WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.339 Well, thank you, Rachel. Thank you for reading God's Word to us. 00:00:04.459 --> 00:00:06.900 Let me just pray before we begin. 00:00:07.759 --> 00:00:09.960 God and Father, just thank you for your Word. 00:00:11.580 --> 00:00:16.920 We thank you for all that we have sung in the truths in these hymns and choruses that we have sung. 00:00:18.519 --> 00:00:21.359 We thank you for this passage and the Lord Jesus in it. 00:00:21.359 --> 00:00:28.060 And we just pray that as you speak to us that we will have open ears to listen and soft hearts to take on your Word. 00:00:28.059 --> 00:00:31.779 And so we ask that your Holy Spirit will work in each one of us this morning. 00:00:32.519 --> 00:00:35.299 In the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen. 00:00:37.280 --> 00:00:40.920 Well, good morning. I'm JT. I'm one of the elders. 00:00:41.079 --> 00:00:44.599 It's my privilege to take us through this passage this morning. 00:00:44.739 --> 00:00:45.700 And what a passage! 00:00:47.099 --> 00:00:49.619 You know, when it was, I saw what passage I had. 00:00:49.780 --> 00:00:53.840 I didn't recognize it from the, you know, 2 Corinthians 5, 11, 62. 00:00:53.840 --> 00:00:54.879 I didn't recognize it. 00:00:54.880 --> 00:00:58.440 But when I looked in it to see what it was all about, 00:00:58.620 --> 00:01:00.540 well, as the more I've looked into it this week, 00:01:00.640 --> 00:01:05.120 the more excited I've got about reading it and about what it contains. 00:01:05.500 --> 00:01:07.200 This morning, this is the gospel. 00:01:08.240 --> 00:01:13.240 This is the truth of what God has done for us through the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:01:14.500 --> 00:01:16.520 So let's start with a little bit of a catch-up. 00:01:16.780 --> 00:01:17.960 So we're in 2 Corinthians. 00:01:17.959 --> 00:01:25.059 And as Graham said, this is the second letter of Paul to the church in Corinth 00:01:25.059 --> 00:01:28.719 that is recorded in the Bible as we have it today. 00:01:29.099 --> 00:01:34.019 We think there was letters in between times, but we don't need to get into that. 00:01:34.839 --> 00:01:37.219 And Corinth, well, it was a cosmopolitan city. 00:01:37.339 --> 00:01:38.479 It was kind of near Athens. 00:01:38.979 --> 00:01:40.899 And it was a city of pleasure. 00:01:41.259 --> 00:01:42.299 It was wild. 00:01:42.439 --> 00:01:45.119 It had a reputation for that. 00:01:45.120 --> 00:01:48.420 And Paul, he had set up this as the Apostle Paul. 00:01:48.520 --> 00:01:49.579 He set up lots of churches. 00:01:50.079 --> 00:01:51.939 And this was one of them in Corinth. 00:01:52.859 --> 00:01:55.800 But there was this problem of there was these false teachers. 00:01:56.560 --> 00:02:00.040 And they were teaching that it was all about what you show on the outside. 00:02:00.400 --> 00:02:02.280 It's all about what you portray to people. 00:02:02.360 --> 00:02:03.360 That's what's important. 00:02:04.320 --> 00:02:07.520 And they were saying because of that, Paul, well, Paul wasn't a well man. 00:02:07.580 --> 00:02:08.700 He didn't keep very well. 00:02:09.500 --> 00:02:10.599 He had a poor job. 00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:13.180 You know, he didn't actually speak very well. 00:02:13.180 --> 00:02:14.719 He wasn't a great orator. 00:02:15.800 --> 00:02:21.360 And they were saying, Paul isn't good enough to have authority over you, to teach you, to guide you. 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:29.480 But Paul here, and especially in these chapters 4 to 7, he is addressing these claims. 00:02:30.260 --> 00:02:37.040 And in chapters 4 to 7, we have this paradox of the cross where we find strength in weakness. 00:02:37.540 --> 00:02:41.780 And that is where we get this heading from, boasting in weakness. 00:02:41.780 --> 00:02:44.439 Christ himself was self-giving. 00:02:44.659 --> 00:02:45.840 He gave himself. 00:02:46.719 --> 00:02:50.939 There was great glory in the suffering of the cross. 00:02:51.979 --> 00:02:57.159 And Paul here, he is saying that the church in Corinth, they are to imitate the cross. 00:02:58.020 --> 00:02:59.800 They are to expect poverty. 00:03:00.199 --> 00:03:02.280 They are to expect suffering. 00:03:02.520 --> 00:03:03.759 They are to be humble. 00:03:05.060 --> 00:03:06.460 These things are to be expected. 00:03:06.659 --> 00:03:09.319 And in fact, there is glory in these things. 00:03:09.319 --> 00:03:15.259 And last week, Graham, he took us through the first 10 verses of chapter 5. 00:03:15.719 --> 00:03:20.359 And some of the headlines from that would be that we live by faith and not by sight. 00:03:21.319 --> 00:03:26.079 We will live differently if we remember the fact that our home is in fact in heaven. 00:03:26.840 --> 00:03:29.459 That like tents are just temporary dwellings. 00:03:29.560 --> 00:03:31.299 No one lives in a tent forever, do they? 00:03:31.979 --> 00:03:33.879 No, this is not our forever home. 00:03:33.879 --> 00:03:38.879 And when we live like that, then we will live differently. 00:03:40.139 --> 00:03:42.199 And we saw that there is judgment coming. 00:03:42.340 --> 00:03:43.560 There is justice coming. 00:03:44.259 --> 00:03:45.539 And this brings us comfort. 00:03:45.840 --> 00:03:47.079 We want justice, don't we? 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:51.879 But it's also a challenge to believers that the judgment seat of Christ is coming, 00:03:52.039 --> 00:03:56.560 where Christians will be judged on their good works and the things they have done for God. 00:03:56.560 --> 00:04:03.979 And that's important because that brings us to this week and this passage where Paul carries on. 00:04:05.140 --> 00:04:09.800 And this week, to help think about it, we're going to look at it a little bit like a court case. 00:04:10.259 --> 00:04:10.360 Okay? 00:04:11.199 --> 00:04:12.140 Graham was a lawyer. 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:13.259 I am no lawyer. 00:04:14.060 --> 00:04:18.420 And you'll see that from the way I've twisted my illustration to make it fit this morning. 00:04:19.319 --> 00:04:20.480 That some of you might be a lawyer. 00:04:20.480 --> 00:04:26.840 But I've seen enough TV programs or films or read enough books with law elements to know roughly how it works. 00:04:27.620 --> 00:04:30.120 And always the key thing they say is, well, we must find the motive. 00:04:30.560 --> 00:04:31.720 Why was this crime committed? 00:04:31.980 --> 00:04:32.600 We need a motive. 00:04:34.200 --> 00:04:36.300 But you also need the facts of the case, don't you? 00:04:36.319 --> 00:04:37.140 You need the content. 00:04:37.280 --> 00:04:37.879 What happened? 00:04:38.700 --> 00:04:39.379 What went on? 00:04:39.439 --> 00:04:40.280 What actually happened? 00:04:41.319 --> 00:04:42.920 And there's always a plea, isn't there? 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:44.360 There's a plea made. 00:04:44.580 --> 00:04:46.780 There's a call made at some point. 00:04:46.779 --> 00:04:55.479 And we're going to see this this morning in this passage when Paul is talking about this ministry of reconciliation. 00:04:55.899 --> 00:04:58.219 Your Bible might have that as a heading. 00:04:59.259 --> 00:05:07.500 Well, Paul here, he explains the message and the character of this new covenant ministry that the church in Corinth is to be a part of. 00:05:08.539 --> 00:05:14.179 And to help us think about that, this is a definition that someone has put about what reconciliation is. 00:05:14.180 --> 00:05:16.920 It's not really a word that we use in everyday language. 00:05:17.620 --> 00:05:27.860 But Christian reconciliation is the work of God through Christ by which he restores mankind to a favorable relationship with himself. 00:05:31.480 --> 00:05:36.340 It is mending that relationship between God and man. 00:05:36.519 --> 00:05:39.240 And that is what Paul is talking about this morning. 00:05:39.240 --> 00:05:42.160 So we're going to look at it in three ways. 00:05:42.259 --> 00:05:43.460 We're going to see Paul's motive. 00:05:44.420 --> 00:05:47.079 We're going to see Paul's facts. 00:05:47.319 --> 00:05:50.680 And we're going to see Paul's plea that he makes. 00:05:51.699 --> 00:05:53.800 You know, there's two streams as we go through this. 00:05:56.360 --> 00:05:59.620 The things that we look at here, they're going to apply to those who are not saved. 00:05:59.740 --> 00:06:02.180 Those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their savior. 00:06:02.180 --> 00:06:02.300 Yeah. 00:06:02.620 --> 00:06:06.360 And they're going to be also pleased to those who are saved already. 00:06:06.959 --> 00:06:12.780 And it will apply to those who would call themselves Christians who have that saving faith in the Lord Jesus. 00:06:14.220 --> 00:06:16.579 And you know, it does that because that is true in life. 00:06:17.939 --> 00:06:20.300 Before God, we are one of those two things. 00:06:20.920 --> 00:06:22.100 It's as simple as that. 00:06:22.100 --> 00:06:28.700 So whoever you are today, whichever category you fall into, this passage is for you. 00:06:30.120 --> 00:06:35.680 But as we go through, let's remember the context of Paul speaking to this church in Corinth. 00:06:36.939 --> 00:06:39.800 Right, so let's get stuck into the motive. 00:06:40.760 --> 00:06:45.920 Paul here in the first few verses, he lays out his motivation behind this ministry. 00:06:45.920 --> 00:06:51.500 In the light of the knowledge of the judgment seat of Christ that we finished on last week, 00:06:52.780 --> 00:06:54.939 Paul says, since, in verse 11, 00:06:55.100 --> 00:07:00.560 since then we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. 00:07:01.939 --> 00:07:03.220 And this could mean two things. 00:07:03.360 --> 00:07:07.939 Paul is defending his character to these false prophets, to those in the church. 00:07:08.500 --> 00:07:10.720 He is saying that I do have true faith. 00:07:10.840 --> 00:07:12.800 I fear the Lord. 00:07:13.360 --> 00:07:15.700 Paul has that saving knowledge. 00:07:15.920 --> 00:07:20.379 That reverent obedience, that devotion, that awe of God. 00:07:20.500 --> 00:07:23.280 That is what it means to fear the Lord. 00:07:25.080 --> 00:07:30.500 You know, Paul is also motivated to persuade others of the truth of these things. 00:07:30.939 --> 00:07:34.840 Those that do not know these things for themselves. 00:07:36.500 --> 00:07:38.600 Paul, why is he defending his character? 00:07:38.840 --> 00:07:40.220 What is the point here? 00:07:40.319 --> 00:07:42.319 Why does he feel the need to do that? 00:07:42.319 --> 00:07:48.240 Well, if he doesn't defend his character, then he has no leg to stand on, really. 00:07:48.319 --> 00:07:49.920 That would be a modern phrase for that. 00:07:50.259 --> 00:07:54.279 There's no point laying out the truths of these things if no one's going to listen to him anyway. 00:07:55.699 --> 00:08:03.779 How often do we see politicians, you know, high up politicians in all levels of government or famous people, society, 00:08:03.779 --> 00:08:05.399 but then something goes wrong? 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:08.099 There's the expenses scandals. 00:08:08.239 --> 00:08:10.099 There's parties that they shouldn't be having. 00:08:10.299 --> 00:08:10.959 There's affairs. 00:08:11.279 --> 00:08:12.159 All these things. 00:08:12.799 --> 00:08:13.479 And what happens? 00:08:13.559 --> 00:08:15.199 Well, these people just resign, don't they? 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:16.899 Why do they resign? 00:08:17.639 --> 00:08:19.039 Well, no one trusts them anymore. 00:08:19.719 --> 00:08:21.000 No one's going to listen to them. 00:08:21.319 --> 00:08:22.579 No one's going to do what they say. 00:08:22.579 --> 00:08:30.979 That's a little bit like here that Paul needs to defend himself first to show that he is truly who he says he is. 00:08:32.179 --> 00:08:33.819 And how does he back this up? 00:08:35.199 --> 00:08:38.679 Well, he says what we are is plain to God. 00:08:39.460 --> 00:08:41.199 There's no hiding from God. 00:08:41.559 --> 00:08:44.179 God knows the truth of who we are. 00:08:44.179 --> 00:08:50.019 No matter what others say about us, God knows who you are this morning. 00:08:50.019 --> 00:09:00.840 And in contrast to Paul's true faith, he challenges those who take pride in what is seen, as it says in verse 12. 00:09:00.960 --> 00:09:05.259 These are the false prophets who are just totally interested in what is on the outside. 00:09:06.980 --> 00:09:09.579 What is important is what is in their heart. 00:09:12.399 --> 00:09:18.740 So Paul has defended his character and then he goes on to say his motivation for these things. 00:09:18.740 --> 00:09:21.200 Verse 14, read it with me. 00:09:21.379 --> 00:09:30.720 For Christ's love compels us because we are convinced that one died for all and therefore all died. 00:09:32.039 --> 00:09:36.680 The strong language there compels, convinced. 00:09:36.879 --> 00:09:38.379 Paul is motivated here. 00:09:38.519 --> 00:09:39.519 Do you get the sense of that? 00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:48.419 You know this passage, one died for all, it says there, therefore all died. 00:09:49.460 --> 00:09:51.199 Yes, all can be saved. 00:09:51.340 --> 00:09:52.720 Jesus died for all. 00:09:53.539 --> 00:09:56.379 But it also means that all need saved. 00:09:56.519 --> 00:09:57.699 And that's important to know. 00:09:58.659 --> 00:10:02.000 Everyone has been separated from God through sin. 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:07.639 Through the first man, Adam, and if you want some reading this afternoon, go and read Genesis 3. 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:11.080 Through the first man, Adam, sin came into the world. 00:10:13.360 --> 00:10:17.360 And from that point on, all were dead men before God. 00:10:17.360 --> 00:10:22.120 I've not seen it, but I've heard of a show called The Walking Dead. 00:10:22.320 --> 00:10:24.340 I wouldn't recommend it because I don't know anything about it. 00:10:24.879 --> 00:10:26.759 But you know, it's that kind of concept, isn't it? 00:10:27.100 --> 00:10:29.139 It's that everyone is the walking dead. 00:10:29.259 --> 00:10:32.860 We're just walking around, but before God, we are dead in our sins. 00:10:34.360 --> 00:10:36.879 Romans 3, 23, a famous verse. 00:10:37.139 --> 00:10:42.420 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 00:10:42.419 --> 00:10:45.719 You know, I've got two daughters. 00:10:46.120 --> 00:10:47.399 One's four and one's one. 00:10:47.839 --> 00:10:52.759 And, you know, the youngest one at the moment, she's already, and she kind of finds it funny 00:10:52.759 --> 00:10:56.559 and she pulls this little pout, but her favorite thing at the moment is to go, no. 00:10:57.579 --> 00:11:00.399 She sort of pouts at us all and scowls. 00:11:01.039 --> 00:11:02.599 You know, it's kind of funny, it's kind of cute. 00:11:02.779 --> 00:11:05.279 You know, we kind of try not to laugh because it encourages her. 00:11:05.959 --> 00:11:10.860 But, you know, even from such a young age, the disobedience is built into her, isn't it? 00:11:10.860 --> 00:11:13.440 And we're all disobedient. 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:15.779 We're disobedient to God. 00:11:16.840 --> 00:11:18.759 But the good news is that that's not the end. 00:11:18.879 --> 00:11:20.659 Romans 3, 23, shut your Bible. 00:11:22.360 --> 00:11:23.259 No, that's not the end. 00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:24.659 Romans 3, 24. 00:11:25.139 --> 00:11:27.320 The good news is that the work is done. 00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:33.159 All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 00:11:36.440 --> 00:11:38.000 All are justified freely. 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:42.720 We'll see in verse 17 that that saving is not universal, that we need to do our part. 00:11:43.100 --> 00:11:44.740 But we will look at that later on. 00:11:45.639 --> 00:11:51.580 But Paul, he's so enthused by the truth of these things, by the fact that he has that saving faith, 00:11:52.379 --> 00:11:58.340 that he is convinced that these things are true, that he is so compelled to tell others. 00:11:58.340 --> 00:12:07.780 Verse 15, and he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, 00:12:08.240 --> 00:12:11.280 but for him who died for them and was raised again. 00:12:12.139 --> 00:12:18.460 In that verse, we start with the death of the Lord Jesus, and we finish with his life, his raising again. 00:12:18.460 --> 00:12:24.780 You know, if we believe these things, then our worldview is totally changed. 00:12:26.180 --> 00:12:28.960 Someone's worldview, it really impacts how they live their life. 00:12:29.300 --> 00:12:30.620 It affects what they eat. 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:32.680 It affects how they spend their time. 00:12:32.780 --> 00:12:34.519 It affects how they spend their money. 00:12:34.519 --> 00:12:40.779 Now, if we are living in the reverent fear of the Lord as Paul is, 00:12:40.840 --> 00:12:43.399 then that will totally change how we live our lives. 00:12:43.659 --> 00:12:44.419 Or it should do. 00:12:45.620 --> 00:12:48.919 Not living a self-focus the world resolves around me. 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:50.199 How can I further myself? 00:12:50.480 --> 00:12:52.220 That should not be our primary aim. 00:12:53.720 --> 00:12:55.559 So what is your motivation in life? 00:12:57.460 --> 00:12:59.279 God knows who you truly are. 00:12:59.379 --> 00:13:00.720 There is no hiding from him. 00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:06.019 We all start in that position of being separated from God through sin. 00:13:07.220 --> 00:13:10.560 Christ died for all, but salvation, it needs accepted. 00:13:12.080 --> 00:13:13.600 Forgiveness needs asked for. 00:13:15.300 --> 00:13:18.779 And if we are saved, then what does our character say about us? 00:13:18.920 --> 00:13:23.500 Paul had to defend his character here because he was being falsely accused. 00:13:23.899 --> 00:13:27.200 But does our character allow us to actually go and tell others? 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:33.120 Do our words match our actions? 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:39.620 And if so, are we passionately convinced and compelled to go and tell others? 00:13:40.500 --> 00:13:44.440 Are we living our lives for the one who's done so much for us? 00:13:46.500 --> 00:13:48.600 That was Paul's motivation. 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:52.180 Then we're going to see Paul's facts. 00:13:52.300 --> 00:13:55.100 So he's laid out his motive for these things, 00:13:55.100 --> 00:14:00.000 and he's going to lay out the content of this ministry of reconciliation. 00:14:02.019 --> 00:14:02.899 Verse 16. 00:14:03.100 --> 00:14:08.300 So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. 00:14:09.700 --> 00:14:12.800 I don't know about you, but I can't think of the words from now on 00:14:12.800 --> 00:14:15.420 and not start sort of tapping your foot and singing along. 00:14:16.200 --> 00:14:18.120 The ones laughing in the room know what I'm talking about. 00:14:18.220 --> 00:14:19.300 So it's The Greatest Showman. 00:14:19.879 --> 00:14:21.000 It's a good film, isn't it? 00:14:21.060 --> 00:14:23.399 It's got that really catchy song, From Now On. 00:14:23.399 --> 00:14:26.019 And you know, in that, Hugh Jackman's character, 00:14:26.220 --> 00:14:28.079 his life at that point has changed. 00:14:28.519 --> 00:14:31.000 He's decided in his mind that he is going to live differently. 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:33.399 Not in the same sense that we have here. 00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:35.059 But he's saying in that song, 00:14:35.220 --> 00:14:36.659 From now on, I'm going to do this. 00:14:36.740 --> 00:14:38.299 From now on, I'm going to live like that. 00:14:38.439 --> 00:14:40.539 From now on, life will be different. 00:14:42.179 --> 00:14:44.039 You know, that is the sense that we have here. 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:48.939 As saved people, our worldview is radically altered. 00:14:48.940 --> 00:14:53.980 Paul says that even Paul, he once viewed Jesus as just a man, 00:14:54.660 --> 00:14:55.700 but not anymore. 00:14:57.900 --> 00:14:59.340 How do you view Jesus? 00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:06.340 How we view Jesus, well, it changes our view on those around us. 00:15:07.300 --> 00:15:11.780 And that affects how we act towards each and every person that we come across. 00:15:11.779 --> 00:15:18.500 Verse 17, 00:15:18.620 --> 00:15:23.039 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. 00:15:24.139 --> 00:15:26.759 If we believe in Christ, the new creation has come. 00:15:26.899 --> 00:15:27.899 The old has gone. 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:29.819 The new is here. 00:15:30.639 --> 00:15:33.559 You know, that if there is vital in that verse. 00:15:34.699 --> 00:15:36.220 There's not universal salvation. 00:15:36.419 --> 00:15:38.779 We are not all saved by the work of the Lord Jesus automatically. 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:41.379 We must do our part. 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:44.240 I was thinking now to try and illustrate this, 00:15:44.319 --> 00:15:45.459 and nothing really does it justice, 00:15:45.620 --> 00:15:46.399 but I was thinking, right, 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:48.019 if I stand up here and go, 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:50.539 right, everyone, free coffee at the end. 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:52.159 Okay, I've got vouchers. 00:15:52.779 --> 00:15:54.959 Okay, come and see me at the end. 00:15:55.579 --> 00:15:56.319 You think, oh, great. 00:15:56.480 --> 00:15:57.519 Yeah, free coffee, brilliant. 00:15:57.759 --> 00:15:59.059 But unless you come up to me, 00:15:59.679 --> 00:16:00.779 ask me for a voucher, 00:16:00.959 --> 00:16:02.120 accept it from me, 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:03.139 and go and get the coffee, 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:05.019 then one's not just going to appear in your hand. 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:07.519 You know, that's a trivial example, 00:16:07.519 --> 00:16:09.240 but that is essentially the case. 00:16:09.340 --> 00:16:12.419 We need to accept what the Lord Jesus has done. 00:16:12.519 --> 00:16:13.919 We need to ask for forgiveness. 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:19.340 In Christ, we need to be joined to him 00:16:19.340 --> 00:16:21.659 by faith as Savior. 00:16:23.340 --> 00:16:26.699 And if so, then we become a new creation. 00:16:28.179 --> 00:16:29.360 A new creation. 00:16:30.519 --> 00:16:33.000 Reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit. 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:35.899 Our spirit and our mind is totally made new, 00:16:36.299 --> 00:16:37.700 but not yet our bodies, 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:39.379 which is important to note. 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:42.039 Our previous condition, it is gone. 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:45.600 We have a new position before God. 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.460 I want to be clear here. 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:50.259 We are not made perfect at that point. 00:16:52.100 --> 00:16:53.399 We are not made perfect. 00:16:53.539 --> 00:16:54.039 We know that. 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:55.000 We mess up. 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:55.899 We still sin. 00:16:55.899 --> 00:16:58.620 Our practice sometimes fails us, 00:16:58.740 --> 00:17:00.779 but our position before God 00:17:00.779 --> 00:17:03.279 is secure and changed. 00:17:05.160 --> 00:17:06.779 I am a new creation. 00:17:07.220 --> 00:17:08.879 No more in condemnation. 00:17:09.500 --> 00:17:11.519 Here in the grace of God, I stand. 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:14.559 It is our position that is secure in Christ. 00:17:15.579 --> 00:17:16.900 So well done us, right? 00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:17.819 Well done. 00:17:17.879 --> 00:17:18.720 We're in that position. 00:17:18.879 --> 00:17:19.379 Go us. 00:17:20.839 --> 00:17:23.920 Well, no, I like the humble verses of the Bible. 00:17:23.920 --> 00:17:25.640 I think they're always good. 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.980 They really put us in our place. 00:17:27.700 --> 00:17:29.240 You know, verse 18 is one of those. 00:17:31.060 --> 00:17:31.820 All of this, 00:17:32.019 --> 00:17:33.300 all of what we've been talking about, 00:17:33.420 --> 00:17:34.620 this being made new, 00:17:35.140 --> 00:17:36.240 being in Christ, 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:37.400 this change, 00:17:38.259 --> 00:17:39.860 all this is from God 00:17:39.860 --> 00:17:43.820 who reconciled us to himself through Christ 00:17:43.820 --> 00:17:47.220 and he gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:50.480 See which direction that is going? 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:54.019 It is all God. 00:17:54.799 --> 00:17:55.839 We sung it this morning. 00:17:56.019 --> 00:17:57.420 Jesus paid it all. 00:17:57.700 --> 00:17:59.539 All to him I owe. 00:18:01.299 --> 00:18:04.000 God has made us acceptable to himself 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:05.420 through the work of the Lord Jesus, 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:06.940 his death and resurrection 00:18:06.940 --> 00:18:08.440 that we saw in verse 15. 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:12.360 Sin caused that separation, 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:15.339 but Christ allows that restoration. 00:18:16.200 --> 00:18:16.900 God is holy. 00:18:17.079 --> 00:18:19.620 God cannot accept us in our sinful state. 00:18:19.619 --> 00:18:20.919 That wouldn't be right. 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:22.379 God is just. 00:18:23.199 --> 00:18:25.219 We need our problem solved. 00:18:27.219 --> 00:18:28.859 And we are reconciled, 00:18:28.919 --> 00:18:30.779 not just that we just sit back 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:32.459 and do nothing, 00:18:32.619 --> 00:18:34.119 but know that our examples 00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:36.419 will bring others to know God. 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:40.879 God was reconciling us to himself 00:18:40.879 --> 00:18:42.979 in Christ, verse 19 says, 00:18:43.179 --> 00:18:45.699 not counting people's sins against them. 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:48.299 And he has committed to us 00:18:48.299 --> 00:18:50.420 the message of reconciliation. 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:55.819 God doesn't hold our sins against us. 00:18:56.960 --> 00:18:57.799 At this point, 00:18:57.860 --> 00:19:00.460 I was brought to think of John 8 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:01.620 where the Lord Jesus, 00:19:01.799 --> 00:19:02.500 he goes to the, 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:04.620 there's a woman who's caught in adultery 00:19:04.620 --> 00:19:07.539 and everyone has picked up stones 00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:08.680 and they're about to stone her. 00:19:08.779 --> 00:19:09.740 They're about to kill her. 00:19:09.740 --> 00:19:11.380 And Jesus says, 00:19:12.380 --> 00:19:13.779 he who has committed no sin 00:19:13.779 --> 00:19:15.099 can cast the first stone. 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:18.099 Gradually, everyone just drops their stones 00:19:18.099 --> 00:19:18.859 and walks away. 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:21.160 You know, Jesus, 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:22.460 he hadn't committed a sin, 00:19:22.579 --> 00:19:23.859 but he doesn't stone her. 00:19:24.099 --> 00:19:26.880 He doesn't hold her sins against her. 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:34.060 We need to accept Jesus's death 00:19:34.060 --> 00:19:34.680 and resurrection 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:36.520 as being that just payment 00:19:36.520 --> 00:19:37.760 for our wrongdoing. 00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:39.080 Jesus has done it all. 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:40.040 He has done enough. 00:19:40.900 --> 00:19:42.200 And that good news message, 00:19:42.300 --> 00:19:43.820 it is committed to us. 00:19:45.040 --> 00:19:46.680 What a privilege and a challenge. 00:19:47.760 --> 00:19:48.000 You know, 00:19:48.060 --> 00:19:49.380 we're looking at the facts here, 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:49.800 aren't we? 00:19:50.320 --> 00:19:51.900 We need to know the facts 00:19:51.900 --> 00:19:52.520 of these things. 00:19:52.600 --> 00:19:53.680 We need to have these things 00:19:53.680 --> 00:19:54.780 straight in our heads 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:56.519 so that we can actually go 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:57.680 and tell others about them. 00:19:59.559 --> 00:20:00.039 You know, 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:00.960 we've had the students 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:01.819 stand up this morning, 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:02.960 but your lecturers 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:05.000 are the experts in their field. 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:06.720 They know what they're, 00:20:06.740 --> 00:20:07.539 well, I really hope they know 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:08.319 what they're talking about. 00:20:08.899 --> 00:20:10.220 And they are experts. 00:20:10.420 --> 00:20:11.259 They know all about it. 00:20:11.319 --> 00:20:12.940 Their life revolves around it 00:20:12.940 --> 00:20:13.759 and that allows them 00:20:13.759 --> 00:20:14.940 to be able to teach you. 00:20:15.899 --> 00:20:16.240 Hopefully, 00:20:16.700 --> 00:20:17.839 that should be the case anyway. 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:19.039 You know, 00:20:19.059 --> 00:20:19.680 that's like us. 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:20.799 We need to know the facts 00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:21.399 of these things. 00:20:21.399 --> 00:20:22.619 We need to have them clear 00:20:22.619 --> 00:20:23.940 so that we can go 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:24.619 and be witnesses 00:20:24.619 --> 00:20:25.799 and tell others. 00:20:26.699 --> 00:20:27.859 How do we do that? 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:28.759 Well, 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:29.739 it's Bible study, 00:20:29.959 --> 00:20:30.739 quiet time, 00:20:30.879 --> 00:20:31.759 spending time 00:20:31.759 --> 00:20:33.439 improving our relationship 00:20:33.439 --> 00:20:34.159 with God, 00:20:35.059 --> 00:20:36.619 attendance at church services, 00:20:37.679 --> 00:20:38.799 being in occasions 00:20:38.799 --> 00:20:39.759 where God's word 00:20:39.759 --> 00:20:41.279 is read and spoken from, 00:20:42.179 --> 00:20:43.500 but also our home groups. 00:20:43.619 --> 00:20:44.799 Get involved in a home group. 00:20:45.679 --> 00:20:46.679 Discuss these things. 00:20:46.899 --> 00:20:48.459 Wrestle with these things 00:20:48.459 --> 00:20:49.199 during the week. 00:20:49.979 --> 00:20:51.419 Discuss how they really apply 00:20:51.419 --> 00:20:52.259 to our lives. 00:20:52.479 --> 00:20:53.319 These things are vital. 00:20:54.619 --> 00:20:56.819 So that's Paul's facts. 00:20:57.299 --> 00:20:58.399 And what is our response 00:20:58.399 --> 00:20:59.159 to these facts? 00:20:59.279 --> 00:21:00.239 What is our worldview? 00:21:01.139 --> 00:21:03.079 Have we had that life-changing moment 00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:04.619 where we are then in Christ? 00:21:05.019 --> 00:21:07.279 That previous condition is gone. 00:21:08.139 --> 00:21:09.759 We have that new position 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:10.579 before God 00:21:10.579 --> 00:21:12.059 and we are set aside 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:12.859 as blameless 00:21:12.859 --> 00:21:13.599 before him. 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:16.339 And if we are, 00:21:16.399 --> 00:21:17.119 then are we clear 00:21:17.119 --> 00:21:17.879 in these facts 00:21:17.879 --> 00:21:19.199 so that we can tell others? 00:21:19.200 --> 00:21:22.220 So that brings us 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:23.160 to our last point, 00:21:23.500 --> 00:21:23.980 the plea. 00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:25.860 So Paul has laid out 00:21:25.860 --> 00:21:26.319 his motive 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:27.259 for writing these things. 00:21:27.360 --> 00:21:27.759 He's laid out 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:28.960 the facts of the case 00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:30.059 and now he's going to make 00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:30.660 a plea. 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:33.759 Paul finishes 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.500 by pleading 00:21:34.500 --> 00:21:35.240 to listen 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:36.059 and to act 00:21:36.059 --> 00:21:36.980 on this ministry 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:37.960 of reconciliation. 00:21:39.100 --> 00:21:39.860 Verse 20, 00:21:39.859 --> 00:21:40.559 We are therefore 00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:42.099 Christ's ambassadors 00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:43.740 as though God 00:21:43.740 --> 00:21:44.719 were making his appeal 00:21:44.719 --> 00:21:45.439 through us. 00:21:46.479 --> 00:21:47.659 We implore you 00:21:47.659 --> 00:21:48.819 on Christ's behalf 00:21:48.819 --> 00:21:50.459 be reconciled 00:21:50.459 --> 00:21:51.379 to God. 00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:53.319 Christ's ambassadors. 00:21:54.119 --> 00:21:54.319 You know, 00:21:54.359 --> 00:21:54.879 we have a group 00:21:54.879 --> 00:21:55.639 called the Embassy. 00:21:55.879 --> 00:21:56.619 It's for the teenagers. 00:21:57.319 --> 00:21:57.939 You'll see them 00:21:57.939 --> 00:21:58.599 meeting over there 00:21:58.599 --> 00:21:59.359 after the service 00:21:59.359 --> 00:21:59.959 to discuss 00:21:59.959 --> 00:22:00.759 some of these things 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:01.979 that have gone on 00:22:01.979 --> 00:22:03.019 that have been talked about. 00:22:04.099 --> 00:22:04.319 You know, 00:22:04.359 --> 00:22:05.399 why is it called embassy? 00:22:06.339 --> 00:22:06.559 Well, 00:22:06.579 --> 00:22:07.179 it's because we are 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:08.060 to be ambassadors 00:22:08.060 --> 00:22:09.039 for God 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:10.860 in this world. 00:22:11.880 --> 00:22:12.100 You know, 00:22:12.160 --> 00:22:13.259 potentially here 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:14.019 Paul is talking 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:14.560 about himself 00:22:14.560 --> 00:22:15.299 as an apostle 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:16.100 because they certainly 00:22:16.100 --> 00:22:17.279 had a special role 00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:17.980 in setting up 00:22:17.980 --> 00:22:18.799 the first churches 00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:19.640 and they were 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:20.740 certainly 00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:22.240 slightly different. 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:23.200 But you know, 00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:24.039 it still applies 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:24.880 to us today. 00:22:25.880 --> 00:22:26.820 The Church of Christ, 00:22:26.920 --> 00:22:28.259 it is like a divine embassy 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:29.920 in this hostile world 00:22:29.920 --> 00:22:32.340 and we are part of that. 00:22:33.320 --> 00:22:33.880 Last week, 00:22:33.940 --> 00:22:34.400 we thought that 00:22:34.400 --> 00:22:35.240 this is not our 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:37.120 home forever. 00:22:37.380 --> 00:22:37.880 That we are just 00:22:37.880 --> 00:22:39.060 temporary dwellers 00:22:39.060 --> 00:22:40.000 and in fact, 00:22:40.120 --> 00:22:40.799 we are almost like 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:41.820 foreigners here 00:22:41.820 --> 00:22:43.440 in this world. 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:50.200 Paul, 00:22:50.420 --> 00:22:51.820 that strong language again, 00:22:51.960 --> 00:22:53.240 we implore you 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.220 on Christ's behalf, 00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:55.620 be reconciled 00:22:55.620 --> 00:22:56.519 to God. 00:22:57.100 --> 00:22:57.900 Be saved, 00:22:58.140 --> 00:22:58.700 he is saying. 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.420 And I implore you today, 00:23:00.539 --> 00:23:01.440 if that is not you, 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:04.160 if that is not you, 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:04.799 then don't leave 00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:05.500 without speaking 00:23:05.500 --> 00:23:06.320 to someone. 00:23:07.180 --> 00:23:08.740 don't leave here 00:23:08.740 --> 00:23:10.400 without addressing 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:11.240 the problem 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:12.360 that we all have. 00:23:16.320 --> 00:23:17.180 Verse 21, 00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:18.539 God made him 00:23:18.539 --> 00:23:19.759 who had no sin 00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:21.600 to be sin for us 00:23:21.600 --> 00:23:23.080 so that we 00:23:23.080 --> 00:23:23.660 might become 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:24.220 the righteousness 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:24.940 of God. 00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:26.779 One of these verses 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:27.299 in the Bible 00:23:27.299 --> 00:23:28.620 that's kind of 00:23:28.620 --> 00:23:29.460 unexplainable, 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:30.660 the truths 00:23:30.660 --> 00:23:31.320 of these things, 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:32.639 in one sense 00:23:32.639 --> 00:23:33.399 it's so simple 00:23:33.399 --> 00:23:34.240 but in other senses 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:35.460 it's just so complex. 00:23:37.399 --> 00:23:38.359 Sin that wholly 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:39.720 characterizes us. 00:23:41.220 --> 00:23:41.819 And Christ, 00:23:41.939 --> 00:23:42.460 he was made 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:43.700 all that we are 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:45.200 when he died 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:46.000 on that cross. 00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:48.960 And in the same way, 00:23:49.379 --> 00:23:50.500 righteousness is what 00:23:50.500 --> 00:23:52.419 totally characterizes God. 00:23:52.420 --> 00:23:54.440 And we are made 00:23:54.440 --> 00:23:55.480 so when we are 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:56.279 in Christ. 00:23:56.880 --> 00:23:57.500 We are placed 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:58.140 in that right 00:23:58.140 --> 00:23:58.759 relationship 00:23:58.759 --> 00:24:00.340 by his gracious 00:24:00.340 --> 00:24:01.140 loving kindness. 00:24:03.779 --> 00:24:04.860 So God has done 00:24:04.860 --> 00:24:05.300 it all. 00:24:05.580 --> 00:24:06.480 Are we willing 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.960 to do our part? 00:24:08.060 --> 00:24:09.380 That is Paul's plea 00:24:09.380 --> 00:24:10.680 this morning. 00:24:10.680 --> 00:24:15.140 6 verse 1 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:15.700 is God's 00:24:15.700 --> 00:24:16.299 co-workers 00:24:16.299 --> 00:24:17.500 we urge you 00:24:17.500 --> 00:24:18.500 not to receive 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.460 God's grace 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.680 in vain. 00:24:21.900 --> 00:24:22.440 So once again 00:24:22.440 --> 00:24:22.880 we have those 00:24:22.880 --> 00:24:23.480 two streams. 00:24:23.640 --> 00:24:24.080 First of all 00:24:24.080 --> 00:24:25.039 he's urging people 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:26.480 to accept 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.160 these things, 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:27.720 to accept 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.160 the truth 00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:29.000 of these things. 00:24:29.539 --> 00:24:30.160 And if we have 00:24:30.160 --> 00:24:31.100 accepted already 00:24:31.100 --> 00:24:32.380 then don't keep 00:24:32.380 --> 00:24:33.120 it to yourself. 00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:37.160 Don't live a life 00:24:37.160 --> 00:24:37.940 for yourself 00:24:37.940 --> 00:24:38.880 but live a life 00:24:38.880 --> 00:24:39.480 for God 00:24:39.480 --> 00:24:40.360 doing as he would 00:24:40.359 --> 00:24:41.179 want us to do. 00:24:41.719 --> 00:24:42.479 Don't waste 00:24:42.479 --> 00:24:43.299 the opportunity 00:24:43.299 --> 00:24:44.799 of God's grace. 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:46.099 It is wonderful. 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.000 It is marvelous. 00:24:51.219 --> 00:24:52.299 And Paul finishes 00:24:52.299 --> 00:24:53.139 by quoting 00:24:53.139 --> 00:24:54.379 from Isaiah 49 00:24:54.379 --> 00:24:55.099 verse 8. 00:24:56.079 --> 00:24:56.659 It's a bit of a 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:57.299 difficult verse 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:57.659 this one 00:24:57.659 --> 00:24:59.479 but it says 00:24:59.479 --> 00:25:00.179 in the time 00:25:00.179 --> 00:25:01.000 of my favor 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:01.959 I heard you 00:25:01.959 --> 00:25:03.039 and in the day 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:03.719 of salvation 00:25:03.719 --> 00:25:04.719 I helped you. 00:25:05.459 --> 00:25:06.059 And what that is 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:06.339 there 00:25:06.339 --> 00:25:07.359 that it is 00:25:07.359 --> 00:25:08.279 prophetically 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:09.439 addressing the Messiah 00:25:09.440 --> 00:25:10.220 so it is 00:25:10.220 --> 00:25:10.720 Jehovah 00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:11.700 speaking to 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:13.460 Christ Jesus 00:25:13.460 --> 00:25:14.299 the Messiah. 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:16.259 God here 00:25:16.259 --> 00:25:16.779 is answering 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.580 Christ's prayer 00:25:17.580 --> 00:25:18.580 by raising him 00:25:18.580 --> 00:25:19.400 from the dead. 00:25:21.900 --> 00:25:22.519 You know 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:23.299 why is Paul 00:25:23.299 --> 00:25:23.820 put that 00:25:23.820 --> 00:25:24.860 in there? 00:25:25.580 --> 00:25:26.360 Well he says 00:25:26.360 --> 00:25:27.840 I tell you 00:25:27.840 --> 00:25:28.740 now is the time 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.500 of God's favor 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:30.880 now is the day 00:25:30.880 --> 00:25:31.580 of salvation. 00:25:32.680 --> 00:25:34.100 The day of salvation 00:25:34.100 --> 00:25:34.900 has begun. 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:36.120 Lord Jesus 00:25:36.120 --> 00:25:36.680 he has died 00:25:36.680 --> 00:25:37.519 he has risen again 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:38.639 we are in the day 00:25:38.639 --> 00:25:39.400 of salvation. 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:41.420 Salvation is open 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:42.019 to us. 00:25:42.139 --> 00:25:42.940 It is available. 00:25:43.579 --> 00:25:44.240 It is available 00:25:44.240 --> 00:25:45.019 to everyone 00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:46.420 that we meet 00:25:46.420 --> 00:25:46.980 and greet. 00:25:48.799 --> 00:25:49.579 But that won't 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:50.319 go on forever. 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:52.059 It's until that 00:25:52.059 --> 00:25:52.879 day of judgment 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:53.480 comes 00:25:53.480 --> 00:25:54.740 or until we die 00:25:54.740 --> 00:25:55.980 and our life 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:57.039 is taken from us. 00:25:59.059 --> 00:25:59.740 And hopefully 00:25:59.740 --> 00:26:00.680 that brings a sense 00:26:00.680 --> 00:26:01.279 of urgency 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:02.119 to these things. 00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:03.180 Today is the day. 00:26:03.779 --> 00:26:03.920 You know 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:04.960 so often in this life 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:05.639 we worry about 00:26:05.640 --> 00:26:06.080 tomorrow 00:26:06.080 --> 00:26:06.759 what is your 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:07.640 10 year plan 00:26:07.640 --> 00:26:08.460 where will you be 00:26:08.460 --> 00:26:09.340 in 20 years 00:26:09.340 --> 00:26:10.400 what are you going 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:11.040 to do in your 00:26:11.040 --> 00:26:11.520 retirement? 00:26:12.320 --> 00:26:12.500 You know 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:13.340 the Bible says 00:26:13.340 --> 00:26:14.100 for us to focus 00:26:14.100 --> 00:26:14.680 on today 00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:15.820 because we do 00:26:15.820 --> 00:26:16.180 not know 00:26:16.180 --> 00:26:16.860 what tomorrow 00:26:16.860 --> 00:26:18.180 may bring. 00:26:19.340 --> 00:26:20.040 So don't waste 00:26:20.040 --> 00:26:20.900 the opportunity 00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:22.720 of God's grace. 00:26:23.900 --> 00:26:24.960 Witness to others 00:26:24.960 --> 00:26:26.400 do all that we can. 00:26:27.400 --> 00:26:27.900 We are part 00:26:27.900 --> 00:26:28.700 of that embassy 00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:29.360 of Christ 00:26:29.360 --> 00:26:30.360 in this world. 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:31.820 Today is the day 00:26:31.820 --> 00:26:32.520 don't delay. 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:33.880 You know 00:26:33.880 --> 00:26:34.400 there's an old 00:26:34.400 --> 00:26:34.920 old hymn 00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:35.860 and it says 00:26:35.860 --> 00:26:36.160 this 00:26:36.160 --> 00:26:37.360 it's called 00:26:37.360 --> 00:26:38.400 Almost Persuaded. 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:40.120 One of the verses 00:26:40.120 --> 00:26:40.440 says 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:41.620 Be now persuaded 00:26:41.620 --> 00:26:42.480 O sinner 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:42.960 here 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:44.700 Be now persuaded 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:45.880 Jesus is near 00:26:45.880 --> 00:26:47.040 His voice 00:26:47.040 --> 00:26:47.640 is pleading 00:26:47.640 --> 00:26:48.220 still 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:49.520 Turn now 00:26:49.520 --> 00:26:50.140 with heart 00:26:50.140 --> 00:26:50.780 and will 00:26:50.780 --> 00:26:51.800 Peace will 00:26:51.800 --> 00:26:52.720 your spirit 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:53.180 fill 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:53.880 O turn 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.660 today 00:26:54.660 --> 00:26:58.480 So let me 00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:59.360 just sum 00:26:59.360 --> 00:26:59.900 this up. 00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:01.320 Paul in regards 00:27:01.319 --> 00:27:02.079 to this ministry 00:27:02.079 --> 00:27:02.939 of reconciliation 00:27:02.939 --> 00:27:03.720 he laid out 00:27:03.720 --> 00:27:04.259 his motive 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:04.799 for writing 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:05.439 these things 00:27:05.439 --> 00:27:06.279 he laid out 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:07.419 the facts 00:27:07.419 --> 00:27:08.319 that he wanted 00:27:08.319 --> 00:27:09.039 to get across 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:09.480 and he has 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.519 made his plea 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:12.319 he has made 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:12.859 his plea 00:27:12.859 --> 00:27:14.379 all have sinned 00:27:14.379 --> 00:27:15.159 we've seen that 00:27:15.159 --> 00:27:16.659 God cannot 00:27:16.659 --> 00:27:17.439 accept us 00:27:17.439 --> 00:27:18.240 as we are 00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:19.179 in that state 00:27:19.179 --> 00:27:20.319 as he is 00:27:20.319 --> 00:27:20.679 holy 00:27:20.679 --> 00:27:21.799 and just 00:27:21.799 --> 00:27:24.299 all need 00:27:24.299 --> 00:27:24.740 to accept 00:27:24.740 --> 00:27:25.339 the facts 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:26.099 of these things 00:27:26.099 --> 00:27:26.740 to have that 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:27.439 relationship 00:27:27.439 --> 00:27:28.079 with God 00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:28.720 restored 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:29.259 to be 00:27:29.259 --> 00:27:30.259 reconciled 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:30.960 to him 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:33.400 and we can 00:27:33.400 --> 00:27:33.920 give praise 00:27:33.920 --> 00:27:34.420 and thanks 00:27:34.420 --> 00:27:34.960 that God 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:35.720 in Christ 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:36.200 has done 00:27:36.200 --> 00:27:37.240 all of the work 00:27:37.240 --> 00:27:38.180 it was all 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:38.460 him 00:27:38.460 --> 00:27:39.720 required 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.559 for salvation 00:27:40.559 --> 00:27:42.279 Jesus died 00:27:42.279 --> 00:27:42.859 he took that 00:27:42.859 --> 00:27:43.220 guilt 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:44.140 and that shame 00:27:44.140 --> 00:27:45.819 for us 00:27:45.819 --> 00:27:47.579 and he rose 00:27:47.579 --> 00:27:48.079 again 00:27:48.079 --> 00:27:50.039 and lives 00:27:50.039 --> 00:27:50.420 forever 00:27:50.420 --> 00:27:50.879 and we can 00:27:50.879 --> 00:27:51.539 worship him 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:53.200 and if we are 00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:53.940 a new creation 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:54.379 already 00:27:54.379 --> 00:27:54.859 then that is 00:27:54.859 --> 00:27:55.319 brilliant 00:27:55.319 --> 00:27:55.900 we have been 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:56.379 made new 00:27:56.379 --> 00:27:56.799 and we look 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.559 forward to that 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:58.119 day in heaven 00:27:58.119 --> 00:27:58.640 when we will 00:27:58.640 --> 00:27:59.140 have our new 00:27:59.140 --> 00:27:59.480 body 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:01.279 and that 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:01.519 we will 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:01.880 be made 00:28:01.880 --> 00:28:02.279 perfect 00:28:02.279 --> 00:28:02.860 and won't 00:28:02.860 --> 00:28:03.420 mess up 00:28:03.420 --> 00:28:03.860 anymore 00:28:03.860 --> 00:28:05.880 and if that 00:28:05.880 --> 00:28:06.400 is the case 00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:06.920 then we should 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:08.079 be convinced 00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:08.860 about these 00:28:08.860 --> 00:28:09.200 things 00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:10.519 we should be 00:28:10.519 --> 00:28:11.500 compelled by 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:12.140 these things 00:28:12.140 --> 00:28:12.819 to go and 00:28:12.819 --> 00:28:13.420 tell others 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:14.079 to witness 00:28:14.079 --> 00:28:14.720 to do 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:15.759 whatever we 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:16.160 can 00:28:16.160 --> 00:28:17.420 witness in 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:17.900 our daily 00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:18.440 lives 00:28:18.440 --> 00:28:19.279 show good 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:19.819 character 00:28:19.819 --> 00:28:20.620 to everyone 00:28:20.620 --> 00:28:20.920 that we 00:28:20.920 --> 00:28:21.579 come across 00:28:21.579 --> 00:28:22.779 spreading the 00:28:22.779 --> 00:28:23.460 good news 00:28:23.460 --> 00:28:24.880 that we 00:28:24.880 --> 00:28:25.819 know to be 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:26.220 true 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:27.220 ourselves 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:30.799 God 00:28:30.799 --> 00:28:31.220 Father we 00:28:31.220 --> 00:28:31.640 just thank 00:28:31.640 --> 00:28:32.039 you for 00:28:32.039 --> 00:28:32.600 your word 00:28:32.600 --> 00:28:33.819 we thank 00:28:33.819 --> 00:28:34.079 you for 00:28:34.079 --> 00:28:34.740 the depths 00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:35.220 of it 00:28:35.220 --> 00:28:35.640 that just 00:28:35.640 --> 00:28:36.240 cannot be 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:36.740 explored 00:28:36.740 --> 00:28:37.980 we thank 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:38.180 you for 00:28:38.180 --> 00:28:38.720 the truths 00:28:38.720 --> 00:28:39.460 of the 00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:39.940 ministry 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:40.799 of reconciliation 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:41.660 the work 00:28:41.660 --> 00:28:42.579 that was 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:43.079 done by 00:28:43.079 --> 00:28:43.460 the Lord 00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:43.720 Jesus 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:44.440 that you 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:45.720 brought us 00:28:45.720 --> 00:28:46.380 to yourself 00:28:46.380 --> 00:28:47.019 through that 00:28:47.019 --> 00:28:47.700 great work 00:28:47.700 --> 00:28:48.700 the death 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:49.480 and resurrection 00:28:49.480 --> 00:28:50.880 of the Lord 00:28:50.880 --> 00:28:51.140 Jesus 00:28:51.140 --> 00:28:51.380 us 00:28:51.380 --> 00:28:53.120 we pray 00:28:53.120 --> 00:28:53.420 that as 00:28:53.420 --> 00:28:54.120 we continue 00:28:54.120 --> 00:28:54.580 to think 00:28:54.580 --> 00:28:54.860 of these 00:28:54.860 --> 00:28:55.180 things 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:55.500 and as 00:28:55.500 --> 00:28:55.880 we go 00:28:55.880 --> 00:28:56.380 from here 00:28:56.380 --> 00:28:56.820 that these 00:28:56.820 --> 00:28:57.240 things will 00:28:57.240 --> 00:28:58.200 dwell in 00:28:58.200 --> 00:28:58.620 our minds 00:28:58.620 --> 00:28:58.880 and in 00:28:58.880 --> 00:28:59.360 our hearts 00:28:59.360 --> 00:28:59.800 and that the 00:28:59.800 --> 00:29:00.360 Holy Spirit 00:29:00.360 --> 00:29:01.440 will work 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:01.800 in us 00:29:01.800 --> 00:29:02.980 to convict 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:03.360 us of 00:29:03.360 --> 00:29:04.000 these things 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:04.560 throughout 00:29:04.560 --> 00:29:05.120 today and 00:29:05.120 --> 00:29:05.580 this week 00:29:05.580 --> 00:29:07.180 we just ask 00:29:07.180 --> 00:29:07.660 your blessing 00:29:07.660 --> 00:29:08.620 as we close 00:29:08.620 --> 00:29:09.840 and we do 00:29:09.840 --> 00:29:10.620 just once again 00:29:10.620 --> 00:29:11.820 give you the 00:29:11.820 --> 00:29:12.440 thanks for 00:29:12.440 --> 00:29:12.800 the Lord 00:29:12.800 --> 00:29:13.100 Jesus 00:29:13.100 --> 00:29:14.460 in his name 00:29:14.460 --> 00:29:14.860 we pray 00:29:14.860 --> 00:29:15.759 Amen