WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.740 Do sit and open your Bibles to John chapter 1. 00:00:03.760 --> 00:00:05.440 John chapter 1. 00:00:05.560 --> 00:00:09.439 If you've got a church Bible, that's page 886. 00:00:10.720 --> 00:00:13.120 If you've got to grab a church Bible there, just by the door. 00:00:14.019 --> 00:00:17.440 As you're turning there, let me again invite you to this evening's service. 00:00:18.500 --> 00:00:22.080 Tonight we've got the joy and the privilege of installing Reuben Hunter as an elder 00:00:22.080 --> 00:00:24.760 and the associate minister of this congregation. 00:00:25.039 --> 00:00:26.379 That is a wonderful thing. 00:00:27.280 --> 00:00:29.080 It's a gift from the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:00:29.079 --> 00:00:31.359 We're really grateful for Reuben and Louisa and the family. 00:00:32.059 --> 00:00:33.899 So can I ask you to come, encourage them. 00:00:34.280 --> 00:00:35.560 Bring some cake if you've got it. 00:00:35.820 --> 00:00:36.979 Bring your leftover desserts. 00:00:37.539 --> 00:00:39.899 We'll eat and celebrate together. 00:00:40.060 --> 00:00:42.519 David Field is going to be the preacher. 00:00:42.939 --> 00:00:44.060 So we're looking forward to that. 00:00:46.879 --> 00:00:50.399 I was at my nephew's wedding on Friday in Edinburgh. 00:00:50.840 --> 00:00:52.019 It's a really lovely occasion. 00:00:52.780 --> 00:00:54.259 They're in their mid-twenties. 00:00:55.119 --> 00:00:59.060 After they'd got married, my sister-in-law turned to me and said, 00:00:59.079 --> 00:01:02.280 they've got no idea what they've let themselves in for, have they? 00:01:03.219 --> 00:01:04.859 My brother looked slightly alarmed. 00:01:06.219 --> 00:01:07.959 But that's the case, isn't it, when young people get married. 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:10.179 They've got no idea what they let themselves in for. 00:01:11.739 --> 00:01:14.019 I think it can often be like that a little bit in the Christian life. 00:01:14.079 --> 00:01:15.539 It's certainly like that in John 1. 00:01:15.540 --> 00:01:18.160 At the end of John 1 with these first disciples. 00:01:19.600 --> 00:01:21.480 Last week, we saw John the Baptist. 00:01:21.740 --> 00:01:22.100 Do you remember? 00:01:22.219 --> 00:01:27.040 He drew the attention of everyone that would listen to him to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:01:27.640 --> 00:01:34.180 He was so effective at pointing to the Lord Jesus that two of his disciples left him and started following Jesus. 00:01:34.180 --> 00:01:41.320 And John the Baptist was effective in his ministry of preparing the way, clearing the way for Jesus. 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:46.780 John the Baptist was effective in heightening people's curiosity about Jesus. 00:01:47.380 --> 00:01:51.200 And there must have been, mustn't there, in these disciples, great anticipation. 00:01:51.200 --> 00:01:53.859 Even before Jesus arrived on the scene. 00:01:55.299 --> 00:01:59.700 And so, they find themselves taking these initial steps in following him. 00:01:59.799 --> 00:02:01.980 They're excited to know, where are you staying? 00:02:02.960 --> 00:02:06.240 But they don't really know what they're letting themselves in for. 00:02:07.140 --> 00:02:10.039 They don't know what is going to be ahead of them. 00:02:11.039 --> 00:02:13.080 And in these verses, at the end of John 1, 00:02:13.520 --> 00:02:18.060 Jesus shows them and us what we can expect in following him. 00:02:18.060 --> 00:02:21.800 You see, John's Gospel is not just history. 00:02:21.979 --> 00:02:25.319 Sometimes people describe the Gospels as a biography of Jesus. 00:02:25.460 --> 00:02:26.640 That's hopelessly inadequate. 00:02:27.860 --> 00:02:30.240 What is written down before you is history, 00:02:30.539 --> 00:02:33.900 but it's got a much greater purpose than a history textbook. 00:02:35.060 --> 00:02:37.240 Near the end of this book of John's Gospel, 00:02:37.860 --> 00:02:41.379 John very carefully and very explicitly says, 00:02:41.580 --> 00:02:41.960 Do you know what? 00:02:42.080 --> 00:02:44.300 Many things could have been written about Jesus. 00:02:44.300 --> 00:02:50.860 But these things I wrote so that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. 00:02:51.800 --> 00:02:56.980 And that by believing you might have life, life in its fullness through his name. 00:02:58.460 --> 00:03:02.700 And so, in every part of John, there's a clear and urgent purpose to what's written. 00:03:03.920 --> 00:03:06.360 And John is saying to us, the readers of this Gospel, 00:03:06.600 --> 00:03:09.320 God is saying to us, through John this morning, 00:03:09.319 --> 00:03:11.799 make sure you understand why I'm writing. 00:03:13.599 --> 00:03:15.939 More important even than John's focus, 00:03:16.120 --> 00:03:18.359 God has designed this revelation, 00:03:19.239 --> 00:03:20.120 this record, 00:03:20.519 --> 00:03:22.259 to accomplish something in your heart. 00:03:23.259 --> 00:03:28.139 So while what you've got on your laps is real history, 00:03:28.639 --> 00:03:29.819 an accurate history, 00:03:30.319 --> 00:03:32.419 it is calling forth belief. 00:03:33.400 --> 00:03:35.180 It is going to change your life. 00:03:36.060 --> 00:03:38.259 Look back with me at verse 9. 00:03:38.259 --> 00:03:39.500 The true light, 00:03:39.759 --> 00:03:42.459 which gives light to everyone, 00:03:43.179 --> 00:03:44.280 was coming into the world. 00:03:45.719 --> 00:03:47.179 He was in the world 00:03:47.179 --> 00:03:49.859 and the world was made through him, 00:03:50.359 --> 00:03:52.699 yet the world did not know him. 00:03:54.539 --> 00:03:55.659 The true light, 00:03:55.859 --> 00:03:57.799 which enlightens everyone, 00:03:58.239 --> 00:04:00.060 was coming into the world. 00:04:01.259 --> 00:04:02.560 He was in the world 00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:05.000 and the world was made through him, 00:04:05.120 --> 00:04:06.239 and yet the world did not know him. 00:04:06.419 --> 00:04:07.079 He came to his own, 00:04:07.120 --> 00:04:07.739 his own people. 00:04:08.259 --> 00:04:10.359 and yet his own people didn't recognize him. 00:04:10.639 --> 00:04:12.840 But to all who did receive him, what happened? 00:04:13.719 --> 00:04:16.159 To all who believed in his name, he gives the right, 00:04:16.920 --> 00:04:18.599 he gives the privilege to be children of God. 00:04:20.180 --> 00:04:23.240 And so the question for this morning is for these disciples, 00:04:23.719 --> 00:04:27.199 is what might they expect from Jesus as they turn to follow him? 00:04:29.719 --> 00:04:33.259 What might they expect from Jesus as they turn to follow him? 00:04:35.060 --> 00:04:38.120 And it's very clearly the purpose of John's gospel that he's writing for. 00:04:39.079 --> 00:04:41.899 What should we expect from Jesus? 00:04:43.240 --> 00:04:45.459 So first of all, my first point, only two points this morning, 00:04:45.980 --> 00:04:49.279 is we should expect a claim on our lives. 00:04:50.719 --> 00:04:54.579 As you follow Jesus, you should expect a claim on your life. 00:04:56.860 --> 00:05:00.240 The moment we turn to Jesus and we begin to follow him, 00:05:01.060 --> 00:05:02.899 we should expect a claim on our lives. 00:05:04.819 --> 00:05:07.800 Jesus is not just going to let you be. 00:05:08.259 --> 00:05:10.860 Here are these disciples. 00:05:11.019 --> 00:05:11.959 They're really excited, aren't they? 00:05:12.139 --> 00:05:13.719 They sense they're into something here. 00:05:14.300 --> 00:05:15.199 Something exciting. 00:05:15.339 --> 00:05:16.319 They want to tell others. 00:05:16.480 --> 00:05:17.879 They want to bring others. 00:05:18.000 --> 00:05:20.680 But can you please notice, in every case, in every case, 00:05:20.779 --> 00:05:21.639 without fail, 00:05:21.639 --> 00:05:25.120 as soon as a new person gets introduced to Jesus, 00:05:25.120 --> 00:05:28.899 as soon as a new person comes to Jesus in John's gospel, 00:05:29.139 --> 00:05:30.800 as soon as they meet Christ, 00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:33.379 they are confronted, each one of them in a unique way. 00:05:34.719 --> 00:05:39.120 Each one of them is confronted with someone who is making a claim on their lives. 00:05:39.120 --> 00:05:44.840 That is the very first thing to expect when following Jesus. 00:05:45.840 --> 00:05:48.280 He makes a claim on your life this morning. 00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:53.040 Things will never remain the same. 00:05:54.079 --> 00:05:55.980 Look at verse 40 with me. 00:05:57.439 --> 00:05:59.439 Verse 40, it says, 00:05:59.439 --> 00:06:03.279 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus 00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:05.879 was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 00:06:08.079 --> 00:06:10.279 He first found his own brother, Simon, 00:06:10.439 --> 00:06:11.360 and said to him, 00:06:11.519 --> 00:06:12.860 We have found the Messiah, 00:06:13.240 --> 00:06:15.519 which means Christ, God's anointed king. 00:06:16.040 --> 00:06:17.500 He brought him to Jesus. 00:06:17.500 --> 00:06:19.480 Jesus looked at him and said, 00:06:19.860 --> 00:06:21.459 You are Simon, the son of John. 00:06:22.300 --> 00:06:23.699 You shall be called Cephas, 00:06:23.819 --> 00:06:24.920 which means Peter. 00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:28.680 Jesus immediately says, 00:06:28.779 --> 00:06:29.639 I'm going to rename you. 00:06:32.220 --> 00:06:33.540 You are Simon, 00:06:33.779 --> 00:06:35.980 but I'm going to call you Cephas. 00:06:36.060 --> 00:06:37.699 From now on, you will be called Cephas. 00:06:38.519 --> 00:06:40.800 From now on, you will be known by something 00:06:40.800 --> 00:06:42.800 other than what you have been known by. 00:06:44.079 --> 00:06:44.720 And these words, 00:06:44.819 --> 00:06:46.579 when Jesus speaks these words to Peter, 00:06:46.579 --> 00:06:49.240 it's not as if he's making some predictive statement. 00:06:50.500 --> 00:06:51.959 Can you see, it's a declaration. 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:56.379 It's a declaration of what Jesus will make this man. 00:06:56.639 --> 00:07:00.060 You are, you now are Peter. 00:07:00.300 --> 00:07:01.120 Do you know what Peter means? 00:07:02.180 --> 00:07:03.099 You know what it means, don't you? 00:07:03.139 --> 00:07:03.879 It means rock. 00:07:05.180 --> 00:07:05.879 Jesus is saying, 00:07:06.019 --> 00:07:09.319 Peter, I am going to build my church on you. 00:07:09.539 --> 00:07:11.500 I am going to claim your life. 00:07:11.639 --> 00:07:12.939 I am going to do something 00:07:12.939 --> 00:07:15.620 that you could never have imagined 00:07:15.620 --> 00:07:16.899 with your life. 00:07:17.079 --> 00:07:18.060 Look at verse 43. 00:07:19.540 --> 00:07:21.519 The next day, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. 00:07:21.639 --> 00:07:23.120 He found Philip and said to him, 00:07:23.780 --> 00:07:24.280 follow me. 00:07:25.480 --> 00:07:26.259 Just like that. 00:07:27.720 --> 00:07:28.680 No hesitation. 00:07:29.019 --> 00:07:30.060 No apologies. 00:07:30.280 --> 00:07:31.280 It doesn't matter what you're doing. 00:07:31.780 --> 00:07:32.500 You follow me. 00:07:33.699 --> 00:07:34.500 You follow me. 00:07:34.500 --> 00:07:36.379 I lay claim on your life. 00:07:36.680 --> 00:07:39.199 It's astonishing authority, isn't it, this man? 00:07:40.660 --> 00:07:41.779 And then there's this remarkable, 00:07:42.079 --> 00:07:44.459 intriguing interaction with Nathanael. 00:07:44.639 --> 00:07:46.079 Look at verse 45. 00:07:47.540 --> 00:07:50.500 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:54.439 we have found him of whom Moses in the law 00:07:54.439 --> 00:07:55.959 and also the prophets wrote, 00:07:56.259 --> 00:07:57.660 Jesus of Nazareth, the son of David. 00:07:58.300 --> 00:07:59.439 Nathanael said to him, 00:07:59.439 --> 00:08:03.259 can anything good come out of Nazareth? 00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:05.060 The people in the region of Galilee, 00:08:05.860 --> 00:08:07.219 in the north of Israel, 00:08:07.680 --> 00:08:09.399 the people of Galilee were despised 00:08:09.399 --> 00:08:10.579 by everyone else. 00:08:11.939 --> 00:08:13.759 And so they would pick on Nazareth, 00:08:13.839 --> 00:08:14.199 isn't it? 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:17.899 It's like Americans always say, 00:08:17.980 --> 00:08:19.120 thank goodness for Mississippi, 00:08:19.300 --> 00:08:21.120 because Mississippi is always regarded 00:08:21.120 --> 00:08:22.480 as the worst state, isn't it? 00:08:23.379 --> 00:08:25.560 I wanted to give an English illustration, 00:08:25.680 --> 00:08:27.339 but I thought you're bound to offend someone. 00:08:27.339 --> 00:08:30.239 I'm not bothered by offending Americans. 00:08:32.039 --> 00:08:33.240 But Galilee, isn't it? 00:08:33.679 --> 00:08:34.699 Galilee was looked down on, 00:08:34.740 --> 00:08:36.600 so they would look down on Nazareth. 00:08:37.299 --> 00:08:38.319 They're despised. 00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:41.139 In order to maintain some kind of self-esteem, 00:08:41.299 --> 00:08:42.559 you look down on others. 00:08:42.959 --> 00:08:45.339 And so here is Nathanael mocking Nazareth. 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:47.959 Can anything good come out of Nazareth? 00:08:50.079 --> 00:08:51.879 Well, Philip says to Nathanael, 00:08:52.019 --> 00:08:53.459 I think this might be the exception, 00:08:53.699 --> 00:08:54.559 come and see. 00:08:54.559 --> 00:08:59.379 And Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him. 00:08:59.439 --> 00:09:00.219 Look what he says. 00:09:01.339 --> 00:09:01.819 He says, 00:09:01.979 --> 00:09:03.559 Behold an Israelite, 00:09:04.419 --> 00:09:06.099 in whom there is no deceit, 00:09:06.179 --> 00:09:07.419 there is no guile. 00:09:11.639 --> 00:09:12.719 Then he says to him, 00:09:13.119 --> 00:09:14.379 before you came, 00:09:14.919 --> 00:09:16.259 before Philip called you, 00:09:16.319 --> 00:09:17.000 verse 48, 00:09:17.239 --> 00:09:18.539 when you were under the fig tree, 00:09:18.699 --> 00:09:19.699 I saw you. 00:09:19.700 --> 00:09:23.600 Nathanael can't believe it. 00:09:23.680 --> 00:09:25.700 Despite Nathanael's incredulity, 00:09:26.200 --> 00:09:29.560 despite his doubts about whether anything good can come from Nazareth, 00:09:29.900 --> 00:09:31.140 while he's coming to Jesus, 00:09:31.500 --> 00:09:32.700 Jesus x-rays him. 00:09:34.320 --> 00:09:35.440 Jesus knows him. 00:09:37.220 --> 00:09:38.620 Jesus scans him. 00:09:39.900 --> 00:09:41.440 Jesus describes him. 00:09:41.440 --> 00:09:43.500 And he lets him know, 00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:44.060 Jesus says, 00:09:44.180 --> 00:09:44.920 I know you. 00:09:45.360 --> 00:09:46.360 I've seen you. 00:09:47.400 --> 00:09:48.600 You thought, Nathanael, 00:09:48.660 --> 00:09:50.460 you were just sitting under the fig tree, 00:09:50.600 --> 00:09:51.600 resting in the shade, 00:09:51.980 --> 00:09:52.960 in the heat of the day, 00:09:53.260 --> 00:09:54.060 but I know you. 00:09:55.300 --> 00:09:56.200 I saw you. 00:09:57.580 --> 00:09:58.600 And I want you to know that. 00:09:59.180 --> 00:10:00.160 I want you to know that. 00:10:00.159 --> 00:10:04.159 Do you see what's happening in these little exchanges 00:10:04.159 --> 00:10:06.439 between Jesus and these disciples? 00:10:08.079 --> 00:10:08.799 Do you see, 00:10:08.959 --> 00:10:10.019 as the readers of this gospel, 00:10:10.159 --> 00:10:11.539 what you should expect from Jesus? 00:10:11.839 --> 00:10:15.600 It is clear that Jesus takes the reins 00:10:15.600 --> 00:10:17.019 in John's gospel. 00:10:18.860 --> 00:10:19.980 I see you. 00:10:21.459 --> 00:10:22.659 I know you. 00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:25.319 This is who you are. 00:10:26.100 --> 00:10:27.939 This is what you're going to do. 00:10:27.939 --> 00:10:29.939 This is what you will be. 00:10:30.159 --> 00:10:34.259 I make claim on your life. 00:10:35.939 --> 00:10:38.279 Things will never be the same once you've met me. 00:10:40.839 --> 00:10:43.139 And thankfully, wonderfully, gloriously, 00:10:43.459 --> 00:10:44.819 the Lord Jesus is the same today. 00:10:46.939 --> 00:10:49.659 That the moment we turn to Christ, 00:10:51.179 --> 00:10:53.879 he openly lays claim on our lives. 00:10:55.679 --> 00:10:58.100 He ever so graciously says to you, 00:10:58.100 --> 00:10:59.860 things are never going to be the same again. 00:11:00.939 --> 00:11:02.039 I see you. 00:11:03.139 --> 00:11:04.480 I know you. 00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:07.460 I know your circumstances. 00:11:07.460 --> 00:11:09.259 I know everything about you. 00:11:09.259 --> 00:11:10.220 I know when you get up. 00:11:10.259 --> 00:11:11.340 I know when you lie down. 00:11:11.439 --> 00:11:13.259 I know your words before you speak them. 00:11:13.539 --> 00:11:15.179 I know the workings of your mind. 00:11:15.419 --> 00:11:17.059 I know the desires of your heart. 00:11:17.159 --> 00:11:18.600 I know every thought about you. 00:11:18.679 --> 00:11:19.939 I know you full well. 00:11:20.759 --> 00:11:21.779 And I have a plan for you. 00:11:21.779 --> 00:11:22.779 I have an intention for you. 00:11:22.779 --> 00:11:26.199 I have an intention for you and a purpose for you. 00:11:26.200 --> 00:11:27.200 I'm not just going to rescue you. 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:27.200 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:27.660 I know you full well. 00:11:27.660 --> 00:11:27.660 00:11:27.660 --> 00:11:29.379 I'm not just going to rescue you from drowning 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:31.180 and leave you shivering on the shore. 00:11:31.379 --> 00:11:33.220 I will lay claim to your life 00:11:33.220 --> 00:11:35.860 because I am the Christ, 00:11:36.759 --> 00:11:37.960 God's anointed king. 00:11:37.960 --> 00:11:40.960 And I want to say to you, 00:11:41.160 --> 00:11:42.980 for those of us who are Christians this morning, 00:11:43.100 --> 00:11:45.300 trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as the people of God, 00:11:45.360 --> 00:11:47.300 there is such great comfort in this, isn't there? 00:11:47.299 --> 00:11:54.740 There is such security and joy that Christ sees me. 00:11:55.919 --> 00:11:57.120 He knows me. 00:11:58.919 --> 00:12:00.639 He knows me fully. 00:12:01.099 --> 00:12:04.519 There is nothing of me to know that he does not know. 00:12:05.539 --> 00:12:07.699 And he has laid claim to my life 00:12:07.699 --> 00:12:09.299 and my life will not be wasted. 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:14.259 And my life will not be useless wandering around. 00:12:14.259 --> 00:12:17.519 And we should remember, shouldn't we, 00:12:17.600 --> 00:12:19.439 and remind ourselves and remind one another 00:12:19.439 --> 00:12:23.100 that he has every right to lay claim on my life. 00:12:23.179 --> 00:12:23.980 It's my only hope. 00:12:25.799 --> 00:12:28.899 I need him to do a work in my life. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:31.500 The fact that he knows me is impressive enough, 00:12:31.759 --> 00:12:35.059 but his authority, his right to lay claim on my life 00:12:35.059 --> 00:12:38.860 derives from a far greater reality than just his knowledge. 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:44.100 Yes, he says, I know you, I see you, 00:12:44.100 --> 00:12:45.940 but over that and above that, 00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:47.899 we hear him saying in John 1, 00:12:48.019 --> 00:12:48.800 I made you. 00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:53.320 Do you remember, in the beginning was the Word, 00:12:53.960 --> 00:12:55.399 and the Word was with God, 00:12:55.460 --> 00:12:56.460 and the Word was God. 00:12:56.540 --> 00:12:57.960 He was in the beginning with God. 00:12:58.379 --> 00:13:00.759 All things were made through him, 00:13:00.960 --> 00:13:04.840 and without him was not anything made that was made. 00:13:05.100 --> 00:13:07.240 Which is John's way of saying to you and I this morning, 00:13:07.519 --> 00:13:08.860 you were made by Christ. 00:13:09.600 --> 00:13:11.240 You were made to be like Christ. 00:13:11.659 --> 00:13:12.899 You were made for Christ. 00:13:13.120 --> 00:13:14.180 That is the reason you exist. 00:13:15.740 --> 00:13:17.340 That is the reason you were put on this planet. 00:13:17.460 --> 00:13:19.279 That is the reason why you've got breath in your body. 00:13:21.100 --> 00:13:22.680 So what should you expect from the Lord Jesus? 00:13:22.679 --> 00:13:27.459 Well, first of all, expect him to lovingly, 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:28.319 graciously, 00:13:29.439 --> 00:13:32.039 beneficently, 00:13:32.259 --> 00:13:34.479 which means, for your good, I discovered this week, 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:36.939 he lays claim on your life. 00:13:39.319 --> 00:13:41.639 He lays claim on your life that will result in the beginning 00:13:41.639 --> 00:13:43.000 of a wonderful transformation. 00:13:43.659 --> 00:13:44.439 But that is not all. 00:13:46.479 --> 00:13:48.079 That's not all to expect from Jesus. 00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:51.300 There's something more that you can expect from Jesus. 00:13:51.460 --> 00:13:53.860 And I've tried to figure this out 00:13:53.860 --> 00:13:56.500 and put it into kind of a catchy phrase, 00:13:56.580 --> 00:13:57.240 but I haven't been able to do it. 00:13:57.280 --> 00:13:59.480 So forgive my lack of brevity in the second point, okay? 00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:02.920 Secondly, what can you expect from the Lord Jesus? 00:14:03.040 --> 00:14:04.200 He lays claim to your life, 00:14:04.280 --> 00:14:04.759 but secondly, 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:07.780 you can expect to be ushered into something 00:14:07.780 --> 00:14:09.900 far bigger and far more glorious 00:14:09.900 --> 00:14:12.660 than your otherwise small life. 00:14:14.820 --> 00:14:16.700 What can you expect of Jesus? 00:14:16.700 --> 00:14:19.120 You can expect to be ushered into something 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:21.620 far bigger and far more glorious 00:14:21.620 --> 00:14:23.140 than your otherwise small life. 00:14:23.220 --> 00:14:25.060 And I nearly said insignificant life, 00:14:25.160 --> 00:14:26.420 but I wasn't brave enough to say it. 00:14:27.200 --> 00:14:28.400 But that is true, isn't it? 00:14:31.460 --> 00:14:34.840 Because apart from the Lord Jesus, 00:14:35.200 --> 00:14:38.180 you might think that what you're doing 00:14:38.180 --> 00:14:39.920 is grand and great, 00:14:40.040 --> 00:14:40.680 but it is not. 00:14:40.679 --> 00:14:45.919 And the world's estimation of your accomplishments 00:14:45.919 --> 00:14:47.419 is not the right test. 00:14:49.139 --> 00:14:50.179 But with Christ, 00:14:50.279 --> 00:14:52.359 as you follow the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:14:52.459 --> 00:14:53.839 you will be brought into something, 00:14:54.279 --> 00:14:55.779 you'll be brought into something bigger, 00:14:56.799 --> 00:14:58.179 you'll be brought into something more permanent, 00:14:59.599 --> 00:15:01.239 you'll be brought into something 00:15:01.239 --> 00:15:03.039 a million times more real 00:15:03.039 --> 00:15:04.159 than the things of this world. 00:15:04.159 --> 00:15:08.919 Look at this verse at the end of the chapter. 00:15:09.039 --> 00:15:10.259 Look at verse 50. 00:15:11.740 --> 00:15:13.379 Jesus answered Nathalia and said, 00:15:13.559 --> 00:15:14.199 because I said to you, 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:15.279 I saw you under the fig tree, 00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:16.000 do you believe? 00:15:17.980 --> 00:15:22.360 You will see greater things than these. 00:15:23.719 --> 00:15:25.579 You will see greater things than this. 00:15:25.899 --> 00:15:26.719 And then Jesus says, 00:15:26.839 --> 00:15:27.419 truly, truly, 00:15:27.500 --> 00:15:28.759 it's the first time 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:31.019 he uses this really important phrase 00:15:31.019 --> 00:15:31.539 in the gospel. 00:15:31.539 --> 00:15:32.599 It's Jesus saying, 00:15:32.719 --> 00:15:33.740 you can trust me on this one. 00:15:34.919 --> 00:15:36.079 You can trust me on this one. 00:15:36.159 --> 00:15:36.599 Truly, truly, 00:15:36.659 --> 00:15:37.120 I say to you, 00:15:37.279 --> 00:15:38.459 you will see heaven opened 00:15:38.459 --> 00:15:39.740 and the angels of God 00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:41.399 ascending and descending 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:42.480 on the Son of Man, 00:15:42.539 --> 00:15:43.240 which is Jesus' way 00:15:43.240 --> 00:15:44.039 of referring to himself. 00:15:47.159 --> 00:15:48.559 What's Jesus saying there? 00:15:50.439 --> 00:15:51.779 He is saying to Nathanael, 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:52.659 as you come to me 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:53.579 and as you follow me, 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:56.339 I'm going to open your eyes 00:15:56.339 --> 00:15:58.759 and you will see 00:15:58.759 --> 00:16:00.059 that there are greater things 00:16:00.059 --> 00:16:00.839 that are happening 00:16:00.840 --> 00:16:02.639 things more real 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:03.320 than the things 00:16:03.320 --> 00:16:05.139 that so far have occupied your life. 00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:07.860 Greater things that I am doing. 00:16:09.300 --> 00:16:11.139 My purpose is being accomplished. 00:16:11.280 --> 00:16:12.399 I'm going to let you see that. 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:15.259 I'm going to let you close 00:16:15.259 --> 00:16:16.759 to that. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:18.060 And in fact, 00:16:18.120 --> 00:16:19.399 I'm going to let you get in on that. 00:16:21.460 --> 00:16:23.000 And so what Nathanael, 00:16:23.280 --> 00:16:24.040 as we'll see, 00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:25.139 and the other disciples, 00:16:25.340 --> 00:16:27.040 and all who follow Christ 00:16:27.040 --> 00:16:29.240 will have the privilege of seeing 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:31.159 is the greatness of what God 00:16:31.159 --> 00:16:33.200 is accomplishing in the Lord Jesus. 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:37.100 We see something of the greatness 00:16:37.100 --> 00:16:38.460 of what Christ is bringing 00:16:38.460 --> 00:16:39.399 to the men, 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:40.799 to the world of men and women 00:16:40.799 --> 00:16:41.639 and boys and girls, 00:16:41.840 --> 00:16:43.600 of what God is accomplishing 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:44.560 in Christ's presence. 00:16:45.720 --> 00:16:47.419 Through the life and work of Christ 00:16:47.419 --> 00:16:49.080 and not just seeing it, 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:49.899 but being part of it. 00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:54.139 We cannot lose sight 00:16:54.139 --> 00:16:54.819 of this thing 00:16:54.819 --> 00:16:56.299 that Jesus is getting done, 00:16:56.579 --> 00:16:57.360 that God, 00:16:57.480 --> 00:16:58.279 according to John 1, 00:16:58.319 --> 00:16:59.240 has now broken 00:16:59.240 --> 00:17:00.699 into his world 00:17:00.699 --> 00:17:01.679 in full force. 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:04.619 Heaven is open. 00:17:06.339 --> 00:17:07.400 God is active 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:09.119 and all these angels 00:17:09.119 --> 00:17:10.119 are ascending 00:17:10.119 --> 00:17:11.379 and descending, 00:17:11.859 --> 00:17:12.920 representing all that God 00:17:12.920 --> 00:17:13.539 is accomplishing 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:15.579 through Christ. 00:17:15.579 --> 00:17:15.659 Christ. 00:17:17.179 --> 00:17:18.059 And so when you come 00:17:18.059 --> 00:17:19.399 to verse 51 of John 1, 00:17:20.419 --> 00:17:21.399 we're tempted to think, 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:21.659 isn't it, 00:17:21.679 --> 00:17:22.359 that this is something 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:23.519 we will experience 00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:24.220 when we die, 00:17:24.299 --> 00:17:25.399 but that is not the point. 00:17:27.339 --> 00:17:28.259 It's not a description 00:17:28.259 --> 00:17:29.000 of what happens 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:29.879 when we die in heaven. 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:30.699 No, it's a description 00:17:30.699 --> 00:17:31.619 of what the disciples 00:17:31.619 --> 00:17:32.819 will begin to see 00:17:32.819 --> 00:17:34.500 as soon as, 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:35.399 well, the very next day. 00:17:37.740 --> 00:17:38.759 Chapter 2 and verse 1, 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:39.339 on the third day 00:17:39.339 --> 00:17:39.879 there was a wedding 00:17:39.879 --> 00:17:40.859 at Cana in Galilee 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:41.359 and Jesus, 00:17:41.960 --> 00:17:42.939 the mother of Jesus 00:17:42.939 --> 00:17:43.559 was there 00:17:43.559 --> 00:17:45.039 and Jesus performs 00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:46.179 his great miracle. 00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:49.240 The first of the signs 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:50.059 of his glory, 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:51.679 it shows his uniqueness, 00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:52.599 his power, 00:17:52.919 --> 00:17:53.740 his authority 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:54.740 over creation 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:56.960 in ever so small a way 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:57.940 it's put on display. 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:00.879 And what they continue 00:18:00.879 --> 00:18:02.579 to see through Jesus' life, 00:18:02.679 --> 00:18:03.419 through his miracles, 00:18:03.879 --> 00:18:04.339 John says, 00:18:04.599 --> 00:18:05.379 listen, I can only write 00:18:05.379 --> 00:18:06.139 a few of them. 00:18:07.299 --> 00:18:08.259 If I were to write 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:09.039 all the things 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:10.200 that Jesus did in the world, 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:10.980 there wouldn't be 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:12.480 a library big enough 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.279 to contain it. 00:18:13.559 --> 00:18:14.379 So I'm going to give you 00:18:14.379 --> 00:18:15.319 just a few signs, 00:18:15.559 --> 00:18:16.240 a few miracles 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:18.799 that the disciples 00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:19.679 were able to witness 00:18:19.679 --> 00:18:20.440 firsthand 00:18:20.440 --> 00:18:22.940 through his teaching 00:18:22.940 --> 00:18:24.220 that had an unprecedented 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:25.759 power, 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:27.659 an unprecedented authority. 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:31.619 And his life, 00:18:32.039 --> 00:18:33.220 his sinless life 00:18:33.220 --> 00:18:34.339 and through his death 00:18:34.339 --> 00:18:35.179 and most obviously 00:18:35.179 --> 00:18:36.139 through his resurrection 00:18:36.139 --> 00:18:37.019 and ascension, 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:39.099 he will do greater things. 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:41.319 And it won't stop there, 00:18:41.359 --> 00:18:41.579 will it? 00:18:41.579 --> 00:18:45.379 The disciples 00:18:45.379 --> 00:18:46.720 for the rest of their lives 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.879 would continue to see 00:18:47.879 --> 00:18:49.939 heaven opened. 00:18:52.099 --> 00:18:53.519 They will see the glory 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:55.779 of God's power 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:56.759 and purpose. 00:18:58.759 --> 00:19:00.220 Through now the Holy Spirit 00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:01.559 whom Christ has sent 00:19:01.559 --> 00:19:02.679 continuing his work, 00:19:03.059 --> 00:19:04.539 amazing things happen. 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.579 Amazing things happen, 00:19:07.579 --> 00:19:08.439 things happen, didn't it? 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:10.440 people who worshipped idols 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:11.820 turned to worship 00:19:11.820 --> 00:19:13.039 the living God. 00:19:14.600 --> 00:19:16.000 Churches were planted, 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:17.460 the gospel spreads 00:19:17.460 --> 00:19:18.640 like wildfire 00:19:18.640 --> 00:19:19.380 through the whole 00:19:19.380 --> 00:19:20.420 subcontinent of Turkey. 00:19:21.200 --> 00:19:23.320 It leaps over the Aegean Sea 00:19:23.320 --> 00:19:23.920 into Greece 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:24.620 and then it leaps 00:19:24.620 --> 00:19:26.000 onto the peninsula of Italy. 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:27.680 It goes to the capital 00:19:27.680 --> 00:19:28.539 of the then world, 00:19:28.680 --> 00:19:28.900 Rome. 00:19:29.100 --> 00:19:30.700 It spreads out to Spain. 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:32.340 Amazing things 00:19:32.340 --> 00:19:34.259 that they are able 00:19:34.259 --> 00:19:34.779 to witness. 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:37.960 And wonderfully, 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:38.799 it didn't stop there, 00:19:38.819 --> 00:19:39.059 did it? 00:19:40.859 --> 00:19:41.879 It hasn't stopped. 00:19:43.519 --> 00:19:44.619 The gospel of the Lord 00:19:44.619 --> 00:19:45.160 Jesus Christ, 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:46.000 it is unstoppable. 00:19:48.140 --> 00:19:48.619 Jesus said, 00:19:48.759 --> 00:19:49.339 I will, 00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:50.700 present continuous tense, 00:19:50.799 --> 00:19:52.319 I will build my church 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.420 and the gates of hell 00:19:53.420 --> 00:19:54.480 will not prevail against it. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:54.559 But, 00:19:54.559 --> 00:19:59.099 and so I, 00:19:59.179 --> 00:19:59.679 like many of you, 00:19:59.720 --> 00:20:00.559 could tell stories 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:01.299 of people 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:02.279 who have been brought 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:02.960 from darkness 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:04.419 into the kingdom of light. 00:20:05.859 --> 00:20:06.359 I could tell you 00:20:06.359 --> 00:20:07.759 of a tramp in Swansea 00:20:07.759 --> 00:20:09.359 who begged for money, 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:11.139 who drank himself 00:20:11.139 --> 00:20:12.139 nearly into oblivion 00:20:12.139 --> 00:20:12.879 when I was growing up, 00:20:12.919 --> 00:20:13.960 who we'd see on the streets, 00:20:14.279 --> 00:20:15.299 who came into church 00:20:15.299 --> 00:20:17.240 and was gloriously converted 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:18.919 and now preaches the gospel. 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:20.679 I could tell you 00:20:20.679 --> 00:20:21.279 of a student 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:22.639 in York last year, 00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:24.100 trapped in a spiral 00:20:24.100 --> 00:20:25.460 of drugs and depression 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:26.720 and promiscuity 00:20:26.720 --> 00:20:28.400 who has been transformed 00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:29.160 by the gospel 00:20:29.160 --> 00:20:30.220 of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:32.340 I could tell you 00:20:32.340 --> 00:20:33.180 of a young mum 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:35.340 who'd seen her life 00:20:35.340 --> 00:20:37.080 destroyed by others 00:20:37.080 --> 00:20:38.700 and betrayal and abuse 00:20:38.700 --> 00:20:39.880 who's put her trust 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:40.960 in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:41.820 and her life 00:20:41.820 --> 00:20:42.940 is being put back together 00:20:42.940 --> 00:20:43.820 again by God. 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:46.600 Nathaniel, 00:20:46.640 --> 00:20:47.340 you're impressed 00:20:47.340 --> 00:20:49.080 by what you saw 00:20:49.080 --> 00:20:50.000 under the fig tree. 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:52.700 you're impressed 00:20:52.700 --> 00:20:54.000 that I saw you, 00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:54.960 I knew you. 00:20:55.779 --> 00:20:56.640 You're impressed 00:20:56.640 --> 00:20:57.720 that I can turn water 00:20:57.720 --> 00:20:58.200 into wine 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:58.960 just as you wait, 00:20:59.359 --> 00:20:59.759 Nathaniel. 00:21:00.200 --> 00:21:00.900 You will see 00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:02.099 greater things than these. 00:21:02.779 --> 00:21:04.099 You will see heaven opened. 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:07.079 I could tell you 00:21:07.079 --> 00:21:07.799 of stories 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:09.579 of missionaries 00:21:09.579 --> 00:21:10.559 in Paraguay 00:21:10.559 --> 00:21:11.859 into a place 00:21:11.859 --> 00:21:12.519 where there's been 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:13.019 no witness 00:21:13.019 --> 00:21:13.680 for the gospel 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:14.619 and yet now 00:21:14.619 --> 00:21:15.559 in the last ten years 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:16.259 people have been 00:21:16.259 --> 00:21:16.839 converted 00:21:16.839 --> 00:21:17.859 and formed 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:18.660 into a church 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:19.180 and a church 00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:19.920 has been established. 00:21:21.259 --> 00:21:22.000 We could tell you 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:22.500 of what we heard 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:23.080 so wonderfully 00:21:23.080 --> 00:21:23.940 on Wednesday night 00:21:23.940 --> 00:21:25.140 from Kathleen 00:21:25.140 --> 00:21:25.779 and Daniel 00:21:25.779 --> 00:21:27.000 of how the gospel 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:28.120 has triumphed 00:21:28.120 --> 00:21:29.420 in their lives 00:21:29.420 --> 00:21:30.620 despite great opposition 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:31.740 and in Nigeria. 00:21:33.340 --> 00:21:34.019 With the children 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:34.660 in Sunday school, 00:21:35.259 --> 00:21:36.240 I often think of this 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:37.000 on a Sunday morning. 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:38.220 We are part 00:21:38.220 --> 00:21:38.980 of a Mexican wave. 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:40.060 We did the Mexican wave 00:21:40.060 --> 00:21:40.540 in Sunday school. 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:42.019 We won't do it here. 00:21:42.660 --> 00:21:43.600 But you think, 00:21:43.700 --> 00:21:44.500 you should think on this 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:45.040 on a Sunday morning. 00:21:45.100 --> 00:21:45.680 When you get up, 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:46.600 they have already 00:21:46.600 --> 00:21:47.759 started worshipping God, 00:21:47.820 --> 00:21:48.060 haven't they? 00:21:48.660 --> 00:21:49.420 In Fiji 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:50.800 and in Western Samoa 00:21:50.800 --> 00:21:53.200 and in Tonga 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:54.120 and all those other places 00:21:54.120 --> 00:21:54.700 we're hearing about 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:55.240 in the World Cup. 00:21:55.320 --> 00:21:56.480 They began worshipping God 00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:57.040 this morning 00:21:57.040 --> 00:21:58.200 and then New Zealand 00:21:58.200 --> 00:21:58.940 and Australia 00:21:58.940 --> 00:22:00.160 and all over the world 00:22:00.160 --> 00:22:00.640 and we're right 00:22:00.640 --> 00:22:01.279 in the middle of it. 00:22:02.200 --> 00:22:03.560 And the saints of God 00:22:03.560 --> 00:22:04.880 gather to worship God 00:22:04.880 --> 00:22:07.400 because Jesus said, 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.140 if you follow me, 00:22:08.220 --> 00:22:09.480 you will see greater things 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:09.980 than these. 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:12.940 You will see heaven opened 00:22:12.940 --> 00:22:14.040 and the angels of God 00:22:14.040 --> 00:22:15.500 ascending and descending 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:16.759 through the person 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:17.700 and work of Jesus. 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:18.460 Nathaniel, 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:19.580 you're impressed 00:22:19.580 --> 00:22:21.380 by my little display 00:22:21.380 --> 00:22:22.559 of supernatural knowledge. 00:22:22.660 --> 00:22:23.100 Just wait. 00:22:24.440 --> 00:22:25.259 Wait till you see 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:26.259 what I will do in the world. 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:29.580 It's not just happening 00:22:29.580 --> 00:22:30.740 out there, is it? 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:31.480 In other places, 00:22:31.880 --> 00:22:32.680 in the UK 00:22:32.680 --> 00:22:34.420 or other places 00:22:34.420 --> 00:22:35.279 in the world 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:36.779 or on the mission field. 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:38.340 It's happening right here. 00:22:40.080 --> 00:22:41.000 And so I look around 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:41.740 this room 00:22:41.740 --> 00:22:43.940 and there are people 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:44.940 sitting next to you 00:22:44.940 --> 00:22:46.240 who were without God 00:22:46.240 --> 00:22:47.140 and without hope 00:22:47.140 --> 00:22:48.000 who've been forgiven, 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:49.940 who've been brought 00:22:49.940 --> 00:22:50.900 into God's family 00:22:50.900 --> 00:22:52.559 and added to his church. 00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:55.180 And it's not so dramatic, 00:22:55.380 --> 00:22:55.620 is it, 00:22:55.620 --> 00:22:56.359 as the tramp. 00:22:58.120 --> 00:22:59.259 But it is wonderful 00:22:59.259 --> 00:22:59.940 what is happening. 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:03.339 People have been given 00:23:03.339 --> 00:23:03.980 a new life 00:23:03.980 --> 00:23:04.779 and a new home 00:23:04.779 --> 00:23:05.599 and have been brought 00:23:05.599 --> 00:23:06.279 into God's kingdom. 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:08.200 They've been given, 00:23:08.299 --> 00:23:08.920 you have been given 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:10.879 a whole new trajectory 00:23:10.879 --> 00:23:11.920 marked by peace 00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:12.440 and hope 00:23:12.440 --> 00:23:13.279 and it won't be 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:14.039 without difficulty 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:14.779 and it won't be 00:23:14.779 --> 00:23:15.700 without challenge. 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:17.799 But you've been made alive 00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:19.639 in Christ 00:23:19.639 --> 00:23:20.700 because God's power 00:23:20.700 --> 00:23:22.299 and God's glory 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:24.139 and God's sovereignty 00:23:24.139 --> 00:23:26.339 have been brought here 00:23:26.339 --> 00:23:26.960 for us to see. 00:23:27.039 --> 00:23:27.960 Because I said to you, 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:29.539 I saw you under the fig tree. 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.319 Do you believe? 00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:32.619 You will see greater things 00:23:32.619 --> 00:23:33.079 than these. 00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:35.879 And he said to him, 00:23:35.919 --> 00:23:36.419 Truly, truly, 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:36.980 I say to you, 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:37.980 you will see heaven opened 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:39.319 and the angels of God 00:23:39.319 --> 00:23:41.079 ascending and descending 00:23:41.079 --> 00:23:41.879 on the Son of Man. 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:42.919 What can you expect 00:23:42.919 --> 00:23:44.119 from the Christian life? 00:23:45.720 --> 00:23:46.599 You can expect 00:23:46.599 --> 00:23:47.220 to be brought 00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:47.899 into what God 00:23:47.899 --> 00:23:48.740 is doing in the world. 00:23:51.339 --> 00:23:52.339 Now just before I close, 00:23:52.399 --> 00:23:52.859 I want us to do 00:23:52.859 --> 00:23:53.699 one more thing. 00:23:54.699 --> 00:23:55.699 A bit like a footnote 00:23:55.699 --> 00:23:56.220 to the sermon. 00:23:57.740 --> 00:23:58.519 Because this passage 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.139 teaches us 00:23:59.139 --> 00:24:01.220 not only what we should expect 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:03.339 when we follow Christ. 00:24:04.100 --> 00:24:04.759 That there would be 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:06.079 a claim put on our lives 00:24:06.079 --> 00:24:07.400 that we would be brought 00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:07.940 into something 00:24:07.940 --> 00:24:08.779 greater and bigger. 00:24:09.440 --> 00:24:10.019 But this passage 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:11.259 also models to us 00:24:11.259 --> 00:24:12.360 how we get to participate 00:24:12.360 --> 00:24:12.880 in it. 00:24:14.380 --> 00:24:15.900 We get to play a part 00:24:15.900 --> 00:24:16.519 in it, don't we? 00:24:18.700 --> 00:24:19.740 You can't fail 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:20.539 to have noticed 00:24:20.539 --> 00:24:21.200 the words, 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:23.279 I have found the Christ. 00:24:23.579 --> 00:24:24.240 Come and see. 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:26.600 And the first thing 00:24:26.600 --> 00:24:27.500 that Andrew does 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:28.759 after discovering Jesus 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:29.700 is he went 00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:30.960 and he found his brother 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:32.500 and he brought him 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:32.980 to Jesus. 00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:35.340 And Andrew 00:24:35.340 --> 00:24:36.420 is the first 00:24:36.420 --> 00:24:37.460 in a long line 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:38.120 of those 00:24:38.120 --> 00:24:39.019 who've discovered 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:40.380 that the most common 00:24:40.380 --> 00:24:42.120 and the most effective 00:24:42.120 --> 00:24:42.680 testimony 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:44.100 is that simple 00:24:44.100 --> 00:24:44.840 communication, 00:24:45.680 --> 00:24:46.360 come and see. 00:24:47.360 --> 00:24:48.720 I found the Christ. 00:24:50.039 --> 00:24:51.700 The simple sharing 00:24:51.700 --> 00:24:53.279 of one's discovery 00:24:53.279 --> 00:24:54.759 with another. 00:24:56.160 --> 00:24:56.980 You can't help 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:57.360 but notice, 00:24:57.440 --> 00:24:57.660 can you, 00:24:57.819 --> 00:24:58.680 that the very first thing 00:24:58.680 --> 00:24:59.400 that Philip did 00:24:59.400 --> 00:25:00.299 was go and find 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:00.860 Nathaniel 00:25:00.860 --> 00:25:01.460 and tell him 00:25:01.460 --> 00:25:02.039 about Jesus. 00:25:03.360 --> 00:25:05.120 It's a basic principle 00:25:05.120 --> 00:25:06.039 of the Christian life. 00:25:07.900 --> 00:25:08.640 New followers 00:25:08.640 --> 00:25:09.539 of Jesus 00:25:09.539 --> 00:25:11.740 bear witness 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:13.680 to others 00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:14.460 about Jesus 00:25:14.460 --> 00:25:16.740 and they become 00:25:16.740 --> 00:25:17.539 followers of Jesus 00:25:17.539 --> 00:25:20.039 who then bear witness 00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:20.560 to others 00:25:20.560 --> 00:25:22.100 and then become 00:25:22.100 --> 00:25:23.180 followers of Jesus. 00:25:23.279 --> 00:25:24.039 Let me give you that again. 00:25:24.320 --> 00:25:25.440 New followers of Jesus 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:26.620 bear witness 00:25:26.619 --> 00:25:27.339 followers of Jesus 00:25:27.339 --> 00:25:28.279 to others 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:29.059 who then become 00:25:29.059 --> 00:25:29.899 followers of Jesus 00:25:29.899 --> 00:25:31.179 who then bear witness 00:25:31.179 --> 00:25:31.639 to others 00:25:31.639 --> 00:25:32.299 who then become 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:33.059 followers of Jesus. 00:25:33.179 --> 00:25:33.759 It's very simple, 00:25:33.839 --> 00:25:34.099 isn't it? 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:35.779 It's probably 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.799 the reason 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:37.519 why you're sitting 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:38.479 here today. 00:25:40.179 --> 00:25:41.159 Do you see the pattern? 00:25:42.619 --> 00:25:44.379 If God has laid 00:25:44.379 --> 00:25:45.299 a claim 00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:46.179 on your life 00:25:46.179 --> 00:25:46.819 which if you are 00:25:46.819 --> 00:25:47.539 trusting in the Lord 00:25:47.539 --> 00:25:48.079 Jesus Christ 00:25:48.079 --> 00:25:48.579 he has 00:25:48.579 --> 00:25:50.919 and if Christ 00:25:50.919 --> 00:25:51.819 has allowed you 00:25:51.819 --> 00:25:52.319 to see 00:25:52.319 --> 00:25:52.859 that you are 00:25:52.859 --> 00:25:53.359 part of a 00:25:53.359 --> 00:25:54.699 far more glorious 00:25:54.699 --> 00:25:56.759 and a far greater 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:57.399 thing that is 00:25:57.399 --> 00:25:58.359 happening all 00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:59.139 around you 00:25:59.139 --> 00:26:01.279 then you have 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:02.339 also been given 00:26:02.339 --> 00:26:03.359 the great privilege 00:26:03.359 --> 00:26:05.779 of being used 00:26:05.779 --> 00:26:06.439 by God 00:26:06.439 --> 00:26:08.159 to share 00:26:08.159 --> 00:26:08.720 what Jesus 00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:09.259 has brought 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:09.839 into your life 00:26:09.839 --> 00:26:10.259 with others. 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:12.879 I have found 00:26:12.879 --> 00:26:13.379 the Christ. 00:26:14.659 --> 00:26:15.599 Come and see 00:26:15.599 --> 00:26:18.000 to his glory 00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:18.619 let us pray.