WEBVTT 00:00:00.360 --> 00:00:03.080 Please do have a seat and let's pray together. 00:00:05.379 --> 00:00:07.520 Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, 00:00:07.640 --> 00:00:11.179 You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, 00:00:11.839 --> 00:00:13.620 or indeed only one. 00:00:14.679 --> 00:00:20.920 Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. 00:00:20.980 --> 00:00:22.480 Father God, we're here this morning, 00:00:23.379 --> 00:00:26.460 some of us worried and anxious about a great many things, 00:00:26.460 --> 00:00:30.480 and yet help us choose what is better just now, 00:00:31.100 --> 00:00:33.560 to sit at your feet, to hear your word, 00:00:34.200 --> 00:00:36.859 and to be moulded and shaped for your glory. 00:00:37.719 --> 00:00:40.679 Father, we ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:00:42.140 --> 00:00:45.179 So we finally arrived at Hebrews chapter 11. 00:00:45.320 --> 00:00:48.900 It is definitely the most famous chapter in Hebrews. 00:00:49.400 --> 00:00:51.159 So far it's been pretty tough going. 00:00:51.620 --> 00:00:55.020 We've really been stretched as we've done this series. 00:00:55.020 --> 00:00:57.359 We've been stretched about what we knew about the Old Testament, 00:00:58.120 --> 00:00:59.620 what we knew about the Old Covenant. 00:01:00.240 --> 00:01:03.359 We've seen lots of things, but it's not been easy. 00:01:04.980 --> 00:01:09.980 And so Hebrews 11 is what many would think a nice oasis of calm 00:01:09.980 --> 00:01:13.320 in the middle of quite a doctrinally rich book. 00:01:13.640 --> 00:01:16.719 I dare say it is many of our favourite chapters. 00:01:16.719 --> 00:01:22.260 40 verses, 16 named characters, 14 men, 2 women, 00:01:22.719 --> 00:01:25.920 dozens of other anonymous ancients mentioned. 00:01:26.159 --> 00:01:32.299 We've got some big hitters like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Samuel, 00:01:32.780 --> 00:01:37.840 but also some awkward inclusions like Jephthah, Barak, and Samson. 00:01:37.840 --> 00:01:41.599 If we were trying to name our 16 most influential Old Testament characters, 00:01:41.599 --> 00:01:48.099 I don't think Jephthah, Barak, or Samson would even be on the first three pages of A4. 00:01:49.739 --> 00:01:56.919 It's the most common chapter, I think, in the whole Bible to be taken out of context. 00:01:57.500 --> 00:02:03.919 So many people would preach Hebrews 11 as some kind of hermetically sealed series all by itself. 00:02:05.179 --> 00:02:08.019 I don't know who listens to what radio station. 00:02:08.359 --> 00:02:10.039 Does anyone listen to Radio 3? 00:02:10.039 --> 00:02:14.500 Gary, well done. 00:02:14.900 --> 00:02:15.639 Well done, brother. 00:02:15.959 --> 00:02:17.439 Does anyone listen to Classic FM? 00:02:18.759 --> 00:02:19.840 A few more. 00:02:20.159 --> 00:02:23.060 And there's this big debate between Classic FM and Radio 3 00:02:23.060 --> 00:02:26.139 because Radio 3 will play whole works. 00:02:26.759 --> 00:02:30.680 They'll play entire symphonies, whole movements of a piece, 00:02:30.780 --> 00:02:33.919 whereas Classic FM just play all the popular bits. 00:02:34.439 --> 00:02:38.340 And when it comes to Hebrews 11, we're very tempted to be like Classic FM 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:42.000 and just pluck it out and this is our favourite bit, let's concentrate on this 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:46.699 and completely remove it from the book of Hebrews. 00:02:48.219 --> 00:02:53.980 We go through it in forensic detail, treating it like some sort of Old Testament overview roadmap 00:02:53.980 --> 00:03:01.719 or like God's Old Testament Panini sticker album where we've got all the shiny favourites on the pages. 00:03:01.719 --> 00:03:07.460 If we see it as that, as some kind of biblical hall of fame, we'll definitely say something, 00:03:07.960 --> 00:03:13.520 but I'm not sure we'll say what the writer to the Hebrews is trying to say to us. 00:03:13.520 --> 00:03:17.860 So let's just recap our context. 00:03:19.780 --> 00:03:24.800 Hebrews is written to a Jewish body of Christians. 00:03:25.939 --> 00:03:29.160 And their problem is that they are drifting. 00:03:30.860 --> 00:03:34.160 They're drifting from what they once knew and how to. 00:03:34.379 --> 00:03:37.020 They're kind of disillusioned with the church. 00:03:37.160 --> 00:03:38.580 They're disappointed. 00:03:38.580 --> 00:03:43.060 And they're really on the brink of defecting. 00:03:44.420 --> 00:03:46.300 Of defecting from the church, 00:03:46.460 --> 00:03:51.160 discerting from Christianity and disposing of Jesus. 00:03:51.320 --> 00:03:54.020 They're in real danger of turning back. 00:03:55.020 --> 00:04:00.140 In real danger of turning back to what was once familiar to Judaism. 00:04:01.220 --> 00:04:06.580 So the writer has given them 10 weighty chapters showing that Jesus is better. 00:04:06.580 --> 00:04:07.920 Better. He's better. 00:04:08.860 --> 00:04:11.920 He is better in every way. 00:04:14.460 --> 00:04:16.620 He brings a better message. 00:04:16.960 --> 00:04:18.819 He inaugurates a better covenant. 00:04:19.000 --> 00:04:20.420 He is a better sacrifice. 00:04:20.580 --> 00:04:21.660 He's a better priest. 00:04:22.259 --> 00:04:24.220 He brings us into better rest. 00:04:25.220 --> 00:04:27.199 He offers a better cleansing, 00:04:27.379 --> 00:04:28.939 a fuller cleansing, 00:04:29.100 --> 00:04:30.720 a conscience cleansing cleansing. 00:04:30.720 --> 00:04:35.440 He is better in every conceivable way. 00:04:35.720 --> 00:04:40.200 He has been trying to show that the Old Testament was a shadowy counterfeit teaching aid. 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:44.780 And now the real lesson has arrived in his name is Jesus. 00:04:45.240 --> 00:04:45.860 In Jesus, 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:48.100 they've gained everything and lost nothing. 00:04:48.460 --> 00:04:52.640 It is the ultimate win-win that wins over all other win-wins. 00:04:52.639 --> 00:04:55.439 Jesus is better. 00:04:57.759 --> 00:04:59.180 It's almost as if, 00:04:59.339 --> 00:05:02.779 and I know some people here have had cataracts removed. 00:05:03.479 --> 00:05:05.099 It's like they went through the surgery, 00:05:05.219 --> 00:05:06.339 had the cataracts removed, 00:05:06.419 --> 00:05:07.939 were seeing everything properly, 00:05:08.860 --> 00:05:10.319 and then they've gone, 00:05:10.399 --> 00:05:11.279 oh, it's a bit bright. 00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:13.240 It's a bit clear. 00:05:13.319 --> 00:05:15.099 Please could I have reverse surgery? 00:05:15.319 --> 00:05:16.959 I quite like those cataracts back. 00:05:16.959 --> 00:05:23.419 I quite like that kind of shadowy aura that comes around things that I used to be able to make up clearly. 00:05:24.379 --> 00:05:27.439 They're really tempted to turn back. 00:05:28.519 --> 00:05:30.359 And why are they tempted to turn back? 00:05:30.699 --> 00:05:34.719 Well, even in the immediate context of Hebrews 11, 00:05:34.839 --> 00:05:36.339 we see some of the things. 00:05:37.859 --> 00:05:38.339 Suffering. 00:05:39.779 --> 00:05:42.000 Just before in chapter 10, 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:44.279 it's talked about all the ways that they've suffered. 00:05:44.279 --> 00:05:49.000 They've had people put in prison. 00:05:49.159 --> 00:05:53.139 They've suffered property being taken. 00:05:54.759 --> 00:05:56.019 They've been ridiculed. 00:05:56.099 --> 00:05:56.699 They've suffered. 00:05:58.439 --> 00:05:59.139 What else? 00:05:59.219 --> 00:06:00.299 Well, the other end of the book, 00:06:00.359 --> 00:06:01.519 and we get chapter 12, 00:06:01.639 --> 00:06:02.119 shame. 00:06:03.419 --> 00:06:04.559 They feel shame. 00:06:06.119 --> 00:06:10.119 The society laughs at them and mocks them for believing in Jesus. 00:06:11.639 --> 00:06:12.259 And sin, 00:06:12.359 --> 00:06:13.659 they're struggling against sin. 00:06:13.660 --> 00:06:17.260 It all seems so difficult to lead a holy life. 00:06:17.720 --> 00:06:19.460 And they've lost so much solidity. 00:06:20.060 --> 00:06:22.500 Chapter 9 and 10 was all about the very tangible, 00:06:22.700 --> 00:06:26.060 very visible trappings of Old Testament Judaism. 00:06:26.540 --> 00:06:31.480 We could go to an actual priest to offer an actual sacrifice at an actual temple. 00:06:32.720 --> 00:06:34.660 It all was so hands-on. 00:06:34.940 --> 00:06:37.080 And now it seems that we've lost all of that. 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:39.060 And we've just got Jesus. 00:06:39.060 --> 00:06:41.180 And so they're tempted to turn back. 00:06:42.379 --> 00:06:43.319 Now for us, 00:06:43.399 --> 00:06:45.360 we're also tempted to turn back, 00:06:45.439 --> 00:06:47.540 but none of us are tempted to go back to Judaism. 00:06:48.699 --> 00:06:49.600 But I dare say, 00:06:49.680 --> 00:06:51.360 when these things come across us, 00:06:51.459 --> 00:06:53.280 we're tempted to go back to the world, 00:06:53.439 --> 00:06:55.420 tempted to go back to our life before Jesus. 00:06:55.420 --> 00:06:58.920 When we suffer for Jesus, 00:06:58.920 --> 00:07:00.920 when we're ashamed of Jesus, 00:07:01.720 --> 00:07:02.960 and it gets tough. 00:07:03.960 --> 00:07:05.620 When sin seems so attractive, 00:07:05.819 --> 00:07:08.000 and God seems so far away, 00:07:08.080 --> 00:07:09.740 and it all just seems so up there, 00:07:10.379 --> 00:07:12.540 and we're living down here. 00:07:14.060 --> 00:07:14.500 Familiar, 00:07:14.740 --> 00:07:15.900 tempted to turn back, 00:07:15.899 --> 00:07:17.439 that's where they are. 00:07:18.060 --> 00:07:19.560 And so he ends chapter 10, 00:07:19.620 --> 00:07:20.239 verse 39, 00:07:20.379 --> 00:07:21.359 with these words. 00:07:22.179 --> 00:07:26.419 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed. 00:07:26.519 --> 00:07:28.120 That's really what's at stake. 00:07:30.299 --> 00:07:32.819 But to those who have faith, 00:07:33.299 --> 00:07:34.339 and are saved. 00:07:34.959 --> 00:07:37.179 We're not shrinkers, 00:07:37.339 --> 00:07:39.099 we're endures, 00:07:39.259 --> 00:07:41.859 we're perseverers. 00:07:41.860 --> 00:07:46.020 We are those who have faith, 00:07:46.420 --> 00:07:48.220 and are saved, 00:07:48.300 --> 00:07:50.900 which really gives us what Hebrews 11 is about. 00:07:51.180 --> 00:07:55.580 It is about what saving faith looks like. 00:07:56.840 --> 00:07:59.340 He could have given us this abstract discussion 00:07:59.340 --> 00:08:03.040 about what true biblical saving faith looks like. 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:04.780 But he hasn't. 00:08:04.900 --> 00:08:07.480 He's given us example after example 00:08:07.480 --> 00:08:09.259 of what saving faith looks like, 00:08:09.259 --> 00:08:11.939 from people that they're really familiar with. 00:08:14.120 --> 00:08:17.159 He's given us a huge wadge of worked examples. 00:08:18.439 --> 00:08:18.920 He says, 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:20.039 you're tempted to turn back, 00:08:20.099 --> 00:08:20.779 what's the antidote? 00:08:20.860 --> 00:08:21.620 Well, it's faith. 00:08:22.219 --> 00:08:23.259 It's saving faith. 00:08:23.319 --> 00:08:24.939 What does that saving faith look like? 00:08:25.439 --> 00:08:26.839 Well, let me tell you about some guys 00:08:26.839 --> 00:08:29.199 that you're familiar with. 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:32.080 So verses 1 to 3 really give the big theme. 00:08:32.500 --> 00:08:33.700 And I think if we get these, 00:08:33.759 --> 00:08:37.100 then we get a lens to look at all of these characters with, 00:08:37.100 --> 00:08:39.220 and see what brings them all together. 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:40.539 If you've got a Bible, 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:42.659 Hebrews 11 verse 1. 00:08:44.419 --> 00:08:49.000 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for, 00:08:49.419 --> 00:08:51.879 and assurance about what we do not see. 00:08:52.159 --> 00:08:55.120 This is what the ancients were commended for. 00:08:56.379 --> 00:09:00.480 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:06.539 so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 00:09:07.800 --> 00:09:10.899 He gives us what saving faith looks like. 00:09:11.440 --> 00:09:12.980 Faith in this context, 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:16.740 saving faith is confidence about what we hope for. 00:09:16.740 --> 00:09:18.480 It is faith in the future. 00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:21.039 It is forward-looking faith. 00:09:21.100 --> 00:09:22.480 It is faith that looks onward. 00:09:24.759 --> 00:09:28.279 And it is an assurance about things we do not see. 00:09:28.500 --> 00:09:30.500 It is also an upwards faith. 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:34.779 It is faith in who God is and what God says to us. 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:37.860 Now what does saving faith look like? 00:09:37.860 --> 00:09:43.200 Well, it is a faith that looks onwards and a faith that looks upwards. 00:09:43.340 --> 00:09:45.480 That's what he's honing in on. 00:09:45.960 --> 00:09:48.300 How are they not going to be those that turn back? 00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:52.100 Well, they're going to be those with faith who look onwards and look upwards. 00:09:52.100 --> 00:10:01.159 So let's see if that's right. 00:10:01.360 --> 00:10:03.320 If I've got that right, then we should see that everywhere. 00:10:03.440 --> 00:10:05.180 Look at chapter 11, verse 6. 00:10:06.740 --> 00:10:10.100 And without faith, it is impossible to please God, 00:10:10.639 --> 00:10:13.840 because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists, 00:10:14.560 --> 00:10:18.300 and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 00:10:18.360 --> 00:10:19.080 Do you see that? 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:21.340 He rewards those. 00:10:21.340 --> 00:10:23.399 There's a future promise. 00:10:24.680 --> 00:10:27.960 There's an onwards dimension, and it is upwards. 00:10:28.440 --> 00:10:32.980 It is those who earnestly seek him, those who draw near to him. 00:10:33.480 --> 00:10:36.080 Anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists, 00:10:37.040 --> 00:10:41.100 and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 00:10:41.139 --> 00:10:45.080 Look at chapter 11, verse 10, talking about Abraham, 00:10:45.220 --> 00:10:48.639 for he was looking forward to the city with foundations 00:10:48.639 --> 00:10:50.780 whose architect and builder is God. 00:10:50.779 --> 00:10:55.059 Again, he's looking forward to this city. 00:10:55.120 --> 00:10:57.459 He's looking onward, and he's looking upward, 00:10:57.600 --> 00:10:58.699 knowing that God built it. 00:10:58.740 --> 00:11:01.039 Chapter 11, verse 13 to 16. 00:11:01.419 --> 00:11:04.199 All these people were still living by faith when they died. 00:11:04.899 --> 00:11:07.659 They did not receive the things that promised onward. 00:11:07.659 --> 00:11:10.419 They only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, 00:11:10.419 --> 00:11:14.159 admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 00:11:14.339 --> 00:11:19.539 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country not their own. 00:11:20.100 --> 00:11:22.259 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, 00:11:22.419 --> 00:11:24.299 they would have had opportunity to return. 00:11:24.360 --> 00:11:27.879 They would have turned back, but they were forward-looking in faith. 00:11:27.879 --> 00:11:33.500 Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. 00:11:34.120 --> 00:11:37.139 Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, 00:11:38.100 --> 00:11:41.419 for he has prepared a city for them. 00:11:41.939 --> 00:11:43.039 Onwards and upwards. 00:11:43.159 --> 00:11:45.179 It's everywhere when you get into it. 00:11:45.179 --> 00:11:49.139 I had a real eureka moment this week when I saw that. 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:51.620 You see it in chapter 11, verse 24. 00:11:52.839 --> 00:11:55.079 By faith, Moses didn't stay in Egypt. 00:11:55.359 --> 00:11:56.819 He looked forward. 00:11:57.120 --> 00:11:57.359 Why? 00:11:57.500 --> 00:12:00.359 Because he counted disgrace for the sake of Christ. 00:12:01.799 --> 00:12:03.579 Or chapter 11, verse 35. 00:12:03.779 --> 00:12:06.500 In this anonymous list of all these people, 00:12:06.779 --> 00:12:09.620 that they might gain an even better resurrection. 00:12:09.620 --> 00:12:14.159 Faith in Hebrews 11 is everywhere. 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:18.179 And the faith in view is faith that looks onwards, 00:12:18.960 --> 00:12:21.120 and faith that looks upwards. 00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:24.179 How are we not going to be those who turn back 00:12:24.179 --> 00:12:26.740 where we're going to have onward-looking faith, 00:12:27.379 --> 00:12:28.840 and upward-looking faith? 00:12:28.919 --> 00:12:33.279 This is so potent to the people that are reading Hebrews. 00:12:33.560 --> 00:12:34.560 What are they tempted to do? 00:12:34.620 --> 00:12:35.820 They're tempted to go back. 00:12:36.139 --> 00:12:38.700 Who do they hope to meet back there? 00:12:38.700 --> 00:12:41.640 Well, they would like to meet Moses and Abraham. 00:12:41.860 --> 00:12:43.620 They feel secure and comfortable with them. 00:12:43.900 --> 00:12:45.600 But the writers of the Hebrews are saying, 00:12:45.960 --> 00:12:48.100 don't turn back because they're ahead of you. 00:12:49.540 --> 00:12:51.340 They're ahead of where you are 00:12:51.340 --> 00:12:53.980 because they have this faith that looks onwards, 00:12:54.140 --> 00:12:55.759 and faith that looks upwards. 00:12:55.900 --> 00:12:57.960 It's like these Hebrews are running a 10K. 00:12:58.680 --> 00:13:01.100 And they go, oh, I'll just wait for them. 00:13:02.600 --> 00:13:05.020 The strange thing is that they're well ahead. 00:13:05.700 --> 00:13:08.020 They're at the finish line cheering them on. 00:13:08.700 --> 00:13:11.320 Cheering them on to keep looking forward to Jesus 00:13:11.320 --> 00:13:14.100 and keep looking upward to God. 00:13:15.060 --> 00:13:16.300 They're well ahead. 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:18.540 So don't turn back. 00:13:19.540 --> 00:13:22.420 Faith does, in Hebrews, look onward, 00:13:22.480 --> 00:13:24.240 and it looks upward. 00:13:24.420 --> 00:13:26.420 And if we get that lens in our eyes, 00:13:26.480 --> 00:13:27.280 we'll see it clearly. 00:13:27.960 --> 00:13:29.500 And we'll see it everywhere. 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:34.139 If you like, faith is believing who God is, 00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:36.779 obeying what God says, 00:13:37.559 --> 00:13:39.000 trusting what God promises. 00:13:39.379 --> 00:13:41.080 That's what it means to have faith 00:13:41.080 --> 00:13:43.179 according to Hebrews 11. 00:13:45.059 --> 00:13:47.080 And so we get the first worked example, 00:13:47.220 --> 00:13:47.639 verse 3, 00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:51.299 It is by faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, 00:13:51.899 --> 00:13:55.279 so that what is seen was not made out of what was invisible. 00:13:55.819 --> 00:13:57.139 It is by faith. 00:13:58.379 --> 00:14:02.840 God told us that he created the world by the power of his voice. 00:14:03.539 --> 00:14:07.840 It links right back into what he said in chapter 1, verse 1 to 4. 00:14:07.840 --> 00:14:11.200 He's told us, therefore, we can believe it. 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:12.940 It is by faith we understand 00:14:12.940 --> 00:14:16.940 that this God who speaks to us spoke a powerful word 00:14:16.940 --> 00:14:18.620 and made everything that is seen 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:23.639 out of what was not seen himself. 00:14:25.019 --> 00:14:28.519 And so we get some embryonic faith. 00:14:29.280 --> 00:14:31.399 In these verses 4 to 7. 00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:34.519 If you want a really good word, 00:14:34.940 --> 00:14:35.920 a word of the week, 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:38.099 the word antediluvians. 00:14:38.539 --> 00:14:39.419 If somebody says to you, 00:14:39.439 --> 00:14:40.959 what were you looking at at church this morning, 00:14:41.059 --> 00:14:41.240 say, 00:14:41.659 --> 00:14:42.939 antediluvians. 00:14:43.120 --> 00:14:44.620 It means they will never turn up. 00:14:46.759 --> 00:14:48.459 Antediluvians before flood people, 00:14:48.599 --> 00:14:50.639 and that's what we get in verses 4 to 7. 00:14:50.979 --> 00:14:52.360 There's three of them. 00:14:54.199 --> 00:14:55.799 First of all, we get Abel. 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:56.740 And what's Abel? 00:14:56.860 --> 00:14:59.019 Well, he's somebody who brings a better sacrifice. 00:14:59.439 --> 00:15:00.559 Why is it a better sacrifice? 00:15:00.559 --> 00:15:02.299 Because he brings it in faith. 00:15:03.179 --> 00:15:04.719 As opposed to his brother Cain, 00:15:04.779 --> 00:15:05.839 who just brings it. 00:15:06.779 --> 00:15:11.459 Abel brings the fat portions from the first fruits of the flock. 00:15:12.799 --> 00:15:17.059 Cain just brings some fruits from the earth. 00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:18.299 It makes Cain very jealous. 00:15:18.659 --> 00:15:21.240 And Cain kills Abel. 00:15:21.339 --> 00:15:23.939 But we see that Abel commences with faith. 00:15:24.360 --> 00:15:27.459 He comes to God in faith. 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:30.799 That's how it starts. 00:15:30.799 --> 00:15:35.679 And we see it continues to look forward because Abel still speaks. 00:15:35.839 --> 00:15:36.879 He's still speaking. 00:15:37.839 --> 00:15:40.899 Even though he's departed from this earth. 00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:46.379 And then we get Enoch, this kind of mysterious character in Genesis 5. 00:15:46.439 --> 00:15:47.939 Genesis 5 is quite depressing. 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:51.439 Because it says, so-and-so lived so-and-so, and then he died. 00:15:51.939 --> 00:15:54.879 And then so-and-so lived this long, and he died. 00:15:54.879 --> 00:15:56.820 And it goes on and on and on and on. 00:15:56.899 --> 00:16:02.939 And right in the middle, in verse 22, we get Enoch, who says that he walked pleasing to God. 00:16:03.580 --> 00:16:08.419 He walked in obedience to God, and therefore God took him to be with himself. 00:16:08.419 --> 00:16:14.059 And so we get this picture of Enoch walking in faith. 00:16:14.120 --> 00:16:15.919 He's continuing in obedience. 00:16:17.719 --> 00:16:24.679 A faith that trusts what God has promised and obeys what God says and draws close to God in communion, 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:27.439 which is that Hebrew word to walk together. 00:16:28.939 --> 00:16:29.919 And then we get Noah. 00:16:30.059 --> 00:16:34.659 What a bastion of faith Noah, this preacher of righteousness, is. 00:16:34.659 --> 00:16:42.519 Verse 7, by faith, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:50.139 By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. 00:16:51.039 --> 00:16:51.819 You're a knower. 00:16:52.500 --> 00:16:53.600 You live in the desert. 00:16:54.000 --> 00:16:55.159 It's not really rained yet. 00:16:55.699 --> 00:16:58.100 God says, please build an ark because there's a flood coming. 00:16:58.419 --> 00:17:02.959 And the first thing you do is you go to B&Q and you say, I'd like all the gopher wood you've got. 00:17:02.960 --> 00:17:05.720 And it's delivered on the Wix truck. 00:17:05.819 --> 00:17:09.140 I don't know why B&Q are working together with Wix, but I've never seen a B&Q truck. 00:17:09.880 --> 00:17:10.860 And so it's delivered. 00:17:11.160 --> 00:17:13.840 And all your neighbors are going, you're insane, Noah. 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:19.059 And him and Shem and Ham and Japheth have got their dungarees tied around their waist. 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:23.059 And they're sweating and they're building and they're checking the blueprints. 00:17:23.420 --> 00:17:25.079 And they're all going, Noah, you're insane. 00:17:26.620 --> 00:17:28.039 Why are you building an ark? 00:17:28.100 --> 00:17:29.200 Because God told me. 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:31.100 Well, who is your God? 00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:33.639 Well, he's one who looks at all your wickedness and is not pleased. 00:17:34.919 --> 00:17:36.279 And so why are you building an ark? 00:17:36.319 --> 00:17:39.039 Because there's floods coming and it's the only way to be safe. 00:17:40.740 --> 00:17:42.259 That's real faith, isn't it? 00:17:42.299 --> 00:17:43.299 That God says something. 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:44.500 They obey. 00:17:44.699 --> 00:17:44.879 Why? 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:47.079 Because they trust what God says about the future. 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:51.959 And so when they go into the ark, they are safe. 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:54.519 They condemn the world because they obeyed. 00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:56.720 And everyone else did it. 00:17:56.779 --> 00:17:58.579 He became an heir of righteousness. 00:17:59.400 --> 00:18:04.119 He had a faith that looked onward and a faith that looked upward. 00:18:04.119 --> 00:18:11.679 And so we see even in these antediluvians, we see how does it start with Abel? 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:12.739 Well, it starts by faith. 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:13.739 How does it continue? 00:18:14.359 --> 00:18:17.399 Well, it continues like Enoch, walking in obedience to God. 00:18:17.559 --> 00:18:18.819 And how does it end? 00:18:18.899 --> 00:18:24.759 Well, it ends in faith, just like Noah, who becomes the heir of righteousness. 00:18:24.979 --> 00:18:26.179 They believed who God is. 00:18:26.259 --> 00:18:27.719 They obeyed what God said. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:30.459 They trusted what God promised. 00:18:30.460 --> 00:18:34.340 And once we get this lens, we see it everywhere. 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:37.940 We see it in Abraham's enduring faith. 00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:45.740 By faith, Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:50.079 obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 00:18:51.039 --> 00:18:52.720 Abraham's in error of the Chaldeans. 00:18:52.840 --> 00:18:54.640 He's worshipping the moon and the sun. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:57.200 And God says, I've got an inheritance for you. 00:18:57.259 --> 00:18:57.500 Go. 00:18:57.620 --> 00:18:59.480 And he goes, well, I'm not sure where it is. 00:18:59.480 --> 00:19:02.240 But come on, everyone, let's pack the suitcase we're going. 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:03.180 That's real faith. 00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:05.960 It's a faith that does something. 00:19:07.599 --> 00:19:09.339 He lives in this promised land. 00:19:09.460 --> 00:19:09.640 Why? 00:19:09.740 --> 00:19:16.240 Because he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder was God. 00:19:16.700 --> 00:19:19.000 Then we get his wife, Sarah, in verse 11. 00:19:20.259 --> 00:19:23.940 She's told at age about 90, you're going to have a baby. 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:25.740 And what does she do? 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:28.799 Well, she laughs, which actually gives them the name of their firstborn son. 00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:32.380 Isaac, which means he laughs. 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:36.279 And Abraham's not exactly a spring chicken himself. 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:39.440 He is as good as dad. 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:47.980 So we get this miracle baby bought from a mom who is too old and a dad who is as good as dad. 00:19:48.980 --> 00:19:50.320 And they believe. 00:19:50.420 --> 00:19:53.420 They don't believe without a few hiccups along the road. 00:19:53.539 --> 00:19:55.640 I mean, Hagar and Ishmael come in there somewhere. 00:19:55.640 --> 00:20:04.200 But they have a faith that looks forward to what God promises and a faith that looks upward to the God who promised it. 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:13.020 Faith that would even see Abraham go to kill Isaac, even though he's the one from whom all this future promise would be given. 00:20:13.019 --> 00:20:15.920 And then all these people. 00:20:16.920 --> 00:20:19.980 Isaac looking forward, bless Jacob and Esau. 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:23.759 Jacob looking forward, blesses Joseph's son. 00:20:25.039 --> 00:20:31.480 And Joseph, who's the reason that everybody is now in Egypt, says we won't always be here. 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:35.579 Because God has promised that he'll set us free. 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:41.099 Do you see that in all of this, what are the defining characteristics of this faith? 00:20:41.680 --> 00:20:43.539 Well, it is faith that looks onward. 00:20:44.480 --> 00:20:46.220 And it is faith that looks upward. 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:55.600 It is faith that believes who God is, trusts what God says, obeys what God says and trusts what God promises. 00:20:56.799 --> 00:20:58.200 It's the same for Moses. 00:20:58.319 --> 00:21:00.240 You can look at it in his Exodus faith. 00:21:01.620 --> 00:21:03.480 He starts with godly parents. 00:21:04.360 --> 00:21:07.900 He's looking for a new world, an other world, a world beyond Egypt. 00:21:09.860 --> 00:21:12.319 He looks forward. 00:21:12.319 --> 00:21:19.480 Even counting disgrace for the sake of Christ of a greater worth than the treasures of Egypt. 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:22.899 Because he was looking ahead to his reward. 00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:26.299 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger. 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:30.099 He persevered because he saw him. 00:21:30.679 --> 00:21:31.579 He was invisible. 00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:32.379 It's explicit. 00:21:33.679 --> 00:21:35.399 Faith that looks onward. 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:37.460 Faith that looks upward. 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:44.640 The people of Jericho walk around for seven days. 00:21:44.740 --> 00:21:44.940 Why? 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:48.519 Because they trust on the seventh day God will do exactly what he says. 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:52.640 Even though it seems like the most ridiculous military strategy ever invented. 00:21:55.500 --> 00:21:59.880 We're going to destroy Edinburgh and we're going to walk around the bypass for seven days. 00:22:00.160 --> 00:22:03.120 On the last day we'll do it seven times because we'll have built up some stamina. 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:05.319 Let's see how that works out in our evangelism. 00:22:05.319 --> 00:22:08.639 These are future people. 00:22:09.919 --> 00:22:13.579 These are people continuously looking forward to what God promises to do. 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:16.259 This is not nostalgia in Hebrews 11. 00:22:16.399 --> 00:22:20.579 The problem with nostalgia is it's never what you remember it used to be. 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:26.759 And so we have this faith explicitly mentioned. 00:22:27.819 --> 00:22:30.419 A faith that looks onward and a faith that looks upward. 00:22:30.420 --> 00:22:34.779 Let me read 32 to 40 for us. 00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:38.300 And then I want to pull out a few things that we need to do on the back of this. 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:40.259 32 to 40. 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:41.700 And what more shall I say? 00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:44.900 I do not have time to tell about Gideon. 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:47.279 Gideon who looked forward and upward. 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:49.000 Barak who looked forward and upward. 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:50.800 Samson who looked onward and upward. 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:52.320 Jephthah who looked onward and upward. 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:53.860 David who looked onward and upward. 00:22:53.859 --> 00:22:55.979 And Samuel who looked onward and upward. 00:22:56.119 --> 00:22:58.399 And the prophets who looked onward and upward. 00:22:59.319 --> 00:23:02.299 Who through faith conquered kingdoms and ministered justice. 00:23:02.719 --> 00:23:04.159 And gained what was promised. 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:05.619 Who shut the mouths of lions. 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:06.819 Quenched the fire. 00:23:07.179 --> 00:23:08.279 The fury of the flames. 00:23:08.419 --> 00:23:09.899 And escaped the edge of the sword. 00:23:10.339 --> 00:23:12.179 Whose weakness was turned to strength. 00:23:12.279 --> 00:23:13.939 And who became powerful in battle. 00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:16.139 And routed foreign armies. 00:23:16.939 --> 00:23:18.519 Women received back their dead. 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:20.159 Raised to life again. 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:22.560 There were others who were tortured. 00:23:22.720 --> 00:23:23.840 Refusing to be released. 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:26.240 So that they might gain an even better resurrection. 00:23:27.240 --> 00:23:28.740 Some faced jizz and flogging. 00:23:28.800 --> 00:23:30.440 And even chains and imprisonment. 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:32.840 They were put to death by stoning. 00:23:32.960 --> 00:23:33.980 They were sawn in two. 00:23:34.360 --> 00:23:35.820 They were killed by the sword. 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:38.640 They went about in sheepskins and goatskins. 00:23:38.820 --> 00:23:40.840 Destitute, persecuted and ill-treated. 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:43.800 The world was not worthy of them. 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:46.580 They wandered in deserts and mountains. 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:48.500 Living in caves and holes in the ground. 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:51.799 These were all commended for their faith. 00:23:52.680 --> 00:23:54.960 Yet none of them received what had been promised. 00:23:55.079 --> 00:23:58.259 Since God had planned something better for us. 00:23:58.519 --> 00:24:02.519 So that only together with us would they be made perfect. 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:05.519 Always looking forward. 00:24:06.420 --> 00:24:08.680 All of these people always looking upward. 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:09.700 So what are we to do? 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:11.799 I have four things. 00:24:12.819 --> 00:24:14.599 We have to trust God. 00:24:15.259 --> 00:24:16.380 That he is sovereign. 00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:17.940 And he knows what he is doing. 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:19.740 So that when he says go. 00:24:20.040 --> 00:24:21.540 We don't want ten bullet points. 00:24:21.600 --> 00:24:22.500 Why it is a good idea. 00:24:22.580 --> 00:24:23.220 We go. 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:25.840 What is interesting about that verse. 00:24:25.940 --> 00:24:27.420 Is 32 to 38. 00:24:27.800 --> 00:24:29.500 Is some people are killed. 00:24:29.640 --> 00:24:30.840 Some people are released. 00:24:33.580 --> 00:24:34.920 Some people conquer. 00:24:35.120 --> 00:24:36.340 Some people are exiled. 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:38.420 Some people are powerful in battle. 00:24:38.580 --> 00:24:40.020 Others are tortured and imprisoned. 00:24:40.019 --> 00:24:43.740 God shuts the mouths of lions. 00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:46.139 But he also lets some people be sawn in two. 00:24:46.920 --> 00:24:49.420 Some people administer justice. 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:52.900 Others are ill-treated. 00:24:53.379 --> 00:24:55.059 God is sovereign over it all. 00:24:55.639 --> 00:24:58.359 And we can trust him if we're those that are looking forward. 00:24:58.859 --> 00:25:00.480 And those that are looking upward. 00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:03.000 He knows us. 00:25:03.059 --> 00:25:04.039 He gets us. 00:25:04.119 --> 00:25:05.339 He's sovereign over it all. 00:25:05.339 --> 00:25:08.559 So we can trust him no matter what it looks like. 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:11.480 No matter what the outcome is. 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:12.759 That idea of faith. 00:25:12.899 --> 00:25:13.819 Forsaking all. 00:25:14.179 --> 00:25:15.799 I trust him. 00:25:17.059 --> 00:25:17.819 Number one. 00:25:17.899 --> 00:25:19.639 We need to trust who God is. 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:21.259 Number two. 00:25:21.319 --> 00:25:23.980 We need to obey what God says. 00:25:24.919 --> 00:25:29.339 This faith and obedience go together like love and marriage in Hebrews 11. 00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:31.339 Whenever they believe something. 00:25:31.459 --> 00:25:32.299 They do something. 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:37.099 Noah heard that God was going to destroy the world. 00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:38.659 And he needed to build an ark. 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:39.759 The very next thing. 00:25:40.879 --> 00:25:42.839 He starts building an ark. 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:47.259 Everybody does something. 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:48.460 Abraham's told to go. 00:25:48.579 --> 00:25:49.899 What's the next thing Abraham does? 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:50.639 He goes. 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:55.700 Sarah's told she's going to have a baby. 00:25:56.619 --> 00:25:58.059 She doesn't quite believe it. 00:25:58.079 --> 00:26:00.159 But she goes to the antenatal class. 00:26:00.160 --> 00:26:04.140 Where I'm sure that everyone looked at her in utter bemusement. 00:26:08.180 --> 00:26:09.600 Are we listening? 00:26:10.140 --> 00:26:11.860 It's been a big thing in Hebrews. 00:26:12.840 --> 00:26:14.920 Hebrews starts with a God who speaks. 00:26:15.800 --> 00:26:16.580 And our question is. 00:26:16.660 --> 00:26:18.279 Are we listening with a view to obey? 00:26:21.060 --> 00:26:22.960 We've got to trust who God is. 00:26:23.600 --> 00:26:25.440 And obey what God says. 00:26:26.880 --> 00:26:28.160 We've got to hope. 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:33.820 The thing about Hebrews 11 is everyone's on a journey to somewhere on the back of what God has told them. 00:26:35.040 --> 00:26:40.880 And what he has in view is that what they got was only a little shadow in the distance. 00:26:40.880 --> 00:26:43.560 But yet they still pursued it by faith. 00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:49.139 In Hebrews 11, the world to come is described as a reward. 00:26:50.139 --> 00:26:53.639 A city with foundations whose architect is God. 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:55.859 A better heavenly country. 00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:57.399 A city God has prepared. 00:26:57.819 --> 00:27:02.399 A place that makes the luxury of Pharaoh's court look like squalor. 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:04.119 A better resurrection. 00:27:04.700 --> 00:27:07.000 Something better for us. 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:09.960 That we have got great hope. 00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:14.500 About what this faith will bring us in the end. 00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:18.299 therefore let's set our minds upon that 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:22.779 not on the things that we're just passing through from 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:25.440 and then perspective 00:27:25.440 --> 00:27:28.240 that in view of all of that stuff 00:27:28.240 --> 00:27:30.599 is to give us perspective in this life 00:27:30.599 --> 00:27:34.599 is to give us perspective about our persecutions 00:27:34.599 --> 00:27:38.799 that there are any light and temporary and momentary trouble 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:41.839 in the view of an eternity that we have to come 00:27:41.839 --> 00:27:46.559 but it also gives us perspective when it comes to our possessions 00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:50.519 because everyone in Hebrews 11 travels light 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:53.439 Abraham has a tent 00:27:53.439 --> 00:27:57.740 Moses decides that the desert will be better 00:27:57.740 --> 00:28:01.079 to exhibit his faith in the luxuries of courts 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:05.500 people walk around in sheepskins and goatskins 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:09.359 destitute, persecuted and ill-treated 00:28:09.359 --> 00:28:10.399 they travel light 00:28:10.400 --> 00:28:14.480 this faith shapes everything about who they are 00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:15.420 what they have 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.940 what they're looking for 00:28:16.940 --> 00:28:17.800 where they're going 00:28:17.800 --> 00:28:20.180 and it must do for us 00:28:20.180 --> 00:28:23.720 we all have too much stuff 00:28:23.720 --> 00:28:25.660 we're all just carrying too much weight 00:28:25.660 --> 00:28:26.960 that the things that we own 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:29.500 are in danger of owning us 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:34.480 and so this faith in Hebrews 11 00:28:34.480 --> 00:28:35.839 is a real challenge 00:28:35.839 --> 00:28:40.539 to make sure we have things in the right perspective 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:43.779 and I love this last bit 00:28:43.779 --> 00:28:47.500 these were all commended for their faith 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:49.720 yet none of them received what had been promised 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:53.500 since God had planned something better for us 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:57.160 so that only together with us would they be made perfect 00:28:57.160 --> 00:29:00.019 these people all acted on a word 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:02.640 on a word from God 00:29:02.640 --> 00:29:06.240 and we're here acting on a living word sent from God 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:07.560 for us 00:29:07.560 --> 00:29:10.140 this word is clearer 00:29:10.140 --> 00:29:14.580 this word is not a shadowy horizon 00:29:14.579 --> 00:29:20.519 it is the Lord Jesus who had flesh and blood 00:29:20.519 --> 00:29:21.899 who lived for us 00:29:21.899 --> 00:29:23.619 who died for us 00:29:23.619 --> 00:29:24.799 and who was raised 00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:26.419 to give us certainty 00:29:26.419 --> 00:29:27.399 he's the one 00:29:27.399 --> 00:29:30.019 who offered a better offering than Abel 00:29:30.019 --> 00:29:35.139 a better offering than Abel 00:29:35.139 --> 00:29:38.519 he was more obedient than Enoch 00:29:38.519 --> 00:29:42.240 he was not just the builder of the ark 00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:43.359 but he was the ark 00:29:43.359 --> 00:29:45.039 in which we can shelter from judgment 00:29:45.039 --> 00:29:48.319 he was the long expected 00:29:48.319 --> 00:29:50.319 ultimate miraculous child 00:29:50.319 --> 00:29:54.319 he didn't even own a tent 00:29:54.319 --> 00:29:58.299 he had nowhere to lay his head 00:29:58.299 --> 00:30:00.400 because he knew he was only passing through 00:30:00.400 --> 00:30:04.079 he was the sacrificed son 00:30:04.079 --> 00:30:06.740 not just the nearly sacrificed son 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:10.680 he blessed everyone looking forward 00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:13.880 he led a better exodus than Moses 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:17.940 he's the one who gets us ultimately through 00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:19.440 on dry land 00:30:19.440 --> 00:30:22.339 and he brings a greater victory 00:30:22.339 --> 00:30:24.599 through what seems like an even weaker plan 00:30:24.599 --> 00:30:27.099 than going around a city 00:30:27.099 --> 00:30:32.160 that we have a better promise 00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:34.579 a more certain promise 00:30:34.579 --> 00:30:37.579 a more visible and tangible promise 00:30:37.579 --> 00:30:39.740 and so Hebrews 11 00:30:39.740 --> 00:30:42.179 encourages us to 00:30:42.179 --> 00:30:45.659 believe who God is 00:30:45.659 --> 00:30:47.899 because we know ultimately in the Lord Jesus 00:30:47.899 --> 00:30:49.220 to trust 00:30:49.220 --> 00:30:51.240 to obey what God says 00:30:51.240 --> 00:30:52.619 because it has been amplified 00:30:52.619 --> 00:30:53.699 through the life 00:30:53.699 --> 00:30:55.480 and death of Jesus 00:30:55.480 --> 00:30:58.039 and to trust what God promises 00:30:58.039 --> 00:30:59.279 because it's ours 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:01.059 it's ours forever 00:31:01.059 --> 00:31:02.500 in Jesus 00:31:02.500 --> 00:31:03.240 let me pray 00:31:03.240 --> 00:31:09.680 Father God we want to be those of fearless faith 00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:12.980 faith that trusts you no matter what 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:15.920 that obeys you no matter where you call 00:31:15.920 --> 00:31:20.519 Father who lives because we are those that have hope 00:31:20.519 --> 00:31:24.639 and Father those that live rightly in this world 00:31:24.639 --> 00:31:29.139 knowing that you oh God will deliver all that you promise us in your son 00:31:29.139 --> 00:31:31.599 Father we're so tempted 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:33.660 to just stagnate 00:31:33.660 --> 00:31:35.720 so tempted to settle 00:31:35.720 --> 00:31:38.259 we're so tempted to just 00:31:38.259 --> 00:31:39.819 fit in with this world 00:31:39.819 --> 00:31:41.059 and all that it holds dear 00:31:41.059 --> 00:31:44.940 but Lord would you transform us by your word 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:47.159 that we might trust Jesus 00:31:47.159 --> 00:31:48.460 we might pursue Jesus 00:31:48.460 --> 00:31:50.259 we might live for Jesus 00:31:50.259 --> 00:31:51.700 we might cling to Jesus 00:31:51.700 --> 00:31:54.339 that we might never turn back 00:31:54.339 --> 00:31:56.339 but from this moment on 00:31:56.339 --> 00:31:58.960 we would accelerate towards that glorious promise 00:31:58.960 --> 00:32:01.119 that is ours 00:32:01.119 --> 00:32:02.679 in Christ Jesus 00:32:02.679 --> 00:32:05.059 Father help us to have faith 00:32:05.059 --> 00:32:06.599 that looks onward 00:32:06.599 --> 00:32:08.619 and faith that looks upward 00:32:08.619 --> 00:32:12.459 onward to what Jesus has promised 00:32:12.459 --> 00:32:13.099 and upward 00:32:13.099 --> 00:32:16.299 to the one who is now seated at your right hand 00:32:16.299 --> 00:32:19.119 Father do this for the glory of your name we pray 00:32:19.119 --> 00:32:20.019 Amen