WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.160 In just a moment we're going to turn to the New Testament, but before we leave that passage 00:00:06.160 --> 00:00:10.380 that I read a moment ago, I want you to consider the context. 00:00:11.740 --> 00:00:18.320 If you think of a courtroom situation, I don't know about you, but I love courtroom dramas, 00:00:19.160 --> 00:00:25.140 in a court situation the prosecution always gets the first word. 00:00:25.140 --> 00:00:30.600 The prosecution gives the case against the defendants. 00:00:31.200 --> 00:00:36.600 The last word, of course, goes to the defendant or to the counsel for the defendant. 00:00:37.539 --> 00:00:43.820 And the case, as articulated in Isaiah 59, seems to be pretty strong. 00:00:44.579 --> 00:00:48.320 There's a detailed indictment against humankind. 00:00:49.120 --> 00:00:51.980 God is saying that he looks and what does he see? 00:00:51.979 --> 00:00:58.659 He sees people, and he sees people that miss the mark, that fall short of the standard. 00:00:59.439 --> 00:01:04.599 Their minds, their hearts, their lips, their hands, their feet. 00:01:05.060 --> 00:01:07.920 So from the top of our head to the bottom of our feet. 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:16.140 And he then goes on to say that he's looking for someone who satisfies his requirements 00:01:16.140 --> 00:01:21.719 and who might serve as a mediator to bring people together. 00:01:21.980 --> 00:01:27.740 And he looks at the human race, and he determines that there is none suitable. 00:01:28.240 --> 00:01:30.280 There is no suitable intercessor. 00:01:30.620 --> 00:01:32.560 No suitable mediator. 00:01:33.079 --> 00:01:36.800 So he concludes the chapter, again, God is speaking through his servant. 00:01:37.359 --> 00:01:40.840 He concludes the chapter by saying, I myself. 00:01:41.920 --> 00:01:46.960 God says that he must therefore be the intercessor. 00:01:47.260 --> 00:01:49.900 He must therefore be the savior. 00:01:49.900 --> 00:01:53.800 He must work righteousness himself. 00:01:54.160 --> 00:01:58.620 Because he's looking for a righteous person and finds none. 00:01:58.900 --> 00:02:02.680 So he says, I must be that righteous person. 00:02:03.440 --> 00:02:07.760 So if you turn with me now to the New Testament, near to the very end of the Bible. 00:02:08.840 --> 00:02:09.920 First John. 00:02:10.319 --> 00:02:12.620 First John chapter 1. 00:02:12.620 --> 00:02:15.379 So John wrote the gospel. 00:02:15.740 --> 00:02:16.759 That has his name. 00:02:16.879 --> 00:02:20.000 John wrote the last book of the Bible, Revelation. 00:02:20.640 --> 00:02:24.580 And John wrote three letters in the New Testament. 00:02:24.740 --> 00:02:26.560 This is the first of those three. 00:02:27.259 --> 00:02:28.960 And John has a lot to say. 00:02:29.680 --> 00:02:34.360 And I want to read this portion from 1 John chapter 5. 00:02:34.360 --> 00:02:38.520 1 John 1 verse 5. 00:02:38.840 --> 00:02:42.200 And down to chapter 2 verse 2. 00:02:43.420 --> 00:02:46.240 So 1 John, this is on page 1225. 00:02:46.580 --> 00:02:48.780 If you have the pew Bibles or it's on the screen there. 00:02:49.760 --> 00:02:51.540 And this is what he says. 00:02:51.539 --> 00:02:55.219 This is the message we have heard from him. 00:02:55.699 --> 00:02:57.259 And declare to you. 00:02:57.859 --> 00:02:58.759 God is light. 00:02:59.340 --> 00:03:01.280 In him there is no darkness at all. 00:03:02.039 --> 00:03:04.620 If we claim to have fellowship with him. 00:03:05.180 --> 00:03:06.780 And yet walk in darkness. 00:03:07.359 --> 00:03:08.120 We lie. 00:03:08.539 --> 00:03:10.139 And do not live out the truth. 00:03:10.840 --> 00:03:12.599 But if we walk in the light. 00:03:13.120 --> 00:03:14.919 As he is in the light. 00:03:15.519 --> 00:03:17.180 We have fellowship with one another. 00:03:17.180 --> 00:03:19.000 And the blood of Jesus, his son. 00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:21.139 And purifies us from all sin. 00:03:22.120 --> 00:03:25.439 If we claim to be without sin. 00:03:25.719 --> 00:03:27.360 We deceive ourselves. 00:03:27.539 --> 00:03:29.460 And the truth is not in us. 00:03:30.159 --> 00:03:32.060 If we confess our sins. 00:03:32.580 --> 00:03:34.139 He is faithful. 00:03:34.639 --> 00:03:35.420 And just. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:37.379 And will forgive us our sins. 00:03:37.479 --> 00:03:40.259 And purify us from all unrighteousness. 00:03:40.840 --> 00:03:44.099 If we claim we have not sinned. 00:03:44.099 --> 00:03:46.439 We make him out to be a liar. 00:03:46.680 --> 00:03:48.240 And his word is not in us. 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:50.020 My dear children. 00:03:50.939 --> 00:03:52.259 I write this to you. 00:03:52.680 --> 00:03:54.000 So that you will not sin. 00:03:54.500 --> 00:03:56.159 But if anybody does sin. 00:03:56.599 --> 00:03:58.939 We have an advocate with the father. 00:03:59.580 --> 00:04:00.500 Jesus Christ. 00:04:00.639 --> 00:04:01.620 The righteous one. 00:04:02.340 --> 00:04:02.759 He. 00:04:03.319 --> 00:04:04.860 Is the atoning sacrifice. 00:04:04.860 --> 00:04:06.020 For our sins. 00:04:06.439 --> 00:04:07.900 And not only for our. 00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:08.639 Hours. 00:04:09.039 --> 00:04:10.719 But also for the sins. 00:04:10.719 --> 00:04:11.740 Of the whole. 00:04:12.280 --> 00:04:12.800 World. 00:04:13.960 --> 00:04:14.560 Amen. 00:04:14.560 --> 00:04:17.839 There are a lot of books. 00:04:17.839 --> 00:04:18.740 That are written. 00:04:18.740 --> 00:04:19.660 On the subject. 00:04:20.060 --> 00:04:21.139 Of leadership. 00:04:21.899 --> 00:04:23.019 One of the most. 00:04:23.740 --> 00:04:24.339 Published. 00:04:24.579 --> 00:04:25.860 And popular authors. 00:04:26.019 --> 00:04:26.560 Is an American. 00:04:27.060 --> 00:04:28.399 Called John Maxwell. 00:04:28.540 --> 00:04:29.500 John C. Maxwell. 00:04:30.100 --> 00:04:31.199 And in one of his books. 00:04:31.199 --> 00:04:31.819 On leadership. 00:04:31.819 --> 00:04:32.660 He says. 00:04:32.660 --> 00:04:34.000 Life is a matter. 00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:34.860 Of choices. 00:04:34.860 --> 00:04:35.020 Choices. 00:04:36.199 --> 00:04:38.379 And every choice you make. 00:04:38.639 --> 00:04:39.199 Makes you. 00:04:40.040 --> 00:04:40.400 Choices. 00:04:41.300 --> 00:04:42.000 And John. 00:04:42.180 --> 00:04:43.139 The author here. 00:04:43.620 --> 00:04:44.819 Who by this time. 00:04:44.920 --> 00:04:45.960 Is an older man. 00:04:46.060 --> 00:04:47.300 He's coming to the end. 00:04:47.300 --> 00:04:48.540 Of his time on earth. 00:04:48.840 --> 00:04:50.660 And he's wanting to pass on. 00:04:51.120 --> 00:04:52.840 This practical wisdom. 00:04:53.400 --> 00:04:54.600 And sound. 00:04:55.319 --> 00:04:55.960 Direction. 00:04:56.620 --> 00:04:58.060 To his audience. 00:04:58.939 --> 00:04:59.620 And he says. 00:04:59.800 --> 00:05:01.120 We have a real choice. 00:05:01.120 --> 00:05:01.800 To make. 00:05:01.800 --> 00:05:03.860 Now I don't know about you. 00:05:04.340 --> 00:05:05.939 But some of the biggest choices. 00:05:05.939 --> 00:05:07.199 Of my life. 00:05:07.480 --> 00:05:08.100 I made. 00:05:08.319 --> 00:05:10.400 With very little thought. 00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:12.520 I remember. 00:05:12.639 --> 00:05:13.379 A family friend. 00:05:13.379 --> 00:05:14.120 Said to me. 00:05:14.500 --> 00:05:15.819 Wouldn't it be interesting. 00:05:15.960 --> 00:05:16.360 Because he knew. 00:05:16.460 --> 00:05:17.680 I was interested in history. 00:05:17.960 --> 00:05:18.980 And I was thinking. 00:05:19.120 --> 00:05:20.180 About studying further. 00:05:20.280 --> 00:05:20.480 He said. 00:05:20.519 --> 00:05:21.480 Wouldn't it be interesting. 00:05:21.480 --> 00:05:22.259 If I had to do it. 00:05:22.420 --> 00:05:23.160 All over again. 00:05:23.420 --> 00:05:24.740 I would love. 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:26.400 To go to Scotland. 00:05:26.720 --> 00:05:28.439 And study Scottish history. 00:05:29.759 --> 00:05:30.860 Well that appealed to me. 00:05:30.860 --> 00:05:32.139 That sounds interesting. 00:05:32.680 --> 00:05:33.699 Never been to Scotland. 00:05:34.340 --> 00:05:35.300 I know little or nothing. 00:05:35.300 --> 00:05:36.319 About Scottish history. 00:05:36.879 --> 00:05:37.560 So I thought. 00:05:37.639 --> 00:05:38.780 Well let me explore. 00:05:39.340 --> 00:05:39.699 So. 00:05:39.960 --> 00:05:41.020 I was living in Japan. 00:05:41.020 --> 00:05:41.840 At the time. 00:05:42.020 --> 00:05:42.480 And the. 00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:43.800 The British Council. 00:05:43.800 --> 00:05:44.699 Has offices. 00:05:44.900 --> 00:05:45.819 In major cities. 00:05:45.819 --> 00:05:46.420 In the world. 00:05:46.860 --> 00:05:48.120 You go to the British Council. 00:05:48.120 --> 00:05:49.439 And they have all of these. 00:05:50.120 --> 00:05:50.560 Prospectuses. 00:05:50.560 --> 00:05:52.280 From all the different universities. 00:05:52.720 --> 00:05:54.160 And I looked on the shelf. 00:05:54.340 --> 00:05:54.639 And I. 00:05:54.699 --> 00:05:55.860 I found three. 00:05:56.580 --> 00:05:57.220 And I thought. 00:05:57.340 --> 00:05:57.800 Glasgow. 00:05:57.800 --> 00:05:58.960 That sounds interesting. 00:05:59.240 --> 00:05:59.860 And Edinburgh. 00:05:59.860 --> 00:06:00.460 Yes. 00:06:00.540 --> 00:06:02.120 That seems like a nice place. 00:06:02.120 --> 00:06:03.180 And St. Andrews. 00:06:03.580 --> 00:06:04.560 So I applied. 00:06:04.720 --> 00:06:05.620 To these three. 00:06:06.300 --> 00:06:06.699 Universities. 00:06:07.439 --> 00:06:08.720 And I was accepted. 00:06:09.439 --> 00:06:10.600 I don't think I was accepted. 00:06:10.720 --> 00:06:12.040 Because I was particularly bright. 00:06:12.180 --> 00:06:12.879 But I was accepted. 00:06:12.879 --> 00:06:13.540 Because I said. 00:06:13.620 --> 00:06:14.600 I would pay the fees. 00:06:15.139 --> 00:06:15.400 And. 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:16.520 As a rule. 00:06:17.800 --> 00:06:18.240 Universities. 00:06:18.360 --> 00:06:19.699 Like fee paying Americans. 00:06:20.699 --> 00:06:21.199 So anyway. 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:22.600 When it came time to choose. 00:06:22.680 --> 00:06:23.939 I've got three options now. 00:06:24.400 --> 00:06:24.800 Glasgow. 00:06:25.240 --> 00:06:25.600 Edinburgh. 00:06:25.759 --> 00:06:26.580 St. Andrews. 00:06:26.579 --> 00:06:29.579 Well I kind of used the Goldilocks approach. 00:06:30.519 --> 00:06:31.039 I thought. 00:06:31.599 --> 00:06:32.039 Glasgow. 00:06:32.599 --> 00:06:33.399 Seems too big. 00:06:34.419 --> 00:06:35.259 St. Andrews. 00:06:35.500 --> 00:06:36.300 Seems too small. 00:06:37.240 --> 00:06:38.019 I'll go to Edinburgh. 00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:40.419 Having never been to any of the three places. 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:43.019 A major life choice. 00:06:43.699 --> 00:06:44.479 That I made. 00:06:44.699 --> 00:06:45.219 Honestly. 00:06:45.479 --> 00:06:45.740 As. 00:06:46.819 --> 00:06:47.000 With. 00:06:47.419 --> 00:06:48.259 About that. 00:06:48.379 --> 00:06:49.439 I didn't do much research. 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:51.339 I didn't look into it very much. 00:06:51.399 --> 00:06:51.819 But I thought. 00:06:51.979 --> 00:06:53.299 Edinburgh sounds nice. 00:06:53.300 --> 00:06:54.480 Somebody told me. 00:06:54.600 --> 00:06:55.740 There's a festival here. 00:06:56.100 --> 00:06:57.160 And there's a castle. 00:06:57.620 --> 00:06:58.759 What more could you want? 00:06:59.840 --> 00:07:00.400 Choices. 00:07:00.920 --> 00:07:01.340 Choices. 00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:02.579 And consequences. 00:07:02.939 --> 00:07:05.420 That happened to be the best choice. 00:07:05.660 --> 00:07:07.060 I could have made. 00:07:07.360 --> 00:07:09.480 But I didn't know it at the time. 00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:11.660 Now the Apostle John. 00:07:11.960 --> 00:07:12.980 Is telling us. 00:07:13.360 --> 00:07:15.540 That we have a significant choice. 00:07:15.680 --> 00:07:16.759 To make here. 00:07:17.560 --> 00:07:19.060 In verses 8 to 10. 00:07:19.939 --> 00:07:21.660 He says there are two options. 00:07:21.660 --> 00:07:24.040 Verses 8 and verse 10. 00:07:24.160 --> 00:07:24.939 Put it this way. 00:07:25.520 --> 00:07:28.160 If we claim to be without sin. 00:07:28.700 --> 00:07:29.720 Or verse 10. 00:07:29.820 --> 00:07:31.660 If we claim we have not sinned. 00:07:31.840 --> 00:07:33.040 So the idea here is. 00:07:33.500 --> 00:07:34.400 It wasn't me. 00:07:34.980 --> 00:07:36.180 I didn't do it. 00:07:36.880 --> 00:07:37.400 I. 00:07:38.400 --> 00:07:39.800 Don't need help. 00:07:40.540 --> 00:07:40.800 Now. 00:07:41.340 --> 00:07:42.580 I've told you this. 00:07:42.720 --> 00:07:43.460 Many many times. 00:07:43.540 --> 00:07:45.379 But I work in our local prison. 00:07:45.379 --> 00:07:48.620 And I meet two categories of prisoners. 00:07:49.780 --> 00:07:51.240 I meet category one. 00:07:51.660 --> 00:07:52.939 It wasn't me. 00:07:53.480 --> 00:07:54.400 I didn't do it. 00:07:55.040 --> 00:07:56.300 I wasn't there. 00:07:56.880 --> 00:07:58.820 The accusation is false. 00:07:59.640 --> 00:08:00.860 I was stitched up. 00:08:01.480 --> 00:08:02.760 And there's a good category. 00:08:02.760 --> 00:08:04.240 Of these guys. 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:06.360 That I meet on a daily basis. 00:08:07.100 --> 00:08:07.640 Now. 00:08:08.120 --> 00:08:08.760 The sheriff. 00:08:08.900 --> 00:08:09.660 Or the judge. 00:08:09.720 --> 00:08:10.379 Or the jury. 00:08:10.520 --> 00:08:11.900 Obviously thought different. 00:08:12.600 --> 00:08:13.720 But they say. 00:08:13.900 --> 00:08:15.840 I am not guilty. 00:08:16.940 --> 00:08:18.800 Another category of prisoner. 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:19.639 Generally. 00:08:20.280 --> 00:08:21.360 The folks who have done. 00:08:21.780 --> 00:08:21.960 You know. 00:08:22.900 --> 00:08:24.660 Maybe these are the organized criminals. 00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:25.439 Or the gangsters. 00:08:25.840 --> 00:08:26.939 When I speak to them. 00:08:27.500 --> 00:08:27.720 Yeah. 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:28.280 I did it. 00:08:29.500 --> 00:08:30.480 How are you going to plead? 00:08:30.860 --> 00:08:31.439 Not guilty. 00:08:31.840 --> 00:08:32.500 But I did it. 00:08:33.180 --> 00:08:33.519 You get it. 00:08:33.620 --> 00:08:34.220 At least. 00:08:34.299 --> 00:08:35.019 You get the honesty. 00:08:35.139 --> 00:08:35.320 Yeah. 00:08:35.460 --> 00:08:35.759 I did. 00:08:35.899 --> 00:08:36.419 Or maybe. 00:08:36.580 --> 00:08:37.960 I didn't do that particular. 00:08:37.960 --> 00:08:39.320 I've done a lot of other things. 00:08:39.420 --> 00:08:40.480 But I did do that. 00:08:40.820 --> 00:08:42.019 So you've got the two categories. 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:43.100 You've got the one category. 00:08:43.100 --> 00:08:43.519 You said. 00:08:43.580 --> 00:08:44.300 It wasn't me. 00:08:44.560 --> 00:08:45.560 I'm not guilty. 00:08:45.940 --> 00:08:47.240 But then you had the other category. 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:47.680 That said. 00:08:47.920 --> 00:08:48.139 Yeah. 00:08:48.840 --> 00:08:49.519 I was caught. 00:08:49.940 --> 00:08:50.620 Bang to rights. 00:08:50.800 --> 00:08:50.940 Yeah. 00:08:51.040 --> 00:08:52.379 I knew what was wrong. 00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:54.000 It's an occupational hazard. 00:08:54.500 --> 00:08:56.200 And I was making so much money. 00:08:56.200 --> 00:08:56.740 That I knew. 00:08:56.860 --> 00:08:57.680 That if I got caught. 00:08:57.680 --> 00:08:59.240 I would have to pay the price. 00:09:00.240 --> 00:09:00.840 So John says. 00:09:01.019 --> 00:09:02.019 That's a real choice. 00:09:02.019 --> 00:09:02.720 That you. 00:09:02.960 --> 00:09:04.320 And I need to make. 00:09:04.800 --> 00:09:06.080 Because we can claim. 00:09:06.080 --> 00:09:07.400 To be without sin. 00:09:08.320 --> 00:09:08.960 Verse 8. 00:09:09.400 --> 00:09:11.060 But if we make that choice. 00:09:11.400 --> 00:09:13.100 We are deceiving ourselves. 00:09:14.160 --> 00:09:15.300 We're not deceiving God. 00:09:15.440 --> 00:09:16.520 God can't be deceived. 00:09:16.600 --> 00:09:17.720 But we're deceiving ourselves. 00:09:18.340 --> 00:09:18.920 I'm okay. 00:09:19.520 --> 00:09:20.320 I don't need help. 00:09:20.600 --> 00:09:21.560 I don't need forgiveness. 00:09:22.240 --> 00:09:23.940 Or the language of verse 10. 00:09:24.040 --> 00:09:26.080 If we claim we have not sinned. 00:09:26.080 --> 00:09:28.780 We make him out to be a liar. 00:09:29.460 --> 00:09:31.400 So not only can we deceive ourselves. 00:09:31.540 --> 00:09:32.580 But we can pretend. 00:09:32.780 --> 00:09:33.920 Or make it out. 00:09:34.020 --> 00:09:35.520 As if God is lying. 00:09:36.080 --> 00:09:38.560 But notice the language of verse 9. 00:09:38.680 --> 00:09:40.080 This is the other choice. 00:09:40.900 --> 00:09:44.379 If we confess our sins. 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:46.940 You put up your hand. 00:09:47.560 --> 00:09:48.160 I did it. 00:09:48.720 --> 00:09:49.300 I'm guilty. 00:09:49.860 --> 00:09:50.820 That list of. 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:52.840 That indictment in Isaiah 59. 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:54.259 Which was so detailed. 00:09:54.820 --> 00:09:56.180 The words that you speak. 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:57.620 The actions of your hand. 00:09:57.740 --> 00:09:59.100 The thoughts of your mind. 00:09:59.480 --> 00:10:01.160 The direction of your life. 00:10:01.159 --> 00:10:03.259 Isaiah is saying. 00:10:03.259 --> 00:10:04.240 The big problem. 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:05.579 That you and I have. 00:10:05.799 --> 00:10:07.339 Is that generally speaking. 00:10:07.579 --> 00:10:10.179 Our back is turned to God. 00:10:10.919 --> 00:10:11.179 Now. 00:10:11.379 --> 00:10:12.779 In terms of basic. 00:10:14.779 --> 00:10:15.299 Politeness. 00:10:15.459 --> 00:10:16.839 Or basic courtesy. 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:18.519 If you're there. 00:10:18.699 --> 00:10:19.740 I'm facing you. 00:10:20.279 --> 00:10:22.579 If I began to speak like this. 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:22.980 This is. 00:10:23.759 --> 00:10:25.299 In any culture. 00:10:26.039 --> 00:10:27.539 That is impolite. 00:10:27.639 --> 00:10:28.659 That is contempt. 00:10:28.659 --> 00:10:30.740 I am demonstrating contempt. 00:10:30.939 --> 00:10:32.620 If I turn my back to you. 00:10:32.879 --> 00:10:34.579 And attempt to have a conversation. 00:10:35.219 --> 00:10:37.100 That's an insult to you. 00:10:38.139 --> 00:10:39.159 And Isaiah says. 00:10:39.299 --> 00:10:41.079 That's what we're doing to God. 00:10:41.419 --> 00:10:43.980 We are turning our back on him. 00:10:44.259 --> 00:10:45.379 And we are moving. 00:10:45.379 --> 00:10:47.100 In the opposite direction. 00:10:48.379 --> 00:10:50.019 So the choice here. 00:10:50.699 --> 00:10:51.019 Is. 00:10:51.399 --> 00:10:52.899 Is God. 00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:54.000 Correct. 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:55.379 Is God. 00:10:55.519 --> 00:10:56.080 Correct. 00:10:56.279 --> 00:10:57.120 In his. 00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:58.019 Indictment. 00:10:58.399 --> 00:10:58.980 Is God. 00:10:59.139 --> 00:10:59.600 Correct. 00:10:59.720 --> 00:11:00.259 In his. 00:11:00.659 --> 00:11:01.059 Observation. 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:02.580 Does he see. 00:11:03.480 --> 00:11:03.840 Things. 00:11:04.039 --> 00:11:05.480 As they really are. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:08.980 We can claim to be without sin. 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:10.700 And we're doing two things. 00:11:10.779 --> 00:11:11.759 We're deceiving ourselves. 00:11:11.879 --> 00:11:12.299 And we're saying. 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:12.639 God. 00:11:12.679 --> 00:11:13.799 I think you're lying here. 00:11:14.460 --> 00:11:15.000 Or. 00:11:15.559 --> 00:11:16.080 We can say. 00:11:16.139 --> 00:11:16.379 God. 00:11:16.440 --> 00:11:16.919 You're right. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:18.259 You're right. 00:11:18.860 --> 00:11:20.019 I am living. 00:11:20.139 --> 00:11:21.580 As if you don't exist. 00:11:21.580 --> 00:11:23.320 I am behaving. 00:11:23.320 --> 00:11:24.700 As if you don't matter. 00:11:25.560 --> 00:11:27.480 If we confess our sins. 00:11:27.480 --> 00:11:28.440 We put up our hands. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:29.259 He. 00:11:29.900 --> 00:11:31.080 Is faithful. 00:11:31.320 --> 00:11:31.920 And just. 00:11:32.440 --> 00:11:33.680 And will forgive us. 00:11:33.920 --> 00:11:34.580 Our sins. 00:11:34.759 --> 00:11:35.920 And purify us. 00:11:36.160 --> 00:11:37.500 From all unrighteousness. 00:11:37.800 --> 00:11:39.440 This is what he can do. 00:11:40.460 --> 00:11:41.259 This morning. 00:11:41.340 --> 00:11:41.900 I was speaking. 00:11:43.180 --> 00:11:44.840 830 and 915. 00:11:45.060 --> 00:11:46.000 At Edinburgh prison. 00:11:46.800 --> 00:11:47.520 And I used. 00:11:47.640 --> 00:11:48.180 An illustration. 00:11:48.400 --> 00:11:49.420 That I've often used before. 00:11:49.540 --> 00:11:50.640 I'll often use it again. 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:53.080 Back in the 1950s. 00:11:53.080 --> 00:11:54.279 Late 1950s. 00:11:54.939 --> 00:11:55.679 Billy Graham. 00:11:55.899 --> 00:11:56.299 Was. 00:11:56.559 --> 00:11:57.220 A young. 00:11:57.679 --> 00:11:59.879 And a popular evangelist. 00:11:59.939 --> 00:12:01.259 He came from North Carolina. 00:12:01.860 --> 00:12:03.500 And he was driving through. 00:12:03.720 --> 00:12:05.240 One of the more rural districts. 00:12:05.240 --> 00:12:06.220 Of North Carolina. 00:12:06.659 --> 00:12:08.679 And he exceeded the speed limit. 00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:10.720 He was 10 miles over the limit. 00:12:11.299 --> 00:12:12.879 And he was brought before. 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:13.360 The. 00:12:14.679 --> 00:12:16.340 Maybe justice of the peace. 00:12:16.639 --> 00:12:16.819 Or. 00:12:17.419 --> 00:12:18.500 The judge. 00:12:18.659 --> 00:12:19.439 The next day. 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:21.480 And he appeared in court. 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:22.860 And the judge. 00:12:23.180 --> 00:12:23.460 You know. 00:12:23.500 --> 00:12:24.660 Had the papers in front of him. 00:12:25.060 --> 00:12:26.460 And wasn't really looking up. 00:12:26.540 --> 00:12:27.000 And he says. 00:12:27.120 --> 00:12:27.880 Mr. Graham. 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:28.360 You've been. 00:12:28.880 --> 00:12:29.360 You've been. 00:12:29.460 --> 00:12:30.260 You've been charged. 00:12:30.380 --> 00:12:31.000 With exceeding. 00:12:31.140 --> 00:12:32.400 The stated speed limit. 00:12:32.460 --> 00:12:33.960 By 10 miles per hour. 00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:35.380 How do you plead? 00:12:36.220 --> 00:12:37.140 Guilty your honor. 00:12:37.980 --> 00:12:38.340 Well. 00:12:38.760 --> 00:12:40.260 In light of your infringement. 00:12:40.360 --> 00:12:41.380 I will fine you. 00:12:41.380 --> 00:12:42.220 One dollar. 00:12:42.480 --> 00:12:43.180 Per mile. 00:12:43.380 --> 00:12:44.500 That you exceeded the limit. 00:12:45.160 --> 00:12:46.580 Tells you how long ago it was. 00:12:46.580 --> 00:12:47.420 So. 00:12:47.420 --> 00:12:48.940 10 miles per hour. 00:12:49.240 --> 00:12:49.980 Ten dollars. 00:12:50.900 --> 00:12:52.060 Ten dollars. 00:12:52.259 --> 00:12:52.540 Fine. 00:12:53.340 --> 00:12:54.800 But then the judge looked up. 00:12:55.320 --> 00:12:56.120 And he saw. 00:12:56.520 --> 00:12:57.560 The accused. 00:12:58.000 --> 00:12:58.740 Now the guilty. 00:12:59.700 --> 00:13:00.020 You see. 00:13:00.100 --> 00:13:01.060 You go from being accused. 00:13:01.139 --> 00:13:01.780 To being guilty. 00:13:02.060 --> 00:13:03.240 When you put up your hand. 00:13:03.300 --> 00:13:03.500 And say. 00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:04.100 I did it. 00:13:04.280 --> 00:13:05.540 You're no longer accused. 00:13:05.680 --> 00:13:06.160 You're guilty. 00:13:07.620 --> 00:13:08.480 He looked up. 00:13:08.500 --> 00:13:09.660 And he saw Billy Graham. 00:13:09.900 --> 00:13:11.660 He saw the famous evangelist. 00:13:12.360 --> 00:13:13.860 And he did something remarkable. 00:13:13.860 --> 00:13:16.200 He reached into his pocket. 00:13:16.779 --> 00:13:17.860 He took out his wallet. 00:13:18.419 --> 00:13:19.919 He took out a ten dollar bill. 00:13:20.440 --> 00:13:21.899 He attached it to. 00:13:22.460 --> 00:13:23.879 The court paper. 00:13:24.399 --> 00:13:24.639 And said. 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:25.360 Mr. Graham. 00:13:25.800 --> 00:13:27.060 I have now paid. 00:13:27.220 --> 00:13:28.159 Your fine. 00:13:28.600 --> 00:13:29.899 And what I want to do. 00:13:30.220 --> 00:13:31.379 Is to take you out. 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:32.360 For a steak dinner. 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:33.399 You see. 00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:33.800 There was a. 00:13:33.919 --> 00:13:34.879 A penalty. 00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:36.019 Had to be paid. 00:13:36.460 --> 00:13:37.659 The ten dollar fine. 00:13:37.779 --> 00:13:38.680 Had to be paid. 00:13:39.080 --> 00:13:40.240 And the judge. 00:13:40.700 --> 00:13:41.220 Paid it. 00:13:41.720 --> 00:13:42.080 For. 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:42.200 For. 00:13:43.000 --> 00:13:43.740 The guilty. 00:13:45.180 --> 00:13:46.360 I was saying to the guys. 00:13:46.480 --> 00:13:46.820 This morning. 00:13:47.280 --> 00:13:47.980 I said. 00:13:48.340 --> 00:13:50.379 You might not have that experience. 00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:51.620 Of the sheriff. 00:13:51.980 --> 00:13:52.900 Or of the judge. 00:13:53.800 --> 00:13:55.400 But that's what grace. 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:56.280 Looks like. 00:13:56.940 --> 00:13:58.400 Not only does the judge. 00:13:58.520 --> 00:13:59.460 Pay the fine. 00:13:59.700 --> 00:14:00.680 But the judge says. 00:14:00.740 --> 00:14:01.440 I want to take you out. 00:14:01.520 --> 00:14:01.920 For dinner. 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:02.740 I want to. 00:14:02.820 --> 00:14:03.340 I want to. 00:14:03.420 --> 00:14:04.340 I want to celebrate. 00:14:04.580 --> 00:14:06.259 I want to entertain you. 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:08.379 He is faithful. 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:09.300 And just. 00:14:09.820 --> 00:14:10.820 And will forgive us. 00:14:10.820 --> 00:14:11.440 Our sins. 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:12.760 And purify us. 00:14:12.760 --> 00:14:14.800 From all unrighteousness. 00:14:15.879 --> 00:14:17.720 Isaiah 59 said. 00:14:18.180 --> 00:14:19.980 God's looking for a mediator. 00:14:20.080 --> 00:14:21.280 But he doesn't find one. 00:14:21.740 --> 00:14:22.420 So he says. 00:14:22.580 --> 00:14:24.620 I will be that mediator. 00:14:25.260 --> 00:14:27.379 The Lord Jesus came on a mission. 00:14:27.860 --> 00:14:29.300 To seek and to save the lost. 00:14:29.400 --> 00:14:29.980 He came. 00:14:30.220 --> 00:14:31.680 As a human being. 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:33.200 God in the flesh. 00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:34.280 To do. 00:14:34.440 --> 00:14:36.200 What no other human being could do. 00:14:36.780 --> 00:14:37.880 To pay a price. 00:14:38.340 --> 00:14:39.620 To satisfy the debt. 00:14:39.620 --> 00:14:40.639 That was not his. 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:42.039 So that the guilty. 00:14:42.379 --> 00:14:43.019 Could go free. 00:14:44.740 --> 00:14:45.320 You see. 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:46.299 In a prison setting. 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:48.779 That category of prisoner. 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:50.159 That doesn't put up his hand. 00:14:50.200 --> 00:14:50.500 And say. 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:51.299 I did it. 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:53.639 There's not much you can do for them. 00:14:54.299 --> 00:14:54.980 It's not much. 00:14:54.980 --> 00:14:56.200 In the way of rehabilitation. 00:14:56.639 --> 00:14:56.720 It's. 00:14:56.840 --> 00:14:57.480 There's not much. 00:14:57.480 --> 00:14:58.220 In the way of. 00:14:58.460 --> 00:14:59.179 Of programs. 00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:00.019 There's not much. 00:15:00.019 --> 00:15:00.519 In the way. 00:15:00.779 --> 00:15:02.200 That you can help that person. 00:15:02.259 --> 00:15:02.860 Because the person said. 00:15:02.940 --> 00:15:03.860 I didn't do it. 00:15:04.799 --> 00:15:05.580 Now of course. 00:15:05.659 --> 00:15:06.279 It's possible. 00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:06.940 With human. 00:15:06.940 --> 00:15:08.600 Systems of justice. 00:15:08.600 --> 00:15:09.700 That innocent people. 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:10.820 Can be convicted. 00:15:11.460 --> 00:15:11.900 Possible. 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:13.800 Maybe I'm a bit cynical. 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:14.920 But most people. 00:15:15.100 --> 00:15:15.660 I think. 00:15:16.200 --> 00:15:17.200 Have been convicted. 00:15:17.200 --> 00:15:18.120 For a reason. 00:15:19.320 --> 00:15:19.920 But you see. 00:15:20.040 --> 00:15:21.440 If you don't put up your hand. 00:15:21.520 --> 00:15:22.920 If you don't make this choice. 00:15:23.080 --> 00:15:24.920 God can't do much for you. 00:15:26.140 --> 00:15:26.420 If. 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:28.100 I haven't sinned. 00:15:28.600 --> 00:15:29.420 I'm not guilty. 00:15:29.680 --> 00:15:30.520 I haven't done. 00:15:31.140 --> 00:15:31.540 Well then. 00:15:32.120 --> 00:15:32.640 You know. 00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:33.980 When Billy Graham. 00:15:34.059 --> 00:15:34.659 Put up his hand. 00:15:34.699 --> 00:15:34.960 And he said. 00:15:35.039 --> 00:15:35.259 Yes. 00:15:35.360 --> 00:15:36.779 I did exceed the speed limit. 00:15:36.779 --> 00:15:37.899 By 10 miles per hour. 00:15:38.039 --> 00:15:39.860 I am guilty as charged. 00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:41.679 Then the judge. 00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:42.399 Could do something. 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:44.159 When you put up your hand. 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:44.600 To God. 00:15:44.639 --> 00:15:44.860 And say. 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:45.240 God. 00:15:45.319 --> 00:15:45.919 You're right. 00:15:46.299 --> 00:15:47.580 I've not lived the life. 00:15:47.620 --> 00:15:48.319 I should have lived. 00:15:48.360 --> 00:15:48.779 I've not. 00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:49.620 Spoken. 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:50.319 Or acted. 00:15:50.419 --> 00:15:50.939 Or thought. 00:15:51.019 --> 00:15:51.360 In the way. 00:15:51.419 --> 00:15:52.419 I should have thought. 00:15:53.080 --> 00:15:54.179 So you've got a choice. 00:15:54.860 --> 00:15:55.659 You can claim. 00:15:55.659 --> 00:15:56.860 To be without sin. 00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:58.799 Or you can confess your sins. 00:15:59.000 --> 00:15:59.620 Whatever they are. 00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:00.720 You don't need to confess them to me. 00:16:00.919 --> 00:16:01.419 But you say. 00:16:01.480 --> 00:16:01.779 God. 00:16:01.779 --> 00:16:02.220 You know. 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:03.179 He knows anyway. 00:16:03.879 --> 00:16:04.899 He knows everything anyway. 00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:05.779 He knows our thoughts. 00:16:05.860 --> 00:16:06.199 Our words. 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:06.679 And our deeds. 00:16:06.759 --> 00:16:08.319 If we confess our sins. 00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:09.939 He is faithful. 00:16:10.539 --> 00:16:11.360 And just. 00:16:11.459 --> 00:16:12.759 To forgive us our sins. 00:16:13.339 --> 00:16:14.240 And to cleanse us. 00:16:14.240 --> 00:16:15.699 From all unrighteousness. 00:16:16.439 --> 00:16:17.059 So John says. 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:17.899 You've got a choice. 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:19.939 We all have choices. 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:22.659 In that second part. 00:16:22.659 --> 00:16:23.379 Of that reading. 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:26.679 God makes an offer. 00:16:27.559 --> 00:16:28.600 Through John. 00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:29.679 Through the writer. 00:16:30.319 --> 00:16:30.699 He says. 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:31.440 I've got an offer. 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:32.300 For you here. 00:16:32.300 --> 00:16:34.520 And this is a great offer. 00:16:35.520 --> 00:16:36.280 You see. 00:16:37.080 --> 00:16:37.960 We're told. 00:16:38.100 --> 00:16:39.040 My dear children. 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:41.060 I write this to you. 00:16:41.140 --> 00:16:42.340 So that you will not sin. 00:16:42.460 --> 00:16:44.140 But if anybody does sin. 00:16:44.660 --> 00:16:46.900 We have an advocate. 00:16:46.900 --> 00:16:47.800 With the father. 00:16:48.640 --> 00:16:49.840 So if you are. 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:50.640 A Christian. 00:16:51.040 --> 00:16:51.460 Tonight. 00:16:52.080 --> 00:16:53.280 You have an advocate. 00:16:53.860 --> 00:16:55.100 You have a spokesman. 00:16:55.420 --> 00:16:57.379 You have an intercessor. 00:16:57.580 --> 00:16:58.720 You have a mediator. 00:16:58.720 --> 00:17:00.040 You have someone. 00:17:00.040 --> 00:17:01.259 Who stands up. 00:17:01.779 --> 00:17:03.600 On your behalf. 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.980 Abraham Lincoln. 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:06.799 My favorite. 00:17:06.900 --> 00:17:07.799 American president. 00:17:08.440 --> 00:17:09.880 A man of great wisdom. 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:11.140 He himself was a lawyer. 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:12.880 He was a circuit lawyer. 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.180 In Illinois. 00:17:15.100 --> 00:17:16.200 And he once said. 00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:19.400 A man who represents himself. 00:17:20.039 --> 00:17:20.779 Has a fool. 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:21.680 For a client. 00:17:21.680 --> 00:17:22.820 You see. 00:17:22.820 --> 00:17:23.320 If you're. 00:17:23.320 --> 00:17:24.519 If you're accused. 00:17:24.840 --> 00:17:25.860 Of a crime. 00:17:26.460 --> 00:17:27.460 Or if you're accused. 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:29.120 Of any sort of breach of the law. 00:17:29.560 --> 00:17:30.580 You do have the right. 00:17:30.680 --> 00:17:31.640 To represent yourself. 00:17:32.420 --> 00:17:33.460 You can stand up. 00:17:33.560 --> 00:17:33.940 In the. 00:17:34.420 --> 00:17:35.100 Sheriff court. 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:36.160 Or the district court. 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:37.480 Or the high court. 00:17:37.880 --> 00:17:39.600 And you can be your own lawyer. 00:17:40.420 --> 00:17:41.560 As a general rule. 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:42.900 That's not a good idea. 00:17:43.420 --> 00:17:44.600 Because most of us. 00:17:44.660 --> 00:17:45.620 Are not well versed. 00:17:45.620 --> 00:17:46.080 In the law. 00:17:46.460 --> 00:17:47.340 Most of not. 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:48.680 Us are not trained. 00:17:48.680 --> 00:17:50.019 In court procedure. 00:17:51.200 --> 00:17:51.640 Again. 00:17:51.820 --> 00:17:52.820 My experience. 00:17:53.340 --> 00:17:53.779 Inside. 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:55.360 Over the last 25 years. 00:17:55.360 --> 00:17:55.860 Or so. 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:57.019 Is I've met. 00:17:57.160 --> 00:17:57.940 Several people. 00:17:58.480 --> 00:17:58.960 Who are. 00:17:59.160 --> 00:18:00.160 Who were looking forward. 00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:01.299 To their day in court. 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:02.600 I said. 00:18:02.660 --> 00:18:03.860 So who's representing you? 00:18:04.080 --> 00:18:05.220 I'm representing myself. 00:18:05.560 --> 00:18:05.820 I said. 00:18:05.900 --> 00:18:06.080 I mean. 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:07.000 To myself. 00:18:07.080 --> 00:18:07.360 I said. 00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:08.560 That makes sense. 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:09.500 You see. 00:18:09.539 --> 00:18:10.600 They want their day in court. 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:11.660 They want to say. 00:18:11.660 --> 00:18:12.560 What they want to say. 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:14.140 But it never works out well. 00:18:14.660 --> 00:18:16.000 Because they're not trained. 00:18:16.380 --> 00:18:17.779 Because they don't know the law. 00:18:17.779 --> 00:18:19.440 Because they're in a place. 00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:21.000 Where everyone else knows the law. 00:18:21.200 --> 00:18:22.220 But they don't. 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:24.019 So as Lincoln said. 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:26.079 If you represent yourself. 00:18:26.619 --> 00:18:28.619 You're ultimately going to have a fool. 00:18:28.859 --> 00:18:29.700 For a client. 00:18:30.720 --> 00:18:31.700 But you've got a choice. 00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:32.960 You can engage. 00:18:33.079 --> 00:18:33.819 A solicitor. 00:18:33.980 --> 00:18:34.660 Or an advocate. 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:37.440 In my work. 00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:38.539 Over the years. 00:18:38.639 --> 00:18:39.599 I keep track. 00:18:40.099 --> 00:18:40.940 I keep track. 00:18:40.940 --> 00:18:42.639 Of who represents who. 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:43.980 So I meet people. 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:45.339 And you know. 00:18:45.399 --> 00:18:46.059 I'll just ask. 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:47.819 Who is your lawyer. 00:18:48.179 --> 00:18:49.779 And they'll list a defense firm. 00:18:50.099 --> 00:18:50.879 In town. 00:18:51.039 --> 00:18:52.079 Or in Livingston. 00:18:52.179 --> 00:18:52.619 Or wherever. 00:18:53.159 --> 00:18:54.220 So I've got a list. 00:18:54.339 --> 00:18:55.859 Of defense lawyers. 00:18:56.179 --> 00:18:56.919 In my head. 00:18:57.859 --> 00:18:59.559 Now if I ever get in trouble. 00:19:00.419 --> 00:19:02.240 If I ever find myself. 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:03.019 In need. 00:19:03.099 --> 00:19:04.240 Of a defense lawyer. 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:05.980 I've got a list. 00:19:06.639 --> 00:19:07.379 Of lawyers. 00:19:07.599 --> 00:19:08.539 That I will not. 00:19:08.799 --> 00:19:09.159 Contact. 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:10.799 You see. 00:19:10.899 --> 00:19:11.779 I don't want. 00:19:11.839 --> 00:19:12.980 A defense lawyer. 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:13.940 Whose clients. 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:14.559 Are in prison. 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:16.480 I want a defense lawyer. 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:17.139 Whose clients. 00:19:17.139 --> 00:19:18.039 Are out of prison. 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:19.480 I want someone. 00:19:19.480 --> 00:19:21.139 Who can do for me. 00:19:21.539 --> 00:19:22.399 What I need. 00:19:22.399 --> 00:19:23.059 To be done. 00:19:23.980 --> 00:19:24.879 And I said that. 00:19:24.879 --> 00:19:25.460 To the guys. 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:25.879 And they said. 00:19:26.019 --> 00:19:27.179 That's what they all say. 00:19:27.839 --> 00:19:28.039 They. 00:19:28.220 --> 00:19:28.619 You. 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:30.079 We'll get you off. 00:19:30.579 --> 00:19:30.919 And I said. 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:31.799 What if you had. 00:19:31.879 --> 00:19:32.379 A lawyer. 00:19:32.619 --> 00:19:33.819 Who has a hundred percent. 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:34.399 Success rate. 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:35.319 Oh they all say that. 00:19:35.619 --> 00:19:36.259 But none of them. 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:36.960 Has a hundred percent. 00:19:37.059 --> 00:19:37.579 Success rate. 00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:38.720 But we have. 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:39.460 An advocate. 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:40.200 If you're a Christian. 00:19:40.200 --> 00:19:41.139 You have an advocate. 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:42.639 Every case. 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:43.460 He takes on. 00:19:43.579 --> 00:19:44.220 He wins. 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:45.660 Every case. 00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:46.539 He pleads. 00:19:46.700 --> 00:19:47.680 He's successful. 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:50.259 My dear children. 00:19:50.259 --> 00:19:51.799 I write this to you. 00:19:51.940 --> 00:19:53.339 So that you will not sin. 00:19:53.460 --> 00:19:54.839 But if anybody does sin. 00:19:54.920 --> 00:19:56.019 We have an advocate. 00:19:56.019 --> 00:19:57.100 With the father. 00:19:57.600 --> 00:19:58.559 Jesus Christ. 00:19:59.180 --> 00:20:00.240 And notice the description. 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:01.740 The righteous one. 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:03.500 Isaiah 59. 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.100 God says. 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:05.539 I'm looking for a righteous person. 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:06.839 He finds none. 00:20:07.600 --> 00:20:08.920 He sends his son. 00:20:08.920 --> 00:20:09.440 Jesus. 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:10.720 And Jesus. 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:12.400 Is the righteous one. 00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:14.580 Jesus is the pure one. 00:20:14.940 --> 00:20:16.440 Jesus is the good one. 00:20:16.800 --> 00:20:20.140 So not only does he satisfy God's requirements. 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:24.560 But he's now suitable to satisfy our needs. 00:20:25.600 --> 00:20:26.740 Jesus Christ. 00:20:26.840 --> 00:20:27.519 The righteous one. 00:20:27.620 --> 00:20:29.440 We have an advocate with the father. 00:20:30.800 --> 00:20:32.440 In court proceedings. 00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:35.620 Whenever your name is called. 00:20:35.619 --> 00:20:37.500 If the clerk. 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:38.679 Or the judge. 00:20:38.679 --> 00:20:39.439 Or the sheriff. 00:20:39.939 --> 00:20:41.199 Calls your name. 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:42.399 You stand. 00:20:43.199 --> 00:20:44.279 It's a mark of respect. 00:20:44.739 --> 00:20:45.539 You stand up. 00:20:45.619 --> 00:20:46.699 Your name has been called. 00:20:47.019 --> 00:20:48.399 Robert John Aykroyd. 00:20:48.899 --> 00:20:50.479 Please stand Mr. Aykroyd. 00:20:50.579 --> 00:20:51.219 I stand. 00:20:52.019 --> 00:20:54.319 Now I would have a solicitor. 00:20:54.519 --> 00:20:55.259 Or an advocate. 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:58.019 And the first thing the advocate would say. 00:20:58.219 --> 00:21:00.139 Is I represent Mr. Aykroyd. 00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:01.600 Then the sheriff. 00:21:01.880 --> 00:21:02.600 Or the judge. 00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:03.660 Or the clerk of court. 00:21:03.780 --> 00:21:04.940 Says Mr. Aykroyd. 00:21:05.280 --> 00:21:06.880 You may sit down. 00:21:07.520 --> 00:21:07.900 Why? 00:21:08.300 --> 00:21:09.680 Because someone else is standing. 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:11.560 You don't need to stand. 00:21:11.600 --> 00:21:13.340 If somebody is standing for you. 00:21:13.580 --> 00:21:14.900 You don't need to speak. 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:16.420 If someone is speaking for you. 00:21:16.740 --> 00:21:18.420 And that's what Jesus is offering. 00:21:18.880 --> 00:21:20.440 And that's what Jesus provides. 00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:21.980 He's the advocate. 00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:23.580 He's the spokesman. 00:21:23.860 --> 00:21:25.080 We sit down. 00:21:25.620 --> 00:21:27.100 He stands up. 00:21:27.099 --> 00:21:31.199 When you place your case in his hands. 00:21:31.459 --> 00:21:33.639 When you place your life in his hands. 00:21:33.859 --> 00:21:35.379 When you say I've got. 00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:36.459 I need help. 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:37.659 Will you help me? 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:40.000 He takes on that case. 00:21:40.599 --> 00:21:41.719 And he pleads. 00:21:42.279 --> 00:21:43.339 Not your goodness. 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:44.259 But his. 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:45.759 Not your righteousness. 00:21:46.119 --> 00:21:47.000 But his. 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:48.779 So there's an offer here. 00:21:49.879 --> 00:21:51.339 If you need help. 00:21:51.559 --> 00:21:52.579 He can help. 00:21:52.899 --> 00:21:54.500 If you need a spokesman. 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:55.359 He can speak. 00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:57.379 If you need representation. 00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:59.079 He will be. 00:21:59.599 --> 00:22:00.639 That representative. 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:03.139 And as I read in scripture. 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:05.799 He has not lost one case yet. 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:07.319 And I don't think. 00:22:07.659 --> 00:22:09.219 Yours will be the first. 00:22:10.199 --> 00:22:12.459 So we have an offer of an advocate. 00:22:13.359 --> 00:22:13.899 And secondly. 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:15.679 In verse 2 of chapter 2. 00:22:16.199 --> 00:22:17.240 We have an offer. 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:20.000 Of an atoning sacrifice. 00:22:20.899 --> 00:22:22.819 Now the language here is a bit complicated. 00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:25.539 But the idea is pretty straightforward. 00:22:26.740 --> 00:22:27.980 In the Old Testament. 00:22:28.179 --> 00:22:29.879 You had a sacrificial system. 00:22:30.740 --> 00:22:32.079 You had holidays. 00:22:32.559 --> 00:22:33.879 You had feast days. 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:35.859 You had celebrations. 00:22:35.859 --> 00:22:37.879 That took place in the tabernacle. 00:22:38.119 --> 00:22:38.980 Or in the temple. 00:22:39.659 --> 00:22:42.159 And these would involve sacrifice. 00:22:43.139 --> 00:22:44.500 Generally an animal. 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.919 Would be sacrificed. 00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:47.879 Its blood would be sprinkled. 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:50.000 As a way by which. 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:51.559 Sin would be atoned for. 00:22:51.559 --> 00:22:53.579 Now these sacrifices. 00:22:53.579 --> 00:22:54.779 In the Old Testament. 00:22:55.399 --> 00:22:56.419 Were pointing forward. 00:22:56.619 --> 00:22:57.859 To the sacrifice. 00:22:58.779 --> 00:22:59.960 The many sacrifices. 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:01.500 Were pointing forward. 00:23:01.639 --> 00:23:03.119 To the one sacrifice. 00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:05.279 The language here. 00:23:05.819 --> 00:23:06.259 Technically. 00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:07.059 Is a word. 00:23:07.299 --> 00:23:08.179 Propitiation. 00:23:09.179 --> 00:23:09.859 Propitiation. 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:11.279 Means two things. 00:23:11.440 --> 00:23:11.980 First of all. 00:23:12.059 --> 00:23:13.159 Propitiation means. 00:23:13.359 --> 00:23:13.839 Anger. 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:15.919 God is rightly. 00:23:16.159 --> 00:23:17.679 Angry at sin. 00:23:18.179 --> 00:23:19.419 Sin is contrary. 00:23:19.420 --> 00:23:20.660 Contrary to his character. 00:23:21.180 --> 00:23:22.759 Contrary to his nature. 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:23.580 Again. 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:25.180 The idea of a person. 00:23:25.340 --> 00:23:26.480 Made by God. 00:23:26.600 --> 00:23:27.300 For God. 00:23:27.300 --> 00:23:29.380 Who spends their entire life. 00:23:29.460 --> 00:23:30.900 Walking away from God. 00:23:31.620 --> 00:23:33.000 With their back toward him. 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:34.980 He's angry with sin. 00:23:35.700 --> 00:23:36.840 And we understand that. 00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:37.279 Don't we? 00:23:37.700 --> 00:23:38.920 You look at the newspaper. 00:23:39.580 --> 00:23:42.580 You look at the BBC News website. 00:23:43.039 --> 00:23:44.200 You look at what's going on. 00:23:44.259 --> 00:23:44.900 In our world. 00:23:45.320 --> 00:23:45.660 And you say. 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.920 That's not right. 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:48.680 That shouldn't happen. 00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:51.200 People shouldn't treat each other that way. 00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:53.120 People shouldn't behave in that way. 00:23:53.500 --> 00:23:54.640 We feel anger. 00:23:55.340 --> 00:23:56.759 And we are limited. 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.500 God is unlimited. 00:23:59.140 --> 00:24:00.080 He sees everything. 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:01.039 He knows everything. 00:24:01.600 --> 00:24:02.860 And when he sees. 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:04.500 Violence. 00:24:05.120 --> 00:24:06.660 When he sees oppression. 00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:08.779 When he sees abuse. 00:24:09.060 --> 00:24:09.460 He says. 00:24:09.740 --> 00:24:11.779 I am angry with sin. 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:13.420 So propitiation. 00:24:13.900 --> 00:24:16.080 Is the fact that God is angry. 00:24:16.079 --> 00:24:17.839 But propitiation. 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:19.799 Takes the anger of God. 00:24:20.099 --> 00:24:22.399 And turns the anger away. 00:24:23.220 --> 00:24:24.419 How is that possible? 00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:26.659 How can God. 00:24:26.740 --> 00:24:28.079 Who is angry at sin. 00:24:28.639 --> 00:24:29.500 Do anything. 00:24:29.859 --> 00:24:30.159 But. 00:24:30.619 --> 00:24:31.939 Express that anger. 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:32.839 Towards sin. 00:24:33.659 --> 00:24:34.460 Well it brings us. 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:35.439 Right back to Jesus. 00:24:36.039 --> 00:24:36.839 Because not only. 00:24:36.939 --> 00:24:38.179 Does Jesus stand up. 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:39.240 And plead our case. 00:24:39.299 --> 00:24:40.099 As our advocate. 00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:42.679 Jesus takes our place. 00:24:43.439 --> 00:24:44.759 As a sacrifice. 00:24:44.759 --> 00:24:45.779 As a substitute. 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:46.759 He. 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:48.259 Pays the price. 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:50.000 He satisfies the debt. 00:24:50.420 --> 00:24:51.920 He bears the wrath. 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:53.460 And the anger of God. 00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:56.259 Was it last Wednesday? 00:24:56.359 --> 00:24:57.079 Was Ash Wednesday? 00:24:57.640 --> 00:24:59.680 We are now in the season of Lent. 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.720 We're looking forward. 00:25:01.519 --> 00:25:01.839 To. 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:03.079 Good Friday. 00:25:03.900 --> 00:25:04.700 Easter Sunday. 00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:06.500 And we remember. 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:08.120 That on that Friday. 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:09.539 Jesus Christ. 00:25:09.539 --> 00:25:10.880 Died on the cross. 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:13.319 He was verbally abused. 00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:15.360 He was physically abused. 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:16.200 He. 00:25:16.580 --> 00:25:18.080 Bore the cost. 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:18.960 Of our sin. 00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:19.819 On the cross. 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:21.519 The anger of God. 00:25:21.580 --> 00:25:22.080 At sin. 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:23.059 Was poured out. 00:25:23.299 --> 00:25:23.860 On him. 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:26.080 Not because he had sinned. 00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:27.500 But because he took. 00:25:27.660 --> 00:25:28.580 Upon himself. 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:29.840 The sin. 00:25:30.059 --> 00:25:30.660 And the guilt. 00:25:30.880 --> 00:25:31.559 And the shame. 00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:32.340 Of others. 00:25:32.339 --> 00:25:34.599 So not only does he stand. 00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:35.919 And plead your case. 00:25:36.399 --> 00:25:37.779 He takes your place. 00:25:38.500 --> 00:25:39.679 Satisfies your debt. 00:25:40.199 --> 00:25:41.259 Pays the cost. 00:25:41.359 --> 00:25:42.059 Or the price. 00:25:42.419 --> 00:25:43.199 That is yours. 00:25:43.359 --> 00:25:43.879 To pay. 00:25:45.039 --> 00:25:46.939 He is the atoning sacrifice. 00:25:46.939 --> 00:25:48.500 For our sins. 00:25:49.220 --> 00:25:49.659 So you see. 00:25:49.720 --> 00:25:50.959 John wants his people. 00:25:51.079 --> 00:25:51.679 God's people. 00:25:51.679 --> 00:25:52.259 To know. 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:53.779 That they are God's people. 00:25:54.359 --> 00:25:55.319 You've got an advocate. 00:25:55.419 --> 00:25:56.119 You don't need to speak. 00:25:56.119 --> 00:25:56.740 On your behalf. 00:25:56.839 --> 00:25:57.699 Let him speak. 00:25:58.279 --> 00:25:59.519 You've got a sacrifice. 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:00.519 On a substitute. 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:01.279 On your behalf. 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:02.759 You don't need to do anything here. 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:04.879 He's done it all. 00:26:05.599 --> 00:26:06.240 And therefore. 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:08.039 We want to live lives. 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.700 We want to live lives. 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.460 That are characterized. 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:11.500 By joy. 00:26:11.639 --> 00:26:12.279 Not despair. 00:26:12.839 --> 00:26:13.859 We want to live lives. 00:26:13.899 --> 00:26:14.599 That are characterized. 00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:15.759 By generosity. 00:26:16.220 --> 00:26:17.480 Not selfishness. 00:26:17.740 --> 00:26:18.899 We want to live lives. 00:26:18.940 --> 00:26:19.720 That are characterized. 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:20.660 By love. 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:21.220 And joy. 00:26:21.339 --> 00:26:21.940 And peace. 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:22.599 And patience. 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:23.579 And kindness. 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.180 And gentleness. 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:24.799 And faithfulness. 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.519 And self-control. 00:26:25.740 --> 00:26:26.680 Rather than. 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:29.099 The sinful nature. 00:26:29.099 --> 00:26:30.519 Or the way of the world. 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:31.459 Or the evil one. 00:26:31.859 --> 00:26:34.579 We want to live in light of what he has done. 00:26:35.219 --> 00:26:36.699 So we have one who speaks. 00:26:37.059 --> 00:26:38.559 We have one who acts. 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:41.259 And if you're not yet a follower of Jesus. 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:44.079 John says there's good news. 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:45.659 There's good news for you. 00:26:45.719 --> 00:26:47.480 But there's good news for the whole world. 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:50.439 Because the death of Jesus. 00:26:50.839 --> 00:26:52.319 And the resurrection of Jesus. 00:26:53.000 --> 00:26:54.079 Is a game changer. 00:26:54.699 --> 00:26:55.939 For me as a Christian. 00:26:55.939 --> 00:26:57.079 For you as a Christian. 00:26:57.079 --> 00:27:00.559 But it's a game changer for those who are not yet Christians. 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:03.079 Because it opens the door. 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:04.960 It puts out the mat. 00:27:05.339 --> 00:27:06.539 It says to people. 00:27:06.679 --> 00:27:07.000 Whoever. 00:27:07.559 --> 00:27:07.839 Wherever. 00:27:08.500 --> 00:27:08.960 Whatever. 00:27:10.159 --> 00:27:11.319 You can come. 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:13.000 You need an advocate. 00:27:13.139 --> 00:27:13.919 You've got an advocate. 00:27:14.299 --> 00:27:16.119 You need a sacrifice or a substitute. 00:27:16.319 --> 00:27:17.039 You've got one. 00:27:17.240 --> 00:27:19.439 If you confess your sins. 00:27:20.619 --> 00:27:22.980 This morning I was speaking to a lot of guys. 00:27:23.619 --> 00:27:24.139 33. 00:27:24.399 --> 00:27:25.599 22 at the first service. 00:27:25.699 --> 00:27:26.919 11 at the second service. 00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:29.460 Some of them I knew what they were in for. 00:27:29.640 --> 00:27:31.960 Many of them I didn't know what they were in for. 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:35.820 But I had every confidence to say to them. 00:27:36.420 --> 00:27:37.460 Whoever they are. 00:27:38.160 --> 00:27:39.240 Whatever they've done. 00:27:39.980 --> 00:27:43.720 If you place your trust in Jesus. 00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:46.640 He will set you free. 00:27:47.140 --> 00:27:48.300 He will forgive. 00:27:48.880 --> 00:27:50.140 He will restore. 00:27:50.580 --> 00:27:51.700 He will renew. 00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:54.019 That's his guarantee. 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:56.380 He's the atoning sacrifice. 00:27:56.380 --> 00:27:57.580 He's the propitiation. 00:27:57.580 --> 00:27:59.200 Not just for our sins. 00:27:59.280 --> 00:28:01.660 But for the sins of the whole world. 00:28:02.300 --> 00:28:03.360 He's paid a price. 00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:05.640 To set the captives free. 00:28:06.420 --> 00:28:07.900 And it's as if God is saying. 00:28:08.060 --> 00:28:09.800 There's an open invitation. 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:11.020 To anyone. 00:28:11.660 --> 00:28:12.320 To everyone. 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:14.140 To the whosoever will. 00:28:14.140 --> 00:28:15.140 Why? 00:28:15.140 --> 00:28:17.700 Because God so loved the world. 00:28:18.180 --> 00:28:20.160 That he gave his one and only son. 00:28:20.259 --> 00:28:21.780 That whoever believes in him. 00:28:22.180 --> 00:28:22.620 Whoever. 00:28:23.320 --> 00:28:23.759 Whoever. 00:28:24.120 --> 00:28:24.500 Anyone. 00:28:24.860 --> 00:28:25.240 Everyone. 00:28:25.420 --> 00:28:26.400 Whoever believes in him. 00:28:26.800 --> 00:28:27.860 Will not perish. 00:28:28.340 --> 00:28:31.060 But have everlasting life. 00:28:31.740 --> 00:28:33.180 So the choice is yours. 00:28:34.480 --> 00:28:36.560 Do you claim to be without sin? 00:28:37.220 --> 00:28:39.340 Or do you confess your sins? 00:28:39.920 --> 00:28:41.620 And the offer is there. 00:28:41.619 --> 00:28:43.719 Do you need an advocate? 00:28:44.319 --> 00:28:46.779 Do you need someone who speaks on your behalf? 00:28:47.179 --> 00:28:48.439 Do you need a substitute? 00:28:48.619 --> 00:28:50.119 Someone that takes your place? 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:52.079 Because when someone speaks. 00:28:52.519 --> 00:28:54.099 And someone takes your place. 00:28:54.719 --> 00:28:56.239 You have been released. 00:28:56.979 --> 00:28:58.399 You have been set free. 00:28:59.079 --> 00:29:01.159 Those many years ago on that Good Friday. 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:04.119 There were three crosses that were set up. 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:06.419 Three convicted criminals. 00:29:06.419 --> 00:29:08.399 That were scheduled for execution. 00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:11.900 But there was a late minute substitution. 00:29:13.140 --> 00:29:14.120 You remember Pilate. 00:29:14.700 --> 00:29:19.519 Pilate said to the crowd who were crying out for Jesus to be crucified. 00:29:20.100 --> 00:29:21.480 He says let me make you a deal. 00:29:22.519 --> 00:29:23.519 You got a choice. 00:29:23.780 --> 00:29:24.680 There's Barabbas. 00:29:24.860 --> 00:29:26.900 And Barabbas was a nasty character. 00:29:27.560 --> 00:29:28.720 He was an insurrectionist. 00:29:28.840 --> 00:29:29.600 He was a murderer. 00:29:30.400 --> 00:29:30.880 Rioting. 00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:32.680 Here's a dangerous guy. 00:29:33.400 --> 00:29:34.660 So he says to the audience. 00:29:34.660 --> 00:29:36.460 The governor says you got a choice. 00:29:36.580 --> 00:29:37.540 You can have Barabbas. 00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:38.940 I'll let him go. 00:29:39.400 --> 00:29:40.259 Or you can have Jesus. 00:29:40.660 --> 00:29:41.580 I'll let him go. 00:29:42.200 --> 00:29:43.279 What do we know about Jesus? 00:29:43.420 --> 00:29:44.620 Jesus did everything right. 00:29:45.120 --> 00:29:45.920 He healed the sick. 00:29:46.140 --> 00:29:47.500 Gave blind back their sight. 00:29:47.600 --> 00:29:49.060 He gave that deaf their hearing. 00:29:49.400 --> 00:29:50.920 He enabled the lame to walk. 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:52.040 He even raised the dead. 00:29:53.080 --> 00:29:55.100 What did Barabbas do as far as we know? 00:29:55.820 --> 00:29:57.300 Barabbas didn't raise the dead. 00:29:57.940 --> 00:29:59.860 Barabbas hastened the death of others. 00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:01.759 He caused the death. 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:03.180 Jesus brought life. 00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:04.720 Barabbas brought death. 00:30:05.160 --> 00:30:06.900 Jesus brought happiness and harmony. 00:30:07.379 --> 00:30:09.879 Barabbas brought havoc and destruction. 00:30:10.799 --> 00:30:13.859 And the crowd said away with this man, Jesus. 00:30:14.400 --> 00:30:15.539 Give us Barabbas. 00:30:16.480 --> 00:30:22.379 And Jesus was crucified on the cross that was scheduled for Barabbas. 00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:24.680 He took the place of Barabbas. 00:30:25.220 --> 00:30:26.339 And Barabbas was set free. 00:30:26.339 --> 00:30:33.259 That's a visual illustration of what God does on the cross through Jesus. 00:30:33.740 --> 00:30:34.459 Our advocate. 00:30:35.220 --> 00:30:36.379 Our atoning sacrifice. 00:30:37.539 --> 00:30:41.639 The best advice I can give to you or to anyone else. 00:30:42.220 --> 00:30:45.980 If you're in trouble, get the best help you can get. 00:30:46.720 --> 00:30:47.919 And there is no better helper. 00:30:48.519 --> 00:30:49.559 No better advocate. 00:30:50.179 --> 00:30:51.639 No better answer. 00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:53.419 Than Jesus Christ. 00:30:53.919 --> 00:30:54.939 The righteous one. 00:30:54.940 --> 00:30:58.019 He satisfies the requirements. 00:30:58.620 --> 00:31:01.460 He speaks on your behalf. 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:03.960 And he takes your place. 00:31:04.340 --> 00:31:07.539 So that you and I can go free. 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:11.340 That's why we call the message of Jesus gospel. 00:31:12.059 --> 00:31:13.200 It's good news. 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:14.539 Good news for me. 00:31:14.660 --> 00:31:15.500 Good news for you. 00:31:15.880 --> 00:31:17.779 And good news for this world. 00:31:18.580 --> 00:31:20.000 May God bless his word to us.