WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.080 We're going to be reading from the Gospel of John, chapter 16, if you'd like to turn there. 00:00:05.139 --> 00:00:09.859 We're going to be starting from the middle of verse 4, which is the start of the paragraph there. 00:00:10.859 --> 00:00:16.980 And just a bit of context, we're going to be reading Jesus' words to his disciples the night before he's crucified. 00:00:18.800 --> 00:00:22.460 John, chapter 16, starting halfway through verse 4. 00:00:25.400 --> 00:00:29.859 I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 00:00:30.399 --> 00:00:35.020 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, where are you going? 00:00:35.880 --> 00:00:40.200 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 00:00:41.060 --> 00:00:43.179 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. 00:00:43.840 --> 00:00:46.719 It is to your advantage that I go away. 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:51.340 For if I do not go away, the helper will not come to you. 00:00:52.100 --> 00:00:54.859 But if I go, I will send him to you. 00:00:54.859 --> 00:01:01.380 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. 00:01:02.479 --> 00:01:05.500 Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me. 00:01:06.459 --> 00:01:11.560 Concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you will see me no longer. 00:01:12.659 --> 00:01:16.599 Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 00:01:16.599 --> 00:01:22.059 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 00:01:22.819 --> 00:01:26.419 When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. 00:01:26.879 --> 00:01:29.179 For he will not speak on his own authority. 00:01:30.060 --> 00:01:32.319 But whatever he hears, he will speak. 00:01:32.759 --> 00:01:35.539 And he will declare to you the things that are to come. 00:01:36.539 --> 00:01:38.019 He will glorify me. 00:01:38.500 --> 00:01:41.399 For he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 00:01:41.400 --> 00:01:44.480 All that the Father has is mine. 00:01:45.140 --> 00:01:49.740 Therefore, I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 00:01:54.200 --> 00:01:54.600 Okay. 00:01:55.540 --> 00:01:56.540 Voices have died down. 00:01:56.700 --> 00:01:57.680 Why don't we make a start? 00:01:58.260 --> 00:01:58.900 My name is Dave. 00:01:58.960 --> 00:01:59.880 I'm one of the pastors here. 00:01:59.960 --> 00:02:02.200 If you don't know me, thanks for being with us. 00:02:04.540 --> 00:02:07.460 I'm going to pray before we look at God's word. 00:02:07.520 --> 00:02:08.180 Would you pray with me? 00:02:11.400 --> 00:02:18.500 Lord God, you are not silent, but you speak. 00:02:20.500 --> 00:02:24.420 You are not distant, but you are with us. 00:02:25.700 --> 00:02:30.159 And so we ask that you would speak to each of our hearts this morning. 00:02:31.620 --> 00:02:34.800 Lord, I pray that you would give each of us ears to hear you, 00:02:35.719 --> 00:02:39.960 minds to understand and hearts that actually cherish what you say. 00:02:39.960 --> 00:02:43.580 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:02:43.879 --> 00:02:44.140 Amen. 00:02:48.140 --> 00:02:58.439 Well, when we are stuck in our sin or paralyzed by discouragement 00:02:58.439 --> 00:03:03.659 or feeling inadequate to do any good, 00:03:03.659 --> 00:03:10.979 when our heart is more in love with what the world has to offer 00:03:10.979 --> 00:03:14.060 rather than the joy and the peace that Jesus has to offer, 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:19.300 what hope do we have that we can change? 00:03:19.300 --> 00:03:28.460 I reckon surely if Jesus was standing right in front of us, 00:03:29.160 --> 00:03:30.439 in the flesh, 00:03:31.280 --> 00:03:33.120 he could set us free from our sin. 00:03:34.840 --> 00:03:39.800 His presence would renew us, encourage us, put us back on our feet. 00:03:40.080 --> 00:03:41.780 His power would be visible, 00:03:42.340 --> 00:03:45.660 and desire for him would trump whatever the world has to offer. 00:03:45.659 --> 00:03:49.859 Surely if he was right here, that would help us, that would change us. 00:03:52.280 --> 00:03:55.979 But the surprising thing that our Lord says to us this morning in our passage 00:03:55.979 --> 00:03:58.099 is that it is to your advantage. 00:03:58.379 --> 00:04:02.159 It is better for you that I go away. 00:04:02.819 --> 00:04:04.859 How can that possibly be better? 00:04:04.860 --> 00:04:13.580 When a family member doesn't want to believe in Jesus, 00:04:13.700 --> 00:04:15.780 when they make you feel stupid, 00:04:16.379 --> 00:04:17.680 perhaps even ashamed, 00:04:18.420 --> 00:04:20.280 for believing what Jesus says, 00:04:21.139 --> 00:04:23.780 how can it be better that Jesus isn't here? 00:04:27.699 --> 00:04:31.960 When Christians and churches argue and distance themselves from one another 00:04:31.959 --> 00:04:33.539 over small differences, 00:04:33.839 --> 00:04:36.939 how can it be better that Jesus isn't here? 00:04:39.979 --> 00:04:44.019 When you've got me and Rob and David to stand up here and preach, 00:04:44.359 --> 00:04:47.719 how is it not better that Jesus isn't here preaching? 00:04:47.720 --> 00:04:56.740 When we want all of Glendale and all university students 00:04:56.740 --> 00:05:01.540 and all of Myanmar and PNG and Pillard to hear the good news 00:05:01.540 --> 00:05:02.980 and believe and have eternal life, 00:05:03.040 --> 00:05:05.580 how is it not better that Jesus isn't here? 00:05:10.360 --> 00:05:12.680 During the days of the Reformation, 00:05:13.700 --> 00:05:16.540 when Martin Luther was making a stand for the gospel 00:05:16.540 --> 00:05:18.319 that we are saved by grace alone, 00:05:18.420 --> 00:05:19.340 through faith alone, 00:05:19.420 --> 00:05:20.340 in Christ alone, 00:05:20.420 --> 00:05:21.560 by God's word alone, 00:05:21.980 --> 00:05:24.100 but those with all the power in this world 00:05:24.100 --> 00:05:25.780 were hunting him down to kill him, 00:05:26.040 --> 00:05:29.340 how is it not better that Jesus wasn't here at that time? 00:05:33.280 --> 00:05:35.640 When in the early days of the church 00:05:35.640 --> 00:05:38.879 and Roman emperors who had all the power 00:05:38.879 --> 00:05:41.879 sometimes systematically 00:05:41.879 --> 00:05:46.160 attacked the Christians, 00:05:46.540 --> 00:05:49.360 burning rare copies of the Bible, 00:05:49.920 --> 00:05:51.120 killing church leaders, 00:05:51.319 --> 00:05:54.600 and sometimes ordering an empire-wide, 00:05:55.500 --> 00:05:59.200 everyone in the empire had to sacrifice the Roman gods 00:05:59.200 --> 00:06:00.379 or be executed. 00:06:00.600 --> 00:06:03.080 How is it not better at that time for the church 00:06:03.080 --> 00:06:04.740 when it was just starting 00:06:04.740 --> 00:06:07.060 for Jesus not to be here, 00:06:07.140 --> 00:06:07.879 to protect it? 00:06:07.879 --> 00:06:13.560 Or when the church began initially, 00:06:13.819 --> 00:06:15.420 it was just 120 people, 00:06:15.579 --> 00:06:17.019 less people than in this room, 00:06:18.360 --> 00:06:19.620 and ordinary people, 00:06:19.920 --> 00:06:21.740 alone and fearful in Jerusalem, 00:06:22.680 --> 00:06:24.180 and yet they're tasked 00:06:24.180 --> 00:06:26.300 to take the good news to the whole world. 00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:29.259 How is it not better that Jesus 00:06:29.259 --> 00:06:30.519 wasn't here? 00:06:30.519 --> 00:06:30.579 How is it not better? 00:06:30.579 --> 00:06:30.639 How is it not better? 00:06:30.639 --> 00:06:34.620 How is it not better that Jesus wasn't here? 00:06:34.620 --> 00:06:39.360 Let's find out. 00:06:39.759 --> 00:06:41.399 Let's listen to John 16. 00:06:43.540 --> 00:06:44.879 In John 16, 00:06:45.280 --> 00:06:47.220 we're in the upper room, 00:06:47.600 --> 00:06:49.079 and in about 24 hours, 00:06:49.199 --> 00:06:50.000 Jesus will be dead. 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:54.759 So like a commander, 00:06:55.639 --> 00:06:57.779 he's preparing his troops 00:06:57.779 --> 00:06:58.980 for the battle to come. 00:07:00.560 --> 00:07:01.579 Up to this point, 00:07:01.660 --> 00:07:02.459 he's been with them, 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:06.379 absorbing all the hostility upon himself, 00:07:06.920 --> 00:07:10.000 with the disciples tucked safely behind him. 00:07:10.639 --> 00:07:11.759 But he warns us, 00:07:11.879 --> 00:07:14.060 this hostility won't stop once he's gone, 00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:16.220 it's just going to be redirected to his people. 00:07:16.220 --> 00:07:20.340 Don't be surprised. 00:07:20.960 --> 00:07:21.880 Hold your ground. 00:07:22.720 --> 00:07:24.060 Keep telling people the truth. 00:07:28.340 --> 00:07:30.120 But the people of this world 00:07:30.120 --> 00:07:34.020 aren't only lacking information about God. 00:07:34.760 --> 00:07:35.560 If they were, 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:38.160 every single person who met Jesus 00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:39.120 would have believed. 00:07:39.880 --> 00:07:40.700 But that didn't happen. 00:07:43.140 --> 00:07:44.520 What is the real problem? 00:07:44.520 --> 00:07:45.880 What's the real obstacle? 00:07:46.220 --> 00:07:51.060 John 3, verse 19 tells us, 00:07:52.160 --> 00:07:53.320 and this is the judgment. 00:07:55.040 --> 00:07:56.900 The light has come into the world, 00:07:57.040 --> 00:08:00.860 and people loved the darkness 00:08:00.860 --> 00:08:02.300 rather than the light 00:08:02.300 --> 00:08:03.560 because their works were evil. 00:08:06.580 --> 00:08:08.420 How do you like it when in the dark 00:08:08.420 --> 00:08:09.680 someone turns the light on? 00:08:10.820 --> 00:08:12.680 It's really annoying, isn't it? 00:08:12.680 --> 00:08:21.400 How will Jesus' disciples have any success 00:08:21.400 --> 00:08:24.780 in bringing people who love darkness 00:08:24.780 --> 00:08:27.900 into the light of knowing God? 00:08:27.899 --> 00:08:31.439 Jesus is saying, 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:33.279 get ready to take all the hits, 00:08:34.559 --> 00:08:35.419 stand firm, 00:08:36.699 --> 00:08:38.480 continue offering the world 00:08:38.480 --> 00:08:39.559 what it doesn't want. 00:08:39.559 --> 00:08:50.839 In the TV series, 00:08:50.959 --> 00:08:52.339 Blackadder Goes Forth, 00:08:53.339 --> 00:08:56.299 Rowan Atkinson plays Captain Blackadder, 00:08:56.819 --> 00:08:59.559 and he's in the trenches during World War II, 00:08:59.559 --> 00:09:01.279 and in one scene, 00:09:01.279 --> 00:09:04.639 the army general pays a visit to the trenches 00:09:04.639 --> 00:09:06.879 before the troops go over the top 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:10.479 and advance towards the enemies 00:09:10.479 --> 00:09:11.559 with their machine guns. 00:09:13.239 --> 00:09:15.459 And the general asks the soldier, 00:09:15.779 --> 00:09:16.139 Baldrick, 00:09:16.399 --> 00:09:18.819 are you looking forward to the big push? 00:09:18.820 --> 00:09:21.160 to which Baldrick replies, 00:09:22.120 --> 00:09:22.820 no, sir, 00:09:22.900 --> 00:09:24.480 I'm absolutely terrified. 00:09:25.520 --> 00:09:26.520 The general laughs, 00:09:26.660 --> 00:09:27.020 ah, 00:09:27.300 --> 00:09:29.120 the healthy humour of the honest Tommy, 00:09:29.220 --> 00:09:30.140 don't worry, my boy, 00:09:30.620 --> 00:09:31.660 if you should falter, 00:09:31.760 --> 00:09:33.360 remember I am right behind you. 00:09:34.700 --> 00:09:36.580 To which Rowan Atkinson says, 00:09:36.900 --> 00:09:37.120 yes, 00:09:37.180 --> 00:09:39.320 about 35 miles behind you. 00:09:39.320 --> 00:09:50.640 The disciples are filled with sorrow 00:09:50.640 --> 00:09:52.000 in their heart. 00:09:55.600 --> 00:09:57.820 And it seems reasonable, doesn't it? 00:09:59.760 --> 00:10:01.879 Our King is leaving us. 00:10:05.700 --> 00:10:07.540 Have you ever felt disillusioned 00:10:07.540 --> 00:10:08.440 with the local church? 00:10:09.320 --> 00:10:14.379 discouraged from not seeing any fruit? 00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:17.879 Perhaps you've even experienced 00:10:17.879 --> 00:10:21.780 the sting of hostile friends and families 00:10:21.780 --> 00:10:23.400 who are trying to turn off the light. 00:10:27.920 --> 00:10:30.940 But is it right for the apostles then 00:10:30.940 --> 00:10:33.180 and for us now to be filled with sorrow? 00:10:33.960 --> 00:10:34.640 Is it right? 00:10:35.780 --> 00:10:37.000 Jesus doesn't think so. 00:10:39.320 --> 00:10:41.620 He draws the disciples' attention 00:10:41.620 --> 00:10:43.560 to the fact that none of you ask me 00:10:43.560 --> 00:10:44.500 where I'm going. 00:10:44.500 --> 00:10:50.360 Why should they be focused on that? 00:10:50.659 --> 00:10:53.360 And didn't Peter just hours before 00:10:53.360 --> 00:10:55.399 ask that very question? 00:10:57.340 --> 00:10:59.039 I think when Peter asked it, 00:10:59.460 --> 00:11:01.720 he wasn't focused on the actual answer. 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:04.179 But like a child who expects 00:11:04.179 --> 00:11:06.360 to spend the day with their dad 00:11:06.360 --> 00:11:07.919 and their dad is called in to work 00:11:07.919 --> 00:11:08.600 for an emergency 00:11:08.600 --> 00:11:10.360 and the child asks the dad, 00:11:10.580 --> 00:11:12.220 where are you going? 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:16.920 It's an expression of feeling abandoned. 00:11:17.840 --> 00:11:19.120 Why are you leaving me? 00:11:21.440 --> 00:11:23.379 The disciples aren't focused 00:11:23.379 --> 00:11:24.779 on where Jesus is going. 00:11:24.899 --> 00:11:27.200 They're focused on the hardships 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:30.000 that his leaving will mean for them. 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:34.179 So why should they 00:11:34.179 --> 00:11:35.200 and why should we 00:11:35.200 --> 00:11:37.360 be focused on where Jesus is going? 00:11:41.980 --> 00:11:44.580 Sometimes I can get into this 00:11:44.580 --> 00:11:47.179 self-pitying headspace 00:11:47.179 --> 00:11:48.779 where woe is me. 00:11:49.360 --> 00:11:50.639 All I can think about 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:53.600 is the negative impacts on me 00:11:53.600 --> 00:11:54.960 and Emma has to put up with me. 00:11:54.960 --> 00:11:58.840 I don't know if you've experienced this, 00:11:59.000 --> 00:12:00.540 but what do I need 00:12:00.540 --> 00:12:01.620 at that point in time 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:04.320 to put my attention to? 00:12:04.820 --> 00:12:07.360 What's going to refresh my perspective 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:08.700 and give me new strength? 00:12:10.879 --> 00:12:12.040 I need to remember 00:12:12.040 --> 00:12:14.320 why Jesus left. 00:12:16.900 --> 00:12:18.600 I need to remember where he is 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:21.100 and how he's giving me, 00:12:21.220 --> 00:12:23.360 he's giving us all we need 00:12:23.360 --> 00:12:25.539 to face the circumstances 00:12:25.539 --> 00:12:26.139 that we're in. 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:30.980 Our king 00:12:30.980 --> 00:12:33.100 is not 00:12:33.100 --> 00:12:35.700 35 miles 00:12:35.700 --> 00:12:36.720 behind us. 00:12:38.180 --> 00:12:39.200 The king 00:12:39.200 --> 00:12:40.500 we serve, 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:42.639 he went alone 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:45.340 into the battle 00:12:45.340 --> 00:12:46.620 that won the war. 00:12:47.960 --> 00:12:49.700 He took upon himself 00:12:49.700 --> 00:12:51.480 the full force 00:12:51.480 --> 00:12:52.700 of the hatred of the world. 00:12:53.360 --> 00:12:54.560 He let Satan 00:12:54.560 --> 00:12:55.879 have his hour over him. 00:12:56.320 --> 00:12:57.460 He took our sin 00:12:57.460 --> 00:12:59.279 and he ran straight 00:12:59.279 --> 00:13:00.580 towards the wrath 00:13:00.580 --> 00:13:01.759 and judgment of God. 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:05.080 He did it for us. 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:07.120 Without him leaving, 00:13:08.120 --> 00:13:09.980 I would still love 00:13:09.980 --> 00:13:10.539 the darkness. 00:13:13.259 --> 00:13:15.200 But now he is raised 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:16.320 to the Father's side 00:13:16.320 --> 00:13:17.080 in all authority 00:13:17.080 --> 00:13:18.460 and he's raised us 00:13:18.460 --> 00:13:19.060 with him. 00:13:19.059 --> 00:13:21.379 we no longer belong 00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:21.979 to the world 00:13:21.979 --> 00:13:22.919 but we are 00:13:22.919 --> 00:13:24.159 the eternal children 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:24.819 of God. 00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:27.459 And you and I 00:13:27.459 --> 00:13:28.639 right here and now 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:30.019 have all the authority 00:13:30.019 --> 00:13:30.519 of heaven 00:13:30.519 --> 00:13:31.559 at work 00:13:31.559 --> 00:13:32.599 to help us 00:13:32.599 --> 00:13:34.099 in every single moment 00:13:34.099 --> 00:13:34.739 that we face. 00:13:37.699 --> 00:13:38.659 That's not reason 00:13:38.659 --> 00:13:39.179 for sorrow, 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:40.019 that's reason 00:13:40.019 --> 00:13:40.759 for rejoicing. 00:13:40.759 --> 00:13:47.279 But even at this 00:13:47.279 --> 00:13:48.019 late hour, 00:13:48.679 --> 00:13:49.279 the apostles 00:13:49.279 --> 00:13:51.460 still don't get 00:13:51.460 --> 00:13:52.620 what Jesus 00:13:52.620 --> 00:13:53.319 is about to do 00:13:53.319 --> 00:13:53.600 for them. 00:13:54.819 --> 00:13:56.120 They have the truth 00:13:56.120 --> 00:13:57.639 sitting right across 00:13:57.639 --> 00:13:57.960 from them 00:13:57.960 --> 00:13:58.720 but the truth 00:13:58.720 --> 00:13:59.700 hasn't gripped 00:13:59.700 --> 00:14:00.519 their hearts yet. 00:14:03.259 --> 00:14:04.220 Jesus is going 00:14:04.220 --> 00:14:04.759 to win 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:06.139 the decisive battle 00:14:06.139 --> 00:14:07.159 but even when 00:14:07.159 --> 00:14:07.639 he's gone, 00:14:07.960 --> 00:14:09.080 it's still better 00:14:09.080 --> 00:14:09.779 for the church 00:14:09.779 --> 00:14:10.659 that he isn't here. 00:14:10.759 --> 00:14:11.819 while we represent 00:14:11.819 --> 00:14:12.439 him on earth. 00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:15.639 So why is it better? 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:16.819 Verse 7, 00:14:16.919 --> 00:14:17.399 have a look. 00:14:20.600 --> 00:14:21.559 For if I do not 00:14:21.559 --> 00:14:22.019 go away, 00:14:22.100 --> 00:14:22.620 the helper 00:14:22.620 --> 00:14:23.740 will not come 00:14:23.740 --> 00:14:24.120 to you 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:24.980 but if I go, 00:14:25.100 --> 00:14:25.659 I will send 00:14:25.659 --> 00:14:26.439 him to you. 00:14:27.899 --> 00:14:29.059 We're not told 00:14:29.059 --> 00:14:31.500 why the Holy Spirit 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:32.279 can't be sent 00:14:32.279 --> 00:14:32.879 until Jesus 00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:33.379 is gone. 00:14:33.740 --> 00:14:34.299 It could be 00:14:34.299 --> 00:14:34.899 because 00:14:34.899 --> 00:14:36.419 it's only once 00:14:36.419 --> 00:14:37.379 Christ gets 00:14:37.379 --> 00:14:38.019 the victory 00:14:38.019 --> 00:14:39.740 that the Holy Spirit 00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:40.759 can apply 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:41.480 that victory 00:14:41.480 --> 00:14:43.320 into our hearts 00:14:43.320 --> 00:14:44.779 but whatever 00:14:44.779 --> 00:14:45.299 the reason, 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:46.259 Jesus says 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:46.659 it's better 00:14:46.659 --> 00:14:47.320 that he leaves 00:14:47.320 --> 00:14:47.799 and the Spirit 00:14:47.799 --> 00:14:48.200 comes 00:14:48.200 --> 00:14:51.980 and he explains 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:52.360 why. 00:14:52.600 --> 00:14:53.220 He doesn't leave 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:53.580 it at that. 00:14:53.680 --> 00:14:54.460 He helps us 00:14:54.460 --> 00:14:55.259 understand why. 00:14:55.600 --> 00:14:56.120 The Spirit's 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:56.460 going to do 00:14:56.460 --> 00:14:57.080 two things. 00:14:58.480 --> 00:14:59.879 Notice the Spirit's 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:00.480 two names. 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:01.379 They tell us 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:02.460 what his two works 00:15:02.460 --> 00:15:02.879 will be. 00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:05.120 In verses 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:05.879 8 to 11 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:06.740 he's the helper 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:09.159 which doesn't 00:15:09.159 --> 00:15:09.840 mean he's 00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:10.519 a personal 00:15:10.519 --> 00:15:11.059 assistant. 00:15:12.460 --> 00:15:13.039 The word 00:15:13.039 --> 00:15:13.539 doesn't have 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:14.179 an exact 00:15:14.179 --> 00:15:15.059 translation 00:15:15.059 --> 00:15:15.939 for English 00:15:15.939 --> 00:15:17.120 but it's 00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:17.620 more like 00:15:17.620 --> 00:15:18.320 a legal 00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:19.340 prosecutor 00:15:19.340 --> 00:15:21.399 who argues 00:15:21.399 --> 00:15:22.439 for the truth 00:15:22.439 --> 00:15:24.200 convicting 00:15:24.200 --> 00:15:25.399 unbelieving 00:15:25.399 --> 00:15:26.500 hostile hearts 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:27.100 of the truth 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:27.639 of Christ. 00:15:27.639 --> 00:15:30.379 And in 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:31.039 verses 12 00:15:31.039 --> 00:15:31.500 to 15 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:31.939 he's called 00:15:31.939 --> 00:15:32.559 the Spirit 00:15:32.559 --> 00:15:33.819 of Truth 00:15:33.819 --> 00:15:35.759 because he 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:36.919 guides Christ's 00:15:36.919 --> 00:15:37.199 people 00:15:37.199 --> 00:15:38.139 into all 00:15:38.139 --> 00:15:38.980 truth 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:40.899 by speaking 00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:41.419 on behalf 00:15:41.419 --> 00:15:42.000 of Christ 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:42.679 and about 00:15:42.679 --> 00:15:43.139 Christ. 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:45.500 So let's 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.220 take a closer 00:15:46.220 --> 00:15:46.720 look at each 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:47.059 of these. 00:15:47.199 --> 00:15:47.500 First 00:15:47.500 --> 00:15:48.539 the prosecutor. 00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:52.299 Verse 8 00:15:52.299 --> 00:16:02.959 Now these 00:16:02.959 --> 00:16:03.939 verses are 00:16:03.939 --> 00:16:04.319 difficult. 00:16:04.819 --> 00:16:05.579 When I first 00:16:05.579 --> 00:16:06.319 read them 00:16:06.319 --> 00:16:08.279 I was so 00:16:08.279 --> 00:16:08.799 confused. 00:16:08.959 --> 00:16:09.199 I was like 00:16:09.199 --> 00:16:10.120 what is 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:10.719 going on? 00:16:11.539 --> 00:16:12.659 But once 00:16:12.659 --> 00:16:13.120 we look at 00:16:13.120 --> 00:16:13.679 them it's 00:16:13.679 --> 00:16:14.740 really 00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:15.259 encouraging. 00:16:16.599 --> 00:16:17.299 We don't 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:17.740 have time to 00:16:17.740 --> 00:16:18.039 go through 00:16:18.039 --> 00:16:18.339 all the 00:16:18.339 --> 00:16:18.779 detail of 00:16:18.779 --> 00:16:19.039 the verses 00:16:19.039 --> 00:16:19.539 so let me 00:16:19.539 --> 00:16:20.179 just highlight 00:16:20.179 --> 00:16:20.919 the overall 00:16:20.919 --> 00:16:21.579 flow of 00:16:21.579 --> 00:16:21.959 what's being 00:16:21.960 --> 00:16:22.420 said here. 00:16:24.920 --> 00:16:25.580 When the 00:16:25.580 --> 00:16:25.960 Spirit's 00:16:25.960 --> 00:16:26.780 work is 00:16:26.780 --> 00:16:27.400 mentioned in 00:16:27.400 --> 00:16:27.680 the New 00:16:27.680 --> 00:16:28.040 Testament 00:16:28.040 --> 00:16:28.680 it's nearly 00:16:28.680 --> 00:16:30.360 always in 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:31.160 Christians, 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:31.780 among 00:16:31.780 --> 00:16:32.500 Christians. 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:33.600 But here 00:16:33.600 --> 00:16:34.560 the Spirit 00:16:34.560 --> 00:16:34.900 will be 00:16:34.900 --> 00:16:35.700 working in 00:16:35.700 --> 00:16:36.540 the unbelieving 00:16:36.540 --> 00:16:37.080 world. 00:16:40.700 --> 00:16:42.300 So picture 00:16:42.300 --> 00:16:43.080 an average 00:16:43.080 --> 00:16:44.000 Australian 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:47.900 happy in 00:16:47.900 --> 00:16:48.080 their 00:16:48.080 --> 00:16:49.019 materialistic 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:49.780 self-centered 00:16:49.780 --> 00:16:50.480 lifestyle. 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:52.560 not 00:16:52.560 --> 00:16:53.160 interested in 00:16:53.160 --> 00:16:53.460 God 00:16:53.460 --> 00:16:54.340 because 00:16:54.340 --> 00:16:54.600 they're 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:55.019 convinced 00:16:55.019 --> 00:16:55.280 the 00:16:55.280 --> 00:16:55.660 universe 00:16:55.660 --> 00:16:56.160 created 00:16:56.160 --> 00:16:56.639 itself 00:16:56.639 --> 00:16:58.720 and yet 00:16:58.720 --> 00:17:00.000 self-assured 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:01.340 that they 00:17:01.340 --> 00:17:01.780 are a good 00:17:01.780 --> 00:17:02.240 person. 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:04.799 So much 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:06.960 so that 00:17:06.960 --> 00:17:07.380 there's not 00:17:07.380 --> 00:17:08.519 even slight 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:09.200 fear that 00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:09.559 God's 00:17:09.559 --> 00:17:09.900 judgment 00:17:09.900 --> 00:17:10.480 might be 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:10.700 coming. 00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:14.980 What hope 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:15.460 of change 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:15.880 is there in 00:17:15.880 --> 00:17:16.200 a heart 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:16.700 like that? 00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:21.740 if we 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.220 really 00:17:22.220 --> 00:17:23.140 polish our 00:17:23.140 --> 00:17:23.440 church 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:23.860 services 00:17:23.860 --> 00:17:24.240 and our 00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:24.720 ministries 00:17:24.720 --> 00:17:25.100 is that 00:17:25.100 --> 00:17:25.319 going to 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:25.720 change? 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:31.059 From 00:17:31.059 --> 00:17:31.700 culture to 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:32.319 culture the 00:17:32.319 --> 00:17:33.120 expression of 00:17:33.120 --> 00:17:33.559 this is going 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:34.120 to change. 00:17:34.360 --> 00:17:34.480 From 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:34.960 person to 00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:35.460 person the 00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:36.340 expression of 00:17:36.340 --> 00:17:37.080 this unbelief 00:17:37.080 --> 00:17:37.480 is going to 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:37.819 change. 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:38.799 But what is 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:39.740 universal is 00:17:39.740 --> 00:17:40.400 that humanly 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:41.240 speaking it is 00:17:41.240 --> 00:17:42.120 impossible 00:17:42.119 --> 00:17:44.039 that a 00:17:44.039 --> 00:17:44.739 single heart 00:17:44.739 --> 00:17:46.839 is changed. 00:17:48.839 --> 00:17:49.519 And that's 00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:49.879 why these 00:17:49.879 --> 00:17:50.439 verses are 00:17:50.439 --> 00:17:51.199 such good 00:17:51.199 --> 00:17:51.559 news. 00:17:51.939 --> 00:17:52.239 It's the 00:17:52.239 --> 00:17:52.819 only reason 00:17:52.819 --> 00:17:53.419 we're here 00:17:53.419 --> 00:17:53.899 this morning. 00:17:55.039 --> 00:17:55.719 There's only 00:17:55.719 --> 00:17:56.559 one power 00:17:56.559 --> 00:17:57.379 that gives 00:17:57.379 --> 00:17:57.739 us any 00:17:57.739 --> 00:17:58.039 hope. 00:17:59.399 --> 00:18:00.119 The Holy 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:00.539 Spirit 00:18:00.539 --> 00:18:01.579 convicting a 00:18:01.579 --> 00:18:02.000 person's 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:02.459 heart of 00:18:02.459 --> 00:18:02.919 the truth. 00:18:06.399 --> 00:18:07.000 Notice 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:07.399 that this 00:18:07.399 --> 00:18:08.299 conviction is 00:18:08.299 --> 00:18:09.619 all centred 00:18:09.619 --> 00:18:10.199 on Jesus 00:18:10.199 --> 00:18:10.779 and what 00:18:10.779 --> 00:18:11.159 he has 00:18:11.159 --> 00:18:11.459 done. 00:18:12.119 --> 00:18:14.319 about sin 00:18:14.319 --> 00:18:15.739 because they 00:18:15.739 --> 00:18:16.119 do not 00:18:16.119 --> 00:18:16.819 believe in 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:17.179 me. 00:18:20.779 --> 00:18:21.799 If Jesus 00:18:21.799 --> 00:18:22.500 is the 00:18:22.500 --> 00:18:23.639 exact measure 00:18:23.639 --> 00:18:24.439 of what is 00:18:24.439 --> 00:18:24.959 right and 00:18:24.959 --> 00:18:25.579 good but 00:18:25.579 --> 00:18:26.599 someone just 00:18:26.599 --> 00:18:27.219 disregards 00:18:27.219 --> 00:18:27.559 Jesus, 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:29.899 how can a 00:18:29.899 --> 00:18:30.599 person even 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:31.479 see their 00:18:31.479 --> 00:18:32.059 own sin 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:32.519 clearly? 00:18:33.799 --> 00:18:34.339 They've 00:18:34.339 --> 00:18:34.639 already 00:18:34.639 --> 00:18:35.519 disregarded the 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.099 measure of 00:18:36.099 --> 00:18:36.559 what's good. 00:18:39.199 --> 00:18:40.199 The Spirit 00:18:40.199 --> 00:18:41.000 must show 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:41.699 someone their 00:18:41.699 --> 00:18:41.959 sin. 00:18:42.119 --> 00:18:42.459 Otherwise 00:18:42.459 --> 00:18:44.159 we're blind 00:18:44.159 --> 00:18:44.579 to it. 00:18:48.139 --> 00:18:48.619 Whenever 00:18:48.619 --> 00:18:49.239 you see 00:18:49.239 --> 00:18:49.839 your sin 00:18:49.839 --> 00:18:51.539 that is 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:51.859 God's 00:18:51.859 --> 00:18:52.259 grace. 00:18:55.959 --> 00:18:56.439 About 00:18:56.439 --> 00:18:57.019 righteousness 00:18:57.019 --> 00:18:58.259 because I 00:18:58.259 --> 00:18:58.799 go to the 00:18:58.799 --> 00:18:59.479 Father and 00:18:59.479 --> 00:19:00.139 you see me 00:19:00.139 --> 00:19:00.619 no longer. 00:19:02.599 --> 00:19:03.199 If you 00:19:03.199 --> 00:19:03.619 ask someone 00:19:03.619 --> 00:19:04.239 today are 00:19:04.239 --> 00:19:04.639 you a good 00:19:04.639 --> 00:19:05.000 person? 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:05.319 I think 00:19:05.319 --> 00:19:05.899 most people 00:19:05.899 --> 00:19:06.539 would say 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.039 yeah, 00:19:07.379 --> 00:19:07.819 I'm pretty 00:19:07.819 --> 00:19:08.099 good. 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.740 But what's 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:13.179 the measure 00:19:13.179 --> 00:19:14.379 they're using 00:19:14.379 --> 00:19:15.419 to evaluate 00:19:15.419 --> 00:19:16.939 their own 00:19:16.939 --> 00:19:17.359 righteousness? 00:19:20.159 --> 00:19:21.200 While Jesus 00:19:21.200 --> 00:19:21.619 was on 00:19:21.619 --> 00:19:21.899 earth, 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:22.919 his righteousness 00:19:22.919 --> 00:19:24.539 exposed every 00:19:24.539 --> 00:19:26.059 false measure 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:26.779 of righteousness. 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:26.839 righteousness. 00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:29.859 But since 00:19:29.859 --> 00:19:30.500 Jesus goes 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:30.799 to the 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.139 Father, 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:32.119 he is 00:19:32.119 --> 00:19:32.759 vindicated 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:34.720 as being 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.399 the only 00:19:35.399 --> 00:19:36.119 true 00:19:36.119 --> 00:19:36.559 righteous 00:19:36.559 --> 00:19:36.859 one. 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:39.299 Even 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:39.680 though the 00:19:39.680 --> 00:19:40.259 world condemned 00:19:40.259 --> 00:19:40.559 him, 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:42.440 he is 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:42.859 righteous. 00:19:45.160 --> 00:19:46.119 And when he 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:46.700 says we see 00:19:46.700 --> 00:19:47.339 him no longer, 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:48.000 he's referring 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:49.259 to his 00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:49.660 death. 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:51.299 He's leaving. 00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:53.359 he's going 00:19:53.359 --> 00:19:54.259 to die in 00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:54.659 order to 00:19:54.659 --> 00:19:54.980 give us 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:55.480 true 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:56.119 righteousness. 00:19:58.200 --> 00:19:58.919 The 00:19:58.919 --> 00:19:59.839 Holy Spirit 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:01.519 alone can 00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:02.440 expose a 00:20:02.440 --> 00:20:02.919 person's 00:20:02.919 --> 00:20:04.099 false sense 00:20:04.099 --> 00:20:04.599 of goodness 00:20:04.599 --> 00:20:07.240 and also 00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:07.899 convict a 00:20:07.899 --> 00:20:09.279 person of 00:20:09.279 --> 00:20:09.639 Jesus' 00:20:09.960 --> 00:20:10.319 true 00:20:10.319 --> 00:20:10.960 righteousness. 00:20:15.159 --> 00:20:15.899 About 00:20:15.899 --> 00:20:16.319 judgment. 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:18.480 Because the 00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:19.200 ruler of 00:20:19.200 --> 00:20:19.899 this world 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:21.480 is judged. 00:20:24.360 --> 00:20:25.080 Despite 00:20:25.080 --> 00:20:26.300 the world 00:20:26.300 --> 00:20:27.320 deciding that 00:20:27.320 --> 00:20:28.360 Jesus should 00:20:28.360 --> 00:20:28.800 die, 00:20:30.040 --> 00:20:31.180 what really 00:20:31.180 --> 00:20:31.660 happened on 00:20:31.660 --> 00:20:32.160 the cross 00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:33.620 was that 00:20:33.620 --> 00:20:34.740 Jesus judged 00:20:34.740 --> 00:20:35.700 the ruler of 00:20:35.700 --> 00:20:36.220 this world, 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:36.740 Satan, 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:37.740 and all who 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:38.880 belong to 00:20:38.880 --> 00:20:39.280 him by 00:20:39.280 --> 00:20:39.720 believing 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:40.320 lies. 00:20:41.920 --> 00:20:42.980 The cross 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:43.540 of Jesus 00:20:43.540 --> 00:20:44.460 tells the 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:44.920 world that 00:20:44.920 --> 00:20:45.680 they stand 00:20:45.680 --> 00:20:46.400 under God's 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:46.780 judgment. 00:20:46.779 --> 00:20:46.899 judgment. 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:50.579 A person 00:20:50.579 --> 00:20:51.920 needs to be 00:20:51.920 --> 00:20:52.779 convicted of 00:20:52.779 --> 00:20:53.399 their wrong 00:20:53.399 --> 00:20:54.259 assessment of 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:54.839 Jesus and 00:20:54.839 --> 00:20:55.700 convicted that 00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:56.639 they are in 00:20:56.639 --> 00:20:57.359 danger of 00:20:57.359 --> 00:20:57.700 God's 00:20:57.700 --> 00:20:58.039 judgment. 00:21:02.420 --> 00:21:03.259 This is 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:03.960 good news. 00:21:05.700 --> 00:21:06.579 What hope is 00:21:06.579 --> 00:21:09.000 there that 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:09.879 unbelieving, 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:11.299 hostile hearts 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:12.079 can change? 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:13.519 What hope is 00:21:13.519 --> 00:21:14.220 there is that 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:14.940 the spirit 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:16.200 smashes through 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:17.480 unbelief and 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:18.240 presses the 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:18.900 truth into 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:19.340 someone's 00:21:19.340 --> 00:21:19.640 heart? 00:21:23.600 --> 00:21:24.460 If you 00:21:24.460 --> 00:21:24.960 believe in 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:25.580 Jesus this 00:21:25.580 --> 00:21:26.299 morning, you 00:21:26.299 --> 00:21:27.240 didn't just 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:28.799 need information 00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:29.720 to make an 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.720 informed choice. 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:32.080 You needed the 00:21:32.080 --> 00:21:33.039 spirit to break 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:34.279 you down, to 00:21:34.279 --> 00:21:35.100 get into your 00:21:35.100 --> 00:21:35.779 heart, to 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:36.640 smash through 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:37.519 our unbelief, 00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:38.700 expose your 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:39.820 sin, expose 00:21:39.820 --> 00:21:40.640 your false 00:21:40.640 --> 00:21:41.220 measure of 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:41.660 goodness, 00:21:41.660 --> 00:21:44.320 expose that 00:21:44.320 --> 00:21:44.660 you're in 00:21:44.660 --> 00:21:45.519 danger of 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:46.000 the judgment 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:46.640 of God and 00:21:46.640 --> 00:21:47.320 then show you 00:21:47.320 --> 00:21:47.980 Christ and 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:48.620 how good he 00:21:48.620 --> 00:21:49.540 is and that 00:21:49.540 --> 00:21:50.200 he's able to 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:50.740 save us. 00:21:52.100 --> 00:21:52.860 Praise God for 00:21:52.860 --> 00:21:53.640 the spirit's work 00:21:53.640 --> 00:21:54.259 in our hearts. 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:56.860 It is a 00:21:56.860 --> 00:21:57.700 miracle if you 00:21:57.700 --> 00:21:58.120 believe. 00:21:58.119 --> 00:22:06.919 But by what 00:22:06.919 --> 00:22:07.679 means does the 00:22:07.679 --> 00:22:08.479 spirit usually do 00:22:08.479 --> 00:22:09.179 this heart 00:22:09.179 --> 00:22:10.259 convicting work? 00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:11.779 The primary 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:12.519 instrument he 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:13.479 uses is the 00:22:13.479 --> 00:22:14.019 witness of 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:14.659 Christ's people. 00:22:17.179 --> 00:22:18.059 Notice that 00:22:18.059 --> 00:22:18.599 although the 00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:19.659 spirit works in 00:22:19.659 --> 00:22:20.439 the world, that 00:22:20.439 --> 00:22:21.179 the spirit is 00:22:21.179 --> 00:22:22.439 given to you, 00:22:22.699 --> 00:22:23.739 to the 00:22:23.739 --> 00:22:24.199 disciples. 00:22:25.879 --> 00:22:26.359 And at the 00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:26.799 end of the 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:27.639 previous chapter, 00:22:27.640 --> 00:22:28.320 the hostile 00:22:28.320 --> 00:22:29.020 world will be 00:22:29.020 --> 00:22:30.020 taken on by 00:22:30.020 --> 00:22:30.540 the spirit 00:22:30.540 --> 00:22:31.220 bearing witness 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:31.940 and the 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:32.560 church, the 00:22:32.560 --> 00:22:33.320 disciples bearing 00:22:33.320 --> 00:22:33.759 witness. 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:35.100 They're united in 00:22:35.100 --> 00:22:35.520 doing that. 00:22:35.640 --> 00:22:36.560 The spirit works 00:22:36.560 --> 00:22:37.120 through the 00:22:37.120 --> 00:22:37.900 witness of the 00:22:37.900 --> 00:22:38.259 church. 00:22:40.840 --> 00:22:42.100 As we live 00:22:42.100 --> 00:22:42.740 for the truth, 00:22:42.840 --> 00:22:43.720 as we speak 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:46.660 the truth, if 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:47.540 the spirit takes 00:22:47.540 --> 00:22:50.120 that and works 00:22:50.120 --> 00:22:50.900 it in a 00:22:50.900 --> 00:22:51.759 person's heart, 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:53.980 how can our 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:55.080 witness fail to 00:22:55.080 --> 00:22:55.940 achieve everything 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:56.640 that God wants 00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:57.240 it to achieve? 00:22:57.640 --> 00:23:05.160 You and I 00:23:05.160 --> 00:23:05.940 can't get to a 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:06.580 person's heart. 00:23:06.700 --> 00:23:07.480 I don't believe I 00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:08.200 can, preaching 00:23:08.200 --> 00:23:08.720 this morning. 00:23:09.320 --> 00:23:10.240 I can't get to a 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:10.840 person's heart. 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:13.160 But that's not my 00:23:13.160 --> 00:23:13.420 job. 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:14.600 That's not our 00:23:14.600 --> 00:23:14.860 job. 00:23:15.800 --> 00:23:16.400 That's not a 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:17.040 burden we should 00:23:17.040 --> 00:23:17.360 carry. 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:17.980 That's the 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:18.640 spirit's job. 00:23:20.140 --> 00:23:20.740 But the 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:21.620 spirit does use 00:23:21.620 --> 00:23:23.780 us, his local 00:23:23.780 --> 00:23:24.560 church, as his 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:25.679 primary instrument. 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.179 And that's why 00:23:30.179 --> 00:23:31.139 the second work 00:23:31.139 --> 00:23:31.539 of the Holy 00:23:31.539 --> 00:23:32.639 Spirit in verses 00:23:32.639 --> 00:23:33.700 12 to 15 is 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:34.659 just as critical 00:23:34.659 --> 00:23:36.440 and exactly what 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:37.319 we need. 00:23:41.659 --> 00:23:42.619 The apostles 00:23:42.619 --> 00:23:44.220 couldn't handle 00:23:44.220 --> 00:23:44.980 all that they were 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:45.740 hearing from Jesus. 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.920 It wasn't sinking 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:47.279 in. 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:49.359 Partly that's 00:23:49.359 --> 00:23:49.920 because Jesus 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:50.880 hadn't died and 00:23:50.880 --> 00:23:51.680 risen yet. 00:23:52.440 --> 00:23:53.000 But it's also 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:54.000 probably because 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:54.900 like us all, 00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:56.620 grasping the 00:23:56.620 --> 00:23:58.640 truth is not a 00:23:58.640 --> 00:23:59.500 one-time event. 00:24:00.160 --> 00:24:01.160 It's an ongoing 00:24:01.160 --> 00:24:01.839 process. 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:05.380 So this is what 00:24:05.380 --> 00:24:06.259 the spirit does for 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:06.460 us. 00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:07.240 Look at verse 00:24:07.240 --> 00:24:07.680 14. 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:23.580 In an even 00:24:23.580 --> 00:24:24.279 better way, the 00:24:24.279 --> 00:24:25.440 church does have 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:26.220 Christ speaking 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:28.259 to us, but 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:30.440 speaking by the 00:24:30.440 --> 00:24:32.160 spirit into our 00:24:32.160 --> 00:24:33.620 hearts so that we 00:24:33.620 --> 00:24:34.440 actually believe 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:35.000 what we hear. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:37.920 like the 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:39.319 son only 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:40.000 speaking with 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:40.440 the authority 00:24:40.440 --> 00:24:41.059 of the father, 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:42.940 so the spirit 00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:44.299 will only speak 00:24:44.299 --> 00:24:45.380 with the 00:24:45.380 --> 00:24:46.099 authority of 00:24:46.099 --> 00:24:46.519 the son. 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:48.279 In other 00:24:48.279 --> 00:24:49.119 words, there 00:24:49.119 --> 00:24:50.140 is no more 00:24:50.140 --> 00:24:51.180 truth about God 00:24:51.180 --> 00:24:51.799 to be found 00:24:51.799 --> 00:24:52.680 that is outside 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:53.319 of Jesus. 00:24:54.799 --> 00:24:55.980 It's all in 00:24:55.980 --> 00:24:56.339 Jesus. 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:58.819 The spirit 00:24:58.819 --> 00:25:00.339 places the 00:25:00.339 --> 00:25:01.680 entire spotlight 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:03.119 on Christ. 00:25:03.119 --> 00:25:03.239 Christ. 00:25:04.239 --> 00:25:05.139 He wants 00:25:05.139 --> 00:25:06.339 Christ to get 00:25:06.339 --> 00:25:07.139 all the glory 00:25:07.139 --> 00:25:08.159 in our hearts, 00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:08.799 in the world. 00:25:10.399 --> 00:25:11.299 He wants us 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:11.959 to know him, 00:25:12.959 --> 00:25:13.759 believe him, 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:14.419 and love him. 00:25:19.559 --> 00:25:20.519 The spirit 00:25:20.519 --> 00:25:22.459 took what the 00:25:22.459 --> 00:25:23.459 apostles saw 00:25:23.459 --> 00:25:24.519 as they lived 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:25.119 with Jesus 00:25:25.119 --> 00:25:25.719 through his 00:25:25.719 --> 00:25:26.500 earthly ministry 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.079 the whole way 00:25:27.079 --> 00:25:27.359 through. 00:25:28.119 --> 00:25:29.059 He took 00:25:29.059 --> 00:25:30.039 what the 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:31.599 apostles saw 00:25:31.599 --> 00:25:32.279 and then 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:34.159 he made 00:25:34.159 --> 00:25:34.679 them believe 00:25:34.679 --> 00:25:35.819 it and 00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:36.559 taught them 00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:37.459 the implications 00:25:37.459 --> 00:25:38.299 of all that 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:38.779 they saw, 00:25:39.319 --> 00:25:40.199 how to live 00:25:40.199 --> 00:25:40.719 the Christian 00:25:40.719 --> 00:25:41.059 way. 00:25:42.799 --> 00:25:43.539 So this work 00:25:43.539 --> 00:25:43.980 of the spirit 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.980 is first 00:25:44.980 --> 00:25:45.859 for the 00:25:45.859 --> 00:25:46.279 apostles. 00:25:49.000 --> 00:25:50.099 Then through 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:50.899 the teaching 00:25:50.899 --> 00:25:51.519 of the 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:51.939 apostles, 00:25:52.939 --> 00:25:53.500 the spirit 00:25:53.500 --> 00:25:54.259 works all 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:55.639 truth into 00:25:55.639 --> 00:25:56.259 the hearts 00:25:56.259 --> 00:25:56.879 of the entire 00:25:56.879 --> 00:25:57.699 church down 00:25:57.699 --> 00:25:58.099 through the 00:25:58.099 --> 00:25:58.519 ages, 00:25:59.419 --> 00:26:01.599 from generation 00:26:01.599 --> 00:26:02.619 to generation. 00:26:05.419 --> 00:26:06.959 We only 00:26:06.959 --> 00:26:07.679 know about 00:26:07.679 --> 00:26:08.539 Christ because 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:09.339 of the 00:26:09.339 --> 00:26:09.939 New Testament, 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:11.939 because of 00:26:11.939 --> 00:26:12.619 God's word 00:26:12.619 --> 00:26:14.019 showing us 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:14.539 the Old 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:14.980 Testament, 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:16.000 the promises 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.719 being fulfilled. 00:26:16.879 --> 00:26:17.599 We only know 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:18.219 that through 00:26:18.219 --> 00:26:18.879 the apostles' 00:26:18.879 --> 00:26:19.519 testimony. 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:19.639 testimony. 00:26:23.119 --> 00:26:23.960 Through the 00:26:23.960 --> 00:26:24.660 word of God, 00:26:25.319 --> 00:26:25.759 the spirit 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:28.119 speaks into 00:26:28.119 --> 00:26:28.759 our hearts. 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:31.599 And there's 00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:32.160 so many 00:26:32.160 --> 00:26:32.900 encouraging 00:26:32.900 --> 00:26:33.720 implications 00:26:33.720 --> 00:26:34.279 of this. 00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:37.079 You and 00:26:37.079 --> 00:26:37.460 I don't 00:26:37.460 --> 00:26:37.940 need to go 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:38.759 searching for 00:26:38.759 --> 00:26:39.460 God's voice 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.420 in our gut 00:26:40.420 --> 00:26:41.000 feelings. 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:42.259 We don't 00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:42.740 need to go 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:43.879 searching for 00:26:43.879 --> 00:26:44.619 God's voice 00:26:44.619 --> 00:26:46.139 in a random 00:26:46.139 --> 00:26:47.400 lyric playing 00:26:47.400 --> 00:26:48.019 on the radio. 00:26:48.019 --> 00:26:50.460 We search 00:26:50.460 --> 00:26:50.900 for God's 00:26:50.900 --> 00:26:51.900 voice in 00:26:51.900 --> 00:26:52.579 the truth 00:26:52.579 --> 00:26:53.299 of God's 00:26:53.299 --> 00:26:53.680 word. 00:26:55.299 --> 00:26:56.339 Whenever you 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:56.839 read it, 00:26:57.099 --> 00:26:57.619 whenever you 00:26:57.619 --> 00:26:58.379 hear truthful 00:26:58.379 --> 00:26:58.920 teaching, 00:26:59.279 --> 00:26:59.680 when your 00:26:59.680 --> 00:27:00.460 friend speaks 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.079 it to you, 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:01.619 you are 00:27:01.619 --> 00:27:02.460 hearing the 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:03.440 spirit speak. 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:04.379 God's word 00:27:04.379 --> 00:27:04.980 is not this 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:06.139 static textbook 00:27:06.139 --> 00:27:06.660 that we 00:27:06.660 --> 00:27:07.599 dissect and 00:27:07.599 --> 00:27:08.099 analyze. 00:27:08.420 --> 00:27:08.900 God's word 00:27:08.900 --> 00:27:09.779 is alive and 00:27:09.779 --> 00:27:10.579 active because 00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:11.440 the spirit is 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:12.079 at work 00:27:12.079 --> 00:27:13.879 speaking through 00:27:13.879 --> 00:27:14.940 the word 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:16.000 to glorify 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:16.539 Christ. 00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:20.400 God is 00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:20.859 speaking. 00:27:23.180 --> 00:27:24.079 Now some 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:24.940 truths will 00:27:24.940 --> 00:27:27.220 grip us in 00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:27.740 a penny 00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:28.720 drop moment. 00:27:28.900 --> 00:27:29.119 We'll just 00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:30.099 say, oh wow, 00:27:30.319 --> 00:27:30.960 I never saw 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:31.359 that before. 00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:32.099 But I think 00:27:32.099 --> 00:27:32.879 other truths 00:27:32.879 --> 00:27:33.759 are just bit 00:27:33.759 --> 00:27:34.819 by bit by bit 00:27:34.819 --> 00:27:35.339 by bit, 00:27:35.619 --> 00:27:36.539 like a stream 00:27:36.539 --> 00:27:37.259 cutting away 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:37.759 the rock. 00:27:39.359 --> 00:27:40.319 The spirit 00:27:40.319 --> 00:27:41.180 is at work 00:27:41.180 --> 00:27:42.519 speaking to 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:43.079 our hearts, 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:43.720 helping us 00:27:43.720 --> 00:27:44.139 understand 00:27:44.139 --> 00:27:44.599 Christ. 00:27:44.599 --> 00:27:51.859 We are 00:27:51.859 --> 00:27:52.619 not left 00:27:52.619 --> 00:27:55.559 alone to 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:56.159 understand 00:27:56.159 --> 00:27:56.859 Christ, to 00:27:56.859 --> 00:27:57.699 believe Christ, 00:27:57.759 --> 00:27:58.299 to live for 00:27:58.299 --> 00:27:58.519 him. 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:00.119 The spirit 00:28:00.119 --> 00:28:00.619 is among 00:28:00.619 --> 00:28:01.240 us and in 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:01.519 us, 00:28:02.039 --> 00:28:02.459 speaking. 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:07.099 Now I 00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:07.439 don't think 00:28:07.439 --> 00:28:07.779 this should 00:28:07.779 --> 00:28:08.219 make us 00:28:08.219 --> 00:28:09.019 lazy and 00:28:09.019 --> 00:28:09.319 passive. 00:28:09.319 --> 00:28:10.399 I think 00:28:10.399 --> 00:28:10.939 this actually 00:28:10.939 --> 00:28:11.579 gives us 00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:12.619 confidence 00:28:12.619 --> 00:28:15.859 that any 00:28:15.859 --> 00:28:16.439 effort we 00:28:16.439 --> 00:28:17.220 put in at 00:28:17.220 --> 00:28:17.879 small group 00:28:17.879 --> 00:28:18.419 discussion, 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:19.519 in Grace 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:21.059 Kids, over 00:28:21.059 --> 00:28:21.439 the dinner 00:28:21.439 --> 00:28:22.240 table, one 00:28:22.240 --> 00:28:22.980 to ones, in 00:28:22.980 --> 00:28:23.379 all our 00:28:23.379 --> 00:28:23.980 conversations 00:28:23.980 --> 00:28:24.579 with one 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:25.460 another, any 00:28:25.460 --> 00:28:26.119 effort that we 00:28:26.119 --> 00:28:27.899 put in to 00:28:27.899 --> 00:28:28.359 help one 00:28:28.359 --> 00:28:28.960 another know 00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:29.659 Christ better, 00:28:30.339 --> 00:28:30.919 this gives us 00:28:30.919 --> 00:28:31.759 confidence that 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:32.579 the spirit is 00:28:32.579 --> 00:28:34.439 taking that and 00:28:34.439 --> 00:28:35.659 working it in 00:28:35.659 --> 00:28:36.220 our hearts. 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:37.620 it's not 00:28:37.620 --> 00:28:39.380 useless, he's 00:28:39.380 --> 00:28:40.140 powerfully at 00:28:40.140 --> 00:28:40.460 work. 00:28:46.100 --> 00:28:46.920 So let's 00:28:46.920 --> 00:28:47.519 return to our 00:28:47.519 --> 00:28:48.279 original question, 00:28:49.360 --> 00:28:49.980 how can it 00:28:49.980 --> 00:28:51.799 possibly be 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:53.480 better that 00:28:53.480 --> 00:28:54.240 Jesus leaves 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:54.700 his people? 00:28:57.940 --> 00:28:58.880 Even though we 00:28:58.880 --> 00:28:59.579 sometimes feel 00:28:59.579 --> 00:29:00.440 abandoned, our 00:29:00.440 --> 00:29:01.960 Lord has not 00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:02.980 left us as 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:03.860 orphans in this 00:29:03.860 --> 00:29:04.200 world. 00:29:06.220 --> 00:29:06.660 It is 00:29:06.660 --> 00:29:07.240 better that 00:29:07.240 --> 00:29:07.880 Jesus left 00:29:07.880 --> 00:29:09.360 because the 00:29:09.360 --> 00:29:10.420 spirit is here 00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:11.380 changing hearts, 00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:13.120 convicting the 00:29:13.120 --> 00:29:14.920 world and 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:15.519 guiding the 00:29:15.519 --> 00:29:16.000 church into 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:16.380 truth. 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:21.900 Remember how 00:29:21.900 --> 00:29:22.240 the church 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:22.600 began. 00:29:23.759 --> 00:29:24.500 Just a 00:29:24.500 --> 00:29:25.460 handful of 00:29:25.460 --> 00:29:26.480 ordinary people 00:29:26.480 --> 00:29:28.620 in one city 00:29:28.620 --> 00:29:30.700 behind closed 00:29:30.700 --> 00:29:31.240 doors, 00:29:32.539 --> 00:29:33.420 probably afraid 00:29:33.420 --> 00:29:34.079 for their own 00:29:34.079 --> 00:29:34.460 lives, 00:29:34.680 --> 00:29:35.620 intimidated by 00:29:35.619 --> 00:29:36.259 the task 00:29:36.259 --> 00:29:36.799 going to 00:29:36.799 --> 00:29:37.079 the whole 00:29:37.079 --> 00:29:37.419 world. 00:29:37.819 --> 00:29:38.159 But when 00:29:38.159 --> 00:29:38.599 the spirit 00:29:38.599 --> 00:29:39.019 came, 00:29:41.959 --> 00:29:42.359 Peter, 00:29:43.359 --> 00:29:43.959 who had 00:29:43.959 --> 00:29:44.979 once disowned 00:29:44.979 --> 00:29:45.979 Christ publicly, 00:29:46.359 --> 00:29:47.099 this time he 00:29:47.099 --> 00:29:47.739 goes out into 00:29:47.739 --> 00:29:48.319 the world and 00:29:48.319 --> 00:29:48.799 he says, 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:51.079 let all the 00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:51.619 house of 00:29:51.619 --> 00:29:52.559 Israel therefore 00:29:52.559 --> 00:29:53.259 know for 00:29:53.259 --> 00:29:55.159 certain that 00:29:55.159 --> 00:29:56.059 God has made 00:29:56.059 --> 00:29:57.000 him both 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:57.879 Lord and 00:29:57.879 --> 00:29:58.699 Christ, this 00:29:58.699 --> 00:29:59.599 Jesus whom 00:29:59.599 --> 00:30:00.399 you crucified. 00:30:00.939 --> 00:30:01.299 And what 00:30:01.299 --> 00:30:01.619 happened? 00:30:01.939 --> 00:30:02.459 Now when they 00:30:02.459 --> 00:30:03.059 heard this, 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:03.959 they were cut 00:30:03.959 --> 00:30:04.659 to the heart. 00:30:05.619 --> 00:30:06.399 And said to 00:30:06.399 --> 00:30:06.959 Peter and the 00:30:06.959 --> 00:30:07.379 rest of the 00:30:07.379 --> 00:30:07.719 apostles, 00:30:07.879 --> 00:30:08.459 brothers, what 00:30:08.459 --> 00:30:09.139 shall we do? 00:30:09.799 --> 00:30:10.500 And Peter said 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:11.019 to them, repent 00:30:11.019 --> 00:30:11.899 and be baptized 00:30:11.899 --> 00:30:12.839 every one of you 00:30:12.839 --> 00:30:13.479 in the name of 00:30:13.479 --> 00:30:14.639 Jesus Christ for 00:30:14.639 --> 00:30:15.279 the forgiveness 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:16.939 of your sins and 00:30:16.939 --> 00:30:17.979 you will receive 00:30:17.979 --> 00:30:18.739 the gift of the 00:30:18.739 --> 00:30:19.379 Holy Spirit. 00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:21.719 For the promise is 00:30:21.719 --> 00:30:22.539 for you and for 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:23.899 your children and 00:30:23.899 --> 00:30:24.779 for all who are 00:30:24.779 --> 00:30:25.979 far off, everyone 00:30:25.979 --> 00:30:27.119 whom the Lord God 00:30:27.119 --> 00:30:28.000 calls to himself. 00:30:29.000 --> 00:30:29.939 So those who 00:30:29.939 --> 00:30:30.919 received his word 00:30:30.919 --> 00:30:32.179 were baptized and 00:30:32.179 --> 00:30:32.719 there were added 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:33.500 that day about 00:30:33.500 --> 00:30:35.720 3,000 souls and 00:30:35.720 --> 00:30:36.440 they devoted 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:37.779 themselves to the 00:30:37.779 --> 00:30:38.799 apostles' teaching 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.680 and the fellowship 00:30:39.680 --> 00:30:40.460 to the breaking 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:41.160 of bread and the 00:30:41.160 --> 00:30:41.519 prayers. 00:30:46.880 --> 00:30:48.319 Instead of seeing 00:30:48.319 --> 00:30:49.100 Jesus with our 00:30:49.100 --> 00:30:50.079 eyes and hearing 00:30:50.079 --> 00:30:50.559 him with our 00:30:50.559 --> 00:30:51.700 ears, better 00:30:51.700 --> 00:30:53.720 than that, we 00:30:53.720 --> 00:30:54.420 have the Spirit 00:30:54.420 --> 00:30:55.600 speaking the truth 00:30:55.600 --> 00:30:56.640 with convicting 00:30:56.640 --> 00:30:58.500 force into our 00:30:58.500 --> 00:30:58.900 hearts. 00:30:58.900 --> 00:31:03.160 That family 00:31:03.160 --> 00:31:03.940 member who 00:31:03.940 --> 00:31:04.860 humanly speaking 00:31:04.860 --> 00:31:05.940 has no chance 00:31:05.940 --> 00:31:06.800 of seeing their 00:31:06.800 --> 00:31:07.780 sin and crying 00:31:07.780 --> 00:31:08.360 out for a 00:31:08.360 --> 00:31:09.580 saviour, when 00:31:09.580 --> 00:31:09.940 you feel 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:10.780 threatened and 00:31:10.780 --> 00:31:11.580 fearful and 00:31:11.580 --> 00:31:12.440 alone in your 00:31:12.440 --> 00:31:13.460 conversations with 00:31:13.460 --> 00:31:14.400 them, remember 00:31:14.400 --> 00:31:15.420 the Spirit can 00:31:15.420 --> 00:31:16.620 change hearts. 00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:24.380 So pray. 00:31:24.380 --> 00:31:29.680 while ever as a 00:31:29.680 --> 00:31:30.460 church and as 00:31:30.460 --> 00:31:31.920 families and in 00:31:31.920 --> 00:31:33.340 our own minds we 00:31:33.340 --> 00:31:34.020 are constantly 00:31:34.020 --> 00:31:35.040 seeking God's 00:31:35.040 --> 00:31:35.840 voice through his 00:31:35.840 --> 00:31:36.800 word, then we 00:31:36.800 --> 00:31:37.580 can have every 00:31:37.580 --> 00:31:38.600 confidence the 00:31:38.600 --> 00:31:39.680 Spirit will change 00:31:39.680 --> 00:31:41.180 our hearts to be 00:31:41.180 --> 00:31:41.980 more and more 00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:43.920 satisfied by the 00:31:43.920 --> 00:31:44.280 truth. 00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:47.460 It's better for us 00:31:47.460 --> 00:31:48.340 because the Spirit 00:31:48.340 --> 00:31:49.220 is here changing 00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:49.880 our hearts. 00:31:52.860 --> 00:31:53.660 Will you pray 00:31:53.660 --> 00:31:54.000 with me? 00:32:05.920 --> 00:32:06.779 Father, left to 00:32:06.779 --> 00:32:07.660 ourselves we 00:32:07.660 --> 00:32:11.100 would not 00:32:11.100 --> 00:32:12.620 only not 00:32:12.620 --> 00:32:14.779 understand the 00:32:14.779 --> 00:32:17.140 gospel, we 00:32:17.140 --> 00:32:18.360 would not be 00:32:18.360 --> 00:32:19.540 attracted to 00:32:19.540 --> 00:32:19.820 you. 00:32:21.380 --> 00:32:22.340 We would want 00:32:22.340 --> 00:32:22.980 to keep living 00:32:22.980 --> 00:32:23.700 for ourselves. 00:32:26.420 --> 00:32:27.220 Father, we 00:32:27.220 --> 00:32:27.779 praise your 00:32:27.779 --> 00:32:30.460 mercy for 00:32:30.460 --> 00:32:31.099 sending Jesus 00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:32.240 to die for 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:33.660 us and 00:32:33.660 --> 00:32:34.259 sending your 00:32:34.259 --> 00:32:36.559 Spirit to 00:32:36.559 --> 00:32:37.180 change our 00:32:37.180 --> 00:32:37.700 hearts, to 00:32:37.700 --> 00:32:38.240 break through 00:32:38.240 --> 00:32:39.019 our unbelief. 00:32:39.279 --> 00:32:39.980 We are only 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:41.220 here this 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:42.220 morning because 00:32:42.220 --> 00:32:43.220 of your mercy 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:43.819 alone. 00:32:46.519 --> 00:32:47.880 Help us as a 00:32:47.880 --> 00:32:49.000 church praise 00:32:49.000 --> 00:32:49.740 your mercy 00:32:49.740 --> 00:32:50.359 alone. 00:32:52.680 --> 00:32:53.460 Father, help us 00:32:53.460 --> 00:32:54.240 as a church to 00:32:54.240 --> 00:32:55.259 seek after your 00:32:55.259 --> 00:32:55.680 voice. 00:32:58.180 --> 00:32:58.859 Thank you that 00:32:58.859 --> 00:32:59.359 you're with us. 00:32:59.680 --> 00:33:00.140 Thank you that 00:33:00.140 --> 00:33:00.779 you have not 00:33:00.779 --> 00:33:01.279 left us. 00:33:03.099 --> 00:33:03.940 Keep speaking to 00:33:03.940 --> 00:33:04.500 us, Lord, and 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:05.420 give us hearts 00:33:05.420 --> 00:33:05.960 that listen. 00:33:06.279 --> 00:33:07.000 In Jesus' name, 00:33:07.180 --> 00:33:07.440 Amen. 00:33:07.779 --> 00:33:08.559 Amen. 00:33:08.559 --> 00:33:09.140 Amen. 00:33:09.220 --> 00:33:09.680 Amen. 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:10.359 Amen. 00:33:10.359 --> 00:33:11.019 Amen. 00:33:11.339 --> 00:33:12.460 Amen. 00:33:12.460 --> 00:33:12.559 Amen. 00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:13.079 Amen. 00:33:13.140 --> 00:33:13.559 Amen. 00:33:13.559 --> 00:33:14.140 Amen. 00:33:14.140 --> 00:33:14.299 Amen. 00:33:14.839 --> 00:33:14.920 Amen. 00:33:15.039 --> 00:33:15.259 Amen. 00:33:15.259 --> 00:33:16.200 Amen. 00:33:16.200 --> 00:33:16.900 Amen. 00:33:16.900 --> 00:33:17.539 Amen. 00:33:17.539 --> 00:33:26.220 Amen. 00:33:34.680 --> 00:33:35.140 Amen. 00:33:35.359 --> 00:33:35.720 Amen. 00:33:35.720 --> 00:33:36.740 Amen.