WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.759 The certainty of God's future judgment by Jesus of all people means that Christians, 00:00:05.759 --> 00:00:16.199 people who trust in Jesus, can live a life now of assurance and patience waiting for that day 00:00:16.199 --> 00:00:18.160 when that final judgment will be revealed. 00:00:18.859 --> 00:00:23.640 And we can see that, I think, in verses 7 to 9, in particular the passage that we've just read. 00:00:23.940 --> 00:00:27.699 So I'm picking those verses as the key to what I'm going to say this morning. 00:00:27.699 --> 00:00:30.939 Please glance back down at the passage that you have open in front of you, 00:00:31.460 --> 00:00:33.740 and I'm going to reread verses 7 to 9. 00:00:35.299 --> 00:00:38.759 Be patient then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. 00:00:39.879 --> 00:00:42.980 See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, 00:00:43.219 --> 00:00:45.679 and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:48.759 You too, be patient and stand firm. 00:00:48.859 --> 00:00:49.679 And here's the reason. 00:00:51.019 --> 00:00:55.159 Because the Lord's coming is near. 00:00:55.159 --> 00:01:00.939 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:06.140 The judge is standing at the door. 00:01:07.319 --> 00:01:08.219 Let's pray. 00:01:08.219 --> 00:01:17.840 Father God, help us by your Holy Spirit now to see that the risen Jesus will return to judge rightly. 00:01:18.700 --> 00:01:24.099 And please help us to live obeying and waiting for his return. 00:01:24.700 --> 00:01:25.739 In Jesus' name. 00:01:26.599 --> 00:01:27.019 Amen. 00:01:27.019 --> 00:01:35.379 You see, wherever we live and wherever we're growing up, wherever we're working, 00:01:35.539 --> 00:01:38.420 where there is no actual justice in the present, 00:01:39.060 --> 00:01:41.640 or any sign of just judgment in the future, 00:01:42.619 --> 00:01:44.759 injustice and corruption abound. 00:01:45.879 --> 00:01:49.219 So I'll say that again, because it's a key concept that I'm going to be working through. 00:01:49.219 --> 00:01:53.420 Where there is no actual justice in the present, 00:01:53.780 --> 00:01:55.760 or any sign of judgment in the future, 00:01:57.179 --> 00:01:59.060 injustice and corruption abound. 00:02:00.280 --> 00:02:06.480 And Italy suffers from this practical lack of just judgment, present and future. 00:02:06.480 --> 00:02:11.480 I once asked a preschool parent, 00:02:12.060 --> 00:02:14.680 so the parent of another preschool child in Jemima's class, 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:16.539 what does it mean to be Italian? 00:02:17.920 --> 00:02:19.120 And he said this. 00:02:19.319 --> 00:02:21.200 This is a guy who is a university graduate 00:02:21.200 --> 00:02:25.080 and someone who worked for the financial police in Italy. 00:02:26.439 --> 00:02:28.860 And he said, this is what it means to be Italian. 00:02:28.860 --> 00:02:34.400 That the father of a preschool child will tell his daughter, 00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:38.440 you make sure that you take advantage of your friend, 00:02:39.100 --> 00:02:42.760 because when her time comes, she will take advantage of you. 00:02:44.540 --> 00:02:48.600 And with open mouth, I said to him, are you serious? 00:02:49.300 --> 00:02:52.940 And he said, cold, blank, hard. 00:02:53.580 --> 00:02:55.240 Yep, that's what it means to be Italian. 00:02:56.020 --> 00:02:58.760 You see, because in a corrupt society like Italy, 00:02:59.220 --> 00:03:02.820 where there really is no guaranteed recourse to just judgment, 00:03:03.840 --> 00:03:05.520 people must look out for number one. 00:03:06.800 --> 00:03:09.360 And it's that personal level of corruption 00:03:09.360 --> 00:03:11.780 that begins at kindergarten level 00:03:11.780 --> 00:03:13.320 that grows into systemic corruption 00:03:13.320 --> 00:03:14.900 that makes some of us laugh sometimes 00:03:14.900 --> 00:03:16.960 when we think about a country like Italy 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:21.200 or tinpot democracies somewhere or dictatorships. 00:03:21.200 --> 00:03:23.980 Of course, there's no justice there, 00:03:24.040 --> 00:03:25.260 so there's corruption everywhere. 00:03:26.160 --> 00:03:27.120 But it's that simple. 00:03:27.120 --> 00:03:31.140 Where there is no sign of just judgment in the future, 00:03:31.539 --> 00:03:33.080 injustice and corruption abound. 00:03:33.620 --> 00:03:35.360 Where there's no apparent right judgment, 00:03:36.099 --> 00:03:37.120 it breeds corruption. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:40.360 So the plumber will come to your house in December, 00:03:41.020 --> 00:03:42.520 as happened with us, 00:03:42.560 --> 00:03:44.240 and he's just making a minor repair, 00:03:44.900 --> 00:03:46.420 and we ask him for a receipt. 00:03:46.419 --> 00:03:50.259 And the receipt is receipt number four. 00:03:52.179 --> 00:03:54.539 But he's come to your house on December the 30th. 00:03:55.899 --> 00:03:57.819 So throughout the year, 00:03:58.279 --> 00:03:59.579 he's been working in the black, 00:03:59.580 --> 00:04:02.740 and he explained it to us. 00:04:03.400 --> 00:04:03.920 You know what? 00:04:04.080 --> 00:04:06.040 For the first year of my working life, 00:04:06.100 --> 00:04:07.960 I tried to do everything by the book. 00:04:08.600 --> 00:04:10.320 I tried to observe the law. 00:04:11.480 --> 00:04:13.260 But it worked against me. 00:04:13.920 --> 00:04:16.100 And I ended up in the red. 00:04:17.100 --> 00:04:18.439 And so I gave up trying. 00:04:18.439 --> 00:04:21.860 Because, again, in a country like Italy, 00:04:22.219 --> 00:04:25.339 where there is a basic level of personal corruption, 00:04:26.719 --> 00:04:28.600 because there is no just judgment 00:04:28.600 --> 00:04:30.360 that anyone can perceive is coming, 00:04:31.060 --> 00:04:34.740 everyone is trying to make the most of living for themselves. 00:04:35.339 --> 00:04:37.300 But laws have to be increased 00:04:37.300 --> 00:04:40.060 in order to get that money back that's not being paid. 00:04:40.060 --> 00:04:42.920 And more laws, and more laws, and more laws. 00:04:43.180 --> 00:04:44.540 But that just makes people try and work 00:04:44.540 --> 00:04:47.000 against the system, against the system, against the system. 00:04:48.500 --> 00:04:50.399 Where there's no apparent right judgment, 00:04:50.680 --> 00:04:51.860 corruption breeds corruption. 00:04:52.259 --> 00:04:53.680 I think you saw that last week, didn't you, 00:04:53.720 --> 00:04:54.840 in verses 1 to 6. 00:04:55.780 --> 00:04:58.279 And it's amazing what he said there. 00:04:58.319 --> 00:04:59.279 I'm not going to repeat it. 00:04:59.779 --> 00:05:01.800 But you rich people, 00:05:02.399 --> 00:05:04.019 you oppressors of the poor. 00:05:05.540 --> 00:05:07.139 Now, why would you do that 00:05:07.139 --> 00:05:09.139 if there was justice? 00:05:09.139 --> 00:05:10.740 How could you do that 00:05:10.740 --> 00:05:14.300 if the law really worked in everybody's favor? 00:05:14.939 --> 00:05:15.699 You couldn't. 00:05:16.779 --> 00:05:19.019 But in a context, in a society, 00:05:19.579 --> 00:05:21.899 where you can't guarantee that just judgment, 00:05:22.560 --> 00:05:23.459 corruption abounds. 00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:25.639 And that's what we live, isn't it? 00:05:26.139 --> 00:05:28.300 The rich people oppressed and took advantage of others 00:05:28.300 --> 00:05:30.680 as if no one will care for these little people. 00:05:31.899 --> 00:05:33.800 And they live as if no one is watching, 00:05:33.979 --> 00:05:36.000 as if no one will decide about them. 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:39.819 Of course, we've got to live this way. 00:05:40.300 --> 00:05:41.360 This is how life works. 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:43.399 There is no such thing as justice. 00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:48.240 So I think we see there that suffering occurs 00:05:48.240 --> 00:05:50.740 when the knowledge of good and evil 00:05:50.740 --> 00:05:55.420 collides with the inability to do what is good. 00:05:55.420 --> 00:05:58.699 So suffering occurs 00:05:58.699 --> 00:06:01.400 when we know what's right and what's wrong, 00:06:01.900 --> 00:06:05.280 but we fail to be able to do it. 00:06:06.120 --> 00:06:07.620 And we don't do it as well 00:06:07.620 --> 00:06:09.300 because we don't think anyone really cares. 00:06:09.939 --> 00:06:11.259 So we make others suffer 00:06:11.259 --> 00:06:13.420 and maybe we rebel against suffering 00:06:13.420 --> 00:06:15.280 because we think that's the only way 00:06:15.280 --> 00:06:16.420 anything is ever going to change. 00:06:16.879 --> 00:06:19.460 We have to take matters into our own hands. 00:06:19.459 --> 00:06:21.639 But it's so clear here, isn't it? 00:06:21.639 --> 00:06:23.299 As James speaks, he says, 00:06:23.799 --> 00:06:25.079 that is not the case. 00:06:26.839 --> 00:06:28.939 That is not the case in God's world. 00:06:29.359 --> 00:06:31.680 That is not the case in God's eternity 00:06:31.680 --> 00:06:33.599 over which he has control. 00:06:34.519 --> 00:06:36.539 And he says that Jesus' return changes 00:06:36.539 --> 00:06:38.819 and must change our perspective. 00:06:39.959 --> 00:06:40.439 Have a look. 00:06:40.479 --> 00:06:43.319 And I'm just going to run through the verses 00:06:43.319 --> 00:06:45.779 where we see this talk about judgment, 00:06:46.319 --> 00:06:48.099 Jesus coming, the judge. 00:06:48.100 --> 00:06:49.120 Have a look at verse 7. 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:50.879 I've read that already, 00:06:51.300 --> 00:06:52.080 but I'll read it again. 00:06:52.140 --> 00:06:53.140 Be patient then, brothers, 00:06:53.200 --> 00:06:54.540 until the Lord's coming. 00:06:55.939 --> 00:06:56.780 Verse 8. 00:06:58.040 --> 00:06:59.560 You too be patient and stand firm 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:01.280 because the Lord's coming is near. 00:07:02.020 --> 00:07:02.820 Verse 9. 00:07:03.420 --> 00:07:05.980 The judge is standing at the door. 00:07:06.960 --> 00:07:07.980 And verse 12. 00:07:09.080 --> 00:07:11.000 Above all, my brothers, do not swear, 00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:13.000 not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:15.560 Let your yes be yes and your no, no, 00:07:15.560 --> 00:07:18.720 or you will be condemned. 00:07:19.500 --> 00:07:20.980 James is just so convinced 00:07:20.980 --> 00:07:23.240 that this will happen. 00:07:23.800 --> 00:07:26.220 He is so convinced that there is a fixed point, 00:07:26.680 --> 00:07:30.740 a moment in time when good will be shown to be good 00:07:30.740 --> 00:07:32.759 and evil will be shown to be evil. 00:07:33.360 --> 00:07:35.959 And Jesus is the one who will establish that. 00:07:37.279 --> 00:07:39.680 Jesus himself talked a lot about 00:07:39.680 --> 00:07:41.500 being ready for the judge 00:07:41.500 --> 00:07:43.160 in the parables that he taught. 00:07:43.160 --> 00:07:45.660 But he himself, in his obedience, 00:07:45.840 --> 00:07:46.760 right to the very end, 00:07:46.860 --> 00:07:51.620 showed us that the Father is good to be trusted. 00:07:52.680 --> 00:07:54.720 Please turn to 1 Peter chapter 2 00:07:54.720 --> 00:07:58.180 so that we can actually hear Peter's summary of this. 00:07:58.280 --> 00:08:00.360 And it's such a beautiful summary 00:08:00.360 --> 00:08:03.200 of, I think, what James is actually talking about. 00:08:03.260 --> 00:08:04.360 1 Peter chapter 2. 00:08:04.680 --> 00:08:06.400 And I'm going to read from verse 13. 00:08:08.620 --> 00:08:10.200 1 Peter chapter 2. 00:08:10.840 --> 00:08:12.400 And I'm reading from verse 13. 00:08:12.399 --> 00:08:15.099 And we're talking about how Jesus 00:08:15.099 --> 00:08:17.839 is the one who actually breaks this cycle of corruption. 00:08:18.899 --> 00:08:21.099 And Jesus showed us that there is a coming judgment 00:08:21.099 --> 00:08:22.479 and a righteous judge. 00:08:23.919 --> 00:08:24.739 Peter says, 00:08:24.740 --> 00:08:25.240 Slaves, 00:08:25.240 --> 00:08:26.680 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake 00:08:26.680 --> 00:08:28.800 to every authority instituted among men, 00:08:29.620 --> 00:08:32.080 whether to the king as the supreme authority 00:08:32.080 --> 00:08:33.740 or to governors who are sent by him 00:08:33.740 --> 00:08:35.000 to punish those who do wrong 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:36.720 and to commend those who do right. 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:38.899 For it is God's will that by doing good 00:08:38.899 --> 00:08:41.259 you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 00:08:41.700 --> 00:08:42.919 Live as free people, 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:45.379 but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil. 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:47.259 Live as servants of God. 00:08:48.019 --> 00:08:49.360 Show proper respect to everyone. 00:08:49.519 --> 00:08:50.620 Love the brotherhood of believers. 00:08:50.840 --> 00:08:51.279 Fear God. 00:08:51.379 --> 00:08:51.940 Honor the king. 00:08:51.940 --> 00:08:53.300 Slaves, 00:08:53.820 --> 00:08:55.920 Submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, 00:08:56.300 --> 00:08:58.240 not only to those who are good and considerate, 00:08:58.280 --> 00:08:59.640 but also to those who are harsh. 00:09:00.440 --> 00:09:01.580 For it is commendable 00:09:01.580 --> 00:09:04.560 if a person bears up under the pain of unjust suffering 00:09:04.560 --> 00:09:06.540 because he is conscious of God. 00:09:06.800 --> 00:09:07.860 But how is it to your credit 00:09:07.860 --> 00:09:10.120 if you receive a beating for doing good and endure it? 00:09:10.700 --> 00:09:13.500 But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, 00:09:13.540 --> 00:09:15.020 this is commendable before God. 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:16.500 To this you were called 00:09:16.500 --> 00:09:18.100 because Christ suffered for you, 00:09:18.500 --> 00:09:19.540 leaving you an example 00:09:19.539 --> 00:09:21.459 that you should follow in his steps. 00:09:22.919 --> 00:09:24.219 He committed no sin 00:09:24.219 --> 00:09:26.419 and no deceit was found in his mouth. 00:09:27.179 --> 00:09:28.779 When they hurled their insults at him, 00:09:28.819 --> 00:09:29.839 he did not retaliate. 00:09:30.539 --> 00:09:31.459 When he suffered, 00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:33.000 he made no threats. 00:09:33.899 --> 00:09:34.379 Instead, 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:37.899 he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 00:09:38.699 --> 00:09:41.259 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree 00:09:41.259 --> 00:09:43.019 so that we might die to sins 00:09:43.019 --> 00:09:43.939 and live for righteousness. 00:09:44.579 --> 00:09:45.639 By his wounds, 00:09:46.059 --> 00:09:47.799 you have been healed. 00:09:47.799 --> 00:09:50.919 What Peter is saying here is that 00:09:50.919 --> 00:09:53.719 Jesus at the cross 00:09:53.719 --> 00:09:56.479 is tempted by the voice of Satan 00:09:56.479 --> 00:09:58.500 through those at his feet 00:09:58.500 --> 00:09:59.419 who are yelling at him, 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:00.620 if you really are the Christ, 00:10:00.819 --> 00:10:01.939 if you really are the Son of God, 00:10:02.019 --> 00:10:02.439 come down. 00:10:03.299 --> 00:10:04.059 Show us your power. 00:10:05.599 --> 00:10:06.799 And he does, 00:10:06.959 --> 00:10:07.959 but by doing the opposite, 00:10:09.079 --> 00:10:10.039 he shows, 00:10:10.179 --> 00:10:11.799 as he stays hanging on the cross 00:10:11.799 --> 00:10:13.399 in obedience to his Father's will, 00:10:13.399 --> 00:10:17.759 that he does have a knowledge of good and evil, 00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:19.579 but he leaves the management of that 00:10:19.579 --> 00:10:21.539 in the Father's hands. 00:10:22.199 --> 00:10:24.279 So instead of looking out for number one 00:10:24.279 --> 00:10:26.319 at that point in time, 00:10:27.519 --> 00:10:31.779 he keeps his eyes on the Father 00:10:31.779 --> 00:10:33.740 and breaks that cycle of corruption 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:35.939 that Adam and Eve started. 00:10:35.940 --> 00:10:39.820 They were plonked in front of the tree 00:10:39.820 --> 00:10:40.840 of the knowledge of good and evil 00:10:40.840 --> 00:10:42.820 and they took the management onto themselves. 00:10:43.580 --> 00:10:45.640 Jesus leaves the management 00:10:45.640 --> 00:10:47.700 of the knowledge of good and evil 00:10:47.700 --> 00:10:49.000 in his Father's hands. 00:10:50.220 --> 00:10:52.280 And so he breaks that cycle of corruption 00:10:52.280 --> 00:10:53.240 once and for all. 00:10:53.320 --> 00:10:53.860 It's so beautiful. 00:10:53.980 --> 00:10:55.420 I've come to appreciate this so much more 00:10:55.420 --> 00:10:56.480 after living 11 years 00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:58.800 in the Italian society. 00:10:59.520 --> 00:11:00.940 Jesus is a legend. 00:11:01.480 --> 00:11:02.720 He is so pure. 00:11:02.840 --> 00:11:03.640 He is so right. 00:11:03.639 --> 00:11:05.639 He sees what is right and wrong 00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:08.039 and he leaves the judgment about that, 00:11:08.279 --> 00:11:09.199 the management of it, 00:11:09.519 --> 00:11:10.819 in his Father's hands. 00:11:11.799 --> 00:11:13.039 And for that reason, 00:11:14.199 --> 00:11:18.019 he swaps his goodness for our sin 00:11:18.019 --> 00:11:21.519 and the hostages are bought out of captivity 00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:22.960 by his blood. 00:11:23.419 --> 00:11:23.740 Wow. 00:11:24.220 --> 00:11:24.840 Gee, that's good. 00:11:26.399 --> 00:11:28.220 That cycle has been broken 00:11:28.220 --> 00:11:29.299 and Paul says, 00:11:29.659 --> 00:11:31.399 as he speaks to the Athenians, 00:11:31.399 --> 00:11:34.100 that's the fixed future point, 00:11:34.179 --> 00:11:35.159 the risen Jesus, 00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:36.539 because he is the one 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:38.340 who is right to judge. 00:11:38.459 --> 00:11:39.819 Have a look in Acts chapter 17. 00:11:39.980 --> 00:11:42.939 This is the last scripture flip will do, 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:43.980 but I'd really like you 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:45.079 to have a look at it for yourselves, 00:11:45.199 --> 00:11:45.360 please. 00:11:45.399 --> 00:11:46.480 Acts chapter 17, 00:11:46.919 --> 00:11:48.980 and I'm going to read verse 30 and 31. 00:11:49.919 --> 00:11:51.220 Acts chapter 17, 00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:53.159 verse 30 and 31. 00:11:53.159 --> 00:11:57.919 And Paul's speaking in a pluralistic society, 00:11:58.439 --> 00:12:02.939 in a society that is deeply religious and spiritual. 00:12:04.019 --> 00:12:05.319 And he says this, 00:12:05.320 --> 00:12:09.300 In the past, 00:12:09.420 --> 00:12:11.160 God overlooked such ignorance, 00:12:12.540 --> 00:12:15.120 but now he commands all people everywhere 00:12:15.120 --> 00:12:15.920 to repent, 00:12:16.240 --> 00:12:17.240 to turn back. 00:12:18.520 --> 00:12:19.740 For he has set a day 00:12:19.740 --> 00:12:21.580 when he will judge the world with justice 00:12:21.580 --> 00:12:22.860 by the man he has appointed. 00:12:23.580 --> 00:12:25.560 He has given proof of this to all men 00:12:25.560 --> 00:12:28.300 by raising him from the dead. 00:12:30.840 --> 00:12:32.320 So with the resurrection of Jesus, 00:12:32.480 --> 00:12:33.540 things have changed forever. 00:12:33.539 --> 00:12:38.039 It means that there is an eternity. 00:12:38.399 --> 00:12:39.599 It means that there is truth. 00:12:39.919 --> 00:12:41.519 It means that there is a God 00:12:41.519 --> 00:12:43.740 who judges between right and wrong 00:12:43.740 --> 00:12:45.279 because what he actually did 00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:46.639 with regard to Jesus is say, 00:12:46.759 --> 00:12:47.699 yep, you are right. 00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:49.500 And death can't hold you down 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:52.219 because death comes for rebellion 00:12:52.219 --> 00:12:53.319 and it's judgment. 00:12:54.439 --> 00:12:57.699 But you don't fit in that category. 00:12:58.620 --> 00:13:00.019 And you have conquered and you have won. 00:13:00.379 --> 00:13:01.199 And for that reason, 00:13:01.299 --> 00:13:02.299 you are the one. 00:13:03.539 --> 00:13:05.099 Who can judge. 00:13:06.199 --> 00:13:07.639 That's a great encouragement, isn't it? 00:13:07.659 --> 00:13:08.699 And I'm laboring this point 00:13:08.699 --> 00:13:10.559 because we need to understand this 00:13:10.559 --> 00:13:12.240 before we get to what James 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:14.019 is encouraging people to be like. 00:13:15.879 --> 00:13:17.199 We've got to understand 00:13:17.199 --> 00:13:18.659 and really take on board 00:13:18.659 --> 00:13:20.980 the reality to which James 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:23.099 is basing all his argument on. 00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:25.179 That Jesus really is alive. 00:13:25.179 --> 00:13:28.859 that not just a regular risen guy, 00:13:29.059 --> 00:13:30.459 if such a thing could be possible, 00:13:31.299 --> 00:13:36.159 but the right eternal one 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:38.899 who showed that he could leave 00:13:38.899 --> 00:13:39.819 the management of good and evil 00:13:39.819 --> 00:13:40.779 in the Father's hands 00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:43.699 and therefore he has the right perspective 00:13:43.699 --> 00:13:45.299 to be able to judge us 00:13:45.299 --> 00:13:50.179 who fail to leave the management 00:13:50.179 --> 00:13:51.620 of good and evil in the Father's hands 00:13:51.620 --> 00:13:53.019 but need to trust Jesus 00:13:53.019 --> 00:13:54.460 as he did that for us. 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:57.259 Because James says, 00:13:57.340 --> 00:13:58.039 the future judgment 00:13:58.039 --> 00:14:00.000 is as certain as the seasonal crop. 00:14:03.139 --> 00:14:04.539 Did you notice that in verse 7? 00:14:06.860 --> 00:14:08.139 Please glance down it again. 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:08.740 Verse 7. 00:14:08.740 --> 00:14:22.740 This is the same thing 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:24.399 that Peter was talking about in Athens. 00:14:25.840 --> 00:14:27.100 It's a dead certain. 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:30.899 You can stake your life on it. 00:14:31.200 --> 00:14:31.680 It's coming. 00:14:31.960 --> 00:14:32.799 He's going to come back. 00:14:33.860 --> 00:14:34.980 That's good and bad. 00:14:34.980 --> 00:14:37.659 But be patient. 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:39.019 Be ready for that. 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:43.860 So the challenge at this point, 00:14:43.920 --> 00:14:45.560 and this is something 00:14:45.560 --> 00:14:47.600 that we really need to sit on 00:14:47.600 --> 00:14:48.659 for just a moment. 00:14:49.320 --> 00:14:50.840 Are we convinced of the resurrection 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:52.600 of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead? 00:14:54.080 --> 00:14:56.360 I think that's the key to Christianity, 00:14:56.580 --> 00:14:57.139 quite frankly, 00:14:57.200 --> 00:14:58.560 because if Jesus wasn't risen, 00:14:59.399 --> 00:15:00.779 then whatever happened before that 00:15:00.779 --> 00:15:01.980 just needs to be discarded 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:05.879 as a tragic joke. 00:15:06.779 --> 00:15:08.080 But if Jesus really is risen, 00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:09.100 it changes everything. 00:15:11.460 --> 00:15:13.259 Sometimes I think in our Christian lives, 00:15:13.300 --> 00:15:14.700 and maybe even when we meet together, 00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:16.279 we can do something like this. 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:18.480 Cross, cross, cross, cross, cross, cross, cross. 00:15:18.580 --> 00:15:19.240 Jesus died. 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:20.180 He's paid the price. 00:15:20.180 --> 00:15:21.100 Oh, and he rose. 00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:24.480 But I think what the proposal 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:25.300 of Christianity is, 00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:27.080 is Jesus is alive. 00:15:27.920 --> 00:15:29.340 He really is risen. 00:15:29.340 --> 00:15:32.060 It breaks the cycle. 00:15:33.360 --> 00:15:35.560 And it validates what happened on the cross. 00:15:38.300 --> 00:15:39.920 That's the proposal of Christianity. 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:42.620 No other religion, 00:15:42.840 --> 00:15:45.560 no other spiritual theory sets that up. 00:15:46.820 --> 00:15:48.680 But this is the fixed point 00:15:48.680 --> 00:15:51.000 for our eternity. 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:52.580 Are you convinced of that? 00:15:53.920 --> 00:15:55.580 And I'm not just throwing that out 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:57.680 as some kind of preaching device, 00:15:57.679 --> 00:15:59.419 some kind of rhetorical kind of moment. 00:15:59.939 --> 00:16:01.519 But it could be the case 00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:03.419 that we haven't really worked 00:16:03.419 --> 00:16:05.139 that deeply into our conviction. 00:16:08.559 --> 00:16:10.819 Peter and James, 00:16:10.979 --> 00:16:12.359 they weren't convinced of Jesus 00:16:12.359 --> 00:16:13.199 and they abandoned him 00:16:13.199 --> 00:16:15.279 in his hour of need. 00:16:15.679 --> 00:16:16.519 Something happened 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:18.259 to change their lives 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:19.219 and convince them 00:16:19.219 --> 00:16:20.120 that they needed to preach 00:16:20.120 --> 00:16:21.299 this message 00:16:21.299 --> 00:16:23.159 to their last breath. 00:16:24.919 --> 00:16:25.719 He rose, 00:16:25.720 --> 00:16:26.420 and that's why. 00:16:28.399 --> 00:16:29.240 Talk about that. 00:16:29.639 --> 00:16:30.160 Pray about that 00:16:30.160 --> 00:16:31.720 with someone that you trust. 00:16:32.540 --> 00:16:34.180 Because if you're answering 00:16:34.180 --> 00:16:34.980 my question right now, 00:16:35.040 --> 00:16:35.259 you know, 00:16:35.360 --> 00:16:36.420 well, I haven't really thought 00:16:36.420 --> 00:16:36.879 enough about it. 00:16:36.899 --> 00:16:37.920 I'm not super convinced. 00:16:39.440 --> 00:16:40.480 Let's work that through. 00:16:41.480 --> 00:16:42.220 That's why I'm standing 00:16:42.220 --> 00:16:43.000 before you this morning, 00:16:43.100 --> 00:16:44.120 but that's why we went to Italy. 00:16:44.220 --> 00:16:45.300 Because we really are convinced 00:16:45.300 --> 00:16:46.300 that Jesus is alive 00:16:46.300 --> 00:16:47.759 and he does have 00:16:47.759 --> 00:16:48.960 eternal life in his hands 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:50.540 and he gives it to those 00:16:50.540 --> 00:16:51.300 who trust in him. 00:16:51.560 --> 00:16:52.420 So it doesn't matter 00:16:52.420 --> 00:16:53.700 what we have or don't have 00:16:53.700 --> 00:16:54.220 in this life 00:16:54.220 --> 00:16:55.100 because we have everything 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:55.639 in eternity. 00:16:56.600 --> 00:16:58.100 Now, Jesus' just judgment 00:16:58.100 --> 00:16:59.040 and other consequences 00:16:59.040 --> 00:17:01.500 is there is a just judgment 00:17:01.500 --> 00:17:02.120 that's coming 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:04.779 and he will judge us 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:06.900 and all people. 00:17:08.200 --> 00:17:08.940 Sometimes it's nice 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:09.460 to think that, 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:10.360 yeah, those people out there, 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:11.059 those bad people, 00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:11.740 they're going to cop it 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:12.380 and that's good 00:17:12.380 --> 00:17:13.539 and I'm glad about that 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:15.380 and I'm right, okay? 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:18.059 I'm a pretty good person. 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:20.480 But I'm afraid, actually, 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:21.319 when I read these verses 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:22.559 because James is saying, 00:17:22.559 --> 00:17:24.059 you too will be judged. 00:17:25.379 --> 00:17:27.319 Your behavior actually matters. 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:28.759 The way that you respond 00:17:28.759 --> 00:17:29.599 to the risen Jesus 00:17:29.599 --> 00:17:31.399 and you live in wait for him, 00:17:31.500 --> 00:17:32.279 that matters 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:33.159 and that's going to be called 00:17:33.159 --> 00:17:34.119 to account one day. 00:17:35.299 --> 00:17:35.500 Whew! 00:17:36.919 --> 00:17:37.720 The Italians would do 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:38.220 something like this. 00:17:41.500 --> 00:17:42.359 That's a big deal. 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:43.460 It's going to bite. 00:17:45.059 --> 00:17:45.899 It's going to bite. 00:17:45.980 --> 00:17:48.240 So we want to be hearing now 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:49.779 that this word applies to us 00:17:49.779 --> 00:17:51.779 and I'm going to go a lot faster now 00:17:51.779 --> 00:17:54.139 in this second part of my talk 00:17:54.139 --> 00:17:57.160 because our conviction 00:17:57.160 --> 00:17:58.579 comes out in how we live. 00:17:59.619 --> 00:18:00.519 If you're convinced 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:02.259 that really the best is yet to come 00:18:02.259 --> 00:18:03.480 and that you can put 00:18:03.480 --> 00:18:04.500 all you have on Jesus 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:05.819 because he's good for it, 00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:07.660 that just changes everything. 00:18:08.180 --> 00:18:09.240 It really does. 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:10.859 And so the Christian 00:18:10.859 --> 00:18:12.500 convinced of Jesus' resurrection 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:13.980 and certain of his return 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:15.119 to decide about all people 00:18:15.119 --> 00:18:15.940 lives differently 00:18:15.940 --> 00:18:17.079 when faced with corruption. 00:18:17.079 --> 00:18:19.319 That Christian woman 00:18:19.319 --> 00:18:19.980 lives differently 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:21.059 when faced with injustice. 00:18:21.259 --> 00:18:22.279 That Christian family 00:18:22.279 --> 00:18:23.199 lives differently 00:18:23.199 --> 00:18:24.460 when faced with suffering. 00:18:25.740 --> 00:18:28.460 And James notes these things 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:29.359 and we can see this 00:18:29.359 --> 00:18:30.119 in the contrast 00:18:30.119 --> 00:18:31.480 implicit in the passage. 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:34.079 And I'm just going to go really 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:36.019 probably too quickly here now 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:38.119 but I trust it will be clear. 00:18:39.699 --> 00:18:40.960 Christians live patiently 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:42.319 as the farmer is patient 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:43.419 and sure of the crop. 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:44.939 That's verse 7. 00:18:44.940 --> 00:18:47.580 We don't take matters 00:18:47.580 --> 00:18:48.680 into our own hands. 00:18:50.779 --> 00:18:52.000 We don't take matters 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:52.980 into our own hands. 00:18:54.019 --> 00:18:54.640 I'm not saying 00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:55.940 that we have to accept everything 00:18:55.940 --> 00:18:57.380 and so I'm really not talking 00:18:57.380 --> 00:18:58.900 about a complete 00:18:58.900 --> 00:19:00.080 Christian ethic here 00:19:00.080 --> 00:19:02.080 but what James is saying 00:19:02.080 --> 00:19:03.720 is that we don't take matters 00:19:03.720 --> 00:19:04.519 into our own hands. 00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:05.120 We actually live 00:19:05.120 --> 00:19:06.000 with great patience 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:08.539 because our perspective 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:09.779 is very, very long. 00:19:10.100 --> 00:19:10.680 It's eternal. 00:19:12.180 --> 00:19:13.259 It's not temporary. 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:16.119 We don't take matters 00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:17.000 into our own hands. 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:19.140 Second, 00:19:19.539 --> 00:19:20.140 those who trust 00:19:20.140 --> 00:19:20.900 in the risen Jesus 00:19:20.900 --> 00:19:21.680 live waiting 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:22.799 for his return, 00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:23.859 for his future return. 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:24.640 That's verse 8. 00:19:26.140 --> 00:19:26.900 You too be patient 00:19:26.900 --> 00:19:27.500 and stand firm 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:28.440 because the Lord's coming 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:28.960 is near. 00:19:29.640 --> 00:19:31.140 We don't abandon Jesus 00:19:31.140 --> 00:19:32.460 deciding ourselves 00:19:32.460 --> 00:19:33.619 what is right and wrong. 00:19:33.619 --> 00:19:37.019 I've already kind of 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:37.699 underlined that 00:19:37.699 --> 00:19:39.559 considering Jesus' 00:19:40.299 --> 00:19:40.619 death 00:19:40.619 --> 00:19:41.479 and what is occurring 00:19:41.479 --> 00:19:41.919 there 00:19:41.919 --> 00:19:43.399 because he doesn't 00:19:43.399 --> 00:19:44.079 take the management 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:44.799 of good and evil 00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:45.839 into his own hands. 00:19:46.159 --> 00:19:46.459 In fact, 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:47.739 he leaves that decision 00:19:47.739 --> 00:19:48.479 to the Father 00:19:48.479 --> 00:19:51.019 and there we have 00:19:51.019 --> 00:19:52.479 our life. 00:19:53.979 --> 00:19:54.759 So I think 00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:55.279 the discipline 00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:56.299 of the Christian life 00:19:56.299 --> 00:19:56.719 is actually 00:19:56.719 --> 00:19:57.319 to work out 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:58.239 more and more 00:19:58.239 --> 00:19:59.519 starting with the word 00:19:59.519 --> 00:20:00.439 and sticking with the word 00:20:00.439 --> 00:20:01.219 what God's will 00:20:01.219 --> 00:20:02.019 actually is 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:03.240 and I think 00:20:03.240 --> 00:20:03.559 it's probably 00:20:03.559 --> 00:20:04.940 knowing Jesus better, 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:07.799 being really well versed 00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:09.180 in him in the Gospels 00:20:09.180 --> 00:20:13.240 and being someone 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:13.980 who examines 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.259 how he lives 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:16.519 and how he waits 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:17.519 for the future judgment 00:20:17.519 --> 00:20:18.160 which his Father 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.220 will be responsible for 00:20:19.220 --> 00:20:20.480 including him 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:21.259 as the judge. 00:20:22.539 --> 00:20:23.440 Third thing, 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:24.900 followers of the risen 00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:25.680 King Jesus 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:26.819 hold their tongues 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:28.539 about each other. 00:20:29.119 --> 00:20:30.000 That's verse 9. 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:31.819 Don't grumble 00:20:31.819 --> 00:20:32.539 against each other 00:20:32.539 --> 00:20:32.880 brothers 00:20:32.880 --> 00:20:33.880 or you will be judged. 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:35.319 The judge is standing 00:20:35.319 --> 00:20:35.960 at the door. 00:20:37.299 --> 00:20:38.160 We don't complain 00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:38.940 against each other 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:39.920 because we know 00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:40.819 that Jesus will also 00:20:40.819 --> 00:20:41.599 judge us. 00:20:42.019 --> 00:20:42.619 Gee, that's hard, 00:20:42.680 --> 00:20:43.019 isn't it? 00:20:45.420 --> 00:20:46.200 It might sound 00:20:46.200 --> 00:20:46.880 that these things 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:47.660 are rolling off my tongue 00:20:47.660 --> 00:20:48.619 pretty easy right now 00:20:48.619 --> 00:20:49.140 and I said 00:20:49.140 --> 00:20:49.660 that I'm going 00:20:49.660 --> 00:20:50.400 a little bit faster. 00:20:50.940 --> 00:20:52.500 That is really tough stuff. 00:20:54.119 --> 00:20:55.559 We've been in a church, 00:20:55.640 --> 00:20:56.559 in a brethren church 00:20:56.559 --> 00:20:57.519 which really has been 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:58.940 working against itself. 00:20:58.940 --> 00:21:00.160 The factions 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:01.120 amongst the elders 00:21:01.120 --> 00:21:01.740 and therefore 00:21:01.740 --> 00:21:02.820 amongst the congregation 00:21:02.820 --> 00:21:05.220 have played out 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:06.500 year after year, 00:21:06.680 --> 00:21:07.420 month after month, 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:08.100 week after week, 00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:08.840 day after day. 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:10.759 And at times 00:21:10.759 --> 00:21:13.759 our waking lives, 00:21:14.059 --> 00:21:14.539 Sarah and I, 00:21:14.580 --> 00:21:15.259 have been consumed 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.500 just by the anxiety 00:21:16.500 --> 00:21:17.019 and the tension 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:17.860 that that's created. 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:19.039 It's been awful. 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:22.100 And the natural tendency 00:21:22.100 --> 00:21:22.820 therefore is when 00:21:22.820 --> 00:21:23.480 you're actually meeting 00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:24.100 together with other 00:21:24.100 --> 00:21:24.900 Christian brothers and sisters, 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:25.700 maybe just in private, 00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:26.100 you have them around 00:21:26.100 --> 00:21:26.640 for dinner or whatever 00:21:26.640 --> 00:21:27.140 it might be, 00:21:27.140 --> 00:21:29.340 you just let fly, 00:21:29.520 --> 00:21:30.020 let loose. 00:21:30.320 --> 00:21:30.880 Yeah, you know, 00:21:31.360 --> 00:21:32.400 it's safe here, isn't it? 00:21:32.420 --> 00:21:33.040 We can say it, yeah, 00:21:33.120 --> 00:21:33.800 we can, you know. 00:21:34.060 --> 00:21:34.780 I just want to tell you 00:21:34.780 --> 00:21:35.400 this in confidence 00:21:35.400 --> 00:21:36.140 how I feel about 00:21:36.140 --> 00:21:36.720 such and such. 00:21:38.540 --> 00:21:39.060 James says, 00:21:39.120 --> 00:21:39.600 don't do it. 00:21:41.900 --> 00:21:42.220 Wow. 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:44.579 I need to repent 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:46.940 because my tendency 00:21:46.940 --> 00:21:48.180 is actually to really 00:21:48.180 --> 00:21:49.100 to let fly. 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:50.880 Be quite critical. 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:52.360 That can be good sometimes, 00:21:52.420 --> 00:21:54.059 having a critical approach, 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:55.019 a brain that kind of 00:21:55.019 --> 00:21:55.900 analyzes well, 00:21:56.319 --> 00:21:57.140 but it can be deadly 00:21:57.140 --> 00:21:57.860 at other times 00:21:57.860 --> 00:21:58.519 because it actually 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.440 leads to ungodliness. 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:01.039 And it doesn't trust 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:01.700 that God's actually 00:22:01.700 --> 00:22:02.420 in control 00:22:02.420 --> 00:22:04.759 of any given situation. 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.339 So I take it, 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:07.279 and this is something 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:07.860 that I try to do 00:22:07.860 --> 00:22:08.380 more and more, 00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:10.079 I try to pray about 00:22:10.079 --> 00:22:10.460 those things 00:22:10.460 --> 00:22:11.600 before I speak about them. 00:22:12.120 --> 00:22:13.140 And really seek 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:13.880 the Lord's will 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:14.700 and his conviction 00:22:14.700 --> 00:22:16.720 regarding these matters, 00:22:16.920 --> 00:22:17.779 whatever they might be. 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.680 Because it's difficult, 00:22:19.799 --> 00:22:20.019 isn't it, 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:20.779 to turn up to church 00:22:20.779 --> 00:22:21.220 on a Sunday 00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:21.940 after you've spent 00:22:21.940 --> 00:22:23.000 the previous six days 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:24.860 just whinging 00:22:24.860 --> 00:22:25.700 about other people 00:22:25.700 --> 00:22:27.799 and playing happy families 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.319 on a Sunday 00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:28.920 or not even. 00:22:32.340 --> 00:22:33.019 Because the Lord 00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:33.620 knows our hearts 00:22:33.620 --> 00:22:34.920 and it's dishonest. 00:22:35.860 --> 00:22:36.960 And he says 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:37.860 we'll be judged for that. 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:39.620 And so we need to repent 00:22:39.620 --> 00:22:40.220 and practice 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:41.200 what James is actually 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:42.339 calling people to do here. 00:22:44.360 --> 00:22:45.279 Christians are certain 00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:46.319 of Jesus' risen goodness 00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:47.039 even in the face 00:22:47.039 --> 00:22:47.539 of suffering. 00:22:47.819 --> 00:22:48.380 Verse 10. 00:22:49.600 --> 00:22:49.900 Brothers, 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:50.960 as an example of patience 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.880 in the face of suffering, 00:22:52.019 --> 00:22:52.600 take the prophets 00:22:52.600 --> 00:22:53.420 who spoke in the name 00:22:53.420 --> 00:22:53.860 of the Lord. 00:22:54.400 --> 00:22:55.019 As you know, 00:22:55.079 --> 00:22:55.880 we consider blessed 00:22:55.880 --> 00:22:57.039 those who have persevered. 00:22:57.819 --> 00:22:58.440 You have heard 00:22:58.440 --> 00:22:59.380 of Job's perseverance 00:22:59.380 --> 00:23:00.039 and have seen 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:00.480 what the Lord 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.440 finally brought about. 00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:03.140 The Lord is full 00:23:03.140 --> 00:23:04.420 of compassion and mercy. 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:07.799 Job is the example there. 00:23:07.799 --> 00:23:09.480 And we know, 00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:09.879 don't we, 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:10.899 from our understanding 00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:11.980 of his own travails 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:14.379 that he was pressured 00:23:14.379 --> 00:23:16.180 to call God's goodness 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:17.359 into question. 00:23:18.639 --> 00:23:19.359 And in fact, 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:20.480 his mates, 00:23:21.119 --> 00:23:22.619 at one point, 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:23.119 they say, 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:24.839 curse God and die. 00:23:24.839 --> 00:23:30.159 That was the final point 00:23:30.159 --> 00:23:31.079 almost that he got to. 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:32.720 Just do that, mate, 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:33.699 and finish it. 00:23:34.399 --> 00:23:35.659 Get it over and done with. 00:23:35.919 --> 00:23:36.619 God's not good. 00:23:37.119 --> 00:23:37.759 Forget about it. 00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:38.559 Take your own life. 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:40.659 Job refuses. 00:23:40.959 --> 00:23:41.839 He doesn't do it. 00:23:41.839 --> 00:23:44.619 And here, 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:45.539 it's really interesting 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:46.859 because James underlines 00:23:46.859 --> 00:23:48.039 the Lord is 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:49.639 full of compassion 00:23:49.639 --> 00:23:50.199 and mercy. 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:52.740 Because that is 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.500 our big question 00:23:53.500 --> 00:23:54.419 in the midst of suffering, 00:23:54.619 --> 00:23:55.299 physical suffering, 00:23:55.459 --> 00:23:56.259 spiritual suffering, 00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:57.500 suffering as a church. 00:23:58.980 --> 00:23:59.959 Is God good? 00:24:00.859 --> 00:24:01.579 Is he merciful? 00:24:01.859 --> 00:24:02.619 Is he compassionate? 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:06.059 And multiply it, 00:24:06.099 --> 00:24:07.099 multiply the angst 00:24:07.099 --> 00:24:08.339 that we might have experienced 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:10.019 in Chatswood 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:11.819 by a million times 00:24:11.819 --> 00:24:12.980 in the experience 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:13.960 of our brothers and sisters 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:14.539 in Christ 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:15.259 in other places 00:24:15.259 --> 00:24:16.599 where even just 00:24:16.599 --> 00:24:17.599 to name Jesus 00:24:17.599 --> 00:24:18.599 is to sign 00:24:18.599 --> 00:24:20.059 your own death sentence. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.559 Is God really good? 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:25.920 I have the image 00:24:25.920 --> 00:24:26.740 of those guys 00:24:26.740 --> 00:24:27.480 who were beheaded 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:28.039 on the beach 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:28.960 by ISIS 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:30.759 and the last thing 00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:31.680 that they were uttering 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:34.019 is that Jesus 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:35.720 is Lord and Christ 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:36.779 towards that effect. 00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:39.700 I think that's 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.100 what James 00:24:40.100 --> 00:24:41.039 is exhorting us to. 00:24:42.039 --> 00:24:43.019 A life that understands 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:44.000 that God has revealed 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:44.720 his full mercy 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:45.500 and his compassion 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.880 in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:24:46.880 --> 00:24:47.980 not only as he hangs 00:24:47.980 --> 00:24:49.120 dying in our place 00:24:49.120 --> 00:24:50.240 in full obedience 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.500 but in his risen glory 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:52.059 and power. 00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:53.160 God is good, 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:53.900 he is merciful, 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:54.700 he is compassionate, 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:55.980 he will save 00:24:55.980 --> 00:24:57.160 those who trust in him. 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:58.319 Wow, 00:24:58.580 --> 00:24:59.539 that is really good. 00:25:00.840 --> 00:25:01.980 So it's worth waiting for, 00:25:02.039 --> 00:25:02.240 isn't it? 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:03.480 Because God has showed this 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:04.180 to Job, 00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:05.100 he showed it to Jesus 00:25:05.100 --> 00:25:06.299 and so we continue 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:06.640 knowing, 00:25:06.799 --> 00:25:07.420 living and waiting 00:25:07.420 --> 00:25:08.240 for that truth. 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:09.000 We live in it 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:10.240 but we're waiting 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:11.200 for the consummation 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:11.640 of that. 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:14.460 It changes my perspective 00:25:14.460 --> 00:25:15.640 as I think about that. 00:25:16.759 --> 00:25:17.519 And the last thing, 00:25:17.620 --> 00:25:18.700 followers of the risen Lord Jesus 00:25:18.700 --> 00:25:20.060 verbalise trust in him, 00:25:20.160 --> 00:25:21.100 not in idols. 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:23.300 Verse 12, 00:25:23.299 --> 00:25:24.899 above all, 00:25:25.299 --> 00:25:26.000 do not swear, 00:25:26.099 --> 00:25:27.059 not by heaven or by earth 00:25:27.059 --> 00:25:27.859 or by anything else, 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:28.859 let your yes be yes 00:25:28.859 --> 00:25:29.659 and your no, no 00:25:29.659 --> 00:25:30.680 or you will be condemned. 00:25:32.099 --> 00:25:32.940 I grew up reading 00:25:32.940 --> 00:25:33.879 Asterix and Obelix. 00:25:35.079 --> 00:25:36.379 I love those cartoons, 00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:36.919 those books. 00:25:38.899 --> 00:25:39.759 Learned a lot from them. 00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:41.399 Been very helpful actually, 00:25:41.639 --> 00:25:42.619 going to Europe 00:25:42.619 --> 00:25:43.899 after growing up 00:25:43.899 --> 00:25:44.700 on Asterix and Obelix 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:45.159 but they, 00:25:45.779 --> 00:25:46.819 I'm not sure if it's them 00:25:46.819 --> 00:25:47.980 or if it's the Romans 00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:48.899 at times they're swearing 00:25:48.899 --> 00:25:49.779 by Tartatus. 00:25:50.639 --> 00:25:50.819 You know, 00:25:50.859 --> 00:25:52.039 they have all the different gods 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:52.879 and they name. 00:25:53.299 --> 00:25:54.299 In Italian, 00:25:55.419 --> 00:25:56.839 an expression would be 00:25:56.839 --> 00:25:57.680 perforza, 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:58.720 by strength. 00:25:59.919 --> 00:26:00.759 And it seems like 00:26:00.759 --> 00:26:01.740 a banal kind of a thing 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:03.019 when we're letting 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:04.119 these kind of phrases 00:26:04.119 --> 00:26:04.960 roll off our tongue. 00:26:05.399 --> 00:26:07.579 But they do actually have 00:26:07.579 --> 00:26:10.720 historical time, 00:26:11.180 --> 00:26:12.139 historical meaning, 00:26:12.700 --> 00:26:13.559 historical consequence 00:26:13.559 --> 00:26:14.659 but also eternal consequence 00:26:14.659 --> 00:26:15.740 because in those little moments 00:26:15.740 --> 00:26:18.599 of expressing those things, 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:20.079 we are expressing 00:26:20.079 --> 00:26:21.500 where our trust is based. 00:26:23.299 --> 00:26:24.839 where our trust is based. 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:28.599 But Christians can speak simply 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:30.099 relying on Jesus' strength. 00:26:30.299 --> 00:26:31.500 That's why James just says 00:26:31.500 --> 00:26:32.539 just let your yes be yes 00:26:32.539 --> 00:26:33.339 and your no be no 00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:36.339 because the strength of, 00:26:37.659 --> 00:26:38.740 the eternal strength 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:39.440 comes from Jesus. 00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:40.700 It's in him. 00:26:40.919 --> 00:26:42.700 It's not in something 00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:45.019 that proposes to take his place. 00:26:45.019 --> 00:26:47.980 So in all of this, 00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:50.879 I think it's quite easy 00:26:50.879 --> 00:26:52.160 actually to have a Christian witness. 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:54.500 So I just want to give a tiny, 00:26:54.639 --> 00:26:56.039 tiny example of, 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:56.359 I think, 00:26:56.400 --> 00:26:57.160 how easy it is 00:26:57.160 --> 00:26:58.759 to put these things into practice 00:26:58.759 --> 00:27:00.200 and not only live the difference 00:27:00.200 --> 00:27:00.960 but show the difference. 00:27:01.079 --> 00:27:03.079 I remember in my working life, 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:04.539 especially when I worked 00:27:04.539 --> 00:27:05.559 as the studio manager 00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:06.900 in a graphic design studio, 00:27:06.900 --> 00:27:08.460 it was just so easy 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:10.040 to stand out 00:27:10.040 --> 00:27:12.160 if I just watched what I said. 00:27:14.340 --> 00:27:16.200 If I really sought to honour Jesus 00:27:16.200 --> 00:27:16.920 with my lips 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:19.160 and didn't join in perhaps 00:27:19.160 --> 00:27:21.080 the way other people would speak, 00:27:21.540 --> 00:27:22.240 I'd be present 00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:23.900 but not saying the same things 00:27:23.900 --> 00:27:24.540 that they said. 00:27:25.100 --> 00:27:27.840 I'd be seeking to live 00:27:27.840 --> 00:27:30.920 knowing that Jesus would be my judge, 00:27:31.040 --> 00:27:31.560 not them, 00:27:31.800 --> 00:27:33.280 even though they judged me often. 00:27:33.279 --> 00:27:36.299 But my point of reference 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:37.339 was eternal in him 00:27:37.339 --> 00:27:39.599 and not based on what they would think 00:27:39.599 --> 00:27:40.660 or what they would say. 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:43.359 So I think the Christian life 00:27:43.359 --> 00:27:44.259 is actually living 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:45.339 to respond to Jesus 00:27:45.339 --> 00:27:46.899 and not react to other people, 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.960 if I can put it that way. 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:48.819 And I think that's what James 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:49.519 is saying here. 00:27:50.059 --> 00:27:51.859 We must have our eyes fixed on Jesus 00:27:51.859 --> 00:27:53.480 so that we're responding to him 00:27:53.480 --> 00:27:55.200 and not reacting to others. 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:58.359 And I'll tell you about 00:27:58.359 --> 00:27:59.119 the significance of that 00:27:59.119 --> 00:27:59.740 in just a moment. 00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:02.899 But I think as the church does that, 00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:05.019 as the church does seek 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:06.839 to be ready for the future judgement, 00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:07.920 it will be poorer 00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:10.899 and more marginalised 00:28:10.899 --> 00:28:11.920 than it actually is. 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:14.660 Because if you keep asking 00:28:14.660 --> 00:28:15.940 the plumber for a receipt, 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:18.139 he doesn't come back to you anymore. 00:28:20.079 --> 00:28:21.579 That's a word of testimony. 00:28:25.019 --> 00:28:26.420 He don't come back 00:28:26.420 --> 00:28:29.059 because he doesn't want to be 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:31.559 convicted of his own sin 00:28:31.559 --> 00:28:33.799 and he knows he can't live 00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:34.759 that way, 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:36.559 giving a receipt every time. 00:28:36.619 --> 00:28:37.480 He doesn't come back. 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:41.079 That's just a very small example. 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:42.419 But I think if the church 00:28:42.419 --> 00:28:43.539 does live the way 00:28:43.539 --> 00:28:44.980 that James is calling it to, 00:28:45.700 --> 00:28:47.019 it will live more abundantly 00:28:47.019 --> 00:28:47.819 than it does. 00:28:49.399 --> 00:28:50.819 It will live more abundantly 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:51.500 than it does. 00:28:52.679 --> 00:28:53.899 I'm not sure if you remember 00:28:53.899 --> 00:28:55.659 how the first Christian community 00:28:55.659 --> 00:28:56.919 at the end of Acts 2 00:28:56.919 --> 00:28:57.500 is described. 00:28:57.500 --> 00:28:59.359 They have everything in common. 00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:00.759 They lack nothing. 00:29:01.819 --> 00:29:02.180 Why? 00:29:02.819 --> 00:29:03.759 Because they're convinced 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.859 that God has eternity 00:29:04.859 --> 00:29:05.799 in his hands 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:06.740 in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:07.559 so they are free 00:29:07.559 --> 00:29:08.539 to live in the present, 00:29:10.460 --> 00:29:11.859 loving others. 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:13.019 And they do it. 00:29:15.000 --> 00:29:15.859 I don't think we're meant 00:29:15.859 --> 00:29:16.720 to dwell on 00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:17.559 how they live there 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:18.180 but I think we're meant 00:29:18.180 --> 00:29:18.680 to go back 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:19.799 to what they were understanding 00:29:19.799 --> 00:29:20.980 that freed them 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:21.480 to live the way 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.420 they lived. 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:24.000 So I think the church 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:24.759 as it actually takes 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:26.079 James seriously, 00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:26.960 God's word seriously, 00:29:27.079 --> 00:29:27.859 lives more abundantly 00:29:27.859 --> 00:29:28.559 than it does 00:29:28.559 --> 00:29:29.919 and it becomes 00:29:29.919 --> 00:29:30.859 the oasis of love, 00:29:30.980 --> 00:29:32.019 hope and trustworthiness 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:32.759 that every person 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:33.439 longs for. 00:29:35.799 --> 00:29:37.519 So when people see 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:38.759 the church of Jesus Christ 00:29:38.759 --> 00:29:40.179 actually on about him 00:29:40.179 --> 00:29:42.619 and ready for future judgment, 00:29:43.799 --> 00:29:45.339 people want to come in 00:29:45.339 --> 00:29:46.059 and be part of that. 00:29:47.759 --> 00:29:49.000 And here is another word 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:49.460 of testimony. 00:29:50.039 --> 00:29:51.079 I'll embarrass Jemima, 00:29:51.699 --> 00:29:53.359 our first daughter, 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:54.179 second child. 00:29:54.180 --> 00:29:56.259 She came into 00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:58.060 junior high, 00:29:58.279 --> 00:29:58.940 middle school 00:29:58.940 --> 00:30:00.660 out of a different 00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:01.180 primary school 00:30:01.180 --> 00:30:02.080 so she found herself 00:30:02.080 --> 00:30:04.340 new in her class 00:30:04.340 --> 00:30:05.360 and there were a number 00:30:05.360 --> 00:30:06.240 of girls who were 00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:06.900 really keen for her 00:30:06.900 --> 00:30:07.840 to be friends 00:30:07.840 --> 00:30:09.420 straight away. 00:30:10.320 --> 00:30:11.480 And it became apparent 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:12.120 pretty quickly 00:30:12.120 --> 00:30:13.460 that they just wanted 00:30:13.460 --> 00:30:14.160 to use her, 00:30:14.620 --> 00:30:15.960 really her presence 00:30:15.960 --> 00:30:16.840 and her new friendship 00:30:16.839 --> 00:30:20.859 and not only 00:30:20.859 --> 00:30:21.679 would that be harmful 00:30:21.679 --> 00:30:22.599 and hurtful to Jemima 00:30:22.599 --> 00:30:23.799 but the way they behaved 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:24.459 amongst each other 00:30:24.459 --> 00:30:25.599 wasn't good for them either. 00:30:26.699 --> 00:30:27.779 So if I can put it this way, 00:30:27.819 --> 00:30:28.839 it was just their corruption, 00:30:29.279 --> 00:30:30.199 their personal corruption, 00:30:30.519 --> 00:30:31.459 looking out for themselves, 00:30:31.579 --> 00:30:32.119 for each other 00:30:32.119 --> 00:30:33.939 and trying to use each other 00:30:33.939 --> 00:30:35.819 that swept her up 00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:37.179 and hurt them. 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:39.079 But as that became clear 00:30:39.079 --> 00:30:39.699 to Jemima 00:30:39.699 --> 00:30:40.579 and we wrestled with it 00:30:40.579 --> 00:30:41.179 as a family, 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:43.000 she decided 00:30:43.000 --> 00:30:44.099 that she wouldn't be like them. 00:30:44.099 --> 00:30:49.119 And as a result of that, 00:30:49.459 --> 00:30:50.480 and I praise God 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:51.980 for the way she acted in this, 00:30:52.079 --> 00:30:53.019 as a result of that, 00:30:53.139 --> 00:30:54.099 I think there were moments 00:30:54.099 --> 00:30:54.759 of loneliness. 00:30:56.279 --> 00:30:57.459 But what happened was 00:30:57.459 --> 00:30:58.639 she acted in a way 00:30:58.639 --> 00:30:59.480 that was faithful, 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:01.699 that was not going to be moved 00:31:01.699 --> 00:31:02.939 or swayed by what other people 00:31:02.939 --> 00:31:03.740 thought or did 00:31:03.740 --> 00:31:05.379 and she actually became 00:31:05.379 --> 00:31:06.059 a point of reference 00:31:06.059 --> 00:31:07.179 for other girls 00:31:07.179 --> 00:31:08.740 to leave that friendship group 00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:09.699 and become her friend. 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:13.139 So the righteousness, 00:31:13.419 --> 00:31:13.599 I think, 00:31:13.599 --> 00:31:14.379 in her behaviour 00:31:14.379 --> 00:31:16.459 and finding her identity 00:31:16.459 --> 00:31:17.439 not in what the others 00:31:17.439 --> 00:31:17.939 thought of them 00:31:17.939 --> 00:31:18.759 but, I pray, 00:31:19.919 --> 00:31:21.079 fixing her eyes on Jesus, 00:31:22.339 --> 00:31:23.319 it meant that 00:31:23.319 --> 00:31:24.980 her actions were used 00:31:24.980 --> 00:31:26.539 to free those girls 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:27.019 from the trap 00:31:27.019 --> 00:31:28.019 that they found themselves in. 00:31:29.719 --> 00:31:30.939 And so they started 00:31:30.939 --> 00:31:31.639 just to create 00:31:31.639 --> 00:31:32.899 a new friendship group 00:31:32.899 --> 00:31:34.759 that was based on 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:35.759 trustworthiness, 00:31:35.919 --> 00:31:37.519 reliability and love 00:31:37.519 --> 00:31:38.980 because it started 00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:40.000 with Jemima's actions. 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:42.639 I think there's an image there 00:31:42.640 --> 00:31:43.980 of what the Christian church 00:31:43.980 --> 00:31:45.280 has actually been called to be 00:31:45.280 --> 00:31:47.520 and we need to work hard 00:31:47.520 --> 00:31:48.220 on practising it 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:49.080 amongst ourselves 00:31:49.080 --> 00:31:49.759 here, 00:31:49.900 --> 00:31:50.660 first and foremost. 00:31:51.720 --> 00:31:52.340 So we've seen 00:31:52.340 --> 00:31:52.840 that the basis 00:31:52.840 --> 00:31:53.940 of our behaviour 00:31:53.940 --> 00:31:54.640 in the present 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:55.759 is the certainty 00:31:55.759 --> 00:31:57.759 of God's right judgement 00:31:57.759 --> 00:31:58.440 in the future 00:31:58.440 --> 00:31:59.680 with the risen Jesus. 00:32:00.020 --> 00:32:01.160 He is alive. 00:32:01.960 --> 00:32:02.900 He is very good 00:32:02.900 --> 00:32:04.440 and he will judge. 00:32:04.440 --> 00:32:06.720 So let's re-read 00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:07.080 the passage 00:32:07.080 --> 00:32:08.160 just to conclude 00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:09.240 listening for James' 00:32:09.360 --> 00:32:10.500 certainty that Jesus lives. 00:32:12.320 --> 00:32:13.559 Be patient then, 00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:14.480 brethren, 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:15.500 until the Lord's coming. 00:32:15.820 --> 00:32:16.660 See how the farmer 00:32:16.660 --> 00:32:17.420 waits for the land 00:32:17.420 --> 00:32:18.620 to yield its valuable crop 00:32:18.620 --> 00:32:19.519 and how patient he is 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:20.000 for the autumn 00:32:20.000 --> 00:32:20.779 and spring rains. 00:32:21.220 --> 00:32:21.799 You too, 00:32:22.360 --> 00:32:23.759 be patient and stand firm 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:25.019 because the Lord's coming 00:32:25.019 --> 00:32:25.580 is near. 00:32:26.180 --> 00:32:26.840 Don't grumble 00:32:26.840 --> 00:32:27.720 against each other 00:32:27.720 --> 00:32:29.440 or you will be judged. 00:32:30.320 --> 00:32:31.360 The judge is standing 00:32:31.360 --> 00:32:31.960 at the door. 00:32:32.860 --> 00:32:33.559 Brothers and sisters, 00:32:33.559 --> 00:32:34.779 as an example of patience 00:32:34.779 --> 00:32:35.759 in the face of suffering, 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.599 take the prophets 00:32:36.599 --> 00:32:37.440 who spoke in the name 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:37.919 of the Lord. 00:32:38.419 --> 00:32:39.200 As you know, 00:32:39.619 --> 00:32:40.399 we consider blessed 00:32:40.399 --> 00:32:41.419 those who have persevered. 00:32:41.859 --> 00:32:42.379 You have heard 00:32:42.379 --> 00:32:43.319 of Job's perseverance 00:32:43.319 --> 00:32:43.879 and have seen 00:32:43.879 --> 00:32:44.279 what the Lord 00:32:44.279 --> 00:32:45.240 finally brought about. 00:32:45.779 --> 00:32:46.940 The Lord is full 00:32:46.940 --> 00:32:48.079 of compassion and mercy. 00:32:49.159 --> 00:32:49.740 Above all, 00:32:49.839 --> 00:32:50.679 my brothers and sisters, 00:32:50.839 --> 00:32:51.679 do not swear, 00:32:52.240 --> 00:32:52.980 not by heaven 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:53.579 or by earth 00:32:53.579 --> 00:32:54.460 or by anything else. 00:32:54.859 --> 00:32:56.139 Let your yes be yes 00:32:56.139 --> 00:32:57.539 and your no, no 00:32:57.539 --> 00:33:00.399 or you will be condemned. 00:33:01.599 --> 00:33:02.619 He stands at the door. 00:33:02.619 --> 00:33:03.739 He listens. 00:33:04.399 --> 00:33:05.319 Jesus is present. 00:33:05.500 --> 00:33:06.339 Jesus will return. 00:33:06.899 --> 00:33:08.079 James was sure. 00:33:08.699 --> 00:33:10.079 And Italians need 00:33:10.079 --> 00:33:11.419 the love 00:33:11.419 --> 00:33:12.019 and the certainty 00:33:12.019 --> 00:33:12.739 of that judgment 00:33:12.739 --> 00:33:13.779 to free them 00:33:13.779 --> 00:33:15.799 from this vicious cycle, 00:33:15.959 --> 00:33:16.779 downward cycle 00:33:16.779 --> 00:33:18.000 of corruption 00:33:18.000 --> 00:33:19.039 that kills 00:33:19.039 --> 00:33:20.419 in the present 00:33:20.419 --> 00:33:22.539 and in eternity. 00:33:22.759 --> 00:33:23.139 Let's pray. 00:33:26.099 --> 00:33:26.819 Father, 00:33:26.919 --> 00:33:27.339 please help us 00:33:27.339 --> 00:33:27.739 to examine 00:33:27.739 --> 00:33:28.419 our own convictions 00:33:28.419 --> 00:33:29.000 this morning 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:30.059 of Jesus' resurrection. 00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:30.159 resurrection. 00:33:31.379 --> 00:33:32.419 James was sure. 00:33:33.279 --> 00:33:33.799 He had seen 00:33:33.799 --> 00:33:34.519 the risen Jesus 00:33:34.519 --> 00:33:36.700 and that changed 00:33:36.700 --> 00:33:37.240 his life, 00:33:37.299 --> 00:33:38.079 not only for the present 00:33:38.079 --> 00:33:39.720 but for the eternal future. 00:33:40.879 --> 00:33:41.700 Please help us 00:33:41.700 --> 00:33:42.399 to be like him. 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:44.039 Please help us 00:33:44.039 --> 00:33:44.839 to be convinced 00:33:44.839 --> 00:33:45.980 not only of that eternity 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:47.019 but the rightness 00:33:47.019 --> 00:33:47.500 of the judgment 00:33:47.500 --> 00:33:48.519 that will come. 00:33:49.379 --> 00:33:50.059 And so we ask 00:33:50.059 --> 00:33:50.579 that you'd help us 00:33:50.579 --> 00:33:51.419 to get ready today. 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:52.700 And we pray 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:53.579 not just for ourselves 00:33:53.579 --> 00:33:54.240 but for those 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:54.940 who will see 00:33:54.940 --> 00:33:55.879 the church in action 00:33:55.879 --> 00:33:56.879 as it bows the knee 00:33:56.880 --> 00:33:57.420 to Jesus 00:33:57.420 --> 00:33:59.500 washes its own tongue, 00:34:01.040 --> 00:34:01.760 loves others, 00:34:02.880 --> 00:34:03.780 really does wait 00:34:03.780 --> 00:34:04.900 with great expectancy 00:34:04.900 --> 00:34:05.520 and certainty 00:34:05.520 --> 00:34:06.520 of Jesus' return 00:34:06.520 --> 00:34:08.059 so that we might 00:34:08.059 --> 00:34:08.800 actually proclaim 00:34:08.800 --> 00:34:09.539 your freedom, 00:34:09.780 --> 00:34:10.480 Father, in Christ 00:34:10.480 --> 00:34:11.420 and that other people 00:34:11.420 --> 00:34:12.460 might come into it too. 00:34:12.780 --> 00:34:13.619 In Jesus' name. 00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:14.360 Amen. 00:34:14.360 --> 00:34:14.480 Amen.