WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.220 Well, thank you, Ian, and good morning, everyone. 00:00:02.819 --> 00:00:05.900 And thank you to everyone who's contributed so far to our service. 00:00:06.440 --> 00:00:08.199 I think I've got three of the five. 00:00:08.640 --> 00:00:10.599 Will it float or will it sink, right? 00:00:11.099 --> 00:00:13.080 Probably asking that about the sermon as well. 00:00:13.599 --> 00:00:16.100 But it's with confidence that we turn to God's word now. 00:00:16.179 --> 00:00:19.879 So can I ask you to turn back to Hebrews chapter 8? 00:00:21.580 --> 00:00:25.179 And on your way in, you should have received a sermon outline. 00:00:25.179 --> 00:00:29.940 Now that's going to be really helpful this morning for following along with where we're going. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.159 If you've not got one of them and if you stick up your hand, 00:00:32.700 --> 00:00:35.320 and I've assigned somebody to hand them out. 00:00:35.380 --> 00:00:39.000 So just keep your hand out and we'll hand it up and we'll get one to you. 00:00:40.340 --> 00:00:44.859 But why don't we pray as we start and just commit this time to the Lord together. 00:00:48.340 --> 00:00:54.060 Our gracious Father, King, Lord and Saviour, as we turn to your living word now, 00:00:55.260 --> 00:00:59.280 we ask that you would help us to see the greatness of your son Jesus. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:10.260 And would your spirit help us to treasure him, what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will do. 00:01:11.299 --> 00:01:17.340 So help us in this time to love and appreciate him more. 00:01:17.700 --> 00:01:19.920 And so we pray in his worthy and precious name. 00:01:20.280 --> 00:01:20.740 Amen. 00:01:20.739 --> 00:01:26.659 So let me address the boyfriends and the husbands in the room this morning. 00:01:27.079 --> 00:01:28.899 Who can tell me what last Sunday was? 00:01:30.599 --> 00:01:32.299 It was Valentine's Day. 00:01:32.739 --> 00:01:35.719 Put your hands up if you remembered Valentine's Day. 00:01:35.819 --> 00:01:37.099 Okay, this is the male of the species here. 00:01:37.179 --> 00:01:38.419 Hands up if you remembered Valentine's Day. 00:01:38.420 --> 00:01:43.900 Okay, so we're doing okay. 00:01:44.040 --> 00:01:45.060 Put your hands up. 00:01:45.659 --> 00:01:51.340 Now, with the very best of intentions, that actually you kind of forgot about Valentine's Day. 00:01:53.180 --> 00:01:53.640 Okay? 00:01:54.159 --> 00:01:54.859 It's my confession. 00:01:55.060 --> 00:01:58.000 So I'm going to use this public forum to make up for it. 00:01:58.420 --> 00:01:59.680 I love my wife. 00:02:00.640 --> 00:02:01.860 She, I know, I know. 00:02:02.160 --> 00:02:03.100 She's my best friend. 00:02:03.620 --> 00:02:04.680 She makes me laugh. 00:02:05.320 --> 00:02:06.320 She makes me smile. 00:02:06.700 --> 00:02:08.420 And I really miss it when she's not around. 00:02:09.180 --> 00:02:09.800 Really miss her. 00:02:10.379 --> 00:02:13.200 In fact, her and Chloe, they went away for a week over Christmas. 00:02:13.840 --> 00:02:15.640 And I found it incredibly hard. 00:02:16.460 --> 00:02:18.520 And at my desk, I brought it with me. 00:02:18.580 --> 00:02:19.780 I've got this picture of her. 00:02:20.760 --> 00:02:23.420 And I looked at it an awful lot when she was away. 00:02:24.120 --> 00:02:24.880 Because I missed her. 00:02:26.160 --> 00:02:28.340 But here's what I want you to imagine this morning. 00:02:28.400 --> 00:02:29.760 When we were reunited with one another. 00:02:29.820 --> 00:02:31.140 When we saw one another again. 00:02:32.140 --> 00:02:36.740 What would you say to me if I completely ignored Alex and I was hugging that picture? 00:02:38.920 --> 00:02:39.600 Picture the scene. 00:02:39.680 --> 00:02:40.219 Okay, in your head. 00:02:40.300 --> 00:02:41.200 We get into the car. 00:02:41.460 --> 00:02:44.340 And instead of her sitting in the front seat, I tell her to get in the back. 00:02:44.340 --> 00:02:45.640 Because the picture's in the front seat. 00:02:45.740 --> 00:02:46.460 And it needs a seatbelt. 00:02:46.460 --> 00:02:49.180 We get out of the car. 00:02:49.800 --> 00:02:52.200 And instead of holding her hand as we walk down the road. 00:02:52.260 --> 00:02:53.879 I'm holding the picture in my hand. 00:02:53.920 --> 00:02:55.280 And she's walking five steps behind. 00:02:56.360 --> 00:02:58.640 And then it's time for lights out. 00:02:58.960 --> 00:03:01.580 And instead of giving her a goodnight kiss. 00:03:01.620 --> 00:03:03.700 I actually give the picture a goodnight kiss. 00:03:04.200 --> 00:03:06.620 And Alex gets the cold shoulder as I'm hugging the picture. 00:03:08.340 --> 00:03:09.540 It's pretty strange behavior. 00:03:09.800 --> 00:03:11.420 I hope you would out me on that. 00:03:11.819 --> 00:03:12.980 Pretty strange behavior. 00:03:13.260 --> 00:03:15.379 Isn't it crazy to miss the person? 00:03:15.379 --> 00:03:17.400 Because you're hung up in the picture. 00:03:19.120 --> 00:03:20.659 Isn't it ludicrous? 00:03:20.719 --> 00:03:24.180 What a tragedy to have the reality right in front of you. 00:03:24.759 --> 00:03:29.259 And yet you choose to go on with the thing that's pointing to the reality. 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:34.800 For you see, I think that is what Hebrews 8 is all about this morning. 00:03:34.800 --> 00:03:38.920 Now remember, we've seen this as we've journeyed through Hebrews 8 so far. 00:03:39.240 --> 00:03:40.820 This series, Out of the Shadows. 00:03:41.360 --> 00:03:45.400 The people that this letter is written to, it's decision time for them. 00:03:46.400 --> 00:03:49.200 Are they going to go on with Jesus in their lives? 00:03:49.740 --> 00:03:53.520 Or are they going to turn back to their old way of life? 00:03:53.580 --> 00:03:54.939 Probably a lot easier for them. 00:03:55.320 --> 00:03:59.020 And their old Jewish religious systems. 00:03:59.020 --> 00:04:00.540 What's the decision going to be? 00:04:01.760 --> 00:04:05.360 Now I think what we need to appreciate is that in our heads, that's probably a no-brainer. 00:04:05.800 --> 00:04:06.140 Isn't it? 00:04:06.700 --> 00:04:07.640 It's probably a no-brainer. 00:04:08.040 --> 00:04:13.900 But to appreciate that for these people, that is a serious decision that they're weighing up in their minds. 00:04:14.700 --> 00:04:19.819 And if truth be told, if we were to ask them, their old way of life is probably a lot more appealing. 00:04:20.860 --> 00:04:23.699 It's a lot more appealing than going on with Jesus. 00:04:23.699 --> 00:04:26.219 Now we have to ask ourselves, why is that more appealing? 00:04:29.779 --> 00:04:33.279 Well, picture, imagine you're a Christian in this church. 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:35.279 You're a new Christian. 00:04:35.360 --> 00:04:39.459 You've most likely left a former way of Jewish life to become a Christian. 00:04:40.339 --> 00:04:46.079 The Jewish way of life has, as part of its practice, a vast and impressive temple. 00:04:47.060 --> 00:04:49.620 It's got loud and beautiful singing. 00:04:50.099 --> 00:04:51.300 It's got altars. 00:04:51.379 --> 00:04:52.659 It's got bells and smells. 00:04:52.660 --> 00:04:53.960 It's got a lot of it. 00:04:54.180 --> 00:04:56.160 And it's got grand processions. 00:04:57.880 --> 00:05:03.420 And into the bargain, you've left the place where your mum and dad used to worship. 00:05:03.860 --> 00:05:05.080 Where they probably still do worship. 00:05:05.640 --> 00:05:07.620 Where their mum and dad used to worship. 00:05:07.740 --> 00:05:09.020 Where their mum and dad used to worship. 00:05:09.120 --> 00:05:12.100 In fact, you're the first in your family to become a Christian. 00:05:14.280 --> 00:05:20.040 And most of all, see, this Jewish way of religious life, they've got a physical priest. 00:05:20.040 --> 00:05:29.560 A physical priest who you can physically see go into a physical temple and who you know is making a physical sacrifice for your sin. 00:05:29.560 --> 00:05:32.980 And it's a real peace of mind that comes with that. 00:05:33.980 --> 00:05:35.920 And you've left that all behind. 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:37.319 And what have you left it behind for? 00:05:37.399 --> 00:05:37.920 For what? 00:05:38.879 --> 00:05:39.740 Well, now what are you doing? 00:05:39.780 --> 00:05:41.420 You're meeting in somebody's front room. 00:05:41.819 --> 00:05:43.600 Because there's far fewer of you now. 00:05:43.860 --> 00:05:45.660 You're singing songs with these people. 00:05:45.759 --> 00:05:46.980 And none of you can hit a note. 00:05:46.980 --> 00:05:54.000 You've left something really impressive for something seriously unimpressive. 00:05:55.319 --> 00:05:59.460 And you're focusing your minds and worship on this Jesus guy. 00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:00.300 And where is he? 00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:02.840 Sure, you know stuff about him. 00:06:02.900 --> 00:06:03.939 You've heard stories about him. 00:06:03.960 --> 00:06:04.920 But you can't see him. 00:06:06.400 --> 00:06:09.439 And so come the taunting questions from your friends and family. 00:06:09.560 --> 00:06:11.420 Where is your priest, Mr. Christian? 00:06:11.420 --> 00:06:15.480 Where is your minister, Mrs. Christian? 00:06:15.600 --> 00:06:20.180 Where is the guy who offers sacrifices for your sin and makes you right with God? 00:06:20.560 --> 00:06:21.420 We've got one. 00:06:21.520 --> 00:06:22.000 Where's yours? 00:06:23.100 --> 00:06:25.800 What are you doing, you fools? 00:06:26.960 --> 00:06:34.060 I'm sure that is the pressure and the line of questioning you're facing from your friends and family if you're a young Christian in this church. 00:06:34.060 --> 00:06:38.939 Now let me just pause here and ask you this morning. 00:06:39.160 --> 00:06:43.079 Have you ever felt a bit of a fool for living your life for Jesus? 00:06:44.720 --> 00:06:52.040 Have you ever felt in your own faith that actually this, what we do here, is something quite unimpressive when we compare it with the impressiveness of the world out there? 00:06:53.240 --> 00:06:56.420 Do you not sometimes feel that in your faith that people outside look in and they say, 00:06:56.480 --> 00:06:56.939 You fool. 00:06:57.920 --> 00:06:58.860 What are you doing? 00:07:00.319 --> 00:07:02.959 You worship a guy who got crucified on a cross. 00:07:02.959 --> 00:07:04.359 You don't see him. 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:05.359 What are you doing? 00:07:07.339 --> 00:07:11.719 See, actually, when we begin to say it like that, these Christians aren't a million miles away from us, are they? 00:07:12.639 --> 00:07:13.560 It's the line of attack. 00:07:13.719 --> 00:07:15.699 Where is your priest? 00:07:17.979 --> 00:07:26.259 Well, Mr. Hebrews, anticipating that objection from outside and anticipating that doubt inside the mind of his readers, 00:07:26.719 --> 00:07:28.079 he breaks in at verse 1. 00:07:28.139 --> 00:07:28.939 Look at verse 1. 00:07:30.560 --> 00:07:32.379 Where is this Jesus? 00:07:32.959 --> 00:07:34.379 Well, he's in heaven. 00:07:35.919 --> 00:07:37.399 He's not on earth. 00:07:38.419 --> 00:07:42.879 He's a great high priest who is ministering right in the heart of heaven. 00:07:43.279 --> 00:07:46.180 He is one who's ministering at God's right hand. 00:07:46.259 --> 00:07:47.299 And what's he doing there? 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:51.859 Well, he's there forever serving on your behalf. 00:07:52.779 --> 00:07:56.039 He's there permanently interceding for you. 00:07:56.159 --> 00:07:57.000 That's where he is. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:08:11.720 And the big idea of this morning from this passage, I think, is that Mr. Hebrews is trying to get them to see that Jesus brings the Christian into and secures for them a far more beautiful and glorious relationship with God. 00:08:11.720 --> 00:08:16.780 And the question we're going to try and get our heads around this morning is this. 00:08:16.840 --> 00:08:18.000 How does he do that? 00:08:20.080 --> 00:08:23.580 Now, one of my favorite shows growing up on TV was Catchphrase. 00:08:23.660 --> 00:08:24.400 Anyone else watch Catchphrase? 00:08:25.520 --> 00:08:25.760 Right? 00:08:25.940 --> 00:08:26.420 Roy Walker. 00:08:26.520 --> 00:08:27.040 What was his line? 00:08:28.540 --> 00:08:28.800 Anyone? 00:08:29.440 --> 00:08:30.400 Just going to say what you see. 00:08:30.940 --> 00:08:31.460 Say what you see. 00:08:31.459 --> 00:08:33.620 So this is what I did in my preparation this week. 00:08:33.699 --> 00:08:37.919 I took Hebrews 8 and I just heard Roy Walker in my head. 00:08:38.100 --> 00:08:39.000 Say what you see. 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:43.399 And I look at Hebrews 8 and I'm just going to say what I see. 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:48.159 I see the word covenant cropping up eight times in 13 verses. 00:08:49.159 --> 00:08:55.039 Therefore, I conclude, I deduce, that Mr. Hebrews wants his readers to understand something to do with covenant. 00:08:55.039 --> 00:09:03.399 And you'll notice at verse 7 that he's speaking about an old covenant and he is speaking about a new covenant. 00:09:04.360 --> 00:09:06.179 And he's going to contrast the two. 00:09:06.319 --> 00:09:09.620 You see, like our opening illustration, one's a shadow, one's a reality. 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:13.279 Now, what is a covenant? 00:09:13.399 --> 00:09:14.240 You're probably asking. 00:09:14.360 --> 00:09:20.459 Well, a really simple definition of a covenant is that it's a committed relationship based on promises. 00:09:21.419 --> 00:09:25.019 It's a committed relationship based on promises. 00:09:25.039 --> 00:09:28.439 The best way to understand what a covenant is, it's like a marriage. 00:09:29.319 --> 00:09:31.819 It's a committed relationship based on promises. 00:09:32.419 --> 00:09:37.879 And that covenant relationship is the one that describes the relationship that God has with his people. 00:09:39.319 --> 00:09:42.159 You see a description of the old covenant at verse 9. 00:09:44.120 --> 00:09:46.839 God had rescued his people from Egypt. 00:09:47.740 --> 00:09:50.639 And God had committed himself to his people. 00:09:50.939 --> 00:09:53.740 And he asked his people to commit themselves to him. 00:09:53.740 --> 00:09:58.060 That he is their God and they are to be his people. 00:09:58.159 --> 00:09:59.740 That's the strapline of the old covenant. 00:10:01.080 --> 00:10:04.379 And as his people, God gave his people laws to live by. 00:10:04.460 --> 00:10:06.820 And as long as they live by them, then God will bless them. 00:10:07.799 --> 00:10:11.120 And this is a gracious and this is a glorious covenant. 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:14.860 But the question is, how did that covenant go? 00:10:16.539 --> 00:10:17.620 Well, see verse 9. 00:10:17.720 --> 00:10:19.419 God was faithful to his side. 00:10:20.600 --> 00:10:23.679 But the people were not faithful to theirs. 00:10:23.759 --> 00:10:26.159 Instead, they go whoring after other gods. 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:28.799 They commit spiritual adultery on God. 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:34.000 And God gives his verdict on his people's behavior at verse 8. 00:10:35.259 --> 00:10:36.019 Just look at it there. 00:10:36.079 --> 00:10:36.599 Verse 8. 00:10:37.959 --> 00:10:39.979 He finds them at fault. 00:10:41.059 --> 00:10:42.259 He finds them at fault. 00:10:42.399 --> 00:10:45.139 Now the question that we've got to get our heads around is, 00:10:45.279 --> 00:10:46.500 why does he find them at fault? 00:10:46.500 --> 00:10:50.740 Well, this is where your sermon outline is going to come in real handy. 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:53.600 There's three problems with the old covenant. 00:10:53.740 --> 00:10:57.259 Three fundamental problems with the people under the old covenant. 00:10:58.679 --> 00:11:01.600 First problem is to do the sacrifice. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:04.460 It's funny. 00:11:04.539 --> 00:11:08.320 One of the things that I've really noticed since having a little girl in our house. 00:11:08.460 --> 00:11:09.279 We don't have a dishwasher. 00:11:09.679 --> 00:11:12.919 So the amount of dishes that we're having to do at the minute is unbelievable. 00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:15.759 You make your breakfast. 00:11:15.759 --> 00:11:15.960 Breakfast. 00:11:16.159 --> 00:11:18.059 You've got those breakfast dishes to wash up. 00:11:18.120 --> 00:11:19.080 You have your breakfast. 00:11:19.279 --> 00:11:20.960 Then you realize there's banana all over the floor. 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:21.840 You're trying to clean that up. 00:11:21.899 --> 00:11:23.480 You try and clean up your breakfast dishes. 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:24.500 Then you come to lunch. 00:11:24.779 --> 00:11:25.500 You make your lunch. 00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:26.740 You've got the dishes there. 00:11:26.899 --> 00:11:27.580 You have your lunch. 00:11:27.620 --> 00:11:30.259 Then you have to clean up your lunch dishes. 00:11:31.080 --> 00:11:32.120 You get that cleared up. 00:11:32.319 --> 00:11:33.259 You come to dinner time. 00:11:33.419 --> 00:11:34.139 You make the dinner. 00:11:34.379 --> 00:11:37.639 You have to clean up the preparation of dinner dishes. 00:11:38.080 --> 00:11:38.840 You have your dinner. 00:11:39.039 --> 00:11:40.500 Then you have to clean up the dinner dishes. 00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:42.840 And the whole cycle goes around again and again. 00:11:44.740 --> 00:11:45.620 Does anyone else feel that? 00:11:46.159 --> 00:11:47.620 I just need to get a dishwasher really, don't we? 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:53.379 Why is there always dishes need and done in our house? 00:11:53.860 --> 00:11:54.379 Answer. 00:11:54.659 --> 00:11:56.240 Because there's always mess. 00:11:56.879 --> 00:11:58.460 There's always eating going on. 00:11:58.500 --> 00:11:59.659 There's always mess. 00:12:01.159 --> 00:12:01.980 And likewise. 00:12:03.220 --> 00:12:08.059 Why are priests continually making sacrifices under this old covenant? 00:12:08.059 --> 00:12:08.559 Answer. 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:11.860 Because there's constantly sin needing dealt with. 00:12:12.360 --> 00:12:12.799 Constantly. 00:12:13.139 --> 00:12:13.859 You think about it. 00:12:13.859 --> 00:12:14.339 You're a priest. 00:12:14.399 --> 00:12:15.439 You make the sacrifice. 00:12:15.579 --> 00:12:17.639 And the people have gone and sinned all over again. 00:12:18.240 --> 00:12:19.599 They make another sacrifice. 00:12:19.859 --> 00:12:21.159 Then they go and sin all over again. 00:12:21.399 --> 00:12:22.859 This constant cycle. 00:12:24.699 --> 00:12:26.059 You see, God is holy. 00:12:26.219 --> 00:12:28.439 He is radiantly pure and perfect. 00:12:28.659 --> 00:12:30.279 And he cannot tolerate sin. 00:12:30.279 --> 00:12:36.480 And for people to live in relationship with a holy God, well, they themselves need to be holy. 00:12:38.299 --> 00:12:44.079 And the old covenant, God's provided a sacrificial system in order that the people be made right with God. 00:12:44.159 --> 00:12:46.459 These sacrifices are offered by the priests. 00:12:46.460 --> 00:12:51.940 But for the priests that offer that perfect, once and for all sacrifice, impossible. 00:12:52.680 --> 00:12:53.300 It's impossible. 00:12:55.040 --> 00:12:57.120 You flick over a couple of chapters. 00:12:57.240 --> 00:12:58.639 Chapter 10 into verse 4. 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:03.360 You'll see the author declare that it is impossible. 00:13:03.540 --> 00:13:04.300 That's the word he uses. 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:09.060 Impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 00:13:09.800 --> 00:13:10.600 It's impossible. 00:13:10.600 --> 00:13:16.379 You see, the priest could never fully atone for people's sin. 00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:20.480 And therefore, the sin problem was never fully taken away by these sacrifices. 00:13:21.340 --> 00:13:24.480 That's why under the old covenant, a priest's work like those dishes. 00:13:24.580 --> 00:13:26.360 It's never, never done. 00:13:26.620 --> 00:13:28.560 A never-ending sin cycle. 00:13:29.060 --> 00:13:29.700 Fault one. 00:13:30.080 --> 00:13:31.480 An impossible sacrifice. 00:13:33.399 --> 00:13:35.279 Fault two was to do with obedience. 00:13:35.560 --> 00:13:38.259 That people's obedience to this covenant is imperfect. 00:13:38.259 --> 00:13:43.059 See, God required a faultless obedience to his law. 00:13:43.399 --> 00:13:47.299 Every thou shall not and every thou shall, the people have to follow. 00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:49.340 And they do not perfectly follow it. 00:13:50.419 --> 00:13:52.799 They do not remain faithful to the covenant. 00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:55.179 That is to say, they do not perfectly obey. 00:13:55.500 --> 00:13:58.120 And into the mix, the priest is offering these sacrifices. 00:13:58.299 --> 00:13:59.240 He's not perfect either. 00:13:59.319 --> 00:13:59.939 He's sinful. 00:14:01.799 --> 00:14:04.700 Fault number two, there's an imperfect obedience. 00:14:04.899 --> 00:14:06.960 And the third fault is to do with the place. 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:12.300 The place where these sacrifices, worship is going on, it's impermanent. 00:14:12.379 --> 00:14:15.259 Look at verse 5 of chapter 8. 00:14:16.820 --> 00:14:20.139 The place where all these sacrifices take place is the tabernacle. 00:14:20.220 --> 00:14:22.900 Now, the tabernacle of Moses' day, it's just a tent. 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:24.240 It's a mobile tent. 00:14:24.540 --> 00:14:27.120 This is where God dwells with his people. 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:31.960 This is a place where a holy God dwells with sinful man. 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:34.620 And the tabernacle never designed to be permanent. 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:37.220 That's why he calls it a shadow. 00:14:37.480 --> 00:14:39.960 He calls it a copy of what is in heaven. 00:14:41.220 --> 00:14:46.259 Now, if you think about it logically, what happens if their tabernacle, which I guess at the time of writing here is in the temple, 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:50.240 what happens if that temple is destroyed? 00:14:51.740 --> 00:14:57.639 That place where the priest goes on your behalf to make you right with God, if that place is destroyed, then what happens? 00:14:59.139 --> 00:15:02.000 Where do you go now to get right with God? 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:07.440 Because history is going to tell us that not long after this letter is written, 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:12.179 that AD 70, the Romans roll into Jerusalem and destroy the temple. 00:15:14.120 --> 00:15:17.940 See, fault number three, this all goes on in an impermanent place. 00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:23.980 And that is all to show why God finds fault with the old covenant. 00:15:24.100 --> 00:15:24.899 It's faulty. 00:15:26.200 --> 00:15:27.279 It's faulty. 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:33.319 And so naturally, as we look at the old covenant, we're left asking ourselves, 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:39.199 is there ever going to come one who is true and faithful to the covenant? 00:15:42.059 --> 00:15:46.379 Where the people failed, will there ever be one who perfectly succeeds? 00:15:47.839 --> 00:15:55.459 Will there ever come one who will offer to God a once and for all, all sufficient sacrifice for the people's sin? 00:15:55.460 --> 00:16:02.019 Will there ever come one who will perfectly obey every single iota of God's law? 00:16:03.019 --> 00:16:08.100 And will there ever come one who will minister permanently in God's presence? 00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:14.440 Is there ever coming one who God will look at and declare not faulty, but faultless? 00:16:14.440 --> 00:16:19.340 That's the question that we're asking as we've left the old covenant. 00:16:21.360 --> 00:16:25.380 Well, as I'm doing those dishes, I love to listen to Five Live. 00:16:26.760 --> 00:16:28.100 It kind of kills the time for me. 00:16:28.160 --> 00:16:28.480 It's great. 00:16:28.560 --> 00:16:30.780 And I love on Five Live the football phone-in. 00:16:31.300 --> 00:16:32.480 I'm a bit of a geek for football. 00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:35.140 I'm not expecting anyone else to listen to that phone-in. 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:38.019 But this is what people phone up on this football phone-in. 00:16:38.519 --> 00:16:42.059 And for about 20 seconds, they get to vent their frustrations about their football team. 00:16:42.360 --> 00:16:43.059 About the manager. 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:44.580 About the referees. 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:45.220 It was rubbish. 00:16:46.059 --> 00:16:48.220 And they vent and they vent and they vent for about 20 seconds. 00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:51.419 And then the guy who is chairing the program, he breaks in. 00:16:52.059 --> 00:16:53.480 And a brilliant question. 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:54.559 He says, stop. 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:56.199 What's your point, caller? 00:16:57.879 --> 00:16:58.960 What are you trying to say? 00:16:59.139 --> 00:16:59.840 So what? 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:01.059 You've told me all this stuff. 00:17:01.139 --> 00:17:01.659 So what? 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:02.559 Get to your point. 00:17:02.559 --> 00:17:03.500 What's your point? 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:07.320 I think Hebrews 8 has one of these moments here. 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:08.680 Does he not? 00:17:09.020 --> 00:17:11.960 Hebrews chapter 7, we left it last week. 00:17:12.040 --> 00:17:15.100 We saw the requirements of the perfect peace. 00:17:15.200 --> 00:17:17.200 If you look at it, chapter 7, verse 26. 00:17:18.380 --> 00:17:20.300 This is what we need of our priests. 00:17:20.620 --> 00:17:21.900 We need one who is holy. 00:17:22.920 --> 00:17:24.240 One who is blameless. 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.160 This is 26. 00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:27.200 We need one who is pure. 00:17:27.280 --> 00:17:28.900 We need one who is set apart from sinners. 00:17:28.900 --> 00:17:31.759 We need one who is exalted above the heavens. 00:17:33.580 --> 00:17:34.820 So what's your point, caller? 00:17:35.780 --> 00:17:36.480 Mr. Hebrews. 00:17:36.900 --> 00:17:39.580 This is where he breaks in at 8, verse 1. 00:17:40.780 --> 00:17:43.060 We have such a high priest. 00:17:43.540 --> 00:17:44.420 That's my point. 00:17:44.780 --> 00:17:46.600 We have one. 00:17:46.740 --> 00:17:47.780 He's ours. 00:17:48.780 --> 00:17:52.580 And all that priestly sacrificial system stuff, that was the picture. 00:17:53.320 --> 00:17:55.900 And he is the reality to which it is all pointed. 00:17:57.040 --> 00:18:00.080 We have a true and perfect covenant keeper. 00:18:00.079 --> 00:18:03.460 We have a fully obedient one. 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:09.179 We have one who offered himself as the perfect sacrifice. 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:17.379 And we have one who is gloriously ministering 24-7 in God's presence at his right hand in heaven. 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:21.240 And what is this priest doing? 00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:22.359 We'll see verse 6. 00:18:23.779 --> 00:18:26.460 He is mediating a new covenant. 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:30.059 What is so special about this new covenant? 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:32.000 Covenancy, the end of verse 6. 00:18:32.680 --> 00:18:35.180 It is established on better promises. 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:40.539 These are the promises that the prophet Jeremiah, that's who he's quoting there, 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:44.299 talked about nearly 600 years before Jesus sets foot on the earth. 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:47.180 This isn't something that Mr. Hebrews has made up. 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:49.160 This is something that was talked about long ago. 00:18:49.160 --> 00:18:55.200 As God revealed to Jeremiah the fault of the old covenant and the new one which he was bringing in, 00:18:55.500 --> 00:19:00.259 the which one that was to be secured and guaranteed by the perfect covenant keeper, Jesus Christ. 00:19:01.800 --> 00:19:09.320 And under it, Jesus secures for his people a more glorious and beautiful relationship with God. 00:19:09.319 --> 00:19:14.939 All those who have put their trust in Jesus as their Lord, Savior and King. 00:19:15.119 --> 00:19:17.519 All those who are seeking to follow him, his people. 00:19:18.939 --> 00:19:21.399 If that's you this morning, then these promises are for you. 00:19:22.339 --> 00:19:25.079 This is what Jesus has done for us. 00:19:25.119 --> 00:19:27.559 Because we've looked at the three problems of the old covenant. 00:19:28.899 --> 00:19:32.659 We'll see the glorious three promises of the new. 00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:38.659 Firstly, see at verse 10, there's the promise of an internal power. 00:19:38.660 --> 00:19:39.880 Now we're just going to read this together. 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:42.279 This is what he writes. 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:43.200 This is the covenant. 00:19:43.840 --> 00:19:45.320 This is what Jeremiah is writing. 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:48.960 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel. 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:56.820 After that time, declares the Lord, I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. 00:19:57.560 --> 00:20:01.460 I will be their God and they will be my people. 00:20:02.380 --> 00:20:03.180 It's glorious. 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:07.680 So under this new covenant that Jesus ushers in for his people, 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:09.779 God promises that he will write his law. 00:20:10.180 --> 00:20:10.840 Do you see that? 00:20:11.060 --> 00:20:12.080 On their minds. 00:20:12.900 --> 00:20:14.700 He will write it on their hearts. 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:16.380 This is an internal thing. 00:20:16.500 --> 00:20:18.420 Old covenant, all external. 00:20:18.940 --> 00:20:21.779 New covenant seems to be all about internal transformation. 00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:26.740 As God sends his spirit to flood the lives of his people. 00:20:27.539 --> 00:20:32.599 As God's spirit works in them, making God's word do its work in their lives. 00:20:33.339 --> 00:20:40.920 As God's spirit working on them gives them a new power, pulls them in a new direction towards God to obey and to worship him. 00:20:40.920 --> 00:20:42.840 So do you see that? 00:20:42.920 --> 00:20:43.680 Do you ever feel that? 00:20:43.800 --> 00:20:45.480 I find that as I'm reading scripture. 00:20:46.600 --> 00:20:49.779 As I've read something in the morning, during the afternoon it comes back to me again. 00:20:50.120 --> 00:20:51.220 It comes back to me again. 00:20:51.300 --> 00:20:52.519 The next day it comes to me again. 00:20:52.600 --> 00:20:52.880 Why? 00:20:53.380 --> 00:20:56.580 Because God by his spirit is writing it on my head and my heart. 00:20:58.160 --> 00:21:00.440 That is the glorious promise of this new covenant. 00:21:00.580 --> 00:21:03.120 An internal power that God will send for his people. 00:21:03.119 --> 00:21:07.739 Secondly, see that there is the promise of an intimate knowledge of God. 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:10.059 Now this is something that we've been singing about here. 00:21:10.639 --> 00:21:12.559 That he is our God. 00:21:12.639 --> 00:21:13.199 Verse 11. 00:21:15.739 --> 00:21:19.279 No longer will they teach their neighbor or say to one another, know the Lord. 00:21:19.879 --> 00:21:21.279 Because they will all know me. 00:21:21.819 --> 00:21:24.319 From the least of them to the greatest. 00:21:25.459 --> 00:21:29.399 So God promises that his people will have an intimate knowledge of him. 00:21:29.400 --> 00:21:34.620 Where God seemed distant, here he is promising nearness. 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:38.560 He is not an arm-length deity. 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:39.960 This is what this is telling us. 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:45.340 He is an up-close and personal God who could be known directly and personally. 00:21:46.620 --> 00:21:49.340 That each one of his people he looks at and he says, 00:21:49.780 --> 00:21:50.580 You're mine. 00:21:51.560 --> 00:21:52.360 You're mine. 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:53.860 You're mine. 00:21:55.080 --> 00:21:56.980 And we can call him Father. 00:21:58.019 --> 00:21:58.680 Isn't that incredible? 00:21:59.400 --> 00:22:02.340 That we can know the creator of the universe. 00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:05.000 Because God's spirit lives in us. 00:22:05.360 --> 00:22:06.560 Do you see what this is saying here? 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:08.680 There are no inner circles of knowledge. 00:22:10.040 --> 00:22:16.160 There are no secret keys that you use to unlock secret truths that get you into secret knowledge of the secret God. 00:22:16.580 --> 00:22:19.940 God has made himself fully known to his people. 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:24.019 And through Jesus Christ we have confidence to come before him. 00:22:24.080 --> 00:22:26.620 Because we have access to him in Jesus Christ. 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:33.919 The access that was so prohibited under the old, so wonderfully changed under the new. 00:22:33.979 --> 00:22:35.779 We can know God as our God. 00:22:38.279 --> 00:22:39.039 Intimate knowledge. 00:22:39.159 --> 00:22:40.919 Third promise and impeccable forgiveness. 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:41.959 Look at verse 12. 00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:44.799 What does he write? 00:22:44.880 --> 00:22:46.539 For I will forgive their wickedness. 00:22:47.180 --> 00:22:49.480 I will remember their sins no more. 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:54.900 So do you see in Jesus Christ because of his sacrifice on our behalf. 00:22:54.960 --> 00:22:58.319 As he offers himself as the once and for all perfect sacrifice. 00:22:58.900 --> 00:23:01.140 We get complete forgiveness in him. 00:23:02.299 --> 00:23:03.420 Complete forgiveness. 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:05.480 As far as the east is from the west. 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:08.200 Complete and total forgiveness. 00:23:08.200 --> 00:23:08.559 Forgiveness. 00:23:10.340 --> 00:23:11.299 It's amazing. 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:15.140 Something that couldn't be done under the old covenant. 00:23:15.259 --> 00:23:16.420 Now done under the new. 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:18.559 We have complete forgiveness in Jesus Christ. 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:19.180 Incredible. 00:23:20.600 --> 00:23:25.500 So these are the glorious benefits under the new covenant that Christ ushers us into. 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:31.920 He brings us into a far better and far more glorious and superior relationship with God. 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:34.299 In Christ. 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:34.460 Christ. 00:23:35.579 --> 00:23:38.779 Now I realize that we've rattled through that very quickly. 00:23:38.899 --> 00:23:39.079 Okay. 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:42.659 So let me try and just as we close last little while. 00:23:42.740 --> 00:23:44.799 Let me try and bring us through those strands together. 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:51.799 We've seen that Jesus is our great high priest who is serving on our behalf in heaven. 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:53.639 Now I'm thinking about it this week. 00:23:54.879 --> 00:23:56.259 He's there praying for me. 00:23:56.319 --> 00:23:57.519 He's there interceding for me. 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:59.180 That's what our writer is telling us. 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:03.519 Had this great time of thinking this week. 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:04.819 What is he praying for me? 00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:06.160 You ever wondered that? 00:24:07.660 --> 00:24:11.279 You ever wondered what Jesus Christ prays for us? 00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:15.680 What is going on in heaven's throne room as Christ is at the right hand of God? 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:23.279 Well can I reverently put it to you that yes, Jesus Christ's work is finished. 00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:24.720 It is gloriously finished. 00:24:24.819 --> 00:24:25.940 Once and for all sacrifice. 00:24:25.940 --> 00:24:31.940 But I think we're missing out big time if we leave our understanding from this passage there. 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:36.740 Can I reverently put it to you, reverently put it to you. 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:41.840 That Jesus Christ is not sitting in heaven's throne room twiddling his thumbs so to speak. 00:24:42.840 --> 00:24:47.539 He's not there checking his watch every five minutes until that time that he comes to take us home. 00:24:47.840 --> 00:24:49.920 What is he doing here and now? 00:24:49.920 --> 00:24:52.860 Well he is ministering for his people in God's presence. 00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:57.200 He is praying for his people in God's presence. 00:24:57.300 --> 00:24:58.500 And what is he praying for? 00:24:58.740 --> 00:25:02.380 Well I think he's praying for these new covenant promises for his new covenant people. 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:05.140 Just think about it okay. 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:09.060 That is to say, and I hope this massively encourages you. 00:25:09.059 --> 00:25:14.240 That is to say, that Jesus is ever praying at his father's right hand. 00:25:14.579 --> 00:25:19.159 Asking that you and I as his people would ever become more like him. 00:25:19.980 --> 00:25:26.179 As his spirit works in us, shaping us, transforming us to be more like him. 00:25:27.799 --> 00:25:34.399 Jesus, there praying that you and I would know God more intimately as our father. 00:25:34.400 --> 00:25:40.240 That we can more confidently say every day with joy that he is our God. 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:48.640 That God's glory, that our identity as the children of God would be the panorama which is there in our lives. 00:25:48.740 --> 00:25:50.560 The panorama of our lives. 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:56.360 That Jesus is praying that we would know the full extent of what he has done for us. 00:25:57.120 --> 00:26:00.540 The forgiveness that is ours in him. 00:26:00.539 --> 00:26:04.759 Asking that we shouldn't wallow in our sins. 00:26:04.879 --> 00:26:07.579 But look to him and what he has done on our behalf. 00:26:08.420 --> 00:26:11.700 And that as we live our lives as sheep in this world. 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:15.500 That we would know confidently that all authority is his. 00:26:16.440 --> 00:26:17.740 All authority is his. 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:20.899 He is ruling and rearing at God's right hand. 00:26:21.240 --> 00:26:22.619 All authority is his. 00:26:22.839 --> 00:26:25.700 And he holds the keys to death and life. 00:26:26.559 --> 00:26:28.059 All that they would know that more. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:33.559 As they live their lives in this world as aliens and strangers, as my people. 00:26:33.659 --> 00:26:34.619 Would they know that? 00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:37.460 You see what this is saying? 00:26:37.559 --> 00:26:39.720 That this is Jesus, our great minister. 00:26:40.039 --> 00:26:42.379 I am not one of the ministers of this church. 00:26:42.859 --> 00:26:43.559 Let me tell you that. 00:26:43.599 --> 00:26:45.460 That Jesus is our great minister. 00:26:46.259 --> 00:26:50.099 All our eyes need to be on him this morning and what he is doing. 00:26:51.779 --> 00:26:54.059 Now what difference should this make to our lives? 00:26:54.059 --> 00:26:57.639 This new covenant that Jesus has ushered in. 00:26:57.980 --> 00:27:00.579 The promises are something that we experience now. 00:27:01.319 --> 00:27:02.899 Yes completely and one day fully. 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:04.079 But now nonetheless. 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:08.879 That Jesus Christ ever lives and pleads for you and I. 00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:12.740 And he will do every moment until he comes to call us home. 00:27:13.639 --> 00:27:14.500 That he is there. 00:27:14.599 --> 00:27:16.539 He is serving on our behalf. 00:27:16.899 --> 00:27:18.059 He has not left us as orphans. 00:27:18.059 --> 00:27:18.779 As orphans. 00:27:19.919 --> 00:27:22.279 Oh that we would grasp that more this morning. 00:27:22.359 --> 00:27:24.139 Do you not think that would make a difference in our lives? 00:27:26.059 --> 00:27:26.859 If you think about it. 00:27:26.859 --> 00:27:28.460 And I want to speak to you personally this morning. 00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:29.859 If you are struggling. 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:31.879 Then know as one of God's people. 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:33.500 That Jesus knows your circumstances. 00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:37.299 He knows the illness. 00:27:37.539 --> 00:27:38.859 He knows the diagnosis. 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:41.259 He knows the difficulties. 00:27:42.059 --> 00:27:43.899 He knows the family tension. 00:27:43.900 --> 00:27:47.640 He knows that hard time that you are getting at work for standing for him. 00:27:48.019 --> 00:27:50.500 He knows the friend who is giving you grief. 00:27:51.320 --> 00:27:54.560 He knows the times when your sin has made you blow it again. 00:27:55.580 --> 00:27:57.000 And in those times he is there. 00:27:57.100 --> 00:28:00.259 He is ever praying for us in those times. 00:28:00.360 --> 00:28:01.060 He knows. 00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:03.500 He is not an idle saviour. 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:09.259 He is our glorious and perfect high priest in heaven's course. 00:28:09.820 --> 00:28:12.060 That is the business that he is employed in now. 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:16.119 He is no idle saviour. 00:28:17.159 --> 00:28:18.399 It was Robert Murray McShane. 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:20.919 One of my favourite Scottish preachers from the past. 00:28:20.980 --> 00:28:21.759 He said this. 00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:26.000 If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room. 00:28:26.579 --> 00:28:28.519 I would not fear a million enemies. 00:28:29.339 --> 00:28:31.220 Yet distance makes no difference. 00:28:31.700 --> 00:28:32.779 He is praying for me. 00:28:34.519 --> 00:28:36.619 He is praying for me. 00:28:36.960 --> 00:28:38.740 That is where your saviour is this morning. 00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:40.519 He is not dead. 00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:42.759 We do not come here to worship a dead God. 00:28:42.859 --> 00:28:45.279 We come here to worship a risen and reigning saviour. 00:28:46.200 --> 00:28:47.259 Be encouraged. 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:49.279 That God has made us his own. 00:28:49.400 --> 00:28:50.500 What a glorious saviour. 00:28:50.599 --> 00:28:52.099 And what an incredible God we have. 00:28:53.879 --> 00:28:55.039 Just as we come into land. 00:28:55.139 --> 00:28:57.680 Just as I was praying about this this morning and throughout this week. 00:28:58.299 --> 00:28:59.180 There is just two people. 00:28:59.359 --> 00:29:00.799 Two kind of people I was thinking of. 00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:05.419 One is if you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and your saviour. 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.740 Now can I put it to you. 00:29:07.799 --> 00:29:09.700 Where are you looking this morning for your identity? 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:13.500 Where are you looking this morning for your priest? 00:29:13.839 --> 00:29:15.639 For the one that is going to make you right with God? 00:29:16.779 --> 00:29:18.279 Do you see this morning from this. 00:29:18.379 --> 00:29:20.180 The whole sacrifice thing we have been talking about. 00:29:20.180 --> 00:29:23.740 The whole point of it is that your sin has put you at odds with God. 00:29:23.940 --> 00:29:26.000 The question is how are you going to make that right? 00:29:28.340 --> 00:29:29.380 How are you going to make it right? 00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:33.140 Here is one who is offering you glorious forgiveness in him. 00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:35.600 He has paid your price. 00:29:35.980 --> 00:29:38.620 Here is one through whom you can know God personally. 00:29:38.860 --> 00:29:41.039 As your Lord, King and saviour. 00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:43.100 There is no other way to come to know God. 00:29:44.220 --> 00:29:45.240 Jesus Christ. 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:45.599 Christ. 00:29:46.000 --> 00:29:46.620 You know let's chat. 00:29:46.660 --> 00:29:47.380 If that is you this morning. 00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:48.240 Let's chat and pray. 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.960 After this time together. 00:29:51.799 --> 00:29:53.519 Let's make this happen this morning. 00:29:54.299 --> 00:29:56.160 Second person I was just thinking of. 00:29:57.120 --> 00:29:58.920 Is if you are a Christian here this morning. 00:29:59.000 --> 00:29:59.539 And you are struggling. 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:04.960 Are the toils of life taking their toll friends? 00:30:06.599 --> 00:30:07.819 Are they taking their toll? 00:30:07.900 --> 00:30:09.339 Are you finding it really difficult. 00:30:09.539 --> 00:30:10.740 At the minute as a Christian. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.000 Well can I encourage you. 00:30:13.000 --> 00:30:16.099 Just to lift your eyes to Jesus Christ this morning. 00:30:16.940 --> 00:30:17.980 See where he is. 00:30:18.099 --> 00:30:19.059 See what he is doing. 00:30:19.680 --> 00:30:20.779 And see what he will do. 00:30:21.759 --> 00:30:23.200 He is not an idle saviour. 00:30:23.299 --> 00:30:25.059 He is one who is praying for you. 00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:26.640 He knows your circumstances. 00:30:27.779 --> 00:30:29.339 We do not have a high priest. 00:30:29.420 --> 00:30:31.579 Who is unable to sympathize with us in our weaknesses. 00:30:31.880 --> 00:30:33.099 Here is Jesus Christ. 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:34.559 Ruling and reigning. 00:30:34.859 --> 00:30:37.099 I hope that is massively encouraged us this morning. 00:30:38.380 --> 00:30:39.299 Whoever you are. 00:30:39.380 --> 00:30:40.319 Whatever is going on. 00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:42.259 That Jesus Christ is glorious. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:45.079 Hebrews chapter 8. 00:30:45.160 --> 00:30:46.220 Don't get caught up in the picture. 00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:48.480 Don't get caught up in the picture. 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:49.960 No matter how beautiful the picture is. 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:54.440 See the person to whom the picture is pointing to. 00:30:54.559 --> 00:30:55.180 Jesus Christ. 00:30:55.240 --> 00:30:56.819 The one who brings us into a more glorious. 00:30:57.339 --> 00:31:00.099 And secures for us a superior relationship with God. 00:31:01.839 --> 00:31:04.339 And just before we stand to sing our final song. 00:31:04.599 --> 00:31:06.819 Why don't we just have just a minute of silence. 00:31:06.819 --> 00:31:09.480 And if you need to pray this morning. 00:31:09.599 --> 00:31:11.259 Then can I encourage you to do that. 00:31:11.879 --> 00:31:14.299 If you are one of these people who does not know Christ. 00:31:14.419 --> 00:31:17.019 Then use this time to think about what is going on in your life. 00:31:17.919 --> 00:31:19.119 And if you are struggling this morning. 00:31:19.200 --> 00:31:21.279 Then maybe scan your eyes over that passage again. 00:31:21.399 --> 00:31:22.639 See your great high priest. 00:31:22.700 --> 00:31:24.299 Who is living to intercede for you. 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:26.980 And then I'll close. 00:31:34.460 --> 00:31:36.879 Before the throne of God above. 00:31:36.880 --> 00:31:40.580 I have a strong and perfect plea 00:31:40.580 --> 00:31:44.340 a great high priest whose name is love 00:31:44.340 --> 00:31:47.660 and whoever lives and pleads for me 00:31:47.660 --> 00:31:50.440 my name is graven on his hands 00:31:50.440 --> 00:31:54.420 my name is written on his heart 00:31:54.420 --> 00:31:59.320 I know that while in heaven he stands 00:31:59.320 --> 00:32:03.420 no tongue can bid me thence depart 00:32:03.420 --> 00:32:07.220 no tongue can bid me thence depart 00:32:07.220 --> 00:32:11.100 our father we're so thankful for our time together this morning 00:32:11.100 --> 00:32:14.220 help us this week by your spirit to love 00:32:14.220 --> 00:32:18.680 and to cherish and to treasure your son Jesus Christ 00:32:18.680 --> 00:32:22.360 our father would he be the one who dominates 00:32:22.360 --> 00:32:24.080 dominates our lives 00:32:24.080 --> 00:32:27.380 our father we worship you and we thank you for him 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:29.300 in Jesus name, Amen