WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:13.000 1,225, that's 1,225. It's the first book of 1 John chapter 1. So 1,225. 00:00:17.420 --> 00:00:27.160 That's 1 John chapter 1. And we're going to read verses 1 to 7. 00:00:27.160 --> 00:00:31.140 1 John chapter 1, verse 1. 00:00:57.159 --> 00:01:27.159 00:01:27.159 --> 00:01:57.159 00:01:57.159 --> 00:02:01.599 To be able to share fellowship with the Lord's people here is always a privilege. 00:02:02.679 --> 00:02:09.079 And I want us to look together at 1 John, and particularly the first few verses of that 00:02:09.080 --> 00:02:13.600 particular letter that John wrote. 00:02:16.600 --> 00:02:24.600 I wish I was there. I wonder if you can look back perhaps to an event in history, 00:02:24.599 --> 00:02:32.159 and you say, well, if only I could have been there. I would just love to have witnessed it 00:02:32.159 --> 00:02:39.479 with my very own eyes. If only I could have seen, or maybe it's a sporting event. 00:02:40.799 --> 00:02:48.680 And you can look back and say, wow, what an atmosphere. What a kind of situation this must 00:02:48.680 --> 00:02:54.360 have been in. We thought all was lost, and then suddenly everything was changed, and our team 00:02:54.360 --> 00:03:04.520 won. I wish I was there. I suppose we all have moments like that, when we can look back and say, 00:03:04.740 --> 00:03:12.480 I wish I was there. And somehow we feel because we weren't there, we've missed out. 00:03:12.479 --> 00:03:19.079 Yes, we've read about it. Yes, we've read about it. We've heard about it. But because we weren't there, 00:03:19.399 --> 00:03:29.959 we've missed out. And I suppose there are people in the world today, and we may be among them, 00:03:30.199 --> 00:03:38.239 who say that they've missed out because they weren't present when Jesus walked here upon earth. 00:03:38.240 --> 00:03:50.620 It must have been wonderful to be where Jesus was. People who visited the Holy Land, they look around 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:57.980 and they see various places, and they try to imagine what it would have been like in Jesus' day. 00:03:57.979 --> 00:04:10.519 To be among the shepherds who went to the stable. To gaze at the infant Jesus, to look at Mary and Joseph, 00:04:12.019 --> 00:04:19.120 and to worship. It must have been great to be there. To be there when the wise men visited, 00:04:19.279 --> 00:04:25.399 bringing their gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. And we may say, well, I wish I'd been there. 00:04:25.399 --> 00:04:34.159 It must have been quite a spectacle. Or, I wish I'd been there when Jesus preached his sermon on the mount. 00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:43.739 I'd have loved to have been there when he spoke about the prodigal son, and how the lost son came back, 00:04:43.879 --> 00:04:51.479 and how the father embraced him. I wish I'd have been there to hear from the lips of Jesus these 00:04:51.480 --> 00:04:58.300 wonderful stories. I wish I'd have been there when he was crucified. 00:05:00.360 --> 00:05:06.520 And then, a few days later, I wish I'd been there to look into the empty grave. 00:05:08.040 --> 00:05:11.580 I wish I'd been there to see the risen Christ. 00:05:11.579 --> 00:05:15.959 I wish I'd been there. 00:05:17.319 --> 00:05:22.459 And you may feel, well, you've missed out because you weren't there. 00:05:23.539 --> 00:05:29.599 And yet I want to remind you of words that were spoken to Thomas all those years ago. 00:05:30.079 --> 00:05:33.779 Thomas, because you have seen, you have believed. 00:05:34.899 --> 00:05:38.579 Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believe. 00:05:38.579 --> 00:05:39.419 Believe. 00:05:41.219 --> 00:05:50.359 Now, John wants to show us that we haven't missed out because we weren't there. 00:05:51.639 --> 00:05:57.939 John writes, and he tells us that he's seen Jesus, he's touched Jesus, 00:05:58.680 --> 00:06:02.000 that he's heard Jesus with his very own ears. 00:06:02.000 --> 00:06:11.240 And he wants us to enjoy fellowship as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:06:11.439 --> 00:06:14.699 as though we had been there. 00:06:16.040 --> 00:06:19.060 You see, John is the last surviving member of the apostles. 00:06:20.579 --> 00:06:25.480 He didn't know what it was like to be actually present during Jesus' ministry. 00:06:25.939 --> 00:06:29.160 But he was passing from the scene of time. 00:06:29.160 --> 00:06:35.300 And he wants the believers to know that they can have the truth. 00:06:35.720 --> 00:06:41.140 And knowing that truth, no matter what age they might find themselves in, 00:06:42.100 --> 00:06:46.300 to know Jesus and to walk with Jesus by faith 00:06:46.300 --> 00:06:51.540 was to have life that was abundant and everlasting. 00:06:51.540 --> 00:06:55.860 Somebody has said he wrote his gospel, 00:06:56.620 --> 00:06:59.120 that men might have eternal life. 00:06:59.319 --> 00:07:00.939 And he writes his epistle, 00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:04.300 that they might know beyond a shadow of doubt 00:07:04.300 --> 00:07:07.080 that they had that eternal life. 00:07:07.900 --> 00:07:10.420 So John writes his epistle. 00:07:10.740 --> 00:07:12.259 And he needed to write it. 00:07:12.920 --> 00:07:16.080 He was writing to people that hadn't been present. 00:07:16.080 --> 00:07:19.420 He is getting towards the end of his life. 00:07:19.420 --> 00:07:23.920 And as he writes to these people who weren't there, 00:07:24.800 --> 00:07:27.680 there were others who were attacking them. 00:07:28.600 --> 00:07:31.520 There were a group of people called the Gnostics. 00:07:32.420 --> 00:07:36.160 And they thought that they had an understanding of the truth, 00:07:36.379 --> 00:07:38.020 as others didn't have. 00:07:38.639 --> 00:07:41.560 They were attacking the ordinary, 00:07:41.980 --> 00:07:43.639 in inverted commas, believers, 00:07:44.639 --> 00:07:47.800 who they considered lesser mortals than themselves. 00:07:47.800 --> 00:07:51.379 They had arrived at true knowledge. 00:07:53.300 --> 00:07:55.639 But their teaching was false. 00:07:56.500 --> 00:08:00.040 They didn't have a right understanding of who Jesus was. 00:08:01.120 --> 00:08:05.780 But John is determined to show them the real Jesus, 00:08:06.240 --> 00:08:08.160 the authentic Jesus. 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:15.600 And that knowing this Jesus was to have eternal life. 00:08:15.600 --> 00:08:17.680 John says, 00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:18.580 in effect, 00:08:19.160 --> 00:08:21.540 you haven't missed out. 00:08:22.640 --> 00:08:25.640 And so as we look at these verses together, 00:08:26.500 --> 00:08:31.120 we have to notice that John introduces to us 00:08:31.120 --> 00:08:33.500 the historical Jesus. 00:08:34.420 --> 00:08:37.759 See what he says in chapter 1 and verse 1 of his epistle. 00:08:37.759 --> 00:08:38.740 He says, 00:08:39.100 --> 00:08:41.980 that which was from the beginning. 00:08:41.980 --> 00:08:45.340 It's a similar start, isn't it, 00:08:45.360 --> 00:08:46.879 to John's Gospel. 00:08:47.320 --> 00:08:49.940 In the beginning was the Word, 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:51.560 and the Word was with God, 00:08:51.800 --> 00:08:54.139 and the Word was God. 00:08:55.279 --> 00:08:59.639 John is introducing us to the central person, 00:08:59.899 --> 00:09:03.060 the central character of the Gospel, 00:09:03.059 --> 00:09:06.959 even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 00:09:07.099 --> 00:09:10.079 And he doesn't want anybody to be left in doubt 00:09:10.079 --> 00:09:12.779 as to who this person is. 00:09:13.899 --> 00:09:15.719 And so he shows us 00:09:15.719 --> 00:09:19.099 that the one who came into the world, 00:09:19.379 --> 00:09:20.819 this historic Jesus, 00:09:21.259 --> 00:09:24.119 is none other than the one 00:09:24.119 --> 00:09:26.119 who was eternally God, 00:09:26.799 --> 00:09:28.979 who became man. 00:09:28.980 --> 00:09:32.519 Before the world existed, 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:36.139 the Lord Jesus was. 00:09:37.759 --> 00:09:40.420 But the Word became flesh 00:09:40.420 --> 00:09:42.820 and dwelt among us, 00:09:42.920 --> 00:09:45.980 John says in his Gospel. 00:09:47.680 --> 00:09:50.639 And John and others had come to believe 00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:53.259 that Jesus was indeed 00:09:53.259 --> 00:09:56.460 God made flesh. 00:09:56.460 --> 00:09:59.360 Right at the beginning 00:09:59.360 --> 00:10:01.340 of Jesus' ministry, 00:10:01.920 --> 00:10:03.259 John heard Jesus, 00:10:03.560 --> 00:10:04.620 he saw Jesus, 00:10:04.840 --> 00:10:06.580 and he touched Jesus. 00:10:06.900 --> 00:10:08.639 He had a first-hand knowledge 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:10.300 of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:13.019 He was an eyewitness. 00:10:15.500 --> 00:10:17.440 But he was an eyewitness 00:10:17.440 --> 00:10:18.460 to the fact 00:10:18.460 --> 00:10:21.379 that this one who was born 00:10:21.379 --> 00:10:23.519 was none other 00:10:23.519 --> 00:10:28.139 than God manifest in flesh. 00:10:28.139 --> 00:10:30.820 The God-man. 00:10:32.399 --> 00:10:34.220 And so when John testifies, 00:10:34.879 --> 00:10:36.899 he testifies of him 00:10:36.899 --> 00:10:39.019 who was from the beginning. 00:10:39.399 --> 00:10:42.240 Him who was from eternity. 00:10:43.679 --> 00:10:44.620 But man 00:10:44.620 --> 00:10:46.799 who could be reached 00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:48.279 and touched 00:10:48.279 --> 00:10:49.599 and heard 00:10:49.599 --> 00:10:50.819 and seen 00:10:50.819 --> 00:10:53.059 with the physical eye. 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:56.240 Earlier on, 00:10:56.439 --> 00:10:57.620 John had been arrested 00:10:57.620 --> 00:10:58.740 along with Peter. 00:10:59.939 --> 00:11:01.539 And in Acts chapter 4 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:02.559 and verse 20, 00:11:03.059 --> 00:11:04.559 we find him answering 00:11:04.559 --> 00:11:06.139 those who said to him, 00:11:06.639 --> 00:11:07.879 John, be quiet. 00:11:08.779 --> 00:11:10.240 Peter, be quiet. 00:11:10.879 --> 00:11:12.299 Don't speak anymore 00:11:12.299 --> 00:11:13.779 about this Jesus 00:11:13.779 --> 00:11:15.419 and the resurrection. 00:11:18.259 --> 00:11:19.439 And they had replied, 00:11:19.679 --> 00:11:21.220 we cannot help speaking 00:11:21.220 --> 00:11:23.959 about what we have seen 00:11:23.959 --> 00:11:25.459 and heard. 00:11:25.939 --> 00:11:28.279 How could John be silent? 00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:30.500 And he continues 00:11:30.500 --> 00:11:32.159 to the end of his days 00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:33.319 telling us 00:11:33.319 --> 00:11:35.620 of this real, authentic, 00:11:36.059 --> 00:11:37.720 historical Jesus. 00:11:40.299 --> 00:11:42.079 His message was the same, 00:11:42.220 --> 00:11:42.579 of course, 00:11:42.580 --> 00:11:44.520 as the Apostle Paul 00:11:44.520 --> 00:11:47.300 who writes in 2 Corinthians 00:11:47.300 --> 00:11:49.280 chapter 4 and verse 6. 00:11:50.420 --> 00:11:51.220 For God, 00:11:51.879 --> 00:11:52.700 who said, 00:11:52.960 --> 00:11:54.940 let light shine in darkness, 00:11:56.000 --> 00:11:57.660 made his light shine 00:11:57.660 --> 00:11:58.920 in the hearts 00:11:58.920 --> 00:12:00.600 to give us the light 00:12:00.600 --> 00:12:01.420 of the knowledge 00:12:01.420 --> 00:12:03.280 of the glory of God 00:12:03.280 --> 00:12:04.680 in the face 00:12:04.680 --> 00:12:06.360 of Jesus Christ. 00:12:06.960 --> 00:12:08.879 That's a historical Jesus. 00:12:09.780 --> 00:12:11.320 The glory of God 00:12:11.320 --> 00:12:13.620 is seen in the face 00:12:13.620 --> 00:12:16.140 of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:16.140 --> 00:12:17.860 And we ought to be lost 00:12:17.860 --> 00:12:18.500 in wonder, 00:12:18.860 --> 00:12:19.180 love, 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:19.860 and praise 00:12:19.860 --> 00:12:20.960 as we see 00:12:20.960 --> 00:12:22.560 this historic Jesus 00:12:22.560 --> 00:12:23.920 by faith. 00:12:24.520 --> 00:12:25.980 The God-Man. 00:12:27.620 --> 00:12:29.160 But John saw 00:12:29.160 --> 00:12:31.700 in this historic Jesus 00:12:31.700 --> 00:12:33.580 the God-Man 00:12:33.580 --> 00:12:35.440 who gives life. 00:12:35.820 --> 00:12:36.500 He tells us 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:37.500 in verse 2, 00:12:37.500 --> 00:12:39.240 the life appeared 00:12:39.240 --> 00:12:40.899 and we have seen it 00:12:40.899 --> 00:12:42.639 and testify to it 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:44.620 and we proclaim to you 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:46.059 the eternal life 00:12:46.059 --> 00:12:48.519 which was with the Father 00:12:48.519 --> 00:12:50.639 and has appeared 00:12:50.639 --> 00:12:52.059 to us. 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:55.519 John saw 00:12:55.519 --> 00:12:56.899 in Jesus 00:12:56.899 --> 00:12:57.879 the God-Man, 00:12:58.879 --> 00:13:00.600 but he also saw him 00:13:00.600 --> 00:13:01.519 as the one 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:03.879 in whom was life. 00:13:03.879 --> 00:13:05.659 He was the very 00:13:05.659 --> 00:13:07.360 word of life. 00:13:07.620 --> 00:13:08.340 He was the 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:09.580 eternal life. 00:13:09.860 --> 00:13:10.779 Eternal life 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:12.600 was to be found 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:13.080 in him. 00:13:13.360 --> 00:13:14.100 Later on 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:14.899 in his epistle 00:13:14.899 --> 00:13:16.200 chapter 5 00:13:16.200 --> 00:13:17.200 and verse 20 00:13:17.200 --> 00:13:18.120 he says 00:13:18.120 --> 00:13:19.220 he is the 00:13:19.220 --> 00:13:20.500 true God 00:13:20.500 --> 00:13:23.039 and eternal life. 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:25.259 Life was found 00:13:25.259 --> 00:13:26.820 in a person. 00:13:27.220 --> 00:13:28.120 Eternal life 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:29.039 was found 00:13:29.039 --> 00:13:30.480 in this Jesus. 00:13:30.879 --> 00:13:31.399 The one 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:32.720 who was truly God 00:13:32.720 --> 00:13:34.139 who became 00:13:34.139 --> 00:13:35.120 man. 00:13:36.779 --> 00:13:37.920 It's the epistle 00:13:37.920 --> 00:13:38.660 isn't it 00:13:38.660 --> 00:13:40.740 of eternal life. 00:13:42.060 --> 00:13:43.600 And every believer 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:45.139 no matter what age 00:13:45.139 --> 00:13:46.360 they find themselves 00:13:46.360 --> 00:13:46.940 in 00:13:46.940 --> 00:13:48.440 can have 00:13:48.440 --> 00:13:49.519 the very life 00:13:49.519 --> 00:13:50.540 of the Lord 00:13:50.540 --> 00:13:51.560 Jesus Christ 00:13:51.560 --> 00:13:53.620 in their life. 00:13:54.660 --> 00:13:55.259 Christ 00:13:55.259 --> 00:13:56.600 in the believer 00:13:56.600 --> 00:13:58.040 and the believer 00:13:58.040 --> 00:13:59.840 in Christ. 00:14:00.700 --> 00:14:01.680 He is the vine. 00:14:01.679 --> 00:14:04.099 we are the branches 00:14:04.099 --> 00:14:06.159 and in him 00:14:06.159 --> 00:14:07.419 we bear fruit 00:14:07.419 --> 00:14:09.059 because his life 00:14:09.059 --> 00:14:10.939 is in us 00:14:10.939 --> 00:14:12.000 abundant 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:13.159 everlasting 00:14:13.159 --> 00:14:14.799 eternal life. 00:14:16.239 --> 00:14:17.479 The one 00:14:17.479 --> 00:14:19.159 who is eternal 00:14:19.159 --> 00:14:20.259 the one 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:21.399 who conquered 00:14:21.399 --> 00:14:22.019 death 00:14:22.019 --> 00:14:23.139 and the grave 00:14:23.139 --> 00:14:24.479 as man 00:14:24.479 --> 00:14:26.399 is the only one 00:14:26.399 --> 00:14:27.359 who can give us 00:14:27.359 --> 00:14:28.799 this eternal life. 00:14:28.799 --> 00:14:30.219 life 00:14:30.219 --> 00:14:30.779 that life 00:14:30.779 --> 00:14:32.799 is in the person 00:14:32.799 --> 00:14:34.199 of the Lord 00:14:34.199 --> 00:14:35.539 Jesus Christ. 00:14:36.219 --> 00:14:37.279 See what he says 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:38.819 in 1 John 3 00:14:38.819 --> 00:14:40.559 and verse 9 00:14:40.559 --> 00:14:42.359 No one 00:14:42.359 --> 00:14:43.479 who is born 00:14:43.479 --> 00:14:44.120 of God 00:14:44.120 --> 00:14:44.859 will continue 00:14:44.859 --> 00:14:45.519 in sin 00:14:45.519 --> 00:14:47.539 because God's 00:14:47.539 --> 00:14:48.039 seed 00:14:48.039 --> 00:14:49.019 remains 00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:49.799 in him. 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:50.659 He cannot 00:14:50.659 --> 00:14:51.919 go on sinning 00:14:51.919 --> 00:14:53.299 because he has been 00:14:53.299 --> 00:14:54.120 born 00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:55.439 of God. 00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:57.099 The very life 00:14:57.100 --> 00:14:57.659 of God 00:14:57.659 --> 00:14:58.940 in the soul 00:14:58.940 --> 00:15:00.159 of man. 00:15:01.159 --> 00:15:02.340 So the historic 00:15:02.340 --> 00:15:03.500 Jesus for John 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:04.379 is not only 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:05.379 the God-man 00:15:05.379 --> 00:15:06.740 but the God-man 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:07.820 who gives 00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:09.240 this eternal 00:15:09.240 --> 00:15:10.779 abundant life. 00:15:11.560 --> 00:15:12.580 And that abundant 00:15:12.580 --> 00:15:13.100 life 00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:14.240 that eternal life 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:15.220 cannot ever 00:15:15.220 --> 00:15:16.279 be taken away. 00:15:17.379 --> 00:15:18.300 His seed 00:15:18.300 --> 00:15:19.279 remains 00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:20.220 in you 00:15:20.220 --> 00:15:21.399 and remains 00:15:21.399 --> 00:15:22.560 in me. 00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:23.940 But John 00:15:23.940 --> 00:15:24.940 goes further. 00:15:24.940 --> 00:15:26.780 He not only 00:15:26.780 --> 00:15:27.800 introduces us 00:15:27.800 --> 00:15:28.800 to the historic 00:15:28.800 --> 00:15:29.740 Jesus as the 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:30.500 God-man 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:31.340 and the one 00:15:31.340 --> 00:15:31.900 who gives 00:15:31.900 --> 00:15:32.300 life 00:15:32.300 --> 00:15:33.940 but he actually 00:15:33.940 --> 00:15:34.820 tells us 00:15:34.820 --> 00:15:35.560 that we can 00:15:35.560 --> 00:15:37.220 enjoy fellowship 00:15:37.220 --> 00:15:38.420 with him. 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:39.700 Verse 3 00:15:39.700 --> 00:15:41.060 We proclaim 00:15:41.060 --> 00:15:41.780 to you 00:15:41.780 --> 00:15:42.500 what we have 00:15:42.500 --> 00:15:44.020 seen and heard 00:15:44.020 --> 00:15:45.100 so that you 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:46.340 also may have 00:15:46.340 --> 00:15:46.860 fellowship 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:47.840 with us 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:48.940 and our 00:15:48.940 --> 00:15:49.480 fellowship 00:15:49.480 --> 00:15:50.600 is with the 00:15:50.600 --> 00:15:51.000 Father 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:52.100 and with his 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:52.600 Son 00:15:52.600 --> 00:15:53.600 Jesus Christ. 00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:54.659 Notice the 00:15:54.659 --> 00:15:55.700 train of thought 00:15:55.700 --> 00:15:56.360 that he has 00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:56.600 here. 00:15:56.960 --> 00:15:57.940 This chain 00:15:57.940 --> 00:15:59.620 that exists. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.960 We have 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:02.820 fellowship 00:16:02.820 --> 00:16:04.279 with John. 00:16:05.399 --> 00:16:06.639 We have 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:07.340 fellowship 00:16:07.340 --> 00:16:08.779 with John 00:16:08.779 --> 00:16:10.060 but also 00:16:10.060 --> 00:16:10.860 with the 00:16:10.860 --> 00:16:11.540 Lord Jesus 00:16:11.540 --> 00:16:12.139 Christ 00:16:12.139 --> 00:16:13.540 and with 00:16:13.540 --> 00:16:14.600 the Father. 00:16:15.120 --> 00:16:15.879 We proclaim 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.480 to you 00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:17.060 what we have 00:16:17.060 --> 00:16:18.139 seen and heard 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:19.360 so that you 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:20.060 may have 00:16:20.060 --> 00:16:20.639 fellowship 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:22.199 with us 00:16:22.199 --> 00:16:23.759 and with 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:24.120 the Lord 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:25.019 Jesus Christ 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:25.779 and with 00:16:25.779 --> 00:16:26.759 the Father. 00:16:28.740 --> 00:16:29.539 A wonderful 00:16:29.539 --> 00:16:30.179 fellowship 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:31.220 exists 00:16:31.220 --> 00:16:32.360 amongst 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:33.059 believers 00:16:33.059 --> 00:16:34.120 of all 00:16:34.120 --> 00:16:34.960 ages. 00:16:36.419 --> 00:16:37.120 We may 00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:38.519 be comparatively 00:16:38.519 --> 00:16:39.639 small as far 00:16:39.639 --> 00:16:40.279 as numbers 00:16:40.279 --> 00:16:40.699 go 00:16:40.699 --> 00:16:42.559 but we are 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:43.419 part of a 00:16:43.419 --> 00:16:44.059 number that 00:16:44.059 --> 00:16:44.600 is being 00:16:44.600 --> 00:16:45.480 made up 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:47.220 which we 00:16:47.220 --> 00:16:48.759 will be 00:16:48.759 --> 00:16:49.440 unable 00:16:49.440 --> 00:16:50.620 to count. 00:16:51.580 --> 00:16:52.139 A number 00:16:52.139 --> 00:16:52.759 that no 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:53.399 man can 00:16:53.399 --> 00:16:53.840 number 00:16:53.840 --> 00:16:54.120 we are 00:16:54.120 --> 00:16:54.500 told 00:16:54.500 --> 00:16:55.340 in 00:16:55.340 --> 00:16:56.180 Revelation. 00:16:57.159 --> 00:16:57.480 And we 00:16:57.480 --> 00:16:57.800 will be 00:16:57.800 --> 00:16:58.440 made up 00:16:58.440 --> 00:16:59.019 called 00:16:59.019 --> 00:16:59.700 from all 00:16:59.700 --> 00:17:00.060 lands 00:17:00.060 --> 00:17:00.440 and all 00:17:00.440 --> 00:17:01.019 countries 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:01.680 and all 00:17:01.680 --> 00:17:02.200 kinds 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:02.500 of 00:17:02.500 --> 00:17:03.080 backgrounds 00:17:03.080 --> 00:17:03.940 brought 00:17:03.940 --> 00:17:04.559 into 00:17:04.559 --> 00:17:05.539 fellowship 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:07.420 with the 00:17:07.420 --> 00:17:07.779 Lord 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:08.360 Jesus 00:17:08.360 --> 00:17:09.099 Christ. 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:10.519 Brought 00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:10.920 into 00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:11.539 fellowship 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:12.180 with the 00:17:12.180 --> 00:17:12.799 Father 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:13.500 through 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:13.860 the 00:17:13.860 --> 00:17:14.120 Lord 00:17:14.120 --> 00:17:14.480 Jesus 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:15.099 Christ. 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:16.420 Enjoying 00:17:16.420 --> 00:17:16.720 that 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:17.500 oneness 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:18.000 and that 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:18.779 unity 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:20.099 in 00:17:20.099 --> 00:17:20.839 him. 00:17:22.279 --> 00:17:22.640 And the 00:17:22.640 --> 00:17:23.079 wonderful 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:24.120 thing is 00:17:24.120 --> 00:17:25.720 that though 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.240 we may 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:26.980 belong to 00:17:26.980 --> 00:17:27.740 clubs 00:17:27.740 --> 00:17:28.640 etc. 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:29.480 in this 00:17:29.480 --> 00:17:29.880 life 00:17:29.880 --> 00:17:30.960 and the 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:31.460 day will 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:32.059 come when 00:17:32.059 --> 00:17:32.360 we will 00:17:32.360 --> 00:17:33.319 be removed 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:34.500 because of 00:17:34.500 --> 00:17:35.200 death or 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:36.259 moving away 00:17:36.259 --> 00:17:37.259 to another 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:37.860 area 00:17:37.860 --> 00:17:39.140 so that 00:17:39.140 --> 00:17:39.279 we are 00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:40.000 no longer 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:40.599 a member 00:17:40.599 --> 00:17:41.160 of this 00:17:41.160 --> 00:17:42.019 football club 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:42.500 or this 00:17:42.500 --> 00:17:43.160 particular 00:17:43.160 --> 00:17:44.360 organization. 00:17:44.359 --> 00:17:45.599 our names 00:17:45.599 --> 00:17:46.039 will be 00:17:46.039 --> 00:17:46.799 removed 00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:49.119 but our 00:17:49.119 --> 00:17:49.619 names will 00:17:49.619 --> 00:17:50.279 not be 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:50.839 removed 00:17:50.839 --> 00:17:51.500 from the 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:52.119 church of 00:17:52.119 --> 00:17:52.539 the Lord 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:52.919 Jesus 00:17:52.919 --> 00:17:53.579 Christ. 00:17:54.179 --> 00:17:54.479 There is 00:17:54.479 --> 00:17:54.879 a hymn 00:17:54.879 --> 00:17:55.559 that says 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.539 that we 00:17:56.539 --> 00:17:57.039 enjoy 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:58.199 mystic 00:17:58.199 --> 00:17:58.779 sweet 00:17:58.779 --> 00:17:59.479 communion 00:17:59.479 --> 00:18:00.799 with those 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:01.719 whose rest 00:18:01.719 --> 00:18:02.279 is one. 00:18:02.519 --> 00:18:03.099 The church 00:18:03.099 --> 00:18:03.779 is one 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:05.419 and that 00:18:05.419 --> 00:18:06.059 fellowship 00:18:06.059 --> 00:18:06.719 that we 00:18:06.719 --> 00:18:07.419 enjoy 00:18:07.419 --> 00:18:08.500 so that I 00:18:08.500 --> 00:18:09.099 can have 00:18:09.099 --> 00:18:09.839 fellowship 00:18:09.839 --> 00:18:10.599 if you like 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:11.939 with John 00:18:11.939 --> 00:18:13.759 because his 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.539 fellowship is 00:18:14.539 --> 00:18:14.939 with the 00:18:14.939 --> 00:18:15.719 Father and 00:18:15.719 --> 00:18:16.159 with his 00:18:16.159 --> 00:18:16.839 son the 00:18:16.839 --> 00:18:17.439 Lord Jesus 00:18:17.439 --> 00:18:17.919 Christ. 00:18:18.399 --> 00:18:18.799 I can 00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:19.799 enjoy 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:20.719 fellowship 00:18:20.719 --> 00:18:21.240 with the 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:21.839 things that 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:22.679 he believed 00:18:22.679 --> 00:18:23.579 and that I 00:18:23.579 --> 00:18:24.159 can believe 00:18:24.159 --> 00:18:25.219 so that I 00:18:25.219 --> 00:18:26.240 have not 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:26.939 missed out 00:18:26.939 --> 00:18:27.619 and neither 00:18:27.619 --> 00:18:28.319 have you 00:18:28.319 --> 00:18:29.699 missed out. 00:18:31.379 --> 00:18:31.799 Jesus 00:18:31.799 --> 00:18:32.919 introduces 00:18:32.919 --> 00:18:34.039 this 00:18:34.039 --> 00:18:35.019 historic 00:18:35.019 --> 00:18:35.559 Jesus 00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:36.500 to us. 00:18:37.399 --> 00:18:37.919 So it 00:18:37.919 --> 00:18:38.439 asks the 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:38.980 question. 00:18:39.820 --> 00:18:40.259 Do you 00:18:40.259 --> 00:18:40.779 know the 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:41.120 one 00:18:41.120 --> 00:18:42.900 who is 00:18:42.900 --> 00:18:43.539 with the 00:18:43.539 --> 00:18:44.000 Father? 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:45.779 One 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:46.620 who is 00:18:46.620 --> 00:18:47.320 eternal 00:18:47.320 --> 00:18:48.340 with the 00:18:48.340 --> 00:18:48.640 Father? 00:18:49.420 --> 00:18:50.160 Do you 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:50.820 enjoy 00:18:50.820 --> 00:18:51.440 the 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:51.860 wonderful 00:18:51.860 --> 00:18:52.360 gift 00:18:52.360 --> 00:18:53.380 of eternal 00:18:53.380 --> 00:18:53.960 life 00:18:53.960 --> 00:18:55.180 in the 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:55.660 one who 00:18:55.660 --> 00:18:56.160 was made 00:18:56.160 --> 00:18:56.660 flesh 00:18:56.660 --> 00:18:57.320 and dwelt 00:18:57.320 --> 00:18:58.180 among us? 00:18:59.480 --> 00:19:00.140 Do you 00:19:00.140 --> 00:19:00.860 enjoy 00:19:00.860 --> 00:19:01.340 the 00:19:01.340 --> 00:19:02.039 fellowship 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:02.559 of the 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:03.100 Lord's 00:19:03.100 --> 00:19:03.700 people? 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:06.640 Do you 00:19:06.640 --> 00:19:07.019 enjoy 00:19:07.019 --> 00:19:07.620 fellowship 00:19:07.619 --> 00:19:08.239 with the 00:19:08.239 --> 00:19:08.639 Father 00:19:08.639 --> 00:19:09.459 and with 00:19:09.459 --> 00:19:09.939 the 00:19:09.939 --> 00:19:10.299 Son? 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:11.539 Or are 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:12.159 you still 00:19:12.159 --> 00:19:12.639 saying, 00:19:13.359 --> 00:19:14.179 if only 00:19:14.179 --> 00:19:14.979 I had 00:19:14.979 --> 00:19:15.419 been 00:19:15.419 --> 00:19:15.979 there, 00:19:17.099 --> 00:19:18.000 I too 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:18.399 would 00:19:18.399 --> 00:19:18.899 believe? 00:19:19.959 --> 00:19:20.659 My friends, 00:19:20.839 --> 00:19:21.259 we don't 00:19:21.259 --> 00:19:21.839 have to be 00:19:21.839 --> 00:19:23.079 there to 00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:23.719 believe 00:19:23.719 --> 00:19:25.279 and to 00:19:25.279 --> 00:19:25.839 enjoy 00:19:25.839 --> 00:19:26.639 fellowship. 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:28.739 So John 00:19:28.739 --> 00:19:29.919 introduces 00:19:29.919 --> 00:19:30.939 a historic 00:19:30.939 --> 00:19:31.459 Jesus. 00:19:32.679 --> 00:19:33.519 But John 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:34.299 also 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:35.679 introduces us 00:19:35.680 --> 00:19:36.060 to the 00:19:36.060 --> 00:19:36.640 one he 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:37.019 knew 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:38.080 intimately. 00:19:40.200 --> 00:19:40.720 This 00:19:40.720 --> 00:19:41.299 wasn't a 00:19:41.299 --> 00:19:42.140 far-off 00:19:42.140 --> 00:19:42.600 Jesus. 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:44.320 It was 00:19:44.320 --> 00:19:45.080 one he 00:19:45.080 --> 00:19:46.460 had an 00:19:46.460 --> 00:19:47.240 association 00:19:47.240 --> 00:19:48.140 with. 00:19:48.560 --> 00:19:49.060 And in the 00:19:49.060 --> 00:19:49.799 latter part 00:19:49.799 --> 00:19:50.580 of verse 00:19:50.580 --> 00:19:51.680 one, he 00:19:51.680 --> 00:19:52.680 brings it 00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:53.340 home to 00:19:53.340 --> 00:19:54.420 us when 00:19:54.420 --> 00:19:54.980 he says, 00:19:55.640 --> 00:19:56.420 which we 00:19:56.420 --> 00:19:57.400 have heard, 00:19:57.880 --> 00:19:58.519 that which 00:19:58.519 --> 00:19:59.519 was from 00:19:59.519 --> 00:20:00.259 the beginning, 00:20:00.580 --> 00:20:01.299 which we 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:02.799 have heard, 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.919 which we 00:20:03.919 --> 00:20:04.919 have seen 00:20:04.919 --> 00:20:05.819 with our 00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:06.339 eyes, 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.159 which we 00:20:07.159 --> 00:20:07.980 have looked 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:08.399 at, 00:20:08.759 --> 00:20:09.299 and our 00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:10.539 hands have 00:20:10.539 --> 00:20:11.740 touched. 00:20:12.859 --> 00:20:13.359 John 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:14.319 was 00:20:14.319 --> 00:20:15.379 there. 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:18.180 We hear 00:20:18.180 --> 00:20:18.919 that John 00:20:18.919 --> 00:20:19.899 heard 00:20:19.899 --> 00:20:20.599 Jesus. 00:20:21.859 --> 00:20:22.259 And of 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:22.700 course there 00:20:22.700 --> 00:20:23.180 was that 00:20:23.180 --> 00:20:23.940 physical 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:24.619 hearing. 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:26.879 There were 00:20:26.879 --> 00:20:27.659 times when 00:20:27.659 --> 00:20:28.460 Jesus took 00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:29.299 his disciples 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:31.099 apart and 00:20:31.099 --> 00:20:31.679 taught to 00:20:31.679 --> 00:20:32.959 them personally. 00:20:33.559 --> 00:20:34.619 He addressed 00:20:34.619 --> 00:20:35.619 them in 00:20:35.619 --> 00:20:36.480 an intimate 00:20:36.480 --> 00:20:37.240 way. 00:20:38.679 --> 00:20:39.019 John 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:39.859 enjoyed the 00:20:39.859 --> 00:20:40.579 blessing of 00:20:40.579 --> 00:20:41.919 hearing the 00:20:41.919 --> 00:20:42.799 very words 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:43.439 of Jesus 00:20:43.439 --> 00:20:44.379 with the 00:20:44.379 --> 00:20:45.679 physical ear. 00:20:46.719 --> 00:20:47.299 He'd heard 00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:48.859 Jesus when 00:20:48.859 --> 00:20:49.500 he was there 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:50.299 by the lake 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:50.959 of Galilee. 00:20:51.339 --> 00:20:52.019 Follow me. 00:20:53.279 --> 00:20:53.679 And he'd 00:20:53.679 --> 00:20:54.159 left his 00:20:54.159 --> 00:20:55.019 nets and 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:56.039 followed Jesus 00:20:56.039 --> 00:20:58.439 that he 00:20:58.439 --> 00:20:59.299 might be a 00:20:59.299 --> 00:21:00.079 fisher of 00:21:00.079 --> 00:21:00.459 men. 00:21:01.099 --> 00:21:01.740 He'd 00:21:01.740 --> 00:21:02.879 heard Jesus 00:21:02.879 --> 00:21:04.219 speaking to 00:21:04.219 --> 00:21:05.099 Nicodemus 00:21:05.099 --> 00:21:05.439 saying, 00:21:05.819 --> 00:21:06.339 you must 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:07.159 be born 00:21:07.159 --> 00:21:07.639 again, 00:21:07.779 --> 00:21:08.419 Nicodemus, 00:21:08.539 --> 00:21:08.939 if you 00:21:08.939 --> 00:21:09.379 would have 00:21:09.379 --> 00:21:09.740 life. 00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:11.339 He heard 00:21:11.339 --> 00:21:11.839 Jesus 00:21:11.839 --> 00:21:12.539 addressing 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.299 the multitude, 00:21:13.779 --> 00:21:14.299 come to 00:21:14.299 --> 00:21:14.599 me, 00:21:14.879 --> 00:21:15.299 all you 00:21:15.299 --> 00:21:15.740 who are 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:16.240 weary 00:21:16.240 --> 00:21:17.459 and burdened. 00:21:19.439 --> 00:21:20.000 He heard 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:20.659 Jesus 00:21:20.659 --> 00:21:22.079 saying, 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:22.799 suffer 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:23.159 little 00:21:23.159 --> 00:21:23.679 children 00:21:23.679 --> 00:21:24.179 to come 00:21:24.179 --> 00:21:24.659 unto me 00:21:24.659 --> 00:21:26.000 and forbid 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:26.599 them not 00:21:26.599 --> 00:21:27.059 for of 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:27.719 such is 00:21:27.719 --> 00:21:28.159 the kingdom 00:21:28.159 --> 00:21:28.699 of heaven. 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:30.519 he was 00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:31.160 actually 00:21:31.160 --> 00:21:31.700 present 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.640 when Jesus 00:21:32.640 --> 00:21:33.319 went to 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:33.840 the home 00:21:33.840 --> 00:21:34.799 of Jairus 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:36.299 and reached 00:21:36.299 --> 00:21:36.960 out and 00:21:36.960 --> 00:21:37.700 touched that 00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:38.279 little girl 00:21:38.279 --> 00:21:38.960 and said, 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:39.980 little maid, 00:21:40.340 --> 00:21:40.819 arise, 00:21:40.940 --> 00:21:41.580 little maid, 00:21:41.860 --> 00:21:42.500 get up. 00:21:43.580 --> 00:21:44.380 He was 00:21:44.380 --> 00:21:45.000 present. 00:21:45.340 --> 00:21:46.400 He heard 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:47.180 Jesus 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:48.440 physically. 00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:51.019 He heard 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:52.000 Jesus speak 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:52.640 about the 00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:53.740 parable of 00:21:53.740 --> 00:21:54.420 the sower. 00:21:56.220 --> 00:21:56.839 He listened 00:21:56.839 --> 00:21:57.480 to Jesus' 00:21:57.700 --> 00:21:58.359 instruction 00:21:58.359 --> 00:21:59.359 as the 00:21:59.359 --> 00:22:00.319 5,000 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.380 were miraculously 00:22:01.380 --> 00:22:02.000 fed. 00:22:02.660 --> 00:22:03.200 He heard 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:03.940 Jesus say, 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:04.720 I am 00:22:04.720 --> 00:22:05.380 the door. 00:22:06.099 --> 00:22:06.740 I am 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:07.240 the good 00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:07.720 shepherd. 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.480 I am 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:10.480 the resurrection 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.700 and the 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:12.079 life. 00:22:12.359 --> 00:22:13.140 He heard 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:13.859 those things 00:22:13.859 --> 00:22:14.859 physically. 00:22:15.859 --> 00:22:16.559 John says, 00:22:16.740 --> 00:22:17.700 I'm declaring 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:18.120 to you 00:22:18.120 --> 00:22:19.380 someone I 00:22:19.380 --> 00:22:20.099 actually 00:22:20.099 --> 00:22:20.980 heard. 00:22:20.980 --> 00:22:24.860 but it 00:22:24.860 --> 00:22:25.460 was more 00:22:25.460 --> 00:22:26.120 than just 00:22:26.120 --> 00:22:26.880 a physical 00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:27.779 hearing for 00:22:27.779 --> 00:22:28.140 John. 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:29.980 And that's 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.380 what I want 00:22:30.380 --> 00:22:30.720 to bring 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.220 home to 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:31.640 you this 00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:31.940 morning. 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:33.380 There 00:22:33.380 --> 00:22:33.740 wasn't 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.360 just the 00:22:34.360 --> 00:22:34.940 physical 00:22:34.940 --> 00:22:35.500 hearing, 00:22:35.599 --> 00:22:36.000 was there? 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:37.360 There was 00:22:37.360 --> 00:22:38.559 that spiritual 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:39.220 hearing. 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.299 The words 00:22:41.299 --> 00:22:42.039 of Jesus 00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:43.039 meant 00:22:43.039 --> 00:22:43.740 something 00:22:43.740 --> 00:22:44.720 to John. 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:46.079 They were 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:46.799 words that 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:47.420 affected 00:22:47.420 --> 00:22:48.599 his heart. 00:22:49.299 --> 00:22:49.700 They had 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:50.160 dropped, 00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:50.539 if you 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:50.839 like, 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:52.180 the vital 00:22:52.180 --> 00:22:53.539 length. 00:22:54.180 --> 00:22:54.660 From the 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:55.059 head 00:22:55.059 --> 00:22:56.299 to the 00:22:56.299 --> 00:22:56.759 heart. 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:58.819 And John 00:22:58.819 --> 00:22:59.440 believed 00:22:59.440 --> 00:23:00.360 from the 00:23:00.360 --> 00:23:00.900 heart. 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:02.480 His ears 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:03.500 were open. 00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:04.440 He had 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:04.759 been 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:06.099 effectually 00:23:06.099 --> 00:23:06.799 called, 00:23:06.940 --> 00:23:07.259 if you 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:07.579 like, 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:09.319 from his 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:09.839 nets, 00:23:10.640 --> 00:23:11.240 follow me. 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:13.640 And he 00:23:13.640 --> 00:23:14.259 hadn't just 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:15.200 heard physically, 00:23:15.420 --> 00:23:15.920 he heard 00:23:15.920 --> 00:23:16.559 spiritually. 00:23:16.860 --> 00:23:17.299 And he 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:18.019 left all 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:19.000 and followed 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:19.900 the Lord 00:23:19.900 --> 00:23:20.420 Jesus. 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:20.620 Jesus. 00:23:21.360 --> 00:23:22.300 But others 00:23:22.300 --> 00:23:23.360 heard Jesus 00:23:23.360 --> 00:23:25.500 and it 00:23:25.500 --> 00:23:25.820 made 00:23:25.820 --> 00:23:26.680 absolutely 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:27.220 no 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:27.940 difference 00:23:27.940 --> 00:23:28.700 at all. 00:23:30.940 --> 00:23:31.900 And we 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:32.420 can easily 00:23:32.420 --> 00:23:33.500 illustrate that. 00:23:34.840 --> 00:23:35.440 There's a 00:23:35.440 --> 00:23:36.200 passage in 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:37.340 John chapter 00:23:37.340 --> 00:23:37.940 6. 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.420 And in 00:23:40.420 --> 00:23:41.080 John chapter 00:23:41.080 --> 00:23:41.440 6, 00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:42.259 Jesus is at 00:23:42.259 --> 00:23:42.800 the height 00:23:42.800 --> 00:23:43.180 of his 00:23:43.180 --> 00:23:44.160 popularity. 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:45.380 Thousands 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:46.680 are flocking 00:23:46.680 --> 00:23:47.420 to hear 00:23:47.420 --> 00:23:47.779 him. 00:23:47.779 --> 00:23:49.559 And in 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.319 John 6 00:23:50.319 --> 00:23:50.779 and verse 00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:51.399 35, 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:52.420 he announces 00:23:52.420 --> 00:23:53.119 to those 00:23:53.119 --> 00:23:53.539 crowds, 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:54.680 I am 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:55.680 the bread 00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.480 of life. 00:23:57.160 --> 00:23:57.480 And if 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:57.960 you come 00:23:57.960 --> 00:23:58.319 to me, 00:23:58.379 --> 00:23:58.639 you will 00:23:58.639 --> 00:23:59.240 never go 00:23:59.240 --> 00:23:59.720 hungry, 00:24:00.160 --> 00:24:00.500 and you 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:00.899 will never 00:24:00.899 --> 00:24:01.779 be thirsty. 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:03.740 Of course, 00:24:03.839 --> 00:24:04.359 Jesus is 00:24:04.359 --> 00:24:05.079 speaking in 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:05.619 spiritual 00:24:05.619 --> 00:24:06.460 terms. 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:08.059 Because he 00:24:08.059 --> 00:24:08.619 goes on 00:24:08.619 --> 00:24:08.960 in that 00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:09.859 same passage 00:24:09.859 --> 00:24:10.359 to say, 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:11.920 this bread 00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:12.519 that I'm 00:24:12.519 --> 00:24:13.279 talking about 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:13.879 is my 00:24:13.879 --> 00:24:14.460 flesh, 00:24:15.099 --> 00:24:15.500 which I 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.019 will give 00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:16.420 for the 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:17.000 life of 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:17.579 the world. 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.200 For my 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:20.079 flesh is 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:20.839 real food, 00:24:21.059 --> 00:24:21.539 and my 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:22.319 blood is 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:23.119 real drink. 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:23.680 Whoever 00:24:23.680 --> 00:24:24.559 eats my 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:25.259 flesh and 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:25.980 drinks my 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:27.180 blood remains 00:24:27.180 --> 00:24:28.099 in me, 00:24:28.299 --> 00:24:28.799 and I 00:24:28.799 --> 00:24:29.619 in him. 00:24:31.559 --> 00:24:32.200 Now here's 00:24:32.200 --> 00:24:32.839 this vast 00:24:32.839 --> 00:24:33.339 crowd. 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:34.400 They're hearing 00:24:34.400 --> 00:24:35.839 Jesus physically. 00:24:37.119 --> 00:24:37.759 Among them 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.139 are the 00:24:38.139 --> 00:24:39.119 5,000, 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:39.680 no doubt, 00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:40.960 who had 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:42.019 enjoyed a 00:24:42.019 --> 00:24:43.720 feast that 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:44.359 Jesus had 00:24:44.359 --> 00:24:45.079 miraculously 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:45.919 provided. 00:24:46.399 --> 00:24:47.000 But they 00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:47.699 didn't 00:24:47.699 --> 00:24:48.539 understand 00:24:48.539 --> 00:24:49.220 what Jesus 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:49.980 was saying. 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:52.039 How can 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.759 this man, 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:53.659 verse 52, 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:54.659 give us 00:24:54.659 --> 00:24:55.319 his flesh 00:24:55.319 --> 00:24:56.059 to eat? 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:57.980 Of course, 00:24:58.079 --> 00:24:58.699 Jesus was 00:24:58.699 --> 00:24:59.819 speaking of 00:24:59.819 --> 00:25:00.379 his death 00:25:00.379 --> 00:25:01.279 at Calvary. 00:25:02.599 --> 00:25:02.960 He was 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:03.299 saying, 00:25:03.419 --> 00:25:03.839 in effect, 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:04.399 if you 00:25:04.399 --> 00:25:04.980 want to 00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:05.839 have life, 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:07.179 you have 00:25:07.179 --> 00:25:08.339 to come 00:25:08.339 --> 00:25:09.220 to me. 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:11.319 For if 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:11.919 you eat 00:25:11.919 --> 00:25:12.419 the bread 00:25:12.419 --> 00:25:12.899 that I 00:25:12.899 --> 00:25:13.619 offer you, 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:14.439 you will 00:25:14.440 --> 00:25:15.640 live forever. 00:25:16.620 --> 00:25:17.279 The words 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:17.620 that I 00:25:17.620 --> 00:25:18.180 am speaking 00:25:18.180 --> 00:25:18.620 to you, 00:25:18.880 --> 00:25:19.420 they are 00:25:19.420 --> 00:25:20.019 spirit, 00:25:20.299 --> 00:25:20.940 and they 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:21.980 are life. 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:23.340 They 00:25:23.340 --> 00:25:23.860 heard. 00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:25.860 And then 00:25:25.860 --> 00:25:26.360 in verse 00:25:26.360 --> 00:25:28.059 66 of 00:25:28.059 --> 00:25:29.200 John chapter 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:29.559 6, 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.200 we get 00:25:30.200 --> 00:25:30.840 these words, 00:25:31.220 --> 00:25:31.980 from that 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:32.580 time, 00:25:33.580 --> 00:25:34.160 many of 00:25:34.160 --> 00:25:34.940 his disciples 00:25:34.940 --> 00:25:36.160 turned back 00:25:36.160 --> 00:25:37.640 and no 00:25:37.640 --> 00:25:38.160 longer 00:25:38.160 --> 00:25:38.820 followed 00:25:38.820 --> 00:25:39.200 him. 00:25:40.140 --> 00:25:40.539 They 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:41.080 heard 00:25:41.080 --> 00:25:42.320 physically, 00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:43.799 but they 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:44.579 did not 00:25:44.579 --> 00:25:45.000 hear 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:46.220 spiritually. 00:25:47.099 --> 00:25:47.460 It 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:48.399 made no 00:25:48.399 --> 00:25:49.240 difference. 00:25:49.379 --> 00:25:49.559 They 00:25:49.559 --> 00:25:50.519 heard, 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:51.659 but 00:25:51.659 --> 00:25:52.619 rejected. 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:53.460 They 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:53.939 were 00:25:53.939 --> 00:25:54.740 present, 00:25:55.159 --> 00:25:55.480 but it 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:56.480 made no 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.500 difference. 00:25:59.559 --> 00:26:00.279 What about 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:00.819 John? 00:26:02.859 --> 00:26:03.139 Well, 00:26:03.179 --> 00:26:03.659 when many 00:26:03.659 --> 00:26:04.700 turned away, 00:26:04.879 --> 00:26:05.159 Jesus 00:26:05.159 --> 00:26:06.039 turned to 00:26:06.039 --> 00:26:06.240 the 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:06.679 apostles. 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:06.880 apostles. 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:09.259 And he 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:09.740 says to 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.019 them, 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.440 in John 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:12.160 6 and 00:26:12.160 --> 00:26:13.160 verse 67, 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:14.920 you do 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:15.519 not want 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:16.000 to leave 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.440 too, 00:26:16.820 --> 00:26:17.240 do you? 00:26:18.920 --> 00:26:19.320 And 00:26:19.320 --> 00:26:19.720 Peter, 00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:21.539 speaking for 00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:22.440 the others, 00:26:22.779 --> 00:26:23.340 including 00:26:23.340 --> 00:26:23.860 John, 00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:24.360 says, 00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:25.600 Lord, 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:27.100 to whom 00:26:27.100 --> 00:26:27.940 shall we 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:28.360 go? 00:26:29.160 --> 00:26:29.640 You 00:26:29.640 --> 00:26:30.460 have the 00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:31.519 words of 00:26:31.519 --> 00:26:31.960 eternal 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:32.420 life. 00:26:32.420 --> 00:26:33.360 we 00:26:33.360 --> 00:26:34.019 believe 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:35.080 and know 00:26:35.080 --> 00:26:35.720 that you 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:36.420 are the 00:26:36.420 --> 00:26:37.380 Holy One 00:26:37.380 --> 00:26:38.380 of God. 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:40.860 What was 00:26:40.860 --> 00:26:41.460 the difference 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:42.460 then between 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:43.300 John's 00:26:43.300 --> 00:26:43.740 hearing 00:26:43.740 --> 00:26:46.340 and the 00:26:46.340 --> 00:26:46.980 crowds? 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:48.700 Well, 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.080 there was 00:26:49.080 --> 00:26:49.840 the hearing 00:26:49.840 --> 00:26:50.840 by faith. 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:51.340 There was 00:26:51.340 --> 00:26:52.900 the spiritual 00:26:52.900 --> 00:26:53.940 hearing. 00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:55.220 Their ears 00:26:55.220 --> 00:26:55.820 had been 00:26:55.820 --> 00:26:56.860 unstopped 00:26:56.860 --> 00:26:57.740 to hear 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:58.640 the message 00:26:58.640 --> 00:26:59.740 of salvation, 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:00.800 to see 00:27:00.800 --> 00:27:01.580 that Jesus 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:02.539 Christ was 00:27:02.539 --> 00:27:03.079 the bread 00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:03.539 of life 00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:04.179 and that 00:27:04.179 --> 00:27:04.859 in his 00:27:04.859 --> 00:27:05.339 death 00:27:05.339 --> 00:27:06.960 was life 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:08.039 for them. 00:27:10.919 --> 00:27:11.579 My 00:27:11.579 --> 00:27:12.139 friends, 00:27:12.699 --> 00:27:13.679 how are 00:27:13.679 --> 00:27:14.759 you listening 00:27:14.759 --> 00:27:15.500 to the 00:27:15.500 --> 00:27:16.339 Lord Jesus? 00:27:17.699 --> 00:27:18.299 If only 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:18.939 I had been 00:27:18.939 --> 00:27:19.299 there, 00:27:19.399 --> 00:27:19.779 you say, 00:27:19.919 --> 00:27:20.500 but people 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.019 were there 00:27:21.019 --> 00:27:21.259 and it 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:21.699 made no 00:27:21.699 --> 00:27:22.279 difference, 00:27:22.579 --> 00:27:23.139 but we 00:27:23.139 --> 00:27:24.119 today can 00:27:24.119 --> 00:27:24.960 hear him 00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:26.079 by faith 00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:28.539 and take 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:29.439 hold of 00:27:29.439 --> 00:27:29.740 him 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:31.359 and know 00:27:31.359 --> 00:27:31.700 this 00:27:31.700 --> 00:27:32.380 historic 00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:32.880 Jesus 00:27:32.880 --> 00:27:34.039 as our 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:34.539 Lord 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:35.680 and Savior. 00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:37.359 The 00:27:37.359 --> 00:27:38.279 spiritual 00:27:38.279 --> 00:27:39.319 hearing 00:27:39.319 --> 00:27:40.680 so that 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:41.359 you might 00:27:41.359 --> 00:27:42.380 say today 00:27:42.380 --> 00:27:44.319 in 2015, 00:27:45.400 --> 00:27:46.519 I have 00:27:46.519 --> 00:27:47.660 hurt. 00:27:50.099 --> 00:27:50.720 But John 00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:51.359 goes on 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:51.799 and says 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:52.900 he actually 00:27:52.900 --> 00:27:53.839 saw 00:27:53.839 --> 00:27:54.779 Jesus. 00:27:55.740 --> 00:27:56.299 You think 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:57.059 you put this 00:27:57.059 --> 00:27:57.779 first, 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:58.920 before the 00:27:58.920 --> 00:27:59.259 hearing, 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:00.099 but it 00:28:00.099 --> 00:28:00.599 shows how 00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:01.200 important 00:28:01.200 --> 00:28:01.899 the word 00:28:01.899 --> 00:28:02.259 of the 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:02.819 Lord is. 00:28:05.420 --> 00:28:05.839 John, 00:28:06.039 --> 00:28:06.319 however, 00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:07.579 saw Jesus. 00:28:08.240 --> 00:28:08.559 Now we 00:28:08.559 --> 00:28:09.000 don't have 00:28:09.000 --> 00:28:09.660 a physical 00:28:09.660 --> 00:28:10.379 description 00:28:10.379 --> 00:28:11.079 of Jesus. 00:28:13.460 --> 00:28:13.899 He is 00:28:13.899 --> 00:28:14.579 described 00:28:14.579 --> 00:28:15.980 in Isaiah 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:17.119 53 and 00:28:17.119 --> 00:28:17.799 verse 2. 00:28:18.799 --> 00:28:19.180 He had 00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:19.819 no beauty 00:28:19.819 --> 00:28:20.660 or majesty 00:28:20.660 --> 00:28:21.460 to attract 00:28:21.460 --> 00:28:21.920 us to 00:28:21.920 --> 00:28:22.160 him. 00:28:22.740 --> 00:28:23.420 Nothing in 00:28:23.420 --> 00:28:24.180 his appearance 00:28:24.180 --> 00:28:24.740 that we 00:28:24.740 --> 00:28:25.819 should desire 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:26.180 him. 00:28:26.180 --> 00:28:29.340 So I 00:28:29.340 --> 00:28:29.960 would suggest 00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:30.519 if Jesus 00:28:30.519 --> 00:28:31.279 walked through 00:28:31.279 --> 00:28:31.980 Karageline 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:33.360 today, 00:28:34.360 --> 00:28:35.240 it wouldn't 00:28:35.240 --> 00:28:35.759 mean that 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.100 people 00:28:36.100 --> 00:28:36.920 automatically 00:28:36.920 --> 00:28:37.960 believed 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:38.960 in him. 00:28:39.620 --> 00:28:40.259 It just 00:28:40.259 --> 00:28:41.039 wouldn't 00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:41.560 happen, 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:42.580 no more 00:28:42.580 --> 00:28:43.060 than it 00:28:43.060 --> 00:28:44.360 did in 00:28:44.360 --> 00:28:44.900 the days 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:45.560 when Jesus 00:28:45.560 --> 00:28:46.519 walked here 00:28:46.519 --> 00:28:47.680 upon earth. 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.380 They might 00:28:49.380 --> 00:28:49.820 see, 00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:51.400 but not 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:51.960 believe. 00:28:53.480 --> 00:28:54.039 And again, 00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:54.920 there is the 00:28:54.920 --> 00:28:55.580 physical 00:28:55.580 --> 00:28:56.240 seeing which 00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:56.779 is different 00:28:56.779 --> 00:28:57.240 to the 00:28:57.240 --> 00:28:57.800 spiritual 00:28:57.800 --> 00:28:58.320 seeing. 00:28:59.100 --> 00:28:59.600 And again, 00:28:59.700 --> 00:29:00.039 we can 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:01.060 illustrate it 00:29:01.060 --> 00:29:02.440 from John's 00:29:02.440 --> 00:29:03.320 own gospel. 00:29:04.940 --> 00:29:05.420 In John 00:29:05.420 --> 00:29:06.160 chapter 9, 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:07.000 we have a 00:29:07.000 --> 00:29:07.860 blind man. 00:29:09.120 --> 00:29:09.720 And Jesus 00:29:09.720 --> 00:29:11.640 puts clay 00:29:11.640 --> 00:29:12.320 on this 00:29:12.320 --> 00:29:13.380 man's eyes. 00:29:14.080 --> 00:29:14.620 And after 00:29:14.620 --> 00:29:15.900 washing in 00:29:15.900 --> 00:29:16.320 the pool 00:29:16.320 --> 00:29:17.000 of Siloam, 00:29:17.539 --> 00:29:18.160 this man 00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:18.860 is able 00:29:18.860 --> 00:29:19.620 to see. 00:29:20.519 --> 00:29:21.100 Physically, 00:29:21.300 --> 00:29:21.920 he had 00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:22.500 sight. 00:29:22.500 --> 00:29:23.579 He could 00:29:23.579 --> 00:29:23.980 look up 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.420 at the 00:29:24.420 --> 00:29:25.160 sky and 00:29:25.160 --> 00:29:25.759 the trees 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.140 and the 00:29:26.140 --> 00:29:26.579 flowers, 00:29:26.779 --> 00:29:27.099 and he 00:29:27.099 --> 00:29:27.500 could look 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:28.220 at people. 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.359 Who has 00:29:31.359 --> 00:29:32.000 done this 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:33.019 miracle in 00:29:33.019 --> 00:29:33.640 his life? 00:29:34.619 --> 00:29:34.960 Well, 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:36.619 he recognizes 00:29:36.619 --> 00:29:37.160 that it 00:29:37.160 --> 00:29:37.640 must have 00:29:37.640 --> 00:29:38.279 been a 00:29:38.279 --> 00:29:39.880 prophet who 00:29:39.880 --> 00:29:40.460 had opened 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:41.819 his eyes. 00:29:43.039 --> 00:29:43.380 But he 00:29:43.380 --> 00:29:43.839 needs to 00:29:43.839 --> 00:29:44.779 see something 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:45.619 more. 00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:48.339 Later on, 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:49.599 he's brought 00:29:49.599 --> 00:29:50.900 into touch 00:29:50.900 --> 00:29:51.480 with the 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:52.040 Lord Jesus. 00:29:52.220 --> 00:29:53.180 He looks 00:29:53.180 --> 00:29:54.080 upon 00:29:54.080 --> 00:29:55.100 Jesus. 00:29:56.860 --> 00:29:57.759 And Jesus 00:29:57.759 --> 00:29:59.680 says to 00:29:59.680 --> 00:30:00.860 him in 00:30:00.860 --> 00:30:01.660 John 9 00:30:01.660 --> 00:30:02.100 and verse 00:30:02.100 --> 00:30:02.720 35, 00:30:03.120 --> 00:30:03.580 Do you 00:30:03.580 --> 00:30:04.600 believe in 00:30:04.600 --> 00:30:05.240 the Son 00:30:05.240 --> 00:30:06.140 of Man? 00:30:07.580 --> 00:30:08.440 Who is 00:30:08.440 --> 00:30:09.420 this man? 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:11.080 Well, 00:30:11.080 --> 00:30:11.700 Jesus 00:30:11.700 --> 00:30:12.560 identifies 00:30:12.560 --> 00:30:13.740 himself as 00:30:13.740 --> 00:30:14.600 that man. 00:30:15.660 --> 00:30:15.900 He 00:30:15.900 --> 00:30:16.500 identifies 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:17.960 himself as 00:30:17.960 --> 00:30:19.000 the Messiah. 00:30:19.380 --> 00:30:19.980 And another 00:30:19.980 --> 00:30:21.360 miracle takes 00:30:21.360 --> 00:30:22.039 place. 00:30:22.900 --> 00:30:23.519 For his 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:24.880 spiritual eyes 00:30:24.880 --> 00:30:25.779 are opened. 00:30:26.680 --> 00:30:27.099 And we 00:30:27.099 --> 00:30:27.660 read in 00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:28.620 verse 38 00:30:28.620 --> 00:30:29.900 of John 9, 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:30.980 Lord, 00:30:31.120 --> 00:30:31.539 he says, 00:30:31.700 --> 00:30:33.160 I believe. 00:30:34.039 --> 00:30:34.660 And he 00:30:34.660 --> 00:30:35.660 worshipped 00:30:35.660 --> 00:30:35.980 him. 00:30:36.400 --> 00:30:37.420 He saw 00:30:37.420 --> 00:30:38.220 with the 00:30:38.220 --> 00:30:39.059 physical eye, 00:30:40.160 --> 00:30:40.960 but he 00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:41.759 saw with 00:30:41.759 --> 00:30:43.079 the spiritual 00:30:43.079 --> 00:30:43.680 eye. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:44.319 His 00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:46.299 physical 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:47.120 eyes were 00:30:47.120 --> 00:30:47.819 opened 00:30:47.819 --> 00:30:47.960 opened, 00:30:48.960 --> 00:30:49.559 that he 00:30:49.559 --> 00:30:50.220 might see 00:30:50.220 --> 00:30:51.119 spiritually 00:30:51.119 --> 00:30:52.200 who 00:30:52.200 --> 00:30:53.000 Jesus 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:54.079 was. 00:30:55.939 --> 00:30:56.599 Of course, 00:30:56.679 --> 00:30:56.919 there were 00:30:56.919 --> 00:30:57.879 others present 00:30:57.879 --> 00:30:58.559 that day, 00:31:00.019 --> 00:31:00.939 the Pharisees 00:31:00.939 --> 00:31:01.539 among them, 00:31:02.879 --> 00:31:03.279 and we're 00:31:03.279 --> 00:31:04.079 told that they 00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:04.599 remained 00:31:04.599 --> 00:31:05.480 spiritually 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:06.299 blind. 00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:08.480 These men 00:31:08.480 --> 00:31:09.200 thought they 00:31:09.200 --> 00:31:09.579 saw. 00:31:10.579 --> 00:31:10.960 They were 00:31:10.960 --> 00:31:11.379 Moses' 00:31:11.659 --> 00:31:12.179 disciples. 00:31:12.659 --> 00:31:13.119 They were the 00:31:13.119 --> 00:31:13.519 religious 00:31:13.519 --> 00:31:14.399 authorities. 00:31:14.400 --> 00:31:14.680 eyes, 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:16.340 but they 00:31:16.340 --> 00:31:17.400 didn't see 00:31:17.400 --> 00:31:18.120 Jesus 00:31:18.120 --> 00:31:19.860 as the 00:31:19.860 --> 00:31:20.440 Messiah. 00:31:21.160 --> 00:31:21.820 They didn't 00:31:21.820 --> 00:31:22.560 see him 00:31:22.560 --> 00:31:23.560 as God 00:31:23.560 --> 00:31:25.019 made flesh. 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:25.740 They were 00:31:25.740 --> 00:31:27.080 blind to 00:31:27.080 --> 00:31:27.860 eternal 00:31:27.860 --> 00:31:28.360 things, 00:31:28.680 --> 00:31:29.560 blind to the 00:31:29.560 --> 00:31:31.140 fact that 00:31:31.140 --> 00:31:31.960 God had 00:31:31.960 --> 00:31:32.440 been made 00:31:32.440 --> 00:31:33.160 flesh and 00:31:33.160 --> 00:31:33.720 was living 00:31:33.720 --> 00:31:34.620 among them. 00:31:35.540 --> 00:31:35.920 And it 00:31:35.920 --> 00:31:36.340 was a 00:31:36.340 --> 00:31:36.840 terrible 00:31:36.840 --> 00:31:37.480 blindness 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:39.620 not to 00:31:39.620 --> 00:31:40.480 see Jesus. 00:31:40.480 --> 00:31:40.599 Jesus. 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:42.059 And there 00:31:42.059 --> 00:31:42.360 may be 00:31:42.360 --> 00:31:43.140 somebody here 00:31:43.140 --> 00:31:43.759 this morning 00:31:43.759 --> 00:31:45.099 who says, 00:31:45.420 --> 00:31:46.380 if only I 00:31:46.380 --> 00:31:47.000 had seen, 00:31:47.319 --> 00:31:48.400 I would 00:31:48.400 --> 00:31:49.559 believe. 00:31:50.660 --> 00:31:51.339 Would you? 00:31:52.799 --> 00:31:53.759 I don't 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:54.200 know. 00:31:56.200 --> 00:31:56.599 But you 00:31:56.599 --> 00:31:57.259 weren't 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:57.920 living then. 00:31:58.640 --> 00:31:59.120 But you 00:31:59.120 --> 00:32:00.440 can believe 00:32:00.440 --> 00:32:01.460 today. 00:32:03.059 --> 00:32:03.960 You can 00:32:03.960 --> 00:32:04.880 believe by 00:32:04.880 --> 00:32:06.779 reaching out 00:32:06.779 --> 00:32:08.019 to him. 00:32:08.019 --> 00:32:09.980 and seeing 00:32:09.980 --> 00:32:10.660 him as 00:32:10.660 --> 00:32:11.359 he's revealed 00:32:11.359 --> 00:32:12.680 himself in 00:32:12.680 --> 00:32:13.319 scripture. 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:14.980 You can 00:32:14.980 --> 00:32:15.639 know him 00:32:15.639 --> 00:32:16.200 by the 00:32:16.200 --> 00:32:17.160 spirit working 00:32:17.160 --> 00:32:17.940 in your 00:32:17.940 --> 00:32:18.259 life, 00:32:18.579 --> 00:32:19.299 showing you 00:32:19.299 --> 00:32:19.680 him. 00:32:21.940 --> 00:32:23.019 We spoke 00:32:23.019 --> 00:32:23.740 of Thomas 00:32:23.740 --> 00:32:24.779 earlier on. 00:32:26.019 --> 00:32:26.740 If I 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:27.339 can only 00:32:27.339 --> 00:32:28.079 see, he 00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:28.480 says, 00:32:28.779 --> 00:32:29.279 the nail 00:32:29.279 --> 00:32:29.839 prints, 00:32:30.839 --> 00:32:31.480 and put 00:32:31.480 --> 00:32:32.180 my finger 00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:33.019 into those 00:32:33.019 --> 00:32:33.879 nail prints, 00:32:34.599 --> 00:32:35.319 and put 00:32:35.319 --> 00:32:36.019 my fist 00:32:36.019 --> 00:32:36.639 into his 00:32:36.639 --> 00:32:37.079 side, 00:32:37.079 --> 00:32:38.079 then I 00:32:38.079 --> 00:32:38.379 would 00:32:38.379 --> 00:32:39.000 believe. 00:32:40.919 --> 00:32:41.339 And then 00:32:41.339 --> 00:32:42.019 Jesus is 00:32:42.019 --> 00:32:42.500 present. 00:32:43.460 --> 00:32:43.899 Thomas, 00:32:44.139 --> 00:32:44.879 because you 00:32:44.879 --> 00:32:45.439 have seen, 00:32:45.579 --> 00:32:46.139 you believe, 00:32:46.439 --> 00:32:46.899 blessed, 00:32:47.220 --> 00:32:48.119 happy are 00:32:48.119 --> 00:32:48.799 those who 00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:49.279 have not 00:32:49.279 --> 00:32:49.639 seen, 00:32:49.819 --> 00:32:50.799 yet believe. 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:52.939 So have 00:32:52.939 --> 00:32:54.259 you seen 00:32:54.259 --> 00:32:55.119 Jesus? 00:32:55.819 --> 00:32:56.259 Have your 00:32:56.259 --> 00:32:57.000 eyes been 00:32:57.000 --> 00:32:57.779 opened by 00:32:57.779 --> 00:32:58.579 the Spirit 00:32:58.579 --> 00:32:59.299 of God? 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:00.679 Have you 00:33:00.679 --> 00:33:02.079 a testimony? 00:33:03.579 --> 00:33:04.379 John had 00:33:04.379 --> 00:33:05.059 a testimony. 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:06.939 Remember, 00:33:07.079 --> 00:33:07.539 how he 00:33:07.539 --> 00:33:08.259 gone to 00:33:08.259 --> 00:33:09.679 the 00:33:09.679 --> 00:33:11.379 empty 00:33:11.379 --> 00:33:11.859 tomb? 00:33:12.639 --> 00:33:13.099 And he 00:33:13.099 --> 00:33:13.899 looked in, 00:33:14.019 --> 00:33:14.319 and we 00:33:14.319 --> 00:33:15.220 have his 00:33:15.220 --> 00:33:15.960 testimony. 00:33:17.019 --> 00:33:17.579 He saw 00:33:17.579 --> 00:33:18.500 the empty 00:33:18.500 --> 00:33:19.079 tomb. 00:33:20.379 --> 00:33:20.919 And the 00:33:20.919 --> 00:33:21.879 Bible says, 00:33:22.299 --> 00:33:23.220 he saw 00:33:23.220 --> 00:33:24.639 and 00:33:24.639 --> 00:33:25.819 believed. 00:33:26.819 --> 00:33:27.619 Have you 00:33:27.619 --> 00:33:28.159 believed? 00:33:29.539 --> 00:33:30.359 And the 00:33:30.359 --> 00:33:31.039 final thing 00:33:31.039 --> 00:33:31.639 that John 00:33:31.639 --> 00:33:32.319 tells us 00:33:32.319 --> 00:33:32.619 here, 00:33:33.419 --> 00:33:33.839 is that he 00:33:33.839 --> 00:33:34.339 not only 00:33:34.339 --> 00:33:35.179 heard Jesus, 00:33:35.379 --> 00:33:36.000 he not only 00:33:36.000 --> 00:33:36.980 saw Jesus, 00:33:37.740 --> 00:33:38.339 but he 00:33:38.339 --> 00:33:39.579 had touched 00:33:39.579 --> 00:33:40.359 Jesus. 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:43.420 Physically, 00:33:44.660 --> 00:33:45.480 John had 00:33:45.480 --> 00:33:46.519 actually leaned 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:47.380 against Jesus 00:33:47.380 --> 00:33:47.839 at the 00:33:47.839 --> 00:33:48.539 Last Supper. 00:33:50.279 --> 00:33:50.660 This 00:33:50.660 --> 00:33:51.519 apostle had 00:33:51.519 --> 00:33:52.420 had physical 00:33:52.420 --> 00:33:53.960 contact with 00:33:53.960 --> 00:33:54.480 Jesus. 00:33:55.039 --> 00:33:55.680 During the 00:33:55.680 --> 00:33:56.380 three years 00:33:56.380 --> 00:33:56.940 he had been 00:33:56.940 --> 00:33:57.660 with Jesus, 00:33:57.900 --> 00:33:58.319 he had 00:33:58.319 --> 00:33:58.700 listened, 00:33:59.140 --> 00:33:59.440 he had 00:33:59.440 --> 00:33:59.880 seen, 00:33:59.880 --> 00:34:00.599 he had 00:34:00.599 --> 00:34:01.220 touched. 00:34:01.220 --> 00:34:01.360 touched. 00:34:02.960 --> 00:34:03.680 Jesus, 00:34:03.920 --> 00:34:04.240 we know, 00:34:04.299 --> 00:34:04.700 was a 00:34:04.700 --> 00:34:05.339 tactile 00:34:05.339 --> 00:34:06.120 person. 00:34:07.579 --> 00:34:08.119 He often 00:34:08.119 --> 00:34:09.039 reached out 00:34:09.039 --> 00:34:10.220 and touched 00:34:10.220 --> 00:34:11.300 those who 00:34:11.300 --> 00:34:11.720 would be 00:34:11.720 --> 00:34:12.639 regarded as 00:34:12.639 --> 00:34:13.019 the 00:34:13.019 --> 00:34:14.159 untouchables 00:34:14.159 --> 00:34:14.740 of the 00:34:14.740 --> 00:34:15.019 day. 00:34:16.539 --> 00:34:17.740 He reached 00:34:17.740 --> 00:34:18.720 out to 00:34:18.720 --> 00:34:19.800 people. 00:34:21.579 --> 00:34:22.099 On many 00:34:22.099 --> 00:34:22.720 occasions, 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:23.860 he'd taken 00:34:23.860 --> 00:34:25.320 children to 00:34:25.320 --> 00:34:25.920 himself. 00:34:26.179 --> 00:34:27.199 He touched 00:34:27.199 --> 00:34:27.579 them. 00:34:27.579 --> 00:34:29.319 And John 00:34:29.319 --> 00:34:30.559 had touched 00:34:30.559 --> 00:34:31.500 Jesus. 00:34:33.980 --> 00:34:34.759 And to 00:34:34.759 --> 00:34:35.079 touch 00:34:35.079 --> 00:34:35.759 Jesus 00:34:35.759 --> 00:34:37.639 would have 00:34:37.639 --> 00:34:38.000 made a 00:34:38.000 --> 00:34:38.559 difference, 00:34:38.679 --> 00:34:39.239 wouldn't it? 00:34:40.099 --> 00:34:40.579 Well, 00:34:40.920 --> 00:34:42.519 not always. 00:34:43.860 --> 00:34:44.319 Again, 00:34:44.420 --> 00:34:45.340 it's not too 00:34:45.340 --> 00:34:46.019 difficult to 00:34:46.019 --> 00:34:46.559 look at an 00:34:46.559 --> 00:34:47.480 illustration of 00:34:47.480 --> 00:34:48.599 this from the 00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:49.059 Scriptures 00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:50.400 themselves. 00:34:50.400 --> 00:34:52.940 in Luke 00:34:52.940 --> 00:34:54.019 chapter 8 00:34:54.019 --> 00:34:54.720 and verse 00:34:54.720 --> 00:34:55.680 40 onward, 00:34:56.380 --> 00:34:56.940 we have a 00:34:56.940 --> 00:34:57.800 story of a 00:34:57.800 --> 00:34:58.960 sick woman. 00:34:59.119 --> 00:34:59.760 She'd had a 00:34:59.760 --> 00:35:00.480 hemorrhage for 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:02.139 12 years. 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:03.260 She'd spent 00:35:03.260 --> 00:35:03.900 all her 00:35:03.900 --> 00:35:05.340 money and 00:35:05.340 --> 00:35:06.420 various quacks 00:35:06.420 --> 00:35:07.260 using the 00:35:07.260 --> 00:35:08.220 remedies of 00:35:08.220 --> 00:35:08.639 the day. 00:35:08.820 --> 00:35:09.400 But rather 00:35:09.400 --> 00:35:09.900 than get 00:35:09.900 --> 00:35:10.300 better, 00:35:10.579 --> 00:35:11.099 she got 00:35:11.099 --> 00:35:11.780 worse. 00:35:14.300 --> 00:35:14.860 And Jesus 00:35:14.860 --> 00:35:15.500 was on 00:35:15.500 --> 00:35:16.320 his way to 00:35:16.320 --> 00:35:17.019 Jairus' 00:35:17.200 --> 00:35:17.519 house. 00:35:17.760 --> 00:35:18.139 He'd had 00:35:18.139 --> 00:35:19.200 an emergency 00:35:19.200 --> 00:35:19.900 call. 00:35:20.400 --> 00:35:21.000 And as he 00:35:21.000 --> 00:35:21.700 makes his 00:35:21.700 --> 00:35:22.220 way there, 00:35:22.460 --> 00:35:23.079 the crowds 00:35:23.079 --> 00:35:24.380 were jostling 00:35:24.380 --> 00:35:24.800 him. 00:35:27.820 --> 00:35:28.720 But this 00:35:28.720 --> 00:35:29.180 woman, 00:35:30.300 --> 00:35:31.539 she reaches 00:35:31.539 --> 00:35:33.420 out and 00:35:33.420 --> 00:35:34.639 she touches 00:35:34.639 --> 00:35:35.760 Jesus. 00:35:37.720 --> 00:35:38.480 And Jesus 00:35:38.480 --> 00:35:39.160 asked the 00:35:39.160 --> 00:35:39.599 question, 00:35:40.019 --> 00:35:40.340 who 00:35:40.340 --> 00:35:41.300 touched 00:35:41.300 --> 00:35:41.760 me? 00:35:43.380 --> 00:35:43.840 And the 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:44.420 disciples 00:35:44.420 --> 00:35:45.400 think it's 00:35:45.400 --> 00:35:45.800 such a 00:35:45.800 --> 00:35:46.340 ridiculous 00:35:46.340 --> 00:35:47.380 question. 00:35:48.860 --> 00:35:49.539 Peter said, 00:35:49.920 --> 00:35:50.300 Master, 00:35:50.400 --> 00:35:50.920 the people 00:35:50.920 --> 00:35:51.740 are crowding 00:35:51.740 --> 00:35:52.360 and pressing 00:35:52.360 --> 00:35:53.200 against you. 00:35:53.200 --> 00:35:53.980 Lots of 00:35:53.980 --> 00:35:54.500 people are 00:35:54.500 --> 00:35:55.119 touching me 00:35:55.119 --> 00:35:55.660 and yet 00:35:55.660 --> 00:35:56.200 you're asking, 00:35:56.539 --> 00:35:57.360 who touched 00:35:57.360 --> 00:35:57.700 me? 00:36:00.420 --> 00:36:00.740 Well, 00:36:00.760 --> 00:36:01.059 there was 00:36:01.059 --> 00:36:02.920 someone in 00:36:02.920 --> 00:36:03.619 the crowd 00:36:03.619 --> 00:36:05.099 who was 00:36:05.099 --> 00:36:05.960 reaching out 00:36:05.960 --> 00:36:07.660 by faith. 00:36:09.619 --> 00:36:10.039 It was 00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:10.880 more than a 00:36:10.880 --> 00:36:11.320 physical 00:36:11.320 --> 00:36:11.920 touching. 00:36:12.240 --> 00:36:13.039 It was a 00:36:13.039 --> 00:36:13.860 spiritual 00:36:13.860 --> 00:36:14.800 touching. 00:36:15.420 --> 00:36:16.720 She reached 00:36:16.719 --> 00:36:17.399 out. 00:36:17.399 --> 00:36:20.599 And that 00:36:20.599 --> 00:36:21.439 touch of 00:36:21.439 --> 00:36:22.099 faith 00:36:22.099 --> 00:36:24.239 made a 00:36:24.239 --> 00:36:25.099 complete 00:36:25.099 --> 00:36:25.819 difference 00:36:25.819 --> 00:36:26.439 to her 00:36:26.439 --> 00:36:26.819 life. 00:36:29.319 --> 00:36:30.299 She was a 00:36:30.299 --> 00:36:30.959 changed 00:36:30.959 --> 00:36:31.799 person. 00:36:33.299 --> 00:36:33.480 The 00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:33.939 hemorrhage 00:36:33.939 --> 00:36:34.539 ceased. 00:36:34.539 --> 00:36:37.179 And the 00:36:37.179 --> 00:36:38.079 Lord commends 00:36:38.079 --> 00:36:38.719 her for 00:36:38.719 --> 00:36:39.840 her faith. 00:36:42.259 --> 00:36:42.800 Now, 00:36:42.860 --> 00:36:43.460 we have 00:36:43.460 --> 00:36:44.340 not heard, 00:36:45.519 --> 00:36:46.139 we have 00:36:46.139 --> 00:36:47.000 not seen, 00:36:48.039 --> 00:36:48.400 and we 00:36:48.400 --> 00:36:48.920 have not 00:36:48.920 --> 00:36:49.420 touched 00:36:49.420 --> 00:36:49.920 Jesus 00:36:49.920 --> 00:36:50.619 physically. 00:36:52.039 --> 00:36:53.219 But John 00:36:53.219 --> 00:36:53.820 is saying 00:36:53.820 --> 00:36:54.239 to us 00:36:54.239 --> 00:36:55.039 very clearly, 00:36:56.099 --> 00:36:57.199 I'm telling 00:36:57.199 --> 00:36:58.039 you about 00:36:58.039 --> 00:36:58.880 this Jesus 00:36:58.880 --> 00:36:59.719 who I 00:36:59.719 --> 00:37:00.400 have seen, 00:37:01.420 --> 00:37:01.940 that I have 00:37:01.940 --> 00:37:02.239 heard, 00:37:02.320 --> 00:37:03.000 that I have 00:37:03.000 --> 00:37:03.559 touched. 00:37:03.559 --> 00:37:05.460 and I'm 00:37:05.460 --> 00:37:06.519 writing this 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:08.500 so that you 00:37:08.500 --> 00:37:09.199 might have 00:37:09.199 --> 00:37:09.820 fellowship 00:37:09.820 --> 00:37:12.139 with me 00:37:12.139 --> 00:37:15.059 and with 00:37:15.059 --> 00:37:15.940 the Lord 00:37:15.940 --> 00:37:16.900 Jesus Christ 00:37:16.900 --> 00:37:18.739 and with 00:37:18.739 --> 00:37:19.920 the Father. 00:37:21.079 --> 00:37:21.599 And we 00:37:21.599 --> 00:37:22.639 write this, 00:37:22.739 --> 00:37:23.259 he says, 00:37:23.579 --> 00:37:24.360 in 1 John 00:37:24.360 --> 00:37:25.119 chapter 1 00:37:25.119 --> 00:37:25.960 and verse 4, 00:37:26.739 --> 00:37:27.340 to make 00:37:27.340 --> 00:37:28.599 our or 00:37:28.599 --> 00:37:29.900 your joy 00:37:29.900 --> 00:37:31.279 complete. 00:37:33.559 --> 00:37:34.400 So, 00:37:35.059 --> 00:37:36.059 in conclusion, 00:37:36.299 --> 00:37:36.799 let me say 00:37:36.799 --> 00:37:37.279 this, 00:37:38.099 --> 00:37:39.019 we have 00:37:39.019 --> 00:37:39.880 not missed 00:37:39.880 --> 00:37:40.279 out 00:37:40.279 --> 00:37:42.480 because we 00:37:42.480 --> 00:37:43.219 weren't 00:37:43.219 --> 00:37:44.099 present. 00:37:45.099 --> 00:37:45.380 Oh, 00:37:45.460 --> 00:37:45.639 no. 00:37:47.320 --> 00:37:48.360 We can 00:37:48.360 --> 00:37:49.119 still hear, 00:37:50.259 --> 00:37:51.099 we still 00:37:51.099 --> 00:37:51.539 see, 00:37:52.699 --> 00:37:53.259 and we 00:37:53.259 --> 00:37:53.840 can still 00:37:53.840 --> 00:37:54.860 touch by 00:37:54.860 --> 00:37:55.420 faith. 00:37:56.059 --> 00:37:56.360 Oh, 00:37:56.420 --> 00:37:57.219 it requires 00:37:57.219 --> 00:37:57.860 a miracle 00:37:57.860 --> 00:37:58.820 of the grace 00:37:58.820 --> 00:37:59.599 of God. 00:37:59.599 --> 00:38:00.659 it requires 00:38:00.659 --> 00:38:01.279 a miracle 00:38:01.279 --> 00:38:02.019 of the 00:38:02.019 --> 00:38:02.759 new birth 00:38:02.759 --> 00:38:03.400 for our 00:38:03.400 --> 00:38:04.119 deaf years 00:38:04.119 --> 00:38:04.679 need to 00:38:04.679 --> 00:38:05.259 be opened 00:38:05.259 --> 00:38:05.980 and our 00:38:05.980 --> 00:38:07.460 blind eyes 00:38:07.460 --> 00:38:09.139 need to 00:38:09.139 --> 00:38:09.860 be opened. 00:38:11.619 --> 00:38:12.199 And we 00:38:12.199 --> 00:38:12.699 need to be 00:38:12.699 --> 00:38:13.199 given the 00:38:13.199 --> 00:38:13.759 gift of 00:38:13.759 --> 00:38:14.619 faith to 00:38:14.619 --> 00:38:15.279 believe 00:38:15.279 --> 00:38:16.319 and to 00:38:16.319 --> 00:38:17.199 reach out 00:38:17.199 --> 00:38:18.059 to him. 00:38:18.960 --> 00:38:19.599 Seek it 00:38:19.599 --> 00:38:20.799 with all 00:38:20.799 --> 00:38:21.380 your 00:38:21.380 --> 00:38:22.259 hearts. 00:38:22.260 --> 00:38:22.320 grace. 00:38:23.540 --> 00:38:24.840 But we 00:38:24.840 --> 00:38:26.200 can receive 00:38:26.200 --> 00:38:28.000 all this 00:38:28.000 --> 00:38:28.720 wonderful 00:38:28.720 --> 00:38:30.480 gift of 00:38:30.480 --> 00:38:30.920 grace. 00:38:31.620 --> 00:38:31.860 This 00:38:31.860 --> 00:38:32.700 wonderful 00:38:32.700 --> 00:38:33.560 gift of 00:38:33.560 --> 00:38:34.520 eternal 00:38:34.520 --> 00:38:35.020 life. 00:38:35.920 --> 00:38:36.280 We can 00:38:36.280 --> 00:38:37.220 receive the 00:38:37.220 --> 00:38:38.280 miracle of 00:38:38.280 --> 00:38:39.180 the assurance 00:38:39.180 --> 00:38:40.420 of eternal 00:38:40.420 --> 00:38:42.460 life through 00:38:42.460 --> 00:38:42.940 faith. 00:38:44.260 --> 00:38:44.820 So, 00:38:44.920 --> 00:38:45.540 reach out 00:38:45.540 --> 00:38:47.560 today while 00:38:47.560 --> 00:38:48.100 you have 00:38:48.100 --> 00:38:49.380 the opportunity. 00:38:50.060 --> 00:38:51.260 And enjoy 00:38:51.260 --> 00:38:52.720 fellowship with 00:38:52.720 --> 00:38:53.380 the Father 00:38:53.380 --> 00:38:54.400 and with 00:38:54.400 --> 00:38:55.100 his Son, 00:38:55.400 --> 00:38:55.980 the Lord 00:38:55.980 --> 00:38:57.200 Jesus Christ. 00:38:57.980 --> 00:38:59.020 Who John, 00:38:59.140 --> 00:38:59.620 all those 00:38:59.620 --> 00:39:00.360 years ago, 00:39:00.700 --> 00:39:01.840 heard saying, 00:39:02.460 --> 00:39:03.240 I am 00:39:03.240 --> 00:39:03.940 the way, 00:39:04.880 --> 00:39:05.580 the truth, 00:39:05.800 --> 00:39:06.260 and the 00:39:06.260 --> 00:39:06.600 life. 00:39:08.000 --> 00:39:08.700 No man 00:39:08.700 --> 00:39:09.460 comes to 00:39:09.460 --> 00:39:10.060 the Father 00:39:10.060 --> 00:39:12.600 but by 00:39:12.600 --> 00:39:13.420 me. 00:39:14.880 --> 00:39:15.340 So, 00:39:15.500 --> 00:39:15.960 in him 00:39:15.960 --> 00:39:18.260 is one 00:39:18.260 --> 00:39:18.940 who is 00:39:18.940 --> 00:39:19.820 the truth, 00:39:19.820 --> 00:39:21.280 who is 00:39:21.280 --> 00:39:21.960 the life, 00:39:23.100 --> 00:39:23.720 who is 00:39:23.720 --> 00:39:24.220 the way. 00:39:26.019 --> 00:39:26.460 May we 00:39:26.460 --> 00:39:26.880 know what 00:39:26.880 --> 00:39:27.460 it is to 00:39:27.460 --> 00:39:28.220 come to 00:39:28.220 --> 00:39:29.860 him through 00:39:29.860 --> 00:39:30.420 faith, 00:39:30.920 --> 00:39:31.380 that we 00:39:31.380 --> 00:39:32.120 might know 00:39:32.120 --> 00:39:32.720 the Father 00:39:32.720 --> 00:39:34.960 and enjoy 00:39:34.960 --> 00:39:35.700 fellowship 00:39:35.700 --> 00:39:37.800 forevermore. 00:39:38.800 --> 00:39:39.800 Let's pray 00:39:39.800 --> 00:39:40.440 together. 00:39:41.800 --> 00:39:42.480 Father, 00:39:42.640 --> 00:39:43.200 thank you 00:39:43.200 --> 00:39:45.640 for the 00:39:45.640 --> 00:39:46.200 historic 00:39:46.200 --> 00:39:46.660 Jesus. 00:39:46.659 --> 00:39:48.179 thank you 00:39:48.179 --> 00:39:48.739 that we're 00:39:48.739 --> 00:39:49.759 not following 00:39:49.759 --> 00:39:50.599 a fairy 00:39:50.599 --> 00:39:51.219 story. 00:39:52.579 --> 00:39:53.219 We're 00:39:53.219 --> 00:39:53.579 following 00:39:53.579 --> 00:39:54.420 the truth. 00:39:55.339 --> 00:39:55.739 We're 00:39:55.739 --> 00:39:56.139 following 00:39:56.139 --> 00:39:57.099 one who 00:39:57.099 --> 00:39:57.399 said, 00:39:57.679 --> 00:39:58.299 I am 00:39:58.299 --> 00:39:59.219 the truth. 00:40:00.599 --> 00:40:01.519 Thank you, 00:40:01.659 --> 00:40:02.259 gracious and 00:40:02.259 --> 00:40:03.219 eternal God, 00:40:03.339 --> 00:40:04.119 that we have 00:40:04.119 --> 00:40:04.859 in your 00:40:04.859 --> 00:40:06.539 word these 00:40:06.539 --> 00:40:07.119 wonderful 00:40:07.119 --> 00:40:08.379 stories of 00:40:08.379 --> 00:40:08.719 Jesus. 00:40:09.920 --> 00:40:10.739 And these 00:40:10.739 --> 00:40:11.460 are written 00:40:11.460 --> 00:40:12.920 that we 00:40:12.920 --> 00:40:13.579 might 00:40:13.579 --> 00:40:14.339 believe. 00:40:14.340 --> 00:40:16.340 these are 00:40:16.340 --> 00:40:17.760 written that 00:40:17.760 --> 00:40:18.400 we might 00:40:18.400 --> 00:40:19.000 know 00:40:19.000 --> 00:40:20.000 eternal 00:40:20.000 --> 00:40:20.539 life. 00:40:21.280 --> 00:40:22.019 So bless 00:40:22.019 --> 00:40:22.820 us each 00:40:22.820 --> 00:40:23.220 one. 00:40:24.059 --> 00:40:24.519 And if 00:40:24.519 --> 00:40:24.940 there is 00:40:24.940 --> 00:40:25.600 one here 00:40:25.600 --> 00:40:26.380 this morning 00:40:26.380 --> 00:40:28.700 who has 00:40:28.700 --> 00:40:29.600 not trusted 00:40:29.600 --> 00:40:30.300 in the 00:40:30.300 --> 00:40:30.600 Lord, 00:40:31.840 --> 00:40:32.539 we pray 00:40:32.539 --> 00:40:33.579 that their 00:40:33.579 --> 00:40:34.180 ears will 00:40:34.180 --> 00:40:35.240 be unstopped. 00:40:36.079 --> 00:40:36.900 We pray 00:40:36.900 --> 00:40:37.380 that their 00:40:37.380 --> 00:40:38.320 eyes will 00:40:38.320 --> 00:40:39.100 be opened. 00:40:40.300 --> 00:40:41.000 We pray 00:40:41.000 --> 00:40:41.480 that they 00:40:41.480 --> 00:40:41.920 will be 00:40:41.920 --> 00:40:42.480 given the 00:40:42.480 --> 00:40:43.220 gift to 00:40:43.219 --> 00:40:44.039 reach out 00:40:44.039 --> 00:40:45.500 and take 00:40:45.500 --> 00:40:47.099 hold of 00:40:47.099 --> 00:40:47.619 Christ. 00:40:48.639 --> 00:40:49.119 And this 00:40:49.119 --> 00:40:49.759 we pray 00:40:49.759 --> 00:40:51.519 in Jesus' 00:40:51.819 --> 00:40:52.079 name. 00:40:53.519 --> 00:40:53.959 Amen. 00:40:53.959 --> 00:40:54.179 Amen. 00:40:54.179 --> 00:41:13.059 Amen. 00:41:13.599 --> 00:41:13.739 Amen. 00:41:13.839 --> 00:41:14.039 Amen. 00:41:14.039 --> 00:41:14.399 Amen. 00:41:14.940 --> 00:41:15.399 Amen. 00:41:19.719 --> 00:41:20.539 Amen. 00:41:20.679 --> 00:41:22.759 Amen. 00:41:22.899 --> 00:41:23.139 Amen. 00:41:23.440 --> 00:41:23.579 Amen. 00:41:23.579 --> 00:41:23.699 Amen.