WEBVTT 00:00:00.260 --> 00:00:11.880 When was the last time somebody let you know that you do not belong? You do not fit in. 00:00:11.880 --> 00:00:18.019 ! You are not in. You are not in. You are not in. You are not in. You are not in. You are not 00:00:18.019 --> 00:00:27.719 longer a part of this family. Whether it's subtly or secretly behind your back or violently, 00:00:28.079 --> 00:00:36.560 you now know that you do not belong there anymore. I want to speak to you this morning 00:00:36.560 --> 00:00:43.439 about persecution because it's the last of the Beatitudes that we've been dipping into 00:00:43.439 --> 00:00:50.839 over the last month in the summer. If you look at verse 10 of Matthew 5, blessed are those 00:00:50.839 --> 00:00:59.259 who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It's another 00:00:59.259 --> 00:01:06.759 one of these paradoxical promises from Jesus, isn't it? It just sounds so upside down to 00:01:06.760 --> 00:01:15.920 our normal way of thinking. Blessed are the persecuted. But actually it's the only promise 00:01:15.920 --> 00:01:22.580 that Jesus pushes that little bit further, isn't it? If you look on in verse 11 and 12, 00:01:22.760 --> 00:01:29.640 blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you 00:01:29.640 --> 00:01:38.099 falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven. He pushes this point, 00:01:38.200 --> 00:01:48.319 doesn't he, on persecution. Notice it is not a question of if, but when you are persecuted, 00:01:48.560 --> 00:01:58.480 isn't it? And this is pointed directly to his disciples. When they revile you. When they persecute 00:01:58.480 --> 00:02:08.480 you. This will be your experience, my disciples. This is the Christian experience. This is the 00:02:08.480 --> 00:02:16.080 mark of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Persecution of some variety. So that is our sales pitch to 00:02:16.080 --> 00:02:22.240 you this morning if you're not a Christian. This is the Christian experience. Come and be 00:02:22.240 --> 00:02:32.300 persecuted. Sounds odd, doesn't it? But the strange thing here is Jesus is saying this will be a mark 00:02:32.300 --> 00:02:42.180 of blessing, of tremendous blessing. Rejoice and be glad in it, Jesus says. The word rejoice 00:02:42.180 --> 00:02:52.120 means to leap for joy, to celebrate in your persecution. It's so different from the things that we 00:02:52.120 --> 00:02:58.280 normally hear, isn't it? Even from people who might say they are Christians, from the prosperity 00:02:58.280 --> 00:03:07.400 gospel. A mark of blessing in that false gospel is prosperity and popularity and prestige. That's 00:03:07.400 --> 00:03:12.460 how the world normally thinks, isn't it? But that's just so against what Jesus is saying here. 00:03:13.800 --> 00:03:21.020 Jesus says to his disciples in John's gospel, if they persecute me, they will persecute you. 00:03:21.020 --> 00:03:28.800 Paul says to Timothy, all who desire to live a godly life will suffer persecution. 00:03:30.700 --> 00:03:39.420 So this is a subject, it's an issue that is relevant to all of Jesus' disciples, not just some in the 00:03:39.420 --> 00:03:48.420 world. And so what we need is a robust view of persecution, but as a mark of blessing. 00:03:48.419 --> 00:03:56.819 We're not wanting to dumb down Christians' suffering this morning in any way, but to see actually the 00:03:56.819 --> 00:04:06.419 wonderful reason that it happens and its purpose and the reward for persecuted disciples of Jesus. 00:04:06.419 --> 00:04:17.000 So that when somebody makes it clear that you do not belong in this world, because you are a disciple of Jesus, 00:04:17.300 --> 00:04:22.199 we can rejoice and be glad as Jesus commands us to. 00:04:23.199 --> 00:04:30.139 There are three things that I want us to think about this morning. The reason, the purpose and the reward 00:04:30.139 --> 00:04:40.099 in persecution. The reason, the reason, the reason, the reason a distinctive life will collide with the world. 00:04:41.019 --> 00:04:45.680 That's the reason. A distinctive life will collide with the world. 00:04:45.680 --> 00:04:53.560 Now Jesus saves this beatitude, this blessed promise, doesn't he, until the end of his list. 00:04:54.199 --> 00:04:58.920 I don't think he does that because it's the hardest one, he's sort of trying to keep the worst till the end. 00:04:59.420 --> 00:05:08.480 But it's because actually living a life in accordance with the first seven beatitudes will mean that you will get the eighth. 00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:15.520 It is just the natural consequence of living the authentic Christian life. 00:05:16.319 --> 00:05:22.819 So the reason for persecution is this distinctive life, ordered and governed by the Lord Jesus. 00:05:24.180 --> 00:05:30.980 It is how we already live, laid out in his beatitudes, that leads to this persecution. 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:34.220 It will provoke the world to respond. 00:05:34.220 --> 00:05:38.940 Now if you just go through them, you can see that, can't you, maybe really quickly. 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:41.000 I know we haven't gone through all of these. 00:05:41.680 --> 00:05:44.620 But if you look in verse 3, blessed are the poor in spirit. 00:05:45.320 --> 00:05:52.620 Poverty of spirit clashes, doesn't it, with human pride in the world. 00:05:53.880 --> 00:05:57.120 Just look down again, mourning for sin. 00:05:57.240 --> 00:05:58.800 We looked at that a few weeks ago. 00:05:58.800 --> 00:06:02.380 That just jars, doesn't it, with human arrogance. 00:06:02.379 --> 00:06:05.839 And the idea that actually we're all fine. 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:09.819 We don't need God to sort our sin problem out. 00:06:10.899 --> 00:06:13.199 Hungering and thirsting for righteousness. 00:06:13.439 --> 00:06:19.779 That's totally, totally at odds with our permissive society, isn't it? 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:25.279 Meekness clashes against self-assertion. 00:06:25.279 --> 00:06:33.359 Purity of heart is opposed to all of the compromise and all of the hypocrisy in the world. 00:06:33.979 --> 00:06:39.099 Peacemaking cuts against the argumentative and the cynicism, doesn't it? 00:06:39.519 --> 00:06:40.979 And it just goes on, doesn't it? 00:06:41.019 --> 00:06:49.079 You see at every point here, the authentic Christian life laid out by Jesus clashes with the world. 00:06:49.079 --> 00:06:51.159 In every moment. 00:06:52.459 --> 00:07:02.459 Because Jesus' disciples live a distinctive, Christ-centered, God-centered life that is lived for the honor of God and not for man. 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:06.579 It lives for the blessings that come from him and not in this world. 00:07:06.939 --> 00:07:09.039 And so it's a drastic contrast. 00:07:10.120 --> 00:07:12.879 It's a collision with the world. 00:07:12.879 --> 00:07:25.540 John Stott, the Anglican preacher, said that persecution, Christian suffering, is simply the clash between two irreconcilable value systems. 00:07:27.399 --> 00:07:34.199 In other words, Christianity lived like this in the world is like chalk and cheese, isn't it? 00:07:34.399 --> 00:07:36.079 It just does not mix. 00:07:36.980 --> 00:07:38.879 It's on a collision course. 00:07:39.879 --> 00:07:41.839 You cannot reconcile them. 00:07:41.839 --> 00:07:45.239 There will always be a conflict of interests. 00:07:47.119 --> 00:07:50.379 I hope there are some non-Christians here this morning. 00:07:50.500 --> 00:07:52.979 You're really welcome, if that's you. 00:07:53.159 --> 00:07:56.959 And maybe if you are a Christian, you've got friends, you're in the community. 00:07:57.099 --> 00:07:59.059 It's good, isn't it, to do that. 00:07:59.120 --> 00:08:02.459 To love folk who don't know Jesus Christ yet. 00:08:02.559 --> 00:08:05.159 And have relationships and friendships. 00:08:05.459 --> 00:08:06.879 And to love those people. 00:08:06.879 --> 00:08:14.300 But there is always that sense where there comes a point and there's just a difference. 00:08:15.500 --> 00:08:20.939 There is a world of difference between how Christians live their lives and how others don't. 00:08:21.019 --> 00:08:22.920 And maybe you feel that this morning. 00:08:22.920 --> 00:08:30.360 Relationships are often fraught with that feeling that you just don't mix. 00:08:30.360 --> 00:08:37.200 And when the world lives that sees Christianity like this, there will be a disparity. 00:08:37.440 --> 00:08:38.600 There will be a conflict. 00:08:39.740 --> 00:08:43.899 And it will threaten some folk, won't it? 00:08:43.899 --> 00:08:47.799 As we hunger and thirst for righteousness. 00:08:48.579 --> 00:08:49.899 And as we mourn for sin. 00:08:50.059 --> 00:08:52.220 Some will find that unpalatable. 00:08:53.480 --> 00:08:55.319 They will be convicted. 00:08:56.480 --> 00:08:57.860 They will feel guilty. 00:08:58.100 --> 00:09:03.579 They may even resent you and be hostile to you. 00:09:03.580 --> 00:09:07.520 You'll be accused of being moralistic and straight-laced. 00:09:08.720 --> 00:09:10.780 People might talk behind your back. 00:09:10.860 --> 00:09:13.840 They might think you're deluded for believing in a God. 00:09:13.960 --> 00:09:17.360 They might think you're lazy for not working on a Sunday. 00:09:17.900 --> 00:09:19.139 All sorts of things. 00:09:19.420 --> 00:09:20.960 Because you are distinctive. 00:09:22.420 --> 00:09:25.300 And you are on a collision course with the world. 00:09:25.299 --> 00:09:34.919 And so Christian persecution, it says to you, actually, you are living the Christian life as it's meant to be lived. 00:09:36.259 --> 00:09:43.439 This radical, Christ-centered, upside-down life of blessing, it will clash with the world. 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:46.919 And it will provoke a response. 00:09:47.240 --> 00:09:50.659 And the world will want to say to you, you do not belong here. 00:09:50.659 --> 00:09:59.139 So if you're persecuted in any way, be encouraged that this is authentic Christian living. 00:09:59.839 --> 00:10:02.620 Because you are on a collision course with the world. 00:10:02.719 --> 00:10:03.559 That is the reason. 00:10:05.259 --> 00:10:09.299 I want to mention a fairly big caveat, though, at this point. 00:10:09.500 --> 00:10:16.559 Because not all persecution is caused by our godly distinctiveness, is it? 00:10:17.220 --> 00:10:18.319 If we're honest. 00:10:18.320 --> 00:10:28.200 Jesus says quite clearly here, blessed are you when you are persecuted for righteousness' sake. 00:10:29.020 --> 00:10:29.520 Isn't it? 00:10:29.560 --> 00:10:31.360 That's an important addition. 00:10:31.960 --> 00:10:34.780 Not all persecution is a mark of blessing. 00:10:35.540 --> 00:10:39.560 Because not all persecution is for righteousness' sake. 00:10:40.140 --> 00:10:41.560 Jesus says here. 00:10:42.180 --> 00:10:45.120 So you've got to ask, why is it happening to me? 00:10:46.100 --> 00:10:47.640 What has provoked this? 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:48.679 What have I done? 00:10:48.759 --> 00:10:50.460 What are they angry about? 00:10:51.419 --> 00:10:53.480 As to why I'm being persecuted? 00:10:54.279 --> 00:10:58.960 It is not good to be persecuted for doing bad things, is it? 00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:07.580 Augustine said it's not the punishment that makes the martyr, but it's the cause. 00:11:08.279 --> 00:11:08.679 Do you see? 00:11:08.679 --> 00:11:15.319 It is not simply because we might get a hard time that we are doing the right thing. 00:11:15.419 --> 00:11:17.079 It is why we are doing it. 00:11:17.639 --> 00:11:20.599 The persecution does not tell you about the person's cause. 00:11:20.600 --> 00:11:29.120 Persecution in itself is not a good gauge necessarily for somebody's orthodoxy. 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:31.600 Let me try and explain that. 00:11:31.759 --> 00:11:41.740 Some sort of false Christian groups, even some preachers, use this verse, verse 10, to warrant false teaching. 00:11:41.740 --> 00:11:46.419 Or evangelism that is just abrasive. 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:57.879 And they think it gives them license to be overly aggressive, to be inflammatory, to be arrogant, to be tasteless, to be unloving. 00:11:58.740 --> 00:12:02.139 And to be quite frank, to be just downright unhelpful. 00:12:02.139 --> 00:12:07.840 And when they get thrown into prison, or they get abused, or they get egged in the streets, 00:12:07.939 --> 00:12:11.100 they think that is a divine endorsement of what they're doing. 00:12:13.220 --> 00:12:20.899 The Jehovah's Witnesses use this verse, don't they, to endorse their beliefs and behaviour. 00:12:21.939 --> 00:12:23.919 The Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christians. 00:12:24.679 --> 00:12:25.480 They just say that. 00:12:25.480 --> 00:12:32.740 The more they're sent away, though, from house to house, the more they feel better about what they're doing. 00:12:33.580 --> 00:12:41.639 Because they get a frosty response, they're annoying people, but they think persecution is a sign that they are doing the right thing. 00:12:41.759 --> 00:12:46.019 But it can be an awkward gauge for orthodoxy. 00:12:46.940 --> 00:12:49.100 So we've got to be careful on this, haven't we? 00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:57.139 Just because people are annoyed by you, does not mean that you are being persecuted for the right reason. 00:12:58.879 --> 00:13:05.360 The persecution that Jesus speaks about here is for the sake of righteousness. 00:13:05.360 --> 00:13:17.360 It happens because of this biblical, Trinitarian, Jesus worshipping radical life that is meek, that is poor in spirit, 00:13:18.399 --> 00:13:25.100 that is humble, that hungers and thirsts for righteousness, that grieves over sin and so on. 00:13:26.560 --> 00:13:28.500 So I just want to have that in mind. 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:32.240 But with that in mind, I don't you know what this really is about. 00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:41.320 You notice, don't you, when other people snub you because you will not cut corners at work. 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:46.799 You're singled out for not getting drunk at university. 00:13:47.960 --> 00:13:53.379 Your family will not speak to you because of your faith or words. 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:57.080 It is not just physical violence, is it? 00:13:57.580 --> 00:13:58.100 Persecution. 00:13:58.200 --> 00:13:59.159 Look at verse 11. 00:13:59.159 --> 00:14:08.799 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 00:14:10.339 --> 00:14:19.799 It's verbal, it's social, it's financial, it's emotional, unfairness and discrimination and snubbing and awkwardness. 00:14:19.799 --> 00:14:27.299 But when that happens, Jesus says we can rejoice because we know the reason. 00:14:28.539 --> 00:14:36.120 And it tells us that we're living the authentic Christian life as disciples of Jesus and we're on a collision course with the world. 00:14:37.459 --> 00:14:39.259 And so we will get a response. 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:47.939 Actually, we should be thinking to ourselves, shouldn't we, I should be a bit worried if none of this ever happens to me. 00:14:47.940 --> 00:14:48.860 That is the reason. 00:14:48.860 --> 00:14:51.040 That is the reason. 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:54.200 A distinctive life collides with the world. 00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:55.680 Secondly, the purpose. 00:14:56.300 --> 00:15:00.740 The purpose, a distinctive life will bring glory to the Father. 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:05.400 A distinctive life will bring glory to the Father. 00:15:05.500 --> 00:15:10.620 Just drop your eye down to verse 13 to 16 for a second. 00:15:10.620 --> 00:15:24.379 Jesus here gives us three images, doesn't he, to illustrate the distinctiveness of the disciples in the world. 00:15:25.179 --> 00:15:31.820 So you've got the salt of the earth, the light of the world and the light in the house. 00:15:31.820 --> 00:15:39.660 They're all images, aren't they, of the difference, the contrast that the disciples of Jesus have in the world. 00:15:39.760 --> 00:15:40.860 The difference they make. 00:15:40.940 --> 00:15:42.900 This is the distinctive life. 00:15:43.020 --> 00:15:45.000 He's carrying on the same theme, really. 00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:50.120 But the important thing is the reaction it gets from the world. 00:15:50.220 --> 00:15:51.640 Just look at verse 16. 00:15:52.100 --> 00:16:01.720 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 00:16:01.820 --> 00:16:15.100 As the world sees this authentic disciple living way, it will look so different to the world. 00:16:16.200 --> 00:16:20.260 It will be bright and tasty. 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:27.460 As different as light is from the dark, it looks like it's from another world. 00:16:27.460 --> 00:16:33.060 It is life, but it's life not as we've seen it or as we know it. 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:35.060 It is an alien kind of life. 00:16:36.139 --> 00:16:45.160 And as they see that, there will be a conflict, there will be a collision, but there will be conclusions made about the people living this life. 00:16:45.159 --> 00:16:55.759 And the conclusion will be that Christians have a heavenly Father who should be praised and worshipped. 00:16:55.759 --> 00:17:07.180 This distinctive life, it says to the world that we have a heavenly Father because we are heavenly people. 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:12.839 And when we are persecuted, you're simply reminding us of the truth that we already know. 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:15.140 We do not belong here. 00:17:15.140 --> 00:17:16.320 Persecution is a heavenly Father. 00:17:16.320 --> 00:17:22.380 And in turn, Jesus says, they will give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 00:17:24.520 --> 00:17:28.120 Persecution, it isn't just an unwanted by-product. 00:17:29.060 --> 00:17:33.920 It is part and parcel of this life that we have to live in this world. 00:17:34.340 --> 00:17:35.759 It must happen. 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:40.539 it's as if, isn't it 00:17:40.539 --> 00:17:43.299 we are aliens in the world 00:17:43.299 --> 00:17:45.960 and we appear in the world 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:47.799 and our lives should be so different 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.640 so alien 00:17:48.640 --> 00:17:51.059 and people look at us and they say 00:17:51.059 --> 00:17:52.900 you're not from around here 00:17:52.900 --> 00:17:54.720 you're like foreigners 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.640 you're like aliens 00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:56.759 you're like strangers 00:17:56.759 --> 00:17:59.799 and if you try and avoid the persecution 00:17:59.799 --> 00:18:01.640 and the collision with the world 00:18:01.640 --> 00:18:03.660 this will not work 00:18:03.660 --> 00:18:07.660 that is Jesus' point in these three images 00:18:07.660 --> 00:18:08.160 isn't it 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:10.500 if the salt loses its saltiness 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:12.880 if the lamp is hidden 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:14.720 or the hidden city on a hill 00:18:14.720 --> 00:18:16.660 they're pointless aren't they 00:18:16.660 --> 00:18:18.860 the whole purpose of them 00:18:18.860 --> 00:18:20.019 is to be different 00:18:20.019 --> 00:18:22.160 and to stand out 00:18:22.160 --> 00:18:23.980 and to give light 00:18:23.980 --> 00:18:26.860 and to show or have a contrast 00:18:26.860 --> 00:18:27.940 with the world around it 00:18:27.940 --> 00:18:30.360 to give flavour and light to the world around 00:18:30.359 --> 00:18:33.359 so we must 00:18:33.979 --> 00:18:36.299 we must 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:39.939 we must go through with it 00:18:39.939 --> 00:18:42.919 because there is a purpose behind 00:18:42.919 --> 00:18:44.219 persecution 00:18:44.219 --> 00:18:46.359 and we will be persecuted 00:18:46.959 --> 00:18:49.539 and the glory of God is at stake 00:18:49.539 --> 00:18:53.079 and there will be those who draw 00:18:53.079 --> 00:18:54.159 the right conclusion 00:18:54.159 --> 00:18:55.919 and praise our Father in Heaven 00:18:55.919 --> 00:18:58.359 when they see this distinctive life 00:18:58.359 --> 00:19:00.740 when we don't shrink back 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:03.359 I'm sure you 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:06.399 most of you know the story of Saul's conversion 00:19:06.399 --> 00:19:08.219 we're going to be looking at it next week 00:19:08.219 --> 00:19:09.299 in Holiday Club 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:10.339 it's great isn't it 00:19:10.339 --> 00:19:12.919 he is converted on the road to Emmaus 00:19:12.919 --> 00:19:16.379 that famous scene where Jesus appears to him 00:19:16.379 --> 00:19:18.219 in blinding light 00:19:18.219 --> 00:19:21.199 he meets the risen Lord Jesus 00:19:21.200 --> 00:19:23.620 but interestingly 00:19:23.620 --> 00:19:25.860 interestingly in reflection 00:19:25.860 --> 00:19:27.900 in the book of Acts 00:19:27.900 --> 00:19:29.900 Paul remembers what happened 00:19:29.900 --> 00:19:30.880 in that moment 00:19:30.880 --> 00:19:34.740 he relays that incident 00:19:34.740 --> 00:19:35.980 to King Agrippa 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:37.940 in Acts chapter 26 00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:39.160 if you want to follow along 00:19:39.160 --> 00:19:40.360 it's in Acts 26 00:19:40.360 --> 00:19:41.900 verse 13 00:19:41.900 --> 00:19:43.000 he said 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:44.519 I saw on the way 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:45.759 a light from heaven 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:47.660 brighter than the sun 00:19:47.660 --> 00:19:49.360 that shone around me 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:51.159 and those who journeyed with me 00:19:51.159 --> 00:19:53.399 and when we fall into the ground 00:19:53.399 --> 00:19:55.000 I heard a voice saying to me 00:19:55.000 --> 00:19:56.059 in the Hebrew language 00:19:56.059 --> 00:19:57.240 Saul, Saul 00:19:57.240 --> 00:19:59.099 why are you persecuting me? 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:01.799 it is hard for you 00:20:01.799 --> 00:20:03.879 to kick against the goads 00:20:03.879 --> 00:20:07.279 he is saying there isn't he 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:08.419 that the Lord Jesus 00:20:08.419 --> 00:20:09.899 before that moment 00:20:09.899 --> 00:20:13.000 had already been working on him 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:15.459 the Lord Jesus 00:20:15.459 --> 00:20:17.179 had been goading him 00:20:17.180 --> 00:20:20.060 had been pricking his conscience 00:20:20.060 --> 00:20:21.980 had been prodding him 00:20:21.980 --> 00:20:24.080 to turn and praise 00:20:24.080 --> 00:20:25.279 Jesus 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:28.220 now the only time 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:29.500 that we've actually heard about 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:30.600 about Saul 00:20:30.600 --> 00:20:31.420 in the book of Acts 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:32.759 before his conversion 00:20:32.759 --> 00:20:34.519 is that scene 00:20:34.519 --> 00:20:35.480 where he watches 00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:37.080 the Christian disciple 00:20:37.080 --> 00:20:39.000 Stephen die 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:40.980 he is martyred 00:20:40.980 --> 00:20:43.120 and he watches 00:20:43.120 --> 00:20:44.539 and he approves 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:45.580 of his death 00:20:45.579 --> 00:20:47.539 he persecutes Stephen 00:20:47.539 --> 00:20:49.319 for his Christian faith 00:20:49.319 --> 00:20:51.819 for the sake of righteousness 00:20:51.819 --> 00:20:54.179 Stephen dies 00:20:54.179 --> 00:20:55.919 and he is the one 00:20:55.919 --> 00:20:57.119 dishing out the persecution 00:20:57.119 --> 00:20:58.339 he watches 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:59.659 as this disciple 00:20:59.659 --> 00:21:00.519 of Jesus 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:01.799 dies 00:21:01.799 --> 00:21:03.939 in front of him 00:21:03.939 --> 00:21:07.480 and he does it 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:08.799 for his beloved Lord 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:09.919 in the same way 00:21:09.919 --> 00:21:10.419 actually 00:21:10.419 --> 00:21:12.139 it's very similar 00:21:12.139 --> 00:21:13.199 to the death of Jesus 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:15.440 and he watches 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:16.759 this brave man 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:17.660 die for the sake 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:18.539 of the gospel 00:21:18.539 --> 00:21:21.080 and I wonder 00:21:21.080 --> 00:21:23.660 at that moment 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:26.039 was the Lord 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:27.160 goading him 00:21:27.160 --> 00:21:28.220 there 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:30.319 it must have been 00:21:30.319 --> 00:21:30.700 mustn't it 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:32.500 it must have goaded him 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:34.319 to watch this disciple 00:21:34.319 --> 00:21:35.220 so faithfully 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:35.860 and bravely 00:21:35.860 --> 00:21:36.980 die for the gospel 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:39.980 it must have convicted him 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:40.480 deep 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:41.839 in his soul 00:21:41.839 --> 00:21:42.440 somewhere 00:21:42.440 --> 00:21:44.400 it must have challenged him 00:21:44.400 --> 00:21:46.299 it may have caused 00:21:46.299 --> 00:21:46.940 resentment 00:21:46.940 --> 00:21:47.799 and jealousy 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:50.220 and even more hostility 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:52.039 against the church 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:53.519 and for a time 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:54.799 he kicked against 00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:55.839 those goads 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:56.819 but in the end 00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:57.620 he couldn't resist 00:21:57.620 --> 00:21:58.539 the Lord's command 00:21:58.539 --> 00:21:59.380 of his life 00:21:59.380 --> 00:22:01.860 but you see 00:22:01.860 --> 00:22:03.319 even in Saul's conversion 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:04.279 the persecution 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:05.400 of a disciple 00:22:05.400 --> 00:22:06.099 of Jesus 00:22:06.099 --> 00:22:08.919 when he received it 00:22:08.919 --> 00:22:09.799 and took it 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:10.879 and gracefully 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:11.859 bore it 00:22:11.859 --> 00:22:12.859 it goaded 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:15.439 the world around him 00:22:15.439 --> 00:22:16.339 Stephen 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:17.559 it goads 00:22:17.559 --> 00:22:18.399 the souls 00:22:18.399 --> 00:22:19.399 of this world 00:22:19.399 --> 00:22:20.879 and it convicts them 00:22:20.879 --> 00:22:22.319 and it shouts to them 00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:24.379 we have a heavenly father 00:22:24.379 --> 00:22:26.879 who you need to praise 00:22:26.879 --> 00:22:28.339 and ask forgiveness from 00:22:28.339 --> 00:22:30.419 we have a heavenly father 00:22:30.419 --> 00:22:32.619 and we will respond 00:22:32.619 --> 00:22:33.419 with gladness 00:22:33.419 --> 00:22:34.159 and rejoicing 00:22:34.159 --> 00:22:35.319 in this persecution 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:38.399 because we don't belong here 00:22:38.399 --> 00:22:40.399 we have a heavenly father 00:22:40.399 --> 00:22:42.200 you know your parents 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:43.799 may hate your new faith 00:22:43.799 --> 00:22:46.679 and you still honour them 00:22:46.679 --> 00:22:47.839 that shouts to them 00:22:47.839 --> 00:22:49.679 that you have a heavenly father 00:22:49.679 --> 00:22:52.200 you're misunderstood 00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:53.220 and misrepresented 00:22:53.220 --> 00:22:54.960 and you don't repay evil 00:22:54.960 --> 00:22:55.539 with evil 00:22:55.539 --> 00:22:56.919 and it shouts to them 00:22:56.919 --> 00:22:58.599 you have a heavenly father 00:22:58.599 --> 00:23:00.659 you may suffer 00:23:00.659 --> 00:23:01.679 and die 00:23:01.680 --> 00:23:04.320 and it will say to the world 00:23:04.320 --> 00:23:05.940 I have a heavenly father 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:08.259 and he is worth dying for 00:23:08.259 --> 00:23:10.480 he is worth putting up 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:11.360 with whatever it is 00:23:11.360 --> 00:23:12.500 that you throw at me 00:23:12.500 --> 00:23:13.700 he is the one 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:14.440 that I fear 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:15.080 and love 00:23:15.080 --> 00:23:15.860 and praise 00:23:15.860 --> 00:23:17.460 and you need to give him 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:18.140 the glory 00:23:18.140 --> 00:23:20.600 persecution 00:23:20.600 --> 00:23:22.940 means that 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:24.299 you are calling 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:25.080 the world 00:23:25.080 --> 00:23:26.039 to praise 00:23:26.039 --> 00:23:27.259 your heavenly father 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:30.379 you are a worship leader 00:23:30.379 --> 00:23:32.500 as you are persecuted 00:23:32.500 --> 00:23:33.759 in different ways 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.879 when they see 00:23:34.879 --> 00:23:36.019 your good works 00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:36.920 Jesus says 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:39.299 that sort of persecution 00:23:39.299 --> 00:23:41.259 it goads the world 00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:43.660 and convicts the world 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:44.700 and moves them 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:46.339 to praise God 00:23:46.339 --> 00:23:49.039 so if you are getting 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:49.819 a hard time 00:23:49.819 --> 00:23:50.919 for your Christian faith 00:23:50.919 --> 00:23:51.359 this morning 00:23:51.359 --> 00:23:52.220 don't think that 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:53.299 that is in vain 00:23:53.299 --> 00:23:55.179 because every time 00:23:55.179 --> 00:23:56.779 you bite your tongue 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:58.539 and every time 00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:59.759 you show grace 00:23:59.759 --> 00:24:00.699 and you respond 00:24:00.699 --> 00:24:01.379 with mercy 00:24:01.379 --> 00:24:02.480 and every time 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:04.259 you're falsely accused 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:05.859 and every time 00:24:05.859 --> 00:24:06.659 you're faced with 00:24:06.659 --> 00:24:07.359 ignorance 00:24:07.359 --> 00:24:08.819 and arrogance 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:09.980 and you respond 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:10.740 with kindness 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.599 and patience 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:13.159 you are living 00:24:13.159 --> 00:24:13.839 the authentic 00:24:13.839 --> 00:24:14.959 Christian life 00:24:14.960 --> 00:24:16.140 and every time 00:24:16.140 --> 00:24:16.920 you're hurt 00:24:16.920 --> 00:24:18.400 and laid aside 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:19.279 and mistreated 00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:20.779 and you love 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:21.480 your enemies 00:24:21.480 --> 00:24:23.420 you are calling 00:24:23.420 --> 00:24:24.500 them to worship 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:27.079 you are calling 00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:27.920 them to praise 00:24:27.920 --> 00:24:28.920 your heavenly father 00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:29.840 and they will be 00:24:29.840 --> 00:24:31.200 moved at times 00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:32.319 they will be 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:32.900 convicted 00:24:32.900 --> 00:24:34.180 they may resent 00:24:34.180 --> 00:24:35.019 you and hate you 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:36.340 but some of them 00:24:36.340 --> 00:24:37.700 in the end 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.860 will join you 00:24:38.860 --> 00:24:40.640 and will praise 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:41.920 your heavenly father 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:44.319 they will want 00:24:44.319 --> 00:24:45.179 to join 00:24:45.179 --> 00:24:46.319 the aliens 00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:48.500 as they see 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:49.980 this distinctive 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:50.779 life 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:52.720 displayed before 00:24:52.720 --> 00:24:52.919 them 00:24:52.919 --> 00:24:53.819 they will want 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:55.079 to be a foreigner 00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:57.000 they will want 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:57.919 to be a blessed 00:24:57.919 --> 00:24:58.579 disciple 00:24:58.579 --> 00:25:00.059 of Jesus 00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:02.839 that's the reason 00:25:02.839 --> 00:25:03.839 a distinctive 00:25:03.839 --> 00:25:04.799 life collides 00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:05.439 with the world 00:25:05.439 --> 00:25:06.439 it brings glory 00:25:06.439 --> 00:25:07.159 to the father 00:25:07.159 --> 00:25:08.460 thirdly the result 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:10.279 the result 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:11.099 a distinctive 00:25:11.099 --> 00:25:11.779 life 00:25:11.779 --> 00:25:13.920 brings a distinctive 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:14.779 reward 00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:16.220 a distinctive 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:16.819 life 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:18.660 brings a distinctive 00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:19.500 reward 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:21.700 just look at 00:25:21.700 --> 00:25:22.279 verse 12 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:22.779 again 00:25:22.779 --> 00:25:24.700 rejoice 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:26.259 and be glad 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:28.599 for your reward 00:25:28.599 --> 00:25:29.279 is great 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:29.940 in heaven 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:31.759 for so they 00:25:31.759 --> 00:25:32.539 persecuted 00:25:32.539 --> 00:25:33.920 the prophets 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:34.839 who were before 00:25:34.839 --> 00:25:35.319 you 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:37.759 this is the 00:25:37.759 --> 00:25:38.759 big incentive 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:40.039 isn't it 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:41.099 this is the 00:25:41.099 --> 00:25:41.480 meat 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:42.259 this is 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:43.460 what we have 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.019 been looking 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:44.980 forward to 00:25:44.980 --> 00:25:46.379 this is what 00:25:46.379 --> 00:25:47.500 it's all about 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:50.240 a reward 00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:52.279 a reward 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:54.379 Jesus says 00:25:54.379 --> 00:25:55.240 it's not the 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:55.759 sufferings 00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:56.319 themselves 00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:57.299 that are your 00:25:57.299 --> 00:25:57.960 prize 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:59.339 we're not to be 00:25:59.339 --> 00:26:00.039 masochistic 00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:00.679 we're not looking 00:26:00.679 --> 00:26:01.179 for some 00:26:01.179 --> 00:26:02.419 perverse pleasure 00:26:02.419 --> 00:26:03.179 in suffering 00:26:03.179 --> 00:26:03.960 as a Christian 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:05.680 and Jesus 00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:06.600 isn't coy 00:26:06.600 --> 00:26:07.200 he isn't 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:07.740 embarrassed 00:26:07.740 --> 00:26:08.539 about talking 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:09.059 of the 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:09.819 prospect of 00:26:09.819 --> 00:26:10.660 rewards 00:26:10.660 --> 00:26:11.920 the word 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:12.480 can mean 00:26:12.480 --> 00:26:13.059 wages 00:26:13.059 --> 00:26:14.019 or salary 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:14.299 you know 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:14.940 it's the same 00:26:14.940 --> 00:26:15.539 word that you 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.299 might use 00:26:16.299 --> 00:26:17.539 as a merchant 00:26:17.539 --> 00:26:19.160 in the ancient 00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:19.460 world 00:26:19.460 --> 00:26:19.960 a merchant 00:26:19.960 --> 00:26:20.660 who goes 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:21.660 to find 00:26:21.660 --> 00:26:23.200 expensive goods 00:26:23.200 --> 00:26:23.700 in another 00:26:23.700 --> 00:26:24.220 land 00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:25.880 and you invest 00:26:25.880 --> 00:26:26.660 all of your 00:26:26.660 --> 00:26:27.340 money in 00:26:27.340 --> 00:26:27.960 buying some 00:26:27.960 --> 00:26:28.279 goods 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:28.660 you maybe 00:26:28.660 --> 00:26:29.420 buy a shipment 00:26:29.420 --> 00:26:30.059 in Italy 00:26:30.059 --> 00:26:30.840 or in Africa 00:26:30.840 --> 00:26:32.079 and you know 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:32.519 that if you 00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:33.160 can get it 00:26:33.160 --> 00:26:33.759 home 00:26:33.759 --> 00:26:34.859 it will be 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:35.619 a priceless 00:26:35.619 --> 00:26:36.220 cargo 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:37.400 you can sell 00:26:37.400 --> 00:26:37.819 it at a 00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:38.619 massive profit 00:26:38.619 --> 00:26:40.640 but 00:26:40.640 --> 00:26:41.960 sailing 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:43.960 taking cargo 00:26:43.960 --> 00:26:44.440 around the 00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:44.920 Mediterranean 00:26:44.920 --> 00:26:45.740 was a really 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:46.819 risky business 00:26:46.819 --> 00:26:48.259 it was a 00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:48.920 risky thing 00:26:48.920 --> 00:26:49.599 to do 00:26:49.599 --> 00:26:51.879 often cargo 00:26:51.879 --> 00:26:52.819 was lost 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:54.559 in perilous 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:55.099 journeys 00:26:55.099 --> 00:26:56.279 in storms 00:26:56.279 --> 00:26:57.680 in rough 00:26:57.680 --> 00:26:58.119 seas 00:26:58.119 --> 00:26:58.879 you could lose 00:26:58.879 --> 00:26:59.440 everything 00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:01.420 but this 00:27:01.420 --> 00:27:01.940 merchant 00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:02.600 does not 00:27:02.600 --> 00:27:03.320 mind a few 00:27:03.320 --> 00:27:04.279 rough seas 00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:05.519 he does 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.000 not mind 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:06.340 a few 00:27:06.340 --> 00:27:06.920 storms 00:27:06.920 --> 00:27:07.500 he doesn't 00:27:07.500 --> 00:27:08.180 mind some 00:27:08.180 --> 00:27:08.620 danger 00:27:08.620 --> 00:27:09.039 he doesn't 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:09.740 mind a lot 00:27:09.740 --> 00:27:10.420 of suffering 00:27:10.420 --> 00:27:11.980 when his 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.440 ship 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:13.480 comes into 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:14.100 port 00:27:14.100 --> 00:27:16.120 because of 00:27:16.120 --> 00:27:16.880 the opulent 00:27:16.880 --> 00:27:17.660 riches that 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:18.360 will follow 00:27:18.360 --> 00:27:20.539 and you will 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:21.360 not mind 00:27:21.360 --> 00:27:22.640 suffering 00:27:22.640 --> 00:27:23.779 or persecution 00:27:23.779 --> 00:27:24.940 when this 00:27:24.940 --> 00:27:25.660 reward 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:26.779 comes in 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:28.859 it is a 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:29.680 reward given 00:27:29.680 --> 00:27:30.879 by grace 00:27:30.879 --> 00:27:31.619 we do not 00:27:31.619 --> 00:27:32.399 earn it 00:27:32.399 --> 00:27:34.559 Thomas Watson 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:35.480 said it is a 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:36.899 reward as far 00:27:36.899 --> 00:27:37.639 above your 00:27:37.639 --> 00:27:38.440 thoughts 00:27:38.440 --> 00:27:39.960 as it is 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:40.720 above your 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.379 desert 00:27:41.379 --> 00:27:43.440 the greatest 00:27:43.440 --> 00:27:44.480 of the greatness 00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:45.379 of it is 00:27:45.379 --> 00:27:46.319 opposite to how 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:47.160 much you deserve 00:27:47.160 --> 00:27:47.539 it 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:49.259 it is a reward 00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:50.359 given in grace 00:27:50.359 --> 00:27:51.719 not merit 00:27:51.719 --> 00:27:54.039 and the reward 00:27:54.039 --> 00:27:54.939 Jesus speaks 00:27:54.939 --> 00:27:55.819 about is very 00:27:55.819 --> 00:27:56.859 distinctive 00:27:56.859 --> 00:27:59.379 verse 10 00:27:59.379 --> 00:28:01.099 theirs is the 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:01.919 kingdom of 00:28:01.919 --> 00:28:02.500 heaven 00:28:02.500 --> 00:28:04.899 great is your 00:28:04.899 --> 00:28:05.819 reward in 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:06.259 heaven 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:07.039 this is not an 00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:08.139 earthly reward 00:28:08.139 --> 00:28:09.859 but a heavenly 00:28:09.859 --> 00:28:10.459 one 00:28:10.459 --> 00:28:11.939 it is something 00:28:11.939 --> 00:28:12.740 above and 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:13.599 beyond what 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:14.199 this world 00:28:14.199 --> 00:28:14.799 offers 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:16.459 it is to 00:28:16.459 --> 00:28:17.519 enjoy and 00:28:17.519 --> 00:28:18.199 behold 00:28:18.199 --> 00:28:19.599 the kingdom 00:28:19.599 --> 00:28:20.339 of heaven 00:28:20.339 --> 00:28:22.699 to enjoy 00:28:22.699 --> 00:28:23.679 God 00:28:23.679 --> 00:28:25.819 to go 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:26.919 as aliens 00:28:26.919 --> 00:28:28.079 to the 00:28:28.079 --> 00:28:28.759 home that 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:29.419 we love 00:28:29.419 --> 00:28:31.399 it is a 00:28:31.399 --> 00:28:31.799 picture that 00:28:31.799 --> 00:28:32.379 we get of 00:28:32.379 --> 00:28:33.039 the disciples 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:33.740 of Jesus 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:34.899 ushered into 00:28:34.899 --> 00:28:35.779 God's throne 00:28:35.779 --> 00:28:36.399 room in the 00:28:36.399 --> 00:28:36.919 kingdom of 00:28:36.919 --> 00:28:37.379 heaven 00:28:37.379 --> 00:28:38.319 and it is a 00:28:38.319 --> 00:28:38.879 picture of 00:28:38.879 --> 00:28:39.980 satisfaction 00:28:39.980 --> 00:28:41.899 if you look at 00:28:41.899 --> 00:28:42.519 Revelation 00:28:42.519 --> 00:28:43.339 chapter 7 00:28:43.339 --> 00:28:44.000 maybe read it 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.779 later on 00:28:44.779 --> 00:28:45.559 it is a 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:46.539 great scene 00:28:46.539 --> 00:28:47.699 of enjoyment 00:28:47.699 --> 00:28:48.980 and awe 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:50.120 joy and 00:28:50.120 --> 00:28:51.220 wonder and 00:28:51.220 --> 00:28:52.220 joy and 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:52.839 love and 00:28:52.839 --> 00:28:54.079 peace and 00:28:54.079 --> 00:28:54.920 harmony and 00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:55.779 protection 00:28:55.779 --> 00:28:57.279 as Jesus' 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:58.240 disciples are 00:28:58.240 --> 00:28:58.839 around the 00:28:58.839 --> 00:28:59.900 throne worshipping 00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:00.420 God 00:29:00.420 --> 00:29:01.420 Revelation 7 00:29:01.420 --> 00:29:02.700 they are before 00:29:02.700 --> 00:29:03.460 the throne of 00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:04.700 God and 00:29:04.700 --> 00:29:05.759 serve him day 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:06.620 and night in 00:29:06.620 --> 00:29:07.339 his temple 00:29:07.339 --> 00:29:08.799 and he who 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:09.440 sits on the 00:29:09.440 --> 00:29:09.940 throne will 00:29:09.940 --> 00:29:10.900 shelter them 00:29:10.900 --> 00:29:11.339 with his 00:29:11.339 --> 00:29:11.980 presence 00:29:11.980 --> 00:29:13.759 never again 00:29:13.759 --> 00:29:14.200 will they 00:29:14.200 --> 00:29:14.599 hunger 00:29:14.599 --> 00:29:15.380 never again 00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:15.819 will they 00:29:15.819 --> 00:29:16.380 thirst 00:29:16.380 --> 00:29:17.840 the sun 00:29:17.840 --> 00:29:18.260 will not 00:29:18.260 --> 00:29:18.820 beat down 00:29:18.820 --> 00:29:19.180 on them 00:29:19.180 --> 00:29:19.820 nor any 00:29:19.820 --> 00:29:20.420 scorching 00:29:20.420 --> 00:29:20.860 heat 00:29:20.860 --> 00:29:22.060 for the 00:29:22.060 --> 00:29:22.540 lamb at 00:29:22.540 --> 00:29:22.960 the centre 00:29:22.960 --> 00:29:23.260 of the 00:29:23.260 --> 00:29:23.560 throne 00:29:23.560 --> 00:29:24.140 will be 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.400 their 00:29:24.400 --> 00:29:24.780 shepherd 00:29:24.780 --> 00:29:25.500 he will 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:26.020 lead them 00:29:26.020 --> 00:29:26.660 to springs 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:27.240 of living 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:27.820 water 00:29:27.820 --> 00:29:28.840 and God 00:29:28.840 --> 00:29:29.480 will wipe 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:29.920 away 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:30.800 every tear 00:29:30.800 --> 00:29:31.340 from their 00:29:31.340 --> 00:29:31.920 eyes 00:29:31.920 --> 00:29:35.080 one writer 00:29:35.080 --> 00:29:35.640 said that 00:29:35.640 --> 00:29:36.640 one breath 00:29:36.640 --> 00:29:37.260 of this 00:29:37.260 --> 00:29:37.900 paradise 00:29:37.900 --> 00:29:39.960 will extinguish 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:40.580 all the 00:29:40.580 --> 00:29:41.160 fires of 00:29:41.160 --> 00:29:41.600 earth 00:29:41.599 --> 00:29:43.719 it will 00:29:43.719 --> 00:29:44.000 be 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:44.980 wonderful 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:49.679 so as we 00:29:49.679 --> 00:29:49.959 finish 00:29:49.959 --> 00:29:50.559 has someone 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:51.079 made it 00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:51.519 clear to 00:29:51.519 --> 00:29:51.859 you that 00:29:51.859 --> 00:29:52.319 you do 00:29:52.319 --> 00:29:52.599 not 00:29:52.599 --> 00:29:53.179 belong 00:29:53.179 --> 00:29:55.199 because you 00:29:55.199 --> 00:29:55.879 belong to 00:29:55.879 --> 00:29:56.339 Jesus 00:29:56.339 --> 00:29:58.839 let me 00:29:58.839 --> 00:29:59.619 close with a 00:29:59.619 --> 00:30:00.279 quote from 00:30:00.279 --> 00:30:01.519 the preacher 00:30:01.519 --> 00:30:02.240 Martin Lloyd 00:30:02.240 --> 00:30:02.639 James 00:30:02.639 --> 00:30:03.219 he said 00:30:03.219 --> 00:30:04.359 by thus 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:05.359 persecuting 00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:06.059 you the 00:30:06.059 --> 00:30:06.859 world is 00:30:06.859 --> 00:30:07.740 just telling 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:09.159 you that 00:30:09.159 --> 00:30:09.959 you do not 00:30:09.959 --> 00:30:10.699 belong to 00:30:10.700 --> 00:30:12.420 it that 00:30:12.420 --> 00:30:13.080 you are a 00:30:13.080 --> 00:30:13.680 man or 00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:14.840 woman apart 00:30:14.840 --> 00:30:16.720 you belong 00:30:16.720 --> 00:30:17.420 to another 00:30:17.420 --> 00:30:19.039 realm thus 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:19.900 proving the 00:30:19.900 --> 00:30:20.660 fact that you 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:21.640 are going to 00:30:21.640 --> 00:30:22.160 heaven 00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:25.039 the Beatitudes 00:30:25.039 --> 00:30:25.519 they are 00:30:25.519 --> 00:30:26.920 paradoxical 00:30:26.920 --> 00:30:27.380 aren't they 00:30:27.380 --> 00:30:27.840 they are 00:30:27.840 --> 00:30:29.080 upside down 00:30:29.080 --> 00:30:29.559 in this 00:30:29.559 --> 00:30:30.080 world 00:30:30.080 --> 00:30:32.059 they describe 00:30:32.059 --> 00:30:32.840 a life which 00:30:32.840 --> 00:30:33.840 collides with 00:30:33.840 --> 00:30:34.480 this world 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:35.019 at every 00:30:35.019 --> 00:30:35.539 moment 00:30:35.539 --> 00:30:36.420 and this is 00:30:36.420 --> 00:30:37.200 authentic 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:38.240 Christianity 00:30:38.240 --> 00:30:40.319 and as we 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:40.859 live it out 00:30:40.859 --> 00:30:41.299 we will 00:30:41.299 --> 00:30:42.299 provoke all 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:42.939 sorts of 00:30:42.939 --> 00:30:43.559 responses 00:30:43.559 --> 00:30:44.379 won't we 00:30:44.379 --> 00:30:46.619 but some 00:30:46.619 --> 00:30:47.379 will see 00:30:47.379 --> 00:30:48.200 that distinctive 00:30:48.200 --> 00:30:49.039 life and 00:30:49.039 --> 00:30:49.539 they will 00:30:49.539 --> 00:30:50.379 wonder and 00:30:50.379 --> 00:30:50.859 they will 00:30:50.859 --> 00:30:52.500 see that we 00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:52.939 have a 00:30:52.939 --> 00:30:53.559 father in 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:54.159 heaven who 00:30:54.159 --> 00:30:55.299 needs to be 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:56.039 praised and 00:30:56.039 --> 00:30:56.859 glorified 00:30:56.859 --> 00:31:02.099 but others 00:31:02.099 --> 00:31:02.700 when they 00:31:02.700 --> 00:31:03.299 see that 00:31:03.299 --> 00:31:03.919 they will 00:31:03.919 --> 00:31:05.460 hate us 00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:05.819 and they 00:31:05.819 --> 00:31:06.379 will resent 00:31:06.379 --> 00:31:08.119 us and 00:31:08.119 --> 00:31:08.980 they will 00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:09.480 say you 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:09.880 do not 00:31:09.880 --> 00:31:10.180 belong 00:31:10.180 --> 00:31:10.579 here 00:31:10.579 --> 00:31:12.160 and actually 00:31:12.160 --> 00:31:12.579 when they 00:31:12.579 --> 00:31:13.059 say that 00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:13.599 they will 00:31:13.599 --> 00:31:14.160 be right 00:31:14.160 --> 00:31:14.880 won't they 00:31:14.880 --> 00:31:16.460 because we 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.019 are waiting 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:17.539 for our 00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:18.099 wonderful 00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:18.700 wonderful 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.620 reward 00:31:19.620 --> 00:31:21.220 in heaven 00:31:21.220 --> 00:31:22.579 let's 00:31:22.579 --> 00:31:22.920 pray 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.360 --> 00:31:23.360 00:31:23.359 --> 00:31:53.339 Thank you.