WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.580 So Jesus says in John 3 beginning at verse 13, 00:00:04.419 --> 00:00:10.040 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 00:00:10.980 --> 00:00:13.859 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, 00:00:14.540 --> 00:00:21.000 so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 00:00:21.519 --> 00:00:22.379 Verse 16, 00:00:22.379 --> 00:00:33.159 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 00:00:33.759 --> 00:00:41.939 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 00:00:43.039 --> 00:00:49.060 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, 00:00:49.060 --> 00:00:52.900 because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 00:00:53.859 --> 00:00:54.620 Verse 19, 00:00:54.780 --> 00:00:56.240 And this is the judgment. 00:00:56.960 --> 00:01:04.900 The light has come into the world, and the people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their works were evil. 00:01:05.219 --> 00:01:13.820 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 00:01:13.819 --> 00:01:22.099 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:27.979 Well, this is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. 00:01:28.639 --> 00:01:29.839 Thanks be to God. 00:01:30.439 --> 00:01:31.239 You may be seated. 00:01:33.619 --> 00:01:34.459 Let's pray. 00:01:36.060 --> 00:01:38.899 From 1 John 2, verse 14. 00:01:38.900 --> 00:01:42.940 Lord, may your word abide in us. 00:01:44.359 --> 00:01:48.960 Strengthen us to overcome the evil one by the word of your power. 00:01:49.820 --> 00:01:53.380 Teach us to know you, Lord, the only wise God. 00:01:53.780 --> 00:02:00.960 You were from the beginning, and to you will be all glory and power and praise. 00:02:02.580 --> 00:02:03.140 Amen. 00:02:03.140 --> 00:02:11.259 Well, where we left off last week was the island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean called Tahiti. 00:02:11.759 --> 00:02:12.460 Do you remember that? 00:02:13.780 --> 00:02:18.920 The king of this island, by the early 1800s, his name was Pomerang. 00:02:20.840 --> 00:02:29.819 And after they had been there for many years, the missionaries had now experienced the threats of this wicked, violent island personally. 00:02:29.819 --> 00:02:33.180 They had been repeatedly threatened. 00:02:33.379 --> 00:02:36.039 If you stay on our land, we will kill you. 00:02:36.799 --> 00:02:39.060 Three of the missionaries had already been killed. 00:02:40.039 --> 00:02:47.019 Four others had been grabbed, assaulted, robbed, stripped, and then dragged into a stream to be drowned. 00:02:48.959 --> 00:02:56.539 Whenever these missionaries would look at the map of Tahiti on the island south of Hawaii, between Hawaii and New Zealand, 00:02:57.319 --> 00:02:58.699 they would think death. 00:02:58.699 --> 00:03:02.599 If there's one place on earth that represents death, it's Tahiti. 00:03:04.479 --> 00:03:11.280 This country was in war, and this wicked King Pomerang had managed to consolidate all the power under his rule. 00:03:12.399 --> 00:03:17.359 When those four missionaries that had been dragged and tried to be drowned, when they managed to escape, 00:03:17.479 --> 00:03:20.439 they fled the island to a different island in the Pacific, 00:03:20.439 --> 00:03:28.639 and all the rest of the missionaries left that island for a season with them, except for one, and his name was Henry Knott. 00:03:29.620 --> 00:03:33.639 God had saved Henry Knott, a common bricklayer in England, 00:03:34.020 --> 00:03:37.960 in a church like this one, confessing the same things we confess and hold to. 00:03:37.960 --> 00:03:45.340 And he had gone as a missionary, believing that the kingdom of the Lord will come into the darkest parts of this world, 00:03:45.439 --> 00:03:49.340 just as it had into the darkness of his own heart when God saved him. 00:03:49.780 --> 00:03:55.439 And now this missionary, Henry Knott, got to taste and see with his own eyes what Jesus warned of. 00:03:55.439 --> 00:03:58.740 In John chapter 12, verse 26, Jesus said, 00:03:59.300 --> 00:04:04.599 Whoever comes after me must take up his cross and follow me. 00:04:04.859 --> 00:04:08.460 The way of Christ to heaven to glory was through the cross. 00:04:09.120 --> 00:04:14.819 And for everyone who will follow Christ as a Christian, your path will be the way of the cross as well. 00:04:15.900 --> 00:04:18.920 And Jesus said in John chapter 20, verse 21, 00:04:18.920 --> 00:04:32.160 We saw last week how Jesus was sent like a general to conquer this fallen world and take back those captives 00:04:32.160 --> 00:04:36.639 that were in the dominion of Satan and claim them for himself. 00:04:37.120 --> 00:04:41.220 And he did that by laying down his life, by being numbered with the transgressors. 00:04:41.700 --> 00:04:47.879 Christ was lifted up on the cross and his blood was shed as the purchase of many. 00:04:47.879 --> 00:04:54.079 He poured out his blood, inaugurating the new covenant, bringing the kingdom of heaven, 00:04:54.180 --> 00:04:59.899 the kingdom of the age to come now into effect for whoever would look to him. 00:05:02.800 --> 00:05:08.040 So now we come to this glorious truth, and I have to picture Henry Knott sitting there all alone, 00:05:08.439 --> 00:05:15.500 perhaps the lowest point in his whole life, surrounded by death and sin and evil. 00:05:15.500 --> 00:05:17.560 It felt so powerful. 00:05:19.180 --> 00:05:22.939 Who could possibly overcome the darkness where God had put him? 00:05:24.459 --> 00:05:29.500 And once again, the glorious truth that he memorized in Tahitian and translated into Tahitian, 00:05:30.500 --> 00:05:32.800 put your finger on it in your Bible in front of you. 00:05:32.879 --> 00:05:35.699 John 3, verse 16. 00:05:36.699 --> 00:05:39.680 For God so loved the world. 00:05:39.680 --> 00:05:45.100 God, the creator of all, loved the dark, sinful world. 00:05:45.280 --> 00:05:45.759 How much? 00:05:46.160 --> 00:05:49.300 So much that he gave his only son. 00:05:50.120 --> 00:05:58.480 That whoever, whoever believes in him should not perish, but should have eternal life. 00:06:00.879 --> 00:06:03.639 Can you believe that promise yet again today? 00:06:03.639 --> 00:06:08.599 I pointed out, look back a verse, verse 15. 00:06:09.439 --> 00:06:11.379 Whoever believes in him. 00:06:12.300 --> 00:06:16.719 That phrase is translated in Greek, believing into him. 00:06:17.300 --> 00:06:18.860 Verse 16 is the same. 00:06:19.159 --> 00:06:21.800 Whoever believes into Christ. 00:06:22.019 --> 00:06:24.039 And then drop your eyes down to verse 18. 00:06:24.680 --> 00:06:27.300 Whoever believes into him. 00:06:27.300 --> 00:06:30.939 And my goal for today is very simple. 00:06:31.660 --> 00:06:34.319 This familiar Bible verse that I hope you've memorized. 00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:37.520 And I hope you'll do like Martin Luther on your deathbed. 00:06:37.920 --> 00:06:39.580 That you'll say it over and over and over. 00:06:40.100 --> 00:06:43.080 It's the assurance of your soul as you pass through death. 00:06:44.040 --> 00:06:50.000 And my goal is simply that you'll be able to understand every word and phrase in this glorious promise even better. 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:57.339 And the way I want to do that is by drawing the context immediately around this word, this verse, to give us those insights. 00:06:57.480 --> 00:06:59.879 What is it that Christ is telling Nicodemus? 00:07:00.060 --> 00:07:02.519 Because that same truth is for you today. 00:07:02.879 --> 00:07:09.199 And last week we saw that you must believe into Christ because of what is true of God. 00:07:10.079 --> 00:07:11.540 That God is love. 00:07:11.959 --> 00:07:18.139 And God sent his son on a mission into this dark world because he wants to show you his love. 00:07:18.139 --> 00:07:21.199 And today I want to talk with you about the second point. 00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:25.139 Not only what is true of God, but today what is true of you. 00:07:26.060 --> 00:07:29.479 You must believe into Christ because of what is true of you. 00:07:29.699 --> 00:07:31.099 And I want to break it into two parts. 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:35.779 Number one, your need of salvation is great. 00:07:36.860 --> 00:07:38.339 Do you feel it again today? 00:07:39.839 --> 00:07:41.819 If the spirit is in you, you feel that. 00:07:41.819 --> 00:07:44.560 My need of salvation in Christ alone is great. 00:07:45.319 --> 00:07:45.959 And number two, 00:07:45.959 --> 00:07:48.219 Your salvation, 00:07:49.060 --> 00:07:49.879 The eternal life, 00:07:49.959 --> 00:07:50.959 It begins now. 00:07:51.719 --> 00:07:52.599 This very moment, 00:07:52.719 --> 00:07:53.479 This very hour. 00:07:54.139 --> 00:07:57.239 You are in the eternal life of the age to come if you are in Christ. 00:07:57.699 --> 00:07:59.159 That's why you must believe into Christ. 00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:00.299 Because your need is great. 00:08:00.719 --> 00:08:02.339 And because salvation begins now. 00:08:02.939 --> 00:08:03.560 So first, 00:08:04.120 --> 00:08:08.740 Four reasons why your need of salvation in Christ is so great from this verse. 00:08:08.740 --> 00:08:12.160 Whoever believes into, 00:08:12.460 --> 00:08:14.199 Whoever looks at Christ, 00:08:14.600 --> 00:08:16.579 Should not perish. 00:08:17.660 --> 00:08:19.240 The first reason is this. 00:08:19.379 --> 00:08:20.180 Without Christ, 00:08:20.460 --> 00:08:22.500 You are dead already. 00:08:24.840 --> 00:08:26.000 Did you catch that? 00:08:26.420 --> 00:08:28.040 If you look to Christ, 00:08:28.199 --> 00:08:29.240 You shall not perish. 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:31.160 The implication is this. 00:08:31.720 --> 00:08:32.720 Without Christ, 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:34.519 You are perishing. 00:08:34.519 --> 00:08:38.059 If you are not united to Christ, 00:08:38.199 --> 00:08:39.639 You are dying. 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:41.419 The word perish, 00:08:42.460 --> 00:08:45.600 Picture a beautiful pear that you bought at the store. 00:08:45.679 --> 00:08:47.100 You set that pear out in the sun, 00:08:47.340 --> 00:08:49.539 And you leave it there for a month. 00:08:50.659 --> 00:08:51.980 That's a perishable fruit. 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:54.139 And that pear is now full of maggots, 00:08:54.360 --> 00:08:55.259 And it's rotting, 00:08:55.399 --> 00:08:57.299 And there are flies swirling all around it. 00:08:57.759 --> 00:08:58.860 Outside of Christ, 00:08:59.019 --> 00:09:01.100 You are perishing already. 00:09:02.060 --> 00:09:03.259 That's what Jesus says. 00:09:03.759 --> 00:09:04.019 Now, 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:05.200 Look at verse 18. 00:09:05.300 --> 00:09:06.740 Let's go to the immediate context. 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:09.120 Jesus says in verse 18, 00:09:09.540 --> 00:09:14.460 Whoever does not believe is condemned already. 00:09:15.460 --> 00:09:16.820 Your creator God, 00:09:17.040 --> 00:09:17.860 The holy God, 00:09:18.200 --> 00:09:19.080 He sits, 00:09:19.240 --> 00:09:19.980 And He's good. 00:09:20.440 --> 00:09:21.740 He can't look at sin, 00:09:22.080 --> 00:09:22.500 And say, 00:09:22.759 --> 00:09:23.340 It's okay. 00:09:24.300 --> 00:09:25.139 He can't say, 00:09:25.580 --> 00:09:27.820 You are fine just the way you are. 00:09:27.860 --> 00:09:28.519 He can't do that, 00:09:28.560 --> 00:09:29.360 Because He's holy. 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:30.460 And He's good. 00:09:30.600 --> 00:09:31.320 And He's just. 00:09:31.700 --> 00:09:33.940 And that would violate His just nature. 00:09:34.940 --> 00:09:36.200 You're condemned already, 00:09:36.320 --> 00:09:39.440 Not because God is looking to condemn you. 00:09:39.639 --> 00:09:42.940 You're condemned because you have sin inside of you. 00:09:43.360 --> 00:09:45.600 Your sin makes you perish away. 00:09:47.600 --> 00:09:50.060 We saw how Jesus preached to Nicodemus, 00:09:50.139 --> 00:09:52.700 That you have no love for God naturally. 00:09:53.279 --> 00:09:54.539 You are in the darkness. 00:09:54.740 --> 00:09:56.360 You must be born again, 00:09:56.440 --> 00:09:57.519 And born of God. 00:09:57.519 --> 00:10:02.819 The spirit must open your eyes to see the goodness of God in Jesus. 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:04.620 And that's what Jesus says, 00:10:04.699 --> 00:10:05.679 You're condemned already. 00:10:06.279 --> 00:10:08.439 As a fallen and rebellious human being, 00:10:08.840 --> 00:10:10.980 You are under the curse of Adam. 00:10:12.460 --> 00:10:16.699 You do not love God with your whole heart and mind and strength, 00:10:16.819 --> 00:10:18.139 Because you cannot, 00:10:18.879 --> 00:10:20.480 Unless God puts His love in you. 00:10:20.480 --> 00:10:21.620 The Bible says, 00:10:21.940 --> 00:10:24.440 We love only because God first loved us. 00:10:25.440 --> 00:10:27.820 In John chapter 5, verse 41, 00:10:28.399 --> 00:10:31.100 Jesus says this to the religious elite. 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:31.659 He says, 00:10:32.300 --> 00:10:36.820 I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 00:10:36.820 --> 00:10:38.760 How does He know that? 00:10:39.260 --> 00:10:39.780 He says, 00:10:39.920 --> 00:10:41.620 I have come in my Father's name, 00:10:41.920 --> 00:10:44.240 And you do not receive me. 00:10:45.020 --> 00:10:47.200 So if you have not believed into Christ, 00:10:47.280 --> 00:10:49.860 You have no love in your heart from God, 00:10:50.120 --> 00:10:52.680 And you are perishing for lack of love. 00:10:52.740 --> 00:10:55.580 That's the first reason you need to believe into Christ, 00:10:56.000 --> 00:10:57.640 Is because without Christ, 00:10:57.760 --> 00:10:59.120 You are dead already. 00:10:59.120 --> 00:11:02.500 I believe this is confirmed further, 00:11:02.720 --> 00:11:05.139 By what is inside of you. 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:07.840 And I believe in this verse, 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:08.639 In this context, 00:11:08.779 --> 00:11:09.659 Jesus teaches this, 00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:12.179 That the love that you do have inside you, 00:11:12.320 --> 00:11:13.000 Is twisted. 00:11:13.419 --> 00:11:14.419 That's our second point. 00:11:14.899 --> 00:11:16.200 Your love is twisted. 00:11:16.840 --> 00:11:18.120 See, outside of Christ, 00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:21.220 You are rotting from the inside out, 00:11:21.560 --> 00:11:23.539 Because of what you love. 00:11:24.580 --> 00:11:25.899 Look at verse 19. 00:11:26.720 --> 00:11:28.620 That's exactly what Jesus gets at. 00:11:28.620 --> 00:11:30.200 That's exactly what He's talking about. 00:11:30.639 --> 00:11:32.060 In verse 19, Jesus says, 00:11:32.560 --> 00:11:34.080 This is the judgment. 00:11:34.840 --> 00:11:37.560 The light has come into the world. 00:11:38.440 --> 00:11:40.919 Jesus is light from light. 00:11:41.240 --> 00:11:43.539 He is very God from very God. 00:11:43.539 --> 00:11:45.179 And He's come into the dark world. 00:11:45.799 --> 00:11:47.340 And what's been the reaction? 00:11:48.379 --> 00:11:50.679 The people loved the darkness, 00:11:51.060 --> 00:11:52.320 Rather than the light, 00:11:52.659 --> 00:11:54.639 Because their works were evil. 00:11:55.340 --> 00:11:56.220 So Jesus says, 00:11:56.320 --> 00:11:57.299 Your love is twisted. 00:11:57.299 --> 00:11:59.740 Why are you blind to the light of Jesus? 00:12:00.059 --> 00:12:02.000 It's because what's inside you, 00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:03.199 Loves the darkness. 00:12:06.059 --> 00:12:07.359 See, in Jesus Christ, 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:10.000 The light of heaven was put on full display. 00:12:11.139 --> 00:12:12.279 But in sin, 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:13.059 We are bound. 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:14.000 Our hearts, 00:12:14.099 --> 00:12:15.159 Our wills are bound. 00:12:15.639 --> 00:12:16.379 By Satan. 00:12:16.740 --> 00:12:17.740 By the curse of Adam. 00:12:17.740 --> 00:12:21.840 And we prefer darkness to the light of Jesus. 00:12:22.200 --> 00:12:23.580 Unless He saves us. 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:25.720 Unless He gives us a new heart. 00:12:27.060 --> 00:12:28.340 One commentator said, 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:31.659 The light of Christ is on display for the world to see. 00:12:31.840 --> 00:12:34.340 But without the work of the Holy Spirit, 00:12:34.700 --> 00:12:37.100 Natural man will refuse the light, 00:12:37.340 --> 00:12:39.000 Which is freely offered. 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:43.779 The reason we hate the light outside of Christ, 00:12:43.860 --> 00:12:47.100 Is because we desire to conceal our sins. 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:48.820 We love our sins. 00:12:49.740 --> 00:12:53.220 And our sins twist the love of our soul, 00:12:53.220 --> 00:12:55.299 Into something monstrous. 00:12:57.700 --> 00:13:01.179 Sin cannot bear open confession. 00:13:01.179 --> 00:13:04.979 When sin is confessed and put out publicly, 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:06.919 Confessed to others, 00:13:07.079 --> 00:13:08.279 Confessed to the Lord, 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:10.019 It suffocates sin. 00:13:12.699 --> 00:13:15.179 So why do we have this time of confession? 00:13:16.479 --> 00:13:17.339 It's because, 00:13:18.339 --> 00:13:18.979 In Christ, 00:13:19.799 --> 00:13:21.319 The war rages on. 00:13:21.739 --> 00:13:23.179 Our body and our flesh 00:13:23.179 --> 00:13:24.699 Wants to hold on to the sin. 00:13:25.659 --> 00:13:26.979 And we're reminded, 00:13:27.199 --> 00:13:28.439 Week after week after week, 00:13:28.479 --> 00:13:29.639 Of the goodness of God, 00:13:29.859 --> 00:13:31.139 And how He puts the gospel, 00:13:31.459 --> 00:13:33.059 He puts the presence of the Holy Spirit, 00:13:33.139 --> 00:13:34.059 Inside the believer. 00:13:34.620 --> 00:13:36.399 And your soul now has a new life. 00:13:36.739 --> 00:13:38.099 Though your flesh and your body, 00:13:38.219 --> 00:13:39.699 Is raging war against sin. 00:13:40.559 --> 00:13:41.839 And by confessing sin, 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:44.120 We enjoy the freedom as Christians. 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:46.439 And knowing that we are not condemned, 00:13:46.839 --> 00:13:48.139 By our sin any longer. 00:13:48.519 --> 00:13:49.739 And by confessing it, 00:13:50.000 --> 00:13:51.519 The sin is suffocated. 00:13:52.319 --> 00:13:53.319 The Bible says, 00:13:53.479 --> 00:13:55.659 We must crucify our sin. 00:13:57.299 --> 00:13:58.099 And Jesus, 00:13:58.359 --> 00:13:59.500 As He hung on the cross, 00:13:59.500 --> 00:14:00.820 He is a picture, 00:14:00.820 --> 00:14:00.840 He is a picture, 00:14:00.840 --> 00:14:02.500 Of our sanctification. 00:14:03.700 --> 00:14:05.700 And His body is mutilated. 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:07.679 The stripes, 00:14:07.960 --> 00:14:08.720 Of the lips, 00:14:09.220 --> 00:14:10.580 The poke of the spear, 00:14:10.679 --> 00:14:11.240 The nails, 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:12.779 And the hands and the feet. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:14.840 And yet, 00:14:15.059 --> 00:14:16.200 It's a torturous death, 00:14:16.279 --> 00:14:18.220 Because the final breath, 00:14:18.600 --> 00:14:20.000 It comes through suffocation, 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:22.059 No longer being able to lift Himself up. 00:14:22.059 --> 00:14:24.379 And when we confess our sin, 00:14:25.059 --> 00:14:26.739 We're suffocating, 00:14:27.179 --> 00:14:28.179 The sin of the flesh. 00:14:28.539 --> 00:14:29.459 And God's using that, 00:14:29.599 --> 00:14:30.659 Battle against sin, 00:14:30.719 --> 00:14:32.199 We do it together as a church, 00:14:32.599 --> 00:14:33.739 To prepare your soul, 00:14:34.199 --> 00:14:35.239 For eternity. 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:37.279 That's why you must believe, 00:14:37.399 --> 00:14:38.179 Into Christ. 00:14:38.539 --> 00:14:40.219 You have no power against sin, 00:14:40.479 --> 00:14:41.199 On your own. 00:14:41.559 --> 00:14:42.939 It must be the power of God, 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:43.479 Inside you, 00:14:43.779 --> 00:14:44.359 To undo, 00:14:44.479 --> 00:14:45.719 And to correct your loves, 00:14:46.059 --> 00:14:47.359 Your loves that are twisted. 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:49.100 Number three, 00:14:50.100 --> 00:14:51.279 You must believe in Christ, 00:14:51.360 --> 00:14:53.060 Because of what is true of you. 00:14:53.940 --> 00:14:54.600 And it's that, 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:56.019 The light of Christ, 00:14:56.220 --> 00:14:57.639 It exposes your sin. 00:14:59.399 --> 00:15:00.879 And if you don't openly, 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:02.159 Confess your sin now, 00:15:02.440 --> 00:15:03.440 And forsake your sin, 00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:05.659 Your sin will be exposed, 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:06.800 And condemned, 00:15:07.600 --> 00:15:08.879 When Christ returns. 00:15:10.080 --> 00:15:10.440 See, 00:15:10.580 --> 00:15:11.960 God sent His Son, 00:15:12.759 --> 00:15:13.740 Light of very light, 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:16.440 To expose sin. 00:15:17.380 --> 00:15:17.820 Because, 00:15:18.040 --> 00:15:19.460 The only way a holy God, 00:15:19.540 --> 00:15:20.140 The God of light, 00:15:20.220 --> 00:15:21.760 Can dwell with His creation, 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:23.100 Who are in sin, 00:15:23.460 --> 00:15:24.620 Is if they're made clean. 00:15:25.400 --> 00:15:26.720 And they can only be made clean, 00:15:26.760 --> 00:15:27.980 When their sin is exposed, 00:15:28.280 --> 00:15:30.600 And either Christ bears that sin, 00:15:30.900 --> 00:15:31.740 To forgive you, 00:15:32.020 --> 00:15:33.700 Or you will have to bear it one day, 00:15:34.040 --> 00:15:34.600 Before Him, 00:15:34.640 --> 00:15:35.600 When He comes to judge, 00:15:35.960 --> 00:15:36.460 The living, 00:15:36.840 --> 00:15:37.480 And the dead. 00:15:37.940 --> 00:15:38.900 Look at verse 20, 00:15:40.160 --> 00:15:41.140 Jesus says, 00:15:41.340 --> 00:15:43.200 For everyone who does wicked things, 00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:44.980 Hates the light, 00:15:44.980 --> 00:15:46.740 And does not come to the light, 00:15:47.080 --> 00:15:48.300 Lest His works, 00:15:48.300 --> 00:15:50.279 Should be exposed. 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:53.500 This orthodox catechism, 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:54.200 That we read, 00:15:54.340 --> 00:15:55.680 Every Sunday morning, 00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:58.320 It reassures us of this, 00:15:58.460 --> 00:15:59.100 Confession, 00:15:59.600 --> 00:16:00.680 It gives you a comfort, 00:16:00.840 --> 00:16:02.300 In times of personal crisis, 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:03.759 Says our confession. 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:05.220 When you're under temptation, 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:06.680 You need to know, 00:16:07.120 --> 00:16:09.259 That Christ is your Lord, 00:16:09.259 --> 00:16:11.200 And because He suffered, 00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:12.639 Unspeakable anguish, 00:16:12.819 --> 00:16:13.179 Pain, 00:16:13.580 --> 00:16:14.799 And terror of the soul, 00:16:14.899 --> 00:16:16.100 Especially on the cross, 00:16:16.679 --> 00:16:18.200 He has delivered you, 00:16:18.519 --> 00:16:19.539 From the anguish, 00:16:19.939 --> 00:16:21.019 And torment of hell, 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:22.580 When you believe, 00:16:22.700 --> 00:16:23.860 Into Him. 00:16:25.860 --> 00:16:27.159 And the last reason, 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:29.139 You need to believe into Christ, 00:16:29.659 --> 00:16:31.039 Because of what is true, 00:16:31.179 --> 00:16:32.299 About you is this, 00:16:33.220 --> 00:16:34.600 You have the venom, 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:35.480 Of sin, 00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:36.879 Inside you. 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:40.620 Look at verse 14, 00:16:41.320 --> 00:16:44.200 Here's what Jesus has in mind, 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:46.860 As He's proclaiming this gospel, 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:47.860 In verse 14, 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:48.620 Jesus says, 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:50.639 As Moses lifted up, 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:51.679 The serpent, 00:16:52.200 --> 00:16:52.939 In the wilderness, 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:55.620 So must the son of man, 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:57.299 Be lifted up. 00:16:58.980 --> 00:17:00.759 So he's drawing now, 00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:01.740 To Nicodemus, 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:02.799 Who was a master of the law, 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:03.480 He knew the Bible, 00:17:03.480 --> 00:17:04.259 And he's causing him, 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:05.539 To think back to numbers, 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:06.519 Chapter 21, 00:17:06.880 --> 00:17:08.420 And in this story, 00:17:08.520 --> 00:17:09.620 We have the people of Israel, 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:10.900 They've been brought out of Egypt, 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:13.120 But their hearts are still in Egypt, 00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:15.300 They still love the comforts, 00:17:15.300 --> 00:17:16.140 Of Egypt, 00:17:16.260 --> 00:17:16.920 Of the world, 00:17:17.020 --> 00:17:18.260 Even though they've been brought out, 00:17:18.320 --> 00:17:19.600 They're no longer slaves there, 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:20.860 But their hearts, 00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:22.120 Are still in love, 00:17:22.260 --> 00:17:23.100 With the world, 00:17:23.720 --> 00:17:25.720 And Jesus, 00:17:26.280 --> 00:17:27.200 Wants Nicodemus, 00:17:27.260 --> 00:17:28.860 And He wants you to picture now, 00:17:29.240 --> 00:17:29.840 This scene, 00:17:30.380 --> 00:17:31.520 Here's the people of God, 00:17:31.519 --> 00:17:33.240 He's brought them out of bondage, 00:17:33.740 --> 00:17:35.599 And He's providing for them, 00:17:35.779 --> 00:17:36.660 Their every need, 00:17:36.980 --> 00:17:37.940 He's giving them bread, 00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:39.240 He's providing water, 00:17:39.500 --> 00:17:40.539 He's giving them a vision, 00:17:40.539 --> 00:17:41.680 Of a promised land, 00:17:41.859 --> 00:17:42.779 And they're pilgrims, 00:17:42.859 --> 00:17:43.460 And sojourners, 00:17:43.680 --> 00:17:45.079 But they need to trust Him, 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:45.920 He will provide, 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:46.960 He will take them, 00:17:47.059 --> 00:17:48.500 To the land He has promised, 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.599 Because that's true for you, 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:52.079 You've been set free, 00:17:52.079 --> 00:17:53.379 Out of the bondage of sin, 00:17:53.420 --> 00:17:54.180 If you're in Christ, 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:56.019 You have the vision of heaven, 00:17:56.379 --> 00:17:57.279 And you're a pilgrim, 00:17:57.359 --> 00:17:58.799 You do not belong to this world, 00:17:59.200 --> 00:18:00.839 But if your heart is still in love, 00:18:00.980 --> 00:18:01.559 With the world, 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:03.639 Then He needs you to think of now, 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:05.220 The serpent being lifted up, 00:18:05.639 --> 00:18:07.099 Why was this bronze serpent, 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:07.899 Put on a pole, 00:18:08.460 --> 00:18:09.259 And raised high, 00:18:09.480 --> 00:18:10.059 By Moses? 00:18:10.899 --> 00:18:12.480 It's because the Lord had taught, 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:13.660 The people of Israel, 00:18:13.799 --> 00:18:15.200 A lesson for that generation, 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:16.379 But also for the church, 00:18:17.379 --> 00:18:18.319 And Jesus gives us, 00:18:18.379 --> 00:18:19.519 The correct interpretation, 00:18:19.680 --> 00:18:21.000 What was going on in that story? 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:22.220 Well God, 00:18:22.299 --> 00:18:23.339 We're told in Numbers 21, 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:25.559 He sent fiery serpents, 00:18:25.559 --> 00:18:27.700 Most likely they're called fiery, 00:18:27.819 --> 00:18:29.579 Because when they would bite someone, 00:18:29.679 --> 00:18:30.839 The venom from the serpents, 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:31.819 Would burn, 00:18:32.279 --> 00:18:33.240 And it would make your skin, 00:18:33.299 --> 00:18:34.059 Be so irritated, 00:18:34.379 --> 00:18:35.700 That people began to die, 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:36.440 Left and right, 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:37.960 And imagine one of your loved ones, 00:18:38.460 --> 00:18:39.599 And that phobia you'd have, 00:18:39.679 --> 00:18:40.859 If they were surrounded, 00:18:40.980 --> 00:18:42.039 By these fiery serpents, 00:18:42.099 --> 00:18:42.759 And you see them, 00:18:43.019 --> 00:18:44.220 Having all of these symptoms, 00:18:44.679 --> 00:18:46.179 And then Moses lifts up, 00:18:46.319 --> 00:18:47.679 This bronze serpent, 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:49.679 And the symbolism, 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:51.559 Is too rich to pass over, 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:54.539 And the command is simply what? 00:18:55.559 --> 00:18:57.879 It's what we read from Isaiah, 00:18:58.179 --> 00:18:59.379 Look to me, 00:18:59.639 --> 00:19:00.419 And be saved, 00:19:00.700 --> 00:19:02.059 All the ends of the earth, 00:19:02.179 --> 00:19:03.159 For I am God, 00:19:03.379 --> 00:19:04.639 And there is no other, 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:05.940 He doesn't say, 00:19:06.119 --> 00:19:07.019 Get on your hands and knees, 00:19:07.159 --> 00:19:08.879 And crawl across the rocks, 00:19:09.079 --> 00:19:09.859 Up the hill, 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:11.419 Climb up this pole, 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:13.259 And conquer your own healing, 00:19:13.700 --> 00:19:13.940 No, 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:15.200 He says, 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:15.720 Look, 00:19:16.440 --> 00:19:17.960 Look to that serpent, 00:19:18.139 --> 00:19:19.179 Lift it up on the pole, 00:19:19.419 --> 00:19:20.659 And God will do the miracle, 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:22.079 Of healing you from this venom, 00:19:22.079 --> 00:19:25.759 Now we're told by Paul, 00:19:26.179 --> 00:19:26.679 In fact, 00:19:26.879 --> 00:19:27.500 Turn there please, 00:19:27.599 --> 00:19:29.039 Turn to Romans chapter 8, 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:32.519 Looking to the serpent, 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:34.519 Lift it up on the pole, 00:19:34.740 --> 00:19:35.899 In Romans chapter 8, 00:19:36.899 --> 00:19:38.519 I believe we get a, 00:19:38.519 --> 00:19:39.839 A very clear insight, 00:19:40.960 --> 00:19:41.559 To what, 00:19:41.859 --> 00:19:43.000 How did Christ fulfill this, 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:44.740 What was Numbers 21 all about? 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:44.819 Now, 00:19:45.859 --> 00:19:48.500 In Romans chapter 8, 00:19:48.539 --> 00:19:49.220 Verses 2, 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:49.559 3, 00:19:49.640 --> 00:19:50.079 And 4, 00:19:50.620 --> 00:19:52.759 We see how God, 00:19:53.200 --> 00:19:54.539 Made his own son, 00:19:55.339 --> 00:19:56.380 In the likeness, 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:58.460 Of sinful flesh, 00:19:59.460 --> 00:20:02.000 Let me read that passage, 00:20:02.140 --> 00:20:04.120 For the law of the spirit of life, 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:05.640 Has set you free in Christ, 00:20:05.720 --> 00:20:07.279 From the law of sin and death, 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:08.680 For God has done, 00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:10.359 What the law weakened by the flesh, 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:11.620 Could not do, 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:13.180 Let me pause there, 00:20:13.180 --> 00:20:15.500 So you've been set free, 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.779 Just like the people of Israel, 00:20:16.860 --> 00:20:17.900 No longer in slavery, 00:20:18.299 --> 00:20:20.720 And you don't need to labor at it now, 00:20:20.779 --> 00:20:21.620 By your own works, 00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:23.259 That's what the law requires, 00:20:23.320 --> 00:20:24.560 You fulfill the law perfectly, 00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:25.600 And you're saved, 00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:26.320 No, 00:20:26.620 --> 00:20:27.220 Paul says, 00:20:27.320 --> 00:20:28.960 You're not under that anymore, 00:20:29.039 --> 00:20:30.860 You're not under the principle of works, 00:20:30.920 --> 00:20:31.920 This covenant of works, 00:20:32.060 --> 00:20:33.600 Has been fulfilled by Christ, 00:20:33.680 --> 00:20:34.279 Because you, 00:20:34.580 --> 00:20:35.299 By your own strength, 00:20:35.299 --> 00:20:36.420 Could never fulfill it, 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.279 For yourself, 00:20:38.080 --> 00:20:39.500 And how did God do it? 00:20:40.420 --> 00:20:42.380 By sending his own son, 00:20:42.380 --> 00:20:44.420 In the likeness, 00:20:44.660 --> 00:20:46.180 Of sinful flesh, 00:20:46.600 --> 00:20:47.400 Now the serpent, 00:20:47.540 --> 00:20:48.380 It takes you all the way back, 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:49.380 To the garden of evil, 00:20:49.560 --> 00:20:50.500 The picture of Satan, 00:20:50.740 --> 00:20:51.200 And sin, 00:20:51.480 --> 00:20:52.180 And temptation, 00:20:52.820 --> 00:20:53.500 And Christ, 00:20:53.640 --> 00:20:55.220 Became the likeness, 00:20:55.280 --> 00:20:56.260 Of sinful flesh, 00:20:56.580 --> 00:20:58.340 He became that grotesque picture, 00:20:58.580 --> 00:20:59.300 Of a serpent, 00:20:59.640 --> 00:21:00.500 And he was lifted up, 00:21:00.540 --> 00:21:01.140 So that all, 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:02.320 Could look to him, 00:21:02.680 --> 00:21:03.420 As he stood, 00:21:03.600 --> 00:21:04.480 On the cross, 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:07.080 The emblem of God's grace, 00:21:07.640 --> 00:21:08.760 Pouring out the punishment, 00:21:08.900 --> 00:21:09.940 That sin deserves, 00:21:10.100 --> 00:21:11.260 On God himself, 00:21:11.259 --> 00:21:13.619 So that any who would look, 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:14.660 At the work of Christ, 00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:15.759 Could be healed, 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:18.660 Let me trace these four points together, 00:21:19.599 --> 00:21:19.980 Christ, 00:21:20.200 --> 00:21:21.440 Is God's light, 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:22.379 Sent, 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.319 And put on display, 00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:24.420 For those in darkness, 00:21:25.420 --> 00:21:26.099 Christ, 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:27.599 The blood he shed, 00:21:27.660 --> 00:21:28.779 It becomes the balm, 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:31.039 That heals the burning flesh, 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:33.440 When you confess your sin, 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:34.660 And you come into his light, 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:37.200 Jesus Christ himself, 00:21:37.200 --> 00:21:38.319 Puts his Holy Spirit, 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:39.100 Inside you, 00:21:39.140 --> 00:21:39.819 And the spirit, 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:41.480 Is the antidote, 00:21:41.840 --> 00:21:43.120 To the venom of sin, 00:21:43.360 --> 00:21:44.200 That is otherwise, 00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:45.100 Making you perish, 00:21:45.180 --> 00:21:46.140 From the inside out, 00:21:47.039 --> 00:21:49.080 What a glorious gospel, 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:50.259 Put on display, 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:51.840 So that we can believe, 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:54.039 Our second London confession, 00:21:54.180 --> 00:21:54.920 Puts it this way, 00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:55.799 Christ, 00:21:56.100 --> 00:21:57.039 By his obedience, 00:21:57.380 --> 00:21:58.279 And death, 00:21:58.660 --> 00:22:00.000 Fully discharged, 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:00.779 The debt, 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:02.700 Of all those that are justified, 00:22:02.700 --> 00:22:03.779 He fully, 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:05.600 And really satisfied, 00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:07.340 God's justice, 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:08.759 For you, 00:22:09.400 --> 00:22:10.759 See how God doesn't lower, 00:22:10.920 --> 00:22:11.880 His standard of justice, 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:12.440 Or holiness, 00:22:12.680 --> 00:22:13.299 One inch, 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:15.240 Instead he himself, 00:22:15.620 --> 00:22:16.299 Fulfills it, 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:17.700 How? 00:22:18.600 --> 00:22:19.860 By the sacrifice, 00:22:20.340 --> 00:22:21.100 Of himself, 00:22:21.920 --> 00:22:22.920 In the blood, 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:23.799 Of his cross, 00:22:23.940 --> 00:22:25.559 He bore in your place, 00:22:26.019 --> 00:22:26.620 The penalty, 00:22:27.120 --> 00:22:27.819 That was upon, 00:22:28.180 --> 00:22:28.799 Your life, 00:22:28.860 --> 00:22:29.600 And that's why, 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.819 John 3 16, 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:31.880 Is such good news, 00:22:31.880 --> 00:22:32.460 Now, 00:22:32.860 --> 00:22:34.080 Whoever believes, 00:22:34.240 --> 00:22:35.000 Into him, 00:22:35.820 --> 00:22:37.240 Will not perish, 00:22:37.760 --> 00:22:38.780 But will have, 00:22:38.940 --> 00:22:40.300 Eternal life, 00:22:40.940 --> 00:22:43.720 And the second thing, 00:22:43.760 --> 00:22:44.460 I want to talk with you, 00:22:44.540 --> 00:22:45.060 About today, 00:22:45.900 --> 00:22:47.460 Is eternal life, 00:22:47.520 --> 00:22:48.140 What does it mean, 00:22:48.240 --> 00:22:48.920 To have, 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:50.620 Eternal life, 00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:51.560 I want you to leave here, 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:52.920 With the full meaning, 00:22:53.080 --> 00:22:54.160 Of those three words, 00:22:54.480 --> 00:22:56.360 So what we've seen so far, 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.220 Is that your need, 00:22:57.260 --> 00:22:57.940 Of salvation, 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:58.900 Is great, 00:22:59.180 --> 00:23:00.620 And I want to show you next, 00:23:00.760 --> 00:23:01.860 That your salvation, 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:03.359 In Christ, 00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:04.759 Begins now, 00:23:05.659 --> 00:23:09.500 Begins now, 00:23:09.719 --> 00:23:12.079 Because of those three words, 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:14.039 If you believe, 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:14.699 Into Christ, 00:23:14.819 --> 00:23:15.539 You have, 00:23:15.899 --> 00:23:16.659 Present tense, 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:18.619 Eternal life, 00:23:18.759 --> 00:23:20.039 So I'll break this, 00:23:20.119 --> 00:23:20.719 Into two parts, 00:23:20.819 --> 00:23:21.119 First, 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:21.859 What does it mean, 00:23:21.939 --> 00:23:22.619 To have, 00:23:23.179 --> 00:23:24.299 Eternal life, 00:23:24.359 --> 00:23:25.199 And then the second thing, 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:25.579 Is what, 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:26.759 What does this life, 00:23:26.839 --> 00:23:27.359 Look like, 00:23:27.359 --> 00:23:29.559 Well, 00:23:30.039 --> 00:23:32.299 New testament scholar, 00:23:32.479 --> 00:23:33.539 Andreas Kastenberger, 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:34.379 He says that, 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:35.199 Those three times, 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:35.819 In this context, 00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:37.159 When these words are used, 00:23:37.419 --> 00:23:38.339 And everywhere else, 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:39.419 In the gospel of John, 00:23:39.859 --> 00:23:40.500 By the way, 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:40.919 The phrase, 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:41.539 Eternal life, 00:23:41.599 --> 00:23:41.959 Is used, 00:23:42.339 --> 00:23:43.319 In the gospel of John, 00:23:43.379 --> 00:23:44.199 More than anywhere else, 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:44.919 In the new testament, 00:23:45.299 --> 00:23:46.539 It's used 18 times, 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.039 By John, 00:23:47.159 --> 00:23:48.079 In just this gospel, 00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:49.460 The next runner up, 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:50.299 In all the new testament, 00:23:50.839 --> 00:23:51.699 Is first John, 00:23:51.859 --> 00:23:52.939 Also by the same author, 00:23:53.379 --> 00:23:54.279 So the disciple, 00:23:54.439 --> 00:23:55.119 Whom Jesus loved, 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:56.319 Is obsessed with, 00:23:56.460 --> 00:23:57.659 What Christ showed him, 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.599 That the resurrection, 00:23:59.859 --> 00:24:01.379 Glorified life of Christ, 00:24:01.779 --> 00:24:02.659 Is made real, 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:03.399 Now, 00:24:03.699 --> 00:24:05.220 If you are united to him, 00:24:05.699 --> 00:24:06.500 By believing, 00:24:06.839 --> 00:24:07.599 In the promise, 00:24:07.799 --> 00:24:08.339 Of God, 00:24:08.539 --> 00:24:09.159 Through Jesus, 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:10.500 That's what he's obsessed with, 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:12.919 And the, 00:24:13.639 --> 00:24:14.639 Kastenberger says, 00:24:14.819 --> 00:24:15.879 What it properly means, 00:24:15.879 --> 00:24:16.379 Is this, 00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:18.920 Agion, 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:19.480 Zoe, 00:24:19.820 --> 00:24:20.960 Zoe means life, 00:24:21.460 --> 00:24:22.280 Agion means, 00:24:22.520 --> 00:24:23.400 The age to come, 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:25.380 So it really means, 00:24:25.560 --> 00:24:26.160 You have, 00:24:26.300 --> 00:24:26.860 Life, 00:24:27.340 --> 00:24:27.800 Now, 00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:29.340 You have at present tense, 00:24:29.620 --> 00:24:30.320 The life now, 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:31.700 That's the life, 00:24:31.800 --> 00:24:32.800 Of the age to come, 00:24:33.120 --> 00:24:34.920 That resurrection life of Christ, 00:24:35.060 --> 00:24:35.940 Begins now, 00:24:36.120 --> 00:24:37.040 When you are united, 00:24:37.400 --> 00:24:37.960 With him, 00:24:38.360 --> 00:24:39.200 I want to show you, 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:40.200 This is not unique, 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:41.020 To John, 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:42.480 The bible teaches, 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:43.800 That there are two ages, 00:24:44.380 --> 00:24:45.680 There's this age, 00:24:45.680 --> 00:24:47.039 And there's the age, 00:24:47.140 --> 00:24:47.500 To come, 00:24:47.900 --> 00:24:49.019 So whatever questions, 00:24:49.120 --> 00:24:49.640 Come up about, 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.160 In times, 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:50.840 In Christ's return, 00:24:51.140 --> 00:24:51.560 Is great, 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:52.620 We should dig into the word, 00:24:52.900 --> 00:24:54.340 But it's very clear in scripture, 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:55.380 There's those two ages, 00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:56.700 Somehow it needs to fit, 00:24:56.759 --> 00:24:57.440 There's this age, 00:24:57.680 --> 00:24:58.259 The age to come, 00:24:58.299 --> 00:24:58.960 There's no other, 00:24:59.220 --> 00:25:00.600 Twisting or new ages, 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:01.360 Mixed in there, 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.180 This age, 00:25:02.200 --> 00:25:02.900 Or the age to come, 00:25:03.320 --> 00:25:04.620 In Matthew chapter 12, 00:25:04.680 --> 00:25:05.240 Verse 32, 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:06.480 Jesus says it like this, 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:06.860 He says, 00:25:06.860 --> 00:25:08.140 Whoever speaks, 00:25:08.140 --> 00:25:09.560 Against the Holy Spirit, 00:25:09.880 --> 00:25:11.200 Will not be forgiven, 00:25:11.779 --> 00:25:13.500 Either in this age, 00:25:13.660 --> 00:25:15.160 Or in the age to come, 00:25:15.860 --> 00:25:16.140 See, 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:17.040 Your life now, 00:25:17.200 --> 00:25:18.120 In this present age, 00:25:18.180 --> 00:25:19.420 Is the time for the spirit, 00:25:19.840 --> 00:25:21.259 To wake you up, 00:25:21.800 --> 00:25:22.940 This is when the spirit, 00:25:23.160 --> 00:25:24.480 Is calling you to believe, 00:25:24.840 --> 00:25:26.259 Don't push the spirit away, 00:25:26.840 --> 00:25:27.759 If he's opening your eyes, 00:25:27.820 --> 00:25:28.660 To believe in Christ, 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:30.200 Now in this present age, 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:31.980 It will have implications, 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:33.180 For the age to come, 00:25:34.140 --> 00:25:35.300 This is confirmed, 00:25:35.300 --> 00:25:36.700 In Galatians chapter 1, 00:25:36.800 --> 00:25:37.779 Verses 3 and 4, 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:39.440 The Lord Jesus Christ, 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:40.980 Who gave himself for our sins, 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:41.920 To deliver us, 00:25:42.180 --> 00:25:44.180 From this present evil age, 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.460 According to the will, 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:46.539 Of our God and Father, 00:25:47.180 --> 00:25:47.920 See how he says, 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:49.019 Jesus was given, 00:25:49.440 --> 00:25:50.200 By the Father, 00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:51.359 Out of heaven, 00:25:51.639 --> 00:25:52.399 The spiritual realm, 00:25:52.759 --> 00:25:53.059 Now, 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:54.200 To deliver you, 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:55.980 Out of this present evil age, 00:25:56.180 --> 00:25:56.519 Now, 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:56.599 Now, 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:58.819 I want you to turn, 00:25:59.019 --> 00:26:00.420 To Ephesians chapter 1, 00:26:01.700 --> 00:26:02.839 I want you to see, 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:03.919 How he uses that phrase, 00:26:04.019 --> 00:26:05.039 Once again here, 00:26:05.059 --> 00:26:06.019 And what this means for you, 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:07.359 Ephesians chapter 1, 00:26:07.799 --> 00:26:09.199 Verses 20 and 21, 00:26:15.939 --> 00:26:16.959 So Paul now, 00:26:17.059 --> 00:26:18.059 Is writing to the church, 00:26:18.379 --> 00:26:19.399 And this is a letter, 00:26:19.500 --> 00:26:20.359 That would be circulated, 00:26:20.539 --> 00:26:21.179 For all the churches, 00:26:21.179 --> 00:26:22.720 This is for you as well church, 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:24.779 By the power of the Holy Spirit, 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:27.240 God raised Jesus, 00:26:27.859 --> 00:26:28.799 From the dead, 00:26:28.879 --> 00:26:29.579 Look at verse 20, 00:26:29.720 --> 00:26:30.399 From the dead, 00:26:30.819 --> 00:26:31.720 And seated him, 00:26:31.720 --> 00:26:33.019 At his right hand, 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:35.380 In the heavenly places, 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:37.259 Far above all rule, 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.000 And authority, 00:26:38.220 --> 00:26:38.700 And power, 00:26:38.819 --> 00:26:39.339 And dominion, 00:26:39.640 --> 00:26:40.819 And above every name, 00:26:40.900 --> 00:26:41.519 That is named, 00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:43.860 Not only in this age, 00:26:43.940 --> 00:26:45.460 But also in the one, 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.360 To come, 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:48.740 You see how there are two ages, 00:26:49.660 --> 00:26:50.960 In the work of Christ, 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:51.759 On the cross, 00:26:51.860 --> 00:26:53.319 For this present age, 00:26:53.700 --> 00:26:54.559 It means that the, 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:56.120 Adam's sin, 00:26:56.640 --> 00:26:58.079 As our first representative, 00:26:58.079 --> 00:27:00.180 Everyone is under Adam's curse, 00:27:00.579 --> 00:27:01.579 It's been reversed, 00:27:01.720 --> 00:27:02.640 By Jesus, 00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:04.380 Who Paul calls the second Adam, 00:27:05.740 --> 00:27:06.079 Adam, 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:06.720 Think about it, 00:27:06.839 --> 00:27:07.660 With his body, 00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:08.420 He sinned, 00:27:08.500 --> 00:27:09.579 He rebelled against God, 00:27:09.640 --> 00:27:10.880 He took the fruit and ate it, 00:27:11.079 --> 00:27:11.920 And his soul, 00:27:12.140 --> 00:27:12.940 Got death, 00:27:13.059 --> 00:27:13.799 Eternal death, 00:27:13.880 --> 00:27:15.720 For all who would come after Adam, 00:27:16.259 --> 00:27:18.240 But if God regenerates you, 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:19.779 And gives you new life in the soul, 00:27:20.420 --> 00:27:21.500 You live, 00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:24.339 Now your body is going to be part of the resurrection life, 00:27:24.420 --> 00:27:25.019 And the glory, 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:26.319 In the age to come, 00:27:26.319 --> 00:27:29.639 See how Christ reverses the work of Satan, 00:27:29.639 --> 00:27:30.500 In the garden, 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:33.859 You might be thinking right now, 00:27:34.619 --> 00:27:37.319 How could God ever, 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:38.700 Be so patient, 00:27:39.159 --> 00:27:40.059 And persistent, 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:42.179 To pursue a sinner like me, 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:43.379 With such good news, 00:27:43.380 --> 00:27:47.040 And I want to encourage you, 00:27:47.040 --> 00:27:48.260 With another little story, 00:27:48.260 --> 00:27:50.180 From this mission work in Tahiti, 00:27:50.900 --> 00:27:53.440 Because after three decades of labor, 00:27:53.540 --> 00:27:55.140 With no visible results, 00:27:55.200 --> 00:27:55.940 On the island, 00:27:57.280 --> 00:27:57.920 Henry Knott, 00:27:58.320 --> 00:27:59.260 Had at least mastered, 00:27:59.260 --> 00:28:00.880 The difficult Tahitian language, 00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:03.300 And there was a friend of his, 00:28:03.380 --> 00:28:04.480 Who wanted to come, 00:28:04.620 --> 00:28:05.880 And just be around him, 00:28:06.320 --> 00:28:08.200 And he maybe for the hundredth time, 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:09.259 Recited John 3, 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:10.340 16 to this friend, 00:28:10.620 --> 00:28:12.400 And that's exactly how his friend was feeling, 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:12.819 He said, 00:28:13.779 --> 00:28:15.299 If it's true that God loves the world, 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:17.059 And saves if you believe, 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:18.880 That might be true back in England, 00:28:18.980 --> 00:28:19.480 Where you're from, 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:20.559 That could never be true, 00:28:20.700 --> 00:28:22.019 For a sinner like me, 00:28:22.299 --> 00:28:24.059 If you knew half of the evil things, 00:28:24.059 --> 00:28:24.940 I have done, 00:28:25.120 --> 00:28:28.059 That good news could not be for me, 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:30.640 But the promise, 00:28:31.120 --> 00:28:32.460 Is for whosoever, 00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:35.059 Will believe in Jesus Christ, 00:28:36.299 --> 00:28:37.900 And this can only be true, 00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:39.759 Because of the last word, 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:41.420 What does it mean to have life? 00:28:41.519 --> 00:28:42.420 Because under sin, 00:28:42.660 --> 00:28:44.340 We have the wages of sin, 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:45.299 Which is death, 00:28:45.539 --> 00:28:47.140 In Adam we have death, 00:28:47.279 --> 00:28:47.740 And sin, 00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:49.360 But Jesus promises, 00:28:49.640 --> 00:28:51.340 You will have life, 00:28:52.120 --> 00:28:54.059 And I want to take your eyes next to, 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:55.319 Verse 18, 00:28:56.600 --> 00:28:57.500 Jesus says, 00:28:57.580 --> 00:28:59.100 Whoever believes into him, 00:28:59.220 --> 00:29:00.819 Is not condemned, 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.200 See, 00:29:02.580 --> 00:29:04.539 God sent his son to save you, 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:05.920 You believe into him, 00:29:05.920 --> 00:29:07.600 And you have eternal life now, 00:29:07.599 --> 00:29:09.740 Because you are not condemned, 00:29:10.379 --> 00:29:11.619 You are justified, 00:29:11.939 --> 00:29:13.299 You are made right, 00:29:13.419 --> 00:29:14.699 And declared holy, 00:29:14.859 --> 00:29:15.639 Before God, 00:29:15.879 --> 00:29:17.639 Not because of any works of your own, 00:29:17.699 --> 00:29:19.500 But because of the righteousness of Christ, 00:29:19.659 --> 00:29:21.240 That's been put onto you, 00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:24.279 You have been cleansed by the blood, 00:29:24.379 --> 00:29:26.359 If you believe into Christ, 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:28.279 You are declared righteous, 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:29.740 Before the father, 00:29:29.959 --> 00:29:31.199 You have been pardoned, 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:32.839 Of the debt that you owe, 00:29:32.839 --> 00:29:35.240 Satan can no longer accuse you, 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:36.939 And there is no longer, 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:38.980 A judgment for you, 00:29:39.220 --> 00:29:41.379 Because God's judgment, 00:29:41.379 --> 00:29:43.359 Has been poured out on his son, 00:29:43.799 --> 00:29:44.740 In your place, 00:29:45.079 --> 00:29:46.339 When you are in Christ, 00:29:46.339 --> 00:29:49.379 So, 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:50.459 The life, 00:29:50.599 --> 00:29:52.119 That you enjoy of the age to come, 00:29:52.159 --> 00:29:52.980 It means two things, 00:29:53.079 --> 00:29:53.839 Justification, 00:29:54.019 --> 00:29:55.079 You are declared righteous, 00:29:55.419 --> 00:29:57.279 You are no longer condemned, 00:29:58.179 --> 00:29:59.740 And it means the second thing, 00:30:00.059 --> 00:30:02.240 That you are being sanctified, 00:30:02.500 --> 00:30:03.559 Look at verse 21, 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:06.919 Whoever does what is true, 00:30:07.039 --> 00:30:07.740 Jesus says, 00:30:08.119 --> 00:30:09.659 Comes to the light, 00:30:10.619 --> 00:30:12.480 So that it may be clearly seen, 00:30:12.619 --> 00:30:14.119 That his works have been carried out, 00:30:14.119 --> 00:30:14.479 How? 00:30:15.019 --> 00:30:16.459 Underline those next two words, 00:30:16.779 --> 00:30:17.619 Your good words, 00:30:17.819 --> 00:30:18.539 Your good works, 00:30:18.779 --> 00:30:19.939 If you are united in Christ, 00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:20.859 They are carried out how? 00:30:21.679 --> 00:30:23.159 In God, 00:30:23.739 --> 00:30:26.319 It is God who works from the inside, 00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:28.099 It is God who is carrying out, 00:30:28.299 --> 00:30:30.119 These good works in you, 00:30:30.719 --> 00:30:32.299 And that should comfort you, 00:30:32.379 --> 00:30:33.319 If you are in Christ, 00:30:33.459 --> 00:30:34.639 But you feel beaten down, 00:30:35.079 --> 00:30:35.959 You feel weary, 00:30:36.459 --> 00:30:37.479 And you are wondering, 00:30:37.619 --> 00:30:38.859 How can I go on any longer, 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:40.719 In this present evil age, 00:30:41.259 --> 00:30:42.419 My soul is so ready, 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:43.439 To be with Christ, 00:30:43.440 --> 00:30:45.420 And to be in the full rest, 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:46.400 That we will have with them, 00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:49.299 This verse is to encourage you as well, 00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:51.840 Because on your own, 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:53.039 Even as a Christian, 00:30:53.220 --> 00:30:53.880 On your own, 00:30:54.039 --> 00:30:55.559 Sin is still too strong, 00:30:56.100 --> 00:30:57.740 Death is still everywhere, 00:30:58.299 --> 00:31:00.160 You will run out of hope, 00:31:00.259 --> 00:31:01.200 On your own strength, 00:31:01.299 --> 00:31:02.360 Even as a Christian, 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:03.580 But in Christ, 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:06.299 You have eternal life, 00:31:06.600 --> 00:31:08.559 You are being sanctified, 00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:09.380 In God, 00:31:09.660 --> 00:31:10.740 And that means this, 00:31:10.740 --> 00:31:11.640 It means that, 00:31:11.640 --> 00:31:13.519 The life of the age to come, 00:31:13.900 --> 00:31:16.500 God has implanted in your soul, 00:31:17.140 --> 00:31:18.539 And sanctification means, 00:31:18.640 --> 00:31:19.319 The Holy Spirit, 00:31:19.599 --> 00:31:21.440 Is working it out into your body, 00:31:22.279 --> 00:31:24.460 He is bearing the fruit in your body, 00:31:24.839 --> 00:31:25.980 Of the age to come, 00:31:26.339 --> 00:31:27.180 Right now, 00:31:27.900 --> 00:31:28.920 Never perfectly, 00:31:29.480 --> 00:31:31.160 But always increasingly, 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:32.240 More and more, 00:31:32.599 --> 00:31:33.940 Prepared for heaven, 00:31:34.140 --> 00:31:34.960 With Christ, 00:31:34.960 --> 00:31:40.380 I know I've taken us, 00:31:40.400 --> 00:31:41.279 To some dark places, 00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:42.220 With that illustration, 00:31:42.400 --> 00:31:42.920 On Tahiti, 00:31:43.720 --> 00:31:45.799 I know if, 00:31:45.860 --> 00:31:46.660 If you're like me, 00:31:46.799 --> 00:31:48.220 And Satan accuses you, 00:31:48.940 --> 00:31:49.180 You, 00:31:49.340 --> 00:31:51.100 You will constantly feel like, 00:31:51.220 --> 00:31:51.840 There's no way, 00:31:51.920 --> 00:31:53.600 God could forgive all my sins, 00:31:53.920 --> 00:31:54.940 And the thought of, 00:31:55.019 --> 00:31:56.600 Confessing your sin to God, 00:31:57.079 --> 00:31:58.120 By the help of the Spirit, 00:31:58.220 --> 00:31:58.980 Is terrifying, 00:31:59.980 --> 00:32:01.420 Well you need to praise God, 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:02.079 That he's given you, 00:32:02.120 --> 00:32:03.340 A high view of his holiness, 00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:05.299 But you need to once again, 00:32:05.619 --> 00:32:06.519 Look to Christ, 00:32:06.639 --> 00:32:07.519 And be saved, 00:32:08.579 --> 00:32:09.519 Look to Christ, 00:32:09.599 --> 00:32:10.500 And be strengthened, 00:32:10.679 --> 00:32:11.119 Once again, 00:32:11.179 --> 00:32:12.659 With the life of the age to come, 00:32:12.919 --> 00:32:13.319 Now, 00:32:13.599 --> 00:32:14.779 As it works its way out, 00:32:15.039 --> 00:32:15.659 In your body, 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:17.399 Because there is no darkness, 00:32:17.819 --> 00:32:18.779 That the light of Christ, 00:32:18.859 --> 00:32:20.000 Does not overcome, 00:32:22.240 --> 00:32:24.419 The wicked king of the island of Tahiti, 00:32:24.539 --> 00:32:25.759 His name was Pamore, 00:32:26.199 --> 00:32:28.819 And he died, 00:32:29.139 --> 00:32:30.899 Never believing into Christ, 00:32:31.419 --> 00:32:32.359 He died a wicked, 00:32:32.759 --> 00:32:33.319 Cruel man, 00:32:33.339 --> 00:32:34.980 But he was succeeded, 00:32:34.980 --> 00:32:35.779 By his son, 00:32:36.720 --> 00:32:38.199 And by this point in the story, 00:32:38.459 --> 00:32:38.939 Henry Knott, 00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:39.740 Had been there about, 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:40.720 Three decades, 00:32:40.919 --> 00:32:41.740 Thirty years, 00:32:42.419 --> 00:32:43.240 So this, 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:44.099 New king, 00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:44.899 Pamore II, 00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:46.079 As they called him, 00:32:46.579 --> 00:32:47.379 He had seen, 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:47.919 Henry Knott, 00:32:48.019 --> 00:32:48.399 Live there, 00:32:48.519 --> 00:32:49.039 Among them, 00:32:49.179 --> 00:32:49.579 Tortured, 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:51.079 Miserable life, 00:32:51.299 --> 00:32:51.699 Lonely, 00:32:52.220 --> 00:32:52.819 Discouraged, 00:32:53.480 --> 00:32:53.939 Henry Knott, 00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:54.699 Had a project, 00:32:54.859 --> 00:32:55.779 That even if he would see, 00:32:55.859 --> 00:32:56.459 No converts, 00:32:56.559 --> 00:32:57.519 At least he would labor, 00:32:57.919 --> 00:32:59.699 At translating parts of the Bible, 00:32:59.839 --> 00:33:01.119 Into Tahitian language, 00:33:01.419 --> 00:33:02.679 A very difficult language, 00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:03.980 But during, 00:33:04.320 --> 00:33:04.740 Pamore, 00:33:04.820 --> 00:33:05.840 The first wars, 00:33:06.120 --> 00:33:07.039 His typeset, 00:33:07.120 --> 00:33:08.000 Had been melted down, 00:33:08.060 --> 00:33:08.799 To make bullets, 00:33:09.279 --> 00:33:10.299 And even that project, 00:33:10.420 --> 00:33:11.060 Seemed abandoned, 00:33:11.600 --> 00:33:12.220 And lost, 00:33:12.420 --> 00:33:13.980 I want to read you, 00:33:14.120 --> 00:33:14.680 A few lines, 00:33:14.779 --> 00:33:15.620 From this biography, 00:33:15.619 --> 00:33:18.039 Henry Knott, 00:33:18.139 --> 00:33:18.819 Because of that, 00:33:18.899 --> 00:33:20.319 Long standing presence, 00:33:20.439 --> 00:33:21.419 He had on this island, 00:33:21.939 --> 00:33:23.019 Now with the new king, 00:33:23.139 --> 00:33:23.759 Pamore II, 00:33:24.679 --> 00:33:25.399 He began, 00:33:25.799 --> 00:33:26.279 Once again, 00:33:26.399 --> 00:33:27.399 To show him, 00:33:28.000 --> 00:33:28.459 Kindness, 00:33:29.139 --> 00:33:29.599 Forgiveness, 00:33:30.299 --> 00:33:30.719 Even though, 00:33:30.759 --> 00:33:31.399 Pamore II, 00:33:31.479 --> 00:33:32.259 Was just as wicked, 00:33:32.259 --> 00:33:32.979 As his father, 00:33:33.839 --> 00:33:34.479 And patiently, 00:33:35.119 --> 00:33:35.839 Explaining, 00:33:36.159 --> 00:33:36.839 Who God is, 00:33:37.139 --> 00:33:38.099 And sharing the gospel, 00:33:38.359 --> 00:33:39.079 With this new king, 00:33:40.079 --> 00:33:42.819 Pamore II, 00:33:42.819 --> 00:33:43.500 Was hesitant, 00:33:43.500 --> 00:33:45.379 To allow any kind of worship, 00:33:45.379 --> 00:33:45.980 On his island, 00:33:46.059 --> 00:33:46.879 He didn't want to offend, 00:33:46.879 --> 00:33:47.839 Those wicked gods, 00:33:47.919 --> 00:33:48.579 That they served, 00:33:48.960 --> 00:33:50.000 But he did provide, 00:33:50.000 --> 00:33:50.759 Some supplies, 00:33:50.899 --> 00:33:51.619 For Henry Knott, 00:33:51.740 --> 00:33:52.339 And the missionaries, 00:33:52.419 --> 00:33:53.399 To build a little chapel, 00:33:53.399 --> 00:33:55.019 On a neighboring island, 00:33:55.019 --> 00:33:56.859 And so the missionaries, 00:33:56.859 --> 00:33:58.000 Began holding services, 00:33:58.000 --> 00:33:59.139 On this neighboring island, 00:33:59.139 --> 00:34:00.440 And they, 00:34:00.740 --> 00:34:02.259 Felt with the conviction, 00:34:02.259 --> 00:34:03.079 Of God's word, 00:34:03.180 --> 00:34:04.639 And the power of the spirit, 00:34:04.759 --> 00:34:06.039 That need to invite everyone, 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:07.400 From this Tahitian island, 00:34:07.579 --> 00:34:08.619 To their little chapel, 00:34:08.900 --> 00:34:10.219 For a special service, 00:34:10.480 --> 00:34:11.900 To confess sin, 00:34:12.699 --> 00:34:13.400 Specifically, 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:15.340 Renouncing the idols, 00:34:15.639 --> 00:34:16.639 That they had given, 00:34:16.759 --> 00:34:17.880 Their twisted loves to, 00:34:18.179 --> 00:34:18.960 And that had kept them, 00:34:19.000 --> 00:34:19.480 In darkness, 00:34:19.659 --> 00:34:20.139 And violence, 00:34:20.219 --> 00:34:20.699 And cruelty, 00:34:21.360 --> 00:34:23.579 So 31 Tahitians, 00:34:23.639 --> 00:34:24.820 Got on little canoes, 00:34:25.019 --> 00:34:26.440 And went across the Pacific, 00:34:26.440 --> 00:34:27.320 To this island, 00:34:27.320 --> 00:34:28.400 Where the chapel was, 00:34:29.019 --> 00:34:30.840 And the Lord, 00:34:31.179 --> 00:34:32.659 Opened their eyes, 00:34:32.960 --> 00:34:34.000 To behold Christ, 00:34:34.679 --> 00:34:35.820 On the cross, 00:34:36.539 --> 00:34:38.119 Bearing their sin, 00:34:39.320 --> 00:34:40.539 And giving them the freedom, 00:34:40.780 --> 00:34:42.500 Of no longer being in bondage, 00:34:42.800 --> 00:34:43.539 To these idols, 00:34:43.719 --> 00:34:44.259 To Satan, 00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:45.139 To wickedness, 00:34:45.400 --> 00:34:46.179 To their own, 00:34:46.480 --> 00:34:47.800 Twisted loves, 00:34:49.039 --> 00:34:49.940 31, 00:34:50.480 --> 00:34:51.840 Believed in Christ, 00:34:52.420 --> 00:34:53.519 And a few days later, 00:34:53.519 --> 00:34:54.820 Eleven others, 00:34:54.820 --> 00:34:56.519 Also forsook their idols, 00:34:57.179 --> 00:34:58.199 And they began gathering, 00:34:58.440 --> 00:34:59.539 On the island in Tahiti, 00:34:59.759 --> 00:35:00.139 Praying, 00:35:00.559 --> 00:35:01.699 So that all the other natives, 00:35:01.800 --> 00:35:02.239 Called them, 00:35:02.659 --> 00:35:03.679 The praying people, 00:35:04.380 --> 00:35:05.259 What a great thing, 00:35:05.320 --> 00:35:06.000 To be known as, 00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:07.280 As a new church, 00:35:07.619 --> 00:35:08.539 In this distant part, 00:35:08.559 --> 00:35:09.039 Of the world, 00:35:09.579 --> 00:35:10.599 Well, 00:35:10.960 --> 00:35:12.119 As this services, 00:35:12.119 --> 00:35:13.800 Continued on the chapel nearby, 00:35:14.400 --> 00:35:15.239 Pamore II, 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:16.860 Eventually decided to visit, 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:18.840 And he began to hear the gospel, 00:35:19.219 --> 00:35:20.019 And be part of their, 00:35:20.219 --> 00:35:21.840 Worship services as well, 00:35:21.840 --> 00:35:23.400 And over time, 00:35:23.460 --> 00:35:24.860 He wanted to be discipled, 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:26.120 That was his next step, 00:35:26.539 --> 00:35:27.920 Teach me who God is, 00:35:28.280 --> 00:35:29.300 Show me what this means, 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:31.019 For how I view my life, 00:35:31.140 --> 00:35:32.100 And what I live for, 00:35:32.519 --> 00:35:34.140 And on Sunday, 00:35:34.680 --> 00:35:35.140 May 16th, 00:35:35.900 --> 00:35:37.140 1816, 00:35:37.800 --> 00:35:38.900 In the presence of, 00:35:38.900 --> 00:35:40.860 5,000 Tahitians, 00:35:41.460 --> 00:35:42.660 King Pamore II, 00:35:42.960 --> 00:35:44.059 Was baptized, 00:35:44.920 --> 00:35:46.440 By God's grace, 00:35:46.640 --> 00:35:48.440 More than 20 years after that, 00:35:48.440 --> 00:35:51.059 A complete Bible, 00:35:51.360 --> 00:35:52.500 In the Tahitian language, 00:35:52.599 --> 00:35:53.980 Was published back in London, 00:35:54.360 --> 00:35:55.000 And distributed, 00:35:55.240 --> 00:35:56.179 And brought over in ships, 00:35:56.260 --> 00:35:57.220 So that all the people, 00:35:57.480 --> 00:35:59.400 Who believed in this island of Tahiti, 00:35:59.740 --> 00:36:00.659 Could have the Bible, 00:36:01.019 --> 00:36:02.119 In their own language, 00:36:02.960 --> 00:36:04.559 A true church was built, 00:36:04.780 --> 00:36:05.880 Among the Tahitians, 00:36:06.380 --> 00:36:08.500 And I want you to turn to Isaiah chapter 2, 00:36:08.559 --> 00:36:09.880 To see what God fulfilled, 00:36:10.559 --> 00:36:11.440 That day, 00:36:11.659 --> 00:36:12.500 And what he's fulfilling, 00:36:12.579 --> 00:36:13.920 Even now in our midst today, 00:36:14.659 --> 00:36:15.900 Isaiah chapter 2, 00:36:16.519 --> 00:36:17.559 Verse 2, 00:36:17.559 --> 00:36:22.679 Now remember, 00:36:22.900 --> 00:36:23.840 Isaiah was writing, 00:36:24.259 --> 00:36:25.619 To a people in exile, 00:36:25.960 --> 00:36:27.360 They didn't have a promised land, 00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:29.279 He's causing them to look to, 00:36:29.679 --> 00:36:30.639 The age to come, 00:36:31.279 --> 00:36:33.099 Just as God calls us today, 00:36:33.820 --> 00:36:34.920 Isaiah chapter 2, 00:36:34.980 --> 00:36:35.500 Verse 2, 00:36:36.500 --> 00:36:37.940 It has come to pass, 00:36:38.079 --> 00:36:39.139 In the latter days, 00:36:39.440 --> 00:36:40.340 That your kingdom, 00:36:40.639 --> 00:36:42.239 Like a mighty mountain, 00:36:43.019 --> 00:36:43.920 Where you, 00:36:43.920 --> 00:36:44.500 O Lord, 00:36:44.639 --> 00:36:45.059 Dwell, 00:36:45.279 --> 00:36:46.779 And from where you rule, 00:36:46.780 --> 00:36:48.880 Your everlasting kingdom, 00:36:49.540 --> 00:36:50.640 Shall be established, 00:36:51.280 --> 00:36:52.680 As the highest of the mountains, 00:36:53.000 --> 00:36:54.560 And shall be lifted up, 00:36:54.980 --> 00:36:56.900 And all the nations, 00:36:57.220 --> 00:36:59.140 Shall flow to it, 00:36:59.680 --> 00:37:01.840 The word of the God, 00:37:01.960 --> 00:37:03.480 The word of God comes true, 00:37:03.720 --> 00:37:05.540 His word will be fulfilled, 00:37:05.840 --> 00:37:07.360 All the nations will flow, 00:37:07.480 --> 00:37:08.980 To the kingdom of God, 00:37:09.180 --> 00:37:11.120 Everyone who will look to Christ, 00:37:11.120 --> 00:37:12.460 Will be saved, 00:37:12.460 --> 00:37:14.260 And as a church, 00:37:14.760 --> 00:37:16.460 We need to be part of this, 00:37:17.220 --> 00:37:18.679 We can so easily, 00:37:19.099 --> 00:37:20.880 I'm thinking for the decades to come, 00:37:20.980 --> 00:37:21.320 Lord willing, 00:37:21.380 --> 00:37:22.300 We can so easily, 00:37:22.519 --> 00:37:23.659 Lose our focus, 00:37:23.740 --> 00:37:25.079 On the coming of Christ's kingdom, 00:37:25.539 --> 00:37:25.880 Near, 00:37:26.159 --> 00:37:27.539 Where we work with the people we're with, 00:37:27.639 --> 00:37:28.260 And also far, 00:37:28.360 --> 00:37:29.179 To the ends of the earth, 00:37:29.260 --> 00:37:30.139 Till all the nations, 00:37:30.519 --> 00:37:32.099 Flow into Christ, 00:37:32.260 --> 00:37:33.780 And his kingdom of the age to come, 00:37:34.559 --> 00:37:36.740 There are about 6,000, 00:37:36.739 --> 00:37:37.799 People groups, 00:37:37.899 --> 00:37:38.939 In languages today, 00:37:38.939 --> 00:37:41.159 That still do not have a complete Bible, 00:37:41.639 --> 00:37:42.639 In their language, 00:37:43.000 --> 00:37:44.279 How can we be part of that? 00:37:45.759 --> 00:37:47.079 Our prayer will be that, 00:37:47.339 --> 00:37:48.279 Every people group, 00:37:48.399 --> 00:37:49.239 Everywhere in the world, 00:37:49.699 --> 00:37:51.919 Can see how much God loved the world, 00:37:52.000 --> 00:37:54.259 That he sent his only son, 00:37:54.739 --> 00:37:57.759 That whoever will believe into him, 00:37:58.039 --> 00:38:00.919 Will have eternal life, 00:38:02.419 --> 00:38:03.599 In Acts 13, 00:38:03.719 --> 00:38:04.179 This happens, 00:38:04.179 --> 00:38:07.359 Just as the Father made the Son a light for all nations, 00:38:07.480 --> 00:38:09.919 So the Lord Jesus sends out his people, 00:38:10.399 --> 00:38:12.039 That he may bring salvation, 00:38:12.039 --> 00:38:13.339 To the ends of the earth, 00:38:13.759 --> 00:38:15.519 And as you go today, 00:38:15.559 --> 00:38:16.779 I want you to think about that, 00:38:17.239 --> 00:38:18.519 God has put you here, 00:38:18.699 --> 00:38:19.639 Where he's planted you, 00:38:19.719 --> 00:38:21.199 The people in your life right now, 00:38:21.460 --> 00:38:23.480 Maybe new people he will bring into your life, 00:38:23.619 --> 00:38:25.179 So that you can proclaim, 00:38:25.519 --> 00:38:27.819 The goodness of the coming kingdom of Christ, 00:38:28.159 --> 00:38:31.039 That they can have eternal life now, 00:38:31.199 --> 00:38:32.299 And enjoy the rest, 00:38:32.739 --> 00:38:33.199 And God, 00:38:33.199 --> 00:38:34.319 That is provided, 00:38:34.659 --> 00:38:35.399 Let's pray, 00:38:36.000 --> 00:38:37.099 From Acts 13, 00:38:38.460 --> 00:38:39.319 Oh Lord, 00:38:39.500 --> 00:38:41.159 Cause the glorious light of Christ, 00:38:41.299 --> 00:38:42.759 To shine upon our souls, 00:38:42.859 --> 00:38:43.579 In a new way, 00:38:43.859 --> 00:38:44.639 Even this hour, 00:38:45.199 --> 00:38:46.539 And move with power, 00:38:46.639 --> 00:38:47.480 By your Holy Spirit, 00:38:47.599 --> 00:38:49.179 So that our hearts will respond, 00:38:49.719 --> 00:38:50.579 In the same way, 00:38:50.639 --> 00:38:51.719 That the new believers did, 00:38:51.799 --> 00:38:53.000 In Acts chapter 13, 00:38:53.379 --> 00:38:54.599 May we rejoice, 00:38:55.179 --> 00:38:56.179 And glorify, 00:38:56.539 --> 00:38:57.659 The word of the Lord, 00:38:58.079 --> 00:38:58.739 So that, 00:38:59.119 --> 00:38:59.819 As many, 00:38:59.980 --> 00:39:01.019 As you have appointed, 00:39:01.019 --> 00:39:02.559 Appointed to eternal life, 00:39:02.679 --> 00:39:03.599 May believe in you, 00:39:04.259 --> 00:39:05.119 This very moment, 00:39:05.320 --> 00:39:05.880 We pray, 00:39:06.199 --> 00:39:06.440 Amen. 00:39:06.440 --> 00:39:07.440 Okay.