WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.599 It was just last week that we passed our one year of being up here, so if you said a year ago, 00:00:08.859 --> 00:00:14.460 this is where we would be, I would think you're crazy. 00:00:16.219 --> 00:00:22.600 You know, we're meeting in Sean's apartment, and we had a small group, and preaching, I just 00:00:22.600 --> 00:00:29.960 wanted to help, preaching really wasn't on my radar, God's funny like that, but God 00:00:29.960 --> 00:00:35.020 has a plan for each one of us, and he weaves those plans together, and so I appreciate 00:00:35.020 --> 00:00:40.460 you guys for being on mission with us, and for us being able to take on this mission that 00:00:40.460 --> 00:00:44.280 God has together, so thank you all for joining me as well. 00:00:45.340 --> 00:00:50.960 This morning as we go through chapter 16, we're going to be looking at three points, and that's 00:00:50.960 --> 00:00:58.219 going to be the plan, the purpose, and the power, and what John wants us to walk away 00:00:58.219 --> 00:01:05.179 with from this chapter is that true belief in Jesus comes with the benefits of unshakable 00:01:05.179 --> 00:01:12.280 joy and unshakable peace, unspeakable joy and unshakable peace, so that's what we get when 00:01:12.280 --> 00:01:17.299 we believe in Jesus, and it was awesome to sing the songs we had this morning because 00:01:17.299 --> 00:01:24.379 it was like everyone was just reinforcing that belief, so thanks, Taylor, for picking those 00:01:24.379 --> 00:01:27.699 out, that was helpful to me just ahead of time getting ready. 00:01:30.759 --> 00:01:37.099 When I was younger, a lot younger, before I was a teenager, there were several conversations 00:01:37.099 --> 00:01:45.399 that our family had, and they started out something like this, well boys, it looks like we're going 00:01:45.400 --> 00:01:50.940 to be moving, and you know, as little boys, the first initial was like, what? 00:01:52.040 --> 00:01:56.719 Mom and dad had been talking about it, but we didn't, so you know, when we learned, it was 00:01:56.719 --> 00:02:02.840 already happening, so we were shocked, and then what would follow would be, as you can 00:02:02.840 --> 00:02:07.100 imagine, a landslide of questions like, where are we moving? 00:02:07.340 --> 00:02:08.140 When are we moving? 00:02:08.379 --> 00:02:09.180 Do we have a house? 00:02:09.259 --> 00:02:09.920 How big is it? 00:02:09.980 --> 00:02:10.520 Do we have a yard? 00:02:10.620 --> 00:02:11.560 Do I get my own room? 00:02:12.240 --> 00:02:13.460 Do I have to change schools? 00:02:13.460 --> 00:02:13.580 Do I have to change schools? 00:02:14.200 --> 00:02:20.939 Which happened a lot, but as you can imagine, there would be a lot going on in a child's 00:02:20.939 --> 00:02:26.600 mind going through these, and after all the questions we're asked, you go through a period 00:02:26.600 --> 00:02:34.200 where, you know, you're talking to your siblings, your brothers about what's going to take place, 00:02:34.740 --> 00:02:40.040 but then there's also some sad time where you just, you get alone, and you think about what's 00:02:40.039 --> 00:02:45.780 going to change, what you're going to gain, and what you're going to lose by moving, and 00:02:45.780 --> 00:02:51.280 you know, in our case as a family, we had comfort in knowing that we were moving together. 00:02:51.899 --> 00:02:57.959 Whatever heartache or blessing we were getting, we were doing it together, and as we look at 00:02:57.959 --> 00:03:01.939 this chapter this morning, we see the disciples' case is a little different. 00:03:02.060 --> 00:03:03.560 They're not going with Jesus. 00:03:03.560 --> 00:03:10.360 Jesus is going away, and so they have a lot of the questions that we did moving, but they 00:03:10.360 --> 00:03:13.300 don't see any of the positives, and that's what they're struggling with here. 00:03:15.099 --> 00:03:19.159 You know, all the ways that the disciples knew Jesus were physical. 00:03:20.020 --> 00:03:26.460 You know, there wasn't a place, a website, or any books that you could go and read about 00:03:26.460 --> 00:03:27.840 Jesus and really know him. 00:03:27.840 --> 00:03:33.340 So to know him meant to be with him and to learn from him, and that's what the disciples 00:03:33.340 --> 00:03:34.180 had been doing. 00:03:34.800 --> 00:03:36.780 You know, they shared meals with him. 00:03:36.900 --> 00:03:37.840 They witnessed miracles. 00:03:38.699 --> 00:03:43.920 They heard his teaching, and for three and a half years, they followed him, and they knew 00:03:43.920 --> 00:03:48.719 him, and so now he's talking about going away and not being with him anymore. 00:03:49.159 --> 00:03:54.379 So as you can imagine, this is a pretty difficult time for them. 00:03:54.379 --> 00:03:58.599 And so what I'd like to do is open up starting in verse four. 00:04:00.579 --> 00:04:02.379 We'll start there and go through. 00:04:03.359 --> 00:04:08.099 There's a lot packed into this chapter, and there's a lot of verses or phrases that I think 00:04:08.099 --> 00:04:11.960 are a little difficult to understand, but they're not very complex. 00:04:12.120 --> 00:04:16.259 So we're going to take some time to look a little bit of those as we go through those 00:04:16.259 --> 00:04:22.759 three points, and hopefully in the end, we'll come with agreement that true belief in Jesus 00:04:22.759 --> 00:04:27.539 comes with the benefits of unspeakable joy and unshakable peace. 00:04:28.339 --> 00:04:29.759 So verse four this morning. 00:04:29.759 --> 00:04:35.339 You know, one thing that jumped out to me as I was reading that verse was when he said, 00:04:35.339 --> 00:04:45.359 none of you has asked where I was going. 00:04:45.360 --> 00:04:59.879 You know, one thing that jumped out to me as I was reading that verse was when he says, 00:04:59.939 --> 00:05:01.420 none of you has asked where I was going. 00:05:02.420 --> 00:05:06.639 I struggled with it a little bit because it was just earlier that Peter said, Lord, where 00:05:06.639 --> 00:05:07.160 are you going? 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:09.639 So that doesn't make sense to me. 00:05:09.639 --> 00:05:14.659 But I think what helps us see that that's not a contradiction is one of two things. 00:05:14.740 --> 00:05:20.099 One is Jesus says it in a present tense form. 00:05:20.579 --> 00:05:25.439 So by saying, none of you has asked me, he's not referring to before Peter said it, some 00:05:25.439 --> 00:05:28.639 things took place, and now nobody said it. 00:05:28.740 --> 00:05:31.060 He sees Jesus saying, nobody has asked me. 00:05:31.560 --> 00:05:32.539 That's one thought. 00:05:32.540 --> 00:05:42.620 But the other thought, which I tend to believe, is that Jesus is seeing the overall response 00:05:42.620 --> 00:05:44.800 of the group, and that is a non-response. 00:05:45.660 --> 00:05:47.160 Peter says, where are you going? 00:05:47.240 --> 00:05:48.580 But nobody else says anything. 00:05:48.720 --> 00:05:49.980 It's like they don't want to know. 00:05:50.580 --> 00:05:52.379 Nobody is curious where I'm going. 00:05:53.220 --> 00:05:59.640 It would be, as an example, if I told my family, hey, tonight we're going to somewhere new for 00:05:59.640 --> 00:05:59.900 dinner. 00:05:59.899 --> 00:06:03.459 Obviously, somebody might say, hey, where are we going? 00:06:03.859 --> 00:06:09.000 But if I just kind of gave them a broad response and didn't really give them a good answer, 00:06:09.659 --> 00:06:14.539 and then nobody said anything, and hours go by, we drive there, nobody says, hey, where 00:06:14.539 --> 00:06:14.919 are we going? 00:06:15.239 --> 00:06:15.879 What are we eating? 00:06:16.039 --> 00:06:16.839 When are we getting there? 00:06:17.139 --> 00:06:19.919 That would be odd, especially for a few of my kids who love food. 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:25.139 But it would make sense for me to say, what? 00:06:25.419 --> 00:06:26.939 Nobody wants to know where we're going? 00:06:26.939 --> 00:06:31.240 Because overall, no one seems to be interested in asking that question. 00:06:31.699 --> 00:06:37.579 So I think in their sadness and thinking about themselves, they're not thinking about what's 00:06:37.579 --> 00:06:41.139 taking place in Jesus' life and the overall plan. 00:06:41.139 --> 00:06:46.919 So why is God even, or Jesus even asking this question? 00:06:47.599 --> 00:06:49.399 He does seem to make a point of it. 00:06:49.479 --> 00:06:51.240 So it must be for a reason. 00:06:51.740 --> 00:06:55.839 And the reason of that is because Jesus wants them to look past themselves. 00:06:56.180 --> 00:07:01.439 And he wants them to see the magnitude of where he's going and what's about to take place. 00:07:01.439 --> 00:07:06.259 Jesus knows that they're going to be filled with sadness and sorrow. 00:07:07.899 --> 00:07:12.579 But he wants them to see that he's going to the Father and everything that that's going 00:07:12.579 --> 00:07:15.060 to mean to them as a result of that. 00:07:15.540 --> 00:07:16.939 So let's look at verse 7. 00:07:16.939 --> 00:07:20.819 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. 00:07:21.240 --> 00:07:23.219 It is to your advantage that I go away. 00:07:23.879 --> 00:07:27.319 For if I do not go away, the helper will not come to you. 00:07:27.399 --> 00:07:29.660 But if I go, I will send him to you. 00:07:29.779 --> 00:07:34.560 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. 00:07:35.159 --> 00:07:37.779 Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me. 00:07:37.980 --> 00:07:42.439 Concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you will see me no longer. 00:07:43.259 --> 00:07:46.439 Concerning judgment, because the ruler of the world is judged. 00:07:46.939 --> 00:07:47.939 Concerning sin, because the ruler of the world is judged. 00:07:47.939 --> 00:07:48.939 Concerning sin, because the ruler of the world is judged. 00:07:48.939 --> 00:07:55.759 If Jesus had talked to his disciples, hadn't talked to his disciples already, this would 00:07:55.759 --> 00:07:57.500 easily be confusing to them. 00:07:58.600 --> 00:08:03.120 They've known Jesus in the flesh, and now he's talking about leaving, and now he's talking 00:08:03.120 --> 00:08:03.819 about a helper. 00:08:04.300 --> 00:08:09.319 He's tried to walk them through, but they're saying, seeing this is like, what do you mean 00:08:09.319 --> 00:08:10.079 by a helper? 00:08:10.819 --> 00:08:16.920 Isn't having you in the flesh better than having someone we don't know come in and help us? 00:08:17.140 --> 00:08:19.480 It's just not making sense to them yet. 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:27.020 But if we remember that Jesus has already shared with them up to this point, they should have 00:08:27.020 --> 00:08:29.000 a little bit of a better idea of what's going on. 00:08:29.580 --> 00:08:34.860 But for us, I just want to review a little bit so that we get a hold of what they should 00:08:34.860 --> 00:08:36.259 have gotten a hold of already. 00:08:36.259 --> 00:08:45.340 It's like in verse 7, when it says, I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that 00:08:45.340 --> 00:08:46.080 I go away. 00:08:46.720 --> 00:08:50.019 Because if I don't, the helper can't come. 00:08:50.019 --> 00:08:56.199 Jesus must ascend before the helper can descend. 00:08:58.159 --> 00:09:05.259 And if we were to look back at chapter 14 and verse 16, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit another 00:09:05.259 --> 00:09:07.659 helper, meaning like Jesus himself. 00:09:08.220 --> 00:09:13.840 Except this helper will be better, better in the sense that all believers will be able 00:09:13.840 --> 00:09:15.580 to have access to him at all times. 00:09:16.100 --> 00:09:23.160 Jesus, while he was God in human form, he was still limited to being with one person 00:09:23.160 --> 00:09:25.840 or one group of people at any one time. 00:09:25.840 --> 00:09:32.220 So when the Holy Spirit comes, he's able to be available to all believers anywhere all 00:09:32.220 --> 00:09:32.899 over the world. 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:41.019 So the difference between that is just, it's remarkable. 00:09:41.200 --> 00:09:43.680 But the disciples, they don't know that. 00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:46.639 It's easier for us to say that because we see it, but they don't. 00:09:48.280 --> 00:09:53.300 In addition, Jesus alone had the fullness of spirit during his ministry. 00:09:53.299 --> 00:09:55.120 No one else had the spirit. 00:09:55.819 --> 00:09:59.399 At certain times, we see that prophets or certain people were filled with the spirit. 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:03.000 But overall, there wasn't the spirit that was in each believer. 00:10:03.759 --> 00:10:09.000 And with the coming of the spirit after Jesus goes away and returns to the Father, we see 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:13.419 that there's, especially in Acts, when the church starts to break open, there's this unprecedented 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:16.139 outpouring of the spirit on believers. 00:10:16.500 --> 00:10:19.479 And that can't happen until Jesus goes back to his father. 00:10:19.480 --> 00:10:24.060 And that's what he wants the disciples to see. 00:10:24.180 --> 00:10:29.399 It's what he wants us to see today as well because of what that means in our lives. 00:10:29.860 --> 00:10:32.860 So our first point this morning is the plan. 00:10:34.180 --> 00:10:36.940 Let's look at verse 8. 00:10:37.039 --> 00:10:39.320 Speaking of the helper, Jesus says, 00:10:39.320 --> 00:11:06.160 Now, to get an idea or exactly to know what the helper is being sent to do, there's a few 00:11:06.159 --> 00:11:10.059 of those phrases that I think it's helpful to unpack. 00:11:11.699 --> 00:11:13.179 The first part, he says, 00:11:13.240 --> 00:11:17.539 He will convict the world concerning sin because they do not believe in me. 00:11:18.339 --> 00:11:25.719 So we know from previously that Jewish opponents accused Jesus of being a sinner. 00:11:26.199 --> 00:11:31.279 They were looking for ways to have him put in prison, to have him killed. 00:11:31.279 --> 00:11:35.459 And it started from the beginning. 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:38.419 They accused him of not keeping the Sabbath. 00:11:39.019 --> 00:11:44.699 And in the end, they went as far as to say that he was a sinner and working with the devil. 00:11:46.299 --> 00:11:53.860 Which is ironic because their guilt before God is rejecting the very one who came to save 00:11:53.860 --> 00:11:54.939 him that they're calling a sinner. 00:11:54.940 --> 00:12:00.820 So the first thing that the Spirit will do is to convict the world for not believing in Jesus. 00:12:01.440 --> 00:12:06.680 Secondly, it says the helper will convict the world concerning righteousness because I go to the 00:12:06.680 --> 00:12:08.880 Father and you will see me no longer. 00:12:10.220 --> 00:12:15.200 And what he means is that since he's going to the Father, he's not going to be able to teach the 00:12:15.200 --> 00:12:16.860 world true righteousness anymore. 00:12:16.940 --> 00:12:17.500 He won't be here. 00:12:17.580 --> 00:12:18.440 There won't be a teacher. 00:12:19.240 --> 00:12:23.240 But the Holy Spirit will come and continue that work in his place. 00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:28.659 It seems a little odd because the Holy Spirit isn't a person, a form that we saw Jesus in. 00:12:28.740 --> 00:12:30.360 So how is that going to take place? 00:12:30.919 --> 00:12:34.120 And we actually get that answered in verses 13 to 15. 00:12:35.980 --> 00:12:39.960 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. 00:12:40.379 --> 00:12:44.259 For he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears, he will speak. 00:12:44.720 --> 00:12:47.419 And he will declare to you the things that are to come. 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:52.100 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 00:12:52.100 --> 00:12:54.480 All that the Father has is mine. 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:58.340 Therefore, I say that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 00:12:59.420 --> 00:13:05.300 So the helper or the Spirit teaches and convicts us through the word of God and through personal 00:13:05.300 --> 00:13:06.000 illumination. 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:12.600 He also uses other believers to bring a word of conviction or a word of teaching to us as well. 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:19.980 So we see that the Spirit works in us personally and also through corporately through the church. 00:13:19.980 --> 00:13:30.460 It's helpful for us to see here that the Spirit does always only speak what he hears from the Father and through Jesus. 00:13:30.460 --> 00:13:39.280 It's important because we use those as tests to prove what is right and what is wrong in the world. 00:13:39.280 --> 00:13:46.300 More in the area of false preachers or false speakers or people who are bringing a word that could sound good, 00:13:46.860 --> 00:13:48.860 but can also lead us away from Christ. 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:53.680 In 1 John 4, 1-3, John says, 00:13:53.759 --> 00:13:59.240 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:02.460 For many false prophets have gone out into the world. 00:14:03.159 --> 00:14:04.840 By this you know the Spirit of God. 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:10.080 Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. 00:14:10.580 --> 00:14:14.080 And every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. 00:14:14.080 --> 00:14:20.540 This is the Spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 00:14:21.620 --> 00:14:26.120 So the Holy Spirit never convicts the Father's revealed word. 00:14:26.420 --> 00:14:31.280 He never contradicts Jesus in any way. 00:14:31.420 --> 00:14:34.540 His work or what he did as a person here on earth. 00:14:35.460 --> 00:14:39.160 So if there's anything that doesn't line up with that, that doesn't confess that, 00:14:39.520 --> 00:14:41.220 that's a false or an evil spirit. 00:14:41.220 --> 00:14:49.160 So that's helpful to us as we, especially in this age when it's so easy to find other preachers, 00:14:49.320 --> 00:14:52.879 to hear other sermons, to read good biblical books. 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:54.779 It's easy for us to know. 00:14:55.320 --> 00:14:58.300 You know, I just automatically think of like the prosperity gospel. 00:14:58.639 --> 00:15:00.100 There's a lot of good stuff that's in there. 00:15:00.460 --> 00:15:05.100 It's not all bad, but it can quite easily lead you off course and away from Christ. 00:15:05.420 --> 00:15:09.899 So that would be, this test would be easy to help in that. 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:13.500 So let's look back at the last section there in verse 8. 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:18.399 It says that the Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning judgment 00:15:18.399 --> 00:15:21.059 because the ruler of this world is judged. 00:15:22.079 --> 00:15:24.319 The ruler here he's speaking of is Satan. 00:15:25.539 --> 00:15:32.059 So the world is wrong about judgment because Satan, the prince of this world, now stands condemned. 00:15:32.059 --> 00:15:35.459 This section took me a little longer to get my head around. 00:15:35.559 --> 00:15:39.939 It just didn't seem like it quite made sense. 00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:43.219 So I just wrestled with it. 00:15:43.439 --> 00:15:47.279 That's fun at sometimes, just to dig in. 00:15:47.279 --> 00:15:51.279 So I encourage you to do that. 00:15:51.699 --> 00:15:56.860 If you get to a passage in your devotions and it just doesn't make sense and you're wrestling with it, 00:15:57.459 --> 00:15:58.120 wrestle back. 00:15:58.860 --> 00:16:00.059 Take some time to meditate. 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:01.379 Come back to it the next day. 00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:02.000 Pray over. 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:02.980 Find a commentary. 00:16:03.439 --> 00:16:05.339 There's a lot of resources, but dig into it. 00:16:05.340 --> 00:16:15.560 But what is going on here is the world that we live in, they judge wrongly, right? 00:16:16.399 --> 00:16:22.780 The truth that they say that they have or the truth that's out there is not the right truth. 00:16:23.200 --> 00:16:25.500 They judge things and it's wrong. 00:16:25.940 --> 00:16:31.139 They judge us if we're doing what God calls us to do and they would say that's wrong. 00:16:31.139 --> 00:16:35.559 So things that used to be one way, they now say are something else. 00:16:38.179 --> 00:16:40.899 And that is all being run by Satan. 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:43.319 Satan is the ruler of this world right now. 00:16:43.659 --> 00:16:45.559 And Satan stands condemned. 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:54.299 So if we live in a world that is judging wrongly because it's being ruled by someone who is condemned, 00:16:54.620 --> 00:16:57.559 that should give us a little bit of hope, a little bit of peace, 00:16:57.559 --> 00:17:03.539 knowing that we should expect those things to happen because the person in control, 00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:05.619 and I say in control because he's not really in control, 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:08.259 but right now God is letting him run with the world, 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:13.019 the person in control is condemned, has already been defeated, 00:17:13.200 --> 00:17:14.139 and has already been overcome. 00:17:15.579 --> 00:17:19.399 So hopefully that helps to make sense for that section for you this morning. 00:17:19.400 --> 00:17:26.120 So we see from those three areas that the helper is coming to teach about true righteousness. 00:17:26.400 --> 00:17:30.340 He's also come to convict, and that's the plan. 00:17:31.220 --> 00:17:33.840 So the next section we're going to look at is the purpose. 00:17:35.340 --> 00:17:39.940 We see in the beginning of this section that disciples really don't have an idea. 00:17:41.620 --> 00:17:43.300 In verse 16, Jesus says, 00:17:43.299 --> 00:17:53.059 And again, we see the disciples kind of struggling with what that means. 00:17:53.119 --> 00:17:54.440 What does he mean a little while? 00:17:55.619 --> 00:17:59.339 But notice that they don't ask Jesus what he means. 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:02.659 They ask one another, and it doesn't get very far. 00:18:02.660 --> 00:18:07.440 But Jesus, in all his patience and love, 00:18:07.759 --> 00:18:10.019 picks up on their questioning and says, 00:18:10.660 --> 00:18:15.120 Let me help you explain what it means when I say in a little while. 00:18:15.420 --> 00:18:17.800 Actually, it doesn't really tell them what that means 00:18:17.800 --> 00:18:22.300 because Jesus doesn't want them to focus on that. 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:23.180 That's not the issue. 00:18:28.180 --> 00:18:30.660 One thing I wanted to bring out, though, 00:18:30.660 --> 00:18:33.800 as we're thinking of that, disciples struggling with that question. 00:18:34.940 --> 00:18:36.380 How often do we do that? 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:39.360 You know, it's a simple question that they struggled with. 00:18:39.660 --> 00:18:41.880 That isn't what Jesus wanted them struggling with. 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:46.960 So how often do we find ourselves, when we're looking for answers, 00:18:47.540 --> 00:18:49.779 we ask ourselves instead of seeking God? 00:18:51.320 --> 00:18:55.779 So I would encourage you that if you come across times like that, 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:58.340 and you will, to humble yourself, 00:18:58.339 --> 00:19:03.539 to take a minute and seek the wisdom from God, 00:19:03.659 --> 00:19:06.539 and he will help with those questions that you're struggling with. 00:19:07.619 --> 00:19:10.480 But Jesus, knowing their struggles, just like he knows ours, 00:19:11.359 --> 00:19:13.480 wants to help them get past it, 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:14.459 and says to them, 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:16.500 Is this what you are asking yourselves, 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:18.899 what I mean by a little while and you will see me? 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:21.559 And again, in a little while you won't see me, 00:19:21.599 --> 00:19:22.899 and in a little while you will see me. 00:19:22.900 --> 00:19:29.100 And again, this isn't what Jesus wants them to be focused on. 00:19:29.180 --> 00:19:30.220 Let's look at verse 20. 00:19:30.800 --> 00:19:31.200 He says, 00:19:31.200 --> 00:20:00.279 Now I'm not going to pretend that I know what the pain of childbirth is like, 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:04.839 I know there's several women in this room who could tell you much better than I could, 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:07.720 but I can share a few things with you. 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:14.019 And that is, most of the time, it's pretty painful. 00:20:16.059 --> 00:20:17.420 I don't... 00:20:17.420 --> 00:20:19.160 See? 00:20:19.839 --> 00:20:20.879 First-hand account. 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:27.900 I don't know of any woman who would say that they enjoyed the pain aspect of childbirth. 00:20:29.040 --> 00:20:34.020 And the third thing is that the pain that a woman experiences is predictable, 00:20:34.820 --> 00:20:36.740 and that it follows an established order. 00:20:37.280 --> 00:20:40.200 There will be pain, and then a baby will be born. 00:20:41.260 --> 00:20:44.700 And once the baby is born, once mommy sees that the baby's okay, 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:47.700 she gets to hold the baby, there's this... 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:51.120 Sorry, I got to see it kind of recently. 00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:56.720 There's this emotional overflow of joy. 00:20:57.720 --> 00:21:00.640 There's happiness that is unexplainable to the mom. 00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:03.580 And it makes the pain worth it. 00:21:04.680 --> 00:21:05.700 It kind of makes it... 00:21:06.420 --> 00:21:08.019 The pain, I feel so bad. 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:09.740 Oh, it was bad. 00:21:09.740 --> 00:21:14.980 But the joy afterwards is so much greater than the pain. 00:21:15.819 --> 00:21:19.680 And this is the example that Jesus uses to help explain it to the disciples. 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:21.579 He tells the disciples, 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:23.120 Soon you will be sorrowful. 00:21:23.539 --> 00:21:26.460 Soon you will lament, and the world will rejoice. 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:29.620 Jesus here is referring to his death on the cross. 00:21:30.180 --> 00:21:31.779 But there will be an end. 00:21:32.620 --> 00:21:33.160 Jesus says, 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:35.380 I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:38.000 and no one will take that joy from you. 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:40.460 He's referring to his resurrection, 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:42.960 and the time afterwards when he comes back to see them, 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:46.839 and the joy that they had in realizing what is taking place. 00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:51.339 Then in verse 23 and 24, Jesus says, 00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:54.039 In that day you will ask nothing of me. 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:56.019 Truly, truly, I say to you, 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:58.180 whatever you ask of the Father in my name, 00:21:58.720 --> 00:22:00.059 he will give it to you. 00:22:00.460 --> 00:22:02.759 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:04.359 Ask, and you will receive, 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:06.500 that your joy may be full. 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:09.599 First we look at those verses, 00:22:09.599 --> 00:22:12.140 and wonder exactly what Jesus is talking about. 00:22:13.019 --> 00:22:15.519 And what does that have to do with the Holy Spirit? 00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:22.940 So, what I'd like to do is just explain a little bit, 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:24.539 when he uses the word ask. 00:22:26.339 --> 00:22:32.980 Leaning on some more better educated scholars than myself in the area of Greek, 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:36.099 when he says the word ask in these sentences, 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:37.339 he says it four times, 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:38.920 but they all don't mean the same word. 00:22:39.220 --> 00:22:40.440 They look the same to us, 00:22:40.559 --> 00:22:42.000 but in the Greek, 00:22:42.160 --> 00:22:43.680 there's actually a different word. 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:45.819 In the first sense, 00:22:46.099 --> 00:22:48.019 it's ask just in the general sense, 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:49.440 somebody's asking a question. 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:51.599 And in the other sense, 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:55.420 it's to bring a request to a superior. 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:58.300 And so, when we plug those in, 00:22:58.400 --> 00:23:00.980 we understand why the word ask is used, 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:03.580 because it's all asking that's going on, 00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:06.680 but it helps the passage make more sense. 00:23:07.340 --> 00:23:09.460 Looking at verse 23, 00:23:10.600 --> 00:23:12.539 in that day you will ask nothing of me. 00:23:13.460 --> 00:23:15.180 When Jesus is saying that after the resurrection, 00:23:15.620 --> 00:23:17.440 you're not simply going to ask me questions. 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:21.279 That's just not where things are going to be at that point. 00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:23.839 Truly, truly, I say to you, 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:25.799 whatever you ask of the Father, 00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:26.680 he will give you. 00:23:27.319 --> 00:23:31.180 The word ask here means to make a request to a superior. 00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:35.279 And then verse 24, 00:23:35.619 --> 00:23:37.779 until now you have asked nothing in my name. 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:41.039 Ask and you will receive that your joy may be full. 00:23:41.799 --> 00:23:42.960 So both of those times, 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:46.420 he's talking about making a request to someone great 00:23:46.420 --> 00:23:48.139 or someone superior to you. 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:50.740 And so he's telling them, 00:23:51.360 --> 00:23:53.860 you haven't made a request in my name up until now. 00:23:54.320 --> 00:23:56.500 You're not going to be asking those little questions anymore, 00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:59.120 but now you can make requests to the Father. 00:24:00.040 --> 00:24:01.700 And that's what I want you to do, 00:24:01.820 --> 00:24:03.900 so that your joy may be full. 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:07.600 So now the picture starts to become a little clearer, 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:09.220 and we can start to see the purpose. 00:24:10.160 --> 00:24:10.620 Jesus says, 00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.600 I'm going away, 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:13.540 and you will have sorrow and sadness, 00:24:13.820 --> 00:24:15.040 but I'm coming back, 00:24:15.080 --> 00:24:15.940 and you will rejoice. 00:24:15.940 --> 00:24:19.420 And that joy won't be taken away. 00:24:20.080 --> 00:24:21.840 You'll be able to pray to the Father. 00:24:22.220 --> 00:24:23.100 He will hear you. 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:24.340 Prayers will matter. 00:24:25.059 --> 00:24:27.960 You will see that there's a God that's working in the world 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:31.180 because of requests that we've brought to him. 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:32.799 And that's the purpose. 00:24:32.799 --> 00:24:38.200 So we've talked about the plan for the helper, 00:24:38.379 --> 00:24:40.259 which is to come and teach and convict, 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:43.720 and also the purpose of giving joy 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:46.159 and the ability to pray to the Father. 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.159 So from those, 00:24:48.259 --> 00:24:51.099 we can kind of see where that would lead us to our last point, 00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:53.379 and that is the power. 00:24:53.380 --> 00:25:01.040 Now, I struggled this week with this last point being power or peace. 00:25:01.200 --> 00:25:03.160 I didn't set out to make them all peas. 00:25:03.640 --> 00:25:05.720 That's just how it happened. 00:25:08.340 --> 00:25:12.660 I chose power because of the power we have 00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:16.600 from the peace that we've been given through Jesus Christ. 00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:21.559 But now I realize that each one of us, 00:25:21.599 --> 00:25:23.000 as we come here this morning, 00:25:23.179 --> 00:25:24.079 we all come, 00:25:24.779 --> 00:25:26.000 different things going on. 00:25:26.079 --> 00:25:27.299 We all come with different burdens. 00:25:27.939 --> 00:25:29.419 We all come with different struggles. 00:25:31.359 --> 00:25:34.779 So if you find yourself 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:38.319 worn down and in need of strengthening, 00:25:39.319 --> 00:25:41.439 if you're feeling like you're just losing the battle 00:25:41.439 --> 00:25:42.500 that keeps coming up, 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:46.279 maybe it's a struggle that seems like it doesn't end, 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:48.180 then I would say 00:25:48.180 --> 00:25:51.700 make power your title for this section. 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:55.359 But if you find that you were, 00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:59.759 you need comfort and encouragement, 00:26:00.839 --> 00:26:04.980 a peace that is not what this world is going to offer, 00:26:06.059 --> 00:26:09.339 then make peace your title for this section tonight. 00:26:09.339 --> 00:26:12.959 Because either one of those is right and good 00:26:12.959 --> 00:26:16.179 and find its remedies in the next few verses. 00:26:18.099 --> 00:26:20.859 And if you're not in either one of those positions, 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:23.299 if you're here because you've, 00:26:23.899 --> 00:26:25.899 and you've never accepted Jesus 00:26:25.899 --> 00:26:27.579 for what he's done for you, 00:26:28.899 --> 00:26:30.980 accepted that he's your savior, 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:35.119 then I want you to know the same power and peace 00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:36.759 that John is offering to us. 00:26:36.799 --> 00:26:37.959 He's offering to you as well. 00:26:39.339 --> 00:26:41.619 And it requires the same for everyone. 00:26:42.899 --> 00:26:44.980 It requires that we stop saving, 00:26:45.179 --> 00:26:46.439 trying to save ourselves, 00:26:46.639 --> 00:26:47.659 and we look to Jesus. 00:26:48.439 --> 00:26:49.720 We can't save ourselves. 00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:52.139 We have to believe in what he's done 00:26:52.139 --> 00:26:55.119 because he's the only one that could go 00:26:55.119 --> 00:26:57.819 as the perfect lamb to the cross 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:58.959 and die in our place. 00:27:00.659 --> 00:27:03.220 We needed to repent of being a sinner 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:04.619 because that's what we all are. 00:27:04.619 --> 00:27:08.500 And we need to trust that only through Jesus 00:27:08.500 --> 00:27:11.199 can we be made bright and whole before God. 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:15.079 So let's look at verse 25. 00:27:15.319 --> 00:27:18.219 As we think about that peace and that power, 00:27:19.119 --> 00:27:20.459 and where you find that this morning, 00:27:21.179 --> 00:27:22.719 he says in verse 25, 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:25.640 I have said these things to you in figures of speech. 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:29.579 The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you 00:27:29.579 --> 00:27:30.660 in figures of speech, 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:32.740 but will tell you plainly about the Father. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:40.240 Although we don't see John saying this, 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:42.180 I think at this point the disciples are like, 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:44.700 yes, he's going to talk normal. 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:47.019 Like, no more of this double talk. 00:27:47.579 --> 00:27:49.359 I mean, we kind of give disciples a hard time, 00:27:49.440 --> 00:27:50.500 but we feel it as well. 00:27:50.599 --> 00:27:52.559 It's like, what did he just mean? 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:55.299 So they're excited. 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:57.779 Not only is Jesus going to start talking plainly 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:58.700 and they can understand it, 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.759 but it makes them feel better 00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:01.299 for why they struggled so long. 00:28:01.940 --> 00:28:03.619 Makes sense we didn't get it all this time. 00:28:03.660 --> 00:28:04.940 He's been talking figuratively. 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:08.960 So now hopefully they'll get it a little bit easier. 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:12.200 So in addition to Jesus speaking differently, 00:28:12.900 --> 00:28:15.460 he also mentions that they will be praying differently. 00:28:15.460 --> 00:28:17.360 And we talked about this briefly before. 00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:19.200 Verse 26 says, 00:28:19.799 --> 00:28:21.559 In that day you will ask in my name, 00:28:21.960 --> 00:28:23.440 and I do not say to you 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:25.400 that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 00:28:26.140 --> 00:28:28.539 What Jesus is saying here is that in that day, 00:28:28.600 --> 00:28:30.120 speaking about after the resurrection, 00:28:31.100 --> 00:28:32.420 those who believe in Jesus 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:35.299 and who he is and what he's done 00:28:35.299 --> 00:28:37.940 will have direct access to the Father. 00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:39.620 They won't have to pray through anybody. 00:28:39.860 --> 00:28:41.660 There's no mediator. 00:28:41.660 --> 00:28:45.960 It's just direct access to their Heavenly Father, 00:28:46.080 --> 00:28:46.660 their Creator. 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:49.980 So let's follow a little bit further. 00:28:50.140 --> 00:28:50.960 Verse 27. 00:28:51.960 --> 00:28:53.580 For the Father himself loves you 00:28:53.580 --> 00:28:55.300 because you have loved me 00:28:55.300 --> 00:28:57.540 and have believed that I've come from God. 00:28:57.880 --> 00:28:59.200 I came from the Father 00:28:59.200 --> 00:29:00.519 and have come into the world, 00:29:00.580 --> 00:29:01.740 and now I'm leaving the world 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.800 and going to the Father. 00:29:03.860 --> 00:29:07.440 So from this we can see a full circle of the gospel 00:29:07.440 --> 00:29:10.940 where God the Father is both the start and the end. 00:29:11.820 --> 00:29:12.740 Starts in heaven. 00:29:13.019 --> 00:29:14.160 The origin is God. 00:29:14.340 --> 00:29:15.380 Comes down to earth, 00:29:15.420 --> 00:29:16.600 and it goes back up to heaven. 00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:19.240 So he's the origin and the destination. 00:29:19.900 --> 00:29:21.600 Jesus was with the Father. 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:23.920 He came to the earth to live a perfect life, 00:29:24.080 --> 00:29:26.000 to give his life up on the cross, 00:29:26.380 --> 00:29:27.240 to die, 00:29:27.840 --> 00:29:29.240 and then to be resurrected, 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:30.880 and then to go back to the Father. 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:33.700 So our belief in Jesus 00:29:33.700 --> 00:29:35.080 and where he came from, 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:35.780 who he is, 00:29:35.840 --> 00:29:36.820 and what he did, 00:29:37.480 --> 00:29:39.620 that's what gives us access to the Father. 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:42.840 We're able to have that relationship. 00:29:43.040 --> 00:29:44.240 We're able to have that fellowship. 00:29:44.400 --> 00:29:45.960 We're able to know God 00:29:45.960 --> 00:29:47.720 because of Jesus. 00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:51.200 And it's from that belief 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:53.420 that gives us that joy and that peace 00:29:53.420 --> 00:29:55.620 that can't be found in this world. 00:29:58.260 --> 00:29:59.220 So at this point, 00:29:59.220 --> 00:30:01.579 the disciples think that they're getting 00:30:01.579 --> 00:30:03.819 a little closer to understanding. 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:05.740 In verse 29, 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:06.220 they said, 00:30:06.380 --> 00:30:07.860 Ah, now you are speaking clearly. 00:30:08.279 --> 00:30:10.140 Now we know that you know all things, 00:30:10.160 --> 00:30:11.779 and we believe that you are from God. 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:14.539 They really didn't understand it yet, 00:30:14.620 --> 00:30:16.220 and we see Jesus correct them 00:30:16.220 --> 00:30:17.299 in the next two verses. 00:30:17.600 --> 00:30:19.059 Verse 31 and 32. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:20.799 Jesus answered them, 00:30:21.160 --> 00:30:22.100 Do you now believe? 00:30:23.039 --> 00:30:25.059 I almost feel a little bit of sarcasm there. 00:30:25.920 --> 00:30:27.360 Behold, the hour is coming. 00:30:27.799 --> 00:30:28.880 Indeed, it has come. 00:30:28.880 --> 00:30:29.940 When you will be scattered, 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:31.320 each to his own home, 00:30:31.600 --> 00:30:32.720 and leave me alone. 00:30:32.980 --> 00:30:33.800 Yet I am not alone, 00:30:33.900 --> 00:30:35.320 for the Father is with me. 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:38.100 He's basically letting them know 00:30:38.100 --> 00:30:39.400 that you don't quite have it 00:30:39.400 --> 00:30:41.080 because if you did, 00:30:41.300 --> 00:30:43.280 you probably wouldn't be running away scared 00:30:43.280 --> 00:30:45.620 as if you were going to be killed, 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:47.520 and that's exactly what they end up doing 00:30:47.520 --> 00:30:49.080 as he's being crucified. 00:30:49.079 --> 00:30:55.299 So I find that this dialogue is very helpful for us 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:58.539 because we get a better picture of belief, 00:30:58.759 --> 00:31:00.819 of trust in Jesus. 00:31:01.559 --> 00:31:03.919 Because when the trial and persecution 00:31:03.919 --> 00:31:05.519 came to the disciples, 00:31:06.659 --> 00:31:07.839 the faith wasn't strong enough. 00:31:07.899 --> 00:31:08.899 It wasn't deep enough, 00:31:08.899 --> 00:31:10.500 and they fled. 00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:12.920 But if we look at after the cross, 00:31:13.339 --> 00:31:14.559 after the resurrection, 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:17.660 after the Holy Spirit is sent to them, 00:31:17.720 --> 00:31:20.000 then we see a whole new set of disciples. 00:31:20.319 --> 00:31:22.140 We see disciples that stand firm 00:31:22.140 --> 00:31:24.819 in the face of persecution and even death. 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:27.279 And that's the power. 00:31:27.619 --> 00:31:31.099 That's the peace that is available to us as believers. 00:31:32.460 --> 00:31:33.279 Verse 33. 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:34.700 Jesus said, 00:31:34.799 --> 00:31:36.139 I have said these things to you 00:31:36.139 --> 00:31:37.899 that in me you may have peace. 00:31:38.599 --> 00:31:40.759 In the world you will have tribulation, 00:31:41.019 --> 00:31:41.960 but take heart. 00:31:42.259 --> 00:31:43.799 I have overcome the world. 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:47.339 In me, implying faith and trust in Jesus. 00:31:48.099 --> 00:31:49.500 And in that there is peace. 00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:52.539 In the world there is tribulation. 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:55.259 He says there, 00:31:55.799 --> 00:31:57.599 you will have tribulation, 00:31:58.259 --> 00:31:59.519 but take heart. 00:32:00.440 --> 00:32:02.000 Take heart in the tribulation 00:32:02.000 --> 00:32:03.859 because it's okay. 00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:05.339 I've already overcome it. 00:32:07.180 --> 00:32:09.019 We notice the phrase take heart. 00:32:09.500 --> 00:32:11.500 It's the only time it's used in the book of John, 00:32:11.599 --> 00:32:13.500 but we see it in some of the other gospels. 00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:15.539 One of the times is when 00:32:15.539 --> 00:32:18.339 Jesus is with the disciples in a storm 00:32:18.339 --> 00:32:19.859 on the Sea of Galilee. 00:32:21.079 --> 00:32:23.420 So whether it's the disciples in a storm 00:32:23.420 --> 00:32:25.279 or us going through a tribulation, 00:32:26.240 --> 00:32:27.420 he says take heart. 00:32:29.400 --> 00:32:31.660 So how is it that we can be comforted 00:32:31.660 --> 00:32:32.980 when Jesus tells us 00:32:32.980 --> 00:32:34.480 or if he's talking to his disciples, 00:32:34.680 --> 00:32:36.220 when he tells them to take heart? 00:32:36.300 --> 00:32:37.300 How is that any help? 00:32:38.340 --> 00:32:40.900 And that's because if we believe in Jesus 00:32:40.900 --> 00:32:41.660 and who he is, 00:32:41.720 --> 00:32:43.279 we know that he has the power 00:32:43.279 --> 00:32:45.060 over any situation. 00:32:45.200 --> 00:32:46.779 That situation, our situation, 00:32:46.940 --> 00:32:48.779 any situation that's going to come up. 00:32:49.920 --> 00:32:51.160 He knows the struggles. 00:32:52.160 --> 00:32:53.320 He knows the suffering 00:32:53.320 --> 00:32:54.759 that you're going to go through. 00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:55.759 What you've been through, 00:32:55.860 --> 00:32:56.980 what you're going to go through, 00:32:56.980 --> 00:33:00.559 whether he has designed them 00:33:00.559 --> 00:33:01.599 to make you stronger 00:33:01.599 --> 00:33:03.200 or you're just part of it. 00:33:03.720 --> 00:33:04.920 He knows what's happening. 00:33:05.960 --> 00:33:08.680 None of that is new to the Lord. 00:33:08.680 --> 00:33:16.360 So before I close, 00:33:16.799 --> 00:33:20.039 to jump back to my childhood story 00:33:20.039 --> 00:33:20.840 from the beginning, 00:33:21.840 --> 00:33:24.000 when I was growing up, 00:33:24.060 --> 00:33:25.600 the first few times that we moved, 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:26.740 I was younger. 00:33:27.140 --> 00:33:29.700 You know, one, five, seven. 00:33:30.539 --> 00:33:32.420 So I remember the move, 00:33:32.420 --> 00:33:35.560 but I don't remember seeing God's working. 00:33:35.799 --> 00:33:37.960 I don't remember seeing God's hand 00:33:37.960 --> 00:33:40.960 and how he provided for us, 00:33:41.839 --> 00:33:45.579 but my parents told me about it, 00:33:45.619 --> 00:33:46.460 so that's how I knew. 00:33:48.359 --> 00:33:50.000 When we didn't have food 00:33:50.000 --> 00:33:51.599 and it just showed up, 00:33:52.799 --> 00:33:54.319 I knew about it 00:33:54.319 --> 00:33:55.480 because my parents told me. 00:34:00.139 --> 00:34:03.179 And one of the biggest moves for me, 00:34:03.819 --> 00:34:05.079 not counting this one, 00:34:05.079 --> 00:34:06.059 this one was pretty huge. 00:34:06.399 --> 00:34:07.740 But as a child, 00:34:08.119 --> 00:34:09.159 one of the biggest moves 00:34:09.159 --> 00:34:11.000 is when we moved from Alabama 00:34:11.000 --> 00:34:12.319 to New Jersey. 00:34:12.980 --> 00:34:15.699 Not only were we crossing the Dixon line, 00:34:15.799 --> 00:34:17.539 but it was a whole new world. 00:34:18.299 --> 00:34:19.779 But I was almost 12 00:34:19.779 --> 00:34:20.759 and I remembered it. 00:34:21.179 --> 00:34:23.880 And I remembered how God was in it, 00:34:24.319 --> 00:34:26.940 how he directed my parents 00:34:26.940 --> 00:34:28.659 and how he provided for us. 00:34:28.659 --> 00:34:31.039 And it's from that time, 00:34:31.139 --> 00:34:32.619 it's from those experiences 00:34:32.619 --> 00:34:34.119 that my faith, 00:34:35.079 --> 00:34:37.019 God grew and developed. 00:34:38.319 --> 00:34:40.460 It's those promises that God gives 00:34:40.460 --> 00:34:42.480 that we see are always kept. 00:34:44.119 --> 00:34:46.500 And the peace that we have in Christ 00:34:46.500 --> 00:34:48.339 in the middle of the tribulation, 00:34:48.440 --> 00:34:49.379 whatever that is, 00:34:49.779 --> 00:34:52.000 that's what brings the victory 00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:52.699 and the storm 00:34:52.699 --> 00:34:54.039 that we find ourselves in. 00:34:54.039 --> 00:34:56.539 So I encourage you 00:34:56.539 --> 00:34:58.000 to trust and to take heart. 00:34:58.759 --> 00:35:00.380 Trust in the work of Jesus Christ 00:35:00.380 --> 00:35:01.960 and what he's done for you. 00:35:03.019 --> 00:35:04.779 Trust in the Spirit's work 00:35:04.779 --> 00:35:05.340 to comfort. 00:35:05.920 --> 00:35:07.099 He's here to comfort, 00:35:07.360 --> 00:35:07.960 to convict, 00:35:08.079 --> 00:35:08.699 to teach, 00:35:09.360 --> 00:35:12.719 and trust in an all-powerful God 00:35:12.719 --> 00:35:14.239 that sustains you 00:35:14.239 --> 00:35:15.320 and loves you. 00:35:16.980 --> 00:35:18.000 He loved you enough 00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:19.119 to send his only son 00:35:19.119 --> 00:35:20.679 to make a way for you 00:35:20.679 --> 00:35:21.699 to be able to have 00:35:21.699 --> 00:35:22.759 a relationship with him. 00:35:23.539 --> 00:35:24.980 Knowing that there's not anything 00:35:24.980 --> 00:35:25.779 in this world 00:35:25.779 --> 00:35:27.779 that's going to comfort us, 00:35:28.359 --> 00:35:29.539 it's that relationship 00:35:29.539 --> 00:35:31.119 that's going to comfort us, 00:35:31.199 --> 00:35:32.679 that's going to bring us real peace. 00:35:33.460 --> 00:35:35.139 The world comes with comfort. 00:35:35.920 --> 00:35:37.059 And some of those aren't bad. 00:35:37.159 --> 00:35:39.359 We have retirement plans, 00:35:39.619 --> 00:35:40.440 we have health care, 00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:41.539 we have bank accounts, 00:35:41.679 --> 00:35:42.779 we have nice jobs, 00:35:43.319 --> 00:35:44.539 we have insurance. 00:35:45.059 --> 00:35:46.319 Those are all good. 00:35:46.320 --> 00:35:48.380 But in the end, 00:35:48.460 --> 00:35:49.400 they're not going to provide 00:35:49.400 --> 00:35:50.780 the peace and the comfort 00:35:50.780 --> 00:35:51.780 that you're going to get 00:35:51.780 --> 00:35:52.960 from Almighty God. 00:35:53.460 --> 00:35:54.140 There'll be a time 00:35:54.140 --> 00:35:55.800 when those things can collapse. 00:35:56.580 --> 00:35:58.559 But if you're resting in Christ, 00:35:58.640 --> 00:36:00.700 if you're resting in what he's done, 00:36:00.840 --> 00:36:03.420 if you're resting in his overall plan 00:36:03.420 --> 00:36:05.019 and what he plans to do 00:36:05.019 --> 00:36:07.019 with us and through us, 00:36:07.039 --> 00:36:07.880 and in the end, 00:36:07.980 --> 00:36:09.180 once this world is done, 00:36:09.600 --> 00:36:10.780 that's a peace and a comfort 00:36:10.780 --> 00:36:11.860 that can be taken away. 00:36:13.400 --> 00:36:14.480 There is joy, 00:36:14.940 --> 00:36:15.800 unmovable joy. 00:36:16.320 --> 00:36:19.440 And there's unshakable peace 00:36:19.440 --> 00:36:21.140 that's available to anyone 00:36:21.140 --> 00:36:23.019 who truly believes in Jesus. 00:36:24.380 --> 00:36:25.600 Let's pray this morning. 00:36:29.820 --> 00:36:30.680 Thank you, Lord, 00:36:30.780 --> 00:36:32.380 for this chapter. 00:36:32.580 --> 00:36:34.200 Thank you for even the disciples 00:36:34.200 --> 00:36:37.120 and what we're able to learn from them 00:36:37.120 --> 00:36:38.260 because we struggle 00:36:38.260 --> 00:36:39.480 the same way they struggle. 00:36:40.360 --> 00:36:41.180 Thank you, Lord, 00:36:41.240 --> 00:36:41.980 that you're patient. 00:36:42.720 --> 00:36:45.340 Thank you that you comfort. 00:36:45.340 --> 00:36:45.480 Lord, 00:36:45.900 --> 00:36:48.500 that you lift us up, 00:36:48.820 --> 00:36:50.480 that you protect us, 00:36:50.620 --> 00:36:52.019 that you offer peace, 00:36:52.160 --> 00:36:53.820 peace that this world doesn't provide. 00:36:54.880 --> 00:36:56.180 And most importantly, 00:36:56.360 --> 00:36:57.940 thank you for Jesus 00:36:57.940 --> 00:36:59.400 and what he's done for us. 00:37:00.120 --> 00:37:00.600 Lord, 00:37:00.660 --> 00:37:02.840 we ask that as we leave this morning 00:37:02.840 --> 00:37:04.680 that you will just 00:37:04.680 --> 00:37:07.140 keep these thoughts in our mind. 00:37:07.320 --> 00:37:07.420 Lord, 00:37:07.480 --> 00:37:08.860 this week as we run into 00:37:08.860 --> 00:37:09.340 tribulation, 00:37:10.260 --> 00:37:12.120 as Satan seeks to knock us off 00:37:12.119 --> 00:37:13.759 the truth that we've already heard, 00:37:14.359 --> 00:37:16.000 I pray that you would help us 00:37:16.000 --> 00:37:17.500 lean back on you. 00:37:18.980 --> 00:37:20.539 That we would seek 00:37:20.539 --> 00:37:22.659 you in those times 00:37:22.659 --> 00:37:25.199 knowing that there isn't anything else 00:37:25.199 --> 00:37:27.559 that's going to answer those problems 00:37:27.559 --> 00:37:29.559 except for what is found in you. 00:37:30.400 --> 00:37:30.779 So, Lord, 00:37:30.819 --> 00:37:31.980 I thank you for this time. 00:37:32.359 --> 00:37:33.199 Thank you for your word. 00:37:33.319 --> 00:37:35.179 And I ask that you would bless 00:37:35.179 --> 00:37:36.359 each person here as we go. 00:37:36.920 --> 00:37:38.180 And we pray these things in your name. 00:37:38.460 --> 00:37:38.700 Amen.