WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.799 Good evening, everybody. 00:00:08.800 --> 00:00:13.480 And thank you to those two who read so wonderfully for us, those Bible readings. 00:00:13.880 --> 00:00:16.440 Thank you, too, for the invitation to be here with you tonight. 00:00:16.440 --> 00:00:21.420 It's a joy and a privilege to open God's word with you. 00:00:21.420 --> 00:00:32.060 And I'm going to pray for us that God would open our hearts and our minds and our wills to hear his word. 00:00:32.240 --> 00:00:33.520 So let's bow our heads. 00:00:35.359 --> 00:00:41.400 Heavenly Father, God in heaven, thank you that you speak to us. 00:00:42.600 --> 00:00:45.660 Thank you that you are not silent. 00:00:45.659 --> 00:00:51.599 And we pray that this afternoon you would be the one who would speak to us. 00:00:52.319 --> 00:00:56.339 Please, indeed, open our eyes to the truth of your word. 00:00:57.339 --> 00:01:00.339 Open our hearts to the sweet riches of it. 00:01:00.759 --> 00:01:07.319 And open our wills towards the steps that you would have us walk in the light of it. 00:01:07.900 --> 00:01:09.280 Please lead us to Jesus. 00:01:10.199 --> 00:01:11.920 And please may we follow him. 00:01:12.759 --> 00:01:13.099 Amen. 00:01:15.659 --> 00:01:22.359 Saturday, 13th of January, 2018. 00:01:23.840 --> 00:01:24.859 Saturday morning. 00:01:25.840 --> 00:01:29.859 Typical quiet Saturday morning in Hawaii. 00:01:31.140 --> 00:01:38.599 Until people, millions of people, started receiving a message on their cell phones. 00:01:39.259 --> 00:01:42.599 That changed that day quite considerably. 00:01:42.599 --> 00:01:46.079 The message read thus. 00:01:47.579 --> 00:01:48.719 Emergency alert. 00:01:49.959 --> 00:01:53.399 Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. 00:01:54.659 --> 00:01:56.339 Seek immediate shelter. 00:01:57.619 --> 00:01:59.799 This is not a drill. 00:02:01.579 --> 00:02:03.280 Can you imagine if that happened in Chatswood? 00:02:03.280 --> 00:02:07.400 It would change your day, wouldn't it, really? 00:02:08.500 --> 00:02:12.000 It changed the day of millions of Hawaiians. 00:02:12.460 --> 00:02:17.479 Particularly given that it was a time when there were tensions between the United States and North Korea. 00:02:17.680 --> 00:02:21.520 About the very possibility of incoming missiles. 00:02:21.520 --> 00:02:28.219 Particularly because this was, on one level, a very clear communication. 00:02:28.860 --> 00:02:31.080 Short, stark sentences. 00:02:31.620 --> 00:02:33.280 Telling you what to do. 00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:35.240 Ah. 00:02:35.240 --> 00:02:37.540 There was one problem. 00:02:38.680 --> 00:02:39.600 Have you spotted it? 00:02:41.219 --> 00:02:45.860 Probably the fact that you realise that Hawaii hasn't been hit by missiles in the last few years. 00:02:46.060 --> 00:02:48.640 Is a pointer towards that problem was. 00:02:49.340 --> 00:02:54.379 It was not a clear communication from the government of Hawaii. 00:02:54.379 --> 00:02:57.620 As to what the government of Hawaii actually wanted to tell its people. 00:02:58.740 --> 00:03:04.240 And for 30 minutes, chaos gently and quite widely reigned. 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:09.740 It was followed by hours and days of government inquiries. 00:03:10.120 --> 00:03:11.500 Who had done this? 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:15.979 Initial excuses ending up with people being fired. 00:03:15.979 --> 00:03:20.319 It was a clear communication on the surface. 00:03:20.639 --> 00:03:24.239 But not a clear communication from the government. 00:03:25.379 --> 00:03:28.639 I want to ask you this question. 00:03:29.280 --> 00:03:31.699 Is the Bible like that? 00:03:32.560 --> 00:03:34.979 But possibly worse. 00:03:36.120 --> 00:03:38.179 The Bible is old. 00:03:38.799 --> 00:03:39.879 And venerable. 00:03:40.919 --> 00:03:43.839 It points us to great blessings. 00:03:43.840 --> 00:03:46.860 But is it clear? 00:03:49.039 --> 00:03:50.280 Is it clear? 00:03:51.640 --> 00:03:52.780 Can we trust it? 00:03:53.640 --> 00:04:00.680 Can it really tell us a word from God who has made us? 00:04:01.719 --> 00:04:02.920 Who holds us? 00:04:04.140 --> 00:04:07.879 Who can in the Lord Jesus keep us? 00:04:08.740 --> 00:04:12.860 I want to take you back today to the words of scripture. 00:04:12.860 --> 00:04:14.960 And ask the question. 00:04:15.360 --> 00:04:17.500 Is it a clear microphone? 00:04:18.360 --> 00:04:21.840 For listening to the word of God himself. 00:04:23.080 --> 00:04:25.240 You see the Bible claims. 00:04:26.300 --> 00:04:27.020 Repeatedly. 00:04:27.580 --> 00:04:29.120 To be the word of God. 00:04:29.480 --> 00:04:31.800 If you crack the Bible open anywhere. 00:04:32.220 --> 00:04:34.400 And you look and see what is written in it. 00:04:34.660 --> 00:04:37.439 Then what you find is it's God's word. 00:04:38.160 --> 00:04:39.819 Over and over and over again. 00:04:39.819 --> 00:04:40.860 The prophets say. 00:04:41.259 --> 00:04:43.120 Thus says the Lord. 00:04:44.319 --> 00:04:46.659 If we go to 2 Timothy chapter 3. 00:04:46.819 --> 00:04:50.300 Then all scripture is God breathed. 00:04:50.399 --> 00:04:52.360 And is good for us. 00:04:52.600 --> 00:04:54.659 That's the claim of the Bible. 00:04:55.839 --> 00:04:57.139 That's the claim. 00:04:57.500 --> 00:04:58.480 But is it clear? 00:04:59.959 --> 00:05:03.199 Today I want to take us back to ancient worlds. 00:05:03.279 --> 00:05:05.560 The worlds of Genesis chapter 3. 00:05:05.560 --> 00:05:08.800 And Matthew's gospel chapter 4. 00:05:09.920 --> 00:05:13.180 To ask questions of God's word. 00:05:13.579 --> 00:05:17.040 That are questions which will apply to Chatswood today. 00:05:17.639 --> 00:05:19.120 Ancient worlds yes. 00:05:19.259 --> 00:05:23.060 But Chatswood is not that far away. 00:05:24.300 --> 00:05:27.920 You see the Bible makes claims. 00:05:27.920 --> 00:05:33.100 And those claims reflect its speaker. 00:05:34.360 --> 00:05:35.800 If one of my children says to me. 00:05:35.840 --> 00:05:37.620 Daddy I love you dearly. 00:05:37.660 --> 00:05:38.980 It's your birthday coming up. 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:41.640 And I'm going to buy you a new car for your birthday. 00:05:42.300 --> 00:05:43.360 A new car. 00:05:43.680 --> 00:05:45.220 Daddy you deserve a new car. 00:05:45.300 --> 00:05:46.819 Your old one's rusting away. 00:05:47.040 --> 00:05:48.639 And I'm going to buy you a new car. 00:05:49.160 --> 00:05:50.360 I'll go that's nice. 00:05:51.160 --> 00:05:51.860 Thank you. 00:05:51.860 --> 00:05:55.240 But I don't believe it. 00:05:55.240 --> 00:05:58.600 I realize the heart is there. 00:05:58.720 --> 00:05:59.460 It's heartfelt. 00:06:00.019 --> 00:06:02.000 But the resources behind it are limited. 00:06:03.840 --> 00:06:05.040 Flip side example. 00:06:05.160 --> 00:06:06.400 What about your politicians? 00:06:06.800 --> 00:06:09.280 Do you trust your politicians in Australia? 00:06:10.259 --> 00:06:11.240 I hope in a... 00:06:11.240 --> 00:06:12.300 Do you? 00:06:12.699 --> 00:06:14.319 I hope some of them you do. 00:06:14.780 --> 00:06:17.100 But it's that case by case analysis. 00:06:17.100 --> 00:06:20.259 Is this person clear and trustworthy? 00:06:21.500 --> 00:06:25.180 Or do they millions and billions that are promised? 00:06:25.500 --> 00:06:27.019 Not add up. 00:06:28.060 --> 00:06:31.319 Well clarity makes claims. 00:06:32.560 --> 00:06:34.379 Words reflect their speaker. 00:06:34.579 --> 00:06:35.139 My child. 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:35.960 A politician. 00:06:36.340 --> 00:06:36.980 God himself. 00:06:37.160 --> 00:06:39.340 What about God in his word? 00:06:39.579 --> 00:06:40.240 This Bible. 00:06:40.620 --> 00:06:41.420 Can we trust it? 00:06:42.139 --> 00:06:44.060 I want to say several things. 00:06:44.259 --> 00:06:46.000 Before we turn to our Bible passages. 00:06:46.800 --> 00:06:47.660 First of all. 00:06:48.040 --> 00:06:50.800 God knows how you are made. 00:06:51.139 --> 00:06:52.019 Why does he do that? 00:06:52.620 --> 00:06:53.519 How does he know that? 00:06:53.519 --> 00:06:54.799 Because he made you. 00:06:56.000 --> 00:06:58.680 If you think of all your machine code. 00:06:58.799 --> 00:07:00.979 Not just your physicality. 00:07:01.259 --> 00:07:03.159 Not just your mental processing. 00:07:03.560 --> 00:07:04.939 Not just your psychology. 00:07:04.939 --> 00:07:08.060 He knows all the code that goes into you. 00:07:08.159 --> 00:07:10.439 Because he spoke it into being. 00:07:11.000 --> 00:07:12.199 You are not an accident. 00:07:13.139 --> 00:07:16.039 You are not just thrown together. 00:07:16.040 --> 00:07:20.120 But you are the product of God's word. 00:07:21.020 --> 00:07:24.760 And God knows that he made us for relationship. 00:07:25.720 --> 00:07:30.140 He can accommodate himself to limited minds. 00:07:30.139 --> 00:07:36.539 Outlooks that can only see as far as a door and no further. 00:07:37.759 --> 00:07:42.180 And God can come in and speak to us. 00:07:42.659 --> 00:07:45.459 Without overwhelming a human speaker. 00:07:46.099 --> 00:07:49.039 One of the readings we got today is from Matthew's gospel. 00:07:49.199 --> 00:07:49.539 Matthew. 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:51.560 One of those followers of Jesus. 00:07:51.560 --> 00:07:54.220 And when we read Matthew's gospel. 00:07:54.439 --> 00:07:55.800 We hear Matthew's words. 00:07:56.500 --> 00:07:57.780 As Matthew put it together. 00:07:57.920 --> 00:07:59.540 As he remembered Jesus. 00:07:59.720 --> 00:08:00.780 Whom he'd followed. 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:02.360 Who he'd given his life to. 00:08:03.579 --> 00:08:05.660 God doesn't overwhelm the human speaker. 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:06.920 Get out the way Matthew. 00:08:07.259 --> 00:08:08.680 I'm going to speak now. 00:08:09.399 --> 00:08:12.379 God speaks through Matthew. 00:08:12.860 --> 00:08:13.500 Not this one. 00:08:14.500 --> 00:08:16.120 The one of 2000 years ago. 00:08:16.120 --> 00:08:17.560 Who followed Jesus. 00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:20.339 And God's word doesn't get distorted. 00:08:21.139 --> 00:08:22.379 By the human speaker. 00:08:23.399 --> 00:08:25.240 Biases and prejudices. 00:08:25.399 --> 00:08:26.120 Creeping into view. 00:08:26.420 --> 00:08:27.579 God knows our code. 00:08:28.019 --> 00:08:30.720 He's able to carry his word. 00:08:31.120 --> 00:08:34.419 Clearly through the pages of scripture to us. 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:37.200 God is able to speak and be heard. 00:08:37.519 --> 00:08:38.399 How can this be? 00:08:39.159 --> 00:08:42.240 Because of the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:08:42.240 --> 00:08:46.220 The Holy Spirit who breathes out scripture. 00:08:46.220 --> 00:08:48.820 To Matthew 2000 years ago. 00:08:49.620 --> 00:08:51.720 And who speaks that word. 00:08:52.960 --> 00:08:55.700 And even at the point as we hear it. 00:08:56.960 --> 00:08:59.740 The Holy Spirit who's inspired scripture. 00:09:00.460 --> 00:09:04.360 Who also convicts us as we hear it. 00:09:04.399 --> 00:09:07.540 What does it mean to be convicted by scripture? 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:10.920 It means when we're grabbed by scripture. 00:09:10.920 --> 00:09:12.700 And it holds us. 00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:16.100 When the Bible grabs us and holds us. 00:09:16.220 --> 00:09:20.580 And it's vision becomes our compelling vision. 00:09:20.820 --> 00:09:21.899 For our lives. 00:09:22.460 --> 00:09:27.080 God's word becomes the word that we will hear. 00:09:30.500 --> 00:09:31.680 In my work. 00:09:31.899 --> 00:09:33.740 I read a lot of books. 00:09:35.540 --> 00:09:38.680 I write about other people's writings. 00:09:39.879 --> 00:09:41.460 Sometimes I agree with them. 00:09:42.259 --> 00:09:43.360 Sometimes I don't. 00:09:43.360 --> 00:09:46.279 I sit in my study in North London. 00:09:46.800 --> 00:09:48.919 And I offer my opinions on them. 00:09:49.960 --> 00:09:51.159 Sometimes I'm let out. 00:09:51.860 --> 00:09:53.000 And I go to conferences. 00:09:53.720 --> 00:09:55.460 And get to give my opinions. 00:09:56.720 --> 00:09:59.000 Sometimes the person is there. 00:10:01.080 --> 00:10:02.879 That's different isn't it at that point. 00:10:04.080 --> 00:10:05.899 I've stood on a podium like this. 00:10:05.899 --> 00:10:07.440 In front of 20 people. 00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:09.360 And one of them. 00:10:09.360 --> 00:10:11.120 Has written books. 00:10:11.440 --> 00:10:13.240 That will pile up high. 00:10:13.880 --> 00:10:14.940 And at one point. 00:10:15.220 --> 00:10:16.000 I'm going to say. 00:10:16.200 --> 00:10:17.340 I disagree with him. 00:10:17.940 --> 00:10:19.280 And he's in the room. 00:10:23.800 --> 00:10:25.280 That's when it matters. 00:10:26.040 --> 00:10:27.740 The incredible thing with God's word. 00:10:27.900 --> 00:10:29.260 Is that we never. 00:10:29.720 --> 00:10:30.240 Never. 00:10:30.800 --> 00:10:31.200 Read. 00:10:31.540 --> 00:10:32.700 Or misread. 00:10:32.840 --> 00:10:33.440 God's word. 00:10:33.440 --> 00:10:34.760 And he is not there. 00:10:36.720 --> 00:10:38.760 The Bible is never read. 00:10:38.840 --> 00:10:40.260 In the absence of its author. 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:42.820 This has. 00:10:43.160 --> 00:10:44.260 Play out in my country. 00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:45.140 And I guess in yours. 00:10:46.180 --> 00:10:47.420 Sometimes I meet people. 00:10:47.560 --> 00:10:48.700 Perhaps you do as well. 00:10:49.080 --> 00:10:49.580 Who say. 00:10:49.880 --> 00:10:51.340 Well I like to think. 00:10:51.660 --> 00:10:51.960 God. 00:10:52.360 --> 00:10:53.780 Is like this. 00:10:54.300 --> 00:10:57.000 Or I'm not sure about that bit. 00:10:57.220 --> 00:10:58.400 Of the Bible. 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:01.160 If you're a car driver. 00:11:01.940 --> 00:11:03.080 Picture it like this. 00:11:03.960 --> 00:11:05.240 Do you have traffic wardens in Australia? 00:11:07.120 --> 00:11:07.680 Do you? 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:09.360 No? 00:11:09.540 --> 00:11:11.560 People who come and put tickets on your cars? 00:11:12.540 --> 00:11:12.940 Yeah. 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:13.860 What do you call them? 00:11:17.340 --> 00:11:17.740 Annoying. 00:11:17.980 --> 00:11:18.340 Okay. 00:11:18.420 --> 00:11:19.200 I'll take that one. 00:11:19.540 --> 00:11:21.580 But if your heart is anything like mine. 00:11:21.620 --> 00:11:23.620 And I guess hearts are pretty international at this point. 00:11:23.940 --> 00:11:25.760 Sometimes I park on the line. 00:11:26.040 --> 00:11:27.960 And I've got my eye out all around. 00:11:28.480 --> 00:11:28.680 You know. 00:11:28.820 --> 00:11:30.080 My wife's popped into the shop. 00:11:30.160 --> 00:11:30.840 You ever done this? 00:11:31.280 --> 00:11:33.080 You're looking to see if someone's coming along. 00:11:33.080 --> 00:11:34.620 Ours have high vis jackets. 00:11:35.060 --> 00:11:36.600 So you tend to be able to see them coming. 00:11:37.759 --> 00:11:38.440 With God. 00:11:39.400 --> 00:11:41.680 You never read his word in his absence. 00:11:41.920 --> 00:11:44.340 And you're looking around to see if he's coming or not. 00:11:44.920 --> 00:11:45.940 With God he's there. 00:11:46.840 --> 00:11:47.560 With God. 00:11:47.759 --> 00:11:49.160 He is always there. 00:11:49.700 --> 00:11:51.720 It's more like parking your car. 00:11:51.940 --> 00:11:53.780 On the traffic wardens toes. 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:56.360 It's personal. 00:11:57.259 --> 00:11:58.180 It's intimate. 00:11:58.179 --> 00:12:00.000 It's not distant. 00:12:03.359 --> 00:12:04.620 What does this mean for us? 00:12:05.899 --> 00:12:11.519 It means God really wants to speak to you. 00:12:11.899 --> 00:12:16.120 God really wants to have a relationship with you. 00:12:16.120 --> 00:12:17.879 When we come to the Bible. 00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:19.620 It's not just about information. 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:22.460 There's a lot of stuff here in these pages. 00:12:23.659 --> 00:12:26.120 But it's driving towards interaction. 00:12:26.919 --> 00:12:27.779 To relationship. 00:12:28.299 --> 00:12:30.240 To God reaching out to you. 00:12:31.100 --> 00:12:33.000 If I quote one part of the Bible. 00:12:33.139 --> 00:12:34.139 Which wasn't read to us today. 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:35.620 Romans chapter 10. 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:36.720 You don't need to know where it is. 00:12:36.779 --> 00:12:37.220 I'll say it. 00:12:37.539 --> 00:12:40.000 Faith comes from hearing. 00:12:41.060 --> 00:12:42.299 Hearing the word of God. 00:12:42.299 --> 00:12:45.500 If you're someone who's grown up in church. 00:12:45.579 --> 00:12:46.759 Or you're here for the first time. 00:12:47.059 --> 00:12:48.319 And you're hearing God's word. 00:12:48.659 --> 00:12:50.139 What is coming at you? 00:12:50.339 --> 00:12:51.779 What is coming at you? 00:12:51.919 --> 00:12:54.079 Are the seeds of faith. 00:12:54.979 --> 00:12:57.799 Of being able to take God at his word. 00:12:58.000 --> 00:12:59.399 Being able to trust him. 00:13:00.059 --> 00:13:02.179 Being able to cling to his promises. 00:13:02.599 --> 00:13:04.159 With confidence. 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:07.679 The whole drive and momentum of the Bible. 00:13:07.919 --> 00:13:09.059 Heads that way. 00:13:09.339 --> 00:13:10.559 It doesn't just say. 00:13:10.559 --> 00:13:12.539 Thus says the Lord. 00:13:12.739 --> 00:13:14.519 As some sort of strident statement. 00:13:14.659 --> 00:13:16.219 I want to say something to you. 00:13:16.519 --> 00:13:17.259 Listen to me. 00:13:18.539 --> 00:13:19.099 Rather. 00:13:19.899 --> 00:13:21.199 God speaks. 00:13:21.579 --> 00:13:22.899 So that we might hear. 00:13:23.439 --> 00:13:24.719 And come to faith in him. 00:13:24.819 --> 00:13:25.979 Not mere curiosity. 00:13:27.839 --> 00:13:29.500 Not merely a decision. 00:13:29.739 --> 00:13:31.299 Or a verdict about the Bible. 00:13:31.619 --> 00:13:32.779 But a relationship. 00:13:33.399 --> 00:13:33.899 With God. 00:13:34.359 --> 00:13:34.839 Himself. 00:13:35.939 --> 00:13:36.359 And in this. 00:13:36.519 --> 00:13:37.599 We can't separate. 00:13:37.799 --> 00:13:39.000 The words of the Bible. 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:40.679 From the speaker of the Bible. 00:13:41.440 --> 00:13:43.059 These paper pages. 00:13:43.259 --> 00:13:44.559 Or up on the screens. 00:13:44.559 --> 00:13:45.960 When we see it shown to us. 00:13:47.259 --> 00:13:48.600 What we have there. 00:13:48.799 --> 00:13:50.299 Is God coming to us. 00:13:51.100 --> 00:13:52.980 Holding out the hand of relationship. 00:13:53.740 --> 00:13:54.659 Inviting us. 00:13:55.179 --> 00:13:55.580 Into. 00:13:56.019 --> 00:13:56.879 A faithful. 00:13:57.039 --> 00:13:58.460 A faithful relationship. 00:13:58.960 --> 00:14:00.059 Where we trust him. 00:14:01.960 --> 00:14:03.220 Which finally brings us. 00:14:03.279 --> 00:14:04.279 To Genesis chapter 3. 00:14:04.279 --> 00:14:07.139 The garden of Eden. 00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:09.199 The world. 00:14:09.539 --> 00:14:10.000 That God. 00:14:10.120 --> 00:14:11.199 Had spoken into being. 00:14:11.339 --> 00:14:12.019 A rich. 00:14:12.259 --> 00:14:13.299 And fruitful place. 00:14:13.919 --> 00:14:14.480 And a man. 00:14:14.740 --> 00:14:15.019 Adam. 00:14:15.819 --> 00:14:16.339 And a woman. 00:14:16.539 --> 00:14:16.959 Eve. 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:18.279 Who God. 00:14:18.379 --> 00:14:19.620 Had spoken into being. 00:14:20.299 --> 00:14:21.379 God spoke humanity. 00:14:21.379 --> 00:14:22.000 Into being. 00:14:22.100 --> 00:14:22.919 In relationship. 00:14:23.439 --> 00:14:24.579 Covenant relationship. 00:14:24.579 --> 00:14:25.179 With him. 00:14:26.019 --> 00:14:27.339 It's as though God's word. 00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:29.120 Held them together. 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:30.639 As well as holding. 00:14:30.639 --> 00:14:32.200 The world together. 00:14:33.220 --> 00:14:34.340 And they were charged. 00:14:34.340 --> 00:14:35.700 To tend the garden. 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:37.580 And to do. 00:14:37.740 --> 00:14:38.720 All that God. 00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:39.840 Would tell them to do. 00:14:40.720 --> 00:14:42.120 That was part of being. 00:14:42.320 --> 00:14:42.840 Made. 00:14:43.179 --> 00:14:44.200 In the image. 00:14:44.560 --> 00:14:45.299 Of God. 00:14:45.299 --> 00:14:45.979 God. 00:14:45.979 --> 00:14:48.039 But in our reading. 00:14:50.859 --> 00:14:52.179 Something toxic. 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:53.279 Came into play. 00:14:54.179 --> 00:14:55.319 Something acidic. 00:14:56.099 --> 00:14:56.719 Came into play. 00:14:56.799 --> 00:14:58.219 Have you ever spilt acid. 00:14:58.779 --> 00:15:00.039 When it starts to burn. 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:02.139 That's a battery that's split. 00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:04.099 You want something. 00:15:04.259 --> 00:15:05.179 That will deal with it. 00:15:05.859 --> 00:15:06.419 Well here. 00:15:06.579 --> 00:15:07.899 In Genesis chapter 3. 00:15:08.319 --> 00:15:08.959 Verse 2. 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:10.240 God. 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:12.959 His good word. 00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:14.339 Is challenged. 00:15:14.340 --> 00:15:15.259 By a serpent. 00:15:15.620 --> 00:15:16.180 The serpent. 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:17.340 The serpent. 00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:18.160 Is Satan. 00:15:18.860 --> 00:15:19.840 The accuser. 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:21.639 And in verse 2. 00:15:22.700 --> 00:15:23.540 The quiet. 00:15:24.660 --> 00:15:25.139 Crafty. 00:15:25.980 --> 00:15:26.580 Acidic. 00:15:27.259 --> 00:15:28.180 Counter word. 00:15:28.420 --> 00:15:29.019 Goes out. 00:15:29.460 --> 00:15:30.180 Did God. 00:15:30.639 --> 00:15:31.300 Really say. 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:32.740 Did God. 00:15:32.940 --> 00:15:33.660 Really say. 00:15:33.800 --> 00:15:34.540 You could trust him. 00:15:35.700 --> 00:15:36.540 The acid. 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:37.139 Starts. 00:15:37.200 --> 00:15:38.100 To burn away. 00:15:38.220 --> 00:15:39.040 At the very fabric. 00:15:39.040 --> 00:15:40.000 Of that relationship. 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:40.940 Between Adam and Eve. 00:15:41.080 --> 00:15:41.840 The very fabric. 00:15:41.840 --> 00:15:42.400 Of the world. 00:15:42.700 --> 00:15:43.060 God. 00:15:43.059 --> 00:15:44.539 Is he really good. 00:15:45.459 --> 00:15:46.359 Isn't God. 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:47.779 Deceptive. 00:15:48.279 --> 00:15:48.659 Isn't God. 00:15:48.779 --> 00:15:49.699 Holding you. 00:15:50.099 --> 00:15:51.000 In bonds. 00:15:51.119 --> 00:15:52.339 That aren't good for you. 00:15:52.419 --> 00:15:53.719 But would stop you being free. 00:15:54.599 --> 00:15:56.279 Trust another word. 00:15:56.439 --> 00:15:57.719 For good food. 00:15:57.879 --> 00:15:59.019 For good life. 00:15:59.099 --> 00:15:59.459 Instead. 00:16:00.059 --> 00:16:01.659 Look at that fruit. 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:03.439 That God told you not to eat. 00:16:03.799 --> 00:16:04.919 See it in your eye. 00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:06.459 And see that it's pleasant. 00:16:07.019 --> 00:16:07.919 And take. 00:16:07.919 --> 00:16:09.279 Eat. 00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:13.839 But this serpent's voice. 00:16:13.839 --> 00:16:15.299 Is the deadly lie. 00:16:16.439 --> 00:16:17.639 As one songwriter. 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:18.860 Once put it. 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:20.439 This. 00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:22.439 Affects all of us. 00:16:22.519 --> 00:16:23.120 The claims. 00:16:23.579 --> 00:16:24.000 Of God. 00:16:24.079 --> 00:16:24.979 Are on up all of us. 00:16:25.439 --> 00:16:26.319 And the songwriter. 00:16:26.459 --> 00:16:27.379 Put it like this. 00:16:28.059 --> 00:16:29.419 We are all. 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:31.339 Like foolish puppets. 00:16:32.019 --> 00:16:32.939 Who desiring. 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:34.099 To be kings. 00:16:34.100 --> 00:16:37.320 Now lie pitifully crippled. 00:16:37.920 --> 00:16:39.259 After cutting. 00:16:39.840 --> 00:16:41.399 Our own strings. 00:16:44.180 --> 00:16:45.460 What does God do? 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:48.180 As Adam and Eve. 00:16:48.920 --> 00:16:50.180 Are cast out of the garden. 00:16:51.060 --> 00:16:52.860 As relationship is broken. 00:16:53.100 --> 00:16:54.240 As this counter word. 00:16:54.340 --> 00:16:55.180 Comes into play. 00:16:55.180 --> 00:16:55.879 God. 00:16:56.259 --> 00:16:56.600 Turns. 00:16:56.920 --> 00:16:57.639 To adoption. 00:16:58.700 --> 00:16:59.899 To Israel. 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:02.699 To the Old Testament people. 00:17:02.699 --> 00:17:03.959 That he chooses. 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:05.660 And he's going to nurture. 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:07.539 With his clear word. 00:17:07.799 --> 00:17:09.259 Particularly to their kings. 00:17:09.420 --> 00:17:09.799 David. 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:11.440 And those who follow after him. 00:17:11.779 --> 00:17:13.119 God is going to. 00:17:13.599 --> 00:17:14.079 Shape. 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:15.619 And call. 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:18.200 And tie himself to. 00:17:18.339 --> 00:17:19.359 Through his words. 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:22.180 A people that he's going to redeem. 00:17:22.779 --> 00:17:24.519 That he's going to buy back. 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:27.799 As God's truthful word. 00:17:27.799 --> 00:17:29.240 Continues. 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:30.460 To go out. 00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:32.039 Ultimately. 00:17:32.399 --> 00:17:33.839 Laying its claims. 00:17:34.099 --> 00:17:35.299 On all people. 00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:36.700 Even here. 00:17:37.119 --> 00:17:38.180 In Chatswood. 00:17:38.619 --> 00:17:39.000 Today. 00:17:43.200 --> 00:17:45.299 We come to our second reading. 00:17:46.539 --> 00:17:47.259 As Satan. 00:17:47.680 --> 00:17:48.139 Again. 00:17:48.539 --> 00:17:49.339 Makes an entry. 00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:51.059 This time into the wilderness. 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.259 Of Judea. 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:53.559 A crux point. 00:17:53.859 --> 00:17:55.460 A crucial turning point. 00:17:55.700 --> 00:17:56.799 In God's plan. 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:58.879 Because God's plan of adoption. 00:17:58.879 --> 00:18:00.039 Has pointed. 00:18:00.680 --> 00:18:02.119 To one person. 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:04.680 Jesus Christ. 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:05.940 God. 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:06.759 In a body. 00:18:06.919 --> 00:18:07.839 In a human body. 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:09.079 Taking human form. 00:18:09.419 --> 00:18:10.680 To come and be. 00:18:10.859 --> 00:18:12.379 A second Adam. 00:18:12.680 --> 00:18:14.980 One who will stand up. 00:18:15.399 --> 00:18:16.480 And if you have. 00:18:16.799 --> 00:18:18.139 Matthew chapter 4. 00:18:18.220 --> 00:18:19.259 Open in front of you. 00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:20.200 You will see. 00:18:20.339 --> 00:18:21.299 Just before this. 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:22.919 That God has spoken. 00:18:23.059 --> 00:18:24.539 The last verse. 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:25.859 Of the previous chapter. 00:18:25.859 --> 00:18:27.179 Matthew chapter 3. 00:18:27.319 --> 00:18:28.039 God has said. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:30.279 This is my beloved son. 00:18:30.639 --> 00:18:31.439 With whom. 00:18:31.639 --> 00:18:32.959 I am well pleased. 00:18:33.599 --> 00:18:34.740 The truthful word. 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:35.719 Has spoken. 00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:36.799 About Jesus. 00:18:37.639 --> 00:18:38.139 Luke. 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:39.099 In his gospel. 00:18:39.339 --> 00:18:40.039 Also tells this. 00:18:40.500 --> 00:18:41.919 And has a family tree. 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:42.579 Of Jesus. 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:43.899 That goes right. 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:44.559 The way back. 00:18:44.679 --> 00:18:45.599 To him being God. 00:18:45.679 --> 00:18:46.159 The son. 00:18:46.699 --> 00:18:47.819 Just before this. 00:18:47.819 --> 00:18:48.819 God. 00:18:48.819 --> 00:18:50.179 So here is Jesus. 00:18:50.919 --> 00:18:52.399 A well pleasing. 00:18:52.399 --> 00:18:53.460 Son of God. 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:55.819 And Adam 2.0. 00:18:57.819 --> 00:18:58.419 Tested. 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:00.460 His back. 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:02.220 Against the wall. 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:03.799 Hungry. 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:05.799 Not in a place. 00:19:05.799 --> 00:19:06.899 Where there's plenty of food. 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:07.919 Like the garden of Eden. 00:19:08.159 --> 00:19:09.079 But a place. 00:19:09.079 --> 00:19:10.240 That this voice says. 00:19:10.339 --> 00:19:11.599 This is God forsaken. 00:19:12.639 --> 00:19:13.659 You hear in this desert. 00:19:13.660 --> 00:19:14.800 God's spirit. 00:19:14.800 --> 00:19:15.800 God's spirit. 00:19:15.900 --> 00:19:16.759 Has driven you out. 00:19:16.980 --> 00:19:17.360 Here. 00:19:19.120 --> 00:19:19.620 Here. 00:19:20.940 --> 00:19:21.920 You're a loser. 00:19:22.120 --> 00:19:23.019 If you listen to God. 00:19:24.060 --> 00:19:24.840 Cut. 00:19:25.120 --> 00:19:25.720 On. 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:27.180 Your own path. 00:19:28.140 --> 00:19:29.380 But Jesus. 00:19:30.040 --> 00:19:31.360 Thanks be to God. 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:32.759 Does not listen. 00:19:33.160 --> 00:19:34.820 In that battle of words. 00:19:34.820 --> 00:19:35.640 About God. 00:19:35.800 --> 00:19:36.440 That we have. 00:19:36.540 --> 00:19:37.480 Here in our reading. 00:19:37.900 --> 00:19:38.700 Three times. 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:46.940 Jesus is tempted and he's tempted to play against God's word but each time he answers and says God's 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:57.940 word is not only clear it's also nourishing is God's word good good for you is God a good father 00:19:57.940 --> 00:20:04.500 Jesus stands firm and if you're wondering how the story ends 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:18.240 Jesus goes through that desert obediently he lives his human life obediently and he dies on a cross 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:28.480 obediently dying a death he didn't deserve but one foretold by God's clear word 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:39.339 what does this mean for us God speaks and that is the basis on which we are 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:50.819 but Adam has gone elsewhere what kind of human being are you going to be this is the purpose of 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:55.519 God's calling what kind of human being are you going to be you're going to be one who listens to God 00:20:55.519 --> 00:21:06.480 or one that turns away from God Jesus is one who trusts God and this is where Chatswood 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:19.079 comes into view because Jesus is not a solo listener he is a listener of God who is also God himself 00:21:19.079 --> 00:21:30.019 who speaks to us and calls us and invites us with a clear word to follow him remember faith comes by 00:21:30.019 --> 00:21:37.379 hearing what does that faith brings it brings a union a joining with Jesus himself 00:21:37.379 --> 00:21:42.779 you ever wanted to get into a place and you haven't got a ticket and you see someone with a ticket and 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:50.940 you'd love to be able to say I'm with her or I'm with him and you're ushered in together 00:21:50.940 --> 00:22:00.200 that's the nature of faith in Jesus Christ all that happens to him happens to you 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:10.740 you die to self and to selfishness just as he did that you might rise to life eternal life as he did 00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:22.279 can you believe him on that or not that's the question it's not an easy question 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:36.220 I don't know any of you here I guess there's all sorts of hurts and pains disappointments broken dreams 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:41.519 but this clear word from God calls you 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:46.259 God comes out to meet you 00:22:46.259 --> 00:22:52.140 God doesn't just send a distant beep beep beep 00:22:52.140 --> 00:22:56.380 across the galaxies he comes to meet you 00:22:56.380 --> 00:23:00.360 in his word and with his word 00:23:00.359 --> 00:23:05.659 to carry you by a spirit who is given to you 00:23:05.659 --> 00:23:11.759 his holy spirit who is given to you as you come to Jesus 00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:14.619 now let me be clear on this 00:23:14.619 --> 00:23:17.319 the bible's not always simple 00:23:17.319 --> 00:23:19.439 it's not always straightforward 00:23:19.439 --> 00:23:25.659 we sometimes need to get together with other hearers other listeners like here in church today 00:23:25.660 --> 00:23:30.660 these things can take effort 00:23:30.660 --> 00:23:34.140 the good things of God 00:23:34.140 --> 00:23:35.980 are dug up 00:23:35.980 --> 00:23:37.779 but they are true 00:23:37.779 --> 00:23:38.880 and clear 00:23:38.880 --> 00:23:42.320 always when we meet together 00:23:42.320 --> 00:23:43.500 to read the bible 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.519 to read scripture 00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:46.480 it's God's rule 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:47.840 that's in view 00:23:47.840 --> 00:23:49.019 his word 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:50.040 that is true 00:23:50.040 --> 00:23:52.740 sometimes some bits are in 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:54.640 sharper focus for us 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.740 than other bits 00:23:55.740 --> 00:23:57.980 but we're reminded 00:23:57.980 --> 00:24:00.780 not to set one part 00:24:00.780 --> 00:24:01.980 against another 00:24:01.980 --> 00:24:05.500 any communication can be misconstrued 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:07.480 any communication 00:24:07.480 --> 00:24:08.560 at all 00:24:08.560 --> 00:24:10.520 we know that in our own lives 00:24:10.520 --> 00:24:13.320 but God invites us 00:24:13.320 --> 00:24:15.460 to a challenge 00:24:15.460 --> 00:24:17.120 a growth challenge 00:24:17.120 --> 00:24:19.280 to take the clear bits 00:24:19.280 --> 00:24:20.480 of his word 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:24.000 and to then enjoy the harder bits 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.500 as well 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:26.079 this morning 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:27.660 80,000 people 00:24:27.660 --> 00:24:28.819 lined up 00:24:28.819 --> 00:24:29.799 to run up a hill 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:30.960 that would hurt them 00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:32.500 heartbreak hill 00:24:32.500 --> 00:24:35.539 I was amongst them 00:24:35.539 --> 00:24:36.319 trust me 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:36.880 it hurt 00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:39.059 but as I stood there 00:24:39.059 --> 00:24:40.420 in a cold 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:41.559 Sydney morning 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:42.619 if someone had said 00:24:42.619 --> 00:24:43.680 guys 00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:44.619 it's too hard 00:24:44.619 --> 00:24:46.500 we're cancelling 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:47.259 heartbreak hill 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:47.880 there's buses 00:24:47.880 --> 00:24:48.519 at the bottom 00:24:48.519 --> 00:24:49.660 we'll bus you up 00:24:49.660 --> 00:24:50.980 it would have been 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:51.660 a mutiny 00:24:51.660 --> 00:24:54.940 sometimes the hard things 00:24:54.940 --> 00:24:55.500 are the things 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:56.400 that make it 00:24:56.400 --> 00:24:58.100 and God's word 00:24:58.100 --> 00:24:58.820 is clear 00:24:58.820 --> 00:25:00.320 even when it's hard 00:25:00.320 --> 00:25:00.740 and difficult 00:25:00.740 --> 00:25:01.600 to understand 00:25:01.600 --> 00:25:03.220 less heartbreak 00:25:03.220 --> 00:25:04.220 more heart 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:04.880 make 00:25:04.880 --> 00:25:05.960 God 00:25:05.960 --> 00:25:07.420 makes us 00:25:07.420 --> 00:25:08.320 anew 00:25:08.320 --> 00:25:10.620 in that regard 00:25:10.620 --> 00:25:11.920 as we stand 00:25:11.920 --> 00:25:13.240 on the pathway 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:13.900 of life 00:25:13.900 --> 00:25:14.960 who am I 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:15.920 and who am I 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:16.460 becoming 00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:18.480 each of us 00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:19.319 are being made 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:19.840 each of us 00:25:19.840 --> 00:25:20.279 are being 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:21.440 in our network 00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:22.279 of relationships 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:23.500 our life stories 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.740 our ups and downs 00:25:24.740 --> 00:25:26.259 being made 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:27.039 into someone 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:30.100 apart from God's word 00:25:30.100 --> 00:25:32.960 we are lost 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:35.819 lost to our purpose 00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:38.420 sometimes even 00:25:38.420 --> 00:25:39.480 with God's word 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:40.559 it is hard 00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:41.759 and difficult 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:43.460 but God 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.720 is clear 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.920 and God 00:25:45.920 --> 00:25:46.440 is good 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:49.600 what does this 00:25:49.600 --> 00:25:50.140 mean for us 00:25:50.140 --> 00:25:50.660 in terms of 00:25:50.660 --> 00:25:51.259 application 00:25:51.259 --> 00:25:53.279 as our lives 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:53.860 unfold 00:25:53.860 --> 00:25:55.980 as the spring 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:56.480 of life 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.320 turns to the 00:25:57.320 --> 00:25:58.059 autumn of life 00:25:58.059 --> 00:26:00.299 our formation 00:26:00.299 --> 00:26:01.180 our shaping 00:26:01.180 --> 00:26:02.200 comes from 00:26:02.200 --> 00:26:02.940 where we 00:26:02.940 --> 00:26:04.200 are pledged 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:07.440 23 years 00:26:07.440 --> 00:26:07.820 ago 00:26:07.820 --> 00:26:08.820 next Saturday 00:26:08.820 --> 00:26:10.140 I pledged 00:26:10.140 --> 00:26:10.900 myself to my 00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:11.220 wife 00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:12.539 just down the 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:12.779 road 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:13.519 in North 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:13.900 Sydney 00:26:13.900 --> 00:26:16.360 formation 00:26:16.360 --> 00:26:16.380 formation 00:26:16.380 --> 00:26:17.080 comes from 00:26:17.080 --> 00:26:17.519 looking 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:18.500 where we 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:19.480 are pledged 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:22.880 so mind 00:26:22.880 --> 00:26:24.160 your pledges 00:26:24.160 --> 00:26:25.340 and pursue 00:26:25.340 --> 00:26:25.880 them well 00:26:25.880 --> 00:26:27.540 if you're a 00:26:27.540 --> 00:26:28.060 follower of 00:26:28.060 --> 00:26:28.360 Jesus 00:26:28.360 --> 00:26:29.880 then keep 00:26:29.880 --> 00:26:31.000 turning your 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:32.080 eyes towards 00:26:32.080 --> 00:26:32.280 him 00:26:32.280 --> 00:26:32.900 he's the 00:26:32.900 --> 00:26:33.519 author 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:34.259 of your 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:34.620 faith 00:26:34.620 --> 00:26:35.380 the clear 00:26:35.380 --> 00:26:36.000 author 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:37.360 who begins 00:26:37.359 --> 00:26:39.000 he's the 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:39.759 perfecter 00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:40.099 of your 00:26:40.099 --> 00:26:40.519 faith 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:41.799 he will 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:42.659 perfect and 00:26:42.659 --> 00:26:43.079 bring to 00:26:43.079 --> 00:26:43.799 completion 00:26:43.799 --> 00:26:44.859 and conclusion 00:26:44.859 --> 00:26:47.179 if you're here 00:26:47.179 --> 00:26:47.839 today wondering 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:48.459 what is this 00:26:48.459 --> 00:26:49.039 Jesus all 00:26:49.039 --> 00:26:49.359 about 00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:49.919 then let me 00:26:49.919 --> 00:26:50.319 put it 00:26:50.319 --> 00:26:50.959 this way 00:26:50.960 --> 00:26:52.779 Jesus comes 00:26:52.779 --> 00:26:53.519 to us 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:54.720 even while he 00:26:54.720 --> 00:26:55.160 is seated 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:55.640 in heaven 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:56.500 he comes 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:56.980 to us 00:26:56.980 --> 00:26:58.039 clothed 00:26:58.039 --> 00:26:59.900 not in this 00:26:59.900 --> 00:27:00.259 stuff 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:02.240 but clothed 00:27:02.240 --> 00:27:02.680 in the 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:03.100 promises 00:27:03.100 --> 00:27:04.279 of scripture 00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:06.960 and set 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:08.279 the eyes 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:09.039 of your 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:09.700 heart 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:11.500 set your 00:27:11.500 --> 00:27:12.579 desires 00:27:12.579 --> 00:27:14.240 towards him 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:15.000 if that's 00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:15.340 hard 00:27:15.340 --> 00:27:16.360 ask that your 00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:16.980 desires will 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:17.640 be changed 00:27:17.640 --> 00:27:19.400 that God's 00:27:19.400 --> 00:27:19.880 word will 00:27:19.880 --> 00:27:20.299 become a 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.319 clear and 00:27:21.319 --> 00:27:22.299 life-size 00:27:22.299 --> 00:27:23.019 narrative 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.919 for you 00:27:23.919 --> 00:27:24.319 and for 00:27:24.319 --> 00:27:24.639 me 00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:25.519 across 00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:26.139 our 00:27:26.139 --> 00:27:26.980 lives 00:27:26.980 --> 00:27:28.759 for this 00:27:28.759 --> 00:27:29.159 to be the 00:27:29.159 --> 00:27:30.339 first priority 00:27:30.339 --> 00:27:31.639 of our 00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:32.019 days 00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:33.759 who do you 00:27:33.759 --> 00:27:34.180 listen to 00:27:34.180 --> 00:27:34.440 when you 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:34.819 wake up 00:27:34.819 --> 00:27:35.259 first in 00:27:35.259 --> 00:27:35.619 the morning 00:27:35.619 --> 00:27:37.279 is it the 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:37.859 pundits 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:39.720 or the 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.159 prophets 00:27:40.159 --> 00:27:42.019 do you 00:27:42.019 --> 00:27:42.460 reach for 00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:43.039 your phone 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:44.079 and check 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:44.659 the news 00:27:44.659 --> 00:27:46.559 or do you 00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:46.899 reach for 00:27:46.899 --> 00:27:47.419 your phone 00:27:47.419 --> 00:27:48.240 and check 00:27:48.240 --> 00:27:48.759 the good 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:49.240 news 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:50.440 the clear 00:27:50.440 --> 00:27:50.920 news 00:27:50.920 --> 00:27:52.019 of Jesus 00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:53.440 and allow 00:27:53.440 --> 00:27:54.180 him to 00:27:54.180 --> 00:27:54.660 shape your 00:27:54.660 --> 00:27:55.000 life 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:57.380 is it your 00:27:57.380 --> 00:27:57.980 contact 00:27:57.980 --> 00:28:00.160 checking who's 00:28:00.160 --> 00:28:00.940 contacted you 00:28:00.940 --> 00:28:01.380 during the 00:28:01.380 --> 00:28:01.680 night 00:28:01.680 --> 00:28:02.599 or is it 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:03.500 God's Christ 00:28:03.500 --> 00:28:04.259 who has 00:28:04.259 --> 00:28:04.960 held you 00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:05.480 during the 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:05.819 night 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:06.460 who has 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:07.500 not slept 00:28:07.500 --> 00:28:07.980 who has 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:08.759 watched over 00:28:08.759 --> 00:28:09.059 you 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:09.519 who has 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:10.140 treasured 00:28:10.140 --> 00:28:10.400 you 00:28:10.400 --> 00:28:11.319 and hold 00:28:11.319 --> 00:28:11.579 you 00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:14.120 each day 00:28:14.120 --> 00:28:15.220 as a 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:15.920 first priority 00:28:15.920 --> 00:28:16.320 if this 00:28:16.320 --> 00:28:16.580 is a 00:28:16.580 --> 00:28:17.220 clear word 00:28:17.220 --> 00:28:18.120 then drink 00:28:18.120 --> 00:28:19.060 it deeply 00:28:19.060 --> 00:28:20.000 don't waste 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:20.500 time 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:21.740 because whatever 00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:22.240 you waste 00:28:22.240 --> 00:28:22.860 time on will 00:28:22.860 --> 00:28:23.779 frame your 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.680 time and 00:28:24.680 --> 00:28:25.220 will paint 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:26.140 time for 00:28:26.140 --> 00:28:27.000 you and 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:27.720 on you 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:29.000 and here 00:28:29.000 --> 00:28:31.120 in this 00:28:31.120 --> 00:28:32.340 word is a 00:28:32.340 --> 00:28:33.660 clear word 00:28:33.660 --> 00:28:34.519 from a God 00:28:34.519 --> 00:28:35.340 who loves 00:28:35.340 --> 00:28:36.620 you and 00:28:36.620 --> 00:28:37.660 calls you 00:28:37.660 --> 00:28:40.700 the clear 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:42.519 word of 00:28:42.519 --> 00:28:42.820 God 00:28:42.819 --> 00:28:44.439 let's 00:28:44.439 --> 00:28:44.819 bow our 00:28:44.819 --> 00:28:45.220 heads and 00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:46.019 pray that 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:46.279 it would 00:28:46.279 --> 00:28:47.399 come to 00:28:47.399 --> 00:28:47.720 us 00:28:47.720 --> 00:28:51.759 father in 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:52.039 heaven 00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:53.779 we called 00:28:53.779 --> 00:28:54.339 upon you 00:28:54.339 --> 00:28:56.960 your word 00:28:56.960 --> 00:28:58.339 calls us 00:28:58.339 --> 00:29:00.059 thank you for 00:29:00.059 --> 00:29:00.679 your goodness 00:29:00.679 --> 00:29:01.200 and your 00:29:01.200 --> 00:29:02.419 trustworthiness 00:29:02.419 --> 00:29:03.679 thank you for 00:29:03.679 --> 00:29:05.139 the sufficiency 00:29:05.139 --> 00:29:05.819 of this 00:29:05.819 --> 00:29:06.980 bible that is 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:07.720 before us 00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:08.139 in whatever 00:29:08.139 --> 00:29:09.220 language we 00:29:09.220 --> 00:29:10.200 read it and 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:11.000 love it 00:29:11.000 --> 00:29:12.640 please draw 00:29:12.640 --> 00:29:13.500 us to 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:14.759 its life 00:29:14.759 --> 00:29:16.779 and please 00:29:16.779 --> 00:29:18.059 keep doing 00:29:18.059 --> 00:29:19.880 so that we 00:29:19.880 --> 00:29:20.819 would be the 00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:22.059 kind of 00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:23.799 person you 00:29:23.799 --> 00:29:24.779 want us 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.819 to be 00:29:25.819 --> 00:29:27.299 that this 00:29:27.299 --> 00:29:28.460 would be a 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:30.079 church that 00:29:30.079 --> 00:29:30.940 would be shaped 00:29:30.940 --> 00:29:32.019 by you 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:33.700 that this 00:29:33.700 --> 00:29:34.660 church would 00:29:34.660 --> 00:29:35.519 be a beacon 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:36.519 in this 00:29:36.519 --> 00:29:38.119 place an 00:29:38.119 --> 00:29:39.000 oasis in 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:39.700 this place 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:41.400 where your 00:29:41.400 --> 00:29:42.480 clear word 00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:43.480 is heard 00:29:43.480 --> 00:29:45.100 and where 00:29:45.100 --> 00:29:46.360 faith in 00:29:46.360 --> 00:29:46.980 Jesus 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:48.920 is grown 00:29:48.920 --> 00:29:50.279 by the 00:29:50.279 --> 00:29:50.900 power of 00:29:50.900 --> 00:29:51.559 your spirit 00:29:51.559 --> 00:29:53.080 we pray it in 00:29:53.080 --> 00:29:53.779 Jesus name 00:29:53.779 --> 00:29:54.920 amen