WEBVTT

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 Oh, wow. Wonderful. All right. Actually, we're going to, on that note, we'll transition.

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 And if you guys would actually just stand with me and we're for the reading of God's word.

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 We'll be reading in Matthew chapter 24, verses 1 through 14 this morning. Again, that's Matthew 24, 1 through 14.

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 Amen.

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 And Jesus answered them,

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 Join me in a word of prayer.

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 Father, thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for his words. Thank you for his endurance before us.

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 And bearing the cross on our behalf, oh Lord, let us look to your son, Jesus, now.

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 And let us hear from your word. Oh Lord, use your word to shape and mold us into your image,

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 to encourage us, to build us up so that we may glorify you wherever we go. We pray. Amen.

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 Amen.

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 What a joy it is to be here this morning. It is a joy, really, to be here worshiping with you all, to be back.

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 Over six months ago, Brittany and I got to come here and enjoy time with you guys.

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 And it really has been such an encouragement to us.

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 So much so, like as Sean said, Lord willing, later this year, we'll move here.

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 We'll move here and join this church here.

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 And that's actually the reason why we chose Boston.

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 It sounds crazy, but we didn't choose Boston because of Boston.

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 We chose Boston because Sean and you guys, we wanted to come here and be a part of this church.

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 The Lord has led us in that way.

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 And he has kindly so continued to build our faith for this transition.

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 Experiencing sweet and generous hospitality at many of you guys, from many of you guys over this time.

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 And seeing your zealous love for Jesus in conversations and seeing and hearing reports from Sean about how you guys are growing in the Lord and evangelizing the lost.

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 And even small gifts, though, have really built our faith.

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 Small gifts of like receiving a book, Make Way for Ducklings, has been something that has really been a treasure for our kids and us to read.

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 And also good coffee.

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 That was a gift we received.

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 And that is key for us.

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 We love good coffee.

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 So to know that there are good local roasters here in Boston, that definitely helps.

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 So we are very much looking forward to the potential of moving here later this year.

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 And as we think about, like, the future, we often, as humans, typically, more typically here in the Western culture, we can be consumed with the future.

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 Thinking about the future.

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 Thinking about what it might hold.

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 What will tomorrow be like?

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 What job will I seek after graduation?

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 When will I get married?

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 How many kids do I want?

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 We even write stories fantasizing about the future.

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 And hypothesizing when the end will come.

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 Or when it will be upon us.

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 Or seeking maybe how to avoid the future.

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 In our modern world, it seems like we're growing more and more in that way.

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 How do we avoid the perils of the future?

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 Perhaps even death.

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 And in my early teens, before I was a Christian, I remember one night at my house, I was coming up the basement stairs.

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 And I started to hear, through the door, I started to hear a conversation amongst my brother and my mom going back and forth.

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 And they were talking about death and the end times and how they thought the end times were upon us.

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 And before I could open the door, immediate dread just fell upon me.

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 And instead of opening the door, I ran back downstairs the entire time.

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 And my mom heard me loud enough running down the stairs that she called after me.

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 And I just shut my ears saying, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope.

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 All the way down the stairs so I couldn't hear her, act like I didn't hear her.

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 And I ran into my room, closed the door while I thought I was safe and sound.

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 I didn't have to engage in that conversation anymore.

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 I didn't care about the future.

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 I didn't want to have anything to do with the future.

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 I dreaded over the future.

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 So like an ostrich, I literally put my head in the sand in hopes that I could just drown it out.

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 Christians, where is our focus when it comes to the future?

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 Do you ignore the future because fear begins to creep into your heart?

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 Or perhaps you find yourself focused on analyzing the data, hypothesizing how and when will the end come?

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 But the question is, are you ready for what today might hold?

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 Are you ready for tomorrow?

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 Are you ready for next month, this year, or in 10 years?

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 Are you ready for what your life might hold?

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 And that brings us to our text today.

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 We come to the fifth and last discourse here in Matthew's Gospel in chapter 24.

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 Right before Jesus is taken to be crucified,

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 Jesus gives this glimpse of what life on earth will look like for all,

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 but particularly what life will look like for Christians, for his disciples, for the church, for us.

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 It might be one of the most difficult and often misunderstood passages of Scripture

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 due to its eschatological prophecies and parables,

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 but what our goal today is not to unpack these things in the eschatological position

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 or try to convince you of one position over the other.

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 Or when would things take place?

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 I'll actually leave that up to Sean,

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 because Sean is much more capable of doing that than I am.

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 And I trust that he will lead you in that and giving you those answers as best as he can.

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 However, though, again, it's not so much the text, though, here,

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 that's the problem, that makes it so difficult for us,

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 but more likely how we approach texts like this.

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 What do we bring to the text?

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 What are our presumptions?

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 What are our own preconceived ideas of the future?

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 Rather than actually seeking, what is the heart here behind this text?

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 What is the heart the text is breathing to us?

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 So today, the Word of God today gives no secret code to reveal the future to us,

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 but it looks to provide a fresh burst of wind into the sails of his people, of God's people.

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 So Jesus actually leans in.

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 He leans in with pastoral care to shepherd his disciples,

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 to prepare him, his people, his church, you and me.

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 Jesus leans in to shepherd his people

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 for whatever the future holds that they may endure

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 while keeping his church fixed on the mission that he has given them.

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 So to sum it up in one short sentence,

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 Jesus prepares us to endure with hope for his glory among all nations.

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 Again, that's Jesus prepares us to endure with hope for his glory amongst all nations.

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 And to give us a little context here, though,

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 in looking back at chapter 23 as well,

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 the verses that come right before chapter 24 in verse 38 and 39,

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 and even the first couple verses of 24,

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 Jesus was in the temple.

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 He was just in the temple with his disciples

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 for the last time,

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 giving multiple warnings of coming judgment upon Israel,

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 upon its empty and corrupt leaders.

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 The seven woes, as you might see here.

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 And the last judgment he gives, though,

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 is the most striking.

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 It is the most important one to note.

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 In verse 38, he says,

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 See, your house is left to you desolate.

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 The glory of the Lord has left the temple.

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 An illusion from the prophecy of Ezekiel in chapter 10 of this happening.

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 It's being fulfilled right now.

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 And as Jesus leaves the temple with his disciples,

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 they begin to look around.

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 They begin to look around and see the beauty and the grandeur of its architecture.

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 This temple was known as Herod's temple.

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 John tells us in the gospel it took 46 years to build this temple.

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 Herod wanted the temple to be more magnificent than that of Solomon's temple in all its glory.

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 And if it wasn't destroyed in 70 AD,

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 it would certainly be numbered among the ancient wonders of the world.

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 So the disciples here are most likely getting caught up in the beauty of these buildings.

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 And the moment they're captivated, they're marveling,

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 they begin pointing out the buildings to Jesus.

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 And then notice again how Jesus responds, though, to them.

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 How he responds here at the beginning.

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 You see, all these do not.

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 It's going to be demolished.

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 It'll become one big pile of rubble.

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 So if that wasn't clear to you,

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 that the glory, the presence of God is leaving the temple,

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 he has just made it another building.

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 But no, it's not just that.

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 It's going to become a pile of rubble.

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 No, it's going to become obsolete, no longer needed.

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 And we might forget this, but this would be shocking.

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 This would be strange to fall on the ears of the Jewish audience, of his disciples.

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 This was no light thing for Jesus to say.

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 It was the dwelling place of the Lord Almighty in the midst of his people,

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 the center of all their worship activities.

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 They went there to give their sacrifices, to have atonement with God,

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 to see their sacred scrolls unrolled and hear the word of God proclaimed,

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 to receive the forgiveness of sins, to receive blessing,

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 to receive spiritual nourishment.

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 This was the very symbol and the identity of Israel,

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 the symbol of God dwelling with his chosen people.

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 And Jesus just says, it's desolate.

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 It's going to be dust.

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 I don't know if we can understand, again,

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 how shocking and confusing this might have been to them.

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 But rest assured, we might ask the question, is God leaving?

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 No.

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 God has not abandoned his people.

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 God is always at work for his people in the glory of his name.

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 It's the old is passing away.

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 And the new area of redemptive history is at play here.

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 It's now unfolding.

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 Jesus is preparing them for that, helping them see that.

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 A new covenant of how God relates with his people

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 is being ushered in by his son, the king.

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 A renewal and expansion of the kingdom of God

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 being brought to fulfillment right here and now by Jesus.

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 And so the hearts of his disciples were at that moment

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 captivated by the earthly temporal needs,

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 the earthly temporal time of that building,

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 their own desires.

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 But wait, they might have been asking, but wait.

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 I thought we were going to be establishing your kingdom

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 right here, right now.

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 Don't we need this building?

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 Isn't this the symbol and identity of your kingdom,

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 of your people?

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 And we might even ask ourselves,

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 what temples do you admire?

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 What temples in your life do you place your hope in?

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 The vestiges of the church,

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 Christians' former glory and power and prestige,

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 what might be some of those that you look to?

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 Political favor, cultural clout, or social prestige

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 may occasionally characterize Christians,

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 but this passage tells us it is an exception,

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 not the rule.

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 These things our earth are not meant to endure.

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 So even as his disciples are distracted, though,

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 and forgetting a misunderstanding,

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 we see the patience and the kindness of God

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 to lean in,

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 to lean in to his disciples,

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 to prepare his church,

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 to prepare us

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 so that we may endure with hope

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 for the glory of God amongst the nations.

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 And that brings us, actually,

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 to our first point this morning.

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 To endure,

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 we must endure with discernment.

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 So in chapter 24,

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 look at verses 3 through 8 with me.

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 Jesus leads his disciples

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 up to the Mount of Olives.

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 They sit down,

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 and they came to him,

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 and they privately asked him this question.

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 And in his response,

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 his first response is saying that,

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 see that no one leads you astray.

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 As they're overlooking the city of Jerusalem,

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 the temple they just left,

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 the temple that Jesus just prophesied about,

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 and this question they just answered,

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 Jesus doesn't seek to answer their question,

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 but redirects it to their heart.

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 And he emphasizes,

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 see,

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 that no one leaves you astray.

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 Or how other versions translate it,

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 watch out,

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 that no one deceives you.

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 Jesus immediately again

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 just directs their attention to their heart,

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 and redirects their focus

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 to be on alert.

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 Don't be concerned with this.

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 Don't be concerned of when things might happen,

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 or how things might happen,

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 but be on alert.

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 Jesus does what he always does.

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 He begins to address their heart in this way.

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 And it's amazing,

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 because Jesus consistently focuses

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 on the heart of his people.

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 He doesn't just throw mere information at us

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 to take in and to cling to,

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 but rather his first concern

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 is the attention,

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 our focus,

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 our hearts.

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 So don't get caught up in the when,

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 or exactly how it will all play out.

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 That will not serve us.

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 That will not serve us in any time.

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 But here is what will serve you

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 in the time ahead.

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 Being alert.

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 Being alert that there will be deception.

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 The see and the watch out

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 are imperatives,

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 and Jesus puts this emphasis here.

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 And it's actually the only imperative

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 in this whole entire passage.

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 So what that imperative

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 actually calls our attention to,

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 we'll see in the preceding verses here.

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 It points to the lead astray

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 that rises three times in the passage.

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 In verses five,

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 he says that I am the Christ,

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 and they'll lead many astray.

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 And then again,

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 later on,

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 in verses,

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 sorry,

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 verses 11,

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 he says,

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 and many false prophets were allied

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 and lead many astray.

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 So the Lord is making,

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 drawing their attention here

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 to that there is something

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 to be on alert here about.

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 Jesus focuses on our need

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 to watch out for deceivers

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 and stay the course.

00:18:48.420 --> 00:18:50.299
 To compound the weight

00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:51.140
 of the situation,

00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:51.819
 again, though,

00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:52.579
 in this passage,

00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:53.579
 Jesus draws it then,

00:18:54.460 --> 00:18:55.700
 Jesus says six times

00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:58.539
 that many will fall prey to this.

00:18:58.660 --> 00:18:59.859
 Many will be led astray.

00:19:00.380 --> 00:19:02.240
 So it's not that just a few

00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:03.160
 will be led astray,

00:19:03.299 --> 00:19:05.079
 or just a minuscule amount

00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:06.200
 that we don't need

00:19:06.200 --> 00:19:06.799
 to be concerned about.

00:19:06.880 --> 00:19:07.019
 No,

00:19:07.079 --> 00:19:08.400
 that many people

00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:09.500
 will be led astray.

00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:11.119
 Verse five,

00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:12.519
 for many will come in my name

00:19:12.519 --> 00:19:15.279
 and lead many astray.

00:19:15.479 --> 00:19:16.079
 Verse 10,

00:19:16.359 --> 00:19:17.739
 then many will fall away.

00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:19.239
 Verse 11,

00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:20.500
 many false prophets

00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:21.199
 will arise

00:19:21.199 --> 00:19:22.179
 and lead many astray.

00:19:22.439 --> 00:19:22.979
 Verse 12,

00:19:23.239 --> 00:19:24.279
 the love of many

00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:25.619
 will grow cold.

00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:28.279
 Do you feel the weight,

00:19:28.439 --> 00:19:28.979
 the gravity

00:19:28.979 --> 00:19:29.799
 of this situation?

00:19:31.359 --> 00:19:32.819
 This will not just happen

00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.619
 a few times.

00:19:33.959 --> 00:19:35.299
 It's going to be characteristic

00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:37.439
 of the age to come.

00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:39.079
 This age of,

00:19:39.079 --> 00:19:40.659
 between Christ's first coming

00:19:40.659 --> 00:19:41.439
 and second coming.

00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:43.119
 And there will not just be

00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:45.179
 few false messiahs,

00:19:45.220 --> 00:19:46.879
 but there will be many.

00:19:48.639 --> 00:19:49.720
 There will be many

00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:51.199
 false teachers,

00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:52.039
 false messiahs

00:19:52.039 --> 00:19:53.159
 that will lead many astray.

00:19:53.419 --> 00:19:54.720
 So we need to be on alert

00:19:54.720 --> 00:19:55.960
 and be aware of this.

00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:58.339
 Jesus knows

00:19:58.339 --> 00:19:59.519
 the powers

00:19:59.519 --> 00:20:01.639
 of deception

00:20:01.639 --> 00:20:03.159
 that are at play here.

00:20:03.159 --> 00:20:04.139
 He knows

00:20:04.139 --> 00:20:05.619
 the powers

00:20:05.619 --> 00:20:06.519
 of the evil one.

00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:08.799
 He knows

00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:09.500
 it all too well.

00:20:09.579 --> 00:20:10.240
 Remember Jesus

00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:11.119
 being tempted

00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:12.799
 in the wilderness

00:20:12.799 --> 00:20:14.000
 when Satan

00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:15.720
 took God's word

00:20:15.720 --> 00:20:16.579
 and twisted it

00:20:16.579 --> 00:20:17.740
 ever so slightly,

00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:19.480
 ever so slightly

00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:20.660
 to make his attempt

00:20:20.660 --> 00:20:21.059
 to even,

00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:22.539
 to lead even Jesus,

00:20:22.700 --> 00:20:23.539
 the son of God,

00:20:23.599 --> 00:20:23.900
 astray.

00:20:24.099 --> 00:20:24.819
 The audacity

00:20:24.819 --> 00:20:25.279
 of Satan

00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:25.980
 to try that.

00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:27.200
 Do you not think

00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:27.819
 that he'll try

00:20:27.819 --> 00:20:28.660
 and do that on us?

00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:31.660
 The powers

00:20:31.660 --> 00:20:32.300
 of deception

00:20:32.300 --> 00:20:33.180
 are not to be

00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:33.840
 taken lightly.

00:20:34.519 --> 00:20:35.220
 The dangers

00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:36.340
 of false messiahs,

00:20:36.580 --> 00:20:37.140
 false teachers

00:20:37.140 --> 00:20:38.620
 abounded in the first century.

00:20:38.880 --> 00:20:39.560
 As we know

00:20:39.560 --> 00:20:40.160
 from the works

00:20:40.160 --> 00:20:41.720
 of the historian Josephus

00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:42.820
 in the earlier years

00:20:42.820 --> 00:20:43.340
 of the church,

00:20:43.620 --> 00:20:44.400
 they abounded.

00:20:45.100 --> 00:20:46.019
 And they still

00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:47.180
 abound to this day.

00:20:48.220 --> 00:20:49.300
 Some may be

00:20:49.300 --> 00:20:50.080
 more subtle

00:20:50.080 --> 00:20:50.840
 than others

00:20:50.840 --> 00:20:51.820
 than what you realize.

00:20:53.160 --> 00:20:54.540
 And this is the battle

00:20:54.540 --> 00:20:55.680
 that has been

00:20:55.680 --> 00:20:56.300
 from the beginning

00:20:56.300 --> 00:20:56.820
 as well.

00:20:56.819 --> 00:20:59.119
 Remember the serpent's words

00:20:59.119 --> 00:20:59.939
 in the garden?

00:21:01.419 --> 00:21:03.419
 Did God actually say?

00:21:04.859 --> 00:21:07.220
 The heart of the woman Eve

00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:08.779
 being deceived

00:21:08.779 --> 00:21:11.639
 while the heart of man,

00:21:11.859 --> 00:21:12.139
 Adam,

00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:13.039
 was passive,

00:21:14.059 --> 00:21:15.279
 not being on alert.

00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:17.480
 These deceptions

00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:18.679
 are even plastered

00:21:18.679 --> 00:21:19.619
 around us today,

00:21:20.439 --> 00:21:21.659
 seeking to lure us,

00:21:21.899 --> 00:21:23.159
 to indoctrinate us

00:21:23.159 --> 00:21:25.000
 very subtly.

00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:27.039
 It's not so blatant

00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:28.759
 as we might think sometimes.

00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:29.380
 The subtleness

00:21:29.380 --> 00:21:30.339
 and the slowness

00:21:30.339 --> 00:21:32.440
 of enticing our minds,

00:21:32.900 --> 00:21:34.400
 working our heartstrings,

00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:36.920
 one Instagram reel

00:21:36.920 --> 00:21:37.599
 at a time.

00:21:39.160 --> 00:21:39.900
 What things

00:21:39.900 --> 00:21:42.119
 might we be letting

00:21:42.119 --> 00:21:43.059
 entice us

00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:44.880
 ever so subtly?

00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:46.140
 How might we be

00:21:46.140 --> 00:21:47.359
 letting down our guard

00:21:47.359 --> 00:21:48.539
 ever so subtly?

00:21:49.140 --> 00:21:49.900
 But thankfully,

00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:50.859
 this warning here

00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:51.900
 prompts his disciples

00:21:51.900 --> 00:21:52.640
 to distinguish

00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:54.259
 between truth

00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:54.960
 and error.

00:21:55.860 --> 00:21:56.700
 It would lead

00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:57.440
 to the New Testament

00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.620
 pastoral letters.

00:21:58.900 --> 00:22:00.060
 Notice what characterizes

00:22:00.060 --> 00:22:00.900
 the pastoral letters

00:22:00.900 --> 00:22:01.740
 of the New Testament.

00:22:03.080 --> 00:22:03.680
 They are written

00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:04.840
 to serve the church

00:22:04.840 --> 00:22:05.540
 and distinguishing

00:22:05.540 --> 00:22:06.620
 between truth

00:22:06.620 --> 00:22:07.340
 and error,

00:22:07.460 --> 00:22:08.380
 to build them up,

00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:09.340
 to encourage them

00:22:09.340 --> 00:22:09.860
 in the faith,

00:22:10.019 --> 00:22:11.800
 to redirect their focus.

00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:15.500
 And it has protected

00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:16.280
 the church now

00:22:16.280 --> 00:22:17.860
 for over 2,000 years.

00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.860
 What an amazing gift

00:22:19.859 --> 00:22:20.539
 from the Lord,

00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:23.119
 to constantly be caring

00:22:23.119 --> 00:22:24.019
 and protecting

00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:24.819
 his church,

00:22:25.219 --> 00:22:26.000
 to endure.

00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:31.759
 Moving along here now

00:22:31.759 --> 00:22:32.899
 to verses 6 through 8,

00:22:32.979 --> 00:22:34.500
 Jesus not only calls them

00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:35.639
 to watch out,

00:22:35.719 --> 00:22:36.899
 but he also tells them,

00:22:37.659 --> 00:22:39.199
 don't read into these signs.

00:22:40.139 --> 00:22:41.559
 Don't be alarmed by them.

00:22:42.479 --> 00:22:43.459
 Don't be overwhelmed.

00:22:43.719 --> 00:22:44.519
 Don't be worried.

00:22:45.559 --> 00:22:47.539
 He says in verses 6 through 8,

00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:49.420
 and you'll hear of wars

00:22:49.420 --> 00:22:50.599
 and rumors of wars.

00:22:51.119 --> 00:22:52.819
 See that you are not alarmed,

00:22:53.099 --> 00:22:54.659
 for this must take place,

00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:56.039
 but the end is not yet.

00:22:56.659 --> 00:22:57.619
 For nation will rise

00:22:57.619 --> 00:22:58.220
 against nation

00:22:58.220 --> 00:22:59.359
 and kingdom against kingdom,

00:22:59.420 --> 00:23:00.279
 and there will be famines

00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:00.700
 and earthquakes

00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.460
 in various places,

00:23:01.599 --> 00:23:02.519
 and all these

00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:03.440
 are but the beginning

00:23:03.440 --> 00:23:04.220
 of the birth pains.

00:23:04.659 --> 00:23:05.759
 Jesus is telling them

00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:06.839
 it will be characteristic

00:23:06.839 --> 00:23:07.799
 of the time.

00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:10.000
 The end is not yet.

00:23:10.299 --> 00:23:11.859
 This is going to transpire.

00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:13.339
 This is going to take place.

00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:16.279
 Do you ever find yourself

00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.259
 frustrated

00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:20.859
 by the saturation

00:23:20.859 --> 00:23:21.539
 in the news

00:23:21.539 --> 00:23:22.599
 and the media around us?

00:23:22.720 --> 00:23:24.399
 Hearing of another war

00:23:24.399 --> 00:23:25.240
 in the Middle East

00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.299
 and Ukraine,

00:23:26.819 --> 00:23:28.079
 another militant group

00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:29.019
 destroying a country

00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:29.779
 from within?

00:23:32.299 --> 00:23:33.420
 A social feed

00:23:33.420 --> 00:23:35.839
 full of natural disasters

00:23:35.839 --> 00:23:37.500
 that seem to be taking place

00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:39.139
 constantly across the world.

00:23:40.619 --> 00:23:42.819
 Your heart quickly begins

00:23:42.819 --> 00:23:43.399
 to sink,

00:23:43.400 --> 00:23:46.000
 and you think,

00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:46.960
 ah,

00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:48.240
 the world is falling apart

00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:48.820
 around me.

00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.660
 I often find myself

00:23:51.660 --> 00:23:52.380
 in that place.

00:23:53.140 --> 00:23:54.100
 But Jesus says,

00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:54.560
 no,

00:23:55.100 --> 00:23:55.500
 no.

00:23:55.720 --> 00:23:56.320
 He reminds us,

00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:56.460
 no,

00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:57.480
 it's not falling apart.

00:23:58.740 --> 00:23:59.519
 It's not.

00:23:59.840 --> 00:24:01.000
 Don't be alarmed.

00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:03.080
 Don't be disturbed.

00:24:03.780 --> 00:24:04.660
 It's all within

00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:05.480
 the plan of God.

00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:06.380
 In verse 7,

00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.400
 Jesus then tells them

00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:09.820
 this must take place.

00:24:09.920 --> 00:24:10.580
 He reminds them

00:24:10.580 --> 00:24:11.920
 this must take place.

00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:13.100
 The end is coming,

00:24:13.580 --> 00:24:15.440
 but this will take place.

00:24:15.720 --> 00:24:16.100
 In essence,

00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:17.279
 the new stage

00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:18.620
 of a redemption history

00:24:18.620 --> 00:24:20.160
 will be characterized

00:24:20.160 --> 00:24:21.160
 by these things.

00:24:21.380 --> 00:24:22.680
 As God is unrolling

00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:23.640
 his new plan,

00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:24.980
 it's disturbing

00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:26.180
 our very fabric

00:24:26.180 --> 00:24:27.720
 of the world around us.

00:24:29.019 --> 00:24:29.620
 Jesus here

00:24:29.620 --> 00:24:30.279
 is telling us

00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:30.860
 that these things

00:24:30.860 --> 00:24:32.480
 don't signify the end,

00:24:33.660 --> 00:24:35.300
 that it has not arrived,

00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.820
 but rather the point

00:24:36.820 --> 00:24:37.600
 is to the promise

00:24:37.600 --> 00:24:39.320
 that the end will come.

00:24:39.400 --> 00:24:39.980
 Let me say that again.

00:24:39.980 --> 00:24:40.880
 Jesus here is telling us

00:24:40.880 --> 00:24:41.360
 that these things

00:24:41.360 --> 00:24:43.319
 don't signify the end

00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:44.400
 has arrived.

00:24:44.819 --> 00:24:45.079
 Rather,

00:24:45.140 --> 00:24:45.819
 they point us

00:24:45.819 --> 00:24:46.779
 to the promise

00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:48.339
 that the end will come.

00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:49.620
 I hope that's clear.

00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:51.180
 If not,

00:24:52.120 --> 00:24:52.799
 Jesus even

00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:53.819
 says it again

00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.319
 in another way

00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:55.000
 in verse 8.

00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:55.720
 He says,

00:24:55.860 --> 00:24:56.460
 all these are

00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.660
 but the beginning

00:24:57.660 --> 00:24:58.900
 of birth pains.

00:25:00.180 --> 00:25:00.880
 They're just

00:25:00.880 --> 00:25:01.420
 the beginning

00:25:01.420 --> 00:25:02.059
 of the end.

00:25:03.640 --> 00:25:05.200
 God is at work

00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:06.700
 advancing the kingdom

00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:07.180
 of the Son,

00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:07.920
 and the enemy

00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:09.880
 is trying his best

00:25:09.880 --> 00:25:11.519
 to disturb,

00:25:11.960 --> 00:25:12.759
 to subvert,

00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.600
 to deceive,

00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:14.519
 and to distract

00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:15.140
 his people,

00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:16.120
 God's people.

00:25:16.279 --> 00:25:16.779
 He is trying

00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.519
 to do everything

00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:18.320
 he can

00:25:18.320 --> 00:25:19.779
 to take away

00:25:19.779 --> 00:25:20.660
 from the kingdom

00:25:20.660 --> 00:25:21.200
 of God.

00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:25.039
 So don't be worried,

00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:25.400
 though.

00:25:25.720 --> 00:25:26.779
 Don't be alarmed

00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:28.740
 to remember

00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.440
 the promise

00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:30.080
 that the kingdom

00:25:30.080 --> 00:25:30.660
 of God

00:25:30.660 --> 00:25:32.220
 is being established.

00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:33.180
 This church

00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:33.740
 is evident

00:25:33.740 --> 00:25:35.080
 of that very thing,

00:25:35.079 --> 00:25:35.899
 that the kingdom

00:25:35.899 --> 00:25:36.519
 of God

00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:37.619
 is being established,

00:25:37.919 --> 00:25:38.919
 and one day

00:25:38.919 --> 00:25:39.579
 the kingdom

00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:39.839
 of God

00:25:39.839 --> 00:25:40.399
 will have

00:25:40.399 --> 00:25:41.319
 its final fulfillment,

00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:44.079
 is the courage

00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:45.299
 that Jesus

00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:47.039
 wants the hearts

00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:47.619
 of his people

00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:48.559
 to be filled with.

00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:51.059
 And in the meantime,

00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:53.980
 we are called

00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:54.919
 to be on alert,

00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.500
 to discern

00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:58.379
 truth from error.

00:25:59.399 --> 00:26:00.519
 We are on alert

00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:01.579
 for false teachers,

00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:04.259
 but don't be alarmed,

00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:05.679
 don't be worried,

00:26:06.460 --> 00:26:07.740
 or lose focus

00:26:07.740 --> 00:26:09.859
 by never-ending wars

00:26:09.859 --> 00:26:11.199
 that never cease

00:26:11.199 --> 00:26:11.699
 around us.

00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:12.779
 Countries,

00:26:13.579 --> 00:26:14.099
 seemingly,

00:26:14.359 --> 00:26:14.980
 and nowadays,

00:26:15.079 --> 00:26:15.960
 it seems like we know

00:26:15.960 --> 00:26:16.980
 of countries imploding

00:26:16.980 --> 00:26:18.119
 within every day,

00:26:18.379 --> 00:26:19.740
 or earthquakes

00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.599
 in the Middle East

00:26:20.599 --> 00:26:22.000
 taking out cities.

00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:27.579
 It's a good thing

00:26:27.579 --> 00:26:28.799
 to grieve these things,

00:26:29.119 --> 00:26:30.019
 to grieve

00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:30.900
 and to know

00:26:30.900 --> 00:26:32.599
 of the birth pains,

00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:34.799
 to grieve

00:26:34.799 --> 00:26:35.500
 the power

00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:36.119
 of the enemy,

00:26:36.920 --> 00:26:38.140
 to grieve

00:26:38.140 --> 00:26:38.619
 these things

00:26:38.619 --> 00:26:39.279
 that are happening

00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:40.059
 around us.

00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:41.640
 But let that prompt you

00:26:41.640 --> 00:26:42.099
 and lead you

00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:42.839
 to prayer.

00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:44.900
 Let that prompt you

00:26:44.900 --> 00:26:45.799
 to be dependent

00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:46.720
 upon the Lord

00:26:46.720 --> 00:26:48.160
 all the more.

00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:51.099
 But the point is,

00:26:51.099 --> 00:26:53.139
 don't let it distract us.

00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:55.279
 Don't let it take our eyes

00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:57.240
 and let us focus

00:26:57.240 --> 00:26:58.500
 on our circumstances.

00:26:58.619 --> 00:26:59.480
 We ought to take our eyes

00:26:59.480 --> 00:27:00.480
 and let us focus

00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:01.299
 on the Lord

00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:02.379
 and what He is doing.

00:27:03.299 --> 00:27:05.039
 Focus our eyes

00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:05.939
 and minds

00:27:05.939 --> 00:27:06.539
 and hearts

00:27:06.539 --> 00:27:07.439
 on Jesus,

00:27:07.619 --> 00:27:08.199
 our King,

00:27:09.559 --> 00:27:10.759
 as we stay focused

00:27:10.759 --> 00:27:11.439
 on the mission

00:27:11.439 --> 00:27:12.919
 that He is giving us,

00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:14.319
 that He has given

00:27:14.319 --> 00:27:15.059
 His church.

00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:17.599
 Which leads us

00:27:17.599 --> 00:27:19.240
 to our second point

00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:19.740
 this morning.

00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:22.319
 we endure

00:27:22.319 --> 00:27:23.380
 with witness.

00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:24.900
 Endure

00:27:24.900 --> 00:27:25.740
 and witness.

00:27:26.440 --> 00:27:27.140
 As we look at

00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:27.940
 verses now

00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:29.200
 9 through 13,

00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:32.799
 Jesus now

00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:33.759
 turns His focus

00:27:33.759 --> 00:27:34.940
 to directly speak

00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:36.180
 to what will happen

00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:37.140
 to His disciples

00:27:37.140 --> 00:27:38.579
 and what they will

00:27:38.579 --> 00:27:39.259
 directly face

00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:39.900
 as they follow

00:27:39.900 --> 00:27:40.440
 their King,

00:27:40.559 --> 00:27:41.079
 their God.

00:27:42.220 --> 00:27:43.460
 So all this chaos

00:27:43.460 --> 00:27:44.059
 is occurring

00:27:44.059 --> 00:27:44.579
 in the world

00:27:44.579 --> 00:27:45.359
 around the disciples.

00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.140
 He says,

00:27:46.140 --> 00:27:47.740
 you will also

00:27:47.740 --> 00:27:49.980
 face great celebrations,

00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.040
 a warm welcome,

00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:51.980
 a love for you,

00:27:52.080 --> 00:27:52.740
 and my message

00:27:52.740 --> 00:27:53.500
 and you will live

00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:54.500
 happily ever after.

00:27:55.700 --> 00:27:56.220
 No.

00:27:59.620 --> 00:28:00.480
 It will be

00:28:00.480 --> 00:28:01.100
 opposition

00:28:01.100 --> 00:28:02.180
 you receive.

00:28:05.740 --> 00:28:06.480
 He says,

00:28:06.740 --> 00:28:07.600
 then they'll deliver

00:28:07.600 --> 00:28:08.800
 you up to tribulation

00:28:08.800 --> 00:28:09.940
 and put you to death

00:28:09.940 --> 00:28:10.840
 and you'll be hated

00:28:10.840 --> 00:28:11.660
 by all nations

00:28:11.660 --> 00:28:12.600
 for my name's sake.

00:28:12.599 --> 00:28:16.039
 No.

00:28:16.859 --> 00:28:17.740
 We will receive

00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:18.339
 opposition.

00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:19.579
 Opposition on many

00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:20.219
 different levels

00:28:20.219 --> 00:28:20.959
 actually as we see

00:28:20.959 --> 00:28:21.539
 in these verses.

00:28:22.899 --> 00:28:23.899
 Kingdoms and nations

00:28:23.899 --> 00:28:24.779
 in verse 9.

00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:26.379
 The closest to you

00:28:26.379 --> 00:28:27.240
 in verse 10.

00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:28.859
 The cities you live in

00:28:28.859 --> 00:28:29.819
 in verse 12.

00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:31.099
 Opposition,

00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:31.459
 yes,

00:28:31.839 --> 00:28:32.919
 opposition will

00:28:32.919 --> 00:28:33.679
 abound.

00:28:34.859 --> 00:28:35.740
 It will abound

00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:36.759
 from every direction.

00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:38.140
 This is to be expected

00:28:38.140 --> 00:28:39.319
 in the Christian life.

00:28:42.519 --> 00:28:43.700
 It would be good

00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:44.640
 for us to be reminded

00:28:44.640 --> 00:28:45.480
 of the opposition

00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:46.140
 that even our

00:28:46.140 --> 00:28:47.279
 fellow Christians,

00:28:47.859 --> 00:28:49.019
 brothers and sisters

00:28:49.019 --> 00:28:49.660
 in China

00:28:49.660 --> 00:28:50.480
 and Africa

00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:51.500
 and the Middle East

00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:53.000
 endure every day.

00:28:56.619 --> 00:28:57.960
 A good friend of mine

00:28:57.960 --> 00:28:58.720
 who was born

00:28:58.720 --> 00:28:59.839
 and raised in Iran

00:28:59.839 --> 00:29:00.440
 was converted

00:29:00.440 --> 00:29:01.900
 to being a Christian

00:29:01.900 --> 00:29:03.059
 at a young age

00:29:03.059 --> 00:29:03.720
 from Islam.

00:29:05.299 --> 00:29:05.940
 It was actually

00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:06.519
 his father

00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:07.299
 that first came

00:29:07.299 --> 00:29:07.779
 to faith

00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:09.380
 and led his son

00:29:09.380 --> 00:29:10.080
 to faith.

00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:13.059
 And my friend,

00:29:13.360 --> 00:29:14.160
 as he grew

00:29:14.160 --> 00:29:15.200
 and grew

00:29:15.200 --> 00:29:15.840
 in his wisdom

00:29:15.840 --> 00:29:16.460
 and understanding

00:29:16.460 --> 00:29:17.059
 of his faith,

00:29:17.680 --> 00:29:20.740
 began to

00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:22.220
 proclaim his faith,

00:29:22.440 --> 00:29:23.440
 to share his faith,

00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:25.160
 to disciple people

00:29:25.160 --> 00:29:26.000
 in Iran.

00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:28.960
 One day,

00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:30.160
 he and his wife

00:29:30.160 --> 00:29:30.700
 were actually

00:29:30.700 --> 00:29:31.860
 returning from

00:29:31.860 --> 00:29:32.620
 a trip

00:29:32.620 --> 00:29:33.880
 from another country

00:29:33.880 --> 00:29:34.620
 in the Middle East.

00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:35.600
 They were on their

00:29:35.599 --> 00:29:36.519
 arrival in Iran.

00:29:36.619 --> 00:29:37.259
 They were dragged

00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:37.899
 to prison

00:29:37.899 --> 00:29:40.299
 for a couple

00:29:40.299 --> 00:29:40.759
 of months,

00:29:40.819 --> 00:29:41.539
 not knowing

00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:42.359
 what would happen,

00:29:42.439 --> 00:29:43.099
 what would happen

00:29:43.099 --> 00:29:43.559
 to them.

00:29:45.259 --> 00:29:46.259
 He was eventually

00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.299
 released from prison

00:29:47.299 --> 00:29:48.819
 and could no longer

00:29:48.819 --> 00:29:49.619
 live in his country

00:29:49.619 --> 00:29:50.659
 but had to flee.

00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:52.359
 Even though his heart

00:29:52.359 --> 00:29:53.399
 longed to stay

00:29:53.399 --> 00:29:54.039
 with his people,

00:29:54.240 --> 00:29:55.319
 to see the gospel

00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:55.980
 go forward

00:29:55.980 --> 00:29:56.819
 to his people,

00:29:57.939 --> 00:29:58.980
 he knew that it was

00:29:58.980 --> 00:29:59.639
 best for him

00:29:59.639 --> 00:30:00.740
 to flee at this time.

00:30:01.459 --> 00:30:02.619
 But this opposition

00:30:02.619 --> 00:30:03.559
 that he received

00:30:03.559 --> 00:30:04.480
 didn't turn

00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:05.039
 his heart

00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:06.019
 from Christ

00:30:06.019 --> 00:30:06.480
 but it was

00:30:06.480 --> 00:30:07.440
 used to strengthen

00:30:07.440 --> 00:30:07.919
 his love

00:30:07.919 --> 00:30:08.759
 for Christ.

00:30:10.940 --> 00:30:12.019
 And amazingly,

00:30:12.220 --> 00:30:12.700
 it was actually

00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:14.139
 scriptures just like

00:30:14.139 --> 00:30:15.079
 this one here

00:30:15.079 --> 00:30:15.639
 that we're looking

00:30:15.639 --> 00:30:16.240
 at today

00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:17.599
 that the Lord

00:30:17.599 --> 00:30:18.679
 brought to his mind

00:30:18.679 --> 00:30:19.619
 while he was in prison,

00:30:20.539 --> 00:30:22.480
 reminding him

00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:24.480
 of the opposition

00:30:24.480 --> 00:30:25.359
 and the suffering

00:30:25.359 --> 00:30:26.759
 that is to be expected.

00:30:27.179 --> 00:30:28.179
 This is normal.

00:30:28.359 --> 00:30:29.220
 This is characteristic

00:30:29.220 --> 00:30:31.259
 of the Christian life.

00:30:33.660 --> 00:30:34.720
 But he was reminded

00:30:34.720 --> 00:30:36.160
 that the Lord's promise

00:30:36.160 --> 00:30:37.980
 for him to endure,

00:30:38.880 --> 00:30:40.420
 to endure by the power

00:30:40.420 --> 00:30:40.960
 of Christ.

00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:44.579
 My friend today

00:30:44.579 --> 00:30:45.460
 has continued

00:30:45.460 --> 00:30:46.559
 to proclaim Christ

00:30:46.559 --> 00:30:47.480
 wherever the Lord

00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.120
 takes him.

00:30:48.759 --> 00:30:49.319
 And currently,

00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.539
 he is pastoring

00:30:50.539 --> 00:30:51.980
 an Iranian church

00:30:51.980 --> 00:30:54.519
 body in California,

00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:57.940
 discipling Iranians

00:30:57.940 --> 00:31:00.639
 near and far.

00:31:02.099 --> 00:31:03.460
 We need to be reminded

00:31:03.460 --> 00:31:04.339
 of testimonies

00:31:04.339 --> 00:31:05.299
 like this

00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:06.279
 more often.

00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:09.220
 Just as Jesus

00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:10.359
 reminds his disciples

00:31:10.359 --> 00:31:11.119
 not everything

00:31:11.119 --> 00:31:11.920
 will go well

00:31:11.920 --> 00:31:12.539
 with us,

00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:13.259
 rather,

00:31:13.639 --> 00:31:14.339
 you will be hated

00:31:14.339 --> 00:31:15.400
 for my namesake.

00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.379
 At this moment,

00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:19.319
 and I can't think

00:31:19.319 --> 00:31:20.019
 of a scripture,

00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:21.559
 a passage

00:31:21.559 --> 00:31:22.019
 that speaks

00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:22.799
 more directly

00:31:22.799 --> 00:31:23.960
 against a false

00:31:23.960 --> 00:31:24.720
 teaching that is

00:31:24.720 --> 00:31:25.620
 prevalent in the church

00:31:25.620 --> 00:31:26.079
 today.

00:31:27.100 --> 00:31:27.880
 The false teachings

00:31:27.880 --> 00:31:29.019
 of health,

00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:29.600
 wealth,

00:31:29.680 --> 00:31:30.380
 and prosperity.

00:31:32.140 --> 00:31:32.900
 The health,

00:31:33.019 --> 00:31:33.140
 wealth,

00:31:33.160 --> 00:31:34.100
 and prosperity gospel

00:31:34.100 --> 00:31:35.220
 is prevalent

00:31:35.220 --> 00:31:36.279
 and we need

00:31:36.279 --> 00:31:37.059
 to be discerning

00:31:37.059 --> 00:31:38.319
 of this gospel

00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:39.039
 and how it is

00:31:39.039 --> 00:31:39.759
 creeping into

00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:40.980
 our everyday lives

00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:42.180
 and not knowing it.

00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:44.299
 This false gospel

00:31:44.299 --> 00:31:45.019
 proclaims,

00:31:45.420 --> 00:31:45.960
 come to Jesus

00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:47.140
 and your cancer

00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:47.660
 will be gone.

00:31:48.299 --> 00:31:49.220
 Come to Jesus

00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:50.299
 and your wallets

00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:50.980
 will be filled.

00:31:51.779 --> 00:31:52.600
 Come to Jesus

00:31:52.600 --> 00:31:53.819
 and he'll make you

00:31:53.819 --> 00:31:55.019
 a TikTok influencer.

00:31:56.299 --> 00:31:57.359
 It might be

00:31:57.359 --> 00:31:58.639
 the most deadly

00:31:58.639 --> 00:31:59.919
 teaching in the church

00:31:59.919 --> 00:32:00.279
 today.

00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:04.039
 Brittany and I

00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:04.700
 saw this.

00:32:04.960 --> 00:32:06.159
 It is deadly

00:32:06.159 --> 00:32:07.179
 in the nations.

00:32:07.579 --> 00:32:08.579
 It has deceived

00:32:08.579 --> 00:32:09.439
 many,

00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:11.259
 many Christians

00:32:11.259 --> 00:32:12.700
 in foreign countries

00:32:12.700 --> 00:32:13.859
 outside the United States.

00:32:15.359 --> 00:32:16.259
 And they're just

00:32:16.259 --> 00:32:17.359
 taking and twisting

00:32:17.359 --> 00:32:18.419
 the word of God

00:32:18.419 --> 00:32:19.539
 for man's own

00:32:19.539 --> 00:32:20.339
 personal gain,

00:32:20.480 --> 00:32:21.119
 man's own

00:32:21.119 --> 00:32:22.459
 personal comforts.

00:32:24.739 --> 00:32:25.799
 Oh, let us be

00:32:25.799 --> 00:32:26.279
 discerning

00:32:26.279 --> 00:32:27.319
 of these false

00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:28.039
 teachings that are

00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:29.259
 entering into the church.

00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:31.759
 The many ways

00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:32.179
 that Jesus'

00:32:32.739 --> 00:32:33.859
 disciples will see

00:32:33.859 --> 00:32:34.539
 and experience

00:32:34.539 --> 00:32:35.479
 opposition

00:32:35.479 --> 00:32:37.679
 is to be expected.

00:32:38.539 --> 00:32:39.419
 Ephesians 2

00:32:39.419 --> 00:32:39.919
 says,

00:32:39.920 --> 00:32:40.840
 the enemy,

00:32:41.500 --> 00:32:41.840
 Satan,

00:32:42.259 --> 00:32:42.920
 the prince

00:32:42.920 --> 00:32:43.779
 and the power

00:32:43.779 --> 00:32:44.539
 of the air

00:32:44.539 --> 00:32:45.880
 is at work

00:32:45.880 --> 00:32:47.160
 in the sons

00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:48.140
 of disobedience.

00:32:49.820 --> 00:32:50.880
 Satan is doing

00:32:50.880 --> 00:32:51.940
 everything he can

00:32:51.940 --> 00:32:52.660
 to distract

00:32:52.660 --> 00:32:53.400
 and disrupt

00:32:53.400 --> 00:32:54.640
 the plans of God.

00:32:54.960 --> 00:32:55.779
 So as long as

00:32:55.779 --> 00:32:56.940
 Satan is roaming about

00:32:56.940 --> 00:32:57.640
 and sinful

00:32:57.640 --> 00:32:58.740
 rebellion of man

00:32:58.740 --> 00:32:59.500
 runs its course,

00:32:59.759 --> 00:33:00.920
 the gospel of Jesus Christ

00:33:00.920 --> 00:33:01.900
 and anyone,

00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:03.960
 including us,

00:33:04.259 --> 00:33:05.640
 anyone who proclaims

00:33:05.640 --> 00:33:06.740
 the gospel

00:33:06.740 --> 00:33:08.160
 will face

00:33:08.160 --> 00:33:08.839
 opposition,

00:33:09.819 --> 00:33:11.240
 costly opposition.

00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:12.859
 That is to be expected.

00:33:13.799 --> 00:33:14.680
 The life of a Christian

00:33:14.680 --> 00:33:15.519
 you see is not

00:33:15.519 --> 00:33:16.779
 meant to be hidden,

00:33:17.400 --> 00:33:18.740
 not to be covered,

00:33:19.359 --> 00:33:21.799
 not to be silenced,

00:33:22.339 --> 00:33:24.299
 not to be dressed up

00:33:24.299 --> 00:33:26.200
 to look like something

00:33:26.200 --> 00:33:26.880
 it's not.

00:33:27.940 --> 00:33:28.400
 Rather,

00:33:28.559 --> 00:33:29.059
 the Christian,

00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:31.019
 the life of a Christian

00:33:31.019 --> 00:33:32.220
 is to be witnessed,

00:33:32.740 --> 00:33:33.839
 to be heard,

00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:35.160
 to be treasured,

00:33:35.200 --> 00:33:36.200
 to be distinct,

00:33:37.019 --> 00:33:38.600
 this is the plan

00:33:38.600 --> 00:33:39.420
 of God

00:33:39.420 --> 00:33:40.539
 to move forward

00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.180
 his kingdom.

00:33:41.980 --> 00:33:42.940
 That our lives

00:33:42.940 --> 00:33:44.220
 would be so transformed

00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:45.279
 by his gospel,

00:33:47.360 --> 00:33:48.480
 the God's spirit

00:33:48.480 --> 00:33:50.220
 being given to us

00:33:50.220 --> 00:33:51.920
 so that we are

00:33:51.920 --> 00:33:53.519
 cleansed from our sin,

00:33:53.860 --> 00:33:55.180
 that we can walk

00:33:55.180 --> 00:33:55.980
 in his ways,

00:33:56.259 --> 00:33:57.000
 that our love

00:33:57.000 --> 00:33:58.220
 can only grow

00:33:58.220 --> 00:33:59.759
 more and more

00:33:59.759 --> 00:34:00.559
 every day

00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:01.440
 for our God

00:34:01.440 --> 00:34:02.440
 and for our neighbor.

00:34:03.980 --> 00:34:05.400
 This is the light

00:34:05.400 --> 00:34:06.300
 that the darkness

00:34:06.300 --> 00:34:06.940
 opposes.

00:34:08.700 --> 00:34:10.039
 And when your family

00:34:10.039 --> 00:34:10.760
 mocks you

00:34:10.760 --> 00:34:11.760
 for being a Christian

00:34:11.760 --> 00:34:13.180
 and you endure

00:34:13.180 --> 00:34:14.240
 for years

00:34:14.240 --> 00:34:15.920
 so that you

00:34:15.920 --> 00:34:16.780
 can patiently

00:34:16.780 --> 00:34:18.240
 and lovingly

00:34:18.240 --> 00:34:19.019
 bear witness

00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:19.940
 to Jesus,

00:34:21.619 --> 00:34:22.240
 opposition

00:34:22.240 --> 00:34:23.539
 is to be expected.

00:34:25.940 --> 00:34:27.440
 That's the Christian life.

00:34:27.440 --> 00:34:31.500
 but it does not

00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.559
 go unnoticed

00:34:32.559 --> 00:34:33.360
 by our God.

00:34:33.960 --> 00:34:35.099
 Let me guarantee you

00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:35.360
 that.

00:34:36.220 --> 00:34:36.920
 The opposition

00:34:36.920 --> 00:34:37.639
 that we will face

00:34:37.639 --> 00:34:38.780
 does not go

00:34:38.780 --> 00:34:39.500
 unnoticed

00:34:39.500 --> 00:34:40.360
 by our God.

00:34:40.559 --> 00:34:40.800
 No,

00:34:41.159 --> 00:34:41.980
 it does not

00:34:41.980 --> 00:34:42.960
 go unnoticed

00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:43.720
 by God.

00:34:44.240 --> 00:34:45.260
 Jesus here

00:34:45.260 --> 00:34:46.240
 assures us

00:34:46.240 --> 00:34:47.380
 in the last two verses

00:34:47.380 --> 00:34:48.619
 our endurance

00:34:48.619 --> 00:34:49.599
 in the face

00:34:49.599 --> 00:34:50.340
 of the opposition

00:34:50.340 --> 00:34:52.039
 does not

00:34:52.039 --> 00:34:53.320
 go unnoticed

00:34:53.320 --> 00:34:54.059
 by our God.

00:34:54.059 --> 00:34:55.139
 That is a treasure

00:34:55.139 --> 00:34:56.119
 that we can take home.

00:34:56.340 --> 00:34:57.000
 That is a treasure

00:34:57.000 --> 00:34:57.779
 that will get us

00:34:57.779 --> 00:34:58.539
 through to endure.

00:34:59.699 --> 00:35:00.840
 And now that leads us

00:35:00.840 --> 00:35:01.679
 here to point number

00:35:01.679 --> 00:35:02.639
 three this morning.

00:35:03.860 --> 00:35:05.179
 That we endure

00:35:05.179 --> 00:35:06.000
 with hope.

00:35:06.579 --> 00:35:07.159
 We endure

00:35:07.159 --> 00:35:07.699
 with hope.

00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:08.880
 Looking at

00:35:08.880 --> 00:35:10.500
 verses 13

00:35:10.500 --> 00:35:11.400
 through 14.

00:35:13.480 --> 00:35:14.239
 But the one

00:35:14.239 --> 00:35:15.019
 who endures

00:35:15.019 --> 00:35:15.599
 the end

00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:16.699
 will be saved.

00:35:17.119 --> 00:35:17.739
 And this gospel

00:35:17.739 --> 00:35:18.340
 of the kingdom

00:35:18.340 --> 00:35:19.420
 will be proclaimed

00:35:19.420 --> 00:35:20.440
 throughout the whole

00:35:20.440 --> 00:35:21.059
 world

00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:22.199
 as a testimony

00:35:22.199 --> 00:35:23.519
 to all nations.

00:35:24.179 --> 00:35:25.159
 And then the end

00:35:25.159 --> 00:35:25.639
 will come.

00:35:27.980 --> 00:35:29.379
 Jesus draws

00:35:29.379 --> 00:35:30.819
 his disciples

00:35:30.819 --> 00:35:31.299
 attention

00:35:31.299 --> 00:35:33.000
 now to promises.

00:35:33.699 --> 00:35:35.179
 These two promises

00:35:35.179 --> 00:35:36.000
 here

00:35:36.000 --> 00:35:36.500
 in this

00:35:36.500 --> 00:35:37.679
 last two verses.

00:35:39.119 --> 00:35:40.179
 In a first reading

00:35:40.179 --> 00:35:42.279
 of this promise

00:35:42.279 --> 00:35:43.139
 in verse 13

00:35:43.139 --> 00:35:44.719
 it may seem

00:35:44.719 --> 00:35:45.779
 that our salvation

00:35:45.779 --> 00:35:46.799
 is contingent

00:35:46.799 --> 00:35:47.480
 upon us

00:35:47.480 --> 00:35:48.779
 on our own

00:35:48.779 --> 00:35:49.259
 efforts

00:35:49.259 --> 00:35:50.239
 our performance

00:35:50.239 --> 00:35:51.159
 in this time

00:35:51.159 --> 00:35:52.119
 our own

00:35:52.119 --> 00:35:52.779
 endurance.

00:35:54.179 --> 00:35:54.699
 However,

00:35:54.879 --> 00:35:56.119
 remembering the context

00:35:56.119 --> 00:35:57.539
 which we have seen

00:35:57.539 --> 00:35:59.059
 it becomes

00:35:59.059 --> 00:35:59.779
 more clear

00:35:59.779 --> 00:36:01.099
 that endurance

00:36:01.099 --> 00:36:03.039
 only reveals

00:36:03.039 --> 00:36:04.079
 the true nature

00:36:04.079 --> 00:36:04.500
 of what

00:36:04.500 --> 00:36:05.739
 is already there.

00:36:07.139 --> 00:36:07.980
 The one

00:36:07.980 --> 00:36:09.099
 who endures

00:36:09.099 --> 00:36:09.980
 sees

00:36:09.980 --> 00:36:11.539
 these things

00:36:11.539 --> 00:36:12.500
 and will have

00:36:12.500 --> 00:36:13.239
 their reward.

00:36:13.639 --> 00:36:14.259
 The one

00:36:14.259 --> 00:36:15.159
 who endures

00:36:15.159 --> 00:36:15.960
 these things

00:36:15.960 --> 00:36:17.279
 will have

00:36:17.279 --> 00:36:18.000
 their reward.

00:36:18.000 --> 00:36:20.900
 this helpful

00:36:20.900 --> 00:36:21.340
 quote

00:36:21.340 --> 00:36:22.579
 by theologian

00:36:22.579 --> 00:36:23.679
 Leon Morris

00:36:23.679 --> 00:36:25.360
 helps us

00:36:25.360 --> 00:36:26.239
 understand this

00:36:26.239 --> 00:36:28.280
 by saying

00:36:28.280 --> 00:36:31.159
 saving faith

00:36:31.159 --> 00:36:32.519
 is not known

00:36:32.519 --> 00:36:33.219
 by some

00:36:33.219 --> 00:36:34.320
 firm declaration

00:36:34.320 --> 00:36:35.360
 or a well

00:36:35.360 --> 00:36:36.059
 intentioned

00:36:36.059 --> 00:36:36.400
 beginning

00:36:36.400 --> 00:36:38.460
 but by endurance.

00:36:39.719 --> 00:36:40.539
 These words

00:36:40.539 --> 00:36:40.980
 are not

00:36:40.980 --> 00:36:41.760
 just focus

00:36:41.760 --> 00:36:43.360
 not to just

00:36:43.360 --> 00:36:43.920
 focus on

00:36:43.920 --> 00:36:44.500
 constancy.

00:36:44.500 --> 00:36:46.199
 they reveal

00:36:46.199 --> 00:36:46.960
 a valid

00:36:46.960 --> 00:36:47.659
 and valuable

00:36:47.659 --> 00:36:48.340
 promise.

00:36:49.059 --> 00:36:49.639
 The person

00:36:49.639 --> 00:36:50.420
 described

00:36:50.420 --> 00:36:51.300
 will be

00:36:51.300 --> 00:36:51.719
 saved.

00:36:53.079 --> 00:36:53.639
 Oh man

00:36:53.639 --> 00:36:54.519
 the endurance

00:36:54.519 --> 00:36:54.940
 of view

00:36:54.940 --> 00:36:55.300
 here

00:36:55.300 --> 00:36:55.800
 is not

00:36:55.800 --> 00:36:56.460
 momentary

00:36:56.460 --> 00:36:57.599
 but it is

00:36:57.599 --> 00:36:58.300
 long term.

00:36:58.300 --> 00:36:59.420
 It is looking

00:36:59.420 --> 00:37:00.400
 at the trajectory

00:37:00.400 --> 00:37:01.820
 of our endurance.

00:37:02.380 --> 00:37:03.280
 We may

00:37:03.280 --> 00:37:04.179
 go up

00:37:04.179 --> 00:37:04.940
 and down

00:37:04.940 --> 00:37:05.460
 and up

00:37:05.460 --> 00:37:05.860
 and down

00:37:05.860 --> 00:37:07.079
 but on a graph

00:37:07.079 --> 00:37:07.980
 but if we are

00:37:07.980 --> 00:37:09.099
 continuing upwards

00:37:09.099 --> 00:37:10.519
 if our endurance

00:37:10.519 --> 00:37:11.840
 and our trajectory

00:37:11.840 --> 00:37:13.000
 are on heaven

00:37:13.000 --> 00:37:13.960
 our eyes

00:37:13.960 --> 00:37:14.559
 on Christ

00:37:14.559 --> 00:37:15.320
 that is what

00:37:15.320 --> 00:37:15.820
 we are looking

00:37:15.820 --> 00:37:16.099
 at.

00:37:16.860 --> 00:37:17.980
 We can easily

00:37:17.980 --> 00:37:18.780
 get consumed

00:37:18.780 --> 00:37:19.019
 though

00:37:19.019 --> 00:37:19.320
 in our

00:37:19.320 --> 00:37:20.000
 momentary

00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:20.739
 failures.

00:37:22.440 --> 00:37:23.239
 If we are

00:37:23.239 --> 00:37:24.019
 not careful

00:37:24.019 --> 00:37:24.980
 we can end up

00:37:24.980 --> 00:37:26.019
 digging ourselves

00:37:26.019 --> 00:37:26.619
 a hole

00:37:26.619 --> 00:37:27.259
 of self

00:37:27.259 --> 00:37:27.860
 defeatism

00:37:27.860 --> 00:37:29.420
 which

00:37:29.420 --> 00:37:30.039
 actually

00:37:30.039 --> 00:37:30.900
 really is

00:37:30.900 --> 00:37:32.920
 just focusing

00:37:32.920 --> 00:37:33.480
 on our own

00:37:33.480 --> 00:37:34.099
 performance.

00:37:35.139 --> 00:37:35.780
 My works

00:37:35.780 --> 00:37:36.740
 what can I

00:37:36.740 --> 00:37:37.000
 do?

00:37:38.880 --> 00:37:39.720
 But praise

00:37:39.720 --> 00:37:40.540
 be to God

00:37:40.540 --> 00:37:41.760
 that even

00:37:41.760 --> 00:37:43.240
 our promise

00:37:43.240 --> 00:37:44.420
 of salvation

00:37:44.420 --> 00:37:45.560
 is not

00:37:45.560 --> 00:37:46.400
 based upon

00:37:46.400 --> 00:37:47.260
 our performance.

00:37:47.340 --> 00:37:47.780
 It's not

00:37:47.780 --> 00:37:48.360
 based upon

00:37:48.360 --> 00:37:49.019
 my performance.

00:37:49.140 --> 00:37:49.500
 It's not

00:37:49.500 --> 00:37:50.019
 based upon

00:37:50.019 --> 00:37:50.880
 your performance.

00:37:51.880 --> 00:37:53.080
 We will

00:37:53.080 --> 00:37:53.980
 have poor

00:37:53.980 --> 00:37:54.620
 discernment.

00:37:55.820 --> 00:37:56.920
 We will

00:37:56.920 --> 00:37:57.640
 lose focus

00:37:57.640 --> 00:37:58.180
 at times.

00:37:58.900 --> 00:38:00.000
 We will

00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:00.860
 shrink back

00:38:00.860 --> 00:38:01.600
 in our

00:38:01.600 --> 00:38:02.000
 witness

00:38:02.000 --> 00:38:02.660
 at times.

00:38:04.440 --> 00:38:04.660
 It's

00:38:04.659 --> 00:38:05.579
 our endurance

00:38:05.579 --> 00:38:06.199
 is not

00:38:06.199 --> 00:38:07.159
 based upon

00:38:07.159 --> 00:38:08.099
 us

00:38:08.099 --> 00:38:09.179
 but the

00:38:09.179 --> 00:38:09.940
 power to

00:38:09.940 --> 00:38:10.379
 endure

00:38:10.379 --> 00:38:11.159
 comes

00:38:11.159 --> 00:38:12.079
 from Jesus

00:38:12.079 --> 00:38:13.460
 because it

00:38:13.460 --> 00:38:14.199
 is he

00:38:14.199 --> 00:38:14.899
 who went

00:38:14.899 --> 00:38:15.839
 before us.

00:38:16.779 --> 00:38:17.179
 As we'll

00:38:17.179 --> 00:38:17.659
 see after

00:38:17.659 --> 00:38:18.940
 these verses

00:38:18.940 --> 00:38:19.539
 in the next

00:38:19.539 --> 00:38:19.960
 preceding

00:38:19.960 --> 00:38:20.279
 chapters

00:38:20.279 --> 00:38:21.299
 it is he

00:38:21.299 --> 00:38:21.819
 who was

00:38:21.819 --> 00:38:22.399
 dragged

00:38:22.399 --> 00:38:23.019
 before the

00:38:23.019 --> 00:38:23.559
 rulers of

00:38:23.559 --> 00:38:24.179
 the world.

00:38:24.559 --> 00:38:25.299
 It was he

00:38:25.299 --> 00:38:25.739
 who was

00:38:25.739 --> 00:38:26.379
 publicly

00:38:26.379 --> 00:38:27.119
 mocked

00:38:27.119 --> 00:38:28.019
 and flogged.

00:38:29.420 --> 00:38:29.779
 He was

00:38:29.779 --> 00:38:30.619
 despised

00:38:30.619 --> 00:38:31.519
 and utterly

00:38:31.519 --> 00:38:32.199
 abandoned

00:38:32.199 --> 00:38:33.359
 by his

00:38:33.359 --> 00:38:33.980
 people.

00:38:34.659 --> 00:38:36.199
 he was

00:38:36.199 --> 00:38:36.920
 hung on

00:38:36.920 --> 00:38:37.480
 a cross

00:38:37.480 --> 00:38:38.039
 until the

00:38:38.039 --> 00:38:38.519
 full weight

00:38:38.519 --> 00:38:38.759
 of the

00:38:38.759 --> 00:38:39.099
 father's

00:38:39.099 --> 00:38:39.420
 judgment

00:38:39.420 --> 00:38:40.679
 for our

00:38:40.679 --> 00:38:40.940
 sin

00:38:40.940 --> 00:38:41.379
 crushed

00:38:41.379 --> 00:38:41.679
 him.

00:38:43.279 --> 00:38:43.899
 Church,

00:38:44.019 --> 00:38:45.279
 he endured

00:38:45.279 --> 00:38:45.819
 it all

00:38:45.819 --> 00:38:47.519
 so that

00:38:47.519 --> 00:38:48.579
 we would

00:38:48.579 --> 00:38:49.319
 have eternal

00:38:49.319 --> 00:38:49.879
 salvation.

00:38:50.299 --> 00:38:51.099
 That's what

00:38:51.099 --> 00:38:51.579
 our endurance

00:38:51.579 --> 00:38:52.019
 is based

00:38:52.019 --> 00:38:52.359
 upon.

00:38:53.059 --> 00:38:53.639
 That's where

00:38:53.639 --> 00:38:54.199
 our power

00:38:54.199 --> 00:38:54.819
 comes from.

00:38:55.179 --> 00:38:55.579
 Christians,

00:38:55.579 --> 00:38:56.519
 do not

00:38:56.519 --> 00:38:57.359
 underestimate

00:38:57.359 --> 00:38:58.179
 the power

00:38:58.179 --> 00:38:58.799
 of God

00:38:58.799 --> 00:38:59.679
 to keep

00:38:59.679 --> 00:39:00.420
 those he

00:39:00.420 --> 00:39:01.199
 saves

00:39:01.199 --> 00:39:01.819
 from

00:39:01.819 --> 00:39:02.460
 whatever

00:39:02.460 --> 00:39:03.179
 trials

00:39:03.179 --> 00:39:03.379
 and

00:39:03.379 --> 00:39:03.960
 tribulations

00:39:03.960 --> 00:39:05.119
 you will

00:39:05.119 --> 00:39:05.460
 endure.

00:39:07.539 --> 00:39:08.219
 Romans 8

00:39:08.219 --> 00:39:10.619
 chapter 8

00:39:10.619 --> 00:39:11.579
 verse 32

00:39:11.579 --> 00:39:12.579
 helps us

00:39:12.579 --> 00:39:13.559
 even understand

00:39:13.559 --> 00:39:14.500
 this further.

00:39:15.359 --> 00:39:16.059
 Write this

00:39:16.059 --> 00:39:17.019
 passage on

00:39:17.019 --> 00:39:17.519
 your heart.

00:39:17.839 --> 00:39:18.839
 Romans chapter 8

00:39:18.839 --> 00:39:19.519
 verse 32.

00:39:20.179 --> 00:39:21.039
 He who did

00:39:21.039 --> 00:39:22.079
 not spare

00:39:22.079 --> 00:39:22.779
 his own

00:39:22.779 --> 00:39:24.079
 son but

00:39:24.079 --> 00:39:24.719
 gave him

00:39:24.719 --> 00:39:25.339
 up for us

00:39:25.339 --> 00:39:25.659
 all,

00:39:26.319 --> 00:39:26.919
 how will

00:39:26.919 --> 00:39:27.379
 he not

00:39:27.379 --> 00:39:28.699
 also with

00:39:28.699 --> 00:39:29.079
 him

00:39:29.079 --> 00:39:30.659
 graciously

00:39:30.659 --> 00:39:31.119
 give us

00:39:31.119 --> 00:39:31.879
 all things.

00:39:32.259 --> 00:39:32.839
 Oh man,

00:39:33.139 --> 00:39:33.839
 that's the

00:39:33.839 --> 00:39:34.279
 power of

00:39:34.279 --> 00:39:34.519
 God.

00:39:35.099 --> 00:39:35.500
 For your

00:39:35.500 --> 00:39:36.179
 hope of

00:39:36.179 --> 00:39:36.779
 eternal

00:39:36.779 --> 00:39:37.679
 endurance,

00:39:38.299 --> 00:39:39.139
 the trials,

00:39:39.559 --> 00:39:40.239
 the suffering,

00:39:40.419 --> 00:39:40.960
 the opposition

00:39:40.960 --> 00:39:41.839
 you face,

00:39:42.259 --> 00:39:42.879
 do not go

00:39:42.879 --> 00:39:43.319
 unnoticed

00:39:43.319 --> 00:39:43.659
 by the

00:39:43.659 --> 00:39:44.239
 Lord our

00:39:44.239 --> 00:39:44.539
 God.

00:39:45.299 --> 00:39:46.519
 He sees.

00:39:47.599 --> 00:39:48.679
 He sees

00:39:48.679 --> 00:39:49.079
 what you

00:39:49.079 --> 00:39:49.480
 endure.

00:39:50.279 --> 00:39:51.059
 He sees

00:39:51.059 --> 00:39:51.619
 the opposition

00:39:51.619 --> 00:39:52.219
 that you

00:39:52.219 --> 00:39:52.739
 go through

00:39:52.739 --> 00:39:53.799
 and he

00:39:53.799 --> 00:39:54.539
 knows.

00:39:55.079 --> 00:39:55.799
 He knows

00:39:55.799 --> 00:39:56.159
 it all

00:39:56.159 --> 00:39:56.659
 too well.

00:39:56.659 --> 00:39:58.299
 He will

00:39:58.299 --> 00:39:59.059
 graciously

00:39:59.059 --> 00:40:00.099
 give you

00:40:00.099 --> 00:40:00.779
 all things.

00:40:00.879 --> 00:40:01.319
 That's a

00:40:01.319 --> 00:40:01.759
 promise.

00:40:02.699 --> 00:40:03.460
 That's a

00:40:03.460 --> 00:40:03.879
 promise that

00:40:03.879 --> 00:40:04.339
 gets us

00:40:04.339 --> 00:40:04.980
 through to

00:40:04.980 --> 00:40:05.359
 endure.

00:40:06.699 --> 00:40:07.619
 The second

00:40:07.619 --> 00:40:08.519
 promise in

00:40:08.519 --> 00:40:10.019
 verses 14.

00:40:14.940 --> 00:40:16.019
 This verse,

00:40:16.899 --> 00:40:17.480
 oh man,

00:40:17.759 --> 00:40:18.319
 this verse

00:40:18.319 --> 00:40:20.940
 often has

00:40:20.940 --> 00:40:21.399
 its legs

00:40:21.399 --> 00:40:21.759
 cut out

00:40:21.759 --> 00:40:22.199
 from underneath

00:40:22.199 --> 00:40:22.480
 of it.

00:40:22.859 --> 00:40:23.500
 This verse

00:40:23.500 --> 00:40:24.119
 is often

00:40:24.119 --> 00:40:24.940
 mistaken as

00:40:24.940 --> 00:40:25.500
 a command.

00:40:26.659 --> 00:40:27.299
 But if you

00:40:27.299 --> 00:40:27.819
 look closely,

00:40:27.899 --> 00:40:28.440
 it is not

00:40:28.440 --> 00:40:28.899
 a command.

00:40:29.960 --> 00:40:30.759
 It is a

00:40:30.759 --> 00:40:31.379
 promise.

00:40:33.319 --> 00:40:34.119
 This is

00:40:34.119 --> 00:40:34.879
 the promise

00:40:34.879 --> 00:40:35.960
 that God's

00:40:35.960 --> 00:40:37.239
 plans will

00:40:37.239 --> 00:40:38.259
 be victorious.

00:40:39.839 --> 00:40:40.219
 His

00:40:40.219 --> 00:40:41.059
 kingdom will

00:40:41.059 --> 00:40:41.599
 go forward.

00:40:41.659 --> 00:40:42.099
 His plans

00:40:42.099 --> 00:40:42.719
 cannot be

00:40:42.719 --> 00:40:42.980
 stopped.

00:40:43.239 --> 00:40:43.639
 The gospel

00:40:43.639 --> 00:40:44.319
 will be

00:40:44.319 --> 00:40:44.799
 proclaimed to

00:40:44.799 --> 00:40:45.599
 all nations.

00:40:46.259 --> 00:40:46.879
 He will

00:40:46.879 --> 00:40:47.799
 see it to

00:40:47.799 --> 00:40:48.440
 its completion

00:40:48.440 --> 00:40:49.359
 up until

00:40:49.359 --> 00:40:49.739
 the very

00:40:49.739 --> 00:40:50.019
 end.

00:40:51.579 --> 00:40:51.940
 And what

00:40:51.940 --> 00:40:52.619
 makes this

00:40:52.619 --> 00:40:53.299
 promise so

00:40:53.299 --> 00:40:54.079
 significant

00:40:54.079 --> 00:40:54.920
 is that

00:40:54.920 --> 00:40:55.420
 it's

00:40:55.420 --> 00:40:55.960
 fulfilling

00:40:55.960 --> 00:40:56.759
 his plans

00:40:56.759 --> 00:40:57.279
 from the

00:40:57.279 --> 00:40:57.659
 beginning

00:40:57.659 --> 00:40:58.699
 of time.

00:40:59.759 --> 00:41:00.659
 The promise

00:41:00.659 --> 00:41:02.059
 in Genesis

00:41:02.059 --> 00:41:02.840
 chapter 3

00:41:02.840 --> 00:41:03.559
 for the

00:41:03.559 --> 00:41:04.119
 seed of

00:41:04.119 --> 00:41:04.599
 the woman,

00:41:05.860 --> 00:41:06.480
 the son

00:41:06.480 --> 00:41:07.539
 of Abraham,

00:41:08.619 --> 00:41:08.880
 Genesis

00:41:08.880 --> 00:41:09.619
 chapter 12,

00:41:09.719 --> 00:41:10.559
 has come

00:41:10.559 --> 00:41:12.219
 and all

00:41:12.219 --> 00:41:12.739
 the families

00:41:12.739 --> 00:41:13.179
 of the earth

00:41:13.179 --> 00:41:13.840
 shall be

00:41:13.840 --> 00:41:14.279
 blessed.

00:41:14.799 --> 00:41:15.360
 It's the

00:41:15.360 --> 00:41:16.000
 promise from

00:41:16.000 --> 00:41:17.340
 Psalm chapter 2

00:41:17.340 --> 00:41:18.279
 that God the

00:41:18.279 --> 00:41:19.039
 Father gave

00:41:19.039 --> 00:41:19.440
 to his

00:41:19.440 --> 00:41:19.699
 son.

00:41:19.699 --> 00:41:21.839
 Jesus seated

00:41:21.839 --> 00:41:22.879
 on his

00:41:22.879 --> 00:41:23.899
 eternal throne

00:41:23.899 --> 00:41:25.059
 would have

00:41:25.059 --> 00:41:26.119
 the nations

00:41:26.119 --> 00:41:26.980
 for his

00:41:26.980 --> 00:41:27.619
 inheritance

00:41:27.619 --> 00:41:28.939
 and the

00:41:28.939 --> 00:41:29.779
 whole earth

00:41:29.779 --> 00:41:30.519
 as his

00:41:30.519 --> 00:41:30.939
 possession.

00:41:31.199 --> 00:41:31.819
 That's the

00:41:31.819 --> 00:41:33.019
 promise in

00:41:33.019 --> 00:41:33.599
 Psalm 2

00:41:33.599 --> 00:41:34.799
 that Jesus

00:41:34.799 --> 00:41:36.599
 would have

00:41:36.599 --> 00:41:37.179
 the nations

00:41:37.179 --> 00:41:37.639
 for his

00:41:37.639 --> 00:41:38.079
 inheritance

00:41:38.079 --> 00:41:38.739
 and the

00:41:38.739 --> 00:41:39.419
 whole earth

00:41:39.419 --> 00:41:39.879
 as his

00:41:39.879 --> 00:41:40.299
 possession.

00:41:40.779 --> 00:41:41.179
 Church,

00:41:41.819 --> 00:41:42.539
 the Father

00:41:42.539 --> 00:41:43.659
 will see

00:41:43.659 --> 00:41:44.219
 to it

00:41:44.219 --> 00:41:44.980
 that his

00:41:44.980 --> 00:41:45.819
 son will

00:41:45.819 --> 00:41:46.500
 have his

00:41:46.500 --> 00:41:47.000
 inheritance.

00:41:47.000 --> 00:41:50.940
 this is

00:41:50.940 --> 00:41:51.420
 not a

00:41:51.420 --> 00:41:51.719
 great

00:41:51.719 --> 00:41:52.320
 commission

00:41:52.320 --> 00:41:54.099
 nor a

00:41:54.099 --> 00:41:54.380
 great

00:41:54.380 --> 00:41:55.079
 commandment.

00:41:55.519 --> 00:41:56.300
 It is

00:41:56.300 --> 00:41:56.860
 a great

00:41:56.860 --> 00:41:57.579
 certainty,

00:41:58.179 --> 00:41:58.920
 a great

00:41:58.920 --> 00:41:59.639
 confidence.

00:42:00.840 --> 00:42:01.500
 This is

00:42:01.500 --> 00:42:02.860
 so freeing

00:42:02.860 --> 00:42:03.699
 to know

00:42:03.699 --> 00:42:04.219
 it's not

00:42:04.219 --> 00:42:04.980
 upon our

00:42:04.980 --> 00:42:05.559
 efforts

00:42:05.559 --> 00:42:07.139
 to hasten

00:42:07.139 --> 00:42:07.699
 Christ's

00:42:07.699 --> 00:42:08.320
 second coming.

00:42:09.539 --> 00:42:10.559
 It's the

00:42:10.559 --> 00:42:11.119
 fuel,

00:42:11.260 --> 00:42:11.559
 rather,

00:42:11.940 --> 00:42:12.960
 that provides,

00:42:13.280 --> 00:42:14.340
 that propels

00:42:14.340 --> 00:42:14.980
 us forward

00:42:14.980 --> 00:42:15.500
 in our

00:42:15.500 --> 00:42:15.980
 endurance

00:42:15.980 --> 00:42:16.639
 and our

00:42:16.639 --> 00:42:16.980
 hope.

00:42:17.000 --> 00:42:19.719
 John

00:42:19.719 --> 00:42:20.619
 Piper

00:42:20.619 --> 00:42:21.059
 says,

00:42:21.199 --> 00:42:21.400
 I don't

00:42:21.400 --> 00:42:21.920
 know any

00:42:21.920 --> 00:42:22.960
 more inspiring

00:42:22.960 --> 00:42:23.420
 missionary

00:42:23.420 --> 00:42:24.539
 promise than

00:42:24.539 --> 00:42:25.079
 this word

00:42:25.079 --> 00:42:25.760
 from Jesus.

00:42:28.920 --> 00:42:29.860
 One thing

00:42:29.860 --> 00:42:30.519
 fascinating

00:42:30.519 --> 00:42:31.659
 about these

00:42:31.659 --> 00:42:32.219
 two verses

00:42:32.219 --> 00:42:32.800
 as well,

00:42:33.139 --> 00:42:33.780
 as we see

00:42:33.780 --> 00:42:34.239
 in this

00:42:34.239 --> 00:42:35.039
 contrast,

00:42:36.179 --> 00:42:36.719
 and to

00:42:36.719 --> 00:42:37.940
 the contrast

00:42:37.940 --> 00:42:38.619
 between

00:42:38.619 --> 00:42:39.840
 what will

00:42:39.840 --> 00:42:40.340
 endure and

00:42:40.340 --> 00:42:40.699
 what will

00:42:40.699 --> 00:42:41.179
 not endure,

00:42:41.239 --> 00:42:41.679
 as we talked

00:42:41.679 --> 00:42:42.059
 about in the

00:42:42.059 --> 00:42:42.380
 beginning,

00:42:43.019 --> 00:42:44.420
 the temple

00:42:44.420 --> 00:42:45.000
 is left

00:42:45.000 --> 00:42:45.480
 desolate,

00:42:45.480 --> 00:42:46.740
 and it

00:42:46.740 --> 00:42:47.159
 will be

00:42:47.159 --> 00:42:47.659
 destroyed.

00:42:49.940 --> 00:42:50.639
 It is

00:42:50.639 --> 00:42:51.240
 made clear

00:42:51.240 --> 00:42:51.619
 that the

00:42:51.619 --> 00:42:52.440
 old covenant

00:42:52.440 --> 00:42:53.480
 system was

00:42:53.480 --> 00:42:54.079
 not meant

00:42:54.079 --> 00:42:54.780
 to endure.

00:42:56.059 --> 00:42:56.900
 So Jesus

00:42:56.900 --> 00:42:57.539
 is not

00:42:57.539 --> 00:42:58.340
 investing into

00:42:58.340 --> 00:42:58.940
 the stones

00:42:58.940 --> 00:42:59.480
 of the temple

00:42:59.480 --> 00:43:00.039
 to build

00:43:00.039 --> 00:43:00.579
 his kingdom.

00:43:01.579 --> 00:43:02.360
 The temple

00:43:02.360 --> 00:43:03.059
 building will

00:43:03.059 --> 00:43:03.840
 no longer be

00:43:03.840 --> 00:43:04.360
 the place

00:43:04.360 --> 00:43:05.119
 where foreigners

00:43:05.119 --> 00:43:06.260
 and Gentiles,

00:43:06.679 --> 00:43:07.420
 the nations,

00:43:07.940 --> 00:43:08.699
 will call

00:43:08.699 --> 00:43:09.320
 on the name

00:43:09.320 --> 00:43:09.780
 of the Lord.

00:43:09.780 --> 00:43:11.240
 the nations

00:43:11.240 --> 00:43:11.900
 will no

00:43:11.900 --> 00:43:12.740
 longer need

00:43:12.740 --> 00:43:13.560
 to travel

00:43:13.560 --> 00:43:14.320
 far and

00:43:14.320 --> 00:43:15.280
 wide to

00:43:15.280 --> 00:43:16.500
 come to

00:43:16.500 --> 00:43:16.940
 the temple.

00:43:19.680 --> 00:43:20.320
 No,

00:43:20.480 --> 00:43:21.320
 it's no

00:43:21.320 --> 00:43:22.140
 longer come

00:43:22.140 --> 00:43:22.800
 and see.

00:43:23.580 --> 00:43:24.480
 This age

00:43:24.480 --> 00:43:25.980
 is the age

00:43:25.980 --> 00:43:26.860
 of go and

00:43:26.860 --> 00:43:27.180
 tell.

00:43:28.019 --> 00:43:28.840
 That's what's

00:43:28.840 --> 00:43:29.540
 being ushered

00:43:29.540 --> 00:43:29.960
 in here.

00:43:32.260 --> 00:43:33.420
 No longer,

00:43:33.640 --> 00:43:34.500
 no longer

00:43:34.500 --> 00:43:35.180
 the age

00:43:35.180 --> 00:43:35.740
 of come

00:43:35.740 --> 00:43:36.140
 and see,

00:43:36.260 --> 00:43:36.800
 but the age

00:43:36.800 --> 00:43:37.380
 of go and

00:43:37.380 --> 00:43:37.620
 tell.

00:43:37.619 --> 00:43:38.759
 This is

00:43:38.759 --> 00:43:39.420
 seen in

00:43:39.420 --> 00:43:39.719
 Jesus'

00:43:39.940 --> 00:43:40.699
 final words

00:43:40.699 --> 00:43:41.000
 to his

00:43:41.000 --> 00:43:41.380
 disciples

00:43:41.380 --> 00:43:42.019
 in Matthew

00:43:42.019 --> 00:43:43.319
 chapter 28.

00:43:43.759 --> 00:43:44.159
 Go,

00:43:44.639 --> 00:43:45.299
 or rather,

00:43:45.599 --> 00:43:46.199
 as you may

00:43:46.199 --> 00:43:46.599
 go,

00:43:46.839 --> 00:43:47.639
 make disciples.

00:43:48.859 --> 00:43:49.319
 In Acts

00:43:49.319 --> 00:43:50.119
 chapter 1,

00:43:50.380 --> 00:43:51.279
 you'll receive

00:43:51.279 --> 00:43:52.099
 power when

00:43:52.099 --> 00:43:52.639
 the Holy Spirit

00:43:52.639 --> 00:43:53.400
 comes on you

00:43:53.400 --> 00:43:53.839
 and you will

00:43:53.839 --> 00:43:54.239
 be my

00:43:54.239 --> 00:43:54.880
 witnesses in

00:43:54.880 --> 00:43:55.339
 Jerusalem,

00:43:55.699 --> 00:43:56.400
 in all Judea,

00:43:56.699 --> 00:43:57.299
 in Samaria,

00:43:57.480 --> 00:43:57.819
 and to the

00:43:57.819 --> 00:43:58.199
 ends of the

00:43:58.199 --> 00:43:58.500
 earth.

00:44:00.679 --> 00:44:01.679
 Go and

00:44:01.679 --> 00:44:02.679
 tell the

00:44:02.679 --> 00:44:04.319
 power of

00:44:04.319 --> 00:44:05.199
 his cross

00:44:05.199 --> 00:44:06.380
 that it has

00:44:06.380 --> 00:44:07.500
 lifted the

00:44:07.500 --> 00:44:08.360
 darkness off

00:44:08.360 --> 00:44:08.599
 of the

00:44:08.599 --> 00:44:08.980
 nations.

00:44:09.579 --> 00:44:10.280
 And now

00:44:10.280 --> 00:44:10.980
 the power

00:44:10.980 --> 00:44:11.219
 of the

00:44:11.219 --> 00:44:11.960
 gospel goes

00:44:11.960 --> 00:44:12.820
 forth,

00:44:13.239 --> 00:44:13.760
 gathering of

00:44:13.760 --> 00:44:14.199
 people from

00:44:14.199 --> 00:44:15.000
 every tribe,

00:44:15.179 --> 00:44:15.780
 every tongue,

00:44:16.179 --> 00:44:16.820
 every nation.

00:44:18.800 --> 00:44:19.900
 That is what

00:44:19.900 --> 00:44:20.780
 will endure for

00:44:20.780 --> 00:44:21.659
 his namesake.

00:44:22.360 --> 00:44:23.340
 The church,

00:44:24.000 --> 00:44:24.940
 the universal

00:44:24.940 --> 00:44:25.320
 church,

00:44:25.500 --> 00:44:26.320
 he has

00:44:26.320 --> 00:44:27.079
 promised to

00:44:27.079 --> 00:44:27.579
 build it,

00:44:28.199 --> 00:44:28.639
 and the

00:44:28.639 --> 00:44:29.139
 gates of

00:44:29.139 --> 00:44:30.119
 Hades will

00:44:30.119 --> 00:44:31.000
 not prevail

00:44:31.000 --> 00:44:31.940
 against it,

00:44:32.360 --> 00:44:32.980
 even though

00:44:32.980 --> 00:44:33.539
 Satan may

00:44:33.539 --> 00:44:34.719
 try his

00:44:34.719 --> 00:44:35.219
 hardest.

00:44:35.219 --> 00:44:37.679
 he will

00:44:37.679 --> 00:44:38.379
 not prevail

00:44:38.379 --> 00:44:39.039
 against it.

00:44:40.619 --> 00:44:41.659
 Christ will

00:44:41.659 --> 00:44:42.659
 come again

00:44:42.659 --> 00:44:43.579
 and he will

00:44:43.579 --> 00:44:44.059
 bring his

00:44:44.059 --> 00:44:44.659
 people home.

00:44:45.879 --> 00:44:46.299
 And our

00:44:46.299 --> 00:44:46.819
 witness,

00:44:47.159 --> 00:44:47.779
 how we

00:44:47.779 --> 00:44:48.179
 endure,

00:44:48.759 --> 00:44:49.319
 God will

00:44:49.319 --> 00:44:50.199
 use for the

00:44:50.199 --> 00:44:50.799
 glory of his

00:44:50.799 --> 00:44:51.399
 name to the

00:44:51.399 --> 00:44:51.759
 ends of the

00:44:51.759 --> 00:44:52.019
 earth.

00:44:52.459 --> 00:44:52.859
 Church,

00:44:53.719 --> 00:44:54.719
 what a time

00:44:54.719 --> 00:44:55.459
 we are in.

00:44:56.059 --> 00:44:56.199
 Oh,

00:44:56.259 --> 00:44:56.939
 what a time

00:44:56.939 --> 00:44:57.579
 we are in.

00:44:58.959 --> 00:44:59.639
 What a

00:44:59.639 --> 00:45:00.539
 unique age

00:45:00.539 --> 00:45:01.219
 we are in.

00:45:01.219 --> 00:45:02.079
 and even

00:45:02.079 --> 00:45:02.599
 in our

00:45:02.599 --> 00:45:03.559
 modern day,

00:45:04.079 --> 00:45:05.239
 when opportunities

00:45:05.239 --> 00:45:07.000
 are abounding

00:45:07.000 --> 00:45:08.679
 all around us

00:45:08.679 --> 00:45:09.939
 to glorify the

00:45:09.939 --> 00:45:10.619
 name of Christ

00:45:10.619 --> 00:45:10.839
 in the

00:45:10.839 --> 00:45:11.259
 nations,

00:45:11.779 --> 00:45:14.559
 to be a

00:45:14.559 --> 00:45:15.039
 part of the

00:45:15.039 --> 00:45:15.759
 plan of God.

00:45:16.179 --> 00:45:17.139
 Who knows

00:45:17.139 --> 00:45:18.079
 how far

00:45:18.079 --> 00:45:18.899
 your gospel

00:45:18.899 --> 00:45:20.159
 witness will

00:45:20.159 --> 00:45:20.779
 go in our

00:45:20.779 --> 00:45:21.679
 globalized world,

00:45:22.179 --> 00:45:23.679
 where information

00:45:23.679 --> 00:45:24.699
 is sent from

00:45:24.699 --> 00:45:26.419
 Boston to

00:45:26.419 --> 00:45:27.139
 Dubai,

00:45:27.579 --> 00:45:28.459
 to Hong Kong,

00:45:28.599 --> 00:45:29.159
 to mainland

00:45:29.159 --> 00:45:29.679
 China,

00:45:29.679 --> 00:45:30.480
 to villages

00:45:30.480 --> 00:45:30.799
 in the

00:45:30.799 --> 00:45:31.219
 Mexican

00:45:31.219 --> 00:45:31.879
 Chiapas,

00:45:32.379 --> 00:45:32.919
 in a blink

00:45:32.919 --> 00:45:33.440
 of an eye.

00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:38.199
 We have

00:45:38.199 --> 00:45:38.899
 no idea

00:45:38.899 --> 00:45:40.739
 how our

00:45:40.739 --> 00:45:41.639
 gospel witness

00:45:41.639 --> 00:45:42.399
 and how we

00:45:42.399 --> 00:45:44.480
 endure will

00:45:44.480 --> 00:45:45.279
 go forth in

00:45:45.279 --> 00:45:45.919
 this globalized

00:45:45.919 --> 00:45:46.599
 world, and

00:45:46.599 --> 00:45:47.079
 there are many

00:45:47.079 --> 00:45:48.819
 opportunities if

00:45:48.819 --> 00:45:49.259
 we'll have

00:45:49.259 --> 00:45:49.480
 them.

00:45:51.460 --> 00:45:52.019
 Pastor

00:45:52.019 --> 00:45:52.739
 theologian

00:45:52.739 --> 00:45:54.319
 John Piper

00:45:54.319 --> 00:45:55.919
 so helpfully

00:45:55.919 --> 00:45:57.059
 says this,

00:45:57.059 --> 00:45:59.739
 the cause

00:45:59.739 --> 00:46:00.400
 of world

00:46:00.400 --> 00:46:01.719
 missions is

00:46:01.719 --> 00:46:02.519
 absolutely

00:46:02.519 --> 00:46:03.880
 assured of

00:46:03.880 --> 00:46:04.460
 success.

00:46:04.699 --> 00:46:05.340
 It cannot

00:46:05.340 --> 00:46:05.860
 fail.

00:46:07.480 --> 00:46:08.139
 Is it not

00:46:08.139 --> 00:46:09.039
 reasonable then

00:46:09.039 --> 00:46:11.259
 that we pray

00:46:11.259 --> 00:46:11.820
 with great

00:46:11.820 --> 00:46:12.980
 faith, that

00:46:12.980 --> 00:46:13.759
 we invest

00:46:13.759 --> 00:46:14.440
 with great

00:46:14.440 --> 00:46:15.480
 confidence, and

00:46:15.480 --> 00:46:16.239
 that we go

00:46:16.239 --> 00:46:17.279
 with a sense

00:46:17.279 --> 00:46:17.980
 of sure

00:46:17.980 --> 00:46:18.519
 triumph?

00:46:18.519 --> 00:46:18.739
 triumph?

00:46:21.179 --> 00:46:24.099
 Oh, what

00:46:24.099 --> 00:46:24.759
 good news

00:46:24.759 --> 00:46:25.340
 this is.

00:46:26.059 --> 00:46:27.139
 What good

00:46:27.139 --> 00:46:27.780
 news this

00:46:27.780 --> 00:46:28.619
 is, that

00:46:28.619 --> 00:46:29.739
 it is not

00:46:29.739 --> 00:46:30.300
 upon our

00:46:30.300 --> 00:46:30.619
 shoulders.

00:46:31.139 --> 00:46:31.659
 It is

00:46:31.659 --> 00:46:32.239
 absolutely

00:46:32.239 --> 00:46:33.559
 assured of

00:46:33.559 --> 00:46:34.139
 success.

00:46:34.880 --> 00:46:35.759
 It's not

00:46:35.759 --> 00:46:36.440
 upon our

00:46:36.440 --> 00:46:36.759
 shoulders,

00:46:36.900 --> 00:46:37.460
 though, to

00:46:37.460 --> 00:46:38.000
 hasten

00:46:38.000 --> 00:46:38.920
 Christ's

00:46:38.920 --> 00:46:39.639
 second coming,

00:46:40.500 --> 00:46:42.059
 but that

00:46:42.059 --> 00:46:42.940
 we get

00:46:42.940 --> 00:46:43.840
 to play a

00:46:43.840 --> 00:46:44.300
 mysterious

00:46:44.300 --> 00:46:46.340
 part in

00:46:46.340 --> 00:46:47.900
 knowing it's

00:46:47.900 --> 00:46:48.720
 assured, it

00:46:48.720 --> 00:46:49.000
 has an

00:46:49.000 --> 00:46:49.320
 assured

00:46:49.320 --> 00:46:49.860
 success.

00:46:50.220 --> 00:46:50.559
 We get

00:46:50.559 --> 00:46:51.139
 to play

00:46:51.139 --> 00:46:51.660
 a part

00:46:51.660 --> 00:46:52.099
 in that.

00:46:54.500 --> 00:46:55.260
 So will

00:46:55.260 --> 00:46:55.720
 we have

00:46:55.720 --> 00:46:55.880
 it?

00:46:56.440 --> 00:46:57.019
 Will we

00:46:57.019 --> 00:46:58.079
 take part

00:46:58.079 --> 00:46:58.460
 in that?

00:47:01.000 --> 00:47:01.680
 I want

00:47:01.680 --> 00:47:02.000
 to end

00:47:02.000 --> 00:47:02.220
 you,

00:47:02.380 --> 00:47:02.599
 though,

00:47:02.960 --> 00:47:04.019
 with this

00:47:04.019 --> 00:47:04.720
 verse from

00:47:04.720 --> 00:47:06.539
 1 Timothy

00:47:06.539 --> 00:47:07.900
 chapter 6

00:47:07.900 --> 00:47:08.639
 verses 12

00:47:08.639 --> 00:47:09.880
 through 13.

00:47:12.500 --> 00:47:13.400
 It says,

00:47:14.160 --> 00:47:14.440
 fight the

00:47:14.440 --> 00:47:15.220
 good fight

00:47:15.220 --> 00:47:15.860
 of faith.

00:47:15.860 --> 00:47:18.059
 take hold

00:47:18.059 --> 00:47:18.400
 of the

00:47:18.400 --> 00:47:19.140
 eternal life

00:47:19.140 --> 00:47:19.519
 to which

00:47:19.519 --> 00:47:19.820
 you were

00:47:19.820 --> 00:47:20.300
 called,

00:47:20.640 --> 00:47:21.559
 about which

00:47:21.559 --> 00:47:22.140
 you made

00:47:22.140 --> 00:47:22.800
 the good

00:47:22.800 --> 00:47:23.320
 confession

00:47:23.320 --> 00:47:23.820
 in the

00:47:23.820 --> 00:47:24.300
 presence of

00:47:24.300 --> 00:47:24.920
 many witnesses.

00:47:25.860 --> 00:47:26.559
 I charge

00:47:26.559 --> 00:47:27.059
 you in the

00:47:27.059 --> 00:47:27.620
 presence of

00:47:27.620 --> 00:47:28.480
 God, who

00:47:28.480 --> 00:47:29.079
 gives life

00:47:29.079 --> 00:47:29.500
 to all

00:47:29.500 --> 00:47:30.320
 things, and

00:47:30.320 --> 00:47:30.780
 of Christ

00:47:30.780 --> 00:47:31.940
 Jesus, who

00:47:31.940 --> 00:47:33.420
 in his

00:47:33.420 --> 00:47:34.420
 testimony before

00:47:34.420 --> 00:47:35.380
 Pontius Pilate

00:47:35.380 --> 00:47:36.599
 made the

00:47:36.599 --> 00:47:37.300
 good confession.

00:47:39.180 --> 00:47:39.820
 Jesus

00:47:39.820 --> 00:47:41.720
 made his

00:47:41.720 --> 00:47:42.519
 good confession

00:47:42.519 --> 00:47:43.500
 before Pilate

00:47:43.500 --> 00:47:44.500
 and died

00:47:44.500 --> 00:47:44.840
 on the

00:47:44.840 --> 00:47:45.460
 cross to

00:47:45.460 --> 00:47:46.099
 save us,

00:47:46.659 --> 00:47:47.260
 securing

00:47:47.260 --> 00:47:48.219
 our hope.

00:47:49.420 --> 00:47:50.019
 So let

00:47:50.019 --> 00:47:50.519
 us,

00:47:50.679 --> 00:47:51.159
 church, let

00:47:51.159 --> 00:47:51.780
 us look

00:47:51.780 --> 00:47:52.920
 to him

00:47:52.920 --> 00:47:53.800
 who endured

00:47:53.800 --> 00:47:54.659
 before us,

00:47:55.099 --> 00:47:55.820
 endured on

00:47:55.820 --> 00:47:56.579
 our behalf,

00:47:56.880 --> 00:47:57.940
 that we may

00:47:57.940 --> 00:47:58.920
 continue in

00:47:58.920 --> 00:47:59.460
 making our

00:47:59.460 --> 00:48:00.400
 good confession

00:48:00.400 --> 00:48:02.480
 amongst our

00:48:02.480 --> 00:48:02.820
 neighbors,

00:48:04.860 --> 00:48:05.320
 amongst the

00:48:05.320 --> 00:48:05.699
 city of

00:48:05.699 --> 00:48:06.159
 Boston,

00:48:07.619 --> 00:48:08.000
 amongst the

00:48:08.000 --> 00:48:08.579
 United States,

00:48:08.719 --> 00:48:09.139
 and amongst

00:48:09.139 --> 00:48:10.119
 all nations,

00:48:10.960 --> 00:48:11.980
 until that

00:48:11.980 --> 00:48:13.139
 day when

00:48:13.139 --> 00:48:14.900
 all nations

00:48:14.900 --> 00:48:15.960
 will bow

00:48:15.960 --> 00:48:17.299
 before the

00:48:17.299 --> 00:48:17.980
 throne of

00:48:17.980 --> 00:48:18.659
 Christ Jesus.

00:48:19.599 --> 00:48:20.559
 Oh, what a

00:48:20.559 --> 00:48:21.239
 wonderful day

00:48:21.239 --> 00:48:21.879
 that will be,

00:48:22.359 --> 00:48:23.119
 and what a

00:48:23.119 --> 00:48:24.199
 blessed assurance

00:48:24.199 --> 00:48:25.000
 that we have

00:48:25.000 --> 00:48:25.539
 in knowing

00:48:25.539 --> 00:48:26.539
 that day

00:48:26.539 --> 00:48:27.719
 will come.

00:48:28.359 --> 00:48:29.199
 Let us rest

00:48:29.199 --> 00:48:29.599
 in that.

00:48:29.819 --> 00:48:30.359
 Let us

00:48:30.359 --> 00:48:31.559
 endure for

00:48:31.559 --> 00:48:32.199
 that day.

00:48:32.900 --> 00:48:33.379
 Let us

00:48:33.379 --> 00:48:33.579
 pray.

00:48:33.579 --> 00:48:33.659
 Amen.

00:48:33.659 --> 00:48:33.699
 Amen.

00:48:33.699 --> 00:48:33.719
 Amen.

00:48:33.719 --> 00:48:33.739
 Amen.

00:48:33.739 --> 00:48:33.759
 Amen.

00:48:39.139 --> 00:48:40.879
 Jesus,

00:48:41.359 --> 00:48:42.219
 thank you.

00:48:43.339 --> 00:48:44.199
 Thank you,

00:48:44.319 --> 00:48:44.599
 Jesus,

00:48:45.259 --> 00:48:46.119
 for lifting

00:48:46.119 --> 00:48:47.719
 the darkness

00:48:47.719 --> 00:48:48.619
 from over the

00:48:48.619 --> 00:48:48.980
 nations.

00:48:50.339 --> 00:48:50.839
 That even

00:48:50.839 --> 00:48:51.259
 we,

00:48:51.519 --> 00:48:52.460
 we here

00:48:52.460 --> 00:48:53.500
 being Gentiles,

00:48:53.639 --> 00:48:54.259
 being foreigners,

00:48:54.260 --> 00:48:55.380
 we let us

00:48:55.380 --> 00:49:09.520
 make

00:49:10.520 --> 00:49:11.120
 you

00:49:11.120 --> 00:49:11.420
 share

00:49:11.420 --> 00:49:11.540
 an

00:49:11.540 --> 00:49:11.800
 and

00:49:11.800 --> 00:49:12.100
 these

00:49:12.100 --> 00:49:13.100
 may

00:49:13.100 --> 00:49:13.760
 these

00:49:13.760 --> 00:49:13.960
 are

00:49:14.000 --> 00:49:18.140
 amazing.

00:49:20.560 --> 00:49:21.160
 Hey,

00:49:21.220 --> 00:49:21.760
 a