WEBVTT

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 And again, take a seat, please.

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 And just before our kids head out to junior church,

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 we'll pray for them,

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 and we'll also pray for our offerings.

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 So let's pray.

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 Lord, our God, once again,

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 as we thank you for every spiritual blessing

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 that is ours in the Lord Jesus,

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 as we thank you for all your kind gifts

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 towards us day by day,

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 and we thank you that you invite us to respond in worship

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 by giving our gifts and offerings.

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 So whether we've done that physically or electronically,

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 we pray that you would use our money

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 to build your church here and around Scotland

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 and around the world

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 so that more and more people might be praising your name,

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 enjoying the good news that's found in the Lord Jesus.

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 And when we pray for the nations and the peoples of the world,

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 we pray for our children,

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 that we thank you for each one of them,

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 and we pray as they go to their classes,

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 that they would enjoy learning together

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 and worshiping together,

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 and may they grow together in faith and obedience

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 as children of the living God.

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 Now we pray in our Savior's name.

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 Amen.

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 So the boys and girls will head out to junior church,

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 and while they are heading out,

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 perhaps we can turn together in our Bibles

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 to Ephesians chapter 1.

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 We will shortly hear this section.

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 You have up on the screen,

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 there's also some church Bibles

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 if you need a copy.

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 And Steve Willis is going to come

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 and read God's word for us.

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 Thanks, Steve.

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 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

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 to the saints in Ephesus,

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 the faithful in Christ Jesus,

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 grace and peace to you from God our Father

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 and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

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 who has blessed us in the heavenly realms

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 with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

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 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world

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 to be holy and blameless in his sight.

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 In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons

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 through Jesus Christ,

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 in accordance with his pleasure and will,

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 to the praise of his glorious grace,

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 which he has freely given us in the one he loves.

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 In him we have redemption through his blood,

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 the forgiveness of sins,

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 in accordance with the riches of God's grace,

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 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

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 And he made known to us the mystery of his will

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 according to his good pleasure,

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 which he purposed in Christ,

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 to be put into effect when the times

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 will have reached their fulfillment,

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 to bring all things in heaven and on earth together

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 under one head,

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 even Christ.

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 In him we were also chosen,

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 having been predestined,

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 according to the plan of him

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 who works out everything in conformity

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 with the purpose of his will.

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 In order that we who were the first to hope in Christ

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 might be for the pride of praise of his glory,

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 and you who were included in Christ

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 when you heard the word of truth,

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 the gospel of your salvation,

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 having believed,

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 you were marked in him with a seal,

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 the promised Holy Spirit,

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 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance

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 until the redemption of those

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 who are God's possession

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 to the praise of his glory.

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 This is God's word.

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 Thank you, Steve.

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 Now let's once again join our hearts together in prayer.

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 Let's pray.

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 Lord, thank you for the beauty and the truth

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 of those words that we have just read from your word.

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 That for the people of God,

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 we have that privilege by your grace

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 of having been chosen,

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 even before the world was made,

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 that you set your love on us in Christ.

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 Thank you that before we were created,

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 you chose by your grace

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 to adopt a people for yourself,

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 to be children of God

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 through faith in the Lord Jesus.

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 Thank you that we have eternal hope

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 of an eternal home

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 when our faith is in him.

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 Lord, we thank you for that redemption

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 that Jesus accomplished

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 through his precious blood.

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 when we are unable to save ourselves,

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 when we are unable to bridge the gap

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 between us and yourself.

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 Jesus has paid the price for our sin.

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 He has removed the sin barrier

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 so that we can be welcomed

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 all the way into your presence.

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 Lord, thank you for that promised inheritance

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 that our hope isn't just for now,

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 but it's for all eternity.

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 We thank you that as your people,

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 we have a living hope

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 that the heart of our good news

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 is a living and risen savior.

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 And so we pray that you would give us

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 a sense of our privilege as your people.

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 And we pray that it might be a source

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 of comfort and strength.

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 And we pray that you would give us joy

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 in the Lord Jesus.

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 Now we pray that you would give us

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 courage to live for Jesus

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 knowing these things are wonderfully true.

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 that give us courage to speak for Jesus,

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 recognizing that people need to hear

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 this good news in order to be saved.

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 And Lord, we pray that the Christian hope

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 would be particularly precious

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 to those in our church family

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 who find themselves undergoing

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 hard times right now.

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 We think of many who are caring

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 for loved ones,

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 those who have deep concern

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 and sadness

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 for a variety of reasons.

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 Lord, we ask that the comfort

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 of the Lord Jesus by the Holy Spirit

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 would be theirs today.

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 Lord, we pray for those

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 who are struggling

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 with their physical

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 or their mental health today.

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 Lord, again,

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 we ask that the powerful,

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 comforting presence

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 of the Lord Jesus

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 by his Spirit

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 would be their reality.

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 That whether folks are here,

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 whether folks are at home,

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 whether they are in hospitals

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 or care homes,

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 you know where we are

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 and you know our needs

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 and you are able

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 to minister help

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 and healing.

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 And so we pray

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 that you would be at work

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 among us.

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 Lord, we pray today

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 for those who are

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 facing exams

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 in the next few weeks.

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 Lord, that you would give them

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 endurance.

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 You would give them

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 the ability to learn

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 and to retain

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 what they have learned.

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 The ability to

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 stay calm

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 under pressure.

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 Lord, that for your people

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 it might be a time

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 of growing

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 in dependence

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 on you

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 and learning

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 to pray to you

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 and finding you faithful.

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 Lord, we pray

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 for those who have

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 pressures of different kinds,

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 whether that's

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 connected to finance

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 or to things

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 going on at home

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 or things

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 in the workplace.

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 Again, we thank you

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 that we can cast

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 our cares

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 on you

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 knowing that you

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 care for us,

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 recognizing that you

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 know us better

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 than we know

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 ourselves.

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 Lord, we thank you

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 that you are a good,

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 good Father.

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 Lord, we thank you

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 too that we

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 don't just

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 pray for ourselves

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 but you invite us

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 to pray

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 for the world.

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 Lord, we pray

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 for the community

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 around us.

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 We thank you

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 for the connections

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 that we have

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 personally

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 as we go about

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 our business

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 week by week.

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 We also thank you

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 for particular opportunities

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 to connect

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 with the community.

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 Thank you

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 for the toddler group

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 that meets

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 Friday by Friday.

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 Thank you

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 for every family

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 that comes

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 to enjoy

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 a friendship

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 and a warm welcome

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 and a place

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 to play

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 and to meet

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 with others.

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 We thank you

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 for the connect group

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 that meets

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 Monday by Monday.

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 again

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 a chance

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 for friendship,

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 for practicing

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 and learning English,

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 a place

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 to belong.

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 And Lord,

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 we pray

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 for both

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 of those groups

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 they'd also

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 be a place

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 to meet

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 the people

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 of God

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 and ultimately

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 to meet

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 the Saviour.

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 Lord,

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 we also pray

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 for the

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 university community

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 that is

00:09:49.879 --> 00:09:50.740
 alongside us

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 and in many

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 senses

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 all around us.

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 Lord,

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 we pray

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 for staff

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 and students.

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 we thank you

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 for every

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 Christian

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 represented there.

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 Thank you

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 for every

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 attempt

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 to share

00:10:01.379 --> 00:10:02.180
 the gospel

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 in our

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 universities.

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 Lord,

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 give wisdom,

00:10:06.040 --> 00:10:07.040
 give boldness

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 and we pray

00:10:08.480 --> 00:10:09.360
 to see many

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 turning to faith

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 in the Lord Jesus.

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 Lord,

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 we also

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 remember

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 the mosque

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 community

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 again

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 as our

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 close neighbour.

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 Lord,

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 we pray

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 that you'd

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 give us

00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:20.980
 wisdom

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 to know

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 how to

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 love

00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:23.320
 our neighbour

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 well,

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 to know

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 how to

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 pray

00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:27.039
 for those

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 who are

00:10:27.460 --> 00:10:28.600
 seeking

00:10:28.600 --> 00:10:29.159
 you

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 but who

00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:30.480
 do not

00:10:30.480 --> 00:10:31.220
 understand

00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:31.440
 you

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 and who

00:10:32.060 --> 00:10:32.420
 do not

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 understand

00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:34.139
 that Jesus

00:10:34.139 --> 00:10:34.779
 is the

00:10:34.779 --> 00:10:35.420
 Son of God

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 and the

00:10:35.820 --> 00:10:36.320
 Saviour of

00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:36.779
 the world.

00:10:37.279 --> 00:10:37.379
 Lord,

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 we pray

00:10:37.820 --> 00:10:38.080
 that you

00:10:38.080 --> 00:10:38.480
 would open

00:10:38.480 --> 00:10:38.940
 hearts

00:10:38.940 --> 00:10:39.500
 and minds

00:10:39.500 --> 00:10:40.320
 to that

00:10:40.320 --> 00:10:40.820
 truth.

00:10:41.840 --> 00:10:41.980
 Lord,

00:10:42.060 --> 00:10:42.440
 we pray

00:10:42.440 --> 00:10:42.820
 that for

00:10:42.820 --> 00:10:43.460
 our community

00:10:43.460 --> 00:10:44.080
 in general,

00:10:44.180 --> 00:10:44.800
 we recognise

00:10:44.800 --> 00:10:45.980
 so few

00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:46.480
 people

00:10:46.480 --> 00:10:47.480
 have

00:10:47.480 --> 00:10:47.720
 any

00:10:47.720 --> 00:10:48.259
 spiritual

00:10:48.259 --> 00:10:49.019
 interest

00:10:49.019 --> 00:10:50.440
 and so

00:10:50.440 --> 00:10:50.680
 few

00:10:50.680 --> 00:10:50.920
 people

00:10:50.920 --> 00:10:51.180
 have

00:10:51.180 --> 00:10:51.600
 thought

00:10:51.600 --> 00:10:52.000
 for

00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:52.220
 their

00:10:52.220 --> 00:10:52.680
 present

00:10:52.680 --> 00:10:53.019
 or

00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:53.240
 for

00:10:53.240 --> 00:10:53.399
 their

00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:53.940
 future

00:10:53.940 --> 00:10:55.139
 in

00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:55.539
 relation

00:10:55.539 --> 00:10:55.879
 to

00:10:55.879 --> 00:10:56.139
 you.

00:10:56.639 --> 00:10:56.960
 But Lord,

00:10:57.000 --> 00:10:57.420
 we pray

00:10:57.420 --> 00:10:57.820
 that you

00:10:57.820 --> 00:10:58.019
 would

00:10:58.019 --> 00:10:59.139
 awaken

00:10:59.139 --> 00:10:59.600
 us

00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:00.039
 as a

00:11:00.039 --> 00:11:00.320
 city

00:11:00.320 --> 00:11:00.500
 and

00:11:00.500 --> 00:11:00.920
 indeed

00:11:00.920 --> 00:11:01.899
 as a

00:11:01.899 --> 00:11:02.259
 nation.

00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:03.200
 Lord,

00:11:03.220 --> 00:11:03.620
 we also

00:11:03.620 --> 00:11:04.000
 pray

00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:04.440
 for our

00:11:04.440 --> 00:11:04.920
 world.

00:11:05.500 --> 00:11:05.639
 We

00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:06.180
 remember

00:11:06.180 --> 00:11:06.740
 the

00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:07.060
 nation

00:11:07.060 --> 00:11:07.279
 of

00:11:07.279 --> 00:11:07.639
 Myanmar

00:11:07.639 --> 00:11:08.120
 which

00:11:08.120 --> 00:11:09.100
 seems

00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:09.360
 to have

00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:09.680
 dropped

00:11:09.680 --> 00:11:09.960
 out of

00:11:09.960 --> 00:11:10.060
 the

00:11:10.060 --> 00:11:10.480
 headlines

00:11:10.480 --> 00:11:10.720
 in

00:11:10.720 --> 00:11:10.980
 some

00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:11.259
 ways

00:11:11.259 --> 00:11:11.440
 but

00:11:11.440 --> 00:11:11.779
 where

00:11:11.779 --> 00:11:12.800
 the

00:11:12.800 --> 00:11:13.420
 civil

00:11:13.420 --> 00:11:13.860
 war

00:11:13.860 --> 00:11:14.800
 continues

00:11:14.800 --> 00:11:15.800
 where

00:11:15.799 --> 00:11:16.199
 people

00:11:16.199 --> 00:11:16.579
 are

00:11:16.579 --> 00:11:17.019
 being

00:11:17.019 --> 00:11:18.799
 brutalised

00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:19.099
 and where

00:11:19.099 --> 00:11:19.479
 there is

00:11:19.479 --> 00:11:20.379
 so much

00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:21.019
 poverty

00:11:21.019 --> 00:11:22.339
 and fear

00:11:22.339 --> 00:11:23.319
 and fighting.

00:11:23.859 --> 00:11:23.959
 Lord,

00:11:23.979 --> 00:11:24.299
 we pray

00:11:24.299 --> 00:11:24.759
 for your

00:11:24.759 --> 00:11:25.179
 church

00:11:25.179 --> 00:11:25.479
 there.

00:11:26.120 --> 00:11:26.219
 We

00:11:26.219 --> 00:11:26.679
 thank you

00:11:26.679 --> 00:11:27.099
 for

00:11:27.099 --> 00:11:28.059
 Pastor

00:11:28.059 --> 00:11:28.659
 Titus

00:11:28.659 --> 00:11:28.939
 and

00:11:28.939 --> 00:11:29.559
 for

00:11:29.559 --> 00:11:29.839
 others

00:11:29.839 --> 00:11:30.039
 who

00:11:30.039 --> 00:11:30.479
 continue

00:11:30.479 --> 00:11:30.799
 to

00:11:30.799 --> 00:11:31.139
 try

00:11:31.139 --> 00:11:31.359
 and

00:11:31.359 --> 00:11:31.819
 minister

00:11:31.819 --> 00:11:32.139
 your

00:11:32.139 --> 00:11:32.500
 love

00:11:32.500 --> 00:11:32.779
 and

00:11:32.779 --> 00:11:32.979
 your

00:11:32.979 --> 00:11:33.399
 care

00:11:33.399 --> 00:11:33.979
 in

00:11:33.979 --> 00:11:34.199
 such

00:11:34.199 --> 00:11:34.759
 difficult

00:11:34.759 --> 00:11:35.620
 circumstances.

00:11:36.199 --> 00:11:36.379
 Lord,

00:11:36.479 --> 00:11:36.819
 uphold

00:11:36.819 --> 00:11:37.000
 and

00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:37.539
 encourage.

00:11:38.259 --> 00:11:38.459
 Lord,

00:11:38.479 --> 00:11:38.819
 we pray

00:11:38.819 --> 00:11:39.319
 the same

00:11:39.319 --> 00:11:39.699
 too

00:11:39.699 --> 00:11:39.979
 for

00:11:39.979 --> 00:11:40.500
 Ukraine

00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:40.740
 which

00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:40.879
 is

00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:41.059
 very

00:11:41.059 --> 00:11:41.500
 much

00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:42.279
 on

00:11:42.279 --> 00:11:42.479
 our

00:11:42.479 --> 00:11:42.859
 hearts

00:11:42.859 --> 00:11:43.079
 and

00:11:43.079 --> 00:11:43.439
 minds

00:11:43.439 --> 00:11:43.719
 every

00:11:43.719 --> 00:11:44.139
 day.

00:11:44.779 --> 00:11:45.000
 Lord,

00:11:45.079 --> 00:11:45.199
 we

00:11:45.199 --> 00:11:45.599
 continue

00:11:45.600 --> 00:11:45.899
 to

00:11:45.899 --> 00:11:46.279
 pray

00:11:46.279 --> 00:11:47.139
 for

00:11:47.139 --> 00:11:47.320
 a

00:11:47.320 --> 00:11:47.779
 lasting

00:11:47.779 --> 00:11:48.420
 peace.

00:11:49.000 --> 00:11:49.159
 We

00:11:49.159 --> 00:11:49.580
 continue

00:11:49.580 --> 00:11:49.879
 to

00:11:49.879 --> 00:11:50.220
 pray

00:11:50.220 --> 00:11:50.820
 for

00:11:50.820 --> 00:11:51.519
 justice.

00:11:52.180 --> 00:11:52.420
 Lord,

00:11:52.460 --> 00:11:52.580
 we

00:11:52.580 --> 00:11:52.860
 pray

00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:53.080
 for

00:11:53.080 --> 00:11:53.460
 folks

00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:54.080
 like

00:11:54.080 --> 00:11:54.940
 Sashko

00:11:54.940 --> 00:11:55.779
 looking

00:11:55.779 --> 00:11:56.019
 to

00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:56.399
 minister

00:11:56.399 --> 00:11:56.700
 to

00:11:56.700 --> 00:11:57.300
 refugees

00:11:57.300 --> 00:11:58.399
 in

00:11:58.399 --> 00:11:58.860
 Poland.

00:11:59.560 --> 00:11:59.800
 We

00:11:59.800 --> 00:12:00.139
 pray

00:12:00.139 --> 00:12:00.360
 for

00:12:00.360 --> 00:12:00.500
 the

00:12:00.500 --> 00:12:00.779
 many

00:12:00.779 --> 00:12:01.300
 churches

00:12:01.300 --> 00:12:01.639
 in

00:12:01.639 --> 00:12:02.519
 Ukraine

00:12:02.519 --> 00:12:02.980
 and

00:12:02.980 --> 00:12:03.639
 around

00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:04.779
 Ukraine

00:12:04.779 --> 00:12:05.720
 looking

00:12:05.720 --> 00:12:05.980
 to

00:12:05.980 --> 00:12:06.180
 show

00:12:06.180 --> 00:12:06.639
 love

00:12:06.639 --> 00:12:06.980
 in

00:12:06.980 --> 00:12:07.240
 these

00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:07.500
 most

00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:08.080
 difficult

00:12:08.080 --> 00:12:08.800
 times.

00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:09.620
 Lord,

00:12:09.720 --> 00:12:10.200
 uphold,

00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:10.860
 sustain,

00:12:11.100 --> 00:12:11.519
 and renew

00:12:11.519 --> 00:12:11.960
 them

00:12:11.960 --> 00:12:12.879
 in their

00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:13.340
 faith,

00:12:13.580 --> 00:12:13.759
 their

00:12:13.759 --> 00:12:14.139
 hope,

00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:14.639
 and their

00:12:14.639 --> 00:12:14.960
 love.

00:12:14.960 --> 00:12:15.759
 Lord,

00:12:15.820 --> 00:12:15.940
 we

00:12:15.940 --> 00:12:16.300
 pray

00:12:16.300 --> 00:12:17.100
 all

00:12:17.100 --> 00:12:17.280
 of

00:12:17.280 --> 00:12:17.500
 these

00:12:17.500 --> 00:12:18.000
 things

00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:18.879
 so

00:12:18.879 --> 00:12:19.480
 thankful

00:12:19.480 --> 00:12:20.259
 that

00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:20.540
 you

00:12:20.540 --> 00:12:20.879
 are

00:12:20.879 --> 00:12:21.300
 King

00:12:21.300 --> 00:12:21.500
 of

00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:21.900
 Kings

00:12:21.900 --> 00:12:22.259
 and

00:12:22.259 --> 00:12:22.600
 Lord

00:12:22.600 --> 00:12:22.840
 of

00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:23.240
 Lords

00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:23.940
 and

00:12:23.940 --> 00:12:24.040
 that

00:12:24.040 --> 00:12:24.200
 we

00:12:24.200 --> 00:12:25.040
 can

00:12:25.040 --> 00:12:25.500
 entrust

00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:26.220
 ourselves

00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:27.019
 and

00:12:27.019 --> 00:12:27.220
 those

00:12:27.220 --> 00:12:27.440
 that we

00:12:27.440 --> 00:12:27.720
 care

00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:27.960
 about

00:12:27.960 --> 00:12:28.240
 into

00:12:28.240 --> 00:12:28.480
 your

00:12:28.480 --> 00:12:28.940
 hands.

00:12:29.379 --> 00:12:29.600
 And so

00:12:29.600 --> 00:12:29.980
 we pray

00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:30.180
 in

00:12:30.180 --> 00:12:30.480
 Jesus'

00:12:30.759 --> 00:12:30.960
 name

00:12:30.960 --> 00:12:31.600
 and

00:12:31.600 --> 00:12:31.860
 for

00:12:31.860 --> 00:12:32.100
 his

00:12:32.100 --> 00:12:32.500
 sake.

00:12:32.940 --> 00:12:33.160
 Amen.

00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:35.199
 Now,

00:12:35.339 --> 00:12:36.019
 before we

00:12:36.019 --> 00:12:36.779
 turn to

00:12:36.779 --> 00:12:37.120
 the book

00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:37.299
 of

00:12:37.299 --> 00:12:37.679
 Matthew

00:12:37.679 --> 00:12:38.100
 and our

00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:38.539
 next

00:12:38.539 --> 00:12:39.199
 little

00:12:39.199 --> 00:12:39.620
 trio

00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:39.839
 of

00:12:39.839 --> 00:12:40.240
 parables,

00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:40.959
 we're

00:12:40.959 --> 00:12:41.199
 going to

00:12:41.199 --> 00:12:41.559
 sing

00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:42.399
 by way

00:12:42.399 --> 00:12:42.600
 of

00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:43.699
 a

00:12:43.699 --> 00:12:44.039
 prayer

00:12:44.039 --> 00:12:44.279
 to

00:12:44.279 --> 00:12:44.620
 prepare.

00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:44.919
 We're

00:12:44.919 --> 00:12:45.159
 going to

00:12:45.159 --> 00:12:45.419
 sing

00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:45.659
 from

00:12:45.659 --> 00:12:46.000
 Psalm

00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:47.259
 119,

00:12:47.799 --> 00:12:48.120
 from

00:12:48.120 --> 00:12:48.500
 section

00:12:48.500 --> 00:12:49.199
 13,

00:12:49.659 --> 00:12:50.360
 that's

00:12:50.360 --> 00:12:50.899
 verses

00:12:50.899 --> 00:12:51.879
 97 to

00:12:51.879 --> 00:12:52.959
 104.

00:12:53.199 --> 00:12:53.539
 So let's

00:12:53.539 --> 00:12:53.899
 stand

00:12:53.899 --> 00:12:54.939
 and sing

00:12:54.939 --> 00:12:55.199
 these

00:12:55.199 --> 00:12:55.539
 verses

00:12:55.539 --> 00:12:56.439
 from

00:12:56.439 --> 00:12:56.719
 Psalm

00:12:56.719 --> 00:12:57.259
 119.

00:12:57.259 --> 00:13:01.879
 Oh

00:13:01.879 --> 00:13:02.679
 Lord,

00:13:02.799 --> 00:13:03.220
 how

00:13:03.220 --> 00:13:04.179
 much

00:13:04.179 --> 00:13:05.059
 I

00:13:05.059 --> 00:13:05.679
 love

00:13:05.679 --> 00:13:06.279
 your

00:13:06.279 --> 00:13:07.159
 holy

00:13:07.159 --> 00:13:08.240
 law.

00:13:09.159 --> 00:13:10.159
 I

00:13:10.159 --> 00:13:11.439
 meditate

00:13:11.439 --> 00:13:12.779
 upon

00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:14.379
 it

00:13:14.379 --> 00:13:15.100
 all

00:13:15.100 --> 00:13:15.519
 the

00:13:15.519 --> 00:13:17.019
 day.

00:13:17.580 --> 00:13:18.539
 It

00:13:18.539 --> 00:13:19.179
 makes

00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:19.659
 me

00:13:19.659 --> 00:13:20.879
 wiser

00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:22.299
 than

00:13:22.299 --> 00:13:22.939
 my

00:13:22.939 --> 00:13:24.340
 enemies

00:13:24.340 --> 00:13:26.159
 for

00:13:26.159 --> 00:13:27.240
 your

00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:29.120
 commandments

00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:30.240
 ever

00:13:30.759 --> 00:13:31.740
 with

00:13:31.740 --> 00:13:32.200
 me

00:13:32.200 --> 00:13:33.000
 stay.

00:13:35.039 --> 00:13:35.240
 I

00:13:35.919 --> 00:13:36.580
 have

00:13:36.580 --> 00:13:37.259
 more

00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:38.240
 insight

00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:39.240
 than

00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:40.320
 my

00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:41.240
 teachers

00:13:41.240 --> 00:13:42.240
 have

00:13:42.960 --> 00:13:43.240
 for

00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:44.240
 on

00:13:45.100 --> 00:13:45.580
 your

00:13:45.580 --> 00:13:46.500
 laws

00:13:46.500 --> 00:13:47.240
 I

00:13:47.240 --> 00:13:48.240
 meditate

00:13:49.039 --> 00:13:49.240
 each

00:13:50.120 --> 00:13:51.240
 day.

00:13:52.200 --> 00:13:53.240
 I

00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:53.379
 have

00:13:53.379 --> 00:13:53.919
 more

00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:55.240
 discernment

00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:56.240
 than

00:13:56.240 --> 00:13:57.240
 the

00:13:57.240 --> 00:13:58.240
 elders

00:13:58.240 --> 00:13:59.240
 have

00:13:59.240 --> 00:14:01.240
 because

00:14:01.240 --> 00:14:02.240
 your

00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:03.240
 righteous

00:14:03.240 --> 00:14:05.240
 precepts

00:14:05.240 --> 00:14:06.240
 I

00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:07.240
 obey.

00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:08.240
 I

00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:10.240
 have

00:14:10.240 --> 00:14:11.240
 kept

00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:12.240
 my

00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:13.240
 feet

00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:14.240
 from

00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:15.240
 every

00:14:15.240 --> 00:14:16.240
 evil

00:14:16.240 --> 00:14:17.240
 path

00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:19.240
 that

00:14:19.240 --> 00:14:20.240
 I

00:14:20.240 --> 00:14:21.240
 may

00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:22.240
 be

00:14:22.240 --> 00:14:23.240
 obedient

00:14:23.240 --> 00:14:24.240
 to

00:14:24.240 --> 00:14:25.240
 your

00:14:25.240 --> 00:14:26.240
 word

00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:28.240
 and

00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:29.240
 I

00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:30.240
 have

00:14:30.240 --> 00:14:31.240
 not

00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:32.240
 departed

00:14:32.240 --> 00:14:33.240
 from

00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:34.240
 your

00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:35.240
 laws

00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:36.240
 for

00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:37.240
 you

00:14:37.240 --> 00:14:38.240
 yourself

00:14:38.240 --> 00:14:40.240
 have

00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:41.240
 taught

00:14:41.240 --> 00:14:42.240
 me

00:14:42.240 --> 00:14:43.240
 this

00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:44.240
 love

00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:45.240
 to

00:14:45.240 --> 00:14:46.240
 you

00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:47.240
 know

00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:48.240
 how

00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:49.240
 pleasing

00:14:49.240 --> 00:14:50.240
 to

00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.240
 my

00:14:51.240 --> 00:14:52.240
 taste

00:14:52.240 --> 00:14:53.240
 are

00:14:53.240 --> 00:14:54.240
 all

00:14:54.240 --> 00:14:55.240
 your

00:14:55.240 --> 00:14:56.240
 words

00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:57.240
 more

00:14:57.240 --> 00:14:58.240
 sweet

00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:59.240
 they

00:14:59.240 --> 00:15:00.240
 are

00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.240
 than

00:15:01.240 --> 00:15:02.240
 honey

00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:03.240
 on

00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:04.240
 my

00:15:04.240 --> 00:15:05.240
 tongue

00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:06.240
 your

00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:07.240
 commands

00:15:07.240 --> 00:15:08.240
 I

00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:09.240
 gain

00:15:09.240 --> 00:15:10.240
 enlightenment

00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:12.240
 so

00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:13.240
 I

00:15:13.240 --> 00:15:15.240
 reject

00:15:15.240 --> 00:15:16.240
 and

00:15:16.240 --> 00:15:17.240
 hate

00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:18.240
 each

00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:19.240
 path

00:15:19.240 --> 00:15:20.240
 that's

00:15:20.240 --> 00:15:21.240
 wrong

00:15:27.240 --> 00:15:34.240
 Now we're continuing our series on the parables in Matthew, Jesus' stories with purpose.

00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:41.240
 Now we come to this trio that we find at the end of chapter 13 from verse 44 to 50

00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:47.240
 and let's hear God's word as we hear these stories that Jesus told

00:15:48.240 --> 00:16:03.240
 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again,

00:16:03.240 --> 00:16:33.240
 the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but through the bad

00:16:33.240 --> 00:16:51.240
 the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

00:16:51.240 --> 00:17:04.859
 And this is God's word for us. Now perhaps as we begin a question that comes from these parables is this. How valuable is the kingdom of heaven?

00:17:04.859 --> 00:17:26.639
 That's something we're used to. As something we're used to as people. We're assessing value all the time, aren't we? How much does something cost? And do we consider it worth the price? We shop around for better deals. We hunt for bargains. We change our contracts and our insurance brokers.

00:17:26.640 --> 00:17:38.040
 We're all placing personal judgments in terms of how much a thing is worth and what price we're willing to pay for it.

00:17:38.620 --> 00:17:51.020
 Now we have a saying in English that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And the same holds true when we think about value. Value is in the eye of the beholder.

00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:59.879
 If you have a saying in the eye of the beholder. If you have a person. If you have ever found yourself saying of someone else, I can't believe they just spent all that money on that thing.

00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:11.420
 Remember that somebody has probably said that of us too. Because we all decide differently what we choose to value.

00:18:11.420 --> 00:18:28.140
 Well when we come to this set of parables, Jesus is inviting us to admire and to desire Jesus the King and the kingdom that he has come to establish.

00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:39.340
 To recognize in Jesus and his kingdom something that has a worth beyond all compare so that we would pay any price to get it.

00:18:39.339 --> 00:18:44.720
 And he does that in two different ways. In the sense of promise.

00:18:45.579 --> 00:18:48.699
 And when we think about the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl.

00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:53.619
 But also the warning of the parable of the net and the separation that we see.

00:18:53.699 --> 00:18:57.740
 So today we're going to think about three things. We're going to think about the meaning of the kingdom of heaven.

00:18:58.359 --> 00:19:00.299
 What does Jesus mean when he talks about the kingdom of heaven?

00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:02.419
 We're going to think about the value of the kingdom of heaven.

00:19:02.939 --> 00:19:07.359
 And thirdly we're going to think about the separation of the kingdom of heaven.

00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:12.879
 With the hope and prayer that we would recognize that because Jesus is God's glorious king.

00:19:13.419 --> 00:19:17.839
 We would seek and delight in him above all else.

00:19:18.639 --> 00:19:21.359
 But to begin very briefly with the meaning of the kingdom of heaven.

00:19:21.459 --> 00:19:27.079
 We need to do this because in Matthew's gospel kingdom is a key theme.

00:19:27.179 --> 00:19:30.139
 55 times Matthew speaks about the kingdom.

00:19:30.139 --> 00:19:32.139
 Which is more than all the other gospel writers combined.

00:19:32.859 --> 00:19:35.459
 More than the whole New Testament combined.

00:19:35.460 --> 00:19:37.220
 So it's a key theme for Matthew.

00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:39.940
 Some of the places where we see it.

00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:41.980
 Chapter 4 verse 17.

00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:47.779
 As Jesus begins his public ministry he announces the kingdom of heaven is near.

00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:52.640
 And the kingdom is near of course because Jesus as God's king has come.

00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:57.220
 In the Sermon on the Mount we thought about this last week.

00:19:57.220 --> 00:19:59.720
 When Jesus teaches his followers to pray.

00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:01.539
 He teaches us to pray.

00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:04.240
 Your kingdom come.

00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:10.380
 That we are to desire ourselves to live under the rule of God.

00:20:10.640 --> 00:20:14.120
 And to seek for others to live under the rule of God.

00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:18.440
 Until the return of Jesus when his kingdom is final and complete.

00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:20.980
 And then we come to chapter 13.

00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:23.259
 And we just read the tail end of chapter 13.

00:20:23.400 --> 00:20:27.380
 But the whole of chapter 13 is teaching from Jesus in the form of parables.

00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:29.359
 With the focus being the kingdom.

00:20:29.480 --> 00:20:30.359
 The kingdom of heaven.

00:20:30.359 --> 00:20:32.399
 So it's a key theme.

00:20:32.459 --> 00:20:34.419
 But what does Matthew mean by it?

00:20:35.159 --> 00:20:36.879
 Perhaps two ways that we can think about this.

00:20:36.959 --> 00:20:39.500
 We can think in terms of contrast.

00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:42.219
 And we can think about good news.

00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:43.059
 So contrast.

00:20:43.559 --> 00:20:45.959
 Jesus is saying there is the kingdom of God.

00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:49.139
 And that is different to the kingdom of man.

00:20:49.199 --> 00:20:50.259
 The kingdom of humanity.

00:20:50.259 --> 00:20:52.459
 There is a spiritual kingdom.

00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:55.460
 And there is an earthly kingdom.

00:20:57.259 --> 00:20:59.500
 It represents different ways of living.

00:20:59.640 --> 00:21:01.039
 There is God's way.

00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:02.860
 In the kingdom of heaven.

00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:06.019
 And then there is our way.

00:21:06.539 --> 00:21:07.920
 In the kingdom of man.

00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:10.779
 And we see this as a storyline all through the Bible.

00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:12.880
 If we just think about the beginning of the Bible.

00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:13.579
 The book of Genesis.

00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:14.539
 Just for a couple of minutes.

00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:16.100
 Garden of Eden.

00:21:16.600 --> 00:21:17.700
 God created the world.

00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:18.799
 Created this garden.

00:21:18.799 --> 00:21:20.139
 This was God's place.

00:21:21.559 --> 00:21:22.579
 And he said Adam and Eve.

00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:23.599
 They are God's people.

00:21:23.919 --> 00:21:25.759
 And they were to live under God's rule.

00:21:25.839 --> 00:21:27.619
 So they would enjoy life with God.

00:21:27.659 --> 00:21:28.720
 And they would enjoy blessing.

00:21:28.819 --> 00:21:29.519
 But what happens?

00:21:29.639 --> 00:21:30.440
 Adam and Eve.

00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:32.740
 They turn their back on God and his word.

00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:35.700
 Choosing to be God like themselves.

00:21:36.819 --> 00:21:38.419
 We fast forward a few chapters.

00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:40.159
 We come to the time of Noah.

00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:42.180
 And what we find at the time of Noah.

00:21:42.460 --> 00:21:44.019
 Is a whole world.

00:21:44.339 --> 00:21:45.259
 Hostile to God.

00:21:45.339 --> 00:21:46.399
 Doing its own thing.

00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:48.480
 Living without any thought of God.

00:21:49.279 --> 00:21:50.839
 And only Noah and his family.

00:21:51.380 --> 00:21:53.339
 Represent the kingdom of heaven in the world.

00:21:54.180 --> 00:21:56.059
 Fast forward a few chapters again.

00:21:56.140 --> 00:21:57.480
 You come to the Tower of Babel.

00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.539
 And what you have there is.

00:21:58.759 --> 00:21:59.920
 The peoples of the world.

00:22:00.120 --> 00:22:00.960
 Gathering together.

00:22:01.059 --> 00:22:02.059
 To build this great tower.

00:22:02.180 --> 00:22:03.220
 This great monument.

00:22:03.860 --> 00:22:04.700
 To themselves.

00:22:05.259 --> 00:22:06.680
 To their own achievements.

00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:07.740
 Building a kingdom.

00:22:08.420 --> 00:22:09.039
 For themselves.

00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:10.059
 Rather than be obedient.

00:22:10.500 --> 00:22:11.960
 To God's command.

00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:14.420
 And it has always been thus.

00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:17.720
 There are God's values.

00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:19.500
 And there are the values.

00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:20.819
 Of the kingdom of man.

00:22:22.120 --> 00:22:22.539
 And you know.

00:22:22.599 --> 00:22:23.240
 It's one of the reasons.

00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:24.420
 Why when Jesus came.

00:22:24.519 --> 00:22:26.360
 He was such a surprising king.

00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:28.660
 The people had an idea.

00:22:28.779 --> 00:22:30.220
 Of what a king would be like.

00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:30.779
 What they imagined.

00:22:30.860 --> 00:22:31.620
 The king would be like.

00:22:33.220 --> 00:22:34.279
 Jesus didn't come like that.

00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:36.059
 Jesus came.

00:22:36.700 --> 00:22:38.039
 And he spent time.

00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:40.120
 With people regarded as sinful.

00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:42.039
 Everyone else wanted to stay far away.

00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:42.579
 From them.

00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:45.240
 Jesus made time.

00:22:45.679 --> 00:22:46.879
 For little children.

00:22:47.879 --> 00:22:48.480
 He made time.

00:22:48.599 --> 00:22:49.279
 For the weak.

00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.539
 And the oppressed.

00:22:50.720 --> 00:22:51.619
 And the rejected.

00:22:52.659 --> 00:22:53.659
 This is the king.

00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:55.099
 Who didn't ride a war horse.

00:22:55.179 --> 00:22:55.720
 But rode.

00:22:56.079 --> 00:22:56.779
 To Jerusalem.

00:22:56.879 --> 00:22:57.439
 On a donkey.

00:22:59.279 --> 00:23:00.139
 This isn't.

00:23:00.220 --> 00:23:00.720
 A king.

00:23:00.859 --> 00:23:00.980
 Who.

00:23:01.199 --> 00:23:02.679
 Who wore a crown.

00:23:02.779 --> 00:23:03.259
 And came.

00:23:03.659 --> 00:23:04.559
 With great pomp.

00:23:04.619 --> 00:23:05.119
 And ceremony.

00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:05.879
 This is.

00:23:06.099 --> 00:23:06.539
 A king.

00:23:06.639 --> 00:23:07.899
 Who carried a cross.

00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:09.819
 And died in shame.

00:23:09.819 --> 00:23:11.480
 To save his people.

00:23:12.579 --> 00:23:13.859
 And so the kingdom of heaven.

00:23:13.859 --> 00:23:15.240
 Represents a contrast.

00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:15.619
 Between.

00:23:15.859 --> 00:23:16.500
 God's ways.

00:23:16.599 --> 00:23:17.259
 God's values.

00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:19.779
 And that of the kingdom of man.

00:23:21.460 --> 00:23:22.539
 But Matthew's gospel.

00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:23.319
 Also makes clear.

00:23:23.439 --> 00:23:24.159
 That the kingdom of heaven.

00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:25.399
 Represents good news.

00:23:26.919 --> 00:23:27.700
 One verse.

00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:28.419
 Matthew 4.

00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:29.299
 Verse 23.

00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:30.259
 We're told.

00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:31.279
 Jesus was.

00:23:32.480 --> 00:23:33.500
 Proclaiming the good news.

00:23:33.539 --> 00:23:34.419
 Of the kingdom of heaven.

00:23:34.879 --> 00:23:36.159
 And healing every disease.

00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:37.539
 So he was proclaiming.

00:23:37.919 --> 00:23:39.639
 That the kingdom is good news.

00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:40.799
 Why is it good news?

00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:41.460
 Well it's good news.

00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:42.919
 Because God's promised king.

00:23:43.099 --> 00:23:44.000
 Has come.

00:23:45.259 --> 00:23:46.460
 God from the old testament.

00:23:46.639 --> 00:23:47.559
 Had been promising.

00:23:48.159 --> 00:23:49.839
 Someone in David's family line.

00:23:49.899 --> 00:23:50.319
 A king.

00:23:50.439 --> 00:23:51.599
 Who would rule forever.

00:23:51.599 --> 00:23:52.519
 In righteousness.

00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:53.500
 And justice.

00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:55.720
 And so the coming of Jesus.

00:23:55.879 --> 00:23:57.859
 Represents the rule of God.

00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:59.519
 Among his people.

00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:01.599
 Jesus has come to establish.

00:24:02.399 --> 00:24:03.379
 God's kingdom.

00:24:04.099 --> 00:24:05.919
 Not in a political sense.

00:24:05.919 --> 00:24:07.039
 By the way of power.

00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:08.480
 But to establish.

00:24:08.859 --> 00:24:09.619
 God's kingdom.

00:24:09.619 --> 00:24:10.319
 God's rule.

00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:11.399
 In people's hearts.

00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:12.099
 And lives.

00:24:13.399 --> 00:24:15.159
 And you know that's good news.

00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:16.579
 Because all of us.

00:24:16.639 --> 00:24:17.239
 Because of sin.

00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:18.379
 Turn our back on God.

00:24:18.439 --> 00:24:19.979
 But God hasn't left us.

00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:21.199
 To our own devices.

00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:23.119
 Rather he's come.

00:24:23.219 --> 00:24:24.119
 As his son Jesus.

00:24:26.359 --> 00:24:27.459
 And the kingdom of heaven.

00:24:27.459 --> 00:24:29.479
 Also represents good news.

00:24:31.339 --> 00:24:32.619
 Because every time.

00:24:32.959 --> 00:24:34.639
 Jesus is acting.

00:24:34.640 --> 00:24:36.259
 And every time.

00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:38.320
 Jesus is performing miracles.

00:24:38.320 --> 00:24:41.220
 And especially when he is healing people.

00:24:42.600 --> 00:24:45.300
 He's giving a signpost to his future kingdom.

00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:47.800
 Every healing.

00:24:48.560 --> 00:24:49.660
 Every resurrection.

00:24:50.200 --> 00:24:51.280
 Is a pointer.

00:24:52.060 --> 00:24:53.960
 To the day when Jesus will return.

00:24:54.360 --> 00:24:55.800
 And will make all things new.

00:24:55.799 --> 00:24:58.919
 So there is good news.

00:24:58.919 --> 00:24:59.440
 In the kingdom.

00:24:59.440 --> 00:24:59.859
 Because.

00:25:00.359 --> 00:25:02.440
 It makes us think of the future.

00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:04.819
 Total rescue.

00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:06.379
 Total renewal.

00:25:07.579 --> 00:25:08.639
 All that sin.

00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:09.419
 All that baggage.

00:25:09.579 --> 00:25:10.240
 All that burden.

00:25:10.359 --> 00:25:10.980
 That we know now.

00:25:11.099 --> 00:25:12.579
 Will be gone forever.

00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:14.220
 And so there's good news.

00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:14.639
 As Jesus.

00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:15.440
 The son of God.

00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:15.839
 Comes.

00:25:15.919 --> 00:25:17.180
 Because he's acting to save.

00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:17.740
 And redeem.

00:25:17.940 --> 00:25:18.539
 And restore.

00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:19.119
 Sinners.

00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:21.339
 So that we can call God our father.

00:25:22.439 --> 00:25:23.619
 And so we can live.

00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:25.439
 In his kingdom.

00:25:28.179 --> 00:25:29.459
 So that's the meaning.

00:25:29.459 --> 00:25:30.379
 Of the kingdom of heaven.

00:25:30.459 --> 00:25:31.399
 Or at least some of it.

00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:32.619
 As we then think about.

00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:33.659
 These parables.

00:25:34.419 --> 00:25:35.879
 And it's important background.

00:25:36.119 --> 00:25:36.559
 Because.

00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:37.919
 We need to think about.

00:25:38.059 --> 00:25:38.799
 The value.

00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:40.759
 Of the kingdom of heaven.

00:25:41.379 --> 00:25:42.279
 Because that's where.

00:25:42.419 --> 00:25:43.379
 Those first two parables.

00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:44.039
 Take us.

00:25:44.219 --> 00:25:45.379
 Two very simple parables.

00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:46.739
 Treasure hidden in a field.

00:25:47.199 --> 00:25:48.519
 And the pearl of great price.

00:25:49.599 --> 00:25:50.319
 Helping us to see.

00:25:50.399 --> 00:25:51.059
 The kingdom of heaven.

00:25:51.199 --> 00:25:52.419
 Is like the greatest treasure.

00:25:52.519 --> 00:25:53.119
 We could imagine.

00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:55.859
 It's like a precious stone.

00:25:55.939 --> 00:25:56.179
 That's.

00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.119
 That's such.

00:25:58.000 --> 00:25:58.799
 Beauty and value.

00:25:58.859 --> 00:25:59.979
 That it would make any cost.

00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:00.559
 Worth it.

00:26:01.679 --> 00:26:02.699
 So just think about.

00:26:02.899 --> 00:26:02.979
 The.

00:26:03.199 --> 00:26:03.719
 In a sense.

00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:04.579
 The storyline.

00:26:04.899 --> 00:26:05.319
 For a moment.

00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:06.599
 First parable.

00:26:06.699 --> 00:26:07.959
 We find in verse 44.

00:26:08.659 --> 00:26:09.679
 The kingdom of heaven.

00:26:09.679 --> 00:26:10.500
 Is like treasure.

00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:11.299
 Hidden in a field.

00:26:11.439 --> 00:26:11.559
 Now.

00:26:11.959 --> 00:26:13.000
 Up on your screen there.

00:26:13.119 --> 00:26:13.619
 You'll see.

00:26:13.979 --> 00:26:15.359
 A silver hoard.

00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:16.719
 From a place called Dor.

00:26:16.839 --> 00:26:17.779
 In the Middle East.

00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:18.939
 Almost.

00:26:19.119 --> 00:26:20.039
 In 1998.

00:26:20.479 --> 00:26:20.919
 Archaeologists.

00:26:21.159 --> 00:26:21.759
 Dug up.

00:26:21.859 --> 00:26:22.259
 Almost.

00:26:22.879 --> 00:26:23.899
 500 grams.

00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:24.599
 Of silver.

00:26:25.159 --> 00:26:25.639
 Hidden.

00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:27.219
 In a clay pot.

00:26:27.919 --> 00:26:29.119
 And that pot.

00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:30.559
 As they did analysis.

00:26:30.719 --> 00:26:32.319
 Dates from the 10th century BC.

00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:34.699
 That's a very old pot.

00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:35.679
 Very old silver.

00:26:36.159 --> 00:26:36.899
 And so they.

00:26:36.959 --> 00:26:37.839
 They presume.

00:26:38.399 --> 00:26:39.279
 That it must have been buried.

00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:40.559
 In a time of war.

00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:42.779
 A time of insecurity.

00:26:43.299 --> 00:26:44.579
 A time when it made sense.

00:26:44.579 --> 00:26:45.679
 To guard.

00:26:45.679 --> 00:26:46.759
 To hide your wealth.

00:26:46.859 --> 00:26:47.879
 And presumably the owner.

00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:49.359
 Was then unable.

00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:51.079
 To recover it.

00:26:51.139 --> 00:26:51.599
 But that's.

00:26:51.899 --> 00:26:52.379
 In a sense.

00:26:52.500 --> 00:26:53.659
 The picture that we have.

00:26:53.779 --> 00:26:54.720
 In the first parable.

00:26:54.819 --> 00:26:55.399
 There's a field.

00:26:55.480 --> 00:26:55.879
 And someone's.

00:26:56.179 --> 00:26:57.500
 Hidden treasure in it.

00:26:57.539 --> 00:26:58.699
 But then someone else comes.

00:26:58.779 --> 00:26:59.960
 And there's this incredible.

00:27:00.619 --> 00:27:01.720
 Accidental discovery.

00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:03.659
 A vast treasure is found.

00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:05.859
 Second parable.

00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:07.199
 Slightly different discovery.

00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:09.200
 Because you have a merchant.

00:27:09.400 --> 00:27:09.759
 And he's.

00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:12.019
 Looking for fine pearls.

00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:14.660
 He's on a quest.

00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:16.039
 He's giving his life.

00:27:16.600 --> 00:27:17.440
 To borrow.

00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:18.480
 From Tolkien.

00:27:18.620 --> 00:27:19.680
 Searching for the precious.

00:27:20.660 --> 00:27:22.580
 That pearl of ultimate praise.

00:27:23.420 --> 00:27:24.340
 But then the parables.

00:27:24.620 --> 00:27:25.019
 Are.

00:27:25.380 --> 00:27:25.920
 Match up.

00:27:26.380 --> 00:27:27.799
 Because the thing of supreme value.

00:27:27.920 --> 00:27:28.460
 Is found.

00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:30.220
 Each person.

00:27:30.920 --> 00:27:31.420
 Recognizes.

00:27:31.519 --> 00:27:32.920
 The value of what's been discovered.

00:27:33.500 --> 00:27:34.600
 They are persuaded.

00:27:35.080 --> 00:27:36.140
 That it's worth.

00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:37.180
 A great cost.

00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:37.920
 To possess.

00:27:38.600 --> 00:27:39.620
 And there is joy.

00:27:40.360 --> 00:27:41.420
 In the possessing of it.

00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:45.400
 Another couple of things.

00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.500
 That we might want to.

00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:48.059
 Know in passing.

00:27:49.620 --> 00:27:51.840
 This idea of hidden treasure.

00:27:52.420 --> 00:27:53.380
 Maybe helpfully.

00:27:53.480 --> 00:27:54.360
 Connects us with.

00:27:54.819 --> 00:27:56.240
 The idea of a hidden kingdom.

00:27:56.920 --> 00:27:57.740
 The idea that.

00:27:58.059 --> 00:27:58.720
 The kingdom of heaven.

00:27:58.940 --> 00:27:59.900
 Often didn't match up.

00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.840
 With expectations.

00:28:01.860 --> 00:28:02.319
 And indeed.

00:28:02.420 --> 00:28:02.960
 Jesus.

00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:03.920
 Earlier on.

00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:04.539
 Earlier on.

00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:04.920
 In.

00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:06.340
 Matthew 13.

00:28:06.339 --> 00:28:06.939
 He spoke about.

00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:08.740
 The teaching of the parables.

00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:10.779
 Serving both to reveal.

00:28:11.439 --> 00:28:11.819
 And.

00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:12.859
 To conceal.

00:28:14.399 --> 00:28:14.839
 And so perhaps.

00:28:14.919 --> 00:28:15.439
 The hidden treasure.

00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:16.519
 Helps us to think of that.

00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:18.019
 Perhaps.

00:28:18.139 --> 00:28:18.799
 The different ways.

00:28:18.859 --> 00:28:19.500
 That these are found.

00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:20.439
 Might make us think of.

00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:21.720
 Here's two different ways.

00:28:21.779 --> 00:28:22.759
 That people find Jesus.

00:28:23.220 --> 00:28:24.039
 So the New Testament.

00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:24.519
 Scholar.

00:28:24.619 --> 00:28:25.299
 Don Carson.

00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:26.839
 Suggests that.

00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:29.039
 That the treasure finder.

00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.899
 Stumbles upon it.

00:28:30.899 --> 00:28:31.319
 By accident.

00:28:31.399 --> 00:28:32.779
 Perhaps represents someone who.

00:28:33.460 --> 00:28:34.919
 Comes to faith in the Lord Jesus.

00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:37.059
 And they really weren't looking for him.

00:28:37.720 --> 00:28:40.359
 Perhaps they just happened to walk into church one day.

00:28:41.059 --> 00:28:42.079
 Perhaps they were invited.

00:28:42.599 --> 00:28:43.419
 To a meeting.

00:28:43.419 --> 00:28:44.019
 Or a.

00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:45.419
 Church service.

00:28:45.419 --> 00:28:46.139
 By a friend.

00:28:46.359 --> 00:28:47.579
 Not expecting anything.

00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:49.519
 And then they heard the good news of Jesus.

00:28:49.839 --> 00:28:50.639
 And instantly.

00:28:50.800 --> 00:28:51.580
 That person was saved.

00:28:51.640 --> 00:28:51.920
 That's what.

00:28:52.040 --> 00:28:53.380
 That's the way some people come to faith.

00:28:53.520 --> 00:28:53.840
 Perhaps.

00:28:54.320 --> 00:28:56.480
 That's some of our story here today.

00:28:57.360 --> 00:28:57.880
 Perhaps.

00:28:58.320 --> 00:28:58.820
 The merchant.

00:28:58.980 --> 00:28:59.740
 Who's searching.

00:29:00.759 --> 00:29:01.280
 Represents.

00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:02.160
 The person.

00:29:02.580 --> 00:29:03.000
 Where.

00:29:03.360 --> 00:29:04.860
 Coming to trust in Jesus.

00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:05.860
 Takes a long time.

00:29:06.840 --> 00:29:07.360
 Considering.

00:29:07.800 --> 00:29:08.280
 The Bible.

00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:08.860
 Considering.

00:29:08.860 --> 00:29:10.360
 The truth claims of Jesus.

00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:11.420
 Before.

00:29:12.259 --> 00:29:12.700
 Recognizing.

00:29:12.820 --> 00:29:13.240
 He is.

00:29:13.560 --> 00:29:14.680
 Who he says he is.

00:29:14.780 --> 00:29:16.120
 But that's not the main point.

00:29:16.120 --> 00:29:16.840
 Of the parable.

00:29:16.920 --> 00:29:18.440
 The parable focuses on the same point.

00:29:18.900 --> 00:29:19.660
 The kingdom of heaven.

00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:21.480
 Is a priceless treasure.

00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:23.680
 Knowing Christ.

00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.980
 Being in his kingdom.

00:29:25.320 --> 00:29:26.019
 Is worth.

00:29:26.360 --> 00:29:26.680
 Any.

00:29:27.060 --> 00:29:27.540
 Cost.

00:29:28.840 --> 00:29:30.220
 And both of these parables.

00:29:30.400 --> 00:29:31.180
 Speak about cost.

00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:32.120
 And that's really important.

00:29:32.120 --> 00:29:33.860
 Because Jesus is always honest.

00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:36.220
 And he did speak about the cost.

00:29:36.300 --> 00:29:37.060
 Of discipleship.

00:29:38.360 --> 00:29:39.779
 He does encourage us.

00:29:39.860 --> 00:29:39.980
 To.

00:29:40.180 --> 00:29:41.259
 To say that just as.

00:29:41.620 --> 00:29:43.100
 Jesus carried his cross.

00:29:43.100 --> 00:29:44.180
 So we are invited.

00:29:44.360 --> 00:29:45.759
 To take up our crosses daily.

00:29:45.880 --> 00:29:46.940
 To be ready to die.

00:29:47.100 --> 00:29:47.580
 For self.

00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:49.240
 To leave behind.

00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:49.440
 And.

00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:51.079
 Sinful patterns.

00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:52.000
 Of behavior.

00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:53.519
 Perhaps.

00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:54.940
 To suffer losses.

00:29:55.180 --> 00:29:55.440
 Perhaps.

00:29:55.519 --> 00:29:56.079
 We will lose.

00:29:56.559 --> 00:29:57.039
 Friendships.

00:29:57.140 --> 00:29:57.440
 Perhaps.

00:29:57.440 --> 00:29:58.799
 We will find ourselves.

00:29:58.799 --> 00:29:59.079
 Being.

00:29:59.819 --> 00:30:00.279
 Marginalized.

00:30:00.380 --> 00:30:00.440
 Or.

00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:02.000
 Missing out on promotions.

00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:02.440
 Because.

00:30:02.759 --> 00:30:03.920
 Of our faith in Jesus.

00:30:05.519 --> 00:30:06.480
 So we're invited.

00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:08.200
 To consider the cost.

00:30:09.200 --> 00:30:10.059
 And the parable.

00:30:10.059 --> 00:30:11.000
 Also reminds us.

00:30:11.099 --> 00:30:11.759
 That there is action.

00:30:11.859 --> 00:30:12.859
 That must be taken.

00:30:13.660 --> 00:30:14.559
 If we are to possess.

00:30:14.559 --> 00:30:15.480
 This joy.

00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:17.099
 If we are to possess.

00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:18.140
 This treasure.

00:30:19.160 --> 00:30:20.380
 And we aren't just to sort of.

00:30:20.559 --> 00:30:22.140
 Stand and look casually at it.

00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:23.680
 We are to receive it.

00:30:24.259 --> 00:30:24.880
 And so the parable.

00:30:25.259 --> 00:30:26.259
 It takes us.

00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:27.160
 There.

00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:29.880
 And let me just say.

00:30:29.980 --> 00:30:30.779
 If you're not a Christian.

00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:31.460
 Here today.

00:30:31.460 --> 00:30:32.420
 And you're thinking about this.

00:30:32.480 --> 00:30:33.259
 Maybe this is new.

00:30:33.960 --> 00:30:35.599
 Talk to a Christian friend.

00:30:36.640 --> 00:30:37.180
 I think when you.

00:30:37.680 --> 00:30:38.960
 Listen to Christians.

00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:39.940
 Tell their story.

00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:40.640
 Many of them.

00:30:40.799 --> 00:30:42.180
 Will speak about cost.

00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:44.220
 But we'll also be able to say.

00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:44.779
 Yes.

00:30:44.860 --> 00:30:45.400
 There is cost.

00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:46.000
 But absolutely.

00:30:46.140 --> 00:30:46.700
 It's worth it.

00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:47.420
 It's worth it.

00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.160
 To know Jesus.

00:30:50.160 --> 00:30:50.880
 One person.

00:30:51.060 --> 00:30:51.160
 Who.

00:30:51.580 --> 00:30:52.500
 Very publicly.

00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:54.200
 Testified to that.

00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:54.620
 Was a.

00:30:54.620 --> 00:30:55.160
 A chap.

00:30:55.220 --> 00:30:55.779
 By the name of.

00:30:55.940 --> 00:30:57.000
 Nabeel Qureshi.

00:30:57.620 --> 00:30:58.340
 And maybe some of you.

00:30:58.440 --> 00:30:59.180
 Have read his book.

00:30:59.259 --> 00:31:00.420
 Called Seeking Allah.

00:31:01.120 --> 00:31:02.019
 Finding Jesus.

00:31:02.200 --> 00:31:02.680
 So he was.

00:31:03.180 --> 00:31:03.880
 Raised in a.

00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:04.820
 A Muslim family.

00:31:04.960 --> 00:31:06.019
 Following the Muslim faith.

00:31:06.019 --> 00:31:06.380
 But then.

00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:07.860
 He became friends.

00:31:07.860 --> 00:31:08.600
 With a Christian.

00:31:09.120 --> 00:31:09.680
 And this man.

00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:10.660
 Nabeel Qureshi.

00:31:10.720 --> 00:31:12.019
 Over six years.

00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:12.680
 Find himself.

00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:13.400
 Wrestling.

00:31:13.519 --> 00:31:14.079
 With questions.

00:31:14.079 --> 00:31:14.779
 Of truth.

00:31:15.700 --> 00:31:16.339
 Wrestling.

00:31:16.559 --> 00:31:16.779
 With.

00:31:17.579 --> 00:31:18.920
 Who is Jesus.

00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:19.639
 Really.

00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:21.660
 Probing deeply.

00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:22.740
 Asking lots of questions.

00:31:22.819 --> 00:31:23.220
 Until.

00:31:24.099 --> 00:31:25.319
 He was persuaded.

00:31:25.460 --> 00:31:26.799
 That Jesus is the son of God.

00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:27.359
 And the savior.

00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.480
 And his life was changed.

00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:30.059
 And in his book.

00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:30.660
 And in his story.

00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:31.379
 He talked about.

00:31:31.480 --> 00:31:32.079
 The cost.

00:31:32.200 --> 00:31:32.759
 That that brought.

00:31:32.900 --> 00:31:33.639
 Within his family.

00:31:33.759 --> 00:31:34.639
 Within his community.

00:31:35.700 --> 00:31:36.160
 Shunned.

00:31:36.200 --> 00:31:36.819
 And rejected.

00:31:37.660 --> 00:31:38.220
 For becoming.

00:31:38.400 --> 00:31:39.319
 A Christ follower.

00:31:39.319 --> 00:31:41.099
 He died.

00:31:41.099 --> 00:31:42.059
 A few years ago.

00:31:42.059 --> 00:31:43.480
 But his wonderful testimony.

00:31:43.480 --> 00:31:43.919
 Was that.

00:31:44.159 --> 00:31:45.019
 He died.

00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:45.700
 As he lived.

00:31:45.700 --> 00:31:47.539
 With no regrets.

00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:49.039
 Joyful.

00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:50.799
 For having found.

00:31:51.039 --> 00:31:52.039
 The Lord Jesus.

00:31:52.679 --> 00:31:53.599
 That's a wonderful book.

00:31:53.679 --> 00:31:54.439
 Very dramatic.

00:31:55.099 --> 00:31:55.619
 Story.

00:31:55.740 --> 00:31:56.480
 In many senses.

00:31:57.819 --> 00:31:59.220
 Let me give a far more.

00:31:59.899 --> 00:32:00.460
 Mundane.

00:32:00.779 --> 00:32:01.339
 In a sense.

00:32:01.559 --> 00:32:02.700
 But a far more personal.

00:32:03.700 --> 00:32:04.179
 Reflection.

00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:06.220
 On this.

00:32:06.340 --> 00:32:08.140
 Just for a few moments.

00:32:09.340 --> 00:32:10.420
 Tuesday evening.

00:32:10.600 --> 00:32:12.160
 Let me just share my Tuesday evening.

00:32:12.320 --> 00:32:12.799
 For a few minutes.

00:32:12.880 --> 00:32:12.980
 So.

00:32:13.460 --> 00:32:14.140
 I guess.

00:32:14.240 --> 00:32:15.759
 We will all have weeks like this.

00:32:15.840 --> 00:32:16.019
 Where.

00:32:16.400 --> 00:32:17.440
 We find ourselves.

00:32:17.440 --> 00:32:17.900
 Feeling.

00:32:18.340 --> 00:32:18.779
 Exhausted.

00:32:19.140 --> 00:32:20.240
 And overwhelmed.

00:32:20.880 --> 00:32:22.000
 With circumstances.

00:32:22.220 --> 00:32:22.860
 And to-do lists.

00:32:22.960 --> 00:32:23.380
 And what not.

00:32:23.440 --> 00:32:24.340
 Well that was my story.

00:32:24.460 --> 00:32:25.240
 On Tuesday evening.

00:32:25.320 --> 00:32:25.820
 And I was.

00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:26.759
 Cycling over.

00:32:27.680 --> 00:32:28.080
 Towards.

00:32:28.259 --> 00:32:29.220
 A church meeting.

00:32:29.279 --> 00:32:30.700
 A meeting of our presbytery.

00:32:30.840 --> 00:32:30.980
 So.

00:32:31.100 --> 00:32:31.940
 So various ministers.

00:32:32.060 --> 00:32:32.340
 And elders.

00:32:32.480 --> 00:32:32.880
 Gathering.

00:32:33.100 --> 00:32:33.900
 And as I was cycling.

00:32:33.900 --> 00:32:34.780
 And I'd been reading this.

00:32:34.820 --> 00:32:35.200
 In the morning.

00:32:35.860 --> 00:32:37.140
 The title of a hymn.

00:32:37.240 --> 00:32:37.860
 Came to my mind.

00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:39.100
 Christ my treasure.

00:32:39.820 --> 00:32:40.420
 It's a really.

00:32:40.600 --> 00:32:41.519
 A good modern hymn.

00:32:41.580 --> 00:32:42.440
 If you haven't heard it.

00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:44.000
 And so I was beginning.

00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:45.019
 To think about that title.

00:32:45.120 --> 00:32:45.720
 Christ my treasure.

00:32:45.800 --> 00:32:46.420
 And I was sat down.

00:32:46.519 --> 00:32:47.440
 For a presbytery meeting.

00:32:48.080 --> 00:32:49.500
 And the person in charge.

00:32:49.500 --> 00:32:50.120
 Of the meeting.

00:32:50.400 --> 00:32:50.759
 Read.

00:32:51.820 --> 00:32:52.700
 Ephesians chapter one.

00:32:52.780 --> 00:32:53.800
 Which Steve read for us.

00:32:55.660 --> 00:32:55.820
 Yeah.

00:32:55.860 --> 00:32:56.720
 I'm feeling exhausted.

00:32:56.860 --> 00:32:57.440
 And overwhelmed.

00:32:57.640 --> 00:32:58.460
 And God in his kindness.

00:32:59.100 --> 00:33:00.540
 Every spiritual blessing.

00:33:00.540 --> 00:33:01.740
 That's ours in Christ.

00:33:02.080 --> 00:33:03.019
 In Ephesians one.

00:33:03.019 --> 00:33:03.460
 Past.

00:33:03.619 --> 00:33:03.940
 Present.

00:33:04.099 --> 00:33:04.440
 Future.

00:33:04.980 --> 00:33:05.740
 God's grace.

00:33:06.039 --> 00:33:06.940
 On full display.

00:33:07.779 --> 00:33:08.839
 And you know that meeting.

00:33:09.019 --> 00:33:09.779
 Which you know.

00:33:10.019 --> 00:33:11.519
 If you've ever been to a church meeting.

00:33:11.619 --> 00:33:12.339
 They're not typically.

00:33:12.500 --> 00:33:14.259
 Sort of full of excitement.

00:33:15.220 --> 00:33:15.599
 But.

00:33:16.359 --> 00:33:18.000
 It was a wonderful moment for me.

00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:19.059
 So we were up.

00:33:19.180 --> 00:33:20.339
 At the top of the Royal Mile.

00:33:20.579 --> 00:33:20.740
 And.

00:33:21.619 --> 00:33:22.799
 It's getting busy in the city.

00:33:22.940 --> 00:33:24.079
 And so you could hear outside.

00:33:24.180 --> 00:33:25.000
 All the excitement.

00:33:25.099 --> 00:33:26.700
 And we saw all the crowds coming in.

00:33:26.720 --> 00:33:27.460
 So there was lots of noise.

00:33:27.460 --> 00:33:28.740
 And excitement going on outside.

00:33:28.900 --> 00:33:30.059
 People enjoying the city.

00:33:30.759 --> 00:33:31.599
 Enjoying the holiday.

00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:32.899
 But you know.

00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:34.759
 That was nothing compared to the joy.

00:33:35.319 --> 00:33:36.719
 Of us gathering together.

00:33:36.859 --> 00:33:38.539
 As little groups of four and five.

00:33:38.659 --> 00:33:39.879
 Believers in Christ.

00:33:40.519 --> 00:33:41.639
 And bowing our heads.

00:33:41.740 --> 00:33:42.740
 And praying together.

00:33:43.379 --> 00:33:45.079
 And worshipping God our Father.

00:33:45.179 --> 00:33:46.439
 And praying for one another.

00:33:47.639 --> 00:33:48.639
 Do you know that moment.

00:33:49.879 --> 00:33:51.439
 Was one of just realising.

00:33:51.559 --> 00:33:52.699
 The incredible privilege.

00:33:52.859 --> 00:33:53.619
 That we have.

00:33:54.159 --> 00:33:55.099
 As Christians.

00:33:55.099 --> 00:33:57.359
 The tragedy.

00:33:57.500 --> 00:33:59.059
 That so many people around us.

00:33:59.139 --> 00:34:00.419
 Have no clue.

00:34:01.119 --> 00:34:02.279
 And no care.

00:34:02.919 --> 00:34:03.819
 About Christ.

00:34:03.899 --> 00:34:05.119
 And how much he is worth.

00:34:06.019 --> 00:34:07.559
 And so I find myself reflecting.

00:34:08.099 --> 00:34:09.679
 Over the next day or two.

00:34:10.079 --> 00:34:10.279
 You know.

00:34:10.299 --> 00:34:11.440
 When we talk about Christ.

00:34:11.539 --> 00:34:12.019
 Our treasure.

00:34:12.119 --> 00:34:12.579
 What do we mean?

00:34:12.599 --> 00:34:14.019
 What do I mean by that?

00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:15.599
 So let me just.

00:34:15.779 --> 00:34:16.759
 Let me just share.

00:34:17.420 --> 00:34:17.940
 For me.

00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:19.119
 When I think about Christ.

00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:20.219
 As my treasure.

00:34:21.659 --> 00:34:23.039
 The first thing that comes to me.

00:34:23.039 --> 00:34:24.980
 Is just his amazing grace.

00:34:26.179 --> 00:34:27.539
 There is grace for us.

00:34:27.599 --> 00:34:29.519
 There is God's undeserved kindness.

00:34:29.519 --> 00:34:30.559
 For us.

00:34:31.779 --> 00:34:32.619
 In weakness.

00:34:33.259 --> 00:34:34.340
 In failure.

00:34:35.239 --> 00:34:36.259
 In anxiety.

00:34:36.920 --> 00:34:37.639
 In burdens.

00:34:37.779 --> 00:34:40.719
 All of that met by his all sufficient grace.

00:34:42.179 --> 00:34:43.920
 How precious it is.

00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:44.659
 To remember.

00:34:45.059 --> 00:34:47.019
 The king of heaven is for me.

00:34:47.079 --> 00:34:47.539
 His power.

00:34:47.639 --> 00:34:48.820
 His grace is for me.

00:34:50.380 --> 00:34:51.460
 That Tuesday evening.

00:34:51.460 --> 00:34:53.400
 I was also profoundly grateful.

00:34:54.119 --> 00:34:55.360
 For friendship.

00:34:56.920 --> 00:34:58.320
 Friendship in the first instance.

00:34:58.320 --> 00:34:59.280
 With Jesus.

00:34:59.280 --> 00:35:00.960
 As the loving saviour.

00:35:02.880 --> 00:35:03.639
 Think about that.

00:35:03.679 --> 00:35:05.139
 He is the king of all glory.

00:35:05.220 --> 00:35:06.360
 The eternal son of God.

00:35:06.559 --> 00:35:07.960
 And he promises.

00:35:09.420 --> 00:35:11.119
 To be present with his people.

00:35:11.900 --> 00:35:13.699
 To never leave us alone.

00:35:14.820 --> 00:35:16.340
 And he is guaranteed.

00:35:17.059 --> 00:35:18.940
 He will always be praying for us.

00:35:18.940 --> 00:35:21.599
 Now that's a treasure.

00:35:23.039 --> 00:35:25.220
 And not only do we enjoy friendship with Jesus.

00:35:26.400 --> 00:35:27.920
 And so many people notice this.

00:35:28.000 --> 00:35:29.500
 When you move to a new city as a Christian.

00:35:29.619 --> 00:35:31.079
 You find community in a church.

00:35:31.119 --> 00:35:31.720
 And people wonder.

00:35:32.700 --> 00:35:34.240
 How do you know so many people?

00:35:34.539 --> 00:35:35.940
 And that's that wonderful reality.

00:35:36.400 --> 00:35:38.159
 That when we're friends with the Lord Jesus.

00:35:38.320 --> 00:35:40.139
 We are built into the body of Christ.

00:35:40.179 --> 00:35:41.800
 So we have family.

00:35:42.639 --> 00:35:43.700
 A wide family.

00:35:43.780 --> 00:35:44.579
 A diverse family.

00:35:44.579 --> 00:35:45.280
 It's wonderful.

00:35:45.280 --> 00:35:50.220
 And when I was thinking about Christ as my treasure.

00:35:50.320 --> 00:35:52.940
 I was also thinking about the peace that Jesus brings.

00:35:55.120 --> 00:35:57.560
 By nature I would be both anxious.

00:35:57.780 --> 00:35:59.120
 And have a tendency towards.

00:35:59.440 --> 00:36:00.740
 Feeling really guilty.

00:36:00.880 --> 00:36:01.980
 And burdened a lot of the time.

00:36:02.019 --> 00:36:03.580
 But there's that wonderful reality.

00:36:04.320 --> 00:36:07.060
 That Jesus has paid the price to redeem me.

00:36:07.120 --> 00:36:08.940
 And to reconcile me to God.

00:36:08.960 --> 00:36:09.900
 And when I sin.

00:36:09.940 --> 00:36:10.860
 And I do sin.

00:36:10.860 --> 00:36:12.980
 Then I can quickly confess.

00:36:13.200 --> 00:36:14.060
 Freely confess.

00:36:14.059 --> 00:36:14.539
 Yes.

00:36:15.599 --> 00:36:16.639
 Knowing I'm accepted.

00:36:17.679 --> 00:36:19.480
 And there's a wonderful peace that comes.

00:36:19.579 --> 00:36:22.000
 When we know that our lives are right with our God.

00:36:23.279 --> 00:36:25.539
 And that's the treasure Jesus talks about.

00:36:26.860 --> 00:36:29.900
 There's also this wonderful treasure that we have in Jesus.

00:36:30.059 --> 00:36:31.619
 When we think about purpose.

00:36:33.099 --> 00:36:35.960
 Probably all of us at some point will ask ourselves the question.

00:36:36.059 --> 00:36:37.079
 Why am I here?

00:36:37.679 --> 00:36:39.279
 What is life all about?

00:36:39.280 --> 00:36:41.640
 And Jesus.

00:36:41.760 --> 00:36:43.780
 Knowing Jesus answers that question.

00:36:44.640 --> 00:36:47.420
 Because when we belong to Jesus the King.

00:36:47.920 --> 00:36:50.420
 Our everyday life now has eternal significance.

00:36:51.260 --> 00:36:52.460
 All that I do.

00:36:53.340 --> 00:36:54.019
 Matters.

00:36:54.820 --> 00:36:57.760
 I can wash dishes to the glory of God.

00:36:59.260 --> 00:37:00.960
 That's a wonderful truth.

00:37:00.960 --> 00:37:06.119
 And it made me think too about destiny.

00:37:07.980 --> 00:37:11.199
 Think about what hope do we have.

00:37:12.360 --> 00:37:14.480
 When Christ is my treasure.

00:37:15.539 --> 00:37:17.619
 I know I have eternal security.

00:37:18.619 --> 00:37:20.079
 I know that nothing.

00:37:20.639 --> 00:37:22.579
 Can separate me from the love of God.

00:37:22.619 --> 00:37:23.659
 That's in Christ Jesus.

00:37:24.340 --> 00:37:26.099
 So my future is secured.

00:37:26.099 --> 00:37:29.019
 When Christ is my treasure.

00:37:33.019 --> 00:37:36.420
 We live in a trading society.

00:37:37.539 --> 00:37:40.940
 We live in a time where we're upgrading things all the time.

00:37:41.639 --> 00:37:44.179
 Where we cancel our contracts anytime.

00:37:45.299 --> 00:37:48.319
 And you know we don't just do that with our phones and our electronics.

00:37:49.679 --> 00:37:50.159
 Sadly.

00:37:50.920 --> 00:37:52.960
 People are doing that with their relationships.

00:37:52.960 --> 00:37:56.280
 People are doing that with their churches.

00:37:58.780 --> 00:37:59.579
 Trading in.

00:37:59.820 --> 00:38:00.619
 Trading up.

00:38:01.519 --> 00:38:02.920
 And what does that all represent?

00:38:04.420 --> 00:38:05.780
 Deep down at heart.

00:38:05.960 --> 00:38:08.519
 That represents a spiritual thirst.

00:38:09.539 --> 00:38:12.019
 I am looking for the one thing.

00:38:12.539 --> 00:38:14.699
 That is going to truly satisfy me.

00:38:15.460 --> 00:38:17.300
 I am searching for the one thing.

00:38:17.360 --> 00:38:18.220
 That when I have it.

00:38:18.260 --> 00:38:19.179
 I will be someone.

00:38:19.260 --> 00:38:20.240
 And I will have something.

00:38:20.239 --> 00:38:24.559
 And what the Bible would have us to know.

00:38:24.619 --> 00:38:26.500
 And what Jesus would have us understand.

00:38:26.739 --> 00:38:28.019
 Is that spiritual thirst.

00:38:28.139 --> 00:38:30.179
 That longing will only ever be met.

00:38:30.279 --> 00:38:31.359
 By meeting Jesus.

00:38:31.979 --> 00:38:33.279
 And treasuring him.

00:38:33.979 --> 00:38:35.259
 There is no job.

00:38:35.419 --> 00:38:36.519
 There is no relationship.

00:38:36.759 --> 00:38:37.839
 There is no gadget.

00:38:37.979 --> 00:38:39.699
 That matches up.

00:38:41.479 --> 00:38:42.839
 To knowing and being loved.

00:38:42.959 --> 00:38:44.459
 By the eternal son of God.

00:38:46.679 --> 00:38:48.379
 To use the words of the old hymn.

00:38:48.380 --> 00:38:50.140
 And maybe some of us know it.

00:38:50.180 --> 00:38:51.740
 Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

00:38:52.340 --> 00:38:54.119
 And look full on his wonderful face.

00:38:54.160 --> 00:38:55.039
 And the things of earth.

00:38:56.000 --> 00:38:57.680
 Will grow strangely dim.

00:38:57.720 --> 00:38:59.480
 In the light of his glory and grace.

00:39:00.800 --> 00:39:03.380
 It is an invitation to compare and contrast.

00:39:04.019 --> 00:39:05.260
 What is treasure really?

00:39:07.260 --> 00:39:09.860
 How valuable is Christ in the kingdom to me?

00:39:09.860 --> 00:39:14.000
 To see Jesus as God's king.

00:39:14.579 --> 00:39:18.019
 To believe he is the suffering servant king.

00:39:18.740 --> 00:39:23.900
 To know that he is the risen, glorified, really in heaven king.

00:39:24.039 --> 00:39:25.900
 And to receive him by faith.

00:39:26.400 --> 00:39:28.480
 Trusting and turning to him.

00:39:29.519 --> 00:39:30.660
 Is to have joy.

00:39:34.000 --> 00:39:36.000
 To have joy beyond compare.

00:39:36.000 --> 00:39:39.500
 So when this parable is calling us to action.

00:39:39.579 --> 00:39:41.099
 And it is calling us to action.

00:39:41.099 --> 00:39:42.260
 Because it is saying to us.

00:39:42.659 --> 00:39:44.000
 Consider the cost.

00:39:44.480 --> 00:39:45.739
 Consider the value.

00:39:46.900 --> 00:39:49.920
 But it is a call to our deepest joy.

00:39:51.539 --> 00:39:52.860
 It is not a hardship.

00:39:53.860 --> 00:39:54.960
 To follow Jesus.

00:39:56.340 --> 00:39:57.280
 It is a joy.

00:39:58.019 --> 00:39:59.099
 It is an eternal joy.

00:39:59.619 --> 00:40:00.860
 It is the value of the kingdom.

00:40:00.860 --> 00:40:06.019
 Let's move from there to the last of the three parables.

00:40:06.140 --> 00:40:09.880
 To think about the separation of the kingdom of heaven.

00:40:09.960 --> 00:40:11.280
 This parable of the net.

00:40:12.160 --> 00:40:13.620
 Now this is a parable I can relate to.

00:40:13.680 --> 00:40:16.140
 So my first, inverted commas, job.

00:40:16.740 --> 00:40:17.579
 So I was 11.

00:40:18.260 --> 00:40:22.460
 I spent about maybe two weeks picking whelks.

00:40:22.760 --> 00:40:23.980
 So like small sea creatures.

00:40:24.900 --> 00:40:26.559
 So I grew up in Skye.

00:40:26.680 --> 00:40:28.019
 Grew up on the shore of a sea loch.

00:40:28.019 --> 00:40:33.039
 And so we spent a couple of weeks picking little whelks off the rocks.

00:40:33.099 --> 00:40:34.099
 In order to fill a bag.

00:40:34.159 --> 00:40:35.179
 Probably this high.

00:40:35.679 --> 00:40:38.079
 To then sell to a local fisherman.

00:40:38.179 --> 00:40:39.079
 Well I was delighted.

00:40:39.719 --> 00:40:40.900
 As I saw my bag.

00:40:41.139 --> 00:40:43.079
 There was one day my bag just rocketed.

00:40:43.639 --> 00:40:44.739
 And it was wonderful.

00:40:45.420 --> 00:40:48.159
 To get to the stage of the bag being full.

00:40:48.659 --> 00:40:49.960
 And for the fisherman to come.

00:40:50.639 --> 00:40:51.699
 And I was feeling so glad.

00:40:51.780 --> 00:40:53.099
 I was counting up the cash.

00:40:53.780 --> 00:40:55.980
 Until it was weighing time.

00:40:55.980 --> 00:40:58.400
 And what I didn't think to check.

00:40:58.980 --> 00:41:01.579
 As a naive 11 year old.

00:41:01.659 --> 00:41:04.159
 Was to check whether all of the shells that I collected.

00:41:04.800 --> 00:41:07.199
 Actually had living things inside of them.

00:41:07.740 --> 00:41:11.480
 And it turns out probably about 50% of my haul.

00:41:12.199 --> 00:41:13.059
 Was worthless.

00:41:13.880 --> 00:41:16.219
 And so my treasure diminished.

00:41:16.880 --> 00:41:19.119
 As my empty shells were thrown away.

00:41:19.760 --> 00:41:20.699
 There was a gathering.

00:41:21.320 --> 00:41:22.780
 And then there was a separating.

00:41:24.119 --> 00:41:25.079
 That's our parable.

00:41:25.079 --> 00:41:27.420
 Verse 47.

00:41:28.079 --> 00:41:34.360
 There's the gathering.

00:41:35.079 --> 00:41:35.699
 When it was full.

00:41:35.819 --> 00:41:37.239
 The fishermen pulled it up on the shore.

00:41:37.340 --> 00:41:40.079
 Then they sat down and collected the good fish and baskets.

00:41:40.460 --> 00:41:42.179
 But threw the bad away.

00:41:42.639 --> 00:41:43.719
 There's the separating.

00:41:43.719 --> 00:41:46.119
 This parable is based on drag net fishing.

00:41:46.840 --> 00:41:48.500
 So you'd hook up a net.

00:41:48.559 --> 00:41:49.340
 Between two boats.

00:41:49.440 --> 00:41:50.980
 Drive the boats along.

00:41:51.079 --> 00:41:52.420
 Maybe parallel to the shore.

00:41:52.420 --> 00:41:54.000
 When there was enough weight.

00:41:54.139 --> 00:41:54.940
 When there was enough fish.

00:41:55.260 --> 00:41:56.900
 You would then take them in.

00:41:57.360 --> 00:41:59.000
 Take the net up onto the shore.

00:41:59.400 --> 00:42:00.019
 And then separate.

00:42:00.180 --> 00:42:01.000
 And of course.

00:42:01.599 --> 00:42:03.039
 Jesus is telling this parable.

00:42:03.119 --> 00:42:04.139
 He would watch this.

00:42:04.280 --> 00:42:05.200
 Lots of times.

00:42:05.559 --> 00:42:06.740
 Along the lakeside.

00:42:07.300 --> 00:42:08.000
 And bear in mind.

00:42:08.260 --> 00:42:09.760
 That Jesus was Jewish.

00:42:10.480 --> 00:42:11.860
 And living in a Jewish community.

00:42:12.260 --> 00:42:12.820
 And for them.

00:42:12.880 --> 00:42:13.880
 A bad fish.

00:42:13.880 --> 00:42:16.360
 It was determined by the Old Testament law.

00:42:16.820 --> 00:42:18.640
 So they would have been separating as fishermen.

00:42:18.740 --> 00:42:20.599
 Any fish that didn't have scales or fins.

00:42:20.660 --> 00:42:21.920
 So there's good and there's bad.

00:42:22.760 --> 00:42:24.119
 But the focus of the parable.

00:42:24.220 --> 00:42:25.740
 And it's important that we see this.

00:42:26.660 --> 00:42:28.140
 It's not the gathering.

00:42:29.559 --> 00:42:31.599
 The focus is on the separating.

00:42:32.180 --> 00:42:33.260
 That takes place.

00:42:33.800 --> 00:42:35.240
 And we know this.

00:42:35.960 --> 00:42:37.700
 Because of the surprising detail.

00:42:37.699 --> 00:42:39.659
 So we said last week.

00:42:40.019 --> 00:42:42.159
 One way to know what's the point of a parable.

00:42:42.539 --> 00:42:44.659
 Is to look for the surprising detail.

00:42:45.079 --> 00:42:46.859
 Where the surprising detail here.

00:42:47.699 --> 00:42:51.119
 Is that the fish that are thrown away.

00:42:52.399 --> 00:42:53.759
 Where do they end up?

00:42:54.659 --> 00:42:55.559
 Verse 49.

00:42:57.019 --> 00:43:00.359
 The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous.

00:43:00.359 --> 00:43:05.079
 And throw them into the blazing furnace.

00:43:05.079 --> 00:43:07.119
 Where there will be weeping.

00:43:08.039 --> 00:43:09.639
 And gnashing of teeth.

00:43:10.739 --> 00:43:11.440
 So again.

00:43:11.539 --> 00:43:13.579
 Here's another section of teaching from Jesus.

00:43:13.739 --> 00:43:15.699
 That ends with a warning about judgment.

00:43:16.460 --> 00:43:17.819
 About eternal judgment.

00:43:18.340 --> 00:43:20.299
 About eternal separation from God.

00:43:20.360 --> 00:43:21.279
 And all that is good.

00:43:22.299 --> 00:43:24.119
 About a place of ultimate grief.

00:43:24.239 --> 00:43:24.840
 And sorrow.

00:43:26.659 --> 00:43:29.619
 Some separation details that we learn.

00:43:29.940 --> 00:43:30.920
 When does it happen?

00:43:31.519 --> 00:43:32.719
 Beginning of verse 49.

00:43:32.719 --> 00:43:34.900
 This is how it will be at the end of the age.

00:43:35.559 --> 00:43:36.799
 So in this parable.

00:43:36.960 --> 00:43:38.739
 Jesus is telling people.

00:43:38.860 --> 00:43:40.460
 That he will one day come back.

00:43:40.480 --> 00:43:41.579
 At the end of the age.

00:43:41.819 --> 00:43:44.319
 Bible pictures the return of Jesus the king.

00:43:44.799 --> 00:43:46.340
 When he comes to gather his own.

00:43:46.380 --> 00:43:49.159
 When he comes to judge the living and the dead.

00:43:49.420 --> 00:43:50.779
 The time when the Lord's prayer.

00:43:50.880 --> 00:43:51.819
 Your kingdom come.

00:43:51.940 --> 00:43:53.119
 Will be completed.

00:43:54.059 --> 00:43:56.880
 This is the time when judgment and salvation.

00:43:57.239 --> 00:43:58.360
 Will be complete.

00:43:58.360 --> 00:44:01.900
 This is the time when the world will be made new.

00:44:02.119 --> 00:44:04.039
 When sin will be destroyed forever.

00:44:04.039 --> 00:44:08.179
 When Jesus and his people will live together forever.

00:44:08.820 --> 00:44:09.920
 But only.

00:44:11.599 --> 00:44:13.099
 For those who have faith.

00:44:13.920 --> 00:44:16.579
 Only for those who have counted the cost.

00:44:17.099 --> 00:44:19.460
 And who have received the treasure.

00:44:19.460 --> 00:44:23.019
 How does the separation take place?

00:44:24.079 --> 00:44:25.220
 Verse 49 tells us.

00:44:25.280 --> 00:44:29.240
 It's a separation of the wicked from the righteous.

00:44:30.900 --> 00:44:33.199
 And so what we really need to think about as we close is.

00:44:33.820 --> 00:44:35.059
 Who is that?

00:44:35.179 --> 00:44:36.119
 Who are these categories?

00:44:36.240 --> 00:44:36.659
 Who are the wicked?

00:44:36.760 --> 00:44:37.340
 Who are the righteous?

00:44:38.699 --> 00:44:40.199
 And not just think about that generally.

00:44:40.300 --> 00:44:40.900
 Think about ourselves.

00:44:40.940 --> 00:44:42.340
 Which category am I in?

00:44:43.840 --> 00:44:44.619
 And not just that.

00:44:44.619 --> 00:44:47.420
 Think about what category do I want to be in?

00:44:48.699 --> 00:44:49.900
 To hear the words of Jesus.

00:44:50.019 --> 00:44:50.719
 To reflect on things.

00:44:50.759 --> 00:44:52.480
 Which category do I want to be in?

00:44:53.239 --> 00:44:55.299
 And what we understand from God's word.

00:44:55.440 --> 00:44:57.299
 And from Matthew 13.

00:44:57.639 --> 00:44:59.179
 Is that it all depends.

00:44:59.679 --> 00:45:01.179
 On our response to Jesus.

00:45:02.019 --> 00:45:02.900
 And to his word.

00:45:04.900 --> 00:45:06.460
 Think about how we respond.

00:45:06.460 --> 00:45:07.920
 To the mercy of Jesus.

00:45:07.920 --> 00:45:11.059
 So the righteous.

00:45:11.700 --> 00:45:13.440
 Are those who will say.

00:45:13.579 --> 00:45:14.639
 With all honesty.

00:45:15.200 --> 00:45:16.840
 I am a great sinner.

00:45:17.740 --> 00:45:19.840
 And God is a great saviour.

00:45:20.200 --> 00:45:22.099
 Jesus is a great saviour for me.

00:45:23.019 --> 00:45:23.960
 The righteous are those.

00:45:24.059 --> 00:45:25.599
 Who acknowledge their need.

00:45:25.880 --> 00:45:27.440
 Who acknowledge their sin.

00:45:27.880 --> 00:45:30.159
 And who turn to trust in Jesus as saviour.

00:45:31.980 --> 00:45:33.400
 Whereas the wicked are those.

00:45:33.559 --> 00:45:34.220
 Who do not.

00:45:35.159 --> 00:45:36.800
 Perhaps they don't see their need.

00:45:36.940 --> 00:45:37.500
 Of a saviour.

00:45:37.500 --> 00:45:39.079
 Or perhaps they don't acknowledge their sin.

00:45:39.099 --> 00:45:40.920
 Or perhaps they think they can save themselves.

00:45:43.840 --> 00:45:44.579
 Think about it.

00:45:44.579 --> 00:45:46.239
 In the sense of the beauty.

00:45:46.239 --> 00:45:47.340
 Of Jesus.

00:45:48.679 --> 00:45:49.579
 The righteous.

00:45:50.099 --> 00:45:50.619
 Are those.

00:45:51.280 --> 00:45:52.099
 Who see.

00:45:52.699 --> 00:45:54.400
 In Jesus perfect life.

00:45:55.480 --> 00:45:56.960
 His sacrificial death.

00:45:57.739 --> 00:45:59.420
 And his resurrection life.

00:46:01.099 --> 00:46:02.219
 His risen.

00:46:02.699 --> 00:46:03.780
 Glorious life.

00:46:04.500 --> 00:46:05.619
 We see in that.

00:46:05.760 --> 00:46:07.059
 Great beauty and great treasure.

00:46:07.500 --> 00:46:09.079
 That he is.

00:46:09.079 --> 00:46:10.199
 That he is utterly unique.

00:46:10.760 --> 00:46:11.900
 He is beyond compare.

00:46:13.980 --> 00:46:15.300
 But the wicked do not.

00:46:16.039 --> 00:46:17.119
 Are not persuaded.

00:46:17.780 --> 00:46:18.300
 That Jesus.

00:46:18.960 --> 00:46:20.079
 Is of great value.

00:46:22.579 --> 00:46:24.039
 Think about the context of.

00:46:24.579 --> 00:46:25.300
 The cost.

00:46:26.119 --> 00:46:26.780
 The cost.

00:46:26.920 --> 00:46:27.420
 In the first place.

00:46:27.579 --> 00:46:28.239
 To Jesus.

00:46:28.239 --> 00:46:28.739
 Is it.

00:46:28.739 --> 00:46:29.239
 Is it.

00:46:29.239 --> 00:46:29.579
 Is it.

00:46:29.579 --> 00:46:30.799
 We think about cost.

00:46:30.799 --> 00:46:31.419
 In the kingdom.

00:46:31.619 --> 00:46:32.319
 The righteous.

00:46:32.459 --> 00:46:33.559
 Are those who recognize.

00:46:34.219 --> 00:46:34.919
 Jesus gave.

00:46:35.119 --> 00:46:36.179
 Everything for me.

00:46:37.059 --> 00:46:38.059
 Jesus gave.

00:46:38.059 --> 00:46:38.799
 His life.

00:46:38.799 --> 00:46:38.820
 His life.

00:46:38.820 --> 00:46:39.440
 For me.

00:46:39.440 --> 00:46:40.079
 Jesus.

00:46:40.079 --> 00:46:41.360
 Took sin.

00:46:41.539 --> 00:46:41.799
 For me.

00:46:42.119 --> 00:46:42.380
 Jesus.

00:46:42.779 --> 00:46:43.159
 Faced.

00:46:43.539 --> 00:46:44.219
 The judgment.

00:46:44.699 --> 00:46:45.500
 Of God.

00:46:45.539 --> 00:46:46.320
 That I deserve.

00:46:46.440 --> 00:46:46.880
 For me.

00:46:47.539 --> 00:46:48.480
 And because.

00:46:48.639 --> 00:46:49.199
 That's true.

00:46:49.199 --> 00:46:51.219
 I will trust him.

00:46:51.960 --> 00:46:53.500
 And I will carry my cross.

00:46:54.079 --> 00:46:55.079
 And I will count the cost.

00:46:55.159 --> 00:46:55.779
 To follow him.

00:46:58.019 --> 00:46:58.779
 The wicked.

00:46:59.779 --> 00:47:00.899
 Are those who do not.

00:47:01.619 --> 00:47:02.719
 And those who will not.

00:47:02.719 --> 00:47:06.079
 To think about this.

00:47:06.219 --> 00:47:06.659
 Image.

00:47:06.779 --> 00:47:07.659
 Of the furnace.

00:47:08.779 --> 00:47:09.799
 Maybe think of a story.

00:47:10.199 --> 00:47:11.639
 That we find in the Old Testament.

00:47:12.039 --> 00:47:12.839
 The book of Daniel.

00:47:12.959 --> 00:47:13.599
 Chapter 3.

00:47:13.699 --> 00:47:14.000
 We have.

00:47:14.379 --> 00:47:15.219
 A wicked king.

00:47:15.319 --> 00:47:16.639
 Who sets up a great statue.

00:47:16.719 --> 00:47:17.299
 And he commands.

00:47:17.299 --> 00:47:18.339
 All the people of the earth.

00:47:18.419 --> 00:47:19.480
 To worship the statue.

00:47:20.219 --> 00:47:21.039
 And so you see in Daniel.

00:47:21.139 --> 00:47:21.579
 Chapter 3.

00:47:21.679 --> 00:47:23.319
 The world bowing down.

00:47:23.919 --> 00:47:25.539
 And because of the power of this king.

00:47:25.739 --> 00:47:26.879
 Bowing down to the statue.

00:47:26.959 --> 00:47:28.500
 Except for these three.

00:47:29.279 --> 00:47:29.799
 Friends.

00:47:30.559 --> 00:47:31.619
 Who remain loyal.

00:47:32.079 --> 00:47:32.639
 To God.

00:47:33.439 --> 00:47:34.679
 And this wicked king.

00:47:34.839 --> 00:47:35.799
 Then throws them.

00:47:35.919 --> 00:47:37.179
 Into a fiery furnace.

00:47:37.279 --> 00:47:38.379
 And as he sits down.

00:47:38.699 --> 00:47:40.500
 To watch them burn.

00:47:40.619 --> 00:47:42.119
 For his own entertainment.

00:47:42.199 --> 00:47:42.639
 All of a sudden.

00:47:42.699 --> 00:47:43.279
 He's surprised.

00:47:44.519 --> 00:47:45.439
 And he turns.

00:47:45.699 --> 00:47:46.199
 To the guards.

00:47:46.199 --> 00:47:46.439
 And he says.

00:47:46.699 --> 00:47:48.419
 Didn't we throw three men in there?

00:47:49.679 --> 00:47:51.219
 Well now I'm seeing four.

00:47:51.939 --> 00:47:52.699
 And one of them.

00:47:53.459 --> 00:47:54.779
 Looks like a son of God.

00:47:56.639 --> 00:47:58.159
 Now what's happening there.

00:47:59.119 --> 00:48:00.239
 Is that Jesus.

00:48:00.859 --> 00:48:01.839
 The son of God.

00:48:01.840 --> 00:48:03.900
 Is with those friends.

00:48:03.900 --> 00:48:05.300
 In that furnace.

00:48:05.300 --> 00:48:06.980
 And he delivers them through.

00:48:07.180 --> 00:48:07.860
 The furnace.

00:48:09.660 --> 00:48:11.860
 Now I want us to think about the cross.

00:48:11.860 --> 00:48:12.460
 For a moment.

00:48:13.740 --> 00:48:15.039
 Because what's happening.

00:48:15.039 --> 00:48:16.360
 On the cross.

00:48:17.120 --> 00:48:18.360
 Is Jesus.

00:48:19.360 --> 00:48:19.960
 Lovingly.

00:48:20.960 --> 00:48:22.059
 Throwing himself.

00:48:22.300 --> 00:48:23.800
 Into the fiery furnace.

00:48:23.800 --> 00:48:25.019
 Of God's judgment.

00:48:25.440 --> 00:48:27.320
 Of his father's judgment.

00:48:27.320 --> 00:48:28.080
 And why.

00:48:29.880 --> 00:48:31.320
 For his people.

00:48:31.880 --> 00:48:34.440
 So that we might not face the judgment of God.

00:48:35.120 --> 00:48:36.700
 Jesus was condemned.

00:48:37.180 --> 00:48:38.660
 As a sinner.

00:48:38.800 --> 00:48:40.019
 As sin himself.

00:48:40.240 --> 00:48:41.640
 So that we could go free.

00:48:43.580 --> 00:48:44.180
 Jesus.

00:48:44.960 --> 00:48:46.080
 Face hell.

00:48:46.880 --> 00:48:48.539
 So we might enjoy heaven.

00:48:48.539 --> 00:48:52.079
 Jesus.

00:48:53.079 --> 00:48:54.179
 The eternal son of God.

00:48:54.300 --> 00:48:55.460
 Left the glory of heaven.

00:48:55.559 --> 00:48:56.759
 To come as the king.

00:48:57.059 --> 00:48:57.860
 Bringing in.

00:48:58.019 --> 00:48:59.139
 The kingdom of heaven.

00:48:59.279 --> 00:49:00.019
 And to do that.

00:49:00.259 --> 00:49:01.159
 He must become.

00:49:01.500 --> 00:49:03.259
 The suffering servant king.

00:49:03.840 --> 00:49:05.099
 Dying for us on the cross.

00:49:05.920 --> 00:49:07.679
 To give us this priceless.

00:49:07.840 --> 00:49:08.820
 Eternal treasure.

00:49:08.820 --> 00:49:12.500
 And so as we close.

00:49:12.600 --> 00:49:13.140
 The question is.

00:49:13.600 --> 00:49:14.460
 Will you.

00:49:14.700 --> 00:49:15.260
 Will I.

00:49:15.780 --> 00:49:16.260
 Joyfully.

00:49:16.260 --> 00:49:17.039
 Receive him.

00:49:20.400 --> 00:49:21.500
 And if we will.

00:49:22.140 --> 00:49:23.260
 We know that we will be.

00:49:23.500 --> 00:49:24.480
 Gathered to him.

00:49:25.440 --> 00:49:26.580
 For all eternity.

00:49:27.920 --> 00:49:29.019
 Let's pray briefly.

00:49:31.500 --> 00:49:32.019
 Lord.

00:49:32.180 --> 00:49:32.880
 Our God.

00:49:33.220 --> 00:49:34.600
 We thank you so much.

00:49:35.080 --> 00:49:35.680
 For Jesus.

00:49:36.320 --> 00:49:36.720
 Coming.

00:49:36.719 --> 00:49:38.359
 To bring in.

00:49:38.539 --> 00:49:39.539
 The kingdom of heaven.

00:49:40.359 --> 00:49:41.779
 We acknowledge.

00:49:41.939 --> 00:49:42.619
 Before you.

00:49:43.059 --> 00:49:43.819
 How often.

00:49:44.039 --> 00:49:44.619
 We turn.

00:49:44.819 --> 00:49:45.319
 Our back.

00:49:45.399 --> 00:49:45.859
 On you.

00:49:46.500 --> 00:49:47.339
 How often.

00:49:47.519 --> 00:49:48.039
 We sin.

00:49:48.199 --> 00:49:48.959
 Against you.

00:49:49.679 --> 00:49:51.179
 How we do not deserve.

00:49:51.299 --> 00:49:51.939
 Your love.

00:49:52.059 --> 00:49:52.819
 And kindness.

00:49:54.279 --> 00:49:54.759
 And yet.

00:49:54.839 --> 00:49:55.539
 We discover.

00:49:55.719 --> 00:49:56.599
 In your word.

00:49:57.119 --> 00:49:58.739
 Your amazing grace.

00:49:59.359 --> 00:50:01.079
 Your costly love.

00:50:02.000 --> 00:50:02.759
 In sending.

00:50:02.759 --> 00:50:03.839
 Your perfect.

00:50:04.419 --> 00:50:04.719
 Son.

00:50:05.819 --> 00:50:06.699
 To live for us.

00:50:06.699 --> 00:50:09.039
 To die for us.

00:50:09.419 --> 00:50:10.719
 To rise for us.

00:50:11.579 --> 00:50:12.159
 Please.

00:50:12.359 --> 00:50:12.759
 Give us.

00:50:12.839 --> 00:50:14.179
 The eyes of faith.

00:50:15.179 --> 00:50:15.939
 To see.

00:50:16.139 --> 00:50:16.500
 Jesus.

00:50:16.879 --> 00:50:17.339
 As.

00:50:17.899 --> 00:50:18.779
 Great treasure.

00:50:19.739 --> 00:50:20.679
 As the pearl.

00:50:20.799 --> 00:50:22.019
 Of great price.

00:50:23.119 --> 00:50:23.699
 That we would.

00:50:23.859 --> 00:50:24.960
 Count the cost.

00:50:25.679 --> 00:50:26.199
 That we would.

00:50:26.299 --> 00:50:26.639
 Turn.

00:50:26.799 --> 00:50:27.399
 From sin.

00:50:27.699 --> 00:50:28.279
 And turn.

00:50:28.439 --> 00:50:29.039
 To trust.

00:50:29.219 --> 00:50:29.739
 In Jesus.

00:50:31.199 --> 00:50:31.919
 That we might.

00:50:32.139 --> 00:50:32.480
 Live.

00:50:32.919 --> 00:50:33.419
 With him.

00:50:33.539 --> 00:50:33.839
 Now.

00:50:34.359 --> 00:50:34.739
 And.

00:50:34.960 --> 00:50:35.439
 Forever.

00:50:35.440 --> 00:50:35.519
 Forever.

00:50:36.539 --> 00:50:37.119
 We pray.

00:50:37.200 --> 00:50:38.099
 In Jesus name.

00:50:38.720 --> 00:50:39.099
 Amen.

00:50:41.380 --> 00:50:41.960
 And now.

00:50:42.039 --> 00:50:42.700
 We will close.

00:50:42.960 --> 00:50:43.800
 Our time.

00:50:43.900 --> 00:50:44.179
 Together.

00:50:44.300 --> 00:50:44.679
 For now.

00:50:45.500 --> 00:50:46.000
 Singing.

00:50:46.099 --> 00:50:46.500
 The hymn.

00:50:46.760 --> 00:50:47.179
 Christ.

00:50:47.679 --> 00:50:48.400
 Our hope.

00:50:48.679 --> 00:50:49.179
 In life.

00:50:49.300 --> 00:50:49.860
 And death.

00:50:50.380 --> 00:50:51.420
 Just to remind you.

00:50:51.460 --> 00:50:52.159
 Before we sing.

00:50:52.240 --> 00:50:52.559
 That we.

00:50:52.720 --> 00:50:53.380
 Will be having.

00:50:53.619 --> 00:50:53.880
 Lunch.

00:50:54.039 --> 00:50:54.320
 Shortly.

00:50:54.420 --> 00:50:55.099
 And if you can stay.

00:50:55.780 --> 00:50:56.260
 Please.

00:50:56.679 --> 00:50:56.960
 Do.

00:50:56.960 --> 00:50:57.099
 You.

00:50:57.099 --> 00:50:57.780
 So let's stand.

00:50:57.980 --> 00:50:58.579
 And let's sing.

00:50:58.699 --> 00:50:59.420
 Christ our hope.

00:50:59.460 --> 00:51:00.099
 In life and death.

00:51:00.099 --> 00:51:30.079
 Thank you.