WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.759 And to Luke 18, Luke chapter 18, and we're looking at verses 18 to 30 today, verse 18 to 30. 00:00:20.140 --> 00:00:20.280 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.500 I really hate the way in Ealing that charity shops and betting shops are the great boom business, aren't they? 00:00:38.240 --> 00:00:43.539 If there's a vacancy in a shop front, it seems to me that betting shops get in there. 00:00:43.759 --> 00:00:48.460 On the little row of shops around the corner from the house where we live, there are two betting shops. 00:00:48.859 --> 00:00:53.340 There's no bakers, but there's two betting shops, and they do a great business. 00:00:54.120 --> 00:00:56.799 But as much as I loathe betting shops, this week I went in one. 00:00:56.799 --> 00:01:01.320 I went into William Hill in preparation for this sermon, just to see what it was like. 00:01:03.140 --> 00:01:04.219 It's pretty normal, isn't it? 00:01:04.239 --> 00:01:07.579 People say, oh, going into a betting shop is like going into a church, isn't it? 00:01:07.579 --> 00:01:08.819 It's a completely foreign environment. 00:01:08.959 --> 00:01:09.759 It's total nonsense. 00:01:10.280 --> 00:01:12.399 It's fun of normal people betting away. 00:01:13.599 --> 00:01:17.120 And what interested me was that William Hill, the minimum bet was one pound. 00:01:17.700 --> 00:01:21.120 It's the minimum bet you're allowed to put on at a betting shop in Ealing. 00:01:21.659 --> 00:01:23.099 And so that's what I want us to do this morning. 00:01:23.099 --> 00:01:27.359 We're not actually going to bet, but I want us to do a little bit of betting, a little bit of gambling. 00:01:27.659 --> 00:01:27.799 Alright? 00:01:28.219 --> 00:01:30.979 We're going to Luke 18, we're going to limit ourselves to one pound each. 00:01:31.640 --> 00:01:35.839 And we're going to put our money on the favourite in every passage, alright? 00:01:36.539 --> 00:01:38.579 So let's start in verse 2 of chapter 18. 00:01:39.859 --> 00:01:42.739 In a certain city there was a judge. 00:01:43.679 --> 00:01:48.359 There was a judge, it says that he's got no fear of God, and he's got no fear of man. 00:01:48.419 --> 00:01:49.799 He's a pretty tough guy. 00:01:49.799 --> 00:01:53.659 And there's also a widow, verse 3. 00:01:54.219 --> 00:01:58.140 There was a widow who has got nothing going for her. 00:01:59.019 --> 00:02:03.539 And so I suggest to you that we put our pound on the judge to win that contest, don't you? 00:02:04.259 --> 00:02:05.120 Who's going to win? 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:12.359 The man who neither fears God nor fears man, who's a very powerful man, or the widow who's got nothing going for her. 00:02:12.400 --> 00:02:13.819 Let's put our pound on the judge to win. 00:02:14.740 --> 00:02:15.800 Let's go down to verse 9. 00:02:15.800 --> 00:02:18.120 And there's a Pharisee. 00:02:18.640 --> 00:02:22.860 A Pharisee who is a law-abiding and a decent man. 00:02:23.840 --> 00:02:28.900 And a tax collector who is both a traitor and a cheat. 00:02:30.120 --> 00:02:33.439 Who would you expect to be accepted by God? 00:02:34.439 --> 00:02:36.260 Well, let's put our money on the favourite. 00:02:37.020 --> 00:02:38.520 Let's put our money on the Pharisee. 00:02:38.520 --> 00:02:41.240 Now, come down to verse 19. 00:02:41.439 --> 00:02:42.439 I'm the rich young ruler. 00:02:43.420 --> 00:02:45.500 He's a fine, upstanding person. 00:02:46.400 --> 00:02:48.700 He's a sure vet, isn't he? 00:02:49.120 --> 00:02:50.520 To enter the kingdom of heaven. 00:02:51.300 --> 00:02:52.920 So we'll put our one pound on the ruler. 00:02:53.680 --> 00:02:56.520 And if you come down with me to chapter 19, verse 1. 00:02:56.900 --> 00:02:59.340 We meet Zacchaeus, who is another tax collector. 00:02:59.340 --> 00:03:02.580 And who's got nothing going for him at all. 00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:04.860 Well, let's not waste our pound. 00:03:05.400 --> 00:03:06.719 Let's not put our money on him. 00:03:07.159 --> 00:03:07.379 Alright? 00:03:07.480 --> 00:03:08.539 To get into the kingdom of heaven. 00:03:08.860 --> 00:03:11.120 Now, when you stand back and look at your day's betting. 00:03:11.580 --> 00:03:13.780 You realise you've lost your money every time. 00:03:14.819 --> 00:03:16.280 You've lost your money every time. 00:03:17.140 --> 00:03:19.640 Those like the judge who've got everything going for them. 00:03:20.259 --> 00:03:22.780 And the Pharisees and the rulers. 00:03:23.379 --> 00:03:25.240 They go away empty-handed. 00:03:25.240 --> 00:03:28.379 But those who've got nothing going for them. 00:03:28.620 --> 00:03:29.460 The outsider. 00:03:29.840 --> 00:03:30.680 Like the widow. 00:03:31.240 --> 00:03:32.659 Like the tax collector. 00:03:33.219 --> 00:03:34.379 Like Zacchaeus. 00:03:34.680 --> 00:03:36.140 Like the blind beggar. 00:03:36.879 --> 00:03:37.480 And the widow. 00:03:37.640 --> 00:03:38.900 They all have their needs met. 00:03:39.860 --> 00:03:41.140 And you scratch your head. 00:03:41.260 --> 00:03:43.060 And you say, well, I've put my money on the favourite. 00:03:43.280 --> 00:03:45.180 And I've lost my money every time. 00:03:45.260 --> 00:03:46.260 Now, what is going on? 00:03:47.160 --> 00:03:48.100 What is going on? 00:03:48.100 --> 00:03:50.360 What is chapter 18 teaching you about? 00:03:50.980 --> 00:03:52.020 What is it telling you? 00:03:52.420 --> 00:03:54.280 It is telling you about grace. 00:03:54.280 --> 00:03:56.719 That God relates to us. 00:03:56.860 --> 00:03:58.580 Not because we deserve it. 00:03:59.180 --> 00:04:01.939 God does not relate to you because he owes you. 00:04:02.599 --> 00:04:05.460 God relates to you contrary to your deserving. 00:04:06.560 --> 00:04:12.159 Grace is God treating well those who deserve his judgement. 00:04:13.139 --> 00:04:15.800 And all of us deserve his judgement. 00:04:16.620 --> 00:04:22.439 What a wonderful thing that God relates to those who know that they've got nothing going for them. 00:04:23.160 --> 00:04:23.939 And that is us. 00:04:25.059 --> 00:04:27.500 Now, come with me to verse 18 of chapter 18. 00:04:28.099 --> 00:04:29.399 Here is this rich ruler. 00:04:30.539 --> 00:04:32.299 And he's got a wonderful question, hasn't he? 00:04:33.179 --> 00:04:34.719 It is a big question. 00:04:35.119 --> 00:04:37.039 One hundred years from now, 00:04:37.040 --> 00:04:40.160 Will I still be in existence? 00:04:40.160 --> 00:04:40.720 He asks. 00:04:41.860 --> 00:04:45.520 Will my existence be typified by life? 00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:49.000 What must I do to inherit eternal life? 00:04:49.060 --> 00:04:49.560 Verse 18. 00:04:49.820 --> 00:04:51.200 How can I inherit eternal life? 00:04:51.260 --> 00:04:52.460 And that is the best question. 00:04:52.459 --> 00:04:55.779 And he comes to the best person to answer that question. 00:04:55.839 --> 00:04:58.899 The one who's come to seek and to save the lost. 00:04:58.899 --> 00:05:00.180 And who's got a good CV. 00:05:00.180 --> 00:05:01.980 So look at verse 20. 00:05:02.360 --> 00:05:03.780 This man has got a great CV. 00:05:05.100 --> 00:05:06.079 He's kept, doesn't he? 00:05:06.079 --> 00:05:06.540 Verse 20. 00:05:06.620 --> 00:05:07.079 The sixth. 00:05:07.400 --> 00:05:07.980 The seventh. 00:05:08.300 --> 00:05:08.740 The eighth. 00:05:09.199 --> 00:05:10.459 And the ninth commandment. 00:05:10.459 --> 00:05:12.560 And he says to Jesus, 00:05:12.719 --> 00:05:14.639 I've got the commandments under control. 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:16.419 They are all under control. 00:05:16.839 --> 00:05:20.079 And Jesus asks him a strange question in verse 19. 00:05:20.399 --> 00:05:21.899 He says to see verse 19, 00:05:21.979 --> 00:05:22.839 Why do you call me good? 00:05:22.839 --> 00:05:26.639 Why do you call me good? 00:05:27.759 --> 00:05:28.819 He said to Jesus, 00:05:28.939 --> 00:05:29.419 Good teacher. 00:05:30.179 --> 00:05:31.319 Why do you call me good? 00:05:32.799 --> 00:05:33.199 Identity. 00:05:34.500 --> 00:05:35.620 Identity is vital. 00:05:36.959 --> 00:05:37.639 Jesus is saying, 00:05:37.819 --> 00:05:40.319 Do you call me good because I'm a good teacher? 00:05:40.559 --> 00:05:41.199 I'm good at teaching. 00:05:41.279 --> 00:05:41.799 Is that what you mean? 00:05:42.819 --> 00:05:44.459 That I'm a teacher who's a good man. 00:05:44.559 --> 00:05:45.379 Is that what you mean? 00:05:46.359 --> 00:05:47.439 Or more exactly, 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:49.919 There is only one who is good and that is God. 00:05:50.139 --> 00:05:52.099 Do you mean by calling me good teacher, 00:05:52.100 --> 00:05:54.540 That you are recognising me as God? 00:05:56.480 --> 00:05:57.580 Identity is vital. 00:05:58.379 --> 00:05:59.480 Let's just flip over. 00:05:59.620 --> 00:06:01.220 Flip over to Luke chapter 23. 00:06:02.720 --> 00:06:05.680 Flip over to Luke chapter 23 in verse 43. 00:06:07.720 --> 00:06:10.520 And you have this thief on the cross. 00:06:11.740 --> 00:06:13.300 You have this thief on the cross 00:06:13.300 --> 00:06:16.280 Who has probably not done any of the commandments. 00:06:16.620 --> 00:06:17.700 Look what he says to him. 00:06:18.400 --> 00:06:20.180 In chapter 23 verse 43. 00:06:20.180 --> 00:06:22.220 Jesus says to him, 00:06:22.540 --> 00:06:25.340 Truly I say to you today, 00:06:26.340 --> 00:06:29.100 You will be with me in paradise. 00:06:29.199 --> 00:06:29.819 Verse 42. 00:06:29.959 --> 00:06:30.500 The thief says, 00:06:30.579 --> 00:06:32.900 Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. 00:06:33.340 --> 00:06:34.079 And Jesus replies, 00:06:34.180 --> 00:06:34.960 Truly I say to you, 00:06:34.980 --> 00:06:36.000 You will be with me in paradise. 00:06:37.460 --> 00:06:39.000 On what basis 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:41.560 Will the thief on the cross, 00:06:42.240 --> 00:06:44.480 Who has probably not done any of those commandments, 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:47.300 How will he be with Jesus in paradise? 00:06:49.140 --> 00:06:51.319 Surely on the basis of what he says in verse 42. 00:06:51.800 --> 00:06:52.080 Isn't it? 00:06:52.660 --> 00:06:53.700 Remember me, 00:06:54.280 --> 00:06:54.640 Jesus, 00:06:54.759 --> 00:06:55.960 When you come into your kingdom. 00:06:57.180 --> 00:06:57.580 Jesus, 00:06:57.700 --> 00:06:59.560 I recognise that you are a king, 00:06:59.920 --> 00:07:01.000 And you have a kingdom, 00:07:01.140 --> 00:07:02.300 Which you are going to enter. 00:07:03.800 --> 00:07:05.520 Remember me when you come into your kingdom. 00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:07.000 Identity is vital. 00:07:07.159 --> 00:07:08.180 And the thief on the cross, 00:07:08.479 --> 00:07:10.060 Who has got nothing going for him, 00:07:10.319 --> 00:07:12.359 Who has certainly got no track record, 00:07:12.899 --> 00:07:15.019 Yet he cuts through everything that is happening, 00:07:15.539 --> 00:07:16.759 To see that Jesus, 00:07:17.339 --> 00:07:18.879 Jesus is God's king. 00:07:20.279 --> 00:07:22.399 You wouldn't put your money on the thief on the cross, 00:07:22.459 --> 00:07:22.719 Would you? 00:07:25.099 --> 00:07:26.299 You wouldn't put your money on him. 00:07:27.579 --> 00:07:28.019 And yet, 00:07:28.099 --> 00:07:29.199 Jesus says to him, 00:07:29.279 --> 00:07:29.819 Today, 00:07:30.359 --> 00:07:31.740 You will be with me in paradise. 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:33.420 So come back with me to Luke 18, 00:07:33.500 --> 00:07:34.319 And the rich young ruler. 00:07:35.180 --> 00:07:35.740 Jesus says, 00:07:35.780 --> 00:07:36.620 Why do you call me good? 00:07:37.680 --> 00:07:39.040 Do you recognise me as king? 00:07:40.079 --> 00:07:40.639 Do you? 00:07:41.740 --> 00:07:44.300 And Jesus is going to find out an answer to that question, 00:07:44.379 --> 00:07:45.160 In another way. 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:48.180 And he puts to this man, 00:07:49.079 --> 00:07:50.560 Five of the ten commandments. 00:07:50.720 --> 00:07:51.720 Can you see that verse 20? 00:07:53.040 --> 00:07:54.800 Do not commit adultery. 00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:56.660 Do not murder. 00:07:57.500 --> 00:07:58.480 Do not steal. 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:00.939 Do not bear false witness. 00:08:01.740 --> 00:08:02.740 Honour your father, 00:08:03.620 --> 00:08:04.180 And mother. 00:08:06.019 --> 00:08:07.079 Five of the ten commandments. 00:08:08.060 --> 00:08:09.720 He admits the first four, 00:08:10.780 --> 00:08:11.600 About God. 00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:14.240 And he admits the last one, 00:08:14.300 --> 00:08:14.840 About coveting. 00:08:14.920 --> 00:08:15.300 Do not covet. 00:08:16.819 --> 00:08:17.300 So, 00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:18.420 You might remember, 00:08:18.480 --> 00:08:19.680 You should remember in Luke's gospel, 00:08:19.879 --> 00:08:21.100 Things keep coming up again. 00:08:21.759 --> 00:08:23.220 So you've heard the question, 00:08:23.840 --> 00:08:25.199 Of verse 18 before, 00:08:25.280 --> 00:08:25.560 Haven't you? 00:08:26.460 --> 00:08:28.439 What must I do to inherit eternal life? 00:08:29.519 --> 00:08:30.600 Do you remember the good Samaritan? 00:08:30.600 --> 00:08:33.080 The lawyer comes up to Jesus, 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:34.019 And says, 00:08:34.159 --> 00:08:35.360 What must I do, 00:08:35.740 --> 00:08:37.300 To inherit eternal life? 00:08:39.420 --> 00:08:39.860 And, 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:42.680 The lawyer wanted to know, 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:43.100 Didn't he? 00:08:43.320 --> 00:08:44.580 In the parable of the good Samaritan, 00:08:44.659 --> 00:08:45.480 Who is my neighbour? 00:08:46.480 --> 00:08:47.540 Who is my neighbour? 00:08:48.220 --> 00:08:49.399 Do you remember Jesus told that parable, 00:08:49.460 --> 00:08:51.060 To kind of define who his neighbour was. 00:08:51.059 --> 00:08:53.000 But in Luke 18, 00:08:53.099 --> 00:08:55.079 In contrast to the good Samaritan, 00:08:55.719 --> 00:08:56.619 Where the lawyer says, 00:08:56.699 --> 00:08:57.439 Who is my neighbour? 00:08:58.219 --> 00:08:58.879 It's interesting, 00:08:58.979 --> 00:08:59.139 Is it? 00:08:59.139 --> 00:08:59.919 In Luke 18, 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:00.959 The rich young ruler says, 00:09:01.019 --> 00:09:01.699 I've got that covered. 00:09:02.779 --> 00:09:03.959 I've got my neighbour covered. 00:09:05.619 --> 00:09:07.079 I've never committed adultery, 00:09:07.679 --> 00:09:08.239 With a neighbour. 00:09:08.979 --> 00:09:10.319 I've never murdered a neighbour. 00:09:11.099 --> 00:09:13.000 I've never stolen anything from a neighbour. 00:09:13.359 --> 00:09:15.139 I've never slandered a neighbour. 00:09:15.679 --> 00:09:17.240 I've respected my mum and dad. 00:09:17.319 --> 00:09:17.559 You see, 00:09:17.620 --> 00:09:18.419 The man in Luke 18, 00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:20.439 Is a thoroughly respectable man. 00:09:20.840 --> 00:09:21.120 Yes, 00:09:21.199 --> 00:09:22.500 I've kept all those things, 00:09:22.799 --> 00:09:23.620 Since I was a youth. 00:09:23.799 --> 00:09:25.639 He's got the neighbour bits covered. 00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:28.860 The thief in Luke 23, 00:09:29.000 --> 00:09:30.720 He broke every single one of them, 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:32.720 But he is going to paradise today, 00:09:32.980 --> 00:09:34.840 Because he recognised that Jesus is king. 00:09:35.139 --> 00:09:37.460 This man has kept every one of them, 00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:39.899 But does he recognise that Jesus is king? 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:41.679 Well, 00:09:41.700 --> 00:09:42.419 Listen to what happens. 00:09:43.419 --> 00:09:45.339 Listen to how he responds to the king's edict, 00:09:45.419 --> 00:09:45.919 Verse 22. 00:09:46.159 --> 00:09:47.500 It is rather confrontational, 00:09:47.620 --> 00:09:47.779 Is it? 00:09:47.819 --> 00:09:48.419 Verse 22. 00:09:48.860 --> 00:09:50.179 When Jesus heard this, 00:09:50.740 --> 00:09:52.459 That I kept all these commandments from my youth, 00:09:52.679 --> 00:09:53.679 One thing you still lack, 00:09:53.759 --> 00:09:54.539 Sell all that you have, 00:09:54.659 --> 00:09:55.459 Distribute to the poor, 00:09:55.819 --> 00:09:57.079 And you will have treasure in heaven, 00:09:57.199 --> 00:09:58.599 And come and follow me. 00:10:00.419 --> 00:10:00.899 You see, 00:10:01.099 --> 00:10:02.079 For this neighbour, 00:10:03.099 --> 00:10:04.500 The issue was not, 00:10:05.019 --> 00:10:05.979 Who is my neighbour? 00:10:07.679 --> 00:10:08.980 But for this lawyer, 00:10:09.120 --> 00:10:09.860 For this man, 00:10:09.860 --> 00:10:10.959 For this rich young ruler, 00:10:11.059 --> 00:10:11.679 The issue is, 00:10:11.679 --> 00:10:12.659 Who is God. 00:10:14.179 --> 00:10:16.139 If eternal life is loving God, 00:10:16.239 --> 00:10:17.279 And loving your neighbour, 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:19.419 Well the man in the Good Samaritan passage, 00:10:19.539 --> 00:10:20.179 He's desperate, 00:10:20.299 --> 00:10:20.500 Isn't he, 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:22.579 To limit the number of neighbours he has. 00:10:24.859 --> 00:10:25.699 This man though, 00:10:25.739 --> 00:10:27.739 Wants to know about the jurisdiction of God. 00:10:29.519 --> 00:10:30.839 And what Jesus is saying to him, 00:10:30.859 --> 00:10:31.059 Is this, 00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:32.879 You need to get rid of the God competition, 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:33.519 Young man. 00:10:34.919 --> 00:10:35.939 Sell all that you have, 00:10:35.979 --> 00:10:36.959 And give it away to the poor, 00:10:37.019 --> 00:10:37.639 Verse 23. 00:10:37.639 --> 00:10:38.199 Verse 23. 00:10:39.340 --> 00:10:40.659 And it tells us, 00:10:40.699 --> 00:10:40.919 Doesn't it, 00:10:40.939 --> 00:10:41.639 Verse 23, 00:10:42.120 --> 00:10:43.220 That when he heard this, 00:10:43.559 --> 00:10:44.279 He was, 00:10:44.659 --> 00:10:46.639 Extremely sad, 00:10:47.439 --> 00:10:48.980 Very sad, 00:10:49.939 --> 00:10:51.100 Because he was very rich. 00:10:51.100 --> 00:10:54.480 So here is this man, 00:10:54.560 --> 00:10:55.759 How can I inherit eternal life? 00:10:55.820 --> 00:10:56.960 How can I have eternal life? 00:10:58.460 --> 00:10:59.720 You have one person in Luke 10, 00:10:59.800 --> 00:11:00.440 With the Good Samaritan, 00:11:00.740 --> 00:11:01.279 Who wants, 00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:03.700 To limit his neighbours. 00:11:05.040 --> 00:11:06.060 But in Luke 18, 00:11:06.120 --> 00:11:06.980 There's a contrast, 00:11:07.159 --> 00:11:08.220 He wants to limit, 00:11:08.779 --> 00:11:09.500 God. 00:11:10.639 --> 00:11:11.420 He wants to limit, 00:11:11.500 --> 00:11:12.659 The jurisdiction of God, 00:11:12.740 --> 00:11:13.460 And his reign. 00:11:14.759 --> 00:11:15.800 And this rich young ruler, 00:11:15.800 --> 00:11:16.180 Is saying, 00:11:16.179 --> 00:11:18.000 There's got to be an off limits area, 00:11:18.199 --> 00:11:18.399 God. 00:11:19.159 --> 00:11:20.299 And the off limits area, 00:11:20.399 --> 00:11:21.019 For me is wealth. 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:22.059 I don't want you, 00:11:22.239 --> 00:11:22.539 God, 00:11:22.679 --> 00:11:23.979 Intruding on my wealth. 00:11:24.699 --> 00:11:25.039 Jesus, 00:11:25.179 --> 00:11:26.179 You can be king, 00:11:26.579 --> 00:11:27.559 Of course you can be king, 00:11:27.620 --> 00:11:28.379 But not king here. 00:11:31.439 --> 00:11:32.679 I was on a camp last summer, 00:11:33.459 --> 00:11:33.939 And I had, 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:35.319 I sat with a young man, 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:38.179 Who was considering the Christian faith, 00:11:38.939 --> 00:11:40.279 And he said this to me, 00:11:40.319 --> 00:11:40.500 He said, 00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:41.679 I want Jesus to be king, 00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:44.159 But I want my sexual freedom. 00:11:44.159 --> 00:11:47.259 I want Jesus to be my king, 00:11:47.759 --> 00:11:49.199 But I want my sexual freedom. 00:11:51.139 --> 00:11:52.699 That's exactly the same as Luke 18. 00:11:54.860 --> 00:11:56.219 He wants Jesus to be king, 00:11:56.579 --> 00:11:58.679 But he doesn't want him to be king of the wealth. 00:11:58.759 --> 00:11:59.579 It's hard, isn't it? 00:12:00.939 --> 00:12:02.059 It's saying to you today, 00:12:02.360 --> 00:12:03.860 Wealth cannot be Lord, 00:12:03.959 --> 00:12:05.000 And Jesus be Lord. 00:12:06.559 --> 00:12:08.159 Sexual indulgence rules, 00:12:08.639 --> 00:12:09.620 Or Jesus rules, 00:12:09.620 --> 00:12:11.519 And this man was very sad, 00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:13.379 Because he wanted eternal life, 00:12:13.379 --> 00:12:15.279 But he also wanted his wealth. 00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:17.519 And he had to realise, 00:12:17.720 --> 00:12:19.360 That Jesus was Lord, 00:12:19.899 --> 00:12:21.600 And that is the number one priority. 00:12:23.299 --> 00:12:24.460 It's a theological word, 00:12:24.500 --> 00:12:25.220 It's vitally important, 00:12:25.480 --> 00:12:26.759 That we need to understand it here, 00:12:26.820 --> 00:12:27.740 And it's the word repent. 00:12:29.740 --> 00:12:31.240 Repentance is that you come to see, 00:12:31.299 --> 00:12:32.279 That everything, 00:12:32.759 --> 00:12:34.960 Everything takes one step back, 00:12:35.960 --> 00:12:38.139 And you enthrone Jesus, 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:39.240 As your number one. 00:12:39.240 --> 00:12:41.580 Repentance means, 00:12:41.720 --> 00:12:43.320 That you're turning your back, 00:12:44.120 --> 00:12:45.340 On the God competition, 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:47.779 And you are following Jesus. 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:48.720 So look at verse 24, 00:12:49.080 --> 00:12:49.879 Jesus seeing, 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:51.620 That the young man had become sad, 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:52.779 Said how difficult it is, 00:12:52.820 --> 00:12:53.639 For those of wealth, 00:12:53.759 --> 00:12:54.919 To enter the kingdom of God, 00:12:55.460 --> 00:12:56.740 For it is easier for a camel, 00:12:56.799 --> 00:12:58.000 To go through the eye of a needle, 00:12:58.500 --> 00:12:59.799 Than for a rich person, 00:13:00.639 --> 00:13:02.279 To enter the kingdom of God. 00:13:02.279 --> 00:13:08.399 How hard it is for a rich man, 00:13:08.439 --> 00:13:10.379 To have all these competing gods, 00:13:10.819 --> 00:13:11.899 It is impossible, 00:13:12.559 --> 00:13:13.459 It is as impossible, 00:13:13.659 --> 00:13:15.740 As a camel getting through the eye of a needle, 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:17.059 It is hard, 00:13:17.159 --> 00:13:17.959 It is impossible, 00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:20.339 You see wealth, 00:13:21.339 --> 00:13:23.139 Is an excellent counterfeit God, 00:13:23.899 --> 00:13:24.779 False God, 00:13:26.100 --> 00:13:27.799 Wealth promises me, 00:13:28.019 --> 00:13:28.579 Security, 00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:30.959 Wealth says, 00:13:30.960 --> 00:13:32.600 I will relieve your anxiety, 00:13:32.840 --> 00:13:33.920 If you just have enough money, 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:35.100 You won't be anxious about anything, 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:36.080 Wealth says, 00:13:36.200 --> 00:13:37.420 I will help you, 00:13:37.759 --> 00:13:38.980 Fulfill your dreams, 00:13:40.060 --> 00:13:41.200 You go to the news agents, 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:44.680 And the headline on the lottery at the moment, 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:45.480 Is that isn't it, 00:13:45.759 --> 00:13:46.840 Where dreams are made, 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:48.820 In the local post office, 00:13:49.500 --> 00:13:50.680 Where dreams are made, 00:13:51.139 --> 00:13:52.379 Because wealth does that, 00:13:52.680 --> 00:13:54.639 Wealth pretends to be God, 00:13:55.480 --> 00:13:56.840 And then it becomes something, 00:13:56.840 --> 00:13:57.660 That is destructive, 00:13:59.280 --> 00:14:00.420 Someone has said this, 00:14:00.419 --> 00:14:02.620 You can either carry, 00:14:02.779 --> 00:14:03.659 Your God, 00:14:04.379 --> 00:14:06.439 Which means it is no God at all, 00:14:06.500 --> 00:14:07.679 Because it is less than you, 00:14:08.579 --> 00:14:10.279 Or your God carries you, 00:14:10.719 --> 00:14:13.339 You can either carry, 00:14:13.339 --> 00:14:14.419 Your God, 00:14:15.139 --> 00:14:16.579 Which means it is no God at all, 00:14:16.679 --> 00:14:17.599 Because it is less than you, 00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:19.439 Or your God carries you, 00:14:20.779 --> 00:14:22.679 And when I think about my wealth, 00:14:23.339 --> 00:14:24.879 I carry my wealth, 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:27.620 I protect my wealth, 00:14:28.039 --> 00:14:30.240 I invest my wealth, 00:14:30.759 --> 00:14:33.039 I can love my wealth, 00:14:33.439 --> 00:14:35.840 But it does not reciprocate, 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:39.399 Your wealth will not love you back, 00:14:39.659 --> 00:14:42.799 If you carry your God, 00:14:43.299 --> 00:14:44.980 It is less than you, 00:14:45.759 --> 00:14:46.919 It is an idol, 00:14:46.919 --> 00:14:49.919 The God, 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:49.919 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:49.919 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:49.919 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:49.919 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:50.419 The God, 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:51.699 Who carries you, 00:14:52.319 --> 00:14:53.139 Is God, 00:14:53.939 --> 00:14:55.159 And in verse 26, 00:14:55.319 --> 00:14:56.339 Those who heard it said, 00:14:56.399 --> 00:14:57.500 Well we're all in trouble aren't we, 00:14:58.579 --> 00:14:59.439 Look at verse 26, 00:15:00.120 --> 00:15:01.079 We're all wealthy, 00:15:01.819 --> 00:15:02.959 Who then can be saved, 00:15:02.979 --> 00:15:03.939 Notice what Jesus says, 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:04.620 Verse 27, 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:05.959 It is a wonderful verse, 00:15:06.319 --> 00:15:06.740 But he said, 00:15:06.799 --> 00:15:08.179 What is impossible with man, 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:09.339 Is possible with God, 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:10.620 I used to read that, 00:15:10.679 --> 00:15:11.939 On the morning of every exam, 00:15:12.719 --> 00:15:13.980 What is impossible with man, 00:15:14.039 --> 00:15:14.639 Is possible with God, 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:15.779 It is not about exams, 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:16.819 I'm sorry about those of you, 00:15:16.919 --> 00:15:18.139 Who do your GCSEs this week, 00:15:18.580 --> 00:15:20.419 If you've done no revision, 00:15:20.899 --> 00:15:22.199 Don't think verse 27, 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:23.080 Is going to get you out, 00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:23.659 Alright, 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:27.860 Look at verse 27, 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:30.500 What is impossible with man, 00:15:30.539 --> 00:15:31.439 Is possible with God, 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:35.939 Eternal life, 00:15:36.720 --> 00:15:38.120 Is God's gift, 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:38.879 To give, 00:15:40.200 --> 00:15:41.480 Is God's gift to give, 00:15:41.580 --> 00:15:42.319 And eternal life, 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:43.379 God gives freely, 00:15:43.559 --> 00:15:44.159 And generously, 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:45.500 To all of those, 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:46.339 Who will bow the knee, 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:47.100 To King Jesus, 00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:49.500 Who like the man, 00:15:49.559 --> 00:15:50.519 We'll meet next week, 00:15:50.620 --> 00:15:51.679 Like Bartimaeus, 00:15:51.839 --> 00:15:52.600 Who like the man, 00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:53.839 We'll meet in chapter 19, 00:15:53.980 --> 00:15:54.519 Zacchaeus, 00:15:54.559 --> 00:15:55.519 The very wealthy, 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:56.219 Tax collector, 00:15:56.459 --> 00:15:57.740 Look at his experience, 00:15:59.339 --> 00:16:00.639 Jesus comes and stays with him, 00:16:00.719 --> 00:16:01.899 And in verse 8, 00:16:01.939 --> 00:16:02.759 Of chapter 19, 00:16:03.139 --> 00:16:04.259 Zacchaeus stood up, 00:16:04.299 --> 00:16:05.419 And said to the Lord, 00:16:06.199 --> 00:16:07.240 Behold Lord, 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:08.319 Half of my goods, 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:09.299 I give to the poor, 00:16:09.299 --> 00:16:10.480 And if I have deported, 00:16:10.579 --> 00:16:11.319 Anyone of anything, 00:16:11.439 --> 00:16:12.240 I restore it, 00:16:12.459 --> 00:16:13.399 Fourfold, 00:16:13.399 --> 00:16:15.600 And we think, 00:16:15.720 --> 00:16:16.459 Surely that's not, 00:16:16.459 --> 00:16:17.360 Financially sound, 00:16:17.459 --> 00:16:18.220 Is it Zacchaeus, 00:16:18.559 --> 00:16:21.340 If I've stolen anything, 00:16:21.439 --> 00:16:22.159 I'll restore it, 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:23.139 Fourfold, 00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:26.299 But Jesus is Lord, 00:16:27.799 --> 00:16:28.980 And Zacchaeus, 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:30.120 Is teaching his wealth, 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:30.659 A lesson, 00:16:31.139 --> 00:16:31.879 He's breaking, 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:33.019 The powerful grip, 00:16:33.319 --> 00:16:34.299 That wealth can have, 00:16:34.539 --> 00:16:35.579 And so Jesus says, 00:16:35.679 --> 00:16:35.919 Doesn't he, 00:16:35.980 --> 00:16:37.240 Verse 9 of chapter 9, 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:38.139 Said to him, 00:16:38.139 --> 00:16:38.960 Today salvation, 00:16:38.960 --> 00:16:39.819 Has come to this house, 00:16:39.820 --> 00:16:42.240 Since he is the son of Abraham, 00:16:43.060 --> 00:16:44.060 For the son of man, 00:16:44.140 --> 00:16:44.920 Came to seek, 00:16:45.040 --> 00:16:45.580 And to save, 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:46.280 The lost, 00:16:46.280 --> 00:16:48.440 Wealth, 00:16:48.600 --> 00:16:49.420 Is a good thing, 00:16:49.980 --> 00:16:52.620 Your hobby, 00:16:53.480 --> 00:16:54.560 Is a good thing, 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:57.800 Your family, 00:16:58.940 --> 00:17:00.240 Is a good thing, 00:17:01.200 --> 00:17:03.160 Getting good exam results, 00:17:04.160 --> 00:17:05.100 Is a good thing, 00:17:05.099 --> 00:17:08.019 But when each of those things, 00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:08.819 Encroach, 00:17:08.959 --> 00:17:09.500 And say, 00:17:09.899 --> 00:17:11.019 I am Lord, 00:17:11.779 --> 00:17:13.179 I will determine, 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:14.619 How you live your life, 00:17:14.879 --> 00:17:16.000 They've got to be resisted, 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:16.679 With all your might, 00:17:17.419 --> 00:17:22.679 Because each one of them, 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:23.599 Needs to be laid, 00:17:23.699 --> 00:17:25.019 At the feet of King Jesus, 00:17:25.519 --> 00:17:26.699 For his disposal, 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:29.259 And so Peter says, 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:30.099 In chapter 18, 00:17:30.199 --> 00:17:30.899 In verse 28, 00:17:31.240 --> 00:17:31.659 He says, 00:17:31.660 --> 00:17:32.940 We've given up everything for you, 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:35.900 We've left our capital behind, 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:37.840 We've left our fishing business behind, 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:39.160 We've left our fields, 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:41.140 We've left our tax collecting booths, 00:17:41.259 --> 00:17:43.040 We've left our parents to follow you, 00:17:43.360 --> 00:17:44.400 Don't you realise Jesus, 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:46.000 We've given up everything for you, 00:17:46.259 --> 00:17:47.779 And Jesus verse 21, 00:17:48.140 --> 00:17:49.500 Do you notice what he doesn't say? 00:17:50.500 --> 00:17:51.320 He doesn't say, 00:17:51.380 --> 00:17:52.100 For goodness sake Peter, 00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:53.779 You've taken this religious thing too far, 00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:55.980 He doesn't say, 00:17:56.560 --> 00:17:58.100 You've taken this discipleship business, 00:17:58.100 --> 00:17:59.580 Far too extreme, 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:02.720 You've got too much religion, 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:05.460 No he says, 00:18:05.539 --> 00:18:06.460 Nobody has done that, 00:18:07.019 --> 00:18:08.799 No one has done that, 00:18:09.179 --> 00:18:12.299 No one has done that, 00:18:12.460 --> 00:18:14.199 Will lose out, 00:18:15.419 --> 00:18:20.019 And I want to say to you friends this morning, 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:22.859 It is only easy, 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:25.399 To do what Peter says, 00:18:25.399 --> 00:18:26.419 If you think it's easy, 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:27.480 It's because you haven't done it, 00:18:27.480 --> 00:18:30.480 It's only easy, 00:18:30.620 --> 00:18:31.640 If you haven't done it, 00:18:32.440 --> 00:18:35.720 No one will fail, 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:37.640 To generously be compensated, 00:18:37.920 --> 00:18:40.299 Because God is a very creative compensator, 00:18:40.460 --> 00:18:41.640 In this life, 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:43.519 And in the life to come, 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:45.980 Will receive eternal life, 00:18:46.039 --> 00:18:47.200 Which is what this man was asking, 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.420 So let me ask you, 00:18:49.460 --> 00:18:50.740 At the start of a busy week, 00:18:50.860 --> 00:18:51.680 On a Sunday morning, 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:54.539 Do you have eternal life, 00:18:54.820 --> 00:18:58.240 Have you bowed the knee, 00:18:58.940 --> 00:18:59.700 To King Jesus, 00:19:00.299 --> 00:19:02.799 Have you laid yourself, 00:19:03.799 --> 00:19:05.100 And everything, 00:19:06.920 --> 00:19:08.400 At the feet of King Jesus, 00:19:08.820 --> 00:19:11.299 Like Mary did, 00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:11.880 Do you remember that, 00:19:12.600 --> 00:19:13.539 In chapter 11, 00:19:14.320 --> 00:19:15.680 Chapter 11, 00:19:15.860 --> 00:19:16.620 Mary and Martha, 00:19:16.619 --> 00:19:19.379 One thing is necessary, 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:20.179 Jesus said, 00:19:20.239 --> 00:19:21.279 One thing is necessary, 00:19:22.439 --> 00:19:23.899 And she sits at the feet of Jesus, 00:19:24.899 --> 00:19:26.000 And she listens to him, 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:29.719 Have you lost control, 00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:31.039 Of your life to him, 00:19:32.699 --> 00:19:33.899 Why you say it's yours Lord, 00:19:34.439 --> 00:19:35.239 Do it as you will, 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:38.459 It's a great relief, 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:39.199 To do that, 00:19:39.539 --> 00:19:42.039 It's a great relief, 00:19:42.139 --> 00:19:42.619 To do that, 00:19:42.699 --> 00:19:43.939 To lose control, 00:19:43.940 --> 00:19:45.660 Of your life, 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:46.580 To the one, 00:19:47.019 --> 00:19:48.660 Who is worthy of control, 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:52.539 You go to the dentist chair tomorrow, 00:19:53.620 --> 00:19:54.000 The dentist, 00:19:54.080 --> 00:19:55.400 You're sitting in the dentist chair tomorrow, 00:19:55.660 --> 00:19:57.420 And you're having root canal surgery, 00:19:58.620 --> 00:20:00.220 And the dentist says to you, 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:00.500 You know, 00:20:00.580 --> 00:20:01.880 I studied this at university, 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:03.180 But I've never done one before, 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.140 It's my first time, 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:06.440 And your eyes widen, 00:20:06.580 --> 00:20:06.900 Don't they, 00:20:07.620 --> 00:20:08.600 Like they only can, 00:20:08.660 --> 00:20:09.440 In the dentist chair, 00:20:09.860 --> 00:20:12.900 You're the GP, 00:20:12.900 --> 00:20:15.960 And you look at his wall, 00:20:17.300 --> 00:20:19.180 And he's got all his certificates there, 00:20:20.060 --> 00:20:21.440 And you think, 00:20:21.540 --> 00:20:21.980 It's great, 00:20:22.060 --> 00:20:22.900 I can have confidence, 00:20:23.900 --> 00:20:27.400 You could get on the plane tomorrow morning, 00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:29.280 And you see the pilots walking in, 00:20:29.360 --> 00:20:29.480 You know, 00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:30.500 And they've got their uniform on, 00:20:30.560 --> 00:20:31.720 And they've got their stripes, 00:20:31.800 --> 00:20:33.120 And they look so well qualified, 00:20:33.280 --> 00:20:35.000 You've got confidence in them, 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:36.820 Because they're well qualified, 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:40.480 And then you look at your life, 00:20:41.180 --> 00:20:42.360 Who is in control, 00:20:42.359 --> 00:20:45.799 If it is me, 00:20:46.599 --> 00:20:48.059 That is in control of my life, 00:20:48.119 --> 00:20:49.199 I am not well qualified, 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:52.059 I am not well qualified, 00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:52.759 To be in control, 00:20:52.939 --> 00:20:54.159 I don't have perfect knowledge, 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:56.619 I don't have power, 00:20:56.819 --> 00:20:58.000 So that I can do anything I want, 00:20:58.199 --> 00:20:58.939 I want the one, 00:20:59.059 --> 00:21:00.279 Who is in control of my life, 00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:00.759 To be the one, 00:21:00.819 --> 00:21:02.039 Who is uniquely qualified, 00:21:02.199 --> 00:21:02.939 To be in control, 00:21:03.399 --> 00:21:03.939 Of life, 00:21:04.939 --> 00:21:06.359 The uniquely God, 00:21:07.240 --> 00:21:07.879 Lord Jesus, 00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:10.599 Who uniquely rose, 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:11.299 From the dead, 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:12.099 I don't know anybody else, 00:21:12.159 --> 00:21:12.679 Who did that, 00:21:13.019 --> 00:21:14.599 Who defeated, 00:21:14.839 --> 00:21:15.980 All his enemies, 00:21:16.480 --> 00:21:18.179 And our last enemy, 00:21:18.399 --> 00:21:19.179 Which is death, 00:21:20.439 --> 00:21:21.219 He defeated, 00:21:22.219 --> 00:21:24.240 He has the authority, 00:21:24.639 --> 00:21:26.299 He has the credentials, 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:28.759 To be in control, 00:21:28.759 --> 00:21:30.460 And what a relief it is, 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:30.799 Isn't it, 00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:31.879 To just be able, 00:21:31.960 --> 00:21:34.000 To hand over everything to him, 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:36.460 Take my wealth, 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:38.680 It's all yours Lord, 00:21:39.680 --> 00:21:40.700 You gave it to me, 00:21:40.779 --> 00:21:41.579 Thank you for it, 00:21:41.619 --> 00:21:42.940 But I want to lay it at your feet, 00:21:42.940 --> 00:21:46.140 I want obedience, 00:21:46.840 --> 00:21:47.880 And recognition, 00:21:48.019 --> 00:21:48.960 Of your Lordship, 00:21:49.380 --> 00:21:50.400 To come first, 00:21:50.620 --> 00:21:54.200 Last Friday, 00:21:54.320 --> 00:21:54.820 Claire was out, 00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:55.539 And for her birthday, 00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:57.940 With some of the women, 00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:58.279 In the church, 00:21:58.340 --> 00:21:58.880 I had a great night, 00:21:58.960 --> 00:21:59.640 I did what I always do, 00:21:59.680 --> 00:22:00.360 When I get a night to myself, 00:22:00.420 --> 00:22:01.000 I got take away, 00:22:01.080 --> 00:22:01.720 From the Turkish, 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:03.920 And cans of coke, 00:22:04.580 --> 00:22:06.039 And watched The Godfather, 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:07.340 It's probably my favourite film, 00:22:07.400 --> 00:22:08.259 I don't know if you've watched it, 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:09.180 If you haven't watched it, 00:22:09.340 --> 00:22:10.580 It is a great, 00:22:10.779 --> 00:22:11.500 Great film, 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:13.980 But the problem with watching The Godfather, 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:16.000 Is you get entranced by it, 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:18.279 And so Claire arrives home, 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:20.420 And I'm pretending to be Don Corleone, 00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:23.099 And you find yourself going to the shop, 00:22:23.160 --> 00:22:23.700 The following day, 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:25.099 And you're speaking in the accent, 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:26.880 Of Michael Corleone, 00:22:28.160 --> 00:22:29.619 And somebody has to say to you, 00:22:29.660 --> 00:22:29.940 Don't they, 00:22:30.200 --> 00:22:30.960 Get real, 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:32.720 Get real, 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:34.799 You're not Don Corleone, 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:37.940 Get in touch with reality, 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:40.380 Get in touch with reality, 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:40.880 It's like it, 00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:42.340 Isn't it when you go to a martial arts film, 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:44.560 I'm out thinking you're like Bruce Lee, 00:22:45.260 --> 00:22:47.840 When you go out of these doors, 00:22:48.100 --> 00:22:48.540 This morning, 00:22:49.420 --> 00:22:50.300 You'll be going back home, 00:22:50.440 --> 00:22:51.400 Tomorrow morning you'll get up, 00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:52.340 You'll probably wait for the bus, 00:22:52.860 --> 00:22:53.600 You'll get on the tube, 00:22:54.060 --> 00:22:54.780 You'll be in work, 00:22:54.860 --> 00:22:55.980 And you will be tempted to think, 00:22:56.060 --> 00:22:56.980 Ah this is reality, 00:22:57.840 --> 00:22:59.000 This is reality, 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:01.160 Or you go on holiday in the summer, 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:01.840 And you go to the beach, 00:23:01.900 --> 00:23:02.660 You know that first time, 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.360 That first evening, 00:23:03.440 --> 00:23:04.200 When you get to the beach, 00:23:04.560 --> 00:23:05.560 And you paddle in the water, 00:23:05.660 --> 00:23:05.940 And you say, 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:06.860 Ah this is the life, 00:23:06.859 --> 00:23:08.879 This is reality, 00:23:08.879 --> 00:23:11.199 Well let me tell you what reality is, 00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:11.919 Reality is, 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:13.259 You and I are here for a very, 00:23:13.399 --> 00:23:14.199 Very short time, 00:23:14.199 --> 00:23:17.259 Life is, 00:23:17.919 --> 00:23:18.399 Brief, 00:23:19.859 --> 00:23:21.219 And eternity, 00:23:21.879 --> 00:23:23.679 Is a very long time, 00:23:24.939 --> 00:23:25.599 Get real, 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.659 Get real, 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:29.019 Understand that this morning, 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:31.680 And have the one, 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:33.200 Who understands eternity, 00:23:33.559 --> 00:23:34.759 And the one who is qualified, 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:35.819 To rule you, 00:23:35.900 --> 00:23:36.960 In the light of eternity, 00:23:37.319 --> 00:23:38.920 And lead you into eternity, 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:40.660 And have him take over right now, 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:42.139 Get real, 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:43.460 It is an eternal issue, 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:46.599 What a hateful thing, 00:23:46.639 --> 00:23:47.440 It would have been for me, 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:49.519 Last summer, 00:23:49.720 --> 00:23:50.440 On that camp, 00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:52.139 When I sat down with that young man, 00:23:52.180 --> 00:23:52.779 And he said, 00:23:53.139 --> 00:23:54.819 I want Jesus as Lord, 00:23:55.400 --> 00:23:56.759 But I want my sexual freedom, 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.980 What a hateful, 00:23:58.259 --> 00:23:59.619 Vicious thing it would have been, 00:23:59.700 --> 00:23:59.980 To say, 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:00.940 Yeah that's okay, 00:24:01.319 --> 00:24:02.660 You can keep your sexual freedom, 00:24:02.839 --> 00:24:04.359 I'm Jesus as Lord as well, 00:24:04.940 --> 00:24:09.359 That young man would have cursed me, 00:24:09.440 --> 00:24:10.140 For all eternity, 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:14.440 After all there are ten commandments, 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:16.279 Fifty percent mark, 00:24:16.359 --> 00:24:17.599 Well it's a pass mark isn't it, 00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:19.480 As long as you've got five out of ten, 00:24:19.559 --> 00:24:20.819 None of us are perfect are we, 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:23.119 How hateful a thing, 00:24:23.779 --> 00:24:25.259 It is to say to people, 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:27.299 Yeah you can keep your wealth, 00:24:27.839 --> 00:24:29.279 You can keep all those things, 00:24:29.359 --> 00:24:30.400 In the place of God, 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.879 Yeah and you can have Jesus on the side, 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:38.220 That you can be glad, 00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:39.240 When you should be sad, 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:42.339 I want to warn you today, 00:24:42.460 --> 00:24:44.140 Don't turn away from this building sad, 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:45.819 When you could go home glad, 00:24:47.660 --> 00:24:48.339 There's a saying, 00:24:48.420 --> 00:24:48.980 I've said it, 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:49.700 You've heard it before, 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:51.960 Jesus is not Lord of all, 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:53.240 Unless he is, 00:24:53.700 --> 00:24:55.160 He is not Lord at all, 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:56.759 Unless he is Lord of all, 00:24:58.180 --> 00:25:00.039 He is not Lord at all, 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:02.220 Unless he is Lord of all, 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:03.059 He was raised, 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:04.140 Anybody else who know that? 00:25:06.920 --> 00:25:08.799 He defeated his greatest enemy, 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:10.000 Anybody else who knows that? 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:13.920 And he says to this fine ruler, 00:25:14.059 --> 00:25:14.759 He says to them, 00:25:14.920 --> 00:25:16.319 Deal with your gods, 00:25:16.319 --> 00:25:19.799 Why do you call me good? 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:23.480 Or we'll find another way, 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:25.839 Do you truly recognise who I am, 00:25:25.899 --> 00:25:27.379 Like that thief on the cross? 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:31.339 Remember me as you come, 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:32.279 As king, 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:34.139 Deal with your gods, 00:25:34.379 --> 00:25:35.579 Lay them at his feet, 00:25:36.339 --> 00:25:36.980 Get rid of them, 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:38.599 Come and follow me, 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:39.819 And it's such a relief, 00:25:39.899 --> 00:25:41.319 When the only one who is qualified, 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:42.139 To rule my life, 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:42.779 Takes over, 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:44.200 And rules my life, 00:25:45.059 --> 00:25:46.819 It's such a great relief, 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:49.240 To bring all that you have, 00:25:50.279 --> 00:25:51.279 And all your gods, 00:25:51.359 --> 00:25:52.920 And you lay them at the Lord Jesus' feet, 00:25:53.059 --> 00:25:53.399 And say, 00:25:53.480 --> 00:25:54.680 Jesus you are king, 00:25:55.119 --> 00:25:56.279 You are Lord, 00:25:56.940 --> 00:25:57.920 You are God, 00:25:58.039 --> 00:25:58.559 Take away, 00:25:59.240 --> 00:26:00.059 Take control, 00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:02.480 But tragically, 00:26:02.579 --> 00:26:03.679 The rich young ruler, 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:04.259 Was sad, 00:26:05.679 --> 00:26:06.700 And went away, 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:07.619 Because he didn't want to do it, 00:26:08.859 --> 00:26:09.319 That's fine,