WEBVTT 00:00:00.260 --> 00:00:01.260 This morning. 00:00:12.380 --> 00:00:14.640 Hebrews chapter 9 beginning at verse 23. 00:00:16.160 --> 00:00:22.879 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites. 00:00:23.580 --> 00:00:27.760 But the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 00:00:27.760 --> 00:00:29.960 For Christ has entered. 00:00:30.780 --> 00:00:34.660 Not into holy places made with hands which are copies of the true things. 00:00:35.079 --> 00:00:36.219 But into heaven itself. 00:00:37.060 --> 00:00:39.980 Now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 00:00:41.020 --> 00:00:43.859 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly. 00:00:44.900 --> 00:00:50.180 As the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own. 00:00:51.160 --> 00:00:53.500 For then he would have had to suffer repeatedly. 00:00:54.100 --> 00:00:55.600 Since the foundation of the world. 00:00:55.600 --> 00:01:00.140 But as it is he has appeared once for all. 00:01:00.660 --> 00:01:02.260 At the end of the ages. 00:01:03.079 --> 00:01:04.079 To put away sin. 00:01:04.540 --> 00:01:06.120 By the sacrifice of himself. 00:01:07.579 --> 00:01:12.099 And just as it is appointed for man to die once. 00:01:12.879 --> 00:01:14.719 And after that comes judgment. 00:01:15.799 --> 00:01:18.120 So Christ having been offered once. 00:01:18.620 --> 00:01:19.819 To bear the sins of many. 00:01:20.520 --> 00:01:21.920 Will appear a second time. 00:01:21.920 --> 00:01:24.060 Not to deal with sin. 00:01:24.739 --> 00:01:29.159 But to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. 00:01:30.740 --> 00:01:33.400 On December 14 of 1998. 00:01:33.900 --> 00:01:35.760 I arrived home from high school. 00:01:36.320 --> 00:01:37.719 Late on a Monday evening. 00:01:38.520 --> 00:01:40.079 When I walked through the front door. 00:01:40.219 --> 00:01:41.379 My younger brother and sister. 00:01:42.060 --> 00:01:43.079 Immediately greeted me. 00:01:43.500 --> 00:01:44.840 That was unusual. 00:01:45.579 --> 00:01:47.799 And presented me with a large envelope. 00:01:47.799 --> 00:01:50.840 They urged me to open the envelope immediately. 00:01:51.700 --> 00:01:53.259 Because it contained the answer. 00:01:53.799 --> 00:01:56.039 To where I would spend the next four years. 00:01:56.340 --> 00:01:57.159 Of my life. 00:01:57.379 --> 00:01:57.939 In college. 00:01:58.840 --> 00:01:59.819 15 years later. 00:01:59.959 --> 00:02:01.179 I still remember that event. 00:02:01.879 --> 00:02:03.479 I even remember that it was on a Monday. 00:02:03.900 --> 00:02:05.379 Without looking up the calendar date. 00:02:05.959 --> 00:02:06.400 Because. 00:02:07.239 --> 00:02:08.740 It brought me here to New Haven. 00:02:09.460 --> 00:02:10.740 And I've stayed here ever since. 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:13.019 One might say it was. 00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:14.519 A defining moment. 00:02:15.019 --> 00:02:15.699 Of my life. 00:02:15.699 --> 00:02:19.479 What has been one defining moment. 00:02:20.099 --> 00:02:20.959 Of your life. 00:02:21.959 --> 00:02:24.219 Maybe it was a moment of personal accomplishment. 00:02:24.459 --> 00:02:26.179 Of graduating from high school. 00:02:26.299 --> 00:02:26.799 Or college. 00:02:26.979 --> 00:02:28.899 Or submitting your PhD dissertation. 00:02:29.639 --> 00:02:31.759 Or landing your first full-time job. 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:35.919 Maybe it was a moment of relational establishment. 00:02:36.799 --> 00:02:39.539 The day that he called you on the phone. 00:02:40.679 --> 00:02:41.159 Unexpectedly. 00:02:41.280 --> 00:02:43.060 And asked you out to dinner. 00:02:43.060 --> 00:02:45.860 Or the day that you noticed her. 00:02:46.300 --> 00:02:47.199 For the first time. 00:02:48.000 --> 00:02:49.219 Walking across the quad. 00:02:50.300 --> 00:02:52.159 Maybe you think back to her wedding day. 00:02:52.860 --> 00:02:54.520 When you vowed before God. 00:02:54.759 --> 00:02:55.360 And witnesses. 00:02:56.199 --> 00:02:57.939 To love one other person. 00:02:58.439 --> 00:02:59.800 For as long as you both. 00:03:00.300 --> 00:03:00.819 Shall live. 00:03:01.900 --> 00:03:03.860 Maybe you remember the birth of your first child. 00:03:04.699 --> 00:03:06.319 Which changed your life forever. 00:03:06.319 --> 00:03:08.599 Even as a dad. 00:03:08.680 --> 00:03:09.900 Just looking on. 00:03:10.599 --> 00:03:12.199 It was an unforgettable experience. 00:03:13.400 --> 00:03:15.459 Maybe you look back on a spiritual awakening. 00:03:15.599 --> 00:03:16.280 Of some kind. 00:03:16.579 --> 00:03:17.859 A time when you were convinced. 00:03:18.759 --> 00:03:19.879 That God was real. 00:03:20.840 --> 00:03:22.319 Or filled to overflowing. 00:03:22.419 --> 00:03:24.979 With the joy and power of the Holy Spirit. 00:03:25.879 --> 00:03:27.340 Or when you witnessed a dramatic. 00:03:27.340 --> 00:03:29.259 Or even miraculous answer to prayer. 00:03:29.259 --> 00:03:32.699 All of these can be defining moments. 00:03:33.919 --> 00:03:36.019 But our defining moments are not always. 00:03:36.639 --> 00:03:37.739 Shining and glorious. 00:03:39.439 --> 00:03:41.159 Maybe you look back on a time of. 00:03:41.799 --> 00:03:42.699 Professional failure. 00:03:43.500 --> 00:03:44.159 Or rejection. 00:03:44.919 --> 00:03:47.659 When it seemed like a door was slammed shut in your face. 00:03:48.419 --> 00:03:49.699 Never to be opened again. 00:03:51.259 --> 00:03:52.659 Maybe you remember not only. 00:03:53.239 --> 00:03:54.519 The day that your marriage began. 00:03:55.419 --> 00:03:57.239 But also the day when it ended. 00:03:57.240 --> 00:03:59.780 And the divorce was finalized. 00:04:01.140 --> 00:04:02.560 Maybe you've never been the same. 00:04:03.460 --> 00:04:04.900 Since the death of a loved one. 00:04:05.659 --> 00:04:07.360 Who has left a hole in the world. 00:04:08.260 --> 00:04:08.840 That nothing. 00:04:09.360 --> 00:04:10.140 And no one else. 00:04:10.740 --> 00:04:11.460 Can quite fill. 00:04:12.800 --> 00:04:14.800 Maybe you were haunted by a painful memory. 00:04:15.760 --> 00:04:16.379 Of betrayal. 00:04:17.199 --> 00:04:17.860 Or abuse. 00:04:18.620 --> 00:04:21.100 That continues to shape your sense of who you are. 00:04:21.720 --> 00:04:23.460 And your relationships with other people. 00:04:24.819 --> 00:04:26.480 Maybe you look back on a time where. 00:04:26.480 --> 00:04:28.580 God seemed to be totally absent. 00:04:29.460 --> 00:04:31.340 Your prayers seemed to hit a brick wall. 00:04:32.780 --> 00:04:35.259 People in the church abandoned you. 00:04:35.879 --> 00:04:37.819 And you lost the faith. 00:04:38.480 --> 00:04:39.000 And fervor. 00:04:39.520 --> 00:04:40.640 That you once had. 00:04:41.620 --> 00:04:42.379 Now what characterizes. 00:04:43.860 --> 00:04:45.040 A defining moment. 00:04:45.200 --> 00:04:46.340 Whether it is glorious. 00:04:46.879 --> 00:04:47.680 Or shameful. 00:04:48.060 --> 00:04:49.100 Whether it is joyful. 00:04:49.660 --> 00:04:50.420 Or painful. 00:04:51.420 --> 00:04:52.680 Is at least two things. 00:04:52.680 --> 00:04:53.680 First. 00:04:53.680 --> 00:04:54.319 First. 00:04:54.459 --> 00:04:55.400 It cannot be. 00:04:55.720 --> 00:04:57.220 Or does not need to be. 00:04:57.620 --> 00:04:58.060 Repeated. 00:04:59.120 --> 00:04:59.600 You know. 00:04:59.639 --> 00:05:00.620 There are all kinds of things. 00:05:00.699 --> 00:05:01.720 That we do over and over. 00:05:01.860 --> 00:05:03.680 That are important and necessary. 00:05:04.340 --> 00:05:05.360 For our lives. 00:05:05.720 --> 00:05:06.280 Waking up. 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:07.019 Going to sleep. 00:05:07.400 --> 00:05:07.800 Eating. 00:05:08.040 --> 00:05:08.379 Drinking. 00:05:08.540 --> 00:05:09.319 Going to the bathroom. 00:05:09.460 --> 00:05:10.220 Washing our hands. 00:05:10.360 --> 00:05:10.680 Paying. 00:05:10.879 --> 00:05:11.680 Getting a paycheck. 00:05:11.840 --> 00:05:12.519 Paying the bills. 00:05:12.519 --> 00:05:14.419 But these things. 00:05:14.560 --> 00:05:15.199 For the most part. 00:05:15.279 --> 00:05:15.799 Are not. 00:05:15.939 --> 00:05:17.039 The defining events. 00:05:17.120 --> 00:05:17.939 Of our lives. 00:05:18.740 --> 00:05:19.500 Because they happen. 00:05:19.500 --> 00:05:20.199 Over and over. 00:05:20.279 --> 00:05:21.159 And they need to happen. 00:05:21.680 --> 00:05:22.859 Over and over. 00:05:23.359 --> 00:05:24.240 Because their effects. 00:05:24.359 --> 00:05:25.419 Don't last very long. 00:05:26.099 --> 00:05:27.159 No matter how wonderful. 00:05:27.159 --> 00:05:28.639 Your dinner was last night. 00:05:29.359 --> 00:05:30.439 You'll be hungry again. 00:05:30.579 --> 00:05:31.579 Before the day's out. 00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:33.879 And simply the memories of it. 00:05:34.279 --> 00:05:35.299 Will not sustain you. 00:05:35.919 --> 00:05:37.159 No matter how refreshing. 00:05:37.560 --> 00:05:39.099 Your last vacation was. 00:05:39.100 --> 00:05:41.080 You will likely be tired. 00:05:41.360 --> 00:05:42.620 And stressed out again. 00:05:43.120 --> 00:05:43.340 Soon. 00:05:45.040 --> 00:05:46.540 But defining moments. 00:05:47.020 --> 00:05:48.780 Don't need to be repeated. 00:05:49.420 --> 00:05:50.480 Because their effects. 00:05:50.560 --> 00:05:51.460 Are both extensive. 00:05:51.879 --> 00:05:52.640 And enduring. 00:05:53.840 --> 00:05:55.860 It can't easily be replaced. 00:05:56.260 --> 00:05:56.939 Or displaced. 00:05:56.939 --> 00:05:57.860 By something else. 00:05:57.980 --> 00:05:58.800 Because its effects. 00:05:59.180 --> 00:06:00.360 Are so wide ranging. 00:06:00.820 --> 00:06:01.540 And comprehensive. 00:06:02.780 --> 00:06:03.860 We don't need to repeat. 00:06:04.660 --> 00:06:05.840 The same defining moment. 00:06:05.920 --> 00:06:06.879 Over and over again. 00:06:06.939 --> 00:06:08.300 Or perhaps we do all that we can. 00:06:08.360 --> 00:06:08.879 To avoid. 00:06:09.640 --> 00:06:10.640 Such an experience. 00:06:10.900 --> 00:06:11.439 Ever again. 00:06:12.280 --> 00:06:13.240 Because its effects. 00:06:13.580 --> 00:06:14.500 Don't fade away. 00:06:15.140 --> 00:06:15.760 Over time. 00:06:16.360 --> 00:06:16.879 Now maybe. 00:06:17.120 --> 00:06:17.840 Looking at your life. 00:06:17.900 --> 00:06:18.820 Maybe you find it hard. 00:06:18.879 --> 00:06:20.700 To identify one defining moment. 00:06:20.760 --> 00:06:21.939 Above everything else. 00:06:22.720 --> 00:06:24.080 I would say probably most of us. 00:06:24.140 --> 00:06:25.080 Don't live our lives. 00:06:25.300 --> 00:06:26.600 In light of only one. 00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:28.420 Defining moment. 00:06:28.720 --> 00:06:29.600 Defining experience. 00:06:29.740 --> 00:06:30.700 Most of us are influenced. 00:06:30.700 --> 00:06:32.840 By a wide range of experiences. 00:06:33.760 --> 00:06:34.700 Success and failure. 00:06:34.920 --> 00:06:35.820 Acceptance and rejection. 00:06:36.080 --> 00:06:37.280 Joy and pain. 00:06:37.279 --> 00:06:39.179 Over time. 00:06:39.179 --> 00:06:40.679 Many of our defining moments. 00:06:40.679 --> 00:06:41.779 Fade into the past. 00:06:41.779 --> 00:06:43.059 And new ones arise. 00:06:43.059 --> 00:06:44.179 In their place. 00:06:45.379 --> 00:06:46.159 But you know. 00:06:46.279 --> 00:06:47.199 If that is the case. 00:06:47.759 --> 00:06:50.159 If there is no one defining moment. 00:06:50.159 --> 00:06:51.299 That shapes us. 00:06:51.500 --> 00:06:52.919 Above all others. 00:06:53.259 --> 00:06:54.719 That consistently shapes. 00:06:54.719 --> 00:06:55.779 The rest of our lives. 00:06:56.259 --> 00:06:57.439 Then we are living. 00:06:57.619 --> 00:06:59.159 In a precarious position. 00:06:59.160 --> 00:07:01.400 We hope to maintain. 00:07:01.400 --> 00:07:02.760 Some kind of equilibrium. 00:07:03.660 --> 00:07:04.960 Some kind of balance. 00:07:05.860 --> 00:07:07.760 But we have no firm anchor point. 00:07:08.080 --> 00:07:09.060 To hold on to. 00:07:10.140 --> 00:07:11.560 Some days we live in the confidence. 00:07:11.560 --> 00:07:13.400 Generated by our past successes. 00:07:13.580 --> 00:07:14.480 Other days we live in. 00:07:14.700 --> 00:07:15.260 The shame. 00:07:15.340 --> 00:07:16.280 Of our past failures. 00:07:16.420 --> 00:07:17.840 And sometimes our life is defined. 00:07:18.500 --> 00:07:19.240 Simply by. 00:07:19.700 --> 00:07:20.540 The present moment. 00:07:21.460 --> 00:07:22.440 How I'm feeling. 00:07:22.860 --> 00:07:23.520 Right now. 00:07:24.460 --> 00:07:25.220 And that seems like. 00:07:25.460 --> 00:07:27.000 The most defining reality. 00:07:27.000 --> 00:07:27.379 Of all. 00:07:28.220 --> 00:07:29.459 Or perhaps in the future. 00:07:29.459 --> 00:07:30.779 We'll have another defining moment. 00:07:30.920 --> 00:07:32.439 That outweighs everything. 00:07:32.600 --> 00:07:33.879 That we have experienced so far. 00:07:35.379 --> 00:07:36.819 Now this morning's passage. 00:07:37.399 --> 00:07:38.579 From the book of Hebrews. 00:07:39.259 --> 00:07:40.839 Speaks about one defining moment. 00:07:41.680 --> 00:07:43.120 That more than anything else. 00:07:43.480 --> 00:07:44.240 Shapes the whole. 00:07:44.459 --> 00:07:45.339 Of human history. 00:07:46.279 --> 00:07:48.160 And this passage summons us. 00:07:48.779 --> 00:07:50.839 It calls us to anchor our lives. 00:07:51.600 --> 00:07:52.600 And our stories. 00:07:53.259 --> 00:07:55.439 In this one defining moment. 00:07:56.439 --> 00:07:56.980 Verse 24. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:07:57.300 Verse 25. 00:07:57.980 --> 00:07:58.459 Says this. 00:07:58.540 --> 00:07:58.740 It says. 00:07:58.800 --> 00:08:00.680 Jesus Christ did not offer himself. 00:08:01.319 --> 00:08:01.839 Repeatedly. 00:08:02.759 --> 00:08:04.740 As a high priest enters the holy places. 00:08:04.740 --> 00:08:05.540 Every year. 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:07.420 With blood not his own. 00:08:08.079 --> 00:08:09.319 For then he would have had to suffer. 00:08:09.540 --> 00:08:10.060 Repeatedly. 00:08:10.759 --> 00:08:12.180 Since the foundation of the world. 00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:13.279 But as it is. 00:08:13.319 --> 00:08:13.800 He has appeared. 00:08:14.139 --> 00:08:14.540 Once. 00:08:15.120 --> 00:08:15.720 For all. 00:08:16.519 --> 00:08:17.699 At the end of the ages. 00:08:18.300 --> 00:08:19.339 To put away sin. 00:08:20.180 --> 00:08:21.439 By the sacrifice of himself. 00:08:22.139 --> 00:08:22.699 In other words. 00:08:22.759 --> 00:08:24.199 The cross of Jesus Christ. 00:08:24.199 --> 00:08:26.339 The sacrificial death. 00:08:26.339 --> 00:08:27.560 Of the son of God. 00:08:27.560 --> 00:08:28.839 Is the defining event. 00:08:29.659 --> 00:08:30.779 Of human history. 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:32.519 It cannot be repeated. 00:08:32.939 --> 00:08:34.580 It does not need to be repeated. 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:36.799 Because its effects are more extensive. 00:08:36.799 --> 00:08:37.799 And more enduring. 00:08:38.740 --> 00:08:39.960 Than anything else. 00:08:41.000 --> 00:08:41.919 Now for some of you. 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:43.340 That statement might sound odd. 00:08:44.539 --> 00:08:45.000 Really? 00:08:45.659 --> 00:08:46.799 The death of a man. 00:08:46.860 --> 00:08:48.440 Who lived 2,000 years ago. 00:08:48.679 --> 00:08:50.159 Is the most important event. 00:08:50.159 --> 00:08:51.000 In all of history. 00:08:52.639 --> 00:08:54.559 But even from a secular perspective. 00:08:55.440 --> 00:08:56.580 The person of Jesus. 00:08:57.000 --> 00:08:58.919 Has influenced the course of history. 00:08:59.299 --> 00:09:00.120 Far more. 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:01.720 Than one would expect. 00:09:02.700 --> 00:09:03.980 Jesus never wrote a book. 00:09:04.700 --> 00:09:06.559 He never ran for political office. 00:09:07.159 --> 00:09:08.580 He never had a lot of money. 00:09:09.559 --> 00:09:11.039 He neither married. 00:09:11.480 --> 00:09:12.360 Nor fathered children. 00:09:12.360 --> 00:09:15.080 He refused to lead a military uprising. 00:09:15.279 --> 00:09:16.740 Though some people wanted him to do that. 00:09:17.519 --> 00:09:19.700 He never traveled more than 200 miles. 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:21.080 From where he was born. 00:09:22.399 --> 00:09:24.700 He only gathered a small band of followers. 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:26.100 During his lifetime. 00:09:26.680 --> 00:09:27.940 Most of whom deserted him. 00:09:28.680 --> 00:09:29.659 When his life ended. 00:09:29.940 --> 00:09:30.860 By being executed. 00:09:31.419 --> 00:09:32.779 By the ruling Roman authorities. 00:09:34.240 --> 00:09:34.980 And yet. 00:09:35.820 --> 00:09:36.800 One could argue. 00:09:36.800 --> 00:09:38.759 That he has influenced subsequent history. 00:09:38.960 --> 00:09:39.920 More than anyone else. 00:09:39.919 --> 00:09:41.979 And his influence. 00:09:41.979 --> 00:09:43.120 Has not faded away. 00:09:43.699 --> 00:09:44.479 Over time. 00:09:45.299 --> 00:09:46.539 It has continued to grow. 00:09:47.719 --> 00:09:48.860 Just a couple examples. 00:09:48.979 --> 00:09:49.439 The Bible. 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:51.159 Especially the New Testament. 00:09:51.319 --> 00:09:52.759 Is the best selling book. 00:09:53.079 --> 00:09:53.879 Of all time. 00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:56.919 They don't even bother putting it on the best seller list anymore. 00:09:57.299 --> 00:09:58.959 Because it would always be number one. 00:09:59.939 --> 00:10:01.039 It's been translated. 00:10:01.219 --> 00:10:02.039 Into more languages. 00:10:02.039 --> 00:10:02.899 Than any other. 00:10:03.539 --> 00:10:03.939 In fact. 00:10:04.019 --> 00:10:04.959 Hundreds of languages. 00:10:05.379 --> 00:10:06.699 Have been put into writing. 00:10:06.700 --> 00:10:08.140 And preserved. 00:10:08.140 --> 00:10:08.580 Because. 00:10:09.700 --> 00:10:10.140 Christians. 00:10:10.620 --> 00:10:11.420 Were committed. 00:10:11.560 --> 00:10:12.640 To translating the Bible. 00:10:12.820 --> 00:10:13.540 Into those languages. 00:10:15.379 --> 00:10:16.720 Communities of Christian believers. 00:10:16.879 --> 00:10:18.000 Gather to worship Jesus. 00:10:18.340 --> 00:10:19.920 In every country of the world. 00:10:20.759 --> 00:10:22.020 Even where they are persecuted. 00:10:22.180 --> 00:10:22.680 And oppressed. 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:24.360 Our calendar. 00:10:25.259 --> 00:10:26.360 The fact that we talk about. 00:10:26.480 --> 00:10:27.780 Living in the year 2014. 00:10:29.040 --> 00:10:30.259 It doesn't matter whether you call it. 00:10:30.320 --> 00:10:31.200 B.C. and A.D. 00:10:31.300 --> 00:10:32.120 Or B.C.E. 00:10:32.120 --> 00:10:32.800 And C.E. 00:10:32.799 --> 00:10:34.740 It's defined by. 00:10:35.620 --> 00:10:37.219 When Jesus lived. 00:10:37.939 --> 00:10:38.620 On earth. 00:10:39.639 --> 00:10:40.500 It hinges. 00:10:41.059 --> 00:10:42.000 On the life of Jesus. 00:10:43.059 --> 00:10:44.439 Many of the ethical principles. 00:10:44.439 --> 00:10:45.500 That we take for granted. 00:10:46.459 --> 00:10:47.399 Were first stated. 00:10:47.979 --> 00:10:49.079 By Jesus himself. 00:10:49.899 --> 00:10:50.379 For example. 00:10:50.479 --> 00:10:51.199 The golden rule. 00:10:51.559 --> 00:10:52.240 Do to others. 00:10:52.319 --> 00:10:53.579 What you would have them do to you. 00:10:54.279 --> 00:10:55.279 Now many people. 00:10:56.559 --> 00:10:57.079 Confucius. 00:10:57.399 --> 00:10:57.719 Buddha. 00:10:58.240 --> 00:10:58.639 Socrates. 00:10:59.120 --> 00:11:00.379 Had previously taught. 00:11:00.379 --> 00:11:01.820 The negative form. 00:11:02.220 --> 00:11:02.879 Of that rule. 00:11:03.320 --> 00:11:04.240 Don't do. 00:11:04.700 --> 00:11:06.220 What you don't want done to you. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:08.340 What you do not wish for yourself. 00:11:08.559 --> 00:11:09.720 Do not do to others. 00:11:10.939 --> 00:11:12.340 But Jesus went further. 00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:14.240 Stating positively. 00:11:14.980 --> 00:11:16.019 Do to others. 00:11:16.299 --> 00:11:16.820 The good. 00:11:17.879 --> 00:11:19.379 That you would want them to do to you. 00:11:20.220 --> 00:11:21.500 Love even your enemies. 00:11:22.419 --> 00:11:23.580 And do good to those. 00:11:23.580 --> 00:11:24.399 Who hate you. 00:11:25.639 --> 00:11:27.220 Even if you've never read the Bible. 00:11:28.000 --> 00:11:29.860 Even if you've never considered Jesus. 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:31.799 The shape of your life. 00:11:32.059 --> 00:11:33.519 And the world that you live in. 00:11:33.779 --> 00:11:35.939 Has been significantly influenced by him. 00:11:37.879 --> 00:11:39.620 So if you've never considered Jesus. 00:11:40.360 --> 00:11:41.100 Let me urge you. 00:11:41.179 --> 00:11:42.240 Consider this man. 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:44.340 Who has shaped the world. 00:11:44.779 --> 00:11:45.720 In which you live. 00:11:45.939 --> 00:11:46.500 Every day. 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:48.519 In more ways than you probably realize. 00:11:49.559 --> 00:11:51.419 Read through the New Testament gospels. 00:11:51.639 --> 00:11:54.120 The record of what he actually said and did. 00:11:55.019 --> 00:11:57.179 Consider who he really was. 00:11:58.200 --> 00:12:00.080 The Christian claim is this. 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:03.179 That Jesus has influenced history so much. 00:12:03.659 --> 00:12:06.059 Because he was the one and only. 00:12:06.320 --> 00:12:07.279 Son of God. 00:12:07.899 --> 00:12:09.159 And in his death. 00:12:09.159 --> 00:12:11.299 The central purpose of his life. 00:12:11.299 --> 00:12:12.439 Was accomplished. 00:12:12.720 --> 00:12:14.820 To do for us what we could not do. 00:12:14.939 --> 00:12:15.820 For ourselves. 00:12:15.899 --> 00:12:17.779 To offer himself on our behalf. 00:12:18.419 --> 00:12:19.639 As a sacrifice. 00:12:20.200 --> 00:12:20.899 For sin. 00:12:20.899 --> 00:12:24.000 Now of course that raises another question. 00:12:25.279 --> 00:12:26.720 What about the idea of sin? 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:29.100 Why do Christians talk so much about. 00:12:29.299 --> 00:12:31.279 Jesus making a sacrifice for sin. 00:12:31.340 --> 00:12:32.419 Isn't the idea of sin. 00:12:32.679 --> 00:12:34.039 A manipulative tool. 00:12:34.319 --> 00:12:36.279 That religious people use. 00:12:36.360 --> 00:12:37.240 To make others. 00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:38.299 Feel guilty. 00:12:40.179 --> 00:12:41.159 Well the answer is. 00:12:41.220 --> 00:12:42.299 It depends what you mean. 00:12:42.799 --> 00:12:43.419 By sin. 00:12:43.419 --> 00:12:45.439 Many people. 00:12:45.439 --> 00:12:47.120 And some religious traditions. 00:12:47.120 --> 00:12:47.819 Think of sin. 00:12:47.899 --> 00:12:48.899 Simply as a list. 00:12:49.099 --> 00:12:50.599 Of certain behaviors. 00:12:50.599 --> 00:12:51.959 That we're supposed to avoid. 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:54.240 And if you avoid. 00:12:54.240 --> 00:12:55.779 That list of bad behaviors. 00:12:56.519 --> 00:12:57.579 You can feel. 00:12:57.740 --> 00:12:58.719 Good about yourself. 00:12:59.979 --> 00:13:01.059 You can feel better. 00:13:01.159 --> 00:13:02.120 Than all the people who do. 00:13:02.659 --> 00:13:03.459 And if you indulge. 00:13:03.459 --> 00:13:04.379 In those bad behaviors. 00:13:04.379 --> 00:13:05.379 Then you should feel guilty. 00:13:05.379 --> 00:13:08.620 And if that's how you define sin. 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:10.259 It's possible. 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:11.480 To feel. 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:12.980 Pretty righteous. 00:13:13.820 --> 00:13:15.179 At least most of the time. 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:17.600 Depending on what you put in the list. 00:13:18.799 --> 00:13:20.379 But the Bible's description of sin. 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:21.360 Goes far deeper. 00:13:21.820 --> 00:13:22.279 Than that. 00:13:23.240 --> 00:13:24.439 In this section of Hebrews. 00:13:25.019 --> 00:13:25.720 Sin is described. 00:13:25.820 --> 00:13:26.600 Primarily as. 00:13:27.100 --> 00:13:27.700 Defilement. 00:13:28.379 --> 00:13:29.419 Or contamination. 00:13:29.919 --> 00:13:30.419 We might say. 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:31.080 Or pollution. 00:13:31.559 --> 00:13:32.539 Of our conscience. 00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:34.100 Jesus himself. 00:13:34.179 --> 00:13:34.820 Describes sin. 00:13:34.820 --> 00:13:35.660 In the same way. 00:13:36.260 --> 00:13:37.520 In Mark chapter 7. 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:37.879 He said. 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:38.480 There is nothing. 00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:39.660 Outside a person. 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:41.620 That by going into him. 00:13:42.180 --> 00:13:43.360 Such as the food that we eat. 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:44.660 That can defile him. 00:13:45.180 --> 00:13:46.820 But the things that come out of a person. 00:13:46.940 --> 00:13:47.860 Are what defile them. 00:13:48.800 --> 00:13:49.180 He says. 00:13:49.340 --> 00:13:50.060 For from within. 00:13:50.840 --> 00:13:52.120 Out of people's hearts. 00:13:53.220 --> 00:13:54.200 Come evil thoughts. 00:13:55.260 --> 00:13:56.200 Sexual immorality. 00:13:57.080 --> 00:13:57.520 Theft. 00:13:58.260 --> 00:13:58.600 Murder. 00:13:59.400 --> 00:13:59.880 Adultery. 00:14:00.600 --> 00:14:01.120 Coveting. 00:14:01.700 --> 00:14:02.280 Wickedness. 00:14:02.820 --> 00:14:03.260 Deceit. 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:04.540 Sensuality. 00:14:04.820 --> 00:14:05.300 Envy. 00:14:06.020 --> 00:14:06.500 Slander. 00:14:07.180 --> 00:14:07.620 Pride. 00:14:08.420 --> 00:14:08.900 Foolishness. 00:14:09.760 --> 00:14:11.100 All these evil things. 00:14:11.180 --> 00:14:11.640 Jesus says. 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:12.420 Come from within. 00:14:12.560 --> 00:14:13.020 And he says. 00:14:13.340 --> 00:14:13.600 They. 00:14:15.160 --> 00:14:15.640 Defile. 00:14:15.780 --> 00:14:16.660 They pollute. 00:14:17.340 --> 00:14:17.760 Us. 00:14:18.680 --> 00:14:18.960 You see. 00:14:19.020 --> 00:14:19.600 According to Jesus. 00:14:19.700 --> 00:14:21.300 Sin is not only the bad things. 00:14:21.520 --> 00:14:22.240 That we do. 00:14:23.000 --> 00:14:24.280 It is also the good things. 00:14:24.280 --> 00:14:24.800 That we do. 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:25.900 That are motivated by. 00:14:26.540 --> 00:14:27.440 Things like pride. 00:14:27.900 --> 00:14:28.400 And envy. 00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:31.360 When we do community service. 00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:33.179 To make ourselves look good. 00:14:33.879 --> 00:14:35.559 Or so we can include it on our resume. 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:38.759 Or so we appear at least as compassionate. 00:14:39.799 --> 00:14:41.500 As the norm. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:42.679 Of others around us. 00:14:43.679 --> 00:14:45.159 It is also the good things. 00:14:45.220 --> 00:14:46.259 That we fail to do. 00:14:46.720 --> 00:14:47.620 When we ought to. 00:14:48.759 --> 00:14:50.579 When we withhold love and affection. 00:14:51.139 --> 00:14:52.039 From our spouse. 00:14:52.039 --> 00:14:53.279 To make them pay. 00:14:53.279 --> 00:14:54.299 For something that they. 00:14:54.719 --> 00:14:55.419 Said or did. 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:57.039 That hurt us. 00:14:58.099 --> 00:14:59.279 Or when we're so consumed. 00:14:59.419 --> 00:14:59.759 By our. 00:15:00.019 --> 00:15:00.939 Our schoolwork. 00:15:01.019 --> 00:15:01.480 For example. 00:15:01.599 --> 00:15:02.759 That we're oblivious. 00:15:03.319 --> 00:15:04.319 To a depressed. 00:15:04.439 --> 00:15:05.259 Or grieving friend. 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:07.019 Who needs our support. 00:15:08.019 --> 00:15:09.059 We don't even notice it. 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:10.519 And we neglect. 00:15:11.319 --> 00:15:12.339 To do anything about it. 00:15:13.500 --> 00:15:14.019 In other words. 00:15:14.079 --> 00:15:14.779 Sin is our natural. 00:15:14.879 --> 00:15:15.759 Self-centeredness. 00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:17.319 Martin Luther. 00:15:17.439 --> 00:15:17.959 A long time ago. 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:18.620 Described sin. 00:15:18.620 --> 00:15:21.000 As being twisted in upon ourselves. 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:22.080 Or curved in. 00:15:22.779 --> 00:15:23.740 Upon ourselves. 00:15:24.600 --> 00:15:26.659 When we become our own reference point. 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:28.279 And God. 00:15:28.820 --> 00:15:30.799 Is pushed out of the center of our lives. 00:15:32.779 --> 00:15:34.220 Now if we understand sin. 00:15:34.440 --> 00:15:35.320 In that way. 00:15:36.100 --> 00:15:37.560 In the way that Jesus describes it. 00:15:37.620 --> 00:15:39.419 In the way that the book of Hebrews describes it. 00:15:40.240 --> 00:15:41.940 It is no longer possible to feel. 00:15:42.860 --> 00:15:43.700 Self-righteous. 00:15:45.220 --> 00:15:46.060 We are polluted. 00:15:46.879 --> 00:15:47.840 We are contaminated. 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:48.759 We are defiled. 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:49.759 In different ways. 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:51.759 But we are all polluted by. 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.580 Our self-centeredness. 00:15:53.780 --> 00:15:54.160 Our sin. 00:15:55.160 --> 00:15:56.060 And we are trapped. 00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:56.860 In it. 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:57.759 And we even. 00:15:57.920 --> 00:15:58.759 In our polluted state. 00:15:58.860 --> 00:15:59.980 We get used to our sin. 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:02.060 We don't even recognize it. 00:16:02.080 --> 00:16:03.240 For what it is most of the time. 00:16:03.300 --> 00:16:04.259 It's sort of like living. 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:05.220 Being raised. 00:16:05.340 --> 00:16:05.960 In Chernobyl. 00:16:06.980 --> 00:16:08.560 Breathing in nuclear radiation. 00:16:08.560 --> 00:16:09.160 Every day. 00:16:10.320 --> 00:16:11.780 Hardly ever being aware of it. 00:16:11.779 --> 00:16:16.439 But the God who made the world. 00:16:16.939 --> 00:16:18.600 The God who made us. 00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:19.939 And everything in this world. 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:21.059 Is not polluted. 00:16:21.559 --> 00:16:22.259 By sin. 00:16:23.220 --> 00:16:24.879 He is absolutely pure. 00:16:26.199 --> 00:16:27.019 Perfectly holy. 00:16:28.319 --> 00:16:29.419 And like a searchlight. 00:16:30.139 --> 00:16:31.379 Piercing into the darkness. 00:16:31.799 --> 00:16:32.459 Of our hearts. 00:16:32.519 --> 00:16:33.759 His word exposes. 00:16:34.819 --> 00:16:35.439 Our impurities. 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:36.559 His word is like a mirror. 00:16:36.559 --> 00:16:38.779 That finally enables us. 00:16:38.859 --> 00:16:39.500 To see ourselves. 00:16:40.099 --> 00:16:40.379 Clearly. 00:16:41.319 --> 00:16:42.159 Instead of seeing. 00:16:42.739 --> 00:16:43.439 Only what we. 00:16:43.879 --> 00:16:44.259 Imagine. 00:16:44.579 --> 00:16:45.779 And project ourselves to be. 00:16:48.099 --> 00:16:49.599 But then the problem is this. 00:16:50.559 --> 00:16:51.479 Our impurities. 00:16:51.659 --> 00:16:52.539 Separate us from. 00:16:52.939 --> 00:16:53.819 A pure God. 00:16:54.559 --> 00:16:55.879 And the closer we get to God. 00:16:55.939 --> 00:16:56.859 The more that we consider. 00:16:57.279 --> 00:16:59.279 Ourselves in light of his perfect justice. 00:16:59.839 --> 00:17:01.239 And his unfailing love. 00:17:01.679 --> 00:17:03.319 And his uncompromising truth. 00:17:04.099 --> 00:17:05.159 The more evident our. 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:06.119 Impurities. 00:17:07.119 --> 00:17:07.559 Become. 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:10.440 And we see how great the chasm is. 00:17:11.419 --> 00:17:12.759 Between polluted people. 00:17:13.639 --> 00:17:14.599 And a pure God. 00:17:16.879 --> 00:17:18.639 But the message of the Bible is this. 00:17:19.440 --> 00:17:21.319 That the God who is holy and pure. 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:23.240 Has made a way for. 00:17:24.200 --> 00:17:26.179 Spiritually polluted people like us. 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:27.839 To be cleansed. 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:30.839 And to enter freely into his presence. 00:17:32.419 --> 00:17:33.159 Now from the beginning. 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:35.220 The way of cleansing from pollution. 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:36.460 Has always involved. 00:17:36.559 --> 00:17:37.759 The sacrifice. 00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:37.980 The sacrifice. 00:17:38.519 --> 00:17:39.039 Of another. 00:17:41.000 --> 00:17:41.779 You might think. 00:17:41.899 --> 00:17:42.139 Well why. 00:17:42.679 --> 00:17:43.559 Why is sacrifice. 00:17:44.200 --> 00:17:44.720 Necessary. 00:17:45.940 --> 00:17:47.339 Well consider the following analogy. 00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:48.259 It's a simple one. 00:17:48.339 --> 00:17:48.440 But. 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:49.279 A few weeks ago. 00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:51.039 I decided to make some nachos. 00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:52.240 Just. 00:17:52.240 --> 00:17:53.440 Chips. 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:54.240 Cheese. 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:55.259 Throw them in the oven. 00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:56.819 450 degrees. 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:58.259 And then I got distracted. 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:01.819 Until. 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:03.559 I smelled the smoke. 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:06.740 And the residue was stuck on the pan. 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:09.720 So I soaked the pan in hot water. 00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:11.819 Started scrubbing it. 00:18:12.440 --> 00:18:14.119 With one of those blue sponges. 00:18:14.119 --> 00:18:15.779 And gradually. 00:18:15.779 --> 00:18:16.839 The pan got clean. 00:18:17.639 --> 00:18:18.979 But the sponge got dirty. 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:21.979 And the more you use a sponge. 00:18:21.979 --> 00:18:22.839 To clean dishes. 00:18:22.959 --> 00:18:24.539 The more bacteria it accumulates. 00:18:24.599 --> 00:18:25.739 It's pretty gross actually. 00:18:28.819 --> 00:18:29.299 You know. 00:18:29.339 --> 00:18:29.639 Finally. 00:18:29.759 --> 00:18:30.000 It just. 00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:30.639 It stinks. 00:18:31.199 --> 00:18:32.379 And you have to throw it away. 00:18:33.599 --> 00:18:35.299 And the same principle holds. 00:18:36.099 --> 00:18:37.159 In spiritual matters. 00:18:38.100 --> 00:18:39.640 There's no way to clean up a mess. 00:18:40.100 --> 00:18:41.220 Without getting yourself. 00:18:41.340 --> 00:18:42.180 Or someone else dirty. 00:18:43.060 --> 00:18:43.259 I mean. 00:18:43.300 --> 00:18:44.840 We even see this in our relationships. 00:18:45.080 --> 00:18:45.220 Right. 00:18:45.300 --> 00:18:45.480 There's. 00:18:45.580 --> 00:18:46.340 There's no way. 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.580 To help someone. 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:48.660 Who's struggling. 00:18:49.400 --> 00:18:50.140 With an addiction. 00:18:51.100 --> 00:18:53.500 With a pattern of self-destructive behavior. 00:18:53.500 --> 00:18:54.060 Without. 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:56.060 Inconvenencing yourself. 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:58.380 And without bearing some of the anguish. 00:18:58.820 --> 00:18:59.840 Of their struggle. 00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:01.019 Yourself. 00:19:02.140 --> 00:19:04.500 There's no way to effectively resolve a conflict. 00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:05.680 Between two parties. 00:19:05.680 --> 00:19:07.600 That are at odds with each other. 00:19:08.620 --> 00:19:10.240 Without bearing some of the weight. 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:12.259 Of that broken relationship. 00:19:13.060 --> 00:19:13.900 On yourself. 00:19:14.940 --> 00:19:16.240 And not throwing it back on them. 00:19:18.060 --> 00:19:19.039 And in the same way. 00:19:19.100 --> 00:19:19.660 The Bible says. 00:19:19.740 --> 00:19:20.400 There is no way. 00:19:21.220 --> 00:19:23.000 For spiritually polluted people. 00:19:23.820 --> 00:19:24.960 To be cleansed. 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:26.320 And brought into God's presence. 00:19:27.160 --> 00:19:28.279 Apart from someone. 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:29.799 Bearing the weight. 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:31.360 Of our pollution. 00:19:32.840 --> 00:19:33.740 And in the Old Testament. 00:19:33.740 --> 00:19:36.059 Animal sacrifices. 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:37.319 Were prescribed. 00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:38.880 To cleanse the people of Israel. 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:39.759 From ritual. 00:19:40.180 --> 00:19:41.240 And moral pollution. 00:19:42.359 --> 00:19:43.160 The book of Leviticus. 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:44.259 Gives all the specifications. 00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:44.859 If you ever. 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:45.859 Care to read it. 00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:47.440 Every time. 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:49.279 That you forgot. 00:19:50.460 --> 00:19:51.120 And broke one. 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:53.819 And you broke one of God's laws. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:56.079 Every time that you failed to do. 00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:57.620 What you ought to do. 00:19:58.779 --> 00:19:59.940 To care for your neighbor. 00:19:59.940 --> 00:20:02.519 Every time that you touched something. 00:20:02.620 --> 00:20:03.720 Associated with death. 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:06.740 And became richly unclean. 00:20:06.799 --> 00:20:08.160 You had to offer a sacrifice. 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:10.080 In order to be cleansed. 00:20:10.920 --> 00:20:11.799 And so you'd bring an animal. 00:20:11.900 --> 00:20:12.660 To the tabernacle. 00:20:12.759 --> 00:20:13.259 Or the temple. 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:15.380 And the priest would kill it. 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:17.820 And then the priest would eat it. 00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:20.039 In the presence of God. 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:22.039 Now the symbolism is this. 00:20:23.100 --> 00:20:24.000 You are polluted. 00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:26.299 You transfer your pollution. 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:27.039 To the animal. 00:20:27.039 --> 00:20:29.240 The animal is killed. 00:20:29.920 --> 00:20:30.539 And the priest. 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:31.759 Representing God. 00:20:32.559 --> 00:20:32.960 Eats. 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:33.940 The pollution. 00:20:35.019 --> 00:20:36.180 And you go away. 00:20:36.579 --> 00:20:37.159 Cleansed. 00:20:38.839 --> 00:20:40.659 That was the symbolism behind. 00:20:41.379 --> 00:20:42.279 The sin offerings. 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:43.579 In the Old Testament. 00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:47.899 It was a symbolic way of representing. 00:20:49.180 --> 00:20:50.859 The pollution being removed. 00:20:51.500 --> 00:20:52.039 And taken. 00:20:52.339 --> 00:20:53.059 By God himself. 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:55.019 But the problem is. 00:20:55.079 --> 00:20:56.180 These offerings had to be made. 00:20:56.259 --> 00:20:57.000 Over and over again. 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:58.119 Every time. 00:20:58.599 --> 00:20:59.299 That you failed. 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:03.559 But if you read the book of Leviticus. 00:21:03.680 --> 00:21:05.200 There's one sacrifice. 00:21:05.839 --> 00:21:06.599 That's different. 00:21:06.899 --> 00:21:07.619 From all the others. 00:21:07.659 --> 00:21:08.639 And we read about it. 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:09.379 Earlier this morning. 00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:11.099 Leviticus 16. 00:21:11.159 --> 00:21:12.339 It happens only once a year. 00:21:13.240 --> 00:21:14.039 On a day called. 00:21:14.119 --> 00:21:14.899 The Day of Atonement. 00:21:15.019 --> 00:21:15.659 Yom Kippur. 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:18.759 The high priest would slaughter a goat. 00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:19.980 As a sin offering. 00:21:20.039 --> 00:21:21.639 Not just for one person's sin. 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:23.319 Or. 00:21:23.819 --> 00:21:25.379 A few sins of one person. 00:21:25.379 --> 00:21:26.259 Or one family. 00:21:26.259 --> 00:21:28.140 But for all the sins. 00:21:28.779 --> 00:21:29.339 Of the people. 00:21:30.460 --> 00:21:31.740 And he would take the blood. 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:32.859 Of that goat. 00:21:32.920 --> 00:21:34.140 Into the most holy place. 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:35.900 The place where no one else was allowed to go. 00:21:36.379 --> 00:21:37.700 At any other time of the year. 00:21:38.519 --> 00:21:39.940 The place that represented the very. 00:21:40.940 --> 00:21:41.379 Purest. 00:21:41.380 --> 00:21:42.060 presence. 00:21:42.060 --> 00:21:42.140 The place. 00:21:42.140 --> 00:21:42.180 The place. 00:21:42.180 --> 00:21:43.100 The place. 00:21:43.100 --> 00:21:43.140 The place. 00:21:45.580 --> 00:21:47.120 And then he would take a second goat. 00:21:47.340 --> 00:21:48.880 And lay his hands on the goat's head. 00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:49.220 And he would. 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:50.260 Confess over it. 00:21:50.300 --> 00:21:51.200 All the sins of the people. 00:21:51.320 --> 00:21:52.600 And send it out into the wilderness. 00:21:54.380 --> 00:21:55.580 The symbolism was this. 00:21:55.640 --> 00:21:56.620 On one day of the year. 00:21:57.120 --> 00:21:58.720 God provided a sacrifice. 00:21:58.720 --> 00:22:01.539 To cleanse the people. 00:22:01.539 --> 00:22:02.380 From their sins. 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:04.339 So that their sins would be removed. 00:22:04.420 --> 00:22:04.900 As far. 00:22:05.180 --> 00:22:05.799 From them. 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:07.819 As the east is from the west. 00:22:08.660 --> 00:22:09.960 The slate could be wiped clean. 00:22:11.140 --> 00:22:11.600 Once. 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:12.600 Every year. 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:15.880 But the book of Hebrews points out. 00:22:17.160 --> 00:22:18.440 That has to keep happening. 00:22:19.660 --> 00:22:20.100 Once. 00:22:20.299 --> 00:22:20.799 Every year. 00:22:21.299 --> 00:22:21.640 Year. 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:22.380 After year. 00:22:22.380 --> 00:22:24.520 It goes on. 00:22:24.660 --> 00:22:26.100 And says the same sacrifices. 00:22:26.100 --> 00:22:27.380 That are continually offered. 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:28.100 Over and over. 00:22:28.180 --> 00:22:28.680 Every year. 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:31.100 Can never make polluted people. 00:22:31.900 --> 00:22:32.260 Perfect. 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.860 You see the animal sacrifices. 00:22:34.860 --> 00:22:35.540 Were never enough. 00:22:35.620 --> 00:22:36.200 Because an animal. 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:37.080 Can never be. 00:22:37.580 --> 00:22:38.620 A sufficient substitute. 00:22:38.800 --> 00:22:39.300 For a person. 00:22:39.380 --> 00:22:40.780 They were only meant to point forward. 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:42.800 To something better to come. 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:46.540 When God himself. 00:22:47.800 --> 00:22:49.680 Would come in the person of Jesus Christ. 00:22:50.640 --> 00:22:51.300 And take. 00:22:52.380 --> 00:22:53.340 All of our sin. 00:22:54.180 --> 00:22:54.720 And guilt. 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:56.160 And our pollution. 00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:56.960 On himself. 00:22:58.360 --> 00:22:59.400 That's what it says here. 00:22:59.500 --> 00:23:00.160 Jesus Christ. 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:01.500 The pure son of God. 00:23:01.580 --> 00:23:02.560 Became a human being. 00:23:03.140 --> 00:23:03.980 And offered himself. 00:23:04.060 --> 00:23:05.200 As an atoning sacrifice. 00:23:05.320 --> 00:23:06.280 To purify us. 00:23:06.520 --> 00:23:07.440 From all our pollution. 00:23:07.560 --> 00:23:08.680 By taking it on himself. 00:23:10.080 --> 00:23:11.680 That's what verse 26 means. 00:23:12.120 --> 00:23:12.840 When it says. 00:23:12.920 --> 00:23:13.440 He has appeared. 00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:14.780 Once for all. 00:23:15.260 --> 00:23:15.940 To put away. 00:23:16.360 --> 00:23:16.640 Sin. 00:23:17.520 --> 00:23:18.840 By the sacrifice of himself. 00:23:19.020 --> 00:23:19.700 To remove it. 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.560 From us. 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:22.659 Verse 28 says. 00:23:22.659 --> 00:23:23.539 He was offered once. 00:23:23.659 --> 00:23:24.019 To bear. 00:23:24.399 --> 00:23:24.940 The sins. 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:25.700 Of many. 00:23:26.259 --> 00:23:26.659 To bear. 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:27.460 The weight. 00:23:28.599 --> 00:23:29.679 That we cannot remove. 00:23:29.759 --> 00:23:30.299 From ourselves. 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:33.079 And when Jesus died on the cross. 00:23:33.159 --> 00:23:33.980 He took our place. 00:23:34.359 --> 00:23:35.259 The one who is pure. 00:23:37.659 --> 00:23:38.099 Bled. 00:23:38.859 --> 00:23:39.440 And died. 00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:41.659 And he took all our dirt. 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:42.879 On himself. 00:23:43.919 --> 00:23:45.059 He took all our pollution. 00:23:45.159 --> 00:23:46.299 So that we could be purified. 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:46.919 When we come. 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:47.640 To him. 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.860 And he rose from the grave. 00:23:48.960 --> 00:23:50.039 Victorious over death. 00:23:50.500 --> 00:23:51.860 To demonstrate to the world. 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:54.720 That his sacrifice was complete. 00:23:56.220 --> 00:23:56.519 You see. 00:23:56.580 --> 00:23:58.019 Unlike every other sacrifice. 00:23:58.720 --> 00:23:59.940 Unlike every other attempt. 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:00.420 That we. 00:24:00.800 --> 00:24:01.500 Have made. 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:03.860 To make up for our sins. 00:24:04.019 --> 00:24:05.220 To atone for our guilt. 00:24:06.060 --> 00:24:07.360 It never has to be. 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:08.140 Repeated. 00:24:08.840 --> 00:24:10.000 Or added to. 00:24:10.080 --> 00:24:10.620 Or replaced. 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.539 Because its effects. 00:24:12.120 --> 00:24:13.039 Will never fade. 00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:15.940 You see. 00:24:16.139 --> 00:24:16.839 As a side note. 00:24:16.940 --> 00:24:17.619 This is why. 00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:19.119 God became a man. 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:20.839 And lived on this earth. 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:21.740 Only. 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:22.500 Once. 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:23.960 You know. 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:25.559 If God had to come into this world. 00:24:25.659 --> 00:24:26.500 Over and over. 00:24:27.139 --> 00:24:28.339 In every generation. 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:31.279 Then this would never be. 00:24:31.899 --> 00:24:33.240 A truly defining moment. 00:24:33.359 --> 00:24:34.059 Of human history. 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:36.539 His work would never be done. 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:41.299 But the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:42.460 Is the defining moment. 00:24:42.819 --> 00:24:43.639 Of human history. 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:45.240 It marks the end. 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:46.200 Of this present age. 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:46.819 The fallen. 00:24:47.139 --> 00:24:47.859 And polluted. 00:24:47.859 --> 00:24:49.119 And dying state. 00:24:49.119 --> 00:24:49.740 Of the world. 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:51.339 And it marks the beginning. 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:52.480 Of God's new creation. 00:24:52.599 --> 00:24:53.200 That is breaking. 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.799 Into this present world. 00:24:54.919 --> 00:24:55.500 And will one day. 00:24:55.579 --> 00:24:56.819 Be fully displayed. 00:24:57.119 --> 00:24:58.339 When Jesus returns. 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:01.039 You see. 00:25:01.099 --> 00:25:02.460 The sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:04.139 Is the defining moment. 00:25:04.180 --> 00:25:04.879 Of human history. 00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:07.399 And it is worthy of being. 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:09.180 The defining moment. 00:25:09.759 --> 00:25:11.019 Of each of our lives. 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:13.119 You see. 00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:14.559 The sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 00:25:14.680 --> 00:25:16.599 That he made. 00:25:17.599 --> 00:25:19.139 Surpasses our most brilliant. 00:25:19.379 --> 00:25:20.639 Personal accomplishments. 00:25:22.379 --> 00:25:24.899 It restores our relationship with God. 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:26.799 Which outlasts. 00:25:27.119 --> 00:25:29.240 Our most significant human relationships. 00:25:30.279 --> 00:25:31.659 It anchors us. 00:25:31.659 --> 00:25:32.659 Like nothing else. 00:25:33.259 --> 00:25:34.299 Through times of failure. 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.379 And rejection. 00:25:36.259 --> 00:25:37.619 Through painful losses. 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.379 And betrayal. 00:25:38.380 --> 00:25:40.260 Through dark times. 00:25:40.640 --> 00:25:42.320 When God seems far away. 00:25:43.280 --> 00:25:44.680 Because those experiences. 00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:45.700 As difficult as they are. 00:25:45.780 --> 00:25:47.420 Do not ultimately define us. 00:25:47.760 --> 00:25:48.280 Anymore. 00:25:50.420 --> 00:25:51.340 And most of all. 00:25:51.400 --> 00:25:52.620 The sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 00:25:52.700 --> 00:25:53.340 Prepares us. 00:25:53.560 --> 00:25:54.640 For the defining moment. 00:25:55.200 --> 00:25:56.500 That we will all face. 00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:57.460 In the future. 00:25:58.740 --> 00:25:59.880 Verse 27 says. 00:25:59.960 --> 00:26:01.160 It is appointed for human beings. 00:26:01.160 --> 00:26:01.920 To die once. 00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:05.580 It is the one defining moment. 00:26:06.180 --> 00:26:07.120 In our future. 00:26:07.900 --> 00:26:09.279 That we can all count on. 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:11.380 That will outweigh. 00:26:11.500 --> 00:26:12.120 And displace. 00:26:12.259 --> 00:26:13.340 All the defining moments. 00:26:13.340 --> 00:26:14.000 Of our past. 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:16.300 When our relationships. 00:26:16.300 --> 00:26:17.160 Will be cut off. 00:26:17.820 --> 00:26:18.880 When our accomplishments. 00:26:19.120 --> 00:26:19.740 And even others. 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:20.500 Memory. 00:26:20.860 --> 00:26:21.440 Of them. 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:22.900 Will begin to fade. 00:26:23.900 --> 00:26:24.860 When our sensations. 00:26:24.860 --> 00:26:25.460 Will cease. 00:26:26.080 --> 00:26:26.759 And our bodies. 00:26:26.880 --> 00:26:27.220 Will decay. 00:26:27.220 --> 00:26:29.519 When we die. 00:26:29.600 --> 00:26:30.819 There will be no second chance. 00:26:31.160 --> 00:26:32.420 To relive this life. 00:26:33.839 --> 00:26:34.480 And Hebrews says. 00:26:34.539 --> 00:26:35.180 There will be no way. 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:35.759 To escape. 00:26:36.660 --> 00:26:37.980 From the righteous judgment. 00:26:38.440 --> 00:26:39.059 Of a holy. 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:40.079 And pure God. 00:26:41.620 --> 00:26:43.240 But if we have been cleansed. 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:44.980 Purified. 00:26:45.480 --> 00:26:46.460 By the sacrifice. 00:26:46.460 --> 00:26:47.400 Of Jesus Christ. 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:49.140 We can face even. 00:26:49.140 --> 00:26:50.140 Our death. 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:52.180 In a whole new way. 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:55.720 Jesus Christ died once. 00:26:55.720 --> 00:26:58.519 And unlike everyone else. 00:26:59.920 --> 00:27:01.360 He came back from the dead. 00:27:02.100 --> 00:27:02.579 Whole. 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:03.420 And alive. 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:04.079 He faced. 00:27:04.360 --> 00:27:05.039 God's judgment. 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:06.299 And he came. 00:27:06.620 --> 00:27:07.059 Through it. 00:27:07.660 --> 00:27:08.640 Because he was pure. 00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:09.920 And he was worthy. 00:27:10.620 --> 00:27:11.380 And not only that. 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:12.120 He endured death. 00:27:12.160 --> 00:27:13.160 And judgment on behalf. 00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:14.519 Of us. 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:16.680 Of all who will turn to him. 00:27:16.700 --> 00:27:17.420 And his sacrifice. 00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:19.259 Was accepted. 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:22.200 That's what his resurrection proves. 00:27:22.200 --> 00:27:25.180 In the. 00:27:25.860 --> 00:27:26.840 Temple in Jerusalem. 00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:28.779 When the high priest. 00:27:29.160 --> 00:27:30.779 Entered into that most holy place. 00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:31.279 Every year. 00:27:31.580 --> 00:27:33.080 To offer the one sacrifice. 00:27:33.080 --> 00:27:34.819 On behalf of all the people's sins. 00:27:35.100 --> 00:27:36.200 To purify them. 00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:38.440 From that past year. 00:27:39.360 --> 00:27:40.980 The people would eagerly wait. 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:42.900 For him to come out. 00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:45.920 And when he appeared. 00:27:46.059 --> 00:27:46.779 They would rejoice. 00:27:47.319 --> 00:27:48.380 Because that was a sign. 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:49.140 That his sacrifice. 00:27:49.140 --> 00:27:50.480 Had been accepted by God. 00:27:50.480 --> 00:27:54.980 And Jesus' resurrection. 00:27:55.220 --> 00:27:56.059 From the dead proves. 00:27:56.620 --> 00:27:57.819 That his sacrifice. 00:27:58.339 --> 00:27:59.140 Was fully accepted. 00:27:59.299 --> 00:28:00.960 And we can eagerly await the day. 00:28:01.559 --> 00:28:02.860 When Jesus will return. 00:28:03.900 --> 00:28:05.140 And he'll appear a second time. 00:28:05.839 --> 00:28:06.860 To say welcome home. 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:09.920 And to usher us into God's presence. 00:28:10.880 --> 00:28:11.880 Once and for all. 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:14.900 In Jesus Christ. 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:15.500 We can face. 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:16.599 The future. 00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:18.900 Whatever comes. 00:28:18.900 --> 00:28:21.120 We can face even our death. 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:21.840 Without fear. 00:28:22.560 --> 00:28:23.380 Without denial. 00:28:24.420 --> 00:28:25.780 With confidence and hope. 00:28:26.620 --> 00:28:27.259 In him. 00:28:28.800 --> 00:28:30.180 What's the one defining moment. 00:28:30.820 --> 00:28:31.480 Of your life. 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:33.740 Above all others. 00:28:33.800 --> 00:28:34.259 May it be. 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:36.500 The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. 00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:37.019 For you. 00:28:37.280 --> 00:28:37.720 Let's pray. 00:28:37.720 --> 00:28:37.780 Amen. 00:28:37.780 --> 00:28:37.840 Amen. 00:28:37.840 --> 00:28:37.900 Amen. 00:28:37.900 --> 00:28:37.940 Amen. 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:37.960 Amen. 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:38.000 Amen. 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:38.019 Amen. 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:38.040 Amen. 00:28:38.040 --> 00:28:38.120 Amen. 00:28:38.120 --> 00:28:38.560 Amen. 00:28:38.560 --> 00:28:39.960 Amen. 00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.000 Amen. 00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:40.040 Amen. 00:28:40.040 --> 00:28:40.120 Amen. 00:28:40.120 --> 00:28:41.960 Amen. 00:28:41.960 --> 00:28:42.000 Amen. 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:42.040 Amen. 00:28:42.040 --> 00:28:42.080 Amen. 00:28:42.080 --> 00:28:42.120 Amen. 00:28:42.120 --> 00:28:43.080 Amen. 00:28:43.080 --> 00:28:44.080 Amen. 00:28:44.080 --> 00:28:44.120 Amen. 00:28:44.120 --> 00:28:44.160 Amen. 00:28:44.160 --> 00:28:45.080 Amen. 00:28:45.080 --> 00:28:46.080 Amen. 00:28:46.080 --> 00:28:46.120 Amen. 00:28:48.900 --> 00:28:49.800 Lord Jesus we thank you. 00:28:51.120 --> 00:28:52.860 For the love that you showed us. 00:28:53.860 --> 00:28:55.580 And being willing to bear the weight. 00:28:56.560 --> 00:28:57.600 Of our pollution. 00:28:58.340 --> 00:28:58.980 Of our sin. 00:28:59.880 --> 00:29:01.200 Of our self-centeredness. 00:29:03.340 --> 00:29:06.120 Our broken relationship with you. 00:29:07.400 --> 00:29:09.180 Our broken relationships with one another. 00:29:09.580 --> 00:29:09.700 Amen. 00:29:09.700 --> 00:29:10.000 Amen. 00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:10.160 Amen. 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.500 Amen. 00:29:10.500 --> 00:29:10.700 Amen. 00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:10.759 Amen. 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:11.100 Amen. 00:29:11.100 --> 00:29:11.220 Amen. 00:29:11.220 --> 00:29:11.240 Amen. 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:11.440 Amen. 00:29:11.440 --> 00:29:11.960 Amen. 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:12.019 Amen. 00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:12.300 Amen. 00:29:12.300 --> 00:29:13.160 Amen. 00:29:13.160 --> 00:29:13.320 Amen. 00:29:13.320 --> 00:29:14.100 Amen. 00:29:14.100 --> 00:29:14.160 Amen. 00:29:14.160 --> 00:29:15.100 Amen. 00:29:15.100 --> 00:29:15.340 Amen. 00:29:15.340 --> 00:29:16.360 Amen. 00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:17.300 Amen. 00:29:17.300 --> 00:29:17.360 Amen. 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:18.259 Amen. 00:29:18.259 --> 00:29:21.960 And taking that burden so that we might not bear it alone. 00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:25.759 So that we might not be crushed by it. 00:29:26.680 --> 00:29:29.039 But that you might fully pay that price. 00:29:30.440 --> 00:29:36.140 We pray that your sacrifice would define us more than anything else. 00:29:38.299 --> 00:29:46.000 That you would give us humility and love for others in the midst of our successes. 00:29:46.000 --> 00:29:50.160 And that you would give us confidence and hope. 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:54.140 Even in the midst of failure and loss. 00:29:56.380 --> 00:29:58.440 Lord that you would be the anchor for our souls. 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:01.660 We pray this in your name. Amen.