WEBVTT 00:00:00.720 --> 00:00:08.439 So it's the first book of John, chapter 5, verse 1-12, page 1228 in the Church Bibles. 00:00:09.640 --> 00:00:13.019 So, 1 John, chapter 5, verse 1-12. 00:00:19.719 --> 00:00:28.140 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves his child as well. 00:00:28.140 --> 00:00:34.100 This is how we know that we love the children of God, by loving God and carrying out his commands. 00:00:35.219 --> 00:00:37.659 This is love for God, to obey his commands. 00:00:38.480 --> 00:00:43.100 And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. 00:00:44.159 --> 00:00:47.780 This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 00:00:48.820 --> 00:00:50.240 Who is it that overcomes the world? 00:00:51.100 --> 00:00:53.760 Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 00:00:53.759 --> 00:00:58.679 This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ. 00:00:59.359 --> 00:01:02.500 He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. 00:01:03.159 --> 00:01:07.000 And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 00:01:08.079 --> 00:01:12.759 For there are three that testify, the Spirit, the water, and the blood. 00:01:13.400 --> 00:01:14.680 And the three are in agreement. 00:01:14.680 --> 00:01:24.040 We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater, because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 00:01:25.320 --> 00:01:28.800 Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. 00:01:29.700 --> 00:01:36.160 Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he does not believe the testimony God has given about his Son. 00:01:36.159 --> 00:01:38.640 And this is the testimony. 00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:43.319 God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 00:01:44.459 --> 00:01:49.599 He who has the Son has life, but he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 00:01:49.599 --> 00:01:50.599 Amen. 00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:00.459 Thanks very much, Stephen. 00:02:01.679 --> 00:02:11.680 Well, let's keep our Bibles open as we come to a conclusion in these next couple of weeks in this letter of 1 John. 00:02:13.699 --> 00:02:16.620 Let's pray and ask for God's help. 00:02:19.599 --> 00:02:20.599 Amen. 00:02:23.280 --> 00:02:26.780 Our Father God, we thank you so much for your word. 00:02:28.840 --> 00:02:30.939 We thank you for its truth. 00:02:32.599 --> 00:02:42.079 And we thank you that it is relevant and speaks to us in our day and in our time. 00:02:44.259 --> 00:02:46.060 But Father, we need your help. 00:02:46.299 --> 00:02:48.019 We need the help of your Holy Spirit. 00:02:48.020 --> 00:03:15.879 And that we, together, would become more and more confident and assured 00:03:15.879 --> 00:03:20.319 of the life that we can have from you. 00:03:22.139 --> 00:03:24.620 So please help us, we ask in Jesus' name. 00:03:25.299 --> 00:03:25.740 Amen. 00:03:25.740 --> 00:03:39.180 Well, this week, if you were listening to the news, a painting by the artist Francis Bacon was sold for $50 million. 00:03:40.700 --> 00:03:45.280 There was another one that broke that record as well, but one of his sold for $50 million. 00:03:45.280 --> 00:03:55.099 Although he was a very talented and a very successful artist, his view of life was empty and unfulfilled. 00:03:56.219 --> 00:03:59.680 This is how he understood life to be. 00:03:59.680 --> 00:04:04.120 Man now realizes that he's an accident. 00:04:04.120 --> 00:04:12.340 That he is a completely futile being and that he has to play out the game without reason. 00:04:12.340 --> 00:04:16.220 He didn't believe in the person of Jesus. 00:04:16.780 --> 00:04:19.819 And for him, he had no purpose to life. 00:04:20.500 --> 00:04:23.040 He also said this, life has no reasons. 00:04:23.939 --> 00:04:25.819 A struggling through the gloom. 00:04:26.379 --> 00:04:30.800 And the senseless end of it is the insult of the tomb. 00:04:31.340 --> 00:04:35.600 For him, he says, we've come from nowhere and we are going nowhere. 00:04:35.600 --> 00:04:41.040 We simply live and we die and that's all there is to life. 00:04:42.600 --> 00:04:44.920 But that's not it. 00:04:45.820 --> 00:04:50.060 Have a look at verse 11 from our reading. 00:04:52.100 --> 00:04:54.120 And this is the testimony. 00:04:56.220 --> 00:05:00.920 God has given us eternal life. 00:05:00.920 --> 00:05:06.000 The God who created life, the universe. 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:08.699 The God who sustains all of life. 00:05:09.040 --> 00:05:15.420 The God who provides us with life has promised us eternal life. 00:05:16.700 --> 00:05:19.139 And look where that life is to be found. 00:05:19.740 --> 00:05:20.340 Verse 11. 00:05:21.920 --> 00:05:23.160 This is the testimony. 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:25.220 God has given us eternal life. 00:05:26.220 --> 00:05:30.700 And this life is in his Son. 00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:35.140 So we won't find life in ourselves. 00:05:35.680 --> 00:05:39.100 We won't find it in other things or in other people. 00:05:39.100 --> 00:05:43.720 We find life in the person of Jesus Christ. 00:05:43.920 --> 00:05:46.980 It's only when we are in relationship with Jesus. 00:05:47.319 --> 00:05:52.400 It's only when we join in and share in the love the Father has for the Son. 00:05:52.840 --> 00:05:55.080 And that the Son has for the Father. 00:05:55.439 --> 00:05:59.300 That we experience life in all its fullness. 00:05:59.300 --> 00:06:03.780 It is life in fellowship with God. 00:06:05.180 --> 00:06:08.699 Life is to be found in Jesus. 00:06:10.879 --> 00:06:15.280 And if we have Jesus, we have life. 00:06:15.660 --> 00:06:16.720 Look at verse 12. 00:06:16.720 --> 00:06:20.720 He who has the Son has life. 00:06:21.400 --> 00:06:26.720 He who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 00:06:27.980 --> 00:06:32.540 Now, we must grasp how serious this is. 00:06:32.540 --> 00:06:36.640 John has already made it clear in his Gospel. 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:40.379 In John 3 verse 36, he said this. 00:06:40.720 --> 00:06:43.600 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. 00:06:43.600 --> 00:06:49.080 But whoever rejects the Son will not see life. 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:53.180 For God's wrath remains on him. 00:06:53.180 --> 00:07:02.379 You see, to live life without Jesus is to face the terrible reality of an eternal separation from God. 00:07:02.579 --> 00:07:04.860 And it's what Jesus calls hell. 00:07:05.079 --> 00:07:09.879 It's an eternity without the good gifts from God. 00:07:10.139 --> 00:07:15.300 The good things that we all enjoy like friendships, laughter, beauty. 00:07:15.300 --> 00:07:19.360 All of these are good gifts from the God who made the universe. 00:07:19.480 --> 00:07:21.480 And he gives it to his creation. 00:07:22.800 --> 00:07:26.939 But to live life without Jesus is in effect saying, 00:07:27.120 --> 00:07:29.660 I want an eternity without God. 00:07:30.340 --> 00:07:33.580 Without all the good things that he has to give. 00:07:33.579 --> 00:07:37.419 It is an eternity in hell. 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:44.139 So can we see how essential it is that we have Jesus? 00:07:45.399 --> 00:07:49.139 Because there is no life to be had. 00:07:49.799 --> 00:07:54.779 No true life to be had outside of the person of Jesus. 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:56.060 Look at verse 12 again. 00:07:56.439 --> 00:07:59.919 He who has the Son has life. 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:06.040 He who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 00:08:07.319 --> 00:08:12.259 Now there's two big questions we're going to ask of our text this morning. 00:08:13.180 --> 00:08:14.540 The first one is this. 00:08:14.780 --> 00:08:17.379 How do I know I have this life? 00:08:18.280 --> 00:08:22.040 And the second is, how do I know this life is true? 00:08:22.740 --> 00:08:24.939 So how do I know I have this life? 00:08:25.360 --> 00:08:29.680 And second, how do I know this life is true? 00:08:30.660 --> 00:08:35.300 So the first question, how do I know I have this life? 00:08:35.399 --> 00:08:36.899 How do I know I have Jesus? 00:08:37.800 --> 00:08:39.300 Well the answer is this. 00:08:40.060 --> 00:08:45.759 We know because we have the experience of being born of God. 00:08:46.560 --> 00:08:48.840 Look at verse 1 of chapter 5. 00:08:50.240 --> 00:08:55.259 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. 00:08:55.259 --> 00:08:59.639 We get the same phrase a little bit further down in verse 4. 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:02.059 Do you see it there? 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:06.799 For everyone born of God overcomes the world. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:14.059 You see that little phrase, born of God, is to receive the life of Jesus. 00:09:14.220 --> 00:09:16.480 It's to receive the true life from God. 00:09:16.480 --> 00:09:26.920 On the 14th of December 1971, at 5.30am, I was born. 00:09:27.539 --> 00:09:29.779 Almost down the toilet, my mother told me. 00:09:30.240 --> 00:09:31.399 But I survived that. 00:09:32.560 --> 00:09:36.700 Now the thing is about my birth, I had no part in that decision. 00:09:36.700 --> 00:09:44.120 I did not decide that I would be born on that date and that I would have life. 00:09:44.900 --> 00:09:48.920 My birth was my parents' choice and decision. 00:09:48.919 --> 00:09:59.779 In the same way, eternal life that I have received from God is God's choice and God's initiative. 00:10:00.719 --> 00:10:04.620 It's God's birth of life in me. 00:10:05.599 --> 00:10:11.120 And that's what gives me absolute assurance that I have life in Jesus. 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:17.860 Eternal life, life with him, rests not in my choice or my decision, 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:24.480 but in me receiving by faith God's gift of life to me. 00:10:25.419 --> 00:10:30.060 This is something that God births in us. 00:10:30.279 --> 00:10:32.320 So how do I know I have this life? 00:10:32.519 --> 00:10:38.759 How can I be sure that I have been born of God and that I belong to him and that I have the life of Jesus? 00:10:38.759 --> 00:10:44.100 Well, we need to look at the experience of our lives. 00:10:44.899 --> 00:10:53.659 Three things that we should be experiencing in our lives day to day that tell us that we have this life. 00:10:53.740 --> 00:10:54.600 Here's the first one. 00:10:55.620 --> 00:10:58.519 We believe that Jesus is the Christ. 00:10:58.899 --> 00:10:59.659 First one again. 00:10:59.799 --> 00:11:06.120 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. 00:11:06.120 --> 00:11:11.060 Now Christ, Jesus Christ, that's a title. 00:11:11.240 --> 00:11:13.980 It means God's chosen saving king. 00:11:14.759 --> 00:11:23.639 So to believe that Jesus is the Christ is simply to entrust your life into the hands of our saviour Jesus. 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:30.060 Because Jesus died for my sins, because Jesus rescues me from the punishment that I deserve, 00:11:30.059 --> 00:11:34.919 I will entrust my life into his life. 00:11:35.259 --> 00:11:40.219 Rather than run away from Jesus, I will run to Jesus. 00:11:40.619 --> 00:11:43.739 And this should be our experience on a day-to-day basis. 00:11:44.079 --> 00:11:48.199 Instead of hiding my sin, I will repent of my sin. 00:11:48.699 --> 00:11:56.439 I will place my full and total confidence in Jesus Christ, God's saving king. 00:11:56.440 --> 00:11:58.440 That is my experience. 00:11:59.440 --> 00:12:04.220 That I will be running to him as my saviour every day. 00:12:05.160 --> 00:12:11.420 So if I have been born of God, I will believe that Jesus is the Christ. 00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:18.000 The second experience that we should have in our life is that we will love the children of God. 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:19.660 Look at verse 2. 00:12:19.659 --> 00:12:24.199 This is how we know that we love the children of God. 00:12:24.559 --> 00:12:28.860 By loving God and carrying out his commands. 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:31.059 And what's his commands? 00:12:31.299 --> 00:12:34.199 Well, have a look back at chapter 3, verse 23. 00:12:38.279 --> 00:12:42.839 We know that we love the children of God by loving God and carrying out his commands. 00:12:43.199 --> 00:12:44.159 What's his command? 00:12:44.459 --> 00:12:46.000 Chapter 3, verse 23. 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:48.500 And this is his command. 00:12:49.200 --> 00:12:54.679 To believe in the name of his son, Jesus Christ, which we've just looked at. 00:12:55.080 --> 00:12:59.879 And to love one another as he commanded us. 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:08.379 You see, when we are born, every one of us, we carry with us the DNA of our parents. 00:13:08.379 --> 00:13:14.980 So it's quite natural that as I get older, I begin to look more like my father. 00:13:16.019 --> 00:13:18.820 Sometimes I'm told I sound like my father. 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:24.740 Something of who he is makes me who I am. 00:13:25.600 --> 00:13:33.139 And in the same way, if we are born of God, something of who God is, his character, his very nature, 00:13:33.139 --> 00:13:37.720 is being seen and being worked and lived out through us. 00:13:37.720 --> 00:13:45.080 Because God is love, those who are born of God will also love. 00:13:45.199 --> 00:13:49.600 That is the primary identifying mark that we are his. 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:52.300 So look at chapter 4, verse 7. 00:13:53.940 --> 00:14:00.500 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 00:14:01.259 --> 00:14:08.040 Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 00:14:08.039 --> 00:14:14.059 So let's just stop a minute, let's pause and let's think about that. 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:20.379 Let's ask ourselves, are we loving others deliberately and intentionally? 00:14:21.639 --> 00:14:28.019 Rather than self-centred, are we becoming self-sacrificing? 00:14:29.319 --> 00:14:36.919 Because love means, I will embrace discomfort for the comfort of others. 00:14:36.919 --> 00:14:45.319 Love means, I will accept inconvenience in my life for the encouragement of others. 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:49.279 Love means, I will reject me time. 00:14:50.179 --> 00:14:53.559 In fact, there is no longer any me time. 00:14:54.439 --> 00:14:56.500 It becomes other time. 00:14:57.079 --> 00:14:59.240 I will serve others. 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:06.480 Are we deliberately and intentionally moving from self-centred living 00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:09.360 to self-sacrificing living? 00:15:10.019 --> 00:15:14.300 If we don't desire, if we are not praying for this, 00:15:14.560 --> 00:15:17.740 if we are not displaying this kind of love, 00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:22.279 then we are not born of God. 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:30.039 So we should experience a running to Jesus, believing in him. 00:15:30.419 --> 00:15:33.399 We should experience a love for other people. 00:15:34.419 --> 00:15:40.279 And third, we should experience a love to obey God's commands. 00:15:41.159 --> 00:15:43.000 Look at verse 3 of chapter 5. 00:15:44.659 --> 00:15:46.779 We've talked about loving others. 00:15:46.779 --> 00:15:50.120 Well, verse 3, this is love for God. 00:15:51.539 --> 00:15:53.539 To obey his commands. 00:15:54.799 --> 00:15:56.579 To obey his commands. 00:15:57.600 --> 00:16:01.279 Now, parents have commands for their children. 00:16:01.699 --> 00:16:03.439 I'm sure all of you, if you have children, 00:16:03.819 --> 00:16:06.439 you've got certain rules that you have in your household. 00:16:07.439 --> 00:16:09.519 Not to spoil their fun, 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:12.740 but to actually protect their life. 00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:17.259 So a parent who sets no boundaries for their child 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:19.460 and lets their child do whatever they like, 00:16:19.659 --> 00:16:22.019 if you want to go outside until 10 o'clock at night, 00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:23.259 even though you're only six, 00:16:23.480 --> 00:16:24.179 that's okay. 00:16:25.620 --> 00:16:26.559 For example. 00:16:27.179 --> 00:16:28.720 It's not a loving parent. 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:31.240 They are a careless parent. 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:34.779 They set rules and boundaries 00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:36.680 and give commands to their children 00:16:36.680 --> 00:16:38.700 because they love their children 00:16:38.700 --> 00:16:41.120 and they want their children to enjoy life, 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:42.080 to be protected. 00:16:43.159 --> 00:16:44.919 And if we are born of God, 00:16:45.120 --> 00:16:49.759 we have a Father who has given us commands for our good. 00:16:50.700 --> 00:16:52.500 Not to spoil our fun, 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:56.639 but so that we can enjoy life with him 00:16:56.639 --> 00:16:58.019 as it should be. 00:16:58.019 --> 00:17:02.100 So the things that he calls us to do, 00:17:02.340 --> 00:17:04.139 the life he calls us to live, 00:17:04.319 --> 00:17:06.379 is for our best and for our good. 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:08.460 In fact, if we are born of God, 00:17:08.819 --> 00:17:11.599 God's commands will become to us a delight and a joy. 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:13.059 Look at verse 3 again. 00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:15.019 This is love for God, 00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:17.519 to obey his commands. 00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:22.400 And his commands are not burdensome. 00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:27.039 How many times have we ever heard rules 00:17:27.039 --> 00:17:27.920 not being a burden? 00:17:28.019 --> 00:17:29.299 We tend to think of rules 00:17:29.299 --> 00:17:32.059 and God's commands to us as a burden. 00:17:33.139 --> 00:17:35.579 But if you are obeying God 00:17:35.579 --> 00:17:38.420 because it's a duty to perform, 00:17:39.559 --> 00:17:42.799 if we obey God because we're doing it 00:17:42.799 --> 00:17:45.619 because we fear him punishing us, 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:48.920 then we've completely misunderstood. 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:51.019 We don't have the life of God. 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:55.500 Children of God obey not to earn acceptance, 00:17:56.779 --> 00:17:59.299 but because we have acceptance. 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:02.619 We obey not to gain life, 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:07.180 but because we have already received life in Jesus. 00:18:07.579 --> 00:18:10.759 Our obedience to God is an expression, 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:12.519 it's an overflow to say, 00:18:12.879 --> 00:18:15.879 thank you so much for the life that you have given me. 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:19.380 And I want to enjoy the life that you have given me. 00:18:20.560 --> 00:18:22.860 You see, if we understand that God's commands 00:18:22.860 --> 00:18:25.400 bring joy and happiness to his children, 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:30.200 then obedience will be a pleasure and a delight. 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:34.280 So think through that with me for a moment. 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:36.080 As we read God's word, 00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:38.180 because that's where we will hear his voice, 00:18:38.400 --> 00:18:40.520 and that's where we will hear his commands, 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:42.279 as we read it, 00:18:43.019 --> 00:18:44.599 and it challenges us. 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:45.160 Do we go, 00:18:45.660 --> 00:18:47.339 don't want to do that? 00:18:48.019 --> 00:18:49.240 Don't like that? 00:18:50.519 --> 00:18:52.019 Or do we stop and go, 00:18:52.119 --> 00:18:53.740 this is a pleasure and a delight. 00:18:54.859 --> 00:18:56.559 Because I am his child, 00:18:56.920 --> 00:18:58.240 this is good for me, 00:18:58.500 --> 00:19:00.039 and this is right for me. 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:04.599 If we are born of God, 00:19:04.859 --> 00:19:07.160 we will be obeying God. 00:19:07.160 --> 00:19:09.000 That will be our experience. 00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:14.259 Now if we believe Jesus is the Christ, 00:19:14.940 --> 00:19:17.400 if we love the children of God, 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:19.180 if we obey God's commands, 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:22.119 that experience tells me 00:19:22.119 --> 00:19:23.920 that I have been born of God 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:26.059 and that I have eternal life from God. 00:19:26.359 --> 00:19:27.500 In fact, it means, 00:19:27.579 --> 00:19:29.019 as he tells us in verse 4, 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.799 he explains it in another way. 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:31.200 He says, 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:32.579 you've overcome the world. 00:19:33.740 --> 00:19:34.559 The same thing, 00:19:34.639 --> 00:19:35.639 but in another way. 00:19:35.639 --> 00:19:36.799 Look at verse 4. 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:39.259 For everyone born of God 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:41.359 overcomes the world. 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:43.519 This is the victory 00:19:43.519 --> 00:19:45.119 that has overcome the world, 00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:46.319 even our faith. 00:19:47.359 --> 00:19:48.619 Now we've seen this already 00:19:48.619 --> 00:19:49.339 in 1 John, 00:19:49.400 --> 00:19:50.819 that when he talks about the world, 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:52.680 he's talking about people 00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:55.000 who are in opposition to God. 00:19:55.960 --> 00:19:57.140 So the world 00:19:57.140 --> 00:19:59.319 is those who reject 00:19:59.319 --> 00:20:01.099 and ignore God's Son, 00:20:01.259 --> 00:20:02.079 Jesus Christ. 00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:05.240 But if we've been born of God, 00:20:05.240 --> 00:20:06.920 it means we've overcome the world. 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:08.900 Instead of rejecting Jesus, 00:20:09.340 --> 00:20:11.460 we now entrust our life to Jesus. 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:13.380 Instead of loving self, 00:20:13.539 --> 00:20:14.539 we now love others. 00:20:14.900 --> 00:20:16.500 Instead of disobeying God, 00:20:16.700 --> 00:20:18.779 we now want to obey God. 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:21.019 This is the experience 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:22.259 of being born again. 00:20:22.560 --> 00:20:24.920 It's a complete transformation of life. 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:26.539 We're not any longer 00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:28.100 like the world. 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:29.900 We're not the same as the world. 00:20:30.640 --> 00:20:33.080 We don't blend into the world. 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:35.099 We stand out as different 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:35.699 from the world 00:20:35.699 --> 00:20:38.919 because we have overcome the world. 00:20:39.779 --> 00:20:40.879 And it's all, 00:20:41.299 --> 00:20:42.139 verse 4, 00:20:42.379 --> 00:20:43.379 the end of verse 4, 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:45.099 by faith, 00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:48.659 by our trust in Jesus Christ. 00:20:50.740 --> 00:20:52.539 As it says in verse 5, 00:20:52.819 --> 00:20:54.480 who is it that overcomes the world? 00:20:54.879 --> 00:20:56.679 Only he who believes 00:20:56.679 --> 00:20:59.519 that Jesus is the Son of God. 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:02.740 So how do I know I have this life? 00:21:03.139 --> 00:21:04.940 How do I know I have the gift 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:06.099 of eternal life 00:21:06.099 --> 00:21:08.740 and Jesus living within me? 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:10.220 Answer, 00:21:10.639 --> 00:21:13.119 I have the experience 00:21:13.119 --> 00:21:15.200 of being born again. 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:20.740 The second big question 00:21:20.740 --> 00:21:22.519 that we're going to ask of this text, 00:21:23.599 --> 00:21:25.079 and we'll be a bit quicker 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:26.059 through this section, 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:29.179 is how do I know I have 00:21:29.179 --> 00:21:31.940 that this life that I have is true? 00:21:32.139 --> 00:21:33.879 How do I know that this life 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:35.000 is true? 00:21:36.059 --> 00:21:36.839 Well, answer, 00:21:37.740 --> 00:21:39.379 we have the evidence 00:21:39.379 --> 00:21:41.460 of God's testimony. 00:21:43.220 --> 00:21:43.859 You see, 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:45.740 the life that is found in Jesus 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:47.559 is not made up. 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:49.619 This isn't a fairy tale. 00:21:49.980 --> 00:21:50.899 It's true. 00:21:50.899 --> 00:21:52.899 It's not a legend or lies. 00:21:54.119 --> 00:21:55.179 He wants us to know 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:56.740 that this is true 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:58.320 and we can depend upon it. 00:21:58.560 --> 00:22:00.220 So let's look at the evidence 00:22:00.220 --> 00:22:01.279 that he gives us. 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:02.560 Look at verse 6. 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:06.080 This is the one 00:22:06.080 --> 00:22:07.500 who came by water 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:09.240 and blood, 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:10.600 Jesus Christ. 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:13.400 He did not come by water only, 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:16.100 but by water and blood. 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:18.060 And it is the Spirit 00:22:18.060 --> 00:22:18.880 who testifies 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.820 because the Spirit 00:22:19.820 --> 00:22:20.940 is the truth. 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:23.960 Wait, I'm sure 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:24.920 you're scratching your head 00:22:24.920 --> 00:22:25.440 as I did 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:26.380 the first few times 00:22:26.380 --> 00:22:27.160 I read this. 00:22:27.940 --> 00:22:29.340 What's all this about? 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:30.000 Water, 00:22:30.579 --> 00:22:30.960 blood, 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:31.620 spirit? 00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:33.460 How is that evidence? 00:22:34.120 --> 00:22:35.360 Well, look at verse 7. 00:22:37.420 --> 00:22:38.740 For there are three 00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:39.660 that testify, 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:40.640 the Spirit, 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:41.860 the water, 00:22:42.420 --> 00:22:43.640 and the blood. 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:45.900 And the three 00:22:45.900 --> 00:22:47.400 are in agreement. 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:49.860 Now I think the best way 00:22:49.860 --> 00:22:51.060 to help us through this 00:22:51.060 --> 00:22:52.360 is if we could imagine 00:22:52.360 --> 00:22:53.300 a court scene. 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:55.160 And the question 00:22:55.160 --> 00:22:56.400 that is being asked 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.000 is this, 00:22:57.280 --> 00:22:58.320 how do we know 00:22:58.320 --> 00:22:59.340 that the life of Jesus 00:22:59.340 --> 00:22:59.980 is true? 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:02.040 Where's the evidence 00:23:02.040 --> 00:23:03.620 that Jesus is true? 00:23:04.180 --> 00:23:05.000 And the life 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.700 that he has promised 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.300 to give us 00:23:06.300 --> 00:23:07.019 is real. 00:23:08.160 --> 00:23:09.420 Well, three witnesses 00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:10.880 are called to the stand. 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:11.880 The water, 00:23:12.440 --> 00:23:13.000 the blood, 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:14.080 and the Spirit. 00:23:14.079 --> 00:23:16.939 And so what we're called 00:23:16.939 --> 00:23:17.960 to do is to listen 00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.919 to their story, 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:20.779 to examine their story, 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:22.299 and as we listen, 00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:24.039 you will see 00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:25.099 that this is true, 00:23:25.199 --> 00:23:26.019 the life of Jesus 00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:26.699 is true. 00:23:27.699 --> 00:23:29.099 So the first witness 00:23:29.099 --> 00:23:30.139 to take the stand 00:23:30.139 --> 00:23:32.019 is water, 00:23:32.960 --> 00:23:34.279 the voice 00:23:34.279 --> 00:23:35.879 of the Father. 00:23:37.679 --> 00:23:39.139 Look at verse 6 again. 00:23:40.220 --> 00:23:41.099 This is the one 00:23:41.099 --> 00:23:42.699 who came by water 00:23:42.700 --> 00:23:44.559 and blood, 00:23:44.840 --> 00:23:45.700 Jesus Christ. 00:23:47.080 --> 00:23:48.420 What's that referring to? 00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:50.059 Well, remember, 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:51.500 the public ministry 00:23:51.500 --> 00:23:52.180 of Jesus 00:23:52.180 --> 00:23:53.860 started with 00:23:53.860 --> 00:23:55.559 his baptism. 00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:57.200 That's where, 00:23:57.319 --> 00:23:57.660 if you like, 00:23:57.740 --> 00:23:58.740 Jesus was fully 00:23:58.740 --> 00:23:59.360 and truly 00:23:59.360 --> 00:24:00.400 introduced 00:24:00.400 --> 00:24:01.960 to the world. 00:24:02.640 --> 00:24:03.740 So have a look with me 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:05.120 back at Mark's Gospel, 00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:05.980 chapter 1. 00:24:06.600 --> 00:24:07.400 Keep your finger 00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:08.900 in 1 John 5 00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:10.279 and go back 00:24:10.279 --> 00:24:11.420 to Mark's Gospel, 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:12.319 chapter 1. 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:16.080 Mark 1, 00:24:16.140 --> 00:24:17.480 verse 9 to 11. 00:24:19.980 --> 00:24:21.000 So it's saying 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:22.180 that Jesus came 00:24:22.180 --> 00:24:23.840 by water. 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:26.580 He was introduced 00:24:26.580 --> 00:24:27.720 to the world 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:29.759 through his baptism. 00:24:31.120 --> 00:24:32.080 Mark 1, 00:24:32.220 --> 00:24:32.880 verse 9. 00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:36.440 At that time, 00:24:36.540 --> 00:24:37.280 Jesus came 00:24:37.280 --> 00:24:38.100 from Nazareth 00:24:38.100 --> 00:24:38.780 and Galilee. 00:24:40.780 --> 00:24:41.700 You all there? 00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:42.560 Mark 1, 00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:43.160 verse 9. 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:43.900 Let's read again. 00:24:44.260 --> 00:24:44.920 At that time, 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:45.500 Jesus came 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.100 from Nazareth 00:24:46.100 --> 00:24:46.660 and Galilee 00:24:46.660 --> 00:24:47.620 and was baptized 00:24:47.620 --> 00:24:48.700 by John 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:49.820 in the Jordan. 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.300 As Jesus 00:24:51.300 --> 00:24:52.180 was coming up 00:24:52.180 --> 00:24:53.400 out of the water, 00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:55.420 he saw heaven 00:24:55.420 --> 00:24:56.540 being torn open 00:24:56.540 --> 00:24:57.480 and the Spirit 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:58.460 descending on him 00:24:58.460 --> 00:24:59.120 like a dove. 00:24:59.119 --> 00:25:00.259 and the voice 00:25:00.259 --> 00:25:01.319 came from heaven, 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:03.539 you are my Son 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:04.439 whom I love. 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:06.119 With you 00:25:06.119 --> 00:25:08.339 I am well pleased. 00:25:09.419 --> 00:25:11.359 The Father declares 00:25:11.359 --> 00:25:12.159 from heaven 00:25:12.159 --> 00:25:13.979 in an audible voice, 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:16.059 he declares to us all 00:25:16.059 --> 00:25:17.379 who Jesus is. 00:25:17.639 --> 00:25:19.319 You are my Son 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:20.279 whom I love. 00:25:20.399 --> 00:25:20.979 With you 00:25:20.979 --> 00:25:22.239 I am well pleased. 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:23.900 A clear identification 00:25:23.900 --> 00:25:25.240 of who Jesus is. 00:25:25.620 --> 00:25:26.539 To be identified 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:27.880 as the Son 00:25:27.880 --> 00:25:29.240 was to be a position 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:30.539 of absolute power 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:32.259 and supreme authority. 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:33.720 This was Jesus, 00:25:34.160 --> 00:25:35.120 the God-man 00:25:35.120 --> 00:25:36.480 coming to earth 00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:38.180 and beginning 00:25:38.180 --> 00:25:39.519 his public ministry. 00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:41.440 The one who came 00:25:41.440 --> 00:25:42.799 to give life. 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.660 So the testimony 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.339 of water 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:46.980 is to say, 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:49.200 listen to the voice 00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:50.359 of the Father. 00:25:50.359 --> 00:25:52.459 God himself 00:25:52.459 --> 00:25:53.279 speaking 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:56.199 about who Jesus is. 00:25:57.379 --> 00:25:58.479 Listen to his voice 00:25:58.479 --> 00:25:59.359 and you will know 00:25:59.359 --> 00:26:01.079 that it is true. 00:26:02.740 --> 00:26:03.979 The second witness 00:26:03.979 --> 00:26:05.039 to take the stand 00:26:05.039 --> 00:26:07.519 is the blood. 00:26:08.939 --> 00:26:10.339 The work of the Son. 00:26:10.799 --> 00:26:11.539 Go back to 00:26:11.539 --> 00:26:13.159 1 John chapter 5. 00:26:14.399 --> 00:26:15.399 We read there 00:26:15.399 --> 00:26:16.179 in verse 6, 00:26:16.279 --> 00:26:17.359 1 John chapter 5 00:26:17.359 --> 00:26:17.799 verse 6, 00:26:17.899 --> 00:26:18.379 this is the one 00:26:18.379 --> 00:26:19.399 who came by water 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:20.920 and blood 00:26:20.920 --> 00:26:22.480 Jesus Christ. 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.480 He did not come 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:24.800 by water only 00:26:24.800 --> 00:26:26.860 but by water 00:26:26.860 --> 00:26:28.759 and blood. 00:26:30.600 --> 00:26:31.200 Blood 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:31.940 always 00:26:31.940 --> 00:26:33.680 refers to 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:34.780 the death 00:26:34.780 --> 00:26:35.280 of Jesus, 00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:36.300 his sacrifice 00:26:36.300 --> 00:26:37.300 on the cross 00:26:37.300 --> 00:26:38.980 because that was 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:39.400 the very 00:26:39.400 --> 00:26:41.100 mission of Jesus. 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:41.960 The reason 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:42.860 Jesus came, 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:44.140 the primary reason 00:26:44.140 --> 00:26:45.200 was that he would 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:45.780 die 00:26:45.780 --> 00:26:47.060 on the cross. 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:48.779 So in 1 John 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.819 chapter 1 00:26:49.819 --> 00:26:50.539 verse 7, 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:52.259 we're reminded 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.399 of what the blood 00:26:53.399 --> 00:26:54.440 achieves for us, 00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:55.139 what his death 00:26:55.139 --> 00:26:56.019 achieves for us. 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:58.139 1 John chapter 1 00:26:58.139 --> 00:26:58.679 verse 7, 00:26:58.799 --> 00:26:59.599 but if we walk 00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:00.220 in the light 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:01.480 as he is in the light, 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:05.859 sorry, 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:06.659 I'm rushing ahead 00:27:06.659 --> 00:27:07.220 of you there. 00:27:07.779 --> 00:27:08.940 1 John chapter 1 00:27:08.940 --> 00:27:09.379 verse 7, 00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:10.639 if we walk in the light 00:27:10.639 --> 00:27:11.639 as he is in the light, 00:27:11.640 --> 00:27:12.800 we have fellowship 00:27:12.800 --> 00:27:13.700 with one another 00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:15.320 and the blood 00:27:15.320 --> 00:27:16.280 of Jesus, 00:27:18.340 --> 00:27:19.280 his son 00:27:19.280 --> 00:27:20.800 purifies us 00:27:20.800 --> 00:27:22.700 from all sin. 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:24.860 Or chapter 2 00:27:24.860 --> 00:27:25.420 verse 2, 00:27:25.780 --> 00:27:26.980 he is the atoning 00:27:26.980 --> 00:27:27.720 sacrifice 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.800 for our sins 00:27:28.800 --> 00:27:29.680 and not only 00:27:29.680 --> 00:27:30.380 for ours 00:27:30.380 --> 00:27:30.940 but also 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:31.920 for the sins 00:27:31.920 --> 00:27:33.380 of the whole world. 00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.340 The blood 00:27:34.340 --> 00:27:34.920 of Jesus, 00:27:35.120 --> 00:27:35.720 his death 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:36.280 on the cross 00:27:36.280 --> 00:27:37.180 was not like 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:38.100 any other death. 00:27:38.840 --> 00:27:39.720 It was unique 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.420 in the history 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:41.100 of the world. 00:27:41.400 --> 00:27:42.180 It is the means 00:27:42.180 --> 00:27:42.960 by which we can 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:43.680 be forgiven. 00:27:44.120 --> 00:27:44.820 It's the means 00:27:44.820 --> 00:27:45.640 by which we can 00:27:45.640 --> 00:27:46.279 come in 00:27:46.279 --> 00:27:47.460 and enjoy life 00:27:47.460 --> 00:27:48.019 with God. 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:49.200 And how do we know 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:50.200 that's all true? 00:27:51.620 --> 00:27:52.060 Well, 00:27:52.100 --> 00:27:52.720 because we know 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.940 that three days later 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:54.980 Jesus rose 00:27:54.980 --> 00:27:55.880 from the grave 00:27:55.880 --> 00:27:56.680 proving 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.940 that his blood, 00:27:58.100 --> 00:27:58.680 his death 00:27:58.680 --> 00:27:59.420 on the cross 00:27:59.420 --> 00:28:00.120 was the way 00:28:00.120 --> 00:28:01.560 in which sins 00:28:01.560 --> 00:28:02.539 would be dealt 00:28:02.539 --> 00:28:03.620 with forever. 00:28:05.100 --> 00:28:06.060 So the blood 00:28:06.060 --> 00:28:06.800 comes and he 00:28:06.800 --> 00:28:07.740 takes the stand 00:28:07.740 --> 00:28:08.680 and it's as if 00:28:08.680 --> 00:28:09.160 he's saying, 00:28:09.600 --> 00:28:09.880 look, 00:28:10.420 --> 00:28:11.160 at Jesus 00:28:11.160 --> 00:28:12.500 on the cross. 00:28:12.880 --> 00:28:13.660 Look at the work 00:28:13.660 --> 00:28:14.600 of the Son 00:28:14.600 --> 00:28:16.660 and you will know 00:28:16.660 --> 00:28:18.820 that this Jesus 00:28:18.820 --> 00:28:20.620 is true. 00:28:23.200 --> 00:28:24.400 The third witness 00:28:24.400 --> 00:28:25.360 to take the stand 00:28:25.360 --> 00:28:26.259 is the Spirit. 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:30.180 The Spirit of truth. 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:33.080 We read in verse 6, 00:28:33.800 --> 00:28:34.880 the end of verse 6 00:28:34.880 --> 00:28:35.880 of chapter 5, 00:28:35.880 --> 00:28:38.260 and it is the Spirit 00:28:38.260 --> 00:28:39.600 who testifies 00:28:39.600 --> 00:28:41.760 because the Spirit 00:28:41.760 --> 00:28:44.160 is the truth. 00:28:45.260 --> 00:28:45.820 You see, 00:28:45.900 --> 00:28:46.980 the Spirit of God 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:48.440 takes what is true 00:28:48.440 --> 00:28:49.700 about Jesus 00:28:49.700 --> 00:28:51.700 and applies it 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:52.720 to our hearts. 00:28:54.620 --> 00:28:55.780 Have a look with me 00:28:55.780 --> 00:28:56.060 back, 00:28:56.160 --> 00:28:57.400 just one more reference. 00:28:57.800 --> 00:28:57.980 Again, 00:28:58.080 --> 00:28:58.920 keep your finger there 00:28:58.920 --> 00:29:00.880 in 1 John 5 00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:01.480 and go to 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:02.320 John's Gospel 00:29:02.320 --> 00:29:03.340 chapter 15. 00:29:06.440 --> 00:29:07.460 This tells us 00:29:07.460 --> 00:29:08.160 something about 00:29:08.160 --> 00:29:08.940 the role 00:29:08.940 --> 00:29:09.800 and the ministry 00:29:09.800 --> 00:29:11.900 of the Holy Spirit. 00:29:12.900 --> 00:29:13.740 John's Gospel 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.680 chapter 15 00:29:14.680 --> 00:29:15.900 and verse 26. 00:29:15.900 --> 00:29:22.280 John 15 00:29:22.280 --> 00:29:23.360 verse 26. 00:29:36.540 --> 00:29:37.540 John 15 00:29:37.540 --> 00:29:38.360 verse 26. 00:29:38.460 --> 00:29:38.820 When the 00:29:38.820 --> 00:29:39.600 counsellor 00:29:39.600 --> 00:29:40.500 comes 00:29:40.500 --> 00:29:41.180 whom I will 00:29:41.180 --> 00:29:42.160 send to you 00:29:42.160 --> 00:29:43.460 from the Father. 00:29:44.340 --> 00:29:45.160 And who's 00:29:45.160 --> 00:29:45.880 that counsellor? 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:47.280 He is the Spirit 00:29:47.280 --> 00:29:48.500 of Truth 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:50.200 who goes out 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:51.200 from the Father. 00:29:51.700 --> 00:29:53.100 He will testify 00:29:53.100 --> 00:29:54.720 about me. 00:29:54.820 --> 00:29:56.000 He will speak 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:56.700 about me. 00:29:58.040 --> 00:29:58.700 Jump over 00:29:58.700 --> 00:29:59.940 to chapter 16 00:29:59.940 --> 00:30:01.660 verse 13. 00:30:08.519 --> 00:30:09.980 But when He, 00:30:10.160 --> 00:30:10.860 the Spirit 00:30:10.860 --> 00:30:11.480 of Truth, 00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:11.980 comes, 00:30:11.980 --> 00:30:13.220 He will guide 00:30:13.220 --> 00:30:13.920 you into 00:30:13.920 --> 00:30:15.320 all truth. 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:16.659 He will not 00:30:16.659 --> 00:30:17.339 speak on His 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:17.519 own. 00:30:17.599 --> 00:30:18.220 He will speak 00:30:18.220 --> 00:30:18.799 only what He 00:30:18.799 --> 00:30:19.339 hears and He 00:30:19.339 --> 00:30:19.759 will tell you 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:20.619 what is yet 00:30:20.619 --> 00:30:21.059 to come. 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:21.980 He will bring 00:30:21.980 --> 00:30:23.419 glory to me 00:30:23.419 --> 00:30:24.859 by taking 00:30:24.859 --> 00:30:25.980 what is mine 00:30:25.980 --> 00:30:27.019 and making 00:30:27.019 --> 00:30:27.779 it known 00:30:27.779 --> 00:30:29.179 to you. 00:30:30.059 --> 00:30:30.519 Do you see 00:30:30.519 --> 00:30:31.119 the work 00:30:31.119 --> 00:30:31.799 of the Spirit? 00:30:32.119 --> 00:30:32.879 The Spirit 00:30:32.879 --> 00:30:33.539 of God 00:30:33.539 --> 00:30:35.059 takes the 00:30:35.059 --> 00:30:36.079 truth about 00:30:36.079 --> 00:30:36.599 Jesus 00:30:36.599 --> 00:30:38.980 and He 00:30:38.980 --> 00:30:39.659 puts it 00:30:39.659 --> 00:30:40.179 into our 00:30:40.179 --> 00:30:40.759 hearts 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:42.119 to convince 00:30:42.119 --> 00:30:42.719 us and 00:30:42.719 --> 00:30:43.480 to reassure 00:30:43.480 --> 00:30:44.319 us that 00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:45.039 Jesus is 00:30:45.039 --> 00:30:45.419 true. 00:30:46.500 --> 00:30:47.119 The Spirit 00:30:47.119 --> 00:30:47.839 acts like 00:30:47.839 --> 00:30:48.480 the final 00:30:48.480 --> 00:30:49.519 concluding piece 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:50.159 of the evidence. 00:30:50.539 --> 00:30:50.959 He takes 00:30:50.959 --> 00:30:51.819 everything that 00:30:51.819 --> 00:30:52.139 has been 00:30:52.139 --> 00:30:53.059 said about 00:30:53.059 --> 00:30:53.480 Jesus 00:30:53.480 --> 00:30:54.279 and He 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:55.159 drives it 00:30:55.159 --> 00:30:55.679 deep into 00:30:55.679 --> 00:30:56.159 our hearts. 00:30:56.279 --> 00:30:57.219 He testifies 00:30:57.219 --> 00:30:57.959 to us 00:30:57.959 --> 00:30:59.419 that this 00:30:59.419 --> 00:30:59.939 is true. 00:30:59.940 --> 00:31:02.360 So the 00:31:02.360 --> 00:31:03.420 testimony is 00:31:03.420 --> 00:31:04.440 listen to 00:31:04.440 --> 00:31:04.960 the voice 00:31:04.960 --> 00:31:05.299 of the 00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:05.700 Father 00:31:05.700 --> 00:31:07.360 speaking at 00:31:07.360 --> 00:31:07.700 Jesus' 00:31:07.900 --> 00:31:08.380 baptism. 00:31:09.259 --> 00:31:10.240 Look at 00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:10.640 the work 00:31:10.640 --> 00:31:10.940 of the 00:31:10.940 --> 00:31:11.360 Son of 00:31:11.360 --> 00:31:11.759 Jesus 00:31:11.759 --> 00:31:12.600 on the 00:31:12.600 --> 00:31:13.059 cross. 00:31:13.680 --> 00:31:14.180 Learn 00:31:14.180 --> 00:31:15.380 from the 00:31:15.380 --> 00:31:16.519 truth of 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:17.380 the Spirit 00:31:17.380 --> 00:31:18.200 and you 00:31:18.200 --> 00:31:18.880 will know 00:31:18.880 --> 00:31:20.299 that this 00:31:20.299 --> 00:31:20.920 is true. 00:31:22.380 --> 00:31:23.299 So we 00:31:23.299 --> 00:31:24.240 have heard 00:31:24.240 --> 00:31:25.360 the evidence, 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:27.320 the water, 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:27.940 the blood 00:31:27.940 --> 00:31:28.299 and the 00:31:28.299 --> 00:31:28.759 Spirit 00:31:28.759 --> 00:31:29.960 taken 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:30.420 together 00:31:30.420 --> 00:31:30.960 they show 00:31:30.960 --> 00:31:31.299 us that 00:31:31.299 --> 00:31:31.859 this life 00:31:31.859 --> 00:31:32.480 is true. 00:31:32.839 --> 00:31:33.579 Verse 9, 00:31:34.059 --> 00:31:34.579 1 John 00:31:34.579 --> 00:31:35.279 chapter 5 00:31:35.279 --> 00:31:35.960 verse 9, 00:31:36.920 --> 00:31:37.900 we accept 00:31:37.900 --> 00:31:38.400 man's 00:31:38.400 --> 00:31:38.879 testimony 00:31:38.879 --> 00:31:41.160 but God's 00:31:41.160 --> 00:31:41.619 testimony 00:31:41.619 --> 00:31:42.539 is greater 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:44.019 because it 00:31:44.019 --> 00:31:44.379 is the 00:31:44.379 --> 00:31:44.859 testimony 00:31:44.859 --> 00:31:45.619 of God 00:31:45.619 --> 00:31:46.700 which He 00:31:46.700 --> 00:31:47.119 has given 00:31:47.119 --> 00:31:47.740 about His 00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:48.079 Son. 00:31:49.039 --> 00:31:49.440 Yes, 00:31:49.559 --> 00:31:49.940 man's 00:31:49.940 --> 00:31:50.339 testimony 00:31:50.339 --> 00:31:51.240 is important. 00:31:52.319 --> 00:31:52.759 That's how 00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:53.240 he started 00:31:53.240 --> 00:31:53.660 off the 00:31:53.660 --> 00:31:53.879 letter, 00:31:53.980 --> 00:31:54.480 talking about 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:55.160 the eyewitness 00:31:55.160 --> 00:31:55.660 accounts. 00:31:56.039 --> 00:31:56.460 Man's 00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:56.819 testimony 00:31:56.819 --> 00:31:57.779 is important. 00:31:57.779 --> 00:31:58.720 What we 00:31:58.720 --> 00:31:59.579 experience 00:31:59.579 --> 00:32:00.240 about Jesus 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:00.859 is vital 00:32:00.859 --> 00:32:01.619 but, 00:32:01.819 --> 00:32:02.359 verse 9, 00:32:02.819 --> 00:32:03.379 God's 00:32:03.379 --> 00:32:03.839 testimony 00:32:03.839 --> 00:32:04.920 is greater. 00:32:05.940 --> 00:32:06.440 It's like 00:32:06.440 --> 00:32:07.200 God calls 00:32:07.200 --> 00:32:07.519 Himself 00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:08.079 to the 00:32:08.079 --> 00:32:08.680 witness stand. 00:32:09.019 --> 00:32:09.579 God puts 00:32:09.579 --> 00:32:09.899 Himself 00:32:09.899 --> 00:32:10.700 on trial 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:11.639 and God 00:32:11.639 --> 00:32:12.220 gives the 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.639 evidence. 00:32:13.759 --> 00:32:14.160 You see, 00:32:14.279 --> 00:32:14.940 just think 00:32:14.940 --> 00:32:15.440 about the 00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:16.319 whole story 00:32:16.319 --> 00:32:16.879 of Jesus. 00:32:17.420 --> 00:32:17.779 Nobody 00:32:17.779 --> 00:32:18.480 could ever 00:32:18.480 --> 00:32:19.019 make this 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:19.319 up. 00:32:20.119 --> 00:32:20.420 Nobody 00:32:20.420 --> 00:32:21.160 could ever 00:32:21.160 --> 00:32:21.839 invent a 00:32:21.839 --> 00:32:22.779 story or 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:23.440 create a 00:32:23.440 --> 00:32:23.940 philosophy 00:32:23.940 --> 00:32:25.000 that matches 00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:25.720 the truth 00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:26.660 about Jesus. 00:32:27.019 --> 00:32:27.539 No one 00:32:27.539 --> 00:32:28.019 could ever 00:32:28.019 --> 00:32:28.460 come up 00:32:28.460 --> 00:32:28.819 with the 00:32:28.819 --> 00:32:29.759 idea of 00:32:29.759 --> 00:32:30.140 God, 00:32:30.420 --> 00:32:30.980 Father, 00:32:31.360 --> 00:32:31.640 Son, 00:32:31.819 --> 00:32:32.480 and Spirit 00:32:32.480 --> 00:32:33.160 giving 00:32:33.160 --> 00:32:33.740 testimony 00:32:33.740 --> 00:32:34.360 to us. 00:32:34.600 --> 00:32:35.000 This is 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:35.700 not something 00:32:35.700 --> 00:32:36.160 that just 00:32:36.160 --> 00:32:36.860 suddenly comes 00:32:36.860 --> 00:32:37.460 up in our 00:32:37.460 --> 00:32:38.000 imagination. 00:32:38.579 --> 00:32:39.059 This is 00:32:39.059 --> 00:32:39.460 the very 00:32:39.460 --> 00:32:40.240 revelation 00:32:40.240 --> 00:32:41.000 of God. 00:32:41.940 --> 00:32:42.240 Jesus 00:32:42.240 --> 00:32:42.799 is not 00:32:42.799 --> 00:32:43.759 our idea. 00:32:44.160 --> 00:32:44.559 He is 00:32:44.559 --> 00:32:45.460 God's 00:32:45.460 --> 00:32:46.079 Son. 00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:46.799 God 00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:47.279 Himself 00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:47.819 come to 00:32:47.819 --> 00:32:48.500 earth and 00:32:48.500 --> 00:32:49.100 God has 00:32:49.100 --> 00:32:49.319 given 00:32:49.319 --> 00:32:49.880 testimony 00:32:49.880 --> 00:32:50.640 about it. 00:32:51.400 --> 00:32:51.720 So, 00:32:51.920 --> 00:32:52.660 don't believe 00:32:52.660 --> 00:32:53.180 it because 00:32:53.180 --> 00:32:54.400 I say it. 00:32:54.400 --> 00:32:55.660 don't believe 00:32:55.660 --> 00:32:56.080 it because 00:32:56.080 --> 00:32:56.960 it sounds 00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:57.480 like a 00:32:57.480 --> 00:32:58.480 nice story. 00:32:59.140 --> 00:32:59.940 Believe it 00:32:59.940 --> 00:33:01.140 because God 00:33:01.140 --> 00:33:02.019 has said 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:02.560 it. 00:33:03.920 --> 00:33:04.680 Verse 10, 00:33:05.140 --> 00:33:05.860 anyone who 00:33:05.860 --> 00:33:06.800 believes in 00:33:06.800 --> 00:33:07.500 the Son of 00:33:07.500 --> 00:33:08.660 God has 00:33:08.660 --> 00:33:09.800 this testimony 00:33:09.800 --> 00:33:10.860 in his 00:33:10.860 --> 00:33:11.300 heart. 00:33:12.280 --> 00:33:13.060 Anyone who 00:33:13.060 --> 00:33:13.780 does not 00:33:13.780 --> 00:33:14.640 believe God 00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:15.940 has made 00:33:15.940 --> 00:33:16.420 him out to 00:33:16.420 --> 00:33:17.040 be a liar 00:33:17.040 --> 00:33:18.360 because he 00:33:18.360 --> 00:33:18.780 has not 00:33:18.780 --> 00:33:19.380 believed the 00:33:19.380 --> 00:33:20.300 testimony God 00:33:20.300 --> 00:33:20.840 has given 00:33:20.840 --> 00:33:22.060 about his 00:33:22.060 --> 00:33:22.780 Son. 00:33:22.779 --> 00:33:24.160 there is 00:33:24.160 --> 00:33:25.160 no greater 00:33:25.160 --> 00:33:26.160 word to 00:33:26.160 --> 00:33:27.460 have than 00:33:27.460 --> 00:33:27.879 the word 00:33:27.879 --> 00:33:28.519 of God 00:33:28.519 --> 00:33:29.420 to our 00:33:29.420 --> 00:33:30.000 lives. 00:33:31.440 --> 00:33:32.059 So, 00:33:32.139 --> 00:33:32.539 how do I 00:33:32.539 --> 00:33:33.139 know about 00:33:33.139 --> 00:33:34.420 the eternal 00:33:34.420 --> 00:33:35.099 life in 00:33:35.099 --> 00:33:35.399 Jesus? 00:33:36.399 --> 00:33:37.299 I have 00:33:37.299 --> 00:33:38.259 the experience 00:33:38.259 --> 00:33:38.839 of being 00:33:38.839 --> 00:33:39.579 born again. 00:33:40.359 --> 00:33:40.960 How do I 00:33:40.960 --> 00:33:41.460 know this 00:33:41.460 --> 00:33:42.059 life in 00:33:42.059 --> 00:33:42.619 Jesus is 00:33:42.619 --> 00:33:43.059 true? 00:33:43.879 --> 00:33:44.639 I have 00:33:44.639 --> 00:33:45.420 the evidence 00:33:45.420 --> 00:33:47.559 of God's 00:33:47.559 --> 00:33:48.059 testimony. 00:33:49.059 --> 00:33:49.960 We can be 00:33:49.960 --> 00:33:50.599 absolutely 00:33:50.599 --> 00:33:52.200 sure and 00:33:52.200 --> 00:33:52.779 fully 00:33:52.779 --> 00:33:53.420 convinced 00:33:53.420 --> 00:33:54.759 of the 00:33:54.759 --> 00:33:55.840 life that 00:33:55.840 --> 00:33:56.500 we have. 00:33:58.080 --> 00:33:58.779 Let's pray 00:33:58.779 --> 00:33:59.200 together. 00:33:59.200 --> 00:33:59.380 Amen. 00:33:59.380 --> 00:34:21.640 Our 00:34:21.640 --> 00:34:22.180 Father God, 00:34:22.260 --> 00:34:22.860 we recognize 00:34:22.860 --> 00:34:23.640 that we 00:34:23.640 --> 00:34:25.099 go into 00:34:25.099 --> 00:34:25.880 a world 00:34:25.880 --> 00:34:28.200 that is 00:34:28.200 --> 00:34:29.000 opposed to 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:29.300 you, 00:34:30.300 --> 00:34:32.079 a world 00:34:32.079 --> 00:34:32.539 that does 00:34:32.539 --> 00:34:33.199 not believe 00:34:33.199 --> 00:34:34.019 that Jesus 00:34:34.019 --> 00:34:34.960 is the 00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:35.340 life, 00:34:36.960 --> 00:34:38.360 a world 00:34:38.360 --> 00:34:39.039 that will 00:34:39.039 --> 00:34:40.460 shirk their 00:34:40.460 --> 00:34:41.300 shoulders and 00:34:41.300 --> 00:34:42.260 turn away 00:34:42.260 --> 00:34:43.360 from truth. 00:34:45.679 --> 00:34:46.280 So, 00:34:46.380 --> 00:34:46.619 would you 00:34:46.619 --> 00:34:47.460 please encourage 00:34:47.460 --> 00:34:48.079 us from what 00:34:48.079 --> 00:34:48.559 we've heard 00:34:48.559 --> 00:34:49.119 that we can 00:34:49.119 --> 00:34:49.539 go with 00:34:49.539 --> 00:34:50.139 absolute 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:50.960 confidence 00:34:50.960 --> 00:34:53.119 and complete 00:34:53.119 --> 00:34:53.860 assurance 00:34:53.860 --> 00:34:55.780 that this 00:34:55.780 --> 00:34:56.280 life is 00:34:56.280 --> 00:34:58.000 real and 00:34:58.000 --> 00:34:58.360 that this 00:34:58.360 --> 00:34:58.840 life is 00:34:58.840 --> 00:34:59.220 true. 00:35:00.599 --> 00:35:01.340 And we 00:35:01.340 --> 00:35:01.920 pray that 00:35:01.920 --> 00:35:02.360 you would 00:35:02.360 --> 00:35:02.820 give us 00:35:02.820 --> 00:35:03.660 opportunity 00:35:03.660 --> 00:35:06.480 to show 00:35:06.480 --> 00:35:06.920 how it 00:35:06.920 --> 00:35:07.480 is true, 00:35:08.480 --> 00:35:09.500 to point 00:35:09.500 --> 00:35:09.980 out the 00:35:09.980 --> 00:35:10.720 evidence 00:35:10.720 --> 00:35:12.800 so that 00:35:12.800 --> 00:35:13.480 others may 00:35:13.480 --> 00:35:14.500 be convinced 00:35:14.500 --> 00:35:16.579 and turned 00:35:16.579 --> 00:35:17.700 towards you. 00:35:17.699 --> 00:35:19.719 and we 00:35:19.719 --> 00:35:20.339 pray that 00:35:20.339 --> 00:35:20.839 even in 00:35:20.839 --> 00:35:21.439 our own 00:35:21.439 --> 00:35:22.000 lives, 00:35:23.000 --> 00:35:23.939 that as 00:35:23.939 --> 00:35:24.559 we believe 00:35:24.559 --> 00:35:25.139 in Jesus, 00:35:26.219 --> 00:35:27.059 as we 00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:27.739 love others 00:35:27.739 --> 00:35:28.339 and as we 00:35:28.339 --> 00:35:29.219 obey his 00:35:29.219 --> 00:35:29.739 commands, 00:35:30.879 --> 00:35:31.460 that even 00:35:31.460 --> 00:35:32.179 through these 00:35:32.179 --> 00:35:33.059 very actions, 00:35:34.359 --> 00:35:34.960 people would 00:35:34.960 --> 00:35:36.439 see that 00:35:36.439 --> 00:35:36.819 you are 00:35:36.819 --> 00:35:38.599 real and 00:35:38.599 --> 00:35:38.919 that the 00:35:38.919 --> 00:35:39.379 life that 00:35:39.379 --> 00:35:39.659 you have 00:35:39.659 --> 00:35:40.059 come to 00:35:40.059 --> 00:35:41.159 give is 00:35:41.159 --> 00:35:41.519 true. 00:35:41.519 --> 00:35:43.380 Father, 00:35:43.539 --> 00:35:44.480 encourage us 00:35:44.480 --> 00:35:45.739 and build 00:35:45.739 --> 00:35:46.239 us up in 00:35:46.239 --> 00:35:46.820 our faith, 00:35:46.940 --> 00:35:47.380 we pray, 00:35:48.340 --> 00:35:48.940 giving us 00:35:48.940 --> 00:35:50.599 courage to 00:35:50.599 --> 00:35:51.259 speak of 00:35:51.259 --> 00:35:52.659 you and 00:35:52.659 --> 00:35:53.199 to live 00:35:53.199 --> 00:35:53.739 for you. 00:35:54.480 --> 00:35:55.320 We pray 00:35:55.320 --> 00:35:55.800 this in 00:35:55.800 --> 00:35:56.159 Jesus' 00:35:56.380 --> 00:35:56.619 name. 00:35:57.559 --> 00:35:58.019 Amen. 00:36:03.559 --> 00:36:04.119 We're 00:36:04.119 --> 00:36:04.400 going to 00:36:04.400 --> 00:36:05.199 sing together 00:36:05.199 --> 00:36:07.219 a great 00:36:07.219 --> 00:36:08.679 hymn as 00:36:08.679 --> 00:36:09.019 we've been 00:36:09.019 --> 00:36:09.699 thinking about 00:36:09.699 --> 00:36:10.420 the life of 00:36:10.420 --> 00:36:11.019 Jesus in 00:36:11.019 --> 00:36:12.099 Christ alone 00:36:12.099 --> 00:36:13.400 my hope 00:36:13.400 --> 00:36:13.880 is found. 00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:14.480 He is my 00:36:14.480 --> 00:36:14.940 light, 00:36:15.559 --> 00:36:16.400 my strength 00:36:16.400 --> 00:36:17.880 and my 00:36:17.880 --> 00:36:18.280 song. 00:36:18.500 --> 00:36:18.840 Here, 00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:19.519 in the 00:36:19.519 --> 00:36:19.900 love of 00:36:19.900 --> 00:36:20.340 Christ, 00:36:20.820 --> 00:36:21.480 I stand. 00:36:21.579 --> 00:36:21.840 Let's 00:36:21.840 --> 00:36:22.440 stand together 00:36:22.440 --> 00:36:23.420 then as 00:36:23.420 --> 00:36:23.840 we sing.