WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.040 Good evening, church. 00:00:10.720 --> 00:00:15.880 Thank you for coming out on this hot August evening. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:28.900 I'd like to tell you a story about this man who lived in Palestine about 2,000 years ago. 00:00:28.899 --> 00:00:40.979 So let's shift our mind and travel a little back in time, a lot back to 2,000 BC in Palestine. 00:00:42.140 --> 00:00:48.579 So after a long day of hard work, he went to sleep. 00:00:49.039 --> 00:00:52.619 His family, this man, they all went to bed. 00:00:53.719 --> 00:00:57.840 And in the middle of the night, there was a knocking at his house. 00:00:59.759 --> 00:01:02.219 And let's say it was about around midnight. 00:01:03.019 --> 00:01:08.700 So he wakes up and he's wondering, who's knocking at my door in the middle of the night? 00:01:09.280 --> 00:01:14.900 And when he opened the door, he was joyfully surprised. 00:01:14.900 --> 00:01:21.520 Because there was a guest, an unexpected guest waiting at his door. 00:01:22.600 --> 00:01:27.600 Like I said, this is a 2,000 BC, so there was no cell phone. 00:01:28.120 --> 00:01:32.800 So the guest couldn't call the host and say, I'll arrive in about half an hour. 00:01:32.799 --> 00:01:37.359 So too much is joy. 00:01:38.659 --> 00:01:51.620 In that time in Palestine, the custom, the tradition is, when you have a guest, you honor the guest by giving them water to wash their feet from long journey. 00:01:52.539 --> 00:01:54.019 Give them food to eat. 00:01:54.019 --> 00:01:59.459 And I'm sure his guest was hungry from a long journey, maybe riding on a camel. 00:02:00.199 --> 00:02:06.840 But then he realized, because this is an unexpected guest, he has no food in the house. 00:02:08.280 --> 00:02:11.719 So he tells the guest to wait. 00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:13.039 I'll be right back. 00:02:13.740 --> 00:02:17.039 And he tells his wife, give him some water so he can wash his feet. 00:02:17.039 --> 00:02:20.120 And he tells his older son, go sleep with your brother. 00:02:20.459 --> 00:02:22.599 Because we're going to give up your room to our guest. 00:02:22.679 --> 00:02:25.039 And he runs down to his friend's house. 00:02:25.180 --> 00:02:28.439 And now he's knocking at his friend's house. 00:02:30.099 --> 00:02:34.819 And his friend is, who is it? 00:02:35.739 --> 00:02:39.280 And then the man tells him, oh, hey man, I need some food. 00:02:39.399 --> 00:02:41.419 I have this unexpected guest. 00:02:41.599 --> 00:02:44.280 I don't have any food, so can I borrow some food from you? 00:02:44.280 --> 00:02:49.000 And then the friend goes, hey, the door is locked. 00:02:49.919 --> 00:02:51.400 My family is in bed. 00:02:52.259 --> 00:02:54.180 I cannot come out and give you food. 00:02:55.479 --> 00:02:57.280 But this man didn't give up. 00:02:57.620 --> 00:02:58.500 He kept on knocking. 00:02:58.879 --> 00:03:00.800 I said, please man, please help me. 00:03:01.639 --> 00:03:02.539 Help me, please. 00:03:04.379 --> 00:03:08.159 If it was today, I'm sure he would have said, get on your donkey. 00:03:08.800 --> 00:03:10.360 Go down about half a mile. 00:03:10.479 --> 00:03:12.740 There will be a CVS that opens 24 hours. 00:03:12.740 --> 00:03:16.740 But no such a thing in Palestine 2,000 years ago. 00:03:17.740 --> 00:03:26.719 And because of the friend's persistent knocking and almost begging, the friend opens the door. 00:03:27.040 --> 00:03:30.760 I'm sure his wife told him, give him some food so we can go back to sleep. 00:03:31.400 --> 00:03:34.480 So he comes out, gives his friend food. 00:03:34.479 --> 00:03:48.959 I think we can all relate to this story in a way that maybe we helped somebody out of, oh, man, if I don't help this person, that person is going to annoy me. 00:03:49.239 --> 00:03:52.199 And I want this person to be just out of my face. 00:03:52.479 --> 00:03:53.280 So you help. 00:03:53.280 --> 00:03:57.740 Or maybe somebody helped you with the same motive. 00:03:58.240 --> 00:03:59.379 That you asked for help. 00:03:59.640 --> 00:04:03.560 And what this person felt was, man, I got to help this person. 00:04:03.659 --> 00:04:06.360 Otherwise, I'll never see the end of it. 00:04:06.360 --> 00:04:21.259 Tonight's scripture, Jesus tells us about this persistent widow who's seeking justice from this unrighteous judge. 00:04:22.360 --> 00:04:32.520 And Jesus also urges us to pray persistently because God listens to our prayer. 00:04:32.519 --> 00:04:35.859 Let us pray. 00:04:38.659 --> 00:04:50.199 Lord Jesus, thank you for gathering us here tonight to worship you and to praise you for all that you did for us on that cross. 00:04:51.099 --> 00:04:59.479 And just like we sang, Lord, we live because you defeated the power of death and the sin. 00:04:59.480 --> 00:05:14.860 And now we have this unwavering hope that we too will live in glorious resurrected body like you. 00:05:16.160 --> 00:05:17.819 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:05:19.720 --> 00:05:25.439 Please turn with me to page 877 in your pew Bible. 00:05:26.379 --> 00:05:27.860 Page 877. 00:05:27.860 --> 00:05:33.220 We're continuing our Followers of Jesus series from Book of Luke. 00:05:33.620 --> 00:05:38.120 Luke chapter 18, verses 1 to 8. 00:05:38.960 --> 00:05:40.720 Page 877. 00:05:42.040 --> 00:05:44.400 Luke 18, verses 1 through 8. 00:05:44.480 --> 00:05:47.139 The parable of the persistent widow. 00:05:47.139 --> 00:05:47.300 The parable of the persistent widow. 00:05:47.300 --> 00:05:59.319 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 00:06:00.319 --> 00:06:01.259 He said, 00:06:01.259 --> 00:06:07.920 In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 00:06:08.680 --> 00:06:12.980 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 00:06:13.519 --> 00:06:15.579 Give me justice against my adversary. 00:06:16.620 --> 00:06:18.300 For a while he refused. 00:06:18.300 --> 00:06:21.500 But afterward, he said to himself, 00:06:21.500 --> 00:06:26.000 Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 00:06:26.780 --> 00:06:29.819 Yet because this widow keeps bothering me, 00:06:30.220 --> 00:06:35.780 I'll give her justice so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming. 00:06:35.779 --> 00:06:37.979 And the Lord said, 00:06:37.979 --> 00:06:40.859 Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 00:06:41.539 --> 00:06:49.019 And will not God give justice to his elect who cry to him day and night? 00:06:49.879 --> 00:06:52.599 Will he delay long over them? 00:06:53.479 --> 00:06:57.519 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. 00:06:57.519 --> 00:07:05.060 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? 00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:19.620 A little over a month ago, Pastor Matt told us that Jesus is a master storyteller. 00:07:20.079 --> 00:07:27.259 And as we study this parable, you will see how he builds this story. 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:30.199 About the persistent widow. 00:07:30.899 --> 00:07:40.959 So first, I would like you to stay in ancient Palestine, 2000 BC. 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:49.099 And let's look at this from historical and also a cultural context in Jesus' time. 00:07:50.560 --> 00:07:52.359 The first character, Judge. 00:07:53.439 --> 00:07:54.339 The scripture says, 00:07:54.339 --> 00:08:00.179 He neither feared God nor respected man. 00:08:00.500 --> 00:08:01.859 Other translations say, 00:08:02.299 --> 00:08:04.259 He didn't care about people. 00:08:06.739 --> 00:08:09.620 Now, in Israel, 00:08:10.339 --> 00:08:14.339 For someone to not fear God, 00:08:15.039 --> 00:08:17.219 Someone to not honor God, 00:08:17.220 --> 00:08:20.340 I think that's pretty much, you know, 00:08:20.620 --> 00:08:21.360 Blasphemous. 00:08:22.560 --> 00:08:23.940 Throughout the Old Testament, 00:08:24.480 --> 00:08:27.040 The lesson is to fear the Lord. 00:08:27.580 --> 00:08:28.700 To fear the Lord. 00:08:29.020 --> 00:08:29.700 Honor the Lord. 00:08:30.940 --> 00:08:32.480 And yet, this judge, 00:08:33.320 --> 00:08:37.040 He had no fear for God. 00:08:38.180 --> 00:08:39.480 And on top of that, 00:08:39.600 --> 00:08:41.139 He really didn't care about the people. 00:08:41.139 --> 00:08:49.939 So, Jesus builds this character 00:08:49.939 --> 00:08:56.220 And draws the audience's righteous anger. 00:08:56.220 --> 00:08:59.460 How can a judge, 00:08:59.840 --> 00:09:00.940 Out of all the people, 00:09:01.379 --> 00:09:02.480 How can a judge, 00:09:03.060 --> 00:09:04.220 Not fear God? 00:09:04.639 --> 00:09:05.860 And not care about people? 00:09:06.240 --> 00:09:07.220 What kind of, 00:09:07.220 --> 00:09:10.279 What kind of judgment is he going to make? 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:12.639 If he doesn't feel the Lord, 00:09:13.120 --> 00:09:14.320 And don't care about the people. 00:09:14.940 --> 00:09:15.460 So already, 00:09:15.840 --> 00:09:17.480 The audience is having, 00:09:18.060 --> 00:09:19.899 This righteous anger. 00:09:20.399 --> 00:09:22.320 He's not the right person. 00:09:22.379 --> 00:09:23.200 He's not a good person. 00:09:23.320 --> 00:09:24.200 He's not a good judge. 00:09:24.200 --> 00:09:28.360 And then Jesus brings up the widow. 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:29.920 Now imagine, 00:09:30.020 --> 00:09:31.480 If the story was about, 00:09:31.820 --> 00:09:32.759 A wealthy, 00:09:33.280 --> 00:09:35.300 Pharisee, 00:09:36.300 --> 00:09:37.840 Then people may not, 00:09:37.920 --> 00:09:38.920 The audience may not, 00:09:39.900 --> 00:09:40.780 Sympathize. 00:09:41.780 --> 00:09:43.680 Audience may not have compassion. 00:09:43.820 --> 00:09:44.300 I mean, you know, 00:09:44.400 --> 00:09:45.320 He's a Pharisee, 00:09:45.420 --> 00:09:46.220 And he's wealthy, 00:09:46.460 --> 00:09:46.720 So, 00:09:47.840 --> 00:09:48.160 You know, 00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:49.520 Or if he was a Roman, 00:09:49.660 --> 00:09:50.560 Or a tax collector. 00:09:51.200 --> 00:09:51.860 But Jesus, 00:09:52.460 --> 00:09:54.100 Uses a widow, 00:09:54.200 --> 00:09:57.379 Who's been, 00:09:57.379 --> 00:09:58.240 Obviously, 00:09:58.240 --> 00:09:58.300 Obviously, 00:09:58.300 --> 00:09:59.360 Wronged. 00:10:00.020 --> 00:10:01.600 And he wants, 00:10:01.920 --> 00:10:02.580 She wants, 00:10:02.800 --> 00:10:03.400 Justice, 00:10:03.900 --> 00:10:04.960 To be served. 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:06.480 So, 00:10:06.800 --> 00:10:08.660 Jesus, 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:10.720 Brings this, 00:10:11.220 --> 00:10:12.220 Righteous anger, 00:10:12.480 --> 00:10:13.259 In audience, 00:10:13.680 --> 00:10:14.400 Against the, 00:10:14.400 --> 00:10:15.680 Unrighteous judge. 00:10:15.679 --> 00:10:18.379 And Jesus also brings, 00:10:18.379 --> 00:10:20.239 Compassion and sympathy, 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:22.259 Towards the widow. 00:10:23.500 --> 00:10:25.500 And then Jesus makes, 00:10:26.199 --> 00:10:27.519 This contrast, 00:10:28.339 --> 00:10:30.859 Between the unrighteous judge, 00:10:31.419 --> 00:10:32.279 And God. 00:10:34.219 --> 00:10:35.699 If you look at verse, 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:41.000 Six, 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:43.059 And the Lord said, 00:10:43.179 --> 00:10:45.220 Hear what the unrighteous judge says, 00:10:45.220 --> 00:10:49.159 And will not God give justice to his elect, 00:10:49.779 --> 00:10:51.720 Who cry to him day and night? 00:10:52.179 --> 00:10:54.340 Will he delay long over them? 00:10:54.600 --> 00:10:55.340 I tell you, 00:10:55.440 --> 00:10:58.120 He will give justice to them speedily. 00:10:58.120 --> 00:10:59.480 So, 00:11:00.259 --> 00:11:03.080 The story that I, 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:04.580 That I told you in the beginning, 00:11:04.679 --> 00:11:05.179 By the way, 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:06.940 It's not my story. 00:11:07.220 --> 00:11:08.639 I cannot take the credit for it. 00:11:08.659 --> 00:11:10.080 It is actually a parable, 00:11:10.779 --> 00:11:12.340 From Luke chapter 11. 00:11:12.899 --> 00:11:13.320 He talks, 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:13.720 Jesus, 00:11:14.560 --> 00:11:15.179 Talks about, 00:11:15.740 --> 00:11:16.620 These two men. 00:11:17.620 --> 00:11:17.919 So, 00:11:18.299 --> 00:11:19.960 That story, 00:11:20.159 --> 00:11:20.860 Same thing. 00:11:21.200 --> 00:11:22.299 Why did the friend, 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:23.000 Finally, 00:11:23.460 --> 00:11:24.860 Brought the food out? 00:11:25.800 --> 00:11:26.560 The Bible says, 00:11:26.639 --> 00:11:28.240 He did not do that out of friendship. 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:29.919 But because, 00:11:30.360 --> 00:11:30.800 He, 00:11:30.960 --> 00:11:32.940 Wanted his friend to leave. 00:11:33.340 --> 00:11:34.300 Leave him alone. 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:36.139 So I can go back to sleep. 00:11:37.460 --> 00:11:38.980 Why did this judge, 00:11:39.580 --> 00:11:40.379 Finally, 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:41.360 Decide to, 00:11:41.840 --> 00:11:42.300 Hear, 00:11:42.940 --> 00:11:44.100 This widow's case. 00:11:45.460 --> 00:11:46.779 He doesn't fear God. 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:48.379 He doesn't care about people. 00:11:49.000 --> 00:11:49.360 And yet, 00:11:49.700 --> 00:11:50.039 He said, 00:11:50.560 --> 00:11:52.460 If I don't hear this lady's case, 00:11:53.039 --> 00:11:54.480 She's going to wear me out. 00:11:54.480 --> 00:11:55.759 Every day, 00:11:56.200 --> 00:11:57.039 She's going to come here, 00:11:57.240 --> 00:11:58.779 And knock on my door. 00:11:59.560 --> 00:11:59.759 So, 00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:00.600 Both, 00:12:01.580 --> 00:12:02.420 The judge, 00:12:02.920 --> 00:12:04.060 And the friend, 00:12:05.460 --> 00:12:07.019 Do these things, 00:12:07.100 --> 00:12:08.779 Out of their selfish reason. 00:12:09.960 --> 00:12:11.360 I want to be left alone. 00:12:11.500 --> 00:12:12.360 Don't bother me. 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:14.200 Now that was, 00:12:14.700 --> 00:12:15.100 Their reason. 00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:18.480 So, 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:22.680 As Jesus, 00:12:22.680 --> 00:12:22.700 As Jesus, 00:12:22.940 --> 00:12:24.039 Makes this, 00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:25.600 Contrast, 00:12:25.980 --> 00:12:26.379 Between, 00:12:26.820 --> 00:12:29.039 The unrighteous judge, 00:12:29.480 --> 00:12:31.360 And God, 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:34.960 I would also like us to think about, 00:12:35.639 --> 00:12:36.779 The parallelism, 00:12:37.220 --> 00:12:38.159 Between the widow, 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:39.840 And us. 00:12:41.460 --> 00:12:42.200 This widow, 00:12:42.440 --> 00:12:42.759 So, 00:12:43.000 --> 00:12:43.340 Jesus, 00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:45.100 Is telling us to be, 00:12:45.360 --> 00:12:46.200 Persistent, 00:12:46.200 --> 00:12:47.240 Like this widow. 00:12:47.800 --> 00:12:48.660 Do not give up. 00:12:48.780 --> 00:12:49.700 Do not lose heart. 00:12:50.440 --> 00:12:50.879 When you, 00:12:50.960 --> 00:12:52.440 When you pray to God, 00:12:53.300 --> 00:12:54.280 Be persistent. 00:12:55.480 --> 00:12:56.280 But also, 00:12:56.720 --> 00:12:57.780 If you really, 00:12:57.920 --> 00:12:59.259 Think about the, 00:12:59.259 --> 00:13:00.980 The widow, 00:13:00.980 --> 00:13:04.340 She was, 00:13:04.340 --> 00:13:05.159 Absolutely, 00:13:05.159 --> 00:13:05.240 Absolutely, 00:13:05.240 --> 00:13:06.560 Depending on, 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:08.060 Mercy, 00:13:08.360 --> 00:13:09.100 Of the judge. 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:10.500 As, 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:11.480 Unrighteous, 00:13:11.759 --> 00:13:12.060 Crooked, 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:13.240 As this judge was, 00:13:14.379 --> 00:13:16.379 The widow, 00:13:16.820 --> 00:13:17.539 Was, 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:18.879 Absolutely, 00:13:19.279 --> 00:13:20.000 At the mercy, 00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:21.680 Of this judge. 00:13:23.019 --> 00:13:23.659 And, 00:13:24.759 --> 00:13:25.680 How we like that. 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:27.180 When we, 00:13:27.379 --> 00:13:29.100 When we go to God, 00:13:29.100 --> 00:13:32.120 Are we depending, 00:13:32.120 --> 00:13:33.899 At the mercy, 00:13:34.240 --> 00:13:34.840 Of God. 00:13:36.060 --> 00:13:37.019 Is he, 00:13:37.759 --> 00:13:39.440 Is he our final, 00:13:39.440 --> 00:13:40.180 Authority. 00:13:44.180 --> 00:13:44.740 So, 00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:47.240 This parable, 00:13:47.920 --> 00:13:48.139 You know, 00:13:48.180 --> 00:13:48.960 You can read and say, 00:13:49.040 --> 00:13:49.200 Oh, 00:13:49.300 --> 00:13:49.480 Okay, 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:49.800 So, 00:13:50.180 --> 00:13:50.920 The lesson is, 00:13:51.019 --> 00:13:51.920 Just pray hard, 00:13:52.720 --> 00:13:53.480 Pray all the time, 00:13:53.980 --> 00:13:54.300 And, 00:13:54.399 --> 00:13:55.160 Don't get discouraged. 00:13:55.159 --> 00:13:57.480 But then, 00:13:57.539 --> 00:13:58.360 Jesus says, 00:13:58.639 --> 00:13:59.679 In verse 8, 00:14:01.199 --> 00:14:03.959 Second half of the verse 8, 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:04.480 He says, 00:14:04.839 --> 00:14:05.199 Nevertheless, 00:14:06.039 --> 00:14:08.819 When the son of man comes, 00:14:09.480 --> 00:14:10.980 Will he find faith, 00:14:11.659 --> 00:14:12.120 Our nurse. 00:14:13.579 --> 00:14:14.100 So, 00:14:14.179 --> 00:14:14.879 Pastor Nick and I, 00:14:14.959 --> 00:14:15.980 Talked about this statement, 00:14:16.740 --> 00:14:17.759 And, 00:14:17.879 --> 00:14:18.339 I asked him, 00:14:18.659 --> 00:14:19.159 Pastor Nick, 00:14:19.519 --> 00:14:20.259 Do you think, 00:14:20.899 --> 00:14:21.699 This is, 00:14:21.980 --> 00:14:22.819 A prophetic, 00:14:23.379 --> 00:14:23.919 Statement, 00:14:24.079 --> 00:14:24.939 That Jesus is making? 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:26.159 When I come back, 00:14:26.399 --> 00:14:28.159 I probably won't see anybody, 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:30.100 You know, 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:30.759 With faith. 00:14:31.459 --> 00:14:31.939 Or, 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:33.279 Is this, 00:14:34.279 --> 00:14:35.639 A kind of a challenge? 00:14:36.399 --> 00:14:38.000 Is Jesus challenging us, 00:14:38.679 --> 00:14:39.659 To pray? 00:14:40.419 --> 00:14:40.879 Because, 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:42.579 Right before verse 8, 00:14:43.579 --> 00:14:45.819 He encouraged us to pray. 00:14:46.459 --> 00:14:47.519 He told us, 00:14:48.039 --> 00:14:48.339 That, 00:14:48.719 --> 00:14:50.059 Our father God, 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:51.980 He is not like, 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:52.779 This, 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:54.339 Unrighteous judge. 00:14:55.259 --> 00:14:56.540 Earlier in chapter 11, 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:57.340 He told us, 00:14:57.660 --> 00:14:58.899 He's not like this friend, 00:14:59.060 --> 00:15:00.200 Who just wants to get, 00:15:00.379 --> 00:15:01.320 Rid of his friend. 00:15:02.280 --> 00:15:02.740 No. 00:15:03.940 --> 00:15:04.420 So, 00:15:04.820 --> 00:15:07.320 Why does Jesus mention, 00:15:08.320 --> 00:15:08.920 Faith, 00:15:09.560 --> 00:15:10.240 And he asks, 00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:11.879 Will I find, 00:15:12.300 --> 00:15:13.000 Faith on earth, 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:13.879 When I come back? 00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:15.920 So, 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:17.139 What is the relationship, 00:15:17.139 --> 00:15:18.740 Between persistent prayer, 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:20.220 And faith? 00:15:20.220 --> 00:15:21.960 So, 00:15:22.019 --> 00:15:22.639 Let's turn to, 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:23.759 Hebrews chapter 11, 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:24.120 6. 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:24.420 Now, 00:15:24.519 --> 00:15:25.460 I want all of us, 00:15:25.540 --> 00:15:26.379 To read together. 00:15:27.240 --> 00:15:28.139 Somebody can, 00:15:28.259 --> 00:15:29.300 Shout out the, 00:15:29.300 --> 00:15:30.580 The page number, 00:15:30.820 --> 00:15:32.019 I would appreciate that. 00:15:32.540 --> 00:15:33.800 Hebrews chapter 11, 00:15:33.960 --> 00:15:34.879 Verse 6. 00:15:38.340 --> 00:15:39.580 1007, 00:15:39.680 --> 00:15:40.060 Thank you. 00:15:40.820 --> 00:15:42.180 Page 1007, 00:15:42.179 --> 00:15:45.539 Hebrews chapter 11, 00:15:45.959 --> 00:15:47.259 Verse 6. 00:15:53.899 --> 00:15:54.519 Okay, 00:15:54.779 --> 00:15:55.199 Let us, 00:15:55.199 --> 00:15:57.179 Slowly read together. 00:15:57.179 --> 00:15:58.659 And, 00:15:58.659 --> 00:16:00.479 Without faith, 00:16:01.219 --> 00:16:02.639 It is impossible, 00:16:03.059 --> 00:16:04.059 To please him. 00:16:04.839 --> 00:16:05.959 For whoever, 00:16:05.959 --> 00:16:08.139 Would draw near to God, 00:16:08.739 --> 00:16:09.959 Must believe, 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:11.159 That he exists, 00:16:11.959 --> 00:16:13.639 And that he rewards, 00:16:14.239 --> 00:16:15.399 Those who, 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:16.359 Seek him. 00:16:18.879 --> 00:16:19.439 And, 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:20.039 Without faith, 00:16:20.099 --> 00:16:20.639 It is impossible, 00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:21.379 To please him, 00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:22.139 For whoever, 00:16:22.319 --> 00:16:23.620 Would draw near to God, 00:16:23.959 --> 00:16:24.859 Must believe, 00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:25.719 That he exists, 00:16:25.720 --> 00:16:27.800 And that he rewards, 00:16:28.279 --> 00:16:29.240 Those who, 00:16:30.040 --> 00:16:30.759 Seek him. 00:16:35.320 --> 00:16:35.960 So, 00:16:37.680 --> 00:16:39.440 Are we just praying, 00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:41.000 To, 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:43.420 Something that, 00:16:45.879 --> 00:16:46.700 That's just, 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:48.379 Some vague idea, 00:16:48.879 --> 00:16:50.220 Or a concept, 00:16:51.180 --> 00:16:52.460 Or are we praying to some, 00:16:53.279 --> 00:16:55.320 Object that's carved out of stone, 00:16:55.320 --> 00:16:56.060 Or would. 00:16:57.460 --> 00:16:58.400 This verse says, 00:16:58.560 --> 00:16:59.620 You must believe, 00:17:00.140 --> 00:17:01.620 That God exists, 00:17:02.540 --> 00:17:03.920 And he rewards, 00:17:04.120 --> 00:17:05.360 Those who come to him, 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:06.220 And seek him. 00:17:06.680 --> 00:17:07.799 Other translations say, 00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:08.680 Sincerely. 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:10.200 So, 00:17:10.380 --> 00:17:10.740 Do you, 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:12.299 Do we have that faith? 00:17:13.160 --> 00:17:14.580 Do we have that faith, 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:15.640 When we go to God? 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:21.340 I think what Jesus is telling us is, 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:22.339 This, 00:17:22.339 --> 00:17:22.359 This, 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:22.419 This, 00:17:22.419 --> 00:17:23.359 This faith, 00:17:23.359 --> 00:17:23.899 This faith, 00:17:23.899 --> 00:17:25.119 This faith, 00:17:25.519 --> 00:17:26.500 Becomes, 00:17:26.639 --> 00:17:28.699 Our source of power, 00:17:29.659 --> 00:17:31.439 In persistent prayer. 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:34.059 Because of this faith, 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:36.059 That we believe, 00:17:36.419 --> 00:17:37.679 God exists, 00:17:37.859 --> 00:17:38.919 And God created, 00:17:39.379 --> 00:17:40.220 The universe, 00:17:41.159 --> 00:17:43.059 And he, 00:17:43.220 --> 00:17:44.379 Rewards us, 00:17:45.480 --> 00:17:46.480 That this, 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:47.839 Help us to, 00:17:48.220 --> 00:17:49.099 Keep going to him, 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:49.939 Persistently. 00:17:49.940 --> 00:17:52.539 And, 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:53.160 I would, 00:17:53.160 --> 00:17:54.680 I would like us to, 00:17:55.200 --> 00:17:56.480 Look at three things, 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:58.779 When it comes to, 00:17:59.019 --> 00:17:59.240 So, 00:17:59.380 --> 00:17:59.600 You know, 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:00.720 We are, 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:01.420 We are, 00:18:01.580 --> 00:18:02.820 Urged to pray, 00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:04.539 Always, 00:18:04.840 --> 00:18:05.960 Without losing heart, 00:18:06.340 --> 00:18:07.860 But what about this prayer? 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:08.720 What about the prayer? 00:18:11.600 --> 00:18:12.799 Those who remember, 00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:13.940 Pastor Ian Maddock, 00:18:13.940 --> 00:18:16.779 He used this phrase, 00:18:17.600 --> 00:18:18.259 Cosmic, 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:18.320 Cosmic, 00:18:18.320 --> 00:18:19.340 Vending machine. 00:18:20.340 --> 00:18:20.799 So, 00:18:20.900 --> 00:18:22.160 Are we coming to God, 00:18:22.220 --> 00:18:23.160 As if God is, 00:18:23.539 --> 00:18:24.400 Some kind of, 00:18:24.580 --> 00:18:25.039 Cosmic, 00:18:25.140 --> 00:18:25.799 Vending machine. 00:18:26.100 --> 00:18:27.240 Our prayer coins, 00:18:27.640 --> 00:18:28.400 After you insert, 00:18:28.480 --> 00:18:29.580 So many prayer coins, 00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:31.160 You're supposed to get, 00:18:31.420 --> 00:18:33.559 Something that you desire. 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:34.759 Is that, 00:18:35.140 --> 00:18:36.759 Is that what Jesus is teaching us? 00:18:36.779 --> 00:18:37.519 I don't think so. 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:39.519 I don't think Jesus is telling us, 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:40.039 To pray, 00:18:40.359 --> 00:18:41.859 Constantly, 00:18:42.660 --> 00:18:43.180 Because, 00:18:43.900 --> 00:18:44.279 God, 00:18:44.819 --> 00:18:45.180 Is, 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:47.299 Like a cosmic vending machine. 00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:48.759 No. 00:18:50.779 --> 00:18:52.319 The second point is, 00:18:53.319 --> 00:18:53.839 When we, 00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:55.059 When we pray, 00:18:56.519 --> 00:19:00.079 Our daily needs, 00:19:01.059 --> 00:19:02.639 God already knows. 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:03.420 I'm not saying, 00:19:03.660 --> 00:19:04.559 Our daily needs, 00:19:04.700 --> 00:19:05.440 Are insignificant. 00:19:05.759 --> 00:19:06.599 Because they are not. 00:19:07.139 --> 00:19:07.779 They are real. 00:19:08.160 --> 00:19:08.779 They are important. 00:19:09.519 --> 00:19:10.519 But, 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:11.720 In Matthew, 00:19:12.079 --> 00:19:12.819 Chapter 6, 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:14.960 Verses 25 to 34, 00:19:15.420 --> 00:19:16.900 I'm not going to read the whole thing, 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:17.920 But, 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:19.700 Jesus tells us, 00:19:20.259 --> 00:19:21.680 Do not worry about, 00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:22.500 What to eat, 00:19:22.639 --> 00:19:23.359 What to wear. 00:19:24.319 --> 00:19:24.680 But, 00:19:26.039 --> 00:19:26.720 Seek, 00:19:26.980 --> 00:19:27.779 God's kingdom, 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:29.839 And his righteousness first. 00:19:32.740 --> 00:19:33.920 Picture with me, 00:19:34.039 --> 00:19:36.079 A six year old child. 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:37.839 Your parent, 00:19:37.839 --> 00:19:39.480 You have a six year old child, 00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:41.279 Who's about to start first grade. 00:19:41.639 --> 00:19:43.019 And he is so excited. 00:19:43.379 --> 00:19:43.559 He is, 00:19:44.900 --> 00:19:45.680 It's like, 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:47.139 Around this time of the year, 00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:48.480 They have to go shopping, 00:19:48.740 --> 00:19:49.759 To get the school supplies. 00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:50.599 So, 00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:51.079 One day, 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:51.940 He comes to, 00:19:52.339 --> 00:19:53.279 He goes to his parents, 00:19:53.639 --> 00:19:54.359 And he starts, 00:19:54.359 --> 00:19:55.379 Giving them a list. 00:19:55.660 --> 00:19:56.359 Mom and dad, 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:57.460 I need pencil, 00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:58.480 I need notebook, 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.799 I need new backpack, 00:20:00.139 --> 00:20:00.740 I need eraser. 00:20:01.139 --> 00:20:02.079 The list goes on. 00:20:02.079 --> 00:20:03.639 So, 00:20:03.639 --> 00:20:04.879 The parents tell the child, 00:20:05.399 --> 00:20:05.619 Honey, 00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:06.159 We know, 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:07.139 We know, 00:20:07.859 --> 00:20:09.119 We'll take you shopping, 00:20:09.199 --> 00:20:10.279 We'll go shopping next week. 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:12.179 The next day, 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:13.039 The child comes back, 00:20:13.059 --> 00:20:13.839 With the same list. 00:20:14.199 --> 00:20:15.480 And then he tells the parents, 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:16.119 Again and again, 00:20:16.199 --> 00:20:16.799 I need pencil, 00:20:16.919 --> 00:20:17.659 I need a new backpack, 00:20:17.939 --> 00:20:18.480 I need this, 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:18.639 This. 00:20:19.399 --> 00:20:20.579 As a patient parent, 00:20:20.740 --> 00:20:21.699 You'll tell the child, 00:20:21.839 --> 00:20:22.139 Okay, 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:22.539 Okay, 00:20:22.619 --> 00:20:23.079 We know, 00:20:23.419 --> 00:20:24.159 We understand, 00:20:24.299 --> 00:20:24.460 Okay, 00:20:24.460 --> 00:20:25.440 I told you, 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:26.259 We're going to shopping, 00:20:26.620 --> 00:20:27.180 Next week. 00:20:28.700 --> 00:20:29.559 But imagine, 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:31.100 If that's what he does, 00:20:31.160 --> 00:20:31.880 The child does, 00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:33.039 Day after day, 00:20:33.100 --> 00:20:33.740 After day, 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:34.420 After day, 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:36.380 I think the parents will lose, 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:38.039 Patience. 00:20:38.860 --> 00:20:40.039 And then the parents will start wondering, 00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:41.940 Does he not trust us? 00:20:42.600 --> 00:20:43.039 Or, 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:45.539 Does our child have some issues? 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.200 God, 00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:51.059 God already knows, 00:20:51.500 --> 00:20:53.380 What we need, 00:20:53.380 --> 00:20:54.740 Our daily needs. 00:20:56.640 --> 00:20:57.940 And that's why, 00:20:58.040 --> 00:20:59.680 Matthew 6, 00:20:59.760 --> 00:21:01.020 25 to 34, 00:21:01.640 --> 00:21:04.680 He tells us to seek his kingdom, 00:21:04.980 --> 00:21:06.320 And his righteousness first. 00:21:07.120 --> 00:21:07.680 But now, 00:21:07.760 --> 00:21:08.260 Picture this, 00:21:08.360 --> 00:21:09.860 The same six year old child, 00:21:10.340 --> 00:21:12.000 Goes up to his dad, 00:21:12.120 --> 00:21:12.620 And says, 00:21:13.900 --> 00:21:15.020 First he put on his, 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:18.060 Brand new Yankees shirt, 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:19.360 I'm a Yankees fan, 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:19.640 So, 00:21:20.120 --> 00:21:21.480 Sorry to the Red Sox fans, 00:21:21.960 --> 00:21:23.360 He puts on his Yankees shirt, 00:21:23.540 --> 00:21:24.240 Brings out his, 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:25.260 Baseball mitt, 00:21:25.320 --> 00:21:25.600 And says, 00:21:25.780 --> 00:21:26.100 Dad, 00:21:26.180 --> 00:21:26.940 I love this, 00:21:27.140 --> 00:21:28.940 This glove you got me last Christmas, 00:21:29.300 --> 00:21:31.060 Can you teach me how to throw and catch? 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:32.280 I want to play, 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:34.540 I want to spend more time with you, 00:21:34.560 --> 00:21:35.280 Before I start school. 00:21:36.380 --> 00:21:37.220 I think that will, 00:21:37.600 --> 00:21:38.140 Melt, 00:21:39.080 --> 00:21:39.960 The father's heart. 00:21:41.020 --> 00:21:42.040 And what about the child, 00:21:42.420 --> 00:21:43.140 Goes up to mom, 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:43.380 And say, 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:43.780 Mom, 00:21:44.040 --> 00:21:45.620 Let's make some cookies, 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:46.660 Can you show me, 00:21:46.800 --> 00:21:48.460 Can we make the cookies together? 00:21:49.020 --> 00:21:50.880 I want to spend more time with you mom, 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:51.800 Before I go to school. 00:21:51.799 --> 00:21:54.960 That will melt the mom's heart. 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:56.960 So, 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:59.000 When we pray, 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:02.159 It's not just about, 00:22:02.159 --> 00:22:04.159 Our daily needs. 00:22:04.960 --> 00:22:06.460 God knows, 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.559 What we need. 00:22:08.659 --> 00:22:09.259 But seek, 00:22:09.579 --> 00:22:10.220 His kingdom, 00:22:10.859 --> 00:22:12.279 And his righteousness first. 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:16.500 And thirdly, 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:19.940 When you pray, 00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:21.720 Intercede. 00:22:23.139 --> 00:22:24.579 Intercede for one another. 00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:26.639 Now, 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:28.720 Personally, 00:22:29.160 --> 00:22:29.660 I, 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:32.000 I've been emphasizing a lot, 00:22:32.319 --> 00:22:34.000 On praying together. 00:22:34.859 --> 00:22:36.480 Praying for one another. 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:37.940 Whether you, 00:22:38.099 --> 00:22:39.319 Belong to a small group, 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:40.160 Or whether you, 00:22:40.360 --> 00:22:40.680 You know, 00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:41.559 Know somebody, 00:22:41.880 --> 00:22:42.120 Um, 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:43.319 You know, 00:22:43.360 --> 00:22:44.220 Another Christian brother, 00:22:44.299 --> 00:22:44.559 Or sister, 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:45.200 Or anybody, 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:46.339 Who comes to you and say, 00:22:46.420 --> 00:22:47.200 Can you pray for me? 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:49.920 Pray, 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:49.960 Pray, 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.819 Uh, 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:52.539 In, 00:22:52.740 --> 00:22:53.980 Ephesians, 00:22:54.480 --> 00:22:56.519 In Ephesians chapter 6, 00:22:56.860 --> 00:22:57.759 Apostle Paul, 00:22:58.759 --> 00:23:00.319 Apostle Paul urges us, 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:01.900 Chapter 6, 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:02.180 18, 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:04.340 In praying at all times, 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:05.299 In the spirit, 00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:08.180 With all prayer, 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:09.920 And supplication, 00:23:10.560 --> 00:23:11.880 To that end, 00:23:12.820 --> 00:23:13.720 Keep alert, 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:15.500 With all perseverance, 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:17.759 Making supplication, 00:23:18.259 --> 00:23:18.940 For all, 00:23:19.560 --> 00:23:20.500 The saints, 00:23:21.480 --> 00:23:22.960 And also for me, 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:25.299 The words may be given to me, 00:23:25.380 --> 00:23:26.440 In opening my mouth, 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:27.200 Boldly, 00:23:27.320 --> 00:23:28.460 To proclaim the mystery, 00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:29.200 Of the gospel, 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:32.019 For which I am, 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:32.680 An ambassador, 00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:33.779 In chains, 00:23:34.160 --> 00:23:35.599 That I may declare it, 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:36.240 Boldly, 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:37.940 As I ought to speak, 00:23:38.839 --> 00:23:43.200 So, 00:23:43.379 --> 00:23:44.160 In this parable, 00:23:44.379 --> 00:23:45.440 Jesus tells us, 00:23:46.359 --> 00:23:47.039 That God, 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:48.420 Is not going to, 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:49.259 Delay, 00:23:49.960 --> 00:23:50.900 But he will, 00:23:51.619 --> 00:23:52.500 Give us justice, 00:23:53.119 --> 00:23:53.680 Speedily, 00:23:56.359 --> 00:23:57.000 Now, 00:23:57.200 --> 00:23:57.660 Ephesians, 00:23:57.859 --> 00:23:58.420 6, 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.000 18, 00:23:59.099 --> 00:24:00.220 What I just read, 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:02.839 Apostle Paul, 00:24:02.839 --> 00:24:03.259 Is, 00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:03.279 Is, 00:24:03.279 --> 00:24:03.299 Is, 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:03.319 Is, 00:24:03.319 --> 00:24:03.339 Is, 00:24:03.339 --> 00:24:03.360 Is, 00:24:03.360 --> 00:24:03.380 Is, 00:24:03.380 --> 00:24:05.259 Is, 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:05.279 Is, 00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:06.220 Is, 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:07.120 Encouraging us, 00:24:07.240 --> 00:24:08.400 To pray together, 00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:10.039 Pray for one another, 00:24:10.620 --> 00:24:11.960 Pray for all the saints, 00:24:11.960 --> 00:24:13.000 And, 00:24:13.019 --> 00:24:13.700 And then at the end, 00:24:13.740 --> 00:24:14.019 He says, 00:24:14.140 --> 00:24:15.059 Pray for me, 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:16.140 So I can do what? 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:18.559 To proclaim the gospel, 00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:19.860 Boldly, 00:24:19.859 --> 00:24:22.779 And this is why, 00:24:23.919 --> 00:24:24.639 We pray, 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:26.000 For our, 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:27.299 Missionaries, 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:29.299 We pray, 00:24:29.859 --> 00:24:31.379 For our non-believing friends, 00:24:31.919 --> 00:24:32.919 So they will, 00:24:32.919 --> 00:24:34.339 Receive the gospel, 00:24:35.479 --> 00:24:38.500 Justice is done, 00:24:38.639 --> 00:24:39.919 When you receive the gospel, 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:42.000 God wants to restore, 00:24:42.099 --> 00:24:42.839 The relationship, 00:24:43.500 --> 00:24:44.659 That was broken, 00:24:45.779 --> 00:24:46.059 By, 00:24:46.159 --> 00:24:46.839 By sin, 00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:50.240 And God, 00:24:50.699 --> 00:24:52.459 Urges us to pray, 00:24:53.459 --> 00:24:54.059 Pray, 00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:55.399 So that, 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:56.459 The gospel, 00:24:57.359 --> 00:24:58.359 Can be proclaimed, 00:24:58.639 --> 00:24:59.139 Boldly, 00:24:59.799 --> 00:25:01.119 Even in places, 00:25:01.839 --> 00:25:02.539 Where there are, 00:25:03.259 --> 00:25:04.119 A lot of persecution, 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:10.279 And let's go back to the, 00:25:10.319 --> 00:25:11.939 The contrast, 00:25:12.579 --> 00:25:13.839 Let's go back to the contrast, 00:25:13.839 --> 00:25:16.359 Between the unrighteous judge, 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.459 And God, 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:18.959 Now, 00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:25.039 Does God listen to us, 00:25:25.039 --> 00:25:26.159 Because he is, 00:25:26.399 --> 00:25:27.500 Just not as, 00:25:28.119 --> 00:25:29.179 Mean as this, 00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:30.519 This unrighteous judge, 00:25:30.919 --> 00:25:31.579 Is he just, 00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:32.679 A little less mean, 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:33.399 You know, 00:25:33.439 --> 00:25:33.939 Is he just, 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:35.019 A little nicer, 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:36.199 Than this unrighteous judge, 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:37.559 Does that why he listen to our prayer? 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:42.460 The contrast, 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:45.019 Between the judge, 00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:46.980 And our God, 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:49.819 It's, 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:50.480 It's right there, 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.839 At the opposite end, 00:25:52.500 --> 00:25:55.240 Like I said before, 00:25:55.539 --> 00:25:56.139 The judge, 00:25:57.179 --> 00:25:57.819 Finally, 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:59.599 Took the widow's case, 00:26:00.559 --> 00:26:01.899 Out of his selfish reason, 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:04.299 But God, 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:07.339 He loves, 00:26:07.339 --> 00:26:08.659 Us so much, 00:26:09.659 --> 00:26:10.899 That he delights, 00:26:12.099 --> 00:26:13.359 To hear, 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:14.399 Our prayer, 00:26:16.399 --> 00:26:17.619 One of my, 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:19.639 One of my favorite, 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:22.159 Verses that, 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:24.019 That really lifts me up, 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.419 Is, 00:26:26.139 --> 00:26:27.240 It's in Jephaniah, 00:26:27.339 --> 00:26:28.980 Jephaniah chapter 3, 00:26:29.339 --> 00:26:30.500 Verse 17, 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:33.759 The Lord your God, 00:26:33.900 --> 00:26:35.000 Is in your midst, 00:26:36.079 --> 00:26:36.980 A mighty one, 00:26:37.099 --> 00:26:37.880 Who will save, 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:40.079 He will rejoice, 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:41.059 Over you, 00:26:41.160 --> 00:26:42.220 With gladness, 00:26:42.900 --> 00:26:44.640 He will quiet you, 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.519 By his love, 00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:47.720 He will exalt, 00:26:47.859 --> 00:26:48.519 Over you, 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:50.059 With loud, 00:26:50.960 --> 00:26:51.480 Singing, 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:55.500 He will exalt, 00:26:55.500 --> 00:26:56.759 Over us, 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:58.079 With loud singing, 00:26:58.079 --> 00:26:59.659 That's how much, 00:26:59.679 --> 00:27:00.679 He delights, 00:27:01.199 --> 00:27:03.059 To hear from us, 00:27:03.559 --> 00:27:05.240 So God, 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:07.179 Loved us so much, 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:09.379 He sent his son, 00:27:09.599 --> 00:27:10.539 Only son Jesus, 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:12.299 To die in our place, 00:27:13.339 --> 00:27:13.619 So, 00:27:14.039 --> 00:27:16.220 He listens to our prayer, 00:27:16.359 --> 00:27:17.879 And he urges us to pray, 00:27:18.179 --> 00:27:18.960 Persistently, 00:27:19.539 --> 00:27:21.119 Because he loves us so much, 00:27:25.720 --> 00:27:26.240 Past, 00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:28.759 About six, 00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:29.299 Eight months, 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:31.079 I've been really enjoying, 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:32.819 Going to the gym, 00:27:32.940 --> 00:27:33.660 With my son, 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:35.120 Now he has gotten, 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:36.099 Old enough, 00:27:36.200 --> 00:27:36.720 And big enough, 00:27:37.359 --> 00:27:38.299 Can go work out, 00:27:38.819 --> 00:27:39.120 With his, 00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:39.980 His old man, 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:40.480 At the gym, 00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:41.859 So, 00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:43.519 One day, 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:44.039 You know, 00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:45.859 I was kind of showing him, 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:47.200 How to do the bench press, 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:48.420 Free weight, 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:49.839 So he's holding his weight, 00:27:49.960 --> 00:27:50.640 He's lying down, 00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:51.059 And he's, 00:27:51.299 --> 00:27:52.500 He's lifting the weight, 00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:54.299 And as a trainer, 00:27:54.759 --> 00:27:54.940 You know, 00:27:54.980 --> 00:27:55.559 You'll tell him, 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:55.859 You know, 00:27:55.919 --> 00:27:56.379 You're pushing, 00:27:56.579 --> 00:27:56.899 You say, 00:27:57.039 --> 00:27:57.220 Okay, 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:57.679 One more, 00:27:57.839 --> 00:27:57.980 Okay, 00:27:58.019 --> 00:27:58.460 One more, 00:27:58.759 --> 00:27:59.179 Pushing, 00:27:59.339 --> 00:27:59.619 Pushing, 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:01.220 But also as a trainer, 00:28:01.359 --> 00:28:02.279 You need to know, 00:28:02.940 --> 00:28:04.339 Whether he reached the limit, 00:28:05.119 --> 00:28:06.960 Because you want him to build a muscle, 00:28:07.119 --> 00:28:08.460 But you don't want him to get hurt, 00:28:09.339 --> 00:28:09.819 So, 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.980 I am ready, 00:28:11.899 --> 00:28:12.419 To hold, 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:13.339 Take away the weight, 00:28:13.679 --> 00:28:14.159 The minute, 00:28:14.159 --> 00:28:16.200 He shows any signs of pain, 00:28:16.919 --> 00:28:17.139 You know, 00:28:17.220 --> 00:28:18.139 A little bit of struggle, 00:28:18.259 --> 00:28:18.659 It's okay, 00:28:18.799 --> 00:28:19.559 You keep encouraging, 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:19.980 Pushing, 00:28:20.139 --> 00:28:20.279 But, 00:28:20.659 --> 00:28:21.259 The minute, 00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:23.399 He shows any sign of pain, 00:28:23.400 --> 00:28:25.940 Immediately take the weight, 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:27.000 Away from his hands, 00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:28.180 Tell him to rest, 00:28:28.560 --> 00:28:31.920 And then after he went to another station, 00:28:32.620 --> 00:28:34.400 You know, 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:35.480 This came to my mind, 00:28:35.480 --> 00:28:40.059 It's almost like God spoke to my heart saying, 00:28:41.180 --> 00:28:44.200 I couldn't stop my, 00:28:44.299 --> 00:28:45.599 I didn't stop my son, 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:50.940 At the hint of your son's pain, 00:28:51.140 --> 00:28:51.240 And, 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:51.740 You know, 00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:52.319 Suffering, 00:28:52.640 --> 00:28:54.480 You took that weight off his hand, 00:28:54.579 --> 00:28:55.940 Because you didn't want him to get hurt, 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:58.480 My son, 00:28:59.440 --> 00:29:00.259 Suffered, 00:29:01.559 --> 00:29:02.180 Tortured, 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:03.579 Died, 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:05.839 And I didn't stop him, 00:29:06.919 --> 00:29:09.319 He even cried out to me, 00:29:09.779 --> 00:29:10.519 My father, 00:29:10.699 --> 00:29:11.299 My father, 00:29:11.439 --> 00:29:13.059 Why have you abandoned me, 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:15.220 And I still had to, 00:29:15.980 --> 00:29:19.199 Not interfere, 00:29:22.799 --> 00:29:24.099 That's how much, 00:29:24.559 --> 00:29:27.159 That's how much he loves us, 00:29:29.799 --> 00:29:30.759 So, 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:34.879 But it didn't, 00:29:34.940 --> 00:29:35.559 It didn't just, 00:29:35.660 --> 00:29:36.680 It didn't just end there, 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:38.680 This morning, 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:40.220 Pastor Nick preached about, 00:29:40.900 --> 00:29:41.460 Resurrection, 00:29:42.299 --> 00:29:43.539 Our resurrected body, 00:29:44.339 --> 00:29:46.680 Because Jesus died for us, 00:29:47.099 --> 00:29:48.819 And he defeated the sin, 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:50.019 The power of death, 00:29:50.819 --> 00:29:52.140 When you believe in him, 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:53.720 We, 00:29:54.099 --> 00:29:55.519 Will also rise, 00:29:56.879 --> 00:29:58.000 In glorious, 00:29:58.680 --> 00:29:59.539 Resurrected body, 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:03.559 And in a moment, 00:30:04.159 --> 00:30:05.879 We are going to the Lord's table, 00:30:06.519 --> 00:30:08.159 So, 00:30:08.500 --> 00:30:10.559 Please remember, 00:30:11.619 --> 00:30:12.559 What Jesus, 00:30:13.079 --> 00:30:13.799 Did for us, 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.619 On that cross, 00:30:16.460 --> 00:30:19.519 And go to him, 00:30:20.659 --> 00:30:21.399 Boldly, 00:30:22.079 --> 00:30:23.480 And persistently, 00:30:24.079 --> 00:30:25.399 With this faith, 00:30:26.879 --> 00:30:28.220 That God exists, 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:31.640 And he rewards, 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:33.259 Those who seek him, 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:33.960 Earnestly, 00:30:34.900 --> 00:30:36.220 And on top of that, 00:30:37.220 --> 00:30:38.480 He sent his only son, 00:30:38.600 --> 00:30:38.860 Jesus, 00:30:39.460 --> 00:30:41.079 To die in our place, 00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:42.720 Now, 00:30:42.860 --> 00:30:43.559 That's why, 00:30:44.180 --> 00:30:45.160 We can go to him, 00:30:45.900 --> 00:30:46.559 Boldly, 00:30:47.140 --> 00:30:48.220 And persistently, 00:30:48.220 --> 00:30:49.640 Let us pray, 00:30:49.640 --> 00:30:49.660 Let us pray, 00:30:49.660 --> 00:30:55.339 Lord Jesus, 00:30:55.460 --> 00:30:56.079 We thank you, 00:30:56.460 --> 00:30:58.339 Thank you for what you did, 00:30:58.440 --> 00:30:58.940 For us, 00:30:59.120 --> 00:31:00.039 On that cross, 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:03.079 And Lord, 00:31:03.460 --> 00:31:06.600 We repent, 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:08.579 Our unbelief, 00:31:09.700 --> 00:31:10.059 And Lord, 00:31:10.140 --> 00:31:11.220 We also repent, 00:31:12.259 --> 00:31:14.500 For not really, 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:16.980 Believing, 00:31:17.700 --> 00:31:19.920 What you did, 00:31:20.559 --> 00:31:21.579 For us, 00:31:22.240 --> 00:31:24.660 Father God, 00:31:25.619 --> 00:31:29.420 Please give us this faith, 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.480 In our heart, 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:34.759 To go to you, 00:31:35.619 --> 00:31:38.559 Boldly, 00:31:39.559 --> 00:31:40.859 And persistently, 00:31:40.859 --> 00:31:45.959 In Jesus name, 00:31:46.079 --> 00:31:46.479 We pray, 00:31:47.279 --> 00:31:47.659 Amen, 00:31:47.659 --> 00:31:47.759 Amen, 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:47.799 Amen, 00:31:47.799 --> 00:31:47.819 Amen, 00:31:47.819 --> 00:31:47.839 Amen, 00:31:47.839 --> 00:31:48.099 Amen, 00:31:48.099 --> 00:31:48.759 Amen, 00:31:48.759 --> 00:31:48.799 Amen, 00:31:48.799 --> 00:31:49.819 Amen, 00:31:49.819 --> 00:31:49.899 Amen, 00:31:49.899 --> 00:31:49.939 Amen,