WEBVTT

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 Please take out your copy of God's Word and turn to Hebrews chapter 6.

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 Our text for this morning is Hebrews chapter 6 verses 13 through 20.

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 Before I read them for our benefit, let me remind you, beloved, that this is God's Word to us.

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 It was written for His glory and our good, and so we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands.

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 We begin in verse 13 of chapter 6.

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 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying,

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 Surely I will bless you and multiply you.

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 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.

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 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation.

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 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath.

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 So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie,

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 we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

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 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.

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 A hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,

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 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf,

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 having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

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 Now, let me remind you in brief who it is this letter is addressed to.

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 Most likely a group of Hellenistic or Greek-speaking Jews,

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 as this book is written in the most lavish, wonderful Greek in all the New Testament.

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 Likely living on the outskirts of Rome.

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 And we know that this church had suffered.

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 And they had suffered for their faith in Jesus Christ.

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 The aim of the writer of this letter is to encourage them to press on.

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 To not give up.

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 And they're being tempted to go back to Judaism.

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 To their old way of worshiping God.

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 Believing it could have been sufficient.

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 And it doesn't come with suffering.

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 Maybe we should go that way.

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 And the author of Hebrews is saying,

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 No.

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 Christ is more excellent.

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 He's better than.

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 Pay attention to this new covenant.

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 And press on in it.

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 As we were discussing what we ought to preach through next.

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 And we're thinking about a number of books of the Bible.

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 Hebrews kept coming up.

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 As we're finding ourselves in a day.

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 Where it is getting increasingly more uncomfortable.

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 To be a Christ follower.

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 I think this is going to go on.

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 And if you spend even a little bit of time on social media.

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 And somebody might say something that to me is so uncontroversial.

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 You'll find the way that it flares up disagreement with people.

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 In the most unhelpful.

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 In the most unhelpful of ways.

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 I am continually shocked at the vitriol.

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 Against the really good positions of God for us in our world.

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 As we continue to contend for the Bible.

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 And God's good and kind commands to man.

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 You're going to be continually hated for it.

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 And we shouldn't be surprised by this.

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 Paul reminds Timothy that all those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

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 So if it's not already here.

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 If you've not already experienced this.

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 If you're going to remain faithful to Christ.

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 You are going to meet with rejection from the world.

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 So we need to learn these lessons.

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 And maybe we're walking in them already.

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 Or maybe they're merely preparing us for a future day.

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 But none of us should have this lost on us today.

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 Now our text this morning is picking up thematically something the author of Hebrews began.

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 Back at the end of chapter 4.

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 Chapter 4 verses 14 through 16.

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 We were encouraged.

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 Since then we have a great high priest.

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 Who has passed through the heavens.

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 Jesus the son of God.

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 Let us hold fast our confession.

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 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.

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 But one who in every respect has been tempted as we are.

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 Yet without sin.

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 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace.

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 That we may receive mercy.

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 And find grace to help in time of need.

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 So he's been beginning to make this case.

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 Jesus is this more excellent.

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 This better high priest.

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 And he has suffered just as we suffer.

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 He's been tempted as we are tempted.

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 And because of who he is.

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 And who he is to us.

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 We can have a great confidence in him.

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 To weather these storms.

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 At the beginning of chapter 5.

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 The author of Hebrews speaks to the origination.

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 Of Jesus' priesthood.

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 Citing Psalm chapter 2 verse 7.

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 And Psalm 110 verse 4.

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 He then tells us in chapter 5 verse 10.

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 That Jesus was designated by God.

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 Psalm 2 7.

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 A high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

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 Psalm 110 and verse 4.

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 So we have the priestly lineage of Jesus introduced.

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 And then the author of Hebrews.

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 Seems to take a moment.

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 Sort of a moment off to the side.

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 To rebuke them.

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 For being dull of hearing.

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 Chapter 5 verse 11.

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 And exhorting them not to become sluggish.

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 Or dull in their acting.

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 Chapter 6 and verse 12.

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 Note that in chapter 5 verse 11.

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 The author says about this.

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 We have much to say.

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 He has just introduced this idea of Jesus.

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 Being in the lineage.

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 Of this forever priest king.

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 Melchizedek.

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 Which we're going to talk a lot about.

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 Over the next three weeks.

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 Get ready for me to say Melchizedek.

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 A lot.

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 Over the rest of the month.

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 He's just introduced this idea.

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 And he says about this.

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 We have much to say.

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 And it is hard to explain.

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 Since you.

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 Have become dull.

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 Of hearing.

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 So.

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 What this.

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 Is he merely referring to.

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 Jesus.

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 As this priest king.

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 When he's talking about.

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 The great confidence.

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 We have.

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 Because.

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 Jesus Christ.

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 Is this priest king.

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 Right.

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 He's a better priest.

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 He's a more.

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 Excellent priest.

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 He's not a Levitical priest.

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 He is a Melchizedekian priest.

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 And it.

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 Brought me such great joy.

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 To have that.

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 Spell checked.

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 And be wrong.

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 Melchizedekian.

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 Is a word.

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 Our text today.

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 Is bringing us.

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 Back.

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 To this point.

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 As the author of Hebrews.

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 Has stepped to the side.

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 To say.

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 Right.

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 You need to go on.

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 In maturity.

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 You need to grow up.

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 We should be able.

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 To talk about these things.

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 And have you understand.

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 These things.

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 So press on.

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 In your.

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 Knowledge.

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 And then he gets back to.

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 Presenting this idea.

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 Of Jesus.

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 As this greater priest.

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 Hebrews chapter 6.

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 Verse 11.

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 And 12.

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 He writes.

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 And we desire.

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 Each one of you.

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 To show the same.

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 Earnestness.

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 To have the full assurance.

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 Of hope.

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 Until the end.

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 Right.

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 We want all of you.

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 To be confident.

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 Right.

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 That you are in.

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 Christ.

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 So that you may not be sluggish.

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 But imitators.

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 Of those.

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 Who through faith.

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 And patience.

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 Inherit the promises.

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 I told you last week.

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 That the author of Hebrews.

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 Is setting us up.

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 For chapter 11.

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 And that grand list.

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 Of the faithful.

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 Who have gone.

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 Before.

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 Saying.

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 Be imitators.

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 Of them.

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 Who by faith.

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 And patience.

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 Inherit.

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 The promise.

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 But in the immediate context.

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 He is speaking.

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 Of the faith.

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 Of Abraham.

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 This letter.

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 The original audience.

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 Would have had no need.

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 To be reminded.

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 Of Abraham's story.

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 It would have been.

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 Very fresh.

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 In their mind.

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 They would have been.

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 Extremely.

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 Familiar.

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 With him.

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 As a patriarch.

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 And all of the things.

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 That happened to him.

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 And his great faith.

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 And his patience.

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 In those matters.

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 But I think.

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 That we will be well served.

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 In considering.

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 Abraham's faith.

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 To have a bit of an overview.

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 Of his life.

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 So.

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 We're meant.

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 To be imitators.

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 Of.

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 And the author of Hebrews.

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 Is now going to talk about.

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 This faith.

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 Where God swears.

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 On himself.

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 And makes an oath.

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 And we need to think a bit.

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 About this faith.

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 And patience.

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 Of Abraham.

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 So.

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 Let's do that a bit.

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 You're welcome to flip with me.

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 If you want to.

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 But I'll try to keep you.

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 On board.

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 In the book of Genesis.

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 God calls.

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 Abram.

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 He's called at this time.

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 In Genesis chapter 12.

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 Verses 1 through 4.

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 Where we read.

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 Now the Lord said to Abram.

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 Go from your country.

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 And your kindred.

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 And your father's house.

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 To the land.

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 That I will show you.

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 And I will make of you.

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 A great nation.

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 I will bless you.

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 And make your name great.

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 So that you will be a blessing.

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 I will bless those who bless you.

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 And him who dishonors you.

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 I will curse.

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 And in you.

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 All the families of the earth.

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 Shall be blessed.

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 So Abram went.

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 As the Lord had told him.

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 And Lot.

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 His nephew.

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 Went with him.

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 Abram was 75 years old.

00:10:38.779 --> 00:10:40.059
 When he departed.

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 From Haran.

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 So he's sent to a new place.

00:10:45.319 --> 00:10:46.399
 With a promise.

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 So Abram.

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 This is extreme overview.

00:10:50.120 --> 00:10:51.980
 Abram travels to Canaan.

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 Because of a famine.

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 He moves to Egypt.

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 He's then kicked out of Egypt.

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 Because he did some.

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 Inappropriate things with his wife.

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 Gave his wife away.

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 He then goes to the Negev.

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 Dwells there.

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 Separates from Lot.

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 They've got so much possession.

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 That they divide up.

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 And separate.

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 He then rescues Lot.

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 Who's taken captive.

00:11:16.279 --> 00:11:18.360
 By four kings.

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 He then meets the priest.

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 King Melchizedek.

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 Which are text.

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 References.

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 And in all of this.

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 About ten years have passed.

00:11:29.039 --> 00:11:30.600
 Since God made the promises.

00:11:30.600 --> 00:11:32.000
 Of Genesis chapter 12.

00:11:32.179 --> 00:11:33.100
 And then God.

00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:34.139
 In his kindness.

00:11:34.879 --> 00:11:35.879
 Comes to Abraham.

00:11:35.879 --> 00:11:37.399
 So all these events have happened.

00:11:37.759 --> 00:11:37.860
 Right.

00:11:37.919 --> 00:11:40.080
 It's been about ten years.

00:11:41.179 --> 00:11:42.179
 How is it.

00:11:42.299 --> 00:11:42.919
 Oh Lord.

00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:44.720
 I imagine Abram saying.

00:11:45.679 --> 00:11:47.580
 That you will make of me a great nation.

00:11:48.200 --> 00:11:50.000
 I've gathered great possession.

00:11:50.840 --> 00:11:52.120
 How will you make of me.

00:11:52.379 --> 00:11:53.220
 A great nation.

00:11:54.100 --> 00:11:55.779
 Ten years.

00:11:56.080 --> 00:11:57.259
 I just ask you to put yourself.

00:11:57.259 --> 00:11:58.200
 In his shoes.

00:11:58.360 --> 00:11:59.600
 And try to think about.

00:12:00.059 --> 00:12:01.620
 What that would feel like for you.

00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:03.720
 Some of you have.

00:12:04.279 --> 00:12:05.720
 Problems waiting ten days.

00:12:05.720 --> 00:12:06.799
 For something you believe the Lord.

00:12:07.179 --> 00:12:08.480
 Is going to do for you.

00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:10.299
 But he is now.

00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:12.039
 By faith.

00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:14.279
 With some faithfulness mixed in.

00:12:14.940 --> 00:12:17.200
 Been waiting ten years.

00:12:17.759 --> 00:12:18.440
 God in his kindness.

00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:18.820
 Comes.

00:12:19.539 --> 00:12:19.940
 To Abram.

00:12:19.980 --> 00:12:20.659
 We can read of this.

00:12:20.720 --> 00:12:21.980
 In Genesis chapter 15.

00:12:22.980 --> 00:12:24.179
 Verse one and following.

00:12:25.299 --> 00:12:26.659
 After these things.

00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:27.039
 My.

00:12:27.360 --> 00:12:28.480
 Fast summary of them.

00:12:28.480 --> 00:12:30.180
 The word of the Lord.

00:12:30.180 --> 00:12:31.159
 Came to Abram.

00:12:31.259 --> 00:12:31.940
 In a vision.

00:12:33.039 --> 00:12:33.920
 Fear not Abram.

00:12:34.060 --> 00:12:35.139
 I am your shield.

00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:36.560
 Your reward.

00:12:36.560 --> 00:12:38.039
 Shall be very great.

00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:40.019
 But Abram said.

00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:41.259
 Oh Lord God.

00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:42.779
 What will you give me.

00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:43.960
 For I continue.

00:12:44.200 --> 00:12:44.680
 Childless.

00:12:44.779 --> 00:12:45.800
 And the heir of my house.

00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:47.680
 Is Eleazar of Damascus.

00:12:48.420 --> 00:12:49.480
 And Abram said.

00:12:49.560 --> 00:12:50.080
 Behold.

00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:51.159
 You have given me.

00:12:51.259 --> 00:12:51.980
 No offspring.

00:12:52.519 --> 00:12:54.060
 And a member of my household.

00:12:54.420 --> 00:12:55.200
 Will be my heir.

00:12:56.039 --> 00:12:56.659
 And behold.

00:12:56.720 --> 00:12:57.240
 The word of the Lord.

00:12:57.320 --> 00:12:58.039
 Came to him.

00:12:58.759 --> 00:12:59.360
 This man.

00:12:59.459 --> 00:13:00.019
 Shall not.

00:13:00.279 --> 00:13:00.799
 Be your heir.

00:13:01.279 --> 00:13:02.659
 Your very own son.

00:13:03.079 --> 00:13:03.939
 Shall be your heir.

00:13:04.579 --> 00:13:05.759
 And he brought him outside.

00:13:06.099 --> 00:13:06.699
 And said.

00:13:07.099 --> 00:13:08.179
 Look toward heaven.

00:13:08.559 --> 00:13:09.980
 And number the stars.

00:13:10.019 --> 00:13:11.259
 If you were able to number them.

00:13:11.759 --> 00:13:12.740
 Then he said to him.

00:13:13.459 --> 00:13:13.939
 So.

00:13:14.120 --> 00:13:14.939
 Shall your offspring.

00:13:15.939 --> 00:13:16.259
 Be.

00:13:16.980 --> 00:13:17.339
 And then.

00:13:17.819 --> 00:13:18.539
 Verse six.

00:13:19.219 --> 00:13:20.519
 And he believed the Lord.

00:13:21.099 --> 00:13:21.719
 And he.

00:13:21.860 --> 00:13:22.179
 God.

00:13:22.299 --> 00:13:23.500
 Counted it to him.

00:13:23.939 --> 00:13:24.419
 Abram.

00:13:25.259 --> 00:13:26.219
 As righteousness.

00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:28.500
 Chapter 15.

00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:30.200
 Goes on to speak of God's.

00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:31.279
 Ratification.

00:13:31.759 --> 00:13:32.120
 Of.

00:13:32.800 --> 00:13:33.379
 The covenant.

00:13:33.899 --> 00:13:35.980
 He follows the form of.

00:13:36.779 --> 00:13:37.940
 Covenants that were made.

00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:38.440
 By.

00:13:38.960 --> 00:13:39.259
 Men.

00:13:39.820 --> 00:13:40.740
 He asked that Abram would.

00:13:41.080 --> 00:13:41.759
 Get a heifer.

00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:42.779
 A female goat.

00:13:43.160 --> 00:13:43.779
 A ram.

00:13:44.160 --> 00:13:44.740
 A turtle dove.

00:13:44.879 --> 00:13:45.180
 And a.

00:13:45.600 --> 00:13:46.379
 Young pigeon.

00:13:47.139 --> 00:13:48.560
 And these animals are divided.

00:13:48.720 --> 00:13:49.700
 They are torn in two.

00:13:49.820 --> 00:13:50.460
 And laid out.

00:13:50.540 --> 00:13:51.680
 In rows on the ground.

00:13:51.799 --> 00:13:52.399
 Except for the birds.

00:13:52.439 --> 00:13:53.099
 And I'm not sure why.

00:13:53.159 --> 00:13:53.719
 If you know why.

00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:54.599
 Please come tell me.

00:13:55.699 --> 00:13:56.939
 But the others are laid out.

00:13:57.019 --> 00:13:57.559
 On the ground.

00:13:58.659 --> 00:13:59.759
 And in human.

00:14:00.579 --> 00:14:01.539
 Covenant ratification.

00:14:01.859 --> 00:14:03.599
 Both parties would walk between.

00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:05.559
 Those animals.

00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:06.839
 That were rent in two.

00:14:07.279 --> 00:14:08.579
 And what they were saying is.

00:14:08.739 --> 00:14:10.519
 If I don't keep my part of this covenant.

00:14:10.859 --> 00:14:11.799
 May it be to me.

00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:12.839
 As it's been to these.

00:14:13.239 --> 00:14:13.679
 Animals.

00:14:14.059 --> 00:14:14.219
 Right.

00:14:14.299 --> 00:14:14.859
 That I would be.

00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:15.919
 Torn in.

00:14:16.859 --> 00:14:17.259
 Two.

00:14:17.259 --> 00:14:19.539
 But God doesn't allow.

00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:20.100
 Abram.

00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:20.779
 To participate.

00:14:21.360 --> 00:14:22.439
 In this covenant ratification.

00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:23.439
 But he himself.

00:14:23.759 --> 00:14:24.580
 Passes through.

00:14:24.919 --> 00:14:25.379
 In a vision.

00:14:25.740 --> 00:14:27.240
 As a smoking fire pot.

00:14:27.539 --> 00:14:28.220
 And a flaming.

00:14:28.960 --> 00:14:29.439
 Torch.

00:14:29.860 --> 00:14:31.419
 Draws back on the imagery.

00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:32.379
 Of God.

00:14:32.919 --> 00:14:33.980
 Draws forward to the imagery.

00:14:34.080 --> 00:14:34.419
 Excuse me.

00:14:34.740 --> 00:14:36.059
 Of God leading his people.

00:14:36.279 --> 00:14:36.700
 Out.

00:14:38.059 --> 00:14:39.259
 Smoking fire pillar.

00:14:39.419 --> 00:14:39.899
 And flaming.

00:14:40.519 --> 00:14:40.720
 Pillar.

00:14:41.659 --> 00:14:42.559
 This covenant.

00:14:42.960 --> 00:14:43.919
 Was all.

00:14:43.919 --> 00:14:44.919
 Of God's.

00:14:45.419 --> 00:14:45.700
 Doing.

00:14:46.480 --> 00:14:46.980
 He is saying.

00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:48.820
 I will bring it to pass.

00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:50.259
 I will do it.

00:14:50.300 --> 00:14:51.259
 I will be faithful.

00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:52.240
 To this covenant.

00:14:52.440 --> 00:14:52.960
 Even if.

00:14:53.279 --> 00:14:53.740
 You are.

00:14:54.639 --> 00:14:55.240
 Unfaithful.

00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:56.259
 To this covenant.

00:14:56.659 --> 00:14:57.220
 Will happen.

00:14:57.320 --> 00:14:58.039
 Because I have.

00:14:58.600 --> 00:14:58.940
 Said it.

00:14:59.600 --> 00:14:59.960
 So.

00:15:01.460 --> 00:15:02.019
 Now.

00:15:02.379 --> 00:15:03.060
 It is not.

00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:03.500
 Until.

00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:04.060
 Chapter.

00:15:04.600 --> 00:15:04.920
 Twenty.

00:15:04.920 --> 00:15:05.360
 One.

00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:07.060
 That a son is born.

00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:08.740
 To Abraham's.

00:15:09.300 --> 00:15:09.800
 Wife.

00:15:10.139 --> 00:15:10.399
 Sarah.

00:15:11.460 --> 00:15:12.560
 Isaac was born.

00:15:13.580 --> 00:15:13.899
 Twenty.

00:15:13.980 --> 00:15:14.480
 Five.

00:15:14.620 --> 00:15:15.139
 Years.

00:15:15.340 --> 00:15:16.340
 After God's.

00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:16.940
 Original.

00:15:16.940 --> 00:15:17.540
 Command.

00:15:17.540 --> 00:15:18.220
 And promise.

00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:19.440
 In Genesis.

00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:20.399
 Twelve.

00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:21.720
 He's 75.

00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:22.960
 When he's called to go.

00:15:23.360 --> 00:15:24.700
 He's a hundred years old.

00:15:24.780 --> 00:15:25.379
 When Isaac.

00:15:25.899 --> 00:15:26.320
 Is born.

00:15:26.399 --> 00:15:26.800
 It has been.

00:15:26.940 --> 00:15:27.340
 Twenty.

00:15:27.340 --> 00:15:27.820
 Five.

00:15:28.580 --> 00:15:29.180
 Years.

00:15:29.360 --> 00:15:29.700
 Of.

00:15:30.139 --> 00:15:30.580
 Faith.

00:15:31.060 --> 00:15:31.879
 And patience.

00:15:32.160 --> 00:15:32.899
 Of him looking.

00:15:33.160 --> 00:15:33.680
 Toward.

00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:34.340
 This.

00:15:34.700 --> 00:15:35.100
 Promise.

00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:35.580
 Of God.

00:15:35.660 --> 00:15:36.780
 This is what the author of Hebrews.

00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:38.040
 Is drawing their minds.

00:15:38.120 --> 00:15:38.540
 Back to.

00:15:38.660 --> 00:15:39.580
 Imitate him.

00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:40.139
 Twenty.

00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:40.660
 Five.

00:15:40.800 --> 00:15:41.240
 Years.

00:15:41.500 --> 00:15:42.400
 Of waiting.

00:15:43.180 --> 00:15:43.740
 Waiting.

00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.620
 For this thing.

00:15:45.279 --> 00:15:46.320
 To come to pass.

00:15:47.600 --> 00:15:48.000
 And then.

00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:49.519
 A most curious thing.

00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:50.000
 Happens.

00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:50.519
 In chapter.

00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:51.440
 Twenty.

00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:54.500
 God tests Abraham's faith.

00:15:54.700 --> 00:15:55.680
 By asking him.

00:15:56.320 --> 00:15:57.220
 To sacrifice.

00:15:57.419 --> 00:15:57.820
 Isaac.

00:15:58.480 --> 00:15:59.320
 To him.

00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:01.000
 Genesis chapter.

00:16:01.139 --> 00:16:01.419
 Twenty.

00:16:01.539 --> 00:16:01.919
 And verse.

00:16:02.000 --> 00:16:02.279
 Two.

00:16:03.279 --> 00:16:03.799
 God said.

00:16:03.860 --> 00:16:04.560
 Take your son.

00:16:04.600 --> 00:16:05.440
 Your only son.

00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:05.960
 Isaac.

00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:07.379
 Whom you love.

00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:08.960
 And go to the land.

00:16:09.019 --> 00:16:09.519
 Of Moriah.

00:16:09.720 --> 00:16:10.580
 And offer him there.

00:16:10.659 --> 00:16:11.519
 As a burnt offering.

00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:12.639
 On one of the mountains.

00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:13.639
 Of which.

00:16:14.279 --> 00:16:15.259
 I shall tell you.

00:16:16.699 --> 00:16:17.439
 So his.

00:16:17.779 --> 00:16:18.279
 Progeny.

00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:18.519
 His.

00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:19.600
 One son.

00:16:19.679 --> 00:16:20.799
 His only son.

00:16:21.120 --> 00:16:21.279
 Right.

00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:21.799
 His.

00:16:21.960 --> 00:16:22.379
 Hope.

00:16:22.460 --> 00:16:23.220
 That this promise.

00:16:23.220 --> 00:16:24.319
 Would come true.

00:16:24.840 --> 00:16:25.120
 Twenty.

00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:25.559
 Five.

00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:26.179
 Years.

00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:26.779
 Of waiting.

00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:29.039
 He's beginning to see it happen.

00:16:29.539 --> 00:16:30.559
 And then God says.

00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:32.340
 Sacrifice him.

00:16:33.100 --> 00:16:33.860
 To me.

00:16:34.139 --> 00:16:35.139
 How could Abraham.

00:16:35.559 --> 00:16:35.879
 Do.

00:16:36.519 --> 00:16:37.240
 Such a thing.

00:16:38.579 --> 00:16:39.100
 How could he.

00:16:39.980 --> 00:16:40.360
 Fathom.

00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:41.860
 Having that kind of faith.

00:16:42.039 --> 00:16:43.820
 To still believe God's promise.

00:16:44.440 --> 00:16:45.399
 To do this.

00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:46.600
 Thing.

00:16:47.899 --> 00:16:48.279
 Beloved.

00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:49.360
 We are not obedient.

00:16:49.560 --> 00:16:50.120
 In this way.

00:16:51.039 --> 00:16:51.899
 But we should be.

00:16:52.300 --> 00:16:53.539
 We are sluggish.

00:16:54.000 --> 00:16:54.879
 In our acting.

00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:56.019
 When we consider.

00:16:56.379 --> 00:16:57.340
 Abraham's faith.

00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:58.580
 In this matter.

00:16:59.580 --> 00:17:00.019
 How.

00:17:00.379 --> 00:17:01.019
 Was he able.

00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:02.000
 To do this.

00:17:02.039 --> 00:17:02.519
 When we get a clue.

00:17:02.600 --> 00:17:03.019
 From the text.

00:17:03.100 --> 00:17:03.820
 Genesis chapter twenty.

00:17:03.820 --> 00:17:04.000
 Two.

00:17:04.099 --> 00:17:05.059
 Verses four and five.

00:17:05.860 --> 00:17:06.240
 Says.

00:17:06.380 --> 00:17:07.200
 On the third day.

00:17:07.740 --> 00:17:09.319
 Abraham lifted up his eyes.

00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:10.799
 And saw the place.

00:17:10.939 --> 00:17:11.399
 From afar.

00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:11.859
 The mountain.

00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:12.779
 That God had told him.

00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:13.339
 To go to.

00:17:14.039 --> 00:17:14.960
 Then Abraham said.

00:17:15.039 --> 00:17:15.839
 To his young men.

00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:17.339
 Stay here.

00:17:17.379 --> 00:17:17.899
 With the donkey.

00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:19.700
 I and the boy.

00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:20.919
 Will go over there.

00:17:21.379 --> 00:17:22.139
 And worship.

00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:23.960
 And I don't think.

00:17:23.960 --> 00:17:24.559
 He's lying.

00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:26.319
 And come.

00:17:26.559 --> 00:17:26.919
 Again.

00:17:27.960 --> 00:17:28.639
 To you.

00:17:29.639 --> 00:17:30.599
 Abraham had the power.

00:17:30.659 --> 00:17:31.220
 To tell his servants.

00:17:31.220 --> 00:17:31.700
 To stay.

00:17:31.839 --> 00:17:32.700
 I'm going to sacrifice.

00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:33.339
 My son.

00:17:33.399 --> 00:17:34.159
 You can't do anything.

00:17:34.159 --> 00:17:34.859
 About that.

00:17:35.700 --> 00:17:36.720
 But he doesn't.

00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:38.079
 Stay here.

00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:38.559
 With the donkey.

00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:39.460
 I and the boy.

00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:40.259
 Will go over there.

00:17:40.299 --> 00:17:40.740
 And worship.

00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:42.059
 And come again.

00:17:42.259 --> 00:17:42.500
 We.

00:17:42.679 --> 00:17:43.819
 Will come again.

00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:45.899
 To you.

00:17:46.819 --> 00:17:48.059
 He knew somehow.

00:17:48.379 --> 00:17:49.079
 The promise.

00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:51.359
 And believing the promise.

00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.279
 Would come through.

00:17:52.379 --> 00:17:53.199
 His son.

00:17:53.539 --> 00:17:54.079
 Would still.

00:17:54.839 --> 00:17:55.619
 Be fulfilled.

00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:56.000
 And the.

00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:57.480
 Author of Hebrews.

00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:58.220
 Writes to this.

00:17:58.319 --> 00:17:58.960
 Chapter eleven.

00:17:59.079 --> 00:17:59.599
 Verse seventeen.

00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:00.079
 And following.

00:18:00.199 --> 00:18:00.659
 By faith.

00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.039
 Abraham.

00:18:01.139 --> 00:18:01.859
 When he was tested.

00:18:02.220 --> 00:18:03.059
 Offered up Isaac.

00:18:03.659 --> 00:18:04.919
 And he who had received.

00:18:04.919 --> 00:18:05.559
 The promises.

00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:07.259
 Was in the act.

00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:08.019
 Of offering up.

00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:08.859
 His only son.

00:18:08.940 --> 00:18:09.440
 Of whom.

00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:10.339
 It was said.

00:18:10.779 --> 00:18:11.539
 Through Isaac.

00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:12.579
 Shall your offspring.

00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:13.819
 Be named.

00:18:14.680 --> 00:18:15.500
 He considered.

00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:16.140
 That God.

00:18:16.220 --> 00:18:16.759
 Was able.

00:18:16.879 --> 00:18:17.900
 Even to raise him.

00:18:17.900 --> 00:18:18.700
 From the dead.

00:18:19.539 --> 00:18:20.240
 From which.

00:18:20.579 --> 00:18:21.440
 Figuratively speaking.

00:18:22.019 --> 00:18:22.640
 He did.

00:18:23.119 --> 00:18:24.119
 Receive him back.

00:18:25.559 --> 00:18:26.200
 So Abraham.

00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:26.879
 Knew.

00:18:26.879 --> 00:18:27.599
 That God.

00:18:27.819 --> 00:18:28.960
 Was going to be good.

00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:29.960
 To his word.

00:18:30.879 --> 00:18:31.740
 So he goes through.

00:18:31.859 --> 00:18:32.839
 The whole process.

00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:33.599
 Right.

00:18:33.740 --> 00:18:34.680
 And we get no record.

00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:35.400
 Of a struggle.

00:18:35.720 --> 00:18:36.259
 From Isaac.

00:18:36.259 --> 00:18:37.819
 I've got to believe.

00:18:37.859 --> 00:18:38.180
 Isaac.

00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:38.220
 Isaac.

00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:39.480
 Had a measure of faith.

00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:40.640
 Father.

00:18:40.759 --> 00:18:41.619
 What are you doing?

00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:44.019
 What about the promise of God?

00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:45.440
 Isn't that supposed to come through me?

00:18:45.660 --> 00:18:46.220
 Yes son.

00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:47.220
 It will come.

00:18:47.819 --> 00:18:48.440
 It's been said.

00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:49.079
 That it would come.

00:18:49.339 --> 00:18:50.079
 Through you.

00:18:50.240 --> 00:18:50.339
 And.

00:18:50.660 --> 00:18:51.059
 Isaac.

00:18:51.559 --> 00:18:52.720
 Allows himself to be bound.

00:18:52.859 --> 00:18:53.799
 Allows himself to be put.

00:18:54.140 --> 00:18:54.680
 On the altar.

00:18:54.799 --> 00:18:55.319
 This is my.

00:18:56.700 --> 00:18:57.140
 Imagination.

00:18:57.379 --> 00:18:57.920
 Of the matter.

00:18:59.099 --> 00:18:59.839
 And as the.

00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:02.019
 Dagger is raised.

00:19:02.579 --> 00:19:03.279
 We know.

00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:03.960
 That God.

00:19:03.960 --> 00:19:04.619
 God spared.

00:19:04.619 --> 00:19:05.200
 Isaac.

00:19:05.759 --> 00:19:07.139
 By providing a ram.

00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:07.700
 To die.

00:19:07.700 --> 00:19:08.759
 In his stead.

00:19:09.139 --> 00:19:09.299
 Right.

00:19:09.599 --> 00:19:10.359
 We are familiar.

00:19:10.359 --> 00:19:11.359
 With this part of the story.

00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:11.980
 At least I hope.

00:19:12.259 --> 00:19:12.839
 That we are.

00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:14.879
 But do you know.

00:19:15.099 --> 00:19:16.299
 How this episode.

00:19:16.779 --> 00:19:17.299
 Ends.

00:19:18.660 --> 00:19:19.740
 God speaks.

00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:20.619
 And this is what.

00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:21.839
 He said.

00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:22.799
 Genesis chapter 2.

00:19:22.879 --> 00:19:23.639
 Verse 16.

00:19:23.740 --> 00:19:24.200
 And following.

00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:27.279
 By myself.

00:19:27.279 --> 00:19:28.380
 I have sworn.

00:19:28.759 --> 00:19:29.380
 Declares the Lord.

00:19:29.920 --> 00:19:31.279
 Because you have done this.

00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:32.940
 And have not withheld your son.

00:19:33.100 --> 00:19:34.160
 Your only son.

00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:36.440
 I will surely bless you.

00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:38.460
 And I will surely multiply your offspring.

00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:39.580
 As the stars of the heaven.

00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:41.420
 And as the sand that is on the seashore.

00:19:41.700 --> 00:19:43.319
 And your offspring shall possess.

00:19:43.539 --> 00:19:44.100
 The gate.

00:19:44.380 --> 00:19:45.059
 Of his enemies.

00:19:45.539 --> 00:19:46.680
 And in your offspring.

00:19:47.100 --> 00:19:49.340
 Shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.

00:19:49.860 --> 00:19:51.279
 Because you have obeyed.

00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:52.880
 My voice.

00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:55.380
 And this has everything to do.

00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:56.120
 With our text.

00:19:56.840 --> 00:19:57.220
 Today.

00:19:58.040 --> 00:19:59.100
 The writer of Hebrews.

00:19:59.100 --> 00:20:00.080
 Is addressing.

00:20:01.520 --> 00:20:02.780
 Abraham's life of faith.

00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:03.460
 Generally.

00:20:04.700 --> 00:20:06.060
 But this is the episode.

00:20:06.060 --> 00:20:06.980
 That the writer of Hebrews.

00:20:07.180 --> 00:20:07.700
 Is addressing.

00:20:08.620 --> 00:20:09.100
 Specifically.

00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:10.680
 In fact.

00:20:10.940 --> 00:20:11.680
 The writer of Hebrews.

00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:12.340
 Is citing.

00:20:12.600 --> 00:20:13.600
 Genesis chapter 22.

00:20:13.820 --> 00:20:14.660
 Verse 17.

00:20:15.420 --> 00:20:15.840
 In.

00:20:16.360 --> 00:20:17.300
 Hebrews chapter 6.

00:20:17.400 --> 00:20:17.700
 Verse.

00:20:18.780 --> 00:20:19.340
 14.

00:20:20.040 --> 00:20:20.180
 Right.

00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:20.980
 He says.

00:20:21.880 --> 00:20:22.360
 Surely.

00:20:22.359 --> 00:20:23.419
 I will bless you.

00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:25.099
 And multiply you.

00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:25.879
 In verse.

00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:27.059
 14.

00:20:27.859 --> 00:20:28.859
 So then here again.

00:20:28.939 --> 00:20:29.699
 Verse 13.

00:20:30.199 --> 00:20:31.579
 For when God made a promise.

00:20:31.719 --> 00:20:32.279
 To Abraham.

00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:35.059
 Since he had no one greater.

00:20:35.139 --> 00:20:36.199
 By whom to swear.

00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:37.439
 He swore.

00:20:37.919 --> 00:20:39.019
 By himself.

00:20:39.699 --> 00:20:40.799
 Because God.

00:20:40.959 --> 00:20:41.659
 Has.

00:20:42.199 --> 00:20:42.679
 Promised.

00:20:43.639 --> 00:20:44.479
 We can have.

00:20:44.639 --> 00:20:45.399
 Unshakeable.

00:20:45.939 --> 00:20:46.279
 Faith.

00:20:46.779 --> 00:20:47.619
 Immovable.

00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:48.899
 Faith.

00:20:48.900 --> 00:20:48.980
 Faith.

00:20:50.180 --> 00:20:51.400
 And then verse 15.

00:20:52.140 --> 00:20:53.140
 And thus Abraham.

00:20:53.940 --> 00:20:54.480
 Having.

00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:55.540
 Patiently.

00:20:55.800 --> 00:20:56.280
 Waited.

00:20:57.080 --> 00:20:57.680
 Obtained.

00:20:58.800 --> 00:20:59.660
 The promise.

00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:01.780
 Realized.

00:21:02.640 --> 00:21:03.500
 The promise.

00:21:04.780 --> 00:21:05.300
 James.

00:21:05.380 --> 00:21:05.920
 Writes to this.

00:21:06.019 --> 00:21:06.360
 In James.

00:21:06.600 --> 00:21:07.200
 Chapter 2.

00:21:07.320 --> 00:21:08.300
 Verse 21 and 22.

00:21:08.860 --> 00:21:09.680
 Was not Abraham.

00:21:09.800 --> 00:21:10.200
 Our father.

00:21:10.360 --> 00:21:10.940
 Justified.

00:21:11.019 --> 00:21:11.519
 By works.

00:21:11.580 --> 00:21:12.380
 When he offered up.

00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.300
 His son Isaac.

00:21:13.299 --> 00:21:14.859
 On the altar.

00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:16.819
 You see that faith.

00:21:16.819 --> 00:21:17.440
 Was active.

00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:18.619
 Along with his works.

00:21:18.779 --> 00:21:19.299
 And faith.

00:21:19.659 --> 00:21:20.599
 Was completed.

00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.319
 By his works.

00:21:22.680 --> 00:21:23.720
 He showed himself.

00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:24.379
 Faithful.

00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:25.039
 And he.

00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:26.480
 Obtained.

00:21:27.359 --> 00:21:28.059
 The promise.

00:21:28.779 --> 00:21:29.639
 So the author of Hebrews.

00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.779
 Is writing to this.

00:21:31.240 --> 00:21:32.099
 Beleaguered church.

00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:32.839
 This tired.

00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:33.500
 Exhausted.

00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:34.619
 Worn out church.

00:21:34.859 --> 00:21:35.980
 A church that had suffered.

00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:36.859
 And would.

00:21:37.159 --> 00:21:37.539
 Suffer.

00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:38.440
 More.

00:21:39.359 --> 00:21:40.099
 And he's saying.

00:21:40.779 --> 00:21:41.440
 Imitate.

00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:42.640
 Imitate.

00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:43.380
 This faith.

00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:44.120
 And patience.

00:21:44.400 --> 00:21:44.539
 Like.

00:21:44.900 --> 00:21:46.019
 Look to the promise.

00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:47.200
 To the reward.

00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:49.500
 And he gives them.

00:21:49.840 --> 00:21:50.120
 Two.

00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:52.320
 Things we have.

00:21:53.220 --> 00:21:54.820
 In order to be able to do that.

00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:56.279
 First.

00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:57.860
 We have.

00:21:58.080 --> 00:21:58.640
 God's.

00:21:59.200 --> 00:21:59.620
 Word.

00:22:00.860 --> 00:22:01.380
 We have.

00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:02.120
 God's.

00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:03.759
 Word.

00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:05.759
 Verse 16.

00:22:05.840 --> 00:22:06.160
 And following.

00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:07.880
 For people swear by something greater.

00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:08.799
 Than.

00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:10.039
 Themselves.

00:22:10.600 --> 00:22:11.259
 And in all.

00:22:11.259 --> 00:22:12.019
 All their disputes.

00:22:12.200 --> 00:22:12.619
 An oath.

00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:13.579
 Is final.

00:22:13.680 --> 00:22:14.420
 For confirmation.

00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:16.339
 So God.

00:22:16.819 --> 00:22:17.019
 Right.

00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:18.240
 In order to.

00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:18.960
 Make.

00:22:19.180 --> 00:22:19.619
 An oath.

00:22:19.799 --> 00:22:20.599
 Trustworthy.

00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:21.559
 Right.

00:22:21.940 --> 00:22:23.480
 He swears upon.

00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:24.420
 Something.

00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:26.099
 Greater.

00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:26.740
 Than himself.

00:22:27.339 --> 00:22:27.879
 He can't.

00:22:27.940 --> 00:22:28.259
 There is.

00:22:28.559 --> 00:22:28.859
 Nothing.

00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:29.240
 Greater.

00:22:29.400 --> 00:22:29.680
 Than.

00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:30.539
 Him.

00:22:32.140 --> 00:22:32.900
 The reason.

00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.339
 That human.

00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:34.019
 Oaths.

00:22:34.299 --> 00:22:34.539
 Were.

00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:35.180
 And are.

00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:35.599
 Often.

00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:35.960
 Used.

00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:36.339
 Today.

00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.039
 To end.

00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:37.920
 Disputes.

00:22:38.599 --> 00:22:39.960
 Is because of the sinfulness.

00:22:40.099 --> 00:22:40.960
 Of human speech.

00:22:40.960 --> 00:22:41.519
 We are not.

00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.140
 Naturally.

00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:42.700
 Very.

00:22:43.380 --> 00:22:43.940
 Trustworthy.

00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:46.039
 In ancient culture.

00:22:46.180 --> 00:22:47.039
 People would swear.

00:22:47.180 --> 00:22:47.840
 On something.

00:22:48.240 --> 00:22:48.539
 Greater.

00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:49.059
 Than.

00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:50.279
 Themselves.

00:22:50.640 --> 00:22:51.039
 So they would.

00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:51.740
 Swear on.

00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:52.519
 The temple.

00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:53.660
 They would swear on.

00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:54.660
 Caesar.

00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:55.900
 They would.

00:22:56.220 --> 00:22:56.660
 Appeal.

00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:57.180
 To something.

00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:57.840
 Outside.

00:22:57.940 --> 00:22:58.220
 Of.

00:22:59.000 --> 00:22:59.640
 Themselves.

00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.740
 And amongst the Jews.

00:23:01.840 --> 00:23:02.380
 The greatest.

00:23:02.380 --> 00:23:02.819
 Oath.

00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:03.519
 That could be given.

00:23:03.700 --> 00:23:03.940
 Will be.

00:23:04.120 --> 00:23:05.019
 One sworn.

00:23:05.380 --> 00:23:06.279
 On the name.

00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:07.380
 Of God.

00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:07.980
 God.

00:23:07.980 --> 00:23:08.860
 This is because.

00:23:09.020 --> 00:23:09.700
 They were afraid.

00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:10.900
 Of transgressing.

00:23:11.280 --> 00:23:12.340
 The third commandment.

00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:13.500
 To not misuse.

00:23:14.240 --> 00:23:15.080
 The name of God.

00:23:15.520 --> 00:23:16.080
 So if.

00:23:16.620 --> 00:23:16.840
 A Jew.

00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:17.720
 Wanted to totally.

00:23:17.860 --> 00:23:18.420
 Put a dispute.

00:23:18.640 --> 00:23:18.780
 Like.

00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:19.360
 Listen.

00:23:19.500 --> 00:23:20.340
 Believe me.

00:23:21.360 --> 00:23:22.160
 He or she.

00:23:22.300 --> 00:23:22.760
 Would swear.

00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:23.560
 On God.

00:23:23.960 --> 00:23:24.280
 Himself.

00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:25.980
 Which is exactly.

00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:26.620
 What God.

00:23:27.460 --> 00:23:28.040
 Does here.

00:23:28.820 --> 00:23:29.340
 People swear.

00:23:29.400 --> 00:23:29.680
 By something.

00:23:29.760 --> 00:23:30.480
 Greater than themselves.

00:23:30.920 --> 00:23:31.960
 And in all their disputes.

00:23:32.080 --> 00:23:32.640
 An oath.

00:23:32.900 --> 00:23:33.780
 Is final.

00:23:34.820 --> 00:23:35.560
 For confirmation.

00:23:35.559 --> 00:23:36.440
 Verse 17.

00:23:36.579 --> 00:23:37.179
 So when God.

00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:37.779
 Desired to show.

00:23:37.879 --> 00:23:38.579
 More convincingly.

00:23:38.619 --> 00:23:39.000
 To the heirs.

00:23:39.039 --> 00:23:39.559
 Of the promise.

00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:40.759
 The unchangeable.

00:23:40.899 --> 00:23:41.299
 Character.

00:23:41.700 --> 00:23:42.599
 Of his purpose.

00:23:43.179 --> 00:23:44.139
 He guaranteed it.

00:23:44.839 --> 00:23:45.460
 With an oath.

00:23:46.539 --> 00:23:47.399
 So that by two.

00:23:47.659 --> 00:23:48.500
 Unchangeable things.

00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:49.579
 In which it is impossible.

00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:50.419
 For God to lie.

00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:52.279
 We who have fled.

00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:53.000
 For refuge.

00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:54.000
 Might have strong.

00:23:54.119 --> 00:23:54.599
 Encouragement.

00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:55.599
 To hold fast.

00:23:56.079 --> 00:23:56.579
 To the hope.

00:23:56.659 --> 00:23:57.419
 Set before us.

00:23:58.179 --> 00:23:58.759
 So two.

00:23:59.200 --> 00:23:59.679
 Unchangeable.

00:23:59.919 --> 00:24:00.279
 Things.

00:24:00.980 --> 00:24:01.919
 God himself.

00:24:03.279 --> 00:24:04.220
 His person.

00:24:04.599 --> 00:24:05.359
 His character.

00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:06.500
 There is nothing higher.

00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:07.019
 By which.

00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:07.799
 He could.

00:24:08.419 --> 00:24:08.720
 Swear.

00:24:09.619 --> 00:24:10.440
 And his oath.

00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.679
 His word.

00:24:12.359 --> 00:24:12.559
 Right?

00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:13.379
 In which.

00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:14.419
 It is impossible.

00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:15.720
 For God.

00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.319
 To lie.

00:24:18.399 --> 00:24:19.279
 So those of us.

00:24:19.359 --> 00:24:19.519
 Who have.

00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:20.980
 Fled for refuge.

00:24:21.639 --> 00:24:22.879
 Are running away.

00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:23.980
 From sin.

00:24:24.240 --> 00:24:25.159
 And the condemnation.

00:24:25.159 --> 00:24:25.700
 Of it.

00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:26.460
 And have.

00:24:26.839 --> 00:24:27.879
 Fled to God.

00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:28.940
 In Christ.

00:24:29.919 --> 00:24:30.419
 Have.

00:24:30.879 --> 00:24:31.480
 Strong.

00:24:31.899 --> 00:24:32.440
 Encouragement.

00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:33.879
 To hold fast.

00:24:33.880 --> 00:24:35.560
 To hang in.

00:24:35.560 --> 00:24:37.280
 To not give up.

00:24:37.760 --> 00:24:38.740
 Because of the hope.

00:24:39.340 --> 00:24:40.340
 Set before us.

00:24:40.620 --> 00:24:40.720
 Right?

00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:41.620
 The hope.

00:24:41.900 --> 00:24:43.640
 Of realized promise.

00:24:43.760 --> 00:24:44.540
 We have a confidence.

00:24:44.540 --> 00:24:45.320
 That it will.

00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:45.860
 Be.

00:24:46.620 --> 00:24:47.180
 Realized.

00:24:48.560 --> 00:24:49.720
 This is why Jesus.

00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.580
 Has the confidence.

00:24:50.580 --> 00:24:51.040
 To pray.

00:24:51.160 --> 00:24:52.380
 In John chapter 17.

00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:53.380
 And verse 17.

00:24:54.380 --> 00:24:55.380
 Sanctify them.

00:24:56.080 --> 00:24:57.080
 In the truth.

00:24:57.720 --> 00:24:58.780
 Your word.

00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:00.480
 Is truth.

00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:00.599
 Faith.

00:25:01.960 --> 00:25:03.079
 On your bulletin.

00:25:03.400 --> 00:25:03.900
 John Trapp.

00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:04.400
 Who was a.

00:25:04.400 --> 00:25:05.240
 17th century.

00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:06.240
 Anglican.

00:25:06.440 --> 00:25:07.259
 If I'm.

00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:08.319
 I'm remembering that correctly.

00:25:09.200 --> 00:25:09.960
 Said this.

00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:11.200
 It is the nature of faith.

00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:12.240
 To believe God.

00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.819
 Upon his bare word.

00:25:14.339 --> 00:25:15.680
 God has said something.

00:25:16.079 --> 00:25:17.599
 Faith believes that thing.

00:25:18.360 --> 00:25:19.539
 It is the nature of faith.

00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:20.200
 To believe God.

00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:21.839
 Upon his bare word.

00:25:22.360 --> 00:25:23.620
 It will not be.

00:25:24.079 --> 00:25:24.400
 Saith.

00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:25.099
 Since.

00:25:25.599 --> 00:25:27.200
 It cannot be.

00:25:27.660 --> 00:25:28.140
 Saith.

00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:28.640
 Reason.

00:25:28.640 --> 00:25:30.700
 It both can.

00:25:30.940 --> 00:25:32.200
 And will be.

00:25:32.560 --> 00:25:33.259
 Saith faith.

00:25:33.800 --> 00:25:34.520
 For I.

00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:35.980
 Have a promise.

00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:38.660
 God's word.

00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:40.980
 Reveals to us.

00:25:41.060 --> 00:25:42.140
 His loving kindness.

00:25:42.780 --> 00:25:43.400
 Toward us.

00:25:44.160 --> 00:25:45.220
 And it speaks.

00:25:45.620 --> 00:25:46.140
 Greatly.

00:25:46.360 --> 00:25:47.200
 Of his purpose.

00:25:47.840 --> 00:25:48.660
 For his people.

00:25:49.720 --> 00:25:50.580
 We ought to take it up.

00:25:50.680 --> 00:25:51.100
 And we ought to.

00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:51.920
 Know it.

00:25:52.800 --> 00:25:53.720
 If you don't have a.

00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:55.240
 Confident foundation.

00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:56.640
 On which to set your salvation.

00:25:56.820 --> 00:25:57.440
 You need to be.

00:25:57.440 --> 00:25:59.000
 In his word.

00:25:59.640 --> 00:26:00.059
 You need to be.

00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:00.980
 Studying it.

00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:02.480
 What does it have to say.

00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:03.660
 For you.

00:26:04.160 --> 00:26:04.519
 And.

00:26:05.279 --> 00:26:05.840
 For us.

00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.160
 We have.

00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:07.940
 God's.

00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:08.779
 Word.

00:26:10.360 --> 00:26:10.779
 Secondly.

00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:12.680
 We have.

00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:13.220
 God's.

00:26:13.420 --> 00:26:13.759
 Anchor.

00:26:14.600 --> 00:26:14.980
 We have.

00:26:15.080 --> 00:26:15.600
 God's.

00:26:17.059 --> 00:26:17.480
 Anchor.

00:26:18.120 --> 00:26:18.559
 I feel like.

00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:18.840
 We've.

00:26:19.180 --> 00:26:19.620
 Referenced.

00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.100
 These two verses.

00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:22.279
 More than any other.

00:26:22.340 --> 00:26:22.920
 In the book of Hebrews.

00:26:22.980 --> 00:26:23.820
 As we've been studying.

00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.500
 Elsewhere.

00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:25.080
 In it.

00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:26.079
 So here we.

00:26:26.319 --> 00:26:27.179
 Have finally come.

00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:28.039
 To verses 19.

00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:28.519
 And.

00:26:29.119 --> 00:26:29.559
 20.

00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:30.480
 I have a feeling.

00:26:30.559 --> 00:26:31.019
 We're going to reference.

00:26:31.159 --> 00:26:31.619
 Back to it.

00:26:31.659 --> 00:26:32.119
 Quite a bit.

00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:32.699
 As well.

00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.419
 He uses this.

00:26:34.919 --> 00:26:35.779
 Beautiful imagery.

00:26:36.460 --> 00:26:37.480
 We have this.

00:26:37.679 --> 00:26:38.539
 As a sure.

00:26:39.079 --> 00:26:39.500
 And.

00:26:40.359 --> 00:26:40.799
 Steadfast.

00:26:41.599 --> 00:26:42.079
 Anchor.

00:26:42.919 --> 00:26:43.559
 Of the soul.

00:26:43.899 --> 00:26:44.980
 A confident.

00:26:45.199 --> 00:26:45.579
 Anchor.

00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:46.699
 An immovable.

00:26:46.919 --> 00:26:47.339
 Anchor.

00:26:47.899 --> 00:26:48.599
 Of the soul.

00:26:49.639 --> 00:26:50.379
 A hope.

00:26:50.720 --> 00:26:51.279
 That enters.

00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:52.740
 Into the inner place.

00:26:52.740 --> 00:26:54.140
 Behind the curtain.

00:26:55.019 --> 00:26:56.079
 Where Jesus is gone.

00:26:56.160 --> 00:26:56.859
 As a forerunner.

00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:57.900
 On our behalf.

00:26:58.519 --> 00:26:59.339
 Having become.

00:26:59.620 --> 00:27:00.319
 A high priest.

00:27:00.420 --> 00:27:00.700
 Forever.

00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:02.120
 After the order.

00:27:02.180 --> 00:27:02.900
 Of Melchizedek.

00:27:04.140 --> 00:27:04.819
 An anchor.

00:27:05.799 --> 00:27:07.180
 Is the lifeline.

00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:08.599
 Of a ship.

00:27:09.079 --> 00:27:09.240
 Right.

00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.599
 It holds it firm.

00:27:10.700 --> 00:27:11.099
 In the shelter.

00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:11.620
 Of a bay.

00:27:11.920 --> 00:27:13.279
 And it steadies it.

00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:14.039
 On a storm.

00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:14.759
 Tossed.

00:27:15.259 --> 00:27:15.680
 Sea.

00:27:16.319 --> 00:27:16.500
 Right.

00:27:16.700 --> 00:27:17.200
 A ship.

00:27:17.359 --> 00:27:18.279
 Is safe.

00:27:18.339 --> 00:27:19.359
 Because it has.

00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.839
 An anchor.

00:27:20.839 --> 00:27:22.359
 And Jesus.

00:27:22.819 --> 00:27:23.879
 Is God's.

00:27:24.259 --> 00:27:24.659
 Anchor.

00:27:25.059 --> 00:27:25.740
 And he's given.

00:27:26.419 --> 00:27:27.059
 To us.

00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:29.339
 Jesus is the surety.

00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:30.319
 Of all.

00:27:30.699 --> 00:27:31.199
 The promises.

00:27:32.159 --> 00:27:32.740
 Of God.

00:27:33.679 --> 00:27:34.519
 Paul tells us in.

00:27:34.659 --> 00:27:35.319
 Second Corinthians.

00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:36.099
 Chapter one.

00:27:36.419 --> 00:27:37.199
 Verse twenty.

00:27:37.959 --> 00:27:39.299
 For all the promises.

00:27:39.539 --> 00:27:40.019
 Of God.

00:27:40.419 --> 00:27:41.359
 Find their yes.

00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:42.720
 In Jesus Christ.

00:27:43.359 --> 00:27:44.000
 That is wise.

00:27:44.179 --> 00:27:44.759
 Through him.

00:27:45.159 --> 00:27:45.839
 That we utter.

00:27:45.839 --> 00:27:46.419
 Our amen.

00:27:46.539 --> 00:27:47.000
 To God.

00:27:47.619 --> 00:27:48.419
 For his glory.

00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:48.859
 Right.

00:27:48.919 --> 00:27:50.259
 By we have confidence.

00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:51.740
 As we pray.

00:27:51.839 --> 00:27:52.599
 God's will.

00:27:52.879 --> 00:27:53.960
 Because the promises.

00:27:53.960 --> 00:27:54.579
 Of God.

00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:56.539
 Find their yes.

00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:58.140
 In Jesus Christ.

00:27:59.500 --> 00:27:59.960
 Now.

00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:01.759
 The author of Hebrews.

00:28:01.839 --> 00:28:02.480
 Here speaks.

00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:03.339
 Again.

00:28:04.140 --> 00:28:04.640
 Of something.

00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.619
 That his original audience.

00:28:05.700 --> 00:28:05.960
 Would have been.

00:28:06.180 --> 00:28:07.339
 Extremely familiar with.

00:28:07.420 --> 00:28:08.140
 And we may.

00:28:08.359 --> 00:28:09.400
 Not be quite.

00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:09.900
 As.

00:28:10.859 --> 00:28:11.460
 Familiar with.

00:28:11.460 --> 00:28:12.140
 If you've been here.

00:28:12.400 --> 00:28:12.839
 Long.

00:28:13.180 --> 00:28:14.079
 We've talked about.

00:28:14.299 --> 00:28:14.839
 The temple.

00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.140
 The tabernacle.

00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:16.619
 And the temple.

00:28:16.740 --> 00:28:18.000
 And the way that it was arranged.

00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:18.319
 With.

00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:19.899
 A series of.

00:28:20.619 --> 00:28:21.019
 Courts.

00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:23.059
 And in the inner part of the temple.

00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:24.859
 There was a place called the.

00:28:24.859 --> 00:28:25.819
 Holy place.

00:28:26.139 --> 00:28:27.200
 For the worship of God.

00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:28.839
 And then inside of that.

00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:29.359
 There was a.

00:28:29.639 --> 00:28:30.460
 Much smaller place.

00:28:30.519 --> 00:28:30.899
 Called the.

00:28:31.220 --> 00:28:31.480
 Holy.

00:28:31.939 --> 00:28:32.460
 Of holies.

00:28:32.579 --> 00:28:33.639
 This is the place that contained.

00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:34.559
 The ark of the covenant.

00:28:35.059 --> 00:28:35.939
 This is the place where.

00:28:36.119 --> 00:28:37.059
 Only once a year.

00:28:37.139 --> 00:28:37.919
 The high priest.

00:28:37.919 --> 00:28:39.299
 And only the high priest.

00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:40.179
 Would enter.

00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:40.859
 And make.

00:28:41.139 --> 00:28:42.059
 Atoning sacrifice.

00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:43.179
 On the day of atonement.

00:28:43.359 --> 00:28:44.079
 For the people.

00:28:44.500 --> 00:28:44.980
 Of Israel.

00:28:45.439 --> 00:28:45.599
 Right.

00:28:45.740 --> 00:28:46.019
 This.

00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:47.660
 This was the significant place.

00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:49.599
 Where God's glory.

00:28:50.039 --> 00:28:50.279
 Dwelt.

00:28:50.639 --> 00:28:51.099
 He dwelt.

00:28:51.220 --> 00:28:52.259
 Amongst his people.

00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:53.519
 But separate.

00:28:54.119 --> 00:28:54.680
 From them.

00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.680
 And in the temple.

00:28:56.879 --> 00:28:57.839
 There was a massive.

00:28:58.180 --> 00:28:58.980
 Curtain hung.

00:28:59.160 --> 00:29:00.200
 A heavy.

00:29:00.779 --> 00:29:01.139
 Curtain.

00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:02.139
 That was hung.

00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:02.759
 Light.

00:29:02.879 --> 00:29:03.639
 Didn't get through.

00:29:03.900 --> 00:29:04.599
 This curtain.

00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:05.119
 It was.

00:29:05.119 --> 00:29:06.720
 A significant.

00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:08.339
 Separation.

00:29:08.660 --> 00:29:08.819
 From.

00:29:09.079 --> 00:29:09.639
 God's people.

00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:11.599
 Levitical priesthood.

00:29:12.460 --> 00:29:13.339
 And himself.

00:29:13.960 --> 00:29:15.099
 So this one day a year.

00:29:15.099 --> 00:29:16.919
 High priest.

00:29:17.019 --> 00:29:17.599
 Would go in.

00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:19.480
 To this place.

00:29:20.879 --> 00:29:21.659
 And it is.

00:29:22.719 --> 00:29:23.719
 Massively significant.

00:29:24.819 --> 00:29:26.519
 That when Jesus died on the cross.

00:29:26.639 --> 00:29:28.399
 We read in Matthew chapter 27.

00:29:28.579 --> 00:29:29.240
 And verse 51.

00:29:30.179 --> 00:29:30.719
 And behold.

00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:32.919
 The curtain of the temple.

00:29:33.139 --> 00:29:33.659
 Was torn.

00:29:34.059 --> 00:29:34.679
 In two.

00:29:35.139 --> 00:29:36.279
 From top to bottom.

00:29:36.659 --> 00:29:36.819
 Right.

00:29:36.859 --> 00:29:38.059
 No man accomplished.

00:29:38.359 --> 00:29:38.699
 This.

00:29:39.500 --> 00:29:39.719
 Right.

00:29:39.719 --> 00:29:40.639
 God himself.

00:29:40.839 --> 00:29:41.240
 Tore.

00:29:41.599 --> 00:29:42.219
 The curtain.

00:29:42.219 --> 00:29:43.699
 And the earth shook.

00:29:43.700 --> 00:29:45.100
 And the rocks.

00:29:45.620 --> 00:29:46.720
 Were split.

00:29:47.580 --> 00:29:47.720
 Right.

00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:49.180
 Jesus.

00:29:49.840 --> 00:29:50.539
 Through his death.

00:29:50.640 --> 00:29:51.380
 And his resurrection.

00:29:52.019 --> 00:29:53.940
 Has gone in before.

00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:56.100
 He's gone as a forerunner.

00:29:56.360 --> 00:29:57.779
 As a better priest.

00:29:58.279 --> 00:29:58.519
 Right.

00:29:58.720 --> 00:30:00.059
 A high priest forever.

00:30:00.440 --> 00:30:01.519
 After the order of.

00:30:01.980 --> 00:30:02.580
 Melchizedek.

00:30:02.980 --> 00:30:03.740
 He has entered.

00:30:03.960 --> 00:30:05.200
 Into God's.

00:30:05.580 --> 00:30:06.180
 Presence.

00:30:07.319 --> 00:30:08.680
 Serving on our behalf.

00:30:08.819 --> 00:30:09.940
 Interceding on our behalf.

00:30:09.940 --> 00:30:10.680
 As a priest.

00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:12.240
 And he himself.

00:30:12.420 --> 00:30:13.460
 Being the atoning.

00:30:13.980 --> 00:30:14.660
 Sacrifice.

00:30:15.180 --> 00:30:16.400
 That washes away the sins.

00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:17.840
 Of God's people.

00:30:19.240 --> 00:30:20.420
 This is massively.

00:30:21.360 --> 00:30:21.880
 Significant.

00:30:22.880 --> 00:30:23.440
 And there.

00:30:23.580 --> 00:30:24.420
 Is where he is.

00:30:24.500 --> 00:30:25.340
 Our anchor.

00:30:25.860 --> 00:30:26.640
 At the right hand.

00:30:27.120 --> 00:30:27.660
 Of God.

00:30:27.960 --> 00:30:28.539
 The author of Hebrews.

00:30:28.620 --> 00:30:29.440
 Has said this.

00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.420
 Hebrews chapter 1.

00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:31.160
 In verse 3.

00:30:31.700 --> 00:30:32.279
 Jesus Christ.

00:30:32.340 --> 00:30:33.660
 Is the radiance of the glory of God.

00:30:33.700 --> 00:30:34.720
 And the exact imprint.

00:30:34.720 --> 00:30:35.299
 Of his nature.

00:30:35.640 --> 00:30:36.980
 And he upholds the universe.

00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:37.980
 By the word of his power.

00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:39.960
 After making purification.

00:30:39.960 --> 00:30:40.860
 For sins.

00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:42.360
 He sat down.

00:30:42.660 --> 00:30:43.799
 At the right hand.

00:30:44.240 --> 00:30:44.980
 Of the majesty.

00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.319
 On high.

00:30:47.579 --> 00:30:49.200
 It's a massive significance.

00:30:49.200 --> 00:30:49.900
 That we have.

00:30:50.220 --> 00:30:50.660
 Jesus.

00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:52.099
 As a priest.

00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:53.940
 Why would we ever want to go back.

00:30:54.019 --> 00:30:54.960
 To serving God.

00:30:55.360 --> 00:30:56.860
 Through the Levitical priesthood.

00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:58.099
 Would be the original.

00:30:58.380 --> 00:30:59.480
 Audience's response.

00:31:00.960 --> 00:31:02.180
 Why would we ever.

00:31:02.680 --> 00:31:02.940
 Go.

00:31:03.319 --> 00:31:04.059
 That way.

00:31:04.400 --> 00:31:05.140
 When we have.

00:31:05.259 --> 00:31:05.720
 The way.

00:31:05.839 --> 00:31:07.039
 Of Christ.

00:31:07.039 --> 00:31:08.420
 The sure.

00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:09.879
 And steadfast.

00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:11.240
 Anchor.

00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:14.500
 And the only sensible answer.

00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:15.319
 Is we wouldn't.

00:31:16.220 --> 00:31:17.099
 Why would we do.

00:31:17.319 --> 00:31:17.680
 Such.

00:31:18.119 --> 00:31:18.559
 A thing.

00:31:19.000 --> 00:31:19.819
 We have.

00:31:20.039 --> 00:31:20.480
 Such.

00:31:20.659 --> 00:31:21.359
 A hope.

00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:23.359
 For the promise.

00:31:25.099 --> 00:31:25.879
 And here's the.

00:31:26.960 --> 00:31:27.480
 Further.

00:31:27.720 --> 00:31:28.119
 Astounding.

00:31:28.680 --> 00:31:28.960
 Thing.

00:31:30.099 --> 00:31:30.619
 And Paul writes.

00:31:30.680 --> 00:31:31.980
 In Ephesians chapter 2.

00:31:32.500 --> 00:31:33.720
 Verses 4 through 6.

00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:34.819
 The memory work.

00:31:34.899 --> 00:31:35.359
 For the children.

00:31:35.359 --> 00:31:37.559
 God being rich.

00:31:37.559 --> 00:31:38.339
 In mercy.

00:31:39.139 --> 00:31:40.159
 Because of the great love.

00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:41.179
 With which he loved us.

00:31:41.319 --> 00:31:42.619
 Even when we were dead.

00:31:42.819 --> 00:31:43.979
 In our trespasses.

00:31:44.579 --> 00:31:45.699
 Made us alive.

00:31:45.859 --> 00:31:46.259
 Together.

00:31:46.679 --> 00:31:47.399
 With Christ.

00:31:47.719 --> 00:31:48.219
 By grace.

00:31:48.279 --> 00:31:49.139
 You have been saved.

00:31:49.899 --> 00:31:50.539
 Verse 6.

00:31:50.919 --> 00:31:52.579
 And raised us up with him.

00:31:52.859 --> 00:31:53.819
 And seated us.

00:31:53.959 --> 00:31:54.559
 With him.

00:31:54.859 --> 00:31:56.439
 In the heavenly places.

00:31:56.819 --> 00:31:57.179
 In.

00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:58.019
 Christ.

00:31:58.819 --> 00:31:59.299
 Jesus.

00:31:59.299 --> 00:31:59.500
 Jesus.

00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:01.720
 We have all the.

00:32:02.220 --> 00:32:02.700
 Benefit.

00:32:02.779 --> 00:32:03.579
 Of God's.

00:32:03.899 --> 00:32:04.299
 Presence.

00:32:04.419 --> 00:32:05.659
 Because Jesus Christ.

00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:07.019
 Sits in his presence.

00:32:07.139 --> 00:32:07.740
 And Paul says.

00:32:07.879 --> 00:32:09.039
 And we are sitting.

00:32:09.500 --> 00:32:09.960
 There.

00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:11.339
 With him.

00:32:13.079 --> 00:32:14.319
 So we live in this.

00:32:14.639 --> 00:32:15.619
 Interesting tension.

00:32:15.819 --> 00:32:16.419
 In our day.

00:32:18.599 --> 00:32:19.839
 Between the kingdom of God.

00:32:20.000 --> 00:32:20.740
 Not yet.

00:32:21.259 --> 00:32:21.740
 Realized.

00:32:22.460 --> 00:32:23.619
 Us being fully.

00:32:23.619 --> 00:32:24.839
 Drawn up into the presence.

00:32:24.839 --> 00:32:25.200
 Of God.

00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:26.079
 Not yet.

00:32:26.480 --> 00:32:27.000
 Realized.

00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:29.460
 But because of the sacrificial work of Christ.

00:32:29.579 --> 00:32:30.819
 It has already been.

00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:32.339
 Actualized.

00:32:33.140 --> 00:32:34.720
 It's not yet realized.

00:32:34.859 --> 00:32:35.940
 But it's already.

00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:38.079
 Actualized.

00:32:38.380 --> 00:32:38.519
 Right.

00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:39.680
 And the author of Hebrews.

00:32:39.839 --> 00:32:41.180
 Is making this case.

00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:42.759
 Back in chapter 4.

00:32:42.859 --> 00:32:43.319
 We have such.

00:32:44.180 --> 00:32:44.619
 Confidence.

00:32:45.579 --> 00:32:46.339
 To go.

00:32:46.819 --> 00:32:48.319
 To the throne of grace.

00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:49.900
 And receive help.

00:32:50.319 --> 00:32:51.079
 In time of need.

00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:52.559
 That we would be.

00:32:52.920 --> 00:32:53.279
 Faithful.

00:32:53.420 --> 00:32:54.339
 And patient.

00:32:55.200 --> 00:32:55.680
 Perseverers.

00:32:55.680 --> 00:32:57.539
 To the end.

00:32:58.980 --> 00:32:59.980
 So we have.

00:33:00.940 --> 00:33:01.779
 God's word.

00:33:01.960 --> 00:33:02.860
 And we have.

00:33:03.400 --> 00:33:04.480
 If you've placed your faith.

00:33:04.480 --> 00:33:05.060
 In Christ.

00:33:05.200 --> 00:33:06.039
 You have him.

00:33:06.480 --> 00:33:06.900
 As.

00:33:07.900 --> 00:33:08.700
 Your anchor.

00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:10.960
 And this is what.

00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:11.960
 The author of Hebrews.

00:33:12.200 --> 00:33:13.560
 Is writing about.

00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:14.799
 Chapter 6.

00:33:14.860 --> 00:33:15.880
 Verse 11 and 12.

00:33:16.000 --> 00:33:16.519
 And we desire.

00:33:16.620 --> 00:33:17.620
 Each one of you.

00:33:18.200 --> 00:33:19.039
 To show the same.

00:33:19.220 --> 00:33:19.700
 Earnestness.

00:33:19.759 --> 00:33:20.580
 To have the full.

00:33:20.580 --> 00:33:21.440
 Assurance of hope.

00:33:21.980 --> 00:33:22.799
 Until the end.

00:33:23.340 --> 00:33:24.600
 So that you may not be sluggish.

00:33:24.599 --> 00:33:25.919
 But imitators of those.

00:33:25.980 --> 00:33:26.740
 Who through faith.

00:33:27.019 --> 00:33:27.819
 And patience.

00:33:28.179 --> 00:33:28.779
 Inherit.

00:33:29.740 --> 00:33:30.359
 The promises.

00:33:32.439 --> 00:33:33.439
 We are not.

00:33:33.980 --> 00:33:34.740
 Saved.

00:33:35.599 --> 00:33:36.559
 By works.

00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:38.459
 We're saved.

00:33:38.859 --> 00:33:39.919
 By faith.

00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:41.279
 But that faith.

00:33:41.399 --> 00:33:42.139
 Is a faith.

00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:42.619
 That.

00:33:43.459 --> 00:33:43.899
 Works.

00:33:43.900 --> 00:33:45.900
 This assurance.

00:33:46.620 --> 00:33:48.040
 That we're meant to have.

00:33:48.920 --> 00:33:49.800
 Is an assurance.

00:33:49.960 --> 00:33:51.019
 That we do in fact.

00:33:51.120 --> 00:33:52.040
 Have the word of God.

00:33:52.220 --> 00:33:52.960
 And we do in fact.

00:33:53.019 --> 00:33:53.640
 Have Christ.

00:33:53.780 --> 00:33:54.440
 As our.

00:33:55.060 --> 00:33:55.480
 Anchor.

00:33:55.960 --> 00:33:57.340
 So don't be sluggish.

00:33:57.920 --> 00:33:59.280
 Pick up the promises.

00:33:59.740 --> 00:34:00.380
 Of God.

00:34:00.920 --> 00:34:02.360
 Know that you are steady.

00:34:02.460 --> 00:34:03.759
 Because you are Christ.

00:34:03.900 --> 00:34:05.000
 And press on.

00:34:05.560 --> 00:34:06.140
 Press on.

00:34:06.220 --> 00:34:06.960
 In knowing him.

00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:07.660
 And serving him.

00:34:07.820 --> 00:34:08.539
 And loving him.

00:34:08.880 --> 00:34:10.039
 Showing yourself.

00:34:10.480 --> 00:34:11.000
 To be.

00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:12.200
 His sons.

00:34:12.199 --> 00:34:13.460
 And his daughters.

00:34:14.919 --> 00:34:16.159
 This is what's being encouraged.

00:34:16.359 --> 00:34:16.799
 All.

00:34:17.099 --> 00:34:18.159
 Along the way.

00:34:18.419 --> 00:34:18.659
 Through.

00:34:18.960 --> 00:34:19.439
 This book.

00:34:19.759 --> 00:34:20.480
 And I'm really.

00:34:20.619 --> 00:34:21.039
 Really glad.

00:34:21.279 --> 00:34:22.139
 That we've been saying this.

00:34:22.179 --> 00:34:22.799
 For many years.

00:34:22.899 --> 00:34:24.480
 And we're going to keep on saying it.

00:34:24.539 --> 00:34:25.439
 Because it is so.

00:34:25.599 --> 00:34:26.000
 Important.

00:34:26.279 --> 00:34:26.579
 For.

00:34:27.419 --> 00:34:28.039
 Our souls.

00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:30.159
 That we would be those.

00:34:30.239 --> 00:34:30.679
 That would have.

00:34:30.899 --> 00:34:31.819
 Immovable faith.

00:34:32.279 --> 00:34:32.799
 In who.

00:34:33.299 --> 00:34:34.079
 Our God.

00:34:34.460 --> 00:34:34.759
 Is.

00:34:35.679 --> 00:34:36.480
 We're to have.

00:34:36.699 --> 00:34:36.939
 Faith.

00:34:37.159 --> 00:34:37.899
 Like a child.

00:34:38.419 --> 00:34:39.379
 But we are not.

00:34:39.519 --> 00:34:40.559
 To have childlike faith.

00:34:40.559 --> 00:34:40.960
 Faith.

00:34:41.519 --> 00:34:42.559
 Faith like a child.

00:34:43.019 --> 00:34:43.619
 But we are to be.

00:34:43.799 --> 00:34:44.860
 Growing up.

00:34:46.159 --> 00:34:46.920
 Into Christ.

00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:49.360
 This past Monday.

00:34:49.659 --> 00:34:49.920
 I.

00:34:50.039 --> 00:34:51.380
 Hesitated to share the story with you.

00:34:51.440 --> 00:34:51.719
 Because it.

00:34:52.239 --> 00:34:53.519
 Shows me to be a bad father.

00:34:53.779 --> 00:34:53.960
 But.

00:34:54.219 --> 00:34:55.519
 I think it helps make.

00:34:56.299 --> 00:34:56.759
 The point.

00:34:57.880 --> 00:34:58.840
 This past Monday.

00:34:59.719 --> 00:35:00.920
 Which is typically our family day.

00:35:01.480 --> 00:35:01.799
 Sam.

00:35:01.880 --> 00:35:02.400
 My wife and I.

00:35:02.460 --> 00:35:02.699
 Took.

00:35:03.039 --> 00:35:03.739
 Our three boys.

00:35:04.279 --> 00:35:05.440
 To the Tallulah River.

00:35:06.340 --> 00:35:07.239
 Way up north.

00:35:07.400 --> 00:35:07.920
 Near Clayton.

00:35:07.920 --> 00:35:09.720
 Where the water is shallow.

00:35:09.860 --> 00:35:10.619
 And fun to play in.

00:35:10.740 --> 00:35:11.180
 With kids.

00:35:11.940 --> 00:35:12.300
 And.

00:35:12.539 --> 00:35:13.460
 There was this island.

00:35:13.579 --> 00:35:14.800
 In the middle of the river.

00:35:15.039 --> 00:35:15.980
 And most of the current.

00:35:16.099 --> 00:35:17.440
 Went around one side.

00:35:17.820 --> 00:35:18.680
 And we had brought.

00:35:18.840 --> 00:35:20.000
 An inflatable pool toy.

00:35:20.200 --> 00:35:20.619
 Alligator.

00:35:20.960 --> 00:35:21.420
 With us.

00:35:21.740 --> 00:35:22.300
 To float around.

00:35:22.380 --> 00:35:23.059
 And goof off with.

00:35:23.240 --> 00:35:24.039
 In the water.

00:35:24.360 --> 00:35:25.500
 And there was a bit of.

00:35:25.800 --> 00:35:26.519
 Bit of current.

00:35:27.320 --> 00:35:28.240
 It was like.

00:35:28.320 --> 00:35:29.280
 A foot and a half deep.

00:35:29.460 --> 00:35:30.700
 Wasn't all that deep.

00:35:30.940 --> 00:35:31.440
 But it had.

00:35:31.599 --> 00:35:32.380
 Was moving quick.

00:35:32.440 --> 00:35:33.519
 In this one spot.

00:35:33.599 --> 00:35:34.480
 And then it mellowed out.

00:35:35.200 --> 00:35:36.000
 Fairly quickly.

00:35:36.440 --> 00:35:37.180
 After that.

00:35:37.179 --> 00:35:37.960
 And so.

00:35:38.719 --> 00:35:39.879
 My nine year old.

00:35:40.319 --> 00:35:40.799
 Cade.

00:35:41.339 --> 00:35:42.139
 Tested it out.

00:35:42.419 --> 00:35:43.000
 Jumped on.

00:35:43.219 --> 00:35:43.819
 Rode down.

00:35:44.919 --> 00:35:45.500
 Woo hoo.

00:35:45.879 --> 00:35:46.419
 Good fun.

00:35:47.440 --> 00:35:47.919
 Judah.

00:35:48.619 --> 00:35:49.259
 A seven year old.

00:35:49.319 --> 00:35:49.899
 Followed him.

00:35:50.099 --> 00:35:51.219
 Also had a good time.

00:35:51.619 --> 00:35:52.339
 And then Silas.

00:35:52.399 --> 00:35:53.019
 My three year old.

00:35:53.039 --> 00:35:54.119
 Who has to do everything.

00:35:54.219 --> 00:35:55.199
 His brothers do.

00:35:55.599 --> 00:35:56.679
 Was totally down.

00:35:56.799 --> 00:35:57.199
 For a turn.

00:35:58.079 --> 00:35:58.440
 And.

00:35:58.799 --> 00:35:59.500
 We had.

00:35:59.579 --> 00:36:00.359
 What's called a puddle jumper.

00:36:00.659 --> 00:36:00.879
 Parents.

00:36:00.960 --> 00:36:01.099
 You know.

00:36:01.279 --> 00:36:02.199
 What I'm talking about.

00:36:02.279 --> 00:36:02.699
 With us.

00:36:03.159 --> 00:36:03.359
 But.

00:36:03.500 --> 00:36:04.599
 We did not put it on him.

00:36:06.119 --> 00:36:06.940
 Because why?

00:36:06.940 --> 00:36:07.760
 There's a big float.

00:36:07.960 --> 00:36:08.900
 And it's got handles.

00:36:09.679 --> 00:36:09.900
 Well.

00:36:10.599 --> 00:36:11.460
 Silas is a champ.

00:36:11.579 --> 00:36:12.019
 So he.

00:36:12.280 --> 00:36:12.940
 Rode down.

00:36:13.220 --> 00:36:13.840
 That current.

00:36:14.380 --> 00:36:15.460
 Four or five times.

00:36:15.559 --> 00:36:16.480
 Throughout the afternoon.

00:36:16.800 --> 00:36:17.760
 And I would get him going.

00:36:17.880 --> 00:36:19.079
 And then I would run along the bank.

00:36:19.260 --> 00:36:19.820
 Next to him.

00:36:20.179 --> 00:36:21.559
 In case anything went wrong.

00:36:21.639 --> 00:36:22.380
 I'd be ready to.

00:36:22.559 --> 00:36:23.320
 Jump out there with him.

00:36:23.720 --> 00:36:24.480
 When the last time.

00:36:24.539 --> 00:36:24.840
 We had said.

00:36:24.900 --> 00:36:25.039
 Okay.

00:36:25.079 --> 00:36:25.760
 Last time guys.

00:36:25.800 --> 00:36:26.360
 We're going to pack up.

00:36:26.400 --> 00:36:27.019
 We got to get going.

00:36:27.820 --> 00:36:28.700
 We got to get back down.

00:36:29.280 --> 00:36:29.599
 South.

00:36:30.679 --> 00:36:31.000
 Silas.

00:36:31.039 --> 00:36:31.639
 In his excitement.

00:36:31.639 --> 00:36:32.559
 For the last time.

00:36:32.639 --> 00:36:33.480
 I'm holding the thing.

00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:34.440
 And he jumped on it.

00:36:34.519 --> 00:36:35.000
 And he jumped.

00:36:35.639 --> 00:36:36.079
 Exuberantly.

00:36:37.300 --> 00:36:39.260
 And went off the far side of it.

00:36:39.380 --> 00:36:39.619
 So.

00:36:40.019 --> 00:36:40.960
 I'm standing on the.

00:36:41.199 --> 00:36:42.179
 Calmer water side.

00:36:42.360 --> 00:36:42.699
 He's standing.

00:36:42.760 --> 00:36:42.920
 Again.

00:36:43.000 --> 00:36:44.320
 It's like halfway up my shins.

00:36:44.400 --> 00:36:45.199
 It's not extremely deep.

00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:46.240
 But for a three year old.

00:36:46.500 --> 00:36:46.840
 Current.

00:36:46.840 --> 00:36:47.539
 Of that depth.

00:36:47.840 --> 00:36:48.800
 Is kind of a big deal.

00:36:48.900 --> 00:36:49.300
 And he went.

00:36:49.860 --> 00:36:50.440
 Head down.

00:36:50.559 --> 00:36:50.860
 Face.

00:36:50.980 --> 00:36:51.640
 Face down in.

00:36:52.000 --> 00:36:52.780
 And this little rapid.

00:36:53.079 --> 00:36:53.880
 That was right there.

00:36:54.500 --> 00:36:55.420
 Turned him sideways.

00:36:55.600 --> 00:36:57.220
 As I'm chunking the alligator.

00:36:57.400 --> 00:36:58.340
 And I'm going after him.

00:36:58.380 --> 00:36:59.039
 Trying not to fall.

00:36:59.160 --> 00:37:00.120
 Because I want to get to him.

00:37:00.800 --> 00:37:02.180
 And it rolls him over.

00:37:02.240 --> 00:37:03.780
 And I can see the panic on his face.

00:37:04.059 --> 00:37:04.380
 Of.

00:37:04.740 --> 00:37:05.539
 My head's underwater.

00:37:05.780 --> 00:37:06.079
 And.

00:37:06.079 --> 00:37:07.559
 I can't get my head above water.

00:37:07.640 --> 00:37:08.240
 I see his little arms.

00:37:08.320 --> 00:37:08.840
 Trying to go down.

00:37:08.920 --> 00:37:09.519
 And reach something.

00:37:10.160 --> 00:37:11.260
 And it was scary.

00:37:11.620 --> 00:37:12.120
 It was.

00:37:12.980 --> 00:37:13.340
 Frightening.

00:37:13.420 --> 00:37:14.019
 As this current.

00:37:14.200 --> 00:37:16.079
 Is starting to carry him away.

00:37:16.360 --> 00:37:16.720
 From me.

00:37:16.840 --> 00:37:17.820
 And my wife is now.

00:37:18.100 --> 00:37:18.460
 Screaming.

00:37:18.460 --> 00:37:19.140
 From the bank.

00:37:19.980 --> 00:37:20.340
 Which.

00:37:20.700 --> 00:37:21.860
 Women is not helpful.

00:37:22.039 --> 00:37:22.720
 It does not speed.

00:37:22.740 --> 00:37:23.640
 A man's brain up.

00:37:25.240 --> 00:37:25.840
 If anything.

00:37:25.920 --> 00:37:26.940
 It makes us more panicky.

00:37:27.920 --> 00:37:29.079
 But I'm trying to just get to him.

00:37:29.100 --> 00:37:29.940
 As quickly as I can.

00:37:30.019 --> 00:37:30.780
 And try not to slip.

00:37:30.860 --> 00:37:31.900
 The thing going through my mind.

00:37:31.920 --> 00:37:32.640
 Is don't fall.

00:37:32.720 --> 00:37:33.860
 Because then you can't get to him.

00:37:34.300 --> 00:37:35.140
 And so finally.

00:37:35.280 --> 00:37:36.519
 I was within a body's length of him.

00:37:36.539 --> 00:37:37.400
 And I just dove.

00:37:37.519 --> 00:37:38.519
 I just did a full on.

00:37:38.860 --> 00:37:39.220
 Dive.

00:37:39.640 --> 00:37:40.200
 For him.

00:37:40.539 --> 00:37:41.220
 And put my.

00:37:41.559 --> 00:37:42.559
 Hand under his head.

00:37:42.640 --> 00:37:43.360
 And grabbed his leg.

00:37:43.400 --> 00:37:44.180
 So he couldn't get away.

00:37:44.300 --> 00:37:45.680
 And got him up above the water.

00:37:45.680 --> 00:37:46.579
 I stood up.

00:37:46.579 --> 00:37:46.719
 I mean.

00:37:46.739 --> 00:37:47.599
 I stood up in this current.

00:37:47.679 --> 00:37:48.619
 It really wasn't moving.

00:37:48.759 --> 00:37:49.380
 That quickly.

00:37:50.319 --> 00:37:51.739
 But I just had to stand there with him.

00:37:51.739 --> 00:37:52.360
 It was scary.

00:37:52.440 --> 00:37:53.279
 So he cried a little.

00:37:53.679 --> 00:37:54.900
 No water was in his lungs.

00:37:54.900 --> 00:37:57.519
 It went fine.

00:37:57.519 --> 00:37:58.559
 Put his head on my shoulder.

00:37:59.500 --> 00:38:00.780
 We composed ourselves.

00:38:01.320 --> 00:38:03.840
 And we walked up out of the water.

00:38:04.780 --> 00:38:05.900
 So I'm telling you all this to say.

00:38:07.519 --> 00:38:09.559
 I think most children.

00:38:09.860 --> 00:38:11.059
 I think our first two children.

00:38:11.220 --> 00:38:12.160
 Would have been done for the day.

00:38:12.840 --> 00:38:13.440
 They would have been like.

00:38:13.539 --> 00:38:13.880
 Not.

00:38:14.059 --> 00:38:14.400
 I'm good.

00:38:14.720 --> 00:38:14.920
 Right.

00:38:15.360 --> 00:38:16.400
 My head went underwater.

00:38:16.639 --> 00:38:18.599
 I almost got swept away from dad.

00:38:18.599 --> 00:38:18.639
 God.

00:38:19.759 --> 00:38:21.119
 He heroically saved me.

00:38:21.179 --> 00:38:21.500
 But still.

00:38:21.599 --> 00:38:22.319
 That was tragic.

00:38:24.299 --> 00:38:25.259
 That was tragic.

00:38:25.380 --> 00:38:27.059
 I don't want to do it again.

00:38:27.980 --> 00:38:29.159
 But Silas got his head on my shoulder.

00:38:29.559 --> 00:38:32.079
 And we had arranged for one more turn for Judah.

00:38:32.239 --> 00:38:33.059
 So Judah said.

00:38:33.259 --> 00:38:33.539
 Dad.

00:38:33.599 --> 00:38:34.519
 Is it my turn now?

00:38:35.139 --> 00:38:36.980
 And Silas' head snapped up.

00:38:37.319 --> 00:38:37.759
 And he said.

00:38:37.799 --> 00:38:38.079
 He said.

00:38:38.119 --> 00:38:38.400
 No.

00:38:38.900 --> 00:38:39.679
 It's still my turn.

00:38:39.679 --> 00:38:39.739
 It's still my turn.

00:38:39.739 --> 00:38:45.219
 And I couldn't believe it.

00:38:45.419 --> 00:38:46.179
 Sam said.

00:38:46.259 --> 00:38:47.079
 I think very wisely.

00:38:47.239 --> 00:38:47.419
 She goes.

00:38:47.439 --> 00:38:48.339
 You probably ought to let him.

00:38:48.639 --> 00:38:50.219
 So it's not a trauma to him.

00:38:51.359 --> 00:38:52.219
 And we did.

00:38:52.439 --> 00:38:53.159
 Very carefully.

00:38:53.500 --> 00:38:53.919
 Got him.

00:38:53.979 --> 00:38:54.779
 Got him back on.

00:38:55.079 --> 00:38:57.399
 And let him float down.

00:38:57.839 --> 00:38:59.579
 And I've just been thinking about it this week.

00:38:59.619 --> 00:38:59.759
 Of course.

00:38:59.799 --> 00:39:00.539
 I was thinking about it a lot.

00:39:00.599 --> 00:39:02.459
 Just as a major dad fail.

00:39:04.039 --> 00:39:05.059
 But also.

00:39:05.879 --> 00:39:07.099
 By the end of the day.

00:39:07.359 --> 00:39:09.559
 He had almost altogether forgotten about it.

00:39:10.739 --> 00:39:12.459
 I think I was still processing it.

00:39:12.479 --> 00:39:13.159
 So I brought it up.

00:39:13.219 --> 00:39:13.500
 Hey buddy.

00:39:13.559 --> 00:39:14.359
 You fell in the water today.

00:39:14.359 --> 00:39:14.759
 Didn't you?

00:39:14.799 --> 00:39:15.139
 And he went.

00:39:16.519 --> 00:39:16.919
 Yeah.

00:39:20.739 --> 00:39:22.979
 But it illustrated to me.

00:39:23.139 --> 00:39:25.359
 The kind of faith we should have in our father.

00:39:25.519 --> 00:39:28.839
 Who doesn't do dumb dad fail things.

00:39:30.000 --> 00:39:32.379
 If we are ever swept in current.

00:39:32.559 --> 00:39:34.259
 It's because he knows it's good for us.

00:39:34.319 --> 00:39:35.639
 And he places us there.

00:39:36.899 --> 00:39:38.839
 And he is so ready and quick.

00:39:38.840 --> 00:39:44.539
 To also rescue us from those places in which he puts us.

00:39:44.900 --> 00:39:49.620
 But the way that Silas was just so willing to get back in the mix.

00:39:49.860 --> 00:39:49.980
 Right?

00:39:50.019 --> 00:39:51.140
 To press on.

00:39:51.400 --> 00:39:54.740
 To not have his confidence in me shaken.

00:39:54.739 --> 00:39:56.959
 I'm the one that put him back out there.

00:39:57.000 --> 00:39:59.559
 I'm the one that got him out of the water at the end.

00:39:59.619 --> 00:40:00.839
 He didn't ask for mom to do it.

00:40:00.859 --> 00:40:03.139
 He let me do it.

00:40:04.559 --> 00:40:06.359
 We're to have faith like a child.

00:40:07.419 --> 00:40:10.500
 But not childlike faith.

00:40:11.639 --> 00:40:12.839
 And this is the encouragement.

00:40:12.979 --> 00:40:14.899
 This is the pressing all along.

00:40:14.900 --> 00:40:16.940
 Because we have God's word.

00:40:17.079 --> 00:40:19.960
 His sure promise to us.

00:40:20.099 --> 00:40:21.539
 And we have Christ.

00:40:21.800 --> 00:40:22.019
 Right?

00:40:22.180 --> 00:40:25.860
 As the confirmation of his promise.

00:40:26.180 --> 00:40:28.880
 As the anchor of our souls.

00:40:30.059 --> 00:40:30.940
 So in closing.

00:40:31.180 --> 00:40:31.940
 I want to read to you.

00:40:32.800 --> 00:40:34.400
 A verse and a chorus from a hymn.

00:40:35.000 --> 00:40:36.460
 Called My Anchor Holds.

00:40:36.780 --> 00:40:37.920
 By Daniel B.

00:40:38.639 --> 00:40:38.960
 Towner.

00:40:38.960 --> 00:40:41.860
 This may come up in our songs.

00:40:42.380 --> 00:40:43.099
 Sometime soon.

00:40:44.780 --> 00:40:45.579
 He wrote.

00:40:45.579 --> 00:40:49.079
 I can feel the anchor fast.

00:40:49.579 --> 00:40:52.039
 As I meet each sudden blast.

00:40:52.579 --> 00:40:55.099
 And the cable though unseen.

00:40:55.740 --> 00:40:58.860
 Bears the heavy strain between.

00:40:59.740 --> 00:41:02.119
 Through the storm I safely ride.

00:41:02.500 --> 00:41:04.659
 Till the turning of the tide.

00:41:05.519 --> 00:41:06.880
 And it holds.

00:41:07.320 --> 00:41:08.579
 My anchor holds.

00:41:09.679 --> 00:41:11.880
 Blow your wildest then O Gale.

00:41:12.380 --> 00:41:15.619
 On my bark so small and frail.

00:41:16.019 --> 00:41:17.079
 By his grace.

00:41:17.679 --> 00:41:18.880
 I shall not fail.

00:41:19.320 --> 00:41:20.800
 For my anchor holds.

00:41:21.320 --> 00:41:23.199
 My anchor holds.

00:41:23.679 --> 00:41:24.539
 Let's pray together.