WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:05.740 where we're dedicated to encouraging, equipping, 00:00:05.740 --> 00:00:07.980 and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.980 --> 00:00:10.080 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:12.679 Pastor Patrick Daly preaches insightful sermons 00:00:12.679 --> 00:00:13.939 from the Word of God, 00:00:13.939 --> 00:00:16.920 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:16.920 --> 00:00:19.219 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:20.859 --> 00:00:24.160 Well, good morning Ontario Community Church. 00:00:24.160 --> 00:00:26.100 It is great to be here this morning, 00:00:26.100 --> 00:00:28.660 and let me tell you, it's getting cold. 00:00:28.660 --> 00:00:30.500 They got the frost on the vehicles. 00:00:30.500 --> 00:00:33.840 I checked the weather this morning, 20 degrees. 00:00:33.840 --> 00:00:35.640 It says warm as can be. 00:00:35.640 --> 00:00:40.140 Gotta love that nice fall heat going on. 00:00:40.140 --> 00:00:41.140 No, I'm just kidding. 00:00:41.140 --> 00:00:43.480 It's definitely been a change of weather. 00:00:43.480 --> 00:00:46.420 It's definitely getting used to the temperature change here. 00:00:46.420 --> 00:00:50.179 It's just been really, really amazing. 00:00:50.179 --> 00:00:53.760 Well, today we are continuing our series 00:00:53.760 --> 00:00:56.420 on Journey to the Major. 00:00:56.420 --> 00:01:00.160 Prophets, promises, and the Prince of Peace. 00:01:00.160 --> 00:01:02.800 And I hope that all of you have your notes here today. 00:01:02.800 --> 00:01:06.299 We have quite a lot of reference verses, 00:01:06.299 --> 00:01:09.900 but don't worry, it'll be easy to understand. 00:01:09.900 --> 00:01:12.500 So we began this series about the idea 00:01:12.500 --> 00:01:15.040 of Christ coming from the stump, 00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:17.520 from the shoot of Jesse, 00:01:17.520 --> 00:01:21.219 and how Christ was to be born in Bethlehem. 00:01:21.219 --> 00:01:24.680 That was our first week, our second week, this last week. 00:01:24.680 --> 00:01:28.120 We talked about the idea of anticipation, 00:01:28.120 --> 00:01:32.500 that there was the telling of John the Baptist 00:01:32.500 --> 00:01:35.260 and the telling of Jesus Christ. 00:01:35.260 --> 00:01:38.840 That John the Baptist would prepare the way for Jesus Christ, 00:01:38.840 --> 00:01:42.940 and that Jesus Christ is like that refiner's fire 00:01:42.940 --> 00:01:44.300 and like fuller's soap. 00:01:44.300 --> 00:01:48.480 We had that imagery of soap that's washing a garment, 00:01:48.480 --> 00:01:51.880 so it will be suitable for the dying process, 00:01:51.879 --> 00:01:54.719 so changing the color in there. 00:01:54.719 --> 00:01:58.379 For Christ is the one who takes away 00:01:58.379 --> 00:02:00.659 the sins of the world. 00:02:00.659 --> 00:02:04.959 And he refines us in our spiritual walk 00:02:04.959 --> 00:02:06.959 when we believe in him. 00:02:06.959 --> 00:02:09.699 How many of you have seen change in your own life 00:02:09.699 --> 00:02:12.599 from when you first became a Christian? 00:02:12.599 --> 00:02:15.859 I am sure that all of us should be raising our hands, amen, 00:02:15.859 --> 00:02:17.979 because God molds us. 00:02:17.979 --> 00:02:21.280 God is the great potter and we are the clay. 00:02:21.280 --> 00:02:23.580 God molds us into the men and the women 00:02:23.580 --> 00:02:25.780 that God wants us to be. 00:02:25.780 --> 00:02:28.379 This leads us to our third week 00:02:28.379 --> 00:02:30.080 before our time in Advent. 00:02:30.080 --> 00:02:32.479 You know, Advent's coming up so soon. 00:02:32.479 --> 00:02:35.659 It's crazy, look, we're at the end of November. 00:02:35.659 --> 00:02:37.520 We're gonna be starting in December. 00:02:37.520 --> 00:02:38.699 It's the end of the year. 00:02:38.699 --> 00:02:40.819 What is going on here? 00:02:40.819 --> 00:02:43.759 So we're talking about the promise, 00:02:43.759 --> 00:02:47.240 and that's the title of the message for today, 00:02:47.240 --> 00:02:51.000 the promise, faithfulness and fulfillment. 00:02:51.000 --> 00:02:55.539 And the sermon today is gonna be based off of two verses, 00:02:55.539 --> 00:02:57.439 set of verses of scripture. 00:02:57.439 --> 00:02:58.879 And it's gonna be found in your notes. 00:02:58.879 --> 00:03:02.580 The first verse is going to be from the prophet Jeremiah. 00:03:02.580 --> 00:03:05.319 You'll see on your notes the key verses, 00:03:05.319 --> 00:03:08.360 Jeremiah chapter 33, right? 00:03:08.360 --> 00:03:11.800 It's gonna be verses 14 through 16. 00:03:11.800 --> 00:03:14.159 And it's gonna be from the prophet Jeremiah 00:03:14.159 --> 00:03:19.159 who is speaking how our God will fulfill the promise 00:03:19.159 --> 00:03:22.299 by providing a righteous branch 00:03:22.299 --> 00:03:25.460 who will spring up for David. 00:03:25.460 --> 00:03:26.900 And the beautiful thing is, 00:03:26.900 --> 00:03:30.599 is that we will learn that this is one of the great qualities 00:03:30.599 --> 00:03:33.979 about our God, about God the Father, 00:03:33.979 --> 00:03:37.180 that he keeps his promises, 00:03:38.079 --> 00:03:41.379 that our Lord, our God is constant. 00:03:41.379 --> 00:03:43.240 And I don't know about you, 00:03:43.240 --> 00:03:46.019 but I need a constant in my life. 00:03:46.020 --> 00:03:50.420 With so much technological changes, cultural changes, 00:03:50.420 --> 00:03:52.560 just changes every day. 00:03:52.560 --> 00:03:54.219 I'm getting tired of turning on the news 00:03:54.219 --> 00:03:57.020 and seeing all of the radical changes that are happening. 00:03:57.020 --> 00:03:59.260 We certainly need a constant in our life, 00:03:59.260 --> 00:04:02.740 and that constant is in our Lord, our God. 00:04:02.740 --> 00:04:06.540 The second verse we're gonna go into is Second Corinthians. 00:04:06.540 --> 00:04:10.580 It speaks of the idea of Christ being the fulfillment 00:04:10.580 --> 00:04:15.340 of all prophecy, of Christ being the yes, 00:04:15.340 --> 00:04:18.860 and how we say amen to that. 00:04:18.860 --> 00:04:21.720 And what a great God we believe in. 00:04:22.560 --> 00:04:24.420 One that is constant. 00:04:24.420 --> 00:04:26.160 Our God is holy. 00:04:26.160 --> 00:04:28.259 Our God is righteous. 00:04:28.259 --> 00:04:30.500 And our God will never leave you. 00:04:30.500 --> 00:04:32.620 He will never abandon you. 00:04:32.620 --> 00:04:34.660 But before we go any further, 00:04:34.660 --> 00:04:36.980 I'd like for us to take time to pray. 00:04:36.980 --> 00:04:38.379 Will you pray with me? 00:04:38.379 --> 00:04:39.379 Let's pray together. 00:04:40.340 --> 00:04:42.780 And Father, we come before you today 00:04:42.779 --> 00:04:45.619 as we are in our current situation, 00:04:45.619 --> 00:04:48.139 in our current circumstance. 00:04:48.139 --> 00:04:50.779 We're here in this present moment. 00:04:50.779 --> 00:04:53.819 As we are, we come before you. 00:04:53.819 --> 00:04:56.239 We thank you for being that solid rock, 00:04:56.239 --> 00:04:58.619 that firm foundation, that anchor 00:04:58.619 --> 00:05:01.379 for our souls, for our lives. 00:05:01.379 --> 00:05:04.459 We thank you for being everlasting to everlasting, 00:05:04.459 --> 00:05:07.339 the constant in our lives. 00:05:08.299 --> 00:05:09.939 For it is you, God. 00:05:09.939 --> 00:05:11.279 Yes, you. 00:05:11.279 --> 00:05:12.739 You are holy. 00:05:12.739 --> 00:05:13.699 You are mighty. 00:05:13.699 --> 00:05:15.500 You are strong. 00:05:15.500 --> 00:05:17.339 And you never fail us. 00:05:17.339 --> 00:05:20.459 And as we're learning today, Father, 00:05:20.459 --> 00:05:24.500 help us learn today that you fulfill your promises. 00:05:24.500 --> 00:05:26.939 You keep your promises. 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:29.099 You are the Lord of our lives. 00:05:29.099 --> 00:05:30.859 And I pray for every single person 00:05:30.859 --> 00:05:32.939 who is here with us today, 00:05:32.939 --> 00:05:35.979 and those who are not here today. 00:05:35.979 --> 00:05:37.739 We pray for protection. 00:05:37.740 --> 00:05:41.620 We pray for your divine leading and guidance. 00:05:41.620 --> 00:05:44.780 And I pray for those who listen later today 00:05:44.780 --> 00:05:48.740 to our podcast or our video recording. 00:05:48.740 --> 00:05:52.259 I pray that you will be with all of us today, 00:05:52.259 --> 00:05:54.660 wherever we are at in our life. 00:05:54.660 --> 00:05:57.340 And Father, we realize that in this world that we live in, 00:05:57.340 --> 00:05:59.259 there's so much that it's changing, 00:05:59.259 --> 00:06:02.300 so much evil, so much inconsistency, 00:06:02.300 --> 00:06:06.819 so much confusion and such brokenness in this world. 00:06:06.819 --> 00:06:09.060 But you, God, provide the solution to that 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:12.139 through your Son, Jesus, the Christ. 00:06:12.139 --> 00:06:13.740 You, God, give us an alternative 00:06:13.740 --> 00:06:17.259 to the fleeting things of this earth. 00:06:17.259 --> 00:06:20.639 For a life without you is meaningless, 00:06:20.639 --> 00:06:23.779 but a life to have a relationship with your Son 00:06:23.779 --> 00:06:27.339 by believing in Him is meaningful. 00:06:27.339 --> 00:06:30.259 You give us purpose, God, you give us potential. 00:06:30.259 --> 00:06:32.659 And most importantly, you provide salvation 00:06:32.659 --> 00:06:33.779 through your Son. 00:06:34.860 --> 00:06:36.060 We love you. 00:06:36.060 --> 00:06:37.379 We thank you for your Son, 00:06:37.379 --> 00:06:40.939 who is the living hope for the world. 00:06:40.939 --> 00:06:43.660 Be with us this morning as we go further 00:06:43.660 --> 00:06:47.579 into learning more about the promises that you keep. 00:06:47.579 --> 00:06:49.459 You are the promise keeper. 00:06:49.459 --> 00:06:51.579 It is in the name of Jesus that we pray, 00:06:51.579 --> 00:06:54.300 and we all say together, amen, amen. 00:06:54.300 --> 00:06:55.420 So our opening question, 00:06:55.420 --> 00:06:57.740 I wanna go ahead and put that on the screen here, 00:06:57.740 --> 00:07:00.740 is can you think of a time 00:07:00.740 --> 00:07:05.160 when someone made a promise to you and kept that promise? 00:07:05.160 --> 00:07:06.700 Or maybe you can think of a time 00:07:06.700 --> 00:07:08.740 when you made a promise to someone 00:07:08.740 --> 00:07:10.380 and you kept that promise. 00:07:10.380 --> 00:07:11.300 What I'd like you to do, 00:07:11.300 --> 00:07:13.700 let's turn to the person next to us, 00:07:13.700 --> 00:07:15.220 and let's give a couple minutes. 00:07:15.220 --> 00:07:18.280 Let's share a time when someone made a promise to you 00:07:18.280 --> 00:07:19.780 and fulfilled that promise, 00:07:19.780 --> 00:07:22.220 or when you made a promise and fulfilled in that. 00:07:22.220 --> 00:07:24.620 So let's go ahead and turn to those around us. 00:07:26.220 --> 00:07:27.160 All right. 00:07:30.620 --> 00:07:33.860 To fulfill a promise, 00:07:33.860 --> 00:07:35.500 to keep your word, 00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:39.860 to follow through on a commitment that you've made 00:07:39.860 --> 00:07:41.939 is a beautiful thing. 00:07:41.939 --> 00:07:45.620 Whether someone has made a promise to you and kept it, 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:49.120 or whether you've made a promise to someone, right? 00:07:49.120 --> 00:07:51.819 It's that keeping of a promise. 00:07:51.819 --> 00:07:53.060 That's so beautiful, 00:07:53.060 --> 00:07:55.500 and we can think of human interactions, right? 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:57.300 Our relationships with other people, 00:07:57.300 --> 00:07:58.900 our friends and our families, 00:07:58.900 --> 00:08:01.500 and the promises that are made. 00:08:01.500 --> 00:08:05.180 To give your word is something that is no different 00:08:05.180 --> 00:08:07.139 than making a promise to someone. 00:08:07.139 --> 00:08:09.019 Do you know what I mean when I say that? 00:08:09.019 --> 00:08:11.339 When you give your word to someone, 00:08:11.339 --> 00:08:14.379 your word should have weight to it. 00:08:14.379 --> 00:08:16.420 You know, as a child, I remember when my parents 00:08:16.420 --> 00:08:19.480 would always make sure that I was telling the truth. 00:08:19.480 --> 00:08:21.540 And I know as children, we have times 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:24.540 where we may tell a story a little bit, 00:08:24.540 --> 00:08:26.019 a little bit more exaggerated, 00:08:26.019 --> 00:08:29.899 or completely, completely out there, right? 00:08:29.899 --> 00:08:33.579 And as parents, it's up to us to teach our children 00:08:33.579 --> 00:08:35.299 to tell the truth. 00:08:35.299 --> 00:08:37.059 And I remember when my parents, 00:08:37.059 --> 00:08:39.740 and even my grandparents, would always make sure 00:08:39.740 --> 00:08:41.100 that I'm telling the truth, 00:08:41.100 --> 00:08:43.179 and that when I gave my word, 00:08:43.179 --> 00:08:46.259 when I made a commitment to someone or to something. 00:08:46.259 --> 00:08:48.899 And of course, we're talking about fruitful things here, 00:08:48.899 --> 00:08:50.139 right? 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:53.059 Seeing that that promise, that commitment, 00:08:53.059 --> 00:08:57.379 was fulfilled, that it was seen through to completion. 00:08:57.379 --> 00:09:00.139 And it wasn't always easy to do, right? 00:09:00.139 --> 00:09:02.220 Let's be honest here, when we're learning as children, 00:09:02.220 --> 00:09:05.299 it's like, oh, I have to keep going to baseball practice. 00:09:05.299 --> 00:09:06.500 I have to tell the truth. 00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:07.340 What do you mean? 00:09:07.340 --> 00:09:09.419 And you have to keep going. 00:09:09.419 --> 00:09:12.299 You have to make sure that the words that you say, 00:09:12.299 --> 00:09:15.019 the promises that you make, that you fulfill them. 00:09:16.139 --> 00:09:19.539 When you make a promise, do you keep it? 00:09:20.580 --> 00:09:22.580 Have you ever made a promise before to someone 00:09:22.580 --> 00:09:24.500 that you couldn't keep? 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:26.220 I know that's always an unfortunate one, 00:09:26.220 --> 00:09:28.540 where you can't complete it, 00:09:28.540 --> 00:09:30.340 or you can't fulfill a commitment, 00:09:30.340 --> 00:09:32.899 or a promise that you've made before. 00:09:32.899 --> 00:09:34.899 I know with new years coming up, 00:09:34.899 --> 00:09:36.940 how many of us have, let's be honest here, 00:09:36.940 --> 00:09:38.540 we've made a new years resolution. 00:09:38.540 --> 00:09:43.540 A commitment to try a new habit, to go to the gym. 00:09:43.860 --> 00:09:45.100 I know I've done that one before. 00:09:45.100 --> 00:09:47.139 I'm gonna go to the gym every single day, 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:48.740 and I don't follow through, right? 00:09:48.740 --> 00:09:51.779 Let's be honest here, that's happened before. 00:09:51.779 --> 00:09:53.500 Maybe you've made a promise to yourself. 00:09:53.500 --> 00:09:57.980 It seems so common now that there's a lot of promises 00:09:57.980 --> 00:10:01.059 that are made, but are we mindful of the promises 00:10:01.059 --> 00:10:03.980 that we make to people and follow through? 00:10:03.980 --> 00:10:07.419 How unfortunate is it for us not to be able to fulfill 00:10:07.419 --> 00:10:09.279 or to complete what we've started? 00:10:10.340 --> 00:10:13.100 Now let's think, as we've turned to those around us, 00:10:13.100 --> 00:10:17.019 we've talked about a time where a promise was kept. 00:10:17.019 --> 00:10:21.620 When what good feeling that is to see that promise fulfilled? 00:10:21.620 --> 00:10:24.740 How did it feel when you kept your word 00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:27.740 or when someone kept their word for you? 00:10:27.740 --> 00:10:28.899 It was a wonderful feeling, 00:10:28.899 --> 00:10:33.460 knowing that your word or their word had weight to it. 00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:37.860 And let's be mindful, and let's be aware 00:10:37.860 --> 00:10:41.220 when we make a commitment, we follow through, 00:10:41.220 --> 00:10:43.580 we see it through to completion. 00:10:43.580 --> 00:10:46.539 And this reminds me of God. 00:10:47.379 --> 00:10:51.600 The difference between us and God is God keeps his promises, 00:10:51.600 --> 00:10:53.460 every single time, right? 00:10:53.460 --> 00:10:54.740 And that's not for us to feel bad. 00:10:54.740 --> 00:10:55.860 I know we're human, right? 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:58.420 We make mistakes and sometimes things happen, 00:10:58.420 --> 00:11:01.060 but let's think about God for a moment here. 00:11:01.060 --> 00:11:05.180 God fulfills all of his promises. 00:11:05.180 --> 00:11:09.060 God is consistent to the point where 00:11:09.060 --> 00:11:12.399 every promise he's made is fulfilled. 00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:15.420 Every covenant, every prophecy, 00:11:15.420 --> 00:11:17.740 it may not be fulfilled immediately, 00:11:17.740 --> 00:11:20.220 but it will be fulfilled. 00:11:20.220 --> 00:11:24.620 And that's the beauty of our God is that consistency, 00:11:24.620 --> 00:11:28.860 that knowing that God will fulfill all of his promises. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:30.860 For God is the promise keeper, 00:11:30.860 --> 00:11:33.920 he is the light in the darkness, 00:11:33.920 --> 00:11:38.620 that constant, that consistency in, well, in our lives. 00:11:38.620 --> 00:11:41.620 It's something that is beyond this world, isn't it? 00:11:41.620 --> 00:11:44.940 You know, when we hear about things on the radio 00:11:44.940 --> 00:11:48.340 or things in the news, people breaking their promise, 00:11:48.340 --> 00:11:51.480 but our God does not break his promise. 00:11:52.379 --> 00:11:55.820 God's love, for example, is everlasting. 00:11:55.820 --> 00:11:59.019 God will never abandon and God's love never fails. 00:11:59.019 --> 00:12:01.460 And this leads us to our first reading, 00:12:01.460 --> 00:12:04.180 which is found in Jeremiah chapter 33, 00:12:04.180 --> 00:12:06.139 verses 14 through 16. 00:12:06.139 --> 00:12:08.460 Let's turn our Bibles here, 00:12:08.460 --> 00:12:10.420 because what we're gonna see here 00:12:10.420 --> 00:12:13.460 is that this is one of many examples 00:12:13.460 --> 00:12:16.180 of where God has seen it through, 00:12:16.179 --> 00:12:18.459 where God fulfills his promises. 00:12:18.459 --> 00:12:20.639 Our God is faithful, isn't he? 00:12:20.639 --> 00:12:25.179 Let's turn to page 787 in our ESVP Bible, 00:12:25.179 --> 00:12:29.459 or Jeremiah 33, verses 14 through 16. 00:12:30.579 --> 00:12:32.539 And that should be on the screen. 00:12:32.539 --> 00:12:34.219 787. 00:12:40.539 --> 00:12:41.379 All right. 00:12:43.259 --> 00:12:44.659 All right, are we all there? 00:12:44.659 --> 00:12:45.659 All right. 00:12:46.860 --> 00:12:51.259 Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord. 00:12:51.259 --> 00:12:54.299 When I will fulfill the promise I made 00:12:54.299 --> 00:12:58.500 to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 00:12:58.500 --> 00:13:03.419 In those days at that time, I will cause a righteous branch. 00:13:03.419 --> 00:13:05.219 It's a key word right there, right? 00:13:05.219 --> 00:13:08.620 A righteous branch to spring up for David, 00:13:08.620 --> 00:13:13.299 and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 00:13:13.299 --> 00:13:16.019 In those days, Judah will be saved, 00:13:16.019 --> 00:13:18.659 and Jerusalem will dwell securely. 00:13:18.659 --> 00:13:21.539 And this is the name by which it will be called. 00:13:21.539 --> 00:13:25.219 The Lord is our righteousness. 00:13:25.219 --> 00:13:27.099 We start off with verse 14, 00:13:27.099 --> 00:13:30.219 where it says, behold, the days are coming, right? 00:13:30.219 --> 00:13:32.500 It's a declaration from the Lord. 00:13:32.500 --> 00:13:36.299 God is saying, behold, or see here, or listen up, 00:13:36.299 --> 00:13:39.359 that there's going to be days in the future, 00:13:39.360 --> 00:13:43.620 the days are coming where God will fulfill his promise. 00:13:43.620 --> 00:13:45.740 Now, sometimes when God makes a promise, 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:48.060 like I said, it may not happen immediately, 00:13:48.060 --> 00:13:51.740 but it will happen one way or another. 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:53.580 God will fulfill his promise. 00:13:53.580 --> 00:13:55.980 And right off the bat, contextually, 00:13:55.980 --> 00:13:58.820 God specifically is talking about a promise 00:13:58.820 --> 00:14:03.820 that was made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:06.139 We can come to the understanding 00:14:06.139 --> 00:14:10.699 that God is speaking here to the 12 tribes. 00:14:10.699 --> 00:14:13.059 For our God is not a liar. 00:14:13.059 --> 00:14:16.100 God is truth, and God will never fail us. 00:14:16.100 --> 00:14:18.039 When God is saying that the days are coming, 00:14:18.039 --> 00:14:19.899 it's prophetic language, right? 00:14:19.899 --> 00:14:21.100 The days are coming, right? 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:23.379 In the future, this will happen. 00:14:23.379 --> 00:14:26.419 It's divine declaration in the timeframe 00:14:26.419 --> 00:14:30.860 in which this will be fulfilled is God's timing. 00:14:30.860 --> 00:14:33.179 When God is saying that he will fulfill the promise, 00:14:33.179 --> 00:14:36.500 you must understand that there are many promises 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:41.299 or many prophecies that have been made to be fulfilled. 00:14:41.299 --> 00:14:45.579 In your notes, you'll see in Isaiah 11, 1 through 10, 00:14:45.579 --> 00:14:47.519 you don't have to turn there. 00:14:47.519 --> 00:14:50.379 We went over in our first week the idea 00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:53.539 of the shoot of the stump of Jesse, 00:14:53.539 --> 00:14:57.099 which was its prophetic language of the coming 00:14:57.099 --> 00:15:00.099 of Jesus Christ out of the Davidic lineage. 00:15:00.099 --> 00:15:02.740 In other words, there's the genealogy, right? 00:15:02.740 --> 00:15:07.019 There is the lineage that is supposed to lead to Christ. 00:15:07.019 --> 00:15:09.299 So that was one of the verses here. 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:12.659 We talked about Micah 5, 2, which spoke of a ruler 00:15:12.659 --> 00:15:14.779 who had come out of Bethlehem. 00:15:14.779 --> 00:15:19.139 So these are all promises of the coming of Jesus Christ. 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:23.899 Now, these are not only the prophecies 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:26.259 in regards to what we're talking about, 00:15:26.259 --> 00:15:28.220 the coming of Jesus Christ, but we're also 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:32.860 talking about a ruler. 00:15:32.860 --> 00:15:37.940 I want us to keep in mind, in 2 Samuel, chapter 7, verse 12, 00:15:37.940 --> 00:15:40.980 there's a mention of the Davidic throne 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:43.420 that will be established forever. 00:15:43.420 --> 00:15:47.340 So there's always going to be that lineage that exists. 00:15:47.340 --> 00:15:49.420 And although that's not the scope of this message, 00:15:49.420 --> 00:15:51.100 I'm just bringing all of this to show you 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:54.259 that God will fulfill, God will see to it, 00:15:54.259 --> 00:15:57.700 and God will make sure that his promises are fulfilled, 00:15:57.700 --> 00:16:00.259 that Jesus Christ, as we've talked about in week one, 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:02.540 will come through the stump of Jesse, 00:16:02.540 --> 00:16:04.420 will be born in Bethlehem. 00:16:04.420 --> 00:16:06.140 He's like the refiner's fire. 00:16:06.140 --> 00:16:08.140 He's like the fuller soap. 00:16:08.140 --> 00:16:10.940 The verse is talking about the house of Israel, 00:16:10.940 --> 00:16:16.340 the house of Judah, the 12 tribes of the kingdom of Israel. 00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:20.020 So what is being said here, we are talking about, 00:16:20.020 --> 00:16:23.140 behold, listen up, the days are coming. 00:16:23.140 --> 00:16:24.820 I will fulfill the promise. 00:16:24.820 --> 00:16:26.500 Well, what promise are we talking about? 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:29.419 That goes to the next verse in verse 15. 00:16:29.419 --> 00:16:32.700 In those days, we're talking about the future time, 00:16:32.700 --> 00:16:37.139 I will cause a righteous branch to spring up for David, 00:16:37.139 --> 00:16:40.259 talking about the lineage that Christ 00:16:40.259 --> 00:16:45.860 is going to be the fulfillment of the genealogy, so to speak. 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:47.779 The language is talking about, like I said, 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:50.820 the future time period where God promises, 00:16:50.820 --> 00:16:54.019 where God's prophecy will be fulfilled. 00:16:54.019 --> 00:16:58.980 The righteous branch is speaking of Jesus Christ. 00:16:58.980 --> 00:17:01.379 And what's great about this is it's 00:17:01.379 --> 00:17:05.660 the same similar language that we found in the Isaiah passage. 00:17:05.660 --> 00:17:08.180 Talking about out of the stump of Jesse, 00:17:08.180 --> 00:17:10.220 there will be a branch. 00:17:10.220 --> 00:17:11.259 Same language here. 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:16.379 There will be a righteous branch in this specific verse. 00:17:16.379 --> 00:17:19.859 Just as there was mention about the chute of the stump of Jesse, 00:17:19.859 --> 00:17:22.700 so too is there the reference to the righteous branch that 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:23.819 comes up from David. 00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:26.419 I want us to turn to these additional verses. 00:17:26.419 --> 00:17:28.139 We don't have to turn to there. 00:17:28.139 --> 00:17:33.379 But I'm just showing you about how God is making promises that 00:17:33.379 --> 00:17:36.379 will be fulfilled by the coming of Jesus Christ. 00:17:36.379 --> 00:17:38.500 The Isaiah passage, like we talked about, 00:17:38.500 --> 00:17:42.339 the chute from the stump of Jesse, the Zachariah passage, 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:45.019 the branch who will build the temple, 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:50.339 Matthew 1 1, the royal lineage of David through Joseph's line, 00:17:50.339 --> 00:17:56.659 Luke 3 23 through 28, the genealogy from Adam, Romans 1 3, 00:17:56.659 --> 00:18:01.139 Paul is identifying Christ as a descendant of David. 00:18:01.139 --> 00:18:05.299 And then in your notes here, Revelation 22, 16, 00:18:05.299 --> 00:18:09.740 Jesus himself is proclaiming himself as the root 00:18:09.740 --> 00:18:11.419 and the descendant of David. 00:18:11.419 --> 00:18:14.419 And I'm saying all of this to show the connections 00:18:14.419 --> 00:18:18.059 with the other verses in scripture that show that Christ is 00:18:18.059 --> 00:18:21.500 from David's lineage and that Christ is a fulfillment 00:18:21.500 --> 00:18:22.700 of God's promises. 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:24.500 I know that's a lot here. 00:18:24.500 --> 00:18:26.859 But it's just saying there's a righteous branch that's 00:18:26.859 --> 00:18:28.220 coming from David's line. 00:18:28.220 --> 00:18:30.859 That is prophetic language that is 00:18:30.859 --> 00:18:35.019 speaking of the coming of Jesus Christ. 00:18:35.019 --> 00:18:38.339 In other words, here is one of many verses 00:18:38.339 --> 00:18:41.059 that's talking about the coming of Jesus Christ. 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:44.099 And that is going to be fulfilled when Jesus 00:18:44.099 --> 00:18:46.220 is born in a manger. 00:18:46.220 --> 00:18:47.419 All of it lines up. 00:18:47.420 --> 00:18:51.259 It's showing the consistency of God. 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:53.900 The verse goes on to say that the righteous branch shall 00:18:53.900 --> 00:18:56.779 execute justice and righteousness in the land. 00:18:56.779 --> 00:19:00.019 Christ executes justice and righteousness 00:19:00.019 --> 00:19:03.259 by coming to earth, by being born in the manger, 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:07.740 by conducting his earthly ministry, his healings, 00:19:07.740 --> 00:19:11.779 his teachings, his example, showing himself 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:14.660 as the fulfillment of the old covenant. 00:19:14.660 --> 00:19:19.620 Just as Christ said on the cross, it is finished. 00:19:19.620 --> 00:19:22.380 So all of this, let's think about this. 00:19:22.380 --> 00:19:28.700 The righteous branch coming forth from David's lineage 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:32.180 is going to execute justice and righteousness. 00:19:32.180 --> 00:19:35.060 Christ lived a sinless life. 00:19:35.060 --> 00:19:37.180 He took upon the sins of the world 00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:42.259 by becoming the sacrificial lamb, the lamb that was slain, 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:45.339 the atoning sacrifice by going to the cross 00:19:45.339 --> 00:19:50.980 to die once and for all for those who believe, 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:56.660 whoever believes shall not perish but have eternal life. 00:19:56.660 --> 00:20:00.660 You see, in the Old Testament, all of these prophecies 00:20:00.660 --> 00:20:03.819 are pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ 00:20:03.819 --> 00:20:06.660 when we're talking about the righteous branch, the stump 00:20:06.660 --> 00:20:09.539 of Jesse, the ruler from Bethlehem. 00:20:09.539 --> 00:20:13.139 All of these are all pointing to Jesus Christ, who 00:20:13.139 --> 00:20:16.819 is the savior of the world, who's 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:21.019 changing the course of history. 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:24.819 God sent his son to earth to make salvation available 00:20:24.819 --> 00:20:26.299 for all who believe. 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:29.740 And this is the core of Christianity 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:33.460 that all who believe shall receive salvation. 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:36.460 We then go to verse 16, where it says here, 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:39.620 in those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem 00:20:39.620 --> 00:20:41.259 will dwell securely. 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:44.059 And this is the name which is to be called, 00:20:44.059 --> 00:20:46.259 the Lord is our righteousness. 00:20:46.259 --> 00:20:50.579 There will come a day where the people of God will be saved. 00:20:50.579 --> 00:20:53.740 There will be a time of peace and security. 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:56.940 Contextually speaking, the prophet Jeremiah 00:20:56.940 --> 00:21:00.819 is speaking of deliverance to God's people 00:21:00.819 --> 00:21:05.420 from the dark days that the people of God were facing. 00:21:05.420 --> 00:21:07.220 At the time, the prophet Jeremiah 00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:10.300 is speaking of a time where the Jewish people will 00:21:10.300 --> 00:21:12.980 live in a time of peace and security. 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:15.820 But it's also speaking of a time where Christ 00:21:15.820 --> 00:21:20.660 will provide salvation by being the righteous branch. 00:21:20.660 --> 00:21:24.140 And this is the great lesson that we can learn here, 00:21:24.140 --> 00:21:26.420 that even in the midst of dark times 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:28.660 where there seems to be no hope, there 00:21:28.660 --> 00:21:31.100 is hope in Jesus Christ. 00:21:31.100 --> 00:21:32.660 There is salvation. 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:34.100 There is security. 00:21:34.099 --> 00:21:38.779 There is safety in knowing who Christ is. 00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:40.579 For Christ being that righteous branch 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:45.099 is a beautiful language that is describing what is to come. 00:21:45.099 --> 00:21:48.099 And that's what gets us excited about this Advent season, 00:21:48.099 --> 00:21:50.059 is we are remembering. 00:21:50.059 --> 00:21:52.019 We are preparing the way, so to speak, 00:21:52.019 --> 00:21:56.339 for Christ to be born in the manger. 00:21:56.339 --> 00:21:59.019 There's the wording in that verse 16, 00:21:59.019 --> 00:22:00.500 the Lord is our righteousness. 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:04.059 Now what's very interesting about this is that phrasing 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:07.179 is only found, you'll see it in your notes, 00:22:07.179 --> 00:22:11.259 with the little asterisk here, the Lord is our righteousness. 00:22:11.259 --> 00:22:13.740 It's only found two times in scripture 00:22:13.740 --> 00:22:15.899 in that specific wording. 00:22:15.899 --> 00:22:18.819 And it's only found in Jeremiah. 00:22:18.819 --> 00:22:20.460 The Lord is our righteousness. 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:25.099 It's saying here, it's describing the name 00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:27.259 and the attribute of God. 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:30.339 And it's showing that God being our righteousness 00:22:30.339 --> 00:22:35.099 will provide a way for us to be righteous in Him. 00:22:35.099 --> 00:22:39.619 Did you know in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 21, 00:22:39.619 --> 00:22:44.779 it says, for our sake, God made Him, 00:22:44.779 --> 00:22:49.220 He made Him to be sin who knew no sin. 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:55.419 So that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God. 00:22:55.419 --> 00:22:58.139 And so there is existing a connection here, 00:22:58.140 --> 00:23:00.740 that God provided His Son that we can be saved 00:23:00.740 --> 00:23:03.180 from the wages of sin, which is death, 00:23:03.180 --> 00:23:06.340 and that we can receive life everlasting, 00:23:06.340 --> 00:23:10.220 that we can no longer be separate from God but closer. 00:23:10.220 --> 00:23:12.540 Because to be disconnected from God 00:23:12.540 --> 00:23:15.740 is no different than being separated from the Lord. 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:17.220 You might have heard me say this before, 00:23:17.220 --> 00:23:20.580 but sin separates us from God. 00:23:20.580 --> 00:23:23.580 And God is providing a way for us to be connected, 00:23:23.580 --> 00:23:26.540 reconnected with Him. 00:23:26.539 --> 00:23:29.180 Despite sin being in our lives, God 00:23:29.180 --> 00:23:31.740 provided a way through His Son. 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:37.180 And this is our Lord, our God, that He delivers on His promises. 00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:40.700 What was said so long ago, we here, we today, 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:45.059 can discover the love, the consistency of our God, 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:49.019 that all of these promises that you're seeing in your notes 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:51.259 are to be fulfilled. 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:53.700 And they are to be fulfilled in Christ. 00:23:53.700 --> 00:23:59.460 If we go to our second verse in 2 Corinthians chapter 1 verse 00:23:59.460 --> 00:24:11.779 20 on page 1145, it's saying here, 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:14.180 2 Corinthians chapter 1 verse 20. 00:24:18.900 --> 00:24:21.660 Let's read it together. 00:24:21.660 --> 00:24:27.220 For some of the promises, none of the promises. 00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:28.900 Now what does it say? 00:24:28.900 --> 00:24:33.100 For all the promises of God find their what, 00:24:33.100 --> 00:24:35.180 their yes in Him. 00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:42.340 And that is why it is through Him that we utter our what? 00:24:42.340 --> 00:24:45.259 Our amen. 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:46.500 What powerful language. 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:51.460 Our amen to God for His glory. 00:24:51.460 --> 00:24:55.619 In a world of uncertainty, again, 00:24:55.619 --> 00:24:59.180 we find consistency in God. 00:24:59.180 --> 00:25:01.859 All of the promises that God made, 00:25:01.859 --> 00:25:08.059 they find their yes in Him, their yes in Christ. 00:25:08.059 --> 00:25:11.700 That is why through Him we say amen. 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:15.779 Because when we say amen, we are saying yes. 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:23.379 I believe, or as it has been defined before, let it be. 00:25:23.379 --> 00:25:24.460 So be it. 00:25:24.460 --> 00:25:28.180 I believe there's different ways to interpret that. 00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:30.059 Contextually speaking in this verse, 00:25:30.059 --> 00:25:33.460 the apostle Paul is speaking of the change in his plans. 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:35.579 He's reminding the church in Corinth 00:25:35.579 --> 00:25:39.299 that he had his intention to visit the people. 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:42.220 But because of the change in plans, 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:45.220 people were questioning Paul's reliability, right? 00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:47.140 Sometimes when our plans change, sometimes 00:25:47.140 --> 00:25:49.339 we get a little upset about that. 00:25:49.339 --> 00:25:52.019 But Paul is going on by defending himself, 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:53.900 but he's also defending the faith 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:56.819 by defending the consistency of God. 00:25:56.819 --> 00:25:58.900 Paul is basically saying, just because you 00:25:58.900 --> 00:26:01.779 think I'm inconsistent, God is not inconsistent. 00:26:01.779 --> 00:26:04.339 I need you to understand that. 00:26:04.339 --> 00:26:06.620 Now, sometimes our plans change. 00:26:06.620 --> 00:26:09.420 Sometimes things happen, just like when 00:26:09.420 --> 00:26:12.579 we were talking about earlier, about our promises. 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:15.220 Sometimes we make a commitment and we can't see it through. 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:16.500 Things just happen. 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:19.259 But when it comes to the matters of God, 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:23.579 God will keep his promises and it will be seen through 00:26:23.579 --> 00:26:28.220 to completion every single time. 00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:32.899 Paul is saying that no matter how many promises God has made, 00:26:32.899 --> 00:26:35.779 they are yes in Christ. 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:40.019 And we respond by saying amen. 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:42.019 That's just a wonderful language here 00:26:42.019 --> 00:26:44.740 because the yes is an affirmation. 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:46.900 It is a certain type of yes. 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:54.500 This yes is that God is what God promises God will fulfill. 00:26:54.500 --> 00:26:59.700 In other words, Christ is the yes for the promises 00:26:59.700 --> 00:27:01.579 that have been made. 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:03.779 How remarkable is that? 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:06.180 That Christ is the answer. 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:09.859 That Christ is the yes. 00:27:09.859 --> 00:27:13.019 And when we think about it, we say amen. 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:16.099 It's a firm yes. 00:27:16.099 --> 00:27:17.339 It's a declaration. 00:27:17.339 --> 00:27:18.500 It's an affirmation. 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:21.779 When we say amen, we say I believe. 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:26.659 We're saying yes in response to what God has done for us, 00:27:26.659 --> 00:27:31.339 to the promises that God has committed to us. 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:33.419 Just think about that. 00:27:33.419 --> 00:27:36.259 Well, the question that comes up is, how does Christ, 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:39.179 being the yes to God's promises, affect us today? 00:27:39.180 --> 00:27:41.140 I want us to think about that. 00:27:41.140 --> 00:27:45.900 Because Christ is the yes, that should affect us. 00:27:45.900 --> 00:27:49.539 That should affect us in how we live our lives. 00:27:49.539 --> 00:27:52.660 If we don't know the Lord by Christ being the yes, 00:27:52.660 --> 00:27:55.820 we can respond to God's call for our lives 00:27:55.820 --> 00:27:59.220 by having that relationship, by believing in the Lord. 00:27:59.220 --> 00:28:01.660 And for those of us who believe in the Lord, 00:28:01.660 --> 00:28:05.740 our yes, our response to amen, is through the things 00:28:05.740 --> 00:28:07.900 that we do in the name of God. 00:28:07.900 --> 00:28:10.259 We are saved by grace through faith. 00:28:10.259 --> 00:28:11.740 It is through belief. 00:28:11.740 --> 00:28:15.420 And through that belief, in that belief, in that salvation, 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:19.740 we go and respond to what God has called us to do. 00:28:19.740 --> 00:28:22.500 And in a world that is full of uncertainty, 00:28:22.500 --> 00:28:27.540 in a world that is full of broken promises, inconsistency, 00:28:27.540 --> 00:28:30.660 the truth of God should provide us stability 00:28:30.660 --> 00:28:32.940 and hope in our lives. 00:28:32.940 --> 00:28:35.660 We need hope more than ever, my friends, 00:28:35.660 --> 00:28:39.420 especially when we hear of, I'm getting really tired 00:28:39.420 --> 00:28:40.380 of turning on the news. 00:28:40.380 --> 00:28:42.980 I don't know why I do it. 00:28:42.980 --> 00:28:45.779 How many of you guys have found a good thing on the news 00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:47.380 recently? 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:48.740 Can you name one story? 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:54.500 Because it used to be, OK, you might have a cute story 00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:58.779 about a dog returning to their owner. 00:28:58.779 --> 00:28:59.779 You might have a cute story. 00:28:59.779 --> 00:29:02.060 Where are those stories anymore? 00:29:02.059 --> 00:29:05.819 I feel like every time I turn on any sort of television network, 00:29:05.819 --> 00:29:07.259 it's all negative. 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:10.139 Bashing politicians, talking about the economy, 00:29:10.139 --> 00:29:16.179 talking about the job market, all of it's so negative. 00:29:16.179 --> 00:29:17.899 It brings you down. 00:29:17.899 --> 00:29:24.059 But with all of that, though, we need hope in our lives. 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:27.619 We need Christ, because Christ provides hope for us. 00:29:27.619 --> 00:29:36.699 And in all of this, I want us to think, 00:29:36.699 --> 00:29:40.979 I want to tell you a real short story about my grandfather. 00:29:40.979 --> 00:29:45.139 My grandfather being a hard worker, a good man of God, 00:29:45.139 --> 00:29:48.459 would always tell me as a kid, you always tell the truth. 00:29:48.459 --> 00:29:52.579 As far as I can remember, tell the truth. 00:29:52.579 --> 00:29:56.619 Why he would say this is because seeing through to completion 00:29:56.619 --> 00:30:00.259 the commitment you've made, talking about your word. 00:30:00.259 --> 00:30:02.779 And I remember as a kid, I'm like, yeah, whatever, grandpa, 00:30:02.779 --> 00:30:05.019 whatever. 00:30:05.019 --> 00:30:08.899 One of the last words he told me before he went home 00:30:08.899 --> 00:30:13.619 to be with the Lord, tell the truth. 00:30:13.619 --> 00:30:15.339 That was the most consistent lesson 00:30:15.339 --> 00:30:19.099 I ever got from my grandfather, is to tell the truth. 00:30:19.099 --> 00:30:21.939 And in context of his life was, you 00:30:21.939 --> 00:30:25.579 tell the truth because your word should have weight. 00:30:25.579 --> 00:30:27.659 It should be consistent. 00:30:27.659 --> 00:30:32.419 And it reminds me of our God, that our God is constant, 00:30:32.419 --> 00:30:35.899 and that he sees through with his promises 00:30:35.899 --> 00:30:38.460 that our God is faithful. 00:30:38.460 --> 00:30:40.139 And that is an encouragement for us 00:30:40.139 --> 00:30:44.699 to be like our Lord, to see through to completion 00:30:44.699 --> 00:30:50.299 our promises, to be a promise keeper. 00:30:50.299 --> 00:30:54.819 And so what we've seen for this is just 00:30:54.819 --> 00:31:05.299 keep in mind that Christ being the yes, how do we respond to that? 00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:08.740 So let's think about that as we close our time for today. 00:31:11.259 --> 00:31:13.099 As we close our time here together, 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:15.419 I want us to take to heart the truth that 00:31:15.419 --> 00:31:21.179 is found in God's word, that God keeps all of his promises. 00:31:21.179 --> 00:31:23.859 Just as the example as we have learned today, 00:31:23.859 --> 00:31:27.979 I want us to remember today that God was providing a what? 00:31:27.979 --> 00:31:29.579 A righteous branch. 00:31:29.579 --> 00:31:31.059 Can you say that with me? 00:31:31.059 --> 00:31:32.579 A righteous branch. 00:31:32.579 --> 00:31:34.659 Because when somebody asks you, what did you learn in church 00:31:34.659 --> 00:31:38.619 today, God provided a righteous branch. 00:31:38.619 --> 00:31:40.099 And what is the righteous branch? 00:31:40.099 --> 00:31:42.659 That is Jesus Christ. 00:31:42.659 --> 00:31:45.659 And so that is what our takeaway. 00:31:45.659 --> 00:31:47.740 It's just a simple takeaway. 00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:50.859 God providing the righteous branch, 00:31:50.859 --> 00:31:52.859 the coming of Jesus Christ. 00:31:52.859 --> 00:31:56.859 Let us take to heart that the word of God is living, 00:31:56.859 --> 00:32:01.299 and that it is active, and that Christ is the yes 00:32:01.299 --> 00:32:03.019 to God's promises. 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:05.819 And that we, as the people of God, 00:32:05.819 --> 00:32:10.579 we say amen to the God who provides salvation, who 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:13.939 is always there for us, who keeps his promises, 00:32:13.939 --> 00:32:16.779 and will never leave or forsake us. 00:32:16.779 --> 00:32:19.699 Let's pray together. 00:32:19.700 --> 00:32:24.059 And Heavenly Father, we are in awe of who you are, 00:32:24.059 --> 00:32:28.580 that you are that constant, and that you never change, 00:32:28.580 --> 00:32:32.380 and that your love is everlasting, and that you never fail. 00:32:32.380 --> 00:32:34.860 We thank you for showing us in your word 00:32:34.860 --> 00:32:38.420 that you keep your promises, and that you have provided a way 00:32:38.420 --> 00:32:41.779 in salvation through your Son Jesus Christ. 00:32:41.779 --> 00:32:46.180 As we have read today, you are providing that righteous branch 00:32:46.180 --> 00:32:48.059 who is Jesus Christ. 00:32:48.059 --> 00:32:51.059 And what we've also learned today, may we take to heart, 00:32:51.059 --> 00:32:56.659 may we implement in our lives that Jesus is the yes. 00:32:56.659 --> 00:32:58.740 May we remember that from today. 00:32:58.740 --> 00:33:01.539 May we be inspired by your word. 00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:03.740 We ask for strength, wisdom, and guidance 00:33:03.740 --> 00:33:05.819 in our everyday lives. 00:33:05.819 --> 00:33:08.819 Help us to live this life knowing 00:33:08.819 --> 00:33:12.940 that you are the promise keeper, and that your Son is 00:33:12.940 --> 00:33:15.740 the yes to your promises. 00:33:15.740 --> 00:33:17.339 May we remember that. 00:33:17.339 --> 00:33:21.179 And may we respond by saying amen to you 00:33:21.179 --> 00:33:23.819 for you and your honor and your glory. 00:33:23.819 --> 00:33:27.139 It is in the holy and the mighty name of Jesus 00:33:27.139 --> 00:33:28.099 that we pray. 00:33:28.099 --> 00:33:32.500 And we all say together, amen. 00:33:32.500 --> 00:33:35.500 Thank you for tuning in to the Ontario Community Church Sermon 00:33:35.500 --> 00:33:36.500 podcast. 00:33:36.500 --> 00:33:39.299 For more about our church and how you can get involved 00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:44.500 or support our mission, please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:33:44.500 --> 00:33:47.500 May God's blessings be with you.