WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.820 Today's reading is taken from Acts chapter 5, verses 12 to 26. 00:00:07.140 --> 00:00:13.480 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles, 00:00:13.480 --> 00:00:17.140 ! And they were all together in Solomon's portico. 00:00:18.359 --> 00:00:22.400 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 00:00:23.300 --> 00:00:29.339 And more than ever, believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.000 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, 00:00:35.500 --> 00:00:40.179 that as Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 00:00:40.920 --> 00:00:44.640 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, 00:00:45.399 --> 00:00:50.480 bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. 00:00:51.500 --> 00:00:57.519 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, 00:00:57.520 --> 00:01:03.100 and filled with jealousy, they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 00:01:04.079 --> 00:01:09.800 But during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, 00:01:09.799 --> 00:01:15.560 Go and stand in the temple, and speak to the people all the words of this life. 00:01:16.359 --> 00:01:21.219 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. 00:01:21.219 --> 00:01:28.000 Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, 00:01:28.519 --> 00:01:33.799 all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 00:01:34.799 --> 00:01:40.180 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported. 00:01:40.879 --> 00:01:44.939 We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, 00:01:44.939 --> 00:01:47.939 but when we opened them, we found no one inside. 00:01:49.159 --> 00:01:53.319 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, 00:01:53.980 --> 00:01:58.700 they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 00:01:59.579 --> 00:02:01.519 And someone came and told them, 00:02:01.959 --> 00:02:07.579 Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people. 00:02:07.579 --> 00:02:13.319 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, 00:02:13.780 --> 00:02:16.699 for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. 00:02:18.719 --> 00:02:22.419 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. 00:02:23.419 --> 00:02:25.479 And the high priest questioned them, saying, 00:02:25.900 --> 00:02:28.740 We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, 00:02:29.199 --> 00:02:32.039 yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, 00:02:32.319 --> 00:02:35.639 and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 00:02:35.639 --> 00:02:39.379 But Peter and the apostles answered, 00:02:40.139 --> 00:02:42.279 We must obey God rather than men. 00:02:42.839 --> 00:02:46.799 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 00:02:47.739 --> 00:02:51.659 God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior 00:02:51.659 --> 00:02:55.339 to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 00:02:55.979 --> 00:02:57.799 And we are witnesses to these things, 00:02:57.799 --> 00:03:02.119 and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. 00:03:02.120 --> 00:03:07.200 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 00:03:07.860 --> 00:03:10.159 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, 00:03:10.599 --> 00:03:13.259 a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, 00:03:13.780 --> 00:03:17.560 stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 00:03:18.360 --> 00:03:19.520 And he said to them, 00:03:20.520 --> 00:03:24.379 Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 00:03:24.379 --> 00:03:29.039 For before these days, Theodos rose up, claiming to be somebody, 00:03:29.719 --> 00:03:32.319 and a number of men, about 400, joined him. 00:03:32.979 --> 00:03:36.919 He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 00:03:38.120 --> 00:03:42.019 After him, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census 00:03:42.019 --> 00:03:44.740 and drew away some of the people after him. 00:03:45.620 --> 00:03:48.819 He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 00:03:48.819 --> 00:03:52.079 So in the present case, I tell you, 00:03:52.539 --> 00:03:54.739 keep away from these men and let them alone. 00:03:55.400 --> 00:04:00.359 For if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail. 00:04:01.239 --> 00:04:05.079 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. 00:04:05.620 --> 00:04:07.840 You might even be found opposing God. 00:04:08.819 --> 00:04:12.419 So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, 00:04:12.819 --> 00:04:17.240 they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. 00:04:17.240 --> 00:04:20.879 Then they left the presence of the council, 00:04:21.460 --> 00:04:25.360 rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 00:04:25.900 --> 00:04:29.120 And every day in the temple and from house to house, 00:04:29.540 --> 00:04:33.600 they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. 00:04:34.259 --> 00:04:35.319 This is the word of the Lord. 00:04:38.300 --> 00:04:40.759 Thank you so much, Trish and Celeste. 00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:41.600 Good morning, everybody. 00:04:41.920 --> 00:04:44.060 It's great to be with you again this morning. 00:04:44.319 --> 00:04:46.579 If you are new to Watermark, you don't know me. 00:04:46.579 --> 00:04:49.599 My name is Kevin, and great to have you with us. 00:04:49.680 --> 00:04:51.279 Please do come and say hi afterwards. 00:04:51.359 --> 00:04:54.740 I would love to meet you and greet you, but great to have you with us. 00:04:55.240 --> 00:05:00.039 Why don't I pray for us briefly as we come to this passage and look at it together. 00:05:01.300 --> 00:05:05.279 Lord Jesus, we do gather this morning in your name, 00:05:05.519 --> 00:05:07.959 but we must confess, God, with heavy hearts. 00:05:07.959 --> 00:05:10.599 When we see what's happening in our world, 00:05:10.659 --> 00:05:13.159 when we are aware of the wars and the conflict, 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:17.079 the chaos, the uncertainty, the volatility. 00:05:17.719 --> 00:05:19.719 Lord, it's very, very uncertain times, 00:05:19.819 --> 00:05:20.879 and our hearts are grieving. 00:05:21.060 --> 00:05:25.879 Our hearts are grieving for the loss of life that is happening all around the world. 00:05:26.740 --> 00:05:30.240 God, our hearts are grieving for broken families, broken relationships. 00:05:30.240 --> 00:05:32.199 As we come to your word, God, 00:05:32.259 --> 00:05:35.199 once you remind us of some things that are absolutely true, 00:05:35.519 --> 00:05:37.759 remind us of the most important things in life. 00:05:37.860 --> 00:05:39.680 There's so much that we don't know, 00:05:39.780 --> 00:05:44.019 but help us to see what we can know and to anchor our lives in you. 00:05:44.280 --> 00:05:45.579 God, let your word speak to us. 00:05:45.660 --> 00:05:47.759 We pray, God, that what I say, Lord, 00:05:47.800 --> 00:05:49.860 I pray may it only be of you, God. 00:05:49.879 --> 00:05:51.939 If there's anything that's not of you or your will, 00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:53.720 let it fall on deaf ears. 00:05:53.840 --> 00:05:55.420 God, we want to hear you speak to us today. 00:05:56.060 --> 00:05:57.620 Spirit of God, come and have your way, 00:05:57.620 --> 00:05:59.519 we pray in your great name. 00:06:00.300 --> 00:06:00.639 Amen. 00:06:01.280 --> 00:06:01.639 Amen. 00:06:02.879 --> 00:06:05.980 As rational and intelligent beings, 00:06:06.300 --> 00:06:06.980 we humans, 00:06:07.199 --> 00:06:08.759 and I know that may be questionable, 00:06:09.019 --> 00:06:10.540 whether we are always rational or intelligent, 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:13.600 but largely as rational and intelligent beings, 00:06:14.040 --> 00:06:14.800 as humans, 00:06:14.920 --> 00:06:16.980 we love to know what the future holds, 00:06:17.079 --> 00:06:17.519 don't we? 00:06:18.379 --> 00:06:20.100 Life would be so much easier. 00:06:20.759 --> 00:06:22.560 Our choices would be so much simpler. 00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:25.560 Our decisions would have so much less drama, 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:26.780 less anxiety. 00:06:27.620 --> 00:06:28.939 Less fear. 00:06:29.079 --> 00:06:32.899 If only we could know the outcome of the trials that we face 00:06:32.899 --> 00:06:35.420 and the difficulties that we're going through. 00:06:35.680 --> 00:06:37.560 Just think of your career. 00:06:38.600 --> 00:06:40.980 Wouldn't you love to know where your career is going to be 00:06:40.980 --> 00:06:43.500 in five years or 10 years or 15 years time? 00:06:44.259 --> 00:06:47.340 Or maybe the work that you engaged in, 00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:50.060 maybe that job interview you've just gone through, 00:06:50.240 --> 00:06:52.139 or a trial that you're working on, 00:06:52.480 --> 00:06:54.600 or some deal that you're working on. 00:06:54.780 --> 00:06:56.160 What's the outcome going to be? 00:06:56.160 --> 00:06:58.000 Where's this thing going to end up? 00:06:58.840 --> 00:07:00.920 Or just think about what it would mean for our investments. 00:07:01.140 --> 00:07:03.680 How many of us wouldn't love to know what the markets are going to do 00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:06.240 in 12 or 24 or 36 months time? 00:07:06.760 --> 00:07:09.500 Take a lot of anxiety out of a lot of homes, 00:07:09.560 --> 00:07:09.920 I'm sure, 00:07:10.060 --> 00:07:10.600 or businesses. 00:07:11.400 --> 00:07:12.700 Or think about our children. 00:07:13.460 --> 00:07:17.080 Wouldn't we love to know what career path our children are going to choose? 00:07:17.220 --> 00:07:17.320 Right? 00:07:17.319 --> 00:07:17.839 I mean, 00:07:17.899 --> 00:07:23.759 all the myriad of activities and extracurricular things we do all weekends and afternoons. 00:07:23.939 --> 00:07:24.959 If we just knew, 00:07:25.339 --> 00:07:25.420 hey, 00:07:25.480 --> 00:07:26.579 they're going to go down this path. 00:07:26.740 --> 00:07:28.219 You can leave all those other ones aside. 00:07:28.500 --> 00:07:30.600 How much simpler parenting would be? 00:07:31.480 --> 00:07:33.620 Or what about the trials that we face? 00:07:34.180 --> 00:07:36.980 How much easier would those trials be if we knew the outcome? 00:07:36.980 --> 00:07:38.879 In our family, 00:07:39.020 --> 00:07:49.140 we recently had the agonizing experience of having to wait for some potentially serious medical results that were coming back. 00:07:49.259 --> 00:07:50.800 And as a loved one, 00:07:50.860 --> 00:07:51.780 it was uncertain. 00:07:52.740 --> 00:07:54.319 And you're in this time of waiting. 00:07:54.319 --> 00:07:57.939 What happens if the results come back serious? 00:07:58.459 --> 00:07:59.420 As the doctors say, 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:00.319 there's a possibility. 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:02.379 What will that mean for our loved one? 00:08:03.860 --> 00:08:07.519 One of the great challenges in life is that we all need to make decisions, 00:08:07.659 --> 00:08:08.500 sometimes very, 00:08:08.659 --> 00:08:09.959 very important decisions, 00:08:10.439 --> 00:08:12.000 without really knowing. 00:08:12.159 --> 00:08:12.319 Indeed, 00:08:12.379 --> 00:08:15.100 we cannot know what so much of the future holds. 00:08:15.899 --> 00:08:16.980 How do we handle this? 00:08:19.019 --> 00:08:19.500 Friends, 00:08:19.579 --> 00:08:21.680 what happens if there are some things we could know? 00:08:22.480 --> 00:08:27.300 What if there are some of the most important things in life that we can have some measure of certainty on? 00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:31.280 What if there are some things that will influence the choices that we make, 00:08:31.300 --> 00:08:32.899 and the way we go about things, 00:08:33.320 --> 00:08:34.620 knowing for certain, 00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:36.419 some measure of clarity. 00:08:36.680 --> 00:08:38.279 How would that change the way that we live? 00:08:39.299 --> 00:08:40.899 We are working through the book of Acts, 00:08:41.000 --> 00:08:42.980 as Celeste and Trish read to us. 00:08:43.399 --> 00:08:45.019 And we're in Acts chapter 5 today, 00:08:45.019 --> 00:08:48.580 and this passage is very similar to the one we looked at two weeks ago. 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:50.159 You remember two weeks ago, 00:08:50.159 --> 00:08:53.159 Peter and John are on the way to the temple. 00:08:53.740 --> 00:08:55.120 A man gets healed. 00:08:55.339 --> 00:08:56.059 They say, 00:08:56.299 --> 00:08:57.219 a crippled man, 00:08:57.339 --> 00:08:58.139 rise up and walk. 00:08:58.559 --> 00:08:59.500 An amazing miracle. 00:09:00.139 --> 00:09:01.879 And Peter and John are then arrested. 00:09:02.399 --> 00:09:03.600 They're put in jail overnight. 00:09:04.120 --> 00:09:04.639 The next day, 00:09:04.699 --> 00:09:05.980 they come before the authorities. 00:09:06.179 --> 00:09:07.079 They're put on trial. 00:09:07.219 --> 00:09:08.079 They're interrogated. 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:09.000 They are threatened. 00:09:09.480 --> 00:09:09.980 And eventually, 00:09:10.079 --> 00:09:10.839 they are released, 00:09:11.399 --> 00:09:15.459 upon which they go back and rejoice at the great experience that they just had. 00:09:16.399 --> 00:09:16.600 Well, 00:09:16.620 --> 00:09:17.039 here again, 00:09:17.079 --> 00:09:18.039 our passage today is very, 00:09:18.139 --> 00:09:18.620 very similar. 00:09:18.620 --> 00:09:19.460 Here, 00:09:19.600 --> 00:09:21.019 the apostles are arrested, 00:09:21.320 --> 00:09:22.200 put in jail overnight. 00:09:22.740 --> 00:09:23.000 Here, 00:09:23.080 --> 00:09:24.820 they are released from jail miraculously, 00:09:25.120 --> 00:09:27.200 but they are re-arrested the next day, 00:09:27.879 --> 00:09:29.019 brought before the authorities, 00:09:29.259 --> 00:09:29.940 put on trial, 00:09:30.480 --> 00:09:30.940 threatened. 00:09:31.519 --> 00:09:31.759 Here, 00:09:31.840 --> 00:09:32.799 they are actually beaten, 00:09:33.480 --> 00:09:35.179 and then threatened some more, 00:09:35.379 --> 00:09:35.919 and released, 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:39.000 upon which they go and rejoice at the great experience that they've had. 00:09:39.340 --> 00:09:39.560 So, 00:09:39.639 --> 00:09:40.159 two very, 00:09:40.279 --> 00:09:41.700 very similar experiences. 00:09:42.639 --> 00:09:44.680 But in this passage that we're looking at today, 00:09:44.679 --> 00:09:46.739 Luke wants us to see, 00:09:47.199 --> 00:09:49.699 that the most important thing about life, 00:09:50.299 --> 00:09:52.120 the most important thing about the future, 00:09:52.719 --> 00:09:54.419 is actually not that uncertain. 00:09:54.899 --> 00:09:56.939 It's not as uncertain as we imagine. 00:09:57.620 --> 00:10:01.079 And that we really can have some measure of certainty and confidence, 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:03.459 about who God is, 00:10:03.819 --> 00:10:05.959 about the great big things in life, 00:10:06.179 --> 00:10:08.959 and about the choices and the decisions we need to make, 00:10:09.019 --> 00:10:09.879 in light of that. 00:10:10.539 --> 00:10:10.840 And so, 00:10:10.980 --> 00:10:11.939 in this passage today, 00:10:11.980 --> 00:10:13.500 I've got three very simple things, 00:10:13.620 --> 00:10:14.639 for us to look at. 00:10:15.279 --> 00:10:15.679 One, 00:10:16.120 --> 00:10:17.080 absolute certainty. 00:10:17.879 --> 00:10:18.320 Two, 00:10:18.820 --> 00:10:19.779 competing choices. 00:10:20.460 --> 00:10:21.519 Three quick implications. 00:10:21.960 --> 00:10:22.159 Okay? 00:10:22.399 --> 00:10:23.720 I hope you like what I did with that. 00:10:23.779 --> 00:10:24.799 Very simple to remember. 00:10:24.939 --> 00:10:25.100 Okay? 00:10:25.480 --> 00:10:25.779 One, 00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:26.539 absolute certainty. 00:10:27.039 --> 00:10:27.220 Two, 00:10:27.299 --> 00:10:28.019 competing choices. 00:10:28.580 --> 00:10:29.580 Three quick implications. 00:10:30.039 --> 00:10:30.220 So, 00:10:30.320 --> 00:10:31.120 let's dive in, 00:10:31.439 --> 00:10:32.439 and look at this. 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:33.519 One, 00:10:33.960 --> 00:10:34.720 absolute certainty. 00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:36.779 When we read the Bible, 00:10:36.879 --> 00:10:38.080 one of the things that I've been learning, 00:10:38.179 --> 00:10:39.120 the last few months, 00:10:39.200 --> 00:10:39.519 actually, 00:10:39.519 --> 00:10:39.980 is, 00:10:40.519 --> 00:10:41.699 when we read the Bible, 00:10:41.939 --> 00:10:44.319 one of the very important questions to ask ourselves, 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:45.100 is not just, 00:10:45.340 --> 00:10:46.399 what are the words saying, 00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:48.699 but what is the feeling of the passage? 00:10:48.919 --> 00:10:49.799 What is the tone? 00:10:50.579 --> 00:10:52.120 Sometimes the biblical writers, 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:53.740 want us to get their message, 00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:54.960 just by telling us, 00:10:55.120 --> 00:10:56.639 this is what I'm trying to say to you. 00:10:57.000 --> 00:10:57.179 So, 00:10:57.399 --> 00:10:57.799 for instance, 00:10:57.919 --> 00:10:58.139 John, 00:10:58.179 --> 00:10:59.299 at the end of his gospel says, 00:10:59.679 --> 00:11:00.779 I've written these things, 00:11:00.819 --> 00:11:02.699 that you may know Jesus is the Christ, 00:11:02.779 --> 00:11:03.779 and by believing in him, 00:11:04.039 --> 00:11:04.960 have life in his name. 00:11:05.259 --> 00:11:06.720 This is why I've written my gospel. 00:11:07.600 --> 00:11:08.399 But very often, 00:11:08.399 --> 00:11:10.220 the biblical writers don't tell us, 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:11.500 this is what I'm trying to say. 00:11:11.600 --> 00:11:13.279 They want us to pick it up. 00:11:13.700 --> 00:11:15.759 They want us to get the feel of the passage, 00:11:15.899 --> 00:11:17.200 the tone of the passage, 00:11:17.500 --> 00:11:18.019 more than, 00:11:18.180 --> 00:11:20.680 more than just studying and analyzing the words. 00:11:21.540 --> 00:11:24.180 When we read this passage that was read to us this morning, 00:11:24.179 --> 00:11:26.199 what is God trying to say to us? 00:11:26.879 --> 00:11:27.319 Well, 00:11:27.739 --> 00:11:29.779 notice how remarkably positive, 00:11:30.059 --> 00:11:30.739 and encouraging, 00:11:30.959 --> 00:11:32.159 and uplifting these passages. 00:11:32.719 --> 00:11:33.759 Look at how it starts off. 00:11:33.859 --> 00:11:34.879 Verse 12 says, 00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:38.899 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done amongst the people, 00:11:39.219 --> 00:11:40.419 by the hands of the apostles. 00:11:40.919 --> 00:11:42.059 And they were all together. 00:11:42.359 --> 00:11:43.079 Verse 14, 00:11:43.559 --> 00:11:44.620 And more than ever, 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:46.419 believers were added to their number, 00:11:46.659 --> 00:11:48.599 multitudes of men and women. 00:11:49.139 --> 00:11:52.099 And then he goes on to tell about the amazing miracles that take place. 00:11:52.100 --> 00:11:53.740 People bring their loved ones, 00:11:53.820 --> 00:11:54.879 their nets on the floor, 00:11:55.220 --> 00:11:56.100 that if possible, 00:11:56.220 --> 00:11:58.080 Peter's shadow might just fall on them, 00:11:58.139 --> 00:11:59.379 and maybe even get healed. 00:11:59.800 --> 00:12:01.899 This is a story of amazing miracles, 00:12:02.060 --> 00:12:02.840 and God's favor, 00:12:02.960 --> 00:12:04.460 and God's blessing is on the people. 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:08.259 And what an amazing experience this church is going through. 00:12:08.680 --> 00:12:10.340 This is the closest thing to revival. 00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:12.519 And look at how the passage ends. 00:12:12.580 --> 00:12:15.320 Look at the very last verse that Celeste read to us. 00:12:15.320 --> 00:12:15.500 It says, 00:12:15.920 --> 00:12:16.560 Verse 42, 00:12:16.559 --> 00:12:26.839 This passage both begins and ends 00:12:26.839 --> 00:12:31.579 with this remarkably encouraging and favorable summation 00:12:31.579 --> 00:12:32.799 of the church. 00:12:32.939 --> 00:12:34.459 God's blessing is all upon them. 00:12:35.619 --> 00:12:37.519 But, as we said a few weeks ago, 00:12:38.179 --> 00:12:39.779 it's not all roses and butterflies, 00:12:39.779 --> 00:12:42.699 because this passage also has some real challenges. 00:12:43.539 --> 00:12:44.419 There's some real opposition, 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:47.600 some real hostility that these apostles face, right? 00:12:47.959 --> 00:12:49.220 Some pretty serious challenges. 00:12:49.679 --> 00:12:52.439 Yes, they're great miracles and signs and wonders, 00:12:53.019 --> 00:12:54.639 but there's some significant challenges, 00:12:54.759 --> 00:12:55.559 even hostility. 00:12:56.000 --> 00:12:57.500 They are arrested twice. 00:12:58.240 --> 00:12:59.319 They are interrogated. 00:12:59.819 --> 00:13:01.360 They come close to being put to death. 00:13:01.459 --> 00:13:02.100 Verse 33, 00:13:02.100 --> 00:13:02.839 They say, 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:04.000 Let's kill these guys. 00:13:04.819 --> 00:13:06.439 And then when that doesn't happen, 00:13:06.539 --> 00:13:07.100 they are threatened, 00:13:07.100 --> 00:13:07.740 threatened, 00:13:07.899 --> 00:13:08.540 they are beaten, 00:13:08.740 --> 00:13:12.019 which probably means being beaten 39 times with a cane. 00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:14.540 And eventually they are threatened further 00:13:14.540 --> 00:13:15.879 before being released. 00:13:17.180 --> 00:13:17.860 And yet, 00:13:18.440 --> 00:13:20.600 look what Luke wants us to take from this. 00:13:21.540 --> 00:13:24.680 Luke wants us to see that despite all the hostility, 00:13:24.879 --> 00:13:25.820 all the challenges, 00:13:25.980 --> 00:13:26.960 all the opposition, 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:29.240 the final outcome 00:13:29.240 --> 00:13:32.600 is the undisputed reign of Jesus 00:13:32.600 --> 00:13:34.740 and the advancement of the church 00:13:34.740 --> 00:13:36.960 and the success of the gospel. 00:13:37.700 --> 00:13:40.920 At the end of the story of this chapter, 00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:42.759 what's happened? 00:13:42.860 --> 00:13:43.460 The disciples, 00:13:43.800 --> 00:13:45.300 despite everything they've gone through, 00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:46.460 despite the threats, 00:13:47.120 --> 00:13:49.420 everything the authorities have tried to do 00:13:49.420 --> 00:13:50.279 to stop them, 00:13:50.620 --> 00:13:51.460 to hinder them, 00:13:51.820 --> 00:13:53.720 to stamp out their authority, 00:13:53.860 --> 00:13:54.920 to intimidate them, 00:13:55.200 --> 00:13:56.320 the final ending, 00:13:56.420 --> 00:13:58.060 the final reality is 00:13:58.060 --> 00:14:00.180 the apostles succeed 00:14:00.180 --> 00:14:01.200 and the gospel goes forward. 00:14:01.420 --> 00:14:02.480 Jesus is on the throne 00:14:02.480 --> 00:14:03.660 and nothing, 00:14:03.940 --> 00:14:05.519 nothing can stop them. 00:14:05.960 --> 00:14:07.240 Look again at the final verse. 00:14:07.600 --> 00:14:08.860 After everything they've done, 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:10.139 they've threatened to kill them, 00:14:10.199 --> 00:14:10.579 they say, 00:14:11.279 --> 00:14:11.980 and every day, 00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:13.240 in the temple, 00:14:13.779 --> 00:14:14.740 from house to house, 00:14:15.319 --> 00:14:17.240 they did not cease teaching and preaching 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:18.860 at the Christ of Jesus. 00:14:19.840 --> 00:14:20.259 And in fact, 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:22.019 that's how the book of Acts actually ends. 00:14:22.079 --> 00:14:23.579 If you go to the very last verse 00:14:23.579 --> 00:14:24.379 of the book of Acts, 00:14:24.379 --> 00:14:26.159 it says this, 00:14:26.740 --> 00:14:28.759 Paul lived in two whole years 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:30.679 and under house arrest in Rome 00:14:30.679 --> 00:14:32.519 and he welcomed all who came to him 00:14:32.519 --> 00:14:34.419 proclaiming the kingdom of God 00:14:34.419 --> 00:14:35.919 and teaching about the Lord Jesus 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:38.100 with all boldness 00:14:38.100 --> 00:14:39.240 and without hindrance. 00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:40.939 The story of Acts is, 00:14:41.179 --> 00:14:42.480 despite all the opposition, 00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:44.100 everything that the authorities 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:44.840 and the rulers 00:14:44.840 --> 00:14:45.600 and the governors 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:48.139 and everything tries to throw at them, 00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:49.679 the gospel advances, 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.360 the kingdom goes forward, 00:14:51.360 --> 00:14:53.560 and the apostles are not stopped. 00:14:54.580 --> 00:14:55.879 And look at the way 00:14:55.879 --> 00:14:57.840 that our passage makes this point. 00:14:58.180 --> 00:14:59.300 Look at all the ironies 00:14:59.300 --> 00:15:00.100 in our passage here. 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:01.500 The apostles are arrested, 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:03.460 but they find themselves released. 00:15:04.120 --> 00:15:05.820 The authorities want to kill them, 00:15:06.220 --> 00:15:07.519 but one of their own members 00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:09.440 convinces them to set them free. 00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:10.800 They call them in 00:15:10.800 --> 00:15:12.360 to try and silence the apostles, 00:15:12.580 --> 00:15:13.259 but what happens? 00:15:13.800 --> 00:15:16.379 They go out rejoicing, 00:15:16.580 --> 00:15:17.420 preaching and teaching. 00:15:18.079 --> 00:15:19.059 They seek to threaten 00:15:19.059 --> 00:15:20.139 and intimidate them, 00:15:20.439 --> 00:15:21.240 but the authorities 00:15:21.240 --> 00:15:21.979 are actually the ones 00:15:21.979 --> 00:15:22.819 that are most threatened, 00:15:22.979 --> 00:15:23.679 most intimidated, 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:24.500 most afraid. 00:15:25.479 --> 00:15:27.319 And I love in verse 25, 00:15:27.939 --> 00:15:29.039 here are some leaders 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:30.839 that are very sophisticated, 00:15:31.199 --> 00:15:32.240 very smart. 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:33.139 In fact, 00:15:33.179 --> 00:15:34.120 the temple police 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:35.779 are involved in arresting these guys. 00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:37.639 Their job is to know 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:39.000 everything that's going on, 00:15:39.399 --> 00:15:40.360 and yet what's happening? 00:15:40.360 --> 00:15:41.779 They're all scratching their heads, 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:42.099 saying, 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:43.699 where have those guys been arrested? 00:15:44.259 --> 00:15:45.120 We thought they were in jail. 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.819 Does anybody know where they are? 00:15:47.460 --> 00:15:48.640 Verse 25 says, 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:50.460 an unnamed somebody, 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:52.180 doesn't even know who they are, 00:15:52.300 --> 00:15:53.060 somebody says, 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:53.660 guys, 00:15:53.780 --> 00:15:54.820 those people you're looking at, 00:15:55.180 --> 00:15:56.240 they're back in the temple 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:57.120 where they were yesterday, 00:15:57.580 --> 00:15:58.660 doing the same thing 00:15:58.660 --> 00:15:59.800 that they were doing yesterday. 00:16:00.420 --> 00:16:01.900 Do you want me to go get them for you? 00:16:02.400 --> 00:16:02.640 Yeah, 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:03.460 all the authorities, 00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:04.680 they're perplexed, 00:16:04.700 --> 00:16:05.180 they're baffled, 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:06.340 they don't know what's going on. 00:16:06.920 --> 00:16:07.980 And here somebody says, 00:16:08.160 --> 00:16:08.320 oh, 00:16:08.320 --> 00:16:09.600 they're exactly where they were yesterday. 00:16:10.860 --> 00:16:11.620 And in fact, 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:12.980 Luke wants us to see 00:16:12.980 --> 00:16:14.540 that although the authorities 00:16:14.540 --> 00:16:15.600 are very serious, 00:16:15.600 --> 00:16:16.960 and their threats are very serious, 00:16:17.080 --> 00:16:17.879 he wants us to see 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:19.680 almost the silliness, 00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:21.040 the juvenile nature 00:16:21.040 --> 00:16:21.820 of their behavior. 00:16:22.379 --> 00:16:23.279 Look at verse 17, 00:16:23.460 --> 00:16:23.700 it says, 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:25.540 they're described as being jealous. 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:26.779 Verse 24, 00:16:26.920 --> 00:16:28.200 they are greatly perplexed, 00:16:28.220 --> 00:16:29.139 that means they're baffled, 00:16:29.200 --> 00:16:29.740 they're confused, 00:16:29.820 --> 00:16:30.560 what's going on? 00:16:31.159 --> 00:16:32.019 Look at verse 26, 00:16:32.100 --> 00:16:33.519 they are deeply afraid. 00:16:34.519 --> 00:16:35.800 And verse 33 says, 00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:37.580 they are enraged. 00:16:37.820 --> 00:16:39.300 It's like they're losing control 00:16:39.300 --> 00:16:40.240 of their emotions. 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:42.080 Luke wants us to tell, 00:16:42.420 --> 00:16:43.420 here are the authorities, 00:16:43.419 --> 00:16:45.479 and they're almost juvenile. 00:16:45.620 --> 00:16:46.479 Look at how immature 00:16:46.479 --> 00:16:47.579 their behavior is. 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:49.399 And Luke is painting 00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:50.699 a picture for us here. 00:16:50.819 --> 00:16:51.519 He's saying here, 00:16:51.719 --> 00:16:52.959 this hostility, 00:16:53.219 --> 00:16:53.459 yes, 00:16:53.500 --> 00:16:54.559 it's very real. 00:16:55.039 --> 00:16:55.259 Yes, 00:16:55.279 --> 00:16:56.620 they can impose some real pain 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:57.399 on these guys, 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:58.860 but ultimately, 00:16:59.479 --> 00:17:00.559 it's no threat at all. 00:17:01.199 --> 00:17:01.419 Yes, 00:17:01.459 --> 00:17:02.479 they can throw them in jail, 00:17:02.860 --> 00:17:03.659 they can threaten them 00:17:03.659 --> 00:17:04.180 with death, 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:06.480 they can try and intimidate them, 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:07.359 but ultimately, 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:08.700 at the end of the day, 00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:11.059 no matter what they threaten them with, 00:17:11.119 --> 00:17:12.240 no matter what they throw at them, 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:13.420 no matter what they do at them, 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:16.180 their threat is inconsequential. 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:19.500 These men and the gospel 00:17:19.500 --> 00:17:21.579 will go forward. 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:24.539 The ultimate reality, 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:26.579 the final verdict, 00:17:27.339 --> 00:17:28.839 the absolute certainty 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:30.980 is that Jesus is on the throne 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:33.019 and his gospel will persevere. 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:35.519 Though the nations rage, 00:17:36.259 --> 00:17:38.039 kingdoms rise and fall, 00:17:38.620 --> 00:17:40.099 there is still one king 00:17:40.099 --> 00:17:41.140 reigning over all. 00:17:41.140 --> 00:17:42.759 None above him, 00:17:42.900 --> 00:17:43.640 none before him, 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:45.100 all of time in his hands. 00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:46.480 For his throne, 00:17:46.580 --> 00:17:47.520 it shall remain, 00:17:47.640 --> 00:17:48.800 and it shall never stand. 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:51.580 And look at Peter's speech here. 00:17:53.280 --> 00:17:54.100 They say to him, 00:17:54.140 --> 00:17:55.360 we strictly charge you 00:17:55.360 --> 00:17:56.520 not to teach in his name, 00:17:56.620 --> 00:17:57.880 that here you are filled Jerusalem 00:17:57.880 --> 00:17:58.660 with your teaching. 00:17:59.360 --> 00:18:00.060 And Peter says, 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:01.300 the God of our fathers 00:18:01.300 --> 00:18:02.420 raised Jesus, 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:03.320 whom you killed. 00:18:03.620 --> 00:18:04.580 You put him on the cross. 00:18:04.580 --> 00:18:05.880 How much more do you want to 00:18:05.880 --> 00:18:07.520 try and stop this guy? 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:09.000 There's nothing more that you can do 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:09.580 than kill him, 00:18:09.660 --> 00:18:10.300 take his life. 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:11.419 You killed him. 00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:13.220 And yet God raised him. 00:18:13.799 --> 00:18:14.599 God exalted him 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:15.299 at his right hand. 00:18:15.359 --> 00:18:16.059 He's now leader, 00:18:16.159 --> 00:18:16.519 the ruler, 00:18:16.639 --> 00:18:18.359 the savior of all. 00:18:19.899 --> 00:18:20.759 Here are the messages 00:18:20.759 --> 00:18:21.799 Luke is telling us 00:18:21.799 --> 00:18:23.019 that despite everything 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:24.139 that is thrown their way, 00:18:24.740 --> 00:18:25.180 nothing, 00:18:25.539 --> 00:18:26.519 nothing can hinder 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:27.200 or thought 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:28.200 or stop 00:18:28.200 --> 00:18:29.839 the message of the gospel 00:18:29.839 --> 00:18:31.039 in advance of God's kingdom. 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:32.960 And we see this most clearly 00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:34.419 in Gamaliel's speech. 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:35.619 I love his speech here 00:18:35.619 --> 00:18:36.659 that Celeste read to us. 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:37.919 Look at how he says this 00:18:37.920 --> 00:18:38.820 in verse 35. 00:18:40.080 --> 00:18:40.640 He says, 00:18:40.700 --> 00:18:41.279 men of Israel, 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:42.360 take care what you 00:18:42.360 --> 00:18:43.240 are about to do 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:43.800 with these men. 00:18:44.360 --> 00:18:45.460 For before these days, 00:18:45.600 --> 00:18:46.700 Theodos rose up 00:18:46.700 --> 00:18:48.259 claiming to be someone special 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:49.180 and a number of men, 00:18:49.259 --> 00:18:49.940 about 400, 00:18:50.300 --> 00:18:50.840 joined him. 00:18:51.240 --> 00:18:52.140 But he was killed. 00:18:52.960 --> 00:18:54.279 And all who followed him 00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:54.880 were dispersed 00:18:54.880 --> 00:18:55.740 and came to nothing. 00:18:56.320 --> 00:18:57.000 And after him, 00:18:57.080 --> 00:18:58.080 Judas the Galilean 00:18:58.080 --> 00:18:59.140 rose up in the days 00:18:59.140 --> 00:18:59.779 of the census, 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:01.380 drew away some of the people 00:19:01.380 --> 00:19:01.880 after him. 00:19:02.440 --> 00:19:03.300 He too perished 00:19:03.300 --> 00:19:04.220 and all who followed him 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:04.880 were scattered. 00:19:04.880 --> 00:19:06.680 So in the present case, 00:19:06.740 --> 00:19:07.200 I tell you, 00:19:07.320 --> 00:19:08.440 keep away from these men 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:09.300 and leave them alone. 00:19:09.820 --> 00:19:11.480 For if this plan 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:12.580 or this undertaking 00:19:12.580 --> 00:19:13.540 is of man, 00:19:13.880 --> 00:19:15.780 it will fail. 00:19:16.860 --> 00:19:18.000 But if it is of God, 00:19:18.420 --> 00:19:19.840 you will not be able 00:19:19.840 --> 00:19:20.800 to overthrow them. 00:19:21.300 --> 00:19:22.560 You may even be found 00:19:22.560 --> 00:19:24.320 to be opposing God. 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:25.600 Friends, 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:26.500 this is exactly 00:19:26.500 --> 00:19:27.880 what Luke wants us to see. 00:19:28.260 --> 00:19:29.200 I don't think Gamaliel 00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:30.040 had any idea 00:19:30.040 --> 00:19:30.940 just how true 00:19:30.940 --> 00:19:32.000 his words were. 00:19:32.520 --> 00:19:33.460 I think he didn't realize 00:19:33.460 --> 00:19:35.340 how absolutely pinpoint 00:19:35.340 --> 00:19:35.900 he was. 00:19:36.120 --> 00:19:37.420 That the message of Jesus 00:19:37.420 --> 00:19:38.500 that these men proclaimed 00:19:38.500 --> 00:19:40.000 was not of man. 00:19:40.539 --> 00:19:41.559 It was of God. 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:42.700 And so no matter 00:19:42.700 --> 00:19:43.840 what they throw at them, 00:19:43.920 --> 00:19:44.980 no matter what they try 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:45.340 and do, 00:19:45.700 --> 00:19:46.160 nothing, 00:19:46.500 --> 00:19:47.980 nothing in all the world, 00:19:48.039 --> 00:19:48.840 in all of history, 00:19:49.059 --> 00:19:50.299 not the religious leaders, 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:51.759 not the power of Rome, 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:53.059 no political party, 00:19:53.240 --> 00:19:54.200 nothing will be able 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:54.980 to stop 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:56.079 the message 00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:57.039 that these men proclaim, 00:19:57.819 --> 00:19:58.299 which is that 00:19:58.299 --> 00:19:59.000 Jesus is Lord, 00:19:59.059 --> 00:19:59.720 he's on the throne, 00:20:00.140 --> 00:20:01.900 and he rules and reigns. 00:20:01.900 --> 00:20:02.700 None above him, 00:20:02.819 --> 00:20:03.440 none before him, 00:20:03.440 --> 00:20:05.220 all of time in his hands, 00:20:05.720 --> 00:20:06.400 for his throne 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:07.320 shall ever stay, 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:08.180 ever remain, 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:09.360 and ever stand. 00:20:10.340 --> 00:20:11.120 And here in this passage, 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:12.320 I love how Gamaliel says, 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:13.880 he talks about three people. 00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:14.720 He says, 00:20:14.880 --> 00:20:15.440 there's Theodos, 00:20:15.820 --> 00:20:16.440 he died, 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:17.600 and this thing came to an end. 00:20:18.080 --> 00:20:18.620 There's Judas, 00:20:18.759 --> 00:20:19.259 he died, 00:20:19.680 --> 00:20:20.820 and his thing came to an end. 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:22.140 And Peter says, 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:22.920 there's another man, 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:23.259 Jesus, 00:20:23.380 --> 00:20:23.980 he died. 00:20:24.440 --> 00:20:25.460 You try to kill him, 00:20:26.160 --> 00:20:27.039 but it couldn't put an end 00:20:27.039 --> 00:20:27.660 to his followers. 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:28.660 It couldn't put an end 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:29.180 to the church. 00:20:29.380 --> 00:20:30.440 It couldn't put an end 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:31.539 to his gospel message, 00:20:31.539 --> 00:20:33.480 that Jesus rules and reigns, 00:20:33.480 --> 00:20:34.240 he's on the throne. 00:20:35.399 --> 00:20:36.259 I don't know if you know 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:37.639 the story of Hugh Latimer 00:20:37.639 --> 00:20:38.659 and Nicholas Ridley, 00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:39.799 one of my favorite stories 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:40.460 in church history. 00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:41.200 I'm sure I've told you 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:42.079 this story many times, 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:43.519 so I'm sorry if you've heard 00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:44.839 this for the 20th time already. 00:20:45.399 --> 00:20:46.960 But 16th of October, 00:20:47.180 --> 00:20:48.420 1555, 00:20:48.659 --> 00:20:49.720 so 500 years ago, 00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:51.579 two bishops in England 00:20:51.579 --> 00:20:53.159 are tied up, 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:54.700 taken to the stake 00:20:54.700 --> 00:20:55.759 in central Oxford 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.399 in England, 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:58.180 and are burnt alive. 00:20:58.580 --> 00:20:58.980 Why? 00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:00.320 Because they're preaching 00:21:00.320 --> 00:21:01.320 the gospel of Jesus 00:21:01.320 --> 00:21:02.680 against Queen Mary, 00:21:02.900 --> 00:21:03.720 Bloody Mary, 00:21:03.880 --> 00:21:04.500 as she is known. 00:21:04.580 --> 00:21:05.580 She's known as Bloody Mary 00:21:05.580 --> 00:21:06.280 because she killed 00:21:06.280 --> 00:21:07.019 so many people 00:21:07.019 --> 00:21:09.280 in 1555 in England. 00:21:09.620 --> 00:21:10.440 They are preaching 00:21:10.440 --> 00:21:11.040 against her, 00:21:11.140 --> 00:21:11.420 saying, 00:21:11.840 --> 00:21:13.019 Jesus Christ is Lord, 00:21:13.120 --> 00:21:14.780 the monarch is not Lord, 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:16.800 and Jesus is King. 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:18.600 And so these two bishops, 00:21:19.100 --> 00:21:19.820 Hugh Latimer, 00:21:20.120 --> 00:21:20.840 Nicholas Ridley, 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:22.019 are tied up, 00:21:22.140 --> 00:21:23.040 taken to the stake, 00:21:23.039 --> 00:21:25.359 and put around them 00:21:25.359 --> 00:21:26.259 are grass, 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:27.379 dry grass, 00:21:27.960 --> 00:21:30.259 and the authorities 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:31.500 are bringing torches 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:32.599 of lit flames 00:21:32.599 --> 00:21:34.659 to set the grass alight 00:21:34.659 --> 00:21:36.119 and so they will burn to death. 00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:38.000 And while the people 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:39.159 are approaching them, 00:21:39.379 --> 00:21:40.039 Hugh Latimer, 00:21:40.180 --> 00:21:41.220 the older of the two, 00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:43.019 says to Nicholas Ridley, 00:21:43.079 --> 00:21:44.579 who's tied behind him, 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:45.940 this is what he says. 00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:47.980 Sorry, 00:21:48.399 --> 00:21:49.700 these words always get me. 00:21:50.519 --> 00:21:51.639 Be of good cheer, 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:52.700 Master Ridley. 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:54.139 Be courageous. 00:21:54.899 --> 00:21:56.259 We shall this day 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:57.859 light such a flame 00:21:57.859 --> 00:21:59.119 that by God's grace 00:21:59.119 --> 00:21:59.720 in England, 00:22:00.039 --> 00:22:00.859 I trust, 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:02.460 shall never be put out. 00:22:03.899 --> 00:22:04.220 Friends, 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:04.700 here's a man 00:22:04.700 --> 00:22:06.220 that as the flames 00:22:06.220 --> 00:22:07.259 are starting to lick 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:08.379 the grass around them 00:22:08.379 --> 00:22:09.879 and their clothes 00:22:09.879 --> 00:22:10.859 are starting to catch a light, 00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:11.819 here's a man who says, 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:13.000 be of good cheer. 00:22:13.940 --> 00:22:14.700 Be courageous. 00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:17.339 This message 00:22:17.339 --> 00:22:18.079 that we proclaim 00:22:18.079 --> 00:22:19.599 won't end without death. 00:22:20.099 --> 00:22:21.299 It will go on. 00:22:21.379 --> 00:22:22.119 And he was right. 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:23.059 Three years later, 00:22:23.159 --> 00:22:24.000 Queen Mary died. 00:22:24.399 --> 00:22:25.119 She passed the throne 00:22:25.119 --> 00:22:26.039 on to her cousin, 00:22:26.179 --> 00:22:27.459 Queen Elizabeth I, 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:28.859 and England became 00:22:28.859 --> 00:22:29.799 a Protestant nation 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:31.000 and hundreds of years later, 00:22:31.079 --> 00:22:32.379 the gospel still advances. 00:22:33.639 --> 00:22:33.939 Friends, 00:22:34.000 --> 00:22:34.500 how is it that 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:35.079 as the flames 00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:35.899 are starting to 00:22:35.899 --> 00:22:37.599 lick these men's clothes, 00:22:37.699 --> 00:22:38.159 how is it that 00:22:38.159 --> 00:22:38.819 they can call out, 00:22:38.919 --> 00:22:39.639 be of good cheer, 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:40.359 be courageous? 00:22:41.019 --> 00:22:42.059 Because they knew, 00:22:42.759 --> 00:22:43.239 they knew 00:22:43.239 --> 00:22:43.919 that the message 00:22:43.919 --> 00:22:44.639 doesn't die 00:22:44.639 --> 00:22:45.719 when the people die. 00:22:46.179 --> 00:22:47.199 Christ is on the throne. 00:22:47.919 --> 00:22:48.099 Well, 00:22:48.159 --> 00:22:48.759 think of the words 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:49.400 of Tertullian. 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.279 Tertullian was an 00:22:50.279 --> 00:22:51.599 early Christian preacher 00:22:51.599 --> 00:22:52.160 and teacher 00:22:52.160 --> 00:22:53.740 around the year of 200 AD, 00:22:54.220 --> 00:22:55.400 150 years after 00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:56.359 the book of Acts is written. 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:58.119 And this is what he writes. 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:58.660 He says, 00:22:59.099 --> 00:23:00.039 you can kill us, 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:01.720 you can torture us, 00:23:02.119 --> 00:23:02.700 condemn us, 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:04.039 grind us into the dust. 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:06.019 The more you mow us down, 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:07.480 the more we will grow. 00:23:07.859 --> 00:23:09.119 For the blood of Christians 00:23:09.119 --> 00:23:10.900 is the seed of the gospel. 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:12.079 Friends, 00:23:12.180 --> 00:23:12.779 there is a 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.980 absolute certainty. 00:23:14.140 --> 00:23:15.740 There is a definitive outcome. 00:23:16.539 --> 00:23:17.880 This is how the story 00:23:17.880 --> 00:23:18.779 of the world ends. 00:23:18.880 --> 00:23:20.160 That when all is said and done, 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:21.200 when kingdoms rise 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:22.140 and kingdoms fall, 00:23:22.559 --> 00:23:23.920 at the end of the story, 00:23:24.120 --> 00:23:25.200 Jesus Christ will be 00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:25.940 King and Lord 00:23:25.940 --> 00:23:27.519 forever and ever 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:28.380 and ever 00:23:28.380 --> 00:23:29.740 and his gospel will stand. 00:23:30.620 --> 00:23:31.460 And we can look 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.380 at Luke chapter 5 00:23:32.380 --> 00:23:33.019 and think that 00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:35.200 the message of Acts 5 00:23:35.200 --> 00:23:35.440 is, 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:35.720 sorry, 00:23:35.880 --> 00:23:36.339 Acts 5, 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:37.759 we can think the message is 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:39.200 be courageous like these men. 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.500 That's not what Luke 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:41.059 wants to say. 00:23:41.620 --> 00:23:42.720 The question Luke 00:23:42.720 --> 00:23:43.740 wants to ask us is 00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:44.680 do we know 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:45.480 what they know? 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:47.259 Do we have the conviction 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:48.140 and the certainty 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:49.359 that these men had? 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:51.460 Here are not five lessons 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:52.160 how to be bold 00:23:52.160 --> 00:23:52.700 and courageous 00:23:52.700 --> 00:23:53.420 in your life. 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:54.799 The lesson here is 00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:56.059 do you know what they know? 00:23:56.579 --> 00:23:57.819 That Jesus is on the throne 00:23:57.819 --> 00:23:59.620 seated at the right hand 00:23:59.620 --> 00:24:00.339 of God the Father 00:24:00.339 --> 00:24:01.420 as ruler and savior 00:24:01.420 --> 00:24:02.079 of the world. 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:04.140 That's what Luke 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:05.019 wants us to see here. 00:24:05.140 --> 00:24:05.380 Yes, 00:24:05.440 --> 00:24:06.279 the disciples face 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:07.220 incredible opposition, 00:24:07.940 --> 00:24:08.319 arrest, 00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:08.759 threats, 00:24:08.920 --> 00:24:09.259 trials, 00:24:09.440 --> 00:24:09.940 beatings, 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:10.660 threats of death 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:12.000 and yet they come out 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:12.500 rejoicing, 00:24:12.620 --> 00:24:13.599 more committed than ever. 00:24:14.380 --> 00:24:14.579 Why? 00:24:14.579 --> 00:24:15.399 Because the words 00:24:15.399 --> 00:24:16.699 of Gamaliel are right. 00:24:17.159 --> 00:24:18.059 If this is of God 00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:19.599 it cannot be stopped. 00:24:20.960 --> 00:24:21.379 So, 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:22.139 one, 00:24:22.199 --> 00:24:23.000 absolute certainty. 00:24:23.919 --> 00:24:24.279 Two, 00:24:25.099 --> 00:24:25.960 competing choices. 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:27.639 Now that leaves us 00:24:27.639 --> 00:24:28.339 with some choices 00:24:28.339 --> 00:24:28.839 to make. 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:30.399 What are we going to do 00:24:30.399 --> 00:24:31.220 with this message? 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.639 And one of the things 00:24:32.639 --> 00:24:33.439 that Luke wants us 00:24:33.439 --> 00:24:34.859 to see in the book of Acts 00:24:34.859 --> 00:24:35.419 is that 00:24:35.419 --> 00:24:37.679 because Luke is so certain 00:24:37.679 --> 00:24:38.419 that the story 00:24:38.419 --> 00:24:39.539 of Jesus is real, 00:24:39.879 --> 00:24:40.939 we've got to make a choice. 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:41.360 So what are we going 00:24:41.360 --> 00:24:42.000 to do with that? 00:24:42.500 --> 00:24:43.820 Are we going to surrender 00:24:43.820 --> 00:24:44.580 and bow down 00:24:44.580 --> 00:24:45.200 or are we going 00:24:45.200 --> 00:24:46.799 to resist him? 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:49.340 And here in Luke 00:24:49.340 --> 00:24:50.539 in Acts chapter 5 00:24:50.539 --> 00:24:52.240 we see something 00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:53.700 of the binary nature, 00:24:53.799 --> 00:24:54.539 we see with clarity 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:55.480 the binary nature 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:56.240 of following Jesus. 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:58.340 Luke wants us to see 00:24:58.340 --> 00:24:59.420 that following Jesus 00:24:59.420 --> 00:25:00.460 is not, 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:02.860 it's not a wishy-washy, 00:25:02.920 --> 00:25:03.580 it's not kind of like 00:25:03.580 --> 00:25:04.620 one foot in each camp. 00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:05.340 There's something 00:25:05.340 --> 00:25:06.700 of a binary decision 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:08.200 that needs to be made. 00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:09.580 And we see this clearly 00:25:09.580 --> 00:25:11.420 in Peter's speech 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:12.779 in verse 29. 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:15.000 In verse 27 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.380 it says, 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:17.140 when they brought them in 00:25:17.140 --> 00:25:17.640 they set them 00:25:17.640 --> 00:25:18.400 before the council, 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:19.620 the high priest questioned them 00:25:19.620 --> 00:25:19.880 saying, 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:21.100 we strictly charge you 00:25:21.100 --> 00:25:22.400 not to teach in his name. 00:25:22.900 --> 00:25:23.779 Yet here you have filled 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:24.980 Jerusalem with your teaching. 00:25:25.819 --> 00:25:26.720 But Peter and the apostles 00:25:26.720 --> 00:25:27.240 answered, 00:25:27.680 --> 00:25:29.539 we must obey God 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:31.200 rather than man. 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:33.620 Peter's very clear. 00:25:34.380 --> 00:25:35.120 He's saying either 00:25:35.120 --> 00:25:36.259 we are for Christ 00:25:36.259 --> 00:25:37.700 or we are for you. 00:25:38.420 --> 00:25:39.680 Either we are with Christ 00:25:39.680 --> 00:25:40.900 or we are against Christ. 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:42.240 Either our foot 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:43.200 is in the kingdom of God 00:25:43.200 --> 00:25:43.740 or our foot 00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:44.799 is in the kingdom of man. 00:25:44.880 --> 00:25:45.980 But we cannot straddle 00:25:45.980 --> 00:25:46.920 these two fences. 00:25:48.180 --> 00:25:48.900 And Peter's making it 00:25:48.900 --> 00:25:49.259 very clear 00:25:49.259 --> 00:25:49.920 that there's something 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:50.980 of a binary choice here. 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:51.740 Who are you for? 00:25:51.799 --> 00:25:52.460 Are you for Christ 00:25:52.460 --> 00:25:52.980 or are you for 00:25:52.980 --> 00:25:54.319 the things of this world? 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:55.640 And in many ways 00:25:55.640 --> 00:25:56.279 the authorities, 00:25:56.420 --> 00:25:57.200 what they're asking them 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:57.640 to do is, 00:25:57.940 --> 00:25:58.680 they're not saying 00:25:58.680 --> 00:26:00.220 deny Jesus completely, 00:26:00.620 --> 00:26:01.240 they're just saying 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:02.400 pipe down a little bit, 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:03.759 just calm down. 00:26:04.360 --> 00:26:05.380 Take all your stuff 00:26:05.380 --> 00:26:06.319 about the resurrection 00:26:06.319 --> 00:26:06.940 and repentance 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:07.779 and just keep that 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:08.500 to your side. 00:26:09.420 --> 00:26:09.620 You know, 00:26:09.660 --> 00:26:10.640 in the first century, 00:26:11.279 --> 00:26:12.059 the Pharisees 00:26:12.059 --> 00:26:12.660 didn't mind 00:26:12.660 --> 00:26:13.580 kind of other groups 00:26:13.580 --> 00:26:14.200 and sects 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:14.620 like there's the 00:26:14.620 --> 00:26:15.299 Qumran group 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:16.259 and the other kind of groups. 00:26:16.360 --> 00:26:17.240 They didn't mind them so much 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:18.580 as long as they weren't disruptive, 00:26:19.080 --> 00:26:19.740 as long as they weren't 00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.380 too radical, 00:26:20.539 --> 00:26:21.200 too strong. 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:22.480 And the Pharisees 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.120 are kind of saying here, 00:26:23.320 --> 00:26:23.519 listen, 00:26:23.620 --> 00:26:24.380 don't go tell everyone 00:26:24.380 --> 00:26:24.900 about Jesus, 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:25.920 just keep it to yourself. 00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:26.980 You can have your small group 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:27.460 in your home, 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:28.100 that's okay. 00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:29.880 And Peter's saying, 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:30.860 if you're asking us 00:26:30.860 --> 00:26:31.740 to toe the line, 00:26:31.820 --> 00:26:32.740 what you're actually doing 00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:33.299 is asking us 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:34.920 to deny Jesus as Lord. 00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:36.680 And that we cannot do. 00:26:37.180 --> 00:26:38.320 Either we obey God 00:26:38.320 --> 00:26:39.360 or we obey man, 00:26:39.580 --> 00:26:41.019 but we cannot do them both. 00:26:42.100 --> 00:26:42.779 And remember how 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:43.560 just a few, 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:44.259 maybe months 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:45.019 or years before, 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:46.080 Peter had tried 00:26:46.080 --> 00:26:46.759 to toe the line. 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:48.620 Remember one day, 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:49.740 Peter, 00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:51.519 he wants to follow Jesus, 00:26:51.640 --> 00:26:52.340 but he's also worried 00:26:52.340 --> 00:26:53.140 about his own safety. 00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:54.160 And so someone comes to him 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:54.380 and says, 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:54.580 hey, 00:26:54.620 --> 00:26:55.180 are you one of those 00:26:55.180 --> 00:26:55.880 followers of Jesus? 00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:56.180 He says, 00:26:56.300 --> 00:26:56.500 no, 00:26:56.560 --> 00:26:56.680 no, 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:57.240 I don't know 00:26:57.240 --> 00:26:58.120 what you're talking about. 00:26:58.920 --> 00:26:59.039 Hey, 00:26:59.120 --> 00:27:00.259 I did not see you 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:00.900 following Jesus. 00:27:01.039 --> 00:27:01.060 He says, 00:27:01.060 --> 00:27:01.180 no, 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:01.340 no, 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:02.720 I do not know the man. 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:04.439 And how did that end? 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:05.220 It ended with Peter 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:06.199 denying Jesus 00:27:06.199 --> 00:27:07.339 and going out 00:27:07.339 --> 00:27:08.419 and weeping bitterly. 00:27:09.459 --> 00:27:10.059 And Peter here, 00:27:10.159 --> 00:27:11.500 the spirit has got a hold of him. 00:27:11.619 --> 00:27:12.779 God has got a hold of him. 00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:14.059 And he says, 00:27:14.119 --> 00:27:14.319 actually, 00:27:14.379 --> 00:27:15.539 we've got to make a choice. 00:27:15.639 --> 00:27:16.439 Are we going to follow God 00:27:16.439 --> 00:27:17.059 or follow man? 00:27:17.519 --> 00:27:18.439 And Peter here 00:27:18.439 --> 00:27:20.019 is echoing the words 00:27:20.019 --> 00:27:21.379 of Jesus in Matthew 12. 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:22.259 Jesus says this, 00:27:22.319 --> 00:27:23.399 whoever is not with me 00:27:23.399 --> 00:27:24.279 is against me. 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:25.939 Whoever does not gather 00:27:25.939 --> 00:27:27.039 with me scatters. 00:27:27.480 --> 00:27:27.879 Now, 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:28.519 it's true that 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:29.500 all Christians 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:30.819 are on a spiritual journey, 00:27:30.919 --> 00:27:31.059 right? 00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:33.079 Our journey of faith 00:27:33.079 --> 00:27:34.559 is not always 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:35.579 as black and white 00:27:35.579 --> 00:27:35.759 than that. 00:27:35.819 --> 00:27:36.599 We are learning 00:27:36.599 --> 00:27:37.759 to grow in faith 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.399 and obedience 00:27:38.399 --> 00:27:40.099 and trust in God. 00:27:40.639 --> 00:27:41.200 And none of us 00:27:41.200 --> 00:27:42.259 are the perfect specimen. 00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:43.480 All of us 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:43.919 are learning 00:27:43.919 --> 00:27:45.419 to apply the gospel 00:27:45.419 --> 00:27:46.099 to our lives 00:27:46.099 --> 00:27:47.139 and learn to love 00:27:47.139 --> 00:27:48.200 and trust Jesus more. 00:27:48.619 --> 00:27:49.319 But here we see 00:27:49.319 --> 00:27:50.119 something of the 00:27:50.119 --> 00:27:51.440 radical nature, 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:52.460 the binary nature. 00:27:52.940 --> 00:27:54.319 Where is our decision line? 00:27:54.619 --> 00:27:55.359 Who are we following? 00:27:56.159 --> 00:27:57.079 I was thinking this week, 00:27:57.599 --> 00:27:57.779 you know, 00:27:57.919 --> 00:27:58.839 the Sermon on the Mount 00:27:58.839 --> 00:27:59.440 is very, 00:27:59.579 --> 00:28:00.019 very popular. 00:28:00.159 --> 00:28:01.019 Everybody loves, 00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:02.059 the Sermon on the Mount. 00:28:02.319 --> 00:28:02.480 Why? 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:04.119 Even Mahatma Gandhi, 00:28:04.279 --> 00:28:05.099 who is not a Christian, 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.720 loved the Sermon on the Mount. 00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:08.059 He called it 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:09.759 a profound source 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.299 of moral 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:11.359 and spiritual wisdom. 00:28:12.079 --> 00:28:12.799 And we all love 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:13.440 the Sermon on the Mount 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:14.180 because of Jesus' 00:28:14.379 --> 00:28:15.619 very wonderful words. 00:28:15.700 --> 00:28:15.920 Like, 00:28:16.039 --> 00:28:16.359 for instance, 00:28:16.460 --> 00:28:17.160 in Matthew 7, 00:28:17.279 --> 00:28:17.740 he says, 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:21.279 why do you see the speck 00:28:21.279 --> 00:28:22.519 of dust in your brother's eye 00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:23.440 but miss the log 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:24.059 in your own eye? 00:28:24.160 --> 00:28:24.980 First take the log 00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:25.599 out of your eye 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:27.000 and then you'll see clearly 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:27.779 to take the speck 00:28:27.779 --> 00:28:28.660 out of your brother's eye. 00:28:29.220 --> 00:28:30.019 Or Jesus says, 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:31.420 you've heard that it was said, 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:32.240 an eye for an eye, 00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:33.160 a tooth for a tooth, 00:28:33.579 --> 00:28:34.120 but I say, 00:28:34.180 --> 00:28:35.000 if someone slaps you 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:35.599 on the right cheek, 00:28:35.720 --> 00:28:36.140 turn to him 00:28:36.140 --> 00:28:36.980 the other cheek also. 00:28:37.660 --> 00:28:38.519 Or Jesus says, 00:28:38.720 --> 00:28:38.920 you know, 00:28:38.920 --> 00:28:39.819 you've heard that it was said, 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:40.599 love your neighbor, 00:28:40.740 --> 00:28:41.400 hate your enemy, 00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:42.259 but I say, 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:43.079 love your enemies, 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:43.819 pray for those 00:28:43.819 --> 00:28:44.660 who persecute you. 00:28:44.660 --> 00:28:46.340 So everybody loves 00:28:46.340 --> 00:28:47.300 the Sermon on the Mount, 00:28:48.019 --> 00:28:48.620 but do you know 00:28:48.620 --> 00:28:49.420 how the Sermon ends? 00:28:50.580 --> 00:28:51.300 How does the Sermon 00:28:51.300 --> 00:28:51.860 on the Mount end? 00:28:52.779 --> 00:28:53.680 It ends with Jesus 00:28:53.680 --> 00:28:55.460 issuing a very binary choice. 00:28:56.279 --> 00:28:56.560 He says, 00:28:56.600 --> 00:28:57.360 you've got two choices. 00:28:57.540 --> 00:28:58.460 Are you going to be with me 00:28:58.460 --> 00:28:59.380 or are you against me? 00:29:00.140 --> 00:29:00.880 Jesus tells about 00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:01.600 two pathways. 00:29:02.400 --> 00:29:03.680 He says this in Matthew 7, 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:03.980 He says, 00:29:03.980 --> 00:29:05.580 enter by the narrow gate, 00:29:05.820 --> 00:29:07.000 for the gate is wide, 00:29:07.100 --> 00:29:07.900 the way is easy, 00:29:07.980 --> 00:29:08.620 the path is easy, 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:09.560 it leads to destruction, 00:29:09.700 --> 00:29:11.120 and many, many enter it, 00:29:11.380 --> 00:29:12.660 but the gate is narrow, 00:29:12.759 --> 00:29:13.759 the way is hard, 00:29:13.759 --> 00:29:14.819 that leads to life, 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:16.339 and few find it. 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:16.799 Jesus says, 00:29:16.839 --> 00:29:17.519 you've got a choice. 00:29:18.319 --> 00:29:19.400 Jesus talks about two trees. 00:29:19.519 --> 00:29:19.759 He says, 00:29:19.819 --> 00:29:20.460 there's a good tree 00:29:20.460 --> 00:29:21.140 and a bad tree, 00:29:21.440 --> 00:29:22.099 and the bad tree 00:29:22.099 --> 00:29:23.099 cannot bear good fruit, 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:23.660 and the good tree 00:29:23.660 --> 00:29:24.500 cannot bear bad fruit. 00:29:24.579 --> 00:29:25.480 Which tree are you? 00:29:25.779 --> 00:29:26.400 Are you with me 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:27.240 or are you against me? 00:29:28.079 --> 00:29:29.460 Jesus talks about two houses, 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:30.519 or a house that builds 00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:31.379 on two foundations. 00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:31.740 He says, 00:29:31.740 --> 00:29:33.099 those who hear my words 00:29:33.099 --> 00:29:34.079 and follow me 00:29:34.079 --> 00:29:35.140 and trust me, 00:29:35.559 --> 00:29:36.700 they're like someone 00:29:36.700 --> 00:29:37.420 who builds their house 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:38.000 on a rock, 00:29:38.299 --> 00:29:39.220 and the wind comes 00:29:39.220 --> 00:29:40.160 and the storm comes 00:29:40.160 --> 00:29:41.960 and the floods come 00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:43.099 and it will stand firm. 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:44.680 But if you reject me, 00:29:44.720 --> 00:29:45.240 it's like building 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.379 your house on sand, 00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:47.900 and the floods will come 00:29:47.900 --> 00:29:48.660 and the wind will come 00:29:48.660 --> 00:29:49.500 and the rains will come 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.819 and that house will crash. 00:29:51.940 --> 00:29:52.500 Jesus says, 00:29:52.599 --> 00:29:54.379 there are like two types 00:29:54.379 --> 00:29:55.059 of religion, 00:29:55.660 --> 00:29:56.420 those who pretend 00:29:56.420 --> 00:29:57.000 to know him 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:58.259 and those who really know him. 00:29:58.339 --> 00:29:59.619 He says in Matthew 7, 00:29:59.619 --> 00:30:01.279 not everyone who says to me, 00:30:01.319 --> 00:30:01.819 Lord, Lord, 00:30:01.879 --> 00:30:02.640 will enter the kingdom, 00:30:03.140 --> 00:30:04.200 but the one who does 00:30:04.200 --> 00:30:05.220 the will of my father. 00:30:05.940 --> 00:30:06.640 Many will say, 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:07.000 Jesus, 00:30:07.099 --> 00:30:07.819 didn't we prophesy 00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:08.319 on your name 00:30:08.319 --> 00:30:09.259 and cast out demons 00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:11.220 and do many mighty works? 00:30:11.759 --> 00:30:12.640 And I will say to them, 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:13.460 I never knew you, 00:30:13.559 --> 00:30:14.240 depart from me. 00:30:15.460 --> 00:30:15.879 So yes, 00:30:15.960 --> 00:30:16.960 Jesus' sermon on the mountain 00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:17.799 is very wonderful, 00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:18.400 but it ends, 00:30:18.460 --> 00:30:18.700 he says, 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:19.640 you've heard my teaching, 00:30:19.740 --> 00:30:20.440 you've heard my words, 00:30:20.539 --> 00:30:21.460 where do you stand? 00:30:21.539 --> 00:30:22.119 Are you with me 00:30:22.119 --> 00:30:22.740 or are you for me? 00:30:23.119 --> 00:30:23.879 Are you gathering 00:30:23.879 --> 00:30:24.559 or are you scattering? 00:30:25.220 --> 00:30:26.299 And Peter here 00:30:26.299 --> 00:30:28.359 says to the Pharisees, 00:30:28.420 --> 00:30:29.160 the religious leaders, 00:30:29.579 --> 00:30:30.579 if you're asking us 00:30:30.579 --> 00:30:31.839 to toe the line, 00:30:31.940 --> 00:30:32.859 just to pipe down, 00:30:32.940 --> 00:30:33.259 just to accommodate 00:30:33.799 --> 00:30:35.019 a bit of Jesus 00:30:35.019 --> 00:30:35.700 and a bit of you, 00:30:36.079 --> 00:30:37.379 we cannot do it. 00:30:37.380 --> 00:30:39.580 We must obey God 00:30:39.580 --> 00:30:41.400 rather than man. 00:30:42.160 --> 00:30:42.960 And why is it? 00:30:43.100 --> 00:30:43.280 Well, 00:30:43.660 --> 00:30:44.860 Peter says in verse 30, 00:30:45.540 --> 00:30:46.520 the God of our fathers 00:30:46.520 --> 00:30:48.120 raised Jesus from the dead, 00:30:48.180 --> 00:30:49.160 whom you killed 00:30:49.160 --> 00:30:50.800 by hanging him on a tree. 00:30:51.560 --> 00:30:52.360 You cursed him, 00:30:52.480 --> 00:30:53.200 God raised him. 00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:54.260 You killed him, 00:30:54.600 --> 00:30:55.600 God exalted him. 00:30:55.960 --> 00:30:56.780 God exalted him 00:30:56.780 --> 00:30:57.620 to his right hand 00:30:57.620 --> 00:30:58.420 now as ruler 00:30:58.420 --> 00:30:59.640 and savior of all 00:30:59.640 --> 00:31:01.000 and we are witnesses 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:02.000 of these things. 00:31:03.360 --> 00:31:03.640 You know, 00:31:03.640 --> 00:31:05.140 the speech of Gamaliel, 00:31:05.320 --> 00:31:05.980 or Gamaliel, 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:07.559 he talks about 00:31:07.559 --> 00:31:08.240 these two guys, 00:31:08.339 --> 00:31:08.420 right? 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:09.400 Theodos and Judas 00:31:09.400 --> 00:31:11.819 who gathered a following 00:31:11.819 --> 00:31:12.620 and then they died 00:31:12.620 --> 00:31:13.420 and they dispersed. 00:31:13.700 --> 00:31:13.940 Friends, 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:14.940 in every generation, 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:17.339 there are ideas 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:18.240 that are going to ask 00:31:18.240 --> 00:31:18.960 you to follow them. 00:31:19.720 --> 00:31:20.440 And these days, 00:31:20.519 --> 00:31:21.519 those ideas are 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:22.579 maybe on our phone. 00:31:22.660 --> 00:31:23.200 You don't even need 00:31:23.200 --> 00:31:23.860 to meet the person 00:31:23.860 --> 00:31:24.500 face to face. 00:31:24.620 --> 00:31:25.259 They're in our IG, 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.279 they're in our news feed. 00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:27.799 They're ideas that say, 00:31:27.940 --> 00:31:28.579 follow me, 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:30.000 follow me. 00:31:30.839 --> 00:31:32.079 And one day they will die 00:31:32.079 --> 00:31:34.120 and then what will happen? 00:31:35.119 --> 00:31:36.159 They'll probably say to you, 00:31:36.219 --> 00:31:36.339 listen, 00:31:36.419 --> 00:31:37.279 you can follow Jesus 00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:38.319 but also follow us. 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:39.279 You don't need 00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:40.079 to deny Jesus, 00:31:40.199 --> 00:31:41.079 just tow the line. 00:31:41.939 --> 00:31:42.819 And Peter here is saying, 00:31:43.079 --> 00:31:44.479 where does our allegiance lie? 00:31:46.639 --> 00:31:47.039 Friends, 00:31:47.099 --> 00:31:47.579 here we see 00:31:47.579 --> 00:31:48.119 that we cannot 00:31:48.119 --> 00:31:48.779 follow Jesus 00:31:48.779 --> 00:31:49.659 and follow those 00:31:49.659 --> 00:31:50.500 that are opposed to him. 00:31:51.159 --> 00:31:52.479 We cannot obey Christ 00:31:52.479 --> 00:31:53.239 and obey those 00:31:53.239 --> 00:31:54.139 that are opposed to him. 00:31:54.679 --> 00:31:55.259 Many people 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:55.739 will be happy 00:31:55.739 --> 00:31:56.679 if we tolerate him. 00:31:56.959 --> 00:31:57.839 But Peter urges us 00:31:57.839 --> 00:31:58.079 to say, 00:31:58.139 --> 00:31:58.319 no, 00:31:58.539 --> 00:31:59.759 set your hope on Jesus. 00:32:00.439 --> 00:32:01.399 So what about us? 00:32:01.859 --> 00:32:02.859 If we look at the decisions 00:32:02.859 --> 00:32:03.579 that we make, 00:32:03.979 --> 00:32:04.919 the things we prioritize, 00:32:05.159 --> 00:32:05.839 the things we spend 00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:06.919 our time and money on, 00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:08.279 where's our allegiance? 00:32:08.459 --> 00:32:09.159 Who are we following? 00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:11.199 Two binary choices. 00:32:11.859 --> 00:32:12.919 Three quick implications. 00:32:13.199 --> 00:32:14.159 So let's look at 00:32:14.159 --> 00:32:15.500 what does this mean for us? 00:32:15.939 --> 00:32:16.240 Well, 00:32:16.439 --> 00:32:18.019 as we come to a conclusion, 00:32:18.139 --> 00:32:19.139 I want us to think about this 00:32:19.139 --> 00:32:19.659 in three ways. 00:32:19.859 --> 00:32:20.219 Personally, 00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:21.500 corporately, 00:32:21.699 --> 00:32:22.839 communally for us as a church 00:32:22.839 --> 00:32:23.559 and then globally. 00:32:23.919 --> 00:32:24.019 Okay? 00:32:24.359 --> 00:32:25.059 So firstly, 00:32:25.240 --> 00:32:25.719 individually. 00:32:26.659 --> 00:32:27.099 Individually, 00:32:27.219 --> 00:32:28.359 let's give ourselves 00:32:28.359 --> 00:32:29.339 wholeheartedly 00:32:29.339 --> 00:32:30.539 to the person of Jesus. 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:32.180 That's what Luke, 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:32.460 I think, 00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:32.960 has been wanting 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:33.839 to say to us here. 00:32:34.259 --> 00:32:35.740 The gospel will go forward. 00:32:36.159 --> 00:32:37.399 Christ's kingdom will advance. 00:32:37.480 --> 00:32:38.180 At the end of the ages, 00:32:38.339 --> 00:32:39.359 Jesus will reign 00:32:39.359 --> 00:32:41.099 and rule forever and ever. 00:32:41.659 --> 00:32:42.099 Individually, 00:32:42.259 --> 00:32:42.539 friends, 00:32:42.599 --> 00:32:43.759 let's be those of us 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:44.700 that give ourselves 00:32:44.700 --> 00:32:45.740 to Jesus. 00:32:46.279 --> 00:32:46.619 Friends, 00:32:46.700 --> 00:32:47.879 let's not play it safe. 00:32:48.480 --> 00:32:49.579 Let's not have one foot 00:32:49.579 --> 00:32:50.500 in the things of God 00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:51.480 and one foot 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:52.440 in the things of this world. 00:32:53.039 --> 00:32:53.240 Friends, 00:32:53.299 --> 00:32:54.139 let's refuse 00:32:54.139 --> 00:32:54.539 to be lukewarm 00:32:55.099 --> 00:32:55.940 and mediocre. 00:32:56.659 --> 00:32:57.440 Let's refuse 00:32:57.440 --> 00:32:59.159 to live in the mushy middle 00:32:59.160 --> 00:33:01.440 of kind of like mediocrity. 00:33:02.080 --> 00:33:02.279 Friends, 00:33:02.420 --> 00:33:03.140 let's know 00:33:03.140 --> 00:33:04.640 that the ultimate outcome, 00:33:05.120 --> 00:33:05.840 the definitive, 00:33:06.279 --> 00:33:07.200 absolute certainty 00:33:07.200 --> 00:33:08.400 is that Jesus rules and reigns. 00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:09.300 Let's live our lives 00:33:09.300 --> 00:33:10.720 in light of that. 00:33:11.380 --> 00:33:12.500 Let's make clear, 00:33:12.620 --> 00:33:13.620 decisive decisions 00:33:13.620 --> 00:33:14.300 to embrace 00:33:14.300 --> 00:33:15.300 the narrow road 00:33:15.300 --> 00:33:16.759 that hard as it may be 00:33:16.759 --> 00:33:18.240 will lead to life. 00:33:19.300 --> 00:33:19.560 Friends, 00:33:19.640 --> 00:33:20.560 haven't we all tried 00:33:20.560 --> 00:33:21.420 to play it safe? 00:33:22.120 --> 00:33:22.920 I know I have. 00:33:23.779 --> 00:33:24.580 Haven't we all tried 00:33:24.580 --> 00:33:25.440 to just, 00:33:25.720 --> 00:33:26.060 you know, 00:33:26.420 --> 00:33:27.160 live in that 00:33:27.160 --> 00:33:28.320 mushy middle 00:33:28.320 --> 00:33:29.240 of mediocrity 00:33:29.240 --> 00:33:30.740 and subtly, 00:33:31.259 --> 00:33:31.740 quietly, 00:33:32.800 --> 00:33:33.480 silently, 00:33:34.259 --> 00:33:34.980 denying Jesus 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:36.220 and living with compromise. 00:33:37.220 --> 00:33:37.720 And Peter here 00:33:37.720 --> 00:33:38.660 has some good news for us. 00:33:38.740 --> 00:33:39.560 Look at verse 31. 00:33:39.720 --> 00:33:40.060 He says, 00:33:40.660 --> 00:33:41.480 God exalted him 00:33:41.480 --> 00:33:42.300 to his right hand 00:33:42.300 --> 00:33:43.540 as ruler and savior 00:33:43.540 --> 00:33:45.160 to give repentance 00:33:45.160 --> 00:33:46.279 to God's people 00:33:46.279 --> 00:33:47.940 and forgiveness of sins. 00:33:48.720 --> 00:33:49.040 Friends, 00:33:49.140 --> 00:33:49.880 Jesus Christ, 00:33:50.080 --> 00:33:50.759 ever gracious, 00:33:51.560 --> 00:33:52.460 ever merciful, 00:33:53.200 --> 00:33:54.019 ever welcoming, 00:33:54.620 --> 00:33:55.300 ever forgiving, 00:33:55.299 --> 00:33:56.639 is exalted at the right hand 00:33:56.639 --> 00:33:57.279 of God the Father 00:33:57.279 --> 00:33:58.399 where he sits in glory. 00:33:58.919 --> 00:33:59.759 And what's he doing? 00:34:00.139 --> 00:34:01.480 He's offering forgiveness 00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:02.159 and repentance 00:34:02.159 --> 00:34:04.039 to people like me, 00:34:04.700 --> 00:34:05.759 maybe people like you, 00:34:05.919 --> 00:34:06.720 people like us, 00:34:07.359 --> 00:34:08.059 people that have tried 00:34:08.059 --> 00:34:08.739 to live one foot 00:34:08.739 --> 00:34:09.139 and one foot. 00:34:09.300 --> 00:34:10.239 Jesus calls us 00:34:10.239 --> 00:34:10.619 and he says, 00:34:10.940 --> 00:34:12.079 I'm not here to condemn you. 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:13.500 I'm not here to tell you 00:34:13.500 --> 00:34:14.400 to sort yourself out 00:34:14.400 --> 00:34:15.279 and pick up your game 00:34:15.279 --> 00:34:16.480 and clean up your act. 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:18.000 I'm here to welcome you 00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:18.340 and say, 00:34:18.679 --> 00:34:19.519 come and follow me. 00:34:20.179 --> 00:34:20.519 Come, 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:21.599 I will give you grace. 00:34:21.699 --> 00:34:22.559 I will help you. 00:34:23.119 --> 00:34:24.639 Jesus' arms are wide open 00:34:24.639 --> 00:34:25.679 and calling us, 00:34:26.099 --> 00:34:26.239 saying, 00:34:26.340 --> 00:34:27.739 come and live for me. 00:34:28.599 --> 00:34:29.039 Individually, 00:34:29.380 --> 00:34:30.500 let's embrace Jesus 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:31.139 and live for him. 00:34:31.900 --> 00:34:32.299 Communally, 00:34:33.059 --> 00:34:33.719 how did I put it there? 00:34:33.759 --> 00:34:34.539 Let's keep Jesus 00:34:34.539 --> 00:34:35.679 at the center of watermark. 00:34:36.420 --> 00:34:37.320 Many of you will know 00:34:37.320 --> 00:34:40.000 in roughly eight weeks time, 00:34:40.659 --> 00:34:41.360 maybe nine, 00:34:41.940 --> 00:34:42.639 maybe 10, 00:34:43.119 --> 00:34:44.199 we will be moving 00:34:44.199 --> 00:34:45.299 to Wong Chukung, 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:45.679 right? 00:34:46.159 --> 00:34:47.699 Somewhere in the month of August, 00:34:47.779 --> 00:34:48.420 we will be moving 00:34:48.420 --> 00:34:49.739 to Wong Chukung. 00:34:50.399 --> 00:34:52.019 And I can assure you 00:34:52.019 --> 00:34:53.139 that our new venue 00:34:53.139 --> 00:34:54.139 at Viva Place 00:34:54.139 --> 00:34:55.479 is going to be much nicer 00:34:55.479 --> 00:34:56.279 than Ebenezer. 00:34:56.879 --> 00:34:57.419 It's going to be 00:34:57.419 --> 00:34:58.239 far more comfortable. 00:34:58.839 --> 00:34:59.519 The chairs are going 00:34:59.519 --> 00:35:00.239 to be more comfortable. 00:35:00.859 --> 00:35:01.619 The air conditioning 00:35:01.619 --> 00:35:02.679 is going to be more comfortable. 00:35:03.199 --> 00:35:04.259 The classrooms are going 00:35:04.259 --> 00:35:05.139 to be much nicer 00:35:05.139 --> 00:35:05.799 for the kids. 00:35:06.479 --> 00:35:07.919 The parking lot 00:35:07.919 --> 00:35:09.099 is so much more easier 00:35:09.099 --> 00:35:09.779 and you don't have to 00:35:09.779 --> 00:35:10.359 put your name 00:35:10.359 --> 00:35:11.099 on a waiting list 00:35:11.099 --> 00:35:11.939 on Saturday morning. 00:35:12.459 --> 00:35:13.539 The MTR station 00:35:13.539 --> 00:35:14.559 is two minutes walk. 00:35:14.919 --> 00:35:15.479 It is going to be 00:35:15.479 --> 00:35:16.279 a much nicer 00:35:16.279 --> 00:35:17.119 and better place. 00:35:17.119 --> 00:35:18.259 And hopefully, 00:35:18.539 --> 00:35:19.359 when we move there, 00:35:19.719 --> 00:35:20.799 a lot of the challenges 00:35:20.799 --> 00:35:22.079 and the inconveniences 00:35:22.079 --> 00:35:23.219 are going to be removed. 00:35:24.059 --> 00:35:25.299 That's a wonderful thing. 00:35:25.940 --> 00:35:26.539 But it's also 00:35:26.539 --> 00:35:27.500 a dangerous thing. 00:35:27.940 --> 00:35:29.400 Because what is comfortable 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:30.299 and convenient 00:35:30.299 --> 00:35:32.139 and easy for us 00:35:32.139 --> 00:35:32.960 is also bad 00:35:32.960 --> 00:35:33.719 for our souls. 00:35:34.579 --> 00:35:35.460 There is often 00:35:35.460 --> 00:35:36.440 a tendency 00:35:36.440 --> 00:35:37.480 between comfort 00:35:37.480 --> 00:35:39.099 and spiritual maturity. 00:35:39.839 --> 00:35:40.559 And as we move 00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:41.359 to an area, 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:42.380 to a building, 00:35:42.659 --> 00:35:43.639 which has a lot 00:35:43.639 --> 00:35:44.619 going for it, 00:35:44.980 --> 00:35:45.900 one of the dangers 00:35:45.900 --> 00:35:47.119 that we as a church 00:35:47.119 --> 00:35:48.340 can move into 00:35:48.340 --> 00:35:49.180 the mushy middle 00:35:49.180 --> 00:35:50.420 of mediocrity. 00:35:51.180 --> 00:35:51.579 And so friends, 00:35:51.619 --> 00:35:52.500 let's make a choice 00:35:52.500 --> 00:35:53.780 that whether we're 00:35:53.780 --> 00:35:54.639 worshipping a nice 00:35:54.639 --> 00:35:55.680 air-conditioned building 00:35:55.680 --> 00:35:56.420 in Wong Chow Kang, 00:35:56.860 --> 00:35:57.680 or whether we are 00:35:57.680 --> 00:35:58.440 standing trial 00:35:58.440 --> 00:35:59.220 before governors 00:35:59.220 --> 00:36:00.019 and authorities 00:36:00.019 --> 00:36:01.240 and kings and rulers, 00:36:01.760 --> 00:36:02.519 whether our kids 00:36:02.519 --> 00:36:03.780 have wonderful classrooms 00:36:03.780 --> 00:36:04.780 that are nicely colored 00:36:04.780 --> 00:36:05.880 and glass and all that, 00:36:06.340 --> 00:36:06.880 or whether we're 00:36:06.880 --> 00:36:08.019 worshipping under a tree 00:36:08.019 --> 00:36:09.240 in the savannah, 00:36:09.920 --> 00:36:11.180 that we will be those 00:36:11.180 --> 00:36:11.660 who make sure 00:36:11.660 --> 00:36:13.000 that Jesus is at the center, 00:36:13.519 --> 00:36:15.019 that have absolute certainty 00:36:15.019 --> 00:36:16.579 that Christ is on the throne, 00:36:16.659 --> 00:36:17.940 that he rules and reigns, 00:36:18.079 --> 00:36:19.559 and that we will obey God 00:36:19.559 --> 00:36:20.259 and not man, 00:36:20.679 --> 00:36:21.659 not even the comforts 00:36:21.659 --> 00:36:22.380 of our own heart. 00:36:22.759 --> 00:36:23.579 Let's keep Jesus 00:36:23.579 --> 00:36:24.719 at the center of watermark. 00:36:25.239 --> 00:36:25.960 And then thirdly, 00:36:26.039 --> 00:36:26.380 globally, 00:36:26.880 --> 00:36:27.579 let's remember 00:36:27.579 --> 00:36:28.780 how the story ends. 00:36:29.579 --> 00:36:30.019 Friends, 00:36:30.759 --> 00:36:31.840 have any of you 00:36:31.840 --> 00:36:33.420 lived in a more uncertain, 00:36:34.000 --> 00:36:34.980 more unpredictable, 00:36:35.500 --> 00:36:36.780 more volatile time 00:36:36.780 --> 00:36:37.380 in the world? 00:36:38.119 --> 00:36:39.280 Maybe some of you have. 00:36:39.340 --> 00:36:40.119 I can't remember 00:36:40.119 --> 00:36:41.219 a more uncertain time. 00:36:42.179 --> 00:36:43.019 I woke up this morning, 00:36:43.059 --> 00:36:43.639 actually on the way 00:36:43.639 --> 00:36:44.039 to church, 00:36:44.119 --> 00:36:44.799 my one brother 00:36:44.799 --> 00:36:45.400 messaged me 00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:45.920 and just said, 00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:46.859 have you seen the news? 00:36:46.920 --> 00:36:47.460 What's going on 00:36:47.460 --> 00:36:48.119 in the Middle East? 00:36:48.940 --> 00:36:50.159 America bombed Iran 00:36:50.159 --> 00:36:51.619 a couple of hours ago. 00:36:52.579 --> 00:36:52.779 Friends, 00:36:52.879 --> 00:36:55.000 this is the most uncertain, 00:36:55.219 --> 00:36:56.539 the most volatile time 00:36:56.539 --> 00:36:57.519 I can ever remember 00:36:57.519 --> 00:36:58.619 of my lifetime. 00:36:59.679 --> 00:37:00.019 But friends, 00:37:00.099 --> 00:37:01.000 it's uncertain for us, 00:37:01.059 --> 00:37:02.359 but it's not uncertain for him. 00:37:03.299 --> 00:37:05.139 The story is not uncertain. 00:37:06.559 --> 00:37:07.299 And let's remember 00:37:07.299 --> 00:37:08.339 how the story ends. 00:37:08.819 --> 00:37:10.480 There is a definitive outcome. 00:37:10.480 --> 00:37:12.559 There is absolute certainty 00:37:12.559 --> 00:37:13.900 that at the end 00:37:13.900 --> 00:37:14.460 of the story 00:37:14.460 --> 00:37:15.260 of this world, 00:37:15.400 --> 00:37:16.519 those that know Christ, 00:37:16.619 --> 00:37:17.760 those that are gathered with him, 00:37:17.820 --> 00:37:18.760 those who love him, 00:37:19.039 --> 00:37:19.659 will be gathered 00:37:19.659 --> 00:37:20.659 around the throne, 00:37:21.159 --> 00:37:22.519 worshipping and adoring Jesus. 00:37:22.639 --> 00:37:23.740 And everything that is wrong, 00:37:23.840 --> 00:37:24.719 and everything that's broken, 00:37:24.860 --> 00:37:25.820 and everything that's sad, 00:37:25.920 --> 00:37:26.900 and everything that's unjust, 00:37:27.400 --> 00:37:28.659 and everything that is difficult 00:37:28.659 --> 00:37:29.400 and harsh, 00:37:29.760 --> 00:37:31.000 and anxiety producing 00:37:31.000 --> 00:37:31.740 in this world, 00:37:32.260 --> 00:37:33.320 will be done away with. 00:37:34.380 --> 00:37:36.039 And we will worship our king 00:37:36.039 --> 00:37:38.159 forever and ever and ever. 00:37:38.159 --> 00:37:39.159 Friends, 00:37:39.199 --> 00:37:40.199 there's a lot that's uncertain 00:37:40.199 --> 00:37:40.980 about this world. 00:37:41.899 --> 00:37:42.500 None of us know 00:37:42.500 --> 00:37:43.420 what the future holds. 00:37:43.539 --> 00:37:44.359 None of us can be certain 00:37:44.359 --> 00:37:45.019 what's going to happen 00:37:45.019 --> 00:37:46.119 in the global economy, 00:37:47.019 --> 00:37:47.879 or in politically, 00:37:48.279 --> 00:37:49.299 today or tomorrow. 00:37:49.699 --> 00:37:50.519 But we can have 00:37:50.519 --> 00:37:51.619 absolute certainty, 00:37:51.819 --> 00:37:52.879 absolute confidence, 00:37:53.440 --> 00:37:53.799 conviction, 00:37:53.940 --> 00:37:54.920 that Jesus has overcome 00:37:54.920 --> 00:37:55.420 the grave, 00:37:56.000 --> 00:37:56.659 has been exalted 00:37:56.659 --> 00:37:57.739 to the right hand of the Father, 00:37:57.879 --> 00:37:59.179 where he sits as ruler 00:37:59.179 --> 00:38:00.759 and savior of all, 00:38:01.399 --> 00:38:02.119 and that his kingdom 00:38:02.119 --> 00:38:03.319 will never end. 00:38:03.779 --> 00:38:04.539 So let's live 00:38:04.539 --> 00:38:05.319 in light of that. 00:38:05.799 --> 00:38:06.699 Let me pray for us. 00:38:06.699 --> 00:38:09.019 Father God, 00:38:09.059 --> 00:38:10.199 as we come to you now, 00:38:10.699 --> 00:38:11.259 we are, 00:38:11.460 --> 00:38:12.339 our hearts are heavy 00:38:12.339 --> 00:38:13.039 with the uncertainty 00:38:13.039 --> 00:38:13.739 of this world. 00:38:14.759 --> 00:38:16.339 Our hearts are very sad, 00:38:16.419 --> 00:38:16.579 God, 00:38:16.619 --> 00:38:17.639 by all that's going on. 00:38:17.779 --> 00:38:18.919 And Lord, 00:38:18.960 --> 00:38:20.619 as we look at the headlines, 00:38:21.500 --> 00:38:22.579 we see these things. 00:38:22.699 --> 00:38:23.139 But God, 00:38:24.339 --> 00:38:26.139 even in our own life, 00:38:26.219 --> 00:38:27.000 many of us here 00:38:27.000 --> 00:38:28.919 are faced with uncertainty, 00:38:29.879 --> 00:38:30.839 faced with not knowing 00:38:30.839 --> 00:38:31.839 how things will end, 00:38:32.739 --> 00:38:33.839 faced God with decisions 00:38:33.839 --> 00:38:34.679 and challenges. 00:38:34.679 --> 00:38:35.779 Lord Jesus, 00:38:35.859 --> 00:38:37.179 I pray by your spirit, 00:38:37.299 --> 00:38:38.299 come and open our eyes 00:38:38.299 --> 00:38:39.539 and lift our sights 00:38:39.539 --> 00:38:40.960 to see you, 00:38:41.639 --> 00:38:42.819 to live with confidence 00:38:42.819 --> 00:38:45.039 in the unshakable certainty 00:38:45.039 --> 00:38:45.679 that God, 00:38:45.779 --> 00:38:46.419 you rule and reign, 00:38:46.519 --> 00:38:47.159 you are good, 00:38:47.339 --> 00:38:47.960 you are gracious, 00:38:48.079 --> 00:38:49.000 and we can trust you. 00:38:49.739 --> 00:38:49.940 God, 00:38:50.000 --> 00:38:50.579 help us to live 00:38:50.579 --> 00:38:51.119 in light of that. 00:38:51.199 --> 00:38:51.299 Lord, 00:38:51.359 --> 00:38:52.019 we don't know 00:38:52.019 --> 00:38:53.019 what tomorrow holds, 00:38:53.119 --> 00:38:53.619 but you do. 00:38:55.019 --> 00:38:55.379 God, 00:38:55.419 --> 00:38:55.980 what we do know 00:38:55.980 --> 00:38:56.599 is that you will be 00:38:56.599 --> 00:38:57.099 on your throne 00:38:57.099 --> 00:38:57.940 and nobody 00:38:57.940 --> 00:38:59.199 and nothing 00:38:59.199 --> 00:39:00.039 can stop that. 00:39:00.139 --> 00:39:01.000 Nobody can kill you, 00:39:01.739 --> 00:39:03.219 nobody can dethrone you, 00:39:03.219 --> 00:39:04.839 nobody can end 00:39:04.839 --> 00:39:05.799 your rule and reign, 00:39:06.679 --> 00:39:06.939 and God, 00:39:07.019 --> 00:39:07.579 help us to live 00:39:07.579 --> 00:39:08.039 in light of that, 00:39:08.099 --> 00:39:08.500 we pray. 00:39:09.179 --> 00:39:10.339 In your great name, 00:39:10.459 --> 00:39:10.839 we pray. 00:39:11.480 --> 00:39:11.819 Amen. 00:39:11.819 --> 00:39:12.000 Amen.