WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.679
 Today's scripture reading is taken from Mark chapter 4, verse 26 to 34.

00:00:12.300 --> 00:00:18.460
! Please follow along your Bible, and if you don't have one, please do still grab one from the front or at the back of the door.

00:00:19.839 --> 00:00:23.059
 And the passage today is on page 788.

00:00:23.059 --> 00:00:25.059
 788.

00:00:27.939 --> 00:00:30.339
 Hear then God's word to us today.

00:00:31.299 --> 00:00:32.280
 And he said,

00:00:33.259 --> 00:00:37.619
 The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.

00:00:38.079 --> 00:00:44.539
 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows.

00:00:45.179 --> 00:00:46.159
 He knows not how.

00:00:46.159 --> 00:00:54.879
 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

00:00:55.799 --> 00:01:03.359
 But when the grain is ripe at once, he puts in the sickle because the harvest has come.

00:01:03.359 --> 00:01:05.480
 And he said,

00:01:05.480 --> 00:01:11.480
 With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it?

00:01:12.159 --> 00:01:20.939
 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth.

00:01:20.939 --> 00:01:30.900
 Yet, when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches,

00:01:30.900 --> 00:01:36.679
 so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.

00:01:37.579 --> 00:01:42.840
 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.

00:01:42.840 --> 00:01:51.280
 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately, to his own disciples, he explained everything.

00:01:52.200 --> 00:01:56.100
 Let us believe and respond to God's true and living word.

00:01:58.560 --> 00:01:59.500
 Let's pray.

00:02:02.820 --> 00:02:06.580
 Our Father in heaven, thank you for giving us your word.

00:02:06.579 --> 00:02:19.939
 And thank you for your promise that as rain falls to the earth and waters the earth and makes things grow,

00:02:21.460 --> 00:02:28.479
 you promise that your word, which goes forth from your mouth, will not return to your void,

00:02:28.879 --> 00:02:33.780
 but it will accomplish your purposes for which you sent it.

00:02:33.780 --> 00:02:40.360
 And so would you be faithful to your promise, to accomplish your purpose this morning,

00:02:40.939 --> 00:02:42.620
 through the preaching of your word.

00:02:44.599 --> 00:02:52.740
 We pray, give us ears to hear, open our hearts to your word, so that we may hear your voice to us.

00:02:55.460 --> 00:02:58.639
 We pray all these things for your glory and for your name's sake.

00:02:59.300 --> 00:03:01.520
 We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

00:03:03.780 --> 00:03:07.280
 My father passed away last December.

00:03:08.300 --> 00:03:11.580
 It was a sad time for me and my family.

00:03:12.900 --> 00:03:23.180
 But the seeds of God's word was sown by me, by my family members, in his life for many, many years.

00:03:23.599 --> 00:03:26.639
 But I don't know what happened in the end.

00:03:26.639 --> 00:03:32.979
 Whether he responded to the gospel, accepted the invitation to come and repent and trust in Jesus.

00:03:33.219 --> 00:03:34.859
 I don't know what happened in the end.

00:03:35.359 --> 00:03:39.479
 And perhaps you can relate and you've had similar experience.

00:03:40.259 --> 00:03:46.279
 You've shared the gospel and you have prayed for other people, perhaps your family members,

00:03:46.280 --> 00:03:53.219
 and faithfully sown the seed of God's word for many, many years without seeing much fruit.

00:03:54.159 --> 00:03:56.780
 It seems as though nothing is happening.

00:03:58.379 --> 00:04:02.759
 Now, every time someone repents and believes in Jesus,

00:04:03.300 --> 00:04:05.080
 God's kingdom expands.

00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:14.140
 As another person confesses Jesus is their king, is his king.

00:04:14.780 --> 00:04:18.240
 The question I want us to consider this morning is this.

00:04:19.439 --> 00:04:24.460
 Is the kingdom of God growing around us?

00:04:24.459 --> 00:04:30.579
 Is the kingdom of God growing around you?

00:04:33.060 --> 00:04:40.759
 In our family, in our neighborhood, at a school, at work, in Hong Kong, is the kingdom of God growing?

00:04:42.079 --> 00:04:47.199
 In Japan, there's an increasing number of churches that have aging congregations,

00:04:47.319 --> 00:04:49.719
 and some churches are disappearing.

00:04:49.720 --> 00:04:54.440
 Some are without pastors and shepherds to lead them.

00:04:55.100 --> 00:04:58.360
 In the post-World War II history of the church in Japan,

00:04:58.760 --> 00:05:04.720
 the evangelical Christian population in Japan has never exceeded 1% of the population.

00:05:08.180 --> 00:05:12.320
 So is the kingdom of God growing in Japan?

00:05:13.800 --> 00:05:15.820
 What about Hong Kong?

00:05:15.819 --> 00:05:22.620
 Now, because I know Kevin, and he tells me about what God is doing in your midst,

00:05:22.819 --> 00:05:28.000
 and I know you have seen baptisms, and people coming to faith, and getting baptized,

00:05:28.420 --> 00:05:33.180
 and becoming followers, committed followers of Jesus, and that's wonderful.

00:05:33.319 --> 00:05:35.959
 The church is growing, and praise God for that.

00:05:36.300 --> 00:05:42.159
 I'm so excited to hear all these good news and good things happening in this church.

00:05:42.160 --> 00:05:47.439
 But in Hong Kong, at large, according to one research,

00:05:47.600 --> 00:05:56.620
 between 2014 and 2024, evangelical churches' worship attendance dropped by 35%.

00:05:56.620 --> 00:06:00.580
 I'm sure there are many, many reasons for that.

00:06:01.060 --> 00:06:06.360
 But the question is, is the kingdom of God growing around us?

00:06:06.360 --> 00:06:11.639
 Now, we might still pray,

00:06:11.639 --> 00:06:18.240
 Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.

00:06:18.360 --> 00:06:21.300
 We might still pray those words and pray those prayers,

00:06:21.920 --> 00:06:29.840
 but do we pray your kingdom come with the same passion and expectation we had once before?

00:06:29.839 --> 00:06:35.439
 When we don't see much visible growth and fruit from our sowing of the gospel seeds,

00:06:35.859 --> 00:06:40.439
 and have our hopes for God to save those people around us,

00:06:41.319 --> 00:06:47.659
 have our expectations and passion, have those things slowly grown cold?

00:06:49.659 --> 00:06:54.779
 When God's kingdom, Jesus' saving reign as king,

00:06:54.779 --> 00:06:58.719
 when God's kingdom doesn't seem to be advancing around us,

00:06:59.619 --> 00:07:05.219
 it might be easy for us to lose sight of who we really are,

00:07:05.439 --> 00:07:09.939
 lose sight of and forget that we are citizens of God's kingdom,

00:07:10.759 --> 00:07:17.319
 and we lose sight of the mission our King Jesus has entrusted to us.

00:07:17.319 --> 00:07:25.839
 Instead, we might begin to live as though we belong entirely to the kingdom of this world,

00:07:26.120 --> 00:07:32.519
 and we begin to pursue the things that everybody else in this world is pursuing,

00:07:33.300 --> 00:07:35.319
 whatever it may be.

00:07:36.019 --> 00:07:37.899
 Our concern for sharing the good news of Jesus,

00:07:38.339 --> 00:07:42.899
 and for being salt and light on earth begins to fade,

00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:46.899
 and rather than longing for the growth and expansion of God's kingdom,

00:07:47.319 --> 00:07:53.159
 become more concerned and more focused on making our own lives here and now

00:07:53.159 --> 00:07:57.719
 a little bit more easier, a little bit more comfortable,

00:07:58.519 --> 00:08:00.639
 a little bit more enjoyable.

00:08:01.519 --> 00:08:04.860
 Now, these comforts in life and enjoyments in life,

00:08:05.039 --> 00:08:07.399
 they're not bad things necessarily,

00:08:08.180 --> 00:08:12.959
 but our lives can easily become more about us

00:08:12.959 --> 00:08:18.199
 than about God's kingdom and about the expansion and the growth of God's kingdom.

00:08:18.739 --> 00:08:24.419
 So this morning, we want our hearts and minds to be renewed and reshaped

00:08:24.419 --> 00:08:30.599
 by God's word and the vision of the kingdom of God that God has given us in his word.

00:08:31.299 --> 00:08:32.860
 In Mark chapter 4,

00:08:32.860 --> 00:08:38.100
 Jesus teaches what the kingdom of God looks like through many parables,

00:08:38.519 --> 00:08:41.639
 and in today's passage, which we just heard,

00:08:42.440 --> 00:08:48.440
 we see that the growth of the kingdom of God is certain.

00:08:50.019 --> 00:08:54.500
 The growth of the kingdom of God is certain.

00:08:54.500 --> 00:09:01.519
 And we're going to see this certain growth of God's kingdom in four words.

00:09:01.659 --> 00:09:02.740
 Those are my four points.

00:09:03.860 --> 00:09:08.700
 And these four words describe how the kingdom grows for certain.

00:09:09.440 --> 00:09:10.179
 These four words,

00:09:11.320 --> 00:09:11.779
 mysterious,

00:09:13.159 --> 00:09:13.600
 gradual,

00:09:15.039 --> 00:09:16.179
 disproportionate,

00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:17.840
 and participatory.

00:09:19.399 --> 00:09:20.000
 Mysterious,

00:09:20.200 --> 00:09:20.580
 gradual,

00:09:21.200 --> 00:09:22.200
 disproportionate,

00:09:22.200 --> 00:09:23.600
 and participatory.

00:09:24.100 --> 00:09:24.660
 I can't even say.

00:09:25.800 --> 00:09:28.920
 And I wish I was smart enough to come up with some,

00:09:28.920 --> 00:09:29.720
 you know,

00:09:29.879 --> 00:09:31.040
 alliteration or something.

00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:32.259
 So it's easy to remember,

00:09:32.560 --> 00:09:33.100
 but I couldn't.

00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:33.860
 So here we go.

00:09:34.100 --> 00:09:35.000
 That's all I got.

00:09:36.020 --> 00:09:36.900
 So here we go.

00:09:36.980 --> 00:09:37.440
 Number one,

00:09:37.820 --> 00:09:40.960
 the growth of God's kingdom is mysterious.

00:09:41.940 --> 00:09:43.900
 Look back at verse 26.

00:09:44.620 --> 00:09:48.660
 Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like when a man scatters seed on the ground.

00:09:48.659 --> 00:09:50.839
 And verse 27 says,

00:09:51.120 --> 00:09:53.959
 we're told what happens to the seed that man sows.

00:09:54.139 --> 00:09:54.500
 Look at,

00:09:54.539 --> 00:09:55.740
 look at verse 27.

00:09:57.079 --> 00:09:59.639
 He sleeps and rises night and day,

00:09:59.839 --> 00:10:02.459
 and the seed sprouts and grows.

00:10:03.240 --> 00:10:05.480
 He knows not how.

00:10:07.159 --> 00:10:10.799
 The man doesn't know how the seed grows,

00:10:11.059 --> 00:10:12.120
 but it does.

00:10:12.339 --> 00:10:13.179
 It grows.

00:10:13.480 --> 00:10:13.819
 It's,

00:10:13.899 --> 00:10:15.299
 it's a mysterious growth.

00:10:15.299 --> 00:10:17.519
 And in verse 28,

00:10:17.699 --> 00:10:18.259
 Jesus says,

00:10:18.620 --> 00:10:21.599
 the earth produces by itself.

00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:22.659
 Now this,

00:10:22.759 --> 00:10:31.000
 this phrase by itself in the original language is the word that became the source for our English word automatic.

00:10:32.699 --> 00:10:33.379
 In other words,

00:10:33.979 --> 00:10:40.339
 what Jesus is saying here is that the seed sown on the ground will automatically grow.

00:10:41.139 --> 00:10:43.139
 Without any help,

00:10:43.139 --> 00:10:45.639
 it will grow.

00:10:45.639 --> 00:10:46.779
 That's what Jesus is saying.

00:10:48.019 --> 00:10:48.600
 You know what,

00:10:48.659 --> 00:10:49.080
 uh,

00:10:49.080 --> 00:10:51.960
 morning glory is morning glories.

00:10:52.120 --> 00:10:52.980
 You guys have that here.

00:10:53.159 --> 00:10:53.679
 Okay.

00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:54.480
 All right.

00:10:54.860 --> 00:10:55.179
 Uh,

00:10:55.179 --> 00:10:55.679
 in Japanese,

00:10:55.879 --> 00:10:56.819
 it's called Asagao.

00:10:57.259 --> 00:11:00.860
 And every elementary school student in Japan,

00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:05.960
 at least once during the course of elementary school,

00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:07.259
 at least once they,

00:11:07.379 --> 00:11:12.899
 they have to grow morning glory asagao in a science class or something.

00:11:12.899 --> 00:11:13.819
 Now,

00:11:14.019 --> 00:11:21.360
 I think they use that particular flower in science class because it's so easy to grow that.

00:11:21.939 --> 00:11:24.059
 Anybody can grow morning glory.

00:11:24.819 --> 00:11:25.159
 Um,

00:11:26.039 --> 00:11:35.860
 but even morning glories that anybody can grow need to be watered and placed in the sun for it to,

00:11:35.860 --> 00:11:36.139
 to,

00:11:36.139 --> 00:11:36.960
 to grow.

00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:37.019
 No.

00:11:38.240 --> 00:11:47.660
 But what is surprising in what Jesus is saying is that the seed sown by the person grows by itself.

00:11:48.219 --> 00:11:49.839
 Even if that person does nothing.

00:11:50.740 --> 00:11:50.939
 Now,

00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:51.539
 it doesn't,

00:11:51.579 --> 00:11:52.319
 it doesn't say he,

00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:53.079
 this,

00:11:53.199 --> 00:11:54.860
 this farmer who went out and sowed a seed,

00:11:54.860 --> 00:12:02.120
 it doesn't say that he prepared the soil or applied fertilizer or provided adequate water and sunlight,

00:12:02.379 --> 00:12:03.179
 anything like that.

00:12:03.179 --> 00:12:04.139
 It doesn't say anything like that.

00:12:04.139 --> 00:12:04.419
 He,

00:12:04.419 --> 00:12:08.399
 he just simply scatters the seed and it grows.

00:12:11.199 --> 00:12:12.259
 And Jesus says,

00:12:12.480 --> 00:12:16.580
 that person who scatters the seed doesn't know how it grows.

00:12:17.319 --> 00:12:18.259
 There's nothing,

00:12:18.840 --> 00:12:20.419
 but he doesn't know how it grows.

00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:31.919
 That means that it is not by the efforts of the person who sowed the seed or by the wisdom and skill and knowledge he possesses to make the seed grow.

00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:32.000
 So,

00:12:32.479 --> 00:12:43.679
 what Jesus is teaching here is that the growth of God's kingdom does not ultimately depend on human effort or human wisdom.

00:12:44.199 --> 00:12:45.159
 We don't know how,

00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:49.719
 but the kingdom grows mysteriously by the power and wisdom of God.

00:12:50.679 --> 00:12:50.899
 Now,

00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:52.079
 when you hear that,

00:12:52.719 --> 00:12:57.179
 when you hear God's kingdom grows by God's power and God's wisdom,

00:12:57.519 --> 00:12:58.179
 we might think,

00:12:58.279 --> 00:12:58.500
 well,

00:12:58.740 --> 00:12:59.480
 of course,

00:13:00.559 --> 00:13:01.579
 of course we know that.

00:13:01.919 --> 00:13:02.379
 Of course,

00:13:02.459 --> 00:13:04.279
 the kingdom of God grows by God's power.

00:13:04.779 --> 00:13:05.059
 Duh.

00:13:07.299 --> 00:13:09.199
 But the question is,

00:13:09.459 --> 00:13:11.819
 do we really believe that?

00:13:13.059 --> 00:13:14.259
 And more importantly,

00:13:14.659 --> 00:13:19.039
 do we really live as though we believe that?

00:13:19.039 --> 00:13:24.620
 When someone comes to faith through our evangelism,

00:13:24.719 --> 00:13:26.120
 our sharing of good news,

00:13:26.120 --> 00:13:31.120
 or when our children embrace their faith because we taught them the gospel,

00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:32.320
 when that happens,

00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:35.759
 aren't we sometimes tempted to give too much,

00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:40.240
 a little too much credit to what we did rather than God's power,

00:13:40.600 --> 00:13:41.460
 what God has done?

00:13:41.460 --> 00:13:42.500
 Or,

00:13:42.500 --> 00:13:43.600
 on the other hand,

00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:50.220
 don't we sometimes act as if it's our responsibility and it's up to us to make the seed grow,

00:13:50.360 --> 00:13:52.580
 especially when it comes to our children.

00:13:52.580 --> 00:13:57.120
 we pour ourselves into teaching,

00:13:57.120 --> 00:13:58.600
 teaching them,

00:13:58.700 --> 00:13:59.520
 praying for them,

00:13:59.520 --> 00:14:00.920
 and setting an example.

00:14:01.060 --> 00:14:03.360
 And these are wonderful things that we must do.

00:14:03.360 --> 00:14:05.519
 But before long,

00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:11.779
 we can begin to feel as though the outcome rests on us.

00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:16.779
 But the kingdom of God expands automatically,

00:14:17.200 --> 00:14:18.139
 by itself,

00:14:18.440 --> 00:14:19.279
 without help.

00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:23.019
 It just grows mysteriously by the power of God.

00:14:23.180 --> 00:14:24.080
 So that's the first one.

00:14:25.360 --> 00:14:25.800
 Second,

00:14:26.019 --> 00:14:28.920
 the growth of God's kingdom is gradual.

00:14:28.919 --> 00:14:31.120
 Look again at verse 28.

00:14:33.399 --> 00:14:35.559
 The earth produces by itself,

00:14:35.860 --> 00:14:36.699
 first the blade,

00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:38.019
 then the ear,

00:14:38.419 --> 00:14:40.019
 then the full grain in the ear.

00:14:41.079 --> 00:14:45.000
 Do you hear the gradual nature of this growth?

00:14:45.659 --> 00:14:46.519
 First this,

00:14:46.919 --> 00:14:47.819
 then this,

00:14:48.179 --> 00:14:49.039
 then this.

00:14:50.599 --> 00:14:52.919
 A crop grows through distinct stages.

00:14:53.719 --> 00:14:54.679
 It takes time.

00:14:55.039 --> 00:14:57.719
 There's no shortcut that you can take.

00:14:57.720 --> 00:15:00.500
 You can't skip from planting the,

00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:00.860
 the,

00:15:00.860 --> 00:15:03.399
 the seed to harvest in the grain overnight.

00:15:03.740 --> 00:15:05.420
 That's what Jesus is trying to say here.

00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:07.779
 Jesus says that the growth of kingdom is,

00:15:07.920 --> 00:15:09.320
 God's kingdom is much the same.

00:15:09.660 --> 00:15:11.340
 It unfolds gradually.

00:15:12.700 --> 00:15:14.560
 According to God's timing,

00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:18.340
 there are seasons and stages.

00:15:18.340 --> 00:15:19.340
 It must go through.

00:15:20.100 --> 00:15:22.680
 And these seasons and stages that it goes through,

00:15:22.820 --> 00:15:23.300
 they,

00:15:23.300 --> 00:15:26.620
 they cannot be skipped or rushed or even delayed.

00:15:26.620 --> 00:15:32.019
 But if we're honest though,

00:15:32.500 --> 00:15:34.600
 that's not what we want,

00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:34.960
 is it?

00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:44.960
 We want the seeds that we sow to bear fruit immediately.

00:15:47.179 --> 00:15:48.299
 Wouldn't it be great?

00:15:48.799 --> 00:15:48.940
 You know,

00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:49.799
 if you like tomatoes,

00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:50.639
 I love tomatoes.

00:15:50.639 --> 00:15:52.199
 You sow the,

00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:53.519
 sow tomato seeds.

00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:54.679
 And next day,

00:15:54.840 --> 00:15:55.220
 next morning,

00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:55.580
 boop,

00:15:56.539 --> 00:15:57.679
 ripe juicy tomatoes.

00:15:58.460 --> 00:15:59.480
 We want that,

00:15:59.600 --> 00:15:59.879
 right?

00:16:03.299 --> 00:16:04.460
 Wouldn't it be wonderful

00:16:04.460 --> 00:16:05.799
 if

00:16:05.799 --> 00:16:08.519
 we share the gospel with our neighbors,

00:16:09.419 --> 00:16:10.279
 with our children,

00:16:10.939 --> 00:16:11.620
 the coworkers,

00:16:11.620 --> 00:16:15.639
 and almost overnight revival sweep through?

00:16:17.019 --> 00:16:18.120
 Wouldn't that be wonderful?

00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:20.899
 Revival in Hong Kong,

00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:22.200
 revival in Tokyo.

00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:26.519
 Wouldn't it be amazing to see entire communities

00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:29.060
 transformed spiritually,

00:16:29.320 --> 00:16:29.620
 morally,

00:16:29.740 --> 00:16:30.360
 and socially

00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:32.279
 in a matter of days?

00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:33.360
 Wouldn't that be wonderful?

00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:33.960
 But,

00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:37.759
 perhaps,

00:16:38.060 --> 00:16:38.480
 our

00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:40.159
 expectations,

00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:42.019
 our timetable,

00:16:42.320 --> 00:16:43.639
 for the growth of God's kingdom,

00:16:43.800 --> 00:16:45.519
 is not God's timetable.

00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:47.180
 Jesus says,

00:16:47.639 --> 00:16:48.399
 just as

00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:49.340
 a farmer

00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:50.740
 patiently waits

00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:52.139
 for the crop to mature,

00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:53.360
 Jesus teaches his disciples

00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:55.000
 to wait

00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:55.360
 patiently

00:16:56.039 --> 00:16:57.860
 for the growth of God's kingdom.

00:16:59.100 --> 00:17:00.639
 He wants us to trust

00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.539
 that his kingdom

00:17:01.539 --> 00:17:02.519
 will grow

00:17:02.519 --> 00:17:03.600
 and spread

00:17:03.600 --> 00:17:04.599
 according to God's

00:17:04.599 --> 00:17:05.339
 perfect timing,

00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:07.259
 not according to the schedule

00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:08.200
 we would have chosen.

00:17:10.220 --> 00:17:12.019
 And in verse 29,

00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:13.879
 Jesus tells us

00:17:13.879 --> 00:17:15.259
 how long this kingdom

00:17:15.259 --> 00:17:16.000
 of God

00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.420
 will continue to grow.

00:17:18.059 --> 00:17:19.059
 29 again.

00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:21.960
 But when the grain is ripe,

00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:23.160
 at once

00:17:23.160 --> 00:17:24.759
 he puts in the sickle

00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:26.139
 because the harvest

00:17:26.139 --> 00:17:27.200
 has come.

00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:28.819
 Now,

00:17:28.920 --> 00:17:29.879
 at first glance,

00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:30.579
 we

00:17:30.579 --> 00:17:31.960
 might not see

00:17:31.960 --> 00:17:32.640
 the significance

00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:33.860
 of these words,

00:17:33.980 --> 00:17:35.220
 but the first readers

00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:36.299
 of Mark,

00:17:36.620 --> 00:17:38.200
 who were much more familiar

00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:39.000
 with the Old Testament

00:17:39.000 --> 00:17:40.220
 than we are,

00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:40.680
 perhaps,

00:17:41.200 --> 00:17:41.880
 they would have

00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:42.819
 likely

00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:43.819
 recognized

00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:44.620
 that Jesus

00:17:44.620 --> 00:17:46.220
 was echoing

00:17:46.220 --> 00:17:46.799
 the language

00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:49.340
 of an Old Testament passage,

00:17:49.620 --> 00:17:50.039
 particularly

00:17:50.039 --> 00:17:52.079
 in Joel chapter 3,

00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:52.920
 verse 13.

00:17:53.420 --> 00:17:53.640
 This,

00:17:53.840 --> 00:17:54.880
 in Joel chapter 3,

00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:55.680
 verse 13,

00:17:56.039 --> 00:17:57.200
 the same expression,

00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:58.420
 putting in the sickle

00:17:58.420 --> 00:17:59.180
 at harvest time.

00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:00.160
 The same expression

00:18:00.160 --> 00:18:00.740
 is used.

00:18:01.400 --> 00:18:01.640
 Now,

00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:02.700
 in Joel 3,

00:18:02.880 --> 00:18:03.360
 13,

00:18:03.519 --> 00:18:04.600
 there the image

00:18:04.600 --> 00:18:05.380
 of putting in

00:18:05.380 --> 00:18:05.860
 the sickle

00:18:05.860 --> 00:18:06.380
 at harvest

00:18:06.380 --> 00:18:07.600
 points to

00:18:07.600 --> 00:18:08.920
 this day

00:18:08.920 --> 00:18:09.940
 when God

00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:10.519
 will judge

00:18:10.519 --> 00:18:11.180
 the nations

00:18:11.180 --> 00:18:12.039
 and bring

00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:12.779
 his people

00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:13.840
 from all corners

00:18:13.840 --> 00:18:14.700
 of the earth

00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:15.539
 to be with him

00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:15.920
 forever.

00:18:16.960 --> 00:18:17.820
 That day

00:18:17.820 --> 00:18:18.960
 when God

00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:19.500
 will bring

00:18:19.500 --> 00:18:20.460
 his saving work

00:18:20.460 --> 00:18:21.200
 to completion.

00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:22.519
 It refers

00:18:22.519 --> 00:18:23.060
 to that day.

00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:23.279
 So,

00:18:23.460 --> 00:18:24.420
 when Jesus speaks

00:18:24.420 --> 00:18:25.560
 of the harvest

00:18:25.559 --> 00:18:26.319
 in this passage,

00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:27.139
 he's pointing

00:18:27.139 --> 00:18:28.759
 beyond an ordinary

00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:29.440
 harvest

00:18:29.440 --> 00:18:30.779
 to the final day

00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:32.480
 when he will return.

00:18:34.359 --> 00:18:35.299
 On that day,

00:18:35.619 --> 00:18:37.319
 this broken world

00:18:37.319 --> 00:18:38.399
 filled with sin

00:18:38.399 --> 00:18:39.819
 and full of brokenness,

00:18:40.079 --> 00:18:42.059
 he will fully

00:18:42.059 --> 00:18:43.179
 restore this world

00:18:43.179 --> 00:18:44.079
 and God's kingdom

00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:45.220
 will be revealed

00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:46.379
 in all of its fullness

00:18:46.379 --> 00:18:47.200
 and everyone

00:18:47.200 --> 00:18:47.980
 who trusted

00:18:47.980 --> 00:18:48.919
 in Jesus

00:18:48.919 --> 00:18:50.159
 will be gathered

00:18:50.159 --> 00:18:50.799
 from the ends

00:18:50.799 --> 00:18:51.359
 of the earth

00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:52.379
 to live with him

00:18:52.379 --> 00:18:52.740
 forever.

00:18:52.859 --> 00:18:53.279
 He's pointing

00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:54.200
 to that day

00:18:54.200 --> 00:18:55.880
 and Jesus'

00:18:56.100 --> 00:18:56.980
 point here

00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:57.799
 is that the kingdom

00:18:57.799 --> 00:18:58.400
 of God

00:18:58.400 --> 00:19:00.000
 will continue

00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:00.720
 to grow

00:19:00.720 --> 00:19:01.759
 until that day.

00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:03.759
 It will not

00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.319
 stop short.

00:19:04.420 --> 00:19:05.420
 It will not fail

00:19:05.420 --> 00:19:06.720
 and by God's power

00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:07.120
 the kingdom

00:19:07.120 --> 00:19:08.720
 will keep advancing

00:19:08.720 --> 00:19:10.740
 but gradually

00:19:10.740 --> 00:19:13.860
 until the harvest

00:19:13.860 --> 00:19:14.600
 that God

00:19:14.600 --> 00:19:15.240
 has appointed.

00:19:16.420 --> 00:19:16.600
 So,

00:19:16.660 --> 00:19:16.940
 the kingdom

00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:17.860
 of God,

00:19:18.360 --> 00:19:18.880
 the growth

00:19:18.880 --> 00:19:19.319
 of the kingdom

00:19:19.319 --> 00:19:19.720
 of God

00:19:19.720 --> 00:19:20.400
 is gradual

00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:21.600
 and third,

00:19:22.080 --> 00:19:22.720
 the growth

00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:23.640
 of God's kingdom

00:19:23.640 --> 00:19:25.900
 is disproportionate.

00:19:27.020 --> 00:19:28.000
 Look back

00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:29.120
 at verse 30,

00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:32.100
 32, 32.

00:19:32.600 --> 00:19:33.540
 And he said,

00:19:33.780 --> 00:19:34.600
 with what can we

00:19:34.600 --> 00:19:35.440
 compare the kingdom

00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:35.920
 of God

00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:36.820
 or what parable

00:19:36.820 --> 00:19:37.460
 shall we use

00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:37.820
 for it?

00:19:38.100 --> 00:19:39.140
 It is like a grain

00:19:39.140 --> 00:19:40.220
 of mustard seed

00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:41.520
 which when sown

00:19:41.520 --> 00:19:42.120
 on the ground

00:19:42.120 --> 00:19:42.980
 is the smallest

00:19:42.980 --> 00:19:44.160
 of all the seeds

00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:44.680
 on earth

00:19:44.680 --> 00:19:47.100
 yet when it is sown

00:19:47.100 --> 00:19:48.180
 it grows up

00:19:48.180 --> 00:19:49.340
 and becomes larger

00:19:49.340 --> 00:19:50.340
 than all the garden

00:19:50.340 --> 00:19:50.759
 plants

00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:51.740
 and puts out

00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:52.600
 large branches

00:19:52.599 --> 00:19:53.879
 so that the

00:19:53.879 --> 00:19:54.819
 birds of the air

00:19:54.819 --> 00:19:55.899
 can make nests

00:19:55.899 --> 00:19:56.899
 in its shade.

00:19:58.579 --> 00:19:59.139
 Now,

00:19:59.219 --> 00:19:59.859
 I know that

00:19:59.859 --> 00:20:00.879
 many of us

00:20:00.879 --> 00:20:01.500
 are familiar

00:20:01.500 --> 00:20:03.039
 with this parable

00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:04.179
 and Jesus' words

00:20:04.179 --> 00:20:05.279
 and so

00:20:05.279 --> 00:20:06.459
 because we're

00:20:06.459 --> 00:20:07.199
 so familiar

00:20:07.199 --> 00:20:07.980
 with this parable

00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:09.219
 we tend to miss

00:20:09.219 --> 00:20:10.559
 the shock factor

00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:11.879
 when we read it.

00:20:11.880 --> 00:20:13.900
 but let's not

00:20:13.900 --> 00:20:15.160
 skip over

00:20:15.160 --> 00:20:16.800
 how ridiculously

00:20:16.800 --> 00:20:18.760
 disproportionate

00:20:18.760 --> 00:20:20.180
 the size difference

00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:20.920
 is between

00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:21.840
 a mustard seed

00:20:21.840 --> 00:20:22.880
 and a fully

00:20:22.880 --> 00:20:24.340
 grown tree.

00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:27.460
 A mustard seed

00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:29.660
 I looked it up

00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:31.200
 is about

00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:32.220
 one millimeter

00:20:32.220 --> 00:20:34.020
 it's tiny

00:20:34.020 --> 00:20:37.320
 a fully grown tree

00:20:37.320 --> 00:20:38.840
 about three meters

00:20:38.840 --> 00:20:39.260
 tall

00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:40.519
 and three meters

00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:40.920
 wide.

00:20:41.319 --> 00:20:41.559
 Now,

00:20:41.660 --> 00:20:42.799
 when you hear

00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:43.660
 three meters

00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:44.500
 by three meters

00:20:44.500 --> 00:20:45.440
 you might think

00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:46.000
 huh

00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:47.980
 okay

00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:49.799
 it doesn't sound

00:20:49.799 --> 00:20:50.420
 like a big tree

00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:50.920
 to me

00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:52.059
 right?

00:20:52.960 --> 00:20:53.579
 But,

00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:54.200
 however

00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:58.500
 in terms of

00:20:58.500 --> 00:21:00.339
 the ratio

00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:02.339
 in terms of

00:21:02.339 --> 00:21:03.079
 the volume

00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:03.859
 difference

00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:05.279
 I realized

00:21:05.279 --> 00:21:05.579
 that

00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:06.599
 a fully

00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:07.500
 grown tree

00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:08.259
 is

00:21:08.259 --> 00:21:09.379
 billions

00:21:09.379 --> 00:21:10.519
 of times

00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:11.399
 bigger

00:21:11.399 --> 00:21:12.219
 heavier

00:21:12.219 --> 00:21:14.679
 than the seed

00:21:14.679 --> 00:21:15.839
 the difference

00:21:15.839 --> 00:21:16.619
 is

00:21:16.619 --> 00:21:17.619
 astronomical

00:21:17.619 --> 00:21:19.899
 I was with

00:21:19.899 --> 00:21:21.019
 mainland

00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.819
 Chinese

00:21:21.819 --> 00:21:22.439
 pastors

00:21:22.439 --> 00:21:23.919
 who are

00:21:23.919 --> 00:21:24.299
 faithfully

00:21:24.299 --> 00:21:25.079
 preaching the gospel

00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:26.099
 for a preaching

00:21:26.099 --> 00:21:26.439
 workshop

00:21:26.439 --> 00:21:27.439
 this past

00:21:27.439 --> 00:21:28.279
 week

00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:30.299
 here in

00:21:30.299 --> 00:21:30.759
 Hong Kong

00:21:30.759 --> 00:21:31.940
 and

00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:32.759
 I've

00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:33.119
 always

00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:33.359
 been

00:21:33.359 --> 00:21:33.940
 fascinated

00:21:33.940 --> 00:21:34.579
 by

00:21:34.579 --> 00:21:35.539
 the

00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:36.000
 Chinese

00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:36.980
 culture

00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:37.480
 Chinese

00:21:37.480 --> 00:21:38.180
 history

00:21:38.180 --> 00:21:40.460
 who

00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:41.079
 here

00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:45.299
 any of you

00:21:45.299 --> 00:21:45.900
 seen

00:21:45.900 --> 00:21:46.900
 the Great Wall

00:21:46.900 --> 00:21:47.259
 of China

00:21:47.259 --> 00:21:47.960
 have you

00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:48.440
 visited

00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:49.339
 the Great Wall

00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:49.779
 of China

00:21:49.779 --> 00:21:51.559
 oh wow

00:21:51.559 --> 00:21:52.019
 so many

00:21:52.019 --> 00:21:52.339
 of you

00:21:52.339 --> 00:21:54.240
 that's

00:21:54.240 --> 00:21:54.700
 wonderful

00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:55.660
 I would love

00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:56.019
 to go

00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:56.500
 at some

00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:56.779
 point

00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:58.240
 who can

00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:58.819
 tell me

00:21:58.819 --> 00:21:59.599
 how long

00:21:59.599 --> 00:22:00.639
 it actually

00:22:00.639 --> 00:22:01.099
 is

00:22:01.099 --> 00:22:05.019
 no one

00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:06.039
 all right

00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:06.519
 here we go

00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:10.500
 21,196

00:22:10.500 --> 00:22:11.059
 kilometers

00:22:11.059 --> 00:22:13.859
 it's

00:22:13.859 --> 00:22:15.359
 it's so

00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:16.119
 mind-boggling

00:22:16.119 --> 00:22:16.819
 it's hard

00:22:16.819 --> 00:22:17.419
 to imagine

00:22:17.419 --> 00:22:18.399
 how long

00:22:18.399 --> 00:22:19.220
 that is

00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:20.379
 and it

00:22:20.379 --> 00:22:21.059
 was built

00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:21.419
 over

00:22:21.419 --> 00:22:22.679
 2,000

00:22:22.679 --> 00:22:23.339
 years

00:22:23.339 --> 00:22:25.700
 brick

00:22:25.700 --> 00:22:26.759
 by brick

00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:28.879
 stone

00:22:28.879 --> 00:22:29.319
 block

00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:30.019
 by stone

00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:30.420
 block

00:22:30.420 --> 00:22:31.680
 it was

00:22:31.680 --> 00:22:32.019
 built

00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:33.779
 and

00:22:33.779 --> 00:22:34.339
 it's

00:22:34.339 --> 00:22:35.019
 estimated

00:22:35.019 --> 00:22:37.099
 42

00:22:37.099 --> 00:22:38.259
 billion

00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:39.579
 bricks

00:22:39.579 --> 00:22:40.500
 or stones

00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:41.339
 were used

00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:42.279
 in the

00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:42.740
 construction

00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:43.980
 of this

00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:44.440
 Great Wall

00:22:44.440 --> 00:22:46.599
 now I bet

00:22:46.599 --> 00:22:46.879
 you

00:22:46.879 --> 00:22:47.879
 the people

00:22:47.879 --> 00:22:48.319
 who

00:22:48.319 --> 00:22:49.119
 laid the

00:22:49.119 --> 00:22:49.720
 first

00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:50.240
 brick

00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:51.980
 they had

00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:52.900
 no idea

00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:53.900
 how massive

00:22:53.900 --> 00:22:54.940
 this thing

00:22:54.940 --> 00:22:55.720
 will turn out

00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:56.100
 to be

00:22:56.100 --> 00:22:59.059
 Jesus

00:22:59.059 --> 00:22:59.500
 says

00:22:59.500 --> 00:23:00.920
 just as

00:23:00.920 --> 00:23:01.640
 something

00:23:01.640 --> 00:23:02.680
 as small

00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:03.480
 as a grain

00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:03.980
 of sand

00:23:03.980 --> 00:23:04.680
 like a mustard

00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.160
 seed

00:23:05.160 --> 00:23:06.660
 grows into

00:23:06.660 --> 00:23:07.259
 a large

00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:07.759
 tree

00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:09.420
 so the

00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:09.700
 kingdom

00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:10.059
 of God

00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:10.360
 no matter

00:23:10.360 --> 00:23:11.140
 how small

00:23:11.140 --> 00:23:11.680
 and how

00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:12.360
 insignificant

00:23:12.360 --> 00:23:13.039
 it may

00:23:13.039 --> 00:23:13.339
 seem

00:23:13.339 --> 00:23:13.900
 now

00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:14.680
 he says

00:23:14.680 --> 00:23:15.339
 it will

00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:16.160
 grow

00:23:16.160 --> 00:23:19.480
 now when

00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:20.019
 Mark's

00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:20.640
 gospel was

00:23:20.640 --> 00:23:20.920
 written

00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:21.680
 the church

00:23:21.680 --> 00:23:23.039
 lived under

00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:23.740
 the rule

00:23:23.740 --> 00:23:24.420
 and influence

00:23:24.420 --> 00:23:24.920
 of the Roman

00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:25.480
 empire

00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:26.160
 and Christians

00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:27.100
 were a

00:23:27.100 --> 00:23:28.160
 tiny minority

00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:28.700
 and from

00:23:28.700 --> 00:23:29.840
 their perspective

00:23:29.840 --> 00:23:30.500
 from human

00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:31.039
 perspective

00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:31.640
 it must have

00:23:31.640 --> 00:23:32.080
 seemed like

00:23:32.080 --> 00:23:32.640
 as though

00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:34.000
 God's kingdom

00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:35.320
 was making

00:23:35.320 --> 00:23:36.340
 very little

00:23:36.340 --> 00:23:36.980
 progress

00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:39.019
 the reality

00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:39.740
 they experienced

00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.500
 probably fell

00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:41.259
 far short

00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:41.900
 of what they

00:23:41.900 --> 00:23:43.100
 had expected

00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:45.100
 now at times

00:23:45.100 --> 00:23:45.660
 we may feel

00:23:45.660 --> 00:23:46.320
 the same way

00:23:46.320 --> 00:23:47.380
 in our

00:23:47.380 --> 00:23:48.080
 context

00:23:48.080 --> 00:23:49.360
 we look

00:23:49.360 --> 00:23:49.600
 at our

00:23:49.600 --> 00:23:50.140
 society

00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:51.560
 and we

00:23:51.560 --> 00:23:51.820
 see

00:23:51.820 --> 00:23:52.640
 increasing

00:23:52.640 --> 00:23:53.700
 turmoil

00:23:53.700 --> 00:23:54.720
 increasing

00:23:54.720 --> 00:23:55.360
 division

00:23:55.360 --> 00:23:55.940
 instead of

00:23:55.940 --> 00:23:56.259
 peace

00:23:56.259 --> 00:23:57.080
 increasing

00:23:57.080 --> 00:23:57.980
 hostility

00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:58.640
 toward one

00:23:58.640 --> 00:23:59.060
 another

00:23:59.060 --> 00:24:00.040
 instead of

00:24:00.040 --> 00:24:00.420
 love

00:24:00.420 --> 00:24:01.120
 and moral

00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:01.780
 confusion

00:24:01.780 --> 00:24:02.380
 instead of

00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:02.820
 righteousness

00:24:02.820 --> 00:24:03.759
 and when we

00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.340
 see all these

00:24:04.340 --> 00:24:05.040
 things it can

00:24:05.040 --> 00:24:05.620
 seem as though

00:24:05.620 --> 00:24:06.060
 the kingdom

00:24:06.060 --> 00:24:07.240
 of this world

00:24:07.240 --> 00:24:08.100
 is gaining

00:24:08.100 --> 00:24:08.520
 ground

00:24:08.520 --> 00:24:10.580
 and the kingdom

00:24:10.580 --> 00:24:11.420
 of God

00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:12.180
 is standing

00:24:12.180 --> 00:24:12.660
 still

00:24:12.660 --> 00:24:14.820
 but Jesus

00:24:14.820 --> 00:24:16.900
 tells us

00:24:16.900 --> 00:24:17.680
 to see

00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:18.320
 things very

00:24:18.320 --> 00:24:18.779
 differently

00:24:18.779 --> 00:24:21.540
 God's word

00:24:21.540 --> 00:24:22.180
 tells us

00:24:22.180 --> 00:24:22.900
 that even

00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:23.720
 when nothing

00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:24.340
 seems to be

00:24:24.340 --> 00:24:24.680
 happening

00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.660
 from a human

00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.200
 perspective

00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:27.259
 he says

00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.259
 no no no

00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:29.540
 God's at work

00:24:29.540 --> 00:24:31.320
 God is growing

00:24:31.320 --> 00:24:32.100
 his kingdom

00:24:32.100 --> 00:24:32.880
 so that means

00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:34.019
 we must not

00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:34.840
 judge the

00:24:34.840 --> 00:24:35.180
 kingdom

00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:36.040
 by

00:24:36.040 --> 00:24:37.940
 its appearance

00:24:37.940 --> 00:24:38.720
 right now

00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:41.320
 Jesus says

00:24:41.320 --> 00:24:42.120
 the kingdom

00:24:42.119 --> 00:24:43.419
 will grow

00:24:43.419 --> 00:24:44.299
 and in the

00:24:44.299 --> 00:24:44.719
 end

00:24:44.719 --> 00:24:45.979
 oh it

00:24:45.979 --> 00:24:46.319
 will be

00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:46.799
 so

00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:48.099
 disproportionate

00:24:48.099 --> 00:24:49.099
 to how

00:24:49.099 --> 00:24:49.659
 it started

00:24:49.659 --> 00:24:50.559
 that's what

00:24:50.559 --> 00:24:51.059
 Jesus is

00:24:51.059 --> 00:24:51.579
 teaching us

00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:51.819
 here

00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:53.439
 but Jesus

00:24:53.439 --> 00:24:53.959
 is not

00:24:53.959 --> 00:24:54.419
 telling us

00:24:54.419 --> 00:24:55.199
 to just

00:24:55.199 --> 00:24:56.079
 sit back

00:24:56.079 --> 00:24:56.399
 and do

00:24:56.399 --> 00:24:56.759
 nothing

00:24:56.759 --> 00:24:57.439
 and simply

00:24:57.439 --> 00:24:58.000
 wait for

00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:58.339
 the kingdom

00:24:58.339 --> 00:24:58.839
 to grow

00:24:58.839 --> 00:24:59.599
 he has

00:24:59.599 --> 00:25:00.199
 given us

00:25:00.199 --> 00:25:01.159
 something

00:25:01.159 --> 00:25:01.879
 to participate

00:25:01.879 --> 00:25:02.179
 in

00:25:02.179 --> 00:25:02.699
 so number

00:25:02.699 --> 00:25:03.000
 four

00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.599
 last point

00:25:03.599 --> 00:25:04.359
 the growth

00:25:04.359 --> 00:25:05.059
 of God's

00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:05.339
 kingdom

00:25:05.339 --> 00:25:06.959
 is participatory

00:25:06.959 --> 00:25:09.500
 when Jesus

00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:10.479
 told his

00:25:10.479 --> 00:25:11.019
 parable

00:25:11.019 --> 00:25:11.679
 he wanted

00:25:11.680 --> 00:25:12.480
 his listeners

00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:13.019
 to ask

00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.500
 themselves

00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.340
 where am I

00:25:14.340 --> 00:25:14.640
 in this

00:25:14.640 --> 00:25:14.960
 story

00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:15.940
 what character

00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:16.340
 am I

00:25:16.340 --> 00:25:19.700
 now notice

00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:22.620
 there's a role

00:25:22.620 --> 00:25:23.060
 for us

00:25:23.060 --> 00:25:23.820
 in this

00:25:23.820 --> 00:25:24.140
 parable

00:25:24.140 --> 00:25:24.539
 we're

00:25:24.539 --> 00:25:24.940
 we're

00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:25.420
 we're this

00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:25.960
 man

00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:26.860
 who

00:25:26.860 --> 00:25:27.840
 goes out

00:25:27.840 --> 00:25:28.700
 and scatters

00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.160
 seed on the

00:25:29.160 --> 00:25:29.460
 ground

00:25:29.460 --> 00:25:31.039
 notice that

00:25:31.039 --> 00:25:31.680
 the growth

00:25:31.680 --> 00:25:32.600
 of God's

00:25:32.600 --> 00:25:32.940
 kingdom

00:25:32.940 --> 00:25:34.259
 begins

00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:36.000
 with someone

00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:36.660
 sowing

00:25:36.660 --> 00:25:37.480
 the seed

00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:39.559
 so

00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.940
 what does

00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:41.299
 it mean

00:25:41.299 --> 00:25:41.660
 to sow

00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:42.099
 the seed

00:25:42.099 --> 00:25:42.779
 well

00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:43.079
 Jesus

00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:43.559
 answers

00:25:43.559 --> 00:25:43.759
 that

00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:44.140
 question

00:25:44.140 --> 00:25:44.539
 earlier

00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:44.860
 in Mark

00:25:44.860 --> 00:25:45.160
 chapter

00:25:45.160 --> 00:25:45.660
 four

00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:47.200
 he

00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:48.000
 explained

00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:48.660
 this

00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:49.099
 parable

00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:49.700
 of the

00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:49.980
 sower

00:25:49.980 --> 00:25:50.880
 to his

00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:51.319
 disciples

00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:52.019
 and he

00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:52.460
 says in

00:25:52.460 --> 00:25:53.039
 verse 14

00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:53.380
 Mark

00:25:53.380 --> 00:25:53.620
 chapter

00:25:53.620 --> 00:25:53.920
 four

00:25:53.920 --> 00:25:54.480
 the

00:25:54.480 --> 00:25:55.019
 sower

00:25:55.019 --> 00:25:56.079
 sows

00:25:56.079 --> 00:25:56.960
 the word

00:25:56.960 --> 00:25:58.360
 so the

00:25:58.360 --> 00:25:58.839
 seed

00:25:58.839 --> 00:25:59.579
 in this

00:25:59.579 --> 00:25:59.900
 parable

00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:00.599
 and earlier

00:26:00.599 --> 00:26:00.980
 parable

00:26:00.980 --> 00:26:02.259
 represents

00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:02.960
 God's

00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:03.440
 word

00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:04.079
 and to

00:26:04.079 --> 00:26:04.460
 sow

00:26:04.460 --> 00:26:05.079
 the seed

00:26:05.079 --> 00:26:05.579
 is to

00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.119
 proclaim

00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:07.960
 God's

00:26:07.960 --> 00:26:08.259
 word

00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:09.159
 to share

00:26:09.159 --> 00:26:09.559
 the good

00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:09.919
 news

00:26:09.919 --> 00:26:10.460
 of the

00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:10.839
 gospel

00:26:10.839 --> 00:26:12.319
 now

00:26:12.319 --> 00:26:12.919
 ultimately

00:26:12.919 --> 00:26:14.079
 Jesus

00:26:14.079 --> 00:26:14.759
 himself

00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:15.579
 is the

00:26:15.579 --> 00:26:16.179
 first

00:26:16.179 --> 00:26:16.819
 sower

00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:17.439
 of the

00:26:17.439 --> 00:26:17.659
 word

00:26:17.659 --> 00:26:18.000
 at the

00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:18.240
 beginning

00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:19.139
 of Mark's

00:26:19.139 --> 00:26:19.500
 gospel

00:26:19.500 --> 00:26:20.079
 he went

00:26:20.079 --> 00:26:20.519
 throughout

00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:20.960
 Galilee

00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:21.559
 proclaiming

00:26:21.559 --> 00:26:21.919
 the gospel

00:26:21.919 --> 00:26:22.220
 of God

00:26:22.220 --> 00:26:22.539
 saying

00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:23.059
 Mark

00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:23.259
 chapter

00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:23.519
 one

00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:23.779
 verse

00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:24.179
 15

00:26:24.179 --> 00:26:24.579
 the

00:26:24.579 --> 00:26:24.939
 time

00:26:24.939 --> 00:26:25.139
 is

00:26:25.139 --> 00:26:25.639
 fulfilled

00:26:25.639 --> 00:26:26.039
 and the

00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:26.259
 kingdom

00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:26.659
 of God

00:26:26.659 --> 00:26:26.980
 is at

00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:27.220
 hand

00:26:27.220 --> 00:26:27.579
 repent

00:26:27.579 --> 00:26:28.519
 and believe

00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:29.079
 in the

00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:29.339
 gospel

00:26:29.339 --> 00:26:29.599
 so

00:26:29.599 --> 00:26:30.099
 Jesus

00:26:30.099 --> 00:26:30.699
 himself

00:26:30.699 --> 00:26:31.240
 is the

00:26:31.240 --> 00:26:31.759
 ultimately

00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:32.639
 first

00:26:32.639 --> 00:26:33.159
 sower

00:26:33.159 --> 00:26:33.619
 of the

00:26:33.619 --> 00:26:33.819
 word

00:26:33.819 --> 00:26:34.259
 then

00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:34.960
 through

00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:35.220
 the

00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:35.440
 great

00:26:35.440 --> 00:26:35.859
 commission

00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:36.379
 as we

00:26:36.379 --> 00:26:36.660
 know

00:26:36.660 --> 00:26:37.220
 Jesus

00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:38.019
 entrusted

00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:38.379
 that

00:26:38.379 --> 00:26:38.879
 same

00:26:38.879 --> 00:26:39.379
 mission

00:26:39.379 --> 00:26:39.839
 to

00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:40.460
 his

00:26:40.460 --> 00:26:40.900
 disciples

00:26:40.900 --> 00:26:41.299
 to

00:26:41.299 --> 00:26:42.640
 go out

00:26:42.640 --> 00:26:43.299
 and to

00:26:43.299 --> 00:26:43.980
 proclaim

00:26:43.980 --> 00:26:45.619
 God's

00:26:45.619 --> 00:26:46.119
 word

00:26:46.119 --> 00:26:46.879
 proclaim

00:26:46.879 --> 00:26:47.359
 the gospel

00:26:47.359 --> 00:26:47.799
 and to

00:26:47.799 --> 00:26:48.180
 continue

00:26:48.180 --> 00:26:48.740
 sowing

00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.700
 the seed

00:26:49.700 --> 00:26:50.240
 of God's

00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:50.420
 word

00:26:50.420 --> 00:26:50.879
 until he

00:26:50.879 --> 00:26:51.359
 returns

00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:52.640
 so

00:26:52.640 --> 00:26:53.220
 God

00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:53.480
 has

00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:54.240
 graciously

00:26:54.240 --> 00:26:55.019
 ordained

00:26:55.019 --> 00:26:55.680
 our

00:26:55.680 --> 00:26:56.799
 participation

00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:58.539
 in the

00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:58.859
 growth

00:26:58.859 --> 00:26:59.319
 of God's

00:26:59.319 --> 00:26:59.500
 kingdom

00:26:59.500 --> 00:26:59.960
 isn't that

00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:00.460
 amazing

00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.599
 God

00:27:01.599 --> 00:27:01.980
 can do

00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:02.400
 it all

00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:03.240
 but he

00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:03.779
 invites

00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:04.440
 to

00:27:04.440 --> 00:27:05.099
 participate

00:27:05.099 --> 00:27:05.779
 in the

00:27:05.779 --> 00:27:06.180
 growth

00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:06.619
 of

00:27:06.619 --> 00:27:06.920
 God's

00:27:06.920 --> 00:27:07.240
 kingdom

00:27:07.240 --> 00:27:08.099
 and

00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:08.279
 giving

00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:08.480
 us

00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:08.619
 a

00:27:08.619 --> 00:27:09.059
 task

00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:12.200
 but when

00:27:12.200 --> 00:27:12.440
 we

00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:12.779
 preach

00:27:12.779 --> 00:27:12.940
 the

00:27:12.940 --> 00:27:13.200
 gospel

00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:13.480
 when

00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:13.680
 we

00:27:13.680 --> 00:27:13.980
 share

00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:14.359
 God's

00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:14.579
 word

00:27:14.579 --> 00:27:14.819
 when

00:27:14.819 --> 00:27:15.079
 we

00:27:15.079 --> 00:27:15.599
 talk

00:27:15.599 --> 00:27:15.839
 about

00:27:15.839 --> 00:27:16.319
 God

00:27:16.319 --> 00:27:17.140
 and

00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:17.319
 his

00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:17.700
 word

00:27:17.700 --> 00:27:17.960
 with

00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:18.420
 others

00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:19.000
 and

00:27:19.000 --> 00:27:19.299
 sow

00:27:19.299 --> 00:27:19.519
 the

00:27:19.519 --> 00:27:19.819
 seed

00:27:19.819 --> 00:27:20.079
 of

00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.359
 God's

00:27:20.359 --> 00:27:20.640
 word

00:27:20.640 --> 00:27:21.119
 we

00:27:21.119 --> 00:27:21.500
 often

00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:21.980
 feel

00:27:21.980 --> 00:27:22.319
 as

00:27:22.319 --> 00:27:22.779
 though

00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:24.400
 nothing

00:27:24.400 --> 00:27:25.180
 is

00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:25.539
 happening

00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:28.200
 even

00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:28.559
 after

00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:29.200
 many

00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:29.660
 many

00:27:29.660 --> 00:27:30.220
 years

00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:30.680
 of

00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:31.759
 effort

00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:32.839
 nothing

00:27:32.839 --> 00:27:34.579
 there

00:27:34.579 --> 00:27:34.980
 may be

00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:35.420
 very

00:27:35.420 --> 00:27:36.319
 little

00:27:36.319 --> 00:27:36.819
 visible

00:27:36.819 --> 00:27:37.440
 change

00:27:37.440 --> 00:27:39.720
 in our

00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.119
 own

00:27:40.119 --> 00:27:41.440
 community

00:27:41.440 --> 00:27:41.879
 in

00:27:41.879 --> 00:27:42.279
 Tokyo

00:27:42.279 --> 00:27:42.839
 there

00:27:42.839 --> 00:27:42.980
 have

00:27:42.980 --> 00:27:43.099
 been

00:27:43.099 --> 00:27:43.539
 people

00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:43.960
 who

00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:45.000
 studied

00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:45.160
 the

00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:45.339
 Bible

00:27:45.339 --> 00:27:45.640
 with

00:27:45.640 --> 00:27:46.099
 us

00:27:46.099 --> 00:27:46.920
 attended

00:27:46.920 --> 00:27:47.180
 our

00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:47.420
 Sunday

00:27:47.420 --> 00:27:48.039
 gathering

00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:48.779
 heard

00:27:48.779 --> 00:27:48.940
 the

00:27:48.940 --> 00:27:49.379
 gospel

00:27:49.379 --> 00:27:50.079
 for a

00:27:50.079 --> 00:27:50.420
 time

00:27:50.420 --> 00:27:50.900
 and

00:27:50.900 --> 00:27:51.140
 then

00:27:51.140 --> 00:27:51.579
 suddenly

00:27:51.579 --> 00:27:53.039
 people

00:27:53.039 --> 00:27:53.259
 might

00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:53.539
 stop

00:27:53.539 --> 00:27:53.900
 coming

00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:54.680
 or

00:27:54.680 --> 00:27:54.839
 they

00:27:54.839 --> 00:27:55.079
 move

00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:55.440
 away

00:27:55.440 --> 00:27:55.779
 before

00:27:55.779 --> 00:27:56.019
 their

00:27:56.019 --> 00:27:56.319
 faith

00:27:56.319 --> 00:27:56.599
 ever

00:27:56.599 --> 00:27:56.879
 seemed

00:27:56.879 --> 00:27:57.039
 to

00:27:57.039 --> 00:27:57.240
 take

00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:57.500
 root

00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:59.440
 isn't

00:27:59.440 --> 00:27:59.619
 it

00:27:59.619 --> 00:28:00.059
 true

00:28:00.059 --> 00:28:00.799
 that

00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.180
 from

00:28:01.180 --> 00:28:01.839
 our

00:28:01.839 --> 00:28:02.460
 perspective

00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:03.240
 we

00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:03.680
 often

00:28:03.680 --> 00:28:04.599
 sow

00:28:04.599 --> 00:28:05.039
 gospel

00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:05.380
 seeds

00:28:05.380 --> 00:28:05.660
 but

00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.160
 rarely

00:28:06.160 --> 00:28:06.480
 get

00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:06.680
 to

00:28:06.680 --> 00:28:07.059
 see

00:28:07.059 --> 00:28:07.539
 the

00:28:07.539 --> 00:28:07.920
 fruit

00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:08.380
 right

00:28:08.380 --> 00:28:08.720
 away

00:28:08.720 --> 00:28:09.259
 in

00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:09.380
 our

00:28:09.380 --> 00:28:09.720
 children

00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:10.039
 in

00:28:10.039 --> 00:28:10.160
 our

00:28:10.160 --> 00:28:10.480
 friends

00:28:10.480 --> 00:28:10.640
 in

00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:10.759
 our

00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:11.039
 family

00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:11.640
 co-workers

00:28:11.640 --> 00:28:13.240
 and yet

00:28:13.240 --> 00:28:14.819
 Jesus

00:28:14.819 --> 00:28:15.339
 teaches

00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:15.740
 us

00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.099
 that

00:28:16.099 --> 00:28:16.680
 something

00:28:16.680 --> 00:28:17.900
 real

00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:18.799
 something

00:28:18.799 --> 00:28:19.079
 is

00:28:19.079 --> 00:28:19.619
 happening

00:28:19.619 --> 00:28:20.019
 actually

00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:20.480
 happening

00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:20.819
 even

00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:21.059
 when

00:28:21.059 --> 00:28:21.579
 nothing

00:28:21.579 --> 00:28:22.460
 appears

00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:22.759
 to be

00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:23.099
 happening

00:28:23.099 --> 00:28:23.480
 from

00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:23.819
 our

00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:24.380
 perspective

00:28:24.380 --> 00:28:25.700
 when

00:28:25.700 --> 00:28:25.980
 we

00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:26.279
 sow

00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:26.519
 the

00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:26.839
 seed

00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.019
 of

00:28:27.019 --> 00:28:27.140
 the

00:28:27.140 --> 00:28:27.400
 gospel

00:28:27.400 --> 00:28:27.680
 we're

00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:27.820
 not

00:28:27.820 --> 00:28:28.220
 we're

00:28:28.220 --> 00:28:28.360
 not

00:28:28.360 --> 00:28:28.540
 the

00:28:28.540 --> 00:28:28.980
 ones

00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:29.680
 that

00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:29.860
 can

00:28:29.860 --> 00:28:30.360
 make

00:28:30.360 --> 00:28:31.660
 the

00:28:31.660 --> 00:28:31.920
 seed

00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:32.300
 grow

00:28:32.300 --> 00:28:33.180
 that

00:28:33.180 --> 00:28:33.600
 power

00:28:33.600 --> 00:28:33.940
 to

00:28:33.940 --> 00:28:34.300
 grow

00:28:34.300 --> 00:28:34.600
 the

00:28:34.600 --> 00:28:34.840
 seed

00:28:34.840 --> 00:28:34.980
 that

00:28:34.980 --> 00:28:35.140
 we

00:28:35.140 --> 00:28:35.600
 sow

00:28:35.600 --> 00:28:36.620
 that

00:28:36.620 --> 00:28:36.880
 power

00:28:36.880 --> 00:28:37.280
 belongs

00:28:37.280 --> 00:28:37.460
 to

00:28:37.460 --> 00:28:37.780
 God

00:28:37.780 --> 00:28:38.200
 and

00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:38.640
 his

00:28:38.640 --> 00:28:39.160
 word

00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:39.540
 and

00:28:39.540 --> 00:28:39.759
 so

00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:39.960
 we

00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.100
 don't

00:28:40.100 --> 00:28:40.240
 need

00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:40.320
 to

00:28:40.320 --> 00:28:40.519
 be

00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:41.300
 anxious

00:28:41.300 --> 00:28:41.780
 we

00:28:41.780 --> 00:28:41.920
 don't

00:28:41.920 --> 00:28:42.060
 need

00:28:42.060 --> 00:28:42.160
 to

00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:42.420
 be

00:28:42.420 --> 00:28:43.259
 we

00:28:43.259 --> 00:28:43.400
 don't

00:28:43.400 --> 00:28:43.519
 need

00:28:43.519 --> 00:28:43.620
 to

00:28:43.620 --> 00:28:43.740
 be

00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:44.200
 forcing

00:28:44.200 --> 00:28:45.320
 things

00:28:45.320 --> 00:28:46.140
 to

00:28:46.140 --> 00:28:46.480
 grow

00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:47.420
 only

00:28:47.420 --> 00:28:47.640
 God

00:28:47.640 --> 00:28:47.800
 can

00:28:47.800 --> 00:28:47.940
 do

00:28:47.940 --> 00:28:48.160
 that

00:28:48.160 --> 00:28:50.080
 and

00:28:50.080 --> 00:28:50.259
 when

00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:50.440
 I

00:28:50.440 --> 00:28:50.800
 look

00:28:50.800 --> 00:28:51.060
 back

00:28:51.060 --> 00:28:51.180
 on

00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:51.380
 my

00:28:51.380 --> 00:28:51.600
 own

00:28:51.600 --> 00:28:51.880
 story

00:28:51.880 --> 00:28:52.060
 I

00:28:52.060 --> 00:28:52.380
 realize

00:28:52.380 --> 00:28:52.640
 how

00:28:52.640 --> 00:28:52.880
 many

00:28:52.880 --> 00:28:53.300
 different

00:28:53.300 --> 00:28:53.860
 people

00:28:53.860 --> 00:28:54.519
 God

00:28:54.519 --> 00:28:54.839
 had

00:28:54.839 --> 00:28:55.519
 placed

00:28:55.519 --> 00:28:55.720
 in

00:28:55.720 --> 00:28:55.900
 my

00:28:55.900 --> 00:28:56.299
 life

00:28:56.299 --> 00:28:56.859
 and

00:28:56.859 --> 00:28:58.200
 God

00:28:58.200 --> 00:28:58.599
 used

00:28:58.599 --> 00:28:58.819
 those

00:28:58.819 --> 00:28:59.059
 people

00:28:59.059 --> 00:28:59.279
 to

00:28:59.279 --> 00:28:59.519
 sow

00:28:59.519 --> 00:28:59.720
 the

00:28:59.720 --> 00:28:59.980
 seed

00:28:59.980 --> 00:29:00.200
 of

00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:00.519
 the

00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.960
 gospel

00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:02.119
 in

00:29:02.119 --> 00:29:02.240
 my

00:29:02.240 --> 00:29:02.599
 life

00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:03.680
 more

00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:03.839
 than

00:29:03.839 --> 00:29:04.160
 30

00:29:04.160 --> 00:29:04.480
 years

00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:04.799
 ago

00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:05.559
 I

00:29:05.559 --> 00:29:05.700
 was

00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:05.779
 a

00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:05.920
 high

00:29:05.920 --> 00:29:06.119
 school

00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:06.500
 student

00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:06.859
 I

00:29:06.859 --> 00:29:07.259
 went

00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.180
 on

00:29:08.180 --> 00:29:08.400
 this

00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:08.700
 home

00:29:08.700 --> 00:29:08.920
 stay

00:29:08.920 --> 00:29:09.379
 program

00:29:09.379 --> 00:29:09.720
 during

00:29:09.720 --> 00:29:10.480
 summer

00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.019
 vacation

00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:11.460
 and

00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:12.079
 my

00:29:12.079 --> 00:29:12.319
 host

00:29:12.319 --> 00:29:12.660
 family

00:29:12.660 --> 00:29:13.299
 in

00:29:13.299 --> 00:29:13.900
 LA

00:29:13.900 --> 00:29:14.599
 they

00:29:14.599 --> 00:29:14.920
 took

00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:15.059
 me

00:29:15.059 --> 00:29:15.240
 to

00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:15.619
 church

00:29:15.619 --> 00:29:17.240
 as

00:29:17.240 --> 00:29:17.379
 my

00:29:17.379 --> 00:29:17.660
 very

00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:18.160
 first

00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:19.019
 exposure

00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:19.339
 to

00:29:19.339 --> 00:29:19.960
 anything

00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:20.599
 Christian

00:29:20.599 --> 00:29:21.980
 then

00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:22.139
 in

00:29:22.139 --> 00:29:22.279
 my

00:29:22.279 --> 00:29:22.740
 final year

00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:22.839
 of

00:29:22.839 --> 00:29:23.000
 high

00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:23.180
 school

00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:23.359
 my

00:29:23.359 --> 00:29:23.599
 home

00:29:23.599 --> 00:29:23.639
!

00:29:23.639 --> 00:29:24.160
 teacher

00:29:24.160 --> 00:29:24.180
!

00:29:24.180 --> 00:29:24.799
 gave

00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:25.080
 me

00:29:25.080 --> 00:29:25.360
 a

00:29:25.360 --> 00:29:25.720
 Bible

00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:27.120
 which

00:29:27.120 --> 00:29:27.660
 I

00:29:27.660 --> 00:29:27.740
 don't

00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:27.900
 think

00:29:27.900 --> 00:29:27.980
 it

00:29:27.980 --> 00:29:28.100
 was

00:29:28.100 --> 00:29:28.519
 allowed

00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:29.580
 but

00:29:29.580 --> 00:29:29.680
 he

00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:29.880
 did

00:29:29.880 --> 00:29:29.980
 it

00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:30.380
 anyway

00:29:30.380 --> 00:29:31.920
 and

00:29:31.920 --> 00:29:32.019
 it

00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:32.200
 was

00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:32.500
 through

00:29:32.500 --> 00:29:32.880
 that

00:29:32.880 --> 00:29:33.460
 Bible

00:29:33.460 --> 00:29:35.100
 God

00:29:35.100 --> 00:29:35.360
 would

00:29:35.360 --> 00:29:35.720
 later

00:29:35.720 --> 00:29:36.019
 lead

00:29:36.019 --> 00:29:36.180
 me

00:29:36.180 --> 00:29:36.360
 to

00:29:36.360 --> 00:29:36.720
 faith

00:29:36.720 --> 00:29:36.980
 in

00:29:36.980 --> 00:29:37.299
 Jesus

00:29:37.299 --> 00:29:38.720
 now

00:29:38.720 --> 00:29:38.960
 at

00:29:38.960 --> 00:29:39.160
 that

00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:39.440
 time

00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:39.640
 I

00:29:39.640 --> 00:29:39.799
 don't

00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:40.019
 think

00:29:40.019 --> 00:29:40.320
 any

00:29:40.320 --> 00:29:40.460
 of

00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:40.640
 those

00:29:40.640 --> 00:29:40.960
 people

00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:41.820
 who

00:29:41.820 --> 00:29:42.240
 sow

00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:42.480
 the

00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:42.860
 seed

00:29:42.860 --> 00:29:43.080
 of

00:29:43.080 --> 00:29:43.400
 God's

00:29:43.400 --> 00:29:43.640
 word

00:29:43.640 --> 00:29:43.840
 and

00:29:43.840 --> 00:29:43.960
 the

00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:44.220
 gospel

00:29:44.220 --> 00:29:44.400
 in

00:29:44.400 --> 00:29:44.539
 my

00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:44.779
 life

00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:45.299
 I

00:29:45.299 --> 00:29:45.460
 don't

00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:45.740
 think

00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:46.759
 anybody

00:29:46.759 --> 00:29:47.600
 had

00:29:47.600 --> 00:29:47.920
 any

00:29:47.920 --> 00:29:48.340
 idea

00:29:48.340 --> 00:29:49.400
 what

00:29:49.400 --> 00:29:49.759
 God

00:29:49.759 --> 00:29:50.019
 would

00:29:50.019 --> 00:29:50.500
 eventually

00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:50.980
 do

00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:51.460
 through

00:29:51.460 --> 00:29:52.060
 those

00:29:52.060 --> 00:29:52.860
 small

00:29:52.860 --> 00:29:53.299
 acts

00:29:53.299 --> 00:29:53.620
 of

00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:54.079
 sowing

00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:55.119
 God's

00:29:55.119 --> 00:29:55.399
 word

00:29:55.399 --> 00:29:57.159
 but

00:29:57.159 --> 00:29:58.379
 God

00:29:58.379 --> 00:29:58.739
 was at

00:29:58.739 --> 00:29:59.099
 work

00:29:59.099 --> 00:30:00.059
 quietly

00:30:00.059 --> 00:30:01.139
 and

00:30:01.139 --> 00:30:01.699
 faithfully

00:30:01.699 --> 00:30:02.599
 bringing

00:30:02.599 --> 00:30:03.139
 me

00:30:03.139 --> 00:30:03.819
 to

00:30:03.819 --> 00:30:04.299
 salvation

00:30:04.299 --> 00:30:04.799
 and

00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:05.139
 faith

00:30:05.139 --> 00:30:05.419
 in

00:30:05.419 --> 00:30:05.699
 Jesus

00:30:05.699 --> 00:30:06.659
 and

00:30:06.659 --> 00:30:07.079
 welcoming

00:30:07.079 --> 00:30:07.500
 me

00:30:07.500 --> 00:30:07.819
 into

00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:08.059
 his

00:30:08.059 --> 00:30:08.359
 kingdom

00:30:08.359 --> 00:30:08.639
 and

00:30:08.639 --> 00:30:08.899
 now

00:30:08.899 --> 00:30:09.259
 three

00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:09.659
 decades

00:30:09.659 --> 00:30:10.119
 later

00:30:10.119 --> 00:30:11.779
 there's

00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:11.919
 a

00:30:11.919 --> 00:30:12.259
 small

00:30:12.259 --> 00:30:12.559
 but

00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:13.139
 healthy

00:30:13.139 --> 00:30:13.899
 local

00:30:13.899 --> 00:30:14.339
 church

00:30:14.339 --> 00:30:14.659
 in

00:30:14.659 --> 00:30:15.000
 Tokyo

00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:15.339
 and

00:30:15.339 --> 00:30:15.539
 the

00:30:15.539 --> 00:30:15.879
 kingdom

00:30:15.879 --> 00:30:16.299
 of

00:30:16.299 --> 00:30:16.659
 God

00:30:16.659 --> 00:30:17.019
 is

00:30:17.019 --> 00:30:17.500
 still

00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:18.379
 growing

00:30:18.380 --> 00:30:20.760
 now

00:30:20.760 --> 00:30:21.040
 three

00:30:21.040 --> 00:30:21.540
 summers

00:30:21.540 --> 00:30:21.860
 ago

00:30:21.860 --> 00:30:22.360
 I

00:30:22.360 --> 00:30:23.720
 happened

00:30:23.720 --> 00:30:24.300
 to

00:30:24.300 --> 00:30:25.440
 be

00:30:25.440 --> 00:30:25.640
 back

00:30:25.640 --> 00:30:25.760
 in

00:30:25.760 --> 00:30:26.000
 LA

00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:26.280
 as

00:30:26.280 --> 00:30:26.400
 a

00:30:26.400 --> 00:30:26.720
 family

00:30:26.720 --> 00:30:27.180
 and

00:30:27.180 --> 00:30:27.300
 I

00:30:27.300 --> 00:30:27.420
 had

00:30:27.420 --> 00:30:27.540
 the

00:30:27.540 --> 00:30:27.940
 opportunity

00:30:27.940 --> 00:30:28.440
 to

00:30:28.440 --> 00:30:29.060
 reunite

00:30:29.060 --> 00:30:29.260
 with

00:30:29.260 --> 00:30:29.380
 the

00:30:29.380 --> 00:30:29.560
 host

00:30:29.560 --> 00:30:29.960
 family

00:30:29.960 --> 00:30:31.180
 after

00:30:31.180 --> 00:30:31.780
 for

00:30:31.780 --> 00:30:31.900
 the

00:30:31.900 --> 00:30:32.060
 first

00:30:32.060 --> 00:30:32.260
 time

00:30:32.260 --> 00:30:33.280
 you know

00:30:33.280 --> 00:30:33.540
 after

00:30:33.540 --> 00:30:33.940
 more

00:30:33.940 --> 00:30:34.060
 than

00:30:34.060 --> 00:30:34.300
 30

00:30:34.300 --> 00:30:34.660
 years

00:30:34.660 --> 00:30:35.060
 I

00:30:35.060 --> 00:30:35.180
 was

00:30:35.180 --> 00:30:35.340
 able

00:30:35.340 --> 00:30:35.520
 to

00:30:35.520 --> 00:30:35.880
 introduce

00:30:35.880 --> 00:30:36.140
 them

00:30:36.140 --> 00:30:36.280
 to

00:30:36.280 --> 00:30:36.660
 Emma

00:30:36.660 --> 00:30:37.280
 and

00:30:37.280 --> 00:30:37.980
 my

00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:38.340
 children

00:30:38.340 --> 00:30:38.820
 and

00:30:38.820 --> 00:30:39.200
 shared

00:30:39.200 --> 00:30:39.640
 with

00:30:39.640 --> 00:30:39.880
 them

00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:40.140
 how

00:30:40.140 --> 00:30:40.460
 God

00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:40.640
 had

00:30:40.640 --> 00:30:40.840
 been

00:30:40.840 --> 00:30:41.220
 leading

00:30:41.220 --> 00:30:41.840
 me

00:30:41.840 --> 00:30:42.320
 and

00:30:42.320 --> 00:30:42.440
 my

00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:42.740
 family

00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:42.940
 all

00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:43.120
 these

00:30:43.120 --> 00:30:43.480
 years

00:30:43.480 --> 00:30:47.599
 but

00:30:47.599 --> 00:30:47.920
 this

00:30:47.920 --> 00:30:48.740
 raises

00:30:48.740 --> 00:30:49.299
 an

00:30:49.299 --> 00:30:49.620
 important

00:30:49.620 --> 00:30:50.160
 question

00:30:50.160 --> 00:30:51.900
 those

00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:52.140
 people

00:30:52.140 --> 00:30:52.299
 had

00:30:52.299 --> 00:30:52.500
 no

00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:52.759
 idea

00:30:52.759 --> 00:30:52.940
 what

00:30:52.940 --> 00:30:53.180
 happened

00:30:53.180 --> 00:30:53.319
 to

00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:53.620
 me

00:30:53.620 --> 00:30:54.519
 what

00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:54.779
 happened

00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:54.940
 to

00:30:54.940 --> 00:30:55.140
 the

00:30:55.140 --> 00:30:55.380
 seed

00:30:55.380 --> 00:30:55.559
 that

00:30:55.559 --> 00:30:55.740
 they

00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:56.259
 sowed

00:30:56.259 --> 00:30:57.519
 so

00:30:57.519 --> 00:30:58.440
 how

00:30:58.440 --> 00:30:58.680
 can

00:30:58.680 --> 00:30:58.839
 we

00:30:58.839 --> 00:30:59.440
 believe

00:30:59.440 --> 00:31:00.620
 how

00:31:00.620 --> 00:31:00.819
 can

00:31:00.819 --> 00:31:01.059
 we

00:31:01.059 --> 00:31:01.819
 believe

00:31:01.819 --> 00:31:02.039
 that

00:31:02.039 --> 00:31:02.380
 something

00:31:02.380 --> 00:31:02.720
 is

00:31:02.720 --> 00:31:03.039
 truly

00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:03.400
 happening

00:31:03.400 --> 00:31:03.640
 when

00:31:03.640 --> 00:31:03.799
 we

00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:04.079
 see

00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:04.539
 no

00:31:04.539 --> 00:31:05.059
 visible

00:31:05.059 --> 00:31:05.980
 growth

00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:06.559
 in

00:31:06.559 --> 00:31:06.799
 the

00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:07.059
 seeds

00:31:07.059 --> 00:31:07.319
 we

00:31:07.319 --> 00:31:07.660
 sow

00:31:07.660 --> 00:31:08.539
 how

00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:08.740
 can

00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:08.860
 we

00:31:08.860 --> 00:31:09.099
 be

00:31:09.099 --> 00:31:10.039
 confident

00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:10.640
 how

00:31:10.640 --> 00:31:10.779
 can

00:31:10.779 --> 00:31:10.880
 we

00:31:10.880 --> 00:31:11.039
 be

00:31:11.039 --> 00:31:11.240
 so

00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:11.680
 confident

00:31:11.680 --> 00:31:11.680


00:31:11.680 --> 00:31:11.920
 in

00:31:11.920 --> 00:31:12.140
 saying

00:31:12.140 --> 00:31:12.380
 that

00:31:12.380 --> 00:31:12.640
 the

00:31:12.640 --> 00:31:13.099
 growth

00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:13.420
 of

00:31:13.420 --> 00:31:13.820
 God's

00:31:13.820 --> 00:31:14.120
 kingdom

00:31:14.120 --> 00:31:14.680
 is

00:31:14.680 --> 00:31:15.140
 certain

00:31:15.140 --> 00:31:15.800
 when

00:31:15.800 --> 00:31:16.640
 from

00:31:16.640 --> 00:31:17.400
 our

00:31:17.400 --> 00:31:18.039
 perspective

00:31:18.039 --> 00:31:19.060
 nothing

00:31:19.060 --> 00:31:19.420
 seems

00:31:19.420 --> 00:31:19.660
 to be

00:31:19.660 --> 00:31:20.060
 changing

00:31:20.060 --> 00:31:22.800
 I

00:31:22.800 --> 00:31:23.060
 believe

00:31:23.060 --> 00:31:23.620
 Jesus

00:31:23.620 --> 00:31:24.100
 would

00:31:24.100 --> 00:31:24.320
 say

00:31:24.320 --> 00:31:24.500
 to

00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:24.900
 us

00:31:24.900 --> 00:31:26.380
 look

00:31:26.380 --> 00:31:26.700
 at

00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:27.039
 me

00:31:27.039 --> 00:31:30.640
 let's

00:31:30.640 --> 00:31:30.840
 think

00:31:30.840 --> 00:31:31.039
 about

00:31:31.039 --> 00:31:31.400
 this

00:31:31.400 --> 00:31:32.320
 Jesus

00:31:32.320 --> 00:31:33.279
 came

00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:33.640
 into

00:31:33.640 --> 00:31:33.920
 this

00:31:33.920 --> 00:31:34.240
 broken

00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:34.640
 world

00:31:34.640 --> 00:31:35.180
 as a

00:31:35.180 --> 00:31:35.700
 small

00:31:35.700 --> 00:31:36.660
 helpless

00:31:36.660 --> 00:31:37.800
 baby

00:31:37.800 --> 00:31:39.900
 no

00:31:39.900 --> 00:31:40.380
 major

00:31:40.380 --> 00:31:41.000
 announcement

00:31:41.000 --> 00:31:41.500
 no

00:31:41.500 --> 00:31:42.120
 fanfare

00:31:42.120 --> 00:31:42.500
 he

00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:42.880
 came

00:31:42.880 --> 00:31:43.220
 in

00:31:43.220 --> 00:31:43.820
 quietly

00:31:43.820 --> 00:31:44.460
 he

00:31:44.460 --> 00:31:44.720
 came

00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:44.940
 in

00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:45.680
 discreetly

00:31:45.680 --> 00:31:46.060
 and

00:31:46.060 --> 00:31:46.300
 for

00:31:46.300 --> 00:31:46.800
 most

00:31:46.800 --> 00:31:46.980
 of

00:31:46.980 --> 00:31:47.200
 his

00:31:47.200 --> 00:31:47.580
 life

00:31:47.580 --> 00:31:47.900
 he

00:31:47.900 --> 00:31:48.420
 lived

00:31:48.420 --> 00:31:48.820
 as

00:31:48.820 --> 00:31:49.020
 an

00:31:49.020 --> 00:31:49.540
 ordinary

00:31:49.540 --> 00:31:50.400
 virtually

00:31:50.400 --> 00:31:50.980
 unknown

00:31:50.980 --> 00:31:51.660
 carpenter

00:31:51.660 --> 00:31:52.120
 in

00:31:52.120 --> 00:31:52.300
 this

00:31:52.300 --> 00:31:52.620
 small

00:31:52.620 --> 00:31:52.920
 town

00:31:52.920 --> 00:31:53.160
 called

00:31:53.160 --> 00:31:53.740
 Nazareth

00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:54.940
 and

00:31:54.940 --> 00:31:55.180
 when

00:31:55.180 --> 00:31:55.420
 he

00:31:55.420 --> 00:31:55.720
 died

00:31:55.720 --> 00:31:55.840
 on

00:31:55.840 --> 00:31:55.960
 the

00:31:55.960 --> 00:31:56.180
 cross

00:31:56.180 --> 00:31:56.660
 most

00:31:56.660 --> 00:31:57.000
 people

00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:57.240
 saw

00:31:57.240 --> 00:31:57.780
 nothing

00:31:57.780 --> 00:31:58.680
 more

00:31:58.680 --> 00:31:59.200
 than

00:31:59.200 --> 00:31:59.880
 the

00:31:59.880 --> 00:32:00.440
 execution

00:32:00.440 --> 00:32:00.980
 of

00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:01.300
 another

00:32:01.300 --> 00:32:01.720
 criminal

00:32:01.720 --> 00:32:02.800
 even

00:32:02.800 --> 00:32:03.080
 his

00:32:03.080 --> 00:32:03.360
 own

00:32:03.360 --> 00:32:03.900
 disciples

00:32:03.900 --> 00:32:04.620
 who

00:32:04.620 --> 00:32:05.160
 thought

00:32:05.160 --> 00:32:05.440
 okay

00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:05.640
 we

00:32:05.640 --> 00:32:06.720
 think

00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:06.960
 he's

00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:07.080
 the

00:32:07.080 --> 00:32:07.340
 Messiah

00:32:07.340 --> 00:32:07.580
 but

00:32:07.580 --> 00:32:07.960
 he

00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:08.520
 died

00:32:08.519 --> 00:32:09.460
 and

00:32:09.460 --> 00:32:09.619
 they

00:32:09.619 --> 00:32:09.920
 thought

00:32:09.920 --> 00:32:10.460
 everything

00:32:10.460 --> 00:32:10.819
 had

00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:11.000
 come

00:32:11.000 --> 00:32:11.119
 to

00:32:11.119 --> 00:32:11.259
 an

00:32:11.259 --> 00:32:11.519
 end

00:32:11.519 --> 00:32:13.879
 and

00:32:13.879 --> 00:32:14.400
 yet

00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:16.579
 underneath

00:32:16.579 --> 00:32:17.420
 what

00:32:17.420 --> 00:32:18.200
 many

00:32:18.200 --> 00:32:18.559
 people

00:32:18.559 --> 00:32:18.960
 thought

00:32:18.960 --> 00:32:19.779
 was an

00:32:19.779 --> 00:32:20.579
 insignificant

00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:21.379
 death

00:32:21.379 --> 00:32:23.039
 something

00:32:23.039 --> 00:32:24.259
 massive

00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:25.379
 was happening

00:32:25.380 --> 00:32:28.500
 Jesus

00:32:28.500 --> 00:32:29.540
 himself

00:32:29.540 --> 00:32:30.560
 became

00:32:30.560 --> 00:32:31.020
 the

00:32:31.020 --> 00:32:31.520
 seed

00:32:31.520 --> 00:32:31.960
 that

00:32:31.960 --> 00:32:32.260
 fell

00:32:32.260 --> 00:32:32.440
 to

00:32:32.440 --> 00:32:32.580
 the

00:32:32.580 --> 00:32:32.960
 ground

00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:33.580
 and

00:32:33.580 --> 00:32:34.080
 died

00:32:34.080 --> 00:32:35.020
 and

00:32:35.020 --> 00:32:35.360
 through

00:32:35.360 --> 00:32:35.680
 that

00:32:35.680 --> 00:32:36.080
 death

00:32:36.080 --> 00:32:36.980
 came

00:32:36.980 --> 00:32:37.820
 eternal

00:32:37.820 --> 00:32:38.200
 life

00:32:38.200 --> 00:32:38.420
 for

00:32:38.420 --> 00:32:38.860
 all

00:32:38.860 --> 00:32:39.020
 who

00:32:39.020 --> 00:32:39.420
 believe

00:32:39.420 --> 00:32:40.780
 that's

00:32:40.780 --> 00:32:40.940
 what

00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:41.060
 he

00:32:41.060 --> 00:32:41.260
 was

00:32:41.260 --> 00:32:41.600
 doing

00:32:41.600 --> 00:32:42.520
 and

00:32:42.520 --> 00:32:42.700
 not

00:32:42.700 --> 00:32:42.920
 only

00:32:42.920 --> 00:32:43.200
 that

00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:43.480
 Jesus

00:32:43.480 --> 00:32:43.900
 didn't

00:32:43.900 --> 00:32:44.200
 stay

00:32:44.200 --> 00:32:44.460
 dead

00:32:44.460 --> 00:32:44.640
 he

00:32:44.640 --> 00:32:45.120
 rose

00:32:45.120 --> 00:32:45.340
 from

00:32:45.340 --> 00:32:45.500
 the

00:32:45.500 --> 00:32:45.720
 dead

00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:46.020
 and

00:32:46.020 --> 00:32:46.240
 now

00:32:46.240 --> 00:32:46.560
 he's

00:32:46.560 --> 00:32:46.920
 seated

00:32:46.920 --> 00:32:47.860
 in

00:32:47.860 --> 00:32:48.200
 heaven

00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:48.840
 on

00:32:48.840 --> 00:32:49.200
 his

00:32:49.200 --> 00:32:49.520
 throne

00:32:49.520 --> 00:32:50.040
 so

00:32:50.040 --> 00:32:50.500
 we

00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:50.860
 sang

00:32:50.860 --> 00:32:51.440
 earlier

00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:52.120
 Jesus

00:32:52.120 --> 00:32:52.880
 is

00:32:52.880 --> 00:32:53.060
 the

00:32:53.060 --> 00:32:53.320
 king

00:32:53.320 --> 00:32:53.520
 of

00:32:53.520 --> 00:32:53.840
 kings

00:32:53.840 --> 00:32:54.220
 forever

00:32:54.220 --> 00:32:55.220
 he's

00:32:55.220 --> 00:32:55.380
 the

00:32:55.380 --> 00:32:55.680
 king

00:32:55.680 --> 00:32:55.880
 of

00:32:55.880 --> 00:32:56.279
 kings

00:32:56.279 --> 00:32:58.360
 forever

00:32:58.360 --> 00:32:58.660
 more

00:32:58.660 --> 00:32:59.039
 Jesus

00:32:59.039 --> 00:32:59.700
 is

00:32:59.700 --> 00:33:00.279
 the

00:33:00.279 --> 00:33:00.680
 king

00:33:00.680 --> 00:33:00.960
 of

00:33:00.960 --> 00:33:01.160
 an

00:33:01.160 --> 00:33:01.900
 everlasting

00:33:01.900 --> 00:33:02.460
 kingdom

00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:03.019
 he

00:33:03.019 --> 00:33:03.380
 is

00:33:03.380 --> 00:33:03.799
 still

00:33:03.799 --> 00:33:04.460
 growing

00:33:04.460 --> 00:33:04.860
 his

00:33:04.860 --> 00:33:05.220
 kingdom

00:33:05.220 --> 00:33:05.680
 he's

00:33:05.680 --> 00:33:05.940
 still

00:33:05.940 --> 00:33:06.620
 expanding

00:33:06.620 --> 00:33:07.380
 God's

00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:07.799
 kingdom

00:33:07.799 --> 00:33:08.519
 the reach

00:33:08.519 --> 00:33:08.880
 of his

00:33:08.880 --> 00:33:09.220
 kingdom

00:33:09.220 --> 00:33:09.640
 brick

00:33:09.640 --> 00:33:10.220
 by brick

00:33:10.220 --> 00:33:10.759
 stone

00:33:10.759 --> 00:33:11.440
 by stone

00:33:11.440 --> 00:33:12.559
 through

00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:13.079
 our

00:33:13.079 --> 00:33:13.660
 sowing

00:33:13.660 --> 00:33:14.160
 of the

00:33:14.160 --> 00:33:14.559
 gospel

00:33:14.559 --> 00:33:15.700
 isn't

00:33:15.700 --> 00:33:15.880
 that

00:33:15.880 --> 00:33:16.339
 amazing

00:33:16.339 --> 00:33:17.380
 that he

00:33:17.380 --> 00:33:17.579
 would

00:33:17.579 --> 00:33:18.100
 use

00:33:18.100 --> 00:33:18.720
 finite

00:33:18.720 --> 00:33:19.279
 beings

00:33:19.279 --> 00:33:19.579
 like

00:33:19.579 --> 00:33:19.839
 us

00:33:19.839 --> 00:33:20.160
 sinful

00:33:20.160 --> 00:33:20.660
 people

00:33:20.660 --> 00:33:20.980
 like

00:33:20.980 --> 00:33:21.380
 us

00:33:21.380 --> 00:33:21.839
 to

00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:22.759
 expand

00:33:22.759 --> 00:33:23.039
 his

00:33:23.039 --> 00:33:23.440
 kingdom

00:33:23.440 --> 00:33:24.480
 through

00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:24.920
 our

00:33:24.920 --> 00:33:25.420
 sharing

00:33:25.420 --> 00:33:25.759
 our

00:33:25.759 --> 00:33:26.220
 preaching

00:33:26.220 --> 00:33:27.120
 of

00:33:27.120 --> 00:33:27.440
 God's

00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:27.740
 word

00:33:27.740 --> 00:33:30.779
 until

00:33:30.779 --> 00:33:32.200
 the

00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:32.480
 kingdom

00:33:32.480 --> 00:33:33.019
 becomes

00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:33.860
 nothing

00:33:33.860 --> 00:33:35.279
 like

00:33:35.279 --> 00:33:35.519
 we

00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:35.720
 have

00:33:35.720 --> 00:33:36.240
 ever

00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:37.100
 imagined

00:33:37.100 --> 00:33:43.019
 if

00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:43.460
 you

00:33:43.460 --> 00:33:43.779
 are

00:33:43.779 --> 00:33:44.220
 here

00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:45.080
 and

00:33:45.080 --> 00:33:45.500
 you're

00:33:45.500 --> 00:33:45.880
 not

00:33:45.880 --> 00:33:46.299
 yet

00:33:46.299 --> 00:33:46.620
 a

00:33:46.620 --> 00:33:46.960
 follower

00:33:46.960 --> 00:33:47.480
 of

00:33:47.480 --> 00:33:47.820
 Jesus

00:33:47.820 --> 00:33:49.980
 I

00:33:49.980 --> 00:33:50.120
 don't

00:33:50.120 --> 00:33:50.259
 know

00:33:50.259 --> 00:33:50.400
 who

00:33:50.400 --> 00:33:50.519
 you

00:33:50.519 --> 00:33:50.700
 are

00:33:50.700 --> 00:33:50.920
 I

00:33:50.920 --> 00:33:51.120
 haven't

00:33:51.120 --> 00:33:51.320
 met

00:33:51.320 --> 00:33:51.580
 you

00:33:51.579 --> 00:33:52.599
 but

00:33:52.599 --> 00:33:52.899
 if

00:33:52.899 --> 00:33:53.059
 you

00:33:53.059 --> 00:33:53.199
 are

00:33:53.199 --> 00:33:53.500
 here

00:33:53.500 --> 00:33:53.899
 and

00:33:53.899 --> 00:33:54.059
 if

00:33:54.059 --> 00:33:54.259
 you're

00:33:54.259 --> 00:33:54.639
 not

00:33:54.639 --> 00:33:54.919
 a

00:33:54.919 --> 00:33:55.220
 follower

00:33:55.220 --> 00:33:55.619
 of

00:33:55.619 --> 00:33:55.960
 Jesus

00:33:55.960 --> 00:33:56.379
 I

00:33:56.379 --> 00:33:56.579
 want

00:33:56.579 --> 00:33:56.679
 you

00:33:56.679 --> 00:33:56.779
 to

00:33:56.779 --> 00:33:57.019
 know

00:33:57.019 --> 00:33:57.639
 Jesus

00:33:57.639 --> 00:33:58.159
 is

00:33:58.159 --> 00:33:58.659
 inviting

00:33:58.659 --> 00:33:58.919
 you

00:33:58.919 --> 00:33:59.220
 into

00:33:59.220 --> 00:33:59.579
 his

00:33:59.579 --> 00:33:59.980
 kingdom

00:33:59.980 --> 00:34:01.179
 Jesus

00:34:01.179 --> 00:34:01.899
 wants

00:34:01.899 --> 00:34:02.019
 you

00:34:02.019 --> 00:34:02.159
 to

00:34:02.159 --> 00:34:02.519
 come

00:34:02.519 --> 00:34:03.279
 he

00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:03.799
 has

00:34:03.799 --> 00:34:04.199
 opened

00:34:04.199 --> 00:34:04.359
 the

00:34:04.359 --> 00:34:04.539
 door

00:34:04.539 --> 00:34:04.960
 wide

00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:05.279
 open

00:34:05.279 --> 00:34:05.500
 for

00:34:05.500 --> 00:34:05.720
 you

00:34:05.720 --> 00:34:05.919
 to

00:34:05.919 --> 00:34:06.279
 come

00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:06.599
 into

00:34:06.599 --> 00:34:06.859
 his

00:34:06.859 --> 00:34:07.220
 kingdom

00:34:07.220 --> 00:34:07.740
 all

00:34:07.740 --> 00:34:07.899
 you

00:34:07.899 --> 00:34:08.079
 have

00:34:08.079 --> 00:34:08.199
 to

00:34:08.199 --> 00:34:08.400
 do

00:34:08.400 --> 00:34:08.759
 is

00:34:08.759 --> 00:34:08.920
 to

00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:09.279
 accept

00:34:09.279 --> 00:34:09.539
 his

00:34:09.539 --> 00:34:10.039
 invitation

00:34:10.039 --> 00:34:10.619
 to

00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:10.900
 come

00:34:10.900 --> 00:34:11.699
 all

00:34:11.699 --> 00:34:11.819
 you

00:34:11.819 --> 00:34:11.960
 have

00:34:11.960 --> 00:34:12.059
 to

00:34:12.059 --> 00:34:12.279
 do

00:34:12.279 --> 00:34:12.539
 is

00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:12.920
 tell

00:34:12.920 --> 00:34:13.219
 him

00:34:13.219 --> 00:34:13.659
 that

00:34:13.659 --> 00:34:14.119
 you

00:34:14.119 --> 00:34:14.299
 want

00:34:14.299 --> 00:34:14.420
 to

00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:14.699
 turn

00:34:14.699 --> 00:34:14.940
 from

00:34:14.940 --> 00:34:15.500
 living

00:34:15.500 --> 00:34:15.699
 your

00:34:15.699 --> 00:34:15.900
 life

00:34:15.900 --> 00:34:16.079
 your

00:34:16.079 --> 00:34:16.340
 own

00:34:16.340 --> 00:34:16.680
 way

00:34:16.680 --> 00:34:18.079
 and

00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:18.300
 turn

00:34:18.300 --> 00:34:18.480
 to

00:34:18.480 --> 00:34:18.820
 him

00:34:18.820 --> 00:34:19.340
 and

00:34:19.340 --> 00:34:19.460
 to

00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:19.680
 walk

00:34:19.680 --> 00:34:19.880
 with

00:34:19.880 --> 00:34:20.099
 him

00:34:20.099 --> 00:34:20.840
 all

00:34:20.840 --> 00:34:20.960
 you

00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:21.119
 have

00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:21.220
 to

00:34:21.220 --> 00:34:21.480
 do

00:34:21.480 --> 00:34:22.019
 is

00:34:22.019 --> 00:34:22.160
 to

00:34:22.160 --> 00:34:22.619
 accept

00:34:22.619 --> 00:34:23.260
 his

00:34:23.260 --> 00:34:23.700
 invitation

00:34:23.700 --> 00:34:24.220
 you

00:34:24.220 --> 00:34:24.360
 can

00:34:24.360 --> 00:34:24.480
 do

00:34:24.480 --> 00:34:24.639
 that

00:34:24.639 --> 00:34:24.920
 right

00:34:24.920 --> 00:34:25.240
 here

00:34:25.240 --> 00:34:25.700
 right

00:34:25.700 --> 00:34:25.960
 now

00:34:25.960 --> 00:34:26.160
 you

00:34:26.160 --> 00:34:26.300
 don't

00:34:26.300 --> 00:34:26.420
 need

00:34:26.420 --> 00:34:26.539
 to

00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:26.820
 wait

00:34:26.820 --> 00:34:30.059
 the

00:34:30.059 --> 00:34:30.640
 growth

00:34:30.640 --> 00:34:30.980
 of

00:34:30.980 --> 00:34:31.320
 God's

00:34:31.320 --> 00:34:31.559
 kingdom

00:34:31.559 --> 00:34:31.960
 is

00:34:31.960 --> 00:34:32.380
 certain

00:34:32.380 --> 00:34:34.080
 it

00:34:34.080 --> 00:34:34.240
 is

00:34:34.240 --> 00:34:34.780
 mysterious

00:34:34.780 --> 00:34:35.980
 it

00:34:35.980 --> 00:34:36.140
 is

00:34:36.140 --> 00:34:36.760
 gradual

00:34:36.760 --> 00:34:37.559
 it

00:34:37.559 --> 00:34:37.740
 is

00:34:37.740 --> 00:34:38.840
 disproportionate

00:34:38.840 --> 00:34:39.320
 and

00:34:39.320 --> 00:34:39.660
 it

00:34:39.660 --> 00:34:39.860
 is

00:34:39.860 --> 00:34:40.700
 participatory

00:34:40.700 --> 00:34:42.440
 whenever

00:34:42.440 --> 00:34:42.880
 we

00:34:42.880 --> 00:34:43.519
 speak

00:34:43.519 --> 00:34:44.200
 about

00:34:44.200 --> 00:34:44.539
 Jesus

00:34:44.539 --> 00:34:45.100
 with

00:34:45.100 --> 00:34:45.640
 others

00:34:45.640 --> 00:34:46.380
 whenever

00:34:46.380 --> 00:34:46.680
 we

00:34:46.680 --> 00:34:47.160
 teach

00:34:47.160 --> 00:34:47.600
 God's

00:34:47.600 --> 00:34:47.900
 word

00:34:47.900 --> 00:34:48.180
 in

00:34:48.180 --> 00:34:48.360
 a

00:34:48.360 --> 00:34:48.760
 home

00:34:48.760 --> 00:34:49.420
 or

00:34:49.420 --> 00:34:50.039
 at

00:34:50.039 --> 00:34:50.160
 a

00:34:50.160 --> 00:34:50.420
 Bible

00:34:50.420 --> 00:34:50.860
 study

00:34:50.860 --> 00:34:51.180
 whenever

00:34:51.180 --> 00:34:51.820
 we

00:34:51.820 --> 00:34:52.320
 preach

00:34:52.320 --> 00:34:52.700
 God's

00:34:52.700 --> 00:34:52.940
 word

00:34:52.940 --> 00:34:53.220
 on

00:34:53.220 --> 00:34:53.840
 Sundays

00:34:53.840 --> 00:34:54.340
 or

00:34:54.340 --> 00:34:54.760
 sow

00:34:54.760 --> 00:34:54.960
 the

00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:55.320
 gospel

00:34:55.320 --> 00:34:55.820
 into

00:34:55.820 --> 00:34:56.019
 the

00:34:56.019 --> 00:34:56.300
 lives

00:34:56.300 --> 00:34:56.440
 of

00:34:56.440 --> 00:34:56.600
 our

00:34:56.599 --> 00:34:57.019
 children

00:34:57.019 --> 00:34:57.400
 no

00:34:57.400 --> 00:34:57.579
 matter

00:34:57.579 --> 00:34:58.400
 how

00:34:58.400 --> 00:35:00.259
 small

00:35:00.259 --> 00:35:00.639
 or

00:35:00.639 --> 00:35:01.539
 unfruitful

00:35:01.539 --> 00:35:01.779
 it

00:35:01.779 --> 00:35:01.980
 may

00:35:01.980 --> 00:35:02.480
 seem

00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:03.779
 our

00:35:03.779 --> 00:35:04.219
 work

00:35:04.219 --> 00:35:04.980
 is

00:35:04.980 --> 00:35:05.179
 not

00:35:05.179 --> 00:35:05.339
 in

00:35:05.339 --> 00:35:05.599
 vain

00:35:05.599 --> 00:35:07.519
 because

00:35:07.519 --> 00:35:08.059
 our

00:35:08.059 --> 00:35:08.400
 king

00:35:08.400 --> 00:35:09.059
 is

00:35:09.059 --> 00:35:09.539
 still

00:35:09.539 --> 00:35:10.259
 growing

00:35:10.259 --> 00:35:10.779
 his

00:35:10.779 --> 00:35:11.159
 kingdom

00:35:11.159 --> 00:35:13.559
 so

00:35:13.559 --> 00:35:14.000
 brothers

00:35:14.000 --> 00:35:14.219
 and

00:35:14.219 --> 00:35:14.519
 sisters

00:35:14.519 --> 00:35:15.380
 let

00:35:15.380 --> 00:35:15.940
 us

00:35:15.940 --> 00:35:16.360
 be

00:35:16.360 --> 00:35:16.880
 faithful

00:35:16.880 --> 00:35:17.819
 let

00:35:17.819 --> 00:35:18.259
 us

00:35:18.259 --> 00:35:19.099
 be

00:35:19.099 --> 00:35:19.480
 faithful

00:35:19.480 --> 00:35:19.839
 to

00:35:19.839 --> 00:35:20.839
 continue

00:35:20.839 --> 00:35:21.059
 to

00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:21.259
 sow

00:35:21.259 --> 00:35:21.460
 the

00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:21.599
 seed

00:35:21.599 --> 00:35:22.039
 continue

00:35:22.039 --> 00:35:22.659
 proclaiming

00:35:22.659 --> 00:35:22.920
 God's

00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:23.039
 word

00:35:23.039 --> 00:35:23.559
 continue

00:35:23.559 --> 00:35:24.259
 sharing

00:35:24.259 --> 00:35:24.719
 Jesus

00:35:24.719 --> 00:35:25.360
 with

00:35:25.360 --> 00:35:25.699
 those

00:35:25.699 --> 00:35:26.179
 around

00:35:26.179 --> 00:35:26.599
 us

00:35:26.599 --> 00:35:27.159
 for

00:35:27.159 --> 00:35:27.299
 the

00:35:27.299 --> 00:35:27.679
 glory

00:35:27.679 --> 00:35:28.159
 of

00:35:28.159 --> 00:35:28.299
 our

00:35:28.299 --> 00:35:28.639
 king

00:35:28.639 --> 00:35:29.159
 and

00:35:29.159 --> 00:35:29.279
 the

00:35:29.279 --> 00:35:29.639
 growth

00:35:29.639 --> 00:35:30.119
 of

00:35:30.119 --> 00:35:30.299
 his

00:35:30.299 --> 00:35:30.639
 kingdom

00:35:30.639 --> 00:35:31.359
 because

00:35:31.359 --> 00:35:31.739
 his

00:35:31.739 --> 00:35:32.039
 kingdom

00:35:32.039 --> 00:35:32.480
 growth

00:35:32.480 --> 00:35:33.119
 is

00:35:33.119 --> 00:35:33.419
 certain

00:35:33.419 --> 00:35:34.159
 let's

00:35:34.159 --> 00:35:34.379
 pray

00:35:34.379 --> 00:35:37.839
 our

00:35:37.839 --> 00:35:38.119
 gracious

00:35:38.119 --> 00:35:38.460
 heavenly

00:35:38.460 --> 00:35:38.719
 father

00:35:38.719 --> 00:35:39.119
 we thank

00:35:39.119 --> 00:35:39.899
 you for

00:35:39.899 --> 00:35:40.659
 giving us

00:35:40.659 --> 00:35:42.500
 a clear

00:35:42.500 --> 00:35:43.239
 vision of

00:35:43.239 --> 00:35:43.719
 your kingdom

00:35:43.719 --> 00:35:44.159
 in your

00:35:44.159 --> 00:35:44.519
 word

00:35:44.519 --> 00:35:46.780
 help

00:35:46.780 --> 00:35:46.960
 help us

00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:47.079
 to

00:35:47.079 --> 00:35:47.579
 continue

00:35:47.579 --> 00:35:48.719
 to

00:35:48.719 --> 00:35:48.860
 be

00:35:48.860 --> 00:35:49.280
 faithful

00:35:49.280 --> 00:35:50.000
 to

00:35:50.000 --> 00:35:50.420
 share

00:35:50.420 --> 00:35:51.759
 your

00:35:51.759 --> 00:35:52.139
 word

00:35:52.139 --> 00:35:52.719
 your

00:35:52.719 --> 00:35:53.139
 gospel

00:35:53.139 --> 00:35:53.659
 with

00:35:53.659 --> 00:35:53.900
 those

00:35:53.900 --> 00:35:54.259
 around

00:35:54.259 --> 00:35:54.619
 us

00:35:54.619 --> 00:35:55.559
 so

00:35:55.559 --> 00:35:55.699
 that

00:35:55.699 --> 00:35:55.880
 your

00:35:55.880 --> 00:35:56.320
 kingdom

00:35:56.320 --> 00:35:56.639
 may

00:35:56.639 --> 00:35:57.099
 expand

00:35:57.099 --> 00:35:57.860
 we

00:35:57.860 --> 00:35:58.099
 thank

00:35:58.099 --> 00:35:58.199
 you

00:35:58.199 --> 00:35:58.320
 for

00:35:58.320 --> 00:35:58.480
 this

00:35:58.480 --> 00:35:59.059
 amazing

00:35:59.059 --> 00:36:00.119
 amazing

00:36:00.119 --> 00:36:00.800
 privilege

00:36:00.800 --> 00:36:03.119
 of being

00:36:03.119 --> 00:36:03.599
 participants

00:36:03.599 --> 00:36:04.759
 in this

00:36:04.759 --> 00:36:05.019
 kingdom

00:36:05.019 --> 00:36:05.420
 work

00:36:05.420 --> 00:36:06.320
 would you

00:36:06.320 --> 00:36:06.619
 use

00:36:06.619 --> 00:36:07.019
 us

00:36:07.019 --> 00:36:09.440
 show

00:36:09.440 --> 00:36:09.980
 Jesus

00:36:09.980 --> 00:36:10.860
 to those

00:36:10.860 --> 00:36:11.559
 around us

00:36:11.559 --> 00:36:12.579
 through us

00:36:12.579 --> 00:36:13.099
 we pray

00:36:13.099 --> 00:36:14.099
 in Jesus

00:36:14.099 --> 00:36:14.500
 name

00:36:14.500 --> 00:36:15.259
 amen