WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:05.980 Let's open up our Bibles once again to Isaiah chapter 55. 00:00:06.620 --> 00:00:08.339 Isaiah chapter 55. 00:00:08.679 --> 00:00:13.419 And some people might wonder why spend six weeks on just one chapter of the Bible? 00:00:14.060 --> 00:00:18.339 And why this particular chapter of the Bible? 00:00:18.420 --> 00:00:26.920 And the answer to both of those questions is that there is just so much to unpack here in these words of God in Isaiah chapter 55. 00:00:26.920 --> 00:00:29.260 More than we have a lifetime to unpack. 00:00:29.260 --> 00:00:31.300 So six weeks I think is being generous. 00:00:32.560 --> 00:00:35.140 So let's take up his word again once more. 00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:36.520 Isaiah chapter 55. 00:00:36.859 --> 00:00:40.679 We're going to be reading verses 10 and 11 this morning. 00:00:40.820 --> 00:00:42.200 Follow along with me as I read. 00:00:46.960 --> 00:00:50.780 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven. 00:00:51.340 --> 00:00:53.840 And do not return there but water the earth. 00:00:54.240 --> 00:00:56.100 Making it bring forth and sprout. 00:00:56.100 --> 00:00:59.980 Giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater. 00:01:00.480 --> 00:01:04.019 So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth. 00:01:04.540 --> 00:01:06.599 It shall not return to me empty. 00:01:07.159 --> 00:01:10.219 But it shall accomplish that which I purpose. 00:01:10.939 --> 00:01:16.000 And shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:19.420 As Isaiah says in chapter 40 verse 8. 00:01:19.540 --> 00:01:20.599 The grass withers. 00:01:20.819 --> 00:01:21.980 The flower fades. 00:01:22.079 --> 00:01:25.799 But the word of our God will stand forever. 00:01:26.260 --> 00:01:26.960 Let's pray. 00:01:27.960 --> 00:01:30.799 Lord we thank you for this word that we've just read. 00:01:30.859 --> 00:01:32.799 And we pray what we've already sung. 00:01:32.879 --> 00:01:36.879 Lord that you would reveal your glory to us through the preaching of your word. 00:01:37.000 --> 00:01:39.620 Would you show us Christ here in Isaiah. 00:01:40.039 --> 00:01:41.260 We ask this in Jesus name. 00:01:42.099 --> 00:01:42.420 Amen. 00:01:42.420 --> 00:01:42.599 Amen. 00:01:42.599 --> 00:01:42.679 Amen. 00:01:45.179 --> 00:01:50.099 Several years ago my family was moving from Charlotte, North Carolina. 00:01:50.099 --> 00:01:54.259 Where I attended seminary to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 00:01:54.939 --> 00:01:57.459 And so we had packed up all of our things. 00:01:57.640 --> 00:01:59.679 We had all of our stuff boxed up. 00:01:59.840 --> 00:02:01.539 We planned the move out day. 00:02:01.679 --> 00:02:03.419 We reserved a moving truck. 00:02:04.119 --> 00:02:08.199 And as you normally do I received an email from the moving company. 00:02:08.199 --> 00:02:10.560 It was a confirmation of my reservation. 00:02:10.560 --> 00:02:15.439 I said you have reserved a 17 foot truck. 00:02:15.979 --> 00:02:18.060 Complete with a reservation number. 00:02:19.060 --> 00:02:20.060 And a pickup time. 00:02:20.780 --> 00:02:24.000 And as far as I was concerned that settled the matter. 00:02:24.659 --> 00:02:25.719 Everything was set. 00:02:25.719 --> 00:02:32.120 But when we arrived on the appointed day. 00:02:32.259 --> 00:02:33.120 Boxes packed. 00:02:33.280 --> 00:02:34.000 Ready to go. 00:02:34.139 --> 00:02:34.919 Ready to move. 00:02:35.060 --> 00:02:36.579 Reservation in hand. 00:02:37.159 --> 00:02:41.099 Lo and behold there was no truck. 00:02:42.560 --> 00:02:44.979 And I asked where it was. 00:02:45.840 --> 00:02:47.460 And they said that it had been rented. 00:02:48.460 --> 00:02:50.479 And I asked by whom. 00:02:50.719 --> 00:02:52.819 And they said by somebody else. 00:02:52.819 --> 00:02:57.419 I asked what somebody else was doing with the truck that I had reserved. 00:02:57.620 --> 00:02:59.139 They said well they're probably moving. 00:03:01.219 --> 00:03:05.939 I asked why they threw this curve ball in the plans for my day. 00:03:06.039 --> 00:03:09.539 Why they were happy to hold my money but not hold my truck. 00:03:10.180 --> 00:03:15.299 Why they would say something but not follow through on what they had promised. 00:03:15.500 --> 00:03:17.979 And they said I should probably call another location. 00:03:17.979 --> 00:03:21.799 I won't tell you who that company was. 00:03:21.879 --> 00:03:23.819 I don't think that information would be helpful for you. 00:03:23.840 --> 00:03:24.639 Not really necessary. 00:03:24.819 --> 00:03:27.099 I will tell you that it rhymes with shoe haul. 00:03:30.379 --> 00:03:32.699 But as I studied this passage this week. 00:03:32.819 --> 00:03:34.280 And prepared for this morning. 00:03:35.000 --> 00:03:37.359 This instance came back to mind. 00:03:37.439 --> 00:03:38.899 And I remember this instance. 00:03:39.079 --> 00:03:42.219 Because in retrospect as I look back and think about this. 00:03:42.299 --> 00:03:45.699 This was not just a failure of good business practice. 00:03:45.699 --> 00:03:46.959 Although yes it was. 00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:51.340 This was a failure of effective communication. 00:03:52.640 --> 00:03:58.340 In my words they failed to effectively create what I called for. 00:03:58.480 --> 00:03:59.600 I spoke it. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:01.000 I ordered it. 00:04:01.100 --> 00:04:02.820 I asked nicely for it. 00:04:02.920 --> 00:04:04.900 And then not so nicely for it. 00:04:05.180 --> 00:04:07.360 But there was still no truck. 00:04:07.460 --> 00:04:08.480 And as much as I tried. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:10.200 As much as I wanted to. 00:04:10.319 --> 00:04:13.260 I could not just speak it into existence. 00:04:13.259 --> 00:04:18.000 My word was not effective to accomplish my will. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:22.500 And their word failed to follow through on what they had promised. 00:04:22.639 --> 00:04:23.920 They spoke something. 00:04:24.039 --> 00:04:25.060 They spoke a guarantee. 00:04:25.319 --> 00:04:28.639 They gave a confirmation to my inbox. 00:04:29.199 --> 00:04:31.839 And yet there was no truck. 00:04:32.360 --> 00:04:35.259 They failed to follow through on what they had promised. 00:04:35.259 --> 00:04:35.779 Promise. 00:04:35.939 --> 00:04:37.879 So the result was I trusted their word. 00:04:37.879 --> 00:04:40.459 And I was let down. 00:04:40.579 --> 00:04:42.560 Their word was not trustworthy. 00:04:44.019 --> 00:04:44.639 And sadly. 00:04:45.480 --> 00:04:47.039 I'm sure all of you can attest. 00:04:47.120 --> 00:04:48.620 This is all too common. 00:04:48.800 --> 00:04:50.459 In the world in which we live. 00:04:50.500 --> 00:04:51.219 All the time. 00:04:51.319 --> 00:04:53.639 Our words are not effective. 00:04:54.480 --> 00:04:56.240 We speak what we don't mean. 00:04:56.339 --> 00:04:57.060 We're misunderstood. 00:04:57.620 --> 00:04:58.060 We speak. 00:04:58.139 --> 00:04:59.219 But we don't follow through. 00:04:59.300 --> 00:05:01.579 We can't take everyone at their word. 00:05:01.579 --> 00:05:05.599 But Isaiah says here in chapter 55 verses 10 and 11. 00:05:06.240 --> 00:05:07.419 Not so with God. 00:05:08.459 --> 00:05:10.740 Not so with God. 00:05:11.519 --> 00:05:18.120 Our passage this morning is meant to deepen our trust in the word of God. 00:05:18.759 --> 00:05:20.560 And not just our trust in the word. 00:05:20.659 --> 00:05:23.039 But our love for the word. 00:05:23.180 --> 00:05:25.979 See we're meant to feast on the word of God. 00:05:26.120 --> 00:05:27.319 We're meant to hunger for it. 00:05:27.379 --> 00:05:30.500 We're meant to come to it day in and day out. 00:05:30.500 --> 00:05:32.279 Day after day after day. 00:05:32.279 --> 00:05:36.699 And find our souls satisfied in the word. 00:05:37.519 --> 00:05:41.279 And so this morning what I want to do is just ask two very simple questions. 00:05:42.339 --> 00:05:44.199 To deepen our love for the word. 00:05:44.319 --> 00:05:45.740 This is going to be our outline this morning. 00:05:45.839 --> 00:05:46.980 If you're following along. 00:05:47.399 --> 00:05:50.300 Two questions to help us love God's word. 00:05:51.019 --> 00:05:54.819 Two questions to help us love God's word. 00:05:55.259 --> 00:05:55.819 Number one. 00:05:56.660 --> 00:05:58.879 How has God's word come to us? 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:02.100 And number two. 00:06:03.060 --> 00:06:05.779 How should we come to God's word? 00:06:06.500 --> 00:06:09.579 Two questions to help us love the word of God. 00:06:09.699 --> 00:06:11.699 How has God's word come to us? 00:06:11.879 --> 00:06:12.740 And second. 00:06:12.939 --> 00:06:16.439 How then should we come to God's word? 00:06:16.439 --> 00:06:16.879 First. 00:06:18.500 --> 00:06:22.699 How has God's word come to us? 00:06:22.699 --> 00:06:25.879 I see at least three ways here in these verses. 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:27.839 There's many others throughout scripture. 00:06:27.959 --> 00:06:31.240 But I want to focus in on just these three this morning. 00:06:31.339 --> 00:06:36.040 And the first is that God's word has come to us effectively. 00:06:37.220 --> 00:06:40.420 God's word has come to us effectively. 00:06:40.420 --> 00:06:45.460 Now if you've been with us over the past several weeks you might remember the context here. 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:48.540 Israel is in exile for their sin. 00:06:48.680 --> 00:06:50.180 They've rebelled against the Lord. 00:06:50.280 --> 00:06:53.080 God is judging them for their sin against him. 00:06:53.460 --> 00:06:58.000 And Isaiah he's holding out some very very big promises here for sinners. 00:06:58.000 --> 00:07:00.420 He's saying come to me. 00:07:01.040 --> 00:07:02.199 Come to the Lord. 00:07:02.540 --> 00:07:03.459 Listen to me. 00:07:03.600 --> 00:07:04.600 Listen to my word. 00:07:04.759 --> 00:07:05.720 Turn from your sin. 00:07:05.879 --> 00:07:06.980 Forsake your ways. 00:07:07.399 --> 00:07:10.199 And you will be abundantly pardoned. 00:07:10.579 --> 00:07:12.519 And God will forgive you of your sin. 00:07:12.600 --> 00:07:13.759 He will redeem you. 00:07:13.839 --> 00:07:15.019 He will wash you clean. 00:07:15.139 --> 00:07:19.939 He will receive you if you would simply turn and trust in the Lord. 00:07:19.939 --> 00:07:22.399 And if you put yourself in their shoes you're hearing this. 00:07:22.480 --> 00:07:25.439 You might say well that that sounds a little too easy doesn't it? 00:07:26.319 --> 00:07:28.620 That sounds a little bit too good to be true. 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:30.300 That's that's too simple too easy. 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:31.879 How can this how can this be? 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:36.139 How can we trust that this promise will come to fruition? 00:07:36.980 --> 00:07:42.540 How can we believe that God will say that God will do what he said that he's going to do? 00:07:42.540 --> 00:07:51.160 And so Isaiah here in in verse 10 he gives an illustration to help deepen the trust of the Israelites in God's word. 00:07:51.240 --> 00:07:52.360 So look there with me to verse 10. 00:07:53.740 --> 00:07:58.720 He says God's word is is both good and it is effective. 00:07:58.879 --> 00:08:09.460 You can trust him to do as he's promised because for verse 10 for just as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there. 00:08:09.459 --> 00:08:16.159 But the water the earth making it bring forth and sprout giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater. 00:08:16.959 --> 00:08:21.079 So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth. 00:08:21.719 --> 00:08:31.759 It shall not return to me empty but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in that for which I sent it. 00:08:31.779 --> 00:08:36.980 In other words he's saying God's word is 100% effective. 00:08:36.980 --> 00:08:41.800 It always does what it is supposed to do. 00:08:42.620 --> 00:08:45.379 See God does not not act like us. 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:46.659 His ways are not our ways. 00:08:46.779 --> 00:08:48.480 God does not think like us. 00:08:48.539 --> 00:08:49.899 His thoughts are not our thoughts. 00:08:49.980 --> 00:08:50.460 And guess what? 00:08:51.159 --> 00:08:54.920 He also does not speak like us. 00:08:56.240 --> 00:09:00.139 God's words are always purposeful. 00:09:00.240 --> 00:09:01.779 That's what it says in verse 11 isn't it? 00:09:01.779 --> 00:09:05.919 His word always accomplishes that which he purposes. 00:09:06.120 --> 00:09:09.980 They succeed always in the thing for which he sent it. 00:09:10.039 --> 00:09:11.959 You see God's words are not just spoken. 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:18.240 They are they are sent out as as missionaries out on a on a mission. 00:09:18.360 --> 00:09:19.899 They're sent with a with a purpose. 00:09:20.419 --> 00:09:27.220 And the word of God is 100% effective in accomplishing the purposes of God. 00:09:28.360 --> 00:09:29.939 Our words don't work like that. 00:09:29.940 --> 00:09:30.500 Do that. 00:09:31.740 --> 00:09:34.660 We we speak empty words. 00:09:34.760 --> 00:09:36.880 How many empty words do we speak a day? 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:37.500 I wonder. 00:09:38.260 --> 00:09:42.620 And how often do we have to put our foot in our mouth when we when we say something we shouldn't? 00:09:42.700 --> 00:09:43.860 We speak out of line. 00:09:43.960 --> 00:09:45.380 We speak out of turn. 00:09:45.940 --> 00:09:47.700 Or we thought that we communicated clearly. 00:09:47.840 --> 00:09:51.800 But then we wind up our words have been mis misinterpreted or misunderstood. 00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:54.260 We thought that we clearly communicated. 00:09:54.259 --> 00:09:58.539 But they came back and they didn't understand exactly what they what we said. 00:09:58.639 --> 00:10:00.500 Our words were not effective. 00:10:01.319 --> 00:10:04.519 But God's word says here in verse 11. 00:10:04.700 --> 00:10:07.720 God's words are always effective. 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:13.960 They always succeed in the thing for which he sent it. 00:10:13.960 --> 00:10:20.220 And of course the question then becomes well what is it effective for? 00:10:21.180 --> 00:10:22.220 Effective for what? 00:10:22.300 --> 00:10:24.220 What is God doing with his words? 00:10:24.320 --> 00:10:27.240 What's the mission that he's sending these words on? 00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:28.720 It is it is this. 00:10:28.840 --> 00:10:31.879 It's to bear fruit on fertile soil. 00:10:32.700 --> 00:10:36.000 To bear fruit on fertile soil. 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:38.320 This is the second way his word comes. 00:10:38.440 --> 00:10:41.860 It comes effectively and it comes fruitfully. 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:45.360 God's word comes fruitfully. 00:10:45.539 --> 00:10:48.019 And here's again where this illustration helps us out. 00:10:49.200 --> 00:10:50.759 You remember last week. 00:10:50.919 --> 00:10:52.960 I hope if you were here with us last week. 00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:55.039 If not if you miss it I'll sum it up for you quickly. 00:10:55.899 --> 00:11:03.440 We saw last week that there is an infinite gap that exists between us and God. 00:11:03.440 --> 00:11:06.580 Between his ways and our ways. 00:11:06.660 --> 00:11:07.760 Our ways are wicked. 00:11:07.980 --> 00:11:08.700 We are sinners. 00:11:08.900 --> 00:11:11.520 God is holy, holy, holy. 00:11:11.700 --> 00:11:13.080 His ways are not our ways. 00:11:13.180 --> 00:11:15.120 His thoughts are not our thoughts. 00:11:15.320 --> 00:11:18.000 Every single one of us here today is a sinner. 00:11:18.480 --> 00:11:20.080 We are desperately wicked. 00:11:20.320 --> 00:11:22.400 And because of that there is a separation. 00:11:22.680 --> 00:11:23.460 A chasm. 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:27.200 There's an infinite gap between us and God. 00:11:27.280 --> 00:11:30.440 And his wrath is against us in our sin. 00:11:30.440 --> 00:11:33.740 And when he speaks words of warning. 00:11:34.120 --> 00:11:36.060 And words of judgment. 00:11:36.440 --> 00:11:37.980 And incoming wrath. 00:11:38.080 --> 00:11:39.240 We had better listen. 00:11:40.140 --> 00:11:41.620 We had better repent. 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:49.140 And we try and try and try and try to bridge that gap with our deeds. 00:11:49.260 --> 00:11:50.500 And our efforts. 00:11:50.740 --> 00:11:51.500 And our goodness. 00:11:51.680 --> 00:11:52.500 And our works. 00:11:52.600 --> 00:11:55.720 Just climbing ladder after ladder after ladder. 00:11:55.940 --> 00:11:57.520 And none of it works. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:11:59.600 The gap is too big. 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:02.759 As big as the gap is between heaven and earth. 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:03.840 That was last week. 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:07.819 Now follow Isaiah's train of thought here. 00:12:08.419 --> 00:12:09.120 In verse 10. 00:12:10.220 --> 00:12:11.779 Follow Isaiah's train of thought. 00:12:12.759 --> 00:12:14.319 Picture this with me. 00:12:14.439 --> 00:12:15.579 We go outside. 00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:19.179 We stand right here with our feet on the earth. 00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:20.399 We look up to heaven. 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:25.259 We wonder how in the world we can possibly bridge this infinite gap. 00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:27.100 We're looking up towards the heavens. 00:12:27.220 --> 00:12:28.620 And seemingly out of nowhere. 00:12:28.779 --> 00:12:30.460 A drop of rain comes. 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:32.319 Hits you right in the head. 00:12:34.319 --> 00:12:37.259 And you hear the sound of more rain. 00:12:37.639 --> 00:12:38.659 Beginning to fall. 00:12:39.439 --> 00:12:42.600 The raindrops get more and more and more frequent. 00:12:42.700 --> 00:12:44.460 So now all of a sudden as the phrase goes. 00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:46.319 The heavens have opened up. 00:12:46.759 --> 00:12:48.740 And it begins to pour down rain. 00:12:48.840 --> 00:12:49.679 Your hair is wet. 00:12:49.759 --> 00:12:50.700 Your clothes are drenched. 00:12:50.819 --> 00:12:52.200 Where did that rain come from? 00:12:52.200 --> 00:12:55.280 From the heavens. 00:12:56.560 --> 00:12:57.640 Where did it come? 00:12:59.100 --> 00:13:01.220 Down to the earth. 00:13:01.420 --> 00:13:02.460 To you. 00:13:02.820 --> 00:13:03.560 To me. 00:13:03.640 --> 00:13:06.540 Do you see the image that he's giving us here in verse 10? 00:13:07.000 --> 00:13:07.740 Follow with me. 00:13:07.840 --> 00:13:08.960 Follow the train of thought here. 00:13:09.060 --> 00:13:09.640 Verse 9. 00:13:09.740 --> 00:13:10.060 It said. 00:13:10.520 --> 00:13:12.860 As the heavens are higher than the earth. 00:13:13.200 --> 00:13:14.500 This infinite gap. 00:13:14.879 --> 00:13:17.060 So are my ways higher than your ways. 00:13:17.059 --> 00:13:18.359 But verse 10. 00:13:18.979 --> 00:13:24.000 Just like the rain and snow that comes down from heaven to the earth. 00:13:24.479 --> 00:13:28.859 So shall I send my word to you. 00:13:29.699 --> 00:13:30.579 Here's the point. 00:13:31.819 --> 00:13:35.739 The word of God is sent from heaven to earth. 00:13:35.859 --> 00:13:41.059 To bridge the infinite gap that stands between us and God. 00:13:41.059 --> 00:13:46.519 That just as the rain and the snow come down from heaven to earth. 00:13:47.059 --> 00:13:48.379 Bridges the gap. 00:13:48.539 --> 00:13:50.359 So shall the word of God. 00:13:50.459 --> 00:13:50.919 He says. 00:13:51.019 --> 00:13:53.859 So shall my word come down to you. 00:13:54.579 --> 00:13:55.719 To give life. 00:13:55.859 --> 00:13:56.919 And to bear fruit. 00:13:57.099 --> 00:14:00.339 On the soil that God himself has tilled. 00:14:00.379 --> 00:14:01.379 And made ready. 00:14:01.539 --> 00:14:02.539 And made fertile. 00:14:02.699 --> 00:14:04.779 And made ready to receive it. 00:14:04.839 --> 00:14:07.419 See the word of God comes down. 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:09.119 To give life. 00:14:09.120 --> 00:14:14.060 Rain and snow come down from heaven. 00:14:14.200 --> 00:14:15.320 And do not return there. 00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:17.639 But water the earth. 00:14:17.820 --> 00:14:19.340 That's life giving. 00:14:19.679 --> 00:14:22.000 Fruit bearing imagery here. 00:14:22.100 --> 00:14:23.299 They make it bring forth. 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:24.220 And sprout. 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:25.700 They give seed to the sower. 00:14:25.919 --> 00:14:27.639 And bread to the eater. 00:14:27.779 --> 00:14:28.440 And God says. 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:30.379 So shall my word be. 00:14:31.220 --> 00:14:32.779 It goes out from my mouth. 00:14:32.779 --> 00:14:36.659 I will send it down with sovereign power. 00:14:36.799 --> 00:14:37.980 To bridge the gap. 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:39.759 To come into the ears of sinners. 00:14:39.759 --> 00:14:41.399 To call them to repentance. 00:14:41.700 --> 00:14:43.340 To draw them to myself. 00:14:43.460 --> 00:14:45.399 To give life and happiness. 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:47.800 Where there is death and dryness. 00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:50.100 That's the power of the word of God. 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:52.120 Isn't that amazing? 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:55.779 The word of God. 00:14:56.340 --> 00:14:57.259 Is effective. 00:14:57.899 --> 00:14:59.180 To give life. 00:14:59.179 --> 00:14:59.779 God. 00:14:59.779 --> 00:15:02.019 And it's always been that way. 00:15:02.279 --> 00:15:02.819 Hasn't it? 00:15:03.979 --> 00:15:04.839 In the beginning. 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:06.019 Genesis chapter 1. 00:15:06.099 --> 00:15:06.599 In the beginning. 00:15:06.719 --> 00:15:09.519 God created the heavens and the earth. 00:15:09.599 --> 00:15:10.479 And how did he do it? 00:15:11.299 --> 00:15:12.000 All things. 00:15:12.059 --> 00:15:13.120 He spoke. 00:15:13.500 --> 00:15:14.279 And it was. 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:15.120 He spoke. 00:15:15.439 --> 00:15:17.059 All things into being. 00:15:17.159 --> 00:15:17.679 But guess what? 00:15:17.719 --> 00:15:19.239 He didn't just create the world. 00:15:19.299 --> 00:15:20.120 And then leave it alone. 00:15:20.219 --> 00:15:21.839 He continued to speak. 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:24.779 He continued to reveal himself. 00:15:24.959 --> 00:15:25.879 Through his word. 00:15:25.879 --> 00:15:28.139 He continued to send forth his word. 00:15:28.340 --> 00:15:29.820 From heaven to earth. 00:15:30.019 --> 00:15:32.360 Through the mouths of his servants. 00:15:32.659 --> 00:15:33.360 His prophets. 00:15:33.539 --> 00:15:33.899 Warning. 00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:35.080 And teaching. 00:15:35.539 --> 00:15:37.179 And calling his people to trust. 00:15:37.559 --> 00:15:38.879 And to dependence on him. 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:39.980 Hebrews chapter 1. 00:15:40.039 --> 00:15:40.179 Says. 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:41.159 Long ago. 00:15:41.259 --> 00:15:42.399 In many times. 00:15:42.500 --> 00:15:43.679 And in many ways. 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:44.700 God spoke to us. 00:15:44.799 --> 00:15:46.779 Through the mouths of his prophets. 00:15:46.939 --> 00:15:49.720 But do you realize that God didn't have to say anything at all? 00:15:49.720 --> 00:15:52.080 Do you realize that? 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:56.960 God does not have to speak at all. 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:57.899 But why does he? 00:15:59.660 --> 00:16:02.960 He speaks to reveal himself. 00:16:04.180 --> 00:16:07.879 He speaks to communicate his glory. 00:16:08.060 --> 00:16:08.320 Why? 00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:10.860 Not because we deserve it. 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:13.940 But because he's full of mercy. 00:16:14.660 --> 00:16:15.759 And grace. 00:16:15.940 --> 00:16:16.879 Which is why third. 00:16:16.879 --> 00:16:19.379 The word of God comes to us. 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:20.860 Graciously. 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:23.980 The word of God comes to us. 00:16:25.159 --> 00:16:25.759 Gracefully. 00:16:27.259 --> 00:16:28.659 Just reflect for a minute. 00:16:29.480 --> 00:16:32.000 What a grace this book is. 00:16:32.059 --> 00:16:32.980 Have you thought about this? 00:16:35.019 --> 00:16:38.799 That God would speak to us. 00:16:39.659 --> 00:16:42.500 That he would reveal himself to us. 00:16:42.580 --> 00:16:44.840 That he would reveal his character to us. 00:16:44.840 --> 00:16:47.019 That he would reveal his will to us. 00:16:47.040 --> 00:16:48.940 That we could read it in a book. 00:16:49.060 --> 00:16:51.180 Anytime we want. 00:16:52.360 --> 00:16:54.580 That God has condescended to us. 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:55.700 To speak to us. 00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:57.180 This incomprehensible God. 00:16:57.259 --> 00:16:58.220 Has spoken to us. 00:16:58.399 --> 00:17:00.560 In ways that we can understand. 00:17:00.660 --> 00:17:01.360 And comprehend. 00:17:01.680 --> 00:17:03.180 By the power of his spirit. 00:17:03.480 --> 00:17:05.160 As we open up a book. 00:17:05.259 --> 00:17:06.100 And read. 00:17:07.120 --> 00:17:08.319 And that we can share it. 00:17:08.360 --> 00:17:09.740 And teach others his ways. 00:17:09.799 --> 00:17:11.079 That we can teach our children. 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:12.840 The ways of God. 00:17:12.839 --> 00:17:13.639 This book. 00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:14.480 This revelation. 00:17:14.679 --> 00:17:15.559 Is a treasure. 00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:17.879 Of God's grace. 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:21.000 I love the hymn that we sang this morning. 00:17:21.079 --> 00:17:22.079 How firm a foundation. 00:17:22.179 --> 00:17:23.299 It's one of my favorite hymns. 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:25.339 How firm a foundation. 00:17:25.579 --> 00:17:26.859 You saints of the Lord. 00:17:27.399 --> 00:17:29.059 Is laid for your faith. 00:17:29.179 --> 00:17:31.199 In his excellent word. 00:17:32.199 --> 00:17:33.679 What more can he say. 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:35.379 Than to you he had said. 00:17:36.019 --> 00:17:37.599 To you who for refuge. 00:17:37.599 --> 00:17:38.299 To Jesus. 00:17:39.059 --> 00:17:40.019 Have fled. 00:17:40.019 --> 00:17:42.859 By God's grace. 00:17:43.200 --> 00:17:43.639 Church. 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:46.019 He has laid a sure foundation. 00:17:46.440 --> 00:17:47.900 For the faith of any. 00:17:48.379 --> 00:17:49.319 Who would come to him. 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:50.139 In his word. 00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:51.759 What more can he say. 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:54.400 Than to you he hath said. 00:17:55.799 --> 00:17:56.240 But you know. 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:57.539 So often we don't. 00:17:57.539 --> 00:17:58.339 Act like that. 00:17:58.420 --> 00:17:59.319 We act like this. 00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:01.200 This somehow isn't enough. 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:02.819 That somehow we want more. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:03.240 Something. 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:04.200 Something else. 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:05.500 God speak to me. 00:18:06.119 --> 00:18:07.259 Speak to me clearly. 00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:07.619 Lord. 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:08.359 I want to hear. 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.220 Your voice. 00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:10.579 We want some other way. 00:18:10.579 --> 00:18:12.420 For God to speak to us. 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:13.440 And hear me. 00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:14.799 I believe that God. 00:18:15.160 --> 00:18:16.400 May prompt us. 00:18:16.879 --> 00:18:17.799 May lead us. 00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:18.799 In many ways. 00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:19.259 Through our. 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:20.099 Our desires. 00:18:20.359 --> 00:18:21.220 Through the wisdom. 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:22.180 Of other Christians. 00:18:22.180 --> 00:18:23.180 Through the church. 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:24.480 Through various works. 00:18:24.480 --> 00:18:25.299 Of providence. 00:18:25.299 --> 00:18:26.160 In our lives. 00:18:26.160 --> 00:18:26.799 As he moves. 00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:27.480 And he acts. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:29.720 But he will never. 00:18:29.720 --> 00:18:30.980 Speak to you. 00:18:31.319 --> 00:18:32.000 More clearly. 00:18:32.839 --> 00:18:34.160 More directly. 00:18:35.019 --> 00:18:36.799 More authoritatively. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:38.919 More supernaturally. 00:18:39.399 --> 00:18:40.919 More graciously. 00:18:41.240 --> 00:18:42.379 More perfectly. 00:18:42.639 --> 00:18:43.779 Than he has already. 00:18:43.779 --> 00:18:44.519 Spoken. 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:46.319 In this word. 00:18:49.319 --> 00:18:50.859 And as Jesus says. 00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:52.099 In Luke chapter 16. 00:18:52.440 --> 00:18:53.240 I brought this up. 00:18:53.319 --> 00:18:54.559 In Sunday school. 00:18:54.740 --> 00:18:55.319 As Greg was. 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:57.039 Was preaching my sermon. 00:18:57.200 --> 00:18:58.039 Before we got in here. 00:19:02.819 --> 00:19:03.619 Jesus says. 00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:04.759 If you will not believe. 00:19:04.879 --> 00:19:05.440 What is written. 00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:06.259 Here. 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:08.319 You wouldn't even believe. 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:09.099 If you saw someone. 00:19:09.200 --> 00:19:09.859 Rise from the dead. 00:19:12.519 --> 00:19:13.960 Jesus spoke this parable. 00:19:14.059 --> 00:19:14.420 Between. 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:16.140 The rich man. 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:17.160 And Lazarus. 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:17.819 The rich man. 00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:18.619 Is in torment. 00:19:19.900 --> 00:19:20.299 Lazarus. 00:19:20.299 --> 00:19:21.240 Is in paradise. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:21.980 And the rich man. 00:19:22.180 --> 00:19:22.859 Looks across. 00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:23.980 And sees Lazarus. 00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:24.240 There. 00:19:24.319 --> 00:19:24.519 He's. 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:26.000 He's in anguish. 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:26.519 And he says. 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:27.359 Please. 00:19:27.799 --> 00:19:29.039 Would you send somebody. 00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:29.839 To my brothers. 00:19:29.879 --> 00:19:30.980 I have five brothers. 00:19:31.099 --> 00:19:32.059 Send somebody to them. 00:19:32.099 --> 00:19:32.960 If they see someone. 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:34.119 Rise from the dead. 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:35.039 They will believe. 00:19:35.039 --> 00:19:36.159 And they won't have to come. 00:19:36.239 --> 00:19:36.819 Into this place. 00:19:36.879 --> 00:19:37.919 Where I'm in anguish. 00:19:38.239 --> 00:19:39.399 Do you know what he says? 00:19:40.979 --> 00:19:42.079 They have Moses. 00:19:42.079 --> 00:19:43.219 And the prophets. 00:19:44.859 --> 00:19:46.639 If they won't believe this. 00:19:47.139 --> 00:19:48.239 They wouldn't believe. 00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:49.500 Even if someone. 00:19:49.899 --> 00:19:50.279 Rose. 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:50.819 Rose. 00:19:50.819 --> 00:19:51.440 From the dead. 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:52.940 And came and spoke to them. 00:19:54.819 --> 00:19:55.720 What's the point? 00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:58.599 The point is. 00:19:58.700 --> 00:19:59.599 If you are looking. 00:19:59.599 --> 00:20:01.019 For the grace of God. 00:20:01.099 --> 00:20:01.740 Here it is. 00:20:03.220 --> 00:20:04.460 If you are looking. 00:20:04.680 --> 00:20:06.180 For the revelation. 00:20:06.200 --> 00:20:07.759 Of who God is. 00:20:08.099 --> 00:20:08.960 Here it is. 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:10.779 If you are looking. 00:20:10.779 --> 00:20:11.700 For an explanation. 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:13.139 Of how sinners. 00:20:13.259 --> 00:20:14.920 Can possibly bridge that gap. 00:20:15.039 --> 00:20:16.059 And be forgiven. 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:17.220 And restored. 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:18.680 And come into the presence. 00:20:18.680 --> 00:20:19.279 Of God. 00:20:19.640 --> 00:20:21.140 Here it is. 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:21.940 If you are looking. 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:23.180 For God to speak. 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:23.940 To you. 00:20:24.940 --> 00:20:25.980 Here it is. 00:20:27.420 --> 00:20:28.940 This is the perfect. 00:20:29.140 --> 00:20:29.660 Word. 00:20:29.900 --> 00:20:30.620 Of God. 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:32.200 That graciously. 00:20:32.640 --> 00:20:33.600 And effectively. 00:20:34.060 --> 00:20:35.320 Comes to bridge. 00:20:35.320 --> 00:20:35.960 The gap. 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:36.720 Between heaven. 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:37.299 And earth. 00:20:37.299 --> 00:20:38.340 To give life. 00:20:38.539 --> 00:20:39.279 To all. 00:20:39.660 --> 00:20:40.480 Who would incline. 00:20:40.600 --> 00:20:41.279 Their ear. 00:20:41.820 --> 00:20:42.620 And listen. 00:20:43.440 --> 00:20:44.140 And believe. 00:20:44.140 --> 00:20:46.660 This is how God's word. 00:20:46.660 --> 00:20:47.320 Has come. 00:20:47.820 --> 00:20:48.640 To us. 00:20:49.700 --> 00:20:50.360 So second. 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:52.560 If that's true. 00:20:53.820 --> 00:20:54.600 How then. 00:20:54.700 --> 00:20:55.500 Should we come. 00:20:55.680 --> 00:20:56.740 To his word. 00:20:58.020 --> 00:20:58.800 How then. 00:20:58.900 --> 00:20:59.680 Should we come. 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:01.240 To his word. 00:21:01.320 --> 00:21:02.060 With the rest of the time. 00:21:02.100 --> 00:21:02.560 That we have. 00:21:02.620 --> 00:21:02.920 This morning. 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:04.120 I just wanted to get. 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:04.880 Very. 00:21:05.040 --> 00:21:05.340 Very. 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:06.380 Practical. 00:21:06.920 --> 00:21:07.240 Okay. 00:21:07.880 --> 00:21:08.860 Very practical. 00:21:08.860 --> 00:21:09.980 With some application. 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:10.720 And just ask. 00:21:10.820 --> 00:21:10.940 Well. 00:21:11.040 --> 00:21:12.020 So what. 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:12.059 What. 00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:13.139 Okay. 00:21:13.139 --> 00:21:14.099 So this is the second point. 00:21:14.160 --> 00:21:14.660 This morning. 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:15.059 Is. 00:21:15.339 --> 00:21:16.460 If this is true. 00:21:16.539 --> 00:21:17.460 What does this mean. 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:18.339 For us. 00:21:18.359 --> 00:21:19.680 If the word of God. 00:21:20.200 --> 00:21:20.700 Is his. 00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:21.759 Sovereignly. 00:21:21.940 --> 00:21:22.339 Appointed. 00:21:22.639 --> 00:21:23.079 Means. 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:24.220 To effectively. 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:24.819 Give. 00:21:25.160 --> 00:21:25.440 Life. 00:21:25.539 --> 00:21:26.319 To the spiritually. 00:21:26.579 --> 00:21:26.940 Dead. 00:21:27.579 --> 00:21:28.480 And to feed. 00:21:28.599 --> 00:21:29.240 The spiritually. 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:29.900 Hungry. 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:31.220 How then. 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:31.779 Should we come. 00:21:31.859 --> 00:21:32.460 To his word. 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:33.599 And I have five ways. 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:35.700 Number one. 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:36.559 Is to come hungry. 00:21:38.200 --> 00:21:38.859 Number one. 00:21:38.920 --> 00:21:39.759 Is to come hungry. 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:40.579 To his word. 00:21:42.839 --> 00:21:43.879 I'm sure you've been invited. 00:21:43.879 --> 00:21:44.420 To a meal. 00:21:44.420 --> 00:21:44.759 Before. 00:21:44.960 --> 00:21:45.359 Where the host. 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:46.139 Has planned out. 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:47.119 Tons of good food. 00:21:47.220 --> 00:21:47.859 Plenty to eat. 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:48.839 And they tell you. 00:21:48.900 --> 00:21:49.660 What time to come. 00:21:49.720 --> 00:21:50.279 And they say. 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:51.720 Come hungry. 00:21:53.740 --> 00:21:54.619 That's what Isaiah. 00:21:54.619 --> 00:21:55.619 Has been saying. 00:21:55.900 --> 00:21:57.119 All through this chapter. 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:57.559 Isn't it? 00:21:57.579 --> 00:21:57.799 Verse. 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:58.480 Verse one. 00:21:58.559 --> 00:21:58.819 He says. 00:21:58.920 --> 00:21:59.220 Come. 00:21:59.660 --> 00:22:01.460 Everyone who thirsts. 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:02.859 Come to the waters. 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:04.639 And he who has no money. 00:22:04.779 --> 00:22:05.099 Come. 00:22:05.379 --> 00:22:05.740 Buy. 00:22:05.859 --> 00:22:06.180 And eat. 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:07.059 Come buy wine. 00:22:07.119 --> 00:22:07.599 And milk. 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:08.579 Without money. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:09.920 And without price. 00:22:09.920 --> 00:22:12.660 Why do you spend your money for that which is not food. 00:22:12.740 --> 00:22:13.420 Not bread. 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:16.279 And your labor for that which is not satisfied. 00:22:16.560 --> 00:22:17.580 And get this. 00:22:17.640 --> 00:22:18.019 He says. 00:22:18.620 --> 00:22:21.000 Listen diligently to me. 00:22:21.200 --> 00:22:21.860 He says. 00:22:22.420 --> 00:22:23.740 And eat what is good. 00:22:24.380 --> 00:22:26.539 And delight yourselves in rich food. 00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:28.360 Incline your ear. 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.420 And come to me. 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.259 Hear. 00:22:30.740 --> 00:22:32.340 That your soul may live. 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:33.220 So you see. 00:22:33.299 --> 00:22:35.279 The feast that he's inviting us to. 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:37.899 Is enjoyed by listening. 00:22:38.959 --> 00:22:43.299 It's enjoyed by receiving the word of God. 00:22:43.379 --> 00:22:43.980 By hearing. 00:22:44.099 --> 00:22:47.359 By inclining our ears to his word. 00:22:48.039 --> 00:22:51.079 To become hungry to the word. 00:22:51.179 --> 00:22:52.439 But let me be clear. 00:22:53.679 --> 00:22:56.799 Don't wait until you feel hungry to come. 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:58.579 Okay. 00:22:58.579 --> 00:23:03.819 Do not wait until you feel hungry to come. 00:23:03.899 --> 00:23:05.740 There's an irony here. 00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:06.039 There's. 00:23:06.339 --> 00:23:08.960 There's a cyclical relationship here. 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:13.199 Is that often times we don't feel hungry until we start to eat. 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:21.119 We don't feel desire for the Lord until we start to open up the book and read and spend time with him. 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:23.019 The relationship is a cycle. 00:23:23.139 --> 00:23:24.419 You start reading the word. 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:25.079 And guess what? 00:23:25.579 --> 00:23:28.199 Your desire for the word begins to increase. 00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:30.980 And as your desire for the word increases. 00:23:31.140 --> 00:23:31.600 Guess what? 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:33.799 You start reading more of the word. 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:36.039 They feed each other here. 00:23:36.120 --> 00:23:36.799 It's cyclical. 00:23:36.900 --> 00:23:44.779 And sometimes we don't realize how hungry we are until we open it up and start to consume the word. 00:23:44.779 --> 00:23:45.660 So come hungry. 00:23:45.759 --> 00:23:49.580 But don't wait until you happen to feel hungry to come. 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:52.640 Second. 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:57.500 Come regularly to the word. 00:23:58.200 --> 00:24:00.279 How should we come to the word? 00:24:00.420 --> 00:24:00.640 Second. 00:24:00.840 --> 00:24:02.380 Come regularly. 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:06.059 Y'all I am so glad that you are here. 00:24:07.120 --> 00:24:09.580 Sitting under the preaching of the word. 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:10.340 And this is. 00:24:10.460 --> 00:24:10.900 I believe. 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:11.279 Honestly. 00:24:11.380 --> 00:24:14.460 I believe this is the most important hour of your week. 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:15.500 I truly believe that. 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:26.519 And most of my time throughout the week is spent thinking and praying and studying and preparing for this one moment of delivering the word of God to you. 00:24:26.519 --> 00:24:27.640 That you might hear it. 00:24:27.880 --> 00:24:32.519 And that the Lord, I trust, would effectively accomplish his purpose through it. 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:33.319 But. 00:24:34.379 --> 00:24:35.759 This one hour. 00:24:36.079 --> 00:24:37.940 As important as it is. 00:24:38.420 --> 00:24:39.480 Is not enough. 00:24:40.579 --> 00:24:43.220 It is not enough. 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:46.900 We are regularly in need of the grace of God in his word. 00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:52.299 We are regularly in need of conviction for our sin. 00:24:52.299 --> 00:25:00.000 We are regularly in need of a reminder of the grace of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:25:00.319 --> 00:25:03.480 We need to feast on this book regularly. 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:09.680 In the best way that I can think to get myself consistently through this book. 00:25:09.680 --> 00:25:11.279 66 books are here. 00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:12.360 Okay. 00:25:12.440 --> 00:25:14.660 66 books in this one book. 00:25:15.440 --> 00:25:17.500 929 chapters in the Old Testament. 00:25:17.680 --> 00:25:19.900 260 chapters in the New Testament. 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:29.320 The best way that I can get myself into this whole counsel of God is not to just wake up and wonder if it is going to happen that day. 00:25:29.319 --> 00:25:32.759 In other words. 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:40.859 I believe that in order to maximize your joy in the word of God. 00:25:41.079 --> 00:25:42.319 You need a plan. 00:25:44.240 --> 00:25:45.559 You need a plan. 00:25:47.059 --> 00:25:51.480 That plan may look different for you than it does for me from person to person. 00:25:51.599 --> 00:25:55.679 You don't need to use the same plan that I do or anybody else does that plan. 00:25:55.779 --> 00:25:58.299 The pace may be different from person to person. 00:25:58.299 --> 00:26:01.579 The time of day may be different from person to person. 00:26:02.039 --> 00:26:07.680 But all of us need a plan for spending time in the word of God. 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:09.000 What will you read tomorrow? 00:26:10.259 --> 00:26:11.339 And the next day? 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:13.619 And the day after that? 00:26:13.680 --> 00:26:15.019 And the day after that? 00:26:15.079 --> 00:26:16.000 How will you choose? 00:26:16.119 --> 00:26:17.159 How will you know? 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:18.099 How will you decide? 00:26:18.159 --> 00:26:23.940 I'd be willing to bet that if you don't have a plan for how you're going to digest this word. 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:28.039 You have some sections of your Bible where the pages still stick together. 00:26:28.299 --> 00:26:32.039 That just have barely been explored. 00:26:32.039 --> 00:26:40.299 And there's probably other sections where the pages are falling out because you keep coming back to those same sections of God's word over and over and over again. 00:26:40.359 --> 00:26:41.039 They're comfortable. 00:26:41.240 --> 00:26:43.659 They're familiar territory to you. 00:26:43.660 --> 00:26:49.900 You may have noticed as you came in that we've printed out some lists to help you. 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:51.400 If you got one of those, great. 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:54.200 If you didn't, I encourage you to get one on your way out the door. 00:26:54.300 --> 00:26:55.759 They're right there on the desk. 00:26:55.840 --> 00:27:00.040 It's a way to help you to get through the word of God this year. 00:27:00.620 --> 00:27:04.620 And what it is, it's just a checklist of every chapter in the Bible. 00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:05.820 It's not a plan. 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:10.000 It's meant to be used alongside whatever plan you choose to use. 00:27:10.419 --> 00:27:13.379 But it helps you to track your reading through God's word. 00:27:13.439 --> 00:27:19.399 I've done this for several years now, and it helps me to see, man, I've been spending a lot of time in the New Testament here. 00:27:19.439 --> 00:27:20.779 Maybe I need to read some of the prophets. 00:27:21.879 --> 00:27:24.220 I've been spending a lot of time in Genesis and Exodus. 00:27:24.419 --> 00:27:26.980 That's my January and February every year. 00:27:27.039 --> 00:27:27.740 I start in Genesis. 00:27:27.859 --> 00:27:28.859 I've read it a hundred times. 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:32.539 Maybe I need to read some over here in the New Testament. 00:27:33.399 --> 00:27:37.279 It helps you to track your progress through the word of God. 00:27:37.379 --> 00:27:38.839 So here's my challenge for you. 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:42.559 Make a plan to read the word. 00:27:43.719 --> 00:27:45.599 You don't have to wait until January 1st. 00:27:45.599 --> 00:27:47.159 You don't have to wait until the new year to do this. 00:27:47.199 --> 00:27:49.899 You can get a jump on your new year's reading schedule. 00:27:50.199 --> 00:27:53.379 Start right now to read the word of God. 00:27:53.379 --> 00:27:58.139 Did you know that if you read three chapters a day, you can make it through the whole Bible in a year? 00:27:58.859 --> 00:28:01.179 Actually, 3.25, but who's counting? 00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:03.139 Three chapters a day. 00:28:03.219 --> 00:28:06.899 You can make it through the whole Bible in a year. 00:28:06.979 --> 00:28:11.939 And if you don't know where to start, if this is new to you, just even thinking about where do I start? 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:13.259 How do I read God's word? 00:28:13.839 --> 00:28:14.759 Come speak to me. 00:28:15.659 --> 00:28:16.599 Come speak to Trey. 00:28:17.399 --> 00:28:26.000 I promise you there is nothing that would please us more than to be able to help you to read and to study God's word this year. 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:33.440 Third, come reverently to the word. 00:28:34.619 --> 00:28:37.220 Come reverently to the word. 00:28:37.299 --> 00:28:40.039 Now, this may sound like a contradiction, but I promise you it's not. 00:28:40.460 --> 00:28:45.359 We just got done talking about lists and plans and checklists and procedures and strategy. 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:46.919 But listen to this. 00:28:46.979 --> 00:28:57.659 If you reduce your Bible reading to a simple task to be completed and a checklist to be completed and moved on from, you have missed it. 00:28:58.559 --> 00:29:04.639 If you reduce your Bible reading to just information to be learned, you have missed it. 00:29:04.679 --> 00:29:10.039 If you treat this book like any other book to be read, you've missed it. 00:29:10.039 --> 00:29:13.799 The word of God is a miracle. 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:21.700 This is a direct line from the heart of God to us. 00:29:22.960 --> 00:29:28.920 It reveals his character, his power, his grace, his might, his mercy. 00:29:29.099 --> 00:29:33.339 It's his tool for our salvation and for our growth and our maturity. 00:29:33.339 --> 00:29:40.480 This word shows us the glory of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:45.139 So we must come to it ready to encounter the living God. 00:29:45.819 --> 00:29:47.519 Ready to be in his presence. 00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:50.399 Ready with a posture of worship. 00:29:51.859 --> 00:29:56.480 And when we do, forth, we should come expectantly. 00:29:57.699 --> 00:30:00.899 Forth, we should come expectantly. 00:30:00.900 --> 00:30:06.860 What do you expect God to do when you open up your Bible and read? 00:30:08.820 --> 00:30:13.580 What are you expecting God to do when you come and you sit under the preaching of the word? 00:30:13.660 --> 00:30:18.680 What are you expecting God to do when you speak the word to others? 00:30:19.019 --> 00:30:28.120 If God's word is 100% effective, as we've seen, then we should expect him to accomplish his promises. 00:30:28.119 --> 00:30:33.759 We should expect him to accomplish his purposes every time this word is opened up. 00:30:33.839 --> 00:30:37.619 We should expect him to change us as we read the word. 00:30:37.719 --> 00:30:40.139 We should expect conviction for our sin. 00:30:40.239 --> 00:30:42.379 We should expect growth in holiness. 00:30:42.579 --> 00:30:44.599 We should expect spiritual transformation. 00:30:45.119 --> 00:30:46.119 We should expect confirmation. 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:51.539 We should expect to be strengthened and encouraged and fed and challenged. 00:30:51.539 --> 00:30:55.659 Every time this book is read. 00:30:56.299 --> 00:30:59.740 Every time this book is preached. 00:30:59.960 --> 00:31:03.539 Every time the word of God is sent forth. 00:31:04.279 --> 00:31:05.319 God is at work. 00:31:06.359 --> 00:31:12.359 And it will accomplish the purposes for which he sends it. 00:31:12.359 --> 00:31:19.439 That is rock solid confidence for time spent here. 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:26.839 The rate of return of your energy and time spent reading this work is, your rate of return is 100%. 00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:32.019 You will never waste a moment opening up this book. 00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:40.839 And we should expect that it will accomplish the ultimate purpose of his word, which is this. 00:31:42.099 --> 00:31:49.359 To magnify the glory of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:31:50.359 --> 00:31:59.779 That is the ultimate purpose of the word of God, which is why fifth church, we must come Christ exultingly. 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:03.779 We must come Christ exultingly. 00:32:04.660 --> 00:32:05.220 Is that a word? 00:32:05.319 --> 00:32:05.779 Yes, it is. 00:32:05.819 --> 00:32:06.460 I looked it up. 00:32:06.500 --> 00:32:07.079 I promise. 00:32:08.059 --> 00:32:10.200 Christ exultingly. 00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:14.399 Church, I want you to love the word of God. 00:32:15.839 --> 00:32:19.339 I want you to love the scriptures. 00:32:20.279 --> 00:32:27.240 I want you to be eager to come to study, to master this word of God. 00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:30.339 But not as an end in itself. 00:32:31.559 --> 00:32:33.019 You love them. 00:32:33.160 --> 00:32:34.380 You consume them. 00:32:34.500 --> 00:32:35.240 You read them. 00:32:35.319 --> 00:32:37.740 You come to them day after day after day. 00:32:37.859 --> 00:32:39.599 You feast your souls on them. 00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:43.059 Because in them you see Christ. 00:32:43.059 --> 00:32:47.879 In them you see the glory of God. 00:32:48.019 --> 00:32:49.039 In the gospel. 00:32:49.159 --> 00:32:51.460 Isn't this what Jesus said in John chapter 5? 00:32:52.839 --> 00:32:57.879 He said, you search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life. 00:32:58.639 --> 00:33:01.980 And it is they that bear witness about me. 00:33:02.899 --> 00:33:04.779 That you refuse to come to me. 00:33:04.859 --> 00:33:06.319 That you may have life. 00:33:06.319 --> 00:33:11.679 See, we come to the word that we might come to him. 00:33:12.679 --> 00:33:15.639 That we come to the word that we might meet with him. 00:33:15.720 --> 00:33:16.619 And worship him. 00:33:16.700 --> 00:33:17.599 And hear from him. 00:33:17.679 --> 00:33:19.019 And be delighted in him. 00:33:19.439 --> 00:33:20.240 And be saved. 00:33:20.599 --> 00:33:21.220 And strengthened. 00:33:21.679 --> 00:33:22.439 And satisfied. 00:33:22.879 --> 00:33:25.299 And sustained by him. 00:33:25.359 --> 00:33:30.019 You see, this whole book from beginning to end is about the glory of God. 00:33:30.159 --> 00:33:32.639 In the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:33:32.640 --> 00:33:38.340 This word is a story of God's magnificence. 00:33:38.759 --> 00:33:40.600 Of his holiness. 00:33:41.620 --> 00:33:43.960 And of our wickedness. 00:33:44.620 --> 00:33:45.680 Our failure. 00:33:46.820 --> 00:33:50.759 And his constant bridging the gap between heaven and earth. 00:33:50.840 --> 00:33:52.700 His constant reaching down. 00:33:52.820 --> 00:33:54.259 His constant speaking. 00:33:54.880 --> 00:33:55.640 Communicating. 00:33:55.840 --> 00:33:57.140 And increasing clarity. 00:33:57.320 --> 00:34:01.040 How it is that sinners might be saved. 00:34:01.039 --> 00:34:02.859 And so Hebrews chapter 1 again. 00:34:04.059 --> 00:34:04.720 Long ago. 00:34:05.139 --> 00:34:06.500 At many times. 00:34:06.599 --> 00:34:07.460 And in many ways. 00:34:07.559 --> 00:34:09.719 God spoke to our fathers by the prophets. 00:34:09.840 --> 00:34:10.739 But listen to this. 00:34:11.880 --> 00:34:13.259 But in these last days. 00:34:13.360 --> 00:34:16.000 He has spoken to us by his son. 00:34:17.099 --> 00:34:19.820 Whom he appointed the heir of all things. 00:34:20.380 --> 00:34:23.199 Through whom also he created the world. 00:34:24.159 --> 00:34:25.519 He is the radiance. 00:34:25.840 --> 00:34:27.500 Of the glory of God. 00:34:27.559 --> 00:34:29.960 And the exact imprint of his nature. 00:34:29.960 --> 00:34:34.920 And he upholds the universe by the word of his power. 00:34:36.840 --> 00:34:40.159 Christ Jesus is the son of God. 00:34:40.400 --> 00:34:42.220 Through whom this says. 00:34:42.460 --> 00:34:44.720 Through whom God created the world. 00:34:44.820 --> 00:34:46.920 When God spoke this world into being. 00:34:47.139 --> 00:34:47.480 Guess what? 00:34:47.519 --> 00:34:49.500 It was through Christ. 00:34:50.360 --> 00:34:53.280 Christ Jesus is the one who sustains the universe. 00:34:53.280 --> 00:34:55.900 By the word of his power. 00:34:55.900 --> 00:34:57.440 He upholds the universe. 00:34:57.539 --> 00:35:00.340 With his effective and life-giving word. 00:35:00.460 --> 00:35:03.920 Christ Jesus is the one who most clearly communicates to us. 00:35:03.960 --> 00:35:05.360 The glory of God. 00:35:05.440 --> 00:35:08.139 He is the radiance of the glory of God. 00:35:08.559 --> 00:35:10.420 The exact imprint of his nature. 00:35:10.539 --> 00:35:12.079 No one has ever seen God. 00:35:12.160 --> 00:35:12.800 John says. 00:35:12.960 --> 00:35:16.019 The only God who is at the father's side. 00:35:16.240 --> 00:35:17.519 He has made him known. 00:35:18.360 --> 00:35:20.619 If you want to know what God is like. 00:35:20.840 --> 00:35:22.180 Look to Christ. 00:35:22.179 --> 00:35:24.759 If you want to know the heart of God. 00:35:24.879 --> 00:35:25.659 Look to Christ. 00:35:25.759 --> 00:35:27.679 If you want to have your sins forgiven. 00:35:28.019 --> 00:35:30.339 You come to Christ. 00:35:31.559 --> 00:35:35.839 Christ Jesus is the eternal word of God. 00:35:36.879 --> 00:35:39.599 And as we celebrate here at Christmas time. 00:35:39.719 --> 00:35:42.059 This word became flesh. 00:35:42.059 --> 00:35:44.940 And dwelt among us. 00:35:44.940 --> 00:35:51.519 Christ is the one who has like life-giving rain. 00:35:51.720 --> 00:35:52.820 Bridged the gap. 00:35:53.400 --> 00:35:55.539 From heaven to earth. 00:35:55.639 --> 00:35:58.780 He is the one who has lived and died. 00:35:59.240 --> 00:36:00.200 And risen again. 00:36:00.300 --> 00:36:03.960 That he might give life to any who incline their ear. 00:36:04.059 --> 00:36:05.860 And listen to him. 00:36:05.920 --> 00:36:07.860 Have you turned from your sin and trusted him? 00:36:08.920 --> 00:36:10.820 Are you seeking him daily? 00:36:11.320 --> 00:36:12.500 In his word. 00:36:12.500 --> 00:36:16.659 That he would come to the word of God. 00:36:16.800 --> 00:36:17.340 Ultimately. 00:36:18.019 --> 00:36:20.920 To exult in the glory of God. 00:36:21.000 --> 00:36:24.280 In the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:36:24.539 --> 00:36:24.800 Amen. 00:36:26.840 --> 00:36:28.000 But there's one more. 00:36:29.719 --> 00:36:30.659 A bonus. 00:36:32.360 --> 00:36:34.400 There is a danger here. 00:36:34.639 --> 00:36:36.019 That we need to be aware of. 00:36:36.360 --> 00:36:37.139 Before we go. 00:36:38.280 --> 00:36:40.280 As we come and we feast. 00:36:40.380 --> 00:36:42.280 And we fill ourselves with the word of God. 00:36:42.280 --> 00:36:43.560 As we grow in maturity. 00:36:43.560 --> 00:36:45.740 As we grow in knowledge of him. 00:36:45.820 --> 00:36:46.620 And love for him. 00:36:46.660 --> 00:36:47.760 And trust in him. 00:36:48.080 --> 00:36:50.120 It cannot stop there. 00:36:51.220 --> 00:36:52.300 So here's a bonus. 00:36:52.560 --> 00:36:53.640 And this is where we close. 00:36:53.780 --> 00:36:54.100 Church. 00:36:54.800 --> 00:36:56.100 We must go. 00:36:57.160 --> 00:36:57.680 Obediently. 00:36:58.820 --> 00:37:00.160 We must go. 00:37:01.300 --> 00:37:01.820 Obediently. 00:37:03.080 --> 00:37:04.200 That word. 00:37:04.320 --> 00:37:05.400 That came from heaven. 00:37:05.700 --> 00:37:06.880 Down to you. 00:37:07.120 --> 00:37:07.560 Believer. 00:37:07.660 --> 00:37:09.580 Is not meant to stop there. 00:37:09.579 --> 00:37:10.719 At you. 00:37:10.860 --> 00:37:13.079 It is not just for you. 00:37:14.539 --> 00:37:15.559 Pastor Eric Reed. 00:37:15.639 --> 00:37:16.420 He says this. 00:37:16.699 --> 00:37:18.679 He says there's a direct correlation. 00:37:18.679 --> 00:37:20.599 Between growing in biblical knowledge. 00:37:20.599 --> 00:37:22.000 And growing in your faith. 00:37:22.079 --> 00:37:24.039 But there's something we need to be wary of. 00:37:25.039 --> 00:37:26.940 Growing spiritually obese. 00:37:27.460 --> 00:37:29.119 Because we don't exercise. 00:37:29.619 --> 00:37:30.400 Our faith. 00:37:30.400 --> 00:37:35.900 This word is meant to be lived. 00:37:36.960 --> 00:37:38.800 It is meant to be shared. 00:37:39.039 --> 00:37:39.900 With others. 00:37:40.019 --> 00:37:43.139 I've talked to so many of you about personal evangelism. 00:37:43.220 --> 00:37:44.139 That's our strategy. 00:37:44.340 --> 00:37:44.619 Church. 00:37:44.680 --> 00:37:45.360 You realize this? 00:37:45.400 --> 00:37:46.619 That's our strategy. 00:37:46.619 --> 00:37:48.340 For impacting this community. 00:37:48.680 --> 00:37:51.119 For seeing others come into the kingdom. 00:37:51.320 --> 00:37:52.559 For seeing our lost friends. 00:37:52.680 --> 00:37:53.019 Family. 00:37:53.139 --> 00:37:53.420 Neighbor. 00:37:53.559 --> 00:37:54.119 Co-workers. 00:37:54.680 --> 00:37:55.200 Connections. 00:37:55.199 --> 00:37:56.639 Come to faith in Christ. 00:37:56.739 --> 00:37:57.559 The strategy. 00:37:58.460 --> 00:37:58.919 Is that. 00:37:59.399 --> 00:38:00.199 Each of us. 00:38:00.480 --> 00:38:01.000 Individually. 00:38:01.159 --> 00:38:01.259 Would. 00:38:01.439 --> 00:38:02.139 Would go. 00:38:02.739 --> 00:38:03.239 Obediently. 00:38:03.359 --> 00:38:04.939 And proclaim the gospel. 00:38:04.939 --> 00:38:05.579 Of Jesus. 00:38:06.199 --> 00:38:06.679 Christ. 00:38:06.939 --> 00:38:07.579 And you see. 00:38:07.659 --> 00:38:08.960 The rock solid confidence. 00:38:08.960 --> 00:38:10.199 That this passage gives us. 00:38:10.239 --> 00:38:11.019 As we go. 00:38:11.679 --> 00:38:12.359 Our confidence. 00:38:12.359 --> 00:38:13.739 Is not in us. 00:38:14.659 --> 00:38:15.439 It is not in our. 00:38:15.579 --> 00:38:16.359 Our ability. 00:38:16.519 --> 00:38:17.500 It's not in our knowledge. 00:38:17.619 --> 00:38:18.119 It's not in our. 00:38:18.219 --> 00:38:18.939 Our comfort. 00:38:19.099 --> 00:38:19.599 It's not in our. 00:38:19.739 --> 00:38:21.599 Ability to answer every objection. 00:38:21.599 --> 00:38:22.579 And every question. 00:38:22.699 --> 00:38:23.619 And every hesitation. 00:38:23.619 --> 00:38:25.199 Our confidence. 00:38:25.199 --> 00:38:27.039 In proclaiming the gospel. 00:38:27.039 --> 00:38:27.500 Is that. 00:38:27.619 --> 00:38:28.420 Every time. 00:38:28.500 --> 00:38:29.639 The word is preached. 00:38:29.980 --> 00:38:31.059 God will accomplish. 00:38:31.059 --> 00:38:32.619 What he sent it for. 00:38:33.519 --> 00:38:35.119 It's the sovereignty of God. 00:38:35.400 --> 00:38:36.799 And his appointed means. 00:38:36.880 --> 00:38:38.119 To accomplish his. 00:38:38.759 --> 00:38:39.199 Purposes. 00:38:39.400 --> 00:38:40.460 The only way. 00:38:40.579 --> 00:38:41.400 We will fail. 00:38:41.519 --> 00:38:42.299 In evangelism. 00:38:42.440 --> 00:38:44.000 Is if we don't go. 00:38:44.460 --> 00:38:45.339 And preach. 00:38:45.639 --> 00:38:47.339 And speak the word of God. 00:38:49.339 --> 00:38:51.239 Now that's how you became a Christian. 00:38:51.359 --> 00:38:52.019 Do you realize that? 00:38:52.019 --> 00:38:54.320 If you're a believer. 00:38:54.320 --> 00:38:55.000 In the room. 00:38:55.119 --> 00:38:56.239 It's because somebody. 00:38:56.500 --> 00:38:56.940 Somewhere. 00:38:57.300 --> 00:38:57.699 Somehow. 00:38:57.699 --> 00:38:58.900 The word of God. 00:38:59.079 --> 00:39:00.000 Spanned the gap. 00:39:00.480 --> 00:39:01.280 Came from heaven. 00:39:01.480 --> 00:39:02.420 Down to you. 00:39:02.500 --> 00:39:03.300 Into your ears. 00:39:03.420 --> 00:39:04.199 Into your heart. 00:39:04.300 --> 00:39:05.199 On fertile soil. 00:39:05.340 --> 00:39:06.300 And you believed. 00:39:08.659 --> 00:39:09.900 So now we go. 00:39:10.980 --> 00:39:11.960 And we proclaim. 00:39:12.719 --> 00:39:13.639 This message. 00:39:14.320 --> 00:39:14.920 Of hope. 00:39:15.599 --> 00:39:16.440 And life. 00:39:17.159 --> 00:39:17.780 To others. 00:39:17.780 --> 00:39:22.280 Some of you. 00:39:23.120 --> 00:39:24.080 May be dreaming. 00:39:24.080 --> 00:39:25.300 Of a white Christmas. 00:39:27.000 --> 00:39:28.019 Here in all in all. 00:39:28.080 --> 00:39:28.960 Anything's possible. 00:39:30.400 --> 00:39:31.440 But that's probably. 00:39:31.440 --> 00:39:32.660 Going to stay a dream. 00:39:34.820 --> 00:39:36.120 I grew up in Georgia. 00:39:36.120 --> 00:39:37.280 And snow was rare. 00:39:37.420 --> 00:39:38.560 But I have seen. 00:39:38.560 --> 00:39:39.560 A good snowfall. 00:39:40.340 --> 00:39:40.760 Or two. 00:39:41.260 --> 00:39:42.320 And you know this. 00:39:42.360 --> 00:39:43.000 It's just beautiful. 00:39:43.400 --> 00:39:43.560 You know. 00:39:43.600 --> 00:39:44.100 When the snow. 00:39:44.240 --> 00:39:45.160 Covers the ground. 00:39:45.819 --> 00:39:46.839 Everywhere you look. 00:39:46.920 --> 00:39:47.440 Is white. 00:39:47.659 --> 00:39:48.480 Bushes covered. 00:39:48.619 --> 00:39:49.359 Trees covered. 00:39:49.480 --> 00:39:50.219 Plants covered. 00:39:50.559 --> 00:39:51.659 Nothing but snow. 00:39:51.739 --> 00:39:52.179 On the ground. 00:39:52.239 --> 00:39:52.980 And you look up. 00:39:53.019 --> 00:39:53.559 To the heavens. 00:39:53.639 --> 00:39:54.259 And it just keeps. 00:39:54.440 --> 00:39:54.759 Coming. 00:39:55.219 --> 00:39:55.759 And coming. 00:39:56.199 --> 00:39:56.739 And coming. 00:39:57.199 --> 00:39:57.719 And coming. 00:40:00.480 --> 00:40:01.599 Could you imagine. 00:40:02.420 --> 00:40:03.679 What it would be like. 00:40:05.299 --> 00:40:06.779 If through us. 00:40:07.000 --> 00:40:07.960 God covered. 00:40:07.960 --> 00:40:09.119 This community. 00:40:09.639 --> 00:40:10.359 With his word. 00:40:10.940 --> 00:40:12.019 Like a blanket of snow. 00:40:12.019 --> 00:40:15.019 Every neighborhood. 00:40:16.239 --> 00:40:17.519 Every school. 00:40:18.500 --> 00:40:19.659 Every corner. 00:40:20.340 --> 00:40:21.360 Every street. 00:40:22.480 --> 00:40:23.079 Saturated. 00:40:23.599 --> 00:40:25.039 With a life giving word. 00:40:25.159 --> 00:40:25.599 Of God. 00:40:26.759 --> 00:40:27.800 He can do it. 00:40:29.000 --> 00:40:29.800 And he'll do it. 00:40:29.880 --> 00:40:30.539 Through us. 00:40:31.619 --> 00:40:32.800 If we would go. 00:40:33.659 --> 00:40:34.860 And start right here. 00:40:36.099 --> 00:40:37.219 Would you pray with me church. 00:40:37.219 --> 00:40:41.359 Lord. 00:40:41.439 --> 00:40:42.079 There is. 00:40:43.659 --> 00:40:44.379 No way. 00:40:44.379 --> 00:40:45.379 To express. 00:40:46.500 --> 00:40:47.279 How grateful. 00:40:47.279 --> 00:40:47.719 We are. 00:40:47.819 --> 00:40:48.539 For this word. 00:40:48.539 --> 00:40:49.799 That has given us. 00:40:49.980 --> 00:40:51.059 Life in Christ. 00:40:51.639 --> 00:40:53.119 That has shown us. 00:40:53.239 --> 00:40:53.399 Your. 00:40:53.939 --> 00:40:54.519 Your will. 00:40:54.719 --> 00:40:55.079 And your. 00:40:55.500 --> 00:40:55.899 Character. 00:40:57.259 --> 00:40:57.819 Father. 00:40:58.039 --> 00:40:58.859 And we pray. 00:40:59.099 --> 00:41:00.459 That we would be a people. 00:41:00.799 --> 00:41:01.839 Who are marked. 00:41:01.959 --> 00:41:02.500 By love. 00:41:02.579 --> 00:41:03.239 For your word. 00:41:03.239 --> 00:41:03.279 Lord. 00:41:04.219 --> 00:41:05.179 We praise you. 00:41:05.239 --> 00:41:05.439 That. 00:41:05.819 --> 00:41:06.799 That you always. 00:41:06.979 --> 00:41:07.519 Accomplish. 00:41:07.539 --> 00:41:08.039 Your will. 00:41:08.419 --> 00:41:08.619 Through. 00:41:09.000 --> 00:41:10.179 Through sending your word. 00:41:10.239 --> 00:41:11.179 Even when it appears. 00:41:11.179 --> 00:41:11.939 To our eyes. 00:41:11.939 --> 00:41:12.199 Like. 00:41:12.439 --> 00:41:13.279 Like it's failed. 00:41:13.899 --> 00:41:14.259 God. 00:41:14.319 --> 00:41:15.000 You are at work. 00:41:15.039 --> 00:41:16.299 In ways we can never understand. 00:41:17.259 --> 00:41:18.419 And we pray. 00:41:18.699 --> 00:41:18.919 Lord. 00:41:19.000 --> 00:41:20.259 That this church. 00:41:20.719 --> 00:41:21.519 Would be one. 00:41:21.599 --> 00:41:22.299 That would share. 00:41:22.299 --> 00:41:22.919 This word. 00:41:23.019 --> 00:41:24.199 With such confidence. 00:41:24.199 --> 00:41:24.879 In you. 00:41:24.979 --> 00:41:25.959 And your power. 00:41:26.579 --> 00:41:26.819 God. 00:41:26.839 --> 00:41:27.419 That this community. 00:41:27.419 --> 00:41:28.239 Would be shaken. 00:41:28.500 --> 00:41:28.919 By it. 00:41:29.679 --> 00:41:30.299 We love you. 00:41:30.319 --> 00:41:30.539 Lord. 00:41:31.159 --> 00:41:31.979 We ask all this. 00:41:32.039 --> 00:41:32.599 In Jesus name. 00:41:33.539 --> 00:41:33.839 Amen. 00:41:33.839 --> 00:41:33.939 Amen. 00:41:34.939 --> 00:41:34.959 Amen.