WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.400 God. 00:00:02.439 --> 00:00:03.379 Please have seats. 00:00:07.520 --> 00:00:12.359 So if you turn with me and you're my host, I have to ask chapter 11. 00:00:13.679 --> 00:00:16.519 I'm going to think about another lesson from the life of Barnabas. 00:00:16.580 --> 00:00:21.179 We're going to see Jesus' good news mission, which is unstoppable. 00:00:21.460 --> 00:00:27.760 Chapter 11 is going to remind us that the true God is a missionary God. 00:00:27.760 --> 00:00:39.939 In the year 2023, the year in which we love, here is the statistic, 360 million believers 00:00:39.939 --> 00:00:45.600 in the Lord Jesus will face intense persecution and discrimination. 00:00:45.960 --> 00:00:54.299 So that's one in seven of every follower of Jesus will face some form of discrimination 00:00:54.299 --> 00:01:02.079 as governments, as other religions, as communities look to stamp out the message of Jesus. 00:01:02.859 --> 00:01:07.739 But wonderfully, what we're seeing at the same time is that Christianity continues to grow 00:01:07.739 --> 00:01:13.719 and often is growing most quickly in places where there is the greatest opposition. 00:01:13.719 --> 00:01:23.939 This year also, here's another statistic, 47% of all Christians in the world are now living 00:01:23.939 --> 00:01:27.879 in countries that would be described as non-Christian majority. 00:01:28.659 --> 00:01:35.340 So about 100 years ago, 95% of the world that was Christian lived in what we would call Christian 00:01:35.340 --> 00:01:35.840 countries. 00:01:35.840 --> 00:01:42.960 That's changing because the church of Jesus is spreading and the good news is spreading. 00:01:43.700 --> 00:01:49.900 People are more likely than ever before to meet someone in their lifetime who is a Christian. 00:01:50.060 --> 00:01:54.000 So there's more opportunities for people to hear the good news. 00:01:54.080 --> 00:01:56.159 Now, why is that? 00:01:56.420 --> 00:02:00.820 We can think about global trends and phenomena, but we need to understand that behind all that 00:02:00.819 --> 00:02:07.059 lies God's desire to reach the lost, God's desire that men and women and boys and girls 00:02:07.059 --> 00:02:09.599 be reconciled to Him. 00:02:10.780 --> 00:02:16.919 What we're seeing in chapter 11, and especially when you think about the life of Barnabas and 00:02:16.919 --> 00:02:22.340 these early Christians in Antioch, is that Jesus' mission is going to keep on growing, 00:02:23.120 --> 00:02:26.560 and that this is profoundly good news for us and for our world. 00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:35.420 Because Jesus is on a mission to rescue and to restore, to pour out the love of God, to 00:02:35.420 --> 00:02:40.120 bring grace that would heal great divisions in society. 00:02:41.680 --> 00:02:43.480 So there's two things that we're going to think about today. 00:02:43.560 --> 00:02:47.060 One that's going to take up the majority of our time, and it's this. 00:02:47.640 --> 00:02:51.300 Jesus is good news for the world. 00:02:51.300 --> 00:02:56.939 Okay, so before we get that to there, we'll go back to the beginning of the book of Acts. 00:02:57.020 --> 00:03:01.020 Acts chapter 1, verse 8, Jesus says to His disciples, just before going back to heaven, 00:03:01.460 --> 00:03:05.900 you will be my witnesses in Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. 00:03:06.939 --> 00:03:11.760 And then the story of Acts, as Luke tells it, is the story of that mission of Jesus being 00:03:11.760 --> 00:03:12.280 accomplished. 00:03:13.240 --> 00:03:19.040 And you can trace out chapters 1 to 7, the message of Jesus spreads through the region of 00:03:19.039 --> 00:03:19.519 Judea. 00:03:19.599 --> 00:03:26.239 Then we get to chapter 7, and Stephen is the first martyr, the first follower of Jesus 00:03:26.239 --> 00:03:27.280 who's killed for his faith. 00:03:27.519 --> 00:03:30.099 That leads to persecution in Judea. 00:03:30.239 --> 00:03:32.099 That leads to the church spreading. 00:03:32.280 --> 00:03:38.039 Chapters 8 and 9, persecution spreads good news to Samaria. 00:03:38.799 --> 00:03:46.479 And then chapters 10 and 11, persecution spreads good news to the Greeks, to the Gentiles, to 00:03:46.479 --> 00:03:47.739 the non-Jewish world. 00:03:47.739 --> 00:03:51.199 First, as Peter is led to the house of Cornelius. 00:03:52.179 --> 00:03:57.539 And then, from verse 19 onwards in chapter 11, we discover what happens in Antioch. 00:03:57.620 --> 00:04:00.319 So Antioch is in modern-day Turkey. 00:04:00.539 --> 00:04:05.819 So three things to notice from verses 19 to 21 that we've just read. 00:04:05.959 --> 00:04:10.799 The first is to notice Jesus' growing mission. 00:04:10.800 --> 00:04:17.560 Verse 19, those who'd been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was 00:04:17.560 --> 00:04:23.680 killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:30.780 Some of them, however, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the 00:04:30.780 --> 00:04:32.060 good news about the Lord Jesus. 00:04:32.560 --> 00:04:33.560 So some things to notice. 00:04:33.560 --> 00:04:42.819 First of all, notice that the killing of Stephen doesn't stop the church from spreading and 00:04:42.819 --> 00:04:44.280 from spreading good news. 00:04:44.860 --> 00:04:46.100 Fear doesn't stop them. 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:54.259 Notice as well that the slowness of some of the Jewish believers doesn't stop the message 00:04:54.259 --> 00:04:55.579 of Jesus from spreading. 00:04:55.740 --> 00:04:59.980 So there's obviously some Jewish Christians who are thinking, well, why would someone who's 00:04:59.980 --> 00:05:02.300 not from our country need to hear about Jesus? 00:05:02.439 --> 00:05:03.759 Isn't he just our Savior? 00:05:04.939 --> 00:05:07.120 But despite their slowness, it doesn't stop. 00:05:07.240 --> 00:05:08.780 The church continues to spread. 00:05:09.439 --> 00:05:13.620 And notice that now it spreads to reach the Greeks. 00:05:13.920 --> 00:05:21.980 So now the good news from God through Jesus has crossed languages, has crossed cultures. 00:05:21.980 --> 00:05:25.020 And it's come to this place called Antioch. 00:05:25.620 --> 00:05:27.740 So Antioch was a big city. 00:05:27.740 --> 00:05:31.680 Actually, it was probably about the same size as Edinburgh, about half a million people. 00:05:32.319 --> 00:05:34.560 It was the third city in the Roman Empire. 00:05:34.699 --> 00:05:38.340 So you had Rome, then you had Alexandria, and then you had Antioch. 00:05:39.100 --> 00:05:41.860 It was significant because it was a port city. 00:05:42.480 --> 00:05:44.900 So it was a very busy commercial center. 00:05:45.660 --> 00:05:47.819 It was known for being very diverse. 00:05:48.040 --> 00:05:54.280 People from all nations setting up trade there, setting up home there, very cosmopolitan. 00:05:54.279 --> 00:06:00.119 It was also known for the worship of Roman gods, especially Diana. 00:06:00.679 --> 00:06:03.219 Her big temple shrine was just five miles away. 00:06:03.619 --> 00:06:07.839 And it was known in its day for being a very immoral city. 00:06:09.119 --> 00:06:16.179 So there's a little bit of background to remind us and to encourage us that the good news of Jesus 00:06:16.180 --> 00:06:28.240 is believed by many in that city and into that culture, that hearts were won over, that ways of worship, ways of life were being changed. 00:06:30.319 --> 00:06:31.620 People were worshiping. 00:06:31.680 --> 00:06:34.399 Lots of people were worshiping pagan gods in Antioch. 00:06:35.019 --> 00:06:36.899 And to worship a pagan god, what were you doing? 00:06:36.960 --> 00:06:44.759 You were looking for someone who is the Lord, someone who would give you the good life. 00:06:44.759 --> 00:06:50.699 And to get that good life, what you had to do was to offer sacrifices. 00:06:51.459 --> 00:06:54.560 So you had a whole system of religion that was based on this. 00:06:54.959 --> 00:06:59.779 But then the good news, the gospel of Jesus comes, and it's different. 00:07:00.680 --> 00:07:05.560 Because these Christians will talk about the true Lord, who's not just Lord over some of the world, 00:07:05.860 --> 00:07:07.500 but over all the world. 00:07:07.500 --> 00:07:12.199 The good life that Jesus offers is eternal life. 00:07:12.800 --> 00:07:15.220 It's the promise of knowing life with God. 00:07:16.019 --> 00:07:20.540 And it's not on the basis of a sacrifice that a worshiper would make. 00:07:21.300 --> 00:07:25.720 Life with God comes because of the sacrifice Jesus, the Son of God, makes. 00:07:26.399 --> 00:07:29.240 And so the message found a good hearing, 00:07:29.779 --> 00:07:34.000 because Jesus is what every heart is longing for. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:37.339 However, they didn't know it, but when they heard about Jesus, 00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:39.220 then they understood. 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:41.540 He's the one that we need. 00:07:41.920 --> 00:07:43.199 He's the one we should worship. 00:07:44.579 --> 00:07:46.860 So Jesus' growing mission. 00:07:47.100 --> 00:07:51.379 The second thing to notice is that Jesus is the goal of mission. 00:07:51.879 --> 00:07:53.800 I'm going to see this in verse 20 and 21. 00:07:54.120 --> 00:07:56.420 And I think it's important for us to notice this, 00:07:56.500 --> 00:08:00.379 because there could be a negative view of world mission today. 00:08:00.379 --> 00:08:05.219 Sometimes you'll hear people negatively speaking about the spread of Christianity. 00:08:05.439 --> 00:08:07.699 They'll have this false idea that it's a Western religion. 00:08:08.740 --> 00:08:14.240 So how can the West impose their religion or impose their cultural values? 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:18.019 Let's not spread the Christian message, 00:08:18.019 --> 00:08:21.339 because isn't it true that religion just causes war and it divides? 00:08:23.100 --> 00:08:24.459 We'll set against that. 00:08:24.459 --> 00:08:28.060 There's a very positive view of mission in these verses, 00:08:28.060 --> 00:08:33.799 because the mission is focused entirely on the Lord Jesus. 00:08:34.960 --> 00:08:36.519 Let's see that together. 00:08:36.759 --> 00:08:39.199 Verse 20 and 21. 00:08:40.100 --> 00:08:43.240 They began to tell them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 00:08:44.139 --> 00:08:45.759 The Lord's hand was with them, 00:08:46.179 --> 00:08:49.480 and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 00:08:49.939 --> 00:08:51.699 You see how central the Lord is there? 00:08:51.700 --> 00:08:53.940 He's the source of their mission. 00:08:54.600 --> 00:08:57.200 When it talks about the Lord's hand was with them, 00:08:57.420 --> 00:09:01.120 that means that it's the Lord Jesus who's giving power for mission. 00:09:01.320 --> 00:09:04.360 He's motivating their mission, and he gives the success. 00:09:05.420 --> 00:09:08.540 He's also the content of the mission. 00:09:09.300 --> 00:09:10.540 Who do they go and talk about? 00:09:10.600 --> 00:09:13.400 They go and talk about the good news that Jesus, 00:09:13.580 --> 00:09:16.640 the Son of God, has come to be the Savior. 00:09:16.639 --> 00:09:20.679 They're not saying convert to a set of practices, 00:09:21.199 --> 00:09:23.480 to a set of cultural values. 00:09:24.379 --> 00:09:27.500 People are being invited to know their Lord, 00:09:27.939 --> 00:09:29.879 their Maker, their Savior. 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:35.019 And notice, too, that Jesus is the goal of the mission. 00:09:35.960 --> 00:09:39.500 Success comes, end of verse 21, 00:09:39.620 --> 00:09:41.439 when people turn to the Lord. 00:09:41.440 --> 00:09:46.300 So instead of turning to an idol, 00:09:47.360 --> 00:09:50.420 instead of turning to a statue or some created thing, 00:09:50.920 --> 00:09:52.320 now they're giving their heart, 00:09:52.420 --> 00:09:55.000 they're giving their loyalty and love and worship 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:57.360 to the Lord Jesus. 00:09:58.420 --> 00:10:00.340 And as this happens, 00:10:00.880 --> 00:10:04.360 one of the great barriers of the ancient world 00:10:04.360 --> 00:10:06.160 is being broken down. 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:10.360 The barrier between Jewish people and Gentile people 00:10:10.360 --> 00:10:12.740 is torn down by Jesus. 00:10:14.519 --> 00:10:17.039 Because we are all one in Christ Jesus. 00:10:18.259 --> 00:10:20.620 It's a message of good news for all people. 00:10:21.539 --> 00:10:24.299 Why is it that the people in Antioch 00:10:24.299 --> 00:10:25.779 are willing to believe? 00:10:26.939 --> 00:10:28.799 Why are they willing to leave behind 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:29.860 their old way of life, 00:10:29.939 --> 00:10:31.299 their old religious practices? 00:10:31.959 --> 00:10:35.019 Why are they willing to count the cost 00:10:35.019 --> 00:10:36.840 to become a follower of Jesus, 00:10:36.960 --> 00:10:39.419 knowing it will likely mean opposition, 00:10:40.559 --> 00:10:43.379 exclusion, hostility? 00:10:44.579 --> 00:10:47.939 It's because they hear the call of Jesus 00:10:47.939 --> 00:10:51.759 and God gives them the gift of faith. 00:10:52.600 --> 00:10:55.620 They see the glory of Jesus 00:10:55.620 --> 00:10:58.500 and they understand that Jesus is better. 00:10:59.340 --> 00:11:01.960 So Jesus is the goal of mission. 00:11:01.960 --> 00:11:05.280 Another thing we need to see 00:11:05.280 --> 00:11:09.600 is that Jesus is the good news of mission. 00:11:09.860 --> 00:11:11.160 So he's the content 00:11:11.160 --> 00:11:14.700 and that content is good news. 00:11:15.280 --> 00:11:18.759 And good news is meant to be shared. 00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:22.060 So before we get to our text, 00:11:22.960 --> 00:11:25.660 boys and girls especially, 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:27.920 let me just talk to you for a moment. 00:11:28.280 --> 00:11:29.720 We got a new puppy this week. 00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:31.379 Some of us know that. 00:11:31.980 --> 00:11:33.180 It was a big surprise. 00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:34.259 Actually, it was a bit of a surprise. 00:11:34.660 --> 00:11:38.000 But it was a surprise to our boys. 00:11:38.120 --> 00:11:38.820 So we got Teddy. 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:40.580 He's a little labradoodle. 00:11:41.259 --> 00:11:42.060 And we had, 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:44.779 we knew on Monday that we were going to get him, 00:11:45.000 --> 00:11:46.019 but we didn't tell the boys 00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:47.440 until Tuesday afternoon. 00:11:47.840 --> 00:11:49.240 That was so difficult for me 00:11:49.240 --> 00:11:50.960 because I was with them all morning 00:11:50.960 --> 00:11:52.940 and I desperately wanted to share 00:11:52.940 --> 00:11:54.100 that good news 00:11:54.100 --> 00:11:55.740 because I knew it would make them really happy. 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:57.139 And we all are. 00:11:58.539 --> 00:11:59.100 But you know, 00:11:59.139 --> 00:12:01.180 my question since then has been, 00:12:02.180 --> 00:12:05.299 why don't I always feel like that 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:06.259 when it comes to sharing 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:08.500 the far, far better good news about Jesus? 00:12:09.899 --> 00:12:11.639 I wonder if you can relate to that. 00:12:12.419 --> 00:12:15.740 We gladly, readily share good news, 00:12:16.539 --> 00:12:17.639 but sometimes we struggle 00:12:17.639 --> 00:12:19.060 to share the good news of Jesus. 00:12:19.059 --> 00:12:22.619 Think about what's happening in chapter 11. 00:12:23.859 --> 00:12:25.879 Sometimes it's because the fear of opposition. 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:28.379 Maybe we're not sure 00:12:28.379 --> 00:12:29.939 how the other person's going to respond. 00:12:32.299 --> 00:12:33.179 Sometimes, perhaps, 00:12:33.279 --> 00:12:35.019 it's because we're slow to see 00:12:35.019 --> 00:12:36.439 that everybody needs Jesus. 00:12:37.559 --> 00:12:38.319 By and large, 00:12:38.419 --> 00:12:40.679 we live perhaps surrounded by people 00:12:40.679 --> 00:12:41.959 who have plenty money. 00:12:42.079 --> 00:12:43.239 They seem pretty content. 00:12:44.199 --> 00:12:46.259 Maybe we can find it hard to see beyond that 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:47.619 to see people's spiritual need. 00:12:47.620 --> 00:12:49.820 But sometimes, 00:12:50.419 --> 00:12:52.159 I think perhaps it's because 00:12:52.159 --> 00:12:53.259 maybe in our busyness, 00:12:53.700 --> 00:12:55.019 we lose focus, 00:12:55.360 --> 00:12:56.220 even as believers, 00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:58.960 on the goodness of the gospel. 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:01.620 On how good Jesus is. 00:13:02.720 --> 00:13:05.019 On the cost that he was willing to pay 00:13:05.019 --> 00:13:05.879 for our rescue. 00:13:06.360 --> 00:13:07.659 On the wonderful treasure 00:13:07.659 --> 00:13:09.940 that we have for now and for eternity. 00:13:10.960 --> 00:13:12.259 But that wasn't the case, 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:12.620 was it, 00:13:12.639 --> 00:13:13.899 for these unnamed Christians 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:16.340 who boldly, courageously shared in Antioch. 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:18.600 So they've come to discover 00:13:18.600 --> 00:13:21.820 Jesus was on a search and rescue mission 00:13:21.820 --> 00:13:22.879 for the whole world 00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:24.360 to bring people to God. 00:13:24.920 --> 00:13:26.399 He knew Jesus was Savior 00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:28.240 for all people in all nations. 00:13:28.879 --> 00:13:30.700 They knew the story of Cornelius. 00:13:30.940 --> 00:13:32.740 So they know this is too good 00:13:32.740 --> 00:13:33.600 to keep quiet. 00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:36.420 So what we're going to do 00:13:36.420 --> 00:13:38.060 is we're going to use Acts chapter 11 00:13:38.060 --> 00:13:39.639 as a window for us 00:13:39.639 --> 00:13:42.580 to remind us or to show us 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:45.040 that Jesus is really good news for us, 00:13:45.940 --> 00:13:47.399 really good news for our world. 00:13:47.519 --> 00:13:48.420 Whoever we are today, 00:13:48.560 --> 00:13:50.940 Jesus is good news for us. 00:13:51.580 --> 00:13:53.000 One aspect of the good news 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:53.940 that we need to recognize 00:13:53.940 --> 00:13:55.340 is that in Jesus, 00:13:56.100 --> 00:13:57.600 God saves. 00:13:57.600 --> 00:14:00.320 This was actually the message 00:14:00.320 --> 00:14:02.259 that Cornelius received. 00:14:02.659 --> 00:14:04.340 So in chapter 11, verse 14, 00:14:04.420 --> 00:14:07.320 he was told that Peter would come, 00:14:07.700 --> 00:14:08.460 follower of Jesus, 00:14:08.860 --> 00:14:11.240 and he will bring you a message 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:12.820 through which you 00:14:12.820 --> 00:14:14.480 and all your household 00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:16.820 will be saved. 00:14:18.040 --> 00:14:19.399 So if you're new to Christianity, 00:14:19.700 --> 00:14:22.139 maybe you wonder, 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:24.040 why do Christians talk about 00:14:24.039 --> 00:14:26.579 being saved and salvation? 00:14:27.980 --> 00:14:29.219 To make sense of it, 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:30.399 I think it's helpful for us 00:14:30.399 --> 00:14:32.480 to go back 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:34.860 and to consider the big story 00:14:34.860 --> 00:14:35.899 of the human race, 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:37.620 maybe especially to think back 00:14:37.620 --> 00:14:39.019 to how our Bible begins, 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:40.099 Genesis 1 to 3. 00:14:40.620 --> 00:14:41.659 We discover there 00:14:41.659 --> 00:14:42.599 in the early chapters 00:14:42.599 --> 00:14:43.599 of the book of Genesis 00:14:43.599 --> 00:14:44.759 that God made 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:46.139 the first two people, 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:46.839 Adam and Eve, 00:14:47.399 --> 00:14:49.919 they were made in His image, 00:14:50.579 --> 00:14:52.839 and they were made to know God. 00:14:52.840 --> 00:14:54.379 Indeed, the first people 00:14:54.379 --> 00:14:55.160 were made to enjoy 00:14:55.160 --> 00:14:56.560 perfect relationships 00:14:56.560 --> 00:14:58.379 with one another, 00:14:59.200 --> 00:15:01.060 with the world that God had made, 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:03.080 and with their God. 00:15:04.019 --> 00:15:06.560 When we read about life 00:15:06.560 --> 00:15:07.240 in the beginning, 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:09.000 we can understand 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:10.660 it's the world we all long for, 00:15:11.040 --> 00:15:12.620 a world of perfect peace 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:14.820 and life and love. 00:15:14.879 --> 00:15:15.480 But then, 00:15:16.420 --> 00:15:17.560 something went wrong. 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:19.820 In Genesis chapter 3, 00:15:19.960 --> 00:15:22.600 we discover Adam and Eve, 00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:23.240 these first people 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:24.740 turning their backs on God. 00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:26.960 And that explains to us 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:29.960 what we need to be saved from. 00:15:31.259 --> 00:15:32.320 To understand salvation, 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.159 we need to understand 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:33.940 what's the danger, 00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:34.980 what do we need to be saved from? 00:15:35.019 --> 00:15:37.139 We need to be saved from sin. 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:41.040 Sin, as we see it from Adam and Eve 00:15:41.040 --> 00:15:41.980 and in our own hearts, 00:15:42.040 --> 00:15:44.000 is whenever we break 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:45.519 one of God's commands. 00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:50.279 Sin is whenever we believe 00:15:50.279 --> 00:15:53.799 the false promises of sin. 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:55.039 This says, 00:15:55.480 --> 00:15:56.659 rejecting God is good, 00:15:56.779 --> 00:15:59.039 following our own way is better. 00:16:00.500 --> 00:16:04.139 Sin is rejecting the rule of God 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:06.659 to choose to live for, 00:16:06.740 --> 00:16:08.079 to find our happiness, 00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:10.280 to base our identity 00:16:10.280 --> 00:16:11.639 and purpose in life 00:16:11.639 --> 00:16:13.720 on something other, 00:16:14.160 --> 00:16:15.100 someone other, 00:16:15.480 --> 00:16:16.920 than the one true God. 00:16:18.520 --> 00:16:21.040 And we need to be saved from sin 00:16:21.040 --> 00:16:23.320 because the effect of sin 00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:25.340 is separation. 00:16:25.340 --> 00:16:28.620 So in the story of Adam and Eve, 00:16:28.700 --> 00:16:30.259 as soon as they sin, 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:32.700 we find them hiding. 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:36.360 We find their shame. 00:16:37.820 --> 00:16:41.420 We were made for life with God. 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:44.600 But our sin and our guilt 00:16:44.600 --> 00:16:47.820 cuts us off from our God. 00:16:48.440 --> 00:16:50.139 We were made to know God 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:51.240 living within us, 00:16:51.320 --> 00:16:52.420 but now because of sin, 00:16:52.700 --> 00:16:54.840 we only have self at the center. 00:16:55.340 --> 00:16:57.700 And that's bad news 00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:59.580 because it tends to make us selfish. 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:02.600 We need our God, 00:17:02.680 --> 00:17:03.480 but by ourselves, 00:17:03.580 --> 00:17:05.480 we cannot get back into the garden. 00:17:05.600 --> 00:17:07.519 We cannot get our way back 00:17:07.519 --> 00:17:09.240 to life with God. 00:17:09.620 --> 00:17:11.980 So sin separates. 00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:16.579 And sin and separation, 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:17.600 in the end, 00:17:17.720 --> 00:17:21.319 leads to spiritual death. 00:17:22.880 --> 00:17:24.319 Adam and Eve were told 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:25.859 that if you sin, 00:17:25.919 --> 00:17:26.439 you'll die. 00:17:26.519 --> 00:17:27.119 The Bible says 00:17:27.119 --> 00:17:29.019 the wages of sin is death. 00:17:30.419 --> 00:17:31.240 Because of sin, 00:17:31.399 --> 00:17:32.919 physical death comes, 00:17:33.819 --> 00:17:34.879 but so too 00:17:34.879 --> 00:17:37.079 does spiritual judgment, 00:17:37.359 --> 00:17:38.439 spiritual death, 00:17:38.519 --> 00:17:40.319 the reality of hell. 00:17:41.099 --> 00:17:42.399 And this is not the way 00:17:42.399 --> 00:17:43.299 it's supposed to be. 00:17:43.379 --> 00:17:44.679 We were made for life. 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:45.980 We were made for eternal life, 00:17:46.059 --> 00:17:47.480 made for life with God. 00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:50.420 But we have turned our back on that, 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:51.599 and that's what we need 00:17:51.599 --> 00:17:53.660 to be saved from. 00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:56.500 We need to be saved 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:57.420 from the power of sin. 00:17:57.579 --> 00:17:58.539 Sin functions 00:17:58.539 --> 00:18:00.339 like a drug addiction. 00:18:02.839 --> 00:18:04.339 It kills us, 00:18:04.819 --> 00:18:06.180 and it has a hold on us, 00:18:06.220 --> 00:18:07.980 and we cannot break free from it. 00:18:08.660 --> 00:18:10.299 Or it's like a snake bite, 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:13.960 and its poison is in our system, 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:15.460 and in the end, 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:16.880 it will destroy us. 00:18:19.340 --> 00:18:20.980 And so as we understand 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:21.920 what the Bible says 00:18:21.920 --> 00:18:22.640 about what do we need 00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:23.440 to be saved from, 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:24.460 the question then becomes, 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:26.340 well, how can anyone be saved? 00:18:26.400 --> 00:18:27.420 How can I be saved? 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:28.700 Where does freedom come from? 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:29.819 What's the cure? 00:18:29.900 --> 00:18:30.759 Where's the good news? 00:18:31.940 --> 00:18:32.940 And in Genesis 3, 00:18:32.980 --> 00:18:34.100 we discover there's good news. 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:34.920 There's a promise 00:18:34.920 --> 00:18:36.840 that Adam and Eve, 00:18:36.900 --> 00:18:37.539 in their sin, 00:18:37.900 --> 00:18:38.720 God promised 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:40.279 one from their family, 00:18:40.400 --> 00:18:41.120 a seed 00:18:41.119 --> 00:18:43.659 who would defeat their enemy, 00:18:43.739 --> 00:18:44.319 who would crush 00:18:44.319 --> 00:18:45.379 the head of the serpent, 00:18:45.479 --> 00:18:46.479 who would bring good news. 00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:47.859 And that promise is fulfilled. 00:18:48.919 --> 00:18:49.319 Jesus, 00:18:49.879 --> 00:18:50.679 he's the Savior. 00:18:51.319 --> 00:18:52.819 And it's this good news 00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:54.359 that comes to Antioch. 00:18:54.979 --> 00:18:56.379 These Christians can say, 00:18:56.739 --> 00:18:57.000 listen, 00:18:58.159 --> 00:19:00.159 you cannot save yourself. 00:19:01.359 --> 00:19:03.459 Your idols cannot save, 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:04.579 and they cannot give you 00:19:04.579 --> 00:19:05.619 lasting happiness, 00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:07.459 but Jesus can. 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:10.440 That problem of sin 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:11.620 that we all have, 00:19:12.079 --> 00:19:13.240 the answer is found 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:13.940 in Jesus. 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:15.019 Jesus, 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:16.180 the substitute. 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:18.120 So Jesus comes, 00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:19.740 the Son of God 00:19:19.740 --> 00:19:20.920 becomes truly human. 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:23.279 And in his life, 00:19:23.539 --> 00:19:25.380 he always obeys his Father. 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:27.259 He always pleases his Father. 00:19:27.579 --> 00:19:28.860 He fulfills the demands 00:19:28.860 --> 00:19:29.460 of the law, 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:31.079 the law that we break, 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:32.000 and he does that 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:33.519 on our behalf. 00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:35.680 And then Jesus, 00:19:35.819 --> 00:19:36.640 the substitute, 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:38.380 not only does he live for us, 00:19:39.120 --> 00:19:40.700 he also dies for us. 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:43.480 He dies as a sacrifice, 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:46.360 and as he dies on the cross, 00:19:46.560 --> 00:19:47.980 he is carrying 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:49.980 your sin 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:51.360 and my sin. 00:19:52.440 --> 00:19:53.280 The Bible says 00:19:53.280 --> 00:19:54.480 he is crushed 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:56.540 for our sin. 00:19:57.800 --> 00:19:59.940 And in his sacrificial death, 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:01.780 he completely covers 00:20:01.780 --> 00:20:03.920 over our sin 00:20:03.920 --> 00:20:06.100 so that we can be declared 00:20:06.100 --> 00:20:07.320 righteous. 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:10.400 The problem of separation 00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:11.500 from our God, 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:13.480 the answer is found 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:14.660 in Jesus. 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:16.759 One thing we discover 00:20:16.759 --> 00:20:18.360 as Jesus dies 00:20:18.360 --> 00:20:19.759 on the cross, 00:20:20.320 --> 00:20:21.420 as he has been 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:23.259 abandoned by his friends, 00:20:23.580 --> 00:20:24.600 as he's been whipped 00:20:24.600 --> 00:20:25.240 and beaten, 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:27.460 as a crown of thorns 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:28.160 has been pulled 00:20:28.160 --> 00:20:29.060 onto his head, 00:20:29.120 --> 00:20:29.960 as he's been nailed 00:20:29.960 --> 00:20:30.720 to the cross, 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:32.539 the greatest pain 00:20:32.539 --> 00:20:33.500 for Jesus 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:36.180 is that sense 00:20:36.180 --> 00:20:37.039 of feeling 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:37.720 forsaken 00:20:38.380 --> 00:20:38.720 or abandoned 00:20:39.380 --> 00:20:40.500 by his Father. 00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:42.140 My God, 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:42.799 my God, 00:20:42.860 --> 00:20:44.600 why have you forsaken me? 00:20:45.420 --> 00:20:46.819 Why does Jesus 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:48.860 go to that dark place? 00:20:49.620 --> 00:20:51.200 Jesus feels abandoned 00:20:51.200 --> 00:20:53.420 so that you and I 00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:54.880 might be welcomed 00:20:54.880 --> 00:20:57.100 as we trust in Jesus. 00:20:57.099 --> 00:20:58.919 And then Jesus 00:20:58.919 --> 00:21:00.639 sends from heaven 00:21:00.639 --> 00:21:02.139 the Holy Spirit. 00:21:02.779 --> 00:21:03.579 So now we're not 00:21:03.579 --> 00:21:04.740 separate from God, 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:05.500 rather God 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:06.779 comes to live 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:08.359 in our hearts. 00:21:09.059 --> 00:21:09.899 That God is here 00:21:09.899 --> 00:21:10.539 right now 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:12.339 by his Spirit. 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:14.459 And the problem 00:21:14.459 --> 00:21:15.740 of spiritual death, 00:21:16.539 --> 00:21:17.799 that's also answered 00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:18.459 through Jesus, 00:21:18.599 --> 00:21:19.259 through his death 00:21:19.259 --> 00:21:20.959 and his resurrection. 00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:23.939 As Jesus goes 00:21:23.939 --> 00:21:25.139 under the judgment 00:21:25.139 --> 00:21:25.740 of God, 00:21:25.740 --> 00:21:27.160 he experiences 00:21:27.160 --> 00:21:29.240 hell on earth 00:21:29.240 --> 00:21:30.099 for us 00:21:30.099 --> 00:21:32.019 so that we can 00:21:32.019 --> 00:21:32.799 enjoy heaven 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:34.740 by trusting in him 00:21:34.740 --> 00:21:35.319 and his work. 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:37.680 He defeated death. 00:21:38.599 --> 00:21:40.099 And having defeated death, 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:41.559 he gives the gift 00:21:41.559 --> 00:21:42.880 of eternal life 00:21:42.880 --> 00:21:44.180 and he promises 00:21:44.180 --> 00:21:46.480 an eternal home 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:47.980 with him, 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:49.359 with our God 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:50.339 and King 00:21:50.339 --> 00:21:51.740 in the new world 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:53.000 he will bring in. 00:21:55.740 --> 00:21:56.759 In Jesus, 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:59.240 God saves. 00:22:00.440 --> 00:22:01.240 That's good news 00:22:01.240 --> 00:22:01.819 for the world. 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:02.900 And in Jesus, 00:22:03.079 --> 00:22:03.460 secondly, 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:06.460 God blesses. 00:22:07.359 --> 00:22:08.140 So there's this 00:22:08.140 --> 00:22:08.839 really interesting 00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:09.700 discussion 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:12.359 back in chapter 11 00:22:12.359 --> 00:22:14.120 verses 15 to 17 00:22:14.120 --> 00:22:15.680 between Peter 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:16.279 and some people 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:16.859 who are wondering 00:22:16.859 --> 00:22:18.160 how could you go 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:19.220 to Gentiles 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:19.920 and speak to them 00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:20.559 about Jesus? 00:22:20.680 --> 00:22:21.539 And he says to them, 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:21.899 listen, 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:24.079 they have the same 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:25.319 Holy Spirit 00:22:25.319 --> 00:22:26.119 as we do. 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:26.960 God has given 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:27.799 the same gift. 00:22:28.180 --> 00:22:29.399 They share the same 00:22:29.399 --> 00:22:30.319 Savior. 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:33.659 The church is one. 00:22:34.279 --> 00:22:34.720 And again, 00:22:34.779 --> 00:22:35.700 if we step back 00:22:35.700 --> 00:22:36.240 to the beginning 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:36.799 of the Bible, 00:22:36.899 --> 00:22:37.659 we discover, 00:22:38.460 --> 00:22:39.399 just as in Genesis 00:22:39.399 --> 00:22:40.019 chapter 3, 00:22:40.099 --> 00:22:40.899 there was a promise, 00:22:41.279 --> 00:22:42.000 here is a seed 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:42.579 to be sent 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:43.420 and he'll save. 00:22:43.420 --> 00:22:46.300 In Genesis 12, 00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:47.740 a promise comes 00:22:47.740 --> 00:22:48.519 to Abraham 00:22:48.519 --> 00:22:49.560 that is a seed, 00:22:49.660 --> 00:22:50.080 there's someone 00:22:50.080 --> 00:22:50.980 from your family 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:51.980 who will bless 00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:52.600 the nations 00:22:52.600 --> 00:22:53.300 of the world. 00:22:54.360 --> 00:22:55.720 And this is the good news 00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:56.840 that Antioch hears. 00:22:57.860 --> 00:22:58.640 Jesus isn't just 00:22:58.640 --> 00:22:59.940 for people over there. 00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:01.340 He's not just 00:23:01.340 --> 00:23:01.900 for some kind of, 00:23:01.900 --> 00:23:02.880 he's for all people. 00:23:03.580 --> 00:23:04.940 Jesus is God's way 00:23:04.940 --> 00:23:06.580 to extend blessing 00:23:06.580 --> 00:23:07.360 and peace 00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:07.720 and life 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:09.460 to all nations 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:10.360 and all kinds 00:23:10.360 --> 00:23:10.800 of people. 00:23:11.340 --> 00:23:11.900 That's still 00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:12.880 the good news today. 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:14.980 It's good news for us. 00:23:15.380 --> 00:23:16.120 Whatever nation 00:23:16.120 --> 00:23:16.680 we are from, 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:17.340 whatever country 00:23:17.340 --> 00:23:18.060 we come from, 00:23:18.120 --> 00:23:18.800 whatever region 00:23:18.800 --> 00:23:19.380 we're from, 00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:20.940 Jesus would be good news 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:21.759 for us today. 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:23.820 There is one gift, 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:24.600 the Holy Spirit 00:23:24.600 --> 00:23:25.880 for Jew and for Gentile. 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:27.980 So any believer 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:29.220 knows life 00:23:29.220 --> 00:23:30.480 from God 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.440 and knows life 00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:32.279 with God. 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:33.880 The power of God, 00:23:33.960 --> 00:23:34.660 the love of God, 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:35.700 the friendship of God, 00:23:35.820 --> 00:23:37.120 we have it 00:23:37.120 --> 00:23:37.740 through Jesus 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.940 and by the Holy Spirit. 00:23:40.180 --> 00:23:40.660 And again, 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:41.420 this blessing 00:23:41.420 --> 00:23:42.019 that extends 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:42.820 to all nations, 00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:43.259 again, 00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:44.180 it means that Jesus 00:23:44.180 --> 00:23:46.339 is tearing down 00:23:46.339 --> 00:23:48.400 those dividing lines 00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:49.660 that we often set up. 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.400 The lines that divide 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:52.259 different people 00:23:52.259 --> 00:23:53.400 and different cultures. 00:23:54.559 --> 00:23:55.539 When the message 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:56.359 of Christianity 00:23:56.359 --> 00:23:57.599 is truly understood 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:58.200 and practiced, 00:23:58.640 --> 00:24:00.259 it doesn't create war. 00:24:01.039 --> 00:24:01.960 It doesn't bring division. 00:24:02.079 --> 00:24:02.259 Rather, 00:24:02.339 --> 00:24:03.299 it brings peace 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:05.220 and it brings healing 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:07.279 because Jesus forgives 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:09.460 and Jesus reconciles. 00:24:09.460 --> 00:24:10.700 And so we see 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:12.140 this wonderful promise 00:24:12.140 --> 00:24:12.920 being fulfilled 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:14.140 that Jesus will bless 00:24:14.140 --> 00:24:15.200 the nations. 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:17.700 And we can look ahead, 00:24:18.340 --> 00:24:19.799 Revelation chapter 7, 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:21.360 we have this promise 00:24:21.360 --> 00:24:22.440 of what it will look like 00:24:22.440 --> 00:24:23.400 when it's fulfilled. 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.799 In heaven, 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:25.860 there's this image 00:24:25.860 --> 00:24:27.279 of Jesus on his throne 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:28.960 and he's being worshipped 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:29.559 by people 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:30.700 from every language 00:24:30.700 --> 00:24:31.920 and every nation 00:24:31.920 --> 00:24:33.400 and every people group. 00:24:33.900 --> 00:24:34.799 We're all one 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:36.640 in Christ Jesus. 00:24:36.640 --> 00:24:39.500 And when we understand that, 00:24:39.580 --> 00:24:40.160 we understand 00:24:40.160 --> 00:24:41.200 why these first Christians 00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:41.960 were so excited 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:43.020 to share good news. 00:24:44.680 --> 00:24:45.880 This is why we call 00:24:45.880 --> 00:24:46.680 the message 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:48.020 of the Christian faith 00:24:48.020 --> 00:24:48.780 good news 00:24:48.780 --> 00:24:49.720 because it answers 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:51.900 the deepest human need 00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:52.520 of our heart, 00:24:53.100 --> 00:24:53.740 our sin, 00:24:54.380 --> 00:24:55.140 and our guilt, 00:24:55.960 --> 00:24:56.520 and our need 00:24:56.520 --> 00:24:57.460 to be right with God. 00:24:59.340 --> 00:25:00.540 We call it good news 00:25:00.540 --> 00:25:01.320 because it's the way 00:25:01.320 --> 00:25:04.100 into God's blessing. 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:06.899 God has sent Jesus 00:25:06.899 --> 00:25:08.159 in order to fix 00:25:08.159 --> 00:25:09.199 what is broken, 00:25:09.839 --> 00:25:11.240 to give us entry 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:12.439 into the relationship 00:25:12.439 --> 00:25:13.199 and the life 00:25:13.199 --> 00:25:14.339 that we were made for. 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:17.659 We call Jesus good news 00:25:17.659 --> 00:25:19.439 because his forgiveness, 00:25:19.659 --> 00:25:20.159 his peace, 00:25:20.539 --> 00:25:22.059 promises a better way 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:23.559 than division 00:25:23.559 --> 00:25:25.179 and hostility 00:25:25.179 --> 00:25:26.740 in the Savior 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:28.059 who reconciles 00:25:28.059 --> 00:25:29.279 and brings peace. 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:31.879 And it's good news 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:33.780 because to receive it, 00:25:34.080 --> 00:25:34.620 we don't say, 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:35.480 well, you have to become 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:36.940 a certain type of person 00:25:36.940 --> 00:25:38.780 or you don't have to act 00:25:38.780 --> 00:25:40.140 a certain kind of way. 00:25:40.540 --> 00:25:41.440 You don't need to 00:25:41.440 --> 00:25:43.120 make great sacrifices 00:25:43.120 --> 00:25:44.080 or go on some 00:25:44.080 --> 00:25:45.420 special journey. 00:25:45.560 --> 00:25:47.060 No, you must believe 00:25:47.060 --> 00:25:48.800 in the Lord Jesus 00:25:48.800 --> 00:25:50.680 and you will be saved. 00:25:50.680 --> 00:25:53.799 We must put our faith 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:55.180 in the Lord Jesus. 00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:57.980 We must turn away 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:59.799 from whatever we trusted 00:25:59.799 --> 00:26:00.720 in before 00:26:00.720 --> 00:26:02.580 in order to trust 00:26:02.580 --> 00:26:03.779 in him as our Lord, 00:26:04.620 --> 00:26:05.759 to receive him 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:07.060 as God's wonderful gift. 00:26:08.299 --> 00:26:09.440 So that's our first point. 00:26:09.560 --> 00:26:10.600 Jesus is good news 00:26:10.600 --> 00:26:10.880 to the world. 00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:11.519 Our second point, 00:26:12.180 --> 00:26:13.120 super, super brief, 00:26:13.580 --> 00:26:15.560 but it's also really important 00:26:15.560 --> 00:26:18.019 is that Jesus continues 00:26:18.019 --> 00:26:18.740 his mission 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:20.460 through his church. 00:26:21.180 --> 00:26:22.460 So we've emphasized 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:24.160 that vital truth 00:26:24.160 --> 00:26:25.339 that it's Jesus 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:26.140 who gives the power 00:26:26.140 --> 00:26:26.660 for mission. 00:26:27.200 --> 00:26:27.900 It's Jesus 00:26:27.900 --> 00:26:28.980 who is the content 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:29.559 of mission. 00:26:30.140 --> 00:26:31.019 Jesus is the goal 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:31.420 of mission. 00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:32.559 So truly and really, 00:26:32.660 --> 00:26:34.839 it is all about Jesus, 00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:36.039 but we also need 00:26:36.039 --> 00:26:37.480 this other vital truth. 00:26:37.920 --> 00:26:39.640 Jesus uses his people, 00:26:39.740 --> 00:26:40.299 his church, 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:41.160 to achieve 00:26:41.160 --> 00:26:42.759 his purposes 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.900 to carry out 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:44.480 his mission. 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:47.039 So our response 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:49.400 as the people of God 00:26:49.400 --> 00:26:51.120 is not to sit back 00:26:51.120 --> 00:26:51.380 and say, 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:52.779 well, Jesus has got this, 00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:54.279 so I don't need 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:54.920 to do anything. 00:26:55.799 --> 00:26:57.059 It's also not 00:26:57.059 --> 00:26:58.000 to stress out 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:58.200 and say, 00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:59.900 I need to save the world. 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:01.799 Our response 00:27:01.799 --> 00:27:03.860 is to serve 00:27:03.860 --> 00:27:05.200 our Savior, 00:27:05.360 --> 00:27:06.079 Lord, and Master 00:27:06.079 --> 00:27:07.759 with his help 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:10.039 motivated by his love 00:27:10.039 --> 00:27:11.220 and grace. 00:27:11.220 --> 00:27:14.400 We've already seen it 00:27:14.400 --> 00:27:16.339 as these unnamed believers 00:27:16.339 --> 00:27:17.400 continue the mission 00:27:17.400 --> 00:27:18.480 of Jesus in Antioch. 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:19.720 It's not just apostles 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:21.600 who bring the good news, 00:27:21.960 --> 00:27:23.339 who begin to cause 00:27:23.339 --> 00:27:24.240 the church to grow. 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:26.220 Christianity grows 00:27:26.220 --> 00:27:27.360 as these unnamed believers 00:27:27.360 --> 00:27:28.279 boldly share. 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:29.720 And what happens next, 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:30.920 this is in verse 22 00:27:30.920 --> 00:27:31.819 to 24, 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:34.460 the Jerusalem church 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:35.539 hears what's going on. 00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:36.279 Verse 22, 00:27:36.380 --> 00:27:37.019 news of this 00:27:37.019 --> 00:27:37.759 reached the church 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.299 in Jerusalem 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:40.100 and they sent Barnabas 00:27:40.100 --> 00:27:40.779 to Antioch. 00:27:41.220 --> 00:27:42.680 So they want to validate, 00:27:42.839 --> 00:27:43.799 find out what's going on 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:44.740 and they send 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:45.759 the perfect guy 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.440 for the job. 00:27:47.220 --> 00:27:47.759 So we know that 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.680 Barnabas' real name 00:27:48.680 --> 00:27:49.279 is Joseph, 00:27:49.420 --> 00:27:50.400 but this is his nickname, 00:27:50.620 --> 00:27:52.860 Son of Encouragement. 00:27:53.019 --> 00:27:53.500 So we've been thinking 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:54.440 about how Barnabas 00:27:54.440 --> 00:27:55.900 is an encouragement 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:56.559 and we're going to see 00:27:56.559 --> 00:27:58.100 it again here. 00:27:58.220 --> 00:27:59.220 Three very brief points 00:27:59.220 --> 00:27:59.660 to notice 00:27:59.660 --> 00:28:00.360 and some questions 00:28:00.360 --> 00:28:01.019 to ask 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:03.059 about how Barnabas 00:28:03.059 --> 00:28:03.960 helps to continue 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:04.900 the mission of Jesus. 00:28:05.259 --> 00:28:05.600 First, 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:07.000 verse 23, 00:28:07.839 --> 00:28:09.100 Barnabas encourages 00:28:09.099 --> 00:28:11.599 new believers. 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:12.699 So look with me 00:28:12.699 --> 00:28:13.519 at verse 23. 00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:16.279 When Barnabas arrived 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:18.119 and saw what the grace 00:28:18.119 --> 00:28:19.419 of God had done, 00:28:20.539 --> 00:28:21.519 he was glad 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:23.539 and encouraged them all 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:24.219 to remain true 00:28:24.219 --> 00:28:24.839 to the Lord. 00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:25.639 He was glad. 00:28:26.779 --> 00:28:28.740 Here is the power 00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:30.879 of encouragement. 00:28:31.959 --> 00:28:32.480 Again, 00:28:32.679 --> 00:28:33.459 boys and girls, 00:28:33.619 --> 00:28:34.579 I'm going to stick 00:28:34.579 --> 00:28:35.919 with the puppy theme 00:28:35.919 --> 00:28:36.480 for a moment. 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:38.299 if you've ever had 00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:39.880 to help to train a puppy, 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:41.099 you will know 00:28:41.099 --> 00:28:42.279 that what you need to do 00:28:42.279 --> 00:28:44.319 is to encourage 00:28:44.319 --> 00:28:46.079 and praise 00:28:46.079 --> 00:28:47.099 and reward 00:28:47.099 --> 00:28:48.279 good behavior 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:50.180 when and if you see it, 00:28:50.640 --> 00:28:51.400 which with a puppy 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:52.360 doesn't always come 00:28:52.360 --> 00:28:53.319 that often. 00:28:53.799 --> 00:28:54.460 But the power 00:28:54.460 --> 00:28:55.180 of encouragement 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:57.319 is what helps 00:28:57.319 --> 00:28:58.880 a puppy be trained 00:28:58.880 --> 00:28:59.920 towards obedience. 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.319 But you probably 00:29:01.319 --> 00:29:02.460 also know, 00:29:02.539 --> 00:29:03.240 and all of us, 00:29:03.339 --> 00:29:03.500 I think, 00:29:03.599 --> 00:29:03.920 know, 00:29:04.339 --> 00:29:04.980 the power 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:05.680 and the beauty 00:29:05.680 --> 00:29:06.519 of encouragement 00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:08.299 in our lives. 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:09.819 Someone who's got 00:29:09.819 --> 00:29:10.599 our backs, 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.360 someone who says, 00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:12.660 you can do this, 00:29:12.740 --> 00:29:13.620 someone who says, 00:29:13.720 --> 00:29:14.579 I can see 00:29:14.579 --> 00:29:16.099 that you're making progress. 00:29:17.059 --> 00:29:18.240 The power of encouragement 00:29:18.240 --> 00:29:18.860 is real. 00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:21.180 Think about what Barnabas does 00:29:21.180 --> 00:29:23.180 for these new Christians 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:24.079 in Antioch, 00:29:24.400 --> 00:29:25.759 far away from the center 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.220 in Jerusalem. 00:29:26.360 --> 00:29:26.960 He says to them, 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:28.380 I can see 00:29:28.380 --> 00:29:29.620 that Jesus 00:29:29.620 --> 00:29:30.700 has really changed you. 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:32.319 I can see 00:29:32.319 --> 00:29:32.860 that God 00:29:32.860 --> 00:29:33.559 has worked 00:29:33.559 --> 00:29:34.579 powerfully in you. 00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:36.740 I can say 00:29:36.740 --> 00:29:38.359 that you belong 00:29:38.359 --> 00:29:39.359 to Jesus, 00:29:39.519 --> 00:29:40.139 you belong 00:29:40.139 --> 00:29:41.259 to his church. 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:42.879 I can see 00:29:42.879 --> 00:29:43.839 and I'm glad 00:29:43.839 --> 00:29:45.220 that you're living 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:45.740 with faith 00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:46.299 and obedience. 00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:47.980 Now imagine 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:48.539 the difference 00:29:48.539 --> 00:29:49.099 that that's going 00:29:49.099 --> 00:29:49.619 to make 00:29:49.619 --> 00:29:51.339 to these new believers, 00:29:51.679 --> 00:29:52.879 to be encouraged 00:29:52.879 --> 00:29:54.919 by an encourager. 00:29:55.519 --> 00:29:56.619 So my question, 00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:57.299 my challenge, 00:29:57.419 --> 00:29:57.980 my invitation 00:29:57.980 --> 00:29:58.919 to myself 00:29:58.919 --> 00:29:59.639 and to all of us 00:29:59.639 --> 00:30:00.119 is this, 00:30:00.819 --> 00:30:01.419 who can you 00:30:01.420 --> 00:30:01.740 and I 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.420 encourage 00:30:02.420 --> 00:30:03.460 spiritually 00:30:03.460 --> 00:30:04.820 this week? 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:07.500 Who can you say, 00:30:07.840 --> 00:30:08.580 I'm so glad 00:30:08.580 --> 00:30:09.759 to see your faith 00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:10.240 and obedience 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:10.660 at work? 00:30:11.160 --> 00:30:12.019 How can you 00:30:12.019 --> 00:30:12.380 and I 00:30:12.380 --> 00:30:13.200 do that 00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:13.580 so that we 00:30:13.580 --> 00:30:14.700 would follow 00:30:14.700 --> 00:30:15.460 Barnabas 00:30:15.460 --> 00:30:16.460 in encouraging 00:30:16.460 --> 00:30:17.120 believers 00:30:17.120 --> 00:30:18.480 in the mission 00:30:18.480 --> 00:30:19.320 of God? 00:30:19.440 --> 00:30:20.000 Second thing, 00:30:20.600 --> 00:30:21.779 Barnabas encourages 00:30:21.779 --> 00:30:23.019 perseverance. 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:23.539 Again, 00:30:23.660 --> 00:30:24.380 verse 23, 00:30:25.380 --> 00:30:26.100 he encouraged 00:30:26.100 --> 00:30:26.560 them all 00:30:26.560 --> 00:30:27.060 to remain 00:30:27.060 --> 00:30:28.140 true to the Lord 00:30:28.140 --> 00:30:29.600 with all 00:30:29.600 --> 00:30:30.860 their hearts. 00:30:31.780 --> 00:30:32.220 Faith, 00:30:32.500 --> 00:30:33.060 as has often 00:30:33.060 --> 00:30:33.720 been said, 00:30:34.060 --> 00:30:35.100 is a marathon 00:30:35.100 --> 00:30:36.580 and not a sprint. 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:37.480 It's not how 00:30:37.480 --> 00:30:38.140 we begin 00:30:38.140 --> 00:30:38.900 that matters, 00:30:39.020 --> 00:30:39.680 it's how we run 00:30:39.680 --> 00:30:39.980 the race, 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:41.160 it's how we finish. 00:30:42.800 --> 00:30:43.960 Barnabas encourages 00:30:43.960 --> 00:30:45.240 them to persevere. 00:30:46.220 --> 00:30:47.080 Keep going 00:30:47.080 --> 00:30:48.840 when trials come. 00:30:50.600 --> 00:30:51.120 Persevere 00:30:51.120 --> 00:30:52.020 by being 00:30:52.020 --> 00:30:52.980 wholehearted 00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:53.960 in your commitment 00:30:53.960 --> 00:30:54.960 to Jesus. 00:30:55.820 --> 00:30:56.900 Show your loyalty 00:30:56.900 --> 00:30:57.380 to him 00:30:57.380 --> 00:30:58.000 and not 00:30:58.000 --> 00:30:58.580 to those 00:30:58.580 --> 00:30:59.060 idols 00:30:59.060 --> 00:30:59.420 that you 00:30:59.420 --> 00:30:59.900 used to 00:30:59.900 --> 00:31:00.920 trust in. 00:31:02.860 --> 00:31:03.700 You may 00:31:03.700 --> 00:31:04.280 have seen 00:31:04.280 --> 00:31:04.720 on the news, 00:31:04.780 --> 00:31:05.120 you may actually 00:31:05.120 --> 00:31:05.420 have seen 00:31:05.420 --> 00:31:06.120 on the streets 00:31:06.120 --> 00:31:07.040 that there 00:31:07.040 --> 00:31:07.920 is all kinds 00:31:07.920 --> 00:31:08.820 of road 00:31:08.820 --> 00:31:09.740 cycling world 00:31:09.740 --> 00:31:10.280 championships 00:31:10.280 --> 00:31:10.860 happening. 00:31:12.300 --> 00:31:12.840 Perth, 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:13.440 Stirling, 00:31:13.740 --> 00:31:14.040 Edinburgh, 00:31:14.360 --> 00:31:14.700 Glasgow, 00:31:15.380 --> 00:31:16.780 those big 00:31:16.780 --> 00:31:18.000 long distance 00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:18.600 races. 00:31:19.320 --> 00:31:19.940 I don't know 00:31:19.940 --> 00:31:20.380 if they need 00:31:20.380 --> 00:31:21.360 water stations, 00:31:22.100 --> 00:31:23.060 but they definitely 00:31:23.060 --> 00:31:24.040 have water stations 00:31:24.040 --> 00:31:24.640 at a marathon. 00:31:24.800 --> 00:31:25.860 Think of a marathon, 00:31:25.859 --> 00:31:26.439 think of those 00:31:26.439 --> 00:31:27.539 water stations, 00:31:28.039 --> 00:31:28.819 tired runners 00:31:28.819 --> 00:31:30.119 come for a break, 00:31:30.419 --> 00:31:30.979 think of those 00:31:30.979 --> 00:31:32.079 water bottle 00:31:32.079 --> 00:31:33.219 passers. 00:31:34.559 --> 00:31:35.740 How refreshing 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:37.439 for that exhausting 00:31:37.439 --> 00:31:38.699 journey to get 00:31:38.699 --> 00:31:39.740 a drink of water. 00:31:40.779 --> 00:31:41.679 Who can you 00:31:41.679 --> 00:31:42.479 and I 00:31:42.479 --> 00:31:43.899 refresh 00:31:43.899 --> 00:31:45.859 this week 00:31:45.859 --> 00:31:46.939 in faith 00:31:46.939 --> 00:31:48.419 to encourage 00:31:48.419 --> 00:31:49.219 someone to 00:31:49.219 --> 00:31:50.199 persevere, 00:31:50.699 --> 00:31:51.740 to keep their 00:31:51.740 --> 00:31:52.699 eyes fixed 00:31:52.700 --> 00:31:53.360 on Jesus, 00:31:53.920 --> 00:31:54.779 to focus 00:31:54.779 --> 00:31:55.940 on the 00:31:55.940 --> 00:31:56.539 eternal 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:57.519 prize. 00:31:59.960 --> 00:32:00.819 The last 00:32:00.819 --> 00:32:01.279 way that 00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:02.039 Jesus continues 00:32:02.039 --> 00:32:02.660 his mission 00:32:02.660 --> 00:32:03.580 through Barnabas, 00:32:04.200 --> 00:32:04.860 verse 24, 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:05.860 Barnabas encourages 00:32:05.860 --> 00:32:06.740 faith by 00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:07.779 his witness. 00:32:08.519 --> 00:32:09.160 Listen to this 00:32:09.160 --> 00:32:10.319 wonderful testimony 00:32:10.319 --> 00:32:11.039 from Luke 00:32:11.039 --> 00:32:11.580 as to the 00:32:11.580 --> 00:32:12.500 character of 00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:13.180 Barnabas. 00:32:14.860 --> 00:32:15.660 I imagine 00:32:15.660 --> 00:32:16.360 for all of us 00:32:16.360 --> 00:32:16.940 this is something 00:32:16.940 --> 00:32:17.440 that we would 00:32:17.440 --> 00:32:19.120 love people 00:32:19.120 --> 00:32:20.059 to say of us. 00:32:20.059 --> 00:32:21.720 He was a good 00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:22.200 man, 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:23.720 full of the 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:24.519 Holy Spirit 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:25.419 and faith, 00:32:26.240 --> 00:32:26.940 and a great 00:32:26.940 --> 00:32:27.539 number of people 00:32:27.539 --> 00:32:27.980 were brought 00:32:27.980 --> 00:32:28.679 to the Lord. 00:32:29.339 --> 00:32:29.960 So here's this 00:32:29.960 --> 00:32:30.659 wonderful thing, 00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:31.819 so Barnabas is 00:32:31.819 --> 00:32:32.379 living out his 00:32:32.379 --> 00:32:33.220 faith day by day 00:32:33.220 --> 00:32:33.759 in Antioch. 00:32:33.859 --> 00:32:34.639 He's speaking 00:32:34.639 --> 00:32:35.679 and he's sharing 00:32:35.679 --> 00:32:36.579 and he's encouraging 00:32:36.579 --> 00:32:38.179 and the impact 00:32:38.179 --> 00:32:39.200 is there's more 00:32:39.200 --> 00:32:40.419 followers of Jesus. 00:32:42.440 --> 00:32:43.179 Let's never 00:32:43.179 --> 00:32:44.299 underestimate the 00:32:44.299 --> 00:32:45.039 power of 00:32:45.039 --> 00:32:46.859 lifestyle evangelism. 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:47.859 Let's not 00:32:47.859 --> 00:32:48.700 underestimate the 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:49.419 power of every 00:32:49.420 --> 00:32:50.740 day resolving 00:32:50.740 --> 00:32:51.519 to live for 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:53.100 Jesus in our 00:32:53.100 --> 00:32:54.140 family, our 00:32:54.140 --> 00:32:54.940 workplace. 00:32:55.740 --> 00:32:56.500 We go back to 00:32:56.500 --> 00:32:57.640 school to work 00:32:57.640 --> 00:32:58.300 hard and to 00:32:58.300 --> 00:32:59.120 work well, to 00:32:59.120 --> 00:32:59.539 be good 00:32:59.539 --> 00:33:00.259 neighbors, to 00:33:00.259 --> 00:33:00.860 be kind, to 00:33:00.860 --> 00:33:02.340 be honest, and 00:33:02.340 --> 00:33:03.860 to be ready to 00:33:03.860 --> 00:33:04.880 speak about Jesus 00:33:04.880 --> 00:33:05.480 when we get a 00:33:05.480 --> 00:33:06.060 chance. 00:33:07.240 --> 00:33:07.759 Robert Murray 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:09.820 McShane, who 00:33:09.820 --> 00:33:10.320 was ministering 00:33:10.320 --> 00:33:11.120 St. Peter's in 00:33:11.120 --> 00:33:11.660 Dundee in the 00:33:11.660 --> 00:33:12.340 19th century, 00:33:12.460 --> 00:33:12.900 said this, he 00:33:12.900 --> 00:33:13.200 said, a 00:33:13.200 --> 00:33:14.340 Christian, love 00:33:14.340 --> 00:33:14.960 this definition, 00:33:15.420 --> 00:33:16.240 a Christian is a 00:33:16.240 --> 00:33:17.220 person who makes 00:33:17.220 --> 00:33:18.080 it easy for 00:33:18.080 --> 00:33:19.320 others to 00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:19.779 believe in 00:33:19.779 --> 00:33:20.059 God. 00:33:21.200 --> 00:33:21.740 A Christian is a 00:33:21.740 --> 00:33:22.179 person who makes 00:33:22.179 --> 00:33:22.619 it easy for 00:33:22.619 --> 00:33:22.960 others to 00:33:22.960 --> 00:33:23.299 believe in 00:33:23.299 --> 00:33:23.460 God. 00:33:23.559 --> 00:33:24.519 In that, Barnabas 00:33:24.519 --> 00:33:25.139 is a wonderful 00:33:25.139 --> 00:33:25.899 ambassador, isn't 00:33:25.899 --> 00:33:26.099 he? 00:33:28.939 --> 00:33:29.559 Is that what 00:33:29.559 --> 00:33:30.119 people would say 00:33:30.119 --> 00:33:30.799 of us as a 00:33:30.799 --> 00:33:31.200 church? 00:33:31.819 --> 00:33:32.439 That this church 00:33:32.439 --> 00:33:33.240 makes it easy for 00:33:33.240 --> 00:33:33.839 others to believe 00:33:33.839 --> 00:33:34.460 in God and that 00:33:34.460 --> 00:33:35.319 he's good news? 00:33:36.000 --> 00:33:36.359 Is that what 00:33:36.359 --> 00:33:36.939 people would say 00:33:36.939 --> 00:33:37.700 of our lives? 00:33:38.819 --> 00:33:39.539 Let's ask the 00:33:39.539 --> 00:33:40.839 Spirit to be 00:33:40.839 --> 00:33:41.539 convicting us, to 00:33:41.539 --> 00:33:43.099 be showing us, if 00:33:43.099 --> 00:33:43.700 there are areas 00:33:43.700 --> 00:33:44.939 where perhaps we 00:33:44.939 --> 00:33:45.919 make it difficult for 00:33:45.919 --> 00:33:46.559 others to believe 00:33:46.559 --> 00:33:47.039 in God. 00:33:47.799 --> 00:33:48.420 That's because we'd 00:33:48.420 --> 00:33:49.420 want others to be 00:33:49.420 --> 00:33:50.440 seeing the goodness 00:33:50.440 --> 00:33:51.859 of Jesus. 00:33:52.339 --> 00:33:53.819 Acts 11 is a 00:33:53.819 --> 00:33:54.960 wonderful lesson 00:33:54.960 --> 00:33:56.180 that our God is a 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:57.139 missionary God, that 00:33:57.139 --> 00:33:58.680 Jesus continues his 00:33:58.680 --> 00:33:59.680 mission in the world, 00:33:59.839 --> 00:34:00.799 and he does that 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:01.539 through people and 00:34:01.539 --> 00:34:02.440 through churches like 00:34:02.440 --> 00:34:02.899 us. 00:34:04.579 --> 00:34:05.359 Through Christians 00:34:05.359 --> 00:34:06.319 sharing the good 00:34:06.319 --> 00:34:07.559 news of Jesus the 00:34:07.559 --> 00:34:08.000 Savior. 00:34:09.400 --> 00:34:10.820 As the grace of God 00:34:10.820 --> 00:34:12.300 transforms lives and 00:34:12.300 --> 00:34:13.559 works itself into 00:34:13.559 --> 00:34:14.599 cultures, as the 00:34:14.599 --> 00:34:16.159 words and lives of 00:34:16.159 --> 00:34:16.840 everyday Christians 00:34:16.840 --> 00:34:18.559 like us can be 00:34:18.559 --> 00:34:19.960 used by God to 00:34:19.960 --> 00:34:21.340 accomplish Jesus' 00:34:21.599 --> 00:34:21.940 goal. 00:34:23.099 --> 00:34:24.000 Because wonderfully, 00:34:24.699 --> 00:34:25.360 our God is a 00:34:25.360 --> 00:34:26.119 missionary God. 00:34:26.579 --> 00:34:27.799 Let's pray to our 00:34:27.799 --> 00:34:28.920 God briefly now. 00:34:29.920 --> 00:34:31.159 Lord God, we thank 00:34:31.159 --> 00:34:31.880 you that we have 00:34:31.880 --> 00:34:32.739 good news. 00:34:33.299 --> 00:34:34.460 We have good news 00:34:34.460 --> 00:34:36.460 from you of Jesus, 00:34:37.039 --> 00:34:38.799 the Savior for the 00:34:38.799 --> 00:34:39.259 world. 00:34:39.260 --> 00:34:48.680 Lord.