WEBVTT 00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:03.800 Good morning and welcome church, welcome online, good to see you. 00:00:03.899 --> 00:00:07.879 My name is Nick, I'm the pastor for discipleship here at St. Paul's. 00:00:08.339 --> 00:00:09.240 Lovely to see you. 00:00:10.320 --> 00:00:11.460 What did we just experience? 00:00:14.519 --> 00:00:21.019 Today we're taking our final step in our season called Your Word is Truth. 00:00:22.120 --> 00:00:24.900 And if you're new today or you've missed a week or two, 00:00:24.899 --> 00:00:30.460 let me catch you up real quick on what we've heard from God's Word in preaching this term. 00:00:30.579 --> 00:00:32.000 Joseph, you might want to turn this down. 00:00:32.159 --> 00:00:35.939 I do tend to get a little emotional and louder than that. 00:00:36.039 --> 00:00:37.359 There we go, caught me just in time. 00:00:38.679 --> 00:00:39.640 Here's where we've been. 00:00:40.739 --> 00:00:44.439 The Bible is the truth that interprets the world. 00:00:45.280 --> 00:00:46.840 We ought to take it seriously. 00:00:47.560 --> 00:00:49.539 It needs nothing added to it. 00:00:50.519 --> 00:00:52.420 We need it to discover God. 00:00:52.420 --> 00:00:55.840 It's how we see God's glory. 00:00:57.179 --> 00:01:00.540 It's clear enough for anyone to see God. 00:01:01.140 --> 00:01:03.679 For a child and a university professor. 00:01:05.120 --> 00:01:11.299 It reveals eternal past to future reality with complete finality. 00:01:11.900 --> 00:01:17.320 And all of it, every word of it, in history and promise and song and poem and wisdom and prophecy, 00:01:17.319 --> 00:01:23.099 all intertwined with the journeys of real, broken, fallible children, women and men, 00:01:24.419 --> 00:01:29.979 is gathered for us to point us toward one person, Jesus, 00:01:30.539 --> 00:01:33.239 who was God and is God. 00:01:33.239 --> 00:01:40.500 Jesus is the embodiment of the Bible, called the Word himself, 00:01:41.339 --> 00:01:49.679 as the only true, worthy, capable, certain, majestic, authentic, climactic, reigning king 00:01:49.679 --> 00:01:56.439 over the kingdom of God that has been forever planned through him and established for him. 00:01:56.439 --> 00:02:00.039 So it's not just another book, right? 00:02:02.759 --> 00:02:05.719 The Bible is all of that. 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:12.879 And it's a completely new experience that you must have. 00:02:13.759 --> 00:02:17.680 And you can't get that experience any other way. 00:02:18.879 --> 00:02:22.740 Experiencing the Bible as God intends really matters. 00:02:23.900 --> 00:02:24.620 Let's pray. 00:02:24.620 --> 00:02:24.659 Let's pray. 00:02:26.439 --> 00:02:29.840 Lord God, you made the world and all that is in it. 00:02:30.639 --> 00:02:35.979 You gave us testimony through the Holy Spirit from witnesses and prophets 00:02:35.979 --> 00:02:41.340 who wrote down your works and your words for all people to experience. 00:02:42.199 --> 00:02:46.079 Would you help us to see in these words as your spirit carries us along in them? 00:02:46.599 --> 00:02:53.759 Help us to see Jesus in Scripture today and light our life by him to guide us on our journey. 00:02:53.759 --> 00:02:55.280 Amen. 00:02:56.439 --> 00:03:02.759 As a child, my family went on one big holiday to Canada. 00:03:04.579 --> 00:03:09.020 I could tell you stories about a bald eagle that flew just over our heads. 00:03:09.340 --> 00:03:11.359 It was so big and terrifying. 00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:16.600 I felt like cowering, even though it was nowhere near me at the time. 00:03:16.600 --> 00:03:19.680 I saw a bear catching a salmon in a river. 00:03:20.640 --> 00:03:25.340 I had hot chocolate by a waterfall beside a glacier. 00:03:25.340 --> 00:03:28.740 After canoeing across a lake. 00:03:28.740 --> 00:03:33.180 A pot of orcas swam along beside our boat. 00:03:34.620 --> 00:03:35.599 It was amazing. 00:03:35.599 --> 00:03:38.560 And we had a camera with us. 00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:43.299 It was one of those old film cameras where you don't ever know if a photo was going to turn out. 00:03:43.419 --> 00:03:47.459 You just have the guess of capturing that moment. 00:03:47.460 --> 00:03:57.200 But the photos that we caught, even though many of them are very good, they don't tell the whole story of just experiencing the awe and wonder of that place. 00:03:57.199 --> 00:04:00.259 Each picture helps tell the story of our trip. 00:04:00.259 --> 00:04:05.879 But to truly experience it, you had to be there. 00:04:05.879 --> 00:04:09.000 You had to be there. 00:04:10.579 --> 00:04:18.240 It's this little phrase that in English that we use to truly experience what happened, you need more than a story. 00:04:18.980 --> 00:04:20.139 You need more than a photo. 00:04:20.759 --> 00:04:22.279 You'd have to be physically there. 00:04:22.639 --> 00:04:27.300 Hearing you had to be there when someone's telling you a story, it's quite isolating. 00:04:27.879 --> 00:04:30.459 Often people are using it to say, you weren't there. 00:04:30.459 --> 00:04:45.099 The joy or the shock or the gravity of what someone's trying to tell you about that event, it can't be shared in a way that brings us into that experience. 00:04:46.479 --> 00:04:49.219 But the Bible is not like that. 00:04:49.220 --> 00:05:05.720 As you read its words, even over and over and over again, you experience something that according to 2 Peter is even better than witnessing the history in person. 00:05:06.740 --> 00:05:09.400 It's even better than being there. 00:05:10.260 --> 00:05:14.740 Because God's speaking these words as we read them. 00:05:16.320 --> 00:05:18.580 These words will never leave you empty. 00:05:19.220 --> 00:05:21.960 Just fearing that you'd have to be there. 00:05:24.200 --> 00:05:27.440 Today's passage is a letter from Peter. 00:05:27.600 --> 00:05:29.340 It's his second letter that we have. 00:05:30.380 --> 00:05:34.200 And Peter was one of Jesus' closest 12 disciples. 00:05:34.980 --> 00:05:39.160 And he wrote this letter to Christians around about 65 AD. 00:05:39.800 --> 00:05:48.440 Now, I don't know much about history, but I know that was a really bad guy running Rome at about this time called Emperor Nero. 00:05:48.439 --> 00:05:50.439 And he loved killing Christians. 00:05:52.839 --> 00:05:57.379 Eyewitnesses to Jesus were being killed and they were dying out. 00:05:58.279 --> 00:06:04.279 And in verses 13 to 14, Peter tells us that he fully expected to die soon. 00:06:04.279 --> 00:06:07.519 And he would. 00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:10.099 He was crucified. 00:06:10.659 --> 00:06:16.099 It is said he was hung upside down on a cross for his faith. 00:06:17.559 --> 00:06:21.799 And as Peter is writing this, he knows it's going to be his last letter in all likelihood. 00:06:21.800 --> 00:06:25.879 It's like his last will in Testament. 00:06:27.439 --> 00:06:29.319 So what's in Peter's will? 00:06:31.960 --> 00:06:37.379 What does Peter want to communicate to Christians as one last final word? 00:06:37.639 --> 00:06:40.680 Is he going to tell a grand story? 00:06:41.019 --> 00:06:42.800 Like, ah, you had to be there. 00:06:42.960 --> 00:06:43.540 All right, bye. 00:06:43.540 --> 00:06:50.780 No, Peter instead is going to explain why we don't need him around. 00:06:52.300 --> 00:06:57.560 As we have the scriptures as our eyewitness to the power and majesty of Jesus. 00:06:57.560 --> 00:07:04.060 Because in experiencing scripture, we are made to see what Peter saw. 00:07:04.820 --> 00:07:09.620 We become eyewitnesses of Jesus ourselves through scripture's words. 00:07:09.620 --> 00:07:16.939 Peter is going to explain this to us by, figuratively, he's going to get out one old photo. 00:07:18.780 --> 00:07:23.500 One story that his readers would have already heard him tell. 00:07:25.540 --> 00:07:26.959 And he's going to say this. 00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:29.220 One last time. 00:07:29.620 --> 00:07:32.079 Let me just point to this and say, you know what? 00:07:32.620 --> 00:07:37.360 This incredible experience that I had is what you'll experience. 00:07:37.360 --> 00:07:40.240 And I'm sure of it. 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:43.259 When you open scripture. 00:07:45.240 --> 00:07:49.020 So let's see how Peter shares this memory with us. 00:07:49.280 --> 00:07:53.020 This little Polaroid from his journey. 00:07:53.639 --> 00:07:55.840 Have a look in your Bibles of verse 16. 00:07:56.639 --> 00:07:59.480 And if I haven't convinced you or the last few weeks haven't convinced you, 00:07:59.540 --> 00:08:01.520 make sure you've got your Bible in your hand in this moment. 00:08:03.020 --> 00:08:05.639 Check with me that this is what God says. 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:07.160 Don't just rely on the screen. 00:08:07.160 --> 00:08:08.720 I type mistakes all the time. 00:08:10.920 --> 00:08:13.840 Verse 16 of 2 Peter chapter 1 says, 00:08:14.480 --> 00:08:22.560 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, 00:08:23.160 --> 00:08:26.600 but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 00:08:26.600 --> 00:08:34.220 Peter must have been surrounded by sceptical people challenging his stories about Jesus, 00:08:34.220 --> 00:08:39.180 even as he shared them as eyewitness testimony, as his proof. 00:08:39.179 --> 00:08:46.799 Peter is said to have been the main source for Mark's gospel, 00:08:46.799 --> 00:08:54.739 which is one of the four consistent histories of Jesus that we have gathered from many eyewitnesses here in the Bible. 00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:58.379 Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 00:08:59.500 --> 00:09:00.700 They're not myths. 00:09:00.700 --> 00:09:05.180 And as those gospels will attest to, and Mark as well, 00:09:05.700 --> 00:09:08.960 Peter is not clever at all. 00:09:08.960 --> 00:09:13.420 He almost laughed. 00:09:14.139 --> 00:09:16.800 I imagine Peter laughing in that verse that we just read. 00:09:17.280 --> 00:09:22.660 At the idea that he would be clever enough to make up everything that he said happened. 00:09:22.659 --> 00:09:27.740 How could he make up something so wonderful? 00:09:30.299 --> 00:09:35.819 So he one last time testifies to the power and majesty of Jesus. 00:09:36.539 --> 00:09:40.000 And Peter shares the testimony of God himself. 00:09:40.360 --> 00:09:42.079 So let's have a look at the next verse there. 00:09:42.159 --> 00:09:42.939 Verse 17. 00:09:42.940 --> 00:10:10.120 If you've ever read the gospels, 00:10:10.120 --> 00:10:16.919 you might be aware of the little photo that Peter's pulled out here. 00:10:17.679 --> 00:10:19.759 Do you know what memory he's pointing us to? 00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:23.580 He wants us to remember a moment, 00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:24.879 as if we've already heard it, 00:10:24.899 --> 00:10:28.240 because he's already told the people who he's writing to, 00:10:29.360 --> 00:10:32.580 about what we now call the transfiguration, 00:10:33.860 --> 00:10:37.480 which is recorded in three of the four gospels. 00:10:37.480 --> 00:10:40.259 And one is in Mark chapter 9. 00:10:40.420 --> 00:10:43.440 So I'm going to actually show you what this photo is. 00:10:43.539 --> 00:10:45.279 I'm going to describe this memory to you, 00:10:45.600 --> 00:10:47.420 as Peter told it to Mark. 00:10:49.340 --> 00:10:50.200 Here's what happened. 00:10:50.200 --> 00:10:52.640 Jesus took Peter, 00:10:52.759 --> 00:10:57.440 James and John with him and led him up a high mountain where they were all alone. 00:10:59.360 --> 00:11:02.900 There he was transfigured before him. 00:11:03.400 --> 00:11:05.680 His clothes became dazzling white, 00:11:05.940 --> 00:11:08.100 whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 00:11:09.160 --> 00:11:12.600 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, 00:11:12.600 --> 00:11:15.120 who were talking with Jesus. 00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:19.060 Then a cloud appeared and covered them. 00:11:19.700 --> 00:11:21.440 And a voice came from the cloud. 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:22.840 This is my son, 00:11:23.039 --> 00:11:23.840 whom I love. 00:11:24.120 --> 00:11:25.159 Listen to him. 00:11:26.500 --> 00:11:26.980 Suddenly, 00:11:27.120 --> 00:11:27.720 when they looked around, 00:11:27.799 --> 00:11:30.419 they no longer saw anyone except Jesus. 00:11:33.060 --> 00:11:35.019 The Lord God himself, 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:37.919 and Moses and Elijah, 00:11:38.980 --> 00:11:39.480 and Peter, 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:40.220 James and John, 00:11:40.220 --> 00:11:45.340 and Jesus together testify that Jesus is God's son, 00:11:45.639 --> 00:11:46.220 the Messiah. 00:11:47.220 --> 00:11:50.620 So here's why I think Peter shares with us, 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:52.840 and with everyone who reads this, 00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:55.100 that one memory. 00:11:57.040 --> 00:12:01.320 Jesus was witnessed to by Moses and Elijah. 00:12:01.320 --> 00:12:07.720 The Old Testament was summarized in Jewish tradition as the law and the prophets. 00:12:08.940 --> 00:12:11.460 The law and the prophets. 00:12:12.220 --> 00:12:13.220 The champions, 00:12:13.940 --> 00:12:16.040 or the main characters, 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:21.220 or the most memorable characters of those two sections were Moses and Elijah. 00:12:21.580 --> 00:12:22.680 And in this moment, 00:12:22.920 --> 00:12:28.940 Peter was showing us that their presence on the mountain of transfiguration 00:12:28.940 --> 00:12:32.740 confirmed Jesus is the Messiah, 00:12:33.780 --> 00:12:37.260 the man those two men had personally written about and hoped for. 00:12:38.560 --> 00:12:39.980 And figuratively, 00:12:40.600 --> 00:12:43.680 the law and the prophets that they represent, 00:12:44.400 --> 00:12:45.600 the whole Old Testament, 00:12:46.200 --> 00:12:46.840 is there, 00:12:48.060 --> 00:12:48.600 figuratively, 00:12:49.640 --> 00:12:53.240 witnessing to Jesus in that moment. 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:58.320 All the fulfillment of the promises of the entire Old Testament, 00:12:58.680 --> 00:13:01.159 pointing to Jesus and saying, 00:13:02.120 --> 00:13:04.860 listen to him as you've listened to us. 00:13:06.200 --> 00:13:07.639 It is their witness, 00:13:08.060 --> 00:13:10.980 their original prophetic message, 00:13:11.840 --> 00:13:17.560 that has led Peter to share this memory in his last will with us in particular. 00:13:18.539 --> 00:13:20.399 So let's have a look at verse 19. 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:20.500 Again, 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:28.720 we also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, 00:13:29.419 --> 00:13:32.399 and you will do well to pay attention to it. 00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:36.639 It is as if Peter's held up this photo, 00:13:36.819 --> 00:13:37.379 this memory, 00:13:38.279 --> 00:13:39.980 and he's taken you through it. 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:41.699 He's pointed you one more time, 00:13:41.779 --> 00:13:42.539 just last thing, 00:13:42.679 --> 00:13:44.399 just remember this thing that happened to me. 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:45.879 And then he says this, 00:13:45.879 --> 00:13:50.139 as I put this photo down, 00:13:51.299 --> 00:13:53.340 pick your Bible up. 00:13:54.919 --> 00:13:55.980 As I leave, 00:13:57.840 --> 00:13:59.120 pick up Scripture. 00:14:01.740 --> 00:14:06.320 In here is a clearer moment, 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:08.860 a clearer picture 00:14:08.860 --> 00:14:10.919 of what I've just described, 00:14:11.340 --> 00:14:13.720 what I got to see with my own eyes. 00:14:13.720 --> 00:14:15.460 It's clearer in there. 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:17.480 The original language is even stronger, 00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:19.399 and I've highlighted it on the screen for you, 00:14:19.600 --> 00:14:21.680 because a better translation of verse 19, 00:14:21.800 --> 00:14:23.560 which happens to be in the ESV 00:14:23.560 --> 00:14:24.960 and some of the other translations, 00:14:25.920 --> 00:14:26.779 Peter actually says, 00:14:26.779 --> 00:14:29.519 we have something more sure, 00:14:30.919 --> 00:14:32.120 the prophetic word. 00:14:32.980 --> 00:14:34.740 More sure than even being there, 00:14:35.299 --> 00:14:36.500 or hearing from Peter, 00:14:37.220 --> 00:14:39.000 is what God does 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:41.720 through the prophetic word. 00:14:42.240 --> 00:14:42.360 Now, 00:14:42.439 --> 00:14:45.159 Peter here is talking about part of the Old Testament, 00:14:45.220 --> 00:14:47.939 talking about the Old Testament Scripture, 00:14:48.439 --> 00:14:52.600 when he explains how God worked to create it. 00:14:52.600 --> 00:14:54.399 In the past, 00:14:54.899 --> 00:14:56.279 God never left people 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:59.300 to create their own interpretation of him, 00:14:59.980 --> 00:15:02.080 based on the world around them, 00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:02.960 in verse 20. 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:04.300 Have a look there in verse 20, 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:05.360 you might see that there. 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:08.759 Or by their own thought or will, 00:15:09.300 --> 00:15:10.139 in verse 21. 00:15:12.220 --> 00:15:14.560 But these more sure Scriptures 00:15:14.560 --> 00:15:17.259 came directly from God himself. 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:21.960 Peter is connecting God's own testimony 00:15:21.960 --> 00:15:24.759 that he heard from heaven about Jesus 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:28.500 with God's words spoken through the pages 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:30.220 of the law and the prophets. 00:15:30.539 --> 00:15:33.960 These are one continuous testimony. 00:15:36.559 --> 00:15:40.299 God testified through the Old Testament this way. 00:15:40.679 --> 00:15:41.379 In verse 21, 00:15:42.059 --> 00:15:42.759 Peter says, 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:45.039 prophets, though human, 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:46.860 spoke from God, 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:49.819 as they were carried along 00:15:49.819 --> 00:15:51.399 by the Holy Spirit. 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:55.639 I read this week that 00:15:55.639 --> 00:15:57.240 we can think 00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:59.799 of this like 00:15:59.799 --> 00:16:00.899 sailing. 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:02.659 Ever been sailing? 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:05.620 Ever been at the beach 00:16:05.620 --> 00:16:07.100 and had the urge to go sail? 00:16:08.840 --> 00:16:10.720 Let me try and put you in that place. 00:16:11.439 --> 00:16:11.960 Imagine 00:16:11.960 --> 00:16:13.600 a calm ocean 00:16:13.600 --> 00:16:15.700 beside a small town. 00:16:15.700 --> 00:16:18.980 You look out to the ocean 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:20.379 and you see the water surface 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.640 darken and shiver, 00:16:22.180 --> 00:16:23.320 showing where the wind 00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:24.340 is moving. 00:16:24.780 --> 00:16:25.560 There's a boat 00:16:25.560 --> 00:16:26.440 on the shore 00:16:26.440 --> 00:16:27.660 with a mast. 00:16:28.520 --> 00:16:29.640 It's begging you 00:16:29.640 --> 00:16:30.600 to push it out 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:31.500 into the ocean. 00:16:33.580 --> 00:16:34.340 As you 00:16:34.340 --> 00:16:36.000 break through the waves 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:36.379 with it, 00:16:36.920 --> 00:16:37.820 you see an island 00:16:37.820 --> 00:16:38.480 out to sea. 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:41.480 You're kicking a snorkel around 00:16:41.480 --> 00:16:42.340 in the bottom of the boat. 00:16:42.340 --> 00:16:44.759 And then as you look, 00:16:44.899 --> 00:16:45.720 you see dolphins 00:16:45.720 --> 00:16:48.379 just turning the corner 00:16:48.379 --> 00:16:49.220 around the point 00:16:49.220 --> 00:16:49.820 ahead of you 00:16:49.820 --> 00:16:50.440 and away 00:16:50.440 --> 00:16:51.220 out of sight. 00:16:52.420 --> 00:16:53.980 What do you need to do 00:16:53.980 --> 00:16:55.379 to experience 00:16:55.379 --> 00:16:56.700 sailing in this moment? 00:16:56.800 --> 00:16:57.300 Because frankly, 00:16:57.399 --> 00:16:58.460 that boat's not going to move you. 00:16:58.700 --> 00:16:59.820 Once you get in it, 00:17:00.019 --> 00:17:01.300 you're just going to sit there 00:17:01.300 --> 00:17:02.220 and it's going to be 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:03.759 a real dull experience. 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:04.620 What do you need? 00:17:04.619 --> 00:17:07.879 You need to set a sail. 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:10.319 If you raised a sail 00:17:10.319 --> 00:17:11.279 on that mast, 00:17:11.979 --> 00:17:12.979 turned it to catch 00:17:12.979 --> 00:17:13.779 some breeze, 00:17:14.139 --> 00:17:15.839 the boat would move along 00:17:15.839 --> 00:17:16.719 against the current 00:17:16.719 --> 00:17:18.039 and you'd steer it on 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:19.379 by the strongest wind 00:17:19.379 --> 00:17:20.799 and you'd sail 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:21.619 wherever that wind 00:17:21.619 --> 00:17:22.539 might send you 00:17:22.539 --> 00:17:24.439 and go with it 00:17:24.439 --> 00:17:26.399 where you could not go 00:17:26.399 --> 00:17:27.619 without it. 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:30.539 Scripture is like sailing. 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:34.220 People wrote 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:35.220 what the wind, 00:17:35.799 --> 00:17:36.359 figuratively, 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:38.039 but the wind of the Spirit 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:39.099 gave them. 00:17:39.960 --> 00:17:41.359 As they were blown along, 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:42.899 carried by the Holy Spirit, 00:17:43.299 --> 00:17:44.980 they yielded their sail, 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:46.559 themselves, 00:17:47.279 --> 00:17:48.180 to its direction. 00:17:48.779 --> 00:17:49.559 They didn't swim. 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:50.899 They didn't get out there 00:17:50.899 --> 00:17:51.480 with their hands 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:52.879 and try and push themselves along. 00:17:53.879 --> 00:17:55.200 They yielded to the wind 00:17:55.200 --> 00:17:56.019 of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:56.019 --> 00:17:59.660 Because they wrote 00:17:59.660 --> 00:18:00.799 God's words for us 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:01.920 in this way, 00:18:02.339 --> 00:18:03.559 our experience 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:06.019 in reading those same words, 00:18:06.879 --> 00:18:07.779 in our experience, 00:18:07.879 --> 00:18:08.799 we're blown along 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:10.660 by the same Spirit. 00:18:11.500 --> 00:18:12.400 It's like we've caught 00:18:12.400 --> 00:18:13.200 the same breeze. 00:18:14.900 --> 00:18:16.200 We're carried along 00:18:16.200 --> 00:18:16.779 as sailors 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:18.259 towards God's destination 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:19.000 for us 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:19.680 and as we've heard 00:18:19.680 --> 00:18:20.240 this season, 00:18:21.299 --> 00:18:22.400 all the wind blows 00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:23.160 toward Jesus. 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:26.660 Peter is more sure 00:18:26.660 --> 00:18:27.840 that God will speak 00:18:27.840 --> 00:18:28.940 to readers of Scripture 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:30.200 through the Holy Spirit 00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:33.040 than having to be there 00:18:33.040 --> 00:18:33.960 to witness Jesus. 00:18:36.360 --> 00:18:37.160 Does that make you 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:37.700 think of anyone? 00:18:39.560 --> 00:18:40.440 It makes me think 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:41.259 of doubting Thomas. 00:18:41.400 --> 00:18:42.500 Does anyone remember Thomas, 00:18:42.820 --> 00:18:43.500 the poor guy 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:44.500 who has doubting 00:18:44.500 --> 00:18:45.800 forever in front of his name? 00:18:46.140 --> 00:18:47.220 He was a disciple 00:18:47.220 --> 00:18:48.200 who wasn't there 00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:49.160 when Jesus first 00:18:49.160 --> 00:18:50.300 appeared to the disciples. 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:51.600 And when they told him 00:18:51.600 --> 00:18:52.000 about it, 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:53.680 he didn't believe it. 00:18:55.240 --> 00:18:56.200 But when Jesus 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:57.299 did appear to him, 00:18:58.240 --> 00:18:59.640 immediately he says, 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:00.440 my Lord 00:19:00.440 --> 00:19:01.759 and my God. 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:04.119 Seeing was believing. 00:19:05.660 --> 00:19:06.680 Then Jesus says, 00:19:07.700 --> 00:19:08.819 because you have seen me, 00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:09.660 you have believed. 00:19:09.960 --> 00:19:10.920 But blessed are those 00:19:10.920 --> 00:19:11.960 who have not seen 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:13.339 and yet have 00:19:13.339 --> 00:19:14.500 believed. 00:19:16.180 --> 00:19:17.440 Peter is saying this morning, 00:19:17.539 --> 00:19:18.259 if you open this, 00:19:19.859 --> 00:19:20.880 you get to see. 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:24.519 the blessing of God 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.740 is received by those 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:26.980 who open Scripture 00:19:26.980 --> 00:19:29.339 and see Jesus revealed. 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:30.599 Lord and God, 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:32.000 powerful and majestic. 00:19:33.339 --> 00:19:34.400 Even though we did not 00:19:34.400 --> 00:19:35.299 see him like Peter 00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:36.700 and Thomas in Scripture, 00:19:36.819 --> 00:19:38.940 we really can see. 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:42.539 And Scripture does not stop 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:43.200 with the law 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:43.759 and the prophets. 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:45.079 Peter is not just talking 00:19:45.079 --> 00:19:46.059 about an Old Testament 00:19:46.059 --> 00:19:47.559 experience. 00:19:47.559 --> 00:19:50.319 and here's how I know that. 00:19:53.899 --> 00:19:54.879 Peter wrote later 00:19:54.879 --> 00:19:55.440 in this letter 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:56.899 in chapter 3. 00:19:57.299 --> 00:19:58.460 We were in chapter 3 00:19:58.460 --> 00:19:59.419 as a community group 00:19:59.419 --> 00:20:00.019 this week 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:01.480 of 2 Peter. 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:03.940 He writes actually there 00:20:03.940 --> 00:20:05.259 about Paul's letters. 00:20:06.179 --> 00:20:07.859 Because people around 00:20:07.859 --> 00:20:08.859 Peter and Paul 00:20:08.859 --> 00:20:09.980 both at the time, 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:10.819 they were twisting 00:20:10.819 --> 00:20:11.879 their words 00:20:11.879 --> 00:20:14.059 to try and prove them 00:20:14.059 --> 00:20:14.899 as wrong 00:20:14.900 --> 00:20:16.480 or try and prove Jesus 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:18.380 as just another man. 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:21.880 And people were doubting 00:20:21.880 --> 00:20:24.000 and twisting Paul's words 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:25.400 as they were doing that. 00:20:27.220 --> 00:20:29.540 They were denying Jesus' power 00:20:29.540 --> 00:20:30.420 and majesty. 00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:32.340 And Peter says something 00:20:32.340 --> 00:20:33.100 amazing here. 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:34.560 He says in verse 16 00:20:34.559 --> 00:20:37.379 that those who twist 00:20:37.379 --> 00:20:38.579 Paul's words 00:20:38.579 --> 00:20:40.919 also twist 00:20:40.919 --> 00:20:43.019 the other Scriptures. 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:46.299 Did you just catch that? 00:20:47.659 --> 00:20:49.559 Peter just equates 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:50.980 the Old Testament, 00:20:51.339 --> 00:20:52.259 the Scriptures of God 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:54.139 with Paul's letters. 00:20:56.220 --> 00:20:58.720 Even the earliest teaching 00:20:58.720 --> 00:20:59.519 of the church 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:00.859 that was coming 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:01.419 from the mouths 00:21:01.419 --> 00:21:02.019 of the apostles 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:02.679 in these letters 00:21:02.680 --> 00:21:04.240 was expected 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:06.140 to be as powerful 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:06.799 to Christians 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:08.960 as the Old Testament, 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:11.240 as eyewitness testimony, 00:21:11.640 --> 00:21:13.340 as all the Scriptures. 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:16.640 He applies 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:18.480 in our passage today, 00:21:18.620 --> 00:21:19.360 verse 21, 00:21:20.840 --> 00:21:21.460 to Paul 00:21:21.460 --> 00:21:22.500 as one 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:23.660 who spoke from God 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:24.500 as if they were carried 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:25.560 along by the Holy Spirit. 00:21:27.840 --> 00:21:29.320 Testimony validates Jesus. 00:21:29.840 --> 00:21:30.759 The prophetic word 00:21:30.759 --> 00:21:31.620 witnesses Jesus. 00:21:31.619 --> 00:21:33.039 Scriptures validate 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:33.899 other Scriptures. 00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:36.179 It's the testimony 00:21:36.179 --> 00:21:37.359 of the apostles too 00:21:37.359 --> 00:21:38.119 that were part 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:39.459 of the Holy Spirit's work. 00:21:39.879 --> 00:21:41.119 They were all inspired 00:21:41.119 --> 00:21:42.199 by the Spirit of God. 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:43.099 They are trustworthy. 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:44.479 And likewise, 00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:47.259 as they were inspired, 00:21:47.919 --> 00:21:49.379 as their sails 00:21:49.379 --> 00:21:49.979 were filled, 00:21:51.419 --> 00:21:53.379 so are ours 00:21:53.379 --> 00:21:55.000 as we experience 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:56.000 the Bible. 00:21:56.239 --> 00:21:57.079 That experience 00:21:57.079 --> 00:21:58.039 as we see Jesus 00:21:58.039 --> 00:21:59.399 through Peter's testimony 00:21:59.400 --> 00:22:00.019 and Mark, 00:22:00.420 --> 00:22:01.000 his reminders 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.680 in his letters 00:22:01.680 --> 00:22:02.800 and Paul's letters 00:22:02.800 --> 00:22:03.660 and the other Gospels 00:22:03.660 --> 00:22:04.360 and the Old Testament 00:22:04.360 --> 00:22:05.600 and everything in here 00:22:05.600 --> 00:22:07.340 changes life 00:22:07.340 --> 00:22:08.220 for us. 00:22:08.600 --> 00:22:09.300 And Peter says 00:22:09.300 --> 00:22:10.280 that opening Scripture 00:22:10.280 --> 00:22:11.160 in verse 19 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:11.900 is like 00:22:11.900 --> 00:22:14.900 is the experience. 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:16.100 Here's why I said 00:22:16.100 --> 00:22:17.320 when Merle had finished 00:22:17.320 --> 00:22:17.840 her reading, 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:19.580 what have we just experienced? 00:22:20.540 --> 00:22:21.720 This is what Peter thinks 00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:22.860 we've just experienced. 00:22:23.380 --> 00:22:24.400 A light shining 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:25.280 in a dark place. 00:22:25.279 --> 00:22:31.160 To truly be 00:22:31.160 --> 00:22:32.059 ever in the dark, 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:32.879 pitch dark, 00:22:33.379 --> 00:22:34.759 is terrifying. 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:36.539 I heard a true story 00:22:36.539 --> 00:22:37.079 this week. 00:22:37.920 --> 00:22:39.559 There were war planes 00:22:39.559 --> 00:22:40.279 coming back 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:42.039 from a dog fight 00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:43.379 in a world war 00:22:43.379 --> 00:22:44.700 and they were flying back 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:46.099 over the Atlantic Ocean 00:22:46.099 --> 00:22:47.319 trying to land 00:22:47.319 --> 00:22:48.539 on their aircraft carrier 00:22:48.539 --> 00:22:49.460 but they couldn't see it. 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:50.220 They knew where it was 00:22:50.220 --> 00:22:51.079 but they couldn't see it 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:52.240 in the pitch dark 00:22:52.240 --> 00:22:53.160 of the night. 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:55.460 and they radioed down 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:57.019 to try and tell 00:22:57.019 --> 00:22:57.840 the aircraft carrier 00:22:57.840 --> 00:22:59.140 hey can you put the lights on 00:22:59.140 --> 00:22:59.960 we don't know where to land. 00:23:01.040 --> 00:23:02.500 And the aircraft carrier said 00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:03.660 no we can't. 00:23:04.360 --> 00:23:05.279 We've got intel 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:06.900 that there's threats 00:23:06.900 --> 00:23:07.680 above and below 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:09.400 that if we are seen 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:11.700 they'll shoot us 00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:13.320 and we'll sink. 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:15.500 So we can't put our lights on. 00:23:18.600 --> 00:23:19.779 They had nowhere to land 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:21.700 and they perished 00:23:21.700 --> 00:23:22.440 in the dark waves 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:23.799 of the Atlantic Ocean. 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:28.420 Peter says that 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:29.700 to not open scripture 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:31.460 or pay attention to it 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:33.839 is to keep our eyes 00:23:33.839 --> 00:23:35.399 shut to the light 00:23:35.399 --> 00:23:36.619 that we need to see 00:23:36.619 --> 00:23:37.639 in the darkness 00:23:37.639 --> 00:23:38.619 of our world. 00:23:40.839 --> 00:23:41.879 Jesus says 00:23:41.879 --> 00:23:42.879 in John 8 00:23:42.879 --> 00:23:43.779 12 00:23:43.779 --> 00:23:44.379 12 00:23:44.379 --> 00:23:46.720 I am the light 00:23:46.720 --> 00:23:48.319 of the world. 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:51.299 Imagery of light 00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:51.940 in the Bible 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:53.440 usually is pointing us 00:23:53.440 --> 00:23:53.940 to Jesus. 00:23:55.839 --> 00:23:56.960 If you're a Christian 00:23:56.960 --> 00:23:57.819 you might have had 00:23:57.819 --> 00:23:59.480 a moment 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:01.799 of seeing that light 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.720 for the first time. 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:04.059 When you see Jesus 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:05.299 as Lord and God 00:24:05.299 --> 00:24:06.859 like a dawn 00:24:06.859 --> 00:24:08.879 of the most wonderful day 00:24:08.879 --> 00:24:10.200 you've ever experienced. 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:11.639 Light exploding 00:24:11.639 --> 00:24:12.440 over the horizon 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.600 into the darkness 00:24:13.600 --> 00:24:14.799 of your life 00:24:14.799 --> 00:24:15.860 and your mind 00:24:15.860 --> 00:24:16.539 and your heart 00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:17.660 receive it 00:24:17.660 --> 00:24:19.059 and remember it. 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.220 Friends 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:21.960 every time 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:22.920 Christians open 00:24:22.920 --> 00:24:23.400 scripture 00:24:23.400 --> 00:24:24.860 they return 00:24:24.860 --> 00:24:26.039 to that source 00:24:26.039 --> 00:24:26.539 of light 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:29.000 to enjoy 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:29.680 what they first 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:30.420 eyewitnessed 00:24:30.420 --> 00:24:31.480 through the Holy Spirit 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:32.940 in its pages. 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:35.320 And then 00:24:35.320 --> 00:24:35.860 the next verse 00:24:35.860 --> 00:24:36.400 of John 8 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:37.299 is just astonishing. 00:24:37.880 --> 00:24:38.519 It's on the screen 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.600 verse 13 00:24:39.600 --> 00:24:40.980 the Pharisees challenged him 00:24:40.980 --> 00:24:42.180 here you are 00:24:42.180 --> 00:24:43.740 appearing as your own witness 00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:45.299 your testimony 00:24:45.299 --> 00:24:46.480 is not valid. 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:49.460 Oh how wrong 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:50.079 they were. 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:53.120 The Holy Spirit 00:24:53.120 --> 00:24:54.500 testifies with Jesus 00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:55.259 to the fact 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:56.220 that he is 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:57.259 the light of the world. 00:24:57.880 --> 00:24:58.960 All of scripture 00:24:58.960 --> 00:25:00.839 God himself 00:25:00.839 --> 00:25:02.180 Peter, James, John 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:03.880 they all testify 00:25:03.880 --> 00:25:04.519 that Jesus 00:25:04.519 --> 00:25:05.240 is the light 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:06.099 of the world. 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.759 And if we didn't 00:25:07.759 --> 00:25:08.360 need light 00:25:08.360 --> 00:25:09.319 if we didn't need 00:25:09.319 --> 00:25:09.619 Jesus 00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:10.179 if we didn't 00:25:10.179 --> 00:25:11.000 need anything 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:11.579 if you didn't 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:12.480 need the experience 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:13.019 of scripture 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:17.579 then the world 00:25:17.579 --> 00:25:18.359 wouldn't need Jesus. 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:19.799 You wouldn't need 00:25:19.799 --> 00:25:20.839 any of this information. 00:25:21.079 --> 00:25:21.519 We wouldn't need 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:22.179 to be here. 00:25:23.119 --> 00:25:24.099 We wouldn't need 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:24.899 to open our Bibles. 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:27.819 But we do need it 00:25:27.819 --> 00:25:29.179 because this world 00:25:29.179 --> 00:25:30.259 is as deep 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:30.899 as darkness 00:25:30.899 --> 00:25:33.159 compared to a life 00:25:33.159 --> 00:25:34.279 with Jesus. 00:25:35.639 --> 00:25:36.619 By his light 00:25:36.619 --> 00:25:37.659 we see what is 00:25:37.659 --> 00:25:38.779 in the dark 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:41.099 and turn away 00:25:41.099 --> 00:25:44.539 and turn to him 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:45.179 for safety 00:25:45.179 --> 00:25:46.739 by the light 00:25:46.739 --> 00:25:47.299 of the world. 00:25:48.579 --> 00:25:49.799 Jesus who said 00:25:49.799 --> 00:25:51.939 whoever follows me 00:25:51.939 --> 00:25:52.819 will never walk 00:25:52.819 --> 00:25:53.339 in darkness 00:25:53.339 --> 00:25:54.539 but will have 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:55.159 the light 00:25:55.159 --> 00:25:55.959 of life. 00:25:57.119 --> 00:25:58.219 He is eternally 00:25:58.219 --> 00:25:58.659 committed 00:25:58.659 --> 00:25:59.779 to every Christian 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:01.379 to always be 00:26:01.379 --> 00:26:01.979 their light. 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:03.920 he stepped 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:04.440 into our 00:26:04.440 --> 00:26:05.000 darkness 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:06.860 to lead us 00:26:06.860 --> 00:26:07.460 into his 00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:08.539 eternal light. 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:10.420 If we're warplanes 00:26:10.420 --> 00:26:11.059 in the dark 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:11.860 of the night sky 00:26:11.860 --> 00:26:13.099 and there's a threat 00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:14.019 to the aircraft 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:16.079 carrier 00:26:16.079 --> 00:26:16.920 ship 00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:19.480 that's Jesus 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:20.319 he would turn 00:26:20.319 --> 00:26:21.140 his lights on 00:26:21.140 --> 00:26:25.900 until 00:26:25.900 --> 00:26:27.860 verse 19 00:26:27.860 --> 00:26:28.319 says 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:30.579 of our passage 00:26:30.579 --> 00:26:30.940 today 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:31.920 the day dawns 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:32.500 and the morning 00:26:32.500 --> 00:26:33.000 star 00:26:33.000 --> 00:26:33.559 rises 00:26:33.559 --> 00:26:34.799 in your hearts 00:26:34.799 --> 00:26:35.940 for there will 00:26:35.940 --> 00:26:36.820 be a day 00:26:36.820 --> 00:26:38.080 when Jesus 00:26:38.080 --> 00:26:39.299 who is called 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:40.140 the morning star 00:26:40.140 --> 00:26:41.420 in the Old Testament 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:42.340 in Isaiah 14 00:26:42.340 --> 00:26:44.360 and in Revelation 00:26:44.360 --> 00:26:45.340 in chapter 22 00:26:45.340 --> 00:26:46.340 when Jesus 00:26:46.340 --> 00:26:47.640 will finally come 00:26:47.640 --> 00:26:48.720 in the dawn 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:49.880 of an unending 00:26:49.880 --> 00:26:50.539 day 00:26:50.539 --> 00:26:52.400 Jesus himself 00:26:52.400 --> 00:26:52.880 will be 00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:53.759 with us. 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:54.720 He will satisfy 00:26:54.720 --> 00:26:55.140 the hopes 00:26:55.140 --> 00:26:56.120 of every heart 00:26:56.120 --> 00:26:57.660 so we will 00:26:57.660 --> 00:26:58.500 no longer walk 00:26:58.500 --> 00:26:59.299 in darkness 00:26:59.299 --> 00:27:00.500 again. 00:27:00.940 --> 00:27:01.480 We will not 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:01.840 need our 00:27:01.840 --> 00:27:02.160 Bibles 00:27:02.160 --> 00:27:02.519 then 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:05.400 but we will 00:27:05.400 --> 00:27:05.920 experience 00:27:05.920 --> 00:27:06.519 what we now 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:07.019 find in 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:07.360 scripture 00:27:07.360 --> 00:27:09.100 truly face 00:27:09.100 --> 00:27:09.460 to face 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:10.140 with Jesus 00:27:10.140 --> 00:27:12.299 but until 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:13.420 that morning 00:27:13.420 --> 00:27:14.120 star rises 00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:14.840 until Jesus 00:27:14.840 --> 00:27:15.600 comes again 00:27:15.600 --> 00:27:17.880 the real sun 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:19.200 rises over 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:20.299 our city 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.559 day after 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:21.920 day after 00:27:21.920 --> 00:27:22.200 day. 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:25.740 Every day 00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:26.600 we have a choice 00:27:26.600 --> 00:27:27.440 to turn to the 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:27.980 light of Jesus 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:28.640 in scripture 00:27:28.640 --> 00:27:29.539 or not. 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:32.339 So look 00:27:32.339 --> 00:27:33.279 back in our 00:27:33.279 --> 00:27:34.039 passage today 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:34.620 1 Peter 00:27:34.620 --> 00:27:35.259 let's go back 00:27:35.259 --> 00:27:37.220 to verse 13 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:39.220 I think it 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:39.680 right to 00:27:39.680 --> 00:27:40.339 refresh your 00:27:40.339 --> 00:27:40.740 memory 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:41.440 as long 00:27:41.440 --> 00:27:41.740 as I 00:27:41.740 --> 00:27:42.019 live in 00:27:42.019 --> 00:27:42.299 the tent 00:27:42.299 --> 00:27:42.559 of this 00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:42.860 body 00:27:42.860 --> 00:27:43.640 because I 00:27:43.640 --> 00:27:44.180 know that I 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:44.640 will soon 00:27:44.640 --> 00:27:45.559 put it aside 00:27:45.559 --> 00:27:46.360 as the Lord 00:27:46.360 --> 00:27:47.019 Jesus Christ 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.380 has made 00:27:47.380 --> 00:27:47.920 clear to me 00:27:47.920 --> 00:27:48.860 and I 00:27:48.860 --> 00:27:49.180 will make 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:49.880 every effort 00:27:49.880 --> 00:27:50.460 to see that 00:27:50.460 --> 00:27:50.940 after my 00:27:50.940 --> 00:27:51.380 departure 00:27:51.380 --> 00:27:52.160 you will 00:27:52.160 --> 00:27:52.960 always be 00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:53.400 able to 00:27:53.400 --> 00:27:53.759 remember 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:54.680 these things. 00:27:57.200 --> 00:27:58.019 Do you see 00:27:58.019 --> 00:27:58.740 Peter's hope 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.460 for you here 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:01.980 as a Christian 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:02.660 written in 00:28:02.660 --> 00:28:03.120 his will 00:28:03.119 --> 00:28:05.000 or as 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:05.359 someone who 00:28:05.359 --> 00:28:05.819 doesn't yet 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:06.459 follow Jesus 00:28:06.459 --> 00:28:07.599 watching what 00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:09.179 God is 00:28:09.179 --> 00:28:09.599 promising 00:28:09.599 --> 00:28:10.239 Christians? 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:13.119 He would 00:28:13.119 --> 00:28:13.799 see Christians 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:14.399 as always 00:28:14.399 --> 00:28:14.939 able to 00:28:14.939 --> 00:28:15.619 remember all 00:28:15.619 --> 00:28:16.119 he testified 00:28:16.119 --> 00:28:17.939 to and 00:28:17.939 --> 00:28:18.899 all scripture's 00:28:18.899 --> 00:28:19.679 testimony along 00:28:19.679 --> 00:28:21.219 with it so 00:28:21.219 --> 00:28:21.759 we can live 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:22.719 life seeing 00:28:22.719 --> 00:28:23.299 in the dark. 00:28:27.039 --> 00:28:27.979 We can only 00:28:27.979 --> 00:28:28.679 keep tiny 00:28:28.679 --> 00:28:30.279 fragments of 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:31.079 the wonder of 00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:31.679 scripture in 00:28:31.679 --> 00:28:32.299 our mind at 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:33.000 any one time. 00:28:33.119 --> 00:28:34.219 You might have 00:28:34.219 --> 00:28:34.799 remembered the 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:35.439 whole of the 00:28:35.439 --> 00:28:35.739 book of 00:28:35.739 --> 00:28:37.739 Romans but 00:28:37.739 --> 00:28:38.379 there's so 00:28:38.379 --> 00:28:39.179 much more 00:28:39.179 --> 00:28:39.859 than just 00:28:39.859 --> 00:28:40.319 that. 00:28:42.719 --> 00:28:43.599 The regular 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:44.079 daily 00:28:44.079 --> 00:28:44.619 deliberate 00:28:44.619 --> 00:28:45.139 hopeful 00:28:45.139 --> 00:28:46.019 Bible reading 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:47.339 was what 00:28:47.339 --> 00:28:48.139 people knew 00:28:48.139 --> 00:28:49.099 we needed 00:28:49.099 --> 00:28:49.779 for life 00:28:49.779 --> 00:28:50.659 more than 00:28:50.659 --> 00:28:51.059 we needed 00:28:51.059 --> 00:28:52.000 him even 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:52.279 though we'd 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:52.659 never seen 00:28:52.659 --> 00:28:53.019 a Bible. 00:28:56.199 --> 00:28:57.259 His efforts 00:28:57.259 --> 00:28:59.519 put words 00:28:59.519 --> 00:28:59.859 in our 00:28:59.859 --> 00:29:00.279 hands. 00:29:01.319 --> 00:29:01.699 He was 00:29:01.699 --> 00:29:02.299 killed for 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:02.879 what he 00:29:02.880 --> 00:29:03.740 put in 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.340 our hands 00:29:04.340 --> 00:29:06.700 so we 00:29:06.700 --> 00:29:07.120 would always 00:29:07.120 --> 00:29:07.720 be reading 00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:08.380 and seeing 00:29:08.380 --> 00:29:08.900 the light 00:29:08.900 --> 00:29:10.020 never blind 00:29:10.020 --> 00:29:10.760 in the 00:29:10.760 --> 00:29:11.400 dark of 00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:11.880 our world. 00:29:11.880 --> 00:29:15.240 I left 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:15.840 out two 00:29:15.840 --> 00:29:16.440 verses 00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:18.720 on purpose 00:29:18.720 --> 00:29:20.300 from Peter's 00:29:20.300 --> 00:29:20.880 little photo. 00:29:21.400 --> 00:29:21.900 I just want 00:29:21.900 --> 00:29:22.420 to point to 00:29:22.420 --> 00:29:23.420 them as we 00:29:23.420 --> 00:29:23.940 finish off 00:29:23.940 --> 00:29:24.220 today. 00:29:25.900 --> 00:29:26.520 On the 00:29:26.520 --> 00:29:26.780 mountain 00:29:26.780 --> 00:29:28.260 when that 00:29:28.260 --> 00:29:28.860 astonishing 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:29.600 wonderful thing 00:29:29.600 --> 00:29:30.120 is happening 00:29:30.120 --> 00:29:31.480 and blowing 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:32.240 Peter's mind 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:34.940 Peter piped 00:29:34.940 --> 00:29:36.340 up and 00:29:36.340 --> 00:29:36.700 said 00:29:36.700 --> 00:29:39.580 Rabbi 00:29:39.580 --> 00:29:40.380 it's good 00:29:40.380 --> 00:29:40.680 for us 00:29:40.680 --> 00:29:40.980 to be 00:29:40.980 --> 00:29:41.299 here. 00:29:42.080 --> 00:29:42.420 Let's 00:29:42.420 --> 00:29:42.759 put up 00:29:42.759 --> 00:29:43.000 three 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:43.519 shelters 00:29:43.519 --> 00:29:44.000 one for 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:44.200 you 00:29:44.200 --> 00:29:44.620 one for 00:29:44.620 --> 00:29:44.880 Moses 00:29:44.880 --> 00:29:45.200 and one 00:29:45.200 --> 00:29:45.380 for 00:29:45.380 --> 00:29:45.779 Elijah. 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:46.740 He did 00:29:46.740 --> 00:29:47.059 not know 00:29:47.059 --> 00:29:47.380 what to 00:29:47.380 --> 00:29:47.700 say. 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.559 They were 00:29:48.559 --> 00:29:49.400 so frightened. 00:29:50.279 --> 00:29:51.400 Isn't Peter 00:29:51.400 --> 00:29:51.960 relatable? 00:29:53.059 --> 00:29:54.120 He always 00:29:54.120 --> 00:29:54.580 opens his 00:29:54.580 --> 00:29:54.980 mouth and 00:29:54.980 --> 00:29:55.480 says something 00:29:55.480 --> 00:29:55.980 stupid. 00:29:57.920 --> 00:29:58.340 But do you 00:29:58.340 --> 00:29:58.819 see the word 00:29:58.819 --> 00:29:59.640 shelter there 00:29:59.640 --> 00:29:59.960 on the 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:00.299 screen? 00:30:00.299 --> 00:30:03.839 it's tent 00:30:03.839 --> 00:30:04.559 in other 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:05.139 translations. 00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:06.079 In the 00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:06.539 Greek 00:30:06.539 --> 00:30:07.059 original 00:30:07.059 --> 00:30:07.379 Greek 00:30:07.379 --> 00:30:07.799 it's the 00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:07.980 word 00:30:07.980 --> 00:30:08.759 tabernacle. 00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:10.839 The same 00:30:10.839 --> 00:30:11.419 word 00:30:11.419 --> 00:30:12.180 Peter uses 00:30:12.180 --> 00:30:12.879 to describe 00:30:12.879 --> 00:30:13.460 his body 00:30:13.460 --> 00:30:13.819 in our 00:30:13.819 --> 00:30:14.180 passage 00:30:14.180 --> 00:30:14.539 today. 00:30:16.940 --> 00:30:17.619 When 00:30:17.619 --> 00:30:18.480 Peter dies 00:30:18.480 --> 00:30:18.940 he's going 00:30:18.940 --> 00:30:19.500 to cast 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:20.079 off his 00:30:20.079 --> 00:30:20.619 temporary 00:30:20.619 --> 00:30:21.500 shelter 00:30:21.500 --> 00:30:23.180 looking forward 00:30:23.180 --> 00:30:23.819 to receiving 00:30:23.819 --> 00:30:24.519 a glorified 00:30:24.519 --> 00:30:25.079 body that 00:30:25.079 --> 00:30:26.319 he just 00:30:26.319 --> 00:30:27.019 saw Jesus 00:30:27.019 --> 00:30:27.899 take on 00:30:27.899 --> 00:30:28.899 up the 00:30:28.899 --> 00:30:29.259 mountain. 00:30:29.259 --> 00:30:30.440 he's 00:30:30.440 --> 00:30:30.879 remembering 00:30:30.879 --> 00:30:31.440 this stupid 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:31.859 thing that 00:30:31.859 --> 00:30:32.240 he said 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:32.660 to Jesus 00:30:32.660 --> 00:30:33.079 in that 00:30:33.079 --> 00:30:33.400 moment 00:30:33.400 --> 00:30:33.700 about 00:30:33.700 --> 00:30:34.099 building 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:34.700 tents 00:30:34.700 --> 00:30:35.119 for them 00:30:35.119 --> 00:30:35.559 to dwell 00:30:35.559 --> 00:30:35.879 there 00:30:35.879 --> 00:30:37.359 because he 00:30:37.359 --> 00:30:37.599 knew he 00:30:37.599 --> 00:30:37.900 missed the 00:30:37.900 --> 00:30:38.359 point on 00:30:38.359 --> 00:30:38.819 that day. 00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:41.099 Jesus 00:30:41.099 --> 00:30:41.740 had given 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.200 up the 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:42.920 glory of 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:43.220 heaven 00:30:43.220 --> 00:30:44.879 to take 00:30:44.879 --> 00:30:45.299 up this 00:30:45.299 --> 00:30:45.700 tent 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:46.140 dwelling 00:30:46.140 --> 00:30:46.480 of a 00:30:46.480 --> 00:30:46.779 body 00:30:46.779 --> 00:30:49.799 so we 00:30:49.799 --> 00:30:50.119 could look 00:30:50.119 --> 00:30:50.559 forward to 00:30:50.559 --> 00:30:50.859 a new 00:30:50.859 --> 00:30:51.640 life beyond 00:30:51.640 --> 00:30:52.680 our aging 00:30:52.680 --> 00:30:53.759 tents. 00:30:55.619 --> 00:30:55.900 In 00:30:55.900 --> 00:30:56.440 2 Peter 00:30:56.440 --> 00:30:58.299 he's now 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:58.660 well into 00:30:58.660 --> 00:30:59.240 his 60s 00:30:59.240 --> 00:31:00.240 he's facing 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:01.120 execution for 00:31:01.120 --> 00:31:01.640 his faith 00:31:01.640 --> 00:31:01.920 and he's 00:31:01.920 --> 00:31:02.140 probably 00:31:02.140 --> 00:31:02.859 chuckling to 00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:03.620 himself as 00:31:03.620 --> 00:31:04.620 he describes 00:31:04.620 --> 00:31:05.019 his own 00:31:05.019 --> 00:31:05.480 body as 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:05.940 a tent 00:31:05.940 --> 00:31:07.420 because he 00:31:07.420 --> 00:31:08.339 discovered that 00:31:08.339 --> 00:31:09.640 what he did 00:31:09.640 --> 00:31:10.059 in the tent 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:10.620 of his body 00:31:10.620 --> 00:31:11.220 on earth 00:31:11.220 --> 00:31:12.200 mattered for 00:31:12.200 --> 00:31:12.720 eternity 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:14.160 and he 00:31:14.160 --> 00:31:15.059 lived boldly 00:31:15.059 --> 00:31:15.700 in the 00:31:15.700 --> 00:31:17.279 light of 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:17.599 his Lord 00:31:17.599 --> 00:31:17.960 Jesus 00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:19.440 and Peter 00:31:19.440 --> 00:31:19.859 would call 00:31:19.859 --> 00:31:21.140 us to 00:31:21.140 --> 00:31:21.460 do the 00:31:21.460 --> 00:31:21.720 same. 00:31:23.319 --> 00:31:24.019 Peter wrote 00:31:24.019 --> 00:31:25.140 in this 00:31:25.140 --> 00:31:25.480 letter 00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:28.740 probably 00:31:28.740 --> 00:31:29.700 reflecting on 00:31:29.700 --> 00:31:30.019 Moses 00:31:30.019 --> 00:31:31.019 words in 00:31:31.019 --> 00:31:31.579 Deuteronomy 00:31:31.579 --> 00:31:32.519 4 that 00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:32.740 would have 00:31:32.740 --> 00:31:33.180 been well 00:31:33.180 --> 00:31:34.400 known to 00:31:34.400 --> 00:31:34.839 those of a 00:31:34.839 --> 00:31:35.019 Jewish 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:35.579 background. 00:31:36.579 --> 00:31:37.299 Do not 00:31:37.299 --> 00:31:37.860 forget the 00:31:37.860 --> 00:31:38.380 things your 00:31:38.380 --> 00:31:38.839 eyes have 00:31:38.839 --> 00:31:39.279 seen. 00:31:40.360 --> 00:31:40.900 Let them 00:31:40.900 --> 00:31:41.539 fade from 00:31:41.539 --> 00:31:42.200 your heart 00:31:42.200 --> 00:31:42.779 as long 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:43.160 as you 00:31:43.160 --> 00:31:43.559 live. 00:31:46.259 --> 00:31:46.860 Experiencing 00:31:46.860 --> 00:31:47.620 the Bible 00:31:47.620 --> 00:31:48.460 is your 00:31:48.460 --> 00:31:50.319 chance to 00:31:50.319 --> 00:31:50.980 see Jesus 00:31:50.980 --> 00:31:51.599 in a way 00:31:51.599 --> 00:31:52.620 more sure 00:31:52.620 --> 00:31:54.880 than the 00:31:54.880 --> 00:31:55.360 eyewitness 00:31:55.360 --> 00:31:56.380 Peter did. 00:31:57.380 --> 00:31:58.099 Inspired by 00:31:58.099 --> 00:31:58.420 the Holy 00:31:58.420 --> 00:31:58.839 Spirit, 00:31:59.339 --> 00:31:59.620 Scripture 00:31:59.620 --> 00:32:00.460 speaks to 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:01.380 you by 00:32:01.380 --> 00:32:02.059 that same 00:32:02.059 --> 00:32:02.579 Spirit of 00:32:02.579 --> 00:32:02.900 God. 00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:03.740 And as we 00:32:03.740 --> 00:32:04.200 read, 00:32:04.599 --> 00:32:05.019 we see 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:06.380 light that 00:32:06.380 --> 00:32:06.980 guides our 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:07.440 way in the 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:07.980 darkness of 00:32:07.980 --> 00:32:08.480 this world. 00:32:08.839 --> 00:32:09.220 And once 00:32:09.220 --> 00:32:09.880 experienced, 00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:10.660 the Bible 00:32:10.660 --> 00:32:12.579 continues to 00:32:12.579 --> 00:32:13.220 light our 00:32:13.220 --> 00:32:13.819 journey, 00:32:14.680 --> 00:32:15.220 our way 00:32:15.220 --> 00:32:15.940 every day 00:32:15.940 --> 00:32:17.279 until Jesus 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:17.980 comes back. 00:32:18.500 --> 00:32:19.079 So what are 00:32:19.079 --> 00:32:19.519 you going to 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:20.460 do with it? 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:23.339 what are 00:32:23.339 --> 00:32:23.720 you going to 00:32:23.720 --> 00:32:24.059 do with 00:32:24.059 --> 00:32:24.579 your Bible? 00:32:27.400 --> 00:32:27.860 Maybe 00:32:27.860 --> 00:32:28.240 not drop 00:32:28.240 --> 00:32:28.500 it. 00:32:30.680 --> 00:32:31.120 Is 00:32:31.120 --> 00:32:31.759 experiencing 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:32.339 this work 00:32:32.339 --> 00:32:32.579 going to 00:32:32.579 --> 00:32:32.980 matter to 00:32:32.980 --> 00:32:33.180 you? 00:32:36.200 --> 00:32:36.799 There are 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:37.319 so many 00:32:37.319 --> 00:32:37.880 distractions 00:32:37.880 --> 00:32:38.420 here in 00:32:38.420 --> 00:32:38.839 the dark. 00:32:41.559 --> 00:32:42.140 They want 00:32:42.140 --> 00:32:42.460 to pull 00:32:42.460 --> 00:32:42.980 your face 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:43.360 away, 00:32:44.180 --> 00:32:44.660 to shut 00:32:44.660 --> 00:32:45.279 these pages, 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:46.099 to even 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:46.519 forget where 00:32:46.519 --> 00:32:46.860 your Bible 00:32:46.860 --> 00:32:47.240 is. 00:32:48.140 --> 00:32:48.579 And I'm 00:32:48.579 --> 00:32:49.140 too often 00:32:49.140 --> 00:32:50.960 deceived, 00:32:50.980 --> 00:32:51.440 to keep 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:51.860 this word 00:32:51.860 --> 00:32:52.380 shut and 00:32:52.380 --> 00:32:52.660 on the 00:32:52.660 --> 00:32:52.940 shelf 00:32:52.940 --> 00:32:53.500 myself. 00:32:55.000 --> 00:32:55.460 Don't 00:32:55.460 --> 00:32:55.819 listen to 00:32:55.819 --> 00:32:56.039 those 00:32:56.039 --> 00:32:56.599 distractions. 00:32:58.940 --> 00:32:59.660 If you're 00:32:59.660 --> 00:33:00.019 one who 00:33:00.019 --> 00:33:00.519 has never 00:33:00.519 --> 00:33:00.880 seen 00:33:00.880 --> 00:33:01.400 Jesus, 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:03.039 open a 00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:03.360 gospel. 00:33:04.779 --> 00:33:05.180 Get the 00:33:05.180 --> 00:33:05.380 word 00:33:05.380 --> 00:33:05.960 one-to-one 00:33:05.960 --> 00:33:06.319 app, 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:06.839 which is 00:33:06.839 --> 00:33:07.200 like a 00:33:07.200 --> 00:33:08.019 guided tour 00:33:08.019 --> 00:33:08.700 through one 00:33:08.700 --> 00:33:09.099 of the 00:33:09.099 --> 00:33:09.620 gospels 00:33:09.620 --> 00:33:10.299 written 00:33:10.299 --> 00:33:11.819 by John, 00:33:12.039 --> 00:33:12.559 who's also 00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:12.920 there on 00:33:12.920 --> 00:33:13.240 the mountain 00:33:13.240 --> 00:33:13.740 with Peter, 00:33:14.339 --> 00:33:14.839 an eyewitness 00:33:14.839 --> 00:33:15.400 to Jesus. 00:33:16.059 --> 00:33:16.500 Open the 00:33:16.500 --> 00:33:17.380 word to 00:33:17.380 --> 00:33:17.799 see the 00:33:17.799 --> 00:33:19.180 light that 00:33:19.180 --> 00:33:19.820 you need 00:33:19.820 --> 00:33:21.799 that shows 00:33:21.799 --> 00:33:22.360 Jesus for 00:33:22.360 --> 00:33:22.660 who he 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:23.360 really is. 00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:24.720 And to 00:33:24.720 --> 00:33:25.320 you who 00:33:25.320 --> 00:33:26.019 are here 00:33:26.019 --> 00:33:26.680 this morning, 00:33:27.039 --> 00:33:27.880 who say 00:33:27.880 --> 00:33:28.799 you have 00:33:28.799 --> 00:33:29.600 seen Jesus 00:33:29.600 --> 00:33:30.400 but are 00:33:30.400 --> 00:33:31.460 not opening 00:33:31.460 --> 00:33:32.000 your Bible, 00:33:33.700 --> 00:33:34.759 ask God 00:33:34.759 --> 00:33:35.240 for the 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:36.259 desire to 00:33:36.259 --> 00:33:36.940 see him. 00:33:37.920 --> 00:33:38.480 He will 00:33:38.480 --> 00:33:39.120 help you. 00:33:40.500 --> 00:33:41.019 Do not 00:33:41.019 --> 00:33:41.620 leave your 00:33:41.620 --> 00:33:42.519 eyes shut 00:33:42.519 --> 00:33:43.920 in the 00:33:43.920 --> 00:33:44.360 dark any 00:33:44.360 --> 00:33:44.640 longer. 00:33:45.640 --> 00:33:46.060 And ask 00:33:46.060 --> 00:33:46.519 for help. 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:47.440 staff would 00:33:47.440 --> 00:33:48.099 love to 00:33:48.099 --> 00:33:48.619 speak to 00:33:48.619 --> 00:33:49.220 you today, 00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:50.139 anyone wearing 00:33:50.139 --> 00:33:50.420 one of 00:33:50.420 --> 00:33:50.799 these, 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:52.660 to help 00:33:52.660 --> 00:33:53.420 you find, 00:33:55.099 --> 00:33:55.460 even though 00:33:55.460 --> 00:33:56.019 your lips are 00:33:56.019 --> 00:33:56.960 declaring that 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:57.400 you follow 00:33:57.400 --> 00:33:57.759 Jesus, 00:33:58.539 --> 00:33:58.900 that your 00:33:58.900 --> 00:34:00.359 life shows 00:34:00.359 --> 00:34:01.519 that you 00:34:01.519 --> 00:34:02.079 are also 00:34:02.079 --> 00:34:02.859 interested 00:34:02.859 --> 00:34:06.079 and desiring 00:34:06.079 --> 00:34:07.000 to experience 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:07.720 light in 00:34:07.720 --> 00:34:08.300 his word. 00:34:09.340 --> 00:34:09.820 Speak to 00:34:09.820 --> 00:34:10.199 someone to 00:34:10.199 --> 00:34:10.619 help you 00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:12.079 shift that 00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:13.079 attitude today. 00:34:14.400 --> 00:34:14.960 And for 00:34:14.960 --> 00:34:15.380 those of 00:34:15.380 --> 00:34:15.659 you who 00:34:15.659 --> 00:34:16.280 are opening 00:34:16.280 --> 00:34:16.720 God's 00:34:16.720 --> 00:34:17.060 word, 00:34:17.320 --> 00:34:18.200 more often 00:34:18.200 --> 00:34:18.680 than not, 00:34:19.320 --> 00:34:20.019 four or 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:20.440 more times 00:34:20.440 --> 00:34:20.780 a week, 00:34:21.860 --> 00:34:22.540 keep reading. 00:34:23.840 --> 00:34:24.280 Peter would 00:34:24.280 --> 00:34:24.720 have reminded 00:34:24.720 --> 00:34:25.340 you that no 00:34:25.340 --> 00:34:25.860 matter how 00:34:25.860 --> 00:34:26.519 often your 00:34:26.519 --> 00:34:27.019 Bible is 00:34:27.019 --> 00:34:27.500 opened, 00:34:27.880 --> 00:34:28.260 to keep 00:34:28.260 --> 00:34:28.840 looking into 00:34:28.840 --> 00:34:29.200 the light, 00:34:29.440 --> 00:34:30.080 keep seeing 00:34:30.080 --> 00:34:31.200 Jesus for 00:34:31.200 --> 00:34:31.740 the sake of 00:34:31.740 --> 00:34:32.220 defending 00:34:32.220 --> 00:34:33.140 Jesus' power 00:34:33.140 --> 00:34:33.800 and majesty 00:34:33.800 --> 00:34:34.660 like he spent 00:34:34.660 --> 00:34:35.180 his life 00:34:35.180 --> 00:34:35.540 doing, 00:34:36.300 --> 00:34:36.960 for your 00:34:36.960 --> 00:34:37.660 own sake 00:34:37.660 --> 00:34:40.400 and for 00:34:40.400 --> 00:34:40.960 the sake of 00:34:40.960 --> 00:34:41.340 those you 00:34:41.340 --> 00:34:41.960 live alongside, 00:34:42.580 --> 00:34:43.200 at home and 00:34:43.200 --> 00:34:43.780 at work or 00:34:43.780 --> 00:34:44.320 wherever you 00:34:44.320 --> 00:34:44.660 are, 00:34:44.659 --> 00:34:46.399 who witness 00:34:46.399 --> 00:34:47.219 you living 00:34:47.219 --> 00:34:47.960 for Jesus, 00:34:48.699 --> 00:34:49.460 testifying to 00:34:49.460 --> 00:34:49.940 them in 00:34:49.940 --> 00:34:50.819 word and 00:34:50.819 --> 00:34:51.599 action, 00:34:52.759 --> 00:34:53.460 that he is 00:34:53.460 --> 00:34:53.940 the light 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:55.179 of your 00:34:55.179 --> 00:34:56.679 world and 00:34:56.679 --> 00:34:57.159 theirs. 00:34:57.559 --> 00:34:58.519 They can't 00:34:58.519 --> 00:34:59.199 see him 00:34:59.199 --> 00:35:01.099 without 00:35:01.099 --> 00:35:01.940 experiencing 00:35:01.940 --> 00:35:03.019 scripture. 00:35:04.819 --> 00:35:05.239 So, 00:35:05.779 --> 00:35:06.460 ready yourself 00:35:06.460 --> 00:35:07.159 to open the 00:35:07.159 --> 00:35:07.599 Bible with 00:35:07.599 --> 00:35:07.859 others. 00:35:07.860 --> 00:35:09.860 God, 00:35:09.860 --> 00:35:10.860 it's how we 00:35:10.860 --> 00:35:11.760 all can 00:35:11.760 --> 00:35:12.740 witness Jesus 00:35:12.740 --> 00:35:13.800 in a way 00:35:13.800 --> 00:35:14.500 more sure 00:35:14.500 --> 00:35:14.940 than we've 00:35:14.940 --> 00:35:15.900 witnessed your 00:35:15.900 --> 00:35:16.940 changed life 00:35:16.940 --> 00:35:18.920 lived in his 00:35:18.920 --> 00:35:19.240 light. 00:35:21.900 --> 00:35:22.800 Let's ask God 00:35:22.800 --> 00:35:23.460 to help us 00:35:23.460 --> 00:35:24.980 as we experience 00:35:24.980 --> 00:35:25.420 the scripture. 00:35:25.640 --> 00:35:26.079 Let's pray. 00:35:26.079 --> 00:35:28.460 Lord God, 00:35:28.539 --> 00:35:29.139 you know us 00:35:29.139 --> 00:35:29.840 and love us. 00:35:30.139 --> 00:35:30.619 Thank you for 00:35:30.619 --> 00:35:31.219 giving us your 00:35:31.219 --> 00:35:31.819 words in the 00:35:31.819 --> 00:35:32.440 Bible to 00:35:32.440 --> 00:35:33.360 experience the 00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:33.940 wind of your 00:35:33.940 --> 00:35:34.420 spirit's 00:35:34.420 --> 00:35:34.880 guidance, 00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:37.199 that help us 00:35:37.199 --> 00:35:38.119 see Jesus as 00:35:38.119 --> 00:35:38.639 powerful, 00:35:39.380 --> 00:35:39.759 glorious, 00:35:41.219 --> 00:35:41.599 as your 00:35:41.599 --> 00:35:42.000 son, 00:35:42.799 --> 00:35:43.739 and reveal 00:35:43.739 --> 00:35:44.599 him as 00:35:44.599 --> 00:35:45.340 light that 00:35:45.340 --> 00:35:46.119 guides us to 00:35:46.119 --> 00:35:46.940 life in the 00:35:46.940 --> 00:35:47.519 darkness of 00:35:47.519 --> 00:35:47.960 our sinful 00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:48.420 world. 00:35:49.400 --> 00:35:50.199 We are so 00:35:50.199 --> 00:35:50.679 imperfect, 00:35:51.019 --> 00:35:51.739 just like Peter 00:35:51.739 --> 00:35:52.099 was. 00:35:53.299 --> 00:35:53.679 Would you 00:35:53.679 --> 00:35:54.319 help us to 00:35:54.319 --> 00:35:54.900 come to know 00:35:54.900 --> 00:35:55.220 Jesus? 00:35:56.400 --> 00:35:56.960 Would you 00:35:56.960 --> 00:35:57.519 help us to 00:35:57.519 --> 00:35:58.180 desire to 00:35:58.180 --> 00:35:58.880 experience 00:35:58.880 --> 00:36:00.099 scripture every 00:36:00.099 --> 00:36:00.440 day? 00:36:01.619 --> 00:36:02.240 Would you 00:36:02.240 --> 00:36:02.880 help us to 00:36:02.880 --> 00:36:03.400 share the 00:36:03.400 --> 00:36:03.840 light of 00:36:03.840 --> 00:36:04.420 scripture in 00:36:04.420 --> 00:36:04.980 our lives, 00:36:05.820 --> 00:36:06.680 so that many 00:36:06.680 --> 00:36:07.380 of the millions 00:36:07.380 --> 00:36:09.119 you love 00:36:09.119 --> 00:36:11.700 may experience 00:36:11.700 --> 00:36:12.400 seeing Jesus 00:36:12.400 --> 00:36:13.300 like Peter 00:36:13.300 --> 00:36:13.900 did on that 00:36:13.900 --> 00:36:14.240 mountain, 00:36:14.579 --> 00:36:14.920 in his 00:36:14.920 --> 00:36:15.500 glorious, 00:36:16.099 --> 00:36:16.460 gracious 00:36:16.460 --> 00:36:17.360 majesty, 00:36:18.039 --> 00:36:18.860 forevermore. 00:36:19.480 --> 00:36:19.860 Amen.