WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.000 Captures the girl. 00:00:01.540 --> 00:00:02.300 Defeats the dragon. 00:00:02.459 --> 00:00:03.180 Gets the bride. 00:00:04.020 --> 00:00:05.580 And then how do fairy stories end? 00:00:05.580 --> 00:00:05.580 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.719 Where there's an awareness of the need of a relationship with God hardwired into our hearts. 00:00:37.859 --> 00:00:41.299 What can be known about God is plain to people. 00:00:42.140 --> 00:00:43.920 Because God has shown it to them. 00:00:45.159 --> 00:00:46.640 God's invisible attributes. 00:00:47.879 --> 00:00:49.260 And namely his eternal power. 00:00:49.359 --> 00:00:51.539 They know that there is a God who is all powerful. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:53.019 And that he is eternal. 00:00:54.100 --> 00:00:57.820 And his divine nature have been clearly perceived. 00:00:58.019 --> 00:00:59.840 Ever since the creation of the world. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:01.679 Every single human being knows that. 00:01:02.939 --> 00:01:05.579 Human beings are always yearning. 00:01:06.500 --> 00:01:07.879 Are always longing. 00:01:08.099 --> 00:01:10.700 We are haunted by the Garden of Eden. 00:01:11.420 --> 00:01:14.239 We find that it finds its way into every story. 00:01:14.680 --> 00:01:19.400 We know instinctively as humans there was a great glory bestowed upon us. 00:01:20.359 --> 00:01:21.000 All of us. 00:01:21.060 --> 00:01:21.539 Men and women. 00:01:21.680 --> 00:01:22.420 Boys and girls. 00:01:22.659 --> 00:01:25.260 Every single one were made in the image of God. 00:01:25.359 --> 00:01:27.939 We are fearfully and wonderfully made. 00:01:28.739 --> 00:01:30.560 We are living icons. 00:01:32.060 --> 00:01:33.179 Of the living God. 00:01:34.420 --> 00:01:35.620 Psalm 8 puts it this way. 00:01:36.259 --> 00:01:36.439 He says, 00:01:36.439 --> 00:01:37.599 When I look at your heavens. 00:01:38.120 --> 00:01:39.700 The work of your fingers. 00:01:40.659 --> 00:01:43.259 The moon and the stars which you've set in place. 00:01:44.179 --> 00:01:45.140 What is man? 00:01:45.939 --> 00:01:47.179 That you are mindful of him. 00:01:48.140 --> 00:01:50.539 And the son of man that you care for him. 00:01:51.780 --> 00:01:54.479 Yet you've made him a little lower than the angels. 00:01:55.479 --> 00:01:59.019 And you've crowned him with glory and honor. 00:01:59.019 --> 00:02:02.619 Human beings are crowned with glory and honor. 00:02:04.039 --> 00:02:05.659 Why does a woman long to be beautiful? 00:02:06.939 --> 00:02:09.159 Why does a man hope to be found brave? 00:02:10.419 --> 00:02:12.919 Because we remember. 00:02:13.919 --> 00:02:17.740 If only faintly that we were once more than we are now. 00:02:17.740 --> 00:02:23.340 God creates us with powers like unto his own. 00:02:24.740 --> 00:02:26.520 God has given to us the ability to reason. 00:02:27.680 --> 00:02:28.320 And to create. 00:02:29.360 --> 00:02:30.260 And share intimacy. 00:02:30.460 --> 00:02:31.219 To know joy. 00:02:32.640 --> 00:02:35.420 He made us in knowledge and righteousness and holiness. 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:38.360 He gives us laughter. 00:02:39.120 --> 00:02:40.200 And wonder. 00:02:41.200 --> 00:02:42.040 And imagination. 00:02:42.039 --> 00:02:45.079 And above all else. 00:02:45.179 --> 00:02:47.379 He endows us with that quality. 00:02:47.840 --> 00:02:49.659 With which he is most known for. 00:02:49.719 --> 00:02:51.239 He gives us the ability to love. 00:02:52.879 --> 00:02:54.819 And so you could not live. 00:02:55.340 --> 00:02:56.199 Or laugh. 00:02:57.500 --> 00:02:58.259 Or love. 00:02:58.479 --> 00:02:59.120 Or cry. 00:03:00.120 --> 00:03:01.599 Had God not given you a heart. 00:03:03.579 --> 00:03:05.680 But we also know that things are not what they were. 00:03:07.639 --> 00:03:09.079 And things are not what they should be. 00:03:10.419 --> 00:03:11.519 And so we see, don't we, 00:03:11.520 --> 00:03:12.700 That something has gone wrong. 00:03:14.340 --> 00:03:15.420 In the Garden of Eden, 00:03:15.480 --> 00:03:16.520 As we saw last Sunday night, 00:03:16.620 --> 00:03:17.520 We reached. 00:03:18.100 --> 00:03:19.360 And in our reaching, 00:03:19.780 --> 00:03:21.500 We fell from grace. 00:03:23.040 --> 00:03:25.480 Something has gone wrong with the human race. 00:03:25.540 --> 00:03:26.240 And we know it. 00:03:27.340 --> 00:03:27.980 Or better said, 00:03:28.040 --> 00:03:30.240 Something has gone wrong within the human race. 00:03:31.840 --> 00:03:33.060 And so read a newspaper. 00:03:34.500 --> 00:03:35.379 Scan the internet. 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:37.460 Go on social media. 00:03:38.260 --> 00:03:39.660 Spend a weekend with your relatives. 00:03:39.659 --> 00:03:43.079 Pay attention to the motives of your heart. 00:03:43.620 --> 00:03:44.819 In a single day. 00:03:45.520 --> 00:03:46.840 And you will know that something is wrong. 00:03:48.879 --> 00:03:51.639 Most of the misery that we suffer from in this planet. 00:03:52.159 --> 00:03:54.240 Is the fruit of the human heart gone bad. 00:03:55.620 --> 00:03:57.039 The glorious treasure. 00:03:58.039 --> 00:03:59.460 Has been stained. 00:04:00.639 --> 00:04:01.000 Marred. 00:04:02.259 --> 00:04:02.680 Infected. 00:04:02.680 --> 00:04:05.599 In the words of Francis Schaeffer, 00:04:05.719 --> 00:04:08.120 Human beings are glorious ruins. 00:04:10.020 --> 00:04:12.120 And sin enters the story. 00:04:12.599 --> 00:04:13.939 And like a computer virus, 00:04:14.060 --> 00:04:15.140 It's infected every file. 00:04:17.139 --> 00:04:17.920 And last Sunday night, 00:04:17.980 --> 00:04:20.019 We noticed the death spiral. 00:04:20.019 --> 00:04:22.719 Of Genesis 4 to 11. 00:04:23.139 --> 00:04:24.120 That humanity is in. 00:04:25.039 --> 00:04:28.479 This spiral of a world where sin enters. 00:04:28.919 --> 00:04:30.859 And it infects every file on the computer. 00:04:31.939 --> 00:04:34.539 And we see it everywhere in our world right now. 00:04:34.639 --> 00:04:35.539 Everywhere in our city. 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:38.719 And if we're willing to stop shifting the blame. 00:04:38.979 --> 00:04:39.740 For just a moment. 00:04:39.879 --> 00:04:42.919 And stop trying to force the onus. 00:04:43.159 --> 00:04:44.259 On some person. 00:04:44.560 --> 00:04:45.259 Or government. 00:04:45.500 --> 00:04:46.259 Or policy. 00:04:46.719 --> 00:04:47.479 Or race. 00:04:47.480 --> 00:04:52.759 If we're willing to take a naked and a frank assessment of ourselves. 00:04:53.040 --> 00:04:54.660 When most of us, I think tonight, 00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:56.879 Will be honest enough to squirm or dodge. 00:04:58.360 --> 00:04:59.020 And admit. 00:04:59.780 --> 00:05:01.660 That perhaps we fall a little bit short. 00:05:04.160 --> 00:05:06.280 If we're truly honest tonight. 00:05:07.620 --> 00:05:10.340 We'll confess that we have it within us. 00:05:11.740 --> 00:05:12.680 To be the beast. 00:05:13.920 --> 00:05:16.400 To be the wicked sister. 00:05:17.480 --> 00:05:18.400 To be Scrooge. 00:05:20.140 --> 00:05:22.460 And it's not just the obvious evils, is it? 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:24.020 Like murder. 00:05:24.180 --> 00:05:24.620 Racism. 00:05:25.800 --> 00:05:26.319 Betrayal. 00:05:28.400 --> 00:05:31.120 Each one of us is fraught with fears. 00:05:32.640 --> 00:05:33.200 Suspicions. 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:35.920 Petty jealousies. 00:05:37.319 --> 00:05:37.600 And pride. 00:05:37.600 --> 00:05:41.460 We are above all else. 00:05:41.460 --> 00:05:42.140 Self-centered. 00:05:44.700 --> 00:05:46.879 And that is the very opposite, isn't it? 00:05:46.920 --> 00:05:49.720 Of what we saw last week about the triune God. 00:05:49.980 --> 00:05:50.720 The God of the Bible. 00:05:53.640 --> 00:05:55.439 How the triune God lives. 00:05:56.580 --> 00:05:58.379 How the triune God loves. 00:05:59.640 --> 00:06:01.200 Other person-centered. 00:06:01.199 --> 00:06:04.819 And so let me ask you. 00:06:04.939 --> 00:06:07.959 Have you loved the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength? 00:06:09.899 --> 00:06:13.839 Have you loved your neighbor as yourself? 00:06:14.300 --> 00:06:15.099 Well, neither have I. 00:06:15.100 --> 00:06:21.040 Douglas Copeland wrote in his book, Life After God. 00:06:21.120 --> 00:06:21.460 He says, 00:06:21.459 --> 00:06:22.819 Now, here is my secret. 00:06:24.099 --> 00:06:26.339 I tell it to you with an openness of heart. 00:06:27.180 --> 00:06:29.479 That I doubt I shall ever achieve again. 00:06:30.539 --> 00:06:33.599 So I pray you are in a quiet room as you hear these words. 00:06:35.039 --> 00:06:38.539 My secret is that I need God. 00:06:39.679 --> 00:06:40.859 That I am sick. 00:06:41.939 --> 00:06:43.539 And can no longer make it alone. 00:06:43.540 --> 00:06:49.379 I need God to help me give because I no longer seem capable of giving. 00:06:50.720 --> 00:06:54.560 I need God to help me to be kind because I no longer seem capable of kindness. 00:06:55.879 --> 00:07:00.020 I need God to help me love as I seem beyond being able to love. 00:07:01.820 --> 00:07:04.520 And something has gone wrong and we know that much, don't we? 00:07:06.259 --> 00:07:09.939 Now, that is where most of our stories take up their tale. 00:07:09.939 --> 00:07:13.759 A kingdom has been overthrown. 00:07:14.199 --> 00:07:15.160 Paradise has been lost. 00:07:16.219 --> 00:07:17.079 Evil holds sway. 00:07:17.899 --> 00:07:19.759 And it's gathering on the borders of the land. 00:07:21.680 --> 00:07:23.279 Frodo in Lord of the Rings. 00:07:24.819 --> 00:07:28.659 He makes it out of the shire with his life and the ring of power. 00:07:28.879 --> 00:07:32.100 But the nine black riders cross the river on a Midsummer's Eve. 00:07:32.519 --> 00:07:35.779 And they're hunting down that little hobbit with deadly intent. 00:07:36.259 --> 00:07:39.120 The future of Middle Earth, if you've never watched the film. 00:07:39.120 --> 00:07:41.280 Everyone stands on the edge of a knife. 00:07:42.879 --> 00:07:45.920 The Titanic is going down. 00:07:47.160 --> 00:07:48.379 And not everyone is going to make it. 00:07:49.019 --> 00:07:51.019 Sorry if I've ruined the film for you. 00:07:53.139 --> 00:07:58.519 Cowboy Woody has been taken hostage by evil Sid next door. 00:07:58.519 --> 00:08:06.060 The Bible says the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 00:08:07.439 --> 00:08:11.139 But every great story has a rescue. 00:08:12.339 --> 00:08:13.500 A rescue story. 00:08:13.680 --> 00:08:14.359 Have you thought about that? 00:08:15.959 --> 00:08:19.099 Jack will come to rescue Rose in the Titanic. 00:08:19.100 --> 00:08:26.160 William Wallace will rise up to rescue Scotland in Braveheart. 00:08:27.360 --> 00:08:32.440 Luke Skywalker will rescue the princess and then free the peoples of the universe. 00:08:33.759 --> 00:08:36.139 Aslan the lion comes to rescue Narnia. 00:08:36.500 --> 00:08:39.960 Buzz Lightyear comes to rescue Woody in Toy Story. 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:44.879 Captain Miller will rescue, saving Private Ryan. 00:08:45.519 --> 00:08:50.340 Why does every story, every great story have a rescuer? 00:08:52.120 --> 00:08:54.540 Why does every great story have a rescuer? 00:08:54.539 --> 00:08:59.519 Because it's echoing a greater story. 00:09:00.539 --> 00:09:01.759 And a greater rescuer. 00:09:03.399 --> 00:09:04.919 And so the pursuit of mankind. 00:09:06.259 --> 00:09:07.579 The rescue begins. 00:09:08.360 --> 00:09:08.839 The quest. 00:09:10.139 --> 00:09:13.740 On the day that Adam and Eve reached and fell. 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:16.019 They ran off, didn't they? 00:09:16.059 --> 00:09:16.659 They hid in the bushes. 00:09:18.120 --> 00:09:23.379 And God comes looking and he says to Adam and Eve and every human being since. 00:09:23.379 --> 00:09:24.220 Where are you? 00:09:25.399 --> 00:09:29.580 And so begins the long and the painful story of God's pursuit of human beings. 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:33.039 Though we betrayed him. 00:09:33.279 --> 00:09:36.019 Though we fell into the hands of the evil one. 00:09:36.200 --> 00:09:37.759 God does not abandon us. 00:09:38.659 --> 00:09:39.799 Rescue is his plan. 00:09:41.000 --> 00:09:41.980 First with Noah. 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:44.299 And then with Abraham. 00:09:45.379 --> 00:09:46.919 And then with the nation of Israel. 00:09:48.019 --> 00:09:52.480 God is looking for a people who will turn to him from the heart. 00:09:53.779 --> 00:09:57.500 God is looking for a people who will be once again his intimate allies. 00:09:59.159 --> 00:10:03.200 And so God takes one man, Abraham, and turns him into a nation. 00:10:04.460 --> 00:10:07.820 And there are so many twists and turns, aren't there, in that first book of the Bible. 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:08.779 In the book of Genesis. 00:10:08.939 --> 00:10:11.019 That by the second book of the Bible. 00:10:11.439 --> 00:10:12.120 The book of Exodus. 00:10:12.320 --> 00:10:13.939 We find God's people in slavery. 00:10:14.419 --> 00:10:15.320 In exile. 00:10:15.539 --> 00:10:16.500 And in deep, deep trouble. 00:10:16.500 --> 00:10:19.059 And the book of Exodus. 00:10:19.320 --> 00:10:20.980 In many ways is the archetype. 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:23.200 Where God goes to war. 00:10:23.740 --> 00:10:26.299 Where God goes to war with the Egyptians. 00:10:26.960 --> 00:10:29.139 To set his captive people free. 00:10:30.440 --> 00:10:34.620 400 years they've languished in a life of despair. 00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:37.899 There's blood and hail and locusts. 00:10:37.980 --> 00:10:38.580 And darkness. 00:10:38.960 --> 00:10:39.639 And death. 00:10:39.639 --> 00:10:41.860 Plague after plague. 00:10:42.059 --> 00:10:43.000 After plague. 00:10:43.199 --> 00:10:43.919 After plague. 00:10:44.039 --> 00:10:45.139 Descends on Egypt. 00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:47.279 Like the blows of an unrelenting axe. 00:10:48.460 --> 00:10:50.199 And Pharaoh releases his grip. 00:10:50.340 --> 00:10:51.139 But only for a moment. 00:10:53.199 --> 00:10:53.500 Do you remember? 00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:55.799 As they come out of Egypt. 00:10:56.919 --> 00:10:58.240 The fleeing slaves. 00:10:58.500 --> 00:10:59.899 They are pinned with the Red Sea. 00:11:00.379 --> 00:11:01.259 In front of them. 00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:02.559 But Egypt. 00:11:03.059 --> 00:11:03.919 Coming behind them. 00:11:05.299 --> 00:11:06.600 Hurtling down after them. 00:11:06.620 --> 00:11:07.440 In their chariots. 00:11:08.340 --> 00:11:09.179 And what does God do? 00:11:09.279 --> 00:11:11.179 God drowns those soldiers. 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:12.159 That army. 00:11:12.500 --> 00:11:13.840 That Egyptian king. 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:14.500 In the sea. 00:11:14.620 --> 00:11:15.620 Every last one of them. 00:11:16.740 --> 00:11:18.759 And the Israelites stand on the other shore. 00:11:19.480 --> 00:11:20.360 In shock. 00:11:20.620 --> 00:11:21.419 And joy. 00:11:21.419 --> 00:11:23.819 And the Hebrews proclaim. 00:11:23.819 --> 00:11:25.000 That the Lord. 00:11:25.299 --> 00:11:26.299 Is a warrior. 00:11:27.819 --> 00:11:29.240 The Lord is a warrior. 00:11:30.179 --> 00:11:31.379 That God is a warrior. 00:11:31.379 --> 00:11:32.599 Who's come to rescue us. 00:11:34.199 --> 00:11:35.799 But about one day later. 00:11:36.979 --> 00:11:38.000 They are complaining. 00:11:39.419 --> 00:11:40.419 They're like Brits abroad. 00:11:41.279 --> 00:11:42.099 They don't like the food. 00:11:42.759 --> 00:11:43.639 And they don't like the water. 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:46.219 And the journey of freedom. 00:11:46.480 --> 00:11:47.419 Is too hard. 00:11:48.419 --> 00:11:50.599 And they want to go back to Egypt. 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:52.759 We were better off in slavery. 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:53.259 They say. 00:11:54.420 --> 00:11:55.519 And the dilemma. 00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:57.940 Of this great rescue story. 00:11:57.940 --> 00:11:59.180 Is that we don't know. 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:00.100 Whether we want to be rescued. 00:12:01.659 --> 00:12:02.659 We are. 00:12:03.620 --> 00:12:04.139 Enamored. 00:12:05.620 --> 00:12:06.620 By our. 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:07.879 False stories. 00:12:09.060 --> 00:12:10.659 We happily believe. 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:12.080 The fake news. 00:12:12.080 --> 00:12:13.080 We trust. 00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:14.180 We trust. 00:12:14.180 --> 00:12:14.180 00:12:14.180 --> 00:12:15.280 In the false gods. 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:15.980 Of our culture. 00:12:16.100 --> 00:12:17.060 Knowing they're false. 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:18.100 But doing so anyway. 00:12:19.420 --> 00:12:20.379 We are so. 00:12:20.900 --> 00:12:21.500 Bound up. 00:12:21.680 --> 00:12:22.900 With our self-centeredness. 00:12:23.360 --> 00:12:24.160 And our addiction. 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:26.920 And the evil one. 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:28.620 Has no intention. 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:29.879 Of letting his captives. 00:12:30.040 --> 00:12:30.600 Walk away free. 00:12:31.960 --> 00:12:33.139 And so he seduces. 00:12:33.280 --> 00:12:33.960 And he assaults. 00:12:34.020 --> 00:12:34.620 And he deceives. 00:12:34.759 --> 00:12:35.600 Whatever it is. 00:12:35.639 --> 00:12:36.780 To keep us in darkness. 00:12:36.779 --> 00:12:39.519 And the prophets. 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:40.360 Of the Old Testament. 00:12:40.539 --> 00:12:40.899 They show this. 00:12:41.100 --> 00:12:41.399 Again. 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:42.039 And again. 00:12:42.199 --> 00:12:42.740 And again. 00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:45.279 We're like a man. 00:12:45.319 --> 00:12:46.419 Who's so corrupted. 00:12:46.779 --> 00:12:48.019 That they no longer know. 00:12:48.079 --> 00:12:48.679 Their own name. 00:12:50.079 --> 00:12:50.779 They're like a couple. 00:12:50.939 --> 00:12:52.000 Who are so bound. 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:53.019 To an affair. 00:12:53.100 --> 00:12:54.240 That they cannot break free. 00:12:56.620 --> 00:12:57.759 The human race. 00:12:58.000 --> 00:12:58.600 Is captive. 00:12:58.600 --> 00:13:00.419 In the worst possible way. 00:13:01.720 --> 00:13:02.779 We are captives. 00:13:02.819 --> 00:13:03.419 Of the heart. 00:13:03.419 --> 00:13:06.799 In the words of Hosea 3. 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:07.500 Verse 10. 00:13:09.519 --> 00:13:10.299 God says. 00:13:10.539 --> 00:13:11.079 Their hearts. 00:13:11.799 --> 00:13:12.799 Are always. 00:13:13.120 --> 00:13:13.939 Going astray. 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:16.379 Their hearts. 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:17.519 Are always. 00:13:17.919 --> 00:13:18.919 Going astray. 00:13:20.860 --> 00:13:21.579 And so. 00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:23.259 If I can put it like this. 00:13:24.839 --> 00:13:25.839 The challenge. 00:13:26.019 --> 00:13:26.719 That God faces. 00:13:28.099 --> 00:13:29.179 Is that he's seeking. 00:13:29.279 --> 00:13:30.199 To rescue a people. 00:13:30.519 --> 00:13:31.579 Who have no idea. 00:13:31.719 --> 00:13:32.559 How captive they are. 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:35.819 They have no. 00:13:35.979 --> 00:13:36.819 Real idea. 00:13:36.819 --> 00:13:37.979 How desperate they are. 00:13:39.659 --> 00:13:40.219 And so. 00:13:40.339 --> 00:13:40.639 We know. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:41.120 Don't we. 00:13:41.219 --> 00:13:42.120 That we long for Eden. 00:13:44.279 --> 00:13:45.240 We saw last week. 00:13:45.299 --> 00:13:46.360 That God has put eternity. 00:13:46.360 --> 00:13:47.019 In our hearts. 00:13:47.059 --> 00:13:47.699 That is the way. 00:13:47.759 --> 00:13:48.259 That you are. 00:13:49.919 --> 00:13:50.979 But we hesitate. 00:13:51.179 --> 00:13:51.860 To give ourselves. 00:13:52.039 --> 00:13:53.139 Back to this God. 00:13:53.639 --> 00:13:54.699 In abandoned trust. 00:13:54.779 --> 00:13:55.759 Because we have been. 00:13:56.159 --> 00:13:56.599 Captivated. 00:13:56.740 --> 00:13:56.939 By. 00:13:57.360 --> 00:13:58.139 Our sin. 00:13:58.500 --> 00:13:59.360 And our rebellion. 00:14:00.360 --> 00:14:01.360 But we're captivated. 00:14:01.419 --> 00:14:01.899 By the enemy. 00:14:01.899 --> 00:14:05.620 And so then. 00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:06.419 We have the story. 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:07.000 Of a hero. 00:14:08.319 --> 00:14:08.919 The hero. 00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:09.519 Of the rescue. 00:14:11.199 --> 00:14:11.879 Let me tell you. 00:14:11.919 --> 00:14:13.000 Where God is going to get us to. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:14.819 Jeremiah 24. 00:14:14.959 --> 00:14:15.500 Verse 7. 00:14:16.779 --> 00:14:17.539 God says this. 00:14:17.639 --> 00:14:18.799 I will give them a heart. 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:19.600 To know me. 00:14:20.879 --> 00:14:21.600 That I am the Lord. 00:14:23.019 --> 00:14:24.319 And they shall be my people. 00:14:25.720 --> 00:14:27.000 And I will be their God. 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:29.600 For they shall return to me. 00:14:29.600 --> 00:14:30.399 With their whole heart. 00:14:30.519 --> 00:14:31.139 In many ways. 00:14:31.259 --> 00:14:32.360 It's a great theme sentence. 00:14:32.360 --> 00:14:33.440 Of what the Bible is all about. 00:14:34.899 --> 00:14:35.539 If you want to know. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:36.080 What the Bible is about. 00:14:36.159 --> 00:14:36.840 You couldn't do better. 00:14:36.919 --> 00:14:37.879 Than Jeremiah 24. 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:38.440 Verse 7. 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:41.100 That I will give them a heart. 00:14:41.159 --> 00:14:41.500 To know me. 00:14:41.559 --> 00:14:42.759 That I am the Lord. 00:14:42.799 --> 00:14:43.779 And they shall be my people. 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:44.899 And I will be their God. 00:14:44.980 --> 00:14:46.139 For they shall return to me. 00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:47.240 With their whole heart. 00:14:47.279 --> 00:14:48.159 It's the most beautiful. 00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:48.940 Of love stories. 00:14:48.940 --> 00:14:52.880 Jesus said. 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:55.400 As the Father has loved me. 00:14:56.760 --> 00:14:58.060 So have I loved you. 00:14:59.300 --> 00:15:01.680 Now remain in my love. 00:15:01.740 --> 00:15:02.320 John 15. 00:15:02.420 --> 00:15:02.980 Verse 9. 00:15:04.440 --> 00:15:06.240 And so that is what he's aiming at. 00:15:07.680 --> 00:15:08.820 Now how will this happen? 00:15:10.460 --> 00:15:11.280 And here again. 00:15:11.440 --> 00:15:12.440 We see the echo. 00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:14.460 In so many of our stories. 00:15:16.280 --> 00:15:18.100 There is one who is born. 00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:19.620 into the story. 00:15:21.420 --> 00:15:22.420 Galatians 4 verse 4. 00:15:22.659 --> 00:15:23.360 When the fullness. 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.560 Of time had come. 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:25.540 God sent forth his son. 00:15:25.700 --> 00:15:26.360 Born of a woman. 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:27.200 Born under the law. 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:28.940 To redeem those who are under the law. 00:15:29.060 --> 00:15:31.259 So that we might receive adoption of sons. 00:15:32.879 --> 00:15:33.700 And because you are sons. 00:15:33.820 --> 00:15:35.340 God has sent his spirit. 00:15:35.420 --> 00:15:36.139 The spirit of his son. 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:36.740 Into our hearts. 00:15:36.820 --> 00:15:37.139 Crying. 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:37.940 Abba Father. 00:15:37.940 --> 00:15:39.759 So you are no longer a slave. 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:41.379 But a son. 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:42.680 And if a son. 00:15:43.540 --> 00:15:44.500 Then an heir through God. 00:15:46.320 --> 00:15:47.620 The son of man. 00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:50.060 came to seek. 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:51.320 And to save that which was lost. 00:15:53.440 --> 00:15:55.139 This is at the heart. 00:15:55.720 --> 00:15:56.620 Of the Christian faith. 00:15:56.879 --> 00:15:57.980 And it always has been. 00:15:58.720 --> 00:16:00.659 That God has entered into the story. 00:16:00.800 --> 00:16:01.960 And look with me at the Nicene Creed. 00:16:02.080 --> 00:16:02.700 For a moment. 00:16:03.060 --> 00:16:04.399 That we confess together. 00:16:05.980 --> 00:16:06.960 Look what it says. 00:16:06.960 --> 00:16:14.820 Eight lines down. 00:16:17.820 --> 00:16:18.660 For us. 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:20.720 And for our salvation. 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:21.639 He came down from heaven. 00:16:22.700 --> 00:16:24.400 Was incarnate from the Holy Spirit. 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:25.240 And the Virgin Mary. 00:16:25.360 --> 00:16:26.139 And was made man. 00:16:26.300 --> 00:16:27.120 For our sake. 00:16:27.900 --> 00:16:28.840 He was crucified. 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:29.680 And upon his pilot. 00:16:29.780 --> 00:16:30.420 He suffered death. 00:16:30.460 --> 00:16:30.860 And was buried. 00:16:31.060 --> 00:16:31.800 On the third day. 00:16:31.879 --> 00:16:32.780 He rose again. 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:33.820 In accordance with the scriptures. 00:16:33.820 --> 00:16:35.400 He ascended into heaven. 00:16:35.820 --> 00:16:36.760 And is seated at the right hand. 00:16:36.780 --> 00:16:37.220 Of the Father. 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.800 And he will come again. 00:16:38.800 --> 00:16:39.200 In glory. 00:16:39.280 --> 00:16:40.360 To judge the living and the dead. 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:41.379 And his kingdom. 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:42.820 Will have no end. 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:44.440 He becomes one of us. 00:16:44.440 --> 00:16:45.600 In order to save us. 00:16:47.320 --> 00:16:48.740 He enters our world. 00:16:50.320 --> 00:16:50.720 Miraculously. 00:16:51.900 --> 00:16:52.960 The virgin birth. 00:16:56.280 --> 00:16:57.260 His parents are told. 00:16:57.360 --> 00:16:58.520 You shall give him the name Jesus. 00:16:58.740 --> 00:16:59.040 Why? 00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:00.379 For he will save his people. 00:17:00.500 --> 00:17:00.919 From their sins. 00:17:01.099 --> 00:17:02.699 He spends 30 years. 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:04.299 Living in obscurity. 00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:05.119 In the middle of nowhere. 00:17:07.119 --> 00:17:08.319 He knows what it's like. 00:17:08.920 --> 00:17:09.960 To be a human being. 00:17:11.859 --> 00:17:12.839 He knows what it's like. 00:17:12.899 --> 00:17:13.740 To have frustrations. 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:14.619 In the workplace. 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:16.099 To be bored. 00:17:16.159 --> 00:17:16.839 In his job. 00:17:17.879 --> 00:17:18.899 He knows what it is. 00:17:18.980 --> 00:17:19.779 To have family. 00:17:19.960 --> 00:17:20.319 Strife. 00:17:20.379 --> 00:17:21.039 He identifies. 00:17:21.039 --> 00:17:21.819 With his people. 00:17:22.180 --> 00:17:23.279 And then he emerges. 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:24.039 Into the limelight. 00:17:24.119 --> 00:17:24.599 So come with me. 00:17:24.639 --> 00:17:25.619 To Mark chapter one. 00:17:29.039 --> 00:17:36.139 Mark chapter one. 00:17:40.139 --> 00:17:41.480 In verse nine. 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:44.180 He steps into the limelight. 00:17:46.619 --> 00:17:47.619 In many ways. 00:17:47.680 --> 00:17:48.259 His baptism. 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:49.399 Is his ordination. 00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:51.579 It's the beginning. 00:17:51.579 --> 00:17:53.579 Of his public ministry. 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:57.339 It's the beginning. 00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:58.919 Of his public work. 00:18:01.179 --> 00:18:01.779 He's baptized. 00:18:01.779 --> 00:18:02.240 By John. 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:02.720 In the Jordan. 00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:03.179 Verse ten. 00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:03.639 When he came up. 00:18:03.659 --> 00:18:04.119 Out of the water. 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:04.500 Immediately. 00:18:04.619 --> 00:18:05.139 He saw the heavens. 00:18:05.139 --> 00:18:06.179 Being torn open. 00:18:07.939 --> 00:18:08.759 And the spirit. 00:18:09.059 --> 00:18:09.740 Descending on him. 00:18:09.779 --> 00:18:10.419 Like a dove. 00:18:11.339 --> 00:18:11.980 And a voice. 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:12.539 Came from heaven. 00:18:12.599 --> 00:18:13.480 The voice of the father. 00:18:13.639 --> 00:18:14.859 You are my beloved son. 00:18:14.899 --> 00:18:16.019 With whom I'm well pleased. 00:18:19.220 --> 00:18:19.899 But look at verses. 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:20.740 Twelve to thirteen. 00:18:23.579 --> 00:18:25.679 And hear the echoes. 00:18:27.699 --> 00:18:28.899 The spirit immediately drove him. 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:29.699 Into the wilderness. 00:18:30.960 --> 00:18:32.039 And he was in the wilderness. 00:18:32.220 --> 00:18:32.919 Forty days. 00:18:33.439 --> 00:18:34.000 Being tempted. 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:35.199 By Satan. 00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:37.119 And he was with. 00:18:37.359 --> 00:18:38.000 The wild animals. 00:18:39.059 --> 00:18:40.059 And the angels. 00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:41.000 Were ministering to him. 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:44.939 Where was Adam. 00:18:45.139 --> 00:18:45.480 Tempted. 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:46.159 Sorry. 00:18:46.319 --> 00:18:47.220 Where was Adam tempted. 00:18:48.919 --> 00:18:49.319 Where? 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:52.539 In a garden. 00:18:52.539 --> 00:18:53.859 Where is Jesus tempted. 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:55.299 Verse twelve. 00:18:56.480 --> 00:18:57.200 In a wilderness. 00:18:58.519 --> 00:19:00.159 Adam has everything going for him. 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:02.440 Creation is on his side. 00:19:04.379 --> 00:19:05.579 Jesus is in a wilderness. 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:06.759 In the wildness. 00:19:06.859 --> 00:19:07.680 With nothing going for him. 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:11.420 How long were Israel. 00:19:12.420 --> 00:19:13.200 In the wilderness. 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:14.019 Do you remember? 00:19:16.019 --> 00:19:17.539 How long are. 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:18.639 Is Jesus. 00:19:19.019 --> 00:19:19.799 In the wilderness. 00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:20.659 Verse thirteen. 00:19:20.660 --> 00:19:22.360 Forty days. 00:19:23.840 --> 00:19:24.660 How did. 00:19:25.460 --> 00:19:25.940 Israel. 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:26.660 Do. 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:27.320 In the wilderness. 00:19:27.519 --> 00:19:28.320 Succeed or fail. 00:19:29.540 --> 00:19:30.019 Fail. 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:31.940 How does Jesus do. 00:19:32.040 --> 00:19:32.440 In the wilderness. 00:19:33.540 --> 00:19:34.500 He succeeds. 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:36.100 He is. 00:19:36.320 --> 00:19:36.740 The true. 00:19:36.920 --> 00:19:37.620 And better Adam. 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:38.820 He is. 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:39.360 The true. 00:19:39.560 --> 00:19:39.980 And better. 00:19:40.380 --> 00:19:40.779 Israel. 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:43.000 Where they fail. 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:44.360 He succeeds. 00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:45.940 Where they fall. 00:19:46.180 --> 00:19:47.120 He stands. 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:47.980 Can you hear the echoes? 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:51.420 And then what do you expect. 00:19:51.720 --> 00:19:52.099 To see. 00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:54.200 Well as you go through Mark's gospel. 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:56.000 You see that this man. 00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:57.019 Has mastery. 00:19:57.240 --> 00:19:57.539 Over. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:58.380 The devil. 00:19:58.579 --> 00:19:59.539 Over creation. 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.339 Over sickness. 00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:01.539 Over death. 00:20:02.099 --> 00:20:03.460 So come with me to John. 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:04.680 Chapter four. 00:20:06.680 --> 00:20:08.700 And verses thirty five to forty one. 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:13.079 Where they're in the middle of a great storm. 00:20:13.079 --> 00:20:14.299 And Jesus stands. 00:20:14.619 --> 00:20:15.879 And he says verse thirty nine. 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:17.000 Peace be still. 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:17.799 Verse. 00:20:18.399 --> 00:20:18.639 Sorry. 00:20:18.639 --> 00:20:19.240 Verse thirty nine. 00:20:19.339 --> 00:20:19.839 Peace be still. 00:20:19.919 --> 00:20:20.559 The winds cease. 00:20:20.659 --> 00:20:21.199 There's a great calm. 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:22.019 Verse forty one. 00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:23.819 And they were filled with great fear. 00:20:23.939 --> 00:20:24.699 And said to one another. 00:20:24.779 --> 00:20:25.659 Who then is this. 00:20:25.699 --> 00:20:27.379 That even the wind and the waves. 00:20:27.720 --> 00:20:28.379 Obey him. 00:20:30.539 --> 00:20:31.799 His power of a creation. 00:20:34.779 --> 00:20:36.240 And then in chapter five. 00:20:38.119 --> 00:20:39.460 He meets this madman. 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:41.759 He meets a demoniac. 00:20:43.100 --> 00:20:44.059 Look at verse. 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:45.500 Three. 00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:49.039 This guy lived among the tombs. 00:20:49.400 --> 00:20:50.460 And no one. 00:20:51.460 --> 00:20:52.400 No one. 00:20:52.700 --> 00:20:53.819 Could bind him anymore. 00:20:53.960 --> 00:20:54.920 Not even with a chain. 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:56.819 And then verse. 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:57.720 Four. 00:20:58.019 --> 00:20:58.759 At the end. 00:20:59.759 --> 00:21:00.519 No one. 00:21:00.840 --> 00:21:01.559 Had the strength. 00:21:01.900 --> 00:21:02.680 To subdue him. 00:21:04.900 --> 00:21:06.120 So you're meant to see. 00:21:06.420 --> 00:21:07.500 No one could bind him. 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:09.660 No one had the strength. 00:21:09.740 --> 00:21:10.359 To subdue him. 00:21:10.700 --> 00:21:12.220 The man is out of control. 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:17.579 And then look at verse fifteen. 00:21:19.920 --> 00:21:20.839 And they came to Jesus. 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:21.980 Saw the demon possessed man. 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:23.019 The one who had the legion. 00:21:23.160 --> 00:21:23.920 Sitting there. 00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:25.160 Clothed. 00:21:26.839 --> 00:21:27.759 And in his right mind. 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:31.039 He disarms. 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:31.900 The devil. 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:34.940 He has power over creation. 00:21:35.140 --> 00:21:36.420 He has power over the devil. 00:21:36.420 --> 00:21:40.460 And then look at the rest of the chapter. 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:44.220 When Jesus crossed again. 00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:44.860 Verse twenty one. 00:21:45.019 --> 00:21:46.200 In the boat to the other side. 00:21:46.340 --> 00:21:47.660 There's a great crowd around him. 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.880 A leader of the synagogue. 00:21:49.880 --> 00:21:50.759 Comes to see him. 00:21:50.800 --> 00:21:51.180 And says. 00:21:51.300 --> 00:21:51.940 Verse twenty three. 00:21:52.100 --> 00:21:53.019 My little daughter. 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:54.620 Is at the point of death. 00:21:57.019 --> 00:21:58.720 She's twelve years old. 00:22:00.120 --> 00:22:01.600 We find out at the end of the story. 00:22:01.700 --> 00:22:02.800 That she sadly. 00:22:03.019 --> 00:22:04.060 And tragically dies. 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:06.119 There is no one can comfort the family. 00:22:07.919 --> 00:22:09.119 But Jesus comes. 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:10.279 And he says. 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:11.859 And look what he says in verse forty one. 00:22:12.379 --> 00:22:14.220 He takes this dead girl by the hand. 00:22:14.339 --> 00:22:15.139 And he says to her. 00:22:15.419 --> 00:22:16.139 Talithicum. 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:17.599 Which means little girl. 00:22:17.659 --> 00:22:18.159 I say to you. 00:22:18.220 --> 00:22:18.659 Arise. 00:22:18.879 --> 00:22:19.579 And immediately. 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:20.679 The girl gets up. 00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:21.399 And begins walking. 00:22:21.400 --> 00:22:24.620 He reaches into death. 00:22:24.780 --> 00:22:26.019 And he pulls out the little girl. 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:27.860 In the middle. 00:22:28.040 --> 00:22:29.080 There's a story of a woman. 00:22:29.220 --> 00:22:30.019 With an issue of blood. 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:33.240 She's had it for twelve years. 00:22:33.320 --> 00:22:34.759 The same length of time. 00:22:34.840 --> 00:22:36.000 That little girl has been alive. 00:22:37.580 --> 00:22:38.300 And Luke tells us. 00:22:38.340 --> 00:22:39.560 She spent all the money on doctors. 00:22:39.660 --> 00:22:40.680 But it's been to no good. 00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:41.660 No help at all. 00:22:43.860 --> 00:22:44.400 She's unclean. 00:22:44.400 --> 00:22:45.000 Unclean. 00:22:46.460 --> 00:22:48.480 And she touches Jesus' garment. 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:50.280 And she is made clean. 00:22:52.580 --> 00:22:54.220 And when Jesus teaches. 00:22:54.780 --> 00:22:55.759 Mark tells us that. 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:57.360 Jesus taught with authority. 00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:58.900 Not like the religious leaders of the day. 00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.480 And they say. 00:22:59.580 --> 00:23:00.780 No one ever taught like this man. 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:04.660 He demonstrates his power. 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:05.759 He shows. 00:23:06.560 --> 00:23:07.600 His mastery. 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:11.180 He lives the life. 00:23:11.320 --> 00:23:12.680 Of a real man. 00:23:12.820 --> 00:23:13.680 He is the hero. 00:23:13.680 --> 00:23:15.299 He is the last Adam. 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:16.580 He is truly man. 00:23:16.860 --> 00:23:18.039 And truly God. 00:23:18.400 --> 00:23:19.640 But I don't know whether you've noticed. 00:23:20.380 --> 00:23:21.120 The hero. 00:23:21.539 --> 00:23:22.820 Must often die. 00:23:23.340 --> 00:23:24.680 To win the freedom of his beloved. 00:23:26.860 --> 00:23:28.080 So think of Braveheart. 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:29.640 If you've not seen it. 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:30.720 You're seeing kind of all. 00:23:30.860 --> 00:23:32.840 Kind of how culturally relevant I am. 00:23:32.960 --> 00:23:33.220 You know. 00:23:34.100 --> 00:23:35.320 But think of William Wallace. 00:23:35.440 --> 00:23:36.340 It's a great film. 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:37.460 Lovely for children. 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:39.279 He's slowly. 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:40.700 And brutally tortured. 00:23:41.920 --> 00:23:43.220 For daring to oppose. 00:23:43.220 --> 00:23:43.819 A wicked king. 00:23:44.819 --> 00:23:45.759 He's executed. 00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:46.839 And yet his death. 00:23:46.839 --> 00:23:47.779 Breaks the grip. 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:49.539 That darkness has held over Scotland. 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.180 Think of Aslan. 00:23:52.200 --> 00:23:53.319 He dies upon. 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.519 The stone table. 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.720 For the traitor Edmund. 00:23:55.839 --> 00:23:57.259 And for all of Narnia. 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:58.440 Think of Maximus. 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.220 In gladiator. 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:00.720 He dies in the arena. 00:24:00.860 --> 00:24:02.519 To win the freedom of his friends. 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:04.079 And all of Rome. 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:05.120 They are pictures. 00:24:05.120 --> 00:24:05.600 Aren't they? 00:24:05.860 --> 00:24:06.279 Hints. 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:07.259 Echoes. 00:24:08.140 --> 00:24:08.620 Unknowingly. 00:24:08.619 --> 00:24:09.719 Of a greater sacrifice. 00:24:11.139 --> 00:24:12.219 The son of man. 00:24:12.339 --> 00:24:13.479 Came to give his life. 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:14.419 As a ransom for many. 00:24:15.839 --> 00:24:17.039 God warned us. 00:24:17.379 --> 00:24:18.379 Back in the garden. 00:24:18.519 --> 00:24:19.739 That the price of our mistrust. 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:20.679 And our disobedience. 00:24:20.859 --> 00:24:21.419 Would be death. 00:24:21.479 --> 00:24:22.539 Not just physical death. 00:24:22.639 --> 00:24:23.559 But spiritual death. 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:26.279 To be separated from God. 00:24:26.399 --> 00:24:26.939 And life. 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:27.839 And all the beauty. 00:24:28.119 --> 00:24:28.739 And intimacy. 00:24:29.019 --> 00:24:30.000 And adventure forever. 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:32.259 By an act of our free will. 00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:33.039 In Adam. 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:35.359 We became the hostages. 00:24:35.359 --> 00:24:36.379 Of the kingdom of darkness. 00:24:36.379 --> 00:24:36.859 And death. 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:37.980 And so we need rescuing. 00:24:40.659 --> 00:24:41.920 Jesus tells a story. 00:24:42.079 --> 00:24:42.379 Doesn't he? 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:43.819 So familiar to us. 00:24:44.319 --> 00:24:45.659 That sheds light on his coming. 00:24:46.200 --> 00:24:47.799 That if a man owes a hundred sheep. 00:24:47.859 --> 00:24:48.879 And one of them wanders away. 00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:50.359 Will he not leave the ninety-nine. 00:24:50.680 --> 00:24:51.519 On the hillside. 00:24:51.599 --> 00:24:52.680 And go and look for the one. 00:24:55.359 --> 00:24:56.180 It's a rescue. 00:24:58.099 --> 00:24:59.279 And so historically speaking. 00:24:59.420 --> 00:25:01.019 Jesus is betrayed by his followers. 00:25:01.440 --> 00:25:02.619 Handed over to the Romans. 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:04.000 By the Jewish religious leaders. 00:25:04.179 --> 00:25:04.659 And crucified. 00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:06.659 But there's a much greater story going on. 00:25:06.719 --> 00:25:07.019 Isn't there? 00:25:08.839 --> 00:25:09.359 Unfolding. 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:10.959 In that death. 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:13.000 Christ gave his life. 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:14.079 To defeat evil. 00:25:15.199 --> 00:25:16.459 To pay the price. 00:25:17.019 --> 00:25:17.559 For our betrayal. 00:25:19.199 --> 00:25:20.579 He has delivered us. 00:25:20.679 --> 00:25:21.699 From the domain of darkness. 00:25:21.859 --> 00:25:22.659 And transferred us. 00:25:22.959 --> 00:25:24.259 To the kingdom of his beloved son. 00:25:24.319 --> 00:25:25.519 In whom we have redemption. 00:25:25.639 --> 00:25:26.519 The forgiveness of sins. 00:25:27.219 --> 00:25:28.339 He gives himself. 00:25:28.619 --> 00:25:29.399 So that we might be free. 00:25:30.399 --> 00:25:31.419 He becomes poor. 00:25:31.420 --> 00:25:32.800 So that you might become rich. 00:25:33.800 --> 00:25:35.539 He takes our curse. 00:25:36.460 --> 00:25:37.940 So that you might know his blessing. 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:39.700 He takes your death. 00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:40.980 So that you might know life. 00:25:42.400 --> 00:25:43.519 And this is echoed. 00:25:43.580 --> 00:25:43.800 Isn't it? 00:25:43.860 --> 00:25:44.400 In so. 00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:45.539 So many films. 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:48.380 On Friday night. 00:25:48.380 --> 00:25:49.000 As a family. 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:50.220 We watched the film. 00:25:50.360 --> 00:25:51.140 Inside Out. 00:25:51.800 --> 00:25:52.680 I don't know whether you know it. 00:25:53.060 --> 00:25:54.300 It's a very profound film. 00:25:54.420 --> 00:25:55.240 It's about kind of. 00:25:55.880 --> 00:25:56.400 Emotions. 00:25:56.660 --> 00:25:57.680 Inside of little kids. 00:25:57.680 --> 00:25:58.900 It's quite good actually. 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:00.980 And so. 00:26:01.160 --> 00:26:02.100 Through a series of events. 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:03.299 That are too long to explain. 00:26:03.779 --> 00:26:05.259 And the character of joy. 00:26:06.039 --> 00:26:07.000 In Inside Out. 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:09.799 Is stuck with Bing Bong. 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.460 In the place. 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:14.180 Called Memory Dump. 00:26:15.560 --> 00:26:16.740 Both characters. 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:18.320 Risk being lost. 00:26:18.580 --> 00:26:18.900 Forever. 00:26:20.340 --> 00:26:21.080 And disappearing. 00:26:21.079 --> 00:26:23.859 So all joy. 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:24.779 Will be gone. 00:26:24.899 --> 00:26:25.460 For this old girl. 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:28.299 But Bing Bong. 00:26:29.899 --> 00:26:30.259 Selflessly. 00:26:30.579 --> 00:26:31.439 Gives his life. 00:26:32.279 --> 00:26:32.759 So that joy. 00:26:32.839 --> 00:26:33.279 Will be rescued. 00:26:33.419 --> 00:26:33.559 If you. 00:26:33.639 --> 00:26:34.460 If the kids have seen it. 00:26:34.539 --> 00:26:34.960 If you. 00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:35.480 If you know the film. 00:26:35.539 --> 00:26:35.759 Awesome. 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:36.039 On it. 00:26:38.919 --> 00:26:39.799 And so. 00:26:40.399 --> 00:26:41.379 It is just. 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:42.000 A faint picture. 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:42.559 That we see. 00:26:42.859 --> 00:26:43.220 Again. 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:43.960 And again. 00:26:44.279 --> 00:26:44.799 And again. 00:26:44.919 --> 00:26:45.259 Don't we. 00:26:45.259 --> 00:26:47.299 Of somebody. 00:26:47.460 --> 00:26:48.240 Giving their life. 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:49.140 So that someone else. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:49.599 Will live. 00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:54.019 Little Jesus. 00:26:54.160 --> 00:26:54.839 Gives himself. 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:55.900 So that we might live. 00:26:57.599 --> 00:26:57.920 The life. 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:58.379 I live. 00:26:58.799 --> 00:26:59.680 In the flesh. 00:26:59.879 --> 00:27:00.039 I live. 00:27:00.980 --> 00:27:01.799 I live. 00:27:02.259 --> 00:27:03.099 By faith. 00:27:03.200 --> 00:27:03.980 In the son of God. 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:05.240 Who loved me. 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:06.099 And gave himself. 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:06.740 For me. 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:10.000 In a film. 00:27:10.359 --> 00:27:10.779 When. 00:27:11.660 --> 00:27:12.539 A person dies. 00:27:12.539 --> 00:27:13.339 To win freedom. 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:14.619 For others. 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:15.160 What happens. 00:27:15.259 --> 00:27:16.180 There's a hush. 00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:16.819 Often. 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:18.460 They might be screaming. 00:27:18.579 --> 00:27:19.140 But there's a hush. 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:19.740 On the screen. 00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:21.660 People are speechless. 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:24.059 When William Wallace. 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:24.960 Dies in Braveheart. 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:26.279 When Maximus. 00:27:26.279 --> 00:27:27.039 Dies in Gladiator. 00:27:27.119 --> 00:27:27.700 When Boromir. 00:27:28.460 --> 00:27:29.559 Dies in Lord of the Rings. 00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:31.440 And something. 00:27:31.519 --> 00:27:32.000 Of immense. 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:32.720 Significance. 00:27:32.839 --> 00:27:33.180 Has happened. 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:33.740 In the film. 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:35.640 There's a hush. 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:36.440 There's a silence. 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:40.839 At the cross. 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:41.579 At the death. 00:27:41.660 --> 00:27:42.299 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:27:42.680 --> 00:27:43.359 A centurion. 00:27:43.500 --> 00:27:43.839 Points. 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:44.619 To the man. 00:27:44.619 --> 00:27:45.099 On the cross. 00:27:45.219 --> 00:27:45.439 And said. 00:27:45.539 --> 00:27:45.779 Truly. 00:27:45.939 --> 00:27:46.439 This man. 00:27:46.979 --> 00:27:47.839 Is the son of God. 00:27:50.239 --> 00:27:51.039 There's a silence. 00:27:51.159 --> 00:27:51.479 Saturday. 00:27:53.279 --> 00:27:54.179 But Sunday morning. 00:27:54.239 --> 00:27:54.819 At first light. 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:55.759 The stone. 00:27:56.119 --> 00:27:56.959 Guarding the tomb. 00:27:57.399 --> 00:27:58.679 Of that crucified man. 00:27:58.819 --> 00:27:59.599 Is rolled away. 00:27:59.679 --> 00:28:00.179 And there are folded. 00:28:00.179 --> 00:28:00.799 Grave clothes. 00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.799 Because death. 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:01.799 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:05.299 Because death. 00:28:05.419 --> 00:28:05.879 Has been defeated. 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:06.399 And the price. 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:06.940 Has been paid. 00:28:08.159 --> 00:28:08.879 And the dead. 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:09.559 Has been satisfied. 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:10.099 And the victory. 00:28:10.240 --> 00:28:10.559 Is won. 00:28:11.460 --> 00:28:12.200 And the people. 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:12.700 Are redeemed. 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:15.220 And the serpent. 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:15.819 Has been crushed. 00:28:16.700 --> 00:28:17.559 And the dragon. 00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:18.180 Is defeated. 00:28:18.180 --> 00:28:19.319 So he gets the girl. 00:28:19.879 --> 00:28:20.759 The bride of Christ. 00:28:21.419 --> 00:28:22.879 He is the victorious king. 00:28:22.880 --> 00:28:27.500 In Narnia. 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:30.900 When they arrive. 00:28:31.900 --> 00:28:33.420 The children are told. 00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:35.440 Two very different stories. 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:36.220 About Aslan. 00:28:36.440 --> 00:28:36.840 The lion. 00:28:38.280 --> 00:28:38.880 And they're told. 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:40.080 One story by the white witch. 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:41.500 And the other. 00:28:41.620 --> 00:28:42.280 By Mr. Beaver. 00:28:43.560 --> 00:28:44.940 And they have to work out. 00:28:45.040 --> 00:28:45.700 Which is true. 00:28:47.100 --> 00:28:48.220 They have to pick a side. 00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:51.259 And so tonight. 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:52.400 You have to look. 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:53.100 At the stories. 00:28:53.100 --> 00:28:54.120 That you live. 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:55.000 The stories that you see. 00:28:55.059 --> 00:28:56.240 The story that you've been told tonight. 00:28:56.339 --> 00:28:57.180 And you have to pick. 00:28:57.660 --> 00:28:58.039 A side. 00:28:59.700 --> 00:29:00.640 Are you going to live. 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:02.000 By the greatest story. 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:04.600 Which story. 00:29:04.600 --> 00:29:05.900 Are you going to believe in. 00:29:06.880 --> 00:29:07.860 Which story. 00:29:08.120 --> 00:29:09.319 Are you going to live by. 00:29:13.960 --> 00:29:15.120 One final illustration. 00:29:16.700 --> 00:29:17.799 The saving private Ryan. 00:29:18.220 --> 00:29:19.779 There's this remarkable. 00:29:20.100 --> 00:29:20.799 Film really. 00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:21.299 About them. 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:22.539 Pursuing this soldier. 00:29:22.660 --> 00:29:23.140 Private Ryan. 00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:25.740 And Captain Miller. 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:27.740 Who's led the search. 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:28.440 For him. 00:29:29.319 --> 00:29:30.319 Is dying on the bridge. 00:29:30.440 --> 00:29:31.100 And he says. 00:29:31.200 --> 00:29:31.940 To Private Ryan. 00:29:32.960 --> 00:29:33.720 He says. 00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:34.460 Earn this. 00:29:35.299 --> 00:29:35.880 Earn this. 00:29:38.059 --> 00:29:39.440 Scene cuts to the end. 00:29:39.640 --> 00:29:40.740 Of Private Ryan's life. 00:29:41.180 --> 00:29:42.539 And Private Ryan. 00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:44.420 Is at Captain Miller's grave. 00:29:45.059 --> 00:29:46.400 It's a really moving scene. 00:29:46.400 --> 00:29:48.440 And he says to his wife. 00:29:49.640 --> 00:29:50.940 Tell me I'm a good man. 00:29:51.780 --> 00:29:52.940 Tell me I'm a good man. 00:29:54.840 --> 00:29:56.120 It's a brilliant film. 00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:58.060 But it's the exact opposite of the gospel. 00:29:59.340 --> 00:30:00.960 It's the exact opposite of the Lord Jesus. 00:30:03.060 --> 00:30:03.500 Tonight. 00:30:05.300 --> 00:30:06.680 You begin the Christian life. 00:30:06.840 --> 00:30:07.259 By admitting. 00:30:07.540 --> 00:30:08.100 I'm not a good man. 00:30:09.380 --> 00:30:10.400 And I'm not a good woman. 00:30:10.400 --> 00:30:13.280 And I don't deserve. 00:30:13.640 --> 00:30:14.259 Lord Jesus. 00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:15.060 What you've done for me. 00:30:15.780 --> 00:30:16.740 I don't deserve. 00:30:16.880 --> 00:30:17.700 That you entered. 00:30:17.880 --> 00:30:18.740 Into this story. 00:30:18.840 --> 00:30:19.519 To rescue me. 00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:22.800 Tell me I'm a good man. 00:30:23.200 --> 00:30:24.600 It's the exact opposite of the gospel. 00:30:26.360 --> 00:30:27.860 The gospel says to you. 00:30:28.380 --> 00:30:29.600 For God so loved the world. 00:30:31.220 --> 00:30:33.160 That he gave his one and only son. 00:30:34.360 --> 00:30:35.500 So that if you tonight. 00:30:35.600 --> 00:30:36.320 Will believe in him. 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.519 You will not perish. 00:30:37.640 --> 00:30:39.019 You can be rescued. 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:43.119 And have a general life. 00:30:45.019 --> 00:30:45.539 Let's pray.