WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.860 Good morning. It's good to have you all here. 00:00:03.520 --> 00:00:08.700 I want to begin this morning by telling you the story of David and Svea Flood. 00:00:09.759 --> 00:00:16.339 In 1921, they sailed to become missionaries in Central Africa. 00:00:16.780 --> 00:00:18.320 They had great zeal for the Lord. 00:00:18.960 --> 00:00:22.879 They desired to go beyond the safe mission compound 00:00:22.879 --> 00:00:28.480 into the places that had not yet been reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:00:30.239 --> 00:00:35.399 They were rejected by the village that they chose to go live near. 00:00:37.039 --> 00:00:42.539 They could only talk to one boy who would come out and sell them chicken and eggs twice a week. 00:00:44.259 --> 00:00:46.600 They suffered repeated attacks from malaria. 00:00:47.600 --> 00:00:50.840 Their co-workers found it too hard and left. 00:00:52.379 --> 00:00:59.219 Svea gave birth to a daughter, but weakened by her childbirth and malaria, she died. 00:01:00.679 --> 00:01:03.859 David despaired, returned to the mission compound, 00:01:05.140 --> 00:01:08.879 handed his daughter over to other missionaries saying, 00:01:09.379 --> 00:01:10.500 I'm going back to Sweden. 00:01:11.060 --> 00:01:12.239 I've lost my wife. 00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:14.420 I obviously can't take care of this baby. 00:01:15.019 --> 00:01:16.599 God has ruined my life. 00:01:16.599 --> 00:01:24.439 He looked at his life, his hopes, his dreams of the kingdom of God. 00:01:27.159 --> 00:01:27.519 Dashed. 00:01:28.239 --> 00:01:30.579 And he turned his back on God, a bitter man. 00:01:33.579 --> 00:01:35.060 Have you ever felt that disappointment? 00:01:36.500 --> 00:01:37.459 Have you ever wondered, 00:01:37.459 --> 00:01:42.419 God's kingdom doesn't look the way I think it should? 00:01:44.539 --> 00:01:47.079 We feel this way on a global level today, don't we? 00:01:47.139 --> 00:01:49.879 We look, we read the news, we hear of war and famine. 00:01:50.459 --> 00:01:56.039 We hear of violence and sex trafficking and misogyny and factional strife across the globe. 00:01:56.040 --> 00:01:58.380 And we think, God's kingdom? 00:01:58.560 --> 00:01:59.320 It's hard to see. 00:02:00.820 --> 00:02:03.760 We here in the West have a particular flavor of this 00:02:03.760 --> 00:02:08.219 because the idea of a Christianized West advancing 00:02:08.219 --> 00:02:10.780 no longer seems to be true. 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:13.480 Now, we need to be careful of this narrative 00:02:13.480 --> 00:02:17.360 because as a historian, I studied American history 200 years ago 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:22.040 and America was not necessarily super more Christian than it was today in some ways. 00:02:22.039 --> 00:02:26.280 And yet, there is a truth that broadly, 00:02:26.459 --> 00:02:31.699 our culture was more shaped by values that come from a Christian worldview. 00:02:33.299 --> 00:02:35.280 And yet, today we live in Connecticut 00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:39.759 where 3% of the population will attend church regularly. 00:02:42.099 --> 00:02:44.159 And it's true that we live in a culture 00:02:44.159 --> 00:02:46.819 where the values that have often been shared 00:02:46.819 --> 00:02:48.859 between the church and a society are changing. 00:02:48.860 --> 00:02:52.340 Some may be improving, 00:02:52.840 --> 00:02:54.620 but others are not. 00:02:57.180 --> 00:02:59.160 And in the midst of this, we may be afraid. 00:02:59.420 --> 00:03:00.360 Where is God's kingdom? 00:03:01.040 --> 00:03:01.740 Is it losing? 00:03:05.260 --> 00:03:07.840 Maybe you've experienced personal disappointment. 00:03:08.580 --> 00:03:11.100 Maybe you grew up with a lot of zeal with David Flood 00:03:11.100 --> 00:03:12.120 but have suffered hardships. 00:03:12.760 --> 00:03:14.980 You've come to faith out of a hard life, 00:03:15.360 --> 00:03:16.340 expecting relief, 00:03:16.340 --> 00:03:19.140 and you found that following Christ has not insulated you 00:03:19.140 --> 00:03:21.280 from the trials and sufferings. 00:03:22.960 --> 00:03:25.539 Perhaps you're here this morning exploring Christianity, 00:03:25.860 --> 00:03:26.219 wondering, 00:03:26.900 --> 00:03:28.960 what is it that God has to offer in His kingdom? 00:03:31.120 --> 00:03:32.719 Where is the kingdom of God? 00:03:33.080 --> 00:03:34.659 What can I expect of it? 00:03:36.740 --> 00:03:37.580 It's a question, you know, 00:03:37.640 --> 00:03:40.580 that the people in the first century, 00:03:40.580 --> 00:03:44.120 particularly the Jewish people in the first century, 00:03:44.640 --> 00:03:46.120 the nation of Israel asked, 00:03:46.940 --> 00:03:48.800 as they lived under Roman rule, 00:03:49.060 --> 00:03:52.380 as they lived a disenfranchised state, 00:03:52.580 --> 00:03:53.300 as they wondered, 00:03:53.460 --> 00:03:54.800 where is God's kingdom here? 00:03:54.880 --> 00:03:57.540 They had known the kingdom of David and Solomon in the past, 00:03:57.920 --> 00:03:59.160 its greatness, its glory, 00:03:59.280 --> 00:03:59.760 the temple, 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:02.880 the palace, 00:04:03.760 --> 00:04:04.360 the army, 00:04:06.360 --> 00:04:06.939 everything. 00:04:06.939 --> 00:04:09.579 And much of that was gone. 00:04:11.359 --> 00:04:13.359 Yet there were still those in the first century 00:04:13.359 --> 00:04:15.439 who expected the kingdom of God to come 00:04:15.439 --> 00:04:17.279 immediately, impressively, 00:04:17.459 --> 00:04:17.879 visibly, 00:04:18.300 --> 00:04:20.300 with political change, 00:04:20.439 --> 00:04:21.560 overthrowing Rome, 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:24.560 and restoring the glory of a nation Israel. 00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:28.759 It was in that context that Jesus came 00:04:28.759 --> 00:04:30.740 and ministered to us. 00:04:30.860 --> 00:04:34.259 And it's in that context that our passage this morning happens. 00:04:34.660 --> 00:04:35.980 We're continuing in our surf, 00:04:36.339 --> 00:04:39.180 in our walking through the gospel of Mark. 00:04:39.500 --> 00:04:42.620 This is actually our second to last one before Advent. 00:04:42.840 --> 00:04:43.579 Goodness gracious. 00:04:44.220 --> 00:04:44.920 So this is, 00:04:45.300 --> 00:04:46.160 we're almost gonna, 00:04:46.319 --> 00:04:48.180 we're gonna take a break after next week. 00:04:48.379 --> 00:04:51.680 But we're in Mark chapter four in the Pew Bibles. 00:04:51.899 --> 00:04:52.560 It's page 788. 00:04:52.560 --> 00:04:54.780 If you wanna turn there with me. 00:04:55.439 --> 00:04:56.860 And as you turn there, 00:04:56.939 --> 00:04:58.660 what we're gonna see is two parables. 00:04:59.459 --> 00:05:03.560 Two parables that Jesus tells about the kingdom of God 00:05:03.560 --> 00:05:05.480 that answer some of the questions 00:05:05.480 --> 00:05:07.040 that we've raised this morning 00:05:07.040 --> 00:05:09.000 about what is the kingdom of God like. 00:05:09.939 --> 00:05:11.540 So Mark chapter four, 00:05:11.740 --> 00:05:14.639 we're gonna read verses 26 through 34. 00:05:16.600 --> 00:05:17.779 If you're there with me, 00:05:17.860 --> 00:05:18.699 let's go ahead and read it. 00:05:18.699 --> 00:05:20.319 It'll be on the screen behind me as well. 00:05:20.319 --> 00:05:21.860 Let's go ahead and read these passages. 00:05:22.560 --> 00:05:23.879 This passage together, 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:24.759 these two parables, 00:05:25.280 --> 00:05:27.300 and then we'll explore it for a few minutes. 00:05:28.220 --> 00:05:29.660 And he, that is Jesus. 00:05:29.819 --> 00:05:30.500 And he said, 00:05:30.939 --> 00:05:31.899 the kingdom of God 00:05:31.899 --> 00:05:34.860 is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 00:05:35.379 --> 00:05:38.000 He sleeps and rises night and day, 00:05:38.779 --> 00:05:40.620 and the seed sprouts and grows. 00:05:41.079 --> 00:05:42.199 He knows not how. 00:05:42.620 --> 00:05:44.779 The earth produces by itself 00:05:44.779 --> 00:05:45.819 first the blade, 00:05:45.939 --> 00:05:46.600 then the ear, 00:05:46.939 --> 00:05:49.620 then the full grain in the ear. 00:05:49.620 --> 00:05:51.360 But when the grain is ripe, 00:05:51.439 --> 00:05:53.199 at once he puts in the sickle 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:54.920 because the harvest has come. 00:05:55.920 --> 00:05:56.879 And he said, 00:05:57.000 --> 00:05:59.780 with what can we compare the kingdom of God? 00:05:59.819 --> 00:06:02.120 Or what parables shall we use for it? 00:06:02.639 --> 00:06:04.780 It is like a grain of mustard seed, 00:06:05.120 --> 00:06:06.740 which when sown in the ground 00:06:06.740 --> 00:06:08.980 is the smallest of all the seeds on earth. 00:06:09.920 --> 00:06:11.280 Yet when it is sown, 00:06:11.399 --> 00:06:13.660 it grows up and becomes larger 00:06:13.660 --> 00:06:15.500 than all the garden plants 00:06:15.500 --> 00:06:17.480 and puts out large branches 00:06:17.480 --> 00:06:19.439 so that the birds of the air 00:06:19.439 --> 00:06:21.139 can make nests in its shade. 00:06:22.399 --> 00:06:23.720 And with many such parables, 00:06:24.019 --> 00:06:26.160 he spoke the word to them 00:06:26.160 --> 00:06:27.680 as they were able to hear it. 00:06:27.879 --> 00:06:30.199 He did not speak to them without a parable, 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:32.459 but privately to his own disciples. 00:06:32.839 --> 00:06:34.560 He explained everything. 00:06:35.120 --> 00:06:36.199 Let's pray together. 00:06:37.879 --> 00:06:39.620 God, we ask for your help this morning 00:06:39.620 --> 00:06:41.120 that we would understand this word. 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:45.360 Lord, thank you for preserving it for us. 00:06:46.259 --> 00:06:47.620 And we pray that by your spirit, 00:06:47.720 --> 00:06:49.139 you would give us ears to hear 00:06:49.139 --> 00:06:51.480 and hearts to receive your word. 00:06:51.720 --> 00:06:53.800 Lord, help me that I would speak as I ought. 00:06:54.459 --> 00:06:57.160 And Lord, help us to sit under your word this morning, 00:06:57.259 --> 00:06:59.019 we pray in Jesus' name. 00:06:59.920 --> 00:07:00.360 Amen. 00:07:03.899 --> 00:07:05.800 In this passage, there are two parables. 00:07:05.980 --> 00:07:07.040 They're the centerpiece of it 00:07:07.040 --> 00:07:09.240 that describe what the kingdom of God is like. 00:07:09.240 --> 00:07:11.220 And at the end, we see themes 00:07:11.220 --> 00:07:13.740 that we're not gonna spend a lot of time talking about 00:07:13.740 --> 00:07:16.000 because it's what we've seen already in Mark. 00:07:16.660 --> 00:07:18.460 It said, Jesus is speaking parables 00:07:18.460 --> 00:07:21.079 as a way to speak to both the crowds 00:07:21.079 --> 00:07:22.660 and disciples at the same time. 00:07:22.980 --> 00:07:25.439 And privately, he would explain them to the disciples, 00:07:25.600 --> 00:07:27.500 but publicly, he would speak in parables 00:07:27.500 --> 00:07:31.319 as a way of calling their attention to, 00:07:32.220 --> 00:07:34.660 calling them to pay attention to his words 00:07:34.660 --> 00:07:36.860 and sifting out whether their hearts 00:07:36.860 --> 00:07:39.340 were really in a place to receive his word 00:07:39.340 --> 00:07:43.920 or whether they were in fact sitting in judgment of him 00:07:43.920 --> 00:07:46.180 or other things, which we've seen as this, 00:07:46.460 --> 00:07:48.699 we've seen that the different people in the crowds 00:07:48.699 --> 00:07:51.040 are responding differently to Jesus' teachings. 00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:53.680 But he uses parables in a particular way 00:07:53.680 --> 00:07:56.139 to put forth truth, but in a way that 00:07:56.139 --> 00:07:58.280 for those who have ears, let them hear, 00:07:58.420 --> 00:07:59.980 is the phrase that he uses. 00:07:59.980 --> 00:08:03.160 And so we're gonna just spend our time today 00:08:03.160 --> 00:08:06.879 looking at these two parables that answer the question, 00:08:07.040 --> 00:08:08.520 what is the kingdom of God like? 00:08:09.259 --> 00:08:11.819 And in the first parable in verses 26 through 29, 00:08:11.960 --> 00:08:14.520 we see that the kingdom of God 00:08:14.520 --> 00:08:17.500 is a sure and certain reality. 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:22.240 Now, this is the second of three agricultural parables. 00:08:22.740 --> 00:08:25.280 Pastor Nick preached last week on the parable of the sower, 00:08:25.720 --> 00:08:27.160 which is a longer parable. 00:08:27.160 --> 00:08:30.700 And this parable, verses 26 through 29, 00:08:30.700 --> 00:08:33.100 is actually the only parable unique to Mark. 00:08:33.639 --> 00:08:37.080 All the other parables were recorded as well 00:08:37.080 --> 00:08:41.080 in the other synoptic gospels, but not this one. 00:08:41.379 --> 00:08:43.879 So that, it is what it is. 00:08:44.240 --> 00:08:47.000 So something for you to chew on. 00:08:47.440 --> 00:08:51.960 As we look at it, the point of the parable is this. 00:08:52.340 --> 00:08:55.480 As the man sows the seed, it grows. 00:08:55.480 --> 00:08:58.659 Certainly and surely. 00:08:59.960 --> 00:09:00.259 Right? 00:09:00.379 --> 00:09:02.240 He goes out, according to the parable, 00:09:02.300 --> 00:09:03.700 he goes out and he sows the seed. 00:09:03.840 --> 00:09:06.440 And then, as you see, he sleeps and rises day and night, 00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:07.840 and the seed sprouts and grows. 00:09:08.120 --> 00:09:09.399 He knows not how. 00:09:10.600 --> 00:09:12.940 This is not a picture of careful cultivation. 00:09:13.300 --> 00:09:15.700 He's not going every day and doing things 00:09:15.700 --> 00:09:17.120 to help this growth. 00:09:17.680 --> 00:09:21.480 He just says, the time passes and growth happens. 00:09:21.480 --> 00:09:25.100 In fact, if you look at verse 28, 00:09:25.399 --> 00:09:27.740 it says, the earth produces by itself. 00:09:27.920 --> 00:09:30.200 This is, the earth produces automatically, 00:09:30.519 --> 00:09:33.759 is the English version of the Greek word there. 00:09:34.100 --> 00:09:36.779 On its own, it does this. 00:09:37.399 --> 00:09:39.279 And this is a remarkable thing. 00:09:40.080 --> 00:09:40.279 Right? 00:09:40.279 --> 00:09:46.019 The kingdom of God advances on its own without our help. 00:09:46.659 --> 00:09:49.319 And as it happens, it produces, 00:09:49.539 --> 00:09:52.019 it progresses towards its desired goal. 00:09:52.740 --> 00:09:52.839 Right? 00:09:53.000 --> 00:09:56.159 Verse 28 says that it starts with, 00:09:56.459 --> 00:09:58.379 first the blade, then the kernel, 00:09:58.679 --> 00:10:00.419 and then the full ear of corn. 00:10:01.259 --> 00:10:04.299 This is the picture that we're getting from Jesus. 00:10:04.299 --> 00:10:07.219 And so, it not only acts automatically, 00:10:07.419 --> 00:10:09.899 but it acts towards its purpose, 00:10:10.079 --> 00:10:11.639 towards its end goal. 00:10:12.199 --> 00:10:13.019 And Jesus is saying, 00:10:13.479 --> 00:10:16.899 this is what the kingdom of God is like. 00:10:18.639 --> 00:10:22.919 The kingdom of God is a sure and certain thing. 00:10:23.279 --> 00:10:27.219 The seed that is sown is most likely the word of the gospel. 00:10:27.399 --> 00:10:31.719 This is what we see back in verse 14 of chapter 4, 00:10:31.719 --> 00:10:34.120 as Jesus is telling his first parable about the seed. 00:10:34.539 --> 00:10:35.459 We need to be careful. 00:10:35.639 --> 00:10:37.779 You don't always steal from one parable 00:10:37.779 --> 00:10:39.699 to find meaning in another. 00:10:39.839 --> 00:10:41.519 But it seems like it's a pretty reasonable, 00:10:42.120 --> 00:10:46.559 that the seed is the word of God being proclaimed, 00:10:47.240 --> 00:10:51.019 being spoken of in the nation of Palestine. 00:10:51.240 --> 00:10:54.579 And so, it reminds you, if you were, 00:10:54.779 --> 00:10:56.979 it reminds us of Isaiah 55 00:10:56.979 --> 00:11:00.659 and what God says there about his word being spoken. 00:11:01.500 --> 00:11:03.399 Isaiah 55 10 says, 00:11:03.399 --> 00:11:05.879 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:09.120 and do not return, but there water the earth, 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:12.360 do not return there, but water the earth, 00:11:12.679 --> 00:11:14.679 making it bring forth and sprout, 00:11:14.919 --> 00:11:17.939 giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 00:11:18.299 --> 00:11:23.100 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth. 00:11:23.259 --> 00:11:24.899 It shall not return to me empty, 00:11:25.360 --> 00:11:28.439 but it shall accomplish that which I purpose 00:11:28.440 --> 00:11:32.860 and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 00:11:32.860 --> 00:11:40.180 The kingdom of God is a sure and certain thing 00:11:40.180 --> 00:11:42.919 because God is going to bring about 00:11:42.919 --> 00:11:44.840 what he is going to bring about. 00:11:44.940 --> 00:11:47.300 It is, after all, his kingdom. 00:11:47.539 --> 00:11:49.019 It is the kingdom of God, 00:11:49.139 --> 00:11:50.460 not the kingdom of men, 00:11:50.539 --> 00:11:52.039 not even the kingdom of the church, 00:11:52.039 --> 00:11:53.840 but it is the kingdom of God 00:11:53.840 --> 00:11:56.279 that Jesus is talking to. 00:11:56.279 --> 00:11:59.720 And he is reminding us that the kingdom of God 00:11:59.720 --> 00:12:00.759 is inevitable. 00:12:03.600 --> 00:12:05.539 Why is this good news for us? 00:12:06.939 --> 00:12:10.000 Well, because I think that we often 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:12.139 struggle with fear. 00:12:13.100 --> 00:12:15.000 We are afraid that God's kingdom 00:12:15.000 --> 00:12:17.539 isn't really going to happen. 00:12:18.699 --> 00:12:20.740 Certainly not without our help. 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:23.600 Now look, we need to not overstate this 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:26.620 because Christians are called to faithful labor. 00:12:26.980 --> 00:12:28.700 We are called to spend our lives, 00:12:28.779 --> 00:12:30.539 to pour it out, 00:12:30.680 --> 00:12:33.399 to serve God in every way that we can, 00:12:33.740 --> 00:12:35.120 the way that God has enabled us 00:12:35.120 --> 00:12:36.740 and gifted us and planted us 00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:38.620 in different places to serve him. 00:12:38.659 --> 00:12:39.919 We are called to do that 00:12:39.919 --> 00:12:41.519 and to sow the word of the gospel 00:12:41.519 --> 00:12:44.600 wherever we are is a calling that we have. 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:49.580 But we are not called to produce the fruit. 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:53.320 We are simply called to sow the seed 00:12:53.320 --> 00:12:56.660 and God will make it happen. 00:12:57.240 --> 00:13:00.360 You don't have to make the kingdom of God happen. 00:13:02.180 --> 00:13:04.080 It is not up to you. 00:13:06.420 --> 00:13:09.680 And this is good news when we're afraid 00:13:09.680 --> 00:13:14.240 because when we're afraid that it's up to us, 00:13:14.340 --> 00:13:16.379 it does all sorts of things to us. 00:13:18.200 --> 00:13:19.440 We're going to come back to that in a minute. 00:13:19.960 --> 00:13:21.540 Let's look at some other places in Scripture 00:13:21.540 --> 00:13:23.280 where we're reminded that this is true. 00:13:23.560 --> 00:13:25.680 The Apostle Paul, the great church planter, 00:13:25.980 --> 00:13:28.680 the one who did all the work in establishing the church, 00:13:28.740 --> 00:13:30.280 it seems like, in the book of Acts. 00:13:30.900 --> 00:13:33.639 And yet in 1 Corinthians chapter 3 verse 6, 00:13:33.920 --> 00:13:34.680 what does he say? 00:13:34.740 --> 00:13:35.060 He says, 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:37.040 I planted, Apollos watered, 00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:39.220 but God gave the growth. 00:13:39.320 --> 00:13:41.320 So neither he who plants 00:13:41.320 --> 00:13:43.280 nor he who waters is anything, 00:13:43.280 --> 00:13:46.200 but only God who gives the growth. 00:13:46.200 --> 00:13:51.860 So we're reminded that what we're doing 00:13:51.860 --> 00:13:53.140 even here in church 00:13:53.140 --> 00:13:55.720 is not building our own little kingdoms. 00:13:55.980 --> 00:13:56.660 I'm of Paul. 00:13:56.759 --> 00:13:57.480 I'm of Apollos. 00:13:57.540 --> 00:13:58.759 That's what was happening in Corinth 00:13:58.759 --> 00:14:01.259 was conflict as personalities, 00:14:01.580 --> 00:14:03.280 human actors in God's kingdom 00:14:03.280 --> 00:14:06.660 were claiming some kind of lordship 00:14:06.660 --> 00:14:08.560 or factional rule. 00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:10.739 And Paul said, 00:14:10.899 --> 00:14:13.179 no, it's not like that at all 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:14.819 because none of us can do 00:14:14.819 --> 00:14:16.739 the thing that we most want to see happen. 00:14:16.839 --> 00:14:18.459 We want to see God's kingdom happen, 00:14:18.599 --> 00:14:20.279 but we can't do that. 00:14:20.479 --> 00:14:23.159 Only God can cause the growth. 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:30.139 And what great news that is 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:32.939 because it means it's not up to us. 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:36.219 We can preach the gospel with freedom, 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:38.659 with joy, with abandon. 00:14:38.860 --> 00:14:41.059 We can live with anticipation 00:14:41.059 --> 00:14:43.120 that God is at work in the world 00:14:43.120 --> 00:14:44.539 and that God is going to do 00:14:44.539 --> 00:14:45.779 what he wants to do 00:14:45.779 --> 00:14:46.919 in this season, 00:14:47.100 --> 00:14:48.100 in our lifetime, 00:14:48.259 --> 00:14:49.959 and throughout the scope of history. 00:14:50.139 --> 00:14:52.259 But we know that this has a progression 00:14:52.259 --> 00:14:52.919 and an end 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:54.460 because the seed sown 00:14:54.460 --> 00:14:55.620 will produce fruit. 00:14:55.980 --> 00:14:56.580 And God said, 00:14:57.000 --> 00:14:58.799 the kingdom of God is inevitable. 00:14:59.039 --> 00:15:00.059 It will happen 00:15:00.059 --> 00:15:01.759 and it will be brought about 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:02.960 in the end. 00:15:05.259 --> 00:15:07.319 And this is good news for us 00:15:07.319 --> 00:15:09.319 globally, organizationally, 00:15:09.340 --> 00:15:10.019 as a church. 00:15:10.179 --> 00:15:12.539 It's also good news for us personally. 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:15.120 So the Apostle Paul 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:17.700 reminds the Philippians of this 00:15:17.700 --> 00:15:19.200 in Philippians 1, 6. 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:20.500 I am sure of this, 00:15:20.500 --> 00:15:22.379 that he who began a good work in you 00:15:22.379 --> 00:15:24.039 will bring it to completion 00:15:24.039 --> 00:15:25.360 in the day of Christ Jesus. 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:27.440 Maybe you fear 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:29.659 that the kingdom of God 00:15:29.659 --> 00:15:31.440 is not going to happen in you 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:33.399 in this lifetime. 00:15:34.860 --> 00:15:36.740 That somehow it's up to you 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:38.759 to get yourself over the hump. 00:15:38.899 --> 00:15:40.600 That somehow it's up to you 00:15:40.600 --> 00:15:42.279 to get through the trial 00:15:42.279 --> 00:15:43.840 or the hardship that you're facing. 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:48.200 Paul reminds us that 00:15:48.200 --> 00:15:49.700 it's God 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:52.259 who has taken hold of you. 00:15:52.500 --> 00:15:53.500 God who has planted 00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:54.460 the seed of the gospel 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:55.120 in your heart. 00:15:55.460 --> 00:15:57.259 And he will bring it to completion 00:15:57.259 --> 00:15:59.000 on the day of Christ Jesus. 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:01.960 And what great comfort that is. 00:16:03.860 --> 00:16:05.740 Friends, when we don't have this comfort, 00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:07.360 when we don't have this confidence 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:08.440 that the kingdom of God 00:16:08.440 --> 00:16:09.940 is sure and certain, 00:16:10.060 --> 00:16:12.080 both out there and in here, 00:16:12.080 --> 00:16:14.240 we often live in fear. 00:16:14.480 --> 00:16:15.379 And do you know what happens 00:16:15.379 --> 00:16:16.280 when we live in fear? 00:16:16.960 --> 00:16:17.660 We grasp. 00:16:18.020 --> 00:16:19.259 We grasp for power. 00:16:19.660 --> 00:16:21.020 We grasp for control. 00:16:21.420 --> 00:16:23.540 We try to force things to happen. 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:25.360 We become desperate 00:16:25.360 --> 00:16:27.240 because we think it's up to us. 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:29.700 And when we don't see things happening 00:16:29.700 --> 00:16:31.360 on our time frame in art, 00:16:31.660 --> 00:16:33.940 we then think, 00:16:34.280 --> 00:16:36.220 well, the kingdom of God's not enough 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:37.100 and God's not enough 00:16:37.100 --> 00:16:37.980 and I have to make this. 00:16:38.040 --> 00:16:39.160 So I'm going to go out into the world 00:16:39.159 --> 00:16:40.120 and find what works 00:16:40.120 --> 00:16:41.559 and I'm going to put all my trust 00:16:41.559 --> 00:16:42.639 in those things 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:43.939 because God isn't doing. 00:16:45.120 --> 00:16:46.699 We end up relying on ourselves 00:16:46.699 --> 00:16:47.480 and our techniques 00:16:47.480 --> 00:16:48.419 and our strategies 00:16:48.419 --> 00:16:50.139 rather than looking to God 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:51.719 to build his kingdom. 00:16:54.219 --> 00:16:56.719 And I think Jesus knows this 00:16:56.719 --> 00:16:58.199 because I think that's why 00:16:58.199 --> 00:16:59.579 he goes to his second parable. 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:02.319 If the first parable 00:17:02.319 --> 00:17:03.659 is about the certainty 00:17:03.659 --> 00:17:05.319 and surety of God's kingdom, 00:17:05.319 --> 00:17:06.839 the second one is about 00:17:06.839 --> 00:17:08.279 the surprising nature 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:09.679 of God's kingdom. 00:17:10.179 --> 00:17:11.240 It is surprising 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:13.419 because it is small in appearance 00:17:13.419 --> 00:17:15.639 and great in impact. 00:17:16.099 --> 00:17:17.539 So he uses this image 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:18.980 of a mustard seed. 00:17:19.079 --> 00:17:21.159 This is verses 30 through 32. 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:23.319 He uses a mustard seed. 00:17:23.619 --> 00:17:24.579 Okay, for those of you 00:17:24.579 --> 00:17:25.319 who are technical, 00:17:25.659 --> 00:17:26.899 it's not the smallest seed 00:17:26.899 --> 00:17:27.419 in the world. 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:29.039 Oregano seeds are much smaller. 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:30.960 But they're like 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:32.599 one to two millimeters wide 00:17:32.599 --> 00:17:34.799 and there are 15,000 seeds 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:36.859 in an ounce of mustard seed. 00:17:37.439 --> 00:17:38.099 Okay, so just, 00:17:38.319 --> 00:17:39.339 it's really small. 00:17:39.599 --> 00:17:40.919 And just like today 00:17:40.919 --> 00:17:42.159 in the first century, 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:43.659 it was proverbially 00:17:43.659 --> 00:17:45.059 the smallest thing around. 00:17:45.519 --> 00:17:45.779 Okay? 00:17:46.039 --> 00:17:47.599 And so Jesus is using 00:17:47.599 --> 00:17:49.439 a first century image 00:17:49.439 --> 00:17:50.839 that would have been known well 00:17:50.839 --> 00:17:53.399 to say this is the smallest thing 00:17:53.399 --> 00:17:54.039 in the world. 00:17:55.359 --> 00:17:56.859 And yet it is planted. 00:17:57.539 --> 00:17:59.019 And the contrast is 00:17:59.019 --> 00:18:00.699 that this smallest seed 00:18:00.700 --> 00:18:02.620 produces the largest bush. 00:18:03.340 --> 00:18:03.519 Right? 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:05.140 Oregano plants don't grow 00:18:05.140 --> 00:18:05.920 to 10 feet. 00:18:06.160 --> 00:18:07.640 But mustard trees, 00:18:07.900 --> 00:18:09.100 bushes, do. 00:18:09.480 --> 00:18:10.000 I guess, 00:18:10.100 --> 00:18:11.100 in the Middle East at least. 00:18:11.180 --> 00:18:13.080 They grow to 10 feet tall. 00:18:13.660 --> 00:18:13.960 Right? 00:18:14.140 --> 00:18:15.420 And so Jesus is using 00:18:15.420 --> 00:18:16.559 this well-known imagery 00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:17.740 to make this contrast 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:19.580 between the smallness, 00:18:19.680 --> 00:18:21.700 the seemingly insignificance 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:23.440 of this little thing 00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:24.700 and the greatness 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:26.400 of what it produces. 00:18:26.400 --> 00:18:30.180 Jesus says, 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:32.460 this is what the kingdom 00:18:32.460 --> 00:18:33.840 of God is like. 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:35.380 It starts small. 00:18:35.780 --> 00:18:38.019 It starts insignificantly. 00:18:38.420 --> 00:18:39.200 And yet it grows 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:40.540 into this great bush. 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:42.280 This bush that recalls 00:18:42.280 --> 00:18:44.040 the imagery from Ezekiel 31 00:18:44.040 --> 00:18:45.180 that we read earlier 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:47.019 that is large enough 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:50.180 to welcome not just a bird 00:18:50.180 --> 00:18:51.620 but many birds to come 00:18:51.620 --> 00:18:52.820 and nest in its branches 00:18:52.820 --> 00:18:53.900 and find shelter. 00:18:53.900 --> 00:18:57.180 The kingdom of God 00:18:57.180 --> 00:18:58.380 that starts so small 00:18:58.380 --> 00:18:59.420 is going to be so big 00:18:59.420 --> 00:19:00.560 that it's going to welcome 00:19:00.560 --> 00:19:02.180 many comers 00:19:02.180 --> 00:19:03.600 from the outside. 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:08.340 This is, of course, 00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:09.500 the model of the church 00:19:09.500 --> 00:19:12.460 that God uses seemingly 00:19:12.460 --> 00:19:14.120 in the eyes of the world 00:19:14.120 --> 00:19:15.380 insignificant things 00:19:15.380 --> 00:19:17.519 to accomplish great things 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:18.019 for Him. 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.380 So again, 00:19:19.480 --> 00:19:20.180 in 1 Corinthians, 00:19:20.380 --> 00:19:20.980 we're reminded, 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:22.200 Paul writes this, 00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:24.480 God chose what is foolish 00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:25.059 in the world 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:26.100 to shame the wise. 00:19:26.279 --> 00:19:27.440 God chose what is weak 00:19:27.440 --> 00:19:27.920 in the world 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:29.039 to shame the strong. 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:31.340 God chose what is low 00:19:31.340 --> 00:19:33.340 and despised in the world 00:19:33.340 --> 00:19:34.779 even things that are not 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:36.299 to bring to nothing 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:37.299 things that are 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:39.340 so that no human being 00:19:39.340 --> 00:19:40.080 might boast 00:19:40.080 --> 00:19:41.319 in the presence of God. 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.360 And because of Him, 00:19:43.460 --> 00:19:44.600 you are in Christ Jesus 00:19:44.600 --> 00:19:46.480 who became to us 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:47.660 wisdom from God, 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.200 righteousness, 00:19:48.580 --> 00:19:49.299 sanctification, 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:50.059 and redemption 00:19:50.059 --> 00:19:51.159 so that, 00:19:51.379 --> 00:19:52.119 as it is written, 00:19:52.639 --> 00:19:53.919 let the one who boasts 00:19:53.919 --> 00:19:56.119 boast in the Lord. 00:19:57.720 --> 00:19:59.339 God chooses the insignificant 00:19:59.339 --> 00:20:00.379 things of the world 00:20:00.379 --> 00:20:01.240 and even the things 00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:01.740 that are not 00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:03.039 to shame the things 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.559 that are 00:20:03.559 --> 00:20:05.819 so that we might see 00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:07.799 that the kingdom of God 00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:08.419 comes 00:20:08.419 --> 00:20:10.240 by the work of God. 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:11.799 Right? 00:20:12.359 --> 00:20:13.079 And again, 00:20:13.179 --> 00:20:14.119 we may think, 00:20:14.339 --> 00:20:15.720 we may think 00:20:15.720 --> 00:20:16.379 that we need 00:20:16.379 --> 00:20:17.679 the slickest programs 00:20:17.680 --> 00:20:19.860 or the biggest bank account. 00:20:20.539 --> 00:20:21.519 We may think 00:20:21.519 --> 00:20:22.060 that we need 00:20:22.060 --> 00:20:23.600 the most cultural power 00:20:23.600 --> 00:20:25.560 or political control. 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:27.080 We may think 00:20:27.080 --> 00:20:27.759 that we need 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:29.480 the most impressive people 00:20:29.480 --> 00:20:30.700 that we can collect 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:32.740 for the kingdom of God 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:33.480 to come about. 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:37.500 But Jesus reminds us 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:38.120 in this parable 00:20:38.120 --> 00:20:38.940 that for the kingdom 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:39.799 of God to flourish, 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:40.580 it needs only 00:20:40.580 --> 00:20:41.539 a mustard seed. 00:20:43.140 --> 00:20:44.120 Something small 00:20:44.120 --> 00:20:44.960 and insignificant. 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:46.460 something that 00:20:46.460 --> 00:20:47.759 has no wisdom 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:48.380 in the eyes 00:20:48.380 --> 00:20:49.220 of the philosophers, 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:50.340 has no power 00:20:50.340 --> 00:20:50.940 in the eyes 00:20:50.940 --> 00:20:52.019 of the miracle workers. 00:20:54.079 --> 00:20:55.100 But as he said 00:20:55.100 --> 00:20:55.920 in 1 Corinthians, 00:20:56.120 --> 00:20:57.500 Jesus Christ crucified 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:59.039 is the wisdom of God 00:20:59.039 --> 00:21:00.259 and the power of God. 00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:02.900 For friends, 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.920 this is the very heart 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:04.500 of the gospel 00:21:04.500 --> 00:21:05.900 that we've believed in. 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:07.680 That Jesus, 00:21:07.920 --> 00:21:08.680 who though he could 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:09.840 claim all glory, 00:21:09.840 --> 00:21:11.059 made himself 00:21:11.059 --> 00:21:11.840 insignificant. 00:21:11.839 --> 00:21:12.359 insignificant. 00:21:13.579 --> 00:21:15.639 He took on human form. 00:21:16.939 --> 00:21:17.779 He was born 00:21:17.779 --> 00:21:19.639 as a baby 00:21:19.639 --> 00:21:22.779 in mean estate, 00:21:23.199 --> 00:21:24.240 as the hymn says, 00:21:24.679 --> 00:21:24.919 right? 00:21:25.639 --> 00:21:27.079 Wrapped in swaddling clothes 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:28.099 and laid in a manger. 00:21:28.459 --> 00:21:29.359 He ministered 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:30.179 in obscurity. 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:31.959 He didn't create 00:21:31.959 --> 00:21:32.679 an institution. 00:21:32.899 --> 00:21:33.879 He didn't write a book. 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:37.059 He left a band 00:21:37.059 --> 00:21:38.339 of scared, 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:40.359 scattered followers. 00:21:40.359 --> 00:21:40.579 believers. 00:21:41.479 --> 00:21:42.119 And he died 00:21:42.119 --> 00:21:43.319 in social disgrace. 00:21:44.199 --> 00:21:45.399 There is no reason 00:21:45.399 --> 00:21:46.099 to think 00:21:46.099 --> 00:21:47.500 in the annals 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:48.039 of history 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:48.679 that Jesus 00:21:48.679 --> 00:21:50.279 would be anything else. 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:52.219 And for those of us 00:21:52.219 --> 00:21:52.839 who are in the church 00:21:52.839 --> 00:21:53.779 and see the world 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:54.599 through the history 00:21:54.599 --> 00:21:55.039 of church, 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:56.039 it's kind of hard 00:21:56.039 --> 00:21:56.539 to believe. 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:57.659 But all you have to do 00:21:57.659 --> 00:21:58.240 is go over 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:59.819 to one of those institutions 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:00.740 right around the corner 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:02.500 who's going to teach history 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:04.179 where it's not a big deal. 00:22:04.639 --> 00:22:05.139 The church 00:22:05.139 --> 00:22:06.059 is not a big deal. 00:22:06.139 --> 00:22:07.119 It is insignificant 00:22:07.119 --> 00:22:08.819 insignificant in the world 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.659 in what is, 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:10.899 in how the world 00:22:10.899 --> 00:22:11.459 has progressed 00:22:11.459 --> 00:22:12.479 and where we are now 00:22:12.479 --> 00:22:13.539 and where we are going. 00:22:17.719 --> 00:22:18.839 But God raised 00:22:18.839 --> 00:22:20.059 this insignificant one 00:22:20.059 --> 00:22:20.759 from the dead. 00:22:21.579 --> 00:22:22.679 And the kingdom foes 00:22:22.679 --> 00:22:23.459 of sin and death 00:22:23.459 --> 00:22:24.059 were defeated 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:24.759 and the sentence 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:25.439 against evil 00:22:25.439 --> 00:22:26.000 was rendered 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:27.779 and good had conquered. 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.719 And Jesus is the place 00:22:29.719 --> 00:22:30.599 where we know 00:22:30.599 --> 00:22:31.859 that the kingdom of God 00:22:31.859 --> 00:22:33.439 has conquered 00:22:33.439 --> 00:22:34.500 and it is certain 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:35.599 and it is sure. 00:22:36.420 --> 00:22:37.480 Because he has risen 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:38.160 from the dead, 00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:39.519 we know this is happening. 00:22:40.359 --> 00:22:41.119 And we know 00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:42.640 that it will be 00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:43.819 one day 00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:45.059 finally accomplished. 00:22:45.359 --> 00:22:46.460 When he returns, 00:22:46.579 --> 00:22:47.380 he will bring 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:48.579 the fullness 00:22:48.579 --> 00:22:49.339 of his kingdom 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:50.380 and we will see it 00:22:50.380 --> 00:22:51.660 in all of its glory. 00:22:52.180 --> 00:22:52.819 And it will be 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:53.819 a beautiful thing. 00:22:56.819 --> 00:22:58.119 So the kingdom of God 00:22:58.119 --> 00:22:59.819 begins in insignificance. 00:23:01.140 --> 00:23:02.200 And it grows. 00:23:02.200 --> 00:23:03.819 And one day 00:23:03.819 --> 00:23:04.860 we will see its glory. 00:23:05.340 --> 00:23:06.319 And we see this 00:23:06.319 --> 00:23:07.100 in some ways. 00:23:07.660 --> 00:23:09.680 Because that mustard seed 00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:10.980 that has become a plant 00:23:10.980 --> 00:23:11.920 is now, 00:23:12.640 --> 00:23:13.860 if this refers 00:23:13.860 --> 00:23:14.600 to the church 00:23:14.600 --> 00:23:15.080 and the growth 00:23:15.080 --> 00:23:15.559 of the church 00:23:15.559 --> 00:23:16.400 in this age 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:17.160 as we're waiting 00:23:17.160 --> 00:23:17.740 for the fullness 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:18.299 of the kingdom, 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.380 if the church 00:23:19.380 --> 00:23:21.039 is the primary expression 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:24.000 of the kingdom of God, 00:23:25.380 --> 00:23:26.100 there are birds 00:23:26.100 --> 00:23:26.980 from every tribe 00:23:26.980 --> 00:23:27.319 and tongue 00:23:27.319 --> 00:23:27.759 and nation 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:28.240 coming 00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:30.100 to find rest 00:23:30.099 --> 00:23:30.719 and comfort 00:23:30.719 --> 00:23:32.599 in the shelter 00:23:32.599 --> 00:23:33.379 of the gospel 00:23:33.379 --> 00:23:34.740 and the good news 00:23:34.740 --> 00:23:35.879 about Jesus Christ 00:23:35.879 --> 00:23:37.019 in the church 00:23:37.019 --> 00:23:38.219 all over the world. 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:40.659 And friends, 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:42.799 we might even be 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:43.899 so bold as to say 00:23:43.899 --> 00:23:44.659 we can see it 00:23:44.659 --> 00:23:45.459 here at Trinity. 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:46.980 This church 00:23:46.980 --> 00:23:48.759 that was not a church 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:49.859 50 years ago 00:23:49.859 --> 00:23:51.759 and 30 years ago 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:52.659 was a small 00:23:52.659 --> 00:23:53.819 and struggling church. 00:23:54.139 --> 00:23:54.939 And yet God 00:23:54.939 --> 00:23:56.539 has seen fit 00:23:56.539 --> 00:23:58.139 as the seed 00:23:58.140 --> 00:23:59.000 has been sown 00:23:59.000 --> 00:24:00.220 to continue 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:01.020 to build it 00:24:01.020 --> 00:24:02.000 for the good 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:02.580 of many 00:24:02.580 --> 00:24:03.380 who are a part 00:24:03.380 --> 00:24:03.880 of this. 00:24:05.160 --> 00:24:05.620 And look, 00:24:05.920 --> 00:24:06.500 churches aren't 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:07.360 the kingdom of God. 00:24:07.540 --> 00:24:08.400 Individual churches, 00:24:08.540 --> 00:24:09.759 churches sometimes 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:11.400 grow and then die. 00:24:12.120 --> 00:24:13.120 But the church 00:24:13.120 --> 00:24:13.759 universal 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:15.160 has continued 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:15.780 to grow 00:24:15.780 --> 00:24:16.680 and advance. 00:24:17.280 --> 00:24:18.380 Not perfectly, 00:24:19.300 --> 00:24:20.000 but has continued 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:20.580 to grow. 00:24:22.820 --> 00:24:23.300 Friends, 00:24:23.420 --> 00:24:23.920 this is what 00:24:23.920 --> 00:24:25.440 David Flood 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:26.020 found out 00:24:26.020 --> 00:24:26.600 as well. 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:31.359 the boy 00:24:31.359 --> 00:24:32.480 who sold them 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.259 chicken and eggs, 00:24:34.399 --> 00:24:35.359 he heard the gospel. 00:24:39.699 --> 00:24:40.679 After the floods 00:24:40.679 --> 00:24:41.059 left, 00:24:41.480 --> 00:24:42.639 he went to his village 00:24:42.639 --> 00:24:43.219 and he shared 00:24:43.219 --> 00:24:43.679 with them 00:24:43.679 --> 00:24:44.519 the message 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:45.159 that he'd heard 00:24:45.159 --> 00:24:46.779 from these strangers 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:47.579 who had come 00:24:47.579 --> 00:24:48.740 to live near them 00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:49.519 for a short period 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:49.980 of time. 00:24:51.699 --> 00:24:52.779 And that daughter 00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:54.639 was adopted 00:24:54.639 --> 00:24:55.839 by other missionaries, 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:56.799 raised, 00:24:57.519 --> 00:24:59.319 one day found out 00:24:59.319 --> 00:25:00.139 what had happened 00:25:00.139 --> 00:25:02.220 to her birth parents, 00:25:02.319 --> 00:25:03.259 to her birth mother. 00:25:03.679 --> 00:25:04.959 She tracked down 00:25:04.959 --> 00:25:07.899 what happened 00:25:07.899 --> 00:25:09.799 to this boy 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:10.959 and she found out 00:25:10.959 --> 00:25:11.519 that that boy 00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:12.099 had gone back 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:12.720 and the village 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:13.259 had believed 00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:14.720 and he was now, 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:15.720 she met him 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:16.459 at a conference 00:25:16.459 --> 00:25:17.459 where he was now 00:25:17.459 --> 00:25:19.099 the national head 00:25:19.099 --> 00:25:20.919 of a Christian 00:25:20.919 --> 00:25:23.000 Sunday school program 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:23.679 that had over 00:25:23.679 --> 00:25:25.419 110,000 people 00:25:25.419 --> 00:25:25.939 in it. 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:32.559 She tracked down 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:33.079 her dad. 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.699 She said, 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:38.419 dad, 00:25:38.500 --> 00:25:39.099 God's been good 00:25:39.099 --> 00:25:39.619 to us. 00:25:40.779 --> 00:25:41.299 And he said, 00:25:41.359 --> 00:25:41.500 no, 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:41.980 he's not. 00:25:42.219 --> 00:25:42.799 He's ruined 00:25:42.799 --> 00:25:43.439 our lives. 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:45.240 And she told him 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:45.799 the story 00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:50.000 and God redeemed him 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:52.480 and that day 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:53.340 he repented 00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:54.519 of his bitterness 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:57.460 because he got 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.059 a taste 00:25:58.059 --> 00:25:59.680 of the certainty 00:25:59.680 --> 00:26:00.279 of what Jesus 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:01.180 wants us to know 00:26:01.180 --> 00:26:01.880 that the kingdom 00:26:01.880 --> 00:26:02.559 of God, 00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:03.660 though small 00:26:03.660 --> 00:26:04.660 and insignificant, 00:26:05.180 --> 00:26:06.059 is certain 00:26:06.059 --> 00:26:07.740 and it is sure 00:26:07.740 --> 00:26:09.059 and we can bank 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:09.480 on it 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.620 and we can spend 00:26:10.619 --> 00:26:11.279 our lives 00:26:11.279 --> 00:26:12.479 trusting in it 00:26:12.479 --> 00:26:13.699 and looking for it 00:26:13.699 --> 00:26:16.739 because of the gospel. 00:26:17.679 --> 00:26:18.399 Let's pray. 00:26:24.719 --> 00:26:25.199 Lord, 00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:26.179 we thank you 00:26:26.179 --> 00:26:26.919 for this word. 00:26:27.939 --> 00:26:28.239 Lord, 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:29.139 we pray this morning 00:26:29.139 --> 00:26:30.000 that you would help us 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:30.899 to not be afraid 00:26:30.899 --> 00:26:32.619 but to have faith, 00:26:32.919 --> 00:26:35.079 to trust in you 00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:36.279 and in this word 00:26:36.279 --> 00:26:37.259 that, 00:26:37.419 --> 00:26:37.479 Lord, 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:37.939 the kingdom 00:26:37.939 --> 00:26:39.219 that you have begun, 00:26:39.659 --> 00:26:39.799 Lord, 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:40.720 you will bring 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:41.940 to fruition. 00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:43.980 Lord, 00:26:44.039 --> 00:26:44.519 we pray 00:26:44.519 --> 00:26:45.619 that you would help us 00:26:45.619 --> 00:26:47.659 to have this hope. 00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:48.960 Lord, 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:49.460 in the midst 00:26:49.460 --> 00:26:50.539 of the trials 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:51.259 that we face 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:52.259 and the discouragements 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:52.980 that we feel, 00:26:55.039 --> 00:26:55.379 Lord, 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.339 to know that your kingdom 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:56.879 is certain. 00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:58.720 Lord, 00:26:58.779 --> 00:26:59.700 gives us great strength 00:26:59.700 --> 00:27:00.480 to persevere. 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:02.480 May it be true in us, 00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:03.680 we pray in Jesus' name. 00:27:04.159 --> 00:27:04.419 Amen.