WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.620 Hebrews 1. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:59.980 Hebrews 1. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:29.980 Hebrews 1. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:32.000 Hebrews 1. 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:48.620 You may be seated. 00:01:48.620 --> 00:01:51.920 You say, this is the word of God. 00:01:52.420 --> 00:01:52.760 Amen. 00:01:53.260 --> 00:01:58.300 Today I want to do stuff just a little differently. 00:01:59.259 --> 00:02:08.219 I want to set aside some time to frame all of Hebrews for us to kind of help us see this passage as we're going through it. 00:02:08.599 --> 00:02:11.180 Jason gave me the opportunity to pick a book to preach through. 00:02:11.180 --> 00:02:17.520 And after much urging and pleading from my wife and daughter particularly, they said, pick Hebrews. 00:02:18.060 --> 00:02:23.260 So I want to kind of frame this out for us so that we have that in view as we go through the rest of it. 00:02:24.219 --> 00:02:26.919 Every letter has a purpose, right? 00:02:27.259 --> 00:02:30.000 When you write a letter, you're writing it for a particular reason. 00:02:30.259 --> 00:02:40.819 The author's purpose for writing this one is to encourage and exhort those believers facing persecution and the temptation to turn aside from following Christ. 00:02:40.819 --> 00:02:46.759 Four times in this letter, he tells them not to draw back from God. 00:02:47.500 --> 00:02:51.759 Five times he tells them to hold on or hold fast to their faith. 00:02:52.500 --> 00:02:55.120 Over and over, he says to strive and make every effort. 00:02:55.120 --> 00:02:59.259 And twice, he encourages them not to neglect the fellowship of the saints. 00:03:01.300 --> 00:03:05.259 Two times, he encourages them to persevere in following Christ. 00:03:06.340 --> 00:03:17.599 So the message for us in this book that God has preserved for us, knowing that we still need it, is not turning aside or turning away from Christ. 00:03:19.259 --> 00:03:23.219 I'm not going to spend long on the background because the author himself does not. 00:03:25.120 --> 00:03:27.780 In fact, we honestly don't know who wrote it. 00:03:28.800 --> 00:03:32.500 Origen, one of the early church fathers, says God only knows. 00:03:32.680 --> 00:03:36.000 And I believe that's the position the author would have us to take. 00:03:37.120 --> 00:03:39.360 We know that he was known to Timothy. 00:03:40.240 --> 00:03:42.759 And we know that he was known to his audience. 00:03:43.540 --> 00:03:44.120 But that is all. 00:03:46.420 --> 00:03:49.140 I think that he does this on purpose, and we're going to see that. 00:03:49.139 --> 00:04:00.099 This letter was believed to have been written to Hebrew Christians, most likely those that were in Rome, early in the church. 00:04:00.159 --> 00:04:04.299 This was actually probably one of the earliest of the epistles that we have outside of a couple of Pauls. 00:04:04.739 --> 00:04:09.659 That it was written probably between 1849 and 1870 at the fall of Rome. 00:04:10.159 --> 00:04:12.519 Or sorry, the fall of Jerusalem and the siege. 00:04:12.520 --> 00:04:23.079 Church history says that at this point, a lot of the leaders of the Christians were expelled. 00:04:23.439 --> 00:04:26.500 They say it was the Jews under Claudius were actually expelled. 00:04:26.680 --> 00:04:33.800 But looking back to the church historians, it was actually probably those Jews that had converted to Christianity. 00:04:33.800 --> 00:04:40.699 Because at this time, the Jews had a protection under the Roman law to worship as was their custom. 00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:44.040 They actually had protections and provisions for that. 00:04:45.720 --> 00:04:48.620 But these radical Christians did not. 00:04:50.960 --> 00:04:57.000 So it was most likely those Christian leaders, the ones that were expelled from Rome. 00:04:57.000 --> 00:05:08.879 And now you have this Roman church sitting here without leadership, young in the faith, being faced with the temptation to turn back to Judaism. 00:05:11.100 --> 00:05:15.279 See, some of them in this letter say that they'd suffered reproach. 00:05:15.379 --> 00:05:16.259 They'd suffered affliction. 00:05:16.399 --> 00:05:17.500 Some had been put into prison. 00:05:18.000 --> 00:05:19.500 Some had had their property taken. 00:05:20.240 --> 00:05:23.560 Certainly far worse persecution than we face today. 00:05:23.560 --> 00:05:28.019 But that their suffering could all end. 00:05:28.819 --> 00:05:30.439 If they just went back to Judaism. 00:05:30.920 --> 00:05:34.459 They could still have their faith in God, which is the important part, right? 00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:38.840 Just leave aside this Christianity. 00:05:40.100 --> 00:05:42.100 They could have a quiet, comfortable life. 00:05:42.199 --> 00:05:43.180 Their families could be safe. 00:05:44.019 --> 00:05:45.399 Things could go well for them. 00:05:47.860 --> 00:05:50.079 Church, does this sound familiar to us in our day? 00:05:50.079 --> 00:05:55.779 Like I said, the divine author knows that we still need this book. 00:05:57.300 --> 00:06:00.120 Few of us are being tempted with going back to Judaism. 00:06:02.060 --> 00:06:10.039 However, we all can say that we are regularly presented with the prospect of turning aside from Christ. 00:06:11.919 --> 00:06:14.019 Sometimes it's obvious and it's right in our faces. 00:06:14.019 --> 00:06:20.060 The area we live in is middle class to obviously very wealthy. 00:06:20.560 --> 00:06:21.919 All of it's put on display. 00:06:22.479 --> 00:06:31.680 Worldly gain, vainglory, self-indulgence, materialism constantly around us as much as these Christians in Rome ever had it. 00:06:31.680 --> 00:06:44.439 We are being bombarded with thing after thing after thing, seeking to draw away our attention and thereby our hearts to something other than Christ. 00:06:46.420 --> 00:06:48.019 Sometimes it's obvious and loud. 00:06:49.160 --> 00:06:50.139 Sometimes it's subtle. 00:06:50.139 --> 00:06:54.959 Just like the old frog in the pot analogy of how you cook a frog. 00:06:55.099 --> 00:07:03.079 You know, just put him in there and slowly turn the heat up little by little without him perceiving it until he's cooked. 00:07:04.579 --> 00:07:09.360 Oftentimes, the church has suffered more under prosperity than it did persecution. 00:07:10.379 --> 00:07:15.439 Because it's just a little, just slight degrees, as long as it seems normal. 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:20.639 We live in a world that says it's okay to be a Christian. 00:07:20.879 --> 00:07:22.779 Just don't be a radical one. 00:07:23.480 --> 00:07:25.800 You can have all your religion, your faith in God. 00:07:26.540 --> 00:07:27.720 Just don't talk about sin. 00:07:28.079 --> 00:07:29.079 Don't talk about repentance. 00:07:30.339 --> 00:07:31.740 Don't talk about the need of a savior. 00:07:34.779 --> 00:07:40.839 Unfortunately, how many of our churches today would preach the message that our author preaches in Hebrews 13, 11? 00:07:40.839 --> 00:07:41.839 When he says, 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:50.279 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 00:07:51.079 --> 00:07:56.739 So Jesus also suffered outside the camp in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 00:07:57.079 --> 00:08:01.399 Therefore, let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 00:08:02.019 --> 00:08:07.000 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek a city that is to come. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:14.199 Church, the enemy is only, is fine with our faith. 00:08:14.899 --> 00:08:16.199 Just that little turning aside. 00:08:17.240 --> 00:08:19.199 Just turning aside from Christ, just a little. 00:08:20.819 --> 00:08:21.819 That's all it takes. 00:08:23.079 --> 00:08:27.519 There's this old saying that's been used so many times by different leaders, we don't know where it comes from. 00:08:27.959 --> 00:08:34.700 But the saying goes, do I not make my friends, do I not kill my enemies when I make them my friends? 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:39.720 Make no mistake. 00:08:40.200 --> 00:08:45.299 There is open warfare going daily over your soul for who will have its allegiance. 00:08:46.679 --> 00:08:51.580 Our foe is only too happy to have us caught up in the entanglements of this life. 00:08:52.740 --> 00:08:55.519 We cannot turn aside and go to anything less than Christ. 00:08:55.519 --> 00:08:59.500 It's subtle. 00:09:00.919 --> 00:09:03.500 You say, well, I know I'm a Christian. 00:09:03.759 --> 00:09:04.539 I follow Jesus. 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:08.360 But are you spiritually dry and sluggish? 00:09:09.179 --> 00:09:13.460 I know for myself those days when I sit back and I say, well, where have my thoughts been? 00:09:14.860 --> 00:09:16.299 Where's my attention been today? 00:09:17.419 --> 00:09:18.439 Who has had my heart? 00:09:20.059 --> 00:09:20.939 Is it myself? 00:09:20.940 --> 00:09:23.680 Is it the cares of this life? 00:09:25.660 --> 00:09:27.820 How many of them were occupied with Christ? 00:09:31.420 --> 00:09:38.100 There's another old saying that goes, that where our eyes go, so shall our heart. 00:09:38.100 --> 00:09:45.159 I can't say that I love my wife and give another woman my attention. 00:09:46.840 --> 00:09:49.899 Pretty soon, I'll find my heart somewhere else. 00:09:53.340 --> 00:10:07.000 The author of the Hebrews knows this and makes it plain to us by repeatedly comparing Christ to everything else they were being tempted to go back to. 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:14.759 Seven times in this letter, he calls the work of Christ, or our faith in him, great. 00:10:15.600 --> 00:10:18.779 Ten times he says that it's better, that it's superior. 00:10:19.340 --> 00:10:22.740 Twice he uses more excellent when comparing Christ. 00:10:24.300 --> 00:10:27.899 The writer of Hebrews' constant theme is the supremacy of Christ. 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:32.660 Not just that he's better than what we're being presented with, but he is the best. 00:10:33.300 --> 00:10:34.360 There could be no better. 00:10:34.360 --> 00:10:34.379 There could be no better. 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:51.159 When we see Christ, everything else, just like we sang in our song today, grows strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace. 00:10:53.960 --> 00:10:58.700 Everything else grows sickeningly pale and weak and small. 00:10:58.700 --> 00:11:05.420 All the comforts of religion and every effort that we make become weak and useless. 00:11:06.780 --> 00:11:10.060 And then all the enticements of this world start to become vile. 00:11:11.980 --> 00:11:18.560 When our gaze is fixed on the one who is glorious like no other, all else loses its value. 00:11:18.559 --> 00:11:26.219 That's the theme that I want us to remember as we go through Hebrews. 00:11:27.219 --> 00:11:32.559 That where our heart is, where our treasure will be. 00:11:33.519 --> 00:11:34.939 It follows a suit. 00:11:35.059 --> 00:11:39.519 Where our treasure is, what we set before us, our heart's going to be there. 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:43.720 Our hearts always follow our eyes. 00:11:46.319 --> 00:11:51.879 So setting up that frame for Hebrews and that lens that I want us to start reading through. 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:57.419 I want to go into this. 00:11:57.500 --> 00:12:02.259 We're actually only going to get through the first verse and a half today. 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:07.399 But I read all of Hebrews 1 so that we have a frame to understand it in and a context. 00:12:09.319 --> 00:12:21.399 But the author lays out three things in particular here that help us to understand his first exhortation in verse 2. 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:24.840 So as we go through this, I want you guys to see this with me. 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:31.899 Often, in a letter, the greeting could be made at the end. 00:12:33.200 --> 00:12:37.639 But generally, like you see in the other apostles, they lay out who's writing the letter in the beginning. 00:12:39.240 --> 00:12:40.740 Our author doesn't do that here. 00:12:41.500 --> 00:12:41.819 Why? 00:12:44.319 --> 00:12:50.200 There seems like some stuff that you would be expecting to see that seems strangely absent in the first part. 00:12:52.139 --> 00:12:54.639 Remember our theme that I said of holding Christ up. 00:12:54.639 --> 00:12:59.939 The author doesn't give his name, his authority. 00:13:02.460 --> 00:13:04.679 But he puts somebody else's there first. 00:13:04.679 --> 00:13:12.799 So that we see, who does he hold up first? 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:21.519 His first line, he starts with a statement that at first is easy to read right over the top of. 00:13:21.519 --> 00:13:28.919 But it is so packed full of meaning that I want us to stop here as we go through Hebrews and see the richness of it. 00:13:29.059 --> 00:13:32.600 Because it's going to inform the rest of it and help us to understand it. 00:13:32.600 --> 00:13:40.379 We have to put ourselves in the frame of the people that were reading this letter to who was written at first. 00:13:41.580 --> 00:13:42.580 The verse says, 00:13:42.580 --> 00:14:07.920 There's three contrasts that I want you to see in this verse by itself. 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:10.039 That we're going to look at today. 00:14:11.679 --> 00:14:15.360 The first one, you'll notice, is long ago. 00:14:17.099 --> 00:14:18.799 It's the when God spoke. 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:21.439 Long ago. 00:14:21.699 --> 00:14:31.459 But the comparison is, but now, in these last days, it's easy for us to hear when and only think time, right? 00:14:31.460 --> 00:14:39.120 Especially in our linear Western perspective, we hear when and we think yesterday or the day before. 00:14:39.660 --> 00:14:46.259 But it also has the connotation, as the King James puts it, I think, better than it is, formerly. 00:14:47.160 --> 00:14:50.259 In King James, it translates it, in times past. 00:14:51.480 --> 00:14:53.280 There's a sense of time order. 00:14:53.279 --> 00:15:06.120 However, the phrase, in these last days, literally reads, on these last of days, there's almost a stop to it. 00:15:07.379 --> 00:15:12.659 Because the word used for last, here is the word eschaton. 00:15:12.659 --> 00:15:26.679 And in Mark's telling of the parable that Jesus gave, that we read in Matthew, this is the word that Mark uses when he says, 00:15:27.299 --> 00:15:29.559 Finally, he sent his son. 00:15:29.559 --> 00:15:30.199 Eschaton. 00:15:31.199 --> 00:15:41.000 This word we know from extra-biblical sources that by the point of Jesus' day, in Jewish teaching in circles, 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:50.679 this word eschaton had taken on a symbolism for the coming Messianic age. 00:15:51.819 --> 00:15:57.679 And that's why I believe Mark uses it, is that he is trying to point out the Messiah Christ. 00:15:57.679 --> 00:16:01.739 And here, he uses it as well. 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:11.539 This one, here, is meant to signify, this word is the last of things in an order. 00:16:13.659 --> 00:16:15.519 The culmination of. 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:19.179 This would be a finality to it. 00:16:19.859 --> 00:16:23.379 That's the last of all, the end. 00:16:23.379 --> 00:16:29.659 It's a resolution of that time order and those things being described. 00:16:31.799 --> 00:16:37.639 This last of these days, of the days. 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:53.500 What we see here is a finality with this Messianic one that the author is establishing for us. 00:16:54.980 --> 00:17:00.600 There's a finality here that God has purposed from the foundation of the world. 00:17:00.600 --> 00:17:04.440 In Ephesians 1, 7 and 10, he says, 00:17:04.599 --> 00:17:09.039 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:12.779 according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished on us, 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:17.400 and all wisdom and insight, making known to us the mystery of his will, 00:17:18.240 --> 00:17:19.559 according to his purpose, 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:25.140 which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, 00:17:25.140 --> 00:17:29.280 to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 00:17:33.720 --> 00:17:38.100 Scripture paints a full picture of when this Messiah would come. 00:17:40.300 --> 00:17:40.900 That's it. 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:47.620 We looked back in our Sunday school and we saw all these ways that God spoke to his people. 00:17:47.619 --> 00:17:52.879 And the author is laying out for us here that long ago, in many times, many ways, 00:17:53.759 --> 00:17:57.339 God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 00:17:57.799 --> 00:18:01.939 but in these last of days, he's spoken by his son. 00:18:03.819 --> 00:18:05.039 This would stop them. 00:18:06.939 --> 00:18:07.939 Here's the Messiah. 00:18:10.779 --> 00:18:11.799 This is the one. 00:18:14.139 --> 00:18:15.179 This is the end. 00:18:15.180 --> 00:18:18.539 These are the last of the days. 00:18:21.539 --> 00:18:26.740 Secondly, I want you guys to notice that he says that many times and in many ways, 00:18:27.640 --> 00:18:30.259 this is how God spoke. 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:34.299 This is the when and now this is the how. 00:18:35.160 --> 00:18:36.360 As compared to what? 00:18:37.500 --> 00:18:38.519 By his son. 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:44.180 The phrase there, many times and many ways, in its simplest, 00:18:45.240 --> 00:18:47.740 which means bit by bit or piece by piece. 00:18:50.859 --> 00:18:52.079 In lots of ways. 00:18:52.220 --> 00:18:55.420 The King James here says that sundry times and in sundry ways. 00:18:58.559 --> 00:19:03.779 During Sunday school, we had looked at how God had used visions of his glory. 00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:06.559 God had spoken to Moses face to face. 00:19:07.980 --> 00:19:10.440 God had sent visions to his prophets. 00:19:12.599 --> 00:19:17.940 And always there was signs, there's wonders that accompany. 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:21.680 But we never get a full picture. 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:25.160 We see God's holiness. 00:19:25.900 --> 00:19:29.060 And it's plain that those prophets delivered the message that he had for them. 00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:31.900 But we only got bits and pieces. 00:19:32.400 --> 00:19:33.900 Is what the author is saying here. 00:19:36.340 --> 00:19:39.740 We didn't get a whole picture of who God is and what he's like. 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:48.279 But scripture tells us that even those prophets of old were looking forward to Christ. 00:19:49.620 --> 00:19:53.940 When Jesus shows himself to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, he says, 00:19:54.359 --> 00:19:56.819 And he said to them, O foolish ones and slow to heart, 00:19:57.579 --> 00:19:59.640 to believe all that the prophets had spoken. 00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:04.420 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? 00:20:04.420 --> 00:20:11.600 And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 00:20:13.160 --> 00:20:18.380 And then, if it couldn't be more clear, in Revelation 19.10, 00:20:18.700 --> 00:20:23.440 the angel tells John that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 00:20:23.440 --> 00:20:29.620 And then, Peter, in 1 Peter 1.10.12, says, 00:20:29.619 --> 00:20:49.119 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves, but you. 00:20:49.119 --> 00:20:55.819 And the things that you have now been announced to through those who preach the gospel. 00:20:56.919 --> 00:21:00.199 I'm sorry, preach the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. 00:21:00.839 --> 00:21:02.779 Things into which angels long to look. 00:21:04.500 --> 00:21:07.239 So I want you to see that simple contrast. 00:21:09.219 --> 00:21:10.799 Before, it was many times. 00:21:11.479 --> 00:21:12.119 Many ways. 00:21:12.699 --> 00:21:13.419 Bit by bit. 00:21:14.519 --> 00:21:15.000 Cloudy. 00:21:16.859 --> 00:21:17.299 Uncertain. 00:21:17.299 --> 00:21:20.519 We got a glimpse of God. 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:22.960 But it was fire and thick smoke. 00:21:24.480 --> 00:21:28.759 We got rumblings and peels of thunder. 00:21:31.119 --> 00:21:32.740 But then what's the contrast? 00:21:34.059 --> 00:21:34.819 His son. 00:21:36.379 --> 00:21:37.359 One voice. 00:21:37.799 --> 00:21:38.440 One way. 00:21:39.440 --> 00:21:40.240 One time. 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:44.259 It's the son who says, 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:46.980 I am the way, the truth, the life. 00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:49.759 No one comes to the Father but by me. 00:21:50.099 --> 00:21:53.980 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:57.220 Clear. 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:00.220 Unveiled. 00:22:02.440 --> 00:22:03.619 Christ before us. 00:22:03.619 --> 00:22:12.879 The other contrast I want to see in there is by whom God spoke. 00:22:16.179 --> 00:22:17.500 Before it was by prophets. 00:22:18.719 --> 00:22:19.859 Now it's by his son. 00:22:19.859 --> 00:22:27.939 Today and for the rest of our sermon, I want to unpack a little bit more of the method, the by part. 00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:31.740 And then next time I get to preach, we're going to look at the whom a little deeper. 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:41.319 But in his closing to the church in Rome and probably much the same Christians, 00:22:42.859 --> 00:22:43.799 Paul says, 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:49.640 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, 00:22:50.700 --> 00:22:54.460 according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages, 00:22:54.839 --> 00:22:56.660 but has now been disclosed. 00:22:56.660 --> 00:23:00.279 So there's, 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:04.540 we see this working with the scriptures that we already saw, 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:11.420 that all those prophets were looking forward to Christ and pointing forward to Christ. 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:19.960 But there's a full unpacking of the mystery of what God would do in the person and work of Christ. 00:23:24.240 --> 00:23:26.400 Paul starts to make plain what he means in mystery, 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:27.560 in Colossians, when he says, 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:33.280 Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that is given to me for you, 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:35.700 to make the word of God fully known, 00:23:36.560 --> 00:23:40.500 the mystery hidden for ages and generations, but now revealed to his saints. 00:23:41.340 --> 00:23:43.400 To them God chose to make known 00:23:43.400 --> 00:23:46.960 how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of his mystery, 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:49.540 which is Christ in you, 00:23:49.980 --> 00:23:50.900 the hope of glory. 00:23:50.900 --> 00:24:00.000 And then he clarifies even more when he tells them that his desire for them is that they would reach all the riches of the full assurance of understanding 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:01.720 and the knowledge of God's mystery, 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:02.940 which is Christ. 00:24:02.940 --> 00:24:07.740 And then in 1 Timothy 2, 5 and 6, 00:24:07.840 --> 00:24:08.420 Paul says, 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:10.640 For there is one mediator between God and man. 00:24:11.820 --> 00:24:14.640 Remember we looked at the mediation of Moses. 00:24:15.299 --> 00:24:15.740 We saw that. 00:24:15.840 --> 00:24:21.000 We saw God mediating his word through Isaiah and through Ezekiel. 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:24.299 But now he says, 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:28.119 The man, Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all, 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:31.339 which is the testimony given at the proper time. 00:24:35.960 --> 00:24:37.559 So for these Hebrews, 00:24:38.700 --> 00:24:44.619 this introduction would serve to point them right to Christ. 00:24:45.579 --> 00:24:46.880 First and foremost, 00:24:47.680 --> 00:24:48.960 that's where the author heads. 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:56.299 When being presented with all the possibility of turning aside and going back, 00:24:57.819 --> 00:25:00.900 he stops them with this idea 00:25:00.900 --> 00:25:04.940 that they would be familiar with, 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:07.380 but points it right to the one. 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:10.720 This is it. 00:25:12.840 --> 00:25:14.660 These are the last of days. 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:16.140 Truly, 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:18.720 the Messiah is here. 00:25:19.960 --> 00:25:20.819 These are it. 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:23.019 The Messiah has come. 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:24.960 The Messiah has come. 00:25:25.059 --> 00:25:25.519 That is all. 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:28.799 There's no need for further speaking from God. 00:25:29.740 --> 00:25:30.519 Nothing's lacking. 00:25:32.079 --> 00:25:33.840 There is no other word. 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:36.279 Nothing more to look for. 00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:37.759 Nothing to go back to. 00:25:38.400 --> 00:25:39.420 Nothing more to add. 00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:43.920 Christ is the pinnacle of God speaking to his people. 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:49.019 The gospel of Jesus Christ is the fullness of the mystery of God. 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:55.140 Everything that had been proclaimed to all of God's people in ages past, 00:25:55.140 --> 00:25:58.140 this is the end. 00:25:58.140 --> 00:25:58.160 This is the end. 00:25:58.160 --> 00:26:00.320 Here's that end mark. 00:26:01.140 --> 00:26:04.200 God has spoken by his son. 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:05.920 God has spoken. 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:06.400 God has spoken. 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.460 God has spoken. 00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:09.840 This is the perfect word of God. 00:26:13.940 --> 00:26:15.299 Finally, he's spoken. 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:18.200 as opposed to times past. 00:26:20.139 --> 00:26:21.359 Singularly he's spoken 00:26:21.359 --> 00:26:23.839 as opposed to bit by bit 00:26:23.839 --> 00:26:26.680 and by his son 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:29.359 as opposed to by prophets. 00:26:33.899 --> 00:26:36.480 No one who seeks to add anything 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:38.519 to what God has spoken 00:26:38.519 --> 00:26:40.240 can come away 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:43.799 and not have to deal with this. 00:26:45.299 --> 00:26:47.180 Any other voice that claims 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:48.220 to be coming from God 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:50.000 and speaking a better word 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:51.159 is saying that they are speaking 00:26:51.159 --> 00:26:53.180 a better word spoken by his son. 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:58.980 By holding up the supremacy of Christ 00:26:58.980 --> 00:27:01.879 being the final word spoken by God 00:27:01.879 --> 00:27:05.220 it leaves us in a spot 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:06.399 where all else is cut off. 00:27:09.159 --> 00:27:10.680 What else is there to turn to? 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:13.759 What else is there to turn aside to? 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:16.919 If this is the word of God 00:27:16.919 --> 00:27:18.559 given in his son. 00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:25.359 In John, Jesus says 00:27:25.359 --> 00:27:27.899 in John 5.38 00:27:27.899 --> 00:27:28.279 he says 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:29.940 and you do not have 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:31.159 his word abiding in you 00:27:31.159 --> 00:27:32.059 for you do not believe 00:27:32.059 --> 00:27:33.119 the one he has sent. 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:35.099 You search the scriptures 00:27:35.099 --> 00:27:36.000 because you think 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:37.379 that in them you have eternal life 00:27:37.379 --> 00:27:38.799 and it is they 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:40.319 who bear witness about me. 00:27:41.139 --> 00:27:42.940 Yet you refuse to come to me 00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:43.920 that you may have life. 00:27:48.920 --> 00:27:49.980 There's no way 00:27:49.980 --> 00:27:52.340 we can go and dabble 00:27:52.340 --> 00:27:53.700 in a Christless religion 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:56.259 and walk by this verse 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:58.820 and not be confronted 00:27:58.820 --> 00:27:59.740 with an emptiness 00:27:59.740 --> 00:28:01.960 to what we'd be playing with. 00:28:03.880 --> 00:28:05.120 What worth is there 00:28:05.120 --> 00:28:05.840 if it's not 00:28:05.840 --> 00:28:07.480 in the fully spoken word of God? 00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:12.140 I don't know 00:28:12.140 --> 00:28:13.200 all of you 00:28:13.200 --> 00:28:14.279 and where you all stand 00:28:14.279 --> 00:28:14.799 with the Lord 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:16.440 but if you're sitting here 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:16.960 and you're waiting 00:28:16.960 --> 00:28:18.099 for God to speak to you 00:28:18.099 --> 00:28:20.380 he has. 00:28:22.980 --> 00:28:23.940 Maybe you're unsure 00:28:23.940 --> 00:28:24.740 that he exists 00:28:24.740 --> 00:28:25.480 and you're waiting 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.519 for him to show you 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:28.640 that he's real 00:28:28.640 --> 00:28:29.940 what he's like 00:28:29.940 --> 00:28:32.480 he did. 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:36.480 Maybe you're not sure 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:38.360 who he is 00:28:38.360 --> 00:28:40.339 and who 00:28:40.339 --> 00:28:44.839 who he has 00:28:44.839 --> 00:28:46.420 in relation to you 00:28:46.420 --> 00:28:47.400 what he's supposed to be. 00:28:49.680 --> 00:28:51.319 You have only to look at Christ. 00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:55.720 When Philip 00:28:55.720 --> 00:28:58.120 is there with Jesus 00:28:58.120 --> 00:28:59.480 at the last supper 00:28:59.480 --> 00:28:59.960 and he says 00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:00.900 show us the Father 00:29:00.900 --> 00:29:02.519 and it's enough for us. 00:29:05.160 --> 00:29:06.220 Just show us God 00:29:06.220 --> 00:29:06.840 and that'd be alright. 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.500 Jesus says 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:10.320 have I been with you 00:29:10.320 --> 00:29:10.860 so long 00:29:10.860 --> 00:29:12.440 and you do not know me? 00:29:13.780 --> 00:29:15.380 Whoever has seen me 00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:17.740 has seen the Father. 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:21.900 Friend 00:29:21.900 --> 00:29:23.940 if that's you 00:29:23.940 --> 00:29:26.140 come now to Christ. 00:29:28.019 --> 00:29:29.519 He is the final word 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:30.220 you are going to get 00:29:30.220 --> 00:29:30.700 from God. 00:29:30.900 --> 00:29:33.920 come to Christ 00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:34.960 simply trusting 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:36.280 that this is how 00:29:36.280 --> 00:29:37.460 God has spoken to man. 00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:40.340 We looked at 00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:41.780 and it was 00:29:41.780 --> 00:29:43.140 brought out by several 00:29:43.140 --> 00:29:44.600 in Sunday school 00:29:44.600 --> 00:29:45.519 how all those ways 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:46.320 that God spoke 00:29:46.320 --> 00:29:47.880 it was God 00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:48.860 who instituted it. 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:49.320 It was God 00:29:49.320 --> 00:29:50.300 who initiated it. 00:29:51.160 --> 00:29:51.980 God is holy 00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:53.360 and he speaks to people 00:29:53.360 --> 00:29:54.280 as he will. 00:29:57.160 --> 00:29:58.259 He started it. 00:29:58.259 --> 00:30:02.039 you are coming 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:03.299 and humbly agreeing 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:03.879 with scripture 00:30:03.879 --> 00:30:06.160 that God has provided 00:30:06.160 --> 00:30:07.019 that you can know him 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:08.559 and it begins 00:30:08.559 --> 00:30:09.259 with faith 00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:10.319 in the life 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:11.279 death 00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:11.920 burial 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:12.640 resurrection 00:30:12.640 --> 00:30:13.960 and ascension 00:30:13.960 --> 00:30:14.480 of Christ. 00:30:16.279 --> 00:30:17.700 He lived the life 00:30:17.700 --> 00:30:18.960 that God required 00:30:18.960 --> 00:30:19.339 of you. 00:30:19.339 --> 00:30:24.779 his death 00:30:24.779 --> 00:30:26.879 paid the penalty 00:30:26.879 --> 00:30:28.359 for the sin 00:30:28.359 --> 00:30:28.899 that keeps you 00:30:28.899 --> 00:30:29.379 from him 00:30:29.379 --> 00:30:31.379 and his resurrection 00:30:31.379 --> 00:30:32.319 gives you the hope 00:30:32.319 --> 00:30:33.339 that you will see him. 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.439 If you will not 00:30:37.439 --> 00:30:37.939 come humbly 00:30:37.939 --> 00:30:38.399 to Christ 00:30:38.399 --> 00:30:38.939 what is there 00:30:38.939 --> 00:30:39.599 else for you? 00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:44.179 If you will not 00:30:44.179 --> 00:30:44.839 your rejection 00:30:44.839 --> 00:30:45.259 of him 00:30:45.259 --> 00:30:45.799 is actually 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:46.299 rebellion 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:46.759 to God 00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:50.939 because God 00:30:50.939 --> 00:30:51.879 has spoken 00:30:51.879 --> 00:30:52.419 to us 00:30:52.419 --> 00:30:53.619 he chooses 00:30:53.619 --> 00:30:54.819 he is holy 00:30:54.819 --> 00:30:56.779 he has sent us 00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:57.459 his son 00:30:57.459 --> 00:31:01.619 and beloved 00:31:01.619 --> 00:31:03.059 of Christ 00:31:03.059 --> 00:31:05.539 this then 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:06.039 puts us 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:06.839 to how do we 00:31:06.839 --> 00:31:07.439 portray Christ 00:31:07.439 --> 00:31:07.919 to others 00:31:07.920 --> 00:31:10.200 when we speak 00:31:10.200 --> 00:31:10.480 of him 00:31:10.480 --> 00:31:13.060 if we shy 00:31:13.060 --> 00:31:13.519 away from 00:31:13.519 --> 00:31:14.400 speaking the gospel 00:31:14.400 --> 00:31:17.720 and we don't 00:31:17.720 --> 00:31:18.340 ever bring 00:31:18.340 --> 00:31:18.860 Christ 00:31:18.860 --> 00:31:21.420 we actually 00:31:21.420 --> 00:31:22.060 deny God 00:31:22.060 --> 00:31:22.480 speaking 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:24.800 if this is 00:31:24.800 --> 00:31:25.240 how he 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:25.720 has put 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:27.560 in these 00:31:27.560 --> 00:31:28.480 last of days 00:31:28.480 --> 00:31:29.160 this final 00:31:29.160 --> 00:31:30.120 this end cap 00:31:30.120 --> 00:31:32.539 and spoken 00:31:32.539 --> 00:31:33.320 by his son 00:31:33.320 --> 00:31:36.420 while we 00:31:36.420 --> 00:31:37.259 profess Christ 00:31:37.259 --> 00:31:37.700 do we put 00:31:37.700 --> 00:31:38.000 Christ 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:38.279 forth 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:38.779 to others 00:31:38.779 --> 00:31:40.980 I know 00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:41.480 for myself 00:31:41.480 --> 00:31:42.140 often times 00:31:42.140 --> 00:31:42.680 it's easy 00:31:42.680 --> 00:31:43.119 to talk 00:31:43.119 --> 00:31:43.720 to co-workers 00:31:43.720 --> 00:31:44.319 to friends 00:31:44.319 --> 00:31:48.519 about all sorts 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:48.960 of stuff 00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:50.079 and even try 00:31:50.079 --> 00:31:50.579 and point 00:31:50.579 --> 00:31:51.119 them to God's 00:31:51.119 --> 00:31:51.480 truth 00:31:51.480 --> 00:31:53.259 but if we 00:31:53.259 --> 00:31:53.839 don't bring 00:31:53.839 --> 00:31:54.299 Christ 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:58.559 we're not 00:31:58.559 --> 00:31:58.900 agreeing 00:31:58.900 --> 00:31:59.400 with God 00:31:59.400 --> 00:32:01.539 he has 00:32:01.539 --> 00:32:01.900 spoken 00:32:01.900 --> 00:32:04.019 he decides 00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:08.039 are we 00:32:08.039 --> 00:32:08.400 quick 00:32:08.400 --> 00:32:08.879 to speak 00:32:08.879 --> 00:32:09.400 about God's 00:32:09.400 --> 00:32:09.720 love 00:32:09.720 --> 00:32:10.900 but never 00:32:10.900 --> 00:32:11.299 hold up 00:32:11.299 --> 00:32:11.680 the cross 00:32:11.680 --> 00:32:12.200 of Christ 00:32:12.200 --> 00:32:13.299 where God 00:32:13.299 --> 00:32:13.660 put that 00:32:13.660 --> 00:32:14.200 on display 00:32:14.200 --> 00:32:15.859 in the most 00:32:15.859 --> 00:32:16.639 vivid way 00:32:16.639 --> 00:32:17.119 possible 00:32:17.119 --> 00:32:20.519 do we 00:32:20.519 --> 00:32:21.039 speak 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:22.299 to our 00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:22.579 friends 00:32:22.579 --> 00:32:22.940 and our 00:32:22.940 --> 00:32:23.160 family 00:32:23.160 --> 00:32:23.680 about coming 00:32:23.680 --> 00:32:24.099 to God 00:32:24.099 --> 00:32:25.039 for 00:32:25.039 --> 00:32:26.900 his healing 00:32:26.900 --> 00:32:27.579 his comfort 00:32:27.579 --> 00:32:29.699 but never 00:32:29.699 --> 00:32:30.139 show them 00:32:30.139 --> 00:32:30.740 his physician 00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:34.480 do not 00:32:34.480 --> 00:32:34.759 forget 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:35.339 there's no 00:32:35.339 --> 00:32:35.799 clear 00:32:35.799 --> 00:32:36.439 fuller 00:32:36.439 --> 00:32:36.759 picture 00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:37.279 of who 00:32:37.279 --> 00:32:37.519 God 00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:37.799 is 00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:38.359 and what 00:32:38.359 --> 00:32:38.599 he is 00:32:38.599 --> 00:32:38.939 like 00:32:38.939 --> 00:32:40.139 than in 00:32:40.139 --> 00:32:40.519 the full 00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:41.000 person 00:32:41.000 --> 00:32:41.319 and work 00:32:41.319 --> 00:32:41.859 of Christ 00:32:41.859 --> 00:32:46.639 see we 00:32:46.639 --> 00:32:46.939 have to 00:32:46.939 --> 00:32:47.279 remember 00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:47.759 as we go 00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:48.179 through this 00:32:48.179 --> 00:32:48.559 that this 00:32:48.559 --> 00:32:49.139 letter is 00:32:49.139 --> 00:32:49.399 written 00:32:49.399 --> 00:32:49.980 to those 00:32:49.980 --> 00:32:50.439 in the 00:32:50.439 --> 00:32:50.779 church 00:32:50.779 --> 00:32:52.519 it's 00:32:52.519 --> 00:32:52.839 easy 00:32:52.839 --> 00:32:53.240 to say 00:32:53.240 --> 00:32:53.619 this 00:32:53.619 --> 00:32:55.119 to those 00:32:55.119 --> 00:32:55.599 outside 00:32:55.599 --> 00:32:59.859 but God 00:32:59.859 --> 00:33:00.200 knows that 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:00.680 we still 00:33:00.680 --> 00:33:01.259 need this 00:33:01.259 --> 00:33:03.660 there are 00:33:03.660 --> 00:33:04.180 so many 00:33:04.180 --> 00:33:04.879 voices out 00:33:04.879 --> 00:33:05.420 there calling 00:33:05.420 --> 00:33:05.960 regularly 00:33:05.960 --> 00:33:06.460 for our 00:33:06.460 --> 00:33:06.879 attention 00:33:06.879 --> 00:33:09.240 but if 00:33:09.240 --> 00:33:09.559 God has 00:33:09.559 --> 00:33:09.819 spoken 00:33:09.819 --> 00:33:10.339 fully 00:33:10.339 --> 00:33:11.160 and perfectly 00:33:11.160 --> 00:33:11.799 in his 00:33:11.799 --> 00:33:12.079 son 00:33:12.079 --> 00:33:13.779 what are 00:33:13.779 --> 00:33:14.180 we listening 00:33:14.180 --> 00:33:14.480 to 00:33:14.480 --> 00:33:18.740 what has 00:33:18.740 --> 00:33:19.220 our ear 00:33:19.220 --> 00:33:21.120 what's 00:33:21.120 --> 00:33:21.500 clamoring 00:33:21.500 --> 00:33:21.839 for our 00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:22.200 attention 00:33:22.200 --> 00:33:25.059 are you 00:33:25.059 --> 00:33:25.559 satisfied 00:33:25.559 --> 00:33:26.160 with lesser 00:33:26.160 --> 00:33:26.600 things 00:33:26.600 --> 00:33:30.960 maybe 00:33:30.960 --> 00:33:31.400 your love 00:33:31.400 --> 00:33:31.700 has grown 00:33:31.700 --> 00:33:32.079 cold 00:33:32.079 --> 00:33:35.380 where are 00:33:35.380 --> 00:33:35.799 you looking 00:33:35.799 --> 00:33:40.079 maybe 00:33:40.079 --> 00:33:40.700 even 00:33:40.700 --> 00:33:41.920 in those 00:33:41.920 --> 00:33:42.440 subtle 00:33:42.440 --> 00:33:43.079 sneaky 00:33:43.079 --> 00:33:43.559 crafty 00:33:43.559 --> 00:33:43.960 ways 00:33:43.960 --> 00:33:44.579 of our 00:33:44.579 --> 00:33:44.799 enemy 00:33:44.799 --> 00:33:46.180 you know 00:33:46.180 --> 00:33:46.440 a lot 00:33:46.440 --> 00:33:46.799 about the 00:33:46.799 --> 00:33:47.019 Bible 00:33:47.019 --> 00:33:47.559 you love 00:33:47.559 --> 00:33:48.160 listening to 00:33:48.160 --> 00:33:48.539 doctrine 00:33:48.539 --> 00:33:51.180 but has 00:33:51.180 --> 00:33:51.659 it driven 00:33:51.659 --> 00:33:52.159 you closer 00:33:52.159 --> 00:33:52.700 to Christ 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:53.740 of late 00:33:53.740 --> 00:33:56.740 do you 00:33:56.740 --> 00:33:57.119 see him 00:33:57.119 --> 00:33:57.659 more clearly 00:33:57.659 --> 00:33:59.460 don't forget 00:33:59.460 --> 00:33:59.920 its aim 00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:05.940 may it 00:34:05.940 --> 00:34:06.559 cause you 00:34:06.559 --> 00:34:07.680 to see 00:34:07.680 --> 00:34:08.380 him 00:34:08.380 --> 00:34:13.599 we are 00:34:13.599 --> 00:34:13.980 regularly 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:15.199 put forward 00:34:15.199 --> 00:34:15.679 with things 00:34:15.679 --> 00:34:16.259 to turn us 00:34:16.259 --> 00:34:16.900 aside from 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:17.219 following 00:34:17.219 --> 00:34:17.619 Christ 00:34:17.619 --> 00:34:20.059 go to 00:34:20.059 --> 00:34:20.359 God's 00:34:20.359 --> 00:34:20.579 word 00:34:20.579 --> 00:34:22.279 sit at 00:34:22.279 --> 00:34:22.639 the foot 00:34:22.639 --> 00:34:23.159 of Christ 00:34:23.159 --> 00:34:23.679 and listen 00:34:23.679 --> 00:34:24.139 to him 00:34:24.139 --> 00:34:32.119 I wanted 00:34:32.119 --> 00:34:32.500 to read 00:34:32.500 --> 00:34:33.039 for you 00:34:33.039 --> 00:34:36.639 the words 00:34:36.639 --> 00:34:37.059 of Christ 00:34:37.059 --> 00:34:37.719 for this 00:34:37.719 --> 00:34:38.019 reason 00:34:38.019 --> 00:34:46.900 he says 00:34:46.900 --> 00:34:47.280 truly 00:34:47.280 --> 00:34:47.639 truly 00:34:47.639 --> 00:34:48.679 I say 00:34:48.679 --> 00:34:49.059 to you 00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:49.739 the son 00:34:49.739 --> 00:34:50.039 can do 00:34:50.039 --> 00:34:50.340 nothing 00:34:50.340 --> 00:34:50.619 of his 00:34:50.619 --> 00:34:50.739 own 00:34:50.739 --> 00:34:51.119 accord 00:34:51.119 --> 00:34:53.000 but only 00:34:53.000 --> 00:34:53.300 what he 00:34:53.300 --> 00:34:53.579 sees 00:34:53.579 --> 00:34:53.980 the father 00:34:53.980 --> 00:34:54.400 doing 00:34:54.400 --> 00:34:55.960 for whatever 00:34:55.960 --> 00:34:56.380 the father 00:34:56.380 --> 00:34:56.960 does 00:34:56.960 --> 00:34:58.219 that the 00:34:58.219 --> 00:34:58.619 son does 00:34:58.619 --> 00:34:59.000 likewise 00:34:59.000 --> 00:35:00.360 for the 00:35:00.360 --> 00:35:00.559 father 00:35:00.559 --> 00:35:00.920 loves 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:01.400 the son 00:35:01.400 --> 00:35:02.000 and shows 00:35:02.000 --> 00:35:02.280 him 00:35:02.280 --> 00:35:02.900 all that 00:35:02.900 --> 00:35:03.460 he himself 00:35:03.460 --> 00:35:03.940 is doing 00:35:03.940 --> 00:35:05.820 and greater 00:35:05.820 --> 00:35:06.340 works than 00:35:06.340 --> 00:35:06.720 these 00:35:06.720 --> 00:35:07.079 will he 00:35:07.079 --> 00:35:07.539 show him 00:35:07.539 --> 00:35:08.280 so that 00:35:08.280 --> 00:35:08.579 you 00:35:08.579 --> 00:35:09.260 may marvel 00:35:09.260 --> 00:35:11.099 for as the 00:35:11.099 --> 00:35:11.659 father raises 00:35:11.659 --> 00:35:12.200 the dead 00:35:12.200 --> 00:35:12.559 and gives 00:35:12.559 --> 00:35:13.059 them life 00:35:13.059 --> 00:35:14.500 so also 00:35:14.500 --> 00:35:14.980 the son 00:35:14.980 --> 00:35:15.639 gives life 00:35:15.639 --> 00:35:16.099 to whom 00:35:16.099 --> 00:35:16.480 he will 00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:25.320 brothers and 00:35:25.320 --> 00:35:25.579 sisters 00:35:25.579 --> 00:35:26.000 there is 00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:26.340 nothing 00:35:26.340 --> 00:35:26.820 left to 00:35:26.820 --> 00:35:27.320 turn aside 00:35:27.320 --> 00:35:27.619 to 00:35:27.619 --> 00:35:30.500 that as 00:35:30.500 --> 00:35:30.880 we go 00:35:30.880 --> 00:35:31.300 through 00:35:31.300 --> 00:35:32.320 Hebrews 00:35:32.320 --> 00:35:33.000 and we 00:35:33.000 --> 00:35:33.280 get to 00:35:33.280 --> 00:35:33.599 study 00:35:33.599 --> 00:35:34.760 this 00:35:34.760 --> 00:35:35.119 letter 00:35:35.119 --> 00:35:36.440 to 00:35:36.440 --> 00:35:36.800 Christians 00:35:36.800 --> 00:35:37.340 that are 00:35:37.340 --> 00:35:38.280 really 00:35:38.280 --> 00:35:38.719 much the 00:35:38.719 --> 00:35:38.940 same 00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:39.320 politics 00:35:39.320 --> 00:35:39.760 that we 00:35:39.760 --> 00:35:39.980 are 00:35:39.980 --> 00:35:44.199 when we 00:35:44.199 --> 00:35:44.500 come to 00:35:44.500 --> 00:35:44.820 the word 00:35:44.820 --> 00:35:45.460 there's 00:35:45.460 --> 00:35:45.679 really 00:35:45.679 --> 00:35:45.940 two 00:35:45.940 --> 00:35:46.440 responses 00:35:46.440 --> 00:35:46.820 that we 00:35:46.820 --> 00:35:47.179 have 00:35:47.179 --> 00:35:49.159 is to 00:35:49.159 --> 00:35:49.500 be cut 00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:49.679 with 00:35:49.679 --> 00:35:50.119 conviction 00:35:50.119 --> 00:35:50.539 when God 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:51.340 shows us 00:35:51.340 --> 00:35:52.720 our need 00:35:52.720 --> 00:35:53.059 of him 00:35:53.059 --> 00:35:56.159 and those 00:35:56.159 --> 00:35:56.840 things that 00:35:56.840 --> 00:35:57.460 have turned 00:35:57.460 --> 00:35:57.940 us aside 00:35:57.940 --> 00:35:58.440 from seeing 00:35:58.440 --> 00:35:59.039 the supremacy 00:35:59.039 --> 00:35:59.679 of Christ 00:35:59.679 --> 00:36:02.599 and the 00:36:02.599 --> 00:36:03.200 other side 00:36:03.200 --> 00:36:03.440 of that 00:36:03.440 --> 00:36:03.920 coin is 00:36:03.920 --> 00:36:04.360 to see 00:36:04.360 --> 00:36:04.679 him and 00:36:04.679 --> 00:36:05.139 rejoice 00:36:05.139 --> 00:36:08.579 so my 00:36:08.579 --> 00:36:09.220 prayer as 00:36:09.220 --> 00:36:10.380 we go 00:36:10.380 --> 00:36:10.579 through 00:36:10.579 --> 00:36:10.940 Hebrews 00:36:10.940 --> 00:36:11.340 together 00:36:11.340 --> 00:36:13.019 is that 00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:13.840 he would 00:36:13.840 --> 00:36:14.300 hold up 00:36:14.300 --> 00:36:14.619 Christ 00:36:14.619 --> 00:36:15.260 before our 00:36:15.260 --> 00:36:15.559 eyes 00:36:15.559 --> 00:36:16.179 God 00:36:16.179 --> 00:36:16.840 that 00:36:16.840 --> 00:36:17.219 he would 00:36:17.219 --> 00:36:17.360 be 00:36:17.360 --> 00:36:17.739 glorious 00:36:17.739 --> 00:36:18.320 to us 00:36:18.320 --> 00:36:20.659 that 00:36:20.659 --> 00:36:21.059 everything 00:36:21.059 --> 00:36:21.340 else 00:36:21.340 --> 00:36:21.460 would 00:36:21.460 --> 00:36:21.719 become 00:36:21.719 --> 00:36:22.039 pale 00:36:22.039 --> 00:36:24.480 my 00:36:24.480 --> 00:36:24.779 prayers 00:36:24.779 --> 00:36:24.980 that 00:36:24.980 --> 00:36:25.159 God 00:36:25.159 --> 00:36:25.299 would 00:36:25.299 --> 00:36:25.519 work 00:36:25.519 --> 00:36:25.699 in 00:36:25.699 --> 00:36:26.079 each 00:36:26.079 --> 00:36:26.239 of 00:36:26.239 --> 00:36:26.719 us 00:36:26.719 --> 00:36:28.360 a 00:36:28.360 --> 00:36:28.579 measure 00:36:28.579 --> 00:36:28.719 of 00:36:28.719 --> 00:36:29.000 both 00:36:29.000 --> 00:36:33.019 may he 00:36:33.019 --> 00:36:33.279 turn 00:36:33.279 --> 00:36:33.579 our 00:36:33.579 --> 00:36:33.860 eyes 00:36:33.860 --> 00:36:34.380 fixed 00:36:34.380 --> 00:36:34.860 to 00:36:34.860 --> 00:36:35.239 Christ 00:36:35.239 --> 00:36:37.360 let me 00:36:37.360 --> 00:36:37.699 pray for 00:36:37.699 --> 00:36:38.019 us 00:36:38.019 --> 00:36:38.519 ! 00:36:38.519 --> 00:36:43.119 Heavenly 00:36:43.119 --> 00:36:43.500 Father 00:36:43.500 --> 00:36:46.920 Lord 00:36:46.920 --> 00:36:47.239 you are 00:36:47.239 --> 00:36:47.739 so good 00:36:47.739 --> 00:36:49.719 that you 00:36:49.719 --> 00:36:50.360 the holy 00:36:50.360 --> 00:36:51.000 would step 00:36:51.000 --> 00:36:51.380 down 00:36:51.380 --> 00:36:53.000 and speak 00:36:53.000 --> 00:36:53.420 to men 00:36:53.420 --> 00:36:57.320 that the 00:36:57.320 --> 00:36:57.760 word would 00:36:57.760 --> 00:36:58.180 take on 00:36:58.180 --> 00:36:58.579 flesh 00:36:58.579 --> 00:36:59.639 and dwell 00:36:59.639 --> 00:37:00.240 among us 00:37:00.240 --> 00:37:06.079 that you 00:37:06.079 --> 00:37:06.700 would show 00:37:06.700 --> 00:37:08.559 your people 00:37:08.559 --> 00:37:11.740 the full 00:37:11.740 --> 00:37:12.400 picture of 00:37:12.400 --> 00:37:12.840 you and the 00:37:12.840 --> 00:37:13.500 glorious face 00:37:13.500 --> 00:37:14.039 of Christ 00:37:14.039 --> 00:37:19.119 Lord I pray 00:37:19.119 --> 00:37:19.759 for all of us 00:37:19.759 --> 00:37:20.219 here today 00:37:20.219 --> 00:37:21.800 for those 00:37:21.800 --> 00:37:22.300 that do not 00:37:22.300 --> 00:37:22.679 know you 00:37:22.679 --> 00:37:23.000 yet 00:37:23.000 --> 00:37:26.179 that you 00:37:26.179 --> 00:37:26.500 would 00:37:26.500 --> 00:37:27.860 create in 00:37:27.860 --> 00:37:28.119 them a 00:37:28.119 --> 00:37:28.539 hunger to 00:37:28.539 --> 00:37:28.880 where they 00:37:28.880 --> 00:37:29.340 can turn 00:37:29.340 --> 00:37:30.099 nowhere else 00:37:30.099 --> 00:37:32.099 but only 00:37:32.099 --> 00:37:32.519 find their 00:37:32.519 --> 00:37:33.099 satisfaction 00:37:33.099 --> 00:37:33.659 in you 00:37:33.659 --> 00:37:39.899 Lord I pray 00:37:39.899 --> 00:37:40.579 for your 00:37:40.579 --> 00:37:41.099 church 00:37:41.099 --> 00:37:43.699 that you 00:37:43.699 --> 00:37:44.219 would preserve 00:37:44.219 --> 00:37:44.719 us 00:37:44.719 --> 00:37:45.859 by your 00:37:45.859 --> 00:37:46.219 word 00:37:46.219 --> 00:37:51.659 that this 00:37:51.659 --> 00:37:52.239 word from 00:37:52.239 --> 00:37:52.500 you 00:37:52.500 --> 00:37:54.019 Christ 00:37:54.019 --> 00:37:54.879 on full 00:37:54.879 --> 00:37:55.359 display 00:37:55.359 --> 00:37:57.859 would be 00:37:57.859 --> 00:37:58.420 to us 00:37:58.420 --> 00:37:59.460 sweeter 00:37:59.460 --> 00:37:59.920 than honey 00:37:59.920 --> 00:38:05.380 that we 00:38:05.380 --> 00:38:05.720 could not 00:38:05.720 --> 00:38:06.300 turn aside 00:38:06.300 --> 00:38:06.820 to anything 00:38:06.820 --> 00:38:07.260 else 00:38:07.260 --> 00:38:09.960 that you 00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:10.599 would capture 00:38:10.599 --> 00:38:13.300 Lord the 00:38:13.300 --> 00:38:14.380 thoughts and 00:38:14.380 --> 00:38:14.920 the affections 00:38:14.920 --> 00:38:15.200 of our 00:38:15.200 --> 00:38:15.559 hearts 00:38:15.559 --> 00:38:20.420 oh Christ 00:38:20.420 --> 00:38:20.820 there is 00:38:20.820 --> 00:38:21.300 none like 00:38:21.300 --> 00:38:22.220 you 00:38:22.220 --> 00:38:27.960 Holy Spirit 00:38:27.960 --> 00:38:28.559 I pray that 00:38:28.559 --> 00:38:29.139 you help us 00:38:29.139 --> 00:38:29.780 to do this 00:38:29.780 --> 00:38:33.140 it is in 00:38:33.140 --> 00:38:34.280 your son's 00:38:34.280 --> 00:38:35.080 name Lord 00:38:35.080 --> 00:38:35.660 that I pray 00:38:35.660 --> 00:38:36.340 all of this 00:38:36.340 --> 00:38:37.600 amen