WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.439 If you've been with us the last few weeks, you know we're in Romans. 00:00:04.200 --> 00:00:07.440 And if it's been the last few weeks and you know we're in Romans chapter 5, 00:00:07.440 --> 00:00:13.460 ! Grab your copy of God's Word and turn to Romans chapter 5. 00:00:16.519 --> 00:00:21.080 When Britton and Jed were four, we took a trip out to Arizona. 00:00:22.440 --> 00:00:26.580 And of course, one of the places we visited out there was the Grand Canyon. 00:00:26.579 --> 00:00:30.759 And we had really talked it up. 00:00:30.939 --> 00:00:33.320 Like, you're not going to believe the Grand Canyon. 00:00:33.439 --> 00:00:35.899 We're going to the Grand Canyon. It's so great. 00:00:36.539 --> 00:00:39.839 So on our way to the Grand Canyon, we were about two hours away. 00:00:40.579 --> 00:00:44.140 The kids, as we passed the valley, would say, is that the Grand Canyon? 00:00:45.299 --> 00:00:46.759 No, that's not the Grand Canyon. 00:00:47.039 --> 00:00:50.459 Or as we passed a cliff, they'd say, is that the Grand Canyon? 00:00:51.200 --> 00:00:53.859 And we would say, no, that's not the Grand Canyon. 00:00:53.859 --> 00:00:57.159 If we passed a river, they would say, is that the Grand Canyon? 00:00:57.740 --> 00:01:01.579 And again, we would say, no, that's not the Grand Canyon. 00:01:02.140 --> 00:01:09.039 In fact, we got to the point where we had to say, you will know when you get there that we're at the Grand Canyon. 00:01:09.400 --> 00:01:11.159 It is that magnificent. 00:01:11.319 --> 00:01:15.039 The magnitude of the Grand Canyon is just off the charts. 00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:24.660 In all honesty, if we told them that a small little valley was the Grand Canyon, they wouldn't have known any better. 00:01:25.240 --> 00:01:26.800 They would have probably been happy. 00:01:28.780 --> 00:01:34.800 Because as excited as we were, as much as we talked it up, they were just happy to see something that we talked about. 00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:38.280 That we kind of made exciting. 00:01:38.280 --> 00:01:41.500 The love of God is the same way. 00:01:42.700 --> 00:01:50.140 We too often settle for, or just don't know any better, about the magnitude of God's love. 00:01:51.640 --> 00:01:56.640 When telling somebody about the Grand Canyon, words just don't explain it. 00:01:56.760 --> 00:01:58.000 Words can't do it. 00:01:58.079 --> 00:01:59.400 It just doesn't do the trick. 00:02:00.020 --> 00:02:02.760 It's just one of those places that you just can't explain. 00:02:03.960 --> 00:02:04.799 Well enough. 00:02:04.799 --> 00:02:09.780 Communicating the love of God is the same kind of thing. 00:02:10.879 --> 00:02:13.039 Words just sometimes don't do it. 00:02:13.979 --> 00:02:16.139 So this morning we have a great task. 00:02:16.419 --> 00:02:21.759 I have a great task to try to communicate to you through Romans chapter 5 the love of God. 00:02:22.699 --> 00:02:26.780 I feel a lot of times that I'm explaining a small valley. 00:02:27.859 --> 00:02:30.180 Or a ditch even. 00:02:30.360 --> 00:02:32.079 When the love of God is the Grand Canyon. 00:02:32.080 --> 00:02:36.560 So let's start reading in chapter 5 verse 6. 00:02:38.720 --> 00:02:40.180 Read through verse 11. 00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:41.900 Romans chapter 5. 00:02:42.700 --> 00:02:42.960 It says, 00:02:43.040 --> 00:02:48.260 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 00:02:49.080 --> 00:02:56.480 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person, though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die. 00:02:56.479 --> 00:02:59.340 But God shows his love for us. 00:02:59.519 --> 00:03:04.239 And that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:14.139 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 00:03:14.139 --> 00:03:25.359 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 00:03:25.739 --> 00:03:34.219 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:35.960 Pray with me. 00:03:39.319 --> 00:03:40.840 Father, we thank you for your word. 00:03:41.840 --> 00:03:44.199 We thank you that there's power in your word. 00:03:45.120 --> 00:03:50.860 That as we read, we are hearing words from you to us this morning. 00:03:51.659 --> 00:03:54.719 And God, I pray that you would speak through me this morning. 00:03:55.120 --> 00:03:56.079 That you would use me. 00:03:56.080 --> 00:04:00.940 That I would decrease and you would increase here this morning. 00:04:01.640 --> 00:04:03.580 That your name would be proclaimed. 00:04:03.780 --> 00:04:04.880 Your name be exalted. 00:04:06.240 --> 00:04:12.620 Your plan, your desires for us would be lifted up and that be clearly seen to all of us. 00:04:14.100 --> 00:04:20.560 And God, can we get a glimpse, get a big picture maybe even, of the love that you have for us. 00:04:20.560 --> 00:04:31.339 I pray, God, that we as a group in this room, that all of us here rejoice and celebrate the love that you have for us. 00:04:32.019 --> 00:04:39.240 And not hide from it, not try to hide it, but we celebrate what you have done and what you have shown us. 00:04:40.939 --> 00:04:43.439 In Jesus' name we pray. 00:04:44.040 --> 00:04:44.340 Amen. 00:04:44.340 --> 00:04:44.480 Amen. 00:04:44.480 --> 00:04:44.560 Amen. 00:04:47.400 --> 00:04:53.500 A hymn written by Isaac Watts entitled, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. 00:04:54.280 --> 00:05:00.080 Charles Wesley actually said he would trade all his hymns that he wrote if he could be the author of this one hymn. 00:05:00.800 --> 00:05:02.720 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. 00:05:03.540 --> 00:05:07.780 All we can do is really survey the wondrous cross. 00:05:07.779 --> 00:05:12.479 All we can do is look at it and get a big picture, a view of it. 00:05:13.679 --> 00:05:16.159 And continually be surprised by it. 00:05:16.939 --> 00:05:19.519 Be in awe of it and rejoice in it. 00:05:20.239 --> 00:05:24.739 Paul in our text repeats the same thing, but in different ways. 00:05:25.679 --> 00:05:28.959 Because all he can do is survey that wondrous cross. 00:05:28.959 --> 00:05:34.739 All he can do is survey the love that God has shown mankind. 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:38.180 So let us this morning survey the cross. 00:05:38.579 --> 00:05:40.120 Let us look at it. 00:05:40.480 --> 00:05:42.280 Take a survey of the love of God. 00:05:42.639 --> 00:05:46.560 Because the cross is the center of the love that God has. 00:05:47.980 --> 00:05:53.759 Last week I said that chapter 5 of Romans is about the assurance of our salvation in Christ. 00:05:54.400 --> 00:05:58.819 We are assured of our salvation because of the magnitude of God's love. 00:05:58.819 --> 00:06:05.240 Because of the weight and the substance and how big God's love is. 00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:08.599 It is an eternal, forever and always love. 00:06:09.939 --> 00:06:15.860 We are assured of our salvation in Christ Jesus because God's love is life changing. 00:06:16.639 --> 00:06:19.839 It saves his children from the wrath they deserve. 00:06:20.920 --> 00:06:23.399 It reconciles his children to himself. 00:06:23.399 --> 00:06:28.279 And it compels his children to be ministers of reconciliation to the world. 00:06:30.279 --> 00:06:32.459 God's love is life changing. 00:06:32.599 --> 00:06:34.719 So our first point this morning is just that. 00:06:35.099 --> 00:06:37.979 God's love is life changing. 00:06:38.620 --> 00:06:41.399 Verses 6 through 8 says, 00:06:41.959 --> 00:06:46.359 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 00:06:46.839 --> 00:06:49.519 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person, 00:06:49.519 --> 00:06:53.339 though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die. 00:06:53.959 --> 00:06:55.479 But God chose his love for us. 00:06:55.560 --> 00:07:00.459 And that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 00:07:00.919 --> 00:07:06.199 Take a look at the adjectives that Paul uses to describe the us or the we in this text. 00:07:06.279 --> 00:07:06.819 The Christians. 00:07:07.620 --> 00:07:10.519 Paul uses weak in verse 6. 00:07:11.099 --> 00:07:12.019 Somebody who is helpless. 00:07:13.659 --> 00:07:16.079 King James says it's without strength. 00:07:16.079 --> 00:07:20.000 Someone who is unable to help themselves. 00:07:21.479 --> 00:07:23.399 Verse 6 also says ungodly. 00:07:24.539 --> 00:07:26.979 An adjective he calls them ungodly. 00:07:27.039 --> 00:07:28.899 The opposite of godly. 00:07:28.979 --> 00:07:31.819 Having nothing to do with God or his standards. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:37.199 Ephesians chapter 2 verses 1 through 3 says, 00:07:38.139 --> 00:07:42.000 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you once walked, 00:07:42.659 --> 00:07:44.339 following the course of this world, 00:07:44.339 --> 00:07:46.539 following the prince of the power of the air, 00:07:46.619 --> 00:07:48.099 the spirit that is now at work, 00:07:48.259 --> 00:07:50.560 in the sons of disobedience, 00:07:51.219 --> 00:07:54.519 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, 00:07:55.119 --> 00:07:57.519 carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, 00:07:57.519 --> 00:08:00.639 and were by nature children of wrath, 00:08:01.399 --> 00:08:03.259 like the rest of mankind. 00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:05.259 Ephesians is also written by Paul. 00:08:06.379 --> 00:08:08.379 So in Romans 5, we're weak. 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:10.459 We're ungodly. 00:08:10.459 --> 00:08:12.739 In Ephesians 2, we're dead. 00:08:13.279 --> 00:08:14.599 Sons of disobedience. 00:08:14.739 --> 00:08:15.939 Children of wrath. 00:08:16.699 --> 00:08:20.180 Colossians 2 also says that we were dead in our trespasses. 00:08:21.279 --> 00:08:22.659 See, what we have to do is, 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:27.419 though we're going down a gloom and doom direction, 00:08:27.740 --> 00:08:29.639 but we have to talk about who we were, 00:08:29.799 --> 00:08:32.860 and in some cases even are, 00:08:33.819 --> 00:08:36.639 to see the magnitude of God's love for his children. 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:40.220 It's almost like the before and after pictures 00:08:40.220 --> 00:08:42.399 of when the sumanami came through Japan. 00:08:43.100 --> 00:08:45.480 See, things looking great and perfect, 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:46.799 and then the after pictures, 00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:48.059 everything's wiped out. 00:08:48.439 --> 00:08:51.559 We have to see who we are before 00:08:51.559 --> 00:08:53.639 so that we can then see who we are after. 00:08:56.539 --> 00:08:58.340 Verse 8 says that we're sinners. 00:08:59.480 --> 00:09:01.240 Of Romans chapter 5. 00:09:02.039 --> 00:09:04.059 The adjective calls us sinners. 00:09:04.059 --> 00:09:06.539 What is sin? 00:09:06.639 --> 00:09:11.199 Sin is any failure to conform to the mortal law of God 00:09:11.199 --> 00:09:14.719 in act, in attitude, or in nature. 00:09:15.819 --> 00:09:17.619 So, the question for you is, 00:09:17.619 --> 00:09:18.759 have you ever lied? 00:09:19.739 --> 00:09:20.559 Have you ever lied? 00:09:21.559 --> 00:09:23.239 Have you ever stolen anything? 00:09:24.139 --> 00:09:24.500 Anything. 00:09:25.799 --> 00:09:27.879 Have you ever taken the Lord's name in vain? 00:09:29.139 --> 00:09:31.099 Have you ever looked at a girl lustfully 00:09:31.099 --> 00:09:32.699 or a guy lustfully? 00:09:32.700 --> 00:09:35.460 Have you answered yes to these questions 00:09:35.460 --> 00:09:36.500 and you are a lying, 00:09:36.940 --> 00:09:38.740 blaspheming, fornicating thief? 00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:40.980 You are a sinner. 00:09:41.180 --> 00:09:43.080 You have broken four out of the ten commandments 00:09:43.080 --> 00:09:45.020 and it took me 30 seconds to figure that out. 00:09:46.420 --> 00:09:47.540 This is the reality. 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:51.460 The point of asking those questions 00:09:51.460 --> 00:09:53.220 is to crush any thought in you 00:09:53.220 --> 00:09:56.080 that you are good apart from Christ. 00:09:57.120 --> 00:10:00.080 God's word is clear that none is good. 00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:03.540 None of us can do anything God-honoring on our own. 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:05.960 In fact, that's a little sugar-coated. 00:10:06.980 --> 00:10:09.220 God's word says that no one does good. 00:10:10.580 --> 00:10:12.259 We are dead inside. 00:10:12.620 --> 00:10:14.120 Decayed, lifeless bodies 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:16.600 needing a resurrection before Christ. 00:10:17.180 --> 00:10:19.759 Needing a resurrection or a miracle 00:10:19.759 --> 00:10:22.180 without Christ. 00:10:22.680 --> 00:10:24.360 So this is where our story begins. 00:10:24.360 --> 00:10:27.240 This is kind of where we launch to. 00:10:30.039 --> 00:10:33.000 Look at verse 8 of Romans chapter 5. 00:10:33.600 --> 00:10:35.320 It starts with two beautiful words. 00:10:35.879 --> 00:10:36.500 But God. 00:10:37.500 --> 00:10:39.360 Ephesians chapter 2 does the same thing 00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:40.000 in verse 4. 00:10:40.120 --> 00:10:40.500 It says, 00:10:40.500 --> 00:10:41.779 But God. 00:10:43.360 --> 00:10:44.179 Romans 5. 00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:44.600 It says, 00:10:44.700 --> 00:10:47.679 But God shows His love for us 00:10:47.679 --> 00:10:49.840 and that while we were still sinners, 00:10:50.019 --> 00:10:52.259 Christ died for us. 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:55.799 Ephesians 2 verse 4 through 6 says, 00:10:56.039 --> 00:10:57.259 But God, 00:10:58.419 --> 00:11:00.200 being rich in mercy 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:02.259 because of the great love 00:11:02.259 --> 00:11:03.360 with which He loved us, 00:11:03.460 --> 00:11:05.759 even when we were dead in our trespasses, 00:11:06.159 --> 00:11:09.039 He made us alive together with Christ. 00:11:09.039 --> 00:11:11.399 By grace you have been saved 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:12.860 and raised us up with Him 00:11:12.860 --> 00:11:13.799 and seated us with Him 00:11:13.799 --> 00:11:14.899 in the heavenly places 00:11:14.899 --> 00:11:16.719 in Christ Jesus. 00:11:17.240 --> 00:11:19.539 God's love is life changes. 00:11:19.659 --> 00:11:21.259 It makes the dead alive. 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:22.819 It makes the weak strong 00:11:22.819 --> 00:11:24.519 and it makes the sick well. 00:11:26.099 --> 00:11:28.019 God's love makes a new creation 00:11:28.019 --> 00:11:29.480 out of the old. 00:11:30.439 --> 00:11:32.360 2 Corinthians 5.17 00:11:32.360 --> 00:11:34.179 If anyone is in Christ, 00:11:34.279 --> 00:11:35.159 he is a new creation. 00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:36.539 The old has passed away. 00:11:36.539 --> 00:11:36.579 Today, 00:11:37.199 --> 00:11:37.620 behold, 00:11:37.679 --> 00:11:39.419 the new has come. 00:11:42.860 --> 00:11:43.919 The love of God 00:11:43.919 --> 00:11:45.059 takes the sin of sinners 00:11:45.059 --> 00:11:46.000 and removes them. 00:11:47.699 --> 00:11:48.959 Colossians chapter 2 00:11:48.959 --> 00:11:50.299 says, 00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:51.079 And you were dead 00:11:51.079 --> 00:11:52.120 in your trespasses 00:11:52.120 --> 00:11:53.179 and the uncircumcision 00:11:53.179 --> 00:11:54.019 in your flesh. 00:11:55.379 --> 00:11:56.240 Listen to this. 00:11:56.319 --> 00:11:57.419 God made a life 00:11:57.419 --> 00:11:58.339 together with Him, 00:11:59.059 --> 00:12:00.079 having forgiven us 00:12:00.079 --> 00:12:01.539 all our trespasses 00:12:01.539 --> 00:12:02.539 by canceling 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:04.779 the record of debt 00:12:04.779 --> 00:12:05.939 that stood against us 00:12:05.939 --> 00:12:07.139 with its legal demands. 00:12:07.799 --> 00:12:08.860 And He's not talking about 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:10.059 the courtroom down the street. 00:12:10.899 --> 00:12:11.279 This, 00:12:11.519 --> 00:12:12.639 He set aside, 00:12:13.199 --> 00:12:14.539 nailing it to the cross. 00:12:15.399 --> 00:12:16.159 The love of God 00:12:16.159 --> 00:12:17.539 takes the sin of sinners 00:12:17.539 --> 00:12:18.360 and removes them. 00:12:19.939 --> 00:12:21.379 Not only does God's love 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:22.379 make the dead alive, 00:12:22.439 --> 00:12:23.919 it also removes the sin 00:12:23.919 --> 00:12:25.139 through the cross. 00:12:25.379 --> 00:12:26.939 He canceled the debt 00:12:26.939 --> 00:12:27.779 of our sin 00:12:27.779 --> 00:12:31.600 that we were condemned with. 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:34.439 Turned sinners into saints. 00:12:34.779 --> 00:12:36.439 This is the love of God. 00:12:36.860 --> 00:12:38.059 Turn to Psalm 103. 00:12:39.819 --> 00:12:42.480 Psalm 103 is written by David, 00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:43.899 a man who understood 00:12:43.899 --> 00:12:46.079 God's love. 00:12:48.199 --> 00:12:49.679 A man, the Bible says, 00:12:49.720 --> 00:12:51.519 was a man after God's own heart. 00:12:57.319 --> 00:12:58.480 If you're a Christian 00:12:58.480 --> 00:13:00.519 and we read these words together, 00:13:00.679 --> 00:13:01.819 celebrate in it. 00:13:02.339 --> 00:13:03.439 Celebrate this love 00:13:03.439 --> 00:13:04.659 that God has shown us. 00:13:04.779 --> 00:13:09.199 If you're not a Christian, 00:13:09.740 --> 00:13:11.059 see what God has done 00:13:11.059 --> 00:13:12.059 for sinners. 00:13:13.319 --> 00:13:14.539 Starting in verse 1. 00:13:17.179 --> 00:13:18.100 Bless the Lord, 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:18.959 O my soul, 00:13:19.720 --> 00:13:21.079 and all that is within me. 00:13:21.159 --> 00:13:22.360 Bless His holy name. 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:23.579 Bless the Lord, 00:13:23.699 --> 00:13:24.459 O my soul, 00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:25.439 and forget not 00:13:25.439 --> 00:13:26.480 all His benefits, 00:13:26.699 --> 00:13:27.480 who forgives 00:13:27.480 --> 00:13:28.620 all your iniquity, 00:13:28.860 --> 00:13:29.459 who heals 00:13:29.459 --> 00:13:30.620 all your diseases, 00:13:30.620 --> 00:13:31.620 who redeems, 00:13:31.620 --> 00:13:32.080 who redeems your life 00:13:32.080 --> 00:13:32.740 from the pit, 00:13:32.740 --> 00:13:33.940 who crowns you 00:13:33.940 --> 00:13:34.980 with steadfast love 00:13:34.980 --> 00:13:35.539 and mercy, 00:13:35.539 --> 00:13:37.179 who satisfies you 00:13:37.179 --> 00:13:37.740 with good 00:13:37.740 --> 00:13:39.100 so that your youth 00:13:39.100 --> 00:13:39.639 is renewed 00:13:39.639 --> 00:13:40.440 like the eagles. 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:43.019 The Lord works righteousness 00:13:43.019 --> 00:13:43.919 and justice 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:45.340 for all who are oppressed. 00:13:45.759 --> 00:13:46.460 He made known 00:13:46.460 --> 00:13:47.500 His ways to Moses, 00:13:47.840 --> 00:13:48.560 His acts 00:13:48.560 --> 00:13:49.879 to the people of Israel. 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:51.899 The Lord is merciful 00:13:51.899 --> 00:13:52.759 and gracious, 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:53.919 slow to anger, 00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:55.319 and abounding 00:13:55.319 --> 00:13:56.659 in steadfast love. 00:13:56.979 --> 00:13:58.459 He will not always chide, 00:13:58.559 --> 00:13:59.360 nor will He keep 00:13:59.360 --> 00:14:00.279 His anger forever. 00:14:00.819 --> 00:14:02.059 He does not deal with us 00:14:02.059 --> 00:14:03.299 according to our sins, 00:14:03.899 --> 00:14:04.879 nor repay us 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:06.039 according to our iniquities. 00:14:06.439 --> 00:14:07.679 For as high as the heavens 00:14:07.679 --> 00:14:08.939 are above the earth, 00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:11.379 so great is His steadfast love 00:14:11.379 --> 00:14:12.139 towards those 00:14:12.139 --> 00:14:13.299 who fear Him. 00:14:13.539 --> 00:14:14.740 As far as the east 00:14:14.740 --> 00:14:15.740 is from the west, 00:14:16.039 --> 00:14:17.759 so far does He remove 00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:19.939 our transgressions from us. 00:14:20.659 --> 00:14:22.299 As a father shows compassion 00:14:22.299 --> 00:14:23.079 to his children, 00:14:23.080 --> 00:14:23.900 so the Lord 00:14:23.900 --> 00:14:24.960 shows compassion 00:14:24.960 --> 00:14:26.100 to those who fear Him. 00:14:26.560 --> 00:14:28.080 For He knows our frame. 00:14:28.360 --> 00:14:28.940 He remembers 00:14:28.940 --> 00:14:31.259 that we are dust. 00:14:31.540 --> 00:14:32.259 As for man, 00:14:32.460 --> 00:14:33.840 his days are like grass. 00:14:34.080 --> 00:14:34.800 He flourishes 00:14:34.800 --> 00:14:36.960 like a flower of the field 00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:38.400 for the wind passes over it 00:14:38.400 --> 00:14:39.100 and it is gone. 00:14:39.580 --> 00:14:40.400 And its place 00:14:40.400 --> 00:14:41.680 knows it no more. 00:14:42.180 --> 00:14:42.500 But 00:14:42.500 --> 00:14:44.120 the steadfast love 00:14:44.120 --> 00:14:44.639 of the Lord 00:14:44.639 --> 00:14:45.920 is from everlasting 00:14:45.920 --> 00:14:47.000 to everlasting 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:48.160 on those 00:14:48.160 --> 00:14:49.220 who fear Him. 00:14:49.860 --> 00:14:50.759 And His righteousness 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:52.080 to children's children, 00:14:52.220 --> 00:14:52.720 to those 00:14:52.720 --> 00:14:53.779 who keep His covenant 00:14:53.779 --> 00:14:54.940 and remember 00:14:54.940 --> 00:14:56.160 to do His commandments. 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.960 The Lord has established 00:14:57.960 --> 00:14:58.580 His throne 00:14:58.580 --> 00:14:59.200 in the heavens 00:14:59.200 --> 00:15:00.340 and His kingdom 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:02.480 rules over all. 00:15:03.399 --> 00:15:04.259 Bless the Lord, 00:15:04.340 --> 00:15:05.300 O you His angels, 00:15:05.600 --> 00:15:06.440 you mighty ones 00:15:06.440 --> 00:15:07.300 who do His word, 00:15:07.540 --> 00:15:08.500 obeying the voice 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:09.180 of His word. 00:15:09.540 --> 00:15:10.300 Bless the Lord, 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:11.100 all His hosts, 00:15:11.160 --> 00:15:11.680 His ministers 00:15:11.680 --> 00:15:12.600 who do His will. 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:13.700 Bless the Lord, 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:14.500 all His works 00:15:14.500 --> 00:15:15.980 in places of His dominion. 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:17.160 Bless the Lord, 00:15:17.159 --> 00:15:19.059 O my soul. 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:20.759 That is the God. 00:15:22.039 --> 00:15:22.899 That is the God 00:15:22.899 --> 00:15:23.399 we worship. 00:15:23.519 --> 00:15:24.059 That is the God 00:15:24.059 --> 00:15:24.980 who has shown us love 00:15:24.980 --> 00:15:25.899 and it is His love 00:15:25.899 --> 00:15:27.039 that we celebrate 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:28.039 this morning. 00:15:28.100 --> 00:15:28.799 It is His love 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:30.439 that changes lives. 00:15:32.699 --> 00:15:33.879 Reading this 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:35.480 and seeing God's love 00:15:35.480 --> 00:15:35.620 is 00:15:35.620 --> 00:15:36.919 His love 00:15:36.919 --> 00:15:37.159 is 00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:38.399 honestly, 00:15:38.659 --> 00:15:39.120 clearly 00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:40.740 outside of our understanding. 00:15:40.740 --> 00:15:43.659 See, 00:15:43.700 --> 00:15:44.240 what we've done 00:15:44.240 --> 00:15:45.440 is we've contaminated 00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:46.519 the word love. 00:15:47.180 --> 00:15:48.180 We've contaminated 00:15:48.180 --> 00:15:48.779 this word 00:15:48.779 --> 00:15:49.539 because we say, 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:51.860 I love cheeseburgers 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:52.680 or 00:15:52.680 --> 00:15:54.080 I love 00:15:54.080 --> 00:15:55.419 TV show 00:15:55.419 --> 00:15:56.180 blank 00:15:56.180 --> 00:15:57.019 or I love 00:15:57.019 --> 00:15:57.740 my mom 00:15:57.740 --> 00:15:58.039 or 00:15:58.039 --> 00:15:59.940 I love you. 00:16:00.440 --> 00:16:00.600 Well, 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:01.419 which kind of love 00:16:01.419 --> 00:16:01.659 is it? 00:16:01.659 --> 00:16:02.279 The love that you have 00:16:02.279 --> 00:16:02.740 for food 00:16:02.740 --> 00:16:03.460 or the love that you have 00:16:03.460 --> 00:16:04.159 for a TV show? 00:16:04.259 --> 00:16:05.080 I'm uncertain. 00:16:07.539 --> 00:16:07.980 So, 00:16:08.100 --> 00:16:08.919 so when we try 00:16:08.919 --> 00:16:10.120 to wrap our heads 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:10.899 around 00:16:10.899 --> 00:16:12.159 God's love, 00:16:12.279 --> 00:16:12.779 the two 00:16:12.779 --> 00:16:14.299 just don't compute 00:16:14.299 --> 00:16:17.200 our idea of love 00:16:17.200 --> 00:16:17.940 and His idea. 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:19.980 So, 00:16:20.259 --> 00:16:20.820 verse 7 00:16:20.820 --> 00:16:22.279 in Romans chapter 5 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:22.779 says, 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:25.039 For one will scarcely 00:16:25.039 --> 00:16:26.759 die for a righteous person, 00:16:27.200 --> 00:16:28.120 though perhaps 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:28.919 for a good person 00:16:28.919 --> 00:16:29.600 one would dare 00:16:29.600 --> 00:16:30.259 even die. 00:16:30.560 --> 00:16:31.399 In other words, 00:16:31.580 --> 00:16:32.679 we very rarely 00:16:32.679 --> 00:16:34.000 would die for any person 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:35.200 righteous or good. 00:16:35.740 --> 00:16:36.460 We're just not 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:36.940 going to do it. 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:38.200 We are selfish creatures 00:16:38.200 --> 00:16:39.360 created and wired 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:40.159 to be selfish. 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:42.419 But God is not. 00:16:44.080 --> 00:16:44.980 Verse 8 said, 00:16:45.080 --> 00:16:46.000 But God showed 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:47.080 His love for us 00:16:47.080 --> 00:16:48.159 and while we were sinners, 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:50.519 Christ died for us. 00:16:51.879 --> 00:16:52.899 2 Corinthians 5 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:53.320 21, 00:16:53.519 --> 00:16:54.460 we alluded to it earlier. 00:16:54.460 --> 00:16:55.440 For our sake 00:16:55.440 --> 00:16:55.940 He made Him 00:16:55.940 --> 00:16:56.500 to be sin 00:16:56.500 --> 00:16:57.120 who knew 00:16:57.120 --> 00:16:58.340 no sin. 00:17:00.419 --> 00:17:01.440 So that in Him 00:17:01.440 --> 00:17:02.180 we might become 00:17:02.180 --> 00:17:03.139 the righteousness 00:17:03.139 --> 00:17:04.180 of God. 00:17:04.400 --> 00:17:05.059 So no longer 00:17:05.059 --> 00:17:05.720 are we sinners. 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:06.460 No longer 00:17:06.460 --> 00:17:07.140 are we weak. 00:17:07.220 --> 00:17:07.599 No longer 00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:08.319 are we ungodly. 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:09.000 But we can now 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:09.740 be the righteousness 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.599 of God. 00:17:10.659 --> 00:17:11.619 And that is good news. 00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:12.559 God's love 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:13.579 is life changing. 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:15.179 He makes the dead alive, 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:15.919 the sick well, 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:16.679 and the old new. 00:17:17.759 --> 00:17:18.119 Also, 00:17:18.460 --> 00:17:19.059 second point, 00:17:19.159 --> 00:17:19.659 God's love 00:17:19.659 --> 00:17:20.519 saves us 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:21.579 from the wrath 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:23.000 we deserve. 00:17:24.399 --> 00:17:25.240 Since therefore 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:25.939 we have now 00:17:25.939 --> 00:17:26.659 been justified 00:17:26.659 --> 00:17:27.659 by His blood 00:17:27.659 --> 00:17:28.519 in verse 9, 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:31.000 much more 00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:31.799 shall we be saved 00:17:31.799 --> 00:17:32.339 by Him 00:17:32.339 --> 00:17:33.299 from the wrath 00:17:33.299 --> 00:17:34.019 of God. 00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:35.039 God's love 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:35.500 is shown 00:17:35.500 --> 00:17:36.579 to mankind 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:37.420 in two 00:17:37.420 --> 00:17:38.660 different ways. 00:17:38.859 --> 00:17:39.619 There's only two. 00:17:40.680 --> 00:17:41.380 In one way 00:17:41.380 --> 00:17:42.039 it's by giving 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:42.640 sinners 00:17:42.640 --> 00:17:43.859 what they deserve. 00:17:45.500 --> 00:17:46.640 Which is the wrath 00:17:46.640 --> 00:17:47.059 of God 00:17:47.059 --> 00:17:47.519 and the end 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:47.859 of that 00:17:47.859 --> 00:17:48.819 is hell. 00:17:49.559 --> 00:17:50.460 Romans 1.18 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:51.200 says, 00:17:51.339 --> 00:17:51.839 For the wrath 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:52.279 of God 00:17:52.279 --> 00:17:52.859 is revealed 00:17:52.859 --> 00:17:53.680 from heaven 00:17:53.680 --> 00:17:55.000 against all 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:55.660 ungodliness 00:17:55.660 --> 00:17:56.900 and unrighteousness 00:17:56.900 --> 00:17:57.359 of men. 00:17:58.960 --> 00:17:59.599 In Luke 00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:00.519 chapter 13, 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:03.539 Jesus is teaching 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:04.799 in verse 1-5, 00:18:04.920 --> 00:18:05.639 He repeats Himself 00:18:05.639 --> 00:18:06.420 twice and says, 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.779 Unless you repent, 00:18:08.079 --> 00:18:08.720 you likewise 00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:09.639 will perish. 00:18:10.579 --> 00:18:11.279 He's talking about 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:12.700 in what He's talking 00:18:12.700 --> 00:18:13.559 about is the cities 00:18:13.559 --> 00:18:14.759 that have crumbled. 00:18:15.480 --> 00:18:16.400 But what He's talking 00:18:16.400 --> 00:18:16.680 about, 00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:17.400 what He's saying 00:18:17.400 --> 00:18:17.980 here is that 00:18:17.980 --> 00:18:18.960 if you do not repent, 00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:21.099 you will perish 00:18:21.099 --> 00:18:21.779 eternally, 00:18:21.879 --> 00:18:22.759 not just here 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:23.879 on this earth. 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:26.400 Hell is a real place 00:18:26.400 --> 00:18:27.339 where real emotions 00:18:27.339 --> 00:18:28.839 and real feelings 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:29.559 exist. 00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:31.200 In Luke chapter 16, 00:18:31.659 --> 00:18:32.480 we have the story 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.319 of Lazarus, 00:18:33.460 --> 00:18:35.339 a homeless man 00:18:35.339 --> 00:18:36.619 with swords on his body 00:18:36.619 --> 00:18:37.819 and a rich man. 00:18:39.079 --> 00:18:40.039 And the rich man 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:41.940 eats rich food. 00:18:42.839 --> 00:18:43.639 And it says 00:18:43.639 --> 00:18:44.559 that Lazarus 00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:45.099 would just want 00:18:45.099 --> 00:18:45.899 to eat the crumbs 00:18:45.899 --> 00:18:47.200 off the rich man's table. 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:49.339 And both of them die. 00:18:49.859 --> 00:18:50.700 And the rich man 00:18:50.700 --> 00:18:51.919 goes to hell. 00:18:52.599 --> 00:18:53.000 And it says 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:53.539 that Abraham 00:18:53.539 --> 00:18:55.000 helps and picks up 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:55.460 Lazarus 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:56.379 and takes him to heaven. 00:18:59.559 --> 00:19:02.279 Here's some of the words 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:04.019 that Lazarus says 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:05.899 while he's in hell 00:19:05.899 --> 00:19:06.460 or Hades. 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:09.480 Verse 23 says 00:19:09.480 --> 00:19:11.319 that he is in torment. 00:19:12.579 --> 00:19:13.399 Verse 24 says, 00:19:13.480 --> 00:19:14.579 I am in anguish. 00:19:15.379 --> 00:19:16.379 Verse 28 calls it 00:19:16.379 --> 00:19:17.599 a place of torment. 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:20.419 Now, whether this story 00:19:20.419 --> 00:19:21.480 is a true story, 00:19:21.859 --> 00:19:22.980 whether it's a parable 00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:23.759 or a vision, 00:19:23.960 --> 00:19:25.500 the point is the same. 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:27.640 The description 00:19:27.640 --> 00:19:28.720 that awaits sinners 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:30.359 who do not repent 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:31.079 of their sin 00:19:31.079 --> 00:19:34.440 is a horrible place. 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:35.900 It is a real place 00:19:35.900 --> 00:19:37.160 with emotion 00:19:37.160 --> 00:19:38.299 and feeling. 00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:40.960 If you remember 00:19:40.960 --> 00:19:41.880 the story, 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:44.380 the rich man says, 00:19:45.099 --> 00:19:45.440 Abraham, 00:19:45.660 --> 00:19:47.000 please let Lazarus 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:48.339 dip his finger in water 00:19:48.339 --> 00:19:49.740 and bring it to my mouth. 00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:52.299 He's that thirsty, 00:19:52.420 --> 00:19:53.619 that tortured 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:55.279 and tormented. 00:19:57.459 --> 00:19:58.759 God has wrath 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.459 towards sin 00:19:59.459 --> 00:20:00.539 because he is righteous 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:01.679 and holy. 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:02.959 He must have 00:20:02.959 --> 00:20:05.299 wrath to be God. 00:20:06.119 --> 00:20:07.779 Because if I define sin 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:09.539 as any failure 00:20:09.539 --> 00:20:10.239 to conform 00:20:10.239 --> 00:20:11.179 to the moral law 00:20:11.179 --> 00:20:11.899 of God 00:20:11.899 --> 00:20:13.679 in act, 00:20:14.059 --> 00:20:14.419 attitude, 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:14.899 or nature, 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:16.059 then God being God, 00:20:16.139 --> 00:20:16.859 he must punish 00:20:16.859 --> 00:20:18.139 that sin. 00:20:19.339 --> 00:20:20.659 I have four beautiful 00:20:20.659 --> 00:20:21.779 children of my own 00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:23.240 and a beautiful Charlotte 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:24.399 who stays with us. 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:27.200 Would I be loving 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:28.119 if I just let them 00:20:28.119 --> 00:20:29.500 do whatever they wanted to? 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:31.000 Would I be loving 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:32.539 if I didn't teach them 00:20:32.539 --> 00:20:32.940 anything? 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:35.759 I love my kids. 00:20:36.359 --> 00:20:38.180 I love them dearly. 00:20:38.180 --> 00:20:40.220 I love them 00:20:40.220 --> 00:20:41.060 by giving them 00:20:41.060 --> 00:20:42.259 a standard to live by, 00:20:42.380 --> 00:20:43.180 by giving them 00:20:43.180 --> 00:20:44.120 God's standard 00:20:44.120 --> 00:20:44.940 to live by. 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.380 I love them 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:47.680 even when I'm forced 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:48.880 by obedience 00:20:48.880 --> 00:20:49.820 to punish them 00:20:49.820 --> 00:20:51.180 for their wrongdoing. 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:52.920 Likewise, 00:20:53.220 --> 00:20:54.200 God shows sinners 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:55.480 love by giving them 00:20:55.480 --> 00:20:56.759 what they deserve, 00:20:57.460 --> 00:20:58.860 by punishing them 00:20:58.860 --> 00:21:00.000 for the lives they live. 00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:01.400 Some will say, 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:02.820 that is a cruel God, 00:21:02.900 --> 00:21:04.299 that's a tyrant 00:21:04.299 --> 00:21:05.220 who doesn't love, 00:21:05.279 --> 00:21:06.060 he just rules. 00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:07.619 I say, 00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:08.500 and Scripture says, 00:21:08.679 --> 00:21:09.879 that God loves 00:21:09.879 --> 00:21:10.859 those he disciplines. 00:21:11.879 --> 00:21:13.099 God shows his love 00:21:13.099 --> 00:21:13.740 to humanity 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:16.079 by punishing the sin. 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:17.919 God's love 00:21:17.919 --> 00:21:18.759 is also shown 00:21:18.759 --> 00:21:19.179 to sinners 00:21:19.179 --> 00:21:21.000 by giving sinners 00:21:21.000 --> 00:21:23.259 what they do not deserve. 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:25.440 Verse 9 00:21:25.440 --> 00:21:26.339 in Romans 5 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:27.919 says, 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:28.819 Since therefore 00:21:28.819 --> 00:21:29.980 we have now 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:30.720 been justified 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:31.799 by his love, 00:21:32.399 --> 00:21:33.099 much more 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:34.279 shall we be saved 00:21:34.279 --> 00:21:34.859 by him 00:21:34.859 --> 00:21:35.660 from the wrath 00:21:35.660 --> 00:21:36.819 of God. 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:38.559 You remember earlier 00:21:38.559 --> 00:21:39.279 I read through 00:21:39.279 --> 00:21:40.619 Ephesians chapter 2 00:21:40.619 --> 00:21:41.440 or a little bit of it? 00:21:42.160 --> 00:21:43.019 Right in the middle 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:43.379 of that, 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:44.059 Paul says, 00:21:44.399 --> 00:21:45.039 by grace 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:46.000 you have been saved. 00:21:47.019 --> 00:21:47.259 So, 00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:47.920 he says, 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:48.559 but God, 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:49.660 being rich in mercy 00:21:49.660 --> 00:21:50.839 because of the great love 00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:51.920 with which he loved us, 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:53.220 even when we were dead 00:21:53.220 --> 00:21:54.259 in our trespasses, 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:55.559 made us alive 00:21:55.559 --> 00:21:56.680 together with Christ. 00:21:56.940 --> 00:21:57.799 By grace 00:21:57.799 --> 00:21:58.859 you have been saved 00:21:58.859 --> 00:22:00.619 and raised us up 00:22:00.619 --> 00:22:00.939 with him 00:22:00.939 --> 00:22:01.519 and seated us 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:01.859 with him 00:22:01.859 --> 00:22:02.719 in heavenly places 00:22:02.719 --> 00:22:04.740 in Christ Jesus. 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:07.139 By grace 00:22:07.139 --> 00:22:07.919 we have been saved. 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:09.139 Unmerited favor 00:22:09.139 --> 00:22:11.779 given to those 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:13.079 who don't deserve it. 00:22:13.179 --> 00:22:13.819 It's a gift. 00:22:14.419 --> 00:22:15.339 A new life. 00:22:16.919 --> 00:22:17.719 Being dead 00:22:17.719 --> 00:22:19.359 or now being made alive. 00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:23.019 There's nothing 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:23.639 we've done, 00:22:23.979 --> 00:22:24.959 nothing we have said, 00:22:25.240 --> 00:22:26.000 nothing we can do 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:27.019 to change the grace 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:28.039 that God has shown 00:22:28.039 --> 00:22:29.180 you or I 00:22:29.180 --> 00:22:30.519 if you are a Christian. 00:22:32.200 --> 00:22:33.200 God is God 00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:33.759 and he does 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:34.420 as he pleases. 00:22:35.140 --> 00:22:36.059 He does what brings 00:22:36.059 --> 00:22:36.640 him glory 00:22:36.640 --> 00:22:38.339 and making the dead alive 00:22:38.339 --> 00:22:39.339 so that the new life 00:22:39.339 --> 00:22:40.420 can live for his glory 00:22:40.420 --> 00:22:42.619 brings him more glory. 00:22:43.559 --> 00:22:44.700 God loves sinners. 00:22:45.759 --> 00:22:46.700 He loves his children 00:22:46.700 --> 00:22:47.460 and he shows it 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.240 through grace. 00:22:49.140 --> 00:22:49.819 Our third point, 00:22:49.940 --> 00:22:50.599 God's love 00:22:50.599 --> 00:22:52.359 reconciles his children 00:22:52.359 --> 00:22:53.380 to himself. 00:22:53.380 --> 00:22:56.560 Verses 10 and 11. 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:58.220 It says, 00:22:58.280 --> 00:22:59.460 For if while we were enemies 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.600 we were reconciled 00:23:00.600 --> 00:23:01.220 to God 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:01.800 by the death 00:23:01.800 --> 00:23:02.420 of his Son, 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:04.160 much more now 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:05.540 that we are reconciled 00:23:05.540 --> 00:23:07.420 so we be saved 00:23:07.420 --> 00:23:08.200 by his life. 00:23:08.540 --> 00:23:09.340 More than that, 00:23:09.840 --> 00:23:11.000 we also rejoice 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:11.540 in God 00:23:11.540 --> 00:23:12.100 through our Lord 00:23:12.100 --> 00:23:12.840 Jesus Christ 00:23:12.840 --> 00:23:13.300 through whom 00:23:13.300 --> 00:23:14.460 we have now received 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.760 reconciliation. 00:23:19.040 --> 00:23:19.560 Reconciles 00:23:19.560 --> 00:23:20.420 or reconciliation 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:21.820 is a relationship 00:23:21.820 --> 00:23:22.820 that has been broken 00:23:22.819 --> 00:23:24.159 and now has been 00:23:24.159 --> 00:23:24.759 mended. 00:23:26.059 --> 00:23:27.319 Put back together. 00:23:27.939 --> 00:23:29.019 The picture for us 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:30.240 is coming back 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:31.439 to what we were created 00:23:31.439 --> 00:23:32.839 to be originally. 00:23:33.599 --> 00:23:34.460 We were created 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:36.119 in God's image. 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:38.019 Genesis 1, 00:23:38.200 --> 00:23:39.299 26 and 27 00:23:39.299 --> 00:23:39.939 tells us that 00:23:39.939 --> 00:23:41.019 we were created 00:23:41.019 --> 00:23:42.240 to be image bearers 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:42.879 of God. 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:44.839 We were created 00:23:44.839 --> 00:23:45.859 to reflect 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:46.879 the glory 00:23:46.879 --> 00:23:47.679 of him 00:23:47.679 --> 00:23:48.460 to the world. 00:23:48.899 --> 00:23:49.539 That's what we were 00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:50.539 created to do. 00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:51.980 And it took 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:52.740 one chapter, 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:53.740 one chapter 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.339 in this book 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:55.099 to ruin that. 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:56.200 Chapter 3 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:56.799 is the fall. 00:23:59.420 --> 00:24:00.240 We became 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:01.259 image bearers 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:02.000 of ourselves 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:03.039 instead of of God. 00:24:03.579 --> 00:24:04.500 Instead of reflecting 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:05.200 God's glory, 00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:06.039 we've reflected 00:24:06.039 --> 00:24:06.700 our sin 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:07.920 and our desire 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:09.799 to honor ourselves 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:11.099 instead of God. 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:12.500 That's us 00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:13.500 in the Garden of Eden. 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:16.279 And until Christ 00:24:16.279 --> 00:24:17.059 came to earth 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:17.579 to live 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:18.640 a perfect 00:24:18.640 --> 00:24:19.819 sinless life, 00:24:19.900 --> 00:24:20.359 to die 00:24:20.359 --> 00:24:20.900 and take on 00:24:20.900 --> 00:24:21.779 the sin of the world, 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:23.299 to bear the wrath 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:23.720 of God 00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:24.519 that we deserve, 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:26.099 we are 00:24:26.099 --> 00:24:27.079 image bearers 00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:27.759 of ourselves 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:29.079 until Christ 00:24:29.079 --> 00:24:29.720 came. 00:24:31.420 --> 00:24:32.079 He came 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:32.579 to die 00:24:32.579 --> 00:24:33.220 for sinners 00:24:33.220 --> 00:24:34.160 so that sinners 00:24:34.160 --> 00:24:35.119 who are dead 00:24:35.119 --> 00:24:35.859 can be made 00:24:35.859 --> 00:24:36.339 alive. 00:24:36.920 --> 00:24:37.920 This is the love 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:38.720 of God. 00:24:40.359 --> 00:24:41.579 Because of Christ, 00:24:41.660 --> 00:24:42.079 we have been 00:24:42.079 --> 00:24:43.299 reconciled to God. 00:24:43.500 --> 00:24:44.359 Our relationship 00:24:44.359 --> 00:24:45.440 has been fixed. 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:47.160 We're no longer 00:24:47.160 --> 00:24:48.440 severed by sin 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:49.359 but made right 00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:50.440 in Christ. 00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:52.680 We are now 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:53.500 image bearers 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:54.059 of God. 00:24:55.799 --> 00:24:56.839 You now bear 00:24:56.839 --> 00:24:57.460 the image 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:57.980 of God 00:24:57.980 --> 00:24:58.660 in His glory. 00:24:59.599 --> 00:25:00.160 Or at least 00:25:00.160 --> 00:25:00.700 you should. 00:25:02.440 --> 00:25:03.559 It's a great, 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:04.420 great privilege 00:25:04.420 --> 00:25:05.619 to be image bearers. 00:25:06.359 --> 00:25:07.200 God has acted 00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:07.960 on our behalf 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:09.660 not for our glory 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:10.940 but for His. 00:25:11.140 --> 00:25:11.720 Not for 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:13.119 praising us 00:25:13.119 --> 00:25:14.079 but for 00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:14.739 praising 00:25:14.739 --> 00:25:15.379 and pleasing 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:16.139 Him. 00:25:16.899 --> 00:25:18.079 He has reconciled 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:18.739 us to Himself 00:25:18.739 --> 00:25:19.599 because of the love 00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:21.219 that God has 00:25:21.219 --> 00:25:22.219 for us 00:25:22.219 --> 00:25:23.019 and for His glory. 00:25:24.119 --> 00:25:25.219 Look at the beginning 00:25:25.219 --> 00:25:26.079 of verse 11. 00:25:27.159 --> 00:25:27.819 A familiar 00:25:27.819 --> 00:25:29.039 three words 00:25:29.039 --> 00:25:29.739 that we have seen 00:25:29.739 --> 00:25:31.099 in chapter 5. 00:25:31.179 --> 00:25:31.439 It says, 00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:32.779 more than that. 00:25:34.079 --> 00:25:35.179 More than that. 00:25:36.179 --> 00:25:37.199 In verse 3 00:25:37.199 --> 00:25:37.979 of chapter 5 00:25:37.979 --> 00:25:39.179 we saw more than that. 00:25:39.859 --> 00:25:40.219 He says, 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:40.880 more than that 00:25:40.880 --> 00:25:41.500 we rejoice 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.680 in our sufferings. 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.420 So we rejoice 00:25:44.420 --> 00:25:45.420 in our sufferings 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:47.019 more than rejoicing 00:25:47.019 --> 00:25:48.240 in verse 1 and 2 00:25:48.240 --> 00:25:49.480 our future glory. 00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:50.519 What we will be 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:51.579 when we are perfected. 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:53.180 What we have to 00:25:53.180 --> 00:25:54.059 look forward to. 00:25:55.259 --> 00:25:55.860 Well now, 00:25:56.059 --> 00:25:56.900 in verse 11, 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:58.160 more than that 00:25:58.160 --> 00:25:59.259 we also rejoice 00:25:59.259 --> 00:25:59.900 in God 00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:00.579 through our Lord 00:26:00.579 --> 00:26:01.940 Jesus Christ. 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:03.240 See, 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:04.299 God is to be 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:05.559 our focus of worship. 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.100 He is to be 00:26:07.100 --> 00:26:07.600 our center. 00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:09.740 our one true love. 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:11.579 I wonder 00:26:11.579 --> 00:26:12.539 how often 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:13.859 we take the focus 00:26:13.859 --> 00:26:14.500 off of God 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:15.500 and put it on someone 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:16.519 or something else. 00:26:17.119 --> 00:26:17.899 I wonder 00:26:17.899 --> 00:26:18.879 how often 00:26:18.879 --> 00:26:20.579 do we remove God 00:26:20.579 --> 00:26:21.279 as our Lord 00:26:21.279 --> 00:26:22.299 and put in His place 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:23.059 a cause. 00:26:23.719 --> 00:26:24.740 We put in His place 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:25.559 a belief 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:26.659 or a girl 00:26:26.659 --> 00:26:27.279 or a boy 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:28.419 or a pastor 00:26:28.419 --> 00:26:29.879 or a certain type 00:26:29.879 --> 00:26:30.639 of theology 00:26:30.639 --> 00:26:32.819 or a certain type 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.339 of music 00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:34.719 or a certain type 00:26:34.719 --> 00:26:35.959 of order of service. 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:37.500 We have so many things 00:26:37.500 --> 00:26:38.340 that can easily 00:26:38.340 --> 00:26:39.360 be placed 00:26:39.360 --> 00:26:40.980 in the crosshairs 00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:41.720 of our worship. 00:26:42.620 --> 00:26:44.200 We have so many options 00:26:44.200 --> 00:26:45.200 and what Paul 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:46.079 reminds us here 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:47.059 is no matter 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:48.059 the circumstances, 00:26:48.620 --> 00:26:49.299 no matter 00:26:49.299 --> 00:26:50.120 the great things 00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:51.200 to look forward to, 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:52.100 no matter 00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:53.100 the wonderful things 00:26:53.100 --> 00:26:53.920 He has done, 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:55.299 He is to be the center 00:26:55.299 --> 00:26:56.400 of our worship. 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:59.000 He is the one 00:26:59.000 --> 00:26:59.519 who loves. 00:26:59.860 --> 00:27:00.400 He is the one 00:27:00.400 --> 00:27:00.840 who saves 00:27:00.840 --> 00:27:01.660 and He is the one 00:27:01.660 --> 00:27:02.940 who reconciles. 00:27:03.200 --> 00:27:03.940 We now have 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:04.559 a relationship 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:04.960 with Him 00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:05.740 where we can pray 00:27:05.740 --> 00:27:06.099 to Him. 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:07.039 We can call Him 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.460 Father. 00:27:07.679 --> 00:27:08.299 We can actually 00:27:08.299 --> 00:27:09.099 call Him Daddy 00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:10.220 as in Abba Father. 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:14.539 We can approach 00:27:14.539 --> 00:27:15.059 the throne 00:27:15.059 --> 00:27:15.859 with boldness 00:27:15.859 --> 00:27:16.659 all done 00:27:16.659 --> 00:27:17.919 by His redeeming hand, 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:19.200 His love 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:20.319 for His glory. 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:21.839 We have been 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:23.359 reconciled to Him, 00:27:23.779 --> 00:27:24.659 by Him, 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:25.779 and through Him. 00:27:26.899 --> 00:27:27.720 What a great 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.379 and loving God 00:27:28.379 --> 00:27:28.940 we serve. 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.899 What a great 00:27:30.899 --> 00:27:31.700 and loving God. 00:27:32.619 --> 00:27:33.659 We can be assured 00:27:33.660 --> 00:27:34.680 of our salvation 00:27:34.680 --> 00:27:36.700 is secured 00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:37.240 in Christ 00:27:37.240 --> 00:27:38.180 because of the love 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:38.779 that God 00:27:38.779 --> 00:27:39.480 has shown us. 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:41.640 So not only 00:27:41.640 --> 00:27:42.440 is God's love 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:43.220 life-changing 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:44.759 and not only 00:27:44.759 --> 00:27:45.779 does it save us 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:46.380 from the wrath 00:27:46.380 --> 00:27:46.880 of God 00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:48.580 and reconcile us 00:27:48.580 --> 00:27:49.140 to Himself, 00:27:49.300 --> 00:27:50.180 but fourthly, 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:50.900 God's love 00:27:50.900 --> 00:27:51.840 compels us 00:27:51.840 --> 00:27:52.580 to be ministers 00:27:52.580 --> 00:27:54.120 of reconciliation. 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:56.600 2 Corinthians 5. 00:27:56.600 --> 00:27:57.160 Go ahead 00:27:57.160 --> 00:27:57.420 and turn 00:27:57.420 --> 00:27:58.440 to 2 Corinthians 5. 00:28:02.440 --> 00:28:03.920 2 Corinthians 5. 00:28:08.039 --> 00:28:09.200 Verse 14. 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.200 It says, 00:28:11.580 --> 00:28:12.600 For the love of Christ 00:28:12.600 --> 00:28:13.620 controls us. 00:28:13.900 --> 00:28:15.140 ESV says controls. 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:17.120 Other versions say 00:28:17.120 --> 00:28:17.840 compels us. 00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:18.779 For the love of Christ 00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:19.840 compels us 00:28:19.840 --> 00:28:21.580 because we have concluded 00:28:21.580 --> 00:28:21.940 this, 00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:22.920 that one has died 00:28:22.920 --> 00:28:23.500 for all, 00:28:23.940 --> 00:28:24.900 therefore all 00:28:24.900 --> 00:28:25.759 have died. 00:28:26.880 --> 00:28:27.900 Verse 18 says, 00:28:28.040 --> 00:28:29.700 All this is from God 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:31.259 who through Christ 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:32.380 reconciled us 00:28:32.380 --> 00:28:33.040 to Himself 00:28:33.040 --> 00:28:34.340 and gave us 00:28:34.340 --> 00:28:35.000 the ministry 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:36.220 of reconciliation. 00:28:36.920 --> 00:28:37.519 We are now 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:38.220 compelled, 00:28:38.700 --> 00:28:39.259 controlled 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:40.620 by the love of God 00:28:40.620 --> 00:28:41.360 and the love of Christ 00:28:41.360 --> 00:28:41.980 to be part 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:42.900 of the mission 00:28:42.900 --> 00:28:43.720 of God. 00:28:44.080 --> 00:28:44.640 To go 00:28:44.640 --> 00:28:45.720 and to make disciples. 00:28:46.880 --> 00:28:48.000 To help reconcile 00:28:48.000 --> 00:28:49.060 them to God. 00:28:49.800 --> 00:28:50.740 We have been charged 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:51.860 with marching orders. 00:28:51.859 --> 00:28:53.559 Where we will go? 00:28:53.639 --> 00:28:54.159 What people 00:28:54.159 --> 00:28:55.159 are you loving? 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:55.699 What people 00:28:55.699 --> 00:28:56.839 are you praying for? 00:28:57.119 --> 00:28:57.859 What barista 00:28:57.859 --> 00:28:59.099 are you discipling? 00:28:59.559 --> 00:29:00.799 What office mate 00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:01.659 are you communicating 00:29:01.659 --> 00:29:02.679 the love of God to? 00:29:03.539 --> 00:29:04.579 What fellow student 00:29:04.579 --> 00:29:05.279 are you sharing 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:06.319 with the love of God 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:07.139 in hopes 00:29:07.139 --> 00:29:07.779 that the gospel 00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:08.859 will take root? 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:11.399 We have been given 00:29:11.399 --> 00:29:11.859 a mission. 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:12.799 Let us not fail. 00:29:13.159 --> 00:29:14.159 Let us proclaim 00:29:14.159 --> 00:29:16.419 with boldness 00:29:16.419 --> 00:29:17.039 the love 00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:17.659 that God has 00:29:17.659 --> 00:29:18.099 for them. 00:29:18.839 --> 00:29:19.500 In verse 20 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:21.279 of 2 Corinthians 5, 00:29:21.359 --> 00:29:21.619 it says, 00:29:21.619 --> 00:29:22.000 Therefore, 00:29:22.539 --> 00:29:23.659 we are ambassadors 00:29:23.659 --> 00:29:24.579 for Christ. 00:29:25.659 --> 00:29:27.359 God making His appeal 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:28.379 through us. 00:29:28.819 --> 00:29:29.979 We are His ambassadors. 00:29:31.079 --> 00:29:31.799 We're not just 00:29:31.799 --> 00:29:32.639 disciples. 00:29:32.799 --> 00:29:33.739 Now we're ambassadors. 00:29:33.979 --> 00:29:34.959 We represent Him. 00:29:35.119 --> 00:29:36.039 To be an ambassador 00:29:36.039 --> 00:29:36.859 for anything, 00:29:37.359 --> 00:29:38.079 one must know 00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:39.379 the person they represent. 00:29:39.819 --> 00:29:40.399 Do you know 00:29:40.399 --> 00:29:41.839 Jesus? 00:29:42.759 --> 00:29:43.939 They must have approval 00:29:43.939 --> 00:29:45.000 by the one represented 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:46.059 and they must have 00:29:46.059 --> 00:29:47.179 a message to share. 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:51.459 If you're a Christian, 00:29:51.460 --> 00:29:52.400 you have all three. 00:29:54.920 --> 00:29:55.900 You know Jesus. 00:29:57.160 --> 00:29:58.120 You've been approved 00:29:58.120 --> 00:29:59.380 by Him to be an ambassador. 00:29:59.519 --> 00:30:00.440 His Word says it. 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:02.000 And you have a message 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:02.799 to share. 00:30:04.279 --> 00:30:04.960 God's love 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:05.920 is life-changing. 00:30:06.279 --> 00:30:07.039 It does not matter 00:30:07.039 --> 00:30:07.960 what you have done 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:09.340 or what they have done 00:30:09.340 --> 00:30:10.200 or any person 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:11.100 has done. 00:30:12.100 --> 00:30:12.360 God, 00:30:12.660 --> 00:30:13.340 Jesus Christ 00:30:13.340 --> 00:30:14.100 died bearing 00:30:14.100 --> 00:30:15.039 the sin of the world. 00:30:15.920 --> 00:30:16.640 Bearing the wrath 00:30:16.640 --> 00:30:17.160 of God 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:17.620 so that 00:30:17.620 --> 00:30:19.660 any and all sins 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:20.340 can be forgiven. 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:22.600 I have a 00:30:22.600 --> 00:30:23.900 copy of 00:30:23.900 --> 00:30:25.700 letters, 00:30:25.920 --> 00:30:26.460 transactions 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:27.320 between a 00:30:27.320 --> 00:30:28.300 serial killer 00:30:28.300 --> 00:30:29.680 and a guy 00:30:29.680 --> 00:30:30.860 named Roger. 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:33.259 Serial killer's name 00:30:33.259 --> 00:30:34.759 is Wesley Allen Dodd. 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:36.380 Been described as 00:30:36.380 --> 00:30:36.900 one of the most 00:30:36.900 --> 00:30:37.880 evil killers 00:30:37.880 --> 00:30:38.560 in history 00:30:38.560 --> 00:30:39.940 because 00:30:39.940 --> 00:30:41.000 of the 00:30:41.000 --> 00:30:42.200 methods 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:42.980 and the 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:43.460 heinous 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:44.220 acts 00:30:44.220 --> 00:30:44.519 of his 00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:45.019 crimes. 00:30:47.660 --> 00:30:49.000 I'm going to read you 00:30:49.000 --> 00:30:50.340 some transactions 00:30:50.340 --> 00:30:50.980 through here. 00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:53.819 Roger writes 00:30:53.819 --> 00:30:54.779 first and says, 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:56.279 because of the love 00:30:56.279 --> 00:30:57.519 of Christ in me, 00:30:57.940 --> 00:30:59.039 I care about you 00:30:59.039 --> 00:30:59.980 and love you. 00:31:01.079 --> 00:31:02.079 I am watching 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:02.559 the news 00:31:02.559 --> 00:31:03.379 a couple of nights 00:31:03.379 --> 00:31:03.759 ago 00:31:03.759 --> 00:31:05.299 and immediately 00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:06.119 began writing 00:31:06.119 --> 00:31:06.680 this letter. 00:31:07.619 --> 00:31:08.220 I heard your 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:08.879 plea for an 00:31:08.879 --> 00:31:09.720 expedient death 00:31:09.720 --> 00:31:10.180 so that you 00:31:10.180 --> 00:31:11.019 wouldn't do more 00:31:11.019 --> 00:31:11.899 of what you've 00:31:11.899 --> 00:31:12.599 already done. 00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:14.359 At first, 00:31:14.460 --> 00:31:14.940 I felt 00:31:14.940 --> 00:31:15.799 that it was 00:31:15.799 --> 00:31:16.460 quite noble 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:16.980 to protect 00:31:16.980 --> 00:31:18.019 society like that. 00:31:18.740 --> 00:31:19.379 I hoped 00:31:19.379 --> 00:31:19.819 that I could 00:31:19.819 --> 00:31:20.740 have that courage 00:31:20.740 --> 00:31:21.379 given the same 00:31:21.379 --> 00:31:22.079 situation. 00:31:22.660 --> 00:31:23.799 Then I realized 00:31:23.799 --> 00:31:24.599 even more so 00:31:24.599 --> 00:31:25.459 how sad it is 00:31:25.459 --> 00:31:26.079 to be so 00:31:26.079 --> 00:31:26.980 confined and 00:31:26.980 --> 00:31:27.879 bound by sin 00:31:27.879 --> 00:31:28.980 that death 00:31:28.980 --> 00:31:30.219 seems the only 00:31:30.219 --> 00:31:30.639 out. 00:31:31.379 --> 00:31:32.240 I really feel 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:32.679 for you, 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:33.899 not in a sense 00:31:33.899 --> 00:31:34.659 of looking down 00:31:34.659 --> 00:31:35.079 on you, 00:31:35.559 --> 00:31:36.179 but knowing 00:31:36.179 --> 00:31:36.819 quite well 00:31:36.819 --> 00:31:37.339 what it is 00:31:37.339 --> 00:31:37.939 to be bound 00:31:37.939 --> 00:31:38.619 by sin. 00:31:39.439 --> 00:31:40.319 Sin is sin 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:41.019 no matter 00:31:41.019 --> 00:31:41.679 how perverted 00:31:41.679 --> 00:31:42.279 it is. 00:31:43.480 --> 00:31:44.199 You may be 00:31:44.199 --> 00:31:44.899 compelled to 00:31:44.899 --> 00:31:45.559 rape and kill 00:31:45.559 --> 00:31:46.059 children. 00:31:46.439 --> 00:31:47.000 Another man 00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:47.519 may steal 00:31:47.519 --> 00:31:48.119 cars. 00:31:48.500 --> 00:31:48.899 Someone's 00:31:48.899 --> 00:31:50.559 mother can't 00:31:50.559 --> 00:31:51.319 help but lie 00:31:51.319 --> 00:31:52.119 all the time. 00:31:52.579 --> 00:31:53.379 A 50-year-old 00:31:53.379 --> 00:31:54.019 man is still 00:31:54.019 --> 00:31:54.500 trying to 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:55.019 control the 00:31:55.019 --> 00:31:55.559 same lust 00:31:55.559 --> 00:31:56.000 he fought 00:31:56.000 --> 00:31:56.259 when he 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:56.940 was 14. 00:31:57.960 --> 00:31:58.539 Name one 00:31:58.539 --> 00:31:59.119 person who 00:31:59.119 --> 00:31:59.519 hasn't been 00:31:59.519 --> 00:31:59.920 secretly 00:31:59.920 --> 00:32:00.700 controlled by 00:32:00.700 --> 00:32:01.059 sin. 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:02.259 They want 00:32:02.259 --> 00:32:02.759 to get rid 00:32:02.759 --> 00:32:03.119 of it, 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:03.539 but they 00:32:03.539 --> 00:32:03.980 can't. 00:32:04.660 --> 00:32:05.220 Many people 00:32:05.220 --> 00:32:05.839 give up and 00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:06.339 claim to be 00:32:06.339 --> 00:32:06.960 comfortable in 00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:07.460 their sin. 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:08.220 Many are 00:32:08.220 --> 00:32:09.579 convincing in 00:32:09.579 --> 00:32:10.680 their charade 00:32:10.680 --> 00:32:11.299 of happiness. 00:32:12.539 --> 00:32:13.059 But if they 00:32:13.059 --> 00:32:13.700 dare to think, 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:14.420 they realize 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:15.000 that in 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:15.640 actuality, 00:32:15.680 --> 00:32:16.079 they've been 00:32:16.079 --> 00:32:17.299 defeated by 00:32:17.299 --> 00:32:17.559 it. 00:32:18.359 --> 00:32:19.180 That one 00:32:19.180 --> 00:32:20.079 stupid item 00:32:20.079 --> 00:32:20.559 of sin 00:32:20.559 --> 00:32:21.039 has stood 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:22.519 taller and 00:32:22.519 --> 00:32:23.240 more powerful 00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:23.759 than they. 00:32:25.059 --> 00:32:25.679 No one 00:32:25.679 --> 00:32:26.439 enjoys being 00:32:26.439 --> 00:32:27.059 a slave, 00:32:27.659 --> 00:32:28.399 especially to 00:32:28.399 --> 00:32:29.000 something like 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:29.379 sin. 00:32:29.679 --> 00:32:30.319 You can't 00:32:30.319 --> 00:32:30.960 see it or 00:32:30.960 --> 00:32:31.480 touch it, 00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:32.379 so how can 00:32:32.379 --> 00:32:32.859 you fight 00:32:32.859 --> 00:32:33.099 it? 00:32:33.679 --> 00:32:34.399 Every single 00:32:34.399 --> 00:32:35.139 person on the 00:32:35.139 --> 00:32:35.779 face of this 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:36.460 earth, if 00:32:36.460 --> 00:32:38.000 given a no-cost 00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:38.899 solution to win 00:32:38.899 --> 00:32:39.659 out over sin, 00:32:39.819 --> 00:32:40.460 would take it. 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:41.899 The problem 00:32:41.899 --> 00:32:42.500 is that there 00:32:42.500 --> 00:32:43.299 is no solution 00:32:43.299 --> 00:32:43.960 which costs 00:32:43.960 --> 00:32:44.339 nothing. 00:32:44.339 --> 00:32:46.339 The only 00:32:46.339 --> 00:32:47.119 solution is 00:32:47.119 --> 00:32:47.879 Jesus Christ, 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:48.459 but that 00:32:48.459 --> 00:32:49.319 costs you 00:32:49.319 --> 00:32:49.980 your pride. 00:32:50.859 --> 00:32:51.299 On the other 00:32:51.299 --> 00:32:52.059 hand, sin is 00:32:52.059 --> 00:32:52.500 not without 00:32:52.500 --> 00:32:53.079 its cost 00:32:53.079 --> 00:32:53.480 either. 00:32:55.579 --> 00:32:56.799 He is 00:32:56.799 --> 00:32:57.339 God. 00:32:57.639 --> 00:32:57.980 We are 00:32:57.980 --> 00:32:58.740 incapable of 00:32:58.740 --> 00:32:59.259 testing the 00:32:59.259 --> 00:32:59.740 limits of 00:32:59.740 --> 00:33:00.299 His grace 00:33:00.299 --> 00:33:01.019 because grace 00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:01.819 by definition 00:33:01.819 --> 00:33:03.099 is undeserved 00:33:03.099 --> 00:33:03.539 favor. 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:04.559 You don't 00:33:04.559 --> 00:33:05.059 deserve it 00:33:05.059 --> 00:33:05.379 and I 00:33:05.379 --> 00:33:05.879 don't deserve 00:33:05.879 --> 00:33:06.139 it. 00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:07.919 But God 00:33:07.919 --> 00:33:08.439 gives us 00:33:08.439 --> 00:33:08.959 His favor 00:33:08.959 --> 00:33:09.439 because He 00:33:09.439 --> 00:33:10.019 loves us. 00:33:10.779 --> 00:33:11.319 Please don't 00:33:11.319 --> 00:33:11.699 think that 00:33:11.699 --> 00:33:12.259 you've gone 00:33:12.259 --> 00:33:12.959 too far. 00:33:13.399 --> 00:33:13.899 Don't think 00:33:13.900 --> 00:33:14.200 that you 00:33:14.200 --> 00:33:14.900 don't deserve 00:33:14.900 --> 00:33:15.740 God's love. 00:33:16.160 --> 00:33:16.519 The whole 00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:17.400 concept of 00:33:17.400 --> 00:33:18.120 God's grace 00:33:18.120 --> 00:33:19.180 rests on the 00:33:19.180 --> 00:33:19.880 fact that each 00:33:19.880 --> 00:33:20.540 one of us 00:33:20.540 --> 00:33:21.680 deserves hell. 00:33:22.480 --> 00:33:23.200 What a slap 00:33:23.200 --> 00:33:23.800 of arrogance 00:33:23.800 --> 00:33:24.380 at the love 00:33:24.380 --> 00:33:24.900 of God 00:33:24.900 --> 00:33:25.960 to say 00:33:25.960 --> 00:33:26.519 that we 00:33:26.519 --> 00:33:27.060 don't deserve 00:33:27.060 --> 00:33:27.680 His forgiveness. 00:33:28.680 --> 00:33:29.340 It's all 00:33:29.340 --> 00:33:29.980 been accomplished 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:30.600 so that you 00:33:30.600 --> 00:33:31.060 might have 00:33:31.060 --> 00:33:32.100 life, an 00:33:32.100 --> 00:33:32.440 abundant 00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:33.200 life at that. 00:33:33.660 --> 00:33:34.160 If you want 00:33:34.160 --> 00:33:34.660 to know the 00:33:34.660 --> 00:33:35.180 true love 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:35.600 and peace 00:33:35.600 --> 00:33:35.960 and joy 00:33:35.960 --> 00:33:36.440 that can 00:33:36.440 --> 00:33:37.220 be yours, 00:33:37.320 --> 00:33:37.580 you just 00:33:37.580 --> 00:33:37.880 need to 00:33:37.880 --> 00:33:38.220 surrender 00:33:38.220 --> 00:33:39.080 to the 00:33:39.080 --> 00:33:39.380 love of 00:33:39.380 --> 00:33:39.840 Christ. 00:33:42.140 --> 00:33:42.700 Wesley, 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:44.120 Alan Dodd, 00:33:44.160 --> 00:33:45.259 the serial 00:33:45.259 --> 00:33:45.580 killer, 00:33:45.660 --> 00:33:46.340 writes back. 00:33:46.759 --> 00:33:47.019 He said, 00:33:47.059 --> 00:33:47.620 I said in 00:33:47.620 --> 00:33:48.259 the courtroom 00:33:48.259 --> 00:33:49.319 what the 00:33:49.319 --> 00:33:50.680 papers reported 00:33:50.680 --> 00:33:51.799 that I had 00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:52.259 done a few 00:33:52.259 --> 00:33:53.039 Bible studies 00:33:53.039 --> 00:33:53.900 but didn't 00:33:53.900 --> 00:33:54.740 consider myself 00:33:54.740 --> 00:33:55.240 a Christian. 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:57.840 Later, 00:33:57.920 --> 00:33:58.140 he says, 00:33:58.180 --> 00:33:58.660 I've probably 00:33:58.660 --> 00:33:59.259 put in at 00:33:59.259 --> 00:34:00.100 least 2,000 00:34:00.100 --> 00:34:00.720 hours of 00:34:00.720 --> 00:34:01.360 Bible study. 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:02.740 There is 00:34:02.740 --> 00:34:03.380 absolutely 00:34:03.380 --> 00:34:05.120 no doubt 00:34:05.120 --> 00:34:05.880 in my mind 00:34:05.880 --> 00:34:06.620 after all 00:34:06.620 --> 00:34:07.400 that studying 00:34:07.400 --> 00:34:08.099 that the 00:34:08.099 --> 00:34:08.820 Bible is 00:34:08.820 --> 00:34:09.360 the Word 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:09.780 of God. 00:34:09.780 --> 00:34:11.140 I was 00:34:11.140 --> 00:34:11.960 baptized on 00:34:11.960 --> 00:34:12.700 July 16, 00:34:12.960 --> 00:34:13.620 1991. 00:34:14.680 --> 00:34:15.280 The reason 00:34:15.280 --> 00:34:15.780 I did not 00:34:15.780 --> 00:34:16.680 want to say 00:34:16.680 --> 00:34:17.060 that in 00:34:17.060 --> 00:34:17.580 court was 00:34:17.580 --> 00:34:18.620 because I 00:34:18.620 --> 00:34:18.940 didn't want 00:34:18.940 --> 00:34:19.560 people thinking 00:34:19.560 --> 00:34:19.920 that I'm 00:34:19.920 --> 00:34:20.700 using God 00:34:20.700 --> 00:34:21.320 to save 00:34:21.320 --> 00:34:21.700 my own 00:34:21.700 --> 00:34:22.100 life. 00:34:22.880 --> 00:34:23.240 I will 00:34:23.240 --> 00:34:24.040 not ask 00:34:24.040 --> 00:34:24.700 any man 00:34:24.700 --> 00:34:25.300 to spare 00:34:25.300 --> 00:34:26.460 my life. 00:34:27.480 --> 00:34:28.280 On July 00:34:28.280 --> 00:34:28.880 16, 00:34:29.019 --> 00:34:29.560 of last, 00:34:30.300 --> 00:34:30.960 I asked 00:34:30.960 --> 00:34:32.360 Jesus Christ 00:34:32.360 --> 00:34:32.840 to be my 00:34:32.840 --> 00:34:33.760 attorney in 00:34:33.760 --> 00:34:34.260 that court 00:34:34.260 --> 00:34:34.880 where everyone 00:34:34.880 --> 00:34:35.440 will face 00:34:35.440 --> 00:34:35.820 judgment. 00:34:37.360 --> 00:34:38.240 Man's law 00:34:38.239 --> 00:34:39.339 says I 00:34:39.339 --> 00:34:39.959 must die 00:34:39.959 --> 00:34:40.259 and I 00:34:40.259 --> 00:34:40.759 agree with 00:34:40.759 --> 00:34:41.379 those laws. 00:34:42.379 --> 00:34:43.339 I am also 00:34:43.339 --> 00:34:43.759 aware that 00:34:43.759 --> 00:34:44.299 my faith 00:34:44.299 --> 00:34:44.819 is weak 00:34:44.819 --> 00:34:46.779 and there 00:34:46.779 --> 00:34:47.219 is far 00:34:47.219 --> 00:34:47.619 too much 00:34:47.619 --> 00:34:48.099 evil in 00:34:48.099 --> 00:34:48.619 this prison. 00:34:49.439 --> 00:34:49.839 I have 00:34:49.839 --> 00:34:50.319 turned away 00:34:50.319 --> 00:34:50.659 from the 00:34:50.659 --> 00:34:51.119 Lord too 00:34:51.119 --> 00:34:51.819 many times. 00:34:52.259 --> 00:34:52.799 I come 00:34:52.799 --> 00:34:53.199 back, 00:34:53.539 --> 00:34:54.139 but if I 00:34:54.139 --> 00:34:54.579 turn away 00:34:54.579 --> 00:34:54.959 again, 00:34:55.039 --> 00:34:55.399 I know 00:34:55.399 --> 00:34:55.859 how easy 00:34:55.859 --> 00:34:56.099 it would 00:34:56.099 --> 00:34:56.459 be for 00:34:56.459 --> 00:34:56.699 me to 00:34:56.699 --> 00:34:57.059 kill 00:34:57.059 --> 00:34:58.039 a guard. 00:34:59.039 --> 00:34:59.659 I would 00:34:59.659 --> 00:35:00.279 rather die 00:35:00.279 --> 00:35:01.639 now than 00:35:01.639 --> 00:35:02.039 take a 00:35:02.039 --> 00:35:02.500 chance of 00:35:02.500 --> 00:35:03.059 killing again 00:35:03.059 --> 00:35:03.479 and turning 00:35:03.479 --> 00:35:03.959 away from 00:35:03.959 --> 00:35:04.219 God 00:35:04.219 --> 00:35:04.719 permanently. 00:35:06.059 --> 00:35:06.479 And Roger 00:35:06.479 --> 00:35:07.279 responds and 00:35:07.279 --> 00:35:07.579 says, 00:35:07.579 --> 00:35:09.579 regardless of 00:35:09.579 --> 00:35:10.000 whether you 00:35:10.000 --> 00:35:10.699 still fight 00:35:10.699 --> 00:35:11.579 the temptations, 00:35:11.739 --> 00:35:12.239 the evidence 00:35:12.239 --> 00:35:12.920 lies in 00:35:12.920 --> 00:35:13.559 favor of 00:35:13.559 --> 00:35:14.099 a changed 00:35:14.099 --> 00:35:14.539 heart. 00:35:16.000 --> 00:35:17.039 Even David, 00:35:17.400 --> 00:35:17.960 a man of 00:35:17.960 --> 00:35:18.460 lies, 00:35:18.920 --> 00:35:19.519 adultery, 00:35:19.799 --> 00:35:20.319 and murder 00:35:20.319 --> 00:35:21.340 had a heart 00:35:21.340 --> 00:35:22.059 after God. 00:35:23.019 --> 00:35:23.579 You so 00:35:23.579 --> 00:35:24.259 willingly lay 00:35:24.259 --> 00:35:24.639 down your 00:35:24.639 --> 00:35:25.159 life that 00:35:25.159 --> 00:35:25.639 none other 00:35:25.639 --> 00:35:26.099 should die 00:35:26.099 --> 00:35:26.380 at your 00:35:26.380 --> 00:35:26.779 hands. 00:35:27.460 --> 00:35:28.279 That's the 00:35:28.279 --> 00:35:28.619 love of 00:35:28.619 --> 00:35:29.279 Christ working 00:35:29.279 --> 00:35:29.679 in you. 00:35:31.719 --> 00:35:32.239 You've 00:35:32.239 --> 00:35:32.539 already 00:35:32.539 --> 00:35:33.139 experienced 00:35:33.139 --> 00:35:33.619 the victory 00:35:33.619 --> 00:35:34.239 over Satan. 00:35:34.699 --> 00:35:35.360 Even when 00:35:35.360 --> 00:35:35.679 he would 00:35:35.679 --> 00:35:36.380 try to have 00:35:36.380 --> 00:35:36.739 his way 00:35:36.739 --> 00:35:37.119 with you, 00:35:37.119 --> 00:35:37.559 Jesus 00:35:37.559 --> 00:35:39.000 reigns. 00:35:39.179 --> 00:35:39.599 For even 00:35:39.599 --> 00:35:40.079 though you 00:35:40.079 --> 00:35:40.400 are in 00:35:40.400 --> 00:35:40.900 this body 00:35:40.900 --> 00:35:41.339 of death, 00:35:41.380 --> 00:35:41.619 you have 00:35:41.619 --> 00:35:42.000 been given 00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:42.619 a peace 00:35:42.619 --> 00:35:43.579 about having 00:35:43.579 --> 00:35:43.980 it taken 00:35:43.980 --> 00:35:44.519 from you. 00:35:45.079 --> 00:35:45.659 God will 00:35:45.659 --> 00:35:46.000 in turn 00:35:46.000 --> 00:35:46.519 clothe you 00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:46.799 with his 00:35:46.799 --> 00:35:47.659 glory as 00:35:47.659 --> 00:35:47.839 he has 00:35:47.839 --> 00:35:48.079 already 00:35:48.079 --> 00:35:48.599 bathed you 00:35:48.599 --> 00:35:48.839 in his 00:35:48.839 --> 00:35:49.179 love. 00:35:50.259 --> 00:35:50.480 See, 00:35:50.799 --> 00:35:51.559 every story 00:35:51.559 --> 00:35:51.940 has a 00:35:51.940 --> 00:35:52.639 villain and 00:35:52.639 --> 00:35:53.119 every story 00:35:53.119 --> 00:35:53.440 has a 00:35:53.440 --> 00:35:53.699 hero. 00:35:54.599 --> 00:35:55.699 We are 00:35:55.699 --> 00:35:56.359 the villain 00:35:56.359 --> 00:35:57.219 and Jesus 00:35:57.219 --> 00:35:57.659 is the 00:35:57.659 --> 00:35:57.960 hero. 00:35:59.000 --> 00:35:59.420 Who are 00:35:59.420 --> 00:35:59.920 we to say 00:35:59.920 --> 00:36:00.339 that this 00:36:00.339 --> 00:36:00.960 man cannot 00:36:00.960 --> 00:36:01.599 receive the 00:36:01.599 --> 00:36:02.380 grace that 00:36:02.380 --> 00:36:03.000 God has 00:36:03.000 --> 00:36:04.179 for him? 00:36:04.420 --> 00:36:04.819 Who's to 00:36:04.819 --> 00:36:05.500 say that you 00:36:05.500 --> 00:36:06.219 cannot receive 00:36:06.219 --> 00:36:06.699 the grace 00:36:06.699 --> 00:36:07.079 that God 00:36:07.079 --> 00:36:07.879 has for 00:36:07.879 --> 00:36:08.159 you? 00:36:09.899 --> 00:36:10.659 No man 00:36:10.659 --> 00:36:11.959 is out of 00:36:11.959 --> 00:36:12.319 the reach 00:36:12.319 --> 00:36:12.819 of God's 00:36:12.819 --> 00:36:13.119 love. 00:36:13.719 --> 00:36:14.159 God's love 00:36:14.159 --> 00:36:14.679 is great. 00:36:15.299 --> 00:36:15.639 It is 00:36:15.639 --> 00:36:16.419 life-changing. 00:36:17.459 --> 00:36:17.879 God's love 00:36:17.879 --> 00:36:18.559 is powerful. 00:36:19.839 --> 00:36:20.219 The Grand 00:36:20.219 --> 00:36:20.759 Canyon is 00:36:20.759 --> 00:36:21.379 too small 00:36:21.379 --> 00:36:22.119 to describe 00:36:22.119 --> 00:36:23.239 God's love.