WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:09.359 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:10.500 Join us. 00:00:11.960 --> 00:00:13.320 Good morning, Southwood. 00:00:14.240 --> 00:00:15.980 Good to be with you this morning. 00:00:16.500 --> 00:00:18.260 Excited to share from God's Word. 00:00:18.580 --> 00:00:25.199 If you'd like to, you can turn to chapter 15 and the book of John as we continue our study of the gospel of John. 00:00:25.199 --> 00:00:36.159 I want to make sure I confess something up front before we get started in regards to the title of the sermon. 00:00:37.539 --> 00:00:39.280 I'm a failed Boy Scout. 00:00:40.460 --> 00:00:42.460 Okay, I'm a failed Boy Scout. 00:00:43.159 --> 00:00:44.560 I grew up doing scouting. 00:00:44.939 --> 00:00:50.420 I made it to the beginning of Boy Scouts and I did something terrible. 00:00:50.539 --> 00:00:50.899 I quit. 00:00:51.539 --> 00:00:53.060 I didn't stick with it. 00:00:53.060 --> 00:01:03.640 But I couldn't help as I studied our passage this morning, as I wrestled with it, I think about what Jesus is trying to convey to the disciples. 00:01:04.100 --> 00:01:08.079 I'm thinking about what we need to hear as God's people now. 00:01:09.240 --> 00:01:15.300 And I can't help but think back to the Scout motto of be prepared or always be prepared, actually. 00:01:15.480 --> 00:01:16.680 So, again, failed. 00:01:16.840 --> 00:01:18.420 Failed Scout. 00:01:18.420 --> 00:01:21.799 And so, I do remember it, though. 00:01:21.859 --> 00:01:25.019 Always be prepared was something that has stuck in my mind. 00:01:25.079 --> 00:01:28.260 That's one of the things I could remember for my scouting days. 00:01:28.359 --> 00:01:33.019 And then I read about just a little bit more kind of looking back into it. 00:01:33.079 --> 00:01:34.680 Haven't thought about it in a long time. 00:01:34.680 --> 00:01:40.980 And one of the early Scout handbooks for Boy Scouts said, 00:01:41.120 --> 00:01:47.020 be prepared, which means you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty. 00:01:47.600 --> 00:01:57.460 To be prepared in mind by having disciplined yourself to be obedient to every order and also having thought out beforehand any accident or situation that might occur. 00:01:57.459 --> 00:02:01.439 So, you know the right thing to do at the right moment and are willing to do it. 00:02:03.559 --> 00:02:08.639 So, I'm not meaning to talk about scouting to make it the measure of how we ought to live. 00:02:08.759 --> 00:02:10.259 I'm pointing to God's word. 00:02:10.759 --> 00:02:14.519 That's where we looked, how we ought to live in our lives as Christians. 00:02:14.520 --> 00:02:21.000 But I couldn't help but feel like Jesus is preparing us. 00:02:21.260 --> 00:02:22.460 He's preparing the disciples. 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:25.219 Not just warn them of bad things. 00:02:25.879 --> 00:02:27.180 But preparing them. 00:02:28.640 --> 00:02:33.960 And as you look back, if you rewind to a couple of our sermons from the previous weeks. 00:02:34.280 --> 00:02:40.000 And you look back at some of the language that Jesus uses when he calls the disciples his little children. 00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:43.180 As they are preparing in the upper room. 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:46.620 When he reminds them in the previous chapter in John chapter. 00:02:46.620 --> 00:02:51.379 Or earlier in the chapter in John 15 about how he calls them his friends. 00:02:53.659 --> 00:02:59.520 I was listening recently to some of a well-known Scottish Presbyterian. 00:02:59.780 --> 00:03:01.020 This is what we do as pastors. 00:03:01.120 --> 00:03:03.259 We listen to Scottish Presbyterians. 00:03:03.259 --> 00:03:10.159 And he was reminding us that this is Jesus' discourse with his friends. 00:03:11.280 --> 00:03:13.120 Jesus is having this conversation. 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:14.899 Not with just servants. 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:17.239 But people he has called his friends. 00:03:17.319 --> 00:03:21.180 And so certainly he is warning them of the dangers of the world in this passage that we're going to look at. 00:03:22.099 --> 00:03:23.659 But I think importantly. 00:03:24.259 --> 00:03:25.560 He's preparing them. 00:03:26.579 --> 00:03:27.840 He's preparing the disciples. 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:30.939 For a life following Jesus. 00:03:30.939 --> 00:03:33.139 He's preparing us. 00:03:33.659 --> 00:03:35.560 For how we might live in a world. 00:03:35.879 --> 00:03:38.259 Whose values and actions. 00:03:38.979 --> 00:03:39.659 The brokenness. 00:03:39.780 --> 00:03:43.079 The sin that runs contrary to the way of Jesus. 00:03:44.599 --> 00:03:49.879 It's a preparation for God's people to live with Christ. 00:03:50.400 --> 00:03:51.280 And for Christ. 00:03:52.099 --> 00:03:58.500 To know how we are to live in a world that is indeed antagonistic to Jesus and his word. 00:03:58.500 --> 00:04:02.120 And so John is setting the stage. 00:04:02.460 --> 00:04:03.919 And he helps us to be prepared. 00:04:04.099 --> 00:04:05.560 And our three points this morning. 00:04:05.659 --> 00:04:06.560 Which are not in the bulletin. 00:04:06.620 --> 00:04:07.800 So if you'd like to write them down. 00:04:08.120 --> 00:04:11.080 Are going to be centered around this idea of being prepared. 00:04:11.300 --> 00:04:16.779 First is that we need to be prepared for the pain and conflict of living in this world. 00:04:16.779 --> 00:04:24.099 Second we need to be prepared for the help that Jesus promises and sends. 00:04:24.979 --> 00:04:26.339 And then third and finally. 00:04:26.859 --> 00:04:31.359 We need to be prepared in order that we might persevere with Jesus. 00:04:32.559 --> 00:04:34.579 Be prepared for pain and conflict. 00:04:35.319 --> 00:04:36.459 Be prepared for help. 00:04:37.179 --> 00:04:39.819 And be prepared in order that we might persevere. 00:04:40.799 --> 00:04:43.579 And so God is speaking to us now through his word. 00:04:43.639 --> 00:04:44.339 So let's read it. 00:04:44.339 --> 00:04:45.679 This is God's word. 00:04:45.799 --> 00:04:47.039 If the world hates you. 00:04:47.619 --> 00:04:50.839 Know that it has hated me before it hated you. 00:04:51.560 --> 00:04:52.959 If you were of the world. 00:04:53.099 --> 00:04:55.060 The world would love you as its own. 00:04:56.060 --> 00:04:57.919 But because you are not of the world. 00:04:58.079 --> 00:04:59.819 But I chose you out of the world. 00:05:00.500 --> 00:05:01.879 Therefore the world hates you. 00:05:03.039 --> 00:05:04.779 Remember the word I said to you. 00:05:04.839 --> 00:05:06.959 A servant is not greater than his master. 00:05:07.500 --> 00:05:08.779 If they persecuted me. 00:05:08.879 --> 00:05:10.219 They will also persecute you. 00:05:10.319 --> 00:05:11.319 If they kept my word. 00:05:11.659 --> 00:05:13.139 They will also keep yours. 00:05:13.139 --> 00:05:16.919 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name. 00:05:17.120 --> 00:05:19.319 Because they do not know him who sent me. 00:05:19.860 --> 00:05:22.019 If I had not come and spoken to them. 00:05:22.759 --> 00:05:24.500 They would not have been guilty of sin. 00:05:24.579 --> 00:05:27.060 But now they have no excuse for their sin. 00:05:27.599 --> 00:05:29.939 Whoever hates me hates my father also. 00:05:30.599 --> 00:05:33.500 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did. 00:05:33.599 --> 00:05:35.139 They would not be guilty of sin. 00:05:35.639 --> 00:05:38.419 But now they have seen and hated both me and my father. 00:05:38.420 --> 00:05:42.080 But the word that is written in their law must be fulfilled. 00:05:42.800 --> 00:05:44.879 They hated me without a cause. 00:05:45.300 --> 00:05:48.300 But when the helper comes whom I will send to you from the father. 00:05:48.540 --> 00:05:50.780 The spirit of truth who proceeds from the father. 00:05:50.980 --> 00:05:52.300 He will bear witness about me. 00:05:52.500 --> 00:05:54.340 And you also will bear witness. 00:05:54.600 --> 00:05:56.980 Because you have been with me from the beginning. 00:05:58.040 --> 00:06:00.480 I have said these things to you to keep you from falling away. 00:06:00.480 --> 00:06:03.120 They will put you out of the synagogues. 00:06:03.220 --> 00:06:08.480 Indeed the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 00:06:08.720 --> 00:06:12.220 And they will do these things because they have not known the father nor me. 00:06:12.740 --> 00:06:15.160 But I have said these things to you. 00:06:15.259 --> 00:06:19.740 That when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. 00:06:20.240 --> 00:06:21.060 This is God's word. 00:06:21.140 --> 00:06:21.480 Let's pray. 00:06:22.660 --> 00:06:24.200 Father we thank you for your word. 00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:25.520 We thank you that it's powerful. 00:06:25.519 --> 00:06:27.219 That it is meaningful. 00:06:27.459 --> 00:06:28.839 That it transforms us. 00:06:28.899 --> 00:06:30.299 And it's at work in us. 00:06:30.759 --> 00:06:31.899 That this is not red. 00:06:32.539 --> 00:06:36.180 This is not just empty words that we say out loud at church. 00:06:36.199 --> 00:06:37.680 But these have power. 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:40.839 May your spirit be at work in us. 00:06:41.079 --> 00:06:44.759 So that we might seek after you in all that we do. 00:06:46.019 --> 00:06:47.159 Lord we love you. 00:06:47.259 --> 00:06:49.079 And we thank you for your son Jesus. 00:06:49.680 --> 00:06:52.039 And how his word transforms us. 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:54.039 In Jesus name we pray. 00:06:54.479 --> 00:06:54.759 Amen. 00:06:56.339 --> 00:07:05.620 In this first section if you're looking at John 15 verses 18 through 25. 00:07:05.620 --> 00:07:08.439 We're going to look first at those few verses. 00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:14.060 And there's some pretty strong words in there about persecution and hate. 00:07:14.899 --> 00:07:19.199 And if you're a visitor I just want I had this feeling today. 00:07:19.479 --> 00:07:23.159 That you got the sermon on persecution and an announcement about money. 00:07:23.160 --> 00:07:26.240 So we're glad you're here. 00:07:26.560 --> 00:07:31.720 But we want to tell you more than anything about the Jesus that we cling to tightly. 00:07:32.260 --> 00:07:41.460 Because he is alone the one way that we might endure in the midst of suffering and persecution and pain and conflict. 00:07:41.459 --> 00:07:52.120 And pain and persecution may look very different here in America, here in Huntsville, in our culture, in our world than anywhere else. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:57.740 I heard another pastor speak that outside of the U.S. 00:07:57.740 --> 00:08:02.899 It looks often like being disowned by your family. 00:08:03.720 --> 00:08:04.439 Killed. 00:08:06.019 --> 00:08:10.740 Extreme results of placing your faith in Jesus. 00:08:11.079 --> 00:08:12.639 Extreme persecution. 00:08:12.639 --> 00:08:16.539 And in America we have this different posture. 00:08:16.860 --> 00:08:22.599 Because for the most part we experience at times mild conflict. 00:08:22.899 --> 00:08:25.279 It doesn't look the way the rest of the world looks. 00:08:25.279 --> 00:08:28.159 But we must take persecution. 00:08:28.779 --> 00:08:30.599 We must take the pain and conflict. 00:08:31.139 --> 00:08:34.179 The hate that Jesus is speaking about seriously. 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:39.620 And so we as we think on these words hate and persecution. 00:08:40.360 --> 00:08:43.480 We have to remember who we're clinging to. 00:08:44.579 --> 00:08:44.860 Right? 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:51.100 But there's bad news for us if we really look at the person that we're clinging to. 00:08:52.460 --> 00:08:53.779 Let's see what Jesus says. 00:08:54.200 --> 00:08:58.740 You know, if you cling to me, the world's going to be great and easy and perfect. 00:08:58.800 --> 00:08:59.000 Right? 00:08:59.100 --> 00:08:59.300 No. 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:05.060 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 00:09:06.440 --> 00:09:09.779 If you were of the world, the world would love you and as its own. 00:09:10.300 --> 00:09:13.080 But you are not of the world because I chose you out of the world. 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:14.779 Therefore, the world hates you. 00:09:14.960 --> 00:09:17.419 You who belong to Jesus. 00:09:17.620 --> 00:09:19.700 Those who are aligned with Jesus. 00:09:19.940 --> 00:09:22.659 Those who are disciples of Jesus. 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:24.919 To use the words of Paul. 00:09:25.019 --> 00:09:26.919 Those who are in Jesus. 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:33.440 You will receive hate because you belong to Jesus. 00:09:34.379 --> 00:09:35.860 You will be persecuted. 00:09:37.539 --> 00:09:41.420 And so we live in a broken world. 00:09:41.419 --> 00:09:45.199 We live in this idea that John is speaking about. 00:09:45.259 --> 00:09:46.959 This idea of the cosmos, the world. 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:48.000 The Greek word cosmos. 00:09:48.659 --> 00:09:50.019 Meaning this broken. 00:09:50.259 --> 00:09:53.419 A lot of the gentlemen who write these books. 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:55.479 And the ladies who write these commentaries. 00:09:55.480 --> 00:10:00.639 They talk about how this world is a broken system that John is speaking about. 00:10:01.139 --> 00:10:06.440 Sinfully against and antagonistic to Jesus. 00:10:06.440 --> 00:10:10.460 And so when he says that the world hates you. 00:10:10.460 --> 00:10:13.640 This system hated Jesus first. 00:10:15.080 --> 00:10:16.640 And so when it comes to disciples. 00:10:16.640 --> 00:10:19.940 Those who have aligned themselves with the way of Jesus. 00:10:20.480 --> 00:10:23.280 You too will experience this hate. 00:10:23.279 --> 00:10:26.439 And some of us. 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:30.259 There are a variety of different places that you'll experience it. 00:10:31.199 --> 00:10:32.579 You might experience it at your work. 00:10:33.419 --> 00:10:36.139 You might experience it at your school. 00:10:37.079 --> 00:10:39.000 You might experience it in your neighborhood. 00:10:40.419 --> 00:10:42.500 Some of it might be passive aggressiveness. 00:10:42.699 --> 00:10:47.519 Some of it might be just outright anger and hatred for what you believe. 00:10:47.519 --> 00:10:53.639 But I want to make sure we remember that because we belong to Jesus. 00:10:53.639 --> 00:10:55.220 There is something even more. 00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:55.860 Right? 00:10:57.079 --> 00:11:01.299 Remember that this has been the identity that you've been given in Christ. 00:11:01.379 --> 00:11:02.960 You belong to Jesus now. 00:11:04.199 --> 00:11:04.720 Right? 00:11:05.460 --> 00:11:08.939 You have something that is much more than just hate. 00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:13.199 And so we have to remember who we are first. 00:11:14.139 --> 00:11:14.639 Right? 00:11:14.639 --> 00:11:23.759 And we can be very much people guilty of clinging to this us versus them mentality. 00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:29.100 Like we have to remember what the scriptures say about us. 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:31.019 As sinners. 00:11:31.980 --> 00:11:32.679 Poor and wretched. 00:11:33.539 --> 00:11:36.019 In need of saving. 00:11:37.439 --> 00:11:40.080 So really it's not about us versus them. 00:11:40.080 --> 00:11:47.680 It's about former thems versus sin and brokenness and the world and flesh of the world. 00:11:49.120 --> 00:11:54.639 It's former thems showing others where life is. 00:11:54.800 --> 00:11:57.220 Because we belong to Jesus. 00:11:59.040 --> 00:12:00.540 You have a new identity. 00:12:00.680 --> 00:12:02.379 He's called you out of the world. 00:12:02.480 --> 00:12:03.840 I chose you out of the world. 00:12:04.560 --> 00:12:05.740 You are his. 00:12:05.860 --> 00:12:07.320 You are no longer of the world. 00:12:07.320 --> 00:12:14.400 And so the hate that Jesus received in his life that ultimately led to his death. 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:21.000 We will experience some of that as we follow him. 00:12:22.080 --> 00:12:23.840 Because we belong to him. 00:12:23.840 --> 00:12:27.500 And then this idea of persecution. 00:12:27.879 --> 00:12:37.500 This idea of is one translator I thought was kind of a great way of us to think about how it will look. 00:12:37.940 --> 00:12:38.720 And how it does look. 00:12:38.780 --> 00:12:40.879 As we encounter pain and we encounter. 00:12:41.240 --> 00:12:44.580 And to just make sure that we understand the early church experiences. 00:12:44.920 --> 00:12:50.000 That you will experience persecution as one being chased by a wild beast. 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:52.399 And I thought that was such an interesting thing. 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:54.480 Because the early church was persecuted. 00:12:54.799 --> 00:12:56.919 And put through so much pain and suffering. 00:12:57.059 --> 00:12:59.580 In order that Jesus might be glorified. 00:13:02.179 --> 00:13:06.779 But we need to be people who are prepared for this reality. 00:13:09.580 --> 00:13:12.659 Not because we enjoy it. 00:13:12.659 --> 00:13:14.679 But because it's real. 00:13:17.079 --> 00:13:17.519 Right? 00:13:19.059 --> 00:13:28.919 One of the things I want us to also be mindful of is this idea of how we're called to live in a world that does hate us. 00:13:29.699 --> 00:13:31.799 That we do have enemies. 00:13:31.799 --> 00:13:38.379 The reality that Jesus is telling us that is we're hated and we're persecuted. 00:13:39.159 --> 00:13:40.479 The person who hates us. 00:13:40.559 --> 00:13:41.899 The person who persecutes us. 00:13:42.559 --> 00:13:44.839 We have to remember that they're our enemies. 00:13:44.959 --> 00:13:48.019 And what posture might Jesus call us to? 00:13:49.139 --> 00:13:54.679 What famous words might Jesus give us as we're called to look on these folks. 00:13:54.879 --> 00:13:57.339 This world that might hate us. 00:13:57.340 --> 00:13:59.639 We have to turn our hearts. 00:14:00.460 --> 00:14:01.460 Truly our hearts. 00:14:01.560 --> 00:14:03.160 My heart first and foremost. 00:14:04.280 --> 00:14:07.200 To Jesus' words in Matthew 5 is what I first think of. 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:10.780 Because my natural instinct is to hate back. 00:14:11.580 --> 00:14:15.240 My natural instinct is to turn my heart against people. 00:14:15.940 --> 00:14:18.960 My natural instinct is to turn away from them. 00:14:20.220 --> 00:14:21.220 To hide. 00:14:21.560 --> 00:14:22.379 To protect. 00:14:24.320 --> 00:14:26.700 But Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 5. 00:14:26.700 --> 00:14:27.980 You've heard it said. 00:14:28.440 --> 00:14:28.940 Love your neighbor. 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:30.420 And hate your enemy. 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:33.120 But I tell you love your enemies. 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:35.140 And pray for those who persecute you. 00:14:35.340 --> 00:14:37.360 That you may be children of your father in heaven. 00:14:37.960 --> 00:14:40.660 He causes his son to rise on the evil and the good. 00:14:40.740 --> 00:14:42.759 And sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:44.300 If you love those who love you. 00:14:44.500 --> 00:14:45.800 What reward will you get? 00:14:45.920 --> 00:14:48.100 Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:50.120 And if you greet only your own people. 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:51.740 What are you doing more than others? 00:14:51.840 --> 00:14:53.200 Do not even pagans do that? 00:14:53.420 --> 00:14:54.900 This reality that Jesus. 00:14:54.899 --> 00:14:56.399 This when we are his. 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:59.319 We have to take the whole of scripture seriously. 00:14:59.319 --> 00:15:02.279 We cannot just take this one little passage in John. 00:15:02.319 --> 00:15:04.679 Which we're trying to look through the whole book. 00:15:05.459 --> 00:15:07.840 But we have to take the whole of scripture seriously. 00:15:08.360 --> 00:15:12.159 In order that we might see that as we face pain. 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:13.360 Suffering. 00:15:14.039 --> 00:15:14.559 Persecution. 00:15:14.559 --> 00:15:18.179 We might know how to turn our hearts. 00:15:18.679 --> 00:15:19.719 Towards those. 00:15:20.239 --> 00:15:21.659 Who are far off from God. 00:15:23.759 --> 00:15:25.299 And then our hearts. 00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:26.739 Begin to melt. 00:15:26.899 --> 00:15:27.479 Because again. 00:15:27.979 --> 00:15:29.099 Former thems. 00:15:29.539 --> 00:15:30.959 Becoming Jesus's. 00:15:31.439 --> 00:15:32.539 Not us versus them. 00:15:32.579 --> 00:15:33.959 But former thems. 00:15:34.699 --> 00:15:36.199 Becoming God's people. 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:39.259 And so in this passage. 00:15:39.259 --> 00:15:41.879 We see that Jesus is preparing us. 00:15:42.300 --> 00:15:43.820 To face this reality. 00:15:43.820 --> 00:15:44.780 That there is. 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:46.120 Hate. 00:15:46.800 --> 00:15:48.220 There is persecution. 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:50.879 And so. 00:15:51.440 --> 00:15:52.480 When we see. 00:15:52.900 --> 00:15:53.340 Jesus. 00:15:53.540 --> 00:15:55.160 Having taken on all that hate. 00:15:55.460 --> 00:15:57.180 All of it ultimately leading to his. 00:15:57.420 --> 00:15:58.680 To his crucifixion. 00:15:58.740 --> 00:15:59.680 His death on the cross. 00:15:59.900 --> 00:16:00.980 We can look. 00:16:01.140 --> 00:16:01.680 Even now. 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:02.360 As God's people. 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:03.100 And understand. 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:04.639 That there is something bigger. 00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:05.680 Right. 00:16:06.840 --> 00:16:07.159 Right. 00:16:07.200 --> 00:16:08.399 There's something much more. 00:16:09.860 --> 00:16:10.259 Right. 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:11.800 We can remember these things. 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:12.300 That Jesus. 00:16:12.800 --> 00:16:13.420 Calls us. 00:16:13.639 --> 00:16:14.139 To himself. 00:16:14.259 --> 00:16:15.420 That we belong to him. 00:16:15.540 --> 00:16:16.500 In a way that. 00:16:17.019 --> 00:16:18.019 Is different than. 00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:19.820 The world talks about. 00:16:21.060 --> 00:16:22.040 Jesus calls us. 00:16:22.379 --> 00:16:22.620 Again. 00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:23.779 Like I mentioned earlier. 00:16:23.940 --> 00:16:24.740 In chapter 13. 00:16:24.920 --> 00:16:25.440 His children. 00:16:26.460 --> 00:16:27.740 We're called his friends. 00:16:28.080 --> 00:16:28.940 We have an intimate. 00:16:28.940 --> 00:16:30.060 And close. 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:30.980 Relationship. 00:16:31.060 --> 00:16:31.820 What beautiful. 00:16:32.080 --> 00:16:32.700 And comforting. 00:16:32.700 --> 00:16:33.379 Words. 00:16:33.940 --> 00:16:34.940 We get to cling to. 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:36.860 When we. 00:16:37.820 --> 00:16:38.180 Face. 00:16:38.700 --> 00:16:39.000 Hate. 00:16:39.300 --> 00:16:39.940 And persecution. 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:42.820 And so. 00:16:43.000 --> 00:16:43.280 I've. 00:16:43.340 --> 00:16:43.700 As I've. 00:16:43.879 --> 00:16:44.420 Read through. 00:16:44.900 --> 00:16:45.080 This. 00:16:45.180 --> 00:16:45.540 I've. 00:16:46.180 --> 00:16:46.960 Looked hard. 00:16:47.040 --> 00:16:47.560 To remember. 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:48.440 That he said. 00:16:48.500 --> 00:16:49.560 He's called us out of the world. 00:16:49.660 --> 00:16:49.800 So. 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:51.240 Is there something in scripture. 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:52.060 That reminds us. 00:16:52.140 --> 00:16:52.620 That this is. 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:53.300 Who we are. 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:54.820 That we belong to something more. 00:16:54.900 --> 00:16:55.440 Something bigger. 00:16:55.440 --> 00:16:57.120 And in Philippians chapter 3. 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:58.259 The apostle Paul. 00:16:58.680 --> 00:16:59.220 Reminds us. 00:16:59.320 --> 00:17:00.060 That our citizenship. 00:17:00.420 --> 00:17:00.879 Is not. 00:17:01.200 --> 00:17:01.980 Of this earth. 00:17:01.980 --> 00:17:02.960 But it is in heaven. 00:17:04.400 --> 00:17:04.839 And. 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.620 And what is. 00:17:05.920 --> 00:17:07.140 What struck me even more. 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:08.200 As I read this. 00:17:08.200 --> 00:17:08.579 Is that. 00:17:09.120 --> 00:17:09.839 Our identity. 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:10.960 We're his children. 00:17:11.079 --> 00:17:11.940 That we are his friends. 00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:12.940 That our citizenship. 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:13.880 Is elsewhere. 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:15.400 We can fix our eyes. 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:15.759 On something. 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:16.440 That is bigger. 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:16.460 That is bigger. 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:17.319 Than even the hurt. 00:17:17.420 --> 00:17:17.799 The pain. 00:17:17.920 --> 00:17:18.720 And the suffering. 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:19.460 And the persecution. 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:19.960 We face. 00:17:19.960 --> 00:17:21.019 Here on earth. 00:17:22.879 --> 00:17:23.859 Paul starts. 00:17:24.119 --> 00:17:25.039 This section. 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:26.160 Of Philippians chapter 3. 00:17:26.660 --> 00:17:27.240 For as often. 00:17:27.240 --> 00:17:28.160 As I told you before. 00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:29.299 And now tell you again. 00:17:29.299 --> 00:17:30.660 Even with tears. 00:17:31.220 --> 00:17:33.000 Many live as enemies. 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:34.079 Of the cross. 00:17:34.200 --> 00:17:34.720 Of Christ. 00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:36.640 Through tears. 00:17:36.920 --> 00:17:38.000 He mourns. 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:38.940 The brokenness. 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:39.980 He weeps. 00:17:40.140 --> 00:17:41.279 Over the enemies. 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:41.839 Of God. 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:45.379 They are. 00:17:45.379 --> 00:17:46.639 Far away. 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:48.139 From their savior. 00:17:50.459 --> 00:17:52.000 And so when we look. 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:52.759 At the places. 00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:53.819 That we have to go. 00:17:54.359 --> 00:17:55.240 Whether it's. 00:17:55.579 --> 00:17:57.319 In our jobs. 00:17:57.459 --> 00:17:58.259 In our neighborhoods. 00:17:58.459 --> 00:17:59.220 In our schools. 00:17:59.959 --> 00:18:01.099 Or whatever team you're on. 00:18:01.179 --> 00:18:02.859 Whatever you participate in. 00:18:04.779 --> 00:18:06.000 We can remember. 00:18:06.980 --> 00:18:08.679 That Christ goes with us. 00:18:09.579 --> 00:18:10.720 That our citizenship. 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:11.500 Is in heaven. 00:18:11.839 --> 00:18:13.799 That we belong to him. 00:18:14.500 --> 00:18:15.539 That we were called. 00:18:15.659 --> 00:18:16.639 Out of the world. 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:18.819 In order that we might. 00:18:18.919 --> 00:18:19.480 Belong to him. 00:18:19.639 --> 00:18:21.079 And as we go to those places. 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:22.980 We can walk through. 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:23.879 Suffering. 00:18:24.019 --> 00:18:24.799 Because Christ. 00:18:25.099 --> 00:18:25.579 Himself. 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:26.759 Went through suffering. 00:18:26.859 --> 00:18:27.319 And we can. 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:28.720 Share with him. 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:33.319 And so as we. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:34.939 Think on this. 00:18:35.059 --> 00:18:35.799 We have to remember. 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:36.659 Ultimately. 00:18:38.279 --> 00:18:39.500 That following Jesus. 00:18:39.699 --> 00:18:40.599 This idea of hatred. 00:18:40.599 --> 00:18:41.679 And persecution. 00:18:41.680 --> 00:18:43.480 That. 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:43.519 That. 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:45.220 Following Jesus. 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:47.340 Is a costly endeavor. 00:18:49.220 --> 00:18:51.019 It is a costly endeavor. 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:54.120 My own inclinations. 00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:56.460 My own inclinations. 00:18:56.460 --> 00:18:56.860 Are. 00:18:57.400 --> 00:18:57.940 To comfort. 00:18:59.400 --> 00:19:00.620 Whether it's. 00:19:01.160 --> 00:19:02.860 Certain TV shows. 00:19:03.640 --> 00:19:04.060 Certain. 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:05.559 Things that I like. 00:19:05.559 --> 00:19:06.559 I'm going to move. 00:19:06.559 --> 00:19:07.220 I'm going to move. 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:08.220 Towards comfort. 00:19:08.859 --> 00:19:10.319 To protect myself. 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:11.419 To make my life. 00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:12.000 Easier. 00:19:13.460 --> 00:19:14.339 And Jesus. 00:19:14.339 --> 00:19:15.159 Tells us. 00:19:15.579 --> 00:19:16.700 That this life. 00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:17.700 We have in him. 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:20.480 Will come with trouble. 00:19:21.019 --> 00:19:22.119 With pain. 00:19:22.440 --> 00:19:23.519 And with conflict. 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:27.319 In Matthew 16. 00:19:28.319 --> 00:19:29.339 Jesus tells his disciples. 00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:30.259 If anyone would come. 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:31.559 Anyone would come after me. 00:19:31.940 --> 00:19:33.379 Let him deny himself. 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:35.400 And take up his cross. 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:36.240 And follow me. 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:37.740 For whoever. 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:39.039 For whoever would save his life. 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:39.559 Will lose it. 00:19:39.639 --> 00:19:41.099 But whoever loses his life. 00:19:41.319 --> 00:19:42.240 For my sake. 00:19:42.359 --> 00:19:43.220 Will find it. 00:19:44.359 --> 00:19:45.240 In Jesus. 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:47.640 There is real life. 00:19:47.640 --> 00:19:48.880 That transcends. 00:19:48.880 --> 00:19:49.859 The hate. 00:19:50.359 --> 00:19:51.079 And persecution. 00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:52.319 That we experience. 00:19:52.559 --> 00:19:53.559 In this life. 00:19:55.519 --> 00:19:56.519 That Jesus. 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:57.559 Who goes with us. 00:19:57.620 --> 00:19:58.599 Is present with us. 00:19:59.259 --> 00:19:59.819 He. 00:20:00.579 --> 00:20:01.720 Cares enough. 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:02.859 To remind us. 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:04.079 There's something greater. 00:20:04.579 --> 00:20:06.079 Than just the world. 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:07.599 That we experience. 00:20:08.920 --> 00:20:10.140 And on top of that. 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:11.620 I love the verses here. 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:13.279 In John chapter 15. 00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:13.880 At the end. 00:20:13.880 --> 00:20:15.360 Of the section. 00:20:15.480 --> 00:20:15.840 It says. 00:20:16.280 --> 00:20:17.120 Verse 25. 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:17.960 But the word. 00:20:18.200 --> 00:20:18.700 That is written. 00:20:18.840 --> 00:20:19.400 In their law. 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:20.220 Must be fulfilled. 00:20:20.600 --> 00:20:21.440 They hated me. 00:20:21.700 --> 00:20:22.700 Without cause. 00:20:23.560 --> 00:20:24.260 Jesus is. 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:25.120 Reminding. 00:20:25.760 --> 00:20:26.360 The disciples. 00:20:26.680 --> 00:20:27.460 That this was. 00:20:27.660 --> 00:20:28.820 What was going to happen. 00:20:30.120 --> 00:20:30.800 And I know. 00:20:30.860 --> 00:20:31.240 It sounds like. 00:20:31.280 --> 00:20:32.120 A weird comfort. 00:20:32.120 --> 00:20:32.760 To us. 00:20:34.100 --> 00:20:34.540 That. 00:20:34.920 --> 00:20:35.520 Though they knew. 00:20:35.600 --> 00:20:36.500 Though God knew. 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.020 This would happen. 00:20:37.100 --> 00:20:38.020 This is to fulfill. 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:38.940 That they hated. 00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:39.460 Jesus. 00:20:39.580 --> 00:20:40.400 Without cause. 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:42.240 It's a reminder. 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:44.039 That Jesus. 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:45.299 And God's plan. 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:46.299 Cannot. 00:20:46.900 --> 00:20:47.579 Be thwarted. 00:20:48.819 --> 00:20:49.980 It's a reminder. 00:20:49.980 --> 00:20:50.900 That the. 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:52.000 The reality. 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:53.279 Of what Jesus experienced. 00:20:53.400 --> 00:20:54.099 Though he's hated. 00:20:54.460 --> 00:20:55.359 By the world. 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:57.180 That this came. 00:20:57.400 --> 00:20:58.120 To fruition. 00:20:59.259 --> 00:21:00.460 By God's plan. 00:21:01.460 --> 00:21:02.599 And that all. 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:03.900 The things that God. 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.980 Plans through his death. 00:21:05.319 --> 00:21:05.980 Jesus' death. 00:21:06.039 --> 00:21:06.680 And resurrection. 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:08.880 Cannot be. 00:21:08.880 --> 00:21:09.560 Thwarted. 00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:10.600 Changed. 00:21:11.320 --> 00:21:11.640 Or. 00:21:12.920 --> 00:21:13.360 Derailed. 00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:15.360 And so. 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:16.180 We will walk. 00:21:16.260 --> 00:21:16.940 Through this life. 00:21:17.060 --> 00:21:17.520 We will. 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:18.860 Experience. 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:21.420 Pain. 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:22.140 And persecution. 00:21:23.220 --> 00:21:23.800 And so. 00:21:23.880 --> 00:21:24.720 Jesus is preparing. 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.520 Us for that. 00:21:26.520 --> 00:21:26.960 And. 00:21:27.060 --> 00:21:27.600 And more than. 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:28.220 Just preparing. 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:28.800 Us for that. 00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:29.520 Pain and persecution. 00:21:29.840 --> 00:21:30.620 He's preparing. 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:31.540 Us for help. 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:32.200 After. 00:21:32.280 --> 00:21:32.520 After. 00:21:32.560 --> 00:21:33.340 After he goes on. 00:21:33.340 --> 00:21:34.160 About the reality. 00:21:34.160 --> 00:21:34.620 Of being. 00:21:34.920 --> 00:21:35.740 United to him. 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.180 And how. 00:21:36.540 --> 00:21:37.100 The realities. 00:21:37.100 --> 00:21:37.820 Of the hate. 00:21:37.819 --> 00:21:38.579 He experiences. 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:39.059 And the hate. 00:21:39.279 --> 00:21:40.259 That God's people. 00:21:40.419 --> 00:21:40.899 Will experience. 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:41.819 He goes on to say. 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:42.279 But. 00:21:43.519 --> 00:21:44.740 In verse 26. 00:21:44.879 --> 00:21:45.079 He says. 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:45.639 When the helper. 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:46.200 Comes. 00:21:46.559 --> 00:21:47.279 Whom I will send. 00:21:47.299 --> 00:21:47.539 To you. 00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:48.220 From the father. 00:21:48.460 --> 00:21:49.439 The spirit of truth. 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:50.039 Who proceeds. 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:50.579 From the father. 00:21:50.879 --> 00:21:51.779 He will bear witness. 00:21:51.839 --> 00:21:52.220 About me. 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:52.960 And you also. 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:53.700 Will bear witness. 00:21:54.019 --> 00:21:54.879 Because you have been. 00:21:54.879 --> 00:21:55.279 With me. 00:21:55.419 --> 00:21:56.000 From the beginning. 00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:57.559 Jesus is promising. 00:21:57.559 --> 00:21:57.960 Us. 00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:58.599 Help. 00:21:58.740 --> 00:21:59.339 From God. 00:21:59.399 --> 00:21:59.859 The father. 00:22:00.399 --> 00:22:01.599 And this is the third time. 00:22:01.639 --> 00:22:02.480 In the past few chapters. 00:22:02.480 --> 00:22:02.919 Of John. 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.679 That we hear. 00:22:03.679 --> 00:22:04.439 About the holy spirit. 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:04.960 That the help. 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:05.579 From the holy spirit. 00:22:05.579 --> 00:22:06.460 Is coming to us. 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.339 From Jesus. 00:22:07.339 --> 00:22:08.139 From the father. 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:09.419 And he will bear witness. 00:22:09.419 --> 00:22:09.959 About you. 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:10.759 And you will bear witness. 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:11.419 About Jesus. 00:22:12.679 --> 00:22:13.059 Right. 00:22:13.099 --> 00:22:13.839 In John 14. 00:22:13.839 --> 00:22:14.599 He talks about. 00:22:15.859 --> 00:22:16.919 How the advocate. 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:17.579 Another advocate. 00:22:17.579 --> 00:22:18.159 Will help you. 00:22:18.199 --> 00:22:19.059 And be with you forever. 00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:20.899 And then he said. 00:22:20.980 --> 00:22:21.439 Goes on to say. 00:22:21.559 --> 00:22:22.159 But the advocate. 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:22.799 The holy spirit. 00:22:22.859 --> 00:22:23.299 Whom the father. 00:22:23.299 --> 00:22:24.019 Will send in my name. 00:22:24.139 --> 00:22:24.899 Will teach you. 00:22:24.899 --> 00:22:25.699 All things. 00:22:25.819 --> 00:22:26.359 And remind you. 00:22:26.399 --> 00:22:26.879 Of everything. 00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:28.259 I have said to you. 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:31.740 This is the kind of help. 00:22:31.919 --> 00:22:32.419 That we need. 00:22:32.519 --> 00:22:33.559 We do not need help. 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:35.240 That we manufacture. 00:22:35.459 --> 00:22:36.579 And manifest ourself. 00:22:37.339 --> 00:22:38.859 As we face pain. 00:22:39.419 --> 00:22:40.039 And trial. 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:42.879 We do not need help. 00:22:42.879 --> 00:22:44.419 That a worldly. 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:45.759 Or human. 00:22:47.099 --> 00:22:47.539 Effort. 00:22:47.679 --> 00:22:48.339 Would build up. 00:22:48.399 --> 00:22:48.919 So that we can. 00:22:49.139 --> 00:22:49.240 Hey. 00:22:49.299 --> 00:22:50.259 We'll just muster up. 00:22:50.259 --> 00:22:50.919 Enough courage. 00:22:50.919 --> 00:22:51.819 And we'll fight back. 00:22:51.859 --> 00:22:52.599 And we'll figure it out. 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:54.159 And we'll win the battle. 00:22:54.359 --> 00:22:55.319 By ourselves. 00:22:56.599 --> 00:22:57.859 But this is a reminder. 00:22:57.859 --> 00:22:58.639 Of the kind of help. 00:22:58.720 --> 00:22:59.519 That we need. 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:01.559 In the midst of struggle. 00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.319 And pain. 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:03.700 And suffering. 00:23:05.779 --> 00:23:07.419 We need real power. 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:09.299 Not of human origin. 00:23:09.939 --> 00:23:11.240 Not of our ability. 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:13.220 But of God's gracious. 00:23:13.220 --> 00:23:14.599 And powerful work. 00:23:16.179 --> 00:23:17.319 We need help. 00:23:17.399 --> 00:23:20.019 That we could not make happen ourselves. 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:23.500 And I think of it like this often. 00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:27.160 That in the realm of God's care for his people. 00:23:27.400 --> 00:23:30.299 It's kind of like when reinforcements arrive. 00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:31.039 In a. 00:23:32.180 --> 00:23:33.139 Any kind of movie. 00:23:33.139 --> 00:23:36.039 As someone who was in college. 00:23:36.039 --> 00:23:38.039 When the two towers came out. 00:23:38.039 --> 00:23:38.519 You know. 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:40.059 When the Lord of the Rings movies. 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:41.279 Were all being made. 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:44.799 I can't help but think of the scene. 00:23:44.859 --> 00:23:45.539 In the two towers. 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.660 When the riders. 00:23:46.899 --> 00:23:48.139 Riders come over the mountain. 00:23:48.359 --> 00:23:50.279 To help in the battle. 00:23:50.379 --> 00:23:50.920 And I'm. 00:23:50.920 --> 00:23:52.000 I'm going to butcher it. 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:52.879 But I'm not going to. 00:23:52.879 --> 00:23:53.980 Try and describe it. 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:55.079 But there's this feeling. 00:23:55.200 --> 00:23:55.720 This sense. 00:23:56.059 --> 00:23:56.359 That's. 00:23:56.539 --> 00:23:58.899 That suddenly the tide can be turned. 00:23:59.899 --> 00:24:01.259 That there's something that. 00:24:01.879 --> 00:24:03.420 They couldn't do themselves. 00:24:03.420 --> 00:24:04.119 To defeat. 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:05.119 The enemy. 00:24:06.119 --> 00:24:06.879 Or perhaps. 00:24:06.879 --> 00:24:07.539 If you're more. 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:08.339 A little more modern. 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:08.740 Perhaps. 00:24:09.160 --> 00:24:09.740 In the Avengers. 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:11.259 When all the portals open up. 00:24:11.279 --> 00:24:11.759 I won't say. 00:24:11.859 --> 00:24:12.539 Try and spill. 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:12.960 You know. 00:24:13.240 --> 00:24:14.279 There's this reality. 00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:15.839 That suddenly. 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:17.579 There is power. 00:24:17.779 --> 00:24:18.339 There is help. 00:24:18.440 --> 00:24:19.139 That is coming. 00:24:20.960 --> 00:24:22.819 And what Jesus is promising. 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:24.160 For weak. 00:24:24.420 --> 00:24:25.039 And broken. 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:26.119 Sinners. 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:27.460 Who have turned themselves. 00:24:27.639 --> 00:24:28.440 Over to Jesus. 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:28.980 Whom Jesus. 00:24:29.139 --> 00:24:30.579 Has claimed as his own. 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:31.359 From this world. 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:33.579 He says. 00:24:33.779 --> 00:24:35.079 I will send to you help. 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:37.259 You will not be able. 00:24:37.339 --> 00:24:38.339 To do this on your own. 00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:41.599 God has given us himself. 00:24:41.599 --> 00:24:42.419 Through the power. 00:24:42.419 --> 00:24:43.679 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:24:43.679 --> 00:24:45.220 And he is with us. 00:24:46.159 --> 00:24:48.039 And so when we face these things. 00:24:48.099 --> 00:24:49.199 Jesus is preparing us. 00:24:49.199 --> 00:24:50.159 To remember. 00:24:50.159 --> 00:24:51.559 That we are not alone. 00:24:52.599 --> 00:24:54.659 That the spirit walks with us. 00:24:55.119 --> 00:24:56.459 And guides us. 00:24:56.459 --> 00:24:57.359 And leads us. 00:24:57.419 --> 00:24:58.579 And is present with us. 00:24:58.799 --> 00:25:00.279 As we walk with Jesus. 00:25:00.279 --> 00:25:00.420 Jesus. 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:03.960 And so when the helper comes. 00:25:04.399 --> 00:25:05.119 Whom I will send to you. 00:25:05.139 --> 00:25:05.619 From the father. 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:06.539 The spirit of truth. 00:25:06.660 --> 00:25:07.879 Who proceeds from the father. 00:25:08.039 --> 00:25:09.359 He will bear witness about me. 00:25:09.399 --> 00:25:09.879 And so we. 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:10.859 Will be able. 00:25:11.099 --> 00:25:12.440 To actually talk about Jesus. 00:25:12.440 --> 00:25:13.119 With power. 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:13.660 Not because. 00:25:13.899 --> 00:25:15.039 Of things that we are. 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:15.619 Are gifted. 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:16.639 Or able to do. 00:25:16.940 --> 00:25:17.980 My giftings are. 00:25:18.619 --> 00:25:19.019 Weak. 00:25:19.680 --> 00:25:20.599 And terrible. 00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:21.960 And light. 00:25:22.099 --> 00:25:22.639 In comparison. 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:23.859 To what God can do. 00:25:25.539 --> 00:25:26.700 And so we are able. 00:25:26.700 --> 00:25:27.700 To then bear witness. 00:25:27.859 --> 00:25:28.519 And tell others. 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:29.420 About this Jesus. 00:25:29.420 --> 00:25:30.960 Not because of our great power. 00:25:31.039 --> 00:25:32.140 But because of the great power. 00:25:32.320 --> 00:25:33.340 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:25:34.360 --> 00:25:35.420 Because the Holy Spirit. 00:25:35.460 --> 00:25:36.100 Who is at work. 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:36.800 In us. 00:25:37.140 --> 00:25:37.840 His people. 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:39.420 We will able. 00:25:39.580 --> 00:25:40.380 Be able to. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.240 Share. 00:25:41.720 --> 00:25:42.259 With others. 00:25:42.320 --> 00:25:43.340 About what God has done. 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.940 And so Jesus is. 00:25:47.900 --> 00:25:48.660 Reminding us. 00:25:48.820 --> 00:25:49.700 Preparing us. 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:50.500 For the. 00:25:50.820 --> 00:25:52.380 The reality of the world. 00:25:52.500 --> 00:25:53.160 We live in. 00:25:54.560 --> 00:25:55.740 Where he's hated. 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:57.180 Where. 00:25:57.180 --> 00:25:59.880 Those who are with him. 00:25:59.880 --> 00:26:00.480 Will be hated. 00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:01.960 And then he. 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:02.560 And then he tells us. 00:26:02.560 --> 00:26:03.340 That they will be hated. 00:26:03.660 --> 00:26:04.340 There'll be help. 00:26:04.340 --> 00:26:05.140 That comes. 00:26:05.900 --> 00:26:06.340 There'll be help. 00:26:06.380 --> 00:26:07.220 That comes to serve. 00:26:07.400 --> 00:26:08.279 And then he says. 00:26:08.340 --> 00:26:09.380 There's something else. 00:26:09.380 --> 00:26:10.820 I need to prepare you for. 00:26:11.560 --> 00:26:12.220 I have. 00:26:12.640 --> 00:26:13.580 Said these things to you. 00:26:13.660 --> 00:26:14.500 In chapter 16. 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:15.080 Verse 1. 00:26:16.220 --> 00:26:16.860 That you. 00:26:17.400 --> 00:26:18.140 Things to you. 00:26:18.340 --> 00:26:18.860 To keep you. 00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:19.640 From falling away. 00:26:19.840 --> 00:26:21.820 That God is preparing us. 00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:22.220 In order. 00:26:22.400 --> 00:26:23.500 That we might persevere. 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:23.579 Here. 00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:26.579 I have shared these things. 00:26:26.660 --> 00:26:27.380 As an encouragement. 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:28.539 To hold fast. 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:29.180 And remember. 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:30.640 And I want us to take. 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.119 Just a moment. 00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:32.700 This is a pretty serious. 00:26:33.119 --> 00:26:33.559 Passage. 00:26:33.599 --> 00:26:33.980 That we've. 00:26:34.440 --> 00:26:35.039 Tried to. 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:36.480 Understand. 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:37.200 And look at. 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.619 And the reality is. 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:38.900 That. 00:26:39.400 --> 00:26:40.359 He points us. 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:40.680 To. 00:26:41.059 --> 00:26:41.299 Two. 00:26:41.880 --> 00:26:42.279 Choices. 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:42.640 Two. 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:43.279 Two kind of. 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:44.619 Conflicting things. 00:26:44.839 --> 00:26:45.299 He says. 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:46.859 I have said all these things to you. 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:47.680 Keep you from falling away. 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:49.119 They will put you out of the synagogues. 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:49.400 Indeed. 00:26:49.680 --> 00:26:50.339 The hour is coming. 00:26:50.599 --> 00:26:51.960 When whoever kills you all. 00:26:51.960 --> 00:26:53.960 Will think he's offering service to God. 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:54.140 So. 00:26:54.340 --> 00:26:55.559 So there's this death. 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:58.920 Position against falling away. 00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:01.180 Death. 00:27:01.640 --> 00:27:02.299 Even death. 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:03.100 Harsh. 00:27:03.640 --> 00:27:03.980 Hard. 00:27:04.140 --> 00:27:04.579 Things. 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:08.220 Or falling away. 00:27:08.759 --> 00:27:08.980 Being. 00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:10.019 Being kicked out of the synagogue. 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:10.940 Being put to death. 00:27:10.940 --> 00:27:12.299 Or falling away. 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:15.319 And he is sharing these things. 00:27:15.420 --> 00:27:16.200 In order that we might. 00:27:16.819 --> 00:27:17.259 Persevere. 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:18.980 That we might remember. 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:20.240 Who we belong to. 00:27:20.240 --> 00:27:22.519 That it's not that we. 00:27:22.700 --> 00:27:24.380 Can hold tightly. 00:27:24.559 --> 00:27:25.859 And I'll make sure I don't do this. 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:26.599 But that we. 00:27:27.620 --> 00:27:28.059 Rely. 00:27:28.339 --> 00:27:28.740 On. 00:27:29.059 --> 00:27:30.620 The very God of the universe. 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:32.220 Jesus Christ. 00:27:32.299 --> 00:27:33.200 The one who came. 00:27:34.299 --> 00:27:35.799 To die in our stead. 00:27:36.660 --> 00:27:37.960 To die for our sins. 00:27:38.160 --> 00:27:39.120 That we might remember. 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:40.799 That all the things that he's done. 00:27:41.059 --> 00:27:42.359 And by the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:27:42.539 --> 00:27:44.059 We might be able to persevere. 00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:44.660 Even. 00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:47.420 What seems to be the worst thing. 00:27:49.120 --> 00:27:49.480 Death. 00:27:49.480 --> 00:27:49.559 Death. 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:50.720 Death. 00:27:51.920 --> 00:27:52.440 But. 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:53.480 Jesus. 00:27:54.920 --> 00:27:56.140 By telling us this. 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:56.460 Says. 00:27:56.640 --> 00:27:57.420 I've said these things. 00:27:57.460 --> 00:27:58.839 To keep you from falling away. 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:01.140 So that we might. 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:02.160 Cling to Jesus. 00:28:02.299 --> 00:28:03.039 There's something. 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.079 Greater. 00:28:04.380 --> 00:28:04.980 Or worse. 00:28:05.120 --> 00:28:05.799 Than death. 00:28:06.680 --> 00:28:07.620 And that is eternal. 00:28:07.880 --> 00:28:08.480 Separation. 00:28:08.660 --> 00:28:09.120 And broken. 00:28:09.680 --> 00:28:10.220 Relationship. 00:28:10.279 --> 00:28:11.420 With the very God. 00:28:11.480 --> 00:28:12.140 Of the universe. 00:28:14.440 --> 00:28:15.880 Jesus is calling us. 00:28:15.960 --> 00:28:16.539 To remember. 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:17.460 That. 00:28:17.460 --> 00:28:18.700 That our relationship. 00:28:18.700 --> 00:28:19.259 With God. 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:20.160 Is a promise. 00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:21.720 To eternal life. 00:28:22.340 --> 00:28:22.559 Jesus. 00:28:22.640 --> 00:28:23.299 Earlier in. 00:28:23.720 --> 00:28:24.700 This discourse. 00:28:24.920 --> 00:28:25.059 In. 00:28:25.460 --> 00:28:26.640 John chapter 13. 00:28:27.140 --> 00:28:28.019 Talks about being. 00:28:28.640 --> 00:28:29.140 The way. 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:29.420 Oh no. 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:29.640 Sorry. 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:30.980 Oh shoot. 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:33.220 12 or 13. 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:34.480 I'm going to blank on it right now. 00:28:34.579 --> 00:28:34.700 But. 00:28:35.099 --> 00:28:36.099 Earlier in the chapters. 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:36.480 John. 00:28:36.579 --> 00:28:37.660 John talks about how. 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:38.720 Jesus is the way. 00:28:38.819 --> 00:28:39.200 The truth. 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:39.880 And the life. 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:41.839 And so. 00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:43.079 We need to remember. 00:28:43.079 --> 00:28:44.099 That there is something. 00:28:44.299 --> 00:28:45.640 About being in relationship. 00:28:45.640 --> 00:28:46.140 With Jesus. 00:28:46.140 --> 00:28:46.940 That reminds us. 00:28:47.140 --> 00:28:48.420 That we belong to the way. 00:28:48.579 --> 00:28:49.140 The truth. 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:49.940 And the life. 00:28:49.940 --> 00:28:50.019 Life. 00:28:51.160 --> 00:28:51.580 And so. 00:28:51.640 --> 00:28:52.360 Because of that. 00:28:52.519 --> 00:28:53.100 We have something. 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:53.860 That transcends. 00:28:53.940 --> 00:28:54.720 Even the death. 00:28:54.779 --> 00:28:55.940 That Jesus is talking about here. 00:28:56.120 --> 00:28:56.980 Being put out of the synagogue. 00:28:57.140 --> 00:28:57.740 Being put to death. 00:28:58.100 --> 00:28:59.140 Jesus is trying. 00:28:59.220 --> 00:29:00.120 To remind us. 00:29:00.340 --> 00:29:00.920 That we are. 00:29:01.380 --> 00:29:02.140 Being prepared. 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:03.539 In order to persevere. 00:29:03.640 --> 00:29:04.700 Because there is something. 00:29:04.700 --> 00:29:05.460 Much more. 00:29:05.820 --> 00:29:06.200 Beautiful. 00:29:06.360 --> 00:29:06.840 Much more. 00:29:06.960 --> 00:29:07.440 Incredible. 00:29:07.860 --> 00:29:08.840 Than just life. 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:09.320 Here. 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:10.700 As we experience it. 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:13.820 That there is something. 00:29:14.039 --> 00:29:14.360 More. 00:29:14.980 --> 00:29:16.000 To this world. 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:18.980 And so. 00:29:19.039 --> 00:29:19.960 He is preparing us. 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:20.720 In order. 00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:22.140 That we might persevere. 00:29:22.420 --> 00:29:23.900 To cling to the very thing. 00:29:24.359 --> 00:29:25.900 That is more important. 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:26.579 Than even. 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:27.359 Life. 00:29:28.599 --> 00:29:29.440 And that is life. 00:29:29.440 --> 00:29:30.640 With God himself. 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:35.619 It is interesting. 00:29:35.779 --> 00:29:35.839 That. 00:29:35.920 --> 00:29:37.420 That will mention the prayer. 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:39.420 From Acts chapter 4. 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:40.019 This morning. 00:29:41.420 --> 00:29:42.640 Just as a reminder. 00:29:43.359 --> 00:29:43.819 Because. 00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:44.720 One of the things. 00:29:44.920 --> 00:29:45.160 That it is. 00:29:45.420 --> 00:29:45.900 Chapter 4. 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:46.140 Of. 00:29:46.920 --> 00:29:47.759 The book of Acts. 00:29:47.840 --> 00:29:48.700 The early church. 00:29:49.560 --> 00:29:50.840 One of my favorite passages. 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:51.720 In all of. 00:29:54.780 --> 00:29:55.860 All of the New Testament. 00:29:56.040 --> 00:29:56.280 Really. 00:29:56.480 --> 00:29:57.500 Is this passage. 00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:58.759 In chapter 4. 00:29:59.259 --> 00:29:59.700 And it is. 00:30:00.200 --> 00:30:00.700 The apostles. 00:30:00.880 --> 00:30:01.620 Peter and John. 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:02.280 And they are before. 00:30:02.660 --> 00:30:03.200 The leaders. 00:30:03.320 --> 00:30:03.860 And the council. 00:30:04.300 --> 00:30:04.580 And. 00:30:05.140 --> 00:30:05.920 They are annoyed. 00:30:05.920 --> 00:30:06.880 That Jesus is teaching. 00:30:07.100 --> 00:30:08.019 That Peter and John. 00:30:08.060 --> 00:30:08.920 Are teaching about Jesus. 00:30:09.560 --> 00:30:10.200 They are annoyed. 00:30:10.280 --> 00:30:10.700 That they are teaching. 00:30:10.820 --> 00:30:11.360 About the resurrection. 00:30:11.360 --> 00:30:12.040 Of the dead. 00:30:13.100 --> 00:30:13.500 And. 00:30:13.580 --> 00:30:14.340 And this is. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.620 Would be a fearful thing. 00:30:15.619 --> 00:30:16.259 This would be like. 00:30:16.259 --> 00:30:17.059 Being brought before. 00:30:17.059 --> 00:30:18.639 A government tribunal. 00:30:18.639 --> 00:30:19.259 Or something. 00:30:19.259 --> 00:30:19.539 Like. 00:30:19.939 --> 00:30:21.239 The religious leaders. 00:30:21.239 --> 00:30:21.859 Of our day. 00:30:21.859 --> 00:30:22.059 And. 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:22.379 And. 00:30:23.079 --> 00:30:24.179 And being confronted. 00:30:24.179 --> 00:30:24.919 About something. 00:30:26.799 --> 00:30:27.259 And. 00:30:27.479 --> 00:30:28.439 One of my favorite passage. 00:30:28.440 --> 00:30:29.720 One of my favorite lines. 00:30:29.720 --> 00:30:30.180 In all of. 00:30:31.920 --> 00:30:32.660 Scripture is. 00:30:32.900 --> 00:30:33.019 That. 00:30:33.660 --> 00:30:34.680 They charge them. 00:30:34.680 --> 00:30:35.519 Not to speak. 00:30:35.559 --> 00:30:36.640 Or teach at all. 00:30:36.720 --> 00:30:37.500 In the name of Jesus. 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:39.059 But Peter and John. 00:30:39.140 --> 00:30:39.779 Answered them. 00:30:40.160 --> 00:30:41.059 Whether it is right. 00:30:41.120 --> 00:30:42.140 In the sight of God. 00:30:42.259 --> 00:30:43.340 To listen to you. 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:44.840 Rather than to God. 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:45.660 You must judge. 00:30:45.720 --> 00:30:46.720 For we cannot. 00:30:47.180 --> 00:30:48.100 But speak. 00:30:48.160 --> 00:30:49.400 Of what we have seen. 00:30:49.480 --> 00:30:50.000 And heard. 00:30:51.680 --> 00:30:52.600 Acts chapter 4. 00:30:52.700 --> 00:30:53.539 Is this reminder. 00:30:53.539 --> 00:30:54.259 To us. 00:30:54.259 --> 00:30:55.279 And encouragement. 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:56.079 To us. 00:30:57.180 --> 00:30:58.299 That our. 00:30:58.940 --> 00:30:59.700 Job. 00:30:59.859 --> 00:31:00.559 Our life. 00:31:00.859 --> 00:31:02.359 Everything that we do. 00:31:02.599 --> 00:31:03.460 Is meant. 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:04.680 To speak. 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:05.559 To the truth. 00:31:05.819 --> 00:31:07.139 Of Jesus's life. 00:31:07.379 --> 00:31:07.700 Death. 00:31:07.859 --> 00:31:08.539 And resurrection. 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:09.980 Regardless. 00:31:10.359 --> 00:31:11.200 Of the cost. 00:31:12.500 --> 00:31:13.619 That we are. 00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:14.420 Called. 00:31:14.559 --> 00:31:15.180 To persevere. 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:15.819 In the midst. 00:31:15.819 --> 00:31:17.159 Of hard things. 00:31:17.160 --> 00:31:19.000 And again. 00:31:19.100 --> 00:31:19.640 I understand. 00:31:19.740 --> 00:31:20.040 And know. 00:31:20.220 --> 00:31:21.320 That living in. 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:22.519 Kind of an American. 00:31:23.180 --> 00:31:23.660 Culture. 00:31:24.640 --> 00:31:25.480 We look at. 00:31:25.640 --> 00:31:26.279 Persecution. 00:31:26.640 --> 00:31:27.120 Differently. 00:31:27.180 --> 00:31:27.840 We have a different. 00:31:27.840 --> 00:31:28.279 Perspective. 00:31:28.320 --> 00:31:28.920 We have a lot of. 00:31:29.080 --> 00:31:29.340 Great. 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:29.779 Wonderful. 00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:30.320 Beautiful. 00:31:30.820 --> 00:31:31.259 Freedoms. 00:31:31.380 --> 00:31:31.980 To enjoy. 00:31:33.120 --> 00:31:34.120 But it doesn't mean. 00:31:34.220 --> 00:31:34.980 We won't face. 00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:36.060 Hurt. 00:31:36.279 --> 00:31:36.900 And suffering. 00:31:37.560 --> 00:31:38.300 And persecution. 00:31:38.300 --> 00:31:39.019 As a result. 00:31:40.680 --> 00:31:41.340 But God. 00:31:41.420 --> 00:31:41.740 Wants us. 00:31:41.800 --> 00:31:42.500 To be prepared. 00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:43.380 For that moment. 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:44.820 When it happens. 00:31:45.600 --> 00:31:45.820 God. 00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:46.380 Desires. 00:31:46.540 --> 00:31:47.080 For us. 00:31:47.160 --> 00:31:47.900 To cling. 00:31:48.040 --> 00:31:48.500 To him. 00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:49.960 When it does. 00:31:51.160 --> 00:31:51.640 And I think. 00:31:51.720 --> 00:31:52.120 One of the things. 00:31:52.120 --> 00:31:53.120 That is incredible. 00:31:53.120 --> 00:31:54.160 About what God's doing. 00:31:54.220 --> 00:31:54.720 In this passage. 00:31:54.860 --> 00:31:55.259 Is he's. 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:56.019 Preparing us. 00:31:56.019 --> 00:31:56.600 To be ready. 00:31:56.700 --> 00:31:57.440 And he's preparing us. 00:31:57.440 --> 00:31:58.160 To hold fast. 00:31:58.200 --> 00:31:58.640 The Holy Spirit. 00:31:58.960 --> 00:31:59.540 And he's preparing. 00:31:59.540 --> 00:32:00.140 For us. 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:00.759 To know. 00:32:01.380 --> 00:32:02.240 But God. 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:03.040 Continues. 00:32:03.040 --> 00:32:03.440 To. 00:32:05.120 --> 00:32:05.960 To reveal. 00:32:06.100 --> 00:32:06.460 To us. 00:32:06.540 --> 00:32:06.800 Ways. 00:32:06.860 --> 00:32:08.120 That he's preparing us. 00:32:08.800 --> 00:32:09.660 In the midst. 00:32:09.660 --> 00:32:10.940 Of facing hard things. 00:32:14.040 --> 00:32:14.519 Jesus. 00:32:14.960 --> 00:32:15.759 Who was hated. 00:32:16.080 --> 00:32:17.040 And persecuted. 00:32:17.039 --> 00:32:18.139 And killed. 00:32:19.379 --> 00:32:20.720 He was not done. 00:32:20.839 --> 00:32:21.579 That wasn't done. 00:32:21.579 --> 00:32:22.159 For nothing. 00:32:24.379 --> 00:32:25.379 Like Jesus. 00:32:25.379 --> 00:32:27.480 Who took our sins. 00:32:27.480 --> 00:32:28.399 On the cross. 00:32:28.920 --> 00:32:29.980 His death. 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:31.259 Was not in vain. 00:32:32.379 --> 00:32:33.559 The hate. 00:32:34.220 --> 00:32:35.519 And the suffering. 00:32:35.519 --> 00:32:36.659 That he endured. 00:32:39.500 --> 00:32:40.839 Was not empty. 00:32:40.839 --> 00:32:43.019 See. 00:32:43.019 --> 00:32:43.939 The reminder. 00:32:43.939 --> 00:32:45.179 Is that we look. 00:32:45.179 --> 00:32:45.839 To Jesus. 00:32:45.839 --> 00:32:47.579 As the one. 00:32:47.799 --> 00:32:49.299 Who has defeated. 00:32:49.939 --> 00:32:50.419 Death. 00:32:51.019 --> 00:32:51.659 And then therefore. 00:32:51.659 --> 00:32:52.399 Since we. 00:32:52.559 --> 00:32:53.059 Who are in him. 00:32:53.379 --> 00:32:54.199 We get to know. 00:32:54.359 --> 00:32:55.039 That this promise. 00:32:55.039 --> 00:32:55.899 Of eternal life. 00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:56.740 Is ours. 00:32:56.740 --> 00:32:57.939 Because of what he's done. 00:32:58.000 --> 00:32:59.019 Because of his resurrection. 00:32:59.519 --> 00:32:59.759 We. 00:33:00.179 --> 00:33:01.199 Who walk in this life. 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:01.879 Know that Jesus. 00:33:01.879 --> 00:33:02.839 Is the first born. 00:33:02.839 --> 00:33:03.619 Of the resurrection. 00:33:04.059 --> 00:33:04.539 The first. 00:33:04.619 --> 00:33:05.059 First born. 00:33:05.119 --> 00:33:05.679 Among the dead. 00:33:05.779 --> 00:33:06.299 That Jesus. 00:33:06.939 --> 00:33:07.399 Rose. 00:33:07.400 --> 00:33:09.780 And so we know. 00:33:09.780 --> 00:33:11.120 That there is something more. 00:33:11.720 --> 00:33:12.660 Than just. 00:33:12.920 --> 00:33:13.580 The hurt. 00:33:13.759 --> 00:33:14.280 And the hate. 00:33:14.460 --> 00:33:15.120 And the persecution. 00:33:15.259 --> 00:33:16.140 That we might experience. 00:33:16.200 --> 00:33:16.800 In this life. 00:33:18.900 --> 00:33:19.840 And so Jesus. 00:33:20.019 --> 00:33:21.000 As we look to him. 00:33:21.060 --> 00:33:22.019 And his death. 00:33:22.040 --> 00:33:22.780 And his resurrection. 00:33:23.360 --> 00:33:23.560 This. 00:33:23.680 --> 00:33:24.220 This table. 00:33:24.340 --> 00:33:25.060 We're going to celebrate. 00:33:25.060 --> 00:33:26.120 From this table. 00:33:26.120 --> 00:33:27.380 That we look to. 00:33:28.480 --> 00:33:28.960 It's. 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:29.580 It's something. 00:33:29.580 --> 00:33:30.100 That God. 00:33:30.200 --> 00:33:30.759 Has prepared. 00:33:30.759 --> 00:33:31.620 For you. 00:33:31.880 --> 00:33:32.860 And for me. 00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:33.780 To look to. 00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:35.820 In order. 00:33:36.000 --> 00:33:36.420 That we. 00:33:36.420 --> 00:33:37.480 Who might face. 00:33:37.480 --> 00:33:38.240 Opposition. 00:33:38.740 --> 00:33:39.539 Discouragement. 00:33:40.000 --> 00:33:41.220 Real persecution. 00:33:42.460 --> 00:33:44.080 That we might. 00:33:44.320 --> 00:33:44.680 Cling. 00:33:45.180 --> 00:33:45.720 Tightly. 00:33:46.160 --> 00:33:47.019 To Jesus. 00:33:48.980 --> 00:33:50.420 That we might. 00:33:50.680 --> 00:33:51.120 Cling. 00:33:51.380 --> 00:33:52.100 In order. 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:52.720 That we might. 00:33:52.800 --> 00:33:53.700 Be encouraged. 00:33:54.600 --> 00:33:55.259 And see. 00:33:55.380 --> 00:33:55.820 That there is. 00:33:56.019 --> 00:33:56.420 Life. 00:33:56.640 --> 00:33:57.400 And nourishment. 00:33:59.620 --> 00:34:00.480 See. 00:34:00.580 --> 00:34:00.800 This. 00:34:01.080 --> 00:34:01.440 Sacrament. 00:34:01.580 --> 00:34:02.000 Isn't. 00:34:02.460 --> 00:34:02.820 Empty. 00:34:02.900 --> 00:34:03.640 Like I've said. 00:34:04.620 --> 00:34:05.080 It's. 00:34:05.300 --> 00:34:05.860 Something. 00:34:05.859 --> 00:34:07.619 That encourages. 00:34:07.979 --> 00:34:08.719 God's people. 00:34:09.279 --> 00:34:09.839 It's something. 00:34:09.839 --> 00:34:10.719 That's for you. 00:34:10.900 --> 00:34:11.500 And for me. 00:34:11.500 --> 00:34:12.279 As his people. 00:34:12.639 --> 00:34:13.559 And it's a wonderful. 00:34:13.719 --> 00:34:14.159 And beautiful. 00:34:14.400 --> 00:34:14.559 But. 00:34:15.039 --> 00:34:15.940 Even in the midst of that. 00:34:16.019 --> 00:34:17.079 A serious thing. 00:34:17.199 --> 00:34:17.659 That we. 00:34:18.279 --> 00:34:18.819 Look to. 00:34:19.880 --> 00:34:20.659 For our. 00:34:21.219 --> 00:34:21.579 Health. 00:34:22.019 --> 00:34:22.539 Spiritually. 00:34:22.599 --> 00:34:23.579 As we are encouraged. 00:34:23.659 --> 00:34:24.559 And walked in this life. 00:34:24.819 --> 00:34:25.480 And here's how. 00:34:25.599 --> 00:34:25.940 The way. 00:34:26.099 --> 00:34:27.159 It's kind of described. 00:34:27.159 --> 00:34:27.559 For us. 00:34:27.980 --> 00:34:28.659 And in our. 00:34:28.880 --> 00:34:29.679 Presbyterian language. 00:34:29.839 --> 00:34:29.920 We. 00:34:30.099 --> 00:34:30.819 We talk about. 00:34:30.920 --> 00:34:32.019 It's to be reserved. 00:34:32.239 --> 00:34:33.059 It's to be done. 00:34:33.119 --> 00:34:33.440 In remembrance. 00:34:33.440 --> 00:34:34.539 Remembrance of Christ. 00:34:35.039 --> 00:34:35.900 Showing his death. 00:34:35.940 --> 00:34:36.559 Till he comes again. 00:34:36.659 --> 00:34:36.780 But. 00:34:37.079 --> 00:34:38.200 Here's the encouragements. 00:34:38.400 --> 00:34:38.579 That. 00:34:39.099 --> 00:34:39.380 This. 00:34:39.619 --> 00:34:39.920 Table. 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:40.900 Does for us. 00:34:42.019 --> 00:34:42.380 It's. 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:43.420 A meal. 00:34:43.559 --> 00:34:44.200 To be observed. 00:34:44.340 --> 00:34:45.200 Remembrance of Christ. 00:34:45.280 --> 00:34:46.019 Until his death. 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:47.260 Showing his death. 00:34:47.300 --> 00:34:47.780 Until he comes again. 00:34:47.880 --> 00:34:48.200 But. 00:34:48.200 --> 00:34:49.460 It is more than that. 00:34:50.240 --> 00:34:50.760 Something. 00:34:50.980 --> 00:34:51.780 Actually happens. 00:34:51.780 --> 00:34:53.099 In this means of grace. 00:34:53.639 --> 00:34:54.440 It strengthens. 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:55.360 And encourages. 00:34:55.360 --> 00:34:56.159 His people. 00:34:56.480 --> 00:34:57.380 Against sin. 00:34:57.619 --> 00:34:58.179 And troubles. 00:34:58.860 --> 00:34:59.880 It moves us. 00:35:00.000 --> 00:35:00.720 To one another. 00:35:00.719 --> 00:35:03.039 Filling one another. 00:35:03.039 --> 00:35:03.639 With love. 00:35:03.699 --> 00:35:04.199 And zeal. 00:35:04.759 --> 00:35:06.299 It grows our faith. 00:35:06.559 --> 00:35:07.639 It encourages us. 00:35:07.779 --> 00:35:08.980 It strengthens us. 00:35:09.419 --> 00:35:10.480 It moves us. 00:35:10.480 --> 00:35:11.519 Towards holiness. 00:35:11.519 --> 00:35:12.500 And pursuit. 00:35:12.819 --> 00:35:14.299 Of what Jesus calls us to. 00:35:14.379 --> 00:35:14.980 It gives us. 00:35:14.980 --> 00:35:16.859 A piece of conscience. 00:35:17.579 --> 00:35:18.459 And a great hope. 00:35:18.579 --> 00:35:19.480 Of eternal life. 00:35:20.379 --> 00:35:21.179 This table. 00:35:21.359 --> 00:35:22.699 Is a picture of God's. 00:35:23.039 --> 00:35:23.639 Gracious. 00:35:24.159 --> 00:35:25.019 And surprising. 00:35:25.319 --> 00:35:25.819 Love. 00:35:26.459 --> 00:35:27.119 For his people. 00:35:28.159 --> 00:35:29.359 And so we draw near. 00:35:29.819 --> 00:35:30.480 To God. 00:35:30.719 --> 00:35:31.679 When we draw near. 00:35:31.759 --> 00:35:32.500 At this table. 00:35:33.439 --> 00:35:34.000 And it's a. 00:35:34.039 --> 00:35:35.019 It's a table of welcome. 00:35:35.119 --> 00:35:35.659 We've sung. 00:35:35.980 --> 00:35:36.339 Today. 00:35:36.839 --> 00:35:37.859 Come ye sinners. 00:35:38.359 --> 00:35:39.539 That could not be. 00:35:40.059 --> 00:35:40.439 More true. 00:35:40.500 --> 00:35:41.039 Of this table. 00:35:41.159 --> 00:35:41.959 Come ye sinners. 00:35:43.399 --> 00:35:44.279 But sinners. 00:35:44.439 --> 00:35:45.480 Saved by grace. 00:35:45.480 --> 00:35:45.819 Who have. 00:35:46.219 --> 00:35:47.339 Placed their faith. 00:35:47.500 --> 00:35:48.079 In Christ. 00:35:48.299 --> 00:35:49.179 It's a table. 00:35:49.179 --> 00:35:50.019 For believers. 00:35:50.739 --> 00:35:51.759 It's not a table. 00:35:52.019 --> 00:35:53.519 That belongs to Southwood. 00:35:53.619 --> 00:35:55.219 It's not our denominations table. 00:35:55.419 --> 00:35:56.879 It is the Lord's table. 00:35:56.980 --> 00:35:57.579 And so it is. 00:35:57.679 --> 00:35:58.779 For those who possess. 00:35:59.259 --> 00:35:59.899 True faith. 00:35:59.900 --> 00:36:00.420 In Christ. 00:36:00.500 --> 00:36:01.220 In our members. 00:36:01.619 --> 00:36:02.460 In good standing. 00:36:02.460 --> 00:36:04.039 At a gospel believing church. 00:36:04.559 --> 00:36:05.940 And whether you're a child. 00:36:05.940 --> 00:36:07.000 Who's professed faith. 00:36:07.119 --> 00:36:08.019 Or you're an adult. 00:36:08.240 --> 00:36:09.220 Who's professed faith. 00:36:09.300 --> 00:36:09.820 The word of God. 00:36:09.880 --> 00:36:11.420 Calls us to take this. 00:36:11.680 --> 00:36:12.900 Part very seriously. 00:36:13.680 --> 00:36:14.700 And we would ask. 00:36:14.860 --> 00:36:15.519 That you. 00:36:15.680 --> 00:36:16.340 If you've not yet. 00:36:16.340 --> 00:36:17.300 Placed faith in Christ. 00:36:17.300 --> 00:36:17.800 That you would. 00:36:17.800 --> 00:36:19.720 You would pass on. 00:36:19.840 --> 00:36:20.519 Taking the meal. 00:36:20.840 --> 00:36:21.660 Taking the elements. 00:36:21.820 --> 00:36:22.300 And meditate. 00:36:22.880 --> 00:36:23.600 And contemplate. 00:36:23.680 --> 00:36:25.320 The truth of who Jesus is. 00:36:25.539 --> 00:36:26.539 By his death. 00:36:26.620 --> 00:36:27.280 His resurrection. 00:36:27.700 --> 00:36:28.680 And his promise. 00:36:29.460 --> 00:36:30.960 To be here. 00:36:31.180 --> 00:36:32.200 Connected with our. 00:36:32.360 --> 00:36:32.980 His people. 00:36:34.580 --> 00:36:35.980 I want to remind you. 00:36:36.480 --> 00:36:36.980 That. 00:36:37.700 --> 00:36:38.060 Today. 00:36:38.160 --> 00:36:38.700 As we take. 00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:39.560 The Lord's Supper. 00:36:39.680 --> 00:36:41.120 There are gluten free options. 00:36:41.120 --> 00:36:42.000 Both in the back. 00:36:42.039 --> 00:36:42.519 And up here. 00:36:42.519 --> 00:36:45.300 And that the inner cups. 00:36:45.599 --> 00:36:46.400 Have wine. 00:36:46.480 --> 00:36:47.199 And the outer cups. 00:36:47.639 --> 00:36:48.219 Grape juice. 00:36:49.500 --> 00:36:50.659 Let's pray really quickly. 00:36:50.759 --> 00:36:51.860 As we continue to serve. 00:36:52.019 --> 00:36:52.900 To worship the Lord. 00:36:53.000 --> 00:36:53.480 Through the Supper. 00:36:54.119 --> 00:36:55.179 Lord may you use. 00:36:55.360 --> 00:36:56.559 These common elements. 00:36:57.500 --> 00:36:58.860 For their holy purpose. 00:36:59.320 --> 00:37:00.000 And may we see. 00:37:00.099 --> 00:37:00.820 A clear picture. 00:37:01.199 --> 00:37:02.460 Of our reliance on you. 00:37:02.539 --> 00:37:03.579 So that in our lives. 00:37:03.719 --> 00:37:04.739 That then in our lives. 00:37:05.300 --> 00:37:06.800 We may reflect you. 00:37:06.800 --> 00:37:07.599 And strengthen. 00:37:07.860 --> 00:37:08.579 Encourage us. 00:37:08.980 --> 00:37:09.539 Through this meal. 00:37:09.659 --> 00:37:11.320 So that we might go into a world. 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:12.900 As we experience. 00:37:13.019 --> 00:37:13.920 Hate and persecution. 00:37:14.780 --> 00:37:15.940 Lord would you be with us. 00:37:16.640 --> 00:37:17.900 And remind us. 00:37:18.200 --> 00:37:19.260 And help us to remember. 00:37:19.559 --> 00:37:20.960 Your provision for us. 00:37:22.420 --> 00:37:22.940 Amen. 00:37:24.460 --> 00:37:25.700 For more information. 00:37:26.100 --> 00:37:26.960 Visit us online. 00:37:27.140 --> 00:37:28.000 At southwood.org