WEBVTT

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 Hi guys, we're going to continue reading from Revelation chapter 2, starting at verse 12.

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 And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write, the words of him who has the sharp

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 two-edged sword.

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 I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is, yet you hold fast my name, and you did

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 not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was killed among you,

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 where Satan dwells.

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 But I have a few things against you.

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 You have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling

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 block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice

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 sexual immorality.

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 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

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 Therefore, repent.

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 If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.

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 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

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 To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white

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 stone with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives

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 it.

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 Muted.

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 We can't pee, Dave, you need to unmute yourself.

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 okay hopefully that's better this time

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 the boys keep telling me what could go wrong when you're up the front preaching

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 and i always find something to go wrong anyway i'll say again good morning everyone it's nice

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 to be with you this morning continuing our series in revelation at the reset series so we've been

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 saying that revelation is a view of the world from god's perspective and what an eye-opener it was

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 to john when first revealed to him and still an eye-opener to us all these years later it's a real

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 eye-opener chapter 1 verse 90 20 to see jesus so focused and passionate about continuing to grow

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 and protect his church in the world it's a real eye-opener that jesus speaks so directly to his

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 church through these seven representative churches demanding that we reflect his passion and reflect

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 his commitment to his church it's a real eye-opener that the church in ephesus looks so good from the

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 outside taking all the boxes for a great church yet they were dangerously unwell on the inside

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 at some point they'd given their heart away jesus was no longer their validation their satisfaction

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 or their delight and it was a real eye-opener that the church in smyrna which looks so awful from the

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 outside staggering under endless persecution yet they were declared rich faithful healthy so single-minded

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 in their love for christ that they were willing to give up everything for him even life itself

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 now every one of these thoughts cause us to re-examine ourselves and if necessary reset do we have

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 the church as central in our purposes as christ has do we reflect christ's passion as we're involved in the

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 local church here at grace do we have our heart firmly attached to jesus or have we given it to somebody else

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 or something else what is our view of suffering do we walk away from it as though somehow or other it's not

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 compatible with the christian life so many things that we really need to examine and if necessary reset

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 so that we might be the faithful church and this morning christ's word to the community of christ in

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 pergamum is also a real eye-opener as he exposes their creeping compromise of the gospel

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 now verse 13 starts as with every other letter jesus opening words i know

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 both wonderfully comforting and totally confronting so jesus knows the challenge of our culture he knew

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 how difficult it was for the community of christians in pergamum now that's a real comfort

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 pergamum was a center of roman imperial power in asia the high official the pro consul literally lived

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 in a former palace and he presided over an administration which was openly indulgent

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 sexually immoral politically corrupt

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 as well as that it was a center of learning large library people coming from all over the world to

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 study and practice a huge array of life philosophies and the skyline was dominated by huge temples to the

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 major roman and greek gods various aspects of these religions saturated shaped and dominated the daily life of everyone in the city

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 and verse 13 there's an image there it looked and felt like satan's home base

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 as if evil was enthroned

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 vice became virtue

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 and for all its religion it was a strongly anti the god of the christian city

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 anti the god of truth and righteousness

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 now in today's term we would say it was a cosmopolitan

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 permissive society a sydney a los angeles

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 one we recognize only too well living here in australia

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 but jesus also knows the danger of being seduced by our culture

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 and now his words become really confronting

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 now verse 13 and 14 and 15

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 they're unwavering faithfulness and loyalty in the past

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 and jesus concedes that recognizes that commends them for that

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 but that's now been undermined by a creeping compromise

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 and verses 14 and 15

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 two groups are identified

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 the first group is those who hold to the teaching of

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 balam

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 which is an old testament image

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 and the story is in numbers 22 to 31

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 and the king of moab

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 terrified by god's people heading his way en route to the promised land

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 was desperate to find a way to defeat them

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 they were too powerful to defeat militarily

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 so king balak asked balam

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 to pronounce a curse on them

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 god intervened and wouldn't allow that

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 however

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 it appears that balam

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 inferred a pathway of seduction and compromise

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 would have the same result

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 it would defeat god's people

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 and in numbers chapter 25 verses 1 to 4

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 we have a description of how god's people became

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 increasingly drawn into the moral

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 spiritual and physical practices of pagan moabite society

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 so much so to the point that they were so compromised

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 it was a joke to call themselves god's holy

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 and that word means separated

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 or covenant people

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 there was no more separation

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 that was just integration

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 the second group

00:08:20.979 --> 00:08:22.459
 verse 15 are those

00:08:22.459 --> 00:08:25.819
 who hold to the teaching of the nicolaitans

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 now that was a new group

00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:30.579
 operating in the early church

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 and it appears it had similar

00:08:32.600 --> 00:08:35.039
 it was connected to that old

00:08:35.039 --> 00:08:36.840
 concept of balam

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 the name might actually be connected

00:08:38.399 --> 00:08:41.139
 but it seems like it was a similar group

00:08:41.139 --> 00:08:42.899
 but a tad more radical

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 as far as the scholars know

00:08:47.279 --> 00:08:48.379
 and historians know

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 this group promoted

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 and justified viewpoints

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 which allowed christians to take on

00:08:54.919 --> 00:08:56.220
 many of the social

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 and religious values

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 and religious practices

00:08:59.519 --> 00:09:01.299
 of their pagan society

00:09:01.299 --> 00:09:02.220
 without hesitation

00:09:02.220 --> 00:09:03.620
 or a sense of guilt

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 well it's all pagan nonsense

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 so it can't hurt us

00:09:07.779 --> 00:09:12.059
 now we need to understand

00:09:12.059 --> 00:09:13.579
 that society in that day

00:09:13.579 --> 00:09:14.919
 was really close-knit

00:09:14.919 --> 00:09:17.039
 very highly interconnected

00:09:17.039 --> 00:09:18.620
 interconnected relationally

00:09:18.620 --> 00:09:20.699
 and so daily life

00:09:20.699 --> 00:09:23.120
 was built around religious duty

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 religious feasts

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 on religious holidays

00:09:26.079 --> 00:09:27.939
 in honor of pagan gods

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 and all of it

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 all of it was designed

00:09:31.240 --> 00:09:32.639
 to keep the gods happy

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 so that life was successful

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 and prosperous

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 now it was all in

00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:41.860
 to keep the gods happy

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 so that means

00:09:43.379 --> 00:09:45.259
 if you refuse to participate

00:09:45.259 --> 00:09:47.399
 in the daily temple routines

00:09:47.399 --> 00:09:48.360
 prayers

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 religious feasts

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 or religious holidays

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 then effectively

00:09:52.480 --> 00:09:53.279
 you were condemning

00:09:53.279 --> 00:09:54.059
 your whole culture

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 offending your whole community

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 alienating family

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 and friends

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 and worst of all

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 threatening everyone's prosperity

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 by annoying the gods

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 and getting them offside

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 there was a lot at stake

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 but if you did go along

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 to the community festivals

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 even if you didn't

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 fully participate

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 then you would be associated

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 with everything that did happen

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 and not only would you risk

00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:27.860
 getting sucked in

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 more and more

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 but your association

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 would effectively

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 lose any integrity

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 or identity

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 you might have

00:10:36.299 --> 00:10:36.919
 as a Christian

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 it all sounds familiar

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 doesn't it

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 living and engaging

00:10:43.360 --> 00:10:43.980
 in culture

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 is tough

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 now the point here

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 in this passage

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 is that in this

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 pressure environment

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 it was easy

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 to miss

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 or turn a blind eye

00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:59.720
 to creeping compromise

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 now

00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:02.220
 we need to understand

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 really clearly here

00:11:03.039 --> 00:11:03.919
 that the problem

00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:04.460
 in the church

00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:05.319
 is not

00:11:05.319 --> 00:11:07.000
 outright rebellion

00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:08.000
 it's not

00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:09.679
 blatant disobedience

00:11:09.679 --> 00:11:10.879
 no no

00:11:10.879 --> 00:11:12.159
 it's actually much more subtle

00:11:12.159 --> 00:11:13.079
 much more nuanced

00:11:13.079 --> 00:11:13.500
 than that

00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:15.120
 it's more like

00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:16.000
 how we become

00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:17.159
 desensitized

00:11:17.159 --> 00:11:18.659
 to the things

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 of our culture

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 to the emptiness

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 of it

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 to the immorality

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 of it

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 and what happens

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 over a period of time

00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:25.039
 is that

00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:26.319
 things we used

00:11:26.320 --> 00:11:27.320
 to be shocked at

00:11:27.320 --> 00:11:28.720
 things we used

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 to turn our eyes from

00:11:29.980 --> 00:11:31.280
 things we used

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 to condemn

00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:34.160
 we now tolerate

00:11:34.160 --> 00:11:36.680
 we now accept

00:11:36.680 --> 00:11:37.980
 quietly

00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:39.420
 we now sometimes

00:11:39.420 --> 00:11:40.320
 even find ways

00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:41.100
 to justify

00:11:41.100 --> 00:11:41.920
 and approve

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 and make no mistake

00:11:47.260 --> 00:11:49.180
 unless we're

00:11:49.180 --> 00:11:50.160
 really careful

00:11:50.160 --> 00:11:51.680
 we won't even

00:11:51.680 --> 00:11:52.640
 notice it happens

00:11:52.640 --> 00:11:54.260
 that's the notion

00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:55.059
 of creeping

00:11:55.059 --> 00:11:56.100
 compromise

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 so friends

00:11:59.240 --> 00:12:00.059
 the question

00:12:00.059 --> 00:12:00.799
 for us this morning

00:12:00.799 --> 00:12:02.059
 is not

00:12:02.059 --> 00:12:03.899
 if we are being

00:12:03.899 --> 00:12:05.120
 seduced by our culture

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 but to what degree

00:12:08.419 --> 00:12:10.399
 are we being

00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:11.480
 seduced by our culture

00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:14.899
 now let's turn the question

00:12:14.899 --> 00:12:16.220
 around as we move forward

00:12:16.220 --> 00:12:18.679
 what does it mean then

00:12:18.679 --> 00:12:20.919
 to be Christ's faithful church

00:12:20.919 --> 00:12:21.840
 in our culture

00:12:21.840 --> 00:12:25.060
 well this is

00:12:25.060 --> 00:12:26.080
 again a call

00:12:26.080 --> 00:12:26.879
 to reset

00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:27.820
 our attitudes

00:12:27.820 --> 00:12:29.060
 our desires

00:12:29.060 --> 00:12:29.899
 our actions

00:12:29.899 --> 00:12:30.560
 individually

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 and

00:12:32.100 --> 00:12:32.960
 together

00:12:32.960 --> 00:12:34.080
 as one body

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 we need to remember

00:12:37.940 --> 00:12:38.780
 we must remember

00:12:38.780 --> 00:12:40.120
 Christ's call

00:12:40.120 --> 00:12:41.379
 to distinctiveness

00:12:41.379 --> 00:12:43.899
 the teaching

00:12:43.899 --> 00:12:44.600
 right across

00:12:44.600 --> 00:12:45.259
 the New Testament

00:12:45.259 --> 00:12:46.160
 is that Christians

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 and indeed the Old Testament

00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:48.620
 Christians are to be

00:12:48.620 --> 00:12:49.320
 in the world

00:12:49.320 --> 00:12:50.379
 but not

00:12:50.379 --> 00:12:51.300
 of the world

00:12:51.299 --> 00:12:53.099
 in Revelation

00:12:53.099 --> 00:12:53.639
 chapter 1

00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:54.179
 verse 6

00:12:54.179 --> 00:12:55.959
 we're told there

00:12:55.959 --> 00:12:56.579
 that we have been

00:12:56.579 --> 00:12:57.419
 made told by Jesus

00:12:57.419 --> 00:12:58.279
 we've been made

00:12:58.279 --> 00:13:00.039
 a kingdom of priests

00:13:00.039 --> 00:13:01.539
 among other things

00:13:01.539 --> 00:13:02.899
 that means

00:13:02.899 --> 00:13:03.879
 we are

00:13:03.879 --> 00:13:05.419
 at God's hand

00:13:05.419 --> 00:13:06.819
 a distinct group

00:13:06.819 --> 00:13:09.299
 with the privilege

00:13:09.299 --> 00:13:10.279
 and responsibility

00:13:10.279 --> 00:13:11.139
 of speaking

00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:11.979
 his word

00:13:11.979 --> 00:13:13.459
 and modelling

00:13:13.459 --> 00:13:14.319
 his character

00:13:14.319 --> 00:13:15.459
 to our world

00:13:15.459 --> 00:13:16.839
 that is

00:13:16.839 --> 00:13:17.799
 our distinctiveness

00:13:17.799 --> 00:13:20.199
 again

00:13:20.199 --> 00:13:21.139
 in chapter 1

00:13:21.139 --> 00:13:21.659
 verse 12

00:13:21.659 --> 00:13:23.019
 and in chapter 1

00:13:23.019 --> 00:13:23.579
 verse 16

00:13:23.579 --> 00:13:25.639
 we're lampstands

00:13:25.639 --> 00:13:26.519
 we're stars

00:13:26.519 --> 00:13:28.919
 both are sources

00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:29.500
 of light

00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:30.039
 emitting

00:13:30.039 --> 00:13:31.139
 the light

00:13:31.139 --> 00:13:31.859
 of Jesus

00:13:31.859 --> 00:13:33.099
 in the darkness

00:13:33.099 --> 00:13:33.819
 of our world

00:13:33.819 --> 00:13:35.159
 and exposing

00:13:35.159 --> 00:13:36.620
 the empty way

00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:37.099
 of life

00:13:37.099 --> 00:13:37.979
 handed down

00:13:37.979 --> 00:13:39.039
 by our forefathers

00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:40.399
 to use the words

00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:40.819
 of Peter

00:13:40.819 --> 00:13:41.659
 in 1 Peter

00:13:41.659 --> 00:13:42.299
 chapter 1

00:13:42.299 --> 00:13:45.859
 now we're called

00:13:45.859 --> 00:13:46.240
 to this

00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:46.899
 individually

00:13:46.899 --> 00:13:48.620
 if you look

00:13:48.620 --> 00:13:49.360
 at verse 14

00:13:49.360 --> 00:13:49.919
 and 15

00:13:49.919 --> 00:13:52.079
 it's very clear

00:13:52.079 --> 00:13:53.019
 Jesus is very clear

00:13:53.019 --> 00:13:54.279
 there is some

00:13:54.279 --> 00:13:54.899
 in the church

00:13:54.899 --> 00:13:55.779
 a hold to these things

00:13:55.779 --> 00:13:56.139
 that is

00:13:56.139 --> 00:13:57.759
 not everyone

00:13:57.759 --> 00:13:59.059
 in the church

00:13:59.059 --> 00:13:59.779
 is guilty

00:13:59.779 --> 00:14:00.620
 of creeping

00:14:00.620 --> 00:14:01.360
 compromise

00:14:01.360 --> 00:14:02.299
 in that sense

00:14:02.299 --> 00:14:02.919
 of being involved

00:14:02.919 --> 00:14:03.519
 in those things

00:14:03.519 --> 00:14:05.439
 in fact

00:14:05.439 --> 00:14:06.199
 verse 13

00:14:06.199 --> 00:14:06.699
 says

00:14:06.699 --> 00:14:08.179
 yet you hold

00:14:08.179 --> 00:14:09.159
 fast my name

00:14:09.159 --> 00:14:10.439
 and you did not

00:14:10.439 --> 00:14:11.500
 deny my faith

00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:12.639
 even in the days

00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:13.539
 of Antipas

00:14:13.539 --> 00:14:15.139
 my faithful witness

00:14:15.139 --> 00:14:15.659
 who was killed

00:14:15.659 --> 00:14:16.120
 among you

00:14:16.120 --> 00:14:16.860
 were Satan

00:14:16.860 --> 00:14:17.360
 dwells

00:14:17.360 --> 00:14:20.240
 at some point

00:14:20.240 --> 00:14:20.860
 in the past

00:14:20.860 --> 00:14:21.799
 one of the local

00:14:21.799 --> 00:14:22.320
 Christians

00:14:22.320 --> 00:14:23.120
 Antipas

00:14:23.120 --> 00:14:24.060
 had been killed

00:14:24.060 --> 00:14:25.220
 now we're not told

00:14:25.220 --> 00:14:26.200
 why but presumably

00:14:26.200 --> 00:14:27.120
 in the context

00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:28.480
 it was because

00:14:28.480 --> 00:14:29.440
 he refused

00:14:29.440 --> 00:14:30.659
 to give in

00:14:30.659 --> 00:14:31.419
 to the pressure

00:14:31.419 --> 00:14:32.120
 to conform

00:14:32.120 --> 00:14:32.740
 to society

00:14:32.740 --> 00:14:33.840
 he refused

00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:34.360
 to play

00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:35.500
 by local rules

00:14:35.500 --> 00:14:38.120
 but notice

00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:39.120
 how he's described

00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:40.000
 by Jesus

00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:42.080
 he's described

00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:42.299
 as

00:14:42.299 --> 00:14:44.080
 my faithful

00:14:44.080 --> 00:14:44.899
 witness

00:14:44.899 --> 00:14:45.240
 the word

00:14:45.240 --> 00:14:45.399
 the word there

00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:45.860
 is martyr

00:14:45.860 --> 00:14:46.899
 my faithful

00:14:46.899 --> 00:14:47.419
 martyr

00:14:47.419 --> 00:14:48.519
 my faithful

00:14:48.519 --> 00:14:49.059
 witness

00:14:49.059 --> 00:14:50.939
 and the point

00:14:50.939 --> 00:14:51.600
 is that Jesus

00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:52.319
 readily

00:14:52.319 --> 00:14:53.639
 and warmly

00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:54.959
 identifies with

00:14:54.959 --> 00:14:56.720
 and approves

00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:58.779
 the uncompromising

00:14:58.779 --> 00:14:59.840
 gospel life

00:14:59.840 --> 00:15:00.620
 of Antipas

00:15:00.620 --> 00:15:01.579
 even though

00:15:01.579 --> 00:15:02.980
 it led

00:15:02.980 --> 00:15:03.840
 to his death

00:15:03.840 --> 00:15:06.639
 now

00:15:06.639 --> 00:15:08.579
 here's the challenge

00:15:08.580 --> 00:15:11.560
 our so-called

00:15:11.560 --> 00:15:12.960
 permissive society

00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:14.560
 shows itself

00:15:14.560 --> 00:15:15.860
 to be ruthlessly

00:15:15.860 --> 00:15:16.940
 intolerant

00:15:16.940 --> 00:15:18.580
 when someone

00:15:18.580 --> 00:15:19.620
 refuses to play

00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:20.320
 by its rules

00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:22.660
 and in the end

00:15:22.660 --> 00:15:23.840
 our world

00:15:23.840 --> 00:15:24.600
 really only

00:15:24.600 --> 00:15:25.540
 often offers

00:15:25.540 --> 00:15:26.280
 two options

00:15:26.280 --> 00:15:27.800
 either

00:15:27.800 --> 00:15:29.379
 seduction

00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:30.420
 and compromise

00:15:30.420 --> 00:15:32.700
 or

00:15:32.700 --> 00:15:34.379
 alienation

00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:35.280
 persecution

00:15:35.280 --> 00:15:36.440
 perhaps even

00:15:36.440 --> 00:15:36.879
 death

00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:40.340
 so

00:15:40.340 --> 00:15:42.759
 which one

00:15:42.759 --> 00:15:43.159
 will you

00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:43.580
 choose

00:15:43.580 --> 00:15:47.480
 it's a

00:15:47.480 --> 00:15:48.240
 fairly simple

00:15:48.240 --> 00:15:48.740
 equation

00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:50.419
 that may help

00:15:50.419 --> 00:15:51.220
 you work it

00:15:51.220 --> 00:15:51.439
 out

00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:54.379
 if your

00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:55.299
 starting point

00:15:55.299 --> 00:15:56.159
 is to think

00:15:56.159 --> 00:15:57.080
 of outcomes

00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:58.879
 that is

00:15:58.879 --> 00:15:59.899
 what will

00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:00.460
 keep you

00:16:00.460 --> 00:16:00.879
 safe

00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.899
 what will

00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:02.399
 give you

00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:03.059
 a hassle

00:16:03.059 --> 00:16:03.980
 free life

00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:04.379
 what will

00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:04.879
 make you

00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:05.320
 happy

00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:06.100
 what will

00:16:06.100 --> 00:16:06.340
 bring

00:16:06.340 --> 00:16:06.740
 greatest

00:16:06.740 --> 00:16:07.340
 acceptance

00:16:07.340 --> 00:16:07.740
 in the

00:16:07.740 --> 00:16:08.200
 world

00:16:08.200 --> 00:16:08.720
 you

00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:09.100
 operate

00:16:09.100 --> 00:16:09.360
 in

00:16:09.360 --> 00:16:10.700
 then

00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:12.080
 you're

00:16:12.080 --> 00:16:12.420
 likely

00:16:12.420 --> 00:16:12.780
 to say

00:16:12.780 --> 00:16:13.200
 to yourself

00:16:13.200 --> 00:16:13.580
 well

00:16:13.580 --> 00:16:14.700
 I really

00:16:14.700 --> 00:16:15.100
 need

00:16:15.100 --> 00:16:16.180
 to get

00:16:16.180 --> 00:16:16.540
 involved

00:16:16.540 --> 00:16:16.820
 in the

00:16:16.820 --> 00:16:17.020
 world

00:16:17.020 --> 00:16:17.360
 and so

00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:17.820
 the question

00:16:17.820 --> 00:16:18.140
 then is

00:16:18.140 --> 00:16:18.680
 how much

00:16:18.680 --> 00:16:19.040
 can I

00:16:19.040 --> 00:16:19.640
 indulge

00:16:19.640 --> 00:16:19.900
 in the

00:16:19.900 --> 00:16:20.240
 pleasures

00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:20.900
 of Australian

00:16:20.900 --> 00:16:21.520
 culture

00:16:21.520 --> 00:16:22.940
 before

00:16:22.940 --> 00:16:23.860
 calling myself

00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:24.300
 a Christian

00:16:24.300 --> 00:16:24.780
 becomes a

00:16:24.780 --> 00:16:25.080
 joke

00:16:25.080 --> 00:16:27.080
 do you

00:16:27.080 --> 00:16:27.320
 hear the

00:16:27.320 --> 00:16:27.640
 attitude

00:16:27.640 --> 00:16:28.000
 in that

00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:29.600
 now most

00:16:29.600 --> 00:16:30.140
 likely

00:16:30.140 --> 00:16:31.560
 if that's

00:16:31.560 --> 00:16:31.780
 your

00:16:31.780 --> 00:16:32.720
 framework

00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:33.280
 then you

00:16:33.280 --> 00:16:33.780
 will be

00:16:33.780 --> 00:16:34.180
 widely

00:16:34.180 --> 00:16:34.560
 accepted

00:16:34.559 --> 00:16:34.959
 by your

00:16:34.959 --> 00:16:35.299
 mates

00:16:35.299 --> 00:16:38.799
 but you'll

00:16:38.799 --> 00:16:39.379
 also be

00:16:39.379 --> 00:16:39.939
 irrelevant

00:16:39.939 --> 00:16:41.599
 as a witness

00:16:41.599 --> 00:16:42.239
 to Christ

00:16:42.239 --> 00:16:44.179
 and worse

00:16:44.179 --> 00:16:45.579
 totally

00:16:45.579 --> 00:16:45.979
 offensive

00:16:45.979 --> 00:16:46.259
 to

00:16:46.259 --> 00:16:50.199
 but if

00:16:50.199 --> 00:16:50.779
 your starting

00:16:50.779 --> 00:16:51.539
 point is to

00:16:51.539 --> 00:16:52.019
 think of

00:16:52.019 --> 00:16:52.859
 values and

00:16:52.859 --> 00:16:53.359
 identity

00:16:53.359 --> 00:16:54.599
 that is

00:16:54.599 --> 00:16:56.119
 who am I

00:16:56.119 --> 00:16:56.379
 as a

00:16:56.379 --> 00:16:56.659
 Christian

00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:58.619
 what does

00:16:58.619 --> 00:16:59.239
 that mean

00:16:59.239 --> 00:16:59.859
 for me

00:16:59.859 --> 00:17:00.919
 what is

00:17:00.919 --> 00:17:01.379
 important

00:17:01.379 --> 00:17:02.059
 in life

00:17:02.059 --> 00:17:04.679
 then you're

00:17:04.679 --> 00:17:05.359
 likely to

00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:06.279
 ask what

00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:06.839
 will most

00:17:06.839 --> 00:17:07.159
 honour

00:17:07.159 --> 00:17:07.559
 Jesus

00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:08.220
 what will

00:17:08.220 --> 00:17:09.139
 most reflect

00:17:09.139 --> 00:17:09.940
 his character

00:17:09.940 --> 00:17:10.399
 to those

00:17:10.399 --> 00:17:11.000
 around me

00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:13.440
 and most

00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:13.899
 likely

00:17:13.899 --> 00:17:15.019
 you will

00:17:15.019 --> 00:17:15.419
 suffer

00:17:15.419 --> 00:17:16.039
 dearly

00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:16.679
 for your

00:17:16.679 --> 00:17:17.099
 distinctive

00:17:17.099 --> 00:17:17.619
 stand

00:17:17.619 --> 00:17:19.379
 but I tell

00:17:19.379 --> 00:17:19.740
 you this

00:17:19.740 --> 00:17:20.980
 it will be

00:17:20.980 --> 00:17:21.539
 the most

00:17:21.539 --> 00:17:22.619
 clear and

00:17:22.619 --> 00:17:23.139
 compelling

00:17:23.139 --> 00:17:23.919
 witness to

00:17:23.919 --> 00:17:24.339
 Christ

00:17:24.339 --> 00:17:25.419
 and the

00:17:25.419 --> 00:17:25.919
 changing

00:17:25.919 --> 00:17:26.720
 power of

00:17:26.720 --> 00:17:27.119
 the gospel

00:17:27.119 --> 00:17:28.719
 and we

00:17:28.719 --> 00:17:28.979
 need to

00:17:28.979 --> 00:17:29.259
 remember

00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:29.779
 that the

00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:30.299
 best

00:17:30.299 --> 00:17:30.839
 witness

00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:31.659
 is

00:17:31.659 --> 00:17:32.559
 distinctiveness

00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:33.799
 not

00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:34.439
 likeness

00:17:34.439 --> 00:17:37.939
 now

00:17:37.939 --> 00:17:39.399
 we're also

00:17:39.399 --> 00:17:39.959
 called to

00:17:39.959 --> 00:17:40.559
 distinctiveness

00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:41.079
 as a whole

00:17:41.079 --> 00:17:41.459
 body

00:17:41.459 --> 00:17:43.419
 look at

00:17:43.419 --> 00:17:44.179
 verse 16

00:17:44.179 --> 00:17:46.019
 and there

00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:46.500
 might be some

00:17:46.500 --> 00:17:47.639
 discussion around

00:17:47.639 --> 00:17:48.159
 this but I

00:17:48.159 --> 00:17:48.699
 think this is

00:17:48.699 --> 00:17:50.239
 what track

00:17:50.239 --> 00:17:50.599
 we're going

00:17:50.599 --> 00:17:50.959
 down here

00:17:50.959 --> 00:17:51.639
 verse 16

00:17:51.639 --> 00:17:52.579
 Jesus says

00:17:52.579 --> 00:17:52.959
 therefore

00:17:52.959 --> 00:17:53.719
 repent

00:17:53.719 --> 00:17:55.359
 if not

00:17:55.359 --> 00:17:55.799
 I will

00:17:55.799 --> 00:17:56.379
 come to

00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:57.060
 you soon

00:17:57.060 --> 00:17:57.760
 and war

00:17:57.760 --> 00:17:58.240
 against

00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:58.700
 them

00:17:58.700 --> 00:17:59.680
 with the

00:17:59.680 --> 00:17:59.980
 sword

00:17:59.980 --> 00:18:00.460
 of my

00:18:00.460 --> 00:18:00.880
 mouth

00:18:00.880 --> 00:18:03.100
 as he

00:18:03.100 --> 00:18:03.460
 has been

00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:04.060
 doing right

00:18:04.060 --> 00:18:04.420
 through the

00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:04.640
 letter

00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:05.340
 Jesus is

00:18:05.340 --> 00:18:05.860
 speaking to

00:18:05.860 --> 00:18:06.420
 the church

00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:07.180
 as a

00:18:07.180 --> 00:18:07.520
 whole

00:18:07.520 --> 00:18:11.260
 and here

00:18:11.260 --> 00:18:11.580
 in verse

00:18:11.580 --> 00:18:11.960
 16

00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:12.920
 he called

00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:13.500
 the church

00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:14.080
 community

00:18:14.080 --> 00:18:14.640
 as a

00:18:14.640 --> 00:18:15.020
 whole

00:18:15.020 --> 00:18:15.500
 group

00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:16.300
 to repent

00:18:16.300 --> 00:18:18.960
 now

00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:19.780
 does that

00:18:19.780 --> 00:18:20.420
 seem strange

00:18:20.420 --> 00:18:20.760
 to you

00:18:20.760 --> 00:18:21.480
 why would

00:18:21.480 --> 00:18:21.760
 he do

00:18:21.760 --> 00:18:22.080
 that

00:18:22.080 --> 00:18:23.800
 well I

00:18:23.800 --> 00:18:24.060
 think it

00:18:24.060 --> 00:18:24.440
 goes like

00:18:24.440 --> 00:18:24.800
 this

00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:27.419
 while not

00:18:27.419 --> 00:18:28.299
 all are

00:18:28.299 --> 00:18:28.980
 guilty of

00:18:28.980 --> 00:18:29.460
 actual

00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:30.299
 compromise

00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:32.460
 Jesus

00:18:32.460 --> 00:18:33.259
 holds the

00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:33.500
 whole

00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:34.139
 community

00:18:34.139 --> 00:18:34.859
 responsible

00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:36.220
 for not

00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:36.700
 dealing

00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:37.539
 with those

00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:38.079
 who were

00:18:38.079 --> 00:18:39.159
 the verses

00:18:39.159 --> 00:18:39.500
 are very

00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:39.740
 clear

00:18:39.740 --> 00:18:40.359
 you have

00:18:40.359 --> 00:18:40.639
 some

00:18:40.639 --> 00:18:41.119
 among you

00:18:41.119 --> 00:18:41.619
 the idea

00:18:41.619 --> 00:18:42.259
 there is

00:18:42.259 --> 00:18:42.919
 that they're

00:18:42.919 --> 00:18:43.399
 there and

00:18:43.399 --> 00:18:43.740
 you're not

00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:44.339
 doing anything

00:18:44.339 --> 00:18:44.940
 about it

00:18:44.940 --> 00:18:47.059
 and so

00:18:47.059 --> 00:18:47.680
 what happens

00:18:47.680 --> 00:18:48.000
 is this

00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:48.299
 that their

00:18:48.299 --> 00:18:49.119
 failure or

00:18:49.119 --> 00:18:49.579
 willingness

00:18:49.579 --> 00:18:50.259
 to act

00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:51.279
 for the

00:18:51.279 --> 00:18:51.819
 spiritual

00:18:51.819 --> 00:18:52.399
 good of

00:18:52.399 --> 00:18:52.839
 their brothers

00:18:52.839 --> 00:18:53.659
 and sisters

00:18:53.659 --> 00:18:54.619
 caught up

00:18:54.619 --> 00:18:54.899
 in this

00:18:54.899 --> 00:18:55.359
 compromise

00:18:55.359 --> 00:18:56.579
 by challenging

00:18:56.579 --> 00:18:58.019
 them

00:18:58.019 --> 00:18:59.419
 actually

00:18:59.419 --> 00:19:00.279
 endanger the

00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:00.819
 spiritual

00:19:00.819 --> 00:19:01.480
 health of

00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:01.799
 the whole

00:19:01.799 --> 00:19:02.299
 church

00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:06.359
 and I

00:19:06.359 --> 00:19:06.619
 take it

00:19:06.619 --> 00:19:07.299
 that's why

00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:08.639
 Christ says

00:19:08.639 --> 00:19:09.799
 that in

00:19:09.799 --> 00:19:10.379
 verse 16

00:19:10.379 --> 00:19:11.419
 that if they

00:19:11.419 --> 00:19:11.839
 don't do

00:19:11.839 --> 00:19:12.359
 something about

00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:12.679
 it then

00:19:12.679 --> 00:19:13.579
 he'll have

00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:13.980
 to come

00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:14.220
 if they

00:19:14.220 --> 00:19:14.779
 don't repent

00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:15.339
 and take

00:19:15.339 --> 00:19:15.720
 action

00:19:15.720 --> 00:19:16.720
 then he'll

00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:17.119
 have to

00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:18.379
 come and

00:19:18.379 --> 00:19:18.879
 take them

00:19:18.879 --> 00:19:19.419
 on tackle

00:19:19.420 --> 00:19:19.700
 them

00:19:19.700 --> 00:19:22.440
 now that

00:19:22.440 --> 00:19:23.100
 possibility

00:19:23.100 --> 00:19:24.840
 is downright

00:19:24.840 --> 00:19:25.539
 terrifying

00:19:25.539 --> 00:19:26.740
 giving the

00:19:26.740 --> 00:19:27.800
 imagery in

00:19:27.800 --> 00:19:28.420
 verse 12

00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:29.100
 so go back

00:19:29.100 --> 00:19:29.800
 to verse 12

00:19:29.800 --> 00:19:31.160
 and also

00:19:31.160 --> 00:19:31.800
 back in

00:19:31.800 --> 00:19:32.300
 chapter 1

00:19:32.300 --> 00:19:32.840
 verse 16

00:19:32.840 --> 00:19:33.240
 the same

00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:33.600
 imagery

00:19:33.600 --> 00:19:35.200
 it's the

00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:35.539
 imagery

00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.019
 of the

00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:36.660
 short

00:19:36.660 --> 00:19:37.560
 sharp

00:19:37.560 --> 00:19:38.860
 two-edged

00:19:38.860 --> 00:19:39.279
 sword

00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:40.580
 now let me

00:19:40.580 --> 00:19:40.900
 give you a

00:19:40.900 --> 00:19:41.180
 little bit of

00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:41.560
 background

00:19:41.560 --> 00:19:44.380
 Roman soldiers

00:19:44.380 --> 00:19:45.279
 were feared

00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:46.000
 in battle

00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:47.920
 because of

00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:48.340
 the new

00:19:48.340 --> 00:19:49.039
 technology

00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:49.680
 they used

00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:50.119
 in their

00:19:50.119 --> 00:19:50.599
 phalanx

00:19:50.599 --> 00:19:50.920
 fighting

00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:51.240
 form

00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:52.720
 it was

00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:53.240
 a new

00:19:53.240 --> 00:19:53.740
 technology

00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.099
 of a

00:19:54.099 --> 00:19:54.500
 short

00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.440
 two-edged

00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:55.839
 sword

00:19:55.839 --> 00:19:57.000
 and it

00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:57.279
 was

00:19:57.279 --> 00:19:58.460
 incredibly

00:19:58.460 --> 00:19:59.039
 effective

00:19:59.039 --> 00:20:00.599
 in close

00:20:00.599 --> 00:20:01.359
 up combat

00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:06.639
 Jesus is

00:20:06.639 --> 00:20:07.500
 warning his

00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:08.019
 church

00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:08.899
 that if

00:20:08.899 --> 00:20:09.259
 they do

00:20:09.259 --> 00:20:09.859
 not wield

00:20:09.859 --> 00:20:10.700
 the sword

00:20:10.700 --> 00:20:11.119
 of his

00:20:11.119 --> 00:20:11.440
 word

00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:12.119
 chapter 1

00:20:12.119 --> 00:20:12.720
 verse 16

00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:13.500
 the sword

00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:13.680
 of his

00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:13.839
 word

00:20:13.839 --> 00:20:14.139
 was coming

00:20:14.139 --> 00:20:14.299
 out of

00:20:14.299 --> 00:20:14.720
 his mouth

00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:15.639
 they do

00:20:15.639 --> 00:20:15.980
 not wield

00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.559
 the sword

00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:16.819
 of his

00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:17.279
 word

00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:18.539
 to challenge

00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:19.339
 and correct

00:20:19.339 --> 00:20:20.180
 those sliding

00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:21.059
 into compromise

00:20:21.059 --> 00:20:22.019
 and loss

00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:22.680
 of distinctive

00:20:22.680 --> 00:20:23.039
 us as

00:20:23.039 --> 00:20:23.339
 people

00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:25.099
 then he

00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:25.759
 will come

00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:26.480
 and open

00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:26.899
 them up

00:20:26.899 --> 00:20:28.359
 quite literally

00:20:28.359 --> 00:20:28.899
 he will open

00:20:28.899 --> 00:20:29.240
 them up

00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:29.799
 now that

00:20:29.799 --> 00:20:30.319
 picks up an

00:20:30.319 --> 00:20:30.799
 image from

00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.480
 Hebrews 4

00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.319
 he will open

00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:32.659
 them up

00:20:32.659 --> 00:20:33.279
 his word

00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:34.200
 will expose

00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:34.879
 their inner

00:20:34.879 --> 00:20:35.579
 thoughts and

00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:36.220
 desires

00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:39.180
 or worse

00:20:39.180 --> 00:20:39.619
 still

00:20:39.619 --> 00:20:41.940
 Jesus may be

00:20:41.940 --> 00:20:42.500
 threatening to

00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:42.899
 take them

00:20:42.899 --> 00:20:43.539
 out completely

00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:47.240
 both

00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:48.180
 those guilty

00:20:48.180 --> 00:20:48.839
 of compromise

00:20:48.839 --> 00:20:50.639
 and

00:20:50.639 --> 00:20:52.000
 those guilty

00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:52.519
 of not

00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:53.240
 doing anything

00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:53.879
 about it

00:20:53.879 --> 00:20:58.559
 friends

00:20:58.559 --> 00:20:59.500
 this is so

00:20:59.500 --> 00:21:00.200
 contrary to

00:21:00.200 --> 00:21:00.599
 how we

00:21:00.599 --> 00:21:01.079
 think in

00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:01.259
 our

00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:02.279
 individualistic

00:21:02.279 --> 00:21:02.720
 Australian

00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:03.180
 culture

00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:03.639
 but it

00:21:03.639 --> 00:21:04.279
 comes down

00:21:04.279 --> 00:21:04.639
 to this

00:21:04.639 --> 00:21:05.359
 each of

00:21:05.359 --> 00:21:05.680
 us

00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:06.799
 has

00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:07.519
 responsibility

00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:08.420
 to guard

00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:08.920
 against

00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:09.519
 compromise

00:21:09.519 --> 00:21:10.740
 in our

00:21:10.740 --> 00:21:11.220
 whole

00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:11.599
 church

00:21:11.599 --> 00:21:12.139
 community

00:21:12.139 --> 00:21:13.819
 not enough

00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:14.240
 just to

00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:14.659
 look after

00:21:14.659 --> 00:21:15.019
 yourself

00:21:15.019 --> 00:21:15.379
 and say

00:21:15.379 --> 00:21:15.779
 well others

00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:16.119
 can look

00:21:16.119 --> 00:21:16.339
 after

00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:16.879
 themselves

00:21:16.879 --> 00:21:18.319
 not enough

00:21:18.319 --> 00:21:18.980
 to make

00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:19.419
 sure your

00:21:19.419 --> 00:21:19.959
 own heart

00:21:19.959 --> 00:21:20.299
 is right

00:21:20.299 --> 00:21:20.819
 your own

00:21:20.819 --> 00:21:21.240
 pathway

00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:21.579
 is right

00:21:21.579 --> 00:21:22.679
 and turn

00:21:22.679 --> 00:21:23.119
 a blind

00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:23.519
 eye to

00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:24.019
 others

00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:25.359
 who are

00:21:25.359 --> 00:21:25.799
 on the

00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:26.199
 pathway

00:21:26.199 --> 00:21:26.799
 of compromise

00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:30.480
 but again

00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:30.939
 here's the

00:21:30.939 --> 00:21:31.279
 problem

00:21:31.279 --> 00:21:34.240
 we are so

00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:35.299
 individualistic

00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.899
 that either

00:21:36.899 --> 00:21:38.179
 we won't

00:21:38.179 --> 00:21:38.939
 accept such

00:21:38.939 --> 00:21:39.500
 challenge when

00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:39.959
 others bring

00:21:39.959 --> 00:21:40.519
 it to us

00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:44.000
 or we

00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:44.660
 just ignore

00:21:44.660 --> 00:21:45.200
 compromise

00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:45.700
 when we

00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:46.139
 say it

00:21:46.139 --> 00:21:47.059
 for the

00:21:47.059 --> 00:21:47.420
 sake of

00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:47.819
 peace and

00:21:47.819 --> 00:21:48.079
 quiet

00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:48.420
 it's not

00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:48.599
 my

00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:48.960
 problem

00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:54.039
 what a

00:21:54.039 --> 00:21:55.139
 huge call

00:21:55.139 --> 00:21:55.960
 to reset

00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:56.279
 our

00:21:56.279 --> 00:21:56.839
 attitudes

00:21:56.839 --> 00:21:57.940
 and actions

00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:58.539
 this

00:21:58.539 --> 00:21:59.639
 letter is

00:21:59.639 --> 00:22:03.259
 but it

00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:03.940
 finishes on a

00:22:03.940 --> 00:22:04.819
 really promising

00:22:04.819 --> 00:22:06.500
 and positive

00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:07.279
 note as do

00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:07.660
 all the

00:22:07.660 --> 00:22:08.019
 letters

00:22:08.019 --> 00:22:11.359
 remember

00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:12.859
 Christ's

00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:13.299
 promises

00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:14.799
 for

00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:15.519
 distinctiveness

00:22:15.519 --> 00:22:17.700
 verse 17

00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:18.339
 holds two

00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:18.859
 promises

00:22:18.859 --> 00:22:20.720
 he who is

00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:20.920
 in the

00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:21.839
 ear let

00:22:21.839 --> 00:22:22.299
 him hear

00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:22.619
 what the

00:22:22.619 --> 00:22:23.279
 spirit says

00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:23.539
 to the

00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:23.920
 churches

00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:24.639
 to the

00:22:24.639 --> 00:22:24.940
 one who

00:22:24.940 --> 00:22:25.400
 conquers

00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:26.220
 or struggles

00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:26.519
 through

00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:27.359
 I will

00:22:27.359 --> 00:22:28.000
 give some

00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:28.240
 of the

00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:28.460
 hidden

00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:28.859
 manna

00:22:28.859 --> 00:22:29.759
 and I

00:22:29.759 --> 00:22:30.079
 will give

00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:30.299
 him a

00:22:30.299 --> 00:22:30.559
 white

00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:30.980
 stone

00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:31.319
 with a

00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:31.839
 new name

00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:32.400
 written on

00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:32.759
 the stone

00:22:32.759 --> 00:22:34.079
 that no

00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:34.480
 one knows

00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:34.920
 except the

00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:35.180
 one who

00:22:35.180 --> 00:22:35.539
 receives

00:22:35.539 --> 00:22:35.839
 it

00:22:35.839 --> 00:22:36.759
 first the

00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:37.179
 promise of

00:22:37.179 --> 00:22:37.379
 hidden

00:22:37.379 --> 00:22:37.699
 manna

00:22:37.699 --> 00:22:38.359
 what's that

00:22:38.359 --> 00:22:38.740
 a picture

00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:39.019
 of

00:22:39.019 --> 00:22:39.419
 well

00:22:39.419 --> 00:22:40.379
 it's an

00:22:40.379 --> 00:22:40.740
 old testament

00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:41.279
 picture from

00:22:41.279 --> 00:22:41.679
 the exodus

00:22:41.679 --> 00:22:42.379
 as many

00:22:42.379 --> 00:22:42.879
 pictures in

00:22:42.879 --> 00:22:43.220
 revelation

00:22:43.220 --> 00:22:43.579
 are

00:22:43.579 --> 00:22:44.879
 and it

00:22:44.879 --> 00:22:45.199
 goes like

00:22:45.199 --> 00:22:45.459
 this I

00:22:45.459 --> 00:22:45.599
 think

00:22:45.599 --> 00:22:46.240
 just as

00:22:46.240 --> 00:22:46.480
 God

00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:47.019
 provided

00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:47.419
 for his

00:22:47.419 --> 00:22:47.799
 people

00:22:47.799 --> 00:22:49.159
 even when

00:22:49.159 --> 00:22:49.459
 they were

00:22:49.459 --> 00:22:50.220
 thinking that

00:22:50.220 --> 00:22:50.659
 more

00:22:50.659 --> 00:22:51.480
 satisfaction

00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:51.879
 would be

00:22:51.879 --> 00:22:52.619
 found back

00:22:52.619 --> 00:22:53.099
 in Egypt

00:22:53.099 --> 00:22:53.679
 remember that

00:22:53.679 --> 00:22:53.959
 they were in

00:22:53.959 --> 00:22:54.319
 the wilderness

00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:54.579
 and they

00:22:54.579 --> 00:22:54.839
 said well

00:22:54.839 --> 00:22:55.439
 better back

00:22:55.439 --> 00:22:55.740
 in Egypt

00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:56.480
 eating onions

00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:57.159
 than out

00:22:57.159 --> 00:22:57.659
 here with

00:22:57.659 --> 00:22:58.039
 the Lord

00:22:58.039 --> 00:22:59.179
 even at

00:22:59.179 --> 00:22:59.899
 that point

00:22:59.899 --> 00:23:01.299
 God

00:23:01.299 --> 00:23:02.019
 provided them

00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:03.799
 total satisfaction

00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:04.179
 and manna

00:23:04.180 --> 00:23:06.460
 so Jesus

00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:08.060
 the bread

00:23:08.060 --> 00:23:08.560
 of life

00:23:08.560 --> 00:23:10.240
 is complete

00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:10.980
 satisfaction

00:23:10.980 --> 00:23:11.920
 for hungry

00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:12.299
 people

00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:15.060
 practically

00:23:15.060 --> 00:23:15.560
 what it

00:23:15.560 --> 00:23:15.860
 means is

00:23:15.860 --> 00:23:16.120
 this

00:23:16.120 --> 00:23:18.220
 don't look

00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:18.580
 to the

00:23:18.580 --> 00:23:18.960
 world

00:23:18.960 --> 00:23:20.140
 no matter

00:23:20.140 --> 00:23:21.140
 how pleasurable

00:23:21.140 --> 00:23:22.240
 how appealing

00:23:22.240 --> 00:23:23.100
 how showy

00:23:23.100 --> 00:23:24.220
 its indulgences

00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:24.539
 seem

00:23:24.539 --> 00:23:27.080
 it can't

00:23:27.080 --> 00:23:27.940
 and won't

00:23:27.940 --> 00:23:28.640
 satisfy

00:23:28.640 --> 00:23:31.100
 but there is

00:23:31.100 --> 00:23:32.120
 hidden satisfaction

00:23:32.120 --> 00:23:32.600
 in Jesus

00:23:32.599 --> 00:23:33.819
 remember the

00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:34.240
 manna was

00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:34.679
 something that

00:23:34.679 --> 00:23:35.159
 God's people

00:23:35.159 --> 00:23:35.579
 could see

00:23:35.579 --> 00:23:36.000
 that others

00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:36.519
 couldn't see

00:23:36.519 --> 00:23:37.719
 there is

00:23:37.719 --> 00:23:38.719
 hidden satisfaction

00:23:38.719 --> 00:23:39.279
 in Jesus

00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:40.699
 something Christians

00:23:40.699 --> 00:23:41.179
 can see

00:23:41.179 --> 00:23:41.699
 and indulge

00:23:41.699 --> 00:23:42.619
 in but those

00:23:42.619 --> 00:23:43.199
 around them

00:23:43.199 --> 00:23:43.799
 can't see

00:23:43.799 --> 00:23:44.259
 or benefit

00:23:44.259 --> 00:23:45.039
 from and

00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:45.599
 just think

00:23:45.599 --> 00:23:45.799
 we are

00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:46.579
 crazy as

00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:46.980
 Christians

00:23:46.980 --> 00:23:50.500
 they don't

00:23:50.500 --> 00:23:51.179
 know the

00:23:51.179 --> 00:23:52.319
 hidden satisfaction

00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:53.740
 that is ours

00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.199
 in Jesus

00:23:54.199 --> 00:23:55.299
 so why

00:23:55.299 --> 00:23:56.199
 compromise

00:23:56.199 --> 00:23:57.299
 why go to

00:23:57.299 --> 00:23:58.039
 somewhere else

00:23:58.039 --> 00:23:59.500
 that can't

00:23:59.500 --> 00:23:59.859
 and won't

00:23:59.859 --> 00:24:00.399
 satisfy

00:24:00.400 --> 00:24:02.580
 the promise

00:24:02.580 --> 00:24:02.960
 is that

00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:03.740
 God's people

00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:04.360
 will not

00:24:04.360 --> 00:24:04.920
 miss out

00:24:04.920 --> 00:24:06.180
 there's so

00:24:06.180 --> 00:24:06.880
 many things

00:24:06.880 --> 00:24:07.259
 in our

00:24:07.259 --> 00:24:07.960
 culture

00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:08.480
 that look

00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:09.259
 so appealing

00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:10.060
 and it's

00:24:10.060 --> 00:24:10.660
 easy for us

00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:11.040
 to start

00:24:11.040 --> 00:24:11.480
 thinking that

00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:11.860
 we'll miss

00:24:11.860 --> 00:24:12.120
 out

00:24:12.120 --> 00:24:12.840
 if we don't

00:24:12.840 --> 00:24:13.340
 have them

00:24:13.340 --> 00:24:14.000
 we don't

00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:14.780
 experience

00:24:14.780 --> 00:24:15.120
 them

00:24:15.120 --> 00:24:16.080
 that's the

00:24:16.080 --> 00:24:16.480
 start of

00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:16.940
 compromise

00:24:16.940 --> 00:24:17.440
 the attitude

00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:18.200
 of compromise

00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:20.259
 Christ says

00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:20.680
 to his people

00:24:20.680 --> 00:24:22.680
 you have no

00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:23.780
 need to fear

00:24:23.780 --> 00:24:24.720
 the consequences

00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:25.500
 of being loyal

00:24:25.500 --> 00:24:26.100
 and faithful

00:24:26.100 --> 00:24:26.480
 to me

00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.339
 you will

00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:28.019
 not miss

00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.339
 out

00:24:28.339 --> 00:24:29.180
 you will

00:24:29.180 --> 00:24:29.819
 have full

00:24:29.819 --> 00:24:30.579
 satisfaction

00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:30.920
 you will

00:24:30.920 --> 00:24:31.500
 dine on the

00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:31.819
 richest

00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:32.539
 of fair

00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:36.900
 the second

00:24:36.900 --> 00:24:37.259
 promise

00:24:37.259 --> 00:24:37.759
 is the

00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.039
 promise

00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:38.579
 of a white

00:24:38.579 --> 00:24:39.019
 stone

00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:40.019
 with a special

00:24:40.019 --> 00:24:40.599
 name written

00:24:40.599 --> 00:24:41.059
 on it

00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:41.360
 and that

00:24:41.360 --> 00:24:41.819
 seems really

00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:42.440
 weird to us

00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:42.799
 but it

00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.620
 wouldn't have

00:24:43.620 --> 00:24:44.220
 been at all

00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:44.920
 weird to people

00:24:44.920 --> 00:24:45.339
 living in

00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:45.759
 Pergamum

00:24:45.759 --> 00:24:47.779
 because what it

00:24:47.779 --> 00:24:48.220
 is it's an

00:24:48.220 --> 00:24:48.680
 invitation

00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:51.000
 so in Roman

00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:51.480
 society

00:24:51.480 --> 00:24:52.640
 the proconsul

00:24:52.640 --> 00:24:53.180
 or other

00:24:53.180 --> 00:24:53.839
 high officials

00:24:53.839 --> 00:24:54.920
 invited

00:24:54.920 --> 00:24:55.620
 invited

00:24:55.620 --> 00:24:56.600
 invited

00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:57.900
 special guests

00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:59.039
 to important

00:24:59.039 --> 00:24:59.500
 events

00:24:59.500 --> 00:25:00.960
 using a

00:25:00.960 --> 00:25:01.940
 square white

00:25:01.940 --> 00:25:02.240
 stone

00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:02.700
 actually a

00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:02.980
 piece of

00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:03.240
 clay

00:25:03.240 --> 00:25:03.880
 it was a

00:25:03.880 --> 00:25:04.460
 square white

00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:05.360
 piece of

00:25:05.360 --> 00:25:05.600
 clay

00:25:05.600 --> 00:25:06.539
 with the

00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:07.060
 person's

00:25:07.060 --> 00:25:07.480
 name

00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:08.039
 engraved

00:25:08.039 --> 00:25:08.440
 on it

00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:09.840
 in modern

00:25:09.840 --> 00:25:10.240
 terms

00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:10.519
 I think

00:25:10.519 --> 00:25:10.880
 it's something

00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:11.300
 equivalent

00:25:11.300 --> 00:25:11.640
 of having

00:25:11.640 --> 00:25:12.800
 access

00:25:12.800 --> 00:25:13.980
 all areas

00:25:13.980 --> 00:25:14.500
 past

00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:14.820
 to the

00:25:14.820 --> 00:25:15.039
 white

00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:15.340
 house

00:25:15.340 --> 00:25:17.580
 you can

00:25:17.580 --> 00:25:17.779
 just

00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:18.279
 wander in

00:25:18.279 --> 00:25:18.400
 there

00:25:18.400 --> 00:25:18.779
 because

00:25:18.779 --> 00:25:19.160
 it's

00:25:19.160 --> 00:25:19.360
 your

00:25:19.360 --> 00:25:19.700
 place

00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:19.900
 it's

00:25:19.900 --> 00:25:20.080
 your

00:25:20.080 --> 00:25:20.440
 domain

00:25:20.440 --> 00:25:21.060
 you have

00:25:21.060 --> 00:25:21.440
 a right

00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:21.800
 to be

00:25:21.800 --> 00:25:22.100
 there

00:25:22.100 --> 00:25:23.519
 you're

00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:23.980
 welcome

00:25:23.980 --> 00:25:24.360
 there

00:25:24.359 --> 00:25:26.599
 Jesus

00:25:26.599 --> 00:25:27.339
 is promising

00:25:27.339 --> 00:25:28.379
 that those

00:25:28.379 --> 00:25:28.879
 who stay

00:25:28.879 --> 00:25:29.559
 loyal to

00:25:29.559 --> 00:25:29.759
 him

00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:31.519
 who may

00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:32.039
 well

00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:32.719
 experience

00:25:32.719 --> 00:25:33.279
 the rejection

00:25:33.279 --> 00:25:33.619
 of their

00:25:33.619 --> 00:25:34.039
 society

00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:34.619
 or family

00:25:34.619 --> 00:25:35.979
 will never

00:25:35.979 --> 00:25:36.939
 be rejected

00:25:36.939 --> 00:25:37.740
 by him

00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:39.779
 in fact

00:25:39.779 --> 00:25:40.119
 he will

00:25:40.119 --> 00:25:40.539
 treat them

00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:41.119
 as his

00:25:41.119 --> 00:25:42.079
 special guest

00:25:42.079 --> 00:25:42.500
 in heaven

00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:43.859
 where he

00:25:43.859 --> 00:25:44.639
 and again

00:25:44.639 --> 00:25:45.079
 the temple

00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:45.779
 imagery comes

00:25:45.779 --> 00:25:46.059
 in here

00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:46.459
 where he

00:25:46.459 --> 00:25:46.859
 as the

00:25:46.859 --> 00:25:47.179
 temple

00:25:47.179 --> 00:25:47.579
 remember

00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:48.139
 revelation

00:25:48.139 --> 00:25:48.859
 chapter 22

00:25:48.859 --> 00:25:49.779
 the true

00:25:49.779 --> 00:25:50.139
 temple

00:25:50.139 --> 00:25:51.579
 he is the

00:25:51.579 --> 00:25:51.859
 temple

00:25:51.859 --> 00:25:52.639
 will dwarf

00:25:52.640 --> 00:25:53.500
 anything

00:25:53.500 --> 00:25:55.300
 the skyline

00:25:55.300 --> 00:25:55.580
 of

00:25:55.580 --> 00:25:56.280
 Pergamum

00:25:56.280 --> 00:25:57.200
 can boast

00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:58.960
 remember

00:25:58.960 --> 00:25:59.259
 what the

00:25:59.259 --> 00:25:59.700
 temple was

00:25:59.700 --> 00:26:00.020
 the temple

00:26:00.020 --> 00:26:00.460
 was where

00:26:00.460 --> 00:26:00.880
 you would

00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:01.140
 meet

00:26:01.140 --> 00:26:01.560
 God

00:26:01.560 --> 00:26:02.340
 the temple

00:26:02.340 --> 00:26:02.800
 was where

00:26:02.800 --> 00:26:04.240
 your success

00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:05.040
 and prosperity

00:26:05.040 --> 00:26:05.800
 and security

00:26:05.800 --> 00:26:06.300
 in life

00:26:06.300 --> 00:26:07.440
 was found

00:26:07.440 --> 00:26:09.460
 forgiveness

00:26:09.460 --> 00:26:10.440
 and acceptance

00:26:10.440 --> 00:26:11.759
 well Jesus

00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.160
 says

00:26:12.160 --> 00:26:13.120
 don't be

00:26:13.120 --> 00:26:13.540
 looking at

00:26:13.540 --> 00:26:14.300
 your skyline

00:26:14.300 --> 00:26:14.680
 here in

00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:15.160
 Pergamum

00:26:15.160 --> 00:26:16.620
 look to

00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:16.960
 me

00:26:16.960 --> 00:26:18.259
 come to

00:26:18.259 --> 00:26:18.660
 me in

00:26:18.660 --> 00:26:18.860
 heaven

00:26:18.860 --> 00:26:19.640
 we'll see

00:26:19.640 --> 00:26:20.140
 me the

00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:20.900
 true temple

00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:22.120
 and you

00:26:22.120 --> 00:26:22.700
 will know

00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.400
 forgiveness

00:26:23.400 --> 00:26:24.300
 and acceptance

00:26:24.300 --> 00:26:24.680
 with the

00:26:24.680 --> 00:26:24.920
 father

00:26:24.920 --> 00:26:25.400
 and you

00:26:25.400 --> 00:26:25.980
 will see

00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:26.940
 how ridiculous

00:26:26.940 --> 00:26:28.420
 all this

00:26:28.420 --> 00:26:29.080
 other stuff

00:26:29.080 --> 00:26:29.480
 was that

00:26:29.480 --> 00:26:30.180
 seemed so

00:26:30.180 --> 00:26:30.540
 appealing

00:26:30.540 --> 00:26:31.440
 so convincing

00:26:31.440 --> 00:26:32.280
 so much

00:26:32.280 --> 00:26:32.740
 the basis

00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:33.400
 of society

00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:34.840
 is just

00:26:34.840 --> 00:26:35.840
 so nothing

00:26:35.840 --> 00:26:39.520
 here on earth

00:26:39.520 --> 00:26:40.200
 you might look

00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:40.880
 like just

00:26:40.880 --> 00:26:41.640
 another person

00:26:41.640 --> 00:26:42.460
 being abused

00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:43.040
 or killed

00:26:43.040 --> 00:26:44.840
 but from

00:26:44.840 --> 00:26:45.460
 the perspective

00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:46.060
 of heaven

00:26:46.060 --> 00:26:48.180
 it is

00:26:48.180 --> 00:26:48.880
 taking up

00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:50.260
 your pre-booked

00:26:50.260 --> 00:26:51.020
 seat in

00:26:51.020 --> 00:26:51.340
 heaven

00:26:51.340 --> 00:26:52.420
 with the

00:26:52.420 --> 00:26:52.980
 Lord forever

00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:56.960
 so the

00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.500
 final question

00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:57.820
 is

00:26:57.820 --> 00:27:00.260
 whose

00:27:00.260 --> 00:27:01.060
 invitation

00:27:01.060 --> 00:27:02.520
 do you

00:27:02.520 --> 00:27:02.960
 desire

00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:03.340
 more

00:27:03.340 --> 00:27:03.680
 whose

00:27:03.680 --> 00:27:04.300
 invitation

00:27:04.300 --> 00:27:04.760
 do you

00:27:04.760 --> 00:27:05.240
 value

00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:05.620
 more

00:27:05.620 --> 00:27:06.260
 whose

00:27:06.260 --> 00:27:06.900
 invitation

00:27:06.900 --> 00:27:07.700
 do you

00:27:07.700 --> 00:27:08.300
 get more

00:27:08.300 --> 00:27:08.820
 excited

00:27:08.820 --> 00:27:09.220
 about

00:27:09.220 --> 00:27:11.140
 is it

00:27:11.140 --> 00:27:11.940
 the invitation

00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:12.360
 to be

00:27:12.360 --> 00:27:12.840
 welcomed

00:27:12.840 --> 00:27:14.060
 and accepted

00:27:14.060 --> 00:27:14.500
 by the

00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:14.820
 world

00:27:14.820 --> 00:27:15.540
 represented

00:27:15.540 --> 00:27:16.520
 by your

00:27:16.520 --> 00:27:17.320
 non-Christian

00:27:17.320 --> 00:27:17.960
 family

00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:18.720
 your friends

00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:19.339
 your neighbours

00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:20.019
 those in

00:27:20.019 --> 00:27:20.559
 your workplace

00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:21.059
 those in

00:27:21.059 --> 00:27:21.500
 your sporting

00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:21.819
 team

00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:23.100
 or when

00:27:23.100 --> 00:27:23.500
 they offer

00:27:23.500 --> 00:27:24.220
 those invitations

00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:25.440
 is that what

00:27:25.440 --> 00:27:26.100
 gets you excited

00:27:26.100 --> 00:27:26.700
 is that what

00:27:26.700 --> 00:27:27.220
 takes your

00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:28.059
 tweaks your

00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:28.500
 interest

00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:30.900
 or is it

00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:32.279
 the invitation

00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:32.779
 that the world

00:27:32.779 --> 00:27:33.579
 offers generally

00:27:33.579 --> 00:27:34.539
 the vast array

00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:35.180
 of pleasures

00:27:35.180 --> 00:27:36.140
 and distractions

00:27:36.140 --> 00:27:37.620
 that our

00:27:37.620 --> 00:27:38.440
 culture offers

00:27:38.440 --> 00:27:39.059
 we see it on the

00:27:39.059 --> 00:27:39.779
 TV all the time

00:27:39.779 --> 00:27:40.600
 that's advertising

00:27:40.600 --> 00:27:41.839
 come and enjoy

00:27:41.839 --> 00:27:42.579
 this you haven't

00:27:42.579 --> 00:27:43.319
 lived until you

00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:44.319
 experienced that

00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:45.600
 you can be this

00:27:45.600 --> 00:27:46.200
 sort of person

00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:46.900
 in that sort of

00:27:46.900 --> 00:27:47.299
 place

00:27:47.299 --> 00:27:48.879
 and it

00:27:48.879 --> 00:27:49.599
 messes with

00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:50.200
 our heads

00:27:50.200 --> 00:27:51.299
 well this

00:27:51.299 --> 00:27:51.839
 messes with

00:27:51.839 --> 00:27:52.319
 my head

00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:52.599
 anyway

00:27:52.599 --> 00:27:55.879
 what invitation

00:27:55.879 --> 00:27:57.099
 excites you

00:27:57.099 --> 00:27:58.079
 what invitation

00:27:58.079 --> 00:27:59.659
 do you desire

00:27:59.659 --> 00:28:01.220
 what invitation

00:28:01.220 --> 00:28:02.099
 do you long

00:28:02.099 --> 00:28:02.460
 for

00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:03.960
 is it that

00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:04.460
 that comes

00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:04.759
 from the

00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.039
 world

00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:05.700
 in myriad

00:28:05.700 --> 00:28:06.220
 forms

00:28:06.220 --> 00:28:07.879
 or is it

00:28:07.879 --> 00:28:08.500
 the invitation

00:28:08.500 --> 00:28:09.220
 from Jesus

00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:13.559
 you can't

00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:13.960
 accept

00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:14.399
 both

00:28:14.399 --> 00:28:15.079
 invitations

00:28:15.079 --> 00:28:18.879
 let me

00:28:18.879 --> 00:28:19.159
 pray

00:28:19.159 --> 00:28:22.539
 Lord again

00:28:22.539 --> 00:28:23.500
 you've spoken

00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.639
 both words

00:28:24.639 --> 00:28:25.379
 of terrific

00:28:25.379 --> 00:28:25.879
 comfort

00:28:25.879 --> 00:28:26.919
 you do

00:28:26.919 --> 00:28:27.500
 know our

00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:28.199
 situations

00:28:28.199 --> 00:28:29.419
 in great

00:28:29.419 --> 00:28:29.899
 detail

00:28:29.899 --> 00:28:31.659
 but Lord

00:28:31.659 --> 00:28:32.359
 your words

00:28:32.359 --> 00:28:32.839
 of comfort

00:28:32.839 --> 00:28:33.579
 become words

00:28:33.579 --> 00:28:34.199
 of confrontation

00:28:34.199 --> 00:28:35.319
 when you see

00:28:35.319 --> 00:28:35.839
 into our

00:28:35.839 --> 00:28:36.240
 hearts

00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:38.019
 you know

00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:38.439
 Lord

00:28:38.439 --> 00:28:39.379
 our attitudes

00:28:39.379 --> 00:28:40.480
 and when

00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:41.099
 those attitudes

00:28:41.099 --> 00:28:41.819
 are not

00:28:41.819 --> 00:28:42.419
 aligned

00:28:42.420 --> 00:28:43.920
 with what

00:28:43.920 --> 00:28:44.660
 is becoming

00:28:44.660 --> 00:28:45.100
 for us

00:28:45.100 --> 00:28:45.539
 your people

00:28:45.539 --> 00:28:47.740
 Lord help

00:28:47.740 --> 00:28:48.180
 us

00:28:48.180 --> 00:28:49.840
 to hear

00:28:49.840 --> 00:28:50.180
 your word

00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:50.820
 help us

00:28:50.820 --> 00:28:51.820
 to use

00:28:51.820 --> 00:28:52.279
 your word

00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:52.700
 and your

00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:53.180
 spirits

00:28:53.180 --> 00:28:53.759
 working within

00:28:53.759 --> 00:28:54.019
 us

00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:55.240
 to dig

00:28:55.240 --> 00:28:55.560
 deep

00:28:55.560 --> 00:28:56.039
 into

00:28:56.039 --> 00:28:56.840
 our own

00:28:56.840 --> 00:28:57.160
 hearts

00:28:57.160 --> 00:28:57.880
 to use

00:28:57.880 --> 00:28:58.300
 the sword

00:28:58.300 --> 00:28:58.580
 of your

00:28:58.580 --> 00:28:58.900
 word

00:28:58.900 --> 00:29:00.220
 to divide

00:29:00.220 --> 00:29:00.980
 our thoughts

00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:01.539
 and our

00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:01.880
 passions

00:29:01.880 --> 00:29:02.740
 right down

00:29:02.740 --> 00:29:03.060
 to our

00:29:03.060 --> 00:29:03.460
 innermost

00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:03.740
 being

00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.060
 so we

00:29:04.060 --> 00:29:04.500
 can see

00:29:04.500 --> 00:29:04.840
 what's

00:29:04.840 --> 00:29:05.259
 really

00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:05.840
 happening

00:29:05.840 --> 00:29:06.100
 on the

00:29:06.100 --> 00:29:06.440
 inside

00:29:06.440 --> 00:29:08.120
 and Lord

00:29:08.120 --> 00:29:09.120
 take action

00:29:09.120 --> 00:29:10.019
 to correct

00:29:10.019 --> 00:29:10.700
 that which

00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:11.240
 is wrong

00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:12.100
 help us

00:29:12.100 --> 00:29:12.380
 Lord

00:29:12.380 --> 00:29:13.240
 to avoid

00:29:13.240 --> 00:29:14.360
 that creeping

00:29:14.360 --> 00:29:14.940
 compromise

00:29:14.940 --> 00:29:15.640
 that loses

00:29:15.640 --> 00:29:16.299
 our identity

00:29:16.299 --> 00:29:18.220
 and loses

00:29:18.220 --> 00:29:19.559
 our witness

00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:20.180
 to you

00:29:20.180 --> 00:29:21.539
 help us

00:29:21.539 --> 00:29:21.860
 to think

00:29:21.860 --> 00:29:22.180
 about this

00:29:22.180 --> 00:29:22.720
 as a church

00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:23.360
 collectively

00:29:23.360 --> 00:29:23.960
 as well

00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:24.519
 as individually

00:29:24.519 --> 00:29:26.140
 in Jesus name

00:29:26.140 --> 00:29:26.559
 I pray

00:29:26.559 --> 00:29:27.200
 Amen