WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:04.799 where we're dedicated to encouraging, 00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:07.839 equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.839 --> 00:00:10.000 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:11.720 Pastor Patrick Daley preaches 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:13.800 insightful sermons from the Word of God, 00:00:13.800 --> 00:00:16.760 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:16.760 --> 00:00:19.920 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:19.920 --> 00:00:22.000 I'm going to get started here, 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:26.440 so just bear with me real quick. 00:00:26.440 --> 00:00:28.879 When we speak of redemption, 00:00:28.879 --> 00:00:33.560 we're talking about how Christ paid the price for sin, 00:00:33.560 --> 00:00:36.879 for our sins on the cross. 00:00:36.879 --> 00:00:39.479 He paid the ransom in full. 00:00:39.479 --> 00:00:41.799 And ask yourself the question, 00:00:41.799 --> 00:00:44.920 have you felt a deep transformation 00:00:44.920 --> 00:00:47.299 because of Christ's forgiveness? 00:00:47.299 --> 00:00:48.799 Have you ever felt that weight 00:00:48.799 --> 00:00:51.519 that was on your shoulder be lifted before? 00:00:52.439 --> 00:00:55.280 You see, with Jesus Christ, 00:00:55.280 --> 00:00:59.840 we are delivered and we are redeemed. 00:00:59.840 --> 00:01:03.079 And we are moved, or at least we should be moved, 00:01:03.079 --> 00:01:06.079 to share in the good news of the gospel. 00:01:06.079 --> 00:01:08.799 Because salvation is free, 00:01:08.799 --> 00:01:11.040 it is available for all, 00:01:11.040 --> 00:01:13.799 and it is because of Christ's sacrifice 00:01:13.799 --> 00:01:16.520 that we are redeemed. 00:01:16.520 --> 00:01:19.079 We think of the words one and done, 00:01:19.079 --> 00:01:23.200 or as Christ said, it is finished. 00:01:23.200 --> 00:01:25.600 Let us now turn to our scripture reading 00:01:25.600 --> 00:01:28.120 in the book of Ephesians. 00:01:28.120 --> 00:01:32.480 So 1,159, it's going to be Ephesians chapter one, 00:01:32.480 --> 00:01:35.840 verses seven through 10. 00:01:36.879 --> 00:01:37.719 All right? 00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:40.920 Will you read it with me? 00:01:40.920 --> 00:01:42.200 Let's read it together. 00:01:43.159 --> 00:01:47.200 In him, we have redemption through his blood. 00:01:47.200 --> 00:01:50.359 The forgiveness of our trespasses, 00:01:50.359 --> 00:01:53.159 according to the riches of his grace, 00:01:53.159 --> 00:01:57.840 which he lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight, 00:01:57.840 --> 00:02:01.319 making known to us the mystery of his will, 00:02:01.319 --> 00:02:03.560 according to his purpose, 00:02:03.560 --> 00:02:06.560 which he set forth in Christ as a plan 00:02:06.560 --> 00:02:10.560 for the fullness of time to unite all things in him, 00:02:10.560 --> 00:02:13.400 in heaven and things on earth. 00:02:14.599 --> 00:02:16.159 It's a small section of scripture, 00:02:16.159 --> 00:02:19.000 but there's a lot of depth that is in it. 00:02:19.000 --> 00:02:22.120 When Christ said on the cross some of his last words, 00:02:22.120 --> 00:02:24.039 it is finished. 00:02:24.039 --> 00:02:28.080 I'm referencing John 19, 30 for those of you curious. 00:02:29.159 --> 00:02:32.680 Through his blood, the shedding of Christ's blood 00:02:32.680 --> 00:02:36.439 on the cross was the one sacrifice for all. 00:02:36.439 --> 00:02:41.200 Amen, one and done, it is finished. 00:02:42.319 --> 00:02:47.319 Christ did not need to die many times, but once. 00:02:47.319 --> 00:02:52.319 And this goes to show that because of his sacrifice, 00:02:52.680 --> 00:02:54.719 because of this redemption, 00:02:54.719 --> 00:02:58.719 it was no longer this continual sacrificial system 00:02:58.719 --> 00:03:01.000 that we see in the Old Testament, 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:06.000 but rather Christ being the sacrifice for all sins. 00:03:07.039 --> 00:03:08.479 Do you see the difference? 00:03:09.400 --> 00:03:13.120 Because you see it a lot of other traditions 00:03:13.120 --> 00:03:15.840 and other religions even, 00:03:15.840 --> 00:03:18.039 that they'll tell you you need to continue 00:03:18.039 --> 00:03:21.439 to offer sacrifices if you will, 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:23.879 much like how it was in the Old Testament. 00:03:23.879 --> 00:03:27.159 But with Christ coming in, one and done. 00:03:28.120 --> 00:03:30.439 Christ did not need to die many times. 00:03:30.439 --> 00:03:32.920 That really should encourage us. 00:03:34.080 --> 00:03:38.439 It's all about what Christ has done for us. 00:03:38.439 --> 00:03:41.360 It is Christ who forgives us of our sins 00:03:41.360 --> 00:03:43.319 and delivers us from the debt 00:03:43.319 --> 00:03:45.480 that we cannot pay on our own. 00:03:45.479 --> 00:03:47.479 I wanna put this up here. 00:03:47.479 --> 00:03:49.919 I want you to consider this. 00:03:49.919 --> 00:03:52.039 What if all the work that you did, 00:03:53.679 --> 00:03:55.280 all of the work that you did, 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:58.000 I'm talking your academic study to your work 00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:59.879 and your career, everything that you've done 00:03:59.879 --> 00:04:01.959 was just a drop in the ocean of debt 00:04:01.959 --> 00:04:03.239 that you could never pay off. 00:04:03.239 --> 00:04:07.079 That would be first off, incredibly discouraging, right? 00:04:07.079 --> 00:04:08.719 It is Christ who paid it all 00:04:08.719 --> 00:04:11.159 because of love for humanity. 00:04:11.159 --> 00:04:14.959 Just like in John 3.16, will you read it with me? 00:04:14.960 --> 00:04:18.560 For God so loved the world that he gave his only son 00:04:18.560 --> 00:04:21.280 that whoever believes in him should not perish 00:04:21.280 --> 00:04:22.920 but have eternal life. 00:04:22.920 --> 00:04:25.160 When we're talking about the perishing here, 00:04:25.160 --> 00:04:28.000 it is the weight of that debt 00:04:28.000 --> 00:04:29.920 that could never be paid by what you do, 00:04:29.920 --> 00:04:31.639 but by believing in Christ, 00:04:31.639 --> 00:04:35.920 you will not perish but have eternal or everlasting life. 00:04:35.920 --> 00:04:39.160 And then it also reminds me of Romans 6.23, 00:04:39.160 --> 00:04:41.040 the wages of sin is death, 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:45.280 but what the free gift of God is eternal life 00:04:45.280 --> 00:04:48.400 in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:04:48.400 --> 00:04:50.879 This redemption is the paying off 00:04:50.879 --> 00:04:53.000 what we could not pay off on our own. 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:54.840 We simply cannot do it. 00:04:54.840 --> 00:04:56.920 And I know that's hard for some of us to hear 00:04:56.920 --> 00:04:58.640 because we like fixing things. 00:04:58.640 --> 00:05:00.800 I know as a man when I have a problem, 00:05:00.800 --> 00:05:03.280 I want to fix it immediately. 00:05:03.280 --> 00:05:05.720 So maybe you can relate, maybe not. 00:05:05.720 --> 00:05:07.560 But I know that for some of us, 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:09.280 we wanna fix things immediately. 00:05:09.279 --> 00:05:12.719 And this is something that has been fixed though. 00:05:14.479 --> 00:05:16.679 This verse goes on speaking about 00:05:16.679 --> 00:05:18.759 being forgiven for our trespasses. 00:05:18.759 --> 00:05:21.199 I'm gonna put Ephesians 1.7, right? 00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:23.959 So it's saying, in him we have redemption 00:05:23.959 --> 00:05:25.039 through his blood, right? 00:05:25.039 --> 00:05:26.559 The blood on the cross, 00:05:26.559 --> 00:05:29.679 the forgiveness of our trespasses. 00:05:29.679 --> 00:05:33.919 And this means forgiveness for the error 00:05:33.919 --> 00:05:38.919 or the offense or the sin, so to speak, against the Lord. 00:05:38.920 --> 00:05:42.879 For it is sin that separates us from the Lord. 00:05:44.240 --> 00:05:48.199 You find that people who are habitually sinning, 00:05:48.199 --> 00:05:51.640 it seems that they're more separate. 00:05:51.640 --> 00:05:53.840 They're living a very different life. 00:05:55.400 --> 00:05:59.040 When you believe in the Lord, your sins are forgiven, 00:05:59.040 --> 00:06:03.280 past, present, and future. 00:06:03.280 --> 00:06:06.200 However, must make this very clear. 00:06:06.200 --> 00:06:08.879 It doesn't give you a ticket to ride, right? 00:06:08.879 --> 00:06:11.879 It sounds good to me, Pastor. 00:06:12.879 --> 00:06:15.000 Past, present, and future. 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:17.680 I can't wait to go start sinning again. 00:06:17.680 --> 00:06:20.439 Well, now, hold up. 00:06:23.079 --> 00:06:25.600 It doesn't give you a ticket to ride, right? 00:06:25.600 --> 00:06:29.199 To habitually sin, what it does do though, 00:06:29.199 --> 00:06:34.199 it's a call for you to live for the Lord and love like him. 00:06:35.399 --> 00:06:38.199 In a previous sermon I mentioned metanoia, right? 00:06:38.199 --> 00:06:41.719 Repentance to change your mind, right? 00:06:41.719 --> 00:06:45.319 And the idea of repentance is you're changing your mind 00:06:45.319 --> 00:06:49.039 about who God is to help you believe in the Lord. 00:06:49.039 --> 00:06:51.120 But it doesn't stop there. 00:06:51.120 --> 00:06:54.199 Your mind is still continuing to be changed 00:06:54.199 --> 00:06:56.079 about who God is. 00:06:57.639 --> 00:07:00.399 And you wanna know how you can see 00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:03.719 if you are truly a Christian? 00:07:03.719 --> 00:07:06.240 It's by the fruit, right? 00:07:06.240 --> 00:07:08.480 They will know them by their fruit. 00:07:09.360 --> 00:07:11.560 So as you continue to being changed, 00:07:11.560 --> 00:07:15.120 you will produce good fruit for the Lord. 00:07:16.879 --> 00:07:21.759 And so in all of this, past, present, and future, 00:07:21.759 --> 00:07:26.759 it's a call for you to live for the Lord and love like him. 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:29.560 In giving of this grace abundantly, 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:33.040 God does all of this in the wisdom and insight, 00:07:33.040 --> 00:07:37.040 which means spiritual wisdom, insight, 00:07:37.040 --> 00:07:40.200 or what we would call understanding, 00:07:40.200 --> 00:07:42.560 like I mentioned earlier, right? 00:07:42.560 --> 00:07:44.720 The wisdom of God is, well, 00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:47.120 it's beyond our human understanding, right? 00:07:47.120 --> 00:07:50.120 Just like in Proverbs chapter three, 00:07:50.120 --> 00:07:52.560 trust in the Lord, right? 00:07:52.560 --> 00:07:55.480 And lean not on your own what? 00:07:55.480 --> 00:07:57.040 Your own understanding. 00:07:58.080 --> 00:07:59.240 I know that's not in your notes, 00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:03.319 that's not even in what I'm saying here. 00:08:03.319 --> 00:08:06.879 Trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding, 00:08:06.879 --> 00:08:09.040 but in all of your ways, acknowledge him 00:08:09.040 --> 00:08:10.840 and he will what? 00:08:10.840 --> 00:08:12.400 Make your path straight. 00:08:13.560 --> 00:08:16.560 Well, the implication of that means when I do it my way, 00:08:16.560 --> 00:08:19.639 I'm on this crooked path, right? 00:08:19.639 --> 00:08:22.920 I'm kinda just going my own way, 00:08:22.920 --> 00:08:24.759 but God's giving you clarity. 00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:28.519 Did you know that in that Proverbs passage, 00:08:28.519 --> 00:08:31.319 when it's talking about lean on your own understanding, 00:08:32.159 --> 00:08:36.480 the Hebrew in there is talking about leaning 00:08:36.480 --> 00:08:38.279 as though you're leaning on a wall. 00:08:39.559 --> 00:08:44.039 And so the implication of that is that our human understanding 00:08:44.039 --> 00:08:47.039 is like leaning on a wall that can fall over 00:08:47.039 --> 00:08:50.559 as opposed to the firm foundation that exists in Christ. 00:08:51.519 --> 00:08:55.199 So it's very interesting, but I'm getting back on track. 00:08:55.199 --> 00:08:57.960 God did all of this, right? 00:08:57.960 --> 00:08:59.720 Spiritual wisdom and insight 00:08:59.720 --> 00:09:04.120 because of his divine wisdom and understanding. 00:09:05.960 --> 00:09:09.639 Those of you that love the Old Testament, Isaiah 55 verse 8 00:09:09.639 --> 00:09:13.759 through 9, that God's wisdom and understanding 00:09:13.759 --> 00:09:16.360 is beyond ours. 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:20.960 So verse 9 speaks of making known to us 00:09:20.960 --> 00:09:23.840 the mystery of his will. 00:09:23.840 --> 00:09:28.560 According to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ. 00:09:28.560 --> 00:09:30.920 Beautiful language here, right? 00:09:30.920 --> 00:09:33.320 Think of the mystery, that's kind of an odd one. 00:09:36.040 --> 00:09:38.840 God will make certain things unknown to us 00:09:38.840 --> 00:09:40.920 that we are to discover. 00:09:40.920 --> 00:09:45.040 Perhaps it's God's timing on when it will be revealed. 00:09:45.040 --> 00:09:47.440 And in other times, God will reveal things for us, 00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:49.920 but in this specific context, 00:09:49.920 --> 00:09:52.920 the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, 00:09:52.919 --> 00:09:56.279 is speaking of the coming of Jesus Christ. 00:09:56.279 --> 00:10:00.360 What was once a mystery is now revealed in Jesus Christ. 00:10:00.360 --> 00:10:02.719 The story of redemption, which was foretold 00:10:02.719 --> 00:10:05.599 in the Old Testament, it was hidden away 00:10:05.599 --> 00:10:10.279 and it was revealed in Christ in the New Testament. 00:10:10.279 --> 00:10:12.240 That is why you see in the New Testament 00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:16.599 so much saying, hey, the prophecy was fulfilled here, right? 00:10:16.599 --> 00:10:20.079 It is because of Christ that we have salvation 00:10:20.079 --> 00:10:22.000 available for all. 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:25.840 It is through Christ that we have been redeemed. 00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:28.879 Just as we receive salvation through belief, 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:30.919 we are redeemed by this sacrifice. 00:10:30.919 --> 00:10:34.799 As I've mentioned, God will actively work in 00:10:34.799 --> 00:10:37.399 and through your life. 00:10:37.399 --> 00:10:41.899 God will transform our lives into making us more like him. 00:10:42.759 --> 00:10:47.120 And like salvation, let us choose to follow him, 00:10:47.120 --> 00:10:49.840 choose to believe in him, believe in him 00:10:49.840 --> 00:10:54.420 and choose to follow in his divine plan for you. 00:10:56.720 --> 00:11:00.840 Live a life, live the redeemed life. 00:11:02.320 --> 00:11:06.600 In living such a life, the journey is still imperfect. 00:11:08.160 --> 00:11:11.280 In being saved, we are secure, 00:11:11.280 --> 00:11:14.120 but does that make the earth perfect? 00:11:14.120 --> 00:11:17.080 Does that make other people perfect? 00:11:17.080 --> 00:11:18.920 Knowing that we are redeemed, 00:11:18.919 --> 00:11:21.639 we live a life that exhibits the light and love 00:11:21.639 --> 00:11:23.919 and truth of our Lord, 00:11:24.839 --> 00:11:27.079 but we still live in a fallen world. 00:11:27.079 --> 00:11:29.399 And that is the opportunity for us 00:11:30.599 --> 00:11:34.599 in knowing that we're not alone in this journey 00:11:34.599 --> 00:11:37.439 and knowing that we are called to be a part of 00:11:37.439 --> 00:11:40.039 the body of Christ, the spiritual family. 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:47.000 But also, it's a call for us to love one another, 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:51.440 love our neighbors, share in the gospel story, 00:11:51.440 --> 00:11:54.799 share in the redemption, the story of redemption 00:11:54.799 --> 00:11:57.360 and maybe even your own testimony. 00:11:58.600 --> 00:12:03.000 In being redeemed from our sin and secure in the salvation, 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:06.360 why wouldn't we want to tell others 00:12:06.360 --> 00:12:08.399 about this faith that we have? 00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:12.519 We live out our redemption by sharing the gospel 00:12:12.519 --> 00:12:13.919 and our testimonies. 00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:18.279 Every single one of us has a story in Christ. 00:12:18.279 --> 00:12:20.839 You may not think it's a great story, 00:12:20.839 --> 00:12:23.839 but it is still yours. 00:12:23.839 --> 00:12:25.399 How you came to know the Lord, 00:12:25.399 --> 00:12:29.399 I know we always think of someone who was, 00:12:30.199 --> 00:12:34.559 at their lowest point, for some people that is the case, 00:12:34.559 --> 00:12:38.879 for others it's not, but it is still uniquely yours. 00:12:38.879 --> 00:12:43.879 And God has a plan and will use it for His glory. 00:12:44.600 --> 00:12:48.360 Let us be moved to share in the redemption story. 00:12:48.360 --> 00:12:50.559 And I challenge each and every one of you 00:12:50.559 --> 00:12:52.600 to share in your faith. 00:12:55.200 --> 00:12:58.679 How is God's restorative plan working in your life? 00:13:00.039 --> 00:13:02.120 It's a good question to ask yourself. 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:06.000 Because as God works in your life, 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:09.159 you should be that beacon of hope for others. 00:13:10.159 --> 00:13:11.320 Who is your neighbor? 00:13:12.360 --> 00:13:15.759 You remember when I brought up the empty chair? 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:17.720 Who is the empty chair? 00:13:17.720 --> 00:13:20.240 Who can sit next to you? 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:24.360 Tell others about the beauty of salvation 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:29.200 and that life offers more than the superficial, 00:13:29.200 --> 00:13:31.840 than the material of this world. 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:34.480 The ultimate redemption was paid in full 00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:37.840 by Jesus Christ on the cross. 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:42.840 There is no greater gift than the gift of salvation 00:13:43.680 --> 00:13:46.320 received through faith. 00:13:46.320 --> 00:13:51.320 Let us live each day as a testament to God's glory 00:13:51.639 --> 00:13:55.840 and invite others to discover the new life 00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:57.960 that He offers to us. 00:13:57.960 --> 00:13:58.920 Let's pray together. 00:14:00.200 --> 00:14:02.360 And Father God, as we close our time 00:14:02.360 --> 00:14:05.200 in the message for this morning, may we be filled 00:14:05.200 --> 00:14:09.200 with thankfulness and gratitude towards this story 00:14:09.200 --> 00:14:12.840 of redemption through your Son, Jesus Christ. 00:14:14.039 --> 00:14:16.919 May we take to heart that to be redeemed is 00:14:19.399 --> 00:14:23.080 knowing that Jesus paid for our sins on the cross 00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:27.759 and knowing that in believing Him, it is paid in full. 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:32.759 We have been called into having a relationship with you, 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:36.159 into your marvelous light. 00:14:37.080 --> 00:14:39.120 Your grace is enough for us 00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:41.679 and we have been redeemed because of the love 00:14:41.679 --> 00:14:43.720 that you have for us. 00:14:43.720 --> 00:14:46.000 Encourage us to go to our neighbor 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:48.439 and to share in the story of redemption 00:14:48.439 --> 00:14:50.360 and our testimony with others. 00:14:51.919 --> 00:14:56.200 We want to see others turn to you and believe in you. 00:14:56.200 --> 00:14:59.600 As we sing this last song, 00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:05.200 oh God, you are my God and I will ever praise you. 00:15:06.120 --> 00:15:09.520 May we know that we are not alone in this life. 00:15:09.520 --> 00:15:12.200 You provide us with all that we need. 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:17.800 Be with us as we sing and as we leave this place. 00:15:17.800 --> 00:15:21.840 It is in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. 00:15:21.840 --> 00:15:22.879 Thank you for tuning in 00:15:22.879 --> 00:15:25.879 to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. 00:15:25.879 --> 00:15:27.399 For more about our church 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:30.080 and how you can get involved or support our mission, 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:33.799 please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:57.399 May God's blessings be with you.