WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.620 Okay, so as Australians, our minds have been conditioned. 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:21.000 That's no surprise, I guess, but we've been conditioned to take on board and give acceptance to ideas that are actually opposite or exclusive of one another. 00:00:21.000 --> 00:00:38.519 So Australians, who often believe there's no control of any god of any sort in their lives, will often talk about karma, which is a Hindu belief that the gods repay you according to what you deserve. 00:00:40.620 --> 00:00:43.640 Those two things seem to be exclusive opposites. 00:00:44.200 --> 00:00:50.780 Likewise, many Australians believe in both reincarnation and resurrection. 00:00:51.000 --> 00:00:53.000 Opposites. 00:00:55.820 --> 00:00:59.780 Our political leaders, you'll often hear them say that they don't believe in God. 00:01:00.240 --> 00:01:06.000 And yet, when there's a crisis, you'll also hear them saying, well, our prayers go out to so-and-so and so-and-so. 00:01:09.799 --> 00:01:15.980 It assumes that there's a God out there who cares, who will come to people and help them in time of trouble. 00:01:15.980 --> 00:01:18.379 And yet, on another level, they say, well, they don't believe in God. 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:23.280 We see the same problem in churches. 00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:29.939 On the one hand, people say, yes, of course, I believe and trust in Jesus. 00:01:30.420 --> 00:01:32.420 We might even say, I believe and trust in the Lord Jesus. 00:01:33.820 --> 00:01:43.260 And yet, what they actually believe, or their lifestyle, might be totally at odds with what they say they believe. 00:01:43.260 --> 00:01:51.780 It might be totally in opposition to Jesus' commands, Jesus' teaching, and Jesus' example. 00:01:52.840 --> 00:01:59.900 And so the problem we have, you see, is that oftentimes professed belief is not the same as actual belief. 00:01:59.900 --> 00:02:08.659 And when push comes to shove, it's the actual belief that drives us, that governs our life's actions, not the professed belief. 00:02:10.920 --> 00:02:15.219 And the strange thing is that we can have both, and the two can be quite opposite. 00:02:16.360 --> 00:02:19.680 And that's how we've been conditioned to live as Australians. 00:02:19.680 --> 00:02:29.200 And that's exactly the problem we wrestle with, we have to wrestle with, when we jump back into John's biography of the life of Jesus. 00:02:30.340 --> 00:02:34.340 On the one hand, none of us come to these verses in neutral. 00:02:36.580 --> 00:02:45.159 I suspect that everyone here this morning have opinions and beliefs about Jesus, who he is, and how we should respond to him. 00:02:45.159 --> 00:02:51.219 But our professed beliefs may not be right. 00:02:53.680 --> 00:02:59.759 Our actual beliefs may be quite different to that which we profess, and oftentimes are for us as Christians. 00:03:00.680 --> 00:03:12.400 So if we're going to actually respond to Jesus properly, then our beliefs, our opinions, our views, need to be shaped by his words, his opinions, his views. 00:03:15.159 --> 00:03:22.639 And my friends, that includes, as we'll see this morning, being shaped by teachings that are actually uncomfortable personally. 00:03:24.379 --> 00:03:28.620 And in fact, unfashionable in our modern day society. 00:03:31.079 --> 00:03:32.759 But we'll see more of that in a little while. 00:03:33.460 --> 00:03:38.479 But with that in mind, let's remind ourselves of the structure and context of these verses. 00:03:38.479 --> 00:03:40.759 So verse 18 is a bridge. 00:03:41.280 --> 00:03:48.000 So the bridge links the healing miracle of Jesus, where he healed that guy who had been a cripple for 38 years, and he heals him. 00:03:48.679 --> 00:03:50.339 Just like that. Just gone. Bang. 00:03:50.780 --> 00:03:52.679 Complete restoration of health. 00:03:53.620 --> 00:03:54.539 It's not even a restoration. 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:57.159 It's complete giving of health and physical fitness. 00:03:57.159 --> 00:04:05.939 And then the passage we're doing this morning is Jesus teaching about the significance of that particular sign or miracle. 00:04:07.960 --> 00:04:11.259 And the key thing in that verse 18 is this. 00:04:12.079 --> 00:04:20.219 That the Jewish religious leaders had already by that stage decided that the only way to respond to Jesus was to kill him. 00:04:20.220 --> 00:04:33.200 The healing did nothing but increase their outrage and increase their determination to kill him as soon as ever possible. 00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:39.740 How does that happen? 00:04:39.840 --> 00:04:48.820 Well, the key issue seems to be, as we read verse 18, the key issue was that Jesus disregarded the Sabbath rules. 00:04:48.819 --> 00:04:54.680 Now remember, these Sabbath rules were rules that were actually made up by the Jewish religious leaders. 00:04:55.779 --> 00:05:00.779 But they had been teaching that these rules were actually, you had to obey them. 00:05:00.920 --> 00:05:01.560 They were essential. 00:05:01.699 --> 00:05:04.819 You had to obey them if you were to be acceptable to God. 00:05:04.899 --> 00:05:05.680 If you were to be saved. 00:05:05.800 --> 00:05:07.259 If you were to get into the kingdom of God. 00:05:07.519 --> 00:05:08.639 If you were to get into heaven. 00:05:08.719 --> 00:05:10.500 And all those terms are the same thing. 00:05:11.740 --> 00:05:13.659 You have to keep these rules. 00:05:14.980 --> 00:05:16.839 That's what makes you acceptable to God. 00:05:18.819 --> 00:05:21.939 That's what enabled you to say, I've honored God. 00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:29.500 And so when it comes to the rules of the Sabbath, the Jews would have thought like this. 00:05:29.579 --> 00:05:35.779 Well, only God has exemption from these rules because only God made Sabbath. 00:05:35.779 --> 00:05:46.599 So when Jesus gets disregarded these rules, he was not only rejecting their authority as Pharisees and Jewish religious leaders, 00:05:46.919 --> 00:05:50.439 but he was rejecting their understanding of what honored the Lord. 00:05:53.039 --> 00:05:55.000 What made a person acceptable to him. 00:05:55.379 --> 00:05:59.959 And most offensive of all to these Jewish religious leaders, they could hear Jesus saying, 00:05:59.959 --> 00:06:02.079 I am God. 00:06:06.019 --> 00:06:07.799 Added to that, if you look back at verse 14, 00:06:08.379 --> 00:06:17.419 Jesus had dared to take upon himself the responsibility of determining the place of sin in another person's life. 00:06:18.019 --> 00:06:20.179 That was outrageous to the Pharisees. 00:06:20.219 --> 00:06:21.339 Only God could do that. 00:06:21.339 --> 00:06:29.479 And verse 17, Jesus identified himself very personally with God in his work of healing. 00:06:30.899 --> 00:06:32.979 My father's working, so am I. 00:06:33.060 --> 00:06:34.739 My father is healing, so do I. 00:06:36.419 --> 00:06:40.899 And as the Jewish religious leaders heard this and saw this in front of their very eyes, 00:06:41.459 --> 00:06:43.719 the fury raised up within them. 00:06:43.720 --> 00:06:46.000 And there's only one possible outcome. 00:06:47.140 --> 00:06:48.700 And that was Jesus had to go. 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:56.300 Exposing sin specifically in a person's heart. 00:06:56.820 --> 00:06:58.360 Healing or restoring life. 00:06:58.820 --> 00:06:59.700 Working on the Sabbath. 00:07:00.080 --> 00:07:02.760 These were things that only God could do. 00:07:02.880 --> 00:07:04.020 Only God should do. 00:07:05.100 --> 00:07:12.160 And for somebody like Jesus to take this sort of responsibility on himself was just vile blasphemy. 00:07:13.720 --> 00:07:17.980 Deserving of death. 00:07:20.400 --> 00:07:25.580 So how does Jesus respond in the face of this dire threat to his life? 00:07:26.780 --> 00:07:29.520 Well, he doesn't run if that's what you're expecting. 00:07:29.820 --> 00:07:31.540 He actually ramps up the confrontation. 00:07:32.680 --> 00:07:37.280 He really takes it up to these guys and says to them effectively as we move into these verses, 00:07:37.660 --> 00:07:40.720 Yeah, actually, you know, you guys have got this one right at least. 00:07:40.720 --> 00:07:43.720 Yes, you are hearing me correctly saying I am God. 00:07:44.280 --> 00:07:45.440 I'm equal with God. 00:07:45.680 --> 00:07:54.240 But let me tell you, the concept of me being equal with God is far more outrageous than you guys can even begin to imagine. 00:07:54.480 --> 00:07:57.200 Let me tell you a bit more about what it means to be equal with God. 00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:01.680 He takes the battle up to them. 00:08:01.680 --> 00:08:05.500 And he uses formal rabbinic language in this truly, truly. 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:09.660 That's exactly what a rabbi would use if he was teaching his disciples. 00:08:10.480 --> 00:08:12.400 Jesus is having a lend to these guys. 00:08:17.980 --> 00:08:20.139 Let's see what you're going to do with this, says Jesus. 00:08:20.139 --> 00:08:26.519 And he proceeds to make three huge statements about equality. 00:08:29.519 --> 00:08:36.939 Each of which pushes them to see that Jesus' understanding of equality with God is far more outrageous than they could imagine. 00:08:37.960 --> 00:08:38.679 Statement one. 00:08:40.259 --> 00:08:44.120 You cannot honour the Father if you reject me. 00:08:44.120 --> 00:08:48.919 Now that doesn't sound all that hard for us because we're used to it. 00:08:48.980 --> 00:08:52.779 But for these Jews, that would have just done their head in straight away. 00:08:55.919 --> 00:09:03.159 Jesus spells out in verses 19 through to 23 the detail of his relationship to his Father. 00:09:03.860 --> 00:09:07.220 But it's all leading to the conclusion of verse 23. 00:09:07.220 --> 00:09:19.639 And that is, the conclusion is, the relationship's important, but it's the conclusion that's the most important because the conclusion is that to honour the Father is to honour Jesus as God. 00:09:20.680 --> 00:09:22.600 That's the connection Jesus wants these guys to see. 00:09:24.180 --> 00:09:26.860 So let's see how Jesus breaks that down in these verses. 00:09:27.960 --> 00:09:28.899 Verse 19. 00:09:29.720 --> 00:09:31.220 The one that James opened up for us already. 00:09:31.220 --> 00:09:36.600 There's a total unity of will, purpose, and action. 00:09:37.540 --> 00:09:41.320 A total harmony between the Father and the Son. 00:09:42.060 --> 00:09:46.580 And it says there in verse 19 that Jesus never acts independently of his Father. 00:09:48.100 --> 00:09:49.680 Now it's really important we notice the language there. 00:09:49.860 --> 00:09:54.340 It's not that he just does not act independently as if he had a choice. 00:09:54.800 --> 00:09:57.960 It's not just that he imitates the Father. 00:09:57.960 --> 00:10:06.980 No, it says he cannot act independently of the Father because he's got the exact same nature. 00:10:07.840 --> 00:10:10.139 Which means he's got the exact same desires. 00:10:11.280 --> 00:10:14.379 He does the exact same things for the exact same reasons. 00:10:19.019 --> 00:10:23.040 But that equality is not without difference or distinction. 00:10:23.039 --> 00:10:26.039 So the Father and Son remain distinct personalities. 00:10:27.179 --> 00:10:29.139 It's clear they've got different roles. 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:33.719 Especially seen in the issue of God's salvation purposes. 00:10:35.000 --> 00:10:40.339 The Son is happily obedient to and always dependent upon the Father. 00:10:42.179 --> 00:10:46.659 Yet that happens without competitiveness or resentment in the roles. 00:10:47.659 --> 00:10:49.319 Now immediately I need to stop and say, 00:10:49.320 --> 00:10:52.480 Well look, we're going to have trouble with that concept of equality. 00:10:52.600 --> 00:10:55.900 Because that's not equality as we understand it in our world. 00:10:58.560 --> 00:11:00.420 So when we talk about different roles. 00:11:00.580 --> 00:11:02.700 So if we're talking about a workplace or even in a marriage. 00:11:02.940 --> 00:11:06.520 When we talk about different roles, our minds immediately start to go to, 00:11:06.760 --> 00:11:10.340 Ah, that means somebody's inferior and somebody's superior. 00:11:10.340 --> 00:11:16.860 Or that means that somebody's open to exploitation by somebody else. 00:11:20.100 --> 00:11:22.700 So for us in our world, when we think of equality, 00:11:23.019 --> 00:11:27.780 we're thinking of a concept that removes distinctions and removes roles. 00:11:27.980 --> 00:11:31.060 So that there's a perfectly reciprocal relationship. 00:11:31.180 --> 00:11:33.600 Even to the fact that if we're going to be equal as husbands and wives, 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:34.720 we have to wear the same clothes. 00:11:35.139 --> 00:11:35.960 Have the same hairstyles. 00:11:36.920 --> 00:11:38.200 That's our concept of equality. 00:11:38.519 --> 00:11:40.259 But that's not what Jesus is talking about here. 00:11:41.220 --> 00:11:45.700 He's talking about a unity, a harmony, that's much deeper. 00:11:45.879 --> 00:11:49.399 That's based in a oneness of values. 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:50.540 A oneness of mind. 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:51.560 A oneness of purpose. 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:52.820 Not competitive. 00:11:56.180 --> 00:11:57.139 How does it work? 00:11:57.259 --> 00:11:59.259 Well, verse 20, it works because of love. 00:12:01.240 --> 00:12:04.200 This unity is nurtured, we're told in verse 20 there, 00:12:04.540 --> 00:12:08.259 through a constant, generous, giving love 00:12:08.259 --> 00:12:14.960 in which the Father reveals everything he has in mind in the salvation plan to Jesus. 00:12:16.600 --> 00:12:19.480 And in turn, Jesus is driven by love for the Father. 00:12:19.559 --> 00:12:25.539 So everything he does and says and teaches in response to that is perfectly synced. 00:12:25.539 --> 00:12:35.620 He makes real the things that his Father has said and is doing. 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:40.519 So it's an equality that we have trouble getting our minds around. 00:12:40.519 --> 00:12:51.179 And Jesus says, look, you've already seen these great things that we're doing together, Father and Son. 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:55.079 It's already been evident in my ministry of grace and mercy, says Jesus. 00:12:55.080 --> 00:12:56.879 But you know what? 00:12:58.080 --> 00:12:59.800 Far greater things are yet to come. 00:13:01.020 --> 00:13:05.160 There's more to be heard, more to be seen, more to be experienced. 00:13:06.139 --> 00:13:12.460 As I and the Father work together in the achieving of his salvation purposes. 00:13:14.360 --> 00:13:15.840 And verse 21 and 22. 00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:22.000 The key point is in terms of Jesus giving life. 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:25.420 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, 00:13:26.019 --> 00:13:32.100 so also the Son gives life to whom he will, to whomever he chooses. 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:38.180 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son. 00:13:38.179 --> 00:13:49.699 Jesus has been given by the Father the primary role in achieving his salvation purposes. 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:55.079 And again, this would have just blown the heads of these Jewish religious leaders. 00:13:55.239 --> 00:13:59.959 Because they understood that the Father was the source of all life. 00:14:00.079 --> 00:14:03.719 It was his jurisdiction only to give life. 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:07.079 Now Jesus is saying, no, the Father's actually handed that on to me. 00:14:07.080 --> 00:14:09.120 It's now become my role. 00:14:09.620 --> 00:14:11.340 Yes, the Father is a source of life. 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:15.080 But in his salvation purposes, in real time, 00:14:15.139 --> 00:14:19.920 he has committed the responsibilities of bestowing life and judgment to me, his Son. 00:14:22.080 --> 00:14:26.060 Something already demonstrated in this miracle you've just witnessed, 00:14:26.420 --> 00:14:28.120 but couldn't actually witness. 00:14:28.340 --> 00:14:30.540 Because you're so tied up about rule-breaking. 00:14:30.539 --> 00:14:37.879 So ultimately, Jesus is saying here, 00:14:37.959 --> 00:14:42.179 it will be seen and demonstrated that he is the Messiah that Isaiah spoke about. 00:14:43.439 --> 00:14:46.399 Both in his role as God's Savior, 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:53.579 in the future looking forward with death and resurrection as the basis for acceptance with God and new life. 00:14:54.179 --> 00:14:57.519 But also, as we're told in here, in his role as God's King. 00:14:57.860 --> 00:14:58.759 Now what does a King do? 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:00.200 Well, a King rules. 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:01.740 What is it to rule? 00:15:02.080 --> 00:15:04.100 Well, a King rules by passing judgments. 00:15:05.059 --> 00:15:05.899 That's acceptable. 00:15:06.159 --> 00:15:07.039 That's not acceptable. 00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:08.039 I want you to do this. 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:09.159 I don't want you to do that. 00:15:09.240 --> 00:15:10.980 If you do that, when I don't want you to do it, 00:15:11.159 --> 00:15:11.960 there will be consequences. 00:15:12.059 --> 00:15:12.759 That's judging. 00:15:14.059 --> 00:15:16.519 So Jesus is God's Savior and God's King. 00:15:17.179 --> 00:15:19.259 And the two, we'll see a little bit more towards the end. 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:21.819 Those two things, just inseparable. 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:28.360 Jesus says, 00:15:28.420 --> 00:15:30.520 The Father has given me free reign. 00:15:30.920 --> 00:15:32.600 That's the bit to whomever I will. 00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:35.820 The Father has given me free reign 00:15:35.820 --> 00:15:40.220 in matters of achieving God's salvation purposes in this world. 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:42.220 Wow. 00:15:42.220 --> 00:15:44.379 Wow. 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:47.480 Now why would God do that? 00:15:48.160 --> 00:15:48.840 Verse 23. 00:15:50.200 --> 00:15:52.240 So that Jesus is honored 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:55.800 in precisely the same way 00:15:55.800 --> 00:15:57.379 as the Father has been honored. 00:15:57.379 --> 00:16:02.279 Now, 00:16:03.080 --> 00:16:06.519 the implications of that one verse 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:09.480 are simply enormous. 00:16:11.620 --> 00:16:13.679 Especially for these Jewish religious leaders. 00:16:15.439 --> 00:16:19.179 Because the rejection of Jesus by these guys, 00:16:19.700 --> 00:16:20.539 Jesus is really saying, 00:16:21.000 --> 00:16:24.200 is a very, very serious matter indeed. 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:31.299 Jesus is saying to these guys, 00:16:31.399 --> 00:16:31.799 now look, 00:16:33.059 --> 00:16:37.379 you have a really strong commitment to honoring God. 00:16:38.659 --> 00:16:39.820 I can see that. 00:16:40.419 --> 00:16:43.620 Your idea of expressing that commitment of honoring God 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:45.000 is through rule keeping. 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:48.159 Religious activities. 00:16:51.539 --> 00:16:54.360 You think these things honor the Lord, 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:56.700 but I'm telling you now, says Jesus, 00:16:56.700 --> 00:16:58.879 that when they're put against me 00:16:58.879 --> 00:17:00.560 and you reject me in favor of these things, 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:03.060 what you're actually doing is dishonoring God. 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:07.620 Yes, you can do all the good religious things you want to, 00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:09.180 but if you reject me, 00:17:09.299 --> 00:17:10.980 then you are not honoring God 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:12.519 and you will not have God's favor. 00:17:12.700 --> 00:17:12.920 Ever. 00:17:12.920 --> 00:17:13.019 Ever. 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:19.779 In healing on Sabbath, 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:22.120 he was breaking their rules, 00:17:22.119 --> 00:17:25.899 but acting in total accord 00:17:25.899 --> 00:17:27.719 with God's character and God's purposes. 00:17:28.079 --> 00:17:29.599 But they couldn't see it 00:17:29.599 --> 00:17:32.979 because they were absolutely convinced 00:17:32.979 --> 00:17:34.379 that they had it right. 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:35.659 It didn't occur to them 00:17:35.659 --> 00:17:37.000 that they were ignorant. 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:38.399 It didn't occur to them 00:17:38.399 --> 00:17:39.819 that they needed to change. 00:17:40.099 --> 00:17:41.819 No, it had to be Jesus that changed 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:44.799 or face the consequences. 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:52.419 Jesus challenges them here. 00:17:53.619 --> 00:17:55.000 And he challenges us too 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:56.460 in the exact same way 00:17:56.460 --> 00:17:57.599 to acknowledge him, 00:17:58.720 --> 00:17:58.940 sorry, 00:17:59.119 --> 00:18:00.779 he challenges to honor him, 00:18:00.859 --> 00:18:01.539 to honor the Father 00:18:01.539 --> 00:18:03.799 by acknowledging who Jesus is. 00:18:05.980 --> 00:18:07.859 That he is who he says he is 00:18:07.859 --> 00:18:09.859 by submitting to him, 00:18:10.180 --> 00:18:11.419 by submitting to his teaching. 00:18:11.420 --> 00:18:14.940 His teaching especially 00:18:14.940 --> 00:18:15.700 on how a person 00:18:15.700 --> 00:18:16.880 is made acceptable to God. 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:18.840 And look at the outcome 00:18:18.840 --> 00:18:21.039 that Jesus wants for his opponents. 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:22.140 Remember, 00:18:22.240 --> 00:18:24.300 this is a highly confrontational situation. 00:18:26.060 --> 00:18:29.440 But rather than rage and rejection 00:18:29.440 --> 00:18:30.500 that we have in verse 20, 00:18:30.720 --> 00:18:32.440 you see Jesus' heart for these people. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:35.440 Jesus wants them to see himself 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:37.779 for who he really is. 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:38.840 And he wants them, 00:18:38.900 --> 00:18:39.340 verse 23, 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:40.500 he wants them to marvel. 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:43.840 Don't respond to me 00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:45.180 in rage and rejection, 00:18:45.340 --> 00:18:45.779 says Jesus. 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:47.519 If you can just step back 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:48.340 and look at me 00:18:48.340 --> 00:18:49.100 for who I am, 00:18:49.340 --> 00:18:50.100 for what I'm saying, 00:18:50.180 --> 00:18:51.300 for what I'm offering to you, 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:52.880 you'll marvel at me, 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:53.640 you'll welcome me. 00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:54.880 There's nothing to be frightened of 00:18:54.880 --> 00:18:55.220 in me, 00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:55.740 says Jesus. 00:18:55.980 --> 00:18:57.100 There's much to be loved. 00:19:01.320 --> 00:19:02.640 If only you can see it. 00:19:05.800 --> 00:19:07.140 If only you can accept it. 00:19:07.140 --> 00:19:09.560 And marveling, 00:19:09.640 --> 00:19:10.300 verse 23, 00:19:11.020 --> 00:19:12.180 will result in honoring. 00:19:14.900 --> 00:19:16.440 If we're to marvel at the Lord, 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:17.540 as I've already suggested earlier 00:19:17.540 --> 00:19:18.120 in my introduction, 00:19:18.320 --> 00:19:19.520 if we're to marvel at God 00:19:19.520 --> 00:19:20.180 and honor him, 00:19:20.660 --> 00:19:22.280 then we must allow our minds 00:19:22.280 --> 00:19:23.200 and attitudes 00:19:23.200 --> 00:19:24.200 and understanding 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:25.820 to be molded by Jesus. 00:19:27.900 --> 00:19:28.980 And this includes, 00:19:29.060 --> 00:19:29.759 again I say, 00:19:29.880 --> 00:19:30.520 when we get to it, 00:19:30.580 --> 00:19:31.480 his uncomfortable 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:33.500 and unfashionable teaching, 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:35.700 which is what Jesus moves on 00:19:35.700 --> 00:19:36.519 to spell out next. 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:37.860 So statement two 00:19:37.860 --> 00:19:40.880 about equality. 00:19:41.079 --> 00:19:42.839 My desire is to move people 00:19:42.839 --> 00:19:44.680 from death to eternal life. 00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:47.079 And that eternal life, 00:19:47.160 --> 00:19:47.480 says Jesus, 00:19:47.559 --> 00:19:48.960 is available only on me. 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:50.500 Verse 24. 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:53.220 Truly, truly, 00:19:53.299 --> 00:19:54.079 there's that rabbinic 00:19:54.079 --> 00:19:55.099 formal statement again. 00:19:55.680 --> 00:19:56.660 Listen up, you guys. 00:19:57.819 --> 00:19:58.640 I say to you, 00:19:58.900 --> 00:19:59.900 whoever, whoever, 00:19:59.900 --> 00:20:01.460 hears my word 00:20:01.460 --> 00:20:03.259 and believes him 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:03.940 who sent me 00:20:03.940 --> 00:20:05.880 has eternal life. 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:08.820 He does not come 00:20:08.820 --> 00:20:09.420 into judgment, 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:11.300 but has passed 00:20:11.300 --> 00:20:12.340 from death to life. 00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:17.460 Now, 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:20.080 that's a wonderful promise 00:20:20.080 --> 00:20:21.000 in its own right. 00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:27.700 So we've got to put 00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:28.640 a couple of things here together 00:20:28.640 --> 00:20:29.560 to appreciate the promise. 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:30.559 The Father and Son 00:20:30.559 --> 00:20:31.919 are totally united 00:20:31.919 --> 00:20:33.299 in the reality 00:20:33.299 --> 00:20:34.460 that there will be 00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:35.399 a day of judgment, 00:20:35.859 --> 00:20:36.839 a day of accounting 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:37.759 for our sin 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:39.019 and how we treated the Lord. 00:20:40.379 --> 00:20:41.379 That comes out 00:20:41.379 --> 00:20:42.259 in those previous verses, 00:20:42.339 --> 00:20:43.379 verses 22. 00:20:43.599 --> 00:20:44.819 So the concept of judgment 00:20:44.819 --> 00:20:46.119 or that day of accounting 00:20:46.119 --> 00:20:47.519 is put on the table. 00:20:47.879 --> 00:20:48.579 Now, here's the beauty 00:20:48.579 --> 00:20:49.079 of the promise. 00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:51.159 No sooner has Jesus 00:20:51.159 --> 00:20:51.839 and the Father 00:20:51.839 --> 00:20:53.919 put this big thing, 00:20:54.079 --> 00:20:55.159 this day of accounting 00:20:55.159 --> 00:20:55.759 on the table 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.579 than verse 24. 00:20:56.579 --> 00:20:58.439 He immediately offers 00:20:58.439 --> 00:20:59.439 as a way to escape 00:20:59.439 --> 00:21:00.079 that judgment. 00:21:01.439 --> 00:21:02.500 How good is that? 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:03.460 He says, 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:04.099 yes, there will be 00:21:04.099 --> 00:21:04.819 a day of judgment 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:06.119 and it's going to be 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:06.819 a fearsome day. 00:21:07.159 --> 00:21:08.419 Now, let me tell you 00:21:08.419 --> 00:21:10.799 what you need to do 00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:12.460 to escape God's judgment 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.039 and be safe. 00:21:13.039 --> 00:21:16.480 It's amazing 00:21:16.480 --> 00:21:18.460 the generosity 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:20.019 with which he continues 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:20.700 to respond 00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:21.559 to these Jewish 00:21:21.559 --> 00:21:22.339 religious leaders 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:23.359 and to us 00:21:23.359 --> 00:21:24.339 down the track. 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:26.399 So Jesus promises 00:21:26.399 --> 00:21:30.079 that anybody, 00:21:31.460 --> 00:21:33.220 that word doesn't need 00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:33.759 explanation, 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:36.379 includes everybody here, 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:37.579 anybody, 00:21:37.579 --> 00:21:37.639 anybody 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:42.620 who hears his word, 00:21:43.080 --> 00:21:43.400 that is, 00:21:44.180 --> 00:21:45.040 the word being 00:21:45.040 --> 00:21:45.840 the whole message 00:21:45.840 --> 00:21:46.360 of Jesus, 00:21:47.060 --> 00:21:47.820 that salvation 00:21:47.820 --> 00:21:48.660 and acceptance 00:21:48.660 --> 00:21:49.380 with God 00:21:49.380 --> 00:21:50.520 and new life 00:21:50.520 --> 00:21:51.880 is not earned 00:21:51.880 --> 00:21:53.520 by doing religious things 00:21:53.520 --> 00:21:55.180 and keeping rules, 00:21:56.400 --> 00:21:57.960 but is received 00:21:57.960 --> 00:21:58.740 as a gift 00:21:58.740 --> 00:22:02.120 through simple belief 00:22:02.120 --> 00:22:03.160 and trust in Jesus. 00:22:04.520 --> 00:22:04.920 Wow. 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:06.840 Which of those 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:07.600 two alternatives 00:22:07.600 --> 00:22:08.680 would you rather go for? 00:22:10.060 --> 00:22:11.539 Whoever hears his word 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:12.779 and believes, 00:22:13.120 --> 00:22:13.759 believes what? 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:14.560 Well, it's not just 00:22:14.560 --> 00:22:15.560 a sort of loose 00:22:15.560 --> 00:22:16.380 mental ascent, 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.420 but it's believes 00:22:17.420 --> 00:22:18.360 what Jesus is teaching, 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:19.440 believes what he's showing 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:20.080 and demonstrating 00:22:20.080 --> 00:22:21.620 that the Father and Son 00:22:21.620 --> 00:22:22.660 are working together 00:22:22.660 --> 00:22:23.680 to move people 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:24.900 from death to life. 00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:26.300 That is their desire, 00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:27.220 that is their purpose 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:27.960 in salvation. 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.720 That is the whole reason 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.039 Jesus came into the world 00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:31.920 in his rescue mission 00:22:31.920 --> 00:22:33.560 to move spiritually dead people 00:22:33.560 --> 00:22:34.660 to life. 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:42.700 marvelling and honouring 00:22:42.700 --> 00:22:43.220 is great, 00:22:43.640 --> 00:22:45.140 but the ultimate response 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:45.660 to Jesus 00:22:45.660 --> 00:22:47.960 must be this sort of belief, 00:22:49.880 --> 00:22:51.360 faith and trust, 00:22:52.360 --> 00:22:53.860 that my acceptance 00:22:53.860 --> 00:22:55.000 with God 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:57.140 is determined by Jesus, 00:22:57.800 --> 00:22:59.519 not by my performance 00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:01.460 of religious rights 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:02.019 or rules. 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:05.720 and that person 00:23:05.720 --> 00:23:06.539 then already 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:07.920 has eternal life 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:09.559 and will never, 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:10.359 ever 00:23:10.359 --> 00:23:11.559 experience 00:23:11.559 --> 00:23:12.240 God's judgment. 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:14.240 Now, 00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:15.079 we've got to look 00:23:15.079 --> 00:23:15.900 at the text again 00:23:15.900 --> 00:23:16.599 carefully here. 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:17.920 Lots of people 00:23:17.920 --> 00:23:18.579 take it one way, 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.160 lots of people 00:23:19.160 --> 00:23:19.759 take it another way. 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:20.720 I think the way 00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:21.420 I want to take it 00:23:21.420 --> 00:23:21.900 is this, 00:23:21.900 --> 00:23:24.620 that the fact 00:23:24.620 --> 00:23:25.580 that a person 00:23:25.580 --> 00:23:27.259 hears and believes 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:29.860 are not steps 00:23:29.860 --> 00:23:31.259 towards receiving 00:23:31.259 --> 00:23:32.080 eternal life, 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:33.759 but evidence 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.360 that you already 00:23:34.360 --> 00:23:35.360 have eternal life. 00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:42.379 So, in other words, 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:43.659 the reason we can 00:23:43.659 --> 00:23:44.359 actually hear and believe 00:23:44.359 --> 00:23:45.039 is because 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:46.000 God's already 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:46.500 done a work 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:47.099 in our life. 00:23:50.439 --> 00:23:51.159 It's a much 00:23:51.159 --> 00:23:52.139 stronger concept, 00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:52.619 I think. 00:23:54.479 --> 00:23:55.319 What a wonderful 00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:55.859 promise. 00:23:55.859 --> 00:23:58.299 And the receiving 00:23:58.299 --> 00:23:59.179 of eternal life 00:23:59.179 --> 00:23:59.939 guarantees we'll 00:23:59.939 --> 00:24:00.839 never face 00:24:00.839 --> 00:24:01.500 God's judgment. 00:24:02.839 --> 00:24:03.059 Now, 00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:03.899 I want to say to you, 00:24:04.119 --> 00:24:05.099 it's a very simple 00:24:05.099 --> 00:24:05.599 promise. 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.799 And then follow on 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:09.579 immediately by saying, 00:24:10.159 --> 00:24:10.519 and you know, 00:24:10.839 --> 00:24:11.859 it's the simplicity 00:24:11.859 --> 00:24:12.639 of the promise 00:24:12.639 --> 00:24:13.199 that we often 00:24:13.199 --> 00:24:13.679 trip over. 00:24:17.479 --> 00:24:18.240 We struggle 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:19.119 to believe 00:24:19.119 --> 00:24:20.119 that Jesus 00:24:20.119 --> 00:24:21.199 can give us 00:24:21.199 --> 00:24:22.459 so much 00:24:22.459 --> 00:24:24.299 in terms of 00:24:24.299 --> 00:24:25.159 forgiveness 00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:25.800 from sin, 00:24:26.180 --> 00:24:26.620 acceptance 00:24:26.620 --> 00:24:27.240 with God, 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:28.200 a new life 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:28.759 and relationship 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:29.120 with God. 00:24:29.279 --> 00:24:29.740 We struggle 00:24:29.740 --> 00:24:30.180 to believe 00:24:30.180 --> 00:24:30.560 that Jesus 00:24:30.560 --> 00:24:31.040 can give us 00:24:31.040 --> 00:24:31.759 all that 00:24:31.759 --> 00:24:33.160 at no cost. 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:37.200 Like the Jewish 00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:37.980 religious leaders, 00:24:38.060 --> 00:24:38.600 we actually feel 00:24:38.600 --> 00:24:39.480 more comfortable 00:24:39.480 --> 00:24:40.600 and prefer 00:24:40.600 --> 00:24:41.180 to put our 00:24:41.180 --> 00:24:41.740 confidence 00:24:41.740 --> 00:24:42.460 for acceptance 00:24:42.460 --> 00:24:43.100 with God 00:24:43.100 --> 00:24:44.259 in a mixture 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:44.880 of Jesus 00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:45.840 and our own 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:46.140 goodness 00:24:46.140 --> 00:24:46.800 and our 00:24:46.800 --> 00:24:47.620 religious actions 00:24:47.620 --> 00:24:48.680 because that 00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:49.460 makes us feel 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:49.940 better. 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:51.860 It sort of 00:24:51.860 --> 00:24:53.019 takes all the 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:53.720 emphasis off 00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:54.519 Jesus delivering 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:55.060 so much 00:24:55.059 --> 00:24:56.319 and it's a 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:57.119 combined effort 00:24:57.119 --> 00:24:59.139 and that's 00:24:59.139 --> 00:24:59.839 what we prefer 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:02.000 because that's 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.440 how life 00:25:02.440 --> 00:25:03.339 operates here 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:03.980 in our world. 00:25:06.179 --> 00:25:06.659 But God 00:25:06.659 --> 00:25:06.819 says, 00:25:06.919 --> 00:25:07.019 no, 00:25:07.099 --> 00:25:07.419 that's not 00:25:07.419 --> 00:25:08.039 how it works 00:25:08.039 --> 00:25:08.859 in my economy. 00:25:14.859 --> 00:25:15.220 That, 00:25:15.359 --> 00:25:15.639 in fact, 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:16.259 says the Lord, 00:25:16.339 --> 00:25:17.220 is to dishonor 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:17.519 me 00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:19.299 and it's 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:19.839 ultimately 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:20.460 to disbelieve 00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:20.740 God, 00:25:20.819 --> 00:25:21.480 to say that 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.980 Jesus himself 00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:24.120 can go a bit 00:25:24.120 --> 00:25:24.500 and then we 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:24.819 have to do 00:25:24.819 --> 00:25:25.279 our own bit 00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:25.799 alongside, 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:26.819 that actually 00:25:26.819 --> 00:25:27.400 ultimately 00:25:27.400 --> 00:25:28.539 dishonors God. 00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:34.059 And yet, 00:25:34.360 --> 00:25:34.900 here we are, 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:35.819 so many people 00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:38.039 believe they can 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:39.400 ignore Jesus 00:25:39.400 --> 00:25:40.980 and simply have 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:41.860 this sort of 00:25:41.860 --> 00:25:43.000 generalized view 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:43.480 of God 00:25:43.480 --> 00:25:43.779 and say, 00:25:43.860 --> 00:25:43.960 well, 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.200 okay, 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.200 I believe in God 00:25:45.200 --> 00:25:46.380 and at the end 00:25:46.380 --> 00:25:47.220 of my life 00:25:47.220 --> 00:25:47.740 when I die 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.460 and stand before him, 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:48.980 yes, 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:50.720 my goodness 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:51.519 and my belief 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:51.839 in God 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:52.259 will be enough 00:25:52.259 --> 00:25:52.660 to get me 00:25:52.660 --> 00:25:53.059 over the line 00:25:53.059 --> 00:25:53.339 and I'll be 00:25:53.339 --> 00:25:53.680 in heaven. 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:56.099 And Jesus 00:25:56.099 --> 00:25:56.500 doesn't even 00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:56.880 figure. 00:25:59.819 --> 00:26:00.460 Or people 00:26:00.460 --> 00:26:02.240 think Jesus 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:02.940 is a savior 00:26:02.940 --> 00:26:03.319 and this is 00:26:03.319 --> 00:26:04.279 more in churches. 00:26:04.620 --> 00:26:05.079 People say 00:26:05.079 --> 00:26:06.019 Jesus is savior 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:06.860 but I know 00:26:06.860 --> 00:26:07.319 people who 00:26:07.319 --> 00:26:07.839 believe that 00:26:07.839 --> 00:26:08.380 Jesus is savior 00:26:08.380 --> 00:26:08.779 but I actually 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.259 don't believe 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:09.740 he's God. 00:26:13.579 --> 00:26:14.200 Or people 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:14.599 think that 00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:15.099 Jesus is a 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:15.720 great teacher 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:16.420 and as a 00:26:16.420 --> 00:26:16.839 great teacher 00:26:16.839 --> 00:26:17.360 then I can 00:26:17.360 --> 00:26:17.980 cherry pick 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:18.980 those moral 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:19.519 principles 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:20.140 that he's 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:20.579 shown and 00:26:20.579 --> 00:26:21.000 demonstrated 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:21.720 so well 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:22.019 and so 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:22.500 capably 00:26:22.500 --> 00:26:23.339 because they 00:26:23.339 --> 00:26:24.039 endure across 00:26:24.039 --> 00:26:24.700 the generations 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:25.559 but I don't 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:26.099 need to think 00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:26.559 about Jesus 00:26:26.559 --> 00:26:26.940 as God 00:26:26.940 --> 00:26:27.380 and savior 00:26:27.380 --> 00:26:27.980 and judge. 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:31.420 And so we 00:26:31.420 --> 00:26:31.740 go back 00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:31.960 to the 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:32.339 introduction 00:26:32.339 --> 00:26:32.700 again. 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:34.779 These ideas 00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:35.140 we just 00:26:35.140 --> 00:26:36.099 take on board 00:26:36.099 --> 00:26:37.180 and we 00:26:37.180 --> 00:26:37.640 think we're 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:38.200 safe 00:26:38.200 --> 00:26:39.319 but in 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:39.759 actual fact 00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:40.180 the ideas 00:26:40.180 --> 00:26:40.539 we're taking 00:26:40.539 --> 00:26:40.960 on board 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:41.720 are opposites. 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:42.120 They're 00:26:42.120 --> 00:26:42.700 exclusive 00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:43.500 of one 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:43.799 another 00:26:43.799 --> 00:26:46.900 according to 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:47.120 Jesus' 00:26:47.120 --> 00:26:47.559 teaching. 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:51.079 See many 00:26:51.079 --> 00:26:51.500 who claim 00:26:51.500 --> 00:26:51.759 to be 00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:52.160 Christians 00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:53.019 have a 00:26:53.019 --> 00:26:53.759 professed 00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:54.339 belief 00:26:54.339 --> 00:26:55.519 in needing 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:56.120 Jesus for 00:26:56.120 --> 00:26:56.620 salvation 00:26:56.620 --> 00:26:58.700 but then 00:26:58.700 --> 00:26:59.400 their actual 00:26:59.400 --> 00:26:59.980 belief 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:01.740 drives them 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:02.579 to continue 00:27:02.579 --> 00:27:03.559 building their 00:27:03.559 --> 00:27:04.059 acceptance 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:05.019 before God 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:05.900 on the base 00:27:05.900 --> 00:27:06.360 of their own 00:27:06.360 --> 00:27:06.660 goodness 00:27:06.660 --> 00:27:07.059 their own 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:07.599 religious 00:27:07.599 --> 00:27:08.240 actions. 00:27:09.819 --> 00:27:10.120 And I'd be 00:27:10.120 --> 00:27:10.960 very surprised 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:11.579 if there's 00:27:11.579 --> 00:27:11.940 not more 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:12.339 than a few 00:27:12.339 --> 00:27:12.660 here 00:27:12.660 --> 00:27:13.360 who are 00:27:13.360 --> 00:27:13.960 exactly in 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:14.519 that position. 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:15.180 Professed 00:27:15.180 --> 00:27:15.440 belief 00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:16.279 yes I'm 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:16.740 saved by 00:27:16.740 --> 00:27:17.039 Jesus. 00:27:17.380 --> 00:27:17.680 Actual 00:27:17.680 --> 00:27:17.960 belief 00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:18.680 I need 00:27:18.680 --> 00:27:19.100 to do 00:27:19.100 --> 00:27:19.680 things 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:20.360 to be 00:27:20.360 --> 00:27:20.600 more 00:27:20.600 --> 00:27:21.100 acceptable 00:27:21.100 --> 00:27:21.360 to 00:27:21.360 --> 00:27:21.660 Jesus 00:27:21.660 --> 00:27:22.059 in 00:27:22.059 --> 00:27:24.340 fear 00:27:24.340 --> 00:27:24.519 of 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:24.920 judgment 00:27:24.920 --> 00:27:25.539 ahead. 00:27:35.039 --> 00:27:35.759 And that 00:27:35.759 --> 00:27:36.380 traps many 00:27:36.380 --> 00:27:36.720 Christians 00:27:36.720 --> 00:27:36.980 doesn't it? 00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:37.400 We say 00:27:37.400 --> 00:27:37.940 on the one 00:27:37.940 --> 00:27:38.440 hand that 00:27:38.440 --> 00:27:40.120 yes I do 00:27:40.120 --> 00:27:40.600 believe the 00:27:40.600 --> 00:27:40.940 gospel. 00:27:41.700 --> 00:27:42.080 I do 00:27:42.080 --> 00:27:42.519 believe I 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:43.039 have forgiveness. 00:27:43.180 --> 00:27:43.460 I do 00:27:43.460 --> 00:27:43.920 believe I 00:27:43.920 --> 00:27:44.259 have eternal 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:44.500 life. 00:27:44.599 --> 00:27:44.839 I do 00:27:44.839 --> 00:27:47.279 believe that 00:27:47.279 --> 00:27:47.940 Jesus saved 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:48.079 me. 00:27:48.159 --> 00:27:48.500 Yet we 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:48.879 live in 00:27:48.879 --> 00:27:51.059 fear of 00:27:51.059 --> 00:27:51.619 God's hand 00:27:51.619 --> 00:27:52.079 of judgment 00:27:52.079 --> 00:27:52.720 falling upon 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.240 us and it 00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:53.740 debilitates 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.200 us. 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:55.379 Well what 00:27:55.379 --> 00:27:55.700 about that 00:27:55.700 --> 00:27:56.279 sin back 00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:56.700 then or 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:57.259 what about 00:27:57.259 --> 00:27:57.819 these sins 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:58.220 now or 00:27:58.220 --> 00:27:58.420 what about 00:27:58.420 --> 00:27:58.779 the sin I 00:27:58.779 --> 00:27:59.079 haven't yet 00:27:59.079 --> 00:27:59.420 committed? 00:28:00.079 --> 00:28:00.379 And we 00:28:00.379 --> 00:28:01.279 sort of say 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:01.619 on the one 00:28:01.619 --> 00:28:02.159 hand yes I 00:28:02.159 --> 00:28:02.859 believe that 00:28:02.859 --> 00:28:03.619 I've been 00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:04.180 saved I've 00:28:04.180 --> 00:28:04.500 been given 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.119 new life and 00:28:05.119 --> 00:28:05.460 I'll never 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:05.740 have to 00:28:05.740 --> 00:28:06.440 experience God's 00:28:06.440 --> 00:28:06.839 judgment but 00:28:06.839 --> 00:28:07.200 the actual 00:28:07.200 --> 00:28:08.639 belief makes 00:28:08.639 --> 00:28:09.119 us live in 00:28:09.119 --> 00:28:09.500 fear. 00:28:09.500 --> 00:28:09.640 sin. 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:13.859 Since Jesus 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:15.279 is God then 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:16.099 he has power 00:28:16.099 --> 00:28:16.799 and authority 00:28:16.799 --> 00:28:17.539 to keep the 00:28:17.539 --> 00:28:18.039 promise he 00:28:18.039 --> 00:28:18.579 makes here in 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:19.259 verse 24. 00:28:23.640 --> 00:28:24.240 Including 00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:25.660 delivering on 00:28:25.660 --> 00:28:26.539 eternal life 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:28.980 and guaranteeing 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:29.519 that we will 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:30.720 never ever face 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:31.359 the judgment of 00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:32.559 God in the 00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:32.839 future. 00:28:37.640 --> 00:28:38.200 Statement 00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:38.480 three. 00:28:39.500 --> 00:28:40.180 Your response 00:28:40.180 --> 00:28:40.700 to Jesus 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:42.559 now determines 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.140 how your 00:28:43.140 --> 00:28:43.839 life story 00:28:43.839 --> 00:28:44.460 will end. 00:28:47.799 --> 00:28:48.720 So this is 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:49.119 one of those 00:28:49.119 --> 00:28:49.579 stories you 00:28:49.579 --> 00:28:49.880 know with 00:28:49.880 --> 00:28:50.519 kids books 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:51.039 and I'm 00:28:51.039 --> 00:28:51.180 getting 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:51.660 reacquainted 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:51.920 with that 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:52.160 sort of 00:28:52.160 --> 00:28:52.420 stuff. 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:53.539 This is one 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:53.779 of those 00:28:53.779 --> 00:28:54.319 stories where 00:28:54.319 --> 00:28:54.619 you can 00:28:54.619 --> 00:28:55.099 choose your 00:28:55.099 --> 00:28:55.400 ending. 00:28:57.420 --> 00:28:57.660 And verses 00:28:57.660 --> 00:28:58.519 25 through 00:28:58.519 --> 00:28:59.319 to 29 will 00:28:59.319 --> 00:28:59.839 either be a 00:28:59.839 --> 00:29:01.160 fantastic comfort 00:29:01.160 --> 00:29:01.859 and promise 00:29:01.859 --> 00:29:04.779 or a dire 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:05.319 warning. 00:29:07.119 --> 00:29:07.460 And so that's 00:29:07.460 --> 00:29:08.539 going to divide 00:29:08.539 --> 00:29:09.140 us here now 00:29:09.140 --> 00:29:09.600 this morning. 00:29:10.340 --> 00:29:10.720 So you're 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:11.200 all out there 00:29:11.200 --> 00:29:12.100 well some of 00:29:12.100 --> 00:29:12.240 you are 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:12.600 listening to 00:29:12.600 --> 00:29:14.680 me or 00:29:14.680 --> 00:29:15.160 still listening 00:29:15.160 --> 00:29:16.160 to me or 00:29:16.160 --> 00:29:16.560 maybe once 00:29:16.560 --> 00:29:16.880 were listening 00:29:16.880 --> 00:29:17.140 to me. 00:29:17.280 --> 00:29:17.480 Whatever. 00:29:18.100 --> 00:29:18.380 But you 00:29:18.380 --> 00:29:19.240 see these 00:29:19.240 --> 00:29:19.640 verses are 00:29:19.640 --> 00:29:19.820 going to 00:29:19.820 --> 00:29:20.440 divide us 00:29:20.440 --> 00:29:22.660 because the 00:29:22.660 --> 00:29:23.040 verses are 00:29:23.040 --> 00:29:23.440 going to talk 00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:24.320 about God's 00:29:24.320 --> 00:29:25.400 judgment in 00:29:25.400 --> 00:29:25.880 relation to 00:29:25.880 --> 00:29:26.240 where we are 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:26.480 now. 00:29:26.480 --> 00:29:31.500 and the 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:31.799 way your 00:29:31.799 --> 00:29:32.180 story will 00:29:32.180 --> 00:29:33.380 end depends 00:29:33.380 --> 00:29:33.759 on whether 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:34.360 you accept 00:29:34.360 --> 00:29:34.860 Jesus and 00:29:34.860 --> 00:29:35.319 believe in 00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:36.120 him or 00:29:36.120 --> 00:29:36.620 you reject 00:29:36.620 --> 00:29:36.920 him. 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:37.740 It's that 00:29:37.740 --> 00:29:38.039 simple. 00:29:38.279 --> 00:29:38.500 There isn't 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:38.779 a third 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:39.160 alternative. 00:29:40.019 --> 00:29:40.620 Verse 25 00:29:40.619 --> 00:29:43.779 truly truly I 00:29:43.779 --> 00:29:44.139 say to you 00:29:44.139 --> 00:29:44.539 an hour is 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:45.599 coming and 00:29:45.599 --> 00:29:46.399 is now 00:29:46.399 --> 00:29:48.519 here when 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:48.839 the dead 00:29:48.839 --> 00:29:49.319 will hear the 00:29:49.319 --> 00:29:49.879 voice of the 00:29:49.879 --> 00:29:50.419 son of God 00:29:50.419 --> 00:29:50.859 and those 00:29:50.859 --> 00:29:51.299 who hear will 00:29:51.299 --> 00:29:51.619 live to 00:29:51.619 --> 00:29:51.899 life. 00:29:54.299 --> 00:29:54.679 A 00:29:54.679 --> 00:29:55.199 saviour 00:29:55.199 --> 00:29:56.879 Jesus has 00:29:56.879 --> 00:29:57.679 power and 00:29:57.679 --> 00:29:59.459 authority to 00:29:59.459 --> 00:30:00.659 give spiritually 00:30:00.659 --> 00:30:01.839 dead people 00:30:01.839 --> 00:30:04.219 new life and 00:30:04.219 --> 00:30:04.919 relationship with 00:30:04.919 --> 00:30:05.099 God. 00:30:05.239 --> 00:30:06.079 That as my 00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:06.639 previous point 00:30:06.639 --> 00:30:07.419 was that's 00:30:07.419 --> 00:30:08.039 God's desire 00:30:08.039 --> 00:30:08.079 desire, 00:30:08.139 --> 00:30:08.359 that's the 00:30:08.359 --> 00:30:08.759 father's 00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:09.019 desire, 00:30:09.119 --> 00:30:09.399 that's the 00:30:09.399 --> 00:30:09.740 son's 00:30:09.740 --> 00:30:09.899 desire, 00:30:10.099 --> 00:30:10.480 that's what 00:30:10.480 --> 00:30:10.659 they're 00:30:10.659 --> 00:30:11.200 working on 00:30:11.200 --> 00:30:12.460 in harmony 00:30:12.460 --> 00:30:13.220 to move 00:30:13.220 --> 00:30:13.920 people who 00:30:13.920 --> 00:30:14.399 are spiritually 00:30:14.399 --> 00:30:15.299 dead to 00:30:15.299 --> 00:30:15.659 life. 00:30:18.399 --> 00:30:19.299 But this 00:30:19.299 --> 00:30:20.279 also means 00:30:20.279 --> 00:30:22.579 that Jesus 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:23.019 is the 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:25.119 judge because 00:30:25.119 --> 00:30:25.659 in giving 00:30:25.659 --> 00:30:26.460 people new 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:27.180 life he makes 00:30:27.180 --> 00:30:27.659 a judgment 00:30:27.659 --> 00:30:28.139 about them, 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:28.799 he stamps 00:30:28.799 --> 00:30:30.759 them never 00:30:30.759 --> 00:30:32.839 again to 00:30:32.839 --> 00:30:33.559 be considered 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:35.740 for God's 00:30:35.740 --> 00:30:36.019 judgment. 00:30:38.039 --> 00:30:38.799 no longer 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.099 under 00:30:39.099 --> 00:30:39.519 judgment, 00:30:39.940 --> 00:30:40.339 Romans 8, 00:30:40.599 --> 00:30:41.299 no longer 00:30:41.299 --> 00:30:41.619 under 00:30:41.619 --> 00:30:42.279 condemnation. 00:30:43.899 --> 00:30:44.420 So the 00:30:44.420 --> 00:30:44.819 act of 00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:45.799 saving involves 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:46.279 the act of 00:30:46.279 --> 00:30:46.680 judging. 00:30:49.899 --> 00:30:50.500 Now we 00:30:50.500 --> 00:30:50.859 don't actually 00:30:50.859 --> 00:30:51.740 see that so 00:30:51.740 --> 00:30:52.680 much now when 00:30:52.680 --> 00:30:53.220 we're actually 00:30:53.220 --> 00:30:53.700 talking about 00:30:53.700 --> 00:30:54.139 Jesus and 00:30:54.139 --> 00:30:54.700 responding. 00:30:55.319 --> 00:30:55.639 But verse 00:30:55.639 --> 00:30:56.099 28 and 00:30:56.099 --> 00:30:57.700 29, that 00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:59.619 reality, which 00:30:59.619 --> 00:31:00.119 is sort of 00:31:00.119 --> 00:31:01.299 covered a 00:31:01.299 --> 00:31:01.819 little bit when 00:31:01.819 --> 00:31:02.139 we're just 00:31:02.139 --> 00:31:02.819 offering people 00:31:02.819 --> 00:31:03.279 the gospel, 00:31:03.420 --> 00:31:04.019 that reality 00:31:04.019 --> 00:31:04.639 will be seen 00:31:04.639 --> 00:31:04.960 at the end 00:31:04.960 --> 00:31:05.519 of the world, 00:31:06.099 --> 00:31:06.659 verse 28 and 00:31:06.659 --> 00:31:07.059 29. 00:31:08.039 --> 00:31:09.379 on the 00:31:09.379 --> 00:31:09.940 great and 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:10.799 final day of 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:11.399 judgment when 00:31:11.399 --> 00:31:12.019 Jesus will 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:12.759 divide all 00:31:12.759 --> 00:31:13.440 people into 00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:14.139 two groups. 00:31:15.639 --> 00:31:16.159 And it's 00:31:16.159 --> 00:31:16.779 very clear what 00:31:16.779 --> 00:31:17.299 the two groups 00:31:17.299 --> 00:31:17.559 are. 00:31:18.480 --> 00:31:19.059 Those who have 00:31:19.059 --> 00:31:19.579 done good, 00:31:20.240 --> 00:31:20.639 those who have 00:31:20.639 --> 00:31:21.159 done evil. 00:31:22.099 --> 00:31:23.440 Now, our 00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:24.180 natural tendency 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:25.000 again is to 00:31:25.000 --> 00:31:26.420 immediately think 00:31:26.420 --> 00:31:26.799 of our 00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:27.339 performance. 00:31:28.139 --> 00:31:28.700 But that's not 00:31:28.700 --> 00:31:29.240 what these words 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:29.779 mean here in 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.440 the context. 00:31:31.299 --> 00:31:31.819 Good here in 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:33.460 the context is 00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:35.319 those who have 00:31:35.319 --> 00:31:36.059 believed in the 00:31:36.059 --> 00:31:36.480 Lord Jesus 00:31:36.480 --> 00:31:36.960 Christ. 00:31:38.039 --> 00:31:39.539 as the basis 00:31:39.539 --> 00:31:39.980 of acceptance 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:40.579 before God. 00:31:41.119 --> 00:31:42.779 Evil are those 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:43.779 who have 00:31:43.779 --> 00:31:45.980 believed in 00:31:45.980 --> 00:31:46.319 their own 00:31:46.319 --> 00:31:46.960 merits, in 00:31:46.960 --> 00:31:47.220 their own 00:31:47.220 --> 00:31:48.059 religious actions 00:31:48.059 --> 00:31:50.539 as the basis 00:31:50.539 --> 00:31:51.019 of acceptance 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:51.700 before God. 00:31:51.700 --> 00:31:51.799 God. 00:31:55.299 --> 00:31:56.660 And so, at that 00:31:56.660 --> 00:31:57.319 great day of 00:31:57.319 --> 00:31:58.840 judgment will 00:31:58.840 --> 00:31:59.200 be a very 00:31:59.200 --> 00:31:59.819 simple matter. 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:02.240 Jesus will 00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:03.220 call all people 00:32:03.220 --> 00:32:03.620 from their 00:32:03.620 --> 00:32:04.360 graves across 00:32:04.360 --> 00:32:04.779 all the 00:32:04.779 --> 00:32:05.319 generations. 00:32:07.279 --> 00:32:07.759 And here's 00:32:07.759 --> 00:32:08.680 the either or 00:32:08.680 --> 00:32:09.539 alternative. 00:32:10.160 --> 00:32:12.539 Either he 00:32:12.539 --> 00:32:13.460 will greet you 00:32:13.460 --> 00:32:15.799 warmly and 00:32:15.799 --> 00:32:16.519 welcome you 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:17.700 into heaven and 00:32:17.700 --> 00:32:18.860 full enjoyment of 00:32:18.860 --> 00:32:19.539 the life that you 00:32:19.539 --> 00:32:20.519 now enjoy in 00:32:20.519 --> 00:32:21.339 him because 00:32:21.339 --> 00:32:21.899 you've believed 00:32:21.899 --> 00:32:22.220 in him. 00:32:24.599 --> 00:32:26.519 Or he 00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:27.019 will greet 00:32:27.019 --> 00:32:28.639 you formally 00:32:28.639 --> 00:32:30.759 and coldly 00:32:30.759 --> 00:32:33.240 as a 00:32:33.240 --> 00:32:33.619 formidable 00:32:33.619 --> 00:32:34.759 judge and 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:35.299 he'll say to 00:32:35.299 --> 00:32:37.299 you, go to 00:32:37.299 --> 00:32:37.559 hell. 00:32:41.619 --> 00:32:42.339 Because you 00:32:42.339 --> 00:32:42.839 dared to 00:32:42.839 --> 00:32:43.440 reject me. 00:32:43.440 --> 00:32:49.039 Now, this is 00:32:49.039 --> 00:32:49.740 the uncomfortable 00:32:49.740 --> 00:32:50.799 and unfashionable 00:32:50.799 --> 00:32:52.059 truth I 00:32:52.059 --> 00:32:52.799 mentioned earlier. 00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:54.100 Because you 00:32:54.100 --> 00:32:54.860 see, we don't 00:32:54.860 --> 00:32:55.799 like the idea of 00:32:55.799 --> 00:32:56.440 judgment in our 00:32:56.440 --> 00:32:56.799 world. 00:33:00.480 --> 00:33:01.380 When people are 00:33:01.380 --> 00:33:01.900 challenged about 00:33:01.900 --> 00:33:02.580 anything these 00:33:02.580 --> 00:33:03.360 days, what's the 00:33:03.360 --> 00:33:04.140 standard response? 00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:05.460 Don't judge me. 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:08.220 Don Carson 00:33:08.220 --> 00:33:09.080 says the most 00:33:09.080 --> 00:33:10.299 favorite verse in 00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:11.019 the Bible for 00:33:11.019 --> 00:33:11.720 Christians used to 00:33:11.720 --> 00:33:13.360 be John 3, 16. 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:15.019 But now he 00:33:15.019 --> 00:33:16.279 says, Matthew 7, 00:33:16.340 --> 00:33:18.200 verse 1, don't 00:33:18.200 --> 00:33:18.720 judge me or 00:33:18.720 --> 00:33:19.360 you'll be judged. 00:33:20.740 --> 00:33:21.480 Very sad, isn't 00:33:21.480 --> 00:33:21.620 it? 00:33:22.100 --> 00:33:22.799 We don't like 00:33:22.799 --> 00:33:23.120 judgment. 00:33:24.400 --> 00:33:25.279 We do it when we 00:33:25.279 --> 00:33:26.000 can to avoid the 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:26.559 concept of 00:33:26.559 --> 00:33:26.820 judgment. 00:33:27.660 --> 00:33:29.580 We refuse to 00:33:29.580 --> 00:33:30.900 be accountable of 00:33:30.900 --> 00:33:31.620 our actions by 00:33:31.620 --> 00:33:32.140 allowing other 00:33:32.140 --> 00:33:32.720 people to make a 00:33:32.720 --> 00:33:33.460 judgment upon our 00:33:33.460 --> 00:33:33.799 actions. 00:33:36.860 --> 00:33:37.600 It's a very 00:33:37.600 --> 00:33:38.220 uncomfortable 00:33:38.220 --> 00:33:38.779 truth. 00:33:43.440 --> 00:33:45.100 that that's 00:33:45.100 --> 00:33:45.680 exactly what 00:33:45.680 --> 00:33:46.299 Jesus says will 00:33:46.299 --> 00:33:46.600 happen. 00:33:52.940 --> 00:33:53.740 We play it 00:33:53.740 --> 00:33:54.160 down, we 00:33:54.160 --> 00:33:55.700 avoid it, but 00:33:55.700 --> 00:33:56.220 it's a key 00:33:56.220 --> 00:33:58.180 role in Jesus 00:33:58.180 --> 00:33:59.279 achieving God's 00:33:59.279 --> 00:34:00.100 salvation purpose. 00:34:01.440 --> 00:34:02.220 It's not going to 00:34:02.220 --> 00:34:02.840 go away just 00:34:02.840 --> 00:34:03.400 because we don't 00:34:03.400 --> 00:34:03.900 like it. 00:34:04.900 --> 00:34:05.640 It's not going to 00:34:05.640 --> 00:34:06.240 go away just 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:06.620 because it's 00:34:06.620 --> 00:34:07.360 unfashionable. 00:34:07.359 --> 00:34:11.839 a savior, Jesus 00:34:11.839 --> 00:34:13.039 is also king 00:34:13.039 --> 00:34:14.759 and a key role 00:34:14.759 --> 00:34:15.519 of ruling, as 00:34:15.519 --> 00:34:16.179 I've said before, 00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:17.299 is judging, 00:34:18.400 --> 00:34:19.179 discerning between 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:20.639 this one and 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:21.059 that one. 00:34:25.059 --> 00:34:25.880 But at the same 00:34:25.880 --> 00:34:26.539 time, it's also a 00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:27.539 wonderfully positive 00:34:27.539 --> 00:34:28.359 truth because it 00:34:28.359 --> 00:34:29.199 means that everyone 00:34:29.199 --> 00:34:30.339 here this morning 00:34:30.339 --> 00:34:32.099 has the opportunity 00:34:32.099 --> 00:34:33.219 to sort the 00:34:33.219 --> 00:34:34.099 future, your 00:34:34.099 --> 00:34:35.099 future, right 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:35.400 now. 00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:38.700 And isn't 00:34:38.700 --> 00:34:39.139 that what we 00:34:39.139 --> 00:34:39.720 long for? 00:34:40.300 --> 00:34:40.940 I'm hearing 00:34:40.940 --> 00:34:41.680 people all the 00:34:41.680 --> 00:34:42.039 time and it's 00:34:42.039 --> 00:34:42.480 in my own 00:34:42.480 --> 00:34:42.740 heart. 00:34:43.180 --> 00:34:44.539 We just wish 00:34:44.539 --> 00:34:45.019 that we could 00:34:45.019 --> 00:34:45.639 secure the 00:34:45.639 --> 00:34:46.019 future. 00:34:46.519 --> 00:34:47.480 We plan for 00:34:47.480 --> 00:34:48.000 the future in 00:34:48.000 --> 00:34:48.360 terms of 00:34:48.360 --> 00:34:48.880 savings. 00:34:49.639 --> 00:34:50.820 We long for 00:34:50.820 --> 00:34:51.300 the future to 00:34:51.300 --> 00:34:51.780 be good. 00:34:51.900 --> 00:34:52.420 We long for 00:34:52.420 --> 00:34:52.920 the future to 00:34:52.920 --> 00:34:53.539 have security 00:34:53.539 --> 00:34:54.019 for us. 00:34:56.619 --> 00:34:57.460 People invest 00:34:57.460 --> 00:34:58.480 time and energy 00:34:58.480 --> 00:34:58.960 and money 00:34:58.960 --> 00:34:59.740 consulting those 00:34:59.740 --> 00:35:00.240 who claim to 00:35:00.240 --> 00:35:00.579 be able to 00:35:00.579 --> 00:35:01.059 predict the 00:35:01.059 --> 00:35:01.599 future, whether 00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:02.700 scientists or 00:35:02.700 --> 00:35:03.320 witches. 00:35:05.400 --> 00:35:07.180 we're geared. 00:35:07.820 --> 00:35:08.360 We've got that 00:35:08.360 --> 00:35:09.280 deep longing 00:35:09.280 --> 00:35:11.460 within us to 00:35:11.460 --> 00:35:11.840 settle the 00:35:11.840 --> 00:35:12.059 future. 00:35:12.160 --> 00:35:12.420 And by the 00:35:12.420 --> 00:35:12.579 way, I 00:35:12.579 --> 00:35:12.940 wasn't saying 00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:13.480 scientists and 00:35:13.480 --> 00:35:13.980 witches were the 00:35:13.980 --> 00:35:14.320 same there. 00:35:14.420 --> 00:35:15.360 I see one 00:35:15.360 --> 00:35:15.880 scientist up 00:35:15.880 --> 00:35:16.740 the back having 00:35:16.740 --> 00:35:17.220 a bit of 00:35:17.220 --> 00:35:17.460 smile. 00:35:18.180 --> 00:35:18.619 They're polar 00:35:18.619 --> 00:35:19.059 opposites. 00:35:19.980 --> 00:35:20.800 But rationale 00:35:20.800 --> 00:35:21.320 versus 00:35:21.320 --> 00:35:21.940 irrational. 00:35:22.940 --> 00:35:23.500 All right, I'll 00:35:23.500 --> 00:35:23.800 talk to you 00:35:23.800 --> 00:35:24.059 afterwards, 00:35:24.139 --> 00:35:24.240 Adam. 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:25.480 And the 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:26.180 other 27 00:35:26.180 --> 00:35:26.740 scientists. 00:35:30.039 --> 00:35:30.980 I didn't. 00:35:31.099 --> 00:35:31.400 Yeah, okay. 00:35:32.200 --> 00:35:32.660 But you 00:35:32.660 --> 00:35:33.340 see, we're 00:35:33.340 --> 00:35:34.340 hardwired. 00:35:35.400 --> 00:35:36.720 for eternity. 00:35:38.820 --> 00:35:39.820 We get so 00:35:39.820 --> 00:35:40.920 often get trapped 00:35:40.920 --> 00:35:41.599 into seeking 00:35:41.599 --> 00:35:42.820 security for the 00:35:42.820 --> 00:35:43.680 future in our 00:35:43.680 --> 00:35:44.119 own effort. 00:35:44.519 --> 00:35:44.860 And all the 00:35:44.860 --> 00:35:45.380 while, Jesus 00:35:45.380 --> 00:35:45.920 said, look, 00:35:46.280 --> 00:35:47.059 come to me, 00:35:48.019 --> 00:35:48.500 and this 00:35:48.500 --> 00:35:49.920 morning, your 00:35:49.920 --> 00:35:50.519 future can be 00:35:50.519 --> 00:35:50.740 sorted. 00:35:53.220 --> 00:35:54.000 So Jesus 00:35:54.000 --> 00:35:54.559 says to us 00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:55.000 this morning, 00:35:55.460 --> 00:35:56.000 yes, I am 00:35:56.000 --> 00:35:56.820 equal with God. 00:35:57.880 --> 00:35:58.559 But he also 00:35:58.559 --> 00:36:00.000 says, I'm the 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:00.760 man you 00:36:00.760 --> 00:36:02.059 cannot ignore. 00:36:02.059 --> 00:36:05.360 or maybe he'll 00:36:05.360 --> 00:36:05.759 give it a 00:36:05.759 --> 00:36:06.279 second go. 00:36:07.279 --> 00:36:08.159 I'm the man 00:36:08.159 --> 00:36:09.039 you can only 00:36:09.039 --> 00:36:10.019 ignore at your 00:36:10.019 --> 00:36:10.559 own peril. 00:36:13.639 --> 00:36:14.320 Because at the 00:36:14.320 --> 00:36:14.860 end of the day, 00:36:14.920 --> 00:36:15.460 says Jesus, 00:36:15.880 --> 00:36:16.840 when you die, 00:36:17.519 --> 00:36:18.199 and that final 00:36:18.199 --> 00:36:19.059 judgment comes, 00:36:20.299 --> 00:36:21.279 my voice will 00:36:21.279 --> 00:36:21.880 be the first 00:36:21.880 --> 00:36:22.440 thing you will 00:36:22.440 --> 00:36:23.440 hear consciously 00:36:23.440 --> 00:36:24.059 after your 00:36:24.059 --> 00:36:24.360 death. 00:36:26.279 --> 00:36:27.039 And that voice 00:36:27.039 --> 00:36:27.639 will either say 00:36:27.639 --> 00:36:28.000 to you, 00:36:28.099 --> 00:36:28.759 every one of us 00:36:28.759 --> 00:36:29.639 here this morning 00:36:29.639 --> 00:36:30.279 will either say 00:36:30.279 --> 00:36:30.659 to you, 00:36:31.460 --> 00:36:32.259 welcome home 00:36:32.259 --> 00:36:33.539 on the basis 00:36:33.539 --> 00:36:33.839 that you 00:36:33.839 --> 00:36:34.559 believed in me 00:36:34.559 --> 00:36:35.259 and trusted in 00:36:35.259 --> 00:36:36.000 me for acceptance 00:36:36.000 --> 00:36:36.900 before God, 00:36:38.019 --> 00:36:38.519 or will say, 00:36:38.619 --> 00:36:39.139 go to hell. 00:36:40.879 --> 00:36:41.619 Let me pray. 00:36:45.139 --> 00:36:45.719 Lord, these 00:36:45.719 --> 00:36:47.039 are big words, 00:36:47.699 --> 00:36:48.239 heavy words, 00:36:48.279 --> 00:36:48.900 and yet exciting 00:36:48.900 --> 00:36:49.259 words. 00:36:50.739 --> 00:36:51.119 Help us, 00:36:51.239 --> 00:36:52.519 Lord, to walk 00:36:52.519 --> 00:36:52.940 through them 00:36:52.940 --> 00:36:53.480 carefully, 00:36:54.900 --> 00:36:55.940 sensing the 00:36:55.940 --> 00:36:56.900 awe of them, 00:36:56.900 --> 00:36:59.720 but walk 00:36:59.720 --> 00:37:00.079 through them, 00:37:00.160 --> 00:37:00.460 Lord, with 00:37:00.460 --> 00:37:01.660 excitement and 00:37:01.660 --> 00:37:02.480 confidence, 00:37:03.119 --> 00:37:03.700 knowing that you 00:37:03.700 --> 00:37:05.079 want to move us 00:37:05.079 --> 00:37:05.700 from death to 00:37:05.700 --> 00:37:06.019 life. 00:37:06.480 --> 00:37:07.260 You want us to 00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:08.760 be settled in 00:37:08.760 --> 00:37:09.420 respect to the 00:37:09.420 --> 00:37:11.280 future, and that 00:37:11.280 --> 00:37:12.160 both those things 00:37:12.160 --> 00:37:13.000 are achieved by 00:37:13.000 --> 00:37:14.139 belief and trust 00:37:14.139 --> 00:37:14.840 and living under 00:37:14.840 --> 00:37:15.500 the lordship of 00:37:15.500 --> 00:37:15.960 the Lord Jesus 00:37:15.960 --> 00:37:16.400 Christ. 00:37:17.660 --> 00:37:18.579 Help us to see 00:37:18.579 --> 00:37:18.940 that, Lord. 00:37:19.000 --> 00:37:19.440 Help us to 00:37:19.440 --> 00:37:20.320 respond, not just 00:37:20.320 --> 00:37:21.019 in marvel and 00:37:21.019 --> 00:37:22.280 honor, but to 00:37:22.280 --> 00:37:22.660 believe. 00:37:23.300 --> 00:37:23.579 Amen. 00:37:23.579 --> 00:37:23.660 Amen.