WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:10.519 ! Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:12.439 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.579 More challenging but more glorious visions of heaven. 00:00:33.960 --> 00:00:40.820 I want to remind us briefly of the importance of these letters as we're wrapping them up. 00:00:41.460 --> 00:00:47.159 Jesus writing specifically to these particular churches, but clearly each of these letters to 00:00:47.159 --> 00:00:53.260 all of His churches in all times. There's something here for us too, right? 00:00:53.259 --> 00:01:01.399 He addresses churches who are enduring persecution, who are battling heresy, who are serving faithfully. 00:01:01.619 --> 00:01:07.019 Some of them are bigger than others. Some of them have greater zeal than others. 00:01:07.379 --> 00:01:09.680 Some of them have different gifts from others. 00:01:11.319 --> 00:01:22.159 But what's so instructive, I think, for us is that every church, what we need to hear is Jesus' words, 00:01:22.159 --> 00:01:30.340 isn't it? Every single one of them, seven in a row from Him. It follows this vision of Jesus in chapter 1, 00:01:31.039 --> 00:01:40.780 and then that risen, reigning King gives words to His beloved people. He is what we need all the time 00:01:40.780 --> 00:01:43.159 in every situation. 00:01:45.959 --> 00:01:52.019 Secondly, yes, this is a sermon before the sermon, and then there's another sermon 00:01:52.019 --> 00:01:55.599 at the end. So, three points to the pre-sermon introduction. 00:01:57.140 --> 00:02:01.199 We need to hear Jesus' words to all of us 00:02:01.199 --> 00:02:02.420 together. 00:02:03.780 --> 00:02:07.699 These aren't letters to individuals, but to whole churches, 00:02:08.079 --> 00:02:11.379 right? That churches need to deal with their sin together, 00:02:11.639 --> 00:02:14.099 need to endure persecution together, 00:02:14.099 --> 00:02:16.840 need to share the good news of Jesus with their neighbors 00:02:16.840 --> 00:02:17.580 together. 00:02:18.020 --> 00:02:21.259 Jesus sees His people personally, for sure, 00:02:22.140 --> 00:02:24.879 but He sees and He addresses them 00:02:24.879 --> 00:02:25.840 together. 00:02:26.740 --> 00:02:28.900 So, we should read His Word 00:02:28.900 --> 00:02:31.060 on our own, but these letters 00:02:31.060 --> 00:02:32.920 are a reminder to us that we 00:02:32.920 --> 00:02:34.520 need to read God's Word 00:02:34.520 --> 00:02:37.020 in community, with a grace 00:02:37.020 --> 00:02:39.020 group, in a Bible study, 00:02:39.020 --> 00:02:40.759 with brothers and sisters, 00:02:40.759 --> 00:02:43.819 especially a reminder that we need to gather 00:02:43.819 --> 00:02:45.679 with His church 00:02:45.679 --> 00:02:48.340 to listen to God's Word. 00:02:48.780 --> 00:02:49.500 Not mine, 00:02:50.000 --> 00:02:52.560 not an inspirational blog post. 00:02:53.519 --> 00:02:55.340 Jesus' Word is what 00:02:55.340 --> 00:02:56.620 we need 00:02:56.620 --> 00:02:58.819 every Lord's day 00:02:58.819 --> 00:02:59.579 together. 00:03:00.259 --> 00:03:00.539 Amen? 00:03:00.539 --> 00:03:03.859 And then finally, 00:03:04.019 --> 00:03:05.699 we need to hear Jesus' words 00:03:05.699 --> 00:03:08.079 to all of us together 00:03:08.079 --> 00:03:10.840 so that we live now 00:03:10.840 --> 00:03:13.259 in light of eternal reality. 00:03:13.659 --> 00:03:15.139 In every single one of these letters, 00:03:15.259 --> 00:03:15.919 what have we noticed? 00:03:16.780 --> 00:03:19.120 Jesus has a common pattern 00:03:19.120 --> 00:03:20.319 where He brings 00:03:20.319 --> 00:03:22.439 help to His people 00:03:22.439 --> 00:03:24.439 to be faithful today. 00:03:25.699 --> 00:03:27.439 A primary way He does it 00:03:27.439 --> 00:03:29.539 is by reminding them of eternity. 00:03:30.539 --> 00:03:32.759 Of truth that's not going to change. 00:03:33.120 --> 00:03:35.120 Of perspective that is beyond 00:03:35.120 --> 00:03:36.739 this life. 00:03:36.900 --> 00:03:38.719 If we are going to live 00:03:38.719 --> 00:03:39.899 as God's people 00:03:39.899 --> 00:03:41.039 in Huntsville 00:03:41.039 --> 00:03:42.739 in the 21st century, 00:03:42.959 --> 00:03:44.280 we need to hear 00:03:44.280 --> 00:03:45.439 Jesus' words 00:03:45.439 --> 00:03:47.280 together 00:03:47.280 --> 00:03:49.359 about eternity. 00:03:50.039 --> 00:03:51.939 And then be convicted, 00:03:52.399 --> 00:03:53.639 be encouraged, 00:03:53.979 --> 00:03:54.840 be directed 00:03:54.840 --> 00:03:56.299 by our Savior 00:03:56.299 --> 00:03:57.959 and our King. 00:03:57.960 --> 00:04:00.620 So that's what we're doing 00:04:00.620 --> 00:04:01.879 again this morning. 00:04:02.460 --> 00:04:03.340 We do it every morning 00:04:03.340 --> 00:04:04.300 even after we're through 00:04:04.300 --> 00:04:04.820 with the letters 00:04:04.820 --> 00:04:05.760 to the seven churches. 00:04:06.159 --> 00:04:07.240 But I wanted us 00:04:07.240 --> 00:04:08.020 to remember that 00:04:08.020 --> 00:04:09.080 as we're opening our Bibles 00:04:09.080 --> 00:04:09.860 to God's Word 00:04:09.860 --> 00:04:11.680 in Revelation chapter 3, 00:04:12.240 --> 00:04:13.240 we're preparing 00:04:13.240 --> 00:04:14.260 to hear together 00:04:14.260 --> 00:04:15.260 Jesus' words 00:04:15.260 --> 00:04:16.100 to the church, 00:04:16.620 --> 00:04:17.980 specifically the church 00:04:17.980 --> 00:04:19.660 in Philadelphia, 00:04:20.460 --> 00:04:22.379 not the Northeast, 00:04:23.139 --> 00:04:24.600 Philadelphia over there. 00:04:24.600 --> 00:04:25.879 Revelation 3, 00:04:26.540 --> 00:04:27.320 we're going to start 00:04:27.320 --> 00:04:28.120 at verse 7. 00:04:29.780 --> 00:04:30.620 And to the angel 00:04:30.620 --> 00:04:31.220 of the church 00:04:31.220 --> 00:04:32.700 in Philadelphia write, 00:04:33.640 --> 00:04:35.280 the words of the Holy One, 00:04:35.640 --> 00:04:36.760 the true One 00:04:36.760 --> 00:04:38.760 who has the key of David, 00:04:39.280 --> 00:04:40.040 who opens 00:04:40.040 --> 00:04:41.200 and no one will shut, 00:04:41.300 --> 00:04:41.860 who shuts 00:04:41.860 --> 00:04:42.960 and no one opens. 00:04:44.340 --> 00:04:45.860 I know your works. 00:04:47.000 --> 00:04:48.580 Behold, I have set before you 00:04:48.580 --> 00:04:49.600 an open door 00:04:49.600 --> 00:04:50.700 which no one is able 00:04:50.700 --> 00:04:51.340 to shut. 00:04:51.339 --> 00:04:53.519 I know that you have 00:04:53.519 --> 00:04:54.779 but little power 00:04:54.779 --> 00:04:57.000 and yet you have kept 00:04:57.000 --> 00:04:57.699 my word 00:04:57.699 --> 00:04:59.439 and have not denied 00:04:59.439 --> 00:05:00.099 my name. 00:05:01.319 --> 00:05:02.339 Behold, I will make those 00:05:02.339 --> 00:05:03.539 of the synagogue of Satan 00:05:03.539 --> 00:05:05.159 who say that they are Jews 00:05:05.159 --> 00:05:05.959 and are not 00:05:05.959 --> 00:05:06.939 but lie. 00:05:07.459 --> 00:05:09.039 Behold, I will make them come 00:05:09.039 --> 00:05:09.719 and bow down 00:05:09.719 --> 00:05:10.559 before your feet 00:05:10.559 --> 00:05:11.879 and they will learn 00:05:11.879 --> 00:05:14.239 that I have loved you. 00:05:15.500 --> 00:05:16.419 Because you have kept 00:05:16.419 --> 00:05:17.159 my word about 00:05:17.159 --> 00:05:18.019 patient endurance, 00:05:18.319 --> 00:05:19.239 I will keep you 00:05:19.239 --> 00:05:20.479 from the hour of trial 00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:21.040 that is coming 00:05:21.040 --> 00:05:21.860 on the whole world 00:05:21.860 --> 00:05:23.020 to try those 00:05:23.020 --> 00:05:23.920 who dwell on the earth. 00:05:24.340 --> 00:05:25.560 I am coming soon. 00:05:25.879 --> 00:05:27.439 Hold fast what you have 00:05:27.439 --> 00:05:28.660 so that no one 00:05:28.660 --> 00:05:29.840 may seize your crown. 00:05:31.319 --> 00:05:32.460 The one who conquers, 00:05:32.540 --> 00:05:33.200 I will make him 00:05:33.200 --> 00:05:33.860 a pillar 00:05:33.860 --> 00:05:34.640 in the temple 00:05:34.640 --> 00:05:35.480 of my God. 00:05:35.780 --> 00:05:37.259 Never shall he go out of it 00:05:37.259 --> 00:05:38.460 and I will write on him 00:05:38.460 --> 00:05:39.620 the name of my God 00:05:39.620 --> 00:05:40.360 and the name 00:05:40.360 --> 00:05:41.700 of the city of my God, 00:05:41.759 --> 00:05:42.520 the new Jerusalem 00:05:42.520 --> 00:05:43.420 which comes down 00:05:43.420 --> 00:05:44.080 from my God 00:05:44.080 --> 00:05:44.680 out of heaven 00:05:44.680 --> 00:05:46.800 and my own new name. 00:05:48.240 --> 00:05:49.100 He who has an ear, 00:05:49.100 --> 00:05:50.439 let him hear 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:51.780 what the Spirit says 00:05:51.780 --> 00:05:53.120 to the churches. 00:05:54.860 --> 00:05:55.920 Jesus, thank you. 00:05:58.080 --> 00:05:59.160 Thank you that you speak 00:05:59.160 --> 00:05:59.760 to us. 00:06:02.900 --> 00:06:04.040 Would you help us now 00:06:04.040 --> 00:06:04.900 to hear you? 00:06:08.220 --> 00:06:09.480 To want to be directed 00:06:09.480 --> 00:06:10.020 by you? 00:06:10.220 --> 00:06:11.620 Even to want to be changed 00:06:11.620 --> 00:06:12.740 by you? 00:06:12.980 --> 00:06:14.080 That we might walk 00:06:14.080 --> 00:06:14.620 with you 00:06:14.620 --> 00:06:16.580 more and more 00:06:16.579 --> 00:06:17.659 and be the church 00:06:17.659 --> 00:06:19.159 that you've called us 00:06:19.159 --> 00:06:20.459 and that you're making us 00:06:20.459 --> 00:06:21.079 to be. 00:06:22.500 --> 00:06:23.579 Do that even now. 00:06:23.819 --> 00:06:25.019 We trust by your Spirit 00:06:25.019 --> 00:06:26.339 and we ask in your name. 00:06:27.139 --> 00:06:27.399 Amen. 00:06:32.519 --> 00:06:35.259 For nearly 120 years, 00:06:35.740 --> 00:06:37.259 Govan Hill Free Church 00:06:37.259 --> 00:06:38.079 of Scotland 00:06:38.079 --> 00:06:39.219 has met 00:06:39.219 --> 00:06:40.839 in an old brick building 00:06:40.839 --> 00:06:42.360 on Belle Isle Street 00:06:42.360 --> 00:06:43.699 in Glasgow. 00:06:45.800 --> 00:06:47.100 That's a picture 00:06:47.100 --> 00:06:49.720 from just a few years ago 00:06:49.720 --> 00:06:51.199 when I was in my 30s. 00:06:52.740 --> 00:06:53.980 Hasn't been that long. 00:06:56.819 --> 00:06:58.080 Our family there 00:06:58.080 --> 00:06:58.840 with the minister 00:06:58.840 --> 00:07:00.319 who's been there 00:07:00.319 --> 00:07:02.540 for the past 25 years. 00:07:03.520 --> 00:07:05.259 Further back than this, 00:07:06.060 --> 00:07:07.020 Christy and I 00:07:07.020 --> 00:07:09.220 lived with this pastor 00:07:09.220 --> 00:07:10.320 and his wife 00:07:10.320 --> 00:07:13.040 and attended that church 00:07:13.040 --> 00:07:14.680 as newlyweds 00:07:14.680 --> 00:07:16.220 for four months. 00:07:17.260 --> 00:07:18.840 If you had joined us 00:07:18.840 --> 00:07:20.060 during those four months 00:07:20.060 --> 00:07:20.780 for a service 00:07:20.780 --> 00:07:21.440 on a Sunday, 00:07:21.960 --> 00:07:22.940 you probably 00:07:22.940 --> 00:07:23.740 would have wondered 00:07:23.740 --> 00:07:24.480 if the church 00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:25.680 was going to be able 00:07:25.680 --> 00:07:26.880 to stay open 00:07:26.880 --> 00:07:28.000 much longer. 00:07:29.360 --> 00:07:30.320 There are only 20, 00:07:30.440 --> 00:07:31.840 maybe 25 people 00:07:31.840 --> 00:07:33.020 in worship 00:07:33.020 --> 00:07:33.880 most Sundays. 00:07:34.440 --> 00:07:35.600 Over half of them 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:36.520 each week 00:07:36.520 --> 00:07:38.240 would be over 80 years old. 00:07:39.220 --> 00:07:40.200 The building 00:07:40.200 --> 00:07:41.960 was under repair 00:07:41.960 --> 00:07:44.260 and the neighborhood 00:07:44.260 --> 00:07:44.860 where the building 00:07:44.860 --> 00:07:45.500 was located 00:07:45.500 --> 00:07:46.080 had become 00:07:46.080 --> 00:07:47.500 almost exclusively 00:07:47.500 --> 00:07:49.120 Muslim refugees 00:07:49.120 --> 00:07:50.160 from the Middle East 00:07:50.160 --> 00:07:51.240 who were settled there 00:07:51.240 --> 00:07:52.500 by the government 00:07:52.500 --> 00:07:53.300 as they waited 00:07:53.300 --> 00:07:54.380 to hear their 00:07:54.380 --> 00:07:55.540 asylum cases. 00:07:57.120 --> 00:07:58.340 Many were discouraged 00:07:58.340 --> 00:08:00.100 and some people 00:08:00.100 --> 00:08:00.980 had suggested 00:08:00.980 --> 00:08:02.280 that the church 00:08:02.280 --> 00:08:02.780 should move 00:08:02.780 --> 00:08:03.440 to a different 00:08:03.440 --> 00:08:04.760 part of town. 00:08:05.300 --> 00:08:05.860 Certainly, 00:08:06.320 --> 00:08:06.840 the door 00:08:06.840 --> 00:08:08.380 was closing here, 00:08:08.640 --> 00:08:08.940 right? 00:08:09.220 --> 00:08:12.620 Well, instead of that, 00:08:13.620 --> 00:08:14.820 these dear 00:08:14.820 --> 00:08:16.600 elderly saints 00:08:16.600 --> 00:08:18.320 decided that 00:08:18.320 --> 00:08:19.340 what others saw 00:08:19.340 --> 00:08:21.100 as a closed door, 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:22.580 they would see 00:08:22.580 --> 00:08:24.400 as an open door 00:08:24.400 --> 00:08:25.360 for their 00:08:25.360 --> 00:08:26.760 hundred-year-old 00:08:26.760 --> 00:08:27.720 church. 00:08:28.520 --> 00:08:29.460 They prayed 00:08:29.460 --> 00:08:30.220 to God 00:08:30.220 --> 00:08:32.100 and preached 00:08:32.100 --> 00:08:32.779 Jesus 00:08:32.779 --> 00:08:34.160 and loved 00:08:34.160 --> 00:08:35.139 their neighbors. 00:08:35.139 --> 00:08:36.460 They started 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:37.460 ESL classes. 00:08:37.460 --> 00:08:38.559 They took 00:08:38.559 --> 00:08:39.779 Muslim moms 00:08:39.779 --> 00:08:40.480 and toddlers 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:41.179 on trips 00:08:41.179 --> 00:08:42.279 around Scotland 00:08:42.279 --> 00:08:43.159 to introduce them 00:08:43.159 --> 00:08:44.299 to their new country 00:08:44.299 --> 00:08:45.659 thanks in large part 00:08:45.659 --> 00:08:46.279 to Christie's 00:08:46.279 --> 00:08:47.000 youthful energy. 00:08:47.559 --> 00:08:48.580 They found 00:08:48.580 --> 00:08:49.620 an assistant pastor 00:08:49.620 --> 00:08:50.779 who spoke Farsi 00:08:50.779 --> 00:08:51.860 so they could 00:08:51.860 --> 00:08:52.659 communicate better 00:08:52.659 --> 00:08:53.319 with their neighbors. 00:08:53.659 --> 00:08:54.620 They became experts 00:08:54.620 --> 00:08:55.399 in navigating 00:08:55.399 --> 00:08:56.460 Scotland's 00:08:56.460 --> 00:08:57.519 legal asylum 00:08:57.519 --> 00:08:58.199 process 00:08:58.200 --> 00:09:00.920 and God 00:09:00.920 --> 00:09:01.680 worked. 00:09:02.600 --> 00:09:03.500 God worked 00:09:03.500 --> 00:09:04.580 in neat ways, 00:09:04.759 --> 00:09:05.320 story 00:09:05.320 --> 00:09:06.740 after story 00:09:06.740 --> 00:09:07.600 that will 00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:08.400 echo 00:09:08.400 --> 00:09:09.620 in eternity. 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:12.340 When we returned 00:09:12.340 --> 00:09:13.740 17 years 00:09:13.740 --> 00:09:14.740 later, 00:09:15.300 --> 00:09:16.040 the numbers 00:09:16.040 --> 00:09:16.820 of this church 00:09:16.820 --> 00:09:17.100 were 00:09:17.100 --> 00:09:18.259 well, 00:09:19.660 --> 00:09:20.500 only a little bit 00:09:20.500 --> 00:09:21.100 higher than 00:09:21.100 --> 00:09:22.100 what they used 00:09:22.100 --> 00:09:22.540 to be. 00:09:22.539 --> 00:09:24.639 many of the 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:25.039 ones 00:09:25.039 --> 00:09:26.019 that were there 00:09:26.019 --> 00:09:26.439 when we were 00:09:26.439 --> 00:09:26.980 first there 00:09:26.980 --> 00:09:27.579 had died. 00:09:29.579 --> 00:09:30.620 But we walked 00:09:30.620 --> 00:09:31.639 into a service 00:09:31.639 --> 00:09:32.919 full 00:09:32.919 --> 00:09:34.679 of 00:09:34.679 --> 00:09:35.699 Slovak 00:09:35.699 --> 00:09:37.000 and Czech 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:37.539 Roma 00:09:37.539 --> 00:09:38.879 families, 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:39.860 many of them 00:09:39.860 --> 00:09:40.519 gypsies, 00:09:41.879 --> 00:09:43.439 their new 00:09:43.439 --> 00:09:44.259 neighbors. 00:09:47.319 --> 00:09:48.199 The church 00:09:48.199 --> 00:09:48.879 in Philadelphia 00:09:48.879 --> 00:09:50.279 was another 00:09:50.279 --> 00:09:51.000 church 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:51.899 that appeared 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:52.779 to everyone 00:09:52.779 --> 00:09:53.620 looking at 00:09:53.620 --> 00:09:53.879 them 00:09:53.879 --> 00:09:54.740 to have 00:09:54.740 --> 00:09:55.399 little 00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:56.259 power. 00:09:57.319 --> 00:09:58.120 Not a 00:09:58.120 --> 00:09:58.720 whole lot 00:09:58.720 --> 00:09:59.519 going on 00:09:59.519 --> 00:10:01.019 but that 00:10:01.019 --> 00:10:01.419 knew 00:10:01.419 --> 00:10:02.019 that the 00:10:02.019 --> 00:10:03.279 true source 00:10:03.279 --> 00:10:04.220 of a church's 00:10:04.220 --> 00:10:04.740 power 00:10:04.740 --> 00:10:05.379 is not 00:10:05.379 --> 00:10:05.860 numbers, 00:10:06.579 --> 00:10:07.039 it's not 00:10:07.039 --> 00:10:07.819 resources, 00:10:08.139 --> 00:10:08.639 it's not 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:09.840 influence. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:12.419 They too 00:10:12.419 --> 00:10:13.039 may have been 00:10:13.039 --> 00:10:13.500 discouraged 00:10:13.500 --> 00:10:14.559 by difficulties 00:10:14.559 --> 00:10:15.039 with their 00:10:15.039 --> 00:10:15.340 neighbors 00:10:15.340 --> 00:10:18.079 but their 00:10:18.079 --> 00:10:18.639 God, 00:10:18.980 --> 00:10:19.199 their 00:10:19.199 --> 00:10:19.720 leader, 00:10:19.939 --> 00:10:20.100 their 00:10:20.100 --> 00:10:20.779 true 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:21.600 power 00:10:21.600 --> 00:10:22.420 source 00:10:22.420 --> 00:10:22.800 had 00:10:22.800 --> 00:10:23.840 much 00:10:23.840 --> 00:10:24.820 encouragement 00:10:24.820 --> 00:10:25.480 for them, 00:10:25.560 --> 00:10:25.840 didn't he? 00:10:26.300 --> 00:10:26.920 Don't you 00:10:26.920 --> 00:10:27.519 love that? 00:10:28.200 --> 00:10:28.940 How Jesus 00:10:28.940 --> 00:10:30.100 loves to 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:31.080 encourage 00:10:31.080 --> 00:10:31.940 his 00:10:31.940 --> 00:10:32.779 discouraged 00:10:32.779 --> 00:10:33.480 churches. 00:10:34.899 --> 00:10:35.899 This entire 00:10:35.899 --> 00:10:36.220 letter, 00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:36.600 and we've 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:37.180 seen seven 00:10:37.180 --> 00:10:37.399 now, 00:10:37.480 --> 00:10:37.779 they're not 00:10:37.779 --> 00:10:38.500 mostly like 00:10:38.500 --> 00:10:38.700 this, 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:39.399 but here's 00:10:39.399 --> 00:10:39.700 the one 00:10:39.700 --> 00:10:40.320 that's 00:10:40.320 --> 00:10:40.659 hurting 00:10:40.659 --> 00:10:41.000 and he 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:41.259 has 00:10:41.259 --> 00:10:42.080 nothing 00:10:42.080 --> 00:10:42.300 but 00:10:42.300 --> 00:10:42.899 encouragement 00:10:42.899 --> 00:10:43.820 for them. 00:10:44.019 --> 00:10:44.460 He could 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:44.840 have written 00:10:44.840 --> 00:10:45.240 letters 00:10:45.240 --> 00:10:45.660 to the 00:10:45.660 --> 00:10:45.920 seven 00:10:45.920 --> 00:10:46.340 largest 00:10:46.340 --> 00:10:46.840 or most 00:10:46.840 --> 00:10:47.340 influential 00:10:47.340 --> 00:10:47.800 churches 00:10:47.800 --> 00:10:48.200 in the 00:10:48.200 --> 00:10:48.460 region. 00:10:48.460 --> 00:10:49.540 He wrote 00:10:49.540 --> 00:10:49.840 to some 00:10:49.840 --> 00:10:50.160 of them. 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:52.660 But see, 00:10:52.780 --> 00:10:53.280 seeming 00:10:53.280 --> 00:10:54.139 weakness 00:10:54.139 --> 00:10:55.500 for the 00:10:55.500 --> 00:10:56.060 people of 00:10:56.060 --> 00:10:56.580 God 00:10:56.580 --> 00:10:57.600 is just 00:10:57.600 --> 00:10:58.180 one more 00:10:58.180 --> 00:10:58.820 opportunity 00:10:58.820 --> 00:10:59.740 to rely 00:10:59.740 --> 00:11:00.639 on him 00:11:00.639 --> 00:11:01.560 rather than 00:11:01.560 --> 00:11:02.080 ourselves, 00:11:02.360 --> 00:11:02.580 right? 00:11:03.340 --> 00:11:04.040 Spiritual 00:11:04.040 --> 00:11:05.100 poverty 00:11:05.100 --> 00:11:06.200 is yet 00:11:06.200 --> 00:11:07.160 one more 00:11:07.160 --> 00:11:07.740 reason 00:11:07.740 --> 00:11:08.840 to trust 00:11:08.840 --> 00:11:09.600 his 00:11:09.600 --> 00:11:11.320 inexhaustible 00:11:11.320 --> 00:11:12.160 riches. 00:11:12.759 --> 00:11:13.620 His strength 00:11:13.620 --> 00:11:14.240 is perfect, 00:11:14.560 --> 00:11:14.840 right? 00:11:14.840 --> 00:11:17.139 And Jesus 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:17.780 doesn't want 00:11:17.780 --> 00:11:18.300 us to miss 00:11:18.300 --> 00:11:18.879 that hope. 00:11:19.540 --> 00:11:19.780 That's what 00:11:19.780 --> 00:11:20.180 this letter 00:11:20.180 --> 00:11:20.639 is about. 00:11:21.080 --> 00:11:21.600 These are 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:22.180 words, 00:11:22.620 --> 00:11:23.240 he's clear, 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:24.560 that come 00:11:24.560 --> 00:11:25.800 from the 00:11:25.800 --> 00:11:26.980 Holy One, 00:11:27.379 --> 00:11:28.440 the True 00:11:28.440 --> 00:11:29.100 One. 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:29.720 These are 00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:30.820 titles for 00:11:30.820 --> 00:11:31.899 God himself 00:11:31.899 --> 00:11:33.220 given here 00:11:33.220 --> 00:11:34.040 to Jesus 00:11:34.040 --> 00:11:35.259 because he 00:11:35.259 --> 00:11:35.840 is the 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:36.379 promised 00:11:36.379 --> 00:11:37.360 divine 00:11:37.360 --> 00:11:38.600 Messiah 00:11:38.600 --> 00:11:40.440 with the 00:11:40.440 --> 00:11:41.220 key of 00:11:41.220 --> 00:11:41.900 David. 00:11:42.740 --> 00:11:43.300 That's a 00:11:43.300 --> 00:11:44.060 reference there 00:11:44.060 --> 00:11:44.740 from Isaiah 00:11:44.740 --> 00:11:46.200 22 that 00:11:46.200 --> 00:11:46.799 means that 00:11:46.799 --> 00:11:47.460 Jesus is 00:11:47.460 --> 00:11:47.940 the one 00:11:47.940 --> 00:11:49.080 who allows 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:50.080 people into 00:11:50.080 --> 00:11:50.899 the king's 00:11:50.899 --> 00:11:51.419 palace, 00:11:51.639 --> 00:11:52.340 into the 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:53.639 throne room 00:11:53.639 --> 00:11:54.580 where God 00:11:54.580 --> 00:11:55.500 reigns over 00:11:55.500 --> 00:11:56.279 his people. 00:11:56.720 --> 00:11:57.279 Jesus is 00:11:57.279 --> 00:11:57.700 the one 00:11:57.700 --> 00:11:58.120 with the 00:11:58.120 --> 00:11:59.159 key to 00:11:59.159 --> 00:12:00.039 the door 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:00.879 so no one 00:12:00.879 --> 00:12:01.639 can argue 00:12:01.639 --> 00:12:02.519 with him, 00:12:02.620 --> 00:12:03.139 no one can 00:12:03.139 --> 00:12:04.340 compete with 00:12:04.340 --> 00:12:04.600 him, 00:12:04.680 --> 00:12:05.180 he's in 00:12:05.180 --> 00:12:05.799 control. 00:12:08.120 --> 00:12:08.500 And so 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:09.240 that one 00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:11.740 with the 00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:12.539 ultimate 00:12:12.539 --> 00:12:14.100 power who 00:12:14.100 --> 00:12:14.940 will render 00:12:14.940 --> 00:12:15.980 the ultimate 00:12:15.980 --> 00:12:17.320 verdict on 00:12:17.320 --> 00:12:18.259 this church 00:12:18.259 --> 00:12:18.820 that has 00:12:18.820 --> 00:12:19.720 very little 00:12:19.720 --> 00:12:20.440 power, 00:12:21.560 --> 00:12:22.240 it's not 00:12:22.240 --> 00:12:23.279 super impressive 00:12:23.279 --> 00:12:24.200 to those who 00:12:24.200 --> 00:12:24.759 are looking 00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:25.480 on, 00:12:26.159 --> 00:12:27.139 that one 00:12:27.139 --> 00:12:28.440 writes to 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:29.000 them. 00:12:30.159 --> 00:12:30.740 What's he 00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:31.600 going to say? 00:12:31.600 --> 00:12:36.980 I know your 00:12:36.980 --> 00:12:38.259 works. 00:12:39.340 --> 00:12:39.899 Uh-oh. 00:12:41.399 --> 00:12:42.100 That's not 00:12:42.100 --> 00:12:42.500 been a good 00:12:42.500 --> 00:12:42.820 sign, 00:12:42.899 --> 00:12:43.159 has it? 00:12:43.540 --> 00:12:44.620 We haven't 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:45.440 done enough. 00:12:45.440 --> 00:12:47.440 I knew he 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:47.800 was going to 00:12:47.800 --> 00:12:48.460 shut us down 00:12:48.460 --> 00:12:49.139 eventually. 00:12:49.680 --> 00:12:50.259 We could 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:50.540 have, 00:12:50.600 --> 00:12:51.340 should have. 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:53.320 You have 00:12:53.320 --> 00:12:54.060 but little 00:12:54.060 --> 00:12:54.680 power. 00:12:56.440 --> 00:12:57.460 I'm sorry, 00:12:57.660 --> 00:12:58.139 I'm sorry. 00:12:58.139 --> 00:12:59.460 I know we're 00:12:59.460 --> 00:12:59.939 not as big 00:12:59.939 --> 00:13:00.539 as that church 00:13:00.539 --> 00:13:01.000 down the 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:01.319 street. 00:13:01.639 --> 00:13:02.379 I knew we 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:02.639 should have 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:03.100 posted on 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:03.919 Instagram more 00:13:03.919 --> 00:13:04.379 often. 00:13:05.039 --> 00:13:05.580 That's what 00:13:05.580 --> 00:13:05.860 they were 00:13:05.860 --> 00:13:06.319 saying, 00:13:06.399 --> 00:13:06.980 I think. 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:10.139 And yet 00:13:10.139 --> 00:13:10.639 you have 00:13:10.639 --> 00:13:12.139 kept my 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:14.100 word and 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:14.759 have not 00:13:14.759 --> 00:13:16.259 denied my 00:13:16.259 --> 00:13:16.679 name. 00:13:18.799 --> 00:13:19.759 Two things, 00:13:19.860 --> 00:13:20.019 right? 00:13:20.840 --> 00:13:21.600 Kept his 00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:22.080 word, 00:13:22.500 --> 00:13:23.519 obediently 00:13:23.519 --> 00:13:24.279 following his 00:13:24.279 --> 00:13:24.840 direction 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:25.659 themselves, 00:13:26.179 --> 00:13:26.580 faithfully 00:13:26.580 --> 00:13:27.480 praying and 00:13:27.480 --> 00:13:28.399 worshiping and 00:13:28.399 --> 00:13:30.240 preaching and 00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:32.399 not denied 00:13:32.399 --> 00:13:33.320 his name. 00:13:33.740 --> 00:13:34.659 When external 00:13:34.659 --> 00:13:35.899 pressures came, 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:36.539 they didn't 00:13:36.539 --> 00:13:37.519 compromise on 00:13:37.519 --> 00:13:38.039 the good news 00:13:38.039 --> 00:13:38.519 of Jesus. 00:13:38.800 --> 00:13:39.279 They didn't 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.039 deny their 00:13:40.039 --> 00:13:41.039 allegiance to 00:13:41.039 --> 00:13:41.639 him so that 00:13:41.639 --> 00:13:42.240 things would go 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:42.759 better and that 00:13:42.759 --> 00:13:43.300 more people 00:13:43.300 --> 00:13:44.100 would show up. 00:13:45.300 --> 00:13:46.220 They offered 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:48.019 Jesus to 00:13:48.019 --> 00:13:48.519 everyone. 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:49.920 They held 00:13:49.920 --> 00:13:50.779 forth the 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:51.320 hope of 00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:51.980 Jesus for 00:13:51.980 --> 00:13:53.659 themselves and 00:13:53.659 --> 00:13:54.420 for their 00:13:54.420 --> 00:13:54.820 neighbors, 00:13:55.019 --> 00:13:56.200 even when they 00:13:56.200 --> 00:13:57.399 did it without 00:13:57.399 --> 00:13:58.679 much power. 00:14:00.899 --> 00:14:01.959 So Jesus 00:14:01.959 --> 00:14:02.519 says, 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:05.340 listen, 00:14:05.939 --> 00:14:06.959 little power 00:14:06.959 --> 00:14:07.980 church, 00:14:09.019 --> 00:14:10.159 lest you 00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:10.659 start to 00:14:10.659 --> 00:14:11.059 think that 00:14:11.059 --> 00:14:11.399 that was 00:14:11.399 --> 00:14:11.959 all in 00:14:11.959 --> 00:14:12.459 vain, 00:14:13.500 --> 00:14:14.600 that you 00:14:14.600 --> 00:14:15.179 start to 00:14:15.179 --> 00:14:15.740 fear that 00:14:15.740 --> 00:14:17.019 numbers are 00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:17.639 the measure 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:18.659 of my love 00:14:18.659 --> 00:14:19.439 for you, 00:14:20.319 --> 00:14:21.120 or that 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:21.579 numbers are 00:14:21.579 --> 00:14:22.079 the measure 00:14:22.079 --> 00:14:22.740 of your 00:14:22.740 --> 00:14:23.720 value to 00:14:23.720 --> 00:14:24.179 me. 00:14:24.179 --> 00:14:26.679 listen to 00:14:26.679 --> 00:14:27.500 me pour 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:27.919 out 00:14:27.919 --> 00:14:29.059 encouragement 00:14:29.059 --> 00:14:30.279 upon you, 00:14:30.739 --> 00:14:31.159 oft 00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:32.199 discouraged 00:14:32.199 --> 00:14:32.719 church. 00:14:32.799 --> 00:14:33.500 That's what 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:34.000 this whole 00:14:34.000 --> 00:14:35.159 letter does. 00:14:35.859 --> 00:14:36.279 He's going to 00:14:36.279 --> 00:14:36.879 pile them up. 00:14:36.959 --> 00:14:37.279 First, 00:14:38.459 --> 00:14:39.059 you're granted 00:14:39.059 --> 00:14:39.620 an open 00:14:39.620 --> 00:14:40.039 door. 00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:42.399 You're not 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:43.539 only significant 00:14:43.539 --> 00:14:44.199 enough, 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:45.279 little church, 00:14:45.959 --> 00:14:46.620 that the 00:14:46.620 --> 00:14:47.539 king is 00:14:47.539 --> 00:14:48.639 writing to 00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:49.039 you. 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:50.360 I mean, 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:51.299 that's amazing 00:14:51.299 --> 00:14:51.639 enough, 00:14:51.819 --> 00:14:52.319 but you're 00:14:52.319 --> 00:14:53.339 also invited 00:14:53.339 --> 00:14:54.860 into the 00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:55.759 king's palace, 00:14:55.959 --> 00:14:56.639 the throne room, 00:14:56.759 --> 00:14:57.360 by the one 00:14:57.360 --> 00:14:57.959 with the 00:14:57.959 --> 00:14:58.459 keys. 00:15:00.019 --> 00:15:00.719 Perhaps the 00:15:00.719 --> 00:15:01.219 picture of an 00:15:01.219 --> 00:15:01.939 open door is 00:15:01.939 --> 00:15:02.679 especially 00:15:02.679 --> 00:15:03.500 appropriate in 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:03.939 light of the 00:15:03.939 --> 00:15:04.740 next verse, 00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:05.959 which has 00:15:05.959 --> 00:15:06.980 caused many to 00:15:06.980 --> 00:15:07.779 speculate that 00:15:07.779 --> 00:15:08.759 this church 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:09.480 had been 00:15:09.480 --> 00:15:11.139 shut out of 00:15:11.139 --> 00:15:11.539 the local 00:15:11.539 --> 00:15:12.659 Jewish synagogue. 00:15:13.120 --> 00:15:13.620 In other words, 00:15:13.679 --> 00:15:14.379 rejected by the 00:15:14.379 --> 00:15:16.039 Romans and 00:15:16.039 --> 00:15:17.779 the Jews in 00:15:17.779 --> 00:15:18.600 their city 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:19.379 for their 00:15:19.379 --> 00:15:20.399 commitment to 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:21.419 this Jesus. 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:22.919 If that's the 00:15:22.919 --> 00:15:23.639 case, Jesus 00:15:23.639 --> 00:15:24.240 wants to 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:25.120 reassure them 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:25.740 that they've 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.360 got acceptance 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:26.840 somewhere. 00:15:27.259 --> 00:15:27.700 They've got 00:15:27.700 --> 00:15:29.240 access before 00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:30.200 the Holy 00:15:30.200 --> 00:15:31.279 One, the 00:15:31.279 --> 00:15:32.360 God of the 00:15:32.360 --> 00:15:32.799 universe. 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:34.600 You won't be 00:15:34.600 --> 00:15:35.360 turned away at 00:15:35.360 --> 00:15:36.259 the king's door. 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:37.340 You are welcome 00:15:37.340 --> 00:15:38.500 in the palace. 00:15:38.799 --> 00:15:39.620 Your salvation, 00:15:40.019 --> 00:15:40.840 your place with 00:15:40.840 --> 00:15:41.799 God is 00:15:41.799 --> 00:15:42.700 secure. 00:15:44.379 --> 00:15:46.080 The other way 00:15:46.080 --> 00:15:47.100 that open doors 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:47.960 are often used 00:15:47.960 --> 00:15:48.519 in the Bible 00:15:48.519 --> 00:15:50.240 is as a 00:15:50.240 --> 00:15:51.000 picture of 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:51.559 ministry 00:15:51.559 --> 00:15:52.439 opportunity, 00:15:53.200 --> 00:15:54.639 which also 00:15:54.639 --> 00:15:55.580 could fit here 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:56.220 at a church 00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:58.039 perhaps discouraged 00:15:58.039 --> 00:15:58.679 by doors 00:15:58.679 --> 00:15:59.879 repeatedly slammed 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:00.759 in their faces 00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:02.379 when they share 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:03.000 of Jesus. 00:16:04.439 --> 00:16:05.360 Perhaps you 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:05.840 have but 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:07.220 little power 00:16:07.220 --> 00:16:08.039 to push 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:09.080 through a 00:16:09.080 --> 00:16:10.000 shut door 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:11.519 by yourself, 00:16:12.080 --> 00:16:12.720 but what's 00:16:12.720 --> 00:16:13.139 the difference 00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:13.379 here? 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:15.000 Jesus has 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:16.480 placed before 00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:17.320 you an 00:16:17.320 --> 00:16:18.120 open door. 00:16:18.679 --> 00:16:19.559 Walk on 00:16:19.559 --> 00:16:19.939 through. 00:16:20.220 --> 00:16:20.519 You don't 00:16:20.519 --> 00:16:21.240 have to 00:16:21.240 --> 00:16:22.580 shove your 00:16:22.580 --> 00:16:23.259 way in. 00:16:23.720 --> 00:16:24.360 Jesus has 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:25.019 given it to 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:25.279 you. 00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:26.379 Pastor Chuck 00:16:26.379 --> 00:16:26.840 Swindoll 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:27.419 says it this 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:27.679 way, 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:28.939 the size of 00:16:28.939 --> 00:16:29.799 a congregation, 00:16:30.439 --> 00:16:31.200 the limitations 00:16:31.200 --> 00:16:32.399 of its location, 00:16:32.580 --> 00:16:33.480 or the restrictions 00:16:33.480 --> 00:16:34.500 of its budget 00:16:34.500 --> 00:16:35.480 should never 00:16:35.480 --> 00:16:36.299 determine its 00:16:36.299 --> 00:16:36.639 vision. 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.059 Instead, 00:16:38.679 --> 00:16:39.320 churches should 00:16:39.320 --> 00:16:40.200 set their vision 00:16:40.200 --> 00:16:41.139 based on the 00:16:41.139 --> 00:16:42.000 power of their 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:42.519 God. 00:16:42.519 --> 00:16:43.319 God is 00:16:43.319 --> 00:16:43.740 infinite, 00:16:44.360 --> 00:16:44.919 magnificent, 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:45.679 awesome, 00:16:45.939 --> 00:16:46.659 and mighty 00:16:46.659 --> 00:16:48.259 beyond description 00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:49.340 or comprehension. 00:16:50.179 --> 00:16:51.179 When He chooses 00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:51.740 to open 00:16:51.740 --> 00:16:52.439 opportunities, 00:16:52.819 --> 00:16:53.579 the possibilities 00:16:53.579 --> 00:16:54.679 are endless. 00:16:55.279 --> 00:16:55.960 All we need 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:56.360 to do 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:57.480 is trust 00:16:57.480 --> 00:16:58.779 and follow 00:16:58.779 --> 00:16:59.259 Him 00:16:59.259 --> 00:17:00.939 where He leads. 00:17:02.079 --> 00:17:03.039 That's good. 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:05.119 Where might 00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:05.619 Jesus 00:17:05.619 --> 00:17:07.480 open doors 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:08.279 for us? 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:10.240 See, 00:17:10.299 --> 00:17:10.740 don't start 00:17:10.740 --> 00:17:11.059 thinking, 00:17:11.379 --> 00:17:11.740 what's a 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:12.079 door that 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:12.440 we could 00:17:12.440 --> 00:17:13.339 push through 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:14.000 with our 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:14.920 own strength 00:17:14.920 --> 00:17:15.500 and our 00:17:15.500 --> 00:17:16.660 own resources 00:17:16.660 --> 00:17:17.259 and our 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:18.259 own ideas 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:18.779 and drive 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:19.119 our own 00:17:19.119 --> 00:17:19.519 agenda? 00:17:19.680 --> 00:17:20.399 Not that 00:17:20.399 --> 00:17:20.779 kind of 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:21.000 door. 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:22.480 This is 00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:23.240 where He 00:17:23.240 --> 00:17:24.099 sends us 00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:25.839 even when 00:17:25.839 --> 00:17:26.119 we don't 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:26.399 think it 00:17:26.399 --> 00:17:27.139 makes sense 00:17:27.139 --> 00:17:29.460 to neighbors 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:30.319 who speak 00:17:30.319 --> 00:17:30.619 a different 00:17:30.619 --> 00:17:31.160 language, 00:17:32.079 --> 00:17:33.440 to families 00:17:33.440 --> 00:17:34.599 with special 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:35.200 needs we 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:35.720 don't know 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:36.160 if we're 00:17:36.160 --> 00:17:36.700 equipped 00:17:36.700 --> 00:17:37.980 to meet 00:17:37.980 --> 00:17:40.620 to someone 00:17:40.620 --> 00:17:41.259 nearby 00:17:41.259 --> 00:17:42.400 or a revival 00:17:42.400 --> 00:17:43.400 in Huntsville 00:17:43.400 --> 00:17:44.559 or someone 00:17:44.559 --> 00:17:45.180 around the 00:17:45.180 --> 00:17:45.539 world. 00:17:45.700 --> 00:17:46.759 I don't know 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:48.480 but we pray, 00:17:48.640 --> 00:17:48.880 right? 00:17:49.120 --> 00:17:49.620 What we're 00:17:49.620 --> 00:17:50.019 called to do, 00:17:50.100 --> 00:17:50.940 we admit 00:17:50.940 --> 00:17:51.880 that we don't 00:17:51.880 --> 00:17:52.519 have the power 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:54.000 but He has 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:54.880 the power. 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:56.460 What might 00:17:56.460 --> 00:17:57.120 we do 00:17:57.120 --> 00:17:57.779 that would 00:17:57.779 --> 00:17:58.920 be clearly 00:17:58.920 --> 00:18:00.259 beyond us, 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:00.880 right? 00:18:01.140 --> 00:18:01.980 More than we 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:02.440 could handle 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:02.799 that would 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:04.539 require God 00:18:04.539 --> 00:18:05.279 to show up 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:05.740 or it's 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:06.000 going to 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:06.379 fail. 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:08.220 Without Him 00:18:08.220 --> 00:18:08.639 there's no 00:18:08.639 --> 00:18:09.539 chance but 00:18:09.539 --> 00:18:10.059 we get the 00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:10.740 opportunity to 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:11.879 trust Him 00:18:11.879 --> 00:18:12.920 to welcome 00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:13.779 us into His 00:18:13.779 --> 00:18:14.259 presence, 00:18:14.339 --> 00:18:14.879 He promises, 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:16.379 and to let 00:18:16.379 --> 00:18:16.899 us bring 00:18:16.899 --> 00:18:17.480 others with 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:17.819 us. 00:18:18.599 --> 00:18:19.519 What a joy 00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:19.920 that would 00:18:19.920 --> 00:18:20.139 be. 00:18:22.099 --> 00:18:22.799 Second word 00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:23.420 of encouragement, 00:18:24.019 --> 00:18:24.480 you will be 00:18:24.480 --> 00:18:25.879 vindicated by 00:18:25.879 --> 00:18:26.460 Jesus' 00:18:26.879 --> 00:18:27.799 love. 00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:29.879 We don't 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:30.859 know all of 00:18:30.859 --> 00:18:31.460 the details 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.119 here but 00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:32.960 there are 00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:34.319 clearly those 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:34.899 who stand 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:35.720 against you, 00:18:35.919 --> 00:18:36.819 little church. 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:39.419 Maybe they 00:18:39.419 --> 00:18:40.039 say you're 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:40.839 hateful or 00:18:40.839 --> 00:18:41.579 narrow-minded 00:18:41.579 --> 00:18:42.179 for your 00:18:42.179 --> 00:18:43.000 commitment to 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:43.740 Jesus and 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:44.339 His word. 00:18:45.659 --> 00:18:46.279 Maybe they 00:18:46.279 --> 00:18:47.059 say they are 00:18:47.059 --> 00:18:47.879 the ones who 00:18:47.879 --> 00:18:49.559 truly understand 00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:51.139 God's love. 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:52.779 Maybe they 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:53.619 seem to have 00:18:53.619 --> 00:18:54.419 the upper hand 00:18:54.419 --> 00:18:55.019 on you so 00:18:55.019 --> 00:18:55.399 they get 00:18:55.399 --> 00:18:56.559 public praise, 00:18:56.679 --> 00:18:57.480 they assure 00:18:57.480 --> 00:18:58.139 you that you 00:18:58.139 --> 00:18:58.539 are on the 00:18:58.539 --> 00:18:59.619 wrong side of 00:18:59.619 --> 00:19:00.319 history. 00:19:01.479 --> 00:19:02.379 Jesus says, 00:19:02.639 --> 00:19:03.979 I will 00:19:03.979 --> 00:19:05.079 vindicate 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:05.799 you. 00:19:06.699 --> 00:19:07.139 In fact, 00:19:07.419 --> 00:19:08.119 Jesus promises 00:19:08.119 --> 00:19:08.939 whatever you 00:19:08.939 --> 00:19:10.299 give up for 00:19:10.299 --> 00:19:12.139 me in Luke 00:19:12.139 --> 00:19:13.899 18, I'll 00:19:13.899 --> 00:19:14.679 give back 00:19:14.679 --> 00:19:17.219 many times 00:19:17.219 --> 00:19:18.139 more. 00:19:20.119 --> 00:19:20.899 The prophet 00:19:20.899 --> 00:19:21.759 Isaiah tells 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:22.500 God's people 00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:23.579 this repeatedly 00:19:23.579 --> 00:19:24.759 as they go 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:25.459 into exile. 00:19:25.799 --> 00:19:26.059 He says, 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:26.479 don't give 00:19:26.479 --> 00:19:26.759 up. 00:19:27.639 --> 00:19:28.379 For example, 00:19:28.380 --> 00:19:29.300 Isaiah 60 00:19:29.300 --> 00:19:30.440 prophesies a 00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:30.960 day when the 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:31.720 glory of the 00:19:31.720 --> 00:19:32.540 Lord is risen 00:19:32.540 --> 00:19:33.400 upon His 00:19:33.400 --> 00:19:33.860 people. 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:34.800 The sons of 00:19:34.800 --> 00:19:35.220 those who 00:19:35.220 --> 00:19:36.160 afflicted you 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:36.740 shall come 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:37.580 bending low 00:19:37.580 --> 00:19:38.220 to you. 00:19:38.560 --> 00:19:39.320 And all who 00:19:39.320 --> 00:19:40.240 despised you 00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:41.100 shall bow 00:19:41.100 --> 00:19:41.900 down at your 00:19:41.900 --> 00:19:42.360 feet. 00:19:42.640 --> 00:19:42.960 They shall 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:43.580 call you the 00:19:43.580 --> 00:19:44.220 city of the 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:44.920 Lord, the 00:19:44.920 --> 00:19:45.620 Zion of the 00:19:45.620 --> 00:19:46.800 Holy One of 00:19:46.800 --> 00:19:47.240 Israel. 00:19:47.360 --> 00:19:47.760 It sounds 00:19:47.760 --> 00:19:48.880 like the 00:19:48.880 --> 00:19:49.400 promise for 00:19:49.400 --> 00:19:50.180 this church 00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:50.820 here, doesn't 00:19:50.820 --> 00:19:51.020 it? 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:52.340 Your enemies 00:19:52.340 --> 00:19:54.120 will acknowledge 00:19:54.120 --> 00:19:55.020 that your 00:19:55.020 --> 00:19:56.260 God is the 00:19:56.260 --> 00:19:57.120 true God, 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:58.220 that you 00:19:58.220 --> 00:19:58.759 are His 00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.579 people, 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:01.779 possibly even, 00:20:02.140 --> 00:20:02.799 as they 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.940 join you 00:20:03.940 --> 00:20:04.860 in conversion 00:20:04.860 --> 00:20:05.559 to Yahweh. 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:06.660 They start 00:20:06.660 --> 00:20:07.600 following Him 00:20:07.600 --> 00:20:08.180 with you. 00:20:08.319 --> 00:20:08.819 Wonderful. 00:20:10.759 --> 00:20:11.640 They will 00:20:11.640 --> 00:20:14.660 learn that 00:20:14.660 --> 00:20:15.519 I have 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:16.819 loved you. 00:20:18.940 --> 00:20:19.779 Maybe that's 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:20.279 not a bad 00:20:20.279 --> 00:20:21.019 reminder for 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:22.019 you either, 00:20:22.880 --> 00:20:23.180 right? 00:20:23.180 --> 00:20:25.779 I have 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:27.340 loved you. 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:29.180 You really 00:20:29.180 --> 00:20:30.420 have known 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:31.620 my love, 00:20:31.940 --> 00:20:32.720 Jesus says. 00:20:33.420 --> 00:20:34.100 Those who 00:20:34.100 --> 00:20:34.539 were saying, 00:20:34.980 --> 00:20:35.279 look how 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:36.120 weak your 00:20:36.120 --> 00:20:37.120 little church 00:20:37.120 --> 00:20:38.080 is, will 00:20:38.080 --> 00:20:38.779 see that you 00:20:38.779 --> 00:20:40.200 had power that 00:20:40.200 --> 00:20:40.880 they never 00:20:40.880 --> 00:20:42.080 realized. 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:43.900 Don't believe, 00:20:44.100 --> 00:20:44.519 little church, 00:20:44.600 --> 00:20:44.960 that the 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:46.000 difficulty you're 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:46.860 experiencing right 00:20:46.860 --> 00:20:47.740 now means that 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.480 God does not 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.279 love you. 00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:49.940 Sometimes, 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:51.399 because our 00:20:51.399 --> 00:20:51.899 minds are 00:20:51.899 --> 00:20:52.460 broken, we 00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:53.220 interpret it 00:20:53.220 --> 00:20:54.119 that way, but 00:20:54.119 --> 00:20:55.039 Jesus wants to 00:20:55.039 --> 00:20:55.879 remind His most 00:20:55.879 --> 00:20:57.099 discouraged people 00:20:57.099 --> 00:20:58.440 of His love. 00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:01.720 In fact, He wants 00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:02.440 them to know 00:21:02.440 --> 00:21:03.200 they'll be 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:05.480 protected in 00:21:05.480 --> 00:21:05.879 trial. 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:08.899 Apparently, since 00:21:08.899 --> 00:21:09.579 it says they 00:21:09.579 --> 00:21:10.639 have kept His 00:21:10.639 --> 00:21:11.440 word about 00:21:11.440 --> 00:21:12.660 patient endurance, 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:14.039 they've already 00:21:14.039 --> 00:21:14.940 faced some 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:16.220 stiff opposition, 00:21:16.220 --> 00:21:17.259 some difficult 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:18.400 suffering, but 00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:19.140 it sounds like 00:21:19.140 --> 00:21:19.460 there will be 00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:20.279 more yet to 00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:20.700 come. 00:21:22.620 --> 00:21:23.900 Some think 00:21:23.900 --> 00:21:24.299 that this 00:21:24.299 --> 00:21:25.240 reference here 00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:26.339 is to a 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:27.680 specific future 00:21:27.680 --> 00:21:28.700 tribulation, 00:21:29.299 --> 00:21:30.279 that Christians 00:21:30.279 --> 00:21:30.920 will be 00:21:30.920 --> 00:21:32.000 raptured, 00:21:32.279 --> 00:21:33.519 taken from 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:34.220 the world 00:21:34.220 --> 00:21:35.319 before it 00:21:35.319 --> 00:21:36.299 happens so 00:21:36.299 --> 00:21:36.680 that they 00:21:36.680 --> 00:21:37.920 don't face 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:38.860 it, maybe. 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:40.740 I don't 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:41.160 think that's 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:41.720 the best 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:42.640 understanding of 00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:43.539 this encouragement 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:44.380 here to this 00:21:44.380 --> 00:21:44.700 church. 00:21:45.059 --> 00:21:45.839 As John is 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:46.939 using the same 00:21:46.939 --> 00:21:47.740 words from 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:49.959 Jesus as He 00:21:49.959 --> 00:21:50.699 does in His 00:21:50.699 --> 00:21:51.799 gospel when 00:21:51.799 --> 00:21:53.000 Jesus prays, 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:53.639 remember in 00:21:53.639 --> 00:21:54.839 John 17, 00:21:55.399 --> 00:21:55.859 He's on the 00:21:55.859 --> 00:21:56.419 way to the 00:21:56.419 --> 00:21:57.299 cross, what 00:21:57.299 --> 00:21:57.819 does Jesus 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.299 pray? 00:21:58.480 --> 00:21:59.919 Father, don't 00:21:59.919 --> 00:22:01.379 take them out 00:22:01.379 --> 00:22:02.339 of the world, 00:22:03.639 --> 00:22:04.579 but, here's the 00:22:04.579 --> 00:22:05.879 word, keep them 00:22:05.879 --> 00:22:07.079 from the evil 00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:07.579 one. 00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:09.799 Guard them, not 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:10.459 so much from 00:22:10.459 --> 00:22:11.240 His presence, 00:22:11.439 --> 00:22:12.379 get them away, 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:12.980 get them away, 00:22:13.639 --> 00:22:14.899 but from His 00:22:14.899 --> 00:22:15.480 impact. 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:16.019 Keep them 00:22:16.019 --> 00:22:17.319 safe from 00:22:17.319 --> 00:22:18.180 His attack 00:22:18.180 --> 00:22:19.160 against them. 00:22:19.519 --> 00:22:20.220 Because while you 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:20.980 remain here on 00:22:20.980 --> 00:22:21.380 earth, you're 00:22:21.380 --> 00:22:22.220 going to face 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:23.319 severe trial. 00:22:23.440 --> 00:22:24.559 Jesus knows that 00:22:24.559 --> 00:22:25.480 as He's praying 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:25.900 for them. 00:22:26.120 --> 00:22:26.400 He's saying, 00:22:26.579 --> 00:22:27.319 don't be surprised, 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:28.380 don't think I've 00:22:28.380 --> 00:22:29.420 left you behind. 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:30.900 When you endure 00:22:30.900 --> 00:22:31.720 patiently, 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.599 trust Me 00:22:33.599 --> 00:22:34.759 and not your 00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:35.680 own strength. 00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:42.799 Jesus says, I'm 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:43.240 going to come 00:22:43.240 --> 00:22:44.120 through for you. 00:22:44.799 --> 00:22:45.240 I'm going to 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:46.240 protect you from 00:22:46.240 --> 00:22:47.480 ultimate harm, 00:22:47.580 --> 00:22:48.640 and I can do it 00:22:48.640 --> 00:22:50.000 because I've been 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:50.380 there. 00:22:50.779 --> 00:22:51.759 Enduring patiently 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:52.680 is something Jesus 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:54.400 knows well, so His 00:22:54.400 --> 00:22:55.160 followers can 00:22:55.160 --> 00:22:56.080 anticipate walking 00:22:56.080 --> 00:22:56.720 through it too. 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:59.380 The same word used 00:22:59.380 --> 00:23:01.580 of Jesus on the 00:23:01.580 --> 00:23:02.340 cross. 00:23:02.640 --> 00:23:03.620 Hebrews 12, 00:23:03.960 --> 00:23:04.960 who for the joy 00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:06.320 set before Him 00:23:06.320 --> 00:23:10.360 endured the cross. 00:23:11.360 --> 00:23:11.940 And then what 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:12.240 happened? 00:23:12.640 --> 00:23:14.500 He sat down at the 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:15.960 right hand of the 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:16.820 throne of God, 00:23:16.980 --> 00:23:17.520 where you, 00:23:17.800 --> 00:23:18.460 Philadelphian 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:19.660 Christians, with 00:23:19.660 --> 00:23:20.700 little power right 00:23:20.700 --> 00:23:21.760 now, you will sit 00:23:21.760 --> 00:23:22.880 there too. 00:23:23.840 --> 00:23:25.400 He has endured for 00:23:25.400 --> 00:23:26.600 you, and He promises 00:23:26.599 --> 00:23:27.899 to protect you as 00:23:27.899 --> 00:23:29.339 you keep enduring. 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:33.199 So whether you as 00:23:33.199 --> 00:23:33.799 an individual 00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:36.779 sufferer, or we 00:23:36.779 --> 00:23:39.139 as a church, go 00:23:39.139 --> 00:23:39.839 through a 00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:41.059 particularly 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:42.699 difficult season, 00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:44.599 Jesus is not 00:23:44.599 --> 00:23:46.039 notably absent. 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:46.779 That's not the 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:47.179 explanation. 00:23:48.279 --> 00:23:49.099 But He's 00:23:49.099 --> 00:23:50.659 particularly present 00:23:50.659 --> 00:23:52.419 right then to 00:23:52.419 --> 00:23:53.779 guard you and to 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:54.299 keep you. 00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:55.480 His strength is 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:56.579 perfect, especially 00:23:56.579 --> 00:23:58.759 when our strength 00:23:58.759 --> 00:24:00.359 is gone, right? 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.139 Don't lose 00:24:02.139 --> 00:24:02.599 heart. 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:05.740 In fact, Jesus 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:06.619 says, it's not 00:24:06.619 --> 00:24:07.259 going to be an 00:24:07.259 --> 00:24:08.099 unending trial. 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:10.079 I am coming 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:10.980 soon. 00:24:11.319 --> 00:24:12.500 Hold fast what 00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:13.599 you have so that 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:14.759 no one may seize 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:15.599 your crown. 00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:16.639 That's the 00:24:16.639 --> 00:24:17.480 encouragement of 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.159 being awarded the 00:24:18.159 --> 00:24:18.899 victor's crown, 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:19.179 right? 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:19.819 It's the one you 00:24:19.819 --> 00:24:20.579 receive at the 00:24:20.579 --> 00:24:22.319 end of the race. 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:23.519 Hold fast what 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.039 you have. 00:24:24.099 --> 00:24:24.619 What's that? 00:24:25.199 --> 00:24:26.119 The good news 00:24:26.119 --> 00:24:27.179 about Jesus. 00:24:27.419 --> 00:24:28.519 In fact, it's 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:30.179 Jesus Himself. 00:24:31.079 --> 00:24:31.919 Maybe you're not 00:24:31.919 --> 00:24:33.159 getting prizes for 00:24:33.159 --> 00:24:34.079 your faith today. 00:24:34.179 --> 00:24:35.259 Nobody is giving 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:37.659 you an award, but He 00:24:37.659 --> 00:24:38.699 certainly will allow 00:24:38.699 --> 00:24:39.839 you to share in His 00:24:39.839 --> 00:24:41.579 victory one day, 00:24:41.739 --> 00:24:42.059 someday. 00:24:42.219 --> 00:24:42.639 It's coming. 00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:45.720 If you do hold on, 00:24:46.300 --> 00:24:48.200 becoming a victor, 00:24:49.540 --> 00:24:50.540 an overcomer, 00:24:50.680 --> 00:24:52.180 a conqueror, 00:24:53.520 --> 00:24:54.280 there's a next 00:24:54.280 --> 00:24:55.000 promise of 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:55.560 encouragement. 00:24:56.280 --> 00:24:56.920 Verse 12, 00:24:57.080 --> 00:24:58.280 I will make Him 00:24:58.280 --> 00:24:59.460 a pillar 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:01.700 in the temple 00:25:01.700 --> 00:25:02.540 of my God. 00:25:02.759 --> 00:25:03.820 Never shall He 00:25:03.820 --> 00:25:05.160 go out of it. 00:25:07.640 --> 00:25:08.540 Does your faith 00:25:08.540 --> 00:25:09.240 feel weak 00:25:09.240 --> 00:25:10.340 sometimes? 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:12.959 Do you feel 00:25:12.959 --> 00:25:14.000 unsteady, 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:15.439 uncertain, 00:25:15.679 --> 00:25:17.259 tested by the 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:18.379 temptations of 00:25:18.379 --> 00:25:19.119 the world and 00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:19.699 you could go 00:25:19.699 --> 00:25:20.419 either way? 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:21.699 Do you feel 00:25:21.699 --> 00:25:22.919 the weight 00:25:22.919 --> 00:25:24.279 of this sense 00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:25.259 of people with 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:25.699 the money 00:25:25.699 --> 00:25:26.699 have the power? 00:25:27.740 --> 00:25:28.500 The people who 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:29.240 are loved by 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:30.240 others have all 00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:30.779 the power? 00:25:30.899 --> 00:25:31.379 I don't have 00:25:31.379 --> 00:25:32.099 anything. 00:25:34.079 --> 00:25:34.559 Have you ever 00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:34.879 thought, 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:37.419 maybe I won't be 00:25:37.419 --> 00:25:38.339 very significant 00:25:38.339 --> 00:25:40.059 in the long run? 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:42.579 Maybe our church 00:25:42.579 --> 00:25:44.679 won't really 00:25:44.679 --> 00:25:45.259 have any 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:47.199 lasting impact. 00:25:49.159 --> 00:25:50.179 Have you stopped 00:25:50.179 --> 00:25:50.459 to say, 00:25:50.579 --> 00:25:52.159 what impact 00:25:52.159 --> 00:25:54.139 really lasts? 00:25:54.959 --> 00:25:57.000 What does God 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:58.379 use to measure 00:25:58.379 --> 00:25:59.579 significance? 00:26:00.399 --> 00:26:00.659 Listen, 00:26:00.859 --> 00:26:01.619 the building 00:26:01.619 --> 00:26:03.199 may blow away 00:26:03.199 --> 00:26:03.980 in a tornado 00:26:03.980 --> 00:26:05.240 or crumble 00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:06.159 in an earthquake, 00:26:06.160 --> 00:26:07.279 but we, 00:26:07.540 --> 00:26:08.120 the people, 00:26:08.279 --> 00:26:09.000 will be a 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.420 pillar. 00:26:09.840 --> 00:26:10.120 What is that? 00:26:10.220 --> 00:26:10.920 The strongest 00:26:10.920 --> 00:26:12.820 part that stands, 00:26:13.120 --> 00:26:14.080 the vital part 00:26:14.080 --> 00:26:14.680 holding up the 00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:15.560 whole structure, 00:26:15.880 --> 00:26:16.540 the lasting 00:26:16.540 --> 00:26:17.259 peace that 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:17.900 never leaves. 00:26:18.100 --> 00:26:18.320 We're going to 00:26:18.320 --> 00:26:18.860 be a pillar 00:26:18.860 --> 00:26:19.380 where? 00:26:21.620 --> 00:26:22.880 In God's 00:26:22.880 --> 00:26:23.540 house. 00:26:24.240 --> 00:26:24.360 Right? 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:25.060 Isn't that what he 00:26:25.060 --> 00:26:25.160 said? 00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:26.060 The place where 00:26:26.060 --> 00:26:27.860 God lives. 00:26:29.180 --> 00:26:29.940 Jesus is saying, 00:26:30.140 --> 00:26:30.940 did you forget? 00:26:31.660 --> 00:26:32.400 Did you forget 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:33.460 little fledgling 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:34.240 church, 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:35.019 you little 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:35.700 group of 00:26:35.700 --> 00:26:36.660 Christ followers 00:26:36.660 --> 00:26:37.279 that you're 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:37.819 being built 00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:38.759 into a living 00:26:38.759 --> 00:26:40.120 temple where 00:26:40.120 --> 00:26:41.740 God dwells? 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:43.000 In that final 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:43.420 temple, 00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:44.180 you'll be a 00:26:44.180 --> 00:26:45.099 pillar that 00:26:45.099 --> 00:26:45.640 is never 00:26:45.640 --> 00:26:46.559 apart from 00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:47.319 the presence 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:47.859 of the 00:26:47.859 --> 00:26:49.240 glorious God 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:49.819 of the 00:26:49.819 --> 00:26:50.319 universe. 00:26:50.839 --> 00:26:51.240 How could 00:26:51.240 --> 00:26:51.579 you be any 00:26:51.579 --> 00:26:52.299 more significant? 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:57.480 One last 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:57.759 word of 00:26:57.759 --> 00:26:58.220 encouragement. 00:26:59.539 --> 00:26:59.960 You'll be 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:01.220 claimed by 00:27:01.220 --> 00:27:03.079 God forever. 00:27:04.240 --> 00:27:05.240 God does. 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:06.680 Perhaps no 00:27:06.680 --> 00:27:07.259 one else wants 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:08.120 to be associated 00:27:08.120 --> 00:27:08.579 with you. 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.559 Perhaps no 00:27:10.559 --> 00:27:11.220 one else wants 00:27:11.220 --> 00:27:11.720 you in their 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:12.200 city. 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:16.039 God does. 00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:19.120 Notice he's 00:27:19.120 --> 00:27:20.319 going to name 00:27:20.319 --> 00:27:20.640 them. 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:22.299 There's a name 00:27:22.299 --> 00:27:23.120 given three 00:27:23.120 --> 00:27:23.920 times. 00:27:24.920 --> 00:27:25.400 Putting your 00:27:25.400 --> 00:27:26.299 name on 00:27:26.299 --> 00:27:27.079 something 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:28.420 signifies 00:27:28.420 --> 00:27:29.339 ownership, 00:27:30.299 --> 00:27:31.000 identity, 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:32.279 a claim 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:33.680 on someone. 00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.240 Who do I 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:35.279 belong to? 00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:36.360 Where do I 00:27:36.360 --> 00:27:36.820 belong? 00:27:38.620 --> 00:27:39.100 What does he 00:27:39.100 --> 00:27:39.360 say? 00:27:39.900 --> 00:27:40.740 You belong 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:42.360 to Jesus. 00:27:43.560 --> 00:27:44.880 You belong 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:46.140 in God's 00:27:46.140 --> 00:27:46.880 city. 00:27:47.560 --> 00:27:48.480 You belong 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:50.180 in relationship 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:51.620 with God. 00:27:52.060 --> 00:27:52.560 You may have 00:27:52.560 --> 00:27:52.980 been kicked 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:53.460 out of other 00:27:53.460 --> 00:27:53.920 places. 00:27:54.320 --> 00:27:54.600 You may have 00:27:54.600 --> 00:27:55.299 been rejected 00:27:55.299 --> 00:27:55.940 by other 00:27:55.940 --> 00:27:56.880 people, but 00:27:56.880 --> 00:27:57.480 you will be 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:58.720 today and 00:27:58.720 --> 00:28:00.600 always claimed 00:28:00.600 --> 00:28:01.820 by God 00:28:01.820 --> 00:28:02.700 himself. 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:03.180 self. 00:28:05.240 --> 00:28:05.759 Kids, 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:06.840 you still 00:28:06.840 --> 00:28:07.120 listening? 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:09.539 Do you 00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:10.759 remember the 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:11.200 young boy 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:12.240 Andy in 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:12.620 the movie 00:28:12.620 --> 00:28:13.519 Toy Story? 00:28:14.440 --> 00:28:15.420 And he has 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.180 a little toy 00:28:16.180 --> 00:28:17.519 cowboy named 00:28:17.519 --> 00:28:17.920 Woody. 00:28:18.640 --> 00:28:18.819 Do you 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.259 remember Woody? 00:28:19.640 --> 00:28:19.920 Do you 00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:20.380 remember what's 00:28:20.380 --> 00:28:21.059 written on the 00:28:21.059 --> 00:28:22.180 bottom of 00:28:22.180 --> 00:28:23.080 Woody's boot? 00:28:24.340 --> 00:28:24.779 Yeah, 00:28:24.880 --> 00:28:25.420 some of you 00:28:25.420 --> 00:28:25.759 did. 00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:28.240 Andy, 00:28:29.120 --> 00:28:29.720 why did he 00:28:29.720 --> 00:28:30.380 write that? 00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:33.200 Because Woody 00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:35.380 was Andy's 00:28:35.380 --> 00:28:37.420 beloved toy. 00:28:37.620 --> 00:28:38.319 So Andy 00:28:38.319 --> 00:28:39.360 wrote his 00:28:39.360 --> 00:28:41.000 name on 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:41.640 Woody, 00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:42.259 didn't he? 00:28:42.480 --> 00:28:43.779 He's Andy's 00:28:43.779 --> 00:28:44.200 toy. 00:28:44.200 --> 00:28:45.620 The one Andy 00:28:45.620 --> 00:28:46.019 loves. 00:28:46.140 --> 00:28:46.600 It's written 00:28:46.600 --> 00:28:47.620 there in 00:28:47.620 --> 00:28:48.420 permanent 00:28:48.420 --> 00:28:49.180 ink, 00:28:49.620 --> 00:28:50.460 God says. 00:28:50.460 --> 00:28:52.220 I will 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:53.299 write on 00:28:53.299 --> 00:28:53.840 the one 00:28:53.840 --> 00:28:54.299 who has 00:28:54.299 --> 00:28:54.880 but little 00:28:54.880 --> 00:28:55.519 power, 00:28:56.860 --> 00:28:57.600 God. 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:58.960 God's 00:28:58.960 --> 00:28:59.380 beloved 00:28:59.380 --> 00:29:00.360 church, 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.160 God's 00:29:01.160 --> 00:29:01.500 beloved 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:02.360 man or 00:29:02.360 --> 00:29:03.579 woman or 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:05.079 boy or 00:29:05.079 --> 00:29:05.920 girl. 00:29:06.100 --> 00:29:07.000 He belongs 00:29:07.000 --> 00:29:07.880 with Jesus. 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:09.559 She is 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:10.480 eternally 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.100 with the 00:29:11.100 --> 00:29:11.620 king of 00:29:11.620 --> 00:29:12.500 kings. 00:29:13.160 --> 00:29:13.779 His. 00:29:13.779 --> 00:29:15.799 If that 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:16.299 started to 00:29:16.299 --> 00:29:17.019 sink into 00:29:17.019 --> 00:29:17.539 your heart 00:29:17.539 --> 00:29:19.359 that God's 00:29:19.359 --> 00:29:19.879 name was 00:29:19.879 --> 00:29:20.339 written on 00:29:20.339 --> 00:29:20.440 you, 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:20.879 how much 00:29:20.879 --> 00:29:21.299 would that 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:21.960 encourage 00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:22.519 you? 00:29:23.259 --> 00:29:23.579 Does it 00:29:23.579 --> 00:29:23.960 encourage 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:24.200 Woody? 00:29:25.660 --> 00:29:27.339 Woody is 00:29:27.339 --> 00:29:28.519 Andy's toy, 00:29:28.599 --> 00:29:29.079 isn't he? 00:29:29.839 --> 00:29:30.500 He's a 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:31.680 very confident. 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:33.240 He's so 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:34.220 thankful that 00:29:34.220 --> 00:29:35.680 Andy loves 00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:35.879 him. 00:29:36.139 --> 00:29:36.579 It just 00:29:36.579 --> 00:29:37.700 fills him 00:29:37.700 --> 00:29:38.879 with purpose 00:29:38.879 --> 00:29:40.700 and significance, 00:29:40.980 --> 00:29:41.559 doesn't it? 00:29:42.519 --> 00:29:43.019 Woody's the 00:29:43.019 --> 00:29:43.900 leader there. 00:29:44.660 --> 00:29:45.160 What about 00:29:45.160 --> 00:29:45.440 you? 00:29:46.400 --> 00:29:47.039 Would it 00:29:47.039 --> 00:29:47.639 cause your 00:29:47.639 --> 00:29:48.139 heart to 00:29:48.139 --> 00:29:48.740 swell with 00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:49.139 hope and 00:29:49.139 --> 00:29:49.879 confidence like 00:29:49.879 --> 00:29:50.099 that? 00:29:50.519 --> 00:29:51.319 Imagine that 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:51.900 you go to 00:29:51.900 --> 00:29:53.740 bed discouraged 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:56.240 and weak. 00:29:58.019 --> 00:29:58.440 Maybe you've 00:29:58.440 --> 00:29:58.779 done that 00:29:58.779 --> 00:29:59.240 recently. 00:30:01.319 --> 00:30:02.039 And you 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:02.740 wake up 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:04.940 and you 00:30:04.940 --> 00:30:05.279 look in 00:30:05.279 --> 00:30:05.859 the mirror 00:30:05.859 --> 00:30:07.420 and you 00:30:07.420 --> 00:30:10.139 see God 00:30:10.139 --> 00:30:11.059 has claimed 00:30:11.059 --> 00:30:11.680 me as 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:12.599 his own. 00:30:13.019 --> 00:30:13.639 It's 00:30:13.639 --> 00:30:13.920 still 00:30:13.920 --> 00:30:14.339 written 00:30:14.339 --> 00:30:15.039 right here 00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:16.059 on me. 00:30:16.859 --> 00:30:17.500 God 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:18.359 claims 00:30:18.359 --> 00:30:18.599 me. 00:30:18.680 --> 00:30:18.980 I'm 00:30:18.980 --> 00:30:20.000 his 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:20.859 beloved. 00:30:22.819 --> 00:30:23.339 That's 00:30:23.339 --> 00:30:23.740 what he's 00:30:23.740 --> 00:30:24.619 promising to 00:30:24.619 --> 00:30:25.680 everyone who 00:30:25.680 --> 00:30:26.200 trusts 00:30:26.200 --> 00:30:26.900 Jesus. 00:30:28.019 --> 00:30:28.639 Just think 00:30:28.639 --> 00:30:28.900 what it 00:30:28.900 --> 00:30:29.259 might do. 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:30.160 Maybe one 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:30.680 day at a 00:30:30.680 --> 00:30:31.559 time it 00:30:31.559 --> 00:30:32.119 would help 00:30:32.119 --> 00:30:33.200 you receive 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:33.940 rejection 00:30:33.940 --> 00:30:35.460 without 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:36.160 despair. 00:30:37.660 --> 00:30:38.220 Not 00:30:38.220 --> 00:30:38.660 everybody 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:39.180 rejects 00:30:39.180 --> 00:30:39.359 me. 00:30:39.359 --> 00:30:42.279 maybe one 00:30:42.279 --> 00:30:43.039 person at 00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:43.559 a time it 00:30:43.559 --> 00:30:44.419 would help 00:30:44.419 --> 00:30:45.219 you believe 00:30:45.219 --> 00:30:46.639 that your 00:30:46.639 --> 00:30:47.559 ministry to 00:30:47.559 --> 00:30:48.159 them or 00:30:48.159 --> 00:30:48.919 your prayers 00:30:48.919 --> 00:30:49.519 for them 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:50.399 might one 00:30:50.399 --> 00:30:50.819 day bear 00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:51.939 fruit even 00:30:51.939 --> 00:30:52.159 when it 00:30:52.159 --> 00:30:52.740 doesn't look 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:53.219 like it. 00:30:53.479 --> 00:30:54.979 But God 00:30:54.979 --> 00:30:56.139 is working 00:30:56.139 --> 00:30:56.719 through me. 00:30:58.240 --> 00:30:59.119 Maybe one 00:30:59.119 --> 00:31:00.339 trial at a 00:31:00.339 --> 00:31:00.759 time it 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:01.199 would help 00:31:01.199 --> 00:31:01.619 you to 00:31:01.619 --> 00:31:02.319 endure 00:31:02.319 --> 00:31:03.740 loss or 00:31:03.740 --> 00:31:04.599 disappointment 00:31:04.599 --> 00:31:06.059 or confusion 00:31:06.059 --> 00:31:07.319 because one 00:31:07.319 --> 00:31:07.899 thing is 00:31:07.899 --> 00:31:08.819 abundantly 00:31:08.819 --> 00:31:09.299 clear. 00:31:09.659 --> 00:31:09.960 You are 00:31:09.960 --> 00:31:11.079 God's 00:31:11.079 --> 00:31:11.700 beloved 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:12.899 and he's 00:31:12.899 --> 00:31:13.519 in charge 00:31:13.519 --> 00:31:14.200 and whatever 00:31:14.200 --> 00:31:14.740 you're going 00:31:14.740 --> 00:31:15.799 through he's 00:31:15.799 --> 00:31:16.480 holding you 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:17.279 and nothing 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:17.940 can erase 00:31:17.940 --> 00:31:18.399 that. 00:31:18.940 --> 00:31:19.359 Wouldn't it 00:31:19.359 --> 00:31:20.259 change things 00:31:20.259 --> 00:31:20.839 for you if 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:21.179 that was 00:31:21.179 --> 00:31:22.079 really true? 00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:23.599 It is. 00:31:25.799 --> 00:31:26.519 That's what 00:31:26.519 --> 00:31:27.039 Jesus wants 00:31:27.039 --> 00:31:27.639 to happen in 00:31:27.639 --> 00:31:28.139 our hearts 00:31:28.139 --> 00:31:28.759 and lives 00:31:28.759 --> 00:31:30.240 as we read 00:31:30.240 --> 00:31:30.740 these letters. 00:31:31.779 --> 00:31:32.240 He wants it 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:32.659 to make us 00:31:32.659 --> 00:31:33.299 completely 00:31:33.299 --> 00:31:33.740 different. 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.200 It's like we 00:31:35.200 --> 00:31:35.579 said at the 00:31:35.579 --> 00:31:35.859 beginning. 00:31:36.059 --> 00:31:36.819 Every one 00:31:36.819 --> 00:31:37.179 of them 00:31:37.179 --> 00:31:38.039 gives eternal 00:31:38.039 --> 00:31:39.279 realities that 00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:40.519 transform how 00:31:40.519 --> 00:31:41.200 we live 00:31:41.200 --> 00:31:42.019 now. 00:31:42.579 --> 00:31:43.019 Eternal 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:44.139 perspective that 00:31:44.139 --> 00:31:45.019 shapes today. 00:31:45.419 --> 00:31:46.259 Eternal light 00:31:46.259 --> 00:31:47.099 that shines 00:31:47.099 --> 00:31:47.639 into our 00:31:47.639 --> 00:31:48.419 darkness so 00:31:48.419 --> 00:31:48.859 that we 00:31:48.859 --> 00:31:49.500 can see 00:31:49.500 --> 00:31:50.779 true reality 00:31:50.779 --> 00:31:51.619 not all the 00:31:51.619 --> 00:31:52.099 other stuff 00:31:52.099 --> 00:31:52.579 that clouds 00:31:52.579 --> 00:31:53.099 our vision 00:31:53.099 --> 00:31:53.639 every day. 00:31:56.599 --> 00:31:57.440 So I wanted 00:31:57.440 --> 00:31:58.139 to finish here 00:31:58.139 --> 00:31:58.720 this morning 00:31:58.720 --> 00:32:00.480 by combining 00:32:00.480 --> 00:32:01.940 the words 00:32:01.940 --> 00:32:02.539 to those 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:03.500 who overcome. 00:32:03.940 --> 00:32:04.639 All seven 00:32:04.639 --> 00:32:05.019 letters, 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:05.419 right? 00:32:05.420 --> 00:32:07.519 words to 00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:07.980 those who 00:32:07.980 --> 00:32:09.039 conquer. 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:10.600 Nike. 00:32:11.300 --> 00:32:11.740 That's the 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:12.000 word. 00:32:12.480 --> 00:32:12.840 That's the 00:32:12.840 --> 00:32:13.120 Greek. 00:32:13.700 --> 00:32:14.100 Nike. 00:32:14.820 --> 00:32:16.060 Not just 00:32:16.060 --> 00:32:16.900 do it 00:32:16.900 --> 00:32:19.019 but just 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:20.680 trust him. 00:32:21.220 --> 00:32:22.500 Stick with 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:24.460 the conqueror. 00:32:24.960 --> 00:32:26.420 That's what it's 00:32:26.420 --> 00:32:26.640 about. 00:32:26.920 --> 00:32:27.580 Those words 00:32:27.580 --> 00:32:28.840 from all seven 00:32:28.840 --> 00:32:30.019 letters come to 00:32:30.019 --> 00:32:30.940 us because God 00:32:30.940 --> 00:32:32.220 wins, grace 00:32:32.220 --> 00:32:33.340 prevails, and 00:32:33.339 --> 00:32:34.819 Jesus reigns. 00:32:34.819 --> 00:32:35.559 That's what makes 00:32:35.559 --> 00:32:36.500 you a conqueror, 00:32:36.679 --> 00:32:38.059 an overcomer, a 00:32:38.059 --> 00:32:38.879 victor in 00:32:38.879 --> 00:32:39.500 revelation. 00:32:39.959 --> 00:32:40.819 It's that you're 00:32:40.819 --> 00:32:41.659 connected to him. 00:32:41.980 --> 00:32:42.599 For you who are 00:32:42.599 --> 00:32:43.959 clinging to Jesus, 00:32:44.579 --> 00:32:45.000 that's what he's 00:32:45.000 --> 00:32:45.799 saying, because 00:32:45.799 --> 00:32:46.899 Jesus is clinging 00:32:46.899 --> 00:32:48.419 to you, these are 00:32:48.419 --> 00:32:49.899 realities to come 00:32:49.899 --> 00:32:51.019 in fullness one 00:32:51.019 --> 00:32:51.959 day that have 00:32:51.959 --> 00:32:53.779 already begun to 00:32:53.779 --> 00:32:54.500 be true of you. 00:32:54.500 --> 00:32:57.099 I want you to 00:32:57.099 --> 00:32:57.599 know they're as 00:32:57.599 --> 00:32:58.359 certain as the 00:32:58.359 --> 00:32:58.900 fact that you're 00:32:58.900 --> 00:32:59.700 sitting in these 00:32:59.700 --> 00:33:00.720 pews right now. 00:33:01.440 --> 00:33:02.380 They are more 00:33:02.380 --> 00:33:03.819 real to who you 00:33:03.819 --> 00:33:04.819 are and what you 00:33:04.819 --> 00:33:05.980 can expect to 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:07.200 come than what 00:33:07.200 --> 00:33:07.960 you think you're 00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:08.759 going to eat for 00:33:08.759 --> 00:33:09.920 lunch or whether 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:10.619 you'll wake up 00:33:10.619 --> 00:33:11.779 alive in this world 00:33:11.779 --> 00:33:12.579 tomorrow morning. 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:13.799 You can count on 00:33:13.799 --> 00:33:14.440 this more. 00:33:16.160 --> 00:33:16.920 Now just listen. 00:33:17.180 --> 00:33:17.660 Close your eyes 00:33:17.660 --> 00:33:18.059 if you want. 00:33:19.099 --> 00:33:20.039 Jesus promises 00:33:20.039 --> 00:33:22.859 the second death 00:33:22.859 --> 00:33:23.899 will not harm 00:33:23.899 --> 00:33:24.240 you. 00:33:24.859 --> 00:33:25.259 You'll live 00:33:25.259 --> 00:33:25.619 forever. 00:33:27.119 --> 00:33:27.759 And not just 00:33:27.759 --> 00:33:28.500 surviving but 00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:29.839 thriving off the 00:33:29.839 --> 00:33:30.659 fruit from the 00:33:30.659 --> 00:33:32.680 tree of life and 00:33:32.680 --> 00:33:33.779 the hidden manna 00:33:33.779 --> 00:33:35.799 provided by God 00:33:35.799 --> 00:33:38.079 himself because he 00:33:38.079 --> 00:33:39.099 dwells with you, 00:33:39.259 --> 00:33:40.619 with you and with 00:33:40.619 --> 00:33:41.559 your brothers and 00:33:41.559 --> 00:33:43.839 sisters, a pillar in 00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:45.159 God's temple. 00:33:45.879 --> 00:33:47.539 In fact, you'll be 00:33:47.539 --> 00:33:48.619 sharing in his 00:33:48.619 --> 00:33:49.759 authority on the 00:33:49.759 --> 00:33:50.579 very throne of 00:33:50.579 --> 00:33:51.500 heaven with the 00:33:51.500 --> 00:33:51.940 God of the 00:33:51.940 --> 00:33:52.259 universe. 00:33:52.400 --> 00:33:53.180 He says, ruling 00:33:53.180 --> 00:33:54.359 the nations. 00:33:56.279 --> 00:33:57.240 You'll be given a 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:58.559 white stone with a 00:33:58.559 --> 00:33:59.859 new name, a 00:33:59.859 --> 00:34:01.039 shining reputation, 00:34:01.440 --> 00:34:02.559 a transformed 00:34:02.559 --> 00:34:03.759 identity. 00:34:04.220 --> 00:34:05.379 In fact, God's 00:34:05.379 --> 00:34:07.059 own name written 00:34:07.059 --> 00:34:08.320 on you because 00:34:08.320 --> 00:34:09.239 your relationship 00:34:09.239 --> 00:34:10.380 with him is not 00:34:10.380 --> 00:34:11.380 merely about 00:34:11.380 --> 00:34:12.420 presence and 00:34:12.420 --> 00:34:13.780 power but it's 00:34:13.780 --> 00:34:15.219 truly about love. 00:34:16.260 --> 00:34:18.139 He loves you so 00:34:18.139 --> 00:34:20.339 much that Jesus, 00:34:21.219 --> 00:34:22.759 the King of kings, 00:34:23.279 --> 00:34:24.839 gives you himself 00:34:24.839 --> 00:34:26.719 forever, the 00:34:26.719 --> 00:34:28.679 morning star and 00:34:28.679 --> 00:34:30.139 the promise of 00:34:30.139 --> 00:34:32.259 victory, his victory, 00:34:32.739 --> 00:34:34.139 life with him 00:34:34.139 --> 00:34:35.179 forever. 00:34:35.179 --> 00:34:36.659 All of these 00:34:36.659 --> 00:34:39.079 promises to us. 00:34:40.420 --> 00:34:42.259 That's just a taste 00:34:42.260 --> 00:34:44.840 of his glory that 00:34:44.840 --> 00:34:45.880 will be revealed in 00:34:45.880 --> 00:34:46.380 us. 00:34:48.080 --> 00:34:49.260 So that our 00:34:49.260 --> 00:34:50.560 present sufferings, 00:34:51.340 --> 00:34:53.060 which are truly 00:34:53.060 --> 00:34:54.860 bad and painful, 00:34:56.080 --> 00:34:57.320 are put in 00:34:57.320 --> 00:34:57.960 perspective. 00:34:58.220 --> 00:34:58.960 They can't even 00:34:58.960 --> 00:35:00.500 compare with the 00:35:00.500 --> 00:35:01.620 glory that will be 00:35:01.620 --> 00:35:02.940 revealed in us. 00:35:03.940 --> 00:35:05.180 So that our 00:35:05.180 --> 00:35:06.480 priorities are 00:35:06.480 --> 00:35:08.500 reoriented off of 00:35:08.500 --> 00:35:10.320 finding security and 00:35:10.320 --> 00:35:11.579 reputation and 00:35:11.579 --> 00:35:14.880 pleasure here onto 00:35:14.880 --> 00:35:16.099 something that is 00:35:16.099 --> 00:35:17.079 more worthwhile, 00:35:17.900 --> 00:35:19.099 more sure, 00:35:19.460 --> 00:35:20.619 more fulfilling. 00:35:21.179 --> 00:35:21.900 That's what he's 00:35:21.900 --> 00:35:22.539 doing with our 00:35:22.539 --> 00:35:23.139 priorities. 00:35:23.980 --> 00:35:25.219 He's giving us a 00:35:25.219 --> 00:35:26.199 taste of glory so 00:35:26.199 --> 00:35:27.079 that our fearful, 00:35:27.579 --> 00:35:28.360 discouraged, 00:35:28.840 --> 00:35:30.559 self-focused eyes 00:35:30.559 --> 00:35:31.239 that see our 00:35:31.239 --> 00:35:32.139 circumstances, 00:35:33.639 --> 00:35:34.860 that feel small 00:35:34.860 --> 00:35:36.559 and powerless, 00:35:37.980 --> 00:35:38.599 that they're 00:35:38.599 --> 00:35:39.260 turned upward. 00:35:40.420 --> 00:35:41.320 To see our 00:35:41.320 --> 00:35:43.000 conquering Savior 00:35:43.000 --> 00:35:44.500 and our wavering 00:35:44.500 --> 00:35:45.180 hearts are 00:35:45.180 --> 00:35:46.599 reassured that 00:35:46.599 --> 00:35:47.640 we're a part of 00:35:47.640 --> 00:35:48.620 a story that is 00:35:48.620 --> 00:35:49.599 going somewhere 00:35:49.599 --> 00:35:50.519 glorious. 00:35:52.200 --> 00:35:52.960 And we're 00:35:52.960 --> 00:35:53.840 connected to a 00:35:53.840 --> 00:35:54.620 king who is 00:35:54.620 --> 00:35:56.640 truly glorious. 00:35:59.539 --> 00:36:00.320 Let that 00:36:00.320 --> 00:36:01.440 eternal reality be 00:36:01.440 --> 00:36:02.320 the most true 00:36:02.320 --> 00:36:04.260 and most real, 00:36:04.260 --> 00:36:06.040 most captivating 00:36:06.040 --> 00:36:08.200 reality that you 00:36:08.200 --> 00:36:09.020 live in today. 00:36:10.940 --> 00:36:11.860 He who has an 00:36:11.860 --> 00:36:13.640 ear, let him 00:36:13.640 --> 00:36:14.180 hear what the 00:36:14.180 --> 00:36:15.760 Spirit says to 00:36:15.760 --> 00:36:16.240 the churches. 00:36:17.620 --> 00:36:17.960 Amen. 00:36:18.240 --> 00:36:18.680 Let's pray. 00:36:20.260 --> 00:36:21.080 Jesus, indeed, 00:36:21.200 --> 00:36:22.900 give us ears to 00:36:22.900 --> 00:36:25.280 hear the beautiful 00:36:25.280 --> 00:36:26.180 words from you that 00:36:26.180 --> 00:36:26.980 I can't even 00:36:26.980 --> 00:36:30.520 describe, but that 00:36:30.520 --> 00:36:31.500 you, Spirit, can 00:36:31.500 --> 00:36:32.840 use to encourage 00:36:32.840 --> 00:36:33.920 our hearts so 00:36:33.920 --> 00:36:35.039 soften our hearts 00:36:35.039 --> 00:36:36.139 to receive your 00:36:36.139 --> 00:36:37.940 love that's 00:36:37.940 --> 00:36:39.000 better than life 00:36:39.000 --> 00:36:39.860 and better than 00:36:39.860 --> 00:36:40.400 we know to 00:36:40.400 --> 00:36:41.039 understand. 00:36:43.220 --> 00:36:44.079 That we might 00:36:44.079 --> 00:36:44.840 then share it 00:36:44.840 --> 00:36:45.980 with eager lips 00:36:45.980 --> 00:36:47.300 and lives, 00:36:47.440 --> 00:36:48.420 that we might 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:49.700 actually be your 00:36:49.700 --> 00:36:51.099 church the way 00:36:51.099 --> 00:36:52.039 you made us to 00:36:52.039 --> 00:36:53.139 be for your 00:36:53.139 --> 00:36:53.639 glory. 00:36:53.780 --> 00:36:54.519 We need you to 00:36:54.519 --> 00:36:55.460 do that, Jesus. 00:36:55.460 --> 00:36:55.659 Jesus. 00:36:57.659 --> 00:36:58.440 And we look 00:36:58.440 --> 00:37:00.559 forward to your 00:37:00.559 --> 00:37:01.619 doing it soon 00:37:01.619 --> 00:37:02.360 and to your 00:37:02.360 --> 00:37:03.179 doing it forever 00:37:03.179 --> 00:37:04.860 because you will 00:37:04.860 --> 00:37:07.460 make us pure 00:37:07.460 --> 00:37:08.820 and white 00:37:08.820 --> 00:37:10.179 and yours 00:37:10.179 --> 00:37:11.579 forever. 00:37:13.460 --> 00:37:14.240 We give you 00:37:14.240 --> 00:37:15.119 thanks in your 00:37:15.119 --> 00:37:15.420 name. 00:37:16.539 --> 00:37:16.800 Amen. 00:37:17.800 --> 00:37:18.599 For more 00:37:18.599 --> 00:37:19.720 information, visit 00:37:19.720 --> 00:37:20.659 us online at 00:37:20.659 --> 00:37:21.440 southwood.org.