WEBVTT 00:00:00.520 --> 00:00:03.859 Great, thanks for the readings this morning. 00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:11.759 Thank you, Danny, for getting us thinking far wider than just here where we are, 00:00:12.080 --> 00:00:19.460 and just being able to gather together with people from different countries and different lands and different languages. 00:00:19.679 --> 00:00:22.660 I know that I have one. It's great this morning. 00:00:23.359 --> 00:00:24.740 So really good to be with you. 00:00:25.600 --> 00:00:29.300 Really good to just be able to spend a little bit of time this morning just reflecting. 00:00:29.300 --> 00:00:33.600 I know it's horrible not being able to sing. Horrible, horrible, horrible. 00:00:34.460 --> 00:00:39.299 That's one of the hardest things for me just now on Sundays, not being able to sing, but we'll get there. 00:00:39.740 --> 00:00:47.400 But at least being able to reflect on some great truth already in the songs that we've been presented with has been really, really good. 00:00:49.079 --> 00:00:51.480 Keep your Bibles open to Genesis 22. 00:00:51.719 --> 00:00:56.840 So if you haven't opened them there yet, keep them open to Genesis 22. 00:00:56.840 --> 00:01:00.620 So that's where we're going to be most of our time this morning. 00:01:02.400 --> 00:01:07.700 Just so good to be able to spend some time now in God's word. 00:01:09.020 --> 00:01:18.120 I want to try to do two things this morning in a relatively short period of time that we have. 00:01:18.120 --> 00:01:26.480 One is just to to dive a little bit into this amazing, amazing, amazing story. 00:01:26.780 --> 00:01:29.719 You'll know this story. I know you'll know this story. 00:01:30.340 --> 00:01:32.340 It's a very, very, very familiar story. 00:01:32.400 --> 00:01:34.040 And that's great. And that's dangerous. 00:01:34.900 --> 00:01:46.240 It's always a little dangerous knowing a story really well because you just kind of maybe rest a little bit on the laurels and reflect back on maybe what you've heard before. 00:01:46.239 --> 00:01:57.619 But maybe just a little bit of a different look, I hope, perhaps, as we look into this story in Genesis 22 with Abraham and Isaac. 00:01:58.140 --> 00:02:06.199 And then the second thing I want to try and do is just to try to apply this really to the crazy times that we find ourselves in. 00:02:07.060 --> 00:02:13.159 It's always difficult just going to another church and not really fitting into a series. 00:02:13.159 --> 00:02:17.139 It's a lot easier to fit into a series. There's the there's the passage. 00:02:17.299 --> 00:02:20.300 You just do it when that's not the case. 00:02:21.159 --> 00:02:24.359 Where do you go? And so I was praying about that. 00:02:24.419 --> 00:02:30.340 And I just thought maybe maybe this would be a good passage to look at because of where we've all been. 00:02:30.439 --> 00:02:33.840 This has been an absolutely crazy time. 00:02:33.840 --> 00:02:43.099 One of the most one of the most frequently used words to describe where we've been in the last 18 months is unprecedented. 00:02:43.560 --> 00:02:47.620 It's what an unprecedented time we're in just now. 00:02:47.699 --> 00:02:50.300 And that's probably fairly to but fairly true. 00:02:50.480 --> 00:02:57.020 But I hope we can try to apply it for our encouragement this morning and for our growth this morning. 00:02:57.659 --> 00:03:01.980 OK, but let me start with a question first before we get into the text. 00:03:01.979 --> 00:03:09.819 Let me ask you a question. The question is, have you ever felt that your faith was being tested? 00:03:11.959 --> 00:03:15.959 You ever felt that your faith was being tested? 00:03:16.439 --> 00:03:20.079 Have you felt over these last 18 months? 00:03:22.120 --> 00:03:26.479 That your faith was being tested? 00:03:26.620 --> 00:03:29.280 I don't think that's a bad question to ask. 00:03:29.280 --> 00:03:31.979 I think it's probably a fairly good question to ask. 00:03:32.080 --> 00:03:34.800 I hope it's a really appropriate question to ask. 00:03:34.960 --> 00:03:40.000 Not just because of COVID, not just because of where we've been, just right the way through the Christian life. 00:03:40.099 --> 00:03:46.479 Part of the reading from Hebrews 11 was how we're just strangers. 00:03:47.300 --> 00:03:48.659 We're aliens. 00:03:49.020 --> 00:03:52.539 It's like the idea is we kind of don't belong here. 00:03:53.139 --> 00:03:54.199 Is that not right? 00:03:54.199 --> 00:03:56.339 I mean, strangers, aliens. 00:03:56.839 --> 00:04:02.759 We've been thinking about strangers and aliens and internationals and people that aren't really at home. 00:04:02.859 --> 00:04:04.039 They're not from here. 00:04:04.299 --> 00:04:07.579 So it's kind of all coming together a little bit this morning. 00:04:08.359 --> 00:04:11.819 Just the fact that that's who we are as followers of God. 00:04:12.399 --> 00:04:15.199 And sometimes we look for promises from afar. 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:19.019 All has a bearing on how we feel, doesn't it? 00:04:19.019 --> 00:04:24.879 It all has a bearing on how we live and how we feel and what the Christian life looks like for us. 00:04:25.019 --> 00:04:27.959 And many, many, many times it's hard. 00:04:29.399 --> 00:04:30.139 It's hard. 00:04:30.219 --> 00:04:35.979 And the faith that we have in someone that we don't see is sometimes tested. 00:04:37.599 --> 00:04:40.620 The Bible definitely talks about this, doesn't it? 00:04:40.759 --> 00:04:44.019 The Bible definitely talks about faith tests. 00:04:44.019 --> 00:04:48.359 I can think of three passages in particular that immediately come to mind for me. 00:04:48.680 --> 00:04:50.139 James chapter 1 verse 2. 00:04:50.599 --> 00:04:56.240 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 00:04:56.319 --> 00:05:02.979 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 00:05:04.959 --> 00:05:09.259 And perhaps this is not the kind of thing that we want to think about this morning, 00:05:09.419 --> 00:05:13.019 but this is where we're going because this is a reality for us. 00:05:13.019 --> 00:05:16.979 Second passage I often think of is 1 Peter chapter 1 verse 7. 00:05:17.120 --> 00:05:20.939 In this you greatly rejoice, meaning our inheritance, the inheritance that we have in Christ. 00:05:21.039 --> 00:05:24.259 It's imperishable and undefiled and unfading and reserved in heaven. 00:05:24.919 --> 00:05:29.939 You rejoice in this, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you've been distressed 00:05:29.939 --> 00:05:36.099 by various trials, so that the proof of your faith 00:05:36.100 --> 00:05:44.920 being more precious than gold which perishes, though tested by fire may be found to result 00:05:44.920 --> 00:05:48.100 in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:05:48.200 --> 00:05:52.020 And in the final passage that I often think of is 1 Peter 4 verse 12. 00:05:52.120 --> 00:05:53.840 It says, beloved, don't be surprised 00:05:53.839 --> 00:06:02.879 at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing. 00:06:03.519 --> 00:06:09.259 As though some strange thing were happening to you, as though experiencing trials, 00:06:09.579 --> 00:06:12.919 as though feeling like a stranger in this world, 00:06:13.079 --> 00:06:18.459 as though getting your faith put to the test is some strange thing. 00:06:18.459 --> 00:06:21.419 And we ask the big question we often look up and we ask is what? 00:06:22.060 --> 00:06:22.479 Why? 00:06:22.779 --> 00:06:23.159 Why? 00:06:23.479 --> 00:06:23.739 Why? 00:06:23.839 --> 00:06:28.819 And I think the Bible is the writers of the Bible are trying to get us, trying to get us. 00:06:28.819 --> 00:06:34.719 I've got a very thick head trying to get us to get to the point where we'll welcome 00:06:34.719 --> 00:06:35.199 these things. 00:06:35.299 --> 00:06:36.659 We'll accept these things. 00:06:36.839 --> 00:06:42.639 We'll look for God's work in these things, even though they're difficult, difficult times. 00:06:42.719 --> 00:06:46.599 There's loads more passages, but those ought to be enough to just get us thinking here 00:06:46.599 --> 00:06:47.159 this morning. 00:06:47.160 --> 00:06:49.140 Now, none of those passages are the text for this morning. 00:06:49.360 --> 00:06:51.420 They do form a bit of a background for the text. 00:06:51.700 --> 00:06:56.120 The text is Genesis 22 and Hebrews 11. 00:06:56.260 --> 00:07:04.420 And both of these passages remind us that what's happening here in Genesis 22 is a test. 00:07:04.540 --> 00:07:05.160 Did you see that? 00:07:05.480 --> 00:07:07.840 Both of the passages remind us of that. 00:07:07.980 --> 00:07:13.860 Genesis 22 verse 1 and Hebrews 11 verse 17 both tell us that this is a test. 00:07:13.860 --> 00:07:16.460 So something's going on here, right? 00:07:17.160 --> 00:07:18.660 Something's going on here. 00:07:18.740 --> 00:07:21.140 And this morning we're going to look at it maybe from a different angle. 00:07:21.220 --> 00:07:23.120 Maybe this is an angle you've looked at it from before. 00:07:23.540 --> 00:07:25.400 But Abraham's faith. 00:07:25.720 --> 00:07:30.900 Here is a faithful man who's having his faith being put to the test. 00:07:30.899 --> 00:07:35.379 It's almost as if it's, well, you believe. 00:07:36.979 --> 00:07:37.339 Okay. 00:07:38.039 --> 00:07:39.060 I see what that looks like. 00:07:40.060 --> 00:07:40.379 Right? 00:07:40.679 --> 00:07:41.000 Okay. 00:07:41.039 --> 00:07:41.679 You believe. 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:44.500 I see what that looks like. 00:07:45.459 --> 00:07:49.519 And often our first response might be, you know, and I'm not quite sure I want to go there. 00:07:49.519 --> 00:07:55.279 But I hope that by the time we get to the end here this morning, we'll see that this actually is a very good thing. 00:07:55.799 --> 00:07:58.319 It's actually a really, really, really good thing. 00:07:58.399 --> 00:07:59.279 So the idea is here. 00:07:59.339 --> 00:08:01.899 The concept of a faith test is here. 00:08:01.939 --> 00:08:05.579 And I think Genesis 22 is a really, really good example. 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:08.519 And I just want to suggest to you three different things. 00:08:08.620 --> 00:08:10.259 There are loads and loads of different things. 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:11.539 I think they come in a faith test. 00:08:11.639 --> 00:08:12.759 But I don't have time for that. 00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:16.980 And I'm going to look at a particular way at Genesis 22 here this morning. 00:08:17.120 --> 00:08:20.680 The three things come out here that a test of faith often involves. 00:08:20.740 --> 00:08:27.180 And I just want to be clear as we jump into this that when God tests our faith, he's not trying to find out what it looks like. 00:08:27.719 --> 00:08:32.179 So when God tests our faith, it's not as though God is wondering what our faith looks like. 00:08:32.200 --> 00:08:33.179 You understand that, right? 00:08:33.379 --> 00:08:35.600 So a faith test really isn't for God. 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:39.919 When our faith is tested, it's really not for God's benefit. 00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:42.879 So there's only one person left for whose benefit it is, right? 00:08:43.719 --> 00:08:44.339 It's us. 00:08:45.279 --> 00:08:47.759 God doesn't need to find out what our faith is like. 00:08:47.799 --> 00:08:50.000 He knows exactly what our faith looks like. 00:08:50.059 --> 00:08:53.099 He obviously knows what everything looks like in our lives. 00:08:53.259 --> 00:08:54.759 But we need the test. 00:08:55.500 --> 00:08:56.719 We need the test. 00:08:57.740 --> 00:08:59.039 We need the insight. 00:08:59.740 --> 00:09:04.759 We need the refining and the trial and the knowledge and the understanding of our own hearts. 00:09:04.860 --> 00:09:05.679 We need that. 00:09:05.679 --> 00:09:09.559 It helps us to get a better look at where we're at. 00:09:09.559 --> 00:09:11.739 So that we can just come to the throne of grace. 00:09:11.899 --> 00:09:14.579 So we can cast ourselves before the Lord. 00:09:14.639 --> 00:09:15.479 Whatever it is. 00:09:15.759 --> 00:09:16.939 We need these things. 00:09:17.019 --> 00:09:17.919 Not God. 00:09:18.019 --> 00:09:22.199 We need to learn and we need to grow and we need to be encouraged. 00:09:22.459 --> 00:09:22.579 Okay? 00:09:22.659 --> 00:09:23.819 So that's where we're going to go. 00:09:23.939 --> 00:09:27.500 So three things that I want to suggest to you anyway. 00:09:27.500 --> 00:09:33.159 That I think according to Genesis 22, a test of faith involves. 00:09:34.059 --> 00:09:35.919 And maybe these three things shock you. 00:09:35.960 --> 00:09:36.700 Maybe they don't. 00:09:37.019 --> 00:09:37.960 But here are the three things. 00:09:38.100 --> 00:09:39.320 Perplexity of mind. 00:09:39.720 --> 00:09:40.700 Turmoil of heart. 00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:44.639 And confidence of faith. 00:09:44.639 --> 00:10:00.720 And I'm going to suggest to you here that I think the author gives us a really good hint of where to look in Genesis 22 to see what he really wants us to see. 00:10:00.720 --> 00:10:06.540 And the hint that he gives us is a repetition of the same phrase three times. 00:10:07.399 --> 00:10:12.879 There are some commentators that I know talk about the Bible as being written. 00:10:12.980 --> 00:10:18.240 Particularly the Old Testament is being written by what I know one guy calls this Bible ninjas. 00:10:19.040 --> 00:10:19.879 Bible ninjas. 00:10:20.019 --> 00:10:23.420 So there's a lot of creativity that goes into the Old Testament. 00:10:23.540 --> 00:10:26.540 And you'll know this if you've ever looked into Greek and Hebrew languages. 00:10:26.740 --> 00:10:28.279 Greek is a very, very technical language. 00:10:28.279 --> 00:10:33.240 Hebrew is just a very, very, very descriptive language. 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:34.799 I'm an engineer. 00:10:35.019 --> 00:10:36.500 I've got a mathematical mind. 00:10:36.699 --> 00:10:38.419 I liked Greek far more than Hebrew. 00:10:39.159 --> 00:10:42.620 I loved Greek because you put this ending on this word and that's what it means. 00:10:43.019 --> 00:10:43.980 Hebrew is not like that. 00:10:44.019 --> 00:10:45.679 It could be a whole bunch of different things. 00:10:45.779 --> 00:10:47.139 Very, very descriptive. 00:10:47.339 --> 00:10:48.000 Very creative. 00:10:48.120 --> 00:10:50.959 And often you'll see the writers write that way. 00:10:51.019 --> 00:10:52.720 They write very poetically. 00:10:52.819 --> 00:10:54.079 They write very descriptively. 00:10:54.079 --> 00:10:57.399 They almost write to challenge you to look deeper. 00:10:58.279 --> 00:11:00.339 To find what they're really getting at. 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:03.600 And I think that's going on here in Genesis 22. 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:06.959 The same phrase is repeated three times. 00:11:07.039 --> 00:11:07.819 Did you see it? 00:11:09.459 --> 00:11:10.500 Did you see it? 00:11:11.899 --> 00:11:16.079 In verse 1, God calls Abraham and Abraham responds. 00:11:16.080 --> 00:11:19.680 Well, you're not supposed to talk behind your masks, right? 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:20.160 So I'll tell you. 00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:21.200 Here I am. 00:11:21.960 --> 00:11:22.660 Here I am. 00:11:23.379 --> 00:11:26.420 And then in verse 7, Isaac calls Abraham. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:27.420 Right? 00:11:27.560 --> 00:11:28.780 Dad, my father. 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:30.580 And Abraham responds. 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:31.879 Here I am. 00:11:32.720 --> 00:11:36.060 And then in verse 11, the angel calls Abraham. 00:11:36.600 --> 00:11:37.980 And Abraham responds. 00:11:38.580 --> 00:11:39.360 Here I am. 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:41.259 I think there's something in that. 00:11:41.700 --> 00:11:42.320 I think there's... 00:11:42.320 --> 00:11:46.779 I'm speculating a little bit because I haven't spoken personally to the author here. 00:11:46.840 --> 00:11:50.680 But I think this is a lot of how the Old Testament writers write. 00:11:51.259 --> 00:11:53.320 They draw us in this way. 00:11:53.500 --> 00:11:57.220 And they point things out to us this way. 00:11:57.620 --> 00:12:02.840 And I think he's given us a little insight here into what's going on and what a faith test might involve. 00:12:03.480 --> 00:12:04.680 And here are the three things. 00:12:04.680 --> 00:12:08.460 Number one, I think it almost always involves a perplexity of mind. 00:12:08.460 --> 00:12:09.280 Is that not fair? 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:10.840 Is that not fair? 00:12:10.940 --> 00:12:13.580 A faith test always involves some perplexity. 00:12:13.960 --> 00:12:21.660 It always involves some kind of confusion or some kind of lack of understanding of some way. 00:12:21.780 --> 00:12:21.960 Right? 00:12:22.180 --> 00:12:24.000 Your faith is being tested, guys. 00:12:24.800 --> 00:12:26.920 So this isn't easy this morning, is it? 00:12:27.440 --> 00:12:28.440 And some of us are here. 00:12:28.560 --> 00:12:30.879 Some of us are in the midst of real big faith tests. 00:12:30.980 --> 00:12:32.580 If we're not, we know people who are. 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:34.660 You're praying for people in your congregation. 00:12:34.780 --> 00:12:35.680 I heard their names. 00:12:35.679 --> 00:12:39.359 And I imagine if they're believers, their faith is being tested. 00:12:40.179 --> 00:12:41.500 Their faith is being tested. 00:12:42.179 --> 00:12:43.159 God does this. 00:12:43.259 --> 00:12:44.059 He does this. 00:12:44.120 --> 00:12:49.799 Not because he wants to know what your faith is like, because he's going to teach us new things and bring growth into our lives. 00:12:49.879 --> 00:12:52.839 And one of the things, the first things, is a perplexity of mind. 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:56.720 Listen, can you even begin to imagine what Abraham must have thought? 00:12:56.960 --> 00:12:58.680 Put yourself in his place. 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:06.940 Can you even begin to imagine what he must have thought when God came to him and told him to take the miracle baby? 00:13:06.940 --> 00:13:12.780 That he and Sarah had finally received. 00:13:15.180 --> 00:13:20.260 The son that they'd waited for all their lives, the son of their old age, the son of their dreams. 00:13:20.480 --> 00:13:23.300 Better yet, the son of God's covenant promise. 00:13:25.400 --> 00:13:28.880 And God says, I want you to take him up to the mountain and kill him. 00:13:30.220 --> 00:13:31.780 I mean, are you kidding me? 00:13:31.779 --> 00:13:35.220 Put yourself in his place. 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:36.480 Put yourself in his place. 00:13:37.039 --> 00:13:39.199 Abraham wasn't expecting that. 00:13:41.939 --> 00:13:43.860 He finally received the son. 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:46.519 We know his faith wavered along the way, don't we? 00:13:46.679 --> 00:13:49.539 Because he tried plan B when God had plan A. 00:13:49.779 --> 00:13:51.899 We know his faith wasn't like all of us. 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:53.360 These guys are just like us. 00:13:53.839 --> 00:13:55.579 We know his faith wavered a little bit. 00:13:55.899 --> 00:13:57.980 It wasn't as strong as maybe he'd like it to be. 00:13:58.100 --> 00:14:00.720 But the son was finally given to him and he arrived. 00:14:00.720 --> 00:14:02.060 He wasn't expecting. 00:14:02.060 --> 00:14:04.300 I can assure you, Abraham wasn't expecting this. 00:14:07.080 --> 00:14:08.259 Paul David Tripp. 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:12.980 He's got a great daily devotional entitled New Morning Mercies. 00:14:13.080 --> 00:14:13.500 I love it. 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:14.980 I absolutely love his thinking. 00:14:15.200 --> 00:14:17.360 I love where he goes with grace. 00:14:18.779 --> 00:14:22.180 And anyway, Paul David Tripp, Christian Counseling Educational Foundation. 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:24.720 On May 2060, comments on this text. 00:14:24.800 --> 00:14:30.040 And he says that after all God had done to miraculously deliver this covenant baby to Abraham and Sarah, 00:14:30.039 --> 00:14:33.860 God then comes to him and tells him to sacrifice the promised son. 00:14:34.319 --> 00:14:36.379 It made no sense whatsoever. 00:14:37.039 --> 00:14:42.559 All God's promises of faithfulness and all the hopes of his covenant rested on this boy. 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:46.319 If Abraham killed him, it would all be over. 00:14:47.419 --> 00:14:52.919 If Isaac died, nothing that had happened for decades would make any sense. 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:59.659 You can imagine Abraham saying, God, ask anything of me, but not this. 00:15:00.679 --> 00:15:01.639 Please not this. 00:15:02.219 --> 00:15:03.839 You promised me a son. 00:15:04.419 --> 00:15:06.240 I waited in faith. 00:15:06.579 --> 00:15:08.819 And now you want me to kill him? 00:15:09.259 --> 00:15:12.419 God, I just don't understand. 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:14.379 Listen, ever been there? 00:15:15.699 --> 00:15:16.379 Ever been there? 00:15:17.059 --> 00:15:17.879 Are you there now? 00:15:17.879 --> 00:15:20.820 There's people you're praying for in your church. 00:15:21.059 --> 00:15:21.960 I guarantee you. 00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:23.340 They're here. 00:15:24.439 --> 00:15:27.480 If you've been here, you're in good company, right? 00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:30.679 Abraham, Noah, David, Jehoshaphat. 00:15:31.379 --> 00:15:33.679 You're going to be starting a series next week in what? 00:15:35.779 --> 00:15:37.399 Well, you're starting a series next week in what? 00:15:37.679 --> 00:15:38.320 In Job. 00:15:38.679 --> 00:15:39.439 Are you kidding me? 00:15:39.860 --> 00:15:40.899 You don't think he was there? 00:15:41.580 --> 00:15:43.220 You don't think he was there? 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:45.120 Unbelievable. 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:45.279 Unbelievable. 00:15:45.899 --> 00:15:46.080 Right? 00:15:46.259 --> 00:15:49.200 Peter, Paul, just the list is endless. 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:53.519 Probably every child of God who's ever lived at some point in their lives has been here. 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:54.100 Why? 00:15:54.740 --> 00:15:55.159 Why? 00:15:55.700 --> 00:15:56.240 Why? 00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:57.419 Why is that? 00:15:58.139 --> 00:15:58.759 I'll tell you why. 00:15:58.799 --> 00:16:08.259 Because God is an expert at testing, trying, refining, growing, developing, building, strengthening, 00:16:08.700 --> 00:16:10.000 encouraging faith. 00:16:10.460 --> 00:16:11.899 He is an expert at that. 00:16:12.320 --> 00:16:14.659 And our faith is precious, folks, isn't it? 00:16:15.120 --> 00:16:16.440 Our faith is everything. 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:17.179 Isn't it? 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:21.240 Saved by grace through faith. 00:16:22.259 --> 00:16:23.740 Our faith is so precious. 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:24.919 And it's not just precious to us. 00:16:25.080 --> 00:16:26.259 It's precious to God. 00:16:26.919 --> 00:16:27.820 And so he builds it. 00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:29.139 He wants it to become stronger. 00:16:29.679 --> 00:16:31.080 He wants it to become more beautiful. 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:33.100 He wants it to become more deep-rooted. 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:35.039 He's promised to do that. 00:16:35.919 --> 00:16:36.759 And that's what he does. 00:16:36.759 --> 00:16:39.940 Remember Paul in 2 Corinthians 4, verse 7. 00:16:40.060 --> 00:16:44.000 Paul says, we have this treasure in jars of clay. 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:44.600 Why? 00:16:44.600 --> 00:16:44.879 Why? 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:46.559 Why this treasure? 00:16:46.759 --> 00:16:48.440 Why not treasure in jars of iron? 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:50.080 Right? 00:16:50.200 --> 00:16:51.039 We have this treasure. 00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:52.000 Put it somewhere. 00:16:52.440 --> 00:16:52.759 Right? 00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:54.220 Put it somewhere strong. 00:16:54.460 --> 00:16:55.460 Treasure in jars of clay. 00:16:55.539 --> 00:16:55.740 Why? 00:16:55.980 --> 00:17:00.360 To show that this all-surpassing power is from God, not from us. 00:17:01.539 --> 00:17:04.079 We're hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed. 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:06.079 Listen, Paul says, perplexed. 00:17:08.679 --> 00:17:09.039 Perplexed. 00:17:10.159 --> 00:17:10.559 Perplexed. 00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:11.500 It's okay, guys. 00:17:11.579 --> 00:17:12.159 It's okay. 00:17:13.199 --> 00:17:15.559 Did you know it's okay to be perplexed? 00:17:15.779 --> 00:17:16.460 Do you know it's going to happen? 00:17:16.599 --> 00:17:19.139 Sometimes we beat ourselves over the head because we're perplexed. 00:17:19.179 --> 00:17:20.659 We think we should be better than that. 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:25.199 God doesn't expect you to be better than that. 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:26.119 He knows what you like. 00:17:26.259 --> 00:17:27.179 It's okay to be perplexed. 00:17:27.180 --> 00:17:29.160 Paul says we're perplexed. 00:17:29.320 --> 00:17:35.080 We don't despair because we know something that maybe a lot of other people don't know. 00:17:35.380 --> 00:17:39.480 So we don't despair, but we are perplexed. 00:17:39.840 --> 00:17:44.019 There were times when the apostle Paul was perplexed, not having a clue what God was doing. 00:17:45.759 --> 00:17:49.960 And yet he hangs on because he knows that whatever God's doing, he's doing it well. 00:17:51.120 --> 00:17:51.560 Right? 00:17:51.660 --> 00:17:53.320 And isn't that exactly what builds faith? 00:17:55.880 --> 00:17:56.720 We sing. 00:17:57.180 --> 00:18:02.380 All the way what my Savior leads me. 00:18:03.340 --> 00:18:05.779 What have I to ask beside? 00:18:07.180 --> 00:18:09.160 Can I doubt his tender mercy? 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:12.600 Who through life has been my guide? 00:18:14.580 --> 00:18:17.120 Heavenly peace, divinest comfort. 00:18:17.860 --> 00:18:21.180 Here by faith in him to dwell. 00:18:21.539 --> 00:18:24.720 For I know what e'er before me. 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.460 Perplexed. 00:18:27.180 --> 00:18:29.039 I know what e'er before me. 00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:29.400 What? 00:18:30.220 --> 00:18:31.180 Jesus does. 00:18:31.900 --> 00:18:32.880 Do with all things. 00:18:33.880 --> 00:18:35.180 Well, so listen. 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:39.539 Have the last 18 months perplexed you? 00:18:40.500 --> 00:18:43.060 Have the last 18 months perplexed you? 00:18:44.060 --> 00:18:48.720 Hasn't it been more than just the politicians and the scientists that have been perplexed? 00:18:48.720 --> 00:18:50.420 It has been. 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:54.360 I wonder if any of us here are crying out Psalm 13. 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:55.420 How long? 00:18:56.140 --> 00:18:56.819 Oh, Lord. 00:18:56.920 --> 00:18:57.160 Right? 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:58.500 Will you forget me forever? 00:18:59.240 --> 00:18:59.960 It's okay. 00:19:00.100 --> 00:19:00.759 It's all right. 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:02.579 Cry it out. 00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:03.319 Pray it. 00:19:03.880 --> 00:19:04.700 Sing it. 00:19:04.920 --> 00:19:05.279 Whatever. 00:19:05.579 --> 00:19:06.279 Cry it. 00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:10.200 How long will you hide your face from me? 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:16.079 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts day and night and have sorrow in my heart? 00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:20.240 But listen, he says, but I trust in your unfailing love. 00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:22.519 My heart rejoices in your salvation. 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:24.299 I will sing the Lord's praise. 00:19:24.379 --> 00:19:25.419 He's like his confidence. 00:19:25.819 --> 00:19:27.019 I don't care. 00:19:27.179 --> 00:19:28.379 I'm just going to keep singing. 00:19:29.179 --> 00:19:33.139 I will sing the Lord's praise for he has been good to me. 00:19:33.140 --> 00:19:35.640 Listen, that's where a faith test takes us. 00:19:35.780 --> 00:19:35.900 Okay? 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:37.600 So that's the perplexity of mind. 00:19:37.759 --> 00:19:41.140 I think when our faith is being tested, that's what it's going to feel like. 00:19:41.220 --> 00:19:47.640 Then number two, and here in Genesis 22, turmoil of heart, perplexity of mind. 00:19:49.120 --> 00:19:51.360 Number two, turmoil of heart. 00:19:51.600 --> 00:19:57.480 Did you see the second question here that comes to Abraham? 00:19:57.880 --> 00:19:58.759 Second question. 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:02.020 I think the author here is setting us up. 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:03.879 I think he's pointing us to something here. 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:07.859 Second question comes to Abraham, this time from his son. 00:20:08.740 --> 00:20:08.960 Okay? 00:20:09.119 --> 00:20:15.539 And I'm just going to warn you here, if you're a soppy type like I am with your kids, right? 00:20:15.839 --> 00:20:21.779 If you're a soppy type, then I don't know, you might want to leave the room now or something. 00:20:22.660 --> 00:20:25.400 When Isaac comes to his father, right? 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:27.000 And he's got the wood on his back. 00:20:27.440 --> 00:20:31.839 And Abraham has the fire and he's got the knife in his hand. 00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:36.200 And Isaac's looking around, right? 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:39.139 And obviously Isaac is no dummy. 00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:42.980 He's looking around and he's putting, right? 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:49.579 Sacrifice, mountain, wood, fire, knife. 00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:50.019 What? 00:20:51.839 --> 00:20:52.240 What? 00:20:53.379 --> 00:20:53.779 What? 00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:56.259 You know, animals. 00:20:56.619 --> 00:20:57.379 Who's what? 00:20:57.460 --> 00:20:59.819 We're missing something here, right? 00:20:59.859 --> 00:21:01.679 He's putting two and together and he's not getting five. 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:02.619 He's getting the right answer. 00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:03.199 Verse seven. 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:05.119 So he asks his father, he says, dad. 00:21:06.419 --> 00:21:07.519 Father's Day today, isn't it? 00:21:08.579 --> 00:21:09.299 He says, dad. 00:21:09.299 --> 00:21:14.139 And then the second time, Abraham answers, here I am. 00:21:15.980 --> 00:21:16.799 And Isaac says, dad. 00:21:16.839 --> 00:21:21.619 He says, I see we've got everything we need here for the sacrifice other than the sacrifice. 00:21:22.139 --> 00:21:22.319 Right? 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:23.740 Observant young fella. 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:27.960 We've got everything we need here for the sacrifice other than the sacrifice. 00:21:28.079 --> 00:21:29.659 And then this incredible statement in verse eight. 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:30.399 Okay, look at this. 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:30.899 Verse eight. 00:21:30.900 --> 00:21:38.860 And Abraham said, my son, God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering. 00:21:39.320 --> 00:21:40.740 So the two of them went together. 00:21:41.060 --> 00:21:47.240 Now, I'm going to suggest to you that probably most of us read that and we think Abraham knew 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:49.259 that there was going to be a substitute provided. 00:21:50.900 --> 00:21:51.259 Fair? 00:21:51.540 --> 00:21:57.040 I guarantee most of us read that and we think Abraham knew he had some kind of, I don't know, 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:59.480 he was a, his faith was strong. 00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:01.440 He knew that there was going to be a substitute provided. 00:22:01.539 --> 00:22:03.420 Now, remember, Hebrews 11 doesn't say that. 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:07.200 Hebrews 11 tells us something different. 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:10.079 And I want to suggest to you the whole text tells us something different. 00:22:12.079 --> 00:22:14.559 Abraham says here, God will provide the lamb for the sacrifice. 00:22:14.680 --> 00:22:18.319 Can you even begin to get your head around what on earth? 00:22:18.440 --> 00:22:21.599 Let's, for a minute here, let's just think what Isaac was thinking. 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:28.640 Can you get your head around what Isaac was thinking here when he says this? 00:22:28.640 --> 00:22:31.980 Maybe he just took his father's word and he didn't think anything of it. 00:22:32.040 --> 00:22:32.520 Maybe not. 00:22:32.580 --> 00:22:33.100 I don't know. 00:22:33.340 --> 00:22:35.240 But what was Isaac beginning to think here? 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:36.200 Because he's thinking something. 00:22:36.300 --> 00:22:37.100 He asked the question. 00:22:38.860 --> 00:22:41.800 I don't know that Isaac was thinking what was going to happen. 00:22:43.100 --> 00:22:43.660 All right. 00:22:43.880 --> 00:22:46.300 I don't know that Isaac was thinking what was going to happen. 00:22:46.380 --> 00:22:48.160 We do now because we've read the story so many times. 00:22:48.240 --> 00:22:49.060 But try not to do that. 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:50.560 Don't run ahead of yourself here. 00:22:50.820 --> 00:22:52.480 But listen, far more to the point. 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:55.079 What on earth must Abraham have been thinking? 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:58.220 Because he knew what God had asked him to do. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:01.759 He knew what God had asked him to do. 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:09.099 And up to this point here, I don't think there's any indication whatsoever that Abraham was expecting anything. 00:23:09.099 --> 00:23:15.579 Other than to tie up his son and sacrifice him on a mountain. 00:23:17.219 --> 00:23:19.799 We read that, oh, son, the Lord will provide a sacrifice. 00:23:19.919 --> 00:23:21.000 We think, oh, Abraham knew. 00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:25.079 He just kind of, you know, he skipped his way up the mountain, knew that there was going to be a ram in the thicket. 00:23:25.139 --> 00:23:25.759 No, he didn't. 00:23:27.500 --> 00:23:28.319 No, he didn't. 00:23:28.599 --> 00:23:30.019 This guy's heart was broken. 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:37.359 This guy, see, I mean, God asked him, take your son up the mountain and kill him. 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.779 His heart is broken. 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:46.200 Even begin to imagine the turmoil of Abraham's heart here. 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:48.660 Any parents, guy, any parents here this morning? 00:23:50.400 --> 00:23:52.099 My goodness, this one gets me going. 00:23:52.200 --> 00:23:57.200 I'm a basket case even at the thought of my children experiencing any pain whatsoever. 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:58.059 Is that fair? 00:23:58.059 --> 00:24:00.859 I want to keep my children from any pain whatsoever. 00:24:01.099 --> 00:24:03.659 It does not delight me to see my kids in pain. 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:07.319 I want to keep them from any pain whatsoever. 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:10.859 Never mind killing them myself. 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:14.319 Are you with me? 00:24:14.419 --> 00:24:16.139 What an incredible passage this is. 00:24:16.200 --> 00:24:18.779 What a phenomenal test of this man's faith. 00:24:18.859 --> 00:24:20.480 And yet this is 100% true. 00:24:20.899 --> 00:24:23.200 God took this man on this journey. 00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:26.559 God, Abraham didn't mess up. 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:30.139 He wasn't, you know, not following God and said, well, I'll show you. 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:30.899 I'll teach you. 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:32.779 And I'll take you into a really hard time. 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:33.960 No, it's not what he does. 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:35.859 God takes him on his journey. 00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:39.819 We're told to test his faith. 00:24:40.440 --> 00:24:41.419 Genesis tells us that. 00:24:41.639 --> 00:24:42.659 Hebrews tells us that. 00:24:42.859 --> 00:24:45.079 So we can be sure that's what's going on here. 00:24:47.079 --> 00:24:48.440 He takes him on this journey. 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:53.980 And he was going to see him through to a deeper, a stronger, a more mature faith. 00:24:54.120 --> 00:24:55.380 But not an easy road. 00:24:57.380 --> 00:24:58.460 Not an easy road. 00:25:00.320 --> 00:25:04.220 And I'm sure there have been loads of us that have not been on easy roads this year. 00:25:06.080 --> 00:25:07.400 We're not been on easy roads. 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:08.759 It's still not easy, is it? 00:25:09.120 --> 00:25:10.180 It's still not easy. 00:25:11.180 --> 00:25:11.500 I don't know. 00:25:11.500 --> 00:25:14.640 I was talking to somebody who went out for a meal with some folks from our congregation. 00:25:14.820 --> 00:25:18.519 We were just saying, isn't it how great it is to be back in church now? 00:25:18.799 --> 00:25:21.100 And the guy, him and his wife have come to church a few times. 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:23.080 And I was expecting him to say, yeah, it's so good to see everybody. 00:25:23.360 --> 00:25:24.420 He said, no, it's horrible. 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:27.779 He said, I don't like being in church behind a mask. 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:32.480 You know, you keep telling us for years to take our masks off when we go to church, right? 00:25:33.059 --> 00:25:35.539 Now you're telling us to put our masks on when we go to church. 00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:37.279 Now I don't like singing, but it's horrible. 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:40.299 We do it because it's the best that we got, right? 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:42.120 It's the best that we got, but it's horrible. 00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:48.140 Just think about where we've been. 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:50.099 Tough road. 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:52.819 Hebrews, 1 Peter, again, 1 verse 6. 00:25:53.160 --> 00:25:57.519 Even though now for a little while, if necessary, you've been distressed by various trials. 00:25:57.620 --> 00:25:59.860 And then he talks about the proof of our faith. 00:25:59.859 --> 00:26:07.359 Be more precious than gold and found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:26:08.099 --> 00:26:09.119 That's what God is about. 00:26:09.219 --> 00:26:10.119 That's what God is about. 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.779 No matter how hard it might be. 00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:13.179 Okay, time's almost up. 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:14.859 In fact, it probably is up. 00:26:14.899 --> 00:26:16.799 But let me just get this last point out here. 00:26:17.459 --> 00:26:19.059 What does a faith test involve? 00:26:19.119 --> 00:26:20.579 It involves perplexity of mind. 00:26:20.659 --> 00:26:22.419 It involves turmoil of heart. 00:26:22.420 --> 00:26:31.600 But I suggest to you that in God's great purposes, it always involves a confidence of faith. 00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:35.680 This is the end goal that the Bible tells us God has in mind. 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.620 Not to crush us. 00:26:38.100 --> 00:26:39.180 Not to crush us. 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:42.160 Not to crush us, but to lift us. 00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:42.620 Isn't it? 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.680 This is the end goal. 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:46.700 Now Satan may have another end in mind, right? 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:48.700 In fact, I don't have time to go into all of this. 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:57.240 But if you do a word study in the New Testament, if you do a word study on the word test, you'll find that the same word is used for test, trial, and temptation. 00:26:57.539 --> 00:26:57.819 Perosmos. 00:26:58.039 --> 00:27:00.279 It's the same word that's used for all of these. 00:27:00.340 --> 00:27:01.519 And you have to just look really curious. 00:27:01.580 --> 00:27:02.480 And it's a great study. 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:03.779 Look at the contexts. 00:27:04.700 --> 00:27:06.039 Because sometimes it's a temptation. 00:27:06.440 --> 00:27:08.319 But we're told in James, God doesn't tempt anybody. 00:27:08.319 --> 00:27:11.559 So it depends on what perspective you're looking at here. 00:27:11.639 --> 00:27:15.259 What is going on when we face these circumstances of life? 00:27:15.319 --> 00:27:16.960 I'll tell you what God is doing. 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:21.399 God is up to lift us up, to strengthen our faith, to deepen our roots. 00:27:21.759 --> 00:27:23.639 Always, always, always. 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:27.359 His aim is that our faith grows. 00:27:27.879 --> 00:27:31.480 Or in the words of Psalm 66, that we become refined. 00:27:31.799 --> 00:27:32.339 Remember that? 00:27:33.079 --> 00:27:34.500 Psalm 66, verse 10. 00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:37.299 For you, God tested us. 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:40.480 You refined us. 00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:42.139 Like silver. 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:42.960 That's what God's about. 00:27:44.119 --> 00:27:45.079 And we hear that. 00:27:45.480 --> 00:27:46.799 Refined is a good word, isn't it? 00:27:46.879 --> 00:27:50.159 Refined is a word like endurance. 00:27:50.599 --> 00:27:54.879 It's kind of just when you hear the word, it kind of just makes you feel really good, doesn't it? 00:27:55.319 --> 00:27:55.759 Endurance. 00:27:56.200 --> 00:27:57.779 Or, I don't know, encouragement. 00:27:58.259 --> 00:27:59.579 Or refined. 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:01.519 It's just a good sounding way. 00:28:01.579 --> 00:28:03.000 They have great connotations. 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:07.179 But you start digging deep into what the Bible says about being refined. 00:28:07.180 --> 00:28:09.980 And real quick, you get to some hard stuff, don't you? 00:28:10.880 --> 00:28:11.840 But that's what God is doing. 00:28:11.960 --> 00:28:13.180 He's refining us like silver. 00:28:13.340 --> 00:28:14.660 You brought us into prison. 00:28:14.940 --> 00:28:16.519 You laid burdens on our backs. 00:28:16.620 --> 00:28:16.960 What? 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:23.200 You let the people ride over our heads, the psalmist says. 00:28:23.200 --> 00:28:27.580 We went through fire and water. 00:28:29.900 --> 00:28:32.500 Some of us would probably say that over the last couple of years. 00:28:32.580 --> 00:28:33.860 We went through fire and water. 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:38.940 But you brought us to a place of abundance. 00:28:40.220 --> 00:28:43.140 Listen, guys, that is just so sweet, isn't it? 00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:44.700 That is so sweet. 00:28:44.700 --> 00:28:45.600 Because this is reality. 00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:46.660 This is life. 00:28:46.779 --> 00:28:48.019 This is the Christian life. 00:28:48.339 --> 00:28:51.019 Don't sell people at CE a different life. 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:55.460 Don't sell them a bed of roses, right? 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:57.019 And tell them this is the Christian because it's not. 00:28:58.039 --> 00:28:59.220 But this is our God. 00:28:59.879 --> 00:29:00.879 Are we not singing that this morning? 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:04.339 Or am I thinking of another song? 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:05.980 Did we sing Behold Our God? 00:29:06.139 --> 00:29:06.379 I don't know. 00:29:06.599 --> 00:29:07.099 That was all right. 00:29:07.160 --> 00:29:08.720 We sang that this morning, Behold Our God. 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:10.779 So this is life. 00:29:10.859 --> 00:29:12.220 But this is our God. 00:29:12.220 --> 00:29:15.359 And so Abraham does what God asks him to do, doesn't he? 00:29:15.359 --> 00:29:19.879 Abraham does what God asks him to do, right up to the raising of the knife. 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:22.359 So he wasn't expecting a ram in the bush. 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:24.779 He was expecting to kill his son. 00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:32.359 Right up to the moment of raising the knife, Abraham does what God asked him to do, 00:29:32.419 --> 00:29:37.779 with every intention of plunging that knife into the beating heart of his promised son. 00:29:40.419 --> 00:29:43.119 Until the angel calls his name, right? 00:29:43.119 --> 00:29:47.779 And Abraham says for the final time in this passage, here I am. 00:29:50.139 --> 00:29:51.459 I'm all yours, God. 00:29:52.879 --> 00:29:54.559 And God knows he's, right? 00:29:54.619 --> 00:29:56.839 Because the angel responds, put the knife down. 00:29:57.619 --> 00:29:58.359 Easy, boy. 00:29:58.719 --> 00:29:58.859 Right? 00:29:59.079 --> 00:29:59.659 Put the knife down. 00:29:59.979 --> 00:30:00.419 Stop. 00:30:00.919 --> 00:30:01.359 Stop. 00:30:02.179 --> 00:30:03.299 Put the knife down. 00:30:05.339 --> 00:30:06.039 Put it down. 00:30:06.139 --> 00:30:07.239 Don't lay a hand on him, boy. 00:30:08.099 --> 00:30:11.179 He says, don't do anything to him. 00:30:11.180 --> 00:30:16.880 Because now I know that you fear God. 00:30:17.019 --> 00:30:19.100 That is beautiful, isn't it? 00:30:20.299 --> 00:30:21.840 That is, now I know you believe. 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:23.480 Your faith has been tested. 00:30:23.620 --> 00:30:24.560 Now I know you believe. 00:30:25.460 --> 00:30:26.120 He says. 00:30:27.560 --> 00:30:31.440 Listen, just as we close, what do you really think about this last year? 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:35.360 What do you really think about this last year? 00:30:35.420 --> 00:30:36.539 When you're talking to other people? 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:37.820 Because people ask me all the time, right? 00:30:37.860 --> 00:30:39.160 And they ask you all the time, how you doing? 00:30:39.620 --> 00:30:40.200 How you doing? 00:30:40.420 --> 00:30:42.059 How you holding up? 00:30:42.779 --> 00:30:44.299 How you holding up through all this stuff? 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:45.980 What's your answer? 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.480 I don't know. 00:30:48.559 --> 00:30:49.840 I don't know if I'm holding up. 00:30:49.839 --> 00:30:51.799 And it has been hard. 00:30:51.879 --> 00:30:53.179 I'm not saying it hasn't been hard. 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:54.579 But what's our answer? 00:30:55.799 --> 00:30:56.819 What could our answer be? 00:30:56.899 --> 00:30:58.819 What should our answer be? 00:30:59.500 --> 00:31:02.299 Does anybody believe this past year that Aslan's been on the move? 00:31:03.519 --> 00:31:04.619 You know what I mean when I say that? 00:31:04.859 --> 00:31:06.139 Anybody read the Narnia Chronicles? 00:31:06.399 --> 00:31:08.259 Anybody believe Aslan's been on the move? 00:31:08.720 --> 00:31:10.240 Anybody believe God's been doing something? 00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:14.419 Anybody believe that this has all been not for naught? 00:31:15.319 --> 00:31:16.899 That God hasn't forgotten about us? 00:31:16.900 --> 00:31:23.200 That in actual fact, he's been using all this frustration and all this heartache? 00:31:24.100 --> 00:31:25.420 That he's been using all that? 00:31:25.420 --> 00:31:26.900 He's not been put on the back foot? 00:31:27.759 --> 00:31:28.740 Anybody believe that? 00:31:28.780 --> 00:31:29.100 I do. 00:31:30.080 --> 00:31:30.720 I do. 00:31:31.440 --> 00:31:32.640 And I think you do too. 00:31:36.160 --> 00:31:36.660 Tested. 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:38.019 Having our faith tested. 00:31:38.560 --> 00:31:43.560 And it's interesting because in actual fact, I've made a huge deal of a faith test here. 00:31:43.559 --> 00:31:47.000 And that's actually not really the point, the main point of the passage. 00:31:47.659 --> 00:31:49.319 I've just been talking about a faith test. 00:31:49.659 --> 00:31:51.119 What is the main point of the passage? 00:31:52.000 --> 00:31:53.940 The main point of the passage is to point us where? 00:31:54.919 --> 00:31:55.980 To Christ, isn't it? 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:57.399 Isn't that what this was all about? 00:31:58.240 --> 00:32:01.179 Isn't this just a picture of something far greater than even a faith test? 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:05.460 It's not about how big our faith is. 00:32:05.519 --> 00:32:07.200 It's about who our faith is in, isn't it? 00:32:07.779 --> 00:32:08.659 It's about who our... 00:32:08.659 --> 00:32:10.000 That's what this passage is really... 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:12.960 It's who is the object of our faith is this passage. 00:32:13.099 --> 00:32:14.319 It's the object of our faith. 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:19.180 This is just a huge picture of another father, isn't it? 00:32:19.299 --> 00:32:20.400 And another son. 00:32:21.579 --> 00:32:22.339 Same mountain. 00:32:22.740 --> 00:32:23.440 Same mountain. 00:32:24.640 --> 00:32:26.960 But another day, another father, another son. 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:30.220 And this time the night falls and the son dies. 00:32:30.900 --> 00:32:31.859 And we're freed. 00:32:32.940 --> 00:32:36.140 What a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful passage this is. 00:32:36.880 --> 00:32:38.460 I hope you feel like praising God. 00:32:39.120 --> 00:32:42.520 We've got a lifetime ahead of us. 00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:45.420 As much breath as God gives us to continue to praise him. 00:32:45.680 --> 00:32:48.300 But when our faith is tested, which it will be, 00:32:48.920 --> 00:32:50.940 I think the Bible has a lot to say about that. 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:56.980 But the goal is growth and the eyes are always on the Lord. 00:32:57.220 --> 00:32:59.100 For God so loved the world. 00:32:59.180 --> 00:33:01.120 Let me just quick prayer and then finish. 00:33:01.119 --> 00:33:06.139 Father, thank you for being able to just dip into your word today. 00:33:06.399 --> 00:33:09.639 Thank you for your faithfulness to every generation 00:33:09.639 --> 00:33:12.439 and in every circumstance of our lives. 00:33:12.939 --> 00:33:16.419 Thank you, Lord, that you're about creating things in us 00:33:16.419 --> 00:33:19.259 that we could never, ever imagine for ourselves. 00:33:20.259 --> 00:33:26.899 Help us to trust you and to lean heavy on you in faith. 00:33:26.900 --> 00:33:33.120 Because we thank you for Jesus and for all that he's done to set us free. 00:33:33.740 --> 00:33:35.300 And I pray that as we go from here today, 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:41.060 we would go with a message that is abundantly plain and clear. 00:33:41.920 --> 00:33:46.780 That the nations of the world might hear the love of God 00:33:46.780 --> 00:33:49.100 and the freedom as well that's in Christ Jesus. 00:33:49.400 --> 00:33:50.160 We pray in his name. 00:33:50.340 --> 00:33:50.600 Amen. 00:33:50.600 --> 00:33:50.720 Amen.