WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.379 this morning. So thanks Craig for coming today. 00:00:08.460 --> 00:00:20.359 Well it's good to be here again and among friends and certainly in the work in Kinseu we do appreciate 00:00:20.359 --> 00:00:28.160 the prayers and support and we're coming to that point in January where probably the 17th of January 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:35.439 we're looking at constituting which is a Saturday afternoon. That's the plan at this point and the 00:00:35.439 --> 00:00:43.240 following day then we would start services in Kinseu. That's the launch of services so we will 00:00:43.240 --> 00:00:49.820 constitute, we will be a Baptist church we pray Lord willing and then actually start services from 00:00:49.820 --> 00:00:56.740 there. So just to pray with us on that it's kind of the stage where you're sorry to be leaving 00:00:56.740 --> 00:01:03.900 your church, you're feeling that, it's kind of hurting and yet it's that moment where you're 00:01:03.900 --> 00:01:10.159 kind of maybe we need to just do it now you know maybe we need to to go and get on with it and the 00:01:10.159 --> 00:01:17.000 Lord is preparing us for what's ahead in Kinseu and we trust that it will be really good and we're 00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:24.420 excited about it at the same time. So just to pray for Kim and Amy and Ian and Jan here as they 00:01:24.420 --> 00:01:32.659 prepare for that move as you are doing. If you have your Bibles please turn to Matthew 13. 00:01:32.659 --> 00:01:35.780 Matthew 13. 00:01:35.780 --> 00:01:35.820 Matthew 13. 00:01:35.820 --> 00:01:35.879 Matthew 13. 00:01:35.879 --> 00:01:37.780 Matthew 13. 00:01:37.780 --> 00:01:39.780 Matthew 13. 00:01:39.780 --> 00:01:43.780 Matthew 13. 00:01:43.780 --> 00:01:45.780 Matthew 13. 00:01:45.780 --> 00:01:49.780 Matthew 13. 00:01:49.780 --> 00:01:51.780 Matthew 13. 00:01:51.780 --> 00:01:53.780 Matthew 13. 00:01:53.780 --> 00:02:05.240 So in Matthew 13 we're going to read from some of this chapter in a moment but I'll just pray before 00:02:05.240 --> 00:02:10.420 we do. Please let's bow our heads and commit our time to the Lord. Lord we thank you for 00:02:10.420 --> 00:02:18.039 your word to us and we thank you for the importance of your word. We just pray Lord that this morning 00:02:18.039 --> 00:02:25.219 we would hear your voice. We'd hear you as we read. As we listen to the words prepared and we trust 00:02:25.219 --> 00:02:32.180 guided by you. We pray that you would speak to our hearts and encourage us with what you would have to 00:02:32.180 --> 00:02:39.500 say to us. Help us to have ears to hear. We pray in Jesus name. Amen. 00:02:39.500 --> 00:02:49.120 So we're looking at the parables of the treasure and the pearl and that's near the end of that chapter but we're 00:02:49.120 --> 00:02:58.360 just going to start at verse 10 and we'll read Matthew 13 and verse 10. 00:02:58.360 --> 00:03:05.080 The disciples came to him and asked why do you speak to the people in parables? 00:03:06.080 --> 00:03:13.280 He replied the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you but not 00:03:13.280 --> 00:03:22.380 to them. Whoever has will be given more and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have even what 00:03:22.379 --> 00:03:30.159 he has will be taken from him. This is why I speak to them in parables. Though seeing they do not see, 00:03:30.759 --> 00:03:37.139 though hearing they do not hear or understand. In them he fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah. 00:03:37.740 --> 00:03:43.500 You will be ever hearing but never understanding. You will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 00:03:44.199 --> 00:03:50.340 For this people's heart has become callous. They hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their 00:03:50.340 --> 00:03:56.780 eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts 00:03:56.780 --> 00:04:03.460 and turn and I would heal them. But blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they 00:04:03.460 --> 00:04:10.640 hear. For I tell you the truth many prophets and righteous men long to see what you see but did not 00:04:10.640 --> 00:04:18.040 see it and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. And we go down to verse 44. 00:04:18.040 --> 00:04:25.680 Right down through the parables to this small section. Verse 44. 00:04:27.800 --> 00:04:34.800 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it he hid it again 00:04:34.800 --> 00:04:42.780 and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is 00:04:42.779 --> 00:04:50.479 like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value he went away and sold 00:04:50.479 --> 00:04:58.139 everything he had and bought it. And we look particularly at that, those two at the end, 00:04:58.339 --> 00:05:07.659 those two small parables. Matthew 13 as we've been reading is a chapter full of parables and 00:05:07.660 --> 00:05:16.160 parables all about the kingdom of God. Verses 1-3 said these words, 00:05:16.260 --> 00:05:22.780 that same day Jesus went out of the house, sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered round him 00:05:22.780 --> 00:05:28.020 that he got into a boat and sat in it while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many 00:05:28.019 --> 00:05:37.199 things in parables. It's the parable of the sower, the parable of the weeds, the mustard seed, the net. 00:05:38.240 --> 00:05:46.240 And today we talk about the hidden treasure and the pearl. Generally there are about 30 parables 00:05:46.240 --> 00:05:52.899 in the gospels. There's none in John's gospel. I suppose John communicated differently when you 00:05:52.899 --> 00:05:59.959 think of the I am's and other ways that he shared what Jesus was teaching. Parables are usually 00:05:59.959 --> 00:06:10.719 understood as comparisons, illustration, stories Jesus drew from nature and life to illustrate 00:06:10.719 --> 00:06:18.839 truth. And normally parables have a single meaning and not multiple meanings. I suppose not every 00:06:18.839 --> 00:06:26.859 element is meant to be that significant in them. We can fall into that trap of trying to find too 00:06:26.859 --> 00:06:36.539 many meanings in a parable. We can overanalyze and that's a danger. We generally believe that parables 00:06:36.539 --> 00:06:45.659 though are easy to remember. So they're effective in communicating in that way that we, they're familiar, 00:06:45.660 --> 00:06:52.860 they're memorable, they're memorable, you could repeat them. And that's true. They did help people 00:06:52.860 --> 00:07:02.100 understand because they were simple. But ultimately there's a mysterious side to parables which we see 00:07:02.100 --> 00:07:11.100 about in this chapter. They actually hide the truth from those who don't want it. They have hidden 00:07:11.100 --> 00:07:21.580 meanings. Meanings that need explaining later to those who want more. These hidden meanings challenged 00:07:21.580 --> 00:07:30.780 those who were interested to ask more. Like the disciples to pursue answers, to engage with the challenge 00:07:30.780 --> 00:07:38.760 of it all. What does he mean? If we've got that sort of heart then God can reveal more to us. 00:07:38.759 --> 00:07:48.959 But if you don't engage with it. If you brush it off, maybe we miss it. So unless you're a seeker who wants 00:07:48.959 --> 00:07:55.719 more, then the likelihood is that you won't reach the depths of understanding that even these parables 00:07:55.719 --> 00:08:05.079 have for us spiritually. Many people simply don't want to know. They listen but they don't hear. 00:08:05.079 --> 00:08:15.180 Jesus talks about this spiritual dullness that seems to be all around in those days. In verses 13 and 14 00:08:15.180 --> 00:08:17.039 he says these words, 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:26.419 Whoever does not have, even what he has, will be taken from him. This is why I speak to them in parables. 00:08:27.279 --> 00:08:32.399 Though seeing, they do not see. Though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 00:08:32.399 --> 00:08:43.539 The secrets of the kingdom of heaven have a logic all of their own. Human reason isn't enough. 00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:54.879 In fact, even when I show interest, even when I seek more, still God has to reveal the truth to me. 00:08:54.879 --> 00:09:05.860 The spirit still helps us understand. Even this searching that we may have, it needs to be revealed and explained. 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:12.759 It's not that the parables deliberately want to conceal truth. And that's important to keep people out of the kingdom. 00:09:12.759 --> 00:09:20.480 But people don't normally have the ability to understand them. It's given to the disciples. 00:09:21.360 --> 00:09:28.360 It's not just about human cleverness. It's not as, have we been to Bible college so then we'd understand. 00:09:29.620 --> 00:09:33.220 The Lord gives us the understanding we need. 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:40.540 I suppose the disciples accepted Jesus in the beginning when they followed him first. 00:09:41.340 --> 00:09:43.639 And the understanding followed. 00:09:44.680 --> 00:09:47.340 The understanding comes even over time. 00:09:48.100 --> 00:09:50.519 Even for those of us who are Christians a long time. 00:09:51.800 --> 00:09:54.500 Understanding comes over time. 00:09:55.300 --> 00:09:58.120 When it's explained a bit more. 00:09:58.120 --> 00:10:03.539 But the most important thing for us to know about parables this morning. 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:09.100 Is that there's a divide between those who believe. 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:11.019 And those who don't. 00:10:12.159 --> 00:10:14.480 And the parables actually reveal that. 00:10:15.740 --> 00:10:18.220 The parables actually reveal the divide. 00:10:18.919 --> 00:10:20.500 Between those who see. 00:10:21.279 --> 00:10:22.600 And those who won't see. 00:10:22.600 --> 00:10:28.220 These very small parables of the treasure. 00:10:28.960 --> 00:10:29.860 And the pearl. 00:10:30.519 --> 00:10:32.139 Are set in a context. 00:10:33.100 --> 00:10:37.620 And the context of chapter 11 and 12 of Matthew. 00:10:38.340 --> 00:10:40.680 Is that there is a big division. 00:10:41.960 --> 00:10:43.019 Becoming clear. 00:10:43.759 --> 00:10:47.440 Between those who are wanting to know the Lord. 00:10:48.040 --> 00:10:49.920 And those who are turning their back. 00:10:49.919 --> 00:10:55.240 There's a wide variety of responses. 00:10:55.379 --> 00:10:58.299 And we see that in our day today. 00:10:58.559 --> 00:11:01.799 You have to make up your mind about Jesus. 00:11:02.959 --> 00:11:05.259 You cannot just be somewhere in the middle. 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:07.139 Kind of interested. 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:09.559 A little bit apathetic. 00:11:10.740 --> 00:11:13.579 It's one way or it's the other way. 00:11:14.599 --> 00:11:17.599 And the call in chapter 11 divides people. 00:11:17.699 --> 00:11:19.019 I'll just give a couple of examples. 00:11:19.019 --> 00:11:20.659 Chapter 11. 00:11:20.659 --> 00:11:22.879 Come to me all you who are weary. 00:11:23.439 --> 00:11:24.720 And burdened. 00:11:25.299 --> 00:11:26.899 And I will give you rest. 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:28.600 The call goes out. 00:11:28.699 --> 00:11:29.500 Come to me. 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:32.699 Will we come to him? 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:34.340 And some will. 00:11:35.059 --> 00:11:36.120 And some won't. 00:11:37.240 --> 00:11:39.919 The direct challenge in chapter 12. 00:11:40.439 --> 00:11:41.360 Pulls no punches. 00:11:42.220 --> 00:11:43.500 He who is not with me. 00:11:43.840 --> 00:11:44.840 Is against me. 00:11:44.840 --> 00:11:47.680 And he who does not gather with me. 00:11:48.480 --> 00:11:48.800 Scatters. 00:11:51.200 --> 00:11:52.280 Hard words. 00:11:53.019 --> 00:11:54.240 A hard challenge. 00:11:55.220 --> 00:11:57.320 Will you hear his voice and respond? 00:11:57.800 --> 00:12:00.000 Will you hear his voice and ignore? 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:00.320 More. 00:12:01.639 --> 00:12:03.299 The parables do this. 00:12:03.740 --> 00:12:05.139 In an amazing way. 00:12:05.139 --> 00:12:06.500 In chapter 13. 00:12:07.019 --> 00:12:08.980 They amazingly highlight. 00:12:09.639 --> 00:12:10.820 Those who will hear. 00:12:11.639 --> 00:12:12.960 And those who won't. 00:12:15.639 --> 00:12:17.080 Mixed response. 00:12:17.080 --> 00:12:19.879 Let's look at the two short parables. 00:12:20.520 --> 00:12:21.940 Just briefly this morning. 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:25.660 Verses 44 to 46. 00:12:25.800 --> 00:12:28.900 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure. 00:12:30.300 --> 00:12:31.480 Hidden in a field. 00:12:31.480 --> 00:12:35.480 When a man found it. 00:12:35.519 --> 00:12:36.320 He hid it again. 00:12:37.259 --> 00:12:38.320 And then in his joy. 00:12:38.440 --> 00:12:40.200 Went and sold all he had. 00:12:40.779 --> 00:12:41.920 And bought that field. 00:12:42.840 --> 00:12:44.159 Again the kingdom of heaven. 00:12:44.159 --> 00:12:44.980 Is like a merchant. 00:12:44.980 --> 00:12:46.320 Looking for fine pearls. 00:12:46.460 --> 00:12:47.960 When he found one of great value. 00:12:48.039 --> 00:12:48.700 He went away. 00:12:49.159 --> 00:12:50.800 And sold everything he had. 00:12:51.940 --> 00:12:53.019 And bought it. 00:12:54.700 --> 00:12:56.340 The story of the treasure. 00:12:56.940 --> 00:12:58.180 Found in the field. 00:12:59.180 --> 00:13:00.420 The wonderful image. 00:13:00.419 --> 00:13:03.000 Of a man stumbling on treasure. 00:13:04.979 --> 00:13:05.699 Kind of. 00:13:06.740 --> 00:13:08.899 Kind of gets your heart going a little bit. 00:13:08.979 --> 00:13:09.919 Doesn't that this idea. 00:13:10.059 --> 00:13:12.439 That I might one day stumble on treasure. 00:13:14.019 --> 00:13:15.599 Maybe something would happen. 00:13:15.839 --> 00:13:18.000 Wow that would be the lottery or something. 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:21.120 Stumbling on treasure. 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:26.259 If people see you stumble on it. 00:13:27.279 --> 00:13:28.639 What would you do with it? 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:30.699 How would you respond? 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:32.720 This changed everything. 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:38.559 He even went and he bought the field. 00:13:39.840 --> 00:13:40.279 Amazing. 00:13:40.419 --> 00:13:41.139 What would you do? 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:44.220 It's unusual I suppose for us to think of buried treasure. 00:13:44.620 --> 00:13:45.379 In our day. 00:13:45.539 --> 00:13:46.539 It's a little bit different. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:48.500 But in those days. 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:50.500 It was actually quite normal enough. 00:13:50.500 --> 00:13:55.500 And you have the sort of background story. 00:13:55.679 --> 00:13:57.519 Which I'll say. 00:13:57.620 --> 00:13:59.399 It kind of gives you an idea of the time. 00:13:59.519 --> 00:14:01.100 But there was a threat. 00:14:01.659 --> 00:14:02.580 Of looting. 00:14:02.980 --> 00:14:04.399 In Palestinian houses. 00:14:04.980 --> 00:14:06.000 Back in that time. 00:14:06.059 --> 00:14:07.879 And the safest place often was. 00:14:07.940 --> 00:14:08.539 In the ground. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:09.820 To put the money. 00:14:09.820 --> 00:14:13.540 And there's a story comes from. 00:14:14.180 --> 00:14:15.300 Apollonius of Tyana. 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:17.440 He was consulted by an Indian king. 00:14:17.740 --> 00:14:19.140 About a puzzling case. 00:14:19.860 --> 00:14:21.120 A man had found a chest. 00:14:21.220 --> 00:14:21.780 Of treasure. 00:14:21.940 --> 00:14:22.820 In a piece of land. 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:24.840 That he had bought. 00:14:24.940 --> 00:14:25.900 And the former owner. 00:14:26.100 --> 00:14:26.879 Was claiming it. 00:14:28.160 --> 00:14:29.480 And Apollonius gave it. 00:14:29.540 --> 00:14:30.160 As his verdict. 00:14:30.280 --> 00:14:31.020 That an inquiry. 00:14:31.180 --> 00:14:31.660 Should be held. 00:14:31.920 --> 00:14:32.780 Into the character. 00:14:32.779 --> 00:14:33.639 Of the two men. 00:14:35.419 --> 00:14:36.659 The previous owner. 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:37.519 And the current owner. 00:14:37.639 --> 00:14:38.120 For he said. 00:14:38.779 --> 00:14:39.959 Surely the gods. 00:14:40.039 --> 00:14:40.839 Would not allow. 00:14:41.539 --> 00:14:42.539 Somebody unjust. 00:14:42.539 --> 00:14:43.600 To get the money. 00:14:48.259 --> 00:14:48.699 So. 00:14:49.399 --> 00:14:50.959 The investigation was made. 00:14:51.079 --> 00:14:51.459 And sure enough. 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:51.939 The seller. 00:14:52.439 --> 00:14:53.839 Was a dodgy character. 00:14:54.919 --> 00:14:55.679 So therefore. 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:57.659 He'd neglected. 00:14:57.879 --> 00:14:58.439 To sacrifice. 00:14:58.679 --> 00:14:59.199 To the gods. 00:14:59.279 --> 00:14:59.860 And the finder. 00:14:59.980 --> 00:15:00.519 Was devout. 00:15:00.939 --> 00:15:01.740 And pious. 00:15:01.860 --> 00:15:02.379 So justice. 00:15:02.379 --> 00:15:03.379 Was seen to be done. 00:15:03.460 --> 00:15:04.460 But it's stories. 00:15:04.460 --> 00:15:05.200 Like this. 00:15:05.659 --> 00:15:06.519 Which tell us. 00:15:06.980 --> 00:15:08.360 It wasn't so unusual. 00:15:09.379 --> 00:15:10.259 To have treasure. 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:10.759 Buried. 00:15:11.179 --> 00:15:12.139 In those days. 00:15:12.179 --> 00:15:13.279 As it might be today. 00:15:14.320 --> 00:15:15.639 Not just in the bible. 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:16.299 Our stories. 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:17.159 Of buried treasure. 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:17.600 Normal. 00:15:17.740 --> 00:15:18.379 Jesus knew. 00:15:18.860 --> 00:15:20.139 That people would relate. 00:15:20.340 --> 00:15:21.000 And the rabbis. 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:21.980 Even had a saying. 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:23.580 There's only one safe place. 00:15:24.059 --> 00:15:24.879 For money. 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.539 And it's in the ground. 00:15:27.919 --> 00:15:28.740 And that's our lesson. 00:15:28.740 --> 00:15:29.360 For today. 00:15:29.559 --> 00:15:29.700 No. 00:15:31.460 --> 00:15:31.899 Sorry. 00:15:32.379 --> 00:15:33.700 So basically. 00:15:34.259 --> 00:15:35.299 The people could relate. 00:15:35.460 --> 00:15:36.320 To what he was saying. 00:15:37.139 --> 00:15:38.360 And the tiny parable. 00:15:38.700 --> 00:15:39.820 Has an impact. 00:15:40.600 --> 00:15:41.600 The man in the parable. 00:15:41.720 --> 00:15:42.639 Who found the treasure. 00:15:43.059 --> 00:15:44.080 Stumbled on it. 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:46.220 And he knew the value. 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:47.120 Immediately. 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:51.000 He immediately went out. 00:15:51.059 --> 00:15:52.439 And he bought the field. 00:15:52.440 --> 00:15:54.180 The simple meaning. 00:15:54.180 --> 00:15:55.820 And at that time. 00:15:55.880 --> 00:15:57.000 The law even said. 00:15:57.820 --> 00:15:59.580 The money belongs to you. 00:15:59.640 --> 00:16:01.940 Even if you find the treasure. 00:16:02.160 --> 00:16:02.220 That. 00:16:03.060 --> 00:16:04.240 It belongs to you. 00:16:04.280 --> 00:16:05.080 If you find it. 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:07.300 So why buy the field? 00:16:08.260 --> 00:16:10.060 Why even go out to that bother? 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:12.360 When you didn't need to buy the field? 00:16:12.360 --> 00:16:16.399 Maybe we could look at deeper reasons. 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:17.240 He bought the field. 00:16:17.379 --> 00:16:17.500 But. 00:16:18.120 --> 00:16:19.120 The simple meaning. 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.379 The simple meaning. 00:16:22.340 --> 00:16:23.480 When he found that treasure. 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:25.500 He sacrificed everything for it. 00:16:26.340 --> 00:16:27.840 When he found that treasure. 00:16:28.200 --> 00:16:29.680 There was nothing he wouldn't have done. 00:16:31.039 --> 00:16:32.419 Buying the field is easy. 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:34.460 He's found the treasure. 00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:37.700 Nothing else. 00:16:38.280 --> 00:16:38.920 Matters. 00:16:39.240 --> 00:16:39.879 Anymore. 00:16:40.519 --> 00:16:41.700 Things have changed. 00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:43.680 He's found the treasure. 00:16:46.500 --> 00:16:48.620 Suddenly the priorities are different. 00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:51.000 Suddenly the way we see our lives. 00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:52.560 We see Monday morning. 00:16:52.660 --> 00:16:53.259 And it's different. 00:16:53.379 --> 00:16:54.620 Because we've found the treasure. 00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:57.820 The struggles we face. 00:16:58.180 --> 00:16:59.240 We've found the treasure. 00:17:01.300 --> 00:17:03.139 It's all in the context. 00:17:03.139 --> 00:17:04.940 Of this treasure. 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:13.319 It's a deeper meaning. 00:17:14.379 --> 00:17:15.519 Simple story. 00:17:16.420 --> 00:17:17.259 Deeper meaning. 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:20.500 Some people stumble. 00:17:21.139 --> 00:17:21.980 On Jesus. 00:17:22.839 --> 00:17:24.500 When they least expect it. 00:17:25.099 --> 00:17:26.519 The moment of discovery. 00:17:27.099 --> 00:17:28.759 Changes their lives. 00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:30.819 Everything else. 00:17:31.240 --> 00:17:33.099 Pales into insignificance. 00:17:33.140 --> 00:17:36.720 Sometimes even as a Christian. 00:17:37.300 --> 00:17:38.820 We discover afresh. 00:17:39.160 --> 00:17:39.980 The gospel. 00:17:40.840 --> 00:17:42.540 And we see the kingdom of God. 00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:43.640 In a different light. 00:17:44.620 --> 00:17:46.640 And the Lord's hand is on our lives. 00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:47.840 And we see it afresh. 00:17:48.600 --> 00:17:49.600 Maybe we realise. 00:17:49.700 --> 00:17:50.860 We've been too apathetic. 00:17:50.940 --> 00:17:51.680 For too long. 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:52.240 Or we've been. 00:17:53.240 --> 00:17:53.640 Messing. 00:17:54.380 --> 00:17:55.360 In our lives. 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:56.480 Enough is enough. 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:57.099 Because we've seen. 00:17:57.099 --> 00:18:03.559 We've seen that the Lord is demanding everything from us. 00:18:03.660 --> 00:18:04.400 It's the beginning. 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:07.160 It's a new beginning afresh. 00:18:07.279 --> 00:18:09.240 Because we've found this treasure again. 00:18:09.240 --> 00:18:13.079 What a gift. 00:18:13.079 --> 00:18:14.779 The treasure is. 00:18:14.779 --> 00:18:21.599 This sudden discovery doesn't come from searching. 00:18:22.519 --> 00:18:27.700 It comes in the normal course of our everyday life. 00:18:28.579 --> 00:18:30.539 One Tuesday afternoon. 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:34.159 When things are at their most normal. 00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:38.980 One day when we're least expecting. 00:18:40.899 --> 00:18:42.659 Just doing what we're doing. 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:44.539 On a daily basis. 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:49.019 The simple task that God has for you to do. 00:18:50.779 --> 00:18:52.339 And something changes. 00:18:53.399 --> 00:18:56.500 And we discover this incredible treasure. 00:18:57.079 --> 00:18:58.599 Afresh as believers. 00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:01.119 Or maybe if we're non-believers. 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:04.920 We discover the treasure for the first time. 00:19:05.879 --> 00:19:09.700 Just in the normal daily course. 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:15.920 It might be that we're struggling in one way or the other. 00:19:16.039 --> 00:19:17.059 It might be in our job. 00:19:18.180 --> 00:19:20.980 Or it might be in our family life. 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:22.680 Or it might be health reasons. 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:25.900 Things that are difficult for us. 00:19:27.039 --> 00:19:28.799 Might be all kinds of pressures. 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:30.420 It might be sin in our life. 00:19:31.799 --> 00:19:34.279 And the Lord comes. 00:19:34.279 --> 00:19:37.100 And we realize this treasure. 00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:39.639 Is everything. 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:42.799 And we see it afresh. 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:48.240 Totally in this parable there's a response. 00:19:49.059 --> 00:19:50.539 And an immediate recognition. 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:51.899 Of the find. 00:19:52.259 --> 00:19:53.000 And the value. 00:19:53.419 --> 00:19:54.419 And the need for action. 00:19:55.419 --> 00:19:57.240 It's not a case of analyzing it. 00:19:57.539 --> 00:19:58.719 Over analyzing it. 00:20:01.219 --> 00:20:01.779 Wondering. 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:03.659 Is it really treasure? 00:20:03.660 --> 00:20:08.540 It seems crazy to look at it that way. 00:20:08.660 --> 00:20:10.580 But imagine if you saw the treasure and went. 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:11.640 I wonder what I'll do. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:13.420 I wonder how I should act. 00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:15.360 What's the natural thing to do here? 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:16.980 Maybe I'll think about it for a while. 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:18.920 Crazy. 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:21.680 We've discovered treasure. 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:23.500 We act on it. 00:20:25.420 --> 00:20:27.120 When we discover the gospel. 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:29.440 The treasure of the kingdom. 00:20:29.759 --> 00:20:31.880 It demands a response. 00:20:31.880 --> 00:20:34.920 Sometimes the awareness of sin. 00:20:35.040 --> 00:20:35.940 We should respond. 00:20:36.180 --> 00:20:38.780 Sometimes the realization we've been apathetic. 00:20:39.080 --> 00:20:40.260 We must respond. 00:20:40.940 --> 00:20:41.680 No delays. 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:44.740 This is the treasure. 00:20:44.980 --> 00:20:45.620 Take it. 00:20:46.640 --> 00:20:47.520 Seize the day. 00:20:47.660 --> 00:20:49.560 Because this may be the chance. 00:20:50.060 --> 00:20:51.600 That the Lord is giving us. 00:20:52.340 --> 00:20:53.540 To respond to him. 00:20:53.539 --> 00:20:59.619 We then come to the next parable. 00:21:00.460 --> 00:21:02.619 And it's the parable of the pearl. 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:05.839 And a pearl is different to treasure. 00:21:07.139 --> 00:21:08.220 A pearl is different. 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:11.079 It's something of a fascination. 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:14.740 You don't just put a price on a pearl. 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:17.000 You wonder at a pearl. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:22.420 They talk about the worship of a pearl in Roman times. 00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:24.420 And that really goes back to Egypt. 00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:29.420 The Jewish Talmud talks that the pearl has been beyond price. 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:35.259 Pearl merchants search the world for great specimens. 00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:37.940 And they found them in the Red Sea. 00:21:38.160 --> 00:21:39.380 And in the Persian Gulf. 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:39.859 India. 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:40.660 And even Britain. 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:44.019 Which obviously does include Scotland at this time. 00:21:45.940 --> 00:21:47.920 Again it's a simple story. 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:53.259 A man who spent his life searching for the perfect pearl. 00:21:55.019 --> 00:21:58.120 And when he found it he sold everything he had. 00:22:00.259 --> 00:22:02.140 Sold everything he had. 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:03.660 And he bought it. 00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:06.080 It wasn't a sudden discovery like the treasure. 00:22:06.600 --> 00:22:07.900 He'd seen many pearls. 00:22:08.900 --> 00:22:09.980 But this was the one. 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:14.820 This was the pearl above all others. 00:22:15.820 --> 00:22:18.420 Again it makes us think. 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:21.400 What do we long for in our lives? 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:27.019 What's the beautiful thing among all the beautiful things that we could have? 00:22:28.380 --> 00:22:32.640 We sing all the vain things that charm me most. 00:22:34.120 --> 00:22:36.940 And sacrificing them to his love. 00:22:36.940 --> 00:22:42.100 But there's nothing in contrast to this one thing. 00:22:42.099 --> 00:22:44.919 This one thing that you would long for. 00:22:46.419 --> 00:22:48.179 If we caught a glimpse of it. 00:22:48.219 --> 00:22:49.719 The most beautiful thing. 00:22:49.859 --> 00:22:52.059 Would we recognize it? 00:22:52.799 --> 00:22:56.179 Would we sell everything we had just to have it? 00:22:56.180 --> 00:22:57.180 It's possible. 00:22:57.180 --> 00:22:57.920 It's possible. 00:22:57.920 --> 00:22:57.940 It's possible. 00:22:57.940 --> 00:22:57.980 It's possible. 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:58.000 It's possible. 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:59.799 Like we saw with the treasure. 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:02.640 To discover the kingdom by accident. 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:08.320 To hear the gospel like treasure for the first time unexpectedly. 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:13.299 But it's also possible to discover the kingdom after a long search. 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:17.200 The two parables contrast. 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:18.599 But they complement. 00:23:19.659 --> 00:23:21.299 Think of the apostle Paul. 00:23:21.839 --> 00:23:24.919 And he's seeking all his life to be religious. 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:29.940 And yet he confronts Jesus on the Damascus road. 00:23:29.940 --> 00:23:35.240 And for him it was like the most beautiful pearl. 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:38.140 He's been searching all his life. 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:42.220 And all this religion is just ugly. 00:23:43.160 --> 00:23:47.120 Compared to the beauty of meeting Jesus. 00:23:50.600 --> 00:23:52.779 You think of Nicodemus. 00:23:52.900 --> 00:23:54.000 Maybe it was the same. 00:23:54.920 --> 00:23:59.840 He's been engulfed in this religious scene for so long. 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:02.740 Or Cornelius as a God fearer. 00:24:03.360 --> 00:24:06.240 And he needs to discover the pearl. 00:24:06.519 --> 00:24:09.420 Which is the beauty of the gospel. 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:13.400 That invested their lives in religion. 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:15.019 But it wasn't the real thing. 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.259 Or Zacchaeus. 00:24:16.820 --> 00:24:18.140 It's like a treasure. 00:24:18.580 --> 00:24:18.960 He doesn't. 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:21.700 He would never have expected it. 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:24.880 The last thing he would have expected. 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:28.299 And he stumbles on Jesus by accident one day almost. 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:32.140 And life is turned upside down. 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:35.259 And he's been surrounded by money. 00:24:35.400 --> 00:24:37.740 But this is the greatest treasure. 00:24:39.080 --> 00:24:41.039 Than all the money he'd ever had. 00:24:42.740 --> 00:24:44.299 Or the Samaritan woman. 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:46.779 And all she's doing is going out to get the water. 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:50.379 And she's struggling out there. 00:24:50.460 --> 00:24:53.240 Maybe she's going at a time of day when nobody's there. 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:54.500 We don't know for sure. 00:24:54.599 --> 00:24:58.079 But certainly her life was difficult. 00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:02.559 And she discovers Jesus for the first time. 00:25:03.639 --> 00:25:05.639 And it's this incredible treasure. 00:25:06.639 --> 00:25:07.779 And she tells everyone. 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:08.220 Everyone. 00:25:09.579 --> 00:25:10.839 Look who I've met. 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:11.639 Jesus. 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:13.660 Is like the pearl. 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.859 He's like the treasure. 00:25:16.759 --> 00:25:18.200 When the man found the pearl. 00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:21.240 He responded by selling everything he had to buy it. 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:23.720 And he gave up all the second best. 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:25.619 For the sake of the best. 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:28.660 Gave up everything that was second best. 00:25:29.180 --> 00:25:30.539 For what was best. 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:33.500 That sort of giving up. 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:35.899 Is familiar in the gospels. 00:25:36.659 --> 00:25:38.039 Like the early followers. 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:39.899 We leave everything for the Lord. 00:25:40.299 --> 00:25:41.220 Even today. 00:25:42.420 --> 00:25:42.980 Christians. 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:46.019 Need to give up their possessions for the gospel. 00:25:46.180 --> 00:25:46.940 All the time. 00:25:47.059 --> 00:25:48.700 To serve the Lord. 00:25:49.359 --> 00:25:50.819 Christians give up comfort. 00:25:50.980 --> 00:25:52.180 For the sake of the gospel. 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:53.839 All the time. 00:25:54.619 --> 00:25:55.799 The rich young ruler. 00:25:55.960 --> 00:25:57.799 You cannot serve God and money. 00:25:58.720 --> 00:26:00.519 Christians often need to give up. 00:26:00.539 --> 00:26:01.940 Or sacrifice. 00:26:02.819 --> 00:26:04.279 In our relationships. 00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:05.399 Our ties. 00:26:05.980 --> 00:26:07.440 The way we see our lives. 00:26:08.059 --> 00:26:08.839 The priorities. 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:13.579 Reputation in this world. 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:16.819 Aims and ambitions. 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:19.059 Laid down. 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:21.859 Because we've found the greatest treasure. 00:26:22.839 --> 00:26:24.019 Or we've found the pearl. 00:26:25.460 --> 00:26:27.059 The supreme loyalty. 00:26:27.659 --> 00:26:28.619 Is to the Lord. 00:26:28.619 --> 00:26:31.019 The Christian call. 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:31.959 The Christian call is not easy. 00:26:33.179 --> 00:26:35.019 It's not necessarily logical. 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:35.979 In this world. 00:26:36.539 --> 00:26:37.019 Eyes. 00:26:38.419 --> 00:26:40.019 But it's a step of faith. 00:26:40.719 --> 00:26:41.539 It asks. 00:26:41.679 --> 00:26:42.979 And it costs a lot. 00:26:44.199 --> 00:26:46.500 We may not even know the full cost. 00:26:47.399 --> 00:26:49.439 When we take hold of that treasure. 00:26:50.239 --> 00:26:52.039 We may not even know for sure. 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:54.059 What it is the Lord would call us to do. 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:55.739 Down the line. 00:26:55.740 --> 00:26:57.200 For him. 00:26:58.259 --> 00:26:59.839 Like in these chapters. 00:27:00.640 --> 00:27:02.019 The Christian call. 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:05.680 We looked at the way that the parables divide people. 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:08.380 Like in these chapters. 00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:12.140 The Christian call is easy to turn away from. 00:27:12.140 --> 00:27:15.040 It's hard. 00:27:16.300 --> 00:27:18.020 And yet when it's a treasure. 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:21.320 And yet when it's a pearl. 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:25.920 Then surely we respond. 00:27:28.060 --> 00:27:31.100 Does the parable move you to respond? 00:27:31.099 --> 00:27:34.699 Do you see with your eyes. 00:27:35.259 --> 00:27:37.419 That this is talking about the gospel. 00:27:38.219 --> 00:27:39.659 And the person of Jesus. 00:27:40.959 --> 00:27:41.919 And knowing him. 00:27:43.639 --> 00:27:44.819 And knowing him. 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:47.000 Is the greatest treasure. 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:49.699 Knowing him is like a pearl. 00:27:49.839 --> 00:27:50.599 Of such value. 00:27:50.699 --> 00:27:52.459 That you would leave all the others behind. 00:27:53.899 --> 00:27:55.980 Everything is different on a Monday morning. 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:58.460 Because we have him. 00:28:01.579 --> 00:28:02.099 Yes. 00:28:02.519 --> 00:28:03.720 I want that treasure. 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:07.519 I'm going for that treasure. 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:10.519 I'm not going for anything else. 00:28:11.480 --> 00:28:13.299 I wouldn't have it any other way. 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:17.099 There's a famous story. 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:18.659 Of Shackleton. 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:21.019 And he advertised. 00:28:21.259 --> 00:28:22.039 For volunteers. 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.680 For his South Pole expedition. 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:26.399 For men to accept. 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:27.700 The threat of danger. 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:28.779 And death. 00:28:29.319 --> 00:28:30.079 In the snow. 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:30.839 And the ice. 00:28:32.740 --> 00:28:34.700 And the notice was fairly clear. 00:28:35.119 --> 00:28:36.419 You may not come back. 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:38.000 You may die. 00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:41.619 Did he get any offers? 00:28:41.619 --> 00:28:43.759 Did anyone step forward? 00:28:45.319 --> 00:28:46.619 He was inundated. 00:28:47.019 --> 00:28:47.959 With letters. 00:28:49.000 --> 00:28:50.119 Inundated with people. 00:28:50.239 --> 00:28:51.339 In every walk of life. 00:28:51.459 --> 00:28:52.659 Men were coming in hordes. 00:28:53.059 --> 00:28:53.919 For the privilege. 00:28:54.379 --> 00:28:55.699 Of this great adventure. 00:28:57.439 --> 00:28:59.119 And Jesus asks you and me. 00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:01.599 Are you prepared to give it up. 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.399 All of it. 00:29:03.659 --> 00:29:04.199 For me. 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:06.719 Are you prepared to recognize. 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:08.139 The beauty of this gospel. 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:10.039 Which is like a treasure. 00:29:10.039 --> 00:29:10.479 Or. 00:29:11.619 --> 00:29:12.419 Like the pearl. 00:29:13.779 --> 00:29:14.599 Because you see. 00:29:14.699 --> 00:29:15.579 He gave. 00:29:15.879 --> 00:29:16.919 It all up. 00:29:17.599 --> 00:29:18.319 For us. 00:29:19.399 --> 00:29:20.599 He gave it all up. 00:29:20.679 --> 00:29:21.159 For me. 00:29:23.339 --> 00:29:24.439 On the cross. 00:29:24.819 --> 00:29:26.079 When Jesus died. 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:28.799 He didn't take the glory. 00:29:28.899 --> 00:29:29.519 On himself. 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:35.720 To redeem his people. 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:37.660 He died. 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:38.859 For them. 00:29:39.859 --> 00:29:41.980 There's a poem about the crucifixion. 00:29:43.019 --> 00:29:45.240 And the soldiers gambled for his clothes. 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:46.799 On the cross. 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:48.859 He was a gambler too. 00:29:48.940 --> 00:29:49.619 My Christ. 00:29:50.579 --> 00:29:51.700 He took his life. 00:29:52.259 --> 00:29:54.660 And threw it for a world redeemed. 00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:57.320 And here his agony was done. 00:29:58.120 --> 00:30:00.060 Before the westering sun went down. 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:02.460 Crowning that day with its crimson crown. 00:30:03.100 --> 00:30:04.560 He knew that he had won. 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:07.940 All that he had done. 00:30:07.940 --> 00:30:09.940 For us. 00:30:12.399 --> 00:30:14.099 When you think of these words. 00:30:14.720 --> 00:30:15.799 In Philippians 3. 00:30:16.639 --> 00:30:18.000 Verse 7 and 8. 00:30:19.619 --> 00:30:20.619 Philippians 3. 00:30:20.720 --> 00:30:21.659 Verse 7 and 8. 00:30:21.779 --> 00:30:22.619 Just as we close. 00:30:22.720 --> 00:30:24.299 Whatever was to my prophet. 00:30:24.299 --> 00:30:27.819 I now consider loss. 00:30:28.559 --> 00:30:30.079 For the sake of Christ. 00:30:31.099 --> 00:30:32.039 What is more. 00:30:32.200 --> 00:30:33.819 I consider everything a loss. 00:30:34.799 --> 00:30:36.940 Compared to the surpassing greatness. 00:30:37.700 --> 00:30:39.980 Of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:42.639 For whose sake I have lost all things. 00:30:43.599 --> 00:30:44.720 I consider them rubbish. 00:30:45.460 --> 00:30:47.000 That I may gain Christ. 00:30:47.099 --> 00:30:48.000 And be found in him. 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:50.940 Not having a righteousness of my own. 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:52.119 That comes from the law. 00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:55.679 But that which is through faith in Christ. 00:30:55.779 --> 00:30:57.779 The righteousness that comes from God. 00:30:58.239 --> 00:30:59.459 Is by faith. 00:31:01.239 --> 00:31:02.359 Let's bow our heads. 00:31:02.839 --> 00:31:03.719 And pray together. 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:04.379 Let's pray. 00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:19.779 Lord we thank you for the words. 00:31:20.339 --> 00:31:21.359 Of these parables. 00:31:22.119 --> 00:31:24.879 And Lord as we read them. 00:31:25.599 --> 00:31:26.959 They speak to our hearts. 00:31:28.159 --> 00:31:29.139 And we thank you Lord. 00:31:29.299 --> 00:31:32.139 For ears to hear. 00:31:33.219 --> 00:31:34.659 And eyes to see. 00:31:35.939 --> 00:31:36.759 And I pray Lord. 00:31:36.819 --> 00:31:38.239 For each one here this morning. 00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:39.559 That we would each of us. 00:31:40.359 --> 00:31:41.259 Have those ears. 00:31:41.399 --> 00:31:42.259 And have those eyes. 00:31:43.759 --> 00:31:44.679 And pray Lord. 00:31:44.739 --> 00:31:45.939 That whether we have been Christians. 00:31:45.939 --> 00:31:46.939 For a long time. 00:31:48.419 --> 00:31:50.019 Whether we are new Christians. 00:31:50.019 --> 00:31:54.619 Whether we are still seeking you. 00:31:56.119 --> 00:31:57.819 I pray Lord we would see. 00:31:57.980 --> 00:31:58.900 That this is treasure. 00:31:59.519 --> 00:32:00.900 That must be taken. 00:32:02.039 --> 00:32:03.440 That you are treasure. 00:32:04.139 --> 00:32:05.619 The greatest treasure. 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:09.700 The treasure above all else. 00:32:10.039 --> 00:32:11.460 Lord I pray that we would see. 00:32:11.940 --> 00:32:12.660 The beauty. 00:32:13.460 --> 00:32:14.079 Of you. 00:32:14.079 --> 00:32:16.759 So often in our lives. 00:32:16.839 --> 00:32:18.859 We hear about religion. 00:32:18.859 --> 00:32:20.559 And we see religion. 00:32:20.559 --> 00:32:21.779 Which is not beautiful. 00:32:21.779 --> 00:32:24.579 And it puts pressure on. 00:32:24.639 --> 00:32:26.039 It puts burdens on people. 00:32:26.039 --> 00:32:27.359 And yet the gospel Lord. 00:32:27.440 --> 00:32:29.139 That we read about in your word. 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:30.740 Is so different. 00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:34.460 Such an amazingly beautiful gospel. 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:37.279 Of grace and freedom and hope. 00:32:38.039 --> 00:32:39.599 And I pray we would see that. 00:32:41.000 --> 00:32:42.339 And long for that. 00:32:42.339 --> 00:32:44.199 Help us this week. 00:32:44.699 --> 00:32:45.899 As we go from here. 00:32:46.779 --> 00:32:48.779 And serve you where you have us Lord. 00:32:49.539 --> 00:32:50.740 In the workplaces. 00:32:50.879 --> 00:32:51.480 In college. 00:32:52.079 --> 00:32:52.839 In the homes. 00:32:53.639 --> 00:32:54.500 In the neighborhoods. 00:32:54.500 --> 00:32:55.599 Where you have us. 00:32:56.240 --> 00:32:57.039 Help us Lord. 00:32:57.119 --> 00:32:59.039 To serve you with all our hearts. 00:32:59.919 --> 00:33:02.319 And know that we have this amazing treasure. 00:33:03.079 --> 00:33:04.039 When we serve you. 00:33:05.179 --> 00:33:06.779 Give us your grace this morning. 00:33:06.859 --> 00:33:08.079 To understand we pray. 00:33:08.740 --> 00:33:09.759 In Jesus name. 00:33:10.579 --> 00:33:10.959 Amen. 00:33:10.960 --> 00:33:11.100 Amen.