WEBVTT

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 God, thank you for how you have so faithfully spoken

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 to your people throughout the centuries of time.

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 We pray with great expectation

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 that you would speak to us again this morning.

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 But God, for that to happen,

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 we need you to breathe upon us,

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 to breathe upon me that I would speak the words

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 that you would have me speak faithful to your word,

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 and that you would also prepare our hearts,

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 prepare ears, prepare us

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 to be able to be that good soil to receive your word,

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 and not just receive it, but live according to it.

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 In Jesus' name, amen.

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 Please be seated.

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 I can still see the sign vividly in front of me

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 saying, beware of alligators.

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 It was a warning sign.

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 My brother, myself, and some of our buddies

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 were down at a pro-life training conference thing in Florida.

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 It was at a retreat center,

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 and as any retreat center in Florida

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 that has a body of water is part of it,

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 there was a warning sign saying, beware of alligators.

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 But we took that warning sign as an invitation,

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 because my brother had brought a knife with him.

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 He's kind of like, he carves and does that kind of stuff.

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 So he had this really big knife,

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 and so he, with some really strong tape,

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 attached it to a big pole,

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 and we took the pole, took the canoe.

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 Somehow our path took us by all the ladies,

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 and we made public the fact

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 that we were going to go alligator hunting.

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 I know you would have done the same,

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 and we got into the water,

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 and we just canoe out, all happy,

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 ready to get in the canoe.

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 Yeah, yeah, no, definitely in a canoe.

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 And we just paddled out, all happy

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 that we're going to get dinner for everybody,

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 because alligator meat, that stuff is fresh,

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 especially when it's fresh.

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 And so all of a sudden we see an alligator.

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 Now I've read about alligators,

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 I've seen them on TV, on YouTube,

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 but this, it was right there.

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 I was the one, not with the paddle,

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 but with the pole and the knife at the end of it,

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 and it was close enough

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 that I could have jabbed that thing with my spear.

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 Only when we looked into the eyes of that alligator,

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 that big knife I was holding in my hand

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 became very, very small.

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 And I remember I stand up,

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 and you can hear the heavy breathing

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 of everyone in the canoe,

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 like, oh my goodness, oh my goodness,

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 I'm holding the thing.

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 I'm like, guys, should I do it?

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 Should I stab it?

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 And I'm realizing, there's no hope,

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 my knife against this alligator.

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 Like, it was a puny, small knife.

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 And all of a sudden the alligator,

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 like, it was looking at us,

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 and just, pfft, under the water.

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 And the guy just started canoeing as fast as they could,

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 and people started praying.

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 I don't think there were,

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 some of them were cessationists,

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 they're praying in tongues.

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 It was intense.

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 It was next level.

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 And so we get back to the shore,

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 and yeah, I can see it so vividly,

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 because it wasn't that long ago, regrettably.

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 It was just last year.

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 I'd like to think I was more mature than that,

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 but I'm not.

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 We've heard about alligators,

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 but once we saw it,

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 we realized an axiom I hope you all have already taken to heart.

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 Never underestimate an alligator, right?

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 Now, perhaps a better analogy from trying to get at,

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 if you've read The Chronicles of Narnia,

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 and if you haven't,

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 that's your homework today,

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 this afternoon to get it done.

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 But in the final one,

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 the last battle,

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 these people believe,

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 don't believe in this pagan religion.

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 And at the center of this pagan religion

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 is the enemy, Tash.

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 She represents Satan.

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 And so one of the main dark characters

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 calls upon Tash to come.

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 He doesn't believe Tash is actually a thing.

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 I don't know if it's pronounced Tosh or whatever,

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 but Tash Tosh, potato potato.

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 They call upon this thing they don't believe in,

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 and this evil, wicked, Satan character shows up.

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 They've underestimated him,

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 and he's actually this wicked, ferocious,

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 human-consuming thing,

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 and causes destruction.

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 And they realize,

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 never underestimate the enemy.

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 I share these uncomfortable analogies with you,

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 and they become uncomfortable

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 as you realize who I'm talking about.

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 I'm not talking about Tash.

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 I'm not talking about the serpent,

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 the enemy of our souls,

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 nor am I talking about alligators and wildlife

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 that you might see in National Geographic.

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 I'm actually talking,

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 trying to make an analogy for God.

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 For God,

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 the God that we've invited into our hearts,

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 the God that we sing our songs to

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 as we turn to Amos

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 and read God's description of God's self.

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 We encounter a God so much more fierce

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 and so different than the God that we expect.

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 He's so much more real,

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 and he's so much more terrifying than we'd expect.

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 I saw the Lord standing beside the altar,

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 and he said,

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 this is God's words,

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 strike the capitals until the threshold shake,

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 and shatter them on the heads of all the people,

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 and those who are left of them

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 I will kill with the sword.

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 Not one of them shall flee away.

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 Not one of them shall escape.

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 If they dig into Sheol,

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 from there shall my hand take them.

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 If they climb up to heaven,

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 from there I will bring them down.

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 If they hide themselves on the top of Carmel,

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 from there I will search them out and take them.

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 And if they hide from my sight at the bottom of the sea,

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 their eye will command the serpent,

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 and it shall bite them.

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 And if they go into captivity before their enemies,

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 their eye will command the sword,

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 and it shall kill them.

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 And I will fix my eyes upon them for evil and not for good.

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 Who is this God?

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 Who is this God that we've invited into our hearts,

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 of whom we are the temple of his Holy Spirit?

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 Who is this God that we love and sing our songs to,

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 and teach little kids about in Sunday school,

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 you hear just beyond those doors.

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 Who is this God that Amos sees,

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 that we love and follow?

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 He's so much more fierce in these words,

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 at least than I expect,

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 and perhaps you.

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 We've spent the past ten weeks,

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 our entire summer,

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 in the book of Amos.

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 And one of the things we've seen again,

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 and again,

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 and again,

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 is God rebuking his people,

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 uncalling them from,

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 their false religion that they had made.

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 The religion had been made by their king,

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 King Jeroboam.

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 He's the one that brought this split between

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 the one country of Israel.

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 About 150,

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 60 years before Amos is reading these words,

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 Jeroboam in 1 Kings 12 had led a revolt,

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 and him with ten of the twelve tribes of Israel

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 had kind of cut the land in half,

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 and they took the northern kingdom called Israel,

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 and then the Davidic kings,

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 the sons of David,

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 had Judah,

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 which was Jerusalem,

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 and the southern half of Israel.

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 And when he did that,

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 he created this false religion,

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 and this is what God is speaking into.

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 The false religion had so much of the real religion,

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 the real stuff of Yahweh,

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 but there was a few things that were not okay.

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 And one of them we talked about before,

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 is that they had copied the practice of the Canaanites.

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 The Canaanite religion was all about the sacrifices you do,

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 the liturgy you'd read,

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 this stuff,

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 but it wasn't about how you live.

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 And so in their practices,

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 they had very specific ways that you're supposed to pour out your wine libation before the gods,

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 and ways that you're supposed to offer your child a sacrifice to Baal,

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 and these types of things.

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 It was very specific about the sacrifices you would make,

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 your religious spiritual duty.

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 But it didn't speak into your employee-employer relationships.

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 It didn't talk about how you're supposed to treat your children,

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 or your wife,

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 or your husband.

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 It didn't speak and define how healthy sexuality is supposed to be.

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 It didn't touch the stuff of everyday life.

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 It was just a religion of the stuff that we do.

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 And you see that,

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 if you've been here these other weeks,

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 or you just read through Amos yourself,

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 you can see that God again and again is saying,

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 stop it with your sacrifices.

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 Stop seeking me at Bethel,

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 and Gilgal,

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 and Beersheba.

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 Stop doing all this religious stuff.

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 I want your life.

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 I want you.

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 I want you.

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 Not just your words.

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 Not just your songs.

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 Not just your liturgy.

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 Not just your spiritual stuff.

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 In a sense,

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 if he was speaking to us,

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 he'd say,

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 I don't just want your Sunday mornings.

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 I don't just want your Wednesday small group,

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 or your church on Wednesday.

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 I want you.

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 I want your life.

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 The scriptures are filled with God revealing the way of life,

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 his way,

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 his way of love,

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 the way that we're supposed to treat our employees and employers,

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 the way that we're supposed to,

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 like the descriptions of even when you build homes,

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 how to do it in such a way that there's safety standards

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 to protect the innocent,

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 a call for us to care for the poor and the downtrodden.

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 The way of God,

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 the true religion,

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 speaks to all of life.

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 And yet the people of God had begun to follow the Canaanite way,

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 although they weren't doing necessarily all the practice of the Canaanites.

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 They actually were doing many of the things that the scriptures called them to

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 regarding their sacrifices,

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 but that's where it stopped.

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 They had made a religion that they could contain just regarding their sacrifices.

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 And that can be so many of us today,

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 that our being a Christian means that we go to church.

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 It might mean that we tithe.

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 It might mean that we do these spiritual things,

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 but we're not actually letting it shape and define our life.

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 The religion that Jeroboam had made for his people,

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 that reflected so much of the true religion,

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 it had this,

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 it was this religion of convenience.

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 You see,

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 Jeroboam was concerned that his people would go to the temple

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 where they were supposed to offer sacrifice to God.

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 And he was concerned that if they'd go to the temple,

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 which was in Judah,

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 the other kingdom,

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 that their allegiance to him would begin to erode.

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 So to protect his own kingship,

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 to protect his own country,

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 he created this counterfeit religion,

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 a religion that was still trying to worship the real Yahweh,

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 and yet he had made this stuff that was more convenient for them.

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 So instead of going down to the temple,

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 he made,

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 they had their own altars.

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 And part of that,

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 when that all began,

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 was he started this feast of,

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 it was like the feast of Booth,

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 Sukkot.

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 It's one of the biblical feasts God commands people to keep.

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 In 1 Kings 12,

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 as he launches his own kingdom,

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 he creates a feast that kind of mirrors that.

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 So much of the practice that God had said,

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 and in Jeroboam's religion,

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 rather than the Levites being the priests,

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 the ones that God had set aside,

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 he made it so anyone who wanted to be,

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 could be a priest.

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 And he himself stood by the altar,

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 in that place of the high priest,

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 and put himself as a mediator between the people and God.

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 And this is,

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 as much as so much of it sounded like truth,

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 and like the stuff of Yahweh,

00:09:27.440 --> 00:09:28.100
 of the true God,

00:09:28.159 --> 00:09:28.860
 I am who I am,

00:09:29.159 --> 00:09:30.700
 it was of his own making.

00:09:31.240 --> 00:09:32.120
 And so one of the things that,

00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:32.860
 not for you,

00:09:32.940 --> 00:09:33.639
 but for me,

00:09:33.720 --> 00:09:35.639
 that I've been praying in preparation for today,

00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:36.620
 as I read Amos 9,

00:09:36.700 --> 00:09:37.879
 is God show me,

00:09:38.200 --> 00:09:40.420
 where I've taken your righteous ways,

00:09:40.419 --> 00:09:42.219
 and just twisted them a bit,

00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:43.899
 to be a religion of my own convenience.

00:09:44.399 --> 00:09:46.639
 Where I'm beginning to define the terms,

00:09:46.779 --> 00:09:47.299
 and life,

00:09:47.360 --> 00:09:47.679
 and everything,

00:09:47.839 --> 00:09:49.299
 based on what feels right to me,

00:09:49.360 --> 00:09:50.379
 what's convenient for me,

00:09:50.439 --> 00:09:51.659
 what I can contain,

00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:53.439
 instead of what actually is a view.

00:09:53.939 --> 00:09:54.620
 And so as I thought,

00:09:54.659 --> 00:09:56.319
 thought back to the conversations I've had,

00:09:56.360 --> 00:09:57.399
 even the past few months,

00:09:57.719 --> 00:09:59.079
 with fellow young people,

00:09:59.219 --> 00:10:00.360
 about what the Bible says,

00:10:00.379 --> 00:10:01.439
 about so many different things,

00:10:01.479 --> 00:10:02.059
 about marriage,

00:10:02.139 --> 00:10:02.799
 about sexuality,

00:10:03.039 --> 00:10:05.279
 about the roles of husbands and wives,

00:10:05.399 --> 00:10:06.679
 about what church should look like,

00:10:06.679 --> 00:10:07.360
 all these things.

00:10:07.360 --> 00:10:09.680
 I listen in my memory,

00:10:09.779 --> 00:10:10.779
 to the amount of times,

00:10:10.860 --> 00:10:11.480
 that we have said,

00:10:11.740 --> 00:10:13.120
 well this doesn't feel right to me,

00:10:13.200 --> 00:10:14.759
 or I feel like this is true,

00:10:14.919 --> 00:10:15.960
 and that type of language.

00:10:16.060 --> 00:10:17.159
 When we're speaking like that,

00:10:17.340 --> 00:10:18.560
 well this is what seems right to me,

00:10:18.600 --> 00:10:19.919
 this is what feels right to me.

00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:21.840
 One of my friends actually,

00:10:22.100 --> 00:10:23.500
 used the words of,

00:10:24.320 --> 00:10:24.639
 he's like,

00:10:24.680 --> 00:10:25.519
 I'm cool with,

00:10:26.039 --> 00:10:27.220
 the Bible's teaching about everything,

00:10:27.340 --> 00:10:28.139
 except for this.

00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:29.720
 And then he has his own definition,

00:10:30.139 --> 00:10:31.560
 for a contemporary issue.

00:10:32.159 --> 00:10:34.560
 And I like that he's honest about that,

00:10:34.759 --> 00:10:36.000
 but I'm concerned for him,

00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:36.940
 I'm concerned for me,

00:10:36.940 --> 00:10:38.000
 I'm concerned for all of us,

00:10:38.020 --> 00:10:39.120
 in this post-modern world,

00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:40.200
 that we're okay,

00:10:40.700 --> 00:10:42.640
 defining how we should live life,

00:10:42.680 --> 00:10:43.780
 and how we should walk with God,

00:10:44.020 --> 00:10:45.400
 based on our own feelings,

00:10:45.820 --> 00:10:47.480
 on our own sense of what's right and wrong.

00:10:47.720 --> 00:10:48.920
 Because although sometimes,

00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:50.040
 our senses are right,

00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:52.080
 although sometimes you're moved with compassion,

00:10:52.200 --> 00:10:53.420
 to the ways of God,

00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:55.520
 and caring for the things he cares about,

00:10:55.840 --> 00:10:57.040
 many times we're going to find,

00:10:57.240 --> 00:10:58.880
 that our gut feeling is wrong,

00:10:59.320 --> 00:11:00.860
 that our feelings deceive us,

00:11:00.880 --> 00:11:02.380
 that what seems right to us,

00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:03.900
 is actually not right.

00:11:04.300 --> 00:11:05.800
 And what seems so healthy to us,

00:11:05.799 --> 00:11:06.639
 and loving to us,

00:11:06.659 --> 00:11:07.879
 and caring to us,

00:11:07.979 --> 00:11:10.039
 is actually hatred toward that person,

00:11:10.379 --> 00:11:12.120
 and that it's actually to their own detriment.

00:11:12.719 --> 00:11:14.000
 And so if we're going to be a people,

00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:16.579
 who are going to listen to the words of Amos,

00:11:17.299 --> 00:11:19.339
 not just hear the words be read,

00:11:19.679 --> 00:11:21.799
 in Nora's epic Bible reading voice,

00:11:21.839 --> 00:11:24.120
 but actually obey the word,

00:11:24.279 --> 00:11:25.379
 the way of God.

00:11:25.859 --> 00:11:26.799
 We need to be people,

00:11:26.919 --> 00:11:27.839
 who are asking God,

00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:28.879
 and looking at the scriptures,

00:11:29.219 --> 00:11:30.479
 God what do you say?

00:11:30.979 --> 00:11:32.819
 God how do you define marriage?

00:11:32.820 --> 00:11:34.160
 How do you define,

00:11:34.160 --> 00:11:35.360
 what church should look like?

00:11:35.400 --> 00:11:36.980
 How do you define sexuality?

00:11:37.200 --> 00:11:38.040
 How do you define,

00:11:38.560 --> 00:11:39.740
 what do you say?

00:11:40.060 --> 00:11:41.200
 I mean if we're at our job,

00:11:41.320 --> 00:11:42.640
 and I've done it,

00:11:42.760 --> 00:11:44.040
 I've been there at work,

00:11:44.540 --> 00:11:45.280
 and there was,

00:11:45.980 --> 00:11:47.360
 just confession time,

00:11:47.960 --> 00:11:49.160
 the courts can come after me later,

00:11:49.220 --> 00:11:50.460
 but I was working at Parliament Hill,

00:11:50.560 --> 00:11:51.740
 and I come across a letter,

00:11:52.120 --> 00:11:53.620
 that someone had sent,

00:11:53.760 --> 00:11:54.600
 into my member of parliament,

00:11:55.000 --> 00:11:56.480
 and somehow I had missed it,

00:11:56.580 --> 00:11:58.720
 and so now it's months upon months overdue.

00:11:59.020 --> 00:12:00.340
 It would be very inconvenient,

00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:01.840
 for me to bring it,

00:12:01.840 --> 00:12:02.600
 to my member of parliament,

00:12:02.740 --> 00:12:03.440
 and let her see,

00:12:03.800 --> 00:12:05.060
 that I actually had missed this,

00:12:05.220 --> 00:12:06.259
 and it'd be awkward,

00:12:06.540 --> 00:12:07.379
 and so I shredded it,

00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:08.540
 and I told myself,

00:12:08.680 --> 00:12:09.000
 like this is,

00:12:09.139 --> 00:12:09.280
 you know,

00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:10.420
 like no one's going to miss it,

00:12:10.600 --> 00:12:10.759
 and not,

00:12:10.840 --> 00:12:11.019
 no one,

00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:11.780
 I'm not going to get in trouble,

00:12:11.860 --> 00:12:13.340
 the person doesn't expect a response,

00:12:13.420 --> 00:12:13.600
 whatever.

00:12:13.899 --> 00:12:14.780
 I said all these things that,

00:12:14.840 --> 00:12:15.040
 you know what,

00:12:15.040 --> 00:12:16.080
 I think most of that's true,

00:12:16.379 --> 00:12:18.220
 and they never complained about it,

00:12:18.340 --> 00:12:19.019
 I'm fine,

00:12:19.240 --> 00:12:20.019
 no one knows about it,

00:12:20.040 --> 00:12:21.060
 except now for all of us,

00:12:21.300 --> 00:12:21.740
 but I,

00:12:21.780 --> 00:12:22.780
 I did,

00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:23.519
 I did wrong.

00:12:24.139 --> 00:12:24.220
 I,

00:12:24.400 --> 00:12:25.259
 what I did was actually,

00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:26.160
 completely wrong,

00:12:26.560 --> 00:12:27.700
 and getting rid of that letter,

00:12:28.060 --> 00:12:28.240
 but,

00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:29.220
 but I was defining,

00:12:30.340 --> 00:12:30.740
 like to me,

00:12:30.820 --> 00:12:31.920
 it felt a lot more right to me,

00:12:31.960 --> 00:12:33.620
 than going and fessing up to my boss,

00:12:34.040 --> 00:12:34.720
 I did that,

00:12:35.100 --> 00:12:35.320
 and I,

00:12:35.320 --> 00:12:36.160
 I share that with you,

00:12:36.200 --> 00:12:36.920
 knowing that I'm speaking,

00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:38.259
 not to a bunch of perfect people,

00:12:38.519 --> 00:12:39.540
 but to people who also,

00:12:39.720 --> 00:12:40.360
 in various ways,

00:12:40.420 --> 00:12:41.519
 have defined what's right and wrong,

00:12:41.580 --> 00:12:42.120
 for yourselves,

00:12:42.519 --> 00:12:43.420
 and the words before,

00:12:43.519 --> 00:12:44.019
 it's not just today,

00:12:44.080 --> 00:12:45.580
 but through the pages of Amos,

00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:47.240
 God is calling them,

00:12:47.580 --> 00:12:49.139
 not to define what's right and wrong,

00:12:49.200 --> 00:12:50.780
 based on what they feel,

00:12:50.840 --> 00:12:51.519
 at the moment,

00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:52.800
 or what seems right to them,

00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:53.440
 and their friends,

00:12:53.519 --> 00:12:54.139
 and their culture,

00:12:54.600 --> 00:12:56.340
 but to actually yield to God,

00:12:56.379 --> 00:12:57.000
 and his ways,

00:12:57.379 --> 00:12:59.660
 but perhaps the most devastating way,

00:12:59.659 --> 00:13:01.879
 that we do the religion of Jeroboam,

00:13:01.959 --> 00:13:03.339
 defining things in our own terms,

00:13:03.679 --> 00:13:04.799
 is actually our definition,

00:13:04.799 --> 00:13:05.600
 of who God is,

00:13:06.559 --> 00:13:07.679
 if you think of the songs,

00:13:07.799 --> 00:13:08.740
 we tend to sing,

00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:10.219
 if you think of the prayers,

00:13:10.279 --> 00:13:10.959
 we tend to pray,

00:13:11.259 --> 00:13:12.620
 they reflect certain elements,

00:13:12.679 --> 00:13:13.539
 of who God is,

00:13:13.919 --> 00:13:14.980
 but if you actually read,

00:13:15.059 --> 00:13:15.699
 the scriptures,

00:13:16.579 --> 00:13:17.100
 which we're blessed,

00:13:17.199 --> 00:13:18.179
 to be in a church that does,

00:13:18.299 --> 00:13:19.659
 not just our favorite parts,

00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:20.899
 but through the whole Bible,

00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:22.159
 you see a God,

00:13:22.219 --> 00:13:23.039
 who's so different,

00:13:23.139 --> 00:13:23.939
 than we expect,

00:13:24.500 --> 00:13:25.439
 so much more real,

00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:26.179
 and invasive,

00:13:26.339 --> 00:13:26.740
 in a sense,

00:13:26.779 --> 00:13:27.399
 than we expect,

00:13:27.399 --> 00:13:28.279
 who cares about,

00:13:28.279 --> 00:13:29.299
 every element of life,

00:13:29.379 --> 00:13:31.000
 more than we would like him to,

00:13:31.319 --> 00:13:32.779
 who is more fierce,

00:13:33.399 --> 00:13:34.360
 who has his holiness,

00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:35.659
 his righteous justice,

00:13:35.860 --> 00:13:37.100
 more than we expect,

00:13:37.360 --> 00:13:38.600
 we tend to like to speak,

00:13:38.699 --> 00:13:39.740
 today in North America,

00:13:40.019 --> 00:13:40.919
 about the kindness,

00:13:41.139 --> 00:13:41.779
 and the mercy,

00:13:41.899 --> 00:13:42.720
 and the love of God,

00:13:43.179 --> 00:13:44.539
 but the severity of God,

00:13:44.579 --> 00:13:45.019
 is not something,

00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:45.860
 we like to think of,

00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:47.079
 in Romans 11,

00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:47.579
 22,

00:13:48.079 --> 00:13:48.899
 Paul writes,

00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:51.159
 consider the kindness,

00:13:51.279 --> 00:13:52.419
 and the severity of God,

00:13:53.340 --> 00:13:54.439
 and I think most of us,

00:13:54.480 --> 00:13:55.439
 like to just do the first bit,

00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:57.060
 to consider the kindness of God,

00:13:57.740 --> 00:13:58.580
 but the kindness,

00:13:58.900 --> 00:13:59.420
 the love,

00:13:59.520 --> 00:13:59.900
 the mercy,

00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:01.040
 the grace of God,

00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:02.680
 is seen in its fullness,

00:14:02.860 --> 00:14:03.960
 when you actually consider,

00:14:04.280 --> 00:14:05.520
 the fullness of who God is,

00:14:05.580 --> 00:14:06.600
 including his holiness,

00:14:07.080 --> 00:14:08.460
 and his righteous wrath,

00:14:08.500 --> 00:14:08.960
 and judgment,

00:14:09.920 --> 00:14:11.640
 we need to not define God,

00:14:11.700 --> 00:14:12.360
 on our own terms,

00:14:12.420 --> 00:14:13.100
 and what we like,

00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:14.560
 again,

00:14:14.660 --> 00:14:15.940
 we have invited this God,

00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:16.820
 into our lives,

00:14:16.860 --> 00:14:17.640
 into our hearts,

00:14:17.740 --> 00:14:18.580
 we are a temple,

00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:19.960
 of this Holy Spirit,

00:14:20.340 --> 00:14:21.160
 of who he is,

00:14:21.700 --> 00:14:22.400
 last year,

00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:25.000
 I was just really tired,

00:14:25.059 --> 00:14:25.959
 I wanted to spend some sweet time,

00:14:26.059 --> 00:14:26.379
 with the Lord,

00:14:26.459 --> 00:14:27.819
 so I turned on some worship tunes,

00:14:27.860 --> 00:14:28.559
 on my phone,

00:14:29.079 --> 00:14:30.699
 and I made myself,

00:14:30.860 --> 00:14:31.879
 an Epsom salt bath,

00:14:31.980 --> 00:14:32.699
 and lit some candles,

00:14:32.819 --> 00:14:33.519
 turned the light off,

00:14:33.799 --> 00:14:34.159
 I just like,

00:14:34.179 --> 00:14:35.340
 was just chilling with the Lord,

00:14:35.419 --> 00:14:35.759
 I'm just like,

00:14:35.799 --> 00:14:36.959
 God thank you for your goodness,

00:14:37.079 --> 00:14:37.459
 and kindness,

00:14:37.779 --> 00:14:38.720
 and then boom,

00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:39.659
 like a train,

00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:40.319
 just hit me,

00:14:40.720 --> 00:14:42.419
 these passages from Amos,

00:14:42.959 --> 00:14:43.699
 and who,

00:14:43.860 --> 00:14:45.319
 the severity of God,

00:14:45.679 --> 00:14:47.120
 and I became afraid,

00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:48.579
 rightly so,

00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:49.620
 also I'm just like,

00:14:49.699 --> 00:14:50.419
 who is this God,

00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:52.199
 that's in the bathtub with me,

00:14:52.259 --> 00:14:52.419
 you know,

00:14:52.459 --> 00:14:53.360
 like who is this God,

00:14:53.399 --> 00:14:54.319
 who's right there,

00:14:54.399 --> 00:14:55.439
 dwelling with me,

00:14:55.779 --> 00:14:57.240
 who we've invited into our hearts,

00:14:57.299 --> 00:14:59.099
 he's so much more fierce,

00:14:59.179 --> 00:15:00.019
 than I understand,

00:15:00.659 --> 00:15:02.139
 and because so many churches,

00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:02.679
 we don't actually,

00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:03.799
 tend to preach this stuff,

00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:04.659
 again I'm so grateful,

00:15:04.819 --> 00:15:05.799
 Church of the Messiah does,

00:15:06.159 --> 00:15:06.879
 but so many of the churches,

00:15:06.979 --> 00:15:07.479
 I'd grown up with,

00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:08.459
 never touched this stuff,

00:15:08.699 --> 00:15:09.899
 I had no mechanism,

00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:12.139
 no grid for understanding,

00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:13.399
 these passages of the Bible,

00:15:14.120 --> 00:15:15.259
 all I saw was that God,

00:15:15.259 --> 00:15:16.399
 was so much more fierce,

00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:17.779
 than I can understand,

00:15:19.039 --> 00:15:19.259
 you know,

00:15:19.259 --> 00:15:21.080
 the opening chapters,

00:15:21.179 --> 00:15:22.159
 opening verses of Amos,

00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:23.919
 speaks of the lion that roars,

00:15:24.259 --> 00:15:26.319
 or rather it speaks of the God who roars,

00:15:26.700 --> 00:15:27.559
 and it's so easy for us,

00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:29.319
 to kind of see that simply as a lion,

00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:30.200
 and we get the lion's roar,

00:15:30.299 --> 00:15:30.840
 so that's okay,

00:15:31.299 --> 00:15:32.679
 but as I was reading through this,

00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.480
 that actually this is the king who roars,

00:15:35.100 --> 00:15:36.840
 this is a very fierce king,

00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:38.120
 standing before us,

00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:39.879
 and him being a king who roars,

00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:42.259
 the roar of God,

00:15:42.340 --> 00:15:44.100
 is not an empty roar,

00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:46.220
 it's not just like he roars,

00:15:46.220 --> 00:15:47.700
 as a big show,

00:15:47.920 --> 00:15:48.940
 and a big whatever,

00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:49.779
 like light show,

00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:51.420
 but really he's this little lamb,

00:15:51.720 --> 00:15:52.040
 yes,

00:15:52.320 --> 00:15:53.580
 he is the lamb that was slain,

00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:56.120
 but he also is the one who roars,

00:15:56.680 --> 00:15:56.980
 and not,

00:15:57.180 --> 00:15:58.360
 and brings,

00:15:58.560 --> 00:16:00.259
 brings judgment upon it,

00:16:00.680 --> 00:16:01.440
 and so you see,

00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:02.860
 as we've gone through chapter by chapter,

00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:03.440
 looking,

00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:04.560
 carefully,

00:16:04.720 --> 00:16:05.779
 meticulously looking at,

00:16:05.940 --> 00:16:06.840
 the various ways,

00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:07.800
 that God's calling his people,

00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:08.440
 to life,

00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.600
 to repentance,

00:16:09.860 --> 00:16:10.660
 to his ways,

00:16:10.980 --> 00:16:12.240
 including caring for the poor,

00:16:12.240 --> 00:16:14.440
 including healthy sexuality,

00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:14.940
 integrity,

00:16:15.039 --> 00:16:16.440
 sexuality defined by God,

00:16:16.539 --> 00:16:17.440
 what is pure,

00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:18.340
 we've looked at,

00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:19.740
 so many different elements,

00:16:19.820 --> 00:16:20.899
 of walking with God,

00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:21.919
 and yet,

00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:23.019
 again and again in it,

00:16:23.060 --> 00:16:24.560
 we see that he's just pouring out,

00:16:24.779 --> 00:16:26.299
 pouring out a judgment,

00:16:26.460 --> 00:16:27.820
 because they're not walking in his ways,

00:16:28.440 --> 00:16:30.220
 before moving on,

00:16:30.299 --> 00:16:30.740
 Jeroboam,

00:16:30.799 --> 00:16:32.200
 he establishes religion,

00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:32.460
 and says,

00:16:32.539 --> 00:16:34.019
 this is the God,

00:16:34.100 --> 00:16:35.480
 who brought you out of Egypt,

00:16:35.680 --> 00:16:37.180
 and so much of it reflected,

00:16:37.299 --> 00:16:38.080
 who the real God is,

00:16:38.080 --> 00:16:40.419
 he built these golden bulls,

00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:41.419
 these cows,

00:16:42.259 --> 00:16:42.919
 and he's trying to,

00:16:43.059 --> 00:16:44.839
 show them some image of strength,

00:16:44.939 --> 00:16:45.939
 and something they could see,

00:16:46.079 --> 00:16:46.519
 tangibly,

00:16:46.839 --> 00:16:47.659
 who God is,

00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:48.240
 but the,

00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:49.399
 one of the problems,

00:16:49.659 --> 00:16:50.439
 with idols,

00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:51.439
 with these things,

00:16:51.519 --> 00:16:52.219
 that are trying to speak,

00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:53.000
 of the strength,

00:16:53.079 --> 00:16:53.539
 the majesty,

00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:54.779
 of who the gods are,

00:16:54.839 --> 00:16:55.559
 or who God is,

00:16:55.959 --> 00:16:56.779
 is that there's,

00:16:56.819 --> 00:16:58.120
 there's nothing that you can build,

00:16:58.179 --> 00:16:58.779
 with your hands,

00:16:58.819 --> 00:17:00.039
 that can adequately depict,

00:17:00.360 --> 00:17:01.179
 the strength,

00:17:01.279 --> 00:17:02.419
 and the might of who God is,

00:17:02.719 --> 00:17:03.559
 and so even as he tried,

00:17:03.559 --> 00:17:04.279
 to help his people,

00:17:04.740 --> 00:17:05.779
 and maybe even compassionately show,

00:17:05.859 --> 00:17:06.539
 tried to give them something,

00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:07.680
 tangible they could see,

00:17:08.099 --> 00:17:09.019
 the problem is that again,

00:17:09.099 --> 00:17:10.240
 he was defining a God,

00:17:10.240 --> 00:17:12.079
 so much more tame,

00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:13.779
 than the God of the Bible,

00:17:13.779 --> 00:17:16.400
 and we've looked at this,

00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:17.140
 in previous weeks,

00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:17.819
 how again and again,

00:17:17.920 --> 00:17:18.900
 as Amos is speaking,

00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:20.160
 his people turn to life,

00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:21.359
 warning them of judgment,

00:17:21.680 --> 00:17:23.220
 he keeps turning their eyes,

00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:23.900
 to who God is,

00:17:24.140 --> 00:17:25.299
 the Lord of armies,

00:17:25.500 --> 00:17:26.680
 the Lord who spoke,

00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:27.640
 the universe into being,

00:17:27.720 --> 00:17:28.339
 the one bigger than,

00:17:28.460 --> 00:17:29.059
 the constellations,

00:17:29.140 --> 00:17:29.839
 all of this stuff,

00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:31.440
 and he's trying to turn their eyes,

00:17:31.500 --> 00:17:32.339
 to who God is,

00:17:32.539 --> 00:17:33.359
 because he knows that,

00:17:33.359 --> 00:17:34.279
 in them seeing,

00:17:34.900 --> 00:17:36.000
 who God really is,

00:17:36.299 --> 00:17:37.259
 and them letting God,

00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:38.339
 define who God is,

00:17:38.420 --> 00:17:39.480
 and them expanding,

00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:41.119
 their vision of his strength,

00:17:41.160 --> 00:17:41.779
 and his might,

00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:42.579
 and his power,

00:17:42.799 --> 00:17:43.400
 his holiness,

00:17:43.619 --> 00:17:44.519
 his justice,

00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:46.140
 and his love and kindness,

00:17:46.640 --> 00:17:47.359
 that there,

00:17:47.559 --> 00:17:48.559
 will be the strength,

00:17:48.779 --> 00:17:49.980
 for their repentance,

00:17:50.220 --> 00:17:51.519
 for their turning from themselves,

00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:53.180
 to turn to the way of life,

00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:55.460
 2 Corinthians 3,

00:17:55.460 --> 00:17:58.140
 Paul is speaking of the same thing,

00:17:58.160 --> 00:17:58.680
 when he says,

00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:00.440
 and we all with unveiled face,

00:18:00.539 --> 00:18:02.319
 beholding the glory of the Lord,

00:18:02.620 --> 00:18:03.620
 are being transformed,

00:18:03.799 --> 00:18:04.539
 to the same image,

00:18:04.579 --> 00:18:05.519
 from one degree of glory,

00:18:05.579 --> 00:18:05.900
 to another,

00:18:05.980 --> 00:18:06.880
 for this comes from the Lord,

00:18:06.920 --> 00:18:07.480
 who is the spirit,

00:18:07.819 --> 00:18:08.420
 he's saying that,

00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.660
 our transformation from,

00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:10.579
 lives that are,

00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:11.840
 defining life in our own terms,

00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:12.420
 and selfish,

00:18:12.600 --> 00:18:13.279
 and self-focused,

00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:14.600
 and using other people,

00:18:14.680 --> 00:18:15.160
 and living,

00:18:15.840 --> 00:18:16.360
 in that like,

00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:17.220
 fake religion,

00:18:17.380 --> 00:18:18.660
 that feels so much,

00:18:18.740 --> 00:18:19.620
 like the true one,

00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:20.960
 but is of our own making,

00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.299
 that we are,

00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:23.100
 we're transformed,

00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:24.059
 we're made whole,

00:18:24.059 --> 00:18:26.799
 as we behold God,

00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:27.940
 with unveiled face,

00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:29.740
 as we see who he really is,

00:18:30.359 --> 00:18:30.819
 and that's,

00:18:30.819 --> 00:18:31.559
 that's what Amos,

00:18:31.679 --> 00:18:32.700
 that's what God through Amos,

00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:34.119
 is seeking to do his people,

00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:34.799
 reveal to him,

00:18:34.879 --> 00:18:35.299
 look,

00:18:35.659 --> 00:18:37.119
 look at who the real God is,

00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:38.119
 see his might,

00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:38.899
 see his power,

00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:39.740
 see his love,

00:18:39.819 --> 00:18:40.799
 see him for who he is,

00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:43.539
 we sang just a few minutes ago,

00:18:43.859 --> 00:18:44.539
 give me eyes,

00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:46.159
 to see more of who you are,

00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:47.339
 may what I behold,

00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:48.940
 still my anxious heart,

00:18:49.200 --> 00:18:50.179
 take what I have known,

00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:51.539
 and break it all apart,

00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:52.599
 you my God,

00:18:52.639 --> 00:18:53.399
 are greater still,

00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:55.659
 I don't know if we always think,

00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:56.460
 about what we're singing,

00:18:57.559 --> 00:18:58.859
 take what I have known,

00:18:58.919 --> 00:19:00.220
 and break it all apart,

00:19:00.899 --> 00:19:01.480
 you my God,

00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.259
 are greater still,

00:19:02.419 --> 00:19:03.240
 if you've ever,

00:19:03.599 --> 00:19:05.220
 had something you really believe,

00:19:05.659 --> 00:19:06.259
 and then you find out,

00:19:06.339 --> 00:19:06.879
 that you're wrong,

00:19:07.000 --> 00:19:08.220
 a paradigm shift,

00:19:08.519 --> 00:19:09.639
 you find things you believe,

00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:10.179
 are actually,

00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:11.299
 not the way they are,

00:19:11.399 --> 00:19:12.379
 that is a profoundly,

00:19:12.519 --> 00:19:13.500
 uncomfortable place to be,

00:19:14.339 --> 00:19:15.740
 it's a scary place to be,

00:19:16.419 --> 00:19:17.759
 take what I have known,

00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:18.899
 and break it all apart,

00:19:19.359 --> 00:19:19.980
 you my God,

00:19:20.019 --> 00:19:20.679
 are greater still,

00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:21.960
 those are scary words,

00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:22.400
 to sing,

00:19:23.160 --> 00:19:25.340
 and we can sing them,

00:19:25.460 --> 00:19:26.000
 knowing that God,

00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:27.360
 delights to answer that prayer,

00:19:27.680 --> 00:19:28.039
 we're saying,

00:19:28.140 --> 00:19:28.400
 God,

00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:28.960
 I have these,

00:19:29.079 --> 00:19:30.360
 understanding of who you are,

00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:30.579
 and a,

00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:32.240
 like a vision of who you are,

00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:33.900
 but it's not complete,

00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:34.960
 it's not accurate,

00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:36.160
 would you change it,

00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:36.420
 would you,

00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:37.340
 would you give me,

00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:38.160
 a paradigm shift,

00:19:38.220 --> 00:19:39.059
 of who you are,

00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:40.960
 that is an incredible,

00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:41.940
 that is a beautiful,

00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:43.360
 that's a necessary thing,

00:19:43.360 --> 00:19:43.779
 to pray,

00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:45.160
 that is a prayer,

00:19:45.360 --> 00:19:45.940
 in one sense,

00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:46.920
 of such safety,

00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:47.759
 of such life,

00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:50.039
 the fullness of life,

00:19:50.039 --> 00:19:50.659
 is found,

00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:51.819
 in knowing God,

00:19:52.940 --> 00:19:54.240
 and so that is an amazing,

00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:55.159
 thing to be praying,

00:19:55.539 --> 00:19:56.480
 but let us realize,

00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:58.099
 that we should not be surprised,

00:19:58.379 --> 00:20:00.339
 that when God begins,

00:20:00.379 --> 00:20:01.659
 to show us through his word,

00:20:02.099 --> 00:20:02.720
 that he's a God,

00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.500
 so much bigger,

00:20:03.599 --> 00:20:04.339
 than we understand,

00:20:05.079 --> 00:20:06.159
 so much more holy,

00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:07.279
 so much more just,

00:20:07.659 --> 00:20:08.420
 more severe,

00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:09.079
 more fierce,

00:20:09.079 --> 00:20:10.200
 than we understand,

00:20:10.659 --> 00:20:11.460
 that that is God's answer,

00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:12.059
 to our prayer,

00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:13.220
 in so many ways,

00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:16.059
 but not only,

00:20:16.220 --> 00:20:16.980
 in that do we find,

00:20:17.039 --> 00:20:18.099
 the severity of God,

00:20:18.099 --> 00:20:19.139
 as we look,

00:20:19.199 --> 00:20:20.099
 and wrestle with the reality,

00:20:20.199 --> 00:20:20.879
 of this element,

00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:21.599
 of God's holiness,

00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:22.459
 and his judgment,

00:20:22.839 --> 00:20:23.539
 that is coming,

00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:25.339
 we also find,

00:20:25.679 --> 00:20:26.279
 life and redemption,

00:20:26.919 --> 00:20:27.559
 verse 11,

00:20:27.659 --> 00:20:28.259
 in that day,

00:20:28.319 --> 00:20:29.259
 I will raise up the booth,

00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:30.379
 of David that has fallen,

00:20:30.639 --> 00:20:31.719
 and repair its breaches,

00:20:31.839 --> 00:20:32.759
 and raise up its ruins,

00:20:32.959 --> 00:20:33.639
 and rebuild it,

00:20:33.659 --> 00:20:34.619
 as in the days of old,

00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:36.240
 that they may possess,

00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.480
 the remnant of Edom,

00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:38.779
 and all the nations,

00:20:38.839 --> 00:20:40.019
 who are called by my name,

00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:40.659
 declares the Lord,

00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:41.619
 who does this,

00:20:42.679 --> 00:20:43.379
 with these words,

00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.179
 in Amos 9,

00:20:44.219 --> 00:20:44.639
 verse 12,

00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:46.019
 God is beginning to speak,

00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:47.000
 of the reverse,

00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:47.660
 of the curse,

00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.839
 he's pronounced on the world,

00:20:49.640 --> 00:20:50.619
 Edom stands for,

00:20:50.799 --> 00:20:51.480
 the various,

00:20:51.599 --> 00:20:53.680
 the various prophets,

00:20:53.980 --> 00:20:54.539
 in the Bible,

00:20:54.660 --> 00:20:55.259
 including Amos,

00:20:55.319 --> 00:20:55.920
 in chapter 1,

00:20:56.259 --> 00:20:57.019
 Edom represents,

00:20:57.140 --> 00:20:57.700
 the nations,

00:20:58.019 --> 00:20:59.079
 the pagan nations,

00:20:59.160 --> 00:20:59.680
 of the earth,

00:21:00.079 --> 00:21:01.119
 and as he speaks,

00:21:01.339 --> 00:21:02.960
 of them repossessing Edom,

00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:03.720
 and Edom coming,

00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:05.119
 to be called by God's name,

00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:05.539
 this is,

00:21:05.640 --> 00:21:06.720
 this is a speaking,

00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:07.539
 of the nations,

00:21:08.039 --> 00:21:08.519
 that have been,

00:21:08.619 --> 00:21:09.720
 doing their own thing,

00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:10.579
 far from God,

00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:11.759
 exploiting the innocent,

00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:12.660
 horrific ways,

00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:13.880
 returning to God,

00:21:13.880 --> 00:21:15.019
 as they were called to be,

00:21:15.619 --> 00:21:16.180
 verse 13,

00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:17.200
 behold the days are coming,

00:21:17.320 --> 00:21:17.779
 declares the Lord,

00:21:17.840 --> 00:21:18.539
 when the plow man,

00:21:18.620 --> 00:21:19.539
 shall overtake the reaper,

00:21:19.920 --> 00:21:20.860
 and the treader of grapes,

00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:21.600
 who sows the seed,

00:21:21.660 --> 00:21:22.759
 the mountains shall drip,

00:21:22.880 --> 00:21:23.519
 sweet wine,

00:21:23.860 --> 00:21:24.440
 and all the hills,

00:21:24.580 --> 00:21:25.240
 shall flow with it,

00:21:25.380 --> 00:21:26.460
 it's speaking of the reverse,

00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:27.060
 of the curse,

00:21:27.160 --> 00:21:27.880
 on the ground,

00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:28.460
 on the earth,

00:21:28.940 --> 00:21:30.299
 that he's saying that,

00:21:30.380 --> 00:21:31.580
 just as in Genesis 3,

00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:32.960
 God has pronounced judgment,

00:21:33.060 --> 00:21:33.820
 that the earth will bear,

00:21:34.180 --> 00:21:34.840
 thorns,

00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:35.320
 it will be,

00:21:35.360 --> 00:21:37.220
 like disappointing,

00:21:37.620 --> 00:21:38.360
 frustrating work,

00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:39.620
 to till the land,

00:21:39.880 --> 00:21:40.620
 here God is saying,

00:21:40.620 --> 00:21:41.100
 that the earth,

00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:41.560
 is going to be,

00:21:41.620 --> 00:21:42.799
 abundant crops,

00:21:43.279 --> 00:21:44.259
 reversing the curse,

00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:44.900
 on the land,

00:21:45.619 --> 00:21:46.759
 in verse 14,

00:21:46.859 --> 00:21:47.599
 I will restore,

00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:48.200
 the fortunes,

00:21:48.220 --> 00:21:49.079
 of my people Israel,

00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:50.420
 and they shall rebuild,

00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:51.099
 the ruined cities,

00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:52.140
 and inhabit them,

00:21:52.339 --> 00:21:53.220
 they shall plant vineyards,

00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:54.160
 and drink their wine,

00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:55.059
 and they shall make gardens,

00:21:55.119 --> 00:21:55.859
 and eat their fruit,

00:21:56.400 --> 00:21:58.019
 this is more than just,

00:21:58.059 --> 00:21:58.879
 the reverse of the curse,

00:21:58.940 --> 00:21:59.940
 of the earth,

00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.680
 but this is a restoration,

00:22:01.940 --> 00:22:02.400
 of the people,

00:22:02.579 --> 00:22:03.619
 to harmony,

00:22:03.619 --> 00:22:04.400
 with the ground,

00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:04.960
 with the earth,

00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:05.440
 with the life,

00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:06.319
 as it's supposed to be,

00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:07.379
 back in verse,

00:22:07.379 --> 00:22:08.420
 in chapter 5,

00:22:08.599 --> 00:22:09.579
 Amos had spoken about,

00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:10.619
 how they will build houses,

00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:11.699
 but they will not,

00:22:11.739 --> 00:22:12.859
 get to dwell on them,

00:22:13.019 --> 00:22:13.979
 and they'll plant crops,

00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:14.559
 but not get to,

00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:16.039
 have the crops,

00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:16.439
 and all that,

00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:17.239
 and he's saying,

00:22:17.359 --> 00:22:17.719
 that there's this,

00:22:18.059 --> 00:22:18.779
 the curse is,

00:22:19.000 --> 00:22:19.759
 they're going to feel it,

00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.539
 so deeply,

00:22:20.759 --> 00:22:22.439
 in God's judgment,

00:22:22.639 --> 00:22:23.239
 and here he's saying,

00:22:23.299 --> 00:22:23.879
 no you're going to,

00:22:23.879 --> 00:22:25.099
 you're going to have houses,

00:22:25.139 --> 00:22:25.739
 you're going to live,

00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:26.279
 in those houses,

00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:27.419
 you're going to have those vineyards,

00:22:27.439 --> 00:22:28.359
 you're going to drink deeply,

00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:29.319
 of my goodness,

00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:30.719
 of the stuff,

00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:32.259
 he's reversing the curse,

00:22:32.319 --> 00:22:33.159
 in such beautiful ways,

00:22:33.219 --> 00:22:34.059
 and then verse 15,

00:22:34.339 --> 00:22:35.039
 I will plant them,

00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:35.699
 on their land,

00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.719
 and they shall never again,

00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:37.359
 be uprooted,

00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:39.500
 he's been speaking to them,

00:22:39.500 --> 00:22:40.420
 of how they're going to be,

00:22:40.579 --> 00:22:41.599
 removed from the land,

00:22:41.660 --> 00:22:42.019
 and how they're,

00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:42.779
 the land,

00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:44.420
 that God's covenantal promise,

00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.200
 that he would bring them,

00:22:45.220 --> 00:22:46.099
 into the promised land,

00:22:46.359 --> 00:22:47.460
 he's bringing them out,

00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:48.799
 because they've broken,

00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:49.759
 they're part of the covenant,

00:22:50.119 --> 00:22:51.599
 but here in this final verse,

00:22:51.640 --> 00:22:52.200
 he's speaking of,

00:22:52.440 --> 00:22:53.480
 restoring them to the land,

00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:54.880
 in a way that they'll never be removed,

00:22:54.960 --> 00:22:55.680
 the security,

00:22:55.980 --> 00:22:57.299
 it's more secure,

00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:58.240
 that their,

00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:59.460
 God's covenant to them,

00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:00.339
 is more secure,

00:23:00.420 --> 00:23:01.460
 than anything they've experienced,

00:23:01.519 --> 00:23:02.420
 as the people of God,

00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:03.519
 not just for them,

00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:04.259
 but for the nations,

00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:04.660
 and the earth,

00:23:04.740 --> 00:23:05.220
 for the remnant,

00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:06.700
 for all who turn to God,

00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:07.579
 for each one of us,

00:23:08.259 --> 00:23:09.480
 now how are these two,

00:23:09.680 --> 00:23:09.859
 verse,

00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:10.859
 how are these two halves,

00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:12.240
 of this chapter combined,

00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:13.480
 how do they even go together,

00:23:13.559 --> 00:23:14.420
 it's almost like whiplash,

00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:14.900
 as you read,

00:23:15.200 --> 00:23:16.720
 of such ferocious judgment,

00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:17.480
 that all of a sudden,

00:23:17.559 --> 00:23:18.480
 God beautifully,

00:23:18.900 --> 00:23:20.180
 not just blessing his people,

00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:21.420
 but blessing all the peoples,

00:23:21.460 --> 00:23:21.980
 of the earth,

00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:23.359
 and reversing the curse,

00:23:23.380 --> 00:23:23.960
 on the peoples,

00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:24.500
 on the nations,

00:23:24.579 --> 00:23:25.099
 on the ground,

00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:26.400
 on them,

00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:27.000
 and their dwelling,

00:23:27.700 --> 00:23:29.039
 well it's actually all found,

00:23:29.119 --> 00:23:29.740
 this is the,

00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:31.039
 it's all found,

00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:33.180
 in that first verse,

00:23:33.240 --> 00:23:34.000
 and then in verse 11,

00:23:34.099 --> 00:23:35.180
 and I saw the Lord,

00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:36.339
 standing beside the altar,

00:23:36.799 --> 00:23:37.460
 and then verse 11,

00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:37.900
 and that day,

00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:39.259
 I will raise up the booth of David,

00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:40.859
 the northern kingdom,

00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:41.940
 their false religion,

00:23:42.140 --> 00:23:43.380
 was established,

00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:45.079
 by King Jeroboam,

00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:46.259
 a counterfeit king,

00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:48.400
 standing as a counterfeit priest,

00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:49.200
 by the altar,

00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.960
 leaving them in a counterfeit religion,

00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:52.299
 that felt so much,

00:23:52.299 --> 00:23:53.839
 of the right way,

00:23:54.039 --> 00:23:55.019
 but was his own invention,

00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:56.960
 and now Amos sees,

00:23:57.079 --> 00:23:58.839
 the real king of all the earth,

00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:00.180
 who is the only one,

00:24:00.200 --> 00:24:01.339
 who could be the real priest,

00:24:01.419 --> 00:24:02.159
 for all the earth,

00:24:02.619 --> 00:24:03.960
 standing beside the altar,

00:24:04.579 --> 00:24:05.659
 as the king did,

00:24:05.720 --> 00:24:06.659
 at the feast of booth,

00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:07.539
 and in that day,

00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:08.680
 I'll raise up the booth of David,

00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:09.559
 again in verse 11,

00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:10.919
 according to the theologian,

00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:11.500
 Alec Mottier,

00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:12.559
 that this is speaking,

00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:14.059
 of the restoration,

00:24:14.579 --> 00:24:16.960
 of the real king,

00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:17.720
 and the real priest,

00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:18.559
 of God,

00:24:18.620 --> 00:24:19.680
 as their king and priest,

00:24:20.120 --> 00:24:20.559
 and we know,

00:24:20.700 --> 00:24:21.400
 that the fullness,

00:24:21.600 --> 00:24:23.000
 of God as our priest,

00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:24.759
 is found in the cross,

00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:25.960
 that this speaking,

00:24:26.120 --> 00:24:26.860
 of the booth of David,

00:24:26.900 --> 00:24:28.200
 is one of the Davidic prophecies,

00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:29.579
 of who the Messiah will be,

00:24:29.720 --> 00:24:30.680
 and what he will do,

00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:32.000
 and it's so easy,

00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:33.279
 for us to see on the cross,

00:24:33.380 --> 00:24:34.420
 just the love,

00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:34.980
 and the kindness,

00:24:35.100 --> 00:24:35.920
 and the mercy of God,

00:24:35.960 --> 00:24:36.720
 and all that is right,

00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.819
 to see in it for sure,

00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:39.220
 but it's easy for us,

00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:40.240
 to miss out on,

00:24:40.480 --> 00:24:42.079
 the seeing the severity,

00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:43.279
 and the wrath of God,

00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:44.000
 on the cross,

00:24:44.559 --> 00:24:45.059
 poured out,

00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:46.399
 Jesus not only taking,

00:24:46.539 --> 00:24:47.799
 the nails in his hands,

00:24:48.099 --> 00:24:48.919
 but taking the fullness,

00:24:49.039 --> 00:24:50.039
 of the wrath of God,

00:24:50.159 --> 00:24:50.679
 on himself,

00:24:50.799 --> 00:24:51.159
 the fullness,

00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:52.000
 of the separation,

00:24:52.419 --> 00:24:52.740
 the fullness,

00:24:52.839 --> 00:24:53.480
 of the curse,

00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.799
 in his own flesh,

00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:55.519
 in his own soul,

00:24:55.579 --> 00:24:56.500
 in his own self,

00:24:57.099 --> 00:25:00.159
 now in 1st John chapter 2,

00:25:00.619 --> 00:25:01.539
 John writes about,

00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:03.839
 about Jesus crucifixion,

00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:05.000
 his death,

00:25:05.119 --> 00:25:05.919
 being propitiation,

00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:06.759
 for our sins,

00:25:06.759 --> 00:25:07.879
 and that's something,

00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:08.799
 that we don't like to talk about,

00:25:08.839 --> 00:25:09.839
 not only because it's a word,

00:25:09.940 --> 00:25:10.740
 that most of us,

00:25:11.140 --> 00:25:12.220
 is bigger than most words,

00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:12.660
 we understand,

00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:13.859
 but because it's a word,

00:25:13.859 --> 00:25:15.180
 that contains the severity,

00:25:15.299 --> 00:25:16.000
 of who God is,

00:25:16.440 --> 00:25:17.200
 Andrew if you can put up,

00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:18.740
 the one slide we have for today,

00:25:19.359 --> 00:25:20.259
 if you got this,

00:25:20.819 --> 00:25:21.539
 propitiation,

00:25:22.099 --> 00:25:23.400
 the turning away of wrath,

00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.180
 by an offering,

00:25:24.339 --> 00:25:25.079
 through placating,

00:25:25.160 --> 00:25:26.539
 or satisfying the wrath,

00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:27.319
 of God,

00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:28.619
 this is a term,

00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.660
 that some of the pagan nations,

00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:30.420
 would use as well,

00:25:30.799 --> 00:25:31.480
 if you read,

00:25:31.799 --> 00:25:32.420
 they're lit,

00:25:32.839 --> 00:25:34.299
 turning away the wrath,

00:25:34.680 --> 00:25:35.779
 of the gods,

00:25:35.859 --> 00:25:36.460
 by an offering,

00:25:36.759 --> 00:25:37.640
 through placating,

00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.700
 or satisfying the wrath,

00:25:39.359 --> 00:25:40.440
 a word that your Bibles,

00:25:40.440 --> 00:25:41.079
 might use in,

00:25:41.079 --> 00:25:42.220
 in first John chapter two,

00:25:42.599 --> 00:25:43.180
 some of the,

00:25:43.200 --> 00:25:44.240
 like the NIV 1984,

00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:45.259
 I think it might,

00:25:45.619 --> 00:25:46.599
 some of the translations,

00:25:46.720 --> 00:25:47.660
 will use the word expiation,

00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:48.740
 more,

00:25:49.119 --> 00:25:50.460
 even more modern editions,

00:25:50.599 --> 00:25:51.039
 of the NIV,

00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:51.859
 and the NLT,

00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:53.500
 use just the word atonement,

00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:54.740
 and those words,

00:25:54.879 --> 00:25:56.279
 are very good words,

00:25:56.359 --> 00:25:56.640
 but they,

00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:58.160
 they don't contain the fullness,

00:25:58.160 --> 00:25:59.099
 of what was being written,

00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:00.539
 and that expiation,

00:26:00.619 --> 00:26:01.220
 refers to the,

00:26:01.339 --> 00:26:02.420
 just removal of guilt,

00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.680
 like if you're dirty,

00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:04.599
 and just kind of clean it,

00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:06.019
 like when your table's dirty,

00:26:06.139 --> 00:26:07.039
 and you just clean it off,

00:26:07.079 --> 00:26:08.159
 you've like expiated your table,

00:26:08.219 --> 00:26:09.639
 you've removed the dirt from it,

00:26:09.879 --> 00:26:10.819
 but propitiation,

00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:11.439
 is actually,

00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:12.919
 the removal of guilt,

00:26:13.319 --> 00:26:14.719
 through the taking on,

00:26:14.839 --> 00:26:15.919
 of the wrath,

00:26:15.959 --> 00:26:16.559
 of the judgment,

00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:18.419
 and that's what Jesus,

00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:19.179
 is doing on the cross,

00:26:19.240 --> 00:26:20.439
 he's not just washing us,

00:26:20.699 --> 00:26:21.480
 he's actually taking,

00:26:21.619 --> 00:26:22.980
 the judgment,

00:26:23.539 --> 00:26:24.759
 that we read about here,

00:26:24.919 --> 00:26:26.619
 of God working evil,

00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:27.839
 not good for them,

00:26:27.879 --> 00:26:28.199
 of God,

00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:29.299
 no matter where they run,

00:26:29.339 --> 00:26:30.759
 no matter how high they climb,

00:26:31.079 --> 00:26:31.700
 he's saying right here,

00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:32.779
 as it refers to Mount Carmel,

00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.839
 like no matter,

00:26:33.940 --> 00:26:34.799
 what mountain you climb to,

00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:35.779
 no matter what value,

00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:36.440
 you go into,

00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.660
 I'm going to find you,

00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:38.379
 and I'm going to pour out,

00:26:38.420 --> 00:26:39.440
 my judgment upon you,

00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:40.559
 that severity,

00:26:40.559 --> 00:26:41.519
 of the judgment,

00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:43.740
 that we deserve,

00:26:43.879 --> 00:26:44.740
 because we've broken,

00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.740
 God's holy ways,

00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:46.519
 each one of us,

00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:47.579
 each one of us,

00:26:47.579 --> 00:26:48.160
 have invented,

00:26:48.160 --> 00:26:49.359
 our own rules for life,

00:26:49.379 --> 00:26:50.079
 each one of us,

00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:50.920
 has violated,

00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:52.359
 God's pure and holy way,

00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:54.359
 and Amos,

00:26:55.500 --> 00:26:56.859
 even more so God,

00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.640
 in these words,

00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.460
 is speaking words,

00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:00.120
 that are dripping,

00:27:00.319 --> 00:27:01.420
 of love and mercy,

00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:02.980
 as he speaks to them,

00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:03.880
 of the coming judgment,

00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:06.200
 you see if standing here today,

00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:07.279
 if I knew that there were,

00:27:07.420 --> 00:27:08.779
 some very hungry lions,

00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.539
 outside of here,

00:27:10.039 --> 00:27:11.420
 maybe a few hungry alligators,

00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:12.819
 as well outside of this building,

00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:14.400
 and I knew that,

00:27:14.620 --> 00:27:15.420
 and they were looking,

00:27:15.640 --> 00:27:16.720
 for human flesh,

00:27:17.180 --> 00:27:18.259
 and yet I just came here,

00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:18.980
 and I just spoke,

00:27:19.059 --> 00:27:20.340
 of all the happy things,

00:27:20.380 --> 00:27:21.000
 and just told you,

00:27:21.059 --> 00:27:22.420
 about the beautiful elements,

00:27:22.420 --> 00:27:23.000
 of life,

00:27:23.079 --> 00:27:23.620
 and all the stuff,

00:27:23.660 --> 00:27:24.380
 and you felt so good,

00:27:24.380 --> 00:27:24.960
 about yourself,

00:27:25.240 --> 00:27:26.000
 and then you step outside,

00:27:26.100 --> 00:27:26.360
 these doors,

00:27:26.460 --> 00:27:27.100
 and just boom,

00:27:27.180 --> 00:27:27.980
 a lion ate you,

00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:29.680
 and I knew that,

00:27:30.140 --> 00:27:30.880
 I'd actually be,

00:27:30.880 --> 00:27:31.900
 be hating you,

00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:32.839
 through my positive,

00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:33.680
 warm and fuzzies,

00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:34.799
 you guys with me,

00:27:35.360 --> 00:27:36.319
 I'd be hating you,

00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:36.860
 through my positive,

00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:37.599
 warm and fuzzies,

00:27:38.099 --> 00:27:38.880
 and God,

00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.779
 in his justice,

00:27:41.559 --> 00:27:42.599
 and in his love,

00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:44.480
 is warning the people,

00:27:44.720 --> 00:27:45.759
 page after page,

00:27:46.099 --> 00:27:47.200
 in the book of Amos,

00:27:47.299 --> 00:27:48.240
 and through the scriptures,

00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:50.519
 warning,

00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:52.360
 not just the people of Israel,

00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:54.240
 many years ago,

00:27:54.360 --> 00:27:55.259
 but us today,

00:27:55.259 --> 00:27:58.400
 that if we continue,

00:27:58.400 --> 00:27:59.259
 to live life,

00:27:59.299 --> 00:28:00.160
 on our own terms,

00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:01.440
 no matter how much,

00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:02.019
 it reflects,

00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:02.759
 no matter how much,

00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:03.599
 it smells like,

00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:04.339
 the real religion,

00:28:04.819 --> 00:28:05.579
 no matter how much,

00:28:05.640 --> 00:28:06.819
 we invoke God's name,

00:28:07.339 --> 00:28:08.180
 no matter how much,

00:28:08.240 --> 00:28:09.379
 we do right sacrifice,

00:28:09.559 --> 00:28:10.559
 and sing the right songs,

00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:11.319
 and tithe,

00:28:11.379 --> 00:28:11.920
 maybe you tithe,

00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:12.839
 more than 10%,

00:28:12.839 --> 00:28:13.440
 you're just,

00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:14.400
 you're an all star,

00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:16.079
 maybe you're so involved,

00:28:16.119 --> 00:28:16.599
 in the church,

00:28:16.680 --> 00:28:17.200
 and everyone,

00:28:17.460 --> 00:28:19.099
 just respects you so much,

00:28:19.599 --> 00:28:21.299
 but if you haven't,

00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:22.039
 actually turned,

00:28:22.240 --> 00:28:22.819
 to God,

00:28:23.279 --> 00:28:24.039
 looking to Jesus,

00:28:24.039 --> 00:28:24.819
 for forgiveness,

00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:26.019
 looking to him,

00:28:26.059 --> 00:28:27.059
 for his propitiation,

00:28:27.059 --> 00:28:27.700
 for you,

00:28:27.940 --> 00:28:28.740
 and you haven't,

00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:29.539
 yielded your life,

00:28:29.619 --> 00:28:29.960
 to him,

00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:31.579
 you haven't,

00:28:31.619 --> 00:28:32.259
 yielded your life,

00:28:32.319 --> 00:28:32.599
 to him,

00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:32.920
 and said,

00:28:32.980 --> 00:28:33.740
 God enough of life,

00:28:33.779 --> 00:28:34.480
 on my own terms,

00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:35.759
 my life belongs to you,

00:28:36.639 --> 00:28:38.220
 then something,

00:28:38.440 --> 00:28:38.940
 much worse,

00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:39.420
 than a lion,

00:28:39.500 --> 00:28:40.259
 right outside this building,

00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:40.879
 is awaiting you,

00:28:40.899 --> 00:28:41.519
 and it's the judgment,

00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:42.039
 of God,

00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:43.879
 but the beautiful,

00:28:43.879 --> 00:28:45.059
 thing right here,

00:28:45.099 --> 00:28:46.099
 is that in the warning,

00:28:46.139 --> 00:28:47.059
 of God's judgment,

00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:49.579
 is an invitation,

00:28:49.579 --> 00:28:50.500
 to life,

00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:52.460
 that God,

00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:53.119
 has actually taken,

00:28:53.119 --> 00:28:53.879
 in the fullness,

00:28:54.599 --> 00:28:55.279
 of the judgment,

00:28:55.379 --> 00:28:55.759
 that awaits,

00:28:55.879 --> 00:28:56.839
 every one of us,

00:28:57.019 --> 00:28:57.759
 in himself,

00:28:58.319 --> 00:28:59.339
 two thousand years ago,

00:28:59.419 --> 00:29:00.179
 in real time,

00:29:00.279 --> 00:29:00.879
 real history,

00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:02.539
 through the real death,

00:29:03.839 --> 00:29:04.879
 of his real body,

00:29:05.339 --> 00:29:06.339
 Jesus' real body,

00:29:07.019 --> 00:29:08.219
 and through the real resurrection,

00:29:08.439 --> 00:29:08.699
 of him,

00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:09.979
 who still lives today,

00:29:10.699 --> 00:29:11.879
 every single one of us,

00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:12.759
 can share,

00:29:13.539 --> 00:29:15.059
 in the fullness of life,

00:29:15.119 --> 00:29:15.979
 that's found in God,

00:29:16.879 --> 00:29:18.179
 that Jesus took the doom,

00:29:18.179 --> 00:29:19.179
 that you and I deserved,

00:29:19.459 --> 00:29:20.179
 so that we can share,

00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:20.899
 in the destiny,

00:29:21.259 --> 00:29:22.419
 that he deserved,

00:29:23.100 --> 00:29:23.620
 that we can live,

00:29:23.680 --> 00:29:24.840
 in the fullness of life,

00:29:25.700 --> 00:29:26.800
 and so for all the words,

00:29:26.860 --> 00:29:27.560
 and all the images,

00:29:27.700 --> 00:29:28.400
 and all the stuff,

00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:29.600
 we've seen of who God is,

00:29:29.640 --> 00:29:30.340
 through these words,

00:29:30.680 --> 00:29:31.380
 I think the most beautiful,

00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:32.380
 are the very final words,

00:29:32.420 --> 00:29:32.900
 of Amos,

00:29:33.360 --> 00:29:34.640
 after all that God,

00:29:34.700 --> 00:29:35.340
 has spoken to them,

00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:36.800
 of how far they've strayed,

00:29:36.800 --> 00:29:37.180
 from him,

00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:38.440
 and how much they have,

00:29:38.580 --> 00:29:39.680
 perverted his ways,

00:29:40.180 --> 00:29:41.640
 the very final words are,

00:29:42.660 --> 00:29:43.539
 says the Lord,

00:29:43.640 --> 00:29:44.220
 your God,

00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:46.940
 God is speaking,

00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:47.539
 to a people,

00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:48.940
 who have perverted his ways,

00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:50.320
 who define God,

00:29:50.319 --> 00:29:51.200
 in their own terms,

00:29:51.579 --> 00:29:52.939
 who've exploited the poor,

00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:54.339
 who've trampled on the innocent,

00:29:54.859 --> 00:29:55.939
 and despite all of that,

00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:57.439
 he still defines himself,

00:29:57.980 --> 00:29:58.919
 as the Lord,

00:29:59.220 --> 00:30:00.139
 your God,

00:30:01.159 --> 00:30:01.379
 the,

00:30:01.819 --> 00:30:02.079
 for,

00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:03.579
 the book of Amos,

00:30:03.639 --> 00:30:04.919
 has expanded our vision,

00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:05.639
 of God's might,

00:30:05.700 --> 00:30:06.240
 and his strength,

00:30:06.279 --> 00:30:06.779
 and his holiness,

00:30:06.879 --> 00:30:07.879
 and his transcendence,

00:30:07.880 --> 00:30:09.240
 and yet,

00:30:09.680 --> 00:30:10.380
 we see how,

00:30:10.440 --> 00:30:11.540
 how intimately close,

00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:12.140
 God is,

00:30:12.560 --> 00:30:13.920
 he still calls himself,

00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.720
 attached to our,

00:30:15.880 --> 00:30:16.600
 to us,

00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:19.000
 we spoke some weeks ago,

00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:19.960
 of that like,

00:30:20.020 --> 00:30:20.520
 of the image,

00:30:20.700 --> 00:30:21.600
 of knowing so much,

00:30:21.600 --> 00:30:22.000
 about God,

00:30:22.040 --> 00:30:22.780
 but not knowing him,

00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:24.160
 and we called,

00:30:24.340 --> 00:30:25.280
 all of us,

00:30:25.360 --> 00:30:26.560
 to plead with God,

00:30:26.600 --> 00:30:27.520
 God I want to know you,

00:30:27.580 --> 00:30:28.480
 I want to know you,

00:30:29.000 --> 00:30:29.440
 I want to know you,

00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:30.440
 like the prodigal son,

00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:31.760
 who strayed so far from him,

00:30:32.040 --> 00:30:32.340
 and he's,

00:30:32.420 --> 00:30:33.860
 and he's practicing his speech,

00:30:34.040 --> 00:30:35.000
 and for it,

00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:36.039
 to share with the father,

00:30:36.119 --> 00:30:37.259
 who he's trampled,

00:30:37.319 --> 00:30:38.200
 and cited his name,

00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.480
 he's practicing his speech,

00:30:39.539 --> 00:30:40.079
 all the things,

00:30:40.119 --> 00:30:40.660
 he'll try to say,

00:30:40.720 --> 00:30:41.299
 to impress him,

00:30:41.579 --> 00:30:42.220
 and then the father,

00:30:42.279 --> 00:30:42.660
 sees him,

00:30:42.700 --> 00:30:43.420
 and he's running toward him,

00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:44.779
 the son starts saying his words,

00:30:45.039 --> 00:30:45.640
 but then the father,

00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:46.579
 he interrupts his speech,

00:30:46.599 --> 00:30:47.240
 if you go read,

00:30:47.519 --> 00:30:48.460
 read the prodigal son,

00:30:48.559 --> 00:30:49.380
 you'll see that the father,

00:30:49.480 --> 00:30:50.660
 just interrupts the apology,

00:30:50.740 --> 00:30:51.240
 doesn't even wait,

00:30:51.319 --> 00:30:51.839
 for all the words,

00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:53.140
 and just embraces him,

00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:54.480
 and I shared with you,

00:30:54.559 --> 00:30:55.059
 some weeks ago,

00:30:55.200 --> 00:30:56.019
 of being in high school,

00:30:56.039 --> 00:30:56.960
 and just being on my knees there,

00:30:57.019 --> 00:30:57.559
 being like God,

00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:59.039
 I need to know you,

00:30:59.680 --> 00:31:00.480
 I didn't even understand,

00:31:00.640 --> 00:31:01.700
 the fierceness of God,

00:31:01.740 --> 00:31:02.240
 I didn't understand,

00:31:02.240 --> 00:31:03.140
 so much of who he is,

00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:04.400
 but I just knew that,

00:31:04.599 --> 00:31:05.339
 I wasn't satisfied,

00:31:05.339 --> 00:31:06.140
 with my pastor,

00:31:06.279 --> 00:31:07.079
 knowing the beauty,

00:31:07.200 --> 00:31:07.579
 and the awe,

00:31:07.660 --> 00:31:08.279
 of who God was,

00:31:08.500 --> 00:31:09.759
 I needed to know that myself,

00:31:09.900 --> 00:31:10.680
 not just know about him,

00:31:10.720 --> 00:31:11.680
 and so I shared with you,

00:31:11.759 --> 00:31:12.200
 I was there,

00:31:12.299 --> 00:31:12.839
 as a 16 year old,

00:31:12.880 --> 00:31:13.799
 God I need to know you,

00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:14.839
 not just know about you,

00:31:15.420 --> 00:31:16.720
 I shared that seeking him,

00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:17.380
 and encouraged us,

00:31:17.519 --> 00:31:18.519
 to pray that same prayer,

00:31:18.599 --> 00:31:19.839
 God let us not just know about you,

00:31:19.900 --> 00:31:20.700
 let us know you,

00:31:21.620 --> 00:31:22.200
 it was a prayer,

00:31:22.279 --> 00:31:23.519
 so much bigger than I understood,

00:31:24.160 --> 00:31:25.079
 yet so much more awesome,

00:31:25.180 --> 00:31:26.059
 than I even realized,

00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:29.440
 but as we see here,

00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:30.319
 God again and again,

00:31:30.400 --> 00:31:30.900
 speaking to them,

00:31:30.900 --> 00:31:31.299
 of who they are,

00:31:31.339 --> 00:31:31.440
 and saying,

00:31:31.440 --> 00:31:32.779
 I am the Lord your God,

00:31:33.420 --> 00:31:33.900
 God saying,

00:31:34.039 --> 00:31:35.620
 I am right here,

00:31:35.799 --> 00:31:36.740
 right with you,

00:31:36.820 --> 00:31:38.340
 I am here present with you,

00:31:38.380 --> 00:31:39.259
 this majestic,

00:31:39.440 --> 00:31:39.880
 amazing,

00:31:40.059 --> 00:31:40.480
 powerful,

00:31:40.700 --> 00:31:41.039
 fierce,

00:31:41.340 --> 00:31:41.580
 loving,

00:31:41.720 --> 00:31:41.980
 kind,

00:31:42.180 --> 00:31:42.940
 merciful God,

00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:44.440
 he is right here,

00:31:44.480 --> 00:31:45.240
 as our God,

00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:46.160
 the God of the people,

00:31:46.220 --> 00:31:46.680
 he has made,

00:31:46.759 --> 00:31:47.580
 whether we are,

00:31:47.580 --> 00:31:49.279
 are giving him the middle finger,

00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:50.259
 with our lifestyle,

00:31:50.620 --> 00:31:52.340
 or we are seeking after him,

00:31:52.340 --> 00:31:53.200
 he is right here,

00:31:53.240 --> 00:31:54.200
 ready to embrace us,

00:31:54.220 --> 00:31:54.820
 like the Father,

00:31:55.759 --> 00:31:57.019
 the prodigal son,

00:31:57.059 --> 00:31:57.620
 didn't realize,

00:31:57.720 --> 00:31:58.559
 even as he was practicing,

00:31:58.559 --> 00:31:59.059
 that speech,

00:31:59.059 --> 00:31:59.880
 and even before that,

00:31:59.880 --> 00:32:00.520
 as he was,

00:32:00.580 --> 00:32:01.720
 as he was just living,

00:32:01.800 --> 00:32:02.900
 a crazy wild life,

00:32:02.940 --> 00:32:03.380
 for himself,

00:32:03.560 --> 00:32:04.460
 the Father was out,

00:32:04.560 --> 00:32:05.500
 searching for him,

00:32:06.140 --> 00:32:07.160
 looking for him,

00:32:07.640 --> 00:32:08.520
 and so if you are someone,

00:32:08.600 --> 00:32:09.600
 who hasn't yielded,

00:32:09.660 --> 00:32:10.340
 your life to God,

00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:11.640
 if you find that maybe,

00:32:11.760 --> 00:32:12.460
 maybe your life,

00:32:12.600 --> 00:32:13.620
 looks very Christian,

00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:14.400
 but you have been,

00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:15.000
 defining God,

00:32:15.060 --> 00:32:16.180
 and life in your own terms,

00:32:16.760 --> 00:32:18.020
 I just want to plead with you,

00:32:18.080 --> 00:32:18.940
 don't wait another day,

00:32:19.040 --> 00:32:19.980
 actually just God,

00:32:20.540 --> 00:32:21.160
 just pray today,

00:32:21.260 --> 00:32:21.580
 God,

00:32:22.740 --> 00:32:23.380
 forgive me,

00:32:23.380 --> 00:32:24.840
 thank you,

00:32:24.860 --> 00:32:25.440
 that you've taken,

00:32:25.540 --> 00:32:26.660
 the judgment I deserve,

00:32:27.200 --> 00:32:27.900
 I'm yours,

00:32:28.040 --> 00:32:28.780
 here's my life,

00:32:29.940 --> 00:32:31.160
 not just my Sunday mornings,

00:32:31.300 --> 00:32:32.100
 not just my prayers,

00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:32.480
 and liturgy,

00:32:32.560 --> 00:32:33.800
 but here's my life,

00:32:34.820 --> 00:32:35.920
 my life is for you,

00:32:36.560 --> 00:32:36.980
 just pray,

00:32:37.080 --> 00:32:37.760
 something like that,

00:32:38.940 --> 00:32:39.300
 God,

00:32:39.440 --> 00:32:40.400
 I want to know you,

00:32:40.880 --> 00:32:41.720
 would you stand with me,

00:32:41.720 --> 00:32:52.059
 heavenly father,

00:32:52.180 --> 00:32:53.380
 through the pages,

00:32:53.380 --> 00:32:55.240
 of your sacred book,

00:32:56.019 --> 00:32:57.200
 through the words of Amos,

00:32:57.440 --> 00:32:58.019
 your words,

00:33:00.059 --> 00:33:00.980
 we have seen,

00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:03.220
 so much more of who you are,

00:33:03.339 --> 00:33:03.680
 than at least,

00:33:03.839 --> 00:33:05.640
 than I expected to see,

00:33:06.839 --> 00:33:07.460
 seeing you,

00:33:07.640 --> 00:33:08.720
 as the one who roars,

00:33:08.980 --> 00:33:09.339
 seeing you,

00:33:09.420 --> 00:33:10.579
 as the one who's so holy,

00:33:10.839 --> 00:33:11.660
 who cares about,

00:33:11.700 --> 00:33:12.960
 the details of our lives,

00:33:13.480 --> 00:33:15.540
 Lord,

00:33:15.620 --> 00:33:16.120
 I pray,

00:33:17.259 --> 00:33:18.279
 and together we pray,

00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:19.420
 what we sang earlier today,

00:33:19.500 --> 00:33:20.140
 give us eyes,

00:33:20.180 --> 00:33:21.460
 to see more of who you are,

00:33:22.380 --> 00:33:23.200
 may what I behold,

00:33:23.340 --> 00:33:24.440
 still my anxious heart,

00:33:25.040 --> 00:33:25.940
 take what I have known,

00:33:25.980 --> 00:33:27.019
 and break it all apart,

00:33:27.180 --> 00:33:27.980
 you my God,

00:33:28.019 --> 00:33:28.580
 are greater still,

00:33:28.640 --> 00:33:29.900
 would you help us all,

00:33:30.180 --> 00:33:31.140
 with unveiled face,

00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:32.320
 behold the glory,

00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:33.779
 of who you are,

00:33:34.900 --> 00:33:35.540
 would you help us,

00:33:35.540 --> 00:33:36.700
 to come to know you,

00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:37.800
 not just our favorite parts,

00:33:37.820 --> 00:33:38.320
 of who you are,

00:33:38.560 --> 00:33:39.720
 but really who you are,

00:33:40.200 --> 00:33:41.040
 would you save us,

00:33:41.039 --> 00:33:41.680
 from ourselves,

00:33:41.799 --> 00:33:42.579
 and from living life,

00:33:42.619 --> 00:33:43.339
 on our own terms,

00:33:43.960 --> 00:33:44.879
 and would you help us,

00:33:44.960 --> 00:33:45.779
 to live a life,

00:33:46.200 --> 00:33:47.259
 in every part of our life,

00:33:47.339 --> 00:33:48.079
 our money,

00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:48.839
 our time,

00:33:49.099 --> 00:33:49.619
 our friendships,

00:33:50.039 --> 00:33:50.500
 our work,

00:33:50.579 --> 00:33:51.200
 our sexuality,

00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:52.500
 and our worship,

00:33:53.500 --> 00:33:54.519
 be shaped,

00:33:54.599 --> 00:33:55.000
 and defined,

00:33:55.079 --> 00:33:56.000
 by the fullness,

00:33:56.139 --> 00:33:56.779
 of who you are,

00:33:57.500 --> 00:33:58.039
 thank you,

00:33:58.079 --> 00:33:59.159
 that you have poured out,

00:33:59.279 --> 00:34:00.279
 the judgment we deserve,

00:34:00.379 --> 00:34:01.099
 on your son,

00:34:01.859 --> 00:34:02.279
 that Jesus,

00:34:02.279 --> 00:34:02.879
 you've taken,

00:34:03.079 --> 00:34:03.920
 what we deserve,

00:34:04.039 --> 00:34:04.960
 in your own flesh,

00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:06.019
 that we might share,

00:34:06.100 --> 00:34:06.940
 in the abundant life,

00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:07.900
 that you've won for us,

00:34:08.619 --> 00:34:09.599
 would you be our joy,

00:34:09.659 --> 00:34:10.300
 and our strength,

00:34:10.420 --> 00:34:11.659
 as we yield our life to you,

00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:12.720
 in Jesus name,

00:34:12.860 --> 00:34:13.079
 amen.