WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.360 Well, I'll turn, if you will, to Luke chapter 18, from page 8, 7 and 7, Luke chapter 18. 00:00:07.960 --> 00:00:20.400 And we've been going through Luke for about a year and a half, and we come to verses 15 and 17, which is a very appropriate passage for when we have a baptism. 00:00:20.400 --> 00:00:25.679 I want to ask a question this morning. I want to ask you, what is your theology of children? 00:00:25.679 --> 00:00:36.939 What is your theology of children? One well-known preacher says, when I was a young man, I had no children and six theories about parenting. 00:00:37.619 --> 00:00:47.620 Later on in life he said, I now have six children and no theories. And we tend, don't we, to have a lot of ideas about bringing up children, about children in church. 00:00:47.619 --> 00:00:55.659 But I want to say to you, we need less theories and more theology. And some of the theories are unstated, aren't they? 00:00:55.819 --> 00:01:03.959 They're unstated assumptions that we pick up from films, or TV shows, or from peers. Let me give you three of them. 00:01:05.259 --> 00:01:10.959 One of them is that children are so special, that they alone can give your life meaning and purpose. 00:01:10.959 --> 00:01:23.079 And so you often find this in films, don't you? Now that the man or the woman have realised all the things that they were living for, they're worth nothing. 00:01:24.199 --> 00:01:29.819 But kids have arrived. And kids are really what life is all about. 00:01:31.079 --> 00:01:34.419 Christmas, what's Christmas about? Oh, it's all about the children, it's all about family. 00:01:34.420 --> 00:01:39.079 And that is true, but not quite true, isn't it? 00:01:39.939 --> 00:01:44.579 And it's so easy to centre everything around children. 00:01:45.099 --> 00:01:50.500 Put your kids first. That will give you purpose and meaning. 00:01:51.319 --> 00:01:57.939 And it seems a fine line in the church, isn't it? Between being family friendly and actually family idolatry. 00:01:58.719 --> 00:02:03.599 So that's one unstated theory. Kids are so special that they alone can give you meaning and purpose. 00:02:03.599 --> 00:02:05.619 The second one is that children are just a blank slate. 00:02:06.839 --> 00:02:11.139 They're just a blank sheet of paper, and you can write on them whatever you want. 00:02:11.799 --> 00:02:13.459 They are there, children are there. 00:02:14.280 --> 00:02:19.180 Little Theodore is there for you to shape him into the kind of being that you want him to be. 00:02:19.539 --> 00:02:21.120 So you've got to get the right education. 00:02:21.919 --> 00:02:23.139 You've got to get the right upbringing. 00:02:23.859 --> 00:02:24.919 You've got to get the right house. 00:02:25.439 --> 00:02:27.539 You've got to get the right school. You've got to get the right books. 00:02:28.019 --> 00:02:30.939 The right opportunities, and then our kids will turn out fine. 00:02:30.939 --> 00:02:34.819 And by fine, they will be wonderful people, wonderful Christians. 00:02:35.240 --> 00:02:37.579 And the kind of unstated assumption is this. 00:02:37.900 --> 00:02:44.400 Whatever poor decisions that my children make, it is exclusively down to external factors. 00:02:45.419 --> 00:02:49.439 If something goes wrong in my children's lives, well, it's something from external. 00:02:50.259 --> 00:02:52.079 It's not at all because of their sinful nature. 00:02:52.080 --> 00:02:56.320 But as Christians, we should know that both are true. 00:02:57.840 --> 00:02:59.440 And then there's kind of the opposite thing. 00:02:59.700 --> 00:03:01.360 Children are just a drag. 00:03:01.560 --> 00:03:02.500 That's a third assumption. 00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:08.580 And they cramp your style, for those of you who had style before you were children. 00:03:09.680 --> 00:03:10.540 So you know the article. 00:03:10.800 --> 00:03:15.360 It comes up on the BBC magazine, online, pretty much every six months. 00:03:15.540 --> 00:03:17.820 How much does it cost to raise a child today? 00:03:17.920 --> 00:03:18.400 Have you read it? 00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:23.740 It will cost you three million pounds until your child is 18. 00:03:24.039 --> 00:03:29.939 By the time your children go to university, it is going to cost you one billion pounds in fees. 00:03:30.800 --> 00:03:32.800 Look how much children are costing you. 00:03:33.500 --> 00:03:35.520 And kids will ruin your ability to travel. 00:03:36.219 --> 00:03:37.740 You won't be able to go to restaurants. 00:03:38.319 --> 00:03:39.800 You won't be able to enjoy your life. 00:03:40.360 --> 00:03:41.640 And you won't be able to be stylish anymore. 00:03:41.639 --> 00:03:45.559 And all those theories, although I overstate it, are about children. 00:03:46.619 --> 00:03:48.119 And they're understated. 00:03:48.619 --> 00:03:50.959 They're understated assumptions that are there, aren't they? 00:03:51.659 --> 00:03:53.939 And we need fewer theories and more theology. 00:03:55.199 --> 00:03:59.459 Now, I want to say, we don't often think, what does Jesus say about children? 00:04:00.859 --> 00:04:02.659 What does Jesus think about children? 00:04:03.659 --> 00:04:05.539 What does Jesus' theology of children? 00:04:05.539 --> 00:04:08.060 We want to hear from Jesus, don't we? 00:04:08.159 --> 00:04:10.079 We want to hear from Jesus when it comes to forgiveness. 00:04:10.719 --> 00:04:12.219 And when it comes to helping the poor. 00:04:12.719 --> 00:04:14.739 And when it comes to obedience to God. 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:18.360 And when it comes to spiritual things, we want to hear from Jesus. 00:04:19.959 --> 00:04:21.459 But Jesus didn't have any kids. 00:04:23.019 --> 00:04:24.519 He was a perfect kid. 00:04:25.399 --> 00:04:26.800 How can Jesus know anything about children? 00:04:28.199 --> 00:04:30.600 Well, actually, Jesus says that you've got some very important things. 00:04:30.659 --> 00:04:32.519 He doesn't tell you everything that you need to know. 00:04:32.519 --> 00:04:35.099 We've got the whole Bible to inform us. 00:04:35.439 --> 00:04:40.199 But he does lay down three of the most essential building blocks for a theology of children. 00:04:41.279 --> 00:04:43.659 So, let me read you verses 15 to 17 again. 00:04:43.899 --> 00:04:44.419 Can you look down? 00:04:45.139 --> 00:04:49.779 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. 00:04:49.959 --> 00:04:51.299 That he might bless them. 00:04:52.560 --> 00:04:56.199 When the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 00:04:57.159 --> 00:04:58.979 But Jesus said to them, saying, 00:04:59.180 --> 00:05:01.339 Let the children come to me. 00:05:01.339 --> 00:05:03.819 And do not hinder them. 00:05:04.779 --> 00:05:06.859 For to such belongs the kingdom of God. 00:05:07.719 --> 00:05:12.000 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child shall not enter it. 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:15.639 So the first thing, the most basic thing is this. 00:05:15.739 --> 00:05:17.279 Jesus loves children. 00:05:18.539 --> 00:05:20.019 Jesus loves children. 00:05:21.519 --> 00:05:22.839 It says they were bringing children. 00:05:22.839 --> 00:05:28.060 The they probably refers to the parents. 00:05:29.339 --> 00:05:31.439 It probably refers to the husband. 00:05:31.639 --> 00:05:32.219 It's masculine. 00:05:33.799 --> 00:05:36.120 The mums and dads are bringing their children to Jesus. 00:05:37.339 --> 00:05:40.559 And as a natural thing, they want this holy man to touch their kids. 00:05:40.560 --> 00:05:46.920 You might have waited in a line to get a book signed. 00:05:47.980 --> 00:05:50.839 So you might wait in line for a rabbi to bless your children. 00:05:51.199 --> 00:05:52.120 How old were these kids? 00:05:52.220 --> 00:05:52.639 Just look. 00:05:53.459 --> 00:05:54.000 Verse 15. 00:05:54.100 --> 00:05:54.980 They were infants. 00:05:56.319 --> 00:05:58.959 Those nursing at the breast. 00:05:59.959 --> 00:06:01.459 Very young infants. 00:06:01.600 --> 00:06:03.560 Look at verse 16. 00:06:03.560 --> 00:06:07.000 Jesus called them to him. 00:06:07.120 --> 00:06:08.240 He took them into his arms. 00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:09.680 Babies. 00:06:10.879 --> 00:06:13.500 Now this may seem to you and I rather normal, isn't it? 00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:14.480 Politicians. 00:06:14.720 --> 00:06:16.139 They love to hold babies. 00:06:16.720 --> 00:06:19.899 They love to hold babies and get their photos taken of them holding babies. 00:06:21.040 --> 00:06:25.639 But in the ancient world, they didn't have a sentimental view of children. 00:06:25.639 --> 00:06:31.519 The Greeks and the Romans, for them, there was no sentimentality about children. 00:06:31.860 --> 00:06:33.099 Abortion was very common. 00:06:34.159 --> 00:06:36.800 Even more common than abortion was infanticide. 00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:41.219 There's one famous scrap of papyrus. 00:06:41.300 --> 00:06:42.659 A letter from her husband to his wife. 00:06:42.939 --> 00:06:43.560 She was pregnant. 00:06:43.939 --> 00:06:45.879 And she says, if it is a boy, let him live. 00:06:46.120 --> 00:06:47.699 If it is a girl, put her to death. 00:06:48.639 --> 00:06:49.439 Their own child. 00:06:50.719 --> 00:06:53.019 So girls, in particular, were not wanted. 00:06:53.399 --> 00:06:54.759 They weren't strong. 00:06:54.759 --> 00:06:57.519 And they would have to provide a dowry for the girl. 00:06:57.819 --> 00:07:00.560 And so many children were left just outside. 00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:04.560 They were left outside to be exposed to the elements. 00:07:05.099 --> 00:07:07.639 Literally put on the rubbish dump to die. 00:07:07.879 --> 00:07:08.560 Put in bins. 00:07:09.099 --> 00:07:13.319 There was no sentimentality towards children in the ancient world. 00:07:13.620 --> 00:07:15.259 No sentimentality towards kids. 00:07:15.560 --> 00:07:18.159 Though the Jews, the Jews did treat their children better. 00:07:19.399 --> 00:07:22.319 But they still considered children to have no social standing. 00:07:22.319 --> 00:07:25.219 So children were literally to be seen and not to be cured. 00:07:26.060 --> 00:07:27.500 There was no wacky warehouse. 00:07:28.599 --> 00:07:29.959 There was no CBeebies. 00:07:31.120 --> 00:07:33.740 There was no happy meals at McDonald's. 00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:36.240 Kids were a blessing, yes. 00:07:36.300 --> 00:07:39.399 If they grew up, children were able to work in the fields. 00:07:39.779 --> 00:07:43.779 But actually, as little kids, children were just a nuisance. 00:07:44.480 --> 00:07:45.279 And a bother. 00:07:45.279 --> 00:07:50.279 And as unique persons, they were not deemed at all to have any significance. 00:07:50.599 --> 00:07:51.459 They were insignificant. 00:07:51.859 --> 00:07:55.000 And so the disciples have every reason to think, 00:07:55.319 --> 00:07:58.719 Jesus does not want to be bothered by your pesky kids. 00:08:00.179 --> 00:08:02.059 This is extremely inappropriate. 00:08:02.060 --> 00:08:07.439 It's like you're waiting in line backstage at a concert. 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:12.139 And you've been to the Rolling Stones and you want to see Mick Jagger. 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:15.139 And people are crushing around Mick Jagger. 00:08:15.360 --> 00:08:16.360 And you want to see him. 00:08:16.399 --> 00:08:17.560 And you're waiting in line. 00:08:18.360 --> 00:08:21.079 And you have your autograph pad and your phone to get a phone call. 00:08:21.340 --> 00:08:23.300 But the person next to you's laces are undone. 00:08:23.540 --> 00:08:25.180 And they go to Mick Jagger and they say, 00:08:25.259 --> 00:08:27.120 Mick, could you do my shoes up? 00:08:28.519 --> 00:08:29.680 You think, what are you doing? 00:08:30.519 --> 00:08:32.320 You're wasting Mick Jagger's time. 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:34.279 Why are you doing that? 00:08:35.960 --> 00:08:37.779 I'm not comparing our children to this. 00:08:38.759 --> 00:08:40.740 But what about you're in the crowd in Luke 18? 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:43.740 And the crowds are pressing in on Jesus. 00:08:43.899 --> 00:08:47.159 And you notice right in front of you are two little kids with hamster balls. 00:08:48.299 --> 00:08:49.620 And they open them up. 00:08:50.659 --> 00:08:51.460 They go to Jesus and say, 00:08:51.539 --> 00:08:54.639 Would you pray for my hamster, Jesus? 00:08:55.680 --> 00:08:59.200 Would you just say a little blessing on snuggles? 00:08:59.200 --> 00:08:59.980 Would you do that? 00:09:00.780 --> 00:09:01.680 Would you do something? 00:09:02.960 --> 00:09:04.340 You would feel justified, wouldn't you? 00:09:05.259 --> 00:09:05.940 To push these people. 00:09:06.020 --> 00:09:07.080 Don't you know who Jesus is? 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:08.340 Don't you see who Jesus is? 00:09:10.700 --> 00:09:12.220 He turns water into wine. 00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:15.480 He multiplies loaves and fish. 00:09:15.480 --> 00:09:16.700 He raises the dead. 00:09:18.040 --> 00:09:20.620 If he wanted a hamster, Jesus could just make one. 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:23.980 What are you doing bringing these things here? 00:09:23.980 --> 00:09:27.340 And this is what the disciples are thinking. 00:09:28.399 --> 00:09:29.620 They're thinking about these kids. 00:09:29.700 --> 00:09:31.259 And the disciples rebuked their parents. 00:09:32.279 --> 00:09:36.399 So it's the same word in Luke's Gospel that is used for rebuking a demon. 00:09:37.519 --> 00:09:38.440 For exorcism. 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:40.960 They should get out. 00:09:42.420 --> 00:09:43.639 It's just a waste of time. 00:09:44.940 --> 00:09:46.480 But Jesus is verse 16. 00:09:46.600 --> 00:09:48.039 Jesus calls them to him. 00:09:48.039 --> 00:09:51.699 In Mark's Gospel, in Mark 10, he says he was indignant. 00:09:52.860 --> 00:09:53.719 Let them come. 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:55.099 Do not hinder them. 00:09:57.719 --> 00:10:01.819 Now, churches like ours are very often and very intentional 00:10:01.819 --> 00:10:05.599 that we do not want to allow something that God does not allow. 00:10:05.600 --> 00:10:11.340 But I want to say to you, it is just as dangerous that we should forbid 00:10:11.340 --> 00:10:14.220 what God has not forbidden. 00:10:15.320 --> 00:10:15.840 Do you get that? 00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:17.840 We're very intact. 00:10:17.899 --> 00:10:20.019 We do not want to allow something that God does not allow. 00:10:20.019 --> 00:10:23.899 But it is just as dangerous that we should forbid what God has not forbidden. 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:25.580 Jesus says, do not hinder. 00:10:27.100 --> 00:10:28.159 Let the children come. 00:10:29.480 --> 00:10:32.300 Like the song says, Jesus loves the little children. 00:10:33.220 --> 00:10:34.800 All the children of the world. 00:10:34.799 --> 00:10:35.659 Red and yellow. 00:10:35.839 --> 00:10:36.459 Black and white. 00:10:37.039 --> 00:10:38.779 All are precious in his sight. 00:10:38.919 --> 00:10:41.659 Jesus loves the little children of the world. 00:10:42.779 --> 00:10:44.059 And he says they are not a bother. 00:10:45.359 --> 00:10:46.519 And do you know what that means? 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:48.539 Do you know what that means? 00:10:48.620 --> 00:10:50.199 That means you are not a bother to Jesus. 00:10:51.819 --> 00:10:55.819 Little people don't bother Jesus. 00:10:57.199 --> 00:11:01.359 Little problems don't bother Jesus. 00:11:02.719 --> 00:11:04.179 And I know that I can find myself. 00:11:04.179 --> 00:11:05.679 You know when I am praying about something. 00:11:06.759 --> 00:11:07.419 He prays it. 00:11:07.459 --> 00:11:10.259 God I am really sorry to bother you with this. 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:12.739 I know there are problems in Korea. 00:11:12.839 --> 00:11:13.959 There is a hurricane somewhere. 00:11:14.059 --> 00:11:15.500 There are loads of people suffering. 00:11:15.839 --> 00:11:17.979 There are lots of people in the hospital. 00:11:17.980 --> 00:11:21.800 But I have got this little tiny concern. 00:11:21.940 --> 00:11:24.879 And I know Lord you have got bigger things on your plate. 00:11:24.980 --> 00:11:26.200 And there are a lot of things to do. 00:11:26.560 --> 00:11:28.360 But I don't know whether you can Lord. 00:11:28.440 --> 00:11:30.899 But if you can find the time just to help me with this little thing. 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:31.519 Can you help me? 00:11:34.340 --> 00:11:37.920 God says cast all your cares on me. 00:11:39.259 --> 00:11:40.000 He is God. 00:11:40.100 --> 00:11:42.080 He is omni-competent. 00:11:42.080 --> 00:11:45.440 God does not have to multitask. 00:11:46.780 --> 00:11:52.420 Don't picture yourself on his leg as he is trying to walk around and talk on the phone. 00:11:53.000 --> 00:11:54.680 That child is on your leg. 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:56.800 And God is trying to shake you off. 00:11:56.840 --> 00:11:57.580 Don't picture that. 00:11:58.520 --> 00:11:59.340 He doesn't do that. 00:11:59.480 --> 00:12:00.480 God can do many things. 00:12:00.560 --> 00:12:01.180 He can do anything. 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:04.220 Come cast your cares on him. 00:12:04.600 --> 00:12:05.860 There are no people too small. 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:07.540 There are no issues too insignificant. 00:12:08.100 --> 00:12:08.740 Too tiny. 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:10.980 He says let the children come. 00:12:11.799 --> 00:12:13.080 Jesus had time for children. 00:12:16.620 --> 00:12:17.340 He asked them. 00:12:17.440 --> 00:12:18.759 Do you have time for children? 00:12:21.100 --> 00:12:22.200 I am not good with kids. 00:12:23.320 --> 00:12:23.659 He said. 00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:26.799 Well Jesus was good with kids. 00:12:28.159 --> 00:12:29.100 How do you relate to them? 00:12:29.139 --> 00:12:31.700 Sometimes literally after the service they are bouncing off the wall. 00:12:33.039 --> 00:12:34.379 I remember the church I grew up in. 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:35.740 The church I grew up in was a great church. 00:12:35.779 --> 00:12:36.500 There are many faults. 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:38.980 But I do remember that the elders. 00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:41.679 They would walk through the door. 00:12:41.779 --> 00:12:42.779 They would be much taller than me. 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:43.460 And they would bend down. 00:12:43.519 --> 00:12:44.279 They would shake my hand. 00:12:45.440 --> 00:12:45.860 And they would say. 00:12:45.879 --> 00:12:46.259 How is it going? 00:12:46.460 --> 00:12:46.820 How are you? 00:12:49.120 --> 00:12:50.740 Sometimes the older ones remembered my name. 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:51.519 Sometimes they didn't. 00:12:51.679 --> 00:12:52.139 But that is okay. 00:12:53.220 --> 00:12:54.820 But they recognised I was a person. 00:12:56.860 --> 00:12:57.700 They didn't just say. 00:12:57.759 --> 00:12:58.919 Oh it is a nice top you are wearing. 00:12:59.340 --> 00:13:00.419 It is a nice dress you are wearing. 00:13:00.500 --> 00:13:01.559 Well not that I am trying to dress. 00:13:01.559 --> 00:13:06.019 But they recognised I was part of a congregation. 00:13:07.200 --> 00:13:08.019 They prayed for me. 00:13:09.399 --> 00:13:10.899 And I hope as elders we do the same. 00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:13.919 I hope you do the same. 00:13:14.700 --> 00:13:16.399 To the children of this church. 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:17.460 I love. 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:18.940 I love that IPC. 00:13:19.039 --> 00:13:20.460 That IPC kids can be kids. 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:22.279 And they can run around. 00:13:23.440 --> 00:13:26.779 It is a great moment when you see the children running from Sunday school into the church service. 00:13:27.179 --> 00:13:28.159 It is a joyful thing. 00:13:28.159 --> 00:13:32.199 I like that kids can run around in charge. 00:13:32.259 --> 00:13:33.740 Or maybe it is because my son is one of them. 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:38.980 Within reason we don't want kids cracking skulls. 00:13:39.179 --> 00:13:40.480 We want discipline don't we? 00:13:41.679 --> 00:13:44.539 But a church is a place where they like to be. 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:45.459 It is not a museum. 00:13:45.639 --> 00:13:48.019 It is a place of joy, family, celebration. 00:13:48.019 --> 00:13:52.980 And it is a wonderful thing to have kids worship with us. 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:55.500 I went to a church in the US. 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:56.360 And there was a note on the door. 00:13:56.419 --> 00:13:56.919 It is a big church. 00:13:56.980 --> 00:13:58.019 The minister is very well known. 00:13:58.079 --> 00:13:58.699 He is a friend of mine. 00:13:58.759 --> 00:13:59.399 It says on the door. 00:13:59.480 --> 00:13:59.919 It says this. 00:14:00.220 --> 00:14:02.379 It says please keep infants out of worship. 00:14:03.319 --> 00:14:04.419 So I wrote on the sign. 00:14:04.960 --> 00:14:05.919 Suffer little children. 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:06.980 Come unto me. 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:11.879 It is a wonderful thing to have kids with us. 00:14:12.080 --> 00:14:13.320 I want you to know that. 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:18.060 And I want us to have an environment as a church family. 00:14:18.980 --> 00:14:20.240 That when we are working with children. 00:14:20.320 --> 00:14:21.560 Whether it is in the creche on a Sunday. 00:14:21.740 --> 00:14:23.240 Or whether it is with little stars on a Monday. 00:14:23.700 --> 00:14:27.019 Or in the creche in the language class. 00:14:27.200 --> 00:14:28.019 Or Thursday nights. 00:14:28.159 --> 00:14:29.379 Teaching children in Sunday school. 00:14:29.460 --> 00:14:30.080 Teaching the clubs. 00:14:30.800 --> 00:14:33.200 Working with the children is what important people do. 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:35.700 It is easy. 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:36.279 Isn't it? 00:14:36.279 --> 00:14:36.759 Ah. 00:14:37.319 --> 00:14:37.699 Right. 00:14:37.860 --> 00:14:38.860 You can't do much. 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:40.699 You can't really do anything else. 00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:43.120 How do you fancy working with the kids? 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:45.720 Someday if you can prove. 00:14:47.559 --> 00:14:50.159 If you can prove yourself in that kind of nightmare environment. 00:14:50.319 --> 00:14:51.379 Then we will give you a good job. 00:14:52.600 --> 00:14:53.379 You wouldn't say that. 00:14:53.419 --> 00:14:54.299 But that is how it feels. 00:14:54.579 --> 00:14:54.980 Ah. 00:14:55.019 --> 00:14:55.600 You have got a PhD. 00:14:56.299 --> 00:14:57.839 You are well respected in the community. 00:14:58.319 --> 00:14:58.639 Ah. 00:14:58.699 --> 00:15:00.139 You make six figures. 00:15:00.439 --> 00:15:01.240 You are important. 00:15:01.959 --> 00:15:02.919 How about the creche rotor? 00:15:03.779 --> 00:15:04.399 That is what we should say. 00:15:04.899 --> 00:15:05.919 Working with kids is important. 00:15:05.919 --> 00:15:08.120 And we don't forget. 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:09.199 We don't forget. 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:11.439 In our efforts to reach out to students and internationals. 00:15:11.500 --> 00:15:12.219 Whom we love. 00:15:12.500 --> 00:15:13.339 And we want to welcome. 00:15:13.699 --> 00:15:16.159 And we want to grow in our evangelism to our neighbours. 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:16.659 Don't we? 00:15:16.899 --> 00:15:18.019 Yet we must not forget. 00:15:18.139 --> 00:15:20.059 That we have a special obligation and privilege. 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:21.360 To minister to our children. 00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:24.180 And yes. 00:15:24.279 --> 00:15:24.539 I know. 00:15:24.600 --> 00:15:26.940 It is very possible that we are just focused on ourselves. 00:15:26.940 --> 00:15:29.960 But I just don't want you to think that every other ministry counts. 00:15:30.900 --> 00:15:31.160 And yeah. 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:31.320 Yeah. 00:15:31.320 --> 00:15:31.960 We got the kids up. 00:15:32.020 --> 00:15:32.620 Because we have to do that. 00:15:32.680 --> 00:15:33.160 Because they're around. 00:15:34.520 --> 00:15:35.700 Because the Great Commission. 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:39.260 The Great Commission does not say make decisions. 00:15:39.560 --> 00:15:40.020 Does it? 00:15:40.019 --> 00:15:42.779 We love decisions. 00:15:43.939 --> 00:15:46.360 But the Great Commission says make disciples. 00:15:46.899 --> 00:15:48.679 And so if you are volunteering the creche. 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:51.840 If you are helping to put the toys out on a Sunday night. 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:53.819 For little stars on a Monday morning. 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:56.539 If you are helping out in the Thursday clubs. 00:15:56.539 --> 00:15:57.699 You are teaching youth group. 00:15:57.799 --> 00:16:00.259 You are teaching Route 66 or Sunday school. 00:16:00.600 --> 00:16:02.679 You are helping further the Great Commission. 00:16:02.679 --> 00:16:06.659 As much as somebody who goes to Burundi. 00:16:07.439 --> 00:16:08.219 Gives their life work. 00:16:08.679 --> 00:16:08.939 Alright. 00:16:11.559 --> 00:16:13.479 Because you are making disciples of Jesus Christ. 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:16.819 And we need to remember not just. 00:16:17.379 --> 00:16:18.819 Who are the people we want to reach. 00:16:18.819 --> 00:16:20.120 Of course we need to do that. 00:16:20.519 --> 00:16:22.059 But who are the people that in God's sovereignty. 00:16:22.259 --> 00:16:23.579 He keeps bringing and producing. 00:16:25.259 --> 00:16:26.899 He just keeps bringing lots of children. 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:27.199 Doesn't he? 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:28.139 From mums and dads. 00:16:28.319 --> 00:16:28.959 And other families. 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:29.679 That have lots of kids. 00:16:29.719 --> 00:16:31.219 And we must never take it for granted. 00:16:32.679 --> 00:16:34.099 So you know what it's like. 00:16:34.120 --> 00:16:34.899 You go on holiday don't you? 00:16:34.899 --> 00:16:36.120 You go on holiday to these churches. 00:16:36.219 --> 00:16:37.159 And you walk in. 00:16:38.279 --> 00:16:39.379 And you have children with you. 00:16:40.339 --> 00:16:41.519 And the church says. 00:16:42.759 --> 00:16:44.339 It's so great. 00:16:45.059 --> 00:16:47.419 It's so good for children here. 00:16:48.099 --> 00:16:48.459 Look around. 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:49.259 There aren't any others. 00:16:50.559 --> 00:16:51.620 But it's hard isn't it? 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:52.239 In those places. 00:16:53.579 --> 00:16:55.239 Do you realise what a gift it is? 00:16:55.379 --> 00:16:57.579 It is that some of your kids make a noise in the service. 00:16:58.479 --> 00:17:00.519 And that your kids cry during the service. 00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:03.379 Because last Sunday morning we went on a bit didn't we? 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:05.180 And we got to about quarter to twelve. 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:07.700 And it was as if all the children said enough is enough. 00:17:09.099 --> 00:17:09.920 And the babies. 00:17:10.160 --> 00:17:11.379 One can cough and he just. 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:17.139 Well I remind myself at that time it is a gift. 00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:18.639 That is a joy. 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:21.319 Children are a gift. 00:17:21.859 --> 00:17:23.200 Children are not the future of the church. 00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:23.839 They are the church. 00:17:23.839 --> 00:17:26.539 Snotty noses. 00:17:26.679 --> 00:17:27.879 And little people running around. 00:17:28.079 --> 00:17:29.459 And craziness after the service. 00:17:29.459 --> 00:17:30.639 Means that there is life. 00:17:32.199 --> 00:17:33.039 And if Jesus said. 00:17:33.220 --> 00:17:34.980 Let the little children come unto me. 00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:36.359 Do not hinder them. 00:17:37.079 --> 00:17:39.000 You are not too important to minister. 00:17:39.199 --> 00:17:40.220 And love and work with children. 00:17:41.399 --> 00:17:42.000 Now secondly. 00:17:42.119 --> 00:17:43.000 And more controversially. 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:44.899 I want to say verse 16. 00:17:44.980 --> 00:17:46.240 The kingdom belongs to children. 00:17:47.199 --> 00:17:48.500 The kingdom belongs to children. 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:50.099 Let the children come to me. 00:17:50.399 --> 00:17:51.299 Do not hinder them. 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:53.799 For to such belongs the kingdom of God. 00:17:55.980 --> 00:17:57.279 Well that is remarkable. 00:17:57.399 --> 00:17:58.500 Have you ever noticed that verse? 00:17:59.700 --> 00:18:01.819 To such belongs the kingdom of God. 00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:02.879 Now Jesus. 00:18:03.299 --> 00:18:03.740 Yes. 00:18:03.940 --> 00:18:06.500 Jesus is saying to those who are like children. 00:18:06.659 --> 00:18:08.359 Belong the kingdom. 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:10.019 But he is also saying. 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:13.079 To these actual children. 00:18:14.500 --> 00:18:15.399 Verse 16. 00:18:15.399 --> 00:18:16.720 He is not saying. 00:18:17.119 --> 00:18:18.720 Well to such as these. 00:18:19.480 --> 00:18:20.779 But obviously not these. 00:18:21.299 --> 00:18:22.099 Right here. 00:18:22.319 --> 00:18:22.919 Belongs the kingdom. 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:25.619 Let me give you two illustrations. 00:18:27.599 --> 00:18:29.960 Let's say Andrew Ray is coaching his street hockey. 00:18:31.240 --> 00:18:32.000 And he says. 00:18:32.359 --> 00:18:33.460 To his players. 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:34.700 He says to his players. 00:18:35.259 --> 00:18:37.279 It's players like that. 00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:38.899 It's players like this. 00:18:39.480 --> 00:18:40.019 Like you. 00:18:40.359 --> 00:18:41.919 Make our team great. 00:18:41.920 --> 00:18:45.860 What do you mean? 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:47.140 It's a player like that. 00:18:47.220 --> 00:18:47.779 Like this. 00:18:48.140 --> 00:18:49.279 But not actually this one. 00:18:50.580 --> 00:18:51.460 Not this one actually. 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:53.019 It's players like this. 00:18:53.080 --> 00:18:53.980 But not like this one. 00:18:54.140 --> 00:18:55.279 That makes our team great. 00:18:56.680 --> 00:18:58.060 Just ones like him. 00:18:58.300 --> 00:18:59.220 That make our team great. 00:18:59.600 --> 00:18:59.900 No. 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:00.539 You wouldn't really. 00:19:01.160 --> 00:19:02.259 He is saying players like this. 00:19:02.400 --> 00:19:02.900 This guy. 00:19:03.580 --> 00:19:04.440 Make our team great. 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:06.680 Or you are talking about your wedding day. 00:19:08.059 --> 00:19:09.519 And you say days. 00:19:11.140 --> 00:19:13.259 Such days will never be forgotten. 00:19:14.940 --> 00:19:15.860 Do you mean. 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:17.019 Days. 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:19.240 Such days like this. 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:20.620 But not actually this one. 00:19:20.860 --> 00:19:21.420 This day. 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:22.700 I will definitely forget. 00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:26.460 But other days similar to this. 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:27.840 I will never forget. 00:19:28.699 --> 00:19:30.339 It's inclusive isn't it? 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:31.980 It's inclusive. 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:33.699 Such as these. 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:35.019 Those like children. 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:36.559 And also these children. 00:19:37.579 --> 00:19:38.859 Belong to the kingdom of God. 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:40.000 Now what is the kingdom? 00:19:40.679 --> 00:19:41.799 There's a lot of confusion about it. 00:19:41.939 --> 00:19:43.199 God's kingdom is his reign. 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:44.179 And his rule. 00:19:45.079 --> 00:19:46.639 So look at the instances of the kingdom. 00:19:46.899 --> 00:19:49.000 Chapter 17 and verses 20 to 21. 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:50.639 You've got it there haven't you? 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:52.000 It's all about the kingdom. 00:19:52.559 --> 00:19:54.799 The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed. 00:19:54.919 --> 00:19:55.959 Nor will they say look here it is. 00:19:56.099 --> 00:19:57.240 Therefore behold the kingdom of God. 00:19:57.240 --> 00:19:58.079 Is in the midst of you. 00:19:58.120 --> 00:19:58.759 It's among you. 00:19:59.059 --> 00:20:00.299 The kingdom of God has arrived. 00:20:00.640 --> 00:20:02.279 Chapter 16 and verse 16. 00:20:02.380 --> 00:20:03.680 The kingdom of God is here. 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:04.920 What is the kingdom? 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:06.620 It is shorthand. 00:20:07.640 --> 00:20:09.759 It means in shorthand it means submission to the king. 00:20:09.819 --> 00:20:10.279 King Jesus. 00:20:11.180 --> 00:20:13.359 It means the revelation of the king's glory. 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:15.200 It means living under the reign of King Jesus. 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:18.160 It means fellowship with God now and eternity. 00:20:19.380 --> 00:20:19.920 The kingdom. 00:20:20.579 --> 00:20:21.019 Jesus. 00:20:21.220 --> 00:20:23.359 The kingdom belongs to these little kids. 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:25.460 Not every single baby. 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:27.579 Not necessarily. 00:20:28.380 --> 00:20:29.980 Certainly covenant children. 00:20:30.360 --> 00:20:35.180 These are godly parents who are expressing some sort of faith in Christ. 00:20:35.700 --> 00:20:37.559 In order to bring these kids to him. 00:20:37.920 --> 00:20:39.200 Now I am not saying. 00:20:40.440 --> 00:20:44.160 I am not saying that our children are automatically born again. 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:47.100 Or that they are automatically saved. 00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:50.200 Or that they are automatically bound for eternal life. 00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:53.039 They may prove in their heart by their actions. 00:20:53.160 --> 00:20:54.400 Not to have received the kingdom. 00:20:56.019 --> 00:20:57.500 So don't hear kingdom. 00:20:57.980 --> 00:20:59.519 And put in other biblical categories. 00:20:59.640 --> 00:21:00.360 Like justification. 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:01.340 Or regeneration. 00:21:02.080 --> 00:21:03.539 But here is what Jesus is saying. 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:05.539 I reckon. 00:21:05.539 --> 00:21:06.680 I reckon. 00:21:07.619 --> 00:21:08.659 Your children. 00:21:09.099 --> 00:21:11.480 Even the tiny little babies. 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:13.539 To be among my flock. 00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:15.539 To be in my kingdom. 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:18.720 The kingdom that has arrived in my flock. 00:21:18.819 --> 00:21:20.579 The kingdom that has arrived in my person. 00:21:20.879 --> 00:21:21.980 The kingdom of blessing. 00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:22.940 Of reign. 00:21:23.059 --> 00:21:23.720 Of rule. 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:24.579 Of welcome. 00:21:24.680 --> 00:21:26.180 This kingdom belongs to little children. 00:21:26.180 --> 00:21:30.160 And so this is one of the reasons. 00:21:31.460 --> 00:21:32.640 Why we baptise children. 00:21:35.400 --> 00:21:38.220 I think it is even more explicit in Mark 10. 00:21:39.080 --> 00:21:41.000 Where it uses the word blessing. 00:21:41.240 --> 00:21:44.380 You can translate the word in verse 15 of Luke 18. 00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:45.720 That you might touch them as blessing. 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:48.240 And all the way through scripture. 00:21:48.360 --> 00:21:51.039 You look at what that word blessing means. 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:53.039 Of what God is doing there. 00:21:53.120 --> 00:21:54.660 He is pronouncing the benediction on them. 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:56.720 And it may be that you are not convinced. 00:21:56.840 --> 00:21:58.340 By infant baptism this morning. 00:21:59.279 --> 00:21:59.980 I want to say to you. 00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:01.040 You are very very welcome. 00:22:01.340 --> 00:22:01.540 Right. 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:03.620 And we worship together. 00:22:04.180 --> 00:22:05.380 And we serve together. 00:22:06.100 --> 00:22:07.240 But as a church we hold to it. 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:08.440 We believe it is what the Bible teaches. 00:22:08.560 --> 00:22:10.240 It is what we believe the Bible commands. 00:22:10.360 --> 00:22:10.480 You. 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:13.080 Not every single member has to submit to that. 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:13.840 But we'd love you too. 00:22:15.360 --> 00:22:16.840 But when we come to some of these ways. 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:18.019 I want to explain my thinking. 00:22:18.140 --> 00:22:18.740 And how it relates. 00:22:18.840 --> 00:22:20.320 Listen to how John Calvin put it. 00:22:21.740 --> 00:22:24.460 If it is right for infants to be brought to Christ. 00:22:25.620 --> 00:22:27.900 Why not also to be received into baptism. 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:30.519 And symbol of our communion. 00:22:30.779 --> 00:22:32.620 And fellowship with Christ. 00:22:32.860 --> 00:22:34.800 If the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:37.580 Why is the sign denied. 00:22:37.900 --> 00:22:40.040 Which so to speak opens to them a door. 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:41.140 Into the church. 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:43.420 That adopted into them. 00:22:43.779 --> 00:22:45.840 May be enrolled among the heirs. 00:22:45.980 --> 00:22:46.860 Of the kingdom of heaven. 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:48.940 If the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:50.060 Why is the sign denied. 00:22:50.059 --> 00:22:51.839 Which so to speak. 00:22:52.019 --> 00:22:53.619 Opens for them a door. 00:22:53.619 --> 00:22:54.759 Into the church. 00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:57.980 That adopted into that church. 00:22:58.079 --> 00:22:59.700 They may be enrolled among the heirs. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:00.500 Of the kingdom of heaven. 00:23:00.759 --> 00:23:01.259 In other words. 00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:02.679 If Jesus lays his hand. 00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:03.819 On children and infants. 00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:05.359 If he blesses them. 00:23:05.480 --> 00:23:06.879 As partakers of the covenant. 00:23:08.059 --> 00:23:09.259 If he welcomes them. 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:10.259 As citizens of the kingdom. 00:23:10.639 --> 00:23:11.960 If in his word. 00:23:12.019 --> 00:23:12.879 And by deed. 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:13.960 He demonstrates. 00:23:13.960 --> 00:23:15.440 That children belong to him. 00:23:15.619 --> 00:23:17.159 And are sanctified to him. 00:23:17.160 --> 00:23:17.560 By him. 00:23:17.800 --> 00:23:19.080 Why would you not apply the sign. 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:21.340 That signifies all of that. 00:23:23.580 --> 00:23:24.480 The words. 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:26.860 Do not hinder them. 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:29.700 Let the children come. 00:23:30.200 --> 00:23:31.600 Became part of the church's. 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:32.620 Baptismal formula. 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:33.060 Didn't it? 00:23:34.540 --> 00:23:35.900 So the council of Carthage. 00:23:35.940 --> 00:23:36.779 In 254. 00:23:37.460 --> 00:23:38.740 Said we ought not to hinder. 00:23:38.900 --> 00:23:40.200 Any person from baptism. 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:41.040 On the grace of God. 00:23:41.120 --> 00:23:42.120 Especially infants. 00:23:42.120 --> 00:23:43.100 Those newly born. 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:44.580 Oregon. 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:45.040 Who lived. 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:46.580 185 to 254. 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.419 Wrote in his commentary. 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:48.079 On Romans. 00:23:48.439 --> 00:23:49.220 For this also. 00:23:49.359 --> 00:23:49.639 It was. 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:50.379 That the church. 00:23:50.460 --> 00:23:51.279 Had from the apostles. 00:23:51.399 --> 00:23:51.939 A tradition. 00:23:52.139 --> 00:23:52.879 To give baptism. 00:23:53.119 --> 00:23:54.099 Even to infants. 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:55.679 Cyprian. 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:56.059 Who lived. 00:23:56.299 --> 00:23:57.480 215 to 258. 00:23:57.539 --> 00:23:58.159 Wrote to a bishop. 00:23:58.659 --> 00:23:59.279 Should we wait. 00:23:59.319 --> 00:24:00.299 Until the eighth day. 00:24:00.379 --> 00:24:01.119 As did the Jews. 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:01.839 In circumcision. 00:24:01.939 --> 00:24:02.659 To baptize. 00:24:03.059 --> 00:24:03.319 No. 00:24:03.359 --> 00:24:04.439 The child should be baptized. 00:24:04.439 --> 00:24:05.419 As soon as it is born. 00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:07.980 Now. 00:24:08.539 --> 00:24:09.519 If you are not convinced. 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:10.139 I don't expect. 00:24:10.139 --> 00:24:11.199 That I just convinced you. 00:24:13.740 --> 00:24:14.439 But hopefully. 00:24:14.579 --> 00:24:15.759 We can all see. 00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:17.859 That Jesus. 00:24:17.859 --> 00:24:19.480 Not only has a special love. 00:24:19.680 --> 00:24:20.180 For our children. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:22.039 But they are in a special position. 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:26.200 The children of believers. 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:27.359 Are not. 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:29.019 Children of the world. 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:32.559 They are not little pagans. 00:24:32.660 --> 00:24:33.579 That we would bring up. 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:34.500 Around our table. 00:24:34.859 --> 00:24:35.240 And wonder. 00:24:35.299 --> 00:24:36.200 What are you doing here? 00:24:36.359 --> 00:24:37.819 When I pray our father in heaven. 00:24:37.900 --> 00:24:38.579 Don't you pray that. 00:24:38.640 --> 00:24:39.579 Because he's not your father. 00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:40.000 No. 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:43.220 Yes. 00:24:43.380 --> 00:24:44.940 Every Christian parent here. 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:45.519 Prays. 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.220 For the day. 00:24:46.299 --> 00:24:46.960 When their children. 00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:47.859 Will make a profession. 00:24:47.940 --> 00:24:48.680 Of faith in Christ. 00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:49.099 We do. 00:24:49.819 --> 00:24:51.259 We don't want to be presumptive. 00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.700 But we must realize. 00:24:52.819 --> 00:24:54.200 As they sit around the table. 00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:55.500 As they are in the high chair. 00:24:55.579 --> 00:24:56.819 As they sleep in the cot. 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:58.599 As they are in church with us. 00:24:58.720 --> 00:25:00.519 The kingdom belongs to them. 00:25:01.579 --> 00:25:02.819 They belong to Christ. 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:05.720 Children of a part. 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.980 Of the Old Testament community. 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:08.920 They are part of the New Testament community. 00:25:09.319 --> 00:25:10.660 Our children have Christ. 00:25:10.759 --> 00:25:11.940 As their covenant Lord. 00:25:12.180 --> 00:25:12.819 And that is why. 00:25:12.900 --> 00:25:14.019 Ephesians 6 verse 1. 00:25:14.099 --> 00:25:15.339 Says obey your parents. 00:25:15.440 --> 00:25:15.740 Children. 00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:17.000 In the Lord. 00:25:19.160 --> 00:25:20.259 Not obey your parents. 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:21.099 And someday. 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:22.319 When Jesus is Lord. 00:25:22.420 --> 00:25:23.220 Then you can obey them. 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:24.700 No. 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:25.720 Now presently. 00:25:26.940 --> 00:25:28.579 In a godly home. 00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:30.259 Christ is their Lord. 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:32.900 And our goal. 00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.420 Our prayer. 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:34.460 Is that they will follow Christ. 00:25:34.539 --> 00:25:35.599 All the days of their lives. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:38.059 And that they would inherit. 00:25:38.180 --> 00:25:39.360 The kingdom which belongs to them. 00:25:39.400 --> 00:25:40.279 As children of the covenant. 00:25:41.559 --> 00:25:43.120 Now I don't think we realize. 00:25:44.099 --> 00:25:44.839 We don't realize. 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:45.860 How greatly. 00:25:46.360 --> 00:25:47.579 The 18th century. 00:25:48.860 --> 00:25:49.720 Great awakening. 00:25:49.860 --> 00:25:50.559 And the revivals. 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:51.360 That took place. 00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:51.900 During that time. 00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:52.700 Have affected us. 00:25:52.720 --> 00:25:53.299 As Christians. 00:25:54.599 --> 00:25:55.480 I'm a big fan. 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:56.279 Of the 18th century. 00:25:56.420 --> 00:25:57.059 I'm a big fan. 00:25:57.099 --> 00:25:57.620 Of revival. 00:25:58.880 --> 00:25:59.940 But one of the things. 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:00.819 That we tend to do. 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:01.380 Is we make. 00:26:02.079 --> 00:26:02.440 Conversion. 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.380 The norm. 00:26:03.380 --> 00:26:06.620 And so we see it. 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:07.320 In the apostle Paul. 00:26:07.400 --> 00:26:07.700 Don't we. 00:26:08.780 --> 00:26:09.900 How he's gloriously. 00:26:10.080 --> 00:26:11.040 Now if you don't love. 00:26:11.120 --> 00:26:11.920 A good conversion story. 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:12.700 There's something wrong with you. 00:26:12.760 --> 00:26:13.360 We do love it. 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:13.720 Don't we. 00:26:14.800 --> 00:26:15.660 But we've tended. 00:26:15.780 --> 00:26:16.200 To make that. 00:26:16.300 --> 00:26:16.960 The norm. 00:26:17.540 --> 00:26:18.460 So we've tended to say. 00:26:18.560 --> 00:26:19.340 I became a Christian. 00:26:19.580 --> 00:26:20.740 On dot dot dot. 00:26:20.920 --> 00:26:21.820 We point to a time. 00:26:21.900 --> 00:26:22.400 And a day. 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.500 And sometimes. 00:26:24.680 --> 00:26:25.240 Many people. 00:26:25.360 --> 00:26:26.340 Lack assurance. 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:29.060 I don't know when. 00:26:30.020 --> 00:26:30.980 I don't know when. 00:26:30.980 --> 00:26:32.980 Do I. 00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:35.059 Do I need to know when. 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:37.779 I would say. 00:26:38.380 --> 00:26:39.920 That is one of God's. 00:26:40.059 --> 00:26:41.220 Greatest gifts to you. 00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:42.980 Is that you might not know when. 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:43.620 Actually. 00:26:45.640 --> 00:26:46.880 That you might look back. 00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:47.720 And you might say. 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:50.039 For all of my days. 00:26:51.079 --> 00:26:52.259 I don't know what time. 00:26:52.299 --> 00:26:53.360 When I didn't belong to Christ. 00:26:55.400 --> 00:26:56.559 So you listen to the testimony. 00:26:56.660 --> 00:26:57.200 Isn't it the testimony. 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:58.539 We don't do it in this church. 00:26:58.579 --> 00:26:59.180 I'm glad of that. 00:26:59.279 --> 00:26:59.380 You know. 00:26:59.420 --> 00:27:00.259 So you get the person up. 00:27:00.319 --> 00:27:00.480 Isn't it. 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:00.799 And they say. 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.200 Well you know. 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:02.159 I love the Lord Jesus. 00:27:02.259 --> 00:27:02.839 And then I became. 00:27:02.919 --> 00:27:03.859 The most rebellious person. 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:04.159 In the world. 00:27:04.220 --> 00:27:05.480 I started to chew chewing gum. 00:27:05.839 --> 00:27:06.839 And I started to spit. 00:27:07.319 --> 00:27:08.200 And all these things. 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:09.200 And I was really rebellious. 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.440 Drugs and drink. 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:11.359 And cigarettes. 00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:11.940 Coming to it. 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.960 And all that sort of thing. 00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:14.460 And I was really rebellious. 00:27:14.519 --> 00:27:14.819 And then. 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:15.619 I came back to you. 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:16.639 I was completely. 00:27:16.740 --> 00:27:17.460 That is wonderful. 00:27:18.319 --> 00:27:19.220 Tell you what's more wonderful. 00:27:19.899 --> 00:27:20.379 It's more wonderful. 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.200 That you never knew. 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:21.899 A time when you didn't know. 00:27:21.980 --> 00:27:22.359 The Lord Jesus. 00:27:26.319 --> 00:27:26.720 Polycarp. 00:27:27.539 --> 00:27:28.460 The Bishop of Smyrda. 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:28.700 Said. 00:27:28.779 --> 00:27:29.139 One of the most. 00:27:29.259 --> 00:27:29.740 He's one of the most. 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.839 Famous martyrs in the church. 00:27:30.880 --> 00:27:31.140 He said. 00:27:31.400 --> 00:27:32.420 I thank the Lord. 00:27:32.740 --> 00:27:33.359 That he has been. 00:27:33.559 --> 00:27:34.779 I have been his faithful servant. 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:36.099 For 86 years. 00:27:37.339 --> 00:27:38.359 And God has been his Lord. 00:27:38.400 --> 00:27:38.799 It wasn't that. 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:39.839 Polycarp was 100. 00:27:40.960 --> 00:27:42.339 And he came to faith at 40. 00:27:42.420 --> 00:27:42.940 He was 86. 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:43.460 And he said. 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:44.000 My whole life. 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:44.819 I belong to God. 00:27:46.019 --> 00:27:47.220 And God is a God to us. 00:27:47.279 --> 00:27:47.720 And he welcomes our children. 00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:48.779 Jesus welcomes. 00:27:49.940 --> 00:27:51.279 And he welcomes our children. 00:27:51.440 --> 00:27:52.720 And he blesses us and our children. 00:27:52.819 --> 00:27:54.180 And the kingdom belongs to our children. 00:27:55.059 --> 00:27:55.799 The third lesson. 00:27:56.819 --> 00:27:57.319 Is this. 00:27:57.400 --> 00:27:58.819 No one can enter the kingdom of God. 00:27:58.859 --> 00:28:00.180 Who does not receive it as a child. 00:28:01.880 --> 00:28:02.960 What does it mean. 00:28:03.019 --> 00:28:03.880 To receive the kingdom. 00:28:04.180 --> 00:28:04.859 Like a child. 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:06.240 So lots of commentators. 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:06.900 Talk about. 00:28:07.339 --> 00:28:08.380 Faith like a child. 00:28:08.500 --> 00:28:08.619 But. 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:10.619 I don't think that's right. 00:28:10.699 --> 00:28:11.399 I think they're mistaken. 00:28:13.419 --> 00:28:15.019 We think the emphasis is on. 00:28:15.139 --> 00:28:15.859 Believe like a child. 00:28:15.919 --> 00:28:17.259 Because a child is so trusting. 00:28:17.439 --> 00:28:18.059 And they're so innocent. 00:28:19.219 --> 00:28:20.139 I can't live in my house. 00:28:20.219 --> 00:28:21.119 For a couple of days. 00:28:22.539 --> 00:28:23.759 And they're trusting. 00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:24.659 Because they're dependent. 00:28:25.699 --> 00:28:26.639 And they're always trusting. 00:28:27.839 --> 00:28:28.879 They ought to have faith. 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:31.039 Like children have faith. 00:28:31.099 --> 00:28:31.959 And all that is true. 00:28:31.959 --> 00:28:34.779 But probably that isn't what Jesus has in mind here. 00:28:36.339 --> 00:28:38.339 The emphasis falls not on the virtues. 00:28:38.339 --> 00:28:38.959 Of children. 00:28:39.679 --> 00:28:40.619 And are wonderful children. 00:28:40.679 --> 00:28:42.240 But it falls on the state of children. 00:28:43.179 --> 00:28:44.639 What were children in the ancient world. 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:47.359 If you thought of children in the ancient world. 00:28:47.419 --> 00:28:47.919 You asked somebody. 00:28:48.000 --> 00:28:48.399 They didn't think. 00:28:48.439 --> 00:28:49.919 Ah innocent sweet little things. 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:51.639 What they thought of was weak. 00:28:52.339 --> 00:28:52.740 Helpless. 00:28:53.240 --> 00:28:53.599 Insignificant. 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:56.959 Useless. 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:58.679 If I can say that. 00:28:59.199 --> 00:29:00.039 Of little account. 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:01.359 Which fits with Luke 18. 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:01.799 Doesn't it? 00:29:03.179 --> 00:29:05.299 Jesus is not drawing attention in Luke 18. 00:29:05.379 --> 00:29:06.359 To childlike faith. 00:29:06.359 --> 00:29:09.059 To most of these children. 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:10.139 Are babies. 00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:10.979 They're toddlers. 00:29:11.339 --> 00:29:13.439 And he's drawing attention to their low estate. 00:29:13.779 --> 00:29:14.979 See they are not being blessed. 00:29:15.059 --> 00:29:16.759 For having a loving trust in nature. 00:29:17.139 --> 00:29:18.059 They are being blessed. 00:29:18.119 --> 00:29:18.919 For all that they lack. 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:19.919 Children lack power. 00:29:21.139 --> 00:29:22.359 They lack sophistication. 00:29:22.459 --> 00:29:23.279 They lack influence. 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.539 As one author puts it. 00:29:24.599 --> 00:29:25.519 They have no credit. 00:29:26.199 --> 00:29:27.439 They have no claim. 00:29:27.699 --> 00:29:28.659 And they have no clout. 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:31.380 And that's what it means. 00:29:31.440 --> 00:29:32.380 To receive the kingdom of God. 00:29:32.440 --> 00:29:32.779 Doesn't it? 00:29:34.100 --> 00:29:35.200 How do you become a Christian? 00:29:35.340 --> 00:29:36.400 I've got no claim to this. 00:29:37.360 --> 00:29:38.320 I've got no credit. 00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:39.060 To offer. 00:29:39.300 --> 00:29:40.240 I've got no clout. 00:29:40.360 --> 00:29:41.000 Before you. 00:29:41.320 --> 00:29:42.220 And chapter 18. 00:29:42.320 --> 00:29:42.980 That is a picture. 00:29:43.180 --> 00:29:43.300 Isn't it? 00:29:43.300 --> 00:29:44.460 That's what chapter 18 is all about. 00:29:44.519 --> 00:29:45.100 You've got a widow. 00:29:45.820 --> 00:29:46.100 Helpless. 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:50.160 You've got a tax collector. 00:29:51.300 --> 00:29:51.540 Helpless. 00:29:51.539 --> 00:29:54.000 You've got a rich young ruler. 00:29:54.399 --> 00:29:56.159 Who actually doesn't think he's helpless. 00:29:56.420 --> 00:29:59.019 And he's not accepted in the kingdom of God. 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:01.559 And then you've got a blind beggar. 00:30:01.659 --> 00:30:02.319 If you didn't get it. 00:30:03.200 --> 00:30:03.480 Helpless. 00:30:04.079 --> 00:30:06.639 What does it mean to receive the kingdom like a child? 00:30:06.700 --> 00:30:08.240 It means that you submit yourself to Jesus. 00:30:09.359 --> 00:30:10.200 It means that you're helpless. 00:30:11.539 --> 00:30:12.920 That you bring him your weakness. 00:30:12.920 --> 00:30:14.039 Instead of your strength. 00:30:14.399 --> 00:30:16.099 It means that you submit to Christ. 00:30:17.659 --> 00:30:18.619 And you recognise. 00:30:18.859 --> 00:30:19.480 You're a nobody. 00:30:20.460 --> 00:30:21.460 You're not a someone. 00:30:21.539 --> 00:30:26.299 It means for you and I to submit to Christ. 00:30:26.399 --> 00:30:27.720 To accept your role. 00:30:27.819 --> 00:30:29.599 That it's to receive and not to deserve. 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:32.639 That the way to enter the kingdom of God. 00:30:32.680 --> 00:30:34.579 Is almost unlike anything in life. 00:30:35.379 --> 00:30:36.279 It's not when you do it. 00:30:36.420 --> 00:30:37.899 Some of you put your CV together. 00:30:38.240 --> 00:30:39.440 And you go to a job interview. 00:30:41.180 --> 00:30:41.680 Imagine that. 00:30:41.720 --> 00:30:42.940 You go for a job interview tomorrow. 00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:43.379 And they say. 00:30:43.420 --> 00:30:44.339 Well tell us about yourself. 00:30:45.299 --> 00:30:45.720 And you say. 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.639 Well I like to come in late. 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:48.039 And I like to leave early. 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:49.920 And I don't work particularly hard. 00:30:49.920 --> 00:30:51.920 But I can really surf the web. 00:30:51.980 --> 00:30:52.720 Like the best of them. 00:30:54.500 --> 00:30:55.860 Am I the one you're looking for? 00:30:56.660 --> 00:30:57.800 That's not what you do is it? 00:30:58.720 --> 00:30:59.759 When you go on a date. 00:31:00.539 --> 00:31:01.320 You try to look good. 00:31:01.380 --> 00:31:01.900 You dress up. 00:31:01.960 --> 00:31:03.160 You put your best foot forward. 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:04.539 When you want to get in the team. 00:31:04.600 --> 00:31:05.360 You try your hardest. 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:06.279 You want to go fast. 00:31:06.340 --> 00:31:07.120 You want to go hard. 00:31:07.380 --> 00:31:08.620 And you focus and impress. 00:31:08.820 --> 00:31:10.340 But the kingdom of God is different. 00:31:10.339 --> 00:31:12.879 Because when it comes to entering the kingdom of God. 00:31:12.980 --> 00:31:13.839 There is no professional. 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:15.240 There is no elite. 00:31:16.159 --> 00:31:18.000 And it doesn't help if you've got a PhD. 00:31:18.259 --> 00:31:19.319 In fact it may hurt you. 00:31:20.299 --> 00:31:22.500 There is no upper middle class in the kingdom. 00:31:22.759 --> 00:31:24.419 There is no lower class in the kingdom. 00:31:24.679 --> 00:31:26.359 There are no celebrities in the kingdom. 00:31:26.500 --> 00:31:27.939 There is no sought after speaker. 00:31:28.059 --> 00:31:28.959 There is no scholar. 00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:30.599 There is no business leader. 00:31:30.859 --> 00:31:32.199 There is no important politicians. 00:31:32.419 --> 00:31:33.480 No top athletes. 00:31:33.759 --> 00:31:35.139 But all little kids. 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:37.560 The type of little kids. 00:31:37.680 --> 00:31:38.400 That need to be carried. 00:31:38.480 --> 00:31:39.460 Wherever they want to go. 00:31:40.300 --> 00:31:41.600 So let's imagine today. 00:31:41.740 --> 00:31:42.480 That the crash. 00:31:42.780 --> 00:31:44.180 Represents the kingdom of God. 00:31:46.100 --> 00:31:47.240 It's a growing kingdom. 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:49.700 And imagine that the only way. 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:50.940 To enter into the kingdom of God. 00:31:51.040 --> 00:31:51.600 Was to be carried. 00:31:54.020 --> 00:31:55.080 Now if you're a little child. 00:31:55.160 --> 00:31:56.180 That's no big deal is it? 00:31:57.080 --> 00:31:57.480 Ken. 00:31:58.120 --> 00:31:59.040 It's okay for you. 00:31:59.100 --> 00:31:59.860 To be carried isn't it? 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:00.860 We could probably carry you. 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:02.160 Rebecca. 00:32:03.300 --> 00:32:04.600 We could carry you into the kingdom. 00:32:04.600 --> 00:32:05.020 Can we? 00:32:05.700 --> 00:32:06.100 Lewis. 00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:07.140 Lewis. 00:32:07.840 --> 00:32:09.220 Lewis we could carry you. 00:32:10.120 --> 00:32:11.860 So look around at the people near you. 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:12.200 Alright. 00:32:12.360 --> 00:32:13.680 Just look around at the people near you. 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:15.140 Old people. 00:32:15.340 --> 00:32:15.940 Young people. 00:32:16.340 --> 00:32:17.060 Large people. 00:32:17.900 --> 00:32:18.740 Not so large. 00:32:19.360 --> 00:32:21.000 The intelligent person over there. 00:32:21.080 --> 00:32:22.280 The wealthy person over here. 00:32:22.380 --> 00:32:23.480 Every single one of them. 00:32:23.600 --> 00:32:25.420 Carried like a little doll into the kingdom. 00:32:27.020 --> 00:32:27.680 No, no, no. 00:32:27.759 --> 00:32:28.600 I can walk. 00:32:28.680 --> 00:32:29.500 I don't need to be carried. 00:32:30.759 --> 00:32:31.920 No, you can't enter the kingdom. 00:32:33.540 --> 00:32:34.800 The kingdom requires you. 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:36.180 To receive it like a little child. 00:32:39.579 --> 00:32:40.839 Recognising actually I'm a nobody. 00:32:40.960 --> 00:32:41.419 Not a somebody. 00:32:43.899 --> 00:32:44.500 I'm weak. 00:32:45.240 --> 00:32:46.200 But God is strong. 00:32:46.319 --> 00:32:47.039 I am insignificant. 00:32:47.299 --> 00:32:48.099 But God is significant. 00:32:48.099 --> 00:32:50.839 And that is why it's always, always been easier for the poor. 00:32:51.539 --> 00:32:52.319 For the children. 00:32:53.219 --> 00:32:53.919 For the women. 00:32:54.879 --> 00:32:56.459 For the afflicted to receive the kingdom. 00:32:56.460 --> 00:32:59.140 Because those two groups. 00:32:59.140 --> 00:33:01.240 Those groups have been known for weakness. 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:04.360 And it's always been harder. 00:33:04.559 --> 00:33:05.420 For the adults. 00:33:05.539 --> 00:33:06.059 For men. 00:33:06.340 --> 00:33:07.480 For those who are successful. 00:33:07.680 --> 00:33:09.559 For those who think they've made it to enter the kingdom. 00:33:09.860 --> 00:33:11.319 Because you think I've got a lot going for me. 00:33:11.340 --> 00:33:12.019 I've got my dignity. 00:33:13.759 --> 00:33:14.799 You've got too much. 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:16.740 Of a sense of your own importance. 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:20.339 Let me finish with an illustration. 00:33:20.519 --> 00:33:21.500 Before the children start screening. 00:33:22.960 --> 00:33:23.700 Let's say that. 00:33:23.839 --> 00:33:25.140 The picture of receiving the kingdom. 00:33:25.279 --> 00:33:27.019 Is like Jesus coming down the line. 00:33:27.140 --> 00:33:27.859 To give you food. 00:33:29.220 --> 00:33:29.759 For lunch. 00:33:29.900 --> 00:33:31.220 Imagine we're all lined up along that wall. 00:33:31.259 --> 00:33:32.259 And Jesus comes down the line. 00:33:32.299 --> 00:33:32.799 To give us food. 00:33:33.819 --> 00:33:34.579 And as he walks by. 00:33:34.660 --> 00:33:35.480 He sees some of us. 00:33:35.720 --> 00:33:36.359 And we say. 00:33:36.359 --> 00:33:36.599 Jesus. 00:33:36.679 --> 00:33:36.819 Oh. 00:33:37.240 --> 00:33:38.839 I couldn't take any food from you. 00:33:40.179 --> 00:33:41.519 Why don't you sit Jesus. 00:33:41.619 --> 00:33:42.439 And I'll serve you. 00:33:44.319 --> 00:33:44.899 Others say. 00:33:44.979 --> 00:33:45.119 Oh. 00:33:45.179 --> 00:33:46.259 I haven't really done anything. 00:33:46.439 --> 00:33:47.579 Let me work a little bit. 00:33:47.599 --> 00:33:48.939 Let me go and clean a few dishes first. 00:33:48.959 --> 00:33:50.019 Let me help out. 00:33:51.939 --> 00:33:52.639 Others might say. 00:33:52.679 --> 00:33:52.899 Jesus. 00:33:52.979 --> 00:33:53.219 Actually. 00:33:53.259 --> 00:33:54.339 I'm not hungry right now. 00:33:56.139 --> 00:33:56.500 Others. 00:33:56.500 --> 00:33:57.559 If you fold your arms. 00:33:57.679 --> 00:33:57.819 And think. 00:33:57.959 --> 00:33:58.000 Well. 00:33:58.039 --> 00:33:59.079 I'll just get something later. 00:34:00.279 --> 00:34:01.740 And as he goes down that aisle. 00:34:01.799 --> 00:34:02.839 As he goes along the wall. 00:34:02.879 --> 00:34:04.240 And he passes each one. 00:34:04.240 --> 00:34:06.839 The only ones who are fed. 00:34:07.839 --> 00:34:09.260 Are the ones who are humble enough. 00:34:09.320 --> 00:34:10.280 To stretch out their arms. 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:13.440 It's like that saying. 00:34:13.539 --> 00:34:13.699 Isn't it? 00:34:13.719 --> 00:34:15.519 Only empty hands can be filled. 00:34:17.219 --> 00:34:18.360 And it's a striking picture. 00:34:18.440 --> 00:34:19.119 Of the humility. 00:34:19.380 --> 00:34:20.039 That is required. 00:34:20.219 --> 00:34:21.380 To enter the kingdom of God. 00:34:21.420 --> 00:34:22.980 As Jesus walks by you today. 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:26.360 What do you want to say to Jesus? 00:34:28.780 --> 00:34:30.380 Remember what I did yesterday Lord. 00:34:30.699 --> 00:34:31.920 Let me tell you about this thing. 00:34:31.960 --> 00:34:32.920 That I've been working on. 00:34:32.920 --> 00:34:34.960 Let me tell you about all the way. 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:35.860 That I serve. 00:34:36.039 --> 00:34:37.300 Let me tell you about all the ministry. 00:34:37.440 --> 00:34:38.300 That I have done. 00:34:39.440 --> 00:34:40.720 And all Jesus wants you to do. 00:34:40.820 --> 00:34:41.940 Is to pull out your hand. 00:34:42.400 --> 00:34:42.860 That's it. 00:34:44.500 --> 00:34:45.340 It's empty Lord. 00:34:45.360 --> 00:34:46.360 And I need you to feed me. 00:34:48.119 --> 00:34:48.599 You see. 00:34:48.619 --> 00:34:49.619 Jesus loves children. 00:34:51.320 --> 00:34:52.360 But more importantly. 00:34:52.360 --> 00:34:53.880 He loves all of those. 00:34:54.059 --> 00:34:54.579 Who know. 00:34:55.340 --> 00:34:56.320 And truly believe. 00:34:57.619 --> 00:34:58.440 And recognize. 00:34:58.440 --> 00:34:59.579 That they are weak. 00:35:00.380 --> 00:35:01.079 And helpless. 00:35:01.639 --> 00:35:02.059 As children. 00:35:02.059 --> 00:35:04.679 Because. 00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:06.659 To such. 00:35:08.179 --> 00:35:08.739 Belongs. 00:35:10.099 --> 00:35:10.980 The kingdom of God. 00:35:12.039 --> 00:35:12.519 Let's pray.