WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.120 This is Hebrews chapter 13 verse 8. 00:00:04.400 --> 00:00:06.660 And it's always dangerous isn't it to take one verse. 00:00:08.460 --> 00:00:12.500 Somebody has said that a text without a context becomes a pretext. 00:00:13.320 --> 00:00:19.440 ! In other words, you pluck a verse out and you can say anything you want from that verse. 00:00:19.740 --> 00:00:22.960 And I just want to take this verse 8 and preach on it. 00:00:23.160 --> 00:00:28.859 But if I take this verse out of its context, then I will probably be preaching heresy to you. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.539 So look at it again. Let me read it to you. Hebrews 13 verse 8. 00:00:32.640 --> 00:00:35.520 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. 00:00:36.640 --> 00:00:41.100 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. 00:00:41.100 --> 00:00:45.719 Now that verse, that statement taken out of context, just isn't true. 00:00:47.140 --> 00:00:50.980 It is not true that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. 00:00:51.379 --> 00:00:54.859 Our entire salvation depends on that not being true. 00:00:54.859 --> 00:01:01.619 In some very important ways, Jesus Christ is not the same today as he was yesterday. 00:01:01.619 --> 00:01:07.019 In his incarnation, which we've just celebrated, he became one of us, didn't he? 00:01:07.120 --> 00:01:08.900 He took on flesh. 00:01:09.840 --> 00:01:18.599 As Augustine famously said, without ceasing to be what he eternally was, he became what he eternally was not. 00:01:18.599 --> 00:01:19.599 He was the same today as he was. 00:01:19.599 --> 00:01:22.140 He became one of us, didn't he? 00:01:23.099 --> 00:01:25.959 The word that was with God. 00:01:26.399 --> 00:01:30.280 The word that was face to face with God. 00:01:30.719 --> 00:01:32.919 That word was made flesh. 00:01:33.459 --> 00:01:35.079 And made his dwelling amongst us. 00:01:35.319 --> 00:01:37.139 And we have beheld his glory. 00:01:37.639 --> 00:01:41.239 The glory of the one and only, the Father full of grace and truth. 00:01:41.239 --> 00:01:46.759 And after his earthly career, the Lord Jesus, he ascended up into heaven. 00:01:47.819 --> 00:01:51.119 And so there is now a man in the glory. 00:01:51.959 --> 00:01:54.379 At the right hand of the majesty on high. 00:01:55.159 --> 00:01:59.259 The dust of the earth sits on the throne of the universe. 00:01:59.959 --> 00:02:01.879 There is a man in heaven this morning. 00:02:01.879 --> 00:02:05.879 He didn't discard his humanity like a set of clothes when he returned. 00:02:06.819 --> 00:02:08.959 When he returned to his Father's presence. 00:02:08.960 --> 00:02:11.320 He is there as a human being. 00:02:12.340 --> 00:02:14.080 At the Lord's Supper, which we'll celebrate tonight. 00:02:14.200 --> 00:02:16.520 We remember, don't we, his death on the cross. 00:02:17.960 --> 00:02:19.780 I love those words, until he comes. 00:02:20.520 --> 00:02:22.719 And Martin Luther wrote this, he said something like this. 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:24.900 I live as though Christ died yesterday. 00:02:25.700 --> 00:02:26.819 Rose again today. 00:02:27.659 --> 00:02:28.740 And is coming back tomorrow. 00:02:28.860 --> 00:02:31.120 That's what you think about when you come to the Lord's Supper. 00:02:32.020 --> 00:02:33.879 I live as though Christ died yesterday. 00:02:34.200 --> 00:02:35.280 Rose again today. 00:02:35.379 --> 00:02:36.740 And is coming back again tomorrow. 00:02:37.800 --> 00:02:38.900 Christ died yesterday. 00:02:39.860 --> 00:02:40.719 He died. 00:02:41.320 --> 00:02:42.719 He bled upon the cross. 00:02:42.719 --> 00:02:46.939 He suffered abject shame and pain and humiliation. 00:02:47.420 --> 00:02:49.120 Yesterday he died on the cross. 00:02:50.040 --> 00:02:51.659 But today he is alive from the dead. 00:02:52.879 --> 00:02:56.460 And we proclaim him in word and sacrament. 00:02:57.659 --> 00:02:59.260 And tomorrow he is coming back. 00:03:00.100 --> 00:03:03.300 He is coming back with all his holy angels unto salvation. 00:03:03.680 --> 00:03:04.780 To all who look for him. 00:03:05.780 --> 00:03:09.800 And so it's not true to say Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. 00:03:10.159 --> 00:03:14.259 Clearly you cannot take this verse and just pluck it out of the context. 00:03:14.800 --> 00:03:15.979 Look at it in isolation. 00:03:15.979 --> 00:03:18.560 In an unlimited and unqualified kind of way. 00:03:18.560 --> 00:03:19.360 You can't do that. 00:03:19.360 --> 00:03:19.460 You can't do that. 00:03:20.640 --> 00:03:22.199 And so what is it saying to you and I? 00:03:23.199 --> 00:03:25.099 I want to try and put this verse into context. 00:03:25.159 --> 00:03:26.319 Let's say three things. 00:03:26.979 --> 00:03:31.099 Three things at the start of this year about the unchangeableness of Jesus Christ. 00:03:31.099 --> 00:03:36.180 What does this verse really mean in the context of Hebrews 13? 00:03:37.099 --> 00:03:45.139 And the first thing I want to say is that Jesus Christ is always the same yesterday, today and forever in his own person. 00:03:46.379 --> 00:03:50.319 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever in his own person. 00:03:51.780 --> 00:03:53.139 The context is interesting isn't it? 00:03:53.139 --> 00:03:54.139 Especially when you look at it. 00:03:54.439 --> 00:03:55.340 I'm going to verse 7. 00:03:55.340 --> 00:04:01.020 Remember your leaders and then compare it with verse 17. 00:04:02.039 --> 00:04:03.439 Obey your leaders. 00:04:04.219 --> 00:04:05.020 There the book ends. 00:04:06.319 --> 00:04:08.159 In verse 7 the Hebrews are told to remember. 00:04:09.240 --> 00:04:11.400 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God. 00:04:11.520 --> 00:04:16.540 And then in verse 17 they are told that they are to obey their leaders and submit to their authority. 00:04:17.500 --> 00:04:21.019 For they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will have to give an account. 00:04:21.019 --> 00:04:24.240 So the context is really interesting. 00:04:25.259 --> 00:04:26.680 The context is leadership. 00:04:27.599 --> 00:04:30.560 It is leadership past and present. 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:35.019 In verse 17 it is their present leaders isn't it? 00:04:36.060 --> 00:04:36.859 They are told to obey. 00:04:37.079 --> 00:04:40.240 But in verse 7 it's their past leaders. 00:04:40.519 --> 00:04:41.279 They are to remember. 00:04:42.199 --> 00:04:42.979 So who are they? 00:04:44.299 --> 00:04:47.099 Well we don't exactly know who they are but they are probably people like Stephen. 00:04:48.599 --> 00:04:50.339 That first Christian martyr. 00:04:50.339 --> 00:04:51.899 They are probably James. 00:04:52.439 --> 00:04:55.879 The brother our Lord and the leader of the Jerusalem church who was beheaded. 00:04:56.799 --> 00:05:01.419 Remember those leaders who spoke the word of God to you. 00:05:02.319 --> 00:05:03.819 And whenever there is a new leader. 00:05:04.659 --> 00:05:07.559 Whenever there is a change of leadership in a church. 00:05:08.379 --> 00:05:10.059 Whenever there is a change in leadership in a church. 00:05:10.139 --> 00:05:11.979 There is a tendency to compare isn't there? 00:05:12.959 --> 00:05:16.359 The tendency to romanticise the past. 00:05:16.360 --> 00:05:20.420 And idealise the heroes of the faith that have gone by. 00:05:20.800 --> 00:05:23.100 And to put those people on pedestals. 00:05:23.819 --> 00:05:25.240 To venerate their memories. 00:05:25.240 --> 00:05:28.500 I have used this quote in the past. 00:05:28.860 --> 00:05:30.740 As I have used nearly all my quotes in the past. 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:31.960 But it is a good one. 00:05:32.120 --> 00:05:32.819 It is about the pastor. 00:05:33.699 --> 00:05:35.500 If he visits the flock he is nosy. 00:05:36.259 --> 00:05:37.620 If he doesn't he is a snob. 00:05:38.319 --> 00:05:40.840 If he preaches longer than 10 minutes it is too long. 00:05:41.720 --> 00:05:43.220 If he preaches less than 10 minutes. 00:05:43.280 --> 00:05:44.439 Well he cannot have prepared his sermon. 00:05:45.139 --> 00:05:46.939 If he runs a car he is worldly. 00:05:47.280 --> 00:05:49.100 If he doesn't he is always late for appointments. 00:05:49.879 --> 00:05:51.400 If he tells a joke he is flippant. 00:05:51.679 --> 00:05:53.359 If he doesn't he is far too serious. 00:05:53.899 --> 00:05:56.899 If he starts the sermon on time his watch must be fast. 00:05:57.159 --> 00:06:00.000 If he is a minute late he is keeping the congregation waiting. 00:06:00.699 --> 00:06:02.599 If he takes a holiday he is never in the parish. 00:06:03.299 --> 00:06:04.919 If he doesn't he is a stick in the mud. 00:06:05.439 --> 00:06:08.539 If he runs a bazaar or a gala he is money mad. 00:06:08.879 --> 00:06:11.459 If he doesn't there is no social life in this parish. 00:06:12.179 --> 00:06:15.219 If he has the church painted and decorated he is extravagant. 00:06:15.819 --> 00:06:17.399 If he doesn't the church is shabby. 00:06:17.399 --> 00:06:19.560 If he is young he is inexperienced. 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:21.660 If he is getting old he ought to retire. 00:06:22.060 --> 00:06:25.040 But when he dies there has never been anyone like him. 00:06:26.420 --> 00:06:28.360 And that tendency is in all of us isn't it? 00:06:29.600 --> 00:06:34.879 We make too much of men and too little of Christ. 00:06:36.420 --> 00:06:40.439 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. 00:06:40.899 --> 00:06:44.279 Consider the outcome of their way of life. 00:06:44.279 --> 00:06:46.419 And imitate their faith. 00:06:46.759 --> 00:06:50.119 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. 00:06:51.139 --> 00:06:56.399 One of my pet hates at the moment about the UK is the title senior minister. 00:06:57.899 --> 00:07:00.819 So it may be that you have a congregation of 10 or 20 people. 00:07:01.099 --> 00:07:03.059 But the minister is the senior minister. 00:07:03.779 --> 00:07:05.059 He may only be in his 20s. 00:07:05.079 --> 00:07:06.500 He has just come out of theological college. 00:07:06.579 --> 00:07:08.919 And he is in some backwater little village in Wales. 00:07:08.920 --> 00:07:10.340 And yet who is he? 00:07:10.340 --> 00:07:11.259 He is the senior minister. 00:07:11.560 --> 00:07:12.759 But when we read the Bible. 00:07:13.160 --> 00:07:14.640 There is only one senior minister isn't there? 00:07:15.860 --> 00:07:16.980 And that is Jesus Christ. 00:07:18.540 --> 00:07:21.080 There is only one chief shepherd. 00:07:22.340 --> 00:07:23.540 And that is Christ. 00:07:24.939 --> 00:07:26.580 He is the chief shepherd of the sheep. 00:07:27.860 --> 00:07:31.240 And so leadership is really in vogue at the moment isn't it? 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:31.819 In the church. 00:07:33.300 --> 00:07:34.500 You can see there are books. 00:07:35.300 --> 00:07:36.200 And there are conferences. 00:07:36.199 --> 00:07:37.519 About leadership. 00:07:38.860 --> 00:07:40.079 You can go to a leadership conference. 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:43.319 That hires out the Royal Albert Hall for a week. 00:07:43.959 --> 00:07:46.659 And they get all sorts of the great and the good Christian leaders. 00:07:47.319 --> 00:07:48.939 And non-Christian leaders come and speak. 00:07:50.099 --> 00:07:52.219 And there are more chiefs than Indians around really. 00:07:53.439 --> 00:07:55.139 And sometimes the more bizarre. 00:07:55.620 --> 00:07:56.779 And the more eccentric. 00:07:57.060 --> 00:07:58.519 And the more original. 00:07:58.959 --> 00:08:01.819 The more people seem to be prepared to follow it in church life. 00:08:02.159 --> 00:08:04.060 And yet what I want to say to you this morning. 00:08:04.560 --> 00:08:05.939 At the start of this year. 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:07.819 Is that originality. 00:08:09.039 --> 00:08:11.439 Originality is not a mark of Christian leadership. 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:14.539 True Christian leaders. 00:08:14.860 --> 00:08:17.759 Do not strike out by themselves. 00:08:19.539 --> 00:08:20.860 True Christian leaders. 00:08:21.579 --> 00:08:23.019 Stay in line with Jesus Christ. 00:08:24.079 --> 00:08:27.579 They follow the old well-worn paths. 00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:30.000 Of those who have gone before. 00:08:30.980 --> 00:08:32.659 In as much as they followed Christ. 00:08:33.319 --> 00:08:34.919 That is what these verses are saying to us. 00:08:36.199 --> 00:08:38.039 So when we look for elders. 00:08:38.919 --> 00:08:39.639 And leaders. 00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:43.319 We do not look for original minds. 00:08:44.879 --> 00:08:46.600 And so if you are going to be a leader in Christ's church. 00:08:46.679 --> 00:08:47.439 And follow a leader. 00:08:47.439 --> 00:08:50.439 You better make sure that you know where he is going. 00:08:50.440 --> 00:08:54.320 And you better make sure you know where he is going. 00:08:54.540 --> 00:08:56.620 In as much as they follow Jesus Christ. 00:08:56.720 --> 00:08:57.280 You follow them. 00:08:57.560 --> 00:08:59.060 You imitate their way of life. 00:09:00.160 --> 00:09:01.140 And their faith. 00:09:01.320 --> 00:09:02.020 Jesus Christ. 00:09:03.020 --> 00:09:03.640 The same. 00:09:03.900 --> 00:09:04.280 Yesterday. 00:09:04.560 --> 00:09:04.840 Today. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:05.460 And forever. 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:08.379 Don't follow blindly. 00:09:10.200 --> 00:09:13.440 Only follow in as much as they are following Jesus Christ. 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:15.780 Because in the end. 00:09:15.879 --> 00:09:16.660 He is the king. 00:09:18.040 --> 00:09:20.560 He is the only head and king of the church. 00:09:21.660 --> 00:09:24.240 He is the only leader who is safe to follow. 00:09:26.560 --> 00:09:27.980 He is always himself. 00:09:29.100 --> 00:09:31.040 Apparently the Greek can be translated like that. 00:09:31.039 --> 00:09:33.039 Jesus Christ. 00:09:34.120 --> 00:09:35.159 Always himself. 00:09:37.099 --> 00:09:38.039 Always himself. 00:09:39.919 --> 00:09:40.579 That can be very. 00:09:41.659 --> 00:09:42.579 That can be very. 00:09:42.879 --> 00:09:44.099 That can be said. 00:09:44.099 --> 00:09:45.379 There are very very few people. 00:09:46.980 --> 00:09:48.919 It can be said of very few of us. 00:09:50.439 --> 00:09:51.879 As we grow older. 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:53.059 We change. 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:55.399 We see that don't we with people. 00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:57.139 In your workplace. 00:09:58.099 --> 00:09:59.980 If there is anything like mine. 00:09:59.980 --> 00:10:01.639 So you have the new young people. 00:10:01.779 --> 00:10:02.940 Who are full of zeal. 00:10:03.100 --> 00:10:04.320 And are idealistic. 00:10:05.340 --> 00:10:07.820 And then you have the cynical older folk. 00:10:08.279 --> 00:10:09.680 Who have been through it all. 00:10:09.800 --> 00:10:10.560 They have been round a bit. 00:10:10.600 --> 00:10:11.279 And it has got to them. 00:10:11.320 --> 00:10:11.600 Isn't it? 00:10:12.220 --> 00:10:13.279 Any new idea. 00:10:13.360 --> 00:10:14.600 They just roll their eyes at. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:17.899 There are very few people. 00:10:18.019 --> 00:10:18.980 Who are always the same. 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:21.480 Circumstances change us. 00:10:21.539 --> 00:10:21.820 Don't they? 00:10:22.480 --> 00:10:23.600 Life changes us. 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:25.960 We are affected by the weather. 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:28.960 We are affected by all sorts of things. 00:10:28.960 --> 00:10:29.759 But Jesus Christ. 00:10:30.180 --> 00:10:31.360 Is always himself. 00:10:33.040 --> 00:10:34.240 He is always the same. 00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:37.820 Earth didn't change him. 00:10:39.320 --> 00:10:41.440 Heaven hasn't gone to his head. 00:10:42.759 --> 00:10:43.800 He is the same yesterday. 00:10:43.980 --> 00:10:44.320 Today. 00:10:44.620 --> 00:10:45.200 And forever. 00:10:46.160 --> 00:10:47.700 He is unchangeably the same. 00:10:48.700 --> 00:10:50.300 He is always himself. 00:10:50.299 --> 00:10:53.639 The arm of the flesh will fail us. 00:10:54.559 --> 00:10:55.519 The best of men. 00:10:55.579 --> 00:10:56.579 And the best of leaders. 00:10:56.740 --> 00:10:57.679 Are men at best. 00:10:57.740 --> 00:10:57.939 Aren't they? 00:10:58.099 --> 00:10:59.240 But they have feet of clay. 00:10:59.639 --> 00:11:01.519 But Jesus Christ is always himself. 00:11:01.599 --> 00:11:02.759 He is always the same. 00:11:03.159 --> 00:11:04.599 He is unchangeably the same. 00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:05.399 In his own person. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:07.539 And secondly. 00:11:07.919 --> 00:11:09.779 He is unchangeably the same. 00:11:09.839 --> 00:11:10.579 In the message. 00:11:10.579 --> 00:11:11.439 That we preach. 00:11:12.139 --> 00:11:13.799 He is unchangeably the same. 00:11:13.859 --> 00:11:14.899 In the message that we preach. 00:11:15.319 --> 00:11:16.139 Just look at the context. 00:11:16.139 --> 00:11:17.259 Remember your leaders. 00:11:17.639 --> 00:11:18.939 Who spoke the word. 00:11:19.439 --> 00:11:20.360 Of God to you. 00:11:20.740 --> 00:11:22.039 Who spoke to you the word of God. 00:11:23.059 --> 00:11:24.059 Jesus Christ is the same. 00:11:24.120 --> 00:11:24.419 Yesterday. 00:11:24.600 --> 00:11:24.759 Today. 00:11:24.819 --> 00:11:25.080 And forever. 00:11:25.460 --> 00:11:26.720 Do not be carried away. 00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:28.939 By all sorts of strange teachings. 00:11:29.620 --> 00:11:29.860 You see. 00:11:29.919 --> 00:11:31.299 Jesus Christ is not only the leader. 00:11:31.379 --> 00:11:32.120 We are to follow. 00:11:33.240 --> 00:11:34.620 But he is also the message. 00:11:34.699 --> 00:11:35.519 That is to be preached. 00:11:36.600 --> 00:11:38.759 The words that they spoke to you. 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:40.460 Was all about him. 00:11:40.460 --> 00:11:42.720 The message. 00:11:43.080 --> 00:11:43.780 And that message. 00:11:43.900 --> 00:11:44.840 Which you shared from your leaders. 00:11:44.940 --> 00:11:45.720 Was the same. 00:11:46.180 --> 00:11:47.420 That message about Jesus. 00:11:47.580 --> 00:11:48.280 Is the same. 00:11:48.440 --> 00:11:48.800 Yesterday. 00:11:48.980 --> 00:11:49.139 Today. 00:11:49.200 --> 00:11:49.400 And forever. 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:50.560 Now error changes. 00:11:50.740 --> 00:11:51.080 Doesn't it? 00:11:51.280 --> 00:11:52.360 Look at verse 9. 00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:56.160 Error there. 00:11:56.240 --> 00:11:57.139 You see these diverse. 00:11:57.259 --> 00:11:58.060 And strange teachings. 00:11:58.160 --> 00:11:58.660 It is plural. 00:11:58.879 --> 00:11:59.420 Do you know what it is at? 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:02.720 It is singular. 00:12:03.080 --> 00:12:04.400 The word of God. 00:12:04.460 --> 00:12:05.639 Which was spoken to you. 00:12:06.400 --> 00:12:06.759 Singular. 00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:09.180 But do not be led away. 00:12:09.179 --> 00:12:09.959 By diverse. 00:12:10.120 --> 00:12:11.299 And strange teachings. 00:12:11.419 --> 00:12:11.939 Which is plural. 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:15.120 Of course it is. 00:12:15.859 --> 00:12:17.239 Because once you move away. 00:12:17.359 --> 00:12:18.019 From the faith. 00:12:18.179 --> 00:12:19.919 Once entrusted to the saints. 00:12:20.979 --> 00:12:21.799 You've got to keep. 00:12:22.179 --> 00:12:22.899 Reinventing the gospel. 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:23.519 For every age. 00:12:23.599 --> 00:12:23.739 Haven't you? 00:12:25.059 --> 00:12:26.299 One of the hallmarks. 00:12:26.339 --> 00:12:27.339 Of the God of the Bible. 00:12:27.419 --> 00:12:28.639 Is that nothing needs changing. 00:12:29.120 --> 00:12:29.899 Don't you love that? 00:12:31.059 --> 00:12:32.399 Nothing needs to be revised. 00:12:33.379 --> 00:12:34.799 Nothing needs to be adapted. 00:12:35.019 --> 00:12:35.559 Or rewritten. 00:12:35.859 --> 00:12:36.839 So take for example. 00:12:37.539 --> 00:12:38.120 I don't want to. 00:12:38.399 --> 00:12:39.019 Be controversial. 00:12:39.179 --> 00:12:40.359 Though I think I probably will be. 00:12:40.620 --> 00:12:41.419 I don't want to get into. 00:12:41.500 --> 00:12:42.279 A debate about evolution. 00:12:42.279 --> 00:12:42.799 This morning. 00:12:42.919 --> 00:12:44.079 But take the creation account. 00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:46.759 Take Genesis 1 and 2. 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:48.079 It stands for all time. 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:48.439 Does it? 00:12:49.679 --> 00:12:50.419 Genesis 1 and 2. 00:12:50.519 --> 00:12:50.959 Can be understood. 00:12:51.099 --> 00:12:51.959 In any age. 00:12:53.699 --> 00:12:54.459 Genesis 1 and 2. 00:12:54.519 --> 00:12:55.559 Doesn't have to be rewritten. 00:12:55.959 --> 00:12:56.739 And revised. 00:12:56.859 --> 00:12:58.159 For the first 21st century. 00:12:58.599 --> 00:12:59.459 It could be understood. 00:12:59.679 --> 00:13:00.719 By a caveman. 00:13:01.679 --> 00:13:02.459 And it could be understood. 00:13:02.579 --> 00:13:03.639 By an Oxford dog. 00:13:05.079 --> 00:13:06.039 That is one of the hallmarks. 00:13:06.099 --> 00:13:06.459 Of God. 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:06.819 Isn't it? 00:13:06.820 --> 00:13:09.200 But error. 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:11.580 Is constantly being rewritten. 00:13:11.760 --> 00:13:12.420 And revised. 00:13:13.200 --> 00:13:14.060 And revisited. 00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:14.660 And updated. 00:13:16.300 --> 00:13:17.020 John Stott. 00:13:17.080 --> 00:13:17.420 In his book. 00:13:17.480 --> 00:13:18.260 The Contemporary Christian. 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:20.460 Identifies 13 different interpretations. 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:21.060 Of Christ. 00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:24.379 13 different interpretations. 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:25.920 To fashion him. 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:26.879 According to the age. 00:13:27.060 --> 00:13:27.620 Let me give you the. 00:13:27.620 --> 00:13:29.940 Jesus the ascetic. 00:13:30.139 --> 00:13:30.960 The pale Galilean. 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:31.940 The cosmic Christ. 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:33.700 The teacher of common sense. 00:13:33.960 --> 00:13:35.299 The clown of Godspell. 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:36.840 The star of Jesus Christ. 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:37.460 Superstar. 00:13:37.779 --> 00:13:38.580 The revolutionary. 00:13:39.120 --> 00:13:39.740 The socialist. 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:40.659 The mystic. 00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:41.299 The magician. 00:13:41.980 --> 00:13:42.639 The carpenter. 00:13:42.860 --> 00:13:44.080 The management consultant. 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:45.539 You name it. 00:13:45.620 --> 00:13:45.960 People. 00:13:45.960 --> 00:13:46.019 People. 00:13:46.519 --> 00:13:48.060 Are trying to adapt Jesus. 00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:48.879 And reinvent him. 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:49.700 For their own age. 00:13:50.560 --> 00:13:51.600 But he is not. 00:13:53.060 --> 00:13:54.220 Because Jesus Christ. 00:13:54.360 --> 00:13:55.259 Is always the same. 00:13:55.259 --> 00:13:57.439 The message. 00:13:57.620 --> 00:13:58.740 Which you hear from them. 00:13:59.100 --> 00:13:59.639 Is the message. 00:13:59.740 --> 00:14:00.679 Which you are to preach today. 00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:02.939 It is the same. 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:03.360 Yesterday. 00:14:03.559 --> 00:14:03.799 Today. 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:04.340 And forever. 00:14:05.659 --> 00:14:06.379 And Jesus. 00:14:06.500 --> 00:14:07.179 Never needs. 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:08.059 Updating. 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:08.980 Or adapting. 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:12.340 He is always new. 00:14:12.379 --> 00:14:13.019 Not in the sense. 00:14:13.039 --> 00:14:13.779 Of novelty. 00:14:14.899 --> 00:14:15.720 But in the sense. 00:14:15.720 --> 00:14:16.580 Of freshness. 00:14:18.500 --> 00:14:19.460 Not novel. 00:14:19.620 --> 00:14:20.360 But fresh. 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:21.200 And relevant. 00:14:23.000 --> 00:14:24.220 It's quite such a privilege. 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:25.240 To be a preacher. 00:14:25.259 --> 00:14:27.399 To offer Christ. 00:14:28.220 --> 00:14:29.019 To people. 00:14:30.419 --> 00:14:31.620 Just look at the direction. 00:14:31.960 --> 00:14:32.720 Of this exhortation. 00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:33.720 I think this is really helpful. 00:14:35.100 --> 00:14:35.860 Look at the direction. 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:36.620 Of this exhortation. 00:14:36.939 --> 00:14:38.399 It's almost the exact. 00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:39.740 Opposite way. 00:14:40.379 --> 00:14:41.539 That things are going today. 00:14:41.639 --> 00:14:42.299 In church circles. 00:14:43.299 --> 00:14:44.179 So it says this. 00:14:44.700 --> 00:14:45.139 Remember. 00:14:46.419 --> 00:14:47.279 Your elders. 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:48.139 Remember. 00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:49.179 Your leaders. 00:14:50.899 --> 00:14:51.919 Who are these leaders? 00:14:52.460 --> 00:14:53.299 Well they were the apostles. 00:14:53.419 --> 00:14:54.319 Of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:54.680 It's not that. 00:14:55.620 --> 00:14:56.020 Remember. 00:14:57.080 --> 00:14:57.820 Your leaders. 00:14:57.820 --> 00:14:58.780 Who spoke the word of God. 00:14:58.780 --> 00:14:59.120 To you. 00:15:00.020 --> 00:15:00.540 Remember them. 00:15:00.600 --> 00:15:01.560 They first spoke the word. 00:15:01.600 --> 00:15:02.240 Of God to you. 00:15:03.700 --> 00:15:05.000 Now we would have to reverse that. 00:15:05.100 --> 00:15:05.260 Today. 00:15:05.320 --> 00:15:05.640 Wouldn't we? 00:15:07.400 --> 00:15:08.300 It's not we. 00:15:08.300 --> 00:15:09.420 Who remember. 00:15:09.860 --> 00:15:10.840 What people like. 00:15:11.080 --> 00:15:11.780 Paul preached. 00:15:11.860 --> 00:15:12.440 About Jesus. 00:15:13.820 --> 00:15:14.860 But today. 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:16.520 Paul has got to remember. 00:15:16.520 --> 00:15:17.660 What we have discovered. 00:15:17.659 --> 00:15:17.879 Is it? 00:15:19.799 --> 00:15:20.559 Isn't that right? 00:15:22.480 --> 00:15:24.339 So take women's ordination. 00:15:24.799 --> 00:15:25.240 As an issue. 00:15:26.439 --> 00:15:27.259 It's controversial. 00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:27.659 Isn't it? 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:29.799 What is that about? 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:31.039 What is that issue about? 00:15:32.799 --> 00:15:33.639 That issue is about. 00:15:33.719 --> 00:15:34.679 The authority of scripture. 00:15:36.439 --> 00:15:36.879 Basically. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:37.719 It comes down to this. 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:38.659 Are we going to. 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.539 To follow. 00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:40.419 Paul. 00:15:40.419 --> 00:15:42.599 Are we going to remember. 00:15:42.779 --> 00:15:44.240 What Paul spoke to us. 00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:46.620 And what Paul wrote. 00:15:48.179 --> 00:15:49.779 Or does he have to remember. 00:15:49.899 --> 00:15:50.659 What we think today. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:53.559 Does he have to follow. 00:15:53.779 --> 00:15:54.919 Our view of things. 00:15:56.379 --> 00:15:57.879 Do we follow Paul. 00:15:57.979 --> 00:15:59.079 In the first century AD. 00:15:59.360 --> 00:16:00.860 Or does he have to fit in. 00:16:00.939 --> 00:16:02.419 With our modern culture. 00:16:02.419 --> 00:16:04.399 And our political correctness. 00:16:04.399 --> 00:16:06.779 So that what he wrote. 00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:08.459 Needs to be reinterpreted. 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:09.840 For a new way. 00:16:09.939 --> 00:16:10.399 For today. 00:16:11.439 --> 00:16:13.199 It has to be contextualized. 00:16:13.500 --> 00:16:14.559 It has to be lifted out. 00:16:14.579 --> 00:16:16.159 Of its first century setting. 00:16:16.459 --> 00:16:17.279 And dropped. 00:16:17.379 --> 00:16:18.759 Into the middle of the 21st century. 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:19.980 So that in the end. 00:16:20.079 --> 00:16:21.139 Paul is made to teach. 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:22.379 The exact opposite. 00:16:22.519 --> 00:16:23.539 Of what he actually said. 00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:26.899 That is not what we understand. 00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:29.000 That's not where we stand. 00:16:29.439 --> 00:16:30.279 As a denomination. 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:32.500 No we stand. 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:32.759 Don't we. 00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:33.500 Under the authority. 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:34.379 Of the word of God. 00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:36.720 We stand. 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:37.519 Under the authority. 00:16:37.519 --> 00:16:38.360 Of the apostles. 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:39.600 Of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:40.819 --> 00:16:41.959 We remember those. 00:16:42.039 --> 00:16:43.059 Who spoke the word of God. 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:43.419 To us. 00:16:43.639 --> 00:16:44.340 They don't have to remember. 00:16:44.500 --> 00:16:45.139 What we think. 00:16:46.459 --> 00:16:47.340 We have to remember. 00:16:47.439 --> 00:16:48.360 What they have spoken. 00:16:48.659 --> 00:16:49.779 What they have said. 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:51.959 And see that kind of. 00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:52.639 Twisted thinking. 00:16:52.779 --> 00:16:53.679 Is happening isn't it. 00:16:53.699 --> 00:16:55.000 And if you go down. 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:55.740 That track. 00:16:55.959 --> 00:16:57.139 If you follow down. 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:57.899 That track. 00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:59.199 It will take the Bible. 00:16:59.279 --> 00:17:00.179 Away from us all together. 00:17:02.079 --> 00:17:02.939 So remember. 00:17:02.940 --> 00:17:03.260 Remember. 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:05.779 Remember that the word. 00:17:05.860 --> 00:17:07.100 That has been spoken to you. 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:07.539 Jesus Christ. 00:17:07.580 --> 00:17:08.660 We are Protestants. 00:17:09.960 --> 00:17:10.960 I always used to think. 00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:11.500 That a Protestant. 00:17:11.600 --> 00:17:12.600 Was somebody who protests. 00:17:13.160 --> 00:17:13.559 Isn't it. 00:17:13.600 --> 00:17:14.200 Ian Peasley. 00:17:14.299 --> 00:17:15.039 Has kind of ruined. 00:17:15.500 --> 00:17:16.420 What we imagine. 00:17:16.600 --> 00:17:17.400 Protestants to be. 00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:17.960 For us. 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:19.160 But the word. 00:17:19.320 --> 00:17:20.100 Is from the root word. 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:20.820 Protestari. 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.320 Which means. 00:17:22.400 --> 00:17:23.299 To confess. 00:17:25.080 --> 00:17:26.140 To attest. 00:17:27.420 --> 00:17:28.259 To proclaim. 00:17:28.259 --> 00:17:30.860 To be a Protestant. 00:17:30.859 --> 00:17:31.799 Is to proclaim. 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:32.759 Jesus Christ. 00:17:34.399 --> 00:17:35.119 It's the old. 00:17:35.219 --> 00:17:35.779 Old story. 00:17:35.899 --> 00:17:36.279 Of Jesus. 00:17:36.419 --> 00:17:36.759 And his love. 00:17:36.979 --> 00:17:38.159 He is unchangeably. 00:17:38.259 --> 00:17:38.579 The same. 00:17:38.639 --> 00:17:39.199 In his person. 00:17:41.199 --> 00:17:42.179 He is unchangeably. 00:17:42.299 --> 00:17:42.699 The same. 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:43.199 In the message. 00:17:43.299 --> 00:17:43.939 That we preach. 00:17:45.459 --> 00:17:46.199 And then thirdly. 00:17:46.240 --> 00:17:46.619 And lastly. 00:17:46.719 --> 00:17:47.119 And wonderfully. 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:47.959 He is unchangeably. 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:48.859 The same to his people. 00:17:51.559 --> 00:17:52.419 He is unchangeably. 00:17:52.559 --> 00:17:53.259 The same to his people. 00:17:55.219 --> 00:17:56.019 It's all very well. 00:17:56.059 --> 00:17:57.000 To look back to the past. 00:17:57.079 --> 00:17:57.339 Isn't it. 00:17:58.319 --> 00:17:58.879 To remember. 00:17:58.880 --> 00:17:59.700 Some of the great heroes. 00:17:59.700 --> 00:18:00.100 Of the faith. 00:18:00.220 --> 00:18:00.960 People like Martin Luther. 00:18:02.760 --> 00:18:04.080 And Wesley. 00:18:04.600 --> 00:18:05.620 And Whitfield. 00:18:05.760 --> 00:18:06.320 And Calvin. 00:18:07.640 --> 00:18:08.920 And Spurgeon. 00:18:09.520 --> 00:18:10.540 And Martin Lloyd-Jones. 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:11.400 People like that. 00:18:11.620 --> 00:18:13.160 But that can be. 00:18:13.160 --> 00:18:14.660 A form of escapism. 00:18:17.160 --> 00:18:18.240 I'm a great admirer. 00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:19.120 Of Martin. 00:18:19.580 --> 00:18:20.280 Lloyd-Jones. 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:22.180 He was a Welsh preacher. 00:18:22.280 --> 00:18:22.820 In the last century. 00:18:22.980 --> 00:18:23.760 Lots of people know him. 00:18:25.900 --> 00:18:26.600 I don't agree. 00:18:26.680 --> 00:18:27.460 With everything he said. 00:18:27.460 --> 00:18:30.660 And he used to often say this. 00:18:30.720 --> 00:18:31.120 If you read him. 00:18:31.160 --> 00:18:32.000 He would often say this. 00:18:32.079 --> 00:18:33.819 I am an 18th century man. 00:18:33.860 --> 00:18:34.259 You know. 00:18:34.620 --> 00:18:35.420 Comes up quite a few times. 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:35.880 In his writings. 00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:37.480 I'm an 18th century man. 00:18:39.120 --> 00:18:40.180 Now I know what he meant. 00:18:40.460 --> 00:18:40.960 By that. 00:18:41.819 --> 00:18:42.440 And I suppose. 00:18:42.600 --> 00:18:43.039 I don't know about you. 00:18:43.079 --> 00:18:43.940 If there was any period. 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:44.340 In churches. 00:18:44.500 --> 00:18:46.240 Where you'd like to get in the TARDIS. 00:18:46.340 --> 00:18:46.819 And go back to. 00:18:46.860 --> 00:18:47.940 I think it probably would be. 00:18:48.059 --> 00:18:48.400 To hear. 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:50.380 George Whitfield preach. 00:18:50.559 --> 00:18:51.220 In some field. 00:18:51.380 --> 00:18:51.640 Somewhere. 00:18:51.880 --> 00:18:52.220 I think. 00:18:53.400 --> 00:18:54.480 But there's a real danger. 00:18:54.579 --> 00:18:54.980 In that isn't it. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:56.039 Because we do not live. 00:18:56.079 --> 00:18:56.940 In the 18th century. 00:18:56.940 --> 00:19:00.700 And we live in the 21st century. 00:19:02.140 --> 00:19:03.740 And we live in a very different place. 00:19:03.820 --> 00:19:04.900 And in a very different time. 00:19:06.340 --> 00:19:07.240 And we have to serve. 00:19:07.400 --> 00:19:08.180 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:19:08.259 --> 00:19:08.980 Here and now. 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:10.720 In your workplace. 00:19:10.779 --> 00:19:11.640 In 21st century. 00:19:11.640 --> 00:19:13.640 And yes. 00:19:14.360 --> 00:19:15.519 There were giants. 00:19:15.960 --> 00:19:16.519 In the land. 00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:17.120 In those days. 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:17.559 Weren't there. 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:18.100 And yes. 00:19:18.180 --> 00:19:19.140 We are a race of. 00:19:19.140 --> 00:19:19.799 Of pygmies. 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:20.620 By comparison. 00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:21.680 But don't forget. 00:19:21.820 --> 00:19:22.720 That those who spoke. 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:23.840 The word of God to you. 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:25.500 And sealed their confession. 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.140 With their blood. 00:19:26.359 --> 00:19:27.380 They were just flesh and blood. 00:19:27.519 --> 00:19:28.180 Like you and I are. 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:30.700 George Whitfield. 00:19:30.700 --> 00:19:32.460 Was just a guy like you are. 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:32.980 Or. 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:33.420 Well. 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:33.700 He was. 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:34.580 You know what I mean. 00:19:35.400 --> 00:19:36.539 They were just men and women. 00:19:37.660 --> 00:19:38.220 It's like you are. 00:19:39.100 --> 00:19:40.200 Times have changed. 00:19:40.580 --> 00:19:41.620 But Jesus hasn't. 00:19:43.600 --> 00:19:44.660 And what he was to them. 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.400 He will be to you. 00:19:47.299 --> 00:19:48.539 Jesus Christ is the same. 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:50.819 The word that is used there. 00:19:50.900 --> 00:19:51.680 In verse 7. 00:19:51.680 --> 00:19:54.680 Is a very very interesting word. 00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:55.920 Remember your leaders. 00:19:56.019 --> 00:19:56.640 Those who spoke to you. 00:19:56.660 --> 00:19:57.240 The word of God. 00:19:57.640 --> 00:19:58.920 Consider the outcome. 00:19:58.920 --> 00:20:00.000 Of their way of life. 00:20:00.039 --> 00:20:00.740 It's an interesting word. 00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:01.700 Because there's only two places. 00:20:01.799 --> 00:20:02.519 You find that word. 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:03.140 In the New Testament. 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:06.060 In verse 7. 00:20:06.420 --> 00:20:07.480 He talks about these leaders. 00:20:07.480 --> 00:20:08.420 Who spoke the word of God. 00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:10.000 Consider their outcome. 00:20:10.279 --> 00:20:11.400 Of their way of life. 00:20:12.560 --> 00:20:13.759 The outcome of their way of life. 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:15.140 And the word that is used there. 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:16.279 Means a coming out. 00:20:17.360 --> 00:20:18.340 It's the same word. 00:20:18.400 --> 00:20:19.140 That Paul uses. 00:20:19.140 --> 00:20:19.900 In Corinthians. 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:22.340 So just flip back with me. 00:20:22.380 --> 00:20:23.440 To 1 Corinthians chapter 10. 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:24.280 In verse 13. 00:20:25.800 --> 00:20:26.920 Where Paul is speaking. 00:20:27.259 --> 00:20:28.580 1 Corinthians chapter 10. 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:29.700 In verse 13. 00:20:30.680 --> 00:20:33.019 He refers to the wilderness wanderings. 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:35.180 And Paul is reminding the Corinthians. 00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:38.400 He's reminding the Corinthians. 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:39.600 That it was Jesus Christ. 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:42.720 Who actually was leading the people. 00:20:43.340 --> 00:20:44.320 Out of Egypt. 00:20:44.800 --> 00:20:46.300 And the rock was Christ. 00:20:46.300 --> 00:20:47.460 And then he says this. 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:48.840 In 1 Corinthians chapter 10. 00:20:48.940 --> 00:20:49.300 In verse 13. 00:20:49.900 --> 00:20:56.300 He says no temptation has overtaken you. 00:20:56.680 --> 00:20:58.040 That is not common to man. 00:20:58.280 --> 00:20:58.880 God is faithful. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.180 And he will not let you be tempted. 00:21:00.300 --> 00:21:00.960 Beyond your ability. 00:21:01.320 --> 00:21:02.060 But with the temptation. 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:02.960 He will also provide. 00:21:03.080 --> 00:21:04.340 The way of escape. 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:05.960 The way out. 00:21:07.080 --> 00:21:08.740 That you may be able to endure it. 00:21:09.880 --> 00:21:10.920 God is faithful. 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:12.280 He applies it to the Corinthians. 00:21:13.600 --> 00:21:14.180 And he says. 00:21:14.540 --> 00:21:14.840 God. 00:21:14.839 --> 00:21:16.359 Christ brought them out of Egypt. 00:21:16.500 --> 00:21:17.740 Christ was that rock. 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:18.339 And he says. 00:21:18.399 --> 00:21:19.179 God is faithful. 00:21:19.619 --> 00:21:21.159 And he will not allow you to be tempted. 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:22.119 Beyond what you can bear. 00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:24.039 When you are tempted. 00:21:24.159 --> 00:21:24.859 When you are tried. 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:26.559 When you are like those people in the wilderness. 00:21:26.699 --> 00:21:28.379 Between a rock and a hard place. 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:30.339 As they came out. 00:21:30.379 --> 00:21:30.859 Do you remember it? 00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:31.919 Out of Egypt. 00:21:31.920 --> 00:21:33.180 Pharaoh's troops. 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:34.759 Chasing them down. 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:36.440 Rocks either side of them. 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:37.779 The sea is in front of them. 00:21:38.120 --> 00:21:39.700 And they are surrounded by hills and mountains. 00:21:39.779 --> 00:21:40.700 It is a trap. 00:21:40.800 --> 00:21:42.100 But there doesn't seem to be any way out. 00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:46.379 And just as Jesus opened up the waters of the Red Sea. 00:21:46.439 --> 00:21:47.659 And they crossed on dry ground. 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:48.219 Paul says. 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:49.079 When you are tempted. 00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:49.599 Corinthians. 00:21:51.619 --> 00:21:53.259 When you are tried like that. 00:21:54.379 --> 00:21:55.279 What will he do? 00:21:56.419 --> 00:21:57.799 He will provide a way out. 00:21:59.039 --> 00:21:59.819 An exodus. 00:21:59.959 --> 00:22:00.519 That is the word. 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:04.099 And that is the word that is used in Hebrews 13. 00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:09.480 Remember what Jesus was to those people at the Red Sea. 00:22:09.699 --> 00:22:11.779 When they were entangled in the land. 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:13.240 And the Egyptians were in hot pursuit. 00:22:14.119 --> 00:22:14.960 And they were trapped. 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:16.619 And there didn't seem to be any way forward. 00:22:18.139 --> 00:22:20.319 I don't know whether you find yourself in those situations. 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:22.940 I seem to constantly find myself in those situations. 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:24.539 I'm sure we all do. 00:22:24.579 --> 00:22:24.899 Don't we? 00:22:26.899 --> 00:22:27.680 Well remember. 00:22:29.420 --> 00:22:31.180 Jesus Christ is the same. 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:34.599 The Jesus Christ who opened up the Red Sea. 00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:36.500 And brought his people safely through. 00:22:36.819 --> 00:22:39.839 That Jesus Christ is the same today as he was yesterday. 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:42.419 And what he did for them. 00:22:42.459 --> 00:22:43.199 He can do for you. 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:47.899 He can provide you with a way up through that challenge that you are facing. 00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:49.059 And you say. 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:50.579 I don't know how I'm going to cope with that. 00:22:51.659 --> 00:22:53.919 I don't know if I've got the resources to get through that. 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:54.899 And he is the same. 00:22:56.439 --> 00:22:58.179 He can provide you with a way up through. 00:22:58.180 --> 00:23:01.660 How else do you explain the New Testament? 00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:04.299 How do you explain Stephen the martyr? 00:23:04.360 --> 00:23:06.160 How do you explain the way that he died? 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:10.400 With his face like that face of an angel. 00:23:10.519 --> 00:23:12.080 As he's pelted with rocks. 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:14.560 Do you remember what we're telling him at 7? 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:16.820 That as the rocks were raining down on him. 00:23:16.840 --> 00:23:17.720 He fell on his knees. 00:23:17.779 --> 00:23:18.320 And he cried out. 00:23:18.340 --> 00:23:19.980 Lord do not hold this sin against them. 00:23:21.120 --> 00:23:22.200 And when he said this. 00:23:22.240 --> 00:23:22.700 He fell asleep. 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:23.900 How do you explain that? 00:23:23.900 --> 00:23:27.740 How do you explain a man like Peter? 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:30.360 When that servant girl comes up to him. 00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:33.519 He denies his Lord with oaths and curses. 00:23:33.860 --> 00:23:34.720 Before a servant girl. 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:36.580 I don't know the so and so. 00:23:37.820 --> 00:23:39.600 How do you explain that man? 00:23:40.280 --> 00:23:42.300 Who just weeks later on the day of Pentecost. 00:23:42.519 --> 00:23:43.740 Boldly preaches Christ. 00:23:43.840 --> 00:23:45.160 And 3,000 people are converted. 00:23:46.320 --> 00:23:47.519 How do you explain that? 00:23:48.580 --> 00:23:51.060 How do you explain Paul and Silas in prison. 00:23:51.180 --> 00:23:52.519 Singing hymns at midnight. 00:23:52.519 --> 00:23:56.519 In that rat infested hole in the ground of a prison. 00:23:56.819 --> 00:23:57.619 In the stocks. 00:23:57.720 --> 00:23:59.559 Which is a Roman instrument of torture. 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:02.379 How do you explain that? 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:05.779 How do you explain the courage of a Martin Luther. 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:07.680 When the whole world is against him. 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.619 And he says here am I. 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:11.119 Here I stand I can do no other. 00:24:11.339 --> 00:24:12.139 How do you explain that? 00:24:12.180 --> 00:24:14.000 Well the only way that you can explain that. 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:16.519 Is in terms of our text isn't it? 00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:19.480 That Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:22.099 And what he was for Luther. 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:23.639 And what he was for Stephen. 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:24.960 And what he was for Peter. 00:24:25.059 --> 00:24:26.799 And what he was for Paul and Silas. 00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:29.740 That is what he is for us. 00:24:30.440 --> 00:24:30.920 And for you. 00:24:32.220 --> 00:24:33.059 He is the same. 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:39.740 I don't know if you know the story of the man who got a job painting a stripe down the middle of the road. 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:44.259 On his first day at work he paints two miles of the road. 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:45.680 And everyone is amazed. 00:24:46.180 --> 00:24:49.180 They have never known anyone paints so many stripes in their life. 00:24:50.359 --> 00:24:53.160 On the second day his production dropped to one and a half miles. 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:57.000 Which was still far above average. 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:59.240 But on the third and fourth day it was only one mile. 00:24:59.339 --> 00:25:00.940 And then the next day it was only half a mile. 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:03.619 Apparently his boss went to see him and asked. 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:06.019 Why is your production falling off so sharply? 00:25:07.119 --> 00:25:08.000 And he said. 00:25:08.119 --> 00:25:09.880 I'm just getting so far from the bucket. 00:25:11.380 --> 00:25:11.940 I'll wait. 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:13.359 It's a rubbish joke I know. 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:14.660 But I'll wait. 00:25:16.559 --> 00:25:18.299 And that is the trouble of our society isn't it? 00:25:18.299 --> 00:25:21.299 And we've drifted so far from our roots. 00:25:23.099 --> 00:25:24.960 So people want Christian values. 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:26.259 They do still want them. 00:25:26.339 --> 00:25:27.839 But they don't want Jesus Christ. 00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:32.200 And you cannot have Christian values without Jesus Christ. 00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:35.799 You want a Judeo-Christian ethic. 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:38.720 But you don't want Jesus Christ. 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.460 People want, don't they? 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.579 People want Christian ethics. 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:48.559 But they don't want the Lord Jesus. 00:25:48.659 --> 00:25:49.460 There's no point in that. 00:25:51.079 --> 00:25:52.079 People need to prosper. 00:25:52.220 --> 00:25:54.019 And it's the Lord Jesus Christ that they need to hear. 00:25:54.379 --> 00:25:57.139 And Jesus Christ has not passed his use by date. 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:59.139 And he never will. 00:26:00.559 --> 00:26:02.220 And he will never be superseded. 00:26:03.359 --> 00:26:05.399 And Jesus Christ will never be replaced. 00:26:06.679 --> 00:26:07.859 And kingdoms will come. 00:26:07.939 --> 00:26:08.980 And kingdoms will go. 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:10.539 And empires will rise. 00:26:10.639 --> 00:26:11.799 And empires will fall. 00:26:12.179 --> 00:26:14.319 Herald civilizations will disappear. 00:26:14.699 --> 00:26:16.579 But Jesus Christ is the same. 00:26:17.579 --> 00:26:19.399 Yesterday, today, today and forever. 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:23.180 Spurgeon said this. 00:26:24.320 --> 00:26:26.840 There is the same water in the well still. 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:30.060 And if we've not drawn it, it is our own fault. 00:26:31.060 --> 00:26:32.940 We've come away from the fire. 00:26:33.620 --> 00:26:35.180 And that is why we are cold. 00:26:35.180 --> 00:26:37.580 Let us return to him. 00:26:38.420 --> 00:26:40.140 And he will receive us gladly. 00:26:40.820 --> 00:26:45.140 As gladly and as warmly as he did when we first believed. 00:26:46.840 --> 00:26:48.340 There's water in the well. 00:26:48.339 --> 00:26:51.579 We've come away from the fire. 00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:53.299 And that is why we're still cold. 00:26:54.619 --> 00:26:55.539 Return to him. 00:26:57.379 --> 00:27:01.339 And isn't that why in your Christian life like mine, there's so many ups and downs? 00:27:04.699 --> 00:27:06.699 Yesterday you could pray, but today you can't. 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:12.759 Today you might know a measure of victory over your temptations, but tomorrow you may be overwhelmed by them. 00:27:12.759 --> 00:27:13.859 Why? 00:27:14.859 --> 00:27:15.299 Why? 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:19.039 Because you've taken your eyes off Jesus Christ. 00:27:20.599 --> 00:27:24.119 And we've turned to men and movements, books, programs, conferences. 00:27:24.119 --> 00:27:27.279 But it's Jesus Christ we need. 00:27:28.819 --> 00:27:30.519 Jesus Christ who is always the same. 00:27:32.939 --> 00:27:34.419 Who is always himself. 00:27:35.839 --> 00:27:37.159 Yesterday, today and forever. 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:38.379 Here is solid ground. 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:43.039 When all around is sinking sand. 00:27:44.399 --> 00:27:46.039 On Christ the solid rock. 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:47.979 I stand, let's pray.