WEBVTT

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 I want to speak over this term on God. You might say, well, you do that every week. But I want us to look at who is God and what is God. It's been on my heart for a while to preach on the nature, the character, the attributes of God.

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 The Westminster Shorter Catechism, one of the documents that we confess we believe as a church, says this, what is God? God is a spirit, infinite, eternal, unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.

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 And my plan is to basically take each word of that answer and try and expound them from scripture. We're going to really look at God on God, preaching God from the word of God.

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 We're going to do that because all of the Bible, all of scripture is given by the inspiration of God. And it's profitable for us. And it gives us all that we need to know concerning how to live righteously, about holiness, about correction and about proof.

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 All that we need for the Christian life is contained for us in the word of God. And the word of God, the whole of the Bible declares God to us.

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 The word of God doesn't simply try to prove God to you. One of the first words of the Bible, in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

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 It doesn't pause at that point and say, before we go any further, let me give you the qualities of God, the characteristics of God, because you don't know him.

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 But the word of God does reveal God to us.

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 I've chosen a text for this morning.

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 It's Hebrews chapter 11 and verse 6.

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 And I think it's a good summary statement to begin our series.

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 It says this.

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 It says,

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 Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

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 For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

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 It's a whole cluster of words put together in that verse that assume that knowing God and understanding God and seeking God is something that you want to do.

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 Now, this verse assumes that we as human beings have a desire within us to please God.

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 And it's telling us, isn't it, that you cannot please God.

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 It is impossible for you to please God without faith.

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 You cannot please God without believing that he is.

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 And that he is a rewarder.

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 He rewards those who seek him.

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 The verse speaks about drawing near to God.

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 Because that is what you were made to do.

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 And that God is the rewarder of all those who seek him.

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 Now, I think we are nervous of the word rewards, aren't we?

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 You might be sitting there and you think, well, are we to seek God for a reward?

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 And we don't do that.

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 We don't seek God for any reward.

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 But actually, the Bible says we do.

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 That's why we need to know God.

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 To know who he is and his character and his being and his character, his nature, his attributes.

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 And we are to seek God.

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 And as we seek him, he rewards us with revealing himself to us.

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 And so I want to ask the question this morning.

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 Why is it that you and I should draw near to God?

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 Why is it that you and I should seek God?

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 The first reason is this.

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 The Bible makes it clear that is what you were made for.

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 That is what we were made for.

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 We were made to please God.

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 To know God.

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 And we were made for his pleasure.

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 And we were made to draw near to God.

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 To worship him and to know him.

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 We were made to seek him and to be diligent in searching him out and knowing him.

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 And he has made us so that we would find our reward, our fulfillment, our happiness, our enjoyment in him.

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 It's the reason why you exist.

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 It's what you were made for.

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 You were made to know God.

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 To please him and to draw near to him.

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 To seek him.

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 To find your reward and your fulfillment in him.

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 And the Bible makes that plain in lots of places.

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 Not only here in this text.

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 The word of God makes it plain to us.

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 That we were made to know God.

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 But it also says to us that we will not find God by our own investigation.

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 We will not be able to figure out God by our own investigation.

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 Do you remember in Mark chapter 8, Jesus has done these great miracles.

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 And he says to his disciples that famous question, who do people say that I am?

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 And then he says to them, and who do you say that I am?

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 And Peter responds, doesn't he?

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 And he says, you are the Christ, looking at the Lord Jesus.

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 You are the Christ, you are God's King, the Son of the living God.

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 And Jesus turns to him and says, blessed are you Simon.

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 Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you.

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 But my Father who is in heaven revealed it to you.

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 In other words, Peter, you didn't figure this out yourself.

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 In other words, coming to know God and coming to know the Lord Jesus is a gift of his grace.

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 And it is a revelation, a revealing of himself.

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 Knowing God, seeking God, is not something that you come to by logical proofs.

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 You'll find many great theologians have tried to set out the logical proofs that prove that God exists.

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 But Hebrews 11 is very, very clear, isn't it?

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 It doesn't matter how many logical proofs you set before someone, you need to believe.

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 It is a question of faith.

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 Faith is a response to what God has revealed about himself.

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 So how does God reveal himself?

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 First of all, God reveals himself.

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 He shows you what he's like by his created order.

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 His created world.

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 God reveals himself in the very nature of the world in which we live.

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 Isaiah 40 and verse 26 says to you, lift up your eyes and see.

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 Who created these?

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 Go into the night sky, look up and see.

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 He who brings out their host by number calls them all by name.

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 By the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one of them is missing.

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 He created these.

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 In other words, you go to the night sky and there is a voice that booms out of the stars when you look up.

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 And the message of the stars in the night sky is, look who made these.

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 Look at the one who made them.

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 They're all in order, not one of them is missing.

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 And he gives them a name.

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 The created world says there is a God who is great in might and strong in power.

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 Now that's a lot we learn.

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 And that's good, isn't it?

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 It's a start from the nature of creation.

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 And Paul takes up this theme.

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 And he develops it further.

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 He says in Acts 14 and verse 17,

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 Yet he did not leave himself without witness.

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 For he did good by giving you the rains from heaven and fruitful seasons,

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 satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.

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 The heat wave.

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 And London and the parched ground.

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 And the rains came.

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 And it was so refreshing, wasn't it?

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 So delightful that again we had rain.

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 We've had this wonderful, wonderful spell of weather where the sun has been shining.

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 But everything was dry and arid.

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 And yet the rain came.

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 But the rain was giving you a message from God.

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 God says, do you look at the rain?

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 It is a witness to the fact that I am God.

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 God did not leave himself without a witness.

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 He sends the rain and the seasons and the fruit.

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 All these things say that there is a God.

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 A God who is great and mighty.

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 And he's revealing something of himself in the way that the world is created and put together.

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 Of course it's made much more explicit in that famous verse from Romans chapter 1.

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 For what can be known about God is plain to everyone.

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 Because God has shown it to them.

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 For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power, his divine nature, has been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world in the things that have been made.

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 So that they, all of us, are without excuse.

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 What these texts are saying to us is that the first glimpse we have, or hint that we have, that there is a God, is in the nature of the world in which we live.

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 And a voice booms out of creation.

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 So that every direction you look, wherever you are, the order and the majesty of the created world shouts at you, there is a God.

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 But when you look at the pinnacle of creation, which is the creation of human beings, men and women, boys and girls.

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 The Bible tells us that we, you, are created in the image of God.

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 That in some sense, God has put a knowledge of himself inside of you.

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 The book of Ecclesiastes says, God has set eternity in our hearts.

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 John Calvin, a great theologian, when he thought about this, and he thought about the way that we've been created, the nature of God, that we've been created in the image of God.

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 He said that Satan is like one of those people that comes and, like a graffiti artist, and sprays over the piece of art.

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 But the devil is like someone coming along and finding an image of God, and he sprays all over it to destroy the glory of it.

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 And that's what's happened to us.

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 We are glorious, but we are glorious ruins.

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 There's something wrong.

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 The graffiti, the paint has been sprayed on us.

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 But the image of God has not been obliterated.

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 It has not been defaced.

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 So every single human being has a sense of God.

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 It's in your heart.

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 It's wired into you.

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 It is engraved into us because of the way that we've been made.

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 We've been made in the image of God.

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 And so the creation of the world is a magnificent testimony, and God has not left himself without a witness.

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 But you, yourself, are a statement of the nature of God.

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 And of the way that God is.

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 And of all that God has done.

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 The sense of divinity is on every single one of us, which means you matter incredibly, doesn't it?

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 And that you were made to know God.

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 Because you are part of his creation.

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 And the image of God, yes, it's been defaced.

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 It's been covered with graffiti.

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 It's been damaged.

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 The effects of sin have affected your mind.

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 They've affected your will.

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 They've affected your affections.

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 But the image of God is not totally lost.

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 Don McLeod writes,

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 If our understanding of Paul in Romans 1 is correct, there is no such thing as an atheist.

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 John Calvin said,

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 God has endued all people with some sense of the Godhead.

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 And the result of that is that a sense of deity is inscribed unto every heart.

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 And that sense of deity is indelible.

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 You can't get rid of it.

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 We never lose it.

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 And so that explains to us, isn't it,

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 that the Bible describes the person who says there is no God as a fool.

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 The fool says in his heart there is no God.

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 Why?

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 Because what's the fool doing?

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 He's suppressing the truth that he already knows.

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 The agnostic person, well, they're more honest, aren't they?

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 They say they don't know.

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 But they're suppressing the truth too.

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 Everywhere we look,

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 every single human being knows that there is a God.

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 And that means every single human being knows that they were made to know him.

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 Donald MacLeod, I've been reading lots of him this summer, he writes this.

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 He says,

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 So children,

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 the kids that you go to school with,

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 this week,

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 they know that there's a God.

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 The neighbors on your street,

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 they know that there's a God.

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 The people that you work with,

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 they know that there is a God.

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 The Apostle Paul,

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 when he went and preached in Athens,

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 he didn't try to make them religious.

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 Do you remember?

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 He said,

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 I perceive that you are very religious.

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 The evidence of their religion was all around him.

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 In their temples,

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 the paraphernalia of their city,

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 all men have a sense of the Holy One.

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 All men have a feeling of dependence.

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 All have God's law written on their hearts.

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 All know that they are answerable to God.

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 It is not our calling as a church

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 to instill those instincts into people.

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 Our responsibility is to build on that foundation,

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 to speak the truth that they already know.

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 that they've been made by God,

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 for God,

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 to know God.

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 I think that's an enormous help,

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 an enormous encouragement.

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 But it's only one side of the truth.

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 That's what we were made for.

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 Because the other side of this truth

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 is confirmed in the revelation of a book,

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 of God's own words,

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 that God has written down.

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 Here is the wonder of the glory of God,

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 that he chooses to reveal himself in creation,

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 yes,

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 and in human beings,

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 but also to reveal himself in a book.

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 He not only speaks the word and says,

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 okay,

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 and pass that on to the next generation

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 and to the next generation after that,

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 because when that happens,

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 we know that that gets distorted.

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 When I was growing up,

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 there was a game

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 that was called

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 Chinese Whispers.

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 I've tried to think of a more politically correct phrase.

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 Those of you who are Chinese,

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 I'd love to know what you called it in your culture.

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 But do you remember that game?

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 Let's call it Whispers, all right?

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 And you'd tell a message to the person at the front,

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 and then they would pass it to the person,

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 they'd whisper it to the person back,

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 and then they'd whisper it,

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 and they'd whisper it,

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 and they'd whisper it.

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 And at the end of the road,

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 do you remember,

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 there's a completely garbled message.

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 Some kind of game.

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 You all played it at some point,

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 I'm sure.

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 The transmission of words gets garbled,

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 doesn't it?

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 And gets altered.

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 And so sometimes,

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 the message from the start to the end,

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 it came out the exact opposite

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 from what the original purpose was.

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 Somebody's accent was different,

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 and they pronounced the words.

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 You know how it is.

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 Nobody's quite sure what was said originally.

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 But that isn't what happened with God's word.

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 That isn't what happened with the Bible.

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 God gives us his word,

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 and he puts it into print.

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 And he causes it to be written down,

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 and he watches over it from generation to generation.

00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:55.079
 And so the Bible that you've got on your laps

00:15:55.079 --> 00:15:55.899
 is trustworthy.

00:15:55.899 --> 00:15:59.120
 Don't fall for the Islamic lie

00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:00.480
 that it's somehow been corrupted.

00:16:03.019 --> 00:16:05.220
 He has revealed himself in his word.

00:16:08.459 --> 00:16:10.539
 But he's also revealed himself

00:16:10.539 --> 00:16:15.819
 more explicitly in the Lord Jesus Christ

00:16:15.819 --> 00:16:16.699
 that you might know him.

00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:19.639
 John 17 verse 3 says,

00:16:19.779 --> 00:16:20.659
 this is eternal life.

00:16:20.720 --> 00:16:21.840
 You want to know what eternal life is?

00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:23.319
 That they may know you,

00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:24.660
 the only true God,

00:16:24.780 --> 00:16:26.220
 and Jesus Christ who you've sent.

00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:28.520
 John 20 verse 31.

00:16:28.660 --> 00:16:29.820
 Why was John's gospel written?

00:16:29.920 --> 00:16:31.160
 It was written so that you may believe

00:16:31.160 --> 00:16:32.460
 that Jesus is the Son of God,

00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:33.520
 the Christ,

00:16:34.080 --> 00:16:34.840
 and that by believing,

00:16:34.960 --> 00:16:35.900
 you might have life in his name.

00:16:37.660 --> 00:16:38.840
 And that theme is picked up

00:16:38.840 --> 00:16:40.040
 in the Old Testament again, isn't it?

00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:41.640
 Jeremiah 9 verse 23.

00:16:42.540 --> 00:16:43.180
 Let not the man,

00:16:43.720 --> 00:16:45.820
 let not the wise man boast in his wisdom.

00:16:46.820 --> 00:16:48.540
 Let not the mighty man boast in his might.

00:16:48.900 --> 00:16:50.420
 Let not the rich man boast in his riches.

00:16:50.419 --> 00:16:51.719
 Let him who boasts, boasts in this,

00:16:51.779 --> 00:16:53.659
 that he understands and knows me.

00:16:56.599 --> 00:16:57.919
 One of the things Jeremiah is saying,

00:16:58.059 --> 00:17:00.039
 this wisdom, riches, might.

00:17:02.579 --> 00:17:04.059
 But more important than any of that

00:17:04.059 --> 00:17:05.339
 is that you might know God.

00:17:05.420 --> 00:17:06.139
 That's why you were made.

00:17:08.639 --> 00:17:09.299
 Hebrews chapter,

00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:11.000
 Hosea chapter 6 and verse 6.

00:17:11.119 --> 00:17:11.420
 God says,

00:17:11.559 --> 00:17:13.799
 I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice.

00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:15.019
 It's an amazing verse.

00:17:15.019 --> 00:17:17.460
 I desire the knowledge of God

00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:18.500
 rather than burnt offerings.

00:17:19.619 --> 00:17:20.779
 I desire that you know me,

00:17:20.839 --> 00:17:22.339
 not just that you turn up on a Sunday morning.

00:17:25.900 --> 00:17:27.079
 They were coming in their worship

00:17:27.079 --> 00:17:28.139
 with all their burnt offerings

00:17:28.139 --> 00:17:28.879
 and their sacrifices

00:17:28.879 --> 00:17:29.720
 and God is saying,

00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:32.440
 I want you to know me.

00:17:34.980 --> 00:17:36.160
 That's what we were meant for.

00:17:38.400 --> 00:17:40.279
 To know God and the glory of his word

00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:41.379
 is that he's revealed himself.

00:17:42.500 --> 00:17:44.019
 But he reveals himself ultimately

00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:44.799
 in the Lord Jesus.

00:17:46.740 --> 00:17:48.160
 2 Corinthians 4 and verse 6.

00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:48.839
 God who said,

00:17:48.980 --> 00:17:51.220
 let light shine out of the darkness.

00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:53.359
 The God who said,

00:17:53.480 --> 00:17:53.859
 let there be light.

00:17:53.900 --> 00:17:55.599
 And there was light in the world

00:17:55.599 --> 00:17:58.599
 has shone in our hearts.

00:17:59.819 --> 00:18:01.220
 To give the light of the knowledge

00:18:01.220 --> 00:18:02.200
 of the glory of God

00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:03.660
 in the face of Jesus Christ.

00:18:05.579 --> 00:18:06.980
 That God has made us to know him

00:18:06.980 --> 00:18:07.799
 and to know his glory.

00:18:08.859 --> 00:18:09.319
 And he says,

00:18:09.379 --> 00:18:10.539
 this is how you will come to know me.

00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:12.359
 Not simply through the rain

00:18:12.359 --> 00:18:13.279
 and the stars.

00:18:13.819 --> 00:18:15.919
 Not simply through the written word.

00:18:17.179 --> 00:18:18.259
 But what is written here

00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:19.699
 as it points to the Lord Jesus.

00:18:21.059 --> 00:18:22.419
 You will know me in my glory.

00:18:24.479 --> 00:18:25.819
 Do you know that's what you were made for?

00:18:25.879 --> 00:18:28.000
 To know God through Jesus.

00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:31.220
 John Calvin,

00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.119
 he wrote

00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:35.579
 that Calvin's Institutes

00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:37.599
 are some of the most remarkable writing

00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:38.980
 this world has ever known.

00:18:40.339 --> 00:18:41.440
 But the Institutes

00:18:41.440 --> 00:18:43.279
 actually started as a very small book.

00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:45.779
 He wrote it early on in the Reformation.

00:18:46.519 --> 00:18:48.039
 And it had just six chapters

00:18:48.039 --> 00:18:49.599
 in its very first edition.

00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:51.359
 He was a young man.

00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:52.500
 He was 26 years of age.

00:18:52.500 --> 00:18:55.400
 And he wrote it as a defense of Christians.

00:18:55.720 --> 00:18:56.339
 Because in France

00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:57.059
 they were being persecuted.

00:18:57.900 --> 00:18:58.859
 And in his introduction,

00:18:59.019 --> 00:19:00.000
 the preface to the king,

00:19:00.700 --> 00:19:01.960
 it's a very powerful document.

00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:03.079
 He begins by saying

00:19:03.079 --> 00:19:04.779
 that the sum of all knowledge

00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:07.740
 is to know God and ourselves.

00:19:09.440 --> 00:19:10.240
 And then he goes on to say,

00:19:10.299 --> 00:19:11.420
 I don't know which one comes first.

00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:12.539
 We can't know ourselves

00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:13.519
 without knowing God.

00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:14.539
 And we can't know God

00:19:14.539 --> 00:19:16.140
 without also coming to know ourselves.

00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:16.859
 It's very profound.

00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:19.980
 He wrote a little catechism.

00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:22.920
 When he was a pastor in Geneva.

00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:25.519
 And his catechism began in this way.

00:19:25.640 --> 00:19:26.579
 What is the chief end?

00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:27.620
 What is the most important thing

00:19:27.620 --> 00:19:28.319
 about human life?

00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.079
 And he says this,

00:19:32.160 --> 00:19:33.039
 that human beings

00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:34.460
 may know God

00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:35.440
 by whom they were created.

00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:38.299
 You see that

00:19:38.299 --> 00:19:39.660
 where the short catechism got it,

00:19:39.779 --> 00:19:40.059
 don't you?

00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:42.700
 That you may know God

00:19:42.700 --> 00:19:43.660
 by whom you were created.

00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:48.940
 We read in Hebrews 11, verse 6,

00:19:48.940 --> 00:19:50.740
 that those who draw near to God

00:19:50.740 --> 00:19:52.680
 need to believe that he is.

00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.779
 And so why should you

00:19:55.779 --> 00:19:56.980
 draw near to God?

00:19:57.120 --> 00:19:58.759
 Why should you study God?

00:19:59.580 --> 00:20:01.220
 Because that's what you were made for.

00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:03.880
 But there's a second thing.

00:20:04.820 --> 00:20:06.220
 Why should you draw near to God?

00:20:06.320 --> 00:20:07.440
 You need to know him

00:20:07.440 --> 00:20:08.940
 in order to worship him.

00:20:10.080 --> 00:20:11.440
 You need to know him

00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:13.360
 in order to worship him.

00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:14.920
 The more that we know God,

00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:15.680
 the more that we're drawn

00:20:15.680 --> 00:20:16.840
 to worship God

00:20:16.839 --> 00:20:18.099
 and to give glory to God,

00:20:19.839 --> 00:20:21.459
 the English word comes from,

00:20:21.919 --> 00:20:22.919
 the old English word of

00:20:22.919 --> 00:20:23.819
 worth-ship.

00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:26.500
 To worship God

00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:28.899
 is to know the worth of him.

00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:31.579
 It's to know and grasp

00:20:31.579 --> 00:20:32.139
 the value,

00:20:32.959 --> 00:20:33.439
 the honour,

00:20:33.679 --> 00:20:34.279
 the place,

00:20:34.919 --> 00:20:35.519
 the standing,

00:20:36.179 --> 00:20:37.899
 the person

00:20:37.899 --> 00:20:39.179
 and all that he is.

00:20:40.699 --> 00:20:41.740
 The worship of God

00:20:41.740 --> 00:20:42.480
 is knowing

00:20:42.480 --> 00:20:43.980
 the worth of God.

00:20:43.980 --> 00:20:46.480
 And the more that we know

00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:47.660
 the worth of God,

00:20:47.880 --> 00:20:49.279
 the more that will breed in us

00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:49.960
 an awe

00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:51.019
 and reverence

00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:52.180
 and adoration.

00:20:54.860 --> 00:20:55.880
 The prophet Isaiah,

00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:57.019
 when he saw

00:20:57.019 --> 00:20:58.039
 that vision

00:20:58.039 --> 00:20:59.180
 of the glory of God,

00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:02.140
 he hears in Isaiah 60,

00:21:02.279 --> 00:21:03.000
 angels crying,

00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:03.440
 holy,

00:21:03.680 --> 00:21:03.980
 holy,

00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:04.740
 holy

00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.839
 is the Lord.

00:21:07.240 --> 00:21:08.039
 And in John's Gospel,

00:21:08.140 --> 00:21:09.759
 Jesus picks that up

00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:10.460
 and Jesus says,

00:21:10.620 --> 00:21:11.519
 when Isaiah

00:21:11.519 --> 00:21:13.099
 saw that glory,

00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:14.339
 he was speaking of

00:21:14.339 --> 00:21:14.920
 my glory,

00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:15.680
 the glory of Christ.

00:21:17.779 --> 00:21:18.440
 And Isaiah

00:21:18.440 --> 00:21:19.859
 saw the angels

00:21:19.859 --> 00:21:20.579
 crying out,

00:21:20.660 --> 00:21:21.279
 he is holy,

00:21:21.420 --> 00:21:22.119
 he is holy,

00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:22.940
 he is holy.

00:21:23.059 --> 00:21:24.079
 And he cried out,

00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:25.220
 woe is me.

00:21:27.319 --> 00:21:28.139
 I'm done for.

00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:29.099
 I'm undone.

00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:30.480
 I'm a man of unclean lips

00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:32.079
 and I dwell in the middle

00:21:32.079 --> 00:21:32.539
 of a people

00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:33.359
 of unclean lips.

00:21:34.099 --> 00:21:34.759
 For my eyes

00:21:34.759 --> 00:21:35.420
 have seen the King,

00:21:35.500 --> 00:21:36.099
 the Lord of hosts.

00:21:37.299 --> 00:21:38.200
 And when he grasps

00:21:38.200 --> 00:21:39.759
 the sense of the worthiness

00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.119
 of God,

00:21:40.160 --> 00:21:41.339
 how much God is worth,

00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:42.640
 he sees his own

00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:43.279
 unworthiness

00:21:43.279 --> 00:21:45.099
 in the presence of God.

00:21:47.160 --> 00:21:48.440
 A similar thing happens

00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:49.319
 in the book of Revelation

00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:51.279
 when in Revelation 5,

00:21:51.400 --> 00:21:52.059
 the apostle John

00:21:52.059 --> 00:21:53.420
 hears every creature

00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:53.900
 in heaven

00:21:53.900 --> 00:21:54.900
 and on earth

00:21:54.900 --> 00:21:55.619
 and under the earth

00:21:55.619 --> 00:21:56.259
 and in the sea

00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:57.579
 and all that is in them

00:21:57.579 --> 00:21:58.279
 saying to him

00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:59.200
 who sits on the throne

00:21:59.200 --> 00:22:00.259
 and to the Lamb

00:22:00.259 --> 00:22:01.180
 be blessing and honour

00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:02.200
 and glory and might

00:22:02.200 --> 00:22:03.059
 forever and ever.

00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:05.400
 And the four living creatures

00:22:05.400 --> 00:22:05.980
 said amen

00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:06.680
 and the elders

00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:07.799
 fell down and worshipped.

00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:09.680
 Why?

00:22:09.839 --> 00:22:10.180
 Because

00:22:10.180 --> 00:22:12.419
 they had a sense

00:22:12.419 --> 00:22:14.500
 of the worth of God.

00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:17.539
 And that's what he's speaking of

00:22:17.539 --> 00:22:18.359
 in Hebrews chapter 11

00:22:18.359 --> 00:22:18.819
 when he says

00:22:18.819 --> 00:22:20.039
 draw near to God

00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:21.319
 of pleasing God

00:22:21.319 --> 00:22:22.279
 of seeking God.

00:22:22.359 --> 00:22:22.639
 It means

00:22:22.639 --> 00:22:24.259
 coming to know God

00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:25.039
 and to grasp

00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:26.059
 his worthiness.

00:22:26.119 --> 00:22:26.960
 How much he's worth.

00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:29.220
 So that we join

00:22:29.220 --> 00:22:30.000
 in the chorus

00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:31.619
 of standing

00:22:31.619 --> 00:22:32.960
 in front of a glorious God

00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:33.639
 and saying

00:22:33.639 --> 00:22:34.799
 you oh God

00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:36.019
 are worthy.

00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:38.240
 worthy is the Lamb

00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:39.000
 to receive honour

00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:39.660
 and glory

00:22:39.660 --> 00:22:40.259
 and dominion

00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:40.619
 and power

00:22:40.619 --> 00:22:41.460
 forever and ever.

00:22:41.980 --> 00:22:42.720
 Knowing God

00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:43.920
 breeds worship.

00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:46.460
 To know God

00:22:46.460 --> 00:22:47.639
 breeds worship.

00:22:50.279 --> 00:22:51.039
 In Hebrews

00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:52.379
 it uses the language

00:22:52.379 --> 00:22:53.819
 of drawing near to God.

00:22:53.859 --> 00:22:54.420
 If you've got your Bible

00:22:54.420 --> 00:22:54.960
 open let's just

00:22:54.960 --> 00:22:55.859
 have a look at this.

00:22:56.079 --> 00:22:57.079
 Look at Hebrews chapter 4

00:22:57.079 --> 00:22:57.779
 and verse 16.

00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:01.680
 He says to us

00:23:01.680 --> 00:23:02.840
 let us

00:23:02.840 --> 00:23:05.320
 with confidence

00:23:05.320 --> 00:23:06.420
 draw near

00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:07.259
 to the throne

00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:07.920
 of grace

00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:08.680
 that we may receive

00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:09.019
 mercy

00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:09.880
 and find grace

00:23:09.880 --> 00:23:10.840
 to help in our time of need.

00:23:10.900 --> 00:23:11.360
 What an encouragement

00:23:11.360 --> 00:23:11.759
 to pray.

00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:13.980
 But did you notice

00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:14.560
 the context?

00:23:14.960 --> 00:23:16.160
 We have a great high priest

00:23:16.160 --> 00:23:17.840
 who's passed

00:23:17.840 --> 00:23:18.279
 through the heavens

00:23:18.279 --> 00:23:19.600
 Jesus the son of God.

00:23:21.080 --> 00:23:21.900
 And we don't have a high priest

00:23:21.900 --> 00:23:23.039
 who's unable to sympathise

00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:23.820
 with us in our weaknesses

00:23:23.820 --> 00:23:24.900
 but in every respect

00:23:24.900 --> 00:23:25.500
 has been tempted

00:23:25.500 --> 00:23:26.200
 as we are yet

00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:27.140
 is without sin.

00:23:27.580 --> 00:23:28.580
 He takes you to Christ

00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:29.500
 and he says

00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:30.759
 look at your high priest

00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:32.240
 look at the gospel

00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:33.099
 of good news

00:23:33.099 --> 00:23:34.419
 you want to draw near

00:23:34.419 --> 00:23:34.919
 to God

00:23:34.919 --> 00:23:36.439
 draw near to him.

00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:38.439
 You need to know him.

00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:40.779
 Look at chapter 7

00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:41.539
 and verse 25

00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:43.099
 it's the same phrase.

00:23:44.399 --> 00:23:44.740
 Consequently

00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:46.139
 he's able to save

00:23:46.139 --> 00:23:46.859
 to the uttermost

00:23:46.859 --> 00:23:47.699
 those who drew near

00:23:47.699 --> 00:23:48.240
 to God

00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:48.859
 through him

00:23:48.859 --> 00:23:50.699
 since he always lives

00:23:50.699 --> 00:23:51.519
 to make intercession

00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:51.960
 for us.

00:23:53.819 --> 00:23:54.579
 He goes on

00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:55.079
 in that passage

00:23:55.079 --> 00:23:55.759
 to speak of the

00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:56.599
 priesthood

00:23:56.599 --> 00:23:58.099
 of Christ

00:23:58.099 --> 00:23:58.619
 and all that

00:23:58.619 --> 00:23:59.099
 the Lord Jesus

00:23:59.099 --> 00:23:59.740
 has done

00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:00.719
 that he's offered

00:24:00.719 --> 00:24:01.159
 himself

00:24:01.159 --> 00:24:02.599
 once and for all

00:24:02.599 --> 00:24:04.319
 and drawing near

00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:05.179
 to God

00:24:05.179 --> 00:24:06.259
 is through

00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:06.980
 the Lord Jesus.

00:24:08.199 --> 00:24:09.099
 Knowing him

00:24:09.099 --> 00:24:10.740
 we know God

00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.859
 through Jesus

00:24:11.859 --> 00:24:13.159
 and it breeds

00:24:13.159 --> 00:24:14.059
 our worship

00:24:14.059 --> 00:24:14.839
 and adoration.

00:24:16.719 --> 00:24:17.099
 Chapter 10

00:24:17.099 --> 00:24:17.639
 and verse 22

00:24:17.639 --> 00:24:18.500
 let us draw near

00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.539
 with a true heart

00:24:19.539 --> 00:24:22.059
 in full assurance

00:24:22.059 --> 00:24:22.539
 of faith

00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:24.500
 our hearts

00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:25.039
 having been

00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:26.099
 sprinkled clean

00:24:26.099 --> 00:24:27.039
 from an evil conscience

00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:27.599
 our bodies

00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:28.460
 having been washed

00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:29.339
 with pure water

00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:31.720
 the blood

00:24:31.720 --> 00:24:32.480
 of the Lord Jesus

00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:34.000
 has opened

00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:34.899
 up to us

00:24:34.899 --> 00:24:36.079
 his death

00:24:36.079 --> 00:24:36.500
 has opened

00:24:36.500 --> 00:24:36.779
 to us

00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.339
 a new

00:24:37.339 --> 00:24:38.099
 and a living

00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:38.680
 way

00:24:38.680 --> 00:24:41.259
 that we have

00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:41.940
 a great high

00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:42.480
 priest

00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:43.399
 over the house

00:24:43.399 --> 00:24:44.119
 of God.

00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:49.399
 I've been reading

00:24:49.399 --> 00:24:49.720
 this book

00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.700
 by Don Carson

00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:51.720
 it's got a little

00:24:51.720 --> 00:24:53.039
 essay on worship

00:24:53.039 --> 00:24:54.220
 he's a Baptist

00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:55.119
 sometimes we quote

00:24:55.119 --> 00:24:55.599
 Baptists

00:24:55.599 --> 00:24:57.659
 and he says this

00:24:57.659 --> 00:24:59.240
 although there are

00:24:59.240 --> 00:24:59.899
 things that can be

00:24:59.899 --> 00:25:00.659
 done to enhance

00:25:00.659 --> 00:25:01.319
 corporate worship

00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:01.720
 that's what we're

00:25:01.720 --> 00:25:02.279
 doing this morning

00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:03.339
 gathering together

00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:03.700
 to worship

00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:05.680
 there is a profound

00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:06.539
 sense in which

00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:07.200
 excellent worship

00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:08.740
 cannot be attended

00:25:08.740 --> 00:25:09.659
 by merely

00:25:09.659 --> 00:25:10.859
 pursuing excellent

00:25:10.859 --> 00:25:11.180
 worship

00:25:11.180 --> 00:25:13.220
 in the same way

00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:13.779
 that according to

00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:14.019
 Jesus

00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:15.119
 you cannot find

00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:15.460
 yourself

00:25:15.460 --> 00:25:16.019
 until you lose

00:25:16.019 --> 00:25:16.399
 yourself

00:25:16.399 --> 00:25:17.200
 so you cannot

00:25:17.200 --> 00:25:18.159
 find excellent

00:25:18.159 --> 00:25:18.960
 corporate worship

00:25:18.960 --> 00:25:20.240
 until you stop

00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:21.339
 trying to find

00:25:21.339 --> 00:25:22.559
 excellent corporate

00:25:22.559 --> 00:25:22.899
 worship

00:25:22.899 --> 00:25:24.240
 and pursue

00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:25.059
 God himself

00:25:25.059 --> 00:25:27.579
 despite the

00:25:27.579 --> 00:25:28.319
 protestations

00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:29.059
 one sometimes

00:25:29.059 --> 00:25:29.819
 wonders if we

00:25:29.819 --> 00:25:30.299
 are beginning

00:25:30.299 --> 00:25:30.980
 to worship

00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.500
 worship

00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:33.259
 rather than

00:25:33.259 --> 00:25:33.939
 worship God

00:25:33.939 --> 00:25:36.299
 sheep he says

00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:36.959
 lie down when

00:25:36.959 --> 00:25:37.819
 they are well fed

00:25:37.819 --> 00:25:38.759
 and they are more

00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:39.579
 likely to be restless

00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:40.379
 when they're hungry

00:25:40.379 --> 00:25:41.579
 feed my sheep

00:25:41.579 --> 00:25:42.500
 Jesus commanded

00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:42.919
 Peter

00:25:42.919 --> 00:25:44.000
 and many sheep

00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:44.659
 in Christ's church

00:25:44.659 --> 00:25:45.519
 are unfed

00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:47.019
 if you wish to

00:25:47.019 --> 00:25:47.740
 deepen the worship

00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.599
 of the people of God

00:25:48.599 --> 00:25:49.079
 above all

00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:50.119
 deepen their grasp

00:25:50.119 --> 00:25:50.959
 of his ineffable

00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:51.380
 majesty

00:25:51.380 --> 00:25:52.360
 in his person

00:25:52.360 --> 00:25:53.220
 and in all his works

00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:54.960
 what is clear

00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:56.340
 is that if you try

00:25:56.340 --> 00:25:57.079
 to enhance worship

00:25:57.079 --> 00:25:57.960
 by simply livening

00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:58.519
 up the tempo

00:25:58.519 --> 00:25:59.460
 updating the beat

00:25:59.460 --> 00:26:00.600
 you may not be

00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:01.279
 enhancing worship

00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:01.579
 at all

00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:02.200
 on the other hand

00:26:02.200 --> 00:26:03.380
 dry as dust sermons

00:26:03.380 --> 00:26:04.539
 loaded with cliches

00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:05.500
 and devoid of the

00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:06.000
 presence of the

00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:06.559
 living God

00:26:06.559 --> 00:26:07.620
 mediated by the word

00:26:07.620 --> 00:26:08.539
 do little to

00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:09.120
 enhance worship

00:26:09.120 --> 00:26:09.380
 either

00:26:09.380 --> 00:26:10.400
 what we must

00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:11.180
 strive for

00:26:11.180 --> 00:26:11.900
 is growing

00:26:11.900 --> 00:26:12.960
 knowledge of God

00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:14.460
 and delight of him

00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:16.079
 not delight

00:26:16.079 --> 00:26:16.620
 in worship

00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:17.120
 per se

00:26:17.120 --> 00:26:19.319
 but delight in God

00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:21.879
 why should we

00:26:21.879 --> 00:26:22.339
 study the

00:26:22.339 --> 00:26:23.099
 doctrine of God

00:26:23.099 --> 00:26:24.439
 why should we

00:26:24.439 --> 00:26:24.919
 seek to know

00:26:24.919 --> 00:26:25.299
 God

00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:27.299
 well first of all

00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:27.740
 because it's what

00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:28.319
 you were made for

00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:29.099
 secondly because

00:26:29.099 --> 00:26:31.139
 it puts vitality

00:26:31.139 --> 00:26:31.740
 in our worship

00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:32.359
 he's worthy

00:26:32.359 --> 00:26:32.980
 of our worship

00:26:32.980 --> 00:26:34.319
 but thirdly

00:26:34.319 --> 00:26:35.460
 because we desire

00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:36.119
 to serve him

00:26:36.119 --> 00:26:39.359
 I'd hope to get

00:26:39.359 --> 00:26:39.679
 them today

00:26:39.679 --> 00:26:41.240
 but I hope

00:26:41.240 --> 00:26:42.119
 that you will read

00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:42.639
 and if you've not

00:26:42.639 --> 00:26:42.919
 read it

00:26:42.919 --> 00:26:43.559
 J.I. Packer's

00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:44.319
 book Knowing God

00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:46.059
 it's a classic

00:26:46.059 --> 00:26:48.220
 it's a 20th century

00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:48.559
 book

00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:49.899
 it's rich

00:26:49.899 --> 00:26:50.480
 powerful

00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:51.700
 biblical teaching

00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:53.220
 teeming with

00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:53.500
 scripture

00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:55.240
 and one of the

00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:56.000
 most remarkable

00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:57.039
 points that J.I. Packer

00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:57.980
 makes in that book

00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:59.859
 is that he picks up

00:26:59.859 --> 00:27:00.980
 the text of Daniel

00:27:00.980 --> 00:27:01.899
 chapter 11

00:27:01.899 --> 00:27:02.539
 verse 32

00:27:02.539 --> 00:27:02.919
 and he says

00:27:02.919 --> 00:27:03.759
 the people who know

00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:04.480
 their God

00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:06.159
 will stand firm

00:27:06.159 --> 00:27:06.819
 and take action

00:27:06.819 --> 00:27:08.220
 or I think he is it

00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:08.960
 the people

00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:10.519
 who know their God

00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:11.599
 will do great exploits

00:27:11.599 --> 00:27:15.259
 we will not be able

00:27:15.259 --> 00:27:16.159
 to serve God

00:27:16.159 --> 00:27:17.179
 in the way

00:27:17.179 --> 00:27:18.019
 that he is worthy

00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:19.119
 of unless we

00:27:19.119 --> 00:27:20.079
 know God

00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:21.899
 know God

00:27:21.899 --> 00:27:22.199
 in the way

00:27:22.199 --> 00:27:22.719
 that he's revealed

00:27:22.719 --> 00:27:23.199
 to us

00:27:23.199 --> 00:27:25.819
 and Packer says

00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:26.019
 this

00:27:26.019 --> 00:27:26.779
 those who know

00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:27.119
 God

00:27:27.119 --> 00:27:27.619
 number one

00:27:27.619 --> 00:27:28.740
 have great energy

00:27:28.740 --> 00:27:29.339
 for God

00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:30.899
 number two

00:27:30.899 --> 00:27:31.939
 have great thoughts

00:27:31.939 --> 00:27:32.519
 of God

00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:34.219
 number three

00:27:34.219 --> 00:27:35.659
 show great boldness

00:27:35.659 --> 00:27:36.279
 for God

00:27:36.279 --> 00:27:37.059
 and number four

00:27:37.059 --> 00:27:38.159
 have great contentment

00:27:38.159 --> 00:27:38.619
 in God

00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:40.139
 now children

00:27:40.139 --> 00:27:40.519
 those of us

00:27:40.519 --> 00:27:40.740
 who were at

00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:41.399
 Holiday Bible Club

00:27:41.400 --> 00:27:41.940
 we saw that

00:27:41.940 --> 00:27:42.340
 in Daniel

00:27:42.340 --> 00:27:42.740
 didn't we

00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:44.640
 that Daniel

00:27:44.640 --> 00:27:45.180
 was a man

00:27:45.180 --> 00:27:46.040
 who knew his God

00:27:46.040 --> 00:27:46.700
 so he goes

00:27:46.700 --> 00:27:47.400
 as a 13

00:27:47.400 --> 00:27:48.660
 14 year old man

00:27:48.660 --> 00:27:50.100
 and he's taken

00:27:50.100 --> 00:27:50.920
 off to Babylon

00:27:50.920 --> 00:27:52.700
 and he knows

00:27:52.700 --> 00:27:53.120
 God

00:27:53.120 --> 00:27:53.880
 and yet he's

00:27:53.880 --> 00:27:54.500
 strong

00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:56.740
 he stands firm

00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:57.540
 in the classroom

00:27:57.540 --> 00:27:59.360
 and he comes

00:27:59.360 --> 00:27:59.980
 out the other end

00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.960
 remember on day one

00:28:00.960 --> 00:28:02.180
 not simply smarter

00:28:02.180 --> 00:28:02.980
 than the others

00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:05.620
 but he comes out

00:28:05.620 --> 00:28:06.060
 at the end

00:28:06.060 --> 00:28:06.880
 of Daniel chapter 1

00:28:06.880 --> 00:28:07.519
 having stood

00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:08.220
 for God

00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:10.120
 escaping from

00:28:10.120 --> 00:28:10.820
 Nebuchadnezzar

00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:11.639
 full of the

00:28:11.639 --> 00:28:12.220
 spirit of God

00:28:12.220 --> 00:28:12.639
 and the grace

00:28:12.639 --> 00:28:13.059
 of God

00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:15.359
 and in this

00:28:15.359 --> 00:28:16.220
 Babylonian empire

00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:17.220
 hundreds of miles

00:28:17.220 --> 00:28:17.799
 from home

00:28:17.799 --> 00:28:19.299
 these men stand

00:28:19.299 --> 00:28:19.899
 and they stand

00:28:19.899 --> 00:28:20.799
 in the public square

00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:23.159
 and when

00:28:23.159 --> 00:28:25.039
 the population

00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:25.799
 is commanded

00:28:25.799 --> 00:28:26.839
 to worship

00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.639
 in a way

00:28:27.639 --> 00:28:28.679
 like everyone else

00:28:28.679 --> 00:28:29.059
 does

00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:30.019
 but it's not

00:28:30.019 --> 00:28:30.399
 appropriate

00:28:30.399 --> 00:28:30.980
 for those

00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:31.619
 as followers

00:28:31.619 --> 00:28:32.439
 of the living God

00:28:32.439 --> 00:28:32.919
 to worship

00:28:32.919 --> 00:28:33.980
 they refuse

00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:35.359
 and they will

00:28:35.359 --> 00:28:36.259
 not fall down

00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:37.419
 they stand up

00:28:37.420 --> 00:28:39.140
 and when

00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:39.800
 the persecution

00:28:39.800 --> 00:28:40.400
 invades

00:28:40.400 --> 00:28:41.039
 the privacy

00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:41.680
 of their own

00:28:41.680 --> 00:28:42.060
 home

00:28:42.060 --> 00:28:42.759
 it moves

00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:43.340
 from the public

00:28:43.340 --> 00:28:43.880
 square

00:28:43.880 --> 00:28:45.039
 into the private

00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:45.519
 home

00:28:45.519 --> 00:28:46.720
 and they're told

00:28:46.720 --> 00:28:47.580
 they can't pray

00:28:47.580 --> 00:28:48.519
 Daniel still

00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:49.539
 goes home

00:28:49.539 --> 00:28:49.920
 doesn't he

00:28:49.920 --> 00:28:50.440
 in private

00:28:50.440 --> 00:28:52.300
 and he prays

00:28:52.300 --> 00:28:54.620
 and when they

00:28:54.620 --> 00:28:55.360
 stand in front

00:28:55.360 --> 00:28:55.880
 of the fiery

00:28:55.880 --> 00:28:56.360
 furnace

00:28:56.360 --> 00:28:57.220
 they stand

00:28:57.220 --> 00:28:58.019
 boldly looking

00:28:58.019 --> 00:28:58.600
 at the king

00:28:58.600 --> 00:28:59.460
 and they say

00:28:59.460 --> 00:29:00.140
 well if our

00:29:00.140 --> 00:29:00.960
 God saves us

00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:01.820
 he saves us

00:29:01.820 --> 00:29:03.019
 but if he

00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:03.340
 doesn't

00:29:03.340 --> 00:29:04.019
 we want you

00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:04.600
 to know

00:29:04.599 --> 00:29:05.179
 oh king

00:29:05.179 --> 00:29:05.779
 that we

00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:06.199
 will not

00:29:06.199 --> 00:29:06.579
 bow down

00:29:06.579 --> 00:29:06.839
 to your

00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:07.119
 image

00:29:07.119 --> 00:29:09.099
 and where

00:29:09.099 --> 00:29:09.299
 do they

00:29:09.299 --> 00:29:09.439
 go

00:29:09.439 --> 00:29:09.759
 they go

00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.279
 into the

00:29:10.279 --> 00:29:10.619
 fiery

00:29:10.619 --> 00:29:11.079
 furnace

00:29:11.079 --> 00:29:11.359
 they're

00:29:11.359 --> 00:29:11.599
 thrown

00:29:11.599 --> 00:29:11.919
 in there

00:29:11.919 --> 00:29:12.359
 but who

00:29:12.359 --> 00:29:12.679
 is with

00:29:12.679 --> 00:29:12.879
 them

00:29:12.879 --> 00:29:13.599
 one like

00:29:13.599 --> 00:29:13.980
 the son

00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:14.500
 of man

00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:16.259
 who was

00:29:16.259 --> 00:29:16.439
 in the

00:29:16.439 --> 00:29:16.639
 fiery

00:29:16.639 --> 00:29:16.980
 furnace

00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:17.279
 with them

00:29:17.279 --> 00:29:17.539
 it's the

00:29:17.539 --> 00:29:18.000
 Lord Jesus

00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:20.139
 and when

00:29:20.139 --> 00:29:20.659
 Daniel goes

00:29:20.659 --> 00:29:20.980
 into the

00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:21.759
 lion's den

00:29:21.759 --> 00:29:22.639
 because he

00:29:22.639 --> 00:29:23.439
 kept praying

00:29:23.439 --> 00:29:24.139
 in his own

00:29:24.139 --> 00:29:24.559
 home

00:29:24.559 --> 00:29:25.619
 God sends

00:29:25.619 --> 00:29:26.159
 an angel

00:29:26.159 --> 00:29:29.000
 and so

00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:29.500
 Daniel was

00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:29.939
 able to

00:29:29.939 --> 00:29:30.519
 serve God

00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:30.879
 in his

00:29:30.879 --> 00:29:31.359
 generation

00:29:31.359 --> 00:29:31.859
 for the

00:29:31.859 --> 00:29:32.419
 best part

00:29:32.419 --> 00:29:33.179
 of 70

00:29:33.179 --> 00:29:33.759
 years

00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:34.539
 because he

00:29:34.539 --> 00:29:34.980
 knew his

00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:35.319
 God

00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:39.319
 and in

00:29:39.319 --> 00:29:39.440
 our

00:29:39.440 --> 00:29:39.879
 generation

00:29:39.879 --> 00:29:40.379
 in which

00:29:40.379 --> 00:29:40.819
 religion

00:29:40.819 --> 00:29:41.539
 is attacked

00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:41.819
 in the

00:29:41.819 --> 00:29:42.019
 public

00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:42.420
 square

00:29:42.420 --> 00:29:43.079
 and persecuted

00:29:43.079 --> 00:29:43.420
 in the

00:29:43.420 --> 00:29:43.619
 public

00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:43.980
 square

00:29:43.980 --> 00:29:44.619
 we need

00:29:44.619 --> 00:29:45.200
 to know

00:29:45.200 --> 00:29:45.539
 God

00:29:45.539 --> 00:29:45.779
 if we're

00:29:45.779 --> 00:29:45.980
 going to

00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:46.420
 serve him

00:29:46.420 --> 00:29:49.839
 and what

00:29:49.839 --> 00:29:50.200
 happens

00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:50.779
 if it

00:29:50.779 --> 00:29:51.460
 moves from

00:29:51.460 --> 00:29:52.160
 public

00:29:52.160 --> 00:29:53.759
 to private

00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:57.200
 well we

00:29:57.200 --> 00:29:57.500
 need to

00:29:57.500 --> 00:29:57.940
 know God

00:29:57.940 --> 00:29:58.660
 because at

00:29:58.660 --> 00:29:59.039
 that point

00:29:59.039 --> 00:29:59.480
 those who

00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:00.039
 know God

00:30:00.039 --> 00:30:00.359
 will be

00:30:00.359 --> 00:30:00.660
 able to

00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:00.940
 stand

00:30:00.940 --> 00:30:01.420
 because if

00:30:01.420 --> 00:30:01.740
 you don't

00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.119
 know God

00:30:02.119 --> 00:30:02.519
 you will

00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:03.019
 not stand

00:30:03.019 --> 00:30:03.319
 on that

00:30:03.319 --> 00:30:03.559
 day

00:30:03.559 --> 00:30:05.319
 let me

00:30:05.319 --> 00:30:05.679
 move really

00:30:05.679 --> 00:30:06.059
 quickly to

00:30:06.059 --> 00:30:06.460
 my fourth

00:30:06.460 --> 00:30:06.839
 and final

00:30:06.839 --> 00:30:07.119
 point

00:30:07.119 --> 00:30:07.460
 we need

00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:07.879
 to worship

00:30:07.879 --> 00:30:08.299
 God

00:30:08.299 --> 00:30:08.700
 we need

00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:09.179
 to know

00:30:09.179 --> 00:30:09.579
 God

00:30:09.579 --> 00:30:10.000
 not only

00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:10.379
 because

00:30:10.379 --> 00:30:11.259
 that's

00:30:11.259 --> 00:30:11.460
 what we

00:30:11.460 --> 00:30:11.759
 were made

00:30:11.759 --> 00:30:12.039
 for

00:30:12.039 --> 00:30:13.859
 it's part

00:30:13.859 --> 00:30:14.000
 of the

00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:14.480
 very fabric

00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:14.679
 of the

00:30:14.679 --> 00:30:14.980
 way we

00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:15.259
 are

00:30:15.259 --> 00:30:17.839
 not only

00:30:17.839 --> 00:30:18.319
 because

00:30:18.319 --> 00:30:21.000
 we desire

00:30:21.000 --> 00:30:21.480
 to worship

00:30:21.480 --> 00:30:21.759
 him

00:30:21.759 --> 00:30:23.379
 not only

00:30:23.379 --> 00:30:23.779
 because

00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:25.339
 if we are

00:30:25.339 --> 00:30:25.599
 going to

00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:26.039
 serve him

00:30:26.039 --> 00:30:26.299
 we need

00:30:26.299 --> 00:30:26.579
 to know

00:30:26.579 --> 00:30:26.740
 him

00:30:26.740 --> 00:30:27.179
 lastly

00:30:27.179 --> 00:30:27.859
 we need

00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:28.099
 to know

00:30:28.099 --> 00:30:28.240
 him

00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:28.579
 in order

00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:29.099
 to enjoy

00:30:29.099 --> 00:30:29.419
 him

00:30:29.420 --> 00:30:32.420
 he

00:30:32.420 --> 00:30:32.600
 who

00:30:32.600 --> 00:30:32.880
 comes

00:30:32.880 --> 00:30:33.039
 to

00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:33.279
 God

00:30:33.279 --> 00:30:33.539
 remember

00:30:33.539 --> 00:30:33.700
 the

00:30:33.700 --> 00:30:33.960
 verse

00:30:33.960 --> 00:30:34.300
 must

00:30:34.300 --> 00:30:34.560
 believe

00:30:34.560 --> 00:30:34.740
 that

00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:34.960
 he

00:30:34.960 --> 00:30:35.440
 is

00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:37.300
 that

00:30:37.300 --> 00:30:37.440
 he

00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:37.600
 is

00:30:37.600 --> 00:30:37.740
 a

00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:38.360
 rewarder

00:30:38.360 --> 00:30:38.640
 of all

00:30:38.640 --> 00:30:38.759
 who

00:30:38.759 --> 00:30:39.060
 diligently

00:30:39.060 --> 00:30:39.440
 seek

00:30:39.440 --> 00:30:39.640
 him

00:30:39.640 --> 00:30:41.420
 that

00:30:41.420 --> 00:30:41.660
 doesn't

00:30:41.660 --> 00:30:41.860
 mean

00:30:41.860 --> 00:30:42.080
 that

00:30:42.080 --> 00:30:42.580
 all of a

00:30:42.580 --> 00:30:42.720
 sudden

00:30:42.720 --> 00:30:42.980
 we do

00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:43.240
 something

00:30:43.240 --> 00:30:43.519
 good

00:30:43.519 --> 00:30:43.840
 because

00:30:43.840 --> 00:30:44.039
 we

00:30:44.039 --> 00:30:44.200
 want

00:30:44.200 --> 00:30:44.320
 the

00:30:44.320 --> 00:30:44.720
 reward

00:30:44.720 --> 00:30:46.059
 it

00:30:46.059 --> 00:30:46.380
 simply

00:30:46.380 --> 00:30:46.660
 means

00:30:46.660 --> 00:30:46.920
 this

00:30:46.920 --> 00:30:47.120
 that

00:30:47.120 --> 00:30:47.259
 when

00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:47.420
 we

00:30:47.420 --> 00:30:47.779
 seek

00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.140
 him

00:30:48.140 --> 00:30:48.700
 it

00:30:48.700 --> 00:30:49.019
 is

00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:50.120
 himself

00:30:50.120 --> 00:30:51.200
 that

00:30:51.200 --> 00:30:51.299
 we

00:30:51.299 --> 00:30:51.440
 are

00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:51.720
 seeking

00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:53.299
 and

00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:53.420
 it

00:30:53.420 --> 00:30:53.680
 is

00:30:53.680 --> 00:30:54.299
 himself

00:30:54.299 --> 00:30:54.600
 that

00:30:54.600 --> 00:30:54.720
 we

00:30:54.720 --> 00:30:54.880
 shall

00:30:54.880 --> 00:30:55.180
 find

00:30:55.180 --> 00:30:55.440
 and

00:30:55.440 --> 00:30:55.600
 the

00:30:55.600 --> 00:30:56.220
 reward

00:30:56.220 --> 00:30:56.620
 is

00:30:56.620 --> 00:30:57.200
 himself

00:30:57.200 --> 00:30:57.579
 that

00:30:57.579 --> 00:30:57.720
 we

00:30:57.720 --> 00:30:57.900
 shall

00:30:57.900 --> 00:30:58.120
 know

00:30:58.120 --> 00:30:58.440
 him

00:30:58.440 --> 00:31:01.380
 that's

00:31:01.380 --> 00:31:01.500
 what

00:31:01.500 --> 00:31:01.600
 the

00:31:01.600 --> 00:31:01.819
 apostle

00:31:01.819 --> 00:31:02.140
 Paul

00:31:02.140 --> 00:31:02.460
 wanted

00:31:02.460 --> 00:31:02.660
 wasn't

00:31:02.660 --> 00:31:02.759
 it

00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:02.900
 it's

00:31:02.900 --> 00:31:03.100
 all

00:31:03.100 --> 00:31:03.240
 the

00:31:03.240 --> 00:31:03.500
 apostle

00:31:03.500 --> 00:31:03.779
 Paul

00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:04.120
 wanted

00:31:04.120 --> 00:31:04.420
 do you

00:31:04.420 --> 00:31:04.660
 remember

00:31:04.660 --> 00:31:07.279
 to

00:31:07.279 --> 00:31:07.519
 know

00:31:07.519 --> 00:31:07.940
 him

00:31:07.940 --> 00:31:09.079
 and

00:31:09.079 --> 00:31:09.200
 the

00:31:09.200 --> 00:31:09.420
 power

00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:09.640
 of his

00:31:09.640 --> 00:31:10.039
 resurrection

00:31:10.039 --> 00:31:11.880
 it's

00:31:11.880 --> 00:31:12.000
 what

00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:12.220
 God

00:31:12.220 --> 00:31:12.440
 said

00:31:12.440 --> 00:31:12.620
 to

00:31:12.620 --> 00:31:12.940
 Abraham

00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:13.220
 in

00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:13.559
 Genesis

00:31:13.559 --> 00:31:14.319
 God

00:31:14.319 --> 00:31:14.559
 says

00:31:14.559 --> 00:31:14.659
 to

00:31:14.659 --> 00:31:14.779
 him

00:31:14.779 --> 00:31:15.000
 I

00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:15.119
 am

00:31:15.119 --> 00:31:15.259
 your

00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:15.679
 protector

00:31:15.679 --> 00:31:16.000
 and

00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:16.359
 I

00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:16.500
 am

00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:16.659
 your

00:31:16.659 --> 00:31:17.279
 exceeding

00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:17.579
 great

00:31:17.579 --> 00:31:18.119
 reward

00:31:18.119 --> 00:31:20.039
 and

00:31:20.039 --> 00:31:20.319
 God

00:31:20.319 --> 00:31:20.639
 gives

00:31:20.639 --> 00:31:21.059
 nothing

00:31:21.059 --> 00:31:21.399
 but

00:31:21.399 --> 00:31:22.019
 himself

00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:24.659
 and

00:31:24.659 --> 00:31:24.799
 all

00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:24.899
 the

00:31:24.899 --> 00:31:25.039
 other

00:31:25.039 --> 00:31:25.339
 blessings

00:31:25.339 --> 00:31:25.519
 that

00:31:25.519 --> 00:31:25.599
 you

00:31:25.599 --> 00:31:25.759
 have

00:31:25.759 --> 00:31:25.879
 in

00:31:25.879 --> 00:31:26.240
 life

00:31:26.240 --> 00:31:28.619
 they're

00:31:28.619 --> 00:31:28.859
 simply

00:31:28.859 --> 00:31:29.259
 small

00:31:29.259 --> 00:31:29.700
 things

00:31:29.700 --> 00:31:30.960
 in

00:31:30.960 --> 00:31:31.419
 comparison

00:31:31.419 --> 00:31:31.819
 to

00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.059
 knowing

00:31:32.059 --> 00:31:32.399
 him

00:31:32.399 --> 00:31:34.240
 and

00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:34.399
 being

00:31:34.399 --> 00:31:34.679
 found

00:31:34.679 --> 00:31:34.819
 in

00:31:34.819 --> 00:31:35.039
 him

00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:37.419
 and

00:31:37.419 --> 00:31:37.500
 so

00:31:37.500 --> 00:31:37.679
 this

00:31:37.679 --> 00:31:37.940
 morning

00:31:37.940 --> 00:31:38.200
 we

00:31:38.200 --> 00:31:38.379
 need

00:31:38.379 --> 00:31:38.500
 to

00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:38.740
 believe

00:31:38.740 --> 00:31:38.919
 that

00:31:38.919 --> 00:31:39.079
 he

00:31:39.079 --> 00:31:39.460
 is

00:31:39.460 --> 00:31:39.700
 that

00:31:39.700 --> 00:31:40.059
 God

00:31:40.059 --> 00:31:40.700
 is

00:31:40.700 --> 00:31:42.460
 and

00:31:42.460 --> 00:31:42.599
 that

00:31:42.599 --> 00:31:42.779
 he

00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:42.940
 is

00:31:42.940 --> 00:31:43.099
 the

00:31:43.099 --> 00:31:43.519
 reward

00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:43.740
 of

00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:43.940
 those

00:31:43.940 --> 00:31:44.119
 who

00:31:44.119 --> 00:31:44.599
 diligently

00:31:44.599 --> 00:31:45.039
 seek

00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:45.279
 him

00:31:45.279 --> 00:31:47.180
 and

00:31:47.180 --> 00:31:47.339
 my

00:31:47.339 --> 00:31:47.519
 prayer

00:31:47.519 --> 00:31:47.859
 across

00:31:47.859 --> 00:31:48.079
 this

00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:48.500
 term

00:31:48.500 --> 00:31:48.799
 is

00:31:48.799 --> 00:31:48.920
 that

00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:49.079
 as

00:31:49.079 --> 00:31:49.220
 we

00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:49.639
 study

00:31:49.639 --> 00:31:49.819
 the

00:31:49.819 --> 00:31:50.119
 doctrine

00:31:50.119 --> 00:31:50.279
 of

00:31:50.279 --> 00:31:50.519
 God

00:31:50.519 --> 00:31:50.779
 as

00:31:50.779 --> 00:31:51.000
 he's

00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:51.359
 revealed

00:31:51.359 --> 00:31:51.500
 to

00:31:51.500 --> 00:31:51.819
 himself

00:31:51.819 --> 00:31:52.019
 in

00:31:52.019 --> 00:31:52.139
 the

00:31:52.139 --> 00:31:52.299
 word

00:31:52.299 --> 00:31:52.420
 of

00:31:52.420 --> 00:31:52.579
 God

00:31:52.579 --> 00:31:52.740
 that

00:31:52.740 --> 00:31:52.900
 he

00:31:52.900 --> 00:31:53.160
 will

00:31:53.160 --> 00:31:53.619
 awaken

00:31:53.619 --> 00:31:53.900
 in

00:31:53.900 --> 00:31:54.079
 our

00:31:54.079 --> 00:31:54.539
 hearts

00:31:54.539 --> 00:31:56.720
 that

00:31:56.720 --> 00:31:56.920
 this

00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:57.079
 will

00:31:57.079 --> 00:31:57.279
 be

00:31:57.279 --> 00:31:57.440
 a

00:31:57.440 --> 00:31:57.599
 church

00:31:57.599 --> 00:31:57.920
 family

00:31:57.920 --> 00:31:59.440
 of

00:31:59.440 --> 00:31:59.839
 diligent

00:31:59.839 --> 00:32:00.259
 seekers

00:32:00.259 --> 00:32:00.660
 after

00:32:00.660 --> 00:32:01.000
 God

00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:03.279
 may

00:32:03.279 --> 00:32:03.480
 God

00:32:03.480 --> 00:32:03.639
 so

00:32:03.639 --> 00:32:03.859
 work

00:32:03.859 --> 00:32:04.019
 it

00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:05.200
 let's

00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:05.379
 pray

00:32:05.380 --> 00:32:11.600
 may

00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600


00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:11.600