WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:23.539 Good morning, everybody. It's great to see everybody. Thanks, JP. Thanks, James, for the intro. And we're talking about Advent today. And it's great. Like, you're waiting all year to hear the Christmas music, Christmas carols all again. And December is the start of that. Can you just tell me? 00:00:23.539 --> 00:00:42.079 All right. So JP just read for us the start of the book of Luke. Now, who is Luke? Luke was a companion of the Apostle Paul. And in fact, he was a doctor. Any doctors in the house? Any doctors? Okay, we're not going to get saved. 00:00:42.079 --> 00:01:06.500 He was a doctor. And so he was a man of science. He was a man of research. And also, in fact, he was a Gentile. He was a Gentile. He was not a Jew. And it's interesting because God used a Gentile to write a book concerning the person of Jesus Christ. 00:01:06.500 --> 00:01:30.379 So firstly, we see his story. Luke's story is that he's a doctor. And the purpose that he is writing is that he's to give an account of Jesus so that we have assurance. We can have assurance of who Jesus is and what he did. And his method is that he would give an orderly account with details about his ministry. 00:01:30.379 --> 00:01:47.379 What's interesting about Luke's gospel is that it is one that is focused on God working in and through Gentiles, in and through children, women, social outcasts. 00:01:48.379 --> 00:01:54.620 Luke's focus is on sharing the good news, the good news of the gospel. 00:01:54.620 --> 00:02:05.260 Another thing that is special about the book of Luke is that it focuses on the work of the Holy Spirit, the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:02:06.280 --> 00:02:15.080 So we talked about this at GU on Friday as well. But I just wanted to reiterate, who is the Holy Spirit? Who is the Holy Spirit? 00:02:15.080 --> 00:02:28.160 Some of us think, oh, the Holy Spirit, we think of, you know, like Star Wars. It's a force that we can like gain and we can push things and read people's minds or, you know, alter their egos or whatever. 00:02:28.920 --> 00:02:38.140 The Holy Spirit is not a force. It's not like just the wind or air. It's not like gravity. No, the Holy Spirit is a person. 00:02:38.139 --> 00:02:48.279 It is a conscious deity. In fact, it is the third person of the Trinity with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 00:02:48.819 --> 00:02:54.359 The Father is not the Son. The Son is not the Spirit. The Son, the Spirit is not the Father. 00:02:54.779 --> 00:02:58.299 But all three are God at the same time. 00:02:58.300 --> 00:03:15.740 The Holy Spirit is conscious. He has his work and he's working in unity and under the submission of the Father, the authority of the Father to go out and accomplish the things the Father has commanded. 00:03:18.420 --> 00:03:22.500 And also, the Father works in unison. 00:03:22.500 --> 00:03:36.400 We see in the beginning that the Father initiated the world and the Spirit was hovering over the waters of the world in creation. 00:03:37.400 --> 00:03:41.039 In the Old Testament, it is interesting. 00:03:41.659 --> 00:03:49.180 The Holy Spirit appears to certain people at certain times for a specific purpose. 00:03:49.180 --> 00:03:55.120 For example, Joseph, he gave him wisdom. 00:03:55.520 --> 00:03:59.599 The Spirit of God came upon Joseph and equipped him and gave him leadership. 00:04:01.360 --> 00:04:06.980 There was a guy who created, who made the Ark of the Covenant and designed the tabernacle. 00:04:08.379 --> 00:04:11.340 The Spirit of the Lord descended upon him. 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:14.879 The Spirit of the Lord descended upon Moses and the leaders. 00:04:14.879 --> 00:04:20.560 The Spirit of the Lord went upon Joshua and gave him leadership and courage. 00:04:21.339 --> 00:04:24.639 The Spirit of the Lord gave Samson his strength. 00:04:25.980 --> 00:04:33.439 The Spirit of the Lord allowed Saul to prophesy to certain people, his people. 00:04:35.219 --> 00:04:42.240 The Spirit of the Lord was upon David in his anointing. 00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:48.500 The Holy Spirit was active in the Old Testament. 00:04:49.319 --> 00:05:00.600 But there was a period after some of the prophets wrote down different prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel. 00:05:00.600 --> 00:05:07.420 There was a period where the Holy Spirit didn't appear for more than 400 years. 00:05:08.240 --> 00:05:09.660 Around 400 years. 00:05:10.240 --> 00:05:14.780 Where was the Holy Spirit in this 400 years? 00:05:15.860 --> 00:05:16.780 He was waiting. 00:05:17.560 --> 00:05:20.720 He was waiting for a specific time. 00:05:22.040 --> 00:05:23.120 Advent means coming. 00:05:24.540 --> 00:05:25.520 Who's coming? 00:05:26.600 --> 00:05:28.300 Jesus is coming. 00:05:28.300 --> 00:05:33.079 And that is why the Holy Spirit starts to appear. 00:05:34.579 --> 00:05:38.020 Now, JP read for us the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth. 00:05:38.800 --> 00:05:42.540 Zachariah, his name means Yahweh has remembered. 00:05:43.800 --> 00:05:44.800 Yahweh has remembered. 00:05:45.819 --> 00:05:49.540 Elizabeth means God is my fortune. 00:05:50.400 --> 00:05:51.580 God is my fortune. 00:05:51.579 --> 00:06:01.259 Now, we see Zachariah and Elizabeth both were of the lineage of Aaron. 00:06:01.919 --> 00:06:02.719 They were priests. 00:06:03.159 --> 00:06:05.439 And priests served in the temple. 00:06:06.259 --> 00:06:11.479 And the Bible specifically, Luke specifically says here that not only were they priests, 00:06:12.159 --> 00:06:15.779 there's instances of priests that didn't really follow God's law. 00:06:15.779 --> 00:06:20.439 But these priests, Zachariah and Elizabeth, they were righteous. 00:06:20.759 --> 00:06:22.259 They knew the word of the Lord. 00:06:22.459 --> 00:06:24.039 They knew the commands and the laws. 00:06:24.399 --> 00:06:25.319 And they followed. 00:06:25.319 --> 00:06:32.659 Now, you would think these priests, they serve the Lord. 00:06:33.360 --> 00:06:34.279 They're righteous. 00:06:34.920 --> 00:06:36.500 They would be blessed by the Lord. 00:06:36.599 --> 00:06:37.839 They should have children. 00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:40.040 God would bless them, right? 00:06:40.699 --> 00:06:46.019 But in the Old Testament, if you were barren, what was it a sign of? 00:06:46.459 --> 00:06:49.139 What did people think of barren women? 00:06:49.139 --> 00:06:52.240 They might have sinned. 00:06:53.019 --> 00:06:54.579 They might have done something wrong. 00:06:55.459 --> 00:06:59.060 So you see how it is confusing. 00:06:59.620 --> 00:07:01.479 On one hand, they're a priesthood. 00:07:02.219 --> 00:07:03.620 They're part of the priesthood. 00:07:03.860 --> 00:07:05.099 On one hand, they are righteous. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:06.099 They follow the law. 00:07:06.180 --> 00:07:07.740 But on the other hand, they're barren. 00:07:08.839 --> 00:07:10.079 How could that be? 00:07:11.419 --> 00:07:15.680 Isn't God supposed to bless people who serve him, who are righteous? 00:07:15.680 --> 00:07:20.199 And we see these different stories in the Old Testament. 00:07:20.800 --> 00:07:24.540 Who are the different stories in the Old Testament of barren women? 00:07:25.199 --> 00:07:25.660 Who are they? 00:07:27.780 --> 00:07:29.800 Abraham and Sarah. 00:07:30.100 --> 00:07:31.120 They were old. 00:07:31.340 --> 00:07:32.740 But yet God promised him. 00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:34.240 He saw the stars. 00:07:34.899 --> 00:07:38.300 Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. 00:07:38.500 --> 00:07:39.439 How could this be? 00:07:39.660 --> 00:07:40.600 I'm old. 00:07:40.600 --> 00:07:47.140 An angel appears and says, you will be with child. 00:07:47.400 --> 00:07:48.480 And Sarah laughed. 00:07:48.879 --> 00:07:50.820 How could this be? 00:07:52.840 --> 00:07:53.600 Rachel. 00:07:54.620 --> 00:07:56.540 Rachel couldn't have children either. 00:07:57.740 --> 00:08:03.540 And later, she was blessed with Joseph and Benjamin. 00:08:05.040 --> 00:08:05.420 Hannah. 00:08:06.300 --> 00:08:08.240 Hannah cried out to the Lord. 00:08:08.240 --> 00:08:08.760 God. 00:08:08.759 --> 00:08:08.959 God. 00:08:10.560 --> 00:08:14.060 My other husband's wife has kids, but I don't have a kid. 00:08:14.120 --> 00:08:18.019 But if you give me a kid, I will devote this kid to you. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:19.719 And Samuel. 00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:24.800 Came through this prayer. 00:08:25.719 --> 00:08:27.219 Samuel came through this prayer. 00:08:28.480 --> 00:08:30.539 So we have Zachariah. 00:08:31.079 --> 00:08:31.639 Righteous. 00:08:32.419 --> 00:08:32.980 Priest. 00:08:34.019 --> 00:08:34.980 But barren. 00:08:34.980 --> 00:08:37.399 Him and his wife are barren. 00:08:37.399 --> 00:08:43.779 And we hear that Zachariah was chosen to go into the temple. 00:08:44.620 --> 00:08:50.939 Now, the temple had, maybe we can show a map of the temple here. 00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:56.539 So there was an outer courtyard where the altar was. 00:08:56.759 --> 00:09:01.539 And they would bring, people would bring sacrifices, especially on celebrations. 00:09:01.539 --> 00:09:04.439 A lamb or a goat without blemish. 00:09:04.439 --> 00:09:06.719 And it would be slaughtered and the blood would be shed. 00:09:07.839 --> 00:09:12.240 However, there were special moments or special days like the day of atonement. 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:18.340 Where priests would be selected to go into the holy place. 00:09:19.620 --> 00:09:25.259 And the incense would be burned in the morning and in the evening. 00:09:25.460 --> 00:09:27.560 So the priest would enter through the door. 00:09:28.200 --> 00:09:31.940 And there were in the middle is the altar of incense. 00:09:32.200 --> 00:09:33.799 The altar of incense. 00:09:33.799 --> 00:09:38.120 During those days, there were around 20,000 priests. 00:09:39.139 --> 00:09:39.899 That's pretty good. 00:09:40.019 --> 00:09:40.179 Right? 00:09:40.259 --> 00:09:41.639 That's a lot of priests. 00:09:41.719 --> 00:09:44.079 Imagine 20,000 pastors in Hong Kong. 00:09:44.259 --> 00:09:45.179 That's pretty great. 00:09:45.219 --> 00:09:45.439 Right? 00:09:45.799 --> 00:09:47.039 That would be like, wow. 00:09:49.079 --> 00:09:58.379 Now, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to go in, to be selected by lot, to go into 00:09:58.379 --> 00:10:02.480 the holy place to burn incense. 00:10:04.620 --> 00:10:06.120 It was a privilege. 00:10:06.120 --> 00:10:08.139 It was a great privilege. 00:10:10.220 --> 00:10:16.059 Because imagine God is in the temple. 00:10:16.299 --> 00:10:17.879 They believed it. 00:10:18.039 --> 00:10:21.200 They knew it, that God was in the temple. 00:10:21.200 --> 00:10:29.040 And you have the opportunity to go into the holy place to burn incense. 00:10:29.940 --> 00:10:33.020 It was an amazing privilege. 00:10:33.800 --> 00:10:35.480 Amazing privilege. 00:10:36.660 --> 00:10:45.759 And so, Zachariah was chosen at this moment to go into the holy place. 00:10:45.759 --> 00:10:51.259 And to burn incense at the altar. 00:10:52.819 --> 00:10:59.319 When you burn incense, the pleasing aroma arises. 00:11:00.720 --> 00:11:09.179 And it symbolizes, we can see in the next slide, an example of a priest burning incense. 00:11:09.179 --> 00:11:18.120 And the pleasing aroma would go up, just like the prayers of the Israelites would go up. 00:11:18.319 --> 00:11:20.739 And it would be pleasing to the Lord. 00:11:21.139 --> 00:11:27.779 The prayers of Israel are like incense being burned. 00:11:28.419 --> 00:11:32.299 And the aroma is pleasing to the Lord. 00:11:32.299 --> 00:11:40.539 Now imagine you are Zachariah, and you had this once in a lifetime opportunity to go into the holy of holies. 00:11:41.240 --> 00:11:44.579 To be in the presence of the Lord. 00:11:45.759 --> 00:11:53.419 And in the altar of incense to pray and communicate with the Lord. 00:11:54.679 --> 00:11:56.099 What would you pray for? 00:11:57.219 --> 00:11:58.459 What would you pray for? 00:12:00.339 --> 00:12:01.659 What would you be praying for? 00:12:02.299 --> 00:12:03.979 Good university. 00:12:04.699 --> 00:12:05.779 Good family. 00:12:07.139 --> 00:12:11.699 Zachariah prayed for children. 00:12:12.659 --> 00:12:16.199 Because what happened when he entered the holy place? 00:12:16.539 --> 00:12:20.659 The angel of the Lord appeared and was standing at his right side. 00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:28.839 Usually when you stand at the right side of something, it means, you know, you are, you have the power or authority of that person. 00:12:28.839 --> 00:12:31.659 You know, Jesus stands at the right hand of God. 00:12:32.299 --> 00:12:36.399 It means this message is, is, is very important. 00:12:36.459 --> 00:12:37.519 And it's from the Lord. 00:12:37.859 --> 00:12:41.740 And when Zachariah saw him, he was startled. 00:12:42.899 --> 00:12:43.939 He was startled. 00:12:43.940 --> 00:12:49.180 Now, of course, angelic beings. 00:12:49.680 --> 00:12:53.400 It's hard for us to imagine what angelic beings look like, right? 00:12:53.900 --> 00:13:00.260 Nowadays, we imagine, um, cupids with little wings floating. 00:13:00.259 --> 00:13:01.360 And it's so cute. 00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:02.439 Right? 00:13:02.439 --> 00:13:03.700 Like on Valentine's day. 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:14.120 But no, the, the prophet Isaiah describes sheriff him as six winged beings flying around on God's thrones with many eyes. 00:13:14.379 --> 00:13:15.139 Okay. 00:13:15.139 --> 00:13:22.199 I don't know if you, you can Google the photos later, but sure of them are a group of four angels with four faces. 00:13:23.500 --> 00:13:26.879 Imagine four faces with wings or. 00:13:26.879 --> 00:13:30.740 And a winged figure with lots of eyes. 00:13:33.039 --> 00:13:42.820 Now, Daniel describes Gabriel as a man of God, a strength of God, which means, sorry, man of God or strength of God. 00:13:42.820 --> 00:13:56.460 So Daniel describes him as a man, like he sees a manly figure that the angel Gabriel appears to him and Zachariah is afraid. 00:13:56.640 --> 00:14:02.600 And he announces to Zachariah that he is going to have a child. 00:14:03.300 --> 00:14:04.940 He's going to have a child. 00:14:05.320 --> 00:14:06.720 Your prayers. 00:14:07.080 --> 00:14:08.220 What does it say there? 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:17.920 It says, your wife, Elizabeth will bear a son. 00:14:18.660 --> 00:14:20.920 Your prayer has been heard. 00:14:22.100 --> 00:14:25.580 God has heard his prayer. 00:14:26.120 --> 00:14:27.820 God has heard his prayer. 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:30.040 And he describes John the Baptist. 00:14:30.920 --> 00:14:32.980 John the Baptist will be a joy. 00:14:33.460 --> 00:14:35.060 This baby will be a joy. 00:14:35.139 --> 00:14:37.399 This person will grow to become a joy. 00:14:37.399 --> 00:14:38.500 He will be great. 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:40.459 Wow. 00:14:41.299 --> 00:14:42.720 Imagine you having a child. 00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:45.879 And the angel said, your child's going to be great. 00:14:46.319 --> 00:14:46.799 Right? 00:14:47.019 --> 00:14:49.059 Like that's every parent's dream. 00:14:49.120 --> 00:14:49.360 Right? 00:14:49.679 --> 00:14:51.159 To have a great child. 00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:55.879 Like who would you describe as a great? 00:14:56.059 --> 00:14:56.240 Right? 00:14:56.299 --> 00:15:02.059 Like an athlete would be Michael Jordan or Tom Brady or Einstein. 00:15:02.340 --> 00:15:03.539 These guys are great. 00:15:03.539 --> 00:15:05.620 John the Baptist. 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:08.399 John the Baptist, the angel describes him as great. 00:15:08.899 --> 00:15:10.099 He's going to be great. 00:15:10.219 --> 00:15:16.039 And not only is he going to be great, he's going to be consecrated for the Lord. 00:15:17.099 --> 00:15:22.459 There's going to be, that's why he's going to be without wine or drink. 00:15:22.460 --> 00:15:27.639 In the Old Testament, Samson had the Nazarite vow. 00:15:28.379 --> 00:15:32.600 He was consecrated to be a leader of Israel. 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:37.820 Samuel was without drink because he was dedicated to the Lord. 00:15:37.820 --> 00:15:45.240 John the Baptist would be dedicated to the Lord and he would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. 00:15:46.440 --> 00:15:56.460 The Holy Spirit has awoken after 400 years to fill John the Baptist in the womb. 00:15:56.460 --> 00:15:59.300 Why did he fill him? 00:15:59.900 --> 00:16:02.379 To fulfill his purpose. 00:16:03.960 --> 00:16:16.759 The Old Testament had a prophecy that someone would go before the Messiah to prepare the way of the Lord. 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:19.759 And that is what the angel is claiming. 00:16:20.259 --> 00:16:25.799 That the Holy Spirit will be inside John to do the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:16:25.899 --> 00:16:27.740 To call people to repentance. 00:16:27.919 --> 00:16:29.759 To call Israel to repentance. 00:16:30.200 --> 00:16:33.980 And to prepare the way for the Messiah. 00:16:36.059 --> 00:16:39.639 Now imagine, you know, you're holding an octopus card. 00:16:39.960 --> 00:16:45.899 And you can take a bus, $2 everywhere in Hong Kong. 00:16:45.899 --> 00:16:53.919 How confident would you be if an angel appeared to you and said, you are going to be with child? 00:16:55.039 --> 00:16:56.600 Probably not very confident. 00:16:57.600 --> 00:16:59.439 And Zachariah wasn't confident. 00:16:59.720 --> 00:17:01.480 He was like, how could this be? 00:17:02.059 --> 00:17:02.639 Right? 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:03.679 I'm an old man. 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:05.440 My wife's an old woman. 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:10.599 Like, there's no way that we could be with child. 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:13.960 And Gabriel's answer is very interesting. 00:17:13.960 --> 00:17:17.079 Zachariah says, I am an old man. 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:20.380 Gabriel says, I am Gabriel. 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:23.220 I am Gabriel. 00:17:23.960 --> 00:17:26.960 I stand at the presence of the Lord. 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:28.960 And I give the command. 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:32.779 The commands of the Lord. 00:17:32.779 --> 00:17:36.960 And because of Zachariah's doubt. 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:39.500 Because of Zachariah's doubt. 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:40.660 He was muted. 00:17:41.539 --> 00:17:42.539 He was muted. 00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:46.920 And so we have the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth. 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:49.879 The Holy Spirit is awakened. 00:17:51.339 --> 00:17:52.779 And is inside. 00:17:52.779 --> 00:17:53.339 Inside. 00:17:55.899 --> 00:17:57.039 The baby John. 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:58.359 John the Baptist. 00:17:59.799 --> 00:18:01.519 The spirit is working. 00:18:02.039 --> 00:18:03.500 In this old couple. 00:18:03.660 --> 00:18:05.920 To accomplish his purposes. 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:07.700 And to fulfill. 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:09.579 His prophecies. 00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:12.960 The next story we have. 00:18:14.440 --> 00:18:15.399 Is of. 00:18:15.839 --> 00:18:16.879 A virgin couple. 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:19.480 So we have a childless old couple. 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:21.960 And now we have a virgin couple. 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:23.820 And. 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:25.240 So engagement. 00:18:25.240 --> 00:18:27.400 Is that there is a formal agreement. 00:18:27.400 --> 00:18:28.400 By the fathers. 00:18:28.600 --> 00:18:29.440 Back then. 00:18:29.540 --> 00:18:30.280 A lot of times. 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:31.200 They had. 00:18:31.660 --> 00:18:33.040 An arranged marriage. 00:18:33.580 --> 00:18:34.680 Some sort of arrangement. 00:18:35.620 --> 00:18:36.060 All right. 00:18:36.460 --> 00:18:38.040 And so there was an arrangement. 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:39.300 Hey. 00:18:39.780 --> 00:18:41.080 I got this girl. 00:18:41.880 --> 00:18:42.900 Her name is Mary. 00:18:44.120 --> 00:18:45.120 She's great. 00:18:45.119 --> 00:18:45.559 And. 00:18:46.459 --> 00:18:46.759 And. 00:18:47.199 --> 00:18:48.459 I see your boy. 00:18:49.359 --> 00:18:49.719 Joseph. 00:18:50.659 --> 00:18:52.459 Let's have an engagement. 00:18:52.839 --> 00:18:53.479 An agreement. 00:18:54.459 --> 00:18:55.979 And then there was a pledge. 00:18:56.139 --> 00:18:57.539 This pledge is a ceremony. 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:58.719 Where both. 00:18:59.500 --> 00:19:00.019 Parties. 00:19:00.439 --> 00:19:01.779 Had mutual promises. 00:19:02.019 --> 00:19:02.500 That were made. 00:19:03.739 --> 00:19:04.039 Okay. 00:19:04.099 --> 00:19:04.979 So there's the engagement. 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:06.419 And there is the pledge. 00:19:06.619 --> 00:19:07.639 And a year later. 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:09.019 There would be. 00:19:09.019 --> 00:19:09.939 The marriage. 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:11.859 And so here is. 00:19:13.239 --> 00:19:13.799 Mary. 00:19:13.799 --> 00:19:13.879 Mary. 00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:15.440 And Mary. 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:16.220 Mary has been. 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:17.299 Pledged. 00:19:17.659 --> 00:19:18.339 To be married. 00:19:18.639 --> 00:19:19.359 To Joseph. 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:20.539 Okay. 00:19:20.700 --> 00:19:21.240 He's not. 00:19:21.399 --> 00:19:22.460 She's not married yet. 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:23.899 So they have not had. 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:24.399 Any. 00:19:24.899 --> 00:19:25.259 Sexual. 00:19:25.619 --> 00:19:26.299 Relationships. 00:19:26.659 --> 00:19:27.819 She is in fact. 00:19:28.879 --> 00:19:29.399 A virgin. 00:19:30.680 --> 00:19:31.839 And the angel. 00:19:32.079 --> 00:19:32.779 Appears to her. 00:19:33.500 --> 00:19:33.619 And. 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:34.720 And commends her. 00:19:34.819 --> 00:19:35.099 And says. 00:19:35.159 --> 00:19:36.399 You are highly favored. 00:19:37.659 --> 00:19:39.139 The Lord is with you. 00:19:39.139 --> 00:19:40.899 You are blessed. 00:19:40.900 --> 00:19:41.000 Christ. 00:19:42.840 --> 00:19:43.440 Mary. 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:43.480 Mary. 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:44.600 Is righteous. 00:19:46.360 --> 00:19:47.360 A virgin. 00:19:48.360 --> 00:19:49.920 She's highly favored. 00:19:50.340 --> 00:19:51.240 By the Lord. 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:52.759 And she. 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:54.360 Is given this promise. 00:19:55.420 --> 00:19:56.420 That Jesus. 00:19:57.560 --> 00:19:58.440 Would be. 00:19:58.700 --> 00:19:59.200 Her child. 00:20:00.080 --> 00:20:01.640 He would also be great. 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:03.580 He will also be great. 00:20:03.860 --> 00:20:05.519 He will be the son of the most high. 00:20:05.600 --> 00:20:07.300 He will have this amazing name. 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:08.759 This amazing title. 00:20:09.080 --> 00:20:10.400 As the son of the most high. 00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:12.480 He has the throne of David. 00:20:12.600 --> 00:20:13.640 His lineage. 00:20:14.360 --> 00:20:15.680 Is of kingship. 00:20:16.640 --> 00:20:17.700 His reign. 00:20:17.880 --> 00:20:19.300 Is over Jacob's descendants. 00:20:19.460 --> 00:20:20.500 That's his nation. 00:20:20.780 --> 00:20:21.780 That's his country. 00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:23.120 And his kingdom. 00:20:23.540 --> 00:20:24.100 Shall reign. 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:24.820 Forever. 00:20:25.060 --> 00:20:26.240 He has dominion. 00:20:27.900 --> 00:20:29.140 Jesus is promised. 00:20:29.820 --> 00:20:30.660 And announced. 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:32.060 To Mary. 00:20:33.920 --> 00:20:34.980 So we have two. 00:20:35.280 --> 00:20:35.680 Couples. 00:20:36.780 --> 00:20:38.060 Both are righteous. 00:20:38.360 --> 00:20:39.500 In the eyes of the Lord. 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:41.200 One was. 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:42.140 Old. 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:44.240 And barren. 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:45.220 The other. 00:20:46.180 --> 00:20:46.519 Virgin. 00:20:47.319 --> 00:20:47.720 Without. 00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:48.599 Any. 00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:49.880 Sexual. 00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:50.700 Relationship. 00:20:51.380 --> 00:20:52.299 And so obviously. 00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:54.339 Mary is curious. 00:20:54.839 --> 00:20:56.019 How could this be? 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:57.339 I'm a virgin. 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:58.900 I. 00:20:59.140 --> 00:21:00.240 Have not been. 00:21:00.400 --> 00:21:01.140 With any man. 00:21:01.140 --> 00:21:03.440 And the Holy Spirit. 00:21:03.680 --> 00:21:03.860 Sorry. 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.820 Gabriel says. 00:21:04.820 --> 00:21:06.200 That the Holy Spirit. 00:21:06.200 --> 00:21:07.580 Will come upon you. 00:21:08.300 --> 00:21:09.280 And he will. 00:21:09.640 --> 00:21:11.180 And the power of the most high. 00:21:11.340 --> 00:21:12.340 Will over. 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:13.259 Shadow. 00:21:13.460 --> 00:21:13.640 You. 00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:15.480 The Holy Spirit. 00:21:15.480 --> 00:21:16.120 Will come. 00:21:16.340 --> 00:21:16.960 On you. 00:21:17.340 --> 00:21:18.160 And over. 00:21:18.540 --> 00:21:19.060 Shadow. 00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:19.320 You. 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:20.700 This word. 00:21:21.100 --> 00:21:21.700 Overshadow. 00:21:22.960 --> 00:21:24.420 Was also used. 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:25.320 In the Old Testament. 00:21:25.920 --> 00:21:27.040 When the Israelites. 00:21:27.040 --> 00:21:27.900 Were in. 00:21:28.300 --> 00:21:28.780 The desert. 00:21:28.779 --> 00:21:32.079 The. 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:32.539 The. 00:21:32.619 --> 00:21:32.859 The. 00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:33.180 The. 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:34.579 The pillar of cloud. 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:36.660 Symbolized. 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:37.420 The presence. 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:38.139 Of God. 00:21:38.920 --> 00:21:39.680 Among. 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:41.279 The Israelite people. 00:21:42.279 --> 00:21:43.720 During the transfiguration. 00:21:43.980 --> 00:21:44.960 The cloud. 00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:46.319 Overshadowed. 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:47.559 The transfiguration. 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:50.399 As a symbol. 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:52.160 That God's presence. 00:21:52.559 --> 00:21:53.480 Was there. 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:56.640 The Holy Spirit. 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.480 Is the one. 00:21:58.480 --> 00:21:59.539 That gives life. 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:01.740 In creation. 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:03.519 The spirit. 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:04.220 Was hovering. 00:22:04.220 --> 00:22:05.140 Over the waters. 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:08.220 And he was. 00:22:08.539 --> 00:22:09.160 An active. 00:22:09.579 --> 00:22:09.920 Part. 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.279 Of creation. 00:22:11.880 --> 00:22:13.079 The creation process. 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:14.180 And here. 00:22:14.319 --> 00:22:14.960 Once again. 00:22:16.839 --> 00:22:18.079 In the story. 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:19.819 Of Elizabeth. 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:21.420 And the story. 00:22:21.420 --> 00:22:22.680 Of Mary. 00:22:23.440 --> 00:22:24.759 The Holy Spirit. 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:25.840 Is active. 00:22:26.539 --> 00:22:27.740 In creating life. 00:22:30.640 --> 00:22:31.860 Both instances. 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:33.140 The Holy Spirit. 00:22:33.800 --> 00:22:34.600 Is the giver. 00:22:34.860 --> 00:22:35.500 Of life. 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:37.740 He hovers. 00:22:37.880 --> 00:22:38.480 Over the waters. 00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:39.100 Of creation. 00:22:39.360 --> 00:22:40.140 And he hovers. 00:22:40.600 --> 00:22:41.519 Over the waters. 00:22:42.080 --> 00:22:43.060 Of the new birth. 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:45.960 And Mary's response. 00:22:46.840 --> 00:22:47.340 I. 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:48.019 Am. 00:22:48.420 --> 00:22:49.600 The Lord's servant. 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:50.519 I am. 00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:52.159 The Lord's servant. 00:22:53.279 --> 00:22:53.799 She. 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:54.799 Surrenders. 00:22:54.899 --> 00:22:55.459 Herself. 00:22:55.839 --> 00:22:56.399 And says. 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.219 I am willing. 00:22:57.219 --> 00:22:58.159 To do whatever. 00:22:58.599 --> 00:22:59.219 The Lord. 00:22:59.319 --> 00:23:00.159 Has called me to. 00:23:00.559 --> 00:23:00.980 How old. 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:01.859 Do you think she was? 00:23:02.439 --> 00:23:02.779 How old. 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:03.539 Do you think she was? 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:05.500 Like 20. 00:23:05.939 --> 00:23:06.419 20. 00:23:11.719 --> 00:23:13.419 I don't know. 00:23:13.719 --> 00:23:13.980 Don't know. 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:14.719 How old are you? 00:23:15.379 --> 00:23:15.819 17. 00:23:16.139 --> 00:23:16.539 17. 00:23:16.539 --> 00:23:16.719 17. 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:17.980 Do you think Mary. 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:18.700 Would be younger. 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:19.640 Than her. 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:20.940 Would be. 00:23:22.019 --> 00:23:22.480 Yes. 00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:24.079 She's in disbelief. 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:26.039 She's just like. 00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:28.400 Imagine. 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.700 A young girl. 00:23:29.940 --> 00:23:31.120 Younger than 17. 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:32.779 Mary. 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:34.220 An angel appears. 00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:36.380 Gives this amazing. 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.120 Announcement. 00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:38.539 That you are going to have a child. 00:23:39.039 --> 00:23:39.940 And it's going to be. 00:23:40.100 --> 00:23:40.880 Not just any child. 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:42.100 It's going to be the Messiah. 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:44.899 And Mary. 00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:46.519 Surrenders to the Lord. 00:23:46.599 --> 00:23:46.859 And says. 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:48.839 I am the Lord's servant. 00:23:50.639 --> 00:23:51.819 She's so young. 00:23:52.980 --> 00:23:54.359 How much experience. 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:55.240 Does she have. 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:56.119 In the world. 00:23:56.279 --> 00:23:56.859 Or knowledge. 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:58.659 Not much. 00:23:59.899 --> 00:24:01.559 But she has amazing faith. 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:03.019 In the Lord. 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:05.099 She's willing to step out. 00:24:05.099 --> 00:24:09.039 Unto the promises. 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:09.939 And proclaim. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:11.839 And work with the promises. 00:24:12.519 --> 00:24:13.839 Of the Lord. 00:24:14.839 --> 00:24:16.879 And so we see these two couples. 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:19.119 A childless couple. 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.740 And a virgin couple. 00:24:20.959 --> 00:24:22.159 Both were righteous. 00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:24.059 Both were righteous. 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:24.899 One. 00:24:25.559 --> 00:24:26.379 Was barren. 00:24:27.379 --> 00:24:28.279 And one. 00:24:29.019 --> 00:24:30.899 Was without sexual relationship. 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:31.399 A virgin. 00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:33.940 Both had a holy announcement. 00:24:34.120 --> 00:24:35.060 Gabriel gave them. 00:24:35.340 --> 00:24:35.860 Announcement. 00:24:36.040 --> 00:24:36.920 Of a child. 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:37.840 One with John. 00:24:38.280 --> 00:24:38.560 One. 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:40.080 With the Messiah. 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:40.700 Jesus. 00:24:41.060 --> 00:24:42.060 Both reacted. 00:24:42.360 --> 00:24:43.220 And were frightened. 00:24:43.460 --> 00:24:43.980 And afraid. 00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:45.240 Who is this? 00:24:45.420 --> 00:24:46.460 Who are you? 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:49.720 Both received God's promise. 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:51.680 Of a child. 00:24:52.420 --> 00:24:53.720 And they questioned. 00:24:54.240 --> 00:24:55.420 How could this be? 00:24:55.560 --> 00:24:56.360 I am old. 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:57.840 I am. 00:24:58.360 --> 00:24:59.280 Playing music. 00:24:59.279 --> 00:25:01.799 I am a virgin. 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:04.859 How could this be? 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:08.559 Both were miraculous births. 00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:09.200 Because. 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:11.779 Zachariah and Elizabeth were old. 00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:13.879 And Mary. 00:25:14.119 --> 00:25:15.000 Was a virgin. 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:16.680 The Holy Spirit. 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:18.079 Worked. 00:25:19.059 --> 00:25:19.619 Actively. 00:25:20.139 --> 00:25:21.759 In both births. 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:23.420 To proclaim. 00:25:24.139 --> 00:25:25.399 His story. 00:25:25.940 --> 00:25:27.519 To fulfill his prophecy. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:28.519 Zachariah. 00:25:30.740 --> 00:25:31.259 Zachariah. 00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:32.619 Responded in doubt. 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:34.960 And Mary. 00:25:35.879 --> 00:25:37.019 Responded in faith. 00:25:38.599 --> 00:25:39.119 There's. 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:40.660 Four key things. 00:25:41.359 --> 00:25:42.500 That I want to learn. 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:45.039 From this story. 00:25:45.440 --> 00:25:46.339 And it's all related. 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:47.599 To the Holy Spirit. 00:25:48.879 --> 00:25:50.180 And the first thing. 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:53.720 Is that the Holy Spirit. 00:25:54.359 --> 00:25:54.879 Illuminates. 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:56.180 Our prayers. 00:25:56.180 --> 00:25:57.960 The Holy Spirit. 00:25:58.340 --> 00:25:58.860 Illuminates. 00:25:58.940 --> 00:25:59.320 Our prayers. 00:25:59.420 --> 00:25:59.580 You know. 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:00.360 Go all the way. 00:26:00.420 --> 00:26:00.820 To the end. 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:01.180 Almost. 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:03.640 The Holy Spirit. 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:04.460 Illuminates. 00:26:04.620 --> 00:26:05.299 Our prayers. 00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:08.100 Or he is. 00:26:08.600 --> 00:26:09.039 Interceding. 00:26:09.820 --> 00:26:10.880 For our prayers. 00:26:13.340 --> 00:26:13.820 Burning. 00:26:13.820 --> 00:26:14.920 Of the incense. 00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:18.060 The pleasing aroma. 00:26:20.340 --> 00:26:21.220 The Lord. 00:26:21.620 --> 00:26:22.100 Hears. 00:26:22.460 --> 00:26:23.240 Our prayers. 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:24.700 That is the symbol. 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:26.120 As Zachariah. 00:26:26.120 --> 00:26:27.680 Was in the holy place. 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:30.519 The Holy Spirit. 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:32.019 Prays. 00:26:32.019 --> 00:26:32.920 For us. 00:26:32.920 --> 00:26:33.920 With groans. 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:35.539 It says in Romans chapter 8. 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.579 The Holy Spirit. 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:37.539 Prays for us. 00:26:37.680 --> 00:26:38.160 With groans. 00:26:38.299 --> 00:26:39.400 That cannot be expressed. 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:39.880 In words. 00:26:40.279 --> 00:26:40.779 And the Father. 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:41.440 Who knows. 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:42.200 All hearts. 00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:43.620 Knows what the Spirit. 00:26:43.620 --> 00:26:44.180 Is saying. 00:26:44.720 --> 00:26:45.279 For the Spirit. 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:45.880 Pleads. 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:46.799 For us believers. 00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:47.859 In harmony. 00:26:48.359 --> 00:26:49.339 With God's. 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:49.960 Own. 00:26:50.200 --> 00:26:50.420 Will. 00:26:50.420 --> 00:26:53.220 When we don't know. 00:26:53.460 --> 00:26:54.279 What to pray for. 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:55.560 The Holy Spirit. 00:26:55.560 --> 00:26:56.700 Is praying. 00:26:57.259 --> 00:26:57.700 For us. 00:26:57.820 --> 00:26:58.519 With groans. 00:26:59.279 --> 00:26:59.840 You know. 00:26:59.860 --> 00:27:01.180 When your stomach growls. 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:02.340 It's like. 00:27:02.440 --> 00:27:03.140 These groans. 00:27:03.380 --> 00:27:03.620 He's. 00:27:04.060 --> 00:27:04.420 He's. 00:27:04.640 --> 00:27:05.600 Your stomach. 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:06.140 Is desperate. 00:27:06.300 --> 00:27:06.779 For food. 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:07.740 The Holy Spirit. 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.500 Is desperate. 00:27:08.640 --> 00:27:09.720 To pray for you. 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:12.800 With groans. 00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:14.900 That cannot be expressed. 00:27:16.580 --> 00:27:17.779 The inner gut. 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:18.920 That gut feeling. 00:27:19.220 --> 00:27:20.019 The Holy Spirit. 00:27:20.140 --> 00:27:20.640 Is praying. 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.900 He's interceding. 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:22.740 On our behalf. 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:23.920 He's illuminating. 00:27:24.060 --> 00:27:24.160 Our. 00:27:24.580 --> 00:27:24.980 Illuminating. 00:27:25.100 --> 00:27:25.680 Our prayers. 00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:27.060 To pray in accordance. 00:27:27.600 --> 00:27:28.360 With his. 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:29.840 Father's will. 00:27:30.180 --> 00:27:31.060 With the Father's will. 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:35.380 My. 00:27:35.500 --> 00:27:36.060 My father. 00:27:36.060 --> 00:27:37.360 Came to know Jesus. 00:27:38.060 --> 00:27:38.660 In high school. 00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:40.060 In high school. 00:27:40.900 --> 00:27:41.220 And. 00:27:42.019 --> 00:27:43.200 My parents were. 00:27:43.840 --> 00:27:44.019 You know. 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:45.440 Like the olden days. 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:46.680 They believed in everything. 00:27:46.820 --> 00:27:46.940 Right. 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:47.340 Whatever. 00:27:47.339 --> 00:27:48.799 Somebody said. 00:27:48.879 --> 00:27:49.319 Would work. 00:27:49.419 --> 00:27:50.179 They would pray to. 00:27:50.779 --> 00:27:50.980 Right. 00:27:51.119 --> 00:27:52.059 Pray to the east. 00:27:52.199 --> 00:27:52.879 Pray to the west. 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:53.659 Pray to the rock. 00:27:54.279 --> 00:27:54.919 My grandparents. 00:27:55.099 --> 00:27:55.679 Were like that. 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:56.559 But then. 00:27:56.639 --> 00:27:57.259 My father. 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:58.240 Found Jesus. 00:27:58.639 --> 00:27:59.679 In a Christian school. 00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:00.959 And. 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:02.359 He was bright. 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:03.720 He was a studious person. 00:28:04.399 --> 00:28:05.679 He was going to be an engineer. 00:28:05.679 --> 00:28:06.500 Or a doctor. 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:07.379 Or a lawyer. 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:09.339 Just like the Asian dream. 00:28:11.159 --> 00:28:11.819 But then. 00:28:11.819 --> 00:28:11.899 And. 00:28:12.579 --> 00:28:13.839 My dad had a calling. 00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:14.980 A calling. 00:28:15.639 --> 00:28:16.579 To serve Jesus. 00:28:16.579 --> 00:28:17.859 For the rest of his life. 00:28:18.859 --> 00:28:19.879 And he told. 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:21.299 My grandparents. 00:28:22.399 --> 00:28:23.819 And my dad was furious. 00:28:23.879 --> 00:28:24.659 Like what are you doing? 00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:25.779 You're wasting your life. 00:28:25.859 --> 00:28:27.279 I'm going to kick you out of the house. 00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:28.220 And my mom was. 00:28:28.460 --> 00:28:29.899 My grandmother was pleading. 00:28:29.899 --> 00:28:30.659 On the ground. 00:28:30.919 --> 00:28:31.659 Don't go. 00:28:31.899 --> 00:28:32.679 Don't go. 00:28:34.460 --> 00:28:35.059 And yet. 00:28:35.200 --> 00:28:36.000 He decided. 00:28:36.279 --> 00:28:36.980 To follow. 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:37.819 The Lord. 00:28:37.819 --> 00:28:40.279 And become a pastor. 00:28:40.919 --> 00:28:42.279 Go into seminary. 00:28:44.220 --> 00:28:45.639 And he became a pastor. 00:28:45.839 --> 00:28:46.480 I was born. 00:28:46.679 --> 00:28:47.720 And we moved to Canada. 00:28:48.939 --> 00:28:50.799 My dad had been praying. 00:28:51.019 --> 00:28:51.919 For my parents. 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:54.059 For over 14. 00:28:54.159 --> 00:28:54.960 15 years. 00:28:55.960 --> 00:28:57.039 And finally. 00:28:57.599 --> 00:28:59.319 When they came to visit us. 00:28:59.519 --> 00:28:59.980 In Canada. 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:02.139 In a summer camp. 00:29:02.779 --> 00:29:03.859 My grandparents. 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:06.299 Place their faith. 00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:07.639 In the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:29:07.819 --> 00:29:12.159 What are we praying for? 00:29:12.639 --> 00:29:14.019 What have we been praying for? 00:29:14.079 --> 00:29:15.359 For a long time. 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:17.339 That we've given up on. 00:29:19.480 --> 00:29:20.759 The Holy Spirit. 00:29:20.759 --> 00:29:21.759 Is interceding. 00:29:22.579 --> 00:29:23.220 On our behalf. 00:29:24.139 --> 00:29:26.059 He's illuminating us. 00:29:26.740 --> 00:29:27.980 To the prayers. 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:32.559 And aligning our prayers. 00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:34.599 To the Father's will. 00:29:34.599 --> 00:29:35.599 The Holy Spirit. 00:29:38.059 --> 00:29:39.379 The Holy Spirit. 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.399 Understands. 00:29:40.919 --> 00:29:42.240 What you're going through. 00:29:44.599 --> 00:29:45.740 Don't give up. 00:29:46.419 --> 00:29:47.099 Keep praying. 00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:48.639 For your friends. 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:49.459 To know Jesus. 00:29:50.059 --> 00:29:51.659 For your parents. 00:29:51.779 --> 00:29:52.500 To know Jesus. 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:53.500 The Holy Spirit. 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:53.500 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:55.500 The Holy Spirit. 00:29:55.500 --> 00:29:56.480 The Holy Spirit. 00:29:56.480 --> 00:29:57.619 The Holy Spirit. 00:29:57.619 --> 00:29:58.220 Is working. 00:29:58.220 --> 00:29:59.140 To fill. 00:29:59.140 --> 00:30:00.559 The Father's. 00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:01.079 Will. 00:30:02.400 --> 00:30:03.640 The Holy Spirit. 00:30:03.640 --> 00:30:04.559 Was active. 00:30:04.940 --> 00:30:06.359 And was the agent. 00:30:06.359 --> 00:30:07.140 Of the Father. 00:30:07.559 --> 00:30:08.680 To fulfill. 00:30:08.680 --> 00:30:09.880 The prophecies. 00:30:10.619 --> 00:30:11.799 That were occurring. 00:30:11.799 --> 00:30:14.379 And he is. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.559 Not just active. 00:30:15.559 --> 00:30:16.119 Back then. 00:30:16.519 --> 00:30:17.440 He is active. 00:30:17.559 --> 00:30:17.839 Now. 00:30:18.639 --> 00:30:19.519 He is active. 00:30:19.659 --> 00:30:19.940 Now. 00:30:20.339 --> 00:30:20.879 We're reading. 00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:21.059 The. 00:30:21.319 --> 00:30:21.659 Some of us. 00:30:21.700 --> 00:30:22.019 Are reading. 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:22.779 The book of Daniel. 00:30:23.720 --> 00:30:25.379 And it is a confusing book. 00:30:25.379 --> 00:30:25.980 Because it. 00:30:25.980 --> 00:30:27.000 It shows a picture. 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.919 Of the history. 00:30:29.220 --> 00:30:30.559 And it also shows. 00:30:30.799 --> 00:30:31.259 Imagery. 00:30:31.259 --> 00:30:31.919 Of the future. 00:30:33.919 --> 00:30:34.680 And you can. 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:35.720 Just imagine. 00:30:35.980 --> 00:30:36.419 Daniel. 00:30:36.539 --> 00:30:37.079 As a prophet. 00:30:37.279 --> 00:30:38.200 Seeing all these things. 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.119 And not understanding. 00:30:39.440 --> 00:30:40.319 Almost anything. 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:42.559 And yet he still chooses. 00:30:42.559 --> 00:30:43.799 To believe in God. 00:30:44.939 --> 00:30:45.679 And we. 00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:46.960 Have so much more knowledge. 00:30:46.960 --> 00:30:47.259 Now. 00:30:47.379 --> 00:30:47.859 Because of. 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:48.759 The Messiah. 00:30:49.039 --> 00:30:50.039 And the whole Bible. 00:30:50.599 --> 00:30:51.460 But there are still. 00:30:51.599 --> 00:30:52.619 Prophecies to come. 00:30:52.819 --> 00:30:53.919 That we don't understand. 00:30:55.139 --> 00:30:55.700 Daniel. 00:30:56.099 --> 00:30:56.559 Believed. 00:30:56.679 --> 00:30:57.379 In God. 00:30:57.519 --> 00:30:57.980 Even though. 00:30:58.119 --> 00:30:58.939 He didn't understand. 00:30:59.139 --> 00:30:59.460 Everything. 00:31:00.419 --> 00:31:01.480 Can we believe. 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:02.639 In God. 00:31:03.579 --> 00:31:04.379 Even when we don't. 00:31:04.480 --> 00:31:04.939 Understand. 00:31:05.519 --> 00:31:06.460 The full picture yet. 00:31:07.859 --> 00:31:08.939 Can we believe. 00:31:09.359 --> 00:31:10.299 The Holy Spirit. 00:31:10.299 --> 00:31:11.399 Is working. 00:31:11.940 --> 00:31:12.619 To fulfill. 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:14.079 The Father's will. 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:15.960 Next one. 00:31:16.440 --> 00:31:17.119 The Holy Spirit. 00:31:17.240 --> 00:31:17.599 Works. 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.740 In all believers. 00:31:20.619 --> 00:31:21.799 In the Old Testament. 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:22.440 It came. 00:31:22.639 --> 00:31:23.299 The Holy Spirit. 00:31:23.399 --> 00:31:24.279 Came upon people. 00:31:24.279 --> 00:31:25.599 For a specific purpose. 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:26.859 A specific time. 00:31:27.659 --> 00:31:29.159 A specific skill. 00:31:29.680 --> 00:31:30.480 In the New Testament. 00:31:30.619 --> 00:31:31.419 After the veil. 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:32.139 Has been torn. 00:31:32.539 --> 00:31:33.919 Jesus has promised us. 00:31:34.059 --> 00:31:35.399 That there is a new counselor. 00:31:35.899 --> 00:31:36.879 And that new counselor. 00:31:36.879 --> 00:31:38.019 Is the Holy Spirit. 00:31:38.240 --> 00:31:39.200 And during the day. 00:31:39.200 --> 00:31:39.900 Of Pentecost. 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:40.759 The Holy Spirit. 00:31:40.840 --> 00:31:41.360 Descended. 00:31:41.720 --> 00:31:42.519 On people. 00:31:42.880 --> 00:31:43.620 His believers. 00:31:43.840 --> 00:31:44.299 In a room. 00:31:44.460 --> 00:31:45.319 Just like this. 00:31:45.559 --> 00:31:46.259 And they were able. 00:31:46.319 --> 00:31:47.559 To speak different languages. 00:31:49.240 --> 00:31:50.420 Of every nation. 00:31:51.180 --> 00:31:52.400 The Holy Spirit. 00:31:52.400 --> 00:31:53.559 Has descended. 00:31:53.559 --> 00:31:54.440 Upon you. 00:31:54.519 --> 00:31:55.259 In your life. 00:31:55.299 --> 00:31:56.340 If you are a believer. 00:31:56.340 --> 00:31:57.059 Of Jesus. 00:31:57.059 --> 00:32:00.000 He is our guarantee. 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:03.980 The guarantee. 00:32:03.980 --> 00:32:05.279 Of our faith. 00:32:05.279 --> 00:32:05.919 In God. 00:32:05.919 --> 00:32:06.919 He is the one. 00:32:07.000 --> 00:32:08.039 That will empower you. 00:32:08.279 --> 00:32:09.079 To do things. 00:32:09.279 --> 00:32:10.740 Beyond your own ability. 00:32:10.919 --> 00:32:11.679 Giving you gifts. 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:12.859 To serve the Lord. 00:32:13.079 --> 00:32:13.879 And serve the church. 00:32:14.119 --> 00:32:15.619 And love one another. 00:32:16.619 --> 00:32:17.980 In the New Testament. 00:32:18.159 --> 00:32:19.000 After Jesus. 00:32:21.000 --> 00:32:22.299 After Pentecost. 00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:22.419 Christ. 00:32:23.419 --> 00:32:24.519 We have. 00:32:24.980 --> 00:32:26.440 The third person. 00:32:26.579 --> 00:32:27.259 Of the Trinity. 00:32:27.480 --> 00:32:28.220 Inside of us. 00:32:28.259 --> 00:32:29.779 The power of the Holy Spirit. 00:32:30.019 --> 00:32:31.259 Inside each one of you. 00:32:33.659 --> 00:32:34.980 You are not your own. 00:32:35.539 --> 00:32:36.779 You have the power. 00:32:37.139 --> 00:32:38.220 And the Spirit of God. 00:32:38.319 --> 00:32:39.119 Inside of you. 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:43.319 You are a chosen generation. 00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:44.799 You are now the priesthood. 00:32:44.799 --> 00:32:46.740 You are the believers. 00:32:47.799 --> 00:32:48.919 That are called. 00:32:49.960 --> 00:32:50.839 To prepare. 00:32:51.940 --> 00:32:52.339 For Christ's. 00:32:53.059 --> 00:32:53.899 Second coming. 00:32:55.139 --> 00:32:56.279 Just as John. 00:32:56.419 --> 00:32:57.180 Was called. 00:32:57.839 --> 00:32:58.639 And the Spirit. 00:32:59.000 --> 00:32:59.980 Worked inside of him. 00:33:00.359 --> 00:33:01.539 To prepare the way. 00:33:01.680 --> 00:33:02.899 For Christ's first coming. 00:33:03.259 --> 00:33:04.440 We are the ones. 00:33:05.139 --> 00:33:05.899 That God. 00:33:06.359 --> 00:33:07.240 Has empowered. 00:33:08.419 --> 00:33:09.079 To prepare. 00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:10.579 For Christ's second coming. 00:33:11.639 --> 00:33:13.139 And Jesus is coming again. 00:33:13.579 --> 00:33:14.779 Just as you see the clouds. 00:33:14.799 --> 00:33:16.039 When you see the clouds. 00:33:16.139 --> 00:33:17.359 Oh maybe rain will come. 00:33:18.039 --> 00:33:19.299 We see the signs today. 00:33:20.440 --> 00:33:21.240 We see. 00:33:21.419 --> 00:33:22.720 We see the signs today. 00:33:23.799 --> 00:33:25.059 That there's bad weather. 00:33:25.139 --> 00:33:25.639 Going to be coming. 00:33:27.019 --> 00:33:28.779 That the end times are coming. 00:33:29.839 --> 00:33:30.859 The wars. 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:32.279 The disasters. 00:33:33.159 --> 00:33:34.220 We don't know. 00:33:34.359 --> 00:33:35.519 When Jesus will come again. 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:36.639 And Jesus. 00:33:37.299 --> 00:33:37.519 Is sending. 00:33:38.519 --> 00:33:39.519 Sent us the Spirit. 00:33:39.879 --> 00:33:40.519 To help us. 00:33:40.619 --> 00:33:41.139 To prepare. 00:33:41.539 --> 00:33:42.519 For Christ's. 00:33:42.519 --> 00:33:43.039 Second. 00:33:43.659 --> 00:33:43.960 Coming. 00:33:44.799 --> 00:33:47.000 The devil. 00:33:47.639 --> 00:33:48.480 Gets us. 00:33:49.039 --> 00:33:50.119 To be complacent. 00:33:51.240 --> 00:33:52.299 Oh it doesn't matter. 00:33:53.000 --> 00:33:54.059 There's enough time. 00:33:54.680 --> 00:33:55.940 There's no sense of urgency. 00:33:57.680 --> 00:33:58.919 The devil gets us. 00:33:59.079 --> 00:33:59.940 To stuff ourselves. 00:33:59.940 --> 00:34:00.940 With all the buffets. 00:34:01.159 --> 00:34:02.859 And gets us all stuffed up. 00:34:03.240 --> 00:34:04.480 And then binging. 00:34:04.759 --> 00:34:06.259 And then mentally stuffed up. 00:34:06.359 --> 00:34:07.460 And then brain rot. 00:34:07.819 --> 00:34:08.139 You know. 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:08.739 So we're. 00:34:09.739 --> 00:34:10.519 Stuffed up. 00:34:10.699 --> 00:34:11.239 Brain rot. 00:34:12.159 --> 00:34:13.460 We're just going through life. 00:34:13.460 --> 00:34:14.159 Like a. 00:34:14.159 --> 00:34:14.859 Like a zombie. 00:34:17.019 --> 00:34:17.839 But no. 00:34:18.219 --> 00:34:19.920 God has not called us. 00:34:20.279 --> 00:34:21.179 To brain rot. 00:34:21.980 --> 00:34:23.039 Or be stuffed. 00:34:24.259 --> 00:34:24.699 No. 00:34:24.699 --> 00:34:26.099 God has called us. 00:34:26.379 --> 00:34:27.039 To prepare. 00:34:27.599 --> 00:34:28.440 The way. 00:34:28.699 --> 00:34:29.619 Of the Lord. 00:34:29.619 --> 00:34:29.659 God. 00:34:30.579 --> 00:34:31.460 We are. 00:34:31.779 --> 00:34:32.380 The John. 00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:33.259 The Baptists. 00:34:33.659 --> 00:34:34.339 We are the new. 00:34:34.460 --> 00:34:34.679 John. 00:34:34.719 --> 00:34:35.179 The Baptist. 00:34:35.460 --> 00:34:36.239 That the Spirit. 00:34:36.239 --> 00:34:36.739 Of the Lord. 00:34:36.739 --> 00:34:38.059 Has descended upon you. 00:34:38.859 --> 00:34:39.799 And don't say you're young. 00:34:40.000 --> 00:34:41.039 Because Mary worked. 00:34:41.420 --> 00:34:42.039 Inside of. 00:34:43.039 --> 00:34:43.480 Mary. 00:34:44.779 --> 00:34:45.559 Surrendered herself. 00:34:45.679 --> 00:34:46.199 To the Lord. 00:34:47.460 --> 00:34:48.519 A teenage girl. 00:34:48.619 --> 00:34:49.500 Don't say you're young. 00:34:49.819 --> 00:34:50.400 God is. 00:34:51.079 --> 00:34:52.019 Inside of you. 00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:53.480 The Spirit of God. 00:34:53.559 --> 00:34:54.719 Is working inside of you. 00:34:55.039 --> 00:34:55.900 The Spirit of God. 00:34:55.900 --> 00:34:56.779 Can work through you. 00:34:56.780 --> 00:34:57.460 And your friends. 00:34:58.620 --> 00:34:59.820 Don't say you're old. 00:35:00.519 --> 00:35:01.600 Because God worked. 00:35:02.260 --> 00:35:03.060 In Elizabeth. 00:35:04.920 --> 00:35:06.140 In Zachariah. 00:35:07.220 --> 00:35:08.380 God has chosen. 00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:09.400 Each one of us. 00:35:10.440 --> 00:35:12.080 We are the new priesthood. 00:35:12.760 --> 00:35:13.380 The holy. 00:35:13.600 --> 00:35:14.720 New holy nation. 00:35:15.600 --> 00:35:16.460 And we are called. 00:35:17.080 --> 00:35:17.920 To prepare. 00:35:18.580 --> 00:35:19.100 The way. 00:35:19.180 --> 00:35:19.640 Of the second. 00:35:19.920 --> 00:35:20.260 Coming. 00:35:21.700 --> 00:35:22.460 Let us. 00:35:23.360 --> 00:35:23.540 Pray. 00:35:25.080 --> 00:35:25.840 Comey father. 00:35:25.980 --> 00:35:26.580 We give you all. 00:35:26.579 --> 00:35:27.059 All the glory. 00:35:28.799 --> 00:35:30.420 You are the main character. 00:35:32.299 --> 00:35:33.559 The holy spirit. 00:35:33.559 --> 00:35:34.239 Is the one. 00:35:34.559 --> 00:35:35.319 That moves. 00:35:35.920 --> 00:35:37.139 And changes lives. 00:35:39.059 --> 00:35:39.539 Lord. 00:35:39.599 --> 00:35:40.039 We pray. 00:35:40.159 --> 00:35:41.139 That we would respond. 00:35:41.139 --> 00:35:41.759 Like Mary. 00:35:42.460 --> 00:35:43.440 In surrender. 00:35:43.860 --> 00:35:44.639 For whatever. 00:35:44.819 --> 00:35:45.719 The spirit of the Lord. 00:35:45.900 --> 00:35:46.559 Is leading us. 00:35:47.599 --> 00:35:48.259 Lead us. 00:35:48.380 --> 00:35:48.559 Lord. 00:35:50.319 --> 00:35:51.159 To prepare. 00:35:51.559 --> 00:35:51.960 The way. 00:35:53.159 --> 00:35:53.940 Of the Lord. 00:35:54.639 --> 00:35:55.079 In Christ's name. 00:35:55.119 --> 00:35:55.380 We pray. 00:35:55.539 --> 00:35:56.099 Amen. 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:56.099 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:57.099 Amen.