WEBVTT 00:00:00.720 --> 00:00:02.319 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:00:03.540 --> 00:00:05.540 Those of you that don't know me, my name's David, 00:00:05.960 --> 00:00:07.879 and it's my privilege and pleasure, really, 00:00:07.940 --> 00:00:10.580 to be opening up that quite wacky reading 00:00:10.580 --> 00:00:13.099 from Revelation this morning. 00:00:13.900 --> 00:00:16.140 And I thought we might begin by getting our brains 00:00:16.140 --> 00:00:18.620 warmed up with a bit of a quiz. 00:00:19.339 --> 00:00:22.140 And so I'm going to show you a picture from a film, 00:00:22.699 --> 00:00:24.260 kind of a screenshot from a film, 00:00:24.640 --> 00:00:26.600 and I wonder if you could kind of shout out, 00:00:27.019 --> 00:00:27.719 you don't need to put your hands up, 00:00:27.719 --> 00:00:30.980 and just yell out what film you think it is from. 00:00:31.519 --> 00:00:32.700 And we could get a bit competitive. 00:00:32.899 --> 00:00:34.200 We could have this side of the church 00:00:34.200 --> 00:00:35.780 versus this side of the church, 00:00:35.939 --> 00:00:38.899 and the winning side will get to go for coffee first. 00:00:39.899 --> 00:00:40.460 Oh, yeah. 00:00:41.039 --> 00:00:42.479 There are obviously the holy ones amongst you 00:00:42.479 --> 00:00:45.159 that will want to serve by letting the others go first, 00:00:45.179 --> 00:00:47.099 and the wonderful team that serve us every week 00:00:47.099 --> 00:00:48.480 by giving us caffeine. 00:00:48.579 --> 00:00:49.140 Bless you guys. 00:00:49.840 --> 00:00:51.460 So let's see how we go. 00:00:51.939 --> 00:00:52.840 This is the first one. 00:00:53.439 --> 00:00:55.620 Day After Tomorrow, 1-0. 00:00:55.620 --> 00:00:57.039 Okay, it is the film Day After Tomorrow. 00:00:57.120 --> 00:00:57.500 A bit old. 00:00:58.039 --> 00:00:59.299 Being an ex-geography teacher, 00:00:59.399 --> 00:01:01.420 this was my go-to in the last week of term. 00:01:01.740 --> 00:01:02.339 Here you go, kids. 00:01:02.399 --> 00:01:02.939 Let's watch this. 00:01:02.979 --> 00:01:03.679 Do a mind map, 00:01:04.159 --> 00:01:06.219 and we'll discuss whatever it's all about, 00:01:06.299 --> 00:01:06.980 global warming. 00:01:07.099 --> 00:01:07.980 But yeah, if you've seen it, 00:01:08.039 --> 00:01:10.180 the cataclysmic end of the world, 00:01:10.319 --> 00:01:13.180 practically, through all things weather-related. 00:01:13.659 --> 00:01:13.879 Brilliant. 00:01:13.980 --> 00:01:14.319 Next one. 00:01:14.319 --> 00:01:15.319 Yes. 00:01:15.319 --> 00:01:15.439 Yes. 00:01:15.439 --> 00:01:15.799 2012. 00:01:15.799 --> 00:01:16.279 2012. 00:01:16.279 --> 00:01:16.399 2012. 00:01:16.399 --> 00:01:16.839 2012. 00:01:16.839 --> 00:01:17.239 2012. 00:01:17.239 --> 00:01:17.319 2012. 00:01:17.319 --> 00:01:17.759 2012. 00:01:17.759 --> 00:01:19.319 Kind of similar ilk between... 00:01:19.319 --> 00:01:19.759 1-1. 00:01:19.759 --> 00:01:20.419 1-1. 00:01:20.419 --> 00:01:20.659 Yep. 00:01:20.659 --> 00:01:24.339 A similar ilk maybe with the Day After Tomorrow vibe 00:01:24.339 --> 00:01:26.699 with lots of weather and earthquakes 00:01:26.699 --> 00:01:29.539 kind of heralding the end of the world as we know it. 00:01:29.539 --> 00:01:30.379 Brilliant. 00:01:30.379 --> 00:01:31.879 2012. 00:01:31.879 --> 00:01:32.000 2012. 00:01:32.620 --> 00:01:33.099 Next one. 00:01:33.900 --> 00:01:34.680 I am legend. 00:01:34.799 --> 00:01:36.400 Oh, I think someone got it at the back there, 00:01:36.459 --> 00:01:36.840 I think. 00:01:36.859 --> 00:01:37.900 I think it was this side. 00:01:38.060 --> 00:01:38.560 Sorry, guys. 00:01:38.599 --> 00:01:39.060 I think it was. 00:01:39.799 --> 00:01:40.579 I am legend. 00:01:40.980 --> 00:01:42.620 A bit spooky, this one, actually. 00:01:43.460 --> 00:01:44.460 And if you've seen it, 00:01:44.480 --> 00:01:45.600 it's got a really good message 00:01:45.600 --> 00:01:47.560 about salvation and resurrection, actually. 00:01:47.579 --> 00:01:48.859 It's got quite a good Christian message in it. 00:01:49.160 --> 00:01:49.939 But I am legend. 00:01:50.480 --> 00:01:52.080 Will Smith is kind of the last man, 00:01:52.180 --> 00:01:52.859 so he thinks. 00:01:53.040 --> 00:01:53.980 Spoiler alert, sorry. 00:01:54.300 --> 00:01:55.600 The last man in New York. 00:01:55.760 --> 00:01:57.580 But it's called I am legend. 00:01:57.740 --> 00:01:58.359 It's a good film. 00:01:58.760 --> 00:01:59.260 Bit scary. 00:01:59.900 --> 00:02:00.620 Hunger Games. 00:02:00.860 --> 00:02:01.620 Hunger Games. 00:02:01.800 --> 00:02:02.600 Yeah, we had it. 00:02:02.659 --> 00:02:03.020 2-2. 00:02:03.100 --> 00:02:03.680 It's getting close. 00:02:03.800 --> 00:02:05.680 The Hunger Games are kind of three films 00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:06.680 in this kind of trilogy. 00:02:07.320 --> 00:02:09.560 And it's not quite the end of the world, 00:02:09.560 --> 00:02:11.460 but it kind of is this apocalyptic, 00:02:11.979 --> 00:02:14.180 one kind of section of the world 00:02:14.180 --> 00:02:15.439 controlling all the other sections 00:02:15.439 --> 00:02:16.159 through violence. 00:02:16.420 --> 00:02:17.379 And yeah, it's, again, 00:02:17.479 --> 00:02:18.900 quite a good film, actually. 00:02:19.479 --> 00:02:20.580 I think there's one more. 00:02:22.020 --> 00:02:22.379 Divergent. 00:02:22.479 --> 00:02:23.340 Yes, 3-2. 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:23.939 Well done. 00:02:24.520 --> 00:02:25.439 Give us a round of applause. 00:02:27.560 --> 00:02:29.020 So if you want to go first for coffee 00:02:29.020 --> 00:02:29.800 at the end, you are allowed. 00:02:29.879 --> 00:02:30.980 But if you feel the Lord saying, 00:02:31.120 --> 00:02:32.080 actually, you should bless your brothers 00:02:32.080 --> 00:02:33.120 and sisters on this side, 00:02:33.219 --> 00:02:34.300 it's up to you. 00:02:34.300 --> 00:02:35.000 I'm not here to judge. 00:02:35.060 --> 00:02:35.980 But yes, Divergent. 00:02:36.580 --> 00:02:37.800 A kind of similar vibe 00:02:37.800 --> 00:02:39.039 to maybe The Hunger Games 00:02:39.039 --> 00:02:40.500 in terms of this weird kind of 00:02:40.500 --> 00:02:41.679 end of the world 00:02:41.679 --> 00:02:44.659 or end of society kind of thing. 00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:47.199 Very good, David, you might be saying. 00:02:47.280 --> 00:02:48.819 Yeah, but what on earth has this got to do 00:02:48.819 --> 00:02:50.419 with our reading from Revelation? 00:02:50.759 --> 00:02:53.419 Well, there's kind of an overarching theme, 00:02:53.519 --> 00:02:55.199 actually, with some of these films. 00:02:55.319 --> 00:02:57.239 And Hollywood has got this nailed, hasn't it? 00:02:57.500 --> 00:02:58.359 Hollywood thinks, 00:02:58.479 --> 00:02:59.680 I know what makes a good film. 00:03:00.379 --> 00:03:01.699 End of the world stuff. 00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:02.879 Violence. 00:03:03.560 --> 00:03:03.959 Warfare. 00:03:04.739 --> 00:03:05.139 Conflict. 00:03:05.500 --> 00:03:05.899 Power. 00:03:05.900 --> 00:03:10.360 Cataclysmic events that no one has seen before. 00:03:10.860 --> 00:03:13.860 Powerful oligarchs taking advantage over the weak. 00:03:14.200 --> 00:03:16.879 The poor downtrodden struggling to survive. 00:03:17.200 --> 00:03:19.180 Guns and weapons are a necessity. 00:03:19.920 --> 00:03:23.200 Control and authority are the order of the day, 00:03:23.740 --> 00:03:24.520 according to Hollywood. 00:03:25.439 --> 00:03:27.219 And actually, it's not just Hollywood, is it? 00:03:27.219 --> 00:03:29.020 We've seen in the last week or so 00:03:29.020 --> 00:03:32.340 how those with lots of money and lots of power 00:03:32.340 --> 00:03:34.939 know how to get out of paying their taxes 00:03:34.939 --> 00:03:36.379 with offshore havens, 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:40.379 while us poor, weak lot have to pay our taxes. 00:03:41.079 --> 00:03:43.219 We've seen how powerful men in Hollywood 00:03:43.219 --> 00:03:46.939 have allegedly taken advantage of weaker men and women 00:03:46.939 --> 00:03:49.259 in that kind of sphere of influence, 00:03:49.379 --> 00:03:50.759 and they're in less privileged positions. 00:03:50.759 --> 00:03:53.679 And if you'd excuse me for getting political, 00:03:53.919 --> 00:03:55.039 just a second, 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:56.179 I won't do it for very long, 00:03:56.519 --> 00:03:58.659 but we have someone across the pond 00:03:58.659 --> 00:04:00.379 who is the President of the United States 00:04:00.379 --> 00:04:02.340 who can't go through a day 00:04:02.340 --> 00:04:05.939 without tweeting that he has the biggest nuclear weapons 00:04:05.939 --> 00:04:07.579 or the best army 00:04:07.579 --> 00:04:09.879 or better weapons than anyone else, 00:04:09.979 --> 00:04:11.959 especially North Korea. 00:04:12.519 --> 00:04:15.599 Supremacy is all about firepower. 00:04:15.599 --> 00:04:18.339 And as we remembered earlier, 00:04:18.459 --> 00:04:20.579 there were so many occasions in the past 00:04:20.579 --> 00:04:21.500 where this has been true, 00:04:22.019 --> 00:04:24.920 where violence, warfare, conflict 00:04:24.920 --> 00:04:27.319 have brought countries and people 00:04:27.319 --> 00:04:29.879 and societies down to their knees. 00:04:31.240 --> 00:04:34.199 And Hollywood still continue to churn out 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:37.219 these apocalyptic films, don't they? 00:04:37.879 --> 00:04:39.879 Violence wins, conflict wins, 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:41.439 the powerful succeed, 00:04:41.779 --> 00:04:43.120 those of the greatest arsenal, 00:04:43.120 --> 00:04:45.879 the greatest firepower will be successful. 00:04:47.040 --> 00:04:49.720 But actually, as so often happens, 00:04:49.800 --> 00:04:50.800 when we read Scripture, 00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:52.319 it says, 00:04:53.500 --> 00:04:56.959 no, actually there's a different way of looking at it. 00:04:57.180 --> 00:04:58.740 Well, you've got it wrong. 00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:00.819 That's not the way to do it. 00:05:02.199 --> 00:05:03.259 So if you've got a Bible 00:05:03.259 --> 00:05:04.840 or a tech Bible on your phone, 00:05:04.920 --> 00:05:06.519 you might want to think about Revelation 5. 00:05:06.740 --> 00:05:08.540 We're going to be kind of focusing around that. 00:05:09.639 --> 00:05:11.459 And Revelation is one of those books 00:05:11.459 --> 00:05:14.019 that has been kind of, I think, 00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:15.699 either ignored by churches 00:05:15.699 --> 00:05:17.099 because it's a bit too weird. 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:19.239 In fact, a little helpful 00:05:19.239 --> 00:05:21.439 Reformation fact for you. 00:05:21.819 --> 00:05:24.000 Martin Luther didn't like Revelation very much. 00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:25.459 He didn't want it to be in the Bible. 00:05:25.740 --> 00:05:26.879 But towards the end of his life, 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:28.099 he thought, actually, it's all right. 00:05:28.139 --> 00:05:28.639 We'll have it in. 00:05:29.639 --> 00:05:31.939 So Revelation's either been kind of ignored 00:05:31.939 --> 00:05:33.279 or shunned a bit. 00:05:33.759 --> 00:05:34.799 We might open it a bit, 00:05:34.799 --> 00:05:35.819 but not very much. 00:05:36.240 --> 00:05:38.019 Or maybe it's the other side of the spectrum. 00:05:38.019 --> 00:05:41.839 And some churches or Christian denominations 00:05:41.839 --> 00:05:44.159 maybe focus so much on this book of Revelation 00:05:44.159 --> 00:05:45.740 that they're able to tell you 00:05:45.740 --> 00:05:47.680 that the Lord Jesus Christ is returning 00:05:47.680 --> 00:05:51.019 next Thursday at 8.23 exactly. 00:05:51.259 --> 00:05:51.759 Get ready. 00:05:52.199 --> 00:05:53.459 Go and tell everyone. 00:05:54.979 --> 00:05:56.719 But actually, I think there's a lot 00:05:56.719 --> 00:05:57.779 we can learn from this book 00:05:57.779 --> 00:06:00.120 if we use it appropriately. 00:06:00.979 --> 00:06:02.219 You see, there are some people that say 00:06:02.219 --> 00:06:03.459 it's all in the past. 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:05.799 Revelation is a book that's all about 00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:07.040 the second century 00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:07.900 because that's when it was written. 00:06:08.220 --> 00:06:09.420 So everything in there 00:06:09.420 --> 00:06:10.540 is about back then. 00:06:11.180 --> 00:06:12.400 We might be able to read it 00:06:12.400 --> 00:06:13.400 and learn a bit 00:06:13.400 --> 00:06:15.759 and kind of apply it a bit to our lives now, 00:06:16.180 --> 00:06:16.980 but not that much. 00:06:17.379 --> 00:06:18.060 It was for then. 00:06:18.720 --> 00:06:19.960 And there are other people that say, 00:06:20.100 --> 00:06:20.759 no, no, no, no, no. 00:06:20.780 --> 00:06:21.480 You've got it all wrong. 00:06:21.720 --> 00:06:24.080 It's all about the future. 00:06:24.580 --> 00:06:26.019 Every single part of it 00:06:26.019 --> 00:06:27.379 is about the second coming. 00:06:27.480 --> 00:06:28.400 And if you're clever enough 00:06:28.400 --> 00:06:29.980 and you can look at all the Cody bits, 00:06:30.280 --> 00:06:31.180 you can work out 00:06:31.180 --> 00:06:32.480 when Jesus is coming 00:06:32.480 --> 00:06:34.220 and when all that exciting stuff 00:06:34.220 --> 00:06:35.240 is going to happen. 00:06:37.200 --> 00:06:38.420 But I think actually, 00:06:39.460 --> 00:06:40.800 as so often is the case, 00:06:40.860 --> 00:06:42.040 there's kind of a middle ground here, 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:44.000 that we can look at some parts of Revelation 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:44.760 and we can say, 00:06:44.840 --> 00:06:45.600 actually, yeah, 00:06:46.100 --> 00:06:47.920 that kind of fits back in the second century. 00:06:48.080 --> 00:06:49.020 We can learn from it, 00:06:49.320 --> 00:06:49.940 but it's back then. 00:06:50.320 --> 00:06:51.620 And some of it we can look at 00:06:51.620 --> 00:06:52.320 and we can say, 00:06:52.440 --> 00:06:53.840 wow, that's the future. 00:06:53.920 --> 00:06:55.380 We're looking forward to the second coming 00:06:55.380 --> 00:06:56.720 of Jesus in his glory. 00:06:56.780 --> 00:06:57.280 That's great. 00:06:57.860 --> 00:06:59.120 And there are other parts of it 00:06:59.120 --> 00:07:00.520 that are almost timeless. 00:07:00.519 --> 00:07:02.519 I love the reading today 00:07:02.519 --> 00:07:03.759 of the elders worshipping 00:07:03.759 --> 00:07:04.759 at the throne of the Lamb. 00:07:05.099 --> 00:07:05.939 And I kind of think, 00:07:06.479 --> 00:07:07.719 I don't know how correct I am, 00:07:07.759 --> 00:07:08.719 but I love the idea 00:07:08.719 --> 00:07:09.680 of that just happening 00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:10.959 for eternity, 00:07:11.159 --> 00:07:12.299 forever and ever. 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:13.719 That this morning when we came 00:07:13.719 --> 00:07:14.899 and we worshipped, 00:07:15.240 --> 00:07:16.199 we were joining in 00:07:16.199 --> 00:07:17.319 with the worship 00:07:17.319 --> 00:07:18.500 of the elders 00:07:18.500 --> 00:07:19.500 and the living creatures 00:07:19.500 --> 00:07:21.000 before the Lamb. 00:07:21.539 --> 00:07:21.819 Wow. 00:07:23.500 --> 00:07:24.459 But the first thing 00:07:24.459 --> 00:07:25.479 we need to admit, I think, 00:07:25.919 --> 00:07:26.719 is that Revelation 00:07:26.719 --> 00:07:28.680 is just a bit weird. 00:07:28.680 --> 00:07:31.379 You've got a prostitute. 00:07:31.660 --> 00:07:32.819 You've got a beast. 00:07:33.160 --> 00:07:33.980 You've got angels. 00:07:34.180 --> 00:07:34.840 You've got seals. 00:07:34.980 --> 00:07:35.819 You've got plagues. 00:07:35.959 --> 00:07:36.699 You've got, I mean, 00:07:36.740 --> 00:07:37.860 it sounds like quite a fun party, 00:07:37.920 --> 00:07:38.180 doesn't it? 00:07:38.199 --> 00:07:39.519 You've got all this weird stuff 00:07:39.519 --> 00:07:40.639 going on. 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:41.680 What is it all about? 00:07:43.139 --> 00:07:44.400 Well, hopefully this morning 00:07:44.400 --> 00:07:45.220 we can unpack 00:07:45.220 --> 00:07:46.560 a tiny bit of it, 00:07:47.139 --> 00:07:48.379 Revelation 5, 00:07:48.540 --> 00:07:49.620 and maybe apply that 00:07:49.620 --> 00:07:51.379 to where we're at today 00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:53.660 in On Remembrance Sunday. 00:07:55.360 --> 00:07:56.519 So let's see where we are 00:07:56.519 --> 00:07:57.340 with chapter 5. 00:07:57.339 --> 00:07:58.759 John has written a letter 00:07:58.759 --> 00:07:59.919 to lots of different churches 00:07:59.919 --> 00:08:01.519 and then he's just been 00:08:01.519 --> 00:08:03.399 taken up into heaven. 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:04.419 We don't know if that's 00:08:04.419 --> 00:08:05.579 a kind of spiritual vision 00:08:05.579 --> 00:08:06.139 that he's having 00:08:06.139 --> 00:08:07.459 or a more physical 00:08:07.459 --> 00:08:08.819 being taken up. 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:09.699 But he's there. 00:08:10.379 --> 00:08:11.099 He's in heaven 00:08:11.099 --> 00:08:12.179 and this angel 00:08:12.179 --> 00:08:13.359 is almost giving him 00:08:13.359 --> 00:08:14.379 a guided tour. 00:08:14.539 --> 00:08:15.459 There's the canteen, 00:08:15.699 --> 00:08:16.379 there's his stuff, you know. 00:08:16.559 --> 00:08:17.679 He's being taken around 00:08:17.679 --> 00:08:19.439 the throne room of God. 00:08:20.279 --> 00:08:21.819 He's experienced the worship, 00:08:22.019 --> 00:08:23.039 he's seen what that's like, 00:08:23.739 --> 00:08:25.039 and the bit we're at today, 00:08:25.040 --> 00:08:25.560 this morning, 00:08:25.660 --> 00:08:26.819 is that John is presented 00:08:26.819 --> 00:08:27.900 with a scroll. 00:08:28.760 --> 00:08:29.460 It's almost like, 00:08:29.660 --> 00:08:30.120 in modern day, 00:08:30.180 --> 00:08:30.800 getting an email. 00:08:31.260 --> 00:08:31.400 You know, 00:08:31.420 --> 00:08:32.259 he's presented with a scroll, 00:08:32.360 --> 00:08:33.360 that's how they used to communicate 00:08:33.360 --> 00:08:34.399 in the second century. 00:08:35.420 --> 00:08:36.820 Great, let's open it. 00:08:37.740 --> 00:08:39.159 No one, we read, 00:08:39.220 --> 00:08:41.580 is worthy to open the scroll. 00:08:41.700 --> 00:08:43.080 It's been sealed seven times, 00:08:43.159 --> 00:08:44.460 it's got seven marks on it, 00:08:44.539 --> 00:08:45.379 it's got seven seals. 00:08:45.460 --> 00:08:46.600 You think of those wax seals 00:08:46.600 --> 00:08:47.680 on old envelopes. 00:08:47.899 --> 00:08:49.019 That's kind of what it's like. 00:08:49.019 --> 00:08:51.240 This is an important thing 00:08:51.240 --> 00:08:52.039 to open. 00:08:53.079 --> 00:08:54.840 We're not going to go today 00:08:54.840 --> 00:08:56.259 into what is in the scroll, 00:08:56.379 --> 00:08:57.799 because that gets even more wacky. 00:08:58.019 --> 00:08:58.919 We're going to think today 00:08:58.919 --> 00:08:59.899 just about the fact 00:08:59.899 --> 00:09:01.019 that no one, 00:09:01.899 --> 00:09:02.419 John can find, 00:09:02.519 --> 00:09:03.480 has the authority 00:09:03.480 --> 00:09:05.799 to open that scroll. 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:07.559 And this is where it gets 00:09:07.559 --> 00:09:08.699 really interesting. 00:09:09.259 --> 00:09:11.960 Revelation 5, 7 and 8. 00:09:13.600 --> 00:09:15.360 Then one of the elders said to me, 00:09:15.439 --> 00:09:16.240 do not weep. 00:09:17.299 --> 00:09:18.039 Do not weep. 00:09:18.039 --> 00:09:20.279 The line of the tribe of Judah, 00:09:20.399 --> 00:09:21.500 the root of David, 00:09:21.599 --> 00:09:22.639 has triumphed. 00:09:23.439 --> 00:09:25.899 He is able to open the scroll 00:09:25.899 --> 00:09:27.659 and its seven seals. 00:09:28.459 --> 00:09:28.919 Great. 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:30.659 The lion's here. 00:09:31.339 --> 00:09:31.719 Excellent. 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:34.019 What does John see? 00:09:34.679 --> 00:09:35.980 Then I saw a lamb 00:09:35.980 --> 00:09:38.919 looking as if it had been slain. 00:09:39.959 --> 00:09:40.759 And it goes on to say 00:09:40.759 --> 00:09:41.939 where the lamb is 00:09:41.939 --> 00:09:43.099 and what it looks like. 00:09:43.399 --> 00:09:45.860 But it's so easy to miss that bit. 00:09:45.860 --> 00:09:46.939 The elder says, 00:09:46.940 --> 00:09:48.080 look, a lion. 00:09:48.360 --> 00:09:49.280 And John looks 00:09:49.280 --> 00:09:51.260 and he sees a lamb. 00:09:52.380 --> 00:09:53.600 It's so easy for us 00:09:53.600 --> 00:09:54.760 to skip over that 00:09:54.760 --> 00:09:56.260 and miss the significance 00:09:56.260 --> 00:09:57.360 of that moment. 00:09:57.640 --> 00:09:58.600 But let's think about it. 00:09:58.640 --> 00:09:59.320 Here is John. 00:09:59.720 --> 00:10:01.020 He's in desperate need 00:10:01.020 --> 00:10:01.860 of some authority, 00:10:02.300 --> 00:10:03.080 of some power, 00:10:03.180 --> 00:10:03.780 some strength 00:10:03.780 --> 00:10:04.340 to open 00:10:04.340 --> 00:10:06.100 whatever is in this scroll. 00:10:06.800 --> 00:10:07.720 And the angel says, 00:10:07.780 --> 00:10:08.220 don't worry, 00:10:08.400 --> 00:10:09.240 the lion's here. 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:11.539 And this violent image 00:10:11.539 --> 00:10:12.080 of a lion 00:10:12.080 --> 00:10:13.080 echoes down 00:10:13.080 --> 00:10:14.320 throughout the Old Testament. 00:10:14.680 --> 00:10:15.360 Whenever you think 00:10:15.360 --> 00:10:15.960 about the lion 00:10:15.960 --> 00:10:16.919 or the lion of Judah, 00:10:17.159 --> 00:10:18.560 it talks about a warrior, 00:10:19.180 --> 00:10:20.840 a kind of warrior-type messiah 00:10:20.840 --> 00:10:22.200 who's good at fighting 00:10:22.200 --> 00:10:23.039 God's battle, 00:10:23.440 --> 00:10:25.100 unweaking vengeance. 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:27.340 Formidable force. 00:10:27.799 --> 00:10:28.899 That's what you think of 00:10:28.899 --> 00:10:30.080 when you think of a lion. 00:10:30.419 --> 00:10:31.220 Fierce control, 00:10:31.519 --> 00:10:33.060 powerful nationalism. 00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:34.659 This is the power of Israel. 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:35.219 Great. 00:10:37.120 --> 00:10:38.159 John turns round 00:10:38.159 --> 00:10:39.759 and he sees 00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:40.639 the opposite 00:10:40.639 --> 00:10:42.159 of a brave, 00:10:42.659 --> 00:10:43.539 formidable lion. 00:10:44.339 --> 00:10:46.699 He sees a half-dead lamb. 00:10:47.079 --> 00:10:48.480 The slot in the system 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:49.279 that's been reserved 00:10:49.279 --> 00:10:50.120 for this lion 00:10:50.120 --> 00:10:52.019 is actually being filled 00:10:52.019 --> 00:10:53.759 by the slain lamb. 00:10:53.980 --> 00:10:54.740 The majestic, 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:55.519 invincible, 00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:57.120 Aslan-type character 00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:58.899 has almost just been replaced 00:10:58.899 --> 00:11:00.000 by a half-dead 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:01.159 Shaun the Sheep. 00:11:01.699 --> 00:11:03.860 What is this about? 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:06.620 But this reading 00:11:06.620 --> 00:11:07.559 points us to where 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:09.439 true power lies. 00:11:10.559 --> 00:11:12.059 All honour and authority 00:11:12.059 --> 00:11:12.639 is found 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:14.539 not in the roaring lion 00:11:14.539 --> 00:11:15.980 that John heard, 00:11:16.059 --> 00:11:16.899 but in the lamb 00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:18.439 which is sacrificed. 00:11:19.079 --> 00:11:20.740 Jesus is both 00:11:20.740 --> 00:11:22.079 the lion of Judah 00:11:22.079 --> 00:11:23.679 and the lamb 00:11:23.679 --> 00:11:24.339 that was slain. 00:11:24.679 --> 00:11:25.699 He's not the lion 00:11:25.699 --> 00:11:27.199 when he's in a bad mood 00:11:27.199 --> 00:11:28.759 and the lamb 00:11:28.759 --> 00:11:30.240 when he's feeling quite nice. 00:11:30.419 --> 00:11:31.360 He's not the lion 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:32.500 on a bad day 00:11:32.500 --> 00:11:33.419 and the lamb 00:11:33.419 --> 00:11:34.600 on a good day. 00:11:34.659 --> 00:11:36.120 He is the lion 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:37.620 and the lamb. 00:11:37.799 --> 00:11:39.519 He's the roaring conqueror 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:40.819 and he's also 00:11:40.819 --> 00:11:42.299 my and yours 00:11:42.299 --> 00:11:44.539 sacrificial offering. 00:11:45.799 --> 00:11:47.559 There is violence involved 00:11:47.559 --> 00:11:49.719 but it's not the violence 00:11:49.719 --> 00:11:50.759 of a lion 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:53.379 that will inflict violence. 00:11:53.679 --> 00:11:54.459 It's the violence 00:11:54.459 --> 00:11:55.159 of a lamb 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:56.379 who endures. 00:11:56.939 --> 00:11:57.899 It's not the violence 00:11:57.899 --> 00:11:58.319 of a lion 00:11:58.319 --> 00:11:59.339 which tears its prey 00:11:59.340 --> 00:11:59.980 to shreds. 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:01.080 It's the violence 00:12:01.080 --> 00:12:01.899 of a lamb 00:12:01.899 --> 00:12:03.420 who endures 00:12:03.420 --> 00:12:04.440 that being torn 00:12:04.440 --> 00:12:05.080 to shreds 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:05.700 for me 00:12:05.700 --> 00:12:07.000 and for you. 00:12:08.899 --> 00:12:10.000 And what is amazing 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:11.139 is that this word 00:12:11.139 --> 00:12:11.660 slain 00:12:11.660 --> 00:12:13.780 is in the perfect tense 00:12:13.780 --> 00:12:14.280 which means 00:12:14.280 --> 00:12:15.300 that it happened once 00:12:15.300 --> 00:12:16.820 but its effect 00:12:16.820 --> 00:12:18.300 is ongoing. 00:12:18.980 --> 00:12:19.300 You see, 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:20.240 the crucifixion 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:20.980 of Jesus Christ 00:12:20.980 --> 00:12:21.620 was not just 00:12:21.620 --> 00:12:22.759 an event that happened 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:23.680 and then 00:12:23.680 --> 00:12:24.840 it was superseded 00:12:24.840 --> 00:12:25.660 by the resurrection 00:12:25.659 --> 00:12:27.019 and then the ascension. 00:12:27.319 --> 00:12:27.459 Yeah, 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:28.679 the crucifixion happened 00:12:28.679 --> 00:12:29.139 but look, 00:12:29.339 --> 00:12:30.240 he's alive now. 00:12:30.759 --> 00:12:30.899 Well, 00:12:30.980 --> 00:12:31.199 yes, 00:12:31.240 --> 00:12:31.839 that's true 00:12:31.839 --> 00:12:33.639 but the effect 00:12:33.639 --> 00:12:35.079 of his crucifixion 00:12:35.079 --> 00:12:35.919 goes on 00:12:35.919 --> 00:12:36.620 and on 00:12:36.620 --> 00:12:37.199 and on. 00:12:37.419 --> 00:12:38.079 Jesus Christ 00:12:38.079 --> 00:12:38.959 dying on the cross 00:12:38.959 --> 00:12:40.799 has cosmic effects 00:12:40.799 --> 00:12:41.799 on the universe 00:12:41.799 --> 00:12:42.659 throughout history. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:44.419 We learn to live 00:12:44.419 --> 00:12:45.480 free from the chains 00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:46.179 of sin. 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:47.319 Yes, 00:12:47.399 --> 00:12:48.079 we mess up 00:12:48.079 --> 00:12:49.860 but the sacrifice 00:12:49.860 --> 00:12:51.319 of the Lamb of God 00:12:51.319 --> 00:12:52.860 at that point in time 00:12:52.860 --> 00:12:54.179 allows me, 00:12:54.779 --> 00:12:55.399 David Sims, 00:12:55.399 --> 00:12:56.959 2,000 years later 00:12:56.959 --> 00:12:58.779 with all my mistakes 00:12:58.779 --> 00:13:00.039 all my sin 00:13:00.039 --> 00:13:01.059 all my temptation 00:13:01.059 --> 00:13:02.220 all my lusts 00:13:02.220 --> 00:13:03.100 all my problems 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:03.879 my pride 00:13:03.879 --> 00:13:05.819 it allows me 00:13:05.819 --> 00:13:06.600 to nail that 00:13:06.600 --> 00:13:07.600 to the cross 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:08.459 of Jesus 00:13:08.459 --> 00:13:11.000 and to fall 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:11.639 to worship 00:13:11.639 --> 00:13:13.039 the slain Lamb. 00:13:14.240 --> 00:13:15.299 And John gives us 00:13:15.299 --> 00:13:16.600 an amazing description 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:17.240 doesn't he 00:13:17.240 --> 00:13:18.319 of the Lamb-Lion 00:13:18.319 --> 00:13:19.139 and this is where 00:13:19.139 --> 00:13:20.460 Revelation gets a bit weird. 00:13:21.039 --> 00:13:21.819 I did find a few 00:13:21.819 --> 00:13:22.399 cool pictures 00:13:22.399 --> 00:13:23.039 I was going to show you 00:13:23.039 --> 00:13:23.939 but they're just a bit creepy 00:13:23.939 --> 00:13:24.960 but some people 00:13:24.960 --> 00:13:25.480 have drawn 00:13:25.480 --> 00:13:26.340 Jesus Christ 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:26.860 as the Lamb 00:13:26.860 --> 00:13:28.000 with seven eyes 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:29.379 and seven horns. 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:30.600 It looks a bit like 00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:32.240 something out of a horror movie 00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:33.340 if I'm honest 00:13:33.340 --> 00:13:34.540 and I don't think 00:13:34.540 --> 00:13:35.660 that's what Jesus 00:13:35.660 --> 00:13:36.480 is going to look like 00:13:36.480 --> 00:13:37.660 when we meet him 00:13:37.660 --> 00:13:38.379 face to face. 00:13:38.580 --> 00:13:39.480 I think this is again 00:13:39.480 --> 00:13:40.379 a time when Revelation 00:13:40.379 --> 00:13:41.180 is being a bit more 00:13:41.180 --> 00:13:41.740 symbolic 00:13:41.740 --> 00:13:42.759 because you see 00:13:42.759 --> 00:13:43.600 the word seven 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:45.120 symbolises perfection 00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:48.759 and Jesus has seven eyes 00:13:48.759 --> 00:13:50.000 the Lamb has seven eyes 00:13:50.000 --> 00:13:50.779 and seven horns 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:52.560 this is ultimate perfection 00:13:52.560 --> 00:13:53.480 this is God 00:13:53.480 --> 00:13:54.560 identifying himself 00:13:54.560 --> 00:13:55.320 and saying actually 00:13:55.320 --> 00:13:56.560 this is the perfect way 00:13:56.560 --> 00:13:57.120 to conquer 00:13:57.120 --> 00:13:58.299 thank you very much 00:13:58.299 --> 00:13:59.279 and it's through 00:13:59.279 --> 00:14:00.299 sacrifice. 00:14:00.840 --> 00:14:01.539 The world says 00:14:01.539 --> 00:14:03.080 violence and muscle power 00:14:03.080 --> 00:14:05.060 but actually we 00:14:05.060 --> 00:14:06.639 as followers of the Lamb 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:07.919 fall to worship 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:09.700 the slain one. 00:14:09.700 --> 00:14:11.780 I wonder if you want 00:14:11.780 --> 00:14:12.420 to live in power 00:14:12.420 --> 00:14:13.080 this morning 00:14:13.080 --> 00:14:14.700 or power comes through 00:14:14.700 --> 00:14:15.480 worshipping 00:14:15.480 --> 00:14:16.759 the sacrificial Lamb. 00:14:17.020 --> 00:14:17.900 I wonder if you need 00:14:17.900 --> 00:14:18.740 to be a conqueror 00:14:18.740 --> 00:14:19.259 this morning 00:14:19.259 --> 00:14:20.620 while we conquer 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:21.900 through worshipping 00:14:21.900 --> 00:14:23.200 the sacrifice 00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:24.560 of Jesus Christ. 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:27.960 This is the topsy-turviness 00:14:27.960 --> 00:14:29.240 of the Kingdom 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:30.100 of God. 00:14:31.060 --> 00:14:31.840 We read 00:14:31.840 --> 00:14:33.100 Revelation 5 00:14:33.100 --> 00:14:34.060 that a slain Lamb 00:14:34.060 --> 00:14:34.940 that is half dead 00:14:34.940 --> 00:14:36.420 is more powerful 00:14:36.420 --> 00:14:38.500 than the military 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:39.860 nationalistic power 00:14:39.860 --> 00:14:41.380 of the lion. 00:14:42.900 --> 00:14:43.580 And when we think 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:44.560 back to Jesus' life 00:14:44.560 --> 00:14:45.260 we see that lots 00:14:45.260 --> 00:14:45.920 of his teaching 00:14:45.920 --> 00:14:47.120 reinforces this point 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:47.900 there's power 00:14:47.900 --> 00:14:49.720 through sacrifice. 00:14:50.340 --> 00:14:51.400 In Luke 22 00:14:51.400 --> 00:14:52.800 Jesus has just been 00:14:52.800 --> 00:14:54.220 betrayed by Judas 00:14:54.220 --> 00:14:56.040 and all the kind of 00:14:56.040 --> 00:14:56.640 priest soldiers 00:14:56.640 --> 00:14:58.000 come to arrest him 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:58.720 with their swords 00:14:58.720 --> 00:14:59.880 and their shields 00:14:59.880 --> 00:15:00.560 and their spears 00:15:00.560 --> 00:15:01.500 and the disciples 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:03.020 get a bit worried 00:15:03.020 --> 00:15:03.920 and one of them 00:15:03.920 --> 00:15:04.460 reaches out 00:15:04.460 --> 00:15:05.100 with his sword 00:15:05.100 --> 00:15:06.180 and cuts off 00:15:06.180 --> 00:15:08.259 one of the soldiers' ears. 00:15:09.120 --> 00:15:09.940 You would have thought 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:10.639 of all times 00:15:10.639 --> 00:15:12.000 when self-defence 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:13.900 was a good excuse 00:15:13.900 --> 00:15:14.540 this was it. 00:15:15.040 --> 00:15:15.720 Jesus knew 00:15:15.720 --> 00:15:16.240 that he was about 00:15:16.240 --> 00:15:17.040 to be taken off 00:15:17.040 --> 00:15:18.180 for an unfair trial. 00:15:18.500 --> 00:15:18.879 He was about 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:19.660 to be crucified 00:15:19.660 --> 00:15:21.280 and yet what does 00:15:21.280 --> 00:15:21.900 Jesus do? 00:15:23.280 --> 00:15:23.900 Jesus says 00:15:23.900 --> 00:15:24.560 no, no, no, no 00:15:24.560 --> 00:15:25.820 that's not the way 00:15:25.820 --> 00:15:27.060 to do things 00:15:27.060 --> 00:15:27.820 and he actually 00:15:27.820 --> 00:15:28.519 heals 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:30.280 the soldier's ear. 00:15:31.940 --> 00:15:33.060 Or in Matthew 5 00:15:33.060 --> 00:15:33.879 when Jesus talks 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:34.559 about turning 00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:35.820 the other cheek 00:15:35.820 --> 00:15:36.539 when someone 00:15:36.539 --> 00:15:37.220 hits you 00:15:37.220 --> 00:15:39.039 on the right cheek. 00:15:40.059 --> 00:15:40.779 There's power 00:15:40.779 --> 00:15:42.980 in sacrifice. 00:15:44.419 --> 00:15:45.139 You see this morning 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:46.039 we worship Jesus 00:15:46.039 --> 00:15:46.419 don't we? 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:46.860 The lamb 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:47.759 who was slain. 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:48.539 The God 00:15:48.539 --> 00:15:50.179 who gave himself 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:51.279 as an offering 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:52.100 for us. 00:15:53.179 --> 00:15:54.000 And we know 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:54.580 that this death 00:15:54.580 --> 00:15:55.460 was not the end. 00:15:55.620 --> 00:15:56.779 Revelation 5 00:15:56.779 --> 00:15:57.500 chapter 12 00:15:57.500 --> 00:15:58.399 says worthy 00:15:58.399 --> 00:15:59.500 is the lamb 00:15:59.500 --> 00:16:00.679 who was slain 00:16:00.679 --> 00:16:02.000 to receive 00:16:02.000 --> 00:16:03.299 power and wealth 00:16:03.299 --> 00:16:03.959 and wisdom 00:16:03.959 --> 00:16:04.739 and strength 00:16:04.739 --> 00:16:05.519 and honour 00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:06.659 and glory 00:16:06.659 --> 00:16:07.699 and praise. 00:16:07.899 --> 00:16:08.979 And every creature 00:16:08.979 --> 00:16:09.719 responds 00:16:09.719 --> 00:16:10.939 saying yes 00:16:10.939 --> 00:16:11.439 amen 00:16:11.439 --> 00:16:12.239 to him who sits 00:16:12.239 --> 00:16:12.899 on the throne 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:13.919 be glory 00:16:13.919 --> 00:16:14.459 and power 00:16:14.459 --> 00:16:14.839 forever. 00:16:16.019 --> 00:16:16.559 You see 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:17.039 this God 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:17.839 that was crucified 00:16:17.839 --> 00:16:19.819 is now reigning. 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:21.500 He is worthy 00:16:21.500 --> 00:16:22.579 of all honour 00:16:22.579 --> 00:16:23.219 and glory 00:16:23.219 --> 00:16:23.859 and power. 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:25.439 Power is not found 00:16:25.439 --> 00:16:26.799 in which country 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:27.579 has the best 00:16:27.579 --> 00:16:28.599 nuclear weapons. 00:16:28.600 --> 00:16:30.120 power isn't gained 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:30.899 by shouting 00:16:30.899 --> 00:16:31.639 the loudest 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:32.500 on Twitter. 00:16:32.940 --> 00:16:34.000 Power isn't found 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:35.460 by finding clever ways 00:16:35.460 --> 00:16:36.800 of keeping your money 00:16:36.800 --> 00:16:37.379 to yourself 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:37.960 and not having 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:38.879 to pay your tax. 00:16:39.320 --> 00:16:40.019 True power 00:16:40.019 --> 00:16:40.560 is seen 00:16:40.560 --> 00:16:42.379 in the self-sacrifice 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:43.600 of Jesus 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:45.100 the slain lamb. 00:16:46.899 --> 00:16:48.340 And my final point 00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:50.279 is where John writes 00:16:50.279 --> 00:16:51.480 in verse 9 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:52.920 because Jesus 00:16:52.920 --> 00:16:53.680 was slain 00:16:53.680 --> 00:16:55.060 and with his blood 00:16:55.060 --> 00:16:55.840 he purchased us 00:16:55.840 --> 00:16:56.320 for God 00:16:56.320 --> 00:16:57.960 persons from every tribe 00:16:57.960 --> 00:16:58.560 and language 00:16:58.560 --> 00:16:59.240 and people 00:16:59.240 --> 00:16:59.780 and nation. 00:17:00.180 --> 00:17:01.080 You have made them 00:17:01.080 --> 00:17:01.780 to be a kingdom 00:17:01.780 --> 00:17:03.160 and a priest 00:17:03.160 --> 00:17:04.340 to serve our God. 00:17:04.519 --> 00:17:05.140 This morning 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:06.980 we are the kingdom 00:17:06.980 --> 00:17:07.779 of God. 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:08.720 We are priests 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:09.940 in the kingdom 00:17:09.940 --> 00:17:11.019 of God. 00:17:12.920 --> 00:17:14.100 The word kingdom 00:17:14.100 --> 00:17:16.279 that's a powerful word. 00:17:16.799 --> 00:17:17.759 That refers to 00:17:17.759 --> 00:17:18.420 the reign 00:17:18.420 --> 00:17:19.480 of Jesus Christ. 00:17:19.819 --> 00:17:20.400 It refers to 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:21.160 his kingship 00:17:21.160 --> 00:17:21.860 his authority. 00:17:22.380 --> 00:17:22.980 It refers to 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:23.340 the reign 00:17:23.340 --> 00:17:23.980 of the Messiah. 00:17:24.299 --> 00:17:24.740 But where does it 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:25.240 come from? 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:26.480 It comes from 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:27.920 his sacrifice. 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:29.279 That's where 00:17:29.279 --> 00:17:29.960 true power 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:30.980 comes out of. 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:31.880 The slaughter 00:17:31.880 --> 00:17:32.599 of the lamb 00:17:32.599 --> 00:17:33.599 means that we 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:34.400 as followers 00:17:34.400 --> 00:17:35.920 of the slain lamb 00:17:35.920 --> 00:17:37.039 can partake 00:17:37.039 --> 00:17:37.700 in his kingdom. 00:17:39.160 --> 00:17:40.299 And being in his kingdom 00:17:40.299 --> 00:17:41.339 we pray for the sick 00:17:41.339 --> 00:17:42.539 and we see breakthrough. 00:17:43.579 --> 00:17:44.640 We prophesy 00:17:44.640 --> 00:17:45.640 into situations 00:17:45.640 --> 00:17:46.500 and we see 00:17:46.500 --> 00:17:47.599 powerful things 00:17:47.599 --> 00:17:48.120 happen. 00:17:48.420 --> 00:17:49.319 We take ground 00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:50.579 from Satan. 00:17:50.920 --> 00:17:51.640 We tell demons 00:17:51.640 --> 00:17:52.079 to go 00:17:52.079 --> 00:17:53.480 and in Jesus' 00:17:53.659 --> 00:17:53.879 name 00:17:53.879 --> 00:17:54.639 they go. 00:17:55.919 --> 00:17:56.599 And yet 00:17:56.599 --> 00:17:57.919 we realise 00:17:57.919 --> 00:17:58.359 that this isn't 00:17:58.359 --> 00:17:59.279 the end of the story 00:17:59.279 --> 00:17:59.699 is it? 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:01.259 The kingdom is here 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:01.859 but the kingdom 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:03.379 is also coming. 00:18:03.679 --> 00:18:04.399 The rule and reign 00:18:04.399 --> 00:18:04.859 of Christ 00:18:04.859 --> 00:18:05.819 through his sacrifice 00:18:05.819 --> 00:18:06.659 is here 00:18:06.659 --> 00:18:07.579 but it's also 00:18:07.579 --> 00:18:08.819 not fully here. 00:18:09.779 --> 00:18:10.559 We see sickness. 00:18:11.379 --> 00:18:12.319 We see the effect 00:18:12.319 --> 00:18:13.179 of sin on the world. 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:14.159 We see the effect 00:18:14.159 --> 00:18:14.699 of evil 00:18:14.699 --> 00:18:15.699 in a society 00:18:15.699 --> 00:18:16.500 where greed 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:17.299 and money 00:18:17.299 --> 00:18:18.740 is almost rewarded. 00:18:19.879 --> 00:18:20.559 But that doesn't 00:18:20.559 --> 00:18:21.119 mean we stop 00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:21.659 prophesying 00:18:21.659 --> 00:18:22.500 into situations 00:18:22.500 --> 00:18:22.939 in the name 00:18:22.939 --> 00:18:23.319 of Jesus. 00:18:23.679 --> 00:18:24.159 It doesn't 00:18:24.159 --> 00:18:25.500 mean we stop 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:26.839 commanding healing 00:18:26.839 --> 00:18:27.899 in Jesus' name. 00:18:28.079 --> 00:18:28.599 It doesn't 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:29.319 mean we stop 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:30.279 step by step 00:18:30.279 --> 00:18:31.179 taking ground 00:18:31.179 --> 00:18:32.359 from the devil. 00:18:33.699 --> 00:18:34.039 You see 00:18:34.039 --> 00:18:34.839 the lamb sacrifice 00:18:34.839 --> 00:18:35.659 happened once 00:18:35.659 --> 00:18:36.439 and for all 00:18:36.439 --> 00:18:37.519 but the effect 00:18:37.519 --> 00:18:38.759 of his sacrifice 00:18:38.759 --> 00:18:40.679 that keeps 00:18:40.679 --> 00:18:41.379 going. 00:18:42.859 --> 00:18:43.639 And I recognise 00:18:43.639 --> 00:18:44.239 that that's 00:18:44.239 --> 00:18:45.019 really tough 00:18:45.019 --> 00:18:45.759 for us 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:47.159 that we know 00:18:47.159 --> 00:18:47.599 people 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:48.339 we ourselves 00:18:48.339 --> 00:18:48.979 maybe really 00:18:48.979 --> 00:18:49.439 struggle 00:18:49.439 --> 00:18:50.419 with illness 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:52.300 family situations 00:18:52.300 --> 00:18:53.240 certain weaknesses 00:18:53.240 --> 00:18:53.960 that we haven't 00:18:53.960 --> 00:18:54.700 seen breakthrough 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:56.180 in years 00:18:56.180 --> 00:18:56.700 and years 00:18:56.700 --> 00:18:57.259 and we keep 00:18:57.259 --> 00:18:57.620 praying 00:18:57.620 --> 00:18:58.640 and we don't 00:18:58.640 --> 00:18:59.480 see that 00:18:59.480 --> 00:18:59.920 breakthrough. 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:01.400 And it's not 00:19:01.400 --> 00:19:02.200 because we don't 00:19:02.200 --> 00:19:02.779 believe enough. 00:19:03.580 --> 00:19:04.340 That's not true. 00:19:04.700 --> 00:19:05.320 It's not because 00:19:05.320 --> 00:19:05.920 we don't have enough 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:06.680 faith because it's 00:19:06.680 --> 00:19:07.539 not about our faith 00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:08.100 it's about what 00:19:08.100 --> 00:19:08.680 Jesus did. 00:19:09.160 --> 00:19:09.840 It's not because 00:19:09.840 --> 00:19:10.420 we don't pray 00:19:10.420 --> 00:19:11.039 hard enough. 00:19:12.140 --> 00:19:13.000 It's because we 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:14.320 live in the now 00:19:14.320 --> 00:19:15.640 and the not yet 00:19:15.640 --> 00:19:16.540 of the rule 00:19:16.540 --> 00:19:17.000 and reign 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.820 of Jesus. 00:19:19.140 --> 00:19:19.960 This morning 00:19:19.960 --> 00:19:20.560 with John 00:19:20.560 --> 00:19:21.220 may we 00:19:21.220 --> 00:19:22.480 keep our eyes 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.620 fixed on the 00:19:23.620 --> 00:19:24.759 slain lamb 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:25.759 and join with 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:26.320 the angels 00:19:26.320 --> 00:19:27.280 who fall down 00:19:27.280 --> 00:19:27.800 and proclaim 00:19:27.800 --> 00:19:28.860 you are worthy 00:19:28.860 --> 00:19:29.759 of blessing 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:30.340 and honour 00:19:30.340 --> 00:19:30.960 and glory. 00:19:32.020 --> 00:19:33.040 I really think 00:19:33.040 --> 00:19:33.560 that we're called 00:19:33.560 --> 00:19:34.080 as Christians 00:19:34.080 --> 00:19:35.020 to proclaim 00:19:35.020 --> 00:19:35.860 to a world 00:19:35.860 --> 00:19:36.240 that sees 00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:37.180 authority in terms 00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:37.640 of violence 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:38.300 and strength 00:19:38.300 --> 00:19:39.320 that actually 00:19:39.320 --> 00:19:40.660 authority comes 00:19:40.660 --> 00:19:41.600 through sacrifice. 00:19:42.320 --> 00:19:42.800 It comes 00:19:42.800 --> 00:19:43.160 through the 00:19:43.160 --> 00:19:43.560 sacrifice 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:44.419 of Jesus 00:19:44.419 --> 00:19:44.779 Christ. 00:19:44.879 --> 00:19:45.700 The only one 00:19:45.700 --> 00:19:46.819 the lamb 00:19:46.819 --> 00:19:47.279 was the only 00:19:47.279 --> 00:19:47.779 one found 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.619 worthy to 00:19:48.619 --> 00:19:49.460 open the 00:19:49.460 --> 00:19:49.759 scroll. 00:19:51.899 --> 00:19:52.919 In a world 00:19:52.919 --> 00:19:53.339 that looks 00:19:53.339 --> 00:19:53.859 for military 00:19:53.859 --> 00:19:54.539 strength 00:19:54.539 --> 00:19:55.679 we preach 00:19:55.679 --> 00:19:56.240 the slain 00:19:56.240 --> 00:19:56.559 lamb. 00:19:57.500 --> 00:19:58.319 In a world 00:19:58.319 --> 00:19:59.000 where power 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.599 so often 00:19:59.599 --> 00:20:00.259 comes with 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:01.019 self-interest 00:20:01.019 --> 00:20:02.119 we preach 00:20:02.119 --> 00:20:02.419 the lamb 00:20:02.419 --> 00:20:02.879 of God 00:20:02.879 --> 00:20:04.200 self-sacrificed 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:04.720 for us. 00:20:05.679 --> 00:20:06.519 To a world 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:06.960 which seems 00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:07.480 to turn its 00:20:07.480 --> 00:20:08.240 back on God 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:09.079 we say 00:20:09.079 --> 00:20:09.980 look 00:20:09.980 --> 00:20:10.839 we see 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:11.359 the lion 00:20:11.359 --> 00:20:11.859 of Judah 00:20:11.859 --> 00:20:12.559 we see 00:20:12.559 --> 00:20:13.179 our powerful 00:20:13.180 --> 00:20:13.620 God 00:20:13.620 --> 00:20:13.960 in all 00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:14.680 his strength 00:20:14.680 --> 00:20:15.320 in all 00:20:15.320 --> 00:20:15.940 his authority 00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:16.640 and he 00:20:16.640 --> 00:20:17.080 comes 00:20:17.080 --> 00:20:18.080 as a 00:20:18.080 --> 00:20:18.600 slain 00:20:18.600 --> 00:20:19.220 lamb. 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:19.799 He is 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:20.400 the sacrifice 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:21.019 for my 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:21.299 sin. 00:20:21.580 --> 00:20:21.860 He is 00:20:21.860 --> 00:20:22.200 the one 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:22.640 that bore 00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:23.420 my shame 00:20:23.420 --> 00:20:24.000 and brought 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:24.299 me into 00:20:24.299 --> 00:20:24.900 relationship 00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:26.600 with him.