00:24:47.920 sits down 00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:48.240 and so 00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:48.980 Jesus is 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:49.720 seated in 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:49.980 heaven 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:50.600 but in 00:24:50.600 --> 00:24:51.039 act 7 00:24:51.039 --> 00:24:51.779 he's standing 00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.440 why is he 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:52.820 standing 00:24:52.820 --> 00:24:55.140 surely 00:24:55.140 --> 00:24:56.320 he's standing 00:24:56.320 --> 00:24:57.039 because as 00:24:57.039 --> 00:24:57.539 he sees 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:58.500 Stephen dying 00:24:58.500 --> 00:24:59.960 he is dying 00:24:59.960 --> 00:25:00.480 to welcome 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:00.759 him 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:02.759 he stands 00:25:02.759 --> 00:25:03.420 to welcome 00:25:03.420 --> 00:25:04.200 his saints 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:04.840 his martyred 00:25:04.840 --> 00:25:05.220 saints 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:07.500 and Stephen 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:08.620 echoes Jesus 00:25:08.620 --> 00:25:09.600 as he dies 00:25:09.600 --> 00:25:10.259 he says 00:25:10.259 --> 00:25:11.860 Jesus 00:25:11.860 --> 00:25:13.019 receive my 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.539 spirit 00:25:13.539 --> 00:25:14.680 that's exactly 00:25:14.680 --> 00:25:15.140 what Jesus 00:25:15.140 --> 00:25:15.600 said on the 00:25:15.600 --> 00:25:15.940 cross 00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:17.400 into your 00:25:17.400 --> 00:25:17.840 hands 00:25:17.840 --> 00:25:18.259 I commit 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:18.799 my spirit 00:25:18.799 --> 00:25:20.420 and then he 00:25:20.420 --> 00:25:20.900 says Lord 00:25:20.900 --> 00:25:21.559 do not hold 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:22.120 this sin 00:25:22.120 --> 00:25:22.799 against these 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:23.059 people 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:23.440 which is 00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:24.220 exactly what 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:24.900 Jesus said 00:25:24.900 --> 00:25:25.500 on the 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:25.860 cross 00:25:25.860 --> 00:25:26.360 isn't it 00:25:26.360 --> 00:25:28.980 and the 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:29.320 references 00:25:29.320 --> 00:25:30.080 come from 00:25:30.080 --> 00:25:30.559 Luke's 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:30.840 gospel 00:25:30.840 --> 00:25:31.900 who also 00:25:31.900 --> 00:25:32.539 wrote Acts 00:25:32.539 --> 00:25:34.460 and so 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:35.019 volume 1 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:35.240 of the 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:35.620 gospel 00:25:35.620 --> 00:25:36.320 and volume 00:25:36.320 --> 00:25:36.640 2 00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:36.799 of the 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:37.059 book of 00:25:37.059 --> 00:25:37.380 Acts 00:25:37.380 --> 00:25:38.180 the people 00:25:38.180 --> 00:25:38.759 the crowd 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:39.059 they're 00:25:39.059 --> 00:25:39.420 full of 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:39.860 anger 00:25:39.860 --> 00:25:40.799 and Stephen 00:25:40.799 --> 00:25:41.500 is 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:43.279 full of 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:43.779 joy and 00:25:43.779 --> 00:25:44.120 peace 00:25:44.120 --> 00:25:45.559 and hope 00:25:45.559 --> 00:25:47.659 these 00:25:47.659 --> 00:25:48.259 people are 00:25:48.259 --> 00:25:48.960 deeply 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:49.500 religious 00:25:49.500 --> 00:25:50.159 but they 00:25:50.159 --> 00:25:50.619 are deeply 00:25:50.619 --> 00:25:51.220 opposed to 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:51.639 Jesus 00:25:51.639 --> 00:25:52.779 is that 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:53.139 possible 00:25:53.139 --> 00:25:55.019 is it 00:25:55.019 --> 00:25:55.460 possible that 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:55.879 somebody could 00:25:55.879 --> 00:25:56.159 come to 00:25:56.159 --> 00:25:56.579 church week 00:25:56.579 --> 00:25:57.200 by week 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:58.019 and be 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:58.399 deeply 00:25:58.399 --> 00:25:58.980 opposed to 00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.299 Jesus 00:25:59.299 --> 00:25:59.779 of course 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:00.200 it is 00:26:00.200 --> 00:26:02.599 and although 00:26:02.599 --> 00:26:03.119 Stephen is 00:26:03.119 --> 00:26:04.159 facing death 00:26:04.159 --> 00:26:04.940 he's got more 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:05.700 life in him 00:26:05.700 --> 00:26:06.179 than all the 00:26:06.179 --> 00:26:06.480 crowd 00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:08.919 he's got more 00:26:08.919 --> 00:26:09.480 hope in him 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.240 more joy in 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:11.019 him 00:26:11.019 --> 00:26:12.980 Spurgeon 00:26:12.980 --> 00:26:13.460 says very 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:13.859 quaintly 00:26:13.859 --> 00:26:14.259 on this 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:15.460 when a 00:26:15.460 --> 00:26:15.900 person is 00:26:15.900 --> 00:26:16.339 born 00:26:16.339 --> 00:26:18.119 they cry 00:26:18.119 --> 00:26:19.799 and the 00:26:19.799 --> 00:26:20.259 people around 00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:20.839 them smile 00:26:20.839 --> 00:26:23.480 and when a 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:24.180 believer dies 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:25.000 says Spurgeon 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:26.720 the people 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:27.460 around may 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:27.900 cry 00:26:27.900 --> 00:26:29.559 but the 00:26:29.559 --> 00:26:29.799 believer 00:26:29.799 --> 00:26:30.299 smiles 00:26:30.299 --> 00:26:32.779 and here's 00:26:32.779 --> 00:26:33.220 the point 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:35.879 Stephen is 00:26:35.879 --> 00:26:36.720 exposing his 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:37.039 need the 00:26:37.039 --> 00:26:37.420 things that 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:37.920 are really 00:26:37.920 --> 00:26:38.839 going on 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:39.199 in the 00:26:39.199 --> 00:26:39.720 people who 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:40.220 prefer 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:41.179 false gods 00:26:41.179 --> 00:26:42.159 to the 00:26:42.159 --> 00:26:42.639 real God 00:26:42.639 --> 00:26:44.539 and he 00:26:44.539 --> 00:26:44.919 gathers 00:26:44.919 --> 00:26:46.559 the things 00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:47.359 that really 00:26:47.359 --> 00:26:48.059 matter for 00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:48.480 those who 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:48.939 are drawn 00:26:48.939 --> 00:26:49.839 to Christ 00:26:49.839 --> 00:26:52.459 and this 00:26:52.459 --> 00:26:52.939 is what 00:26:52.939 --> 00:26:54.099 really matters 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:54.599 this morning 00:26:54.599 --> 00:26:56.959 it is that 00:26:56.959 --> 00:26:57.459 God would 00:26:57.459 --> 00:26:58.279 call you 00:26:58.279 --> 00:26:58.679 in the 00:26:58.679 --> 00:26:59.019 gospel 00:26:59.019 --> 00:26:59.379 and he 00:26:59.379 --> 00:26:59.740 does 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:02.139 that he 00:27:02.139 --> 00:27:02.559 would call 00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:03.099 you to 00:27:03.099 --> 00:27:04.279 follow him 00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:05.899 and to 00:27:05.899 --> 00:27:06.559 belong to 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:06.859 him 00:27:06.859 --> 00:27:08.859 and to 00:27:08.859 --> 00:27:09.459 be forgiven 00:27:09.459 --> 00:27:11.899 and to 00:27:11.899 --> 00:27:12.519 have eternal 00:27:12.519 --> 00:27:13.019 life and 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:13.459 he does 00:27:13.459 --> 00:27:13.979 that now 00:27:13.979 --> 00:27:14.359 through the 00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:14.819 preaching of 00:27:14.819 --> 00:27:15.419 God's word 00:27:15.419 --> 00:27:17.979 and so that 00:27:17.979 --> 00:27:18.719 God's presence 00:27:18.719 --> 00:27:19.759 would be with 00:27:19.759 --> 00:27:20.199 you in 00:27:20.199 --> 00:27:20.819 everything you 00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:21.379 go through 00:27:21.379 --> 00:27:22.099 in life 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:22.859 and in 00:27:22.859 --> 00:27:23.199 death 00:27:23.199 --> 00:27:26.279 and God 00:27:26.279 --> 00:27:27.119 also gives 00:27:27.119 --> 00:27:27.459 you his 00:27:27.459 --> 00:27:28.039 promises 00:27:28.039 --> 00:27:30.759 food to 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:31.299 live by 00:27:31.299 --> 00:27:33.419 and that 00:27:33.419 --> 00:27:33.779 he would be 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:34.599 your rescuer 00:27:34.599 --> 00:27:35.740 all the way 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:36.339 through to the 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:36.679 end 00:27:36.680 --> 00:27:38.600 and that 00:27:38.600 --> 00:27:39.060 he would be 00:27:39.060 --> 00:27:39.660 your protector 00:27:39.660 --> 00:27:42.480 and these 00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:42.740 are the 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.240 things we 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:44.740 find in 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:45.160 the Lord 00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:45.640 Jesus 00:27:45.640 --> 00:27:49.140 promise 00:27:49.140 --> 00:27:50.920 and 00:27:50.920 --> 00:27:51.420 relationship 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:54.279 that's what 00:27:54.279 --> 00:27:54.740 really 00:27:54.740 --> 00:27:55.420 matters 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:55.880 isn't it 00:27:55.880 --> 00:27:58.500 and actually 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:59.220 nothing 00:27:59.220 --> 00:28:00.080 else 00:28:00.080 --> 00:28:01.060 ultimately 00:28:01.060 --> 00:28:02.840 really matters 00:28:02.840 --> 00:28:04.019 in the long 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:04.220 run 00:28:04.220 --> 00:28:06.000 Jesus 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:06.880 offers you 00:28:06.880 --> 00:28:07.680 promise 00:28:07.680 --> 00:28:09.400 and 00:28:09.400 --> 00:28:09.839 relationship 00:28:09.839 --> 00:28:12.240 let's 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:12.480 pray 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:12.920 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:42.900 Thank you.