WEBVTT

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 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama.

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 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us.

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 Wow, a glorious hymn. Many of you know that that glorious, celebratory, comforting hymn

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 was actually written in the midst of terrible suffering. Remember that story?

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 Unfortunately, Horatio Spafford had already lost his four-year-old son.

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 And then in the great Chicago fire of 1871, nearly all of his economic assets.

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 And the rest of his family, a wife and four daughters, sailed ahead of him to England

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 to be a part of an evangelistic revival there. And there was a shipwreck and the ship sank

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 and Spafford received a telegram from his wife that said,

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 Saved alone.

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 He got on his ship and as he neared the area where his daughters had all died,

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 he wrote those words that Tam just sang,

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 that we love to sing, especially in hard times.

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 It's glorious to celebrate Easter, isn't it?

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 It's wonderful to have the hope of Christ being yours forevermore.

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 And we turn back to 1 Peter this morning

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 and we realize that that has to be true now.

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 And that we're not home yet.

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 And we're going to remember that this morning.

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 That's been hard for me.

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 I've felt that this week.

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 Maybe many of you did too.

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 We're not home yet.

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 God's people in Peter's day were well aware that they were not home yet.

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 And the rest of 1 Peter, this letter that he's written to them,

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 is written to address this issue of suffering.

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 Telling God's people about suffering that they're already facing

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 or perhaps they're heading into.

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 He's already touched on this some as we've talked through the first part of this letter.

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 But this is the losing part of this series title.

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 The losing, the suffering in a world that's not our home.

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 Specifically, the suffering Peter addresses is suffering for being Christians.

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 We might say persecution or suffering as strangers in this world.

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 But many of the things we'll learn apply to suffering in general as well.

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 As we enter into this context for the next few weeks,

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 I want to give us a picture to orient us, to inspire us as we consider this.

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 It's one of the most iconic images coming out of Ukraine in recent months.

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 We've seen pictures of Christians worshiping with one another,

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 with bombs exploding all around them in their towns.

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 This brief video was filmed in a bomb shelter

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 where Ukrainian violinist Vera Latichenko

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 plays a Ukrainian folk song in the dark, somber shelter.

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 and puts a man in a

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 conference knowing between our lives.

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 It's a situation that brings happening to our guests as well.

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 This keeps me on Twitter and업 of Ukraine.

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 This keeps me on Twitter and making myself

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 in a movable andcerous exchange.

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 It's a poignant song, isn't it?

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 Maybe you can imagine yourself in a situation like that singing, It Is Well.

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 But the song is louder in their hearts than the bombs exploding all around them, isn't it?

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 Perhaps you don't yet feel like bombs are exploding all around you in terms of persecution and difficulty with living for Jesus day in and day out.

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 But many of our brothers and sisters around the world do experience that.

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 And many of us are already experiencing some of that where we live and in our worlds.

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 And Jesus wants us prepared for more, right?

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 Beyond that specific suffering, suffering of many other kinds is quite real and pressing in on all of us in different ways.

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 So we need to hear God's word direct us right now, yes?

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 And prepare us for days to come.

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 Read with me God's holy word.

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 True and powerfully relevant across cultures, across generations.

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 1 Peter 3, beginning at verse 13.

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 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

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 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.

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 Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.

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 But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy.

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 Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

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 Yet do it with gentleness and respect.

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 Having a good conscience so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

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 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

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 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.

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 Being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit.

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 Father, we thank you for your word.

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 We ask for your help this morning.

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 That we would not merely hear it, but that we would receive it.

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 That we would see our Savior.

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 That we would find comfort in him.

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 That you would speak clearly to us.

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 We thank you that you delight to do that.

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 And so, would you use my words.

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 Would you speak far beyond them that we would hear your voice.

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 In Jesus' name.

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 Amen.

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 Amen.

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 When suffering hits your life, it's easy to forget who you are.

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 One of the things I love about this image is that Miss Slotichinko does not allow herself to be identified as a lonely person whose life is reduced to hiding in a bomb shelter.

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 No, she is a violinist, isn't she?

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 Even in the midst of life-altering suffering, she is a Ukrainian who stands with a courageous people against those who attack them.

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 Peter begins this long section on suffering with this reminder.

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 Verse 13.

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 Now, who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

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 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.

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 It's possible if you seek peace and you serve others graciously that no one will attack you at all.

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 But even more so, he's saying, if and when the attacks do come, you're blessed.

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 What does Peter mean?

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 The suffering itself is not good.

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 It's not a blessing in that sense.

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 We know that.

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 Rather, it's that no matter what comes, it's this idea of if God is for us, who can stand against us?

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 In God I trust.

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 I will not be afraid.

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 What can man do to me?

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 The psalmist says.

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 Don't forget who you are.

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 Identity amnesia, as Paul Tripp calls it, is dangerous, isn't it?

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 You're a beloved child of God.

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 Jesus told you there will be trouble in this world.

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 And he didn't pray that you would be removed from it so you would have no trouble.

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 Rather, he prayed that you would be protected from the evil one because he, Jesus, has overcome the world.

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 Don't forget that you are always held in his hand.

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 Blessed.

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 Jesus taught this in the Beatitudes, right?

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 Remember Matthew 5?

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 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

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 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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 You are not a lonely person who is reduced to hiding from enemy attacks.

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 That is not your primary identity.

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 Blessed are you because you stand with a courageous people who have an eternal hope.

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 A reward in heaven, right?

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 The kingdom of heaven is yours.

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 No matter what they say about you here.

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 No matter how they treat you here.

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 No matter what they take away from you here.

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 They cannot take that away.

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 They can't take away your eternal inheritance.

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 They cannot harm your soul.

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 They cannot knock you out of the strong hand of your heavenly Father.

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 Amen?

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 Remember who you are and whose you are.

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 Who is holding you.

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 No matter what suffering comes your way.

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 We are going to learn several particular things about suffering in the weeks ahead.

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 How we as God's people are to live and approach suffering.

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 But the key principle at the center of this passage this morning is in my words,

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 that suffering affords us unique opportunities that we must embrace to share our hope with others.

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 This section that we're studying this morning is one of the main reasons that God led us to 1 Peter this year

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 and a year that we're focusing as a church on evangelism in our daily lives,

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 our relationships with our neighbors.

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 Hopefully many of you will remember Pastor Bill Nash standing down here for several weeks in January

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 and teaching us about 1 Peter 3.15.

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 It comes in the context of suffering.

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 As your heart is overwhelmed,

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 as your mind is strained,

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 as your body is being worn down,

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 opportunities to share your hope

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 will arise right there as well.

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 Now the suffering itself is not good.

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 But those opportunities are exciting, right?

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 Let me remind us why.

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 Why are they so exciting to us?

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 Because we are God's people,

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 not that we might have comfort and ease here in this life.

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 No.

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 We are God's people that we might proclaim the excellencies

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 of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light, right?

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 Remember your identity as pastors.

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 Remember that?

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 All of you?

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 If you were here then?

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 Pastors who are to pray for and point people to Jesus.

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 I hope as we think about this that at least those three names that you've committed to praying for

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 and to looking for opportunities to point them to Jesus are coming to mind.

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 Those people that are in your life that you're living with and seeking to love.

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 And maybe you're wondering, well, when and how we'll ever get to share with them?

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 I just don't know how that'll happen.

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 Well, suffering is not the only way.

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 It is one of the ways that such opportunities are presented to point to Jesus as your hope.

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 So what are we sharing?

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 Here, verse 15.

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 Make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

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 A reason for the hope that is in you.

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 Why do you have hope?

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 Someone might say.

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 How do you have hope when all of this is going on in your life and around you?

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 I mean, we celebrated, especially last week on Easter, it was a very celebratory service, right?

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 There's hope.

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 We celebrated.

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 We have a living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

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 But maybe life hits and someone says, now?

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 Do you have that hope?

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 That's the hope that we're to be sharing.

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 Do people see and hear where your hope is, especially when life hurts?

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 Could you share with someone why your hope is beyond success or comfort or fame here in this life?

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 Could you share what the death and resurrection of Jesus promises you now and forever?

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 That's your hope.

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 That's what we're sharing.

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 Well, when?

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 When should we share this hope?

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 The most direct answer here in this passage is when someone asks you.

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 See, because you haven't retreated into a holy huddle of some sort,

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 Peter assumes that others who do not know Jesus will see your life

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 and not only at times malign you, which will happen,

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 but also at other times ask you.

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 The assumption here, by the way, is that they don't just see your successes,

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 so that they don't just know you on Facebook, right?

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 They also see your sufferings.

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 Hmm.

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 You okay with that?

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 That feels pretty vulnerable, doesn't it?

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 Pretty personal.

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 But they don't just get to see the good days.

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 Apparently, people are seeing the hard times.

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 Are you okay with them seeing that?

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 Can your heart say, say yes, because I want them to see my hope.

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 I want them to see my Savior.

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 Another answer to that when question would be always.

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 Always we should share.

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 This verse is not trying to give us an excuse never to talk about Jesus

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 unless someone asks us, so just try to make sure no one ever does.

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 That's not the point.

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 Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone.

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 You can stand and share your story of God's grace

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 scheduled before a large group like this.

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 That's wonderful.

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 Or you could unexpectedly bump into someone in the grocery store checkout line

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 and share the hope of Jesus.

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 Always with anyone.

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 So this is the reason Peter tells us

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 always to be prepared to share our hope.

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 Always be prepared.

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 As every good scout knows, and I'm not one, I'm faking right now,

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 but every good scout knows if you're going to be prepared,

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 that has to happen ahead of time before you go on the hike, right?

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 Where you might need fire or food or something.

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 Always be preparing ahead.

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 Preparing ahead of the occasion where the conversation comes up

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 and you need hope, hope to share, right?

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 Can we do some preparation together this morning?

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 You and I will both be a bit more equipped

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 for the next hope opportunity that we have.

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 Let's spend just a few minutes in this preparation,

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 helping us be prepared.

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 Answer this question,

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 where does preparation primarily need to take place

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 if we're to be ready to share our hope?

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 My guess is for many of you, you may say,

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 oh, it's in my head, this is great.

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 Pastor's going to give me some theological arguments

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 and he's going to teach us some things

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 and that can be helpful.

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 Probably some of you are thinking,

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 ah, yes, this is going to be a homiletics course,

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 public speaking.

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 He's going to teach me how to say things

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 so that it comes home just right.

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 How about your heart?

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 To be prepared in your hearts,

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 regard Christ the Lord as holy.

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 That's the word from the Lord's prayer,

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 our Father in heaven,

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 hallowed be your name.

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 Treated as holy, glorified.

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 And Peter, by the way, has no problem

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 using that of Jesus Christ the Lord.

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 What does that mean?

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 If in your hearts you're honoring Jesus as holy,

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 that means you're trusting,

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 even and especially in the midst of your suffering,

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 remember, that's where we are,

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 that Jesus is the one in charge

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 of all the events in your life

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 and in your world.

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 He is Lord.

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 If you're going to worship him

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 while losing everything,

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 while the world brings chaos all around you,

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 and it does,

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 then this means instead of fearing your enemies

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 or being overthrown by persecution

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 so that you abandon the eternal hope of Jesus

00:19:41.820 --> 00:19:44.759
 just to get a little hope of comfort and security here,

00:19:44.840 --> 00:19:46.220
 how can I protect myself?

00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:50.420
 means that you settle in your heart ahead of time,

00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:54.000
 that Jesus can be trusted,

00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:56.960
 that he alone is worthy of fear

00:19:56.960 --> 00:19:59.620
 and also of trust.

00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:03.200
 And you don't just train your head

00:20:03.200 --> 00:20:05.500
 to assent to these truths theoretically

00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:07.559
 in a way that won't impact you

00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:08.860
 when the rubber meets the road.

00:20:08.859 --> 00:20:13.799
 No, you help your heart embrace that hope.

00:20:14.939 --> 00:20:17.079
 There's so much we could say here,

00:20:17.319 --> 00:20:20.719
 but molding my heart means a bunch of things.

00:20:20.779 --> 00:20:22.899
 It means prayer, right?

00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:27.199
 My heart's going to be able to engage with God,

00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:28.240
 to talk with him,

00:20:28.359 --> 00:20:30.019
 to listen to him.

00:20:31.199 --> 00:20:32.240
 It means worship.

00:20:33.139 --> 00:20:35.299
 Worship shapes our heart, doesn't it?

00:20:35.299 --> 00:20:37.519
 To come in here with God's people

00:20:37.519 --> 00:20:40.180
 and to together cling to his promises,

00:20:40.659 --> 00:20:45.000
 together to hear stories like AC shared with us last week

00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:49.059
 about God's faithfulness in real hurt and loss.

00:20:50.500 --> 00:20:52.539
 It means soaking in God's word

00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:55.319
 and its truths about the heart of God

00:20:55.319 --> 00:20:57.619
 and the suffering of God's people,

00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:59.899
 including God's very son

00:20:59.899 --> 00:21:02.980
 and how God works in the midst of all of that.

00:21:03.220 --> 00:21:04.819
 My heart needs to know that.

00:21:05.960 --> 00:21:07.000
 It means being honest,

00:21:08.079 --> 00:21:13.159
 especially about your fears and your hurts,

00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:14.379
 being honest with others.

00:21:15.819 --> 00:21:17.980
 Talk to your grace group, right?

00:21:18.799 --> 00:21:20.379
 Email one of the pastors and say,

00:21:20.440 --> 00:21:21.599
 I just need to talk.

00:21:21.720 --> 00:21:24.440
 Listen, we love talking with you.

00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:27.379
 We love to get to hear what's going on in your world

00:21:27.379 --> 00:21:28.700
 and to pray with you,

00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:30.859
 to go together to remember who God is

00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:32.419
 right where you are.

00:21:32.839 --> 00:21:34.619
 Grab a brother or sister this morning

00:21:34.619 --> 00:21:35.279
 and just say,

00:21:35.399 --> 00:21:36.639
 I need some help.

00:21:37.139 --> 00:21:39.859
 I can't see the hope of Jesus right now

00:21:39.859 --> 00:21:41.079
 in my depression,

00:21:42.159 --> 00:21:43.859
 in my grief,

00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:46.779
 in my fear about what might be coming my way

00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:48.659
 at work or in my neighborhood

00:21:48.659 --> 00:21:49.719
 or just in my life.

00:21:49.720 --> 00:21:54.299
 I can't see this hope we sing about and talk about.

00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:55.960
 I just need some help.

00:21:56.059 --> 00:21:56.980
 Will you listen to me?

00:21:58.700 --> 00:22:02.059
 Together, you can ask God to prepare your heart

00:22:02.059 --> 00:22:04.160
 to find your hope in Christ.

00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:05.460
 We need each other.

00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:10.299
 You may memorize a speech to share with someone.

00:22:10.420 --> 00:22:11.640
 That's great if you do.

00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:12.660
 Some of you are good at that.

00:22:13.620 --> 00:22:14.539
 That can help.

00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:17.980
 But if you prepare your heart

00:22:17.980 --> 00:22:22.180
 to hope in Christ in every situation,

00:22:22.600 --> 00:22:24.299
 then the hope can just come out

00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:25.980
 when the hard stuff happens.

00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:28.400
 Even sometimes it comes out in messy words.

00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:31.600
 Even sometimes it's through tears.

00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:33.160
 Even sometimes you look back

00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:33.540
 and you think,

00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:35.860
 oh man, I wish I hadn't have said it that way.

00:22:36.460 --> 00:22:39.200
 And the suffering floods in

00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:40.660
 and that's reality, right?

00:22:41.840 --> 00:22:43.519
 Opportunity arises suddenly

00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:45.480
 and someone asks unexpectedly

00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:47.240
 and you're still stinging

00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:49.900
 from being left out by your friends,

00:22:50.259 --> 00:22:52.820
 from being passed over by your boss,

00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:54.200
 from whatever it is.

00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:55.600
 You're just hurting in that.

00:22:55.599 --> 00:22:57.579
 And it doesn't come out like a prepared speech,

00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:59.859
 but the reality of your hope in Christ

00:22:59.859 --> 00:23:01.719
 can come out with,

00:23:02.939 --> 00:23:06.039
 well sometimes it's indirect questions

00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:07.259
 that someone will ask.

00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:09.339
 Other times, unexpected opportunities.

00:23:09.699 --> 00:23:10.759
 And there's plenty of those.

00:23:10.839 --> 00:23:12.179
 I've missed a bunch of those

00:23:12.179 --> 00:23:14.179
 because I wasn't eagerly prepared

00:23:14.179 --> 00:23:15.259
 to share my hope.

00:23:16.459 --> 00:23:18.480
 Maybe you've felt that way

00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:19.719
 as the person walks away

00:23:19.719 --> 00:23:21.459
 and as you get in your car

00:23:21.459 --> 00:23:22.539
 and oh man.

00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:26.079
 But lots of opportunities.

00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:27.039
 I've been asked,

00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:28.960
 sitting in a car in India,

00:23:29.399 --> 00:23:31.000
 I know Jesus was a good man

00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:32.420
 who died on a cross,

00:23:32.599 --> 00:23:33.799
 but I just don't know why

00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:34.700
 he died on a cross.

00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:36.019
 Can you explain that to me?

00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:38.659
 Sure.

00:23:39.859 --> 00:23:40.980
 Teeing it up, right?

00:23:41.019 --> 00:23:41.859
 That can happen.

00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:45.879
 I've also walked by someone

00:23:45.879 --> 00:23:47.000
 I didn't even know

00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:48.119
 and a simple,

00:23:48.279 --> 00:23:49.180
 hey, how's it going?

00:23:49.180 --> 00:23:54.240
 It was answered with deep personal loss

00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:56.180
 and longing for hope.

00:23:57.799 --> 00:24:00.000
 But if our hearts are prepared

00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:02.180
 by treasuring Jesus,

00:24:03.360 --> 00:24:05.180
 by praying for people,

00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:07.380
 then we'll have this opportunity

00:24:07.380 --> 00:24:09.960
 to point the people to Jesus, right?

00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:12.840
 To share where our hope is.

00:24:13.660 --> 00:24:14.660
 We get to share our hope

00:24:14.660 --> 00:24:16.560
 and worry about rhetorical flourishes later.

00:24:16.820 --> 00:24:17.180
 You know what?

00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:18.560
 It's not about you anyway.

00:24:19.180 --> 00:24:20.120
 It's about Jesus.

00:24:21.560 --> 00:24:23.779
 You don't have to say it impressively.

00:24:26.360 --> 00:24:27.620
 Don't fear people

00:24:27.620 --> 00:24:29.259
 who might be against you.

00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.620
 Decide now,

00:24:31.940 --> 00:24:33.080
 at your core,

00:24:33.600 --> 00:24:35.539
 that Jesus is worthy

00:24:35.539 --> 00:24:37.320
 of all glory,

00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:38.820
 all your trust,

00:24:38.920 --> 00:24:40.240
 and so look forward

00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:41.580
 to sharing your hope

00:24:41.580 --> 00:24:43.039
 that he is that wonderful,

00:24:43.160 --> 00:24:44.240
 that he is your treasure,

00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:45.980
 that he is yours forevermore,

00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:48.160
 and just sharing that hope in him.

00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:51.660
 Can you believe,

00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.019
 by the way,

00:24:52.080 --> 00:24:54.759
 that Peter just told us that?

00:24:56.060 --> 00:24:57.080
 That he's the one writing,

00:24:57.220 --> 00:24:58.880
 have no fear of them.

00:24:59.220 --> 00:25:01.100
 What's Peter's most famous answer

00:25:01.100 --> 00:25:01.660
 to the question,

00:25:01.900 --> 00:25:02.820
 why are you with Jesus?

00:25:05.100 --> 00:25:06.740
 What's his most famous answer to that?

00:25:07.759 --> 00:25:08.100
 Who?

00:25:08.920 --> 00:25:09.740
 I mean, not me.

00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:10.740
 Not who?

00:25:10.820 --> 00:25:11.380
 That guy?

00:25:11.380 --> 00:25:13.180
 I mean,

00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:14.600
 you're a pretty intimidating servant girl.

00:25:14.700 --> 00:25:15.180
 After all,

00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:16.000
 I'm a little afraid.

00:25:19.360 --> 00:25:21.220
 He feared the servant girl.

00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:23.620
 Maybe like me,

00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:25.580
 you've failed on many occasions,

00:25:25.760 --> 00:25:27.820
 and you feel the weight of that,

00:25:28.900 --> 00:25:30.340
 those missed opportunities.

00:25:30.339 --> 00:25:33.939
 Jesus tells Peter what?

00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:35.299
 Jesus says,

00:25:35.379 --> 00:25:35.559
 Peter,

00:25:35.659 --> 00:25:36.919
 I've prayed for you,

00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:38.699
 and you're gonna fall,

00:25:39.119 --> 00:25:40.759
 and I've prayed that you'll repent,

00:25:41.220 --> 00:25:42.839
 and that you'll actually help others.

00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:47.339
 And so the risen Jesus comes to Peter,

00:25:47.899 --> 00:25:49.240
 and he reinstates him,

00:25:49.259 --> 00:25:49.699
 and he says,

00:25:49.980 --> 00:25:50.899
 feed my sheep.

00:25:51.939 --> 00:25:53.159
 Feed my sheep.

00:25:53.579 --> 00:25:55.379
 Keep pointing people to me.

00:25:55.380 --> 00:25:57.420
 And so when Peter is asked at Pentecost

00:25:57.420 --> 00:25:59.380
 in front of many friends and foes,

00:26:00.300 --> 00:26:01.520
 why are you with Jesus?

00:26:02.560 --> 00:26:04.380
 He shares his hope

00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:07.460
 and boldly declares,

00:26:07.860 --> 00:26:09.560
 God has made this Jesus

00:26:09.560 --> 00:26:10.660
 whom you crucified,

00:26:11.160 --> 00:26:12.800
 both Lord and Christ.

00:26:13.120 --> 00:26:14.100
 Repent and be baptized,

00:26:14.300 --> 00:26:14.940
 all of you,

00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.760
 in the name of Jesus

00:26:15.760 --> 00:26:17.440
 for the forgiveness of your sins.

00:26:18.180 --> 00:26:19.600
 And then when the authorities

00:26:19.600 --> 00:26:21.240
 threaten his life

00:26:21.240 --> 00:26:23.860
 because he keeps telling people about Jesus,

00:26:24.480 --> 00:26:25.280
 they say,

00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:25.900
 stop!

00:26:26.800 --> 00:26:28.300
 Or we'll stop you.

00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.640
 The one who was afraid

00:26:29.640 --> 00:26:30.960
 of the servant girl

00:26:30.960 --> 00:26:32.880
 says what?

00:26:34.880 --> 00:26:36.160
 I cannot help

00:26:36.160 --> 00:26:38.560
 but speak of what I have seen

00:26:38.560 --> 00:26:39.820
 and heard.

00:26:40.520 --> 00:26:42.220
 Peter's story of hope

00:26:42.220 --> 00:26:43.960
 includes fear

00:26:43.960 --> 00:26:46.340
 and failure

00:26:46.340 --> 00:26:48.600
 and forgiveness

00:26:48.600 --> 00:26:51.700
 that is there for us.

00:26:51.880 --> 00:26:53.000
 I want you to think just a minute

00:26:53.000 --> 00:26:55.819
 what your personal hope is.

00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:57.640
 Maybe think of a couple of things

00:26:57.640 --> 00:26:58.500
 you could highlight

00:26:58.500 --> 00:27:00.759
 in your story of grace.

00:27:00.859 --> 00:27:02.200
 That's what we call them around here.

00:27:04.200 --> 00:27:05.559
 Maybe think of a struggle

00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:07.180
 Jesus met you in.

00:27:07.700 --> 00:27:08.859
 A favorite Bible verse

00:27:08.859 --> 00:27:09.519
 or song

00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:10.720
 that encapsulates

00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.720
 your hope quickly

00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:13.119
 and that you always remember

00:27:13.119 --> 00:27:14.799
 because you've known it a long time.

00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:16.279
 Maybe it's a moment

00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:17.140
 or an argument

00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:18.119
 or a realization

00:27:18.119 --> 00:27:19.919
 that helped you

00:27:19.919 --> 00:27:21.079
 trust Jesus.

00:27:22.339 --> 00:27:23.839
 I want to urge each of us

00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:25.000
 to spend some time

00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:26.259
 after you leave

00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:27.779
 considering that

00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:28.479
 and preparing

00:27:28.479 --> 00:27:29.899
 in your hearts.

00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:31.879
 But before the last

00:27:31.879 --> 00:27:33.079
 little bit of the sermon

00:27:33.079 --> 00:27:35.539
 I'm going to actually give you

00:27:35.539 --> 00:27:37.339
 60 seconds right now

00:27:37.339 --> 00:27:39.579
 to think on that

00:27:39.579 --> 00:27:41.279
 or just to pray for God

00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:42.799
 to be preparing your heart

00:27:42.799 --> 00:27:44.059
 even right now

00:27:44.059 --> 00:27:44.519
 because I know

00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:45.500
 some of us are going to leave here

00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.099
 and this afternoon

00:27:46.099 --> 00:27:46.880
 is going to get busy

00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:47.599
 and your intention

00:27:47.599 --> 00:27:48.700
 to spend three hours

00:27:48.700 --> 00:27:49.759
 contemplating this

00:27:49.759 --> 00:27:51.119
 is going to be tough.

00:27:53.140 --> 00:27:54.099
 Take a little bit of time

00:27:54.099 --> 00:27:54.480
 right now.

00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:25.660
 God would you keep speaking

00:28:25.660 --> 00:28:26.500
 to us

00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:28.380
 and keep preparing

00:28:28.380 --> 00:28:29.180
 our hearts

00:28:29.180 --> 00:28:32.299
 to share this hope.

00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:36.720
 Amen.

00:28:38.819 --> 00:28:40.240
 In case you didn't miss it

00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:41.660
 I'm not quite finished yet.

00:28:42.400 --> 00:28:43.460
 A couple more things

00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:45.559
 Peter shows us here

00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:46.940
 about sharing our hope

00:28:46.940 --> 00:28:48.779
 amidst our suffering.

00:28:49.840 --> 00:28:50.860
 When the time comes

00:28:50.860 --> 00:28:52.460
 how should we share?

00:28:52.840 --> 00:28:54.360
 Always share eagerly

00:28:54.360 --> 00:28:56.279
 but do this with

00:28:56.279 --> 00:28:57.620
 gentleness

00:28:57.620 --> 00:28:59.380
 and respect.

00:29:00.380 --> 00:29:01.460
 Gentleness means

00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:03.579
 I'm not focused on myself.

00:29:04.519 --> 00:29:05.380
 Respect means

00:29:05.380 --> 00:29:07.019
 I'm elevating the value

00:29:07.019 --> 00:29:08.180
 of the other person.

00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:10.259
 Your manner

00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:12.500
 should not be attacking

00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:14.200
 or offensive.

00:29:14.599 --> 00:29:15.500
 The only offense

00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:16.359
 should be the offense

00:29:16.359 --> 00:29:17.180
 of the cross

00:29:17.180 --> 00:29:18.099
 of Jesus.

00:29:18.359 --> 00:29:18.940
 You're speaking

00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:19.660
 to a person

00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.279
 he made

00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:21.480
 in his image

00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.619
 that he loves

00:29:22.619 --> 00:29:23.799
 that he values.

00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:25.619
 Humbly tell them

00:29:25.619 --> 00:29:26.420
 you're no better

00:29:26.420 --> 00:29:26.960
 at all

00:29:26.960 --> 00:29:28.440
 but you found hope

00:29:28.440 --> 00:29:29.380
 in one who is

00:29:29.380 --> 00:29:31.480
 and who loves us.

00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:33.240
 Why?

00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:35.839
 Why share this way?

00:29:37.099 --> 00:29:37.799
 Well Peter says

00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:38.900
 be gentle

00:29:38.900 --> 00:29:40.000
 and respectful

00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:41.960
 for your own conscience.

00:29:41.960 --> 00:29:43.120
 Verse 16

00:29:43.120 --> 00:29:44.160
 because it's right

00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:45.240
 and true

00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:47.300
 but this is primarily

00:29:47.300 --> 00:29:48.900
 for others.

00:29:49.259 --> 00:29:49.360
 Look

00:29:49.360 --> 00:29:50.580
 that even though

00:29:50.580 --> 00:29:52.160
 they slander you

00:29:52.160 --> 00:29:54.140
 they may be

00:29:54.140 --> 00:29:55.220
 put to shame.

00:29:55.780 --> 00:29:57.060
 The idea is not so much

00:29:57.060 --> 00:29:58.620
 their public humiliation

00:29:58.620 --> 00:29:59.780
 it might sound like that

00:29:59.780 --> 00:30:00.200
 to us

00:30:00.200 --> 00:30:00.960
 but rather

00:30:00.960 --> 00:30:02.640
 their change of heart

00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:04.019
 that they may move

00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:05.200
 from belittling

00:30:05.200 --> 00:30:06.360
 to believing.

00:30:06.359 --> 00:30:08.599
 that they may move

00:30:08.599 --> 00:30:10.939
 from shaming your hope

00:30:10.939 --> 00:30:13.059
 to sharing your hope.

00:30:13.479 --> 00:30:13.579
 Right?

00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:14.839
 That's our desire.

00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:16.259
 We must embrace

00:30:16.259 --> 00:30:17.539
 these opportunities

00:30:17.539 --> 00:30:19.819
 because this is our mission.

00:30:20.299 --> 00:30:21.259
 It's our purpose

00:30:21.259 --> 00:30:22.419
 for existing.

00:30:23.179 --> 00:30:24.639
 God has sent you

00:30:24.639 --> 00:30:26.379
 with the best news ever

00:30:26.379 --> 00:30:28.099
 that many others

00:30:28.099 --> 00:30:28.559
 would enjoy

00:30:28.559 --> 00:30:29.079
 the riches

00:30:29.079 --> 00:30:30.399
 of his grace

00:30:30.399 --> 00:30:31.399
 through Jesus

00:30:31.399 --> 00:30:32.879
 alongside of you.

00:30:33.919 --> 00:30:35.119
 He sent you for that.

00:30:35.119 --> 00:30:36.119
 Take advantage

00:30:36.119 --> 00:30:37.399
 of these opportunities.

00:30:37.599 --> 00:30:37.979
 Do you remember

00:30:37.979 --> 00:30:38.500
 the story

00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.619
 of the Israelite lepers

00:30:39.619 --> 00:30:41.979
 in 2 Kings 7?

00:30:43.399 --> 00:30:44.759
 Things got so bad

00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.379
 in their lives

00:30:45.379 --> 00:30:46.299
 that they despaired

00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:46.859
 of life.

00:30:47.619 --> 00:30:48.239
 They decided

00:30:48.239 --> 00:30:48.799
 they had nothing

00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:49.459
 left to lose.

00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:50.199
 They'd walk over

00:30:50.199 --> 00:30:50.839
 into the camp

00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:51.319
 of the enemy

00:30:51.319 --> 00:30:52.839
 and just hope

00:30:52.839 --> 00:30:53.579
 against hope

00:30:53.579 --> 00:30:54.459
 for mercy.

00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:57.159
 And so these four guys

00:30:57.159 --> 00:30:57.979
 walk in

00:30:57.979 --> 00:30:58.699
 and they get there

00:30:58.699 --> 00:31:00.059
 and God has chased

00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:01.279
 the Assyrians off

00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:02.939
 and there's a huge camp

00:31:02.940 --> 00:31:04.200
 full of silver

00:31:04.200 --> 00:31:05.180
 and gold

00:31:05.180 --> 00:31:05.880
 and food

00:31:05.880 --> 00:31:06.620
 and drink

00:31:06.620 --> 00:31:07.840
 and clothes

00:31:07.840 --> 00:31:09.019
 and they're just

00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:09.840
 it's all theirs

00:31:09.840 --> 00:31:10.420
 for the taking.

00:31:10.960 --> 00:31:12.799
 They carry all they can off.

00:31:12.860 --> 00:31:13.700
 I don't know where they hit it

00:31:13.700 --> 00:31:15.019
 and as they come back

00:31:15.019 --> 00:31:16.820
 to start plunder round two

00:31:16.820 --> 00:31:18.960
 they suddenly stop

00:31:18.960 --> 00:31:21.799
 and they look at each other

00:31:21.799 --> 00:31:22.519
 and they say

00:31:22.519 --> 00:31:23.920
 something's wrong.

00:31:24.580 --> 00:31:25.960
 This is a day

00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:26.940
 of good news

00:31:26.940 --> 00:31:29.259
 and we are keeping it

00:31:29.259 --> 00:31:30.340
 to ourselves.

00:31:30.880 --> 00:31:32.299
 Let's go tell.

00:31:32.799 --> 00:31:34.160
 Let's go share.

00:31:34.299 --> 00:31:35.100
 There's plenty here

00:31:35.100 --> 00:31:35.880
 for everybody.

00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:38.100
 Southwood

00:31:38.100 --> 00:31:40.640
 this is a day

00:31:40.640 --> 00:31:42.120
 of good news.

00:31:42.200 --> 00:31:42.400
 Amen?

00:31:43.360 --> 00:31:44.820
 Let's not keep it

00:31:44.820 --> 00:31:45.940
 to ourselves.

00:31:46.380 --> 00:31:47.200
 Let's embrace

00:31:47.200 --> 00:31:48.039
 the opportunities

00:31:48.039 --> 00:31:49.980
 even our suffering

00:31:49.980 --> 00:31:50.740
 gives us

00:31:50.740 --> 00:31:52.080
 to share this hope.

00:31:53.140 --> 00:31:53.720
 After all

00:31:53.720 --> 00:31:54.700
 verse 17

00:31:54.700 --> 00:31:56.160
 it is better to suffer

00:31:56.160 --> 00:31:56.920
 for doing good

00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:57.840
 if that should be

00:31:57.840 --> 00:31:58.660
 God's will

00:31:58.660 --> 00:32:01.200
 than for doing evil.

00:32:02.400 --> 00:32:03.800
 Remember back to chapter 1

00:32:03.800 --> 00:32:04.540
 Peter told us

00:32:04.540 --> 00:32:05.500
 all our suffering

00:32:05.500 --> 00:32:07.420
 comes from a good God

00:32:07.420 --> 00:32:09.160
 and though it's not good

00:32:09.160 --> 00:32:11.380
 it's for your good.

00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:12.380
 It's to bring something

00:32:12.380 --> 00:32:13.540
 precious in you.

00:32:13.600 --> 00:32:14.080
 Remember that?

00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:15.220
 Remember how he's working?

00:32:16.100 --> 00:32:17.700
 He's the one who wills.

00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:21.380
 You're suffering unjustly

00:32:21.380 --> 00:32:23.960
 not for your sins

00:32:23.960 --> 00:32:27.360
 and so did someone else.

00:32:28.980 --> 00:32:30.079
 Jesus also

00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:31.920
 suffered unjustly.

00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:32.779
 That's the connection

00:32:32.779 --> 00:32:34.299
 to verse 18.

00:32:34.420 --> 00:32:35.200
 We'll pick up

00:32:35.200 --> 00:32:35.980
 at verse 18

00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.720
 next week.

00:32:37.279 --> 00:32:38.000
 But I love

00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:38.759
 that the Bible

00:32:38.759 --> 00:32:40.740
 always takes us back

00:32:40.740 --> 00:32:41.500
 to Jesus

00:32:41.500 --> 00:32:42.160
 doesn't it?

00:32:42.380 --> 00:32:43.140
 I'll admit

00:32:43.140 --> 00:32:44.000
 it's not always

00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:45.259
 as clear as this passage

00:32:45.259 --> 00:32:45.799
 right here.

00:32:46.299 --> 00:32:47.100
 But that's why

00:32:47.100 --> 00:32:48.079
 we preach the Bible

00:32:48.079 --> 00:32:49.460
 here every week

00:32:49.460 --> 00:32:50.640
 because it never

00:32:50.640 --> 00:32:52.039
 ever lets us

00:32:52.039 --> 00:32:52.920
 miss Jesus.

00:32:53.619 --> 00:32:54.619
 When you suffer

00:32:54.619 --> 00:32:57.599
 don't forget

00:32:57.599 --> 00:32:59.539
 your suffering Savior.

00:33:00.659 --> 00:33:02.039
 Not only does he know

00:33:02.039 --> 00:33:02.920
 first hand

00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:04.000
 about unjust

00:33:04.000 --> 00:33:05.099
 suffering

00:33:05.099 --> 00:33:07.139
 so he can relate

00:33:07.139 --> 00:33:08.740
 he can understand

00:33:08.740 --> 00:33:10.559
 he can weep

00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:11.200
 with you.

00:33:11.539 --> 00:33:12.079
 If you

00:33:12.079 --> 00:33:13.700
 if you have a lot

00:33:13.700 --> 00:33:14.559
 of tears

00:33:14.559 --> 00:33:15.299
 this week

00:33:15.299 --> 00:33:16.099
 this morning

00:33:16.099 --> 00:33:17.980
 please know

00:33:17.980 --> 00:33:20.519
 feel his tears

00:33:20.519 --> 00:33:22.079
 with you

00:33:22.079 --> 00:33:23.940
 and for you.

00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:25.539
 He has been there

00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:26.579
 he knows

00:33:26.579 --> 00:33:27.900
 what that suffering

00:33:27.900 --> 00:33:28.680
 is like.

00:33:30.019 --> 00:33:30.960
 But also

00:33:30.960 --> 00:33:32.319
 he suffered

00:33:32.319 --> 00:33:34.319
 to bring you

00:33:34.319 --> 00:33:35.960
 to God.

00:33:36.379 --> 00:33:37.619
 You who are sinful

00:33:37.619 --> 00:33:39.099
 unrighteous

00:33:39.099 --> 00:33:41.019
 who had distanced

00:33:41.019 --> 00:33:41.859
 yourself from God

00:33:41.859 --> 00:33:42.400
 like Peter

00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:43.200
 through your words

00:33:43.200 --> 00:33:43.879
 and your actions

00:33:43.879 --> 00:33:44.940
 and your lack

00:33:44.940 --> 00:33:45.460
 of words

00:33:45.460 --> 00:33:46.059
 and actions

00:33:46.059 --> 00:33:48.639
 he died

00:33:48.639 --> 00:33:49.259
 to bring you

00:33:49.259 --> 00:33:49.759
 to God

00:33:49.759 --> 00:33:50.420
 so that you

00:33:50.420 --> 00:33:51.859
 are his.

00:33:52.200 --> 00:33:53.299
 God's people

00:33:53.299 --> 00:33:54.079
 recipients

00:33:54.079 --> 00:33:55.640
 of his mercy

00:33:55.640 --> 00:33:57.000
 that's who you are

00:33:57.000 --> 00:33:58.019
 and whose

00:33:58.019 --> 00:33:59.000
 you are.

00:33:59.579 --> 00:33:59.900
 Jesus

00:33:59.900 --> 00:34:00.799
 suffered

00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:01.839
 for you

00:34:01.839 --> 00:34:03.700
 so that no matter

00:34:03.700 --> 00:34:04.839
 what you suffer

00:34:04.839 --> 00:34:06.599
 you could

00:34:06.599 --> 00:34:08.000
 confidently sing

00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:09.119
 it is well

00:34:09.119 --> 00:34:10.920
 with my soul.

00:34:11.039 --> 00:34:11.199
 Not

00:34:11.199 --> 00:34:12.340
 it's good

00:34:12.340 --> 00:34:13.320
 in my world

00:34:13.320 --> 00:34:14.480
 it is well

00:34:14.480 --> 00:34:16.179
 with my soul.

00:34:16.340 --> 00:34:17.300
 He died once

00:34:17.300 --> 00:34:18.400
 you don't have to repeat

00:34:18.400 --> 00:34:19.460
 the sin bearing

00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:19.960
 part.

00:34:20.280 --> 00:34:20.860
 No but you

00:34:20.860 --> 00:34:21.740
 you proclaim

00:34:21.740 --> 00:34:23.160
 the sin bearing

00:34:23.160 --> 00:34:24.240
 part of his

00:34:24.240 --> 00:34:24.960
 suffering

00:34:24.960 --> 00:34:25.559
 that though his

00:34:25.559 --> 00:34:26.280
 body died

00:34:26.280 --> 00:34:27.320
 he was made alive

00:34:27.320 --> 00:34:28.360
 forever in the spirit

00:34:28.360 --> 00:34:29.500
 which will really last

00:34:29.500 --> 00:34:31.019
 so there's eternal hope.

00:34:33.340 --> 00:34:35.000
 So we have a hope

00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:37.460
 to stand on.

00:34:39.519 --> 00:34:40.519
 A hope

00:34:40.519 --> 00:34:42.180
 to sing about

00:34:42.180 --> 00:34:42.639
 no matter

00:34:42.639 --> 00:34:44.240
 what's exploding

00:34:44.239 --> 00:34:45.859
 all around us

00:34:45.859 --> 00:34:47.359
 in this world

00:34:47.359 --> 00:34:47.959
 so that we have

00:34:47.959 --> 00:34:48.579
 a hope

00:34:48.579 --> 00:34:49.779
 to share

00:34:49.779 --> 00:34:51.019
 with anyone

00:34:51.019 --> 00:34:52.459
 and everyone.

00:34:52.939 --> 00:34:53.139
 Amen.

00:34:53.959 --> 00:34:54.439
 Let's pray.

00:34:56.759 --> 00:34:57.299
 Jesus

00:34:57.299 --> 00:34:57.979
 thank you

00:34:57.979 --> 00:34:58.859
 for your

00:34:58.859 --> 00:34:59.519
 death

00:34:59.519 --> 00:35:00.339
 in our place

00:35:00.339 --> 00:35:01.859
 and thank you

00:35:01.859 --> 00:35:02.819
 that you live.

00:35:03.819 --> 00:35:04.719
 We need you

00:35:04.719 --> 00:35:05.679
 with us.

00:35:07.139 --> 00:35:08.019
 We need a

00:35:08.019 --> 00:35:08.599
 living

00:35:08.599 --> 00:35:09.299
 savior

00:35:09.299 --> 00:35:10.139
 who doesn't

00:35:10.139 --> 00:35:11.219
 leave us alone

00:35:11.219 --> 00:35:12.000
 and so we

00:35:12.000 --> 00:35:13.279
 we thank you

00:35:13.279 --> 00:35:13.779
 for that.

00:35:15.059 --> 00:35:15.739
 Would you

00:35:15.739 --> 00:35:16.480
 remind us

00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:16.839
 that you're

00:35:16.839 --> 00:35:17.139
 with us?

00:35:17.219 --> 00:35:17.439
 Would you

00:35:17.439 --> 00:35:18.019
 send us

00:35:18.019 --> 00:35:18.959
 out in your

00:35:18.959 --> 00:35:19.559
 strength

00:35:19.559 --> 00:35:20.639
 to celebrate

00:35:20.639 --> 00:35:21.719
 the hope

00:35:21.719 --> 00:35:22.299
 that we have

00:35:22.299 --> 00:35:23.079
 to share

00:35:23.079 --> 00:35:24.239
 the savior

00:35:24.239 --> 00:35:25.519
 who gives us

00:35:25.519 --> 00:35:26.099
 that hope?

00:35:27.399 --> 00:35:28.319
 Give us joy

00:35:28.319 --> 00:35:28.719
 in that

00:35:28.719 --> 00:35:29.639
 we ask in your

00:35:29.639 --> 00:35:29.939
 name.

00:35:30.859 --> 00:35:31.099
 Amen.

00:35:34.359 --> 00:35:35.059
 For more

00:35:35.059 --> 00:35:35.559
 information

00:35:35.559 --> 00:35:36.379
 visit us

00:35:36.379 --> 00:35:36.879
 online

00:35:36.879 --> 00:35:37.279
 at

00:35:37.279 --> 00:35:38.179
 southwood.org

00:35:38.179 --> 00:35:39.759
ими

00:35:39.759 --> 00:35:40.399
 reported

00:35:40.399 --> 00:35:41.159
 in

00:35:41.159 --> 00:35:43.739
 the

00:35:43.739 --> 00:35:44.319
 last

00:35:44.319 --> 00:35:44.399
 walk

00:35:44.399 --> 00:35:44.659
 through

00:35:45.419 --> 00:35:46.139
 French

00:35:46.139 --> 00:35:46.179
後

00:35:46.699 --> 00:35:46.779
 se

00:35:46.779 --> 00:35:47.399
 at

00:35:47.399 --> 00:35:48.480
 the

00:35:49.460 --> 00:35:49.679
 the

00:35:49.679 --> 00:35:50.379
 right

00:35:50.399 --> 00:35:51.219
 and

00:35:51.219 --> 00:35:52.559
 hip

00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:56.139
 lion

00:35:56.799 --> 00:36:01.679
 pray

00:36:02.379 --> 00:36:06.799
 pray