WEBVTT 00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:03.459 Well, please have a seat and why don't we pray together. 00:00:06.839 --> 00:00:12.160 Father God, thank you for all the truths that we've already heard and sung about you this morning. 00:00:13.620 --> 00:00:17.120 And Father, now as we come to the absolute truth of your word. 00:00:18.059 --> 00:00:20.379 Father, we pray you would speak to us through it. 00:00:21.240 --> 00:00:23.640 You would challenge us, you would encourage us. 00:00:24.560 --> 00:00:26.080 Father, you would teach us. 00:00:26.660 --> 00:00:28.800 Father, you would train us in righteousness. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.820 And as a result, we might be stronger, more dynamic. 00:00:34.600 --> 00:00:37.899 Father, we might be more conformed to the image of your son, Jesus. 00:00:38.640 --> 00:00:40.560 In whose name we bring these prayers. 00:00:41.480 --> 00:00:41.780 Amen. 00:00:43.079 --> 00:00:45.460 So we're continuing in our series in Exodus. 00:00:45.640 --> 00:00:50.060 We did quite a lot of this straight after Christmas, where we looked at the great escape. 00:00:50.640 --> 00:00:56.299 Now I've got this little section of three, where we get from the Red Sea to Mount Sinai. 00:00:56.299 --> 00:00:59.539 I wonder if you could do me a favor. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:05.599 I wonder if you could think to yourself of maybe the first year you were at university. 00:01:06.719 --> 00:01:09.200 How it felt to be free. 00:01:09.920 --> 00:01:14.760 Or perhaps you moved out of your house for the first time that you left your parents' house. 00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:17.400 And you moved into a flat by yourself. 00:01:18.240 --> 00:01:19.260 How did it feel? 00:01:20.299 --> 00:01:21.740 What went through your mind? 00:01:21.840 --> 00:01:24.219 What opportunities arose? 00:01:24.219 --> 00:01:28.439 What did freedom feel like? 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:37.819 I was thinking this week that the newfound freedom of university is often a mixed blessing. 00:01:37.819 --> 00:01:52.119 For the fresh-faced fresher, transition from the comfort and safety of living at home to facing the big bad world is a precarious path fraught with danger. 00:01:52.120 --> 00:02:03.480 To escape parental boundaries and embark on a journey of boundless discovery is often a school of hard knocks. 00:02:04.680 --> 00:02:11.120 One soon realizes at university the hard way that freedom isn't easy. 00:02:12.620 --> 00:02:15.200 Freedom isn't easy. 00:02:15.199 --> 00:02:19.939 With greater freedom becomes great responsibility. 00:02:21.679 --> 00:02:25.179 These responsibilities at university include these things. 00:02:25.979 --> 00:02:26.659 Nutrition. 00:02:27.759 --> 00:02:29.099 You have to feed yourself. 00:02:32.599 --> 00:02:33.359 Hydration. 00:02:33.360 --> 00:02:36.040 You have to work out. 00:02:37.920 --> 00:02:41.880 And find your place in the drinking culture of university. 00:02:42.320 --> 00:02:42.840 Budgeting. 00:02:44.160 --> 00:02:49.520 Suddenly this endless vault of cash reserve called mum and dad is taken away. 00:02:50.640 --> 00:02:52.640 You have to think about housework. 00:02:53.220 --> 00:02:55.180 And whether you're going to do some or not. 00:02:55.860 --> 00:02:57.600 You have to think about laundry. 00:02:57.599 --> 00:03:04.639 And amidst all those new responsibilities, you also have to do some studying. 00:03:06.240 --> 00:03:11.120 My next door neighbour in halls at university was at university for four weeks. 00:03:12.079 --> 00:03:13.560 Then he got thrown out. 00:03:14.639 --> 00:03:17.060 It was quite a remarkable four weeks. 00:03:18.319 --> 00:03:21.939 He spent all his money in four weeks. 00:03:21.939 --> 00:03:27.599 He contracted glandular fever from womanising. 00:03:28.719 --> 00:03:31.939 He attended a total of one lecture and that was by mistake. 00:03:32.500 --> 00:03:36.079 He just happened to be in the computer lab where his lecture was happening. 00:03:36.919 --> 00:03:38.840 He completed no coursework. 00:03:39.759 --> 00:03:43.579 And he used up all three warnings for being drunk and disorderly in halls. 00:03:44.939 --> 00:03:48.000 For him, freedom wasn't easy. 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:55.080 The liberty that he found came with great danger. 00:03:55.919 --> 00:03:58.379 Freedom, you see, isn't easy. 00:03:58.560 --> 00:04:03.759 For God's people, Israel, freedom wasn't proving easy at all. 00:04:04.719 --> 00:04:06.759 They'd been liberated from Egypt. 00:04:06.920 --> 00:04:13.620 God had stretched out his mighty right hand and had freed them from under the crushing oppression of the Egyptians. 00:04:14.740 --> 00:04:16.000 He'd shown his power. 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:18.360 He'd got them safely through the Red Sea. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:21.480 Egypt was a thing of the past and now they were free. 00:04:22.939 --> 00:04:26.439 But freedom wasn't proving easy. 00:04:27.160 --> 00:04:31.699 They're on their way to Mount Sinai to receive the law and to worship God. 00:04:32.899 --> 00:04:36.759 But the journey, as you saw last week, wasn't proving very smooth. 00:04:37.699 --> 00:04:44.639 During their journey through the wilderness, God has been testing and teaching them important lessons about their newfound freedom. 00:04:44.639 --> 00:04:52.079 Lessons that will eventually land them safely in the promised land, land them safely on Canaan's side. 00:04:52.079 --> 00:05:05.979 You could almost say that Israel is sitting a module at the wilderness university where God is teaching them about freedom, where God is showing them the kind of people that they need to be. 00:05:05.980 --> 00:05:08.860 And they've had three lectures. 00:05:09.860 --> 00:05:13.300 Lecture one was crossing the Red Sea where God shows his power. 00:05:14.520 --> 00:05:24.060 Lecture two was what you looked at with Graham last week with Mara and manna, you know, when they couldn't feed themselves and they didn't have any drink and they just grumbled and complained. 00:05:24.060 --> 00:05:26.439 And they said, Moses, you're going to kill us. 00:05:26.500 --> 00:05:27.519 We don't trust you. 00:05:28.180 --> 00:05:35.360 But God shows his provision by showing, giving them water from the bitterness of Mara, providing quail and manna. 00:05:35.639 --> 00:05:39.060 And then the striking of the rock that poured forth fresh water. 00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:41.879 Lecture three is today they're in Rephidim. 00:05:42.180 --> 00:05:44.740 And God is going to show his protection. 00:05:44.740 --> 00:05:54.819 That all the time they're testing God and all the time God is coming through and showing that he is faithful and trustworthy, that he is for them. 00:05:55.199 --> 00:05:57.600 And they can stake their whole life upon him. 00:05:58.680 --> 00:06:01.840 But isn't it interesting about where this opposition comes from? 00:06:03.019 --> 00:06:05.460 In lecture one, the opposition was external. 00:06:05.639 --> 00:06:07.819 It was the Egyptians bearing down on there. 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:11.500 In lecture two, the opposition was internal. 00:06:11.639 --> 00:06:13.139 It was grumbling from within. 00:06:13.139 --> 00:06:23.979 And today we're going to see with the Amalekites that they're coming as external forces to test God's people. 00:06:24.699 --> 00:06:26.419 The pattern is everywhere. 00:06:26.659 --> 00:06:34.039 Internal forces and external forces threatening to break up the community of God's people. 00:06:34.219 --> 00:06:39.060 Testing and trying and showing what God's people are really made of. 00:06:39.979 --> 00:06:41.740 You see it in the early church. 00:06:41.740 --> 00:06:45.180 Internal forces, external forces. 00:06:46.439 --> 00:06:52.060 In Acts 4, Peter and John are put in prison and are told not to speak about Jesus anymore. 00:06:53.900 --> 00:06:55.920 In Acts 7, Stephen is stoned. 00:06:56.040 --> 00:06:58.180 Both of those are external opposition. 00:06:59.759 --> 00:07:01.220 Pressure coming from outside. 00:07:01.220 --> 00:07:08.340 But in Acts 5, you've got Ananias and Sapphira cheating the church. 00:07:09.380 --> 00:07:10.580 Opposition from inside. 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:17.040 In Acts 6, you've got the Greek widows, the Hellenistic widows thinking they're not being looked after. 00:07:17.740 --> 00:07:19.160 And there's opposition from inside. 00:07:19.420 --> 00:07:26.040 External forces, internal forces, testing and trying to see what God's people are really made of. 00:07:26.040 --> 00:07:30.980 Shaping them to see whether they're made of the right stuff. 00:07:30.980 --> 00:07:34.600 Exactly the same is true for our church. 00:07:35.360 --> 00:07:45.560 There'll be external forces where Brunsfield Evangelical Church or some of our members or you come into the crosshairs of a hostile world. 00:07:45.560 --> 00:07:51.560 There'll be external forces exerted on us which will prove what we're really made of. 00:07:51.560 --> 00:08:00.180 But there'll be internal forces rising up from within which will also reveal exactly what we're made of. 00:08:01.220 --> 00:08:09.259 Exactly whether the gospel is what joins us together, keeps us together and keeps us moving forward in God's will. 00:08:11.199 --> 00:08:12.579 But perhaps you're here this morning. 00:08:13.399 --> 00:08:14.220 Church is new. 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:17.220 What we believe is totally foreign to you. 00:08:17.279 --> 00:08:18.759 I just want you to think about two things. 00:08:18.759 --> 00:08:22.379 Number one, where do you turn when things are really tough? 00:08:23.060 --> 00:08:25.959 When the pressure is exerted in your life, where do you turn? 00:08:26.740 --> 00:08:31.560 And number two, I want you to see what a blessing it is to be part of God's people. 00:08:32.220 --> 00:08:33.179 What a blessing it is. 00:08:33.240 --> 00:08:34.840 Where do you go when pressure comes? 00:08:35.840 --> 00:08:39.960 Is it really a blessing to be part of God's people? 00:08:41.200 --> 00:08:42.980 So please grab a Bible near you. 00:08:43.659 --> 00:08:47.360 And we're going to look at Exodus 17 verses 8 to 16. 00:08:47.360 --> 00:08:52.360 And I want to show you three signs of a strong church. 00:08:52.440 --> 00:08:55.440 Three signs of a strong church. 00:08:57.340 --> 00:08:58.500 Moses writes this. 00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:03.180 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 00:09:04.340 --> 00:09:08.879 Moses said to Joshua, choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. 00:09:08.879 --> 00:09:13.179 Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands. 00:09:14.419 --> 00:09:17.379 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered. 00:09:18.080 --> 00:09:21.939 And Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 00:09:22.519 --> 00:09:25.820 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. 00:09:26.939 --> 00:09:29.980 But whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:36.080 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. 00:09:36.920 --> 00:09:40.420 Aaron and Hur held his hands up one on one side, one on the other. 00:09:41.159 --> 00:09:44.659 So that his hands remained steady till sunset. 00:09:45.620 --> 00:09:49.320 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 00:09:49.320 --> 00:09:56.640 Then the Lord said to Moses, write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it. 00:09:57.400 --> 00:10:01.840 Because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. 00:10:02.860 --> 00:10:05.879 Moses built an altar and called it the Lord is my banner. 00:10:07.140 --> 00:10:10.520 He said, because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord. 00:10:10.860 --> 00:10:16.560 The Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation. 00:10:16.559 --> 00:10:25.719 God's word to us this morning, this amazing incident where the Amalekites attacked God's people at Rephidim. 00:10:26.739 --> 00:10:29.519 I want us to see first that it was a sneak attack. 00:10:29.799 --> 00:10:31.099 It was a sneak attack. 00:10:31.639 --> 00:10:33.139 Israel has come to Rephidim. 00:10:33.239 --> 00:10:34.979 Rephidim means the resting place. 00:10:35.299 --> 00:10:37.459 But it's proved to be anything but restful. 00:10:38.079 --> 00:10:39.759 As they think they're going to die of thirst. 00:10:40.239 --> 00:10:42.279 And now the Amalekites come. 00:10:42.559 --> 00:10:45.619 Without any introduction or warning. 00:10:45.620 --> 00:10:50.779 The Amalekites attack them suddenly and sneakily. 00:10:51.620 --> 00:10:52.940 Now who are the Amalekites? 00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:54.060 They're not introduced here. 00:10:54.740 --> 00:10:57.080 The Amalekites are the descendants of Amalek. 00:10:57.279 --> 00:11:00.060 Who is the illegitimate grandson of Esau. 00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:03.679 Esau has sons. 00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:06.159 One of them is called Eliphaz. 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:09.899 Eliphaz has three wives and a concubine for good measure. 00:11:10.440 --> 00:11:14.220 And Eliphaz and Timnah the concubine have a son called Amalek. 00:11:14.220 --> 00:11:19.060 He is the illegitimate grandson of the unchosen twin brother Esau. 00:11:19.779 --> 00:11:22.320 And they hate God's people. 00:11:23.200 --> 00:11:25.680 They hate God's people. 00:11:26.660 --> 00:11:32.200 The Amalekites are going to be the arch nemeses of God's people throughout the rest of the Old Testament. 00:11:32.200 --> 00:11:39.660 They're going to be the very epitome of a people that hate God's people and want to see them destroyed. 00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:48.819 Time and again the Amalekites will come to try and extinguish and exterminate God's people. 00:11:49.419 --> 00:11:55.179 And the Amalekites are a nomadic, marauding, warrior nation. 00:11:55.839 --> 00:11:56.659 They are brutal. 00:11:56.799 --> 00:11:58.980 They would never sign up to the Geneva Convention. 00:11:59.500 --> 00:12:02.100 They are opportunistic and they are merciless. 00:12:02.600 --> 00:12:05.259 They enjoy skinning people and putting them on a pole. 00:12:05.600 --> 00:12:07.839 They are absolutely barbarous. 00:12:07.840 --> 00:12:18.240 They pray on the weak and they live on the plunder that they secure. 00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:20.519 Think the Vikings of yesteryear. 00:12:20.879 --> 00:12:23.160 Or think of ISIS and what they're doing in the Middle East. 00:12:23.300 --> 00:12:24.180 Utterly brutal. 00:12:26.180 --> 00:12:29.940 They maraud through huge swathes of territory and enslave. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:33.360 And terrorize everyone in their path. 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:37.700 So the battlefield of Rephidim is a total mismatch. 00:12:38.259 --> 00:12:43.759 You've got a warrior people, battle hardened, brutal and merciless. 00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:47.240 And they're coming against Israel. 00:12:47.940 --> 00:12:52.039 The whole body, men, women, children, young and old. 00:12:53.620 --> 00:12:56.360 They're in a kind of valley so there's no escape. 00:12:56.360 --> 00:13:01.940 The Amalekite fox is very much in the Israelite hen house. 00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:07.759 The Amalekites attack suddenly but also sneakily. 00:13:08.639 --> 00:13:12.879 We don't get much detail here but across in Deuteronomy 25, 00:13:14.740 --> 00:13:16.139 Moses writes this. 00:13:16.139 --> 00:13:39.539 Moses writes about that in Deuteronomy 25 and at first reading it's like the oddest bit of history in the weirdest place. 00:13:39.539 --> 00:13:49.759 The whole thing from Deuteronomy 23 to 15 to the end of 25 is all about the miscellaneous laws that God gave to Israel. 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:51.319 He says things like this. 00:13:51.379 --> 00:13:52.939 Don't be ashrined prostitutes. 00:13:53.480 --> 00:13:54.500 That's great news. 00:13:54.659 --> 00:13:56.039 That's great advice for everyone. 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:58.299 Don't charge interest. 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:03.860 You can eat grapes from your neighbor's vineyard but don't put them in a basket and take them home. 00:14:05.459 --> 00:14:08.179 Don't send husbands to war in the first year of marriage. 00:14:08.179 --> 00:14:11.379 Don't exploit the workers. 00:14:12.339 --> 00:14:16.239 Leave scraps or harvest time for the poor and the needy and the widows to glean. 00:14:16.679 --> 00:14:22.019 It's also where we get Leverite marriage where if your elder brother dies leaving a wife you have to marry her. 00:14:23.659 --> 00:14:28.500 I'm sure if you were an Israelite you would take great interest in who your brother was marrying particularly if he was a bit sickly. 00:14:30.859 --> 00:14:36.099 Seems like a really weird mishmash of different laws. 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:40.480 It seems like a drunk jaw where God puts everything that don't fit anywhere else. 00:14:40.560 --> 00:14:49.259 But I think when you boil them down all these laws are about harmony and community and unity in the people of Israel. 00:14:49.899 --> 00:14:51.019 Don't exploit. 00:14:51.800 --> 00:14:53.180 Don't charge interest. 00:14:53.379 --> 00:14:54.120 Don't steal. 00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:55.120 Don't lick mankind. 00:14:55.120 --> 00:14:55.159 Don't harm söz questions. 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:55.279 Don't般 Нет. 00:14:55.299 --> 00:14:55.919 Don't care. 00:14:56.039 --> 00:14:57.240 Taylor seems like a struggle for pizza. 00:14:57.779 --> 00:14:57.980 Don't servile. 00:14:57.980 --> 00:15:16.379 Don't charge interest. 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:18.820 And the infirm, those that were lagging behind. 00:15:19.860 --> 00:15:24.679 And they snuck up behind and they were utterly brutal to them while you were all marching on ahead. 00:15:26.059 --> 00:15:28.639 He says these laws I'm giving you are about unity. 00:15:29.059 --> 00:15:30.919 And the problem is when you're not united. 00:15:32.299 --> 00:15:35.740 It's the weak and the poor and the infirm and those that were lagging behind. 00:15:36.480 --> 00:15:39.039 That suffered the greatest consequence. 00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:46.419 Moses uses this event to remind them what happened when they weren't united but were scattered. 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:50.339 When they weren't looking after the weak and those that didn't fit in. 00:15:50.799 --> 00:15:55.879 They were the ones that got chopped down by the Amalekites. 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:59.480 And I think this is the same warning to us. 00:16:01.079 --> 00:16:04.779 That I think this event is saying to us that strong churches stick together. 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:08.939 Strong churches all stick together. 00:16:09.839 --> 00:16:14.539 That there's a real unity, a real concern, a real looking out for one another. 00:16:15.079 --> 00:16:19.000 It's not some marching on ahead, some lagging behind and some torn. 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:21.539 But it's one body moving together. 00:16:22.419 --> 00:16:25.819 Where everyone shows concern for everyone else. 00:16:27.579 --> 00:16:31.959 That Brunsfield Evangelical Church is to be on a road trip together, not a Centre Parcs holiday. 00:16:31.960 --> 00:16:35.120 In a road trip everyone travels. 00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:36.960 All at the same speed. 00:16:36.960 --> 00:16:38.259 All at the same time. 00:16:38.600 --> 00:16:39.860 To the same destination. 00:16:41.179 --> 00:16:43.899 At Centre Parcs everyone arrives and does their own little thing. 00:16:44.720 --> 00:16:45.820 Some people go climbing. 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:47.639 Some people go to Starbucks. 00:16:48.440 --> 00:16:50.500 Some people go to the swimming pool. 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:51.919 Everyone does their own little thing. 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:57.379 And the warning is from Exodus 17 is don't go your own. 00:16:57.599 --> 00:16:58.759 Don't go it on your own. 00:16:59.079 --> 00:16:59.740 Stay together. 00:17:00.740 --> 00:17:02.179 If you're strong look after the weak. 00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:03.539 If you're weak look to the strong. 00:17:03.659 --> 00:17:06.119 But together they're to go forward. 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:09.759 This isn't, church isn't Darwinian evolution. 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:12.700 It's not survival of the fittest. 00:17:12.759 --> 00:17:15.480 It's not the dog with the biggest teeth getting the biggest dinners. 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:19.360 It's everybody looking out for everyone else. 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:24.140 Moses reminds Israel that they're all in this together. 00:17:24.880 --> 00:17:27.360 Strong congregations stick together. 00:17:27.519 --> 00:17:30.579 United in one place as one people. 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:33.539 No one left behind like the Marines. 00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:38.019 So as we look at Brunsfield, are we a strong congregation? 00:17:38.940 --> 00:17:41.099 Are we in this together? 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:43.940 Are we in it for each other? 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:46.700 And not just what we can gain for ourselves. 00:17:47.820 --> 00:17:49.519 Do we take Colossians 3 seriously? 00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:50.900 Bear with one another. 00:17:51.620 --> 00:17:52.779 Forgive one another. 00:17:53.420 --> 00:17:55.840 If any of you has a grievance against someone. 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:58.140 Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 00:17:59.940 --> 00:18:01.080 Paul writes to the Ephesians. 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:04.660 Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. 00:18:04.920 --> 00:18:06.880 With all humility and gentleness. 00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:07.960 With patience. 00:18:08.380 --> 00:18:10.400 Bearing with one another in love. 00:18:10.400 --> 00:18:15.759 Eager to maintain the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. 00:18:16.900 --> 00:18:20.600 Are we committed to being a spiritual family? 00:18:21.160 --> 00:18:23.400 Or just a social gathering? 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:29.800 Is this more than just rubbing shoulders with those that are like us on a Sunday? 00:18:29.799 --> 00:18:33.700 Strong congregations all stick together. 00:18:34.700 --> 00:18:37.440 Are we okay with letting the weak fend for themselves? 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:40.500 Or are we going to be those that unite? 00:18:41.220 --> 00:18:43.559 Who pull together not along age. 00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:45.559 Rangers not along interest. 00:18:45.559 --> 00:18:46.559 Not along gender. 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:47.159 Not along gender. 00:18:47.839 --> 00:18:50.960 Not along those that are cool and those that are maybe less cool. 00:18:51.859 --> 00:18:55.180 But uniting together purely and simply because of the Lord Jesus. 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:59.320 Strong congregations stick together. 00:19:00.940 --> 00:19:06.759 1 Peter describes the adversary, the devil, prowling around like a lion looking for somebody to devour. 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:10.700 And we all remember Natural World with David Attenborough. 00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:15.620 Where you're on the savannah in Africa and the lions were around and the wildebeest. 00:19:15.880 --> 00:19:17.180 Who always got attacked? 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:21.820 It was the little limpy wildebeest who couldn't quite keep up with everyone else. 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.299 It's a real warning. 00:19:23.400 --> 00:19:24.440 That's the picture we get. 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:27.640 That strong congregation stick together. 00:19:30.620 --> 00:19:33.860 In a few minutes we'll be having church lunch together. 00:19:35.100 --> 00:19:37.440 And I wonder what the table arrangement will be. 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.960 I have fears about what it'll be. 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:41.860 Young people on one, dime on another. 00:19:42.380 --> 00:19:44.820 The slightly elder statesmen on another. 00:19:47.480 --> 00:19:51.480 And I wonder are we going to be challenged by this word and stick together. 00:19:51.640 --> 00:19:53.539 Maybe make some friends we haven't known before. 00:19:54.440 --> 00:19:58.720 Maybe invest in some relationships that are maybe drifting. 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:03.000 Because strong congregations stick together. 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:05.920 United as one. 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:11.380 Strong congregations all stick together. 00:20:11.380 --> 00:20:17.440 Prime opportunity in about half an hour to see if we can't make that happen. 00:20:18.820 --> 00:20:22.180 Second thing we see is a two-pronged strategy. 00:20:23.620 --> 00:20:27.000 Moses commissions Joshua as the commander of the ground offensive. 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:30.680 It's the first mention we get of Joshua in the Bible. 00:20:31.279 --> 00:20:35.359 Moses and Aaron and Hur go up to the top of the mountain. 00:20:36.619 --> 00:20:40.700 They'll overlook the battle and they take with them the staff of gods. 00:20:40.700 --> 00:20:40.799 Moses. 00:20:42.340 --> 00:20:44.039 It's a pretty simple narrative. 00:20:44.660 --> 00:20:46.200 It's like the grand old Duke of York. 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:48.259 When Moses' hands are up, they're up. 00:20:48.880 --> 00:20:51.340 And when they're down, they're losing. 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:54.819 Curious. 00:20:55.340 --> 00:20:57.140 It's a curious thing, isn't it? 00:20:57.160 --> 00:21:00.700 That a battle would be won by the posture that Moses adopts. 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:07.960 But the whole narrative is written to show who the real warrior in the passage is. 00:21:10.960 --> 00:21:13.600 The staff of God is the sign of God's power. 00:21:14.519 --> 00:21:18.759 It was the staff that was the symbol of God's power when he went to war with the Pharaoh. 00:21:19.120 --> 00:21:23.000 It was the staff of God that was held out over the Red Sea to get it to part. 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:26.700 It was the staff that struck the rock to pour forth water. 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:27.340 Water. 00:21:27.940 --> 00:21:32.860 Nothing in the narrative is mentioned about Joshua's strategy or his swordsmanship. 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:35.360 It's all about Moses' hands. 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:37.840 It's all about Moses' posture. 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:41.160 When his hands are raised, they win. 00:21:41.759 --> 00:21:44.680 When his hands are down, they start to lose ground. 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:48.259 Many people see Moses as praying. 00:21:49.360 --> 00:21:53.700 But I don't think Moses is ever mentioned praying in this piece. 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:57.240 I think it's all about Moses' posture. 00:21:58.319 --> 00:21:59.500 His hands up. 00:22:00.580 --> 00:22:01.640 His hands up. 00:22:02.319 --> 00:22:06.420 Surrendering and declaring his absolute dependence on God to win it for them. 00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:10.440 To put his hands in the air and say, 00:22:10.539 --> 00:22:12.980 God, if you don't turn up, Joshua's going to die. 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:14.640 All the people are going to die. 00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:18.299 We're going to be cut to shreds by this brutal Amalekite army. 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:27.720 Moses, as Israel's mediator, holds up his hands to show their absolute dependence on God. 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:34.419 Declaring their absolute weakness and asking for God's unstoppable strength. 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:38.940 Declaring their insufficiency that they might know God's ability. 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:42.899 What Moses is doing is he's staking it all on God. 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:46.139 Holding up his hands saying, fight for us. 00:22:46.839 --> 00:22:47.919 Win for us. 00:22:47.920 --> 00:22:53.920 Enable us to continue to be your people, not cut to shreds. 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:57.900 Strong congregations stake it all. 00:22:58.640 --> 00:23:00.940 In utter dependence upon God. 00:23:02.200 --> 00:23:03.620 Moses stakes it all. 00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:04.480 He gets tired. 00:23:04.620 --> 00:23:05.820 He needs help. 00:23:06.080 --> 00:23:07.279 But he stakes it all. 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:09.680 And God shows up and wins the day for them. 00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:11.759 A most unlikely victory. 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:15.039 The roles of Aaron and Hur are interesting. 00:23:15.039 --> 00:23:18.159 That they're up there to support Moses. 00:23:18.879 --> 00:23:23.680 They're up there to encourage him as he declares Israel's dependence on God. 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:27.220 Now you know that to be true in your own life. 00:23:28.440 --> 00:23:29.500 Trouble comes. 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:32.099 Illness comes. 00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:33.460 Unemployment comes. 00:23:33.879 --> 00:23:34.740 Tragedy comes. 00:23:34.740 --> 00:23:39.079 And you start off thinking, I'm going to depend on God for this. 00:23:40.180 --> 00:23:41.819 Going to depend on God's help for this. 00:23:41.839 --> 00:23:42.640 And you do it. 00:23:42.859 --> 00:23:43.980 But it's very tiring. 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:47.559 Because God can seem so far away. 00:23:47.940 --> 00:23:49.200 And like nothing's going to happen. 00:23:49.319 --> 00:23:52.500 And that's when we need to be Aaron and Hur to each other. 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:55.180 To support those dependent hands. 00:23:55.640 --> 00:23:58.319 And say, yes, you're right to be dependent on God in this. 00:23:58.660 --> 00:24:00.259 Yes, you're right to trust him. 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:01.759 Yes, he is powerful. 00:24:01.920 --> 00:24:03.019 He does care. 00:24:03.160 --> 00:24:04.640 And his timing is perfect. 00:24:04.640 --> 00:24:09.380 Strong congregation stake it all. 00:24:11.940 --> 00:24:13.680 God wins the day. 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:18.580 He overcomes the Amalekites by Moses through Joshua. 00:24:21.380 --> 00:24:22.660 They're involved. 00:24:23.540 --> 00:24:27.620 Up until this point, God has been fighting it all for them. 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:29.120 Israel has been very passive. 00:24:30.380 --> 00:24:31.520 The plagues were his. 00:24:31.620 --> 00:24:33.460 The parting of the Red Sea was his. 00:24:34.640 --> 00:24:35.920 This they're involved in. 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:40.160 That their salvation was completely dependent on God's power. 00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:41.660 But now their sanctification. 00:24:42.340 --> 00:24:45.440 Being changed into the people that God wants them to be. 00:24:45.560 --> 00:24:46.780 Involves their effort. 00:24:47.680 --> 00:24:48.900 Involves their submission. 00:24:50.100 --> 00:24:52.940 Involves them declaring their dependence on God. 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:57.800 A strong congregation stakes it all in utter dependence. 00:24:58.740 --> 00:25:00.900 In absolute reliance on God. 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:04.460 And as I look at my own prayer life. 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:08.079 Because prayer in this day is how we declare our dependence on God. 00:25:08.160 --> 00:25:09.120 God, we need you. 00:25:10.759 --> 00:25:13.039 God, we have no power of ourselves. 00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:16.579 God, we're weak and feeble and frail. 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:21.399 It's through our prayers that we declare our dependence on God. 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:23.039 And as I look at my own prayer life. 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:24.960 As I look at our corporate prayer life. 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:27.939 I worry about how much dependence we have on God. 00:25:29.220 --> 00:25:31.019 And how much we just act in arrogance. 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:33.339 Doing what we can do to the best of our abilities. 00:25:33.899 --> 00:25:36.259 Thinking that we have the answers to our own problems. 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:40.359 Do you know the prayer meeting on Wednesday was encouraging? 00:25:40.359 --> 00:25:43.459 We hit like 20 people. 00:25:43.619 --> 00:25:45.859 Which is pretty unusual these days. 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:50.559 But as we look at a congregation of over 100. 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:52.439 How dependent are we on the Lord? 00:25:53.319 --> 00:25:54.559 So look at my own prayer life. 00:25:54.619 --> 00:25:56.179 How dependent am I on the Lord? 00:25:57.359 --> 00:25:59.059 Saying God, would you use me today? 00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:01.359 God, would you help me today? 00:26:01.459 --> 00:26:02.879 God, would you strengthen me today? 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:06.199 God, would you provide all that I need today? 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:09.600 Or do we think that we've got it covered? 00:26:11.180 --> 00:26:13.420 We've got the ability and all the answers we need. 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:14.620 Jesus is very clear. 00:26:15.840 --> 00:26:16.799 Apart from me. 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.700 He can do nothing. 00:26:18.819 --> 00:26:19.700 And yet we all try. 00:26:21.640 --> 00:26:23.200 Is the posture of our life. 00:26:23.279 --> 00:26:24.480 Is the posture of my life. 00:26:24.559 --> 00:26:25.819 Is the posture of your life. 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:28.900 One of dependence on the Lord. 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:31.559 Strong congregation stake it all. 00:26:33.140 --> 00:26:34.640 Lastly, as we finish. 00:26:34.640 --> 00:26:36.759 A glorious banner. 00:26:38.300 --> 00:26:40.080 Verses 14 and onwards. 00:26:41.180 --> 00:26:43.060 God says to Moses, write it down. 00:26:43.140 --> 00:26:44.620 This is the first time in the Bible. 00:26:44.800 --> 00:26:47.120 That God tells anyone to write something down. 00:26:48.300 --> 00:26:49.100 Write it down. 00:26:50.880 --> 00:26:52.480 Make sure Joshua hears. 00:26:53.800 --> 00:26:55.400 Make sure Joshua understands. 00:26:55.520 --> 00:26:56.780 Make sure Joshua is reminded. 00:26:57.200 --> 00:26:58.160 Well you look at the narrative. 00:26:58.300 --> 00:26:59.680 And you think if anyone's going to remember. 00:26:59.759 --> 00:27:00.500 It's going to be Joshua. 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:00.619 Joshua. 00:27:02.380 --> 00:27:03.680 But yet it's so important. 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:06.140 Because Joshua is going to be Moses' successor. 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:07.759 He's going to fight a lot of wars. 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:10.319 And it's going to be so important. 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:12.460 That he learns this lesson early. 00:27:13.279 --> 00:27:15.819 That it won't be Israel's strength. 00:27:16.140 --> 00:27:17.839 It won't be his military strategy. 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:18.960 But it will be the truth. 00:27:19.019 --> 00:27:20.720 That God fights for them. 00:27:21.180 --> 00:27:22.460 Make sure Joshua hears. 00:27:22.880 --> 00:27:24.740 Drum it into Joshua's head. 00:27:25.140 --> 00:27:26.960 That God is the warrior of Israel. 00:27:26.960 --> 00:27:28.279 Who will win the day. 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:31.519 And then they build an altar. 00:27:34.319 --> 00:27:35.359 And they call it. 00:27:35.399 --> 00:27:36.759 The Lord is my banner. 00:27:37.539 --> 00:27:39.039 The Lord is my banner. 00:27:39.879 --> 00:27:41.940 This is a military symbol. 00:27:42.619 --> 00:27:44.899 That your banner is where you rally to. 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:46.399 It's the symbol of your army. 00:27:46.680 --> 00:27:48.759 It carries the insignia of the king. 00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:50.000 If you're an envoy. 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:51.559 Going through dangerous territory. 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:52.660 You fly the banner. 00:27:53.039 --> 00:27:54.299 So that anyone attacks you. 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:56.019 Know that they're not just attacking you. 00:27:56.019 --> 00:27:58.799 But they're declaring war on the king. 00:27:59.119 --> 00:28:00.519 Whose banner you're holding. 00:28:01.259 --> 00:28:02.720 It's a symbol of security. 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:03.420 And might. 00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:04.160 And power. 00:28:04.579 --> 00:28:06.259 As it majestically flutters. 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:07.279 In the wind. 00:28:09.039 --> 00:28:10.519 And this is exactly. 00:28:11.019 --> 00:28:11.799 What God is. 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:14.119 What Moses is declaring about God. 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:15.460 That God is my banner. 00:28:16.519 --> 00:28:17.920 He's the one who protects. 00:28:18.139 --> 00:28:19.200 The one who fights. 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:20.500 The one who wins. 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:22.579 The one who's with us. 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:23.400 And for us. 00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:24.920 And will ensure that no one. 00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:26.700 Comes against us. 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:29.960 It is the sign of a king. 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:31.440 Who fights for his people. 00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:35.380 The sign that God is on their side. 00:28:35.579 --> 00:28:36.599 He is their champion. 00:28:37.140 --> 00:28:38.279 Who will win the day. 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:40.819 As we go forward to. 00:28:40.940 --> 00:28:42.480 Isaiah 11 verse 10. 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.319 We read this. 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:45.000 Of another banner. 00:28:45.200 --> 00:28:45.960 In that day. 00:28:46.400 --> 00:28:47.380 The root of Jesse. 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:48.799 Will stand as a banner. 00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:49.619 For the peoples. 00:28:49.619 --> 00:28:51.959 The nations will rally to him. 00:28:52.059 --> 00:28:53.079 And his resting place. 00:28:53.219 --> 00:28:53.859 Will be glorious. 00:28:54.619 --> 00:28:55.899 He will raise a banner. 00:28:56.219 --> 00:28:58.359 And gather the exiles of Israel. 00:28:58.699 --> 00:28:59.439 He will assemble. 00:28:59.559 --> 00:29:00.979 The scattered people of Judah. 00:29:00.979 --> 00:29:02.299 From the four corners. 00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:03.799 Of the earth. 00:29:05.599 --> 00:29:06.119 Here. 00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:08.019 After God wins. 00:29:08.119 --> 00:29:08.719 Moses says. 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:09.899 The Lord is my banner. 00:29:10.459 --> 00:29:11.719 But Isaiah says. 00:29:11.899 --> 00:29:12.659 In the future. 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:14.599 A banner will be placed. 00:29:15.879 --> 00:29:17.979 That will be the ultimate protection. 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:19.819 For you. 00:29:19.819 --> 00:29:19.839 For you. 00:29:19.940 --> 00:29:20.599 God's people. 00:29:21.319 --> 00:29:23.279 It will be the ultimate declaration. 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:24.420 That God has won. 00:29:24.860 --> 00:29:25.720 For us. 00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:29.200 And that banner still flutters. 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:31.559 That banner that was placed in the ground. 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:33.640 As the Lord Jesus dies. 00:29:34.480 --> 00:29:35.380 Conquering sin. 00:29:35.579 --> 00:29:36.700 Conquering death. 00:29:37.140 --> 00:29:38.019 Conquering Satan. 00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:39.660 Conquering those adversaries. 00:29:39.660 --> 00:29:41.360 And Jesus won. 00:29:41.360 --> 00:29:41.800 For us. 00:29:41.800 --> 00:29:42.320 For us. 00:29:43.320 --> 00:29:46.380 And that banner still flutters in the wind today. 00:29:46.519 --> 00:29:47.940 And it welcomes everyone. 00:29:48.940 --> 00:29:50.200 Who will look at it in faith. 00:29:50.240 --> 00:29:51.640 Saying yes Jesus you won. 00:29:52.940 --> 00:29:54.980 Who will look at that banner still fluttering. 00:29:55.460 --> 00:29:57.220 And rally to it for protection. 00:29:57.620 --> 00:29:58.480 And power. 00:29:58.920 --> 00:29:59.620 And victory. 00:30:00.080 --> 00:30:00.940 And life. 00:30:00.940 --> 00:30:05.380 The Lord himself raised a banner. 00:30:05.519 --> 00:30:06.700 An eternal banner. 00:30:06.700 --> 00:30:08.480 Of glorious victory. 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:09.720 Protection and power. 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:11.680 On a hill outside Jerusalem. 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:14.299 Where the Lord Jesus fought for each one of us. 00:30:15.900 --> 00:30:19.279 Will we remain under that banner? 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:21.480 Will we come under that banner? 00:30:21.580 --> 00:30:24.160 Will we stay in the shadow of that banner? 00:30:24.279 --> 00:30:27.160 Will we welcome the Lord Jesus. 00:30:27.160 --> 00:30:29.420 As our captain of salvation. 00:30:29.620 --> 00:30:31.740 Our commander of salvation. 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:32.980 And we'll stick with him. 00:30:34.180 --> 00:30:36.240 Knowing that he protects us. 00:30:36.640 --> 00:30:38.600 He's one for us. 00:30:40.519 --> 00:30:41.800 Will you come today? 00:30:43.400 --> 00:30:44.840 Say be my banner. 00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:46.920 Be my protection. 00:30:47.100 --> 00:30:47.980 Be my life. 00:30:48.660 --> 00:30:49.440 Be my hope. 00:30:50.860 --> 00:30:53.040 Strong congregation sticking with Jesus. 00:30:54.660 --> 00:30:55.980 The rallying point. 00:30:55.980 --> 00:30:57.940 That we're constantly going back to. 00:30:59.059 --> 00:31:00.480 Saying Jesus you won. 00:31:00.880 --> 00:31:01.380 For me. 00:31:01.480 --> 00:31:01.940 You won. 00:31:02.420 --> 00:31:03.420 For us. 00:31:05.940 --> 00:31:07.759 Rallying to the cross of Jesus. 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:09.960 Our ultimate. 00:31:10.819 --> 00:31:11.220 Life. 00:31:12.180 --> 00:31:13.240 And our eternal banner. 00:31:13.380 --> 00:31:14.460 Trusting in the victory. 00:31:15.099 --> 00:31:16.799 Reliant on his grace. 00:31:17.819 --> 00:31:18.680 This week. 00:31:19.140 --> 00:31:20.480 As we walk around Edinburgh. 00:31:20.620 --> 00:31:21.740 We'll see a lot of adverts. 00:31:22.400 --> 00:31:23.240 Adverts everywhere. 00:31:23.940 --> 00:31:24.839 Every bus stop. 00:31:25.160 --> 00:31:25.960 Every shop. 00:31:26.640 --> 00:31:28.460 Every time you see an advert this week. 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:29.120 I just want you to say. 00:31:29.200 --> 00:31:30.160 The Lord is my banner. 00:31:30.980 --> 00:31:32.259 The Lord is my banner. 00:31:32.339 --> 00:31:33.539 He's the one protecting me. 00:31:33.700 --> 00:31:34.799 The one helping me. 00:31:34.880 --> 00:31:35.799 The one guiding me. 00:31:36.160 --> 00:31:37.420 The one who's one for me. 00:31:37.519 --> 00:31:39.000 Strong churches stick with Jesus. 00:31:40.420 --> 00:31:41.500 Stay with Jesus. 00:31:41.620 --> 00:31:42.819 Here's the three things we've learned. 00:31:45.140 --> 00:31:46.620 Strong churches stay together. 00:31:47.099 --> 00:31:47.960 It's a real unity. 00:31:48.360 --> 00:31:49.220 A real concern. 00:31:49.819 --> 00:31:51.059 A real care for each other. 00:31:51.059 --> 00:31:53.019 Strong churches. 00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:53.079 Strong churches. 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:53.799 Stake it all. 00:31:53.919 --> 00:31:55.419 Utterly dependent on God. 00:31:56.279 --> 00:31:58.259 Knowing that we have no ability. 00:31:58.259 --> 00:31:59.480 But God is able. 00:32:00.480 --> 00:32:02.200 Knowing that we have no power. 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:03.440 But all power is his. 00:32:04.579 --> 00:32:05.460 And strong churches. 00:32:05.599 --> 00:32:06.740 Stick in with Jesus. 00:32:07.539 --> 00:32:08.919 It's like spelling mistake in that one. 00:32:10.079 --> 00:32:10.879 Strong churches. 00:32:10.879 --> 00:32:11.379 Stick. 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:12.399 In. 00:32:12.619 --> 00:32:13.259 With Jesus. 00:32:14.000 --> 00:32:14.700 Let me pray. 00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:18.880 Father God. 00:32:18.920 --> 00:32:20.840 We long not to just be playing at this. 00:32:21.840 --> 00:32:23.420 We don't want to be a social gathering. 00:32:24.539 --> 00:32:24.980 Father. 00:32:25.039 --> 00:32:26.420 We don't want to turn up on a Sunday. 00:32:26.420 --> 00:32:27.000 To be. 00:32:28.340 --> 00:32:29.019 Entertained. 00:32:30.180 --> 00:32:32.100 We don't want to be a disparate people. 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:33.120 Who gather for. 00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:34.580 Just a short time. 00:32:34.920 --> 00:32:36.059 At the end of our week. 00:32:38.180 --> 00:32:38.620 Father. 00:32:38.700 --> 00:32:39.960 We want to be your people. 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:43.200 Who know what it is to be united. 00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:44.259 In your gospel. 00:32:45.640 --> 00:32:46.080 United. 00:32:46.299 --> 00:32:46.960 Not around. 00:32:47.360 --> 00:32:47.799 Age. 00:32:47.920 --> 00:32:48.720 Or stage. 00:32:48.860 --> 00:32:49.559 Or gender. 00:32:49.819 --> 00:32:50.700 Or interest. 00:32:51.259 --> 00:32:52.140 But united. 00:32:52.960 --> 00:32:53.400 Purely. 00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:54.580 At the cross of your son. 00:32:56.200 --> 00:32:56.600 Father. 00:32:56.680 --> 00:32:58.220 We want to be dependent on you. 00:32:59.480 --> 00:32:59.920 Father. 00:32:59.980 --> 00:33:01.259 We really want to understand. 00:33:01.380 --> 00:33:02.160 That apart from you. 00:33:02.200 --> 00:33:03.120 We can do nothing. 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:05.140 So Lord. 00:33:05.180 --> 00:33:06.420 We'd stop going it alone. 00:33:07.700 --> 00:33:09.720 We'd stop trying to work it out ourselves. 00:33:11.440 --> 00:33:12.559 But we would lean. 00:33:12.660 --> 00:33:13.980 All of our lives upon you. 00:33:13.980 --> 00:33:14.839 Stake it all. 00:33:16.200 --> 00:33:17.339 On your ability. 00:33:17.500 --> 00:33:18.259 And your power. 00:33:18.779 --> 00:33:19.039 Father. 00:33:19.039 --> 00:33:20.140 That you would be involved. 00:33:20.259 --> 00:33:21.759 In every area of our lives. 00:33:22.500 --> 00:33:22.940 Individually. 00:33:23.079 --> 00:33:23.940 And as a church. 00:33:25.140 --> 00:33:25.759 And Father. 00:33:25.759 --> 00:33:27.360 That we would stick in with your son. 00:33:28.640 --> 00:33:29.920 He would be our life. 00:33:30.460 --> 00:33:31.660 He would be our hope. 00:33:32.039 --> 00:33:33.059 He would be our guide. 00:33:33.140 --> 00:33:33.799 Our protection. 00:33:34.740 --> 00:33:35.079 Father. 00:33:35.160 --> 00:33:36.460 He would be our all in all. 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:37.920 And Father. 00:33:37.920 --> 00:33:39.079 As he's lifted high. 00:33:39.200 --> 00:33:39.880 As our banner. 00:33:40.660 --> 00:33:40.940 Lord. 00:33:41.000 --> 00:33:41.740 Would he draw. 00:33:42.200 --> 00:33:43.460 Everyone to himself. 00:33:44.600 --> 00:33:44.880 Father. 00:33:44.980 --> 00:33:46.300 Thank you so much for your son. 00:33:47.060 --> 00:33:48.080 He unites us. 00:33:48.520 --> 00:33:49.780 Who equips us. 00:33:50.640 --> 00:33:51.980 Who won for us. 00:33:52.800 --> 00:33:53.120 Father. 00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:53.620 Bless us. 00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:54.020 We pray. 00:33:54.140 --> 00:33:54.760 In Jesus name. 00:33:55.360 --> 00:33:55.620 Amen. 00:33:55.620 --> 00:33:55.720 Amen. 00:33:55.720 --> 00:33:55.740 Amen. 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:55.820 Amen. 00:33:55.820 --> 00:33:56.120 Amen. 00:33:56.120 --> 00:33:57.820 Amen. 00:33:57.820 --> 00:33:58.720 Amen. 00:33:58.720 --> 00:33:59.720 Amen. 00:33:59.720 --> 00:33:59.820 Amen. 00:33:59.820 --> 00:33:59.860 Amen. 00:33:59.860 --> 00:34:01.780 Amen. 00:34:01.780 --> 00:34:02.000 Amen. 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:04.060 Amen. 00:34:04.060 --> 00:34:05.820 Amen. 00:34:05.820 --> 00:34:05.880 Amen. 00:34:05.880 --> 00:34:05.900 Amen. 00:34:05.900 --> 00:34:06.880 Amen. 00:34:06.880 --> 00:34:07.060 Amen. 00:34:07.060 --> 00:34:07.700 Amen. 00:34:07.700 --> 00:34:07.880 Amen. 00:34:07.880 --> 00:34:08.019 Amen. 00:34:08.019 --> 00:34:09.860 Amen.