WEBVTT 00:00:00.340 --> 00:00:01.679 in their home country. 00:00:02.780 --> 00:00:04.339 So they're a long-time resident, 00:00:05.160 --> 00:00:08.580 and in every way, through their courtesy and their hard work and their diplomacy, 00:00:08.980 --> 00:00:14.380 they work, and a good diplomat recognizes that the better they do here, 00:00:14.500 --> 00:00:16.899 the more courteous, the more humble, the more respectful, 00:00:17.300 --> 00:00:20.559 the more they love, the more they invest, the more they work hard, 00:00:20.620 --> 00:00:23.600 the more they benefit the country that they're living in, 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:27.160 that that's actually furthering the interests of their homeland. 00:00:27.160 --> 00:00:30.079 They recognize that they're linked, right? 00:00:30.339 --> 00:00:32.539 In its welfare, you will find your welfare. 00:00:34.259 --> 00:00:36.600 D.C. is full of embassies. 00:00:37.120 --> 00:00:39.480 So this is, I think, a familiar image for us. 00:00:40.280 --> 00:00:42.659 And we need to recognize that Jeremiah 29 is telling us 00:00:42.659 --> 00:00:46.939 that the church is the embassy of the kingdom of heaven. 00:00:48.159 --> 00:00:51.219 The church community is the embassy of the kingdom of heaven. 00:00:52.920 --> 00:00:56.600 And we ask, well, what does this actually look like on the ground? 00:00:56.600 --> 00:01:00.300 And there's this great letter from the 2nd century A.D., 00:01:00.300 --> 00:01:02.780 a letter to someone named Diognetus. 00:01:03.039 --> 00:01:08.060 And this letter describes this kind of growing group of Christians. 00:01:08.480 --> 00:01:13.040 And it's this interesting description from an outsider perspective 00:01:13.040 --> 00:01:14.359 of what these Christians are like. 00:01:14.420 --> 00:01:15.700 And just listen to this description. 00:01:15.700 --> 00:01:19.939 Christians are indistinguishable from other men, 00:01:20.219 --> 00:01:22.680 either by nationality, language, or customs. 00:01:22.680 --> 00:01:26.020 They do not inhabit separate cities of their own 00:01:26.020 --> 00:01:29.820 or speak a strange dialect or follow some outlandish way of life. 00:01:30.360 --> 00:01:32.960 And with regard to dress, food, and manner of life in general, 00:01:33.040 --> 00:01:36.540 they follow the customs of whatever city they happen to be living in. 00:01:37.520 --> 00:01:42.719 And yet, there is something extraordinary about their lives. 00:01:43.160 --> 00:01:46.620 They live in their own countries as though they were only passing through. 00:01:46.620 --> 00:01:49.240 They play their full role as citizens, 00:01:49.579 --> 00:01:52.359 but labor under all the disabilities of aliens. 00:01:53.500 --> 00:01:55.280 Any country can be their homeland, 00:01:55.520 --> 00:01:58.120 but for them, their homeland, wherever it may be, 00:01:58.439 --> 00:01:59.700 is a foreign country. 00:02:00.620 --> 00:02:02.640 Like others, they marry and have children, 00:02:03.260 --> 00:02:04.719 but they do not expose them, 00:02:04.800 --> 00:02:07.740 meaning leaving unwanted kids out to die. 00:02:08.400 --> 00:02:11.420 They share their tables, but not their beds. 00:02:11.419 --> 00:02:13.639 They live in the flesh, 00:02:13.780 --> 00:02:17.039 but they are not governed by the desires of the flesh. 00:02:17.439 --> 00:02:19.119 They pass their days upon earth, 00:02:19.280 --> 00:02:22.019 but they are citizens of heaven. 00:02:22.239 --> 00:02:25.259 Do you feel the tension in this description? 00:02:25.699 --> 00:02:28.039 They have not assimilated, 00:02:28.359 --> 00:02:30.459 and yet they have not separated, right? 00:02:30.599 --> 00:02:34.799 They are living in the tension in between those two things. 00:02:35.099 --> 00:02:37.479 They're fully integrated into the culture, 00:02:37.719 --> 00:02:39.560 and yet, key words, 00:02:39.560 --> 00:02:42.860 and yet, there is something extraordinary about their lives. 00:02:43.520 --> 00:02:46.020 And I think that those two words are the key 00:02:46.020 --> 00:02:52.020 to living as an ambassador of the kingdom in this world. 00:02:52.080 --> 00:02:53.159 Those words, and yet. 00:02:55.180 --> 00:02:58.560 Is there an and yetness to our life? 00:02:58.659 --> 00:03:02.659 You know, imagine if someone were to today 00:03:02.659 --> 00:03:05.439 write a letter about our community, 00:03:05.580 --> 00:03:06.120 Church of the Advent, 00:03:06.460 --> 00:03:08.180 and what might that letter say? 00:03:09.560 --> 00:03:14.800 What kinds of descriptions might we find in that letter? 00:03:14.900 --> 00:03:17.120 Just imagine what it might say. 00:03:18.180 --> 00:03:19.860 We work hard at our jobs, 00:03:20.460 --> 00:03:21.759 and yet, 00:03:22.020 --> 00:03:25.020 we also regularly take time to rest, 00:03:25.520 --> 00:03:27.840 and we know that our worth isn't measured 00:03:27.840 --> 00:03:29.400 by professional accomplishment. 00:03:30.020 --> 00:03:30.659 You know, 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:33.219 we are politically engaged and thoughtful, 00:03:33.219 --> 00:03:35.259 and yet, 00:03:35.560 --> 00:03:38.460 we don't think that politics 00:03:38.460 --> 00:03:41.400 is going to save the world, right? 00:03:41.520 --> 00:03:42.919 We love celebration, 00:03:43.460 --> 00:03:44.900 and we love good food, 00:03:45.419 --> 00:03:46.579 and we love good drink, 00:03:46.879 --> 00:03:47.979 and we love feasting. 00:03:49.479 --> 00:03:50.340 And yet, 00:03:50.560 --> 00:03:53.180 we know how to fast. 00:03:54.840 --> 00:03:56.240 We know how to do without. 00:03:56.240 --> 00:04:00.080 We recognize that life is about much more than pleasure. 00:04:01.620 --> 00:04:04.980 We have a high view of marriage and family, 00:04:05.620 --> 00:04:06.680 and yet, 00:04:07.100 --> 00:04:09.379 we recognize that it's equally, 00:04:09.500 --> 00:04:10.280 if not more important, 00:04:10.780 --> 00:04:12.520 for the church to be a family 00:04:12.520 --> 00:04:14.300 for all those people who don't have a family. 00:04:15.800 --> 00:04:16.340 All right? 00:04:16.339 --> 00:04:18.959 We seek greater influence in our jobs. 00:04:19.579 --> 00:04:21.539 We seek greater influence in the culture. 00:04:22.459 --> 00:04:22.939 And yet, 00:04:23.239 --> 00:04:26.199 we recognize that the purpose of power 00:04:26.199 --> 00:04:28.659 is to see other people flourish, 00:04:29.339 --> 00:04:31.239 not necessarily ourselves. 00:04:33.019 --> 00:04:33.239 All right? 00:04:33.339 --> 00:04:35.299 We promote and encourage 00:04:35.299 --> 00:04:38.399 and celebrate life in all of its forms, 00:04:38.779 --> 00:04:39.679 and yet, 00:04:39.839 --> 00:04:41.979 we recognize that death is inevitable, 00:04:42.539 --> 00:04:43.939 and we're not afraid of it. 00:04:44.399 --> 00:04:45.319 We don't deny it. 00:04:47.299 --> 00:04:48.699 We have ambitions, 00:04:49.259 --> 00:04:50.659 and we have hopes, 00:04:51.339 --> 00:04:52.539 and we have dreams 00:04:52.539 --> 00:04:54.819 for ourselves and our careers and our lives, 00:04:55.319 --> 00:04:56.299 and yet, 00:04:56.479 --> 00:04:57.639 at the same time, 00:04:57.779 --> 00:04:58.879 we are radically content, 00:04:59.599 --> 00:05:01.359 and we're at peace 00:05:01.359 --> 00:05:03.779 with where God has us right now. 00:05:04.899 --> 00:05:05.500 Right? 00:05:05.620 --> 00:05:07.039 We have strong convictions, 00:05:08.059 --> 00:05:09.000 clear beliefs, 00:05:09.339 --> 00:05:10.679 and we hold on to those, 00:05:11.219 --> 00:05:12.739 and we're not ashamed of them, 00:05:13.239 --> 00:05:14.019 and yet, 00:05:14.019 --> 00:05:16.319 we do everything we can 00:05:16.319 --> 00:05:17.000 to love 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:18.459 and to embrace 00:05:18.459 --> 00:05:20.120 and to understand people 00:05:20.120 --> 00:05:21.339 who disagree with us. 00:05:22.199 --> 00:05:22.639 Right? 00:05:22.779 --> 00:05:24.860 We care about having enough money 00:05:24.860 --> 00:05:26.219 to meet our needs, 00:05:26.300 --> 00:05:27.159 to have a place to live, 00:05:27.219 --> 00:05:27.980 to make sure our kids 00:05:27.980 --> 00:05:28.839 have what they need. 00:05:28.899 --> 00:05:30.000 That's important to us. 00:05:30.459 --> 00:05:31.100 And yet, 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:32.680 we care just as much, 00:05:32.719 --> 00:05:33.360 if not more, 00:05:33.519 --> 00:05:35.560 about the needs of people around us. 00:05:35.959 --> 00:05:37.319 And we're more excited 00:05:37.319 --> 00:05:38.120 when we have enough 00:05:38.120 --> 00:05:38.980 that we can be generous. 00:05:40.620 --> 00:05:41.060 Right? 00:05:41.060 --> 00:05:41.800 In short, 00:05:42.980 --> 00:05:44.939 we are at home in this world, 00:05:45.139 --> 00:05:45.480 and yet, 00:05:45.560 --> 00:05:46.220 at the same time, 00:05:46.319 --> 00:05:47.699 we recognize that this world 00:05:47.699 --> 00:05:49.160 is not our home. 00:05:50.339 --> 00:05:52.079 So the question that we have to ask 00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:53.280 as we think about our community 00:05:53.280 --> 00:05:54.139 and our own lives, 00:05:54.480 --> 00:05:56.600 is there an and-yet quality 00:05:56.600 --> 00:05:58.540 to our lives? 00:05:58.639 --> 00:05:58.800 Right? 00:05:58.939 --> 00:06:01.060 This is God's purpose for us in exile. 00:06:01.300 --> 00:06:02.600 He wants us to be ambassadors 00:06:02.600 --> 00:06:04.079 of the kingdom of God. 00:06:04.180 --> 00:06:04.879 So are we? 00:06:04.879 --> 00:06:07.699 Is there an and-yet-ness? 00:06:09.480 --> 00:06:09.659 Right? 00:06:09.839 --> 00:06:11.579 If our lives, 00:06:11.639 --> 00:06:12.779 for those of us who are Christians, 00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:14.259 I recognize some of you aren't, 00:06:14.639 --> 00:06:15.800 and maybe I'd be interested 00:06:15.800 --> 00:06:16.659 in your thoughts on this, 00:06:17.459 --> 00:06:18.920 but I think that for Christians, 00:06:19.100 --> 00:06:22.699 if there's no and-yet-ness 00:06:22.699 --> 00:06:23.519 to our life, 00:06:23.719 --> 00:06:24.939 if there's nothing 00:06:24.939 --> 00:06:27.339 that doesn't make perfect sense, 00:06:28.279 --> 00:06:28.459 right, 00:06:28.480 --> 00:06:30.019 if everything about our lives 00:06:30.019 --> 00:06:31.000 makes perfect sense 00:06:31.000 --> 00:06:32.819 to people who don't share our faith, 00:06:33.439 --> 00:06:34.519 if there's no way 00:06:34.519 --> 00:06:35.759 that we're provoking questions 00:06:35.759 --> 00:06:37.120 that only the gospel can answer, 00:06:37.299 --> 00:06:38.719 then we have to wonder about that. 00:06:38.779 --> 00:06:40.219 I think we should be concerned about that. 00:06:41.560 --> 00:06:42.019 Are we, 00:06:42.139 --> 00:06:43.719 as Jesus says in Matthew, 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:44.879 are we salty? 00:06:45.579 --> 00:06:47.159 Or have we lost our saltiness? 00:06:47.539 --> 00:06:47.659 Right? 00:06:48.799 --> 00:06:50.759 So this is the purpose of exile. 00:06:50.899 --> 00:06:52.879 We're called to be kingdom ambassadors 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:54.779 to seek the flourishing of the city. 00:06:54.959 --> 00:06:56.000 But then the other point 00:06:56.000 --> 00:06:57.299 that is equally important 00:06:57.299 --> 00:06:59.879 that we see in this passage 00:06:59.879 --> 00:07:01.180 is that ultimately, 00:07:01.500 --> 00:07:02.319 we are not the ones 00:07:02.319 --> 00:07:03.879 who will make flourishing happen. 00:07:03.879 --> 00:07:05.040 We seek it, 00:07:05.319 --> 00:07:06.620 we begin to build toward it, 00:07:06.680 --> 00:07:07.459 we preview it, 00:07:07.519 --> 00:07:08.379 we anticipate it, 00:07:08.439 --> 00:07:09.199 we embody it. 00:07:09.980 --> 00:07:10.719 But ultimately, 00:07:10.879 --> 00:07:11.699 the kind of flourishing 00:07:11.699 --> 00:07:13.100 that we see here in Scripture, 00:07:13.339 --> 00:07:15.959 that can only be done by God. 00:07:16.860 --> 00:07:17.860 And so that brings us 00:07:17.860 --> 00:07:19.759 to the promise of flourishing. 00:07:20.139 --> 00:07:21.379 And I say flourishing, 00:07:21.540 --> 00:07:22.699 the Scripture says welfare, 00:07:23.259 --> 00:07:24.579 but I think for most of us, 00:07:24.659 --> 00:07:25.300 we hear welfare, 00:07:25.579 --> 00:07:27.600 and it's a rather small word. 00:07:28.219 --> 00:07:28.639 Also, 00:07:28.839 --> 00:07:30.779 the scriptural word is shalom, 00:07:30.779 --> 00:07:32.079 which we also translate, 00:07:32.159 --> 00:07:33.259 often translate peace. 00:07:33.699 --> 00:07:34.779 But peace and welfare, 00:07:34.919 --> 00:07:35.179 I think, 00:07:35.479 --> 00:07:38.079 we have underimagined ideas 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:39.159 about what those mean. 00:07:40.759 --> 00:07:42.939 Here's the definition of shalom 00:07:42.939 --> 00:07:46.500 as it's intended to be read in Jeremiah. 00:07:46.699 --> 00:07:48.419 This comes from Cornelius Plantinga. 00:07:48.979 --> 00:07:49.879 In the Bible, 00:07:50.979 --> 00:07:53.419 shalom means universal flourishing 00:07:53.420 --> 00:07:55.800 and wholeness and delight. 00:07:56.520 --> 00:07:58.060 A rich state of affairs 00:07:58.060 --> 00:08:00.640 in which natural needs are satisfied 00:08:00.640 --> 00:08:03.460 and natural gifts fruitfully employed. 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:05.240 A state of affairs 00:08:05.240 --> 00:08:07.180 that inspires joyful wonder 00:08:07.180 --> 00:08:09.180 as its creator and savior 00:08:09.180 --> 00:08:10.100 opens doors 00:08:10.100 --> 00:08:11.680 and welcomes the creatures 00:08:11.680 --> 00:08:13.520 in whom he delights. 00:08:14.240 --> 00:08:15.340 Shalom, in other words, 00:08:15.660 --> 00:08:18.120 is the way things ought to be. 00:08:18.980 --> 00:08:20.439 That's a beautiful description 00:08:20.439 --> 00:08:23.540 of what shalom conveys, 00:08:23.620 --> 00:08:26.139 this holistic, universal flourishing. 00:08:26.939 --> 00:08:28.339 And so God calls his people 00:08:28.339 --> 00:08:29.319 to seek that 00:08:29.319 --> 00:08:31.279 in the places where they live. 00:08:31.339 --> 00:08:31.740 So for us, 00:08:31.800 --> 00:08:32.940 that would be Washington, D.C., 00:08:32.940 --> 00:08:34.980 to seek that reality here. 00:08:36.360 --> 00:08:37.080 And that means, 00:08:37.379 --> 00:08:37.779 notice, 00:08:38.059 --> 00:08:39.860 not starting huge programs 00:08:39.860 --> 00:08:41.039 and sort of citywide, 00:08:41.539 --> 00:08:42.519 but it's simply, 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:43.799 the focus in Jeremiah 00:08:43.799 --> 00:08:45.620 is simply living your life 00:08:45.620 --> 00:08:46.500 with an orientation 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:47.879 toward the common good. 00:08:48.059 --> 00:08:49.320 It's the way we think about 00:08:49.320 --> 00:08:50.580 choosing our home 00:08:50.580 --> 00:08:51.500 and it's the way we think about 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:52.740 who lives in our house 00:08:52.740 --> 00:08:54.260 and it's the way we think about 00:08:54.260 --> 00:08:56.960 what kind of jobs we pursue, 00:08:57.040 --> 00:08:58.580 but also the way we go about 00:08:58.580 --> 00:09:00.440 the jobs that God gives us. 00:09:00.700 --> 00:09:01.900 It's the ways that we interact 00:09:01.900 --> 00:09:02.500 with our neighbors. 00:09:02.680 --> 00:09:04.460 It's the way that we engage 00:09:04.460 --> 00:09:07.540 with the local government. 00:09:07.700 --> 00:09:09.379 It's the way that we engage 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:10.879 with the people who disagree with us. 00:09:10.980 --> 00:09:12.780 It's in all of the little ways, 00:09:12.879 --> 00:09:13.840 the little aspects of life, 00:09:13.900 --> 00:09:14.900 the way we talk to the people 00:09:14.900 --> 00:09:16.280 at the grocery store where we go 00:09:16.280 --> 00:09:17.420 and the places where we hang out 00:09:17.420 --> 00:09:18.220 in our free time, 00:09:18.220 --> 00:09:18.960 all of that, 00:09:19.740 --> 00:09:20.720 but doing that with an eye 00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:21.960 toward the flourishing of the city, 00:09:22.580 --> 00:09:25.379 toward the common good, right? 00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:26.300 And so all of that, 00:09:26.379 --> 00:09:28.019 we summarize with the word flourishing. 00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:29.060 And I want you to see 00:09:29.060 --> 00:09:30.220 that this definition of flourishing 00:09:30.220 --> 00:09:32.340 is way bigger than what we can do 00:09:32.340 --> 00:09:33.440 through what I just described. 00:09:33.940 --> 00:09:36.879 It requires God ultimately to come in 00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:40.379 and to finish what he started through us. 00:09:41.080 --> 00:09:43.879 And this is what you see 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:45.480 in the remaining verses, 00:09:45.759 --> 00:09:46.960 beginning in verse 10. 00:09:46.960 --> 00:09:47.519 It says, 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:48.560 For thus says the Lord, 00:09:48.879 --> 00:09:51.379 When 70 years are completed for Babylon, 00:09:51.600 --> 00:09:52.360 I will visit you, 00:09:52.540 --> 00:09:54.340 and I will fulfill to you my promise 00:09:54.340 --> 00:09:55.879 to bring you back to this place. 00:09:56.200 --> 00:09:57.879 For I know the plans that I have for you, 00:09:57.960 --> 00:09:58.700 declares the Lord, 00:09:59.000 --> 00:10:00.840 plans for welfare and not for evil, 00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:03.240 to give you a future and a hope. 00:10:04.280 --> 00:10:05.680 Now that may sound familiar, 00:10:05.800 --> 00:10:06.840 Jeremiah 29, 11, 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:08.820 For I know the plans that I have for you, 00:10:08.900 --> 00:10:09.560 declares the Lord. 00:10:11.160 --> 00:10:12.200 And it sounds familiar 00:10:12.200 --> 00:10:15.060 because it's used very often in our society. 00:10:15.059 --> 00:10:16.659 It's often misused in our society. 00:10:17.079 --> 00:10:19.059 You often see it on graduation cards 00:10:19.059 --> 00:10:21.819 or coffee mugs or picture frames, 00:10:21.899 --> 00:10:22.559 things like that. 00:10:23.119 --> 00:10:24.519 And most of the time it's wrong, 00:10:24.679 --> 00:10:25.619 the way it's used. 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:26.839 Or most of the time, 00:10:26.899 --> 00:10:28.139 it's being taken out of context. 00:10:28.979 --> 00:10:30.699 So don't call your grandma up 00:10:30.699 --> 00:10:32.119 and criticize the card she gave you 00:10:32.119 --> 00:10:32.819 for your graduation. 00:10:33.199 --> 00:10:34.519 But just so that we know, 00:10:34.919 --> 00:10:36.639 it's not talking about the fact 00:10:36.639 --> 00:10:38.159 that God's going to give you a good job 00:10:38.159 --> 00:10:40.679 and an income after you graduate college. 00:10:40.679 --> 00:10:43.019 What it's talking about 00:10:43.019 --> 00:10:44.679 is the end of exile. 00:10:45.079 --> 00:10:46.199 It's talking about 00:10:46.199 --> 00:10:48.259 the ultimate homecoming. 00:10:48.919 --> 00:10:50.079 And it's talking about both 00:10:50.079 --> 00:10:52.039 the end of exile for Israel, 00:10:52.239 --> 00:10:54.659 but also the end of humanity's exile. 00:10:55.059 --> 00:10:56.759 That one day we will be home. 00:10:56.859 --> 00:10:58.799 That one day we'll no longer be exiled. 00:10:58.919 --> 00:11:00.399 So it's a great promise. 00:11:01.419 --> 00:11:02.299 And in fact, 00:11:02.419 --> 00:11:03.279 what scripture says 00:11:03.279 --> 00:11:04.819 is not that we will one day go home, 00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:07.019 but rather one day home will come to us. 00:11:07.019 --> 00:11:09.919 One day this will become home. 00:11:10.439 --> 00:11:11.480 It will be transformed. 00:11:11.620 --> 00:11:12.279 It will be changed. 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:13.100 It will be renewed. 00:11:13.199 --> 00:11:14.319 It will become home. 00:11:15.220 --> 00:11:17.139 Our true home will be here. 00:11:18.399 --> 00:11:19.600 And you read about this 00:11:19.600 --> 00:11:20.679 from the Apostle John 00:11:20.679 --> 00:11:23.899 in the book of Revelation. 00:11:24.100 --> 00:11:25.419 He says this in Revelation 21. 00:11:25.419 --> 00:11:29.279 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:31.620 for the first heaven and the first earth 00:11:31.620 --> 00:11:32.519 had passed away, 00:11:32.600 --> 00:11:33.899 and the sea was no more. 00:11:34.799 --> 00:11:36.220 And I saw the holy city, 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:37.420 new Jerusalem, 00:11:37.820 --> 00:11:39.700 coming down out of heaven from God, 00:11:39.980 --> 00:11:42.139 prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 00:11:42.860 --> 00:11:45.440 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 00:11:45.779 --> 00:11:48.800 Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:50.800 He will dwell with them, 00:11:50.920 --> 00:11:52.320 and they will be his people, 00:11:52.519 --> 00:11:55.200 and God himself will be with them as their God. 00:11:55.200 --> 00:11:57.620 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, 00:11:57.700 --> 00:11:59.120 and death shall be no more. 00:11:59.720 --> 00:12:01.100 Neither shall there be mourning, 00:12:01.379 --> 00:12:03.200 nor crying, nor pain anymore. 00:12:03.680 --> 00:12:05.580 For the former things have passed away, 00:12:05.580 --> 00:12:07.820 and he who is seated on the throne said, 00:12:08.180 --> 00:12:11.759 Behold, I'm making all things new. 00:12:12.680 --> 00:12:14.780 And this is the great promise of flourishing, 00:12:14.879 --> 00:12:18.080 that one day God's going to build this great city. 00:12:18.200 --> 00:12:19.379 It's not going to be Washington, D.C. 00:12:19.820 --> 00:12:21.700 It's not going to be New York, Paris, 00:12:22.060 --> 00:12:23.160 bigger than all of those. 00:12:23.220 --> 00:12:24.060 One great city. 00:12:24.280 --> 00:12:26.620 And people from every nation, tribe, tongue, 00:12:26.720 --> 00:12:28.020 regardless of culture and background, 00:12:28.259 --> 00:12:30.140 are going to be drawn into that city. 00:12:30.139 --> 00:12:31.600 And what makes that city home? 00:12:32.539 --> 00:12:35.600 The very presence of God is there. 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:41.500 That we will be face to face with our maker and savior. 00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:44.919 And the Bible says the great proof that this will happen 00:12:44.919 --> 00:12:46.259 is the resurrection of Jesus. 00:12:46.419 --> 00:12:47.960 Paul looks at the resurrection and says, 00:12:47.960 --> 00:12:50.280 that's a preview of what's ultimately going to happen 00:12:50.280 --> 00:12:52.360 to all of us and to the world. 00:12:54.920 --> 00:12:57.639 So what are the implications for us as we think about this 00:12:57.639 --> 00:13:00.560 for Advent in Washington, D.C.? 00:13:00.560 --> 00:13:05.000 Well, it means that through our homes and through our work 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:08.100 and through our daily presence here, 00:13:08.100 --> 00:13:12.680 we desire for D.C. to be changed. 00:13:12.820 --> 00:13:15.860 We desire for D.C. to become more and more 00:13:15.860 --> 00:13:18.820 a city that is marked by wholeness 00:13:18.820 --> 00:13:22.639 and people who are whole and delight. 00:13:23.519 --> 00:13:26.840 A city where people's spiritual and social 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:30.200 and material needs are satisfied. 00:13:31.040 --> 00:13:33.639 A city where people's gifts and talents 00:13:33.639 --> 00:13:36.899 and resources and time are used 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:39.480 in ways that benefit the common good. 00:13:39.620 --> 00:13:42.899 That means everybody, both inside and outside the church. 00:13:43.980 --> 00:13:46.579 That it becomes a city marked by joyful wonder 00:13:46.579 --> 00:13:49.059 at the saving power of Jesus Christ. 00:13:49.139 --> 00:13:50.959 That one day, it won't be known 00:13:50.959 --> 00:13:55.220 as the seed of power for the U.S., 00:13:55.220 --> 00:13:57.500 but rather it will be known for the name of God. 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:00.120 Right? 00:14:00.279 --> 00:14:02.720 So as we pull all this together, 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:06.840 we have on the one hand a purpose for exile. 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:08.159 God has a purpose for us. 00:14:08.860 --> 00:14:10.620 And we also have a promise of flourishing. 00:14:10.759 --> 00:14:14.039 One day, God's going to transform and renew this world. 00:14:14.120 --> 00:14:16.519 And so the question that we need to ask in closing 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:19.559 is how do those things come together in our lives? 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:22.199 In other words, as we look at this promise, 00:14:22.539 --> 00:14:24.699 what is the purpose that we play 00:14:24.699 --> 00:14:26.939 in achieving or moving toward that promise? 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:29.600 And I think that we need to ask that as a church. 00:14:29.639 --> 00:14:32.159 And also, I encourage you to ask this individually. 00:14:32.159 --> 00:14:35.179 What is the purpose that you are called to play? 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:36.839 More to the point, 00:14:37.439 --> 00:14:40.799 what kind of relationship will you have 00:14:40.799 --> 00:14:44.179 with this city and with this church? 00:14:45.100 --> 00:14:46.759 What kind of relationship will you have? 00:14:47.519 --> 00:14:48.779 So a lot of people come to D.C. 00:14:49.299 --> 00:14:51.959 And they may, you know, sign a long-term lease 00:14:51.959 --> 00:14:52.600 or buy a house. 00:14:52.819 --> 00:14:56.639 But in their mentality, they remain tourists. 00:14:58.339 --> 00:15:00.720 They come to D.C. primarily to take, 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:04.240 to enjoy, to have fun, to get what they need. 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:05.579 And then they leave. 00:15:07.039 --> 00:15:07.360 Right? 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:10.500 I talked to somebody, a long-time D.C. resident, 00:15:10.720 --> 00:15:13.100 and I said, well, how has the city changed? 00:15:13.860 --> 00:15:14.860 You know, what's your take on that? 00:15:14.960 --> 00:15:16.460 And he, without even skipping a beat, 00:15:16.700 --> 00:15:19.159 he said, well, it's become a playground 00:15:19.159 --> 00:15:21.060 for young white professionals. 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:23.060 And he looked at me and he said, 00:15:23.100 --> 00:15:24.500 people like you, you're having a ball. 00:15:26.019 --> 00:15:27.539 And it was very telling, right? 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:28.600 You don't have to be a Christian 00:15:28.600 --> 00:15:30.519 or believe the Bible, you know, 00:15:30.659 --> 00:15:33.240 to notice that mentality, right? 00:15:33.240 --> 00:15:34.759 You can reject everything else I just said. 00:15:34.759 --> 00:15:38.799 But there's a sense that people are watching 00:15:38.799 --> 00:15:39.580 and they're noticing. 00:15:40.360 --> 00:15:41.759 What is our relationship with the city? 00:15:42.679 --> 00:15:44.700 Many of us, I'm assuming, have moved here. 00:15:44.779 --> 00:15:45.840 If you're a long-time resident, 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:47.559 then you probably have thoughts about this as well. 00:15:47.700 --> 00:15:48.559 You probably know better than I do. 00:15:49.539 --> 00:15:51.139 But what is our relationship going to be? 00:15:51.759 --> 00:15:51.919 Right? 00:15:52.120 --> 00:15:54.840 Are we going to treat the city kind of like a prostitute? 00:15:55.720 --> 00:15:58.319 Where we get what we want and get out? 00:15:59.080 --> 00:16:01.559 Or are there ways that we can think about 00:16:01.559 --> 00:16:03.759 seeking the common good while we're here? 00:16:03.759 --> 00:16:06.939 Now, some of you are just here for a couple of years 00:16:06.939 --> 00:16:08.120 and that's God's will for you. 00:16:08.200 --> 00:16:10.379 You're here and then God is going to call you elsewhere. 00:16:10.939 --> 00:16:12.799 I want to encourage everybody to at least consider 00:16:12.799 --> 00:16:14.019 making a longer-term commitment. 00:16:14.179 --> 00:16:16.340 But it's not necessarily about how long you live here. 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:18.620 It's more about the kind of relationship you have 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:19.500 while you're here. 00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:21.460 Whether or not you're investing. 00:16:22.919 --> 00:16:23.919 Whether or not you're investing. 00:16:25.860 --> 00:16:26.080 Right? 00:16:26.559 --> 00:16:28.919 How are you thinking about your presence here? 00:16:28.919 --> 00:16:33.659 So we started this church alongside our sister churches 00:16:33.659 --> 00:16:35.459 with a vision to see this kind of flourishing. 00:16:36.759 --> 00:16:40.519 And we believe that our only hope of meaningfully pursuing that vision 00:16:40.519 --> 00:16:43.120 is if we have a community of people who are deeply invested 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:44.339 in this church community 00:16:44.339 --> 00:16:46.259 and deeply invested in this vision 00:16:46.259 --> 00:16:47.939 to serve the greater community. 00:16:48.179 --> 00:16:49.519 Even the people who disagree with us, 00:16:49.579 --> 00:16:52.519 even the people who would rather see churches like ours 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:53.679 cease to exist. 00:16:53.679 --> 00:16:56.739 That we're here to seek their welfare. 00:16:57.719 --> 00:16:59.000 We're here to love 00:16:59.000 --> 00:17:01.559 all who God has put under our care. 00:17:01.739 --> 00:17:02.959 We believe that extends to 00:17:02.959 --> 00:17:05.419 the edges of this 00:17:05.419 --> 00:17:06.960 great city of Washington, D.C. 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:09.119 And so with that, let's 00:17:09.119 --> 00:17:10.240 come together in prayer. 00:17:10.240 --> 00:17:10.740 , whatever. 00:17:10.740 --> 00:17:34.940 .