WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:10.519 ! Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:12.120 --> 00:00:16.240 ! Thank you, brother and sisters. Bless you. 00:00:16.239 --> 00:00:26.960 It's a great joy to be back here. I was trying to rack my memory, which as you get older, that requires a little more effort. 00:00:26.960 --> 00:00:32.759 I think the first time I was ever at Southwood was all the way back to when Mike Honeycutt was here. 00:00:32.939 --> 00:00:36.560 And so I have known and loved your church family for many years. 00:00:36.659 --> 00:00:44.659 Got a lot of good friends that have been a part of this community, including staff and just men and women just like yourself. 00:00:44.659 --> 00:00:49.259 So I'm so thankful y'all are working through the book of Hebrews. 00:00:49.259 --> 00:01:04.699 Truly one of my favorite books in the whole of Scripture, because it really does what the book of Revelation does in terms of showing us that there's one book with one big unfolding story from Genesis through Revelation, 00:01:05.819 --> 00:01:12.659 running through a four-part plot line of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. 00:01:12.659 --> 00:01:21.140 And both in Hebrews and in the book of Revelation, what we see is Jesus is the one and only hero. 00:01:22.340 --> 00:01:26.379 Everybody needs grace and mercy in the entire story. 00:01:27.219 --> 00:01:34.819 In fact, one of the things that makes the Bible so precious to me is that God did not edit out how weak we all are. 00:01:34.819 --> 00:01:44.799 And that just highlights more and more that Jesus is singularly worthy of being worshiped with everything we have and are. 00:01:45.899 --> 00:01:52.199 And for me in particular, I want to read some texts and verses from the book of Revelation. 00:01:52.200 --> 00:01:58.439 And I'm so glad I get to continue with many of you in the next hour in a combined Sunday school class, 00:01:58.439 --> 00:02:02.640 because I will be tempted to talk way too fast. 00:02:02.879 --> 00:02:13.980 This particular sermon about everything Jesus wants to see, wants us to see about the life he has secured for us. 00:02:13.979 --> 00:02:22.539 Jesus kind of gave you somewhat of an expanded three times hyphenated title for this sermon today. 00:02:22.539 --> 00:02:29.159 And if I were to distill it or summarize it is really our thoughts of heaven are just way too small. 00:02:30.060 --> 00:02:33.679 Our thoughts of eternity are way too small. 00:02:33.919 --> 00:02:39.339 Our thoughts of today and light of eternity are way too small. 00:02:39.340 --> 00:02:41.240 Jesus is greater. 00:02:41.860 --> 00:02:43.080 Jesus is gracious. 00:02:43.560 --> 00:02:44.900 He is with us. 00:02:44.979 --> 00:02:46.680 He's not pulling for us. 00:02:47.099 --> 00:02:50.240 He is the one who is making all things new. 00:02:50.699 --> 00:02:56.240 So I'm going to read this text that you see mentioned in your outline. 00:02:56.360 --> 00:02:59.199 I'm going to read from Revelation chapter 7 first. 00:02:59.860 --> 00:03:07.400 And before we go on towards lunch today, I may bleed over into another part of Revelation this morning, 00:03:07.400 --> 00:03:12.080 but at least in the next hour is a few more things I want to highlight to make sure we see. 00:03:13.120 --> 00:03:14.780 So here's the proposition. 00:03:16.659 --> 00:03:23.319 Let's put ourselves in the place where John, the writer of the gospel of John, 00:03:23.420 --> 00:03:28.900 and the three epistles of John was, when he was called to write the book of Revelation. 00:03:28.900 --> 00:03:38.040 Same apostle, except John writing the book of Revelation is about 82, three, or four years old. 00:03:38.140 --> 00:03:40.840 So good news for all the octogenarians in the room. 00:03:41.840 --> 00:03:46.120 Your life is not over, and there's always more of Jesus to see. 00:03:47.020 --> 00:03:51.920 But John the apostle was in a very unique place because as the book of Revelation begins, 00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:54.340 we are told here's what the book is. 00:03:54.340 --> 00:03:58.020 It's a book by Jesus about Jesus. 00:03:58.819 --> 00:04:03.360 It's what the opening words say, the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:04:03.580 --> 00:04:11.699 It is a letter that the resurrected descended Jesus put together through a series of visions 00:04:11.699 --> 00:04:19.079 that were delivered to John, John the apostle, in the latter part of the first century. 00:04:19.079 --> 00:04:24.079 And it is a book that is full of worship services. 00:04:24.759 --> 00:04:29.159 You can't read it straight through without realizing ever so often, 00:04:29.159 --> 00:04:40.419 Jesus shows his very young and persecuted and fear savvy people what's really going on all around them. 00:04:40.479 --> 00:04:44.759 In fact, one of my favorite authors about who really wrote about the book of Revelation 00:04:44.759 --> 00:04:46.099 is a man named Dennis Johnson. 00:04:46.100 --> 00:04:50.620 And his subtitle of his book was, Things Are Not the Way They Appear. 00:04:51.280 --> 00:04:56.040 And you can really see this through the book of Revelation because it's the resurrected Jesus 00:04:56.040 --> 00:05:03.340 narrating what's really going on in the world if you have the eye of faith to see it. 00:05:04.300 --> 00:05:06.160 And it doesn't minimize things. 00:05:06.240 --> 00:05:11.280 It talks about the crises that will continue between the resurrection and return of Jesus. 00:05:11.279 --> 00:05:17.500 But what Jesus gives us in the book of Revelation for the church of every generation is, 00:05:18.019 --> 00:05:19.119 here's where you center. 00:05:19.299 --> 00:05:20.959 Here's where you set your gaze. 00:05:21.319 --> 00:05:26.879 Here's an understanding about the future that is meant to impact today. 00:05:28.059 --> 00:05:32.099 Now, John's world, when he's writing at about age 84, 00:05:33.219 --> 00:05:35.879 we're beyond Nero as the emperor of Rome. 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:39.120 And now Domitian is the reigning emperor of Rome. 00:05:39.120 --> 00:05:47.100 And if you thought Nero was a narcissist and crazy, he was just a small fry compared to Domitian. 00:05:47.519 --> 00:05:49.240 Now, why do I highlight that? 00:05:49.699 --> 00:05:57.540 Because you see, a lot of times we assume that things are just getting worse and worse and worse in the world. 00:05:57.540 --> 00:06:02.240 And I would not rebuke you if that came out of your mouth this morning 00:06:02.240 --> 00:06:07.580 because some of us really know the vulnerability of even the last several years, 00:06:07.680 --> 00:06:12.860 the vulnerability of this weekend waking up and knowing what's going on in Iran right now and other places. 00:06:13.740 --> 00:06:15.580 But that is not new. 00:06:16.439 --> 00:06:21.360 But what is necessary is to hear Jesus say to us, 00:06:21.660 --> 00:06:24.220 here's what history really means. 00:06:24.220 --> 00:06:27.440 Here's what's going on all the time. 00:06:27.580 --> 00:06:30.560 And here is the glorious ending. 00:06:30.880 --> 00:06:34.260 I have won for you, secured for you, 00:06:34.340 --> 00:06:39.700 and will incrementally begin to bring about in your life and midst 00:06:39.700 --> 00:06:44.300 as the day of my return is hastening towards us. 00:06:45.140 --> 00:06:49.580 So seven times through the book, three times with John, 00:06:49.579 --> 00:06:55.120 four times with the 24 elders, which are representative of the whole people of God through their leaders, 00:06:55.599 --> 00:06:58.159 seven times through the book of Revelation, 00:06:58.159 --> 00:07:02.939 as Jesus shows us more and more about what is really true, 00:07:03.659 --> 00:07:08.819 John himself and elders fall down and worship, praise, and adoration. 00:07:09.620 --> 00:07:12.060 And the impact of that would have been, 00:07:12.599 --> 00:07:16.740 Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing me back to gospel sanity, 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:19.300 for not just telling me about in the future, 00:07:19.400 --> 00:07:22.579 but right now, here's what's going on above me. 00:07:23.040 --> 00:07:25.300 Here's what's going on in history, 00:07:25.519 --> 00:07:31.780 even as you were always writing with a steady hand with the ink of grace. 00:07:32.500 --> 00:07:36.939 And your hand is writing our story through wars and through reversals, 00:07:37.000 --> 00:07:41.980 because you're going to always be showing us there is no lasting city in this world. 00:07:41.980 --> 00:07:46.379 There's only one unshakable kingdom, and it is your kingdom. 00:07:46.720 --> 00:07:48.000 Thank you, Jesus. 00:07:48.160 --> 00:07:50.060 And you're already the king of it. 00:07:50.280 --> 00:07:54.980 And you're not nervous, and there's nothing going on in eternity that looks like anxiety 00:07:55.580 --> 00:07:58.480 or second guessing or coming up with another plan. 00:07:59.020 --> 00:08:04.160 You are always on time, and you are always good. 00:08:04.280 --> 00:08:06.220 Can I get a Southwood hallelujah? 00:08:07.020 --> 00:08:08.900 Quiet, gentle, PCA hallelujah. 00:08:09.100 --> 00:08:10.379 Okay, well, don't you get too excited. 00:08:10.379 --> 00:08:16.779 So with that in mind, I'm going to read the seventh chapter of Revelation, 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:19.699 but hear these words in the context of. 00:08:20.759 --> 00:08:23.100 John is in a scary world. 00:08:23.800 --> 00:08:27.719 He doesn't know if he's going to get out of this imprisonment on the Isle of Patmos. 00:08:28.819 --> 00:08:31.439 And he cares about the church. 00:08:32.620 --> 00:08:37.659 Churches in Asia Minor, chapter 2 and 3 of Revelation talk about seven churches. 00:08:37.659 --> 00:08:41.100 There were not only seven churches, but that's a number of perfection. 00:08:41.100 --> 00:08:46.179 So the book is written for the church of every generation and a particular group of men and women 00:08:46.179 --> 00:08:56.379 who are living in a perilous time of social, economic, racial tragedy. 00:08:56.620 --> 00:09:04.019 I mean, truly, if you want to go back as a part of follow-up to the sermon and just do some searches on 00:09:04.019 --> 00:09:10.620 what would it have felt like to live in the first century after the resurrection of Jesus, 00:09:10.620 --> 00:09:15.899 you're going to begin realizing, oh, the Lord has always provided for his people. 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:18.320 And we need that perspective. 00:09:18.500 --> 00:09:22.519 So this particular part of the text is so encouraging. 00:09:23.799 --> 00:09:26.240 And I will make comments as we go through it. 00:09:26.320 --> 00:09:29.960 This is Revelation chapter 1, verse 1 and following. 00:09:29.960 --> 00:09:36.940 And what we're going to have is one of many of the visions that Jesus gave John to say, 00:09:37.060 --> 00:09:42.639 I want you to write this down for every generation because here is what's happening now. 00:09:42.780 --> 00:09:45.400 And here's what will come together in fullness. 00:09:45.920 --> 00:09:48.259 This is not pie in the sky. 00:09:48.440 --> 00:09:50.300 This is grace on the ground. 00:09:51.139 --> 00:09:56.560 It's why the apostle Paul in Ephesians 1 prayed one of my favorite prayers to Christians. 00:09:56.559 --> 00:10:03.079 And here's the prayer Paul prayed for Christians in Ephesians chapter 1. 00:10:03.179 --> 00:10:08.859 He says, I pray that the eyes of your heart might be illuminated, 00:10:09.579 --> 00:10:15.839 that you, the church of Jesus, that your eyes would be freshly illuminated to know three things, 00:10:16.159 --> 00:10:19.039 the hope to which you have been subpoenaed, 00:10:20.239 --> 00:10:23.319 the glorious inheritance of God in the saints, 00:10:23.439 --> 00:10:26.259 and the exceedingly great power for us who believe. 00:10:26.559 --> 00:10:34.119 You see, this morning as we talk about hope, we need to know the scriptures tell us that God himself 00:10:34.119 --> 00:10:39.839 and we ourselves should be praying to know, use the word subpoenaed to hope. 00:10:40.519 --> 00:10:43.639 In the Bible, calling is a subpoena. 00:10:43.819 --> 00:10:46.459 I'm not going to ask you to raise your hand if you've ever been served. 00:10:47.799 --> 00:10:51.479 It could be embarrassing maybe if the sheriff knocked on your door with a subpoena. 00:10:51.619 --> 00:10:52.519 It doesn't make you guilty. 00:10:52.619 --> 00:10:55.439 It means that you've got something you better not ignore, right? 00:10:55.440 --> 00:11:02.940 But I can tell you, every single one of us in this room have been subpoenaed by the God of all grace to hope. 00:11:03.880 --> 00:11:05.200 So don't dismiss it. 00:11:05.340 --> 00:11:06.100 Don't ignore it. 00:11:06.220 --> 00:11:09.960 Don't say, well, I get to that later, maybe when I get cancer or something. 00:11:10.500 --> 00:11:12.360 We are subpoenaed to hope. 00:11:12.880 --> 00:11:17.000 We are called to know God's inheritance and the saints. 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:22.519 And the Greek actually means that we are God's inheritance, not simply what we get in an inheritance. 00:11:23.559 --> 00:11:26.559 Speaks of how much God treasures us as his people. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:31.259 God sees the future as inheriting us. 00:11:32.659 --> 00:11:36.720 Thirdly, knowing the power, the great power for us. 00:11:36.720 --> 00:11:39.960 And we need power even to believe what I'm about to read. 00:11:40.060 --> 00:11:41.340 So let's go through this text. 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:43.700 Like I said, one of many visions. 00:11:43.899 --> 00:11:49.200 And it's about what's going on and what will absolutely happen in fullness. 00:11:49.560 --> 00:11:50.940 Lord bless us as we read. 00:11:51.779 --> 00:11:52.600 So John writes, 00:11:52.600 --> 00:12:08.580 Now, pause for a moment. 00:12:08.720 --> 00:12:10.259 We're going to go verse by verse. 00:12:10.779 --> 00:12:12.840 What is this even saying out of the gate? 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:19.639 John's hearing that God is absolutely sovereign over all the difficulties in the world. 00:12:19.639 --> 00:12:22.639 So there's a restraining. 00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:31.100 There's action of God going on, even as those churches in Asia Minor are in a perilous, vulnerable position. 00:12:32.279 --> 00:12:33.100 John's hearing. 00:12:33.279 --> 00:12:33.939 John's seeing. 00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:44.439 From every corner of the earth, God has positioned his angels to secure for us the unfolding of his story. 00:12:44.440 --> 00:12:50.440 The absolute guarantee that everything God has planned will come to pass. 00:12:51.220 --> 00:12:52.380 This is John's hearing this. 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:53.280 And then verse two. 00:12:54.960 --> 00:13:01.640 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. 00:13:02.460 --> 00:13:03.380 Now, let me ask you this. 00:13:03.420 --> 00:13:07.980 This is what kind of go sword drill activities we go through the scriptures. 00:13:07.980 --> 00:13:13.480 When you hear the language, the seal of God, what does it make you think of as a Christian? 00:13:13.940 --> 00:13:16.620 When were you sealed by God? 00:13:19.340 --> 00:13:21.000 Very moment you were converted. 00:13:21.240 --> 00:13:29.720 We have, if you're, if you're someone who's simply in childlike faith and dependence have come to know your need for a savior who is Jesus. 00:13:29.720 --> 00:13:39.779 Then the very moment you trusted Jesus as your savior, you were sealed by God, the Holy Spirit. 00:13:40.180 --> 00:13:43.540 It's the same seal that's being referred to here. 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:46.180 So let's always put things in context as we go. 00:13:47.240 --> 00:13:57.200 So John hears about the same activity he has already known and believers who are living in that part of the world. 00:13:57.200 --> 00:14:01.200 But, but there's, there's a lot more sealing going on. 00:14:01.240 --> 00:14:01.620 Okay. 00:14:01.680 --> 00:14:03.340 Let me just kind of read this with you. 00:14:04.379 --> 00:14:07.540 So there's, there's an angel holding the seal of the living God. 00:14:07.540 --> 00:14:16.060 And he called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea. 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:26.120 Verse three, do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of God. 00:14:26.120 --> 00:14:30.480 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed. 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:34.240 This, this is getting, this is going to get really fun here in a minute. 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:38.580 Awesome sound booth, archbishop. 00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:40.879 Is this poppage okay? 00:14:41.100 --> 00:14:42.860 Do we need to change to a handheld mic? 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:43.399 Is it okay? 00:14:45.460 --> 00:14:46.799 Am I bugging y'all? 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:47.980 Can y'all hear pretty clear? 00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:48.320 Okay. 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:48.840 We're good. 00:14:48.840 --> 00:14:49.019 Okay. 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:49.539 We're good. 00:14:49.940 --> 00:14:51.399 The family says we're good. 00:14:51.419 --> 00:14:52.240 So let's continue. 00:14:52.240 --> 00:14:58.180 So here, John is hearing the, the, the world we live in right now. 00:14:58.180 --> 00:15:03.240 I kind of feel like the mission is, is really got a lot more power than I hope he does. 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:07.000 And, and, and Jesus is saying to John and us in every generation. 00:15:07.000 --> 00:15:09.000 Now here's, what's really going on. 00:15:09.060 --> 00:15:14.060 One of the key themes of all of history is I am redeeming my people. 00:15:14.059 --> 00:15:27.919 No matter what is going on when it's a picnic or when it's persecution, I, the living God have structured all of history as an extension of my commitment to have a family. 00:15:27.919 --> 00:15:33.239 So John now begins to hear a number and see a number. 00:15:33.359 --> 00:15:34.639 Here's how he describes it. 00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:44.699 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel, from the tribe of Judah. 00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:59.379 And I'm just going to wrench, mention the names of the tribes and not repeat 12,000 every time, but from the tribe of Judah, 12,000 were sealed from Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin. 00:15:59.379 --> 00:16:07.860 Now, one of the great things about numbers in the book of Revelation is they are gloriously symbolic. 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:17.460 And this does not mean that John is getting a word from Jesus that moving forward, only 144,000 ethnic Jews are going to be converted. 00:16:18.200 --> 00:16:20.080 Now, this is a picture of promise. 00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:23.980 This is a picture of a whole, whole bunch. 00:16:23.980 --> 00:16:35.480 And in Revelation, when threes, fours, tens, and twelves are used, it's just really reminding us that God is the architect of his own story. 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:38.480 And so John, again, let's think about this. 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:40.300 He's living in that world. 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:51.800 And if he simply listened to the sound bites of social media or five o'clock news or whatever else, he'd be getting a whole different narrative about what the world's going on. 00:16:51.799 --> 00:16:55.259 But John's hearing from Jesus himself. 00:16:55.519 --> 00:16:57.199 This is what I am doing. 00:16:58.620 --> 00:16:59.679 You've been sealed. 00:16:59.799 --> 00:17:00.939 My people have been sealed. 00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:02.199 They cannot be unsealed. 00:17:02.319 --> 00:17:03.599 But it continues. 00:17:03.799 --> 00:17:05.779 So here's the image, and I love it. 00:17:05.819 --> 00:17:10.299 He just is seeing and sensing 144,000. 00:17:10.700 --> 00:17:13.039 And God is faithful to his promises. 00:17:13.359 --> 00:17:18.579 And we're seeing the magnitude and the magnificence of his generosity. 00:17:18.579 --> 00:17:21.879 But then in verse 9, I love this. 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:27.460 John said, after this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude. 00:17:27.699 --> 00:17:30.319 I would say 144,000 is a pretty good multitude. 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:30.779 Would you? 00:17:31.639 --> 00:17:37.439 Especially for me who grew up in the south hearing basically the biblical story is God bless us four and no more. 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:40.579 Or God's frozen chosen. 00:17:40.759 --> 00:17:43.819 Now listen, this is so beautiful. 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:49.819 After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count. 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:57.960 So if John could use an abacus to count 144,000, he's just trashing his abacus right now. 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:03.179 He's throwing down any numeric system to try to take in now what he is seeing. 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:19.120 And I want you to sense with me how this would have contradicted the despair or the apparent understanding of what it means to live in a broken, evil world where evil seems to be more powerful than the God who created all things. 00:18:19.119 --> 00:18:33.599 John said, I see before me this multitude no one could count from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. 00:18:33.959 --> 00:18:35.000 Put your finger there a moment. 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:42.939 So John is seeing what will happen in fullness one day when Jesus finishes his work. 00:18:43.779 --> 00:18:49.000 But he's seeing it happening right now, right now in that moment. 00:18:50.079 --> 00:18:59.119 Now why would the Bible use such language about the enormity of the family that God is saving? 00:18:59.219 --> 00:19:09.519 Is this hyperbole, exaggeration, you know, overstate the case just to really to help the small struggling church at the end of the first century kind of just buck up and hold on? 00:19:09.699 --> 00:19:10.699 Absolutely not. 00:19:11.299 --> 00:19:13.339 See, this is rooted in the whole scripture. 00:19:13.339 --> 00:19:22.220 And the more we know the whole Bible, the more we're not shocked when you come upon the passages of, goodness, God promised to do something that could not be numbered. 00:19:22.220 --> 00:19:30.359 And John is seeing it actually happen in his day, knowing it will happen no matter all the rapture and the rupture. 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:34.139 The church is going to live through until Jesus comes back. 00:19:35.139 --> 00:19:46.159 Well, it's rooted actually in one of my favorite stories in terms of just how huge the work of God is and how generous God is and how much gracious grace actually is. 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:53.120 Do you remember in Genesis chapter 12 how God in a very profound way began to unfold? 00:19:53.440 --> 00:20:01.980 The fact that he was not just going to be a great creator, which he is, but an equally magnanimous great redeemer. 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:07.380 So he, God, goes after a pagan moon worshiper named Abram. 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:11.220 Genesis 12 through 17 tells his glorious story. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:16.779 And there's nothing in Abraham's story that would suggest he was seeking the Lord. 00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:18.680 He wasn't conscience stricken. 00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:21.420 He wasn't, you know, really trying to find his way. 00:20:21.839 --> 00:20:25.079 No, the primary seeker in the whole Bible is God. 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:27.079 And he's an awesome finder as well. 00:20:27.079 --> 00:20:34.480 He grabs Abram and makes promises to Abram that will help us understand John's vision. 00:20:34.679 --> 00:20:38.659 And in our day right now, even as missiles are flying in our world. 00:20:39.379 --> 00:20:44.259 But even before this weekend, God said, Abram, come out here. 00:20:44.359 --> 00:20:49.139 And I'm going to make a few promises that should buckle your knees. 00:20:49.179 --> 00:20:49.960 But here's the deal. 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:52.539 I'm going to make of you a nation. 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:58.220 And through that nation, all people, groups on the earth will be blessed. 00:20:58.279 --> 00:21:08.940 And I'm going to take you to a land to begin working out my purposes in view of the one that I will ultimately send through the womb of the nation Israel that I will make from you. 00:21:10.159 --> 00:21:13.980 And then the Lord, you remember this, and I love this. 00:21:14.139 --> 00:21:15.159 Talk about counting. 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:18.879 The Lord takes Abram, who's going to become Abraham, outside. 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:19.779 Remember what he says? 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:21.240 Count the stars. 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:28.299 And then when you're done counting stars, count the grains of sand on the beaches. 00:21:28.759 --> 00:21:37.880 What's the last time you put your hand, scooped into a hand of the sugar white sand of our Gulf Coast and tried to count one handful of sand? 00:21:39.160 --> 00:21:40.500 Abram, count the stars. 00:21:40.880 --> 00:21:41.380 Count the sand. 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:46.019 And then, in the same context, count the dust of the earth. 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:48.700 So shall my family be. 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:56.340 See, precious friends, where did we ever get the notion that only a few of us are going to really enjoy heaven? 00:21:56.339 --> 00:22:04.919 Probably comes from the fact that we're just kind of tribal by nature, you know, and tribal by nature and unbelieving by nature. 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:15.940 And yet the Lord who makes the promises, who really is saying to you and to me today, I can be trusted in every season with everything. 00:22:15.940 --> 00:22:26.660 So John sees this, in a sense, an ongoing application of God's promises to Abram that I will be a great and gracious Savior. 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:33.840 And he's seeing this crowd and no one, but notice with me what he sees more clearly than anything else. 00:22:33.839 --> 00:22:39.419 Because Jesus shows up like Jesus always does in the picture, in the story. 00:22:40.439 --> 00:22:45.799 See, we want to read the Bible not looking for a moral to every story, but for Jesus in every story. 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:49.379 I was hoping someone would say amen. 00:22:50.899 --> 00:22:55.119 It's pretty bad when you have to fish for amens, but you know, I'm that guy. 00:22:56.119 --> 00:22:56.379 Okay. 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:57.020 Okay. 00:22:57.360 --> 00:22:57.800 Okay. 00:22:58.080 --> 00:22:58.920 I forget. 00:22:59.060 --> 00:22:59.680 I just said that. 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:01.100 Strike that from the tape. 00:23:02.660 --> 00:23:04.700 But look at what is this crowd doing? 00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:06.440 They're not just high-fiving each other. 00:23:06.520 --> 00:23:07.140 Who are they? 00:23:07.760 --> 00:23:18.220 They are wearing white robes in front of the lamb with palm branches, and they are crying out in a loud voice. 00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:26.100 Because salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the lamb. 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:28.680 Now, just try to take that in. 00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:34.980 A number you cannot count, and every single one of them is dressed in the garments of grace. 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:39.559 They are standing before the lamb, and they are loud. 00:23:39.559 --> 00:23:47.859 Why do you suppose they are loud with their response to seeing Jesus? 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:49.839 What are some thoughts? 00:23:53.119 --> 00:23:54.240 Cannot keep it in. 00:23:54.299 --> 00:23:57.519 Do you all know the old hymn, How Can I Keep From Singing? 00:23:58.659 --> 00:24:03.220 You know, there's some things that create a response that you have to shout. 00:24:03.220 --> 00:24:11.079 About two or three Saturdays ago, I shouted when the University of North Carolina hit a final shot against the Duke Blue Devils. 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:15.400 But, you know, that was one kind of shout. 00:24:15.600 --> 00:24:17.019 This is a different kind of shouting. 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:19.620 It really is true. 00:24:19.720 --> 00:24:25.759 I think a part of what we're going to hear in the first, you know, thousand years of heaven, looking at each other, we're going to say, it really was true. 00:24:26.660 --> 00:24:27.640 It was all true. 00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:33.540 We'll be finally freed from all of our unbelief and underbelieving, the promises God has made. 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:39.160 With this great crowd, there are already gathering in eternity. 00:24:39.540 --> 00:24:48.860 You see, our theology of heaven tells us that right now, if any of you in this room today who have trusted Jesus to be not just your forgiveness, but your righteousness, 00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:58.179 if you were to die today, you would be absent from your body immediately, and you would be with the Lord in the company of this. 00:24:58.479 --> 00:25:09.979 Later, your dear pastor, Will, is going to be preaching from Hebrews 11 or 12 about the joyful assembly that's going on right now of our friends, our family that know Jesus. 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:19.539 And they are with a bunch of angels, and they are awaiting us to be a part of this grand symphony, even as they are awaiting the resurrection of their bodies. 00:25:20.660 --> 00:25:21.960 Well, it's a big crowd. 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:23.120 It's a huge crowd. 00:25:23.319 --> 00:25:29.980 In verse 11, and all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:41.599 and they fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, Amen, praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength. 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:44.420 Be to our God forever and ever. 00:25:44.579 --> 00:25:44.960 Amen. 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:48.279 Again, let's put this in context. 00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:53.480 John is hearing this, and he is charged with writing it down. 00:25:54.559 --> 00:25:58.259 Emotionally, what do you think would have been the impact for John as he's writing these things down? 00:25:58.259 --> 00:26:00.619 It would be overwhelming, right? 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:10.379 It would be just like those in the company who cannot be counted, who are coming from every single nation that has ever sucked oxygen. 00:26:10.799 --> 00:26:12.200 Precious, precious friends. 00:26:12.619 --> 00:26:17.519 Let's always remember, God doesn't just have two favorite nations, Israel and America. 00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:24.720 He has an every nation family that he is building and securing and growing. 00:26:24.720 --> 00:26:32.740 And that should thrill us and free us and not lead us to conclude, I read the end of the book and we win. 00:26:32.900 --> 00:26:33.980 Absolutely not. 00:26:34.319 --> 00:26:40.539 We read the whole book and the Lamb triumphs over all things, including my own self-centered heart. 00:26:40.539 --> 00:26:50.220 So there is big worship going on, and I'm sure the impact would have been for John was, I cannot wait to get this letter to my friends in Asia Minor. 00:26:51.220 --> 00:26:57.019 I cannot wait for the God who has always spoken without stuttering to bring this revelation. 00:26:57.359 --> 00:27:02.000 Jesus talking to us and saying, this is more true than anything else. 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:10.279 Don't let anybody else narrate your life or story, young church in Asia Minor or in 2026 at Southwood Press. 00:27:11.279 --> 00:27:13.960 So there is such joy. 00:27:14.160 --> 00:27:20.079 There is such peace in the midst of a crazy making world. 00:27:21.460 --> 00:27:29.559 Verse 13, then one of the elders asked me, these in white robes, who are they and where do they come from? 00:27:29.559 --> 00:27:32.299 I answered, sir, you know. 00:27:33.519 --> 00:27:40.980 And he said, these are those who've come out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 00:27:41.559 --> 00:27:42.679 Pause there for a moment. 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:47.899 That phrase great tribulation is not referring just to a seven-year period somewhere in the future. 00:27:48.159 --> 00:27:55.079 It is language used of the entire period between the resurrection of Jesus and the return of Jesus. 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:58.579 With incremental moments of great intensity. 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:09.699 So see, what the Bible wants us to understand is that between Jesus' resurrection and his return, the devil knows his time is short and he's filled with fury. 00:28:09.879 --> 00:28:14.639 He knows he's lost believers for eternity, but he's going to try to wreak all the havoc he can. 00:28:14.899 --> 00:28:18.779 So what do we need in that world when the roaring lion is roaring? 00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:22.779 To see the lion of the tribe of Judah who has triumphed. 00:28:23.839 --> 00:28:29.240 And we have peace and we're about what God is about, redeeming his family from every nation. 00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:39.079 These are those who indeed have come out of intense tribulation, specific times of just overwhelming challenge. 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:40.599 And who are they? 00:28:40.660 --> 00:28:45.019 They are those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:48.619 Therefore, they are before the throne of God. 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:52.220 And serve him day and night in this temple. 00:28:52.539 --> 00:28:53.099 I love this. 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:55.799 Here's a picture of God's welcoming heart. 00:28:56.299 --> 00:28:58.339 Not just in the future, but today. 00:28:58.519 --> 00:28:59.279 Today, today. 00:28:59.379 --> 00:29:01.019 If right now, maybe this is a morning. 00:29:01.359 --> 00:29:02.779 You're feeling very vulnerable. 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:04.480 And you're not sure about a lot of stuff. 00:29:04.579 --> 00:29:05.240 And you know what? 00:29:05.460 --> 00:29:08.980 Some of you may have a life right now so filled with pain and disappointment. 00:29:09.619 --> 00:29:13.119 You know, you don't give a flying Houdini about what's going on in Iran. 00:29:13.119 --> 00:29:16.039 Because you've got bigger issues and fish to fry than that. 00:29:16.199 --> 00:29:17.599 Your heart is breaking. 00:29:19.679 --> 00:29:22.099 And you're not sure about a lot of stuff. 00:29:22.379 --> 00:29:29.859 It's to you and to me in the midst of everything that is broken that the Lord is saying, this is the truth. 00:29:30.199 --> 00:29:31.739 This is the goodness. 00:29:32.839 --> 00:29:35.439 This is the beauty I've won for you. 00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:36.879 I, the Lord Jesus. 00:29:38.039 --> 00:29:39.259 There before his throne. 00:29:39.359 --> 00:29:41.099 So here's the father pictured as what? 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:45.579 And he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:52.099 Now here's a picture of the saints' everlasting rest they enter into as soon as we die. 00:29:52.159 --> 00:29:58.299 But it's a picture also of what will it be like uniquely when Jesus returns to this world? 00:29:59.079 --> 00:30:03.839 And here's a picture, an incredible metaphor of the Bedouin hospitality. 00:30:03.839 --> 00:30:14.599 If you know something about ancient Near East culture, if you had a tent and anyone comes by your tent at night, late, you extend hospitality. 00:30:14.839 --> 00:30:19.539 Because you believe everything you have, you are to be a steward of. 00:30:19.720 --> 00:30:21.259 And there's kindness and generosity. 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:23.079 Well, this isn't your neighbor. 00:30:23.179 --> 00:30:24.099 This is your God. 00:30:24.399 --> 00:30:24.879 Look at this. 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:27.379 He will spread his tent over them. 00:30:27.380 --> 00:30:31.460 Never again will they thirst. 00:30:32.060 --> 00:30:33.240 Never again will they hunger. 00:30:33.580 --> 00:30:34.760 Never again will they thirst. 00:30:35.180 --> 00:30:38.560 The sun will not beat upon them nor any scorching heat. 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:48.700 Now verse 17, if you haven't had your circuit board fried quite yet this morning with hope, look at what verse 17 tells us about Jesus. 00:30:49.380 --> 00:30:52.640 And Will, I'm looking at you because I don't see a countdown clock. 00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:55.280 Do I have about 10 more minutes legally? 00:30:55.400 --> 00:30:55.800 Is that good? 00:30:55.799 --> 00:30:56.359 Excellent. 00:30:56.919 --> 00:30:57.159 All right. 00:30:57.480 --> 00:30:59.319 I get you the next hour or two. 00:30:59.659 --> 00:31:01.099 So part two is coming. 00:31:02.319 --> 00:31:03.500 Verse 17. 00:31:03.759 --> 00:31:11.339 If you've got the bandwidth of five minutes to hear anything and you haven't heard anything yet, but you got five minutes now to dial in. 00:31:11.659 --> 00:31:21.619 I want you to see verse 17 in Revelation 7 and marvel with me about how gloriously loving Jesus is. 00:31:21.619 --> 00:31:28.459 So again, here's the picture of God's people being redeemed, have been redeemed already. 00:31:28.460 --> 00:31:37.740 Now those in front of us are enjoying the perfections of heaven even before the resurrection of our bodies and the transformation of the world we live in. 00:31:37.940 --> 00:31:39.200 And here's what's said of Jesus. 00:31:39.920 --> 00:31:44.120 The lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. 00:31:44.119 --> 00:31:48.879 He will lead them to springs of living water. 00:31:48.879 --> 00:31:55.719 And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. 00:31:55.719 --> 00:31:56.719 A few things. 00:31:56.720 --> 00:31:59.000 What a picture. 00:31:59.579 --> 00:32:01.940 Who is the lamb throughout the entire Bible? 00:32:02.980 --> 00:32:03.539 Jesus. 00:32:04.500 --> 00:32:06.299 The creator of the universe. 00:32:07.180 --> 00:32:10.620 Bible says that nothing exists apart from Jesus. 00:32:10.619 --> 00:32:21.079 That Jesus not only created everything that has been created, but right now, as in Colossians 1, Jesus is sustaining all things by the power of his word. 00:32:21.439 --> 00:32:24.279 He is eternally God with the Father and the Spirit. 00:32:25.079 --> 00:32:37.039 But here we're seeing he who is on the throne continues to be towards you and me, that good shepherd that we have discovered him in Psalm 23. 00:32:37.039 --> 00:32:41.299 But you see, this is even depicting what's going to happen even in eternity. 00:32:41.539 --> 00:32:45.200 How will I know, recognize, and see Jesus in eternity? 00:32:45.799 --> 00:32:51.619 He, the lamb, is going to rise and shepherd us, his beloved. 00:32:52.240 --> 00:32:58.220 In this image that even in eternity, Jesus is going to lead us to springs of living water. 00:32:58.859 --> 00:33:00.619 What do you hear in that? 00:33:02.099 --> 00:33:03.920 I'll tell you what you don't hear. 00:33:03.920 --> 00:33:10.100 You don't hear you and me lining up to apologize for all these stupid things we did in life. 00:33:11.100 --> 00:33:13.080 Because Jesus died for those things. 00:33:14.660 --> 00:33:17.840 You don't hear us lining up to do for Jesus. 00:33:18.380 --> 00:33:26.140 According to God's word and Jesus who wrote these words and gave this revelation, he is the one that is awaiting us. 00:33:26.380 --> 00:33:31.019 One of my favorite weddings I did in Nashville as a youth pastor at First Presence Nashville. 00:33:31.019 --> 00:33:36.039 And when you're a youth pastor, you're scared out of your bejeebies of doing something wrong. 00:33:36.420 --> 00:33:39.559 And I was on staff as youth pastor at First Presence Nashville. 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:41.400 So I'm doing a Saturday night wedding. 00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:44.259 Think Vanderbilt royalty. 00:33:44.519 --> 00:33:46.099 Think everybody's in a tuxedo. 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:48.619 But rehearsal goes okay on that Friday night. 00:33:49.400 --> 00:33:50.720 And so we get to the wedding. 00:33:50.720 --> 00:33:53.819 And I think so good so far. 00:33:53.900 --> 00:33:54.920 I got my robe on. 00:33:55.680 --> 00:33:59.100 And the groom is standing beside me. 00:33:59.160 --> 00:34:00.500 And the groom is beside me. 00:34:00.620 --> 00:34:02.360 And the bridesmaids make it in. 00:34:02.420 --> 00:34:03.100 I'm feeling okay. 00:34:03.200 --> 00:34:04.140 This is going to be okay. 00:34:04.400 --> 00:34:05.259 It's Nashville. 00:34:05.400 --> 00:34:05.880 It's formal. 00:34:06.339 --> 00:34:08.480 And Scotty, mind your manners. 00:34:09.220 --> 00:34:13.760 And then back door opens up. 00:34:14.099 --> 00:34:15.940 Long, long aisle at First Presence Nashville. 00:34:15.940 --> 00:34:18.960 And I see the father of the bride step across. 00:34:19.079 --> 00:34:19.800 And then the bride. 00:34:20.099 --> 00:34:25.500 Well, the groom beside me, as soon as he sees the bride, he starts running towards her. 00:34:26.760 --> 00:34:28.940 And, of course, I'm thinking, I just lost my job. 00:34:29.200 --> 00:34:29.320 Okay. 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:31.300 Pink notice is coming. 00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:35.599 I didn't think that long because I thought I got to get him. 00:34:35.679 --> 00:34:38.360 So I ran after him, grabbed him, pulled him right back here. 00:34:38.380 --> 00:34:42.900 And I'm thinking, dare I risk eye contact with the mothers of the bride and the groom? 00:34:43.480 --> 00:34:44.079 And I did. 00:34:44.119 --> 00:34:44.880 And you know what I saw? 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:46.200 I saw tears. 00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:52.660 I saw the mother of the groom saying, I could not be prouder of my son. 00:34:52.760 --> 00:34:53.820 Look at how he loves. 00:34:54.820 --> 00:34:58.420 And I saw the mother of the bride saying, my heart's mounting. 00:34:59.039 --> 00:35:01.559 Oh, that the guy sitting beside me would love me like that. 00:35:01.619 --> 00:35:03.579 No, I'm just not getting, just don't go there. 00:35:04.260 --> 00:35:07.559 But you see, and what I felt in that moment and then later was, 00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:12.400 this is how the Bible is depicting Jesus' view of his second coming. 00:35:12.400 --> 00:35:15.780 He is more looking forward to a second coming than we are. 00:35:16.780 --> 00:35:19.420 Jesus is coming for us as his bride. 00:35:19.420 --> 00:35:22.460 Last thing I will mention before I pray. 00:35:22.599 --> 00:35:23.700 And again, we'll pick up with this. 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:27.599 Please bring questions about heaven with you in the next hour. 00:35:28.000 --> 00:35:29.400 But look at the last thing that said here. 00:35:29.440 --> 00:35:30.099 Then I will pray. 00:35:30.099 --> 00:35:35.219 So Jesus is rising for us, coming towards us. 00:35:35.880 --> 00:35:38.900 He is going to be our good shepherd forever and ever and ever. 00:35:39.000 --> 00:35:41.139 He has only and forever served us. 00:35:41.239 --> 00:35:43.039 Jesus will never stop serving us. 00:35:43.380 --> 00:35:44.679 But what does this phrase mean? 00:35:44.960 --> 00:35:47.699 And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. 00:35:47.920 --> 00:35:49.239 It's more than you realize. 00:35:49.239 --> 00:35:55.279 The Greek idiom of this, which we'll pick up again in Revelation 21 at our next hour, 00:35:55.779 --> 00:35:59.539 the Greek idiom is not your kindest grandmother. 00:35:59.759 --> 00:36:02.519 And every grandmother seemed to be born with hankies, right? 00:36:02.599 --> 00:36:04.719 I had a grandmother that always had a linen hanky. 00:36:04.779 --> 00:36:08.179 I don't know in the DNA of grandmotherhood or whatever else. 00:36:08.179 --> 00:36:14.319 But I needed my grandmother's hanky in a season of life we both shared. 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:17.419 My mom was killed on a car wreck when I was 11 years old. 00:36:17.559 --> 00:36:19.239 Just head on instant. 00:36:19.460 --> 00:36:22.399 And it so shut down my world. 00:36:22.519 --> 00:36:25.819 And my dad was not able to speak my mother's name for 40 years. 00:36:26.359 --> 00:36:30.539 But my grandmother stepped into the vacuum and she saw my tears. 00:36:31.219 --> 00:36:33.960 And I was that kid that was told big boys don't cry. 00:36:34.059 --> 00:36:35.879 But I could not help but crying. 00:36:35.880 --> 00:36:39.760 I mean, grandmother had a way of just wiping my tears away. 00:36:39.880 --> 00:36:42.340 This is not talking about wiping your tears away. 00:36:42.480 --> 00:36:48.840 The Greek idiom is the hand of the Lord Jesus will wipe out of your eye your tears, 00:36:48.980 --> 00:36:53.160 which means he's going to redeem the pain behind your tears. 00:36:55.619 --> 00:36:58.559 This is how glorious and loving Jesus is. 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:01.880 He died for our sins. 00:37:02.200 --> 00:37:03.559 He knows our pain. 00:37:03.559 --> 00:37:07.799 He knows the stories that right now you have no categories for. 00:37:08.960 --> 00:37:12.380 It's going to be better than simply saying, I'm not going to cry about that anymore. 00:37:13.440 --> 00:37:18.920 Precious friends, the hope that we have is all consuming. 00:37:19.599 --> 00:37:24.340 It's a hope that's so great we have to be subpoenaed to it because we wouldn't believe it otherwise. 00:37:24.340 --> 00:37:30.240 And I'm thankful in a day and hour of which there is increased vulnerability in our world. 00:37:30.480 --> 00:37:36.140 I'm thankful in this season of the life of Southwood Prez that this is the way Jesus wants us to know him, 00:37:36.300 --> 00:37:39.280 the way he wants us to love those in our community. 00:37:40.240 --> 00:37:41.760 Will you pray with me under that end? 00:37:41.840 --> 00:37:42.480 Let's pray. 00:37:43.300 --> 00:37:45.059 Oh, Father, thank you for your word. 00:37:45.240 --> 00:37:46.360 Your word is truth. 00:37:46.440 --> 00:37:47.820 Your word is good. 00:37:48.680 --> 00:37:50.360 Your word reveals your beauty. 00:37:50.360 --> 00:37:59.519 And Lord Jesus, we supremely thank you this morning that like John in his day and vulnerability and just stuff we don't get. 00:37:59.660 --> 00:38:04.099 And Lord, it's been so hard to be an American even the last many years, just even here. 00:38:04.260 --> 00:38:07.340 Lord, we spit and cuss at each other. 00:38:07.480 --> 00:38:08.260 We just are. 00:38:08.400 --> 00:38:11.960 We have such a small view of who you are as our God. 00:38:12.059 --> 00:38:14.579 We have such a small grasp of the gospel. 00:38:14.740 --> 00:38:15.620 You are so patient. 00:38:15.619 --> 00:38:17.759 Lord, would you reel our hearts in? 00:38:17.819 --> 00:38:22.980 Would you bring Southwood Prez into a fresh gospel renewal in these coming days? 00:38:23.059 --> 00:38:31.480 But in particular right now, Lord Jesus, any in this room who have yet to simply receive the free gift of eternal life 00:38:31.480 --> 00:38:40.519 and hear a hope beyond anything that we can imagine offered freely to which we are actually legally bound, it is so good. 00:38:40.519 --> 00:38:47.280 And bring them to a saving knowledge of yourself, Jesus, and restore others of us to the joy of our salvation, 00:38:47.460 --> 00:38:52.340 to the hope of not being in control, to the hope of not holding on, 00:38:52.840 --> 00:38:57.219 but to the glorious hope that you will hold us fast. 00:38:58.059 --> 00:38:59.219 You'll redeem the pain. 00:38:59.340 --> 00:39:00.780 You will heal this world. 00:39:01.460 --> 00:39:04.300 And we say together, hallelujah with a savior. 00:39:04.539 --> 00:39:05.920 Hallelujah with a salvation. 00:39:05.920 --> 00:39:08.079 We pray in your name, Jesus. 00:39:08.480 --> 00:39:08.759 Amen. 00:39:10.519 --> 00:39:10.960 Amen. 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:10.960 00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:23.059 Let's go. 00:39:23.059 --> 00:39:25.900 Let's go. 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:25.900 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:26.579 Let's pray. 00:39:55.900 --> 00:40:05.599 From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride. 00:40:06.280 --> 00:40:15.160 With his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died. 00:40:15.159 --> 00:40:24.219 It's a large population, the turmoil of her war. 00:40:24.859 --> 00:40:33.599 She weighs the consummation of peace forevermore. 00:40:33.599 --> 00:40:42.699 Till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blessed. 00:40:42.699 --> 00:40:51.939 And the great church victorious shall be the church at rest. 00:40:52.639 --> 00:41:00.980 Yet she on earth hath union with God the three in one. 00:41:01.980 --> 00:41:10.179 And mystic street communion with those whose rest is won. 00:41:10.179 --> 00:41:19.399 Oh happy ones and holy, Lord give us grace that we 00:41:19.399 --> 00:41:29.179 Let him the meek and lowly on high may dwell with thee. 00:41:29.179 --> 00:41:30.179 Amen. 00:41:30.179 --> 00:41:32.179 Amen. 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:32.179 00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:33.179 Amen. 00:41:33.179 --> 00:41:33.179 00:41:33.179 --> 00:41:34.199 Amen. 00:41:34.199 --> 00:41:34.199 00:41:34.199 --> 00:41:34.199 00:41:34.199 --> 00:41:34.199 00:41:34.199 --> 00:41:35.199 Amen. 00:41:35.199 --> 00:41:37.199 Amen. 00:41:37.199 --> 00:41:37.199 00:41:37.199 --> 00:41:37.199 00:41:37.199 --> 00:41:37.199 00:41:37.199 --> 00:41:37.199 00:41:37.199 --> 00:41:37.199 00:41:37.199 --> 00:41:41.279 Amen. 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:41.279 --> 00:41:41.279 00:41:59.179 --> 00:42:06.779 together in the locations that you're normally in upstairs and across the street. 00:42:07.519 --> 00:42:10.460 But we'd love for all of you to stay with us. 00:42:10.940 --> 00:42:18.619 And don't forget to come up this afternoon, Wednesday, Saturday morning, to share and 00:42:18.619 --> 00:42:20.019 have a voice in this together. 00:42:21.699 --> 00:42:25.879 Remember that God's at work to the glory of Jesus. 00:42:25.880 --> 00:42:29.880 He said, work not only in heaven, he's at work in his church. 00:42:31.220 --> 00:42:37.160 Thank you, Lord. 00:42:37.360 --> 00:42:37.559 Amen. 00:42:37.559 --> 00:42:43.340 To him who is able to do more abundantly than all that we ask to think, according to the 00:42:43.340 --> 00:42:49.039 power of work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout 00:42:49.039 --> 00:42:51.559 all generations, forever and ever. 00:42:52.160 --> 00:42:52.840 Amen. 00:42:53.260 --> 00:42:53.519 Amen. 00:42:53.820 --> 00:42:54.059 Hallelujah. 00:42:55.880 --> 00:42:57.880 Glory. 00:43:00.700 --> 00:43:00.980 All right. 00:43:01.039 --> 00:43:03.960 I'm going to get a little coffee, perhaps. 00:43:04.300 --> 00:43:05.340 I'll definitely get some more water. 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:05.340