WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.000 Good morning, friends. 00:00:04.440 --> 00:00:05.379 Happy Father's Day. 00:00:06.700 --> 00:00:10.480 Our text this morning is Hebrews 11, verses 17 through 22. 00:00:10.859 --> 00:00:12.120 So let me invite you to turn there. 00:00:12.700 --> 00:00:16.059 It's page 1008 in the Pew Bible, if you want to follow along there. 00:00:16.120 --> 00:00:20.039 Hebrews 11, looking at verses 17 through 22. 00:00:23.900 --> 00:00:26.940 We've been walking through Hebrews 11 this month, if you've been with us, and we've 00:00:26.940 --> 00:00:30.100 been considering this great biblical theme of faith. 00:00:31.200 --> 00:00:34.160 And this morning we come back again to the figure of Abraham. 00:00:35.500 --> 00:00:38.660 Let me read this text for us, Hebrews 11, 17 through 22. 00:00:40.719 --> 00:00:46.400 By faith, Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. 00:00:47.280 --> 00:00:52.280 And he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom 00:00:52.280 --> 00:00:55.880 it was said, through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 00:00:57.339 --> 00:01:04.259 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively 00:01:04.259 --> 00:01:06.500 speaking, he did receive him back. 00:01:07.739 --> 00:01:11.039 By faith, Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 00:01:11.599 --> 00:01:15.620 By faith, Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over 00:01:15.620 --> 00:01:16.560 the head of his staff. 00:01:17.579 --> 00:01:22.219 By faith, Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and 00:01:22.219 --> 00:01:23.959 gave direction concerning his bones. 00:01:23.959 --> 00:01:28.019 Let's pray together as we consider God's word. 00:01:31.819 --> 00:01:38.039 Our Father, we do ask that this morning you would be present among us mightily by your 00:01:38.039 --> 00:01:42.179 spirit as we come to hear and to heed your word. 00:01:42.180 --> 00:01:50.580 Lord, we thank you for this opportunity that we have to gather around your ever-living and 00:01:50.580 --> 00:01:56.000 clear word and to be addressed by you once again as we consider its message. 00:01:57.020 --> 00:02:02.280 Lord, we pray that our faith would be strengthened as a result of what you're speaking to us here 00:02:02.280 --> 00:02:02.760 this morning. 00:02:03.240 --> 00:02:04.660 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:02:04.659 --> 00:02:05.140 Amen. 00:02:09.620 --> 00:02:15.680 Well, I think you'll agree that testing can often be a good thing. 00:02:17.259 --> 00:02:22.639 For example, when I step onto an airplane, I'm glad that there are engineers who spend 00:02:22.639 --> 00:02:27.579 countless hours testing the equipment on board before we go rocketing off the runway. 00:02:27.580 --> 00:02:32.640 Nobody wants to hear, ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, we've just reached 00:02:32.640 --> 00:02:37.620 a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet and no one's tested this landing gear since 2005. 00:02:38.540 --> 00:02:39.540 Have a nice flight. 00:02:40.760 --> 00:02:43.640 In that case, certainly testing is a good thing, right? 00:02:44.280 --> 00:02:48.100 I had the chance recently to see a report that a friend gave at an engineering conference 00:02:48.100 --> 00:02:52.200 about that very thing, testing the reliability and durability of aviation parts. 00:02:52.300 --> 00:02:53.480 That's sort of what his job is. 00:02:53.479 --> 00:02:58.179 And the report just had all these sort of cool charts and abbreviations, and of course 00:02:58.179 --> 00:03:04.039 I understood at best half of what I was looking at, but I was glad that this sort of testing 00:03:04.039 --> 00:03:08.579 was taking place, because at the end of the day, people's lives are depending on it. 00:03:10.239 --> 00:03:15.099 And because of that, I think that today we expect things to be tested, don't we? 00:03:15.519 --> 00:03:21.939 We expect everything from airplanes to lifeguards, even the foods we eat. 00:03:21.939 --> 00:03:24.099 We expect them to be tested. 00:03:25.979 --> 00:03:33.319 And what our passage this morning is telling us is that the same thing is true of our faith. 00:03:34.460 --> 00:03:38.979 That we can and should expect it to be tested. 00:03:40.259 --> 00:03:46.360 And that that's a good thing, because at the end of the day, our spiritual lives are depending 00:03:46.360 --> 00:03:46.759 on it. 00:03:46.759 --> 00:03:52.099 So this morning I want to look at three things in the text before us. 00:03:52.899 --> 00:03:55.780 I want to look at first, how our faith gets tested. 00:03:56.840 --> 00:04:00.780 And then second, I want us to see how our faith can be deepened as a result. 00:04:01.579 --> 00:04:04.780 And then third, we're going to look at the legacy that such a faith produces. 00:04:05.739 --> 00:04:09.419 So testing, deepening, and the legacy of faith. 00:04:09.419 --> 00:04:13.039 And we see all this through the lens and the example of Abraham. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:18.680 That God tests our faith in order to deepen our faith, which in turn produces a legacy 00:04:18.680 --> 00:04:19.259 of faith. 00:04:20.779 --> 00:04:23.479 So let's look first then at faith's testing. 00:04:23.979 --> 00:04:27.019 We see this in the first two verses of our passage, in verses 17 through 18. 00:04:27.139 --> 00:04:31.180 By faith, Abraham, when he was tested. 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:33.399 Offered up, Isaac. 00:04:33.399 --> 00:04:40.939 Now here, Hebrews is referring to the story that we read earlier in the service from Genesis 00:04:40.939 --> 00:04:41.459 22. 00:04:43.019 --> 00:04:46.500 And as you go back and look at Genesis 22, you realize that in the previous chapter of Genesis, 00:04:46.719 --> 00:04:53.079 Abraham and Sarah, as we thought about last week, in their old age, finally received the 00:04:53.079 --> 00:04:55.599 child that God had promised. 00:04:55.799 --> 00:04:56.819 That's Genesis 21. 00:04:56.819 --> 00:05:04.279 And if you look before that, we see that Abraham and Sarah both laughed in disbelief when God 00:05:04.279 --> 00:05:05.579 told them that they would have a son. 00:05:06.420 --> 00:05:09.620 A child born to a man and woman in their 90s. 00:05:10.459 --> 00:05:10.899 Impossible. 00:05:11.980 --> 00:05:17.959 And they laughed with that bitter and sad laugh that we often laugh. 00:05:19.699 --> 00:05:23.480 But when the son was born, they named him just that. 00:05:23.480 --> 00:05:27.960 Isaac, which literally means he laughs. 00:05:29.319 --> 00:05:33.780 And it was a sign that their disbelief had been turned into joy. 00:05:34.020 --> 00:05:38.060 That God had taken their disbelief and turned it into laughter. 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:41.379 A sign that God had fulfilled his promise. 00:05:42.939 --> 00:05:48.160 And I'm sure that Abraham and Sarah thought that this was the climax that they had waited 00:05:48.160 --> 00:05:48.520 for. 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:52.960 That Isaac's birth would be the happily ever after of their story. 00:05:52.959 --> 00:05:56.079 And as we read the narrative in Genesis, we almost think the same thing. 00:05:56.419 --> 00:06:02.620 Here is the child after so many years of waiting, after so many years of trusting and then doubting 00:06:02.620 --> 00:06:03.859 and then trusting again. 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:07.339 Finally, Abraham and Sarah's story is coming to a close. 00:06:07.599 --> 00:06:12.659 A baby in their arms, laughter in their hearts, God's plan moving forward. 00:06:15.719 --> 00:06:19.579 But God isn't finished with Abraham. 00:06:19.579 --> 00:06:25.279 The boy grows and God has one last test for him. 00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:32.360 Take your son, God says, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah 00:06:32.360 --> 00:06:37.099 and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you. 00:06:39.579 --> 00:06:43.939 Here is Abraham's faith put to the deepest test. 00:06:43.939 --> 00:06:54.959 Would he trust God and his promises, even if it meant offering up to God the thing he loved most? 00:06:55.160 --> 00:06:59.139 The thing, the one he had waited his whole life for? 00:06:59.639 --> 00:07:04.100 His joy, his laughter, his only son. 00:07:04.100 --> 00:07:13.580 Now today we read this story and we think, how could a good God ask such a thing? 00:07:14.400 --> 00:07:19.520 To us, this command strikes us as irrational, even contradictory. 00:07:21.720 --> 00:07:27.640 And for some, this episode in Abraham's life is proof that what we call faith simply flies in the face of reason and justice. 00:07:27.780 --> 00:07:29.800 That faith, in essence, is irrational. 00:07:29.800 --> 00:07:39.720 And yet when we look at the story in its historical context, we see something quite different. 00:07:40.860 --> 00:07:48.939 As a number of Hebrew scholars and other writers have pointed out, what makes no sense to us would have actually made total sense to Abraham. 00:07:50.420 --> 00:07:51.540 And here's why. 00:07:51.540 --> 00:07:57.520 Because in Abraham's culture, the firstborn son, you see, was everything. 00:07:59.060 --> 00:08:01.740 The firstborn son was the inheritor of the property. 00:08:02.460 --> 00:08:04.600 He was the future head of the household. 00:08:04.760 --> 00:08:07.820 He was the one on whom everything rested. 00:08:08.220 --> 00:08:11.220 The fortune, the status, the future of the family. 00:08:11.500 --> 00:08:12.720 It all rode with him. 00:08:14.600 --> 00:08:18.680 You see, in that culture, the firstborn symbolically stood for everyone. 00:08:18.680 --> 00:08:27.939 And that's why, as the story of the Bible unfolds, and God confronts Israel's sinfulness, 00:08:29.480 --> 00:08:33.240 he says that the lives of all the firstborn are his. 00:08:35.299 --> 00:08:41.340 Now, we see that God provides a way for them, for the firstborn sons, to be redeemed through sacrifice, to be ransomed by a payment. 00:08:41.419 --> 00:08:43.259 You see that in Exodus and in Numbers. 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:53.679 But, by demanding the firstborn of the Israelites, by saying that their lives were forfeit, God was saying, God was communicating in that culture, 00:08:55.559 --> 00:09:00.700 that every family owes a total debt to eternal justice. 00:09:01.720 --> 00:09:02.840 The debt of our sin. 00:09:02.840 --> 00:09:12.780 So, when God tells Abraham to offer Isaac, to Abraham it would have made sense. 00:09:14.000 --> 00:09:21.820 Not only is God the sovereign creator who has complete rights over his creation, but God is also holy. 00:09:23.420 --> 00:09:27.920 And what the debt of sin demands is utterly everything. 00:09:27.919 --> 00:09:40.339 Now, of course, this understanding doesn't minimize the gut-wrenching nature of what God was asking Abraham. 00:09:42.539 --> 00:09:47.059 And we have to realize as well that Abraham has a unique role in redemptive history. 00:09:48.219 --> 00:09:53.019 None of us will be asked to literally offer up our firstborn sons as a sacrifice. 00:09:53.019 --> 00:10:04.039 But, indeed, there will be times when our faith is tested at what seems to us to be the root of our joy. 00:10:05.419 --> 00:10:12.600 When the circumstances that God allows in our lives, or even when the clear commands that God has given us in Scripture, 00:10:12.740 --> 00:10:16.840 will challenge our trust in God and his promises. 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:22.220 Will challenge us to make God himself our joy more than any other thing. 00:10:23.019 --> 00:10:30.259 Perhaps for you it's circumstances that God has allowed. 00:10:31.399 --> 00:10:38.419 Maybe you'd spent hours at work week after week, perhaps even years, getting the right degrees for the job in the first place. 00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:41.360 You'd been successful gaining the respect of your peers. 00:10:41.480 --> 00:10:44.379 Your career seemed like the perfect fit for your gifts. 00:10:45.819 --> 00:10:48.299 And it had even been a platform for useful ministry. 00:10:48.299 --> 00:10:54.639 You started to see how God was using you as salt and light, not just in the workplace, but even out in the culture. 00:10:54.799 --> 00:10:57.679 And your friends at work were starting to show real interest in the gospel. 00:10:57.819 --> 00:11:00.379 Your career had become a great source of joy. 00:11:00.479 --> 00:11:02.120 Even a venue of honoring God. 00:11:04.159 --> 00:11:07.159 And then in a day, it's all gone. 00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:11.000 You're called into your supervisor's office. 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:13.559 And let go on the spot. 00:11:15.899 --> 00:11:23.200 And in this circumstance that God has allowed, your faith is being put to the test. 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:28.240 Like a piece of metal being thrust into the furnace. 00:11:29.639 --> 00:11:31.659 Whom will you trust? 00:11:31.659 --> 00:11:38.100 Maybe for you it's not the supervisor's office, but maybe it's the principal's office. 00:11:38.199 --> 00:11:41.360 Your son, your daughter is in deep water. 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:45.120 Even after all the hopes and all the prayers and all the late nights. 00:11:46.120 --> 00:11:48.639 Or if it's not the principal's office, maybe it's the doctor's office. 00:11:48.639 --> 00:11:52.699 And the look on the nurse's face tells you that the news isn't good. 00:11:52.700 --> 00:12:01.400 And suddenly, whether it's cancer or kids or career or whatever, suddenly dreams are being stripped away. 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:03.740 Plans are being dashed. 00:12:04.560 --> 00:12:05.620 Joys are being stolen. 00:12:06.940 --> 00:12:12.780 And through it all, God is beckoning you to trust him and his promises. 00:12:14.080 --> 00:12:17.740 And to find joy in him more than in anything else. 00:12:17.740 --> 00:12:23.279 But it's not just through circumstances that our faith in God is tested, isn't it? 00:12:23.639 --> 00:12:25.080 It's often through God's commands. 00:12:25.980 --> 00:12:27.620 Abraham was a unique example of this. 00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:30.460 Unique because the command he received wasn't meant to be repeated. 00:12:30.720 --> 00:12:36.919 But still an example because there are commands that God does intend for all of us that still challenge us in similar ways. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:37.419 Aren't there? 00:12:38.039 --> 00:12:40.980 Think about God's command to be generous with our money. 00:12:41.799 --> 00:12:45.220 Especially toward the orphan and the widow and the poor and the downcast. 00:12:45.220 --> 00:12:50.700 Friends, the picture the New Testament gives us is of sacrificial giving. 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:54.680 A level of giving that would change the level of our lifestyle. 00:12:56.180 --> 00:12:58.580 That we would forego certain comforts. 00:12:58.980 --> 00:13:00.720 We would forego a certain size house. 00:13:00.800 --> 00:13:03.360 Or we would forego a certain brand of clothes. 00:13:03.440 --> 00:13:05.639 Or we would forego a certain make of car. 00:13:07.980 --> 00:13:11.720 Certain things that the world says our income should afford us. 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:15.379 That we would actually live under, beneath our means. 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:19.259 In order to give more away. 00:13:21.259 --> 00:13:25.960 And if we take that command, that principle seriously. 00:13:27.740 --> 00:13:31.240 It will test our trust in God and in God's promises. 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:36.160 Will he be a greater joy to us than the comforts that money can buy? 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:40.399 Or think about what God has to say about our relationships. 00:13:42.219 --> 00:13:49.699 If someone wrongs you for the 70th time and again asks for forgiveness, you must forgive them, Jesus says. 00:13:51.439 --> 00:13:54.799 Don't seek to pay them back and do to them what they did to you. 00:13:55.339 --> 00:13:59.759 Don't cut them down and trash them in front of other people, even your most private friends. 00:13:59.759 --> 00:14:05.439 Don't even nurse a grudge in your heart and secretly dislike them in your thoughts. 00:14:05.679 --> 00:14:07.960 Or secretly wish that they'd get what's coming to them. 00:14:08.080 --> 00:14:10.399 No, refuse all that, Jesus says. 00:14:11.019 --> 00:14:12.799 And in so doing, forgive. 00:14:15.559 --> 00:14:18.919 That's a command that will challenge your trust. 00:14:18.919 --> 00:14:29.319 Will you trust God and his promises more than you cherish the idea of getting back at someone? 00:14:29.819 --> 00:14:31.459 Of nursing a grudge? 00:14:32.099 --> 00:14:33.659 Of holding it over them? 00:14:34.459 --> 00:14:37.779 Will you relinquish the control that you think you have? 00:14:37.879 --> 00:14:39.879 Or the right that you think you have? 00:14:41.479 --> 00:14:44.219 To take hold of God more fully? 00:14:44.220 --> 00:14:51.920 So it's not just circumstances that God will use to test our faith, but his commands as well. 00:14:52.940 --> 00:14:56.399 And both will try our trust. 00:14:58.879 --> 00:15:02.600 And the question is, how will we respond? 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:06.500 The question isn't whether such tests will come. 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:08.080 Friends, they will come. 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:12.519 God loves us too much to allow us to go unrefined. 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:16.620 The question is, in the midst of testing, what will we do? 00:15:19.319 --> 00:15:20.980 And that leads us to our second point. 00:15:22.960 --> 00:15:25.340 Verses 17 and 18 show us faith's testing. 00:15:25.840 --> 00:15:29.840 But in verse 19, we see faith's deepening. 00:15:31.579 --> 00:15:35.879 What is it that allowed Abraham to willingly raise the knife? 00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:45.279 The answer our text gives to that question is about as surprising to us today as the demand itself. 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:50.240 We're told in verse 19 that Abraham considered. 00:15:51.679 --> 00:15:54.159 That is, he reasoned. 00:15:55.460 --> 00:15:59.740 He didn't stop using his mind when his faith came under pressure. 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:03.940 He started using it, and even harder, perhaps, than he ever had before. 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:09.180 You know, we often think that faith and reason are enemies, when in fact, biblically speaking, they're partners, they're friends. 00:16:09.419 --> 00:16:17.159 We're told that faith and reason are like oil and water, when in fact, they're more like the two strands of the DNA, of the double helix. 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:21.019 They spin together, supporting one another in beauty. 00:16:21.019 --> 00:16:29.840 So what in faith does Abraham begin to reason? 00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:37.639 Hebrews says that God was able even to raise Isaac from the dead. 00:16:40.059 --> 00:16:45.960 Hebrews is making explicit what was actually right there in the text, in Genesis 22. 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:49.860 Did you catch it when Susan and I were reading it for us? 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:51.680 Genesis 22, verse 5, 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:53.360 Then Abraham said to his young men, 00:16:53.960 --> 00:16:55.080 Stay here with the donkey. 00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:59.680 I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you. 00:17:00.960 --> 00:17:04.380 We will come again to you, Abraham says. 00:17:05.620 --> 00:17:11.680 He considered that God was even able to raise him from the dead, if necessary. 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:18.680 And I think this reasoning of Abraham must have been fed by at least two streams. 00:17:18.680 --> 00:17:21.680 And both are instructive for us in our times of testing. 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:27.779 First, Abraham reasoned from his own experience of God's faithfulness. 00:17:30.900 --> 00:17:37.480 I wonder if Abraham spent that sleepless night in the tent before setting out for Moriah in the morning. 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:44.680 I wonder if Abraham was remembering the laughter that had taken place in that very tent. 00:17:45.240 --> 00:17:54.400 The laughter not just of their cynical disbelief, but also of their surprised and glad joy at what God had eventually done. 00:17:54.400 --> 00:18:00.400 And in remembering that laughter, Abraham knew. 00:18:00.400 --> 00:18:07.140 You see, he knew from his own experience that God holds the power of life. 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:16.240 Abraham saw God bring new life, a firstborn son, from their all but dead bodies. 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:24.880 Could God not bring life from death once again, even in this instance? 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:28.240 So Abraham reasoned. 00:18:29.539 --> 00:18:30.640 And friends, so should we. 00:18:31.940 --> 00:18:38.880 God has shown himself faithful in our lives over and over again, has he not? 00:18:38.880 --> 00:19:08.860 God has shown us. 00:19:09.620 --> 00:19:14.200 Abraham reasoned from God's word of promise. 00:19:16.600 --> 00:19:22.220 Twice in these verses, mention is made of the promises that Abraham received. 00:19:22.300 --> 00:19:26.720 In particular, the promise that Isaac would be the one through whom his offspring would be named. 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:34.000 Friends, can't you imagine Abraham in those moments pressing down on this promise? 00:19:34.740 --> 00:19:37.839 Giving his whole mind to it. 00:19:38.039 --> 00:19:43.180 Running it over again and again as he considers what God has commanded him to do. 00:19:43.180 --> 00:19:46.019 Sacrifice your only son. 00:19:46.920 --> 00:19:51.220 And yet, through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 00:19:52.900 --> 00:19:55.820 And do you see him as he pushes hard on the promise? 00:19:55.819 --> 00:19:58.339 Can you see the thoughts beginning to form? 00:19:59.019 --> 00:20:00.419 The light beginning to shine. 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:03.119 The logic beginning to fall into place. 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:06.579 If Isaac will be the bearer of the promise. 00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:08.939 And if God is God. 00:20:10.259 --> 00:20:13.939 Then somehow, God will make sure he lives. 00:20:15.139 --> 00:20:17.379 Even if it means raising him from the dead. 00:20:17.380 --> 00:20:22.540 Friends, in our time of testing. 00:20:22.540 --> 00:20:28.280 We too must press hard on God's promises. 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:33.519 That is how testing deepens faith. 00:20:34.139 --> 00:20:37.480 Like roots of a tree that search for water in a drought. 00:20:37.839 --> 00:20:42.579 In times of testing, our hearts must sink down into the promises of God. 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:47.940 And find there a depth and a source of life that we never knew before. 00:20:49.039 --> 00:20:51.500 And as we press down with our minds. 00:20:51.500 --> 00:20:53.119 As we run them over. 00:20:53.119 --> 00:20:58.459 The spirit will start to make them real to our hearts. 00:20:58.899 --> 00:21:00.219 And our faith will grow. 00:21:02.619 --> 00:21:06.359 What promises might we press hard into. 00:21:07.139 --> 00:21:09.639 In light of some of the tests that we face. 00:21:11.659 --> 00:21:13.659 What about to those facing unemployment? 00:21:15.039 --> 00:21:18.439 Jesus says, you're anxious about what you'll eat. 00:21:18.879 --> 00:21:19.719 And what you'll wear. 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:22.559 Seek first the kingdom. 00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:23.919 And his righteousness. 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:27.619 And all these things will be added unto you. 00:21:31.179 --> 00:21:34.559 To those unable to give generously for fear of losing certain comforts. 00:21:34.599 --> 00:21:36.720 The psalmist in Psalm 16 says of the Lord. 00:21:37.159 --> 00:21:39.019 You make known to me the path of life. 00:21:39.720 --> 00:21:41.000 In your presence. 00:21:41.879 --> 00:21:43.159 There's fullness of joy. 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:46.940 At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 00:21:46.940 --> 00:21:52.460 To those wrestling with forgiveness. 00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:53.580 Jesus promises. 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:56.820 Blessed are the peacemakers. 00:21:58.240 --> 00:22:02.100 Those who seek reconciliation and forgiveness. 00:22:02.100 --> 00:22:03.320 Even at a cost. 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:05.779 Blessed are the peacemakers. 00:22:06.779 --> 00:22:08.880 For they shall be called. 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:12.480 The sons and daughters of God. 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:17.599 And to those who are facing sickness and death. 00:22:17.599 --> 00:22:18.299 Paul writes. 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:21.539 This light and momentary affliction. 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:23.860 Is preparing for us. 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:25.819 An eternal weight of glory. 00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:27.839 Beyond all comparison. 00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:30.960 And Jesus himself says. 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:33.079 I'm the resurrection and life. 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:35.259 Whoever believes in me. 00:22:35.339 --> 00:22:36.220 Though he die. 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:37.539 Yet. 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:37.659 Yet. 00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:39.720 Shall he live. 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:43.460 Again and again. 00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:45.259 God gives us his promises in his word. 00:22:45.339 --> 00:22:46.099 The New Testament friends. 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:47.480 Spills over. 00:22:47.740 --> 00:22:49.319 With promises for those in Christ. 00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:50.940 And when our faith is tested. 00:22:51.139 --> 00:22:52.159 They are the deep soil. 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:53.420 Into which we must push. 00:22:53.659 --> 00:22:54.399 Our roots. 00:22:54.799 --> 00:22:56.319 They're the propositions. 00:22:56.559 --> 00:22:58.539 Upon which we must fix our minds. 00:22:58.680 --> 00:23:00.420 And do our reasoning. 00:23:00.819 --> 00:23:01.599 Like Abraham. 00:23:03.079 --> 00:23:04.920 That is how our faith will be deepened. 00:23:04.920 --> 00:23:05.879 In the midst. 00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:07.059 Of testing. 00:23:07.539 --> 00:23:11.200 But you know. 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:12.399 There's even another reason. 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:13.819 That we have today. 00:23:14.659 --> 00:23:15.859 That Abraham didn't have. 00:23:17.119 --> 00:23:18.639 There's a greater stream. 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:18.960 Friends. 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:19.759 That's been opened. 00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:21.379 For the fueling. 00:23:21.500 --> 00:23:22.700 And deepening of our faith. 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:23.240 That Abraham. 00:23:23.859 --> 00:23:24.619 Didn't enjoy. 00:23:26.059 --> 00:23:26.740 Hebrews tells us. 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:27.319 In the second half. 00:23:27.359 --> 00:23:27.960 Of verse 19. 00:23:28.059 --> 00:23:28.279 That when. 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:29.859 That when God stopped Abraham. 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:31.119 In the midst of the sacrifice. 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:33.039 And when Isaac was untied. 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:34.019 And got down off the altar. 00:23:34.139 --> 00:23:35.159 That figuratively speaking. 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:36.639 God did receive Isaac. 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:37.460 Back from the dead. 00:23:37.539 --> 00:23:39.879 But friends. 00:23:39.899 --> 00:23:40.279 Don't you see. 00:23:40.359 --> 00:23:41.639 That what Abraham saw. 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:42.759 Only figuratively. 00:23:43.859 --> 00:23:45.019 We have. 00:23:45.139 --> 00:23:45.740 In reality. 00:23:47.619 --> 00:23:48.720 Because years later. 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:50.119 Another firstborn son. 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:52.059 Would climb up a hill. 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:53.799 And be stretched out. 00:23:53.879 --> 00:23:54.359 On the wood. 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:56.519 But unlike Isaac. 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:57.099 This time. 00:23:57.180 --> 00:23:57.920 The father's knife. 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:58.839 Would fall. 00:23:58.839 --> 00:24:01.659 And this firstborn son. 00:24:01.659 --> 00:24:02.419 Would die. 00:24:03.919 --> 00:24:05.000 Not for any sins. 00:24:05.059 --> 00:24:05.619 He had committed. 00:24:05.819 --> 00:24:06.559 Not for the sins. 00:24:06.879 --> 00:24:07.720 Of his family. 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:08.720 But as a substitute. 00:24:09.439 --> 00:24:10.480 Bearing the penalty. 00:24:11.059 --> 00:24:11.599 We deserve. 00:24:14.199 --> 00:24:15.319 In Jesus Christ. 00:24:15.519 --> 00:24:16.459 We have. 00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.519 The reality. 00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:18.740 To which Isaac. 00:24:18.939 --> 00:24:19.939 Figuratively speaks. 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:20.399 He. 00:24:21.179 --> 00:24:22.740 Is the one and only son. 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:23.559 The beloved. 00:24:24.459 --> 00:24:25.480 Who was sacrificed. 00:24:25.480 --> 00:24:26.079 For sins. 00:24:26.179 --> 00:24:27.059 Once and for all. 00:24:27.059 --> 00:24:28.859 And he was literally. 00:24:28.859 --> 00:24:29.839 Raised from the dead. 00:24:31.679 --> 00:24:32.399 And friends. 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:33.419 Here is the greatest. 00:24:33.419 --> 00:24:33.960 Reason. 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.559 For our trust. 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:36.339 In God. 00:24:36.379 --> 00:24:37.000 And his promises. 00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:38.279 Here's the greatest. 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:39.299 Reason. 00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.299 Of faith. 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.240 Paul says. 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:44.099 In Romans 8.32. 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:45.259 He who did not. 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:45.839 Spare. 00:24:45.919 --> 00:24:46.919 His own son. 00:24:47.480 --> 00:24:48.559 But gave him up. 00:24:48.659 --> 00:24:49.599 For us all. 00:24:50.859 --> 00:24:51.599 Will he not. 00:24:51.700 --> 00:24:52.019 Also. 00:24:52.139 --> 00:24:52.599 With him. 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:53.940 Graciously. 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:54.579 Give us. 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:55.779 All things. 00:24:57.980 --> 00:24:59.119 If the father. 00:24:59.119 --> 00:24:59.879 Was willing. 00:25:00.220 --> 00:25:01.299 On that mountain. 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:02.519 To give up. 00:25:02.599 --> 00:25:03.199 His son. 00:25:05.199 --> 00:25:05.759 Friends. 00:25:05.879 --> 00:25:06.819 What is he not willing. 00:25:06.939 --> 00:25:07.480 To give you. 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:09.059 That you truly need. 00:25:11.099 --> 00:25:12.059 The father. 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:12.859 Gave his son. 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.259 For you. 00:25:13.699 --> 00:25:14.779 His very joy. 00:25:14.859 --> 00:25:15.480 The source. 00:25:15.619 --> 00:25:16.379 Of the father's. 00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:17.039 Eternal. 00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:18.119 Laughter. 00:25:18.119 --> 00:25:18.279 Laughter. 00:25:20.779 --> 00:25:21.579 Given over. 00:25:21.579 --> 00:25:22.259 So that you. 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:22.740 And I. 00:25:22.740 --> 00:25:23.480 Might come. 00:25:23.939 --> 00:25:24.740 To know him. 00:25:25.159 --> 00:25:26.259 And trust him. 00:25:26.599 --> 00:25:27.619 And treasure him. 00:25:27.699 --> 00:25:28.539 As our joy. 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:30.460 And as our laughter. 00:25:31.079 --> 00:25:31.480 Forever. 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:32.899 Above all else. 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:36.679 And friends. 00:25:36.740 --> 00:25:37.279 That brings us. 00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:38.139 To our last point. 00:25:38.899 --> 00:25:39.740 Why does God. 00:25:39.819 --> 00:25:40.639 Test our faith. 00:25:40.679 --> 00:25:41.139 After all. 00:25:43.199 --> 00:25:43.679 Ultimately. 00:25:43.879 --> 00:25:44.319 Because God. 00:25:44.379 --> 00:25:45.539 Wants us to trust him. 00:25:46.019 --> 00:25:47.000 And love him. 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:47.899 Supremely. 00:25:48.240 --> 00:25:49.099 For our good. 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:50.399 And for his glory. 00:25:50.400 --> 00:25:52.800 It's for our good. 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:54.120 He wants us. 00:25:54.140 --> 00:25:55.400 To see more clearly. 00:25:55.840 --> 00:25:56.480 The light. 00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:57.400 Of his glory. 00:25:57.500 --> 00:25:58.000 In the face. 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:58.900 Of Jesus Christ. 00:25:59.280 --> 00:26:00.720 He wants to clear away. 00:26:01.180 --> 00:26:02.540 Any of our competing. 00:26:03.080 --> 00:26:03.580 Trusts. 00:26:03.600 --> 00:26:04.060 And he wants us. 00:26:04.080 --> 00:26:04.560 To rest. 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:05.180 And trust in him. 00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:05.740 Above all else. 00:26:05.820 --> 00:26:06.840 Because after all. 00:26:08.180 --> 00:26:08.900 Only he. 00:26:09.040 --> 00:26:09.440 Cannot. 00:26:09.519 --> 00:26:10.600 And will not fail us. 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.240 Even in the face. 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:13.860 Of death. 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:15.400 God proves faithful. 00:26:18.280 --> 00:26:19.019 But it's also. 00:26:19.180 --> 00:26:19.740 For his glory. 00:26:20.400 --> 00:26:21.780 Because the one. 00:26:22.100 --> 00:26:23.080 That we trust. 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:24.180 In the hardest. 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:25.060 Times. 00:26:26.060 --> 00:26:26.860 Is the one. 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:27.600 Shown to be most. 00:26:27.680 --> 00:26:28.160 Trustworthy. 00:26:30.100 --> 00:26:30.800 The one. 00:26:30.920 --> 00:26:31.960 That we cling to. 00:26:32.580 --> 00:26:33.460 In the hardest. 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:34.019 Times. 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:35.460 Is the one. 00:26:35.519 --> 00:26:36.180 That our lives. 00:26:36.280 --> 00:26:37.080 Are giving the most. 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:37.560 Praise. 00:26:40.080 --> 00:26:40.860 And that means. 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:41.840 That a tested faith. 00:26:41.840 --> 00:26:42.259 Is a faith. 00:26:42.320 --> 00:26:42.820 That not only. 00:26:42.920 --> 00:26:43.780 Grows deep roots. 00:26:44.940 --> 00:26:46.180 But a tested faith. 00:26:46.180 --> 00:26:46.860 Is a faith. 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:47.759 That leaves. 00:26:47.800 --> 00:26:48.640 A long legacy. 00:26:48.640 --> 00:26:50.600 The last point. 00:26:50.640 --> 00:26:50.960 That Hebrews. 00:26:50.960 --> 00:26:51.600 Wants us to see. 00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:52.360 Is just that. 00:26:52.920 --> 00:26:53.920 The legacy of faith. 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:54.880 Look at verses 20. 00:26:55.100 --> 00:26:55.780 Through 22. 00:26:55.900 --> 00:26:56.540 Of our text. 00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:58.920 Hebrews. 00:26:59.040 --> 00:26:59.740 Brings before us. 00:26:59.820 --> 00:27:00.660 In rapid succession. 00:27:00.880 --> 00:27:01.360 Isaac. 00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:02.300 And Jacob. 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:03.340 And Joseph. 00:27:03.560 --> 00:27:04.660 Abraham's son. 00:27:04.860 --> 00:27:05.700 And grandson. 00:27:05.700 --> 00:27:07.020 And great grandson. 00:27:07.380 --> 00:27:08.300 Three generations. 00:27:08.300 --> 00:27:08.860 Of men. 00:27:09.380 --> 00:27:10.020 Each one. 00:27:10.080 --> 00:27:10.640 Presented here. 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:11.740 As facing death. 00:27:12.100 --> 00:27:12.680 Each one. 00:27:12.740 --> 00:27:13.020 Having. 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:14.100 Frankly. 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:14.559 Faced. 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:15.939 Unfulfilled promises. 00:27:17.119 --> 00:27:17.879 But each. 00:27:18.179 --> 00:27:18.519 Still. 00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:20.219 Blessing their sons. 00:27:20.859 --> 00:27:21.659 And confident. 00:27:21.759 --> 00:27:22.339 Of God's coming. 00:27:22.399 --> 00:27:22.759 Redemption. 00:27:23.939 --> 00:27:24.939 In each of these. 00:27:24.939 --> 00:27:25.259 Men's. 00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:26.319 We see a faith. 00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:27.539 That doesn't fold. 00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:28.439 In the face. 00:27:28.439 --> 00:27:29.019 Of disappointment. 00:27:29.019 --> 00:27:29.519 And death. 00:27:29.839 --> 00:27:30.179 But rather. 00:27:30.279 --> 00:27:31.299 A trust in God. 00:27:31.379 --> 00:27:32.159 So rich. 00:27:32.399 --> 00:27:33.519 That it confidently. 00:27:33.899 --> 00:27:35.259 And worshipfully. 00:27:35.939 --> 00:27:36.459 Blesses. 00:27:36.859 --> 00:27:37.980 The next generation. 00:27:39.419 --> 00:27:39.839 Friends. 00:27:39.879 --> 00:27:40.899 A tested faith. 00:27:41.219 --> 00:27:42.399 A deepened faith. 00:27:42.400 --> 00:27:45.240 Leaves a legacy. 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:45.759 Of faith. 00:27:47.960 --> 00:27:48.880 This isn't to say. 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:49.820 That God guarantees. 00:27:49.820 --> 00:27:50.560 The faith. 00:27:50.600 --> 00:27:51.840 Of our biological children. 00:27:52.660 --> 00:27:54.180 But it does mean. 00:27:54.420 --> 00:27:55.440 That through the testing. 00:27:55.440 --> 00:27:56.200 Of our faith. 00:27:56.340 --> 00:27:57.540 And through the hard one. 00:27:58.180 --> 00:27:58.660 Reasonings. 00:27:58.660 --> 00:27:59.320 Of our faith. 00:27:59.540 --> 00:28:01.380 There will be spiritual children. 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:02.900 Who benefit. 00:28:04.100 --> 00:28:04.440 Friends. 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:05.420 What God is doing. 00:28:05.420 --> 00:28:06.400 In your life. 00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:06.980 Right now. 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:08.240 Is not just for you. 00:28:09.080 --> 00:28:10.580 And it's not just for now. 00:28:10.579 --> 00:28:13.319 But for generations. 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:13.960 Of believers. 00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:16.019 Who will see. 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:17.159 In your faith. 00:28:18.119 --> 00:28:19.259 What Hebrews calls. 00:28:19.339 --> 00:28:20.099 The substance. 00:28:20.299 --> 00:28:21.259 Of things hoped for. 00:28:21.899 --> 00:28:22.779 And the evidence. 00:28:22.899 --> 00:28:23.799 Of things not seen. 00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:25.559 You. 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:27.619 Will make God. 00:28:27.919 --> 00:28:28.799 And his promises. 00:28:29.179 --> 00:28:29.519 Real. 00:28:30.099 --> 00:28:30.619 To them. 00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:34.359 So that when they stand. 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:36.240 At the end of their days. 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:37.960 They. 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:39.099 Will be able. 00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:40.299 To bless others. 00:28:41.120 --> 00:28:42.460 And call God faithful. 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:46.720 Think of the exponential work. 00:28:47.059 --> 00:28:48.440 That God can do. 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:49.279 And does do. 00:28:49.640 --> 00:28:50.680 Through a single believer. 00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:52.259 Whose faith is tested. 00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:53.720 And who constantly. 00:28:53.920 --> 00:28:54.799 Looks to Christ. 00:28:55.059 --> 00:28:56.180 For his or her strengthening. 00:28:56.920 --> 00:28:57.980 Who presses hard. 00:28:57.980 --> 00:28:58.759 Into the promises. 00:28:59.140 --> 00:28:59.620 And finds that. 00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:00.880 All their yes and amen. 00:29:01.019 --> 00:29:01.920 Are fulfilled in Jesus. 00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:02.160 Jesus. 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:06.200 Will not that faith. 00:29:06.340 --> 00:29:07.160 Encourage others. 00:29:07.759 --> 00:29:09.039 Who will then in turn. 00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:09.960 Encourage others. 00:29:10.400 --> 00:29:10.920 And on. 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:11.740 And on. 00:29:11.980 --> 00:29:12.460 And on. 00:29:13.920 --> 00:29:14.259 Friends. 00:29:14.340 --> 00:29:15.300 Only eternity. 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.220 Will reveal. 00:29:16.380 --> 00:29:17.100 The extent. 00:29:17.320 --> 00:29:18.000 To which God. 00:29:18.080 --> 00:29:18.700 By his grace. 00:29:18.800 --> 00:29:19.620 Uses our. 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:20.440 Testing. 00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:22.740 Even in the everyday matter. 00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:23.539 Of job loss. 00:29:23.580 --> 00:29:24.220 And generosity. 00:29:24.519 --> 00:29:25.140 And forgiveness. 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:26.060 And sickness. 00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:27.620 Only eternity. 00:29:27.620 --> 00:29:28.240 Is going to reveal. 00:29:28.320 --> 00:29:28.980 The extent. 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:29.800 To which God. 00:29:29.799 --> 00:29:31.440 Will use that testing. 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:31.980 As a means. 00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:33.099 To advance his kingdom. 00:29:34.480 --> 00:29:35.379 As a means. 00:29:35.480 --> 00:29:36.119 To grow. 00:29:36.940 --> 00:29:38.159 The faith of others. 00:29:40.859 --> 00:29:41.740 So may God. 00:29:41.819 --> 00:29:42.519 Grant us. 00:29:42.680 --> 00:29:43.240 The grace. 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:45.879 To deepen our faith. 00:29:45.940 --> 00:29:46.440 And testing. 00:29:47.819 --> 00:29:49.240 And may our legacy. 00:29:49.940 --> 00:29:50.960 Be one of faith. 00:29:52.159 --> 00:29:52.819 Let's pray. 00:29:52.819 --> 00:29:52.919 Amen. 00:29:52.919 --> 00:29:52.980 Amen. 00:29:52.980 --> 00:29:53.019 Amen. 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:53.039 Amen. 00:29:53.039 --> 00:29:53.059 Amen. 00:29:53.059 --> 00:29:53.099 Amen. 00:29:53.099 --> 00:29:53.139 Amen. 00:29:53.139 --> 00:29:53.159 Amen. 00:29:53.159 --> 00:29:53.200 Amen. 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:53.259 Amen. 00:29:53.259 --> 00:29:53.680 Amen. 00:29:53.680 --> 00:29:53.740 Amen. 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:54.819 Amen. 00:29:54.819 --> 00:29:54.899 Amen. 00:29:59.799 --> 00:30:00.000 Amen. 00:30:03.839 --> 00:30:04.720 Our Father. 00:30:04.839 --> 00:30:05.000 We. 00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:07.779 Are amazed this morning. 00:30:07.980 --> 00:30:09.720 That you would offer up. 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:11.940 Your one and only son. 00:30:13.599 --> 00:30:15.659 You are beloved from all eternity. 00:30:17.220 --> 00:30:18.779 To purchase our redemption. 00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:25.019 Lord what a wonderful sight it is. 00:30:25.099 --> 00:30:26.940 That for us you would do such a thing. 00:30:27.960 --> 00:30:29.399 And God if that is true. 00:30:29.400 --> 00:30:31.920 Can you not be trusted. 00:30:32.640 --> 00:30:33.580 In all things. 00:30:35.180 --> 00:30:36.920 God I pray that by your spirit. 00:30:37.960 --> 00:30:39.400 You would deepen our faith. 00:30:40.640 --> 00:30:41.780 Lord help us to. 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:44.300 Reason with the eyes of faith. 00:30:45.620 --> 00:30:47.700 The things that you have shown us in your word. 00:30:49.700 --> 00:30:52.600 God we pray that we would leave a legacy of faith. 00:30:55.960 --> 00:30:58.060 And that God you would be glorified much. 00:30:58.059 --> 00:31:01.220 And our faithful dependence and trust in you. 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:05.200 We pray all this in Jesus name. 00:31:05.339 --> 00:31:05.579 Amen. 00:31:05.579 --> 00:31:05.720 Amen. 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:11.980 Well as the music team comes up for our last song this morning. 00:31:12.059 --> 00:31:12.940 For our response song. 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:13.899 We are going to sing a song called. 00:31:13.980 --> 00:31:15.579 It is well with my soul. 00:31:15.679 --> 00:31:19.480 Which was a song that was written after actually a tragic loss. 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:23.059 The hymn writer Horatio Spofford actually lost five of his children. 00:31:23.059 --> 00:31:24.440 In the space of three years. 00:31:24.440 --> 00:31:25.640 And then penned this song. 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:28.700 Which is really an expression of great faith. 00:31:28.880 --> 00:31:30.000 In the midst of testing. 00:31:30.100 --> 00:31:32.420 But this song is also a great celebration of the gospel. 00:31:33.380 --> 00:31:34.440 That our true hope. 00:31:34.519 --> 00:31:35.299 That our true trust. 00:31:35.360 --> 00:31:37.200 Is the fact that Christ has forgiven our sins. 00:31:37.440 --> 00:31:38.220 Through the cross. 00:31:38.220 --> 00:31:39.500 Let us. 00:31:39.500 --> 00:31:40.480 Let us do it. 00:31:40.480 --> 00:31:41.220 Let us do it. 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:43.700 Let us do it. 00:31:46.200 --> 00:31:46.600 Thank you. 00:31:46.600 --> 00:31:47.440 Thank you. 00:31:47.440 --> 00:31:47.600 Thank you. 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:50.360 Thank you. 00:31:51.039 --> 00:31:53.460 Thank you. 00:31:53.880 --> 00:31:56.860 Thank you. 00:31:56.860 --> 00:32:00.940 Thank you.