WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.380 Before we read the scripture, I would like us to pray and ask God for miracles because we need it today. 00:00:08.860 --> 00:00:11.660 We need the speaking in tongues gift today. 00:00:11.660 --> 00:00:19.960 You need the gift of interpretation because my accent, I'm sure, is not something that people are used to. 00:00:21.600 --> 00:00:25.359 So you definitely need the gift of interpretation. 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:30.960 So I pray that the Lord will help us all in Jesus' name. 00:00:31.439 --> 00:00:36.280 So if you don't mind, will you stand up as we read the word of the Lord? 00:00:36.280 --> 00:00:44.960 We are going to be reading from ESV translation, and I will read the book of 1 Peter chapter 4. 00:00:45.120 --> 00:00:50.100 I will start reading from verse 12 all the way through 19. 00:00:51.140 --> 00:00:51.460 Amen. 00:00:58.840 --> 00:01:02.219 If your Bible doesn't have the book of 1 Peter, just throw it away. 00:01:02.219 --> 00:01:07.959 I'm sure we have the trash can outside. 00:01:09.500 --> 00:01:10.039 All right. 00:01:10.120 --> 00:01:10.640 Are we there? 00:01:12.039 --> 00:01:12.700 All right. 00:01:13.840 --> 00:01:21.319 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fairy trial when it comes up in you to test you. 00:01:21.319 --> 00:01:27.619 Verse 13. 00:01:27.699 --> 00:01:37.519 But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's suffering that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 00:01:38.039 --> 00:01:38.819 Verse 14. 00:01:38.819 --> 00:01:49.780 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rest upon you. 00:01:51.099 --> 00:01:51.679 15. 00:01:52.159 --> 00:02:00.019 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 00:02:00.019 --> 00:02:00.939 16. 00:02:01.379 --> 00:02:11.719 Yet, if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 00:02:12.479 --> 00:02:13.519 Verse 17. 00:02:14.180 --> 00:02:21.199 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God, and it begins with us. 00:02:21.859 --> 00:02:25.939 What will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 00:02:26.259 --> 00:02:26.939 Verse 18. 00:02:26.939 --> 00:02:36.979 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? 00:02:37.979 --> 00:02:38.840 Verse 19. 00:02:39.539 --> 00:02:50.560 Therefore, let those who suffer according to God's will will entrust their soul to a faithful creator while doing good. 00:02:51.460 --> 00:02:55.379 May the Lord bless the reading of his word in Jesus' name. 00:02:55.379 --> 00:02:59.780 Our heavenly Father, we thank you for this wonderful time. 00:03:00.340 --> 00:03:03.099 We give you glory and magnify your holy name. 00:03:03.799 --> 00:03:11.079 We worship you for this sacred moment that you've given to us to come and sit majestically before you and to hear from you. 00:03:11.080 --> 00:03:19.260 I pray this hour, Lord, as I lead this section, I pray that your spirit will interpret what I'm going to say. 00:03:19.820 --> 00:03:26.740 I pray for the gift of language and the gift of understanding as I share your word with your people. 00:03:27.439 --> 00:03:33.500 Father, I pray, Lord, that your spirit will help us to be attentive to what you have for us this morning. 00:03:33.500 --> 00:03:38.960 For we pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 00:03:39.560 --> 00:03:41.520 Amen and amen. 00:03:42.780 --> 00:03:43.960 Let's be seated. 00:03:44.259 --> 00:03:44.759 Thank you. 00:03:44.759 --> 00:03:58.120 So the book of 1 Peter was written in around 60 AD by Apostle Peter, one of the senior disciples of Jesus Christ. 00:03:58.679 --> 00:04:06.819 The central message of this book is to bring the reality of suffering to the church in that time, 00:04:06.819 --> 00:04:16.639 who are going through persecution, but not as intense as those people from the earlier years. 00:04:18.560 --> 00:04:29.899 And when we think most of the time, when our brothers and sisters in the developed world think of persecution, 00:04:30.600 --> 00:04:36.000 the first thing that comes to mind is Middle East. 00:04:36.819 --> 00:04:38.360 Or northern Nigeria. 00:04:39.579 --> 00:04:44.219 When we think of trial, we tend to think of other places. 00:04:45.540 --> 00:04:56.300 But the question is, are Christians in the 21st century living in Boston today going through her time? 00:04:58.519 --> 00:05:01.600 Are you going through opposition? 00:05:03.019 --> 00:05:04.420 Is there opposition? 00:05:04.420 --> 00:05:08.060 Well, they will not be looking for you to jail you, to kill you. 00:05:09.020 --> 00:05:16.420 But in reality, are you going counterculture in your society? 00:05:19.100 --> 00:05:27.200 Are we, as Christians, going through also personal trials, personal struggles? 00:05:27.199 --> 00:05:37.920 Is it true that you could be misunderstood by the very people you care about? 00:05:38.920 --> 00:05:42.339 In fact, the members of this church. 00:05:43.339 --> 00:05:44.519 Is it possible? 00:05:44.519 --> 00:05:45.199 Do you? 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:45.199 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:52.979 And sometime, I know the reality, we have this psychological, all human have those psychological, 00:05:52.979 --> 00:06:01.019 I call it step checkers, you know, like checkpoint, and one of those are known, as you probably 00:06:01.019 --> 00:06:02.439 know, as denial. 00:06:03.919 --> 00:06:11.579 When we deny, denial is helpful, but when we continue to live in denial, we will not 00:06:11.579 --> 00:06:13.599 be able to face the real problem. 00:06:13.600 --> 00:06:26.040 What does it mean in Cambridge today to be a Bible-believing Christian and want to stand 00:06:26.040 --> 00:06:27.420 by what you believe? 00:06:27.480 --> 00:06:28.280 What does that mean? 00:06:29.480 --> 00:06:33.780 And I think that's the question that you need to ask, as we think. 00:06:34.120 --> 00:06:40.420 Even in the church today, when you are going in trials, when you are suffering for either 00:06:40.420 --> 00:06:48.180 sickness, marital issue, relationship issue, economic issue, it is teaching today that 00:06:48.180 --> 00:06:53.800 America, unfortunately, is also part of that teaching that in the church, that something 00:06:53.800 --> 00:06:54.660 is wrong with you. 00:06:55.800 --> 00:06:57.259 Maybe you are sinning. 00:06:59.420 --> 00:07:01.879 Maybe you are doing something wrong. 00:07:01.980 --> 00:07:03.180 You have a secret sin. 00:07:03.180 --> 00:07:14.180 But the question today, as we continue to look into the topic of faithfulness and trial, or 00:07:14.180 --> 00:07:23.180 being faithful in trial, is it possible for us to face different trials, including opposition 00:07:23.180 --> 00:07:24.819 from our society? 00:07:24.819 --> 00:07:32.000 Now let's look into the first verses we read, the first one, verse 12. 00:07:32.779 --> 00:07:40.639 In verse 12, literally, it says, and I read, verse 12, 00:07:40.639 --> 00:07:49.000 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes up in you, to test you as though 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:52.459 something strange were happening to you. 00:07:53.259 --> 00:08:03.039 Looking at this passage, it's really easy to see that trial, suffering are not supposed to 00:08:03.039 --> 00:08:05.740 be a strange topic to the church of Christ. 00:08:05.740 --> 00:08:16.920 Jesus, in his own infinite wisdom, when he comes to the earth, as the book of John says in chapter 00:08:16.920 --> 00:08:20.420 one, he becomes one of us. 00:08:21.660 --> 00:08:26.819 He lived and suffered and eventually died for our sin. 00:08:28.160 --> 00:08:33.320 Somehow, he does not protect us from the reality of where we live. 00:08:33.320 --> 00:08:36.379 He died. 00:08:36.600 --> 00:08:40.680 And the invitation of being Christian, most of the time when we talk about Christianity, 00:08:41.379 --> 00:08:46.800 the first thing that comes to mind is what I call fire insurance services. 00:08:48.360 --> 00:08:54.300 What I mean by fire insurance is like, now I'm saved, I'm not going to help praise the Lord, 00:08:54.400 --> 00:08:54.940 and that's it. 00:08:56.280 --> 00:08:57.460 That is true. 00:08:57.460 --> 00:09:04.019 We are saved from internal condemnation when we are in Christ. 00:09:05.780 --> 00:09:09.200 But the reality is way more than that. 00:09:10.200 --> 00:09:13.139 In the book of John 17, if you have time, read it. 00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:14.360 If you don't, read it before. 00:09:15.420 --> 00:09:21.639 When Jesus was praying for his disciples, and the next generation of the disciples, 00:09:21.639 --> 00:09:31.399 and the next after, his prayer was that we will be one with him as he is one with the Father. 00:09:32.600 --> 00:09:39.100 Which means we are invited into the Trinitarian table of fellowship. 00:09:39.100 --> 00:09:48.399 What that is saying, what is true for Jesus, is also true for us. 00:09:49.820 --> 00:10:01.300 The key point here is like, a believer is as sure be prepared to face trial irrespective of where you are. 00:10:01.299 --> 00:10:11.819 When you are going to be a Bible-believing person, here in this building, here in this church, here in this place, 00:10:12.759 --> 00:10:21.479 you will face opposition from the same people who love God and care also about you. 00:10:21.480 --> 00:10:30.639 The journey of becoming a Christian is not just come to the church on Sunday, 00:10:30.840 --> 00:10:36.399 but the journey is to become like Christ every day and to share even in his suffering. 00:10:37.720 --> 00:10:38.899 Let me just pause here. 00:10:39.039 --> 00:10:41.080 Am I saying if you are a Christian, you must suffer? 00:10:42.519 --> 00:10:43.300 No, really. 00:10:43.299 --> 00:10:53.879 What I'm trying to say is possible to be a Christian and also suffer. 00:10:54.379 --> 00:10:59.759 It's possible to be a Christian and face trial. 00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:04.179 It's possible to be a Christian and face temptation. 00:11:04.179 --> 00:11:15.199 For example, how do we deal with the LGBTQ community? 00:11:17.479 --> 00:11:23.879 How do you love the people, at the same time condemn the sin? 00:11:25.139 --> 00:11:27.179 How does that sound in this community? 00:11:27.279 --> 00:11:28.559 And I know it's a sensitive topic. 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:33.059 But how do you live in that kind of thing? 00:11:33.059 --> 00:11:37.679 Showing love, but living biblically. 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:48.039 How do you actually show faith, your faith, even when you've been persecuted? 00:11:48.219 --> 00:11:53.019 One of the examples for that is, I love sharing this story because it happened recently. 00:11:53.879 --> 00:11:59.279 One of the leaders in the north where we do ministry specifically to Muslims, 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:05.659 we came together, there were about 400 people who come for the meeting. 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:08.600 And he is one of the top leaders. 00:12:08.699 --> 00:12:10.339 He's supposed to do the call to worship. 00:12:11.240 --> 00:12:14.720 That guy was one of the most functual Africans I know. 00:12:15.639 --> 00:12:17.039 Well, underline African. 00:12:17.779 --> 00:12:19.240 Means showing up on time. 00:12:19.240 --> 00:12:25.580 You know, that day he was not on time. 00:12:27.419 --> 00:12:30.080 He came about 15 minutes late. 00:12:31.100 --> 00:12:38.600 So when he came into the meeting, where we come from, putting on people wear longer clothes and hard and all those things. 00:12:38.600 --> 00:12:46.120 He just showed up with a tear shirt and only singlet on his upper part of the body. 00:12:46.600 --> 00:12:48.340 And he rushed to the pulpit. 00:12:48.440 --> 00:12:51.759 And I was sitting thinking what everybody was like. 00:12:52.279 --> 00:12:53.379 What's going on? 00:12:54.379 --> 00:12:57.440 And that guy was looking bruised. 00:12:58.120 --> 00:13:00.620 Signs of blood and stuff like that in his body. 00:13:00.620 --> 00:13:05.399 He did the call to worship in singlet as if nothing was going on. 00:13:07.799 --> 00:13:10.120 After he finished what he needed to do, he came down. 00:13:10.179 --> 00:13:10.899 Then I met him. 00:13:11.560 --> 00:13:14.620 And I was like, dude, what's going on? 00:13:15.779 --> 00:13:16.539 What happened? 00:13:16.700 --> 00:13:18.060 He said, oh no, it's not a big thing. 00:13:18.100 --> 00:13:19.080 I just get beaten up. 00:13:19.500 --> 00:13:20.060 By who? 00:13:21.299 --> 00:13:23.679 And he goes like, oh, I preached to the king. 00:13:24.580 --> 00:13:26.340 And he asked them to beat me up. 00:13:27.200 --> 00:13:30.379 And I look at him and I was like, and you choose to preach to him today? 00:13:31.379 --> 00:13:33.000 You choose to share Christ today? 00:13:33.039 --> 00:13:33.560 He said, no. 00:13:33.899 --> 00:13:35.700 It was yesterday I shared the gospel. 00:13:36.299 --> 00:13:38.100 It is today that I received the beating. 00:13:41.419 --> 00:13:50.539 And the amazing thing, you think, that very person will go, oh no, I'm not going again. 00:13:51.039 --> 00:13:51.840 I'm not doing. 00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:53.519 All the friends will be discouraged. 00:13:54.539 --> 00:14:00.340 The people around him, the very believers around him, 00:14:00.340 --> 00:14:04.700 who are living in the community, made it to be like a joke. 00:14:05.660 --> 00:14:06.460 They were laughing. 00:14:07.320 --> 00:14:07.800 I'm bro. 00:14:08.500 --> 00:14:12.820 So when they beat you up, were you crying like a baby or like a girl? 00:14:13.500 --> 00:14:18.480 Asking their leader, how was he crying when he was beating up? 00:14:19.920 --> 00:14:22.440 I was sitting processing there. 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:34.000 These guys understood what it means to be joyful even during suffering. 00:14:34.000 --> 00:14:41.000 And that's what Peter, the author of this book, is saying. 00:14:41.639 --> 00:14:44.620 Suffering while going through trial. 00:14:45.200 --> 00:14:47.799 Suffering while going through opposition. 00:14:48.600 --> 00:14:53.740 Suffering in Christ, the believers at that time should consider it joy. 00:14:54.779 --> 00:15:01.419 A lot of us attach our joy today in the church by the kind of movie we watch. 00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:08.219 There are some of us who even think it's the responsibility of our spouses to give us joyful. 00:15:10.319 --> 00:15:14.639 It's working with God by the power of his spirit. 00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:19.159 Living according to his will, that's what gives us joy. 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:20.120 Amen. 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:28.299 So all I'm saying, don't be caught off guard when you are suffering. 00:15:28.299 --> 00:15:32.799 When you are going through spiritual battles. 00:15:33.039 --> 00:15:36.099 When you are going through physical illness. 00:15:36.319 --> 00:15:41.059 Whatever you are going through, do not be off guard. 00:15:41.639 --> 00:15:49.359 I'm praying that we will not suffer, but we cannot run away from going through hard times in our lives. 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:55.919 One of the things I personally try to live by is to prepare for the worst. 00:15:56.700 --> 00:15:59.440 And to pray and hope for the best in my life. 00:16:00.300 --> 00:16:02.960 And I think that's what Peter is encouraging them. 00:16:03.060 --> 00:16:06.379 He says, hey, we know you don't want the suffering. 00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:10.139 We know you don't enjoy the opposition. 00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:14.180 But please, be prepared for it. 00:16:14.259 --> 00:16:14.460 Amen. 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:19.580 In verse 13, let's read it again. 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:20.960 Verse 13. 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:37.759 But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's suffering, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:44.000 Again, the point number two is rejoicing in suffering. 00:16:44.460 --> 00:16:51.900 Suffering connects us to Christ's reality when he was on earth. 00:16:51.980 --> 00:16:54.740 We just finished celebrating Easter. 00:16:56.280 --> 00:17:01.019 Remember, it is in suffering that we enjoy victory. 00:17:02.300 --> 00:17:06.039 Without Jesus coming to the earth, book of Polyphians chapter 2. 00:17:06.039 --> 00:17:08.039 Verse 1 down. 00:17:08.039 --> 00:17:16.379 He said that Jesus did not consider his equality with God something to be grasped. 00:17:17.319 --> 00:17:23.200 But he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death. 00:17:23.200 --> 00:17:27.580 This is what Jesus went through. 00:17:27.580 --> 00:17:31.059 And that's why we had the privilege of celebrating Easter. 00:17:31.279 --> 00:17:34.519 I don't know how you celebrate Easter over here exactly. 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:40.799 But back home, we celebrate Easter by eating a lot of chickens. 00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:49.440 And a lot of time, we enjoy the celebration of Easter. 00:17:49.440 --> 00:18:03.919 But the question is, do we really sit down and process and meditate of what it means for Christ to literally carry his cross, 00:18:03.920 --> 00:18:15.519 being humiliated as God, being weaved by the very people he made and created, and put on a cross like a criminal? 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:28.059 For believers, when somebody is making fun of you, thinking you are uncivilized, thinking you don't know what you are doing, 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:34.819 is equivalent to some of us who are basically living in a society of life and death before Jesus Christ. 00:18:35.700 --> 00:18:38.339 Because you know what it means to make fun of. 00:18:38.339 --> 00:18:44.519 And I know what it means to be chased, to be locked, and to be beaten. 00:18:45.919 --> 00:18:47.039 I know what it means. 00:18:47.279 --> 00:18:51.619 But I don't think God is saying, oh, yours, because they almost kill you, yours is better. 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:53.419 I don't think that's what Jesus is saying. 00:18:53.559 --> 00:18:55.740 And I don't think that's what Peter is saying. 00:18:56.539 --> 00:19:01.740 Whatever that temptation is, or that trial is, that persecution is, 00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:06.279 starting from people laughing at you to probably saying words at you, 00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:09.279 consider it joy before the Lord. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:11.899 It's only when you are ready. 00:19:12.420 --> 00:19:16.980 That's the reason why soldiers go for training. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:22.920 That's why they don't pick people like myself who eat too much to just go out and fight, right? 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:24.879 What do they do? 00:19:25.119 --> 00:19:27.960 That's why they prepare you in military training. 00:19:28.779 --> 00:19:29.779 They train you. 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:33.700 In some countries, like other countries, what they are saying, 00:19:33.700 --> 00:19:35.980 they will cut off your civilian tail. 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:39.639 They want you to be strong. 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:42.160 They want you to be prepared. 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:47.700 The reason is for preparation so that you can just, they don't want you to die. 00:19:47.799 --> 00:19:48.660 That's why you prepare. 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:53.079 And what we are saying, what Peter is saying to us today, 00:19:53.379 --> 00:19:55.440 he's saying, brothers and sisters, 00:19:55.440 --> 00:20:01.600 understand that suffering, understand trials, 00:20:02.320 --> 00:20:06.559 understand being persecuted for the sake of Christ, 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:11.140 being out of passion, out of fashion as a Christian, 00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:13.100 be prepared. 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:16.980 It's part of being, part, 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:21.279 and partakers of what Christ went through. 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:25.240 Because Jesus clearly told his disciples, 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:31.220 you are in this world, but you are not belong to it. 00:20:32.379 --> 00:20:37.000 Which means, you can be in this world, 00:20:37.220 --> 00:20:39.119 go to do your daily activities, 00:20:39.119 --> 00:20:45.899 but your thinking pattern is not as the same as those who are in the world. 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:51.559 And Paul said it somewhere. 00:20:51.719 --> 00:20:52.099 He said, 00:20:52.779 --> 00:20:56.679 do not conform to the pattern of this world, 00:20:57.059 --> 00:21:01.859 but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:07.619 Saying yes, yes to everything that your culture throw at you 00:21:07.619 --> 00:21:12.099 is not necessarily being transformed. 00:21:13.399 --> 00:21:15.500 But saying yes to the Lord, 00:21:15.799 --> 00:21:18.439 even when the culture is saying no, 00:21:19.159 --> 00:21:25.319 that is what it means to be part of what Christ went through. 00:21:25.319 --> 00:21:28.759 So again, what we say in chapter, 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:29.720 verse 12, 00:21:30.139 --> 00:21:31.059 expect trial, 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:33.259 in verse 13 through 14, 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:40.559 we see Peter is encouraging people to rejoice in suffering. 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:46.899 Now, let's go to verse 15 through 16. 00:21:47.419 --> 00:21:49.740 15 and 16. 00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:55.140 All right. 00:21:56.539 --> 00:22:00.380 But let no one of you suffer as a murderer, 00:22:00.819 --> 00:22:01.759 or a thief, 00:22:01.940 --> 00:22:03.180 or an able-doer, 00:22:03.299 --> 00:22:04.500 as a meddler, 00:22:04.839 --> 00:22:05.120 yet, 00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:08.039 if anyone suffer as Christian, 00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:10.759 let him not be Hashem, 00:22:10.880 --> 00:22:13.579 but let him glorify God in that name. 00:22:14.940 --> 00:22:16.799 So they're calling for the believers. 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:17.799 Still, 00:22:18.859 --> 00:22:20.899 it's not like because you are a Christian, 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:24.039 then you can go and commit crime and do stupid action. 00:22:24.799 --> 00:22:26.059 I remember a few years, 00:22:26.379 --> 00:22:27.379 about eight years ago, 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:29.639 I was here coming from New York to Boston. 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:33.940 I was driving at the 65 zone, 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:36.419 and the police officer caught me doing, 00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:38.180 I think, 00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:38.779 84. 00:22:40.919 --> 00:22:41.399 Well, 00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:41.819 driving. 00:22:41.819 --> 00:22:45.220 And then he did the lighting. 00:22:45.339 --> 00:22:47.139 That was the first ticket ever in my life. 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:49.460 And then, 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:50.139 he parked, 00:22:50.220 --> 00:22:52.319 he said that the moment he put the light, 00:22:52.679 --> 00:22:52.980 and go, 00:22:53.179 --> 00:22:53.439 whee, 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:53.819 whee, 00:22:53.899 --> 00:22:55.119 and pull over, 00:22:55.339 --> 00:22:56.779 that was the first time I got pulled over, 00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:58.240 and he said, 00:22:58.500 --> 00:23:00.079 do you know why I stopped you, 00:23:00.159 --> 00:23:00.259 sir? 00:23:01.779 --> 00:23:02.319 I was like, 00:23:03.339 --> 00:23:03.899 I actually, 00:23:04.019 --> 00:23:04.819 the moment he did that, 00:23:04.879 --> 00:23:06.159 I look at the speedometer, 00:23:06.359 --> 00:23:06.700 he says, 00:23:06.759 --> 00:23:07.159 84. 00:23:07.359 --> 00:23:07.599 He said, 00:23:07.639 --> 00:23:09.019 you are doing 84 in 65. 00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:11.440 You know, 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:13.619 I would have thought as a Christian, 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:15.299 this guy was persecuting me, 00:23:15.639 --> 00:23:17.879 because I'm a child of God. 00:23:19.059 --> 00:23:19.319 You know, 00:23:19.740 --> 00:23:22.019 that wasn't persecution, 00:23:22.259 --> 00:23:24.400 I was actually doing 84, 00:23:24.619 --> 00:23:25.559 and the guy said, 00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:27.420 I was doing 84. 00:23:27.960 --> 00:23:29.440 Jesus has nothing to do with that one, 00:23:29.480 --> 00:23:29.839 I guess. 00:23:31.160 --> 00:23:34.579 I think Jesus left me when I was doing 65 at that day. 00:23:34.579 --> 00:23:35.019 So, 00:23:39.339 --> 00:23:40.599 the point is like, 00:23:40.799 --> 00:23:41.960 that is different, 00:23:42.899 --> 00:23:43.740 between, 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:46.659 suffering for our stupidity, 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:48.740 and suffering for Christ, 00:23:49.619 --> 00:23:50.679 is different thing. 00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:51.659 Oh, 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:52.000 by the way, 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:52.579 did I tell you, 00:23:52.679 --> 00:23:53.679 he charged me $200? 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:55.500 I will never forget that one. 00:23:58.019 --> 00:24:00.659 That is the definition of stupidity. 00:24:01.339 --> 00:24:03.439 That's no suffering for Jesus Christ. 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:07.620 That was an example of me, 00:24:08.100 --> 00:24:08.940 breaking the law, 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:11.039 and the law kind of break my pocket at that point. 00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:12.980 By the way, 00:24:13.019 --> 00:24:13.519 as a student, 00:24:13.660 --> 00:24:14.480 when you lose $200, 00:24:14.820 --> 00:24:15.340 you will never forget, 00:24:15.460 --> 00:24:15.640 guys. 00:24:17.920 --> 00:24:18.320 So, 00:24:18.559 --> 00:24:19.420 the point is, 00:24:19.759 --> 00:24:20.519 so now, 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:21.960 then he talked about, 00:24:22.080 --> 00:24:22.920 in verse 16, 00:24:23.620 --> 00:24:24.259 he said, 00:24:24.820 --> 00:24:26.420 do not be ashamed. 00:24:27.620 --> 00:24:28.660 You know my temptation? 00:24:29.400 --> 00:24:29.900 A life, 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:30.680 right now, 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:32.220 even back home. 00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:34.539 is, 00:24:35.100 --> 00:24:36.860 being a Christian, 00:24:37.080 --> 00:24:37.519 for me, 00:24:37.640 --> 00:24:38.480 doesn't feel cool. 00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:41.140 In fact, 00:24:41.420 --> 00:24:42.299 for the most time, 00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:44.299 consciously or unconsciously, 00:24:44.759 --> 00:24:47.700 when somebody in the place of authority 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:48.460 stopped me, 00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:49.480 either on the road, 00:24:50.420 --> 00:24:52.759 or somebody asked me the name in an office, 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:55.400 I caught myself, 00:24:55.840 --> 00:24:58.360 not introducing myself as Emmanuel, 00:24:58.360 --> 00:24:59.360 many times. 00:24:59.359 --> 00:25:01.500 I want to say, 00:25:01.619 --> 00:25:03.000 my name is Mohammed. 00:25:03.859 --> 00:25:04.419 Somehow, 00:25:05.159 --> 00:25:09.439 I feel connected to the authority I used to have, 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:11.699 when I was in Islam. 00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:13.199 Therefore, 00:25:13.359 --> 00:25:16.439 it feels cool to be Mohammed. 00:25:18.139 --> 00:25:18.439 It's not, 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:18.740 please, 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:19.339 don't misunderstand. 00:25:20.079 --> 00:25:22.399 It's not every Mohammed is powerful. 00:25:22.400 --> 00:25:25.620 just the fact that I bear the name, 00:25:25.900 --> 00:25:26.640 Dad Mohammed, 00:25:27.300 --> 00:25:28.400 the name is powerful, 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:33.060 and I feel like it's a lot easier to identify with that. 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:37.140 What Peter is encouraging us, 00:25:37.560 --> 00:25:38.620 starting from me, 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:39.460 he's saying, 00:25:39.620 --> 00:25:39.880 no, 00:25:40.540 --> 00:25:43.200 your identity is Emmanuel. 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:47.360 Do not be ashamed of that person. 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:51.039 I can tell you what it means to live in a society 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:52.859 where Christianity is not, 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:54.059 is out of fashion. 00:25:54.979 --> 00:25:55.639 One day, 00:25:55.779 --> 00:25:56.139 we were, 00:25:56.339 --> 00:25:59.000 we were being interrogated in one way, 00:25:59.319 --> 00:26:00.359 long story short, 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:01.879 and I was like, 00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:02.259 hey, 00:26:02.559 --> 00:26:04.259 these are the government apparatus 00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:05.740 who are grilling me, 00:26:05.919 --> 00:26:06.719 asking questions, 00:26:06.859 --> 00:26:07.699 and stuff like that. 00:26:08.159 --> 00:26:08.979 And I say, 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:09.279 hey, 00:26:09.399 --> 00:26:09.740 guys, 00:26:10.639 --> 00:26:11.919 you're focusing on me, 00:26:11.919 --> 00:26:13.439 that I'm not harming anybody. 00:26:13.959 --> 00:26:15.500 How about the Boko Haram guys? 00:26:15.619 --> 00:26:17.039 Why can't you focus your energy 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:17.839 on those criminals, 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:18.700 and stuff like that? 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:19.839 One of them, 00:26:20.240 --> 00:26:21.099 who is a Muslim, 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:21.819 said to me, 00:26:22.900 --> 00:26:24.839 Boko Haram are better than you. 00:26:26.480 --> 00:26:27.019 You know, 00:26:27.079 --> 00:26:27.859 when he said that, 00:26:28.460 --> 00:26:29.339 it hates me. 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:33.960 This is not the statement of true or not. 00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:38.259 As far as that immediate community is concerned, 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:41.859 I don't know if you heard anything about Boko Haram, 00:26:41.859 --> 00:26:43.779 it's hardly not to hear anything about them. 00:26:44.059 --> 00:26:44.599 If you don't, 00:26:44.680 --> 00:26:45.039 I wonder. 00:26:46.500 --> 00:26:47.319 He said, 00:26:47.619 --> 00:26:48.160 those guys, 00:26:48.819 --> 00:26:50.839 the people I consider monsters, 00:26:51.400 --> 00:26:53.660 are better than me from his perspective. 00:26:54.140 --> 00:26:55.400 How evil can you be? 00:26:57.160 --> 00:26:59.579 This is the kind of things 00:26:59.579 --> 00:27:01.380 that it's easy for us 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:04.000 to be ashamed of Christ. 00:27:04.640 --> 00:27:07.019 It's very easy for us to be tempted, 00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:10.519 to be ashamed of who we are, 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:13.079 even in a town like Cambridge here, 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:14.880 or wherever you come from. 00:27:15.500 --> 00:27:19.839 It's really easy because it's not the popular culture anymore. 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:23.420 It's really easy. 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:25.660 What Peter is saying, 00:27:26.400 --> 00:27:30.619 be encouraged and do not be ashamed 00:27:30.619 --> 00:27:32.660 of the name of Christ 00:27:32.660 --> 00:27:38.000 because he himself has gone through suffering. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:45.279 It's really important if we are going to suffer, 00:27:45.980 --> 00:27:50.080 we are going to go through those hard times. 00:27:50.079 --> 00:27:55.299 It's really important for us to suffer or to be persecuted 00:27:55.299 --> 00:27:58.899 or to go through trial for a right reason. 00:27:58.900 --> 00:28:00.519 not for the wrong reason, 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:03.360 like me driving 84 miles per hour. 00:28:03.359 --> 00:28:08.619 I want to read 00:28:08.619 --> 00:28:12.139 verse 17 through 18. 00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:14.740 17 through 18. 00:28:17.419 --> 00:28:20.819 For it is time for judgment to begin 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:24.899 at the household of God. 00:28:24.900 --> 00:28:26.840 If it begins with us, 00:28:26.840 --> 00:28:30.140 what will be the outcome of those 00:28:30.140 --> 00:28:32.060 who do not obey the gospel? 00:28:32.059 --> 00:28:40.299 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, 00:28:40.619 --> 00:28:45.940 what will become of the ungodly and the sinners? 00:28:47.079 --> 00:28:48.859 The issue is here, 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:50.599 what he is saying, 00:28:50.599 --> 00:28:54.539 as we go through those things, 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:59.759 remember we are still accountable to Jesus Christ. 00:29:00.819 --> 00:29:04.959 We are still accountable to the body of Christ. 00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:09.759 We can't live a lie. 00:29:09.859 --> 00:29:13.500 The difference between being an unbeliever, 00:29:13.619 --> 00:29:14.399 in my opinion, 00:29:14.619 --> 00:29:15.879 and being a believer 00:29:15.879 --> 00:29:20.039 is having the master whom you serve. 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:21.259 in this case, 00:29:21.399 --> 00:29:22.240 Jesus Christ. 00:29:24.039 --> 00:29:26.920 The reason why we are called born again, 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:29.240 or we are called believers, 00:29:29.819 --> 00:29:31.119 is for the reason, 00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:33.680 the fact that we have submitted 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:36.059 and surrendered unto the Lord. 00:29:37.740 --> 00:29:39.960 That idea of surrender 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:42.299 and becoming one with him, 00:29:42.599 --> 00:29:45.299 that's what makes us who we are. 00:29:45.659 --> 00:29:47.299 We need to be better 00:29:47.299 --> 00:29:49.960 than the people who don't know the Lord. 00:29:50.039 --> 00:29:50.779 The Lord. 00:29:50.779 --> 00:29:51.859 Jesus Christ, 00:29:52.359 --> 00:29:54.039 true Peter in this case, 00:29:54.399 --> 00:29:55.619 is calling us, 00:29:55.960 --> 00:29:56.079 hey, 00:29:56.220 --> 00:29:56.980 as we go, 00:29:57.119 --> 00:29:58.980 part of going through suffering, 00:29:59.399 --> 00:30:00.980 is inner battle 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:03.039 that goes within us. 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:04.000 Most likely, 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:05.579 if you are a Christian here, 00:30:05.700 --> 00:30:06.119 you might, 00:30:06.259 --> 00:30:07.559 because there are not many Christians, 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:09.599 you might struggle to find friends. 00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:10.559 Some of us, 00:30:10.639 --> 00:30:11.519 we might struggle 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:14.259 struggle to find a life partner, 00:30:14.900 --> 00:30:18.519 because the majority of the culture 00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:20.139 is no longer Christian. 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:24.400 It is my prayer 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:25.900 that our good Lord 00:30:25.900 --> 00:30:27.299 will give us the grace 00:30:27.299 --> 00:30:29.639 to continue to live a life 00:30:29.639 --> 00:30:33.240 of trusting ourselves with him. 00:30:33.240 --> 00:30:35.059 today, 00:30:35.059 --> 00:30:36.420 today we look at three things 00:30:36.420 --> 00:30:37.359 as I close. 00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:40.819 All this long, 00:30:41.120 --> 00:30:42.059 broken English 00:30:42.059 --> 00:30:43.380 that I'm trying to speak to you 00:30:43.380 --> 00:30:43.799 this evening, 00:30:43.920 --> 00:30:45.120 this is what I'm trying to say. 00:30:45.900 --> 00:30:47.420 Number one point is, 00:30:47.740 --> 00:30:49.700 expect trial as a believer. 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:52.339 The second point, 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:55.240 rejoice even through struggle 00:30:55.900 --> 00:30:56.839 and temptation, 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:58.460 even through suffering. 00:30:59.460 --> 00:31:00.340 The third point 00:31:00.340 --> 00:31:01.740 that I was trying to communicate 00:31:01.740 --> 00:31:03.799 is so far for the right reason, 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:05.340 not breaking the speed limit. 00:31:07.059 --> 00:31:07.759 And also, 00:31:09.620 --> 00:31:11.140 as you work, 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:13.380 the next struggle you have, 00:31:14.400 --> 00:31:15.680 the final one 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:17.240 is the struggling 00:31:17.240 --> 00:31:19.279 of surrendering 00:31:19.279 --> 00:31:20.799 and obeying. 00:31:21.059 --> 00:31:23.140 This is the constant battle. 00:31:23.720 --> 00:31:26.039 The majority of the Christian battles 00:31:26.039 --> 00:31:28.200 are not about 00:31:28.200 --> 00:31:29.019 fighting, 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:29.879 in my case, 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:30.639 from Africa, 00:31:30.740 --> 00:31:31.240 the demons. 00:31:31.420 --> 00:31:32.799 I don't know what you fight over here. 00:31:33.200 --> 00:31:33.940 Even recently, 00:31:34.119 --> 00:31:35.000 I learned that they are 00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:35.980 inviting angels 00:31:35.980 --> 00:31:37.500 from Africa to come here. 00:31:37.579 --> 00:31:37.960 And I was like, 00:31:38.039 --> 00:31:38.839 do you really want those? 00:31:38.920 --> 00:31:39.700 But that's not the point. 00:31:41.200 --> 00:31:42.859 The point is this. 00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:45.859 That acknowledgement 00:31:45.859 --> 00:31:47.759 of inner battle, 00:31:49.420 --> 00:31:51.720 fighting temptations, 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:55.019 fighting to be like him, 00:31:55.019 --> 00:31:58.599 fighting the popular culture. 00:31:58.980 --> 00:32:00.319 This is one of the things 00:32:00.319 --> 00:32:01.759 that the Lord Jesus Christ 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:03.180 is calling all of us to do. 00:32:03.779 --> 00:32:04.980 As we close, 00:32:05.639 --> 00:32:06.879 I want to encourage 00:32:06.879 --> 00:32:08.059 all of us 00:32:08.059 --> 00:32:11.740 to continue working with him, 00:32:12.700 --> 00:32:14.720 to expect suffering, 00:32:15.940 --> 00:32:16.900 what we hope 00:32:16.900 --> 00:32:17.980 that we will not suffer. 00:32:18.400 --> 00:32:19.799 And I'm saying this 00:32:19.799 --> 00:32:21.259 with a bitter taste 00:32:21.259 --> 00:32:22.160 in my mouth. 00:32:22.480 --> 00:32:23.420 Do you really think 00:32:23.420 --> 00:32:24.240 I want to suffer? 00:32:24.240 --> 00:32:26.000 I really don't. 00:32:26.620 --> 00:32:28.559 I want to enjoy life. 00:32:29.339 --> 00:32:30.039 I want to, 00:32:30.200 --> 00:32:30.620 like, 00:32:30.980 --> 00:32:32.059 I want to ride 00:32:32.059 --> 00:32:33.200 the most expensive, 00:32:33.440 --> 00:32:34.779 anything that you can imagine. 00:32:36.400 --> 00:32:36.839 Yeah, right? 00:32:37.019 --> 00:32:37.700 I want to have 00:32:37.700 --> 00:32:39.059 the best of the house. 00:32:39.420 --> 00:32:40.160 I want to be 00:32:40.160 --> 00:32:41.019 the cool guy, 00:32:41.099 --> 00:32:42.000 even though I'm not cool. 00:32:42.079 --> 00:32:43.259 But I'm trying to be cool guy. 00:32:43.319 --> 00:32:43.940 The only person 00:32:43.940 --> 00:32:44.640 who thinks I'm cool, 00:32:44.700 --> 00:32:44.940 I think, 00:32:45.000 --> 00:32:45.480 is my daughter. 00:32:45.579 --> 00:32:45.720 Well, 00:32:45.799 --> 00:32:46.660 even her sometimes. 00:32:46.660 --> 00:32:49.880 And don't worry, 00:32:49.980 --> 00:32:50.759 she's just three, 00:32:50.920 --> 00:32:51.580 so let's wait 00:32:51.580 --> 00:32:52.300 when she's 18, 00:32:52.380 --> 00:32:53.259 then we'll talk about that. 00:32:54.560 --> 00:32:56.860 But the point is this, 00:32:56.940 --> 00:32:57.160 right? 00:32:57.600 --> 00:32:58.080 Try. 00:32:58.620 --> 00:32:59.460 Let's continue 00:32:59.460 --> 00:33:00.519 to work hard. 00:33:00.900 --> 00:33:01.580 Let's continue 00:33:01.580 --> 00:33:03.120 to face the culture 00:33:03.120 --> 00:33:04.840 while we depend 00:33:04.840 --> 00:33:06.860 and rely on Christ Jesus. 00:33:07.580 --> 00:33:08.340 Let's continue 00:33:08.340 --> 00:33:09.200 to struggle 00:33:09.200 --> 00:33:10.420 and become like him 00:33:10.420 --> 00:33:11.620 in every day. 00:33:11.619 --> 00:33:13.599 one day 00:33:13.599 --> 00:33:14.459 we might win, 00:33:14.839 --> 00:33:15.599 maybe the next day 00:33:15.599 --> 00:33:16.379 we might lose. 00:33:16.479 --> 00:33:16.979 The third day 00:33:16.979 --> 00:33:18.000 we get off again, 00:33:18.159 --> 00:33:18.699 I repeat. 00:33:19.119 --> 00:33:19.939 It is my prayer 00:33:19.939 --> 00:33:20.919 that our good Lord 00:33:20.919 --> 00:33:22.459 will bless us all 00:33:22.459 --> 00:33:23.619 in Jesus' name. 00:33:23.899 --> 00:33:24.819 Why can't we pray? 00:33:25.279 --> 00:33:26.439 You may sit down, 00:33:26.539 --> 00:33:27.239 you may stand up, 00:33:27.299 --> 00:33:27.819 it's up to you, 00:33:27.859 --> 00:33:28.439 but let's pray. 00:33:28.879 --> 00:33:29.839 Our Heavenly Father, 00:33:29.959 --> 00:33:30.879 I pray in the name 00:33:30.879 --> 00:33:32.039 of Jesus Christ, 00:33:32.679 --> 00:33:33.879 Father of all, 00:33:36.519 --> 00:33:37.579 we thank you 00:33:37.579 --> 00:33:38.759 for this reminder 00:33:38.759 --> 00:33:39.719 that suffering 00:33:39.719 --> 00:33:40.739 for Christ 00:33:40.740 --> 00:33:42.500 is not a cause 00:33:42.500 --> 00:33:43.380 but a blessing 00:33:43.380 --> 00:33:44.079 from you. 00:33:44.980 --> 00:33:46.420 Teach us to rejoice 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:48.740 even in the fairy trials, 00:33:49.460 --> 00:33:50.960 knowing that you 00:33:50.960 --> 00:33:52.700 are purifying us 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:53.900 and preparing us 00:33:53.900 --> 00:33:55.120 for a greater glory. 00:33:56.359 --> 00:33:57.099 Strengthen us, 00:33:57.319 --> 00:33:57.759 O Lord, 00:33:58.339 --> 00:33:59.660 O Holy Spirit. 00:34:01.859 --> 00:34:03.660 Help us to stand firm 00:34:03.660 --> 00:34:05.019 to glorify you 00:34:05.019 --> 00:34:06.400 even when it costs 00:34:06.400 --> 00:34:07.799 us some things. 00:34:10.739 --> 00:34:13.379 We entrust our souls 00:34:13.379 --> 00:34:14.479 to you completely, 00:34:14.699 --> 00:34:15.579 O Holy Spirit. 00:34:17.239 --> 00:34:18.179 To you, 00:34:18.379 --> 00:34:19.639 our faithful creator, 00:34:20.339 --> 00:34:21.619 may our lives 00:34:21.619 --> 00:34:23.199 shine as a testimony 00:34:23.199 --> 00:34:24.459 of your goodness. 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:26.500 Even though the trials 00:34:26.500 --> 00:34:28.699 in Jesus' mighty name 00:34:28.699 --> 00:34:29.699 that we will win, 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:32.119 even through the difficulties 00:34:32.119 --> 00:34:33.179 that we will win, 00:34:33.659 --> 00:34:34.959 even through the secularism 00:34:35.759 --> 00:34:37.339 that is going around, 00:34:37.659 --> 00:34:37.899 Father, 00:34:38.039 --> 00:34:39.279 help us to be a witness 00:34:39.280 --> 00:34:39.780 to you. 00:34:40.480 --> 00:34:41.560 Let your spirit 00:34:41.560 --> 00:34:43.120 continue to guide us. 00:34:43.620 --> 00:34:45.300 May the trials of life 00:34:45.300 --> 00:34:46.540 that we are going through 00:34:46.540 --> 00:34:48.320 draw us nearer to you, 00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:48.880 O Lord. 00:34:49.880 --> 00:34:50.200 Father, 00:34:50.280 --> 00:34:52.160 we pray that we will be 00:34:52.160 --> 00:34:54.280 in tune with you, 00:34:54.700 --> 00:34:56.380 in tune with your spirit, 00:34:56.519 --> 00:34:57.000 O Lord. 00:34:57.900 --> 00:34:59.300 Help us to be the ambassadors 00:34:59.300 --> 00:35:00.820 you call us to be. 00:35:01.260 --> 00:35:02.920 For we pray all this 00:35:02.920 --> 00:35:04.840 in the name of the Father 00:35:04.840 --> 00:35:06.200 and of the Son 00:35:06.200 --> 00:35:07.620 and of the Holy Spirit. 00:35:07.619 --> 00:35:08.319 Amen. 00:35:09.319 --> 00:35:09.819 God bless.