WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.640 Alright, well, last Sunday we heard about how Jesus sent 72 guys on a ministry tour. 00:00:07.400 --> 00:00:14.640 And they were to go in pairs from place to place, preaching about how the kingdom of God has come near. 00:00:15.679 --> 00:00:19.100 And Jesus told them to heal the sick in those towns. 00:00:19.820 --> 00:00:23.400 Well, today we pick up the story and we find out a little bit of what happened to them. 00:00:24.260 --> 00:00:26.460 We pick up the story in Luke chapter 10. 00:00:27.960 --> 00:00:29.500 And we're in verse 17. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.859 And this whole next chunk, until we get to the parable of the Good Samaritan, 00:00:34.980 --> 00:00:41.200 is kind of a debriefing conversation that Jesus has with them after this ministry tour. 00:00:42.179 --> 00:00:46.600 I originally had thought that we would get through all of these verses right down to 24. 00:00:47.539 --> 00:00:51.060 But then there was just a lot in these first few verses here. 00:00:51.179 --> 00:00:53.019 So we'll maybe take it a little slower. 00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:57.679 So, picking it up in Luke chapter 10, verse 17. 00:00:57.679 --> 00:01:01.799 The 72 returned with joy and said, 00:01:01.799 --> 00:01:06.920 Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name. 00:01:09.019 --> 00:01:10.200 So they're excited. 00:01:11.479 --> 00:01:12.539 They're rejoicing. 00:01:13.319 --> 00:01:14.759 They went from town to town. 00:01:14.859 --> 00:01:16.000 They did as Jesus said. 00:01:16.079 --> 00:01:20.679 And it's almost like they're surprised that they were even able to cast out the demons. 00:01:20.680 --> 00:01:25.240 Remember, these 72 were 72 others. 00:01:25.680 --> 00:01:30.020 They were different guys than the 12 that Jesus sent out on the first trip. 00:01:30.700 --> 00:01:36.340 Before this trip, they weren't able to heal people or to cast demons out of people. 00:01:36.340 --> 00:01:44.359 But now, in Jesus' name, powerful evil spirits are obeying them when they command them to come out. 00:01:44.859 --> 00:01:49.460 And this is the cause for this joy that they have, this excitement. 00:01:51.100 --> 00:01:55.040 Well, from here on, this passage becomes a little more difficult to understand. 00:01:55.859 --> 00:01:58.320 And sometimes that happens when we're reading our Bibles. 00:01:58.319 --> 00:02:06.019 We just get to a part where it raises more questions than it seems to answer. 00:02:06.579 --> 00:02:08.519 And that's what we get in these next few verses. 00:02:09.680 --> 00:02:11.840 Let's look at this next thing Jesus says. 00:02:12.159 --> 00:02:14.039 And I think we'll see that pretty quickly here. 00:02:14.639 --> 00:02:16.539 Jesus replied to the 72. 00:02:16.900 --> 00:02:17.219 He said, 00:02:17.219 --> 00:02:42.120 So the disciples give their report that the demons obey them in Jesus' name. 00:02:42.780 --> 00:02:44.120 And Jesus responds with this. 00:02:44.120 --> 00:02:47.000 I saw Satan fall like lightning. 00:02:47.219 --> 00:02:48.240 From heaven. 00:02:49.080 --> 00:02:51.000 And here's where the questions start. 00:02:52.199 --> 00:02:53.539 What does that mean? 00:02:55.800 --> 00:02:57.680 When did Jesus see this? 00:02:59.860 --> 00:03:02.979 Why did he fall from heaven? 00:03:04.120 --> 00:03:10.219 And Christians have put forward numerous suggestions about what Jesus meant here. 00:03:10.579 --> 00:03:15.979 Some suggest that Jesus is actually reflecting back on what he saw even before he came to earth. 00:03:15.979 --> 00:03:18.979 When Satan was thrown down to the earth. 00:03:18.979 --> 00:03:20.519 Way, way long ago. 00:03:22.039 --> 00:03:24.199 Others suggest that when Jesus says, 00:03:24.699 --> 00:03:28.299 I saw Satan fall like lightning. 00:03:28.419 --> 00:03:30.060 It means that Jesus had a vision. 00:03:30.319 --> 00:03:33.219 Similar to how the prophets had visions. 00:03:33.219 --> 00:03:34.459 Like the apostle John. 00:03:34.460 --> 00:03:41.140 Others try and locate this fall of Satan in the future. 00:03:41.320 --> 00:03:44.000 And relate it to what John describes in Revelation. 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:46.400 Where the devil is hurled to earth. 00:03:46.740 --> 00:03:48.260 We read about that in Revelation. 00:03:49.319 --> 00:03:53.200 That he's seeing what will happen very soon. 00:03:53.199 --> 00:03:59.319 And some take this quite literally to mean that while the 72 were out and about casting out demons. 00:04:00.060 --> 00:04:07.399 Jesus actually, with his human eyes, saw Satan fall to the earth. 00:04:07.400 --> 00:04:10.560 And it looked like a lightning bolt. 00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:15.659 And if that's the case, we're wondering, why did he fall? 00:04:17.100 --> 00:04:18.120 At this moment. 00:04:18.399 --> 00:04:20.639 And why was he up in heaven in the first place? 00:04:22.899 --> 00:04:25.220 Was he thrown down to earth by God? 00:04:25.220 --> 00:04:36.140 Or did he come streaking down of his own initiative when he saw these disciples winning victory over his underlings? 00:04:36.720 --> 00:04:38.360 Casting out his forces? 00:04:40.580 --> 00:04:43.860 It kind of raises more questions than there are answers. 00:04:44.040 --> 00:04:45.920 Jesus doesn't answer any of these questions. 00:04:46.960 --> 00:04:49.520 One thing that seems certain, though, from these words. 00:04:49.640 --> 00:04:53.560 Is that as these disciples go out and cast all these demons out. 00:04:53.560 --> 00:04:59.699 Jesus seems to be saying that a decisive blow has been struck against Satan. 00:05:00.899 --> 00:05:05.819 Up until now, it may have seemed that his rule was uncontested. 00:05:05.959 --> 00:05:08.759 Nobody could touch these evil spirits. 00:05:09.840 --> 00:05:12.340 We heard about how they possessed people. 00:05:12.899 --> 00:05:14.379 The demoniac comes to mind. 00:05:15.240 --> 00:05:17.459 And how afflicted he was by legion. 00:05:17.879 --> 00:05:19.800 Forcing him to do terrible things. 00:05:20.500 --> 00:05:21.399 Hurt himself. 00:05:21.399 --> 00:05:24.359 We heard about that earlier in Luke. 00:05:25.219 --> 00:05:31.419 But now, that rule, that control is being threatened and challenged. 00:05:31.779 --> 00:05:34.099 As Jesus sends these guys out. 00:05:35.620 --> 00:05:44.959 In verse 19, Jesus explains that he has given these 72 guys authority to do these things. 00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:47.039 He says, I have given you authority. 00:05:49.099 --> 00:05:52.219 And we shouldn't skip over those words too quickly. 00:05:53.799 --> 00:05:55.000 Isn't it a miracle? 00:05:55.659 --> 00:06:04.039 That Jesus is able to just give ordinary men the ability to do the same miraculous things that he does. 00:06:04.040 --> 00:06:07.040 To cast out demons. 00:06:07.760 --> 00:06:09.000 And to heal people. 00:06:12.379 --> 00:06:19.360 And what surprises me about all this is that it's not primarily a matter of power. 00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:26.939 It's not as though Jesus just gives them, you know, touches each one of them and gives them a sort of healing touch. 00:06:27.120 --> 00:06:29.060 That now they can kind of transfer it. 00:06:29.460 --> 00:06:32.080 And do great things. 00:06:32.720 --> 00:06:39.020 You know, when I imagine this transfer of power, I can't help but think along the lines of electricity. 00:06:39.019 --> 00:06:44.039 Sometimes there's, you know, you got something that's charged up. 00:06:44.279 --> 00:06:46.019 And then something that's got no charge. 00:06:46.159 --> 00:06:49.639 And so you connect the two and it charges up the thing that's got no charge. 00:06:49.740 --> 00:06:51.000 Now there's power over here. 00:06:51.079 --> 00:06:53.099 Now this thing has the power to do stuff. 00:06:54.019 --> 00:06:56.019 But this is not like that at all. 00:06:57.719 --> 00:07:01.859 This has more to do with authority than power. 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:08.780 I have given you authority to do these things. 00:07:10.819 --> 00:07:14.379 This is more like having, and this is not a perfect example either. 00:07:14.500 --> 00:07:19.900 But it's more like having authority to withdraw from a loaded bank account that's not your own. 00:07:22.520 --> 00:07:24.180 You're not the owner of the account. 00:07:24.340 --> 00:07:30.139 But if your name is on the account and you are authorized by the owner, then you can take money out of it. 00:07:31.860 --> 00:07:36.960 And the people at the bank, they have to comply with your request to withdraw. 00:07:37.080 --> 00:07:40.680 Because your name is authorized on the account. 00:07:41.560 --> 00:07:44.280 Maybe there's a little bit of that happening here. 00:07:44.379 --> 00:07:49.400 It's as though Jesus is saying, you guys are surprised that the demons listened to you. 00:07:50.400 --> 00:07:51.540 Well, they had to. 00:07:53.040 --> 00:07:57.199 Because I authorized you guys to give orders to them. 00:07:57.960 --> 00:07:59.840 And they have to listen to me. 00:07:59.839 --> 00:08:04.399 If I tell them to listen to you, they have to listen to you. 00:08:08.659 --> 00:08:13.000 Now, the details, as Jesus explains this, again, raise more questions. 00:08:13.159 --> 00:08:14.339 We read in verse 19, 00:08:14.859 --> 00:08:18.839 I've given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions 00:08:18.839 --> 00:08:22.439 and to overcome all the power of the enemy. 00:08:23.539 --> 00:08:24.839 Nothing will harm you. 00:08:24.839 --> 00:08:35.220 Is Jesus speaking literally or metaphorically when he talks about trampling on snakes and scorpions? 00:08:35.839 --> 00:08:37.399 That's the main question here. 00:08:38.539 --> 00:08:43.139 Is he talking about how they will step on actual snakes and scorpions 00:08:43.139 --> 00:08:45.600 and even sometimes maybe be bit or stung? 00:08:45.799 --> 00:08:47.839 How they will face all manner of physical dangers, 00:08:47.840 --> 00:08:50.879 but miraculously they will not be harmed? 00:08:54.080 --> 00:08:56.800 Or is this metaphor, 00:08:57.600 --> 00:09:01.899 is Jesus referring to the demons? 00:09:02.259 --> 00:09:06.840 Are they the snakes and the scorpions that they will trample on? 00:09:06.840 --> 00:09:11.840 It's interesting that this language of trampling, 00:09:12.660 --> 00:09:15.220 and even of trampling snakes and scorpions, 00:09:15.360 --> 00:09:17.480 was used before in the Old Testament. 00:09:18.600 --> 00:09:24.220 Psalm 91 says this in verse 9 to 13, 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:54.200 If you say, 00:09:54.220 --> 00:10:00.420 Could Jesus even be alluding to these very verses? 00:10:02.360 --> 00:10:05.720 Maybe for you, as you heard the trampling on snakes, 00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:08.139 you even went back further than that 00:10:08.139 --> 00:10:11.600 and thought of what God said to the serpent 00:10:11.600 --> 00:10:14.500 all the way back in the Garden of Eden 00:10:14.500 --> 00:10:17.899 about how his head would be crushed. 00:10:17.899 --> 00:10:24.240 I think, personally, I lean towards the metaphorical understanding. 00:10:24.799 --> 00:10:28.159 Not that the disciples will be able to endure snake bites 00:10:28.159 --> 00:10:30.459 and scorpion stings without harm 00:10:30.459 --> 00:10:32.399 because of their authority, 00:10:32.579 --> 00:10:35.360 though there is that time where Paul was bit by a snake 00:10:35.360 --> 00:10:36.620 and was unharmed. 00:10:36.620 --> 00:10:41.019 But the real dangers, the greater threat, 00:10:41.139 --> 00:10:43.139 is the spiritual forces of evil. 00:10:44.759 --> 00:10:47.899 Their sting and their bite is far more deadly. 00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:51.220 And the authority given by Christ, I think, 00:10:51.279 --> 00:10:52.559 is to trample over them. 00:10:56.559 --> 00:10:58.340 We also see that statement 00:10:58.340 --> 00:11:02.659 right at the end. 00:11:02.980 --> 00:11:04.139 Nothing will harm you. 00:11:05.039 --> 00:11:06.919 And I think we need to be careful with those words 00:11:06.919 --> 00:11:08.879 that we're reading them in the context here. 00:11:08.879 --> 00:11:12.399 The disciples will endure many things. 00:11:13.320 --> 00:11:14.879 Some, like Trophimus and Epaphroditus, 00:11:15.720 --> 00:11:18.179 we read about how they get sick. 00:11:19.139 --> 00:11:21.000 Others, like Paul, will be beaten 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:23.860 and stoned, even, on one occasion. 00:11:25.820 --> 00:11:27.620 Many of them will later be killed 00:11:27.620 --> 00:11:29.500 for their faith in Jesus. 00:11:30.799 --> 00:11:33.279 And so this statement that nothing will harm you, 00:11:33.399 --> 00:11:35.840 I don't think it means that you'll be invincible 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:37.679 as you go forward. 00:11:38.879 --> 00:11:40.000 You won't suffer anything. 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:43.439 It may mean simply that the evil spirits 00:11:43.439 --> 00:11:45.279 that you run across from now on 00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:48.120 will not be permitted to do anything to you. 00:11:51.580 --> 00:11:53.240 Evil men, on the other hand, 00:11:53.340 --> 00:11:55.080 they'll still be able to oppose 00:11:55.080 --> 00:11:56.200 and threaten and harm, 00:11:56.580 --> 00:11:58.019 but the devil and his demons? 00:11:58.740 --> 00:11:59.039 No. 00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:01.659 I'm taking that away from them. 00:12:05.559 --> 00:12:06.940 Finally, in verse 20, 00:12:06.940 --> 00:12:09.660 Jesus sort of wraps up this conversation, 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:11.020 or at least the first part of it, 00:12:11.500 --> 00:12:13.420 by pointing their attention to something 00:12:13.420 --> 00:12:14.620 far more significant. 00:12:16.060 --> 00:12:17.480 Verse 20, Jesus says, 00:12:17.560 --> 00:12:21.100 however, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, 00:12:21.820 --> 00:12:25.740 but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:30.779 We might read this account and go, 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:34.419 wow, wouldn't it be awesome to be able to just go around 00:12:34.419 --> 00:12:36.320 and cast demons out of people 00:12:36.320 --> 00:12:38.060 and heal people? 00:12:39.899 --> 00:12:43.399 And it was awesome for these 72 guys. 00:12:44.419 --> 00:12:46.639 But there's a far greater, 00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:48.299 a far more important thing 00:12:48.299 --> 00:12:51.019 than having authority over evil spirits 00:12:51.019 --> 00:12:52.360 and even doing miracles. 00:12:52.360 --> 00:12:55.539 And that's having your own name 00:12:55.539 --> 00:12:56.600 written in heaven. 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:00.840 And what does that mean? 00:13:01.919 --> 00:13:03.740 To have your name written in heaven. 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:08.279 Well, if you've been a Christian for a while 00:13:08.279 --> 00:13:10.779 and have read through the Bible, 00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:12.379 you probably know what that means. 00:13:14.300 --> 00:13:15.800 But maybe you're here today 00:13:15.800 --> 00:13:17.759 and you've never heard about this. 00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:20.360 Throughout the Bible, 00:13:20.500 --> 00:13:22.019 there are about a dozen references 00:13:22.019 --> 00:13:24.379 to a book that God has. 00:13:26.299 --> 00:13:26.819 Specifically, 00:13:27.460 --> 00:13:30.379 a book in which the names of his people 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:31.559 are written. 00:13:32.779 --> 00:13:35.139 We first hear about it in the days of Moses 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:36.379 and the Exodus. 00:13:37.220 --> 00:13:39.720 The people of Israel sinned against the Lord. 00:13:40.559 --> 00:13:42.559 They created this golden calf idol 00:13:42.559 --> 00:13:43.919 and began to worship it. 00:13:44.980 --> 00:13:46.480 And God was very upset. 00:13:46.480 --> 00:13:50.500 And Moses kind of comes into the gap 00:13:50.500 --> 00:13:52.600 and he tries to intercede for the people 00:13:52.600 --> 00:13:55.080 and bargain with God in a sense, 00:13:55.500 --> 00:13:58.560 using his own life to save them. 00:13:59.420 --> 00:14:01.659 In Exodus 32, we read this. 00:14:01.860 --> 00:14:02.920 Moses says to God, 00:14:03.620 --> 00:14:05.560 But now please forgive their sin. 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:07.800 But if not, 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:10.000 then blot me out of the book 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:10.820 that you have written. 00:14:12.759 --> 00:14:14.500 And the Lord replied to Moses, 00:14:14.500 --> 00:14:17.080 Whoever has sinned against me, 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:19.179 I will blot out of my book. 00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:23.179 So we hear about this book 00:14:23.179 --> 00:14:26.399 that God has 00:14:26.399 --> 00:14:29.740 much later on in the days of Daniel, 00:14:29.980 --> 00:14:30.460 the prophet. 00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:32.840 We hear mention of this book again 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:34.960 and names that are written in it. 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:37.240 Daniel's being told in a vision 00:14:37.240 --> 00:14:39.419 about what will happen in the distant future. 00:14:39.419 --> 00:14:41.360 And this is the words 00:14:41.360 --> 00:14:43.279 that are being spoken to Daniel. 00:14:43.279 --> 00:14:44.519 At that time, 00:14:44.839 --> 00:14:45.259 Michael, 00:14:46.199 --> 00:14:48.779 the great prince who protects your people, 00:14:48.899 --> 00:14:49.599 will arise. 00:14:50.559 --> 00:14:52.039 There will be a time of distress 00:14:52.039 --> 00:14:53.519 such as has not happened 00:14:53.519 --> 00:14:56.019 from the beginning of nations until then. 00:14:57.059 --> 00:14:58.399 But at that time, 00:14:58.559 --> 00:14:59.339 your people, 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:02.059 everyone whose name is found 00:15:02.059 --> 00:15:03.219 written in the book, 00:15:04.439 --> 00:15:05.259 will be delivered. 00:15:05.259 --> 00:15:09.319 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth 00:15:09.319 --> 00:15:09.960 will awake, 00:15:11.179 --> 00:15:12.879 some to everlasting life, 00:15:14.200 --> 00:15:15.279 others to shame 00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:17.620 and everlasting contempt. 00:15:20.620 --> 00:15:21.840 So there, again, 00:15:21.919 --> 00:15:22.759 there's this book 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:24.019 that God has 00:15:24.019 --> 00:15:25.899 with names written in it. 00:15:25.939 --> 00:15:26.939 And it seems connected 00:15:26.939 --> 00:15:28.120 to who will be delivered, 00:15:28.279 --> 00:15:29.159 who will be saved, 00:15:29.480 --> 00:15:31.240 and to who will rise 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:32.980 to everlasting life, 00:15:32.980 --> 00:15:34.820 and who will rise 00:15:34.820 --> 00:15:38.659 to everlasting contempt. 00:15:42.440 --> 00:15:43.560 It's mentioned again 00:15:43.560 --> 00:15:45.120 in Philippians chapter 4, 00:15:45.220 --> 00:15:45.720 verse 3, 00:15:45.800 --> 00:15:46.700 and this is just kind of 00:15:46.700 --> 00:15:47.879 casually offhand 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:49.340 as Paul is speaking 00:15:49.340 --> 00:15:50.899 to the Philippian believers 00:15:50.899 --> 00:15:52.659 in the church. 00:15:52.860 --> 00:15:54.220 He's talking about 00:15:54.220 --> 00:15:55.879 disagreements that they've had. 00:15:56.440 --> 00:15:57.120 And he says, 00:15:57.200 --> 00:15:58.139 yes, I ask you, 00:15:58.220 --> 00:15:59.100 my true companion, 00:15:59.279 --> 00:16:00.159 help these women 00:16:00.159 --> 00:16:01.440 who've been fighting 00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:02.100 with each other 00:16:02.100 --> 00:16:04.139 since they have contended 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:04.920 at my side 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:06.180 in the cause of the gospel, 00:16:06.659 --> 00:16:07.519 along with Clement 00:16:07.519 --> 00:16:08.899 and the rest of my coworkers, 00:16:09.399 --> 00:16:10.259 whose names 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:12.200 are in the book of life. 00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:15.379 Paul seems to use it 00:16:15.379 --> 00:16:16.519 to refer to those 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:17.740 who have salvation 00:16:17.740 --> 00:16:19.800 through faith 00:16:19.800 --> 00:16:20.940 in Jesus Christ. 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:24.320 And then finally, 00:16:24.940 --> 00:16:26.100 in the very last book 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:26.700 of the Bible, 00:16:26.960 --> 00:16:27.840 God gives a vision 00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:29.540 to the Apostle John 00:16:29.540 --> 00:16:30.840 about how everything 00:16:30.840 --> 00:16:31.960 will come to an end. 00:16:32.100 --> 00:16:34.540 And it's a mysterious vision. 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:36.820 It's kind of like a dream 00:16:36.820 --> 00:16:38.180 that's full of symbols, 00:16:38.180 --> 00:16:39.500 and those symbols 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:42.180 correlate to future realities. 00:16:43.080 --> 00:16:44.320 And in this vision, 00:16:44.440 --> 00:16:45.800 there are about six mentions 00:16:45.800 --> 00:16:46.940 of the book of life. 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:48.460 And it's called 00:16:48.460 --> 00:16:50.399 the Lamb's book of life 00:16:50.399 --> 00:16:52.700 because of the Lamb 00:16:52.700 --> 00:16:53.659 in John's vision 00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:54.879 who very obviously 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:56.060 represents Jesus. 00:16:56.059 --> 00:16:58.979 He is the Lamb of God 00:16:58.979 --> 00:16:59.859 who was slain 00:16:59.859 --> 00:17:02.639 to atone for His people's sins. 00:17:03.339 --> 00:17:04.819 And at the very end 00:17:04.819 --> 00:17:06.659 of Revelation 00:17:06.659 --> 00:17:08.079 comes the final judgment. 00:17:08.579 --> 00:17:09.240 It talks about 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:10.179 the final judgment 00:17:10.179 --> 00:17:11.119 of all the living 00:17:11.119 --> 00:17:11.720 and the dead. 00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:13.460 And John tells us 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.079 what he sees 00:17:14.079 --> 00:17:15.139 in Revelation 20, 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:15.839 verse 12. 00:17:16.339 --> 00:17:16.819 He says, 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:17.839 I saw the dead, 00:17:18.099 --> 00:17:20.220 great and small, 00:17:20.919 --> 00:17:22.240 standing before the throne, 00:17:22.899 --> 00:17:24.659 and books were opened. 00:17:25.859 --> 00:17:27.240 Another book was opened, 00:17:27.899 --> 00:17:29.240 which is the book of life. 00:17:30.700 --> 00:17:32.659 The dead were judged 00:17:32.659 --> 00:17:34.579 according to what they had done 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:36.579 as recorded in the books. 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:40.159 The sea gave up the dead 00:17:40.159 --> 00:17:40.899 that were in it. 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:43.220 And death and Hades 00:17:43.220 --> 00:17:44.399 gave up the dead 00:17:44.399 --> 00:17:45.240 that were in them. 00:17:46.500 --> 00:17:48.059 And each person was judged 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:49.519 according to what they had done. 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:53.659 Then death and Hades 00:17:53.659 --> 00:17:55.539 were thrown into the lake of fire. 00:17:57.359 --> 00:17:58.599 The lake of fire 00:17:58.599 --> 00:17:59.819 is the second death. 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:02.919 Anyone whose name 00:18:02.919 --> 00:18:04.319 was not found written 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:05.579 in the book of life 00:18:05.579 --> 00:18:07.720 was thrown into 00:18:07.720 --> 00:18:08.559 the lake of fire. 00:18:13.659 --> 00:18:15.119 These are sobering words. 00:18:17.199 --> 00:18:18.839 This book of life 00:18:18.839 --> 00:18:20.439 has names in it. 00:18:23.639 --> 00:18:24.819 And whether or not 00:18:24.819 --> 00:18:26.279 your name is written 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:27.500 in the book of life 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:31.000 corresponds to whether 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:31.679 you are thrown 00:18:31.679 --> 00:18:32.819 into the lake of fire 00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:33.859 or not. 00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:38.379 The implication here 00:18:38.379 --> 00:18:40.480 in this passage 00:18:40.480 --> 00:18:40.980 in Revelation 00:18:40.980 --> 00:18:42.779 is that all are found guilty. 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:44.299 When the books 00:18:44.299 --> 00:18:45.099 are opened up 00:18:45.099 --> 00:18:46.859 it's seen that 00:18:46.859 --> 00:18:48.059 we have all sinned 00:18:48.059 --> 00:18:48.980 against God. 00:18:49.339 --> 00:18:50.460 We are all guilty. 00:18:55.099 --> 00:18:56.399 But those whose names 00:18:56.399 --> 00:18:57.859 are not written 00:18:57.859 --> 00:18:58.720 in the book of life 00:18:58.720 --> 00:19:00.500 they get what they deserve. 00:19:01.579 --> 00:19:02.720 And those whose names 00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:03.299 are written 00:19:03.299 --> 00:19:04.639 in the Lamb's book of life 00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:05.380 are spared. 00:19:08.080 --> 00:19:09.020 Well what happens 00:19:09.020 --> 00:19:09.480 to them? 00:19:10.620 --> 00:19:11.380 If we keep reading 00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:12.040 in Revelation 00:19:12.040 --> 00:19:12.980 the next chapter 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:13.700 talks about 00:19:13.700 --> 00:19:14.920 a new heaven 00:19:14.920 --> 00:19:16.520 and a new earth 00:19:16.520 --> 00:19:18.120 and a new city 00:19:18.120 --> 00:19:18.740 of Jerusalem 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:19.740 where God will live 00:19:19.740 --> 00:19:20.800 with his people forever. 00:19:22.259 --> 00:19:23.259 It reflects 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:26.440 those who will 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:28.300 the language we use 00:19:28.300 --> 00:19:29.120 is go to heaven 00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:31.919 or enter the kingdom. 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.139 And 00:19:38.139 --> 00:19:39.639 it's a picture 00:19:39.639 --> 00:19:40.739 of a glorious city 00:19:40.739 --> 00:19:41.279 where there is 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:42.139 no more sadness 00:19:42.139 --> 00:19:43.359 pain 00:19:43.359 --> 00:19:44.519 or death 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:46.139 where God will live 00:19:46.139 --> 00:19:47.139 in close relationship 00:19:47.139 --> 00:19:48.039 with his people 00:19:48.039 --> 00:19:48.559 forever. 00:19:50.959 --> 00:19:52.199 And it says there 00:19:52.199 --> 00:19:53.279 in Revelation 21 00:19:53.279 --> 00:19:54.179 verse 27 00:19:54.180 --> 00:19:55.360 nothing impure 00:19:55.360 --> 00:19:56.080 will ever enter 00:19:56.080 --> 00:19:56.740 that city 00:19:56.740 --> 00:19:57.840 nor will anyone 00:19:57.840 --> 00:19:58.440 who does 00:19:58.440 --> 00:19:59.299 what is shameful 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:00.340 or deceitful 00:20:00.340 --> 00:20:01.600 but only those 00:20:01.600 --> 00:20:02.160 whose names 00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:02.640 are written 00:20:02.640 --> 00:20:03.320 in the Lamb's 00:20:03.320 --> 00:20:03.980 book of life. 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:08.000 And so the book 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:08.539 of life 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:10.340 is God's 00:20:10.340 --> 00:20:11.100 register 00:20:11.100 --> 00:20:12.560 of those 00:20:12.560 --> 00:20:13.060 who truly 00:20:13.060 --> 00:20:13.920 belong to him. 00:20:15.120 --> 00:20:16.100 Those who have 00:20:16.100 --> 00:20:16.840 faith in him. 00:20:19.180 --> 00:20:20.240 It reflects 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:21.160 those who will 00:20:21.160 --> 00:20:22.840 as I said before 00:20:22.839 --> 00:20:23.599 go to heaven 00:20:23.599 --> 00:20:25.779 or enter 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:26.359 the kingdom. 00:20:29.819 --> 00:20:30.639 The names 00:20:30.639 --> 00:20:31.099 there are 00:20:31.099 --> 00:20:31.759 those who will 00:20:31.759 --> 00:20:32.579 rise from the 00:20:32.579 --> 00:20:33.519 dead to eternal 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.500 life with God. 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:37.819 The names 00:20:37.819 --> 00:20:38.379 there are 00:20:38.379 --> 00:20:38.919 those whose 00:20:38.919 --> 00:20:39.639 sins have been 00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:40.439 forgiven because 00:20:40.439 --> 00:20:41.299 they trusted 00:20:41.299 --> 00:20:42.019 in the Lamb 00:20:42.019 --> 00:20:42.559 of God 00:20:42.559 --> 00:20:43.799 who died 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.399 to atone 00:20:44.399 --> 00:20:44.919 for them. 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:48.639 And so 00:20:48.639 --> 00:20:49.179 back to 00:20:49.179 --> 00:20:49.639 Jesus 00:20:49.639 --> 00:20:50.099 and his 00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:50.720 conversation 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:51.619 with the 72 00:20:51.619 --> 00:20:54.419 do not 00:20:54.419 --> 00:20:54.859 rejoice 00:20:54.859 --> 00:20:55.279 that the 00:20:55.279 --> 00:20:55.519 spirits 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:56.039 submit to 00:20:56.039 --> 00:20:56.139 you 00:20:56.139 --> 00:20:56.759 but rejoice 00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:57.219 that your 00:20:57.219 --> 00:20:57.639 names 00:20:57.639 --> 00:20:58.319 are written 00:20:58.319 --> 00:20:58.879 in heaven. 00:21:01.979 --> 00:21:02.739 Far more 00:21:02.739 --> 00:21:03.219 important 00:21:03.219 --> 00:21:04.039 than what 00:21:04.039 --> 00:21:04.279 these 00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:04.759 disciples 00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:05.219 were able 00:21:05.219 --> 00:21:05.879 to accomplish 00:21:05.879 --> 00:21:06.339 and the 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:06.839 authority 00:21:06.839 --> 00:21:07.299 that they 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:07.679 had 00:21:07.679 --> 00:21:08.759 and the 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:09.199 victory 00:21:09.199 --> 00:21:09.619 that they 00:21:09.619 --> 00:21:10.339 experienced 00:21:10.339 --> 00:21:10.819 as they 00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:11.399 had all 00:21:11.399 --> 00:21:11.599 these 00:21:11.599 --> 00:21:12.059 encounters 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:12.519 with the 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:12.879 demons 00:21:12.879 --> 00:21:14.019 far more 00:21:14.019 --> 00:21:14.459 important 00:21:14.459 --> 00:21:14.839 is the 00:21:14.839 --> 00:21:15.259 reality 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:15.659 of where 00:21:15.659 --> 00:21:15.939 each 00:21:15.939 --> 00:21:16.219 of them 00:21:16.219 --> 00:21:16.659 stands 00:21:16.659 --> 00:21:17.739 with God 00:21:17.740 --> 00:21:20.779 and whether 00:21:20.779 --> 00:21:21.299 their names 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:21.759 are written 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.759 in heaven 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:24.359 in the 00:21:24.359 --> 00:21:24.720 book of 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.059 life. 00:21:26.980 --> 00:21:27.700 When you 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.200 compare the 00:21:28.200 --> 00:21:28.579 two of 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:29.240 those things 00:21:29.240 --> 00:21:29.880 side by 00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:30.279 side 00:21:30.279 --> 00:21:30.740 the things 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:31.019 that they 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.400 did 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:31.880 versus 00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:32.380 where they 00:21:32.380 --> 00:21:32.799 stand 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:33.400 with God 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:36.000 one is 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:36.519 not worth 00:21:36.519 --> 00:21:37.099 rejoicing 00:21:37.099 --> 00:21:37.460 over 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:39.180 and one 00:21:39.180 --> 00:21:39.759 is. 00:21:42.140 --> 00:21:42.440 And I 00:21:42.440 --> 00:21:42.880 think Jesus 00:21:42.880 --> 00:21:43.440 is being a 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:43.839 little bit 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:45.240 he's using 00:21:45.240 --> 00:21:46.120 hyperbole here 00:21:46.119 --> 00:21:46.619 to make a 00:21:46.619 --> 00:21:47.059 point of 00:21:47.059 --> 00:21:47.719 course they 00:21:47.719 --> 00:21:48.379 were right 00:21:48.379 --> 00:21:49.019 to celebrate 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:49.399 that the 00:21:49.399 --> 00:21:49.759 demons 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:51.839 submitted to 00:21:51.839 --> 00:21:52.199 them in 00:21:52.199 --> 00:21:52.500 the name 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.219 of Jesus. 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:54.859 But what 00:21:54.859 --> 00:21:55.219 he's saying 00:21:55.219 --> 00:21:55.500 is that 00:21:55.500 --> 00:21:56.099 compared to 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:56.359 that 00:21:56.359 --> 00:21:57.759 that's 00:21:57.759 --> 00:22:00.799 not even 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.159 worth 00:22:01.159 --> 00:22:02.500 celebrating 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:03.179 compared to 00:22:03.179 --> 00:22:03.899 the reality 00:22:03.899 --> 00:22:04.739 the more 00:22:04.739 --> 00:22:05.459 important thing 00:22:05.459 --> 00:22:05.839 of where 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:06.500 you stand 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:07.019 with God 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:07.339 and if 00:22:07.339 --> 00:22:08.159 your name 00:22:08.159 --> 00:22:08.779 is written 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:09.279 in the 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:09.619 book of 00:22:09.619 --> 00:22:09.959 life 00:22:09.959 --> 00:22:12.059 that is 00:22:12.059 --> 00:22:12.959 true cause 00:22:12.959 --> 00:22:14.519 for joy. 00:22:16.119 --> 00:22:18.019 almost 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:18.500 nothing 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.459 is as 00:22:19.459 --> 00:22:19.839 important 00:22:19.839 --> 00:22:20.379 as this 00:22:20.379 --> 00:22:22.239 and maybe 00:22:22.239 --> 00:22:22.739 this is where 00:22:22.739 --> 00:22:23.219 some of our 00:22:23.219 --> 00:22:23.739 brothers and 00:22:23.739 --> 00:22:24.319 sisters have 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:24.879 lost a little 00:22:24.879 --> 00:22:25.199 bit of 00:22:25.199 --> 00:22:25.679 perspective. 00:22:27.119 --> 00:22:27.759 Some are 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.119 out there 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:28.679 saying that 00:22:28.679 --> 00:22:29.539 real maturity 00:22:29.539 --> 00:22:30.279 in the 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:31.039 Christian life 00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:32.619 is when we 00:22:32.619 --> 00:22:33.239 come to have 00:22:33.239 --> 00:22:33.859 faith like 00:22:33.859 --> 00:22:34.639 these 72 00:22:34.639 --> 00:22:35.379 guys such 00:22:35.379 --> 00:22:35.819 that we 00:22:35.819 --> 00:22:36.219 can now 00:22:36.219 --> 00:22:36.779 cast out 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:37.359 demons and 00:22:37.359 --> 00:22:38.079 go out 00:22:38.079 --> 00:22:38.419 and do 00:22:38.419 --> 00:22:39.259 miracles and 00:22:39.259 --> 00:22:39.859 signs and 00:22:39.859 --> 00:22:40.439 wonders in 00:22:40.439 --> 00:22:40.739 the name 00:22:40.739 --> 00:22:41.239 of Jesus. 00:22:42.879 --> 00:22:43.299 And really 00:22:43.299 --> 00:22:43.639 what they're 00:22:43.639 --> 00:22:44.059 doing is 00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:44.459 they're making 00:22:44.459 --> 00:22:45.000 the things 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:45.699 that we do 00:22:45.700 --> 00:22:46.620 for Jesus 00:22:46.620 --> 00:22:47.460 into the 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.000 great thing 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:50.120 and where 00:22:50.120 --> 00:22:50.620 we stand 00:22:50.620 --> 00:22:51.200 with Jesus 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:51.759 is kind 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:52.440 of down 00:22:52.440 --> 00:22:53.259 here and 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:53.640 it's less 00:22:53.640 --> 00:22:54.160 important. 00:22:54.799 --> 00:22:55.759 Jesus just 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.299 flips that 00:22:56.299 --> 00:22:56.740 whole thing 00:22:56.740 --> 00:22:57.480 upside down. 00:22:57.840 --> 00:22:58.559 Far more 00:22:58.559 --> 00:22:59.799 important than 00:22:59.799 --> 00:23:00.740 what we might 00:23:00.740 --> 00:23:01.600 do for 00:23:01.600 --> 00:23:03.640 Jesus is 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:04.059 where we 00:23:04.059 --> 00:23:05.299 stand with 00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:05.819 Jesus. 00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:08.860 Whether our 00:23:08.860 --> 00:23:09.299 names are 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:10.480 written in 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:10.799 heaven, 00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:12.420 in his 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:12.740 book, 00:23:12.740 --> 00:23:12.779 work, 00:23:13.579 --> 00:23:16.500 that's 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.319 what's 00:23:17.319 --> 00:23:17.519 worth 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.099 rejoicing 00:23:18.099 --> 00:23:18.460 over. 00:23:20.180 --> 00:23:20.779 That a 00:23:20.779 --> 00:23:21.240 person has 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:21.700 just gone 00:23:21.700 --> 00:23:22.180 and cast 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:22.440 out a 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:22.779 bunch of 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:23.359 demons and 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:23.759 healed a 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:24.059 bunch of 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:24.559 people in 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:24.819 Jesus' 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:25.319 name in 00:23:25.319 --> 00:23:25.720 comparison, 00:23:25.900 --> 00:23:26.339 that's not 00:23:26.339 --> 00:23:27.279 worth rejoicing 00:23:27.279 --> 00:23:27.660 over, 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:29.140 says Jesus. 00:23:32.579 --> 00:23:33.220 And now 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:34.120 we see why 00:23:34.120 --> 00:23:34.620 as we look 00:23:34.620 --> 00:23:35.079 at that 00:23:35.079 --> 00:23:37.200 description 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:37.480 in 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:37.960 Revelation. 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:38.120 Revelation 00:23:38.119 --> 00:23:43.519 the final 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:44.279 outcome for 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:44.779 those whose 00:23:44.779 --> 00:23:45.439 names are 00:23:45.439 --> 00:23:45.979 written in 00:23:45.979 --> 00:23:46.659 God's book 00:23:46.659 --> 00:23:48.279 versus those 00:23:48.279 --> 00:23:48.959 whose aren't 00:23:48.959 --> 00:23:51.659 is that's 00:23:51.659 --> 00:23:52.199 there that we 00:23:52.199 --> 00:23:52.879 see why this 00:23:52.879 --> 00:23:53.699 is so important. 00:23:54.419 --> 00:23:55.099 It's the 00:23:55.099 --> 00:23:55.879 difference between 00:23:55.879 --> 00:23:56.739 who belongs to 00:23:56.739 --> 00:23:57.339 God and who 00:23:57.339 --> 00:23:57.919 does not. 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:00.519 It's the 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.399 difference between 00:24:01.399 --> 00:24:03.379 who will get 00:24:03.379 --> 00:24:04.179 what they deserve 00:24:04.179 --> 00:24:05.059 for their sins 00:24:05.059 --> 00:24:07.159 and who will 00:24:07.159 --> 00:24:07.419 not. 00:24:08.119 --> 00:24:10.299 it's the 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:10.899 difference between 00:24:10.899 --> 00:24:11.539 being thrown 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:12.019 into the 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:12.419 lake of 00:24:12.419 --> 00:24:15.859 fire and 00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:16.759 entering into 00:24:16.759 --> 00:24:18.039 God's 00:24:18.039 --> 00:24:18.500 glorious 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:20.019 kingdom to 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:20.399 live with 00:24:20.399 --> 00:24:20.979 him forever. 00:24:23.559 --> 00:24:24.359 The big 00:24:24.359 --> 00:24:25.159 question is, 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:26.639 is your 00:24:26.639 --> 00:24:27.939 name written 00:24:27.939 --> 00:24:28.759 in heaven? 00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:33.399 Is your 00:24:33.399 --> 00:24:34.339 name written 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.359 in the 00:24:35.359 --> 00:24:35.699 book of 00:24:35.699 --> 00:24:36.000 life? 00:24:38.119 --> 00:24:40.119 God's 00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:40.859 name written 00:24:40.859 --> 00:24:41.579 if you're 00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:42.259 unsure about 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:42.799 it, I 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.239 just want to 00:24:43.239 --> 00:24:43.679 put these 00:24:43.679 --> 00:24:44.119 words of 00:24:44.119 --> 00:24:44.659 Jesus in 00:24:44.659 --> 00:24:45.039 front of 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:45.219 you. 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:47.799 This is the 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:48.519 message Jesus 00:24:48.519 --> 00:24:49.279 proclaimed as 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:49.799 he went from 00:24:49.799 --> 00:24:50.259 place to 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:50.659 place. 00:24:51.899 --> 00:24:52.359 The kingdom 00:24:52.359 --> 00:24:53.119 of God has 00:24:53.119 --> 00:24:53.639 come near. 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:56.099 Repent and 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:56.619 believe the 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:57.139 good news. 00:25:00.239 --> 00:25:00.879 And to 00:25:00.879 --> 00:25:02.479 repent just 00:25:02.479 --> 00:25:03.000 means to 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.719 turn away from 00:25:03.719 --> 00:25:04.219 our sinful 00:25:04.219 --> 00:25:04.899 life and to 00:25:04.899 --> 00:25:05.299 turn to 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:05.579 God. 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:06.579 God's 00:25:06.579 --> 00:25:06.579 00:25:06.579 --> 00:25:07.039 It's a 00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:07.480 relational 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:07.899 thing. 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.460 It means to 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.359 seek forgiveness 00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:10.839 from him. 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:12.159 To admit the 00:25:12.159 --> 00:25:12.579 things we've 00:25:12.579 --> 00:25:13.220 done wrong and 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:14.059 ask for him to 00:25:14.059 --> 00:25:14.659 forgive us. 00:25:15.179 --> 00:25:15.779 That's all it 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:16.079 means. 00:25:19.220 --> 00:25:20.000 The good 00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:21.919 news, which I 00:25:21.919 --> 00:25:22.779 say a lot, but 00:25:22.779 --> 00:25:23.339 you can never 00:25:23.339 --> 00:25:24.599 really rejoice 00:25:24.599 --> 00:25:25.419 over it enough, 00:25:25.639 --> 00:25:26.460 is that God 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:27.460 sent Jesus to 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:27.939 take the 00:25:27.939 --> 00:25:28.699 punishment we 00:25:28.699 --> 00:25:30.319 deserve for 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:31.159 all the sins 00:25:31.159 --> 00:25:31.639 that we've 00:25:31.639 --> 00:25:34.579 committed to 00:25:34.579 --> 00:25:35.199 atone for 00:25:35.199 --> 00:25:35.419 us. 00:25:35.519 --> 00:25:35.839 That's what 00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:36.220 his death 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:36.480 on the 00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:36.939 cross was 00:25:36.939 --> 00:25:37.419 all about. 00:25:37.899 --> 00:25:38.419 It was a 00:25:38.419 --> 00:25:39.439 sacrifice of 00:25:39.439 --> 00:25:40.019 atonement. 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:45.139 The good 00:25:45.139 --> 00:25:45.539 news of 00:25:45.539 --> 00:25:46.099 Jesus is 00:25:46.099 --> 00:25:46.539 that if we 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:47.379 simply trust 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:48.299 him and 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:49.000 believe in 00:25:49.000 --> 00:25:50.740 him, we 00:25:50.740 --> 00:25:51.099 will be 00:25:51.099 --> 00:25:51.480 saved. 00:25:52.659 --> 00:25:53.500 We will be 00:25:53.500 --> 00:25:54.679 spared on 00:25:54.679 --> 00:25:55.500 that day when 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.000 the books are 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:56.339 opened. 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.460 Our names 00:25:59.460 --> 00:26:00.500 will be in 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:00.960 the book of 00:26:00.960 --> 00:26:01.279 life. 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:04.960 Listen to 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:05.579 these words of 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.720 Jesus, some 00:26:06.720 --> 00:26:06.980 of my 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:07.279 favorite. 00:26:08.799 --> 00:26:09.420 He said, 00:26:09.539 --> 00:26:10.279 Very truly, I 00:26:10.279 --> 00:26:10.819 tell you, 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:12.259 whoever hears 00:26:12.259 --> 00:26:14.240 my word and 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:15.059 believes him 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:15.819 who sent me 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:16.899 has eternal 00:26:16.899 --> 00:26:18.480 life and will 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:19.539 not be judged 00:26:19.539 --> 00:26:20.920 but has 00:26:20.920 --> 00:26:21.720 crossed over 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:22.420 from death 00:26:22.420 --> 00:26:24.119 to life. 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:29.220 Do you hear 00:26:29.220 --> 00:26:29.819 the words of 00:26:29.819 --> 00:26:30.119 Jesus? 00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:33.220 Do you 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:34.939 believe God 00:26:34.939 --> 00:26:36.179 and the 00:26:36.179 --> 00:26:36.859 words that he 00:26:36.859 --> 00:26:37.720 speaks through 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:38.359 Jesus? 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:41.220 If so, the 00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:42.359 promise is you 00:26:42.359 --> 00:26:43.159 have eternal 00:26:43.159 --> 00:26:43.579 life. 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.659 You will not 00:26:45.659 --> 00:26:46.179 be judged. 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:46.679 You will not 00:26:46.679 --> 00:26:47.299 be condemned 00:26:47.299 --> 00:26:48.059 on that day. 00:26:49.079 --> 00:26:49.899 Your name 00:26:49.899 --> 00:26:50.819 will be found 00:26:50.819 --> 00:26:52.819 in the book 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:53.439 on that day. 00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:57.000 Maybe you're 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:57.679 here and you've 00:26:57.679 --> 00:26:58.159 known for a 00:26:58.159 --> 00:26:59.099 long time that 00:26:59.099 --> 00:26:59.759 your name is 00:26:59.759 --> 00:27:00.759 written in 00:27:00.759 --> 00:27:01.059 the book 00:27:01.059 --> 00:27:01.559 of life. 00:27:03.879 --> 00:27:04.639 Sometimes we 00:27:04.639 --> 00:27:05.019 can get 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:06.019 fixated on 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:06.480 what's going 00:27:06.480 --> 00:27:09.259 on in 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:09.819 our world 00:27:09.819 --> 00:27:12.279 or the 00:27:12.279 --> 00:27:12.659 troubles 00:27:12.659 --> 00:27:14.500 that are 00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:15.059 happening in 00:27:15.059 --> 00:27:15.359 our own 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:17.259 lives and 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:17.619 we find 00:27:17.619 --> 00:27:18.019 ourselves 00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:19.079 down and 00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:19.639 discouraged. 00:27:19.640 --> 00:27:23.280 Jesus says 00:27:23.280 --> 00:27:23.820 that this 00:27:23.820 --> 00:27:25.220 is a reason 00:27:25.220 --> 00:27:27.300 for rejoicing 00:27:27.300 --> 00:27:29.380 that our 00:27:29.380 --> 00:27:30.220 names are 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:30.980 written in 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:31.300 heaven. 00:27:35.100 --> 00:27:35.860 If your 00:27:35.860 --> 00:27:36.440 name is in 00:27:36.440 --> 00:27:37.100 God's book 00:27:37.100 --> 00:27:40.480 we're looking 00:27:40.480 --> 00:27:40.980 forward to 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:41.280 heaven. 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:44.460 We're looking 00:27:44.460 --> 00:27:44.980 forward to 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:46.060 being with 00:27:46.060 --> 00:27:47.360 God forever. 00:27:47.359 --> 00:27:47.859 we're looking 00:27:47.859 --> 00:27:48.519 forward to 00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:49.259 walking those 00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:49.819 streets of 00:27:49.819 --> 00:27:50.779 gold in 00:27:50.779 --> 00:27:51.519 that glorious 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:52.339 city in 00:27:52.339 --> 00:27:53.139 that wonderful 00:27:53.139 --> 00:27:53.619 kingdom. 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.379 That'll be 00:27:58.379 --> 00:27:58.819 the end of 00:27:58.819 --> 00:27:59.319 all of our 00:27:59.319 --> 00:27:59.719 troubles. 00:28:03.139 --> 00:28:03.759 And it's 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:04.279 easy to lose 00:28:04.279 --> 00:28:04.839 sight of that 00:28:04.839 --> 00:28:06.259 sometimes isn't 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:06.419 it? 00:28:07.679 --> 00:28:08.519 One way that 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:08.939 we can be 00:28:08.939 --> 00:28:09.759 reminded of the 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.319 goodness of 00:28:10.319 --> 00:28:11.839 heaven is 00:28:11.839 --> 00:28:12.399 just to open 00:28:12.399 --> 00:28:12.979 our Bibles 00:28:12.979 --> 00:28:13.519 once in a 00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:14.059 while and 00:28:14.059 --> 00:28:15.439 flip to those 00:28:15.439 --> 00:28:16.000 last two 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:16.699 chapters of the 00:28:16.700 --> 00:28:16.960 book. 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:19.080 Revelation 21 00:28:19.080 --> 00:28:19.920 and 22 and 00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:21.580 just read what 00:28:21.580 --> 00:28:22.360 Jesus said it 00:28:22.360 --> 00:28:22.960 will be like. 00:28:24.840 --> 00:28:25.440 If you're 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:26.180 feeling down or 00:28:26.180 --> 00:28:26.779 discouraged I 00:28:26.779 --> 00:28:27.019 want to 00:28:27.019 --> 00:28:27.640 encourage you 00:28:27.640 --> 00:28:28.420 maybe even 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:29.059 this week to 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:30.259 just open up 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:30.819 to those two 00:28:30.819 --> 00:28:33.100 chapters and 00:28:33.100 --> 00:28:33.860 spend some time 00:28:33.860 --> 00:28:35.140 just reading and 00:28:35.140 --> 00:28:35.920 reflecting on 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:37.259 what Jesus said 00:28:37.259 --> 00:28:38.259 heaven will be 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:38.580 like. 00:28:39.700 --> 00:28:40.360 And it 00:28:40.360 --> 00:28:41.059 really is 00:28:41.059 --> 00:28:43.039 cause for 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:43.360 joy. 00:28:43.359 --> 00:28:46.919 to know that 00:28:46.919 --> 00:28:47.459 because our 00:28:47.459 --> 00:28:47.919 names are 00:28:47.919 --> 00:28:48.240 written in 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:48.839 the book we 00:28:48.839 --> 00:28:49.199 will be 00:28:49.199 --> 00:28:49.539 there. 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:55.219 Let's 00:28:55.219 --> 00:28:55.439 pray. 00:29:01.159 --> 00:29:01.799 Father in 00:29:01.799 --> 00:29:02.439 heaven I ask 00:29:02.439 --> 00:29:02.959 that you would 00:29:02.959 --> 00:29:03.759 work in each 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.339 of our hearts 00:29:04.339 --> 00:29:04.759 and that you 00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:05.259 would press 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:05.740 into our 00:29:05.740 --> 00:29:06.299 hearts this 00:29:06.299 --> 00:29:07.139 great question 00:29:07.139 --> 00:29:07.959 of whether 00:29:07.959 --> 00:29:08.740 our names 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.559 are in your 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:10.679 book and 00:29:10.679 --> 00:29:10.979 that you 00:29:10.979 --> 00:29:11.559 would speak 00:29:11.559 --> 00:29:12.039 the truth 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:12.619 to us. 00:29:13.180 --> 00:29:13.659 The truth 00:29:13.659 --> 00:29:14.200 we need to 00:29:14.200 --> 00:29:14.480 hear. 00:29:15.119 --> 00:29:15.680 Give us 00:29:15.680 --> 00:29:16.440 assurance and 00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:17.000 comfort if 00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:17.420 they are. 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:19.519 And give us 00:29:19.519 --> 00:29:20.259 an unsettled 00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:21.720 conviction if 00:29:21.720 --> 00:29:22.240 they're not. 00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:23.339 And a clear 00:29:23.339 --> 00:29:24.159 understanding of 00:29:24.159 --> 00:29:24.720 what we need 00:29:24.720 --> 00:29:27.619 to do to 00:29:27.619 --> 00:29:28.259 be sure that 00:29:28.259 --> 00:29:28.680 they are. 00:29:32.079 --> 00:29:32.920 Help us to 00:29:32.920 --> 00:29:34.619 view everything 00:29:34.619 --> 00:29:35.299 going on in 00:29:35.299 --> 00:29:37.759 our lives with 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:39.079 this forward 00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:41.619 looking faith in 00:29:41.619 --> 00:29:41.979 what you 00:29:41.979 --> 00:29:42.819 have promised. 00:29:44.419 --> 00:29:44.979 Thank you 00:29:44.979 --> 00:29:45.259 that you 00:29:45.259 --> 00:29:45.500 have a 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:45.839 plan. 00:29:49.179 --> 00:29:49.759 And that 00:29:49.759 --> 00:29:50.099 you are going 00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:50.599 to bring it 00:29:50.599 --> 00:29:52.339 to pass and 00:29:52.339 --> 00:29:52.739 that there 00:29:52.739 --> 00:29:53.719 will be a 00:29:53.719 --> 00:29:54.339 great victory 00:29:54.339 --> 00:29:54.979 at the very 00:29:54.979 --> 00:29:55.539 end of our 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:57.559 world story no 00:29:57.559 --> 00:29:58.619 matter what 00:29:58.619 --> 00:29:59.079 we face 00:29:59.079 --> 00:29:59.439 today. 00:30:01.500 --> 00:30:02.219 I pray that 00:30:02.219 --> 00:30:02.419 you would 00:30:02.419 --> 00:30:03.059 encourage all 00:30:03.059 --> 00:30:03.559 of us that 00:30:03.559 --> 00:30:03.799 you would 00:30:03.799 --> 00:30:04.339 fill us with 00:30:04.339 --> 00:30:04.699 joy. 00:30:08.000 --> 00:30:08.759 We ask this 00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:09.159 in your 00:30:09.159 --> 00:30:09.859 son's name. 00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:10.979 Amen. 00:30:10.979 --> 00:30:11.039 Amen.