WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.040 The following sermon is made available by Lakeside Bible Church in Cornelius, North Carolina. 00:00:15.640 --> 00:00:19.160 For more information about our church or to find more recorded sermons, 00:00:19.640 --> 00:00:22.719 please visit us online at lakesidebible.church. 00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:25.719 We'd also love to connect with you on social media. 00:00:25.719 --> 00:00:30.679 You can find us by searching Lakeside Bible NC on Facebook and Instagram. 00:00:31.640 --> 00:00:37.879 For specific questions about the Bible or our church, please email us at info at lakesidebible.church. 00:00:39.759 --> 00:00:42.599 Let's turn in our Bibles to Habakkuk chapter 1. 00:00:42.759 --> 00:00:43.920 Habakkuk chapter 1. 00:00:44.480 --> 00:00:53.399 We left our friend Habakkuk last week after exploring the desperate spirit with which he cried to the Lord and prayed to the Lord. 00:00:53.399 --> 00:00:58.780 And we saw that his initial question had to do with essentially two things, 00:00:59.259 --> 00:01:04.980 God's timing and God's seeming tolerance towards the sin of the nation. 00:01:05.579 --> 00:01:13.900 And I want us to be careful not to unwittingly disparage Habakkuk as we examine his prayer. 00:01:14.239 --> 00:01:20.620 To be honest with you, I feel like I probably did that too much last week in our study of the first four verses. 00:01:20.620 --> 00:01:30.820 I hesitate even to reference Habakkuk's prayer as a complaint because it's really just a result of his confusion, 00:01:30.960 --> 00:01:33.460 the same confusion that we deal with. 00:01:33.540 --> 00:01:38.280 It wasn't that he was antagonistic towards the Lord or doubtful of God. 00:01:38.860 --> 00:01:40.360 He was confused. 00:01:40.719 --> 00:01:46.620 He was perplexed by what God was doing or in his perspective by what God wasn't doing. 00:01:46.620 --> 00:01:57.040 And so I want us to be careful not to portray this man in a way that he's undeserving of. 00:01:58.480 --> 00:02:03.360 God's timing to Habakkuk seemed to be like tolerance. 00:02:03.780 --> 00:02:05.719 But Habakkuk knew better than that. 00:02:06.400 --> 00:02:11.280 He understood that God is holy and he wasn't questioning God's holiness. 00:02:11.580 --> 00:02:13.939 He wasn't questioning God's hatred of sin. 00:02:13.939 --> 00:02:23.300 He just couldn't understand why God was silent and had allowed things to seem as if he was tolerant of sin. 00:02:24.259 --> 00:02:28.840 Habakkuk was a holy man and he prayed a righteous prayer. 00:02:29.500 --> 00:02:36.560 But there's still a lot that we can learn from the dialogue between he and God throughout this book. 00:02:36.560 --> 00:02:43.939 And that's exactly why God has so graciously gifted it to us as a part of the Bible. 00:02:44.580 --> 00:02:53.039 Well, verses 5 through 11 that we cover today cover God's answer to Habakkuk's first dilemma. 00:02:54.280 --> 00:02:59.819 God had actually been active all along, behind the scenes for a long time. 00:02:59.819 --> 00:03:10.739 And his explanation to the prophet immediately serves as a reminder to us that God's methods do not often agree with our expectations. 00:03:11.560 --> 00:03:15.799 In fact, much about the way God works is actually a mystery to us. 00:03:16.599 --> 00:03:19.340 God said in Isaiah 55, he said, 00:03:19.340 --> 00:03:38.439 Interestingly, Isaiah recorded those words in the context of God's forgiveness. 00:03:39.020 --> 00:03:40.439 But the point is it lost. 00:03:40.439 --> 00:03:48.079 God's perfect character means that his methods will greatly differ from what we anticipate. 00:03:48.960 --> 00:03:57.180 And it's only as we look at life through the lens of the scriptures that we can begin to comprehend why God works in the way that he does. 00:03:57.659 --> 00:04:02.099 We must know him in order to understand his ways. 00:04:02.099 --> 00:04:11.219 And even then, we will often feel confused and pray prayers like Habakkuk prayed in the first few verses. 00:04:11.959 --> 00:04:17.560 It's in these moments that trusting God is of utmost importance. 00:04:18.019 --> 00:04:20.019 As Babby Mason sang, 00:04:20.519 --> 00:04:24.060 When you don't understand and when you don't see his plan, 00:04:24.579 --> 00:04:27.819 when you can't trace his hand, trust his heart. 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:32.579 And there's going to be a lot of times in our lives where we don't understand what God is doing. 00:04:32.740 --> 00:04:39.639 And we're questioning whether or not he's being silent and why he seems to be so tolerant of the wickedness that's around us. 00:04:39.659 --> 00:04:42.959 Or why he has brought various things into our lives. 00:04:43.259 --> 00:04:45.560 Hardships and so on and so forth. 00:04:45.699 --> 00:04:49.839 And when we don't understand all of those things, we can always trust that God is right. 00:04:49.920 --> 00:04:53.980 And that though his ways do not always agree with our expectations, 00:04:54.579 --> 00:04:56.259 his ways are always best. 00:04:56.259 --> 00:04:59.459 And we must continually trust him. 00:05:00.439 --> 00:05:03.480 Now, Martin Lloyd-Jones in 1953, 00:05:04.039 --> 00:05:08.839 there was a book that was published that was a series of sermons that he had preached 00:05:08.839 --> 00:05:15.279 on the book of Habakkuk just after World War II in England. 00:05:15.560 --> 00:05:19.300 And I'm actually going to quote him a number of times throughout our message today. 00:05:19.480 --> 00:05:21.279 But in regards to this, he said, 00:05:21.279 --> 00:05:25.019 We all tend to prescribe the answers to our prayers. 00:05:25.019 --> 00:05:28.240 We think that God can only come in one way. 00:05:28.819 --> 00:05:38.199 But Scripture teaches us that God sometimes answers our prayers by allowing things to get much worse before they get better. 00:05:38.859 --> 00:05:42.120 He may sometimes do the opposite of what we anticipate. 00:05:42.620 --> 00:05:46.539 He may overwhelm us by confronting us with a Chaldean army. 00:05:46.540 --> 00:05:57.740 Yet it is a fundamental principle in the life and walk of faith that we must always be prepared for the unexpected when we are dealing with God. 00:05:58.379 --> 00:06:03.340 And this is how we come to understand Habakkuk's prayer most clearly. 00:06:03.339 --> 00:06:09.299 The expectation of his prayer did not match what God was doing. 00:06:09.799 --> 00:06:12.339 And it left Habakkuk confused. 00:06:13.139 --> 00:06:20.079 But it's not the perplexity of the prophet that is to gain our attention in these verses today, in verses 5 through 11. 00:06:20.500 --> 00:06:25.459 Rather, it is the sovereign power of God that is to be our focus. 00:06:25.639 --> 00:06:30.599 And consequently, become the motivation for our worship. 00:06:30.600 --> 00:06:35.120 God's answer reveals that he is always working. 00:06:35.939 --> 00:06:43.860 It reveals that he is in sovereign control of all the events of history, no matter how small or how great. 00:06:44.320 --> 00:06:49.640 And that he is working all things according to his divine purpose. 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:54.400 And that's the three observations that I would like to explore with you today. 00:06:54.580 --> 00:06:56.180 But let's first read our text. 00:06:56.180 --> 00:06:58.259 You're there in Habakkuk chapter 1. 00:06:58.500 --> 00:07:01.060 Let's look beginning at verse number 5. 00:07:01.060 --> 00:07:31.040 Verse number 6. 00:07:31.060 --> 00:08:01.040 Verse number 6. 00:08:01.060 --> 00:08:28.620 The first observation of which we're to make in these verses as it relates to God's response to Habakkuk is the fact that God is always at work. 00:08:28.620 --> 00:08:31.680 God is always at work. 00:08:31.680 --> 00:08:43.659 Now, before God ever got to the description of his instrument of judgment, which we come to find out is actually the Babylonian Empire, the Babylonian army, the Chaldeans. 00:08:43.659 --> 00:08:44.659 He said enough in verse 5. 00:08:44.659 --> 00:08:50.600 He said enough in verse 5 to strike plenty of fear into the hearts of the Jews. 00:08:51.059 --> 00:08:56.120 And I want you to consider with me just here in this verse how this would have grabbed their attention. 00:08:56.799 --> 00:08:58.219 Look at this very first phrase. 00:08:58.559 --> 00:09:02.319 Behold among the heathen and marvel, God says. 00:09:02.559 --> 00:09:04.199 Heathen there is just a reference to nations. 00:09:04.200 --> 00:09:12.360 God is saying, look out among the nations and marvel at what I'm about to do. 00:09:13.140 --> 00:09:22.460 God informed Habakkuk and subsequently the entire nation that they would have to look beyond their borders to actually see his work. 00:09:22.460 --> 00:09:29.120 And of course, his intent wasn't for them to marvel solely at the strength of their captors. 00:09:29.720 --> 00:09:36.600 He wanted them to look beyond the instrument of judgment and marvel at the one who raised them up. 00:09:36.920 --> 00:09:39.320 He wanted them not to fear the Babylonians. 00:09:39.460 --> 00:09:41.759 He wanted them to fear God. 00:09:41.759 --> 00:09:46.700 And so right from the beginning, as God begins to answer, he immediately says, 00:09:46.779 --> 00:09:53.840 you're going to have to stop looking here at Israel and look outside of the nation to see what I'm beginning to do. 00:09:53.960 --> 00:09:57.179 And then in this next phrase, he said, because I'm working a work. 00:09:57.299 --> 00:10:00.059 And then he says, in your days. 00:10:00.620 --> 00:10:02.740 But consider how that would have come across to these people. 00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:06.720 This was not a potential judgment. 00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:13.560 Nor was this a prophecy that was to be fulfilled in the distant future. 00:10:14.300 --> 00:10:19.800 This was a cataclysmic event that was going to happen in the days of these people. 00:10:20.180 --> 00:10:24.100 They would be the ones to face the judgment that God was bringing. 00:10:24.300 --> 00:10:26.840 And they would not be able to escape it. 00:10:26.840 --> 00:10:28.259 It was coming quickly. 00:10:28.580 --> 00:10:35.420 And it would be there in just a matter of months after God delivered this prophecy through Habakkuk. 00:10:35.419 --> 00:10:42.559 And then at the very end, he says, this work, you will not believe, though it be told you. 00:10:43.479 --> 00:10:50.959 Not only is this indicative of the potential rejection of Habakkuk's message, the fact that people wouldn't believe it, 00:10:51.479 --> 00:10:55.679 but it hints towards the enormous scale of God's judgment. 00:10:55.679 --> 00:11:05.699 So fierce was this army that God was raising up that many would believe Habakkuk's message to actually be impossible. 00:11:06.779 --> 00:11:10.319 And just imagine, as just this very first verse is delivered in the message, 00:11:10.479 --> 00:11:13.639 the fear potentially that could have begun to settle in. 00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:16.659 God was raising up a power outside of the nation. 00:11:17.019 --> 00:11:19.479 This judgment was going to come in their days. 00:11:19.480 --> 00:11:25.060 And it was going to be so great that most people wouldn't even believe it. 00:11:26.200 --> 00:11:30.740 The essence of Habakkuk's question in the first four verses was, 00:11:31.180 --> 00:11:32.860 God, why aren't you doing anything? 00:11:33.680 --> 00:11:38.659 And the essence of God's response in verses 5 through 11 is, 00:11:39.500 --> 00:11:41.399 I never actually stopped working. 00:11:42.180 --> 00:11:43.940 I've been working all along. 00:11:43.940 --> 00:11:47.340 And by the way, Habakkuk, you might want to sit down, 00:11:47.560 --> 00:11:50.140 because what I'm about to tell you is going to blow your mind. 00:11:51.740 --> 00:11:53.160 God had never stopped working. 00:11:54.480 --> 00:11:59.880 God had actually been at work long before Habakkuk had even discovered 00:11:59.880 --> 00:12:05.080 that there was a problem about which he needed to so passionately pray. 00:12:06.140 --> 00:12:10.380 And we come to understand just from that point and that perspective 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:13.519 that no matter what the nature of our cry is, 00:12:13.620 --> 00:12:16.820 no matter what the nature of your cry is today, 00:12:17.279 --> 00:12:20.639 rest assured that God does not only hear your prayer, 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:22.679 but he is working. 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:26.860 And he was working long before you ever even prayed. 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:30.240 God is always working. 00:12:31.439 --> 00:12:35.639 Now, it's significant to know that Paul actually quotes this verse for us 00:12:35.639 --> 00:12:37.919 in the New Testament in the book of Acts. 00:12:37.919 --> 00:12:44.000 Obviously, the context of God's answer is a warning of a coming judgment. 00:12:44.819 --> 00:12:47.039 And the apostle Paul makes that connection 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:50.679 and applies it to the unbelieving Jews in his day. 00:12:50.899 --> 00:12:53.219 In fact, why don't you take your Bible and turn there with me. 00:12:53.579 --> 00:12:56.659 The book of Acts chapter 13. 00:12:57.779 --> 00:12:59.959 And let's begin reading at verse number 40. 00:13:00.179 --> 00:13:02.559 Acts chapter 13 and verse 40. 00:13:03.199 --> 00:13:06.639 Paul has been preaching about Jesus and his death and his resurrection 00:13:06.639 --> 00:13:09.240 and the necessity to trust Christ for salvation. 00:13:09.799 --> 00:13:12.319 And he's been preaching to the Jews in the synagogues. 00:13:13.159 --> 00:13:14.080 In verse 40, he says, 00:13:14.480 --> 00:13:19.879 Beware, therefore, lest that come upon you which was spoken of in the prophets. 00:13:20.199 --> 00:13:22.220 And then verse 41 is the quote. 00:13:22.460 --> 00:13:28.399 He's quoting the Greek translation of the Hebrew text in Habakkuk chapter 1 and verse 5. 00:13:28.399 --> 00:13:28.720 He says, 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:35.399 Behold ye despisers, wonder and perish, for I work a work in your days, 00:13:35.579 --> 00:13:41.399 a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. 00:13:42.340 --> 00:13:48.980 Now, Paul's purpose was to warn the Jews that rejecting the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ 00:13:48.980 --> 00:13:53.720 was equivalent to Judah's departure from God in Habakkuk's day. 00:13:53.720 --> 00:13:58.540 God was going to judge them in a way that they wouldn't believe. 00:13:59.399 --> 00:14:01.759 And the two are paralleled perfectly together. 00:14:02.899 --> 00:14:06.779 In Habakkuk's day, there was great rejection and departure from God. 00:14:06.940 --> 00:14:11.540 And God was sending a judgment that these people just wouldn't believe that God would do. 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:20.180 And then in Paul's day, there was a departure from God in terms of faith in Jesus Christ among his own people. 00:14:20.179 --> 00:14:23.599 And Paul brings up Habakkuk's prophecy and he says, 00:14:23.759 --> 00:14:28.079 Beware, lest the same thing that happened in Habakkuk's day happens now. 00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:31.639 God's going to bring a judgment and it's going to be so great of a judgment 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:34.379 that you wouldn't even believe it, though I'm telling you now. 00:14:35.559 --> 00:14:40.339 And then we come to find out that the Jews, just within a few days, 00:14:40.719 --> 00:14:42.879 had continued to reject the message of Jesus. 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:47.120 And Paul revealed a glimpse of what that judgment would be. 00:14:47.319 --> 00:14:48.500 Look with me at verse 45. 00:14:48.579 --> 00:14:49.559 You're still in Acts 13. 00:14:49.559 --> 00:14:50.899 Look at verse 45. 00:14:51.179 --> 00:14:53.319 Here's what happens with Paul and Barnabas. 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:57.000 When the Jews saw that the multitude of the Gentiles, that is, 00:14:57.500 --> 00:14:59.599 they were filled with envy. 00:15:00.199 --> 00:15:03.259 And they spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, 00:15:03.779 --> 00:15:05.779 contradicting and blaspheming. 00:15:06.699 --> 00:15:10.039 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said, 00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:15.479 It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you. 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:21.960 But seeing he put it from you and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, 00:15:21.960 --> 00:15:27.259 we turn to the Gentiles, for so hath the Lord commanded. 00:15:28.100 --> 00:15:31.379 God had been long suffering to the Jews for many years, 00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:39.639 but this marked the official turning point in Paul's ministry away from Israel and to the Gentiles. 00:15:39.639 --> 00:15:51.559 And this is significant to us because Paul's quote here helps lay the groundwork for the doctrine of justification by faith alone in Jesus Christ. 00:15:51.559 --> 00:15:55.319 In fact, Robertson is helpful here. 00:15:55.439 --> 00:15:55.619 He says, 00:15:55.620 --> 00:16:18.460 Now, I don't want to get ahead of myself because we're going to get here as we study chapter 2. 00:16:18.460 --> 00:16:24.240 But as we understand the layout of the book of Habakkuk and what the whole point of the book is, 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:31.379 in chapter 1, we see God pouring out this judgment on Israel, who did not expect this kind of judgment. 00:16:32.040 --> 00:16:35.900 God had made a covenant that he was going to bring them into the promised land, 00:16:35.940 --> 00:16:40.720 and they never believed that God would actually remove them from that promised land. 00:16:40.759 --> 00:16:42.259 But that's exactly what he was doing. 00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:45.800 And the question then becomes, especially in Habakkuk's mind, 00:16:45.799 --> 00:16:51.120 How, God, can you judge Israel in this way? 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:57.359 How can you raise them up and judge your people, your covenant nation in this way? 00:16:57.479 --> 00:17:05.139 And the whole point is that salvation and being God's people was never about nationality. 00:17:05.519 --> 00:17:07.480 And it was never about a system. 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:11.440 And it was never about religious works and certain deeds. 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:17.779 It was always about faith and following God and loving him and obeying him, 00:17:17.900 --> 00:17:20.600 as we see demonstrated in chapter 2. 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:23.600 When God essentially answers Habakkuk again, it says, 00:17:24.259 --> 00:17:31.140 All sin will be judged, and the only ones who will be justified are those who live by faith, 00:17:31.360 --> 00:17:33.700 those who follow God. 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:35.279 And so Robertson says, 00:17:35.799 --> 00:17:40.660 By the devastation of those who thought themselves to be righteous by their deeds, 00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:47.440 the foundation is laid for the message of justification by faith alone. 00:17:48.140 --> 00:17:52.340 And so it's significant that we notice Paul's quotation in this verse 00:17:52.340 --> 00:17:57.400 and how it bears in our understanding of even Habakkuk's book. 00:17:57.400 --> 00:18:04.300 But then before we move on from verse 5, we need to consider that God's work was not limited 00:18:04.300 --> 00:18:07.340 only to his instrument of judgment. 00:18:08.040 --> 00:18:10.680 Now I want you to think about this because this is so encouraging. 00:18:11.360 --> 00:18:14.759 While he was working to raise up the Babylonians, 00:18:15.259 --> 00:18:20.259 while he was in charge and instrumental in bringing about this weapon of judgment 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:21.960 against the sin of the nation, 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:29.660 he was also preparing the faithful people of Judah to witness of his power 00:18:29.660 --> 00:18:34.039 and to be his covenant remnant while in captivity. 00:18:34.740 --> 00:18:36.200 Now I want you to turn again in your Bible. 00:18:36.480 --> 00:18:38.259 This time turn to Daniel chapter 1. 00:18:38.420 --> 00:18:41.880 It's just a few pages back from where you are there in Habakkuk. 00:18:42.620 --> 00:18:46.340 And I want you to go to Daniel chapter 1. 00:18:46.700 --> 00:18:47.319 Now hang tight. 00:18:47.460 --> 00:18:49.000 There's a reason we're going here, 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:50.980 and I think that you're going to be encouraged by it. 00:18:50.980 --> 00:18:51.960 Daniel chapter 1. 00:18:52.099 --> 00:18:54.779 Look with me at verse number 1. 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:57.420 Daniel writes, 00:18:57.640 --> 00:19:02.140 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah. 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:03.200 That's significant. 00:19:03.460 --> 00:19:09.360 We know that Habakkuk is writing this prophecy during the reign of Jehoiakim. 00:19:09.680 --> 00:19:15.960 So somewhere in between the death of King Josiah 00:19:15.960 --> 00:19:19.480 and three years into Jehoiakim's reign, 00:19:19.799 --> 00:19:21.380 Habakkuk is praying this prayer, 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:25.000 and God is delivering this message of judgment through his prophet. 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:26.019 And here's what happened. 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:29.160 In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim, 00:19:29.579 --> 00:19:33.740 came Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem and besieged it. 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:37.740 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim, king of Judah, into his hand 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:40.079 with part of the vessels of the house of God. 00:19:40.079 --> 00:19:42.399 Now I want you to skip down to verse 3. 00:19:43.199 --> 00:19:46.480 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:49.779 that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, 00:19:50.179 --> 00:19:53.460 and of the king's seed, and of the prince's children, 00:19:53.859 --> 00:19:59.439 in whom was no blemish, but well favored and skillful in all wisdom. 00:19:59.440 --> 00:20:01.940 And I want you to look down with me to verse 6 now. 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:06.460 Now among these were of the children of Judah, 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:12.100 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 00:20:12.620 --> 00:20:14.860 unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names. 00:20:15.360 --> 00:20:18.360 For he gave unto Daniel the name Belteshazzar, 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:21.080 and unto Hananiah of Shadrach, 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:23.360 and to Mishael of Meshach, 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:26.420 and to Azariah of Abednego. 00:20:26.420 --> 00:20:32.600 God had not abandoned his remnant while preparing the judgment. 00:20:33.340 --> 00:20:37.320 At the same time that he was strengthening Nebuchadnezzar's army, 00:20:37.840 --> 00:20:42.800 God was working in the hearts of the obscure parents of Daniel, 00:20:43.160 --> 00:20:46.259 and Hananiah, and Mishael, and Azariah, 00:20:46.440 --> 00:20:50.080 so that they would train up their kids in the ways of God, 00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:52.039 so that they would teach them the word, 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:55.180 so that they would protect them from the wickedness around them. 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:58.960 And at the same time that God is working on this massive scale 00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:00.900 for this army of the Babylonians, 00:21:01.019 --> 00:21:03.080 over here in relative obscurity, 00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:06.039 in an unknown place, and in an unknown home, 00:21:06.200 --> 00:21:08.320 God was working in the hearts of parents 00:21:08.320 --> 00:21:10.220 to sit their son Daniel down, 00:21:10.360 --> 00:21:11.539 and to teach him the Bible, 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:14.160 and to raise him up in the things of the Lord. 00:21:14.340 --> 00:21:18.940 Now consider how seemingly insignificant this work was, 00:21:18.940 --> 00:21:23.600 but God used it in such a mighty way in Babylon. 00:21:24.259 --> 00:21:24.900 Think about it. 00:21:25.100 --> 00:21:27.660 At the end of chapter number one of Daniel, 00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:32.140 we see that these four young men were immediately shown 00:21:32.140 --> 00:21:36.580 to have God's favor above all the other young men in Babylon. 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:40.720 What a witness that was right off the bat to King Nebuchadnezzar. 00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:43.080 Think about Daniel's three friends. 00:21:43.079 --> 00:21:47.039 We often know them to be Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 00:21:48.659 --> 00:21:50.000 Nebuchadnezzar had made this idol. 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:53.259 He had commanded that everybody bow to it, 00:21:53.359 --> 00:21:55.359 but they refused to bow. 00:21:56.220 --> 00:21:57.339 Nebuchadnezzar gets angry. 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:59.480 He heats up the furnace of fire, 00:21:59.599 --> 00:22:01.559 seven times hotter than what it normally was, 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:05.339 so hot that just opening up the doors of the furnace 00:22:05.339 --> 00:22:10.220 killed the two men that went to go throw Shadrach, Meshach, 00:22:10.220 --> 00:22:11.620 and Abednego into the fire. 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:13.480 And as soon as they threw them in there, 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:15.380 Nebuchadnezzar looks in, 00:22:15.519 --> 00:22:17.480 and he sees that they have not been consumed, 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:19.579 that they're walking in the fire. 00:22:19.680 --> 00:22:20.920 Not only is there three of them, 00:22:21.100 --> 00:22:23.400 there's a fourth one that looks like the Son of God, 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.720 and they are in the fire, 00:22:24.880 --> 00:22:27.200 but they have not been consumed and not been burned. 00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:30.620 What a witness that is of God's graciousness 00:22:30.620 --> 00:22:31.539 to his covenant people. 00:22:31.539 --> 00:22:32.519 What a protection. 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:36.519 What a sign that was to the wicked King Nebuchadnezzar. 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:39.140 As we continue to study the book of Daniel, 00:22:39.140 --> 00:22:42.960 we see that Daniel was the mouthpiece of God's judgment. 00:22:44.120 --> 00:22:44.940 And so over here, 00:22:45.020 --> 00:22:48.620 we see that God is working in this really large-scale way 00:22:48.620 --> 00:22:49.440 to bring judgment. 00:22:49.600 --> 00:22:50.600 But then over here, 00:22:50.880 --> 00:22:52.860 amongst people that didn't even know 00:22:52.860 --> 00:22:54.200 what was going on outside, 00:22:54.480 --> 00:22:57.720 there were parents that were investing in their kids, 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:59.280 and God was using that investment. 00:22:59.400 --> 00:23:00.640 He was working in their hearts 00:23:00.640 --> 00:23:04.040 because he was going to use them in a magnificent way. 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:08.020 Yes, God is always working. 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:12.980 While Habakkuk was asking God why he was silent and inactive, 00:23:13.400 --> 00:23:16.200 God was not only raising up his instrument of judgment, 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:18.700 but he was also preparing his remnant 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:22.799 to proclaim his glory and his power and his covenant 00:23:22.799 --> 00:23:24.299 while in the midst of captivity. 00:23:24.839 --> 00:23:27.339 He is always working. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:30.160 He's working out his judgment against the wicked, 00:23:30.599 --> 00:23:32.299 and he's working out his goodness 00:23:32.299 --> 00:23:35.119 for those that love and follow him. 00:23:35.119 --> 00:23:38.059 So don't be distraught in your prayer today. 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:41.200 You may not understand all that God is doing, 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:43.839 and you may not understand why God is doing it 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:44.639 the way that he is, 00:23:44.759 --> 00:23:47.200 but you can be certain that he is working 00:23:47.200 --> 00:23:51.039 for the good of his people and the praise of his glory. 00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:54.099 God is always at work. 00:23:54.099 --> 00:24:00.259 Daniel's parents would never see the fruit of their labor. 00:24:00.579 --> 00:24:02.659 It's likely that they would have been killed 00:24:02.659 --> 00:24:04.259 in the midst of this captivity, 00:24:04.819 --> 00:24:08.199 but God was working through them anyways, 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:11.019 and he used them in an awesome way. 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:12.539 God is always working. 00:24:13.639 --> 00:24:15.679 Not only do we see he's always at work, 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:18.440 but secondly, in verses six through 10, 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:24.560 we see clearly that God is the sovereign Lord of history. 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:27.759 He is the sovereign Lord of history. 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:31.980 Now we've come to the description of God's judgment, 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:34.980 and we immediately hear echoes 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:38.320 of what was once God's power at work 00:24:38.320 --> 00:24:39.740 in the armies of Israel. 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:42.840 Even the wicked people in Israel 00:24:42.840 --> 00:24:45.039 would have taken great national pride 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:48.019 in the historical conquest of Canaan 00:24:48.019 --> 00:24:51.559 and all the historical battles that Israel had won 00:24:51.559 --> 00:24:55.559 in spite of all the odds being stacked against them. 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:57.879 So imagine their thoughts 00:24:57.879 --> 00:25:01.019 when God uses such a similar description 00:25:01.019 --> 00:25:03.920 to speak of Babylon. 00:25:04.639 --> 00:25:06.980 Let me just point out a few things about that. 00:25:07.399 --> 00:25:08.519 Look in verse six with me. 00:25:09.119 --> 00:25:11.379 God says that they're gonna march through 00:25:11.379 --> 00:25:12.980 the breadth of the land. 00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:17.299 Not only does this speak to the size of the coming army, 00:25:17.759 --> 00:25:21.059 but it reflects the notion of total conquest. 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:24.500 They were gonna take the entire nation. 00:25:25.860 --> 00:25:28.839 Israel had at one time been the conquerors, 00:25:29.099 --> 00:25:32.500 but now they would be conquered. 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:36.620 Think about how God had promised this 00:25:36.620 --> 00:25:39.079 in Leviticus chapter 20 to the nation of Israel. 00:25:39.079 --> 00:25:40.960 God said, I have said unto you, 00:25:41.220 --> 00:25:42.419 ye shall inherit the land, 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:45.259 and I will give it unto you to possess it. 00:25:45.639 --> 00:25:47.659 That is, the whole land. 00:25:48.379 --> 00:25:50.000 It was to be Israel's, 00:25:50.179 --> 00:25:52.919 but now they weren't the conquerors. 00:25:53.299 --> 00:25:54.339 They were to be conquered. 00:25:55.359 --> 00:25:56.339 Look again at verse six. 00:25:56.639 --> 00:25:58.359 They will possess dwelling places 00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:59.699 that are not their own. 00:25:59.700 --> 00:26:02.200 And this was exactly the blessing 00:26:02.200 --> 00:26:04.900 that was bestowed upon the nation of Israel 00:26:04.900 --> 00:26:07.059 after they took possession of the promised land. 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:09.840 Consider Deuteronomy chapter six. 00:26:10.600 --> 00:26:12.539 And it shall be when the Lord thy God 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:14.160 shall have brought thee into the land 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:16.660 which he swear unto Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:20.440 that he will give you great and goodly cities 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:22.080 which thou buildest not, 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:24.600 houses full of all good things 00:26:24.600 --> 00:26:25.840 which thou fillest not, 00:26:26.480 --> 00:26:28.279 wells dig that thou diggest not, 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:29.579 vineyards and olive trees 00:26:29.579 --> 00:26:32.099 which thou plantest not. 00:26:32.339 --> 00:26:34.639 This was a blessing that was bestowed 00:26:34.639 --> 00:26:35.839 upon the covenant nation, 00:26:35.940 --> 00:26:37.440 but now this same description 00:26:37.440 --> 00:26:39.240 was being given to their enemy, 00:26:39.940 --> 00:26:41.240 to a wicked nation. 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:43.559 They would now be the ones that come in 00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:45.980 and possess dwellings that are not their own. 00:26:46.379 --> 00:26:47.220 Look at verse seven. 00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:50.079 They're terrible and dreadful. 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:53.599 Everyone would tremble at the news 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:55.059 of the conquering Babylonians 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:59.259 in the same way that they had once trembled at Israel. 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:03.059 Think about Joshua chapter five, verse number one. 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:05.039 The kings of the Amorites 00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:06.419 and the kings of the Canaanites, 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:08.919 their hearts melted 00:27:08.919 --> 00:27:12.799 and their spirit was not in them anymore 00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:14.679 because of the children of Israel. 00:27:14.839 --> 00:27:18.759 Now Israel was experiencing that feeling. 00:27:18.759 --> 00:27:21.400 Look again at verse 10. 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:24.839 They will deride every stronghold. 00:27:24.920 --> 00:27:28.180 They will mock at and laugh at every fortification. 00:27:29.359 --> 00:27:31.539 No fortification was gonna be able 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.680 to prevent this enemy. 00:27:34.119 --> 00:27:37.379 And one need only to reflect on the battle of Jericho 00:27:37.379 --> 00:27:41.220 to consider how God had once favored Israel 00:27:41.220 --> 00:27:42.980 in the same way. 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:45.740 Now the warning here is abundantly clear. 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:48.880 Judgment is coming. 00:27:49.859 --> 00:27:50.819 Judgment's coming. 00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:54.200 God will not wait forever. 00:27:54.920 --> 00:27:56.400 Though he is long suffering, 00:27:57.019 --> 00:27:58.620 judgment will eventually come 00:27:58.620 --> 00:28:02.900 to all who refuse to follow Christ. 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:07.019 In Genesis chapter six and verse three in Noah's day, 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:11.259 God said, my spirit shall not always strive with man. 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:13.480 In other words, there's gonna come a day 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:15.539 when enough is enough. 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:17.400 And in Genesis chapter six, 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:19.259 it would be 120 years 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:21.480 that God was gonna give the people to repent. 00:28:21.880 --> 00:28:23.480 And Noah preached and Noah proclaimed 00:28:24.019 --> 00:28:26.279 the message of God, but they did not repent. 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:28.960 And they were swept away in the judgment. 00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:33.339 Isaiah chapter 55 again says, 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:36.599 seek ye the Lord while he may be found, 00:28:36.900 --> 00:28:38.400 indicating that there's a time 00:28:38.400 --> 00:28:40.559 when you will not be able to find him. 00:28:40.559 --> 00:28:43.980 Call you upon him while he is near. 00:28:44.480 --> 00:28:46.500 Let the wicked forsake his way 00:28:46.500 --> 00:28:48.679 and the unrighteous man his thoughts. 00:28:48.960 --> 00:28:50.500 Let him return unto the Lord 00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:52.960 and he will have mercy on him. 00:28:53.579 --> 00:28:55.240 Let him turn to our God 00:28:55.240 --> 00:28:57.579 for he will abundantly pardon. 00:28:57.919 --> 00:28:59.759 Though judgment will come, 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:00.859 God is patient 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:03.220 and he allows ample time 00:29:03.220 --> 00:29:04.619 for us to turn to him. 00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:07.859 If you will only forsake your way 00:29:07.859 --> 00:29:09.119 and follow Christ, 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:10.240 what awaits you 00:29:10.240 --> 00:29:12.299 is an abundant pardon. 00:29:12.639 --> 00:29:14.539 He will forgive your sin. 00:29:14.799 --> 00:29:16.839 He will wipe you clean. 00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:18.719 You will be his, 00:29:18.839 --> 00:29:20.699 but he will not wait forever. 00:29:22.099 --> 00:29:23.599 His judgment is coming. 00:29:23.939 --> 00:29:25.500 And the time right now 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:26.699 is the only time 00:29:26.699 --> 00:29:29.299 that you have to repent of your way. 00:29:29.459 --> 00:29:30.659 It's the only time 00:29:30.659 --> 00:29:32.619 that you have to turn to God. 00:29:32.859 --> 00:29:35.099 Eventually, his patience will run out. 00:29:35.099 --> 00:29:36.919 Eventually, God will say, 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:38.179 enough is enough 00:29:38.179 --> 00:29:40.159 and your period and your window 00:29:40.159 --> 00:29:41.639 will be closed. 00:29:42.079 --> 00:29:44.000 Judgment will be here. 00:29:45.559 --> 00:29:47.399 Paul said in 2 Corinthians 6, 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:50.279 behold, now is the accepted time. 00:29:50.519 --> 00:29:52.819 Behold, now is the day of salvation. 00:29:53.859 --> 00:29:54.899 The writer of Hebrews 00:29:54.899 --> 00:29:56.359 in chapter 4 and verse 7 00:29:56.359 --> 00:29:58.000 quotes David when he says, 00:29:58.159 --> 00:30:00.299 today, if you hear his voice, 00:30:00.619 --> 00:30:02.259 do not harden your heart. 00:30:03.059 --> 00:30:04.159 Listen to me, friend. 00:30:04.160 --> 00:30:05.440 If you're watching this video 00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:07.120 and you are not a true believer, 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:10.060 I'm not asking if you take Christianity 00:30:10.060 --> 00:30:11.820 as your labeled religion. 00:30:11.840 --> 00:30:13.000 I'm not asking if you go to church. 00:30:13.080 --> 00:30:13.519 I'm saying, 00:30:13.860 --> 00:30:15.140 have you really turned 00:30:15.140 --> 00:30:16.420 from your wicked ways 00:30:16.420 --> 00:30:18.800 and truly trusted in Christ alone 00:30:18.800 --> 00:30:19.460 for salvation? 00:30:19.720 --> 00:30:21.140 If you have not done that, 00:30:21.560 --> 00:30:23.420 judgment is coming for you, 00:30:23.500 --> 00:30:25.680 but mercy awaits you 00:30:25.680 --> 00:30:28.000 if you will but cry out to God 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:29.820 and turn from your ways 00:30:29.820 --> 00:30:31.259 and follow him. 00:30:32.040 --> 00:30:33.360 But he will not wait forever. 00:30:34.160 --> 00:30:38.700 Sin always loses the blessing of God. 00:30:39.060 --> 00:30:39.540 Always. 00:30:40.680 --> 00:30:41.800 And if you're a believer, 00:30:42.580 --> 00:30:44.640 nothing can take away your salvation, 00:30:45.080 --> 00:30:46.840 but God will not allow your sin 00:30:46.840 --> 00:30:48.060 to go without consequence. 00:30:48.880 --> 00:30:51.320 You cannot expect in Christianity 00:30:51.320 --> 00:30:52.759 and in your walk with God 00:30:52.759 --> 00:30:54.640 to live however it is you please 00:30:54.640 --> 00:30:56.140 and not have to deal 00:30:56.140 --> 00:30:57.500 with the repercussions. 00:30:57.500 --> 00:31:00.980 Just like David with his sin 00:31:00.980 --> 00:31:02.480 with Bathsheba and Uriah, 00:31:03.440 --> 00:31:05.140 God will remove his blessing 00:31:05.140 --> 00:31:06.259 from your life 00:31:06.259 --> 00:31:08.200 and he will allow you 00:31:08.200 --> 00:31:10.380 to reap the consequences of your sin. 00:31:11.640 --> 00:31:13.940 Sin always loses the blessing of God. 00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:16.119 And the nation of Israel 00:31:16.119 --> 00:31:19.180 heard that loud and clear 00:31:19.180 --> 00:31:21.240 in the message of Habakkuk. 00:31:22.140 --> 00:31:23.019 Now that's a bit about 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:24.259 God's warning of judgment, 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:25.920 but we cannot ignore the fact 00:31:25.920 --> 00:31:28.559 that all of this came 00:31:28.559 --> 00:31:32.299 from the divine hand of God. 00:31:33.440 --> 00:31:35.220 He does not sit passively 00:31:35.220 --> 00:31:36.599 as life for us progresses. 00:31:37.299 --> 00:31:39.299 He is in sovereign control 00:31:39.299 --> 00:31:41.160 of all that takes place, 00:31:41.519 --> 00:31:44.640 including the monumental events 00:31:44.640 --> 00:31:45.500 of history. 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:49.039 God took complete responsibility 00:31:49.039 --> 00:31:50.400 for the rise and fall 00:31:50.400 --> 00:31:51.480 of the Babylonians. 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:53.200 Look back with me 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:54.500 at Habakkuk chapter one, 00:31:54.579 --> 00:31:55.160 verse six. 00:31:56.079 --> 00:31:56.579 He said, 00:31:57.079 --> 00:31:59.519 I raise up the Chaldeans. 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:02.299 God was taking responsibility. 00:32:03.420 --> 00:32:05.500 This was in his plan 00:32:05.500 --> 00:32:06.579 and his purpose 00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:07.619 and his control. 00:32:08.859 --> 00:32:10.299 And he did not arbitrarily 00:32:10.299 --> 00:32:11.339 choose a nation 00:32:11.339 --> 00:32:12.619 that had already been established. 00:32:12.619 --> 00:32:15.379 He was totally responsible 00:32:15.379 --> 00:32:16.439 for their rise 00:32:16.439 --> 00:32:19.059 and only the power of God 00:32:19.059 --> 00:32:20.879 could perform such a feat 00:32:20.879 --> 00:32:21.699 in the way that he did. 00:32:22.679 --> 00:32:23.039 And again, 00:32:23.119 --> 00:32:24.439 Robertson is so helpful here. 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:24.819 He says, 00:32:25.339 --> 00:32:27.399 this whole international escapade 00:32:27.399 --> 00:32:30.039 underscores the prominence 00:32:30.039 --> 00:32:31.419 of the divine hand 00:32:31.419 --> 00:32:32.839 in raising them up 00:32:32.839 --> 00:32:34.639 and also bringing them down. 00:32:35.599 --> 00:32:36.819 Who would believe 00:32:36.819 --> 00:32:39.759 that a virtually non-existent entity 00:32:39.759 --> 00:32:41.879 could conquer the old capital 00:32:41.879 --> 00:32:43.920 of Assyria in 614, 00:32:44.700 --> 00:32:46.879 Nineveh in 612, 00:32:47.559 --> 00:32:49.460 Haran in 610, 00:32:49.960 --> 00:32:50.980 and rout the armies 00:32:50.980 --> 00:32:51.980 of Pharaoh Necho 00:32:51.980 --> 00:32:54.379 at Carchemish in 605. 00:32:55.000 --> 00:32:57.160 They became the world rulers 00:32:57.160 --> 00:32:58.259 of Babylonia, 00:32:58.799 --> 00:32:59.460 Assyria, 00:32:59.960 --> 00:33:00.539 Syria, 00:33:01.160 --> 00:33:01.720 Palestine, 00:33:02.279 --> 00:33:02.879 and Egypt 00:33:02.879 --> 00:33:05.200 when 20 years previously 00:33:05.200 --> 00:33:07.240 they hardly were known 00:33:07.240 --> 00:33:08.340 to exist. 00:33:09.400 --> 00:33:11.620 Yet their energy dissipated 00:33:11.620 --> 00:33:13.140 almost as rapidly 00:33:13.140 --> 00:33:15.620 so that they were easily overcome 00:33:15.620 --> 00:33:16.660 by Cyrus, 00:33:16.880 --> 00:33:17.759 king of Persia 00:33:17.759 --> 00:33:19.180 in 539, 00:33:19.680 --> 00:33:20.900 just in time 00:33:20.900 --> 00:33:22.080 to fulfill the prophecy 00:33:22.080 --> 00:33:22.880 of Jeremiah 00:33:22.880 --> 00:33:24.559 concerning Israel's return 00:33:24.559 --> 00:33:26.120 in 70 years. 00:33:26.860 --> 00:33:28.440 Astounding indeed 00:33:28.440 --> 00:33:30.059 are the ways of God 00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:30.940 among the nations, 00:33:31.160 --> 00:33:32.960 not by their own instinct, 00:33:32.960 --> 00:33:35.259 but by the hidden impulse 00:33:35.259 --> 00:33:36.200 of God 00:33:36.200 --> 00:33:37.380 do the nations 00:33:37.380 --> 00:33:39.779 rise and fall. 00:33:40.000 --> 00:33:41.480 Think about God's 00:33:41.480 --> 00:33:42.740 sovereign control 00:33:42.740 --> 00:33:43.620 over the events 00:33:43.620 --> 00:33:44.519 of history. 00:33:44.880 --> 00:33:45.860 He raises up 00:33:45.860 --> 00:33:46.759 the Babylonians 00:33:46.759 --> 00:33:48.000 and at the same time 00:33:48.000 --> 00:33:49.200 that he's raising them up 00:33:49.200 --> 00:33:50.299 and allowing them 00:33:50.299 --> 00:33:51.340 to conquer the world, 00:33:51.559 --> 00:33:53.120 he's raising up Cyrus 00:33:53.120 --> 00:33:54.120 and the Persians 00:33:54.120 --> 00:33:55.200 to immediately be 00:33:55.200 --> 00:33:55.740 his instrument 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:56.640 of judgment 00:33:56.640 --> 00:33:57.400 on Babylon 00:33:57.400 --> 00:33:58.779 and be his instrument 00:33:58.779 --> 00:33:59.680 of blessing 00:33:59.680 --> 00:34:00.840 on his own nation 00:34:00.840 --> 00:34:01.799 as he allows 00:34:01.799 --> 00:34:02.659 the people of Israel 00:34:02.659 --> 00:34:03.720 70 years later 00:34:03.720 --> 00:34:04.659 to come back 00:34:04.659 --> 00:34:05.639 to the promised land. 00:34:06.099 --> 00:34:09.380 What a God that is. 00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:11.779 The scriptures are clear 00:34:11.779 --> 00:34:13.440 that he is truly 00:34:13.440 --> 00:34:15.360 the Lord of history. 00:34:16.500 --> 00:34:18.179 Nothing happens 00:34:18.179 --> 00:34:20.599 apart from God's 00:34:20.599 --> 00:34:22.579 divine determination. 00:34:23.320 --> 00:34:24.480 He is in control 00:34:24.480 --> 00:34:26.199 of all things. 00:34:26.500 --> 00:34:27.199 It is he 00:34:27.199 --> 00:34:28.719 that raises up kings 00:34:28.719 --> 00:34:29.980 and puts them down. 00:34:29.980 --> 00:34:30.980 It is he 00:34:30.980 --> 00:34:32.260 that is in control 00:34:32.260 --> 00:34:33.539 of the circumstances 00:34:33.539 --> 00:34:34.599 of your life 00:34:34.599 --> 00:34:35.659 as well. 00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:37.320 Proverbs 21 00:34:37.320 --> 00:34:38.099 and verse 1 00:34:38.099 --> 00:34:39.219 The king's heart 00:34:39.219 --> 00:34:40.159 is in the hand 00:34:40.159 --> 00:34:40.760 of the Lord. 00:34:41.460 --> 00:34:42.240 As the rivers 00:34:42.240 --> 00:34:42.820 of water 00:34:42.820 --> 00:34:43.639 he turneth it 00:34:43.639 --> 00:34:44.880 whithersoever he will. 00:34:45.559 --> 00:34:46.800 Daniel chapter 2 00:34:46.800 --> 00:34:47.460 and verse 20 00:34:47.460 --> 00:34:48.800 Blessed be the name 00:34:48.800 --> 00:34:49.260 of God 00:34:49.260 --> 00:34:50.000 forever and ever 00:34:50.000 --> 00:34:50.760 for wisdom 00:34:50.760 --> 00:34:51.920 and might are his 00:34:51.920 --> 00:34:53.000 and he changes 00:34:53.000 --> 00:34:53.900 the times 00:34:53.900 --> 00:34:54.960 and the seasons. 00:34:55.340 --> 00:34:56.519 He removes kings 00:34:56.519 --> 00:34:58.219 and he sets up kings. 00:34:58.219 --> 00:35:00.119 Nothing is out 00:35:00.119 --> 00:35:01.500 of his control. 00:35:02.039 --> 00:35:03.759 His ways may be mysterious 00:35:03.759 --> 00:35:05.599 but the Lord of history 00:35:05.599 --> 00:35:07.099 is to be trusted 00:35:07.099 --> 00:35:08.939 and worshipped. 00:35:10.279 --> 00:35:11.019 City of Light 00:35:11.019 --> 00:35:12.019 is one of my favorite 00:35:12.019 --> 00:35:13.719 musical groups 00:35:13.719 --> 00:35:14.579 throughout of a church 00:35:14.579 --> 00:35:15.759 in Australia 00:35:15.759 --> 00:35:17.679 and they wrote this song 00:35:17.679 --> 00:35:18.859 called Ancient of Days 00:35:18.859 --> 00:35:19.639 and the first verse 00:35:19.639 --> 00:35:20.339 goes like this 00:35:20.339 --> 00:35:22.319 Though the nations rage 00:35:22.319 --> 00:35:24.819 kingdoms rise and fall 00:35:24.820 --> 00:35:25.240 listen 00:35:25.240 --> 00:35:26.940 there is still 00:35:26.940 --> 00:35:28.700 one king 00:35:28.700 --> 00:35:30.940 reigning over all 00:35:30.940 --> 00:35:33.420 so I will not fear 00:35:33.420 --> 00:35:34.860 though this truth 00:35:34.860 --> 00:35:35.880 remains 00:35:35.880 --> 00:35:37.280 that my God 00:35:37.280 --> 00:35:38.200 is the Ancient 00:35:38.200 --> 00:35:39.100 of Days. 00:35:39.760 --> 00:35:40.780 The chorus goes on 00:35:40.780 --> 00:35:41.200 to say 00:35:41.200 --> 00:35:42.519 none above him 00:35:42.519 --> 00:35:44.820 none before him 00:35:44.820 --> 00:35:45.820 all of time 00:35:45.820 --> 00:35:46.620 in his hands 00:35:46.620 --> 00:35:48.059 for his throne 00:35:48.059 --> 00:35:49.500 it shall remain 00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:50.760 and ever stand 00:35:50.760 --> 00:35:52.360 all the power 00:35:52.360 --> 00:35:53.840 all the glory 00:35:53.840 --> 00:35:55.380 I will trust 00:35:55.380 --> 00:35:56.579 in his name 00:35:56.579 --> 00:35:58.099 for my God 00:35:58.099 --> 00:35:59.180 is the Ancient 00:35:59.180 --> 00:35:59.880 of Days. 00:36:00.019 --> 00:36:01.480 So we clearly see 00:36:01.480 --> 00:36:02.840 not only is God 00:36:02.840 --> 00:36:03.800 always working 00:36:03.800 --> 00:36:05.200 but he is indeed 00:36:05.200 --> 00:36:06.920 the Lord of history 00:36:06.920 --> 00:36:08.460 and it is to this 00:36:08.460 --> 00:36:10.220 great God 00:36:10.220 --> 00:36:11.000 who is sovereign 00:36:11.000 --> 00:36:11.680 over all 00:36:11.680 --> 00:36:13.120 that we will face 00:36:13.120 --> 00:36:13.539 judgment 00:36:13.539 --> 00:36:14.800 it is to him 00:36:14.800 --> 00:36:15.940 that we must repent 00:36:15.940 --> 00:36:17.180 and turn 00:36:17.180 --> 00:36:18.440 before it's too late 00:36:18.440 --> 00:36:19.680 and it is to him 00:36:19.680 --> 00:36:20.539 that we must give 00:36:20.539 --> 00:36:21.539 all of our worship 00:36:21.539 --> 00:36:23.420 and all of our praise 00:36:23.420 --> 00:36:25.019 and all of our attention 00:36:25.019 --> 00:36:26.960 and then finally 00:36:26.960 --> 00:36:28.920 we see that God 00:36:28.920 --> 00:36:30.579 has a purpose 00:36:30.579 --> 00:36:32.400 God has 00:36:32.400 --> 00:36:34.019 a purpose 00:36:34.019 --> 00:36:36.039 now I told you 00:36:36.039 --> 00:36:36.599 that I was going to 00:36:36.599 --> 00:36:37.719 quote Martin Lloyd-Jones 00:36:37.719 --> 00:36:38.539 a number of times 00:36:38.539 --> 00:36:39.179 and I have only done it 00:36:39.179 --> 00:36:40.059 once up to this point 00:36:40.059 --> 00:36:41.099 but I have several things 00:36:41.099 --> 00:36:41.860 that I just want to read 00:36:41.860 --> 00:36:42.320 to you that 00:36:42.320 --> 00:36:43.599 he is so helpful 00:36:43.599 --> 00:36:44.739 in this book 00:36:44.739 --> 00:36:45.119 in fact 00:36:45.119 --> 00:36:46.000 I want to encourage you 00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:46.599 to get the book 00:36:46.599 --> 00:36:46.980 it is called 00:36:46.980 --> 00:36:48.259 From Fear to Faith 00:36:48.259 --> 00:36:48.779 you can get it 00:36:48.779 --> 00:36:49.940 from InterVarsity Press 00:36:49.940 --> 00:36:51.260 it would be an encouragement 00:36:51.260 --> 00:36:51.900 to you 00:36:51.900 --> 00:36:53.139 but he said 00:36:53.139 --> 00:36:54.019 great powers 00:36:54.019 --> 00:36:55.039 have been raised up 00:36:55.039 --> 00:36:56.460 and have conquered 00:36:56.460 --> 00:36:57.220 for a while 00:36:57.220 --> 00:36:58.840 but they have always 00:36:58.840 --> 00:36:59.940 become drunk 00:36:59.940 --> 00:37:01.599 with their own success 00:37:01.599 --> 00:37:03.300 and suddenly 00:37:03.300 --> 00:37:04.639 they in turn 00:37:04.639 --> 00:37:05.519 have found themselves 00:37:05.519 --> 00:37:06.380 cast down 00:37:06.380 --> 00:37:08.480 the real significance 00:37:08.480 --> 00:37:09.260 of history 00:37:09.260 --> 00:37:11.119 never dawns 00:37:11.119 --> 00:37:11.980 upon them 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:13.980 the Chaldeans 00:37:13.980 --> 00:37:14.619 thought that 00:37:14.619 --> 00:37:15.500 their conquest 00:37:15.500 --> 00:37:16.360 was a result 00:37:16.360 --> 00:37:17.240 of their own strength 00:37:17.240 --> 00:37:18.000 in fact look with me 00:37:18.000 --> 00:37:18.780 at verse 11 00:37:18.780 --> 00:37:21.159 then shall his mind 00:37:21.159 --> 00:37:21.860 be changed 00:37:21.860 --> 00:37:22.900 and he shall pass over 00:37:22.900 --> 00:37:23.400 and offend 00:37:23.400 --> 00:37:24.260 this is just speaking 00:37:24.260 --> 00:37:26.119 of the actual defeat 00:37:26.119 --> 00:37:27.119 of Israel 00:37:27.119 --> 00:37:28.519 imputing this 00:37:28.519 --> 00:37:29.500 his power 00:37:29.500 --> 00:37:31.039 unto his God 00:37:31.039 --> 00:37:31.480 in other words 00:37:31.480 --> 00:37:32.579 he was saying 00:37:32.579 --> 00:37:34.280 I am God 00:37:34.280 --> 00:37:36.179 Nebuchadnezzar 00:37:36.179 --> 00:37:37.519 set himself up 00:37:37.519 --> 00:37:38.440 as a God 00:37:38.440 --> 00:37:39.460 and demanded 00:37:39.460 --> 00:37:40.639 to be worshipped 00:37:40.639 --> 00:37:41.559 because of this 00:37:41.559 --> 00:37:42.840 demonstration of power 00:37:42.840 --> 00:37:43.340 as he 00:37:43.340 --> 00:37:45.079 marched across 00:37:45.079 --> 00:37:46.019 the entire world 00:37:46.019 --> 00:37:46.659 at that point 00:37:46.659 --> 00:37:49.019 he failed 00:37:49.019 --> 00:37:49.639 to see 00:37:49.639 --> 00:37:51.039 that he was 00:37:51.039 --> 00:37:51.940 nothing more 00:37:51.940 --> 00:37:53.339 than a tool 00:37:53.339 --> 00:37:54.519 in the hand 00:37:54.519 --> 00:37:55.039 of God 00:37:55.039 --> 00:37:56.639 indeed 00:37:56.639 --> 00:37:57.940 God always 00:37:57.940 --> 00:37:59.359 has a purpose 00:37:59.359 --> 00:38:00.899 and it has 00:38:00.899 --> 00:38:01.259 to do 00:38:01.259 --> 00:38:02.219 exclusively 00:38:02.219 --> 00:38:04.099 with his kingdom 00:38:04.099 --> 00:38:05.759 again 00:38:05.759 --> 00:38:06.639 Lloyd-Jones 00:38:06.639 --> 00:38:06.960 says 00:38:06.960 --> 00:38:07.339 the key 00:38:07.339 --> 00:38:07.899 to the history 00:38:07.899 --> 00:38:08.480 of the world 00:38:08.480 --> 00:38:09.719 is the kingdom 00:38:09.719 --> 00:38:10.259 of God 00:38:10.259 --> 00:38:11.980 the story 00:38:11.980 --> 00:38:13.339 of other nations 00:38:13.339 --> 00:38:14.000 mentioned in the 00:38:14.000 --> 00:38:14.579 Old Testament 00:38:14.579 --> 00:38:15.340 is relevant 00:38:15.340 --> 00:38:16.659 only as it 00:38:16.659 --> 00:38:17.279 bears upon 00:38:17.279 --> 00:38:17.920 the destiny 00:38:17.920 --> 00:38:18.539 of Israel 00:38:18.539 --> 00:38:20.059 and ultimately 00:38:20.059 --> 00:38:21.259 history today 00:38:21.259 --> 00:38:22.380 is relevant 00:38:22.380 --> 00:38:23.599 only as it 00:38:23.599 --> 00:38:24.299 bears upon 00:38:24.299 --> 00:38:24.960 the history 00:38:24.960 --> 00:38:26.119 of the Christian 00:38:26.119 --> 00:38:26.799 church 00:38:26.799 --> 00:38:27.980 what really 00:38:27.980 --> 00:38:28.860 matters 00:38:28.860 --> 00:38:29.779 in the world 00:38:29.779 --> 00:38:31.079 is God's 00:38:31.079 --> 00:38:32.000 kingdom 00:38:32.000 --> 00:38:33.799 think about 00:38:33.799 --> 00:38:34.880 Romans chapter 00:38:34.880 --> 00:38:35.360 9 00:38:35.360 --> 00:38:36.460 and verse 17 00:38:36.460 --> 00:38:37.440 for the scripture 00:38:37.440 --> 00:38:38.639 says Paul writes 00:38:38.639 --> 00:38:39.340 unto Pharaoh 00:38:39.340 --> 00:38:40.840 even for this 00:38:40.840 --> 00:38:42.159 same purpose 00:38:42.159 --> 00:38:43.139 God says 00:38:43.139 --> 00:38:43.960 have I raised 00:38:43.960 --> 00:38:44.399 thee up 00:38:44.399 --> 00:38:45.379 that I might 00:38:45.379 --> 00:38:46.299 show my 00:38:46.299 --> 00:38:47.579 power in thee 00:38:47.579 --> 00:38:48.679 and that my 00:38:48.679 --> 00:38:49.719 name might be 00:38:49.719 --> 00:38:50.259 declared 00:38:50.259 --> 00:38:51.420 throughout all 00:38:51.420 --> 00:38:52.099 the earth 00:38:52.099 --> 00:38:53.139 Pharaoh thought 00:38:53.139 --> 00:38:53.940 he was in 00:38:53.940 --> 00:38:54.659 charge 00:38:54.659 --> 00:38:55.539 Nebuchadnezzar 00:38:55.539 --> 00:38:56.359 thought he 00:38:56.359 --> 00:38:57.159 was in charge 00:38:57.159 --> 00:38:58.359 Cyrus thought 00:38:58.359 --> 00:38:59.420 he was in 00:38:59.420 --> 00:38:59.819 charge 00:38:59.819 --> 00:39:00.559 but it was 00:39:00.559 --> 00:39:01.539 God who 00:39:01.539 --> 00:39:02.500 was at work 00:39:02.500 --> 00:39:03.659 it was he 00:39:03.659 --> 00:39:04.799 that was affecting 00:39:04.799 --> 00:39:05.899 their hearts 00:39:05.899 --> 00:39:06.859 and it was his 00:39:06.859 --> 00:39:07.399 purposes 00:39:07.399 --> 00:39:08.739 that were being 00:39:08.739 --> 00:39:09.619 accomplished 00:39:09.619 --> 00:39:11.519 considered his 00:39:11.519 --> 00:39:12.400 divine purpose 00:39:12.400 --> 00:39:13.019 being worked 00:39:13.019 --> 00:39:13.400 out 00:39:13.400 --> 00:39:14.980 amidst the 00:39:14.980 --> 00:39:15.739 establishment 00:39:15.739 --> 00:39:16.880 of ancient 00:39:16.880 --> 00:39:17.380 Rome 00:39:17.380 --> 00:39:17.859 and Roman 00:39:17.859 --> 00:39:18.519 society 00:39:18.519 --> 00:39:20.099 it was through 00:39:20.099 --> 00:39:20.659 his work 00:39:20.659 --> 00:39:21.319 in raising 00:39:21.319 --> 00:39:22.339 up Rome 00:39:22.339 --> 00:39:23.719 that salvation 00:39:23.719 --> 00:39:24.739 was provided 00:39:24.739 --> 00:39:25.699 through Jesus 00:39:25.699 --> 00:39:26.299 Christ 00:39:26.299 --> 00:39:28.159 God might have 00:39:28.159 --> 00:39:28.960 been silent 00:39:28.960 --> 00:39:29.920 in that 400 00:39:29.920 --> 00:39:30.619 year gap 00:39:30.619 --> 00:39:31.900 between Malachi 00:39:31.900 --> 00:39:33.259 and Matthew 00:39:33.259 --> 00:39:34.659 but despite 00:39:34.659 --> 00:39:35.659 his silence 00:39:35.659 --> 00:39:36.599 in the nation 00:39:36.599 --> 00:39:38.279 God was working 00:39:38.280 --> 00:39:38.720 and he was 00:39:38.720 --> 00:39:39.320 raising up 00:39:39.320 --> 00:39:39.800 the Romans 00:39:39.800 --> 00:39:40.300 so that he 00:39:40.300 --> 00:39:40.720 could bring 00:39:40.720 --> 00:39:41.460 his son 00:39:41.460 --> 00:39:42.260 to provide 00:39:42.260 --> 00:39:42.780 redemption 00:39:42.780 --> 00:39:44.200 for us 00:39:44.200 --> 00:39:45.940 again Lloyd 00:39:45.940 --> 00:39:46.560 Jones says 00:39:46.560 --> 00:39:47.019 it was when 00:39:47.019 --> 00:39:47.540 the fullness 00:39:47.540 --> 00:39:48.100 of time 00:39:48.100 --> 00:39:48.720 was come 00:39:48.720 --> 00:39:49.920 that God 00:39:49.920 --> 00:39:50.640 sent forth 00:39:50.640 --> 00:39:51.360 his son 00:39:51.360 --> 00:39:52.380 he allowed 00:39:52.380 --> 00:39:52.940 the great 00:39:52.940 --> 00:39:53.760 philosophers 00:39:53.760 --> 00:39:54.400 with their 00:39:54.400 --> 00:39:54.980 clarification 00:39:54.980 --> 00:39:55.800 of thought 00:39:55.800 --> 00:39:56.460 to come 00:39:56.460 --> 00:39:56.920 first 00:39:56.920 --> 00:39:58.320 then emerged 00:39:58.320 --> 00:39:58.920 the Romans 00:39:58.920 --> 00:39:59.900 famous for 00:39:59.900 --> 00:40:00.800 ordered government 00:40:00.800 --> 00:40:01.980 building their 00:40:01.980 --> 00:40:02.620 roads and 00:40:02.620 --> 00:40:03.240 spreading their 00:40:03.240 --> 00:40:04.040 wonderful legal 00:40:04.040 --> 00:40:04.800 system throughout 00:40:04.800 --> 00:40:05.360 the world 00:40:05.360 --> 00:40:06.540 it was after 00:40:06.540 --> 00:40:07.640 this that 00:40:07.639 --> 00:40:08.480 God sent 00:40:08.480 --> 00:40:09.279 forth his 00:40:09.279 --> 00:40:09.739 son 00:40:09.739 --> 00:40:11.279 God had 00:40:11.279 --> 00:40:12.079 planned 00:40:12.079 --> 00:40:13.359 it all 00:40:13.359 --> 00:40:15.219 all things 00:40:15.219 --> 00:40:16.019 are under 00:40:16.019 --> 00:40:17.339 his divine 00:40:17.339 --> 00:40:18.099 control 00:40:18.099 --> 00:40:19.219 in order 00:40:19.219 --> 00:40:19.799 that he 00:40:19.799 --> 00:40:20.559 might work 00:40:20.559 --> 00:40:21.319 out his 00:40:21.319 --> 00:40:22.339 saving 00:40:22.339 --> 00:40:23.099 purposes 00:40:23.099 --> 00:40:24.319 for his 00:40:24.319 --> 00:40:25.179 people 00:40:25.179 --> 00:40:26.679 think of 00:40:26.679 --> 00:40:27.500 Ephesians 00:40:27.500 --> 00:40:28.199 chapter 1 00:40:28.199 --> 00:40:28.980 and verse 11 00:40:28.980 --> 00:40:30.099 in Christ 00:40:30.099 --> 00:40:30.679 we have 00:40:30.679 --> 00:40:31.259 obtained 00:40:31.259 --> 00:40:32.099 an inheritance 00:40:32.099 --> 00:40:33.139 being 00:40:33.139 --> 00:40:34.119 predestinated 00:40:34.119 --> 00:40:35.239 according to 00:40:35.239 --> 00:40:36.059 the purpose 00:40:36.059 --> 00:40:37.279 of him 00:40:37.279 --> 00:40:38.259 who worketh 00:40:38.259 --> 00:40:39.599 all things 00:40:39.599 --> 00:40:40.579 according to 00:40:40.579 --> 00:40:41.219 the counsel 00:40:41.219 --> 00:40:42.019 of his 00:40:42.019 --> 00:40:42.479 own 00:40:42.479 --> 00:40:43.239 will 00:40:43.239 --> 00:40:44.579 all things 00:40:44.579 --> 00:40:45.259 related to 00:40:45.259 --> 00:40:45.879 salvation 00:40:45.879 --> 00:40:46.599 are being 00:40:46.599 --> 00:40:48.019 sovereignly 00:40:48.019 --> 00:40:48.739 worked out 00:40:48.739 --> 00:40:49.339 according to 00:40:49.339 --> 00:40:49.979 the counsel 00:40:49.979 --> 00:40:51.239 of God's 00:40:51.239 --> 00:40:51.919 own 00:40:51.919 --> 00:40:52.559 will 00:40:52.559 --> 00:40:53.179 think of 00:40:53.179 --> 00:40:53.899 2nd Timothy 00:40:53.899 --> 00:40:54.879 chapter 1 00:40:54.879 --> 00:40:55.679 and verse 9 00:40:55.679 --> 00:40:56.539 Christ has 00:40:56.539 --> 00:40:57.379 saved us 00:40:57.379 --> 00:40:58.099 and he has 00:40:58.099 --> 00:40:58.799 called us 00:40:58.799 --> 00:40:59.399 with a holy 00:40:59.399 --> 00:40:59.899 calling 00:40:59.899 --> 00:41:00.879 not according 00:41:00.880 --> 00:41:01.280 to our 00:41:01.280 --> 00:41:01.700 works 00:41:01.700 --> 00:41:02.579 but according 00:41:02.579 --> 00:41:03.660 to his 00:41:03.660 --> 00:41:04.480 own 00:41:04.480 --> 00:41:05.340 purpose 00:41:05.340 --> 00:41:06.280 and grace 00:41:06.280 --> 00:41:07.019 which was 00:41:07.019 --> 00:41:07.640 given in 00:41:07.640 --> 00:41:08.360 Christ Jesus 00:41:08.360 --> 00:41:09.640 before the 00:41:09.640 --> 00:41:10.220 world ever 00:41:10.220 --> 00:41:10.720 began 00:41:10.720 --> 00:41:11.940 God had a 00:41:11.940 --> 00:41:12.680 plan set 00:41:12.680 --> 00:41:13.079 forth 00:41:13.079 --> 00:41:13.920 and everything 00:41:13.920 --> 00:41:14.519 you see 00:41:14.519 --> 00:41:15.220 happening in 00:41:15.220 --> 00:41:15.660 history 00:41:15.660 --> 00:41:16.280 whether it 00:41:16.280 --> 00:41:16.860 was ancient 00:41:16.860 --> 00:41:17.360 history 00:41:17.360 --> 00:41:17.960 or whether 00:41:17.960 --> 00:41:18.619 it's modern 00:41:18.619 --> 00:41:19.119 history 00:41:19.119 --> 00:41:20.039 is all 00:41:20.039 --> 00:41:20.539 within the 00:41:20.539 --> 00:41:20.880 sovereign 00:41:20.880 --> 00:41:21.640 control of 00:41:21.640 --> 00:41:21.940 God 00:41:21.940 --> 00:41:22.619 that he 00:41:22.619 --> 00:41:23.220 might work 00:41:23.220 --> 00:41:23.740 out his 00:41:23.740 --> 00:41:24.320 purposes 00:41:24.320 --> 00:41:25.460 among his 00:41:25.460 --> 00:41:25.940 purpose 00:41:25.940 --> 00:41:26.900 among his 00:41:26.900 --> 00:41:27.680 people 00:41:27.680 --> 00:41:29.200 God's work 00:41:29.200 --> 00:41:29.720 among the 00:41:29.720 --> 00:41:30.220 nations 00:41:30.219 --> 00:41:30.919 is to 00:41:30.919 --> 00:41:31.319 provide 00:41:31.319 --> 00:41:31.939 redemption 00:41:31.939 --> 00:41:33.079 for mankind 00:41:33.079 --> 00:41:34.319 and the 00:41:34.319 --> 00:41:34.919 events of 00:41:34.919 --> 00:41:35.659 your life 00:41:35.659 --> 00:41:36.319 are being 00:41:36.319 --> 00:41:37.159 orchestrated 00:41:37.159 --> 00:41:37.799 by his 00:41:37.799 --> 00:41:38.279 divine 00:41:38.279 --> 00:41:38.719 hand 00:41:38.719 --> 00:41:39.899 even now 00:41:39.899 --> 00:41:41.079 he is 00:41:41.079 --> 00:41:41.639 calling 00:41:41.639 --> 00:41:42.239 sinners 00:41:42.239 --> 00:41:43.319 to repent 00:41:43.319 --> 00:41:44.239 and receive 00:41:44.239 --> 00:41:44.879 his grace 00:41:44.879 --> 00:41:46.019 through Jesus 00:41:46.019 --> 00:41:46.480 Christ 00:41:46.480 --> 00:41:47.299 and this 00:41:47.299 --> 00:41:47.679 is his 00:41:47.679 --> 00:41:48.039 ultimate 00:41:48.039 --> 00:41:48.719 purpose 00:41:48.719 --> 00:41:50.439 1st Timothy 00:41:50.439 --> 00:41:51.099 1 15 00:41:51.099 --> 00:41:51.919 tells us 00:41:51.919 --> 00:41:52.719 Christ 00:41:52.719 --> 00:41:53.219 Jesus 00:41:53.219 --> 00:41:54.399 came into 00:41:54.399 --> 00:41:54.959 the world 00:41:54.959 --> 00:41:56.439 to save 00:41:56.439 --> 00:41:57.379 sinners 00:41:57.379 --> 00:41:58.959 and if 00:41:58.959 --> 00:41:59.119 you're 00:41:59.119 --> 00:41:59.839 watching this 00:41:59.840 --> 00:42:00.620 video today 00:42:00.620 --> 00:42:02.100 and you 00:42:02.100 --> 00:42:02.559 don't know 00:42:02.559 --> 00:42:03.039 Christ 00:42:03.039 --> 00:42:04.400 and you 00:42:04.400 --> 00:42:05.059 don't believe 00:42:05.059 --> 00:42:05.440 him 00:42:05.440 --> 00:42:07.220 God has 00:42:07.220 --> 00:42:07.900 orchestrated 00:42:07.900 --> 00:42:08.440 the events 00:42:08.440 --> 00:42:08.760 of your 00:42:08.760 --> 00:42:09.280 life for 00:42:09.280 --> 00:42:10.140 this moment 00:42:10.140 --> 00:42:11.360 to hear 00:42:11.360 --> 00:42:12.120 his gospel 00:42:12.120 --> 00:42:12.660 preached 00:42:12.660 --> 00:42:13.480 if you 00:42:13.480 --> 00:42:13.960 would but 00:42:13.960 --> 00:42:14.559 trust 00:42:14.559 --> 00:42:15.420 him 00:42:15.420 --> 00:42:16.240 and turn 00:42:16.240 --> 00:42:16.740 from your 00:42:16.740 --> 00:42:17.680 own way 00:42:17.680 --> 00:42:18.579 what awaits 00:42:18.579 --> 00:42:18.920 you is 00:42:18.920 --> 00:42:19.440 abundant 00:42:19.440 --> 00:42:20.300 pardon 00:42:20.300 --> 00:42:21.100 and mercy 00:42:21.100 --> 00:42:22.600 but he 00:42:22.600 --> 00:42:22.980 will not 00:42:22.980 --> 00:42:23.600 wait long 00:42:23.600 --> 00:42:25.300 his judgment 00:42:25.300 --> 00:42:25.920 is coming 00:42:25.920 --> 00:42:28.059 and he 00:42:28.059 --> 00:42:28.659 is sovereign 00:42:28.659 --> 00:42:29.260 over all 00:42:29.260 --> 00:42:29.760 things 00:42:29.760 --> 00:42:31.139 and nothing 00:42:31.139 --> 00:42:32.700 can stop 00:42:32.700 --> 00:42:33.680 his 00:42:33.680 --> 00:42:34.599 purposes 00:42:34.599 --> 00:42:36.139 so turn 00:42:36.139 --> 00:42:36.579 to him 00:42:36.579 --> 00:42:39.340 whether it 00:42:39.340 --> 00:42:39.720 be through 00:42:39.720 --> 00:42:40.320 a worldwide 00:42:40.320 --> 00:42:41.119 pandemic 00:42:41.119 --> 00:42:43.639 a contentious 00:42:43.639 --> 00:42:44.700 election season 00:42:44.700 --> 00:42:46.420 or any 00:42:46.420 --> 00:42:46.960 number of 00:42:46.960 --> 00:42:47.360 events 00:42:47.360 --> 00:42:48.119 taking place 00:42:48.119 --> 00:42:48.400 in our 00:42:48.400 --> 00:42:48.880 lifetime 00:42:48.880 --> 00:42:50.539 God 00:42:50.539 --> 00:42:51.700 is working 00:42:51.699 --> 00:42:53.899 he is in 00:42:53.899 --> 00:42:54.679 control 00:42:54.679 --> 00:42:56.199 and he 00:42:56.199 --> 00:42:56.899 has 00:42:56.899 --> 00:42:58.000 a plan 00:42:58.000 --> 00:43:01.159 finally 00:43:01.159 --> 00:43:01.839 Lloyd-Jones 00:43:01.839 --> 00:43:02.339 says 00:43:02.339 --> 00:43:03.939 what God 00:43:03.939 --> 00:43:04.559 is permitting 00:43:04.559 --> 00:43:05.219 in the church 00:43:05.219 --> 00:43:05.599 and in the 00:43:05.599 --> 00:43:06.299 world today 00:43:06.299 --> 00:43:07.839 is related 00:43:07.839 --> 00:43:08.480 to his 00:43:08.480 --> 00:43:09.299 great purpose 00:43:09.299 --> 00:43:09.859 for his 00:43:09.859 --> 00:43:10.659 own church 00:43:10.659 --> 00:43:11.659 and kingdom 00:43:11.659 --> 00:43:13.759 we 00:43:13.759 --> 00:43:14.599 Christians 00:43:14.599 --> 00:43:15.839 should therefore 00:43:15.839 --> 00:43:16.619 judge 00:43:16.619 --> 00:43:18.059 every event 00:43:18.059 --> 00:43:19.539 in the light 00:43:19.539 --> 00:43:20.420 of God's 00:43:20.420 --> 00:43:21.199 great 00:43:21.199 --> 00:43:22.139 eternal 00:43:22.139 --> 00:43:23.320 and glorious 00:43:23.320 --> 00:43:24.820 purpose 00:43:24.820 --> 00:43:26.719 church 00:43:26.719 --> 00:43:29.199 let's keep 00:43:29.199 --> 00:43:30.000 our focus 00:43:30.000 --> 00:43:30.860 on the 00:43:30.860 --> 00:43:31.219 kingdom 00:43:31.219 --> 00:43:34.019 God 00:43:34.019 --> 00:43:34.360 is in 00:43:34.360 --> 00:43:34.739 control 00:43:34.739 --> 00:43:35.039 of the 00:43:35.039 --> 00:43:35.500 pandemic 00:43:35.500 --> 00:43:38.299 only he 00:43:38.299 --> 00:43:38.840 knows how 00:43:38.840 --> 00:43:39.480 serious it 00:43:39.480 --> 00:43:40.340 actually is 00:43:40.340 --> 00:43:41.519 and he 00:43:41.519 --> 00:43:42.099 is using 00:43:42.099 --> 00:43:42.719 it for 00:43:42.719 --> 00:43:43.480 his purpose 00:43:43.480 --> 00:43:44.599 don't get 00:43:44.599 --> 00:43:45.519 wrapped up 00:43:45.519 --> 00:43:45.900 in the 00:43:45.900 --> 00:43:46.519 chaos 00:43:46.519 --> 00:43:47.139 of the 00:43:47.139 --> 00:43:47.639 pandemic 00:43:47.639 --> 00:43:48.319 keep 00:43:48.319 --> 00:43:49.119 your eyes 00:43:49.119 --> 00:43:49.759 on the 00:43:49.759 --> 00:43:50.099 kingdom 00:43:50.099 --> 00:43:51.920 it is 00:43:51.920 --> 00:43:52.339 God 00:43:52.339 --> 00:43:52.679 who will 00:43:52.679 --> 00:43:53.099 raise up 00:43:53.099 --> 00:43:53.599 a president 00:43:53.599 --> 00:43:54.359 and it is 00:43:54.359 --> 00:43:54.599 God 00:43:54.599 --> 00:43:54.900 who will 00:43:54.900 --> 00:43:55.500 put down 00:43:55.500 --> 00:43:56.359 a president 00:43:56.359 --> 00:43:57.059 ultimately 00:43:57.059 --> 00:43:58.019 our hope 00:43:58.019 --> 00:43:58.619 is not 00:43:58.619 --> 00:43:59.159 in the 00:43:59.159 --> 00:43:59.699 White House 00:43:59.699 --> 00:44:00.379 it is in 00:44:00.379 --> 00:44:01.000 the sovereign 00:44:01.000 --> 00:44:01.559 control 00:44:01.559 --> 00:44:02.119 of God 00:44:02.119 --> 00:44:02.980 don't get 00:44:02.980 --> 00:44:03.719 caught up 00:44:03.719 --> 00:44:04.219 in the 00:44:04.219 --> 00:44:04.739 politics 00:44:04.739 --> 00:44:05.799 trust 00:44:05.799 --> 00:44:06.319 God 00:44:06.319 --> 00:44:06.799 keep 00:44:06.799 --> 00:44:07.259 your eyes 00:44:07.259 --> 00:44:07.559 on the 00:44:07.559 --> 00:44:07.879 kingdom 00:44:07.879 --> 00:44:10.719 there will 00:44:10.719 --> 00:44:11.259 be times 00:44:11.259 --> 00:44:11.920 of loss 00:44:11.920 --> 00:44:14.659 don't get 00:44:14.659 --> 00:44:15.460 in such 00:44:15.460 --> 00:44:16.679 despair 00:44:16.679 --> 00:44:18.059 over loss 00:44:18.059 --> 00:44:18.799 that you 00:44:18.799 --> 00:44:19.679 lose sight 00:44:19.679 --> 00:44:20.480 of the 00:44:20.480 --> 00:44:20.859 kingdom 00:44:20.859 --> 00:44:21.960 God is 00:44:21.960 --> 00:44:22.619 working all 00:44:22.619 --> 00:44:23.039 of these 00:44:23.039 --> 00:44:23.699 things out 00:44:23.699 --> 00:44:24.599 for his 00:44:24.599 --> 00:44:25.219 purpose 00:44:25.219 --> 00:44:26.639 they are 00:44:26.639 --> 00:44:27.319 but tools 00:44:27.319 --> 00:44:27.739 in his 00:44:27.739 --> 00:44:28.159 hand 00:44:28.159 --> 00:44:29.839 put your 00:44:29.839 --> 00:44:30.379 trust in 00:44:30.379 --> 00:44:30.659 him 00:44:30.659 --> 00:44:32.399 for he is 00:44:32.399 --> 00:44:33.019 working all 00:44:33.019 --> 00:44:33.519 things 00:44:33.519 --> 00:44:34.599 for your 00:44:34.599 --> 00:44:35.019 good 00:44:35.019 --> 00:44:37.179 as Romans 00:44:37.179 --> 00:44:37.839 8 reminds 00:44:37.839 --> 00:44:38.219 us 00:44:38.219 --> 00:44:39.659 and we know 00:44:39.659 --> 00:44:40.000 that all 00:44:40.000 --> 00:44:40.599 things work 00:44:40.599 --> 00:44:41.199 together for 00:44:41.199 --> 00:44:41.619 good to 00:44:41.619 --> 00:44:41.980 them that 00:44:41.980 --> 00:44:42.559 love God 00:44:42.559 --> 00:44:44.279 to them 00:44:44.279 --> 00:44:45.440 who are 00:44:45.440 --> 00:44:46.279 the called 00:44:46.279 --> 00:44:47.400 according 00:44:47.400 --> 00:44:48.699 to his 00:44:48.699 --> 00:44:50.019 purpose 00:44:50.019 --> 00:44:52.360 and Paul 00:44:52.360 --> 00:44:52.860 goes on to 00:44:52.860 --> 00:44:53.259 say that 00:44:53.259 --> 00:44:53.840 purpose 00:44:53.840 --> 00:44:55.099 is to 00:44:55.099 --> 00:44:56.039 conform you 00:44:56.039 --> 00:44:57.199 and me 00:44:57.199 --> 00:44:58.320 into the 00:44:58.320 --> 00:44:58.719 image 00:44:58.719 --> 00:44:59.539 of his 00:44:59.539 --> 00:44:59.920 son 00:44:59.920 --> 00:45:00.719 Jesus 00:45:00.719 --> 00:45:01.279 Christ 00:45:01.279 --> 00:45:03.000 what's 00:45:03.000 --> 00:45:03.400 happening 00:45:03.400 --> 00:45:04.079 right now 00:45:04.079 --> 00:45:05.039 the fact 00:45:05.039 --> 00:45:05.340 that we 00:45:05.340 --> 00:45:05.679 haven't been 00:45:05.679 --> 00:45:05.980 able to 00:45:05.980 --> 00:45:06.440 gather as 00:45:06.440 --> 00:45:06.920 a church 00:45:06.920 --> 00:45:07.840 for six 00:45:07.840 --> 00:45:08.279 weeks 00:45:08.279 --> 00:45:08.940 maybe 00:45:08.940 --> 00:45:09.500 longer 00:45:09.500 --> 00:45:11.659 all of 00:45:11.659 --> 00:45:11.940 that 00:45:11.940 --> 00:45:12.440 God is 00:45:12.440 --> 00:45:12.820 using 00:45:12.820 --> 00:45:13.119 this 00:45:13.119 --> 00:45:13.340 to 00:45:13.340 --> 00:45:13.760 fashion 00:45:13.760 --> 00:45:14.119 us 00:45:14.119 --> 00:45:14.519 into 00:45:14.519 --> 00:45:14.739 the 00:45:14.739 --> 00:45:15.139 likeness 00:45:15.139 --> 00:45:15.260 of 00:45:15.260 --> 00:45:15.440 his 00:45:15.440 --> 00:45:15.780 son 00:45:15.780 --> 00:45:17.639 the 00:45:17.639 --> 00:45:18.219 sickness 00:45:18.219 --> 00:45:18.940 the 00:45:18.940 --> 00:45:19.400 hurt 00:45:19.400 --> 00:45:20.619 the 00:45:20.619 --> 00:45:21.039 potential 00:45:21.039 --> 00:45:21.539 job 00:45:21.539 --> 00:45:22.059 loss 00:45:22.059 --> 00:45:22.760 the 00:45:22.760 --> 00:45:23.099 economy 00:45:23.099 --> 00:45:23.719 all of 00:45:23.719 --> 00:45:23.920 these 00:45:23.920 --> 00:45:24.320 things 00:45:24.320 --> 00:45:24.980 they are 00:45:24.980 --> 00:45:25.420 serving 00:45:25.420 --> 00:45:25.880 God's 00:45:25.880 --> 00:45:26.320 purpose 00:45:26.320 --> 00:45:27.519 you can 00:45:27.519 --> 00:45:27.900 trust 00:45:27.900 --> 00:45:28.260 him 00:45:28.260 --> 00:45:29.860 trust 00:45:29.860 --> 00:45:30.400 the 00:45:30.400 --> 00:45:31.019 sovereign 00:45:31.019 --> 00:45:32.280 God 00:45:32.280 --> 00:45:34.659 so I 00:45:34.659 --> 00:45:35.320 will not 00:45:35.320 --> 00:45:35.840 fear 00:45:35.840 --> 00:45:37.440 for this 00:45:37.440 --> 00:45:37.920 truth 00:45:37.920 --> 00:45:38.699 remains 00:45:38.699 --> 00:45:39.819 that 00:45:39.819 --> 00:45:40.139 my 00:45:40.139 --> 00:45:40.639 God 00:45:40.639 --> 00:45:41.439 is 00:45:41.439 --> 00:45:41.659 the 00:45:41.659 --> 00:45:42.179 ancient 00:45:42.179 --> 00:45:43.179 of 00:45:43.179 --> 00:45:43.719 days 00:45:43.719 --> 00:45:44.919 thank you 00:45:44.919 --> 00:45:45.299 for listening 00:45:45.299 --> 00:45:45.699 to this 00:45:45.699 --> 00:45:45.960 sermon 00:45:45.960 --> 00:45:46.539 made available 00:45:46.539 --> 00:45:47.299 by Lakeside 00:45:47.299 --> 00:45:47.960 Bible Church 00:45:47.960 --> 00:45:49.079 feel free to 00:45:49.079 --> 00:45:49.379 share it 00:45:49.379 --> 00:45:49.839 wherever you'd 00:45:49.839 --> 00:45:50.059 like 00:45:50.059 --> 00:45:51.059 please do 00:45:51.059 --> 00:45:51.539 not charge 00:45:51.539 --> 00:45:51.939 for it 00:45:51.939 --> 00:45:52.500 or alter 00:45:52.500 --> 00:45:52.819 it in 00:45:52.819 --> 00:45:53.299 any way 00:45:53.299 --> 00:45:53.599 without 00:45:53.599 --> 00:45:54.159 express 00:45:54.159 --> 00:45:54.460 written 00:45:54.460 --> 00:45:54.939 consent 00:45:54.939 --> 00:45:55.219 from 00:45:55.219 --> 00:45:55.699 Lakeside 00:45:55.699 --> 00:45:55.980 Bible 00:45:55.980 --> 00:45:56.359 Church 00:45:56.359 --> 00:45:57.339 don't 00:45:57.339 --> 00:45:57.539 forget 00:45:57.539 --> 00:45:57.699 to 00:45:57.699 --> 00:45:57.859 visit 00:45:57.859 --> 00:45:58.059 us 00:45:58.059 --> 00:45:58.500 online 00:45:58.500 --> 00:45:58.719 at 00:45:58.719 --> 00:46:00.000 lakesidebible.church 00:46:00.000 --> 00:46:00.879 or find 00:46:00.879 --> 00:46:01.199 us on 00:46:01.199 --> 00:46:01.579 Facebook 00:46:01.579 --> 00:46:02.259 and Instagram 00:46:02.259 --> 00:46:02.939 by searching 00:46:02.939 --> 00:46:03.759 for Lakeside 00:46:03.759 --> 00:46:04.139 Bible 00:46:04.139 --> 00:46:04.659 NC 00:46:04.659 --> 00:46:05.859 if you 00:46:05.859 --> 00:46:06.119 live in 00:46:06.119 --> 00:46:06.259 the 00:46:06.259 --> 00:46:06.539 Charlotte 00:46:06.539 --> 00:46:06.879 or Lake 00:46:06.879 --> 00:46:07.099 Norman 00:46:07.099 --> 00:46:07.399 area 00:46:07.399 --> 00:46:07.960 we'd love 00:46:07.960 --> 00:46:08.199 for you 00:46:08.199 --> 00:46:08.599 to attend 00:46:08.599 --> 00:46:08.839 one of 00:46:08.839 --> 00:46:08.960 our 00:46:08.960 --> 00:46:09.219 worship 00:46:09.219 --> 00:46:09.779 services 00:46:09.779 --> 00:46:10.539 we meet 00:46:10.539 --> 00:46:10.759 every 00:46:10.759 --> 00:46:11.079 Sunday 00:46:11.079 --> 00:46:11.380 morning 00:46:11.380 --> 00:46:11.579 at 00:46:11.579 --> 00:46:12.159 10 a.m. 00:46:12.440 --> 00:46:12.960 we'd love 00:46:12.960 --> 00:46:13.319 to meet 00:46:13.319 --> 00:46:13.559 you