WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.720 Will you join me as we pray together? If you don't know me, by the way, my name is Kevin, and we're going to pray together as a church, so won't you join me in this time of prayer? 00:00:10.179 --> 00:00:20.059 Oh great and glorious God, you are the sovereign, all-powerful, uncreated one, and we come to you this morning to worship you. 00:00:20.919 --> 00:00:37.579 Sovereign God, your glory knows no ends. Your majesty and your power are supreme. Your holiness and your worth are more than we can imagine. They are beyond description or words, God. 00:00:38.700 --> 00:00:43.899 God, we so need you to open the eyes of our hearts to see you, to see your glory. 00:00:43.899 --> 00:00:57.799 Father, as we come to you this morning and as we come to your word, we pray, God, won't you deliver us from small visions of you, from limited perspectives of your majesty and your beauty. 00:00:58.579 --> 00:01:06.319 Father, we confess that so often our lives are shaped by such a meager understanding of who you are and your glory, God. 00:01:06.319 --> 00:01:17.639 Oh sovereign God, this morning we've come to remind our hearts, to remind one another, to declare that you are worthy of our worship, worthy to receive glory and honor and power. 00:01:17.799 --> 00:01:22.919 God, this morning as we look at your word, Holy Spirit, won't you open the eyes of our hearts to see you? 00:01:24.319 --> 00:01:26.060 We so need you to do that, Lord. 00:01:27.539 --> 00:01:32.479 Heavenly Fathers, we come to your word now. We desperately want to hear you speaking to us. 00:01:32.759 --> 00:01:36.039 We come to your word because we want to meet with you, God. 00:01:36.319 --> 00:01:38.979 We want to encounter with you, the living God, this morning. 00:01:39.719 --> 00:01:44.099 Holy Spirit, we ask you to open our hearts to see you and encounter you in your word. 00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:47.839 Give us revelation. Give us fresh perspective. 00:01:48.899 --> 00:01:51.819 Give us hope. Give us faith. Give us courage. 00:01:52.639 --> 00:02:04.019 Father, just as this passage of scripture we're going to read would have given faith and courage to your people 2,000 years ago, facing great challenges in life, so we pray it will do the same for us. 00:02:04.019 --> 00:02:09.460 Holy Spirit, even now, soften our hearts to hear from you and to meet with you. 00:02:09.519 --> 00:02:13.900 Every one of us, God, soften our hearts now to receive your word, we pray. 00:02:17.680 --> 00:02:21.400 Father, we want to pray for our city again this morning and the people of Hong Kong. 00:02:22.400 --> 00:02:25.000 Lord, we pray that our city will see you in all its glory. 00:02:25.500 --> 00:02:28.300 When Oscar prayed for us, we pray for our city. 00:02:28.460 --> 00:02:30.500 God, come and revive our hearts, we pray. 00:02:30.500 --> 00:02:34.919 God, we want to pray for ourselves and we pray for our city. 00:02:35.259 --> 00:02:47.219 Be merciful to Hong Kong and help us as a city to see your majesty, to see the false gods that are before us, to see that all power structures in every city will one day bow the knee before you. 00:02:47.920 --> 00:02:52.420 God, we pray that you will give our city hope because its hope has been found in you. 00:02:52.419 --> 00:02:57.179 Father, we pray for the planned protests this afternoon. 00:02:57.739 --> 00:02:59.399 We pray for peace to prevail. 00:03:00.259 --> 00:03:03.479 We pray, God, for protesters to exercise restraint. 00:03:04.279 --> 00:03:08.119 We pray for police to maintain peace and not antagonize. 00:03:08.579 --> 00:03:14.779 We pray for rival groups and factions that have different views not to incite violence or aggression. 00:03:14.780 --> 00:03:20.340 We pray, God, for whatever protests happen in our city this afternoon, for them to be peaceful. 00:03:22.580 --> 00:03:27.939 Father, God, finally we pray for each and every one of us today, as well as those that couldn't make it. 00:03:28.400 --> 00:03:33.520 We pray that as we go into our week this week, those of us traveling, those of us staying in Hong Kong, 00:03:33.659 --> 00:03:38.620 that we will do so walking with you, in awe of you, humbled by your grace and your glory, 00:03:38.780 --> 00:03:41.479 and yet confident in your love and your mercy. 00:03:41.479 --> 00:03:44.859 God, may each day be lived for the praise of your name. 00:03:45.299 --> 00:03:49.780 Whether we are making a business deal, looking for work, going for interviews, 00:03:50.120 --> 00:03:55.500 carrying out the most menial of tasks, God, be glorified in our words and our deeds, we pray. 00:03:56.120 --> 00:04:01.519 We pray these things in your sovereign, eternal, holy, and almighty name. 00:04:02.120 --> 00:04:03.419 Amen. Amen. 00:04:04.239 --> 00:04:07.479 Victoria's going to come and read Revelation chapter 4 to us. 00:04:07.519 --> 00:04:08.659 Let's listen up. 00:04:11.479 --> 00:04:15.359 The scripture reading comes from Revelation chapter 4. 00:04:15.780 --> 00:04:18.879 Please follow along in your bulletins or on the screen. 00:04:20.399 --> 00:04:25.459 After this, I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, 00:04:26.019 --> 00:04:31.339 and the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, 00:04:31.620 --> 00:04:35.939 Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this. 00:04:35.939 --> 00:04:43.500 At once I was in the spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. 00:04:44.019 --> 00:04:48.720 And he who sat there had the appearance of Jesper and Carnelian, 00:04:49.060 --> 00:04:52.920 and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 00:04:53.879 --> 00:04:56.680 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, 00:04:56.680 --> 00:05:00.480 and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, 00:05:00.980 --> 00:05:04.939 clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 00:05:05.660 --> 00:05:10.639 From the throne came fleshes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder. 00:05:11.139 --> 00:05:14.740 And before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, 00:05:15.060 --> 00:05:16.980 which are the seven spirits of God. 00:05:16.980 --> 00:05:22.780 And before the throne, there was, as it were, a sea of glass like crystal. 00:05:24.140 --> 00:05:27.319 And around the throne, on each side of the throne, 00:05:27.660 --> 00:05:32.160 are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind. 00:05:32.680 --> 00:05:35.340 The first living creature, like a lion. 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:38.400 The second living creature, like an ox. 00:05:38.800 --> 00:05:41.879 The third living creature, with the face of a man. 00:05:42.180 --> 00:05:45.500 And the fourth living creature, like an eagle in flight. 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:51.160 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, 00:05:51.620 --> 00:05:54.300 are full of eyes all around and within. 00:05:54.779 --> 00:05:57.720 And day and night, they never cease to say, 00:05:58.660 --> 00:06:02.180 Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, 00:06:02.800 --> 00:06:05.120 who was and is and is to come. 00:06:06.620 --> 00:06:09.839 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor 00:06:09.839 --> 00:06:12.379 and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, 00:06:12.680 --> 00:06:14.160 who lives forever and ever, 00:06:14.160 --> 00:06:17.920 the twenty-four elders fall down before him, 00:06:18.220 --> 00:06:19.640 who was seated on the throne, 00:06:19.820 --> 00:06:22.900 and worship him, who lives forever and ever. 00:06:23.640 --> 00:06:26.460 They cast their crowns before the throne, 00:06:26.900 --> 00:06:27.400 saying, 00:06:28.400 --> 00:06:30.900 Worthy are you, our Lord and God, 00:06:31.320 --> 00:06:34.100 to receive glory and honor and power. 00:06:34.660 --> 00:06:36.540 For you created all things, 00:06:36.960 --> 00:06:40.320 and by your will they existed and were created. 00:06:40.319 --> 00:06:42.680 This is the word of God. 00:06:43.879 --> 00:06:44.379 Great. 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:45.399 Thank you, Victoria. 00:06:47.099 --> 00:06:49.500 When you read the newspaper, 00:06:50.139 --> 00:06:52.899 which these days isn't found on paper, 00:06:53.439 --> 00:06:54.620 when you read the news, 00:06:55.199 --> 00:06:58.740 what do you see? 00:06:59.639 --> 00:07:01.300 Who's governing the world? 00:07:02.159 --> 00:07:04.839 Who's holding the power of the world? 00:07:04.839 --> 00:07:06.919 Who can you trust? 00:07:07.879 --> 00:07:09.299 And maybe another question is, 00:07:09.639 --> 00:07:11.719 the story that is our lives, 00:07:11.859 --> 00:07:13.659 where does that story end? 00:07:14.439 --> 00:07:16.039 How does that story end? 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:19.799 Today we are looking at Revelation chapter 4, 00:07:19.919 --> 00:07:21.299 as Victoria read it to us. 00:07:21.959 --> 00:07:23.659 And over the last two weeks, 00:07:23.799 --> 00:07:25.799 we've been diving into the book of Revelation, 00:07:26.319 --> 00:07:28.539 and we've looked at Jesus' letter 00:07:28.539 --> 00:07:31.799 to the seven churches in Asia Minor province, 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:35.220 and we saw that each one of these churches 00:07:35.220 --> 00:07:36.800 is struggling, 00:07:37.280 --> 00:07:39.420 either with persecution and oppression, 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:43.319 or they are tempted to give in to compromise 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:46.780 and becoming just like the cultures around them. 00:07:47.460 --> 00:07:50.080 And what we're going to see from chapter 6 onwards 00:07:50.080 --> 00:07:52.720 is that the difficulties and the challenges 00:07:52.720 --> 00:07:55.000 that the churches and the Christians face 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:57.840 are not about to come to any sort of end. 00:07:58.220 --> 00:07:59.220 They're going to continue. 00:07:59.220 --> 00:08:01.660 In fact, the series we called is 00:08:01.660 --> 00:08:03.840 From the Cross to the Throne, 00:08:04.300 --> 00:08:05.520 and it's kind of a picture of how 00:08:05.520 --> 00:08:07.360 the entire story of the church, 00:08:07.460 --> 00:08:09.880 from the time Jesus died and rose again 00:08:09.880 --> 00:08:11.240 until the time he comes back, 00:08:11.580 --> 00:08:13.040 this is the book of Revelation. 00:08:13.280 --> 00:08:14.860 And the challenges that they face 00:08:14.860 --> 00:08:17.080 are the challenges that we're going to face. 00:08:17.760 --> 00:08:20.560 And so Jesus writes this book to these churches 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:22.340 because what do they need? 00:08:22.900 --> 00:08:24.220 These churches that are facing difficulty, 00:08:25.140 --> 00:08:27.180 they don't just need a prep talk. 00:08:27.180 --> 00:08:29.660 They don't just need management advice 00:08:29.660 --> 00:08:31.400 of what to do, 00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:33.340 how to manage the churches through difficulty. 00:08:34.060 --> 00:08:36.000 They don't just need three tips 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:37.180 on how to grow your church. 00:08:37.659 --> 00:08:39.879 What they need to do is have concrete answers 00:08:39.879 --> 00:08:43.220 to the biggest and the most pressing questions of life. 00:08:43.639 --> 00:08:44.779 Who's governing the world? 00:08:45.220 --> 00:08:46.200 Who can you trust? 00:08:46.680 --> 00:08:47.860 Who holds the power, 00:08:47.980 --> 00:08:49.060 and how does it all end? 00:08:49.919 --> 00:08:51.000 And if we think about it, 00:08:51.019 --> 00:08:52.120 these are actually questions 00:08:52.120 --> 00:08:54.779 that we in our day and age ask ourselves, 00:08:54.779 --> 00:08:56.799 especially in difficult times, 00:08:57.079 --> 00:08:58.319 like our city is facing, 00:08:58.860 --> 00:09:00.480 in economic trade wars, 00:09:01.019 --> 00:09:03.899 when our city is going through turmoil and challenges, 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:05.779 in political uncertainty, 00:09:06.319 --> 00:09:07.339 who can we trust? 00:09:07.879 --> 00:09:09.000 Who can we hold on to? 00:09:09.100 --> 00:09:10.419 Who's holding the power? 00:09:11.339 --> 00:09:14.579 Now, to John's original recipients of this letter, 00:09:15.019 --> 00:09:18.439 when they read the metaphorical newspapers of their day, 00:09:18.440 --> 00:09:21.440 the answer was pretty clear. 00:09:22.040 --> 00:09:25.180 They saw the pomp and the power of Rome 00:09:25.180 --> 00:09:26.180 in the Roman Empire, 00:09:26.420 --> 00:09:27.920 and the answer was clear. 00:09:28.420 --> 00:09:29.540 Rome holds the power. 00:09:30.160 --> 00:09:31.260 Rome holds authority. 00:09:32.220 --> 00:09:34.060 Rome is governing the world, 00:09:34.200 --> 00:09:36.840 and those aligned with Rome and its agenda 00:09:36.840 --> 00:09:38.880 are the ones that win in the end. 00:09:39.720 --> 00:09:41.540 Throughout the Roman Empire, 00:09:41.680 --> 00:09:45.100 the early Christians would see the Roman standard, 00:09:45.260 --> 00:09:47.480 that banner that they would hold up 00:09:47.480 --> 00:09:48.379 as they go into war, 00:09:48.800 --> 00:09:51.159 and they would have the emblem of the Roman Empire, 00:09:51.340 --> 00:09:54.360 which was an eagle with outspread arms on it, 00:09:54.779 --> 00:09:56.860 kind of like the American seal, I guess. 00:09:57.399 --> 00:09:59.300 And everywhere they went, 00:09:59.379 --> 00:10:01.500 they would see this Roman seal 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:03.960 demonstrating its power and its authority. 00:10:04.519 --> 00:10:06.039 As they walked around the city, 00:10:06.139 --> 00:10:07.759 they would see these magisterial, 00:10:07.860 --> 00:10:09.460 these colossal buildings, 00:10:10.100 --> 00:10:12.560 which were made of marble, 00:10:12.720 --> 00:10:13.740 which were meant to demonstrate 00:10:13.740 --> 00:10:15.480 that Rome will stand forever. 00:10:15.480 --> 00:10:17.240 They're these imposing buildings. 00:10:17.480 --> 00:10:19.720 Rome's propaganda campaign 00:10:19.720 --> 00:10:21.500 was a well-oiled machine, 00:10:21.680 --> 00:10:23.279 reminding the citizens daily 00:10:23.279 --> 00:10:26.060 who it was that was governing the world, 00:10:26.279 --> 00:10:28.379 and where their peace and their security 00:10:28.379 --> 00:10:29.420 and their hope lay. 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:33.100 You know, archaeologists have found recently 00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:34.440 in the city of Ephesus, 00:10:35.080 --> 00:10:37.700 on one of the shop houses, 00:10:38.360 --> 00:10:39.740 there's carved graffiti 00:10:39.740 --> 00:10:41.139 into one of the stone buildings, 00:10:41.220 --> 00:10:42.080 and it says this. 00:10:42.080 --> 00:10:42.820 It says, 00:10:43.240 --> 00:10:45.600 Rome, your power will never end. 00:10:46.460 --> 00:10:47.560 And the question is, 00:10:47.820 --> 00:10:49.720 who was the custodian of this power? 00:10:50.080 --> 00:10:51.860 Who was the one that governed it 00:10:51.860 --> 00:10:52.980 and held it in his hands? 00:10:53.520 --> 00:10:54.820 It was the emperor, right? 00:10:55.320 --> 00:10:56.220 Everybody knew. 00:10:56.540 --> 00:10:58.680 The emperor was the one who held this power. 00:10:59.180 --> 00:11:01.340 Whenever the emperor won some battle, 00:11:01.940 --> 00:11:03.960 they would march those that they defeated 00:11:03.960 --> 00:11:05.560 through the streets of the city 00:11:05.560 --> 00:11:07.140 in a triumphal procession. 00:11:07.139 --> 00:11:09.279 And so the emperor would go first 00:11:09.279 --> 00:11:10.299 if it was near Rome, 00:11:10.480 --> 00:11:12.559 and then the Roman soldiers would follow, 00:11:12.720 --> 00:11:13.799 and then the captives, 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:15.220 tied up in chains, 00:11:15.299 --> 00:11:16.360 would follow behind, 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:18.840 followed lastly by the spoils of war. 00:11:19.439 --> 00:11:21.960 And as the emperor entered the streets, 00:11:22.259 --> 00:11:23.899 the citizens lining the streets 00:11:23.899 --> 00:11:25.319 would shout out, 00:11:25.720 --> 00:11:26.919 worthy are you, 00:11:27.080 --> 00:11:28.120 worthy are you, 00:11:28.199 --> 00:11:29.699 our Lord and our God. 00:11:30.259 --> 00:11:31.860 And so this is what it felt to live, 00:11:31.980 --> 00:11:32.740 this is what it felt like 00:11:32.740 --> 00:11:33.899 to live in the Roman Empire. 00:11:33.899 --> 00:11:36.480 Now for the Christians 00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:38.279 in these young churches, 00:11:39.139 --> 00:11:40.679 this meant big questions. 00:11:41.819 --> 00:11:43.419 Where did their fate lie? 00:11:44.039 --> 00:11:46.799 Was it tied up with Rome and the emperor? 00:11:47.399 --> 00:11:51.939 Did Domitian hold their future in his hands? 00:11:52.959 --> 00:11:54.620 What would happen if they rebelled 00:11:54.620 --> 00:11:57.059 against the all-powerful Roman Empire? 00:11:57.539 --> 00:11:59.840 Is God really in control 00:11:59.840 --> 00:12:01.960 when it seems like Rome is the one 00:12:01.960 --> 00:12:03.019 that's running the world? 00:12:03.899 --> 00:12:04.620 Friends, for those of us 00:12:04.620 --> 00:12:05.579 that are followers of Jesus 00:12:05.579 --> 00:12:06.899 in this great city of ours, 00:12:07.019 --> 00:12:07.840 these are questions 00:12:07.840 --> 00:12:10.139 that we have to grapple with as well. 00:12:10.799 --> 00:12:11.699 Especially in times 00:12:11.699 --> 00:12:13.100 of such turmoil and difficulty. 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:14.579 Who's controlling our future? 00:12:15.120 --> 00:12:16.319 How safe is our future? 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:18.620 What happens if we go against 00:12:18.620 --> 00:12:20.079 the tide of our culture 00:12:20.079 --> 00:12:21.399 and swim upstream? 00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:23.519 Is our life in danger? 00:12:24.059 --> 00:12:25.960 How's the story all gonna end? 00:12:27.279 --> 00:12:28.879 In the Old Testament, 00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:30.220 there's this amazing story 00:12:30.220 --> 00:12:32.240 because the king of Syria 00:12:32.240 --> 00:12:34.680 wants to attack the nation of Israel. 00:12:35.340 --> 00:12:37.920 And so he makes these plans 00:12:37.920 --> 00:12:39.879 with his generals and his leaders. 00:12:40.300 --> 00:12:41.139 But the problem is 00:12:41.139 --> 00:12:42.759 whenever he makes these plans 00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:44.060 and they decide which way 00:12:44.060 --> 00:12:45.320 they're gonna attack Israel, 00:12:45.860 --> 00:12:48.639 God tells the king of Syria's plans 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:50.879 to Elisha the prophet. 00:12:51.100 --> 00:12:52.180 And Elisha goes and tells 00:12:52.180 --> 00:12:53.000 the king of Israel. 00:12:53.560 --> 00:12:55.000 And so Syria kind of get 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:55.920 the army together 00:12:55.919 --> 00:12:57.759 and they want the element 00:12:57.759 --> 00:12:58.439 of surprise 00:12:58.439 --> 00:12:58.879 and they say, 00:12:59.079 --> 00:12:59.919 they go this way 00:12:59.919 --> 00:13:01.360 and they find Israel's 00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:02.059 not there anymore. 00:13:02.279 --> 00:13:03.659 They've anticipated their attack. 00:13:04.139 --> 00:13:04.839 And so the next day 00:13:04.839 --> 00:13:05.879 they'll try something else 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.879 and Israel's not there 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:07.839 because they've anticipated 00:13:07.839 --> 00:13:08.599 their attack. 00:13:09.240 --> 00:13:09.839 And so eventually 00:13:09.839 --> 00:13:10.679 the king of Syria 00:13:10.679 --> 00:13:12.059 is fed up with this 00:13:12.059 --> 00:13:13.339 and he says to his generals, 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:14.799 one of you's a mole. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:15.979 One of you's telling them 00:13:15.979 --> 00:13:16.599 our secrets. 00:13:16.679 --> 00:13:17.219 Who is it? 00:13:17.779 --> 00:13:18.979 And one guy says, 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:19.599 listen, 00:13:19.719 --> 00:13:20.819 none of us are giving away 00:13:20.819 --> 00:13:21.439 our secrets, 00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:23.740 but Elisha is a prophet 00:13:23.740 --> 00:13:25.159 and God speaks to him. 00:13:25.419 --> 00:13:26.840 God gives away our secrets. 00:13:27.480 --> 00:13:28.200 And so the king says, 00:13:28.299 --> 00:13:28.440 okay, 00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:29.500 this is what we're gonna do. 00:13:30.039 --> 00:13:30.440 Tonight, 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:31.399 we're gonna go 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:33.560 and circle Elisha's house 00:13:33.560 --> 00:13:35.039 and threaten him 00:13:35.039 --> 00:13:36.440 and if he doesn't listen, 00:13:36.539 --> 00:13:37.500 we're gonna sort him out 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:38.639 and then Elisha 00:13:38.639 --> 00:13:39.279 will be out the way 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.560 and then we can attack Israel. 00:13:41.299 --> 00:13:42.120 And so that night, 00:13:42.639 --> 00:13:44.080 Syria gets all his armies 00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:44.860 and his chariots 00:13:44.860 --> 00:13:46.080 and he goes to the town 00:13:46.080 --> 00:13:47.019 where Elisha lives 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:49.600 and he circles the entire town 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:51.299 with horses and chariots. 00:13:52.100 --> 00:13:52.740 And in the morning, 00:13:52.740 --> 00:13:54.720 Elisha's servant wakes up, 00:13:55.220 --> 00:13:56.480 he opens the front door 00:13:56.480 --> 00:13:57.659 and he gets the fright 00:13:57.659 --> 00:13:58.259 of his life 00:13:58.259 --> 00:13:59.259 because the whole town 00:13:59.259 --> 00:14:00.180 is just surrounded 00:14:00.180 --> 00:14:02.320 by Syrian chariots 00:14:02.320 --> 00:14:02.940 and horses. 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:04.680 And so he closes the door, 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:05.519 he goes inside 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:06.000 and he says, 00:14:06.440 --> 00:14:06.840 master, 00:14:07.039 --> 00:14:07.460 master, 00:14:07.740 --> 00:14:08.919 they've surrounded us. 00:14:09.100 --> 00:14:10.080 What shall we do? 00:14:10.840 --> 00:14:12.019 And Elisha says, 00:14:12.399 --> 00:14:13.600 do not be afraid 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:15.680 for those that are with us 00:14:15.680 --> 00:14:17.180 are more than those 00:14:17.180 --> 00:14:17.919 that are with them. 00:14:18.620 --> 00:14:18.899 Okay? 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:20.419 And the servant says, 00:14:20.580 --> 00:14:21.340 what do you mean? 00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:23.280 And then Elisha prays 00:14:23.280 --> 00:14:23.639 and he says, 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:24.780 O Lord God, 00:14:24.940 --> 00:14:25.960 open his eyes 00:14:25.960 --> 00:14:26.899 that he may see. 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:28.780 And the Lord opens 00:14:28.780 --> 00:14:29.879 the eyes of the servant 00:14:29.879 --> 00:14:30.440 spiritually 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:31.620 and he sees 00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:33.000 and the Bible says this, 00:14:33.259 --> 00:14:33.920 he says, 00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:35.519 he saw and behold, 00:14:35.940 --> 00:14:37.519 the mountain was full of horses 00:14:37.519 --> 00:14:39.040 and chariots of fire 00:14:39.040 --> 00:14:40.100 all around. 00:14:40.879 --> 00:14:42.300 And so God opens his eyes 00:14:42.300 --> 00:14:43.360 and he sees spiritually 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:44.379 that there are angels 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:45.200 all around 00:14:45.200 --> 00:14:46.700 on the hills of the mountains 00:14:46.700 --> 00:14:47.879 surrounding the town 00:14:47.879 --> 00:14:48.799 and that actually 00:14:48.799 --> 00:14:50.419 there are more angels, 00:14:50.559 --> 00:14:51.200 more warriors 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:52.799 with Elisha and his servant 00:14:52.799 --> 00:14:54.259 than with the enemy. 00:14:55.700 --> 00:14:57.399 In Revelation chapter 4, 00:14:58.179 --> 00:15:00.259 John is wanting to show us, 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:00.919 he's wanting us 00:15:00.919 --> 00:15:01.899 to open our eyes 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:02.620 and to behold 00:15:02.620 --> 00:15:03.320 and to see 00:15:03.320 --> 00:15:04.480 what's really going on. 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:05.899 To behold something 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:07.200 means to see something 00:15:07.200 --> 00:15:07.779 in such a way 00:15:07.779 --> 00:15:09.019 that it captures your heart 00:15:09.019 --> 00:15:09.679 and your attention. 00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:11.559 And this is what Jesus wants 00:15:11.559 --> 00:15:12.460 for these young churches 00:15:12.460 --> 00:15:13.259 in the Roman Empire 00:15:13.259 --> 00:15:14.159 and this is what he wants 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:14.620 for us. 00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:16.139 He wants the eyes 00:15:16.139 --> 00:15:16.720 of our hearts 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:17.580 to be opened 00:15:17.580 --> 00:15:19.399 to see what's going on 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:20.440 in the spiritual realm 00:15:20.440 --> 00:15:21.759 so that when the threats 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:22.639 and the challenges 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:23.600 and the difficulty 00:15:23.600 --> 00:15:24.519 come our way, 00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:26.379 when fear and anxiety 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:27.899 come knocking at our door, 00:15:28.960 --> 00:15:30.899 he wants us to behold 00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:32.779 to see what's really going on 00:15:32.779 --> 00:15:33.379 so that we can have 00:15:33.379 --> 00:15:34.379 the correct perspective 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:34.840 in life. 00:15:35.299 --> 00:15:37.100 And that's what Revelation chapter 4 00:15:37.100 --> 00:15:37.740 is all about. 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:39.200 John is showing us 00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:40.539 a different reality. 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:41.919 Now that doesn't mean 00:15:41.919 --> 00:15:42.779 that our current view 00:15:42.779 --> 00:15:43.659 of the world is wrong. 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:44.399 You know, 00:15:44.419 --> 00:15:44.939 when the servant 00:15:44.939 --> 00:15:45.679 opened the door 00:15:45.679 --> 00:15:46.659 and saw the chariots, 00:15:46.719 --> 00:15:47.319 it wasn't like 00:15:47.319 --> 00:15:48.259 they weren't there 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:48.939 and, you know, 00:15:49.019 --> 00:15:50.360 seen a mirage 00:15:50.360 --> 00:15:51.500 or an image. 00:15:51.679 --> 00:15:52.579 They really were there 00:15:52.579 --> 00:15:53.679 but that wasn't 00:15:53.679 --> 00:15:54.639 the complete picture. 00:15:55.100 --> 00:15:55.860 That was only half 00:15:55.860 --> 00:15:56.299 the picture. 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:58.159 God opens his eyes 00:15:58.159 --> 00:15:59.740 to see the full reality 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:00.539 of what's going on 00:16:00.539 --> 00:16:01.219 and that's what 00:16:01.219 --> 00:16:02.279 Revelation chapter 4 00:16:02.279 --> 00:16:02.839 is all about. 00:16:03.679 --> 00:16:04.500 Jesus wants us 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:05.579 to see and to view 00:16:05.579 --> 00:16:06.039 our world 00:16:06.039 --> 00:16:07.000 with a fuller picture 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:08.100 and he gives 00:16:08.100 --> 00:16:09.139 these early Christians 00:16:09.139 --> 00:16:09.919 and he gives us 00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:11.039 a vision of what's 00:16:11.039 --> 00:16:11.980 really going on 00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:12.399 in the world 00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:13.939 so that we can 00:16:13.939 --> 00:16:14.519 live our lives 00:16:14.519 --> 00:16:15.539 as God calls us to 00:16:15.539 --> 00:16:16.240 rather than being 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:17.120 subject to fear 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:17.699 and worry. 00:16:18.299 --> 00:16:18.419 Okay, 00:16:18.419 --> 00:16:19.240 does that make sense? 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:20.360 Okay, 00:16:20.459 --> 00:16:21.000 so all that 00:16:21.000 --> 00:16:22.059 by way of introduction. 00:16:22.579 --> 00:16:23.419 Let's see what's 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:24.000 going on here. 00:16:24.220 --> 00:16:24.399 So, 00:16:24.659 --> 00:16:25.419 if you've got your 00:16:25.419 --> 00:16:26.399 bulletin or your Bible, 00:16:26.679 --> 00:16:27.379 let's look at 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:28.439 Revelation chapter 4. 00:16:28.500 --> 00:16:29.939 Look at verse 2 00:16:29.939 --> 00:16:30.399 with me. 00:16:32.559 --> 00:16:33.639 John writes this. 00:16:34.299 --> 00:16:34.639 It says, 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:36.080 I saw this vision 00:16:36.080 --> 00:16:36.799 and at once 00:16:36.799 --> 00:16:37.699 I was in the spirit 00:16:37.699 --> 00:16:38.460 and behold, 00:16:38.600 --> 00:16:39.799 a throne stood in heaven 00:16:39.799 --> 00:16:40.919 with one seated 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:41.580 on the throne 00:16:41.580 --> 00:16:43.379 and he who sat there 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:44.179 had the appearance 00:16:44.179 --> 00:16:45.659 of jasper and cornelian. 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:46.840 That's precious jewels 00:16:46.840 --> 00:16:48.100 and around the throne 00:16:48.100 --> 00:16:48.799 was a rainbow 00:16:48.799 --> 00:16:50.019 that had the appearance 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:50.720 of an emerald. 00:16:51.419 --> 00:16:52.100 Around the throne 00:16:52.100 --> 00:16:53.519 were also 24 thrones 00:16:53.519 --> 00:16:54.919 and seated on these thrones 00:16:54.919 --> 00:16:55.960 were 24 elders. 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:56.319 Okay, 00:16:56.340 --> 00:16:57.399 we sang about that earlier. 00:16:57.960 --> 00:16:59.179 Clothed in white garments 00:16:59.179 --> 00:17:00.879 with golden crowns 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:01.399 on their heads 00:17:01.399 --> 00:17:02.679 and from the throne 00:17:02.679 --> 00:17:04.039 came flashes of lightning 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:04.740 and rumblings 00:17:04.740 --> 00:17:05.879 and peals of thunder 00:17:05.879 --> 00:17:07.200 and before the throne 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:07.819 were burning 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:09.059 seven torches of fire 00:17:09.059 --> 00:17:09.900 which are the seven 00:17:09.900 --> 00:17:10.660 spirits of God 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:11.980 and before the throne 00:17:11.980 --> 00:17:12.759 there was, 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:13.420 as it were, 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:14.779 a sea of glass 00:17:14.779 --> 00:17:16.119 like crystal. 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:18.000 Friends, 00:17:18.059 --> 00:17:19.339 what is it that the early church 00:17:19.339 --> 00:17:20.000 in the midst 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:20.960 of the Roman Empire 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:21.960 and what is it 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:23.519 that followers of Jesus today 00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:24.319 in the midst of 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:25.339 an ever-changing, 00:17:25.579 --> 00:17:27.220 increasingly secular world, 00:17:27.639 --> 00:17:28.740 what is it that we need 00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:29.299 to see 00:17:29.299 --> 00:17:30.279 or need to behold? 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:32.940 Jesus invites John 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:33.819 to see a picture 00:17:33.819 --> 00:17:35.359 of God on the throne 00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:37.240 and notice that 00:17:37.240 --> 00:17:38.420 in this vision 00:17:38.420 --> 00:17:39.220 that John has, 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:40.920 God in his reign 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:41.899 is the center 00:17:41.899 --> 00:17:43.119 of everything. 00:17:43.420 --> 00:17:44.700 Everything revolves 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:45.619 around him. 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:47.240 God in his throne 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:47.940 is at the center 00:17:47.940 --> 00:17:48.539 of the image, 00:17:48.680 --> 00:17:49.480 center of the vision 00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:50.619 because everything 00:17:50.619 --> 00:17:51.720 in all of creation 00:17:51.720 --> 00:17:53.619 revolves around him. 00:17:53.960 --> 00:17:54.500 We are not 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:55.480 the center of creation. 00:17:56.180 --> 00:17:56.899 God's church 00:17:56.899 --> 00:17:57.660 is not the center 00:17:57.660 --> 00:17:58.220 of creation. 00:17:58.859 --> 00:17:59.859 God doesn't exist 00:17:59.859 --> 00:18:00.479 for the praise 00:18:00.479 --> 00:18:01.039 of our name. 00:18:01.599 --> 00:18:02.479 God doesn't exist 00:18:02.479 --> 00:18:03.199 for the praise 00:18:03.199 --> 00:18:03.879 and the advance 00:18:03.879 --> 00:18:04.699 of his church. 00:18:05.359 --> 00:18:05.859 Everything 00:18:05.859 --> 00:18:07.219 in all creation, 00:18:07.399 --> 00:18:08.639 including his church, 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:09.539 Christians, 00:18:09.819 --> 00:18:11.479 everything revolves around 00:18:11.479 --> 00:18:12.819 and centers around 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:14.399 he who is on the throne. 00:18:15.579 --> 00:18:17.039 And notice how little 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:18.379 John describes God. 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:19.719 What is the description 00:18:19.719 --> 00:18:20.639 that he gives of him? 00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:21.819 He doesn't actually 00:18:21.819 --> 00:18:22.939 describe him very much. 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:23.740 He just says 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:24.759 his appearance 00:18:24.759 --> 00:18:25.819 was like the brilliance 00:18:25.819 --> 00:18:26.500 of Jasper 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:27.599 and the richness 00:18:27.599 --> 00:18:28.480 of Cornelian, 00:18:28.579 --> 00:18:30.079 these precious jewels. 00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:31.599 And around the throne 00:18:31.599 --> 00:18:32.839 there's this rainbow, 00:18:32.980 --> 00:18:35.099 this emerald green rainbow. 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:37.180 What John is trying 00:18:37.180 --> 00:18:38.079 to communicate here 00:18:38.079 --> 00:18:39.779 is that what he saw 00:18:39.779 --> 00:18:41.539 took his breath away 00:18:41.539 --> 00:18:42.500 and that there aren't 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.400 really words 00:18:43.400 --> 00:18:44.299 to describe 00:18:44.299 --> 00:18:45.000 what he saw. 00:18:45.339 --> 00:18:46.319 He just saw 00:18:46.319 --> 00:18:48.119 something of such brilliance 00:18:48.119 --> 00:18:48.799 that he doesn't have 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:49.359 the words 00:18:49.359 --> 00:18:50.619 to describe it. 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:52.299 I found a picture online 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:53.720 of one artist's impression. 00:18:53.720 --> 00:18:55.640 Let's see something 00:18:55.640 --> 00:18:57.079 like that, right? 00:18:58.700 --> 00:19:00.860 And John also sees 00:19:00.860 --> 00:19:01.640 what he describes 00:19:01.640 --> 00:19:02.960 as these flashes 00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:03.920 of lightnings 00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:04.660 and rumblings 00:19:04.660 --> 00:19:05.940 and peals of thunder, 00:19:06.240 --> 00:19:07.420 which is to say 00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:09.160 that the throne of God 00:19:09.160 --> 00:19:10.140 was crackling 00:19:10.140 --> 00:19:11.039 and snapping 00:19:11.039 --> 00:19:12.360 with power 00:19:12.360 --> 00:19:13.039 and authority. 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:14.880 Think of a nuclear 00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:15.740 power plant 00:19:15.740 --> 00:19:16.680 that is going 00:19:16.680 --> 00:19:17.779 into overdrive, 00:19:18.319 --> 00:19:18.900 about going 00:19:18.900 --> 00:19:19.759 to meltdown, 00:19:20.200 --> 00:19:20.799 this kind of 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:21.980 crackling, 00:19:22.279 --> 00:19:22.860 snappling, 00:19:22.859 --> 00:19:24.459 fizzing with power 00:19:24.459 --> 00:19:25.579 and authority. 00:19:25.699 --> 00:19:26.399 I think that's kind of 00:19:26.399 --> 00:19:27.119 what John is trying 00:19:27.119 --> 00:19:27.659 to describe. 00:19:28.079 --> 00:19:28.659 There's something 00:19:28.659 --> 00:19:29.299 fearsome, 00:19:29.419 --> 00:19:30.859 something extraordinarily 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:31.679 awesome 00:19:31.679 --> 00:19:32.839 and frightening 00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:33.559 about it, 00:19:33.719 --> 00:19:34.639 such that when you 00:19:34.639 --> 00:19:35.679 see this throne 00:19:35.679 --> 00:19:36.519 and God in the throne, 00:19:36.639 --> 00:19:37.359 it causes you 00:19:37.359 --> 00:19:38.419 to fall down 00:19:38.419 --> 00:19:39.139 on your knees. 00:19:40.279 --> 00:19:40.799 And yet, 00:19:41.459 --> 00:19:42.719 for all its power, 00:19:42.919 --> 00:19:43.939 for all its authority, 00:19:44.659 --> 00:19:45.299 for all its 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:46.059 snapping, 00:19:46.279 --> 00:19:46.959 cracking power, 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.519 there's something 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:48.379 distinctively 00:19:48.379 --> 00:19:49.759 calm about it. 00:19:49.859 --> 00:19:50.500 Because look at 00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:50.979 verse 6. 00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:52.159 Verse 6 says, 00:19:52.859 --> 00:19:53.719 Before the throne, 00:19:53.859 --> 00:19:54.359 there was, 00:19:54.439 --> 00:19:55.039 as it were, 00:19:55.359 --> 00:19:56.500 a sea of glass 00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:57.500 like crystal. 00:19:58.279 --> 00:19:58.959 In the book 00:19:58.959 --> 00:19:59.559 of Revelation, 00:19:59.939 --> 00:20:01.099 the sea is always 00:20:01.099 --> 00:20:02.479 a picture of chaos 00:20:02.479 --> 00:20:03.379 and upheaval. 00:20:03.919 --> 00:20:05.500 Think of the sea 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:06.459 in the midst 00:20:06.459 --> 00:20:07.059 of a storm. 00:20:07.659 --> 00:20:08.379 You've got waves 00:20:08.379 --> 00:20:09.659 crashing all over you. 00:20:09.939 --> 00:20:10.439 One minute, 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:11.039 the waves are coming 00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:11.779 from this side. 00:20:11.879 --> 00:20:12.419 The next minute, 00:20:12.500 --> 00:20:13.059 the waves are coming 00:20:13.059 --> 00:20:13.879 from the other side. 00:20:14.240 --> 00:20:14.959 And there's just 00:20:14.959 --> 00:20:15.639 this chaos 00:20:15.639 --> 00:20:16.579 and this upheaval. 00:20:17.059 --> 00:20:17.899 And you never know 00:20:17.899 --> 00:20:18.319 where it's going 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:19.099 to come from next. 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:20.519 Sometimes that feels 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:21.000 a little bit 00:20:21.000 --> 00:20:21.740 like our world. 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:22.660 there's something 00:20:22.660 --> 00:20:23.339 going on there 00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:24.380 and just when you 00:20:24.380 --> 00:20:25.140 think you've got 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:25.799 your head around it, 00:20:25.880 --> 00:20:26.539 something emerges 00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:27.180 on this side 00:20:27.180 --> 00:20:27.880 and it's just 00:20:27.880 --> 00:20:28.779 absolute chaos 00:20:28.779 --> 00:20:29.420 and upheaval, 00:20:29.539 --> 00:20:29.740 right? 00:20:31.380 --> 00:20:32.299 The sea is always 00:20:32.299 --> 00:20:33.160 a picture of this 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:34.500 chaos in the world. 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:36.099 But, 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:38.059 and that, 00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:39.279 but notice 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:40.200 what's happening 00:20:40.200 --> 00:20:41.200 before the throne here. 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:42.620 The sea 00:20:42.620 --> 00:20:43.819 is at the feet 00:20:43.819 --> 00:20:44.240 of the one 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:44.740 who's seated 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:45.420 on the throne 00:20:45.420 --> 00:20:47.059 and it's as still 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:47.960 as glass. 00:20:48.900 --> 00:20:49.240 Have you ever 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:50.160 been on the water, 00:20:50.319 --> 00:20:50.960 either on the sea 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:51.620 or on a lake 00:20:51.620 --> 00:20:53.079 and it's so still 00:20:53.079 --> 00:20:54.160 it looks like glass. 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:54.720 It's like the, 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:55.799 the bank is mirrored 00:20:55.799 --> 00:20:56.440 on the other side. 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:57.259 It looks like a mirror. 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:57.640 Have you ever 00:20:57.640 --> 00:20:58.240 seen that before? 00:20:58.720 --> 00:20:59.440 It's a picture 00:20:59.440 --> 00:21:01.180 of absolute serenity 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:02.279 and calmness. 00:21:03.299 --> 00:21:03.819 What's John 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:04.360 saying here? 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:05.299 He's saying, 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:06.460 before at the feet 00:21:06.460 --> 00:21:06.900 of the one 00:21:06.900 --> 00:21:07.799 who sits on the throne, 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:08.980 all the chaos, 00:21:09.140 --> 00:21:10.140 all the upheaval, 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:11.200 everything that doesn't 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:11.740 make sense 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:12.440 and is difficult 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:13.140 in our world, 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:14.980 suddenly is found 00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:15.640 calm 00:21:15.640 --> 00:21:16.640 and peaceful 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:18.039 and serene. 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:19.380 And then look 00:21:19.380 --> 00:21:19.900 at verse 4. 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:20.200 It says, 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.380 around the throne 00:21:21.380 --> 00:21:22.360 are these 24 00:21:22.360 --> 00:21:23.340 smaller thrones 00:21:23.340 --> 00:21:24.460 upon which are 00:21:24.460 --> 00:21:25.860 seated 24 elders. 00:21:26.100 --> 00:21:26.260 Now, 00:21:26.480 --> 00:21:27.040 what's up with 00:21:27.040 --> 00:21:27.880 the 24 elders 00:21:27.880 --> 00:21:28.460 that we sang 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:29.140 about earlier? 00:21:29.840 --> 00:21:30.160 Well, 00:21:30.680 --> 00:21:31.340 it's symbolic 00:21:31.340 --> 00:21:32.100 of these two 00:21:32.100 --> 00:21:32.840 groups of people. 00:21:33.280 --> 00:21:34.160 In the Old Testament, 00:21:34.320 --> 00:21:35.020 who are the 12 00:21:35.020 --> 00:21:36.200 most important people? 00:21:38.020 --> 00:21:38.300 Okay, 00:21:38.380 --> 00:21:39.140 in the New Testament, 00:21:39.260 --> 00:21:40.260 it's the 12 disciples, 00:21:40.580 --> 00:21:41.380 the 12 that become 00:21:41.380 --> 00:21:41.940 the apostles. 00:21:42.400 --> 00:21:43.180 Ephesians tell us 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:43.780 that the church 00:21:43.780 --> 00:21:44.840 is built on the work 00:21:44.840 --> 00:21:45.700 of the 12 apostles. 00:21:46.240 --> 00:21:47.140 In the Old Testament, 00:21:47.140 --> 00:21:48.600 the 12 most important 00:21:48.600 --> 00:21:50.360 people are the patriarchs. 00:21:50.360 --> 00:21:51.100 Remember Judah 00:21:51.100 --> 00:21:52.040 and Simeon 00:21:52.040 --> 00:21:52.780 and Levi 00:21:52.780 --> 00:21:53.680 and Asher 00:21:53.680 --> 00:21:54.340 and Dan 00:21:54.340 --> 00:21:55.340 and these are 00:21:55.340 --> 00:21:56.080 the 12 sons 00:21:56.080 --> 00:21:57.240 of Israel. 00:21:57.780 --> 00:21:59.259 And the 12 patriarchs, 00:21:59.259 --> 00:22:00.820 they form 12 tribes 00:22:00.820 --> 00:22:01.780 and they are 00:22:01.780 --> 00:22:02.860 kind of the forefathers, 00:22:03.060 --> 00:22:04.620 the foundation 00:22:04.620 --> 00:22:05.680 of the nation 00:22:05.680 --> 00:22:06.200 of Israel. 00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:07.160 And so, 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:08.200 in John's vision, 00:22:08.420 --> 00:22:08.800 there are these 00:22:08.800 --> 00:22:09.860 24 elders 00:22:09.860 --> 00:22:11.500 which are the 12 patriarchs 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:12.280 of the Old Testament, 00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:13.880 the 12 apostles 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:14.759 of the New Testament 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:16.000 and it's symbolic 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:16.879 of the fact that 00:22:16.879 --> 00:22:17.960 around the throne 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:19.700 are all of God's people 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:21.400 from all of the ages. 00:22:21.920 --> 00:22:23.359 The saints in the Old Testament 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:24.579 that loved God 00:22:24.579 --> 00:22:25.339 and trusted Him 00:22:25.339 --> 00:22:26.059 and served Him 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:26.660 and obeyed Him. 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:28.220 The saints in the New Testament, 00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:29.299 those that loved God 00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:30.039 and trusted Him 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:30.920 and served Him, 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:31.400 obeyed Him. 00:22:31.660 --> 00:22:33.519 The entire realm 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.440 of God's people 00:22:34.440 --> 00:22:35.519 in all the ages, 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:37.299 those who lived by faith 00:22:37.299 --> 00:22:38.220 and gave themselves 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:39.619 the honor and the glory of God, 00:22:40.059 --> 00:22:40.599 there they are 00:22:40.599 --> 00:22:41.900 around God's throne 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:43.960 in the heavens. 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.019 Okay? 00:22:46.460 --> 00:22:47.359 But notice John 00:22:47.359 --> 00:22:48.400 sees something else. 00:22:48.660 --> 00:22:48.900 Sorry, 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:49.619 we're working our way 00:22:49.619 --> 00:22:50.539 through all this visionary 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:51.579 and we're going to get 00:22:51.579 --> 00:22:52.339 to the implications 00:22:52.339 --> 00:22:52.859 in a minute. 00:22:53.640 --> 00:22:54.740 John sees something else. 00:22:54.879 --> 00:22:55.660 Look at what he says 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:56.759 in verse 6b. 00:22:59.119 --> 00:22:59.559 He says, 00:22:59.680 --> 00:23:00.579 John tells us 00:23:00.579 --> 00:23:01.519 that around the throne 00:23:01.519 --> 00:23:03.160 are these four living creatures. 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:04.559 One of them looks like a lion, 00:23:05.099 --> 00:23:06.240 one looks like an ox, 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:07.480 one looks like a man, 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:08.660 one looks like an eagle. 00:23:09.539 --> 00:23:09.940 Now, 00:23:10.079 --> 00:23:11.119 what on earth 00:23:11.119 --> 00:23:12.119 is going on here? 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:12.559 Alright? 00:23:12.660 --> 00:23:13.279 This is kind of 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:13.900 the interesting, 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:15.240 weird part of Revelation. 00:23:15.560 --> 00:23:15.720 Right? 00:23:15.800 --> 00:23:16.860 The first two chapters 00:23:16.860 --> 00:23:17.700 is fine, 00:23:17.840 --> 00:23:18.340 but this is where 00:23:18.340 --> 00:23:19.259 we start to get interesting. 00:23:19.860 --> 00:23:20.400 What on earth 00:23:20.400 --> 00:23:21.320 is going on here? 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:22.280 Well, 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:23.620 think about it. 00:23:24.240 --> 00:23:25.040 John is drawing 00:23:25.040 --> 00:23:26.500 on the cultural symbols 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:27.160 of power 00:23:27.160 --> 00:23:28.019 in his day. 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.560 Think about this. 00:23:30.040 --> 00:23:30.940 Throughout history, 00:23:31.580 --> 00:23:32.600 what have empires 00:23:32.600 --> 00:23:33.320 and kingdoms, 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.580 what symbols 00:23:34.580 --> 00:23:35.540 have they drawn on 00:23:35.540 --> 00:23:36.680 to demonstrate 00:23:36.680 --> 00:23:37.460 their power 00:23:37.460 --> 00:23:38.440 and their authority 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:39.440 and their might? 00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:40.940 often, 00:23:41.039 --> 00:23:41.580 it's some kind 00:23:41.580 --> 00:23:42.740 of strong animal, 00:23:42.900 --> 00:23:43.320 some kind 00:23:43.320 --> 00:23:43.980 of beast, 00:23:44.100 --> 00:23:44.420 right? 00:23:44.860 --> 00:23:45.279 So, 00:23:45.360 --> 00:23:46.100 think about it. 00:23:46.140 --> 00:23:46.620 Those of you 00:23:46.620 --> 00:23:47.279 that are Americans, 00:23:47.779 --> 00:23:48.779 what is the image 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:49.700 on the American 00:23:49.700 --> 00:23:50.539 coat of arms 00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:51.400 or the American 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:52.880 presidential seal? 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:54.240 Okay? 00:23:54.400 --> 00:23:54.880 The eagle, 00:23:54.980 --> 00:23:55.799 the bald eagle 00:23:55.799 --> 00:23:56.779 arms, 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:58.700 wings spread out, 00:23:58.759 --> 00:23:59.000 right? 00:23:59.400 --> 00:24:00.039 Those of you 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:00.680 that are British, 00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:01.880 Chris Thornton 00:24:01.880 --> 00:24:02.720 and one or two others, 00:24:03.100 --> 00:24:04.580 what is the symbol 00:24:04.580 --> 00:24:07.299 of England's power 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:08.460 and the English Empire? 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.940 The lion, 00:24:10.100 --> 00:24:10.340 right? 00:24:10.799 --> 00:24:11.120 Remember, 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:12.019 England's soccer team 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:12.319 is called 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:13.160 the Three Lions 00:24:13.160 --> 00:24:14.279 and I think 00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:15.200 their coat of arms, 00:24:15.380 --> 00:24:15.559 sorry, 00:24:15.660 --> 00:24:16.100 you can't see it 00:24:16.100 --> 00:24:16.559 very clearly, 00:24:16.840 --> 00:24:17.500 it's a lion 00:24:17.500 --> 00:24:18.240 and a unicorn 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:19.700 but typically, 00:24:19.840 --> 00:24:20.640 think of the lion 00:24:20.640 --> 00:24:21.120 of England, 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:21.380 right? 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:21.740 England, 00:24:22.120 --> 00:24:23.900 the British rugby team, 00:24:24.140 --> 00:24:25.100 the British Lions, 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:25.960 okay? 00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:26.960 When you think 00:24:26.960 --> 00:24:28.120 of China, 00:24:28.860 --> 00:24:29.680 Chinese Empire, 00:24:29.960 --> 00:24:30.579 what symbol 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:31.840 comes to mind? 00:24:32.440 --> 00:24:32.680 Sorry? 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:33.720 A dragon, 00:24:33.840 --> 00:24:34.000 right? 00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:34.500 I think we've got 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:34.920 a dragon. 00:24:35.620 --> 00:24:35.940 Yes, 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:36.779 we've got a dragon, 00:24:36.920 --> 00:24:37.160 okay? 00:24:37.160 --> 00:24:38.340 Now, 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:40.279 why do empires 00:24:40.279 --> 00:24:40.820 do this? 00:24:41.640 --> 00:24:42.360 Those that are 00:24:42.360 --> 00:24:44.080 symbols of their power 00:24:44.080 --> 00:24:44.900 and their authority 00:24:44.900 --> 00:24:46.540 typically draw on 00:24:46.540 --> 00:24:47.860 strong animals 00:24:47.860 --> 00:24:48.660 and beasts 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:50.420 to provoke 00:24:50.420 --> 00:24:51.040 this imagery 00:24:51.040 --> 00:24:51.540 of power 00:24:51.540 --> 00:24:52.080 and authority. 00:24:52.940 --> 00:24:53.080 Now, 00:24:53.200 --> 00:24:53.960 some countries, 00:24:54.080 --> 00:24:54.880 we must admit, 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:56.779 are a little bit lacking 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:57.980 in the fear department, 00:24:58.180 --> 00:24:58.400 okay? 00:24:59.080 --> 00:24:59.920 South Africa, 00:25:00.600 --> 00:25:01.600 our coat of arms, 00:25:01.900 --> 00:25:03.300 we have a blue crane 00:25:03.300 --> 00:25:04.080 which is kind of 00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:04.839 like a stalk, 00:25:05.399 --> 00:25:05.639 okay? 00:25:07.359 --> 00:25:07.759 Australia, 00:25:08.539 --> 00:25:09.000 Australia's got 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:09.599 a kangaroo. 00:25:11.799 --> 00:25:12.519 New Zealand, 00:25:13.659 --> 00:25:14.599 New Zealand's got 00:25:14.599 --> 00:25:15.179 a leaf, 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:15.559 okay? 00:25:15.619 --> 00:25:15.980 I know, 00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:18.460 I know it's a fir 00:25:18.460 --> 00:25:19.759 tree or something 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:20.299 special, 00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:21.059 it's a leaf, 00:25:21.139 --> 00:25:21.240 okay? 00:25:21.539 --> 00:25:22.419 I think the southern 00:25:22.419 --> 00:25:22.919 hemisphere, 00:25:23.559 --> 00:25:24.139 we need to work 00:25:24.139 --> 00:25:25.220 on our PR campaign, 00:25:25.339 --> 00:25:25.519 okay? 00:25:25.859 --> 00:25:26.879 The northern hemisphere, 00:25:27.059 --> 00:25:28.339 we've got it right here. 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:29.899 Now, 00:25:30.179 --> 00:25:31.220 typically empires, 00:25:31.359 --> 00:25:31.879 those that are 00:25:31.879 --> 00:25:32.859 conquering lands 00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:33.799 and growing the empire, 00:25:33.919 --> 00:25:34.899 they use these symbols 00:25:34.899 --> 00:25:36.419 of power and strength 00:25:36.419 --> 00:25:38.079 to symbolize the authority 00:25:38.079 --> 00:25:38.740 and their might. 00:25:39.179 --> 00:25:40.039 And the Roman Empire 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:40.759 did the same. 00:25:41.379 --> 00:25:43.500 What was the Roman Empire's seal? 00:25:43.859 --> 00:25:44.299 It was similar 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:45.299 to the American seal. 00:25:45.459 --> 00:25:46.459 It's an eagle 00:25:46.459 --> 00:25:48.559 with outspread wings. 00:25:49.359 --> 00:25:51.119 And if you were to, 00:25:51.219 --> 00:25:51.919 what is the ultimate 00:25:51.919 --> 00:25:52.899 capital punishment 00:25:52.899 --> 00:25:53.819 in the Roman Empire? 00:25:54.399 --> 00:25:55.199 It was to be thrown 00:25:55.199 --> 00:25:56.639 to the emperor's lions, 00:25:56.879 --> 00:25:57.240 right? 00:25:58.819 --> 00:25:59.839 And for those 00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:00.559 in agrarian 00:26:00.559 --> 00:26:01.579 or farming communities, 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:02.539 what was the ultimate 00:26:02.539 --> 00:26:03.919 symbol of strength 00:26:03.919 --> 00:26:04.460 and power 00:26:04.460 --> 00:26:05.559 and economic capital? 00:26:06.220 --> 00:26:07.019 It was the ox, 00:26:07.179 --> 00:26:07.419 right? 00:26:07.559 --> 00:26:08.419 Symbol of strength. 00:26:09.099 --> 00:26:09.939 So what's Jesus 00:26:09.939 --> 00:26:10.839 saying to the churches 00:26:10.839 --> 00:26:12.000 in the first century here? 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:13.159 What's this image, 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:15.099 what does John see 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:16.159 when he sees this picture 00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:17.199 of these three animals 00:26:17.199 --> 00:26:18.539 or these three creatures 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:19.939 around the throne? 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:23.079 Everywhere around them, 00:26:23.139 --> 00:26:23.779 they're being told 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:24.419 through symbols 00:26:24.419 --> 00:26:25.019 and imagery 00:26:25.019 --> 00:26:26.480 and sometimes direct force 00:26:26.480 --> 00:26:27.539 that Rome's power 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:28.319 is invincible. 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:29.159 It's eternal. 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:30.659 Remember the graffiti? 00:26:30.660 --> 00:26:31.600 Rome, 00:26:31.720 --> 00:26:32.300 your power 00:26:32.300 --> 00:26:33.480 will never end. 00:26:34.480 --> 00:26:35.200 Jesus here 00:26:35.200 --> 00:26:36.440 is taking the powers 00:26:36.440 --> 00:26:37.660 and the symbols 00:26:37.660 --> 00:26:39.620 of authority 00:26:39.620 --> 00:26:40.300 and power 00:26:40.300 --> 00:26:41.620 and he's subverting them. 00:26:41.920 --> 00:26:42.700 He's turning them 00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:43.360 on his head 00:26:43.360 --> 00:26:44.480 and he's saying 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:45.360 that ultimately 00:26:45.360 --> 00:26:46.500 they all 00:26:46.500 --> 00:26:47.340 one day 00:26:47.340 --> 00:26:48.540 bow down 00:26:48.540 --> 00:26:49.500 to the one 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:50.640 who is on the throne. 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:52.420 And what will they do? 00:26:52.860 --> 00:26:53.519 They won't just 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:55.019 begrudgingly bow down 00:26:55.019 --> 00:26:56.120 because they've been conquered. 00:26:56.540 --> 00:26:57.620 They won't be forced 00:26:57.620 --> 00:26:58.340 to bow down. 00:26:58.339 --> 00:26:59.339 One day 00:26:59.339 --> 00:27:01.099 every single structure 00:27:01.099 --> 00:27:01.839 of power 00:27:01.839 --> 00:27:02.619 and authority 00:27:02.619 --> 00:27:03.639 will willingly 00:27:03.639 --> 00:27:05.119 and gladly 00:27:05.119 --> 00:27:06.599 and joyfully 00:27:06.599 --> 00:27:07.740 bow down 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.699 before the throne 00:27:08.699 --> 00:27:09.480 of the one 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.359 in heaven 00:27:10.359 --> 00:27:11.259 who rules 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:11.899 and reign 00:27:11.899 --> 00:27:13.179 and will gladly 00:27:13.179 --> 00:27:14.179 offer their worship 00:27:14.179 --> 00:27:14.659 saying, 00:27:15.419 --> 00:27:16.000 Worthy are you 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:17.000 our Lord and God 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:18.000 to receive glory 00:27:18.000 --> 00:27:18.899 and honor 00:27:18.899 --> 00:27:19.839 and power. 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.059 The emperor 00:27:21.059 --> 00:27:21.819 is not worthy. 00:27:22.519 --> 00:27:23.000 The emperor 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:24.059 doesn't hold authority. 00:27:24.699 --> 00:27:25.799 You God alone 00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:27.579 carry all authority. 00:27:27.579 --> 00:27:27.879 Friends, 00:27:29.159 --> 00:27:29.779 one day 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:31.240 every single 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:32.279 power authority 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:33.220 will bow down 00:27:33.220 --> 00:27:34.099 to King Jesus. 00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:35.819 And what's up 00:27:35.819 --> 00:27:36.519 with the eyes? 00:27:36.919 --> 00:27:37.539 Remember they've got 00:27:37.539 --> 00:27:38.619 eyes all over 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:39.279 their bodies 00:27:39.279 --> 00:27:40.279 all around. 00:27:41.059 --> 00:27:42.720 It's picture language 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:43.679 symbolizing the fact 00:27:43.679 --> 00:27:44.659 that they never 00:27:44.659 --> 00:27:45.379 ever 00:27:45.379 --> 00:27:45.980 ever 00:27:45.980 --> 00:27:47.099 take their eyes 00:27:47.099 --> 00:27:47.919 off the one 00:27:47.919 --> 00:27:49.139 who is on the throne. 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:50.879 No matter where they are 00:27:50.879 --> 00:27:52.439 their eyes are fixated 00:27:52.439 --> 00:27:53.460 orientated 00:27:53.460 --> 00:27:54.220 on the one 00:27:54.220 --> 00:27:54.639 on the throne. 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:55.679 Look at verse 8b. 00:27:55.680 --> 00:27:57.299 The living creatures 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:58.519 are full of eyes 00:27:58.519 --> 00:27:59.120 all around 00:27:59.120 --> 00:28:01.200 and day and night 00:28:01.200 --> 00:28:01.779 they never 00:28:01.779 --> 00:28:02.680 cease to say 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:03.660 Holy, 00:28:03.980 --> 00:28:04.360 Holy, 00:28:04.580 --> 00:28:04.920 Holy 00:28:04.920 --> 00:28:06.180 is the Lord God 00:28:06.180 --> 00:28:06.580 Almighty 00:28:06.580 --> 00:28:07.700 who was and is 00:28:07.700 --> 00:28:09.000 and is to come. 00:28:09.600 --> 00:28:09.900 And again, 00:28:10.060 --> 00:28:10.620 verse 11, 00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:11.259 the elders 00:28:11.259 --> 00:28:12.140 representing all 00:28:12.140 --> 00:28:12.799 God's people 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:13.740 throughout the ages 00:28:13.740 --> 00:28:14.720 are heroes 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:15.299 in the faith, 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.279 men and women 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:17.080 that we look up to 00:28:17.080 --> 00:28:17.660 and esteem, 00:28:18.140 --> 00:28:19.320 those with simple faith 00:28:19.320 --> 00:28:20.120 in some village 00:28:20.120 --> 00:28:21.519 in the middle of Africa 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:22.340 or Middle Asia 00:28:22.340 --> 00:28:23.740 that nobody's ever heard of 00:28:23.740 --> 00:28:24.720 but their trust 00:28:24.720 --> 00:28:25.480 in the faithfulness 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:25.880 of God. 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.180 All people 00:28:27.180 --> 00:28:27.980 throughout the ages 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:28.700 will take off 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.859 their crowns, 00:28:30.059 --> 00:28:30.900 their accolades, 00:28:31.339 --> 00:28:32.400 everything that people 00:28:32.400 --> 00:28:34.319 esteem and honor them for, 00:28:34.859 --> 00:28:35.759 symbols of glory 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.140 and honor. 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:37.019 What do they do with them? 00:28:37.299 --> 00:28:38.200 They throw them up 00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:38.620 at the feet 00:28:38.620 --> 00:28:39.099 of the one 00:28:39.099 --> 00:28:39.799 who's on the throne 00:28:39.799 --> 00:28:40.299 and they say, 00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:41.279 worthy are you 00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:42.220 our Lord and God 00:28:42.220 --> 00:28:43.640 to receive glory 00:28:43.640 --> 00:28:44.359 and honor 00:28:44.359 --> 00:28:45.099 and power 00:28:45.099 --> 00:28:46.400 for you created 00:28:46.400 --> 00:28:46.980 all things 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:47.940 and by your will 00:28:47.940 --> 00:28:48.740 they existed 00:28:48.740 --> 00:28:50.180 and were created. 00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:51.559 And friends, 00:28:51.640 --> 00:28:52.380 this is in fact 00:28:52.380 --> 00:28:52.980 the climax 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:54.340 of the entire passage. 00:28:54.760 --> 00:28:55.760 The entire point 00:28:55.760 --> 00:28:56.380 of this passage 00:28:56.380 --> 00:28:58.660 is that every power structure 00:28:58.660 --> 00:28:59.600 will be overthrown. 00:29:00.160 --> 00:29:00.960 And it's not just 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:02.440 that Jesus wins in the end, 00:29:02.860 --> 00:29:04.360 it's that all creation, 00:29:04.560 --> 00:29:05.560 including the mysteries 00:29:05.560 --> 00:29:06.280 of creation, 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:07.820 those things we don't understand, 00:29:08.280 --> 00:29:09.000 black holes 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:09.580 and creatures 00:29:09.580 --> 00:29:10.720 at the bottom of the sea, 00:29:11.120 --> 00:29:12.360 all creation 00:29:12.360 --> 00:29:14.340 was brought into existence 00:29:14.340 --> 00:29:15.460 to proclaim 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:16.380 the excellencies 00:29:17.060 --> 00:29:18.140 and the glory 00:29:18.140 --> 00:29:19.580 and the majesty 00:29:19.580 --> 00:29:20.380 and the awesomeness 00:29:20.920 --> 00:29:22.320 of the character of God. 00:29:23.300 --> 00:29:24.360 And what is his character? 00:29:25.100 --> 00:29:26.140 Well, look at what they say, 00:29:26.260 --> 00:29:27.320 that he is holy. 00:29:28.280 --> 00:29:29.640 Holy, holy, holy. 00:29:30.660 --> 00:29:31.280 To be holy 00:29:31.280 --> 00:29:32.620 means to be set apart, 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:33.500 to be distinct 00:29:33.500 --> 00:29:34.480 from what is ordinary 00:29:34.480 --> 00:29:35.040 or common. 00:29:35.780 --> 00:29:36.080 Friends, 00:29:36.260 --> 00:29:37.380 there is nothing 00:29:37.380 --> 00:29:38.780 and no one, 00:29:39.060 --> 00:29:40.200 no power structure, 00:29:40.380 --> 00:29:41.080 no emperor, 00:29:41.260 --> 00:29:42.020 no military 00:29:42.020 --> 00:29:42.920 or political 00:29:42.920 --> 00:29:43.760 or cultural 00:29:43.760 --> 00:29:45.580 or economic leader 00:29:45.580 --> 00:29:47.120 in all creation 00:29:47.120 --> 00:29:48.160 that comes close 00:29:48.160 --> 00:29:49.320 to the authority 00:29:49.320 --> 00:29:50.340 of the one on the throne. 00:29:50.339 --> 00:29:52.240 He is utterly 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:53.159 and entirely 00:29:53.159 --> 00:29:53.939 in a league 00:29:53.939 --> 00:29:54.599 of his own. 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:55.419 He is holy, 00:29:55.559 --> 00:29:56.859 set apart from everything 00:29:56.859 --> 00:29:57.959 and everyone. 00:29:58.899 --> 00:30:00.059 He is sovereign 00:30:00.059 --> 00:30:00.819 and almighty. 00:30:01.619 --> 00:30:02.359 To be sovereign 00:30:02.359 --> 00:30:03.839 means that you hold 00:30:03.839 --> 00:30:04.879 ultimate authority. 00:30:05.459 --> 00:30:06.119 There is nothing 00:30:06.119 --> 00:30:06.959 above you. 00:30:07.220 --> 00:30:07.819 There is nothing 00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:08.379 and no one 00:30:08.379 --> 00:30:09.299 that you answer to. 00:30:09.500 --> 00:30:10.459 Everything exists 00:30:10.459 --> 00:30:11.879 by his will 00:30:11.879 --> 00:30:13.359 because he has chosen 00:30:13.359 --> 00:30:14.359 it to be that way. 00:30:14.359 --> 00:30:15.779 I don't know 00:30:15.779 --> 00:30:16.299 if you remember 00:30:16.299 --> 00:30:17.819 in the Old Testament 00:30:17.819 --> 00:30:18.779 in the book of Daniel 00:30:18.779 --> 00:30:19.519 there is this king 00:30:19.519 --> 00:30:20.579 called Nebuchadnezzar. 00:30:21.619 --> 00:30:22.019 Nebuchadnezzar 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:22.459 was the king 00:30:22.459 --> 00:30:23.659 of the Babylonian empire 00:30:23.659 --> 00:30:25.500 and he was the greatest king 00:30:25.500 --> 00:30:26.740 of the Babylonian empire 00:30:26.740 --> 00:30:28.039 and he ruled 00:30:28.039 --> 00:30:28.679 and he reigned 00:30:28.679 --> 00:30:29.719 and he was the one 00:30:29.719 --> 00:30:31.119 that built Babylon's 00:30:31.119 --> 00:30:32.039 hanging gardens, 00:30:32.179 --> 00:30:33.659 one of the seven wonders 00:30:33.659 --> 00:30:34.619 of the ancient world. 00:30:35.199 --> 00:30:36.319 He conquered empires. 00:30:36.459 --> 00:30:37.119 He was incredible 00:30:37.119 --> 00:30:38.459 and so towards 00:30:38.459 --> 00:30:39.459 the end of his life 00:30:39.459 --> 00:30:41.119 one day he walks out 00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:42.000 onto the balcony 00:30:42.000 --> 00:30:42.839 of his palace 00:30:42.839 --> 00:30:44.500 and he overlooks 00:30:44.500 --> 00:30:45.359 his empire 00:30:45.359 --> 00:30:46.440 and this is what he says. 00:30:47.380 --> 00:30:49.200 Is not this great Babylon 00:30:49.200 --> 00:30:50.359 which I have built 00:30:50.359 --> 00:30:51.680 by my mighty power 00:30:51.680 --> 00:30:53.039 as a royal residence 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:54.359 and for the glory 00:30:54.359 --> 00:30:55.579 of my majesty? 00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:56.660 Okay. 00:30:58.000 --> 00:30:59.779 Well, God hears that prayer 00:30:59.779 --> 00:31:00.880 and God decides 00:31:00.880 --> 00:31:01.900 to teach him 00:31:01.900 --> 00:31:02.859 that it is not 00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:03.380 to the glory 00:31:03.380 --> 00:31:04.579 of Nebuchadnezzar's name 00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:05.759 that these things 00:31:05.759 --> 00:31:07.460 came into existence 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:08.859 and so God takes him 00:31:08.859 --> 00:31:09.420 through a season 00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:10.220 of humbling him 00:31:10.220 --> 00:31:11.640 and at the end 00:31:11.640 --> 00:31:12.200 of his life 00:31:12.200 --> 00:31:12.980 Nebuchadnezzar 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:13.559 being humbled 00:31:13.559 --> 00:31:14.240 by God 00:31:14.240 --> 00:31:15.000 says this, 00:31:15.720 --> 00:31:17.039 I praise and honor him 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:18.440 whose dominion 00:31:18.440 --> 00:31:20.180 is an everlasting dominion 00:31:20.180 --> 00:31:21.559 whose kingdom endures 00:31:21.559 --> 00:31:22.519 from generation 00:31:22.519 --> 00:31:23.460 to generation. 00:31:24.380 --> 00:31:25.279 All the inhabitants 00:31:25.279 --> 00:31:26.079 of the earth 00:31:26.079 --> 00:31:26.720 are counted 00:31:26.720 --> 00:31:27.420 as nothing 00:31:27.420 --> 00:31:28.299 compared to him 00:31:28.299 --> 00:31:29.160 for he, 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:30.079 God, 00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:31.019 does according 00:31:31.019 --> 00:31:32.039 to his own will 00:31:32.039 --> 00:31:33.079 amongst the hosts 00:31:33.079 --> 00:31:33.519 of heaven 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:34.759 and none 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:36.180 can stay his hand 00:31:36.180 --> 00:31:36.660 that means 00:31:36.660 --> 00:31:37.940 hold back his hand 00:31:37.940 --> 00:31:38.980 and none 00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:39.900 can say to him 00:31:39.900 --> 00:31:41.019 what have you done? 00:31:41.600 --> 00:31:42.700 He is the eternal 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:43.680 sovereign 00:31:43.680 --> 00:31:45.380 majestic God. 00:31:45.780 --> 00:31:47.140 Remember Isaiah 46? 00:31:47.560 --> 00:31:48.600 Babylon at the height 00:31:48.600 --> 00:31:49.360 of its power 00:31:49.360 --> 00:31:51.040 it's sovereign 00:31:51.040 --> 00:31:52.019 it's the world's 00:31:52.019 --> 00:31:52.519 superpower 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:53.160 its army 00:31:53.160 --> 00:31:54.280 is just smashing 00:31:54.280 --> 00:31:55.040 and demolishing 00:31:55.040 --> 00:31:55.700 everything 00:31:55.700 --> 00:31:57.420 and God says this, 00:31:57.540 --> 00:31:58.200 I am God 00:31:58.200 --> 00:31:59.780 I declare from the end 00:31:59.780 --> 00:32:01.000 I declare the end 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:02.060 from the beginning 00:32:02.060 --> 00:32:03.580 from ancient times 00:32:03.580 --> 00:32:04.560 things not yet done 00:32:04.560 --> 00:32:05.960 what I say 00:32:05.960 --> 00:32:06.600 says God 00:32:06.600 --> 00:32:07.519 will happen 00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:08.940 and my purposes 00:32:08.940 --> 00:32:10.480 I will accomplish 00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:10.859 them 00:32:10.859 --> 00:32:11.639 why? 00:32:11.879 --> 00:32:13.559 Because I am God 00:32:13.559 --> 00:32:14.819 and there is no other 00:32:14.819 --> 00:32:16.119 I am God 00:32:16.119 --> 00:32:17.160 and there is none 00:32:17.160 --> 00:32:18.220 like me 00:32:18.220 --> 00:32:19.480 friends 00:32:19.480 --> 00:32:20.019 the angels 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:20.559 bow down 00:32:20.559 --> 00:32:21.299 before God 00:32:21.299 --> 00:32:21.940 and they say 00:32:21.940 --> 00:32:23.460 holy, holy, holy 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.700 the Lord God 00:32:24.700 --> 00:32:25.440 the sovereign 00:32:25.440 --> 00:32:26.539 almighty 00:32:26.539 --> 00:32:28.059 furthermore 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:28.460 they say 00:32:28.460 --> 00:32:29.940 he is the eternal one 00:32:29.940 --> 00:32:30.819 Rome 00:32:30.819 --> 00:32:31.680 your power 00:32:31.680 --> 00:32:32.660 will never end 00:32:32.660 --> 00:32:34.820 excuse me 00:32:34.820 --> 00:32:35.680 getting political 00:32:35.680 --> 00:32:37.040 Xi Jinping 00:32:37.040 --> 00:32:38.240 your power 00:32:38.240 --> 00:32:39.180 will never end 00:32:39.180 --> 00:32:40.540 Vladimir Putin 00:32:40.540 --> 00:32:41.360 your power 00:32:41.360 --> 00:32:42.200 will never end 00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:43.160 USA 00:32:43.160 --> 00:32:45.060 the great greenback 00:32:45.060 --> 00:32:46.300 the Renminbi 00:32:46.300 --> 00:32:47.460 your power 00:32:47.460 --> 00:32:48.640 will never end 00:32:48.640 --> 00:32:49.900 friends 00:32:49.900 --> 00:32:50.320 that's what 00:32:50.320 --> 00:32:51.140 we are being told 00:32:51.140 --> 00:32:52.980 there is one authority 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:54.120 there is one being 00:32:54.120 --> 00:32:55.220 one power 00:32:55.220 --> 00:32:56.340 one source of hope 00:32:56.340 --> 00:32:56.759 and life 00:32:56.759 --> 00:32:57.519 whose rule 00:32:57.519 --> 00:32:58.400 and reign 00:32:58.400 --> 00:32:59.500 has never 00:32:59.500 --> 00:33:00.940 ever been threatened 00:33:00.940 --> 00:33:01.660 from the beginning 00:33:01.660 --> 00:33:02.160 of time 00:33:02.160 --> 00:33:02.840 and whose rule 00:33:02.840 --> 00:33:03.240 and reign 00:33:03.240 --> 00:33:03.980 will never 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:04.940 ever be threatened 00:33:04.940 --> 00:33:06.420 for all eternity 00:33:06.420 --> 00:33:08.320 now the truth is 00:33:08.320 --> 00:33:08.940 it doesn't always 00:33:08.940 --> 00:33:09.840 feel like that 00:33:09.840 --> 00:33:10.120 right 00:33:10.120 --> 00:33:11.900 sometimes it follows 00:33:11.900 --> 00:33:12.360 Jesus 00:33:12.360 --> 00:33:13.019 we feel like 00:33:13.019 --> 00:33:13.320 God 00:33:13.320 --> 00:33:14.519 what's going on 00:33:14.519 --> 00:33:15.860 remember Luke 24 00:33:15.860 --> 00:33:17.300 Jesus disciples 00:33:17.300 --> 00:33:17.920 are walking 00:33:17.920 --> 00:33:19.779 from one place 00:33:19.779 --> 00:33:20.519 to Emmaus 00:33:20.519 --> 00:33:21.380 the heads 00:33:21.380 --> 00:33:22.160 are hanging low 00:33:22.160 --> 00:33:23.540 and one disciple 00:33:23.540 --> 00:33:24.480 says to the other 00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:25.680 man 00:33:25.680 --> 00:33:26.759 we had really hoped 00:33:26.759 --> 00:33:27.860 that that Jesus guy 00:33:27.860 --> 00:33:29.240 he would be the one 00:33:29.240 --> 00:33:29.779 to deliver 00:33:29.779 --> 00:33:31.160 and liberate Israel 00:33:31.160 --> 00:33:32.620 I guess that's 00:33:32.620 --> 00:33:33.360 not going to happen 00:33:33.360 --> 00:33:35.360 remember in Egypt 00:33:35.360 --> 00:33:35.860 in Exodus 00:33:35.860 --> 00:33:36.779 God's people 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:38.200 God brings Moses 00:33:38.200 --> 00:33:39.019 to come and deliver 00:33:39.019 --> 00:33:40.040 them and save them 00:33:40.040 --> 00:33:41.380 Pharaoh encounters 00:33:41.380 --> 00:33:41.820 Moses 00:33:41.820 --> 00:33:42.920 and what does he do 00:33:42.920 --> 00:33:44.080 things go from 00:33:44.080 --> 00:33:45.120 bad to worse 00:33:45.120 --> 00:33:45.800 he says 00:33:45.800 --> 00:33:47.019 double your workload 00:33:47.019 --> 00:33:49.400 remember God's people 00:33:49.400 --> 00:33:49.880 sometimes 00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:50.920 how they're arrested 00:33:50.920 --> 00:33:51.880 thrown in jail 00:33:51.880 --> 00:33:52.500 beaten 00:33:52.500 --> 00:33:53.040 whipped 00:33:53.040 --> 00:33:53.940 left for dead 00:33:53.940 --> 00:33:55.180 remember how Christians 00:33:55.180 --> 00:33:55.759 are being thrown 00:33:55.759 --> 00:33:56.519 to the lions 00:33:56.519 --> 00:33:57.940 and for the followers 00:33:57.940 --> 00:33:58.400 of Jesus 00:33:58.400 --> 00:33:59.279 in the first century 00:33:59.279 --> 00:34:00.200 meeting at home 00:34:00.200 --> 00:34:01.700 sometimes hiding away 00:34:01.700 --> 00:34:02.860 from the authorities 00:34:02.860 --> 00:34:03.860 at times 00:34:03.860 --> 00:34:04.500 it must have felt 00:34:04.500 --> 00:34:05.140 like God 00:34:05.140 --> 00:34:05.900 where are you 00:34:05.900 --> 00:34:06.980 we thought you 00:34:06.980 --> 00:34:07.440 sovereign 00:34:07.440 --> 00:34:09.179 what's up with this 00:34:09.179 --> 00:34:11.440 where are you God 00:34:11.440 --> 00:34:13.460 we've heard the stories 00:34:13.460 --> 00:34:14.659 and now you must have 00:34:14.659 --> 00:34:15.320 met your match 00:34:15.320 --> 00:34:17.159 God it's been a good run 00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:18.280 you've done well 00:34:18.280 --> 00:34:19.420 but finally Rome 00:34:19.420 --> 00:34:20.400 has conquered you 00:34:20.400 --> 00:34:22.539 friends to the angels 00:34:22.539 --> 00:34:23.579 to us the angels 00:34:23.579 --> 00:34:24.139 remind us 00:34:24.139 --> 00:34:24.740 that his kingdom 00:34:24.740 --> 00:34:25.860 is an eternal one 00:34:25.860 --> 00:34:27.000 he is the one 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:27.700 who is 00:34:27.700 --> 00:34:28.680 and who was 00:34:28.680 --> 00:34:30.120 and is to come 00:34:30.120 --> 00:34:30.720 forever 00:34:30.720 --> 00:34:32.019 and ever 00:34:32.019 --> 00:34:33.300 and ever 00:34:33.300 --> 00:34:34.559 and ever 00:34:34.559 --> 00:34:36.599 and ever 00:34:36.599 --> 00:34:38.460 his kingdom 00:34:38.460 --> 00:34:39.380 is an eternal one 00:34:39.380 --> 00:34:40.340 and you know 00:34:40.340 --> 00:34:40.980 what that means 00:34:40.980 --> 00:34:42.160 it means that 00:34:42.160 --> 00:34:43.420 all that is not done 00:34:43.420 --> 00:34:44.240 with eternity 00:34:44.240 --> 00:34:45.180 in our minds 00:34:45.180 --> 00:34:46.400 or God's glory 00:34:46.400 --> 00:34:47.300 in our hearts 00:34:47.300 --> 00:34:49.599 is eternally 00:34:49.599 --> 00:34:50.680 irrelevant 00:34:50.680 --> 00:34:51.900 and insignificant 00:34:51.900 --> 00:34:54.240 do you get that 00:34:54.240 --> 00:34:55.980 everything we do 00:34:55.980 --> 00:34:57.300 without eternity 00:34:57.300 --> 00:34:58.019 in our minds 00:34:58.019 --> 00:34:58.800 and God's glory 00:34:58.800 --> 00:34:59.280 and worship 00:34:59.280 --> 00:34:59.840 in our hearts 00:34:59.840 --> 00:35:01.460 is eternally irrelevant 00:35:01.460 --> 00:35:03.260 and eternally insignificant 00:35:03.260 --> 00:35:05.480 and because of this 00:35:05.480 --> 00:35:06.760 because of God's 00:35:06.760 --> 00:35:07.639 creative power 00:35:07.639 --> 00:35:08.840 and his sovereign authority 00:35:08.840 --> 00:35:10.059 and his supreme holiness 00:35:10.059 --> 00:35:11.440 and his eternal glory 00:35:11.440 --> 00:35:13.280 what do they say 00:35:13.280 --> 00:35:14.539 worthy are you 00:35:14.539 --> 00:35:14.960 oh God 00:35:14.960 --> 00:35:15.980 to receive glory 00:35:15.980 --> 00:35:16.740 and honor 00:35:16.740 --> 00:35:17.440 and power 00:35:17.440 --> 00:35:18.840 he is simply 00:35:18.840 --> 00:35:19.539 worthy 00:35:19.539 --> 00:35:20.559 now 00:35:20.559 --> 00:35:21.880 next week 00:35:21.880 --> 00:35:22.840 we're going to find out 00:35:22.840 --> 00:35:23.960 from Colin Farrell 00:35:23.960 --> 00:35:25.380 that God is worthy 00:35:25.380 --> 00:35:26.240 to be worshipped 00:35:26.240 --> 00:35:27.840 not only for who he is 00:35:27.840 --> 00:35:29.079 but because of what he's done 00:35:29.079 --> 00:35:31.099 but here the angels 00:35:31.099 --> 00:35:31.640 worship him 00:35:31.640 --> 00:35:32.539 not because he's done 00:35:32.539 --> 00:35:33.539 a single thing 00:35:33.539 --> 00:35:35.160 they don't worship him 00:35:35.160 --> 00:35:36.460 because he delivered them 00:35:36.460 --> 00:35:37.780 or because he saved them 00:35:37.780 --> 00:35:38.280 from Egypt 00:35:38.280 --> 00:35:39.599 or because he died 00:35:39.599 --> 00:35:40.079 on the cross 00:35:40.079 --> 00:35:41.599 just simply because 00:35:41.599 --> 00:35:42.460 of who he is 00:35:42.460 --> 00:35:43.599 worthy are you 00:35:43.599 --> 00:35:44.360 our Lord and God 00:35:44.360 --> 00:35:45.320 to receive glory 00:35:45.320 --> 00:35:46.380 and honor 00:35:46.380 --> 00:35:47.500 and praise 00:35:47.500 --> 00:35:48.900 now 00:35:48.900 --> 00:35:51.260 what does all of this mean 00:35:51.260 --> 00:35:52.000 for the people 00:35:52.000 --> 00:35:54.180 of the early church 00:35:54.180 --> 00:35:55.360 2000 years ago 00:35:55.360 --> 00:35:56.120 and what does it mean 00:35:56.120 --> 00:35:57.300 for you and I today 00:35:57.300 --> 00:35:58.760 well thank you 00:35:58.760 --> 00:35:59.820 for asking that question 00:35:59.820 --> 00:36:01.880 it means a whole bunch 00:36:01.880 --> 00:36:02.220 of things 00:36:02.220 --> 00:36:02.920 but I'm going to give us 00:36:02.920 --> 00:36:03.800 just four things 00:36:03.800 --> 00:36:05.300 two sources of encouragement 00:36:05.300 --> 00:36:06.580 and two things 00:36:06.580 --> 00:36:07.420 to challenge us 00:36:07.420 --> 00:36:07.720 okay 00:36:07.720 --> 00:36:08.360 and then we'll go 00:36:08.360 --> 00:36:08.800 to communion 00:36:08.800 --> 00:36:09.800 the first thing 00:36:09.800 --> 00:36:10.520 it means is this 00:36:10.520 --> 00:36:12.700 history will not be defined 00:36:12.700 --> 00:36:14.220 by current circumstances 00:36:14.220 --> 00:36:16.260 at the time 00:36:16.260 --> 00:36:17.260 that John is writing 00:36:17.260 --> 00:36:19.340 this epistle 00:36:19.340 --> 00:36:20.260 this revelation 00:36:20.260 --> 00:36:21.320 to the early churches 00:36:21.320 --> 00:36:22.260 the followers of Jesus 00:36:22.260 --> 00:36:23.460 it looked as if 00:36:23.460 --> 00:36:24.559 Rome's empire 00:36:24.559 --> 00:36:25.680 would never end 00:36:25.680 --> 00:36:26.260 okay 00:36:26.260 --> 00:36:27.079 it looked as if 00:36:27.079 --> 00:36:28.079 the church was becoming 00:36:28.079 --> 00:36:29.539 increasingly insignificant 00:36:29.539 --> 00:36:30.460 and smaller 00:36:30.460 --> 00:36:31.579 Rome's power 00:36:31.579 --> 00:36:32.420 was on the rise 00:36:32.420 --> 00:36:33.100 and becoming more 00:36:33.100 --> 00:36:33.840 and more powerful 00:36:33.840 --> 00:36:35.160 and to many 00:36:35.160 --> 00:36:36.559 holding on to 00:36:36.559 --> 00:36:37.440 Jesus' kingdom 00:36:37.440 --> 00:36:38.640 and the gospel message 00:36:38.640 --> 00:36:39.340 in the face of 00:36:39.340 --> 00:36:40.059 Roman power 00:36:40.059 --> 00:36:40.700 and glory 00:36:40.700 --> 00:36:41.920 felt like trying 00:36:41.920 --> 00:36:43.180 to hold on to water 00:36:43.180 --> 00:36:44.559 and trying to hold 00:36:44.559 --> 00:36:45.180 on to a stream 00:36:45.180 --> 00:36:45.600 of water 00:36:45.600 --> 00:36:45.880 right 00:36:45.880 --> 00:36:46.440 it's just 00:36:46.440 --> 00:36:47.420 it's going to run 00:36:47.420 --> 00:36:48.019 away from you 00:36:48.019 --> 00:36:48.720 it felt like 00:36:48.720 --> 00:36:49.420 it's inevitable 00:36:49.420 --> 00:36:50.599 it's going to disappear 00:36:50.599 --> 00:36:51.980 but throughout 00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:52.960 the book of Revelation 00:36:52.960 --> 00:36:54.619 Rome's empire 00:36:54.619 --> 00:36:55.420 is constantly 00:36:55.420 --> 00:36:56.639 compared to Babylon 00:36:56.639 --> 00:36:58.460 now why is that 00:36:58.460 --> 00:36:59.260 well 00:36:59.260 --> 00:37:01.039 500 years beforehand 00:37:01.039 --> 00:37:02.019 Babylon 00:37:02.019 --> 00:37:03.820 remember Nebuchadnezzar 00:37:03.820 --> 00:37:04.700 was the superpower 00:37:04.700 --> 00:37:05.559 of the age 00:37:05.559 --> 00:37:06.820 and to the people 00:37:06.820 --> 00:37:07.220 of God 00:37:07.220 --> 00:37:08.159 in that day and age 00:37:08.159 --> 00:37:08.840 it felt like 00:37:08.840 --> 00:37:09.920 Babylon's power 00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:10.980 would never end 00:37:10.980 --> 00:37:12.019 it felt like 00:37:12.019 --> 00:37:12.659 Babylon was 00:37:12.659 --> 00:37:13.659 an eternal kingdom 00:37:13.659 --> 00:37:15.139 and to the people 00:37:15.139 --> 00:37:15.800 of God then 00:37:15.800 --> 00:37:16.400 they felt like 00:37:16.400 --> 00:37:17.480 God where are you 00:37:17.480 --> 00:37:18.760 and yet Babylon 00:37:18.760 --> 00:37:20.300 came to a decisive end 00:37:20.300 --> 00:37:21.480 and so God 00:37:21.480 --> 00:37:22.500 shows the people 00:37:22.500 --> 00:37:23.780 in the first century 00:37:23.780 --> 00:37:25.200 Rome is just like 00:37:25.200 --> 00:37:25.539 Babylon 00:37:25.539 --> 00:37:27.059 it feels all powerful 00:37:27.059 --> 00:37:27.579 now 00:37:27.579 --> 00:37:29.240 but the circumstances 00:37:29.240 --> 00:37:30.019 which you find 00:37:30.019 --> 00:37:30.900 yourself now 00:37:30.900 --> 00:37:32.539 are not the circumstances 00:37:32.539 --> 00:37:33.160 that are going to 00:37:33.160 --> 00:37:34.380 define all of history 00:37:34.380 --> 00:37:36.220 this power authority 00:37:36.220 --> 00:37:36.780 is coming 00:37:36.780 --> 00:37:37.880 to an end 00:37:37.880 --> 00:37:39.780 and Jesus 00:37:39.780 --> 00:37:40.559 is showing them 00:37:40.559 --> 00:37:41.579 and he's showing us 00:37:41.579 --> 00:37:42.800 that it seems 00:37:42.800 --> 00:37:43.820 like the power structures 00:37:43.820 --> 00:37:44.519 of our day 00:37:44.519 --> 00:37:45.539 will never cease 00:37:45.539 --> 00:37:46.679 it seems like 00:37:46.679 --> 00:37:47.320 this is just 00:37:47.320 --> 00:37:48.099 the way the world 00:37:48.099 --> 00:37:48.639 is going 00:37:48.639 --> 00:37:49.759 it seems like 00:37:49.759 --> 00:37:50.940 if you try and resist 00:37:50.940 --> 00:37:51.679 the way the world 00:37:51.679 --> 00:37:52.059 is going 00:37:52.059 --> 00:37:52.599 you're going to be 00:37:52.599 --> 00:37:53.440 on the wrong side 00:37:53.440 --> 00:37:54.019 of history 00:37:54.019 --> 00:37:55.039 and friends 00:37:55.039 --> 00:37:55.960 Jesus looks us 00:37:55.960 --> 00:37:56.420 in the eye 00:37:56.420 --> 00:37:56.739 and says 00:37:56.739 --> 00:37:58.099 don't you believe it 00:37:58.099 --> 00:37:59.960 don't you believe it 00:37:59.960 --> 00:38:01.480 friends 00:38:01.480 --> 00:38:02.579 this very week 00:38:02.579 --> 00:38:03.960 tomorrow 00:38:03.960 --> 00:38:04.679 some of us 00:38:04.679 --> 00:38:05.039 are going to go 00:38:05.039 --> 00:38:05.539 to work 00:38:05.539 --> 00:38:07.059 high schoolers 00:38:07.059 --> 00:38:07.880 you're going to 00:38:07.880 --> 00:38:08.519 go to school 00:38:08.519 --> 00:38:10.279 university students 00:38:10.279 --> 00:38:11.039 you go to class 00:38:11.039 --> 00:38:11.960 you write an assignment 00:38:11.960 --> 00:38:13.300 friends 00:38:13.300 --> 00:38:13.860 this week 00:38:13.860 --> 00:38:14.800 every one of us 00:38:14.800 --> 00:38:15.460 are going to be told 00:38:15.460 --> 00:38:16.400 every single day 00:38:16.400 --> 00:38:17.940 that to follow Christ 00:38:17.940 --> 00:38:19.260 and to live for his glory 00:38:19.260 --> 00:38:20.820 and to steward our money 00:38:20.820 --> 00:38:21.619 and our sexuality 00:38:21.619 --> 00:38:22.820 and our desires 00:38:22.820 --> 00:38:24.179 for his glory 00:38:24.179 --> 00:38:24.900 and his kingdom 00:38:24.900 --> 00:38:26.639 is a waste of time 00:38:26.639 --> 00:38:27.380 because you're going to be 00:38:27.380 --> 00:38:28.119 on the wrong side 00:38:28.119 --> 00:38:28.599 of history 00:38:28.599 --> 00:38:29.699 friends 00:38:29.699 --> 00:38:30.220 this week 00:38:30.220 --> 00:38:30.900 we're going to be told 00:38:30.900 --> 00:38:32.099 that to obey Jesus 00:38:32.099 --> 00:38:33.159 and to honor him 00:38:33.159 --> 00:38:34.480 with our sexuality 00:38:34.480 --> 00:38:36.639 and our views on gender 00:38:36.639 --> 00:38:37.860 and our money 00:38:37.860 --> 00:38:38.740 that you're going to be 00:38:38.740 --> 00:38:39.800 on the wrong side of history 00:38:39.800 --> 00:38:40.980 and it's a waste of time 00:38:40.980 --> 00:38:41.940 and you're going to be irrelevant 00:38:41.940 --> 00:38:42.800 friends 00:38:42.800 --> 00:38:43.800 don't you believe it 00:38:43.800 --> 00:38:45.579 don't you believe it 00:38:45.579 --> 00:38:47.340 all that is not done 00:38:47.340 --> 00:38:48.719 with eternity in our minds 00:38:48.719 --> 00:38:49.480 and God's glory 00:38:49.480 --> 00:38:50.000 in our heart 00:38:50.000 --> 00:38:51.380 is going to be eternally 00:38:51.380 --> 00:38:51.920 irrelevant 00:38:51.920 --> 00:38:52.780 and insignificant 00:38:52.780 --> 00:38:54.699 that's the first thing 00:38:54.699 --> 00:38:56.440 second bit of encouragement 00:38:56.440 --> 00:38:57.099 is this 00:38:57.099 --> 00:38:58.480 followers of Jesus 00:38:58.480 --> 00:38:59.740 do not need to live 00:38:59.740 --> 00:39:00.260 in fear 00:39:00.260 --> 00:39:02.360 in our family 00:39:02.360 --> 00:39:03.519 every now and then 00:39:03.519 --> 00:39:05.519 typically on Friday nights 00:39:05.519 --> 00:39:06.260 sometimes Saturday 00:39:06.260 --> 00:39:07.179 or Sunday nights 00:39:07.179 --> 00:39:08.740 we have family movie night 00:39:08.740 --> 00:39:10.039 and what we do 00:39:10.039 --> 00:39:11.179 is we make dinner together 00:39:11.179 --> 00:39:12.159 so we make pizza 00:39:12.159 --> 00:39:12.860 or sushi 00:39:12.860 --> 00:39:13.860 or something 00:39:13.860 --> 00:39:15.159 we all get involved 00:39:15.159 --> 00:39:16.019 and then we'll put on 00:39:16.019 --> 00:39:16.759 a movie 00:39:16.759 --> 00:39:18.179 and we'll all watch it together 00:39:18.179 --> 00:39:19.000 all four of us 00:39:19.000 --> 00:39:19.219 okay 00:39:19.219 --> 00:39:21.099 but invariably 00:39:21.099 --> 00:39:21.779 what happens 00:39:21.779 --> 00:39:22.980 no matter how 00:39:22.980 --> 00:39:24.400 simple the movie is 00:39:24.400 --> 00:39:25.159 okay 00:39:25.159 --> 00:39:26.860 at some point in the movie 00:39:26.860 --> 00:39:28.139 the music 00:39:28.139 --> 00:39:28.820 you know 00:39:28.820 --> 00:39:29.099 goes 00:39:29.099 --> 00:39:30.239 no no no no 00:39:30.239 --> 00:39:31.000 no no no 00:39:31.000 --> 00:39:32.320 and 00:39:32.320 --> 00:39:33.940 or the story 00:39:33.940 --> 00:39:35.179 takes a dramatic turn 00:39:35.179 --> 00:39:36.420 something goes wrong 00:39:36.420 --> 00:39:37.519 and our two girls 00:39:37.519 --> 00:39:40.059 with such tender hearts 00:39:40.059 --> 00:39:41.759 run out of the room 00:39:41.759 --> 00:39:42.679 to their bedrooms 00:39:42.679 --> 00:39:43.579 covering their eyes 00:39:43.579 --> 00:39:44.579 blocking their ears 00:39:44.579 --> 00:39:46.179 and are too afraid 00:39:46.179 --> 00:39:46.940 to watch the movie 00:39:46.940 --> 00:39:47.219 right 00:39:47.219 --> 00:39:48.960 and so what do Claire 00:39:48.960 --> 00:39:49.539 and I have to do 00:39:49.539 --> 00:39:50.880 we have to go to them 00:39:50.880 --> 00:39:51.259 and say 00:39:51.259 --> 00:39:53.320 I know how the story ends 00:39:53.320 --> 00:39:54.559 it's okay 00:39:54.559 --> 00:39:56.000 Ilsa and Anna 00:39:56.000 --> 00:39:56.900 are going to be friends 00:39:56.900 --> 00:39:57.500 again 00:39:57.500 --> 00:39:57.900 okay 00:39:57.900 --> 00:39:59.139 it's all going to be right 00:39:59.139 --> 00:40:01.000 Simba is going to go back 00:40:01.000 --> 00:40:01.800 to Pride Rock 00:40:01.800 --> 00:40:03.340 and everything's going to be okay 00:40:03.340 --> 00:40:04.960 at the moment 00:40:04.960 --> 00:40:05.820 the thing is that 00:40:05.820 --> 00:40:08.079 Annie and Mr. Socks 00:40:08.079 --> 00:40:08.780 or whatever his name is 00:40:08.780 --> 00:40:09.120 what's 00:40:09.120 --> 00:40:11.460 whatever it is 00:40:11.460 --> 00:40:12.860 they're going to get reconciled 00:40:12.860 --> 00:40:13.160 okay 00:40:13.160 --> 00:40:14.059 so it's okay 00:40:14.059 --> 00:40:15.760 I know how the story ends 00:40:15.760 --> 00:40:17.640 and we have to convince them 00:40:17.640 --> 00:40:18.900 that it's going to be okay 00:40:18.900 --> 00:40:20.140 in the end 00:40:20.140 --> 00:40:21.320 friends 00:40:21.320 --> 00:40:22.140 in this world 00:40:22.140 --> 00:40:23.800 you and I are going to have trouble 00:40:23.800 --> 00:40:25.340 no doubt about it 00:40:25.340 --> 00:40:26.400 we're going to have trouble 00:40:26.400 --> 00:40:27.700 and that's partly 00:40:27.700 --> 00:40:29.180 because we live in a fallen world 00:40:29.180 --> 00:40:30.700 our world is fallen 00:40:30.700 --> 00:40:32.160 so there's heartache 00:40:32.159 --> 00:40:32.779 and there's broken 00:40:32.779 --> 00:40:33.599 things go wrong 00:40:33.599 --> 00:40:34.940 it's partly because 00:40:34.940 --> 00:40:36.139 if you're a follower of Jesus 00:40:36.139 --> 00:40:37.159 there's a devil 00:40:37.159 --> 00:40:38.119 that doesn't want you 00:40:38.119 --> 00:40:38.899 to follow Jesus 00:40:38.899 --> 00:40:40.179 he wants to destroy you 00:40:40.179 --> 00:40:41.179 and destroy your faith 00:40:41.179 --> 00:40:42.879 and it's partly because 00:40:42.879 --> 00:40:44.239 you and I have got a sinful nature 00:40:44.239 --> 00:40:45.659 and the sinful nature 00:40:45.659 --> 00:40:46.259 in our hearts 00:40:46.259 --> 00:40:48.079 causes us all sorts of trouble 00:40:48.079 --> 00:40:50.000 the problem is not just out there 00:40:50.000 --> 00:40:51.019 the problem is in here 00:40:51.019 --> 00:40:51.399 right 00:40:51.399 --> 00:40:52.739 and so you and I 00:40:52.739 --> 00:40:54.019 are going to have trouble 00:40:54.019 --> 00:40:55.799 and sometimes the fear 00:40:55.799 --> 00:40:56.779 is so overwhelming 00:40:56.779 --> 00:40:57.960 that we might just want to 00:40:57.960 --> 00:40:58.519 run away 00:40:58.519 --> 00:40:59.539 and block our ears 00:40:59.539 --> 00:41:00.379 and cover our eyes 00:41:00.379 --> 00:41:02.119 and just take away 00:41:02.119 --> 00:41:03.440 their attention 00:41:03.440 --> 00:41:04.659 and give ourselves 00:41:04.659 --> 00:41:05.699 to some entertainment 00:41:05.699 --> 00:41:06.859 or some other thing 00:41:06.859 --> 00:41:08.420 that will distract us 00:41:08.420 --> 00:41:09.039 from the troubles 00:41:09.039 --> 00:41:09.699 in our world 00:41:09.699 --> 00:41:11.699 friends 00:41:11.699 --> 00:41:12.960 Jesus says 00:41:12.960 --> 00:41:13.500 don't you see 00:41:13.500 --> 00:41:14.299 how it's going to end 00:41:14.299 --> 00:41:15.579 don't you see 00:41:15.579 --> 00:41:17.039 who really holds the power 00:41:17.039 --> 00:41:18.119 don't you see 00:41:18.119 --> 00:41:19.000 there's a sovereign 00:41:19.000 --> 00:41:20.179 omnipotent king 00:41:20.179 --> 00:41:21.579 who really does sit 00:41:21.579 --> 00:41:22.119 on the throne 00:41:22.119 --> 00:41:22.940 of all creation 00:41:22.940 --> 00:41:23.880 and yes 00:41:23.880 --> 00:41:24.659 you will have trouble 00:41:24.659 --> 00:41:25.179 in this world 00:41:25.179 --> 00:41:26.319 but one day 00:41:26.319 --> 00:41:27.900 every single thing 00:41:27.900 --> 00:41:29.039 will bow the knee 00:41:29.039 --> 00:41:29.719 before him 00:41:29.719 --> 00:41:31.000 and will give him 00:41:31.000 --> 00:41:31.739 glory and honor 00:41:31.739 --> 00:41:33.179 and every knee 00:41:33.179 --> 00:41:33.699 will declare 00:41:33.699 --> 00:41:34.859 you are God almighty 00:41:34.859 --> 00:41:35.659 you are worthy 00:41:35.659 --> 00:41:36.659 to receive power 00:41:36.659 --> 00:41:37.439 and praise 00:41:37.439 --> 00:41:38.779 friends 00:41:38.779 --> 00:41:40.000 that vision 00:41:40.000 --> 00:41:40.919 will allow us 00:41:40.919 --> 00:41:41.500 to get through 00:41:41.500 --> 00:41:42.039 the trouble 00:41:42.039 --> 00:41:42.779 and the difficulty 00:41:42.779 --> 00:41:43.459 and the challenges 00:41:43.459 --> 00:41:44.359 facing our life 00:41:44.359 --> 00:41:45.819 and this vision 00:41:45.819 --> 00:41:46.779 of Jesus on the throne 00:41:46.779 --> 00:41:47.699 is what Hong Kong 00:41:47.699 --> 00:41:48.859 most needs right now 00:41:48.859 --> 00:41:50.059 and friends 00:41:50.059 --> 00:41:50.759 it's what you and I 00:41:50.759 --> 00:41:51.599 need right now 00:41:51.599 --> 00:41:52.859 to see God 00:41:52.859 --> 00:41:53.459 on the throne 00:41:53.459 --> 00:41:54.739 that he is eternal 00:41:54.739 --> 00:41:55.259 and he rules 00:41:55.259 --> 00:41:56.399 and he reigns 00:41:56.400 --> 00:41:57.780 last two things 00:41:57.780 --> 00:41:58.240 is this 00:41:58.240 --> 00:41:59.800 two challenges 00:41:59.800 --> 00:42:00.480 we can put them 00:42:00.480 --> 00:42:00.780 in the way 00:42:00.780 --> 00:42:01.579 of two questions 00:42:01.579 --> 00:42:02.220 the first one 00:42:02.220 --> 00:42:02.700 is this 00:42:02.700 --> 00:42:04.440 in light of 00:42:04.440 --> 00:42:05.420 revelation 4 00:42:05.420 --> 00:42:06.139 friends 00:42:06.139 --> 00:42:06.840 are you 00:42:06.840 --> 00:42:07.980 or I 00:42:07.980 --> 00:42:08.820 are we wasting 00:42:08.820 --> 00:42:09.500 our lives 00:42:09.500 --> 00:42:11.280 are we wasting 00:42:11.280 --> 00:42:11.900 our lives 00:42:11.900 --> 00:42:13.119 friends 00:42:13.119 --> 00:42:13.720 in the coming 00:42:13.720 --> 00:42:14.579 there is a day 00:42:14.579 --> 00:42:14.940 coming 00:42:14.940 --> 00:42:15.820 when all the money 00:42:15.820 --> 00:42:16.820 that we've accumulated 00:42:16.820 --> 00:42:18.440 all the corporate 00:42:18.440 --> 00:42:19.079 accolades 00:42:19.079 --> 00:42:19.960 that we've won 00:42:19.960 --> 00:42:20.680 and attained 00:42:20.680 --> 00:42:21.940 are going to be 00:42:21.940 --> 00:42:23.099 utterly meaningless 00:42:23.099 --> 00:42:24.800 and the praise 00:42:24.800 --> 00:42:25.300 of man 00:42:25.300 --> 00:42:26.000 and the recognition 00:42:26.000 --> 00:42:27.039 of those around us 00:42:27.039 --> 00:42:27.800 and the glory 00:42:27.800 --> 00:42:28.679 and the honor 00:42:28.679 --> 00:42:30.079 that we've strived for 00:42:30.079 --> 00:42:31.059 are not only 00:42:31.059 --> 00:42:31.860 going to be irrelevant 00:42:31.860 --> 00:42:32.559 but they're going to 00:42:32.559 --> 00:42:33.960 taste like sand 00:42:33.960 --> 00:42:34.699 in our mouth 00:42:34.699 --> 00:42:36.340 before the throne 00:42:36.340 --> 00:42:37.019 of the one 00:42:37.019 --> 00:42:37.719 that we were made 00:42:37.719 --> 00:42:38.219 to worship 00:42:38.219 --> 00:42:38.699 and adore 00:42:38.699 --> 00:42:39.980 friends 00:42:39.980 --> 00:42:40.840 you've only got 00:42:40.840 --> 00:42:41.539 one life 00:42:41.539 --> 00:42:43.320 this one and only 00:42:43.320 --> 00:42:44.119 life that you have 00:42:44.119 --> 00:42:44.639 what are you going 00:42:44.639 --> 00:42:45.239 to do with it 00:42:45.239 --> 00:42:46.820 don't waste 00:42:46.820 --> 00:42:47.800 your one and only 00:42:47.800 --> 00:42:48.239 life 00:42:48.239 --> 00:42:49.719 chasing after things 00:42:49.719 --> 00:42:50.360 that are going to be 00:42:50.360 --> 00:42:51.280 utterly meaningless 00:42:51.280 --> 00:42:52.199 friends 00:42:52.199 --> 00:42:52.719 how are you going 00:42:52.719 --> 00:42:53.280 to spend this 00:42:53.280 --> 00:42:54.139 one and only life 00:42:54.139 --> 00:42:55.539 I pray 00:42:55.539 --> 00:42:56.099 and I have been 00:42:56.099 --> 00:42:56.679 praying for us 00:42:56.679 --> 00:42:57.119 this week 00:42:57.119 --> 00:42:58.099 I pray that each 00:42:58.099 --> 00:42:58.539 one of us 00:42:58.539 --> 00:42:59.300 whether you're a 00:42:59.300 --> 00:42:59.699 businessman 00:42:59.699 --> 00:43:01.079 whether you're a 00:43:01.079 --> 00:43:01.320 lawyer 00:43:01.320 --> 00:43:02.300 whether you're a 00:43:02.300 --> 00:43:02.940 foreign domestic 00:43:02.940 --> 00:43:03.400 worker 00:43:03.400 --> 00:43:04.239 whether you're a 00:43:04.239 --> 00:43:04.539 teacher 00:43:04.539 --> 00:43:05.340 whether you stay 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.699 at home 00:43:05.699 --> 00:43:06.279 and look after 00:43:06.279 --> 00:43:06.679 kids 00:43:06.679 --> 00:43:07.920 that one million 00:43:07.920 --> 00:43:08.639 years from now 00:43:08.639 --> 00:43:09.340 the things we 00:43:09.340 --> 00:43:09.920 give ourselves 00:43:09.920 --> 00:43:10.940 to this very 00:43:10.940 --> 00:43:11.320 week 00:43:11.320 --> 00:43:12.460 will still be 00:43:12.460 --> 00:43:13.019 bearing fruit 00:43:13.019 --> 00:43:13.480 because they 00:43:13.480 --> 00:43:13.820 would have been 00:43:13.820 --> 00:43:14.460 done for the 00:43:14.460 --> 00:43:15.679 glory of his 00:43:15.679 --> 00:43:15.960 name 00:43:15.960 --> 00:43:16.559 to the praise 00:43:16.559 --> 00:43:17.019 of the one 00:43:17.019 --> 00:43:17.980 who created 00:43:17.980 --> 00:43:18.779 all things 00:43:18.779 --> 00:43:20.360 friends what are 00:43:20.360 --> 00:43:20.739 you going to do 00:43:20.739 --> 00:43:21.159 with your one 00:43:21.159 --> 00:43:21.879 and only life 00:43:21.879 --> 00:43:23.619 for some of you 00:43:23.619 --> 00:43:24.299 young people 00:43:24.299 --> 00:43:25.500 God may be 00:43:25.500 --> 00:43:26.099 calling you to 00:43:26.099 --> 00:43:26.839 full time ministry 00:43:26.839 --> 00:43:27.799 to serve him as 00:43:27.799 --> 00:43:28.219 a missionary 00:43:28.219 --> 00:43:28.679 somewhere 00:43:28.679 --> 00:43:29.799 to go into 00:43:29.799 --> 00:43:30.239 ministry 00:43:30.239 --> 00:43:32.000 don't run from 00:43:32.000 --> 00:43:32.599 that calling 00:43:32.599 --> 00:43:33.659 for some of you 00:43:33.659 --> 00:43:34.099 in business 00:43:34.099 --> 00:43:34.940 God's calling you 00:43:34.940 --> 00:43:35.619 to serve him 00:43:35.619 --> 00:43:36.179 to the praise 00:43:36.179 --> 00:43:36.619 and the glory 00:43:36.619 --> 00:43:37.159 of his name 00:43:37.159 --> 00:43:37.779 in business 00:43:37.779 --> 00:43:38.940 don't run 00:43:38.940 --> 00:43:39.739 from that calling 00:43:39.739 --> 00:43:40.980 serve him 00:43:40.980 --> 00:43:41.539 to the glory 00:43:41.539 --> 00:43:42.219 of his name 00:43:42.219 --> 00:43:43.539 wherever you are 00:43:43.539 --> 00:43:44.639 and then here's 00:43:44.639 --> 00:43:45.799 the final application 00:43:45.799 --> 00:43:46.619 the last challenge 00:43:46.619 --> 00:43:47.159 is this 00:43:47.159 --> 00:43:48.440 friends will you 00:43:48.440 --> 00:43:48.860 be there 00:43:48.860 --> 00:43:49.500 on that day 00:43:49.500 --> 00:43:51.720 will you be 00:43:51.720 --> 00:43:52.019 there 00:43:52.019 --> 00:43:54.139 one of the most 00:43:54.139 --> 00:43:54.860 unusual things 00:43:54.860 --> 00:43:55.539 about the church 00:43:55.539 --> 00:43:56.360 remember we said 00:43:56.360 --> 00:43:57.340 the 24 elders 00:43:57.340 --> 00:43:57.940 are a picture 00:43:57.940 --> 00:43:59.039 of the church 00:43:59.039 --> 00:44:00.159 the Old Testament 00:44:00.159 --> 00:44:00.539 saints 00:44:00.539 --> 00:44:01.280 the New Testament 00:44:01.280 --> 00:44:01.619 saints 00:44:01.619 --> 00:44:02.460 all seated 00:44:02.460 --> 00:44:03.200 around the throne 00:44:03.200 --> 00:44:03.780 giving honor 00:44:03.780 --> 00:44:04.700 and glory to him 00:44:04.700 --> 00:44:05.800 one of the most 00:44:05.800 --> 00:44:06.460 unusual things 00:44:06.460 --> 00:44:07.159 about the church 00:44:07.159 --> 00:44:08.460 is that it includes 00:44:08.460 --> 00:44:09.139 a whole bunch 00:44:09.139 --> 00:44:10.139 of pretty sketchy 00:44:10.139 --> 00:44:10.659 characters 00:44:10.659 --> 00:44:11.820 okay 00:44:11.820 --> 00:44:12.860 you think of 00:44:12.860 --> 00:44:14.079 the apostles 00:44:14.079 --> 00:44:15.179 think of the 00:44:15.179 --> 00:44:15.960 apostle Paul 00:44:15.960 --> 00:44:16.980 this guy who 00:44:16.980 --> 00:44:17.579 went around 00:44:17.579 --> 00:44:19.119 arresting people 00:44:19.119 --> 00:44:20.539 tormenting people 00:44:20.539 --> 00:44:21.679 persecuting people 00:44:21.679 --> 00:44:22.519 sometimes killing 00:44:22.519 --> 00:44:23.739 people because 00:44:23.739 --> 00:44:24.679 they followed Jesus 00:44:24.679 --> 00:44:25.940 you think of 00:44:25.940 --> 00:44:26.960 the apostle Peter 00:44:26.960 --> 00:44:28.199 the one who denies 00:44:28.199 --> 00:44:28.960 Jesus in his 00:44:28.960 --> 00:44:29.639 greatest hour 00:44:29.639 --> 00:44:31.119 of need 00:44:31.119 --> 00:44:32.179 you think of 00:44:32.179 --> 00:44:33.000 the apostles 00:44:33.000 --> 00:44:34.019 who fall asleep 00:44:34.019 --> 00:44:34.759 as Jesus 00:44:34.759 --> 00:44:35.360 about to go 00:44:35.360 --> 00:44:35.940 to the cross 00:44:35.940 --> 00:44:37.579 you think of 00:44:37.579 --> 00:44:38.420 the other disciples 00:44:38.420 --> 00:44:39.179 some of them 00:44:39.179 --> 00:44:40.039 are tax collectors 00:44:40.039 --> 00:44:41.539 Simon's a zealot 00:44:41.539 --> 00:44:42.139 which means a 00:44:42.139 --> 00:44:43.299 political terrorist 00:44:43.299 --> 00:44:44.139 trying to overthrow 00:44:44.139 --> 00:44:45.179 the Roman Empire 00:44:45.179 --> 00:44:46.480 you think of 00:44:46.480 --> 00:44:47.119 the Old Testament 00:44:47.119 --> 00:44:47.500 saints 00:44:47.500 --> 00:44:48.179 King David 00:44:48.179 --> 00:44:48.940 the greatest 00:44:48.940 --> 00:44:50.199 king in Israel's 00:44:50.199 --> 00:44:50.579 history 00:44:50.579 --> 00:44:52.280 he has an affair 00:44:52.280 --> 00:44:52.860 with someone 00:44:52.860 --> 00:44:54.159 she falls pregnant 00:44:54.159 --> 00:44:54.739 and then he tries 00:44:54.739 --> 00:44:55.760 to kill her husband 00:44:55.760 --> 00:44:56.519 so that he doesn't 00:44:56.519 --> 00:44:57.280 get blamed for 00:44:57.280 --> 00:44:58.579 making her pregnant 00:44:58.579 --> 00:44:59.500 friends 00:44:59.500 --> 00:45:00.719 these are the saints 00:45:00.719 --> 00:45:01.800 that are around 00:45:01.800 --> 00:45:02.659 the throne 00:45:02.659 --> 00:45:04.099 worshipping God 00:45:04.099 --> 00:45:05.599 so what does that 00:45:05.599 --> 00:45:06.099 tell us 00:45:06.099 --> 00:45:08.239 it tells us 00:45:08.239 --> 00:45:10.559 it tells us 00:45:10.559 --> 00:45:11.460 that the only 00:45:11.460 --> 00:45:12.380 way that you 00:45:12.380 --> 00:45:12.860 and I are 00:45:12.860 --> 00:45:13.739 ever going to be 00:45:13.739 --> 00:45:14.599 around God's throne 00:45:14.599 --> 00:45:15.019 one day 00:45:15.019 --> 00:45:16.019 is by grace 00:45:16.019 --> 00:45:16.639 and grace 00:45:16.639 --> 00:45:16.659 and grace 00:45:16.659 --> 00:45:17.019 alone 00:45:17.019 --> 00:45:18.000 friends 00:45:18.000 --> 00:45:18.820 Jesus tells us 00:45:18.820 --> 00:45:19.519 again and again 00:45:19.519 --> 00:45:20.539 it's not the most 00:45:20.539 --> 00:45:20.920 religious 00:45:20.920 --> 00:45:22.300 it's not the most 00:45:22.300 --> 00:45:22.880 dedicated 00:45:22.880 --> 00:45:23.559 they get to be 00:45:23.559 --> 00:45:23.880 with him 00:45:23.880 --> 00:45:25.179 no amount of 00:45:25.179 --> 00:45:26.360 religious dedication 00:45:26.360 --> 00:45:27.340 or observance 00:45:27.340 --> 00:45:28.400 can qualify you 00:45:28.400 --> 00:45:29.079 to be part of 00:45:29.079 --> 00:45:29.980 the people of God 00:45:29.980 --> 00:45:31.519 and yet Jesus 00:45:31.519 --> 00:45:32.320 tells us again 00:45:32.320 --> 00:45:33.539 that no amount 00:45:33.539 --> 00:45:34.059 of sin 00:45:34.059 --> 00:45:35.340 can disqualify us 00:45:35.340 --> 00:45:35.780 from God 00:45:35.780 --> 00:45:37.139 because all of us 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:38.239 carry more sin 00:45:38.239 --> 00:45:38.800 in our hearts 00:45:38.800 --> 00:45:39.340 than we actually 00:45:39.340 --> 00:45:39.920 realize 00:45:39.920 --> 00:45:41.099 as Oscar said 00:45:41.099 --> 00:45:41.860 we're all more 00:45:41.860 --> 00:45:42.539 broken than we 00:45:42.539 --> 00:45:43.039 realize 00:45:43.039 --> 00:45:44.300 you may think 00:45:44.300 --> 00:45:45.099 I'm such a sinner 00:45:45.099 --> 00:45:46.139 that disqualifies 00:45:46.139 --> 00:45:46.360 you 00:45:46.360 --> 00:45:47.480 if you only knew 00:45:47.480 --> 00:45:47.900 what a sinner 00:45:47.900 --> 00:45:48.519 you were 00:45:48.519 --> 00:45:49.219 you'd be 00:45:49.219 --> 00:45:49.980 even more 00:45:49.980 --> 00:45:50.460 convinced 00:45:50.460 --> 00:45:51.739 but that doesn't 00:45:51.739 --> 00:45:52.639 disqualify you 00:45:52.639 --> 00:45:53.779 from the throne 00:45:53.779 --> 00:45:54.340 of God 00:45:54.340 --> 00:45:55.420 friends 00:45:55.420 --> 00:45:57.599 these people 00:45:57.599 --> 00:45:58.800 the elders 00:45:58.800 --> 00:45:59.739 are gathered 00:45:59.739 --> 00:46:00.739 around the throne 00:46:00.739 --> 00:46:02.360 clothed in white 00:46:02.360 --> 00:46:04.000 why are they in white 00:46:04.000 --> 00:46:05.500 because they're not 00:46:05.500 --> 00:46:06.000 there in their 00:46:06.000 --> 00:46:07.039 righteousness alone 00:46:07.039 --> 00:46:08.119 they're there 00:46:08.119 --> 00:46:08.739 because they've been 00:46:08.739 --> 00:46:09.679 given the righteousness 00:46:09.679 --> 00:46:10.500 of Christ 00:46:10.500 --> 00:46:11.539 friends 00:46:11.539 --> 00:46:12.119 the only thing 00:46:12.119 --> 00:46:12.900 that qualifies 00:46:12.900 --> 00:46:13.559 us to stand 00:46:13.559 --> 00:46:14.320 before the throne 00:46:14.320 --> 00:46:15.159 of the sovereign 00:46:15.159 --> 00:46:16.139 and holy God 00:46:16.139 --> 00:46:17.000 is to recognize 00:46:17.000 --> 00:46:17.739 that you and I 00:46:17.739 --> 00:46:18.460 are not worthy 00:46:18.460 --> 00:46:19.260 on our own 00:46:19.260 --> 00:46:20.639 to come before him 00:46:20.639 --> 00:46:21.880 how desperately 00:46:21.880 --> 00:46:22.800 we need a savior 00:46:22.800 --> 00:46:24.039 how desperately 00:46:24.039 --> 00:46:25.099 I need a savior 00:46:25.099 --> 00:46:26.039 friends 00:46:26.039 --> 00:46:26.559 how desperately 00:46:26.559 --> 00:46:27.579 you need a savior 00:46:27.579 --> 00:46:29.159 friends 00:46:29.159 --> 00:46:29.760 are you desperate 00:46:29.760 --> 00:46:30.619 enough to cry out 00:46:30.619 --> 00:46:31.079 to Jesus 00:46:31.079 --> 00:46:32.480 for his mercy 00:46:32.480 --> 00:46:34.039 have you come 00:46:34.039 --> 00:46:34.800 to that place 00:46:34.800 --> 00:46:36.260 if not 00:46:36.260 --> 00:46:36.699 you may not 00:46:36.699 --> 00:46:37.239 be a Christian 00:46:37.239 --> 00:46:38.099 at all 00:46:38.099 --> 00:46:38.840 you see 00:46:38.840 --> 00:46:39.360 a Christian 00:46:39.360 --> 00:46:40.300 a Christian 00:46:40.300 --> 00:46:40.800 is someone 00:46:40.800 --> 00:46:41.820 not those 00:46:41.820 --> 00:46:42.340 that have got it 00:46:42.340 --> 00:46:42.840 all together 00:46:42.840 --> 00:46:43.860 Christians 00:46:43.860 --> 00:46:44.519 are not the most 00:46:44.519 --> 00:46:44.920 noble 00:46:44.920 --> 00:46:45.840 the most religious 00:46:45.840 --> 00:46:46.880 the most moral 00:46:46.880 --> 00:46:47.760 Christians 00:46:47.760 --> 00:46:48.160 are those 00:46:48.160 --> 00:46:48.880 who recognize 00:46:48.880 --> 00:46:49.559 that they're sinners 00:46:49.559 --> 00:46:50.099 and that their 00:46:50.099 --> 00:46:50.900 only hope 00:46:50.900 --> 00:46:51.720 is in salvation 00:46:51.720 --> 00:46:52.720 for salvation 00:46:52.720 --> 00:46:53.539 is in Christ 00:46:53.539 --> 00:46:54.079 alone 00:46:54.079 --> 00:46:55.019 and therefore 00:46:55.019 --> 00:46:55.840 they come to him 00:46:55.840 --> 00:46:56.539 and surrender 00:46:56.539 --> 00:46:57.640 friends 00:46:57.640 --> 00:46:58.500 have you done that 00:46:58.500 --> 00:46:59.860 will you be there 00:46:59.860 --> 00:47:00.480 on that day 00:47:00.480 --> 00:47:01.920 will you be counted 00:47:01.920 --> 00:47:02.599 amongst those 00:47:02.599 --> 00:47:03.599 that are around 00:47:03.599 --> 00:47:04.039 the throne 00:47:04.039 --> 00:47:04.640 giving honor 00:47:04.640 --> 00:47:05.120 and glory 00:47:05.120 --> 00:47:05.599 to him 00:47:05.599 --> 00:47:06.700 or friends 00:47:06.700 --> 00:47:07.480 will you be banished 00:47:07.480 --> 00:47:08.280 for all eternity 00:47:08.280 --> 00:47:09.220 because you've trusted 00:47:09.219 --> 00:47:09.959 in yourself 00:47:09.959 --> 00:47:12.119 Jesus invites us 00:47:12.119 --> 00:47:13.359 by the grace of God 00:47:13.359 --> 00:47:15.279 to come to him 00:47:15.279 --> 00:47:16.079 and find our hope 00:47:16.079 --> 00:47:16.500 in him 00:47:16.500 --> 00:47:18.039 friends here Jesus 00:47:18.039 --> 00:47:18.839 shows us who is 00:47:18.839 --> 00:47:19.559 governing the world 00:47:19.559 --> 00:47:21.019 who you can really 00:47:21.019 --> 00:47:21.480 trust 00:47:21.480 --> 00:47:22.719 who is holding 00:47:22.719 --> 00:47:23.299 the power 00:47:23.299 --> 00:47:24.579 what happens 00:47:24.579 --> 00:47:25.319 to the story 00:47:25.319 --> 00:47:26.239 that is our lives 00:47:26.239 --> 00:47:26.980 at the end 00:47:26.980 --> 00:47:28.139 in the end 00:47:28.139 --> 00:47:28.980 it all culminates 00:47:28.980 --> 00:47:29.539 with the one 00:47:29.539 --> 00:47:30.179 on the throne 00:47:30.179 --> 00:47:31.639 with all creation 00:47:31.639 --> 00:47:32.579 and all people 00:47:32.579 --> 00:47:33.439 bringing glory 00:47:33.439 --> 00:47:34.079 and honor 00:47:34.079 --> 00:47:35.139 and praise to him 00:47:35.139 --> 00:47:36.319 saying worthy 00:47:36.319 --> 00:47:36.779 are you 00:47:36.779 --> 00:47:37.459 our Lord 00:47:37.460 --> 00:47:37.980 and God 00:47:37.980 --> 00:47:38.960 to receive glory 00:47:38.960 --> 00:47:39.559 and honor 00:47:39.559 --> 00:47:40.019 and power 00:47:40.019 --> 00:47:41.340 for you created 00:47:41.340 --> 00:47:41.940 all things 00:47:41.940 --> 00:47:42.940 and by your will 00:47:42.940 --> 00:47:44.420 they all existed 00:47:44.420 --> 00:47:45.440 and were created 00:47:45.440 --> 00:47:47.780 let's respond to him 00:47:47.780 --> 00:47:48.679 now 00:47:48.679 --> 00:47:52.139 know 00:47:52.139 --> 00:47:54.019 to start 00:48:02.879 --> 00:48:03.139 work 00:48:03.139 --> 00:48:03.500 and 00:48:03.500 --> 00:48:05.440 set