WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.580 Turn to Acts chapter 28. 00:00:03.459 --> 00:00:06.280 And we come to the last in our series in Acts. 00:00:06.280 --> 00:00:08.199 We've been in it pretty much for a year. 00:00:08.279 --> 00:00:12.300 We started it at the start of last September. 00:00:14.160 --> 00:00:15.040 And so it is, isn't it? 00:00:16.260 --> 00:00:19.059 I always feel slightly emotional when you come to the end of a book like this. 00:00:20.080 --> 00:00:25.359 And I found preaching Acts very, very difficult. 00:00:26.060 --> 00:00:27.500 And yet it's been really good for me. 00:00:27.640 --> 00:00:29.519 And I hope you've found it the same. 00:00:30.019 --> 00:00:32.079 There's lots of material to get through, isn't there? 00:00:32.719 --> 00:00:34.859 How do you handle those big kind of narratives? 00:00:36.060 --> 00:00:39.100 And yet I wish in many ways I could kind of go back and start again. 00:00:39.179 --> 00:00:40.200 I know the book a bit better now. 00:00:40.920 --> 00:00:42.820 But we're not going to do that. 00:00:44.659 --> 00:00:46.859 We come to the end of Acts, but this isn't the end of Paul. 00:00:48.739 --> 00:00:53.659 We read nothing about the death and the martyrdom of the Apostle Paul. 00:00:53.659 --> 00:01:00.299 Many believe, and I think rightly, that Paul was released from this imprisonment about two years later. 00:01:01.159 --> 00:01:03.719 He was kind of released during the reign of Nero. 00:01:03.859 --> 00:01:05.719 You know, the emperor who fiddled while Rome burned. 00:01:06.659 --> 00:01:11.500 We'll never know for certain, but there's some compelling reasons, I think, for believing that he was released. 00:01:11.500 --> 00:01:19.480 And when he was released, I think that's the period where he wrote the pastoral letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. 00:01:21.280 --> 00:01:23.060 Fits with that stage of his life. 00:01:23.060 --> 00:01:26.740 This period ends with him in Rome. 00:01:27.920 --> 00:01:29.240 That's the end of the book of Acts. 00:01:29.359 --> 00:01:30.079 It's deliberate. 00:01:31.379 --> 00:01:33.799 The book of Acts has been about the movement of the gospel. 00:01:35.120 --> 00:01:39.159 It's been about how the church of the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ is unstoppable. 00:01:39.359 --> 00:01:40.320 So do you remember where it started? 00:01:41.079 --> 00:01:43.359 It started in the Jewish capital, didn't it? 00:01:43.579 --> 00:01:44.260 In Jerusalem. 00:01:45.480 --> 00:01:50.020 And it ends with the capital of the Gentile world, Rome. 00:01:51.020 --> 00:01:52.200 It begins in Jerusalem. 00:01:53.060 --> 00:01:54.219 And it ends in Rome. 00:01:55.299 --> 00:01:56.560 Chapter 1, verse 8. 00:01:56.659 --> 00:01:56.960 Do you remember? 00:01:57.079 --> 00:01:59.799 That's really the content page of the book. 00:02:00.420 --> 00:02:03.340 Where the risen and ascended Christ says to the apostles, 00:02:03.540 --> 00:02:10.319 You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and in Samaria and the ends of the earth. 00:02:11.080 --> 00:02:15.080 And so the central statement, the key of Acts chapter 28, is in verse 14. 00:02:16.599 --> 00:02:18.920 And Luke gives you the climax of the book. 00:02:19.939 --> 00:02:22.800 And so we came to Rome. 00:02:23.819 --> 00:02:28.420 It's the climax of all that God has been doing in the apostle Paul. 00:02:28.500 --> 00:02:30.699 There's four scenes in the chapter. 00:02:31.759 --> 00:02:33.039 Verses 1 and 10. 00:02:33.240 --> 00:02:37.740 Verses 1 to 10, you've got the three months that Paul and his companions spent in Malta. 00:02:37.740 --> 00:02:42.060 And there's a shipwreck there washed up on the shore. 00:02:42.060 --> 00:02:51.520 And after three months in Malta, after great hospitality, and verse 11, they set sail in a ship because they'd wintered on the island. 00:02:51.520 --> 00:02:56.100 Why did they stay there for so long? 00:02:56.200 --> 00:02:56.980 Well, three months. 00:02:57.680 --> 00:02:58.840 Bad weather for sailing. 00:02:58.939 --> 00:03:01.400 I expect they needed a bit of courage to get back out on the sea. 00:03:01.400 --> 00:03:05.039 But then they set out on their journey to Italy. 00:03:05.120 --> 00:03:07.840 Verses 11 to 16 is the second scene. 00:03:10.319 --> 00:03:12.060 It describes their journey to Rome. 00:03:12.060 --> 00:03:16.319 And it ends with the kind of party living in Rome. 00:03:16.439 --> 00:03:17.860 And Paul is under house arrest. 00:03:18.580 --> 00:03:19.599 He's allowed to live by himself. 00:03:19.740 --> 00:03:21.319 Verse 16, with a soldier to guard him. 00:03:22.539 --> 00:03:24.920 Scene 3 is verses 17 to 28. 00:03:24.919 --> 00:03:28.000 And it's an encounter once again with the Jewish leaders. 00:03:28.679 --> 00:03:29.280 Verse 17. 00:03:30.199 --> 00:03:34.459 After three days of arriving in Rome, he's called his breath. 00:03:35.139 --> 00:03:37.119 He calls together the local leaders of the Jews. 00:03:37.299 --> 00:03:38.579 And when they gathered, he said to them, 00:03:38.639 --> 00:03:43.619 Brothers, though I'd done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, 00:03:43.699 --> 00:03:47.539 yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of Rome. 00:03:48.279 --> 00:03:49.119 And he goes on. 00:03:49.159 --> 00:03:50.679 He speaks to them until the end of verse 28. 00:03:50.759 --> 00:03:53.639 And then scene 4 is verses 29 to 31. 00:03:54.919 --> 00:03:58.339 For two years, Paul remains in Rome under house arrest. 00:03:59.259 --> 00:04:00.799 He lived at his own expense. 00:04:01.459 --> 00:04:03.459 And he welcomed all who came to him. 00:04:04.759 --> 00:04:05.639 Four sections. 00:04:06.739 --> 00:04:07.719 The experience on Malta. 00:04:08.379 --> 00:04:09.279 The journey to Rome. 00:04:10.099 --> 00:04:11.560 The encounter with the Jews in Rome. 00:04:12.060 --> 00:04:14.219 And two years living under house arrest. 00:04:15.079 --> 00:04:18.120 And he preaches and teaches Jesus Christ. 00:04:18.899 --> 00:04:21.639 And the book finishes, doesn't it, with that wonderful little phrase, 00:04:21.639 --> 00:04:25.159 with all boldness and without hindrance. 00:04:26.199 --> 00:04:27.000 Four sections. 00:04:27.959 --> 00:04:29.819 But I think there are two themes. 00:04:31.199 --> 00:04:34.819 The first theme, well both themes run right the way through this chapter. 00:04:34.819 --> 00:04:39.360 The first theme is the theme of God's faithfulness to Paul. 00:04:40.240 --> 00:04:44.819 And the second theme is Paul's faithfulness to God. 00:04:46.819 --> 00:04:48.199 The faithfulness of God. 00:04:49.240 --> 00:04:50.659 And the faithfulness of Paul. 00:04:52.120 --> 00:04:54.199 Let's see, the faithfulness of God to Paul. 00:04:54.199 --> 00:04:58.279 In our opening verses, you've got this experience, 00:04:58.399 --> 00:05:01.379 a continuing experience that Paul has had throughout the book of Acts. 00:05:02.959 --> 00:05:06.199 Paul has experienced, amidst all the troubles and all the persecutions 00:05:06.779 --> 00:05:09.199 and all the opposition and all the false accusations, 00:05:10.879 --> 00:05:13.779 the unchanging faithfulness of God to him. 00:05:14.939 --> 00:05:15.980 In so many ways. 00:05:17.680 --> 00:05:20.480 God had made so many promises to the apostle. 00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:25.100 And right the way through the account, God has been faithful to his promises. 00:05:26.540 --> 00:05:30.280 He's faithfully looked after the apostle Paul. 00:05:31.100 --> 00:05:32.600 He's provided for him. 00:05:32.759 --> 00:05:34.040 He has blessed him. 00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:39.200 He's fulfilled everything that he's covenanted to do for him. 00:05:40.620 --> 00:05:42.520 You find it in the beginning of the chapter. 00:05:43.900 --> 00:05:45.840 And this group, this party of people, 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:47.800 who've come on the ship from Malta. 00:05:47.800 --> 00:05:50.259 And they meet the native people. 00:05:50.340 --> 00:05:51.040 Do you see what it says? 00:05:51.280 --> 00:05:53.600 It says they were shown unusual kindness. 00:05:55.079 --> 00:05:56.060 And they built a fire. 00:05:57.280 --> 00:05:58.720 They welcomed us all. 00:05:58.800 --> 00:06:01.699 There was shelter, because it was raining and cold. 00:06:03.439 --> 00:06:06.800 And Paul has the experience with these Maltese... 00:06:06.800 --> 00:06:07.800 Maltese... 00:06:07.800 --> 00:06:08.800 Maltese... 00:06:08.800 --> 00:06:09.800 Maltese is... 00:06:09.800 --> 00:06:15.800 He has this great experience with these Maltese people... 00:06:17.240 --> 00:06:19.819 Of extraordinary, unusual kindness. 00:06:21.160 --> 00:06:25.500 And it's another evidence, isn't it, of God faithfully dealing with Paul in all his experiences. 00:06:26.759 --> 00:06:33.100 In the midst of trial and difficulty and shipwreck and impending disaster and unfair accusation, 00:06:33.100 --> 00:06:38.379 God shines through as a God of absolute faithfulness. 00:06:38.400 --> 00:06:39.220 That's what we've seen. 00:06:40.820 --> 00:06:43.080 He perseveres with the Apostle. 00:06:44.439 --> 00:06:46.340 He preserves him from danger. 00:06:46.600 --> 00:06:49.960 You see this in that strange incident, don't you, with the snake in verse 3. 00:06:51.120 --> 00:06:52.780 And they gather up sticks for the fire. 00:06:53.439 --> 00:06:54.900 And they didn't notice there's a viper. 00:06:55.000 --> 00:06:56.220 There's a snake hidden away. 00:06:56.220 --> 00:06:58.220 And it bites Paul on the hand. 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:00.420 Paul is under threat. 00:07:00.520 --> 00:07:01.500 He's in some kind of danger. 00:07:02.900 --> 00:07:07.200 And the people expose us, don't they, immediately to their view of what God is like. 00:07:08.380 --> 00:07:09.360 What's their view of God? 00:07:09.420 --> 00:07:09.900 Can you see it? 00:07:10.860 --> 00:07:15.440 Their view of God is that he is an impersonal, superstitious God. 00:07:17.520 --> 00:07:19.580 And these people have that contrast, don't they? 00:07:19.720 --> 00:07:22.320 They think, well, Paul, you must have done something wrong. 00:07:23.160 --> 00:07:24.300 They're very superstitious. 00:07:24.300 --> 00:07:32.360 And that is contrasted to us with this view of God that is personal, loving, and faithful. 00:07:32.920 --> 00:07:33.600 And fatherly. 00:07:35.180 --> 00:07:40.860 The care that Paul experiences from God, day and night, the living God whom he serves. 00:07:42.240 --> 00:07:45.000 The islanders, they see this viper hanging from his hand. 00:07:45.720 --> 00:07:46.540 And do you remember the story? 00:07:46.620 --> 00:07:47.780 He shakes it into the fire. 00:07:49.240 --> 00:07:52.620 And they say, don't they, immediately the viper fastens on Paul's hand. 00:07:52.620 --> 00:07:54.060 Ah, he's been a murderer. 00:07:55.259 --> 00:07:58.960 The sea hasn't got him, so justice has finally caught up with him. 00:07:59.500 --> 00:08:01.340 What goes around comes around. 00:08:01.720 --> 00:08:03.060 He must have done something wrong. 00:08:03.300 --> 00:08:03.960 Look at verse 4. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:08.400 The ESV rightly has justice with a capital letter. 00:08:09.560 --> 00:08:13.000 Because that is the impersonal view of God that they have. 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:14.240 He's escaped from the sea. 00:08:14.240 --> 00:08:18.779 He's escaped from the sea, so justice has caught up with him. 00:08:18.779 --> 00:08:22.459 Fate has got him in the end. 00:08:24.539 --> 00:08:26.000 Paul shakes his hand into the fire. 00:08:27.299 --> 00:08:31.599 And as they watch the snake curl up and die, they discover that Paul has survived. 00:08:31.600 --> 00:08:37.639 And then they swing, don't they, these Maltese people, they swing from one extreme to the other. 00:08:38.560 --> 00:08:39.840 And they deify him. 00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:42.480 They say he survived the snake. 00:08:42.779 --> 00:08:44.759 He must be a God, verse 6. 00:08:44.759 --> 00:08:57.379 And so can you see, these people, they have no concept, do they, of a loving, gracious, unchanging, faithful, all-powerful Heavenly Father. 00:08:57.379 --> 00:09:00.620 Who's dealing graciously with his servant. 00:09:01.779 --> 00:09:06.899 What they have is this impersonal, this superstitious view of what God is like. 00:09:08.519 --> 00:09:13.259 And Paul is experiencing, isn't he, the faithfulness of God, preserving him and keeping him. 00:09:14.340 --> 00:09:18.620 And caring for him in the midst of whatever circumstances he goes through. 00:09:20.860 --> 00:09:25.500 Notice in verse 7 how the chief Roman official provides hospitality to them. 00:09:25.500 --> 00:09:31.480 Verse 7, now in the neighbourhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, namely Publius. 00:09:32.299 --> 00:09:36.159 Who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 00:09:38.120 --> 00:09:42.860 He was the man whom God was going to use to give to Paul the supplies for the rest of the journey. 00:09:43.480 --> 00:09:45.919 Verse 10, they honoured us greatly. 00:09:47.080 --> 00:09:50.100 And when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed. 00:09:50.100 --> 00:09:59.779 That link, that generosity comes not only through Paul's hospitality, but through Paul's apostolic gift of healing. 00:09:59.899 --> 00:10:00.620 Look at verse 8. 00:10:02.220 --> 00:10:06.540 It happened that this guy's dad, Publius' father, lay sick with a fever and dysentery. 00:10:07.300 --> 00:10:08.940 And Paul visited him and prayed. 00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:11.620 And putting his hands on him, healed him. 00:10:11.620 --> 00:10:18.159 The word that Luke uses there literally is, Publius' father received medical attention. 00:10:20.240 --> 00:10:21.620 Luke is a doctor, isn't he? 00:10:23.080 --> 00:10:28.159 You wonder whether it's Luke and the Apostle Paul combining together in some kind of healing ministry. 00:10:28.480 --> 00:10:32.539 They use Luke's medical skills and Paul's apostolic gift. 00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:36.000 And he laid hands on them and they were restored. 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:41.399 Verse 10, all their needs have been supplied as they go on to the next leg of the journey. 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:44.860 And again, can you see the key to all of what God is doing? 00:10:46.500 --> 00:10:52.539 God is faithfully and graciously and kindly supplying all their needs. 00:10:53.639 --> 00:10:54.840 All the needs of his children. 00:10:56.440 --> 00:10:59.480 He is keeping his apostle in the hollow of his hand. 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:03.840 We see that in the next stage, the next episode. 00:11:04.139 --> 00:11:07.139 The journey to Rome in verses 11 to 16. 00:11:07.420 --> 00:11:11.360 Notice how graciously God provides for the apostle. 00:11:12.440 --> 00:11:14.340 The particular ways he provides for them. 00:11:14.420 --> 00:11:17.300 When they arrive at Puteoli in the end of verse 13. 00:11:18.180 --> 00:11:18.639 Can you see it? 00:11:18.800 --> 00:11:21.759 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for several days. 00:11:22.759 --> 00:11:24.980 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Regian. 00:11:24.980 --> 00:11:28.980 And after one day a south wind sprang up and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 00:11:29.480 --> 00:11:35.259 And they go on to these two towns that are about 30, 40 miles apart from Rome. 00:11:36.180 --> 00:11:39.840 And there, verse 14, we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. 00:11:40.659 --> 00:11:42.300 And so we came to Rome. 00:11:44.980 --> 00:11:46.740 What's the reason behind those details? 00:11:48.779 --> 00:11:52.340 Why is it that God so ordained those circumstances? 00:11:54.500 --> 00:11:58.120 It was that God recognised, didn't he, that the apostle Paul needed encouragement. 00:11:59.480 --> 00:12:04.420 And so he brings these brothers, he brings these believers to meet with him. 00:12:04.700 --> 00:12:08.659 And Paul thanked God and at the end of verse 15 he is encouraged by them. 00:12:10.680 --> 00:12:16.460 Can you see, laced throughout this chapter is the thoughtfulness of the living God. 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:25.300 It's the personal touch of his faithfulness that reaches into the ordinary lives. 00:12:25.299 --> 00:12:27.519 The ordinary daily lives. 00:12:28.879 --> 00:12:31.979 Here is someone who greatly needs to be encouraged by God. 00:12:32.079 --> 00:12:35.819 And God provides him the people that will bring him this encouragement. 00:12:37.299 --> 00:12:40.439 And not only does God show his faithfulness in the provision that he makes, 00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:41.939 but in the promises he fulfills. 00:12:42.019 --> 00:12:42.740 Look at verse 16. 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:47.979 When Paul got to Rome he was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him. 00:12:47.980 --> 00:12:51.920 That's a very significant thing, isn't it? 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:57.620 Several times over we've seen in the narrative, God has been speaking with the apostle. 00:12:58.820 --> 00:13:01.680 And encouraging him to believe that come what may, 00:13:02.120 --> 00:13:05.240 whatever the circumstances may seem to the contrary, 00:13:05.659 --> 00:13:06.820 Paul you are going to Rome. 00:13:06.820 --> 00:13:12.060 So chapter 23 and verse 11, Paul has given that really clear promise. 00:13:12.920 --> 00:13:14.760 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, 00:13:14.960 --> 00:13:17.980 Take courage, for as you've testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:19.740 so you will do so in Rome. 00:13:21.720 --> 00:13:25.860 And the circumstances that occur from chapter 23, verse 11, 00:13:26.480 --> 00:13:28.840 to chapter 28 are pretty horrific. 00:13:28.840 --> 00:13:38.399 But they are the living God unfolding his purposes and his plans. 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:47.440 And dealing with men and women and governors and accusers and storms and circumstances 00:13:47.440 --> 00:13:50.720 so that in everything God's purpose may be fulfilled. 00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:57.600 All the problems, all the false accusations, all the difficulties, 00:13:58.779 --> 00:13:59.960 God is at work in the midst of them. 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:05.960 And it is a glorious thing to know God like that. 00:14:08.259 --> 00:14:13.660 It is a glorious thing to have this God as your God. 00:14:16.560 --> 00:14:20.120 And so I need to ask you this morning, don't I, what is your picture of God? 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:26.379 Who is the God whom you know? 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:36.320 Is he the vague, impersonal picture of justice or fate or luck? 00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:40.360 Who gives you what you deserve? 00:14:41.560 --> 00:14:43.320 But what goes around comes around. 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:49.660 Is it that superstitious view of God that the people had? 00:14:50.720 --> 00:14:57.360 Or is it the personal knowledge of a living God who's come to us in the person of his son, 00:14:57.440 --> 00:14:59.920 the Lord Jesus Christ, and he transforms life? 00:14:59.919 --> 00:15:07.879 And he is working out the unfolding pattern of his purposes of a loving Heavenly Father. 00:15:09.719 --> 00:15:22.500 And if you know that God, it will bring you poise and peace and sufficiency and contentment into your life. 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:26.480 Do you know God in this way? 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:36.440 How wonderful it is to be able to discover the faithfulness of God as it is revealed here. 00:15:36.440 --> 00:15:39.320 And that's not all, is it? 00:15:39.340 --> 00:15:45.160 Because when you get to Rome with these promises in chapter 23 and chapter 27, 00:15:45.300 --> 00:15:46.940 Paul is given this special privilege. 00:15:47.280 --> 00:15:48.180 Look at verse 16. 00:15:48.300 --> 00:15:51.840 He's allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him. 00:15:54.380 --> 00:15:55.940 It's a remarkable situation. 00:15:55.940 --> 00:16:00.500 It's as if Paul has been put in Rome as an ambassador to Jesus. 00:16:02.940 --> 00:16:05.540 And he calls people to his residence. 00:16:06.980 --> 00:16:12.300 And they gather from all over this capital city of the world to come to him and to come to here. 00:16:14.140 --> 00:16:15.780 He calls people to his residence. 00:16:16.160 --> 00:16:17.320 He ministers to the Jews. 00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:19.440 He preaches fearlessly to them. 00:16:19.800 --> 00:16:23.220 And yet he's in a house with a soldier to guard him, probably chained to him. 00:16:23.220 --> 00:16:26.759 Do you notice that verse 20? 00:16:27.080 --> 00:16:29.720 For this reason, therefore, I've asked to see you and speak with you. 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:33.040 And since it is because of the hope of Israel that I'm wearing this chain. 00:16:36.660 --> 00:16:41.960 Scholars think, don't they, that the Roman soldier has actually chained to him at this point. 00:16:43.660 --> 00:16:45.420 Paul is bound to a Roman soldier. 00:16:47.660 --> 00:16:50.860 You can imagine this poor Roman soldier didn't have the vaguest clue 00:16:50.860 --> 00:16:55.460 when Paul was brought into the house what was going to happen to him. 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:58.539 When he clocked on for his shift that first day, 00:16:59.340 --> 00:17:02.460 little did he know who he was going to be chained to. 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:07.059 And there were two Covenanter brothers. 00:17:08.660 --> 00:17:09.400 Big units. 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:12.740 Massive, burly, strong men. 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:16.099 And these Covenanter brothers, 00:17:16.960 --> 00:17:21.099 they had battled in Scotland for Christ's crown and covenant. 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:24.400 They wanted a stand for the freedom to worship Jesus Christ. 00:17:26.039 --> 00:17:27.099 They were massive. 00:17:27.920 --> 00:17:28.759 Absolutely massive. 00:17:30.579 --> 00:17:33.259 And they were taken, one of them was taken prisoner by the English soldiers. 00:17:33.259 --> 00:17:36.400 And they chained him to one of the brothers. 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:40.359 His mother said to his brother, and when he came back, 00:17:40.440 --> 00:17:43.539 Malcolm, they've taken Davy away and chained him to an English soldier. 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:49.079 Malcolm and Davy were known as men of powerful spiritual impact. 00:17:49.900 --> 00:17:51.980 Whoever met them was slightly in awe of them 00:17:51.980 --> 00:17:54.579 because they were colossal physical figures, 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:56.160 but they preached Christ fearlessly. 00:17:56.160 --> 00:18:00.519 And Malcolm said to his mother, 00:18:00.800 --> 00:18:02.820 heaven help the man who's chained to Davy. 00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:06.080 And I expect it was something like that 00:18:06.080 --> 00:18:08.960 for the soldier chained to the Apostle Paul, wasn't it? 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:13.300 Heaven help the man who was chained to the Apostle Paul. 00:18:13.519 --> 00:18:15.900 He would hear the gospel in different ways 00:18:15.900 --> 00:18:18.580 to different people applied to him. 00:18:19.860 --> 00:18:22.080 And so Paul continued the ministry that God had given him. 00:18:22.079 --> 00:18:26.919 And so here is this reminder right at the end of Acts 00:18:26.919 --> 00:18:29.299 of the faithfulness of God to his people. 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:33.240 But secondly, as we finish the book of Acts, 00:18:33.339 --> 00:18:36.339 we see the remarkable faithfulness of the Apostle Paul to God. 00:18:37.859 --> 00:18:40.059 The faithfulness of Paul to God. 00:18:41.799 --> 00:18:46.859 The very qualities that God reveals in his dealings with Paul 00:18:46.859 --> 00:18:49.079 are reproduced in Paul's life. 00:18:49.079 --> 00:18:55.659 The faithfulness of God is mirrored in Paul's faithfulness to God. 00:18:57.980 --> 00:19:00.720 That is, all of God's dealings with this man 00:19:00.720 --> 00:19:02.740 have not kind of brushed lightly off his character. 00:19:03.399 --> 00:19:05.379 They've gone deeply into his spirit. 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:09.039 And what he had known of the faithfulness 00:19:09.039 --> 00:19:10.379 and the kindness of God 00:19:10.379 --> 00:19:13.659 began to be mirrored and pushed out in his own life. 00:19:13.660 --> 00:19:18.019 And here he is in his ministry in Rome from verse 17. 00:19:18.120 --> 00:19:19.120 Just notice his zeal. 00:19:19.480 --> 00:19:21.640 Three days after he arrives in Rome, 00:19:21.880 --> 00:19:23.820 he calls together the leaders of the Jews. 00:19:26.120 --> 00:19:28.600 And Paul is being faithful to what he recognized 00:19:28.600 --> 00:19:31.279 as the pattern and the purpose of God in his ministry. 00:19:32.900 --> 00:19:34.600 When he wrote to the Romans, do you remember? 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:38.180 That great theme verse of the book of Romans, 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:40.600 the gospel is the power of God to salvation. 00:19:42.980 --> 00:19:44.480 To everyone who believes. 00:19:45.320 --> 00:19:46.240 And we stop there, don't we? 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.100 But the verse goes on, 00:19:47.140 --> 00:19:49.019 to the Jew first and then to the Gentile. 00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:51.740 Wherever he went in Acts, 00:19:51.820 --> 00:19:52.460 do you remember the pattern? 00:19:52.580 --> 00:19:55.019 Paul goes to the synagogue first. 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:58.680 He goes to the plead with the Jewish people. 00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:02.560 And only when they turn away from him 00:20:02.560 --> 00:20:03.860 and refuse the message, 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:05.960 he says, then I will go to the Gentiles. 00:20:05.960 --> 00:20:09.840 But here he addresses himself to the Jewish leaders. 00:20:11.180 --> 00:20:13.720 And after he's described his own experience 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:14.920 of being arrested in Jerusalem 00:20:14.920 --> 00:20:16.240 and being handed over to the Romans, 00:20:16.380 --> 00:20:16.920 verse 21, 00:20:18.259 --> 00:20:19.220 they arranged to meet him. 00:20:22.519 --> 00:20:23.220 And they said to him, 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:25.100 well, we've received no letters from Judea about you. 00:20:25.340 --> 00:20:26.340 And none of the brothers coming here 00:20:26.340 --> 00:20:28.220 has reported or spoken any evil of you. 00:20:29.840 --> 00:20:31.400 They arranged to meet him on a certain day. 00:20:31.460 --> 00:20:32.920 Then they come in larger numbers 00:20:32.920 --> 00:20:33.900 to the place where he was staying. 00:20:33.900 --> 00:20:36.300 Can you see the sheer faithfulness of his ministry? 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:39.100 He witnessed to them. 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:41.660 And that appears, doesn't it, 00:20:41.680 --> 00:20:42.560 to have been the characteristic 00:20:42.560 --> 00:20:44.080 of these two years in Rome. 00:20:45.600 --> 00:20:47.660 He bore witness to Christ. 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:51.160 And whatever they did to him, 00:20:52.180 --> 00:20:53.240 wherever he went, 00:20:55.400 --> 00:20:57.400 however they tried to confine him 00:20:57.400 --> 00:20:59.960 and crush him, 00:21:00.620 --> 00:21:02.180 he bore witness to Christ. 00:21:05.180 --> 00:21:05.759 After the service, 00:21:05.820 --> 00:21:08.940 somebody gives you two pints of water. 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:12.120 And as you carry the two pints of water, 00:21:12.600 --> 00:21:13.740 one of the children running around 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:14.500 knocks into you. 00:21:14.580 --> 00:21:15.220 What happens 00:21:15.220 --> 00:21:17.840 with full pints of water? 00:21:18.380 --> 00:21:19.060 What happens? 00:21:19.560 --> 00:21:20.600 The water comes out, doesn't it? 00:21:20.599 --> 00:21:23.119 And so this is the apostle Paul. 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:25.799 He is so full of the faithfulness of God 00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:27.959 and the kindness of Jesus Christ 00:21:27.959 --> 00:21:29.759 that when he is jostled, 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:31.359 when he is struck, 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:33.359 what comes out of the glasses? 00:21:34.359 --> 00:21:35.699 The Lord Jesus Christ, isn't it? 00:21:37.159 --> 00:21:39.019 Both in private and in public, 00:21:39.879 --> 00:21:42.059 he speaks and he witnesses tirely. 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:44.279 Out of the abundance of the heart, 00:21:44.419 --> 00:21:45.059 Jesus says, 00:21:45.139 --> 00:21:45.980 the mouth speaks. 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:48.779 And so Paul speaks of Christ. 00:21:50.339 --> 00:21:50.860 Verse 23, 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:52.039 when they appointed a day for him, 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:53.039 they came to him at his lodging 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:53.819 in greater numbers. 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:55.380 From morning to evening, 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:57.039 he expounded to them, 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:59.299 testifying to them the kingdom of God. 00:22:02.779 --> 00:22:04.279 He speaks continually 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:07.019 during the whole period that he's in Rome. 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:09.980 He was tireless for two years. 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:11.799 Verse 31, 00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:13.440 he lived there two whole years 00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:14.240 at his own expense 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:16.799 and welcomed all who came to him, 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:18.359 proclaiming the kingdom of God 00:22:18.359 --> 00:22:19.920 and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ 00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:21.680 with all boldness 00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:22.640 and without hindrance. 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:25.259 And so with that zeal 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:26.660 and eagerness and willingness, 00:22:28.299 --> 00:22:32.900 that zeal marks the apostle Paul. 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:37.099 It would have been so easy, 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:37.500 wouldn't it, 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.960 for him to make the excuse, 00:22:39.599 --> 00:22:41.259 I've been benched, 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:44.019 I'm out of the public frame, 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:47.240 it would have been so easy for him 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:48.400 to make that excuse, 00:22:48.519 --> 00:22:49.259 well, I'm bound, 00:22:49.460 --> 00:22:50.220 what can I do? 00:22:50.319 --> 00:22:51.019 I'm in chains, 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:54.120 I'm confined in this situation. 00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:54.839 Don't you know, 00:22:54.940 --> 00:22:56.359 I'm the leader of the church 00:22:56.359 --> 00:22:58.259 and yet I'm confined 00:22:58.259 --> 00:22:59.539 within these four walls. 00:23:01.819 --> 00:23:02.460 But in fact, 00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:03.039 what we see, 00:23:03.140 --> 00:23:04.000 like the pint glass, 00:23:04.120 --> 00:23:05.099 whenever he's jostled, 00:23:05.819 --> 00:23:07.180 Christ spills out. 00:23:07.180 --> 00:23:11.240 this tireless zeal, 00:23:11.340 --> 00:23:12.700 which has been given to him, 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.759 desiring to be faithful. 00:23:13.960 --> 00:23:14.840 The second thing that marks 00:23:14.840 --> 00:23:15.420 is faithfulness, 00:23:15.640 --> 00:23:16.799 it's not only in the level 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:17.420 of his commitment, 00:23:18.580 --> 00:23:19.740 the way that he's ready 00:23:19.740 --> 00:23:20.940 to be spent for God, 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:23.019 but it's revealed in how he witnessed. 00:23:23.180 --> 00:23:24.539 Can you see he witnessed biblically? 00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:26.920 Luke is really insistent on this, 00:23:26.980 --> 00:23:27.140 isn't he? 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:28.400 He says in verse 23, 00:23:28.400 --> 00:23:29.900 from morning till evening, 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:31.060 he expounded to them, 00:23:31.840 --> 00:23:32.920 testifying to them 00:23:32.920 --> 00:23:34.060 the kingdom of God 00:23:34.060 --> 00:23:35.600 and trying to convince them 00:23:35.600 --> 00:23:36.500 about Jesus, 00:23:36.640 --> 00:23:37.660 both from the law of Moses 00:23:37.660 --> 00:23:38.600 and from the prophets. 00:23:42.280 --> 00:23:43.460 Paul found that some of them 00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:44.040 were convinced, 00:23:44.759 --> 00:23:45.660 others did not believe 00:23:45.660 --> 00:23:46.700 and they disagreed 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:47.560 amongst themselves 00:23:47.560 --> 00:23:48.560 and they began to leave. 00:23:49.720 --> 00:23:50.680 And after Paul 00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:52.019 sees them leaving, 00:23:52.140 --> 00:23:53.060 he makes this statement, 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.500 this final statement 00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:57.519 from the prophet Isaiah. 00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:58.460 Can you see it? 00:23:58.839 --> 00:23:59.839 The Holy Spirit 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:01.660 was right in saying 00:24:01.660 --> 00:24:02.980 to your fathers 00:24:02.980 --> 00:24:04.279 through Isaiah the prophet. 00:24:06.519 --> 00:24:07.539 And then he quotes 00:24:07.539 --> 00:24:08.680 part of Isaiah chapter 6. 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:12.460 The important point 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:13.200 to grasp here 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:14.519 is this vital area 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:15.900 of Paul's faithfulness 00:24:15.900 --> 00:24:16.980 being wed, 00:24:17.139 --> 00:24:18.059 being tied 00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:19.599 to the Bible 00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:20.319 as the content 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:22.420 that he declared 00:24:22.420 --> 00:24:23.240 concerning Christ. 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:26.299 The focus of his ministry 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:27.319 was Jesus 00:24:27.319 --> 00:24:28.480 but the place 00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:29.779 from which he taught them 00:24:29.779 --> 00:24:30.339 about Jesus 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:31.439 was the Holy Scriptures. 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:34.399 He taught them tirelessly. 00:24:35.279 --> 00:24:36.519 He taught them biblically. 00:24:38.299 --> 00:24:38.899 And do you notice, 00:24:39.059 --> 00:24:39.659 he taught them 00:24:39.659 --> 00:24:40.939 with a faithfulness 00:24:40.939 --> 00:24:41.679 which was no doubt 00:24:41.679 --> 00:24:42.720 profoundly costly. 00:24:44.679 --> 00:24:45.240 I've no doubt 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:46.339 that Paul found it 00:24:46.339 --> 00:24:47.480 extremely costly 00:24:47.480 --> 00:24:48.899 to quote what he did 00:24:48.899 --> 00:24:49.960 to his own nation, 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:50.819 to the Jewish people. 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:53.939 He tells us, 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:54.359 doesn't he, 00:24:54.359 --> 00:24:56.019 in the letter to the Romans, 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:58.039 that he has a special love 00:24:58.039 --> 00:24:58.879 for the Jewish people. 00:25:00.139 --> 00:25:01.000 It's a striking thing. 00:25:01.219 --> 00:25:01.679 He says, 00:25:01.859 --> 00:25:02.879 in Romans 9 verse 1, 00:25:02.939 --> 00:25:03.719 I'm speaking the truth 00:25:03.719 --> 00:25:04.259 in Christ. 00:25:04.679 --> 00:25:05.459 I'm not lying. 00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:07.419 My conscience bears me witness 00:25:07.419 --> 00:25:08.500 in the Holy Spirit 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:10.059 that I have great sorrow 00:25:10.059 --> 00:25:11.959 and unceasing anguish 00:25:11.959 --> 00:25:12.419 in heart. 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:14.740 for I wish that I myself 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:15.720 were accursed 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:16.800 and I were cut off 00:25:16.800 --> 00:25:17.800 from Christ 00:25:17.800 --> 00:25:18.800 for the sake of my brothers, 00:25:19.120 --> 00:25:20.320 my kinsmen 00:25:20.320 --> 00:25:21.240 according to the flesh. 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:24.259 So here is a man 00:25:24.259 --> 00:25:25.559 who's bearing witness 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:26.279 to the Lord Jesus, 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:27.680 testifying to the Lord Jesus 00:25:27.680 --> 00:25:28.799 and he doesn't do it 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.539 in a cool 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:30.680 and detached way. 00:25:32.120 --> 00:25:32.720 He's saying, 00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:33.660 I've got anguish 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:34.359 of heart 00:25:34.359 --> 00:25:35.500 for my brothers and sisters. 00:25:38.079 --> 00:25:38.759 In fact, 00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:39.599 I'm prepared 00:25:39.599 --> 00:25:41.140 that I would be accursed 00:25:41.140 --> 00:25:41.960 so that you might 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:42.940 believe this message. 00:25:45.279 --> 00:25:46.279 In order that you 00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:47.380 might find salvation, 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:48.839 it is incredible passion. 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:51.679 And that spirit 00:25:51.679 --> 00:25:52.299 seems to be 00:25:52.299 --> 00:25:54.480 the driving force 00:25:54.480 --> 00:25:56.559 of the apostles' evangelism. 00:25:56.899 --> 00:25:57.859 He was deadly 00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:58.679 in earnest. 00:26:01.339 --> 00:26:02.659 And yet he's ready, 00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:02.980 isn't he, 00:26:02.980 --> 00:26:03.819 to speak to them 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:05.679 with an extraordinary 00:26:05.679 --> 00:26:07.179 degree of faithfulness 00:26:07.179 --> 00:26:08.059 and thoroughness 00:26:08.059 --> 00:26:09.119 as he takes 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:10.099 the word of God 00:26:10.099 --> 00:26:11.399 and he explains it 00:26:11.399 --> 00:26:12.579 and he applies it 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:12.980 to them. 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:15.599 The Holy Spirit 00:26:15.599 --> 00:26:16.259 spoke the truth 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:17.099 to your forefathers. 00:26:17.939 --> 00:26:18.579 When he said, 00:26:18.579 --> 00:26:19.619 through Isaiah the prophet, 00:26:20.139 --> 00:26:21.019 go to this people 00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:21.799 and say, 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:23.359 you will indeed hear 00:26:23.359 --> 00:26:24.679 but you'll never understand. 00:26:25.119 --> 00:26:26.199 You will indeed see 00:26:26.199 --> 00:26:27.399 but you'll never perceive. 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:30.039 For this people's heart 00:26:30.039 --> 00:26:31.079 has grown dull 00:26:31.079 --> 00:26:33.259 and with their ears 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:34.480 they can barely hear 00:26:34.480 --> 00:26:36.119 and with their eyes 00:26:36.119 --> 00:26:37.339 they have closed 00:26:37.339 --> 00:26:38.419 lest they should see 00:26:38.419 --> 00:26:39.039 with their eyes 00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:40.159 and hear with their ears 00:26:40.159 --> 00:26:41.339 and understand 00:26:41.339 --> 00:26:42.079 with their hearts 00:26:42.079 --> 00:26:43.639 and turn and I would heal them. 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:45.679 They hardly hear 00:26:45.679 --> 00:26:46.579 with their ears. 00:26:46.579 --> 00:26:48.639 They've closed 00:26:48.639 --> 00:26:49.500 their eyes. 00:26:52.359 --> 00:26:53.599 The apostle is taking up 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:54.059 this scripture 00:26:54.059 --> 00:26:55.119 from Isaiah chapter 6 00:26:55.119 --> 00:26:57.699 and he applies it 00:26:57.699 --> 00:26:58.500 to the people of Israel 00:26:58.500 --> 00:26:59.139 in front of him 00:26:59.139 --> 00:27:01.139 of his own generation 00:27:01.139 --> 00:27:02.639 like Isaiah had applied it 00:27:02.639 --> 00:27:03.519 to his generation 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:06.439 and he's saying to them 00:27:06.439 --> 00:27:07.199 and he's saying to us 00:27:07.199 --> 00:27:08.079 it is possible 00:27:08.079 --> 00:27:09.859 to hear God's word 00:27:09.859 --> 00:27:11.720 Sunday by Sunday 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:16.279 and it not soften 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:17.240 but harden you. 00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:20.259 The picture is 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:21.140 of calloused 00:27:21.140 --> 00:27:22.339 of being calloused. 00:27:23.640 --> 00:27:24.220 You know if you work 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:24.819 in the garden 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:26.079 we've got kind of 00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:26.500 city hands 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:26.940 it's such a thing 00:27:26.940 --> 00:27:27.779 as minister's hands 00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:28.059 aren't there 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:28.660 kind of soft 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:30.680 wet minister's hands 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:31.799 but if you work 00:27:31.799 --> 00:27:32.360 in the garden 00:27:32.360 --> 00:27:33.660 and you work 00:27:33.660 --> 00:27:35.059 with a spade 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:36.019 and you work 00:27:36.019 --> 00:27:36.620 with it all day 00:27:36.620 --> 00:27:37.120 what happens 00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:38.519 your skin 00:27:38.519 --> 00:27:39.140 bits of it 00:27:39.140 --> 00:27:39.779 gets hard 00:27:39.779 --> 00:27:40.279 doesn't it? 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:42.119 It gets calloused 00:27:42.119 --> 00:27:44.019 so you go to 00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:44.859 a country congregation 00:27:44.859 --> 00:27:45.359 and you shake 00:27:45.359 --> 00:27:46.259 a farmer's hand 00:27:46.259 --> 00:27:47.279 and a farmer's hands 00:27:47.279 --> 00:27:48.319 they're rough 00:27:48.319 --> 00:27:49.619 and they're hard 00:27:49.619 --> 00:27:51.859 and there's not feeling 00:27:51.859 --> 00:27:53.000 so they're so calloused 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:53.960 you could get a pin 00:27:53.960 --> 00:27:55.420 in a farmer's hand 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:56.440 and you could put 00:27:56.440 --> 00:27:57.059 the pin into 00:27:57.059 --> 00:27:57.980 the farmer's hand 00:27:57.980 --> 00:27:58.720 into the skin 00:27:58.720 --> 00:27:59.579 but it wouldn't 00:27:59.579 --> 00:28:00.079 have an effect 00:28:00.079 --> 00:28:00.399 would it 00:28:00.399 --> 00:28:01.559 because the skin 00:28:01.559 --> 00:28:02.299 is so hard 00:28:02.299 --> 00:28:05.779 you can't get through 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:06.539 very easily 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:08.980 you don't easily 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:09.680 penetrate 00:28:09.680 --> 00:28:10.820 a farmer's hand 00:28:10.820 --> 00:28:15.140 and that's a serious thing 00:28:15.140 --> 00:28:15.440 I'm sure 00:28:15.440 --> 00:28:16.340 if it kind of 00:28:16.340 --> 00:28:16.980 goes on and on 00:28:16.980 --> 00:28:17.259 and on 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:17.700 doesn't it? 00:28:19.299 --> 00:28:19.740 But 00:28:19.740 --> 00:28:21.380 in a spiritual condition 00:28:21.380 --> 00:28:22.600 it's more serious 00:28:22.600 --> 00:28:22.960 isn't it? 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:24.060 It's desperately serious 00:28:24.060 --> 00:28:26.600 the apostle Paul 00:28:26.600 --> 00:28:27.220 on the prophet Isaiah 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:27.560 is saying 00:28:27.560 --> 00:28:28.380 you can hear 00:28:28.380 --> 00:28:29.060 God's words 00:28:29.060 --> 00:28:30.019 so often 00:28:30.019 --> 00:28:32.740 and you can hear it 00:28:32.740 --> 00:28:33.759 but not hear it 00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:35.259 and you can see it 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:35.759 but not see it 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.759 and your hand 00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:37.940 can become callous 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:39.240 so that it doesn't 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:39.660 penetrate 00:28:39.660 --> 00:28:43.820 and so these people 00:28:43.820 --> 00:28:45.000 have heard God 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:45.940 speaking to them 00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:47.180 since they were children 00:28:47.180 --> 00:28:49.840 they've worked away 00:28:49.840 --> 00:28:50.200 actually 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:50.920 the Jewish leaders 00:28:50.920 --> 00:28:51.860 they literally 00:28:51.860 --> 00:28:52.740 work away 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:53.660 with the word of God 00:28:53.660 --> 00:28:54.660 and like a man 00:28:54.660 --> 00:28:55.860 works with his hands 00:28:55.860 --> 00:28:57.140 and his hands 00:28:57.140 --> 00:28:58.080 becomes callous 00:28:58.080 --> 00:29:00.000 so their hearts 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:00.779 become hardened 00:29:00.779 --> 00:29:04.519 and that is a desperate 00:29:04.519 --> 00:29:05.000 condition 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:06.139 but it is common 00:29:06.139 --> 00:29:09.180 and it is really common 00:29:09.180 --> 00:29:10.240 in churches like this 00:29:10.240 --> 00:29:13.980 it's particularly common 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:14.519 with those 00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:15.019 who've been 00:29:15.019 --> 00:29:16.279 unusually privileged 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:19.059 and so these Jews 00:29:19.059 --> 00:29:20.259 whom Paul is speaking 00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:22.039 they really are a warning 00:29:22.039 --> 00:29:22.440 to us 00:29:22.440 --> 00:29:22.680 aren't they 00:29:22.680 --> 00:29:23.180 at the end of 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:23.899 the book of Acts 00:29:23.900 --> 00:29:26.720 their ears 00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:28.640 have scarcely heard 00:29:28.640 --> 00:29:30.960 their eyes 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:32.320 scarcely see 00:29:32.320 --> 00:29:34.160 they've got 00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:35.120 spiritual 00:29:35.120 --> 00:29:35.960 glaucoma 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:37.860 they cannot 00:29:37.860 --> 00:29:38.660 see clearly 00:29:38.660 --> 00:29:40.460 they're looking 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:41.600 but they can't 00:29:41.600 --> 00:29:42.200 make it out 00:29:42.200 --> 00:29:45.340 they have eyes 00:29:45.340 --> 00:29:45.880 but they do not 00:29:45.880 --> 00:29:46.360 perceive 00:29:46.360 --> 00:29:50.780 how do you get 00:29:50.780 --> 00:29:51.160 like that? 00:29:51.160 --> 00:29:53.500 you get it 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:54.600 really easily 00:29:54.600 --> 00:29:55.540 and really simply 00:29:55.540 --> 00:29:57.759 by not treating 00:29:57.759 --> 00:29:58.980 the word of God 00:29:58.980 --> 00:29:59.640 seriously 00:29:59.640 --> 00:30:02.519 and when you have 00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:02.900 that kind of 00:30:02.900 --> 00:30:03.540 detached attitude 00:30:03.540 --> 00:30:04.060 to it 00:30:04.060 --> 00:30:06.080 when you sit here 00:30:06.080 --> 00:30:06.700 Sunday morning 00:30:06.700 --> 00:30:07.600 and Sunday evening 00:30:07.600 --> 00:30:08.420 by Sunday morning 00:30:08.420 --> 00:30:09.360 after Sunday evening 00:30:09.360 --> 00:30:11.380 and you know 00:30:11.380 --> 00:30:12.300 what God is asking 00:30:12.300 --> 00:30:12.940 you to do 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:14.060 and you refuse 00:30:14.060 --> 00:30:15.000 to do it 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:18.300 your skin 00:30:18.300 --> 00:30:18.900 spiritually 00:30:18.900 --> 00:30:19.660 becomes calloused 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:23.300 you'll be 00:30:23.300 --> 00:30:24.019 ever hearing 00:30:24.019 --> 00:30:24.620 but never 00:30:24.620 --> 00:30:25.440 understanding 00:30:25.440 --> 00:30:27.500 you'll be 00:30:27.500 --> 00:30:28.320 ever seeing 00:30:28.320 --> 00:30:29.519 but your eyes 00:30:29.519 --> 00:30:30.120 will be closed 00:30:30.120 --> 00:30:32.860 do you notice 00:30:32.860 --> 00:30:33.420 Paul continues 00:30:33.420 --> 00:30:34.060 to quote Isaiah 00:30:34.060 --> 00:30:34.360 doesn't he 00:30:34.360 --> 00:30:35.040 lest they should 00:30:35.040 --> 00:30:35.440 see with their 00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:35.720 eyes 00:30:35.720 --> 00:30:36.040 and hear 00:30:36.040 --> 00:30:36.300 with their 00:30:36.300 --> 00:30:36.560 ears 00:30:36.560 --> 00:30:37.000 and understand 00:30:37.000 --> 00:30:37.400 with their 00:30:37.400 --> 00:30:37.640 heart 00:30:37.640 --> 00:30:38.080 and turn 00:30:38.080 --> 00:30:38.580 and I 00:30:38.580 --> 00:30:38.920 would heal 00:30:38.920 --> 00:30:39.220 them 00:30:39.220 --> 00:30:42.180 do you notice 00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:42.400 there 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:42.700 there's a 00:30:42.700 --> 00:30:43.060 progression 00:30:43.060 --> 00:30:43.400 isn't it 00:30:43.400 --> 00:30:43.820 it's not 00:30:43.820 --> 00:30:44.080 something 00:30:44.080 --> 00:30:44.480 they were 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:45.040 doing 00:30:45.040 --> 00:30:45.759 at the end 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.000 of that 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.220 quote 00:30:46.220 --> 00:30:46.420 it's 00:30:46.420 --> 00:30:46.580 something 00:30:46.580 --> 00:30:46.779 that's 00:30:46.779 --> 00:30:46.940 being 00:30:46.940 --> 00:30:47.200 done 00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:47.580 to them 00:30:47.580 --> 00:30:48.740 that's 00:30:48.740 --> 00:30:49.039 the really 00:30:49.039 --> 00:30:49.440 terrifying 00:30:49.440 --> 00:30:49.880 thing 00:30:49.880 --> 00:30:54.480 it's the 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:55.079 next stage 00:30:55.079 --> 00:30:55.279 of the 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:55.700 progression 00:30:55.700 --> 00:30:58.180 you refuse 00:30:58.180 --> 00:30:58.779 to see 00:30:58.779 --> 00:30:59.519 and at some 00:30:59.519 --> 00:30:59.839 point you 00:30:59.839 --> 00:31:00.460 can't see 00:31:00.460 --> 00:31:03.819 imagine a 00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:04.240 man who's a 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:04.519 prisoner 00:31:04.519 --> 00:31:05.259 dealing so 00:31:05.259 --> 00:31:05.759 realistically 00:31:05.759 --> 00:31:06.240 with people 00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:06.660 like this 00:31:06.660 --> 00:31:09.059 what he's 00:31:09.059 --> 00:31:09.400 saying 00:31:09.400 --> 00:31:09.759 is what 00:31:09.759 --> 00:31:10.039 Isaiah 00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:10.420 said 00:31:10.420 --> 00:31:13.120 that there 00:31:13.120 --> 00:31:13.460 comes a 00:31:13.460 --> 00:31:13.859 time 00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:14.620 when people 00:31:14.620 --> 00:31:14.920 who've 00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:15.480 refused 00:31:15.480 --> 00:31:16.279 to hear 00:31:16.279 --> 00:31:17.619 and refused 00:31:17.619 --> 00:31:17.940 to be 00:31:17.940 --> 00:31:18.420 moved 00:31:18.420 --> 00:31:19.500 and refused 00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:19.779 to be 00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:20.000 touched 00:31:20.000 --> 00:31:20.420 by God 00:31:20.420 --> 00:31:20.700 the Holy 00:31:20.700 --> 00:31:21.079 Spirit 00:31:21.079 --> 00:31:21.720 there comes 00:31:21.720 --> 00:31:22.059 a time 00:31:22.059 --> 00:31:22.379 when they 00:31:22.379 --> 00:31:23.019 cannot hear 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:23.319 and they 00:31:23.319 --> 00:31:23.899 cannot see 00:31:23.899 --> 00:31:25.680 and their 00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:26.440 heart cannot 00:31:26.440 --> 00:31:27.099 respond 00:31:27.099 --> 00:31:29.519 think of 00:31:29.519 --> 00:31:30.019 Pharaoh in 00:31:30.019 --> 00:31:30.359 Egypt 00:31:30.359 --> 00:31:30.599 do you 00:31:30.599 --> 00:31:30.819 remember 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:32.379 that phrase 00:31:32.379 --> 00:31:32.700 that keeps 00:31:32.700 --> 00:31:33.160 coming up 00:31:33.160 --> 00:31:33.899 that Pharaoh 00:31:33.899 --> 00:31:34.759 in Egypt 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:35.859 when he's 00:31:35.859 --> 00:31:36.480 confronted with 00:31:36.480 --> 00:31:36.799 the living 00:31:36.799 --> 00:31:37.359 God 00:31:37.359 --> 00:31:38.079 by Joseph 00:31:38.079 --> 00:31:39.220 he hardens 00:31:39.220 --> 00:31:39.759 his heart 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:41.500 he hardens 00:31:41.500 --> 00:31:42.000 his heart 00:31:42.000 --> 00:31:42.639 against God 00:31:42.639 --> 00:31:43.339 and he does 00:31:43.339 --> 00:31:43.980 it frequently 00:31:43.980 --> 00:31:45.960 and you 00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:46.120 think 00:31:46.120 --> 00:31:46.920 what is 00:31:46.920 --> 00:31:47.319 this man 00:31:47.319 --> 00:31:47.599 doing 00:31:47.599 --> 00:31:48.019 keeping 00:31:48.019 --> 00:31:48.759 hardening 00:31:48.759 --> 00:31:49.460 his heart 00:31:49.460 --> 00:31:50.299 but then 00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:50.680 there comes 00:31:50.680 --> 00:31:51.039 the time 00:31:51.039 --> 00:31:51.259 where 00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:51.740 in the 00:31:51.740 --> 00:31:51.940 story 00:31:51.940 --> 00:31:52.420 you don't 00:31:52.420 --> 00:31:52.839 read that 00:31:52.839 --> 00:31:53.200 Pharaoh 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:53.620 hardened 00:31:53.620 --> 00:31:54.279 his heart 00:31:54.279 --> 00:31:55.200 you read 00:31:55.200 --> 00:31:55.860 that God 00:31:55.860 --> 00:31:56.500 hardened 00:31:56.500 --> 00:31:57.059 Pharaoh's 00:31:57.059 --> 00:31:57.400 heart 00:31:57.400 --> 00:32:00.240 and look 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:00.839 verse 28 00:32:00.839 --> 00:32:02.079 Paul applies 00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:02.500 that to the 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:02.880 contemporary 00:32:02.880 --> 00:32:03.279 Jews 00:32:03.279 --> 00:32:03.660 and he 00:32:03.660 --> 00:32:04.259 says this 00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:06.019 he says 00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:06.339 therefore 00:32:06.339 --> 00:32:06.779 let it be 00:32:06.779 --> 00:32:07.299 known to 00:32:07.299 --> 00:32:07.599 you that 00:32:07.599 --> 00:32:08.480 this salvation 00:32:08.480 --> 00:32:09.160 of God 00:32:09.160 --> 00:32:10.039 has been 00:32:10.039 --> 00:32:10.819 sent to 00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:11.640 the Gentiles 00:32:11.640 --> 00:32:13.920 and they 00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:14.500 will listen 00:32:14.500 --> 00:32:18.320 verse 28 00:32:18.320 --> 00:32:18.800 is said 00:32:18.800 --> 00:32:19.300 by a man 00:32:19.300 --> 00:32:19.800 who's told 00:32:19.800 --> 00:32:20.000 us 00:32:20.000 --> 00:32:20.620 I've got 00:32:20.620 --> 00:32:21.240 unceasing 00:32:21.240 --> 00:32:22.060 anguish 00:32:22.060 --> 00:32:23.020 and unceasing 00:32:23.020 --> 00:32:23.540 sorrow 00:32:23.540 --> 00:32:24.200 I wish 00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:24.600 that I 00:32:24.600 --> 00:32:24.900 could be 00:32:24.900 --> 00:32:25.280 accursed 00:32:25.280 --> 00:32:25.620 for the 00:32:25.620 --> 00:32:25.860 sake 00:32:25.860 --> 00:32:26.220 of my 00:32:26.220 --> 00:32:26.620 own 00:32:26.620 --> 00:32:26.980 people 00:32:26.980 --> 00:32:27.600 I wish 00:32:27.600 --> 00:32:27.860 that I 00:32:27.860 --> 00:32:28.060 could be 00:32:28.060 --> 00:32:28.420 cut off 00:32:28.420 --> 00:32:28.860 from Christ 00:32:28.860 --> 00:32:29.160 so that 00:32:29.160 --> 00:32:29.500 you might 00:32:29.500 --> 00:32:29.820 believe 00:32:29.820 --> 00:32:30.040 in the 00:32:30.040 --> 00:32:30.200 Lord 00:32:30.200 --> 00:32:30.480 Jesus 00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:31.900 for the 00:32:31.900 --> 00:32:32.140 sake 00:32:32.140 --> 00:32:32.400 of my 00:32:32.400 --> 00:32:32.580 own 00:32:32.580 --> 00:32:32.900 brothers 00:32:32.900 --> 00:32:33.520 for the 00:32:33.520 --> 00:32:33.740 sake 00:32:33.740 --> 00:32:34.000 of my 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:34.200 own 00:32:34.200 --> 00:32:34.540 race 00:32:34.540 --> 00:32:34.940 the 00:32:34.940 --> 00:32:35.160 people 00:32:35.160 --> 00:32:35.300 of 00:32:35.300 --> 00:32:35.620 Israel 00:32:35.620 --> 00:32:36.480 and then 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:36.620 he 00:32:36.620 --> 00:32:36.880 says 00:32:36.880 --> 00:32:37.040 to 00:32:37.040 --> 00:32:37.320 them 00:32:37.320 --> 00:32:37.560 at the 00:32:37.560 --> 00:32:37.700 end 00:32:37.700 --> 00:32:37.820 of 00:32:37.820 --> 00:32:38.080 Acts 00:32:38.080 --> 00:32:38.259 I 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:38.500 want 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:38.620 you 00:32:38.620 --> 00:32:38.720 to 00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:38.860 know 00:32:38.860 --> 00:32:39.020 that 00:32:39.019 --> 00:32:39.420 God's 00:32:39.420 --> 00:32:39.839 salvation 00:32:39.839 --> 00:32:40.200 because 00:32:40.200 --> 00:32:40.500 you've 00:32:40.500 --> 00:32:40.680 turned 00:32:40.680 --> 00:32:40.900 away 00:32:40.900 --> 00:32:41.099 from 00:32:41.099 --> 00:32:41.240 it 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:41.599 has 00:32:41.599 --> 00:32:41.759 been 00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:42.079 sent 00:32:42.079 --> 00:32:42.220 to 00:32:42.220 --> 00:32:42.359 the 00:32:42.359 --> 00:32:42.900 Gentiles 00:32:42.900 --> 00:32:43.299 and 00:32:43.299 --> 00:32:43.420 they 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:43.539 will 00:32:43.539 --> 00:32:43.799 listen 00:32:43.799 --> 00:32:47.259 I 00:32:47.259 --> 00:32:47.319 have 00:32:47.319 --> 00:32:47.460 little 00:32:47.460 --> 00:32:47.759 doubt 00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:48.019 what 00:32:48.019 --> 00:32:48.240 Luke 00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:48.440 wants 00:32:48.440 --> 00:32:48.559 you 00:32:48.559 --> 00:32:48.740 and I 00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:48.879 to 00:32:48.879 --> 00:32:49.019 see 00:32:49.019 --> 00:32:49.099 at 00:32:49.099 --> 00:32:49.180 the 00:32:49.180 --> 00:32:49.299 end 00:32:49.299 --> 00:32:49.400 of 00:32:49.400 --> 00:32:49.720 Acts 00:32:49.720 --> 00:32:51.980 he 00:32:51.980 --> 00:32:52.220 wants 00:32:52.220 --> 00:32:52.379 us 00:32:52.379 --> 00:32:52.639 to see 00:32:52.639 --> 00:32:52.859 this 00:32:52.859 --> 00:32:53.200 picture 00:32:53.200 --> 00:32:53.500 of 00:32:53.500 --> 00:32:53.879 the 00:32:53.879 --> 00:32:54.220 Jewish 00:32:54.220 --> 00:32:54.639 people 00:32:54.639 --> 00:32:55.079 here 00:32:55.079 --> 00:32:55.259 at 00:32:55.259 --> 00:32:55.480 this 00:32:55.480 --> 00:32:55.680 point 00:32:55.680 --> 00:32:55.960 having 00:32:55.960 --> 00:32:56.400 lost 00:32:56.400 --> 00:32:56.639 their 00:32:56.639 --> 00:32:57.200 opportunity 00:32:57.200 --> 00:32:57.859 and 00:32:57.859 --> 00:32:58.039 from 00:32:58.039 --> 00:32:58.339 now 00:32:58.339 --> 00:32:58.539 on 00:32:58.539 --> 00:32:58.720 the 00:32:58.720 --> 00:32:59.039 gospel 00:32:59.039 --> 00:32:59.400 goes 00:32:59.400 --> 00:32:59.819 out 00:32:59.819 --> 00:33:00.019 to 00:33:00.019 --> 00:33:00.160 the 00:33:00.160 --> 00:33:00.779 Gentiles 00:33:00.779 --> 00:33:03.460 but 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:03.619 it's 00:33:03.619 --> 00:33:03.879 true 00:33:03.879 --> 00:33:04.019 in 00:33:04.019 --> 00:33:04.579 IPC 00:33:04.579 --> 00:33:04.879 this 00:33:04.879 --> 00:33:05.240 morning 00:33:05.240 --> 00:33:06.799 not 00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:07.139 just 00:33:07.139 --> 00:33:07.319 of 00:33:07.319 --> 00:33:07.460 the 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:07.720 ancient 00:33:07.720 --> 00:33:08.019 people 00:33:08.019 --> 00:33:08.139 of 00:33:08.139 --> 00:33:08.500 Israel 00:33:08.500 --> 00:33:10.480 that 00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:10.700 when 00:33:10.700 --> 00:33:10.859 you 00:33:10.859 --> 00:33:11.339 refuse 00:33:11.339 --> 00:33:11.599 the 00:33:11.599 --> 00:33:11.819 word 00:33:11.819 --> 00:33:11.980 of 00:33:11.980 --> 00:33:12.240 God 00:33:12.240 --> 00:33:12.619 long 00:33:12.619 --> 00:33:12.960 enough 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:13.460 the 00:33:13.460 --> 00:33:13.779 day 00:33:13.779 --> 00:33:14.399 comes 00:33:14.399 --> 00:33:14.680 when 00:33:14.680 --> 00:33:14.859 the 00:33:14.859 --> 00:33:15.159 spirit 00:33:15.159 --> 00:33:15.359 of 00:33:15.359 --> 00:33:15.759 God 00:33:15.759 --> 00:33:16.220 says 00:33:16.220 --> 00:33:16.639 okay 00:33:16.639 --> 00:33:18.039 and 00:33:18.039 --> 00:33:18.159 he 00:33:18.159 --> 00:33:18.359 moves 00:33:18.359 --> 00:33:18.680 on 00:33:18.680 --> 00:33:21.720 and 00:33:21.720 --> 00:33:21.819 so 00:33:21.819 --> 00:33:21.879 as 00:33:21.879 --> 00:33:22.039 we 00:33:22.039 --> 00:33:22.379 close 00:33:22.379 --> 00:33:22.539 out 00:33:22.539 --> 00:33:22.659 the 00:33:22.659 --> 00:33:22.819 book 00:33:22.819 --> 00:33:22.940 of 00:33:22.940 --> 00:33:23.319 Acts 00:33:23.319 --> 00:33:23.579 you 00:33:23.579 --> 00:33:23.740 see 00:33:23.740 --> 00:33:24.000 we've 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:24.220 seen 00:33:24.220 --> 00:33:24.399 the 00:33:24.399 --> 00:33:24.759 gospel 00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:25.180 going 00:33:25.180 --> 00:33:25.639 forward 00:33:25.639 --> 00:33:25.879 haven't 00:33:25.879 --> 00:33:26.019 we 00:33:26.019 --> 00:33:26.419 breaking 00:33:26.419 --> 00:33:26.659 through 00:33:26.659 --> 00:33:27.119 barrier 00:33:27.119 --> 00:33:27.460 after 00:33:27.460 --> 00:33:27.879 barrier 00:33:27.879 --> 00:33:28.359 the 00:33:28.359 --> 00:33:28.639 church 00:33:28.639 --> 00:33:28.980 growing 00:33:28.980 --> 00:33:29.500 but 00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:29.879 we 00:33:29.879 --> 00:33:30.180 also 00:33:30.180 --> 00:33:30.440 have 00:33:30.440 --> 00:33:30.619 this 00:33:30.619 --> 00:33:31.159 terrifying 00:33:31.159 --> 00:33:31.779 warning 00:33:31.779 --> 00:33:34.299 that 00:33:34.299 --> 00:33:34.559 isn't 00:33:34.559 --> 00:33:34.700 there 00:33:34.700 --> 00:33:35.159 a danger 00:33:35.159 --> 00:33:35.159 00:33:36.799 --> 00:33:36.960 you and 00:33:36.960 --> 00:33:37.240 I 00:33:37.240 --> 00:33:37.500 who 00:33:37.500 --> 00:33:37.659 have 00:33:37.659 --> 00:33:37.980 so 00:33:37.980 --> 00:33:38.240 much 00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:38.599 privilege 00:33:38.599 --> 00:33:39.279 who 00:33:39.279 --> 00:33:39.419 are 00:33:39.419 --> 00:33:39.779 so 00:33:39.779 --> 00:33:40.159 familiar 00:33:40.159 --> 00:33:40.399 with 00:33:40.399 --> 00:33:40.539 the 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:40.720 word 00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:40.859 of 00:33:40.859 --> 00:33:41.220 God 00:33:41.220 --> 00:33:43.220 that 00:33:43.220 --> 00:33:43.419 our 00:33:43.419 --> 00:33:43.839 hearts 00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:44.180 become 00:33:44.180 --> 00:33:44.720 calloused 00:33:44.720 --> 00:33:46.720 and 00:33:46.720 --> 00:33:47.099 God's 00:33:47.099 --> 00:33:47.399 word 00:33:47.399 --> 00:33:48.039 doesn't 00:33:48.039 --> 00:33:48.500 get 00:33:48.500 --> 00:33:48.799 through 00:33:48.799 --> 00:33:49.220 anymore 00:33:49.220 --> 00:33:51.139 and 00:33:51.139 --> 00:33:51.259 we 00:33:51.259 --> 00:33:51.419 can 00:33:51.419 --> 00:33:51.680 sit 00:33:51.680 --> 00:33:51.879 through 00:33:51.879 --> 00:33:52.259 sermon 00:33:52.259 --> 00:33:52.639 after 00:33:52.639 --> 00:33:53.099 sermon 00:33:53.099 --> 00:33:54.440 and 00:33:54.440 --> 00:33:54.500 we 00:33:54.500 --> 00:33:54.639 can 00:33:54.639 --> 00:33:54.899 sing 00:33:54.899 --> 00:33:55.099 the 00:33:55.099 --> 00:33:55.500 songs 00:33:55.500 --> 00:33:55.839 after 00:33:55.839 --> 00:33:56.339 song 00:33:56.339 --> 00:33:58.159 but 00:33:58.159 --> 00:33:58.259 it 00:33:58.259 --> 00:33:58.440 just 00:33:58.440 --> 00:33:58.779 bounces 00:33:58.779 --> 00:33:59.079 off 00:33:59.079 --> 00:33:59.359 us 00:33:59.359 --> 00:34:01.399 and 00:34:01.399 --> 00:34:01.519 we 00:34:01.519 --> 00:34:01.639 have 00:34:01.639 --> 00:34:02.119 eyes 00:34:02.119 --> 00:34:03.259 but 00:34:03.259 --> 00:34:03.359 we 00:34:03.359 --> 00:34:03.519 don't 00:34:03.519 --> 00:34:04.059 perceive 00:34:04.059 --> 00:34:05.579 and 00:34:05.579 --> 00:34:05.700 we 00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:05.799 have 00:34:05.799 --> 00:34:06.139 ears 00:34:06.139 --> 00:34:06.359 but 00:34:06.359 --> 00:34:06.460 we 00:34:06.460 --> 00:34:06.599 don't 00:34:06.599 --> 00:34:06.919 hear 00:34:06.919 --> 00:34:11.699 and 00:34:11.699 --> 00:34:11.840 the 00:34:11.840 --> 00:34:12.480 incredible 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:12.799 danger 00:34:12.799 --> 00:34:13.079 of that 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:13.420 is that 00:34:13.420 --> 00:34:13.599 God 00:34:13.599 --> 00:34:13.799 says 00:34:13.799 --> 00:34:14.219 okay 00:34:14.219 --> 00:34:17.039 and 00:34:17.039 --> 00:34:17.279 suddenly 00:34:17.279 --> 00:34:17.440 we 00:34:17.440 --> 00:34:17.599 don't 00:34:17.599 --> 00:34:17.739 hear 00:34:17.739 --> 00:34:17.940 God 00:34:17.940 --> 00:34:18.219 speaking 00:34:18.219 --> 00:34:18.320 to 00:34:18.320 --> 00:34:18.420 us 00:34:18.420 --> 00:34:18.719 anymore 00:34:18.719 --> 00:34:22.960 and 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:23.039 the 00:34:23.039 --> 00:34:23.279 gospel 00:34:23.279 --> 00:34:23.539 goes 00:34:23.539 --> 00:34:23.679 to 00:34:23.679 --> 00:34:23.960 others 00:34:23.960 --> 00:34:25.320 who 00:34:25.320 --> 00:34:25.440 will 00:34:25.440 --> 00:34:25.759 receive 00:34:25.759 --> 00:34:25.900 it 00:34:25.900 --> 00:34:26.039 and 00:34:26.039 --> 00:34:26.199 hear 00:34:26.199 --> 00:34:26.460 it 00:34:26.460 --> 00:34:29.820 history 00:34:29.820 --> 00:34:30.259 as well 00:34:30.259 --> 00:34:30.480 as the 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:30.679 Bible 00:34:30.679 --> 00:34:31.000 makes 00:34:31.000 --> 00:34:31.159 it 00:34:31.159 --> 00:34:31.579 abundantly 00:34:31.579 --> 00:34:31.980 clearly 00:34:31.980 --> 00:34:32.480 clear 00:34:32.480 --> 00:34:34.300 that 00:34:34.300 --> 00:34:34.460 this 00:34:34.460 --> 00:34:34.800 pattern 00:34:34.800 --> 00:34:35.019 of 00:34:35.019 --> 00:34:35.280 God's 00:34:35.280 --> 00:34:35.579 working 00:34:35.579 --> 00:34:35.860 is 00:34:35.860 --> 00:34:36.059 still 00:34:36.059 --> 00:34:36.219 how 00:34:36.219 --> 00:34:36.360 he 00:34:36.360 --> 00:34:36.679 works 00:34:36.679 --> 00:34:39.820 my 00:34:39.820 --> 00:34:40.039 prayer 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:40.240 is that 00:34:40.240 --> 00:34:40.440 as we 00:34:40.440 --> 00:34:40.699 come to 00:34:40.699 --> 00:34:40.880 the 00:34:40.880 --> 00:34:41.139 end 00:34:41.139 --> 00:34:41.280 of 00:34:41.280 --> 00:34:41.639 Acts 00:34:41.639 --> 00:34:45.159 we 00:34:45.159 --> 00:34:45.340 might 00:34:45.340 --> 00:34:45.539 see 00:34:45.539 --> 00:34:45.719 that 00:34:45.719 --> 00:34:45.960 this 00:34:45.960 --> 00:34:46.340 faithful 00:34:46.340 --> 00:34:46.820 witness 00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:49.460 of a 00:34:49.460 --> 00:34:49.719 man 00:34:49.719 --> 00:34:49.980 this 00:34:49.980 --> 00:34:50.360 man 00:34:50.360 --> 00:34:50.519 that 00:34:50.519 --> 00:34:50.740 God 00:34:50.740 --> 00:34:51.000 has 00:34:51.000 --> 00:34:51.539 used 00:34:51.539 --> 00:34:51.820 to 00:34:51.820 --> 00:34:51.940 be 00:34:51.940 --> 00:34:52.079 a 00:34:52.079 --> 00:34:52.400 blessing 00:34:52.400 --> 00:34:52.719 to 00:34:52.719 --> 00:34:52.900 the 00:34:52.900 --> 00:34:53.320 ancient 00:34:53.320 --> 00:34:53.920 world 00:34:53.920 --> 00:34:55.460 and 00:34:55.460 --> 00:34:55.579 a 00:34:55.579 --> 00:34:55.800 blessing 00:34:55.800 --> 00:34:55.960 to 00:34:55.960 --> 00:34:56.079 the 00:34:56.079 --> 00:34:56.559 Gentiles 00:34:56.559 --> 00:34:56.820 that 00:34:56.820 --> 00:34:56.960 he 00:34:56.960 --> 00:34:57.119 might 00:34:57.119 --> 00:34:57.219 be 00:34:57.219 --> 00:34:57.320 a 00:34:57.320 --> 00:34:57.539 blessing 00:34:57.539 --> 00:34:57.740 to 00:34:57.740 --> 00:34:57.860 you 00:34:57.860 --> 00:34:57.960 and 00:34:57.960 --> 00:34:58.179 me 00:34:58.179 --> 00:35:01.480 what 00:35:01.480 --> 00:35:01.559 do 00:35:01.559 --> 00:35:01.659 the 00:35:01.659 --> 00:35:01.920 Psalms 00:35:01.920 --> 00:35:02.320 warn us 00:35:02.320 --> 00:35:02.680 again 00:35:02.680 --> 00:35:02.800 and 00:35:02.800 --> 00:35:02.980 again 00:35:02.980 --> 00:35:03.140 what 00:35:03.140 --> 00:35:03.220 were 00:35:03.220 --> 00:35:03.300 the 00:35:03.300 --> 00:35:03.440 people 00:35:03.440 --> 00:35:03.559 of 00:35:03.559 --> 00:35:03.840 Israel 00:35:03.840 --> 00:35:04.340 told 00:35:04.340 --> 00:35:04.820 again 00:35:04.820 --> 00:35:05.019 and 00:35:05.019 --> 00:35:05.340 again 00:35:05.340 --> 00:35:05.860 today 00:35:05.860 --> 00:35:06.460 if 00:35:06.460 --> 00:35:06.680 you 00:35:06.680 --> 00:35:07.100 hear 00:35:07.100 --> 00:35:07.380 his 00:35:07.380 --> 00:35:07.940 voice 00:35:07.940 --> 00:35:10.260 harden 00:35:10.260 --> 00:35:10.800 not 00:35:10.800 --> 00:35:11.880 your 00:35:11.880 --> 00:35:12.220 heart 00:35:12.220 --> 00:35:14.440 the 00:35:14.440 --> 00:35:14.760 gospel 00:35:14.760 --> 00:35:15.080 is 00:35:15.080 --> 00:35:15.580 unstoppable 00:35:15.580 --> 00:35:17.880 and the 00:35:17.880 --> 00:35:18.160 church 00:35:18.160 --> 00:35:18.420 of 00:35:18.420 --> 00:35:18.680 Jesus 00:35:18.680 --> 00:35:19.019 Christ 00:35:19.019 --> 00:35:19.380 stands 00:35:19.380 --> 00:35:19.600 and 00:35:19.600 --> 00:35:19.820 grows 00:35:19.820 --> 00:35:20.180 forever 00:35:20.180 --> 00:35:23.200 the 00:35:23.200 --> 00:35:23.480 gospel 00:35:23.480 --> 00:35:23.780 will 00:35:23.780 --> 00:35:24.120 grow 00:35:24.120 --> 00:35:25.019 the 00:35:25.019 --> 00:35:25.500 Gentiles 00:35:25.500 --> 00:35:25.880 will 00:35:25.880 --> 00:35:26.280 receive 00:35:26.280 --> 00:35:26.440 it 00:35:26.440 --> 00:35:26.640 we 00:35:26.640 --> 00:35:26.820 are 00:35:26.820 --> 00:35:27.140 caught 00:35:27.140 --> 00:35:27.380 up 00:35:27.380 --> 00:35:27.500 in 00:35:27.500 --> 00:35:27.800 that 00:35:27.800 --> 00:35:28.080 but 00:35:28.080 --> 00:35:28.240 what 00:35:28.240 --> 00:35:28.400 about 00:35:28.400 --> 00:35:28.700 you 00:35:28.699 --> 00:35:30.599 today 00:35:30.599 --> 00:35:30.980 if 00:35:30.980 --> 00:35:31.279 you 00:35:31.279 --> 00:35:31.799 hear 00:35:31.799 --> 00:35:32.079 his 00:35:32.079 --> 00:35:32.519 voice 00:35:32.519 --> 00:35:34.299 harden 00:35:34.299 --> 00:35:34.460 not 00:35:34.460 --> 00:35:34.619 your 00:35:34.619 --> 00:35:34.919 heart 00:35:34.919 --> 00:35:37.099 let's 00:35:37.099 --> 00:35:37.259 pray 00:35:37.260 --> 00:35:37.700 God 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.700 --> 00:35:37.700 00:35:37.699 --> 00:36:07.679 Thank you.