WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.600 Hello, it is good to be with you today. 00:00:03.500 --> 00:00:06.240 Have you adjusted to self-isolation yet? 00:00:06.759 --> 00:00:08.220 Have you changed your routine? 00:00:08.400 --> 00:00:14.859 Are you now working at home, exercising on the floor of the lounge room in front of a workout video? 00:00:15.700 --> 00:00:20.620 Have you started doing homeschooling and maybe spending more time gardening? 00:00:21.660 --> 00:00:25.859 Are you used to not being allowed to go outside yet? 00:00:25.859 --> 00:00:30.019 And this past week I celebrated my 35th birthday. 00:00:30.559 --> 00:00:33.700 And it was a bit strange because I couldn't see anyone. 00:00:34.100 --> 00:00:37.519 And I kept speaking to people and people kept saying, 00:00:37.679 --> 00:00:40.460 I really look forward to when life goes back to normal. 00:00:40.700 --> 00:00:43.000 And I can come give you a hug and say happy birthday. 00:00:43.760 --> 00:00:45.219 And I love that idea. 00:00:46.120 --> 00:00:49.219 But have you found yourself saying similar things? 00:00:50.039 --> 00:00:53.659 Similar things like when it goes back to normal. 00:00:53.659 --> 00:00:57.479 When life goes back to how it was. 00:00:58.619 --> 00:01:01.899 I wonder if this is a problem for us. 00:01:02.039 --> 00:01:07.039 I wonder if we idolise how things were a couple of months ago. 00:01:07.899 --> 00:01:12.099 It's as if that time when we could go outside was perfect. 00:01:13.019 --> 00:01:14.479 Now it was definitely better. 00:01:15.140 --> 00:01:17.259 But there were still plenty of problems. 00:01:17.260 --> 00:01:22.219 Today we are coming to the end of our series, We Believe, 00:01:22.900 --> 00:01:26.280 as we look at what Christians believe from the Apostles' Creed. 00:01:27.180 --> 00:01:30.280 And today we're looking at the last two lines. 00:01:30.740 --> 00:01:34.280 That we believe in the resurrection of the dead. 00:01:34.900 --> 00:01:37.900 And that we believe in everlasting life. 00:01:37.900 --> 00:01:44.260 And today we're going to be challenged to not just look forward to life going back to normal. 00:01:44.460 --> 00:01:45.700 Back to how it was. 00:01:46.860 --> 00:01:48.200 Back to something better. 00:01:49.020 --> 00:01:52.140 For some of us, I'm sure we're loving hanging out at home. 00:01:52.980 --> 00:01:57.740 But for many others, surviving each day of the week is really tough. 00:01:57.739 --> 00:02:05.099 But we have something to look forward to that is better than life going back to normal. 00:02:05.659 --> 00:02:11.199 We're looking forward to something that won't break apart, that won't fade or be destroyed. 00:02:11.699 --> 00:02:19.459 We are looking forward to what God has prepared for us after death and for our life everlasting. 00:02:19.939 --> 00:02:22.959 So as we look at God's work today, let me pray. 00:02:22.960 --> 00:02:32.260 Dear Heavenly Father, as we hide at home to protect loved ones and those we don't know, 00:02:33.060 --> 00:02:35.540 Father, please be with us in isolation. 00:02:36.580 --> 00:02:41.020 Help us to look forward to what you have prepared for us in the future. 00:02:41.659 --> 00:02:42.060 Amen. 00:02:43.100 --> 00:02:49.460 The first thing we're going to look at today is that we believe in the resurrection of the dead. 00:02:49.460 --> 00:02:55.980 The New Testament shows that the hope that we have a full life after death. 00:02:56.159 --> 00:03:01.420 It is not a spiritual life or a life without a body. 00:03:01.719 --> 00:03:02.540 It's not a metaphor. 00:03:03.439 --> 00:03:07.140 But there's a future hope of life with a body. 00:03:07.780 --> 00:03:13.000 Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4 that Jesus died and rose. 00:03:13.600 --> 00:03:16.500 And God will do the same for those who die. 00:03:16.500 --> 00:03:21.259 And Romans says that we have been united with him in his death. 00:03:21.800 --> 00:03:25.620 And we will certainly be raised with Jesus, just like he was. 00:03:26.479 --> 00:03:33.500 And Jesus says in John 11 that whoever believes in him, even though they die, will live. 00:03:34.800 --> 00:03:42.439 Jesus and the other New Testament writers fully believe that just as Jesus died and came back to life, 00:03:42.439 --> 00:03:48.919 so will those who believe in him die and come back to a physical life. 00:03:50.439 --> 00:03:57.020 Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 shows how central believing in the resurrection of the dead is. 00:03:58.079 --> 00:04:05.860 He says in 1 Corinthians 15 verse 3 that it is of first importance that Jesus died for our sins, 00:04:05.860 --> 00:04:09.060 that he was buried and that he was raised. 00:04:09.840 --> 00:04:13.700 Because if Jesus wasn't raised, there is no hope for us. 00:04:14.300 --> 00:04:15.020 Verse 18, 00:04:15.400 --> 00:04:19.060 Then those who have also fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:23.939 And we are to be pitied for thinking that we will come back to life from the dead. 00:04:23.939 --> 00:04:26.259 But, Paul says, 00:04:26.339 --> 00:04:27.839 But, that is not how it is, but, 00:04:28.079 --> 00:04:28.719 verse 20, 00:04:29.139 --> 00:04:33.160 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead. 00:04:33.579 --> 00:04:36.180 The first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 00:04:36.660 --> 00:04:39.000 For since death came through a man, 00:04:39.800 --> 00:04:43.699 the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:47.139 Adam, along with Eve, sinned, 00:04:47.399 --> 00:04:49.139 and death was the result. 00:04:49.139 --> 00:04:51.919 Jesus did not sin. 00:04:52.680 --> 00:04:55.459 And he was placed on a cross instead of us. 00:04:56.120 --> 00:05:00.319 And his resurrection means that eternal life is the result. 00:05:01.219 --> 00:05:04.560 We are going to celebrate this, this coming Sunday on Easter Day, 00:05:04.879 --> 00:05:08.219 where we remember that it is not just a story, but it is history. 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:13.680 That God came himself and died for us on the cross. 00:05:13.680 --> 00:05:17.479 And three days later was raised to life everlasting. 00:05:17.480 --> 00:05:18.540 He was raised. 00:05:18.900 --> 00:05:20.840 People, hundreds of people saw him 00:05:20.840 --> 00:05:24.360 before he ascended to the right hand of the Father. 00:05:25.520 --> 00:05:26.819 He is the first fruit. 00:05:27.080 --> 00:05:30.680 He is the prototype of the resurrection for us. 00:05:32.080 --> 00:05:34.240 Because, as Paul says in Christ, 00:05:34.700 --> 00:05:36.720 all will be made alive. 00:05:37.840 --> 00:05:43.080 I think 1 Corinthians 15 is a really helpful reflection for us on the resurrection. 00:05:44.220 --> 00:05:45.560 Now, I've only touched on it briefly. 00:05:45.560 --> 00:05:49.540 Let me encourage you to read the rest of 1 Corinthians 15 after church today. 00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:52.699 But it is good for us in all seasons 00:05:52.699 --> 00:05:56.500 because it enters into the drama of our lives. 00:05:57.439 --> 00:06:00.480 We live and start with families 00:06:00.480 --> 00:06:02.319 and go to work 00:06:02.319 --> 00:06:04.660 and spend time with friends 00:06:04.660 --> 00:06:07.199 under the dread of death. 00:06:08.139 --> 00:06:10.939 It steadily walks towards us 00:06:10.939 --> 00:06:12.519 and to our loved ones. 00:06:13.579 --> 00:06:14.379 At the moment, 00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:17.560 our whole world is either in lockdown 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:19.120 or heading to lockdown 00:06:19.120 --> 00:06:23.139 because we fear death. 00:06:23.980 --> 00:06:25.079 We are weak to it. 00:06:25.899 --> 00:06:28.480 Whilst not all who get coronavirus will die, 00:06:28.720 --> 00:06:29.699 it's spread, 00:06:29.920 --> 00:06:31.439 spreads fear, 00:06:31.959 --> 00:06:32.860 fear of death. 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:34.920 Because we are weak, 00:06:35.340 --> 00:06:36.480 fleshly bodies, 00:06:36.879 --> 00:06:38.759 fearful of taking our last breath. 00:06:38.879 --> 00:06:39.920 And we've seen the response 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:40.680 of plenty of people 00:06:40.680 --> 00:06:42.180 to go on a horde, 00:06:42.540 --> 00:06:43.759 trying to protect themselves 00:06:43.759 --> 00:06:44.800 for another day. 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:48.819 But even when life does go back to normal, 00:06:48.920 --> 00:06:49.939 whether it's in a day 00:06:49.939 --> 00:06:50.939 or six months, 00:06:51.920 --> 00:06:53.639 we will still 00:06:53.639 --> 00:06:54.860 all fear 00:06:54.860 --> 00:06:55.759 and face death. 00:06:55.759 --> 00:06:58.539 Our hope for the future 00:06:58.539 --> 00:06:59.699 has to be bigger 00:06:59.699 --> 00:07:00.939 than death. 00:07:02.279 --> 00:07:03.279 The Apostle Peter 00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:05.439 wrote a letter to a church 00:07:05.439 --> 00:07:06.099 who was 00:07:06.099 --> 00:07:08.279 in a somewhat similar position. 00:07:08.480 --> 00:07:09.259 They were facing 00:07:09.259 --> 00:07:11.039 persecution and death 00:07:11.039 --> 00:07:12.060 and they were fearful 00:07:12.060 --> 00:07:12.959 of what was to come. 00:07:13.879 --> 00:07:15.459 And he encouraged them 00:07:15.459 --> 00:07:17.180 in this time of uncertainty. 00:07:17.980 --> 00:07:20.099 From 1 Peter 1, verse 3, 00:07:20.240 --> 00:07:20.659 it says, 00:07:20.659 --> 00:07:23.339 Praise be to the God and Father 00:07:23.339 --> 00:07:24.819 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:07:25.759 --> 00:07:26.980 In his great mercy 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:28.899 he has given us new birth 00:07:28.899 --> 00:07:30.420 into a living hope 00:07:30.420 --> 00:07:32.240 through the resurrection 00:07:32.240 --> 00:07:33.560 of Jesus Christ 00:07:33.560 --> 00:07:34.439 from the dead. 00:07:35.199 --> 00:07:36.519 And into an inheritance 00:07:36.519 --> 00:07:37.980 that can never perish, 00:07:38.560 --> 00:07:39.899 spoil or fade. 00:07:40.639 --> 00:07:41.399 This inheritance 00:07:41.399 --> 00:07:43.079 is kept in heaven for you. 00:07:43.620 --> 00:07:45.379 God, in his great mercy, 00:07:45.500 --> 00:07:47.759 has given us hope 00:07:47.759 --> 00:07:49.620 in uncertain times. 00:07:50.519 --> 00:07:51.899 Resurrection from the dead 00:07:51.899 --> 00:07:52.539 like Jesus. 00:07:53.399 --> 00:07:54.459 And we have an inheritance 00:07:54.459 --> 00:07:56.359 that can never spoil 00:07:56.359 --> 00:07:57.719 like too much 00:07:57.719 --> 00:07:58.539 stocked food. 00:07:58.859 --> 00:08:00.120 It can't fade 00:08:00.120 --> 00:08:01.539 like our patients 00:08:01.539 --> 00:08:02.599 with our family 00:08:02.599 --> 00:08:03.319 and friends 00:08:03.319 --> 00:08:04.099 and housemates. 00:08:04.579 --> 00:08:05.680 It can't be stolen 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:06.819 like toilet paper 00:08:06.819 --> 00:08:08.060 from an unguarded 00:08:08.060 --> 00:08:08.839 shopping trot. 00:08:10.599 --> 00:08:12.359 This is what Christians 00:08:12.359 --> 00:08:13.319 put their hope in. 00:08:14.479 --> 00:08:15.319 A resurrection 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:16.419 that cannot spoil 00:08:16.419 --> 00:08:17.839 or fade or perish. 00:08:17.839 --> 00:08:20.119 after we die 00:08:20.119 --> 00:08:21.719 we will all be raised 00:08:21.719 --> 00:08:22.119 to the life 00:08:22.119 --> 00:08:23.000 of a physical body 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:25.619 just like Jesus's. 00:08:26.060 --> 00:08:27.060 This is the hope 00:08:27.060 --> 00:08:28.019 that we have. 00:08:28.839 --> 00:08:29.560 We don't wait 00:08:29.560 --> 00:08:30.639 for a spiritual future 00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:31.699 but we are waiting 00:08:31.699 --> 00:08:33.279 for future bodies 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:33.980 to be raised. 00:08:35.259 --> 00:08:36.500 But other than 00:08:36.500 --> 00:08:37.519 just having a body 00:08:37.519 --> 00:08:38.980 in this everlasting future, 00:08:39.399 --> 00:08:40.319 what does it actually 00:08:40.319 --> 00:08:41.179 look like 00:08:41.179 --> 00:08:43.879 to be in this future 00:08:43.879 --> 00:08:44.959 that God has prepared 00:08:44.960 --> 00:08:45.480 for us? 00:08:46.680 --> 00:08:47.519 Well, we come to 00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:48.360 the final part 00:08:48.360 --> 00:08:49.100 of the creed. 00:08:49.860 --> 00:08:50.580 The final line 00:08:50.580 --> 00:08:50.960 of the creed 00:08:50.960 --> 00:08:52.280 says that we believe 00:08:52.280 --> 00:08:54.280 in the everlasting life. 00:08:55.440 --> 00:08:56.180 And the New Testament 00:08:56.180 --> 00:08:57.580 paints a picture 00:08:57.580 --> 00:08:58.180 for us 00:08:58.180 --> 00:08:59.300 of what this 00:08:59.300 --> 00:09:00.460 everlasting life 00:09:00.460 --> 00:09:01.200 looks like. 00:09:02.040 --> 00:09:03.460 Jesus in John 00:09:03.460 --> 00:09:04.340 chapter 14 00:09:04.340 --> 00:09:05.879 tells his disciples 00:09:05.879 --> 00:09:06.740 that he's going 00:09:06.740 --> 00:09:08.560 to God 00:09:08.560 --> 00:09:08.960 to prepare 00:09:09.500 --> 00:09:10.280 a house, 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:10.720 to prepare 00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:11.360 a place 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:12.019 for us. 00:09:12.019 --> 00:09:14.360 Jesus is preparing 00:09:14.360 --> 00:09:15.039 God's house 00:09:15.039 --> 00:09:15.419 for us 00:09:15.419 --> 00:09:16.120 for eternity. 00:09:17.360 --> 00:09:18.319 And in this chapter 00:09:18.319 --> 00:09:20.000 Jesus is potentially 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:20.740 alluding 00:09:20.740 --> 00:09:21.919 to the types 00:09:21.919 --> 00:09:22.519 of houses 00:09:22.519 --> 00:09:23.279 that rich 00:09:23.279 --> 00:09:24.399 Roman rulers 00:09:24.399 --> 00:09:24.980 would have. 00:09:25.279 --> 00:09:25.759 They would have 00:09:25.759 --> 00:09:26.679 houses that had 00:09:26.679 --> 00:09:28.059 a central atrium 00:09:28.059 --> 00:09:29.579 and all around 00:09:29.579 --> 00:09:30.259 the atrium 00:09:30.259 --> 00:09:31.360 would be rooms. 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:32.139 You know, 00:09:32.199 --> 00:09:33.120 a central space 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:34.059 and then around 00:09:34.059 --> 00:09:34.559 the atrium 00:09:34.559 --> 00:09:35.879 would be different rooms. 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:37.019 And so 00:09:37.019 --> 00:09:38.939 all of the bedrooms 00:09:38.939 --> 00:09:39.699 would connect 00:09:39.699 --> 00:09:40.759 into a central 00:09:40.759 --> 00:09:41.779 gathering area. 00:09:42.019 --> 00:09:43.319 So you could 00:09:43.319 --> 00:09:44.559 connect and gather 00:09:44.559 --> 00:09:45.019 with people 00:09:45.019 --> 00:09:46.059 very easily. 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:48.120 And this is a picture 00:09:48.120 --> 00:09:49.539 of God 00:09:49.539 --> 00:09:50.539 that he doesn't 00:09:50.539 --> 00:09:51.899 just have a place 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:52.500 for us 00:09:52.500 --> 00:09:54.199 but it's a place 00:09:54.199 --> 00:09:55.079 that is connected 00:09:55.079 --> 00:09:56.600 to everyone else. 00:09:57.059 --> 00:09:57.740 A place 00:09:57.740 --> 00:09:58.519 where there is 00:09:58.519 --> 00:10:00.019 community forever. 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:01.419 A place 00:10:01.419 --> 00:10:02.220 where God 00:10:02.220 --> 00:10:03.360 is with us. 00:10:04.559 --> 00:10:05.079 And I am 00:10:05.079 --> 00:10:05.899 yearning for that. 00:10:06.220 --> 00:10:06.840 It is good 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:07.559 to be standing 00:10:07.559 --> 00:10:08.340 with you today 00:10:08.340 --> 00:10:08.980 looking down 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:09.559 a camera 00:10:09.559 --> 00:10:10.699 into your living 00:10:10.700 --> 00:10:11.080 room 00:10:11.080 --> 00:10:11.660 starting to 00:10:11.660 --> 00:10:12.200 wherever you 00:10:12.200 --> 00:10:12.860 are right now. 00:10:13.080 --> 00:10:13.620 It is good 00:10:13.620 --> 00:10:14.259 to be with you 00:10:14.259 --> 00:10:14.800 but I am 00:10:14.800 --> 00:10:15.259 yearning 00:10:15.259 --> 00:10:15.960 to be 00:10:15.960 --> 00:10:16.900 gathering with 00:10:16.900 --> 00:10:17.560 you in church 00:10:17.560 --> 00:10:17.960 together. 00:10:19.120 --> 00:10:19.900 This building 00:10:19.900 --> 00:10:20.460 is empty 00:10:20.460 --> 00:10:21.540 and I miss you. 00:10:22.680 --> 00:10:23.440 I miss 00:10:23.440 --> 00:10:24.340 gathering 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:24.920 and singing 00:10:24.920 --> 00:10:25.520 loudly 00:10:25.520 --> 00:10:26.720 as a church 00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:27.480 and I am 00:10:27.480 --> 00:10:28.280 looking forward 00:10:28.280 --> 00:10:29.020 to that day 00:10:29.020 --> 00:10:29.379 again. 00:10:30.340 --> 00:10:31.220 But how much 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:32.100 greater will it 00:10:32.100 --> 00:10:32.540 be 00:10:32.540 --> 00:10:33.800 when there will 00:10:33.800 --> 00:10:34.280 be nothing 00:10:34.279 --> 00:10:35.259 that can stop 00:10:35.259 --> 00:10:36.000 us from 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:36.419 gathering 00:10:36.419 --> 00:10:37.059 together 00:10:37.059 --> 00:10:37.980 and praising 00:10:37.980 --> 00:10:38.459 God. 00:10:40.299 --> 00:10:41.039 Two passages 00:10:41.039 --> 00:10:41.799 from Revelation 00:10:41.799 --> 00:10:42.740 continue to 00:10:42.740 --> 00:10:43.480 paint what 00:10:43.480 --> 00:10:44.379 this everlasting 00:10:44.379 --> 00:10:45.220 life will look 00:10:45.220 --> 00:10:45.600 like. 00:10:46.659 --> 00:10:47.100 Revelation 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:48.439 21 shows us 00:10:48.439 --> 00:10:49.399 John's vision 00:10:49.399 --> 00:10:49.959 of heaven 00:10:49.959 --> 00:10:50.439 and God 00:10:50.439 --> 00:10:50.959 shows him 00:10:50.959 --> 00:10:51.579 and from 00:10:51.579 --> 00:10:52.279 verse 3 00:10:52.279 --> 00:10:52.919 it says 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:54.539 I heard a loud 00:10:54.539 --> 00:10:55.179 voice from 00:10:55.179 --> 00:10:55.759 the throne 00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:56.240 saying 00:10:56.240 --> 00:10:56.659 look 00:10:56.659 --> 00:10:58.099 God's dwelling 00:10:58.099 --> 00:10:59.179 place is now 00:10:59.179 --> 00:11:00.000 among the people 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:00.879 and he will 00:11:00.879 --> 00:11:01.719 dwell with them 00:11:01.719 --> 00:11:03.240 they will be 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:03.879 his people 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:04.620 and God 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:05.500 himself will be 00:11:05.500 --> 00:11:06.039 with them 00:11:06.039 --> 00:11:06.740 and be their 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:07.059 God. 00:11:07.779 --> 00:11:08.620 He will wipe 00:11:08.620 --> 00:11:09.839 every tear 00:11:09.839 --> 00:11:10.339 from their 00:11:10.339 --> 00:11:10.860 lives 00:11:10.860 --> 00:11:11.839 for there will 00:11:11.839 --> 00:11:12.839 be no more 00:11:12.839 --> 00:11:13.259 death 00:11:13.259 --> 00:11:14.259 or mourning 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:15.099 or crying 00:11:15.099 --> 00:11:15.899 or pain. 00:11:16.620 --> 00:11:17.219 The old 00:11:17.219 --> 00:11:18.120 order of things 00:11:18.120 --> 00:11:18.719 has passed 00:11:18.719 --> 00:11:19.219 away. 00:11:19.220 --> 00:11:20.740 God himself 00:11:20.740 --> 00:11:22.100 will dwell 00:11:22.100 --> 00:11:22.580 with us 00:11:22.580 --> 00:11:23.120 in heaven. 00:11:24.060 --> 00:11:24.800 God has 00:11:24.800 --> 00:11:25.540 destroyed 00:11:25.540 --> 00:11:26.259 the old 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:26.899 order of 00:11:26.899 --> 00:11:27.220 things. 00:11:27.500 --> 00:11:27.680 There will 00:11:27.680 --> 00:11:28.160 be no more 00:11:28.160 --> 00:11:29.720 pain or tears 00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:30.680 but God 00:11:30.680 --> 00:11:31.540 himself will 00:11:31.540 --> 00:11:32.180 be with us. 00:11:33.340 --> 00:11:34.340 John continues 00:11:34.340 --> 00:11:34.960 painting his 00:11:34.960 --> 00:11:35.420 picture of 00:11:35.420 --> 00:11:35.840 heaven in 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:36.639 verse 18 00:11:36.639 --> 00:11:38.259 the wall 00:11:38.259 --> 00:11:38.759 was made 00:11:38.759 --> 00:11:39.420 of jasper 00:11:39.420 --> 00:11:40.560 and the 00:11:40.560 --> 00:11:41.560 city of 00:11:41.560 --> 00:11:42.600 pure gold 00:11:42.600 --> 00:11:43.680 as pure 00:11:43.680 --> 00:11:44.340 as glass. 00:11:44.480 --> 00:11:45.040 The foundation 00:11:45.040 --> 00:11:46.180 of the city 00:11:46.180 --> 00:11:46.860 walls were 00:11:46.860 --> 00:11:47.660 decorated with 00:11:47.660 --> 00:11:48.800 every kind 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:49.479 of precious 00:11:49.479 --> 00:11:49.959 stone. 00:11:50.879 --> 00:11:51.339 The first 00:11:51.339 --> 00:11:51.839 foundation 00:11:51.839 --> 00:11:52.500 was jasper 00:11:52.500 --> 00:11:52.959 the second 00:11:52.959 --> 00:11:53.699 sapphire 00:11:53.699 --> 00:11:54.939 the third 00:11:54.939 --> 00:11:55.479 agate 00:11:55.479 --> 00:11:56.019 the fourth 00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:56.519 emerald 00:11:56.519 --> 00:11:57.399 the fifth 00:11:57.399 --> 00:11:57.839 onyx 00:11:57.839 --> 00:11:58.439 the sixth 00:11:58.439 --> 00:11:59.120 ruby 00:11:59.120 --> 00:11:59.899 the seventh 00:11:59.899 --> 00:12:00.699 chrysolite 00:12:00.699 --> 00:12:01.599 the eighth 00:12:01.599 --> 00:12:02.279 beryl 00:12:02.279 --> 00:12:02.879 the ninth 00:12:02.879 --> 00:12:03.439 topaz 00:12:03.439 --> 00:12:04.000 the tenth 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:04.899 turquoise 00:12:04.899 --> 00:12:05.719 the eleventh 00:12:05.719 --> 00:12:06.199 jesson 00:12:06.199 --> 00:12:07.459 and the twelfth 00:12:07.459 --> 00:12:08.059 amethyst. 00:12:08.799 --> 00:12:09.339 The twelve 00:12:09.339 --> 00:12:09.759 gates 00:12:09.759 --> 00:12:10.219 the twelve 00:12:10.219 --> 00:12:10.719 pearls 00:12:10.719 --> 00:12:11.959 each gate 00:12:11.959 --> 00:12:12.459 made 00:12:12.459 --> 00:12:13.519 of a single 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:13.919 pearl. 00:12:14.759 --> 00:12:15.339 The great 00:12:15.339 --> 00:12:16.079 streak of the 00:12:16.079 --> 00:12:16.839 city was 00:12:16.839 --> 00:12:17.279 of pure 00:12:17.279 --> 00:12:17.799 gold 00:12:17.799 --> 00:12:18.859 as pure 00:12:18.859 --> 00:12:20.019 as translucent 00:12:20.019 --> 00:12:20.779 glass. 00:12:21.079 --> 00:12:21.839 This is just 00:12:21.839 --> 00:12:22.559 an amazing 00:12:22.559 --> 00:12:23.719 picture of 00:12:23.719 --> 00:12:24.759 luxury and 00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:26.000 decadence of 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:26.699 what the city 00:12:26.699 --> 00:12:27.559 of God is 00:12:27.559 --> 00:12:28.159 going to look 00:12:28.159 --> 00:12:28.500 like. 00:12:29.419 --> 00:12:30.259 I love the 00:12:30.259 --> 00:12:30.740 picture of the 00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:31.419 street of gold 00:12:31.419 --> 00:12:32.219 it's like it's 00:12:32.219 --> 00:12:33.559 polished so 00:12:33.559 --> 00:12:35.000 much that it's 00:12:35.000 --> 00:12:36.000 translucent and 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:36.559 see-through. 00:12:37.639 --> 00:12:38.199 This is a 00:12:38.199 --> 00:12:39.579 picture of the 00:12:39.579 --> 00:12:40.559 greatest city 00:12:40.559 --> 00:12:41.639 ever where you 00:12:41.639 --> 00:12:42.379 can even put 00:12:42.379 --> 00:12:43.559 precious stones 00:12:43.559 --> 00:12:44.559 in the wall 00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:45.979 without fear of 00:12:45.979 --> 00:12:46.439 them being 00:12:46.439 --> 00:12:46.919 stolen. 00:12:48.359 --> 00:12:48.759 It's a 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:49.659 wonderful picture 00:12:49.659 --> 00:12:50.579 of our 00:12:50.579 --> 00:12:51.179 everlasting 00:12:51.179 --> 00:12:51.739 future. 00:12:53.159 --> 00:12:53.819 God has 00:12:53.819 --> 00:12:55.159 spared no 00:12:55.159 --> 00:12:56.079 expense to 00:12:56.079 --> 00:12:56.759 prepare it for 00:12:56.759 --> 00:12:58.000 us by 00:12:58.000 --> 00:12:59.299 sacrificing his 00:12:59.299 --> 00:13:00.359 own son so 00:13:00.359 --> 00:13:01.119 that we can go 00:13:01.119 --> 00:13:01.579 to a city 00:13:01.579 --> 00:13:02.219 covered in 00:13:02.219 --> 00:13:02.879 jewels and 00:13:02.879 --> 00:13:03.659 riches that 00:13:03.659 --> 00:13:04.339 is not filled 00:13:04.339 --> 00:13:05.799 with fear and 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:07.259 uncertainty and 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:08.279 tiredness and 00:13:08.279 --> 00:13:09.099 fatigue from 00:13:09.099 --> 00:13:10.019 trying to figure 00:13:10.019 --> 00:13:10.359 out how to 00:13:10.359 --> 00:13:11.179 work from home, 00:13:11.239 --> 00:13:11.599 how to do 00:13:11.600 --> 00:13:12.180 homeschool, 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:13.019 how to try 00:13:13.019 --> 00:13:13.519 and get enough 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:14.200 food that you 00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:14.580 need with 00:13:14.580 --> 00:13:15.379 restrictions on 00:13:15.379 --> 00:13:16.200 food all at 00:13:16.200 --> 00:13:16.899 the same time. 00:13:18.540 --> 00:13:19.659 Revelation lifts 00:13:19.659 --> 00:13:20.800 our eyes to a 00:13:20.800 --> 00:13:21.480 picture of a 00:13:21.480 --> 00:13:22.159 better city. 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:24.180 A city that is 00:13:24.180 --> 00:13:24.720 better than 00:13:24.720 --> 00:13:25.960 Sydney, better 00:13:25.960 --> 00:13:27.000 than any in 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:27.620 the world. 00:13:28.899 --> 00:13:29.600 Hebrews 13 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:30.420 calls us to 00:13:30.420 --> 00:13:31.639 look to this 00:13:31.639 --> 00:13:33.639 city because it 00:13:33.639 --> 00:13:34.240 is better than 00:13:34.240 --> 00:13:35.040 the one living 00:13:35.040 --> 00:13:35.320 in. 00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:37.540 I don't think 00:13:37.540 --> 00:13:38.120 we do this 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:38.639 nearly enough. 00:13:38.680 --> 00:13:39.120 I don't think 00:13:39.120 --> 00:13:40.220 we look to our 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:41.139 future hope, to 00:13:41.139 --> 00:13:42.019 this city that 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:42.819 we will be in 00:13:42.819 --> 00:13:43.319 enough. 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:45.299 We don't look 00:13:45.299 --> 00:13:45.580 to this 00:13:45.580 --> 00:13:46.240 heavenly city 00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:47.080 and spend 00:13:47.080 --> 00:13:47.740 enough time 00:13:47.740 --> 00:13:48.439 thinking about 00:13:48.439 --> 00:13:49.220 what everlasting 00:13:49.220 --> 00:13:50.080 life will look 00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:50.460 like. 00:13:52.039 --> 00:13:52.600 Colossians 00:13:52.600 --> 00:13:53.480 chapter 3 00:13:53.480 --> 00:13:54.139 that was read 00:13:54.139 --> 00:13:55.019 for us says 00:13:55.019 --> 00:13:56.620 since then 00:13:56.620 --> 00:13:57.879 you have been 00:13:57.879 --> 00:13:58.580 raised with 00:13:58.580 --> 00:13:59.000 Christ. 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:00.340 Set your 00:14:00.340 --> 00:14:01.179 hearts on 00:14:01.179 --> 00:14:02.279 things above 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:03.240 where Christ 00:14:03.240 --> 00:14:04.819 is, seated 00:14:04.819 --> 00:14:05.819 at the right 00:14:05.819 --> 00:14:06.639 hand of God. 00:14:06.939 --> 00:14:07.720 Set your mind 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:08.580 on things above, 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:09.580 not on earthly 00:14:09.580 --> 00:14:10.080 things. 00:14:10.080 --> 00:14:11.220 for you 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:12.600 died and 00:14:12.600 --> 00:14:13.100 your life 00:14:13.100 --> 00:14:13.580 is now 00:14:13.580 --> 00:14:14.180 hidden with 00:14:14.180 --> 00:14:14.560 Christ 00:14:14.560 --> 00:14:15.139 your God. 00:14:15.780 --> 00:14:16.759 That is 00:14:16.759 --> 00:14:17.639 where our 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:18.379 life is. 00:14:18.900 --> 00:14:19.300 We have 00:14:19.300 --> 00:14:19.900 been raised 00:14:19.900 --> 00:14:20.460 with Christ 00:14:20.460 --> 00:14:21.120 and now 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:21.680 our life 00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:22.300 is hidden 00:14:22.300 --> 00:14:22.840 with God. 00:14:23.040 --> 00:14:23.520 It is not 00:14:23.520 --> 00:14:24.800 this temporary 00:14:24.800 --> 00:14:25.460 life. 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:27.480 We are here 00:14:27.480 --> 00:14:28.940 but for a 00:14:28.940 --> 00:14:29.300 moment. 00:14:30.200 --> 00:14:31.060 We will be 00:14:31.060 --> 00:14:31.580 there with 00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:32.139 God for 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:32.639 eternity. 00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:34.100 And so 00:14:34.100 --> 00:14:35.740 we should fix 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:36.620 our minds 00:14:36.620 --> 00:14:36.940 on it. 00:14:36.940 --> 00:14:37.320 as Paul 00:14:37.320 --> 00:14:37.880 has said. 00:14:38.180 --> 00:14:38.680 Fix our 00:14:38.680 --> 00:14:39.220 minds on it. 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:39.480 We should 00:14:39.480 --> 00:14:40.420 get excited 00:14:40.420 --> 00:14:40.720 for it. 00:14:40.760 --> 00:14:41.000 We should 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:41.900 long for it 00:14:41.900 --> 00:14:42.480 and not 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:43.380 hold too 00:14:43.380 --> 00:14:44.720 tightly to 00:14:44.720 --> 00:14:45.260 this life 00:14:45.260 --> 00:14:45.660 here. 00:14:47.400 --> 00:14:47.780 The 00:14:47.780 --> 00:14:48.580 Barnett family, 00:14:48.920 --> 00:14:50.040 we have been 00:14:50.040 --> 00:14:50.440 here in St. 00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:50.900 Paul's for 00:14:50.900 --> 00:14:51.480 nearly two 00:14:51.480 --> 00:14:51.880 years. 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:52.140 We are 00:14:52.140 --> 00:14:52.580 coming up 00:14:52.580 --> 00:14:53.000 to our 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:53.560 second 00:14:53.560 --> 00:14:54.160 anniversary. 00:14:55.160 --> 00:14:55.400 And I 00:14:55.400 --> 00:14:56.100 remember once 00:14:56.100 --> 00:14:56.400 it was 00:14:56.400 --> 00:14:57.620 announced that 00:14:57.620 --> 00:14:57.960 we were 00:14:57.960 --> 00:14:58.600 rejoining 00:14:58.600 --> 00:14:58.880 St. 00:14:58.940 --> 00:14:59.200 Paul's 00:14:59.200 --> 00:15:00.520 family and 00:15:00.520 --> 00:15:00.840 leaving 00:15:00.840 --> 00:15:01.140 our 00:15:01.140 --> 00:15:01.560 family. 00:15:01.559 --> 00:15:04.559 I 00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:05.439 remember 00:15:05.439 --> 00:15:06.559 getting 00:15:06.559 --> 00:15:07.559 very excited. 00:15:08.199 --> 00:15:08.739 I was 00:15:08.739 --> 00:15:09.439 looking forward 00:15:09.439 --> 00:15:10.239 to working 00:15:10.239 --> 00:15:10.519 with the 00:15:10.519 --> 00:15:11.219 team here 00:15:11.219 --> 00:15:11.639 of St. 00:15:11.699 --> 00:15:12.119 Paul's, 00:15:12.299 --> 00:15:12.819 looking forward 00:15:12.819 --> 00:15:13.399 to rejoining 00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:13.919 family. 00:15:14.479 --> 00:15:14.859 I was 00:15:14.859 --> 00:15:15.579 looking forward 00:15:15.579 --> 00:15:16.639 to working 00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:17.179 with Steve 00:15:17.179 --> 00:15:17.879 again. 00:15:18.319 --> 00:15:18.679 And I 00:15:18.679 --> 00:15:19.139 remember 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:20.419 doing so much 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:21.159 planning and 00:15:21.159 --> 00:15:21.599 preparation. 00:15:21.799 --> 00:15:22.059 One of the 00:15:22.059 --> 00:15:22.339 things I 00:15:22.339 --> 00:15:22.759 really love 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:23.179 to do 00:15:23.179 --> 00:15:24.559 is I 00:15:24.559 --> 00:15:25.379 would draw 00:15:25.379 --> 00:15:25.819 the shape 00:15:25.819 --> 00:15:26.079 of the 00:15:26.079 --> 00:15:26.899 house and 00:15:26.899 --> 00:15:27.179 then I 00:15:27.179 --> 00:15:27.619 would draw 00:15:27.619 --> 00:15:27.919 where the 00:15:27.919 --> 00:15:28.319 furniture is 00:15:28.319 --> 00:15:28.539 going to 00:15:28.539 --> 00:15:29.299 fit in and 00:15:29.299 --> 00:15:29.500 I would 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:29.959 plan how 00:15:29.959 --> 00:15:30.339 the house 00:15:30.339 --> 00:15:30.599 is going 00:15:30.599 --> 00:15:31.019 to look. 00:15:31.559 --> 00:15:31.839 When we 00:15:31.839 --> 00:15:32.079 had a 00:15:32.079 --> 00:15:32.539 day off 00:15:32.539 --> 00:15:32.939 we'd 00:15:32.939 --> 00:15:33.699 measure up 00:15:33.699 --> 00:15:34.039 things in 00:15:34.039 --> 00:15:34.459 the house 00:15:34.459 --> 00:15:34.899 we'd 00:15:34.899 --> 00:15:35.359 call in 00:15:35.359 --> 00:15:35.599 on the 00:15:35.599 --> 00:15:36.000 team and 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:36.319 see how 00:15:36.319 --> 00:15:36.559 everything 00:15:36.559 --> 00:15:37.000 was going. 00:15:38.439 --> 00:15:38.639 My 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:39.079 future 00:15:39.079 --> 00:15:40.479 was never 00:15:40.479 --> 00:15:41.500 far from 00:15:41.500 --> 00:15:42.139 my mind. 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:43.259 I was 00:15:43.259 --> 00:15:43.899 living and 00:15:43.899 --> 00:15:44.879 planning for 00:15:44.879 --> 00:15:45.579 that future 00:15:45.579 --> 00:15:46.819 day to 00:15:46.819 --> 00:15:47.439 come when 00:15:47.439 --> 00:15:47.839 we would 00:15:47.839 --> 00:15:48.379 come to 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:48.719 our new 00:15:48.719 --> 00:15:49.099 home. 00:15:50.459 --> 00:15:51.279 This is 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:51.919 what we 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:52.639 are meant 00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:52.959 to be 00:15:52.959 --> 00:15:53.239 doing. 00:15:54.119 --> 00:15:54.519 To be 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:55.279 looking forward 00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:55.739 to the 00:15:55.739 --> 00:15:56.279 day when 00:15:56.279 --> 00:15:56.859 we come 00:15:56.859 --> 00:15:57.419 to our 00:15:57.419 --> 00:15:57.839 home. 00:15:58.959 --> 00:15:59.659 For us 00:15:59.659 --> 00:16:00.059 we need to 00:16:00.059 --> 00:16:00.559 be setting 00:16:00.559 --> 00:16:01.539 our mind 00:16:01.539 --> 00:16:02.419 on what 00:16:02.419 --> 00:16:02.799 is to 00:16:02.799 --> 00:16:03.259 come. 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:03.939 What is 00:16:03.939 --> 00:16:04.419 above. 00:16:05.099 --> 00:16:06.039 I can't 00:16:06.039 --> 00:16:06.539 wait to 00:16:06.539 --> 00:16:06.980 see my 00:16:06.980 --> 00:16:07.360 grandmother 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:07.919 again. 00:16:08.719 --> 00:16:09.279 To see 00:16:09.279 --> 00:16:09.860 many loved 00:16:09.860 --> 00:16:10.279 ones. 00:16:11.059 --> 00:16:11.539 To never 00:16:11.539 --> 00:16:12.579 be in 00:16:12.579 --> 00:16:13.039 pain. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:14.179 To be in 00:16:14.179 --> 00:16:14.860 a city of 00:16:14.860 --> 00:16:15.579 such wonder 00:16:15.579 --> 00:16:16.259 and security 00:16:16.259 --> 00:16:16.939 that God 00:16:16.939 --> 00:16:17.699 has placed 00:16:17.699 --> 00:16:19.000 precious stones 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:19.579 in the 00:16:19.579 --> 00:16:20.000 walls. 00:16:20.519 --> 00:16:21.120 I am 00:16:21.120 --> 00:16:22.179 excited to 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:22.919 see all 00:16:22.919 --> 00:16:23.579 that God 00:16:23.579 --> 00:16:24.399 has prepared 00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:25.000 for us. 00:16:25.620 --> 00:16:26.199 Because our 00:16:26.199 --> 00:16:27.500 everlasting life, 00:16:28.439 --> 00:16:29.059 our future 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:31.059 will be 00:16:31.059 --> 00:16:31.179 a place 00:16:31.179 --> 00:16:32.519 of more. 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:33.819 It is 00:16:33.819 --> 00:16:34.399 more than 00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:34.679 we can 00:16:34.679 --> 00:16:35.059 imagine. 00:16:35.339 --> 00:16:35.679 It is 00:16:35.679 --> 00:16:36.459 more joy, 00:16:36.739 --> 00:16:37.459 more goodness, 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:38.299 more purity. 00:16:39.259 --> 00:16:40.119 Everything we 00:16:40.119 --> 00:16:40.939 think is good 00:16:40.939 --> 00:16:41.639 will either be 00:16:41.639 --> 00:16:43.439 amplified or 00:16:43.439 --> 00:16:43.759 it will be 00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:44.859 replaced with 00:16:44.859 --> 00:16:45.959 something even 00:16:45.959 --> 00:16:46.399 better, 00:16:46.559 --> 00:16:46.859 something 00:16:46.859 --> 00:16:47.759 transcendent. 00:16:49.239 --> 00:16:50.039 It will be a 00:16:50.039 --> 00:16:51.199 place of the 00:16:51.199 --> 00:16:52.259 highest joys 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:53.399 and the 00:16:53.399 --> 00:16:54.079 deepest and 00:16:54.079 --> 00:16:55.000 most satisfying 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:55.579 pleasures. 00:16:55.580 --> 00:16:58.340 so we 00:16:58.340 --> 00:16:58.840 should set 00:16:58.840 --> 00:16:59.600 our minds 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:00.000 on. 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:01.879 And then 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:02.520 there is 00:17:02.520 --> 00:17:03.200 our God. 00:17:03.540 --> 00:17:04.460 We will 00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:05.200 know God 00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:06.160 for eternity. 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:07.220 We will 00:17:07.220 --> 00:17:07.799 get to speak 00:17:07.799 --> 00:17:08.259 with him and 00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:08.860 ask him our 00:17:08.860 --> 00:17:09.360 questions. 00:17:09.620 --> 00:17:09.759 We will 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:10.559 get to praise 00:17:10.559 --> 00:17:11.519 him for his 00:17:11.519 --> 00:17:12.579 grace and 00:17:12.579 --> 00:17:13.480 kindness and 00:17:13.480 --> 00:17:14.380 love to us. 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:15.980 We will be 00:17:15.980 --> 00:17:16.660 there with our 00:17:16.660 --> 00:17:17.360 brother and 00:17:17.360 --> 00:17:18.279 saviour Jesus 00:17:18.279 --> 00:17:19.120 and we can 00:17:19.120 --> 00:17:19.799 thank him and 00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:20.500 praise him for 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:21.079 all that he 00:17:21.079 --> 00:17:21.740 has done for 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.100 us. 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:24.360 As I 00:17:24.360 --> 00:17:24.700 mentioned, 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:25.180 it was my 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:25.980 birthday on 00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:26.360 Wednesday. 00:17:27.100 --> 00:17:27.620 Today, 00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:29.519 April 5th, 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:30.740 is Micah's 00:17:30.740 --> 00:17:31.140 birthday. 00:17:31.400 --> 00:17:32.180 He turned 00:17:32.180 --> 00:17:32.980 three today. 00:17:34.120 --> 00:17:34.620 And one of 00:17:34.620 --> 00:17:35.380 his grandmothers 00:17:35.380 --> 00:17:36.460 sent him some 00:17:36.460 --> 00:17:37.120 birthday presents 00:17:37.120 --> 00:17:37.840 in the mail. 00:17:38.680 --> 00:17:39.060 And he was 00:17:39.060 --> 00:17:39.880 really excited to 00:17:39.880 --> 00:17:40.640 open those up. 00:17:40.900 --> 00:17:41.759 He opened those 00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:42.700 up while his 00:17:42.700 --> 00:17:43.180 grandmother was 00:17:43.180 --> 00:17:43.980 on FaceTime. 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:44.820 So she could 00:17:44.820 --> 00:17:45.980 see his 00:17:45.980 --> 00:17:46.720 excitement for 00:17:46.720 --> 00:17:47.440 those presents. 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:48.120 And those 00:17:48.120 --> 00:17:48.660 presents were 00:17:48.660 --> 00:17:49.060 great. 00:17:50.060 --> 00:17:50.759 But how much 00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:51.640 better will it 00:17:51.640 --> 00:17:53.420 be when Micah 00:17:53.420 --> 00:17:53.840 and his 00:17:53.840 --> 00:17:54.519 grandmother are 00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:55.119 reunited? 00:17:55.379 --> 00:17:55.700 And they 00:17:55.700 --> 00:17:56.339 can hug. 00:17:56.779 --> 00:17:57.680 He can hug 00:17:57.680 --> 00:17:58.299 his grandmother 00:17:58.299 --> 00:17:58.759 and say, 00:17:58.859 --> 00:17:59.319 thank you. 00:18:00.859 --> 00:18:01.639 God has 00:18:01.639 --> 00:18:03.359 so many good 00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:04.220 things waiting 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:04.920 for us in 00:18:04.920 --> 00:18:05.200 heaven. 00:18:05.440 --> 00:18:06.200 But how much 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:06.859 better will it 00:18:06.859 --> 00:18:07.220 be that we 00:18:07.220 --> 00:18:07.879 get God 00:18:07.879 --> 00:18:08.700 himself? 00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:12.319 As we come 00:18:12.319 --> 00:18:13.019 to the end 00:18:13.019 --> 00:18:13.759 of the Apostles 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.700 Creed, it 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:16.099 ends with an 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:17.519 absolute bang. 00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:19.359 We have 00:18:19.359 --> 00:18:20.700 declared what 00:18:20.700 --> 00:18:21.059 we have 00:18:21.059 --> 00:18:21.700 believed, 00:18:21.900 --> 00:18:22.200 what we 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:22.900 continue to 00:18:22.900 --> 00:18:23.620 believe about 00:18:23.620 --> 00:18:24.180 God, our 00:18:24.180 --> 00:18:25.019 Father, that 00:18:25.019 --> 00:18:26.019 he is almighty 00:18:26.019 --> 00:18:27.000 and he created 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:27.580 the heavens and 00:18:27.580 --> 00:18:28.019 the earth. 00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:29.640 We declare what 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:30.440 we believe about 00:18:30.440 --> 00:18:31.540 Jesus, his 00:18:31.540 --> 00:18:32.100 son, our 00:18:32.100 --> 00:18:32.759 Lord, who was 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.700 conceived by the 00:18:33.700 --> 00:18:35.580 Holy Spirit, born 00:18:35.580 --> 00:18:36.340 of the Virgin 00:18:36.340 --> 00:18:38.060 Mary, that he 00:18:38.060 --> 00:18:38.920 suffered even 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:39.600 though he was 00:18:39.600 --> 00:18:40.540 innocent and 00:18:40.540 --> 00:18:41.220 was crucified, 00:18:42.040 --> 00:18:42.980 died and was 00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:43.340 buried. 00:18:44.180 --> 00:18:44.900 He suffered 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:46.800 hell for us. 00:18:47.820 --> 00:18:49.240 Yet he was 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:49.960 raised from the 00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:50.900 dead, he 00:18:50.900 --> 00:18:52.019 ascended into 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.920 heaven and 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:54.099 now he sits 00:18:54.099 --> 00:18:55.019 at the right 00:18:55.019 --> 00:18:55.839 hand of God 00:18:55.839 --> 00:18:56.759 on the throne 00:18:56.759 --> 00:18:57.420 above all 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:58.019 thrones with 00:18:58.019 --> 00:18:58.559 the name of 00:18:58.559 --> 00:18:59.579 all names. 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:00.859 And we 00:19:00.859 --> 00:19:01.339 believe that 00:19:01.339 --> 00:19:02.079 he is coming 00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:03.180 back to judge 00:19:03.180 --> 00:19:04.299 the living and 00:19:04.299 --> 00:19:04.879 the dead. 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:06.240 And we 00:19:06.240 --> 00:19:06.839 believe in the 00:19:06.839 --> 00:19:07.359 Holy Spirit 00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:08.559 who has made 00:19:08.559 --> 00:19:09.900 us a church, 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:11.180 who has united 00:19:11.180 --> 00:19:11.779 us together, 00:19:11.859 --> 00:19:12.440 even though we 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:12.980 are divided, 00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:14.960 united us 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:15.619 together to 00:19:15.619 --> 00:19:16.599 treasure Jesus 00:19:16.599 --> 00:19:17.059 together. 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:18.559 He has brought 00:19:18.559 --> 00:19:19.500 forgiveness from 00:19:19.500 --> 00:19:20.680 our sins and 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:21.340 he will one 00:19:21.340 --> 00:19:23.120 day raise 00:19:23.120 --> 00:19:23.759 us from the 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:25.060 dead, just 00:19:25.060 --> 00:19:25.759 like Jesus. 00:19:26.580 --> 00:19:27.259 And we 00:19:27.259 --> 00:19:28.420 will live our 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:29.180 life with God 00:19:29.180 --> 00:19:29.920 for eternity. 00:19:31.340 --> 00:19:31.900 This creed 00:19:31.900 --> 00:19:32.799 doesn't exhaust 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:34.080 all that there 00:19:34.080 --> 00:19:34.680 is to say 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:35.019 about the 00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:35.759 Christian faith. 00:19:36.820 --> 00:19:37.500 But Christians 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.340 have declared 00:19:38.340 --> 00:19:39.519 this boldly for 00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:41.060 centuries, in 00:19:41.060 --> 00:19:41.580 the face of 00:19:41.580 --> 00:19:42.740 opposition, in 00:19:42.740 --> 00:19:43.380 the face of 00:19:43.380 --> 00:19:44.320 death and 00:19:44.320 --> 00:19:45.019 plague. 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:46.900 We take our 00:19:46.900 --> 00:19:48.200 place with all 00:19:48.200 --> 00:19:48.819 of our brothers 00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:49.580 and sisters 00:19:49.580 --> 00:19:51.279 declaring what 00:19:51.279 --> 00:19:51.779 we believe 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:52.279 about our 00:19:52.279 --> 00:19:53.000 God as we 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:53.680 follow him. 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:55.860 The creed 00:19:55.860 --> 00:19:58.980 starts with 00:19:58.980 --> 00:19:59.920 our God who 00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:00.640 has created 00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:01.960 and ends 00:20:01.960 --> 00:20:03.039 with the hope 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.840 that we have 00:20:03.840 --> 00:20:04.860 in what God 00:20:04.860 --> 00:20:05.519 has created 00:20:05.519 --> 00:20:06.279 for us, the 00:20:06.279 --> 00:20:07.019 new heavens. 00:20:08.340 --> 00:20:08.860 So right 00:20:08.860 --> 00:20:10.700 now, it is 00:20:10.700 --> 00:20:11.840 easy for us 00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:12.380 to have our 00:20:12.380 --> 00:20:13.420 eyes set on 00:20:13.420 --> 00:20:13.960 when the lockdown 00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:15.140 ends, whether 00:20:15.140 --> 00:20:16.200 that's July 1st 00:20:16.200 --> 00:20:16.720 or some other 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:18.059 time, when 00:20:18.059 --> 00:20:18.539 this is all 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:19.299 over and 00:20:19.299 --> 00:20:20.100 life can feel 00:20:20.100 --> 00:20:20.700 like it goes 00:20:20.700 --> 00:20:21.440 back to normal, 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:22.059 we can go back 00:20:22.059 --> 00:20:22.860 to work and 00:20:22.860 --> 00:20:23.860 school and go 00:20:23.860 --> 00:20:24.660 outside and go 00:20:24.660 --> 00:20:25.259 to shops and 00:20:25.259 --> 00:20:26.180 restaurants again, 00:20:27.620 --> 00:20:28.319 but it won't 00:20:28.319 --> 00:20:28.960 be satisfied. 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:31.279 It will be 00:20:31.279 --> 00:20:34.000 better, but a 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:35.180 normal life here 00:20:35.180 --> 00:20:36.700 is not all that 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:38.620 God has for us. 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:40.160 And if we are 00:20:40.160 --> 00:20:41.640 just yearning for 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:42.460 life to go back 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:43.720 to normal, we 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:44.620 will be let 00:20:44.620 --> 00:20:44.920 down. 00:20:46.200 --> 00:20:47.680 God has 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:48.819 something far 00:20:48.819 --> 00:20:49.680 better in 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:50.500 store for us 00:20:50.500 --> 00:20:51.980 that we can 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:52.920 be setting our 00:20:52.920 --> 00:20:53.559 eyes on. 00:20:54.120 --> 00:20:55.019 A day that is 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:55.720 worth yearning 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:56.819 for and looking 00:20:56.819 --> 00:20:57.180 to. 00:20:57.480 --> 00:20:58.220 A day that 00:20:58.220 --> 00:20:58.840 will satisfy. 00:20:59.500 --> 00:21:00.819 A life lived 00:21:00.819 --> 00:21:01.380 for eternity, 00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:01.799 in God. 00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:02.900 Let me pray 00:21:02.900 --> 00:21:03.400 for us. 00:21:05.140 --> 00:21:06.039 Heavenly Father, 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:06.940 we thank you so 00:21:06.940 --> 00:21:07.500 much for the 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:08.319 Apostles' Creed 00:21:08.319 --> 00:21:10.120 that we can 00:21:10.120 --> 00:21:11.080 declare what we 00:21:11.080 --> 00:21:12.440 believe about 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:12.960 what you have 00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:13.720 done for us 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:14.600 and who you 00:21:14.599 --> 00:21:15.059 are. 00:21:16.199 --> 00:21:17.119 Heavenly Father, 00:21:17.899 --> 00:21:18.879 help us to 00:21:18.879 --> 00:21:19.919 set our eyes 00:21:19.919 --> 00:21:20.539 on things 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:21.119 above. 00:21:21.959 --> 00:21:22.659 Help us to 00:21:22.659 --> 00:21:23.500 set our eyes 00:21:23.500 --> 00:21:24.059 on the 00:21:24.059 --> 00:21:25.240 resurrection hope 00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:26.039 that we have, 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:27.159 that we get to 00:21:27.159 --> 00:21:27.859 be with you 00:21:27.859 --> 00:21:28.419 forever. 00:21:30.079 --> 00:21:31.579 Lord, as we 00:21:31.579 --> 00:21:32.699 live our lives 00:21:32.699 --> 00:21:33.539 waiting for that 00:21:33.539 --> 00:21:35.819 day, unsure of 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:36.399 what tomorrow 00:21:36.399 --> 00:21:37.319 will look like, 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:38.659 Father, help us 00:21:38.660 --> 00:21:40.720 to place our 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.840 anxieties and 00:21:41.840 --> 00:21:42.920 worries before 00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:44.540 you and help 00:21:44.540 --> 00:21:45.800 grow our trust 00:21:45.800 --> 00:21:47.279 in you as the 00:21:47.279 --> 00:21:47.940 God who is 00:21:47.940 --> 00:21:48.680 sovereign over 00:21:48.680 --> 00:21:49.580 all things, 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:51.460 all plagues and 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:52.040 disease. 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:54.279 And help us to 00:21:54.279 --> 00:21:55.279 know and to 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:56.920 long for the 00:21:56.920 --> 00:21:57.560 day that we 00:21:57.560 --> 00:21:58.360 will see you 00:21:58.360 --> 00:21:59.160 face to face 00:21:59.160 --> 00:21:59.759 and be with you 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:00.360 for eternity. 00:22:01.140 --> 00:22:01.620 And we pray 00:22:01.620 --> 00:22:02.300 this in your 00:22:02.300 --> 00:22:02.820 Son's name, 00:22:02.900 --> 00:22:03.040 for your 00:22:03.040 --> 00:22:03.400 glory. 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:04.360 Amen. 00:22:04.360 --> 00:22:04.480 Amen. 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:04.519 Amen. 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:04.580 Amen. 00:22:04.580 --> 00:22:04.620 Amen.