WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.339 Show off the best of Chinese culture and the success of their society. 00:00:06.240 --> 00:00:06.640 Show. 00:00:08.160 --> 00:00:14.620 But interestingly, in the mind of the Chinese government, they thought, this is an important visitor. 00:00:15.320 --> 00:00:19.140 And we want to prepare well for his visit. 00:00:20.280 --> 00:00:25.699 We want to be ready for him to come and for him to see. 00:00:25.699 --> 00:00:30.079 And be received well. 00:00:33.219 --> 00:00:34.600 Maybe you've done this. 00:00:35.799 --> 00:00:44.719 I don't know if you've ever thought about this, but if you're dating or you just got married and your in-laws come to your apartment or your home for the first time, what do you do? 00:00:45.420 --> 00:00:46.500 You clean up. 00:00:47.439 --> 00:00:49.219 You put the laundry in the basement. 00:00:51.820 --> 00:00:52.320 Right? 00:00:52.320 --> 00:00:55.659 The dishes are actually not piled in the sink. 00:00:55.700 --> 00:01:00.320 You hang up the clothes that are in your bedroom. 00:01:00.420 --> 00:01:01.300 You make your bed. 00:01:02.060 --> 00:01:04.280 Now, some of this may not be revolutionary to some of you. 00:01:04.359 --> 00:01:05.780 It was to me when I got married. 00:01:06.180 --> 00:01:08.260 It was like, oh, this is good stuff. 00:01:08.859 --> 00:01:13.659 To prepare for them to come and visit and to be ready for them. 00:01:13.659 --> 00:01:28.359 Think about how you would respond if your favorite movie star, the president of your university, whoever would hold high esteem in your own heart. 00:01:28.359 --> 00:01:33.359 If they're coming to your house, how would you prepare for them? 00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:51.579 The problem is, of course, as we begin to think about the Advent season and the coming celebration of the coming of Jesus, we are typically unprepared. 00:01:51.579 --> 00:01:56.819 I don't know about you, but I am woefully unprepared, particularly this year. 00:01:56.819 --> 00:02:02.979 I got back from Thanksgiving, and I thought, oh, no, it's Christmas time. 00:02:03.139 --> 00:02:05.319 I have not even thought about this. 00:02:05.319 --> 00:02:19.239 I had to scrounge on December 1st somewhere in the basement to find our little Advent candle wreath and our Advent book that we had set aside to read this year with the kids. 00:02:19.240 --> 00:02:21.960 Because I didn't know where it was. 00:02:23.120 --> 00:02:30.820 I actually spent 20 minutes this week finally thinking about a Christmas list and actually bought one or two presents for my kids. 00:02:30.900 --> 00:02:31.879 I was so proud of myself. 00:02:32.260 --> 00:02:33.420 I thought I'm ahead of the game. 00:02:33.540 --> 00:02:35.660 It's only December 1st. 00:02:39.040 --> 00:02:42.340 It's so easy for us this time of year to be busy. 00:02:42.920 --> 00:02:46.340 To be scrambling from one activity to the next. 00:02:46.340 --> 00:02:49.860 To be trying to do all sorts of things. 00:02:51.520 --> 00:02:58.280 To prepare or at least just to participate in our cultural celebration of Christmas. 00:03:00.280 --> 00:03:05.680 And yet to get distracted from the preparation that we really need in our hearts. 00:03:06.860 --> 00:03:12.520 And I wonder if that's not always, in fact, a little bit intentional for us. 00:03:12.520 --> 00:03:21.500 Sometimes we would prefer the busyness to stilling our hearts before the Lord and thinking about our deeper longings. 00:03:21.939 --> 00:03:32.560 Sometimes we would prefer the frills and the lights and the wrappings and the tinsels more than we would to think about the message of Christmas. 00:03:32.560 --> 00:03:35.099 And the reality of Christmas. 00:03:37.439 --> 00:03:43.420 And sometimes the pain and the sorrow that comes along with Christmas for some of us. 00:03:43.419 --> 00:03:51.299 It's easy for us sometimes to try to take hold of all these surface things and allow that to drive us. 00:03:52.019 --> 00:03:55.939 Rather than slowing down and preparing our hearts. 00:03:55.939 --> 00:04:02.319 We come to the scriptures this morning. 00:04:02.639 --> 00:04:07.879 We're beginning a four-week series on the man, John the Baptist. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:09.579 And his role. 00:04:10.620 --> 00:04:16.620 And his place in God's plan of preparing the world for the greatest gift. 00:04:16.939 --> 00:04:17.959 And the first Christmas. 00:04:17.959 --> 00:04:21.680 We're going to be looking at him for four weeks. 00:04:23.739 --> 00:04:26.859 And looking at different aspects of his life. 00:04:27.239 --> 00:04:28.399 And his ministry. 00:04:29.159 --> 00:04:34.179 And to think about how it is that God gave us the great gift of this man, John the Baptist. 00:04:34.379 --> 00:04:37.719 And how he pointed us to the greatest gift. 00:04:38.339 --> 00:04:39.439 The gift of Jesus. 00:04:39.439 --> 00:04:39.639 Jesus. 00:04:42.459 --> 00:04:46.120 We hope that in looking at John the Baptist in the next couple of weeks. 00:04:46.279 --> 00:04:53.480 That we will together be prepared more to rightly celebrate Christmas as we ought to. 00:04:54.560 --> 00:04:57.540 We're going to look at Mark chapter 1 verses 1 through 8. 00:04:57.600 --> 00:04:59.139 If you want to turn in your pew Bibles. 00:04:59.319 --> 00:05:00.540 It's page 836. 00:05:01.259 --> 00:05:01.779 I believe. 00:05:02.899 --> 00:05:04.279 If you want to turn there. 00:05:05.079 --> 00:05:08.420 We're going to read this passage and then pray together. 00:05:09.439 --> 00:05:16.060 Mark chapter 1 verses 1 through 8. 00:05:25.779 --> 00:05:29.439 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 00:05:30.360 --> 00:05:32.600 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet. 00:05:33.459 --> 00:05:36.779 Behold, I send my messenger before your face. 00:05:36.980 --> 00:05:38.899 Who will prepare your way. 00:05:38.899 --> 00:05:42.239 The voice of one crying in the wilderness. 00:05:43.199 --> 00:05:45.419 Prepare the way of the Lord. 00:05:46.079 --> 00:05:48.259 Make his paths straight. 00:05:49.679 --> 00:05:51.339 John appeared. 00:05:52.159 --> 00:05:53.620 Baptizing in the wilderness. 00:05:53.879 --> 00:05:55.979 And proclaiming a baptism of repentance. 00:05:56.459 --> 00:05:58.359 For the forgiveness of sins. 00:05:59.219 --> 00:06:01.539 And all the country of Judea. 00:06:01.659 --> 00:06:02.779 And all Jerusalem. 00:06:02.779 --> 00:06:04.299 Were going out to him. 00:06:04.300 --> 00:06:06.560 And were being baptized by him. 00:06:06.560 --> 00:06:08.060 In the river Jordan. 00:06:08.879 --> 00:06:10.400 Confessing their sins. 00:06:11.520 --> 00:06:14.579 Now John was clothed with camel's hair. 00:06:14.720 --> 00:06:16.680 And wore a leather belt around his waist. 00:06:16.819 --> 00:06:18.480 And ate locusts and wild honey. 00:06:18.819 --> 00:06:20.560 And he preached saying, 00:06:20.639 --> 00:06:23.920 After me comes he who is mightier than I. 00:06:23.920 --> 00:06:28.819 The strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 00:06:29.480 --> 00:06:31.800 I have baptized you with water. 00:06:32.280 --> 00:06:36.300 But he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 00:06:36.300 --> 00:06:38.639 Let's pray together. 00:06:46.639 --> 00:06:47.240 Lord. 00:06:49.240 --> 00:06:50.980 This morning we come to you. 00:06:51.060 --> 00:06:53.240 And we do confess our unpreparedness. 00:06:53.780 --> 00:06:54.860 In our hearts. 00:06:56.040 --> 00:06:57.160 And we come to you. 00:06:57.240 --> 00:06:58.960 And ask that by your grace. 00:06:58.960 --> 00:07:00.680 This morning you would help us. 00:07:00.680 --> 00:07:03.420 In these few minutes to look at your word. 00:07:03.519 --> 00:07:04.620 And to be reminded. 00:07:05.560 --> 00:07:05.860 And Lord. 00:07:05.959 --> 00:07:08.199 More than just to be reminded. 00:07:08.740 --> 00:07:09.139 But Lord. 00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:10.480 That you would turn us. 00:07:11.579 --> 00:07:11.980 Lord. 00:07:12.300 --> 00:07:12.819 Away. 00:07:13.579 --> 00:07:14.720 From the busyness. 00:07:14.980 --> 00:07:15.879 And the scrambling. 00:07:17.600 --> 00:07:18.600 Of this season. 00:07:18.720 --> 00:07:19.379 And our culture. 00:07:19.800 --> 00:07:20.040 Lord. 00:07:20.060 --> 00:07:22.699 That we might have these moments to be still. 00:07:22.819 --> 00:07:23.439 Before you. 00:07:23.519 --> 00:07:24.399 And before your word. 00:07:25.340 --> 00:07:25.860 Lord. 00:07:25.860 --> 00:07:27.740 That you would prepare our hearts. 00:07:27.740 --> 00:07:31.280 To truly worship you. 00:07:32.220 --> 00:07:32.560 Lord. 00:07:32.600 --> 00:07:34.400 That you would prepare the way. 00:07:34.579 --> 00:07:35.420 In our hearts. 00:07:36.040 --> 00:07:37.439 For the Lord to come. 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:40.460 Lord. 00:07:40.519 --> 00:07:42.060 I ask for your help this morning. 00:07:43.400 --> 00:07:43.639 Lord. 00:07:43.660 --> 00:07:44.819 Will you speak through me. 00:07:45.220 --> 00:07:45.620 Will you. 00:07:46.199 --> 00:07:47.379 Make all of us. 00:07:47.740 --> 00:07:47.960 Lord. 00:07:48.079 --> 00:07:48.920 Ready and willing. 00:07:49.079 --> 00:07:50.160 To listen to your word. 00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:53.000 We pray this in Jesus name. 00:07:54.000 --> 00:07:54.400 Amen. 00:07:57.740 --> 00:07:58.160 As I said. 00:07:58.220 --> 00:07:59.540 We're going to be spending four weeks. 00:07:59.860 --> 00:08:00.819 On John the Baptist. 00:08:00.939 --> 00:08:02.079 I get to preach this week. 00:08:02.139 --> 00:08:02.740 And next week. 00:08:02.800 --> 00:08:03.379 So this week. 00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:04.980 I'm going to talk more about. 00:08:05.100 --> 00:08:05.780 John the Baptist. 00:08:05.920 --> 00:08:06.860 And his role. 00:08:07.400 --> 00:08:08.240 And next week. 00:08:08.280 --> 00:08:09.400 I'm going to talk more about. 00:08:09.400 --> 00:08:10.199 His message. 00:08:10.560 --> 00:08:11.379 So if you're wondering. 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:12.780 Why I'm going to completely. 00:08:13.300 --> 00:08:14.860 Not talk about repentance. 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:15.579 And. 00:08:17.259 --> 00:08:17.660 Baptism. 00:08:18.040 --> 00:08:19.240 And confession of sin. 00:08:19.439 --> 00:08:20.420 Come back next week. 00:08:20.879 --> 00:08:22.379 That's what we're going to be talking about. 00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:22.740 So. 00:08:23.360 --> 00:08:24.680 But we're going to be looking. 00:08:25.740 --> 00:08:26.540 This morning. 00:08:26.639 --> 00:08:27.040 A little bit. 00:08:27.040 --> 00:08:29.280 We're actually going to focus on verse three. 00:08:29.600 --> 00:08:31.040 As the lens through which. 00:08:31.120 --> 00:08:31.920 We're going to think about. 00:08:32.039 --> 00:08:33.340 Who John the Baptist is. 00:08:33.899 --> 00:08:35.300 I think what we will see here. 00:08:35.420 --> 00:08:37.139 Is that God has spoken. 00:08:38.019 --> 00:08:40.159 In the wilderness of our lives. 00:08:40.840 --> 00:08:42.600 About a savior who has come. 00:08:44.340 --> 00:08:45.200 This is what. 00:08:45.340 --> 00:08:46.259 This message says. 00:08:46.360 --> 00:08:47.240 God has spoken. 00:08:47.379 --> 00:08:48.320 The voice of one. 00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:49.539 Crying in the wilderness. 00:08:50.600 --> 00:08:51.259 God has spoken. 00:08:51.259 --> 00:08:53.100 Into the wilderness of our lives. 00:08:53.200 --> 00:08:54.060 Just as he spoke. 00:08:54.060 --> 00:08:55.320 Into the wilderness of. 00:08:55.320 --> 00:08:56.820 The lives of his people. 00:08:56.820 --> 00:08:58.140 Throughout all of history. 00:08:58.680 --> 00:08:59.840 And God has spoken about. 00:09:00.040 --> 00:09:00.980 The coming of his. 00:09:01.320 --> 00:09:02.620 Of the savior. 00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:03.840 Prepare ye. 00:09:03.960 --> 00:09:05.040 The way of the Lord. 00:09:06.040 --> 00:09:07.460 And I just have to say. 00:09:07.660 --> 00:09:09.220 That I love these verses. 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:10.720 Because every time I read them. 00:09:10.800 --> 00:09:11.940 I think of music. 00:09:12.200 --> 00:09:12.500 Right. 00:09:12.840 --> 00:09:13.740 I think of. 00:09:14.320 --> 00:09:15.060 God's spell. 00:09:15.160 --> 00:09:15.879 Which isn't. 00:09:15.960 --> 00:09:17.460 A gospel oriented story. 00:09:17.580 --> 00:09:18.560 But the beginning of it. 00:09:18.620 --> 00:09:19.320 Is so powerful. 00:09:19.320 --> 00:09:22.320 Prepare ye. 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:25.780 The way of the Lord. 00:09:25.920 --> 00:09:26.560 Do you remember that? 00:09:26.900 --> 00:09:27.700 Do you know that music? 00:09:27.700 --> 00:09:29.760 Or in Handel's Messiah. 00:09:30.320 --> 00:09:32.400 This great bass solo. 00:09:32.820 --> 00:09:34.200 The voice of him. 00:09:34.440 --> 00:09:36.300 Who crieth in the wilderness. 00:09:37.040 --> 00:09:37.700 Prepare ye. 00:09:38.379 --> 00:09:40.840 The way of the Lord. 00:09:41.420 --> 00:09:44.220 Make straight in the desert. 00:09:44.220 --> 00:09:46.639 A highway. 00:09:47.779 --> 00:09:50.139 For our God. 00:09:51.940 --> 00:09:52.700 There you go. 00:09:55.340 --> 00:09:56.460 I do that. 00:09:56.779 --> 00:09:57.980 I share that with you. 00:09:58.040 --> 00:09:58.820 Partly because. 00:09:59.080 --> 00:10:00.700 I want you to listen for it. 00:10:00.800 --> 00:10:03.000 I want you to listen for these words. 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:06.379 As you listen to familiar Christmas carols. 00:10:06.800 --> 00:10:08.420 As you listen to the jingles. 00:10:08.519 --> 00:10:09.399 And the malls. 00:10:09.460 --> 00:10:09.820 Or whatever. 00:10:10.340 --> 00:10:10.620 You know. 00:10:10.680 --> 00:10:11.259 Your Pandora. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:12.700 Or whatever you listen to nowadays. 00:10:14.539 --> 00:10:16.379 Listen for how much. 00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:18.460 Even in our secular culture. 00:10:18.460 --> 00:10:20.179 These words still resonate. 00:10:20.399 --> 00:10:21.720 And are still out there. 00:10:22.100 --> 00:10:22.840 In our culture. 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:24.159 And let them remind you. 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:24.899 Of the passages. 00:10:25.419 --> 00:10:26.159 And the truth. 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:27.240 That we're going to look at. 00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:27.879 This morning. 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:29.419 That God is still speaking. 00:10:30.360 --> 00:10:31.159 To us. 00:10:31.179 --> 00:10:31.960 About a savior. 00:10:32.120 --> 00:10:32.919 That he has sent. 00:10:33.319 --> 00:10:34.980 So let's just briefly look. 00:10:35.019 --> 00:10:36.159 At these three things. 00:10:37.240 --> 00:10:37.679 Together. 00:10:38.080 --> 00:10:39.100 That come out of verse three. 00:10:39.179 --> 00:10:39.399 One. 00:10:39.480 --> 00:10:41.240 That God has spoken to us. 00:10:41.379 --> 00:10:43.139 And here what we see. 00:10:43.460 --> 00:10:44.139 Is that. 00:10:44.539 --> 00:10:46.039 The voice of one. 00:10:46.279 --> 00:10:47.559 Is talking clearly. 00:10:47.559 --> 00:10:48.740 About John the Baptist. 00:10:49.379 --> 00:10:50.319 Do you see how the verse. 00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:51.439 The verses flow. 00:10:51.620 --> 00:10:52.279 From one to four. 00:10:52.539 --> 00:10:53.159 It just says. 00:10:53.419 --> 00:10:54.679 The good news about Jesus. 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:56.519 Okay. 00:10:57.080 --> 00:10:58.779 And then verse two and three. 00:10:58.879 --> 00:11:00.500 Are quotes from the Old Testament. 00:11:01.200 --> 00:11:02.620 God speaking about. 00:11:02.819 --> 00:11:04.879 How he is going to raise up one. 00:11:05.080 --> 00:11:06.580 Who will have this message. 00:11:06.580 --> 00:11:07.620 Of proclaiming. 00:11:07.860 --> 00:11:08.980 That the Lord is coming. 00:11:08.980 --> 00:11:11.220 And to prepare God's people. 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:12.240 To receive him. 00:11:12.720 --> 00:11:13.820 And then verse four. 00:11:14.159 --> 00:11:14.639 Bam. 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:16.120 John. 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:17.539 No introduction. 00:11:17.940 --> 00:11:18.779 No background. 00:11:19.259 --> 00:11:20.039 No anything. 00:11:20.519 --> 00:11:21.360 Just this guy. 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:21.940 John. 00:11:23.100 --> 00:11:24.379 Who's having this ministry. 00:11:24.379 --> 00:11:24.940 In the wilderness. 00:11:25.820 --> 00:11:26.399 Well thankfully. 00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:27.879 We have other gospels. 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:30.220 To tell us a little bit more. 00:11:30.220 --> 00:11:31.100 About his background. 00:11:31.100 --> 00:11:32.740 But the first thing. 00:11:32.940 --> 00:11:34.320 That Mark wants us. 00:11:34.440 --> 00:11:35.259 To understand. 00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:36.120 Is that John. 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:37.600 Was sent by God. 00:11:37.759 --> 00:11:39.460 To prepare the world. 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:40.659 For the coming of Jesus. 00:11:42.420 --> 00:11:44.019 Now as we fill out the picture. 00:11:44.139 --> 00:11:45.040 We know some things. 00:11:45.480 --> 00:11:47.600 John was miraculously conceived. 00:11:48.220 --> 00:11:49.899 In the womb of a barren woman. 00:11:51.980 --> 00:11:52.580 John was. 00:11:52.840 --> 00:11:54.259 When John was conceived. 00:11:54.700 --> 00:11:56.920 The angel spoke to his father. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:11:59.160 And told him of the role. 00:11:59.159 --> 00:12:00.059 That he would play. 00:12:00.199 --> 00:12:01.339 In preparing the world. 00:12:01.419 --> 00:12:02.519 By proclaiming. 00:12:02.779 --> 00:12:03.819 The coming of. 00:12:04.100 --> 00:12:04.699 Oddly enough. 00:12:04.740 --> 00:12:05.319 His cousin. 00:12:05.539 --> 00:12:06.219 It seems. 00:12:07.059 --> 00:12:08.919 If we get the relationships right. 00:12:08.980 --> 00:12:10.319 Between Mary and Elizabeth. 00:12:14.019 --> 00:12:15.120 We know that. 00:12:16.939 --> 00:12:18.399 We know that he comes. 00:12:18.399 --> 00:12:19.719 In the form of a prophet. 00:12:20.139 --> 00:12:21.339 Did you see in verses. 00:12:22.019 --> 00:12:23.419 Look in verse six. 00:12:24.299 --> 00:12:24.500 Right. 00:12:24.500 --> 00:12:27.299 This is a really weird detail. 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:27.879 Isn't it? 00:12:28.460 --> 00:12:29.100 In the gospel. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:29.960 Why is it there? 00:12:30.200 --> 00:12:30.440 Well. 00:12:30.720 --> 00:12:31.259 It's there. 00:12:31.340 --> 00:12:32.600 Because in the Old Testament. 00:12:32.799 --> 00:12:34.100 In first Kings one. 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:35.620 You see that. 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:37.360 The prophet Elijah. 00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:38.299 Wore. 00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:39.820 Similar garb. 00:12:39.840 --> 00:12:40.539 And you see. 00:12:40.759 --> 00:12:41.820 In the book of Ezekiel. 00:12:41.940 --> 00:12:43.279 How there's this promise. 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:44.019 Of another one. 00:12:44.100 --> 00:12:44.759 Like Elijah. 00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:45.659 Who will come. 00:12:46.139 --> 00:12:48.059 And there was this whole expectation. 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:49.159 In the Old Testament. 00:12:49.679 --> 00:12:50.980 That there was a prophet. 00:12:51.139 --> 00:12:52.139 Yet to come. 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:53.659 Greater than Moses. 00:12:53.659 --> 00:12:55.939 The second coming of Elijah. 00:12:56.459 --> 00:12:57.860 One who would come. 00:12:58.240 --> 00:12:59.079 And proclaim. 00:13:01.579 --> 00:13:03.019 The day of the Lord. 00:13:03.819 --> 00:13:04.959 The one who would proclaim. 00:13:05.100 --> 00:13:06.980 The time when God would finally. 00:13:07.500 --> 00:13:08.759 Tie up the bow. 00:13:08.839 --> 00:13:10.139 Of all of his promises. 00:13:10.639 --> 00:13:11.959 To deliver his people. 00:13:12.059 --> 00:13:13.459 And establish his people. 00:13:13.459 --> 00:13:15.279 And his kingdom forever. 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:20.199 Interestingly. 00:13:20.720 --> 00:13:22.679 When you look at verses two and three. 00:13:22.679 --> 00:13:24.039 It's actually a pastiche. 00:13:24.120 --> 00:13:25.399 It's not all from Isaiah. 00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:26.459 In case you're wondering. 00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:29.500 The first half of verse two. 00:13:29.759 --> 00:13:30.599 In the quotation. 00:13:30.779 --> 00:13:32.899 Is probably from Exodus 23. 00:13:34.579 --> 00:13:36.239 God speaks of an angel. 00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:37.379 To lead his people. 00:13:37.579 --> 00:13:38.559 Through the wilderness. 00:13:39.199 --> 00:13:40.419 To the promised land. 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:42.239 And then in Malachi. 00:13:42.239 --> 00:13:43.399 And then the second part. 00:13:43.739 --> 00:13:44.739 Preparing your way. 00:13:44.879 --> 00:13:46.439 Is probably from Malachi. 00:13:46.679 --> 00:13:47.919 Chapter three. 00:13:48.059 --> 00:13:48.779 Verse one. 00:13:48.779 --> 00:13:55.000 Then we get to verse. 00:13:55.500 --> 00:13:56.579 To Isaiah 40. 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:57.100 We see. 00:13:57.220 --> 00:13:57.500 And if you. 00:13:57.600 --> 00:13:58.519 If you were here. 00:13:58.519 --> 00:13:59.939 When we preached on Isaiah 40. 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:00.519 A while ago. 00:14:00.579 --> 00:14:01.519 Or if you remember. 00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:02.839 Isaiah 40. 00:14:02.839 --> 00:14:04.699 Is this massive turning point. 00:14:04.699 --> 00:14:05.299 In the book. 00:14:05.299 --> 00:14:06.360 Where the prophet. 00:14:06.620 --> 00:14:07.419 Turns from. 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:08.899 Pronouncing judgment. 00:14:08.899 --> 00:14:09.699 On the nations. 00:14:09.699 --> 00:14:10.759 Because of their. 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:12.899 Rejection of God. 00:14:13.779 --> 00:14:14.100 And their. 00:14:14.100 --> 00:14:15.060 His judgment. 00:14:15.220 --> 00:14:16.800 Even on his own people. 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:17.639 On Israel. 00:14:18.300 --> 00:14:19.980 For their rejection of him. 00:14:20.040 --> 00:14:20.740 And their turning. 00:14:21.060 --> 00:14:22.159 To other gods. 00:14:22.240 --> 00:14:23.100 And other idols. 00:14:23.259 --> 00:14:24.279 And other alliances. 00:14:24.480 --> 00:14:26.060 And other things to trust in. 00:14:28.680 --> 00:14:29.720 Verse 40. 00:14:29.820 --> 00:14:31.060 Is this turning point. 00:14:33.320 --> 00:14:34.820 That Antoine read. 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:35.800 So well earlier. 00:14:37.040 --> 00:14:37.620 Comfort. 00:14:37.779 --> 00:14:38.820 Comfort my people. 00:14:39.779 --> 00:14:41.379 God is not done. 00:14:41.700 --> 00:14:42.560 With his people. 00:14:42.559 --> 00:14:44.539 God will bring. 00:14:45.139 --> 00:14:46.079 Something new. 00:14:46.459 --> 00:14:46.919 And this. 00:14:47.399 --> 00:14:48.219 A voice of one. 00:14:48.319 --> 00:14:49.279 Crying in the wilderness. 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:51.199 Prepare ye the way of the Lord. 00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:53.000 Because the Lord is going to come. 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:54.739 And the Lord is going to come. 00:14:55.119 --> 00:14:56.459 And make things right. 00:14:57.000 --> 00:14:57.299 The God. 00:14:57.419 --> 00:14:59.139 The God who you fear. 00:14:59.459 --> 00:15:01.039 Has abandoned you. 00:15:01.159 --> 00:15:02.259 Because of the exile. 00:15:02.419 --> 00:15:03.279 This is the message. 00:15:03.399 --> 00:15:04.239 That Isaiah is speaking. 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:06.000 The God that you fear. 00:15:06.139 --> 00:15:07.199 Has abandoned you. 00:15:07.359 --> 00:15:09.339 Because you have been taken into exile. 00:15:09.799 --> 00:15:11.199 Has not abandoned you. 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:12.419 And he will come. 00:15:12.419 --> 00:15:12.919 For you. 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:14.039 And he will come. 00:15:14.120 --> 00:15:14.959 To rescue you. 00:15:15.139 --> 00:15:16.659 And he will restore. 00:15:16.899 --> 00:15:18.379 You to greatness. 00:15:18.899 --> 00:15:20.439 Of being his people. 00:15:20.699 --> 00:15:22.779 And he will establish his kingdom. 00:15:23.259 --> 00:15:24.759 A kingdom that will last. 00:15:24.899 --> 00:15:25.779 Forever and ever. 00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:28.259 And this is. 00:15:28.479 --> 00:15:30.500 These are all the connotations. 00:15:31.039 --> 00:15:32.799 That are being brought forward. 00:15:32.919 --> 00:15:33.839 In this quotation. 00:15:33.839 --> 00:15:35.159 From Isaiah 40. 00:15:35.159 --> 00:15:40.079 And so with John the Baptist. 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:42.600 Being brought into. 00:15:42.839 --> 00:15:43.879 There is a message. 00:15:45.259 --> 00:15:45.740 For. 00:15:46.699 --> 00:15:47.980 The people in his day. 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:50.339 As well as a message for us. 00:15:51.019 --> 00:15:53.059 That God has not abandoned you. 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:55.839 God has not forgotten you. 00:15:56.379 --> 00:15:57.500 God is not. 00:15:57.500 --> 00:15:57.980 Lost. 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:02.340 Lost. 00:16:02.340 --> 00:16:03.360 In his plan. 00:16:03.360 --> 00:16:04.019 For you. 00:16:04.179 --> 00:16:05.019 But as. 00:16:05.139 --> 00:16:06.360 Second Peter says. 00:16:06.500 --> 00:16:07.299 He is patient. 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:09.940 Not wishing that any would perish. 00:16:10.080 --> 00:16:11.679 But that all would come to salvation. 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:14.019 The coming. 00:16:14.279 --> 00:16:15.679 Of John the Baptist. 00:16:16.120 --> 00:16:17.139 Reminds us. 00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:19.220 That God has not forgotten us. 00:16:20.200 --> 00:16:21.559 And in his coming. 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:23.859 It raises a sense of anticipation. 00:16:23.859 --> 00:16:25.079 In the first century. 00:16:25.219 --> 00:16:25.959 Look with me again. 00:16:26.039 --> 00:16:26.500 At verses. 00:16:27.139 --> 00:16:28.179 Verse five. 00:16:29.199 --> 00:16:30.919 When John the Baptist came. 00:16:31.579 --> 00:16:33.359 People were coming to him. 00:16:33.539 --> 00:16:35.099 And it says that he was by the Jordan. 00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:36.939 If you can visually picture. 00:16:37.299 --> 00:16:38.859 The Jordan River runs north south. 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:40.339 Jerusalem is slightly. 00:16:41.059 --> 00:16:41.919 Do I have this right? 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:42.199 Yes. 00:16:42.199 --> 00:16:42.639 Slightly. 00:16:43.079 --> 00:16:43.879 On the. 00:16:44.219 --> 00:16:44.359 Wait. 00:16:44.659 --> 00:16:45.819 West side of it. 00:16:46.039 --> 00:16:47.119 And these people were coming. 00:16:47.339 --> 00:16:48.279 Out of Jerusalem. 00:16:48.659 --> 00:16:49.819 And out of Judea. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:50.919 Over into. 00:16:50.919 --> 00:16:51.879 What would be called. 00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:52.500 The wilderness. 00:16:52.679 --> 00:16:53.819 Around the Jordan River. 00:16:55.519 --> 00:16:56.799 They were leaving. 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:58.240 The familiar. 00:16:58.599 --> 00:16:59.519 Religious rights. 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:00.360 Of the temple. 00:17:00.779 --> 00:17:01.740 They were leaving. 00:17:02.339 --> 00:17:03.159 The structures. 00:17:04.619 --> 00:17:05.700 Of Judaism. 00:17:06.639 --> 00:17:07.000 That. 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:07.980 Had grown. 00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:08.819 Cold. 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:09.460 And formal. 00:17:10.099 --> 00:17:11.099 They were leaving. 00:17:11.099 --> 00:17:12.259 The political. 00:17:13.139 --> 00:17:14.559 Places of power. 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:16.460 To go into the wilderness. 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:17.299 To find. 00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:18.519 This one. 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:18.619 One. 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:21.359 Because the message. 00:17:21.359 --> 00:17:22.279 That he had. 00:17:23.779 --> 00:17:25.660 Was of such great hope. 00:17:26.440 --> 00:17:28.079 And such substance. 00:17:28.859 --> 00:17:29.980 That they would forsake. 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:31.279 All of those things. 00:17:32.740 --> 00:17:33.759 When they heard. 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:34.440 John the Baptist. 00:17:34.440 --> 00:17:35.160 They thought. 00:17:35.700 --> 00:17:36.339 God. 00:17:36.420 --> 00:17:37.839 Is on the move again. 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:39.420 God. 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:41.279 Is about to do something great. 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:41.839 God. 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:43.660 And I'm going to go. 00:17:44.200 --> 00:17:44.819 And find out. 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:45.539 About that. 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:48.079 I'm going to go hear. 00:17:48.420 --> 00:17:49.259 This one. 00:17:49.879 --> 00:17:50.599 A voice. 00:17:50.859 --> 00:17:51.960 Crying in the wilderness. 00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:55.039 I wonder. 00:17:55.220 --> 00:17:56.420 If any of you today. 00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:58.640 Have wondered. 00:17:58.799 --> 00:17:59.200 Whether God. 00:17:59.299 --> 00:18:00.180 Has stopped speaking. 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:02.460 Whether you've doubted. 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:03.140 Whether God. 00:18:03.279 --> 00:18:04.420 Has anything to say. 00:18:04.860 --> 00:18:05.380 To you. 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.100 This morning. 00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:08.360 Maybe you grew up. 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:09.120 In church. 00:18:09.240 --> 00:18:09.700 And you've. 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:10.840 Known about God. 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:11.779 For a long time. 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:13.039 But it's also been. 00:18:13.079 --> 00:18:13.700 A long time. 00:18:13.799 --> 00:18:14.480 Since he's ever. 00:18:14.660 --> 00:18:15.360 Really spoken. 00:18:15.600 --> 00:18:15.980 To you. 00:18:17.160 --> 00:18:18.259 In the sense of. 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:18.640 You've. 00:18:19.019 --> 00:18:19.920 Heard his voice. 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:20.740 And you've known. 00:18:20.740 --> 00:18:21.640 His presence. 00:18:21.640 --> 00:18:23.120 And he's. 00:18:23.320 --> 00:18:24.200 Been real. 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:26.980 Maybe he's become. 00:18:27.900 --> 00:18:28.540 Distant. 00:18:29.080 --> 00:18:29.900 In your heart. 00:18:30.820 --> 00:18:31.780 Maybe he's become. 00:18:32.020 --> 00:18:32.400 Silent. 00:18:33.040 --> 00:18:33.900 In your life. 00:18:34.860 --> 00:18:35.759 Maybe you've wondered. 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:37.160 Is God still at work? 00:18:38.540 --> 00:18:39.620 And John the Baptist. 00:18:39.780 --> 00:18:40.540 Reminds us. 00:18:41.080 --> 00:18:41.820 He is still. 00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:42.540 At work. 00:18:43.560 --> 00:18:45.200 God has sent one. 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:46.060 A voice. 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:47.220 Crying in the wilderness. 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:48.759 And he continues. 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:49.840 To speak today. 00:18:50.580 --> 00:18:51.280 He speaks. 00:18:51.279 --> 00:18:52.220 Through the word. 00:18:52.220 --> 00:18:53.299 That tells us. 00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:55.220 About the word of God. 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:55.960 Made flesh. 00:18:56.079 --> 00:18:56.399 Jesus. 00:18:58.160 --> 00:18:59.259 I know I'm preaching. 00:18:59.339 --> 00:18:59.819 To the choir. 00:18:59.920 --> 00:19:00.639 Because you're here. 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:01.940 And you're hearing. 00:19:02.200 --> 00:19:03.039 The proclamation. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:04.379 Of God's word. 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:05.339 Amen. 00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:06.980 We're so glad you're here. 00:19:07.079 --> 00:19:08.220 Please keep coming back. 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:09.420 And doing it. 00:19:09.420 --> 00:19:10.019 Every Sunday. 00:19:10.019 --> 00:19:10.160 Every Sunday. 00:19:10.160 --> 00:19:16.840 The voice crying in the wilderness. 00:19:16.840 --> 00:19:18.100 Invites us to go. 00:19:18.540 --> 00:19:20.500 To go and find him. 00:19:21.019 --> 00:19:22.400 Go and find God. 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:22.840 God. 00:19:22.840 --> 00:19:27.220 God doesn't just speak to us though. 00:19:27.300 --> 00:19:28.360 He speaks to us. 00:19:28.360 --> 00:19:29.320 In the wilderness. 00:19:31.320 --> 00:19:32.259 The messenger. 00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:33.380 John the Baptist. 00:19:33.380 --> 00:19:34.440 Doesn't come. 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:37.000 Through the normal channels. 00:19:38.120 --> 00:19:39.140 He is. 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:40.640 One sent from God. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:41.460 And yet. 00:19:41.540 --> 00:19:42.360 Where he ministers. 00:19:42.920 --> 00:19:43.880 Is in the wilderness. 00:19:44.380 --> 00:19:45.340 And I want to just stop. 00:19:45.400 --> 00:19:46.700 And spend just a few minutes. 00:19:46.820 --> 00:19:47.300 Thinking about. 00:19:47.299 --> 00:19:48.579 What the wilderness has meant. 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:49.919 Throughout the Bible. 00:19:50.220 --> 00:19:51.500 And particularly because. 00:19:51.919 --> 00:19:52.279 Mark. 00:19:53.299 --> 00:19:53.819 Masterfully. 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:55.059 Pulls out. 00:19:55.419 --> 00:19:56.720 Many significant. 00:19:57.240 --> 00:19:57.680 Places. 00:19:57.839 --> 00:19:58.099 Where. 00:19:58.579 --> 00:19:59.019 The wilderness. 00:19:59.259 --> 00:20:00.139 Has played a role. 00:20:00.500 --> 00:20:01.119 In the life. 00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:02.119 Of God's people. 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:03.259 Throughout the Bible. 00:20:03.339 --> 00:20:04.000 Storyline. 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:05.119 So he starts. 00:20:05.440 --> 00:20:06.279 In Exodus. 00:20:07.139 --> 00:20:07.799 Do you remember. 00:20:08.299 --> 00:20:09.500 When God is speaking. 00:20:10.099 --> 00:20:11.099 To Moses. 00:20:11.359 --> 00:20:12.379 On Mount Sinai. 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:13.399 Where are they? 00:20:14.079 --> 00:20:15.319 They're in the wilderness. 00:20:15.740 --> 00:20:16.480 They're somewhere. 00:20:16.700 --> 00:20:17.059 Between. 00:20:17.059 --> 00:20:17.720 Egypt. 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:20.519 And the promised land. 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:23.619 And what do they complain about. 00:20:23.700 --> 00:20:24.279 On the way? 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.740 There's no food. 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:28.679 It's a desert. 00:20:29.679 --> 00:20:31.159 There's no water. 00:20:31.619 --> 00:20:32.819 There are no streams. 00:20:33.119 --> 00:20:34.119 No oases. 00:20:36.059 --> 00:20:37.220 We are in. 00:20:37.399 --> 00:20:38.059 A wilderness. 00:20:39.940 --> 00:20:41.179 Not only are we. 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:42.440 In a physical wilderness. 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:43.639 Of being in a desert. 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:45.679 But we are in a wilderness. 00:20:45.679 --> 00:20:47.039 Because we are in a place. 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:48.019 Where there are many. 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:49.799 Strong nations. 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:51.059 There are armies. 00:20:51.059 --> 00:20:52.159 That we face. 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:52.920 There are people. 00:20:53.399 --> 00:20:54.440 That we are. 00:20:55.659 --> 00:20:56.059 Encountering. 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:57.539 Who don't want us here. 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:58.879 So we are. 00:20:59.240 --> 00:20:59.759 In a wilderness. 00:20:59.759 --> 00:21:00.819 In the sense of being. 00:21:00.920 --> 00:21:02.200 In a hostile place. 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:04.159 God speaks. 00:21:05.119 --> 00:21:05.720 To go. 00:21:05.960 --> 00:21:06.920 To his people. 00:21:07.559 --> 00:21:08.700 In the exodus. 00:21:08.879 --> 00:21:09.200 Wandering. 00:21:09.279 --> 00:21:10.119 As he's bringing them. 00:21:10.119 --> 00:21:10.559 In. 00:21:10.559 --> 00:21:11.940 Out of Egypt. 00:21:11.940 --> 00:21:12.019 Out of Egypt. 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:13.639 And up to the promised land. 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:14.779 He says. 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:15.759 I'm going to go with you. 00:21:15.799 --> 00:21:17.019 And I'm going to be your protector. 00:21:17.159 --> 00:21:17.639 And I'm going to. 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:19.059 Send an angel. 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:20.460 To go before you. 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:21.779 In this process. 00:21:22.139 --> 00:21:23.659 I will take care of you. 00:21:24.379 --> 00:21:25.819 I will be with you. 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:28.460 And then. 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:29.740 I've already mentioned it some. 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:29.960 But. 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:32.519 The book of Isaiah. 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:34.460 Is such a profound book. 00:21:34.600 --> 00:21:34.960 Because. 00:21:35.400 --> 00:21:36.019 He not only. 00:21:36.860 --> 00:21:37.340 Preaches. 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.059 To. 00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:39.819 The northern kingdom. 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:41.279 As it's watching. 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:42.120 Literally. 00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:43.059 Historically. 00:21:43.880 --> 00:21:45.579 The northern part of Israel. 00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:47.680 Fall to the invasion of Assyria. 00:21:47.900 --> 00:21:49.039 But looking ahead. 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:50.660 To when the southern kingdom. 00:21:50.660 --> 00:21:53.039 Will fall to the Babylonian empire. 00:21:54.340 --> 00:21:55.720 And he's preaching a word. 00:21:55.799 --> 00:21:56.779 Of condemnation. 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:57.400 For their. 00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:58.600 Faithlessness. 00:21:58.599 --> 00:22:00.659 But also a word of hope. 00:22:02.379 --> 00:22:04.559 Think about what it would be like. 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.219 If we. 00:22:05.599 --> 00:22:06.919 Really believed. 00:22:07.599 --> 00:22:09.359 That God had established. 00:22:09.539 --> 00:22:10.279 Our nation. 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:11.419 To be the place. 00:22:11.679 --> 00:22:12.859 Where God was going to. 00:22:13.619 --> 00:22:15.779 Display the glory of God. 00:22:15.980 --> 00:22:16.839 In the world. 00:22:18.919 --> 00:22:20.500 And then we were conquered. 00:22:21.299 --> 00:22:22.879 And our government was shattered. 00:22:23.779 --> 00:22:25.659 And we were an occupied country. 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:28.579 Think about the despair. 00:22:29.179 --> 00:22:30.980 Think about the questions. 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:32.039 And the doubts. 00:22:32.819 --> 00:22:35.179 That would rise in our hearts. 00:22:39.059 --> 00:22:41.159 Now God hasn't called America to be that. 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:43.579 But God did call Israel to be that. 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:46.480 And so their despair was real. 00:22:49.119 --> 00:22:50.359 And their questions. 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:51.199 And their hopes. 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:53.279 Where are you God? 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:55.199 The temple is broken. 00:22:55.459 --> 00:22:56.939 The throne is empty. 00:22:56.940 --> 00:22:57.559 That's what now. 00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:59.200 And God speaks. 00:22:59.200 --> 00:22:59.279 What now. 00:23:00.559 --> 00:23:02.039 And God speaks. 00:23:02.900 --> 00:23:04.200 In that wilderness. 00:23:05.500 --> 00:23:07.920 You will see the glory of God again. 00:23:11.640 --> 00:23:13.259 Prepare the way of the Lord. 00:23:13.400 --> 00:23:14.220 For he is coming. 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:17.839 And then we see. 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:21.100 Mark quote from Malachi. 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:23.720 And if you think about the history. 00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:25.839 So God brings his people back. 00:23:26.380 --> 00:23:27.620 From exile. 00:23:27.740 --> 00:23:28.500 He brings them back. 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.900 And he rebuilds the temple. 00:23:30.059 --> 00:23:30.500 In Ezra. 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:31.059 In Nehemiah. 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:34.079 There is a king who sits on the throne again. 00:23:34.860 --> 00:23:36.279 And yet there is a sense. 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:39.640 There is a sense that the glory is diminished. 00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:41.960 There is a wondering of. 00:23:42.860 --> 00:23:45.560 God's presence has not returned to the temple. 00:23:45.840 --> 00:23:47.200 The way it had been before. 00:23:47.640 --> 00:23:48.860 And there is this sense of. 00:23:49.100 --> 00:23:51.240 God is this really all there is? 00:23:51.660 --> 00:23:54.700 Is this really all you have for us? 00:23:55.980 --> 00:23:58.380 And when you think of the intertestamental period. 00:23:58.520 --> 00:23:59.759 Before John the Baptist. 00:23:59.759 --> 00:24:01.900 Close to 400 years. 00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:02.759 Where it seems. 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:04.740 Silence. 00:24:04.740 --> 00:24:07.420 God hasn't sent anyone. 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:08.880 To speak. 00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:09.960 Anywhere. 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:10.720 In the temple. 00:24:10.859 --> 00:24:11.339 In the wilderness. 00:24:11.620 --> 00:24:12.200 Anywhere. 00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:16.160 This was the wilderness. 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:19.019 Of the post-exilic peoples. 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:20.539 Up to the time of Christ. 00:24:24.460 --> 00:24:26.359 And we ought to acknowledge as well. 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:28.299 That as Mark is writing this book. 00:24:28.740 --> 00:24:30.359 It is after the life. 00:24:30.539 --> 00:24:30.960 And death. 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:32.299 And resurrection of Jesus. 00:24:33.180 --> 00:24:34.660 He is writing this book. 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:40.359 And it is within 20, 30 years probably. 00:24:40.620 --> 00:24:41.819 Of Jesus' death. 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:44.099 The beginning of the church. 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:46.299 It is being established. 00:24:47.519 --> 00:24:50.160 And yet the church is facing grave challenges. 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:53.220 Roman Empire is. 00:24:54.960 --> 00:24:56.000 Off and on. 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:59.059 Severely persecuting Christians. 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:02.019 And Jesus had promised that. 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:04.099 Having been raised from the dead. 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:05.279 That he will come back. 00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:06.939 And establish his kingdom. 00:25:09.659 --> 00:25:11.240 And the first century Christians. 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:12.039 Like us. 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:12.980 Are wondering. 00:25:13.119 --> 00:25:13.619 God where. 00:25:14.579 --> 00:25:15.719 Where is his coming? 00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:17.099 When is. 00:25:17.179 --> 00:25:19.039 When is he going to finally do this? 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:20.299 God. 00:25:20.379 --> 00:25:21.299 When are you going to come. 00:25:21.379 --> 00:25:22.459 And make all things right? 00:25:22.559 --> 00:25:24.359 When are you going to establish your kingdom. 00:25:24.719 --> 00:25:27.000 Where justice rolls down like a river? 00:25:27.359 --> 00:25:28.980 When are you going to make. 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:31.720 All the sad things come untrue. 00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:36.039 When are you going to establish all these things? 00:25:39.539 --> 00:25:43.140 That is the wilderness of the early church. 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:45.839 And the wilderness of the church even today. 00:25:47.099 --> 00:25:50.500 Where we long to see what we have not seen yet. 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:53.259 And where we live with just the beginning. 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:54.660 Just the foretaste. 00:25:55.660 --> 00:25:58.039 Instead of the fullness of what God has promised. 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:03.599 Now the interesting thing about this is that. 00:26:05.059 --> 00:26:05.880 If you. 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:08.839 Are feeling like you're in the wilderness. 00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:10.259 One you're in good company. 00:26:10.420 --> 00:26:12.559 God's people have often been there. 00:26:12.559 --> 00:26:15.259 But two. 00:26:16.639 --> 00:26:18.779 Recognize that God has always used the wilderness. 00:26:19.119 --> 00:26:20.399 In the lives of his people. 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:23.179 He's used it as a place of testing. 00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:26.279 You wandered these 40 years in the wilderness. 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:29.000 And your sandals did not wear out. 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:31.859 I brought you water from a rock. 00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:34.740 And food that you've never seen before. 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:35.519 Called manna. 00:26:36.419 --> 00:26:39.099 God uses wilderness times. 00:26:39.220 --> 00:26:40.379 To test our hearts. 00:26:40.899 --> 00:26:42.119 Will we trust God. 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:43.439 When we don't see. 00:26:44.159 --> 00:26:46.259 The fruitfulness and the fullness of it. 00:26:47.899 --> 00:26:49.699 It's also a place of judgment. 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:52.799 God will strip us bare. 00:26:53.159 --> 00:26:54.399 During these times. 00:26:54.919 --> 00:26:56.679 He will refine our hearts. 00:26:58.379 --> 00:27:00.239 Those trials of the wilderness. 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:02.459 The longings that are unfulfilled. 00:27:04.459 --> 00:27:05.699 Will push us. 00:27:06.219 --> 00:27:07.239 Do we believe. 00:27:07.699 --> 00:27:09.299 That we are able to live. 00:27:09.719 --> 00:27:10.879 On God alone. 00:27:12.119 --> 00:27:18.839 Do we really believe that? 00:27:19.899 --> 00:27:21.419 But the other thing that we see. 00:27:21.579 --> 00:27:21.799 Is that. 00:27:22.239 --> 00:27:23.500 It may be a time of testing. 00:27:23.639 --> 00:27:24.379 And a time of judgment. 00:27:24.559 --> 00:27:25.639 But it's also a time. 00:27:25.639 --> 00:27:26.759 Of starting over. 00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:29.399 It's a time of renewing. 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:30.500 Our covenant with God. 00:27:30.579 --> 00:27:31.299 It's a time of. 00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:32.899 As God clears. 00:27:32.900 --> 00:27:33.640 The decks. 00:27:33.640 --> 00:27:34.920 Of all of the fullness. 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:35.480 Of our. 00:27:35.580 --> 00:27:37.360 Of our superficial lives. 00:27:37.360 --> 00:27:38.740 And superficial blessings. 00:27:39.280 --> 00:27:40.500 And as he helps us. 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:41.320 To look at him. 00:27:41.400 --> 00:27:41.880 And see. 00:27:43.080 --> 00:27:44.400 What's really true. 00:27:44.460 --> 00:27:45.980 And what's really important. 00:27:47.660 --> 00:27:49.180 There's a chance for renewal. 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:51.420 Oh I see what this is about. 00:27:52.120 --> 00:27:53.460 It's about you God. 00:27:53.460 --> 00:27:55.920 First and foremost. 00:27:55.920 --> 00:27:56.880 It's about you. 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:02.900 It's the cliche of that. 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.120 Footprints. 00:28:04.860 --> 00:28:05.880 Poster and poem. 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:06.200 Right? 00:28:06.640 --> 00:28:07.480 You know it well. 00:28:07.539 --> 00:28:07.740 Right? 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:09.779 A poem about. 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:10.059 You know. 00:28:10.100 --> 00:28:11.039 You're walking in the sand. 00:28:11.160 --> 00:28:12.279 And I look back. 00:28:12.360 --> 00:28:12.740 And God. 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:13.440 It seems like. 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:14.759 When you're with me. 00:28:14.860 --> 00:28:15.840 I could see your footprints. 00:28:15.840 --> 00:28:16.539 Next to me. 00:28:16.640 --> 00:28:16.960 And then. 00:28:17.299 --> 00:28:18.299 And then there are times. 00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:19.880 When in my greatest trials. 00:28:20.059 --> 00:28:21.640 I only see one set of footprints. 00:28:21.640 --> 00:28:23.040 And why did you abandon me? 00:28:23.920 --> 00:28:24.740 God says. 00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:25.160 Well. 00:28:25.340 --> 00:28:27.360 It wasn't that I abandoned you. 00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:28.660 It's that I was carrying you. 00:28:30.620 --> 00:28:31.720 It's really cliche. 00:28:32.080 --> 00:28:33.620 But it's true friends. 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:37.300 It's really important to see that. 00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:39.700 That in the time. 00:28:39.880 --> 00:28:41.560 When we get to the bottom. 00:28:41.700 --> 00:28:42.800 And we have nothing. 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.980 But God. 00:28:45.320 --> 00:28:46.720 We find that God. 00:28:46.820 --> 00:28:48.160 Is everything for us. 00:28:51.640 --> 00:28:54.740 This is what Jesus found. 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:56.240 When he went to the desert too. 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:58.600 Satan came and tempted him. 00:28:58.980 --> 00:29:01.040 With the greatest glories. 00:29:02.320 --> 00:29:04.080 But not by God's means. 00:29:06.200 --> 00:29:07.160 And Jesus says. 00:29:07.300 --> 00:29:07.540 No. 00:29:08.120 --> 00:29:08.400 No. 00:29:08.480 --> 00:29:09.280 I want God. 00:29:09.800 --> 00:29:10.900 I want all of God. 00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:12.180 And all of his ways. 00:29:12.840 --> 00:29:13.340 I will. 00:29:13.540 --> 00:29:15.360 And he quotes scripture again and again. 00:29:15.840 --> 00:29:16.320 To say. 00:29:16.319 --> 00:29:17.379 I will not. 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:19.000 Leave or forsake. 00:29:19.639 --> 00:29:20.039 God. 00:29:20.119 --> 00:29:21.980 And how he has called me to do this. 00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:23.799 I will walk the path. 00:29:23.879 --> 00:29:24.299 That he has. 00:29:25.359 --> 00:29:26.319 Set before me. 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:28.059 There is no shortcut. 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:31.899 And in doing so. 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:33.559 He affirmed his sonship. 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:35.799 He renewed. 00:29:36.700 --> 00:29:37.319 Had a refreshment. 00:29:38.179 --> 00:29:40.000 Of his relationship with God. 00:29:40.359 --> 00:29:42.019 Not that it had been lacking before. 00:29:42.139 --> 00:29:43.419 But it was an affirmation. 00:29:43.500 --> 00:29:44.779 And a confirmation of it. 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:44.859 God. 00:29:48.339 --> 00:29:49.460 I wonder friends. 00:29:49.639 --> 00:29:50.740 Whether for some of you. 00:29:50.859 --> 00:29:51.839 This season. 00:29:52.519 --> 00:29:54.680 Feels like the worst wilderness of all. 00:29:58.639 --> 00:30:00.599 You wonder if God has abandoned you. 00:30:01.339 --> 00:30:03.319 You wonder why this trial. 00:30:03.559 --> 00:30:04.339 Doesn't end. 00:30:05.059 --> 00:30:06.700 You wonder why the darkness. 00:30:06.920 --> 00:30:07.639 Doesn't lift. 00:30:10.599 --> 00:30:12.139 And it's particularly hard. 00:30:12.220 --> 00:30:13.099 This time of year. 00:30:13.099 --> 00:30:15.579 I know Nick mentioned it earlier. 00:30:15.579 --> 00:30:17.500 But this is what our longest night service. 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:19.779 On the 17th in the evening is meant for. 00:30:20.299 --> 00:30:22.179 To acknowledge that our celebration. 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:23.519 Of Christmas. 00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:24.659 And our acknowledgement. 00:30:24.919 --> 00:30:25.939 Of the pain. 00:30:26.119 --> 00:30:26.839 And the loneliness. 00:30:27.359 --> 00:30:28.519 Of those of us. 00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:29.619 Who have suffered loss. 00:30:30.259 --> 00:30:31.559 Can be together. 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:32.759 In a worship service. 00:30:32.919 --> 00:30:33.980 Focused on God. 00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:35.000 And the great gift. 00:30:35.079 --> 00:30:36.259 That he's given us in Jesus. 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:41.619 Where there's an honest acknowledgement. 00:30:41.779 --> 00:30:43.500 And an expression of hope. 00:30:48.879 --> 00:30:50.359 God has not only sent. 00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:52.500 One to speak to us. 00:30:52.819 --> 00:30:54.460 But he has spoken to us. 00:30:54.660 --> 00:30:56.200 In the wilderness of our lives. 00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:57.779 And finally. 00:30:57.940 --> 00:30:58.819 He speaks to us. 00:30:58.819 --> 00:30:59.759 About the coming. 00:31:00.460 --> 00:31:00.759 Savior. 00:31:03.279 --> 00:31:05.400 Nick's going to preach a whole sermon on this. 00:31:05.400 --> 00:31:06.000 In two weeks. 00:31:06.140 --> 00:31:07.040 So I'm just going to. 00:31:07.440 --> 00:31:08.540 Give a brief. 00:31:08.759 --> 00:31:10.019 And lead us to the table. 00:31:10.360 --> 00:31:10.880 On this. 00:31:11.440 --> 00:31:11.600 But. 00:31:12.600 --> 00:31:13.740 But I want you to see that Mark. 00:31:13.820 --> 00:31:15.240 When he begins this account. 00:31:15.460 --> 00:31:16.880 He starts with chapter one. 00:31:17.040 --> 00:31:17.940 Or with verse one. 00:31:18.040 --> 00:31:19.340 Look with me at verse one again. 00:31:19.860 --> 00:31:21.080 The beginning of the gospel. 00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:22.620 And gospel just means good news. 00:31:22.720 --> 00:31:23.880 The beginning of the good news. 00:31:24.880 --> 00:31:26.360 Of Jesus Christ. 00:31:26.840 --> 00:31:28.140 The son of God. 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:30.340 And if you read through. 00:31:30.460 --> 00:31:31.860 The rest of the gospel of Mark. 00:31:31.859 --> 00:31:33.059 You would realize that. 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:36.319 For all the things that Mark wants you to know. 00:31:36.819 --> 00:31:38.139 Being the son of God. 00:31:38.199 --> 00:31:40.259 Is one of the most important things. 00:31:40.679 --> 00:31:42.439 Maybe the most important thing. 00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:44.159 That he wants you to see. 00:31:44.219 --> 00:31:45.459 About who Jesus is. 00:31:47.059 --> 00:31:48.039 It's fascinating. 00:31:48.459 --> 00:31:49.500 In his baptism. 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:51.439 In chapter one. 00:31:51.579 --> 00:31:52.219 Verse eleven. 00:31:52.679 --> 00:31:54.240 You see God coming and saying. 00:31:54.379 --> 00:31:55.399 This is my son. 00:31:55.599 --> 00:31:57.179 With whom I am well pleased. 00:31:57.180 --> 00:31:59.840 In chapter three. 00:31:59.920 --> 00:32:00.460 Verse eleven. 00:32:00.600 --> 00:32:01.380 In chapter five. 00:32:01.460 --> 00:32:02.100 Verse seven. 00:32:03.120 --> 00:32:03.779 The demons. 00:32:03.980 --> 00:32:05.539 Whom he casts out of people. 00:32:06.480 --> 00:32:07.299 Cry out. 00:32:07.420 --> 00:32:08.620 You are the son of God. 00:32:09.279 --> 00:32:10.640 They acknowledge him. 00:32:10.779 --> 00:32:11.680 For who he is. 00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:14.320 On the mount of transfiguration. 00:32:14.560 --> 00:32:16.019 When Jesus takes John. 00:32:16.100 --> 00:32:16.500 And Peter. 00:32:16.680 --> 00:32:17.440 And James. 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:18.680 And goes up on the mountain. 00:32:19.740 --> 00:32:20.500 And there's this. 00:32:21.100 --> 00:32:21.500 Vision. 00:32:21.700 --> 00:32:22.820 This transformation. 00:32:22.819 --> 00:32:25.659 And a voice from heaven. 00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:26.519 Affirms. 00:32:26.679 --> 00:32:28.220 What was said at the baptism. 00:32:28.579 --> 00:32:29.579 This is my son. 00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:31.799 In whom I am well pleased. 00:32:35.579 --> 00:32:36.899 In chapter fourteen. 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:37.839 Verse sixty one. 00:32:37.939 --> 00:32:38.740 When the high priest. 00:32:38.839 --> 00:32:39.919 Is questioning Jesus. 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:41.240 He says. 00:32:41.659 --> 00:32:43.399 Are you the son of God? 00:32:43.460 --> 00:32:44.299 And Jesus says. 00:32:44.599 --> 00:32:46.000 You have said that I am. 00:32:46.419 --> 00:32:47.700 Which means yes. 00:32:47.899 --> 00:32:48.519 By the way. 00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:50.319 That's not him talking around the bush. 00:32:50.559 --> 00:32:51.579 It's the way he says. 00:32:51.579 --> 00:32:52.199 Yes. 00:32:52.319 --> 00:32:53.139 I am. 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:54.259 The son of God. 00:32:54.960 --> 00:32:56.519 It is as you have said. 00:32:57.720 --> 00:32:58.240 And then. 00:32:58.339 --> 00:32:59.720 As he hangs upon the cross. 00:33:01.000 --> 00:33:03.659 And offers up his spirit for us. 00:33:03.720 --> 00:33:05.519 And offers up his life for us. 00:33:06.819 --> 00:33:07.960 Chapter fifteen. 00:33:08.099 --> 00:33:09.099 Verse thirty nine. 00:33:09.839 --> 00:33:10.599 The Roman. 00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:12.439 Gentile guard. 00:33:13.919 --> 00:33:15.519 The prison guard. 00:33:15.879 --> 00:33:17.879 Who was there simply to. 00:33:18.379 --> 00:33:19.539 Restrain the crowds. 00:33:19.539 --> 00:33:20.559 And make sure. 00:33:20.559 --> 00:33:21.899 That the execution. 00:33:21.899 --> 00:33:22.899 Was carried out. 00:33:25.099 --> 00:33:26.720 Watch as Jesus die. 00:33:27.980 --> 00:33:28.519 And he says. 00:33:28.759 --> 00:33:29.899 Surely this man. 00:33:30.099 --> 00:33:30.480 Was. 00:33:30.920 --> 00:33:31.759 The son. 00:33:32.159 --> 00:33:32.899 Of God. 00:33:37.720 --> 00:33:39.559 And this is the anticipation. 00:33:40.059 --> 00:33:40.980 This is the one. 00:33:41.819 --> 00:33:42.980 Whose way. 00:33:43.220 --> 00:33:44.680 Is meant to be prepared. 00:33:44.680 --> 00:33:47.140 John the Baptist. 00:33:47.140 --> 00:33:47.620 Is saying. 00:33:47.620 --> 00:33:49.340 There is one coming after me. 00:33:49.440 --> 00:33:50.740 Who is greater than me. 00:33:51.180 --> 00:33:52.160 One for whom. 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:54.060 As great as you think I am. 00:33:54.160 --> 00:33:55.120 I am not worthy. 00:33:55.120 --> 00:33:55.680 To take. 00:33:55.900 --> 00:33:58.019 The form of the lowliest servant. 00:33:58.480 --> 00:33:59.920 Who would kneel down. 00:34:00.340 --> 00:34:01.720 And take off. 00:34:02.960 --> 00:34:05.080 Untie the laces of his sandals. 00:34:05.580 --> 00:34:07.440 A job that wouldn't even be given. 00:34:07.560 --> 00:34:08.619 To a Jewish servant. 00:34:08.740 --> 00:34:09.820 Would only be given. 00:34:10.139 --> 00:34:11.539 To a Gentile servant. 00:34:11.539 --> 00:34:13.840 In a Jewish household. 00:34:16.559 --> 00:34:17.599 Compared to the one. 00:34:17.639 --> 00:34:18.840 Who is coming after me. 00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:20.079 John the Baptist says. 00:34:20.279 --> 00:34:21.599 I am like that. 00:34:22.139 --> 00:34:23.860 The one who is coming after me. 00:34:23.980 --> 00:34:25.820 Will do a much greater thing. 00:34:25.960 --> 00:34:26.920 Because the baptism. 00:34:27.099 --> 00:34:27.900 I give you. 00:34:28.059 --> 00:34:29.480 Is a baptism of repentance. 00:34:30.199 --> 00:34:31.800 It washes your skin. 00:34:32.759 --> 00:34:34.159 But he is going to come. 00:34:34.219 --> 00:34:35.000 And baptize you. 00:34:35.079 --> 00:34:35.900 With the Holy Spirit. 00:34:36.719 --> 00:34:37.759 And the Holy Spirit. 00:34:37.759 --> 00:34:39.840 Will wash your soul. 00:34:40.059 --> 00:34:41.199 Clean from your sin. 00:34:41.539 --> 00:34:46.159 This is the one. 00:34:46.279 --> 00:34:46.880 Who is coming. 00:34:48.579 --> 00:34:49.820 This is the one. 00:34:49.900 --> 00:34:51.400 Whom John has been sent. 00:34:51.619 --> 00:34:53.340 To prepare the way. 00:34:53.739 --> 00:34:55.259 By his proclamation. 00:34:55.840 --> 00:34:56.900 Of a message. 00:34:57.019 --> 00:34:58.119 Of repentance. 00:34:59.019 --> 00:34:59.759 And faith. 00:35:01.840 --> 00:35:03.019 By his act. 00:35:03.079 --> 00:35:04.380 Of baptizing people. 00:35:04.639 --> 00:35:05.159 He is saying. 00:35:05.239 --> 00:35:06.320 There is one who is coming. 00:35:06.320 --> 00:35:07.119 Who is going to do. 00:35:07.400 --> 00:35:08.480 So much more. 00:35:08.719 --> 00:35:09.980 Than what I am doing to you. 00:35:10.360 --> 00:35:10.679 Today. 00:35:10.679 --> 00:35:10.799 Today. 00:35:16.019 --> 00:35:17.199 Says prepare. 00:35:18.199 --> 00:35:19.500 Prepare for his coming. 00:35:20.139 --> 00:35:21.440 You have heard it from me. 00:35:22.579 --> 00:35:23.239 That I. 00:35:26.299 --> 00:35:27.659 I am just one. 00:35:28.419 --> 00:35:29.460 Who has come to. 00:35:29.919 --> 00:35:30.699 Send it to you. 00:35:30.699 --> 00:35:33.699 I found this great quote. 00:35:35.960 --> 00:35:37.339 Says that since the time. 00:35:37.339 --> 00:35:38.500 Of Bernard of Clairvaux. 00:35:38.659 --> 00:35:39.559 Christians have spoken. 00:35:39.559 --> 00:35:40.559 Of the three comings. 00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:41.219 Of Christ. 00:35:42.359 --> 00:35:43.859 He comes in the flesh. 00:35:43.859 --> 00:35:44.960 In Bethlehem. 00:35:45.659 --> 00:35:47.279 He comes in the hearts. 00:35:47.659 --> 00:35:48.699 Of believers. 00:35:49.039 --> 00:35:49.339 Daily. 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:52.159 And he comes in glory. 00:35:52.159 --> 00:35:53.739 At the end of time. 00:35:55.539 --> 00:35:56.059 Friends. 00:35:56.119 --> 00:35:57.359 As we celebrate Advent. 00:35:57.360 --> 00:35:57.800 Advent. 00:35:58.440 --> 00:35:58.800 Advent. 00:35:58.800 --> 00:35:59.680 Advent simply means. 00:36:01.019 --> 00:36:01.800 He's coming. 00:36:03.000 --> 00:36:04.220 He's coming to. 00:36:04.880 --> 00:36:05.320 Us. 00:36:06.200 --> 00:36:08.559 He has already come to us. 00:36:08.920 --> 00:36:10.220 In the first Christmas. 00:36:10.780 --> 00:36:11.740 In the incarnation. 00:36:12.420 --> 00:36:14.059 In the life and death and resurrection. 00:36:14.599 --> 00:36:16.019 That Jesus had for us. 00:36:16.260 --> 00:36:18.160 That Jesus has done for us. 00:36:18.880 --> 00:36:20.019 Two thousand years ago. 00:36:20.019 --> 00:36:23.340 He will come again. 00:36:23.980 --> 00:36:25.679 And there is a hope that we have. 00:36:25.739 --> 00:36:26.500 Looking ahead. 00:36:26.920 --> 00:36:28.340 That Jesus will come back. 00:36:28.380 --> 00:36:29.820 And he will finally fulfill. 00:36:29.820 --> 00:36:30.880 All of those promises. 00:36:31.199 --> 00:36:32.539 To make all things new. 00:36:32.599 --> 00:36:34.079 And to make all wrongs right. 00:36:36.460 --> 00:36:38.599 And to deliver us from our sin. 00:36:38.679 --> 00:36:40.019 And from our fallen world. 00:36:42.519 --> 00:36:43.699 Where we will live. 00:36:44.259 --> 00:36:46.079 In a renewed world with him. 00:36:46.079 --> 00:36:48.019 Where God will dwell among his people. 00:36:48.019 --> 00:36:50.259 What a great glory that is. 00:36:51.579 --> 00:36:52.300 But friends. 00:36:52.360 --> 00:36:53.519 The invitation today. 00:36:53.719 --> 00:36:54.039 Is that. 00:36:54.759 --> 00:36:57.239 Jesus wants to come to us now. 00:36:58.699 --> 00:36:59.840 In our hearts. 00:37:02.320 --> 00:37:04.059 Will you prepare room. 00:37:04.259 --> 00:37:05.539 In your heart for him. 00:37:05.960 --> 00:37:07.079 This Advent season. 00:37:09.880 --> 00:37:11.639 Maybe some of you are here. 00:37:13.119 --> 00:37:14.059 And you are. 00:37:14.739 --> 00:37:16.059 Like I mentioned earlier. 00:37:16.179 --> 00:37:16.679 In the service. 00:37:16.679 --> 00:37:17.940 Maybe church has become. 00:37:17.940 --> 00:37:19.739 A pattern for you. 00:37:19.859 --> 00:37:21.500 A cultural practice. 00:37:22.279 --> 00:37:24.219 But there has been no real. 00:37:24.839 --> 00:37:25.980 Relationship with Jesus. 00:37:28.899 --> 00:37:29.379 Friends. 00:37:29.500 --> 00:37:30.719 Let this Advent season. 00:37:30.859 --> 00:37:32.079 Be an invitation for you. 00:37:32.139 --> 00:37:33.099 To seek him again. 00:37:33.519 --> 00:37:34.859 And to prepare your heart. 00:37:35.679 --> 00:37:37.199 To let him come in. 00:37:40.199 --> 00:37:41.559 Maybe for some of you. 00:37:41.739 --> 00:37:43.579 You know you have believed in him. 00:37:43.659 --> 00:37:44.819 But you have lost sight of him. 00:37:44.879 --> 00:37:45.399 In the wilderness. 00:37:46.679 --> 00:37:48.319 Let Jesus come. 00:37:51.179 --> 00:37:52.419 Minister to you. 00:37:52.739 --> 00:37:53.559 Comfort you. 00:37:54.119 --> 00:37:55.239 Bring you the hope. 00:37:55.239 --> 00:37:57.359 Of his presence. 00:37:57.519 --> 00:37:58.279 And his salvation. 00:38:04.859 --> 00:38:06.699 Prepare you the way of the Lord. 00:38:07.239 --> 00:38:08.440 In your own heart. 00:38:09.159 --> 00:38:10.019 This day. 00:38:10.019 --> 00:38:11.400 Let's pray. 00:38:11.400 --> 00:38:11.420 Let's pray. 00:38:21.679 --> 00:38:22.119 Lord. 00:38:22.659 --> 00:38:23.860 I ask this morning. 00:38:23.980 --> 00:38:24.739 You would do this. 00:38:25.099 --> 00:38:25.559 Holy Spirit. 00:38:25.679 --> 00:38:27.059 I ask that you would be at work. 00:38:27.099 --> 00:38:27.679 Even now. 00:38:28.719 --> 00:38:29.179 Lord. 00:38:29.280 --> 00:38:30.579 For in the quietness. 00:38:30.659 --> 00:38:31.320 And the stillness. 00:38:31.579 --> 00:38:32.380 Of this. 00:38:33.099 --> 00:38:33.420 Moment. 00:38:34.219 --> 00:38:34.699 And Lord. 00:38:34.759 --> 00:38:35.759 In our celebration. 00:38:35.880 --> 00:38:36.860 Of the Lord's table. 00:38:36.860 --> 00:38:38.099 Lord. 00:38:38.099 --> 00:38:38.920 That we would. 00:38:39.500 --> 00:38:40.900 See this as a time. 00:38:41.860 --> 00:38:42.300 Lord. 00:38:42.420 --> 00:38:43.880 To be still before you. 00:38:44.200 --> 00:38:46.019 And we ask that you would work in our hearts. 00:38:47.420 --> 00:38:48.920 Do what you need to do. 00:38:49.039 --> 00:38:49.380 Lord. 00:38:49.480 --> 00:38:50.700 That our hearts would be. 00:38:51.420 --> 00:38:51.900 Ready. 00:38:52.440 --> 00:38:53.780 For you to come. 00:38:54.599 --> 00:38:55.940 To minister to us. 00:38:56.360 --> 00:38:58.140 To remind us of who you are. 00:38:58.800 --> 00:39:00.320 What you have done for us. 00:39:00.320 --> 00:39:01.320 Lord. 00:39:02.120 --> 00:39:03.420 That we would know. 00:39:03.620 --> 00:39:04.760 That we have not been abandoned. 00:39:05.120 --> 00:39:05.780 By God. 00:39:06.380 --> 00:39:07.440 But that in fact. 00:39:07.600 --> 00:39:08.700 That you have come. 00:39:09.120 --> 00:39:10.120 To rescue us. 00:39:10.160 --> 00:39:10.980 And make us yours. 00:39:12.620 --> 00:39:14.240 We pray this in Jesus name. 00:39:14.760 --> 00:39:15.019 Amen.