WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:05.100 Well, as you can see, I'm going to preach from the floor this morning, and I'm going 00:00:05.100 --> 00:00:09.800 to use this whiteboard because we've got a picture to draw. 00:00:11.679 --> 00:00:19.219 If you want to open up your Bibles to Ephesians chapter 1, it's on page 1159 of your Pew Bible. 00:00:20.780 --> 00:00:27.100 And let me start, before I read that passage, let me start with a question. 00:00:27.100 --> 00:00:33.800 If I were to ask you, what's your plan for 2025? 00:00:36.280 --> 00:00:37.320 How would you answer? 00:00:39.060 --> 00:00:41.140 Some people in the room would be like, plan? 00:00:41.880 --> 00:00:42.980 I'm winging it. 00:00:44.320 --> 00:00:45.420 Let the Spirit lead. 00:00:47.100 --> 00:00:50.540 Others go into personal betterment mode. 00:00:51.719 --> 00:00:52.719 Well, I'm going to get in shape. 00:00:53.719 --> 00:00:56.299 I am going to stick to a budget. 00:00:57.560 --> 00:01:00.820 Jenny and I are adjusting our budget for some purposes. 00:01:02.679 --> 00:01:04.019 I'm going to read more. 00:01:04.659 --> 00:01:11.159 I have purposed this year to try to keep up with Zach Melgren and his rigorous, rigorous reading schedule. 00:01:11.620 --> 00:01:15.939 And if I can read a third of the books you do, brother, I'll be happy. 00:01:15.939 --> 00:01:19.959 So we've got personal betterment plans. 00:01:21.899 --> 00:01:28.299 Some of you, when you hear what you plan for 2025, you go into calendar mode and vacations. 00:01:29.480 --> 00:01:31.359 Oh, we're going to go there to do this on that date. 00:01:31.719 --> 00:01:33.439 And then we're going to go there and do this on that date. 00:01:33.439 --> 00:01:38.719 And it's always good to have things in your calendar where you're looking forward to, right? 00:01:41.900 --> 00:01:43.719 But let's change things up a little bit. 00:01:45.659 --> 00:01:50.219 Instead of asking what your plan is for 2025, let's ask this question. 00:01:50.219 --> 00:01:53.879 What is God's plan for 2025? 00:01:55.099 --> 00:01:57.799 What is God seeking to accomplish? 00:01:57.799 --> 00:02:02.739 And if we were to ask that of God, God, what is your plan? 00:02:03.859 --> 00:02:05.060 He tells us. 00:02:06.159 --> 00:02:07.259 He's revealed it. 00:02:07.859 --> 00:02:09.139 He's made it known. 00:02:09.400 --> 00:02:16.680 In Ephesians chapter 1, 3 through 14, we have an unpacking of God's plan for the fullness of time. 00:02:16.680 --> 00:02:23.560 And I can tell you right now, God is not winging it. 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:35.840 He's got a plan from before the foundation of the world to make disciples of all nations to the glory of his great name. 00:02:36.680 --> 00:02:39.159 And right now, he is accomplishing that. 00:02:39.700 --> 00:02:45.040 And we get to join him in what he is doing. 00:02:45.039 --> 00:02:52.759 So right now, in our time together at the start of 2025, I want to convince you of that plan. 00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:56.500 And I want you to start asking this question. 00:02:57.139 --> 00:03:00.340 What is God doing in my world right now? 00:03:00.560 --> 00:03:04.500 And how can I join him in what he is doing? 00:03:05.859 --> 00:03:06.919 How can we do that? 00:03:08.259 --> 00:03:09.959 So we're going to draw a picture this morning. 00:03:10.340 --> 00:03:11.259 Yes, it's true. 00:03:11.599 --> 00:03:13.759 I am saying draw a picture in church. 00:03:15.039 --> 00:03:16.679 I'm going to put it up on the board. 00:03:16.840 --> 00:03:21.539 And if you would, by your best ability, do that in your bulletin or your notes. 00:03:23.219 --> 00:03:29.120 You're going to walk away with a picture that depicts this plan for the fullness of time. 00:03:29.419 --> 00:03:31.539 Many of you have heard this material before. 00:03:31.539 --> 00:03:39.739 But I have kind of come at it from a different angle this morning from Ephesians chapter 1, 3 through 14. 00:03:40.819 --> 00:03:45.039 I want you to see five distinctive features to this plan. 00:03:46.319 --> 00:03:50.359 Now let me read Ephesians chapter 1, 3 through 14. 00:03:50.360 --> 00:03:53.380 It's actually what we sang. 00:03:53.940 --> 00:03:59.180 Come praise and glorify is putting to song what you're about to hear. 00:03:59.180 --> 00:04:09.560 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. 00:04:09.560 --> 00:04:16.319 Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:25.240 In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ according to the purpose of his will. 00:04:25.240 --> 00:04:32.379 To the praise of his glorious grace with which he has blessed us in the beloved. 00:04:33.040 --> 00:04:39.220 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace, 00:04:39.500 --> 00:04:46.519 which he lavished upon us and all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will according to his purpose, 00:04:46.519 --> 00:04:58.019 which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 00:04:58.620 --> 00:05:08.799 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 00:05:09.500 --> 00:05:14.500 so that we who were the first hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 00:05:14.500 --> 00:05:21.879 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in it, 00:05:21.939 --> 00:05:31.319 you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it to the praise of his glory. 00:05:32.120 --> 00:05:32.540 Do you have an amen? 00:05:34.420 --> 00:05:34.899 Okay. 00:05:36.639 --> 00:05:39.939 This passage answers the question, why do we make disciples? 00:05:40.560 --> 00:05:41.500 What is our mission? 00:05:41.500 --> 00:05:48.980 And so five distinct features of this plan from Ephesians 1. 00:05:49.240 --> 00:05:54.060 Number one, this plan is a triune plan. 00:05:54.699 --> 00:06:03.720 And so I'm going to depict it with a triangle, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, representing the triune God. 00:06:03.980 --> 00:06:05.939 It's in Ephesians 1.3. 00:06:05.939 --> 00:06:18.379 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us in him, Christ, with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. 00:06:18.980 --> 00:06:20.279 We see each member of the Trinity. 00:06:20.660 --> 00:06:23.459 God the Father, person number one of the Trinity. 00:06:23.959 --> 00:06:27.220 We see God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, second person of the Trinity. 00:06:27.220 --> 00:06:33.940 And there is a third person of the Trinity, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing. 00:06:34.820 --> 00:06:39.780 That word spiritual, better translated, spirit blessing. 00:06:39.779 --> 00:06:51.259 So right in verse 3, we have a Trinity citing, this plan for the fullness of time is a triune plan. 00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:53.739 And then what happens in the rest of this passage? 00:06:54.519 --> 00:07:03.359 We see the individual members of the Godhead working this plan out together like the ultimate jazz trio. 00:07:03.360 --> 00:07:06.060 Let me point it out. 00:07:07.860 --> 00:07:11.600 First, the focus is on the God the Father in verses 4 through 6. 00:07:12.240 --> 00:07:13.920 In verse 4, he chose us. 00:07:14.040 --> 00:07:17.340 In verse 5, we learn in love, he predestined us. 00:07:17.819 --> 00:07:20.139 In verse 11, it's according to the purpose of his will. 00:07:22.300 --> 00:07:27.460 God the Father ordained his plan of salvation. 00:07:27.459 --> 00:07:33.939 God the Father ordained the plan of salvation. 00:07:35.079 --> 00:07:40.819 The second member of the Trinity that comes into focus is in verses 7 through 12. 00:07:41.680 --> 00:07:45.159 The Son, the second person of the Trinity. 00:07:46.319 --> 00:07:51.120 And in verse 7, we read that in him we have redemption through his blood. 00:07:51.459 --> 00:07:52.560 The in him, verse 7. 00:07:52.719 --> 00:07:53.699 Look at the end of verse 6. 00:07:54.339 --> 00:07:54.959 In the beloved. 00:07:55.519 --> 00:07:56.740 It's a reference to the Son. 00:07:57.459 --> 00:08:02.620 We've been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of the beloved Son. 00:08:03.879 --> 00:08:04.339 Beloved. 00:08:05.180 --> 00:08:07.599 Talking about the second person of the Trinity. 00:08:07.839 --> 00:08:12.839 And this idea of redemption is this concept, this idea. 00:08:12.919 --> 00:08:13.859 It's talking about salvation. 00:08:14.579 --> 00:08:17.399 Of being purchased back out of slavery. 00:08:18.399 --> 00:08:21.240 And you're purchased with a ransom price. 00:08:22.079 --> 00:08:23.819 And we know what Jesus said about himself. 00:08:23.819 --> 00:08:30.680 I've come not to be served, but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many. 00:08:31.680 --> 00:08:32.620 Here's the point. 00:08:33.960 --> 00:08:39.659 God the Son accomplished God's plan of salvation. 00:08:39.659 --> 00:08:41.779 God the Father ordains it. 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:44.480 God the Son accomplishes it. 00:08:46.120 --> 00:08:49.659 And then in verses 13 through 14, we see the Holy Spirit coming. 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:53.839 The Holy Spirit is not a what or an it, but a who. 00:08:54.079 --> 00:08:54.539 A him. 00:08:54.959 --> 00:08:55.679 He's a person. 00:08:55.679 --> 00:08:59.259 And what we see in verses 13 and 14 is this. 00:08:59.659 --> 00:09:09.839 In him, Jesus, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:16.219 Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it to the praise of his glory. 00:09:16.220 --> 00:09:18.560 So here's what the Holy Spirit does. 00:09:19.460 --> 00:09:22.500 The Holy Spirit regenerates sinners. 00:09:23.180 --> 00:09:24.899 He gives us new life. 00:09:25.639 --> 00:09:33.060 And he applies what Christ accomplished according to God's ordained plan for our salvation. 00:09:33.740 --> 00:09:35.420 So God the Father ordains salvation. 00:09:35.600 --> 00:09:36.840 God the Son accomplishes it. 00:09:37.100 --> 00:09:38.639 And God the Spirit applies it. 00:09:39.660 --> 00:09:40.379 He's our guarantee. 00:09:40.379 --> 00:09:52.580 Now when you hear that seal language, we're not talking about silicon caulk around your sink, sitting on your table, on your countertop. 00:09:52.720 --> 00:09:53.740 Not that kind of sealing. 00:09:54.820 --> 00:09:57.000 It's the sealing of a signet ring. 00:09:58.559 --> 00:10:00.460 It's the mark of possession. 00:10:01.860 --> 00:10:03.179 You belong to me. 00:10:04.200 --> 00:10:05.379 It's a guarantee. 00:10:05.840 --> 00:10:09.580 It's what a king would mark, this hot wax on a letter. 00:10:09.580 --> 00:10:11.740 It guarantees whose it's from. 00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:15.120 And so the Holy Spirit is our guarantee. 00:10:15.800 --> 00:10:17.980 He applies what Christ has done. 00:10:19.400 --> 00:10:20.540 It's all good news. 00:10:22.139 --> 00:10:25.460 God's plan is a triune plan. 00:10:26.000 --> 00:10:27.879 Do you know who Vince Guaraldi is? 00:10:28.720 --> 00:10:31.680 Vince Guaraldi is a jazz musician, was a jazz musician. 00:10:32.020 --> 00:10:34.020 And he had a Vince Guaraldi trio. 00:10:34.019 --> 00:10:41.240 And you might be familiar with them because they're the guys that played the Peanuts Christmas album. 00:10:43.039 --> 00:10:44.460 You may have known him. 00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:45.679 They're author. 00:10:45.860 --> 00:10:47.299 They performed Take Five. 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:53.600 Wynton Marsalis, George Winston were all indebted to Vince Guaraldi. 00:10:53.600 --> 00:10:56.820 And that trio made some music together. 00:10:58.399 --> 00:11:00.740 The triune God is making music, gang. 00:11:02.580 --> 00:11:04.480 God, the Father, ordained salvation. 00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:05.840 God, the Son, has accomplished it. 00:11:05.960 --> 00:11:07.899 God, the Spirit, is applying it. 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:12.639 And it is the music of salvation in the ears of sinners. 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:15.799 To the praise of his glory. 00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:18.379 There's no one like him. 00:11:21.199 --> 00:11:22.480 What is this plan? 00:11:24.340 --> 00:11:25.799 It's a triune plan. 00:11:28.240 --> 00:11:31.960 Does anybody else think I have Lego Batman voice? 00:11:34.819 --> 00:11:36.319 It's a triune plan. 00:11:36.320 --> 00:11:44.200 The second distinctive feature to this plan is that it is a big plan. 00:11:44.820 --> 00:11:45.560 It's big. 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:50.760 If you look at Ephesians 1.10, you read this. 00:11:52.340 --> 00:12:00.820 As a plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in heaven and earth. 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:02.260 So here's how we depict it. 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:05.419 One big arrow. 00:12:07.299 --> 00:12:12.759 And this is eternity past to eternity future. 00:12:16.019 --> 00:12:20.980 The sovereign triune God has a big plan. 00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:24.360 And you might say, well, what kind of big? 00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:28.299 Well, let's look at its scope and its scale. 00:12:28.299 --> 00:12:34.259 The scope of this big plan is all time. 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:41.519 It's a plan, according to verse 10, for the fullness of time. 00:12:42.679 --> 00:12:44.979 Eternity past, eternity future. 00:12:45.459 --> 00:12:49.379 It's from before the foundation of the world, verse 4, 00:12:50.079 --> 00:12:53.799 to the inheritance to come, verse 11 and 14. 00:12:54.199 --> 00:12:56.079 It's a plan for the fullness of time. 00:12:56.080 --> 00:13:04.980 God is sovereignly orchestrating all things in human history for his grand plan. 00:13:05.980 --> 00:13:16.020 And so we can put in this plan creation, fall, redemption, consummation. 00:13:16.019 --> 00:13:19.759 When Jesus comes back and makes all things right. 00:13:19.840 --> 00:13:21.059 It's all part of his plan. 00:13:22.919 --> 00:13:25.159 But then we also see the scale of it. 00:13:26.699 --> 00:13:27.879 What's involved in it? 00:13:28.899 --> 00:13:30.179 Did you see that in verse 10? 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:36.779 As a plan for the fullness of time to unite not some things, 00:13:36.779 --> 00:13:39.720 all things, 00:13:39.720 --> 00:13:45.339 to unite all things in him, in Christ, 00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:47.939 things in heaven and things on earth, 00:13:48.319 --> 00:13:49.959 things above, things below, 00:13:50.199 --> 00:13:51.980 all things. 00:13:52.659 --> 00:13:55.839 God has a plan for all time, for all things, 00:13:56.439 --> 00:13:58.839 including the present 8 billion people on the planet 00:13:58.839 --> 00:14:00.799 and the billions of people who have gone before 00:14:00.799 --> 00:14:02.600 and the billions of people who will come after. 00:14:02.600 --> 00:14:06.700 They will all stand before his judgment throne someday. 00:14:07.200 --> 00:14:08.879 And he will make all things right. 00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:13.440 He will bring full, final, and forever peace. 00:14:19.019 --> 00:14:23.159 Right now, Christ the King Church, we own this building. 00:14:24.940 --> 00:14:26.200 It's a meeting house. 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:28.180 It's a place where we gather. 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:30.320 This building is not us. 00:14:30.320 --> 00:14:32.200 This building serves us. 00:14:32.260 --> 00:14:34.400 It's one big gospel tool. 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:37.280 And over the last couple years, 00:14:37.340 --> 00:14:38.440 we've been doing some work to it. 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:41.840 We've had a team that did some great work in our bathrooms, 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:43.000 gave them a refresh. 00:14:43.340 --> 00:14:45.920 Last year, in the fellowship hall below us, 00:14:46.040 --> 00:14:47.940 man, that place looks awesome now. 00:14:48.980 --> 00:14:49.520 It's beautiful. 00:14:51.300 --> 00:14:53.280 We've got plans for the sanctuary. 00:14:53.640 --> 00:14:55.120 I know you guys love the carpet. 00:14:57.140 --> 00:14:58.260 But we've got plans. 00:14:58.259 --> 00:15:00.980 We've got thoughts. 00:15:01.200 --> 00:15:03.620 We need to do something about the heating system in this place. 00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:08.679 This is a 22,000 square foot facility. 00:15:09.620 --> 00:15:10.879 This side and that side. 00:15:11.679 --> 00:15:13.159 And when you start hearing all that, 00:15:13.240 --> 00:15:14.879 you start, whoa, that's big plans. 00:15:15.439 --> 00:15:17.179 I mean, cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching. 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:19.679 But you know what? 00:15:19.679 --> 00:15:22.839 It's just a drop in the bucket. 00:15:24.839 --> 00:15:26.379 It's just a drop in the bucket. 00:15:27.539 --> 00:15:29.699 Plans, five to ten years for a building. 00:15:30.099 --> 00:15:33.579 22,000 square feet to address the beauty of the building 00:15:33.579 --> 00:15:36.039 and the heating systems of the building. 00:15:36.199 --> 00:15:37.639 It's just a drop in the bucket. 00:15:38.439 --> 00:15:41.379 Command compared to God's plan for the fullness of time? 00:15:41.379 --> 00:15:52.439 Our 70 to 80 years is just a dot on the line of eternity. 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:57.439 God's got a big plan. 00:15:59.379 --> 00:16:00.439 What's God's plan? 00:16:01.840 --> 00:16:04.720 It's a triune plan, and it's a big one. 00:16:04.720 --> 00:16:07.580 It's worth giving your life to. 00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:16.240 Third, it's a Christocentric plan. 00:16:21.740 --> 00:16:26.639 In verse seven, we see that phrase. 00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:30.360 In him in whom we have redemption. 00:16:31.100 --> 00:16:32.879 And then, remember, we look back at verse six. 00:16:32.879 --> 00:16:33.680 In the beloved. 00:16:34.720 --> 00:16:36.139 Talking about the second person of the Trinity. 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:37.779 In him. 00:16:38.820 --> 00:16:39.460 Check it out. 00:16:39.660 --> 00:16:40.440 Look at this. 00:16:41.600 --> 00:16:42.100 Verse three. 00:16:43.560 --> 00:16:46.240 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:16:46.360 --> 00:16:48.879 who has blessed us in Christ. 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:49.519 Look at verse four. 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:52.899 Even as he chose us in him. 00:16:53.820 --> 00:16:54.879 And then verse five. 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:55.980 Before him. 00:16:57.360 --> 00:16:58.360 Verse five. 00:16:58.680 --> 00:17:00.000 Through Jesus Christ. 00:17:02.139 --> 00:17:03.100 Verse six. 00:17:03.340 --> 00:17:03.800 In the beloved. 00:17:04.059 --> 00:17:04.579 Verse seven. 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.380 In him. 00:17:05.380 --> 00:17:06.339 Verse nine. 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:08.740 Which he set forth in Christ. 00:17:08.860 --> 00:17:09.440 Verse 10. 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.860 To unite all things. 00:17:11.140 --> 00:17:11.920 In him. 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:12.799 Verse 11. 00:17:12.900 --> 00:17:15.259 In him we have obtained an inheritance. 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:16.640 Verse 13. 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:19.920 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, 00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:21.539 the gospel of your salvation, 00:17:21.680 --> 00:17:23.059 and believed in him. 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:26.240 This plan. 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:26.900 You see the J? 00:17:26.900 --> 00:17:29.660 You see the J? 00:17:29.660 --> 00:17:33.500 Make that a cross. 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:37.779 With an arrow up top. 00:17:39.059 --> 00:17:43.640 At the center of this plan is the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:47.420 Christ's death and his resurrection. 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:51.500 Both are essential to this work. 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:54.400 This plan that's been accomplished by the son. 00:17:55.460 --> 00:18:00.440 We also know that the same Jesus, well, he's the creator of all. 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:03.559 And he is sitting on his throne. 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:06.559 And one day we're going to stand before him. 00:18:06.779 --> 00:18:10.320 That Christ is the hero of the plan. 00:18:11.660 --> 00:18:14.180 He's at the center of it all. 00:18:15.160 --> 00:18:16.460 Yes, it's a triune plan. 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:18.840 But the focus is on the son. 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:22.259 What he's done. 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:26.080 This redemption accomplished through his blood. 00:18:26.680 --> 00:18:29.519 It's central to his plan. 00:18:31.220 --> 00:18:32.400 Jesus himself. 00:18:33.400 --> 00:18:35.440 After he was raised from the dead. 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:37.299 In Luke 24. 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:41.200 He appears to the disciples at two different times. 00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:44.759 And in both times he tells his disciples. 00:18:45.120 --> 00:18:46.220 That the law. 00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:47.100 That the Moses. 00:18:47.600 --> 00:18:48.480 That the prophets. 00:18:48.660 --> 00:18:49.460 That the Psalms. 00:18:49.840 --> 00:18:51.799 In various specific ways. 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:53.559 They pointed to him. 00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:55.759 He's the Messiah. 00:18:56.120 --> 00:18:59.140 But not just to him. 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:01.860 To his suffering. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:04.100 His cross work. 00:19:04.680 --> 00:19:06.059 And to his resurrection. 00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:08.900 That's how specific it is. 00:19:08.900 --> 00:19:12.220 All of your Bible is in some way. 00:19:12.540 --> 00:19:14.759 Pointing to or pointing back to. 00:19:14.940 --> 00:19:17.060 Or pointing to the second coming of Jesus. 00:19:18.060 --> 00:19:21.280 Because Christ is central. 00:19:21.620 --> 00:19:25.100 To God's plan of salvation. 00:19:26.300 --> 00:19:29.180 It's a Christocentric plan. 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:33.040 It's the gospel. 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:36.299 In John. 00:19:36.720 --> 00:19:37.039 Oh no. 00:19:37.039 --> 00:19:37.379 Excuse me. 00:19:37.440 --> 00:19:38.480 Romans 1.16. 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:40.139 The apostle. 00:19:40.759 --> 00:19:42.639 Paul describes the gospel. 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:45.379 As God's power. 00:19:46.379 --> 00:19:47.819 Unto salvation. 00:19:50.819 --> 00:19:52.559 Christ's death and resurrection. 00:19:53.039 --> 00:19:54.799 Gets something done. 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:56.680 That nothing else can. 00:19:57.980 --> 00:19:59.259 The salvation of sinners. 00:19:59.259 --> 00:20:02.019 To unite all things. 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:02.539 That have been. 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.420 Thrown out of whack. 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:05.180 By sin. 00:20:06.819 --> 00:20:08.619 This is a Christocentric. 00:20:09.420 --> 00:20:09.779 Plan. 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:11.480 It's good news. 00:20:14.579 --> 00:20:15.799 We were once. 00:20:17.119 --> 00:20:18.299 Separated from God. 00:20:19.299 --> 00:20:20.480 But through the cross. 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:21.339 His resurrection. 00:20:21.700 --> 00:20:22.500 We've been united. 00:20:22.500 --> 00:20:25.339 We were once. 00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:26.619 Guilty. 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:28.500 Of our sins. 00:20:28.640 --> 00:20:29.380 But now we're forgiven. 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:31.599 We were once. 00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:32.599 Slaves. 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:34.200 To sin. 00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:35.400 But now. 00:20:35.880 --> 00:20:37.240 We've been set free. 00:20:38.279 --> 00:20:39.779 To live for Christ. 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:42.319 You know. 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:42.920 Every. 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:44.140 Plan. 00:20:45.059 --> 00:20:45.779 Has a hero. 00:20:48.400 --> 00:20:49.039 You know. 00:20:49.099 --> 00:20:50.259 We're in the midst of the. 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:51.180 College. 00:20:51.480 --> 00:20:51.779 Football. 00:20:51.779 --> 00:20:52.299 Playoffs. 00:20:52.359 --> 00:20:52.779 Right now. 00:20:53.639 --> 00:20:54.519 And I know. 00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:55.619 Besides Steve Bickle. 00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:55.980 And me. 00:20:56.619 --> 00:20:57.879 The room is filled. 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:59.200 With Ohio State. 00:20:59.259 --> 00:20:59.879 Buckeye fans. 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.799 But in order for. 00:21:04.220 --> 00:21:04.859 A team. 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:05.839 To win. 00:21:06.940 --> 00:21:08.399 The national championship. 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:09.500 They need a hero. 00:21:09.639 --> 00:21:10.420 They need a quarterback. 00:21:11.139 --> 00:21:12.839 That's going to get the plan done. 00:21:14.579 --> 00:21:15.660 In an orchestra. 00:21:16.220 --> 00:21:16.859 You need someone. 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:17.859 In the first chair. 00:21:18.359 --> 00:21:19.539 That's going to get it done. 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:20.980 And. 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:22.899 If you're in theater. 00:21:22.899 --> 00:21:24.180 You need a lead. 00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:25.639 To get it done. 00:21:25.879 --> 00:21:26.920 If you're in business. 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:27.779 It's a CEO. 00:21:27.779 --> 00:21:28.879 To get it done. 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:32.500 Every plan. 00:21:32.619 --> 00:21:33.420 Has a central figure. 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:35.819 Every plan. 00:21:35.899 --> 00:21:36.460 Has a hero. 00:21:37.619 --> 00:21:39.940 And when it comes to God's plan. 00:21:40.059 --> 00:21:41.660 For the fullness of time. 00:21:42.200 --> 00:21:43.460 Jesus Christ. 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:43.660 Christ. 00:21:44.660 --> 00:21:45.220 Is. 00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:46.740 The hero. 00:21:48.980 --> 00:21:50.059 Salvation is found. 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:51.079 In no one else. 00:21:53.600 --> 00:21:54.120 So. 00:21:54.380 --> 00:21:55.420 When we ask the question. 00:21:55.579 --> 00:21:55.740 What. 00:21:56.420 --> 00:21:57.259 What is God's plan. 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:58.840 For 2025. 00:21:59.840 --> 00:22:01.680 It's to exalt Jesus. 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:04.799 It's to make much of him. 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:08.240 And change us. 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:13.559 The fourth distinctive feature. 00:22:13.799 --> 00:22:14.539 Sorry if I lost you. 00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:16.559 The fourth distinctive feature. 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:18.159 Of this plan. 00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:21.659 Is that it's a people moving plan. 00:22:22.859 --> 00:22:23.419 Or. 00:22:23.859 --> 00:22:24.659 As Jesus would say. 00:22:24.779 --> 00:22:26.720 It's a disciple making plan. 00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:28.079 Matthew 28. 00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:28.839 Or. 00:22:29.279 --> 00:22:30.399 Jesus would say it this way. 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:31.079 Matthew 16. 00:22:32.059 --> 00:22:34.279 It's a church building plan. 00:22:34.599 --> 00:22:35.379 And the gates of hell. 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:36.859 Will not prevail against it. 00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:39.539 We're talking about people. 00:22:41.899 --> 00:22:43.799 God's plan for the fullness of time. 00:22:44.579 --> 00:22:46.019 That focuses on Jesus. 00:22:46.659 --> 00:22:47.799 Is about people. 00:22:50.839 --> 00:22:52.419 We get a hint of it. 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:54.799 In chapter 1 verse 3. 00:22:54.919 --> 00:22:57.139 Blessed be the God and Father of our. 00:22:57.140 --> 00:22:57.380 We're. 00:22:57.860 --> 00:22:58.900 That's the Apostle Paul. 00:22:59.220 --> 00:23:00.160 Including himself. 00:23:00.280 --> 00:23:01.240 With the Ephesian church. 00:23:01.860 --> 00:23:03.700 Of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:23:03.840 --> 00:23:05.200 Who has blessed us. 00:23:05.300 --> 00:23:05.860 In Christ. 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:07.080 With every spiritual blessing. 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:10.860 The Apostle Paul. 00:23:11.020 --> 00:23:11.980 Was writing to a church. 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:12.640 In Ephesus. 00:23:12.840 --> 00:23:13.860 That was made up of. 00:23:14.360 --> 00:23:15.640 Both you and Gentile. 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:16.640 And there was some hostility. 00:23:16.640 --> 00:23:17.180 Between them. 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:19.160 And Paul's making the case. 00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:22.340 Jesus changes all that. 00:23:24.700 --> 00:23:25.540 When you. 00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:27.120 Come through the cross. 00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:29.620 You're changed. 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.560 This is a people. 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:33.980 Moving plan. 00:23:34.320 --> 00:23:34.560 God. 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:35.759 Is radically. 00:23:36.300 --> 00:23:37.280 Changing people. 00:23:39.100 --> 00:23:40.200 So if you look at. 00:23:40.420 --> 00:23:41.380 Ephesians 2. 00:23:41.860 --> 00:23:42.300 1. 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:43.180 Through 3. 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.020 You read this. 00:23:44.280 --> 00:23:44.740 And you. 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:45.700 Were dead. 00:23:45.840 --> 00:23:46.640 In the trespasses. 00:23:46.640 --> 00:23:47.160 In sins. 00:23:47.420 --> 00:23:48.540 In which you once walked. 00:23:48.820 --> 00:23:49.560 Following the course. 00:23:49.620 --> 00:23:50.020 Of the world. 00:23:50.120 --> 00:23:50.740 Following the prince. 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:51.100 Of the power. 00:23:51.180 --> 00:23:51.420 Of the air. 00:23:51.420 --> 00:23:52.100 The spirit. 00:23:52.200 --> 00:23:52.920 That is now at work. 00:23:52.980 --> 00:23:53.960 And the sons of disobedience. 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:54.759 Among whom. 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:55.980 We all once lived. 00:23:56.100 --> 00:23:57.660 In the passions of our flesh. 00:23:57.779 --> 00:23:58.720 Carrying out the desires. 00:23:58.759 --> 00:23:59.120 Of the body. 00:23:59.180 --> 00:23:59.539 Of the mind. 00:24:00.059 --> 00:24:00.799 And were by nature. 00:24:00.920 --> 00:24:01.799 Children of wrath. 00:24:02.220 --> 00:24:03.279 Like the rest of mankind. 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:05.140 But God changed all that. 00:24:06.340 --> 00:24:07.640 So here's how we depict it. 00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:11.420 Prior to the cross. 00:24:11.820 --> 00:24:12.759 All of us. 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.720 All of us. 00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:17.280 Are running away. 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:19.220 From God. 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:21.440 Because I know. 00:24:22.320 --> 00:24:23.500 I don't want any of that. 00:24:25.080 --> 00:24:25.500 God. 00:24:25.540 --> 00:24:26.080 I don't want you. 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:29.980 If you want to talk about it another way. 00:24:30.040 --> 00:24:30.980 You can say it like this. 00:24:31.820 --> 00:24:33.600 Prior to Copernicus. 00:24:33.599 --> 00:24:35.079 Everybody thought. 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:38.079 That we lived in a. 00:24:39.439 --> 00:24:41.480 Earth centered solar system. 00:24:42.659 --> 00:24:44.659 That everything orbited the earth. 00:24:47.159 --> 00:24:48.179 But it wasn't true. 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.699 In our sin. 00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:54.240 We can think we're at the center of it all. 00:24:54.699 --> 00:24:57.419 We even think the triune God can orbit us. 00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:59.099 But God. 00:24:59.279 --> 00:25:00.459 In his grace. 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:01.980 Before the foundation. 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:03.119 The world set his love. 00:25:03.119 --> 00:25:03.979 On particular sinners. 00:25:04.179 --> 00:25:05.199 And he calls them. 00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:06.259 Irresistibly. 00:25:06.419 --> 00:25:07.399 To himself. 00:25:07.719 --> 00:25:08.619 And he calls them. 00:25:08.859 --> 00:25:09.979 Through the cross of Jesus. 00:25:10.319 --> 00:25:11.219 Through the gospel. 00:25:12.959 --> 00:25:14.519 And when he calls them. 00:25:14.599 --> 00:25:15.859 Out of the domain. 00:25:15.859 --> 00:25:16.739 Of darkness. 00:25:16.739 --> 00:25:18.239 He flips them. 00:25:18.399 --> 00:25:19.199 By his grace. 00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:21.659 And sets a new ground. 00:25:21.659 --> 00:25:22.399 Underneath them. 00:25:22.539 --> 00:25:23.859 And sets a new aim. 00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:24.739 And now. 00:25:25.179 --> 00:25:25.979 They are running. 00:25:26.899 --> 00:25:27.959 To Jesus. 00:25:28.639 --> 00:25:29.199 Together. 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:29.400 Together. 00:25:31.400 --> 00:25:33.420 And so what happens is. 00:25:34.100 --> 00:25:35.420 When you believe. 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:37.039 What God has done through Christ. 00:25:37.120 --> 00:25:37.960 For the first time. 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:41.299 You're actually brought into reality. 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:47.539 That Christ is the governing center of all things. 00:25:48.539 --> 00:25:49.500 Not you. 00:25:49.500 --> 00:25:52.660 And so now. 00:25:52.660 --> 00:25:53.599 You have Jesus. 00:25:55.140 --> 00:25:55.759 And now. 00:25:55.880 --> 00:25:56.660 We live for him. 00:25:59.099 --> 00:26:00.299 Along this road. 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:02.779 In between the advents. 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:04.440 When life can be so hard. 00:26:04.500 --> 00:26:05.059 And so good. 00:26:05.079 --> 00:26:05.740 At the same time. 00:26:06.460 --> 00:26:07.660 But do you know what happens gang? 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:10.700 Do you know when you have multiple people. 00:26:11.359 --> 00:26:12.680 Orbiting Jesus together. 00:26:12.940 --> 00:26:14.000 In the same place. 00:26:14.079 --> 00:26:15.000 In the same time. 00:26:15.599 --> 00:26:16.599 In the same location. 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:17.439 You know what you get? 00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:18.919 Get a church. 00:26:20.859 --> 00:26:21.819 Living for Christ. 00:26:24.500 --> 00:26:25.939 This is a people moving plan. 00:26:27.579 --> 00:26:29.399 This is a disciple making plan. 00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:34.299 This is a church building plan. 00:26:36.099 --> 00:26:37.459 Do you know what a repo man is? 00:26:40.459 --> 00:26:41.779 The repossession man. 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:48.000 A repo man is someone who steals back. 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:50.899 Things that are owned by a bank. 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:53.139 So let's just say. 00:26:53.399 --> 00:26:55.000 That you take out a loan for a car. 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.960 You default on your payments. 00:26:58.579 --> 00:27:00.899 The bank owns the car. 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:02.500 Though you have its keys. 00:27:03.359 --> 00:27:04.319 And you know what it'll do? 00:27:04.680 --> 00:27:06.240 It'll send a repo man. 00:27:07.440 --> 00:27:10.019 And that repo man will steal back your car. 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:12.859 Because it belongs to the bank. 00:27:13.680 --> 00:27:14.639 It's not yours. 00:27:16.200 --> 00:27:17.960 Jesus is the great repo man. 00:27:19.859 --> 00:27:23.059 He comes in and steals you out of the domain of darkness. 00:27:24.160 --> 00:27:25.279 Because you're his. 00:27:26.519 --> 00:27:27.799 You belong to God. 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:30.500 He set his love on you. 00:27:30.619 --> 00:27:32.519 From before the foundation of the earth. 00:27:32.879 --> 00:27:34.639 And he calls you to himself. 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:35.680 He comes and gets you. 00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:37.720 Claims you as his own. 00:27:37.720 --> 00:27:41.740 And brings you out of the domain of darkness. 00:27:42.059 --> 00:27:45.220 And brings you into the kingdom of the beloved son. 00:27:48.400 --> 00:27:49.539 He brings you back. 00:27:52.220 --> 00:27:53.559 He brings us back. 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:57.279 And then unites us together as a church. 00:27:57.279 --> 00:28:01.399 This plan. 00:28:02.119 --> 00:28:03.740 It's not just a triune plan. 00:28:03.799 --> 00:28:04.460 And a big plan. 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:06.039 And a Christocentric plan. 00:28:06.619 --> 00:28:08.160 It's a people moving plan. 00:28:09.099 --> 00:28:09.819 And you know what? 00:28:10.879 --> 00:28:13.660 We get to join God in that work. 00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:16.960 We get to be a part of it with him. 00:28:20.099 --> 00:28:21.200 You're part of the plan. 00:28:21.200 --> 00:28:26.059 The fifth distinctive feature. 00:28:27.600 --> 00:28:28.519 Of this plan. 00:28:31.120 --> 00:28:32.779 Is that this is a glory plan. 00:28:35.080 --> 00:28:36.220 It's a glory plan. 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.360 Did you notice that? 00:28:38.779 --> 00:28:39.440 Verse 6. 00:28:39.539 --> 00:28:40.259 The beginning of it. 00:28:40.759 --> 00:28:42.640 To the praise of his glorious grace. 00:28:43.420 --> 00:28:44.720 Did you see it at the end of 11? 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:46.240 To the praise of his glory. 00:28:46.720 --> 00:28:48.220 Did you see it at the end of verse 14? 00:28:48.420 --> 00:28:49.580 To the praise of his glory. 00:28:49.579 --> 00:28:49.659 Glory. 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:52.179 After each section. 00:28:52.379 --> 00:28:54.899 That focuses on one particular member of the Trinity. 00:28:55.119 --> 00:28:57.059 There's a call to glory. 00:28:58.099 --> 00:28:59.359 It unpacks. 00:28:59.539 --> 00:29:00.439 Where Paul starts. 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:02.500 Blessed be the God. 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:05.259 And father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:29:05.419 --> 00:29:07.779 Who has blessed us in Christ. 00:29:07.939 --> 00:29:10.559 With every spirit given blessing. 00:29:11.179 --> 00:29:12.079 In the heavenly places. 00:29:13.339 --> 00:29:14.659 This is a call to worship. 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:18.299 This plan. 00:29:19.039 --> 00:29:19.480 Sing. 00:29:19.579 --> 00:29:19.740 This. 00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:23.799 The triune God is making music. 00:29:25.619 --> 00:29:27.399 And we get to join him. 00:29:27.399 --> 00:29:28.879 In the praise of his name. 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:32.879 The Westminster Catechism says it like this. 00:29:33.839 --> 00:29:35.079 The chief end of man. 00:29:36.240 --> 00:29:38.319 Is to glorify God. 00:29:39.059 --> 00:29:40.179 And enjoy him. 00:29:40.879 --> 00:29:41.480 Forever. 00:29:42.659 --> 00:29:44.319 So what is this glory? 00:29:45.259 --> 00:29:46.599 What is that? 00:29:46.599 --> 00:29:47.519 Well. 00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:47.539 Well. 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:51.240 It's the magnificence. 00:29:51.879 --> 00:29:54.099 Of who God is. 00:29:54.419 --> 00:29:57.179 And his workings throughout time. 00:29:57.980 --> 00:29:59.000 But when. 00:29:59.319 --> 00:30:01.599 When you see God for who he is. 00:30:01.980 --> 00:30:03.980 And the works that he does. 00:30:04.379 --> 00:30:05.159 You stand back. 00:30:05.379 --> 00:30:05.879 And you say. 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:07.039 That is amazing. 00:30:07.039 --> 00:30:09.799 You give him glory. 00:30:09.799 --> 00:30:09.859 You give him glory. 00:30:14.420 --> 00:30:16.359 His astonishing character. 00:30:17.259 --> 00:30:18.720 His incredible power. 00:30:19.519 --> 00:30:21.420 All leverage for good. 00:30:21.420 --> 00:30:22.039 God. 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:22.600 And. 00:30:22.600 --> 00:30:23.759 In. 00:30:23.960 --> 00:30:25.019 Psalm 96. 00:30:25.800 --> 00:30:26.640 We read. 00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:28.440 Oh sing to the Lord a new song. 00:30:28.800 --> 00:30:29.440 Sing to the Lord. 00:30:29.580 --> 00:30:30.240 All the earth. 00:30:30.420 --> 00:30:31.019 Scope and scale. 00:30:32.800 --> 00:30:33.840 Sing to the Lord. 00:30:33.940 --> 00:30:34.240 Bless. 00:30:34.580 --> 00:30:35.360 His name. 00:30:36.759 --> 00:30:37.880 Tell of his salvation. 00:30:37.880 --> 00:30:39.960 This crystal centric. 00:30:40.140 --> 00:30:41.100 People moving plan. 00:30:42.720 --> 00:30:44.700 Tell of his salvation from day to day. 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:46.460 Declare his glory. 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.840 Among the nations. 00:30:50.580 --> 00:30:51.900 His marvelous works. 00:30:52.060 --> 00:30:53.100 Among all peoples. 00:30:55.120 --> 00:30:56.240 Scope and scale. 00:30:56.680 --> 00:30:57.340 Glory plan. 00:30:58.440 --> 00:31:00.180 The word glory in Hebrew. 00:31:00.900 --> 00:31:02.900 Comes from a word that means heavy. 00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:04.380 Weighty. 00:31:04.380 --> 00:31:13.660 And so when we give God glory, we are giving him his due weight, gravitas. 00:31:14.820 --> 00:31:18.320 That's where we get the word worth-ship from. 00:31:18.740 --> 00:31:24.080 We recognize God's great worth and give him praise. 00:31:27.220 --> 00:31:28.920 So here's what happens. 00:31:28.920 --> 00:31:39.740 Because when people living in the domain of darkness believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ and they get flipped by God's grace, 00:31:40.820 --> 00:31:45.920 we start populating heaven with worshipers. 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:52.060 Giving glory to God. 00:31:52.059 --> 00:32:02.059 Myriads and myriads of people saved from every tribe, tongue, and nation giving glory to God. 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:12.740 Right now, in the heavenly throne room, there are myriads of people, saints, this is Revelation chapter 7, 00:32:13.619 --> 00:32:19.299 who are giving God and Jesus the Lamb the praise due his name. 00:32:19.299 --> 00:32:22.119 They're singing to him. 00:32:23.099 --> 00:32:24.419 Here's what they're singing. 00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:28.740 They are saying, 00:32:30.299 --> 00:32:40.079 blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. 00:32:40.359 --> 00:32:40.680 Amen. 00:32:40.680 --> 00:32:40.940 Amen. 00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:41.000 Amen. 00:32:42.580 --> 00:32:46.779 People from every tribe, tongue, and nation gather together. 00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:58.100 The one flock that Jesus laid down his life for gathered together for eternity, giving him praise. 00:32:59.779 --> 00:33:01.259 It's a glory plan. 00:33:06.559 --> 00:33:10.440 God gets the glory for the work he has done. 00:33:10.940 --> 00:33:12.500 The work that he's doing. 00:33:13.460 --> 00:33:15.740 Not to us, O Lord, not to us. 00:33:16.420 --> 00:33:19.080 But to your name, give glory. 00:33:19.960 --> 00:33:23.880 Because of your steadfast love and faithfulness. 00:33:24.980 --> 00:33:26.019 Psalm 115.1. 00:33:27.420 --> 00:33:31.720 That's what those who have been saved talk about. 00:33:32.820 --> 00:33:34.640 How wonderful their God is. 00:33:35.640 --> 00:33:37.539 How glorious he is. 00:33:37.539 --> 00:33:40.220 You know, every team has an objective. 00:33:40.759 --> 00:33:42.879 Whether you are an athletic team. 00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:46.680 Whether you are a business. 00:33:47.420 --> 00:33:53.000 Whether you are an orchestra or a theater group or a church. 00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:55.159 You always have an objective. 00:33:56.159 --> 00:33:57.559 You always have an end. 00:33:57.559 --> 00:34:01.059 And we make disciples. 00:34:01.059 --> 00:34:05.259 So that God is worshipped. 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:08.199 That God is praised. 00:34:09.019 --> 00:34:10.900 That he is glorified. 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:13.519 John Piper says it this way. 00:34:14.019 --> 00:34:18.799 Missions exists because of the worship of God does not. 00:34:18.800 --> 00:34:32.340 God gets the glory. 00:34:34.080 --> 00:34:35.240 Could you imagine this? 00:34:35.640 --> 00:34:36.680 This year, 2025. 00:34:38.180 --> 00:34:41.940 I wish you guys could be here during the week with all the foot traffic. 00:34:42.980 --> 00:34:43.960 It's wonderful. 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:47.260 It can get crazy from time to time. 00:34:47.260 --> 00:34:50.020 Could you imagine this? 00:34:50.040 --> 00:34:51.780 Over the course of 2025. 00:34:52.480 --> 00:34:54.420 God working in our midst. 00:34:54.820 --> 00:34:57.420 And more and more people through conversions. 00:34:58.120 --> 00:35:02.720 Or through just kind of God opening their eyes and reviving them. 00:35:03.060 --> 00:35:05.980 They start to see the wonder and glory of God. 00:35:06.200 --> 00:35:08.200 And you have people walking around this building. 00:35:08.540 --> 00:35:11.700 Saying things like, isn't Jesus awesome? 00:35:11.699 --> 00:35:16.399 Isn't he worth it all? 00:35:17.399 --> 00:35:19.699 I would do anything for him. 00:35:21.319 --> 00:35:22.699 Wouldn't that be wonderful? 00:35:24.639 --> 00:35:27.779 Wouldn't it be wonderful if the pews are filling up with people? 00:35:29.079 --> 00:35:30.739 Lifting their hands to God. 00:35:32.319 --> 00:35:35.779 Joining the myriads in the heavenly throne room. 00:35:35.780 --> 00:35:39.200 Giving him the worth and praise to his name. 00:35:41.840 --> 00:35:43.080 I want to be part of that. 00:35:47.580 --> 00:35:55.340 There's some implications to this triune, big, Christocentric, people-moving glory plan. 00:35:55.700 --> 00:35:56.420 Some implications. 00:35:56.420 --> 00:35:59.800 God's making disciples today. 00:36:01.720 --> 00:36:03.119 Aslan is on the move. 00:36:04.820 --> 00:36:09.960 The triune God is at work right now among the nations. 00:36:10.200 --> 00:36:11.680 Flipping people by their grace. 00:36:12.519 --> 00:36:13.220 And you know what? 00:36:13.420 --> 00:36:14.780 It doesn't show up on CNN. 00:36:15.139 --> 00:36:16.619 It's not going to show up on Fox News. 00:36:17.019 --> 00:36:18.960 It's not going to show up on your news outlets. 00:36:19.880 --> 00:36:21.360 It comes through word of mouth. 00:36:21.360 --> 00:36:26.260 That's why we are regularly talking with our mission partners to hear what God is doing. 00:36:29.880 --> 00:36:31.680 But do you believe that God is at work? 00:36:34.400 --> 00:36:35.480 In this place. 00:36:37.440 --> 00:36:38.420 At this time. 00:36:39.800 --> 00:36:40.660 Among us. 00:36:42.420 --> 00:36:43.360 I have stories. 00:36:44.900 --> 00:36:50.120 There are people in this room right now that were in darkness 11 months ago. 00:36:51.360 --> 00:36:56.519 God is making disciples today. 00:36:56.840 --> 00:36:57.820 Aslan's on the move. 00:36:58.579 --> 00:36:59.220 Do you know what? 00:36:59.420 --> 00:37:00.000 We pray then. 00:37:01.000 --> 00:37:02.280 We say, God, God, what are you doing? 00:37:02.400 --> 00:37:03.200 Show us what you're doing. 00:37:04.599 --> 00:37:05.539 Encourage our hearts. 00:37:07.300 --> 00:37:08.059 Implication two. 00:37:08.920 --> 00:37:10.140 You are part of the plan. 00:37:11.160 --> 00:37:15.620 Not just that you have been brought through and you got flipped. 00:37:15.780 --> 00:37:16.620 That's part of the plan. 00:37:16.620 --> 00:37:20.180 But you're part of his plan of making disciples of other people. 00:37:21.360 --> 00:37:26.019 Brother, sister, you were flipped by God's grace. 00:37:26.579 --> 00:37:28.120 Not to live for yourself. 00:37:29.120 --> 00:37:30.160 But for him. 00:37:31.640 --> 00:37:33.440 To be part of what he is doing. 00:37:34.440 --> 00:37:42.660 Do you know that God has strategically, providentially placed you in the relational networks that you are in? 00:37:42.659 --> 00:37:43.980 It's no accident. 00:37:44.719 --> 00:37:45.819 No accident. 00:37:46.379 --> 00:37:53.679 And he wants to use you in helping people move people to him. 00:37:54.759 --> 00:37:55.819 He wants that. 00:37:56.819 --> 00:37:57.579 Yourself. 00:37:57.779 --> 00:37:58.339 Your spouse. 00:37:58.579 --> 00:37:59.099 Your kids. 00:37:59.440 --> 00:38:00.059 Your neighbors. 00:38:00.500 --> 00:38:01.559 Those you work with. 00:38:01.779 --> 00:38:03.000 Those you go to school with. 00:38:03.219 --> 00:38:04.719 Those who you compete with. 00:38:04.859 --> 00:38:05.859 All of these people. 00:38:05.860 --> 00:38:06.460 Man. 00:38:10.059 --> 00:38:11.519 I've got to hear this every day. 00:38:12.760 --> 00:38:13.660 Because I forget. 00:38:16.780 --> 00:38:18.840 I think that this world is all that there is. 00:38:20.019 --> 00:38:21.519 My 70 to 80 years. 00:38:21.660 --> 00:38:21.940 Maybe. 00:38:23.680 --> 00:38:24.079 Oh. 00:38:24.599 --> 00:38:26.420 I want to live for the line. 00:38:27.720 --> 00:38:29.519 I want to live for the glory of God. 00:38:29.620 --> 00:38:30.079 Do you? 00:38:30.079 --> 00:38:30.199 No. 00:38:33.860 --> 00:38:34.599 Implication three. 00:38:38.900 --> 00:38:40.039 It's contested. 00:38:42.960 --> 00:38:43.639 It's hard. 00:38:45.920 --> 00:38:49.579 When you join in what God is doing, there are costs. 00:38:51.739 --> 00:38:55.219 There are things that you just can't do anymore. 00:38:56.259 --> 00:38:58.539 There are things that you will suffer as a result of it. 00:38:58.539 --> 00:39:00.079 But you know what? 00:39:00.980 --> 00:39:01.920 You know what the question is? 00:39:02.559 --> 00:39:03.980 Is it worth it? 00:39:05.380 --> 00:39:06.960 It is worth it. 00:39:07.860 --> 00:39:08.900 Jesus is worth it. 00:39:09.360 --> 00:39:18.079 Watching God flip people from worshiping dead created things to the one living God. 00:39:18.400 --> 00:39:19.239 So worth it. 00:39:20.519 --> 00:39:22.259 So I get to say to you here. 00:39:23.719 --> 00:39:24.679 Don't give up. 00:39:24.679 --> 00:39:28.139 If you are entering 2025. 00:39:29.019 --> 00:39:30.440 And you've been serving. 00:39:30.739 --> 00:39:31.759 And you are weary. 00:39:33.219 --> 00:39:34.319 God has grace. 00:39:34.719 --> 00:39:36.579 Sufficient grace for you today. 00:39:37.579 --> 00:39:38.519 And tomorrow. 00:39:41.339 --> 00:39:43.259 Don't grow weary in doing good. 00:39:43.260 --> 00:39:46.160 No. 00:39:46.160 --> 00:39:48.920 We pray for things like courage. 00:39:50.280 --> 00:39:54.320 We pray for outpourings of the Holy Spirit to make us bold. 00:39:55.020 --> 00:39:56.240 To take stands. 00:39:56.700 --> 00:39:57.900 To say no to things. 00:39:58.020 --> 00:39:58.960 To say that's wrong. 00:39:59.900 --> 00:40:01.040 And to point people to Jesus. 00:40:05.920 --> 00:40:07.000 Jesus is worth it. 00:40:07.000 --> 00:40:12.960 Do you think he's worth it? 00:40:17.719 --> 00:40:18.619 God's got a plan. 00:40:20.280 --> 00:40:22.019 It's a triune plan. 00:40:22.119 --> 00:40:22.860 It's a big plan. 00:40:22.960 --> 00:40:24.139 It's a Christocentric plan. 00:40:24.139 --> 00:40:25.579 It's a people moving plan. 00:40:25.739 --> 00:40:27.880 It is a glory plan. 00:40:28.119 --> 00:40:30.019 So as we start 2025 together. 00:40:31.579 --> 00:40:34.539 Let's start by asking two questions. 00:40:37.000 --> 00:40:39.059 God where are you at work? 00:40:41.199 --> 00:40:42.739 Show us where you're at work. 00:40:44.260 --> 00:40:45.079 And two. 00:40:47.219 --> 00:40:48.460 God would you use me? 00:40:50.619 --> 00:40:52.099 Would you use me? 00:40:53.860 --> 00:40:55.619 In raising up worshipers. 00:40:56.579 --> 00:40:57.559 Would you use me? 00:40:58.739 --> 00:40:59.940 In helping people. 00:41:00.460 --> 00:41:01.320 Move them to Christ. 00:41:01.679 --> 00:41:02.539 Would you help me? 00:41:02.880 --> 00:41:03.559 Use me. 00:41:04.280 --> 00:41:05.760 To establish people in the faith. 00:41:05.760 --> 00:41:07.300 And to love one another. 00:41:07.360 --> 00:41:08.180 And to bear one another. 00:41:08.180 --> 00:41:10.240 As we together follow Jesus. 00:41:14.580 --> 00:41:16.040 I can't think of a better way. 00:41:16.660 --> 00:41:17.680 A better plan. 00:41:18.280 --> 00:41:19.180 For 2025. 00:41:21.080 --> 00:41:21.940 Let's pray together. 00:41:21.940 --> 00:41:22.940 Father. 00:41:22.940 --> 00:41:23.940 Father. 00:41:33.940 --> 00:41:34.340 Father. 00:41:34.480 --> 00:41:36.000 You are all glorious. 00:41:38.220 --> 00:41:39.820 Thank you for sending your son. 00:41:40.900 --> 00:41:41.340 Jesus. 00:41:41.500 --> 00:41:42.579 You are a wonder. 00:41:44.300 --> 00:41:46.460 And as we live between your advents. 00:41:47.039 --> 00:41:48.059 We look to you. 00:41:48.700 --> 00:41:50.039 We depend upon you. 00:41:50.039 --> 00:41:52.519 We know your grace is sufficient. 00:41:53.519 --> 00:41:55.360 Would you revitalize us? 00:41:56.400 --> 00:42:00.179 Would you stir our affections towards you again? 00:42:01.440 --> 00:42:05.179 And would you send in a fresh and full way. 00:42:05.420 --> 00:42:07.719 Your spirit to fall upon us. 00:42:10.219 --> 00:42:12.139 That we would live for you. 00:42:12.139 --> 00:42:16.279 Without regret. 00:42:18.859 --> 00:42:20.019 Without holding back. 00:42:22.819 --> 00:42:25.879 But seeking to bring glory to your name. 00:42:27.920 --> 00:42:29.440 It's in your name, Jesus, we pray. 00:42:29.759 --> 00:42:30.059 Amen. 00:42:30.059 --> 00:42:30.179 Amen. 00:42:30.179 --> 00:42:30.239 Amen. 00:42:30.239 --> 00:42:30.339 Amen. 00:42:30.339 --> 00:42:31.059 Amen. 00:42:31.059 --> 00:42:32.259 Amen. 00:42:32.259 --> 00:42:32.339 Amen. 00:42:32.339 --> 00:42:34.159 Amen. 00:42:34.159 --> 00:42:34.279 Amen. 00:42:34.279 --> 00:42:34.639 Amen. 00:42:34.639 --> 00:42:35.339 Amen. 00:42:35.339 --> 00:42:36.000 Amen. 00:42:36.000 --> 00:42:36.019 Amen. 00:42:36.019 --> 00:42:36.500 Amen. 00:42:36.500 --> 00:42:37.239 Amen. 00:42:37.239 --> 00:42:37.259 Amen. 00:42:37.259 --> 00:42:38.319 Amen. 00:42:38.319 --> 00:42:38.460 Amen. 00:42:38.460 --> 00:42:39.400 Amen. 00:42:39.400 --> 00:42:40.259 Amen. 00:42:40.259 --> 00:42:40.299 Amen.