WEBVTT 00:00:00.520 --> 00:00:03.459 2020 has been an unusual year, 00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:08.220 but a good year for us to learn Agile as a church. 00:00:09.179 --> 00:00:12.320 We had just experienced some easing of restriction 00:00:12.320 --> 00:00:17.580 still due to another outbreak of COVID-19 in the Northern Beaches. 00:00:18.199 --> 00:00:20.900 We are moving back to online gathering this morning. 00:00:22.400 --> 00:00:24.879 Another good thing out of such a strange year 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:29.060 would be fewer people would have lost their voice 00:00:29.059 --> 00:00:31.119 because we cannot meet together. 00:00:32.179 --> 00:00:33.739 I remember when I was much younger, 00:00:34.359 --> 00:00:36.859 I would meet up with friends over the weekend 00:00:36.859 --> 00:00:40.700 and we would go karaoke to sing at the top of our voice 00:00:40.700 --> 00:00:42.840 and drink for the whole night till dawn. 00:00:43.879 --> 00:00:47.200 On Monday morning, we are often very quiet 00:00:47.200 --> 00:00:49.259 because we have lost our voice. 00:00:50.280 --> 00:00:52.799 We would gradually get our voice back over the week, 00:00:52.799 --> 00:00:54.879 but we lose it again in the weekend. 00:00:55.599 --> 00:00:57.980 We are terrible at saving our voice, 00:00:57.979 --> 00:00:59.919 let alone saving ourselves. 00:01:01.339 --> 00:01:04.659 We can lose our voice over sininess, 00:01:05.280 --> 00:01:07.560 and we can lose it due to sickness. 00:01:08.560 --> 00:01:12.840 It can also happen to us due to some exceptional reason. 00:01:14.120 --> 00:01:17.019 In our passage today, we meet Zechariah, 00:01:17.659 --> 00:01:20.280 who lost his voice for about 10 months. 00:01:20.280 --> 00:01:24.519 And it was because God has something special planned. 00:01:25.719 --> 00:01:28.659 Imagine what would daily life be 00:01:28.659 --> 00:01:32.719 and relationship between Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth 00:01:32.719 --> 00:01:35.420 be like during the 10 months of pregnancy. 00:01:36.840 --> 00:01:38.700 They have been married for a long time 00:01:38.700 --> 00:01:42.599 and would have gotten used to communicating with each other. 00:01:43.140 --> 00:01:45.439 And now they have found a new way to communicate. 00:01:45.439 --> 00:01:51.500 We see Zechariah at the point of him getting his voice back after 10 months. 00:01:52.780 --> 00:01:54.659 He was unable to speak in silence. 00:01:56.099 --> 00:02:00.679 It is a time also where God starts to speak to his people again 00:02:00.679 --> 00:02:04.060 after being in silence for more than 400 years, 00:02:04.060 --> 00:02:09.080 since he has last spoken through the couple of minor prophets, 00:02:09.699 --> 00:02:10.640 including Malachi, 00:02:11.580 --> 00:02:13.500 towards the end of the Old Testament. 00:02:15.159 --> 00:02:18.360 God broke his silence through the angel Gabriel, 00:02:18.680 --> 00:02:20.219 as Eve has shared with us. 00:02:21.500 --> 00:02:23.560 He spoke to Zechariah and Mary 00:02:23.560 --> 00:02:27.520 to foretell the birth of two significant people, 00:02:28.340 --> 00:02:30.259 John the Baptist and Jesus. 00:02:30.259 --> 00:02:36.179 We are at the point of significant changes in human history. 00:02:37.099 --> 00:02:39.879 The birth of John the Baptist and Jesus 00:02:39.879 --> 00:02:42.879 also means significant changes 00:02:42.879 --> 00:02:47.099 to whoever will believe in the message they bring and in Jesus. 00:02:48.259 --> 00:02:51.079 I want to give voice to three changes 00:02:51.079 --> 00:02:53.599 to highlight them from today's passage. 00:02:54.500 --> 00:02:57.419 Change from fear to anticipation. 00:02:57.419 --> 00:03:01.599 From loss in sin to serving him. 00:03:02.379 --> 00:03:04.219 And from darkness to light. 00:03:06.119 --> 00:03:09.060 God broke his silence through the angel Gabriel 00:03:09.060 --> 00:03:12.039 to tell Zechariah that he and his wife 00:03:12.039 --> 00:03:14.639 will have a son while in their old age. 00:03:15.579 --> 00:03:17.239 And Zechariah won a sign 00:03:17.239 --> 00:03:19.439 as proved that it will happen, 00:03:19.599 --> 00:03:20.859 as the angel Gabriel said. 00:03:20.860 --> 00:03:23.180 So he was silent 00:03:23.180 --> 00:03:24.880 and not be able to speak 00:03:24.880 --> 00:03:26.580 until the pregnancy is fulfilled, 00:03:27.060 --> 00:03:29.360 until the prophecy is fulfilled. 00:03:30.800 --> 00:03:33.460 This questioning of God's power and instruction 00:03:33.460 --> 00:03:37.040 is typical of humans all through the ages. 00:03:38.340 --> 00:03:41.000 After God created the first couple of humans, 00:03:41.520 --> 00:03:42.340 Adam and Eve, 00:03:42.800 --> 00:03:44.680 they were presented with a question, 00:03:45.500 --> 00:03:46.720 did God really say? 00:03:46.719 --> 00:03:50.359 They were tempted and encouraged 00:03:50.359 --> 00:03:52.180 to question what God has said. 00:03:52.900 --> 00:03:55.599 And they failed to uphold God's word 00:03:55.599 --> 00:03:59.039 and other things that did not come from God's mouth 00:03:59.039 --> 00:04:02.960 and end up doing what God asked them not to do. 00:04:03.939 --> 00:04:06.400 The result was when they heard the sound of God, 00:04:06.960 --> 00:04:08.139 they hide from God. 00:04:08.979 --> 00:04:11.340 They were afraid and ashamed to see God. 00:04:11.340 --> 00:04:14.979 People become fearful of God 00:04:14.979 --> 00:04:18.600 because they know they have not obeyed God's word 00:04:18.600 --> 00:04:21.120 and have broken their relationship with God. 00:04:22.100 --> 00:04:23.819 And it is impossible for anyone 00:04:23.819 --> 00:04:26.819 to fully obey God from that point onward, 00:04:27.399 --> 00:04:29.579 except Jesus, the Son of God. 00:04:30.459 --> 00:04:32.319 The whole Bible is about 00:04:32.319 --> 00:04:35.360 how God worked on keeping his relationship 00:04:35.360 --> 00:04:36.660 with his people 00:04:36.660 --> 00:04:40.139 and how people keep turning their back on God. 00:04:41.339 --> 00:04:43.639 Instead of treachering their relationship with God, 00:04:44.199 --> 00:04:46.039 they treasure each other people 00:04:46.039 --> 00:04:48.419 or things more than their creator. 00:04:49.500 --> 00:04:51.079 Things such as traditions, 00:04:51.759 --> 00:04:54.359 reputations, fame and fortunes. 00:04:55.560 --> 00:04:57.379 Instead of carefully listening to 00:04:57.379 --> 00:04:58.939 and following his words, 00:04:59.379 --> 00:05:01.099 they put words in God's mouth 00:05:01.099 --> 00:05:04.219 and follow a God of their own imagination. 00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:08.639 God is the one who speaks to his people, 00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:11.519 who lay out everything to his people 00:05:11.519 --> 00:05:14.879 to ensure that they have a working relationship with him. 00:05:15.819 --> 00:05:17.000 But we are the one 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:19.319 that keeps doing things our way 00:05:19.319 --> 00:05:21.199 and breaking that relationship. 00:05:22.139 --> 00:05:23.759 We try to silence God 00:05:23.759 --> 00:05:25.680 and we refuse to listen. 00:05:27.139 --> 00:05:29.459 God gave his people the silent treatment 00:05:29.459 --> 00:05:31.459 because they did not believe 00:05:31.459 --> 00:05:33.599 or obey God's words and prophecy. 00:05:33.600 --> 00:05:36.920 They even questioned God's love for them. 00:05:38.420 --> 00:05:41.620 They questioned in Malachi 1-2, 00:05:42.120 --> 00:05:42.980 after God said, 00:05:43.520 --> 00:05:44.480 I have loved you, 00:05:44.980 --> 00:05:45.600 they asked, 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:47.040 how have you loved us? 00:05:48.960 --> 00:05:51.560 Humans do not honor or respect God. 00:05:52.020 --> 00:05:53.600 The whole Bible shows us 00:05:53.600 --> 00:05:56.840 how people are going back and forth with God 00:05:56.840 --> 00:05:58.020 in their questioning. 00:05:58.019 --> 00:06:01.259 And that questioning still happens today. 00:06:03.779 --> 00:06:05.379 When we hold disrespect 00:06:05.379 --> 00:06:08.139 and disregard towards someone, 00:06:09.019 --> 00:06:10.359 it will not be easy 00:06:10.359 --> 00:06:11.839 to build a relationship. 00:06:12.959 --> 00:06:14.039 What is often left 00:06:14.039 --> 00:06:16.120 would be fear and contempt. 00:06:17.539 --> 00:06:20.779 Especially when we deliberately disobey 00:06:20.779 --> 00:06:23.159 someone or twist their words 00:06:23.159 --> 00:06:24.939 or misrepresent them. 00:06:24.939 --> 00:06:28.459 Whatever relationship 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:30.199 we think that we share 00:06:30.199 --> 00:06:31.839 would be very shallow 00:06:31.839 --> 00:06:33.219 and superficial. 00:06:34.779 --> 00:06:36.540 So how is your relationship 00:06:36.540 --> 00:06:37.800 with God and others? 00:06:40.399 --> 00:06:42.279 Luke 1-6 told us that 00:06:42.279 --> 00:06:43.800 Zechariah and his wife 00:06:43.800 --> 00:06:45.939 had a good relationship with God. 00:06:46.759 --> 00:06:48.279 Both of them were righteous 00:06:48.279 --> 00:06:49.500 in the sight of God, 00:06:50.399 --> 00:06:51.920 observing all the laws, 00:06:52.279 --> 00:06:53.939 commands, and decrees blamelessly. 00:06:54.939 --> 00:06:57.000 God had so mercy 00:06:57.000 --> 00:06:59.259 towards Zechariah and Elizabeth 00:06:59.259 --> 00:07:01.500 by granting them a son 00:07:01.500 --> 00:07:02.459 at their old age. 00:07:03.339 --> 00:07:04.199 And they seemed to have 00:07:04.199 --> 00:07:05.060 a good relationship 00:07:05.060 --> 00:07:06.000 with their neighbors 00:07:06.000 --> 00:07:07.480 and relatives as well 00:07:07.480 --> 00:07:09.160 because they came to share 00:07:09.160 --> 00:07:11.519 the joy in the birth of their son. 00:07:12.600 --> 00:07:13.120 However, 00:07:13.939 --> 00:07:15.220 1st 12 still tells us 00:07:15.220 --> 00:07:17.120 that even Zechariah, 00:07:17.639 --> 00:07:18.899 righteous in God's eyes, 00:07:19.339 --> 00:07:20.420 was gripped with fear 00:07:20.420 --> 00:07:22.300 when the angel appeared to him. 00:07:22.300 --> 00:07:26.639 We should maintain a sense of fear 00:07:26.639 --> 00:07:28.300 and respect towards God, 00:07:28.520 --> 00:07:29.180 our Creator. 00:07:30.180 --> 00:07:31.860 Our healthy kind of fear 00:07:31.860 --> 00:07:33.139 and respect 00:07:33.139 --> 00:07:35.460 will stop us from being contempt 00:07:35.460 --> 00:07:36.680 and becoming a fool. 00:07:37.860 --> 00:07:39.660 Prophet 1-9 says, 00:07:39.660 --> 00:07:41.460 The fear of the Lord 00:07:41.460 --> 00:07:43.120 is the beginning of knowledge, 00:07:43.620 --> 00:07:45.600 but fools despise wisdom 00:07:45.600 --> 00:07:46.800 and instructions. 00:07:48.420 --> 00:07:49.720 A healthy kind of fear 00:07:49.720 --> 00:07:51.500 will help us to listen up 00:07:51.500 --> 00:07:53.860 with attention to details. 00:07:54.660 --> 00:07:56.240 It will not paralyze us, 00:07:56.720 --> 00:07:58.760 but help us to do the right things. 00:08:00.120 --> 00:08:01.820 The right kind of fear 00:08:01.820 --> 00:08:02.840 is enabling, 00:08:03.660 --> 00:08:04.480 is attentive. 00:08:04.480 --> 00:08:07.600 Zechariah was kept 00:08:07.600 --> 00:08:09.240 from speaking for 10 months, 00:08:09.580 --> 00:08:10.700 but he made sure 00:08:10.700 --> 00:08:12.540 Elizabeth got the instruction 00:08:12.540 --> 00:08:13.360 of the angel 00:08:13.360 --> 00:08:14.900 regarding what name 00:08:14.900 --> 00:08:15.860 to call their son. 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:17.759 He made sure 00:08:17.759 --> 00:08:19.800 history did not repeat itself, 00:08:20.280 --> 00:08:21.580 that his wife upheld 00:08:21.580 --> 00:08:22.759 God's instruction 00:08:22.759 --> 00:08:24.780 and did not add anything 00:08:24.780 --> 00:08:27.160 to it like Eve. 00:08:28.520 --> 00:08:30.660 As both Elizabeth and Zechariah 00:08:30.660 --> 00:08:32.039 confirmed their son's name 00:08:32.039 --> 00:08:33.139 in his John, 00:08:33.719 --> 00:08:35.639 Luke says in verse 64, 00:08:37.159 --> 00:08:39.779 immediately his mouth was opened 00:08:39.779 --> 00:08:41.399 and his son set free. 00:08:42.120 --> 00:08:43.299 He began to speak, 00:08:43.599 --> 00:08:44.379 praising God. 00:08:44.959 --> 00:08:45.980 All the neighbors 00:08:45.980 --> 00:08:47.059 were filled with oil. 00:08:47.980 --> 00:08:49.399 And throughout the hill country 00:08:49.399 --> 00:08:50.199 of Judea, 00:08:50.399 --> 00:08:51.219 people were talking 00:08:51.219 --> 00:08:52.379 about all these things. 00:08:53.019 --> 00:08:54.159 Everyone who heard 00:08:54.159 --> 00:08:56.500 his wonders about it, 00:08:56.839 --> 00:08:57.159 asking, 00:08:57.980 --> 00:08:59.399 What then is this child 00:08:59.399 --> 00:09:00.139 going to be? 00:09:00.139 --> 00:09:01.419 For the Lord's hands 00:09:01.419 --> 00:09:02.259 was with him. 00:09:03.360 --> 00:09:04.500 Can you imagine 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:06.299 what kinds of anticipation 00:09:06.299 --> 00:09:07.679 Zechariah and Elizabeth 00:09:07.679 --> 00:09:09.100 have been through 00:09:09.100 --> 00:09:11.860 up to this point? 00:09:12.720 --> 00:09:13.699 They did not have 00:09:13.699 --> 00:09:15.159 any outro sound back then, 00:09:15.659 --> 00:09:16.799 even though they may be able 00:09:16.799 --> 00:09:18.439 to tell from different signs, 00:09:19.179 --> 00:09:20.100 such as the shape 00:09:20.100 --> 00:09:20.699 of the belly, 00:09:21.419 --> 00:09:22.139 whether the baby 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:23.360 is a boy or a girl. 00:09:24.840 --> 00:09:26.159 Was it run for girls 00:09:26.159 --> 00:09:27.360 and pointed for boys, 00:09:27.360 --> 00:09:29.379 or terrible morning sickness 00:09:29.379 --> 00:09:30.480 in the first three months 00:09:30.480 --> 00:09:31.159 for boys 00:09:31.159 --> 00:09:32.440 or the other way around? 00:09:32.840 --> 00:09:33.620 I have to ask my mom. 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:36.139 They would not know 00:09:36.139 --> 00:09:37.200 that firstborn 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:38.379 is a son or not 00:09:38.379 --> 00:09:40.000 until he was born. 00:09:40.860 --> 00:09:42.080 But when he was born, 00:09:42.860 --> 00:09:43.779 great anticipation 00:09:43.779 --> 00:09:44.720 awaits them. 00:09:45.399 --> 00:09:46.240 And the neighbors 00:09:46.240 --> 00:09:47.159 and the relatives 00:09:47.159 --> 00:09:48.659 share their anticipation. 00:09:50.539 --> 00:09:51.899 The anticipation 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:53.340 of what is to come, 00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:55.220 what is this child 00:09:55.220 --> 00:09:56.180 is going to be. 00:09:57.080 --> 00:09:57.800 More so, 00:09:58.139 --> 00:09:58.680 the anticipation 00:09:58.680 --> 00:10:00.100 of what God will do 00:10:00.100 --> 00:10:01.000 with humanity 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:02.840 through Jesus our Lord. 00:10:04.820 --> 00:10:06.320 We'll move from fear 00:10:06.320 --> 00:10:09.860 and an uncertain relationship 00:10:09.860 --> 00:10:11.680 to a great anticipation 00:10:11.680 --> 00:10:13.420 of what he will do 00:10:13.420 --> 00:10:14.220 with our life. 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:16.600 The key to that change 00:10:16.600 --> 00:10:18.139 is our Lord Jesus. 00:10:19.440 --> 00:10:20.519 His arrival 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:22.540 repairs our relationship 00:10:22.540 --> 00:10:23.120 with God. 00:10:23.120 --> 00:10:25.720 He placed his Holy Spirit 00:10:25.720 --> 00:10:27.740 in those who believe in him 00:10:27.740 --> 00:10:28.980 to help us 00:10:28.980 --> 00:10:30.740 to turn and obey 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:32.159 the command of God 00:10:32.159 --> 00:10:34.139 so that we can change 00:10:34.139 --> 00:10:34.820 from fear 00:10:34.820 --> 00:10:36.039 to anticipation. 00:10:37.100 --> 00:10:38.580 And we will also change 00:10:38.580 --> 00:10:40.100 from loss in sin 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:41.480 to serving him. 00:10:43.159 --> 00:10:44.940 At the birth of his son, 00:10:45.580 --> 00:10:46.299 when Zechariah 00:10:46.299 --> 00:10:46.980 holds firm 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:48.320 to the instruction of God 00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:49.720 by naming him John, 00:10:49.720 --> 00:10:52.779 God broke his ten months 00:10:52.779 --> 00:10:53.399 silence. 00:10:54.040 --> 00:10:54.740 And Zechariah 00:10:54.740 --> 00:10:55.300 was filled 00:10:55.300 --> 00:10:56.440 with the Holy Spirit 00:10:56.440 --> 00:10:58.460 and unable to speak again. 00:10:59.040 --> 00:11:00.680 He prays and prophesies 00:11:00.680 --> 00:11:02.120 from verse 68. 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:06.540 Praise be to the Lord, 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:07.920 the God of Israel, 00:11:08.180 --> 00:11:09.139 because he has come 00:11:09.139 --> 00:11:09.940 to his people 00:11:09.940 --> 00:11:11.160 and redeemed them. 00:11:11.920 --> 00:11:12.779 He has raised up 00:11:12.779 --> 00:11:14.460 a horn of salvation 00:11:14.460 --> 00:11:15.560 for us 00:11:15.560 --> 00:11:16.360 in the house 00:11:16.360 --> 00:11:18.040 of his servant David, 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:19.299 as he said 00:11:19.299 --> 00:11:20.579 through his holy prophets 00:11:20.579 --> 00:11:21.679 of long ago. 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:23.240 Salvation 00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:24.719 from our enemies 00:11:24.719 --> 00:11:25.959 and from the hands 00:11:25.959 --> 00:11:27.199 of all who hate us. 00:11:28.519 --> 00:11:29.980 God is no longer silent. 00:11:30.639 --> 00:11:31.459 He has spoken 00:11:31.460 --> 00:11:33.460 and he deserves 00:11:33.460 --> 00:11:34.620 all our praises 00:11:34.620 --> 00:11:36.180 because he has come 00:11:36.180 --> 00:11:37.280 to his people 00:11:37.280 --> 00:11:38.400 to redeem them. 00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:40.440 A horn 00:11:40.440 --> 00:11:41.820 can also mean 00:11:41.820 --> 00:11:42.820 a strong king. 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:45.240 So he has raised 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:46.220 a strong king 00:11:46.220 --> 00:11:47.480 to save his people 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:48.920 from their enemies. 00:11:50.080 --> 00:11:51.660 The greatest enemies 00:11:51.660 --> 00:11:52.379 of humans 00:11:52.379 --> 00:11:53.300 are sin 00:11:53.300 --> 00:11:54.879 because it breaks 00:11:54.879 --> 00:11:55.600 our relationship 00:11:55.600 --> 00:11:56.300 with God. 00:11:57.259 --> 00:11:57.759 However, 00:11:58.180 --> 00:11:58.920 with the birth 00:11:58.920 --> 00:11:59.840 of Jesus, 00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:01.139 our Lord and Savior, 00:12:01.460 --> 00:12:02.680 our enemies 00:12:02.680 --> 00:12:03.820 have been dealt with, 00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:05.340 we can get back 00:12:05.340 --> 00:12:06.580 to a great relationship 00:12:06.580 --> 00:12:07.180 with God. 00:12:08.440 --> 00:12:10.220 As I have indicated before, 00:12:10.759 --> 00:12:11.379 God's plans 00:12:11.379 --> 00:12:12.080 of salvation 00:12:12.080 --> 00:12:13.379 was foretold 00:12:13.379 --> 00:12:14.460 in the whole Bible, 00:12:15.600 --> 00:12:16.180 spoke through 00:12:16.180 --> 00:12:17.340 his holy prophets 00:12:17.340 --> 00:12:18.720 all through the ages 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:19.600 from long ago. 00:12:20.759 --> 00:12:22.040 We need to be safe 00:12:22.040 --> 00:12:23.540 because of our 00:12:23.540 --> 00:12:24.519 broken relationship 00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:25.139 with God. 00:12:25.820 --> 00:12:26.780 We need God 00:12:26.780 --> 00:12:27.420 to come 00:12:27.420 --> 00:12:28.800 and save us 00:12:28.800 --> 00:12:29.980 because we are 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:31.379 bad at saving ourselves. 00:12:32.440 --> 00:12:33.820 We cannot save ourselves. 00:12:35.700 --> 00:12:36.460 And like Adam 00:12:36.460 --> 00:12:36.960 and Eve, 00:12:37.620 --> 00:12:38.560 after realizing 00:12:38.560 --> 00:12:40.320 what they have done, 00:12:40.780 --> 00:12:41.879 we are running away 00:12:41.879 --> 00:12:42.740 and hiding 00:12:42.740 --> 00:12:43.379 from God 00:12:43.379 --> 00:12:44.560 instead of running 00:12:44.560 --> 00:12:45.320 towards him. 00:12:46.620 --> 00:12:47.680 How do I know that? 00:12:48.060 --> 00:12:49.280 Because we still 00:12:49.280 --> 00:12:50.139 try to hide 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:51.060 from the sound 00:12:51.060 --> 00:12:51.519 of God. 00:12:52.379 --> 00:12:53.580 We tend to spend 00:12:53.580 --> 00:12:54.560 lesser and lesser 00:12:54.560 --> 00:12:55.040 time 00:12:55.040 --> 00:12:56.300 to read the Bible, 00:12:56.759 --> 00:12:57.400 to let God 00:12:57.400 --> 00:12:58.200 speak to us. 00:12:58.200 --> 00:12:59.680 we are letting 00:12:59.680 --> 00:13:00.560 other people 00:13:00.560 --> 00:13:01.520 or things 00:13:01.520 --> 00:13:02.360 to be our 00:13:02.360 --> 00:13:03.360 small letter G, 00:13:03.580 --> 00:13:03.940 God, 00:13:04.360 --> 00:13:05.040 instead of making 00:13:05.040 --> 00:13:05.940 sure God, 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:07.420 the creator of the world, 00:13:07.720 --> 00:13:08.800 is truly the ruler 00:13:08.800 --> 00:13:09.620 of our life. 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:11.480 We spend 00:13:11.480 --> 00:13:12.620 less and less time 00:13:12.620 --> 00:13:13.580 into reading 00:13:13.580 --> 00:13:14.379 God's word, 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:16.340 but more and more time 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:17.460 in social media, 00:13:18.040 --> 00:13:18.520 checking out 00:13:18.520 --> 00:13:19.460 the latest posts. 00:13:19.460 --> 00:13:21.200 We spend 00:13:21.200 --> 00:13:22.100 less and less time 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:23.100 in praying to God, 00:13:23.500 --> 00:13:24.680 but more and more time 00:13:24.680 --> 00:13:26.240 in replying emails 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:27.440 or checking out 00:13:27.440 --> 00:13:28.360 the latest Netflix. 00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:30.379 Do you really need 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:31.240 your Netflix account? 00:13:31.240 --> 00:13:33.519 For some who read 00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:34.039 the Bible 00:13:34.039 --> 00:13:35.100 and pray, 00:13:35.980 --> 00:13:36.620 it was more 00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:37.500 to cock in 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:38.500 and tick the box 00:13:38.500 --> 00:13:39.879 that we have done so, 00:13:40.519 --> 00:13:41.680 to make us feel 00:13:41.680 --> 00:13:42.259 at ease 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:43.220 with ourselves. 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:45.399 But there's no growth 00:13:45.399 --> 00:13:47.060 in our relationship 00:13:47.060 --> 00:13:47.659 with God. 00:13:49.560 --> 00:13:50.620 How do I know 00:13:50.620 --> 00:13:50.980 that 00:13:50.980 --> 00:13:52.700 some of us 00:13:52.700 --> 00:13:53.379 still lost 00:13:53.379 --> 00:13:54.100 because 00:13:54.100 --> 00:13:54.960 we cannot 00:13:54.960 --> 00:13:55.639 confidently 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:56.399 cry out, 00:13:56.799 --> 00:13:57.100 come, 00:13:57.440 --> 00:13:58.060 Lord Jesus, 00:13:58.240 --> 00:13:58.480 come. 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:00.580 We worry about 00:14:00.580 --> 00:14:01.120 how God 00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:01.840 looked at us. 00:14:03.160 --> 00:14:03.860 Our eyes 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:05.139 still fix on 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:06.639 what we have 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:07.480 or have not done. 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:09.340 And we serve 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:09.660 God 00:14:09.660 --> 00:14:10.560 out of fear 00:14:10.560 --> 00:14:12.080 or to earn 00:14:12.080 --> 00:14:13.060 God's favour 00:14:13.060 --> 00:14:14.660 and the 00:14:14.660 --> 00:14:15.200 acknowledgement 00:14:15.200 --> 00:14:16.120 of others 00:14:16.120 --> 00:14:17.120 instead of 00:14:17.120 --> 00:14:17.840 serving out 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:18.400 of gratitude 00:14:18.400 --> 00:14:19.520 of our hearts. 00:14:21.080 --> 00:14:21.860 But God 00:14:21.860 --> 00:14:22.759 had come 00:14:22.759 --> 00:14:23.360 to change 00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:23.840 all that. 00:14:24.740 --> 00:14:25.340 He comes 00:14:25.340 --> 00:14:26.259 to save us. 00:14:26.920 --> 00:14:27.540 He has come 00:14:27.540 --> 00:14:27.980 to us 00:14:27.980 --> 00:14:28.780 to remove 00:14:28.780 --> 00:14:29.540 our fear 00:14:29.540 --> 00:14:30.500 by doing 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:30.960 with the 00:14:30.960 --> 00:14:31.240 roots 00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:31.559 of the 00:14:31.559 --> 00:14:31.899 problem, 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:33.080 our sins. 00:14:33.860 --> 00:14:34.240 He has 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:35.960 overcome 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:36.799 our enemies 00:14:36.799 --> 00:14:37.620 and set 00:14:37.620 --> 00:14:38.080 us free 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:39.019 for a purpose. 00:14:40.419 --> 00:14:41.440 Verse 72 00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:41.899 say, 00:14:43.080 --> 00:14:43.440 He come 00:14:43.440 --> 00:14:43.879 to show 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:44.419 mercy 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:45.019 to our 00:14:45.019 --> 00:14:45.559 ancestors 00:14:45.559 --> 00:14:46.460 and to 00:14:46.460 --> 00:14:46.919 remember 00:14:46.919 --> 00:14:47.620 his holy 00:14:47.620 --> 00:14:48.200 covenant, 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:49.600 to rescue 00:14:49.600 --> 00:14:50.000 us from 00:14:50.000 --> 00:14:50.440 the hands 00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:50.779 of our 00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:51.299 enemies 00:14:51.299 --> 00:14:52.120 and to 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:52.740 enable us 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:53.240 to serve 00:14:53.240 --> 00:14:53.720 him without 00:14:53.720 --> 00:14:54.179 fear, 00:14:54.820 --> 00:14:55.480 in holiness 00:14:55.480 --> 00:14:56.539 and righteousness 00:14:56.539 --> 00:14:57.740 before him 00:14:57.740 --> 00:14:58.360 all our 00:14:58.360 --> 00:14:58.759 days. 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:00.919 we are 00:15:00.919 --> 00:15:01.439 saved 00:15:01.439 --> 00:15:02.399 to serve 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:02.679 him, 00:15:03.720 --> 00:15:04.299 to become 00:15:04.299 --> 00:15:04.840 God's 00:15:04.840 --> 00:15:05.819 full oneness 00:15:05.819 --> 00:15:06.419 like 00:15:06.419 --> 00:15:07.139 Zechariah's 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:07.759 son John 00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:08.220 the Baptist. 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:10.639 It reads 00:15:10.639 --> 00:15:11.019 on from 00:15:11.019 --> 00:15:12.399 verse 76, 00:15:12.399 --> 00:15:12.620 6, 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:13.659 and you, 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:14.379 my child, 00:15:14.759 --> 00:15:15.039 will be 00:15:15.039 --> 00:15:15.519 called a 00:15:15.519 --> 00:15:16.100 prophet of 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:16.480 the Most 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:16.779 High, 00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:17.860 for you 00:15:17.860 --> 00:15:18.360 will go 00:15:18.360 --> 00:15:19.019 on before 00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:19.559 the Lord 00:15:19.559 --> 00:15:20.199 to prepare 00:15:20.199 --> 00:15:20.639 the way 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:21.159 for him, 00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:22.259 to give 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:22.819 his people 00:15:22.819 --> 00:15:23.399 the knowledge 00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:24.179 of salvation 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:25.199 through the 00:15:25.199 --> 00:15:25.620 forgiveness 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:26.159 of their 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:26.539 sins. 00:15:27.819 --> 00:15:28.240 We are 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:28.740 called to 00:15:28.740 --> 00:15:29.439 give God's 00:15:29.439 --> 00:15:30.419 people the 00:15:30.419 --> 00:15:30.980 knowledge of 00:15:30.980 --> 00:15:31.559 salvation 00:15:31.559 --> 00:15:32.639 through the 00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:33.039 forgiveness 00:15:33.039 --> 00:15:33.639 of their 00:15:33.639 --> 00:15:34.039 sins. 00:15:34.039 --> 00:15:36.559 What do 00:15:36.559 --> 00:15:37.179 you know 00:15:37.179 --> 00:15:38.120 about how 00:15:38.120 --> 00:15:39.719 people are 00:15:39.719 --> 00:15:40.099 saved? 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:42.360 How are 00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:43.059 our sins 00:15:43.059 --> 00:15:44.059 being forgiven 00:15:44.059 --> 00:15:44.779 by God? 00:15:45.699 --> 00:15:46.419 How does 00:15:46.419 --> 00:15:47.219 someone get 00:15:47.219 --> 00:15:47.860 right with 00:15:47.860 --> 00:15:48.179 God? 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:50.039 The answer 00:15:50.039 --> 00:15:50.519 to these 00:15:50.519 --> 00:15:51.299 questions are 00:15:51.299 --> 00:15:52.099 the most 00:15:52.099 --> 00:15:52.860 fundamental 00:15:52.860 --> 00:15:53.980 for any 00:15:53.980 --> 00:15:54.419 Christian. 00:15:56.099 --> 00:15:56.899 Peter 00:15:56.899 --> 00:15:57.419 urges 00:15:57.419 --> 00:15:58.219 in his 00:15:58.219 --> 00:15:59.039 letter in 00:15:59.039 --> 00:16:00.159 1 Peter 3, 00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:01.719 13-15, 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:03.000 who is 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:03.420 going to 00:16:03.420 --> 00:16:04.040 harm you 00:16:04.040 --> 00:16:04.460 if you 00:16:04.460 --> 00:16:04.860 are eager 00:16:04.860 --> 00:16:05.340 to do 00:16:05.340 --> 00:16:05.720 good? 00:16:06.340 --> 00:16:06.860 But even 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:07.240 if you 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:07.879 should suffer 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:08.600 for what 00:16:08.600 --> 00:16:09.160 is right, 00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:09.740 you are 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.120 blessed. 00:16:10.940 --> 00:16:11.360 Do not 00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:12.019 fear what 00:16:12.019 --> 00:16:12.620 they fear. 00:16:13.080 --> 00:16:13.379 Do not 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:14.000 be frightened. 00:16:14.660 --> 00:16:15.040 But in 00:16:15.040 --> 00:16:15.620 your hearts, 00:16:16.160 --> 00:16:16.540 reference 00:16:16.540 --> 00:16:17.480 Christ as 00:16:17.480 --> 00:16:17.820 Lord. 00:16:18.540 --> 00:16:19.460 Always be 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:20.200 prepared to 00:16:20.200 --> 00:16:20.580 give an 00:16:20.580 --> 00:16:21.160 answer to 00:16:21.160 --> 00:16:22.139 everyone who 00:16:22.139 --> 00:16:22.779 asks you to 00:16:22.779 --> 00:16:23.120 give the 00:16:23.120 --> 00:16:23.680 reason for 00:16:23.680 --> 00:16:24.120 the hope 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:24.759 that you 00:16:24.759 --> 00:16:25.120 have. 00:16:25.720 --> 00:16:26.139 But do 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:26.680 this with 00:16:26.680 --> 00:16:27.220 gentleness 00:16:27.220 --> 00:16:28.120 and respect. 00:16:29.440 --> 00:16:29.940 We are 00:16:29.940 --> 00:16:30.540 saved to 00:16:30.540 --> 00:16:31.519 serve by 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:32.460 telling others 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:33.259 about the 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:34.139 great salvation 00:16:34.139 --> 00:16:34.879 that awaits 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:35.199 them. 00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:36.539 We are 00:16:36.539 --> 00:16:37.039 saved to 00:16:37.039 --> 00:16:38.079 serve by 00:16:38.079 --> 00:16:38.519 answering 00:16:38.519 --> 00:16:39.399 questions about 00:16:39.399 --> 00:16:39.960 our hope. 00:16:41.159 --> 00:16:41.860 If you are 00:16:41.860 --> 00:16:42.519 not sure how 00:16:42.519 --> 00:16:43.139 to do it, 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:44.079 please speak 00:16:44.079 --> 00:16:44.399 up. 00:16:45.000 --> 00:16:45.500 Don't remain 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:46.299 silent and 00:16:46.299 --> 00:16:46.779 treat God 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:47.460 with contempt. 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:49.559 Stop living 00:16:49.559 --> 00:16:50.240 in fear, 00:16:50.720 --> 00:16:51.439 but instead 00:16:51.439 --> 00:16:52.279 live in 00:16:52.279 --> 00:16:53.379 anticipation of 00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:53.799 the great 00:16:53.799 --> 00:16:54.799 things God 00:16:54.799 --> 00:16:55.480 will do in 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:56.220 your life. 00:16:57.379 --> 00:16:57.840 Cling to 00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:58.199 Jesus. 00:16:59.679 --> 00:17:00.279 Look into 00:17:00.279 --> 00:17:01.039 his word. 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:02.340 Speak to 00:17:02.340 --> 00:17:03.319 him in 00:17:03.319 --> 00:17:03.720 prayer, 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.579 so your 00:17:05.579 --> 00:17:06.559 sin will 00:17:06.559 --> 00:17:07.319 be removed 00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:08.059 and you 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:08.339 will be 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:09.420 safe and 00:17:09.420 --> 00:17:09.940 free to 00:17:09.940 --> 00:17:10.559 serve him. 00:17:12.339 --> 00:17:13.180 Speaking up 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:13.559 is very 00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:14.039 important. 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:15.339 Imagine 00:17:15.339 --> 00:17:16.420 Elizabeth did 00:17:16.420 --> 00:17:17.299 not speak up 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:17.960 about the 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:18.339 name of 00:17:18.339 --> 00:17:18.859 their child. 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:21.740 The relative 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.539 and neighbors 00:17:22.539 --> 00:17:23.000 would not 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:23.680 have asked 00:17:23.680 --> 00:17:25.099 Zechariah to 00:17:25.099 --> 00:17:25.980 confirm the 00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:27.180 name, and 00:17:27.180 --> 00:17:27.579 he would 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:28.259 not have the 00:17:28.259 --> 00:17:29.259 chance to 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:29.879 demonstrate 00:17:29.880 --> 00:17:31.660 his determination 00:17:31.660 --> 00:17:32.840 to obey 00:17:32.840 --> 00:17:33.340 God's 00:17:33.340 --> 00:17:33.900 instruction 00:17:33.900 --> 00:17:34.400 fully. 00:17:36.260 --> 00:17:36.960 What 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:37.780 Zechariah and 00:17:37.780 --> 00:17:38.100 Elizabeth 00:17:38.100 --> 00:17:39.460 were instructed 00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:40.040 to do 00:17:40.040 --> 00:17:41.040 was groundbreaking 00:17:41.040 --> 00:17:42.100 and 00:17:42.100 --> 00:17:42.760 atonish 00:17:42.760 --> 00:17:43.860 everyone there, 00:17:44.620 --> 00:17:46.380 because what 00:17:46.380 --> 00:17:46.700 they were 00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:47.680 doing was 00:17:47.680 --> 00:17:48.340 breaking with 00:17:48.340 --> 00:17:48.920 tradition. 00:17:50.380 --> 00:17:51.160 Instead of 00:17:51.160 --> 00:17:51.680 following the 00:17:51.680 --> 00:17:52.420 tradition to 00:17:52.420 --> 00:17:53.320 call their 00:17:53.320 --> 00:17:54.280 son Zechariah, 00:17:54.880 --> 00:17:55.660 which means 00:17:55.660 --> 00:17:56.800 God remembers, 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:58.919 their son's 00:17:58.919 --> 00:17:59.359 name is 00:17:59.359 --> 00:18:00.779 John, which 00:18:00.779 --> 00:18:01.659 means God 00:18:01.659 --> 00:18:02.419 is gracious 00:18:02.419 --> 00:18:03.379 and merciful. 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:06.919 Holding on 00:18:06.919 --> 00:18:07.639 to tradition 00:18:07.639 --> 00:18:08.700 could be one 00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:09.480 of the signs 00:18:09.480 --> 00:18:10.419 of someone 00:18:10.419 --> 00:18:11.159 living in 00:18:11.159 --> 00:18:11.639 darkness 00:18:11.639 --> 00:18:12.720 instead of 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:13.259 the light. 00:18:14.419 --> 00:18:15.099 Instead of 00:18:15.099 --> 00:18:15.779 being guided 00:18:15.779 --> 00:18:16.619 by God 00:18:16.619 --> 00:18:17.319 to live a 00:18:17.319 --> 00:18:18.240 daily renewed 00:18:18.240 --> 00:18:18.859 life, 00:18:19.619 --> 00:18:20.259 they remain 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:20.859 in the 00:18:20.859 --> 00:18:21.980 dark by 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:22.680 thinking that 00:18:22.680 --> 00:18:23.019 they are 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:24.779 okay because 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:25.180 of their 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:25.720 tradition. 00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:27.460 Because they 00:18:27.460 --> 00:18:27.919 have done 00:18:27.919 --> 00:18:29.079 religious deeds 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:30.700 or because 00:18:30.700 --> 00:18:31.379 my family 00:18:31.379 --> 00:18:32.639 has always 00:18:32.639 --> 00:18:33.379 been Christian. 00:18:34.839 --> 00:18:35.200 It's like 00:18:35.200 --> 00:18:35.460 saying, 00:18:35.619 --> 00:18:36.299 God has 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:37.299 been quiet 00:18:37.299 --> 00:18:37.859 for 400 00:18:37.859 --> 00:18:38.559 years now. 00:18:38.940 --> 00:18:39.159 We are 00:18:39.159 --> 00:18:39.579 used to 00:18:39.579 --> 00:18:40.159 the silence. 00:18:41.859 --> 00:18:42.500 God broke 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.159 the tradition 00:18:43.159 --> 00:18:43.720 with John 00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:44.180 the Baptist. 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:45.680 He is 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:46.200 appointed 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:47.460 from birth 00:18:47.460 --> 00:18:48.000 to speak 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:48.319 up for 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:48.700 God, 00:18:49.399 --> 00:18:50.000 to bring 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:50.859 light into 00:18:50.859 --> 00:18:51.359 darkness 00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:52.299 of this 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:52.680 world. 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:55.859 And you, 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:56.619 my child, 00:18:56.799 --> 00:18:57.240 will be 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:57.500 called 00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:58.039 prophet 00:18:58.039 --> 00:18:58.500 of the 00:18:58.500 --> 00:18:58.740 Most 00:18:58.740 --> 00:18:59.079 High. 00:18:59.879 --> 00:19:00.319 For you 00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:00.859 will go 00:19:00.859 --> 00:19:01.579 on before 00:19:01.579 --> 00:19:02.159 the Lord 00:19:02.159 --> 00:19:02.779 to prepare 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:03.220 the way 00:19:03.220 --> 00:19:03.680 for him, 00:19:04.139 --> 00:19:04.879 to give 00:19:04.879 --> 00:19:05.500 his people 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:06.099 the knowledge 00:19:06.099 --> 00:19:06.940 of salvation 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:07.839 through the 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:08.259 forgiveness 00:19:08.259 --> 00:19:08.779 of their 00:19:08.779 --> 00:19:09.180 sins. 00:19:09.919 --> 00:19:10.539 Because the 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:11.240 tender mercy 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:11.659 of our 00:19:11.659 --> 00:19:12.019 God, 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:12.940 by which 00:19:12.940 --> 00:19:13.440 the rising 00:19:13.440 --> 00:19:14.039 sun will 00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:14.519 come to 00:19:14.519 --> 00:19:15.159 us from 00:19:15.159 --> 00:19:15.519 heaven, 00:19:15.940 --> 00:19:16.579 to shine 00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.119 on those 00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:17.940 living in 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:18.419 darkness 00:19:18.419 --> 00:19:19.019 and in 00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:19.440 the shadow 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:19.960 of death, 00:19:20.460 --> 00:19:21.079 to guide 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:21.759 our feet 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:22.539 into the 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.099 path of 00:19:23.099 --> 00:19:23.519 peace. 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:25.259 the 00:19:25.259 --> 00:19:25.619 rising 00:19:25.619 --> 00:19:26.119 sun 00:19:26.119 --> 00:19:26.619 has 00:19:26.619 --> 00:19:26.920 come 00:19:26.920 --> 00:19:27.359 to us 00:19:27.359 --> 00:19:27.759 from 00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:28.160 heaven 00:19:28.160 --> 00:19:29.319 to shine 00:19:29.319 --> 00:19:29.980 on those 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:30.799 living in 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.259 darkness 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:31.960 and in 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:32.379 the shadow 00:19:32.379 --> 00:19:33.000 of death, 00:19:33.400 --> 00:19:34.119 to guide 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:34.720 our feet 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.720 into the 00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:36.220 path of 00:19:36.220 --> 00:19:36.660 peace. 00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:37.660 The 00:19:37.660 --> 00:19:37.980 rising 00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:38.460 sun 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:39.279 is referring 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:40.160 to Jesus, 00:19:40.839 --> 00:19:41.319 who is 00:19:41.319 --> 00:19:41.879 soon to be 00:19:41.879 --> 00:19:42.359 born at 00:19:42.359 --> 00:19:42.839 this point. 00:19:44.039 --> 00:19:44.639 The birth 00:19:44.639 --> 00:19:45.379 of Jesus 00:19:45.379 --> 00:19:46.180 offers 00:19:46.180 --> 00:19:46.879 transformation 00:19:46.879 --> 00:19:47.839 to those 00:19:47.839 --> 00:19:49.160 lost 00:19:49.160 --> 00:19:50.160 people who 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:50.539 are living 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:50.839 in 00:19:50.839 --> 00:19:51.319 darkness, 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:53.019 meaninglessly 00:19:53.019 --> 00:19:53.759 porting 00:19:53.759 --> 00:19:54.500 through life 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.859 to a 00:19:55.859 --> 00:19:56.399 life with 00:19:56.399 --> 00:19:57.099 abundance. 00:19:58.319 --> 00:19:59.119 One of 00:19:59.119 --> 00:19:59.480 the ways 00:19:59.480 --> 00:19:59.960 we know 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:00.659 people are 00:20:00.659 --> 00:20:01.139 living in 00:20:01.139 --> 00:20:01.460 darkness 00:20:01.460 --> 00:20:02.759 is when 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:03.279 we value 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.000 tradition 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:04.559 and 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:05.099 convenience 00:20:05.099 --> 00:20:05.779 more than 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:06.119 God's 00:20:06.119 --> 00:20:06.659 instruction 00:20:06.659 --> 00:20:07.299 and 00:20:07.299 --> 00:20:07.879 commands. 00:20:09.379 --> 00:20:09.839 When we 00:20:09.839 --> 00:20:10.359 hold the 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:11.200 way we 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:11.599 used to 00:20:11.599 --> 00:20:12.180 do certain 00:20:12.180 --> 00:20:12.740 things 00:20:12.740 --> 00:20:13.940 with greater 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:14.639 significance 00:20:14.639 --> 00:20:15.420 than 00:20:15.420 --> 00:20:15.960 obedience 00:20:15.960 --> 00:20:16.460 towards 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:16.859 God's 00:20:16.859 --> 00:20:17.379 instruction 00:20:17.379 --> 00:20:18.339 through 00:20:18.339 --> 00:20:18.539 his 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:19.019 appointed 00:20:19.019 --> 00:20:19.599 messenger. 00:20:20.539 --> 00:20:21.779 it's at 00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:22.399 the time 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:23.359 that we 00:20:23.359 --> 00:20:24.220 step away 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:26.259 from 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:26.759 light 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:27.480 and 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:27.759 step 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.000 into 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:28.639 darkness 00:20:28.639 --> 00:20:29.559 if we 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:29.960 value 00:20:29.960 --> 00:20:30.579 tradition 00:20:30.579 --> 00:20:30.859 and 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:31.519 convenience. 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:34.099 To deal 00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:35.019 with COVID-19, 00:20:35.440 --> 00:20:36.019 we need to 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:36.700 go online 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.099 to keep 00:20:37.099 --> 00:20:37.579 each other 00:20:37.579 --> 00:20:38.059 safe. 00:20:38.700 --> 00:20:39.220 We need 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:39.619 to be 00:20:39.619 --> 00:20:40.180 agile 00:20:40.180 --> 00:20:40.759 and follow 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:41.220 the health 00:20:41.220 --> 00:20:41.940 advice and 00:20:41.940 --> 00:20:42.519 guidelines 00:20:42.519 --> 00:20:43.379 of our 00:20:43.379 --> 00:20:44.099 government 00:20:44.099 --> 00:20:44.539 and our 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:45.539 diocese. 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:47.059 We are 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:47.619 having church 00:20:47.619 --> 00:20:48.079 online 00:20:48.079 --> 00:20:49.579 only today. 00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:50.679 it's a 00:20:50.679 --> 00:20:51.099 testimony 00:20:51.099 --> 00:20:51.960 of how 00:20:51.960 --> 00:20:52.379 hard we 00:20:52.379 --> 00:20:52.539 have 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:52.879 worked 00:20:52.879 --> 00:20:53.399 in keeping 00:20:53.399 --> 00:20:53.919 each other 00:20:53.919 --> 00:20:54.379 safe 00:20:54.379 --> 00:20:54.939 at St. 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:55.379 Paul's. 00:20:57.079 --> 00:20:57.639 So, 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:58.299 when it's 00:20:58.299 --> 00:20:58.899 safe for 00:20:58.899 --> 00:20:59.519 us to 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:00.019 meet face 00:21:00.019 --> 00:21:00.379 to face 00:21:00.379 --> 00:21:00.799 again, 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:02.319 what will 00:21:02.319 --> 00:21:02.879 be your 00:21:02.879 --> 00:21:03.500 anticipation? 00:21:05.919 --> 00:21:06.480 It's, 00:21:06.679 --> 00:21:07.000 of course, 00:21:07.379 --> 00:21:08.339 more convenient 00:21:08.339 --> 00:21:09.019 to stay at 00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:09.539 home to 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:10.220 watch a live 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:10.799 streaming of 00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:11.199 church. 00:21:12.559 --> 00:21:13.119 Some of 00:21:13.119 --> 00:21:13.859 us will 00:21:13.859 --> 00:21:14.379 have to 00:21:14.379 --> 00:21:14.799 continue 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:15.460 meeting with 00:21:15.460 --> 00:21:16.059 us online 00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:17.000 because of 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:17.259 health 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:17.819 reasons. 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:20.159 But will 00:21:20.159 --> 00:21:20.619 you be 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:21.399 choosing to 00:21:21.399 --> 00:21:22.019 stay home 00:21:22.019 --> 00:21:22.740 and not 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:23.279 coming to 00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:24.579 church together 00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:25.119 face to 00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:26.099 face because 00:21:26.099 --> 00:21:26.799 you cannot 00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:27.279 have your 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:27.980 usual cup 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:29.539 of tea or 00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:29.819 have to 00:21:29.819 --> 00:21:30.240 wear a 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:30.720 mask to 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:30.960 sing? 00:21:32.659 --> 00:21:33.119 It's your 00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:33.859 usual way of 00:21:33.859 --> 00:21:34.579 doing things 00:21:34.579 --> 00:21:35.859 stopping you 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:36.779 from obeying 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:38.079 God together 00:21:38.079 --> 00:21:38.960 together to 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:39.539 worship him. 00:21:39.539 --> 00:21:42.259 one of the 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:43.420 ways for us 00:21:43.420 --> 00:21:44.180 to get from 00:21:44.180 --> 00:21:45.039 darkness to 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:46.279 light is to 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:47.119 speak up about 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:47.619 things. 00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:50.220 Things that are 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:50.879 not right 00:21:50.879 --> 00:21:51.819 according to 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.139 God. 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:53.759 To confess 00:21:53.759 --> 00:21:54.339 the wrong 00:21:54.339 --> 00:21:55.000 doings, 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:56.079 the sins in 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:56.639 our life 00:21:56.639 --> 00:21:57.480 and repent. 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:00.359 Repentance 00:22:00.359 --> 00:22:01.180 means turning. 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:02.960 Turning from 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:03.720 your tradition 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:05.119 and look back 00:22:05.119 --> 00:22:05.700 to God's 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:07.180 words and 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:07.680 instruction. 00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:09.099 Turning 00:22:09.099 --> 00:22:10.019 from being 00:22:10.019 --> 00:22:10.759 a consumer 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:12.439 to live 00:22:12.439 --> 00:22:14.039 a life of 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:14.679 a disciple, 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:16.059 a follower 00:22:16.059 --> 00:22:16.839 of Jesus. 00:22:17.659 --> 00:22:18.299 Turn to 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:18.859 pursue 00:22:18.859 --> 00:22:20.179 discipleship. 00:22:22.099 --> 00:22:23.039 When Paul 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:23.579 speaks up 00:22:23.579 --> 00:22:24.159 about his 00:22:24.159 --> 00:22:25.019 life and 00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:25.439 the works 00:22:25.439 --> 00:22:25.959 of God 00:22:25.959 --> 00:22:26.759 at the 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:27.159 end of 00:22:27.159 --> 00:22:28.119 Acts in 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:29.159 chapter 26 00:22:29.159 --> 00:22:30.919 verse 20 00:22:30.919 --> 00:22:31.439 he said, 00:22:32.399 --> 00:22:32.819 first to 00:22:32.819 --> 00:22:33.259 those in 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:33.859 Damascus, 00:22:34.359 --> 00:22:34.779 then to 00:22:34.779 --> 00:22:35.199 those in 00:22:35.199 --> 00:22:35.679 Jerusalem 00:22:35.679 --> 00:22:36.699 and all 00:22:36.699 --> 00:22:37.259 Judea, 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:38.299 and then to 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:39.079 the Gentiles 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:40.519 preach that 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:41.159 they should 00:22:41.159 --> 00:22:42.139 repent and 00:22:42.139 --> 00:22:42.679 turn to 00:22:42.679 --> 00:22:43.639 God and 00:22:43.639 --> 00:22:44.379 demonstrate 00:22:44.379 --> 00:22:45.059 their repentance 00:22:45.059 --> 00:22:45.740 by their 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:46.159 deeds. 00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:48.179 To change 00:22:48.179 --> 00:22:48.839 from darkness 00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:49.679 to light, 00:22:50.359 --> 00:22:51.359 we need to 00:22:51.359 --> 00:22:52.159 acknowledge our 00:22:52.159 --> 00:22:52.720 sin and 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:53.139 repent. 00:22:54.240 --> 00:22:55.179 True repentance 00:22:55.179 --> 00:22:56.339 is not done 00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:57.019 in the dark. 00:22:57.879 --> 00:22:58.279 It's 00:22:58.279 --> 00:22:59.079 demonstrable. 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:00.480 It's not 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.299 saying sorry 00:23:01.299 --> 00:23:02.139 and keep 00:23:02.139 --> 00:23:02.819 going without 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:03.819 any changes. 00:23:03.819 --> 00:23:05.599 Jesus 00:23:05.599 --> 00:23:06.159 offers 00:23:06.159 --> 00:23:06.839 transformation 00:23:06.839 --> 00:23:08.079 from living 00:23:08.079 --> 00:23:08.799 sinful, 00:23:09.399 --> 00:23:09.839 unholy 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:10.819 life to 00:23:10.819 --> 00:23:11.539 lives of 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:12.119 righteousness. 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:14.599 The birth 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:15.119 of Jesus 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:16.220 is much 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:16.599 more than 00:23:16.599 --> 00:23:17.119 giving us 00:23:17.119 --> 00:23:17.639 a reason 00:23:17.639 --> 00:23:18.079 to get 00:23:18.079 --> 00:23:18.539 together, 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:19.779 to eat 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:20.279 food and 00:23:20.279 --> 00:23:20.759 exchange 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:21.179 gifts. 00:23:22.179 --> 00:23:22.700 The birth 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:23.240 of Jesus 00:23:23.240 --> 00:23:23.899 is a 00:23:23.899 --> 00:23:24.359 reminder 00:23:24.359 --> 00:23:25.200 of the 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:25.899 monumental 00:23:25.899 --> 00:23:26.779 changes 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:27.619 that God 00:23:27.619 --> 00:23:28.119 is bringing 00:23:28.119 --> 00:23:28.799 into all 00:23:28.799 --> 00:23:29.279 of us, 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:30.419 which 00:23:30.419 --> 00:23:31.139 begins in 00:23:31.140 --> 00:23:31.700 salvation. 00:23:33.320 --> 00:23:33.540 God 00:23:33.540 --> 00:23:36.560 saves us 00:23:36.560 --> 00:23:37.320 from a 00:23:37.320 --> 00:23:37.740 life of 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.500 meaninglessness 00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:39.780 to be 00:23:39.780 --> 00:23:40.520 his servants. 00:23:42.600 --> 00:23:43.500 How is 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:43.660 your 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:44.200 relationship 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:44.780 with God 00:23:44.780 --> 00:23:45.380 and others? 00:23:46.900 --> 00:23:47.280 Jesus 00:23:47.280 --> 00:23:48.759 comes to 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:49.400 change out 00:23:49.400 --> 00:23:50.240 your life. 00:23:51.100 --> 00:23:51.360 What 00:23:51.360 --> 00:23:52.240 changes and 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:53.140 growth have 00:23:53.140 --> 00:23:53.620 you got to 00:23:53.620 --> 00:23:54.240 show that 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:55.200 Jesus is in 00:23:55.200 --> 00:23:55.700 your life? 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.040 What 00:23:57.040 --> 00:23:57.800 anticipation 00:23:57.800 --> 00:23:58.320 do you 00:23:58.320 --> 00:23:58.600 hold? 00:23:59.660 --> 00:23:59.940 What 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:00.620 service 00:24:00.619 --> 00:24:01.239 have you 00:24:01.239 --> 00:24:01.559 offered 00:24:01.559 --> 00:24:02.119 to God? 00:24:03.199 --> 00:24:03.679 Is a 00:24:03.679 --> 00:24:04.699 life full 00:24:04.699 --> 00:24:05.239 of light 00:24:05.239 --> 00:24:06.099 as bright 00:24:06.099 --> 00:24:06.439 as a 00:24:06.439 --> 00:24:06.799 new dawn 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:07.179 sun? 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:09.459 It will 00:24:09.459 --> 00:24:10.459 if you 00:24:10.459 --> 00:24:11.199 stop hiding 00:24:11.199 --> 00:24:11.739 and run 00:24:11.739 --> 00:24:12.339 towards the 00:24:12.339 --> 00:24:12.639 light. 00:24:13.539 --> 00:24:14.000 Let the 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:14.399 Son of 00:24:14.399 --> 00:24:14.679 God, 00:24:15.000 --> 00:24:15.299 Jesus, 00:24:15.899 --> 00:24:16.459 take hold 00:24:16.459 --> 00:24:16.779 of your 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.579 life today 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:18.839 and let's 00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:19.739 walk on 00:24:19.739 --> 00:24:20.199 the path 00:24:20.199 --> 00:24:20.739 of peace 00:24:20.739 --> 00:24:21.599 that God 00:24:21.599 --> 00:24:22.359 offers us 00:24:22.359 --> 00:24:22.579 all. 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:23.519 Amen.