WEBVTT 00:00:00.480 --> 00:00:00.920 Amen. 00:00:03.180 --> 00:00:07.400 Please take your Bibles and open them up this morning to John chapter 14. 00:00:07.879 --> 00:00:12.800 John chapter 14. We did the first half last week and we'll close it out this week. 00:00:12.880 --> 00:00:16.640 Our passage will be John 14 verses 15 through 31. 00:00:17.140 --> 00:00:20.359 I do ask that you have a Bible open. This will help you to follow along. 00:00:20.440 --> 00:00:23.379 If you don't have your own Bible, if you didn't bring a Bible with you, 00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:26.359 we have Bibles in the seat backs there in front of you. 00:00:26.359 --> 00:00:30.899 If you don't have a Bible at all that you can call your own, you can take that one home with you. 00:00:30.980 --> 00:00:32.000 It's our gift to you. 00:00:32.100 --> 00:00:34.100 So we want you to have a copy of God's Word. 00:00:34.179 --> 00:00:38.579 We don't think that there's any better way for you to grow in your knowledge and love for the Lord 00:00:38.579 --> 00:00:41.640 than to have a Bible open and to hear from His Word. 00:00:41.799 --> 00:00:45.480 So John chapter 14 verses 15 through 31. 00:00:45.679 --> 00:00:50.460 When you've found that, I ask that you please stand in honor of the Word of God as I read. 00:00:56.359 --> 00:01:03.200 If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 00:01:04.319 --> 00:01:09.159 And I will ask the Father and He will give you another helper to be with you forever. 00:01:10.159 --> 00:01:16.920 Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. 00:01:17.519 --> 00:01:21.480 You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 00:01:21.480 --> 00:01:24.040 I will not leave you as orphans. 00:01:24.280 --> 00:01:25.320 I will come to you. 00:01:25.980 --> 00:01:29.439 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. 00:01:30.020 --> 00:01:32.359 Because I live, you also will live. 00:01:33.380 --> 00:01:38.700 In that day you will know that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you. 00:01:39.420 --> 00:01:43.780 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. 00:01:44.240 --> 00:01:49.840 And he who loves me will be loved by my Father and I will love him and manifest myself to him. 00:01:49.840 --> 00:01:53.400 Judas, not Iscariot, said to him, 00:01:54.040 --> 00:01:58.060 Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us and not to the world? 00:01:58.960 --> 00:02:00.020 Jesus answered him, 00:02:00.579 --> 00:02:03.280 If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. 00:02:03.579 --> 00:02:08.659 And my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him. 00:02:09.280 --> 00:02:11.860 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. 00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:15.980 And the word that you hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me. 00:02:15.979 --> 00:02:19.599 These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 00:02:19.959 --> 00:02:24.539 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, 00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:29.439 he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 00:02:30.459 --> 00:02:31.859 Peace I leave with you. 00:02:32.379 --> 00:02:34.459 My peace I give to you. 00:02:35.159 --> 00:02:37.139 Not as the world gives do I give to you. 00:02:37.859 --> 00:02:40.620 Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 00:02:41.259 --> 00:02:42.399 You heard me say to you, 00:02:42.400 --> 00:02:44.400 I am going away and I will come to you. 00:02:44.879 --> 00:02:46.920 If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, 00:02:47.200 --> 00:02:48.860 because I am going to the Father, 00:02:49.480 --> 00:02:51.159 for the Father is greater than I. 00:02:51.939 --> 00:02:53.140 And now I have told you, 00:02:53.180 --> 00:02:54.500 before it takes place, 00:02:54.580 --> 00:02:56.259 so that when it does take place, 00:02:56.640 --> 00:02:57.360 you may believe. 00:02:58.360 --> 00:03:00.020 I will no longer talk much with you, 00:03:00.080 --> 00:03:01.900 for the ruler of this world is coming. 00:03:02.540 --> 00:03:03.900 He has no claim on me, 00:03:04.219 --> 00:03:06.319 but I do as the Father has commanded me, 00:03:06.640 --> 00:03:09.219 so that the world may know that I love the Father. 00:03:09.219 --> 00:03:12.479 Father, arise, let us go from here. 00:03:13.280 --> 00:03:15.479 This is God's holy word. 00:03:15.879 --> 00:03:17.479 You would be seated, and let's pray once more. 00:03:17.599 --> 00:03:23.099 Lord, we thank you for this word that we've just heard, 00:03:23.780 --> 00:03:26.719 and we believe the promise that you've given us, 00:03:26.780 --> 00:03:28.879 that it does not ever return to you empty, 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:30.599 but as often as it goes out, 00:03:30.639 --> 00:03:33.280 it always accomplishes the purposes for which you send it. 00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:34.840 So we pray now, Lord, 00:03:34.879 --> 00:03:36.400 that your word would come with power, 00:03:36.400 --> 00:03:38.780 and conviction in the Spirit. 00:03:38.980 --> 00:03:39.819 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:03:40.840 --> 00:03:41.099 Amen. 00:03:42.900 --> 00:03:46.719 Well, we are focusing on four gifts this Christmas season. 00:03:46.860 --> 00:03:51.140 Last week, we saw the peculiar gift of Jesus' departure. 00:03:51.860 --> 00:03:54.659 As we anticipate his coming this Christmas season, 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:55.640 during the Advent season, 00:03:55.680 --> 00:03:57.960 we talk a lot about the coming of Christ. 00:03:58.400 --> 00:04:01.400 Well, last week, we saw that we should be just as excited 00:04:01.400 --> 00:04:02.920 about his departure. 00:04:02.919 --> 00:04:06.739 His leaving is no disadvantage to us. 00:04:06.819 --> 00:04:07.019 Why? 00:04:07.639 --> 00:04:11.859 Because his leaving secures our coming to be with him. 00:04:12.639 --> 00:04:16.360 His leaving, it strengthens our believing in him. 00:04:16.959 --> 00:04:20.959 His leaving supercharges our working in him. 00:04:21.159 --> 00:04:23.399 That was last week, gift number one. 00:04:23.500 --> 00:04:27.459 Here, this morning, in John 14, 15 through 31, 00:04:27.459 --> 00:04:33.120 Jesus tells us that with his departure comes another incredible gift. 00:04:33.680 --> 00:04:36.399 It's the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:04:37.979 --> 00:04:40.599 When I was growing up, one of my family members, 00:04:40.719 --> 00:04:44.159 and I have to be careful because you never know who is listening online to these sermons, 00:04:44.679 --> 00:04:47.039 every year without fail, 00:04:47.399 --> 00:04:52.839 one of my family members would gift myself and my siblings coins for Christmas. 00:04:53.779 --> 00:04:55.259 Now, some of you may collect coins. 00:04:55.259 --> 00:04:58.279 You may give coins out as a gift, and so I want to be clear. 00:04:58.920 --> 00:04:59.920 Coins are great. 00:05:00.519 --> 00:05:02.139 They can be an excellent gift. 00:05:02.800 --> 00:05:04.180 But for me as a kid, 00:05:04.759 --> 00:05:10.699 I had no earthly idea what in the world I was supposed to do with a bunch of coins. 00:05:11.980 --> 00:05:16.259 And I knew that my parents had told me very clearly I was not to open the coins. 00:05:16.719 --> 00:05:19.039 I was not to play with the coins. 00:05:19.139 --> 00:05:20.839 I was not to touch the coins. 00:05:20.839 --> 00:05:24.359 And so in my mind, what good are the coins anyways? 00:05:26.779 --> 00:05:32.699 It was a wonderful, generous, valuable gift that I simply did not understand. 00:05:33.079 --> 00:05:35.039 Well, in a similar way, believer, 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:40.639 all of us have been given a wonderful, generous, valuable gift in the Holy Spirit. 00:05:40.779 --> 00:05:42.259 But I'm afraid that if we're honest, 00:05:42.779 --> 00:05:43.839 many of us would say, 00:05:43.839 --> 00:05:48.279 well, we don't know exactly what to do with this gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:05:49.299 --> 00:05:50.799 Well, here in John chapter 14, 00:05:51.319 --> 00:05:55.439 Jesus, he teaches us four aspects of this gift. 00:05:56.139 --> 00:05:58.120 This will be our outline this morning if you're taking notes. 00:05:58.359 --> 00:06:02.299 Four aspects of the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:06:03.079 --> 00:06:05.739 Hopefully this will help us understand this gift that we've been given. 00:06:05.740 --> 00:06:09.920 First, we see that the Holy Spirit is a powerful gift. 00:06:10.900 --> 00:06:14.900 The Holy Spirit is a powerful gift. 00:06:15.019 --> 00:06:19.379 You know, I think it's necessary here just to remind us briefly of what we saw last week 00:06:19.379 --> 00:06:20.860 in the first half of this chapter. 00:06:21.199 --> 00:06:23.199 If you were here last week, 00:06:23.220 --> 00:06:26.199 and if you were paying attention to everything that we said, 00:06:26.240 --> 00:06:28.319 all of these benefits of Jesus' departure, 00:06:28.699 --> 00:06:31.980 I hope that you were on the edge of your seat 00:06:31.980 --> 00:06:33.939 waiting for me to say, 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:38.319 all of this is only possible through the Holy Spirit. 00:06:39.180 --> 00:06:40.780 I didn't say it last week. 00:06:40.860 --> 00:06:42.319 I had some self-control. 00:06:42.560 --> 00:06:44.580 I held it for us for this week. 00:06:44.800 --> 00:06:48.980 But we need to realize that all of the benefits of Christ leaving 00:06:48.980 --> 00:06:52.319 come to us by way of the Holy Spirit. 00:06:53.379 --> 00:06:54.740 Our security, 00:06:55.580 --> 00:07:00.180 our assurance that we will go to the place prepared for us in the Father's house, 00:07:00.180 --> 00:07:02.720 that is a work of the Holy Spirit. 00:07:03.579 --> 00:07:04.400 Our faith, 00:07:04.519 --> 00:07:05.800 the gift of faith, 00:07:05.920 --> 00:07:06.699 our believing, 00:07:06.939 --> 00:07:10.180 that is a work of God through the Holy Spirit. 00:07:11.100 --> 00:07:11.900 And our working, 00:07:12.120 --> 00:07:15.560 it is the Holy Spirit that empowers the work of the church. 00:07:15.560 --> 00:07:18.360 As we live in between the two comings of Christ, 00:07:18.560 --> 00:07:23.519 we live and we walk and we work in the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:07:24.379 --> 00:07:27.439 You remember last week from chapter 14, verse 12, 00:07:27.439 --> 00:07:29.740 Jesus makes this incredible promise to us, 00:07:29.800 --> 00:07:31.800 the astounding truth that we, 00:07:32.040 --> 00:07:33.379 the people of God, 00:07:33.939 --> 00:07:37.060 now do greater works than Christ 00:07:37.060 --> 00:07:38.899 because of His departure. 00:07:39.560 --> 00:07:41.100 Greater in scope, 00:07:41.819 --> 00:07:43.339 greater in clarity, 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:45.860 greater in power to save. 00:07:45.939 --> 00:07:47.079 Do you remember that from last week? 00:07:47.439 --> 00:07:48.899 How is that even possible? 00:07:49.060 --> 00:07:51.560 It's only possible through the gift 00:07:51.560 --> 00:07:53.420 of the Holy Spirit. 00:07:53.420 --> 00:07:59.860 The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers the work of the church. 00:07:59.980 --> 00:08:00.080 You know, 00:08:00.120 --> 00:08:03.520 if you're still on track with our reading plan for the month of December, 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:05.220 I won't ask you to raise your hands. 00:08:05.420 --> 00:08:08.240 We gave out a reading plan to take us through the month of December. 00:08:08.600 --> 00:08:10.280 If you're on track today, 00:08:10.439 --> 00:08:13.540 you will read Acts chapter 1 through 8. 00:08:14.020 --> 00:08:14.700 And in that, 00:08:14.780 --> 00:08:16.720 you'll read Acts 1, verse 8, 00:08:16.780 --> 00:08:18.720 which says this promise from Jesus. 00:08:18.980 --> 00:08:20.319 You will receive what? 00:08:20.319 --> 00:08:20.719 Power. 00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:25.599 When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, 00:08:25.800 --> 00:08:28.540 and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, 00:08:28.819 --> 00:08:29.500 and in Judea, 00:08:29.599 --> 00:08:30.540 and in Samaria, 00:08:30.680 --> 00:08:32.779 to the ends of the earth. 00:08:33.679 --> 00:08:37.299 Church, we should realize that that is our mission. 00:08:38.539 --> 00:08:40.279 We're promised God's power 00:08:40.279 --> 00:08:42.100 for God's work, 00:08:42.600 --> 00:08:44.259 for God's glory. 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:46.679 You know, last Sunday evening, 00:08:46.779 --> 00:08:48.639 we had what I think was probably 00:08:48.639 --> 00:08:50.179 the most encouraging members meeting 00:08:50.179 --> 00:08:51.860 I've ever been a part of. 00:08:51.899 --> 00:08:52.500 If you were there, 00:08:53.019 --> 00:08:54.379 it was just a sweet time. 00:08:54.539 --> 00:08:55.620 Everybody got to share. 00:08:56.059 --> 00:08:57.360 Just recapping the year, 00:08:57.460 --> 00:08:58.620 what the Lord has done 00:08:58.620 --> 00:08:59.860 in and through us 00:08:59.860 --> 00:09:00.740 in the year 2023. 00:09:01.259 --> 00:09:02.779 Just about everybody in the room 00:09:02.779 --> 00:09:04.360 went around and shared something 00:09:04.360 --> 00:09:05.759 of what God has done. 00:09:06.019 --> 00:09:08.779 It was so deeply encouraging, 00:09:09.019 --> 00:09:11.519 but one part left me a little frustrated. 00:09:11.519 --> 00:09:13.679 I asked you, 00:09:14.220 --> 00:09:14.419 Church, 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:16.419 what is our mission? 00:09:17.019 --> 00:09:18.299 We've had a whole year 00:09:18.299 --> 00:09:19.360 to get this down. 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:20.939 What is our mission? 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:22.659 And we fumbled, 00:09:22.840 --> 00:09:24.019 and we bumbled our way through it. 00:09:24.059 --> 00:09:25.039 We got there in the end, 00:09:25.120 --> 00:09:26.460 but I wanted to make sure 00:09:26.460 --> 00:09:27.659 we are crystal clear 00:09:27.659 --> 00:09:28.600 what our mission is, 00:09:28.679 --> 00:09:28.860 Church. 00:09:28.939 --> 00:09:29.679 Our mission 00:09:29.679 --> 00:09:31.600 is to magnify 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:33.279 the glory of God 00:09:33.279 --> 00:09:34.939 in the gospel 00:09:34.939 --> 00:09:36.319 of Jesus Christ. 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:38.259 That's our mission. 00:09:38.259 --> 00:09:40.220 to magnify 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:41.519 the glory of God 00:09:41.519 --> 00:09:43.019 in the gospel 00:09:43.019 --> 00:09:44.639 of Jesus Christ. 00:09:44.740 --> 00:09:45.819 That's our mission 00:09:45.819 --> 00:09:47.039 because we are convinced 00:09:47.039 --> 00:09:49.299 that that is God's mission. 00:09:50.159 --> 00:09:51.200 And the way that we plan 00:09:51.200 --> 00:09:51.779 to go about 00:09:51.779 --> 00:09:53.139 that grand mission 00:09:53.139 --> 00:09:55.159 is with God's power 00:09:55.159 --> 00:09:57.740 through God's appointed means. 00:09:57.919 --> 00:09:58.980 And so we're not reinventing 00:09:58.980 --> 00:09:59.720 the wheel here. 00:10:00.100 --> 00:10:01.600 We want to enjoy God 00:10:01.600 --> 00:10:02.159 as we gather 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:02.980 and worship Him, 00:10:03.039 --> 00:10:04.039 as we worship Him, 00:10:04.179 --> 00:10:04.919 as we scatter, 00:10:05.080 --> 00:10:06.120 as we worship His families. 00:10:06.179 --> 00:10:07.500 We want to enjoy Him. 00:10:08.259 --> 00:10:09.299 We want to equip 00:10:09.299 --> 00:10:09.980 the saints, 00:10:10.100 --> 00:10:10.559 one another, 00:10:10.679 --> 00:10:12.019 through discipleship, 00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:12.879 through encouragement, 00:10:13.059 --> 00:10:14.460 as we build one another 00:10:14.460 --> 00:10:15.200 up in love. 00:10:15.460 --> 00:10:17.899 And we want to evangelize 00:10:17.899 --> 00:10:18.659 the lost 00:10:18.659 --> 00:10:20.600 as we take the gospel 00:10:20.600 --> 00:10:22.519 from this gathering place 00:10:22.519 --> 00:10:23.919 and scatter it out 00:10:23.919 --> 00:10:25.100 throughout this community. 00:10:25.899 --> 00:10:26.240 And Lord, 00:10:26.399 --> 00:10:27.379 what we want to see, 00:10:27.539 --> 00:10:27.799 Church, 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:28.759 what we want to see 00:10:28.759 --> 00:10:29.480 the Lord do 00:10:29.480 --> 00:10:31.299 as we go about this mission, 00:10:31.419 --> 00:10:32.340 we want to see lives 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:33.879 transformed by the gospel. 00:10:35.240 --> 00:10:36.679 We want to see sin 00:10:36.679 --> 00:10:37.480 put to death 00:10:37.480 --> 00:10:38.519 in one another's life. 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:39.740 We want to see faith 00:10:39.740 --> 00:10:41.220 strengthened in one another. 00:10:41.879 --> 00:10:43.420 We want to see God's glory 00:10:43.420 --> 00:10:45.220 magnified in us 00:10:45.220 --> 00:10:46.200 and in our community. 00:10:46.340 --> 00:10:46.740 But Church, 00:10:46.800 --> 00:10:47.500 let me be clear. 00:10:47.940 --> 00:10:49.940 None of this is possible 00:10:49.940 --> 00:10:52.139 apart from the power 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:53.659 of the Holy Spirit. 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:56.680 The Spirit 00:10:56.680 --> 00:10:59.159 is God's power 00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:00.440 for God's work, 00:11:00.519 --> 00:11:02.120 for God's glory. 00:11:02.120 --> 00:11:02.220 God's glory. 00:11:03.220 --> 00:11:03.700 Everyone 00:11:03.700 --> 00:11:05.519 should want this gift. 00:11:05.659 --> 00:11:05.840 Amen? 00:11:07.639 --> 00:11:08.560 But as we see, 00:11:08.700 --> 00:11:08.960 second, 00:11:09.179 --> 00:11:09.840 in our passage 00:11:09.840 --> 00:11:10.480 this morning, 00:11:10.560 --> 00:11:11.560 starting in verse 15, 00:11:11.679 --> 00:11:12.200 as we see, 00:11:13.139 --> 00:11:13.879 the Holy Spirit 00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:16.600 is a particular gift. 00:11:17.399 --> 00:11:18.460 The Holy Spirit 00:11:18.460 --> 00:11:21.419 is a particular gift. 00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:21.820 Meaning, 00:11:22.600 --> 00:11:23.840 not everyone 00:11:23.840 --> 00:11:25.039 receives the gift 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:26.100 of the Holy Spirit. 00:11:26.100 --> 00:11:28.519 not everyone 00:11:28.519 --> 00:11:29.320 in the world 00:11:29.320 --> 00:11:30.399 has this gift. 00:11:30.540 --> 00:11:31.659 It's very possible 00:11:31.659 --> 00:11:32.180 that you're here 00:11:32.180 --> 00:11:32.600 this morning 00:11:32.600 --> 00:11:33.659 listening to this sermon, 00:11:33.800 --> 00:11:34.720 listening to this text, 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:36.019 and you do not 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:37.040 have this gift. 00:11:38.040 --> 00:11:38.680 So the question 00:11:38.680 --> 00:11:39.659 we have to ask is, 00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:40.019 well, 00:11:40.080 --> 00:11:41.259 how do we know? 00:11:42.340 --> 00:11:43.040 How do we know 00:11:43.040 --> 00:11:43.540 who it is 00:11:43.540 --> 00:11:44.500 that has the Spirit 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:45.680 and who it is 00:11:45.680 --> 00:11:46.659 who doesn't? 00:11:46.720 --> 00:11:46.820 Well, 00:11:46.840 --> 00:11:47.519 look there with me 00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:48.320 to verse 15. 00:11:48.460 --> 00:11:48.740 Jesus, 00:11:49.240 --> 00:11:50.279 He helps us out. 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:50.720 He says, 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:52.000 if you love me, 00:11:52.080 --> 00:11:52.639 you will keep 00:11:52.639 --> 00:11:53.480 my commandments 00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:55.060 and I will ask 00:11:55.060 --> 00:11:55.560 the Father 00:11:55.560 --> 00:11:57.120 and He will give you 00:11:57.120 --> 00:11:58.120 another helper 00:11:58.120 --> 00:11:59.300 to be with you forever, 00:11:59.460 --> 00:12:00.560 even the Spirit 00:12:00.560 --> 00:12:01.680 of truth. 00:12:01.740 --> 00:12:02.420 Listen to this. 00:12:03.120 --> 00:12:04.000 Whom the world 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:05.519 cannot receive 00:12:05.519 --> 00:12:07.019 because it neither 00:12:07.019 --> 00:12:07.920 sees Him 00:12:07.920 --> 00:12:09.600 nor knows Him. 00:12:09.720 --> 00:12:10.420 You know Him 00:12:10.420 --> 00:12:12.300 for He dwells with you 00:12:12.300 --> 00:12:14.320 and will be in you. 00:12:14.379 --> 00:12:14.540 See, 00:12:15.139 --> 00:12:16.040 Jesus here, 00:12:16.120 --> 00:12:18.100 He makes a distinction 00:12:18.100 --> 00:12:19.480 between 00:12:19.480 --> 00:12:20.779 His people 00:12:20.779 --> 00:12:22.840 who all of them 00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:23.620 will have the Spirit 00:12:23.620 --> 00:12:26.320 and the rest of the world 00:12:26.320 --> 00:12:27.720 who none of them 00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:29.000 will have the Spirit. 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:31.159 Very clear distinction here. 00:12:31.240 --> 00:12:31.960 Jesus says that 00:12:31.960 --> 00:12:33.860 all of His people 00:12:33.860 --> 00:12:35.000 know Him, 00:12:35.379 --> 00:12:35.980 see Him, 00:12:36.379 --> 00:12:36.960 love Him, 00:12:37.279 --> 00:12:37.840 obey Him. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:38.420 Do you see that there 00:12:38.420 --> 00:12:38.840 in the text? 00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:40.779 All of God's people 00:12:40.779 --> 00:12:42.100 know Him, 00:12:42.580 --> 00:12:43.279 see Him, 00:12:43.700 --> 00:12:44.340 love Him, 00:12:44.340 --> 00:12:45.680 and obey Him. 00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:46.379 Those are all 00:12:46.379 --> 00:12:48.420 spiritual functions. 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:50.519 That's what sets 00:12:50.519 --> 00:12:51.639 God's people apart 00:12:51.639 --> 00:12:53.340 from the rest of the world. 00:12:53.440 --> 00:12:54.259 The rest of the world 00:12:54.259 --> 00:12:55.960 does not know God. 00:12:56.680 --> 00:12:57.680 The world in general 00:12:57.680 --> 00:12:59.600 does not see God. 00:12:59.680 --> 00:13:00.460 The world certainly 00:13:00.460 --> 00:13:01.960 does not love God. 00:13:02.039 --> 00:13:02.639 The world certainly 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:04.659 does not obey God. 00:13:04.759 --> 00:13:05.519 So Jesus says 00:13:05.519 --> 00:13:07.399 the world cannot receive Him 00:13:07.399 --> 00:13:08.360 because it neither 00:13:08.360 --> 00:13:09.139 sees Him 00:13:09.139 --> 00:13:10.820 nor knows Him. 00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:12.080 This is a distinction 00:13:12.080 --> 00:13:13.560 that Jesus makes 00:13:13.560 --> 00:13:14.340 between those 00:13:14.340 --> 00:13:15.620 who are spiritual 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:16.899 and those 00:13:16.899 --> 00:13:18.879 who are natural. 00:13:20.379 --> 00:13:21.120 Paul tells us 00:13:21.120 --> 00:13:22.840 in 1 Corinthians 2, 00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:23.539 verse 14, 00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:23.919 he says, 00:13:24.039 --> 00:13:25.259 the natural person 00:13:25.259 --> 00:13:26.639 does not accept 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:27.560 the things 00:13:27.560 --> 00:13:28.960 of the Spirit of God 00:13:28.960 --> 00:13:30.360 for they are 00:13:30.360 --> 00:13:31.360 folly to Him. 00:13:31.960 --> 00:13:32.740 He is not able 00:13:32.740 --> 00:13:33.639 to understand them 00:13:33.639 --> 00:13:34.200 because they are 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:36.600 spiritually discerned. 00:13:37.560 --> 00:13:38.360 It's a bit 00:13:38.360 --> 00:13:39.980 paradoxical, 00:13:40.460 --> 00:13:41.019 isn't it? 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:41.940 He says 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:42.879 the natural person 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:43.820 cannot accept 00:13:43.820 --> 00:13:44.779 the things of the Spirit, 00:13:44.779 --> 00:13:46.179 only the spiritual person 00:13:46.179 --> 00:13:46.720 can accept 00:13:46.720 --> 00:13:47.539 the things of the Spirit. 00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:48.419 But how is somebody 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:50.100 made a spiritual person? 00:13:50.559 --> 00:13:51.579 It's by the work 00:13:51.579 --> 00:13:52.100 of the Spirit. 00:13:53.939 --> 00:13:55.059 Apart from the work 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:56.139 of the Holy Spirit, 00:13:56.379 --> 00:13:58.240 no one can accept 00:13:58.240 --> 00:14:00.159 the things of the Spirit. 00:14:00.339 --> 00:14:01.279 But when the Father 00:14:01.279 --> 00:14:02.579 sends the Spirit 00:14:02.579 --> 00:14:03.980 in power to save, 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:04.699 you know what happens? 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:07.500 The Spirit changes you 00:14:07.500 --> 00:14:09.679 from being a natural person 00:14:09.679 --> 00:14:12.120 who is naturally blind, 00:14:12.459 --> 00:14:13.600 naturally ignorant 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:15.000 to the glory of Christ, 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:16.560 naturally rebellious, 00:14:16.659 --> 00:14:18.000 naturally hard-hearted 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:18.759 towards God, 00:14:19.120 --> 00:14:19.960 changes you 00:14:19.960 --> 00:14:22.080 from a natural person 00:14:22.080 --> 00:14:22.600 into something 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:24.240 categorically different. 00:14:25.240 --> 00:14:26.320 A new creation. 00:14:27.340 --> 00:14:29.240 A spiritual person 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:30.600 who now sees 00:14:30.600 --> 00:14:32.759 and knows the Lord. 00:14:34.379 --> 00:14:36.840 The Spirit belongs 00:14:36.840 --> 00:14:38.180 to those who see 00:14:38.180 --> 00:14:40.680 and know the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:40.679 --> 00:14:41.859 But it goes deeper 00:14:41.859 --> 00:14:42.559 than that, 00:14:42.620 --> 00:14:43.079 doesn't it? 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:45.699 The Spirit belongs 00:14:45.699 --> 00:14:47.259 to those who love 00:14:47.259 --> 00:14:48.539 and obey 00:14:48.539 --> 00:14:50.919 the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:51.899 --> 00:14:52.599 Jesus said 00:14:52.599 --> 00:14:54.399 in verse 23, 00:14:55.079 --> 00:14:57.120 If anyone loves me, 00:14:57.799 --> 00:14:58.939 he will keep my word, 00:14:59.000 --> 00:14:59.579 and my Father 00:14:59.579 --> 00:15:00.459 will love him, 00:15:00.939 --> 00:15:02.359 and we will come to him 00:15:02.359 --> 00:15:03.159 and make our home 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:03.739 with him. 00:15:04.479 --> 00:15:06.199 Whoever does not love me 00:15:06.199 --> 00:15:08.279 does not keep my words. 00:15:08.279 --> 00:15:10.459 Now we have to be careful 00:15:10.459 --> 00:15:11.419 here, don't we? 00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:13.539 Because at first glance, 00:15:13.639 --> 00:15:15.100 this looks a little bit 00:15:15.100 --> 00:15:17.299 like God's love for us 00:15:17.299 --> 00:15:18.240 is a response 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:20.459 to our love for him. 00:15:21.039 --> 00:15:21.279 Right? 00:15:21.659 --> 00:15:22.699 Is that how it reads to you? 00:15:22.779 --> 00:15:23.000 He says, 00:15:23.360 --> 00:15:24.720 If anyone loves me, 00:15:24.819 --> 00:15:25.919 he will keep my word, 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:26.679 and my Father 00:15:26.679 --> 00:15:27.819 will love him. 00:15:28.179 --> 00:15:29.319 But we know better, 00:15:29.419 --> 00:15:30.379 I hope by now, 00:15:30.439 --> 00:15:31.100 that we know better. 00:15:31.179 --> 00:15:32.339 This isn't an order 00:15:32.339 --> 00:15:33.639 of operations. 00:15:34.199 --> 00:15:34.759 These are 00:15:34.759 --> 00:15:37.459 inseparable truths. 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:40.299 If you love the Lord, 00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:42.480 that genuine love 00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:44.279 will necessarily 00:15:44.279 --> 00:15:45.360 be worked out 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:47.299 in a life of obedience. 00:15:47.939 --> 00:15:48.959 Not perfection, 00:15:49.139 --> 00:15:49.819 of course not. 00:15:50.279 --> 00:15:52.120 Not perfect obedience, 00:15:52.720 --> 00:15:53.879 but genuine love 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:55.240 will result, 00:15:55.419 --> 00:15:56.600 will bear the fruit 00:15:56.600 --> 00:15:57.679 of obedience. 00:15:58.779 --> 00:15:59.779 And we can be sure 00:15:59.779 --> 00:16:01.059 that any who love the Lord 00:16:01.059 --> 00:16:01.740 and serve him 00:16:01.740 --> 00:16:02.419 and obey him 00:16:02.419 --> 00:16:04.579 truly are loved by God 00:16:04.579 --> 00:16:05.419 because if we're going 00:16:05.419 --> 00:16:06.199 to talk about 00:16:06.199 --> 00:16:07.699 order of operations here, 00:16:07.700 --> 00:16:08.580 we love 00:16:08.580 --> 00:16:09.879 because he first 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:11.520 loved us. 00:16:13.300 --> 00:16:14.000 We were dead 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:15.300 in our trespasses 00:16:15.300 --> 00:16:16.000 and sins, 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:17.740 Ephesians 2 tells us. 00:16:17.800 --> 00:16:18.560 But God 00:16:18.560 --> 00:16:20.960 made us alive 00:16:20.960 --> 00:16:22.060 together with Christ. 00:16:23.140 --> 00:16:24.000 God demonstrates 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:24.860 his love for us 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:25.379 in this, 00:16:25.460 --> 00:16:26.320 that while we were 00:16:26.320 --> 00:16:27.100 still sinners, 00:16:27.300 --> 00:16:27.640 God, 00:16:28.360 --> 00:16:30.000 Christ died for us, 00:16:30.060 --> 00:16:31.060 Romans chapter 5. 00:16:32.560 --> 00:16:33.660 And Jesus is telling us 00:16:33.660 --> 00:16:34.640 that one of the 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:36.279 defining marks 00:16:36.279 --> 00:16:37.659 of those who have 00:16:37.659 --> 00:16:38.439 the Spirit 00:16:38.439 --> 00:16:39.600 of the Lord 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:40.539 in them 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:42.220 is love. 00:16:43.259 --> 00:16:44.259 The natural person, 00:16:44.580 --> 00:16:45.740 he does not 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:46.799 love the Lord. 00:16:47.559 --> 00:16:48.399 He's rebellious, 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:49.080 hard-hearted 00:16:49.080 --> 00:16:50.019 towards the things 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:50.500 of God. 00:16:50.659 --> 00:16:51.919 One of the primary 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:53.480 works of the Holy Spirit 00:16:53.480 --> 00:16:55.279 is to take a heart 00:16:55.279 --> 00:16:56.199 that is cold 00:16:56.199 --> 00:16:57.019 towards God 00:16:57.019 --> 00:16:58.279 and replace it 00:16:58.279 --> 00:16:59.500 with a new heart 00:16:59.500 --> 00:16:59.879 that now 00:16:59.879 --> 00:17:01.519 loves God. 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:01.559 God. 00:17:02.559 --> 00:17:03.819 That's the difference 00:17:03.819 --> 00:17:05.200 between those 00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:06.180 who have this gift 00:17:06.180 --> 00:17:06.720 and those 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.859 who do not. 00:17:09.379 --> 00:17:09.680 Friend, 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:11.019 if you want to know 00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:12.839 what category 00:17:12.839 --> 00:17:13.460 you're in, 00:17:14.160 --> 00:17:15.700 if you want to know 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:17.039 whether or not 00:17:17.039 --> 00:17:18.039 you have the Spirit 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:18.779 or whether you 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:20.099 belong to the world, 00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:21.259 ask yourself, 00:17:21.379 --> 00:17:21.799 honestly, 00:17:22.299 --> 00:17:23.639 do I love 00:17:23.639 --> 00:17:24.180 the Lord? 00:17:25.379 --> 00:17:26.259 Do you 00:17:26.259 --> 00:17:27.259 love 00:17:27.259 --> 00:17:28.279 God? 00:17:29.579 --> 00:17:30.079 Do you 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:30.980 love 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:31.699 the Lord 00:17:31.699 --> 00:17:32.720 Jesus Christ? 00:17:33.859 --> 00:17:34.339 Do you 00:17:34.339 --> 00:17:35.019 love 00:17:35.019 --> 00:17:36.059 His Word? 00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:36.539 Do you 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:37.359 desire 00:17:37.359 --> 00:17:38.399 communion 00:17:38.399 --> 00:17:39.059 and fellowship 00:17:39.059 --> 00:17:39.559 with Him? 00:17:39.599 --> 00:17:39.879 Do you 00:17:39.879 --> 00:17:40.919 love the things 00:17:40.919 --> 00:17:41.939 that He loves? 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:42.619 Is your life 00:17:42.619 --> 00:17:43.859 marked by the things 00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:45.439 that He is marked by? 00:17:45.619 --> 00:17:46.019 Are you 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:46.939 obeying 00:17:46.939 --> 00:17:47.919 His Word? 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:48.599 If so, 00:17:48.939 --> 00:17:49.559 praise God, 00:17:49.619 --> 00:17:50.419 that's a miracle 00:17:50.419 --> 00:17:51.599 of God's Spirit 00:17:51.599 --> 00:17:52.220 in you. 00:17:54.439 --> 00:17:55.559 This is what we read 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.759 this morning 00:17:56.759 --> 00:17:58.059 from Ezekiel 36. 00:17:58.059 --> 00:18:00.039 I will give you 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:01.019 a new heart 00:18:01.019 --> 00:18:02.619 and a new spirit 00:18:02.619 --> 00:18:03.259 I will put 00:18:03.259 --> 00:18:03.980 within you 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:05.639 and I will remove 00:18:05.639 --> 00:18:06.579 the heart of stone 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:07.359 from your flesh 00:18:07.359 --> 00:18:08.039 and give you 00:18:08.039 --> 00:18:09.119 a heart of flesh 00:18:09.119 --> 00:18:10.460 and I will put 00:18:10.460 --> 00:18:11.240 my spirit 00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:12.419 within you 00:18:12.419 --> 00:18:13.659 and I will cause 00:18:13.659 --> 00:18:14.460 you to walk 00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:15.559 in my statutes 00:18:15.559 --> 00:18:16.579 and be careful 00:18:16.579 --> 00:18:17.399 to obey 00:18:17.399 --> 00:18:18.519 my rules. 00:18:18.659 --> 00:18:19.539 If anyone loves 00:18:19.539 --> 00:18:19.759 me, 00:18:19.859 --> 00:18:20.480 Jesus said, 00:18:21.139 --> 00:18:21.679 he will keep 00:18:21.679 --> 00:18:22.220 my word. 00:18:23.599 --> 00:18:23.940 Church, 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:24.519 you ask the 00:18:24.519 --> 00:18:25.759 holiest person 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:26.399 that you know. 00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:27.139 Get them in your mind. 00:18:27.140 --> 00:18:27.180 God, 00:18:27.980 --> 00:18:29.120 ask the holiest 00:18:29.120 --> 00:18:30.820 person that you know. 00:18:30.920 --> 00:18:31.720 Why do you 00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:33.640 read your Bible 00:18:33.640 --> 00:18:34.620 so regularly, 00:18:34.780 --> 00:18:35.460 so faithfully? 00:18:36.280 --> 00:18:37.740 Why do you pray? 00:18:37.880 --> 00:18:38.460 Why do you live 00:18:38.460 --> 00:18:39.440 the way that you do? 00:18:41.380 --> 00:18:42.040 An honest, 00:18:42.460 --> 00:18:43.680 good answer 00:18:43.680 --> 00:18:44.759 shouldn't be 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:46.259 just compliance. 00:18:47.360 --> 00:18:48.320 He said so, 00:18:48.360 --> 00:18:48.880 although that's 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:50.040 a valid answer. 00:18:50.980 --> 00:18:52.400 The answer ought to be 00:18:52.400 --> 00:18:54.280 because I love Him. 00:18:55.280 --> 00:18:56.620 Because I love Him. 00:18:57.339 --> 00:18:58.079 Because I've seen 00:18:58.079 --> 00:18:58.979 His love for me 00:18:58.979 --> 00:18:59.799 on the cross. 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:01.299 Because I've seen 00:19:01.299 --> 00:19:01.899 His power 00:19:01.899 --> 00:19:02.739 in the resurrection. 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:04.139 Because the Spirit 00:19:04.139 --> 00:19:04.959 has given me eyes 00:19:04.959 --> 00:19:06.019 to see and a heart 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:06.959 to love Him. 00:19:07.019 --> 00:19:07.719 That's why I live 00:19:07.719 --> 00:19:08.339 the way I do. 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:10.599 The Spirit is a 00:19:10.599 --> 00:19:12.079 powerful gift. 00:19:12.179 --> 00:19:12.819 He is a 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:13.899 particular gift. 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:14.399 And third, 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:15.779 we see the Holy Spirit. 00:19:16.439 --> 00:19:16.759 Church, 00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:18.039 He is a personal 00:19:18.039 --> 00:19:19.059 gift. 00:19:20.099 --> 00:19:20.899 A personal 00:19:20.899 --> 00:19:21.619 gift. 00:19:21.619 --> 00:19:22.219 gift. 00:19:23.399 --> 00:19:24.339 Look at the promise 00:19:24.339 --> 00:19:25.019 Jesus makes 00:19:25.019 --> 00:19:25.539 to His people. 00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:26.859 He promises here 00:19:26.859 --> 00:19:28.539 in verses 15 and 16. 00:19:28.739 --> 00:19:28.899 He says, 00:19:29.079 --> 00:19:29.699 If you love me, 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:30.500 you will keep 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:31.199 my commandments 00:19:31.199 --> 00:19:32.339 and I will ask 00:19:32.339 --> 00:19:32.859 the Father 00:19:32.859 --> 00:19:34.199 and He will give you 00:19:34.199 --> 00:19:34.959 another helper 00:19:34.959 --> 00:19:36.099 to be with you forever. 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:37.639 Even the Spirit 00:19:37.639 --> 00:19:38.759 of truth. 00:19:38.839 --> 00:19:39.579 That's an incredible 00:19:39.579 --> 00:19:40.159 promise. 00:19:41.159 --> 00:19:42.399 But He goes 00:19:42.399 --> 00:19:43.599 a step further 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:44.459 than that. 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:45.679 He says, 00:19:45.680 --> 00:19:46.160 this Spirit 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:46.920 will not only 00:19:46.920 --> 00:19:48.299 be with you 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:49.840 walking alongside you, 00:19:49.900 --> 00:19:50.320 He won't only 00:19:50.320 --> 00:19:51.420 be with you, 00:19:51.519 --> 00:19:52.299 He will be 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:53.600 within you. 00:19:54.820 --> 00:19:55.160 He says, 00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:55.880 I will not leave 00:19:55.880 --> 00:19:56.660 you as orphans. 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:57.980 I will come to you 00:19:57.980 --> 00:19:58.539 in that day, 00:19:58.600 --> 00:19:59.100 verse 20. 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.420 In that day, 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:01.259 you will know 00:20:01.259 --> 00:20:02.440 that I am in my Father 00:20:02.440 --> 00:20:03.500 and you in me 00:20:03.500 --> 00:20:05.160 and I in you. 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.600 Now Judas, 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:09.180 John is careful 00:20:09.180 --> 00:20:09.660 to say, 00:20:09.740 --> 00:20:10.820 not Iscariot. 00:20:11.400 --> 00:20:11.840 Judas, 00:20:12.560 --> 00:20:14.140 he asked a good question 00:20:14.140 --> 00:20:15.420 here in verse 22. 00:20:15.420 --> 00:20:16.000 Do you see that? 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:17.560 He said, 00:20:17.840 --> 00:20:18.019 Lord, 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.560 how is it 00:20:19.560 --> 00:20:20.880 that you will 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:21.980 manifest yourself 00:20:21.980 --> 00:20:22.900 to us, 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:23.800 your disciples, 00:20:24.340 --> 00:20:26.120 and not to the rest 00:20:26.120 --> 00:20:26.900 of the world? 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:27.820 Do you still hear 00:20:27.820 --> 00:20:28.440 that distinction 00:20:28.440 --> 00:20:29.320 that's being made? 00:20:29.940 --> 00:20:30.680 How is it 00:20:30.680 --> 00:20:32.620 that we will see you, 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:33.120 know you, 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:33.600 love you, 00:20:33.680 --> 00:20:34.160 obey you, 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:35.259 and the rest of the world 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:36.080 will not? 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:37.600 He says in verse 23, 00:20:38.080 --> 00:20:39.460 if anyone loves me, 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:40.200 verse 23, 00:20:40.680 --> 00:20:42.019 he will keep my word 00:20:42.019 --> 00:20:42.640 and my Father 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:43.460 will love him 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:44.900 and we will come 00:20:44.900 --> 00:20:45.519 to him 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:47.320 and make our home 00:20:47.320 --> 00:20:48.580 with him. 00:20:50.040 --> 00:20:51.180 This is a promise 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:54.040 of the indwelling 00:20:54.040 --> 00:20:55.880 of the Holy Spirit 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:56.880 of God, 00:20:56.960 --> 00:20:58.560 not just with you, 00:20:58.680 --> 00:20:59.620 alongside you, 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:00.000 church, 00:21:00.120 --> 00:21:02.620 but within you. 00:21:05.040 --> 00:21:06.259 I hope you realize 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:08.960 that this is the greater 00:21:08.960 --> 00:21:10.019 fulfillment of everything 00:21:10.019 --> 00:21:10.639 we celebrate 00:21:10.639 --> 00:21:11.420 at Christmas time. 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:15.900 We celebrate 00:21:15.900 --> 00:21:16.900 at Christmas time 00:21:16.900 --> 00:21:18.240 the birth 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:19.740 of Emmanuel, 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:21.259 which means, 00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:21.579 what? 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:24.579 God with us. 00:21:25.779 --> 00:21:26.740 Galatians tells us 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.200 when the fullness 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:28.680 of time had come, 00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:29.819 God sent forth 00:21:29.819 --> 00:21:30.680 his Son, 00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:31.759 born of a woman, 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.779 born under the law 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:34.740 to redeem those 00:21:34.740 --> 00:21:35.859 who are under the law 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:36.979 so that we might 00:21:36.979 --> 00:21:38.639 receive adoption 00:21:38.639 --> 00:21:40.000 as sons. 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:41.779 And because you 00:21:41.779 --> 00:21:42.740 are sons, 00:21:43.599 --> 00:21:44.859 God has sent 00:21:44.859 --> 00:21:45.879 the Spirit 00:21:45.879 --> 00:21:47.079 of his Son 00:21:47.079 --> 00:21:49.119 into your hearts, 00:21:50.119 --> 00:21:50.419 crying, 00:21:50.539 --> 00:21:50.959 Abba, 00:21:51.319 --> 00:21:51.819 Father. 00:21:52.879 --> 00:21:53.819 So you are no longer 00:21:53.819 --> 00:21:54.579 a slave, 00:21:54.859 --> 00:21:55.479 but a son, 00:21:55.539 --> 00:21:56.339 and if a son, 00:21:56.479 --> 00:21:57.179 then an heir 00:21:57.179 --> 00:21:58.099 through God. 00:21:59.099 --> 00:21:59.759 What we celebrate 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:00.319 at Christmas 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.460 is that God 00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:02.919 sent Jesus down 00:22:02.919 --> 00:22:03.759 to be born 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:04.460 as a man 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.259 so that we 00:22:05.259 --> 00:22:06.279 might rise 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:07.019 and be born 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:07.619 of God. 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.399 And if we are 00:22:09.399 --> 00:22:10.220 born of God, 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:11.419 we can be certain 00:22:11.419 --> 00:22:12.419 that we are sons 00:22:12.419 --> 00:22:13.379 and heirs 00:22:13.379 --> 00:22:14.720 through God. 00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:16.779 What a hope 00:22:16.779 --> 00:22:17.460 that is. 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:19.379 The Spirit 00:22:19.379 --> 00:22:20.019 himself bears 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:20.879 witness with our 00:22:20.879 --> 00:22:21.539 spirit that we are 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:22.779 sons of God, 00:22:22.879 --> 00:22:23.720 children of God. 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:25.019 And if children, 00:22:25.179 --> 00:22:25.679 then heirs, 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:26.480 heirs of God 00:22:26.480 --> 00:22:27.139 and fellow heirs 00:22:27.139 --> 00:22:27.700 with Christ, 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.579 provided we suffer 00:22:28.579 --> 00:22:29.019 with him, 00:22:29.079 --> 00:22:29.779 that we may also 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.799 be glorified 00:22:30.799 --> 00:22:31.980 with him. 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:32.319 You see, 00:22:33.139 --> 00:22:35.139 the whole story 00:22:35.139 --> 00:22:36.019 of the Bible, 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:37.420 from beginning 00:22:37.420 --> 00:22:38.000 to end, 00:22:38.099 --> 00:22:38.879 from Genesis 00:22:38.879 --> 00:22:40.119 to Revelation, 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:41.440 the entire story 00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:42.200 of the Bible, 00:22:42.359 --> 00:22:44.119 66 individual books, 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:46.200 is one overarching 00:22:46.200 --> 00:22:47.879 story of God 00:22:47.879 --> 00:22:49.000 making a way 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:50.299 to be with 00:22:50.299 --> 00:22:51.319 his people. 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:53.299 You know, 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:54.619 the book of Genesis 00:22:54.619 --> 00:22:55.379 as it begins, 00:22:55.480 --> 00:22:56.279 this is what was lost 00:22:56.279 --> 00:22:57.180 in the Garden of Eden. 00:22:57.359 --> 00:22:58.819 God made Adam 00:22:58.819 --> 00:22:59.259 and Eve 00:22:59.259 --> 00:23:00.480 a perfect creation, 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:01.599 God with his people, 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.900 perfect relationship, 00:23:03.519 --> 00:23:04.660 perfect community, 00:23:05.180 --> 00:23:06.220 perfect intimacy 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:06.920 with God, 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:07.579 their creator, 00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:09.079 and sin entered 00:23:09.079 --> 00:23:10.000 into the creation 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:11.599 and caused division. 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:13.519 That's what it continues 00:23:13.519 --> 00:23:14.259 to do today. 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:16.460 Our sin is what 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:17.799 separates us 00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:18.460 from God. 00:23:18.579 --> 00:23:19.980 We cannot dwell 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:21.140 with a holy God 00:23:21.140 --> 00:23:22.059 if we are still 00:23:22.059 --> 00:23:23.819 guilty in our sin. 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:25.079 That sin issue 00:23:25.079 --> 00:23:27.019 must be dealt with. 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:28.779 And so all through 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:30.039 the pages of the Old Testament, 00:23:30.200 --> 00:23:31.160 God is putting 00:23:31.160 --> 00:23:32.839 systems in place. 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:34.639 He's reaching down 00:23:34.639 --> 00:23:35.319 to us 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:36.480 to be with his people. 00:23:36.579 --> 00:23:37.339 He's putting systems 00:23:37.339 --> 00:23:38.359 of sacrifice 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:39.139 in place 00:23:39.139 --> 00:23:40.319 to atone for sin. 00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:40.779 He's putting 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:41.819 the tabernacle 00:23:41.819 --> 00:23:42.319 in place 00:23:42.319 --> 00:23:43.059 so he can dwell 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:43.940 amongst his people. 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:45.059 He puts the temple 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:45.619 in place 00:23:45.619 --> 00:23:46.339 so he has a more 00:23:46.339 --> 00:23:47.200 permanent dwelling 00:23:47.200 --> 00:23:48.119 to be with his people. 00:23:48.319 --> 00:23:49.579 But none of it 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:50.359 is lasting. 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:52.779 The sin issue 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.759 still remains. 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:57.359 So in the fullness 00:23:57.359 --> 00:23:57.920 of time 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:58.400 I'd come. 00:24:00.420 --> 00:24:01.480 Jesus Christ 00:24:01.480 --> 00:24:02.180 came. 00:24:03.400 --> 00:24:04.640 This is what we celebrate 00:24:04.640 --> 00:24:05.660 at Christmas 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:06.400 that Christ 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:07.859 came to put 00:24:07.859 --> 00:24:08.740 an end 00:24:08.740 --> 00:24:10.319 to our sin 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:11.720 once and for all. 00:24:12.400 --> 00:24:12.940 So that all 00:24:12.940 --> 00:24:13.960 who know him 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:14.559 by faith, 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:15.779 all who love him, 00:24:15.879 --> 00:24:16.960 all who see him, 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:18.180 all who obey him 00:24:18.180 --> 00:24:19.640 receive the Holy Spirit 00:24:19.640 --> 00:24:20.619 and are made new 00:24:20.619 --> 00:24:21.559 or adopted 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:22.279 into the family 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:22.720 of God. 00:24:22.779 --> 00:24:23.259 As children, 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:25.099 our sin is atoned for. 00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:25.859 It is finished 00:24:25.859 --> 00:24:26.579 on the cross. 00:24:28.980 --> 00:24:30.240 1 Peter 3.18 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:30.680 says, 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:32.099 Christ also suffered 00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:33.160 once for sins, 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:33.899 the righteous 00:24:33.899 --> 00:24:35.619 for the unrighteous, 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:37.139 that he might bring 00:24:37.139 --> 00:24:38.599 us to God. 00:24:38.700 --> 00:24:39.319 So now, 00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:39.859 church, 00:24:40.819 --> 00:24:41.960 if you have received 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:42.879 the finished work 00:24:42.879 --> 00:24:43.960 of Christ 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:45.099 through faith 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:46.299 in what he has done, 00:24:46.379 --> 00:24:47.559 we have the certain 00:24:47.559 --> 00:24:48.839 hope ahead of us. 00:24:48.879 --> 00:24:49.839 At the end of the book 00:24:49.839 --> 00:24:51.339 in Revelation, 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:53.139 chapter 21, 00:24:53.359 --> 00:24:53.859 which says, 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:55.559 I heard a loud 00:24:55.559 --> 00:24:56.879 voice from the throne 00:24:56.879 --> 00:24:57.319 saying, 00:24:57.459 --> 00:24:58.059 Behold, 00:24:58.199 --> 00:24:59.279 the dwelling place 00:24:59.279 --> 00:24:59.980 of God 00:24:59.980 --> 00:25:01.439 is with man. 00:25:02.439 --> 00:25:03.179 He will dwell 00:25:03.179 --> 00:25:03.819 with them 00:25:03.819 --> 00:25:05.319 and they will be 00:25:05.319 --> 00:25:06.000 his people 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:07.759 and God himself 00:25:07.759 --> 00:25:09.099 will be with them 00:25:09.099 --> 00:25:10.720 as their God. 00:25:11.919 --> 00:25:14.019 That's the great hope 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:15.819 that every page 00:25:15.819 --> 00:25:16.919 of this book 00:25:16.919 --> 00:25:18.519 is leaning towards 00:25:18.519 --> 00:25:19.319 that God 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:20.039 would be 00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:21.299 with us. 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:23.220 No sin, 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:25.319 no suffering, 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:26.759 no guilt, 00:25:26.879 --> 00:25:27.480 no pain, 00:25:27.579 --> 00:25:28.139 no loss, 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:28.740 no death, 00:25:28.819 --> 00:25:29.460 no grief. 00:25:29.559 --> 00:25:30.359 He will wipe away 00:25:30.359 --> 00:25:31.579 every tear 00:25:31.579 --> 00:25:32.879 from our eyes 00:25:32.879 --> 00:25:33.759 at his return. 00:25:33.859 --> 00:25:34.259 But church, 00:25:34.359 --> 00:25:35.079 the good news 00:25:35.079 --> 00:25:36.259 that we celebrate today, 00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:38.319 we don't have to wait 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:39.059 till then 00:25:39.059 --> 00:25:41.720 to be with the Lord. 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:44.240 Through his spirit, 00:25:44.240 --> 00:25:45.319 he has come 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:45.900 to be 00:25:45.900 --> 00:25:47.579 within us. 00:25:49.779 --> 00:25:50.880 What should that truth 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:51.500 do for us, 00:25:51.599 --> 00:25:51.859 church? 00:25:53.380 --> 00:25:54.740 If we truly understood 00:25:54.740 --> 00:25:56.299 the glorious gift 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:57.680 that Jesus tells us 00:25:57.680 --> 00:25:59.140 that his spirit 00:25:59.140 --> 00:25:59.819 now lives 00:25:59.819 --> 00:26:01.220 within us, 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:01.579 he says, 00:26:01.660 --> 00:26:03.640 at least one effect 00:26:03.640 --> 00:26:05.279 of that truth, 00:26:05.819 --> 00:26:07.240 at least one effect 00:26:07.980 --> 00:26:08.880 of that gift, 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:09.680 and this is my prayer 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:10.640 for us this Christmas, 00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:13.240 is that we would have 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:14.460 peace. 00:26:16.600 --> 00:26:17.100 Fourth, 00:26:18.360 --> 00:26:19.220 the Holy Spirit 00:26:19.220 --> 00:26:22.320 is a peaceful gift. 00:26:23.320 --> 00:26:23.960 Look there, 00:26:24.540 --> 00:26:25.620 beginning in verse 25, 00:26:25.900 --> 00:26:26.220 he says, 00:26:26.320 --> 00:26:26.900 these things 00:26:26.900 --> 00:26:28.200 I have spoken to you 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:29.480 while I am still with you, 00:26:29.540 --> 00:26:30.160 but the helper, 00:26:30.840 --> 00:26:31.720 the Holy Spirit, 00:26:31.820 --> 00:26:32.360 whom the Father 00:26:32.360 --> 00:26:33.460 will send in my name, 00:26:34.040 --> 00:26:34.880 he will teach you 00:26:34.880 --> 00:26:35.780 all things 00:26:35.780 --> 00:26:36.920 and bring to your remembrance 00:26:36.920 --> 00:26:38.420 all that I have said to you. 00:26:39.240 --> 00:26:40.620 Peace I leave with you. 00:26:41.380 --> 00:26:43.259 My peace I give to you. 00:26:44.080 --> 00:26:45.280 Not as the world gives 00:26:45.280 --> 00:26:46.180 do I give to you. 00:26:46.920 --> 00:26:47.960 Let not your hearts 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:48.520 be troubled, 00:26:48.640 --> 00:26:49.840 neither let them be afraid. 00:26:50.600 --> 00:26:51.580 You heard me say to you, 00:26:51.620 --> 00:26:52.480 I am going away 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:53.880 and I will come to you. 00:26:53.940 --> 00:26:54.640 If you loved me, 00:26:54.720 --> 00:26:55.540 you would have rejoiced 00:26:55.540 --> 00:26:56.320 because I am going 00:26:56.320 --> 00:26:56.980 to the Father, 00:26:57.060 --> 00:26:57.600 for the Father 00:26:57.600 --> 00:26:58.600 is greater than I. 00:26:59.420 --> 00:27:00.580 And now I have told you 00:27:00.580 --> 00:27:02.020 before it takes place, 00:27:02.620 --> 00:27:03.440 so that when it does 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:04.080 take place, 00:27:04.140 --> 00:27:04.940 you may believe. 00:27:05.740 --> 00:27:06.460 I will no longer 00:27:06.460 --> 00:27:07.740 talk much with you 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:08.340 for the ruler 00:27:08.340 --> 00:27:09.460 of this world is coming. 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:11.500 He has no claim on me, 00:27:11.579 --> 00:27:12.840 but I do as my Father 00:27:12.840 --> 00:27:13.880 has commanded me, 00:27:14.019 --> 00:27:15.220 so that the world 00:27:15.220 --> 00:27:15.819 may know 00:27:15.819 --> 00:27:17.240 that I love the Father. 00:27:17.400 --> 00:27:17.819 Rise, 00:27:18.579 --> 00:27:19.740 let us go from here. 00:27:19.920 --> 00:27:20.259 Church, 00:27:20.380 --> 00:27:21.380 the Holy Spirit 00:27:21.380 --> 00:27:23.340 is a gift 00:27:23.340 --> 00:27:24.799 of peace 00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:25.960 to any 00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:27.220 who receive Him. 00:27:28.640 --> 00:27:29.360 And don't you long 00:27:29.360 --> 00:27:29.960 for peace? 00:27:31.620 --> 00:27:32.100 Everybody 00:27:32.100 --> 00:27:33.299 longs 00:27:33.299 --> 00:27:34.279 for peace. 00:27:34.279 --> 00:27:34.359 peace. 00:27:35.539 --> 00:27:36.619 What Jesus tells us here, 00:27:36.759 --> 00:27:38.319 what kind of peace 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:39.259 this is that He gives 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:39.839 to His people, 00:27:40.019 --> 00:27:41.460 it's peace that is 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:43.839 rooted in the truth. 00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:45.799 See what He says, 00:27:45.899 --> 00:27:46.879 the Helper, 00:27:46.980 --> 00:27:47.759 the Holy Spirit, 00:27:47.899 --> 00:27:48.480 whom the Father 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:49.779 will send in My name, 00:27:49.819 --> 00:27:50.500 what will He do? 00:27:50.960 --> 00:27:52.579 He will teach you 00:27:52.579 --> 00:27:53.619 all things, 00:27:54.059 --> 00:27:55.299 and He will bring 00:27:55.299 --> 00:27:56.539 to our remembrance 00:27:56.539 --> 00:27:58.500 all that I have said 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:59.319 to you. 00:27:59.399 --> 00:28:00.720 Do you ever wonder 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:01.879 how this bumbling 00:28:01.879 --> 00:28:03.039 group of disciples 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:03.779 who can't seem 00:28:03.779 --> 00:28:04.919 to get their head 00:28:04.919 --> 00:28:05.480 on straight 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:06.639 all through the Gospels, 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:07.339 all of a sudden 00:28:07.339 --> 00:28:08.240 in the book of Acts 00:28:08.240 --> 00:28:08.899 and throughout the rest 00:28:08.899 --> 00:28:09.579 of the New Testament, 00:28:10.000 --> 00:28:10.700 they are filled 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.960 with boldness 00:28:11.960 --> 00:28:12.500 to proclaim 00:28:12.500 --> 00:28:13.419 the Word of Christ. 00:28:14.439 --> 00:28:15.059 Do you ever wonder 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:16.500 how Peter can go 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:17.579 from denying the Lord 00:28:17.579 --> 00:28:18.259 three times, 00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:18.939 I don't know him, 00:28:19.539 --> 00:28:20.439 I don't know that man, 00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:21.139 I don't know him, 00:28:21.179 --> 00:28:22.039 you got somebody else, 00:28:22.619 --> 00:28:24.379 to now being a pillar 00:28:24.379 --> 00:28:26.279 and a foundational member 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:27.720 of the early church. 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:30.980 Well, they witnessed 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:32.680 the resurrected Jesus 00:28:32.680 --> 00:28:34.680 and they received 00:28:34.680 --> 00:28:36.400 the promised Holy Spirit. 00:28:37.360 --> 00:28:38.000 The Spirit, 00:28:38.120 --> 00:28:39.299 He taught them 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:40.400 and He reminded them 00:28:40.400 --> 00:28:42.059 of the words of Jesus. 00:28:42.200 --> 00:28:43.059 It was the Spirit 00:28:43.059 --> 00:28:45.460 through the Word of God 00:28:45.460 --> 00:28:46.779 that comforted them 00:28:46.779 --> 00:28:48.180 and sustained them 00:28:48.180 --> 00:28:49.019 and empowered them 00:28:49.019 --> 00:28:50.220 to endure all sorts 00:28:50.220 --> 00:28:51.819 of horrible afflictions 00:28:51.819 --> 00:28:52.759 and persecutions. 00:28:53.120 --> 00:28:54.100 Their lives were not 00:28:54.100 --> 00:28:55.339 peaceful, church, 00:28:56.400 --> 00:28:57.700 but they were at peace. 00:28:57.720 --> 00:29:03.740 We share the same Spirit 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.799 with them. 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:08.740 We share the same Word 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.980 with them. 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:13.339 Do we share the same peace 00:29:13.339 --> 00:29:14.900 with them? 00:29:16.680 --> 00:29:17.980 The Bible that we hold 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:18.600 in our hands, 00:29:18.839 --> 00:29:19.980 that we read 00:29:19.980 --> 00:29:20.920 as we gather together, 00:29:21.000 --> 00:29:22.339 the Bible that we're preaching 00:29:22.339 --> 00:29:23.259 from this morning 00:29:23.259 --> 00:29:25.339 is a product of this promise 00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:26.079 fulfilled. 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:29.419 The Spirit inspired 00:29:29.419 --> 00:29:31.359 the pages of this book 00:29:31.359 --> 00:29:32.759 so that He might call 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:33.419 to mind 00:29:33.419 --> 00:29:34.199 all the things, 00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:35.740 all the words of God 00:29:35.740 --> 00:29:36.859 as we hide His Word 00:29:36.859 --> 00:29:37.500 in our heart. 00:29:38.839 --> 00:29:39.959 One of the primary ways 00:29:39.959 --> 00:29:40.519 that the Spirit 00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:41.419 helps us 00:29:41.419 --> 00:29:42.559 is by illuminating 00:29:42.559 --> 00:29:43.539 the Word of God 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:44.099 in our hearts 00:29:44.099 --> 00:29:44.859 so that 00:29:44.859 --> 00:29:46.179 when we leave here, 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:46.899 when we go out 00:29:46.899 --> 00:29:47.359 in the midst 00:29:47.359 --> 00:29:48.079 of the chaos 00:29:48.079 --> 00:29:49.339 of this world, 00:29:49.619 --> 00:29:51.859 we are of all people 00:29:51.859 --> 00:29:52.980 at peace 00:29:52.980 --> 00:29:55.379 through His Spirit 00:29:55.379 --> 00:29:56.339 in us. 00:29:57.939 --> 00:29:59.359 True peace 00:29:59.359 --> 00:29:59.879 is found 00:29:59.879 --> 00:30:01.099 as the Spirit of God 00:30:01.099 --> 00:30:02.079 teaches us 00:30:02.079 --> 00:30:03.279 the Word of God 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:04.559 so that we believe it 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:05.699 and live it. 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:05.980 Friend, 00:30:06.039 --> 00:30:06.879 if you want to see 00:30:06.879 --> 00:30:07.939 the Spirit move 00:30:07.939 --> 00:30:08.740 in your life, 00:30:08.879 --> 00:30:10.279 open up the Word of God 00:30:10.279 --> 00:30:10.759 and read. 00:30:11.859 --> 00:30:13.319 Open up the Word of God 00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:14.159 and pray, 00:30:14.359 --> 00:30:14.539 Lord, 00:30:14.639 --> 00:30:15.579 give me the grace 00:30:15.579 --> 00:30:16.939 to see Your glory 00:30:16.939 --> 00:30:17.619 in these pages. 00:30:18.639 --> 00:30:18.819 Lord, 00:30:18.879 --> 00:30:19.460 give me the grace 00:30:19.460 --> 00:30:20.500 to obey 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:22.200 where I once rebelled. 00:30:22.319 --> 00:30:22.460 Lord, 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:23.079 give me the grace 00:30:23.079 --> 00:30:23.819 to love You 00:30:23.819 --> 00:30:25.980 where I once hated You. 00:30:27.119 --> 00:30:28.439 If you're seeking peace, 00:30:28.619 --> 00:30:28.859 church, 00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:30.039 do it with an open Bible. 00:30:31.980 --> 00:30:33.000 And whatever you do, 00:30:34.319 --> 00:30:35.419 do not seek it 00:30:35.419 --> 00:30:36.339 in the world. 00:30:38.439 --> 00:30:39.759 Jesus says, 00:30:39.879 --> 00:30:40.779 Peace I leave with you, 00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:42.179 my peace I give to you, 00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:44.240 not as the world gives 00:30:44.240 --> 00:30:45.680 do I give to you. 00:30:46.640 --> 00:30:46.840 Well, 00:30:46.840 --> 00:30:47.340 you think about 00:30:47.340 --> 00:30:48.259 what the world gives you. 00:30:49.820 --> 00:30:50.720 Where can you go 00:30:50.720 --> 00:30:51.940 to find peace in the world? 00:30:53.380 --> 00:30:54.160 The world is nothing 00:30:54.160 --> 00:30:55.759 but anxiety 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:57.480 and stress 00:30:57.480 --> 00:30:58.560 and anger 00:30:58.560 --> 00:30:59.759 and division 00:30:59.759 --> 00:31:00.700 and frustration 00:31:00.700 --> 00:31:01.500 and turmoil. 00:31:02.840 --> 00:31:03.600 Jesus says, 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:05.380 not as the world gives 00:31:05.380 --> 00:31:06.840 do I give to you. 00:31:07.140 --> 00:31:08.940 Receive my peace. 00:31:10.140 --> 00:31:10.440 You remember 00:31:10.440 --> 00:31:11.299 the announcement 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:11.860 of the angels 00:31:11.859 --> 00:31:13.179 that Jesus is coming. 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:14.279 Glory to God 00:31:14.279 --> 00:31:14.879 in the highest 00:31:14.879 --> 00:31:15.559 and on earth 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:16.279 peace 00:31:16.279 --> 00:31:17.699 among those 00:31:17.699 --> 00:31:18.579 with whom 00:31:18.579 --> 00:31:20.219 He is pleased. 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.000 Friend, 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:23.199 are you at peace 00:31:23.199 --> 00:31:25.019 this Christmas season? 00:31:26.619 --> 00:31:28.119 Is your heart 00:31:28.119 --> 00:31:29.439 and your soul 00:31:29.439 --> 00:31:30.319 at rest? 00:31:30.399 --> 00:31:31.079 Honest answers. 00:31:31.859 --> 00:31:32.819 Are you resting 00:31:32.819 --> 00:31:33.539 in the Lord 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:34.939 or is your heart 00:31:34.939 --> 00:31:35.519 and your life 00:31:35.519 --> 00:31:35.939 marked 00:31:35.939 --> 00:31:37.240 by the chaos 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:37.859 and frustration 00:31:37.859 --> 00:31:38.659 of the world? 00:31:38.660 --> 00:31:42.380 disciples here 00:31:42.380 --> 00:31:43.519 were likely 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:44.060 experiencing 00:31:44.060 --> 00:31:45.080 a mix of emotions. 00:31:45.320 --> 00:31:46.420 Jesus is telling them 00:31:46.420 --> 00:31:47.700 the enemy is coming. 00:31:47.800 --> 00:31:48.900 The enemy is at hand. 00:31:48.980 --> 00:31:49.380 He's coming. 00:31:49.480 --> 00:31:49.920 I'm leaving. 00:31:50.019 --> 00:31:51.040 I'm going to the Father. 00:31:51.160 --> 00:31:51.900 They thought 00:31:51.900 --> 00:31:53.560 they were losing Jesus. 00:31:55.220 --> 00:31:55.720 And yet here 00:31:55.720 --> 00:31:56.920 He is promising them 00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:57.820 this is good. 00:31:58.700 --> 00:31:59.660 This is good. 00:32:00.519 --> 00:32:02.040 This is in the Father's hand. 00:32:02.140 --> 00:32:02.960 Be at peace. 00:32:03.040 --> 00:32:03.759 This is okay. 00:32:04.400 --> 00:32:05.820 I will not leave you 00:32:05.820 --> 00:32:06.700 as orphans. 00:32:06.700 --> 00:32:08.120 You will have peace. 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:10.279 I'm certain 00:32:10.279 --> 00:32:10.700 that as much 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:11.319 as they wanted 00:32:11.319 --> 00:32:11.840 to believe 00:32:11.840 --> 00:32:12.259 what Jesus 00:32:12.259 --> 00:32:12.880 was offering 00:32:12.880 --> 00:32:13.580 them here 00:32:13.580 --> 00:32:15.299 they probably 00:32:15.299 --> 00:32:16.920 were frustrated, 00:32:18.019 --> 00:32:18.440 anxious, 00:32:18.740 --> 00:32:19.039 fearful. 00:32:19.160 --> 00:32:20.100 How could this be good? 00:32:20.160 --> 00:32:21.299 How can we have peace? 00:32:22.940 --> 00:32:23.519 I'd be willing 00:32:23.519 --> 00:32:23.940 to bet 00:32:23.940 --> 00:32:25.580 that some of you 00:32:25.580 --> 00:32:26.180 find yourself 00:32:26.180 --> 00:32:27.380 in a similar situation 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:28.500 this Christmas. 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:31.440 I know that 00:32:31.440 --> 00:32:33.340 for many of us 00:32:33.340 --> 00:32:34.120 the holidays, 00:32:34.279 --> 00:32:34.840 Christmas season 00:32:34.840 --> 00:32:35.319 is a time 00:32:35.319 --> 00:32:36.439 of great joy 00:32:36.439 --> 00:32:37.619 and happiness 00:32:37.619 --> 00:32:38.460 and excitement 00:32:38.460 --> 00:32:39.639 and delight. 00:32:39.779 --> 00:32:40.879 It's an exciting time. 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:41.519 We celebrate 00:32:41.519 --> 00:32:42.480 the coming of Christ 00:32:42.480 --> 00:32:42.980 but I know 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:43.879 that for many of us 00:32:43.879 --> 00:32:44.779 the holiday season, 00:32:44.919 --> 00:32:45.220 Christmas, 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:46.299 is a time 00:32:46.299 --> 00:32:46.859 when many of us 00:32:46.859 --> 00:32:47.579 are struggling 00:32:47.579 --> 00:32:49.339 with tremendous grief. 00:32:50.720 --> 00:32:51.679 Tremendous loss. 00:32:52.759 --> 00:32:53.359 As we grieve 00:32:53.359 --> 00:32:54.639 the loss of loved ones, 00:32:55.259 --> 00:32:56.019 I look around here 00:32:56.019 --> 00:32:56.579 I see others 00:32:56.579 --> 00:32:57.099 that are missing 00:32:57.099 --> 00:32:57.799 who I know 00:32:57.799 --> 00:32:58.419 are grieving 00:32:58.419 --> 00:32:59.159 the loss 00:32:59.159 --> 00:33:00.139 of those that they loved. 00:33:01.119 --> 00:33:01.539 The holidays 00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:03.000 can be a terribly 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:04.200 painful time 00:33:04.200 --> 00:33:05.039 for many. 00:33:05.680 --> 00:33:06.420 So my encouragement 00:33:06.420 --> 00:33:07.120 to you church 00:33:07.120 --> 00:33:07.740 as we close 00:33:07.740 --> 00:33:08.279 this morning 00:33:08.279 --> 00:33:10.299 lean in 00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:11.400 to the peace 00:33:11.400 --> 00:33:12.600 that we're given 00:33:12.600 --> 00:33:13.960 through the promised 00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:14.660 Holy Spirit. 00:33:15.500 --> 00:33:16.940 You will not find it 00:33:16.940 --> 00:33:17.660 in this world 00:33:17.660 --> 00:33:19.700 but you will find it 00:33:19.700 --> 00:33:21.340 in the Spirit of God 00:33:21.340 --> 00:33:22.259 through the Word 00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:23.340 of Christ. 00:33:25.920 --> 00:33:26.559 Church, 00:33:26.600 --> 00:33:27.240 as we consider 00:33:27.240 --> 00:33:28.860 the miracle of Christ 00:33:28.860 --> 00:33:30.080 coming this Christmas season, 00:33:30.180 --> 00:33:31.059 the miracle of God 00:33:31.059 --> 00:33:31.980 becoming man 00:33:31.980 --> 00:33:32.839 coming to dwell 00:33:32.839 --> 00:33:33.599 among us, 00:33:33.700 --> 00:33:35.079 don't miss the beauty 00:33:35.079 --> 00:33:37.440 of an even greater gift 00:33:37.440 --> 00:33:38.980 that God became man 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:40.940 to dwell within us 00:33:40.940 --> 00:33:42.759 through faith in Christ. 00:33:43.460 --> 00:33:44.180 Let's pray. 00:33:47.940 --> 00:33:49.180 Lord, what a gift. 00:33:53.519 --> 00:33:54.480 What a gift. 00:33:54.480 --> 00:33:57.299 Lord, we pray, 00:33:57.480 --> 00:33:57.660 Father, 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:59.500 that we would, 00:34:00.460 --> 00:34:01.579 if we have not 00:34:01.579 --> 00:34:02.220 to this point, 00:34:02.319 --> 00:34:02.559 God, 00:34:02.660 --> 00:34:03.980 receive the Holy Spirit 00:34:03.980 --> 00:34:04.960 that if there's any here 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:05.960 who don't know you, 00:34:06.860 --> 00:34:07.140 Father, 00:34:07.400 --> 00:34:08.139 send your Spirit 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:08.920 forth in power 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:09.840 now to save. 00:34:11.480 --> 00:34:11.900 And Father, 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:12.740 we ask that 00:34:12.740 --> 00:34:14.719 as we walk 00:34:14.719 --> 00:34:15.719 through this Christmas season 00:34:15.719 --> 00:34:16.380 and anticipate 00:34:16.380 --> 00:34:17.820 the coming of Christ, 00:34:18.900 --> 00:34:19.639 fill our hearts 00:34:19.639 --> 00:34:20.360 with peace 00:34:20.360 --> 00:34:21.699 through believing 00:34:21.699 --> 00:34:22.599 in the Holy Spirit. 00:34:23.019 --> 00:34:23.679 We love you, 00:34:23.679 --> 00:34:24.079 Lord. 00:34:24.139 --> 00:34:25.179 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:34:26.239 --> 00:34:26.500 Amen.