WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.980 Thank you. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.859 Revelation, chapter 2. 00:00:34.159 --> 00:00:39.100 We've begun a series here in Revelation just a few weeks ago. 00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:43.679 If you've missed any of the talks, please do find them on our church website. 00:00:43.859 --> 00:00:45.060 You can follow along there. 00:00:45.060 --> 00:01:05.120 And we're going to read from chapter 2, verses 1 to 7. 00:01:08.260 --> 00:01:11.159 Revelation, chapter 2, verses 1 to 7. 00:01:11.159 --> 00:01:23.899 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write, 00:01:23.900 --> 00:01:30.340 These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand 00:01:30.340 --> 00:01:33.900 and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 00:01:33.900 --> 00:01:40.120 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. 00:01:41.060 --> 00:01:44.060 I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, 00:01:44.560 --> 00:01:48.860 that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not 00:01:48.860 --> 00:01:50.820 and have found them false. 00:01:51.939 --> 00:01:55.400 You've persevered and have endured hardships for my name 00:01:55.400 --> 00:01:56.620 and have not grown weary. 00:01:56.620 --> 00:02:00.500 Yet I hold this against you. 00:02:01.620 --> 00:02:05.580 You have forsaken the love you had at first. 00:02:07.380 --> 00:02:09.700 Consider how far you have fallen. 00:02:11.180 --> 00:02:13.439 Repent and do the things you did at first. 00:02:14.620 --> 00:02:15.960 If you do not repent, 00:02:16.520 --> 00:02:17.900 I will come to you 00:02:17.900 --> 00:02:21.000 and remove your lampstand from its place. 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:24.379 But you have this in your favour. 00:02:25.300 --> 00:02:27.000 You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:29.039 which I also hate. 00:02:30.400 --> 00:02:32.180 Whoever has ears, 00:02:33.080 --> 00:02:33.879 let them hear 00:02:33.879 --> 00:02:36.520 what the Spirit says to the churches. 00:02:37.500 --> 00:02:39.400 To the one who is victorious, 00:02:40.400 --> 00:02:43.520 I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, 00:02:44.180 --> 00:02:47.240 which is in the paradise of God. 00:02:48.740 --> 00:02:50.199 Let's pray together. 00:02:51.000 --> 00:02:52.000 Let's pray together. 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:58.560 Words from our reading. 00:02:59.819 --> 00:03:01.919 Whoever has ears, 00:03:02.740 --> 00:03:03.620 let them hear 00:03:03.620 --> 00:03:07.580 what the Spirit says to the churches. 00:03:08.539 --> 00:03:11.360 Father, we pray and ask 00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:13.460 that you would help us 00:03:13.460 --> 00:03:14.920 not just to hear 00:03:14.920 --> 00:03:18.620 physical, audible words, 00:03:18.620 --> 00:03:21.900 but that these words 00:03:21.900 --> 00:03:22.700 would penetrate 00:03:22.700 --> 00:03:24.840 into our hearts 00:03:24.840 --> 00:03:28.240 so that you change us 00:03:28.240 --> 00:03:30.219 and form us 00:03:30.219 --> 00:03:31.219 and mould us 00:03:31.219 --> 00:03:33.780 into the kind of people 00:03:33.780 --> 00:03:34.640 and the church 00:03:34.640 --> 00:03:36.960 that brings you glory 00:03:36.960 --> 00:03:38.379 and honour 00:03:38.379 --> 00:03:40.819 and will be good 00:03:40.819 --> 00:03:42.359 for us today 00:03:42.359 --> 00:03:44.840 and for all eternity. 00:03:46.199 --> 00:03:47.939 So help us now, we ask 00:03:47.939 --> 00:03:48.900 in Jesus' name. 00:03:49.780 --> 00:03:50.259 Amen. 00:03:50.259 --> 00:03:58.280 I wonder if you remember 00:03:58.280 --> 00:04:00.099 your first love. 00:04:01.959 --> 00:04:03.000 Can you remember? 00:04:03.719 --> 00:04:05.159 I remember mine. 00:04:06.219 --> 00:04:07.319 Her name was Mandy. 00:04:07.319 --> 00:04:10.680 I found a piece of chalk 00:04:10.680 --> 00:04:12.539 and I wrote on big letters 00:04:12.539 --> 00:04:14.699 in the back of the toy cupboard door, 00:04:15.699 --> 00:04:17.560 I love Mandy, 00:04:18.279 --> 00:04:20.199 and then drew a great big heart. 00:04:21.259 --> 00:04:23.899 I was about seven years old, I think. 00:04:24.899 --> 00:04:26.699 My love remained strong 00:04:26.699 --> 00:04:28.800 until one day 00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:30.120 my brother saw it. 00:04:31.300 --> 00:04:32.800 Well then the slagging started, 00:04:32.920 --> 00:04:34.139 the laughing and the mocking. 00:04:34.719 --> 00:04:36.539 Johnny loves Mandy. 00:04:37.819 --> 00:04:38.959 Well in desperation 00:04:38.959 --> 00:04:39.819 I rubbed it out 00:04:39.819 --> 00:04:41.519 and denied that I ever wrote it, 00:04:41.599 --> 00:04:42.620 nothing to do with me. 00:04:43.899 --> 00:04:44.699 I had forsaken 00:04:45.339 --> 00:04:47.099 my first love. 00:04:49.360 --> 00:04:50.819 Now I know it's a bit of fun 00:04:50.819 --> 00:04:52.560 but it makes the point, doesn't it? 00:04:53.319 --> 00:04:55.079 Under pressure from others, 00:04:55.259 --> 00:04:56.399 from the outside, 00:04:56.699 --> 00:04:58.779 we too can forsake 00:04:58.779 --> 00:04:59.939 our first love. 00:05:01.099 --> 00:05:02.439 That's what was happening 00:05:02.439 --> 00:05:03.699 it appears to the church 00:05:03.699 --> 00:05:04.779 that John wrote to. 00:05:05.279 --> 00:05:05.819 Verse 4 00:05:05.819 --> 00:05:08.699 I hold this against you. 00:05:09.920 --> 00:05:10.699 You have forsaken 00:05:11.259 --> 00:05:12.980 the love you had 00:05:12.980 --> 00:05:14.919 at first. 00:05:15.980 --> 00:05:17.539 Their love for the Lord Jesus 00:05:17.539 --> 00:05:19.019 had become cold 00:05:19.019 --> 00:05:20.779 and distant. 00:05:21.959 --> 00:05:23.199 Remember, Revelation 00:05:23.199 --> 00:05:25.459 is a series of visions 00:05:25.459 --> 00:05:27.000 visions which has been 00:05:27.000 --> 00:05:28.039 given by God 00:05:28.039 --> 00:05:28.699 to John 00:05:28.699 --> 00:05:29.659 for the church 00:05:29.659 --> 00:05:30.779 and the purpose 00:05:30.779 --> 00:05:31.579 of these visions 00:05:31.579 --> 00:05:32.459 is to strengthen 00:05:33.079 --> 00:05:33.739 the church 00:05:33.739 --> 00:05:35.459 in a time of opposition 00:05:35.459 --> 00:05:36.399 and persecution. 00:05:37.620 --> 00:05:37.979 You see, 00:05:38.060 --> 00:05:38.519 if the church 00:05:38.519 --> 00:05:40.000 is going to be strong, 00:05:40.539 --> 00:05:42.000 then we must know 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:43.259 where it is weak 00:05:43.259 --> 00:05:45.379 and where we identify 00:05:45.379 --> 00:05:46.899 where the weaknesses are, 00:05:47.459 --> 00:05:48.459 then we can fortify 00:05:49.159 --> 00:05:49.819 the church 00:05:49.819 --> 00:05:51.419 and fortify our lives. 00:05:51.420 --> 00:05:54.720 in chapters 2 and 3, 00:05:55.500 --> 00:05:57.400 we have seven messages 00:05:57.400 --> 00:05:59.680 to seven churches. 00:05:59.879 --> 00:06:01.000 You can just skim 00:06:01.000 --> 00:06:02.100 the headings 00:06:02.100 --> 00:06:03.960 through chapter 2 and 3. 00:06:04.960 --> 00:06:05.460 Seven, 00:06:05.580 --> 00:06:06.700 as we've seen already 00:06:06.700 --> 00:06:07.460 in our studies, 00:06:07.920 --> 00:06:09.000 represents fullness 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:10.200 and completeness. 00:06:10.580 --> 00:06:12.100 So rather than see these 00:06:12.100 --> 00:06:13.660 as individual messages 00:06:13.660 --> 00:06:15.540 to individual churches, 00:06:15.540 --> 00:06:17.560 we should read it 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:19.379 as one message 00:06:19.379 --> 00:06:20.900 which is relevant 00:06:20.900 --> 00:06:22.220 to all churches 00:06:22.220 --> 00:06:23.300 in all times 00:06:23.300 --> 00:06:24.319 and all places. 00:06:25.400 --> 00:06:25.700 I mean, 00:06:25.740 --> 00:06:26.379 we're even given 00:06:26.379 --> 00:06:27.160 a hint of that 00:06:27.160 --> 00:06:28.000 in verse 7. 00:06:28.879 --> 00:06:30.260 Whoever has ears, 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:31.260 let them hear 00:06:31.260 --> 00:06:32.540 what the Spirit says 00:06:32.540 --> 00:06:34.620 to the churches. 00:06:35.320 --> 00:06:35.920 Plural. 00:06:37.939 --> 00:06:40.200 And we are a church today 00:06:40.200 --> 00:06:41.000 in our time, 00:06:41.080 --> 00:06:41.680 in our age, 00:06:41.780 --> 00:06:42.640 so let's see 00:06:42.639 --> 00:06:43.939 what we can learn 00:06:43.939 --> 00:06:46.919 about our church today. 00:06:48.519 --> 00:06:49.079 First, 00:06:51.159 --> 00:06:52.659 Jesus loves 00:06:52.659 --> 00:06:53.959 his church. 00:06:55.599 --> 00:06:56.180 You say, 00:06:56.259 --> 00:06:56.860 I know that, 00:06:56.979 --> 00:06:58.279 but this is foundational. 00:06:59.180 --> 00:07:00.560 Jesus loves 00:07:00.560 --> 00:07:03.319 Karageline Baptist Church. 00:07:03.979 --> 00:07:04.579 In fact, 00:07:04.659 --> 00:07:06.579 it's all because of Jesus 00:07:06.579 --> 00:07:08.459 that we are actually 00:07:08.459 --> 00:07:09.819 a church. 00:07:10.419 --> 00:07:11.459 Just have a look back 00:07:11.459 --> 00:07:12.399 at chapter 1, 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:13.719 verse 5, 00:07:13.839 --> 00:07:15.159 the middle of verse 5. 00:07:18.819 --> 00:07:19.539 It says, 00:07:19.620 --> 00:07:20.079 to him, 00:07:20.199 --> 00:07:20.779 to Jesus, 00:07:21.719 --> 00:07:24.120 who loves us 00:07:24.120 --> 00:07:26.740 and has freed us 00:07:26.740 --> 00:07:27.639 from our sins 00:07:27.639 --> 00:07:28.599 by his blood 00:07:28.599 --> 00:07:29.859 and has made us 00:07:29.859 --> 00:07:30.919 to be a kingdom 00:07:30.919 --> 00:07:32.139 and priests 00:07:32.139 --> 00:07:33.919 to serve his God 00:07:33.919 --> 00:07:34.519 and Father. 00:07:35.019 --> 00:07:35.539 To him, 00:07:35.699 --> 00:07:36.359 to Jesus, 00:07:36.579 --> 00:07:38.000 be glory and power 00:07:38.000 --> 00:07:39.419 forever and ever. 00:07:40.099 --> 00:07:40.639 Amen. 00:07:41.459 --> 00:07:43.060 in love. 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:44.939 Jesus died 00:07:44.939 --> 00:07:46.099 for you and for me 00:07:46.099 --> 00:07:46.919 so that we would 00:07:46.919 --> 00:07:47.819 become a kingdom, 00:07:48.239 --> 00:07:49.419 his special people, 00:07:49.779 --> 00:07:50.500 his church, 00:07:50.779 --> 00:07:51.539 that we would 00:07:51.539 --> 00:07:53.479 serve his purpose. 00:07:55.319 --> 00:07:55.579 Now, 00:07:55.620 --> 00:07:56.079 this love 00:07:56.079 --> 00:07:56.719 is not just 00:07:56.719 --> 00:07:57.740 a past love 00:07:57.740 --> 00:07:58.539 in the distant, 00:07:59.139 --> 00:08:00.779 far off past 00:08:00.779 --> 00:08:01.699 or a fleeting 00:08:01.699 --> 00:08:02.819 moment of emotion. 00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:03.419 No, 00:08:03.459 --> 00:08:04.039 this is a 00:08:04.039 --> 00:08:05.039 continuing, 00:08:05.500 --> 00:08:06.560 never failing, 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:08.699 always faithful love. 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:08.759 love. 00:08:10.159 --> 00:08:11.560 Let's go to chapter 2, 00:08:11.639 --> 00:08:12.219 verse 1. 00:08:14.860 --> 00:08:15.959 To the angel 00:08:15.959 --> 00:08:17.180 or to the messenger 00:08:17.180 --> 00:08:18.879 of the church 00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:20.000 in Ephesus write, 00:08:21.300 --> 00:08:22.659 these are the words 00:08:22.659 --> 00:08:23.300 of him, 00:08:23.300 --> 00:08:25.539 of Jesus, 00:08:26.259 --> 00:08:27.360 who loves us, 00:08:28.159 --> 00:08:30.060 who holds the seven stars 00:08:30.060 --> 00:08:31.219 in his right hand 00:08:31.220 --> 00:08:32.720 and walks among 00:08:32.720 --> 00:08:34.019 the seven golden 00:08:34.019 --> 00:08:35.620 lampstands. 00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:37.460 We're being taken 00:08:37.460 --> 00:08:37.879 back, 00:08:37.960 --> 00:08:38.279 aren't we, 00:08:38.300 --> 00:08:39.000 to the vision 00:08:39.000 --> 00:08:39.639 of Jesus 00:08:39.639 --> 00:08:41.139 in chapter 1 00:08:41.139 --> 00:08:41.980 and we're reminded 00:08:41.980 --> 00:08:43.519 of two things. 00:08:44.660 --> 00:08:45.300 First, 00:08:45.399 --> 00:08:46.040 that Jesus 00:08:46.040 --> 00:08:47.560 walks 00:08:47.560 --> 00:08:49.240 among us. 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:50.800 Have a look back 00:08:50.800 --> 00:08:51.860 there at that vision, 00:08:52.000 --> 00:08:52.840 chapter 1, 00:08:53.379 --> 00:08:54.340 verse 12. 00:08:57.139 --> 00:08:57.540 Here, 00:08:57.660 --> 00:08:57.960 John, 00:08:57.960 --> 00:08:59.600 he heard a voice 00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:01.500 and he turned 00:09:01.500 --> 00:09:02.320 round to see 00:09:02.320 --> 00:09:02.860 the voice 00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:03.820 that was speaking 00:09:03.820 --> 00:09:05.840 and when I turned 00:09:05.840 --> 00:09:06.400 I saw 00:09:06.400 --> 00:09:07.860 seven golden 00:09:07.860 --> 00:09:09.019 lampstands 00:09:09.019 --> 00:09:10.180 and among 00:09:10.180 --> 00:09:11.060 the lampstands 00:09:11.060 --> 00:09:11.800 was one like 00:09:11.800 --> 00:09:13.160 a son of man, 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:15.040 that is, 00:09:15.100 --> 00:09:15.940 the God-man, 00:09:16.060 --> 00:09:17.420 the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:09:17.519 --> 00:09:17.960 the one with 00:09:17.960 --> 00:09:19.060 absolute power 00:09:19.060 --> 00:09:19.720 and authority. 00:09:21.580 --> 00:09:22.360 What are these 00:09:22.360 --> 00:09:23.400 lampstands? 00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:24.680 Well, 00:09:24.740 --> 00:09:25.300 if you have a look 00:09:25.300 --> 00:09:25.980 down at the end 00:09:25.980 --> 00:09:26.740 of verse 20, 00:09:26.740 --> 00:09:29.600 the lampstands 00:09:29.600 --> 00:09:30.639 are 00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:31.779 the seven 00:09:31.779 --> 00:09:32.580 churches. 00:09:33.840 --> 00:09:34.500 And now 00:09:34.500 --> 00:09:35.379 in chapter 2, 00:09:35.460 --> 00:09:35.980 verse 1, 00:09:36.080 --> 00:09:36.560 we're told 00:09:36.560 --> 00:09:37.399 explicitly 00:09:37.399 --> 00:09:38.940 that Jesus 00:09:38.940 --> 00:09:39.960 is walking 00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:41.220 among 00:09:41.220 --> 00:09:42.639 the lampstands. 00:09:42.639 --> 00:09:43.639 He's walking 00:09:43.639 --> 00:09:44.279 amongst 00:09:44.279 --> 00:09:45.360 the church. 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:46.460 Right here, 00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:47.100 right now, 00:09:47.220 --> 00:09:48.299 Jesus is present 00:09:48.299 --> 00:09:49.139 by a spirit. 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:50.399 We cannot see 00:09:50.399 --> 00:09:51.299 him physically. 00:09:52.879 --> 00:09:53.820 You don't feel 00:09:53.820 --> 00:09:54.680 him bump up 00:09:54.680 --> 00:09:55.519 against you. 00:09:56.740 --> 00:09:57.500 But Jesus, 00:09:57.659 --> 00:09:58.120 the one with 00:09:58.120 --> 00:09:59.080 absolute power 00:09:59.080 --> 00:09:59.740 and supreme 00:09:59.740 --> 00:10:00.320 authority, 00:10:00.680 --> 00:10:02.019 is right here, 00:10:02.139 --> 00:10:02.779 right now. 00:10:03.539 --> 00:10:04.039 The one who 00:10:04.039 --> 00:10:05.060 died for 00:10:05.060 --> 00:10:05.919 our sins 00:10:05.919 --> 00:10:06.980 and made us 00:10:06.980 --> 00:10:07.500 a kingdom 00:10:07.500 --> 00:10:09.180 is walking 00:10:09.180 --> 00:10:10.500 by his spirit 00:10:10.500 --> 00:10:11.779 among his 00:10:11.779 --> 00:10:12.200 people. 00:10:13.539 --> 00:10:14.480 He's with us. 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:15.980 His love 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:16.680 for the church 00:10:16.680 --> 00:10:17.580 is so great 00:10:17.580 --> 00:10:18.840 that he longs 00:10:18.840 --> 00:10:20.279 to be present 00:10:20.279 --> 00:10:20.879 with us, 00:10:21.340 --> 00:10:21.799 dwelling 00:10:21.799 --> 00:10:23.159 with us. 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:24.960 He loves 00:10:24.960 --> 00:10:25.800 his church. 00:10:28.400 --> 00:10:28.900 And second, 00:10:29.040 --> 00:10:30.060 Jesus holds 00:10:30.060 --> 00:10:31.240 his church 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:31.920 in his hands. 00:10:32.040 --> 00:10:32.300 Again, 00:10:32.379 --> 00:10:32.660 look at 00:10:32.660 --> 00:10:33.200 verse 1. 00:10:34.360 --> 00:10:34.820 These are 00:10:34.820 --> 00:10:35.180 the words 00:10:35.180 --> 00:10:35.560 of him 00:10:35.560 --> 00:10:36.820 who holds 00:10:36.820 --> 00:10:37.420 the seven 00:10:37.420 --> 00:10:38.200 stars in 00:10:38.200 --> 00:10:38.680 his right 00:10:38.680 --> 00:10:39.120 hand. 00:10:39.800 --> 00:10:40.300 Again, 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:40.800 it's taking 00:10:40.800 --> 00:10:41.300 us back 00:10:41.300 --> 00:10:42.060 to the vision 00:10:42.060 --> 00:10:43.100 in chapter 1. 00:10:44.139 --> 00:10:44.660 Have a look 00:10:44.660 --> 00:10:45.160 there again, 00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:45.900 chapter 1, 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:46.879 verse 16. 00:10:49.080 --> 00:10:49.900 Speaking of 00:10:49.900 --> 00:10:50.400 Jesus, 00:10:50.399 --> 00:10:51.740 in his 00:10:51.740 --> 00:10:52.439 right hand 00:10:52.439 --> 00:10:53.199 he held 00:10:53.199 --> 00:10:54.939 seven stars. 00:10:56.980 --> 00:10:57.399 And we're 00:10:57.399 --> 00:10:58.120 reminded of 00:10:58.120 --> 00:10:58.579 what those 00:10:58.579 --> 00:10:59.379 seven stars 00:10:59.379 --> 00:10:59.799 are. 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:00.699 Down in 00:11:00.699 --> 00:11:01.419 verse 20, 00:11:03.019 --> 00:11:03.879 you saw 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:04.399 in my 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:05.379 right hand 00:11:05.379 --> 00:11:06.879 the seven 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:07.679 golden lamp 00:11:07.679 --> 00:11:08.259 stands. 00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:10.000 The seven 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:10.779 stars are 00:11:10.779 --> 00:11:11.699 the angels 00:11:11.699 --> 00:11:13.019 of the 00:11:13.019 --> 00:11:13.879 seven churches. 00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:14.080 Jesus. 00:11:16.480 --> 00:11:16.740 Now, 00:11:16.759 --> 00:11:17.220 the focus 00:11:17.220 --> 00:11:17.720 here is 00:11:17.720 --> 00:11:18.620 not who 00:11:18.620 --> 00:11:19.059 is the 00:11:19.059 --> 00:11:19.679 angel or 00:11:19.679 --> 00:11:20.500 what the 00:11:20.500 --> 00:11:21.360 angel does, 00:11:21.840 --> 00:11:22.639 but that 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:23.220 the angel 00:11:23.220 --> 00:11:24.240 represents 00:11:24.240 --> 00:11:24.820 the church. 00:11:24.919 --> 00:11:25.220 In other 00:11:25.220 --> 00:11:25.480 words, 00:11:25.679 --> 00:11:27.179 Jesus has 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:28.120 the church 00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:28.879 in the 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:29.240 grip of 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:29.840 his hand. 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:31.220 He doesn't 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:31.820 let go. 00:11:32.799 --> 00:11:33.259 It's not 00:11:33.259 --> 00:11:33.720 us who 00:11:33.720 --> 00:11:34.200 are holding 00:11:34.200 --> 00:11:34.600 on to 00:11:34.600 --> 00:11:35.000 him, 00:11:35.399 --> 00:11:36.279 but Jesus 00:11:36.279 --> 00:11:37.539 who holds 00:11:37.539 --> 00:11:38.019 on to 00:11:38.019 --> 00:11:38.519 us. 00:11:39.559 --> 00:11:40.139 His love 00:11:40.139 --> 00:11:40.500 for the 00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:40.980 church is 00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:41.480 so great 00:11:41.480 --> 00:11:41.840 that he 00:11:41.840 --> 00:11:42.759 cares 00:11:42.759 --> 00:11:43.620 deeply 00:11:43.620 --> 00:11:45.539 for us. 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:48.379 We should 00:11:48.379 --> 00:11:49.080 never lose 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:49.519 sight of 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:49.980 the fact 00:11:49.980 --> 00:11:50.819 that Jesus 00:11:50.819 --> 00:11:52.340 loves his 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:52.819 church. 00:11:53.200 --> 00:11:53.519 He is 00:11:53.519 --> 00:11:54.159 with us 00:11:54.159 --> 00:11:54.740 and for 00:11:54.740 --> 00:11:55.000 us. 00:11:55.299 --> 00:11:55.460 His 00:11:55.460 --> 00:11:56.000 presence 00:11:56.000 --> 00:11:56.399 and his 00:11:56.399 --> 00:11:56.840 power 00:11:56.840 --> 00:11:57.580 are at 00:11:57.580 --> 00:11:57.899 work 00:11:57.899 --> 00:11:58.319 among 00:11:58.319 --> 00:11:58.600 us 00:11:58.600 --> 00:11:59.220 by his 00:11:59.220 --> 00:11:59.620 spirit. 00:12:01.899 --> 00:12:02.539 Now, 00:12:02.600 --> 00:12:02.980 isn't that 00:12:02.980 --> 00:12:03.519 comforting 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:04.319 and encouraging 00:12:04.319 --> 00:12:04.879 for us 00:12:04.879 --> 00:12:05.279 today? 00:12:06.279 --> 00:12:07.139 As the 00:12:07.139 --> 00:12:07.720 church is 00:12:07.720 --> 00:12:08.299 continually 00:12:08.299 --> 00:12:08.740 under 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:09.360 threat, 00:12:10.840 --> 00:12:11.740 when we 00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:12.559 feel weak 00:12:12.559 --> 00:12:12.939 and we're 00:12:12.939 --> 00:12:13.479 struggling 00:12:13.479 --> 00:12:14.019 to keep 00:12:14.019 --> 00:12:14.539 going as 00:12:14.539 --> 00:12:14.699 a 00:12:14.699 --> 00:12:15.059 Christian, 00:12:15.459 --> 00:12:16.239 what is 00:12:16.239 --> 00:12:16.639 it that's 00:12:16.639 --> 00:12:16.919 going to 00:12:16.919 --> 00:12:17.399 keep us 00:12:17.399 --> 00:12:17.779 going? 00:12:19.099 --> 00:12:19.399 Well, 00:12:19.419 --> 00:12:19.919 listen to 00:12:19.919 --> 00:12:20.500 his words. 00:12:20.639 --> 00:12:21.819 I walk 00:12:21.819 --> 00:12:22.539 among you. 00:12:23.339 --> 00:12:24.439 I hold 00:12:24.439 --> 00:12:24.639 you. 00:12:24.779 --> 00:12:25.699 I identify 00:12:25.699 --> 00:12:26.419 with you. 00:12:26.500 --> 00:12:27.179 I understand. 00:12:28.839 --> 00:12:29.500 I'm with 00:12:29.500 --> 00:12:30.219 you and for 00:12:30.219 --> 00:12:30.459 you. 00:12:30.459 --> 00:12:31.739 The glorious 00:12:31.739 --> 00:12:33.179 risen Christ 00:12:33.179 --> 00:12:35.099 loves 00:12:35.099 --> 00:12:36.599 Carigoline 00:12:36.599 --> 00:12:37.019 Baptist 00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:37.619 Church. 00:12:38.639 --> 00:12:39.199 He loves 00:12:39.199 --> 00:12:39.719 us. 00:12:39.720 --> 00:12:39.800 sinners. 00:12:42.680 --> 00:12:43.540 And that 00:12:43.540 --> 00:12:44.139 means 00:12:44.139 --> 00:12:46.840 he loves 00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:47.700 sinners. 00:12:49.620 --> 00:12:50.259 You see, 00:12:50.320 --> 00:12:50.820 you might be 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:51.160 thinking, 00:12:51.340 --> 00:12:51.480 well, 00:12:51.580 --> 00:12:52.259 Jesus might 00:12:52.259 --> 00:12:52.800 love other 00:12:52.800 --> 00:12:53.399 churches, 00:12:53.840 --> 00:12:54.960 but I'm 00:12:54.960 --> 00:12:55.420 not sure 00:12:55.420 --> 00:12:55.779 if he 00:12:55.779 --> 00:12:56.600 loves us. 00:12:57.980 --> 00:12:58.420 And I'm 00:12:58.420 --> 00:12:58.940 not sure 00:12:58.940 --> 00:12:59.639 actually if 00:12:59.639 --> 00:13:00.100 he even 00:13:00.100 --> 00:13:00.740 loves me. 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:02.120 You see, 00:13:02.180 --> 00:13:02.560 if you 00:13:02.560 --> 00:13:03.980 knew what 00:13:03.980 --> 00:13:04.600 I knew 00:13:04.600 --> 00:13:06.019 about so 00:13:06.019 --> 00:13:06.519 and so, 00:13:06.519 --> 00:13:07.919 or if 00:13:07.919 --> 00:13:08.240 you knew 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:09.199 what I 00:13:09.199 --> 00:13:09.919 was like, 00:13:10.439 --> 00:13:10.840 if you 00:13:10.840 --> 00:13:11.360 could peer 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:11.960 into my 00:13:11.960 --> 00:13:12.259 heart, 00:13:12.539 --> 00:13:12.980 there is 00:13:12.980 --> 00:13:13.899 no way 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:15.460 that Jesus 00:13:15.460 --> 00:13:15.980 would love 00:13:15.980 --> 00:13:16.399 us. 00:13:18.079 --> 00:13:18.419 Well, 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:19.079 Jesus knows 00:13:19.079 --> 00:13:19.939 exactly what 00:13:19.939 --> 00:13:20.439 we're like. 00:13:20.539 --> 00:13:20.960 He sees 00:13:20.960 --> 00:13:21.600 the beauty 00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:22.799 and the 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:23.059 ugly. 00:13:23.199 --> 00:13:23.600 He knows 00:13:23.600 --> 00:13:24.379 our strengths 00:13:24.379 --> 00:13:25.460 and our 00:13:25.460 --> 00:13:25.980 weaknesses. 00:13:27.059 --> 00:13:27.759 Look at 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:28.379 verse 2. 00:13:30.059 --> 00:13:30.919 I know, 00:13:31.279 --> 00:13:32.779 I know 00:13:32.779 --> 00:13:33.600 everything about 00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:33.759 you. 00:13:33.860 --> 00:13:34.399 I know 00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:35.439 your deeds 00:13:35.440 --> 00:13:35.840 and your 00:13:35.840 --> 00:13:36.680 hard work. 00:13:38.380 --> 00:13:38.900 Yet, 00:13:39.060 --> 00:13:39.700 verse 4, 00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:41.460 I hold 00:13:41.460 --> 00:13:42.040 this against 00:13:42.040 --> 00:13:42.280 you. 00:13:42.340 --> 00:13:42.540 You've 00:13:42.540 --> 00:13:43.000 forsaken 00:13:43.000 --> 00:13:43.400 the love 00:13:43.400 --> 00:13:43.760 you had 00:13:43.760 --> 00:13:44.300 at first. 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:46.600 It's the 00:13:46.600 --> 00:13:47.100 same for 00:13:47.100 --> 00:13:47.820 everybody else 00:13:47.820 --> 00:13:48.100 who he 00:13:48.100 --> 00:13:48.660 writes to. 00:13:49.020 --> 00:13:49.380 Look at 00:13:49.380 --> 00:13:50.200 verse 13. 00:13:51.940 --> 00:13:52.780 Chapter 2, 00:13:52.840 --> 00:13:53.560 verse 13. 00:13:54.620 --> 00:13:55.640 I know 00:13:55.640 --> 00:13:57.140 where you 00:13:57.140 --> 00:13:57.560 live, 00:13:58.380 --> 00:13:59.160 where Satan 00:13:59.160 --> 00:13:59.680 has his 00:13:59.680 --> 00:13:59.900 throne. 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:00.920 I understand 00:14:00.920 --> 00:14:02.080 that Satan 00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:02.660 is against 00:14:02.660 --> 00:14:03.020 you and 00:14:03.020 --> 00:14:03.600 the pressure 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:04.480 is on. 00:14:04.480 --> 00:14:06.039 yet you 00:14:06.039 --> 00:14:06.700 remain true 00:14:06.700 --> 00:14:07.060 to my 00:14:07.060 --> 00:14:07.300 name. 00:14:07.420 --> 00:14:08.180 I know 00:14:08.180 --> 00:14:08.740 this. 00:14:10.060 --> 00:14:11.200 Verse 14. 00:14:12.840 --> 00:14:13.360 Nevertheless, 00:14:13.860 --> 00:14:14.620 I have a few 00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:15.320 things against 00:14:15.320 --> 00:14:15.879 you because 00:14:15.879 --> 00:14:16.340 I know 00:14:16.340 --> 00:14:16.899 this too. 00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:17.320 There are 00:14:17.320 --> 00:14:17.899 some among 00:14:17.899 --> 00:14:19.220 you who 00:14:19.220 --> 00:14:19.740 hold to 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:20.259 the teaching 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:20.899 of Balaam. 00:14:22.100 --> 00:14:22.320 Well, 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:22.800 he was the 00:14:22.800 --> 00:14:23.180 one who 00:14:23.180 --> 00:14:23.899 led people 00:14:23.899 --> 00:14:24.519 away into 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:25.279 idolatry. 00:14:27.180 --> 00:14:27.740 Or 00:14:27.740 --> 00:14:28.680 verse 19. 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:31.000 Jesus 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:31.740 again says, 00:14:31.740 --> 00:14:32.480 I know 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:33.539 your deeds. 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:34.860 Your love 00:14:34.860 --> 00:14:35.120 and your 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:35.360 faith. 00:14:35.460 --> 00:14:36.259 I see 00:14:36.259 --> 00:14:36.680 what's 00:14:36.680 --> 00:14:37.200 going on 00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:37.500 in your 00:14:37.500 --> 00:14:37.899 church, 00:14:38.019 --> 00:14:38.779 your service. 00:14:40.600 --> 00:14:41.500 Verse 20. 00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:41.879 But I 00:14:41.879 --> 00:14:42.379 know this 00:14:42.379 --> 00:14:42.840 as well. 00:14:43.940 --> 00:14:44.620 I have 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:45.240 this against 00:14:45.240 --> 00:14:45.500 you. 00:14:46.299 --> 00:14:46.560 You 00:14:46.560 --> 00:14:46.980 tolerate 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:47.680 that woman 00:14:47.680 --> 00:14:48.440 Jezebel. 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:50.080 Again, 00:14:50.200 --> 00:14:50.379 here, 00:14:50.519 --> 00:14:51.320 symbolic of 00:14:51.320 --> 00:14:52.299 the world 00:14:52.299 --> 00:14:53.220 that seduces 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:53.960 and pulls 00:14:53.960 --> 00:14:54.519 us away 00:14:54.519 --> 00:14:55.340 from Christ. 00:14:56.840 --> 00:14:57.259 You see, 00:14:57.360 --> 00:14:58.019 he knows 00:14:58.019 --> 00:14:59.320 us inside 00:14:59.320 --> 00:14:59.900 out. 00:15:00.800 --> 00:15:01.720 He sees 00:15:01.720 --> 00:15:02.720 our heart. 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:03.540 He sees 00:15:03.540 --> 00:15:03.879 what we 00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:04.260 do in 00:15:04.260 --> 00:15:04.879 public and 00:15:04.879 --> 00:15:05.460 in private. 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:06.360 He sees 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:07.360 my failings 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:07.920 and he 00:15:07.920 --> 00:15:08.540 sees your 00:15:08.540 --> 00:15:09.120 failings. 00:15:09.500 --> 00:15:09.879 Yet in 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:10.240 it all, 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:11.260 he doesn't 00:15:11.260 --> 00:15:12.160 abandon us. 00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:13.820 He's with 00:15:13.820 --> 00:15:14.280 us and 00:15:14.280 --> 00:15:15.260 he's for 00:15:15.260 --> 00:15:15.700 us and 00:15:15.700 --> 00:15:16.879 he faithfully 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:18.100 walks among 00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:18.940 sinners and 00:15:18.940 --> 00:15:19.660 he faithfully 00:15:19.660 --> 00:15:21.100 holds sinners 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:21.560 in his 00:15:21.560 --> 00:15:22.140 hands. 00:15:24.180 --> 00:15:24.820 Because 00:15:24.820 --> 00:15:26.160 Jesus loves 00:15:26.160 --> 00:15:27.620 his church. 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:30.200 Jesus loves 00:15:30.200 --> 00:15:31.500 Carigoline 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:31.940 Baptist 00:15:31.940 --> 00:15:32.620 Church. 00:15:33.639 --> 00:15:34.220 Isn't 00:15:34.220 --> 00:15:34.740 that good 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:35.620 news today? 00:15:41.500 --> 00:15:42.179 Well, 00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:42.960 Jesus loves 00:15:42.960 --> 00:15:43.419 us for 00:15:43.419 --> 00:15:43.840 sure. 00:15:45.019 --> 00:15:45.480 But the 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:46.179 question for 00:15:46.179 --> 00:15:46.980 us today is 00:15:46.980 --> 00:15:47.440 do we 00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:48.179 love Jesus? 00:15:49.460 --> 00:15:50.179 On the 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:50.759 surface it 00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:51.360 seems here 00:15:51.360 --> 00:15:51.840 that the 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:53.299 church does 00:15:53.299 --> 00:15:54.759 love Jesus. 00:15:54.759 --> 00:15:57.279 Jesus loves 00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:58.340 deeds and 00:15:58.340 --> 00:15:59.120 doctrine. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:00.059 Look at 00:16:00.059 --> 00:16:00.480 verse 2. 00:16:00.580 --> 00:16:01.059 I know 00:16:01.059 --> 00:16:01.819 your deeds. 00:16:02.319 --> 00:16:02.899 Here comes 00:16:02.899 --> 00:16:04.000 the commendation. 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:04.620 I love 00:16:04.620 --> 00:16:05.259 your deeds, 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:05.919 your hard 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:06.480 work and 00:16:06.480 --> 00:16:06.799 your 00:16:06.799 --> 00:16:07.879 perseverance. 00:16:08.819 --> 00:16:09.419 I know 00:16:09.419 --> 00:16:09.740 that you 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.759 cannot tolerate 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:11.159 wicked 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:12.919 people and 00:16:12.919 --> 00:16:13.319 that you've 00:16:13.319 --> 00:16:14.019 tested those 00:16:14.019 --> 00:16:14.620 who claim 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:15.000 to be 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:16.019 apostles, 00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:17.059 those of 00:16:17.059 --> 00:16:17.539 the truth 00:16:17.539 --> 00:16:17.919 but are 00:16:17.919 --> 00:16:19.200 not and 00:16:19.200 --> 00:16:19.659 have found 00:16:19.659 --> 00:16:20.439 them false. 00:16:20.440 --> 00:16:20.580 wickedness. 00:16:21.740 --> 00:16:22.580 This is a 00:16:22.580 --> 00:16:23.140 church that 00:16:23.140 --> 00:16:23.620 is most 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.320 definitely 00:16:24.320 --> 00:16:25.540 tough on 00:16:25.540 --> 00:16:25.840 sin. 00:16:26.620 --> 00:16:27.680 They can't 00:16:27.680 --> 00:16:28.300 tolerate 00:16:28.300 --> 00:16:29.320 wickedness. 00:16:29.960 --> 00:16:30.580 And they're 00:16:30.580 --> 00:16:31.460 solid on 00:16:31.460 --> 00:16:32.080 teaching. 00:16:33.260 --> 00:16:33.860 They're able 00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:34.760 to identify 00:16:34.760 --> 00:16:35.940 false teachers. 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:37.440 And those 00:16:37.440 --> 00:16:38.000 are great 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:38.800 marks of a 00:16:38.800 --> 00:16:39.600 healthy church. 00:16:39.980 --> 00:16:40.580 They score 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:41.420 high on 00:16:41.420 --> 00:16:43.080 deeds and 00:16:43.080 --> 00:16:43.580 doctrine. 00:16:45.580 --> 00:16:46.400 But it 00:16:46.400 --> 00:16:47.000 wasn't easy 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:47.420 to do 00:16:47.420 --> 00:16:47.860 this. 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:49.380 Remember 00:16:49.380 --> 00:16:50.100 Ephesus was 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:50.659 a city 00:16:50.659 --> 00:16:52.120 that celebrated 00:16:52.120 --> 00:16:53.040 liberty and 00:16:53.040 --> 00:16:53.800 behaviour and 00:16:53.800 --> 00:16:54.659 loyalty to 00:16:54.659 --> 00:16:55.220 the various 00:16:55.220 --> 00:16:55.740 gods. 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:56.620 In fact, 00:16:56.700 --> 00:16:57.200 within that 00:16:57.200 --> 00:16:57.879 city was a 00:16:57.879 --> 00:16:58.700 huge temple 00:16:58.700 --> 00:16:59.500 that was 00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:00.200 right at the 00:17:00.200 --> 00:17:00.659 heart of 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:01.139 day-to-day 00:17:01.139 --> 00:17:01.620 life. 00:17:02.600 --> 00:17:02.980 It was 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:03.519 there to 00:17:03.519 --> 00:17:04.180 honour the 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:04.680 fertility 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:05.500 goddess 00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:06.579 Artemis 00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:06.940 and the 00:17:06.940 --> 00:17:07.240 Roman 00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:07.940 emperors 00:17:07.940 --> 00:17:08.640 who were 00:17:08.640 --> 00:17:09.120 put into 00:17:09.120 --> 00:17:10.200 statue form 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:10.539 and to 00:17:10.539 --> 00:17:11.059 be treated 00:17:11.059 --> 00:17:11.839 as gods. 00:17:13.400 --> 00:17:13.680 And so 00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:14.200 the pressure 00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:14.880 day-to-day 00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:15.180 as you 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:15.640 went about 00:17:15.640 --> 00:17:16.240 your business 00:17:16.240 --> 00:17:17.079 and hanging 00:17:17.079 --> 00:17:17.500 out your 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:18.079 friends was 00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:18.640 to join 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:19.099 in and 00:17:19.099 --> 00:17:20.299 to compromise 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:23.379 and not 00:17:23.379 --> 00:17:23.799 to take 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:24.379 part in 00:17:24.379 --> 00:17:24.639 those 00:17:24.639 --> 00:17:25.219 activities 00:17:25.219 --> 00:17:25.899 meant you 00:17:25.899 --> 00:17:27.059 were socially 00:17:27.059 --> 00:17:28.019 ostracised, 00:17:28.119 --> 00:17:28.579 you were a 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:29.639 threat politically. 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:31.119 It put you 00:17:31.119 --> 00:17:31.859 in the firing 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:32.259 line. 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:34.240 But no, 00:17:34.339 --> 00:17:34.879 they did 00:17:34.879 --> 00:17:35.659 not give 00:17:35.659 --> 00:17:36.399 in, did 00:17:36.399 --> 00:17:36.619 they? 00:17:36.719 --> 00:17:37.240 Verse 3. 00:17:38.659 --> 00:17:39.139 You have 00:17:39.139 --> 00:17:40.159 persevered, 00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:41.859 you've endured 00:17:41.859 --> 00:17:42.879 hardships for 00:17:42.879 --> 00:17:43.459 my name, 00:17:43.460 --> 00:17:44.860 and have 00:17:44.860 --> 00:17:45.860 not grown 00:17:45.860 --> 00:17:46.860 weary. 00:17:48.079 --> 00:17:48.779 A strong 00:17:48.779 --> 00:17:49.400 church. 00:17:50.259 --> 00:17:50.660 They were 00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:51.480 faithful in 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:52.620 right behaviour 00:17:52.620 --> 00:17:53.700 and in 00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:54.880 right belief. 00:17:55.660 --> 00:17:56.259 In fact, 00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:57.100 verse 6, 00:17:58.000 --> 00:17:58.720 we're told that 00:17:58.720 --> 00:17:59.340 they have this 00:17:59.340 --> 00:17:59.960 in their favour 00:17:59.960 --> 00:18:00.340 as well. 00:18:00.660 --> 00:18:01.340 You hate the 00:18:01.340 --> 00:18:02.180 practices of 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:03.100 the Nicolaitans 00:18:03.100 --> 00:18:03.940 which I also 00:18:03.940 --> 00:18:04.380 hate. 00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:07.220 Now we don't 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:07.660 know a lot 00:18:07.660 --> 00:18:08.420 about them but 00:18:08.420 --> 00:18:09.299 one reasonable 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:10.000 view is that 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:10.620 they taught 00:18:10.620 --> 00:18:11.660 compromise. 00:18:11.660 --> 00:18:11.980 compromise. 00:18:13.440 --> 00:18:14.120 They were 00:18:14.120 --> 00:18:14.920 teaching amongst 00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:15.480 the churches. 00:18:15.640 --> 00:18:16.080 You know what? 00:18:16.340 --> 00:18:17.220 It's hard to be 00:18:17.220 --> 00:18:17.680 a Christian, 00:18:17.800 --> 00:18:18.500 I get it. 00:18:19.700 --> 00:18:20.660 But it's 00:18:20.660 --> 00:18:21.580 okay if you 00:18:21.580 --> 00:18:22.320 kind of just 00:18:22.320 --> 00:18:23.200 slip up and 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:23.779 visit the 00:18:23.779 --> 00:18:24.880 temple prostitutes 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:25.519 every now and 00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:26.140 again and 00:18:26.140 --> 00:18:27.660 bow to the 00:18:27.660 --> 00:18:29.080 emperor in 00:18:29.080 --> 00:18:29.620 the temple 00:18:29.620 --> 00:18:30.360 and keep 00:18:30.360 --> 00:18:30.980 your job. 00:18:31.120 --> 00:18:31.460 I mean, 00:18:31.600 --> 00:18:32.779 that's alright. 00:18:33.600 --> 00:18:34.120 A foot in 00:18:34.120 --> 00:18:34.820 both camps, 00:18:34.920 --> 00:18:35.400 that's the 00:18:35.400 --> 00:18:35.960 best way. 00:18:37.360 --> 00:18:37.880 But no, 00:18:37.940 --> 00:18:38.560 the church was 00:18:38.560 --> 00:18:39.160 firm in their 00:18:39.160 --> 00:18:39.519 stance. 00:18:39.640 --> 00:18:40.480 They did not 00:18:40.480 --> 00:18:40.920 buckle. 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:42.700 They hated 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:44.440 such practices. 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:48.960 Now as we 00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:49.640 look in at 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:50.279 Karageline 00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:51.279 Baptist Church, 00:18:52.060 --> 00:18:52.980 what do you 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:53.220 see? 00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:55.860 Well how we 00:18:55.860 --> 00:18:56.720 behave and 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:57.120 what we 00:18:57.120 --> 00:18:58.320 believe is 00:18:58.320 --> 00:18:58.860 important, 00:18:59.120 --> 00:18:59.560 isn't it? 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:01.300 Deeds and 00:19:01.300 --> 00:19:02.460 doctrine matter 00:19:02.460 --> 00:19:03.779 and so we 00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:04.420 give them our 00:19:04.420 --> 00:19:05.560 utmost attention. 00:19:06.060 --> 00:19:06.800 We don't 00:19:06.800 --> 00:19:07.360 compromise. 00:19:08.560 --> 00:19:09.160 We're to be 00:19:09.160 --> 00:19:10.040 strong and 00:19:10.040 --> 00:19:10.400 steady. 00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:11.300 Yes? 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:13.720 Yes, I 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:14.100 got one 00:19:14.100 --> 00:19:14.820 nod, thank 00:19:14.820 --> 00:19:15.060 you. 00:19:16.320 --> 00:19:17.200 But underneath, 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:19.120 is there 00:19:19.120 --> 00:19:20.000 something amiss? 00:19:21.920 --> 00:19:22.700 Look at 00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:23.320 verse 4. 00:19:26.920 --> 00:19:27.840 Yet I 00:19:27.840 --> 00:19:28.340 hold this 00:19:28.340 --> 00:19:29.019 against you. 00:19:30.120 --> 00:19:30.540 You have 00:19:30.540 --> 00:19:31.460 forsaken the 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:32.840 love you 00:19:32.840 --> 00:19:33.300 had at 00:19:33.300 --> 00:19:33.759 first. 00:19:35.259 --> 00:19:35.820 They're 00:19:35.820 --> 00:19:36.220 morally 00:19:36.220 --> 00:19:37.140 strong and 00:19:37.140 --> 00:19:37.960 theologically 00:19:37.960 --> 00:19:38.660 sound, 00:19:38.660 --> 00:19:40.320 scoring high 00:19:40.320 --> 00:19:41.019 on deeds 00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:41.660 and doctrine 00:19:41.660 --> 00:19:43.140 but yet in 00:19:43.140 --> 00:19:43.460 it all 00:19:43.460 --> 00:19:43.759 they've 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:44.200 abandoned 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:44.680 their love 00:19:44.680 --> 00:19:45.259 for Jesus. 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:46.880 In their 00:19:46.880 --> 00:19:47.500 pursuit of 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:48.100 being tough 00:19:48.100 --> 00:19:48.800 on sin and 00:19:48.800 --> 00:19:49.360 strong in 00:19:49.360 --> 00:19:49.920 their teaching, 00:19:50.320 --> 00:19:51.640 they've left 00:19:51.640 --> 00:19:52.600 Jesus behind. 00:19:54.180 --> 00:19:54.540 You see, 00:19:54.620 --> 00:19:55.380 the danger is 00:19:55.380 --> 00:19:55.860 this can 00:19:55.860 --> 00:19:56.440 happen to 00:19:56.440 --> 00:19:57.080 us too. 00:19:57.079 --> 00:20:00.599 perhaps it 00:20:00.599 --> 00:20:01.500 already has. 00:20:03.439 --> 00:20:03.799 You see, 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:04.599 we can be so 00:20:04.599 --> 00:20:05.480 proud that the 00:20:05.480 --> 00:20:06.399 world view of 00:20:06.399 --> 00:20:07.419 marriage and 00:20:07.419 --> 00:20:08.119 gender doesn't 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:09.099 take effect on 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:09.819 the church and 00:20:09.819 --> 00:20:10.539 you know, 00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:11.399 we're strong 00:20:11.399 --> 00:20:14.439 but yet we can 00:20:14.439 --> 00:20:15.359 forsake Jesus. 00:20:16.619 --> 00:20:17.439 We can be 00:20:17.439 --> 00:20:18.159 confident that 00:20:18.159 --> 00:20:18.919 false teaching 00:20:18.919 --> 00:20:19.599 doesn't get a 00:20:19.599 --> 00:20:20.199 foothold in 00:20:20.199 --> 00:20:20.720 the church 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:23.299 but we can 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:24.319 forsake Jesus. 00:20:26.160 --> 00:20:27.079 You and I 00:20:27.079 --> 00:20:27.860 can be so 00:20:27.860 --> 00:20:28.660 clear about 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:29.700 what is morally 00:20:29.700 --> 00:20:31.620 right and 00:20:31.620 --> 00:20:32.160 biblically 00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:32.920 sound. 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.900 We can have 00:20:34.900 --> 00:20:35.559 the right 00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:37.059 behaviour and 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:37.620 the right 00:20:37.620 --> 00:20:39.360 beliefs but, 00:20:40.700 --> 00:20:41.799 verse 4, 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:44.100 you have 00:20:44.100 --> 00:20:44.920 forsaken the 00:20:44.920 --> 00:20:45.860 love you had 00:20:45.860 --> 00:20:47.339 at first. 00:20:47.339 --> 00:20:52.099 You see, 00:20:52.179 --> 00:20:52.619 we need to 00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:53.119 be so 00:20:53.119 --> 00:20:54.819 careful that 00:20:54.819 --> 00:20:55.359 we don't 00:20:55.359 --> 00:20:56.159 divorce our 00:20:56.159 --> 00:20:56.779 deeds and 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:57.480 our doctrine 00:20:57.480 --> 00:20:59.199 from our 00:20:59.199 --> 00:21:00.980 devotion to 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:01.359 Jesus. 00:21:02.899 --> 00:21:03.759 We can 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:04.319 point out 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:04.879 the danger 00:21:04.879 --> 00:21:06.639 of sin and 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:07.279 hold to 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:08.399 moral standards 00:21:08.399 --> 00:21:10.240 but if it 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:11.139 doesn't grow 00:21:11.139 --> 00:21:12.019 our love for 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:12.459 Jesus, 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:14.259 it's all 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:14.699 nothing. 00:21:15.939 --> 00:21:16.519 It's all 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:16.919 nothing. 00:21:17.699 --> 00:21:18.299 We can 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:18.720 fit our 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:19.220 heads with 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.000 sermons and 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:20.980 go to our 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:22.039 podcasts and 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:22.759 go to 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.619 NBC and 00:21:23.619 --> 00:21:24.480 learn theology 00:21:24.480 --> 00:21:25.939 but unless 00:21:25.939 --> 00:21:26.859 it leads to 00:21:26.859 --> 00:21:27.500 a love for 00:21:27.500 --> 00:21:27.899 Jesus, 00:21:28.159 --> 00:21:29.599 it's all a 00:21:29.599 --> 00:21:30.059 waste of 00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:30.480 time. 00:21:31.819 --> 00:21:32.439 All a 00:21:32.439 --> 00:21:32.859 waste of 00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:33.159 time. 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:36.659 In other 00:21:36.659 --> 00:21:36.939 words, 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:37.500 the reason 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:38.199 why we 00:21:38.199 --> 00:21:38.619 want to 00:21:38.619 --> 00:21:39.220 be serious 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:40.000 about sin 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:40.559 is because 00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:41.859 we want 00:21:41.859 --> 00:21:42.399 to be more 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:43.119 like Jesus. 00:21:45.079 --> 00:21:45.559 And the 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:46.139 reason why 00:21:46.139 --> 00:21:46.679 we want to 00:21:46.680 --> 00:21:47.039 be so 00:21:47.039 --> 00:21:47.600 clear in 00:21:47.600 --> 00:21:47.779 our 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:49.060 teaching is 00:21:49.060 --> 00:21:49.560 because we 00:21:49.560 --> 00:21:49.980 want to 00:21:49.980 --> 00:21:50.560 know Jesus 00:21:50.560 --> 00:21:51.080 better. 00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:53.259 Our goal 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:53.600 and our 00:21:53.600 --> 00:21:54.259 purpose is 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:54.620 that our 00:21:54.620 --> 00:21:55.320 love for 00:21:55.320 --> 00:21:56.880 Jesus would 00:21:56.880 --> 00:21:57.580 increase. 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:02.759 Think back 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:04.820 with me to 00:22:04.820 --> 00:22:05.340 the first 00:22:05.340 --> 00:22:07.160 time you 00:22:07.160 --> 00:22:07.700 became a 00:22:07.700 --> 00:22:08.080 Christian. 00:22:08.079 --> 00:22:08.139 Christian. 00:22:09.819 --> 00:22:10.259 I'd 00:22:10.259 --> 00:22:10.839 guess, and 00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:11.179 I know 00:22:11.179 --> 00:22:11.579 this is 00:22:11.579 --> 00:22:12.339 generalising 00:22:12.339 --> 00:22:12.679 a little 00:22:12.679 --> 00:22:14.099 bit, I'd 00:22:14.099 --> 00:22:14.480 say that 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:14.960 for most 00:22:14.960 --> 00:22:15.559 of us we 00:22:15.559 --> 00:22:16.559 knew little 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:18.139 of what 00:22:18.139 --> 00:22:18.539 Christian 00:22:18.539 --> 00:22:19.019 behaviour 00:22:19.019 --> 00:22:19.759 looked like. 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:21.159 We knew 00:22:21.159 --> 00:22:22.879 little about 00:22:22.879 --> 00:22:23.359 Christian 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:24.519 belief and 00:22:24.519 --> 00:22:24.980 doctrine. 00:22:26.299 --> 00:22:27.099 But there 00:22:27.099 --> 00:22:27.460 was a 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:29.279 passion for 00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:29.639 Jesus. 00:22:30.939 --> 00:22:31.960 We talked 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:32.619 about him, 00:22:32.939 --> 00:22:33.439 didn't we? 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:35.960 sang about 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:36.779 him with 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:37.360 gusto. 00:22:37.580 --> 00:22:38.799 We served 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:39.140 him. 00:22:40.400 --> 00:22:40.759 And we 00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:41.920 read Christian 00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:42.600 books and 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:43.400 we told 00:22:43.400 --> 00:22:44.059 others about 00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:44.640 what we were 00:22:44.640 --> 00:22:45.220 reading and 00:22:45.220 --> 00:22:45.820 how we were 00:22:45.820 --> 00:22:46.279 encouraged. 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:47.660 We just 00:22:47.660 --> 00:22:48.400 joined in the 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:49.240 outreach events 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:50.220 with excitement 00:22:50.220 --> 00:22:51.320 and anticipation. 00:22:52.360 --> 00:22:53.180 We delighted 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:53.860 in Jesus 00:22:53.860 --> 00:22:54.500 because we 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.279 loved him. 00:22:55.279 --> 00:23:00.619 Now fast 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:01.299 forward to 00:23:01.299 --> 00:23:01.639 where we 00:23:01.639 --> 00:23:02.279 are today. 00:23:04.019 --> 00:23:05.019 I'd say, 00:23:05.139 --> 00:23:05.720 I'd guess, 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:07.920 we know 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:09.200 tons more 00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:10.379 about 00:23:10.379 --> 00:23:10.899 Christian 00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:11.440 morality. 00:23:12.599 --> 00:23:13.539 We know 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:14.440 heaps 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:15.619 of theology. 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:16.940 We've got 00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:17.299 all the 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:17.720 arguments. 00:23:19.099 --> 00:23:19.700 We can be 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:20.299 clear on 00:23:20.299 --> 00:23:20.960 justification 00:23:20.960 --> 00:23:21.519 and 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:22.259 sanctification. 00:23:22.259 --> 00:23:22.940 We're 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:23.839 sensitive to 00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:24.259 ethical 00:23:24.259 --> 00:23:25.099 standards. 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:27.899 But sadly, 00:23:28.819 --> 00:23:30.579 our love 00:23:30.579 --> 00:23:31.200 for Jesus 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:32.700 has not 00:23:32.700 --> 00:23:33.299 increased, 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:35.440 but it's 00:23:35.440 --> 00:23:36.039 decreased. 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:38.559 When it 00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:39.139 comes to 00:23:39.139 --> 00:23:40.160 responding in 00:23:40.160 --> 00:23:40.859 praise and 00:23:40.859 --> 00:23:41.279 prayer, 00:23:42.500 --> 00:23:42.960 oh, we 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:43.559 just cross 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:44.059 our arms 00:23:44.059 --> 00:23:44.359 and we 00:23:44.359 --> 00:23:45.079 just mumble 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:45.500 along. 00:23:46.639 --> 00:23:47.299 Our heads 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:47.819 are somewhere 00:23:47.819 --> 00:23:48.279 else. 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:51.059 We find 00:23:51.059 --> 00:23:51.579 that when it 00:23:51.579 --> 00:23:52.099 comes to 00:23:52.099 --> 00:23:52.500 praying, 00:23:53.579 --> 00:23:54.639 we've got 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.200 nothing to 00:23:55.200 --> 00:23:55.480 say. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:57.560 We've 00:23:57.560 --> 00:23:58.200 lost our 00:23:58.200 --> 00:23:58.660 joy. 00:24:00.360 --> 00:24:00.660 We've 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:01.280 maybe grown 00:24:01.280 --> 00:24:03.360 cold and 00:24:03.360 --> 00:24:04.300 the fire's 00:24:04.300 --> 00:24:05.000 gone out. 00:24:10.540 --> 00:24:11.100 Reflecting 00:24:11.100 --> 00:24:11.740 on this is 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:12.460 frightening to 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:13.080 think that 00:24:13.080 --> 00:24:14.620 I, 00:24:15.180 --> 00:24:15.860 that you, 00:24:16.020 --> 00:24:16.480 that we, 00:24:16.560 --> 00:24:16.880 that we 00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:17.800 could forsake 00:24:17.799 --> 00:24:18.960 our first 00:24:18.960 --> 00:24:19.359 love. 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:21.059 We need to 00:24:21.059 --> 00:24:21.539 be so 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:23.379 careful that 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:24.000 we do not 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.879 divorce our 00:24:24.879 --> 00:24:25.619 deeds and 00:24:25.619 --> 00:24:26.359 our doctrine 00:24:26.359 --> 00:24:27.960 from our 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:29.779 devotion to 00:24:29.779 --> 00:24:30.339 Jesus. 00:24:33.339 --> 00:24:34.500 So what are we 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:34.960 going to do? 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:39.460 Well, we 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:40.160 want to renew 00:24:40.160 --> 00:24:40.860 our love for 00:24:40.860 --> 00:24:41.220 Jesus. 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:43.220 We want to 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:44.019 pursue him. 00:24:44.620 --> 00:24:45.360 We want to 00:24:45.360 --> 00:24:46.180 desire him. 00:24:46.480 --> 00:24:47.200 We want to 00:24:47.200 --> 00:24:48.340 long for him 00:24:48.340 --> 00:24:48.900 together. 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:50.500 But how do 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.019 we do that? 00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:51.620 How do we 00:24:51.620 --> 00:24:53.100 set alight that 00:24:53.100 --> 00:24:53.539 flame? 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:55.059 How do we 00:24:55.059 --> 00:24:56.299 return to 00:24:56.299 --> 00:24:57.340 our first 00:24:57.340 --> 00:24:57.840 love? 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.340 Well, let me 00:25:01.340 --> 00:25:01.960 suggest two 00:25:01.960 --> 00:25:02.680 things that we 00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:03.120 can do. 00:25:03.119 --> 00:25:04.939 first we 00:25:04.939 --> 00:25:05.559 can repent 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:06.000 of our 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:06.319 sin. 00:25:07.179 --> 00:25:07.699 Have a look 00:25:07.699 --> 00:25:08.000 at verse 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.459 five. 00:25:10.899 --> 00:25:11.399 Consider 00:25:11.399 --> 00:25:12.919 how far 00:25:12.919 --> 00:25:13.919 you have 00:25:13.919 --> 00:25:14.279 fallen. 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:16.979 Think about 00:25:16.979 --> 00:25:17.319 it. 00:25:19.159 --> 00:25:19.679 Meditate. 00:25:19.939 --> 00:25:20.500 Think how 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:21.159 far you have 00:25:21.159 --> 00:25:21.459 fallen. 00:25:22.939 --> 00:25:23.719 Repent and 00:25:23.719 --> 00:25:24.159 do the 00:25:24.159 --> 00:25:24.739 things you 00:25:24.739 --> 00:25:26.319 did at 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:26.979 first. 00:25:31.299 --> 00:25:31.859 Repentance, 00:25:31.919 --> 00:25:32.299 what does 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:32.739 that mean 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.380 in practice? 00:25:33.620 --> 00:25:34.039 Well, let 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:34.500 me give you 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:36.140 three practical 00:25:36.140 --> 00:25:37.620 steps for 00:25:37.620 --> 00:25:38.079 us all. 00:25:38.980 --> 00:25:39.740 I think it 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:40.259 starts with 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:40.759 confession. 00:25:40.900 --> 00:25:41.099 That's 00:25:41.099 --> 00:25:41.620 repentance, 00:25:41.900 --> 00:25:42.220 isn't it? 00:25:42.279 --> 00:25:43.039 Turning from 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:43.599 and turning 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:44.000 to. 00:25:45.579 --> 00:25:46.079 Confessing 00:25:46.079 --> 00:25:46.700 how we 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:47.740 have forsaken 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.380 our love. 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:50.680 Consider how 00:25:50.680 --> 00:25:51.279 far you've 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:51.519 fallen. 00:25:52.059 --> 00:25:52.599 What is it 00:25:52.599 --> 00:25:53.339 for each one 00:25:53.339 --> 00:25:53.859 of us that 00:25:53.859 --> 00:25:54.859 has taken 00:25:54.859 --> 00:25:56.059 our eyes 00:25:56.059 --> 00:25:57.359 off Jesus? 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.599 What is it 00:25:59.599 --> 00:26:00.160 that's got 00:26:00.160 --> 00:26:00.960 your attention? 00:26:00.960 --> 00:26:02.960 What is it 00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:03.360 that's 00:26:03.360 --> 00:26:04.200 captivating 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:04.819 your heart 00:26:04.819 --> 00:26:05.500 so that 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:05.840 when you 00:26:05.840 --> 00:26:06.519 wake up 00:26:06.519 --> 00:26:07.620 your very 00:26:07.620 --> 00:26:08.620 first thought 00:26:08.620 --> 00:26:09.180 goes to 00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:09.700 there or 00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:10.120 when you're 00:26:10.120 --> 00:26:10.740 daydreaming 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.940 your thoughts 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:12.400 go to 00:26:12.400 --> 00:26:12.539 there? 00:26:12.640 --> 00:26:13.380 What is it 00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:14.220 that's capturing 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:14.880 your heart 00:26:14.880 --> 00:26:15.460 away from 00:26:15.460 --> 00:26:15.840 Jesus? 00:26:18.840 --> 00:26:19.340 Acknowledge 00:26:19.340 --> 00:26:19.920 your sin. 00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:22.680 Ask him 00:26:22.680 --> 00:26:23.279 to forgive 00:26:23.279 --> 00:26:25.000 you and 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:25.380 he will. 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:30.420 second, 00:26:30.700 --> 00:26:31.080 meditate 00:26:31.080 --> 00:26:31.680 on his 00:26:31.680 --> 00:26:32.100 love for 00:26:32.100 --> 00:26:32.320 you. 00:26:34.520 --> 00:26:35.060 Remember 00:26:35.060 --> 00:26:35.520 how we 00:26:35.520 --> 00:26:35.940 saw at 00:26:35.940 --> 00:26:36.220 the very 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:36.600 beginning 00:26:36.600 --> 00:26:37.300 that Jesus 00:26:37.300 --> 00:26:38.260 loves his 00:26:38.260 --> 00:26:38.800 church. 00:26:39.860 --> 00:26:40.500 Just think 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:41.100 about that 00:26:41.100 --> 00:26:41.540 deeply, 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:42.160 how he's 00:26:42.160 --> 00:26:42.700 with us 00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:43.200 and for 00:26:43.200 --> 00:26:43.620 us. 00:26:44.460 --> 00:26:45.280 Take time 00:26:45.280 --> 00:26:46.080 to read 00:26:46.080 --> 00:26:46.580 scripture 00:26:46.580 --> 00:26:47.120 and see 00:26:47.120 --> 00:26:47.800 the beauty 00:26:47.800 --> 00:26:48.620 and the 00:26:48.620 --> 00:26:49.000 greatness 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:49.660 of Jesus. 00:26:50.380 --> 00:26:50.920 Revelation 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:51.780 is full 00:26:51.780 --> 00:26:52.360 of visions 00:26:52.360 --> 00:26:53.260 about Jesus 00:26:53.260 --> 00:26:53.840 and as we 00:26:53.840 --> 00:26:54.340 go through 00:26:54.339 --> 00:26:54.859 we'll see 00:26:54.859 --> 00:26:55.579 that as 00:26:55.579 --> 00:26:56.059 people, 00:26:56.419 --> 00:26:57.019 the angels 00:26:57.019 --> 00:26:57.500 and all 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:58.059 creation 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:58.559 as they're 00:26:58.559 --> 00:26:59.439 captured by 00:26:59.439 --> 00:26:59.839 Jesus, 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:00.299 what do 00:27:00.299 --> 00:27:00.699 they all 00:27:00.699 --> 00:27:01.000 do? 00:27:01.779 --> 00:27:02.659 They fall 00:27:02.659 --> 00:27:03.339 down and 00:27:03.339 --> 00:27:04.039 burst into 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:04.839 spontaneous 00:27:04.839 --> 00:27:05.699 praise 00:27:05.699 --> 00:27:08.220 because they've 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:08.799 seen him. 00:27:12.759 --> 00:27:13.619 We can 00:27:13.619 --> 00:27:14.139 confess, 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:14.599 we can 00:27:14.599 --> 00:27:15.059 meditate 00:27:15.059 --> 00:27:17.019 and we 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:17.599 can pray. 00:27:19.439 --> 00:27:20.399 Ask God 00:27:20.399 --> 00:27:20.939 to give you 00:27:20.939 --> 00:27:21.480 a hunger 00:27:21.480 --> 00:27:23.059 and a 00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:23.579 thirst for 00:27:23.579 --> 00:27:23.799 him. 00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:25.399 pray that 00:27:25.399 --> 00:27:25.839 the Holy 00:27:25.839 --> 00:27:26.319 Spirit 00:27:26.319 --> 00:27:26.859 would give 00:27:26.859 --> 00:27:27.419 us a 00:27:27.419 --> 00:27:27.799 longing 00:27:27.799 --> 00:27:28.500 for more 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:29.059 of Jesus, 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:31.139 that you 00:27:31.139 --> 00:27:32.000 would experience 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:33.279 his love 00:27:33.279 --> 00:27:34.439 in your 00:27:34.439 --> 00:27:35.220 life each 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:35.639 and every 00:27:35.639 --> 00:27:35.980 day. 00:27:39.659 --> 00:27:40.519 The best 00:27:40.519 --> 00:27:41.220 way of course 00:27:41.220 --> 00:27:41.619 to do 00:27:41.619 --> 00:27:42.559 this is in 00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:43.119 community. 00:27:44.199 --> 00:27:44.639 Remember 00:27:44.639 --> 00:27:45.079 this is 00:27:45.079 --> 00:27:45.799 written to 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.459 churches, 00:27:47.099 --> 00:27:47.899 not an 00:27:47.899 --> 00:27:48.419 individual. 00:27:49.859 --> 00:27:50.339 As we 00:27:50.339 --> 00:27:51.299 join together 00:27:51.299 --> 00:27:51.799 we do 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:52.480 these things 00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:53.299 in community, 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:54.579 we confess 00:27:54.579 --> 00:27:55.360 with one 00:27:55.360 --> 00:27:55.680 another, 00:27:55.880 --> 00:27:57.079 we meditate 00:27:57.079 --> 00:27:58.000 on God's 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.700 word together 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.180 and we 00:27:59.180 --> 00:28:00.599 pray in 00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:01.319 response. 00:28:02.120 --> 00:28:02.400 We 00:28:02.400 --> 00:28:03.579 relight the 00:28:03.579 --> 00:28:03.900 fire, 00:28:04.039 --> 00:28:04.660 we fan 00:28:04.660 --> 00:28:05.180 the flame, 00:28:05.319 --> 00:28:06.360 we encourage 00:28:06.360 --> 00:28:06.980 each other 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:07.500 on until 00:28:07.500 --> 00:28:08.259 the hearts 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:09.880 are set on 00:28:09.880 --> 00:28:10.440 fire for 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:10.799 Jesus. 00:28:12.940 --> 00:28:13.700 That's why 00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:14.480 we meet in 00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:14.860 our home 00:28:14.860 --> 00:28:15.339 groups, 00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:18.119 because we 00:28:18.119 --> 00:28:18.519 want to 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:19.059 encourage 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:19.879 each other 00:28:19.879 --> 00:28:20.359 in our 00:28:20.359 --> 00:28:21.939 love for 00:28:21.939 --> 00:28:22.339 Jesus. 00:28:24.419 --> 00:28:25.199 That's what 00:28:25.199 --> 00:28:25.799 it means to 00:28:25.799 --> 00:28:26.319 repent. 00:28:27.619 --> 00:28:27.980 It's 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:29.099 reorientating 00:28:29.099 --> 00:28:29.599 our life 00:28:29.599 --> 00:28:30.319 around him. 00:28:32.119 --> 00:28:32.759 Now, 00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:34.799 if we 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:35.759 ignore this, 00:28:37.079 --> 00:28:38.299 please hear 00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:38.819 the warning. 00:28:39.959 --> 00:28:40.399 Look at the 00:28:40.399 --> 00:28:40.779 rest of 00:28:40.779 --> 00:28:41.419 verse 5. 00:28:41.420 --> 00:28:45.240 If you 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:45.740 do not 00:28:45.740 --> 00:28:46.320 repent, 00:28:47.259 --> 00:28:47.779 I will 00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:48.240 come to 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:48.580 you and 00:28:48.580 --> 00:28:49.180 remove your 00:28:49.180 --> 00:28:49.779 lampstand 00:28:49.779 --> 00:28:50.320 from its 00:28:50.320 --> 00:28:50.800 place. 00:28:52.600 --> 00:28:53.360 You see, 00:28:53.420 --> 00:28:53.800 a true 00:28:53.800 --> 00:28:54.259 church, 00:28:54.340 --> 00:28:54.900 a healthy 00:28:54.900 --> 00:28:55.480 church, 00:28:56.200 --> 00:28:57.220 is one 00:28:57.220 --> 00:28:57.900 that takes 00:28:57.900 --> 00:28:58.620 Jesus 00:28:58.620 --> 00:29:00.160 seriously. 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.440 As we're 00:29:02.440 --> 00:29:02.940 shown our 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:03.220 sin, 00:29:03.340 --> 00:29:03.920 we confess 00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:04.120 it, 00:29:04.220 --> 00:29:05.320 we meditate 00:29:05.320 --> 00:29:06.160 upon him, 00:29:06.300 --> 00:29:07.380 we pray 00:29:07.380 --> 00:29:07.840 for a 00:29:07.840 --> 00:29:08.279 change of 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:08.600 heart, 00:29:09.140 --> 00:29:09.940 but not 00:29:09.940 --> 00:29:10.340 to do 00:29:10.340 --> 00:29:10.620 so, 00:29:10.740 --> 00:29:11.240 to not 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:11.880 respond 00:29:11.880 --> 00:29:12.440 like this 00:29:12.440 --> 00:29:13.920 means the 00:29:13.920 --> 00:29:14.680 Lord Jesus 00:29:14.680 --> 00:29:15.279 will, 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:16.319 verse 5, 00:29:16.460 --> 00:29:18.259 remove your 00:29:18.259 --> 00:29:18.900 lampstand. 00:29:19.059 --> 00:29:19.460 He will 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:21.200 remove the 00:29:21.200 --> 00:29:21.720 church. 00:29:22.680 --> 00:29:23.259 Why? 00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:24.759 Well, 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.720 because it's 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:26.500 not a 00:29:26.500 --> 00:29:26.980 church. 00:29:28.559 --> 00:29:29.299 A church 00:29:29.299 --> 00:29:29.700 is a 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:30.299 church that 00:29:30.299 --> 00:29:31.220 repents and 00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:32.259 turns back 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:32.839 to him and 00:29:32.839 --> 00:29:33.519 seeks him 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.740 and desires 00:29:34.740 --> 00:29:35.180 him. 00:29:37.579 --> 00:29:38.180 And we 00:29:38.180 --> 00:29:38.660 can say 00:29:38.660 --> 00:29:39.440 with confidence 00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:40.900 that he 00:29:40.900 --> 00:29:41.680 walks among 00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:43.380 us and 00:29:43.380 --> 00:29:43.880 he holds 00:29:43.880 --> 00:29:44.299 us in 00:29:44.299 --> 00:29:44.960 his hands. 00:29:49.539 --> 00:29:50.360 Maybe you 00:29:50.360 --> 00:29:50.880 find this 00:29:50.880 --> 00:29:51.480 uncomfortable 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:52.279 and challenging. 00:29:54.120 --> 00:29:54.759 I'm 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:55.299 finding it 00:29:55.299 --> 00:29:55.580 very 00:29:55.580 --> 00:29:56.180 uncomfortable. 00:29:58.059 --> 00:29:58.960 But Jesus 00:29:58.960 --> 00:29:59.840 isn't out to 00:29:59.840 --> 00:30:00.640 berate us. 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.340 He isn't 00:30:02.340 --> 00:30:02.960 showing us 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:03.720 our sin just 00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:04.400 to kind of 00:30:04.400 --> 00:30:05.340 heap the 00:30:05.340 --> 00:30:05.820 guilt and 00:30:05.820 --> 00:30:06.320 the shame. 00:30:06.319 --> 00:30:07.939 but because 00:30:07.939 --> 00:30:08.460 he loves 00:30:08.460 --> 00:30:09.000 us. 00:30:09.539 --> 00:30:10.500 He longs 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:10.859 that we 00:30:10.859 --> 00:30:11.599 would respond 00:30:11.599 --> 00:30:12.099 in love 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:12.559 to him. 00:30:12.899 --> 00:30:13.319 He wants 00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:13.819 our best 00:30:13.819 --> 00:30:14.339 because he 00:30:14.339 --> 00:30:14.899 knows that 00:30:14.899 --> 00:30:16.659 when Jesus 00:30:16.659 --> 00:30:17.619 has our 00:30:17.619 --> 00:30:18.119 heart's 00:30:18.119 --> 00:30:18.619 attention, 00:30:19.619 --> 00:30:20.599 it's going 00:30:20.599 --> 00:30:21.079 to be good 00:30:21.079 --> 00:30:21.700 for us. 00:30:22.359 --> 00:30:22.939 It's going 00:30:22.939 --> 00:30:23.639 to be best. 00:30:25.700 --> 00:30:26.439 So we 00:30:26.439 --> 00:30:27.000 renew our 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.500 love for 00:30:27.500 --> 00:30:27.839 Jesus. 00:30:28.899 --> 00:30:29.759 We repent 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.139 of his 00:30:30.139 --> 00:30:30.779 our sin. 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:33.200 And then 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:33.639 the second 00:30:33.639 --> 00:30:35.500 step is 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:36.139 to remember 00:30:36.139 --> 00:30:37.099 his promise. 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:38.440 Look at 00:30:38.440 --> 00:30:39.039 verse 7. 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:41.200 Whoever 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:42.180 has ears, 00:30:42.359 --> 00:30:42.740 let them 00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:43.500 hear what 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:44.099 the Spirit 00:30:44.099 --> 00:30:44.799 says to 00:30:44.799 --> 00:30:45.379 the churches. 00:30:46.700 --> 00:30:47.279 Verse 1 00:30:47.279 --> 00:30:48.000 said something 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:48.559 similar, 00:30:48.720 --> 00:30:49.039 didn't it? 00:30:49.160 --> 00:30:49.639 These are 00:30:49.639 --> 00:30:50.339 the words 00:30:50.339 --> 00:30:51.180 of him. 00:30:51.920 --> 00:30:52.359 Now in 00:30:52.359 --> 00:30:52.879 verse 7, 00:30:53.200 --> 00:30:53.779 hear what 00:30:53.779 --> 00:30:54.319 the Spirit 00:30:54.319 --> 00:30:54.759 says. 00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:55.500 It's not 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:55.920 that the 00:30:55.920 --> 00:30:56.379 Word of 00:30:56.379 --> 00:30:56.779 God and 00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:57.319 the Spirit 00:30:57.319 --> 00:30:57.740 of God 00:30:57.740 --> 00:30:58.399 are separate. 00:30:58.559 --> 00:30:58.700 No, 00:30:58.779 --> 00:30:59.460 they always 00:30:59.460 --> 00:31:00.039 operate 00:31:00.039 --> 00:31:00.599 together. 00:31:00.779 --> 00:31:01.660 the Spirit 00:31:01.660 --> 00:31:02.119 of God 00:31:02.119 --> 00:31:02.740 takes the 00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:03.160 Word of 00:31:03.160 --> 00:31:03.980 God to 00:31:03.980 --> 00:31:04.359 do the 00:31:04.359 --> 00:31:04.879 work of 00:31:04.879 --> 00:31:05.899 God in 00:31:05.899 --> 00:31:06.759 the church 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:07.339 of God. 00:31:08.700 --> 00:31:09.460 So what 00:31:09.460 --> 00:31:10.019 is the 00:31:10.019 --> 00:31:10.460 Spirit 00:31:10.460 --> 00:31:11.299 saying to 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:11.839 us? 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:13.399 The rest 00:31:13.399 --> 00:31:13.759 of verse 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:14.099 7. 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:15.399 To the 00:31:15.399 --> 00:31:15.799 one who 00:31:15.799 --> 00:31:16.700 is victorious, 00:31:16.960 --> 00:31:17.220 to the 00:31:17.220 --> 00:31:17.759 one who 00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:19.139 overcomes, 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:20.980 that is, 00:31:21.359 --> 00:31:21.899 the one 00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:23.359 who responds 00:31:23.359 --> 00:31:24.279 in repentance, 00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:24.940 the one who 00:31:24.940 --> 00:31:25.819 turns back 00:31:25.819 --> 00:31:26.180 to the 00:31:26.180 --> 00:31:28.299 Lord and 00:31:28.299 --> 00:31:28.920 seeks his 00:31:28.920 --> 00:31:29.579 help for a 00:31:29.579 --> 00:31:30.079 change of 00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:30.500 heart. 00:31:30.779 --> 00:31:34.700 I will 00:31:34.700 --> 00:31:35.339 give the 00:31:35.339 --> 00:31:35.960 right to 00:31:35.960 --> 00:31:36.460 eat from 00:31:36.460 --> 00:31:36.960 the tree 00:31:36.960 --> 00:31:37.619 of life, 00:31:38.559 --> 00:31:39.180 which is 00:31:39.180 --> 00:31:39.480 in the 00:31:39.480 --> 00:31:40.759 paradise of 00:31:40.759 --> 00:31:41.139 God. 00:31:41.839 --> 00:31:42.579 This is 00:31:42.579 --> 00:31:43.019 God's 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:44.319 promise to 00:31:44.319 --> 00:31:44.899 his church, 00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:45.379 to us 00:31:45.379 --> 00:31:45.779 today. 00:31:46.559 --> 00:31:47.119 It's a 00:31:47.119 --> 00:31:48.279 picture of 00:31:48.279 --> 00:31:48.819 the new 00:31:48.819 --> 00:31:49.660 creation to 00:31:49.660 --> 00:31:49.980 come. 00:31:50.399 --> 00:31:50.700 Have a 00:31:50.700 --> 00:31:51.039 look with 00:31:51.039 --> 00:31:51.440 me in 00:31:51.440 --> 00:31:51.940 Revelation 00:31:51.940 --> 00:31:53.019 chapter 22. 00:31:53.559 --> 00:31:54.019 We get 00:31:54.019 --> 00:31:54.859 an expanded 00:31:54.859 --> 00:31:57.180 version of 00:31:57.180 --> 00:31:58.299 this tree 00:31:58.299 --> 00:31:59.059 of life in 00:31:59.059 --> 00:31:59.779 the paradise 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:00.639 of God. 00:32:01.359 --> 00:32:02.460 Chapter 22 00:32:02.460 --> 00:32:03.200 verse 1. 00:32:04.579 --> 00:32:05.339 Again, it's 00:32:05.339 --> 00:32:06.160 another vision 00:32:06.160 --> 00:32:07.299 John sees. 00:32:12.339 --> 00:32:13.119 And as 00:32:13.119 --> 00:32:13.920 John looks, 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:15.980 we have 00:32:15.980 --> 00:32:16.879 this wonderful 00:32:16.879 --> 00:32:18.960 garden scene, 00:32:19.460 --> 00:32:20.139 a beautiful 00:32:20.139 --> 00:32:20.660 garden. 00:32:20.660 --> 00:32:23.680 chapter 22 00:32:23.680 --> 00:32:24.240 verse 1. 00:32:24.300 --> 00:32:24.620 Then the 00:32:24.620 --> 00:32:25.440 angel showed 00:32:25.440 --> 00:32:25.860 me the 00:32:25.860 --> 00:32:27.340 river of 00:32:27.340 --> 00:32:27.880 the water 00:32:27.880 --> 00:32:28.560 of life, 00:32:29.440 --> 00:32:30.080 as clear 00:32:30.080 --> 00:32:30.759 as crystal, 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:32.560 flowing from 00:32:32.560 --> 00:32:33.279 the throne of 00:32:33.279 --> 00:32:33.980 God and of 00:32:33.980 --> 00:32:34.420 the Lamb, 00:32:34.820 --> 00:32:35.320 down the 00:32:35.320 --> 00:32:35.680 middle of 00:32:35.680 --> 00:32:36.120 the great 00:32:36.120 --> 00:32:36.759 street of 00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:37.279 the city. 00:32:37.660 --> 00:32:38.200 On each 00:32:38.200 --> 00:32:39.040 side of the 00:32:39.040 --> 00:32:39.640 river stood 00:32:39.640 --> 00:32:40.320 the tree 00:32:40.320 --> 00:32:40.980 of life, 00:32:42.080 --> 00:32:42.519 bearing 00:32:42.519 --> 00:32:43.540 twelve crops 00:32:43.540 --> 00:32:44.160 of fruit, 00:32:45.279 --> 00:32:46.080 yielding its 00:32:46.080 --> 00:32:46.779 fruit for 00:32:46.779 --> 00:32:47.560 every month, 00:32:47.559 --> 00:32:49.779 abundance and 00:32:49.779 --> 00:32:50.240 plenty, 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:51.679 and the 00:32:51.679 --> 00:32:52.179 leaves of 00:32:52.179 --> 00:32:52.700 the tree 00:32:52.700 --> 00:32:54.000 are for 00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:54.539 the healing 00:32:54.539 --> 00:32:55.759 of the 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:56.179 nations. 00:32:57.720 --> 00:32:58.500 This is 00:32:58.500 --> 00:32:59.019 what the 00:32:59.019 --> 00:32:59.779 church can 00:32:59.779 --> 00:33:00.480 look forward 00:33:00.480 --> 00:33:00.859 to. 00:33:01.819 --> 00:33:02.799 The church 00:33:02.799 --> 00:33:03.799 that loves 00:33:03.799 --> 00:33:04.399 Jesus 00:33:04.399 --> 00:33:06.200 will be in 00:33:06.200 --> 00:33:06.899 the presence 00:33:06.899 --> 00:33:07.839 of God's 00:33:07.839 --> 00:33:08.259 love in 00:33:08.259 --> 00:33:08.779 all its 00:33:08.779 --> 00:33:09.500 fullness and 00:33:09.500 --> 00:33:10.139 completeness 00:33:10.139 --> 00:33:11.399 forever and 00:33:11.399 --> 00:33:11.879 forever. 00:33:13.099 --> 00:33:13.960 Just as 00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:14.919 God walked 00:33:14.919 --> 00:33:15.299 in the 00:33:15.299 --> 00:33:15.940 cool of the 00:33:15.940 --> 00:33:16.519 garden with 00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:17.000 Adam and 00:33:17.000 --> 00:33:17.859 Eve way 00:33:17.859 --> 00:33:18.420 back in 00:33:18.420 --> 00:33:19.039 that first 00:33:19.039 --> 00:33:19.480 garden, 00:33:20.339 --> 00:33:21.099 so we 00:33:21.099 --> 00:33:21.480 have a 00:33:21.480 --> 00:33:23.279 picture of 00:33:23.279 --> 00:33:24.460 God and 00:33:24.460 --> 00:33:25.079 his people 00:33:25.079 --> 00:33:26.440 walking 00:33:26.440 --> 00:33:27.960 together in 00:33:27.960 --> 00:33:28.559 the new 00:33:28.559 --> 00:33:29.420 eternal 00:33:29.420 --> 00:33:29.940 garden. 00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:32.359 At last 00:33:32.359 --> 00:33:32.900 our love 00:33:32.900 --> 00:33:33.460 for him 00:33:33.460 --> 00:33:34.700 will be 00:33:34.700 --> 00:33:35.440 unfailing 00:33:35.440 --> 00:33:36.619 and 00:33:36.619 --> 00:33:37.700 undistracted. 00:33:38.379 --> 00:33:39.139 Sin will 00:33:39.139 --> 00:33:39.720 be gone, 00:33:40.599 --> 00:33:41.160 opposition 00:33:41.160 --> 00:33:41.799 will end 00:33:41.799 --> 00:33:42.099 and we 00:33:42.099 --> 00:33:43.059 will delight 00:33:43.059 --> 00:33:43.839 in his 00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:44.700 love forever 00:33:44.700 --> 00:33:46.380 and together 00:33:46.380 --> 00:33:46.860 we will 00:33:46.860 --> 00:33:47.500 join in 00:33:47.500 --> 00:33:48.140 with all 00:33:48.140 --> 00:33:48.640 God's 00:33:48.640 --> 00:33:49.180 people and 00:33:49.180 --> 00:33:49.519 we will 00:33:49.519 --> 00:33:50.160 sing with 00:33:50.160 --> 00:33:50.819 the angels 00:33:50.819 --> 00:33:52.120 worthy is 00:33:52.120 --> 00:33:52.539 the lamb 00:33:52.539 --> 00:33:52.920 who was 00:33:52.920 --> 00:33:54.100 slain to 00:33:54.100 --> 00:33:55.400 receive power 00:33:55.400 --> 00:33:56.200 and wealth 00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:56.880 and wisdom 00:33:56.880 --> 00:33:57.600 and strength 00:33:57.600 --> 00:33:58.480 and honour 00:33:58.480 --> 00:33:59.240 and glory 00:33:59.240 --> 00:34:00.120 and praise 00:34:00.120 --> 00:34:01.559 to him 00:34:01.559 --> 00:34:02.160 who sits 00:34:02.160 --> 00:34:02.539 on the 00:34:02.539 --> 00:34:02.799 throne 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:03.120 and to 00:34:03.120 --> 00:34:03.539 the lamb 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:04.920 be praise 00:34:04.920 --> 00:34:06.080 and honour 00:34:06.080 --> 00:34:07.559 and glory 00:34:07.559 --> 00:34:08.360 and power 00:34:08.360 --> 00:34:08.980 forever 00:34:08.980 --> 00:34:09.860 and ever. 00:34:10.860 --> 00:34:11.699 Amen. 00:34:11.699 --> 00:34:16.579 So we 00:34:16.579 --> 00:34:17.159 renew our 00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:17.579 love for 00:34:17.579 --> 00:34:17.919 Jesus. 00:34:19.659 --> 00:34:20.639 We turn 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:21.319 in repentance. 00:34:22.899 --> 00:34:23.480 We 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:23.939 remember 00:34:23.939 --> 00:34:24.539 his great 00:34:24.539 --> 00:34:25.079 promise. 00:34:27.179 --> 00:34:27.539 Jesus 00:34:27.539 --> 00:34:28.639 loves 00:34:28.639 --> 00:34:30.079 Cargilline 00:34:30.079 --> 00:34:30.439 Baptist 00:34:30.439 --> 00:34:31.019 Church. 00:34:32.539 --> 00:34:33.219 Let's 00:34:33.219 --> 00:34:33.779 renew our 00:34:33.779 --> 00:34:34.799 love for 00:34:34.799 --> 00:34:35.079 him. 00:34:36.619 --> 00:34:37.279 Let's 00:34:37.279 --> 00:34:37.559 pray. 00:34:37.559 --> 00:34:37.619 Amen. 00:34:37.619 --> 00:34:37.679 Amen. 00:34:37.679 --> 00:34:37.699 Amen. 00:34:37.699 --> 00:34:37.719 Amen. 00:34:41.699 --> 00:34:57.059 Lord God, 00:34:57.799 --> 00:34:58.739 our 00:34:58.739 --> 00:34:59.219 Father, 00:35:00.819 --> 00:35:02.059 gentle and 00:35:02.059 --> 00:35:02.799 caring and 00:35:02.799 --> 00:35:03.119 good, 00:35:04.919 --> 00:35:05.980 thank you 00:35:05.980 --> 00:35:06.399 for your 00:35:06.399 --> 00:35:07.059 great love 00:35:07.059 --> 00:35:07.819 for us. 00:35:09.179 --> 00:35:10.119 Thank you 00:35:10.119 --> 00:35:10.519 for your 00:35:10.519 --> 00:35:11.539 faithful love. 00:35:12.699 --> 00:35:13.019 your 00:35:13.019 --> 00:35:13.799 steadfast 00:35:13.799 --> 00:35:14.179 love. 00:35:18.159 --> 00:35:19.039 We do 00:35:19.039 --> 00:35:19.579 love you. 00:35:21.779 --> 00:35:22.679 We do. 00:35:25.559 --> 00:35:26.359 And yet 00:35:26.359 --> 00:35:27.019 so often 00:35:27.019 --> 00:35:28.500 our love 00:35:28.500 --> 00:35:28.879 for you 00:35:28.879 --> 00:35:29.719 is distracted. 00:35:31.359 --> 00:35:32.399 We fail. 00:35:33.980 --> 00:35:34.819 We love 00:35:34.819 --> 00:35:35.239 ourselves 00:35:35.239 --> 00:35:35.719 more. 00:35:36.980 --> 00:35:37.799 We love 00:35:37.799 --> 00:35:38.319 the gifts 00:35:38.319 --> 00:35:38.699 that you 00:35:38.699 --> 00:35:39.159 give us 00:35:39.159 --> 00:35:39.460 more. 00:35:39.460 --> 00:35:41.400 we love 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:42.099 other things 00:35:42.099 --> 00:35:42.539 and other 00:35:42.539 --> 00:35:42.920 people 00:35:42.920 --> 00:35:43.559 more than 00:35:43.559 --> 00:35:43.980 we love 00:35:43.980 --> 00:35:44.220 you. 00:35:46.800 --> 00:35:47.559 Would you 00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:48.300 please give 00:35:48.300 --> 00:35:48.960 us a hunger 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:49.579 and thirst 00:35:49.579 --> 00:35:50.159 for you? 00:35:51.960 --> 00:35:52.740 Would you 00:35:52.740 --> 00:35:53.400 increase 00:35:53.400 --> 00:35:54.300 our love 00:35:54.300 --> 00:35:54.720 for you? 00:35:57.240 --> 00:35:57.960 Would you 00:35:57.960 --> 00:35:58.519 show us 00:35:58.519 --> 00:35:59.079 the wonder 00:35:59.079 --> 00:35:59.659 of Jesus 00:35:59.659 --> 00:36:00.380 afresh? 00:36:02.079 --> 00:36:02.800 That we 00:36:02.800 --> 00:36:03.420 would delight 00:36:03.420 --> 00:36:03.880 in him 00:36:03.880 --> 00:36:05.880 and love 00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:06.160 him? 00:36:09.160 --> 00:36:09.760 Father, 00:36:09.900 --> 00:36:10.360 send your 00:36:10.360 --> 00:36:11.140 spirit upon 00:36:11.140 --> 00:36:11.539 us 00:36:11.539 --> 00:36:13.500 and stir 00:36:13.500 --> 00:36:14.320 us afresh, 00:36:15.720 --> 00:36:16.420 thanking you 00:36:16.420 --> 00:36:16.940 that you 00:36:16.940 --> 00:36:18.079 walk among 00:36:18.079 --> 00:36:18.640 us 00:36:18.640 --> 00:36:20.240 and you 00:36:20.240 --> 00:36:21.059 hold us 00:36:21.059 --> 00:36:22.599 and you 00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:23.160 work in 00:36:23.160 --> 00:36:23.760 us what 00:36:23.760 --> 00:36:24.539 is good 00:36:24.539 --> 00:36:25.460 and best. 00:36:25.460 --> 00:36:28.900 we trust 00:36:28.900 --> 00:36:29.240 you to 00:36:29.240 --> 00:36:29.679 do this 00:36:29.679 --> 00:36:30.300 for us 00:36:30.300 --> 00:36:31.860 and thank 00:36:31.860 --> 00:36:32.179 you that 00:36:32.179 --> 00:36:32.619 you will. 00:36:34.300 --> 00:36:34.820 Amen. 00:36:42.099 --> 00:36:42.659 Well, 00:36:42.679 --> 00:36:42.920 we're going 00:36:42.920 --> 00:36:43.320 to sing 00:36:43.320 --> 00:36:43.800 a song 00:36:43.800 --> 00:36:44.400 that's 00:36:44.400 --> 00:36:45.519 going to 00:36:45.519 --> 00:36:45.980 help us 00:36:45.980 --> 00:36:46.760 to respond 00:36:46.760 --> 00:36:47.260 to what 00:36:47.260 --> 00:36:47.720 we've been 00:36:47.720 --> 00:36:48.420 thinking about 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:49.179 together this 00:36:49.179 --> 00:36:49.579 morning. 00:36:51.019 --> 00:36:52.000 The chorus 00:36:52.000 --> 00:36:52.780 knowing you, 00:36:52.960 --> 00:36:53.240 Jesus 00:36:53.240 --> 00:36:54.099 knowing you, 00:36:54.099 --> 00:36:55.799 you're my 00:36:55.799 --> 00:36:56.279 all, 00:36:56.400 --> 00:36:56.699 you're the 00:36:56.699 --> 00:36:57.219 best, 00:36:57.920 --> 00:36:58.480 you're my 00:36:58.480 --> 00:36:58.940 joy.