WEBVTT 00:00:00.120 --> 00:00:04.740 Let's pray together and come before our Father in Heaven for a few minutes. 00:00:04.980 --> 00:00:09.820 And just to remind you, I'm going to lead us in prayer over the mic, but this is us as a family praying. 00:00:09.919 --> 00:00:14.519 So join me, listen to what I'm saying and agree with me and join me in prayer. 00:00:14.640 --> 00:00:16.080 Let's pray together. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:25.940 Sovereign Lord, we gather as your people this morning to worship you, to honor you, to declare your praises and your worth, 00:00:26.060 --> 00:00:28.679 but also, Father, to set our own hearts aright. 00:00:28.679 --> 00:00:34.159 God, come and set our hearts in your heart, God. 00:00:34.799 --> 00:00:37.140 Come and rightly tune our hearts to your heart. 00:00:37.259 --> 00:00:48.140 Father, this morning we want our eyes to be fixed on you and to be reminded of who you are, your infinite worth, and who you've called us to be. 00:00:48.239 --> 00:00:50.539 And so we come before you this morning to do that, Lord. 00:00:51.320 --> 00:00:56.539 Glorious Lord, we come before you this morning not out of any sense of confidence or assurance in ourselves. 00:00:56.539 --> 00:00:59.140 We come before you broken and wounded. 00:00:59.719 --> 00:01:02.759 We come full of sin and in need of your mercy and your grace. 00:01:02.759 --> 00:01:08.700 Loving Father, gracious Son, Holy Spirit, cover us in your grace this morning, we pray. 00:01:09.079 --> 00:01:10.939 Father, forgive us our many sins. 00:01:11.519 --> 00:01:12.640 Renew us in the gospel. 00:01:13.400 --> 00:01:21.560 God, if we're honest with ourselves, not a single day has gone past this last week in which we haven't sought our own glory above yours. 00:01:22.000 --> 00:01:25.319 Live for our own desires rather than your desires. 00:01:25.500 --> 00:01:29.599 Sought our own worth and peace and false saviors rather than you. 00:01:29.599 --> 00:01:32.419 So this morning, Father, we confess this. 00:01:33.079 --> 00:01:39.519 Father, we confess that we are unable to save ourselves. 00:01:39.759 --> 00:01:42.879 But God, we're also confident that we cannot exhaust your mercy. 00:01:43.619 --> 00:01:47.199 Father, our confidence is not in ourselves but in your extravagant grace. 00:01:47.319 --> 00:01:51.319 And so we come to you as we are, seeking both your forgiveness and your grace. 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:54.799 But also, God, your grace to reorientate our hearts towards you. 00:01:54.799 --> 00:02:05.340 Father, this morning as we look at Revelation 21 and consider our heavenly home, we confess we fully don't understand what heaven is going to be like. 00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:06.700 But we do long for it, God. 00:02:08.620 --> 00:02:12.259 Father, we acknowledge that we are often seduced by the kingdoms of this world. 00:02:13.379 --> 00:02:15.859 And our self-centeredness delves our love for you. 00:02:16.199 --> 00:02:20.740 God, won't you help us to remember our eternal hope and to seek you, God. 00:02:20.740 --> 00:02:28.760 Father, when pain and suffering and tears overwhelm us, Father, help us to look to our eternal home with you. 00:02:31.400 --> 00:02:33.760 Christ, come and capture our hearts, we pray. 00:02:35.700 --> 00:02:40.939 Father, this morning we want to pray for the mental health situation in Hong Kong, God. 00:02:40.939 --> 00:02:48.760 We want to pray in light of the last six months of protests so many Hong Kongers are feeling on edge, God. 00:02:48.759 --> 00:02:53.099 Are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, God. 00:02:53.139 --> 00:02:56.859 So many are anxious, are worried and weary, Lord God. 00:02:57.899 --> 00:03:03.919 Father, we want to bring the citizens and our brothers and sisters and our neighbors and our family and friends before you, God. 00:03:03.939 --> 00:03:06.979 And we want to ask for your grace to rest in Hong Kong, God. 00:03:07.000 --> 00:03:08.139 We want to ask for healing. 00:03:08.759 --> 00:03:12.039 We pray, God, for those that are really struggling. 00:03:12.159 --> 00:03:12.719 For the youth. 00:03:13.180 --> 00:03:18.039 We pray for the police, God, that are working such long hours, God. 00:03:18.039 --> 00:03:21.699 We pray, Father, God, for those that are working in this field. 00:03:22.120 --> 00:03:24.340 Counselors and psychologists and psychiatrists, God. 00:03:24.379 --> 00:03:26.019 We pray for profound wisdom. 00:03:26.799 --> 00:03:30.659 God, we pray for those offering these services for healing and health to come to Hong Kong. 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:35.019 God, we don't want to see the ramifications of this extrapolated across Hong Kong. 00:03:35.099 --> 00:03:37.819 We want to see our city experience healing and wholeness. 00:03:37.899 --> 00:03:40.599 And so we bring the citizens of our city before you. 00:03:40.639 --> 00:03:42.039 And we ask, God, for your grace. 00:03:42.680 --> 00:03:43.620 We pray for healing, God. 00:03:43.639 --> 00:03:45.340 We pray for conversations to happen. 00:03:45.340 --> 00:03:49.599 We pray for families, God, where there's this unity and strife. 00:03:49.680 --> 00:03:50.439 We pray for healing. 00:03:51.039 --> 00:03:55.819 We pray that people be able to talk and listen to one another without it getting into arguments. 00:03:57.259 --> 00:03:58.939 God, we pray, come and heal our city. 00:03:59.759 --> 00:04:01.120 We so need you, Father. 00:04:02.340 --> 00:04:03.420 We so need you. 00:04:04.819 --> 00:04:07.640 Father, lastly, as we gather in Admiralty this morning, 00:04:07.740 --> 00:04:10.740 we want to lift up before you the churches that gather in this area. 00:04:10.900 --> 00:04:13.240 Think of Kung Fu Church across the road there. 00:04:13.240 --> 00:04:15.719 We think of Ambassador Church just up the hill. 00:04:15.920 --> 00:04:17.740 And no doubt they have countless others. 00:04:18.199 --> 00:04:20.519 God, we bring these brothers and sisters before you. 00:04:20.579 --> 00:04:22.939 And we ask for you to bless them abundantly. 00:04:23.400 --> 00:04:25.600 We ask for your favor to rest upon these churches. 00:04:25.800 --> 00:04:27.960 We pray for many people to come to know you. 00:04:28.400 --> 00:04:34.040 We pray in their Christmas seasons, their outreaches, their Christmas services will be extravagantly blessed. 00:04:34.040 --> 00:04:41.020 We pray, God, for their dreams and their hopes as churches that you will bless them, Lord God, that you will lead them. 00:04:41.360 --> 00:04:44.300 We pray for new leaders to emerge and for the youth to emerge. 00:04:44.439 --> 00:04:48.420 We pray, God, for these churches in this area that you really will bless them. 00:04:48.560 --> 00:04:53.600 Pray for your Holy Spirit to be evident in their services, God, and leading them and guiding them. 00:04:54.140 --> 00:04:56.060 So we bring our brothers and sisters before you. 00:04:56.140 --> 00:04:57.480 We bring this area before you. 00:04:57.560 --> 00:04:59.259 We say, Jesus, let your kingdom come. 00:04:59.259 --> 00:05:03.199 We pray these things in your wonderful and your faithful name. 00:05:03.719 --> 00:05:03.980 Amen. 00:05:04.659 --> 00:05:04.899 Amen. 00:05:05.740 --> 00:05:10.379 Let's listen as Joanne is going to come read Revelation 21 to us. 00:05:16.759 --> 00:05:19.839 The scripture reading comes from Revelation 21. 00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:23.259 Please follow along in your bulletin or on the screen. 00:05:25.899 --> 00:05:28.560 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. 00:05:29.259 --> 00:05:32.599 For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. 00:05:33.159 --> 00:05:35.019 And the sea was no more. 00:05:36.079 --> 00:05:45.920 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 00:05:47.199 --> 00:05:50.980 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 00:05:52.259 --> 00:05:55.920 Behold, the dwelling place of God is with men. 00:05:55.920 --> 00:05:57.740 He will dwell with them. 00:05:57.740 --> 00:05:58.040 And they will dwell with them. 00:05:58.040 --> 00:06:00.020 And they will be his people. 00:06:00.680 --> 00:06:04.259 And God himself will be with them as their God. 00:06:05.180 --> 00:06:08.140 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. 00:06:08.660 --> 00:06:10.600 And death shall be no more. 00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:15.980 Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore. 00:06:16.540 --> 00:06:18.759 For the former things have passed away. 00:06:18.759 --> 00:06:24.319 And he who was seated on the throne said, 00:06:25.579 --> 00:06:28.420 Behold, I am making all things new. 00:06:29.480 --> 00:06:30.779 Also he said, 00:06:31.379 --> 00:06:32.279 Write this down, 00:06:32.800 --> 00:06:35.819 For these words are trustworthy and true. 00:06:35.819 --> 00:06:38.180 And he said to me, 00:06:38.819 --> 00:06:40.000 It is done. 00:06:41.139 --> 00:06:43.099 I am the Alpha and the Omega, 00:06:43.719 --> 00:06:45.599 The beginning and the end. 00:06:46.659 --> 00:06:50.519 To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 00:06:51.319 --> 00:06:53.759 The one who conquers will have this heritage. 00:06:54.600 --> 00:06:56.100 And I will be his God, 00:06:56.560 --> 00:06:57.860 And he will be my son. 00:06:57.860 --> 00:07:01.120 But as for the cowardly, 00:07:01.840 --> 00:07:02.699 The faithlessly, 00:07:03.500 --> 00:07:04.720 The detestable, 00:07:05.400 --> 00:07:06.580 As for murderers, 00:07:07.300 --> 00:07:08.500 The sexual immoral, 00:07:09.340 --> 00:07:10.020 Sorcerers, 00:07:10.740 --> 00:07:11.420 Adolators, 00:07:11.939 --> 00:07:12.740 And all liars, 00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:16.900 The portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, 00:07:17.600 --> 00:07:18.879 Which is the second death. 00:07:18.879 --> 00:07:27.060 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven lamb's plate, 00:07:27.459 --> 00:07:28.300 And spoke to me, 00:07:29.259 --> 00:07:29.579 Seeing, 00:07:30.219 --> 00:07:31.420 Come, 00:07:31.959 --> 00:07:33.219 I will show you the bride, 00:07:33.659 --> 00:07:34.620 The wife of the lamb. 00:07:36.620 --> 00:07:41.939 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great high mountain, 00:07:42.459 --> 00:07:46.980 And showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 00:07:46.980 --> 00:07:49.040 Having the glory of God, 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:52.460 Its radiance like a most rare jewel, 00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:53.960 Like a jasper, 00:07:54.600 --> 00:07:55.740 Clear as crystal. 00:07:57.180 --> 00:08:00.620 It had a great high wall with twelve gates, 00:08:01.120 --> 00:08:03.040 And at the gates twelve angels, 00:08:03.780 --> 00:08:08.400 And on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed. 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:11.400 On the east, three gates, 00:08:11.879 --> 00:08:13.720 On the north, three gates, 00:08:14.060 --> 00:08:15.900 On the south, three gates, 00:08:15.899 --> 00:08:18.219 And on the west, three gates, 00:08:18.679 --> 00:08:21.699 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, 00:08:22.339 --> 00:08:25.699 And on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the lamb. 00:08:27.039 --> 00:08:31.899 And on the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, 00:08:32.340 --> 00:08:33.679 And its gates and walls. 00:08:34.419 --> 00:08:36.279 The city lies four square, 00:08:36.819 --> 00:08:38.620 Its length the same as its width, 00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:41.220 And he measured the city with his rod, 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:43.000 Twelve thousand stadia. 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:46.340 Its length and width and height are equal. 00:08:47.139 --> 00:08:48.679 He also measured its wall, 00:08:49.200 --> 00:08:50.860 A hundred and forty-four cubits, 00:08:51.279 --> 00:08:52.259 By human measurement, 00:08:52.820 --> 00:08:54.940 Which is also an angel's measurement. 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:57.659 The wall was built of jasper, 00:08:58.279 --> 00:08:59.940 While the city was pure gold, 00:09:00.500 --> 00:09:02.259 Like clear glass. 00:09:02.259 --> 00:09:07.200 And I saw no temple in the city, 00:09:07.419 --> 00:09:10.439 For this temple is the Lord God the Almighty, 00:09:11.019 --> 00:09:11.740 And the Lamb. 00:09:12.580 --> 00:09:17.080 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it. 00:09:17.639 --> 00:09:19.840 For the glory of God gives its light, 00:09:20.220 --> 00:09:21.539 And its lamp is the lamp. 00:09:22.340 --> 00:09:24.279 By its light will the nations walk, 00:09:24.580 --> 00:09:27.519 And the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 00:09:27.519 --> 00:09:30.179 And its gates will never be shut by day, 00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:32.779 And there will be no night there. 00:09:33.579 --> 00:09:37.139 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 00:09:37.819 --> 00:09:40.639 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, 00:09:41.059 --> 00:09:44.519 Nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, 00:09:45.199 --> 00:09:48.620 But only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. 00:09:49.340 --> 00:09:50.500 This is the word of God. 00:09:50.919 --> 00:09:52.319 Great, thanks, Joanne. 00:09:52.320 --> 00:10:02.320 Okay, I'm not sure if you've ever had an incredibly busy season at work, 00:10:02.400 --> 00:10:03.480 Or maybe university, 00:10:04.180 --> 00:10:05.260 And you've thought to yourself, 00:10:05.520 --> 00:10:08.000 I've just got to get through the next three weeks, 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:09.420 And then I've got a holiday coming. 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:11.900 Maybe you feel like that right now, right? 00:10:12.400 --> 00:10:14.360 The end of the year, I've just got to get through, 00:10:14.800 --> 00:10:15.920 And a holiday is coming. 00:10:18.960 --> 00:10:20.240 Whenever we go on holiday, 00:10:20.240 --> 00:10:23.060 I often feel like the day that the holiday arrives, 00:10:23.139 --> 00:10:26.080 I couldn't have gone one more day without this holiday coming. 00:10:26.940 --> 00:10:27.740 In our family, 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:31.399 Family holidays are one of the things we treasure the most. 00:10:31.539 --> 00:10:33.060 We absolutely love family holidays. 00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:35.460 And my kids have got a thing where, 00:10:35.799 --> 00:10:36.879 Whenever they're going away, 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:37.440 Or holiday, 00:10:37.580 --> 00:10:38.460 Or something's coming, 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:40.980 They make a massive countdown calendar. 00:10:41.539 --> 00:10:43.460 And like an advent calendar, 00:10:43.639 --> 00:10:44.860 But three months worth. 00:10:45.240 --> 00:10:47.019 And so before we moved to Hong Kong, 00:10:47.019 --> 00:10:48.980 We had a countdown calendar, 00:10:49.139 --> 00:10:50.500 95 days. 00:10:50.980 --> 00:10:52.319 And on the doors, 00:10:52.480 --> 00:10:53.699 From almost the top of the door, 00:10:53.759 --> 00:10:54.319 Down to the bottom. 00:10:54.500 --> 00:10:55.019 And each day, 00:10:55.079 --> 00:10:56.600 The kids would mark off one day, 00:10:56.720 --> 00:10:57.480 One less sleep, 00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:59.139 Until we moved to Hong Kong, 00:10:59.299 --> 00:10:59.860 Etc. 00:11:01.559 --> 00:11:04.399 Today we are in the second last chapter, 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:05.480 Of the book of Revelation. 00:11:05.799 --> 00:11:06.299 And indeed, 00:11:06.399 --> 00:11:07.179 The entire Bible. 00:11:07.879 --> 00:11:09.539 And that's the very best description, 00:11:09.919 --> 00:11:10.600 That we have, 00:11:10.699 --> 00:11:12.480 Of what heaven is going to be like. 00:11:13.159 --> 00:11:13.539 But, 00:11:13.639 --> 00:11:14.980 For the first century Christians, 00:11:15.179 --> 00:11:16.000 In the Roman Empire, 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:18.340 What we read this morning, 00:11:18.460 --> 00:11:19.639 Was far more than just, 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:20.919 An interesting discussion. 00:11:21.700 --> 00:11:23.440 Far more than just a boring sermon, 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:24.539 On a Sunday morning. 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:25.720 For them, 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:27.220 For the Christians in the first century, 00:11:27.360 --> 00:11:28.139 Followers of Jesus, 00:11:28.580 --> 00:11:29.639 Who were facing this, 00:11:29.740 --> 00:11:31.139 Unbelievable opposition, 00:11:31.399 --> 00:11:32.080 And persecution, 00:11:32.600 --> 00:11:34.019 Sometimes from their own families, 00:11:34.200 --> 00:11:35.039 Sometimes from those, 00:11:35.100 --> 00:11:36.519 In the culture outside. 00:11:37.240 --> 00:11:39.620 It wasn't a trip to the Maldives, 00:11:39.720 --> 00:11:41.360 It wasn't just a skiing holiday, 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:42.379 That was coming on, 00:11:42.580 --> 00:11:43.840 That would get them through. 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:45.820 For the first century Christians, 00:11:45.820 --> 00:11:47.260 That were facing this opposition, 00:11:47.780 --> 00:11:50.140 It was this vision of the world to come, 00:11:50.700 --> 00:11:52.360 That gave them such confidence, 00:11:52.520 --> 00:11:53.160 And encouragement, 00:11:53.420 --> 00:11:54.040 And endurance, 00:11:54.280 --> 00:11:55.800 In the midst of great opposition, 00:11:56.240 --> 00:11:57.120 And persecution. 00:11:58.200 --> 00:11:59.460 For the first century, 00:11:59.620 --> 00:12:00.680 Followers of Jesus, 00:12:01.280 --> 00:12:02.320 Following Jesus meant, 00:12:02.440 --> 00:12:03.660 Losing social credit, 00:12:04.220 --> 00:12:05.820 It meant being ostracized, 00:12:06.260 --> 00:12:07.360 It meant being branded, 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:08.500 As anti-Roman, 00:12:09.100 --> 00:12:09.860 For some of them, 00:12:09.940 --> 00:12:10.700 It may mean, 00:12:10.800 --> 00:12:11.680 Losing jobs, 00:12:11.900 --> 00:12:14.020 Or work opportunities, 00:12:14.019 --> 00:12:15.500 For some of them, 00:12:15.559 --> 00:12:16.319 It may even be, 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:18.500 Men being fed to the lions, 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:20.279 Or being burnt at the stake, 00:12:20.620 --> 00:12:22.379 But these followers of Jesus, 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:23.279 Had a vision, 00:12:23.399 --> 00:12:24.319 That many people, 00:12:24.419 --> 00:12:25.360 That would consider themselves, 00:12:25.439 --> 00:12:26.139 Christians today, 00:12:26.319 --> 00:12:27.919 Have very little concept of, 00:12:28.360 --> 00:12:29.159 They had a vision, 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:30.199 Of the will to come, 00:12:30.319 --> 00:12:31.259 Of their home, 00:12:31.340 --> 00:12:31.919 In heaven, 00:12:32.620 --> 00:12:33.919 And which was awaiting them, 00:12:33.919 --> 00:12:35.719 Remember, 00:12:35.919 --> 00:12:37.059 Much of the book of Revelation, 00:12:37.319 --> 00:12:38.299 Jeremy spoke about it, 00:12:38.299 --> 00:12:38.939 When we sang, 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:40.799 Is about the encouragement, 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:42.099 Or the call from Jesus, 00:12:42.379 --> 00:12:43.539 This call to endurance, 00:12:44.059 --> 00:12:44.979 Jesus starts off, 00:12:45.019 --> 00:12:45.819 The book of Revelation, 00:12:45.959 --> 00:12:46.799 With his letter, 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:47.559 To these churches, 00:12:47.679 --> 00:12:48.079 And he says, 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:49.319 To the ones that endure, 00:12:49.479 --> 00:12:50.459 To the ones that conquer, 00:12:50.579 --> 00:12:52.159 To the ones that overcome, 00:12:52.819 --> 00:12:54.240 But how does Jesus do that? 00:12:54.659 --> 00:12:55.719 He doesn't just promise them, 00:12:55.719 --> 00:12:56.939 A trip to the Maldives, 00:12:57.019 --> 00:12:58.860 Or Christmas holiday coming up, 00:12:59.259 --> 00:13:00.299 He promises them, 00:13:00.379 --> 00:13:01.899 A vision of the will to come, 00:13:02.360 --> 00:13:03.899 And that gives these followers of Jesus, 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:05.600 In the midst of unbelievable opposition, 00:13:06.199 --> 00:13:06.919 Great encouragement, 00:13:07.500 --> 00:13:08.759 For what's coming their way, 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:10.000 So this morning, 00:13:10.059 --> 00:13:11.039 As we look at this passage, 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:12.340 We're going to see four things, 00:13:12.459 --> 00:13:13.799 Four things that mark, 00:13:13.860 --> 00:13:14.819 Or define, 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:16.459 Our heavenly home, 00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:17.639 Of this will to come, 00:13:17.679 --> 00:13:18.419 We're going to see that, 00:13:18.759 --> 00:13:19.759 Heaven is marked by, 00:13:19.860 --> 00:13:21.059 It's a physical space, 00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:23.399 It is promises, 00:13:23.399 --> 00:13:24.679 Or longings fulfilled, 00:13:25.279 --> 00:13:26.559 It is intimate relationships, 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:27.740 And then finally, 00:13:27.860 --> 00:13:29.340 It's marked by God's good, 00:13:29.879 --> 00:13:31.019 And gracious presence, 00:13:31.279 --> 00:13:31.500 Okay, 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:33.200 So let's dive in, 00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:33.840 Firstly, 00:13:34.100 --> 00:13:34.860 Our heavenly home, 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:36.580 Is a physical place, 00:13:37.379 --> 00:13:39.059 Most religious world views, 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:40.600 Look at the world, 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:42.259 In a dualistic manner, 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:42.600 Right, 00:13:42.759 --> 00:13:44.460 So most religious world views, 00:13:44.580 --> 00:13:44.899 Will see, 00:13:45.259 --> 00:13:46.679 The world in which we live now, 00:13:47.139 --> 00:13:48.639 Is a physical world, 00:13:48.879 --> 00:13:50.460 But it's a lesser world, 00:13:50.840 --> 00:13:52.000 And a greater world, 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:53.500 Is one that is immaterial, 00:13:53.679 --> 00:13:54.240 Or spiritual, 00:13:54.860 --> 00:13:56.200 So in the western thinking, 00:13:56.320 --> 00:13:57.480 A lot of this comes from, 00:13:57.779 --> 00:13:58.159 Plato, 00:13:58.399 --> 00:13:59.399 And such philosophers, 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:00.940 They were gnostic in their thinking, 00:14:00.940 --> 00:14:01.800 They were thinking, 00:14:02.020 --> 00:14:03.940 This world is a lesser world, 00:14:04.200 --> 00:14:05.620 We've got to get through this, 00:14:05.680 --> 00:14:07.140 And one day we'll be promoted, 00:14:07.140 --> 00:14:08.860 To a higher and a better world, 00:14:08.920 --> 00:14:09.860 Which is immaterial, 00:14:10.420 --> 00:14:11.200 And so if you can just, 00:14:11.520 --> 00:14:12.300 Deal with, 00:14:12.400 --> 00:14:13.200 With this world, 00:14:13.280 --> 00:14:13.820 And try and, 00:14:14.020 --> 00:14:15.640 Focus our minds on the immaterial, 00:14:15.640 --> 00:14:16.380 The spiritual, 00:14:16.540 --> 00:14:17.140 The philosophical, 00:14:17.680 --> 00:14:19.520 That's actually where we want to live, 00:14:20.140 --> 00:14:21.020 Now in the eastern thinking, 00:14:21.019 --> 00:14:22.699 I'm not an expert in this, 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:23.620 So you can correct me, 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:24.980 But I think, 00:14:25.059 --> 00:14:26.199 We've got a similar thinking, 00:14:26.340 --> 00:14:27.319 Coming from Buddhism, 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:27.720 Right, 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:29.100 Remember what Buddha taught, 00:14:29.439 --> 00:14:30.240 The ultimate goal, 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:31.439 Is to reach nirvana, 00:14:31.699 --> 00:14:32.819 The state of liberation, 00:14:33.059 --> 00:14:34.019 Of non-self, 00:14:34.379 --> 00:14:35.379 The state of emptiness, 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:37.480 To be freed from the trappings, 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:38.240 And the pleasure, 00:14:38.579 --> 00:14:39.840 Of our physical world, 00:14:40.439 --> 00:14:41.620 But over and against, 00:14:41.699 --> 00:14:42.539 These two views, 00:14:42.679 --> 00:14:43.559 The biblical worldview, 00:14:43.559 --> 00:14:44.500 Says not at all, 00:14:44.500 --> 00:14:46.100 The bible describes, 00:14:46.179 --> 00:14:47.019 The world to come, 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:48.519 Our heavenly home, 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:50.179 As a physical world, 00:14:50.519 --> 00:14:51.700 A world with roads, 00:14:51.820 --> 00:14:52.320 And streets, 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:52.980 And walls, 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:54.179 And much like a city, 00:14:54.419 --> 00:14:55.360 It's a world, 00:14:55.440 --> 00:14:56.480 In which we will inhabit, 00:14:56.759 --> 00:14:57.980 With physical bodies, 00:14:58.700 --> 00:14:59.759 Now our physical bodies, 00:14:59.840 --> 00:15:00.379 And the world to come, 00:15:00.460 --> 00:15:02.259 Won't be exactly like these bodies, 00:15:02.360 --> 00:15:03.299 But they will be similar, 00:15:03.799 --> 00:15:05.259 Remember when Jesus dies, 00:15:05.340 --> 00:15:06.440 And rises again, 00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:08.639 And he appears to the disciples, 00:15:08.639 --> 00:15:10.240 He appears in a physical body, 00:15:10.820 --> 00:15:12.120 But his body is a little bit different, 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:13.720 It's not exactly like this one, 00:15:13.720 --> 00:15:14.840 But it is recognizable, 00:15:15.340 --> 00:15:16.759 The disciples recognize him, 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:17.680 And they're on the boat, 00:15:17.779 --> 00:15:18.040 And they say, 00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:18.800 Hey it's Jesus, 00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:20.000 Let's go be with him, 00:15:20.540 --> 00:15:21.480 But at the same time, 00:15:21.680 --> 00:15:22.639 Remember at one stage, 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:24.240 The disciples are locked together, 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:25.040 In the upper room, 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:25.639 They're fearful, 00:15:26.279 --> 00:15:27.700 Jesus somehow, 00:15:27.960 --> 00:15:29.100 Gets into the room, 00:15:29.519 --> 00:15:30.259 Through the walls, 00:15:30.340 --> 00:15:30.879 Or the doors, 00:15:31.320 --> 00:15:32.519 His resurrection body, 00:15:32.620 --> 00:15:34.660 Has some kind of power to it, 00:15:35.019 --> 00:15:36.080 That is not contained, 00:15:36.080 --> 00:15:37.019 By the physical world, 00:15:37.019 --> 00:15:38.500 But it is still a physical body, 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:39.639 Remember at one point, 00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:40.500 The disciples say, 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:42.300 It must be his ghost, 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:43.279 It's not really him, 00:15:43.279 --> 00:15:44.279 It's just his spirit, 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:44.939 And Jesus says, 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:45.500 No, no, no, 00:15:45.579 --> 00:15:46.679 Give me some food, 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:47.799 Let me swallow some food, 00:15:47.839 --> 00:15:48.319 I'll show you, 00:15:48.600 --> 00:15:49.759 This is a physical body, 00:15:50.339 --> 00:15:51.120 In the same way, 00:15:51.240 --> 00:15:52.059 When we get to heaven, 00:15:52.159 --> 00:15:53.720 We're going to have physical bodies, 00:15:53.799 --> 00:15:54.759 In a physical world, 00:15:55.339 --> 00:15:56.939 Now they won't look exactly like, 00:15:57.220 --> 00:15:57.740 Our bodies, 00:15:57.839 --> 00:15:58.980 They'll be a little bit different, 00:15:59.399 --> 00:16:00.459 Paul says in Corinthians, 00:16:00.659 --> 00:16:02.139 That our resurrection bodies, 00:16:02.220 --> 00:16:03.360 Will be imperishable, 00:16:03.779 --> 00:16:05.179 That means they won't get old, 00:16:05.819 --> 00:16:06.679 That's good news for me, 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:08.399 I'm starting to lose some hair, 00:16:08.899 --> 00:16:10.740 My older brother is older than me, 00:16:10.740 --> 00:16:11.960 But he's got more hair than me, 00:16:12.019 --> 00:16:12.960 And he always mocks me, 00:16:12.960 --> 00:16:14.180 About the fact that I'm getting old, 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:16.120 I'm realizing, 00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:18.019 I lose my fitness quicker, 00:16:18.180 --> 00:16:19.820 And I regain my fitness slower, 00:16:19.879 --> 00:16:20.480 Than I did, 00:16:20.919 --> 00:16:22.039 Once upon a time, 00:16:22.399 --> 00:16:23.159 It's good news for me, 00:16:23.220 --> 00:16:24.299 My resurrection body, 00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:25.360 Will be imperishable, 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:27.019 No longer getting old, 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:29.320 It will be glorious for a long time, 00:16:29.560 --> 00:16:30.340 For all eternity, 00:16:30.799 --> 00:16:31.360 Paul says that, 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:32.539 Our resurrection bodies, 00:16:32.620 --> 00:16:33.460 Will be powerful, 00:16:33.919 --> 00:16:35.080 They'll be able to do things, 00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:36.080 That we can't do now, 00:16:36.519 --> 00:16:37.820 They'll be spirit empowered, 00:16:37.820 --> 00:16:39.120 So they'll be physical, 00:16:39.260 --> 00:16:40.160 But they will be empowered, 00:16:40.300 --> 00:16:41.420 By God's Holy Spirit, 00:16:42.060 --> 00:16:43.200 But they will be physical, 00:16:43.340 --> 00:16:44.800 In a physically renewed world, 00:16:45.340 --> 00:16:46.440 Look at what John says here, 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:47.180 He says, 00:16:47.260 --> 00:16:48.500 God is going to bring heaven, 00:16:48.700 --> 00:16:50.140 And earth together, 00:16:50.760 --> 00:16:52.700 In one renewed world, 00:16:53.280 --> 00:16:54.060 Heaven and earth, 00:16:54.100 --> 00:16:54.560 They're not going to be, 00:16:54.640 --> 00:16:55.860 Two separate dichotomies, 00:16:55.900 --> 00:16:56.240 They're going to be, 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:58.020 One renewed world, 00:16:58.100 --> 00:16:59.140 And he describes this, 00:16:59.400 --> 00:17:00.660 New heaven and new earth, 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:01.379 As a city, 00:17:01.840 --> 00:17:02.520 The new Jerusalem, 00:17:02.640 --> 00:17:03.840 Look at what he says in verse 2, 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:05.480 I saw the holy city, 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:06.480 The new Jerusalem, 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:08.539 Coming down from heaven, 00:17:08.880 --> 00:17:11.079 For now the dwelling place of God, 00:17:11.140 --> 00:17:11.740 Is with man, 00:17:12.099 --> 00:17:13.400 He will dwell with them, 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:14.720 What we see here, 00:17:14.759 --> 00:17:16.299 Is not a picture of humans, 00:17:16.500 --> 00:17:18.519 Going up into some mysterious, 00:17:18.819 --> 00:17:20.500 Non-physical place in the sky, 00:17:20.900 --> 00:17:21.960 But a new city, 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:23.079 A physical place, 00:17:23.180 --> 00:17:24.440 Coming down from heaven, 00:17:24.559 --> 00:17:25.599 To a renewed world, 00:17:25.700 --> 00:17:27.360 And renewed heaven and earth, 00:17:27.420 --> 00:17:29.000 Where God dwells with his people, 00:17:29.200 --> 00:17:30.519 And the important word there, 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:31.420 Is dwells, 00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:32.640 I don't know if you remember, 00:17:32.799 --> 00:17:34.140 In the beginning of John's gospel, 00:17:34.279 --> 00:17:35.720 Right at the beginning of the New Testament, 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:37.420 John writes this, 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:37.880 He says, 00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:39.880 The word became flesh, 00:17:40.460 --> 00:17:41.779 And dwelt amongst us, 00:17:42.680 --> 00:17:43.160 In other words, 00:17:43.200 --> 00:17:43.759 What he's saying is, 00:17:43.900 --> 00:17:45.259 The same way that Jesus, 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:45.880 God, 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:47.360 Came to be with us, 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:47.940 In our world, 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:49.039 In the same way, 00:17:49.339 --> 00:17:49.839 The heavens, 00:17:49.940 --> 00:17:50.579 Where God dwells, 00:17:50.600 --> 00:17:51.200 Is going to come, 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:52.160 And unite, 00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:53.339 The new heavens and new earth, 00:17:53.380 --> 00:17:54.940 Is going to be one physical place, 00:17:55.140 --> 00:17:56.680 Where God is with his people, 00:17:57.960 --> 00:17:59.259 N.T. Wright says it like this, 00:17:59.339 --> 00:18:00.700 What God did in Jesus, 00:18:00.839 --> 00:18:01.860 All that time ago, 00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:03.720 Coming to an unknowing world, 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:05.700 And an unwelcoming people, 00:18:06.140 --> 00:18:07.100 He's going to do again, 00:18:07.460 --> 00:18:08.740 But on a cosmic scale, 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:10.680 He's coming to live forever, 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:11.460 In our midst, 00:18:11.860 --> 00:18:12.400 A healing, 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:13.039 Comforting, 00:18:13.180 --> 00:18:14.200 Celebrating presence, 00:18:14.680 --> 00:18:15.940 Just as heaven and earth, 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:17.079 Were once joined together, 00:18:17.160 --> 00:18:17.660 In Jesus, 00:18:18.220 --> 00:18:18.860 Heaven and earth, 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:19.940 Will one day be joined, 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:20.759 But this time, 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:21.579 Fully, 00:18:22.039 --> 00:18:22.539 Finally, 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:23.680 And forever, 00:18:23.680 --> 00:18:25.640 A few weeks ago, 00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:26.740 We were meant to look at, 00:18:26.740 --> 00:18:28.420 Revelation 17 and 18, 00:18:28.660 --> 00:18:29.720 Jeremy spoke about it, 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:30.680 During our time of singing, 00:18:31.220 --> 00:18:32.640 But because of the protest, 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.340 On HKU, 00:18:33.400 --> 00:18:34.740 We had to cancel that, 00:18:34.779 --> 00:18:35.940 I'm very sorry about that, 00:18:36.360 --> 00:18:38.180 But in Revelation 17 and 18, 00:18:38.680 --> 00:18:40.440 John talks about, 00:18:40.600 --> 00:18:41.640 The city of Babylon, 00:18:41.900 --> 00:18:42.840 Which is a euphemism, 00:18:42.940 --> 00:18:44.019 It's like code language, 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:45.660 For the city of Rome, 00:18:45.799 --> 00:18:47.019 And for every earthly kingdom, 00:18:47.640 --> 00:18:48.860 And he describes this, 00:18:49.100 --> 00:18:50.000 Babylon, 00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:51.060 And the earthly kingdoms, 00:18:51.160 --> 00:18:51.740 As a city, 00:18:51.740 --> 00:18:53.960 But in Revelation 21, 00:18:54.160 --> 00:18:55.039 Which we read earlier, 00:18:55.680 --> 00:18:57.519 He introduces the heavenly city, 00:18:57.640 --> 00:18:59.839 With almost the exact same language, 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:01.579 Almost word for word terminology, 00:19:01.799 --> 00:19:02.120 Look at, 00:19:02.200 --> 00:19:02.880 It's on the slide, 00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:03.759 Look at how he does this, 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:05.500 In chapter 17 he says, 00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:06.920 One of the seven angels, 00:19:07.120 --> 00:19:08.099 Who had the seven bowls, 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:08.980 Came and said to me, 00:19:09.039 --> 00:19:09.319 Come, 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:10.539 I will show you, 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:11.819 The judgment that awaits, 00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:12.700 That prostitutes, 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:13.940 Seated on the many waters, 00:19:14.579 --> 00:19:15.680 In chapter 21 he says, 00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:17.279 Then one of the seven angels, 00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:18.559 Who had the seven bowls, 00:19:18.940 --> 00:19:19.420 Said to me, 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:19.700 Come, 00:19:20.019 --> 00:19:21.059 I will show you the bride, 00:19:21.160 --> 00:19:21.720 The wife of the land, 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:21.980 The man, 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.660 Chapter 17 he says, 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:25.460 He carried me away in the spirit, 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:26.059 To a wilderness, 00:19:26.400 --> 00:19:27.880 And I saw the woman sitting there, 00:19:27.940 --> 00:19:28.500 On the beast, 00:19:28.779 --> 00:19:29.960 And on her forehead, 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:30.779 Was written the name, 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:32.039 Babylon the great, 00:19:32.599 --> 00:19:33.400 In chapter 21, 00:19:33.620 --> 00:19:35.279 He carried me away in the spirit, 00:19:35.420 --> 00:19:36.460 To a great high mountain, 00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:37.700 And he showed me, 00:19:37.920 --> 00:19:38.660 The heavenly city, 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:39.180 Jerusalem, 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:39.900 Coming down, 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:40.839 Now, 00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:42.259 John's point here, 00:19:42.599 --> 00:19:43.980 Is the earthly kingdoms, 00:19:44.120 --> 00:19:45.720 Versus the kingdom to come, 00:19:45.819 --> 00:19:46.519 That's his point, 00:19:46.920 --> 00:19:48.079 But one of the languages, 00:19:48.079 --> 00:19:49.240 Notice what he uses, 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:50.900 He doesn't refer to, 00:19:50.900 --> 00:19:52.039 The earthly kingdom, 00:19:52.039 --> 00:19:53.519 And this mystical, 00:19:53.519 --> 00:19:55.039 Place in the sky, 00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:56.240 Where we sit on clouds, 00:19:56.380 --> 00:19:57.359 And play harps, 00:19:57.400 --> 00:19:57.960 All day long, 00:19:58.519 --> 00:20:00.180 He compares the two, 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:01.339 As physical cities, 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:02.960 There's a city called Babylon, 00:20:03.120 --> 00:20:04.099 There's a city called Rome, 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:06.039 There's a physical city to come, 00:20:06.460 --> 00:20:07.019 Our new, 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:08.220 And renewed heavens, 00:20:08.319 --> 00:20:08.799 And earth, 00:20:09.160 --> 00:20:11.059 And look at verse 24 with me, 00:20:11.099 --> 00:20:12.359 It's a very unusual verse, 00:20:12.359 --> 00:20:13.599 It talks about how, 00:20:13.699 --> 00:20:15.259 There's some kind of continuity, 00:20:15.859 --> 00:20:17.639 Between the culture of this world, 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:19.740 And the world that is still to come, 00:20:19.879 --> 00:20:20.879 In verse 24 it says, 00:20:21.319 --> 00:20:22.439 The kings of the earth, 00:20:22.659 --> 00:20:24.079 Will bring their glory, 00:20:24.599 --> 00:20:26.099 Into this city to come, 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:27.519 In other words, 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:30.019 Not everything about this world, 00:20:30.339 --> 00:20:31.439 Is going to be trashed, 00:20:31.439 --> 00:20:32.199 And done away with, 00:20:32.599 --> 00:20:33.399 God's not going to say, 00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:33.799 Okay, 00:20:33.959 --> 00:20:35.219 It's time to come again, 00:20:35.539 --> 00:20:37.399 Let's just burn up planet earth, 00:20:37.459 --> 00:20:38.500 And we'll start again, 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:39.479 With a new world, 00:20:39.959 --> 00:20:41.559 There's some kind of continuity, 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:42.779 Between in the culture, 00:20:42.879 --> 00:20:44.019 The very best things, 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:45.700 About our world as we know it, 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:46.619 Are going to be carried, 00:20:46.740 --> 00:20:47.720 Into the world to come, 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:49.639 Tim Chester says it like this, 00:20:50.059 --> 00:20:50.960 In the world to come, 00:20:51.079 --> 00:20:52.559 The glories of this world, 00:20:52.899 --> 00:20:54.139 Won't be replaced, 00:20:54.559 --> 00:20:55.359 They'll be fulfilled, 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:57.440 Even redeemed for God's glory, 00:20:57.839 --> 00:20:58.919 All that is good, 00:20:58.960 --> 00:20:59.659 And the economies, 00:20:59.839 --> 00:21:01.139 And the cultures of the nations, 00:21:01.200 --> 00:21:02.299 Will find their place, 00:21:02.359 --> 00:21:03.220 In the new Jerusalem, 00:21:03.399 --> 00:21:04.079 The world to come, 00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:06.019 The best of human culture, 00:21:06.019 --> 00:21:08.339 Is incorporated into the city to come, 00:21:08.639 --> 00:21:09.779 Quite how this works, 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:11.119 It's a little bit unclear, 00:21:11.119 --> 00:21:12.079 That's good to know, 00:21:12.399 --> 00:21:13.559 But there's some measure, 00:21:13.679 --> 00:21:14.959 Of cultural continuity, 00:21:15.159 --> 00:21:16.259 Between this age, 00:21:16.719 --> 00:21:17.359 And the next, 00:21:17.919 --> 00:21:18.719 I don't know exactly, 00:21:18.839 --> 00:21:19.319 How that works, 00:21:19.379 --> 00:21:20.239 But there's something about, 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:21.559 The very best things, 00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:22.799 About our world now, 00:21:22.859 --> 00:21:23.959 We're going to find expression, 00:21:24.099 --> 00:21:24.879 In our world to come, 00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:26.500 So the first point is this, 00:21:27.159 --> 00:21:27.639 Heaven, 00:21:27.959 --> 00:21:28.859 Or glory, 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:30.139 Or the world to come, 00:21:30.239 --> 00:21:31.239 However you want to describe it, 00:21:31.259 --> 00:21:32.439 Is a physical space, 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:33.379 And we're going to inhabit it, 00:21:33.399 --> 00:21:34.239 With physical bodies, 00:21:34.239 --> 00:21:35.219 We're not just going to be, 00:21:35.439 --> 00:21:36.619 Souls on clouds, 00:21:36.739 --> 00:21:38.039 Playing harps all day long, 00:21:38.039 --> 00:21:38.559 Okay, 00:21:39.200 --> 00:21:39.980 Great, 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:41.480 Second thing is this, 00:21:42.379 --> 00:21:42.819 What do you see, 00:21:42.839 --> 00:21:43.659 Our future home, 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:44.859 Is going to be the fulfillment, 00:21:45.079 --> 00:21:46.279 Of all the promises, 00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:47.119 And longings, 00:21:47.159 --> 00:21:48.059 That God spoke about, 00:21:48.139 --> 00:21:48.659 In his word, 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:50.899 One of the challenges, 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:51.680 For those of us, 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:52.899 That are followers of Jesus, 00:21:53.159 --> 00:21:54.279 Is sometimes you can, 00:21:54.359 --> 00:21:55.420 Read the promises, 00:21:55.599 --> 00:21:56.159 Of the bible, 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.779 And if you're honest, 00:21:57.879 --> 00:21:59.139 Sometimes they can feel, 00:21:59.220 --> 00:22:00.879 A little bit overstated, 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:02.159 I don't know if that's, 00:22:02.240 --> 00:22:03.500 Ever been your experience, 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.920 Sometimes we read, 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:05.920 What God promises, 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:06.619 In his word, 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:08.380 And our experience, 00:22:08.380 --> 00:22:10.160 Seems to fall short of that, 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:11.079 Now that could be, 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:11.819 Because of our own, 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:12.660 Spiritual maturity, 00:22:13.099 --> 00:22:13.740 But also, 00:22:13.900 --> 00:22:14.359 It's because, 00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:15.599 In some way, 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:17.380 Even the very best promises, 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:18.220 That God promises, 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:19.599 We're only tasting, 00:22:19.740 --> 00:22:20.920 A small glimpse of them, 00:22:20.980 --> 00:22:21.759 In this life, 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:23.400 But in the world to come, 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:24.519 We'll experience, 00:22:24.660 --> 00:22:25.140 The fullness, 00:22:25.299 --> 00:22:26.599 Of all of those longings, 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:27.579 And all of those promises, 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.240 And let me explain, 00:22:29.339 --> 00:22:29.599 What I mean, 00:22:29.640 --> 00:22:30.720 Look at verse 5 with me, 00:22:31.140 --> 00:22:32.079 Verse 5 and 6, 00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:32.859 John writes, 00:22:32.859 --> 00:22:34.139 He who is seated, 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:34.699 On the throne, 00:22:34.779 --> 00:22:35.299 That's God, 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.019 Said, 00:22:36.099 --> 00:22:36.579 Behold, 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:37.679 I am making, 00:22:37.899 --> 00:22:38.859 All things new, 00:22:39.459 --> 00:22:40.299 Then he said, 00:22:40.859 --> 00:22:43.119 It is done, 00:22:44.079 --> 00:22:44.319 Now, 00:22:44.439 --> 00:22:44.919 What do you, 00:22:45.459 --> 00:22:46.959 What do those words, 00:22:47.039 --> 00:22:47.919 Remind you of? 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:49.359 Any ideas? 00:22:50.879 --> 00:22:51.899 Jesus on the cross, 00:22:51.979 --> 00:22:52.459 That's right, 00:22:52.899 --> 00:22:54.039 Jesus is on the cross, 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:55.259 And what does he say? 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:57.779 It is finished, 00:22:58.179 --> 00:22:59.339 And in many ways, 00:22:59.479 --> 00:23:00.699 Jesus is absolutely right, 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:02.219 He died on the cross, 00:23:02.220 --> 00:23:03.519 And he paid the penalty, 00:23:03.519 --> 00:23:04.240 For sin, 00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:05.059 It is done, 00:23:05.600 --> 00:23:07.000 Jesus died on the cross, 00:23:07.319 --> 00:23:08.460 The punishment for sin, 00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:09.759 Was totally covered, 00:23:10.339 --> 00:23:11.720 Jesus purposeful coming, 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:13.579 To purchase with his blood, 00:23:13.940 --> 00:23:14.620 The acquittal, 00:23:14.700 --> 00:23:15.279 And forgiveness, 00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:16.579 Of those that trust him, 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:18.059 Was totally done, 00:23:18.620 --> 00:23:20.440 But in another sense, 00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:22.140 We know that Jesus coming, 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:24.100 Isn't the end of the full story, 00:23:24.860 --> 00:23:25.019 Yeah, 00:23:25.059 --> 00:23:25.180 Yeah, 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:26.380 The penalty for sin, 00:23:26.420 --> 00:23:27.120 Has been done with, 00:23:27.360 --> 00:23:28.059 Paid for, 00:23:28.059 --> 00:23:30.000 The power of sin, 00:23:30.039 --> 00:23:30.819 Has been disarmed, 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:32.960 But the presence of sin, 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:34.819 It's still here in our lives, 00:23:35.200 --> 00:23:36.419 It's still in our heart, 00:23:37.019 --> 00:23:37.919 There's still so much, 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:38.940 Of what Jesus promised, 00:23:39.039 --> 00:23:40.279 That we get a taste of, 00:23:40.619 --> 00:23:41.759 But one day in glory, 00:23:41.859 --> 00:23:42.619 We're going to get it, 00:23:42.919 --> 00:23:43.339 Forever, 00:23:44.159 --> 00:23:45.859 We still attempt it, 00:23:45.919 --> 00:23:47.200 And we still trip up and fall, 00:23:47.579 --> 00:23:49.720 Our hearts still go after other gods, 00:23:50.159 --> 00:23:51.139 But on that day, 00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:52.500 We will hear the words, 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.559 Of the one on the throne, 00:23:53.919 --> 00:23:54.500 Who says, 00:23:54.899 --> 00:23:56.299 I'm making all things new, 00:23:56.299 --> 00:23:59.159 It is done, 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:00.639 And actually, 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:01.180 Friends, 00:24:01.319 --> 00:24:03.019 Every theme, 00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:04.319 Throughout the Bible, 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:06.019 That the Old Testament promises, 00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:07.500 In some ways, 00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:08.720 We get a fulfillment of it, 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.220 In Jesus, 00:24:09.319 --> 00:24:10.419 And his death on the cross, 00:24:10.819 --> 00:24:11.559 But even that, 00:24:11.619 --> 00:24:12.220 Is just a, 00:24:12.399 --> 00:24:14.299 A taste of what's to come, 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:15.339 So for instance, 00:24:15.419 --> 00:24:16.079 In the Old Testament, 00:24:16.200 --> 00:24:16.740 There's this theme, 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.839 Of how we are exiles, 00:24:18.159 --> 00:24:19.480 We've been banished from God, 00:24:19.539 --> 00:24:20.919 We've lost our way, 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:23.099 Jesus comes and dies on the cross, 00:24:23.119 --> 00:24:24.700 To bring his exiles home, 00:24:24.700 --> 00:24:25.900 But one day, 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:26.640 When we're in glory, 00:24:26.759 --> 00:24:28.080 We're going to get our true home, 00:24:28.380 --> 00:24:29.680 The Old Testament talks about, 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:30.680 How we are, 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:31.860 We are orphans, 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:33.580 Jesus died to bring us, 00:24:33.600 --> 00:24:34.380 Into his family, 00:24:34.819 --> 00:24:35.680 But we don't experience, 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.680 The fullness of that now, 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:37.900 One day we will experience, 00:24:38.019 --> 00:24:38.460 That in fullness, 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:40.420 It's kind of like, 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.819 When somebody gets engaged, 00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:42.240 Right? 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.660 What do we normally do? 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:44.980 Harry, 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:46.220 We, 00:24:46.480 --> 00:24:47.779 Harry's got engaged, 00:24:47.860 --> 00:24:48.600 That's not a hint, 00:24:49.019 --> 00:24:50.299 He is already engaged, 00:24:50.559 --> 00:24:51.799 Harry and Teresa, 00:24:51.799 --> 00:24:54.419 Maybe one or two others, 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:55.559 I could drop some hints towards, 00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:56.700 But we'll do that later, 00:24:56.899 --> 00:24:58.259 So what do we do, 00:24:58.279 --> 00:24:59.460 When somebody gets engaged, 00:25:00.079 --> 00:25:01.419 We take a photo, 00:25:01.599 --> 00:25:02.159 Of the ring, 00:25:02.460 --> 00:25:02.680 Right? 00:25:02.839 --> 00:25:03.960 Two hands together, 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:05.539 With a diamond ring, 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:07.240 And then we put it on Facebook, 00:25:07.359 --> 00:25:07.899 And Instagram, 00:25:08.359 --> 00:25:08.960 Hashtag, 00:25:09.059 --> 00:25:09.980 She said yes, 00:25:10.180 --> 00:25:10.500 Right? 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.579 In some ways, 00:25:15.579 --> 00:25:16.240 In engagement, 00:25:16.419 --> 00:25:17.159 We get engaged, 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:18.500 Then we have an engagement party, 00:25:18.639 --> 00:25:19.500 Invite our friends, 00:25:19.619 --> 00:25:20.539 And our family, 00:25:20.539 --> 00:25:21.599 And we have a celebration, 00:25:22.220 --> 00:25:23.420 And it's a wonderful moment, 00:25:24.019 --> 00:25:24.859 But that's nothing, 00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:26.000 Compared to the wedding day, 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:27.159 The wedding day, 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:28.659 Is when the real celebration happens, 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:30.559 That's when it really is done, 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:31.720 In some way, 00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:32.500 Jesus has come, 00:25:32.539 --> 00:25:34.000 And he's purchased his bride, 00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:34.960 As we're going to see later, 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:35.779 John Piper says, 00:25:36.139 --> 00:25:37.720 He's paid the dowry, 00:25:38.200 --> 00:25:39.659 He's engaged to us, 00:25:39.720 --> 00:25:40.539 But he's coming again, 00:25:40.599 --> 00:25:41.680 To bring back his bride, 00:25:42.019 --> 00:25:43.259 And to marry us forever, 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:44.440 Look at verse 6, 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.559 Look at two promises, 00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:46.299 We'll just look at, 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:46.980 In this passage, 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:47.960 The first one, 00:25:48.139 --> 00:25:48.980 And there's so many, 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:50.240 But verse 6 says this, 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.740 To the one who is thirsty, 00:25:51.920 --> 00:25:53.579 I will give from the spring of water, 00:25:53.700 --> 00:25:54.220 Of life, 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:54.960 Without payment, 00:25:55.639 --> 00:25:57.099 Remember in John chapter 7, 00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:58.799 Jesus says these words, 00:25:58.879 --> 00:25:59.159 He says, 00:25:59.720 --> 00:26:00.879 If anyone is thirsty, 00:26:01.420 --> 00:26:02.859 Let him come to me and drink, 00:26:03.500 --> 00:26:04.659 For whoever believes in me, 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:05.700 As the scripture has said, 00:26:05.779 --> 00:26:06.619 Out of his heart, 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:08.399 Will flow rivers of living water, 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:09.960 So Jesus promises, 00:26:10.139 --> 00:26:11.240 You spiritually dry, 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:11.720 Thirsty, 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:12.720 Come to me, 00:26:13.059 --> 00:26:14.720 And I will pour my Holy Spirit, 00:26:14.799 --> 00:26:15.480 Into your heart, 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:16.680 But friends, 00:26:17.079 --> 00:26:18.960 How many of us feel, 00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:19.860 Spiritually dry, 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:20.339 And thirsty, 00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:21.259 From time to time, 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:22.539 Yeah, 00:26:22.620 --> 00:26:22.980 I do, 00:26:23.579 --> 00:26:24.160 How many of us, 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:24.880 From time to time, 00:26:24.960 --> 00:26:25.440 Feel like, 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:26.460 Gee Jesus, 00:26:26.559 --> 00:26:27.259 You promised me, 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:27.799 Spiritual water, 00:26:27.880 --> 00:26:28.799 But I just, 00:26:28.860 --> 00:26:29.839 I just don't sense it, 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:30.940 How many of us, 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:31.720 From time to time, 00:26:31.799 --> 00:26:33.059 Jesus meets up, 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:34.860 That thirst, 00:26:35.559 --> 00:26:36.460 But it doesn't feel, 00:26:36.640 --> 00:26:37.539 Like it lasts forever, 00:26:38.539 --> 00:26:38.819 Friends, 00:26:38.860 --> 00:26:39.559 In this world, 00:26:39.920 --> 00:26:40.620 Even the best, 00:26:40.779 --> 00:26:41.599 Very best, 00:26:41.599 --> 00:26:42.680 Spiritual experiences, 00:26:42.860 --> 00:26:43.839 Is just a glimpse, 00:26:43.839 --> 00:26:45.039 Just a mere drop, 00:26:45.119 --> 00:26:45.779 Of what is coming, 00:26:46.439 --> 00:26:47.579 But there is coming a day, 00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:49.139 When we will see him, 00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:49.980 Face to face, 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:52.059 We experience in part now, 00:26:52.139 --> 00:26:53.319 We taste in part now, 00:26:53.379 --> 00:26:54.259 But there is coming a day, 00:26:54.339 --> 00:26:55.079 When we will see him, 00:26:55.119 --> 00:26:55.740 Face to face, 00:26:55.819 --> 00:26:56.939 And it will be done, 00:26:57.339 --> 00:26:59.079 When he will pour upon us, 00:26:59.119 --> 00:26:59.919 The living waters, 00:27:00.019 --> 00:27:00.819 Of the Holy Spirit, 00:27:01.519 --> 00:27:02.439 Well look at verse 4, 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:03.379 Look at how he says here, 00:27:03.839 --> 00:27:05.119 Death will be no more, 00:27:05.740 --> 00:27:06.099 He says, 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:06.740 In that day, 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:07.480 He will wipe away, 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:08.679 Every tear from their eyes, 00:27:09.220 --> 00:27:10.279 Death will be no more, 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:11.740 There will be no more mourning, 00:27:11.959 --> 00:27:12.779 No more crying, 00:27:12.779 --> 00:27:14.059 No more pain, 00:27:14.460 --> 00:27:15.279 The former things, 00:27:15.399 --> 00:27:16.200 Have passed away, 00:27:16.799 --> 00:27:17.839 Well doesn't that remind you, 00:27:17.899 --> 00:27:19.220 Of how Paul says in Corinthians, 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:20.000 He says, 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:21.220 He almost mocks death, 00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:21.519 He says, 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:21.879 Death, 00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:23.019 Where is your sting, 00:27:23.480 --> 00:27:23.759 Death, 00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:24.700 Where is your victory, 00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:25.579 You've been overcome, 00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:26.559 You've been defeated, 00:27:27.279 --> 00:27:28.920 Think of how the apostle Paul says, 00:27:29.259 --> 00:27:30.619 When we lose a loved one, 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:31.720 We grieve, 00:27:32.079 --> 00:27:32.940 But we don't grieve, 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:34.639 As those that don't have hope, 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:36.359 Because we know Jesus, 00:27:37.119 --> 00:27:38.019 But friends, 00:27:38.579 --> 00:27:39.299 Let's be real, 00:27:39.299 --> 00:27:42.159 When a loved one passes away, 00:27:42.299 --> 00:27:43.599 Do we grieve in this world? 00:27:44.460 --> 00:27:45.599 You bet we grieve, 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:48.619 When we have to bury, 00:27:48.740 --> 00:27:49.259 A loved one, 00:27:49.299 --> 00:27:49.839 A close one, 00:27:49.919 --> 00:27:50.579 Do we mourn? 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:51.899 Man, 00:27:51.940 --> 00:27:53.220 You better believe we mourn, 00:27:54.180 --> 00:27:55.000 And so in some ways, 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:56.960 The New Testament promises us, 00:27:57.700 --> 00:27:59.399 That because of the hope of the gospel, 00:28:00.159 --> 00:28:01.059 Mourning and grieving, 00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:02.899 Doesn't need to have the final word, 00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:05.039 They don't need to mark our lives, 00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:07.200 They don't need to steal our joy forever, 00:28:07.200 --> 00:28:08.680 But that doesn't mean, 00:28:08.779 --> 00:28:10.039 That just because you come to Jesus, 00:28:10.160 --> 00:28:10.960 There's no more grieving, 00:28:11.360 --> 00:28:12.440 There's no more mourning, 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:13.720 Friends, 00:28:13.759 --> 00:28:15.200 Some of you that have maybe buried, 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:16.039 A loved one, 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:19.539 People say that every single day, 00:28:19.900 --> 00:28:21.059 You think of that person, 00:28:21.660 --> 00:28:23.500 Not a single day goes by, 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:24.880 Without you feeling something, 00:28:25.059 --> 00:28:27.240 Of the longing of being with that person again, 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:29.400 In this world do we grieve? 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:30.900 Absolutely we grieve, 00:28:31.400 --> 00:28:32.600 In this world do we mourn? 00:28:32.600 --> 00:28:33.960 Absolutely we mourn, 00:28:34.480 --> 00:28:35.240 But friends, 00:28:35.240 --> 00:28:38.099 Friends, 00:28:38.099 --> 00:28:39.099 Friends, 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:40.660 There's coming a day, 00:28:40.740 --> 00:28:41.740 When there really will be, 00:28:41.880 --> 00:28:42.980 No more grieving, 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:45.079 No more mourning, 00:28:46.299 --> 00:28:46.539 Friends, 00:28:46.599 --> 00:28:47.420 There's coming a day, 00:28:47.579 --> 00:28:49.099 When that black cloud, 00:28:49.240 --> 00:28:50.740 That hangs over our head, 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:53.480 That sense of just where our emotions are dull, 00:28:53.559 --> 00:28:54.200 All the time, 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:55.259 And we just feel like, 00:28:55.319 --> 00:28:56.319 You don't want to get out of bed, 00:28:57.019 --> 00:28:57.740 There's coming a day, 00:28:57.779 --> 00:28:59.339 When that black cloud will be gone, 00:28:59.819 --> 00:29:00.380 Forever, 00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:01.539 And ever, 00:29:02.019 --> 00:29:02.599 And ever, 00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:04.199 In this lifetime, 00:29:04.359 --> 00:29:05.539 We experience in part, 00:29:05.939 --> 00:29:07.039 We taste in part, 00:29:07.379 --> 00:29:08.480 We hope in part, 00:29:08.879 --> 00:29:10.699 But one day we'll taste in full, 00:29:11.139 --> 00:29:13.059 One day we'll see him face to face, 00:29:13.119 --> 00:29:14.359 And it really will be done, 00:29:14.959 --> 00:29:16.759 There really will be no more tears, 00:29:17.419 --> 00:29:19.039 There really will be no more mourning, 00:29:19.699 --> 00:29:21.299 There really will be no more agony, 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:22.279 No more pain, 00:29:23.119 --> 00:29:24.159 That day is coming, 00:29:24.819 --> 00:29:25.659 The day in glory, 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:27.599 And that's why sometimes as Christians, 00:29:27.599 --> 00:29:28.879 The promises of the scripture, 00:29:29.019 --> 00:29:30.859 Can feel a little overstated, 00:29:30.859 --> 00:29:33.099 We read God's description in the Bible, 00:29:33.219 --> 00:29:33.859 And we feel like, 00:29:34.359 --> 00:29:34.519 Yeah, 00:29:34.579 --> 00:29:35.740 I can see a glimpse of that, 00:29:35.859 --> 00:29:36.539 But gee, 00:29:36.839 --> 00:29:38.339 I don't know if that's my experience, 00:29:38.519 --> 00:29:38.979 Really, 00:29:39.679 --> 00:29:39.879 Friends, 00:29:39.919 --> 00:29:41.539 We read of the peace that God promises, 00:29:41.699 --> 00:29:43.559 The inexpressible joy he offers, 00:29:43.899 --> 00:29:45.419 And maybe we struggle to see it, 00:29:45.419 --> 00:29:46.019 Or sense it, 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:46.740 Friends, 00:29:46.799 --> 00:29:47.539 There's coming a day, 00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:48.599 The world, 00:29:48.679 --> 00:29:49.759 Our true home is coming, 00:29:49.839 --> 00:29:52.059 When even the very best pleasures of this world, 00:29:52.399 --> 00:29:55.319 Even the most satisfying romantic relationships, 00:29:55.479 --> 00:29:57.379 Won't be able to touch the beauty, 00:29:57.559 --> 00:29:58.219 And the satisfaction, 00:29:58.679 --> 00:29:59.279 And the intimacy, 00:29:59.279 --> 00:30:00.579 And the deep joy, 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:02.079 That is coming in our world, 00:30:02.500 --> 00:30:02.940 To come, 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:04.779 And that brings us to the third thing, 00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:05.879 Which is, 00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:08.079 One of the greatest promises in the Bible, 00:30:08.519 --> 00:30:09.639 Longings or promises, 00:30:09.879 --> 00:30:10.660 Is that one day, 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:13.440 We will be married to Christ our King, 00:30:13.639 --> 00:30:14.879 And so the third point is this, 00:30:15.319 --> 00:30:17.579 Heaven is going to be marked by intense, 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:20.139 Intimacy and relationships, 00:30:20.859 --> 00:30:21.879 Look at how John, 00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:23.960 Describes our relationship with Christ, 00:30:24.019 --> 00:30:25.039 Look at verse 2 with me, 00:30:25.119 --> 00:30:25.700 He says here, 00:30:25.700 --> 00:30:27.400 I saw the holy city, 00:30:27.559 --> 00:30:28.360 This new Jerusalem, 00:30:28.700 --> 00:30:29.740 Coming down out of heaven, 00:30:29.860 --> 00:30:30.420 From God, 00:30:30.920 --> 00:30:32.559 Prepared as a bride, 00:30:33.059 --> 00:30:34.779 Adorned for her husband, 00:30:35.620 --> 00:30:36.440 Now, 00:30:36.660 --> 00:30:38.160 Revelation isn't the only place, 00:30:38.220 --> 00:30:39.580 That talks about the church, 00:30:39.620 --> 00:30:40.900 Being like a bride, 00:30:41.259 --> 00:30:42.900 That will one day be married to Christ, 00:30:43.000 --> 00:30:44.840 Think of Ephesians chapter 5, 00:30:44.920 --> 00:30:45.259 It says, 00:30:45.640 --> 00:30:46.059 Husbands, 00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:47.640 Love your wives, 00:30:47.700 --> 00:30:50.160 In the same way that Christ loved the church, 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:51.700 And how did he love the church? 00:30:52.120 --> 00:30:53.940 He laid down his life for her, 00:30:54.000 --> 00:30:54.259 Right? 00:30:54.640 --> 00:30:55.000 As husbands, 00:30:55.120 --> 00:30:57.319 We've got to love our wives in the same way, 00:30:57.580 --> 00:30:58.460 Not think about ourselves, 00:30:58.600 --> 00:31:00.019 Think about our wives, 00:31:00.220 --> 00:31:02.420 But think of a bride on her wedding day, 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:04.240 Harriet's coming, 00:31:04.660 --> 00:31:05.319 A few more months, 00:31:06.440 --> 00:31:09.400 Think of your bride on the wedding day, 00:31:09.460 --> 00:31:11.259 She's all beautifully decked out, 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.080 Adorned, 00:31:12.600 --> 00:31:13.580 Looking amazing, 00:31:14.340 --> 00:31:15.440 And she meets her husband, 00:31:15.700 --> 00:31:16.779 At the front of the altar, 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:19.559 And what do they say to each other in their bowels? 00:31:19.559 --> 00:31:19.980 They say, 00:31:20.079 --> 00:31:21.279 With all that I am, 00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:23.119 And all that I have, 00:31:23.220 --> 00:31:24.879 I give myself to you, 00:31:25.279 --> 00:31:25.539 Okay? 00:31:26.740 --> 00:31:27.179 Friends, 00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:28.139 Do you know that that's, 00:31:28.259 --> 00:31:29.639 The very best marriages, 00:31:29.839 --> 00:31:31.319 Are those in which two people, 00:31:31.440 --> 00:31:32.599 Are constantly learning, 00:31:32.720 --> 00:31:34.179 To give themselves away, 00:31:34.299 --> 00:31:35.099 For the other person, 00:31:35.519 --> 00:31:36.539 The very best marriages, 00:31:36.639 --> 00:31:37.639 Are when two people are saying, 00:31:37.899 --> 00:31:39.039 Not my will be done, 00:31:39.099 --> 00:31:39.779 But your will, 00:31:40.039 --> 00:31:41.139 With all that I am, 00:31:41.179 --> 00:31:42.159 And with all that I have, 00:31:42.319 --> 00:31:43.460 I give myself to you, 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:44.200 Even for, 00:31:44.419 --> 00:31:46.159 When you're 50 years into marriage, 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:47.500 I'm slowly, 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:48.460 Very slowly, 00:31:48.860 --> 00:31:49.660 Learning this, 00:31:49.720 --> 00:31:50.600 11 years in, 00:31:51.120 --> 00:31:52.180 That the best thing I can do, 00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:53.720 Is to give myself to my wife, 00:31:54.340 --> 00:31:54.720 Now, 00:31:55.180 --> 00:31:55.400 In, 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:56.840 In Revelation 17, 00:31:57.060 --> 00:31:57.519 We saw, 00:31:57.900 --> 00:31:59.140 That the contrast, 00:31:59.259 --> 00:32:00.019 Is with Babylon, 00:32:00.259 --> 00:32:01.640 And Babylon is described, 00:32:02.000 --> 00:32:03.180 As a prostitute, 00:32:03.500 --> 00:32:04.540 A sex worker, 00:32:04.680 --> 00:32:05.540 In chapter 17, 00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:07.400 One to whom men go to, 00:32:07.540 --> 00:32:08.340 Please themselves, 00:32:08.340 --> 00:32:10.580 But without any sense of relationship, 00:32:11.440 --> 00:32:11.560 So, 00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:12.640 Men go to, 00:32:12.700 --> 00:32:14.040 Sex workers generally, 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:15.840 Because of what they can get, 00:32:15.839 --> 00:32:17.599 Not because of what they can give, 00:32:17.959 --> 00:32:19.299 But in God's view, 00:32:19.559 --> 00:32:20.879 Marriage and sexual intimacy, 00:32:21.119 --> 00:32:22.139 Is the exact opposite, 00:32:22.759 --> 00:32:23.679 Healthy marriages, 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:25.519 The best sexual experiences, 00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:28.099 Are built on when you give yourself away, 00:32:28.220 --> 00:32:28.819 For the pleasure, 00:32:28.959 --> 00:32:30.359 And the well being of the other person, 00:32:30.639 --> 00:32:31.139 When you say, 00:32:31.220 --> 00:32:32.899 This is not about how I can please myself, 00:32:33.019 --> 00:32:34.699 But how I can please you, 00:32:35.119 --> 00:32:37.019 That's when true intimacy takes place, 00:32:37.119 --> 00:32:38.079 That's when oneness, 00:32:38.159 --> 00:32:38.759 And relationship, 00:32:39.279 --> 00:32:39.980 Takes place, 00:32:40.199 --> 00:32:41.959 And this is how a world to come, 00:32:42.019 --> 00:32:42.439 Is described, 00:32:43.059 --> 00:32:44.519 Not a world of self seeking, 00:32:44.519 --> 00:32:45.359 But a world of, 00:32:45.359 --> 00:32:47.019 Of giving ourselves away, 00:32:47.139 --> 00:32:48.740 Where Christ gave himself for us, 00:32:48.779 --> 00:32:49.579 And we give ourselves, 00:32:50.039 --> 00:32:50.500 To him, 00:32:50.759 --> 00:32:51.960 Christ our perfect husband, 00:32:52.599 --> 00:32:54.079 John Piper says it like this, 00:32:54.099 --> 00:32:54.339 Again, 00:32:54.980 --> 00:32:56.139 Jesus is a king, 00:32:56.539 --> 00:32:57.839 But he's not just a king, 00:32:58.279 --> 00:32:59.680 He's an engaged king, 00:32:59.920 --> 00:33:01.680 And soon he'll be a married king, 00:33:02.039 --> 00:33:03.299 His betrothed bride, 00:33:03.400 --> 00:33:04.359 Is the people of God, 00:33:04.519 --> 00:33:05.660 The people who trust him, 00:33:05.720 --> 00:33:06.480 From every race, 00:33:06.539 --> 00:33:06.980 And nation, 00:33:07.079 --> 00:33:07.579 The church, 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:09.240 He came first time, 00:33:09.359 --> 00:33:10.339 2000 years ago, 00:33:10.400 --> 00:33:11.619 To die for his bride, 00:33:11.619 --> 00:33:13.099 To pay a dowry, 00:33:13.179 --> 00:33:13.679 As it were, 00:33:13.739 --> 00:33:14.579 With his own blood, 00:33:14.659 --> 00:33:16.199 And he will come again, 00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:17.159 To marry her, 00:33:17.339 --> 00:33:18.000 To take us, 00:33:18.059 --> 00:33:18.559 His church, 00:33:18.859 --> 00:33:20.379 Into the chambers of his love, 00:33:20.639 --> 00:33:21.699 And his joy forever, 00:33:22.359 --> 00:33:23.679 King Jesus came into the world, 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.899 To ransom a wife, 00:33:25.259 --> 00:33:26.079 Not a concubine, 00:33:26.500 --> 00:33:27.519 He paid for her, 00:33:27.579 --> 00:33:28.159 With his life, 00:33:28.579 --> 00:33:29.659 And he is now at work, 00:33:29.739 --> 00:33:30.419 By his spirit, 00:33:30.579 --> 00:33:31.000 And giving, 00:33:31.539 --> 00:33:32.379 And by his word, 00:33:32.539 --> 00:33:34.459 Purifying and beautifying her, 00:33:34.599 --> 00:33:35.299 For himself, 00:33:35.879 --> 00:33:37.000 And for her joy, 00:33:37.659 --> 00:33:38.879 One of the interesting things, 00:33:38.880 --> 00:33:40.360 About the Bible's teaching, 00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:40.940 About heaven, 00:33:41.100 --> 00:33:42.620 Or our home to come, 00:33:43.120 --> 00:33:43.680 Is that it, 00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:45.080 It never describes, 00:33:45.180 --> 00:33:45.440 There being, 00:33:45.540 --> 00:33:47.040 Any sexual experiences, 00:33:47.260 --> 00:33:47.640 In heaven, 00:33:48.320 --> 00:33:49.020 Which is interesting, 00:33:49.120 --> 00:33:50.340 Because we think of heaven, 00:33:50.440 --> 00:33:51.880 As like the most amazing, 00:33:52.000 --> 00:33:53.240 Wonderful place to ever be, 00:33:53.680 --> 00:33:54.540 And in this world, 00:33:54.620 --> 00:33:55.660 What does our culture think, 00:33:55.700 --> 00:33:57.120 Is the highest pinnacle, 00:33:57.120 --> 00:33:58.080 Of satisfaction, 00:33:58.780 --> 00:33:59.640 Sexual experiences, 00:34:00.160 --> 00:34:01.220 But the Bible never actually, 00:34:01.220 --> 00:34:02.040 Describes heaven, 00:34:02.180 --> 00:34:03.360 In that way at all, 00:34:03.740 --> 00:34:04.560 In fact Jesus says, 00:34:04.720 --> 00:34:05.440 When we get to heaven, 00:34:05.540 --> 00:34:06.500 We won't be married, 00:34:06.580 --> 00:34:07.280 Or be giving, 00:34:07.640 --> 00:34:08.599 Ourselves in marriage, 00:34:08.599 --> 00:34:09.699 However, 00:34:10.299 --> 00:34:11.319 The new creation, 00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:12.519 Is not going to be a time, 00:34:12.559 --> 00:34:13.860 Of a lesser intimacy, 00:34:14.339 --> 00:34:15.079 It's going to be one, 00:34:15.099 --> 00:34:16.259 Of even great intimacy, 00:34:16.860 --> 00:34:17.960 With God, 00:34:18.319 --> 00:34:19.480 And with his people, 00:34:20.259 --> 00:34:20.699 Why? 00:34:20.799 --> 00:34:21.759 Because we'll be joined, 00:34:21.839 --> 00:34:22.759 To our true spouse, 00:34:23.319 --> 00:34:24.779 God wasn't looking around, 00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:25.219 And saying, 00:34:25.400 --> 00:34:25.980 Let me think, 00:34:26.079 --> 00:34:27.719 What image can I use, 00:34:27.779 --> 00:34:29.339 To describe the intimacy, 00:34:29.339 --> 00:34:29.900 Of heaven? 00:34:30.380 --> 00:34:30.880 Oh yes, 00:34:30.880 --> 00:34:31.759 I'll use marriage, 00:34:32.299 --> 00:34:33.739 It's actually the other way around, 00:34:34.059 --> 00:34:34.759 God said, 00:34:35.059 --> 00:34:36.639 How can I help these people, 00:34:36.639 --> 00:34:38.019 Understand, 00:34:38.019 --> 00:34:38.079 Understand, 00:34:38.500 --> 00:34:39.900 What the joy of heaven, 00:34:39.960 --> 00:34:40.699 Is going to be like, 00:34:40.980 --> 00:34:41.539 I know, 00:34:41.619 --> 00:34:43.099 I'll create something for them, 00:34:43.179 --> 00:34:44.259 To describe what heaven, 00:34:44.319 --> 00:34:44.920 Is going to be like, 00:34:45.119 --> 00:34:46.500 I'll create marriage, 00:34:46.579 --> 00:34:47.099 And sex, 00:34:47.159 --> 00:34:47.940 As an image, 00:34:48.019 --> 00:34:48.559 As a picture, 00:34:49.000 --> 00:34:50.019 As a small picture, 00:34:50.019 --> 00:34:50.619 To show them, 00:34:50.679 --> 00:34:51.559 What one day, 00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:53.039 Heaven is going to truly, 00:34:53.039 --> 00:34:53.879 Be like, 00:34:54.440 --> 00:34:54.799 Okay, 00:34:55.219 --> 00:34:55.819 So that's, 00:34:56.039 --> 00:34:56.460 Third point, 00:34:56.599 --> 00:34:57.519 Heaven is going to be defined, 00:34:57.639 --> 00:34:59.460 Marked by intimate relationships, 00:34:59.859 --> 00:35:00.259 Finally, 00:35:00.779 --> 00:35:01.679 It's going to be marked, 00:35:01.739 --> 00:35:02.159 Or defined, 00:35:02.239 --> 00:35:04.159 By God's glorious presence, 00:35:04.159 --> 00:35:06.420 What we see, 00:35:06.500 --> 00:35:07.059 In the new heavens, 00:35:07.119 --> 00:35:07.839 And the new earth, 00:35:07.940 --> 00:35:08.839 Is going to be, 00:35:09.359 --> 00:35:10.859 Supremely occupied, 00:35:11.119 --> 00:35:11.960 By the majesty, 00:35:12.139 --> 00:35:13.440 Of God's glorious presence, 00:35:14.079 --> 00:35:15.179 In verse 10, 00:35:15.299 --> 00:35:16.099 Of our passage, 00:35:16.199 --> 00:35:16.819 That we read, 00:35:17.480 --> 00:35:17.819 John, 00:35:18.019 --> 00:35:19.239 Describes this, 00:35:19.239 --> 00:35:19.759 New heavens, 00:35:19.859 --> 00:35:20.219 And new earth, 00:35:20.299 --> 00:35:20.759 Coming down, 00:35:20.879 --> 00:35:21.420 And he uses, 00:35:21.639 --> 00:35:23.739 Almost the exact same language, 00:35:23.980 --> 00:35:24.980 Almost word for word, 00:35:25.059 --> 00:35:26.279 That he uses in verse 2, 00:35:26.759 --> 00:35:27.500 Look what he says here, 00:35:27.539 --> 00:35:28.399 In verse 2 he says, 00:35:28.739 --> 00:35:29.859 I saw the holy city, 00:35:30.179 --> 00:35:30.679 The Jerusalem, 00:35:30.879 --> 00:35:31.420 Coming down, 00:35:31.500 --> 00:35:32.079 Out of heaven, 00:35:32.219 --> 00:35:32.859 From God, 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:34.480 Then he says the same thing, 00:35:34.519 --> 00:35:35.079 In verse 10, 00:35:35.519 --> 00:35:36.539 I saw the holy city, 00:35:36.700 --> 00:35:37.240 Coming down, 00:35:37.320 --> 00:35:37.900 Out of heaven, 00:35:38.059 --> 00:35:38.700 From God, 00:35:39.160 --> 00:35:39.960 But in verse 10, 00:35:40.059 --> 00:35:40.920 He describes it, 00:35:41.019 --> 00:35:42.260 Not as a bride, 00:35:42.440 --> 00:35:43.340 Adorn for a husband, 00:35:43.900 --> 00:35:44.780 But as a temple, 00:35:45.579 --> 00:35:45.980 He says, 00:35:46.539 --> 00:35:47.880 Having the glory of God, 00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:48.620 Its radiance, 00:35:48.640 --> 00:35:49.920 Was like a red jewel, 00:35:50.059 --> 00:35:50.820 Like jasper, 00:35:51.019 --> 00:35:52.059 Clear as crystal, 00:35:52.840 --> 00:35:54.120 And then he goes on, 00:35:54.140 --> 00:35:55.260 To describe this city, 00:35:55.360 --> 00:35:56.079 This new Jerusalem, 00:35:56.220 --> 00:35:57.300 This temple city, 00:35:57.559 --> 00:35:59.039 And he describes it, 00:35:59.420 --> 00:36:00.000 The length, 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:00.720 And the breadth, 00:36:00.800 --> 00:36:02.039 Except there's something unusual, 00:36:02.320 --> 00:36:02.740 About the city, 00:36:02.860 --> 00:36:04.099 He describes it, 00:36:04.160 --> 00:36:05.579 It's a thousand five hundred, 00:36:05.579 --> 00:36:06.539 Miles long, 00:36:07.039 --> 00:36:08.360 It's a thousand five hundred, 00:36:08.519 --> 00:36:09.599 Miles wide, 00:36:09.760 --> 00:36:10.780 But it's not a, 00:36:10.780 --> 00:36:11.780 Square city, 00:36:12.140 --> 00:36:13.340 It's a cubic city, 00:36:13.680 --> 00:36:15.000 It's not only long, 00:36:15.120 --> 00:36:15.640 And wide, 00:36:15.740 --> 00:36:17.180 It's also a thousand five hundred, 00:36:17.180 --> 00:36:17.760 Miles high, 00:36:17.840 --> 00:36:19.200 Look at what verse 16 says, 00:36:19.620 --> 00:36:20.280 Its length, 00:36:20.400 --> 00:36:21.079 And its breadth, 00:36:21.200 --> 00:36:21.920 And its height, 00:36:22.519 --> 00:36:23.160 Were equal, 00:36:23.840 --> 00:36:25.099 So he describes the city, 00:36:25.180 --> 00:36:25.980 That comes down, 00:36:26.320 --> 00:36:27.340 But it's a cube, 00:36:27.380 --> 00:36:27.800 It's not, 00:36:28.440 --> 00:36:29.039 2D, 00:36:29.380 --> 00:36:29.640 Okay, 00:36:29.740 --> 00:36:30.900 Which is a very unusual, 00:36:30.900 --> 00:36:32.059 City to live in, 00:36:32.260 --> 00:36:33.119 I don't know how exactly, 00:36:33.119 --> 00:36:33.680 That works, 00:36:34.220 --> 00:36:34.840 Maybe in Hong Kong, 00:36:34.900 --> 00:36:35.260 We've got the, 00:36:35.260 --> 00:36:36.519 The best impression, 00:36:36.639 --> 00:36:36.740 Right, 00:36:36.740 --> 00:36:37.880 Of the high rise buildings, 00:36:38.940 --> 00:36:39.180 Gary, 00:36:39.260 --> 00:36:40.059 Maybe you can build us, 00:36:40.099 --> 00:36:40.599 A high rise, 00:36:40.700 --> 00:36:41.740 A thousand five hundred, 00:36:41.900 --> 00:36:42.760 Miles high, 00:36:42.900 --> 00:36:43.119 Okay, 00:36:43.119 --> 00:36:45.539 What's the significance of this, 00:36:45.619 --> 00:36:46.039 Why does, 00:36:46.299 --> 00:36:47.940 Why does John describe the city, 00:36:48.099 --> 00:36:48.759 As a cube, 00:36:49.339 --> 00:36:50.679 Remember in the Old Testament, 00:36:51.699 --> 00:36:52.380 The temple, 00:36:52.559 --> 00:36:53.719 Was the greatest picture, 00:36:53.920 --> 00:36:54.699 Of God's presence, 00:36:55.400 --> 00:36:55.699 And so, 00:36:56.000 --> 00:36:57.159 The nation of Israel, 00:36:57.259 --> 00:36:57.719 Is in Israel, 00:36:57.839 --> 00:36:58.679 They have this temple, 00:36:58.920 --> 00:36:59.719 And there's all sorts of, 00:36:59.719 --> 00:37:00.940 Compartments to the temple, 00:37:01.099 --> 00:37:02.039 There's the outer court, 00:37:02.139 --> 00:37:02.960 And then you go in, 00:37:03.279 --> 00:37:03.960 And the priests, 00:37:04.039 --> 00:37:05.579 Could go into the holy place, 00:37:06.000 --> 00:37:06.559 And then there's, 00:37:06.719 --> 00:37:08.339 A small inner chamber, 00:37:08.799 --> 00:37:09.980 The heart of the temple, 00:37:10.119 --> 00:37:10.659 Which is called, 00:37:10.880 --> 00:37:11.940 The most holy place, 00:37:12.000 --> 00:37:13.059 Or the holy of holy, 00:37:13.299 --> 00:37:13.559 Okay, 00:37:13.900 --> 00:37:15.319 And the holy of holies, 00:37:15.639 --> 00:37:16.359 Is so, 00:37:16.779 --> 00:37:17.500 Radically, 00:37:18.139 --> 00:37:18.779 Intent, 00:37:18.839 --> 00:37:19.859 With God's presence, 00:37:20.039 --> 00:37:20.880 And his power, 00:37:21.059 --> 00:37:21.799 And his authority, 00:37:22.339 --> 00:37:23.699 That nobody could go in there, 00:37:24.480 --> 00:37:26.579 It was full of the place that, 00:37:26.719 --> 00:37:27.380 It was said, 00:37:27.380 --> 00:37:28.559 Where God's presence, 00:37:28.719 --> 00:37:29.440 And his glory, 00:37:29.819 --> 00:37:30.599 Dwelt on earth, 00:37:31.219 --> 00:37:31.599 And so you, 00:37:31.759 --> 00:37:33.659 No one's allowed into the holy of holies, 00:37:33.859 --> 00:37:34.599 Is this mic okay? 00:37:35.279 --> 00:37:35.480 Yeah, 00:37:35.759 --> 00:37:36.920 Maybe I'm just getting a bit excited, 00:37:37.420 --> 00:37:39.960 Nobody's allowed in there, 00:37:40.000 --> 00:37:41.799 Except only one person, 00:37:42.519 --> 00:37:43.340 The high priest, 00:37:43.420 --> 00:37:44.320 Not just any priest, 00:37:44.460 --> 00:37:45.100 The high priest, 00:37:45.160 --> 00:37:46.560 He's like the pope of the priests, 00:37:46.620 --> 00:37:46.860 Okay, 00:37:47.280 --> 00:37:48.519 The main guy, 00:37:48.760 --> 00:37:50.200 And he's only allowed, 00:37:50.260 --> 00:37:51.200 In the holy of holies, 00:37:51.539 --> 00:37:52.400 Once a year, 00:37:52.860 --> 00:37:53.820 On the day of atonement, 00:37:53.820 --> 00:37:56.180 And he can only go in there, 00:37:56.580 --> 00:37:57.320 If he's offered, 00:37:57.440 --> 00:37:59.300 A whole pile of sacrifices, 00:37:59.420 --> 00:38:00.059 He's got to be like, 00:38:00.360 --> 00:38:01.940 Covered in the blood of the lamb, 00:38:02.539 --> 00:38:03.860 And so on the day of atonement, 00:38:04.340 --> 00:38:05.240 The high priest, 00:38:05.480 --> 00:38:06.800 Very tentatively, 00:38:07.220 --> 00:38:08.039 Fearfully, 00:38:08.500 --> 00:38:10.539 Goes into the holy of holies, 00:38:10.880 --> 00:38:12.340 And that's where God's presence, 00:38:12.420 --> 00:38:13.260 Is said to dwell, 00:38:13.860 --> 00:38:15.680 And it's the most fear, 00:38:15.840 --> 00:38:16.720 Provoking, 00:38:16.980 --> 00:38:18.260 Or striking place, 00:38:18.260 --> 00:38:20.620 Because if you go in there unworthily, 00:38:20.780 --> 00:38:21.960 You die straight away, 00:38:22.480 --> 00:38:23.600 And so what would happen, 00:38:23.680 --> 00:38:25.220 Is the priest would go in there, 00:38:25.500 --> 00:38:27.580 And sometimes they would tie a rope, 00:38:27.620 --> 00:38:28.560 Around his ankle, 00:38:28.720 --> 00:38:29.800 In case something happened, 00:38:29.880 --> 00:38:30.820 And he died in there, 00:38:31.120 --> 00:38:32.860 Nobody wanted to go in to fetch him, 00:38:33.280 --> 00:38:34.580 And so if he died in there, 00:38:34.579 --> 00:38:35.460 They would have this rope, 00:38:35.579 --> 00:38:37.400 They could pull his body out, 00:38:37.480 --> 00:38:37.739 Okay, 00:38:38.460 --> 00:38:40.039 And so the high priest goes in there, 00:38:40.099 --> 00:38:40.779 Once a year, 00:38:41.559 --> 00:38:41.819 To, 00:38:42.779 --> 00:38:43.699 Offer sacrifices, 00:38:43.779 --> 00:38:45.259 Or to put blood on the altar, 00:38:46.259 --> 00:38:47.779 But there's something interesting, 00:38:47.900 --> 00:38:49.159 The holy of holies, 00:38:49.799 --> 00:38:50.980 When God tells Solomon, 00:38:50.980 --> 00:38:51.819 How to build it, 00:38:52.039 --> 00:38:53.279 It must be built, 00:38:53.559 --> 00:38:54.340 As a cube, 00:38:55.000 --> 00:38:55.659 Its length, 00:38:55.880 --> 00:38:56.599 And its breadth, 00:38:56.779 --> 00:38:57.519 And its height, 00:38:57.799 --> 00:38:58.819 Has to be equal, 00:38:59.500 --> 00:39:00.960 So what's John saying here, 00:39:01.000 --> 00:39:02.460 When he describes heaven, 00:39:02.719 --> 00:39:03.420 As a cube, 00:39:03.420 --> 00:39:05.440 And all the measurements, 00:39:05.579 --> 00:39:06.220 That he gives, 00:39:06.599 --> 00:39:08.400 Are all referring the same thing, 00:39:08.579 --> 00:39:09.200 The walls, 00:39:09.300 --> 00:39:09.860 And the gates, 00:39:09.940 --> 00:39:10.539 And the names, 00:39:10.639 --> 00:39:11.200 The apostles, 00:39:11.340 --> 00:39:12.079 And the prophets names, 00:39:12.159 --> 00:39:12.800 Are written on it, 00:39:13.280 --> 00:39:14.280 He's saying that, 00:39:14.360 --> 00:39:15.500 Here in the new Jerusalem, 00:39:16.019 --> 00:39:17.139 In this world to come, 00:39:17.639 --> 00:39:19.400 Is this fearsome glory, 00:39:19.400 --> 00:39:21.119 This awe provoking glory, 00:39:21.260 --> 00:39:22.019 Of God's presence, 00:39:22.400 --> 00:39:23.500 No longer contained, 00:39:23.599 --> 00:39:24.240 Or restrained, 00:39:24.300 --> 00:39:25.460 In the temple in Jerusalem, 00:39:25.920 --> 00:39:27.200 It's going to be characteristic, 00:39:27.460 --> 00:39:28.400 Of all eternity, 00:39:29.220 --> 00:39:30.280 Of the new heavens, 00:39:30.380 --> 00:39:30.840 And new earth, 00:39:30.920 --> 00:39:31.860 Is going to be like, 00:39:32.099 --> 00:39:33.220 That holy of holies, 00:39:33.219 --> 00:39:34.379 Where God's presence, 00:39:34.559 --> 00:39:35.099 Dwells, 00:39:35.559 --> 00:39:36.039 Remember, 00:39:36.599 --> 00:39:37.319 For Israel, 00:39:37.679 --> 00:39:38.859 The temple in Jerusalem, 00:39:39.000 --> 00:39:40.039 Is the epicenter, 00:39:40.159 --> 00:39:41.319 Of the entire universe, 00:39:41.799 --> 00:39:43.079 That's like the navel, 00:39:43.159 --> 00:39:44.099 Of the whole world, 00:39:44.619 --> 00:39:45.339 In Isaiah, 00:39:45.819 --> 00:39:47.099 Isaiah talks about how, 00:39:47.259 --> 00:39:47.679 He says, 00:39:48.399 --> 00:39:49.399 He speaks about Jerusalem, 00:39:49.500 --> 00:39:50.039 And the temple, 00:39:50.159 --> 00:39:51.059 As this mountain, 00:39:51.719 --> 00:39:52.799 That all the nations, 00:39:52.879 --> 00:39:53.299 Of the world, 00:39:53.359 --> 00:39:53.980 Are going to flow, 00:39:54.099 --> 00:39:55.679 Upstream towards it, 00:39:55.939 --> 00:39:56.819 As it draws, 00:39:56.939 --> 00:39:57.519 All people, 00:39:57.619 --> 00:39:58.299 From all cultures, 00:39:58.379 --> 00:39:58.779 And nations, 00:39:58.779 --> 00:39:59.179 He says, 00:39:59.539 --> 00:39:59.859 Come, 00:40:00.239 --> 00:40:01.480 Let us go to the mountain, 00:40:01.480 --> 00:40:02.000 Of the Lord, 00:40:02.079 --> 00:40:02.980 To the house of Jacob, 00:40:02.980 --> 00:40:04.179 For Israel, 00:40:04.400 --> 00:40:04.900 Jerusalem, 00:40:05.019 --> 00:40:05.559 And the temple, 00:40:05.699 --> 00:40:06.820 Is the epicenter, 00:40:06.820 --> 00:40:08.019 Of the whole world, 00:40:08.400 --> 00:40:08.940 Because that's where, 00:40:09.139 --> 00:40:09.980 God's presence is, 00:40:11.039 --> 00:40:12.300 Now look at what John says here, 00:40:12.599 --> 00:40:13.619 In verse 22, 00:40:14.340 --> 00:40:15.139 He says, 00:40:15.320 --> 00:40:16.539 Then I saw, 00:40:16.960 --> 00:40:18.039 There was no temple, 00:40:18.619 --> 00:40:19.159 In the city, 00:40:19.659 --> 00:40:20.579 For its temple, 00:40:20.760 --> 00:40:22.039 Is the Lord God Almighty, 00:40:22.139 --> 00:40:22.679 And the Lamb, 00:40:22.980 --> 00:40:23.840 And the city, 00:40:23.940 --> 00:40:24.579 Has no need, 00:40:24.639 --> 00:40:25.179 For sun, 00:40:25.320 --> 00:40:25.860 Or moon, 00:40:25.980 --> 00:40:26.900 To shine upon it, 00:40:26.900 --> 00:40:28.420 For the glory of God, 00:40:28.519 --> 00:40:29.179 Gives it light, 00:40:29.320 --> 00:40:30.280 And the lamp, 00:40:30.320 --> 00:40:31.440 Is the Lamb, 00:40:31.440 --> 00:40:32.579 Jesus Christ, 00:40:33.280 --> 00:40:33.760 In other words, 00:40:33.820 --> 00:40:34.099 Friends, 00:40:34.519 --> 00:40:35.220 Just as, 00:40:35.280 --> 00:40:36.840 Sex and marriage, 00:40:37.360 --> 00:40:39.099 Is a black and white picture, 00:40:39.220 --> 00:40:41.000 Like a cardboard cut out, 00:40:41.260 --> 00:40:41.559 Excuse, 00:40:41.840 --> 00:40:43.179 Sorry to be vulgar, 00:40:43.639 --> 00:40:44.659 Of the intimacy, 00:40:44.780 --> 00:40:45.460 That's one day, 00:40:45.500 --> 00:40:46.760 Going to await us in heaven, 00:40:47.559 --> 00:40:48.780 So the glory, 00:40:48.780 --> 00:40:50.240 Of the temple, 00:40:50.480 --> 00:40:52.039 And the holy of holies, 00:40:52.079 --> 00:40:53.539 Is like a black and white picture, 00:40:53.900 --> 00:40:55.619 It's like a cardboard cut out, 00:40:55.619 --> 00:40:58.880 It's just a pathetic picture, 00:40:59.299 --> 00:41:00.219 Of the glory, 00:41:00.339 --> 00:41:00.839 That one day, 00:41:00.900 --> 00:41:01.920 Is going to await us, 00:41:02.420 --> 00:41:03.460 As we get to heaven, 00:41:03.559 --> 00:41:04.420 And be with God, 00:41:05.019 --> 00:41:05.799 And this friends, 00:41:05.839 --> 00:41:06.339 Is the reason, 00:41:06.460 --> 00:41:07.679 Why all the good promises, 00:41:07.819 --> 00:41:08.359 Of the scripture, 00:41:08.539 --> 00:41:09.639 Are found to be true there, 00:41:10.199 --> 00:41:11.179 This is why heaven, 00:41:11.239 --> 00:41:11.719 Is going to be, 00:41:11.779 --> 00:41:13.440 Astoundingly more beautiful, 00:41:13.900 --> 00:41:15.119 And astoundingly more, 00:41:15.420 --> 00:41:16.279 Infinitely more, 00:41:16.519 --> 00:41:17.079 Glorious, 00:41:17.199 --> 00:41:17.940 And rewarding, 00:41:18.079 --> 00:41:18.819 And satisfying, 00:41:19.239 --> 00:41:20.019 Than we could ever, 00:41:20.019 --> 00:41:21.000 Possibly imagine, 00:41:21.339 --> 00:41:22.279 Because ultimately, 00:41:22.460 --> 00:41:23.519 What makes our world, 00:41:23.519 --> 00:41:24.780 To come so glorious, 00:41:24.900 --> 00:41:26.380 Is not our resurrection bodies, 00:41:26.759 --> 00:41:27.820 What makes our, 00:41:28.119 --> 00:41:28.920 Glorious eternity, 00:41:29.239 --> 00:41:30.099 So wonderful, 00:41:30.280 --> 00:41:31.000 Is not the fact, 00:41:31.039 --> 00:41:31.639 That there's no more, 00:41:31.719 --> 00:41:32.579 Mourning or tears, 00:41:32.739 --> 00:41:33.559 Or heartache, 00:41:33.619 --> 00:41:34.619 Or pain or crying, 00:41:34.940 --> 00:41:36.179 What makes heaven, 00:41:36.340 --> 00:41:37.099 So glorious, 00:41:38.019 --> 00:41:39.199 Is the one who's there, 00:41:39.719 --> 00:41:41.380 It's not what's going to be there, 00:41:41.519 --> 00:41:42.820 It's who's going to be there, 00:41:43.239 --> 00:41:44.000 It's the fact that, 00:41:44.000 --> 00:41:44.739 God's presence, 00:41:44.900 --> 00:41:45.739 Is all pervasive, 00:41:46.579 --> 00:41:48.380 One old theologian, 00:41:48.380 --> 00:41:49.119 Said it like this, 00:41:49.579 --> 00:41:50.119 It is not, 00:41:50.639 --> 00:41:51.480 It's not in heaven, 00:41:51.559 --> 00:41:52.699 That we find God, 00:41:52.699 --> 00:41:54.019 But in God, 00:41:54.139 --> 00:41:55.239 We find heaven, 00:41:55.659 --> 00:41:57.779 That's why Jesus says, 00:41:57.879 --> 00:41:59.000 In John chapter 17, 00:41:59.139 --> 00:41:59.379 He says, 00:41:59.899 --> 00:42:01.079 This is eternal life, 00:42:01.399 --> 00:42:02.819 That they may know you, 00:42:03.419 --> 00:42:04.559 The only true God, 00:42:04.699 --> 00:42:05.539 And Jesus Christ, 00:42:05.599 --> 00:42:06.219 Whom you sent, 00:42:06.859 --> 00:42:07.139 Friends, 00:42:07.279 --> 00:42:08.480 This is what glory, 00:42:08.739 --> 00:42:09.899 And heaven is going to be like, 00:42:10.239 --> 00:42:10.879 That we are, 00:42:11.219 --> 00:42:12.279 We know our God, 00:42:12.339 --> 00:42:13.019 Who made us, 00:42:13.079 --> 00:42:14.000 And we experience him, 00:42:14.019 --> 00:42:14.599 In all his fullness, 00:42:15.079 --> 00:42:16.079 But this poses, 00:42:16.079 --> 00:42:17.399 A real challenge for us, 00:42:18.039 --> 00:42:18.799 John Piper, 00:42:18.939 --> 00:42:19.719 Said it like this, 00:42:19.779 --> 00:42:20.399 Very famously, 00:42:20.559 --> 00:42:20.879 He says, 00:42:20.880 --> 00:42:22.460 The critical question, 00:42:22.599 --> 00:42:23.500 For our generation, 00:42:23.980 --> 00:42:24.300 In fact, 00:42:24.360 --> 00:42:25.280 For every generation, 00:42:25.480 --> 00:42:25.980 Is this, 00:42:26.400 --> 00:42:27.800 If you could have heaven, 00:42:28.460 --> 00:42:29.579 With no sickness, 00:42:30.300 --> 00:42:31.180 All the friends, 00:42:31.240 --> 00:42:32.360 That you ever had on earth, 00:42:32.920 --> 00:42:33.900 All the food, 00:42:33.980 --> 00:42:34.840 You ever liked, 00:42:35.559 --> 00:42:36.160 Hong Kong, 00:42:36.260 --> 00:42:36.780 That's us, 00:42:36.840 --> 00:42:37.019 Right? 00:42:37.480 --> 00:42:39.079 All the leisure activities, 00:42:39.260 --> 00:42:40.059 You ever enjoyed, 00:42:40.539 --> 00:42:42.059 All the natural beauties, 00:42:42.119 --> 00:42:42.880 You ever saw, 00:42:43.280 --> 00:42:44.960 All the physical pleasures, 00:42:45.079 --> 00:42:45.960 You ever tasted, 00:42:45.960 --> 00:42:47.820 With no human conflict, 00:42:48.019 --> 00:42:48.880 No tears, 00:42:49.059 --> 00:42:49.760 No agony, 00:42:49.980 --> 00:42:51.220 No natural disasters, 00:42:51.920 --> 00:42:52.900 Would you be satisfied, 00:42:52.900 --> 00:42:53.519 With heaven, 00:42:54.079 --> 00:42:54.980 If Christ, 00:42:55.179 --> 00:42:55.920 Were not there? 00:42:57.840 --> 00:42:58.320 Man, 00:42:58.360 --> 00:42:59.340 That's a powerful question, 00:43:00.000 --> 00:43:01.980 Would we be satisfied, 00:43:01.980 --> 00:43:03.460 With all the glories, 00:43:03.559 --> 00:43:05.000 That this world has to offer us, 00:43:05.579 --> 00:43:06.980 If Christ were not there? 00:43:08.539 --> 00:43:11.300 And the pervasive answer, 00:43:11.699 --> 00:43:12.880 Of the scriptures is, 00:43:13.340 --> 00:43:14.820 Not for one second, 00:43:14.820 --> 00:43:17.180 Not for one second, 00:43:17.740 --> 00:43:18.519 Because the thing, 00:43:18.600 --> 00:43:19.840 That makes heaven glorious, 00:43:19.980 --> 00:43:21.080 Is not what's there, 00:43:21.460 --> 00:43:22.300 But who is there, 00:43:22.980 --> 00:43:24.280 Coming into land, 00:43:24.340 --> 00:43:25.180 I don't know if you remember, 00:43:25.340 --> 00:43:26.100 That movie, 00:43:26.280 --> 00:43:27.500 With Leonardo DiCaprio, 00:43:27.680 --> 00:43:28.539 Called The Beach, 00:43:28.780 --> 00:43:29.680 Do you remember that movie? 00:43:30.300 --> 00:43:31.420 There's this character, 00:43:31.780 --> 00:43:32.580 Called Richard, 00:43:33.059 --> 00:43:34.380 And he stumbles across, 00:43:34.539 --> 00:43:35.420 This idyllic, 00:43:35.760 --> 00:43:36.240 Paradise, 00:43:37.140 --> 00:43:39.180 And on this paradise beach, 00:43:39.280 --> 00:43:40.539 Are all these travelers, 00:43:40.960 --> 00:43:42.820 That are just living up the high life, 00:43:42.940 --> 00:43:43.600 And he thinks, 00:43:43.599 --> 00:43:45.420 This is the dream, 00:43:45.779 --> 00:43:47.360 This is what I've longed for all my life, 00:43:47.460 --> 00:43:48.799 Beautiful location, 00:43:49.400 --> 00:43:50.639 People having parties, 00:43:51.440 --> 00:43:52.219 This is, 00:43:52.739 --> 00:43:54.539 The stuff that dreams are made of, 00:43:55.059 --> 00:43:56.000 But pretty soon, 00:43:56.059 --> 00:43:57.380 The dream starts to unravel, 00:43:57.519 --> 00:43:58.679 And things go horribly wrong, 00:43:59.259 --> 00:44:00.679 The location is perfect, 00:44:01.219 --> 00:44:02.880 But the people that are there, 00:44:02.960 --> 00:44:04.099 Have brought their jealousy, 00:44:04.299 --> 00:44:05.799 And their selfishness with them, 00:44:06.099 --> 00:44:08.079 And what starts out as pure paradise, 00:44:08.199 --> 00:44:09.440 Ends up being a nightmare, 00:44:09.440 --> 00:44:10.720 See friends, 00:44:10.780 --> 00:44:12.519 The reality of our hearts, 00:44:12.619 --> 00:44:13.599 And in our world, 00:44:13.740 --> 00:44:14.740 Has a way of destroying, 00:44:14.880 --> 00:44:15.340 And damaging, 00:44:15.539 --> 00:44:17.300 Even the most idyllic paradises, 00:44:17.940 --> 00:44:18.559 And dreams, 00:44:19.179 --> 00:44:20.559 But not in this city to come, 00:44:21.260 --> 00:44:22.139 In the city to come, 00:44:22.280 --> 00:44:23.500 God is making all things new, 00:44:24.000 --> 00:44:24.860 In the city to come, 00:44:24.940 --> 00:44:25.619 God is going to take, 00:44:25.700 --> 00:44:26.880 Everything that is broken, 00:44:27.000 --> 00:44:27.940 And wrong with our world, 00:44:28.300 --> 00:44:29.320 And make it untrue, 00:44:29.960 --> 00:44:30.760 Jesus is going to take, 00:44:30.820 --> 00:44:31.639 Even the sin, 00:44:31.679 --> 00:44:32.900 And the selfishness of our hearts, 00:44:32.960 --> 00:44:33.960 And we're going to be transformed, 00:44:34.099 --> 00:44:35.340 Into his image in a moment, 00:44:35.860 --> 00:44:37.260 And it will be truly the home, 00:44:37.260 --> 00:44:38.260 That we've been waiting for, 00:44:38.840 --> 00:44:39.220 Friends, 00:44:39.280 --> 00:44:40.240 In Revelation 18, 00:44:40.740 --> 00:44:42.360 After describing the city of Babylon, 00:44:43.040 --> 00:44:44.160 Jesus calls his people, 00:44:44.240 --> 00:44:44.920 To come out of her, 00:44:45.040 --> 00:44:46.740 Jeremy had it up on the screen earlier, 00:44:46.800 --> 00:44:48.260 I didn't know Jeremy was going to have that, 00:44:48.360 --> 00:44:49.160 But he says, 00:44:49.240 --> 00:44:50.360 Come out of her my people, 00:44:50.500 --> 00:44:51.180 Come out of her, 00:44:52.100 --> 00:44:54.080 Jesus is not asking followers of Jesus, 00:44:54.200 --> 00:44:55.100 To leave the cities, 00:44:55.200 --> 00:44:56.580 And to become rural dwellers, 00:44:57.120 --> 00:44:58.060 He's not asking us, 00:44:58.100 --> 00:44:58.860 To leave the cities, 00:44:58.940 --> 00:44:59.740 And to become hermits, 00:44:59.800 --> 00:45:00.680 That live in the mountains, 00:45:00.820 --> 00:45:01.740 And little communes, 00:45:01.780 --> 00:45:02.040 Right? 00:45:02.980 --> 00:45:04.440 Jesus is calling us, 00:45:04.520 --> 00:45:05.960 To find our true home, 00:45:05.960 --> 00:45:07.420 Not in the things of this world, 00:45:07.500 --> 00:45:08.220 Which are failing, 00:45:08.340 --> 00:45:10.159 And cannot really satisfy our hearts, 00:45:10.420 --> 00:45:12.539 But to come and to find our home in him, 00:45:13.059 --> 00:45:15.119 For the first century followers of Jesus, 00:45:15.599 --> 00:45:16.960 To disassociate with Rome's, 00:45:18.099 --> 00:45:21.019 Injustice and immorality and idolatry, 00:45:21.119 --> 00:45:22.360 Was a massive challenge, 00:45:22.840 --> 00:45:24.300 It meant the loss of status, 00:45:24.820 --> 00:45:26.159 It meant the loss of prosperity, 00:45:26.679 --> 00:45:27.900 It meant the loss of jobs, 00:45:28.400 --> 00:45:29.820 Loss of status in society, 00:45:29.980 --> 00:45:31.280 It is an uncertain future, 00:45:31.960 --> 00:45:32.340 And friends, 00:45:32.400 --> 00:45:34.639 For us it means probably much of the same, 00:45:34.639 --> 00:45:36.319 But here today, 00:45:36.500 --> 00:45:38.500 Jesus is presenting an alternative city, 00:45:39.000 --> 00:45:40.139 To the cities of this world, 00:45:40.219 --> 00:45:41.179 An alternative kingdom, 00:45:41.799 --> 00:45:43.940 Jesus is offering us another place of belonging, 00:45:44.299 --> 00:45:45.299 With different ambitions, 00:45:45.500 --> 00:45:46.179 And different hopes, 00:45:46.299 --> 00:45:47.199 And a different ethos, 00:45:47.279 --> 00:45:48.519 And a different moral system, 00:45:49.099 --> 00:45:50.599 Another place to call home, 00:45:51.099 --> 00:45:51.579 Friends, 00:45:51.659 --> 00:45:52.619 The culture of this world, 00:45:52.719 --> 00:45:54.000 Is seductive and alluring, 00:45:54.579 --> 00:45:56.079 In Jesus we get to discover, 00:45:56.179 --> 00:45:56.879 A true lover, 00:45:57.000 --> 00:45:58.099 Who won't just use us, 00:45:58.159 --> 00:45:58.779 And abuse us, 00:45:58.799 --> 00:45:59.759 And then spit us out, 00:46:00.299 --> 00:46:01.759 In Jesus we discover one, 00:46:01.819 --> 00:46:03.379 Who is willing to be spat upon, 00:46:03.380 --> 00:46:04.700 We discover one, 00:46:04.700 --> 00:46:06.400 Who is willing to be used and abused, 00:46:06.480 --> 00:46:08.019 By those that he came to rescue, 00:46:08.300 --> 00:46:10.400 In order to bring us from outside, 00:46:10.539 --> 00:46:11.820 Into his home, 00:46:11.900 --> 00:46:12.740 And into his family, 00:46:13.420 --> 00:46:13.660 Friends, 00:46:13.720 --> 00:46:15.019 The greatest narrative of scripture, 00:46:15.460 --> 00:46:17.220 Is not just that we've done bad things, 00:46:17.280 --> 00:46:18.079 And we need forgiveness, 00:46:18.640 --> 00:46:19.900 The greatest narrative of scripture, 00:46:19.980 --> 00:46:20.880 Is that we were lost, 00:46:21.000 --> 00:46:22.400 And we have a true bridegroom, 00:46:22.780 --> 00:46:24.320 Who left the comforts of heaven, 00:46:24.760 --> 00:46:26.500 Who came to the ends of the world, 00:46:26.559 --> 00:46:27.360 To find us, 00:46:27.660 --> 00:46:28.700 To bring us home, 00:46:29.000 --> 00:46:30.820 And to include us part of our family, 00:46:30.820 --> 00:46:31.640 Friends, 00:46:31.720 --> 00:46:32.400 In this life, 00:46:32.460 --> 00:46:33.440 We get a mere glimpse, 00:46:33.500 --> 00:46:34.980 Of his glory and his majesty, 00:46:35.340 --> 00:46:36.519 But he's coming again, 00:46:37.000 --> 00:46:38.820 He's coming to take us back home with him, 00:46:39.120 --> 00:46:40.480 To revel in his love, 00:46:40.880 --> 00:46:41.320 Forever, 00:46:41.960 --> 00:46:42.519 And ever, 00:46:42.960 --> 00:46:43.519 And ever, 00:46:43.880 --> 00:46:45.039 This is what heaven, 00:46:45.400 --> 00:46:46.160 Is all about, 00:46:46.539 --> 00:46:47.660 Let's pray together, 00:46:48.740 --> 00:46:49.580 Jeremy, 00:46:49.640 --> 00:46:50.860 Do you want to come lead us in song, 00:46:51.019 --> 00:46:51.360 Let's, 00:46:51.960 --> 00:46:53.140 Let's come before our, 00:46:53.280 --> 00:46:54.720 Glorious father, 00:46:54.900 --> 00:46:55.380 In prayer, 00:46:55.380 --> 00:46:56.780 Lord Jesus, 00:46:57.300 --> 00:46:58.000 Heavenly father, 00:46:58.119 --> 00:46:58.720 Holy spirit, 00:46:59.460 --> 00:47:00.900 We come before you now, 00:47:01.019 --> 00:47:01.220 God, 00:47:01.280 --> 00:47:02.340 Because we confess, 00:47:02.420 --> 00:47:03.640 That we long for home, 00:47:04.119 --> 00:47:05.260 We long for our true home, 00:47:06.400 --> 00:47:06.619 God, 00:47:06.680 --> 00:47:07.240 In this world, 00:47:07.340 --> 00:47:08.380 You give us glimpses, 00:47:08.460 --> 00:47:09.599 Of what is to come, 00:47:10.240 --> 00:47:11.240 You give us mere glimpses, 00:47:11.340 --> 00:47:11.460 God, 00:47:11.519 --> 00:47:12.480 Of the glory to come, 00:47:13.119 --> 00:47:14.220 Of the deep intimacy, 00:47:14.220 --> 00:47:15.240 That awaits us, 00:47:15.740 --> 00:47:17.039 Of our heart satisfaction, 00:47:17.900 --> 00:47:18.160 Jesus, 00:47:18.280 --> 00:47:19.099 We long for that day, 00:47:19.160 --> 00:47:19.579 And we pray, 00:47:19.680 --> 00:47:19.840 God, 00:47:19.900 --> 00:47:21.320 Won't you put eternity, 00:47:21.660 --> 00:47:22.280 Deep in our hearts, 00:47:22.940 --> 00:47:23.140 God, 00:47:23.220 --> 00:47:24.019 I pray that tomorrow, 00:47:24.180 --> 00:47:25.320 As we go into the city, 00:47:25.460 --> 00:47:26.960 And to our workplaces, 00:47:27.099 --> 00:47:27.780 And universities, 00:47:28.059 --> 00:47:28.680 And schools, 00:47:28.860 --> 00:47:30.500 And as we look after kids, 00:47:30.579 --> 00:47:31.980 And we take up projects, 00:47:32.059 --> 00:47:32.660 And challenges, 00:47:32.820 --> 00:47:34.180 And we negotiate with clients, 00:47:34.360 --> 00:47:35.860 And we talk to our bosses, 00:47:36.619 --> 00:47:36.900 God, 00:47:36.980 --> 00:47:38.720 Won't you put our hearts at rest, 00:47:39.180 --> 00:47:40.119 Won't you remind us, 00:47:40.140 --> 00:47:41.360 That this is a temporary home, 00:47:41.420 --> 00:47:42.800 But our true home awaits us, 00:47:43.340 --> 00:47:43.559 God, 00:47:43.559 --> 00:47:44.519 When we get anxious, 00:47:44.720 --> 00:47:45.180 And worry, 00:47:45.340 --> 00:47:45.780 Lord Jesus, 00:47:45.920 --> 00:47:48.220 Won't you give our hearts rest, 00:47:48.340 --> 00:47:49.240 Knowing that soon, 00:47:49.380 --> 00:47:49.980 Very soon, 00:47:50.039 --> 00:47:50.780 We'll be with you, 00:47:51.559 --> 00:47:51.900 Jesus, 00:47:52.019 --> 00:47:52.980 We long for that day, 00:47:53.440 --> 00:47:53.800 We say, 00:47:53.880 --> 00:47:54.140 Christ, 00:47:54.240 --> 00:47:54.960 Come back soon, 00:47:54.960 --> 00:47:55.780 And take us home, 00:47:56.619 --> 00:47:56.860 God, 00:47:56.920 --> 00:47:57.699 But in the meantime, 00:47:57.880 --> 00:47:58.800 Give us your spirit, 00:47:59.460 --> 00:48:00.619 Pour heaven into our hearts, 00:48:00.679 --> 00:48:01.139 We pray, 00:48:01.740 --> 00:48:02.699 That we may know you, 00:48:02.800 --> 00:48:03.679 And walk with you, 00:48:04.280 --> 00:48:05.619 All the days of our life, 00:48:06.139 --> 00:48:07.320 We pray this in your wonderful, 00:48:07.980 --> 00:48:09.000 And your beautiful name, 00:48:09.720 --> 00:48:10.019 Amen, 00:48:10.019 --> 00:48:17.159 But where you may know you, 00:48:17.159 --> 00:48:18.300 And it's beautiful, 00:48:18.300 --> 00:48:19.539 And it's like, 00:48:19.539 --> 00:48:21.440 The mensonge, 00:48:21.440 --> 00:48:22.179 But with us, 00:48:22.400 --> 00:48:22.539 And that you, 00:48:22.539 --> 00:48:23.340 And that you, 00:48:23.340 --> 00:48:23.759 And that you love, 00:48:23.759 --> 00:48:23.940 The day you, 00:48:23.940 --> 00:48:24.699 And all the days of our character, 00:48:24.900 --> 00:48:26.719 And all the things ofAll myst 니 canceled are 00:48:26.719 --> 00:48:27.019 And all the deh Burning memories, 00:48:27.019 --> 00:48:28.619 And all the days of our life, 00:48:28.699 --> 00:48:29.800 And all of us, 00:48:29.800 --> 00:48:30.579 And all theations that you have everything linked, 00:48:30.579 --> 00:48:30.800 And all the days of our life, 00:48:30.800 --> 00:48:31.840 And see, 00:48:31.840 --> 00:48:32.320 Again, 00:48:32.360 --> 00:48:33.340 And all the time you see a gorgeous, 00:48:33.400 --> 00:48:34.019 And all the days of our birthday, 00:48:34.019 --> 00:48:35.300 And all the days of our life, 00:48:35.300 --> 00:48:36.000 And all the days of our meal, 00:48:36.000 --> 00:48:37.400 One of these deliciousness, 00:48:37.480 --> 00:48:37.960 And all the days ofacion, 00:48:37.960 --> 00:48:39.000 And all the days of ourpex team,