WEBVTT 00:00:00.140 --> 00:00:09.099 Good morning. It is wonderful to be back with you again, and it is a wonderful privilege to share the scriptures with you. 00:00:09.720 --> 00:00:14.859 Now, I must just tell you, it sounds very loud. Is it loud for you? It sounds very loud. 00:00:15.560 --> 00:00:24.400 I must tell you something that happened this morning. On the way to church, we were in the bus, and we said, 00:00:24.399 --> 00:00:31.359 let's pray for church this morning. And so my youngest daughter, she's three years old, she said, she prayed this. 00:00:31.419 --> 00:00:36.000 She said, I pray, Jesus, that Daddy will enjoy and have fun preaching. 00:00:36.799 --> 00:00:46.060 And I thought that was very important and very clever of her to pick up, because this morning, my wife, Claire, said to me, 00:00:46.420 --> 00:00:49.219 you know, sometimes when you preach, you look very angry. 00:00:49.219 --> 00:00:58.039 And on Friday night, we had CG together. Chris and Eric led us in a brilliant time of CG together. 00:00:58.519 --> 00:01:06.500 But during the time of worship, Graham took a photo, and he sent it to me, and I thought, I looked like I was in the dentist's chair. 00:01:06.859 --> 00:01:12.759 I looked like the dentist was doing some operation on me. I looked so serious, but actually I was enjoying it. 00:01:12.760 --> 00:01:19.939 And so I want you to know, sometimes I can get serious. Sometimes I can look very intense, but I'm actually having fun. 00:01:20.400 --> 00:01:24.160 So I'm going to try and smile some more. I'm going to try and speak slowly. 00:01:24.460 --> 00:01:29.159 If I look like I'm not having fun, I am having fun. And I hope you have fun as well. 00:01:29.360 --> 00:01:32.700 Okay? So Jesus, help us to all have fun this morning. 00:01:34.120 --> 00:01:40.420 This morning, we are in week two of this series called The Church That Jesus Is Building. 00:01:40.420 --> 00:01:45.980 And we're looking at some of the foundational truths that the Bible tells us. 00:01:46.420 --> 00:01:49.439 This is the way that Jesus builds His church. 00:01:49.920 --> 00:01:53.340 And so we're asking the questions is, what does it mean to be the church? 00:01:53.680 --> 00:01:56.859 How does God go about building His church? 00:01:57.340 --> 00:02:04.599 And so as a family, we're looking at these foundational truths in Scripture about how Jesus goes about building His church. 00:02:05.020 --> 00:02:08.920 And as a church, we've gone through a lot of transition in the last two years. 00:02:08.919 --> 00:02:12.639 We've changed venues where we've met on Sundays. 00:02:12.780 --> 00:02:15.359 Our offices changed. There's been staff changes. 00:02:15.919 --> 00:02:19.500 Tobin and Christina, who planted this church, had to go back to America. 00:02:19.959 --> 00:02:22.099 So many transitions and changes. 00:02:22.779 --> 00:02:31.419 And in a way, we are taking these four weeks to lift our eyes or to fix our eyes on something deeper than merely who's leading this church. 00:02:31.659 --> 00:02:37.659 We're fixing our eyes on Jesus and say, what does it mean for Jesus to lead His church and to build His church? 00:02:37.659 --> 00:02:45.180 Now, last week I said that the implications of these messages are far more communal than individualistic. 00:02:45.539 --> 00:02:50.900 The implication of these sermons isn't, this is how it affects my going to work tomorrow. 00:02:51.340 --> 00:02:54.699 These messages tend to speak to us as a gospel family. 00:02:54.859 --> 00:02:56.659 What does it mean to be part of this church? 00:02:56.939 --> 00:02:58.680 What does it mean to be part of Watermark? 00:02:58.680 --> 00:03:04.460 And if you are new to Watermark or you're looking in, or maybe you're not even sure about Jesus and the Bible, 00:03:05.020 --> 00:03:12.840 this series is designed to help us think about the question, what would it look like if I were to be part of a church family like this? 00:03:13.520 --> 00:03:16.420 And so, last Sunday we looked at Psalm 127. 00:03:17.260 --> 00:03:21.180 Unless the Lord builds the house, those that build it labor in vain. 00:03:21.600 --> 00:03:25.379 Unless God is watching over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 00:03:25.379 --> 00:03:32.120 And we looked at the fact that how the church isn't just a gathering of gifted individuals who try their best. 00:03:32.419 --> 00:03:34.740 The church is something that God is at work at. 00:03:34.919 --> 00:03:41.180 Unless Jesus is front and central of the church, all our best efforts are going to be in vain. 00:03:41.659 --> 00:03:45.000 Now, this morning, let's consider this passage that was read to us. 00:03:45.099 --> 00:03:47.519 Isaiah 66, verse 1 and 2. 00:03:47.900 --> 00:03:48.960 This is what God says. 00:03:48.960 --> 00:03:54.519 Thus says the Lord, the heavens are my throne, and the earth is my footstool. 00:03:54.520 --> 00:03:57.020 What is the house that you would build for me? 00:03:57.480 --> 00:04:01.340 All these things my hand has made, says the Lord, and so they came to be. 00:04:01.740 --> 00:04:09.300 But this is the one that I will look to, those who are humble and contrite and tremble at my word. 00:04:09.920 --> 00:04:12.200 Four things we're going to learn about God this morning. 00:04:12.280 --> 00:04:17.340 We're going to learn about God and His church, God and His favor or His blessing, 00:04:17.900 --> 00:04:22.540 God and His word, and then the word that rescues and redeems. 00:04:22.540 --> 00:04:23.100 Okay? 00:04:23.340 --> 00:04:24.740 So that's where we're going to go. 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:27.160 So let's consider the context. 00:04:28.080 --> 00:04:31.700 The book of Isaiah is written around 700 BC. 00:04:32.240 --> 00:04:36.400 And it's written prophetically to the nation of Israel. 00:04:36.580 --> 00:04:39.400 The nation of Israel have lost their way a little bit. 00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:42.640 And they're about to be taken into exile into Babylon. 00:04:42.980 --> 00:04:45.500 God has warned them because they're not listening to Him. 00:04:45.800 --> 00:04:47.520 They're not taking His word seriously. 00:04:47.519 --> 00:04:54.180 That God is going to send the Babylonians and they're going to be a tool in God's hand to discipline His people. 00:04:54.659 --> 00:04:55.479 And so it happens. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:57.359 But Isaiah writes and he says, 00:04:57.500 --> 00:05:00.979 You'll be in Babylon, not forever, for a certain length of time. 00:05:01.479 --> 00:05:02.919 And then God will restore you. 00:05:02.979 --> 00:05:05.560 He'll bring you back from exile back to Jerusalem. 00:05:06.199 --> 00:05:10.180 And he writes to this time when they're going to come back. 00:05:10.180 --> 00:05:14.019 And so once again they would come back to the promised land. 00:05:14.560 --> 00:05:17.000 And it would be just like they went the first time. 00:05:17.079 --> 00:05:18.740 It would be back home again. 00:05:19.259 --> 00:05:24.500 And one of the first things that they were to do when they get back home is to rebuild the temple. 00:05:24.960 --> 00:05:27.819 Remember Solomon built this magnificent temple. 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:29.660 The glory of God was there. 00:05:29.860 --> 00:05:31.379 The presence of God was there. 00:05:31.840 --> 00:05:35.980 And so when the Babylonians came, they pulled down the temple, destroyed it. 00:05:35.980 --> 00:05:42.259 And one of the first things that Israel has to do is to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. 00:05:42.720 --> 00:05:43.439 And so they do. 00:05:43.939 --> 00:05:45.100 And it's hard work. 00:05:45.200 --> 00:05:46.340 There's some disruptions. 00:05:46.480 --> 00:05:48.000 There's some persecution. 00:05:48.939 --> 00:05:50.980 But eventually they rebuild the temple. 00:05:51.319 --> 00:05:52.939 And it's an amazing achievement. 00:05:53.460 --> 00:05:54.759 It's a stunning achievement. 00:05:55.319 --> 00:05:57.300 God's house has been rebuilt. 00:05:58.020 --> 00:06:02.319 And God's presence, they're hoping, is going to dwell in His temple again. 00:06:02.840 --> 00:06:04.980 And so the temple is finally constructed. 00:06:04.980 --> 00:06:06.620 The priests are ready. 00:06:07.000 --> 00:06:08.879 The holy of holies is restored. 00:06:09.140 --> 00:06:13.120 The altar where you bring your worship and your sacrifices constructed. 00:06:13.500 --> 00:06:14.879 Everyone is excited. 00:06:15.180 --> 00:06:16.379 Everyone is getting ready. 00:06:16.800 --> 00:06:17.980 God's house has been rebuilt. 00:06:19.060 --> 00:06:21.500 And so the people are thinking, we've done it. 00:06:21.860 --> 00:06:23.840 We've achieved this amazing thing. 00:06:24.360 --> 00:06:26.680 What could possibly go wrong now? 00:06:27.840 --> 00:06:30.200 And look at what God says. 00:06:31.560 --> 00:06:33.580 Heaven is my throne. 00:06:33.579 --> 00:06:35.979 The earth is my footstool. 00:06:36.300 --> 00:06:38.680 What is the house that you would build for me? 00:06:39.519 --> 00:06:42.139 All these things my hands have made. 00:06:42.879 --> 00:06:45.039 And so they came to be. 00:06:45.620 --> 00:06:46.459 First thing. 00:06:46.719 --> 00:06:48.039 God and His church. 00:06:48.879 --> 00:06:49.419 Notice this. 00:06:49.479 --> 00:06:52.879 The people of God are anticipating this amazing day. 00:06:53.399 --> 00:06:57.959 Having rebuilt God's house, they were very happy and very proud of themselves. 00:06:57.959 --> 00:07:03.939 The center of worship, the center of Israel had been torn down and they were the ones to rebuild it. 00:07:04.279 --> 00:07:05.839 They were so proud of themselves. 00:07:06.539 --> 00:07:09.859 And yet God says, what is the house that you think you can build for me? 00:07:10.359 --> 00:07:17.379 Don't you realize that every single thing in the whole universe is as a result of my hands? 00:07:17.439 --> 00:07:18.039 Says God. 00:07:18.040 --> 00:07:31.180 In other words, God is saying, you're feeling very confident and proud of yourselves because you think by your own brilliance, your own dedication, your own hard work, you built a magnificent place for me. 00:07:31.340 --> 00:07:36.800 As if I, God, am now indebted to your genius, your dedication. 00:07:36.800 --> 00:07:45.840 But don't you realize there is not one dot in all creation which is beyond my sovereign hand and outside of my realm. 00:07:46.759 --> 00:07:51.180 And the people of God were thinking, finally, God will be at rest. 00:07:51.560 --> 00:07:55.840 For the last 70 years, we've been in Babylon and His house has been torn down. 00:07:56.300 --> 00:08:02.900 And God must be very anxious because the temple is in ruins and He must be restless. 00:08:02.899 --> 00:08:04.819 And God must be very anxious. 00:08:04.959 --> 00:08:09.099 But finally, God can be at rest because we've built Him a house. 00:08:09.579 --> 00:08:12.060 Thank goodness God has us on His side. 00:08:12.279 --> 00:08:17.399 Isn't God so fortunate that we are on His team and have built Him His house? 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:19.799 God can finally be at rest. 00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:25.439 And yet God says, the whole universe is my throne. 00:08:26.120 --> 00:08:28.279 All these things my hand has made. 00:08:28.779 --> 00:08:30.399 What is the house you'd built for me? 00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:32.259 The place of my rest. 00:08:32.960 --> 00:08:34.279 And just think of the imagery. 00:08:34.879 --> 00:08:36.799 The expansiveness of the cosmos. 00:08:37.519 --> 00:08:40.600 The hundreds of billions of light years of space. 00:08:41.059 --> 00:08:44.580 As creation, as human beings, we haven't even found the end of the universe. 00:08:44.679 --> 00:08:45.700 It's ever expanding. 00:08:46.080 --> 00:08:48.700 Hundreds of billions of light years of space. 00:08:48.799 --> 00:08:53.439 And God says, not even all of that is enough to fill my house. 00:08:53.439 --> 00:08:56.000 That is merely a throne, a chair for me to sit on. 00:08:56.519 --> 00:09:00.460 And the whole earth with billions of people in it, what is that? 00:09:00.519 --> 00:09:01.720 It's merely a footstool. 00:09:02.259 --> 00:09:05.840 And so earlier in Isaiah 40, God says the same thing. 00:09:06.299 --> 00:09:08.720 He says, lift your eyes to the starry host. 00:09:09.220 --> 00:09:10.500 Who created all of these? 00:09:10.899 --> 00:09:13.059 Who brings each one of them out by number? 00:09:13.319 --> 00:09:14.840 I call them each by name. 00:09:15.179 --> 00:09:22.519 By the greatness of my might and because I am strong in power, not one star is missing. 00:09:22.519 --> 00:09:30.399 And so the question God asks is, Israel, what kind of God do you think I am that I need you to build a house for me? 00:09:30.399 --> 00:09:46.480 If the sovereign God of the Bible truly is the maker of heaven and earth, as the Bible says, the one who brought into being every galaxy and every star and every solar system, the one who knows each and every creature in the ocean depths, the ones we haven't even discovered. 00:09:46.480 --> 00:09:52.440 If God is the one who knows the answers to every single mystery, like what is dark matter? 00:09:52.940 --> 00:09:54.879 Where did life really originate? 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:57.620 And even questions we haven't even thought of yet. 00:09:57.740 --> 00:09:59.139 God already knows the answers. 00:09:59.940 --> 00:10:08.759 If this is even remotely true, why does Israel think they have done God a great favor by building him a house as if God needed their help? 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:13.000 You see, they thought their relationship with God was transactional. 00:10:13.460 --> 00:10:16.960 They do something for God and then God will do something for them. 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:20.899 If they are good to God, God will be good back to them. 00:10:21.439 --> 00:10:28.480 And actually, if we think about it, that's the way that almost all of us approach the gods in our life. 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:31.159 Whether you are religious or whether you are secular. 00:10:31.360 --> 00:10:33.919 Whether you believe in the God of the Bible or not. 00:10:34.220 --> 00:10:37.259 We all have these gods that we hope in and trust in. 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:41.159 And we think that if we are good to them, they will pay us back. 00:10:41.819 --> 00:10:43.200 Expect something in the turn. 00:10:43.319 --> 00:10:46.360 Whether it's the God of the Bible or the universe or karma. 00:10:46.740 --> 00:10:51.179 We have this expectation of this transaction between us and these gods. 00:10:51.779 --> 00:10:56.360 And in the book of Acts chapter 17, the apostle Paul notices this. 00:10:56.779 --> 00:10:59.039 Remember, Paul is walking around Athens. 00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:00.700 It's a very intellectual city. 00:11:00.700 --> 00:11:03.780 And he walks across an idol. 00:11:04.020 --> 00:11:08.220 A kind of stone that has written on it to the unknown God. 00:11:08.800 --> 00:11:15.600 And what probably happened was that somebody in Athens, maybe they were sick and they got healed miraculously. 00:11:15.960 --> 00:11:18.080 Or maybe a business deal went well. 00:11:18.180 --> 00:11:20.300 And they thought, God has been good to us. 00:11:20.600 --> 00:11:22.379 I better be good back to God. 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:27.820 Or maybe their child was sick and they were hoping that God would be good to them or look favorably upon them. 00:11:27.939 --> 00:11:36.720 And so they thought, if I make this idol for God, if I build this temple for God, whoever that God is, then maybe he will be good back to me. 00:11:37.080 --> 00:11:43.740 And so he builds this temple and he writes, I don't know who you are, but to the unknown God, please look upon me favorably. 00:11:43.939 --> 00:11:45.000 Be good to my business. 00:11:45.139 --> 00:11:46.080 Good to my family. 00:11:46.080 --> 00:11:48.060 And Paul writes this. 00:11:48.139 --> 00:11:52.120 He says, he walks around and he says, what you worship is unknown. 00:11:52.300 --> 00:11:53.379 Let me tell you about him. 00:11:53.720 --> 00:11:55.139 Let me tell you about this God. 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:58.800 The God who made the world and everything in it. 00:11:59.960 --> 00:12:08.520 Being Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands as though this God needed anything. 00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:15.360 Since this God gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:23.879 And Paul is saying to these Athenians, he's saying, what kind of God do you serve if you think that he needs you and the work of your hands? 00:12:24.360 --> 00:12:30.720 Don't you realize there's one true God and he is sovereign over everything, including his church? 00:12:31.460 --> 00:12:37.740 And friends, what Paul says to these philosophers is the exact same thing that God says to the people of Israel. 00:12:38.159 --> 00:12:40.180 And it's the same thing that God says to us, Watermark. 00:12:40.179 --> 00:12:45.479 He says, they were proud of the fact that they were the ones to rebuild and establish God's presence. 00:12:46.079 --> 00:12:51.439 God says, don't you realize my hands are the ones that bring this all about? 00:12:51.440 --> 00:13:00.220 And so, Watermark, I want to say to you that I consider it the hugest privilege in the world to be a part of this family. 00:13:00.440 --> 00:13:04.920 For Clara and I and our girls, we just consider it such a wonderful privilege. 00:13:05.620 --> 00:13:12.040 We have not had the privilege of meeting Tobin and Christina, the couple that did a fantastic job in planting this church. 00:13:12.580 --> 00:13:13.560 Founding this church. 00:13:14.020 --> 00:13:16.140 Building it up to be a strong and solid church. 00:13:16.139 --> 00:13:18.259 I hope to get to meet them one day. 00:13:18.759 --> 00:13:22.720 And I'm so grateful for the elders and the staff that we get to work with. 00:13:23.120 --> 00:13:23.919 It really is. 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:25.460 This is a fantastic church. 00:13:25.620 --> 00:13:28.199 And it is a huge privilege for us to be a part of it. 00:13:28.699 --> 00:13:33.120 And I pray that for years to come, we as a church will continue to be fruitful. 00:13:33.679 --> 00:13:35.259 I pray that God will bless us. 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:37.759 I pray that God will look upon us with favor. 00:13:38.279 --> 00:13:41.919 I pray that maybe in years to come, we might even get to plant churches. 00:13:41.919 --> 00:13:45.879 And we'll be a blessing to other churches in Asia and in Hong Kong. 00:13:46.139 --> 00:13:47.919 But let us remember this. 00:13:48.580 --> 00:13:52.779 Watermark, let us never become so proud as to think that we have done God a great favor. 00:13:53.279 --> 00:13:55.699 As if God is indebted to our hard work. 00:13:56.279 --> 00:14:00.779 For He Himself gives to life, to mankind, life and breath and everything. 00:14:01.319 --> 00:14:03.379 What is the house that we can build for Him? 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:06.399 All these things are a work of His hand. 00:14:06.819 --> 00:14:10.360 And because of His grace, He brings them into being. 00:14:10.819 --> 00:14:11.120 Okay? 00:14:11.659 --> 00:14:13.860 The sovereign God and His church. 00:14:14.340 --> 00:14:17.039 Secondly, God and His favor. 00:14:17.560 --> 00:14:18.560 Or the favor of God. 00:14:18.700 --> 00:14:19.519 The favor of God. 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:22.279 Now, look what happens in verse 2. 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:23.940 If you've got your bulletin there, your Bible. 00:14:24.080 --> 00:14:25.080 Look at verse 2. 00:14:25.639 --> 00:14:26.259 God says, 00:14:26.620 --> 00:14:30.180 All these things my hand has made, and so they came to be. 00:14:30.700 --> 00:14:31.440 And then He says, 00:14:31.820 --> 00:14:33.980 And this is the one that I will look to. 00:14:34.620 --> 00:14:37.840 He who is humble and contrite in spirit. 00:14:37.840 --> 00:14:42.300 So, God has just clarified who the power behind the throne is. 00:14:42.680 --> 00:14:45.379 God has just clarified that He is sovereign. 00:14:45.780 --> 00:14:48.120 He is the one that brings all things into being. 00:14:48.519 --> 00:14:51.060 He is God, and there is no one else like Him. 00:14:51.440 --> 00:14:53.220 Everything is in His hands. 00:14:53.620 --> 00:14:55.620 He is the one who sent them into exile, 00:14:55.759 --> 00:14:58.500 and He is the one who is going to bring them back from exile. 00:14:58.840 --> 00:15:01.800 And He is the one who has been at work building His church. 00:15:02.419 --> 00:15:03.519 So, here's the question. 00:15:04.359 --> 00:15:05.399 If God is sovereign, 00:15:05.839 --> 00:15:07.759 if everything is in His hands, 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:12.099 how do we know whether God is going to bless our efforts as a church? 00:15:12.699 --> 00:15:14.679 I mean, we get to work hard. 00:15:15.159 --> 00:15:18.599 We're going to be hospitable. 00:15:18.819 --> 00:15:20.399 We're going to do everything we can. 00:15:20.459 --> 00:15:23.879 But ultimately, the future of Watermark Church is in God's hands, 00:15:23.959 --> 00:15:25.000 not in the elders' hands. 00:15:25.479 --> 00:15:26.620 We've got to be faithful. 00:15:27.299 --> 00:15:29.340 But ultimately, our future is in God's hands. 00:15:29.759 --> 00:15:32.019 So, how do we know whether God is going to bless us? 00:15:32.080 --> 00:15:34.840 How do we know whether God is going to be favorable towards us? 00:15:35.120 --> 00:15:39.879 Or whether God is just going to ask us just to work hard year in and year out? 00:15:40.600 --> 00:15:42.159 Well, verse 2 tells us. 00:15:42.519 --> 00:15:43.220 What does He say? 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:45.519 This is the one I will look to. 00:15:45.620 --> 00:15:46.899 Or another translation says, 00:15:47.279 --> 00:15:48.960 This is the one I will esteem. 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:51.100 This is the one I will be favorable to. 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:56.039 Those who are humble and contrite in spirit. 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:58.039 Friends, I hope you know, 00:15:58.919 --> 00:16:02.700 God is not in the least bit interested in the size of our church. 00:16:03.419 --> 00:16:04.060 Do you know that? 00:16:04.120 --> 00:16:07.539 God is not in the least bit interested in how big or small, 00:16:07.759 --> 00:16:10.379 how trendy, how popular it is, 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:15.480 whether our worship team is writing songs that are on iTunes every week, 00:16:15.720 --> 00:16:17.960 whether the preacher is cool or not cool. 00:16:18.060 --> 00:16:20.639 Those things don't bother God in the least. 00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:23.600 Sometimes, let me say this, 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:26.580 in South Africa, where we've come from, 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:31.320 the churches around there often look at big churches, 00:16:31.840 --> 00:16:32.879 popular churches, 00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:33.259 and you think, 00:16:33.420 --> 00:16:34.980 Wow, they're doing something right. 00:16:35.440 --> 00:16:37.000 They must be doing something right. 00:16:37.080 --> 00:16:38.720 They are big and they're growing. 00:16:39.240 --> 00:16:41.019 They must be doing something right. 00:16:41.740 --> 00:16:42.379 Not at all. 00:16:42.920 --> 00:16:44.440 Sometimes, in Cape Town, 00:16:44.560 --> 00:16:45.500 the city we come from, 00:16:46.139 --> 00:16:47.800 we look at small churches, 00:16:47.899 --> 00:16:48.200 and we think, 00:16:48.320 --> 00:16:49.560 They must be doing right. 00:16:49.559 --> 00:16:50.579 Because if they're big, 00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:51.619 they've sold out. 00:16:51.679 --> 00:16:53.099 They're just trying to be cool and relevant. 00:16:53.219 --> 00:16:54.039 The small churches, 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:55.939 they're the ones that are really doing it right. 00:16:56.779 --> 00:16:58.979 Friends, God doesn't care at all 00:16:58.979 --> 00:17:01.379 whether your church is big or small. 00:17:01.539 --> 00:17:04.019 How popular or how cool it is, 00:17:04.159 --> 00:17:05.519 those things mean nothing. 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:07.279 What does God look to? 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:09.139 What pleases God? 00:17:09.899 --> 00:17:11.099 What impresses Him? 00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:12.899 What does God say? 00:17:13.599 --> 00:17:15.740 This is the one that I will esteem. 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:18.519 This is the one that I will look to with favor. 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:22.559 Those who are humble and contrite in spirit. 00:17:23.039 --> 00:17:24.779 Those who are not enamored with themselves, 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:26.859 but are enamored with who God is. 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:28.440 And that's why, friends, 00:17:28.920 --> 00:17:30.519 confession and repentance 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:32.819 is such an important discipline 00:17:32.819 --> 00:17:34.220 in the life of the church. 00:17:34.440 --> 00:17:36.359 It should be part of our daily lives. 00:17:36.599 --> 00:17:38.420 As we read our Bibles in the morning, 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:40.120 we should read what's in God's Word, 00:17:40.200 --> 00:17:41.200 and we should say, 00:17:41.299 --> 00:17:43.259 God, I don't see that in my own life. 00:17:43.660 --> 00:17:44.539 I confess that. 00:17:44.539 --> 00:17:46.099 I'm sorry, won't you forgive me? 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:47.960 We should acknowledge the difference 00:17:47.960 --> 00:17:50.200 between who God is in our own lives. 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:53.460 It's so important to humble ourselves daily before God 00:17:53.460 --> 00:17:54.259 because God says, 00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:56.379 this is the one that I will look to. 00:17:56.839 --> 00:17:59.279 Those who are humble and contrite in spirit. 00:17:59.879 --> 00:18:00.879 You see, the Israelites, 00:18:01.119 --> 00:18:01.659 they thought, 00:18:01.960 --> 00:18:03.279 we built the temple. 00:18:03.399 --> 00:18:04.200 It looks amazing. 00:18:04.639 --> 00:18:06.779 And the priests have been down to Causeway Bay, 00:18:06.859 --> 00:18:08.480 and they've got their Gucci outfits, 00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:10.859 and the band is playing indie rock 00:18:10.859 --> 00:18:12.139 and Hebrew jazz, 00:18:12.299 --> 00:18:14.079 and everything's looking wonderful. 00:18:14.539 --> 00:18:16.500 And the furnaces are beautiful, 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:17.539 and they think, 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:19.740 God must be so pleased with us. 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:21.440 And God says, 00:18:21.500 --> 00:18:22.740 this is the one I will look to. 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:26.559 Those who are humble and contrite in spirit. 00:18:26.940 --> 00:18:28.799 Barry Webb said it like this. 00:18:29.379 --> 00:18:29.799 He said, 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:31.960 the physical restoration of the temple 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:33.539 was not enough. 00:18:34.399 --> 00:18:36.379 Unless there was spiritual renewal, 00:18:36.379 --> 00:18:38.440 the people would simply repeat 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:40.099 the sins of the past. 00:18:40.099 --> 00:18:42.740 Isaiah was calling God's people 00:18:42.740 --> 00:18:45.639 away from the ugly distortion of true faith, 00:18:46.159 --> 00:18:48.419 which inevitably reasserts itself 00:18:48.419 --> 00:18:51.679 where there's no heartfelt contrition before him. 00:18:52.339 --> 00:18:54.159 Where heartfelt contrition is lacking, 00:18:54.839 --> 00:18:56.319 worship in whatever building 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:59.719 is no better than pagan superstition. 00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:00.879 Watermark, 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:01.839 I want to ask us 00:19:01.839 --> 00:19:03.519 that as we go into this season, 00:19:04.219 --> 00:19:05.779 let us not buy the lie 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:07.819 that if we can just get this right, 00:19:07.940 --> 00:19:09.259 we can just get that right, 00:19:09.399 --> 00:19:10.819 if we can just get the preacher 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:12.099 to wear decent clothes, 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:14.420 or we can just get the coffee right, 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:16.500 or the good chocolate brownie 00:19:16.500 --> 00:19:17.339 in the welcome pack, 00:19:17.619 --> 00:19:18.480 then we're going to, 00:19:18.559 --> 00:19:19.899 our church is going to be fine. 00:19:20.480 --> 00:19:22.440 Those things mean nothing to King Jesus. 00:19:23.500 --> 00:19:23.859 Watermark, 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:25.819 the one thing that we really need, 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.940 the only thing that as a church 00:19:27.940 --> 00:19:29.160 we really need, 00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:30.420 you cannot buy 00:19:30.420 --> 00:19:31.879 with all the gold in the world. 00:19:31.880 --> 00:19:34.180 You cannot secure it 00:19:34.180 --> 00:19:35.900 with all the connections in the world, 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:36.860 all the networks. 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.620 You cannot earn it 00:19:38.620 --> 00:19:40.300 with all the hard work in the world. 00:19:40.380 --> 00:19:41.640 The one thing we need, 00:19:42.260 --> 00:19:43.840 we need the favor of God. 00:19:44.260 --> 00:19:45.780 We need the presence of God. 00:19:46.120 --> 00:19:47.900 We need the life of the Holy Spirit. 00:19:48.320 --> 00:19:49.820 We need the power of God 00:19:49.820 --> 00:19:50.700 and the work of our lives. 00:19:50.760 --> 00:19:52.920 And how does God pour his favor on us? 00:19:53.560 --> 00:19:55.160 This is the one I will look to you. 00:19:55.620 --> 00:19:56.620 Those who are humble 00:19:56.620 --> 00:19:59.300 and contrite in spirit. 00:20:00.080 --> 00:20:01.660 God who blesses us. 00:20:01.880 --> 00:20:02.780 With his favor. 00:20:03.360 --> 00:20:04.920 May this be true of us. 00:20:05.700 --> 00:20:07.380 May God look upon us favorably 00:20:07.380 --> 00:20:08.400 because we are those 00:20:08.400 --> 00:20:09.680 who are humble and contrite. 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:11.880 Now, thirdly, 00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:13.580 so God and his church, 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:14.780 God and his favor, 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:16.360 God and his word. 00:20:16.760 --> 00:20:18.680 Now, look again at your bulletins. 00:20:18.780 --> 00:20:20.520 Look at the second half of verse 2. 00:20:20.620 --> 00:20:21.580 What does God say there? 00:20:21.620 --> 00:20:21.960 He says, 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:23.900 this is the one that I will look to. 00:20:24.040 --> 00:20:24.980 Those who are humble. 00:20:25.120 --> 00:20:26.220 Oh, let me ask you this question 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:26.980 before we get there. 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:27.200 Sorry. 00:20:27.720 --> 00:20:28.960 What does this humility 00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:30.460 and contrition look like? 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:33.460 How does God measure humility? 00:20:34.980 --> 00:20:36.100 How does God know 00:20:36.100 --> 00:20:38.140 whether we are really humble before him 00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:39.519 or whether we are just, 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.480 you know, 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:41.680 putting on a facade, 00:20:42.160 --> 00:20:43.579 whether maybe we are just saying 00:20:43.579 --> 00:20:44.319 the right things 00:20:44.319 --> 00:20:45.860 to try and pretend we're humble, 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:47.059 we act humble. 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:48.480 How do we know 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.740 whether in our heart of hearts 00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:51.160 we are dependent on God 00:20:51.160 --> 00:20:52.360 or we are self-reliant? 00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:54.980 Well, look at what verse 2 says. 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:55.740 It says, 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:57.000 this is the one I will look to. 00:20:57.180 --> 00:20:58.059 He who is humble 00:20:58.059 --> 00:20:59.500 and contrite in spirit 00:20:59.500 --> 00:21:00.200 and, 00:21:00.599 --> 00:21:01.460 what does it say? 00:21:02.480 --> 00:21:04.380 Trembles at my word. 00:21:05.099 --> 00:21:05.660 Friends, 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:07.460 one of the most important things 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:08.779 for us to realize 00:21:08.779 --> 00:21:10.420 is that our attitude 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:11.960 towards God's word 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:13.279 in many ways 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:14.079 is a reflection 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:14.960 of our attitude 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:16.319 towards God himself. 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:18.400 The way that God 00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:19.539 measures our humility 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:20.240 towards him 00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:21.680 is in our humility 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:22.980 towards God's word. 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:25.120 Do we sit over God's word 00:21:25.120 --> 00:21:26.259 in judgment of it 00:21:26.259 --> 00:21:27.400 as if we have 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:28.579 the final authority 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:29.900 as to what God's word say 00:21:29.900 --> 00:21:31.940 or do we let God's word 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:32.839 speak to us? 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:34.980 Does our obedience to God 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:35.740 depend on whether 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.960 God's word agrees 00:21:36.960 --> 00:21:38.039 without circumstances 00:21:38.039 --> 00:21:40.140 or do we let God's word 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:41.339 have the final say? 00:21:42.360 --> 00:21:43.599 Do we see God's word 00:21:43.599 --> 00:21:44.620 as good advice 00:21:44.620 --> 00:21:47.220 with our finances 00:21:47.220 --> 00:21:48.360 or our relationships? 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:49.860 Who we get to date? 00:21:50.240 --> 00:21:51.039 Who we marry? 00:21:51.440 --> 00:21:52.860 How we respond to people 00:21:52.859 --> 00:21:55.000 that have mistreated us? 00:21:55.219 --> 00:21:56.279 Who we get to forgive? 00:21:56.639 --> 00:21:58.339 Is God's word good advice 00:21:58.339 --> 00:22:00.459 or is God's word authority 00:22:00.459 --> 00:22:01.359 in our lives? 00:22:02.039 --> 00:22:03.299 This is one of the things 00:22:03.299 --> 00:22:04.839 that I must just say 00:22:04.839 --> 00:22:06.359 I so admire about Chris 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:07.259 as I've got to work 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:07.639 with Chris 00:22:07.639 --> 00:22:09.479 the last few weeks. 00:22:10.139 --> 00:22:12.119 Chris has an unquenchable humility 00:22:12.119 --> 00:22:12.979 and awe 00:22:12.979 --> 00:22:14.159 before God's word. 00:22:14.619 --> 00:22:15.479 Those of us that were there 00:22:15.479 --> 00:22:16.279 on Friday night, 00:22:16.359 --> 00:22:17.179 wasn't Friday night 00:22:17.179 --> 00:22:18.299 a fantastic evening? 00:22:18.679 --> 00:22:20.299 As we got into God's word, 00:22:20.439 --> 00:22:21.159 John's gospel, 00:22:21.399 --> 00:22:22.000 Chris and Eric 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:22.880 just opened up 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:24.000 God's word for us. 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:24.779 I want to encourage you 00:22:24.779 --> 00:22:25.859 if you're not in a CG, 00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:27.700 now's a fantastic time 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:28.359 to join one 00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:29.380 as we go through 00:22:29.380 --> 00:22:30.660 John's gospel together. 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:31.680 But friends, 00:22:31.799 --> 00:22:32.680 are we interested 00:22:32.680 --> 00:22:33.480 in God's word 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:36.180 or are we in awe before it? 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:37.079 Do we tremble 00:22:37.079 --> 00:22:37.779 before the word 00:22:37.779 --> 00:22:38.440 of our boss? 00:22:39.059 --> 00:22:39.880 Do we tremble 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:41.099 before social media 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:43.019 or Facebook says about us 00:22:43.019 --> 00:22:44.299 or Instagram says us? 00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:45.099 God says, 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:45.940 this is the one 00:22:45.940 --> 00:22:46.420 I look to. 00:22:46.500 --> 00:22:48.099 Those who are in awe 00:22:48.099 --> 00:22:49.000 before my word, 00:22:49.079 --> 00:22:50.740 who take my word seriously. 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:52.359 And the reason why 00:22:52.359 --> 00:22:53.819 God takes it so seriously 00:22:53.819 --> 00:22:57.000 is because God's word, 00:22:57.099 --> 00:22:57.700 his scripture, 00:22:57.839 --> 00:22:58.900 is not just a means 00:22:58.900 --> 00:23:00.319 of communicating ideas. 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:02.039 God's word isn't just 00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:03.420 a communication of thoughts 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.720 or what God likes. 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:05.759 In many ways, 00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:07.200 God's word is an extension 00:23:07.200 --> 00:23:08.039 of himself. 00:23:08.759 --> 00:23:10.240 That's why in Hebrews chapter 4 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:11.740 it says God's word is living, 00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:12.440 it's active, 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:13.539 it's sharp, 00:23:13.620 --> 00:23:14.880 it speaks to the depths 00:23:14.880 --> 00:23:15.720 of our souls. 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:18.220 God's word speaks 00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:19.299 to what's really going 00:23:19.299 --> 00:23:19.900 on in our hearts 00:23:19.900 --> 00:23:20.940 because God's word 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:22.860 is almost an extension 00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:23.799 of himself. 00:23:25.940 --> 00:23:26.279 And so, 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:27.240 this is what it means 00:23:27.240 --> 00:23:28.240 that it's impossible 00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:30.279 to break one of God's commands 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:31.860 without also almost 00:23:31.860 --> 00:23:32.980 breaking relationship 00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:34.500 with God himself. 00:23:35.400 --> 00:23:36.480 This is surprising, 00:23:36.620 --> 00:23:37.339 but it's actually true 00:23:37.339 --> 00:23:38.420 of all our relationships. 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:40.019 I remember, 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:43.819 let me be honest with you. 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:44.920 When I was a child, 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:46.799 I had this problem. 00:23:47.619 --> 00:23:48.960 I used to get angry 00:23:48.960 --> 00:23:49.879 very easily. 00:23:50.379 --> 00:23:51.039 My grandfather 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:52.460 had a problem with anger. 00:23:52.859 --> 00:23:54.039 My father had a problem 00:23:54.039 --> 00:23:54.559 with anger 00:23:54.559 --> 00:23:55.599 and it somehow 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:56.859 got passed on to me. 00:23:57.319 --> 00:23:57.559 And so, 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:59.019 I could get angry quickly. 00:23:59.539 --> 00:24:00.700 And I went and saw 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:01.359 some people 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:03.240 and some professional people 00:24:03.240 --> 00:24:03.799 helped me 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:05.420 and it kind of died away. 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:06.779 I thought I've dealt with it. 00:24:07.480 --> 00:24:08.619 Until my children 00:24:08.619 --> 00:24:09.779 reached about the age 00:24:09.779 --> 00:24:10.500 of three 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:12.460 and I found this monster 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:13.899 coming out of me again. 00:24:15.180 --> 00:24:16.240 And there would be times 00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:17.839 when my blood would boil 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:19.519 and I found myself 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:20.599 getting so angry. 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:21.779 And it happened 00:24:21.779 --> 00:24:22.480 around the time 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:23.220 my eldest daughter 00:24:23.220 --> 00:24:23.960 turned three 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:25.220 and this is why it happened. 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:27.000 Sometimes I would say 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:27.660 to my child, 00:24:27.859 --> 00:24:28.339 Sierra, 00:24:28.799 --> 00:24:30.319 don't do that. 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:31.220 Do you hear me? 00:24:31.940 --> 00:24:32.819 Only to find 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:33.799 a few months later 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:35.519 her doing that exact thing. 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:36.559 Does that sound familiar 00:24:36.559 --> 00:24:37.500 or does it only happen 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:38.200 in our household? 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:38.740 Okay. 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:40.960 Or to say, 00:24:41.399 --> 00:24:41.759 Sierra, 00:24:42.119 --> 00:24:43.180 please listen to me. 00:24:43.299 --> 00:24:44.119 I'm asking you 00:24:44.119 --> 00:24:45.079 to please do this. 00:24:45.319 --> 00:24:46.019 Do you understand? 00:24:46.879 --> 00:24:47.759 Only to find 00:24:47.759 --> 00:24:48.879 her not to do it. 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.579 And when I found 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:51.339 my kids 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:53.279 rejecting my words, 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:54.460 what made me 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:55.639 so frustrated 00:24:55.639 --> 00:24:56.660 is that I almost 00:24:56.660 --> 00:24:57.720 took it as a rejection 00:24:57.720 --> 00:24:58.819 of me myself. 00:24:59.539 --> 00:25:00.319 It was almost 00:25:00.319 --> 00:25:01.200 as if my children 00:25:01.200 --> 00:25:01.720 were saying, 00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:03.519 forget you dad, 00:25:03.639 --> 00:25:04.399 what you think 00:25:04.399 --> 00:25:05.579 means nothing to me. 00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:07.000 Which let's be honest, 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:07.859 to a three year old 00:25:07.859 --> 00:25:09.039 is maybe quite close 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:10.179 to what was happening, 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:10.519 right? 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:12.819 But actually, 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.899 we see this 00:25:13.899 --> 00:25:14.959 in all of Scripture. 00:25:15.679 --> 00:25:17.039 When we take 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:18.059 God's Word lightly, 00:25:18.179 --> 00:25:19.059 when we are blase 00:25:19.059 --> 00:25:20.139 about God's Word, 00:25:20.219 --> 00:25:21.199 it's actually because 00:25:21.199 --> 00:25:21.859 we are blase 00:25:21.859 --> 00:25:22.959 about God Himself. 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:24.439 We see this 00:25:24.439 --> 00:25:25.279 in Genesis 00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:26.559 with Adam and Eve. 00:25:26.699 --> 00:25:27.159 Adam and Eve 00:25:27.159 --> 00:25:27.919 didn't just sin 00:25:27.919 --> 00:25:28.639 because they ate 00:25:28.639 --> 00:25:29.919 some forbidden fruit. 00:25:30.419 --> 00:25:31.119 It wasn't like 00:25:31.119 --> 00:25:31.919 they just broke 00:25:31.919 --> 00:25:33.619 rule 6.3 00:25:33.619 --> 00:25:34.339 of the rule book. 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:35.199 Actually, 00:25:35.439 --> 00:25:37.039 in disobeying God, 00:25:37.139 --> 00:25:37.719 Adam and Eve 00:25:37.719 --> 00:25:38.519 were rejecting 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:39.439 God's leadership 00:25:39.439 --> 00:25:40.439 and God's lordship 00:25:40.439 --> 00:25:41.319 over their life. 00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:42.500 We see this 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:44.359 in the book of Samuel 00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:45.139 with King Saul. 00:25:45.559 --> 00:25:45.839 Remember, 00:25:45.979 --> 00:25:46.439 King Saul 00:25:46.439 --> 00:25:47.299 is the first king 00:25:47.299 --> 00:25:47.859 of Israel 00:25:47.859 --> 00:25:49.639 and God 00:25:49.639 --> 00:25:50.419 told Saul 00:25:50.419 --> 00:25:51.779 to go into battle. 00:25:51.919 --> 00:25:52.599 There's some enemies 00:25:52.599 --> 00:25:53.119 that are coming 00:25:53.119 --> 00:25:53.799 to fight them 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:54.279 and He says, 00:25:54.439 --> 00:25:56.519 go and defeat 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.099 their enemies 00:25:57.099 --> 00:25:58.399 before they defeat you. 00:25:58.879 --> 00:25:59.419 And so He goes 00:25:59.419 --> 00:26:00.099 to the Malachites 00:26:00.099 --> 00:26:01.019 but God says 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:01.619 to Saul, 00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:03.279 don't bring home 00:26:03.279 --> 00:26:04.319 any of the spoil 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:04.839 of war. 00:26:05.559 --> 00:26:06.419 Defeat their enemies 00:26:06.419 --> 00:26:07.539 and then leave everything. 00:26:07.819 --> 00:26:08.839 Don't bring home 00:26:08.839 --> 00:26:10.000 any spoil of war. 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:11.719 And so what does Saul do? 00:26:12.139 --> 00:26:12.639 He goes, 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:13.619 they defeat their enemy 00:26:13.619 --> 00:26:15.099 and then he brings home 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:15.559 a whole lot 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:16.619 of the spoils of war. 00:26:17.159 --> 00:26:18.139 And he brings home 00:26:18.139 --> 00:26:19.000 some of the animals 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:21.219 and Samuel comes home 00:26:21.219 --> 00:26:21.500 and says, 00:26:21.599 --> 00:26:21.859 Saul, 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:23.000 what's this bleating 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:23.480 of sheep 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:24.339 that I can hear? 00:26:24.719 --> 00:26:25.819 Where do these animals 00:26:25.819 --> 00:26:26.480 come from? 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:27.980 And Saul puts 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:29.119 a religious spin on it. 00:26:29.179 --> 00:26:29.459 He says, 00:26:29.460 --> 00:26:29.819 oh, 00:26:29.940 --> 00:26:31.559 we thought we'd bring 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:32.420 home some animals 00:26:32.420 --> 00:26:33.460 to worship God. 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:34.819 We thought we'd 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:35.860 make a sacrifice 00:26:35.860 --> 00:26:36.940 and worship God. 00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:37.819 He puts this 00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:38.900 religious spin on it. 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:40.200 And this is what 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:41.000 Samuel says. 00:26:41.640 --> 00:26:42.000 He says, 00:26:42.100 --> 00:26:42.960 does the Lord 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:44.680 delight in burnt offerings 00:26:44.680 --> 00:26:46.039 and sacrifices 00:26:46.039 --> 00:26:47.019 as much as in 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:48.120 obeying His voice? 00:26:48.600 --> 00:26:49.880 For to obey God 00:26:49.880 --> 00:26:50.620 is better than 00:26:50.620 --> 00:26:51.840 many sacrifices. 00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:53.519 To listen is better 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:54.180 than the fat 00:26:54.180 --> 00:26:55.100 of many rams. 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:56.819 For disobedience 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:57.799 is the same 00:26:57.799 --> 00:26:59.160 as witchcraft. 00:27:00.000 --> 00:27:00.299 You see, 00:27:00.759 --> 00:27:01.259 the problem 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:01.960 wasn't that Saul 00:27:01.960 --> 00:27:02.819 didn't understand 00:27:02.819 --> 00:27:03.440 God's word 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:04.120 or that he didn't 00:27:04.120 --> 00:27:04.940 hear it properly. 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:05.880 Actually, 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:06.519 in his heart, 00:27:06.600 --> 00:27:07.160 he wanted to be 00:27:07.160 --> 00:27:07.920 his own God. 00:27:08.319 --> 00:27:09.079 He wanted to be 00:27:09.079 --> 00:27:09.759 his own Lord. 00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:11.079 He wanted to be 00:27:11.079 --> 00:27:11.720 his own king. 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:12.819 And friends, 00:27:12.880 --> 00:27:13.539 when we don't take 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:14.600 God's word seriously, 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:15.400 it's because we don't 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.480 take God seriously 00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:16.940 himself. 00:27:17.340 --> 00:27:18.360 When we sit over 00:27:18.360 --> 00:27:18.920 God's word 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:19.799 and judgment of it, 00:27:19.860 --> 00:27:20.660 it's because we want 00:27:20.660 --> 00:27:21.700 to maintain the right 00:27:21.700 --> 00:27:22.740 to be our own king 00:27:22.740 --> 00:27:23.920 and our own Lord 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:24.680 in our lives. 00:27:25.240 --> 00:27:25.740 But actually, 00:27:26.140 --> 00:27:26.740 and what it means 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:27.640 is as a church, 00:27:28.019 --> 00:27:28.940 as church leaders, 00:27:29.060 --> 00:27:29.600 as elders, 00:27:29.720 --> 00:27:31.200 if we use God's word 00:27:31.200 --> 00:27:32.259 to say what we want 00:27:32.259 --> 00:27:32.580 to say, 00:27:32.860 --> 00:27:33.860 if we twist it 00:27:33.860 --> 00:27:34.860 and manipulate it 00:27:34.860 --> 00:27:36.400 and we take it 00:27:36.400 --> 00:27:37.200 out of context 00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:37.960 to say things 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:39.100 that we wanted to say 00:27:39.100 --> 00:27:39.920 rather than what 00:27:39.920 --> 00:27:41.180 God's word really says, 00:27:41.560 --> 00:27:42.519 actually as leaders, 00:27:42.640 --> 00:27:43.600 we are using God 00:27:43.600 --> 00:27:44.880 to build our own empire, 00:27:45.320 --> 00:27:46.340 which in the end 00:27:46.340 --> 00:27:47.560 will only be a monument 00:27:47.560 --> 00:27:48.860 to our own futility. 00:27:48.859 --> 00:27:50.459 And so, 00:27:50.619 --> 00:27:50.979 Watermark, 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:52.719 whatever the future 00:27:52.719 --> 00:27:54.019 of our church looks like, 00:27:54.699 --> 00:27:56.199 wherever God takes us, 00:27:56.719 --> 00:27:57.559 whatever decisions 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:58.919 we make into the future, 00:27:59.419 --> 00:28:00.359 I pray that this 00:28:00.359 --> 00:28:01.179 will be true of us. 00:28:01.559 --> 00:28:02.719 May we always, 00:28:02.979 --> 00:28:03.379 only, 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:04.119 and forever 00:28:04.119 --> 00:28:05.279 be rooted 00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:06.719 and established 00:28:06.719 --> 00:28:07.859 and built 00:28:07.859 --> 00:28:08.899 on the perfect 00:28:08.899 --> 00:28:09.919 and inerrant 00:28:09.919 --> 00:28:11.000 word of God, 00:28:11.079 --> 00:28:12.000 the authority of God. 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:13.459 I pray that more 00:28:13.459 --> 00:28:13.899 than ever, 00:28:14.039 --> 00:28:14.839 we will be a church 00:28:14.839 --> 00:28:16.099 that loves the scriptures 00:28:16.099 --> 00:28:16.919 because we love 00:28:16.919 --> 00:28:17.979 the God of the scriptures. 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:19.700 I pray that Watermark 00:28:19.700 --> 00:28:20.279 will be a church 00:28:20.279 --> 00:28:21.000 that submits 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:21.660 to the authority 00:28:21.660 --> 00:28:22.140 of scripture 00:28:22.140 --> 00:28:23.440 because we submit 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:24.259 to God himself. 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:25.720 May we be a church 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.620 that is regularly 00:28:26.620 --> 00:28:27.839 reading and applying 00:28:27.839 --> 00:28:29.059 God's word to our lives, 00:28:29.480 --> 00:28:30.339 spending time 00:28:30.339 --> 00:28:30.960 in God's word 00:28:30.960 --> 00:28:31.680 every day. 00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:32.720 Maybe as we, 00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:33.480 as you, 00:28:33.779 --> 00:28:34.720 before you go to work, 00:28:34.819 --> 00:28:36.000 get into God's word. 00:28:36.299 --> 00:28:37.440 As you wait for the bus 00:28:37.440 --> 00:28:38.240 at the bus stop, 00:28:38.400 --> 00:28:39.539 read God's word. 00:28:39.599 --> 00:28:40.500 As you're on the bus, 00:28:40.599 --> 00:28:41.400 be meditating 00:28:41.400 --> 00:28:42.000 and praying 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:42.839 through the Psalms. 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:44.539 Maybe in your lunch hour, 00:28:44.640 --> 00:28:45.099 once a week, 00:28:45.180 --> 00:28:45.920 take some time 00:28:45.920 --> 00:28:47.099 and go and pray 00:28:47.099 --> 00:28:47.919 and pray through 00:28:47.919 --> 00:28:48.539 God's word. 00:28:48.919 --> 00:28:49.459 But I pray 00:28:49.459 --> 00:28:50.319 that we will be a church 00:28:50.319 --> 00:28:51.639 that attracts the favor 00:28:51.639 --> 00:28:53.379 and the blessing of God 00:28:53.379 --> 00:28:55.299 because this church 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:56.179 is a church 00:28:56.179 --> 00:28:56.919 that is humble 00:28:56.919 --> 00:28:58.279 and contrite 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:59.500 and trembles 00:28:59.500 --> 00:29:01.299 before God's word. 00:29:02.579 --> 00:29:03.279 Fourth thing, 00:29:04.099 --> 00:29:05.579 the word that rescues 00:29:05.579 --> 00:29:06.779 and redeems. 00:29:08.039 --> 00:29:08.279 Now, 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:09.759 God's word 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.740 came to the people 00:29:10.740 --> 00:29:11.240 of Israel. 00:29:12.379 --> 00:29:13.639 Came many times, 00:29:13.779 --> 00:29:14.639 but there was a problem. 00:29:14.640 --> 00:29:16.360 And the problem was 00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:17.759 that they didn't receive it. 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:18.580 Now, 00:29:18.660 --> 00:29:20.100 the reason they didn't receive 00:29:20.100 --> 00:29:20.640 God's word 00:29:20.640 --> 00:29:21.840 wasn't because they were, 00:29:21.900 --> 00:29:22.160 you know, 00:29:22.300 --> 00:29:22.580 dull 00:29:22.580 --> 00:29:24.140 or a little bit thick 00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:25.380 or because they weren't 00:29:25.380 --> 00:29:26.180 very intelligent. 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:27.460 That wasn't the reason. 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:29.060 The reason that they, 00:29:29.540 --> 00:29:31.140 the problem that they had 00:29:31.140 --> 00:29:32.060 is the same problem 00:29:32.060 --> 00:29:32.640 we have. 00:29:33.280 --> 00:29:34.360 The reason they rejected 00:29:34.360 --> 00:29:34.960 God's word 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:35.840 is the same reason 00:29:35.840 --> 00:29:37.500 that we reject God's word. 00:29:37.920 --> 00:29:38.820 And the reason is 00:29:38.820 --> 00:29:39.600 because their hearts 00:29:39.600 --> 00:29:40.140 were sick. 00:29:40.680 --> 00:29:41.620 And the problem is 00:29:41.620 --> 00:29:42.780 that our hearts are sick. 00:29:42.779 --> 00:29:44.839 And so prophet after prophet 00:29:44.839 --> 00:29:45.899 would come and bring them 00:29:45.899 --> 00:29:46.559 God's word. 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:47.940 And some of the prophets, 00:29:48.279 --> 00:29:48.839 like Jeremiah, 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:49.759 they threw down 00:29:49.759 --> 00:29:50.240 a system, 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:51.180 a water well. 00:29:51.619 --> 00:29:52.039 Isaiah, 00:29:52.180 --> 00:29:53.119 they soared in two. 00:29:53.220 --> 00:29:53.779 They killed him 00:29:53.779 --> 00:29:54.700 and soared him in two. 00:29:55.139 --> 00:29:56.139 Some of the prophets, 00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:56.859 they listened to 00:29:56.859 --> 00:29:57.779 for a short while 00:29:57.779 --> 00:29:58.839 and then even they 00:29:58.839 --> 00:29:59.920 rejected them 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:01.059 and didn't listen to them. 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:02.639 And so it wasn't long 00:30:02.639 --> 00:30:03.819 before the people of God 00:30:03.819 --> 00:30:05.359 rejected God's word 00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:06.680 because they rejected 00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:07.839 the God of the word. 00:30:08.339 --> 00:30:08.799 And friends, 00:30:08.879 --> 00:30:09.879 we do the same thing. 00:30:10.460 --> 00:30:11.940 Almost all the problems 00:30:11.940 --> 00:30:12.559 in our life 00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:14.140 is because in some way 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:15.100 we don't believe 00:30:15.100 --> 00:30:15.720 God's word. 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:17.140 We think we know better 00:30:17.140 --> 00:30:18.019 than God's word. 00:30:18.420 --> 00:30:19.220 It's the reason why 00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:20.360 there's greed in the world. 00:30:20.740 --> 00:30:21.600 It's the reason why 00:30:21.600 --> 00:30:23.360 we have interpersonal relationships, 00:30:23.660 --> 00:30:25.420 problems with our relationships. 00:30:25.820 --> 00:30:26.640 It's the reason why 00:30:26.640 --> 00:30:28.019 we don't get on with people. 00:30:28.700 --> 00:30:30.380 And so the consequences 00:30:30.380 --> 00:30:32.299 of this are always disastrous. 00:30:33.180 --> 00:30:34.420 But thank God 00:30:34.420 --> 00:30:36.380 that's not the end of the story. 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:37.940 And so Isaiah came 00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:38.920 and brought this message. 00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:40.019 But Isaiah's message 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:41.559 wasn't just a warning. 00:30:41.559 --> 00:30:43.139 He didn't just warn them. 00:30:43.339 --> 00:30:44.159 It wasn't just 00:30:44.159 --> 00:30:45.159 a call to repentance. 00:30:45.720 --> 00:30:46.899 Actually, Isaiah came 00:30:46.899 --> 00:30:48.119 and brought some good news. 00:30:48.679 --> 00:30:49.539 And though the people 00:30:49.539 --> 00:30:51.059 had rejected God's word 00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:52.319 and though God's people 00:30:52.319 --> 00:30:53.119 had lost their way, 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:54.779 God hadn't given up on them. 00:30:55.159 --> 00:30:55.519 In fact, 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:57.019 God was more committed 00:30:57.019 --> 00:30:58.279 to them than ever. 00:30:59.059 --> 00:31:00.359 He would rescue them. 00:31:00.679 --> 00:31:01.819 He would redeem them. 00:31:02.059 --> 00:31:03.119 And He would do so 00:31:03.119 --> 00:31:04.919 by sending another word. 00:31:05.399 --> 00:31:06.099 He had sent them 00:31:06.099 --> 00:31:07.000 His word and His prophets. 00:31:07.379 --> 00:31:08.119 They hadn't listened. 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:09.419 God was so committed. 00:31:09.559 --> 00:31:09.859 He said, 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:11.319 I'll send you another word. 00:31:11.319 --> 00:31:12.439 But this time 00:31:12.439 --> 00:31:13.879 He'd send the ultimate word. 00:31:14.099 --> 00:31:15.419 This time He'd send 00:31:15.419 --> 00:31:17.619 the word made flesh. 00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:19.439 This time He'd send 00:31:19.439 --> 00:31:20.460 His Son. 00:31:21.419 --> 00:31:22.480 And so the Apostle John 00:31:22.480 --> 00:31:23.179 writes this, 00:31:23.919 --> 00:31:25.439 The word became flesh 00:31:25.439 --> 00:31:27.439 and dwelt amongst us. 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:29.359 And we have seen His glory. 00:31:29.899 --> 00:31:31.200 He came full of grace 00:31:31.200 --> 00:31:32.579 and full of truth. 00:31:33.099 --> 00:31:33.439 Friends, 00:31:33.579 --> 00:31:34.579 Jesus Christ 00:31:34.579 --> 00:31:36.339 is the ultimate word of God. 00:31:36.500 --> 00:31:38.559 The ultimate revelation of God. 00:31:38.779 --> 00:31:40.579 The ultimate good news of God. 00:31:40.579 --> 00:31:41.419 He didn't just come 00:31:41.419 --> 00:31:41.960 as a prophet. 00:31:42.480 --> 00:31:43.419 Jesus came to do 00:31:43.419 --> 00:31:44.759 what no prophet could do. 00:31:45.220 --> 00:31:47.059 He came full of truth. 00:31:47.559 --> 00:31:48.460 He came to tell us 00:31:48.460 --> 00:31:49.439 what the truth of God 00:31:49.439 --> 00:31:50.240 is really like. 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.619 Who God is like. 00:31:51.699 --> 00:31:52.299 If you want to know 00:31:52.299 --> 00:31:53.059 what God is like, 00:31:53.379 --> 00:31:54.299 get to know Jesus. 00:31:54.879 --> 00:31:56.399 Jesus came full of truth 00:31:56.399 --> 00:31:57.099 to tell us 00:31:57.099 --> 00:31:57.859 the reality 00:31:57.859 --> 00:31:58.859 of who God is 00:31:58.859 --> 00:31:59.619 and what He's like. 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:01.480 But Jesus also came 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:01.980 to tell us 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:02.519 the truth 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:03.779 of our hearts. 00:32:04.339 --> 00:32:04.939 That our hearts 00:32:04.939 --> 00:32:05.439 are sinful. 00:32:05.960 --> 00:32:06.579 That our hearts 00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:07.480 have lost their way. 00:32:08.099 --> 00:32:08.500 That our hearts 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:09.460 have gone our own way. 00:32:09.460 --> 00:32:10.740 But Jesus 00:32:10.740 --> 00:32:11.480 didn't just come 00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:12.120 full of truth. 00:32:12.720 --> 00:32:13.299 He also came 00:32:13.299 --> 00:32:14.019 full of grace. 00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:15.680 Jesus came to do 00:32:15.680 --> 00:32:16.799 what no prophet could do. 00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:18.680 He came to bring us grace. 00:32:19.160 --> 00:32:19.980 But He didn't just come 00:32:19.980 --> 00:32:21.259 to tell us about grace. 00:32:21.480 --> 00:32:22.160 He didn't just come 00:32:22.160 --> 00:32:23.220 to explain grace. 00:32:23.740 --> 00:32:25.440 He came to purchase us grace. 00:32:26.039 --> 00:32:26.740 And He did it, 00:32:27.059 --> 00:32:27.980 as Chris said earlier, 00:32:28.360 --> 00:32:29.480 the most costly way 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:30.700 anyone could ever do it. 00:32:31.220 --> 00:32:31.779 He did it 00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:32.819 by dying on the cross. 00:32:33.319 --> 00:32:33.819 He did it 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:34.460 with His blood. 00:32:35.160 --> 00:32:36.279 He came to purchase 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:37.059 grace for us 00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:38.179 and to cover our sin 00:32:38.179 --> 00:32:39.000 with His grace. 00:32:39.599 --> 00:32:40.519 And so Colossians 3 00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:41.019 says this, 00:32:41.099 --> 00:32:41.579 In Him, 00:32:41.700 --> 00:32:42.359 in Jesus, 00:32:42.779 --> 00:32:44.099 the fullness of God 00:32:44.099 --> 00:32:45.399 was pleased to dwell 00:32:45.399 --> 00:32:46.599 and through Him 00:32:46.599 --> 00:32:47.619 to reconcile 00:32:47.619 --> 00:32:48.399 to Himself 00:32:48.399 --> 00:32:49.440 all things, 00:32:49.819 --> 00:32:50.679 things in heaven 00:32:50.679 --> 00:32:51.940 and on earth, 00:32:52.339 --> 00:32:53.399 making peace. 00:32:53.619 --> 00:32:53.899 How? 00:32:54.399 --> 00:32:55.200 By the blood 00:32:55.200 --> 00:32:56.579 of the cross. 00:32:57.200 --> 00:32:57.539 Friends, 00:32:57.659 --> 00:32:58.379 Jesus Christ 00:32:58.379 --> 00:32:59.039 is the ultimate 00:32:59.039 --> 00:33:00.179 revelation of God. 00:33:00.339 --> 00:33:02.000 The ultimate Word of God. 00:33:02.200 --> 00:33:03.139 The Word of God 00:33:03.139 --> 00:33:04.079 that rescues 00:33:04.079 --> 00:33:05.000 and redeems. 00:33:05.339 --> 00:33:06.220 The Word that doesn't 00:33:06.220 --> 00:33:06.860 just tell us 00:33:06.860 --> 00:33:07.620 to live better. 00:33:07.940 --> 00:33:09.039 The Word that brings us 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:09.839 back to Himself 00:33:09.839 --> 00:33:10.900 and rescues us 00:33:10.900 --> 00:33:12.140 and restores relationship. 00:33:12.680 --> 00:33:14.100 Jesus is the Word of God 00:33:14.100 --> 00:33:16.039 that came to save us 00:33:16.039 --> 00:33:17.759 if we'll come to Him 00:33:17.759 --> 00:33:19.059 in humility 00:33:19.059 --> 00:33:20.839 and contrition, 00:33:21.880 --> 00:33:22.400 humbly 00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:24.380 and awe and reverence. 00:33:25.579 --> 00:33:26.100 Watermark, 00:33:26.579 --> 00:33:27.960 may we be a church 00:33:27.960 --> 00:33:29.680 built and founded 00:33:29.680 --> 00:33:30.819 upon this true 00:33:30.819 --> 00:33:31.680 and better Word, 00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:33.360 upon the living Word, 00:33:33.960 --> 00:33:34.799 the Word of the Lord 00:33:34.799 --> 00:33:35.680 Jesus Christ. 00:33:36.419 --> 00:33:36.759 Father, 00:33:37.220 --> 00:33:38.599 this is what God says, 00:33:38.680 --> 00:33:39.799 Heaven is my throne, 00:33:40.399 --> 00:33:41.619 the earth is my footstool. 00:33:42.099 --> 00:33:42.899 What is the house 00:33:42.899 --> 00:33:43.899 that you'd build for me? 00:33:44.419 --> 00:33:45.059 Don't you know 00:33:45.059 --> 00:33:45.839 all these things 00:33:45.839 --> 00:33:46.839 my hand has made 00:33:46.839 --> 00:33:48.019 and so they came to be? 00:33:48.379 --> 00:33:49.539 But this is the one 00:33:49.539 --> 00:33:50.180 I will look to, 00:33:50.799 --> 00:33:51.879 those who are humble 00:33:51.879 --> 00:33:53.680 and contrite in spirit 00:33:53.680 --> 00:33:55.180 and tremble 00:33:55.180 --> 00:33:56.859 before my Word. 00:33:57.579 --> 00:33:58.500 Let's pray together. 00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:00.419 Can I invite you 00:34:00.419 --> 00:34:01.279 to stand with me? 00:34:01.279 --> 00:34:02.279 Amen. 00:34:02.279 --> 00:34:02.859 Amen. 00:34:04.799 --> 00:34:11.019 Let's close our eyes 00:34:11.019 --> 00:34:13.539 and let's respond 00:34:13.539 --> 00:34:15.860 to God's Word. 00:34:18.659 --> 00:34:19.179 Friends, 00:34:19.259 --> 00:34:20.860 how will we come to Him now? 00:34:22.320 --> 00:34:23.739 Jesus invites us 00:34:23.739 --> 00:34:25.900 to come to Him, 00:34:26.019 --> 00:34:27.259 the living Word. 00:34:27.360 --> 00:34:28.360 How do we come to Him? 00:34:29.539 --> 00:34:30.480 Will we come to Him 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:31.219 in humility 00:34:31.219 --> 00:34:32.619 and repentance 00:34:32.619 --> 00:34:33.619 and confession? 00:34:33.619 --> 00:34:34.799 Friends, 00:34:36.980 --> 00:34:37.559 for those of us 00:34:37.559 --> 00:34:38.519 that have maybe been 00:34:38.519 --> 00:34:39.440 blasé 00:34:39.440 --> 00:34:41.739 about God's Word, 00:34:42.319 --> 00:34:44.239 can we repent of that? 00:34:45.480 --> 00:34:46.500 For those of us 00:34:46.500 --> 00:34:47.659 that come to God's Word 00:34:47.659 --> 00:34:49.699 as if it's good advice, 00:34:50.839 --> 00:34:54.359 let's repent of that 00:34:54.359 --> 00:34:56.119 and ask Christ 00:34:56.119 --> 00:34:56.940 to forgive us. 00:34:58.139 --> 00:34:59.299 Ask Him to change 00:34:59.299 --> 00:34:59.819 our attitude 00:34:59.819 --> 00:35:00.920 towards His Word. 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:04.119 for those of us 00:35:04.119 --> 00:35:05.059 who maybe have sat 00:35:05.059 --> 00:35:06.039 over God's Word 00:35:06.039 --> 00:35:08.380 as if we are 00:35:08.380 --> 00:35:09.619 the final judge of it. 00:35:13.619 --> 00:35:15.000 Can we repent of that? 00:35:15.139 --> 00:35:15.599 Can we 00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:17.599 bring ourselves 00:35:17.599 --> 00:35:18.440 under God's Word 00:35:18.440 --> 00:35:19.780 and say, 00:35:19.920 --> 00:35:20.099 Father, 00:35:20.200 --> 00:35:21.340 You have the final say 00:35:21.340 --> 00:35:21.960 in my life. 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:24.980 Maybe some of us 00:35:24.980 --> 00:35:25.720 come to God 00:35:25.720 --> 00:35:26.400 intellectually. 00:35:27.119 --> 00:35:28.380 We think of God's Word 00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:29.240 as a manual. 00:35:29.940 --> 00:35:30.700 It's a book 00:35:30.700 --> 00:35:31.400 to analyze. 00:35:32.539 --> 00:35:33.519 But we don't come 00:35:33.519 --> 00:35:34.460 to God Himself. 00:35:36.619 --> 00:35:37.059 Friends, 00:35:37.140 --> 00:35:37.760 God wants us 00:35:37.760 --> 00:35:38.559 to come to Him. 00:35:39.640 --> 00:35:40.840 He wants His Word 00:35:40.840 --> 00:35:41.720 to breathe life 00:35:41.720 --> 00:35:42.500 into our souls. 00:35:43.619 --> 00:35:44.640 He wants to both 00:35:44.640 --> 00:35:45.340 challenge us 00:35:45.340 --> 00:35:46.340 and encourage us 00:35:46.340 --> 00:35:46.840 as we come 00:35:46.840 --> 00:35:47.660 to His Word. 00:35:49.760 --> 00:35:50.200 Father, 00:35:50.280 --> 00:35:51.280 we repent of that. 00:35:51.280 --> 00:35:53.019 God, 00:35:53.080 --> 00:35:53.780 we want You. 00:35:53.880 --> 00:35:54.500 We want to meet 00:35:54.500 --> 00:35:55.019 with You. 00:35:55.800 --> 00:35:57.240 We want to love You. 00:35:58.260 --> 00:35:58.580 God, 00:35:58.640 --> 00:35:59.580 won't Your Word 00:35:59.580 --> 00:36:01.540 speak to us 00:36:01.540 --> 00:36:02.740 and may we encounter 00:36:02.740 --> 00:36:03.680 You in Your Word. 00:36:04.880 --> 00:36:05.280 God, 00:36:05.340 --> 00:36:06.019 won't You open 00:36:06.019 --> 00:36:06.960 the eyes of our heart 00:36:06.960 --> 00:36:08.220 to see wondrous 00:36:08.220 --> 00:36:09.480 truths in Your Word, 00:36:09.820 --> 00:36:10.980 to see glorious 00:36:10.980 --> 00:36:11.540 things there 00:36:11.540 --> 00:36:12.480 that we may encounter 00:36:12.480 --> 00:36:13.220 You, God. 00:36:16.220 --> 00:36:16.620 God, 00:36:16.700 --> 00:36:17.420 won't You make us 00:36:17.420 --> 00:36:18.220 more like You 00:36:18.220 --> 00:36:20.540 as we come 00:36:20.540 --> 00:36:21.060 to Your Word, 00:36:21.059 --> 00:36:21.840 won't You make us 00:36:21.840 --> 00:36:22.559 more like You. 00:36:27.000 --> 00:36:27.400 Jesus, 00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:28.619 we thank You 00:36:28.619 --> 00:36:29.119 that You are 00:36:29.119 --> 00:36:30.099 the living Word, 00:36:31.039 --> 00:36:32.079 the Word that came 00:36:32.079 --> 00:36:33.559 not just to tell us 00:36:33.559 --> 00:36:34.519 what God is like, 00:36:34.940 --> 00:36:36.219 not just to show us 00:36:36.219 --> 00:36:36.900 what God is like, 00:36:36.960 --> 00:36:37.719 but to bring us 00:36:37.719 --> 00:36:38.460 back to God. 00:36:41.880 --> 00:36:42.279 Jesus, 00:36:42.460 --> 00:36:43.279 come and have Your way 00:36:43.279 --> 00:36:43.940 in our life. 00:36:44.900 --> 00:36:46.079 Come and be first 00:36:46.079 --> 00:36:46.799 and foremost. 00:36:47.679 --> 00:36:48.799 Come and be at the center 00:36:48.799 --> 00:36:49.420 of our lives, 00:36:49.519 --> 00:36:50.039 we pray. 00:36:51.059 --> 00:36:59.519 let's worship 00:36:59.519 --> 00:37:00.579 this wondrous 00:37:00.579 --> 00:37:01.380 and majestic 00:37:01.380 --> 00:37:01.900 God, 00:37:02.519 --> 00:37:03.340 our King 00:37:03.340 --> 00:37:03.679 together. 00:37:03.779 --> 00:37:04.299 Let's worship. 00:37:04.300 --> 00:37:34.280 Thank you.