WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.000 Okay, well, good morning, everyone. It's lovely to see you today. Always love this time of year. 00:00:06.060 --> 00:00:11.740 It feels like people come back to our city, people are visiting, students are back, people are moving for jobs. 00:00:12.040 --> 00:00:17.640 So lovely to see you here today, particularly if this is your first Sunday with us. You're so, so welcome. 00:00:18.440 --> 00:00:25.620 Here's what I'd love you to do. I'd love you to grab a Bible and turn to Genesis chapter 35. 00:00:25.620 --> 00:00:31.900 Genesis, that first book of the Bible, grab your own Bible. Maybe there's ones in the pews round about. 00:00:32.039 --> 00:00:35.859 Hopefully we've spaced them out well enough that they're always within reach. 00:00:36.320 --> 00:00:42.579 Or even on your phone, if you promise me you won't be looking at WhatsApp messages, get Genesis 35 on your phone as well. 00:00:42.679 --> 00:00:46.579 As you're turning there, two things I just want to highlight. 00:00:46.579 --> 00:00:55.259 The first one is next Sunday evening. I would love you to come to our church vision evening. 00:00:55.579 --> 00:01:03.439 We run three of these a year and they're just wonderful chances for us to look back as a church on the past season of church life. 00:01:04.140 --> 00:01:08.780 And just to give God thanks for his faithfulness during that season. 00:01:08.780 --> 00:01:16.019 And then to look forward as well, just to some of the things that are in the pipeline that we can pray about as a church family. 00:01:16.019 --> 00:01:21.479 There's lots of exciting things in the run up to this vision evening that we're going to be thinking about. 00:01:21.579 --> 00:01:26.079 So please put it in your diary, half past six next Sunday evening. 00:01:26.340 --> 00:01:34.859 The second one is just to say, this is another chance where you can sign up to this course that we're running called God's Great Story. 00:01:35.039 --> 00:01:38.539 Knowing the plot line that makes sense of life. 00:01:39.120 --> 00:01:44.120 I've ordered the books for this course that are going to come to us next Sunday for those who've signed up. 00:01:44.120 --> 00:01:50.700 Really thrilled that there's kind of six or seven folks who've said that would be really interested in this course journeying together. 00:01:51.240 --> 00:01:57.000 Just thinking about the Bible story, about some of the key events that happen in that Bible story. 00:01:57.640 --> 00:02:01.180 And just getting to know our great God better. 00:02:01.320 --> 00:02:04.159 If that's something you want to get involved in, I'd love to hear from you. 00:02:04.560 --> 00:02:06.159 Grab one of these as you go this morning. 00:02:06.280 --> 00:02:09.000 The dates and the topics are on the back there. 00:02:09.060 --> 00:02:10.400 You'll get a free book as well. 00:02:10.780 --> 00:02:13.480 Just would love to see you come along to this. 00:02:14.139 --> 00:02:21.399 But Genesis 35, why don't we pray as we turn to this chapter and then we'll get into it as we finish off this series in the life of Jacob. 00:02:22.219 --> 00:02:24.799 Father, thank you so much for this morning. 00:02:25.299 --> 00:02:27.579 I thank you for every single person here. 00:02:28.319 --> 00:02:35.359 Lord, I recognize that we come this morning from all sorts of different weeks with different things going on in our lives. 00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:37.480 Father, we've got different questions. 00:02:37.480 --> 00:02:39.800 We've got different aspirations, Lord. 00:02:39.820 --> 00:02:42.100 We've got different feelings as we come here today. 00:02:43.000 --> 00:02:52.000 But Father, I ask in the words of Psalm 119, that you would enlarge our hearts that we may run and obey your law. 00:02:52.560 --> 00:02:55.740 Father, as we gaze at the glory of who you are today. 00:02:55.940 --> 00:02:58.520 Father, increase our knowledge. 00:02:58.520 --> 00:03:04.600 Lord, and increase our affection for your son, Jesus, we pray in his worthy name. 00:03:05.300 --> 00:03:05.780 Amen. 00:03:05.780 --> 00:03:08.860 So Genesis 35. 00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:09.759 Here's what we're going to do. 00:03:09.819 --> 00:03:11.539 We're going to be thinking about this chapter this morning. 00:03:11.740 --> 00:03:16.780 But we're finishing a series today that we've been in over the last number of months in the life of Jacob. 00:03:16.979 --> 00:03:19.719 So this morning we're kind of finishing it off, bringing it together. 00:03:20.240 --> 00:03:21.800 I'm really excited about this. 00:03:22.120 --> 00:03:25.860 But as you're turning there, let me tell you about two things that happened in my life this week. 00:03:25.860 --> 00:03:32.180 And how I was really humbly reminded that there's one thing that now connects them. 00:03:33.440 --> 00:03:34.520 Here's the two things. 00:03:34.600 --> 00:03:35.120 Ready for them? 00:03:35.320 --> 00:03:38.200 Number one, plaiting my girl's hair. 00:03:39.380 --> 00:03:42.420 And number two, staying up past 11 o'clock. 00:03:44.360 --> 00:03:47.480 Okay, both things that I cannot do. 00:03:47.479 --> 00:03:55.919 And I'm playing fives on Tuesday night next week and at the tender age of 39, running around for an hour. 00:03:56.079 --> 00:04:00.219 I'm paranoid that there's going to be another one added to that list this week. 00:04:00.439 --> 00:04:03.359 But we've all got things in our lives, haven't we, that we cannot do. 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:05.819 We struggle to do them. 00:04:05.899 --> 00:04:06.859 We cannot do them. 00:04:08.280 --> 00:04:11.299 Have a think about those things in your life just now, the things that you just cannot do. 00:04:13.039 --> 00:04:17.180 And as you're chewing on that, let me throw you a curveball question to get you thinking today. 00:04:17.180 --> 00:04:23.199 No matter what you think of the God of the Bible, no matter what has brought you here today, have a think about this question. 00:04:24.480 --> 00:04:27.379 Do you think there's things that God can't do? 00:04:29.540 --> 00:04:30.960 That's what we're going to be thinking about today. 00:04:32.420 --> 00:04:34.199 One thing that God says he can't do. 00:04:35.680 --> 00:04:37.960 That's not so much a statement about his ability. 00:04:38.960 --> 00:04:42.240 When he tells us that in his word, it's a promise about his character. 00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:50.280 And it's wonderful news for our souls today to take in this thing that God says he cannot do. 00:04:50.780 --> 00:04:55.780 In fact, I've just finished a book called 12 Things That God Cannot Do. 00:04:57.360 --> 00:05:00.480 Subheading and how they can help you sleep at night. 00:05:01.100 --> 00:05:03.540 And it was that second one that made me buy it. 00:05:03.540 --> 00:05:12.600 And if you're going to read one thing this year, can I highly recommend, apart from the Bible, that you make it this book. 00:05:12.760 --> 00:05:12.879 Right? 00:05:12.939 --> 00:05:23.020 If your time's tight, or maybe you're looking after the pennies, then at least download the free Kindle version, the free Kindle sample on Amazon and take a look at the contents page. 00:05:23.480 --> 00:05:26.000 Because the contents page will really blow your mind. 00:05:26.080 --> 00:05:27.240 Can I give you a few of the chapters? 00:05:27.920 --> 00:05:28.840 Here they are. 00:05:28.839 --> 00:05:32.379 God can't learn. 00:05:34.159 --> 00:05:34.339 Yeah? 00:05:34.779 --> 00:05:38.199 God can't be surprised. 00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:42.799 God can't change his mind. 00:05:44.019 --> 00:05:46.839 God can't be lonely. 00:05:47.039 --> 00:05:48.599 And here's the last chapter heading. 00:05:48.699 --> 00:05:51.719 And this is what we're going to be wonderfully thinking about today. 00:05:52.339 --> 00:05:53.479 And here it is. 00:05:54.259 --> 00:05:58.339 God cannot deny himself. 00:05:58.839 --> 00:06:11.179 God cannot, and let me just add a flavor to it, will not go back on his word. 00:06:12.199 --> 00:06:12.379 Right? 00:06:12.620 --> 00:06:19.500 Some of you might remember, if you're of a generation, the adverts for, and this is a testament to the power of advertising that I can remember this. 00:06:19.879 --> 00:06:21.500 The adverts for Ron Seal. 00:06:22.979 --> 00:06:23.439 Yeah? 00:06:23.659 --> 00:06:24.579 Do you remember Ron Seal? 00:06:25.439 --> 00:06:26.359 From the UK? 00:06:26.359 --> 00:06:28.159 What was the slogan with Ron Seal? 00:06:28.840 --> 00:06:32.640 It does exactly what it says on the tin. 00:06:33.300 --> 00:06:33.460 Right? 00:06:33.540 --> 00:06:38.920 Never bought a can of Ron Seal in my life, but I remember that as the slogan. 00:06:39.020 --> 00:06:40.500 It does exactly what it says on the tin. 00:06:40.580 --> 00:06:41.440 And that's this God. 00:06:41.720 --> 00:06:50.360 Or if you want to put it positively, when God says that he will do something, you can guarantee that he will do it. 00:06:50.440 --> 00:06:53.360 That is the immovable object that's there. 00:06:53.360 --> 00:06:54.840 It's God's promise. 00:06:54.840 --> 00:06:56.520 Nothing is going to move it. 00:06:56.620 --> 00:06:57.819 Nothing's going to undo it. 00:06:57.960 --> 00:07:03.220 Nothing's going to get in the way of God accomplishing his will. 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:07.639 His promises will not bounce like some kind of expired check. 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:14.139 No, his promises are ones that we can take to the bank and we can cash. 00:07:14.560 --> 00:07:16.199 And of course, what does Jesus say? 00:07:17.060 --> 00:07:19.680 The wise man, the wise person does. 00:07:20.399 --> 00:07:22.639 He built his life on the rock. 00:07:22.639 --> 00:07:24.879 And what is the rock? 00:07:25.319 --> 00:07:28.719 The rock is his words. 00:07:29.620 --> 00:07:33.079 Because that's a place where we can base our lives. 00:07:33.079 --> 00:07:38.519 And I think that's what the passage, this passage is designed to convince the first readers of today. 00:07:38.740 --> 00:07:45.819 And it's designed to convince us of today that this God will not go back on his word. 00:07:47.139 --> 00:07:50.779 The fact alone that Jacob, if you come with me to chapter 35, 00:07:51.579 --> 00:07:57.299 the very fact that he is still standing in the words of Elton John is proof of it. 00:07:58.259 --> 00:08:00.680 The fact, have you ever thought about this today? 00:08:00.680 --> 00:08:03.379 The fact that you and I have got breath in our lungs today. 00:08:03.720 --> 00:08:09.220 The very fact that we're here today is proof of this promise. 00:08:09.900 --> 00:08:13.660 Because the fact that Jacob is still standing in chapter 35 00:08:13.660 --> 00:08:20.740 is nothing to do with the fact that he's able to duck and dive his way through life. 00:08:22.160 --> 00:08:23.420 Nothing to do with that. 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:30.399 If you think about it, the Bible really should be a three-chapter book. 00:08:30.680 --> 00:08:31.079 Yeah? 00:08:34.960 --> 00:08:37.960 Genesis 1 and 2, God creates the world. 00:08:39.659 --> 00:08:41.220 He creates Adam and Eve. 00:08:41.320 --> 00:08:42.840 He creates human beings in his image. 00:08:43.100 --> 00:08:46.500 The world is declared very good. 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:53.019 But Adam and Eve, they desire that tree of knowledge and good and evil, right? 00:08:53.480 --> 00:08:59.539 In the words of Don Carson, what they are doing in that moment is they are trying to de-God God. 00:09:00.320 --> 00:09:00.559 Right? 00:09:00.620 --> 00:09:07.039 They are asserting their own authority to be able to assert what is right and what is wrong. 00:09:07.039 --> 00:09:12.480 And in that moment, that is when sin enters the world as they believe the serpents lie. 00:09:12.779 --> 00:09:15.679 And at that point, it should be like a 90s computer game. 00:09:16.579 --> 00:09:20.279 Those words that came across the screen when you were defeated by the body, right? 00:09:20.459 --> 00:09:21.279 Game over. 00:09:21.579 --> 00:09:23.659 It should be game over at that point in the story. 00:09:23.659 --> 00:09:37.699 But God made a promise in Genesis 3.15 that he would send a serpent crusher, 00:09:38.860 --> 00:09:45.579 someone who would act and by acting would defeat the work of Satan. 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:49.540 And all the effects of that fall as they enter the world. 00:09:50.240 --> 00:10:01.020 But God promised Abraham, this nobody, that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. 00:10:01.680 --> 00:10:04.440 He promised them that he would give them a future. 00:10:04.780 --> 00:10:06.100 He would bring them to a land. 00:10:06.300 --> 00:10:11.860 And that through his offspring, he would bless the peoples of the world. 00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:14.020 And again, take that in. 00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:17.840 And if we are, I don't know what, 120 or so this morning, maybe 100. 00:10:18.639 --> 00:10:20.860 How many nations are represented here? 00:10:22.600 --> 00:10:26.039 Proof that God will not deny himself. 00:10:26.579 --> 00:10:27.220 But God. 00:10:27.419 --> 00:10:30.679 See, when you see that phrase in the Bible and it crops up often. 00:10:31.019 --> 00:10:31.659 But God. 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:35.179 What it means is that God has acted. 00:10:36.679 --> 00:10:38.759 Not because of people's character. 00:10:39.679 --> 00:10:41.360 Not because of things that we've done. 00:10:41.360 --> 00:10:48.120 But God means that he acted out of his character and promises. 00:10:49.580 --> 00:10:52.560 That's the kind of God we're dealing with as we turn to the pages of the Bible. 00:10:52.740 --> 00:10:56.060 Our God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 00:10:56.180 --> 00:10:57.399 You want to blow your mind about this? 00:10:57.639 --> 00:10:58.240 Think about this. 00:10:58.879 --> 00:11:02.759 From eternity past to eternity present, he is the great I am. 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:06.240 He is the one who has always been in this community of love. 00:11:06.240 --> 00:11:08.539 That's how we know he is love. 00:11:08.899 --> 00:11:09.899 Because that's what he's been doing. 00:11:11.500 --> 00:11:14.039 He acted because of his character. 00:11:14.180 --> 00:11:16.000 In fact, as I heard someone put it recently, 00:11:16.680 --> 00:11:21.779 the moral of the story in Genesis is that morals do not get you into God's story. 00:11:23.440 --> 00:11:24.220 Grace does. 00:11:24.220 --> 00:11:30.519 This God cannot deny himself. 00:11:30.820 --> 00:11:35.160 This God will finish what he started. 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:46.720 I've got two really simple points for us this morning then. 00:11:46.720 --> 00:11:50.580 Here's number one that we can learn from this, I think. 00:11:52.320 --> 00:11:53.920 As we take in this God of grace, 00:11:55.320 --> 00:12:00.560 despite our mistakes, grace calls us to move on from what's behind. 00:12:01.860 --> 00:12:05.759 Right off the back of that horrendous car crash of a scene that is chapter 34, 00:12:07.259 --> 00:12:10.120 God speaks to Jacob at verse 1. 00:12:10.120 --> 00:12:14.279 And if it were me, the first words at verse 1 would have been, 00:12:14.419 --> 00:12:16.560 Jacob, we're done. 00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:23.560 But God says, Jacob, arise. 00:12:25.799 --> 00:12:28.019 This is the God of grace. 00:12:28.200 --> 00:12:30.259 This is the God who gets us back on our feet. 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:34.240 This is the God of second chances and third chances. 00:12:34.379 --> 00:12:37.039 This is the God of steadfast love and faithfulness. 00:12:37.039 --> 00:12:41.759 And this is the God with plans and purposes to bring to fulfillment, 00:12:41.899 --> 00:12:43.179 to bless the peoples of the world. 00:12:43.240 --> 00:12:44.579 He says, come to Bethel. 00:12:45.099 --> 00:12:48.959 Now, that's the place that we hung out with Jacob 00:12:48.959 --> 00:12:51.959 when he encountered God back at chapter 28. 00:12:53.339 --> 00:12:56.919 And here is God saying, I'm going to meet with you again. 00:12:58.519 --> 00:12:59.779 And what does Jacob do? 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:01.659 See at verse 2, he says to his people, 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:04.519 he relays this message and he says to them effectively, 00:13:04.519 --> 00:13:06.339 we've got to get ourselves ready. 00:13:07.039 --> 00:13:07.519 Right? 00:13:07.779 --> 00:13:08.759 Morally speaking. 00:13:08.879 --> 00:13:11.399 We've got to cleanse ourselves. 00:13:11.639 --> 00:13:14.959 And just look at the language that he begins to say to people 00:13:14.959 --> 00:13:17.599 as he responds to this God of grace. 00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:17.879 Right? 00:13:17.919 --> 00:13:22.759 We've got to rid ourselves of the foreign gods that are in our midst. 00:13:24.259 --> 00:13:28.139 That's presumably just these little idols that they'd picked up 00:13:28.139 --> 00:13:29.519 from the nations round about. 00:13:29.519 --> 00:13:33.439 Or maybe it's even the gods that, if you remember, 00:13:33.559 --> 00:13:39.100 Rachel brought with her when she fled from Laban's house. 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:43.559 Jacob's saying, we've got to get rid of all of these things 00:13:43.559 --> 00:13:46.000 that are distracting us from devotion to the Lord. 00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:47.799 We've got to get rid of the rings. 00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:51.639 And I think this is to their shame that may well have been the plunder 00:13:51.639 --> 00:13:58.199 that they've taken from the people of the land at the end of chapter 34 there. 00:13:59.279 --> 00:14:02.240 So it just gives you a little insight into what's going on 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:06.340 in this rogues gallery of people that is Israel at this point. 00:14:07.019 --> 00:14:08.879 But do you hear the call here? 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:12.759 Because he's the God of grace. 00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:19.259 He's calling his family to repent of their mistakes. 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:20.840 Right? 00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:24.019 To be honest about their failures. 00:14:24.779 --> 00:14:27.460 He's saying, let's let God deal with our shame. 00:14:28.200 --> 00:14:32.340 Let's make a decisive break from our past. 00:14:32.340 --> 00:14:39.080 And let's get rid of the stuff that's clogging up our devotion to him. 00:14:40.620 --> 00:14:44.540 We've got to get rid of it in our lives. 00:14:46.660 --> 00:14:49.620 So, you know, let me just tell you how this works out for us today, I think. 00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:55.040 If your faith is in Jesus today, then I want you to hear me loud and clear 00:14:55.040 --> 00:14:58.660 that you should never doubt your union with him. 00:14:58.659 --> 00:14:58.959 Okay? 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:02.600 Your life is his. 00:15:03.079 --> 00:15:04.899 He is yours. 00:15:05.079 --> 00:15:06.799 All that is his is ours. 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:10.899 All that is ours, he took responsibility for and made it his. 00:15:11.699 --> 00:15:15.799 The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, lives inside of us. 00:15:15.939 --> 00:15:19.179 Never doubt your union with Jesus. 00:15:21.419 --> 00:15:26.919 Bestemming from that union, we are invited to know Jesus, 00:15:26.919 --> 00:15:32.500 to know the Lord, to experience his love and faithfulness, 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:36.659 to know him, to love him, to learn more of him, 00:15:37.059 --> 00:15:42.919 to revel in him as we press into knowing him more. 00:15:43.059 --> 00:15:45.279 And the thing is, I know this about my life, 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:51.599 how often that just gets clogged up by other stuff. 00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:53.399 Right? 00:15:53.460 --> 00:15:57.279 We had a guy around last year to the end of the winter 00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:59.519 to clean out our gutters in our house, 00:15:59.580 --> 00:16:01.940 the ones that we just didn't have a ladder long enough to get to. 00:16:03.180 --> 00:16:05.600 And I remember seeing the price for it and thinking to myself, 00:16:05.659 --> 00:16:06.820 are you charging for that? 00:16:08.420 --> 00:16:11.159 But the stuff that he was able to get out of our gutters 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:13.279 that were just clogging it up, right? 00:16:13.279 --> 00:16:19.079 Leaves, dirt, weeds, all of these things were just stopping the water flowing. 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:22.419 And I think that's what's going on here. 00:16:22.539 --> 00:16:24.360 You know, the thing about idolatry is certainly, 00:16:24.959 --> 00:16:27.419 as Jacob and his family know it here, 00:16:28.419 --> 00:16:32.120 it's rarely about leaving the Lord behind 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:35.079 and going all in with Molech, right? 00:16:35.199 --> 00:16:37.179 The God of the Canaanites who they worship. 00:16:37.480 --> 00:16:39.179 Going all in with the sun gods. 00:16:39.579 --> 00:16:41.120 Going all in with the God of the rain. 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:44.299 It's much more subtle than that. 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:47.360 It's worshipping the Lord 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:51.899 plus worshipping something or someone else. 00:16:53.200 --> 00:16:53.379 Right? 00:16:53.539 --> 00:16:55.519 Stuff gets in the way, 00:16:56.460 --> 00:17:00.580 drags us away from him being the centre of our devotion. 00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:03.039 You know, I read a stat recently 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:06.160 that we spend, apparently, 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:10.579 we will spend seven and a half hours of our lives watching television. 00:17:11.119 --> 00:17:15.959 We're breathing in a version of the good life 00:17:15.959 --> 00:17:20.519 that our society is telling us that we need to have. 00:17:20.619 --> 00:17:22.779 I remember my friend Andy openly telling me 00:17:22.779 --> 00:17:25.919 that he took the Facebook app off his phone 00:17:25.919 --> 00:17:29.119 because he was just looking at it all the time. 00:17:29.199 --> 00:17:30.359 And to do so, he said, 00:17:30.419 --> 00:17:33.739 my soul was so much better for doing it. 00:17:33.740 --> 00:17:37.220 The question that comes at us here is, 00:17:37.460 --> 00:17:39.480 do we, is God calling us 00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:42.079 to let go of something 00:17:42.079 --> 00:17:45.880 that is clogging up our love for and devotion to him? 00:17:47.559 --> 00:17:49.120 And the other side of it 00:17:49.120 --> 00:17:52.839 is the Lord asking us to take hold of something 00:17:52.839 --> 00:17:57.140 in order to facilitate that communion with him. 00:17:57.140 --> 00:18:00.800 It's why Olympic sprinters, 00:18:01.020 --> 00:18:01.700 when you watch them, 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:04.320 they wear really tight fitted vests, don't they? 00:18:04.560 --> 00:18:05.820 It's why Olympic swimmers, 00:18:05.820 --> 00:18:07.320 when you see them do their thing, 00:18:07.380 --> 00:18:08.980 they're wearing the tightest of caps. 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:12.240 They just don't want anything getting in the way. 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:16.000 And that's what this is calling us to do today 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:16.800 as God's people. 00:18:17.000 --> 00:18:18.800 You know, grace says, 00:18:19.500 --> 00:18:21.759 today is a new day. 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:24.099 Grace says, 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:27.099 as we respond to this God of grace, 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:29.160 he gets us back up on our feet. 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:32.099 And I find it so often as a parent, 00:18:32.160 --> 00:18:33.819 when I've made mistakes the night before, 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:35.579 when I wake up the next day, 00:18:37.119 --> 00:18:38.619 today's a new day of God's grace. 00:18:39.579 --> 00:18:40.259 It's a new day. 00:18:40.460 --> 00:18:42.200 You take ownership for your mistakes. 00:18:42.420 --> 00:18:43.519 You go towards the kids 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:45.240 and you say sorry for raising your voice. 00:18:45.339 --> 00:18:47.480 Today is a new day because God is like this. 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:48.920 You know, listen, just some of you, 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:51.319 and just to speak into the season of life that we're in, 00:18:51.319 --> 00:18:55.139 I know many of you just now are in new seasons of life. 00:18:56.179 --> 00:18:56.619 Right? 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:59.059 You've taken up a new job. 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:00.919 You guys are here, 00:19:01.079 --> 00:19:02.619 your new term at uni. 00:19:03.240 --> 00:19:05.839 Maybe it's your new time at school. 00:19:06.579 --> 00:19:08.399 In so many years of the Christian life 00:19:08.399 --> 00:19:10.839 and just a season of doing life at this church, 00:19:10.939 --> 00:19:14.299 can I just say that there is never a better time 00:19:14.299 --> 00:19:16.720 to nail your colors to the mast 00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:19.319 than at the start of a new season of life. 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:22.559 Monday morning, 00:19:22.639 --> 00:19:25.299 what is it the question that everybody asks you? 00:19:26.339 --> 00:19:27.919 What did you do at the weekend? 00:19:29.059 --> 00:19:29.859 And on Friday, 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:32.079 what is the question that people ask you? 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:34.700 What are you doing at the weekend? 00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:36.019 Friends, we have two opportunities 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:38.740 that are right there every week when we do this. 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:39.980 You miss the Friday, 00:19:40.399 --> 00:19:41.599 you get back in on the Monday. 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.519 You miss the Monday, 00:19:42.659 --> 00:19:43.639 you get in on the Friday. 00:19:43.640 --> 00:19:46.940 Why don't tomorrow when that question comes, 00:19:47.280 --> 00:19:48.920 we talk about church, 00:19:49.100 --> 00:19:50.259 and I hope this is true, 00:19:50.520 --> 00:19:51.700 we talk about church 00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:54.420 like it was the best thing we did at the weekend. 00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:56.580 Just go for it 00:19:56.580 --> 00:20:01.200 and see how God honors that witness to him. 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:04.240 You know, when it comes to Christian growth, 00:20:04.360 --> 00:20:06.660 I heard a guy called Sam Albury, 00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:09.080 he was speaking at the Keswick Convention this year, 00:20:09.079 --> 00:20:10.359 and he was talking about 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:11.939 how he's changed his perspective 00:20:11.939 --> 00:20:14.720 and how he measures progress in the Christian life. 00:20:15.799 --> 00:20:16.519 And he said, 00:20:16.579 --> 00:20:17.559 he looks back on his life 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:20.059 and he stopped asking himself the question, 00:20:20.859 --> 00:20:22.539 as I look back on my life now, 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:24.379 am I behaving better? 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:25.859 Right? 00:20:25.939 --> 00:20:27.399 Am I doing more? 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.939 Am I busier in life? 00:20:29.159 --> 00:20:29.819 I remember him saying 00:20:29.819 --> 00:20:32.159 just way too shallow a barometer 00:20:32.159 --> 00:20:34.980 for measuring growth in the Christian life. 00:20:35.199 --> 00:20:36.299 And here's what he said, 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:37.659 and I found this so profound. 00:20:38.879 --> 00:20:40.779 You look back on your life a year ago, 00:20:40.899 --> 00:20:41.700 here's the question. 00:20:42.579 --> 00:20:45.940 Is sin more bitter to me now 00:20:45.940 --> 00:20:47.319 than it was then? 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:52.220 And is Jesus more sweeter to me now 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:54.240 than he was a year ago? 00:20:54.480 --> 00:20:55.119 It's a bit like, 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:56.519 and this is his illustration as well, 00:20:56.579 --> 00:20:56.899 not mine, 00:20:56.960 --> 00:20:57.980 I thought it was really helpful. 00:20:58.119 --> 00:20:59.779 It's like orange juice, he said. 00:21:01.139 --> 00:21:02.799 Okay, everybody loves orange juice, 00:21:02.899 --> 00:21:04.519 but not everybody loves orange juice 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:05.779 after you've brushed your teeth. 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:06.339 Right? 00:21:07.379 --> 00:21:09.160 But it's the same orange juice, 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:10.319 but what has changed? 00:21:11.639 --> 00:21:13.379 Your palate's changed, hasn't it? 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:15.359 Your taste buds have changed. 00:21:15.660 --> 00:21:16.759 And that's what he's saying. 00:21:16.839 --> 00:21:18.099 Do we look back on life 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:18.599 and we say, 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:21.139 Jesus is sweeter to me now 00:21:21.139 --> 00:21:22.259 than he was a year ago. 00:21:22.639 --> 00:21:23.559 Is sin more, 00:21:24.059 --> 00:21:25.859 is it more bitter to me now 00:21:25.859 --> 00:21:26.819 than it was a year ago? 00:21:26.859 --> 00:21:28.000 That's how we measure growth 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:28.940 in the Christian life. 00:21:30.299 --> 00:21:31.700 And that's what encountering 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.759 the God of grace does. 00:21:32.839 --> 00:21:34.200 He changes us. 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:35.620 Right? 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:36.420 And it's all of him. 00:21:36.500 --> 00:21:37.059 It's not of us. 00:21:37.120 --> 00:21:37.740 It's all of him. 00:21:37.860 --> 00:21:39.900 He takes out the heart of stone 00:21:39.900 --> 00:21:42.799 and he puts in the heart of flesh. 00:21:44.720 --> 00:21:47.080 And you see when Jacob goes to Bethel, 00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:48.960 and don't miss that, 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:50.920 how God sovereignly protects him 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:51.500 and his people 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.920 from the surrounding nations. 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:54.440 God says, 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:56.300 remember Jacob, 00:21:56.759 --> 00:21:59.560 I have given you a new name. 00:22:00.440 --> 00:22:02.240 No longer will you be Jacob. 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:04.680 Your name will be Israel. 00:22:05.340 --> 00:22:06.320 And we thought about that 00:22:06.320 --> 00:22:07.660 a few weeks ago. 00:22:08.100 --> 00:22:10.039 Jacob, we are by nature. 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:14.240 But Israel, we are by grace. 00:22:15.420 --> 00:22:16.920 And it's as if God is saying, 00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:18.680 I want to reiterate to you 00:22:18.680 --> 00:22:20.640 that promise that I made to you. 00:22:20.640 --> 00:22:23.460 To be fruitful and multiply. 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:25.620 Now, hopefully that reminds us, 00:22:25.680 --> 00:22:26.800 if you know the Bible story, 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:29.040 of the commission that God gave 00:22:29.040 --> 00:22:30.800 to Adam and Eve right at the start. 00:22:31.320 --> 00:22:31.460 Yeah? 00:22:31.800 --> 00:22:33.640 Be fruitful and multiply. 00:22:34.660 --> 00:22:35.120 God says, 00:22:35.300 --> 00:22:37.080 not only will nations come from you, 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:37.980 but now do you see, 00:22:38.100 --> 00:22:39.120 he's kicked it on a level, 00:22:39.960 --> 00:22:41.380 kings will come from you. 00:22:43.080 --> 00:22:44.259 You see, Jacob's morals 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:45.280 are not the thing 00:22:45.280 --> 00:22:47.220 that keeps this plan on track. 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:49.319 And that means that his failings 00:22:49.319 --> 00:22:51.600 will not derail God's purposes. 00:22:52.180 --> 00:22:53.240 And that means that 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.980 despite our mistakes, 00:22:56.039 --> 00:22:57.860 and we've all got our mistakes, 00:22:57.960 --> 00:22:59.480 we need to understand that, right? 00:22:59.640 --> 00:23:02.019 This is a sinner's only party. 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:03.019 Every Sunday. 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:06.119 What grace does 00:23:06.119 --> 00:23:07.740 is it calls us to get up 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:09.460 and move on from what's behind. 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:10.539 And second thing, 00:23:10.619 --> 00:23:11.700 and this will be a lot shorter, 00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:13.099 despite our tears, 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:15.920 grace carries us towards 00:23:15.920 --> 00:23:17.460 what's ahead. 00:23:17.680 --> 00:23:19.059 Now, I use the word carries 00:23:19.059 --> 00:23:19.920 there deliberately, 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:21.099 not just because it goes 00:23:21.099 --> 00:23:22.220 with the sea from before, 00:23:22.359 --> 00:23:23.019 I promise you. 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:24.940 Because this is what 00:23:24.940 --> 00:23:26.379 the life of faith feels like. 00:23:27.920 --> 00:23:29.079 As we journey, 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:31.900 it feels like it at times. 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:32.780 We need to know that 00:23:32.780 --> 00:23:34.120 nowhere does God promise 00:23:34.120 --> 00:23:35.519 his people an easy ride. 00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:38.420 You cannot read about Jesus, 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:40.880 you cannot hear from Jesus 00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:41.660 as you read about him 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:42.180 in the Gospels 00:23:42.180 --> 00:23:44.080 and come away with that conclusion. 00:23:47.100 --> 00:23:48.560 Now, things happen on this journey 00:23:48.560 --> 00:23:50.440 that can so often shake us 00:23:50.440 --> 00:23:52.320 and rattle us, 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:54.660 but I think this is written here 00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:55.320 to say, 00:23:55.580 --> 00:23:56.900 let none of that cause you 00:23:56.900 --> 00:23:58.960 to doubt God's steadfast love 00:23:58.960 --> 00:24:00.860 and his commitment to you. 00:24:00.859 --> 00:24:02.699 Because this God 00:24:02.699 --> 00:24:04.179 is never going to let go of you 00:24:04.179 --> 00:24:05.479 and this God 00:24:05.479 --> 00:24:06.699 is never going to forfeit 00:24:06.699 --> 00:24:08.719 his purposes. 00:24:09.779 --> 00:24:10.719 And I think we get 00:24:10.719 --> 00:24:11.799 two of them here. 00:24:14.139 --> 00:24:15.339 And here's the first one. 00:24:15.399 --> 00:24:16.899 It's really when people die. 00:24:18.219 --> 00:24:19.439 And I hope this is just 00:24:19.439 --> 00:24:20.539 a real word in season 00:24:20.539 --> 00:24:21.659 for us as a church, 00:24:21.779 --> 00:24:23.799 given what's been happening 00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:25.240 over the last number of months. 00:24:26.519 --> 00:24:28.019 Let's never doubt God's 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.959 steadfast love 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:30.340 and faithfulness to us. 00:24:32.140 --> 00:24:32.880 Do you see how we get 00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:33.740 kind of three deaths 00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:34.380 in this account? 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.799 We get Deborah at verse 8. 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:38.819 And then we get Rachel. 00:24:40.160 --> 00:24:41.620 She is Jacob's wife. 00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:45.099 The one who he served to win. 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:46.339 Do you remember that wonderful description 00:24:46.339 --> 00:24:47.899 of how he felt towards her? 00:24:49.099 --> 00:24:50.039 He served, 00:24:50.459 --> 00:24:51.619 was it seven years? 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:53.159 But it seemed like a day 00:24:53.159 --> 00:24:55.259 because of his love for her. 00:24:55.799 --> 00:24:55.899 Right? 00:24:56.179 --> 00:24:58.239 Who his heart was captivated with. 00:24:58.879 --> 00:25:00.000 Hers is an 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:02.079 unexpected death. 00:25:02.799 --> 00:25:04.059 She gives birth to Benjamin 00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:05.099 at verse 17. 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:07.959 And to see her go through that, 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:10.019 I can't imagine how painful 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:10.799 that must have been 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:11.840 for Jacob to watch. 00:25:13.900 --> 00:25:15.120 And then we get Isaac, 00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:15.880 Jacob's dad, 00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:16.819 at verse 29. 00:25:17.059 --> 00:25:18.819 His is an expected death. 00:25:18.860 --> 00:25:19.960 I guess you could call it that. 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:22.100 I was going to say natural death, 00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:23.259 but there is no such thing 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:24.720 if you understand the Bible story. 00:25:24.840 --> 00:25:25.840 Death is not natural. 00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:27.860 Death is the great intruder 00:25:27.860 --> 00:25:28.779 into this world. 00:25:29.360 --> 00:25:30.559 That is what Jesus Christ 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:31.079 has conquered. 00:25:33.140 --> 00:25:33.940 He dies, 00:25:34.019 --> 00:25:35.340 and just take in this little description 00:25:35.339 --> 00:25:36.559 of him right at the end. 00:25:38.139 --> 00:25:38.619 NIV, 00:25:38.819 --> 00:25:39.439 ESV, 00:25:40.339 --> 00:25:42.019 he died full of days. 00:25:44.099 --> 00:25:45.339 And I take it that's a reference 00:25:45.339 --> 00:25:47.199 to more than just the amount of hours 00:25:47.199 --> 00:25:48.379 that he managed to clock up 00:25:48.379 --> 00:25:48.959 in his life, 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:50.039 which if you look at his age 00:25:50.039 --> 00:25:50.679 are significant. 00:25:52.259 --> 00:25:53.559 It is telling us something 00:25:53.559 --> 00:25:54.879 about how this man died 00:25:54.879 --> 00:25:57.199 full of faith. 00:25:59.419 --> 00:26:00.799 Sprinting right to the end. 00:26:01.659 --> 00:26:01.759 Right? 00:26:01.899 --> 00:26:03.679 A guy who knew his fair share 00:26:03.680 --> 00:26:05.039 of mistakes in his life, 00:26:05.340 --> 00:26:07.740 but who died full of faith. 00:26:07.900 --> 00:26:08.360 Let me just say, 00:26:08.420 --> 00:26:09.580 there's nothing more encouraging 00:26:09.580 --> 00:26:10.360 than seeing 00:26:10.360 --> 00:26:13.240 someone through the tears, 00:26:13.860 --> 00:26:15.380 someone despite the questions, 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:17.420 get to their end of their life, 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:19.900 and not only are they still going strong, 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:21.920 but they cannot wait 00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:23.180 to go home and be with Jesus. 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:26.320 Full of days. 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:28.259 In the words of Billy Graham, 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:31.860 someday you will read or hear 00:26:31.859 --> 00:26:32.939 that Billy Graham is dead. 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:34.039 Don't believe a word of it. 00:26:35.219 --> 00:26:36.559 Love American brashness. 00:26:36.619 --> 00:26:37.039 It's great. 00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:38.139 Don't believe a word of it. 00:26:38.619 --> 00:26:40.000 I shall be more alive 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:41.039 than I am now. 00:26:41.159 --> 00:26:42.839 I will just have changed my address. 00:26:42.959 --> 00:26:43.740 And if you think about it, 00:26:43.740 --> 00:26:44.719 he's bang on the money. 00:26:47.219 --> 00:26:48.679 But death is a reality 00:26:48.679 --> 00:26:49.779 for the people of God, 00:26:49.859 --> 00:26:51.439 for us as we journey home. 00:26:52.919 --> 00:26:55.319 But let's not let it rock us. 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:58.119 And let's be a community together 00:26:58.119 --> 00:26:59.240 that helps one another 00:26:59.240 --> 00:27:00.859 through these things. 00:27:00.859 --> 00:27:02.500 It's why God has put each other 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:05.359 in every one of our lives here. 00:27:06.779 --> 00:27:08.019 Don't let death doubt 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:09.779 your confidence 00:27:09.779 --> 00:27:11.059 in his steadfast love for you. 00:27:11.119 --> 00:27:12.659 And don't let sin do it either. 00:27:13.559 --> 00:27:13.719 Right? 00:27:13.799 --> 00:27:15.099 Reuben, verse 22, 00:27:15.819 --> 00:27:18.439 he sleeps with his father's mistress. 00:27:18.599 --> 00:27:20.079 I think you can understand that 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:21.679 as being like a power play 00:27:21.679 --> 00:27:22.679 against his dad. 00:27:23.399 --> 00:27:24.899 That I can take what is yours. 00:27:25.459 --> 00:27:25.659 Right? 00:27:26.799 --> 00:27:28.899 As the lion cub challenges the lion, 00:27:28.900 --> 00:27:30.820 is just somebody making 00:27:30.820 --> 00:27:32.259 a really bad, 00:27:33.220 --> 00:27:34.140 angry decision. 00:27:35.580 --> 00:27:36.920 And many of us will know 00:27:36.920 --> 00:27:38.340 that pain in our lives 00:27:38.340 --> 00:27:40.000 as we watch people make decisions 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:40.620 and we just, 00:27:41.280 --> 00:27:42.380 our heart breaks. 00:27:42.380 --> 00:27:45.820 of children walking away 00:27:45.820 --> 00:27:46.760 from the faith 00:27:46.760 --> 00:27:49.840 of family and friends 00:27:49.840 --> 00:27:52.640 thinking Jesus isn't for them anymore. 00:27:52.820 --> 00:27:54.120 Of just seeing people 00:27:54.120 --> 00:27:56.180 who were once on fire for Jesus. 00:27:56.940 --> 00:27:58.000 All of a sudden, 00:27:58.120 --> 00:27:59.140 they're just cold. 00:28:00.200 --> 00:28:01.780 Of people denouncing the Jesus 00:28:01.780 --> 00:28:02.760 who they once loved. 00:28:02.840 --> 00:28:03.620 Of church leaders 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:05.240 caught up in scandals. 00:28:05.240 --> 00:28:07.200 All of these things 00:28:07.200 --> 00:28:08.120 can rock us. 00:28:09.400 --> 00:28:10.599 But the message here 00:28:10.599 --> 00:28:11.680 is death and sin. 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:12.880 Let none of it 00:28:12.880 --> 00:28:13.740 doubt your confidence 00:28:13.740 --> 00:28:14.920 in who the Lord is. 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:16.240 None of it is going to 00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:17.339 derail God's plan. 00:28:17.680 --> 00:28:18.299 Do you see how we get 00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:20.140 the list of Jacob's 12 sons? 00:28:21.140 --> 00:28:21.480 There. 00:28:22.220 --> 00:28:23.420 This rogues gallery 00:28:23.420 --> 00:28:24.079 of people. 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:27.519 But what this is doing here 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:30.500 is that is acting 00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:31.380 as something 00:28:31.380 --> 00:28:32.460 that's telling us 00:28:32.460 --> 00:28:34.700 that this is proof 00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:35.720 that God is working 00:28:35.720 --> 00:28:36.420 out his plan. 00:28:37.620 --> 00:28:38.840 The fact that this family 00:28:38.840 --> 00:28:40.059 are still standing, 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.840 that they're still going, 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:43.160 is testament 00:28:43.160 --> 00:28:43.920 to this God 00:28:43.920 --> 00:28:45.100 who will keep his promises. 00:28:46.779 --> 00:28:48.319 And centuries later, 00:28:49.180 --> 00:28:50.440 Jesus will come 00:28:50.440 --> 00:28:51.319 from this line. 00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:54.420 He will be the offspring 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:56.340 through whom God 00:28:56.340 --> 00:28:58.519 will bless the peoples 00:28:58.519 --> 00:29:00.480 of the world 00:29:00.480 --> 00:29:02.640 with joy of forgiveness, 00:29:03.400 --> 00:29:05.700 of joy of newness 00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:06.500 of life. 00:29:06.599 --> 00:29:07.500 There is joy 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:09.019 and life to be found 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:10.019 in the one 00:29:10.019 --> 00:29:10.819 that God sent 00:29:10.819 --> 00:29:11.579 to win the peoples 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:12.259 of the nations. 00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:13.680 He does it through 00:29:13.680 --> 00:29:15.039 his death on the cross. 00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:16.799 You know, 00:29:16.839 --> 00:29:17.180 I was reading 00:29:17.180 --> 00:29:19.180 with my mate 00:29:19.180 --> 00:29:19.680 from football, 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.259 football team 00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:20.740 the other day, 00:29:20.860 --> 00:29:22.140 reading Mark's gospel 00:29:22.140 --> 00:29:22.559 together. 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:23.720 And we talked about that. 00:29:23.880 --> 00:29:24.500 The fact that 00:29:24.500 --> 00:29:26.160 that we're still 00:29:26.160 --> 00:29:27.240 talking about him 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:29.019 all these years later. 00:29:29.019 --> 00:29:30.139 We're not talking 00:29:30.139 --> 00:29:30.759 about Nero. 00:29:31.059 --> 00:29:31.759 We're not talking 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:32.400 about Caesar. 00:29:32.660 --> 00:29:33.279 We're not really 00:29:33.279 --> 00:29:34.420 talking about Aristotle. 00:29:35.139 --> 00:29:36.240 Who are we talking about? 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:37.960 We're talking about Jesus. 00:29:39.900 --> 00:29:40.779 This is his plan. 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:41.960 This is who he is. 00:29:42.220 --> 00:29:42.759 He dies, 00:29:42.879 --> 00:29:43.779 he rises again, 00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:44.819 and he ascends. 00:29:45.339 --> 00:29:46.599 And the plan is, 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:48.119 his first coming 00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:49.519 was as a helpless baby. 00:29:50.619 --> 00:29:52.059 But the plan culminates 00:29:52.059 --> 00:29:52.859 in him returning 00:29:52.859 --> 00:29:54.819 as a conquering king. 00:29:54.819 --> 00:29:57.159 As he banishes 00:29:57.159 --> 00:29:58.059 those who have 00:29:58.059 --> 00:29:59.740 rejected him 00:29:59.740 --> 00:30:01.059 to a place 00:30:01.059 --> 00:30:02.319 of eternal 00:30:02.319 --> 00:30:03.279 torment. 00:30:03.460 --> 00:30:04.339 And we need to understand 00:30:04.339 --> 00:30:05.700 that that is real. 00:30:06.579 --> 00:30:07.720 Jesus talks about hell 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:10.099 with tears in his eyes. 00:30:11.659 --> 00:30:13.519 As he deals with sin, 00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:14.119 as he makes 00:30:14.119 --> 00:30:15.339 all wrongs right, 00:30:15.439 --> 00:30:16.240 as he wipes away 00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:17.819 every single tear, 00:30:18.220 --> 00:30:19.419 as he ushers in 00:30:19.419 --> 00:30:20.480 this new heavens 00:30:20.480 --> 00:30:21.619 and a new earth 00:30:21.619 --> 00:30:22.319 where there is 00:30:22.319 --> 00:30:24.240 no more sea, 00:30:24.240 --> 00:30:25.559 we have to understand 00:30:25.559 --> 00:30:26.779 in the context there 00:30:26.779 --> 00:30:28.660 to the first century audience, 00:30:28.779 --> 00:30:30.000 the sea represents 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:31.079 everything chaotic 00:30:31.079 --> 00:30:32.039 and destructive 00:30:32.039 --> 00:30:33.299 and evil 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:34.240 about the world. 00:30:35.200 --> 00:30:36.099 And it's no more. 00:30:37.900 --> 00:30:39.099 That's the plan. 00:30:39.240 --> 00:30:40.380 And that is what God 00:30:40.380 --> 00:30:41.940 can't do. 00:30:43.180 --> 00:30:44.039 He cannot 00:30:44.039 --> 00:30:45.279 fail 00:30:45.279 --> 00:30:46.440 to deliver 00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:47.420 on his 00:30:47.420 --> 00:30:48.640 promises. 00:30:49.599 --> 00:30:50.319 I want us to be 00:30:50.319 --> 00:30:51.059 so encouraged 00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:52.059 as we finish 00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:52.980 this series 00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:54.980 by taking in 00:30:54.980 --> 00:30:55.720 what God says 00:30:55.720 --> 00:30:56.779 that he can't do 00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:57.919 and adding 00:30:57.919 --> 00:30:58.759 to that 00:30:58.759 --> 00:31:00.639 as a wonderful, 00:31:00.879 --> 00:31:02.139 glorious flavour 00:31:02.139 --> 00:31:03.379 to that recipe. 00:31:03.960 --> 00:31:05.099 The strength 00:31:05.099 --> 00:31:05.980 that comes to us 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:06.240 today 00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:07.619 by fueling our souls 00:31:07.619 --> 00:31:08.440 with the things 00:31:08.440 --> 00:31:09.980 that Jesus says 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:11.460 he will never do. 00:31:12.599 --> 00:31:13.079 Right? 00:31:13.139 --> 00:31:13.859 If I ever write a book, 00:31:13.899 --> 00:31:14.679 I think it will be that one 00:31:14.679 --> 00:31:15.440 because I love that. 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:15.740 Okay? 00:31:16.299 --> 00:31:16.639 Seven, 00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:17.539 there doesn't need to be seven. 00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:18.619 All the things 00:31:18.619 --> 00:31:19.559 that Jesus said 00:31:19.559 --> 00:31:20.579 that he will not do. 00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:24.079 He will never 00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:24.779 turn away 00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:25.899 anyone who comes 00:31:25.899 --> 00:31:26.740 to him in faith. 00:31:28.960 --> 00:31:29.920 He will never 00:31:29.920 --> 00:31:30.619 let the gates 00:31:30.619 --> 00:31:31.019 of hell 00:31:31.019 --> 00:31:31.859 prevail against 00:31:31.859 --> 00:31:32.480 the church. 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:35.139 He will never 00:31:35.139 --> 00:31:36.139 leave us 00:31:36.139 --> 00:31:36.740 as orphans. 00:31:36.819 --> 00:31:37.399 He will send 00:31:37.399 --> 00:31:38.119 the Holy Spirit 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.759 to us. 00:31:39.059 --> 00:31:40.019 He will never 00:31:40.019 --> 00:31:40.700 leave us 00:31:40.700 --> 00:31:41.420 or forsake us. 00:31:41.460 --> 00:31:42.240 He makes that promise 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:43.299 at the end of Matthew 28. 00:31:43.420 --> 00:31:44.159 On and on and on 00:31:44.159 --> 00:31:44.639 we could go. 00:31:44.879 --> 00:31:45.579 These promises 00:31:45.579 --> 00:31:46.579 that Jesus says 00:31:46.579 --> 00:31:47.359 he will never 00:31:47.359 --> 00:31:48.099 do. 00:31:49.480 --> 00:31:50.039 And that's where 00:31:50.039 --> 00:31:50.679 our hope is to be 00:31:50.679 --> 00:31:51.240 found today. 00:31:51.399 --> 00:31:51.579 You know, 00:31:51.619 --> 00:31:52.500 just as we close, 00:31:53.919 --> 00:31:54.740 I was reminded 00:31:54.740 --> 00:31:55.199 of this 00:31:55.199 --> 00:31:55.720 as I was thinking 00:31:55.720 --> 00:31:56.500 about it this week. 00:31:56.579 --> 00:31:57.000 Some of us 00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:57.559 might have watched 00:31:57.559 --> 00:31:58.079 the film 00:31:58.079 --> 00:32:00.059 Chariots of Fire. 00:32:00.639 --> 00:32:00.759 Right? 00:32:00.799 --> 00:32:01.659 It's a really old film. 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:02.460 That was the best 00:32:02.460 --> 00:32:03.240 quality image 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:03.919 I could get 00:32:03.919 --> 00:32:05.740 of Chariots of Fire. 00:32:06.939 --> 00:32:07.679 If you know that film, 00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:08.599 really it's the story 00:32:08.599 --> 00:32:09.480 of two sprinters 00:32:09.480 --> 00:32:11.159 at the 1924 Olympics. 00:32:11.599 --> 00:32:12.559 One man is called 00:32:12.559 --> 00:32:13.299 Eric Liddle. 00:32:14.119 --> 00:32:15.460 He was a Christian guy. 00:32:16.579 --> 00:32:17.159 He was asked 00:32:17.159 --> 00:32:18.220 why he runs. 00:32:19.299 --> 00:32:19.839 And he said, 00:32:19.939 --> 00:32:20.839 when I run, 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:23.960 I feel God's pleasure. 00:32:25.019 --> 00:32:25.279 Right? 00:32:25.339 --> 00:32:26.500 As I do the thing 00:32:26.500 --> 00:32:27.759 that God has made me 00:32:27.759 --> 00:32:29.199 uniquely good at. 00:32:29.279 --> 00:32:30.919 I feel his pleasure. 00:32:31.059 --> 00:32:32.439 I want to honor him 00:32:32.439 --> 00:32:33.960 and glorify him. 00:32:36.539 --> 00:32:37.559 There's another man 00:32:37.559 --> 00:32:39.039 who also ran the race 00:32:39.039 --> 00:32:40.039 and his name 00:32:40.039 --> 00:32:42.339 was Harold Abrahams. 00:32:42.579 --> 00:32:42.659 Right? 00:32:42.699 --> 00:32:43.579 And the same question 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:44.379 was put to him. 00:32:44.480 --> 00:32:45.419 Why do you run? 00:32:46.159 --> 00:32:47.099 Well, running for him 00:32:47.099 --> 00:32:48.199 was about proving 00:32:48.199 --> 00:32:49.119 that he mattered. 00:32:50.720 --> 00:32:50.859 Right? 00:32:51.019 --> 00:32:51.960 Running gave him, 00:32:52.000 --> 00:32:53.460 and this is the full quote, 00:32:54.740 --> 00:32:55.779 it said it gave him 00:32:55.779 --> 00:32:57.259 ten lonely seconds 00:32:57.259 --> 00:32:58.220 to justify 00:32:58.220 --> 00:32:59.379 his whole existence. 00:33:01.579 --> 00:33:02.859 Now, as you think about that, 00:33:02.919 --> 00:33:03.799 what he's saying there, 00:33:05.000 --> 00:33:06.480 it's true, isn't it? 00:33:08.279 --> 00:33:09.519 We all have those things, 00:33:09.599 --> 00:33:09.899 don't we? 00:33:09.900 --> 00:33:11.640 It's something I think 00:33:11.640 --> 00:33:13.320 that is so prevalent 00:33:13.320 --> 00:33:14.480 in the generation 00:33:14.480 --> 00:33:15.580 that we have today. 00:33:15.580 --> 00:33:17.259 People looking for 00:33:17.259 --> 00:33:19.000 reasons to live. 00:33:19.759 --> 00:33:20.680 People looking for 00:33:20.680 --> 00:33:21.759 causes. 00:33:22.480 --> 00:33:24.000 People looking for careers. 00:33:24.700 --> 00:33:25.860 People looking to find it 00:33:25.860 --> 00:33:26.820 in partners, 00:33:27.320 --> 00:33:28.460 in family, 00:33:29.040 --> 00:33:30.580 in holidays. 00:33:30.579 --> 00:33:31.879 all these kind of things 00:33:31.879 --> 00:33:32.819 that we can wake up 00:33:32.819 --> 00:33:33.839 each day and say, 00:33:34.019 --> 00:33:35.460 what I am doing today 00:33:35.460 --> 00:33:37.059 because of 00:33:37.059 --> 00:33:38.839 the grand thing 00:33:38.839 --> 00:33:39.659 that I'm living for 00:33:39.659 --> 00:33:41.279 gives me and my life 00:33:41.279 --> 00:33:42.199 purpose. 00:33:42.200 --> 00:33:44.759 And what I want to say 00:33:44.759 --> 00:33:45.180 to you today 00:33:45.180 --> 00:33:46.200 as we finish this series 00:33:46.200 --> 00:33:47.380 is we need to understand 00:33:47.380 --> 00:33:48.700 that God doesn't say 00:33:48.700 --> 00:33:50.200 go out and find that. 00:33:51.140 --> 00:33:51.960 That thing, 00:33:52.080 --> 00:33:52.680 that purpose. 00:33:52.819 --> 00:33:53.059 No, no. 00:33:53.299 --> 00:33:54.200 God comes forth 00:33:54.200 --> 00:33:55.400 in grace to us 00:33:55.400 --> 00:33:56.519 when we weren't 00:33:56.519 --> 00:33:57.240 looking for him, 00:33:57.319 --> 00:33:58.360 when we were his enemies. 00:33:58.519 --> 00:33:59.580 The gospel says 00:33:59.580 --> 00:34:00.980 that God has given us 00:34:00.980 --> 00:34:01.980 a purpose in life. 00:34:03.240 --> 00:34:04.580 This story that we're in 00:34:04.580 --> 00:34:05.259 as we understand 00:34:05.259 --> 00:34:06.960 who Jesus is, 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:07.700 as we understand 00:34:07.700 --> 00:34:08.920 God's heart 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:10.199 and his purposes 00:34:10.199 --> 00:34:10.960 for the world, 00:34:10.960 --> 00:34:11.960 the gospel 00:34:11.960 --> 00:34:14.139 gives the Christian believer 00:34:14.139 --> 00:34:15.900 purpose to every moment 00:34:15.900 --> 00:34:17.300 of your existence. 00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:20.720 And what that means 00:34:20.720 --> 00:34:21.940 is we draw this 00:34:21.940 --> 00:34:22.659 to a close. 00:34:22.800 --> 00:34:23.320 It means that 00:34:23.320 --> 00:34:24.199 if tomorrow 00:34:24.199 --> 00:34:25.340 for you 00:34:25.340 --> 00:34:26.659 as you think about it 00:34:26.659 --> 00:34:28.260 is going to be a day 00:34:28.260 --> 00:34:30.220 of changing nappies 00:34:30.220 --> 00:34:32.900 and battling tiredness 00:34:32.900 --> 00:34:33.760 because you didn't get 00:34:33.760 --> 00:34:34.619 any sleep 00:34:34.619 --> 00:34:35.720 from the night before 00:34:35.720 --> 00:34:37.519 and you get to the end 00:34:37.519 --> 00:34:38.079 of the day 00:34:38.079 --> 00:34:39.340 and you think to yourself 00:34:39.340 --> 00:34:40.039 what on earth 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:40.940 was my life about? 00:34:40.960 --> 00:34:42.679 Did it matter? 00:34:42.940 --> 00:34:43.740 Did it count? 00:34:45.659 --> 00:34:46.659 You need to know 00:34:46.659 --> 00:34:47.619 that your life 00:34:47.619 --> 00:34:48.420 is caught up 00:34:48.420 --> 00:34:49.500 in his great story 00:34:49.500 --> 00:34:50.119 of grace. 00:34:51.559 --> 00:34:52.960 Maybe you're sick 00:34:52.960 --> 00:34:54.820 and you're unable 00:34:54.820 --> 00:34:56.440 to get out of bed tomorrow. 00:34:56.579 --> 00:34:57.280 Do the things 00:34:57.280 --> 00:34:58.360 that you used to do. 00:34:58.460 --> 00:34:59.539 Does my life matter? 00:35:00.139 --> 00:35:00.380 Friends, 00:35:00.519 --> 00:35:01.519 your life 00:35:01.519 --> 00:35:02.400 is caught up 00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:03.139 with his story 00:35:03.139 --> 00:35:03.780 of grace. 00:35:04.760 --> 00:35:05.740 Maybe tomorrow 00:35:05.740 --> 00:35:06.380 is a day 00:35:06.380 --> 00:35:07.360 when mental health 00:35:07.360 --> 00:35:07.880 struggles. 00:35:09.119 --> 00:35:10.300 It's just another day 00:35:10.300 --> 00:35:10.880 when they never 00:35:10.880 --> 00:35:11.960 seem to pass. 00:35:12.920 --> 00:35:13.960 You need to know 00:35:13.960 --> 00:35:14.700 that your life 00:35:14.700 --> 00:35:15.500 is caught up 00:35:15.500 --> 00:35:16.519 in his story 00:35:16.519 --> 00:35:17.760 of grace. 00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:18.780 Maybe tomorrow 00:35:18.780 --> 00:35:19.400 is a day 00:35:19.400 --> 00:35:20.240 when you go 00:35:20.240 --> 00:35:21.340 to the lecture hall 00:35:21.340 --> 00:35:22.320 or you meet friends 00:35:22.320 --> 00:35:23.180 and none of them 00:35:23.180 --> 00:35:23.780 want to know 00:35:23.780 --> 00:35:24.440 about Jesus 00:35:24.440 --> 00:35:26.000 and you think to yourself 00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:27.080 what am I doing 00:35:27.080 --> 00:35:27.820 with my life? 00:35:27.920 --> 00:35:28.580 You need to know 00:35:28.580 --> 00:35:29.200 that your life 00:35:29.200 --> 00:35:29.920 is caught up 00:35:29.920 --> 00:35:31.240 in his story 00:35:31.240 --> 00:35:32.340 of grace. 00:35:32.680 --> 00:35:33.380 Maybe tomorrow 00:35:33.380 --> 00:35:34.360 feels like another 00:35:34.360 --> 00:35:35.640 day at the office 00:35:35.639 --> 00:35:37.199 and you think 00:35:37.199 --> 00:35:37.460 to yourself 00:35:37.460 --> 00:35:38.480 why am I doing 00:35:38.480 --> 00:35:38.739 this? 00:35:38.799 --> 00:35:39.679 What is going on? 00:35:39.980 --> 00:35:40.859 You need to know 00:35:40.859 --> 00:35:41.779 that because of 00:35:41.779 --> 00:35:42.440 his grace 00:35:42.440 --> 00:35:43.559 God has caught 00:35:43.559 --> 00:35:44.099 you up 00:35:44.099 --> 00:35:44.980 in his story 00:35:44.980 --> 00:35:45.839 and that means 00:35:45.839 --> 00:35:46.460 as we gather 00:35:46.460 --> 00:35:47.199 here today 00:35:47.199 --> 00:35:48.539 think about it. 00:35:48.799 --> 00:35:49.940 This is the greatest 00:35:49.940 --> 00:35:51.019 show that's happening 00:35:51.019 --> 00:35:51.480 on earth 00:35:51.480 --> 00:35:52.079 right now. 00:35:53.099 --> 00:35:53.839 As God's people 00:35:53.839 --> 00:35:54.739 gather all over 00:35:54.739 --> 00:35:55.119 the world 00:35:55.119 --> 00:35:55.739 on the Sunday 00:35:55.739 --> 00:35:56.539 to celebrate 00:35:56.539 --> 00:35:57.420 the risen Jesus 00:35:57.420 --> 00:35:58.619 this is the greatest 00:35:58.619 --> 00:35:59.400 show in town 00:35:59.400 --> 00:36:00.039 because this is 00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:00.879 what God is doing 00:36:00.879 --> 00:36:01.900 in the world 00:36:01.900 --> 00:36:02.839 today. 00:36:02.839 --> 00:36:03.819 As he gathers 00:36:03.819 --> 00:36:04.339 people from 00:36:04.340 --> 00:36:04.920 the nations 00:36:04.920 --> 00:36:05.700 finding life 00:36:05.700 --> 00:36:06.860 in Jesus Christ 00:36:06.860 --> 00:36:08.980 all because he 00:36:08.980 --> 00:36:10.240 is this kind 00:36:10.240 --> 00:36:10.740 of God 00:36:10.740 --> 00:36:12.300 who cannot 00:36:12.300 --> 00:36:13.519 go back 00:36:13.519 --> 00:36:15.100 on his words. 00:36:16.079 --> 00:36:16.740 And let's just 00:36:16.740 --> 00:36:17.420 finish with these 00:36:17.420 --> 00:36:17.940 words from 00:36:17.940 --> 00:36:19.579 Romans chapter 8 00:36:19.579 --> 00:36:20.940 right at the end 00:36:20.940 --> 00:36:21.680 that we get 00:36:21.680 --> 00:36:23.920 and Paul writes 00:36:23.920 --> 00:36:24.200 this 00:36:24.200 --> 00:36:24.920 Who shall 00:36:24.920 --> 00:36:26.019 separate us 00:36:26.019 --> 00:36:26.519 from the love 00:36:26.519 --> 00:36:27.120 of Christ? 00:36:27.900 --> 00:36:28.780 Question mark. 00:36:30.860 --> 00:36:32.059 Shall trouble 00:36:32.059 --> 00:36:33.140 or hardship 00:36:33.139 --> 00:36:34.879 or persecution 00:36:34.879 --> 00:36:35.940 or famine 00:36:35.940 --> 00:36:36.960 or nakedness 00:36:36.960 --> 00:36:37.519 or danger 00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:38.500 or sword? 00:36:38.960 --> 00:36:39.659 Question mark. 00:36:41.559 --> 00:36:42.519 As it is written 00:36:42.519 --> 00:36:43.579 for your sake 00:36:43.579 --> 00:36:44.460 we face death 00:36:44.460 --> 00:36:45.779 all day long. 00:36:45.879 --> 00:36:46.460 We are considered 00:36:46.460 --> 00:36:47.119 the sheep 00:36:47.119 --> 00:36:48.420 to be slaughtered. 00:36:49.319 --> 00:36:49.799 Would have known 00:36:49.799 --> 00:36:50.460 that exactly 00:36:50.460 --> 00:36:51.400 in the first century 00:36:51.400 --> 00:36:52.159 in Rome. 00:36:53.819 --> 00:36:54.579 Paul writes 00:36:54.579 --> 00:36:54.960 no. 00:36:56.179 --> 00:36:57.400 In all these things 00:36:57.400 --> 00:36:58.079 we are more 00:36:58.079 --> 00:36:59.159 than conquerors 00:36:59.159 --> 00:37:00.739 through him 00:37:00.739 --> 00:37:02.279 who loved us 00:37:02.279 --> 00:37:03.219 for I'm convinced 00:37:03.219 --> 00:37:05.019 that neither 00:37:05.019 --> 00:37:05.699 and think about it 00:37:05.699 --> 00:37:06.299 in the context 00:37:06.299 --> 00:37:06.659 of everything 00:37:06.659 --> 00:37:06.980 that we've been 00:37:06.980 --> 00:37:07.659 thinking about today 00:37:07.659 --> 00:37:08.259 I'm convinced 00:37:08.259 --> 00:37:08.859 that neither 00:37:08.859 --> 00:37:10.319 death 00:37:10.319 --> 00:37:12.539 nor life 00:37:12.539 --> 00:37:14.179 neither angels 00:37:14.179 --> 00:37:15.659 nor demons 00:37:15.659 --> 00:37:16.799 neither the present 00:37:16.799 --> 00:37:18.500 nor the future 00:37:18.500 --> 00:37:19.639 nor any powers 00:37:19.639 --> 00:37:20.519 neither height 00:37:20.519 --> 00:37:21.859 nor depth 00:37:21.859 --> 00:37:23.599 nor anything else 00:37:23.599 --> 00:37:24.659 in all of creation 00:37:24.659 --> 00:37:26.579 as he covers 00:37:26.579 --> 00:37:27.219 his bases 00:37:27.219 --> 00:37:30.500 nothing will be able 00:37:30.500 --> 00:37:31.559 to separate us 00:37:31.559 --> 00:37:32.279 from the love 00:37:32.279 --> 00:37:32.839 of God 00:37:32.839 --> 00:37:35.539 that is in 00:37:35.539 --> 00:37:36.599 Jesus Christ 00:37:36.599 --> 00:37:37.079 our Lord. 00:37:38.420 --> 00:37:39.339 And that's the promise 00:37:39.339 --> 00:37:40.279 that he makes us today 00:37:40.279 --> 00:37:41.420 as we finish this series. 00:37:41.779 --> 00:37:42.119 Nothing 00:37:42.119 --> 00:37:42.500 nothing 00:37:42.500 --> 00:37:43.000 nothing 00:37:43.000 --> 00:37:44.779 will separate us 00:37:44.779 --> 00:37:45.199 from the love 00:37:45.199 --> 00:37:45.519 of God 00:37:45.519 --> 00:37:46.319 in Christ Jesus. 00:37:47.739 --> 00:37:48.460 Why don't we pray? 00:37:48.460 --> 00:37:53.340 And let's just be quiet 00:37:53.340 --> 00:37:53.860 for a moment 00:37:53.860 --> 00:37:55.099 just before we 00:37:55.099 --> 00:37:57.420 close our time together 00:37:57.420 --> 00:37:58.039 with another time 00:37:58.039 --> 00:37:58.400 of singing. 00:38:00.940 --> 00:38:01.820 And dear friends 00:38:01.820 --> 00:38:02.900 just pour out your heart 00:38:02.900 --> 00:38:03.679 before the Lord. 00:38:06.179 --> 00:38:07.380 The God who sees 00:38:07.380 --> 00:38:08.539 the God who knows 00:38:08.539 --> 00:38:09.740 the God who loves 00:38:09.740 --> 00:38:11.019 the God who cares 00:38:11.019 --> 00:38:13.500 and the God who 00:38:13.500 --> 00:38:14.400 in Christ Jesus 00:38:14.400 --> 00:38:17.820 is able to offer us 00:38:17.820 --> 00:38:18.360 forgiveness 00:38:18.360 --> 00:38:20.599 a newness 00:38:20.599 --> 00:38:21.140 of life. 00:38:24.900 --> 00:38:25.700 And so Father 00:38:25.700 --> 00:38:26.300 I just pray 00:38:26.300 --> 00:38:26.760 that wherever 00:38:26.760 --> 00:38:27.680 we're at today 00:38:27.680 --> 00:38:30.180 Lord I trust 00:38:30.180 --> 00:38:30.820 that as you 00:38:30.820 --> 00:38:31.640 your word 00:38:31.640 --> 00:38:32.519 has gone forth 00:38:32.519 --> 00:38:33.019 thank you 00:38:33.019 --> 00:38:33.820 for that promise 00:38:33.820 --> 00:38:34.660 that it will never 00:38:34.660 --> 00:38:35.940 fail to do that 00:38:35.940 --> 00:38:36.820 which you 00:38:36.820 --> 00:38:37.980 purpose for it 00:38:37.980 --> 00:38:38.400 to do. 00:38:39.900 --> 00:38:40.640 So Lord 00:38:40.640 --> 00:38:41.140 I pray 00:38:41.140 --> 00:38:41.800 that your word 00:38:41.800 --> 00:38:42.300 this morning 00:38:42.300 --> 00:38:43.019 as your spirit 00:38:43.019 --> 00:38:44.039 takes it 00:38:44.039 --> 00:38:45.960 and applies it 00:38:45.960 --> 00:38:47.140 deep into our hearts 00:38:47.139 --> 00:38:48.819 that you would 00:38:48.819 --> 00:38:49.639 comfort 00:38:49.639 --> 00:38:51.940 and challenge 00:38:51.940 --> 00:38:54.000 and rebuke 00:38:54.000 --> 00:38:56.000 and prompt 00:38:56.000 --> 00:38:57.559 and nudge 00:38:57.559 --> 00:38:59.579 and transform. 00:39:00.579 --> 00:39:01.579 Thank you Father 00:39:01.579 --> 00:39:02.559 that we've been 00:39:02.559 --> 00:39:03.119 thinking about 00:39:03.119 --> 00:39:03.659 over the last 00:39:03.659 --> 00:39:04.299 number of months 00:39:04.299 --> 00:39:05.359 that you are 00:39:05.359 --> 00:39:06.960 the God of grace. 00:39:06.960 --> 00:39:08.840 so Father 00:39:08.840 --> 00:39:09.699 thank you for each 00:39:09.699 --> 00:39:09.840 other 00:39:09.840 --> 00:39:10.519 thank you for this 00:39:10.519 --> 00:39:10.780 time 00:39:10.780 --> 00:39:11.460 and as we close 00:39:11.460 --> 00:39:11.720 now 00:39:11.720 --> 00:39:12.639 Lord be with us 00:39:12.639 --> 00:39:13.740 help us leave 00:39:13.740 --> 00:39:14.320 today with a 00:39:14.320 --> 00:39:15.119 bigger vision 00:39:15.119 --> 00:39:16.019 of who you are 00:39:16.019 --> 00:39:18.000 in Jesus' name 00:39:18.000 --> 00:39:18.460 we pray 00:39:18.460 --> 00:39:19.740 Amen 00:39:19.739 --> 00:39:21.679 Amen 00:39:21.679 --> 00:39:22.199 Amen 00:39:22.199 --> 00:39:22.579 Amen 00:39:22.579 --> 00:39:24.579 Amen 00:39:43.059 --> 00:39:43.179 Amen 00:39:43.179 --> 00:39:44.719 Amen