WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.200 Sunday we heard Jesus say some of his most unpopular words to a crowd of many thousands in Luke chapter 12. 00:00:08.160 --> 00:00:08.279 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:44.280 So as Jesus speaks to the crowd of many thousands, there were some people there. 00:00:45.039 --> 00:00:50.719 And these people bring up in the conversation something that had happened. 00:00:50.719 --> 00:01:06.000 There were some men from Galilee and Pilate, the Roman governor in Judea, had mixed the blood of these Galileans with the sacrifices that they were offering. 00:01:07.879 --> 00:01:12.359 And ever since Luke recorded this, many have wondered about this incident. 00:01:13.439 --> 00:01:14.840 We want to know the details. 00:01:14.840 --> 00:01:21.200 What did these Galileans do that Pilate decided to kill them? 00:01:22.799 --> 00:01:27.140 And many have proposed and suggested all sorts of different scenarios. 00:01:27.939 --> 00:01:38.659 Even Josephus, the famous Jewish historian who lived in the late first century, proposed five different events which these people might have been referring to in the crowd. 00:01:38.659 --> 00:01:44.879 And truth be told, we don't know just what happened between Pilate and these Galileans. 00:01:45.979 --> 00:01:59.239 But one thing that digging around in the history books does reveal is that there was no shortage of violence between the Roman government and the Jewish people living in that region. 00:01:59.759 --> 00:02:04.679 The tensions were very high and many Jews lost their lives to the Romans. 00:02:04.680 --> 00:02:09.480 So all we have for certain is what we read here in Luke. 00:02:10.700 --> 00:02:17.520 It would seem that some men from Galilee were offering sacrifices or about to offer sacrifices. 00:02:18.620 --> 00:02:23.920 And most likely this would have been at the temple or on the way to the temple in Jerusalem. 00:02:25.040 --> 00:02:32.340 And Pilate mixed their blood with the blood of the animals that they were offering. 00:02:32.340 --> 00:02:36.719 At the very least, this obviously means that Pilate killed them. 00:02:38.420 --> 00:02:42.199 We don't know if they were executed in the usual way by crucifixion. 00:02:42.759 --> 00:02:46.400 Or whether they were just sort of cut down by soldiers where they were. 00:02:47.960 --> 00:02:55.240 The part that really stands out is that their own blood was added to the blood of the sacrifices. 00:02:55.240 --> 00:03:01.000 On a spiritual and religious level, this is shocking. 00:03:01.740 --> 00:03:10.840 It seems to be an especially heinous act, profaning and desecrating the temple sacrifices. 00:03:12.840 --> 00:03:16.920 And so Jesus responds to these guys telling about this in the crowd. 00:03:16.919 --> 00:03:19.159 Jesus answered, 00:03:19.159 --> 00:03:26.000 Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans? 00:03:26.639 --> 00:03:28.419 Because they suffered this way. 00:03:31.060 --> 00:03:33.560 So Jesus' response here is kind of telling. 00:03:34.899 --> 00:03:38.899 You know, after hearing about the shocking death of these Galileans, 00:03:39.139 --> 00:03:41.239 many people didn't know what to think. 00:03:41.240 --> 00:03:47.860 Some came to the conclusion that these Galileans must have been especially wicked 00:03:47.860 --> 00:03:52.360 that God brought this judgment on them. 00:03:54.520 --> 00:03:58.140 Maybe they thought God used Pilate to kill them 00:03:58.140 --> 00:04:00.980 because of how bad of sinners they were. 00:04:02.840 --> 00:04:05.719 Perhaps they had done something especially evil, 00:04:06.219 --> 00:04:11.080 and that's why God brought about this especially dishonorable death for them. 00:04:11.240 --> 00:04:18.040 Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans 00:04:18.040 --> 00:04:19.519 because they suffered this way? 00:04:20.220 --> 00:04:21.139 Says Jesus. 00:04:21.800 --> 00:04:23.259 I tell you, no. 00:04:24.379 --> 00:04:25.879 But unless you repent, 00:04:26.819 --> 00:04:29.199 you too will all perish. 00:04:32.340 --> 00:04:36.819 So Jesus basically says that the death of these Galileans in this shocking way 00:04:36.819 --> 00:04:40.780 was not because they were worse sinners than the average person. 00:04:41.240 --> 00:04:44.699 And he turns it right back to the people in the crowd. 00:04:45.579 --> 00:04:46.040 He says, 00:04:46.519 --> 00:04:49.060 All of you will also perish 00:04:49.060 --> 00:04:52.439 unless you repent. 00:04:54.120 --> 00:04:58.019 Sometimes we look at tragic things that happen in the news, 00:04:58.060 --> 00:05:00.600 and we're quick to assume that God is bringing judgment 00:05:00.600 --> 00:05:02.720 on the people of that place 00:05:02.720 --> 00:05:04.519 because they are especially sinful. 00:05:04.519 --> 00:05:08.339 When we read the news articles, 00:05:08.539 --> 00:05:11.139 maybe we're even looking for some glaring sin 00:05:11.139 --> 00:05:14.379 that those people committed. 00:05:14.539 --> 00:05:16.539 Were they known for being sexually immoral? 00:05:17.599 --> 00:05:19.799 Or for their hypocrisy? 00:05:20.359 --> 00:05:23.799 Or were they known in that place for persecuting Christians? 00:05:23.800 --> 00:05:28.660 And the assumption we sometimes carry when we do this 00:05:28.660 --> 00:05:30.620 is that God usually only brings disaster 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:34.060 on people because of their sins. 00:05:35.900 --> 00:05:37.080 But Jesus says, 00:05:37.259 --> 00:05:37.400 No. 00:05:38.259 --> 00:05:38.860 No. 00:05:39.580 --> 00:05:39.980 No. 00:05:41.319 --> 00:05:42.400 All of you. 00:05:43.199 --> 00:05:43.740 And remember, 00:05:43.860 --> 00:05:45.939 He's speaking to a crowd of many thousands. 00:05:45.939 --> 00:05:48.779 All of you are guilty enough to deserve 00:05:48.779 --> 00:05:50.519 what happened to them. 00:05:52.100 --> 00:05:55.420 And if you do not repent of your sins, 00:05:56.439 --> 00:06:00.699 what happened to them will happen to you. 00:06:02.139 --> 00:06:04.519 You too will perish. 00:06:04.519 --> 00:06:09.060 Let this be a warning to us 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:11.120 not to assume 00:06:11.120 --> 00:06:13.459 we are better or more righteous 00:06:13.459 --> 00:06:14.620 than others 00:06:14.620 --> 00:06:17.319 who are struck with disaster. 00:06:18.799 --> 00:06:19.779 We are not. 00:06:22.779 --> 00:06:24.839 Well, Jesus reinforces this 00:06:24.839 --> 00:06:26.699 with another example, 00:06:27.279 --> 00:06:29.479 a second example in the next couple verses. 00:06:30.579 --> 00:06:31.419 Verse 4. 00:06:32.120 --> 00:06:32.560 He says, 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:34.439 Or those 18 who died 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:36.699 when the tower in Siloam fell on them? 00:06:37.399 --> 00:06:39.579 Do you think they were more guilty 00:06:39.579 --> 00:06:41.379 than all the others living in Jerusalem? 00:06:42.639 --> 00:06:43.740 I tell you, 00:06:44.259 --> 00:06:44.660 no. 00:06:45.759 --> 00:06:47.420 But unless you repent, 00:06:48.660 --> 00:06:50.740 you too will all perish. 00:06:52.779 --> 00:06:55.040 So this was another tragedy of the times. 00:06:55.819 --> 00:06:58.139 18 people were killed in this accident 00:06:58.139 --> 00:07:01.040 when the tower of Siloam fell on them. 00:07:01.040 --> 00:07:03.080 And just like with the first example, 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:06.040 historians haven't found any additional info 00:07:06.040 --> 00:07:07.379 by digging into things 00:07:07.379 --> 00:07:09.080 about this incident. 00:07:12.860 --> 00:07:14.600 Perhaps one of the reasons is 00:07:14.600 --> 00:07:17.160 work-related accidents happen all the time. 00:07:18.140 --> 00:07:19.800 Even more so in the ancient world 00:07:19.800 --> 00:07:22.020 where safety was often a secondary concern. 00:07:22.879 --> 00:07:25.400 But people sort of came to the same conclusion, 00:07:25.800 --> 00:07:26.820 some of them anyway, 00:07:27.040 --> 00:07:28.320 when this accident happened. 00:07:28.319 --> 00:07:31.839 Oh, those guys who were killed in this tragedy, 00:07:32.259 --> 00:07:35.079 they must have been especially guilty of some sin. 00:07:36.939 --> 00:07:38.339 God was punishing them 00:07:38.339 --> 00:07:41.620 since they died in this very tragic and public way. 00:07:43.259 --> 00:07:44.680 And Jesus again says, 00:07:45.180 --> 00:07:45.459 No. 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:49.100 Those guys weren't any more guilty of sin 00:07:49.100 --> 00:07:51.659 than the rest of the people living in Jerusalem. 00:07:51.660 --> 00:07:55.620 They weren't any more guilty of sin 00:07:55.620 --> 00:07:56.580 than all of you are. 00:07:58.120 --> 00:07:59.620 Unless you repent, 00:08:00.820 --> 00:08:03.940 you too will perish. 00:08:07.440 --> 00:08:11.240 So Jesus confronts the crowd and us 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:12.980 with this uncomfortable truth 00:08:12.980 --> 00:08:15.440 that we are all, 00:08:15.900 --> 00:08:17.100 every one of us, 00:08:17.400 --> 00:08:17.800 sinners, 00:08:19.080 --> 00:08:20.100 deserving of death. 00:08:20.100 --> 00:08:24.300 Other places in the Bible 00:08:24.300 --> 00:08:25.480 state it really clearly. 00:08:25.980 --> 00:08:27.720 One that we're very familiar with, 00:08:27.820 --> 00:08:28.780 Romans 3.23, 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:30.660 For all have sinned 00:08:30.660 --> 00:08:33.240 and fall short of the glory of God. 00:08:36.180 --> 00:08:38.080 And then there's Romans 6.23, 00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:39.659 which is often quoted with it. 00:08:39.740 --> 00:08:41.560 And it states clearly, 00:08:41.720 --> 00:08:42.820 just as Jesus did, 00:08:42.920 --> 00:08:45.620 that what we deserve for being sinners 00:08:45.620 --> 00:08:47.720 is to perish. 00:08:48.759 --> 00:08:51.000 For the wages of sin 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:52.179 is death. 00:08:54.299 --> 00:08:55.840 That's what we all deserve. 00:08:57.299 --> 00:08:58.960 That's what we all will get, 00:08:59.240 --> 00:09:00.060 says Jesus, 00:09:00.460 --> 00:09:02.220 unless 00:09:02.220 --> 00:09:04.060 you repent. 00:09:04.059 --> 00:09:04.119 repent. 00:09:07.439 --> 00:09:07.919 Well, 00:09:07.979 --> 00:09:08.719 what does it mean 00:09:08.719 --> 00:09:09.719 to repent? 00:09:11.559 --> 00:09:12.699 If you've been a Christian 00:09:12.699 --> 00:09:13.399 a long time, 00:09:13.459 --> 00:09:14.000 which I know 00:09:14.000 --> 00:09:15.639 there are definitely 00:09:15.639 --> 00:09:16.459 some in this room 00:09:16.459 --> 00:09:16.979 who have, 00:09:17.159 --> 00:09:18.779 you're super familiar with this. 00:09:18.879 --> 00:09:20.019 You know what this means. 00:09:21.699 --> 00:09:22.679 But if you're just 00:09:22.679 --> 00:09:23.859 exploring Christianity 00:09:23.859 --> 00:09:25.599 or you're younger, 00:09:26.759 --> 00:09:28.039 maybe you're not as familiar 00:09:28.039 --> 00:09:28.679 with this. 00:09:28.679 --> 00:09:31.219 The word repent 00:09:31.219 --> 00:09:32.439 means to turn. 00:09:34.279 --> 00:09:35.339 And the way it's used 00:09:35.339 --> 00:09:35.859 in the Bible 00:09:35.859 --> 00:09:37.239 includes two elements. 00:09:38.500 --> 00:09:39.239 We are called 00:09:39.239 --> 00:09:40.899 by God 00:09:40.899 --> 00:09:41.699 to turn 00:09:41.699 --> 00:09:42.519 from 00:09:42.519 --> 00:09:44.919 and we are called 00:09:44.919 --> 00:09:45.519 to turn 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:46.299 to. 00:09:48.759 --> 00:09:49.919 Let's just see this, 00:09:50.019 --> 00:09:51.179 a couple examples of this 00:09:51.179 --> 00:09:51.759 for ourselves. 00:09:51.879 --> 00:09:52.979 Let's look at a few passages 00:09:52.979 --> 00:09:54.359 from the prophet Ezekiel. 00:09:55.079 --> 00:09:56.859 Ezekiel 14.6. 00:09:56.860 --> 00:09:58.940 God is speaking 00:09:58.940 --> 00:09:59.899 through Ezekiel. 00:10:00.580 --> 00:10:01.019 He says, 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:02.340 Therefore say to the people 00:10:02.340 --> 00:10:02.779 of Israel, 00:10:02.899 --> 00:10:03.620 this is what the 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:04.700 sovereign Lord says, 00:10:05.060 --> 00:10:05.460 repent. 00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:07.680 Turn from 00:10:07.680 --> 00:10:08.600 your idols 00:10:08.600 --> 00:10:09.539 and renounce 00:10:09.539 --> 00:10:10.740 all your detestable 00:10:10.740 --> 00:10:11.379 practices. 00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:15.659 As God calls them 00:10:15.659 --> 00:10:16.139 to repent, 00:10:16.279 --> 00:10:16.759 He calls them 00:10:16.759 --> 00:10:17.480 to turn 00:10:17.480 --> 00:10:18.700 from 00:10:18.700 --> 00:10:20.580 the sinful things 00:10:20.580 --> 00:10:21.360 they have been doing. 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:22.980 The worshipping 00:10:22.980 --> 00:10:23.680 of the idols. 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:25.600 Stop worshipping 00:10:25.600 --> 00:10:26.159 the idols. 00:10:26.159 --> 00:10:27.860 And we see 00:10:27.860 --> 00:10:28.639 in this passage 00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:29.879 along with that 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:31.439 part of repentance 00:10:31.439 --> 00:10:32.639 is 00:10:32.639 --> 00:10:33.659 renouncing 00:10:33.659 --> 00:10:35.480 the detestable 00:10:35.480 --> 00:10:36.059 practices. 00:10:38.079 --> 00:10:39.100 So repentance 00:10:39.100 --> 00:10:39.620 includes 00:10:39.620 --> 00:10:40.360 giving up 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:41.600 our sinful ways. 00:10:41.719 --> 00:10:42.279 It includes 00:10:42.279 --> 00:10:44.360 confessing 00:10:44.360 --> 00:10:45.059 or declaring 00:10:45.059 --> 00:10:45.779 with our mouths 00:10:45.779 --> 00:10:46.559 that those ways 00:10:46.559 --> 00:10:47.059 are wrong 00:10:47.059 --> 00:10:48.159 and rejecting them. 00:10:48.159 --> 00:10:54.339 another passage 00:10:54.339 --> 00:10:54.899 just a few 00:10:54.899 --> 00:10:55.579 chapters later 00:10:55.579 --> 00:10:56.240 in Ezekiel. 00:10:56.319 --> 00:10:57.079 Ezekiel 18 00:10:57.079 --> 00:10:57.759 verse 30. 00:10:59.059 --> 00:10:59.639 This is God 00:10:59.639 --> 00:11:00.240 speaking through 00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:00.939 Ezekiel again. 00:11:00.939 --> 00:11:01.319 Therefore, 00:11:01.559 --> 00:11:02.059 you Israelites, 00:11:02.259 --> 00:11:03.219 I will judge 00:11:03.219 --> 00:11:03.740 each of you 00:11:03.740 --> 00:11:04.360 according to 00:11:04.360 --> 00:11:05.120 your own ways, 00:11:05.219 --> 00:11:05.539 declares 00:11:05.539 --> 00:11:06.100 the sovereign 00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:06.459 Lord. 00:11:06.860 --> 00:11:07.399 Repent. 00:11:07.919 --> 00:11:09.000 Turn away 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:09.819 from all 00:11:09.819 --> 00:11:10.539 your offenses. 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:12.799 Then sin 00:11:12.799 --> 00:11:13.439 will not be 00:11:13.439 --> 00:11:14.199 your downfall. 00:11:14.200 --> 00:11:18.600 Here we see 00:11:18.600 --> 00:11:19.040 it again. 00:11:19.600 --> 00:11:20.420 Repentance is a 00:11:20.420 --> 00:11:21.379 turning from, 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:22.700 turn from 00:11:22.700 --> 00:11:24.580 all your 00:11:24.580 --> 00:11:25.040 offenses, 00:11:25.360 --> 00:11:25.780 all your 00:11:25.780 --> 00:11:26.220 sins. 00:11:27.420 --> 00:11:28.120 And one more 00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:29.520 in Ezekiel as 00:11:29.520 --> 00:11:30.020 well, 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:31.280 33 verse 10. 00:11:31.680 --> 00:11:32.360 We saw this 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:33.100 passage last 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:33.520 Sunday. 00:11:33.519 --> 00:11:34.779 Son of man, 00:11:34.919 --> 00:11:35.439 say to the 00:11:35.439 --> 00:11:35.860 Israelites, 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:37.019 this is what 00:11:37.019 --> 00:11:37.699 you are saying. 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:38.960 Our offenses 00:11:38.960 --> 00:11:39.659 and sin 00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:41.360 weigh us down 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:42.000 and we are 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:42.779 wasting away 00:11:42.779 --> 00:11:43.519 because of them. 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:44.199 How then 00:11:44.199 --> 00:11:44.980 can we live? 00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:46.860 Say to them, 00:11:47.279 --> 00:11:48.019 as surely as 00:11:48.019 --> 00:11:48.480 I live, 00:11:48.600 --> 00:11:49.100 declares the 00:11:49.100 --> 00:11:49.720 sovereign Lord, 00:11:49.819 --> 00:11:50.500 I take no 00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:51.299 pleasure in the 00:11:51.299 --> 00:11:51.899 death of the 00:11:51.899 --> 00:11:52.179 wicked, 00:11:52.799 --> 00:11:53.600 but rather 00:11:53.600 --> 00:11:54.059 that they 00:11:54.059 --> 00:11:54.960 turn from 00:11:54.960 --> 00:11:56.699 their ways 00:11:56.699 --> 00:11:57.460 and live. 00:11:58.000 --> 00:11:58.360 Turn. 00:11:59.460 --> 00:12:00.299 Turn from 00:12:00.299 --> 00:12:00.779 your evil 00:12:00.779 --> 00:12:01.240 ways. 00:12:02.620 --> 00:12:03.319 Why will 00:12:03.320 --> 00:12:03.920 you die, 00:12:04.520 --> 00:12:05.000 people of 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:05.379 Israel? 00:12:08.379 --> 00:12:09.200 There it is 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:09.480 again. 00:12:09.640 --> 00:12:10.660 Turn from 00:12:10.660 --> 00:12:12.020 your evil 00:12:12.020 --> 00:12:12.500 ways. 00:12:13.020 --> 00:12:13.740 So that's 00:12:13.740 --> 00:12:14.500 the first 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:15.180 element of 00:12:15.180 --> 00:12:15.600 repentance. 00:12:16.220 --> 00:12:16.640 When Jesus 00:12:16.640 --> 00:12:17.020 says, 00:12:17.500 --> 00:12:18.060 unless you 00:12:18.060 --> 00:12:19.340 too repent, 00:12:20.560 --> 00:12:21.100 or unless 00:12:21.100 --> 00:12:21.720 you repent, 00:12:21.840 --> 00:12:22.260 you too 00:12:22.260 --> 00:12:22.680 will all 00:12:22.680 --> 00:12:22.940 perish. 00:12:23.040 --> 00:12:23.360 He means 00:12:23.360 --> 00:12:23.860 unless you 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:24.520 turn from 00:12:24.520 --> 00:12:25.060 your sins, 00:12:25.200 --> 00:12:25.620 from your 00:12:25.620 --> 00:12:26.320 wicked ways, 00:12:27.540 --> 00:12:28.120 renouncing 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:28.440 them, 00:12:29.460 --> 00:12:29.900 you will 00:12:29.900 --> 00:12:30.280 perish. 00:12:30.279 --> 00:12:33.279 but we 00:12:33.279 --> 00:12:34.000 also see 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:35.039 in the 00:12:35.039 --> 00:12:35.319 Bible 00:12:35.319 --> 00:12:35.679 another 00:12:35.679 --> 00:12:36.159 element 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:36.379 of 00:12:36.379 --> 00:12:36.799 repentance, 00:12:37.079 --> 00:12:37.339 that it 00:12:37.339 --> 00:12:37.639 doesn't 00:12:37.639 --> 00:12:38.139 just mean 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:38.959 turning away 00:12:38.959 --> 00:12:39.480 from, 00:12:40.220 --> 00:12:40.899 it also 00:12:40.899 --> 00:12:41.459 includes 00:12:41.459 --> 00:12:42.439 turning to. 00:12:44.279 --> 00:12:44.860 Look at 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:45.120 what the 00:12:45.120 --> 00:12:45.839 apostle Peter 00:12:45.839 --> 00:12:46.480 said to his 00:12:46.480 --> 00:12:47.240 fellow Israelites 00:12:47.240 --> 00:12:49.100 in Jerusalem 00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:50.720 in Acts 00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:51.500 chapter 3 00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:52.879 verse 19. 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:54.980 He said, 00:12:55.120 --> 00:12:55.899 repent then 00:12:55.899 --> 00:12:56.519 and turn 00:12:56.519 --> 00:12:57.559 to God 00:12:57.559 --> 00:12:58.899 so that 00:12:58.899 --> 00:12:59.480 your sins 00:12:59.480 --> 00:12:59.879 may be 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:00.480 wiped out, 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:01.860 that times 00:13:01.860 --> 00:13:02.600 of refreshing 00:13:02.600 --> 00:13:03.360 may come 00:13:03.360 --> 00:13:04.500 from the 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:04.779 Lord. 00:13:06.439 --> 00:13:07.159 Actually, 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:07.580 the word 00:13:07.580 --> 00:13:08.299 used here, 00:13:08.639 --> 00:13:09.279 turn to 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:09.860 God, 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:12.919 not just 00:13:12.919 --> 00:13:13.299 implies 00:13:13.299 --> 00:13:13.960 turning to, 00:13:14.080 --> 00:13:14.720 but turning 00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:15.779 back to 00:13:15.779 --> 00:13:16.320 God, 00:13:16.379 --> 00:13:17.120 or returning 00:13:17.120 --> 00:13:18.320 to God. 00:13:20.440 --> 00:13:21.279 Here we 00:13:21.279 --> 00:13:21.639 see that 00:13:21.639 --> 00:13:22.360 repentance is 00:13:22.360 --> 00:13:23.080 not just 00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:23.759 about us 00:13:23.759 --> 00:13:24.360 stopping 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:24.980 the bad 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:25.440 things that 00:13:25.440 --> 00:13:25.740 we've been 00:13:25.740 --> 00:13:26.060 doing, 00:13:27.060 --> 00:13:28.340 and renouncing 00:13:28.340 --> 00:13:28.580 them. 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:29.899 It is that, 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:30.379 but it's 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:31.340 also a 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:31.840 relational 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:32.300 thing, 00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:33.879 where we 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:34.539 come back 00:13:34.539 --> 00:13:35.519 to relationship 00:13:35.519 --> 00:13:36.279 with God, 00:13:37.279 --> 00:13:38.360 and we 00:13:38.360 --> 00:13:38.940 seek to be 00:13:38.940 --> 00:13:39.740 reconciled 00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:40.159 to Him. 00:13:42.860 --> 00:13:43.300 Another 00:13:43.300 --> 00:13:44.519 example of 00:13:44.519 --> 00:13:45.019 this element 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:45.560 of turning 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:46.000 to is 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:46.980 Acts 26 00:13:46.980 --> 00:13:47.800 verse 20. 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:50.460 This is 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:51.660 the Apostle 00:13:51.660 --> 00:13:51.960 Paul, 00:13:52.060 --> 00:13:52.759 explaining in 00:13:52.759 --> 00:13:54.080 court what 00:13:54.080 --> 00:13:54.580 he has been 00:13:54.580 --> 00:13:54.940 up to. 00:13:55.040 --> 00:13:55.440 He says, 00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:56.000 first to 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:56.379 those in 00:13:56.379 --> 00:13:57.040 Damascus, 00:13:57.300 --> 00:13:58.420 then to 00:13:58.420 --> 00:13:58.820 those in 00:13:58.820 --> 00:13:59.320 Jerusalem, 00:13:59.540 --> 00:13:59.820 and in 00:13:59.820 --> 00:14:00.560 all Judea, 00:14:00.660 --> 00:14:01.180 and then to 00:14:01.180 --> 00:14:01.980 the Gentiles, 00:14:02.060 --> 00:14:02.920 I preached 00:14:02.920 --> 00:14:04.500 that they 00:14:04.500 --> 00:14:05.259 should repent 00:14:05.259 --> 00:14:05.960 and turn 00:14:05.960 --> 00:14:06.860 to God, 00:14:07.680 --> 00:14:09.180 and demonstrate 00:14:09.180 --> 00:14:10.019 their repentance 00:14:10.019 --> 00:14:11.800 by their deeds. 00:14:11.799 --> 00:14:14.479 here we 00:14:14.479 --> 00:14:14.899 kind of see 00:14:14.899 --> 00:14:15.919 both elements 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:16.539 of repentance 00:14:16.539 --> 00:14:17.099 in one 00:14:17.099 --> 00:14:17.459 verse. 00:14:21.259 --> 00:14:21.979 Paul says 00:14:21.979 --> 00:14:22.339 they should 00:14:22.339 --> 00:14:22.819 repent, 00:14:23.000 --> 00:14:23.819 meaning turn 00:14:23.819 --> 00:14:25.319 to God. 00:14:25.859 --> 00:14:26.500 That's the 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:27.399 relational part. 00:14:28.459 --> 00:14:28.979 And he 00:14:28.979 --> 00:14:29.339 says they 00:14:29.339 --> 00:14:30.139 should demonstrate 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:31.259 the genuineness 00:14:31.259 --> 00:14:31.979 of that, 00:14:32.399 --> 00:14:33.479 that change 00:14:33.479 --> 00:14:34.000 of heart 00:14:34.000 --> 00:14:34.839 by their 00:14:34.839 --> 00:14:35.219 deeds, 00:14:35.299 --> 00:14:35.899 by turning 00:14:35.899 --> 00:14:36.779 away from 00:14:36.779 --> 00:14:37.519 their sinful 00:14:37.519 --> 00:14:38.399 actions, 00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:39.519 and replacing 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:40.120 them with 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:41.460 the right 00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:42.039 actions, 00:14:42.679 --> 00:14:43.060 the things 00:14:43.060 --> 00:14:43.460 God has 00:14:43.460 --> 00:14:43.820 commanded. 00:14:45.320 --> 00:14:45.659 And so 00:14:45.659 --> 00:14:46.399 all of this 00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:46.980 is what is 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:47.940 meant by 00:14:47.940 --> 00:14:48.560 Jesus when 00:14:48.560 --> 00:14:48.960 he says, 00:14:49.259 --> 00:14:50.019 unless you 00:14:50.019 --> 00:14:50.580 repent, 00:14:51.580 --> 00:14:52.179 you too 00:14:52.179 --> 00:14:52.700 will all 00:14:52.700 --> 00:14:53.080 perish. 00:14:53.200 --> 00:14:53.840 Unless you 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:54.580 turn from 00:14:54.580 --> 00:14:55.120 your sinful 00:14:55.120 --> 00:14:55.679 ways, 00:14:57.600 --> 00:14:58.179 renouncing 00:14:58.179 --> 00:14:58.480 them, 00:14:59.399 --> 00:15:00.200 and turn 00:15:00.200 --> 00:15:00.799 back to 00:15:00.799 --> 00:15:01.340 God, 00:15:02.340 --> 00:15:04.680 you will 00:15:04.680 --> 00:15:05.080 perish. 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:07.080 And I 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:08.080 emphasize both 00:15:08.080 --> 00:15:08.399 of these 00:15:08.399 --> 00:15:09.019 elements of 00:15:09.019 --> 00:15:09.440 repentance 00:15:09.440 --> 00:15:10.860 because so 00:15:10.860 --> 00:15:11.480 often we 00:15:11.480 --> 00:15:12.180 just think of 00:15:12.180 --> 00:15:12.980 repentance as 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:13.500 being about 00:15:13.500 --> 00:15:14.100 turning away 00:15:14.100 --> 00:15:14.800 from sins. 00:15:16.060 --> 00:15:16.780 And it 00:15:16.780 --> 00:15:17.260 is that. 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:20.920 But God 00:15:20.920 --> 00:15:21.640 calls us to 00:15:21.640 --> 00:15:22.840 repent not 00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:23.660 just because he 00:15:23.660 --> 00:15:24.300 wants us to 00:15:24.300 --> 00:15:25.020 stop sinning. 00:15:27.380 --> 00:15:28.200 That's not 00:15:28.200 --> 00:15:29.960 the main or 00:15:29.960 --> 00:15:30.840 the only goal. 00:15:31.180 --> 00:15:32.060 He calls us to 00:15:32.060 --> 00:15:33.000 repent because he 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:34.240 wants a restored 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:35.400 relationship with 00:15:35.400 --> 00:15:35.740 us. 00:15:35.740 --> 00:15:35.799 us. 00:15:38.680 --> 00:15:39.820 He wants to 00:15:39.820 --> 00:15:40.799 fix that 00:15:40.799 --> 00:15:41.279 broken 00:15:41.279 --> 00:15:42.000 relationship 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:42.840 between him 00:15:42.840 --> 00:15:43.860 and us. 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:47.740 We talk 00:15:47.740 --> 00:15:48.460 often about how 00:15:48.460 --> 00:15:49.220 God is eager 00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:50.100 to forgive us 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:50.700 of our sins. 00:15:50.820 --> 00:15:51.279 Well, it's not 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:52.620 just because he 00:15:52.620 --> 00:15:54.379 has to or 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:54.980 because he's 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:56.480 merciful, but 00:15:56.480 --> 00:15:56.980 he actually 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:58.000 desires a 00:15:58.000 --> 00:15:58.799 restored 00:15:58.799 --> 00:15:59.500 relationship 00:15:59.500 --> 00:16:00.240 with us. 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:04.560 And just 00:16:04.560 --> 00:16:04.899 like with 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:05.180 human 00:16:05.180 --> 00:16:05.960 relationships, 00:16:06.539 --> 00:16:08.060 a relationship 00:16:08.060 --> 00:16:08.500 that is 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:09.200 broken cannot 00:16:09.200 --> 00:16:09.919 be restored 00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:10.639 just by 00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:11.480 changing the 00:16:11.480 --> 00:16:13.159 behavior that 00:16:13.159 --> 00:16:13.639 broke it. 00:16:15.539 --> 00:16:16.279 You must 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:17.759 also go to 00:16:17.759 --> 00:16:18.720 that person 00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:23.000 and admit 00:16:23.000 --> 00:16:23.519 the things 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:24.100 that you've 00:16:24.100 --> 00:16:24.940 done wrong 00:16:24.940 --> 00:16:26.800 and say 00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:27.540 sorry and 00:16:27.540 --> 00:16:28.500 ask for 00:16:28.500 --> 00:16:29.000 forgiveness. 00:16:31.400 --> 00:16:32.320 This is what 00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:32.960 Jesus has 00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:33.560 come to 00:16:33.560 --> 00:16:34.280 call all 00:16:34.280 --> 00:16:35.360 people to 00:16:35.360 --> 00:16:36.220 do, to 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:37.140 repent, to 00:16:37.140 --> 00:16:38.060 turn away from 00:16:38.060 --> 00:16:39.620 sins and to 00:16:39.620 --> 00:16:40.640 turn back to 00:16:40.640 --> 00:16:41.380 God. 00:16:42.980 --> 00:16:44.040 And he's 00:16:44.040 --> 00:16:44.780 calling us to 00:16:44.780 --> 00:16:45.480 this so that we 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:46.340 might know 00:16:46.340 --> 00:16:48.660 God and have 00:16:48.660 --> 00:16:49.380 a relationship 00:16:49.380 --> 00:16:50.060 with him and 00:16:50.060 --> 00:16:50.860 enjoy him. 00:16:50.860 --> 00:16:54.200 Well that 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:54.779 brings us to 00:16:54.779 --> 00:16:56.480 another, I'm 00:16:56.480 --> 00:16:56.800 going to call 00:16:56.800 --> 00:16:57.480 it dimension 00:16:57.480 --> 00:16:59.480 of repentance 00:16:59.480 --> 00:17:00.340 that we see 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:01.080 in the Bible. 00:17:03.240 --> 00:17:04.039 Really two 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:04.539 dimensions. 00:17:05.860 --> 00:17:06.539 We could 00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:07.000 call it 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:07.880 initial 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:08.640 repentance 00:17:08.640 --> 00:17:10.120 or first 00:17:10.120 --> 00:17:10.640 repentance 00:17:10.640 --> 00:17:12.440 and we could 00:17:12.440 --> 00:17:13.000 call the other 00:17:13.000 --> 00:17:14.279 dimension ongoing 00:17:14.279 --> 00:17:15.420 repentance. 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:19.140 When the 00:17:19.140 --> 00:17:19.759 Bible speaks 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:20.339 about us 00:17:20.339 --> 00:17:20.839 receiving 00:17:20.839 --> 00:17:21.339 God's 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:23.439 salvation, we're 00:17:23.439 --> 00:17:24.019 called to 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:24.839 repent and 00:17:24.839 --> 00:17:25.220 like we've 00:17:25.220 --> 00:17:25.619 been talking 00:17:25.619 --> 00:17:26.159 about, turn 00:17:26.159 --> 00:17:26.619 back to 00:17:26.619 --> 00:17:27.500 God and 00:17:27.500 --> 00:17:27.859 there is 00:17:27.859 --> 00:17:28.379 sort of a 00:17:28.379 --> 00:17:29.159 first moment 00:17:29.159 --> 00:17:30.179 in which we 00:17:30.179 --> 00:17:30.639 do that. 00:17:30.919 --> 00:17:31.619 For the 00:17:31.619 --> 00:17:32.259 first time 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:33.059 we acknowledge 00:17:33.059 --> 00:17:34.119 to God 00:17:34.119 --> 00:17:34.799 in prayer 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:35.959 that we've 00:17:35.959 --> 00:17:36.480 sinned against 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:36.740 him. 00:17:38.259 --> 00:17:38.740 And we say 00:17:38.740 --> 00:17:39.259 we're sorry, 00:17:39.379 --> 00:17:39.899 we ask for 00:17:39.899 --> 00:17:40.500 his forgiveness, 00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:41.599 we admit that 00:17:41.599 --> 00:17:42.819 his ways are 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:43.399 good and right 00:17:43.399 --> 00:17:43.919 and that the 00:17:43.919 --> 00:17:44.480 way that we've 00:17:44.480 --> 00:17:45.059 been living is 00:17:45.059 --> 00:17:45.939 wrong, we 00:17:45.939 --> 00:17:47.099 believe, we 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:47.859 accept his 00:17:47.859 --> 00:17:48.519 offer of 00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:49.220 salvation and 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:49.799 for the first 00:17:49.799 --> 00:17:50.279 time we 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:50.819 trust that 00:17:50.819 --> 00:17:51.220 what God 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:51.559 has done 00:17:51.559 --> 00:17:51.779 through 00:17:51.779 --> 00:17:53.480 Jesus is 00:17:53.480 --> 00:17:53.799 what we 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.119 need. 00:17:56.299 --> 00:17:56.960 And when 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:57.700 we do that 00:17:57.700 --> 00:17:58.240 for the first 00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:58.859 time we are 00:17:58.859 --> 00:18:00.299 then baptized 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:01.759 just as the 00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:02.379 people were in 00:18:02.379 --> 00:18:03.059 Jesus' day, 00:18:03.439 --> 00:18:04.159 that's the 00:18:04.159 --> 00:18:04.899 outward thing 00:18:04.899 --> 00:18:05.419 that's done 00:18:05.419 --> 00:18:07.679 to express 00:18:07.679 --> 00:18:08.700 the heart 00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:09.700 of repentance 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:09.900 repentance. 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:12.680 And we 00:18:12.680 --> 00:18:13.539 notice in the 00:18:13.539 --> 00:18:13.900 Bible 00:18:13.900 --> 00:18:17.100 that to 00:18:17.100 --> 00:18:17.539 those who 00:18:17.539 --> 00:18:18.100 have already 00:18:18.100 --> 00:18:18.759 done this 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:19.360 for the first 00:18:19.360 --> 00:18:20.259 time, to 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:20.720 those who have 00:18:20.720 --> 00:18:21.200 repented, 00:18:21.580 --> 00:18:22.380 Jesus speaks 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:22.940 differently. 00:18:24.580 --> 00:18:25.340 And God 00:18:25.340 --> 00:18:26.319 speaks differently. 00:18:26.720 --> 00:18:27.160 Look at what 00:18:27.160 --> 00:18:28.600 Jesus said just 00:18:28.600 --> 00:18:29.380 in the previous 00:18:29.380 --> 00:18:30.460 chapter to his 00:18:30.460 --> 00:18:31.080 disciples. 00:18:33.080 --> 00:18:33.880 Luke 12, 00:18:33.940 --> 00:18:34.460 verse 32, 00:18:34.460 --> 00:18:34.880 he said, 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:35.559 do not be 00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:36.240 afraid, 00:18:36.460 --> 00:18:37.160 little flock, 00:18:37.620 --> 00:18:38.220 for the 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:38.980 Father has 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:39.940 been pleased 00:18:39.940 --> 00:18:41.360 to give you 00:18:41.360 --> 00:18:42.380 the kingdom. 00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:48.539 In that one 00:18:48.539 --> 00:18:49.059 verse alone, 00:18:49.140 --> 00:18:49.600 there is so 00:18:49.600 --> 00:18:50.299 much comfort 00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:52.180 and reassurance. 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:55.380 Jesus is not 00:18:55.380 --> 00:18:56.120 warning about 00:18:56.120 --> 00:18:57.220 fiery punishment 00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:59.160 or about 00:18:59.160 --> 00:18:59.720 perishing, 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:02.039 but he's 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:02.820 calling his 00:19:02.820 --> 00:19:03.740 true followers 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:04.960 children of 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:05.320 God. 00:19:06.299 --> 00:19:07.519 Your Father, 00:19:07.840 --> 00:19:08.340 he says. 00:19:09.560 --> 00:19:10.400 And he's 00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:11.140 promising them 00:19:11.140 --> 00:19:12.100 that as 00:19:12.100 --> 00:19:13.039 children, 00:19:13.220 --> 00:19:13.519 they will 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:14.259 inherit the 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:15.060 very kingdom 00:19:15.060 --> 00:19:15.759 of God. 00:19:18.920 --> 00:19:19.680 And he 00:19:19.680 --> 00:19:20.039 says that 00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:20.460 God is 00:19:20.460 --> 00:19:22.160 pleased to 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:22.400 give it 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:22.759 to them. 00:19:24.360 --> 00:19:24.940 And so 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:25.340 when we 00:19:25.340 --> 00:19:26.160 truly repent, 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:26.500 when we 00:19:26.500 --> 00:19:27.040 turn back 00:19:27.040 --> 00:19:27.460 to God 00:19:27.460 --> 00:19:27.840 for the 00:19:27.840 --> 00:19:28.620 first time, 00:19:29.380 --> 00:19:31.759 it changes 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:32.519 our relationship 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:33.080 to God 00:19:33.080 --> 00:19:33.500 forever. 00:19:35.519 --> 00:19:36.019 We're 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:36.740 reconciled 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:37.040 to him. 00:19:37.120 --> 00:19:37.279 That 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:37.880 relationship 00:19:37.880 --> 00:19:38.580 is restored 00:19:38.580 --> 00:19:38.940 and there 00:19:38.940 --> 00:19:39.300 is no 00:19:39.300 --> 00:19:40.600 longer a 00:19:40.600 --> 00:19:41.420 fear of 00:19:41.420 --> 00:19:42.500 perishing 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.080 or of 00:19:43.080 --> 00:19:43.880 fire or 00:19:43.880 --> 00:19:44.540 of judgment. 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:46.200 The stuff 00:19:46.200 --> 00:19:46.500 that we 00:19:46.500 --> 00:19:46.920 heard about 00:19:46.920 --> 00:19:47.600 last week. 00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:51.440 We confess 00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:52.140 our sins 00:19:52.140 --> 00:19:52.580 to him. 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:53.080 We ask 00:19:53.080 --> 00:19:53.360 for his 00:19:53.360 --> 00:19:53.759 forgiveness. 00:19:54.060 --> 00:19:54.740 We believe 00:19:54.740 --> 00:19:55.780 in Jesus, 00:19:56.380 --> 00:19:57.880 the chosen 00:19:57.880 --> 00:19:58.280 one. 00:19:59.240 --> 00:19:59.880 And the 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:00.440 Bible tells 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:00.920 us that we 00:20:00.920 --> 00:20:01.520 are forgiven 00:20:01.520 --> 00:20:02.160 of all of 00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:02.520 our sins 00:20:02.520 --> 00:20:02.800 and we 00:20:02.800 --> 00:20:03.420 are welcomed 00:20:03.420 --> 00:20:04.400 into God's 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:04.840 family. 00:20:05.840 --> 00:20:06.120 Our 00:20:06.120 --> 00:20:06.740 relationship 00:20:06.740 --> 00:20:08.259 status with 00:20:08.259 --> 00:20:08.820 God goes 00:20:08.820 --> 00:20:09.480 from enemy 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.840 to son 00:20:10.840 --> 00:20:12.680 or daughter 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:14.120 of God. 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:17.620 And right 00:20:17.620 --> 00:20:18.120 here at this 00:20:18.120 --> 00:20:18.540 point in the 00:20:18.540 --> 00:20:18.860 story, 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:19.680 Luke 13, 00:20:19.680 --> 00:20:21.100 this is 00:20:21.100 --> 00:20:21.700 something that 00:20:21.700 --> 00:20:22.400 all of the 00:20:22.400 --> 00:20:23.120 true followers 00:20:23.120 --> 00:20:23.680 of Jesus 00:20:23.680 --> 00:20:24.759 have had 00:20:24.759 --> 00:20:25.279 to do. 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:26.720 They have 00:20:26.720 --> 00:20:27.340 had to 00:20:27.340 --> 00:20:27.759 repent 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.680 for the 00:20:28.680 --> 00:20:29.299 first time. 00:20:31.299 --> 00:20:31.740 John the 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.480 baptizer was 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:32.920 the one that 00:20:32.920 --> 00:20:33.440 first called 00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:34.019 them to it. 00:20:36.660 --> 00:20:37.360 And each 00:20:37.360 --> 00:20:37.740 one of them 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:38.360 had a moment 00:20:38.360 --> 00:20:39.220 of confessing 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:39.820 their sins 00:20:39.820 --> 00:20:41.560 and then 00:20:41.560 --> 00:20:42.440 being baptized. 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:42.559 baptized. 00:20:44.320 --> 00:20:44.539 And then 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:45.340 after John, 00:20:45.860 --> 00:20:47.680 Jesus and 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:48.360 his disciples, 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:48.779 they've been 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:49.380 going around 00:20:49.380 --> 00:20:49.740 and they've 00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:50.240 been calling 00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:51.220 people to 00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:52.580 repent everywhere 00:20:52.580 --> 00:20:53.279 they go. 00:20:54.799 --> 00:20:55.880 And baptizing 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:56.340 people. 00:20:57.779 --> 00:20:58.240 And it kind 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:58.779 of brings us 00:20:58.779 --> 00:20:59.140 to this 00:20:59.140 --> 00:20:59.640 question. 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:02.120 Have you 00:21:02.120 --> 00:21:04.000 had that 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:05.120 moment of 00:21:05.120 --> 00:21:06.279 first repentance? 00:21:06.279 --> 00:21:11.920 of turning 00:21:11.920 --> 00:21:12.440 back to 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:12.759 God, 00:21:13.879 --> 00:21:14.420 acknowledging 00:21:14.420 --> 00:21:15.619 your sins 00:21:15.619 --> 00:21:16.139 to him, 00:21:17.740 --> 00:21:19.160 asking for 00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:19.819 his forgiveness, 00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:22.059 being baptized 00:21:22.059 --> 00:21:22.799 in Jesus' 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:23.200 name. 00:21:27.440 --> 00:21:28.059 And if 00:21:28.059 --> 00:21:28.599 you haven't 00:21:28.599 --> 00:21:29.160 and you'd 00:21:29.160 --> 00:21:29.879 like guidance 00:21:29.879 --> 00:21:31.019 in this 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:32.599 or to talk 00:21:32.599 --> 00:21:33.019 through it, 00:21:33.079 --> 00:21:33.539 you can come 00:21:33.539 --> 00:21:34.160 find me after 00:21:34.160 --> 00:21:34.700 the service 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:35.840 or someone 00:21:35.840 --> 00:21:36.420 else here 00:21:36.420 --> 00:21:36.779 who you 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:37.539 know has 00:21:37.539 --> 00:21:38.779 done these 00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:39.220 things, 00:21:39.340 --> 00:21:39.900 would be glad 00:21:39.900 --> 00:21:40.539 to talk with 00:21:40.539 --> 00:21:41.059 you about it. 00:21:41.080 --> 00:21:41.500 It's a big 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:42.299 step to take. 00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:45.279 And Jesus 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:47.039 always encouraged 00:21:47.039 --> 00:21:48.000 people to sit 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:49.440 down and 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:50.019 to count the 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:52.160 cost before 00:21:52.160 --> 00:21:52.779 making this 00:21:52.779 --> 00:21:53.200 decision. 00:21:54.600 --> 00:21:55.100 Have you 00:21:55.100 --> 00:21:56.700 had your 00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:57.420 moment of 00:21:57.420 --> 00:21:58.120 first repentance? 00:22:03.080 --> 00:22:03.600 Now, 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:04.200 for many of 00:22:04.200 --> 00:22:04.640 us here, 00:22:04.700 --> 00:22:06.559 we've done 00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:06.900 this. 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:08.920 Some of 00:22:08.920 --> 00:22:09.299 us not 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:09.740 too long 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:10.059 ago, 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:12.600 others of 00:22:12.600 --> 00:22:13.700 us decades 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.080 ago. 00:22:15.559 --> 00:22:16.160 And if 00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:16.519 you've already 00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:17.220 had that 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:18.080 moment of 00:22:18.080 --> 00:22:18.700 first repentance, 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:19.220 then these 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:19.680 words of 00:22:19.680 --> 00:22:21.440 Jesus ring 00:22:21.440 --> 00:22:21.940 differently. 00:22:23.880 --> 00:22:24.620 We don't 00:22:24.620 --> 00:22:25.200 worry about 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:25.860 ourselves, 00:22:26.860 --> 00:22:28.539 but our 00:22:28.539 --> 00:22:29.019 hearts are 00:22:29.019 --> 00:22:30.400 on those 00:22:30.400 --> 00:22:30.779 we love 00:22:30.779 --> 00:22:31.340 around us 00:22:31.340 --> 00:22:31.740 who have 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:32.319 not yet 00:22:32.319 --> 00:22:32.880 repented. 00:22:32.880 --> 00:22:35.440 we don't 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:36.060 fear that 00:22:36.060 --> 00:22:36.540 we will 00:22:36.540 --> 00:22:37.000 perish 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:38.600 because we 00:22:38.600 --> 00:22:39.020 know that 00:22:39.020 --> 00:22:39.440 there's now 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:40.560 no condemnation 00:22:40.560 --> 00:22:41.600 awaiting. 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:44.380 Jesus has 00:22:44.380 --> 00:22:44.960 already taken 00:22:44.960 --> 00:22:45.540 the punishment 00:22:45.540 --> 00:22:46.020 that we 00:22:46.020 --> 00:22:46.580 deserve on 00:22:46.580 --> 00:22:47.000 himself. 00:22:49.560 --> 00:22:50.120 Instead, 00:22:50.280 --> 00:22:50.860 we have our 00:22:50.860 --> 00:22:51.580 hearts and 00:22:51.580 --> 00:22:52.060 our eyes 00:22:52.060 --> 00:22:52.780 set on the 00:22:52.780 --> 00:22:54.360 glory that 00:22:54.360 --> 00:22:54.920 Jesus has 00:22:54.920 --> 00:22:55.500 promised to 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:55.680 us. 00:22:55.680 --> 00:22:55.900 we're 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:56.180 looking 00:22:56.180 --> 00:22:56.920 forward to 00:22:56.920 --> 00:22:57.580 being raised 00:22:57.580 --> 00:22:57.980 from the 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:59.160 dead by 00:22:59.160 --> 00:22:59.820 Jesus when 00:22:59.820 --> 00:23:00.480 he returns 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:00.880 and to 00:23:00.880 --> 00:23:01.880 eternity with 00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:02.880 him in 00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:03.380 his kingdom. 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:05.039 When we 00:23:05.039 --> 00:23:06.580 read these 00:23:06.580 --> 00:23:07.060 words, 00:23:07.640 --> 00:23:08.160 unless you 00:23:08.160 --> 00:23:08.580 repent, 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:09.220 you too 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:09.680 will all 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:10.019 perish, 00:23:10.100 --> 00:23:10.460 we say, 00:23:11.600 --> 00:23:11.920 yes, 00:23:12.140 --> 00:23:12.440 Jesus, 00:23:13.320 --> 00:23:14.539 I know 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:15.180 I'm a 00:23:15.180 --> 00:23:15.380 sinner. 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:17.180 I know 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:17.759 I'm guilty. 00:23:18.600 --> 00:23:19.160 Thank you, 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:19.380 Lord, 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:19.940 that you have 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:20.660 provided the 00:23:20.660 --> 00:23:22.180 way for 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:22.759 us to be 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:23.680 spared what 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:24.279 we deserve. 00:23:26.640 --> 00:23:27.259 Thank you 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:27.740 that because 00:23:27.740 --> 00:23:28.220 of you, 00:23:28.360 --> 00:23:28.660 we're no 00:23:28.660 --> 00:23:30.360 longer guilty 00:23:30.360 --> 00:23:32.560 or counted 00:23:32.560 --> 00:23:33.180 as guilty. 00:23:36.060 --> 00:23:36.680 And so 00:23:36.680 --> 00:23:37.259 for us who 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:37.759 have already 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:38.440 repented for 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:38.840 the first 00:23:38.840 --> 00:23:39.120 time, 00:23:39.580 --> 00:23:39.960 we now 00:23:39.960 --> 00:23:40.580 practice what 00:23:40.580 --> 00:23:41.400 I'm going 00:23:41.400 --> 00:23:41.680 to call 00:23:41.680 --> 00:23:42.400 ongoing 00:23:42.400 --> 00:23:43.220 repentance. 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:46.100 We only 00:23:46.100 --> 00:23:46.600 needed to 00:23:46.600 --> 00:23:47.519 truly repent 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:50.820 once and 00:23:50.820 --> 00:23:51.400 to believe 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:52.140 once in 00:23:52.140 --> 00:23:52.500 order to 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:53.060 be saved. 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:55.180 but now 00:23:55.180 --> 00:23:55.539 that we've 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:55.680 been 00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.360 reconciled 00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:56.720 to God, 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:57.120 there is 00:23:57.120 --> 00:23:57.820 still need 00:23:57.820 --> 00:23:58.720 for ongoing 00:23:58.720 --> 00:23:59.820 repentance 00:23:59.820 --> 00:24:01.140 because we 00:24:01.140 --> 00:24:01.560 haven't been 00:24:01.560 --> 00:24:02.180 made perfect 00:24:02.180 --> 00:24:02.560 yet. 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:04.820 We're still 00:24:04.820 --> 00:24:05.220 tempted 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:06.560 and we 00:24:06.560 --> 00:24:07.120 still sin. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.080 And so 00:24:10.080 --> 00:24:10.480 we still 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:11.039 regularly 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:11.660 must humble 00:24:11.660 --> 00:24:12.100 ourselves 00:24:12.100 --> 00:24:12.980 before God 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:13.960 when we 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:14.400 do those 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:15.660 things and 00:24:15.660 --> 00:24:16.220 admit that 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:17.160 we've done 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:17.620 them and 00:24:17.620 --> 00:24:18.019 ask for 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:18.660 his forgiveness. 00:24:18.660 --> 00:24:18.860 forgiveness. 00:24:21.160 --> 00:24:21.960 And God 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:22.620 has promised 00:24:22.620 --> 00:24:24.360 that as 00:24:24.360 --> 00:24:25.160 many times 00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:25.500 as we 00:24:25.500 --> 00:24:26.019 do that, 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:28.480 he will 00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:28.960 forgive 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:32.940 because he's 00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:33.519 provided the 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:34.259 full atonement 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:35.019 that we need 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:37.060 in Jesus' 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:38.120 blood and 00:24:38.120 --> 00:24:38.660 because his 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.279 love is so 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:39.660 great. 00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:40.160 God 00:24:40.160 --> 00:24:44.759 and so 00:24:44.759 --> 00:24:45.000 I want 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:45.860 to just 00:24:45.860 --> 00:24:46.220 say a 00:24:46.220 --> 00:24:46.680 word to 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:47.220 you who 00:24:47.220 --> 00:24:47.700 are 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:48.500 children of 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:49.040 God here 00:24:49.040 --> 00:24:49.480 today. 00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:53.480 Is there 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.300 some hidden 00:24:54.300 --> 00:24:56.140 sin or 00:24:56.140 --> 00:24:57.540 struggle with 00:24:57.540 --> 00:24:59.340 sin that 00:24:59.340 --> 00:24:59.660 you've been 00:24:59.660 --> 00:25:00.259 holding on 00:25:00.259 --> 00:25:02.640 to for 00:25:02.640 --> 00:25:03.040 which you 00:25:03.040 --> 00:25:03.460 need to 00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:03.759 repent 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.200 today? 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:09.380 Jesus' 00:25:09.539 --> 00:25:09.960 command to 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:10.620 us now is 00:25:10.620 --> 00:25:11.140 to be 00:25:11.140 --> 00:25:12.840 holy as 00:25:12.840 --> 00:25:13.160 I am 00:25:13.160 --> 00:25:13.460 holy. 00:25:19.080 --> 00:25:19.759 As we 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:20.259 heard earlier, 00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:21.059 there is need 00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:22.319 after our 00:25:22.319 --> 00:25:23.680 initial repenting 00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:24.799 to show our 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:25.660 repentance in 00:25:25.660 --> 00:25:26.400 our actions 00:25:26.400 --> 00:25:28.960 by turning 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.580 away from 00:25:29.580 --> 00:25:30.039 the evil 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:30.680 things that 00:25:30.680 --> 00:25:31.160 we have 00:25:31.160 --> 00:25:32.180 been doing 00:25:32.180 --> 00:25:33.180 or thinking 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:34.120 or desiring 00:25:34.119 --> 00:25:34.939 or planning. 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:38.839 Is there 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:39.479 any sin you 00:25:39.479 --> 00:25:39.859 know that 00:25:39.859 --> 00:25:40.379 God wants 00:25:40.379 --> 00:25:40.759 you to 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:41.279 repent of 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:41.619 today? 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:44.539 We're just 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:44.879 going to take 00:25:44.879 --> 00:25:45.379 a minute right 00:25:45.379 --> 00:25:45.839 now in the 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:46.339 middle of the 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:46.879 service to 00:25:46.879 --> 00:25:48.099 just pray. 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:49.299 And I 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:49.759 invite you to 00:25:49.759 --> 00:25:50.359 talk to God 00:25:50.359 --> 00:25:50.659 and if 00:25:50.659 --> 00:25:51.279 something comes 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:51.739 to mind, 00:25:53.179 --> 00:25:54.559 talk to 00:25:54.559 --> 00:25:54.759 him. 00:26:04.119 --> 00:26:06.539 may may 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.539 00:26:34.119 --> 00:26:36.619 follows up his teaching on repentance with a parable. 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:40.219 Verse 6. 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:42.219 Then he told this parable. 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:46.059 A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, 00:26:46.139 --> 00:26:49.579 and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 00:26:50.419 --> 00:26:52.799 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 00:26:52.799 --> 00:26:56.759 For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:59.000 and haven't found any. 00:26:59.959 --> 00:27:00.859 Cut it down. 00:27:01.799 --> 00:27:03.559 Why should it use up the soil? 00:27:04.119 --> 00:27:09.739 Sir, the man replied, leave it alone for one more year, 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:12.619 and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 00:27:13.319 --> 00:27:16.719 If it bears fruit next year, fine. 00:27:17.719 --> 00:27:20.199 If not, then cut it down. 00:27:22.959 --> 00:27:24.859 So Jesus tells a little parable. 00:27:25.019 --> 00:27:27.379 He gives an analogy of a fig tree, 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:32.839 and of course here in Saskatchewan we don't really think too much about fig trees. 00:27:32.839 --> 00:27:37.959 So maybe if it helps, imagine an apple tree in an orchard instead. 00:27:39.459 --> 00:27:43.459 But one thing we need to catch here is that this tree is growing in his vineyard, 00:27:43.879 --> 00:27:46.379 not in his backyard. 00:27:48.059 --> 00:27:50.759 We might keep an unproductive tree in the backyard 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:53.699 simply because the tree is beautiful to look at. 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:58.680 But a vineyard, just like a farmer's field, 00:27:59.319 --> 00:28:02.779 is land for the business and not for the beauty. 00:28:03.980 --> 00:28:06.539 The whole point of the vineyard or the orchard 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:09.580 is to get the fruit from what is planted in it. 00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:16.059 And considerable work is put into making the plants as productive as possible. 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:21.940 And so if there's a tree in the row that's not producing any good fruit, 00:28:22.419 --> 00:28:24.700 then what should be done with it? 00:28:26.819 --> 00:28:30.159 It is, as Jesus said, just sort of using up the soil. 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:34.019 It's taking up the space with no return, 00:28:34.359 --> 00:28:39.000 and it's using up the nutrients that could go to another tree. 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:45.099 The logical, sensible thing to do is to cut it down. 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:50.799 And it's not like it's the first year that this tree was planted either, 00:28:51.059 --> 00:28:52.440 but it's been three years. 00:28:53.940 --> 00:28:56.160 There should be some fruit by now. 00:28:58.779 --> 00:29:02.559 In the parable, the caretaker intercedes for the tree. 00:29:03.539 --> 00:29:05.059 Let's not cut it down just yet. 00:29:05.119 --> 00:29:06.119 Give it one more year. 00:29:06.660 --> 00:29:08.019 I'll take special care of it. 00:29:08.019 --> 00:29:09.240 I'll dig around it. 00:29:09.299 --> 00:29:10.259 I'll fertilize it. 00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:14.160 Digging around it would be to loosen up the soil 00:29:14.160 --> 00:29:16.799 so that the moisture can get down to the roots more easily. 00:29:18.779 --> 00:29:22.420 And if this next year we get fruit out of it, good. 00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:24.379 Problem solved. 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:27.079 And if not, then you're right. 00:29:27.279 --> 00:29:28.379 Let's cut it down. 00:29:29.019 --> 00:29:30.639 That's the sensible thing to do. 00:29:33.180 --> 00:29:34.400 This is an analogy. 00:29:34.400 --> 00:29:38.360 And it suggests that God is patient. 00:29:39.860 --> 00:29:43.480 He's not eager just to cut us down at the first sign of trouble, 00:29:43.480 --> 00:29:48.660 but he is patient and willing to bear with people the extra year, 00:29:49.540 --> 00:29:52.240 even though there should be fruit by now. 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:56.900 This parable reminds us that God is watching us. 00:29:57.900 --> 00:30:04.380 He had checked on this tree, the owner, three years in a row. 00:30:05.140 --> 00:30:09.120 And its fruitlessness didn't escape his notice. 00:30:09.119 --> 00:30:14.359 But even still, he is willing to let it go one year more 00:30:14.359 --> 00:30:18.479 and give it every chance with special care. 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:25.179 Think of this from the tree's perspective, if we could. 00:30:25.180 --> 00:30:29.640 This tree has gone three years with nothing for fruit on it. 00:30:30.420 --> 00:30:31.380 The time is short. 00:30:32.600 --> 00:30:33.799 The stakes are high. 00:30:35.160 --> 00:30:37.600 And if with this extra time and special care, 00:30:37.700 --> 00:30:39.320 there is still no good fruit, 00:30:39.900 --> 00:30:41.880 then we can be sure that the tree is rotten, 00:30:42.620 --> 00:30:43.600 diseased, or dead. 00:30:44.259 --> 00:30:46.000 And the only right thing 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:47.740 is to cut it down 00:30:47.740 --> 00:30:49.360 and give its place to another. 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:53.299 Would you find fault 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:55.079 in the owner of the vineyard 00:30:55.079 --> 00:30:56.199 for cutting down a tree 00:30:56.199 --> 00:30:58.579 that bore no fruit 00:30:58.579 --> 00:31:00.839 in four consecutive years? 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:03.959 Would you find fault 00:31:03.959 --> 00:31:04.579 in the farmer 00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:05.779 for burning the field 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:06.759 that had sprouted late 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:07.679 and was sickly 00:31:07.679 --> 00:31:08.899 with no heads of grain 00:31:08.899 --> 00:31:10.839 once the time for harvest had come? 00:31:13.419 --> 00:31:14.519 Would you find fault 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:15.000 with God 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:16.599 for purging the wicked 00:31:16.599 --> 00:31:17.399 from his world 00:31:17.399 --> 00:31:19.240 when they continue year after year 00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:21.140 to be unresponsive 00:31:21.140 --> 00:31:22.539 to his kindness and grace? 00:31:27.120 --> 00:31:29.120 This parable is a reminder to us 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:30.420 that if we truly repent, 00:31:30.980 --> 00:31:33.019 we will be changed 00:31:33.019 --> 00:31:34.460 on the inside. 00:31:35.519 --> 00:31:37.120 There will be life in us 00:31:37.120 --> 00:31:38.440 by God's Spirit 00:31:38.440 --> 00:31:40.920 and it will lead to good fruit 00:31:40.920 --> 00:31:42.859 coming from us. 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:46.059 Repentance leads 00:31:46.059 --> 00:31:48.220 to love 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:49.919 coming from our lives 00:31:49.919 --> 00:31:50.980 to good works 00:31:50.980 --> 00:31:52.639 to good thoughts 00:31:52.639 --> 00:31:53.740 and desires 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:55.579 and decisions 00:31:55.579 --> 00:31:56.460 and plans. 00:31:59.379 --> 00:32:00.139 This parable 00:32:00.139 --> 00:32:01.220 is a reminder to us 00:32:01.220 --> 00:32:02.240 that if we have not yet 00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:02.839 responded 00:32:02.839 --> 00:32:05.200 to God's call 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:06.179 to repent, 00:32:06.339 --> 00:32:07.359 there will be a day 00:32:07.359 --> 00:32:09.700 when he will cut us down 00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:12.419 and give us what we're due. 00:32:12.420 --> 00:32:16.660 I believe this is a warning 00:32:16.660 --> 00:32:17.920 to the unrepentant 00:32:17.920 --> 00:32:20.400 and a reminder 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:21.080 to those 00:32:21.080 --> 00:32:22.600 who maybe have repented 00:32:22.600 --> 00:32:23.620 but are thinking that, 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:23.860 you know, 00:32:23.920 --> 00:32:25.300 I can kind of get away with 00:32:25.300 --> 00:32:26.880 sinning right now. 00:32:27.400 --> 00:32:28.480 It's no biggie. 00:32:29.400 --> 00:32:30.840 God will just forgive me. 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:35.240 God is watching 00:32:35.240 --> 00:32:35.920 for the fruit. 00:32:35.920 --> 00:32:38.580 And if we 00:32:38.580 --> 00:32:40.640 profess faith in Jesus, 00:32:40.800 --> 00:32:41.640 we dare not 00:32:41.640 --> 00:32:43.120 try to play games 00:32:43.120 --> 00:32:43.840 with his grace. 00:32:45.420 --> 00:32:46.380 We dare not 00:32:46.380 --> 00:32:47.060 try to use 00:32:47.060 --> 00:32:47.860 his forgiveness 00:32:47.860 --> 00:32:49.500 as a license 00:32:49.500 --> 00:32:50.360 to sin more. 00:32:54.240 --> 00:32:55.460 So have you come back 00:32:55.460 --> 00:32:55.980 to God 00:32:55.980 --> 00:32:57.480 for the first time? 00:33:00.960 --> 00:33:02.060 And if you have, 00:33:02.160 --> 00:33:02.880 are you keeping 00:33:02.880 --> 00:33:03.720 that relationship 00:33:03.720 --> 00:33:04.660 with God well? 00:33:05.920 --> 00:33:07.019 By walking daily 00:33:07.019 --> 00:33:09.340 in repentance. 00:33:14.080 --> 00:33:14.700 Let's pray. 00:33:21.519 --> 00:33:22.180 Lord Jesus, 00:33:22.300 --> 00:33:22.779 we thank you 00:33:22.779 --> 00:33:24.180 that you are merciful, 00:33:24.380 --> 00:33:25.120 that you are quick 00:33:25.120 --> 00:33:25.779 to forgive. 00:33:27.539 --> 00:33:28.200 And I pray 00:33:28.200 --> 00:33:28.880 that you would stir 00:33:28.880 --> 00:33:29.800 in all of our hearts, 00:33:30.360 --> 00:33:31.840 that we would confess 00:33:31.840 --> 00:33:32.800 any sins to you 00:33:32.800 --> 00:33:33.600 that we have been 00:33:33.600 --> 00:33:34.420 hanging on to 00:33:34.420 --> 00:33:36.400 and turn from them 00:33:36.400 --> 00:33:37.759 and walk with you. 00:33:38.279 --> 00:33:38.980 Thank you that you 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:39.840 desire a close 00:33:39.840 --> 00:33:41.120 relationship with us 00:33:41.120 --> 00:33:42.920 and that you love us. 00:33:45.259 --> 00:33:46.460 Our hearts can't help 00:33:46.460 --> 00:33:47.300 but go to those 00:33:47.300 --> 00:33:47.880 in our lives 00:33:47.880 --> 00:33:48.640 that we love 00:33:48.640 --> 00:33:49.740 who have not yet 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:51.160 turned back to you, 00:33:51.279 --> 00:33:51.440 Lord. 00:33:52.120 --> 00:33:52.840 Or who maybe 00:33:52.840 --> 00:33:53.860 seem like they did 00:33:53.860 --> 00:33:54.500 at one time, 00:33:54.580 --> 00:33:55.160 but right now 00:33:55.160 --> 00:33:55.840 are not walking 00:33:55.840 --> 00:33:56.340 with you. 00:33:57.380 --> 00:33:58.140 And we ask 00:33:58.140 --> 00:33:58.779 for your grace 00:33:58.779 --> 00:33:59.259 and mercy 00:33:59.259 --> 00:34:00.000 in their lives 00:34:00.000 --> 00:34:00.420 right now. 00:34:00.519 --> 00:34:01.519 You know the very 00:34:01.519 --> 00:34:02.440 people we're thinking 00:34:02.440 --> 00:34:02.960 of, Lord. 00:34:05.879 --> 00:34:07.000 We also ask 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:07.779 for boldness 00:34:07.779 --> 00:34:10.059 and graciousness 00:34:10.059 --> 00:34:11.659 not to be ashamed 00:34:11.659 --> 00:34:13.159 of these truths 00:34:13.159 --> 00:34:14.300 that you taught, 00:34:15.679 --> 00:34:16.860 but that we too 00:34:16.860 --> 00:34:17.719 would call people 00:34:17.719 --> 00:34:18.940 in our lives 00:34:18.940 --> 00:34:21.039 to this same thing, 00:34:21.179 --> 00:34:21.719 to repent. 00:34:24.139 --> 00:34:25.139 That's the path 00:34:25.139 --> 00:34:25.699 that you've laid 00:34:25.699 --> 00:34:26.400 before us. 00:34:28.179 --> 00:34:29.440 Pray this in your name. 00:34:30.820 --> 00:34:31.079 Amen. 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:31.199 Amen. 00:34:31.519 --> 00:34:32.519 Amen.