WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.560 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:13.240 --> 00:00:14.000 Amen. 00:00:14.759 --> 00:00:18.039 Turn with me this morning to Colossians 1. 00:00:21.679 --> 00:00:27.000 We're talking this Christmas season about songs of a Savior. 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:30.820 Man, we've sung some beautiful ones this morning, haven't we? 00:00:32.420 --> 00:00:36.460 Glorious songs tell us about Jesus. 00:00:39.620 --> 00:00:46.539 We started off this series talking about our longing for God to come and be with us. 00:00:47.140 --> 00:00:50.840 Last week we saw what it cost Him to do that. 00:00:50.840 --> 00:00:58.560 What Christmas cost Jesus for Him to sacrifice to be born and be with us for us. 00:00:59.700 --> 00:01:05.480 These next two Sundays, what we're going to talk about is the impact of the incarnation. 00:01:05.900 --> 00:01:14.659 What does the Bible tell us that Jesus accomplishes when the Word becomes flesh and dwells among us? 00:01:14.740 --> 00:01:16.260 What does that do? 00:01:16.379 --> 00:01:18.879 And there are many ways to answer that question. 00:01:18.879 --> 00:01:22.000 Some are universal in their scope. 00:01:22.140 --> 00:01:27.500 They consider how Christmas brings hope and restoration to all of God's creation. 00:01:28.920 --> 00:01:30.140 And we'll look at that next week. 00:01:31.579 --> 00:01:33.219 Others are very personal. 00:01:34.519 --> 00:01:43.039 And they consider how Christmas brings hope to me and to you particularly and individually. 00:01:44.019 --> 00:01:44.799 That's today. 00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:51.019 We're going to think about that great hymn that we just sang that Charles Wesley wrote. 00:01:51.019 --> 00:01:53.879 Hark the herald angels sing. 00:01:54.920 --> 00:02:02.560 And especially the glorious phrase, God and sinners reconciled. 00:02:03.439 --> 00:02:06.979 Think about that from Colossians chapter 1. 00:02:06.980 --> 00:02:10.680 I've titled this sermon, War and Peace. 00:02:12.439 --> 00:02:17.960 You can only hope that title is a reference to the theme rather than the length of this sermon. 00:02:20.780 --> 00:02:21.980 That went better than I thought. 00:02:24.039 --> 00:02:31.120 Listen to another glorious Christ hymn of the early church to contemplate at Christmas. 00:02:31.120 --> 00:02:36.580 Paul begins with a famous description of the identity of Jesus. 00:02:37.039 --> 00:02:41.539 And then tells us the results of the work of Jesus. 00:02:41.700 --> 00:02:44.140 Colossians 1 starting at verse 15. 00:02:44.139 --> 00:02:50.359 The Son, Jesus, is the image of the invisible God. 00:02:50.359 --> 00:02:52.459 The firstborn of all creation. 00:02:53.339 --> 00:02:56.819 For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth. 00:02:57.259 --> 00:02:58.279 Visible and invisible. 00:02:58.819 --> 00:03:01.359 Whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. 00:03:02.239 --> 00:03:05.859 All things were created through Him and for Him. 00:03:06.979 --> 00:03:08.939 And He is before all things. 00:03:09.739 --> 00:03:11.479 And in Him all things hold together. 00:03:11.479 --> 00:03:14.139 And He is the head of the body, the church. 00:03:14.619 --> 00:03:16.819 He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead. 00:03:16.879 --> 00:03:19.319 That in everything He might be preeminent. 00:03:20.019 --> 00:03:24.799 For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. 00:03:25.839 --> 00:03:29.259 And through Him to reconcile to Himself all things. 00:03:29.500 --> 00:03:30.879 Whether on earth or in heaven. 00:03:31.339 --> 00:03:34.659 Making peace by the blood of His cross. 00:03:35.839 --> 00:03:39.179 And now the verses we're going to focus on this morning. 00:03:39.180 --> 00:03:45.280 What does all of that, this glorious God become man mean for us? 00:03:45.460 --> 00:03:46.060 And you. 00:03:47.640 --> 00:03:51.520 You who once were alienated and hostile in mind. 00:03:51.740 --> 00:03:52.980 Doing evil deeds. 00:03:53.740 --> 00:03:57.860 He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death. 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:00.260 In order to present you holy. 00:04:01.020 --> 00:04:02.120 And blameless. 00:04:02.740 --> 00:04:05.219 And above reproach before Him. 00:04:05.219 --> 00:04:07.800 If indeed you continue in the faith. 00:04:08.199 --> 00:04:09.620 Stable and steadfast. 00:04:09.939 --> 00:04:12.759 Not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. 00:04:13.080 --> 00:04:15.740 Which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven. 00:04:16.060 --> 00:04:19.379 And of which I, Paul, became a minister. 00:04:20.680 --> 00:04:24.379 This is God's word for which we give Him thanks. 00:04:24.740 --> 00:04:25.279 Let's pray. 00:04:25.279 --> 00:04:30.299 God, we do give you thanks. 00:04:31.559 --> 00:04:35.659 In particular for these truths of your word. 00:04:37.119 --> 00:04:41.559 Truths too glorious for us to comprehend. 00:04:41.560 --> 00:04:41.759 Amen. 00:04:43.360 --> 00:04:46.319 We can't wrap our minds or hearts around them, Father. 00:04:46.439 --> 00:04:50.540 But would you this morning pull back the curtain just a little bit. 00:04:50.980 --> 00:04:52.500 That we would see you. 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:54.379 That we would know you. 00:04:54.959 --> 00:04:56.680 We would trust you. 00:04:56.780 --> 00:04:58.199 That we would worship you. 00:05:00.300 --> 00:05:02.240 Work in us as you love to do. 00:05:02.959 --> 00:05:03.840 In Jesus' name. 00:05:04.779 --> 00:05:05.100 Amen. 00:05:05.100 --> 00:05:05.240 Amen. 00:05:05.240 --> 00:05:13.720 There are some people who are such arch enemies. 00:05:14.860 --> 00:05:20.379 That you wouldn't even believe me this morning if I told you that they were friends. 00:05:21.259 --> 00:05:26.819 I mean we laugh about some of you whose marriages involve both an Auburn and an Alabama grad. 00:05:27.079 --> 00:05:29.240 And how y'all pull that off together. 00:05:29.240 --> 00:05:37.500 But can you imagine if the Auburn and Alabama football teams sat down for breakfast the morning of the Iron Bowl. 00:05:37.840 --> 00:05:40.220 You know just to engage in some friendly chatting. 00:05:40.780 --> 00:05:41.120 You know. 00:05:41.259 --> 00:05:42.120 How you doing? 00:05:42.259 --> 00:05:43.280 So good to see you. 00:05:43.319 --> 00:05:44.420 Hope you have a great day. 00:05:44.660 --> 00:05:46.920 Can you imagine them being there in the same room? 00:05:47.500 --> 00:05:47.980 No. 00:05:48.560 --> 00:05:50.180 There would be this huge food fight. 00:05:50.519 --> 00:05:52.480 At a minimum would break out. 00:05:52.480 --> 00:05:59.460 You wouldn't believe me if I told you that this afternoon Nancy Pelosi was holding a press conference. 00:05:59.460 --> 00:06:03.240 Where she would declare Donald Trump the greatest president ever. 00:06:03.540 --> 00:06:06.600 And make a large donation to his re-election campaign. 00:06:07.540 --> 00:06:08.800 You don't believe that. 00:06:09.600 --> 00:06:10.160 Kids. 00:06:10.819 --> 00:06:17.439 It is seriously not possible that Peter Pan and Captain Hook would be friends. 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:17.740 Right? 00:06:17.740 --> 00:06:23.300 That they would work together to improve the way Neverland works. 00:06:23.439 --> 00:06:24.860 They are going to team up for that. 00:06:24.920 --> 00:06:25.120 Right? 00:06:25.660 --> 00:06:26.160 No. 00:06:26.720 --> 00:06:27.740 That is impossible. 00:06:28.620 --> 00:06:30.560 They are always out to get each other. 00:06:30.639 --> 00:06:31.280 That is who they are. 00:06:31.340 --> 00:06:31.819 They are enemies. 00:06:34.639 --> 00:06:39.060 If you heard today that Israel and Hamas had reached a peace agreement. 00:06:40.519 --> 00:06:43.180 You would roll your eyes and say. 00:06:43.740 --> 00:06:45.660 We will see how long that lasts. 00:06:45.660 --> 00:06:48.660 They have been fighting over there for centuries. 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:51.939 There is no way that peace is going to last. 00:06:52.060 --> 00:06:52.260 Right? 00:06:55.080 --> 00:06:58.040 Now I want you to think of one more thing that way. 00:06:59.160 --> 00:07:03.700 God and sinners reconciled. 00:07:04.160 --> 00:07:10.460 I know you have been singing that in this wonderful Christmas carol that is happy and sweet. 00:07:10.620 --> 00:07:13.100 Maybe years and years for many of you. 00:07:13.580 --> 00:07:14.980 I am not trying to mess it up. 00:07:14.980 --> 00:07:17.220 But I do want you to stop and think about it. 00:07:18.340 --> 00:07:22.520 This goes way beyond any of those other arch enemies. 00:07:23.080 --> 00:07:23.640 Doesn't it? 00:07:24.840 --> 00:07:26.879 Peace between those two. 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:28.980 Between God and sinners. 00:07:28.980 --> 00:07:32.259 Should be even more ridiculously unbelievable. 00:07:32.640 --> 00:07:33.280 No way. 00:07:33.279 --> 00:07:48.859 When the holy, holy, holy God encounters sinners who by definition are not, not, not holy. 00:07:50.539 --> 00:07:51.919 Bad things happen. 00:07:52.179 --> 00:07:53.000 Not good things. 00:07:53.000 --> 00:08:03.879 You can look in both the Old Testament and the New Testament and find stories of sinful men and women who disobey God and dishonor his name. 00:08:03.959 --> 00:08:06.000 And they're immediately consumed. 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:11.459 You don't waltz into God's holy presence and come out alive. 00:08:11.459 --> 00:08:12.540 Do you? 00:08:12.959 --> 00:08:20.079 That's why they tied the rope to the ankle of the high priest when he entered the Holy of Holies once a year just in case. 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:23.359 No one else was going in after him. 00:08:25.359 --> 00:08:27.180 It's our problem, isn't it? 00:08:27.899 --> 00:08:32.519 God dwells in unapproachable light. 00:08:32.519 --> 00:08:39.079 Only someone with clean hands and a pure heart can approach his holy dwelling. 00:08:40.039 --> 00:08:44.079 And we've been playing in the mud in every sense of the word. 00:08:46.199 --> 00:08:57.779 So it is utterly shocking when the herald angels come and proclaim glory to God in the highest and on earth what? 00:08:59.299 --> 00:08:59.980 Peace. 00:08:59.980 --> 00:09:00.100 Peace. 00:09:01.659 --> 00:09:04.779 Peace among those with whom he is pleased. 00:09:07.060 --> 00:09:08.740 They say fear not. 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:10.480 Peace on earth. 00:09:11.820 --> 00:09:17.680 Peace between God and men on whom the favor of God rests. 00:09:17.779 --> 00:09:19.860 When you hear that, you ought to sit up and listen. 00:09:20.580 --> 00:09:24.920 Not just because angels are talking to shepherds, which is really pretty cool. 00:09:26.399 --> 00:09:28.279 But because of what they're saying. 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:39.060 They're declaring a path to peace in the most horrific, longest lasting war in the history of the universe. 00:09:40.180 --> 00:09:43.039 Peace on earth and mercy mild. 00:09:43.399 --> 00:09:46.420 God and sinners reconciled. 00:09:46.659 --> 00:09:47.120 What? 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:48.779 No way. 00:09:48.779 --> 00:09:51.159 This is remarkable. 00:09:54.159 --> 00:09:56.539 That's what Paul is marveling about in Colossians. 00:09:56.539 --> 00:10:05.099 He starts by warming us up for next week and talking about this Jesus who is fully God in every way. 00:10:05.539 --> 00:10:07.980 Who's the perfect image of God. 00:10:08.059 --> 00:10:10.419 The one who holds all things together. 00:10:10.559 --> 00:10:13.740 He's coming to reconcile all things to God. 00:10:13.839 --> 00:10:15.139 Verse 20 says. 00:10:15.839 --> 00:10:16.839 But that's next week. 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:19.759 Then he says. 00:10:19.759 --> 00:10:22.100 And you. 00:10:23.300 --> 00:10:29.360 I don't want you to miss the personal impact of Jesus and Christmas. 00:10:29.899 --> 00:10:34.960 I want you to know particularly how this applies to you, Southwood. 00:10:34.960 --> 00:10:38.600 And you. 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:43.940 Who once were alienated and hostile in mind. 00:10:44.259 --> 00:10:46.800 Doing evil deeds. 00:10:47.620 --> 00:10:51.460 Y'all this is the horror of war. 00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:55.320 Between sinners and God. 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:57.700 It's no occasional disagreement. 00:10:57.700 --> 00:10:59.860 It's no small skirmish. 00:11:00.180 --> 00:11:07.300 It is a persistent all-out battle between enemies beyond any other set of enemies that we know. 00:11:08.640 --> 00:11:13.400 See, sin is sin because God is God. 00:11:13.840 --> 00:11:19.000 Sin is fundamentally rebellion against his inherent goodness. 00:11:19.640 --> 00:11:22.820 Seeking to rule in place of the king. 00:11:22.820 --> 00:11:27.200 Not only does God not sin. 00:11:27.980 --> 00:11:31.000 But sin is sin because God doesn't do it. 00:11:31.640 --> 00:11:32.460 Does that make sense? 00:11:32.900 --> 00:11:35.240 That God and sin don't go together. 00:11:35.940 --> 00:11:37.660 That's where it comes from. 00:11:37.820 --> 00:11:40.480 That sin even is what it is. 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:48.720 Listen one more time to the status terms for our relationship with God before Jesus. 00:11:48.720 --> 00:11:53.340 Paul particularly is referring to Gentiles in his day. 00:11:53.580 --> 00:11:55.420 But this is true for all of us. 00:11:55.500 --> 00:11:56.519 Many of us Gentiles. 00:11:56.779 --> 00:11:59.620 All of us born in sin. 00:12:00.019 --> 00:12:05.240 He says we are alienated from God. 00:12:06.460 --> 00:12:10.220 Have you ever felt distant from God? 00:12:10.220 --> 00:12:14.820 Like your relationship with him was cold? 00:12:16.259 --> 00:12:17.060 Unfamiliar? 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:19.980 Less than intimate? 00:12:22.320 --> 00:12:27.980 The word here is not describing a feeling of distance. 00:12:28.480 --> 00:12:31.759 But rather a state or condition. 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:33.399 Alienated. 00:12:33.639 --> 00:12:35.019 That's the way it is. 00:12:35.379 --> 00:12:37.320 Separated from God. 00:12:37.320 --> 00:12:41.360 Having broken relationship with him. 00:12:43.100 --> 00:12:46.240 That's not merely a passive state that we find ourselves in. 00:12:46.460 --> 00:12:51.379 But Paul adds we are actively hostile in our minds. 00:12:51.980 --> 00:12:54.720 That is setting ourselves up against God. 00:12:55.100 --> 00:12:56.580 Warring against him. 00:12:56.820 --> 00:13:01.040 In other places we're told enemies of God. 00:13:01.820 --> 00:13:05.420 We are in that state set against God. 00:13:05.419 --> 00:13:08.479 Not loving him and wanting his glory. 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:13.039 Submitting to his great kingship and control over everything. 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:16.240 But rather hating him. 00:13:17.219 --> 00:13:19.479 Wanting our own glory. 00:13:19.979 --> 00:13:22.740 Grasping control for ourselves. 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:28.019 Now maybe you don't remember feeling that way. 00:13:28.019 --> 00:13:31.919 But Paul says that's how we are born. 00:13:32.159 --> 00:13:36.779 With sinful, fallen hearts and minds that are selfish. 00:13:37.799 --> 00:13:41.639 That resist God even when we're not aware of it. 00:13:43.120 --> 00:13:45.960 And it's that condition of our hearts. 00:13:46.139 --> 00:13:50.120 That warring state of our minds against God. 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:52.539 That leads to all of our evil deeds. 00:13:52.539 --> 00:13:57.159 We don't become sinners because we sin. 00:13:58.000 --> 00:14:03.459 Rather we sin doing evil deeds because we are sinners. 00:14:04.219 --> 00:14:07.099 Hostile in mind towards God. 00:14:07.099 --> 00:14:09.980 Because our hearts and our minds are set against God. 00:14:10.379 --> 00:14:14.259 We then pursue all sorts of idolatries. 00:14:14.980 --> 00:14:16.399 Of immoralities. 00:14:17.939 --> 00:14:19.259 In our lives. 00:14:19.259 --> 00:14:26.340 And what those things do is they only display the brokenness in our relationship with our creator and king. 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:26.659 Right? 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:29.679 We see it every day. 00:14:29.879 --> 00:14:31.039 In each of our lives. 00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:32.019 On the news. 00:14:33.299 --> 00:14:36.620 It really is worse than Auburn and Alabama. 00:14:37.819 --> 00:14:42.139 Because we're born into this warring race of humanity. 00:14:42.139 --> 00:14:44.840 And we can't fix our situation. 00:14:45.840 --> 00:14:46.740 By nature. 00:14:47.580 --> 00:14:48.699 By choice. 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:49.939 By action. 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:52.199 We fight against God. 00:14:52.419 --> 00:14:55.600 And are estranged from him. 00:14:57.500 --> 00:15:02.899 It's the horror of that war that we must appreciate this morning. 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:06.539 We've got to realize the reality of that. 00:15:06.620 --> 00:15:08.679 And admit that that's true. 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:14.059 Before we can truly rejoice in the peace that God brings. 00:15:14.539 --> 00:15:19.120 God and sinners reconciled won't be marvelous to us. 00:15:19.220 --> 00:15:23.259 Until we realize it is essentially a contradiction in terms. 00:15:23.419 --> 00:15:24.819 It's a paradox. 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:26.220 An impossibility. 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:27.879 Alienated. 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:28.879 Hostile. 00:15:29.220 --> 00:15:29.860 And evil. 00:15:29.860 --> 00:15:32.460 Do not go with reconciled. 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:36.159 Except here. 00:15:37.919 --> 00:15:40.179 In the very next verse. 00:15:40.699 --> 00:15:43.139 Paul paints a different picture. 00:15:43.819 --> 00:15:46.079 Of our relationship with God. 00:15:47.600 --> 00:15:48.879 And you. 00:15:49.759 --> 00:15:52.819 Who were once all of those horrible things. 00:15:53.079 --> 00:15:56.059 Caught up in that horrible war against God. 00:15:56.059 --> 00:16:02.480 And he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death. 00:16:02.899 --> 00:16:04.799 In order to present you holy. 00:16:05.659 --> 00:16:06.579 And blameless. 00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:08.779 And above reproach. 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:10.620 Before him. 00:16:11.259 --> 00:16:11.860 Reconciled. 00:16:12.139 --> 00:16:12.740 Restored. 00:16:13.079 --> 00:16:16.240 Brought back into right relationship with God. 00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:17.759 Who now promises. 00:16:18.559 --> 00:16:19.840 Not to destroy you. 00:16:20.919 --> 00:16:22.600 To tolerate. 00:16:23.059 --> 00:16:25.360 And ignore you for the rest of your life. 00:16:25.360 --> 00:16:27.500 To keep you at arm's length. 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:27.519 To keep you at arm's length. 00:16:27.519 --> 00:16:29.720 And have nothing to do with the rest of your life. 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:31.379 So you can enjoy whatever you'd like. 00:16:32.860 --> 00:16:33.200 No. 00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:35.700 It's so much better than that. 00:16:35.899 --> 00:16:39.519 Because God didn't create your relationship to be like that. 00:16:39.800 --> 00:16:43.620 He created you to live in intimate relationship with him. 00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:46.039 To be loved and delighted in. 00:16:46.159 --> 00:16:47.000 By him. 00:16:47.139 --> 00:16:50.600 And to live for his glory in everything that you do. 00:16:50.600 --> 00:16:54.500 So what God actually says. 00:16:55.500 --> 00:16:58.440 Is you go from being alienated from me. 00:16:58.759 --> 00:17:00.279 To being holy. 00:17:02.519 --> 00:17:04.720 Set apart for me. 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:08.799 In a special relationship with the God of the universe. 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:10.960 No longer far off. 00:17:11.079 --> 00:17:13.660 But now brought near to him. 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:17.640 You're no longer enemies of God. 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:20.160 Set against him in every possible way. 00:17:20.380 --> 00:17:22.600 But rather blameless. 00:17:23.660 --> 00:17:25.440 Not at fault for any of it. 00:17:26.140 --> 00:17:30.019 Completely forgiven for any wrong thoughts or attitudes. 00:17:30.640 --> 00:17:33.259 For all your lustful desires. 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:36.600 For that discontented spirit. 00:17:37.420 --> 00:17:40.400 Forgiven and standing before the perfect God. 00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:41.600 The righteous judge. 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:42.640 Innocent. 00:17:43.660 --> 00:17:47.640 And then he says. 00:17:48.640 --> 00:17:49.779 No longer evil. 00:17:50.980 --> 00:17:53.240 But above reproach. 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:58.620 And you thought Satan had a list of charges to bring against you. 00:17:59.420 --> 00:18:00.600 Plenty of mistakes. 00:18:00.860 --> 00:18:01.340 You've made. 00:18:01.519 --> 00:18:04.480 Books worth of accusations. 00:18:05.000 --> 00:18:06.660 And he's going to fling them at you. 00:18:07.800 --> 00:18:09.440 And in God's courtroom. 00:18:09.860 --> 00:18:12.120 Satan is entirely muzzled. 00:18:12.119 --> 00:18:14.559 The charges don't stick. 00:18:14.679 --> 00:18:17.559 The accusations are not held against you. 00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:19.859 You stand completely accepted. 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:21.819 Fully exonerated. 00:18:22.299 --> 00:18:24.159 Entirely at peace with God. 00:18:24.239 --> 00:18:25.599 Your former enemy. 00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:27.119 Isn't that amazing? 00:18:27.819 --> 00:18:29.819 Can you believe that that could be true? 00:18:29.819 --> 00:18:32.099 Christian God looks at you today. 00:18:32.099 --> 00:18:33.259 Not with contempt. 00:18:34.200 --> 00:18:35.819 Not with impatience. 00:18:36.480 --> 00:18:37.599 But with delight. 00:18:39.679 --> 00:18:41.139 He's not out to get you. 00:18:41.939 --> 00:18:43.980 He's out to sing over you. 00:18:44.659 --> 00:18:46.579 He's not disappointed in you. 00:18:46.579 --> 00:18:50.159 He's delighted in you. 00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:55.220 Regardless of your life situation that may not be what you want. 00:18:56.259 --> 00:18:58.779 Regardless of your job performance. 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:03.019 Which may leave you feeling down on yourself. 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:06.559 Regardless of your being the worst parent ever. 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:07.740 Again. 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:07.839 Again. 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:12.599 He loves you. 00:19:13.199 --> 00:19:14.399 And delights in you. 00:19:15.359 --> 00:19:17.459 Last week we celebrated that at this table. 00:19:17.539 --> 00:19:17.899 Didn't we? 00:19:18.199 --> 00:19:20.799 We pulled up a seat as it were. 00:19:21.019 --> 00:19:23.720 And ate with God. 00:19:24.240 --> 00:19:26.699 God and sinners reconciled. 00:19:26.959 --> 00:19:28.119 Sharing fellowship. 00:19:28.359 --> 00:19:31.519 Reminding ourselves of his love for us. 00:19:32.199 --> 00:19:33.139 Brothers and sisters. 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:33.959 Listen to me. 00:19:33.960 --> 00:19:38.460 That is indeed how he feels about you. 00:19:40.680 --> 00:19:43.840 That he delights to eat with you. 00:19:44.579 --> 00:19:46.220 And if you've thought at all. 00:19:46.600 --> 00:19:48.000 About what you deserve. 00:19:48.840 --> 00:19:52.539 That should absolutely amaze you. 00:19:53.640 --> 00:19:54.460 Startle you. 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:58.140 Make you struggle to believe that it's actually true. 00:19:58.220 --> 00:20:00.019 And some of you have come and met with me and said. 00:20:00.220 --> 00:20:01.100 That's my struggle. 00:20:01.099 --> 00:20:04.619 I genuinely don't believe that that could possibly be true. 00:20:04.699 --> 00:20:05.939 It's too good to be true. 00:20:06.679 --> 00:20:07.659 And I've said listen. 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:09.879 I think you may be the first ones who are getting it. 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:13.279 You may be understanding it better than the rest of us. 00:20:14.139 --> 00:20:16.240 That it could even be possible. 00:20:16.459 --> 00:20:19.379 That this war that we've been engaged with is now over. 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:21.259 You were born fighting it. 00:20:21.879 --> 00:20:24.279 You know how impossible peace must be. 00:20:24.599 --> 00:20:26.099 But it is true. 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:29.519 The angels came and declared it. 00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:31.200 He had to send them so we might believe. 00:20:31.900 --> 00:20:34.859 Paul is reiterating and explaining what it means. 00:20:34.980 --> 00:20:37.019 And we've been singing about it this morning. 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:38.599 It is true. 00:20:38.759 --> 00:20:40.259 At peace with God. 00:20:42.480 --> 00:20:43.579 How in the world? 00:20:45.660 --> 00:20:46.139 How? 00:20:47.139 --> 00:20:48.339 We should be asking. 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:51.079 How could that be true for me, pastor? 00:20:52.839 --> 00:20:53.680 Sounds great. 00:20:53.680 --> 00:20:55.560 But snap my fingers. 00:20:56.100 --> 00:20:56.920 Work real hard. 00:20:58.500 --> 00:20:59.299 No, no, no. 00:20:59.299 --> 00:21:04.519 The path to peace like that must be truly amazing. 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:05.340 Right? 00:21:06.620 --> 00:21:08.779 That's the whole point this morning. 00:21:08.940 --> 00:21:12.460 That God would have us realize and rejoice in. 00:21:12.740 --> 00:21:17.700 Is that it is no small thing to reconcile God and sinners. 00:21:19.100 --> 00:21:20.100 Let's not make it one. 00:21:20.099 --> 00:21:31.059 It's no quick makeover to turn alienated, hostile, evildoers into holy, blameless, and above reproach sons and daughters of God. 00:21:31.439 --> 00:21:38.459 It is no minor announcement, whether angels make it or anyone else, to say peace on earth. 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:44.980 Good will to men with whom God is pleased, on whom his favor rests. 00:21:45.380 --> 00:21:51.019 In fact, as we've seen, it is something that no mere man can accomplish. 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:58.360 The men on whom his favor rests are not men who've earned his favor. 00:21:59.519 --> 00:22:01.980 The angel's announcement can't be read that way. 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:07.579 It should actually be heard as peace to men whom God has graced. 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:12.559 Upon whom God has poured his blessing. 00:22:13.079 --> 00:22:17.360 God is the one who achieves and declares peace. 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:19.460 Which is good news. 00:22:19.539 --> 00:22:21.880 Because see, if it's his work, his initiative. 00:22:22.440 --> 00:22:25.180 Then it doesn't matter how far off you are. 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:27.340 How messed up you are. 00:22:27.600 --> 00:22:30.860 How hopelessly discouraged you are. 00:22:30.859 --> 00:22:39.559 God is coming with his grace to declare peace with you. 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:40.079 Amen. 00:22:40.619 --> 00:22:41.839 Praise the Lord, right? 00:22:42.419 --> 00:22:47.000 God comes with grace to declare peace. 00:22:47.000 --> 00:22:55.680 In Colossians, we read Jesus makes peace by the blood of his cross. 00:22:57.140 --> 00:22:59.700 God has now reconciled you, how? 00:22:59.960 --> 00:23:04.299 By the death of Jesus, God in flesh. 00:23:04.299 --> 00:23:14.899 How in the world will this seemingly impossible, unimaginable peace be achieved? 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:20.839 Through a child who grows up. 00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:26.319 The prince of peace, Isaiah says. 00:23:26.419 --> 00:23:29.240 To us, a child is born. 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:32.259 The heaven-born prince of peace. 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:36.859 That's why we sing, hail the heaven-born prince of peace. 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:39.740 It's not just happy words for Christmas. 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:43.940 Glory to the newborn king because it can't go anywhere else. 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:50.680 Because he accomplishes this incredible reconciliation between sworn enemies. 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:53.900 That's the good news of Christmas, y'all. 00:23:54.599 --> 00:23:58.019 The child will bring peace. 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:58.119 Peace. 00:23:58.119 --> 00:24:09.879 God has written one of the most beautiful pictures of this reality in a tribe in a remote portion of Indonesia. 00:24:11.319 --> 00:24:14.459 The Sawi people had several different tribes. 00:24:14.599 --> 00:24:17.839 They'd been largely untouched by the rest of civilization. 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:23.819 Until Don and Carol Richardson moved in to live among them in the 1960s. 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:27.799 The Sawi culture was one built on treachery. 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:29.959 And violence. 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:32.859 Vengeance. 00:24:33.220 --> 00:24:34.259 Those were their values. 00:24:34.399 --> 00:24:36.519 They were praised among the Sawi people. 00:24:36.639 --> 00:24:40.059 As a result, the tribes were locked in constant warfare. 00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:42.119 One killing avenged another killing. 00:24:42.119 --> 00:24:48.000 Every offer of peace was actually a trick so that there could be more violence and bloodshed. 00:24:49.219 --> 00:24:51.899 And the Richardson showed up with some very valuable medicine. 00:24:52.539 --> 00:24:55.639 And so they became treasured by the Sawi people. 00:24:57.000 --> 00:25:00.819 But even as they labored to learn the language, understand the culture, 00:25:00.979 --> 00:25:05.219 they eventually saw their presence was only increasing the violence. 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:08.759 It was another thing for the tribes to fight for. 00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:10.279 They warred over the medicine. 00:25:12.599 --> 00:25:15.799 After trying everything that he knew to bring peace, 00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:20.359 Don concluded they were going to have to leave altogether. 00:25:21.500 --> 00:25:24.879 So he gathered the tribal leaders and told them of his decision. 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:29.099 And they pleaded with him to stay and assured him, 00:25:29.180 --> 00:25:29.940 We'll make peace. 00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:34.839 There will be peace between the tribes soon, they said. 00:25:34.839 --> 00:25:39.119 Don records in his book, Peace Child, 00:25:39.899 --> 00:25:41.679 what happened the next morning 00:25:41.679 --> 00:25:46.359 when the warring tribes gathered outside opposite each other. 00:25:47.319 --> 00:25:50.899 He tells a man named Kayo from one of the tribes. 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:52.119 He writes this, 00:25:53.119 --> 00:25:57.059 Kayo's heart was pounding as he slipped away from his wife, Wumi, 00:25:57.259 --> 00:25:59.519 and slipped up the stair pole into his home. 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:03.319 There were two other men with many children 00:26:03.319 --> 00:26:06.639 who had started but failed to go through with this bold act, 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:10.779 buckling under emotional pressure from themselves or their wives. 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:13.639 And Kayo had only one child, 00:26:15.279 --> 00:26:16.799 six-month-old Biakadon, 00:26:17.359 --> 00:26:19.579 lying there on the grass mat, 00:26:20.039 --> 00:26:22.680 looking up at his father, smiling in recognition. 00:26:22.680 --> 00:26:26.799 But with his heart wrenching, 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:29.460 Kayo reached down and picked up Biakadon. 00:26:30.860 --> 00:26:32.440 Alone in the empty longhouse, 00:26:32.560 --> 00:26:35.700 he held the soft, warm, gurgling body of his son 00:26:35.700 --> 00:26:37.900 close to his chest one last time. 00:26:39.580 --> 00:26:42.500 He thought of the grief his deed would bring to Wumi, 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:45.100 but there was no other way. 00:26:46.320 --> 00:26:47.500 Kayo walked outside, 00:26:47.640 --> 00:26:49.060 his limbs trembling, 00:26:49.059 --> 00:26:53.779 his visage contorted by the conflicting emotions raging within him. 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:56.139 Then his wife, Wumi, 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:58.619 saw him running toward the other tribe 00:26:58.619 --> 00:27:00.279 with Biakadon in his arms. 00:27:00.759 --> 00:27:03.740 At first she stood frozen with shock and disbelief. 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:06.299 Then she screamed and ran after Kayo, 00:27:06.419 --> 00:27:08.240 pleading with all the force of her soul, 00:27:08.319 --> 00:27:11.359 Biakadon, my son, my son, she cried. 00:27:12.139 --> 00:27:14.139 But Kayo never looked back. 00:27:14.140 --> 00:27:17.759 Kayo placed his son 00:27:17.759 --> 00:27:20.720 in the arms of one of the other tribe's leaders. 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:24.980 And then this emotional scene was reenacted 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:26.640 as a man from that tribe 00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:29.140 brought a son to place in Kayo's arms. 00:27:29.920 --> 00:27:31.520 And Richardson, not understanding, 00:27:31.660 --> 00:27:32.940 grabbed a young man and said, 00:27:33.200 --> 00:27:34.220 what's going on? 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:34.980 What am I watching? 00:27:35.360 --> 00:27:36.220 And he said this, 00:27:36.600 --> 00:27:39.440 Kayo has given his son to the other tribe 00:27:39.440 --> 00:27:41.240 as a teroptim, 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:43.360 a peace child. 00:27:44.140 --> 00:27:46.200 And Mahain, in return, 00:27:46.320 --> 00:27:48.759 has given a teroptim to us. 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:49.700 Why? 00:27:49.820 --> 00:27:50.940 Why is it necessary? 00:27:51.080 --> 00:27:51.960 Richardson asked. 00:27:52.620 --> 00:27:54.860 You've been urging us to make peace, 00:27:55.140 --> 00:27:55.580 he said. 00:27:55.759 --> 00:27:58.380 Don't you know it's impossible to have peace 00:27:58.380 --> 00:28:00.259 without a peace child? 00:28:02.580 --> 00:28:06.300 Richardson learned that a centuries-old tribal practice 00:28:06.300 --> 00:28:08.280 was this teroptim, 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:10.000 peace child. 00:28:10.000 --> 00:28:13.579 It was the only thing that brought peace 00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:15.680 in a culture of treachery and vengeance 00:28:15.680 --> 00:28:17.960 where you never trusted the other tribe. 00:28:19.220 --> 00:28:22.299 As long as the child given to their enemies lived, 00:28:23.119 --> 00:28:25.220 the tribe would leave their enemies alone. 00:28:27.579 --> 00:28:28.500 How'd that work? 00:28:28.859 --> 00:28:30.299 Richardson eventually discovered 00:28:30.299 --> 00:28:32.599 this was the only way peace was made 00:28:32.599 --> 00:28:34.000 between such committed enemies 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:37.160 because it was the only action 00:28:37.160 --> 00:28:39.519 that could always be trusted. 00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:43.859 If a man would actually give his own son 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:44.900 to his enemies, 00:28:45.900 --> 00:28:48.720 that man could be trusted. 00:28:49.599 --> 00:28:51.039 That and that alone 00:28:51.039 --> 00:28:52.880 was a proof of goodwill 00:28:52.880 --> 00:28:55.220 no shadow of cynicism 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:56.900 could discredit. 00:28:56.900 --> 00:29:02.440 Dear friends, 00:29:03.360 --> 00:29:05.820 the message of Christmas 00:29:05.820 --> 00:29:07.720 is that a peace child 00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:10.340 has been given to us 00:29:10.340 --> 00:29:12.580 to bring peace 00:29:12.580 --> 00:29:15.180 in the greatest war. 00:29:15.580 --> 00:29:17.360 The one between God 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:18.900 and sinners. 00:29:20.100 --> 00:29:21.840 Because of Jesus, 00:29:22.120 --> 00:29:24.440 we have peace with God 00:29:24.440 --> 00:29:26.539 who ran toward us 00:29:26.539 --> 00:29:27.759 with his son 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:29.120 in his arms 00:29:29.120 --> 00:29:30.759 and gave him 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:32.200 to us 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:34.180 to achieve peace 00:29:34.180 --> 00:29:35.940 with his enemies. 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:37.779 If a man would actually 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:39.240 give his own son 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:40.140 to his enemies, 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:41.900 that man 00:29:41.900 --> 00:29:43.460 could be trusted. 00:29:45.600 --> 00:29:47.220 Do you need that reminder 00:29:47.220 --> 00:29:48.580 this Christmas? 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:50.279 That you can trust 00:29:50.279 --> 00:29:51.319 God 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:52.839 who if he gave 00:29:52.839 --> 00:29:54.319 his only son 00:29:54.319 --> 00:29:54.879 for you, 00:29:55.079 --> 00:29:56.299 how will he not also 00:29:56.299 --> 00:29:57.160 along with him 00:29:57.160 --> 00:29:58.539 graciously give you 00:29:58.539 --> 00:30:00.180 all things? 00:30:02.920 --> 00:30:03.879 Are you still 00:30:03.879 --> 00:30:05.619 hostile 00:30:05.619 --> 00:30:07.019 towards God? 00:30:07.599 --> 00:30:08.259 You see maybe 00:30:08.259 --> 00:30:10.160 for the first time 00:30:10.160 --> 00:30:11.779 that the only way 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:13.539 you can be reconciled 00:30:13.539 --> 00:30:14.279 to him, 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:15.220 the one who 00:30:15.220 --> 00:30:16.299 made you 00:30:16.299 --> 00:30:17.740 and loves you, 00:30:18.220 --> 00:30:19.819 is through that baby 00:30:19.819 --> 00:30:20.639 in a manger 00:30:20.639 --> 00:30:21.659 who would grow up 00:30:21.659 --> 00:30:22.500 and become a man 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:23.700 and give his life 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:24.720 for you? 00:30:30.119 --> 00:30:30.960 Have you always 00:30:30.960 --> 00:30:31.659 been cynical? 00:30:33.359 --> 00:30:34.259 Particularly about 00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:35.740 trusting God? 00:30:37.220 --> 00:30:38.519 Hesitant to believe 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.439 that there's actually 00:30:39.439 --> 00:30:41.039 love like that 00:30:41.039 --> 00:30:42.299 that is sure 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:43.079 and eternal 00:30:43.079 --> 00:30:44.200 and you could count on 00:30:44.200 --> 00:30:45.200 because others 00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:45.919 have promised 00:30:45.919 --> 00:30:46.799 and burned you 00:30:46.799 --> 00:30:50.399 and God 00:30:50.399 --> 00:30:51.399 shows his love 00:30:51.399 --> 00:30:52.119 to us, 00:30:53.019 --> 00:30:54.279 his good will 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:55.480 to man 00:30:55.480 --> 00:30:56.440 in sending 00:30:56.440 --> 00:30:57.279 his son 00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:58.599 not just to live 00:30:58.599 --> 00:30:59.460 among us 00:30:59.460 --> 00:31:01.319 but ultimately 00:31:01.319 --> 00:31:02.159 to die 00:31:02.159 --> 00:31:03.519 in our place. 00:31:03.680 --> 00:31:04.200 Jesus has 00:31:04.200 --> 00:31:05.220 turned the 00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:06.299 Father's anger 00:31:06.299 --> 00:31:07.000 from us 00:31:07.000 --> 00:31:08.099 and earned us 00:31:08.099 --> 00:31:08.980 the smile 00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:09.980 of a heavenly 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:10.539 Father 00:31:10.539 --> 00:31:11.399 now 00:31:11.399 --> 00:31:12.700 and forever. 00:31:12.700 --> 00:31:14.799 all of this 00:31:14.799 --> 00:31:15.559 that he's done 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:17.360 for you 00:31:17.360 --> 00:31:19.299 so that he can 00:31:19.299 --> 00:31:20.340 be at peace 00:31:20.340 --> 00:31:21.480 with you. 00:31:21.660 --> 00:31:22.960 He did that. 00:31:24.059 --> 00:31:24.539 Won't you 00:31:24.539 --> 00:31:25.340 trust him? 00:31:26.080 --> 00:31:26.600 Won't you 00:31:26.600 --> 00:31:27.880 find hope 00:31:27.880 --> 00:31:29.000 and rest 00:31:29.000 --> 00:31:30.140 in him 00:31:30.140 --> 00:31:31.680 this Christmas? 00:31:32.319 --> 00:31:32.660 Jesus 00:31:32.660 --> 00:31:34.019 is the 00:31:34.019 --> 00:31:35.319 peace child, 00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:36.120 the 00:31:36.120 --> 00:31:37.380 prince of peace, 00:31:37.779 --> 00:31:39.100 the only one 00:31:39.100 --> 00:31:40.740 who reconciles 00:31:40.740 --> 00:31:41.539 sinners 00:31:41.539 --> 00:31:42.420 to God, 00:31:42.680 --> 00:31:43.480 self-righteous 00:31:43.480 --> 00:31:44.019 sinners, 00:31:45.079 --> 00:31:46.240 self-loathing 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:46.960 sinners. 00:31:47.859 --> 00:31:48.259 Jesus 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:49.799 reconciles 00:31:49.799 --> 00:31:50.200 us 00:31:50.200 --> 00:31:51.500 to God. 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:52.700 Glory 00:31:52.700 --> 00:31:53.680 to the 00:31:53.680 --> 00:31:54.220 newborn 00:31:54.220 --> 00:31:55.240 king. 00:31:55.680 --> 00:31:56.180 Peace 00:31:56.180 --> 00:31:57.279 on earth 00:31:57.279 --> 00:31:58.319 and mercy 00:31:58.319 --> 00:31:58.819 mild. 00:31:59.299 --> 00:31:59.799 God 00:31:59.799 --> 00:32:01.200 and sinners 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:02.900 reconciled. 00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:04.920 Let's pray. 00:32:06.099 --> 00:32:06.740 Jesus 00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:08.220 we bow 00:32:08.220 --> 00:32:09.019 and worship 00:32:09.019 --> 00:32:09.599 you 00:32:09.599 --> 00:32:11.419 you 00:32:11.419 --> 00:32:12.159 alone 00:32:12.159 --> 00:32:13.519 could have 00:32:13.519 --> 00:32:14.079 offered us 00:32:14.079 --> 00:32:14.899 any hope. 00:32:18.839 --> 00:32:19.659 The only 00:32:19.659 --> 00:32:20.039 one 00:32:20.039 --> 00:32:21.899 who could 00:32:21.899 --> 00:32:22.419 bring enemies 00:32:22.419 --> 00:32:22.879 of God 00:32:22.879 --> 00:32:23.419 like us 00:32:23.419 --> 00:32:23.879 back into 00:32:23.879 --> 00:32:24.500 his family. 00:32:25.459 --> 00:32:26.179 Who could 00:32:26.179 --> 00:32:26.579 seat us 00:32:26.579 --> 00:32:26.839 at his 00:32:26.839 --> 00:32:27.199 table. 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:28.959 We 00:32:28.959 --> 00:32:29.500 couldn't do 00:32:29.500 --> 00:32:29.679 it. 00:32:30.099 --> 00:32:30.539 Many of us 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:31.219 have tried. 00:32:31.939 --> 00:32:32.359 We've gone 00:32:32.359 --> 00:32:32.799 to church 00:32:32.799 --> 00:32:33.159 a long 00:32:33.159 --> 00:32:33.599 time. 00:32:34.379 --> 00:32:34.579 We've 00:32:34.579 --> 00:32:35.099 done lots 00:32:35.099 --> 00:32:35.659 of stuff 00:32:35.659 --> 00:32:35.980 we were 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.579 supposed to 00:32:36.579 --> 00:32:36.799 do 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:38.119 and not 00:32:38.119 --> 00:32:38.919 ever 00:32:38.919 --> 00:32:40.819 given up 00:32:40.819 --> 00:32:42.099 to trust 00:32:42.099 --> 00:32:42.680 Jesus. 00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:46.240 Some of us 00:32:46.240 --> 00:32:46.480 have just 00:32:46.480 --> 00:32:46.859 run the 00:32:46.859 --> 00:32:47.319 other way 00:32:47.319 --> 00:32:47.639 and not 00:32:47.639 --> 00:32:47.919 wanted 00:32:47.919 --> 00:32:48.259 anything 00:32:48.259 --> 00:32:48.799 to do 00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:50.079 with you 00:32:50.079 --> 00:32:50.599 and you 00:32:50.599 --> 00:32:51.220 have chased 00:32:51.220 --> 00:32:51.779 us down 00:32:51.779 --> 00:32:52.379 this morning 00:32:52.379 --> 00:32:53.879 to bring 00:32:53.879 --> 00:32:54.539 us home. 00:32:56.139 --> 00:32:56.619 Jesus 00:32:56.619 --> 00:32:57.379 thank you 00:32:57.379 --> 00:32:59.159 for loving 00:32:59.159 --> 00:32:59.539 us. 00:33:01.159 --> 00:33:01.559 May we 00:33:01.559 --> 00:33:01.919 know what 00:33:01.920 --> 00:33:02.259 it means 00:33:02.259 --> 00:33:02.519 to be 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:03.220 reconciled 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:03.539 to our 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:03.940 God. 00:33:05.180 --> 00:33:05.660 To know 00:33:05.660 --> 00:33:06.080 him and 00:33:06.080 --> 00:33:06.640 to trust 00:33:06.640 --> 00:33:07.080 him and 00:33:07.080 --> 00:33:07.500 to see 00:33:07.500 --> 00:33:09.019 him care 00:33:09.019 --> 00:33:09.740 for us, 00:33:10.580 --> 00:33:11.140 delight in 00:33:11.140 --> 00:33:11.779 us and 00:33:11.779 --> 00:33:12.420 love us. 00:33:13.900 --> 00:33:14.580 Teach that 00:33:14.580 --> 00:33:14.900 to our 00:33:14.900 --> 00:33:15.279 hearts. 00:33:16.460 --> 00:33:16.720 Give us 00:33:16.720 --> 00:33:18.480 joy in 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:18.800 Jesus. 00:33:19.519 --> 00:33:19.860 In his 00:33:19.860 --> 00:33:20.259 name we 00:33:20.259 --> 00:33:20.580 ask. 00:33:20.660 --> 00:33:20.860 Amen. 00:33:24.860 --> 00:33:25.640 For more 00:33:25.640 --> 00:33:26.160 information, 00:33:26.539 --> 00:33:26.960 visit us 00:33:26.960 --> 00:33:27.860 online at 00:33:27.860 --> 00:33:28.759 southwood.org. 00:33:31.920 --> 00:33:33.380 Will 00:33:33.380 --> 00:33:34.880 human 00:33:34.880 --> 00:33:35.600 visit 00:33:35.640 --> 00:33:39.800 First 00:33:39.800 --> 00:33:40.220 Senior 00:33:40.220 --> 00:33:41.340 laim 00:33:41.340 --> 00:33:42.220 景 00:33:42.220 --> 00:33:42.539 家 00:33:42.539 --> 00:33:42.759 last 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:44.100 time 00:33:44.100 --> 00:33:44.180 to 00:33:44.180 --> 00:33:44.600 next 00:33:44.600 --> 00:33:45.100 foot 00:33:45.100 --> 00:33:45.400 and 00:33:45.660 --> 00:33:46.800 take 00:33:46.800 --> 00:33:47.300 another 00:33:47.300 --> 00:33:47.440 temporary 00:33:47.440 --> 00:33:48.920 effort to 00:33:48.920 --> 00:33:49.980 live in 00:33:49.980 --> 00:33:50.300 Pickei 00:33:50.300 --> 00:33:50.720 with 00:33:51.140 --> 00:33:51.240 the 00:33:51.240 --> 00:33:51.940 Big 00:33:51.940 --> 00:33:52.880 魔 00:33:52.880 --> 00:33:53.000 housing 00:33:53.000 --> 00:33:54.320 wash 00:33:56.560 --> 00:33:57.360 His 00:33:58.560 --> 00:33:59.660 name 00:33:59.660 --> 00:34:00.420 has 00:34:00.420 --> 00:34:01.039 a 00:34:01.039 --> 00:34:01.640 take