WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.160 This Wednesday, just gone, we celebrated and remembered Remembrance Day. 00:00:07.160 --> 00:00:17.100 We spent time remembering that there was thousands of young men who saw the evil carried out in the name of conquest and signed up. 00:00:17.160 --> 00:00:25.359 Signed up to go to war and to give their bodies and lives to see people and nations saved. 00:00:25.359 --> 00:00:38.299 In 2017, a young man by the name of Emmanuel Mensah repeatedly ran into a burning building to save people's lives before ultimately losing his own life. 00:00:39.420 --> 00:00:49.859 In 1665, when the bubonic plague was spreading across the world, one town chose suffering to see lives saved. 00:00:49.859 --> 00:00:57.140 The town is called Iam, I think that's how you pronounce it, E-Y-A-M in England, a town of about 800 people. 00:00:57.740 --> 00:01:04.700 They chose to quarantine themselves off from the important trade routes around them when the plague came. 00:01:05.980 --> 00:01:11.400 And so over 14 months, they lost 260 of 800 of their residents. 00:01:12.099 --> 00:01:15.539 But their self-sacrifice resulted in victory. 00:01:16.180 --> 00:01:18.659 Nobody outside the village contracted the disease. 00:01:18.659 --> 00:01:25.219 They doomed themselves to pestilential death to save the surrounding country. 00:01:26.119 --> 00:01:28.939 Victory came through suffering. 00:01:30.239 --> 00:01:34.859 And there is a pattern here that extends throughout life and life beyond death. 00:01:35.439 --> 00:01:40.420 Victory comes when I put to death my own pride and arrogance. 00:01:40.900 --> 00:01:43.239 When I choose to love other people. 00:01:43.239 --> 00:01:47.099 I win as a friend when I'm really busy. 00:01:47.819 --> 00:01:50.719 But I choose to give up my time to help someone else. 00:01:51.019 --> 00:01:55.000 I win as a dad when I put to death my annoyance with my kids. 00:01:55.319 --> 00:01:58.179 And choose to sit and engage with them. 00:01:59.319 --> 00:02:02.299 Today, as we continue to look through the book of Revelation, 00:02:02.979 --> 00:02:06.119 John sees a vision of the future of the church. 00:02:06.579 --> 00:02:09.519 A future of victory through suffering. 00:02:09.520 --> 00:02:16.200 The same victory that Jesus won in his sacrificial death and resurrection, 00:02:16.620 --> 00:02:18.719 the church would also be part of. 00:02:19.580 --> 00:02:23.900 And a challenge for us today would be to see that that is the ultimate victory. 00:02:24.240 --> 00:02:25.420 Victory through suffering. 00:02:26.080 --> 00:02:31.340 And then continue to put to death the things that hold us back. 00:02:31.340 --> 00:02:34.860 Our personal preferences, our pride and our sin. 00:02:35.379 --> 00:02:36.840 And to have life in Christ. 00:02:37.580 --> 00:02:41.219 Because that is the victorious Christian life. 00:02:42.539 --> 00:02:47.219 We're looking at a really strange and detailed part of Revelation. 00:02:47.360 --> 00:02:51.039 All of it's fairly detailed and, you know, it's got some strange things going on. 00:02:51.280 --> 00:02:54.780 But today we're going to work our way slowly through Revelation 11, 00:02:54.780 --> 00:02:59.780 looking at the various images to understand what this meant in its context 00:02:59.780 --> 00:03:02.259 and what it means for us as well. 00:03:03.139 --> 00:03:05.979 We're going to see three things as we go through this this morning. 00:03:06.539 --> 00:03:10.479 We're going to see that God has protected his church. 00:03:11.139 --> 00:03:14.099 He's protected his church because the church is also persecuted. 00:03:14.840 --> 00:03:16.920 But God will ultimately vindicate them. 00:03:17.379 --> 00:03:18.520 I couldn't think of a third P. 00:03:18.920 --> 00:03:21.900 So it's God protects his church because it's persecuted. 00:03:21.900 --> 00:03:24.480 And then finally the church is vindicated. 00:03:25.020 --> 00:03:28.460 So let me pray for us as we get into Revelation 11. 00:03:28.960 --> 00:03:32.540 Heavenly Father, I thank you for your word to us today. 00:03:33.080 --> 00:03:36.860 I thank you that we can read your word without fear of persecution in this country. 00:03:37.480 --> 00:03:40.900 But Lord, as we look through the detail, help it not bog us down, 00:03:41.460 --> 00:03:47.280 but to see the amazing victory that you have for us through the suffering of Christ 00:03:47.280 --> 00:03:51.960 and how we too can have life because of Jesus. 00:03:52.500 --> 00:03:52.860 Amen. 00:03:53.780 --> 00:03:54.900 Please have your Bibles open. 00:03:54.960 --> 00:03:57.740 It's wonderful to see some people with their Bibles open on their laps, 00:03:58.120 --> 00:03:59.259 on your phone. 00:03:59.340 --> 00:04:00.939 Make sure it's the app and the Bible. 00:04:01.420 --> 00:04:04.300 If you get distracted, you know, turn your notifications off. 00:04:04.819 --> 00:04:08.500 We're in Revelation chapter 11 and we'll start in verse 1 00:04:08.500 --> 00:04:11.439 where we see John is shown a vision of the temple. 00:04:11.580 --> 00:04:12.159 Have a look with me. 00:04:12.159 --> 00:04:16.379 I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, 00:04:16.800 --> 00:04:20.639 go and measure the temple of God and the altar with its worshippers. 00:04:21.279 --> 00:04:22.719 But exclude the outer court. 00:04:22.819 --> 00:04:26.259 Do not measure it because it is being given to the Gentiles. 00:04:26.800 --> 00:04:29.759 They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. 00:04:30.699 --> 00:04:35.899 In the Old Testament, the temple is the place where God met with his people. 00:04:36.379 --> 00:04:38.319 It was where sacrifices were made. 00:04:38.319 --> 00:04:42.639 It was where the high priest went once a year to make sacrifice 00:04:42.639 --> 00:04:47.779 and it was built to the exact measurements that God said. 00:04:48.899 --> 00:04:51.800 But the image here is not of the Old Testament temple. 00:04:52.259 --> 00:04:54.019 Rather, it is of the church. 00:04:55.139 --> 00:04:57.639 1 Corinthians chapter 3 tells us that now, 00:04:58.199 --> 00:05:00.120 after Jesus' death and resurrection, 00:05:00.860 --> 00:05:03.019 the church is the temple. 00:05:03.719 --> 00:05:04.800 It is not the building. 00:05:05.259 --> 00:05:07.319 We are the people of God. 00:05:07.319 --> 00:05:11.579 This building is wonderful that it allows us to meet, 00:05:11.920 --> 00:05:14.060 but God has made us his temple. 00:05:14.579 --> 00:05:16.500 We are the place where God meets. 00:05:16.599 --> 00:05:20.120 He sends his spirit and he dwells in us. 00:05:21.579 --> 00:05:25.899 The outer court is left to be trampled by the Gentiles. 00:05:26.879 --> 00:05:30.420 Now, again, with this language of Gentiles, 00:05:30.519 --> 00:05:33.839 we know that God has broken down the wall of hostility 00:05:33.839 --> 00:05:35.979 between God's people, the Jews, 00:05:36.159 --> 00:05:37.939 and has now brought the Gentiles in. 00:05:38.699 --> 00:05:41.299 We are united together as a church. 00:05:41.699 --> 00:05:43.379 That is the amazing news of the gospel, 00:05:43.519 --> 00:05:44.979 that those, the Gentiles, me, 00:05:45.219 --> 00:05:47.539 those who are far away from God, his enemy, 00:05:47.939 --> 00:05:49.939 have now been brought into his family. 00:05:49.939 --> 00:05:54.899 But the outer court here is a picture of those who are God's enemies now. 00:05:55.600 --> 00:05:59.079 Those kingdoms, those armies arrayed against God, 00:05:59.180 --> 00:06:00.600 those who are against God. 00:06:01.040 --> 00:06:05.620 And they will attack God's people for 42 months. 00:06:05.620 --> 00:06:10.379 This points back to a prophecy from Daniel. 00:06:11.259 --> 00:06:13.500 Without getting too much into the specifics, 00:06:14.160 --> 00:06:17.540 42 months is three and a half years. 00:06:18.019 --> 00:06:19.220 And in the book of Daniel, 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:23.600 there's a prophecy that at the end of a time, 00:06:24.019 --> 00:06:27.300 times, and half a time, the end would come. 00:06:27.959 --> 00:06:29.740 So a time is a reference to a year. 00:06:29.740 --> 00:06:35.360 And so a year and two years and another half a year is 42 months. 00:06:36.519 --> 00:06:41.160 Now, this is pointing to the fact that there will be persecution 00:06:41.160 --> 00:06:43.920 come against the church from those who are against God, 00:06:44.060 --> 00:06:45.740 but it is for a season. 00:06:46.480 --> 00:06:48.040 It doesn't go on forever. 00:06:48.160 --> 00:06:50.040 This season is controlled by God. 00:06:50.259 --> 00:06:52.960 And whatever people do against God's people, 00:06:53.160 --> 00:06:54.400 God will protect them. 00:06:55.420 --> 00:06:56.840 Even though there is persecution, 00:06:57.060 --> 00:06:58.220 God will protect his people. 00:06:58.220 --> 00:07:03.080 And John sees God appoint two particular people to be witnesses. 00:07:03.580 --> 00:07:06.620 They're referred to also as lampstands. 00:07:06.820 --> 00:07:11.860 So John is describing the church who are going to be persecuted, 00:07:12.460 --> 00:07:16.760 and they have a job to witness to the world what God has done. 00:07:17.740 --> 00:07:22.020 He's described as two witnesses because in Deuteronomy, 00:07:22.140 --> 00:07:23.920 we see that in court, 00:07:24.220 --> 00:07:26.940 you need to have two witnesses to be reliable. 00:07:26.939 --> 00:07:31.240 So these two witnesses are a reliable witness to what God has done, 00:07:31.399 --> 00:07:36.719 and the church are lampstands to shine God's light into a chaotic and dark world. 00:07:36.720 --> 00:07:40.360 We are to witness to what God has done in history, 00:07:40.960 --> 00:07:41.680 through Jesus, 00:07:42.180 --> 00:07:43.520 and in our lives. 00:07:43.520 --> 00:07:48.200 And we've been seeing over the last five weeks what God has been doing in people's lives. 00:07:48.640 --> 00:07:50.960 It's been wonderful to see, even today, 00:07:51.340 --> 00:07:53.440 what God has been doing in people's lives, 00:07:53.660 --> 00:07:56.140 and to witness to what God has done. 00:07:56.139 --> 00:07:58.379 The church is to witness, 00:07:58.379 --> 00:07:59.519 to preach, 00:07:59.519 --> 00:08:04.959 to share what God has been doing for 1,260 days. 00:08:05.319 --> 00:08:08.240 That's the same reference as the 42 months. 00:08:09.120 --> 00:08:10.680 Clothed in sackcloth, 00:08:10.939 --> 00:08:12.439 as a sign of grieving, 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:14.519 to call people to repent. 00:08:15.599 --> 00:08:17.099 This time will be over. 00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:18.819 Your time for repentance will be over. 00:08:19.300 --> 00:08:20.060 Repent now. 00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:21.319 Follow the Lord now. 00:08:21.319 --> 00:08:27.659 But this church also has been given great power to protect itself. 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:28.639 There's this wonderful imagery. 00:08:28.800 --> 00:08:29.199 Verse 5. 00:08:29.279 --> 00:08:29.860 Have a look with me. 00:08:30.259 --> 00:08:31.819 If anyone tries to harm them, 00:08:32.179 --> 00:08:34.419 fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:38.139 This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 00:08:38.519 --> 00:08:40.080 They have power to shut up the heavens, 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:43.879 so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying. 00:08:44.500 --> 00:08:46.819 And they have power to turn the waters into blood, 00:08:46.820 --> 00:08:51.760 to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:54.360 Power to cause plagues. 00:08:55.120 --> 00:08:56.440 Power to shut up the sky. 00:08:56.560 --> 00:08:59.560 These are pictures of Moses and Elijah, 00:08:59.960 --> 00:09:02.760 the two great heroes of the Old Testament. 00:09:04.600 --> 00:09:08.300 We are now engaged in a very different kind of ministry. 00:09:09.900 --> 00:09:13.720 I've never seen anybody have fire come from their mouth. 00:09:13.720 --> 00:09:17.120 But what this point is, 00:09:17.360 --> 00:09:20.220 it's saying that the work we are now involved in, 00:09:20.300 --> 00:09:21.779 being part of God's mission, 00:09:22.120 --> 00:09:27.940 is every part as powerful as the great heroes of old. 00:09:28.540 --> 00:09:29.720 They brought plagues. 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:31.100 They brought locusts. 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:31.940 They brought fire. 00:09:32.060 --> 00:09:33.600 They stopped rain. 00:09:33.720 --> 00:09:35.379 They turned rivers into blood. 00:09:36.180 --> 00:09:39.019 But with the preaching of the good news of Jesus, 00:09:39.019 --> 00:09:43.919 we bring either eternal life or eternal death. 00:09:44.699 --> 00:09:47.120 That's what I'm doing standing right here now, 00:09:47.199 --> 00:09:47.960 proclaiming the gospel, 00:09:48.899 --> 00:09:50.100 preaching the good news. 00:09:50.460 --> 00:09:53.120 That's what you do when you read the Bible with a friend. 00:09:54.179 --> 00:09:55.939 When you read it with your children, 00:09:56.360 --> 00:09:59.159 you are preaching and witnessing to what God has done 00:09:59.159 --> 00:10:01.240 to bring eternal life or eternal death. 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:05.419 Seeing God's mighty power work through his word. 00:10:05.419 --> 00:10:09.459 God has sent us to be on about his mission 00:10:09.459 --> 00:10:11.639 with the very words of life. 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:14.479 God is working to protect us now 00:10:14.479 --> 00:10:17.519 so that we can continue to be his witnesses. 00:10:18.860 --> 00:10:23.919 The vision given to John summarizes the glory of following God, 00:10:24.699 --> 00:10:26.919 that mighty and wonderful things happen, 00:10:27.039 --> 00:10:28.799 that people's lives are saved, 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:33.259 but it also paints a picture of the pain of existence 00:10:33.259 --> 00:10:35.459 in this present evil world. 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:38.339 For we are in this 42 months. 00:10:38.439 --> 00:10:41.919 We are still in this time between Jesus' resurrection and his return, 00:10:42.459 --> 00:10:44.399 the time that we have to witness, 00:10:44.620 --> 00:10:46.759 to continue to proclaim the good news. 00:10:47.799 --> 00:10:49.479 And this time we are protected by God 00:10:49.479 --> 00:10:53.339 because nothing can separate us from his love in Christ Jesus. 00:10:53.340 --> 00:10:57.280 And yet those who are in the family of God 00:10:57.280 --> 00:10:59.800 are protected because we need protected. 00:10:59.960 --> 00:11:04.540 Very much like a soldier goes into war wearing armor 00:11:04.540 --> 00:11:07.980 because of the need to be defended from attack, 00:11:08.899 --> 00:11:11.500 we need to be protected from attack too. 00:11:13.160 --> 00:11:15.080 Life in this tension is not easy, 00:11:15.280 --> 00:11:17.040 and yet God is with us, 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:18.720 guarding us, guiding us, 00:11:19.080 --> 00:11:20.980 nourishing and strengthening us 00:11:20.980 --> 00:11:22.840 until the very end. 00:11:24.320 --> 00:11:27.259 We need protection because John is going to paint a picture 00:11:27.259 --> 00:11:29.759 of persecution coming for the church. 00:11:29.879 --> 00:11:31.240 Second point today, persecution. 00:11:32.379 --> 00:11:33.899 Have a look with me in verse 7. 00:11:34.740 --> 00:11:36.440 Now, when they had finished their testimony, 00:11:37.279 --> 00:11:39.800 the beast that comes up from the abyss 00:11:39.800 --> 00:11:43.240 will attack them and overpower and kill them. 00:11:43.720 --> 00:11:47.159 Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city, 00:11:47.580 --> 00:11:50.320 which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, 00:11:50.320 --> 00:11:52.800 where also their Lord was crucified. 00:11:54.100 --> 00:11:55.960 The witnesses who were protected 00:11:55.960 --> 00:11:58.540 are now killed by a satanic power. 00:11:59.320 --> 00:12:01.860 It takes place in Sodom and Egypt 00:12:01.860 --> 00:12:04.960 and also where the Lord was crucified. 00:12:05.740 --> 00:12:07.620 And it says it's figuratively. 00:12:07.780 --> 00:12:10.400 So we get this picture that the church is suffering 00:12:10.400 --> 00:12:14.140 against those who have arrayed themselves against God. 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:16.540 Historically, Sodom was against God. 00:12:16.539 --> 00:12:18.939 Egypt was against God's people 00:12:18.939 --> 00:12:22.539 and the place where Jesus was crucified 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:25.240 was against God and his people. 00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:28.839 The world who is opposed to God 00:12:28.839 --> 00:12:31.059 wants to shame Christians. 00:12:32.240 --> 00:12:35.579 It was a picture of these two witnesses killed 00:12:35.579 --> 00:12:38.339 and then their bodies are left in the public square. 00:12:38.340 --> 00:12:41.720 They are left for days 00:12:41.720 --> 00:12:43.860 and they're not buried, 00:12:44.379 --> 00:12:47.320 which in the ancient world would have brought great shame 00:12:47.320 --> 00:12:49.780 to their families and those associated with them. 00:12:50.600 --> 00:12:51.780 The church is attacked, 00:12:52.600 --> 00:12:53.180 maligned, 00:12:53.820 --> 00:12:54.480 scorned, 00:12:54.660 --> 00:12:57.660 dishonored by those who oppose God. 00:12:58.360 --> 00:13:01.000 The very ones that we are called to witness to. 00:13:01.379 --> 00:13:01.940 Verse 9. 00:13:01.940 --> 00:13:03.960 For three and a half days, 00:13:04.200 --> 00:13:07.340 some from every people, tribe, language and nation 00:13:07.340 --> 00:13:09.100 will gaze on their bodies 00:13:09.100 --> 00:13:10.820 and refuse them burial. 00:13:11.520 --> 00:13:12.620 That phrase, 00:13:13.380 --> 00:13:14.860 every people, tribe, language and nation, 00:13:15.040 --> 00:13:17.780 we saw that in Revelation 7 last week 00:13:17.780 --> 00:13:18.820 when we saw that 00:13:18.820 --> 00:13:21.020 there would be a multitude of people 00:13:21.020 --> 00:13:22.420 from every tribe, nation and tongue 00:13:22.420 --> 00:13:23.400 praising God 00:13:23.400 --> 00:13:25.220 and now those people 00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:27.920 that Christians are called to witness to, 00:13:27.980 --> 00:13:28.920 to the whole world, 00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:31.339 some of those people 00:13:31.339 --> 00:13:35.939 are gazing on the bodies of those two who have died 00:13:35.939 --> 00:13:37.360 and refusing burial. 00:13:37.639 --> 00:13:39.259 They're giving themselves presents. 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:42.500 They are just so ecstatic 00:13:42.500 --> 00:13:45.360 that these Christians have been killed. 00:13:46.839 --> 00:13:48.620 The church had been tormented 00:13:48.620 --> 00:13:54.139 because they had been tormenting others. 00:13:55.379 --> 00:13:57.899 This is what happens when you preach the good news 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:59.559 to those who don't want to hear it. 00:14:01.319 --> 00:14:04.340 People don't find it easy to just say, 00:14:04.480 --> 00:14:05.519 oh, I'm not interested. 00:14:06.459 --> 00:14:09.399 The Christian gospel can actually also torment people. 00:14:09.899 --> 00:14:11.419 John the Baptist called Herod 00:14:11.419 --> 00:14:13.959 to not marry his brother's wife 00:14:13.959 --> 00:14:15.079 and he was beheaded. 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:17.299 Jesus himself called the Jews 00:14:17.299 --> 00:14:18.519 not to have a legalistic, 00:14:18.699 --> 00:14:20.240 half-hearted devotion to God 00:14:20.240 --> 00:14:21.620 and they crucified him. 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:23.079 He had the words of life. 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:23.840 He was God 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:26.720 and they did not like to hear those things. 00:14:26.819 --> 00:14:27.679 It tormented them 00:14:27.679 --> 00:14:28.699 and so they killed him. 00:14:29.959 --> 00:14:31.319 The world cannot bear 00:14:31.319 --> 00:14:32.939 to have its evil condemned. 00:14:34.439 --> 00:14:36.399 Have you ever seen a loved one 00:14:36.399 --> 00:14:37.559 making bad choices 00:14:37.559 --> 00:14:39.239 that won't end well? 00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:41.719 Do you risk criticizing 00:14:41.719 --> 00:14:42.659 what they're doing 00:14:42.659 --> 00:14:44.179 out of care and love? 00:14:44.699 --> 00:14:45.859 Even when that person 00:14:45.859 --> 00:14:47.239 doesn't want to hear it, 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:48.979 it's much more comfortable 00:14:48.979 --> 00:14:50.339 not to say anything. 00:14:51.179 --> 00:14:52.519 But it is not comfortable 00:14:52.519 --> 00:14:53.899 losing that person's life. 00:14:53.899 --> 00:14:56.959 It is very comfortable 00:14:56.959 --> 00:14:59.340 to not share the gospel. 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:01.439 To not share the gospel 00:15:01.439 --> 00:15:02.120 on the front lines 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:02.659 with our friends, 00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:03.340 with our family. 00:15:03.779 --> 00:15:05.639 I see you making these choices 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:07.679 and chasing after these things. 00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:08.759 You think these things 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:09.799 will satisfy you 00:15:09.799 --> 00:15:11.699 but they won't. 00:15:11.700 --> 00:15:15.040 but I don't want to say anything. 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:18.240 I see you chasing these things 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:19.940 but only Jesus will satisfy 00:15:19.940 --> 00:15:21.080 and if I bring that up 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:22.540 it will make for an awkward 00:15:22.540 --> 00:15:23.960 family dinner at Christmas. 00:15:25.480 --> 00:15:26.700 It is much more comfortable 00:15:26.700 --> 00:15:28.379 to not face the shame 00:15:28.379 --> 00:15:29.780 from sharing the gospel 00:15:29.780 --> 00:15:31.400 and being persecuted. 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:33.279 Can you imagine 00:15:33.279 --> 00:15:33.899 being a Christian 00:15:33.899 --> 00:15:34.899 and seeing people 00:15:34.899 --> 00:15:36.139 do what happens in verse 10? 00:15:36.519 --> 00:15:37.919 The inhabitants of the earth 00:15:37.919 --> 00:15:39.720 will gloat over them 00:15:39.720 --> 00:15:40.639 and celebrate 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:41.819 by sending gifts 00:15:41.819 --> 00:15:42.459 to each other 00:15:42.459 --> 00:15:44.319 because these two prophets 00:15:44.319 --> 00:15:44.959 had tormented 00:15:44.959 --> 00:15:46.360 those who live on the earth. 00:15:47.399 --> 00:15:49.379 It looks like a painful future 00:15:49.379 --> 00:15:50.919 to be a Christian. 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:54.480 But God doesn't leave 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:55.460 his people on the ground 00:15:55.460 --> 00:15:56.500 beaten and defeated. 00:15:56.919 --> 00:15:57.899 He vindicates them. 00:15:58.439 --> 00:15:59.240 Our third point today, 00:15:59.340 --> 00:16:00.079 vindication. 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:01.680 Verse 11 00:16:01.680 --> 00:16:04.480 But after the three and a half days 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:05.920 but after three and a half days 00:16:05.920 --> 00:16:07.139 the breath of life 00:16:07.139 --> 00:16:08.379 from God entered them 00:16:08.379 --> 00:16:09.320 and they stood up 00:16:09.320 --> 00:16:09.940 on their feet 00:16:09.940 --> 00:16:10.820 and terror 00:16:10.820 --> 00:16:12.480 struck those who saw them. 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:14.300 Then they heard 00:16:14.300 --> 00:16:15.420 a loud voice from heaven 00:16:15.420 --> 00:16:16.040 saying to them 00:16:16.040 --> 00:16:16.860 come up here 00:16:16.860 --> 00:16:18.120 and they went up to heaven 00:16:18.120 --> 00:16:18.820 in a cloud 00:16:18.820 --> 00:16:19.660 while their enemies 00:16:19.660 --> 00:16:20.600 looked on. 00:16:21.520 --> 00:16:22.920 Those who had been 00:16:22.920 --> 00:16:23.860 struck down 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:25.220 beaten, 00:16:25.680 --> 00:16:26.060 mocked, 00:16:26.340 --> 00:16:26.680 killed, 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:28.220 shamed in front of everybody 00:16:28.220 --> 00:16:30.600 are brought to life 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:32.360 and lifted up 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:33.660 in front of everybody. 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:37.259 God's spirit 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:38.060 has brought them 00:16:38.060 --> 00:16:38.740 back to life. 00:16:39.060 --> 00:16:40.240 They have been vindicated 00:16:40.240 --> 00:16:41.399 in the public square 00:16:41.399 --> 00:16:42.220 shown 00:16:42.220 --> 00:16:43.420 to have been 00:16:43.420 --> 00:16:43.980 in the right 00:16:43.980 --> 00:16:44.700 to follow God 00:16:44.700 --> 00:16:45.399 and to proclaim 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:46.100 his good news. 00:16:47.200 --> 00:16:47.440 Now, 00:16:47.620 --> 00:16:49.019 this is one of the passages 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:49.860 in Revelation 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:51.300 that has a lot of detail 00:16:51.300 --> 00:16:52.639 including specific 00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:53.420 time references 00:16:53.419 --> 00:16:54.979 that people can often 00:16:54.979 --> 00:16:55.699 see this 00:16:55.699 --> 00:16:56.719 as a literal 00:16:56.719 --> 00:16:58.219 linear timeline. 00:16:58.799 --> 00:16:59.599 There are going to be 00:16:59.599 --> 00:17:00.919 two witnesses who come 00:17:00.919 --> 00:17:01.939 and then it's going to go 00:17:01.939 --> 00:17:02.939 for 42 months 00:17:02.939 --> 00:17:03.779 and then people are going 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:04.480 to be lifted up 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:04.819 to heaven. 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:06.159 Now, 00:17:06.200 --> 00:17:06.960 I don't believe 00:17:06.960 --> 00:17:07.940 that this is 00:17:07.940 --> 00:17:09.500 a literal timeline. 00:17:10.619 --> 00:17:12.099 It's a symbolic way 00:17:12.099 --> 00:17:13.420 for John to show 00:17:13.420 --> 00:17:14.920 that God has vindicated 00:17:14.920 --> 00:17:15.460 his people. 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:17.099 God protects those 00:17:17.099 --> 00:17:17.879 who are persecuted 00:17:17.879 --> 00:17:19.119 and vindicates. 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.200 He will vindicate. 00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:22.319 God has shown 00:17:22.319 --> 00:17:22.779 his people 00:17:22.779 --> 00:17:23.620 to be innocent. 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:25.580 His people 00:17:25.580 --> 00:17:26.460 in public 00:17:26.460 --> 00:17:27.420 in plain view 00:17:27.420 --> 00:17:28.860 of those who rejoiced 00:17:28.860 --> 00:17:29.680 over his deaths. 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:31.799 And the amazing thing 00:17:31.799 --> 00:17:33.279 is that in verse 13 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:34.259 it says that the people 00:17:34.259 --> 00:17:35.279 who saw this 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:37.019 gave glory 00:17:37.019 --> 00:17:37.819 to God. 00:17:38.620 --> 00:17:39.240 God sent 00:17:39.240 --> 00:17:39.960 an earthquake 00:17:39.960 --> 00:17:41.500 a sign of judgment. 00:17:42.420 --> 00:17:43.140 People died 00:17:43.140 --> 00:17:44.140 but people also 00:17:44.140 --> 00:17:45.259 gave glory 00:17:45.259 --> 00:17:45.900 to God. 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:47.299 He saves people too. 00:17:48.380 --> 00:17:49.220 I believe that this 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:50.200 is more of a pattern 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:51.019 of history 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:52.259 rather than 00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:53.920 an exact timeline 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:55.000 for what will happen. 00:17:55.620 --> 00:17:56.319 The church 00:17:56.319 --> 00:17:56.799 is called 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:57.319 to witness 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:57.920 to the gospel. 00:17:58.700 --> 00:17:59.200 The church 00:17:59.200 --> 00:18:00.019 is persecuted, 00:18:00.980 --> 00:18:01.480 martyred, 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:02.700 scorned, 00:18:02.839 --> 00:18:03.279 mocked 00:18:03.279 --> 00:18:05.240 and at times 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:06.220 it seems like 00:18:06.220 --> 00:18:06.779 the church 00:18:06.779 --> 00:18:07.339 is done. 00:18:07.940 --> 00:18:08.819 The cause of Christ 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:09.420 is defeated. 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:10.740 God is dead 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:11.299 they cry. 00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:13.519 Those who follow him, 00:18:13.640 --> 00:18:14.200 those Christians, 00:18:14.360 --> 00:18:15.460 well they're dying out. 00:18:15.460 --> 00:18:18.079 but God's spirit 00:18:18.079 --> 00:18:19.120 breathes life 00:18:19.120 --> 00:18:19.600 into them. 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:20.819 Picking up imagery 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:21.920 from Ezekiel 37 00:18:21.920 --> 00:18:23.400 where dry bones 00:18:23.400 --> 00:18:24.059 are revived 00:18:24.059 --> 00:18:25.140 and God makes 00:18:25.140 --> 00:18:25.779 an army. 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:27.620 God is reviving 00:18:27.620 --> 00:18:28.360 his church 00:18:28.360 --> 00:18:29.440 to make us 00:18:29.440 --> 00:18:30.759 his victorious army. 00:18:31.920 --> 00:18:32.380 It happened 00:18:32.380 --> 00:18:33.319 to Jesus himself. 00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:34.620 He was persecuted, 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:35.519 killed 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.460 and yet raised 00:18:36.460 --> 00:18:37.140 from the dead. 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:38.759 Stephen in Acts 7 00:18:38.759 --> 00:18:40.180 he is persecuted 00:18:40.180 --> 00:18:41.180 and killed 00:18:41.180 --> 00:18:42.820 but God also 00:18:42.820 --> 00:18:43.759 uses that moment 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:44.420 to send 00:18:44.420 --> 00:18:45.360 his missionaries 00:18:45.360 --> 00:18:46.460 out into the world 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:46.940 to witness 00:18:46.940 --> 00:18:47.440 to what God 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:47.880 is doing. 00:18:49.580 --> 00:18:50.680 Soviet communism 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:51.580 set out 00:18:51.580 --> 00:18:52.200 to crush 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:52.900 the church 00:18:52.900 --> 00:18:53.840 but the church 00:18:53.840 --> 00:18:54.420 outlived it. 00:18:55.480 --> 00:18:56.220 In Ethiopia 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:57.380 between 1975 00:18:57.380 --> 00:18:58.420 and 78 00:18:58.420 --> 00:19:00.100 President Mengistu 00:19:00.100 --> 00:19:01.080 implemented 00:19:01.080 --> 00:19:02.039 the Red Terror 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:04.120 where 1.5 00:19:04.120 --> 00:19:04.840 million 00:19:04.840 --> 00:19:05.660 died 00:19:05.660 --> 00:19:06.720 and churches 00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:07.360 were closed. 00:19:07.799 --> 00:19:08.580 When Mengistu 00:19:08.580 --> 00:19:09.080 fell 00:19:09.080 --> 00:19:10.700 no one was sure 00:19:10.700 --> 00:19:11.500 what had happened 00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:12.120 to the Christians. 00:19:12.420 --> 00:19:13.240 Were they still there? 00:19:13.380 --> 00:19:14.059 They didn't know. 00:19:15.059 --> 00:19:15.539 But Christians 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:16.259 had been meeting 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:17.100 in homes 00:19:17.100 --> 00:19:18.799 and not only survived 00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:19.860 but had grown. 00:19:21.120 --> 00:19:22.080 In 1900 00:19:22.080 --> 00:19:23.779 the Boxer Rebellion 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:24.480 in China 00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:25.480 saw over 200 00:19:25.480 --> 00:19:26.600 missionaries killed 00:19:26.600 --> 00:19:28.059 and over 30,000 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:30.100 Chinese people killed 00:19:30.100 --> 00:19:31.019 and yet 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:32.740 God breathed life 00:19:32.740 --> 00:19:34.220 to what seemed dead. 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:35.779 The same thing 00:19:35.779 --> 00:19:36.420 happened again 00:19:36.420 --> 00:19:36.860 in China 00:19:36.860 --> 00:19:38.140 after the Cultural Revolution. 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:39.340 In the face 00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:40.799 of hostile powers 00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:42.419 the story 00:19:42.419 --> 00:19:43.220 of Jesus 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:45.039 repeats itself 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:45.799 in the church. 00:19:46.779 --> 00:19:47.259 The church 00:19:47.259 --> 00:19:48.480 witnesses to God. 00:19:49.199 --> 00:19:50.240 There is persecution 00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:51.419 death 00:19:51.419 --> 00:19:53.159 and what looks like 00:19:53.159 --> 00:19:53.699 defeat 00:19:53.699 --> 00:19:55.519 but God 00:19:55.519 --> 00:19:56.439 breathes life 00:19:56.439 --> 00:19:57.059 and the church 00:19:57.059 --> 00:19:57.559 grows. 00:19:58.179 --> 00:19:58.519 Victory 00:19:58.519 --> 00:19:59.379 comes 00:19:59.379 --> 00:20:00.539 through suffering. 00:20:02.139 --> 00:20:02.859 Victory 00:20:02.859 --> 00:20:04.019 comes through suffering. 00:20:04.220 --> 00:20:04.459 It is 00:20:04.459 --> 00:20:05.919 God's chosen 00:20:05.919 --> 00:20:06.519 weapon 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:08.079 against the forces 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:08.799 of evil. 00:20:10.220 --> 00:20:11.119 Faithful people 00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:12.419 are sustained 00:20:12.419 --> 00:20:13.279 by the power 00:20:13.279 --> 00:20:14.159 of the Spirit 00:20:14.159 --> 00:20:14.599 of God. 00:20:15.659 --> 00:20:16.079 Victory 00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:17.379 came through suffering. 00:20:18.139 --> 00:20:18.439 Life 00:20:18.439 --> 00:20:19.319 comes 00:20:19.319 --> 00:20:20.039 through death. 00:20:21.399 --> 00:20:22.279 Last week 00:20:22.279 --> 00:20:23.339 my family 00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:23.919 watched the 00:20:23.919 --> 00:20:24.960 1999 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:27.000 classic Disney 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:27.319 movie 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:27.799 Hercules 00:20:27.799 --> 00:20:30.000 and I think 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:30.519 the church 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:30.939 is like 00:20:30.939 --> 00:20:31.879 a mythical beast 00:20:31.879 --> 00:20:32.460 that I saw 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:32.980 in that movie. 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:35.079 not the phoenix 00:20:35.079 --> 00:20:35.620 that rises 00:20:35.620 --> 00:20:36.259 from the ashes 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:36.980 although that might 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:37.400 be apt 00:20:37.400 --> 00:20:38.160 but I think 00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:38.539 the church 00:20:38.539 --> 00:20:39.000 is really 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:39.480 like the 00:20:39.480 --> 00:20:39.839 ancient 00:20:39.839 --> 00:20:40.380 hydra. 00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:42.160 The hydra 00:20:42.160 --> 00:20:43.319 is a dragon 00:20:43.319 --> 00:20:44.079 like beast 00:20:44.079 --> 00:20:45.279 and what 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:45.799 would happen 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:46.980 is a head 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:47.519 would be cut 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:47.819 off 00:20:47.819 --> 00:20:49.200 and two more 00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:49.460 heads 00:20:49.460 --> 00:20:49.819 would grow 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:50.259 back. 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:51.579 You should 00:20:51.579 --> 00:20:52.079 go and watch 00:20:52.079 --> 00:20:52.539 this scene 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:53.660 in the movie 00:20:53.660 --> 00:20:54.099 Hercules 00:20:54.099 --> 00:20:54.960 but I think 00:20:54.960 --> 00:20:56.120 this is an apt 00:20:56.120 --> 00:20:56.759 picture of the 00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:57.120 church. 00:20:58.620 --> 00:20:59.400 There is suffering 00:20:59.400 --> 00:21:00.300 and persecution 00:21:00.300 --> 00:21:02.360 but victory 00:21:02.360 --> 00:21:03.019 comes through 00:21:03.019 --> 00:21:03.440 suffering. 00:21:03.560 --> 00:21:03.940 The church 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:04.480 grows 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:05.820 because suffering 00:21:05.820 --> 00:21:06.660 and persecution 00:21:06.660 --> 00:21:07.720 is God's 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.600 weapon against 00:21:08.600 --> 00:21:09.320 the world 00:21:09.320 --> 00:21:10.340 his tool 00:21:10.340 --> 00:21:11.000 to see 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:11.540 the church 00:21:11.540 --> 00:21:11.900 grow. 00:21:13.340 --> 00:21:14.380 Our victory 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:15.880 comes through 00:21:15.880 --> 00:21:16.980 Jesus' suffering 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:17.640 his death 00:21:17.640 --> 00:21:18.019 and his 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:18.460 resurrection 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:19.880 and I think 00:21:19.880 --> 00:21:20.540 it also works 00:21:20.540 --> 00:21:21.060 in the church 00:21:21.060 --> 00:21:21.560 broadly 00:21:21.560 --> 00:21:22.680 as we've seen 00:21:22.680 --> 00:21:23.080 the church 00:21:23.080 --> 00:21:23.759 grows 00:21:23.759 --> 00:21:25.280 but 00:21:25.280 --> 00:21:27.360 also in our 00:21:27.360 --> 00:21:27.800 death 00:21:27.800 --> 00:21:28.460 and resurrection 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:29.120 with Christ 00:21:29.119 --> 00:21:29.659 each day. 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:31.279 For us as a 00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:31.699 church 00:21:31.699 --> 00:21:32.799 and individuals 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:33.699 preaching Christ 00:21:33.699 --> 00:21:34.399 in Chatswood 00:21:34.399 --> 00:21:35.339 and on our 00:21:35.339 --> 00:21:35.979 front lines 00:21:35.979 --> 00:21:36.239 with our 00:21:36.239 --> 00:21:36.739 family and 00:21:36.739 --> 00:21:37.119 friends 00:21:37.119 --> 00:21:38.739 we are not 00:21:38.739 --> 00:21:39.639 yet at the 00:21:39.639 --> 00:21:40.159 point of 00:21:40.159 --> 00:21:40.839 shedding blood 00:21:40.839 --> 00:21:42.679 not yet at the 00:21:42.679 --> 00:21:43.139 point of shedding 00:21:43.139 --> 00:21:43.659 blood here 00:21:43.659 --> 00:21:46.539 but death 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:47.399 and resurrection 00:21:47.399 --> 00:21:48.239 is the way 00:21:48.239 --> 00:21:48.799 that we are 00:21:48.799 --> 00:21:49.199 saved 00:21:49.199 --> 00:21:50.039 and it is 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:50.819 also the 00:21:50.819 --> 00:21:51.739 pattern of 00:21:51.739 --> 00:21:52.519 our lives 00:21:52.519 --> 00:21:53.679 and the 00:21:53.679 --> 00:21:54.259 weapon to 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:55.559 see our 00:21:55.559 --> 00:21:56.219 lives 00:21:56.219 --> 00:21:57.399 shaped for 00:21:57.399 --> 00:21:57.799 Christ 00:21:57.799 --> 00:21:58.779 and to see 00:21:58.779 --> 00:21:59.059 people 00:21:59.059 --> 00:21:59.559 saved 00:21:59.559 --> 00:22:00.799 Jesus 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.279 said that 00:22:01.279 --> 00:22:01.859 whoever wishes 00:22:01.859 --> 00:22:02.519 to save 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:02.960 his life 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:03.440 will lose 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:03.599 it 00:22:03.599 --> 00:22:04.299 but whoever 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:04.720 loses 00:22:04.720 --> 00:22:05.519 his life 00:22:05.519 --> 00:22:06.319 for my 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:06.619 sake 00:22:06.619 --> 00:22:07.119 will find 00:22:07.119 --> 00:22:07.299 it 00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:08.700 the pattern 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:09.079 of a 00:22:09.079 --> 00:22:09.500 Christian 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:10.559 follows this 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:11.480 same pattern 00:22:11.480 --> 00:22:12.420 of victory 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:13.180 through suffering 00:22:13.180 --> 00:22:15.100 we die 00:22:15.100 --> 00:22:15.340 we die to 00:22:15.340 --> 00:22:15.960 ourself 00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:16.700 and we 00:22:16.700 --> 00:22:17.140 live 00:22:17.140 --> 00:22:18.039 to Christ 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:20.120 Paul says 00:22:20.120 --> 00:22:21.880 in 2 00:22:21.880 --> 00:22:22.440 Corinthians 4 00:22:22.440 --> 00:22:23.039 that he's 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:23.900 hard pressed 00:22:23.900 --> 00:22:24.799 his body 00:22:24.799 --> 00:22:25.400 is being 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:26.039 given over 00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:26.820 to death 00:22:26.820 --> 00:22:27.960 so that 00:22:27.960 --> 00:22:28.860 life might 00:22:28.860 --> 00:22:29.560 be revealed 00:22:29.560 --> 00:22:31.660 the call 00:22:31.660 --> 00:22:32.279 of Jesus 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:33.259 to us 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:34.019 to his 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:34.560 disciples 00:22:34.560 --> 00:22:35.600 is to 00:22:35.600 --> 00:22:36.060 die 00:22:36.060 --> 00:22:38.019 die 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:38.920 to yourself 00:22:38.920 --> 00:22:40.259 surrender 00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:41.180 your career 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:42.000 and future 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:42.599 prospects 00:22:42.599 --> 00:22:43.279 surrender 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:43.859 your status 00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:44.579 and reputation 00:22:44.579 --> 00:22:45.299 surrender 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:46.059 your desires 00:22:46.059 --> 00:22:46.440 to have 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:46.759 everything 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:47.400 that society 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:47.879 tells you 00:22:47.879 --> 00:22:48.279 you must 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:48.539 have 00:22:48.539 --> 00:22:48.900 the newest 00:22:48.900 --> 00:22:49.460 and the best 00:22:49.460 --> 00:22:50.200 you see 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:50.759 those sins 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:51.339 of pride 00:22:51.339 --> 00:22:51.859 and lust 00:22:51.859 --> 00:22:52.400 and arrogance 00:22:52.400 --> 00:22:53.319 put them 00:22:53.319 --> 00:22:53.980 to death 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:55.680 so that 00:22:55.680 --> 00:22:56.099 Jesus 00:22:56.099 --> 00:22:57.000 is the 00:22:57.000 --> 00:22:57.440 priority 00:22:57.440 --> 00:22:58.299 and he 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:58.839 sets the 00:22:58.839 --> 00:22:59.279 direction 00:22:59.279 --> 00:22:59.680 for your 00:22:59.680 --> 00:23:00.059 life 00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:01.279 he gives 00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:01.660 life 00:23:01.660 --> 00:23:02.720 because the 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.279 idols we 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:03.539 chase 00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:04.539 won't 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:05.099 embrace 00:23:05.099 --> 00:23:05.980 the death 00:23:05.980 --> 00:23:07.240 of chasing 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:07.839 career 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:09.240 put to 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:09.579 death 00:23:09.579 --> 00:23:10.160 the chasing 00:23:10.160 --> 00:23:11.000 after self 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:11.420 worth 00:23:11.420 --> 00:23:11.900 on your 00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:12.220 own 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:13.059 live to 00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:13.579 the worth 00:23:13.579 --> 00:23:14.200 of Christ 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:14.980 who died 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:15.980 for you 00:23:15.980 --> 00:23:18.559 and valued 00:23:18.559 --> 00:23:19.299 you above 00:23:19.299 --> 00:23:19.860 his own 00:23:19.860 --> 00:23:20.240 life 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:22.299 whenever 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:23.059 we 00:23:23.059 --> 00:23:24.140 we give 00:23:24.140 --> 00:23:24.860 money 00:23:24.860 --> 00:23:25.500 to the 00:23:25.500 --> 00:23:25.880 church 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:26.180 for the 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:26.480 sake of 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:26.920 the gospel 00:23:26.920 --> 00:23:27.480 whenever we 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:28.019 give of our 00:23:28.019 --> 00:23:28.360 time 00:23:28.360 --> 00:23:29.120 our talents 00:23:29.120 --> 00:23:29.700 our treasures 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:30.740 you are 00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:31.339 dying to 00:23:31.339 --> 00:23:32.039 yourself 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:33.380 and you 00:23:33.380 --> 00:23:34.860 are dying 00:23:34.860 --> 00:23:35.519 to building 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:36.079 your own 00:23:36.079 --> 00:23:36.460 kingdom 00:23:36.460 --> 00:23:38.240 and God 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:38.960 gives life 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:40.599 and he 00:23:40.599 --> 00:23:42.779 and we 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:43.339 get to be 00:23:43.339 --> 00:23:44.139 satisfied in 00:23:44.139 --> 00:23:44.420 him 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:45.799 whenever we 00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:46.259 choose to 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:46.720 witness to 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:47.259 a friend 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:48.299 we are 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:48.960 dying to 00:23:48.960 --> 00:23:49.680 ourself 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:50.420 and our 00:23:50.420 --> 00:23:50.740 own 00:23:50.740 --> 00:23:51.160 comfort 00:23:51.160 --> 00:23:52.720 to see 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:53.460 a loved 00:23:53.460 --> 00:23:53.759 one 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:54.440 saved 00:23:54.440 --> 00:23:55.539 and God 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:56.519 gives life 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:57.680 whenever you 00:23:57.680 --> 00:23:58.359 pick up your 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.039 bible and 00:23:59.039 --> 00:23:59.700 read it 00:23:59.700 --> 00:24:00.359 choose 00:24:00.359 --> 00:24:01.019 trying to 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:01.359 do 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:02.099 to read 00:24:02.099 --> 00:24:02.500 your bible 00:24:02.500 --> 00:24:03.139 four or 00:24:03.139 --> 00:24:03.759 more times 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.139 to see 00:24:04.139 --> 00:24:04.879 growth in 00:24:04.879 --> 00:24:05.400 your life 00:24:05.400 --> 00:24:05.920 in Christ 00:24:05.920 --> 00:24:06.560 whenever you 00:24:06.560 --> 00:24:06.960 pick up your 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.360 bible and 00:24:07.360 --> 00:24:07.740 read it 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:08.940 you are 00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:09.519 putting to 00:24:09.519 --> 00:24:09.920 death 00:24:09.920 --> 00:24:10.860 your own 00:24:10.860 --> 00:24:11.400 control 00:24:11.400 --> 00:24:11.860 of your 00:24:11.860 --> 00:24:12.180 life 00:24:12.180 --> 00:24:12.680 and saying 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:13.160 God 00:24:13.160 --> 00:24:13.960 you are 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:14.300 the one 00:24:14.300 --> 00:24:14.480 who 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:14.780 gives me 00:24:14.780 --> 00:24:15.040 life 00:24:15.040 --> 00:24:15.420 you are 00:24:15.420 --> 00:24:15.680 the one 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:16.140 who leads 00:24:16.140 --> 00:24:16.380 me 00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:17.480 I will 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.360 obey you 00:24:18.360 --> 00:24:18.980 and you 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:19.320 give me 00:24:19.320 --> 00:24:19.720 life 00:24:19.720 --> 00:24:22.060 whenever you 00:24:22.060 --> 00:24:22.540 are faced 00:24:22.540 --> 00:24:23.100 with sin 00:24:23.100 --> 00:24:23.620 and choose 00:24:23.620 --> 00:24:24.320 to obey 00:24:24.320 --> 00:24:25.220 God 00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:26.519 you put 00:24:26.519 --> 00:24:27.000 to death 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:27.460 the idea 00:24:27.460 --> 00:24:27.840 that you 00:24:27.840 --> 00:24:28.259 know what's 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:28.620 best 00:24:28.620 --> 00:24:29.780 you worship 00:24:29.780 --> 00:24:30.140 Jesus 00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:30.820 as the 00:24:30.820 --> 00:24:31.120 king 00:24:31.119 --> 00:24:32.839 every 00:24:32.839 --> 00:24:33.559 moment 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:34.259 of dying 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:34.959 to self 00:24:34.959 --> 00:24:36.079 and choosing 00:24:36.079 --> 00:24:36.719 God 00:24:36.719 --> 00:24:37.379 is a 00:24:37.379 --> 00:24:37.699 moment 00:24:37.699 --> 00:24:38.419 of life 00:24:38.419 --> 00:24:39.179 by the 00:24:39.179 --> 00:24:39.579 spirit 00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.899 this is 00:24:40.899 --> 00:24:41.239 God's 00:24:41.239 --> 00:24:41.500 weapon 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:41.979 to build 00:24:41.979 --> 00:24:42.179 his 00:24:42.179 --> 00:24:42.539 kingdom 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:44.519 this is 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:45.139 God's 00:24:45.139 --> 00:24:45.479 weapon 00:24:45.479 --> 00:24:46.379 to build 00:24:46.379 --> 00:24:46.899 himself 00:24:46.899 --> 00:24:47.619 in us 00:24:47.619 --> 00:24:48.579 and across 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:49.039 the world 00:24:49.039 --> 00:24:50.539 let me pray 00:24:50.539 --> 00:24:52.639 heavenly father 00:24:52.639 --> 00:24:54.299 we thank you 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:54.919 for this 00:24:54.919 --> 00:24:55.639 reminder from 00:24:55.639 --> 00:24:56.479 revelation 11 00:24:56.480 --> 00:24:57.700 that you 00:24:57.700 --> 00:24:58.380 do protect 00:24:58.380 --> 00:24:58.599 us 00:24:58.599 --> 00:24:59.160 because we 00:24:59.160 --> 00:24:59.500 will be 00:24:59.500 --> 00:25:00.039 persecuted 00:25:00.039 --> 00:25:01.440 but we 00:25:01.440 --> 00:25:01.900 thank you 00:25:01.900 --> 00:25:02.240 that you 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:02.660 will 00:25:02.660 --> 00:25:03.339 indeed 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:03.940 vindicate 00:25:03.940 --> 00:25:04.319 us 00:25:04.319 --> 00:25:05.180 help us 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:05.940 not chase 00:25:05.940 --> 00:25:06.400 that in 00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:06.839 our own 00:25:06.839 --> 00:25:07.240 time 00:25:07.240 --> 00:25:08.360 but wait 00:25:08.360 --> 00:25:08.940 patiently 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:09.579 for your 00:25:09.579 --> 00:25:10.180 son to 00:25:10.180 --> 00:25:10.620 return 00:25:10.620 --> 00:25:12.960 heavenly father 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.759 we ask 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:14.960 that each 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:15.620 day we 00:25:15.620 --> 00:25:16.140 live we 00:25:16.140 --> 00:25:16.579 would live 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:17.120 for you 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:17.620 and we 00:25:17.620 --> 00:25:18.240 would die 00:25:18.240 --> 00:25:19.059 to ourselves 00:25:19.059 --> 00:25:20.700 fill us 00:25:20.700 --> 00:25:21.000 with your 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:21.400 spirit 00:25:21.400 --> 00:25:22.339 help us 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:22.880 to do 00:25:22.880 --> 00:25:23.200 that 00:25:23.200 --> 00:25:24.640 so that 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:25.200 we would 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:26.180 have more 00:25:26.180 --> 00:25:26.480 of you 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:26.779 so that 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:27.200 we would 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:27.779 love you 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:28.100 more 00:25:28.100 --> 00:25:28.620 that we 00:25:28.620 --> 00:25:28.799 would 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.220 treasure 00:25:29.220 --> 00:25:29.539 you 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:29.940 more 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:31.360 and so 00:25:31.360 --> 00:25:31.799 that we 00:25:31.799 --> 00:25:32.299 would see 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:32.799 many 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:33.940 come to 00:25:33.940 --> 00:25:34.320 know and 00:25:34.320 --> 00:25:34.759 love you 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:36.019 we ask 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:36.259 this in 00:25:36.259 --> 00:25:36.820 your son's 00:25:36.820 --> 00:25:37.120 name and 00:25:37.120 --> 00:25:37.480 all for 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:37.940 your glory 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.940 amen