WEBVTT 00:00:00.260 --> 00:00:06.179 Good morning and welcome. It's really great to have you join with us. 00:00:06.679 --> 00:00:14.939 It's great to be able to welcome old friends and new friends to hear God's Word and to worship together. 00:00:16.080 --> 00:00:23.719 Just a reminder for those of us who are regular parts of the church, there's digital tea and coffee at 12. 00:00:23.719 --> 00:00:28.660 You can find the details of who's hosting through the email or on Elvanto. 00:00:29.679 --> 00:00:35.000 Also, let me give you a special invitation to come back this evening at 5.30. 00:00:35.340 --> 00:00:42.439 As we used to do when we met physically, we are having a Buclue family praise evening. 00:00:43.340 --> 00:00:47.379 And that's going to be possible to watch and share together on Zoom. 00:00:48.200 --> 00:00:52.739 So it'll be on YouTube, but we can watch it together and interact together. 00:00:52.740 --> 00:00:55.079 And again, the details of that are on the email. 00:00:55.760 --> 00:01:01.440 So please do, if you can, make an effort to tune in and share that together. 00:01:02.380 --> 00:01:09.060 Our call to worship this morning, it comes from Psalm 57. 00:01:10.640 --> 00:01:12.020 It comes from King David. 00:01:13.020 --> 00:01:16.740 King David, who was running for his life and hiding in a cave. 00:01:16.739 --> 00:01:24.699 I cry out to God most high, to God who vindicates me. 00:01:25.560 --> 00:01:32.239 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me. 00:01:33.239 --> 00:01:38.459 God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. 00:01:38.459 --> 00:01:43.000 Faith cries out in need. 00:01:43.679 --> 00:01:48.659 And we do so in the hope and the knowledge that God hears. 00:01:49.319 --> 00:01:54.479 The God of love and faithfulness hears us when we pray. 00:01:54.799 --> 00:01:58.359 So we meet in his presence together, wherever you are. 00:01:58.359 --> 00:02:03.719 Now, let's hear in God's words. 00:02:04.620 --> 00:02:11.960 Let's hear Matthew chapter 8, verses 5 to 13. 00:02:13.020 --> 00:02:18.479 And we'll think about faith here in the story of a Roman centurion. 00:02:19.479 --> 00:02:22.560 Matthew chapter 8 from verse 5. 00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:29.819 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him asking for help. 00:02:30.920 --> 00:02:37.000 Lord, he said, my servant lies at home paralysed, suffering terribly. 00:02:38.159 --> 00:02:40.920 Jesus said to him, shall I come and heal him? 00:02:41.800 --> 00:02:46.460 The centurion replied, Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 00:02:47.080 --> 00:02:50.060 But just say the word and my servant will be healed. 00:02:50.060 --> 00:02:55.599 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. 00:02:56.140 --> 00:03:01.259 I tell this one, go, and he goes, and that one, come, and he comes. 00:03:01.420 --> 00:03:04.860 I say to my servant, do this, and he does it. 00:03:05.659 --> 00:03:10.879 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, 00:03:11.520 --> 00:03:17.000 truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 00:03:17.000 --> 00:03:21.460 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west 00:03:21.460 --> 00:03:28.520 and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:34.180 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, 00:03:34.680 --> 00:03:38.379 where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 00:03:38.379 --> 00:03:46.479 Then Jesus said to the centurion, go, let it be done just as you believed it would. 00:03:47.079 --> 00:03:50.519 And his servant was healed at that moment. 00:03:51.879 --> 00:03:54.960 So we're continuing to think about what is faith. 00:03:55.579 --> 00:03:59.819 And today, it's seeing faith as recognition. 00:03:59.819 --> 00:04:04.840 And also seeing that faith brings reward. 00:04:06.359 --> 00:04:12.439 Now, I was thinking this week about a visit that we made to a classroom 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:20.480 where 30 primary ones, including our own, were all present and correct. 00:04:20.480 --> 00:04:26.379 And I remember being amazed and, to be honest, in awe of the teacher 00:04:26.379 --> 00:04:32.879 who had this quiet but calm voice of authority 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:40.080 that with certain words and with certain gestures, 00:04:41.080 --> 00:04:45.800 she could calm a rabble. 00:04:45.800 --> 00:04:51.379 And I guess many of us as parents, we wish we had that. 00:04:52.120 --> 00:04:53.620 The voice of authority. 00:04:54.639 --> 00:04:56.920 Words that carry weight. 00:04:58.080 --> 00:04:59.199 Do you know that person? 00:04:59.819 --> 00:05:02.319 You think about sort of different workplace settings. 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:05.040 Think about classrooms that you've been in. 00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:10.400 Perhaps in your family, you know someone with the voice of authority. 00:05:10.399 --> 00:05:17.699 Today, we're reading about a Roman soldier with a significant amount of authority 00:05:17.699 --> 00:05:23.060 working for the most powerful emperor in the world. 00:05:24.259 --> 00:05:27.319 But he is somebody who, with his level of authority, 00:05:27.579 --> 00:05:30.459 recognises a greater authority, 00:05:30.659 --> 00:05:33.539 recognises the absolute authority of Jesus 00:05:33.539 --> 00:05:37.479 and especially the authority of Jesus' words. 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:42.240 Now, we see a man who recognises the authority, 00:05:42.500 --> 00:05:43.840 the glory of Jesus, 00:05:44.439 --> 00:05:45.960 who acts on that 00:05:45.960 --> 00:05:49.920 and who then receives reward for his faith. 00:05:51.280 --> 00:05:53.879 And so as we look at this story briefly, 00:05:53.879 --> 00:05:57.819 we're going to see both the comfort and the challenge 00:05:57.819 --> 00:06:01.759 that we find in the authority of Jesus. 00:06:02.939 --> 00:06:04.939 So let's begin with recognition. 00:06:04.939 --> 00:06:08.959 Faith recognises the authority of Jesus. 00:06:10.019 --> 00:06:11.540 If you tuned in last week, 00:06:11.959 --> 00:06:15.279 you might remember that we were thinking about the faith of a leper. 00:06:16.240 --> 00:06:19.100 Well, now here in this story of the Roman soldier, 00:06:19.100 --> 00:06:24.480 we find another religious and social outsider who has faith. 00:06:25.220 --> 00:06:27.300 He is part of the occupying army. 00:06:27.420 --> 00:06:29.319 To most Israelites, he is the enemy. 00:06:29.319 --> 00:06:32.620 His task was to keep the people down, 00:06:32.759 --> 00:06:34.939 to enforce Roman rule and to keep them in order. 00:06:35.079 --> 00:06:38.319 But he's not your typical centurion. 00:06:40.079 --> 00:06:41.219 You read your history books, 00:06:41.259 --> 00:06:44.219 you find centurions who dealt with oppressed people harshly. 00:06:44.360 --> 00:06:46.319 But this man shows respect. 00:06:47.139 --> 00:06:49.600 He comes to Jesus asking for help and he says, 00:06:50.459 --> 00:06:51.000 Lord. 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:55.519 He also shows his own weakness, 00:06:55.699 --> 00:06:56.459 a powerful man, 00:06:56.540 --> 00:06:58.839 but he comes looking for help. 00:06:59.540 --> 00:07:02.459 And he comes looking for help for a servant who is suffering. 00:07:02.579 --> 00:07:04.180 He cares for someone who is under him, 00:07:04.240 --> 00:07:06.480 who is much lower in status than him. 00:07:07.339 --> 00:07:08.560 He reminds us in this, 00:07:08.639 --> 00:07:12.560 that faith recognises our inability, 00:07:13.160 --> 00:07:16.920 our need and looks to Jesus for help, 00:07:17.060 --> 00:07:19.620 looks to Jesus for salvation. 00:07:19.620 --> 00:07:22.439 So having come for help, 00:07:22.500 --> 00:07:23.879 having explained the situation, 00:07:24.040 --> 00:07:27.879 Jesus then asks a surprising question. 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:28.620 Verse seven, 00:07:29.840 --> 00:07:32.720 shall I come and heal him? 00:07:34.319 --> 00:07:39.019 Reminds me of when a blind man came to Jesus looking for help 00:07:39.019 --> 00:07:39.959 and Jesus said to him, 00:07:40.340 --> 00:07:42.060 what is it that you would have me to do? 00:07:43.480 --> 00:07:47.759 Here is Jesus drawing out the centurion's faith, 00:07:47.759 --> 00:07:53.339 making it absolutely clear that Jesus and Jesus alone must be the object 00:07:53.339 --> 00:07:58.539 and the foundation of any faith that hopes to stand and have strength. 00:08:00.180 --> 00:08:02.680 And having been asked to show his faith, 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:08.000 we are given to see what the Roman soldier recognises about Jesus. 00:08:08.539 --> 00:08:12.199 We see the faith of this soldier. 00:08:12.199 --> 00:08:18.599 So he began talking about how the Roman Empire's structure 00:08:18.599 --> 00:08:23.360 and particularly his understanding of the army and its authority structure. 00:08:23.459 --> 00:08:24.079 So the way it worked, 00:08:24.180 --> 00:08:26.180 the emperor was top dog 00:08:26.180 --> 00:08:30.939 and he would issue commands and orders to the commanders. 00:08:31.139 --> 00:08:33.960 And then those would filter down to the centurions 00:08:33.960 --> 00:08:38.039 who would then pass those on to the everyday soldiers. 00:08:38.039 --> 00:08:41.139 So as the centurion looks at this, 00:08:41.179 --> 00:08:43.579 he understands he's under authority 00:08:43.579 --> 00:08:46.879 and then to those below the centurion, 00:08:47.019 --> 00:08:49.799 he becomes the voice of Rome. 00:08:50.259 --> 00:08:52.419 He becomes the voice of the emperor. 00:08:52.959 --> 00:08:55.759 So he is to be obeyed on the basis, 00:08:56.019 --> 00:08:56.759 not of his own authority, 00:08:56.860 --> 00:08:58.559 but on the authority of the emperor. 00:08:59.319 --> 00:09:01.419 So he applies all this logic to Jesus 00:09:01.419 --> 00:09:02.699 and he understands 00:09:02.700 --> 00:09:05.960 Jesus outranks him. 00:09:06.940 --> 00:09:09.900 Jesus outranks the emperor. 00:09:11.600 --> 00:09:13.379 And as a result of that, 00:09:13.520 --> 00:09:15.140 we find a man who is humble. 00:09:15.940 --> 00:09:17.759 Did you notice in verse eight, 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:18.580 he said, 00:09:18.660 --> 00:09:20.900 I don't deserve to have you come under my roof 00:09:20.900 --> 00:09:26.180 because of Jesus' far superior and ultimate authority. 00:09:26.179 --> 00:09:27.979 But he knows this. 00:09:29.159 --> 00:09:31.319 He knows that Jesus speaks. 00:09:31.439 --> 00:09:32.879 When Jesus speaks, 00:09:33.839 --> 00:09:34.679 God speaks. 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:37.559 Because Jesus has the authority of God. 00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:42.620 And if Jesus speaks into the need of his servant, 00:09:44.379 --> 00:09:45.159 healing will come. 00:09:46.199 --> 00:09:49.399 So he has faith that recognises the authority of Jesus. 00:09:50.139 --> 00:09:50.919 At this point, 00:09:51.639 --> 00:09:54.199 let me ask you the question. 00:09:54.200 --> 00:10:02.440 Have you come to recognise Jesus' authority over your life? 00:10:03.740 --> 00:10:07.800 Consider the next couple of minutes a spiritual eye test 00:10:07.800 --> 00:10:12.180 to check how is your vision. 00:10:13.920 --> 00:10:16.620 First question to ask is this one. 00:10:17.040 --> 00:10:20.960 Do you see that you need Jesus? 00:10:20.960 --> 00:10:25.480 Here, this Roman centurion who is powerful, 00:10:25.759 --> 00:10:27.400 who is no doubt wealthy, 00:10:27.540 --> 00:10:30.080 who has a degree of social status, 00:10:30.180 --> 00:10:31.900 he comes with humility. 00:10:32.120 --> 00:10:33.900 He comes to Jesus as king, 00:10:34.320 --> 00:10:36.280 appealing for help and for mercy. 00:10:38.240 --> 00:10:39.620 For you and me today, 00:10:39.780 --> 00:10:42.019 do we see that we need Jesus? 00:10:42.019 --> 00:10:48.220 Do we recognise that the guilt and sin in our lives, 00:10:48.279 --> 00:10:50.319 do we recognise that without Jesus, 00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:53.480 we stand under God's just judgement, 00:10:53.639 --> 00:10:55.100 that without Jesus, 00:10:55.279 --> 00:10:57.120 we are spiritually dead 00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:58.740 and that we are enemies of God. 00:10:58.819 --> 00:11:01.620 So we need Jesus to forgive us 00:11:01.620 --> 00:11:03.319 and to set us free. 00:11:04.059 --> 00:11:05.899 Do you recognise that you need Jesus 00:11:05.899 --> 00:11:07.819 to change your status, 00:11:07.959 --> 00:11:10.100 to move you from being spiritually dead 00:11:10.100 --> 00:11:13.379 to having spiritual life? 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:15.679 It's a move from being an enemy 00:11:15.679 --> 00:11:17.379 to becoming a child of God. 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:21.019 Do you appreciate that you need Jesus 00:11:21.019 --> 00:11:24.120 if you are to grow in love for God and others, 00:11:24.419 --> 00:11:26.819 if you are to grow in obedience to God 00:11:26.819 --> 00:11:28.879 as we are called to do? 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:30.379 We can't do that on our own strength. 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:31.779 We need Jesus, 00:11:31.960 --> 00:11:34.059 the spirit of Jesus in us 00:11:34.059 --> 00:11:35.340 to help us to grow in that. 00:11:37.279 --> 00:11:39.720 As we become aware of our weakness, 00:11:39.860 --> 00:11:41.860 do we see that we need Jesus 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:43.879 as our source of strength, 00:11:43.960 --> 00:11:47.439 the one person that will never fail, 00:11:48.080 --> 00:11:49.840 leave or disappoint us? 00:11:50.840 --> 00:11:53.039 In our fear and anxiety, 00:11:53.039 --> 00:11:56.200 do we see our need of Jesus 00:11:56.200 --> 00:11:59.080 to bring true and lasting hope 00:11:59.080 --> 00:12:01.240 and peace and deliverance? 00:12:01.660 --> 00:12:02.920 Do you see that you need Jesus? 00:12:04.400 --> 00:12:07.180 Do you see also Jesus' authority 00:12:07.180 --> 00:12:08.740 over your life? 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:12.040 When we read through the pages of the Bible, 00:12:12.160 --> 00:12:14.540 we discover that we are made by God 00:12:14.540 --> 00:12:15.520 in the image of God 00:12:15.520 --> 00:12:16.379 and in the New Testament, 00:12:16.540 --> 00:12:18.120 we discover that Jesus 00:12:18.120 --> 00:12:19.720 is God's agent of creation. 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:20.720 He is the son of God, 00:12:20.720 --> 00:12:22.120 so he is actively involved 00:12:22.120 --> 00:12:25.040 in creating the world and creating us. 00:12:25.039 --> 00:12:28.919 Jesus is our Lord and our King. 00:12:29.019 --> 00:12:31.439 Whether we recognise that or not, 00:12:31.519 --> 00:12:33.559 whether we are glad to hear that or not, 00:12:33.599 --> 00:12:35.399 doesn't change that reality. 00:12:36.299 --> 00:12:40.120 So that we actually have a duty to believe. 00:12:41.439 --> 00:12:44.879 We have a duty to follow Jesus. 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:48.439 When we hear the gospel 00:12:48.439 --> 00:12:51.919 that tells us that we are sinful 00:12:51.919 --> 00:12:53.799 and that we need a saviour 00:12:53.799 --> 00:12:56.259 and Jesus has come to be that saviour 00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:58.439 and through his life and death and resurrection, 00:12:59.000 --> 00:13:01.019 the way to peace with God 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:02.339 has been opened up to us. 00:13:02.399 --> 00:13:04.479 We have a duty to believe, 00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:06.799 to put our faith in Jesus. 00:13:08.399 --> 00:13:09.599 You know, the centurion 00:13:09.599 --> 00:13:12.479 could have stood on the sidelines 00:13:12.479 --> 00:13:12.979 and said, well, 00:13:13.639 --> 00:13:15.099 Jesus, faith in Jesus, 00:13:15.179 --> 00:13:15.839 that's for them, 00:13:15.919 --> 00:13:17.539 that's for the religious folks, 00:13:17.599 --> 00:13:18.419 but it's not for me. 00:13:18.419 --> 00:13:20.459 But he doesn't do that 00:13:20.459 --> 00:13:22.159 and nor should we. 00:13:23.799 --> 00:13:25.019 The centurion could have said, 00:13:25.139 --> 00:13:25.899 well, look at my past. 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:28.000 I've done terrible things as a soldier 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:29.120 and I've hurt people 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:29.779 and I've been cruel, 00:13:30.019 --> 00:13:31.360 but he doesn't do that. 00:13:32.139 --> 00:13:32.779 Knowing his past, 00:13:32.839 --> 00:13:34.519 he still comes to Jesus in faith 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:37.360 and so should we. 00:13:37.779 --> 00:13:38.299 He could have said, 00:13:38.360 --> 00:13:40.219 well, in relative terms, 00:13:40.279 --> 00:13:41.000 I'm a nobody 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:42.360 and Jesus has every right 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:43.899 to just walk on by. 00:13:43.899 --> 00:13:46.699 But he has faith. 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:49.000 When we understand 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:50.919 that God is all powerful 00:13:50.919 --> 00:13:52.039 and all knowing, 00:13:52.740 --> 00:13:53.379 it teaches us 00:13:53.379 --> 00:13:55.679 that there can be no little people, 00:13:55.980 --> 00:13:57.860 that everybody matters, 00:13:58.299 --> 00:14:01.579 that your obedience matters to Jesus. 00:14:02.539 --> 00:14:03.860 So do you see Jesus' authority 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:04.439 over your life? 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:06.779 And one last question 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:07.539 before we move on. 00:14:07.899 --> 00:14:10.720 Do you seek mercy for others 00:14:10.720 --> 00:14:12.939 from Jesus as Lord? 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:15.779 This is interesting, isn't it? 00:14:15.840 --> 00:14:18.279 The centurion doesn't come for himself. 00:14:18.559 --> 00:14:20.659 He comes for his servant. 00:14:20.779 --> 00:14:22.299 He wants mercy for somebody 00:14:22.299 --> 00:14:23.340 he cares about. 00:14:24.259 --> 00:14:28.799 Faith leads us to pray for others. 00:14:29.319 --> 00:14:32.779 As we find mercy from God ourselves, 00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:34.980 we want others to enjoy that. 00:14:35.159 --> 00:14:38.639 As we come to know the love of God in Jesus, 00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:40.919 we want that for others. 00:14:40.919 --> 00:14:43.279 And so we pray and we share. 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:47.600 Knowing that Jesus is strong and kind, 00:14:47.919 --> 00:14:50.220 we ask that he would reveal himself 00:14:50.220 --> 00:14:52.459 in that way to others also. 00:14:52.519 --> 00:14:55.779 And we're going to do that in a few minutes. 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:57.819 We'll pray for others. 00:14:58.919 --> 00:15:00.639 So there's recognition. 00:15:01.439 --> 00:15:04.439 Faith recognises the authority of Jesus. 00:15:04.440 --> 00:15:06.060 But we also find in this passage, 00:15:06.280 --> 00:15:06.940 in this story, 00:15:07.620 --> 00:15:08.200 reward. 00:15:09.820 --> 00:15:13.840 That faith brings rewards from Jesus. 00:15:15.060 --> 00:15:16.120 In verse 10, 00:15:16.180 --> 00:15:18.680 we find another surprising statement, 00:15:18.800 --> 00:15:20.520 this time a statement about Jesus. 00:15:21.400 --> 00:15:23.500 When Jesus heard the centurion's words, 00:15:23.560 --> 00:15:24.440 we're told in verse 10, 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:26.780 he was amazed. 00:15:27.860 --> 00:15:28.620 Here is a reminder 00:15:28.620 --> 00:15:32.600 reminder that Jesus is fully God, 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:35.200 but he's also fully human. 00:15:35.419 --> 00:15:36.980 He became one of us. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:37.379 And as such, 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:38.899 he has a full range of human emotions. 00:15:39.220 --> 00:15:39.980 And as such, 00:15:40.019 --> 00:15:41.220 he is amazed. 00:15:41.320 --> 00:15:41.419 Now, 00:15:41.460 --> 00:15:42.480 why is he amazed? 00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:45.940 He's amazed because I've not found anyone in Israel 00:15:45.940 --> 00:15:47.039 with such great faith, 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:47.419 he says. 00:15:47.419 --> 00:15:49.179 So, 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:50.559 Israel, 00:15:51.079 --> 00:15:54.179 the people who had the Old Testament part of the Bible, 00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:57.339 who had God's promises, 00:15:57.639 --> 00:16:01.399 who God had entered into a covenant relationship with, 00:16:01.559 --> 00:16:04.599 they had the whole story of God's salvation. 00:16:07.079 --> 00:16:09.319 But they didn't have faith like the centurion. 00:16:09.839 --> 00:16:14.519 This outsider had great faith. 00:16:14.519 --> 00:16:18.159 Maybe he didn't know much, 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:21.240 but he saw Jesus, 00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:23.100 and he trusted. 00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:27.960 That's really important for you and me today to understand. 00:16:28.500 --> 00:16:31.419 It's not how much you and I know. 00:16:33.559 --> 00:16:36.779 Christianity is not based on knowledge. 00:16:39.980 --> 00:16:41.079 The key thing is, 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:42.419 what are you doing 00:16:42.419 --> 00:16:44.719 with what you know about Jesus? 00:16:45.679 --> 00:16:46.759 If you know 00:16:46.759 --> 00:16:49.179 that he is God's son, 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:50.799 that he is 00:16:50.799 --> 00:16:52.799 your saviour, 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:54.459 the saviour that you need, 00:16:55.139 --> 00:16:57.919 if you know that he died on the cross to save sinners, 00:16:58.000 --> 00:16:59.659 and you know that you're a sinner, 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:00.299 then 00:17:00.299 --> 00:17:03.120 believe that, 00:17:03.240 --> 00:17:03.860 act on it, 00:17:03.939 --> 00:17:04.500 respond 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:05.480 in 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:06.399 faith. 00:17:06.400 --> 00:17:09.200 So we're thinking about reward. 00:17:09.580 --> 00:17:10.540 One reward 00:17:10.540 --> 00:17:12.000 that we see 00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:13.900 is that Jesus brings 00:17:13.900 --> 00:17:15.060 present help. 00:17:15.120 --> 00:17:16.600 If we go to our last verse, 00:17:16.680 --> 00:17:17.360 verse 13, 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:18.800 Jesus said to the centurion, 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:19.140 go, 00:17:19.640 --> 00:17:20.540 let it be done 00:17:20.540 --> 00:17:21.880 just as you believed it would. 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:23.040 And his servant was healed 00:17:23.040 --> 00:17:23.920 at that moment. 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.620 The centurion has faith, 00:17:26.380 --> 00:17:27.540 and his servant is healed 00:17:27.540 --> 00:17:28.160 instantly 00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:29.019 with 00:17:29.019 --> 00:17:30.100 a word. 00:17:30.099 --> 00:17:32.819 Jesus brings 00:17:32.819 --> 00:17:34.279 the authority 00:17:34.279 --> 00:17:35.279 of God 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:36.419 in his words. 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:36.859 This is 00:17:36.859 --> 00:17:38.159 the same Jesus 00:17:38.159 --> 00:17:38.980 who spoke 00:17:38.980 --> 00:17:40.039 and stilled 00:17:40.039 --> 00:17:40.699 a storm. 00:17:41.019 --> 00:17:41.740 This is Jesus 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:42.480 who spoke 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.879 and caused evil spirits 00:17:43.879 --> 00:17:44.379 to depart. 00:17:44.599 --> 00:17:44.879 This is 00:17:44.879 --> 00:17:45.819 the same Jesus 00:17:45.819 --> 00:17:46.559 who spoke 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:47.740 and raised 00:17:47.740 --> 00:17:48.480 the dead. 00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:49.199 His words 00:17:49.199 --> 00:17:50.119 have authority, 00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:50.819 so he brings 00:17:50.819 --> 00:17:51.459 the authority 00:17:51.459 --> 00:17:51.799 of God 00:17:51.799 --> 00:17:52.480 and he brings 00:17:52.480 --> 00:17:53.299 the love 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:54.139 of God 00:17:54.139 --> 00:17:55.419 to bear 00:17:55.419 --> 00:17:57.019 in this situation, 00:17:57.559 --> 00:17:58.659 in this crisis. 00:17:58.660 --> 00:18:00.620 and isn't this 00:18:00.620 --> 00:18:02.400 our greatest need 00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:03.040 today 00:18:03.040 --> 00:18:04.640 and every day 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:06.360 in every situation 00:18:06.360 --> 00:18:06.960 to have 00:18:06.960 --> 00:18:08.519 God's authority 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:09.140 and love 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:10.920 come to bear 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:12.620 on our lives 00:18:12.620 --> 00:18:13.320 and so we 00:18:13.320 --> 00:18:14.220 pray 00:18:14.220 --> 00:18:15.420 for ourselves 00:18:15.420 --> 00:18:16.420 and for others. 00:18:17.220 --> 00:18:18.140 So one reward 00:18:18.140 --> 00:18:20.160 is that we enjoy 00:18:20.160 --> 00:18:21.120 the help 00:18:21.120 --> 00:18:22.259 of God 00:18:22.259 --> 00:18:23.220 in the present, 00:18:23.880 --> 00:18:24.920 just like the centurion. 00:18:25.420 --> 00:18:26.960 But another reward 00:18:26.960 --> 00:18:28.960 is that Jesus 00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:29.819 here promises 00:18:29.819 --> 00:18:31.460 future reward 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.700 to those 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:34.279 with faith. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:37.100 There's a popular 00:18:37.100 --> 00:18:38.779 interview question 00:18:38.779 --> 00:18:39.660 maybe when 00:18:39.660 --> 00:18:40.799 a newspaper 00:18:40.799 --> 00:18:41.620 or a magazine 00:18:41.620 --> 00:18:42.279 is interviewing 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:43.100 a celebrity 00:18:43.100 --> 00:18:43.759 to get to know 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:44.319 a little bit more 00:18:44.319 --> 00:18:44.840 about them. 00:18:45.340 --> 00:18:46.019 Sometimes even 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:47.299 in job interviews 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:49.460 the question is asked 00:18:49.460 --> 00:18:50.819 if you can invite 00:18:50.819 --> 00:18:52.200 three people 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:53.120 to a dinner party 00:18:53.120 --> 00:18:54.240 either dead 00:18:54.240 --> 00:18:54.860 or alive 00:18:54.860 --> 00:18:55.759 who would you 00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:56.100 choose 00:18:56.099 --> 00:18:56.599 and why? 00:18:58.240 --> 00:18:58.799 Psychologists 00:18:58.799 --> 00:18:59.679 love that kind of story 00:18:59.679 --> 00:19:00.339 that he's going 00:19:00.339 --> 00:19:00.899 revealing. 00:19:01.459 --> 00:19:02.119 Who would we 00:19:02.119 --> 00:19:02.559 choose 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:04.019 to share 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:04.959 a meal with? 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:07.059 For a religious 00:19:07.059 --> 00:19:07.480 Jew 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:08.219 in Jesus' 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:08.740 day 00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:09.359 in a sense 00:19:09.359 --> 00:19:10.639 that was an 00:19:10.639 --> 00:19:11.519 easy question 00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:12.219 to answer. 00:19:14.179 --> 00:19:14.799 Who would they 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:15.079 choose? 00:19:15.639 --> 00:19:16.099 Abraham, 00:19:16.419 --> 00:19:17.000 Isaac and 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.299 Jacob. 00:19:18.299 --> 00:19:19.119 Why choose 00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:19.439 them? 00:19:19.939 --> 00:19:20.799 Because if you're 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:21.519 eating a meal 00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:22.039 with Abraham, 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:22.819 Isaac and 00:19:22.819 --> 00:19:23.119 Jacob 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:23.679 it's a sign 00:19:23.679 --> 00:19:24.119 that you are 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:24.779 enjoying the 00:19:24.779 --> 00:19:25.519 promised feast 00:19:25.519 --> 00:19:26.019 in the kingdom 00:19:26.019 --> 00:19:26.599 of God. 00:19:28.779 --> 00:19:29.779 It is the sign 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:30.220 that you have 00:19:30.220 --> 00:19:31.379 entered into 00:19:31.379 --> 00:19:32.480 glory. 00:19:33.099 --> 00:19:33.819 That you are 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:34.660 enjoying life 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:35.619 in the presence 00:19:35.619 --> 00:19:36.039 of God 00:19:36.039 --> 00:19:36.639 enjoying all 00:19:36.639 --> 00:19:37.279 the blessing 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:38.339 that he had 00:19:38.339 --> 00:19:39.180 always promised 00:19:39.180 --> 00:19:40.139 to his 00:19:40.139 --> 00:19:41.160 people. 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:44.059 Now Jesus 00:19:44.059 --> 00:19:45.259 is going to 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:46.779 take this 00:19:46.779 --> 00:19:47.099 and he's going 00:19:47.099 --> 00:19:47.639 to provide 00:19:47.639 --> 00:19:49.039 amazing comfort 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:49.700 thinking about 00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:50.279 the feast 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:50.700 of God 00:19:50.700 --> 00:19:51.279 but he's also 00:19:51.279 --> 00:19:51.900 going to provide 00:19:51.900 --> 00:19:53.180 a shocking 00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:54.240 challenge. 00:19:54.900 --> 00:19:55.320 He's going 00:19:55.320 --> 00:19:55.700 to say to 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:56.180 all his 00:19:56.180 --> 00:19:56.759 hearers 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:58.360 that there 00:19:58.360 --> 00:19:58.880 are important 00:19:58.880 --> 00:19:59.420 lessons to 00:19:59.420 --> 00:19:59.900 learn about 00:19:59.900 --> 00:20:00.480 faith and 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:00.920 about the 00:20:00.920 --> 00:20:01.740 authority of 00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:02.080 Jesus. 00:20:03.660 --> 00:20:04.420 In verse 00:20:04.420 --> 00:20:04.980 11 00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:06.759 Jesus says 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:07.220 with his 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:07.900 authority I 00:20:07.900 --> 00:20:08.519 say to you 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:08.960 that many 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:09.400 will come 00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:09.720 from the 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:10.160 east and 00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:10.620 west and 00:20:10.620 --> 00:20:11.019 will take 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:11.700 their places 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:12.940 at the feast 00:20:12.940 --> 00:20:13.440 with Abraham, 00:20:13.640 --> 00:20:14.040 Isaac and 00:20:14.040 --> 00:20:14.600 Jacob in the 00:20:14.600 --> 00:20:15.080 kingdom of 00:20:15.080 --> 00:20:15.360 heaven. 00:20:16.500 --> 00:20:17.060 There's a 00:20:17.060 --> 00:20:17.640 surprising 00:20:17.640 --> 00:20:18.320 guest list. 00:20:18.400 --> 00:20:18.800 People from 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:19.279 all the 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:20.539 corners of 00:20:20.539 --> 00:20:21.079 the globe 00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:21.399 will be 00:20:21.399 --> 00:20:21.940 part of 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:22.319 God's 00:20:22.319 --> 00:20:22.700 kingdom. 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:23.579 God's 00:20:23.579 --> 00:20:24.500 grace opens 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:25.559 up the 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:26.200 invitation, 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.659 removes the 00:20:27.659 --> 00:20:29.000 barriers that 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:30.379 had previously 00:20:30.379 --> 00:20:31.980 been there 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:34.599 by making 00:20:34.599 --> 00:20:35.480 clear that 00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:36.359 the only 00:20:36.359 --> 00:20:37.599 qualification 00:20:37.599 --> 00:20:40.079 is faith 00:20:40.079 --> 00:20:40.899 in Jesus. 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:42.359 The centurion 00:20:42.359 --> 00:20:43.059 stands as 00:20:43.059 --> 00:20:43.859 proof for us 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:45.139 that all we 00:20:45.139 --> 00:20:46.759 need is 00:20:46.759 --> 00:20:47.759 faith in 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:48.159 Jesus. 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:49.799 faith in 00:20:49.799 --> 00:20:50.940 God's 00:20:50.940 --> 00:20:51.299 kingdom. 00:20:52.579 --> 00:20:53.419 So whoever 00:20:53.419 --> 00:20:54.139 you are 00:20:54.139 --> 00:20:55.379 today, one 00:20:55.379 --> 00:20:55.519 of the 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:55.740 wonderful 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:56.299 things about 00:20:56.299 --> 00:20:57.519 technology is 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:58.039 that it 00:20:58.039 --> 00:20:59.339 connects us 00:20:59.339 --> 00:20:59.919 in different 00:20:59.919 --> 00:21:00.579 places and 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:01.180 with different 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:01.960 stories and 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:02.419 with different 00:21:02.419 --> 00:21:02.839 backgrounds. 00:21:03.139 --> 00:21:03.759 Whoever you 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:04.220 are today, 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:04.919 wherever you 00:21:04.919 --> 00:21:05.460 are, whatever 00:21:05.460 --> 00:21:06.220 your story, 00:21:07.899 --> 00:21:08.339 there is a 00:21:08.339 --> 00:21:10.000 promise that 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:10.539 if you 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:11.819 believe on 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:12.440 the Lord 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:14.099 Jesus, you 00:21:14.099 --> 00:21:15.680 will be 00:21:15.680 --> 00:21:16.019 saved. 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:17.319 No 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:18.599 qualifications on 00:21:18.599 --> 00:21:18.879 that. 00:21:19.879 --> 00:21:20.859 Believe in 00:21:20.859 --> 00:21:21.439 who Jesus 00:21:21.439 --> 00:21:21.959 is and 00:21:21.959 --> 00:21:22.339 what he 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:22.899 has done 00:21:22.899 --> 00:21:24.399 and you 00:21:24.399 --> 00:21:25.179 will find 00:21:25.179 --> 00:21:25.699 forgiveness. 00:21:26.959 --> 00:21:27.639 You will 00:21:27.639 --> 00:21:28.419 receive new 00:21:28.419 --> 00:21:29.039 life from 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:29.480 God and 00:21:29.480 --> 00:21:30.279 with God. 00:21:31.219 --> 00:21:32.039 You will 00:21:32.039 --> 00:21:32.399 have the 00:21:32.399 --> 00:21:33.039 promise of 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:33.939 entry into 00:21:33.939 --> 00:21:34.659 the world 00:21:34.659 --> 00:21:35.459 we all 00:21:35.459 --> 00:21:37.179 want, a 00:21:37.179 --> 00:21:38.399 glorious world 00:21:38.399 --> 00:21:39.559 without sickness 00:21:39.559 --> 00:21:40.539 and pain and 00:21:40.539 --> 00:21:41.219 disease and 00:21:41.219 --> 00:21:41.919 suffering and 00:21:41.919 --> 00:21:42.899 death, a 00:21:42.899 --> 00:21:43.759 place of love 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:44.419 and joy and 00:21:44.419 --> 00:21:44.879 peace that 00:21:44.879 --> 00:21:45.659 lasts forever. 00:21:45.660 --> 00:21:45.740 forever. 00:21:46.140 --> 00:21:46.620 You will 00:21:46.620 --> 00:21:47.300 find entry 00:21:47.300 --> 00:21:47.740 into the 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.240 life that 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:48.600 you were 00:21:48.600 --> 00:21:49.320 made for 00:21:49.320 --> 00:21:50.580 and all 00:21:50.580 --> 00:21:50.920 you need 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:51.400 to do 00:21:51.400 --> 00:21:52.880 is believe. 00:21:54.240 --> 00:21:56.060 But just 00:21:56.060 --> 00:21:56.500 as there is 00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:57.360 that wonderful 00:21:57.360 --> 00:21:58.320 comfort that's 00:21:58.320 --> 00:21:59.100 open to us 00:21:59.100 --> 00:22:01.019 today, there 00:22:01.019 --> 00:22:01.860 is also a 00:22:01.860 --> 00:22:02.680 challenge in 00:22:02.680 --> 00:22:03.660 Jesus' words. 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:05.400 Addressed 00:22:05.400 --> 00:22:06.080 particularly to 00:22:06.080 --> 00:22:06.960 the self-reliant 00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:07.200 and the 00:22:07.200 --> 00:22:07.560 religious, 00:22:07.779 --> 00:22:08.460 Jesus said, 00:22:08.560 --> 00:22:09.200 the subjects 00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:10.060 of the kingdom 00:22:10.060 --> 00:22:10.860 will be thrown 00:22:10.860 --> 00:22:11.820 outside into 00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:12.500 the darkness 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:12.640 darkness, 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:13.880 where there 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:14.160 will be 00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:14.700 weeping and 00:22:14.700 --> 00:22:15.259 gnashing of 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:15.579 teeth. 00:22:18.079 --> 00:22:18.660 They will 00:22:18.660 --> 00:22:19.319 find themselves 00:22:19.319 --> 00:22:19.799 not on the 00:22:19.799 --> 00:22:21.000 inside, but 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:21.579 thrown out of 00:22:21.579 --> 00:22:22.200 the feast and 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:23.500 on the outside 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:24.579 eternally. 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:26.220 Theirs will 00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:27.579 be loneliness 00:22:27.579 --> 00:22:29.299 and not 00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:30.059 fellowship with 00:22:30.059 --> 00:22:30.559 God and his 00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:30.880 people. 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:32.700 Their experience 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:33.400 will be darkness 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:34.599 and not light. 00:22:35.660 --> 00:22:36.140 It will be 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:37.460 untold horror 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:38.680 and not 00:22:38.680 --> 00:22:39.940 wonderful joy. 00:22:39.940 --> 00:22:41.980 It will be 00:22:41.980 --> 00:22:42.559 judgment 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:44.360 and not 00:22:44.360 --> 00:22:44.920 reward. 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:48.120 This is the 00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:48.740 king's 00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:49.559 loving 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:50.440 warning. 00:22:52.320 --> 00:22:52.759 Your 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:53.700 future 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:56.080 depends on 00:22:56.080 --> 00:22:57.080 your response 00:22:57.080 --> 00:22:58.880 to Jesus, 00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.700 who is your 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:00.080 king. 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.059 Respond with 00:23:02.059 --> 00:23:04.440 faith and 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:04.840 you can look 00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:05.400 forward to that 00:23:05.400 --> 00:23:06.220 wonderful feast. 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:08.539 But respond 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:09.519 with unbelief. 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:12.080 and face the 00:23:12.080 --> 00:23:12.880 certain prospect 00:23:12.880 --> 00:23:13.480 of eternal 00:23:13.480 --> 00:23:14.000 judgment. 00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:17.259 You and I 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:18.660 want happiness. 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:20.080 Blaise Pascal 00:23:20.080 --> 00:23:21.000 said that we 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:21.700 are motivated 00:23:21.700 --> 00:23:22.640 in everything 00:23:22.640 --> 00:23:24.240 by a desire 00:23:24.240 --> 00:23:24.779 for pleasure 00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:25.460 and happiness. 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.420 And even in 00:23:27.420 --> 00:23:28.340 the midst of 00:23:28.340 --> 00:23:29.960 COVID-19 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:30.279 and the 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:30.660 lockdown, 00:23:30.860 --> 00:23:31.820 we see that. 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:32.740 For some, 00:23:33.820 --> 00:23:34.259 there has been 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:35.039 a return to 00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:36.059 simple pleasures. 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:37.940 So this week, 00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:38.980 beginning of the 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.279 week when it 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:39.819 was nice and 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:40.819 sunny, 00:23:41.359 --> 00:23:42.099 we took a walk 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:42.420 through the 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:42.799 weeds as we 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:43.180 happened to 00:23:43.180 --> 00:23:43.720 do and we 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:44.039 gave the 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:44.639 boys a chance 00:23:44.639 --> 00:23:45.539 to paddle in 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:45.859 the stream. 00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:46.539 And as we 00:23:46.539 --> 00:23:47.319 carried on 00:23:47.319 --> 00:23:49.180 on our way, 00:23:49.700 --> 00:23:50.519 we saw family 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:51.039 after family 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:51.660 doing exactly 00:23:51.660 --> 00:23:52.220 the same thing. 00:23:52.259 --> 00:23:52.680 So we're 00:23:52.680 --> 00:23:53.200 returning to 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:53.920 simple pleasures. 00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:56.299 Others are 00:23:56.299 --> 00:23:57.339 finding creative 00:23:57.339 --> 00:23:58.099 new hobbies, 00:23:58.279 --> 00:23:59.359 finding pleasure 00:23:59.359 --> 00:24:00.079 and skill in 00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:01.819 learning new 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:02.940 musical instruments 00:24:02.940 --> 00:24:03.579 or taking up 00:24:03.579 --> 00:24:04.599 art or crafts 00:24:04.599 --> 00:24:05.259 or something 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:05.859 like that. 00:24:06.699 --> 00:24:07.299 But then 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:07.619 there are 00:24:07.619 --> 00:24:09.519 others who 00:24:09.519 --> 00:24:10.019 are feeling 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:11.219 robbed of 00:24:11.219 --> 00:24:11.759 pleasure, 00:24:12.659 --> 00:24:13.419 who are 00:24:13.419 --> 00:24:15.179 feeling grief 00:24:15.179 --> 00:24:16.879 and sadness 00:24:16.879 --> 00:24:18.240 and loss. 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:21.559 for all of 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:23.559 us, there 00:24:23.559 --> 00:24:23.880 is one 00:24:23.880 --> 00:24:24.599 question of 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:26.480 huge importance 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.680 and it's 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:28.819 this, how 00:24:28.819 --> 00:24:29.700 can you and 00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:30.960 I, made 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:31.620 for happiness, 00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:33.700 be truly 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:34.539 happy? 00:24:35.620 --> 00:24:36.380 How can we 00:24:36.380 --> 00:24:37.299 find a joy 00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:38.500 that will last 00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:39.220 and that will 00:24:39.220 --> 00:24:39.940 not fail? 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:42.400 And this 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:43.160 is found 00:24:43.160 --> 00:24:44.140 in Jesus. 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:45.840 Jesus 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:47.120 promises 00:24:47.120 --> 00:24:48.640 and he has 00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:49.279 the authority 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.320 to promise 00:24:50.320 --> 00:24:51.600 eternal 00:24:51.600 --> 00:24:52.519 happiness. 00:24:53.660 --> 00:24:54.640 If you 00:24:54.640 --> 00:24:55.279 will see 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:56.320 his glory 00:24:56.320 --> 00:24:57.180 today, 00:24:58.140 --> 00:24:58.759 glory as 00:24:58.759 --> 00:24:59.600 God's son 00:24:59.600 --> 00:25:00.440 and as 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:01.340 God's promised 00:25:01.340 --> 00:25:02.000 saviour, 00:25:02.600 --> 00:25:03.460 if you will 00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:04.240 listen to 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:05.559 his invitation 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:07.200 to come 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:07.600 to him, 00:25:07.660 --> 00:25:07.980 if you're 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:08.519 weary, 00:25:08.880 --> 00:25:09.320 if you're 00:25:09.319 --> 00:25:10.119 burdened, 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:10.899 come to 00:25:10.899 --> 00:25:11.299 him for 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:11.819 forgiveness 00:25:11.819 --> 00:25:12.319 and new 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:12.579 life, 00:25:12.859 --> 00:25:13.399 if you 00:25:13.399 --> 00:25:13.679 will put 00:25:13.679 --> 00:25:14.299 your trust 00:25:14.299 --> 00:25:14.859 in him 00:25:14.859 --> 00:25:15.799 as Lord, 00:25:16.919 --> 00:25:17.759 then you 00:25:17.759 --> 00:25:19.240 can know 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:20.200 a happiness 00:25:20.200 --> 00:25:21.919 that lasts 00:25:21.919 --> 00:25:22.720 forever. 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:24.639 Faith 00:25:24.639 --> 00:25:26.579 recognises 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:27.439 the authority 00:25:27.439 --> 00:25:28.099 of Jesus 00:25:28.099 --> 00:25:30.379 and faith 00:25:30.379 --> 00:25:31.779 is rewarded 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:32.399 with knowing 00:25:32.399 --> 00:25:33.119 he is there 00:25:33.119 --> 00:25:33.759 to help 00:25:33.759 --> 00:25:34.460 you now 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:35.879 and he 00:25:35.879 --> 00:25:36.359 promises 00:25:36.359 --> 00:25:37.500 this wonderful 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:38.679 eternal 00:25:38.680 --> 00:25:39.880 future.