WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.300 Well, it's a great privilege to be here with you again this morning, and a joy for me, 00:00:09.380 --> 00:00:15.359 a delight to bring the Word of God to us here at Beklue. 00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:26.400 Would you turn with me, if you have a Bible, to Hebrews, the letter to the Hebrews, chapter 00:00:26.399 --> 00:00:31.279 2, and we'll read the whole chapter. 00:00:32.640 --> 00:00:34.820 Hebrews, chapter 2. 00:00:34.939 --> 00:00:36.739 Let us hear God's own Word. 00:00:38.460 --> 00:00:44.899 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift 00:00:44.899 --> 00:00:45.399 away. 00:00:46.320 --> 00:00:53.460 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received 00:00:53.460 --> 00:00:59.780 its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? 00:01:00.560 --> 00:01:06.040 This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who 00:01:06.040 --> 00:01:06.599 heard him. 00:01:07.219 --> 00:01:13.560 God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by gifts of the 00:01:13.560 --> 00:01:16.680 Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. 00:01:16.680 --> 00:01:22.760 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking, 00:01:23.600 --> 00:01:29.400 but there is a place where someone has testified, what is man that you are mindful of him, the 00:01:29.400 --> 00:01:31.020 son of man that you care for him? 00:01:31.260 --> 00:01:33.480 You made him a little lower than the angels. 00:01:33.900 --> 00:01:37.960 You crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet. 00:01:38.960 --> 00:01:43.180 In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. 00:01:43.180 --> 00:01:47.400 Yet at present, we do not see everything subject to him. 00:01:48.260 --> 00:01:54.660 But we do see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory 00:01:54.660 --> 00:02:01.120 and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for 00:02:01.120 --> 00:02:01.580 everyone. 00:02:02.640 --> 00:02:07.920 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:13.219 exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 00:02:14.319 --> 00:02:19.199 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. 00:02:19.479 --> 00:02:21.939 So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 00:02:22.300 --> 00:02:27.300 He says, I will declare your name to my brothers in the presence of the congregation. 00:02:27.300 --> 00:02:29.139 I will sing your praises. 00:02:29.560 --> 00:02:32.000 And again, I will put my trust in him. 00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:36.520 And again, he says, here am I in the children God has given me. 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:44.259 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:50.900 death he might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, and free 00:02:50.900 --> 00:02:55.599 those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 00:02:56.280 --> 00:03:00.300 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 00:03:00.300 --> 00:03:07.080 For this reason, he had to be made like his brothers in every way in order that he might become 00:03:07.080 --> 00:03:13.939 a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God and that he might make atonement for 00:03:13.939 --> 00:03:15.100 the sins of the people. 00:03:16.140 --> 00:03:22.640 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 00:03:24.240 --> 00:03:27.300 So far the reading of God's word. 00:03:30.300 --> 00:03:36.380 Our text this morning, the second chapter of Hebrews, comes to us with a question. 00:03:37.180 --> 00:03:40.240 It's a simple question, but nevertheless a profound one. 00:03:41.500 --> 00:03:45.880 One that is clearly on the mind of the author of the letter to the Hebrews. 00:03:46.200 --> 00:03:47.540 And that question is this. 00:03:48.260 --> 00:03:50.540 Are you satisfied with God? 00:03:50.539 --> 00:03:53.659 Are you fulfilled? 00:03:54.359 --> 00:03:58.239 Are you content, satisfied with God? 00:03:58.919 --> 00:04:01.399 Are you satisfied as you gather here this morning? 00:04:03.500 --> 00:04:08.680 Well, this seems to be in many ways a kind of ongoing problem for the Christian community. 00:04:09.099 --> 00:04:15.719 It was amongst those Hebrew Christians to whom this letter was written and sent. 00:04:15.719 --> 00:04:23.740 Verse 3 of chapter 2 says, how shall we escape if we ignore, perhaps a little better translation, 00:04:24.240 --> 00:04:27.939 if we neglect such a great salvation? 00:04:29.180 --> 00:04:32.399 You see, this letter was written to those who were being tempted. 00:04:32.860 --> 00:04:35.759 Not so much to ignore, but to neglect. 00:04:35.759 --> 00:04:38.099 To be a little careless. 00:04:39.120 --> 00:04:42.459 To be a little indifferent in their approach to God. 00:04:43.360 --> 00:04:45.620 Not to be fully satisfied. 00:04:46.879 --> 00:04:50.480 We might feel that way sometimes when we get up on a Sunday morning. 00:04:51.759 --> 00:04:54.099 That reaction that can creep up on us. 00:04:54.159 --> 00:04:56.139 Yeah, yeah, all that is true and fine. 00:04:56.579 --> 00:04:58.259 But you know, I have other things to do. 00:04:58.339 --> 00:05:00.120 Other things to think about. 00:05:00.219 --> 00:05:01.539 Other things to focus on. 00:05:01.540 --> 00:05:07.560 But if we could look at the whole book of Hebrews, which we won't do. 00:05:07.819 --> 00:05:09.900 But the whole book is really a sermon. 00:05:10.500 --> 00:05:14.280 It is a long extended word of exhortation. 00:05:16.060 --> 00:05:18.720 In which the author addresses neglect. 00:05:18.960 --> 00:05:21.720 The problem of neglect in a variety of ways. 00:05:23.580 --> 00:05:28.520 We find that the author is concerned about unbelief amongst the people of God. 00:05:29.040 --> 00:05:31.080 A very serious kind of neglect. 00:05:31.540 --> 00:05:35.920 He is concerned with immorality amongst the people of God. 00:05:36.180 --> 00:05:39.140 Again, a very serious kind of neglect. 00:05:40.240 --> 00:05:42.420 But he is also concerned about drift. 00:05:43.020 --> 00:05:45.420 As he puts it here in chapter 2. 00:05:46.260 --> 00:05:48.520 He is concerned about sluggishness. 00:05:49.040 --> 00:05:51.320 As he puts it in another place. 00:05:52.180 --> 00:05:54.320 In chapter 12 of Hebrews. 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:55.560 Verse 12. 00:05:55.680 --> 00:05:59.120 He exhorts this people about whom he is concerned. 00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:01.939 A people who seem somewhat neglectful. 00:06:02.540 --> 00:06:03.340 He says to them. 00:06:03.500 --> 00:06:05.439 Lift your drooping hands. 00:06:05.600 --> 00:06:07.319 And strengthen your weak knees. 00:06:07.439 --> 00:06:09.420 And make straight paths for your feet. 00:06:09.720 --> 00:06:12.300 So that what is lame may not be put out of joint. 00:06:12.600 --> 00:06:13.699 But rather be healed. 00:06:15.360 --> 00:06:18.139 And I think this suggests that Christian individuals. 00:06:18.819 --> 00:06:20.100 That Christian families. 00:06:20.100 --> 00:06:23.320 Sometimes Christian congregations. 00:06:24.480 --> 00:06:26.640 Sometimes denominations. 00:06:27.160 --> 00:06:29.140 Can have droopy periods. 00:06:30.680 --> 00:06:32.520 Can get a little weak kneed. 00:06:32.980 --> 00:06:34.860 A little lame in their walk. 00:06:36.320 --> 00:06:38.120 So this letter comes to us. 00:06:38.200 --> 00:06:39.400 It is an exhortation. 00:06:39.620 --> 00:06:41.820 Not to let that kind of inattention. 00:06:42.180 --> 00:06:44.240 Not to let that kind of sloppiness. 00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:48.160 Not to let that kind of neglect characterize us. 00:06:50.060 --> 00:06:53.519 Now I know this would have no real relevance to any of us here. 00:06:56.319 --> 00:06:57.100 Well maybe. 00:06:57.699 --> 00:06:58.660 Maybe one or two. 00:07:00.040 --> 00:07:03.800 And I suppose the rest of us should just tuck this away for a rainy day. 00:07:05.480 --> 00:07:07.460 But you know there are those times. 00:07:07.460 --> 00:07:09.120 When we need an encouragement. 00:07:09.699 --> 00:07:10.660 To be renewed. 00:07:10.980 --> 00:07:12.620 That we not neglect. 00:07:12.620 --> 00:07:13.579 What? 00:07:14.319 --> 00:07:16.660 So great a salvation. 00:07:17.879 --> 00:07:20.480 You see this is the surprising point of the text. 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:24.319 What the author says in verse 3 of Hebrews 2 is. 00:07:24.620 --> 00:07:28.519 A people who have been visited with such a great salvation. 00:07:29.920 --> 00:07:31.660 How could we become neglectful? 00:07:32.480 --> 00:07:34.519 How could we become indifferent? 00:07:35.439 --> 00:07:38.079 How could we become a little sluggish? 00:07:40.240 --> 00:07:42.399 Well it's because we're not thinking clearly. 00:07:43.600 --> 00:07:45.600 Because we're forgetful. 00:07:46.540 --> 00:07:51.300 Because we're not being renewed in the character of that great salvation. 00:07:52.899 --> 00:07:55.660 And so in chapter 1 of the letter. 00:07:55.780 --> 00:08:00.259 The author lays out for us something of the greatness of that salvation. 00:08:00.560 --> 00:08:03.340 As we see it in the glory of Christ. 00:08:05.100 --> 00:08:06.720 You know when you study history. 00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:10.880 You see all sorts of people who raise themselves up as if they were glorious. 00:08:12.680 --> 00:08:14.520 But what do we find in this text? 00:08:14.740 --> 00:08:15.480 None of them. 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:19.060 None of them can hold a candle to the glory of our Christ. 00:08:19.780 --> 00:08:21.840 He is the eternal image of God. 00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:22.880 Very God. 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:24.160 The object of worship. 00:08:24.880 --> 00:08:26.840 He is the creator of all that we see. 00:08:26.980 --> 00:08:28.920 The sustainer of all that there is. 00:08:29.420 --> 00:08:31.040 He is the heir of all. 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:32.840 Crowned with glory and honor. 00:08:33.320 --> 00:08:34.779 What a remarkable Christ. 00:08:34.779 --> 00:08:34.980 Christ. 00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:38.799 And this Christ is alive today. 00:08:39.059 --> 00:08:42.519 And the power of his life flows forth to enliven us. 00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:46.839 How could we neglect such a salvation? 00:08:46.840 --> 00:08:50.139 How could we neglect such a Christ? 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:51.060 What a glory. 00:08:53.740 --> 00:09:02.060 And that may bring us to the struggle of the people to whom this letter was written in its first century context. 00:09:03.820 --> 00:09:12.560 These people seem to have been troubled by the thought that in a variety of ways the old religion was better than the new. 00:09:12.559 --> 00:09:19.500 The old religion, in fact, seemed more glorious than the new religion. 00:09:20.819 --> 00:09:24.839 The old religion had a temple covered with gold. 00:09:24.959 --> 00:09:28.159 It had priests in glorious vestments. 00:09:28.299 --> 00:09:32.119 It had golden vessels to catch the blood of sacrifices. 00:09:32.120 --> 00:09:39.480 And you could go with a throng to that temple and experience the splendor and the wonder and the thrill of that worship. 00:09:42.820 --> 00:09:44.419 And who are we now? 00:09:44.419 --> 00:09:44.500 Why? 00:09:47.019 --> 00:09:52.559 Well, we're this little irrelevant group whose Messiah was crucified. 00:09:53.919 --> 00:10:02.019 And we gather in little unimpressive places to worship semi in secret so as not to be persecuted. 00:10:02.559 --> 00:10:05.459 Wasn't the glory of the old religion better than the new? 00:10:05.460 --> 00:10:17.519 You know, sometimes we can look back and think, well, didn't the church in the past seem more glorious than it did in the present, than it does in the present? 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:21.920 Wasn't it then more successful? 00:10:23.460 --> 00:10:27.340 Wasn't it then more important, more significant in the world? 00:10:27.340 --> 00:10:47.180 Even as Reformed people, I think sometimes we too are tempted to look around and say, you know, there seem to be forms of Christianity that are more glorious and more glamorous, more glitzy, more exciting, more attractive, more apparently fulfilling. 00:10:47.179 --> 00:10:52.379 But Hebrews 2 would say to us, you know, wait a minute. 00:10:53.339 --> 00:11:05.399 As you're thinking about that, as you're potentially going that way, you need to remember the great salvation that has come to you by the death of Jesus Christ. 00:11:06.739 --> 00:11:09.439 By the way of suffering that he entered. 00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:22.200 So that you won't be surprised about the struggles, the difficulties, the smallness and drabness, the powerlessness, the unimpressiveness of your religion. 00:11:22.640 --> 00:11:26.580 Which, when you reflect on it, is so great. 00:11:28.280 --> 00:11:32.120 So Hebrews 2 turns to us then to the death of Christ. 00:11:32.220 --> 00:11:33.340 The Christ who died. 00:11:33.500 --> 00:11:36.760 The Christ who tasted death for every one of us. 00:11:36.759 --> 00:11:40.279 For his brothers and sisters. 00:11:41.100 --> 00:11:42.460 For the children of Abraham. 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:45.419 For the many. 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:51.639 When we read in verse 9 here that he tasted death for every one. 00:11:51.740 --> 00:11:55.899 This is not a denial of our Reformed doctrine of limited atonement. 00:11:57.000 --> 00:11:58.319 Particular redemption. 00:11:58.819 --> 00:12:04.620 In the context, the author goes on to say that Jesus brings many sons and daughters to glory. 00:12:04.620 --> 00:12:06.720 Verse 16. 00:12:06.840 --> 00:12:10.919 The author talks about how Jesus suffered for the children of Abraham. 00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:14.700 Chapter 9, verses 27 and 8. 00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:16.779 The author expands on this saying, 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:21.100 Christ having been once offered to bear the sins of many. 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:25.899 You see, Christ had a specific mission. 00:12:25.899 --> 00:12:28.740 To suffer. 00:12:28.740 --> 00:12:29.779 To die. 00:12:30.079 --> 00:12:30.840 To be raised. 00:12:31.100 --> 00:12:32.759 To accomplish redemption. 00:12:33.819 --> 00:12:37.899 He didn't simply make salvation possible in general. 00:12:38.019 --> 00:12:41.879 He didn't die for the opportunity for you to give him a chance. 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:43.279 No, he didn't do that. 00:12:43.659 --> 00:12:45.299 He didn't come on a maybe mission. 00:12:47.559 --> 00:12:49.179 That's not what the scripture says. 00:12:49.259 --> 00:12:53.419 Rather, he came to achieve redemption for his people. 00:12:53.419 --> 00:12:55.479 The people given to him by the Father. 00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:58.819 Not the whole seed of Adam, we read. 00:12:59.319 --> 00:13:01.360 But the spiritual seed of Abraham. 00:13:02.299 --> 00:13:06.059 For those who are in our text called God's children. 00:13:08.019 --> 00:13:08.839 God's children. 00:13:08.959 --> 00:13:10.799 We read that often in scripture, don't we? 00:13:11.299 --> 00:13:12.339 It's a common metaphor. 00:13:12.740 --> 00:13:13.799 The children of God. 00:13:15.120 --> 00:13:19.360 Paul in Ephesians 2 calls the church the household of God. 00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:24.800 In Galatians 6, he calls the church the household of faith. 00:13:26.180 --> 00:13:30.820 You see, the Christian has received the spirit of adoption as sons and daughters. 00:13:31.279 --> 00:13:31.899 Romans 8. 00:13:32.039 --> 00:13:37.279 And the Holy Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. 00:13:39.580 --> 00:13:41.639 Or 1 John 3. 00:13:41.639 --> 00:13:48.340 See what kind of love the Father has given to us that we should be called children of God. 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:55.159 Over and over we are reminded that though by nature we are children of wrath. 00:13:56.139 --> 00:14:00.580 By the work of Christ, by the death of Christ, we receive adoption. 00:14:01.100 --> 00:14:03.600 And we become children of God. 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:12.940 So in chapter 2, the author of Hebrews wants to make the point that Jesus tasted death for everyone who belongs to him. 00:14:13.180 --> 00:14:13.920 There's a richness. 00:14:14.159 --> 00:14:17.080 There's a fullness in what he did in his death. 00:14:17.320 --> 00:14:18.600 There are none left out. 00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:27.120 He brings all those who are given to him by the Father into the family of God. 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:34.259 And we dare not neglect that because it's an essential part, a foundational part of that great salvation. 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:41.279 And so in these latter verses of Hebrews 2, verses 14 through 18, 00:14:41.799 --> 00:14:49.139 the author holds up for us in particular the benefits that come to us by the death of Christ. 00:14:49.139 --> 00:14:56.980 Oh, it's wonderful to have a glorious Savior, a powerful Savior, a magnificent Savior, 00:14:56.980 --> 00:15:04.419 who now sits and rules and reigns on high at the right hand of the majesty in heaven, superior to all. 00:15:04.539 --> 00:15:12.199 But the author says to us, you know, the conquering Lord is also, and first of all, the suffering servant. 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:20.960 And that glory as we enjoy it, the benefits of Christ as we receive them, 00:15:21.040 --> 00:15:30.440 the blessings of God as we partake of them come only through the path of suffering that Christ trod for every one of us who know him. 00:15:32.520 --> 00:15:36.980 So Hebrews 2 says to us, know his death. 00:15:38.120 --> 00:15:40.460 Know his suffering. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:40.500 Why? 00:15:41.660 --> 00:15:46.580 Because in the first place, by his death, he destroys the power of the devil. 00:15:49.200 --> 00:15:55.700 We're sometimes tempted to think, well, who believes in the devil anymore? 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:58.600 Who cares about the devil? 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:03.300 What difference does it matter to me whether he's destroyed or not? 00:16:03.420 --> 00:16:07.840 Shouldn't I focus my energy on things that I can see in front of me? 00:16:07.840 --> 00:16:15.160 But you know, the scripture makes clear over and over that the devil is the ruler of this world, 00:16:15.720 --> 00:16:20.540 the prince of the air, the lion that rages about seeking whom he may devour. 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:23.940 He is a murderer and a liar from the beginning, 00:16:23.940 --> 00:16:30.700 the one who epitomizes all of the rebellion and wickedness in this world against our God. 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:40.560 And to be told so seemingly simply that Christ in his death destroyed him. 00:16:41.500 --> 00:16:42.660 That's what the text says. 00:16:42.900 --> 00:16:44.020 Destroyed him. 00:16:44.520 --> 00:16:46.759 Destroyed his power to kill. 00:16:46.980 --> 00:16:51.240 Destroyed his power to accuse and deceive before the Father. 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:54.039 What a great salvation. 00:16:56.440 --> 00:17:01.659 How amazing that the prince of the world has been cast down. 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:06.019 That the ancient serpent has been bound. 00:17:07.339 --> 00:17:11.799 So that he cannot accuse, he cannot deceive anymore. 00:17:11.799 --> 00:17:16.940 For those in Christ Jesus, this passage says to us, 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:23.139 the devil has no power to kill, to destroy, to deceive, to accuse before God. 00:17:23.539 --> 00:17:27.740 We are a liberated people in the death of Jesus Christ. 00:17:28.399 --> 00:17:29.579 What a salvation. 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:32.019 What a glory. 00:17:32.019 --> 00:17:38.980 You remember Jesus as it's recorded for us in the 12th chapter of John's Gospel. 00:17:39.759 --> 00:17:43.059 As he's looking forward to his crucifixion, he declares, 00:17:43.559 --> 00:17:45.359 Now is the judgment of this world. 00:17:45.700 --> 00:17:48.160 Now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:52.039 And I, when I am lifted up, will draw all men to myself. 00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:57.920 And then John adds, sort of parenthetically for us, 00:17:57.920 --> 00:18:02.640 He said this to show what kind of death he was going to die. 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:10.080 It's why one of the great commentators here, John Calvin, was right when he said, 00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:14.100 You know, there is no tribunal so magnificent. 00:18:15.000 --> 00:18:17.160 No kingly throne so stately. 00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:20.080 No show of triumph so distinguished. 00:18:20.080 --> 00:18:22.860 No chariot so lofty as what? 00:18:22.859 --> 00:18:28.259 As the gibbet on which Christ hung and subdued death and the devil. 00:18:29.919 --> 00:18:31.539 Enthroned on a cross. 00:18:32.879 --> 00:18:37.899 You see, it was in the death of Christ that the ruler of this world was cast out. 00:18:38.419 --> 00:18:41.419 Because in his death, Christ bore our sin. 00:18:42.579 --> 00:18:48.679 And in his death, he took away all claim that the devil may have had upon us to accuse us, 00:18:48.819 --> 00:18:51.479 to threaten us before the Father. 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:54.940 And in his death, he brought life. 00:18:55.940 --> 00:18:57.460 What a great salvation. 00:18:58.940 --> 00:19:00.019 What a glory. 00:19:01.160 --> 00:19:04.000 What a foolishness to think that we would neglect it. 00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:12.640 Well, these verses towards the end of chapter 2 tell us not only about the benefits of the destruction of the evil one 00:19:12.640 --> 00:19:16.820 for God's people and of our deliverance in Christ, 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:19.900 but also the author speaks of how in the death of Christ, 00:19:20.280 --> 00:19:24.520 the bondage, the slavery, the fear of death is taken away. 00:19:27.040 --> 00:19:31.880 This is a world that in so many ways is ruled by death. 00:19:31.880 --> 00:19:36.160 We know that death comes for us all. 00:19:37.160 --> 00:19:38.440 You cannot escape it. 00:19:38.520 --> 00:19:41.820 You cannot find a remedy for it. 00:19:42.860 --> 00:19:50.160 One of the great truths of this world is that people have often lived and continue to live in a great fear of death. 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:53.540 Fear of the unknown. 00:19:53.540 --> 00:19:57.600 Fear of damnation. 00:19:58.800 --> 00:20:02.060 Fear of nothingness, they think. 00:20:04.680 --> 00:20:08.120 A pervasive fear that has held many in bondage. 00:20:08.320 --> 00:20:14.200 A fear so terrible that many live their lives simply in denial that there is anything to fear. 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:19.860 Our society, of course, is filled with so many contradictions here. 00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:23.759 On one hand, we have many who say, you know, death is just a part of life. 00:20:24.779 --> 00:20:26.559 We live and then we die. 00:20:27.400 --> 00:20:27.960 We live. 00:20:28.039 --> 00:20:29.019 We live out our days. 00:20:29.120 --> 00:20:29.539 We die. 00:20:29.700 --> 00:20:31.100 Death is just a part of life. 00:20:31.620 --> 00:20:33.059 Why should we worry about that? 00:20:34.900 --> 00:20:40.840 And on the other hand, many are so gripped with an overpowering anxiety and fear of death 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:46.679 that they would marshal every power of technology, of medicine, to try to overcome that fear. 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:55.859 We can spend all of our time, our energy, our lives to do that through false religion, 00:20:57.059 --> 00:21:02.939 through politics, through amassing possessions for ourselves, 00:21:03.379 --> 00:21:07.359 through all kinds of abuses, through many avenues. 00:21:07.359 --> 00:21:14.819 But here we are told that in the death of Christ, that bondage to the fear of death is taken away. 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:23.479 And now that doesn't mean, of course, that as we face death, as we contemplate death, 00:21:23.559 --> 00:21:29.459 our hearts are not troubled, that we don't have our own anxieties and our struggles. 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:38.120 But Hebrews 2 says that when we contemplate the death of Christ and we remember that he died for us, 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:42.700 then in fact death need hold no fear for us. 00:21:43.519 --> 00:21:45.039 We have been liberated. 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:48.279 We do not have to be bound there anymore. 00:21:50.759 --> 00:21:52.259 Again, the words of Jesus, 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:54.559 I am the resurrection and the life. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:58.180 Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live. 00:21:58.460 --> 00:22:02.660 And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. 00:22:02.660 --> 00:22:08.200 And that's why death does not have to be terror for us. 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:12.000 Because Christ has tasted it for us and taken it from us 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:15.840 and assured us that death does not mean nothingness. 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:18.640 Death does not mean eternal damnation. 00:22:19.000 --> 00:22:22.380 Death for those in Christ means glory eternally, 00:22:22.560 --> 00:22:24.080 crowned with glory and honor, 00:22:24.660 --> 00:22:25.860 with the Savior. 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:28.660 We become the inheritor of all things. 00:22:29.120 --> 00:22:30.040 What a salvation! 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:33.139 What a glory! 00:22:34.639 --> 00:22:36.480 How could we neglect it? 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:43.839 So Christ in his death destroys the power of the devil for his people. 00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:46.519 He liberates us from the fear of death. 00:22:47.319 --> 00:22:49.019 And in verse 17 we're told, 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:52.920 he makes atonement for the sins of his people. 00:22:55.079 --> 00:22:58.220 Now that's maybe not the most happy translation. 00:22:58.220 --> 00:23:02.920 What the text says is he makes propitiation for his people. 00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:08.880 That is, he takes the sins of his people on himself 00:23:08.880 --> 00:23:13.480 so as to turn away the wrath of God from them. 00:23:13.480 --> 00:23:19.500 The scripture tells us that God is holy and just. 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:23.420 That he does not tolerate sin before him. 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:26.440 That he is angry with sin. 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:30.519 And as one who is perfect in righteousness and goodness and love, 00:23:30.799 --> 00:23:33.259 he must exercise wrath against sin. 00:23:33.660 --> 00:23:36.539 And the righteousness that he reveals to us in the law 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:40.120 brings us in our sinful condition only condemnation. 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:43.619 The reality of our sin. 00:23:43.959 --> 00:23:49.419 The reality of our sin as those who have not offered perfect obedience to God. 00:23:49.739 --> 00:23:52.099 As those who have failed to keep the law. 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:55.639 Means that God is alienated from us. 00:23:56.639 --> 00:24:00.899 That the just condemnation that we deserve for our sin 00:24:00.899 --> 00:24:04.519 needs to be turned away by a substitute. 00:24:04.519 --> 00:24:08.259 And that's what the Savior does. 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:10.039 That's what Christ does for us. 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:12.339 As one who is faithful and merciful. 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:14.539 He is not only priest but sacrifice. 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:17.420 He bears our sin and takes it away. 00:24:18.119 --> 00:24:19.940 So that God is not our enemy. 00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:24.920 He does not look upon us as a just and angry judge. 00:24:25.359 --> 00:24:26.559 But as a friend. 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:28.720 And as a loving father. 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:36.240 And the truth of the scripture is that unless Jesus has borne the wrath of God against our sin. 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:38.059 We do stand condemned. 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:41.720 We have with Adam broken the covenant. 00:24:43.079 --> 00:24:44.700 We've brought its curses. 00:24:44.839 --> 00:24:47.100 Its sanction of death upon ourselves. 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:51.460 And that penalty needs to be satisfied. 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:53.200 Needs to be turned away. 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:55.400 And it is Jesus who does that. 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:56.900 In the mystery of redemption. 00:24:56.900 --> 00:24:58.180 The father. 00:24:58.600 --> 00:24:59.060 The son. 00:24:59.180 --> 00:25:00.000 With the spirit. 00:25:01.120 --> 00:25:04.360 Have agreed that Christ shall be given a people. 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:05.740 To save. 00:25:05.860 --> 00:25:06.440 To redeem. 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:07.620 By his obedience. 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:09.019 By his suffering. 00:25:09.259 --> 00:25:10.240 By his death. 00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:13.560 What a great salvation. 00:25:15.220 --> 00:25:16.320 What a salvation. 00:25:18.820 --> 00:25:22.360 And then also we read in the last verse of Hebrews 2. 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.940 Verse 18. 00:25:23.940 --> 00:25:26.039 Because he. 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:27.039 Jesus himself. 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:29.299 Suffered when he was tempted. 00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:33.440 He is able to help those who are being tempted. 00:25:34.860 --> 00:25:37.279 Because Christ suffered and died. 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:41.180 He understands the temptations that we face. 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:45.220 He was tempted in the wilderness by the evil one. 00:25:45.840 --> 00:25:47.700 When he was weak and hungry. 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:50.480 He was tempted in the garden. 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:54.059 As he contemplated the tear and judgment of the cross. 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:56.039 He was tempted on the cross. 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:58.080 As he makes that great cry. 00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:59.200 My God. 00:25:59.299 --> 00:25:59.960 My God. 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:01.580 Why have you forsaken me? 00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:05.980 And as he faced those temptations. 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:10.940 He came to understand what you and I experience in this world. 00:26:11.080 --> 00:26:12.600 Our struggles. 00:26:12.599 --> 00:26:16.159 And by his death and his suffering. 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:19.899 We are told in the scripture that he understands temptation. 00:26:20.699 --> 00:26:24.939 And he is able and willing to help those who are being tempted. 00:26:24.940 --> 00:26:32.120 We don't have a savior who is so great and glorious and high and lifted up. 00:26:32.299 --> 00:26:33.740 And removed from us. 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:35.559 And indifferent to us. 00:26:36.160 --> 00:26:36.880 But no. 00:26:36.960 --> 00:26:39.480 We have a savior who is a faithful high priest. 00:26:39.660 --> 00:26:42.039 Who is accessible to us. 00:26:42.120 --> 00:26:44.259 To whom we can draw near in our weakness. 00:26:45.580 --> 00:26:48.720 Who in his character is faithful and merciful. 00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:50.500 And who cares for us. 00:26:50.620 --> 00:26:51.620 And who will help. 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:54.580 Who will help in the face of temptation. 00:26:54.940 --> 00:26:58.960 And you see this is what those Hebrew Christians. 00:26:59.100 --> 00:27:00.320 To whom this letter was written. 00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:01.240 Needed to hear. 00:27:03.400 --> 00:27:05.080 Because they were being tempted. 00:27:06.860 --> 00:27:08.519 They were being tempted. 00:27:08.519 --> 00:27:11.200 To neglect this great salvation. 00:27:12.200 --> 00:27:14.600 They were being tempted to think that. 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:17.100 The old religion was better than the new. 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:20.440 They were being tempted to think. 00:27:20.840 --> 00:27:22.400 That a religion of greatness. 00:27:22.400 --> 00:27:26.000 And glamour and glory was more attractive. 00:27:26.000 --> 00:27:27.140 Was more fulfilling. 00:27:27.780 --> 00:27:29.759 Than their now rather pedestrian. 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.540 And ordinary. 00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:32.880 And sober. 00:27:33.820 --> 00:27:34.340 Christianity. 00:27:36.140 --> 00:27:37.800 And we have to ask ourselves. 00:27:37.980 --> 00:27:40.080 Is that a temptation to which we are subject? 00:27:42.280 --> 00:27:45.780 It's certainly a temptation to which the church of Jesus Christ. 00:27:45.860 --> 00:27:48.000 Has been subjected through the ages. 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:52.140 Because you know there are those forms of Christianity. 00:27:52.140 --> 00:27:53.539 That want to say. 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:53.819 Well. 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:56.400 We are the forms of Christianity. 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:59.140 That would build glorious cathedrals. 00:28:00.220 --> 00:28:02.380 And we are the forms of Christianity. 00:28:02.380 --> 00:28:04.599 That would have altars of gold. 00:28:04.599 --> 00:28:07.960 And priests dressed in glorious vestments. 00:28:08.380 --> 00:28:09.980 Who would approach God. 00:28:09.980 --> 00:28:12.220 With all the splendor of our creativity. 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:15.059 With all the richness of our imagination. 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:18.240 Who would manifest his power. 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:23.019 Who would achieve a little respectability. 00:28:23.240 --> 00:28:24.759 Who would have a little status. 00:28:25.019 --> 00:28:27.839 Who would have a seat at the table of our society. 00:28:29.079 --> 00:28:31.619 And isn't this form of Christianity. 00:28:31.960 --> 00:28:34.779 More in line with the glory of our Christ. 00:28:35.700 --> 00:28:37.960 And doesn't it show forth his triumph. 00:28:38.240 --> 00:28:39.039 And his success. 00:28:39.039 --> 00:28:44.279 But our answer has to be no. 00:28:45.720 --> 00:28:45.980 No. 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:48.539 It doesn't show forth the way of suffering. 00:28:48.779 --> 00:28:50.119 To which we are called. 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:53.019 It doesn't follow the biblical pattern. 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:54.420 Of first suffering. 00:28:54.680 --> 00:28:55.920 And then glory. 00:28:57.700 --> 00:28:59.639 And in many forms of our religion. 00:28:59.639 --> 00:29:01.399 We can find a kind of glory. 00:29:01.399 --> 00:29:02.899 Presented to us. 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:03.799 That would tempt us. 00:29:03.879 --> 00:29:06.359 Not always perhaps in glorious architecture. 00:29:06.359 --> 00:29:07.559 Or investments. 00:29:07.559 --> 00:29:10.240 But in inventiveness. 00:29:10.859 --> 00:29:12.480 In the appeal of distinction. 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.879 In power. 00:29:15.299 --> 00:29:16.500 In a kind of spectacle. 00:29:16.500 --> 00:29:17.740 That is offered to us. 00:29:17.819 --> 00:29:19.759 Too often of gimmicks and glitz. 00:29:21.220 --> 00:29:22.859 That constant bustle. 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:24.119 To be more active. 00:29:24.399 --> 00:29:26.419 To be more exceptional. 00:29:26.700 --> 00:29:28.000 To be a little spectacular. 00:29:28.419 --> 00:29:29.980 To have the right kind of influence. 00:29:30.879 --> 00:29:32.759 To have a measure of power. 00:29:34.599 --> 00:29:37.039 To fill our lives with more programs. 00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:41.259 To have an easy path to holiness. 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:45.859 But the book of Hebrews says to us. 00:29:45.940 --> 00:29:47.819 There was no easy path. 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:50.259 To holiness for our Savior. 00:29:51.519 --> 00:29:53.480 And there is no easy path. 00:29:53.480 --> 00:29:55.079 To holiness for us. 00:29:56.980 --> 00:29:59.179 No we need to be a disciplined people. 00:29:59.440 --> 00:30:00.940 Is what the author tells us. 00:30:00.940 --> 00:30:05.860 Hebrews takes up this theme again. 00:30:06.900 --> 00:30:08.140 Towards the end of the letter. 00:30:08.140 --> 00:30:09.140 Chapter 13. 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:12.779 Where again the author of the book of Hebrews. 00:30:12.779 --> 00:30:15.240 Wants to come back precisely to this theme. 00:30:15.240 --> 00:30:17.500 About not neglecting the struggles. 00:30:18.039 --> 00:30:18.940 The difficulty. 00:30:19.680 --> 00:30:21.519 The importance and centrality. 00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:22.940 Of the death of Christ. 00:30:23.120 --> 00:30:24.259 For our salvation. 00:30:25.059 --> 00:30:27.200 And for our living out of faith. 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:27.799 And obedience. 00:30:27.799 --> 00:30:30.019 Hebrews. 00:30:30.019 --> 00:30:30.180 Hebrews. 00:30:31.180 --> 00:30:31.680 13. 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.980 We read at verse 11. 00:30:34.180 --> 00:30:35.700 The high priest carries. 00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:37.019 The blood of animals. 00:30:37.339 --> 00:30:38.740 Into the most holy place. 00:30:38.740 --> 00:30:40.079 As a sin offering. 00:30:40.899 --> 00:30:42.119 But the bodies. 00:30:42.379 --> 00:30:43.339 Are burnt. 00:30:43.919 --> 00:30:45.440 Outside the camp. 00:30:45.440 --> 00:30:49.900 This is a reference to Exodus 29. 00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:50.820 Verse 14. 00:30:50.820 --> 00:30:51.820 Where we're told about. 00:30:51.820 --> 00:30:53.600 The consecration of Aaron. 00:30:53.779 --> 00:30:54.759 As high priest. 00:30:56.039 --> 00:30:57.320 And a bull was brought. 00:30:57.539 --> 00:30:58.620 Before the altar. 00:30:58.860 --> 00:31:00.680 And the bull was slaughtered there. 00:31:00.840 --> 00:31:01.880 Before the Lord. 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:03.660 His blood was captured. 00:31:03.900 --> 00:31:04.759 And then used. 00:31:05.279 --> 00:31:06.860 In the consecration ceremony. 00:31:06.860 --> 00:31:07.539 Of Aaron. 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:10.759 But that text. 00:31:10.960 --> 00:31:12.140 In Exodus 29. 00:31:12.140 --> 00:31:13.019 Tells us. 00:31:13.360 --> 00:31:13.920 The skin. 00:31:13.920 --> 00:31:14.800 The flesh. 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:15.640 And the dung. 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:16.300 Of the bull. 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:16.940 Were taken. 00:31:17.100 --> 00:31:18.380 Outside the camp. 00:31:18.840 --> 00:31:19.460 And burnt. 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.400 They weren't. 00:31:21.480 --> 00:31:22.800 In the tabernacle. 00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:23.940 They weren't. 00:31:24.019 --> 00:31:24.660 Part of that. 00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:26.000 Glorious ceremony. 00:31:26.320 --> 00:31:27.700 Of the consecration. 00:31:27.800 --> 00:31:28.180 Of Aaron. 00:31:30.400 --> 00:31:31.100 And then. 00:31:31.200 --> 00:31:31.860 What does the text. 00:31:31.940 --> 00:31:32.700 Go on to say. 00:31:33.180 --> 00:31:33.480 So. 00:31:33.800 --> 00:31:34.100 Jesus. 00:31:34.380 --> 00:31:34.860 Also. 00:31:35.200 --> 00:31:35.640 Suffered. 00:31:36.200 --> 00:31:36.680 Outside. 00:31:37.440 --> 00:31:37.880 The city. 00:31:39.380 --> 00:31:40.460 His sacrifice. 00:31:40.460 --> 00:31:41.640 Was not a sacrifice. 00:31:41.640 --> 00:31:42.520 Made. 00:31:42.520 --> 00:31:43.680 On an altar. 00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:44.940 Of marble. 00:31:45.720 --> 00:31:46.080 His blood. 00:31:46.200 --> 00:31:46.900 Was not caught. 00:31:47.100 --> 00:31:47.880 In vessels. 00:31:47.880 --> 00:31:48.600 Of gold. 00:31:48.700 --> 00:31:49.220 He was not. 00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:49.759 Attended. 00:31:49.880 --> 00:31:50.540 By priests. 00:31:51.080 --> 00:31:51.660 In glorious. 00:31:52.420 --> 00:31:52.880 Luxury. 00:31:53.000 --> 00:31:53.720 He was out there. 00:31:53.800 --> 00:31:54.780 With the used up. 00:31:55.160 --> 00:31:55.680 Worthless. 00:31:56.080 --> 00:31:56.480 Carcasses. 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:58.500 With the skin. 00:31:58.660 --> 00:31:59.259 And the flesh. 00:31:59.380 --> 00:32:00.000 And the dung. 00:32:00.140 --> 00:32:00.960 To be burnt. 00:32:01.120 --> 00:32:02.000 And cast off. 00:32:02.280 --> 00:32:03.340 That's where our Lord. 00:32:03.420 --> 00:32:04.540 Made our salvation. 00:32:04.800 --> 00:32:05.759 Not in glory. 00:32:05.759 --> 00:32:08.240 But on the dung heap. 00:32:08.339 --> 00:32:08.940 If you will. 00:32:10.740 --> 00:32:11.259 So. 00:32:11.400 --> 00:32:11.640 Jesus. 00:32:11.640 --> 00:32:12.220 Also. 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.740 Suffered. 00:32:12.740 --> 00:32:13.220 Outside. 00:32:13.220 --> 00:32:14.240 The city gate. 00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:15.640 To make the people. 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:16.059 Holy. 00:32:16.339 --> 00:32:17.579 Through his own blood. 00:32:18.400 --> 00:32:18.879 Let us. 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:19.160 Then. 00:32:19.259 --> 00:32:19.900 Go to him. 00:32:19.980 --> 00:32:20.579 Outside. 00:32:20.700 --> 00:32:21.220 The camp. 00:32:22.099 --> 00:32:22.379 Bearing. 00:32:22.460 --> 00:32:23.059 The disgrace. 00:32:23.180 --> 00:32:23.640 He bore. 00:32:24.640 --> 00:32:25.259 For here. 00:32:25.460 --> 00:32:26.220 We do not have. 00:32:26.299 --> 00:32:27.180 An enduring city. 00:32:27.640 --> 00:32:28.579 But we are looking. 00:32:28.740 --> 00:32:29.259 For the city. 00:32:29.319 --> 00:32:30.079 That is to come. 00:32:33.200 --> 00:32:34.339 Are you satisfied. 00:32:34.339 --> 00:32:35.680 With that kind of religion? 00:32:35.759 --> 00:32:38.359 Are you satisfied. 00:32:38.359 --> 00:32:40.200 With that kind of salvation? 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:42.339 A religion. 00:32:42.339 --> 00:32:43.119 That today. 00:32:43.119 --> 00:32:44.240 Is outside. 00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:45.259 The camp. 00:32:45.619 --> 00:32:46.140 In the place. 00:32:46.319 --> 00:32:46.859 Of death. 00:32:47.460 --> 00:32:48.299 So that we might. 00:32:48.420 --> 00:32:49.059 Find life. 00:32:50.160 --> 00:32:51.039 A religion. 00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:51.940 That follows. 00:32:52.059 --> 00:32:52.339 Jesus. 00:32:52.539 --> 00:32:53.480 In his suffering. 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:56.799 So that we might. 00:32:56.900 --> 00:32:57.440 Receive. 00:32:57.519 --> 00:32:58.200 Those truly. 00:32:58.379 --> 00:32:58.900 Glorious. 00:32:59.039 --> 00:32:59.559 Benefits. 00:32:59.680 --> 00:33:00.480 Of his death. 00:33:00.940 --> 00:33:01.759 The destruction. 00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:02.839 Of the evil one. 00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:03.839 The liberation. 00:33:03.839 --> 00:33:04.759 From the fear. 00:33:04.759 --> 00:33:05.319 Of death. 00:33:05.319 --> 00:33:06.480 The propitiation. 00:33:06.480 --> 00:33:07.460 For our sins. 00:33:07.819 --> 00:33:08.439 And help. 00:33:09.179 --> 00:33:09.679 Help. 00:33:09.759 --> 00:33:10.960 When we are being tempted. 00:33:11.399 --> 00:33:12.659 By every temptation. 00:33:13.679 --> 00:33:14.779 Of glamour. 00:33:15.200 --> 00:33:16.179 Of influence. 00:33:16.379 --> 00:33:17.079 Of power. 00:33:19.279 --> 00:33:20.579 That we might say. 00:33:20.679 --> 00:33:21.000 No. 00:33:21.279 --> 00:33:21.759 Here. 00:33:21.919 --> 00:33:22.519 We have. 00:33:22.799 --> 00:33:23.059 No. 00:33:23.639 --> 00:33:24.639 Continuing city. 00:33:24.640 --> 00:33:27.700 We are looking. 00:33:27.700 --> 00:33:28.360 For the city. 00:33:28.360 --> 00:33:29.200 That is to come. 00:33:30.880 --> 00:33:31.700 The heavenly. 00:33:31.700 --> 00:33:32.360 Jerusalem. 00:33:33.240 --> 00:33:34.600 In which righteousness. 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:35.460 Dwells. 00:33:36.660 --> 00:33:38.180 And where our high priest. 00:33:38.180 --> 00:33:39.100 Has been crowned. 00:33:39.100 --> 00:33:39.660 With glory. 00:33:39.660 --> 00:33:40.180 And honor. 00:33:41.000 --> 00:33:42.360 He has inherited. 00:33:42.360 --> 00:33:43.500 All things. 00:33:44.500 --> 00:33:46.140 And we shall be like him. 00:33:46.140 --> 00:33:46.240 God. 00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:49.440 What a Christ. 00:33:51.220 --> 00:33:52.320 What a savior. 00:33:54.100 --> 00:33:55.480 Let us know him. 00:33:55.580 --> 00:33:56.380 In his suffering. 00:33:56.520 --> 00:33:57.400 And his death. 00:33:57.840 --> 00:33:59.080 Not neglecting. 00:33:59.120 --> 00:34:00.200 All that he has done. 00:34:00.300 --> 00:34:00.820 For us. 00:34:01.420 --> 00:34:03.040 So that we might know. 00:34:03.300 --> 00:34:04.400 That salvation. 00:34:06.000 --> 00:34:06.600 Amen. 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:09.019 Let us pray. 00:34:09.019 --> 00:34:14.559 Our Lord. 00:34:15.179 --> 00:34:15.960 Our father. 00:34:15.960 --> 00:34:16.800 Of all mercies. 00:34:16.920 --> 00:34:17.440 We thank you. 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:18.539 That we do have access. 00:34:18.539 --> 00:34:19.159 To you. 00:34:19.360 --> 00:34:19.960 Through the son. 00:34:21.019 --> 00:34:22.039 That he has. 00:34:22.460 --> 00:34:23.059 Paved the way. 00:34:23.059 --> 00:34:23.500 For us. 00:34:23.579 --> 00:34:24.599 To enter into the most. 00:34:24.679 --> 00:34:25.519 Holy of places. 00:34:26.259 --> 00:34:27.239 That we can come. 00:34:27.239 --> 00:34:28.099 Into your presence. 00:34:28.099 --> 00:34:29.280 No longer with fear. 00:34:29.320 --> 00:34:30.139 But with joy. 00:34:31.179 --> 00:34:31.860 We pray. 00:34:31.860 --> 00:34:32.619 That you would fill. 00:34:32.619 --> 00:34:33.159 Our hearts. 00:34:33.159 --> 00:34:33.860 With joy. 00:34:34.519 --> 00:34:35.280 And peace. 00:34:35.539 --> 00:34:36.239 Before you. 00:34:36.960 --> 00:34:38.059 That we would be glad. 00:34:38.059 --> 00:34:39.000 To hear the words. 00:34:39.000 --> 00:34:40.000 That you give to us. 00:34:40.079 --> 00:34:40.860 That we would rely. 00:34:40.960 --> 00:34:42.099 Not on our own strength. 00:34:42.260 --> 00:34:43.900 But only by the power. 00:34:43.960 --> 00:34:44.800 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:34:44.800 --> 00:34:46.239 Would we live our lives. 00:34:46.679 --> 00:34:47.239 Every day. 00:34:47.340 --> 00:34:47.920 Before you. 00:34:48.840 --> 00:34:49.719 May all these things. 00:34:49.820 --> 00:34:50.420 Be true of us. 00:34:50.480 --> 00:34:50.940 We pray. 00:34:51.480 --> 00:34:52.360 In Christ's name. 00:34:52.920 --> 00:34:53.199 Amen. 00:34:57.059 --> 00:34:57.980 Would you please. 00:34:58.659 --> 00:34:59.340 Stand then. 00:34:59.340 --> 00:35:00.420 For our final. 00:35:01.980 --> 00:35:03.079 Item of praise. 00:35:03.599 --> 00:35:04.280 We'll sing. 00:35:04.800 --> 00:35:05.199 Together. 00:35:06.159 --> 00:35:07.280 The favorite hymn. 00:35:07.400 --> 00:35:08.320 A mighty fortress. 00:35:08.420 --> 00:35:09.539 Is our god. 00:35:10.019 --> 00:35:11.460 I'm good. 00:35:11.460 --> 00:35:11.620 Thank you. 00:35:11.760 --> 00:35:12.440 I'm good. 00:35:12.440 --> 00:35:13.220 That is our god. 00:35:13.219 --> 00:35:43.199 Thank you.