WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.700 What a joy. What a joy to be with you, brothers and sisters. 00:00:07.120 --> 00:00:12.839 What a privilege to open God's word, to be in the presence of God together. 00:00:15.560 --> 00:00:22.719 As I was praying for you all this morning, I was just thinking of how precious it is 00:00:22.719 --> 00:00:30.640 that Christ has sprinkled many nations already and is still doing that work, 00:00:31.299 --> 00:00:38.519 and that Christ's church here is one small but precious example of that. 00:00:38.519 --> 00:00:43.659 And knowing that I was going to know everyone that I'm speaking to this morning, 00:00:43.659 --> 00:00:48.159 it's a little different than visiting a church somewhere and speaking. 00:00:48.159 --> 00:00:53.779 And I was a little beside myself in the back during the time of worship. 00:00:54.459 --> 00:00:56.439 What a sweet, sweet time. 00:00:56.679 --> 00:00:58.379 So many memories as I look around. 00:01:00.500 --> 00:01:01.159 So... 00:01:01.159 --> 00:01:07.199 Just need a little more coffee. 00:01:10.140 --> 00:01:11.199 That's not the issue. 00:01:13.060 --> 00:01:17.259 So many remembrances of the Lord's grace. 00:01:18.159 --> 00:01:22.719 So, praise God for that. 00:01:23.219 --> 00:01:27.620 I have asked the Lord to give me... 00:01:27.620 --> 00:01:28.739 Oh, louder. 00:01:29.640 --> 00:01:30.920 I'm used to having a microphone. 00:01:31.060 --> 00:01:32.200 Mike, can you hear me back there? 00:01:32.920 --> 00:01:33.239 Okay. 00:01:34.199 --> 00:01:35.699 Just might need to get your hearing checked, honey. 00:01:38.239 --> 00:01:43.739 I've asked the Lord to give me something from him that would be helpful for you all, 00:01:43.739 --> 00:01:50.239 that would sow into the laying of the foundation of this church as God is laying it. 00:01:50.299 --> 00:01:56.439 There's one sense in which there is no other foundation that can be laid other than that which has already been laid, 00:01:56.519 --> 00:01:58.339 which is Jesus Christ himself. 00:01:58.879 --> 00:01:59.719 Christ crucified. 00:01:59.719 --> 00:02:05.060 There's another sense in which the apostles use language of active foundation laying. 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:10.979 1 Corinthians 3, Paul says this is our work to lay a foundation. 00:02:11.180 --> 00:02:17.579 Ephesians 2.20, the church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, 00:02:18.340 --> 00:02:20.939 Christ Jesus being the chief cornerstone. 00:02:20.939 --> 00:02:23.740 So, the foundation language is used about Christ. 00:02:23.879 --> 00:02:26.400 It's also used about churches being established. 00:02:27.199 --> 00:02:32.719 And that's what's happening here, is that God is establishing another local church. 00:02:33.180 --> 00:02:33.939 He's laying foundations. 00:02:34.780 --> 00:02:38.740 He's laid great foundations in the members who are here already. 00:02:38.740 --> 00:02:47.560 And he's continuing that work so that, by God's grace, you may be able to bear fruit for his name in an ongoing way, 00:02:47.640 --> 00:02:49.900 and indeed, until he returns. 00:02:50.800 --> 00:02:55.120 And that is at the heart of my burden for this word this morning, 00:02:55.700 --> 00:03:02.879 is to speak and lay further foundations so that, when he appears, 00:03:03.400 --> 00:03:06.420 Christ's church will not be ashamed that is appearing. 00:03:06.419 --> 00:03:10.099 So, you can turn with me to Isaiah 66. 00:03:12.659 --> 00:03:17.279 I have only one page of notes, as opposed to the three or four I usually have, 00:03:17.679 --> 00:03:22.219 which means either will be done much more quickly than usual, 00:03:22.859 --> 00:03:24.759 or it could mean something else. 00:03:27.579 --> 00:03:29.439 But I'm mindful of the time here. 00:03:32.319 --> 00:03:33.439 Isaiah 66. 00:03:33.439 --> 00:03:37.699 I would like to speak about a humble household for the Holy One. 00:03:38.900 --> 00:03:42.719 A humble household for the Holy One. 00:03:45.819 --> 00:03:50.000 Father in heaven, we ask for the help and the power of your Holy Spirit. 00:03:50.639 --> 00:03:55.060 We pray, Lord, that you would open up the hearts of your people. 00:03:55.300 --> 00:03:59.280 Let us be aware of your nearness, which is our good. 00:03:59.280 --> 00:04:04.699 We ask, Lord, that we would hear your word in your word this morning. 00:04:05.640 --> 00:04:09.699 We pray, Lord, that you would continue to build your church, 00:04:10.219 --> 00:04:13.620 that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. 00:04:13.699 --> 00:04:19.319 We ask, Lord, that you would grant to us a clear understanding of your majesty, 00:04:19.319 --> 00:04:24.420 of the gospel, of the church, of the mission. 00:04:24.779 --> 00:04:31.819 And we pray that you would make of Christ's church a humble household for the Holy One. 00:04:32.360 --> 00:04:35.060 We ask these things in his name. 00:04:35.459 --> 00:04:35.800 Amen. 00:04:35.800 --> 00:04:42.000 Isaiah 66, verses 1 and 2. 00:04:42.139 --> 00:04:43.620 Thus says the Lord, 00:04:44.360 --> 00:04:48.879 Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. 00:04:49.300 --> 00:04:52.460 What is the house that you would build for me? 00:04:53.580 --> 00:04:55.360 And what is the place of my rest? 00:04:55.360 --> 00:05:03.340 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. 00:05:03.780 --> 00:05:06.759 But this is the one to whom I will look, 00:05:07.300 --> 00:05:13.960 he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. 00:05:14.920 --> 00:05:18.280 Let's think for a few moments about verse 1. 00:05:18.279 --> 00:05:25.379 Thus says the Lord, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. 00:05:26.339 --> 00:05:31.259 Remarkable statement and reminder from the God of Israel to his people, 00:05:31.919 --> 00:05:32.979 Heaven is my throne. 00:05:34.500 --> 00:05:40.719 My throne is not one that has been erected or constructed by men. 00:05:40.720 --> 00:05:48.460 My throne is not one whose power is limited by the governments of men, by the dictates of men. 00:05:49.040 --> 00:05:51.660 My throne is not one that is temporal. 00:05:52.360 --> 00:05:55.020 My throne has no season of rain. 00:05:55.620 --> 00:05:58.840 My throne is in the heavens. 00:05:59.040 --> 00:06:03.460 And in fact, there's a sense in which heaven itself is my throne. 00:06:04.040 --> 00:06:07.020 God is reminding his people of his greatness. 00:06:07.700 --> 00:06:10.280 And then he says the earth is my footstool. 00:06:10.720 --> 00:06:12.660 The earth is my footstool. 00:06:13.180 --> 00:06:16.940 This earth, which to you is so magnificent. 00:06:17.600 --> 00:06:20.960 This world, which to you is so vast. 00:06:21.960 --> 00:06:26.020 This earth, a sliver of which is the Grand Canyon, 00:06:26.740 --> 00:06:30.780 and to which millions of people travel to marvel at its vastness. 00:06:31.840 --> 00:06:36.280 The whole of the world is little more than my footstool. 00:06:36.279 --> 00:06:40.699 The nations are as a drop in the bucket to me. 00:06:41.239 --> 00:06:45.799 Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. 00:06:46.159 --> 00:06:50.119 This is how he's framing the question he's about to ask to his people. 00:06:50.659 --> 00:06:53.879 What is the house that you would build for me? 00:06:53.879 --> 00:06:57.519 That is a loaded question. 00:06:59.199 --> 00:07:03.300 What is the house that you would build for me? 00:07:03.300 --> 00:07:07.980 Well, as we'll find, this being the last chapter of Isaiah, 00:07:08.480 --> 00:07:11.420 once we get to the end of the chapter, which I won't be touching on today, 00:07:11.460 --> 00:07:13.180 so you can get to it later, 00:07:13.920 --> 00:07:19.180 we have the ultimate fulfillment of the new heavens and the new earth in these chapters. 00:07:19.180 --> 00:07:23.240 And God making his abode with men. 00:07:23.800 --> 00:07:28.959 In that period where not only the prophecy that Zamir read will have been fulfilled, 00:07:29.100 --> 00:07:34.680 but all of the prophecies regarding Messiah will have been fulfilled. 00:07:35.259 --> 00:07:42.259 And in that context, the language is used of God making his dwelling with men. 00:07:42.259 --> 00:07:47.019 Until that day comes, until his glorious appearing, 00:07:47.659 --> 00:07:55.240 we are in the era of the work of this rebuilding of the tabernacle of David. 00:07:56.339 --> 00:07:58.639 Amos 9 speaks about it in Acts 15, 00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:02.240 tells us according to the elders and apostles of Jerusalem, 00:08:03.079 --> 00:08:06.519 that this tabernacle was being restored as the kingdom, 00:08:06.959 --> 00:08:11.539 gospel and government of God is spreading among the Jews and among the Gentiles. 00:08:11.540 --> 00:08:12.200 It's remarkable. 00:08:12.580 --> 00:08:13.980 That's what's happening right here. 00:08:14.840 --> 00:08:16.420 This is why I'm starting here. 00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:22.060 So as to divest or deliver or extricate us 00:08:22.060 --> 00:08:27.620 from any sense in which we might take the gathering of the saints too casually. 00:08:29.259 --> 00:08:31.360 Or think of it as a small thing. 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:36.460 So there's a sense in which God speaking about his majesty, 00:08:36.680 --> 00:08:39.120 heaven is my throne, the earth is my footstool. 00:08:39.120 --> 00:08:41.440 Where is the house that you will build for me? 00:08:41.539 --> 00:08:46.139 He should put us in our place as finite beings. 00:08:46.620 --> 00:08:51.039 But there's another sense in which his question is building towards something, 00:08:51.199 --> 00:08:54.459 that he himself is working in the earth. 00:08:54.460 --> 00:09:03.879 I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. 00:09:04.920 --> 00:09:06.680 What is the place of my rest? 00:09:06.759 --> 00:09:07.400 He asks. 00:09:07.680 --> 00:09:08.080 J.L. 00:09:08.160 --> 00:09:16.180 Mettir says the word menucha combines being at rest and being at home. 00:09:16.179 --> 00:09:26.279 Have you ever thought of the church as being the place where God is and desires more knowingly to be at home? 00:09:26.279 --> 00:09:29.379 The place of his rest. 00:09:29.379 --> 00:09:30.779 Where is the place of my rest? 00:09:30.779 --> 00:09:36.699 Is there any place upon the earth in which I may find rest for my soul, so to speak? 00:09:36.700 --> 00:09:42.840 As I look upon the nations and I see their idolatries, their suppression of truth, 00:09:43.360 --> 00:09:49.140 I see their coldness, their indifference toward their creator. 00:09:49.139 --> 00:09:55.860 There's a sense in which I am omnipresent, but there's a sense in which I don't find rest there. 00:09:56.539 --> 00:10:04.039 It says in Genesis 6, before the flood, that God looked over the earth and grieved that he had made man. 00:10:04.039 --> 00:10:13.419 There's a sense in which God grieves, but there's another sense in which by the power of his own holiness and grace, 00:10:13.779 --> 00:10:17.019 he means to rest upon the earth. 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:21.819 And the church is one of the places in which he rests. 00:10:22.039 --> 00:10:24.339 We'll hear a little bit more about that from Ephesians 2. 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:31.080 In Isaiah 11.10, the Lord says, 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:38.480 In that day, speaking of the end of this age, the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples, 00:10:38.759 --> 00:10:45.500 of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. 00:10:46.200 --> 00:10:47.800 This is the final fulfillment. 00:10:47.799 --> 00:10:55.599 When the Lord returns of his resting place, finding its full-orbed expression of glory, 00:10:55.719 --> 00:10:58.500 which will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. 00:10:58.939 --> 00:11:06.699 Our labors in the mundane day-to-day affairs of personal gospel believing, personal holiness, 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:12.399 personal love of the saints, rearing our children, building up and encouraging the church, 00:11:12.879 --> 00:11:15.699 praying for and sharing the gospel with unbelievers, 00:11:15.700 --> 00:11:22.240 all of these are pointing toward that climactic, glorious day. 00:11:22.780 --> 00:11:30.940 And in fact, the same spirit and glory that will be on full display then is at work in us now. 00:11:31.660 --> 00:11:33.340 Do you believe it, brothers and sisters? 00:11:38.540 --> 00:11:39.379 Verse 2, 00:11:39.379 --> 00:11:58.720 Then he speaks to his people regarding their hearts. 00:11:58.720 --> 00:12:14.379 Here is a glorious promise. 00:12:14.540 --> 00:12:21.720 The Lord himself promises that he will look to, that means he will see to the flourishing of, 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:27.220 he will look with favor upon the one who is humble, who is lowly, 00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:32.500 who thinks not highly of himself, herself, but who is humble. 00:12:34.080 --> 00:12:42.720 The one who is contrite in spirit, which is similar but different in the sense that it connotes an awareness of our neediness, 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:49.800 of our being broken, of our seeing in part of our weakness. 00:12:50.460 --> 00:12:53.100 The one who is humble before God. 00:12:53.320 --> 00:12:57.480 The one who is contrite, broken, low before God. 00:12:57.899 --> 00:13:00.940 And the one who trembles at my word. 00:13:00.940 --> 00:13:04.440 These attributes that the Lord speaks of. 00:13:04.520 --> 00:13:05.820 That brought back memories as well. 00:13:06.620 --> 00:13:11.600 Because we used to hear the toilet flush behind us in the first meeting room at the Westport building. 00:13:12.080 --> 00:13:13.560 Some of you guys remember that? 00:13:17.120 --> 00:13:18.820 Sorry if you're listening to the recording. 00:13:20.820 --> 00:13:23.040 But people have to flush toilets sometimes. 00:13:23.039 --> 00:13:30.620 The humility to which God calls us as his people. 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:35.679 The contrition of which he reminds us and to which he calls us as his people. 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:41.539 And the trembling at his word are central to our being as God's people. 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:49.899 And what we desire to spread throughout Raytown and Kansas City and to the uttermost parts of the earth 00:13:49.899 --> 00:13:56.720 is the word about the holiness and mercy of God, which is found chiefly in the gospel. 00:13:57.079 --> 00:14:00.659 And that gospel produces a particular kind of people. 00:14:01.259 --> 00:14:02.459 A people who are humble. 00:14:02.980 --> 00:14:05.519 Not self-effacing and falsely humble. 00:14:06.299 --> 00:14:10.799 Actually exalting themselves by putting themselves down so they can fish for compliments. 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:12.799 But truly humble. 00:14:13.000 --> 00:14:18.720 That understand that they are before the one who made the heavens and the earth. 00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:21.879 And totally dependent upon him. 00:14:22.320 --> 00:14:30.379 That everything that they have, whether common or holy, is derived from someone outside themselves. 00:14:31.379 --> 00:14:32.399 That's humility. 00:14:33.440 --> 00:14:35.340 Humility is knowing who you truly are. 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:39.519 And having something of a grasp of who God truly is. 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:46.360 And it is that kind of people that the world is starving and suffocating to meet. 00:14:46.360 --> 00:14:49.379 Because they don't know them. 00:14:50.060 --> 00:14:53.580 Because the whole world lies under the power of the evil one. 00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:59.639 Because the way of this world and the course of this age is the exaltation of self. 00:15:00.159 --> 00:15:08.220 And the holding together veneers of image and reputation rather than contrition in spirit. 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:19.080 And it is the way of rebellion which does not hear the word of God, much less tremble before the word of God. 00:15:19.540 --> 00:15:24.100 But this is the one and this is the people to whom I will look. 00:15:24.759 --> 00:15:30.080 Humble, contrite in spirit, trembling at my word. 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:37.440 Let's think for a few more moments about the motif of this dwelling, this house of God from Ephesians chapter 2. 00:15:37.680 --> 00:15:39.840 Very familiar passage to all of you. 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:48.080 But let's think about it perhaps in connection to the local church and the dwelling of God. 00:15:48.780 --> 00:15:49.759 Verses 8. 00:15:49.860 --> 00:15:55.500 I'll read verses 8 and 9 and then verses 19 to 22. 00:15:55.500 --> 00:15:59.840 For by grace you have been saved through faith. 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:01.860 And this is not your own doing. 00:16:02.419 --> 00:16:04.220 It is the gift of God. 00:16:04.779 --> 00:16:10.179 This gives specific language to heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. 00:16:11.080 --> 00:16:14.700 And by my hand all these things have been made. 00:16:14.779 --> 00:16:16.120 Well this is special grace. 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:19.000 This is his hand in special grace. 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:21.840 For by grace you have been saved through faith. 00:16:21.940 --> 00:16:22.919 Not your own doing. 00:16:22.919 --> 00:16:24.120 It's the gift of God. 00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:25.979 Not a result of works. 00:16:26.120 --> 00:16:28.259 So that no one may boast. 00:16:28.479 --> 00:16:33.639 This may be one of the reasons that I was shedding tears sitting back there just hearing. 00:16:34.279 --> 00:16:36.860 Just being reminded again of the gospel. 00:16:37.059 --> 00:16:43.039 Just being washed again in the truth of what Christ has accomplished on my behalf. 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:46.419 And on behalf of the brothers and sisters I'm singing with here. 00:16:48.639 --> 00:16:49.860 We're not boasting. 00:16:50.819 --> 00:16:52.339 What boast do we have? 00:16:52.919 --> 00:16:55.139 We are here because of him. 00:16:55.139 --> 00:17:01.079 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. 00:17:01.240 --> 00:17:05.480 Which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:09.220 That verse 10 is very precious. 00:17:09.220 --> 00:17:14.240 And I was praying this morning that if your heart is weary. 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:16.759 If any of you brothers and sisters are weary. 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:22.099 Even in reference to your fellowship and ministry in the church. 00:17:22.099 --> 00:17:24.579 That God would give you a renewed vision. 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:30.039 And in fact further establish in the foundation of this church. 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:33.259 The conviction that we are his workmanship. 00:17:33.259 --> 00:17:40.319 That is works which moth and rust cannot destroy. 00:17:40.519 --> 00:17:42.119 That's what we're about here. 00:17:42.519 --> 00:17:48.059 This ain't no Christ church is going to be the hip thing in town. 00:17:48.420 --> 00:17:51.240 Bellicose church is the latest and greatest. 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:54.920 This ain't no worldly idea of greatness. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:18:00.779 The greatness comes from the one who gives the grace. 00:18:01.400 --> 00:18:06.539 The one which we have derived everything good from. 00:18:07.500 --> 00:18:10.279 And therefore we need to understand that beforehand. 00:18:10.620 --> 00:18:13.299 That is before the world was made. 00:18:13.299 --> 00:18:19.180 The Lord set his affections on us and called us his workmanship. 00:18:19.599 --> 00:18:22.379 He created us in Christ Jesus. 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:25.220 Specifically for good works. 00:18:25.619 --> 00:18:29.279 Which he prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:35.200 Just thinking about that and thinking about what the Lord will continue to do here in this church. 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:38.279 By way of deepening knowledge of God. 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:40.200 Deepening fellowship one with another. 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:43.460 Deepening work of evangelism and discipleship. 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:47.860 These are works that God has prepared for you beforehand. 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:50.700 That you should walk in them. 00:18:53.080 --> 00:18:54.420 That's a precious thing. 00:18:55.360 --> 00:18:55.960 Verse 19. 00:18:56.100 --> 00:18:58.340 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens. 00:18:58.340 --> 00:19:04.319 But you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. 00:19:04.319 --> 00:19:07.839 Where is the place of my resting? 00:19:08.779 --> 00:19:10.740 In the household of God. 00:19:10.919 --> 00:19:13.460 Of which we have become members. 00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:19.480 That household is built, verse 20, on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. 00:19:20.119 --> 00:19:23.179 Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. 00:19:23.419 --> 00:19:28.139 In whom the whole structure being joined together. 00:19:28.919 --> 00:19:32.919 Grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 00:19:32.920 --> 00:19:34.920 We don't use the language of temple very often. 00:19:34.920 --> 00:19:37.279 It was much more common in the ancient world. 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:40.860 Or in certain parts of the eastern world in our day. 00:19:41.060 --> 00:19:42.060 We don't think of temple. 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:46.060 If someone would name their church building a temple. 00:19:46.200 --> 00:19:47.759 It would be counted strange. 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:50.740 We just don't think along these lines. 00:19:50.860 --> 00:19:52.800 Probably we have used the word temple. 00:19:52.920 --> 00:19:54.620 Unless we're talking about Bible stuff. 00:19:54.619 --> 00:19:57.419 More often to think about part of our head. 00:19:57.619 --> 00:20:03.379 Than we have in reference to a conception of what the church actually is. 00:20:03.899 --> 00:20:06.659 But the church is a place. 00:20:07.359 --> 00:20:11.159 Charles Spurgeon called it the dearest place on the earth. 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:13.379 It's not just a building. 00:20:13.839 --> 00:20:15.559 But where the saints gather. 00:20:15.919 --> 00:20:19.759 There Christ is making his abode by the spirit. 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:24.240 This is something Paul is trying to teach the Ephesians. 00:20:24.920 --> 00:20:26.039 This whole structure. 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:27.819 Being joined together. 00:20:28.039 --> 00:20:31.299 Grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 00:20:31.359 --> 00:20:32.960 It is a place for his dwelling. 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:34.460 It's a place for his resting. 00:20:34.859 --> 00:20:37.279 It's a place in which he looks upon a people. 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:39.579 And sees the righteousness of his son. 00:20:41.180 --> 00:20:43.720 And delights to dwell among us. 00:20:44.140 --> 00:20:45.980 In ways that he does not delight. 00:20:46.180 --> 00:20:47.759 To dwell elsewhere. 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:48.440 Elsewhere. 00:20:50.500 --> 00:20:52.099 That is a precious thing. 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:52.900 Verse 22. 00:20:53.099 --> 00:21:00.379 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the spirit. 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:03.940 We could spend hours on this one verse. 00:21:04.980 --> 00:21:06.839 But I'll spare you the hours. 00:21:08.039 --> 00:21:10.240 And just think about this for a moment. 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:12.160 In him that is in Christ. 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:16.279 You brothers and sisters are also being built together. 00:21:16.279 --> 00:21:20.879 Into a dwelling place for God by the spirit. 00:21:20.879 --> 00:21:23.299 If you recognize the sacredness of this. 00:21:23.399 --> 00:21:27.359 It will fight off a host of fleshly misconceptions. 00:21:28.099 --> 00:21:30.299 Demonic impressions. 00:21:30.759 --> 00:21:32.819 And worldly ambitions. 00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:37.259 If you understand that when I fellowship with this brother. 00:21:37.659 --> 00:21:39.919 When I submit to this God appointed elder. 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:43.179 When I build up these saints by encouraging them. 00:21:43.259 --> 00:21:44.439 By leading the Lord's table. 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:45.500 By teaching. 00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:47.899 Or by meeting with them and hearing them. 00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:49.339 Whatever it is I'm doing. 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:53.220 I'm giving myself to the building up of this people. 00:21:53.220 --> 00:21:54.879 Which is for God. 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:57.720 A resting place that he has desired. 00:21:57.799 --> 00:22:00.139 And which his son has achieved. 00:22:00.140 --> 00:22:04.280 Moth and rust can't destroy this. 00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:10.360 You know there's that point in Psalm 16. 00:22:10.860 --> 00:22:11.420 11. 00:22:11.620 --> 00:22:14.060 In his presence is fullness of joy. 00:22:14.180 --> 00:22:17.100 And at his right hand there are pleasures forevermore. 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:20.160 I think it's John Piper who points to that and says. 00:22:20.580 --> 00:22:22.300 Could there be anything better than this? 00:22:24.060 --> 00:22:25.160 Fullness of joy. 00:22:26.100 --> 00:22:29.120 There's nothing else in the world that gives fullness of joy. 00:22:29.119 --> 00:22:31.419 So you have full joy. 00:22:31.539 --> 00:22:33.079 Which nothing else can compare to. 00:22:33.199 --> 00:22:35.119 And you have pleasures forevermore. 00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:39.259 Fullness of joy that never ends. 00:22:39.339 --> 00:22:41.319 That's eternal life in Christ. 00:22:42.599 --> 00:22:43.739 And the church. 00:22:44.479 --> 00:22:45.919 Is the family. 00:22:47.199 --> 00:22:48.539 And the army. 00:22:49.639 --> 00:22:53.119 That has been swept up into that glorious and sweet destiny. 00:22:53.119 --> 00:22:53.919 Destiny. 00:22:53.919 --> 00:22:57.000 And whose labor it is. 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:59.359 To preach to others. 00:22:59.619 --> 00:23:00.739 And to love others. 00:23:00.879 --> 00:23:01.699 That they too. 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:03.699 Might be saved. 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:08.139 Paul is speaking here about a house in which God rests. 00:23:08.699 --> 00:23:10.079 And is not grieved. 00:23:10.619 --> 00:23:10.959 Therefore. 00:23:11.839 --> 00:23:14.719 The local church is sovereignly composed. 00:23:15.059 --> 00:23:16.279 By Christ himself. 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.959 Who loved us. 00:23:18.199 --> 00:23:19.539 And gave himself. 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:20.799 For us. 00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:23.200 My prayer for you. 00:23:23.460 --> 00:23:24.019 And for. 00:23:25.180 --> 00:23:25.559 Me. 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:26.799 Is that. 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:28.419 God would give us the grace. 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.919 Always to discern. 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:31.240 How sacred. 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.139 And precious. 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:33.419 It is. 00:23:33.940 --> 00:23:34.500 To him. 00:23:37.339 --> 00:23:39.200 That will drive off weariness. 00:23:40.200 --> 00:23:41.759 That will drive off. 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:42.419 Division. 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:44.299 That will drive off. 00:23:44.399 --> 00:23:44.919 Contention. 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:45.980 That will drive off. 00:23:46.059 --> 00:23:48.139 Selfish ways of thinking about ministry. 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:49.900 And other things. 00:23:50.060 --> 00:23:50.860 To understand. 00:23:51.300 --> 00:23:52.420 That we are dealing. 00:23:53.160 --> 00:23:54.240 With the bride. 00:23:55.280 --> 00:23:56.440 Of the bridegroom. 00:23:59.400 --> 00:23:59.840 Well. 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:01.020 I have three points. 00:24:02.759 --> 00:24:03.340 Let's see. 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:04.040 How are we doing? 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:04.500 Oh. 00:24:04.620 --> 00:24:04.780 Yeah. 00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:05.280 Okay. 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:09.240 I have three points. 00:24:09.240 --> 00:24:10.240 To lay as. 00:24:11.300 --> 00:24:11.740 Exhortations. 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:12.700 Encouragements. 00:24:12.860 --> 00:24:13.740 To Christ's church. 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:15.120 In view of these things. 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:18.000 Three points. 00:24:18.119 --> 00:24:18.599 Number one. 00:24:18.659 --> 00:24:19.459 I'll tell you the points. 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:20.539 And then I'll give a bit of. 00:24:21.699 --> 00:24:22.519 Exposition of them. 00:24:22.639 --> 00:24:23.179 Number one. 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:24.939 Three. 00:24:25.479 --> 00:24:25.919 Three. 00:24:26.659 --> 00:24:29.119 Things that I would like for you to consider. 00:24:29.659 --> 00:24:30.299 Taking up. 00:24:30.679 --> 00:24:31.079 Afresh. 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:34.000 You may feel these are already quite strong. 00:24:34.059 --> 00:24:34.539 In my life. 00:24:34.619 --> 00:24:35.500 By the grace of God. 00:24:35.539 --> 00:24:36.479 Or in our life together. 00:24:37.059 --> 00:24:38.759 But I want to lay them down here. 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:39.379 In this wet. 00:24:39.719 --> 00:24:40.159 Concrete. 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:41.039 Okay. 00:24:41.039 --> 00:24:42.440 Number one. 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:43.779 As a church. 00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:44.500 As individuals. 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:45.759 And as a church. 00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:47.339 Take the low road. 00:24:48.099 --> 00:24:50.099 Take the low road. 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.259 We'll think about humility. 00:24:51.779 --> 00:24:52.159 In that. 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:52.839 Number two. 00:24:53.059 --> 00:24:53.779 As individuals. 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.960 And as a church. 00:24:55.420 --> 00:24:57.180 Take the long view. 00:24:59.259 --> 00:25:00.799 Take the long view. 00:25:01.379 --> 00:25:02.579 And number three. 00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:03.779 As individuals. 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:04.940 And as a church. 00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:06.279 Take the way. 00:25:06.659 --> 00:25:07.359 Of love. 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:09.700 Point number one. 00:25:09.700 --> 00:25:11.100 Take the low road. 00:25:11.500 --> 00:25:12.580 As individuals. 00:25:12.580 --> 00:25:13.880 And as a church. 00:25:14.539 --> 00:25:15.960 We're thinking about humility. 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:17.180 Before God. 00:25:17.819 --> 00:25:19.480 We're thinking about humility. 00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:20.680 Before his word. 00:25:21.100 --> 00:25:22.620 And we're thinking about humility. 00:25:22.620 --> 00:25:24.240 Before one another. 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:27.180 Don't let anything. 00:25:27.400 --> 00:25:28.440 Brothers and sisters. 00:25:29.319 --> 00:25:30.900 Hinder or discourage. 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:33.620 Your humble and joyful. 00:25:34.080 --> 00:25:35.480 Walk before God. 00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:37.160 Talking individually. 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:39.120 And I'm talking together. 00:25:39.120 --> 00:25:40.360 As a church. 00:25:40.840 --> 00:25:42.340 And you have to make these points. 00:25:42.620 --> 00:25:44.040 Because we are. 00:25:45.380 --> 00:25:46.500 Compartmentalizing types. 00:25:47.360 --> 00:25:48.380 And sometimes. 00:25:48.860 --> 00:25:49.240 We are. 00:25:49.779 --> 00:25:51.060 Flourishing among the saints. 00:25:51.300 --> 00:25:52.840 But not flourishing when alone. 00:25:53.500 --> 00:25:54.480 And other times. 00:25:54.580 --> 00:25:56.200 We seem to be flourishing when alone. 00:25:56.300 --> 00:25:57.279 But we're not flourishing. 00:25:57.540 --> 00:25:58.700 Among the saints. 00:25:59.200 --> 00:26:00.980 And so we must see to it. 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:02.440 That we take the low road. 00:26:03.040 --> 00:26:04.220 Before God. 00:26:04.759 --> 00:26:05.759 When we are alone. 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:06.799 And when we are together. 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:09.619 Humility before God. 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:11.000 Is the safe place. 00:26:11.640 --> 00:26:12.799 In which to live. 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.680 And walk. 00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:16.180 Humility before his word. 00:26:16.339 --> 00:26:17.059 As individuals. 00:26:17.339 --> 00:26:17.839 Means. 00:26:18.700 --> 00:26:20.079 That we will look to him. 00:26:20.180 --> 00:26:20.900 As our father. 00:26:21.119 --> 00:26:21.839 And source. 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:24.079 And it means also. 00:26:24.079 --> 00:26:25.339 That we will go on. 00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:25.799 Being conformed. 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:27.859 To Christ. 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:29.240 By his word. 00:26:30.039 --> 00:26:31.400 It means humbling ourselves. 00:26:31.400 --> 00:26:33.539 Before the living word of God. 00:26:33.539 --> 00:26:34.740 As individuals. 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:35.579 As fathers. 00:26:35.579 --> 00:26:35.579 00:26:35.579 --> 00:26:37.019 That are loving wives. 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:37.980 And leading families. 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:38.599 As wives. 00:26:38.659 --> 00:26:39.519 That are submitting to. 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:41.059 And loving their husbands. 00:26:41.059 --> 00:26:41.799 As children. 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:42.599 To their parents. 00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:43.059 Parents. 00:26:43.420 --> 00:26:44.079 To their children. 00:26:44.220 --> 00:26:45.059 Brothers and sisters. 00:26:45.059 --> 00:26:46.000 Among the church. 00:26:46.639 --> 00:26:48.159 Humility before God. 00:26:48.200 --> 00:26:49.099 And his word. 00:26:49.180 --> 00:26:49.619 Means. 00:26:49.619 --> 00:26:51.059 We are not willing. 00:26:51.059 --> 00:26:52.379 To go about life. 00:26:52.379 --> 00:26:53.539 Or ministry. 00:26:53.779 --> 00:26:56.359 Apart from increasing conformity. 00:26:56.359 --> 00:26:57.659 To what he has spoken. 00:26:58.339 --> 00:26:59.180 In his word. 00:26:59.500 --> 00:27:01.000 This will be a safeguard. 00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:02.000 For you. 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:04.059 That will keep your lampstand. 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:05.400 From being removed. 00:27:07.839 --> 00:27:09.660 If when you have disagreements. 00:27:09.960 --> 00:27:11.440 You come to one another. 00:27:11.640 --> 00:27:12.079 And say. 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:14.539 Let us bow before our God. 00:27:14.619 --> 00:27:15.460 And let us go. 00:27:15.599 --> 00:27:16.220 And consult. 00:27:16.420 --> 00:27:17.220 His word. 00:27:17.440 --> 00:27:17.819 Together. 00:27:18.579 --> 00:27:19.759 If you acknowledge. 00:27:19.960 --> 00:27:21.420 The authority of scripture. 00:27:21.859 --> 00:27:22.980 And what is taught here. 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:24.279 And what is practiced here. 00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:26.359 And in how you live. 00:27:26.819 --> 00:27:28.180 Then you will be protected. 00:27:28.180 --> 00:27:29.420 From many ills. 00:27:29.880 --> 00:27:30.940 And many schemes. 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:31.799 Of the enemy. 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:33.279 Brothers and sisters. 00:27:33.279 --> 00:27:34.660 Take the low road. 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:36.400 Before his word. 00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:37.940 Do not be. 00:27:38.519 --> 00:27:39.039 Stifled. 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:40.460 By the enemy. 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:41.920 And do not be distracted. 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:44.240 By the schemes of men. 00:27:46.080 --> 00:27:47.380 Take the low road. 00:27:47.680 --> 00:27:48.519 With one another. 00:27:50.440 --> 00:27:51.940 Let us pray for one another. 00:27:53.440 --> 00:27:54.420 Be hospitable. 00:27:54.560 --> 00:27:56.100 As I'm sure you're already doing. 00:27:56.099 --> 00:27:57.480 Speaking the truth. 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:58.000 To one another. 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.439 In love. 00:27:58.480 --> 00:27:59.599 As you're already doing. 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:02.539 Take that low road. 00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:04.719 And do it. 00:28:04.859 --> 00:28:06.279 Until the Lord returns. 00:28:07.019 --> 00:28:08.179 Horatius Bonner says. 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:09.699 A Christian is growing. 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:11.599 When he elevates. 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:12.899 His master. 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:14.619 Talks less. 00:28:14.699 --> 00:28:16.359 Of what he himself is doing. 00:28:16.559 --> 00:28:17.659 And becomes smaller. 00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:18.319 And smaller. 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:19.839 In his own esteem. 00:28:20.439 --> 00:28:22.480 Until like the morning star. 00:28:22.480 --> 00:28:24.079 He fades away. 00:28:24.440 --> 00:28:26.240 Before the rising sun. 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:31.559 When the world looks upon a people. 00:28:31.559 --> 00:28:33.180 Who through the grace of God. 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:34.440 Are making much. 00:28:34.680 --> 00:28:35.519 Of Christ. 00:28:35.839 --> 00:28:36.860 Rather than much. 00:28:37.099 --> 00:28:37.980 Of themselves. 00:28:38.720 --> 00:28:40.380 There will be great glory. 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:41.900 To his name. 00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:44.700 We need backbone. 00:28:45.360 --> 00:28:47.059 I preached a message a while back. 00:28:47.120 --> 00:28:48.140 Someone reminded me of it. 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:49.059 Yesterday I think. 00:28:49.099 --> 00:28:49.819 Or the day before. 00:28:49.819 --> 00:28:52.119 For backbone and bowels. 00:28:52.119 --> 00:28:53.099 For the wilderness. 00:28:53.460 --> 00:28:54.019 And the war. 00:28:54.139 --> 00:28:54.679 One of these. 00:28:56.419 --> 00:28:57.299 Unusually long. 00:28:57.679 --> 00:28:58.119 Words. 00:28:58.740 --> 00:28:59.179 Titles. 00:28:59.659 --> 00:29:00.879 And then it has the word bowels. 00:29:00.939 --> 00:29:02.500 Which we only think of intestinally. 00:29:02.619 --> 00:29:04.079 Which is why Julie is making the face. 00:29:04.119 --> 00:29:04.619 She's making. 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:05.639 Right now. 00:29:06.819 --> 00:29:08.319 But the word bowels. 00:29:08.480 --> 00:29:09.159 The King James. 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:10.359 Uses. 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:12.399 With reference to the affections. 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:13.319 Of Jesus Christ. 00:29:13.460 --> 00:29:14.819 That's because in the Greek. 00:29:14.919 --> 00:29:16.059 It's the same word. 00:29:16.139 --> 00:29:17.259 Used for intestines. 00:29:17.859 --> 00:29:18.299 Bowels. 00:29:18.419 --> 00:29:19.500 Or affections. 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:21.299 And based on the context. 00:29:21.440 --> 00:29:22.900 You use it that way. 00:29:22.900 --> 00:29:25.980 And in earlier English speaking eras. 00:29:26.099 --> 00:29:27.299 They used bowels. 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:28.059 To speak of. 00:29:28.259 --> 00:29:29.900 What's going on inside of me. 00:29:30.099 --> 00:29:31.339 Or affectionately. 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:32.400 What's going on. 00:29:32.799 --> 00:29:33.759 Inside of me. 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:35.740 And we as a church. 00:29:35.839 --> 00:29:36.579 Brothers and sisters. 00:29:36.740 --> 00:29:37.579 We need backbone. 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:38.660 In this era. 00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:40.839 The church has always needed backbone. 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:42.819 But we need backbone now. 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:44.079 Perhaps in America. 00:29:44.319 --> 00:29:45.480 Like never before. 00:29:45.480 --> 00:29:48.000 Because the deceptions. 00:29:48.880 --> 00:29:50.860 The twisting of God's law. 00:29:50.960 --> 00:29:53.400 The hatred toward the church. 00:29:53.640 --> 00:29:55.460 Is more prevalent now. 00:29:55.819 --> 00:29:57.140 In our nation in particular. 00:29:57.319 --> 00:29:59.140 Than it has ever been before. 00:29:59.640 --> 00:30:02.220 And we need clarity from God's word. 00:30:02.339 --> 00:30:03.220 We need backbone. 00:30:03.880 --> 00:30:06.460 Unbending faithfulness to God's word. 00:30:06.460 --> 00:30:06.940 I think. 00:30:07.480 --> 00:30:08.640 Well I'll skip that. 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:09.900 Scholarly statement. 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:11.400 Doesn't matter. 00:30:12.140 --> 00:30:13.460 Backbone and bowels. 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:15.400 Are what we need then. 00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:16.319 We need backbone. 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:17.460 Not to bend. 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:19.140 When God's word. 00:30:19.259 --> 00:30:20.299 Is being resisted. 00:30:20.579 --> 00:30:21.880 And we need bowels. 00:30:21.980 --> 00:30:22.759 Of compassion. 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:23.680 And affections. 00:30:23.740 --> 00:30:24.420 For Christ. 00:30:24.420 --> 00:30:25.960 That we might love. 00:30:25.960 --> 00:30:27.420 As we ought to love. 00:30:28.279 --> 00:30:28.800 In fact. 00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:30.200 We need the kind of backbone. 00:30:30.340 --> 00:30:31.519 And the kind of bowels. 00:30:32.279 --> 00:30:33.940 That can produce the kind of saints. 00:30:33.940 --> 00:30:36.580 Who can joyfully face martyrdom. 00:30:39.320 --> 00:30:40.400 Point number two. 00:30:40.700 --> 00:30:40.840 So. 00:30:41.279 --> 00:30:42.720 To have that backbone. 00:30:42.840 --> 00:30:44.100 And those bowels. 00:30:44.220 --> 00:30:45.240 Of affections for Christ. 00:30:45.320 --> 00:30:46.620 We must take the low road. 00:30:47.220 --> 00:30:48.019 The low road. 00:30:49.060 --> 00:30:49.759 Number two. 00:30:49.860 --> 00:30:50.960 Take the long view. 00:30:51.480 --> 00:30:52.440 As individuals. 00:30:52.640 --> 00:30:53.420 And as a church. 00:30:53.420 --> 00:30:55.240 Take the long view. 00:30:55.820 --> 00:30:56.960 It is customary. 00:30:56.960 --> 00:30:57.920 In church planting. 00:30:58.200 --> 00:30:59.900 Not to take the long view. 00:31:00.840 --> 00:31:01.740 It's customary. 00:31:01.740 --> 00:31:02.480 To do a good deal. 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:03.680 Of administrative work. 00:31:04.100 --> 00:31:04.820 Make sure. 00:31:05.060 --> 00:31:06.900 As we've often thought about. 00:31:07.039 --> 00:31:08.100 You have a good speaker. 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:09.259 You have a good worship leader. 00:31:09.320 --> 00:31:10.500 You have a good kids program. 00:31:10.860 --> 00:31:11.960 Maybe a few other things. 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:12.820 Good program. 00:31:14.400 --> 00:31:14.920 Etc. 00:31:15.060 --> 00:31:15.539 Etc. 00:31:15.800 --> 00:31:17.380 If you can do the hard work. 00:31:17.380 --> 00:31:17.759 Up front. 00:31:17.800 --> 00:31:19.019 To get those things in place. 00:31:19.019 --> 00:31:20.500 You're going to have a successful church. 00:31:20.580 --> 00:31:20.960 Well that's. 00:31:21.060 --> 00:31:22.860 That's worldly pragmatism. 00:31:23.420 --> 00:31:26.300 We don't care about having a successful church. 00:31:26.300 --> 00:31:28.940 As the world defines organizations. 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:31.180 We care about bearing fruit. 00:31:31.180 --> 00:31:32.740 For the sake of our Lord's name. 00:31:33.380 --> 00:31:34.259 And therefore. 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:36.460 We need to take the long view. 00:31:36.960 --> 00:31:38.500 The long view meaning. 00:31:39.960 --> 00:31:41.340 The grand narrative. 00:31:42.400 --> 00:31:43.539 Rather than. 00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:45.660 What a friend of mine called. 00:31:45.660 --> 00:31:47.960 The seduction of grandiosity. 00:31:47.960 --> 00:31:51.940 There's the grand view. 00:31:52.279 --> 00:31:53.380 The grand narrative. 00:31:53.840 --> 00:31:55.220 Which goes all the way back. 00:31:55.220 --> 00:31:56.259 To eternity past. 00:31:56.380 --> 00:31:57.700 And stretches forward. 00:31:57.840 --> 00:31:58.860 To eternity future. 00:31:59.340 --> 00:32:01.079 And we are right in the middle of this. 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:02.680 As the church. 00:32:03.799 --> 00:32:04.960 And to realize. 00:32:04.960 --> 00:32:06.539 That the building of the church. 00:32:06.539 --> 00:32:07.340 Is blood. 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:07.880 Sweat. 00:32:08.000 --> 00:32:08.620 And tears. 00:32:09.279 --> 00:32:09.860 Fellowship. 00:32:09.940 --> 00:32:11.140 And bearing of the cross. 00:32:11.220 --> 00:32:12.319 And offering up prayers. 00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:14.599 And long suffering one with another. 00:32:14.599 --> 00:32:16.000 And being. 00:32:16.200 --> 00:32:18.079 Keeping in step with the spirit. 00:32:18.879 --> 00:32:20.819 Painstakingly studying God's word. 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:23.019 And encouraging one another with it. 00:32:23.139 --> 00:32:26.279 And rebuking error when it arises in the church. 00:32:26.279 --> 00:32:28.720 And pressing together as a people. 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:30.980 Against the tide of this age. 00:32:31.399 --> 00:32:32.039 In mission. 00:32:33.940 --> 00:32:34.299 That. 00:32:35.339 --> 00:32:37.720 And not just reaching the point. 00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:39.399 Where you say we're finally doing that. 00:32:39.480 --> 00:32:41.399 So now we can have the conference about it. 00:32:41.440 --> 00:32:42.599 That everyone comes to. 00:32:42.680 --> 00:32:43.399 But to say no. 00:32:43.720 --> 00:32:45.160 We may or may not have the conference. 00:32:45.160 --> 00:32:46.460 We may never have the conference. 00:32:46.460 --> 00:32:48.359 But that's what we're going to do. 00:32:48.519 --> 00:32:50.339 Until the Lord returns. 00:32:51.059 --> 00:32:52.059 That's the long view. 00:32:52.059 --> 00:32:55.440 Until creation. 00:32:55.639 --> 00:32:57.480 Which has been subjected to futility. 00:32:57.480 --> 00:32:59.659 Is released from its curse. 00:32:59.859 --> 00:33:01.359 That's what we're going to do. 00:33:01.419 --> 00:33:02.419 And we're going to go out. 00:33:02.559 --> 00:33:03.279 With our. 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:04.740 Our sickle. 00:33:05.039 --> 00:33:05.480 Reaping. 00:33:05.839 --> 00:33:07.339 As much of the harvest. 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:08.339 As we can. 00:33:08.539 --> 00:33:11.019 Until the time of judgment arrives. 00:33:11.500 --> 00:33:12.559 That's the long view. 00:33:13.500 --> 00:33:15.019 A long view personally. 00:33:15.019 --> 00:33:16.940 With reference to our sanctification. 00:33:17.139 --> 00:33:17.940 But a long view. 00:33:18.079 --> 00:33:19.819 With reference to our life. 00:33:20.039 --> 00:33:20.919 As a church. 00:33:20.919 --> 00:33:21.919 And the ministry. 00:33:21.920 --> 00:33:23.279 To which he has called us. 00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:25.340 We may think about William Carey. 00:33:25.400 --> 00:33:25.980 For instance. 00:33:26.140 --> 00:33:27.060 Adoniram Judson. 00:33:27.140 --> 00:33:27.740 These men were. 00:33:28.360 --> 00:33:28.800 Missionaries. 00:33:28.980 --> 00:33:29.160 In the. 00:33:29.300 --> 00:33:29.900 In the. 00:33:30.300 --> 00:33:31.940 Early 1800s. 00:33:32.340 --> 00:33:33.019 Both of whom. 00:33:33.080 --> 00:33:34.080 And there's actually a list. 00:33:34.080 --> 00:33:35.460 Of about 10 of these guys. 00:33:35.560 --> 00:33:36.440 In different places. 00:33:36.900 --> 00:33:37.640 Going to. 00:33:37.920 --> 00:33:38.300 Hindus. 00:33:38.440 --> 00:33:39.019 And going to. 00:33:39.180 --> 00:33:40.000 Islamic nations. 00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:40.920 And many. 00:33:41.140 --> 00:33:42.019 There's a list. 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:42.940 Of eight or 10 of them. 00:33:43.000 --> 00:33:43.300 I read. 00:33:43.460 --> 00:33:43.900 I read. 00:33:43.900 --> 00:33:44.580 In the other day. 00:33:45.120 --> 00:33:45.740 That labored. 00:33:45.740 --> 00:33:46.880 For seven years. 00:33:46.880 --> 00:33:47.740 Before they saw. 00:33:47.880 --> 00:33:48.740 Their first convert. 00:33:50.460 --> 00:33:51.380 True convert. 00:33:52.860 --> 00:33:53.060 Well. 00:33:53.080 --> 00:33:53.539 I'm not saying. 00:33:53.539 --> 00:33:54.660 That's how it's going to be here. 00:33:54.660 --> 00:33:56.180 But what if Christ's church exists. 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:57.539 For seven years. 00:33:57.940 --> 00:33:58.980 Sharing the gospel. 00:33:59.180 --> 00:33:59.740 Building up. 00:34:00.080 --> 00:34:00.920 Brothers and sisters. 00:34:00.920 --> 00:34:01.900 Being faithful. 00:34:02.279 --> 00:34:03.460 To preach Christ. 00:34:03.460 --> 00:34:04.180 To others. 00:34:04.420 --> 00:34:05.240 And you don't see. 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:06.380 One true conversion. 00:34:06.600 --> 00:34:07.720 For seven years. 00:34:09.659 --> 00:34:10.920 Will you still gather? 00:34:11.860 --> 00:34:13.139 Will you still worship? 00:34:13.639 --> 00:34:14.720 Will you still rejoice? 00:34:15.440 --> 00:34:16.180 Will you continue. 00:34:16.180 --> 00:34:17.420 To build up the church? 00:34:17.420 --> 00:34:18.420 Will you still worship? 00:34:18.420 --> 00:34:18.980 I believe. 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:20.000 I believe by his grace. 00:34:20.099 --> 00:34:20.519 You will. 00:34:21.220 --> 00:34:22.920 But not unless you take the long view. 00:34:24.720 --> 00:34:26.480 Not unless you say. 00:34:26.659 --> 00:34:27.860 Jesus is worthy. 00:34:28.780 --> 00:34:30.079 And we trust him. 00:34:30.360 --> 00:34:31.019 We love him. 00:34:31.300 --> 00:34:32.860 We're taking the grand narrative. 00:34:32.860 --> 00:34:34.280 Rather than the seduction. 00:34:34.519 --> 00:34:35.800 Of grandiosity. 00:34:36.740 --> 00:34:38.360 We must take the long view. 00:34:38.440 --> 00:34:39.900 If we would have a healthy church. 00:34:39.900 --> 00:34:41.480 And quality ministry. 00:34:41.480 --> 00:34:43.079 That glorifies Christ. 00:34:43.079 --> 00:34:45.199 We must take the long view. 00:34:45.199 --> 00:34:46.340 With our own families. 00:34:46.340 --> 00:34:47.119 And with the church. 00:34:47.119 --> 00:34:49.340 By which we're building a heritage. 00:34:50.659 --> 00:34:52.460 As we look to his return. 00:34:53.519 --> 00:34:54.539 We must pray. 00:34:54.619 --> 00:34:55.420 That he would teach us. 00:34:55.420 --> 00:34:56.739 To number our days. 00:34:57.019 --> 00:34:58.239 That we may get a heart. 00:34:58.519 --> 00:34:59.420 Of wisdom. 00:35:00.279 --> 00:35:01.099 The long view. 00:35:01.199 --> 00:35:02.099 Is the way of wisdom. 00:35:03.619 --> 00:35:04.759 The short view. 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:06.599 Is the way of foolishness. 00:35:07.380 --> 00:35:08.900 We mustn't be passive. 00:35:09.460 --> 00:35:10.659 In one sense. 00:35:11.199 --> 00:35:12.759 But we mustn't be hasty. 00:35:13.739 --> 00:35:14.199 Either. 00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:16.759 In 1 Corinthians 10. 00:35:16.860 --> 00:35:17.400 Paul warned. 00:35:17.519 --> 00:35:19.559 The Corinthian church. 00:35:20.799 --> 00:35:22.279 Recounting the history of Israel. 00:35:22.460 --> 00:35:23.619 And their sins. 00:35:23.779 --> 00:35:24.519 And their judgments. 00:35:25.079 --> 00:35:25.819 And said to them. 00:35:25.880 --> 00:35:26.579 Take heed. 00:35:26.940 --> 00:35:27.980 If you think you stand. 00:35:28.059 --> 00:35:28.880 Lest you fall. 00:35:29.639 --> 00:35:30.940 These things were written. 00:35:30.940 --> 00:35:32.159 For our sakes. 00:35:32.739 --> 00:35:33.880 And our instruction. 00:35:34.360 --> 00:35:35.940 Upon whom the ends of the age. 00:35:36.259 --> 00:35:37.099 Have come. 00:35:38.199 --> 00:35:39.340 We are familiar. 00:35:39.340 --> 00:35:39.900 Of course. 00:35:40.019 --> 00:35:41.460 With Revelation 2 and 3. 00:35:41.599 --> 00:35:42.000 In which. 00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:43.920 The majority of the churches. 00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:45.159 Were hearing. 00:35:45.159 --> 00:35:46.840 A direct warning. 00:35:46.840 --> 00:35:48.039 From the risen Lord. 00:35:48.440 --> 00:35:50.059 And the divine threat. 00:35:50.239 --> 00:35:51.559 That unless they repented. 00:35:51.699 --> 00:35:52.559 Their lampstand. 00:35:52.659 --> 00:35:53.300 Would be removed. 00:35:53.300 --> 00:35:54.239 From its place. 00:35:55.119 --> 00:35:56.739 Let us not be proud. 00:35:56.900 --> 00:35:57.940 Or presumptuous. 00:35:58.460 --> 00:35:59.519 As to think the same. 00:35:59.619 --> 00:36:01.019 Could not happen with us. 00:36:02.320 --> 00:36:03.400 Let us instead. 00:36:03.539 --> 00:36:03.860 Take. 00:36:04.440 --> 00:36:05.360 The low road. 00:36:05.860 --> 00:36:07.199 And the long view. 00:36:07.199 --> 00:36:08.799 Last point. 00:36:10.739 --> 00:36:12.079 Take the way of love. 00:36:13.639 --> 00:36:15.019 Take the way of love. 00:36:16.059 --> 00:36:17.939 There is worldly pragmatism. 00:36:18.039 --> 00:36:19.139 That I mentioned before. 00:36:19.239 --> 00:36:20.739 But what I'm giving to you here. 00:36:20.819 --> 00:36:21.539 By the mouth. 00:36:21.759 --> 00:36:22.879 Of God himself. 00:36:23.039 --> 00:36:24.119 Is a kind of sacred. 00:36:24.239 --> 00:36:25.699 And sovereign pragmatism. 00:36:26.639 --> 00:36:27.619 In other words. 00:36:28.759 --> 00:36:29.939 As Paul says. 00:36:29.940 --> 00:36:30.960 If you. 00:36:32.159 --> 00:36:33.820 Live in these ways. 00:36:34.480 --> 00:36:35.539 The peace of God. 00:36:35.780 --> 00:36:36.780 Will be upon you. 00:36:40.280 --> 00:36:41.720 Take the way of love. 00:36:42.720 --> 00:36:43.820 First Corinthians 13. 00:36:45.539 --> 00:36:46.740 In that passage. 00:36:46.980 --> 00:36:48.519 Paul makes clear to us. 00:36:48.519 --> 00:36:48.740 That. 00:36:48.860 --> 00:36:50.200 The way of love. 00:36:50.380 --> 00:36:50.940 Is superior. 00:36:50.940 --> 00:36:52.240 To giftedness. 00:36:52.639 --> 00:36:54.579 Or to worldly success. 00:36:54.579 --> 00:36:55.380 In church. 00:36:55.780 --> 00:36:56.619 And ministry. 00:36:56.619 --> 00:36:57.779 The way of love. 00:36:57.900 --> 00:36:59.599 Is the more excellent way. 00:37:00.199 --> 00:37:00.920 The way of love. 00:37:01.179 --> 00:37:01.759 Requires. 00:37:02.259 --> 00:37:03.539 Supernatural grace. 00:37:04.900 --> 00:37:05.500 Perseverance. 00:37:06.559 --> 00:37:07.139 Affection. 00:37:07.480 --> 00:37:08.239 One for another. 00:37:08.940 --> 00:37:10.000 And we can be sure. 00:37:10.119 --> 00:37:11.199 That there will come times. 00:37:11.239 --> 00:37:11.880 Either now. 00:37:11.960 --> 00:37:12.440 Or later. 00:37:12.559 --> 00:37:13.440 In Christ's church. 00:37:13.480 --> 00:37:13.759 When. 00:37:14.159 --> 00:37:15.579 The feeling of affections. 00:37:15.579 --> 00:37:16.199 For one another. 00:37:16.359 --> 00:37:17.159 Will run thin. 00:37:18.019 --> 00:37:19.519 There will be certain members. 00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:20.759 That you are. 00:37:21.159 --> 00:37:21.960 More attracted. 00:37:22.119 --> 00:37:23.159 To fellowshipping with. 00:37:23.219 --> 00:37:24.359 And there will be certain members. 00:37:24.359 --> 00:37:25.920 That grind against you. 00:37:25.920 --> 00:37:27.519 Perhaps this has already happened. 00:37:27.860 --> 00:37:29.340 Perhaps this happened even today. 00:37:29.860 --> 00:37:31.639 Where you had to pray under your breath. 00:37:31.960 --> 00:37:32.300 Oh yeah. 00:37:32.519 --> 00:37:33.059 Give me love. 00:37:33.740 --> 00:37:34.380 For this sister. 00:37:34.500 --> 00:37:35.000 Give me love. 00:37:35.340 --> 00:37:36.059 For this brother. 00:37:36.280 --> 00:37:37.420 If it hasn't happened today. 00:37:37.480 --> 00:37:38.820 It's going to happen another day. 00:37:39.559 --> 00:37:41.039 What is the excellent way? 00:37:41.800 --> 00:37:43.019 What does it mean for the church. 00:37:43.099 --> 00:37:43.840 To understand. 00:37:43.960 --> 00:37:45.260 That we must take the way. 00:37:45.619 --> 00:37:46.539 Of love. 00:37:48.539 --> 00:37:49.880 We must take the love. 00:37:50.000 --> 00:37:50.820 The way of love. 00:37:51.320 --> 00:37:52.119 In reference. 00:37:52.760 --> 00:37:53.460 To God. 00:37:53.460 --> 00:37:55.099 We must first. 00:37:55.619 --> 00:37:56.320 Love him. 00:37:56.840 --> 00:37:57.820 And we love him. 00:37:57.820 --> 00:37:59.519 Because he first loved us. 00:37:59.720 --> 00:38:00.820 Which brings us back. 00:38:00.900 --> 00:38:01.539 To the gospel. 00:38:02.780 --> 00:38:03.740 Remembering the gospel. 00:38:03.740 --> 00:38:04.740 Is the only means. 00:38:04.860 --> 00:38:06.220 By which we may grow. 00:38:06.720 --> 00:38:07.420 In love. 00:38:07.619 --> 00:38:08.240 For one another. 00:38:08.340 --> 00:38:09.320 The kind of love. 00:38:09.400 --> 00:38:09.820 That when. 00:38:10.360 --> 00:38:11.579 People see it. 00:38:11.659 --> 00:38:12.380 At work. 00:38:12.519 --> 00:38:13.320 In the church. 00:38:13.980 --> 00:38:14.599 They marvel. 00:38:14.720 --> 00:38:15.639 And they are surprised. 00:38:15.760 --> 00:38:16.519 And they are convicted. 00:38:16.699 --> 00:38:17.420 And they go out. 00:38:17.760 --> 00:38:18.119 Saying. 00:38:18.240 --> 00:38:19.139 Surely God. 00:38:19.579 --> 00:38:20.400 Is among them. 00:38:20.400 --> 00:38:22.519 May the Lord. 00:38:22.519 --> 00:38:23.579 Increase our love. 00:38:23.579 --> 00:38:24.160 For him. 00:38:25.059 --> 00:38:26.480 We must love our wives. 00:38:27.400 --> 00:38:28.260 As men. 00:38:28.360 --> 00:38:28.940 As husbands. 00:38:29.599 --> 00:38:30.280 Must love. 00:38:30.400 --> 00:38:31.039 Our husbands. 00:38:31.260 --> 00:38:32.000 As wives. 00:38:32.119 --> 00:38:32.500 We must. 00:38:32.840 --> 00:38:33.760 Love the brethren. 00:38:33.760 --> 00:38:35.440 As married and single men. 00:38:35.720 --> 00:38:36.240 And women. 00:38:37.160 --> 00:38:38.240 We must grow. 00:38:38.340 --> 00:38:38.760 In the grace. 00:38:38.820 --> 00:38:39.700 Of loving one another. 00:38:39.820 --> 00:38:40.220 We must. 00:38:40.539 --> 00:38:41.559 Make it our aim. 00:38:41.639 --> 00:38:42.599 To take the way. 00:38:42.660 --> 00:38:43.320 Of love. 00:38:43.920 --> 00:38:44.780 This is daily. 00:38:45.519 --> 00:38:46.019 To be. 00:38:46.200 --> 00:38:46.840 Our aim. 00:38:46.920 --> 00:38:47.880 And we must love. 00:38:48.380 --> 00:38:49.160 With the very love. 00:38:49.159 --> 00:38:49.859 Of Christ. 00:38:51.000 --> 00:38:52.399 Until he returns. 00:38:53.059 --> 00:38:54.159 For his people. 00:38:55.659 --> 00:38:56.559 New testament. 00:38:56.739 --> 00:38:56.960 Love. 00:38:57.059 --> 00:38:57.859 Brothers and sisters. 00:38:57.859 --> 00:38:58.819 Is of him. 00:38:59.659 --> 00:39:00.879 And through him. 00:39:01.799 --> 00:39:02.839 And to him. 00:39:03.839 --> 00:39:04.719 And as the church. 00:39:04.839 --> 00:39:05.359 We must. 00:39:05.659 --> 00:39:07.059 Take the way of love. 00:39:07.839 --> 00:39:08.599 Not once. 00:39:09.179 --> 00:39:10.000 Not twice. 00:39:10.819 --> 00:39:11.839 But daily. 00:39:12.739 --> 00:39:13.699 Until the end. 00:39:15.379 --> 00:39:16.299 With reference. 00:39:16.299 --> 00:39:17.119 To unbelievers. 00:39:17.119 --> 00:39:18.859 We must take the way. 00:39:18.859 --> 00:39:19.440 Of love. 00:39:19.960 --> 00:39:21.539 We must have boldness. 00:39:21.659 --> 00:39:22.900 We must be unswerving. 00:39:23.339 --> 00:39:24.299 In our faith. 00:39:24.359 --> 00:39:25.079 In our convictions. 00:39:25.380 --> 00:39:26.219 In our proclamation. 00:39:27.299 --> 00:39:28.980 But we must not forget. 00:39:29.199 --> 00:39:30.059 To love them. 00:39:30.139 --> 00:39:30.759 As Christ. 00:39:31.319 --> 00:39:32.199 Showed his love. 00:39:32.259 --> 00:39:32.920 Towards sheep. 00:39:33.000 --> 00:39:33.579 Who were without. 00:39:34.039 --> 00:39:34.579 A shepherd. 00:39:35.880 --> 00:39:37.179 An instrumental moment. 00:39:37.179 --> 00:39:37.940 In my own life. 00:39:38.039 --> 00:39:38.440 Probably. 00:39:38.819 --> 00:39:39.920 Eight or ten years ago. 00:39:41.159 --> 00:39:42.079 Was coming home. 00:39:42.119 --> 00:39:43.099 From the fire station. 00:39:43.679 --> 00:39:44.839 As was my custom. 00:39:44.840 --> 00:39:46.420 Needing sleep. 00:39:46.720 --> 00:39:47.300 And so I would. 00:39:47.880 --> 00:39:49.000 Say hello to Audrey. 00:39:49.100 --> 00:39:50.160 And I would go and lay down. 00:39:50.740 --> 00:39:51.620 In my bed. 00:39:51.860 --> 00:39:53.140 And often I would put on. 00:39:53.200 --> 00:39:54.440 A theological discussion. 00:39:55.400 --> 00:39:56.820 Some kind of panel discussion. 00:39:56.820 --> 00:39:57.519 Or a lecture. 00:39:57.680 --> 00:39:58.079 Or something. 00:39:58.579 --> 00:39:59.360 And I would lay there. 00:39:59.440 --> 00:39:59.800 And listen. 00:39:59.800 --> 00:40:00.700 Until the voices. 00:40:01.380 --> 00:40:02.500 Turned into the peanuts. 00:40:02.680 --> 00:40:03.019 Teacher. 00:40:04.380 --> 00:40:06.320 Womp womp womp womp womp womp. 00:40:06.320 --> 00:40:06.820 And then. 00:40:07.160 --> 00:40:07.900 I would fall asleep. 00:40:08.920 --> 00:40:09.140 And. 00:40:09.360 --> 00:40:10.460 I was listening to this. 00:40:10.559 --> 00:40:11.680 This discussion about. 00:40:12.079 --> 00:40:12.800 Campus evangelism. 00:40:12.800 --> 00:40:13.720 Evangelism. 00:40:14.660 --> 00:40:16.160 Evangelism on college campuses. 00:40:16.740 --> 00:40:17.460 And I don't remember. 00:40:17.539 --> 00:40:18.280 Who else was there. 00:40:18.360 --> 00:40:19.100 But I do know that. 00:40:19.100 --> 00:40:19.840 That D.A. 00:40:19.900 --> 00:40:21.060 Carson was there. 00:40:21.740 --> 00:40:22.880 And one of the guys. 00:40:22.960 --> 00:40:23.740 Piped up and said. 00:40:23.840 --> 00:40:24.680 What do you see. 00:40:24.760 --> 00:40:26.240 In modern campus ministry. 00:40:26.240 --> 00:40:27.180 That you didn't see. 00:40:27.260 --> 00:40:28.360 Say 20 years ago. 00:40:28.420 --> 00:40:28.880 Is there any. 00:40:29.340 --> 00:40:30.500 Approach that you've changed. 00:40:30.500 --> 00:40:31.660 Anything you've done differently. 00:40:31.980 --> 00:40:31.980 00:40:32.340 --> 00:40:33.700 And the brothers brought up. 00:40:33.820 --> 00:40:34.620 Valuable points. 00:40:35.160 --> 00:40:36.140 I was in a. 00:40:36.140 --> 00:40:36.960 A haze. 00:40:37.600 --> 00:40:38.039 Tired. 00:40:38.640 --> 00:40:39.340 Laying there. 00:40:39.420 --> 00:40:40.300 And I was starting to. 00:40:40.300 --> 00:40:43.680 Their voices were starting to turn into the peanuts teacher voices. 00:40:44.140 --> 00:40:44.860 Womp womp womp. 00:40:45.240 --> 00:40:46.100 I thought this is good. 00:40:46.160 --> 00:40:47.480 I'm going to finally get some rest. 00:40:48.840 --> 00:40:49.280 And. 00:40:50.000 --> 00:40:51.280 What I didn't realize. 00:40:51.440 --> 00:40:53.539 Was that Don Carson had something to say. 00:40:54.180 --> 00:40:55.680 That would wake me up again. 00:40:56.780 --> 00:40:58.180 And when he piped in. 00:40:58.240 --> 00:40:59.840 After all of these musings. 00:41:00.600 --> 00:41:01.620 Apologetical thoughts. 00:41:02.200 --> 00:41:03.660 Approaches that we need to take. 00:41:03.940 --> 00:41:06.400 New atheism versus old atheism. 00:41:06.400 --> 00:41:07.600 The old atheism. 00:41:07.599 --> 00:41:10.019 Denied the existence of God altogether. 00:41:10.159 --> 00:41:10.519 The new. 00:41:10.519 --> 00:41:11.739 The new atheism. 00:41:12.039 --> 00:41:13.579 Accuses the God of the Bible. 00:41:14.339 --> 00:41:14.900 Of being. 00:41:15.599 --> 00:41:16.460 A God of genocide. 00:41:16.759 --> 00:41:17.159 And a God. 00:41:17.420 --> 00:41:18.159 Who is unjust. 00:41:18.299 --> 00:41:19.579 And on and on and on. 00:41:20.059 --> 00:41:21.159 So there's new arguments. 00:41:21.279 --> 00:41:21.839 New approaches. 00:41:21.980 --> 00:41:23.699 The brothers are bringing up all of these things. 00:41:24.199 --> 00:41:25.639 And Don Carson gets on. 00:41:25.719 --> 00:41:27.420 Who has done a great deal of campus. 00:41:27.980 --> 00:41:28.839 College level. 00:41:29.380 --> 00:41:29.819 Evangelism. 00:41:30.259 --> 00:41:31.199 And he says. 00:41:31.279 --> 00:41:32.079 Well dear brothers. 00:41:32.299 --> 00:41:33.039 I don't mean. 00:41:33.539 --> 00:41:35.079 To rain on anyone's parade. 00:41:35.079 --> 00:41:38.380 But I think we've forgotten one of the most crucial things. 00:41:39.559 --> 00:41:40.940 We've got to love them. 00:41:46.340 --> 00:41:49.259 And whether it was partly owing to my fatigue. 00:41:49.639 --> 00:41:50.539 Or whether it was. 00:41:51.360 --> 00:41:53.360 An important moment for me. 00:41:53.840 --> 00:41:55.079 I began to weep. 00:41:55.500 --> 00:41:56.239 In my bed. 00:41:56.239 --> 00:41:59.259 Remembering the simplicity. 00:41:59.259 --> 00:42:00.419 And power. 00:42:00.419 --> 00:42:02.779 Of the love of God in Christ. 00:42:03.139 --> 00:42:04.159 To forgive sinners. 00:42:04.519 --> 00:42:05.339 And save them. 00:42:05.919 --> 00:42:07.539 As he had done for me. 00:42:09.319 --> 00:42:12.299 This must mark our evangelism. 00:42:12.459 --> 00:42:13.419 And discipleship. 00:42:13.819 --> 00:42:14.579 We must take. 00:42:15.139 --> 00:42:15.619 The way. 00:42:16.259 --> 00:42:17.199 Of love. 00:42:19.699 --> 00:42:21.519 Going to close by reading. 00:42:21.519 --> 00:42:25.619 Here's an alliteration for you. 00:42:26.159 --> 00:42:26.500 Two. 00:42:27.039 --> 00:42:27.480 Pertinent. 00:42:27.820 --> 00:42:28.460 Passages. 00:42:28.860 --> 00:42:29.739 From Peter's. 00:42:29.960 --> 00:42:30.639 Perspective. 00:42:33.280 --> 00:42:34.519 Thought about that this morning. 00:42:36.739 --> 00:42:37.179 That's. 00:42:37.440 --> 00:42:37.679 Peter. 00:42:38.360 --> 00:42:41.059 Thank you Adam. 00:42:41.159 --> 00:42:41.699 I knew I could. 00:42:41.920 --> 00:42:42.619 I actually. 00:42:42.860 --> 00:42:44.380 I actually thought about you this morning. 00:42:44.480 --> 00:42:44.759 I thought. 00:42:44.860 --> 00:42:45.980 Adam's going to add to this. 00:42:47.300 --> 00:42:48.079 A pair. 00:42:48.239 --> 00:42:48.980 Of pertinent. 00:42:48.980 --> 00:42:51.099 Passages. 00:42:51.500 --> 00:42:52.280 From Peter's. 00:42:52.860 --> 00:42:53.300 Precious. 00:42:53.559 --> 00:42:54.159 Perspective. 00:42:54.639 --> 00:42:54.960 Okay. 00:42:58.360 --> 00:42:59.559 In light of the fact. 00:42:59.639 --> 00:43:00.360 Brothers and sisters. 00:43:00.360 --> 00:43:02.199 That God would have a humble household. 00:43:02.719 --> 00:43:03.360 For himself. 00:43:04.860 --> 00:43:06.119 In light of the fact. 00:43:06.199 --> 00:43:07.840 That we must take the low road. 00:43:08.440 --> 00:43:09.559 And the long view. 00:43:10.480 --> 00:43:11.219 And the way. 00:43:11.440 --> 00:43:12.119 Of love. 00:43:13.280 --> 00:43:14.240 I'll close. 00:43:14.900 --> 00:43:15.820 With these. 00:43:16.159 --> 00:43:17.000 Two paragraphs. 00:43:17.599 --> 00:43:18.099 First Peter. 00:43:18.099 --> 00:43:18.440 Four. 00:43:18.579 --> 00:43:19.360 Seven through eleven. 00:43:20.139 --> 00:43:21.319 The end of all things. 00:43:21.659 --> 00:43:22.400 Is at hand. 00:43:22.639 --> 00:43:22.940 Therefore. 00:43:23.860 --> 00:43:24.980 Be self-controlled. 00:43:25.279 --> 00:43:26.259 And sober minded. 00:43:26.759 --> 00:43:27.599 For the sake. 00:43:28.019 --> 00:43:28.880 Of your prayers. 00:43:29.920 --> 00:43:30.880 And above all. 00:43:31.019 --> 00:43:31.799 Keep loving. 00:43:31.980 --> 00:43:32.519 One another. 00:43:32.799 --> 00:43:33.360 Earnestly. 00:43:34.059 --> 00:43:34.839 Since love. 00:43:34.940 --> 00:43:35.339 Covers. 00:43:35.460 --> 00:43:36.000 A multitude. 00:43:36.339 --> 00:43:37.119 Of sins. 00:43:38.119 --> 00:43:39.119 Show hospitality. 00:43:39.119 --> 00:43:40.139 To one another. 00:43:40.219 --> 00:43:41.039 Without grumbling. 00:43:41.639 --> 00:43:42.319 As each. 00:43:42.319 --> 00:43:43.460 Has received a gift. 00:43:43.659 --> 00:43:44.199 Use it. 00:43:44.420 --> 00:43:45.539 To serve one another. 00:43:45.539 --> 00:43:47.019 As stewards. 00:43:47.139 --> 00:43:47.860 Good stewards. 00:43:48.019 --> 00:43:49.880 Of God's varied grace. 00:43:50.759 --> 00:43:51.619 Whoever speaks. 00:43:51.940 --> 00:43:53.000 As one who speaks. 00:43:53.119 --> 00:43:54.400 Oracles of God. 00:43:54.820 --> 00:43:55.920 Whoever serves. 00:43:56.199 --> 00:43:57.219 As one who serves. 00:43:57.219 --> 00:43:58.059 By the strength. 00:43:58.239 --> 00:43:59.300 That God supplies. 00:43:59.960 --> 00:44:01.019 In order that. 00:44:01.179 --> 00:44:01.980 In everything. 00:44:02.539 --> 00:44:04.199 God may be glorified. 00:44:04.480 --> 00:44:05.840 Through Jesus Christ. 00:44:06.279 --> 00:44:07.279 To him be glory. 00:44:07.279 --> 00:44:08.239 And dominion. 00:44:08.579 --> 00:44:08.940 Forever. 00:44:09.259 --> 00:44:09.800 And ever. 00:44:09.800 --> 00:44:10.679 Amen. 00:44:10.679 --> 00:44:12.460 Last paragraph. 00:44:12.819 --> 00:44:13.699 Chapter 5. 00:44:14.139 --> 00:44:15.099 5b. 00:44:15.460 --> 00:44:16.500 Through 11. 00:44:20.899 --> 00:44:22.139 Clothe yourselves. 00:44:22.500 --> 00:44:23.159 All of you. 00:44:23.299 --> 00:44:23.980 With humility. 00:44:23.980 --> 00:44:24.980 Toward one another. 00:44:26.099 --> 00:44:26.739 For God. 00:44:27.099 --> 00:44:28.519 Opposes the proud. 00:44:28.739 --> 00:44:30.039 But gives grace. 00:44:30.359 --> 00:44:31.099 To the humble. 00:44:31.599 --> 00:44:32.419 Humble yourselves. 00:44:32.559 --> 00:44:32.879 Therefore. 00:44:32.879 --> 00:44:34.199 Under the mighty hand. 00:44:34.199 --> 00:44:34.839 Of God. 00:44:34.960 --> 00:44:36.559 So that at the proper time. 00:44:36.659 --> 00:44:37.779 He may exalt you. 00:44:38.500 --> 00:44:40.139 Casting all your anxieties. 00:44:40.139 --> 00:44:40.819 On him. 00:44:41.299 --> 00:44:42.519 Because he cares. 00:44:42.519 --> 00:44:43.279 For you. 00:44:44.019 --> 00:44:45.139 Be sober minded. 00:44:45.920 --> 00:44:46.859 Be watchful. 00:44:47.219 --> 00:44:48.039 Your adversary. 00:44:48.179 --> 00:44:48.519 The devil. 00:44:48.639 --> 00:44:49.420 Prowls around. 00:44:49.420 --> 00:44:50.519 Like a roaring lion. 00:44:50.659 --> 00:44:51.379 Seeking someone. 00:44:51.500 --> 00:44:52.119 To devour. 00:44:52.900 --> 00:44:53.739 Resist him. 00:44:54.019 --> 00:44:55.219 Firm in your faith. 00:44:55.619 --> 00:44:56.619 Knowing that the same. 00:44:56.699 --> 00:44:57.679 Kinds of suffering. 00:44:58.000 --> 00:44:59.119 Are being experienced. 00:44:59.239 --> 00:45:00.319 By your brotherhood. 00:45:00.659 --> 00:45:01.739 Throughout the world. 00:45:02.179 --> 00:45:03.619 And after you have suffered. 00:45:03.739 --> 00:45:04.699 A little while. 00:45:05.159 --> 00:45:06.519 The God of all grace. 00:45:06.819 --> 00:45:07.739 Who has called you. 00:45:07.799 --> 00:45:09.460 To his eternal glory. 00:45:09.460 --> 00:45:10.460 In Christ. 00:45:10.860 --> 00:45:12.400 Will himself restore. 00:45:13.000 --> 00:45:13.699 Confirm. 00:45:14.159 --> 00:45:14.760 Strengthen. 00:45:15.179 --> 00:45:16.340 And establish you. 00:45:16.740 --> 00:45:17.340 To him. 00:45:17.659 --> 00:45:18.579 Be the dominion. 00:45:18.820 --> 00:45:19.220 Forever. 00:45:19.820 --> 00:45:20.480 And ever. 00:45:21.300 --> 00:45:21.820 Amen. 00:45:22.619 --> 00:45:23.539 Christ church. 00:45:23.800 --> 00:45:24.980 Take the low road. 00:45:26.559 --> 00:45:27.980 The long view. 00:45:28.980 --> 00:45:29.960 And the way. 00:45:30.179 --> 00:45:30.960 Of love. 00:45:32.159 --> 00:45:33.139 And the God of peace. 00:45:33.740 --> 00:45:34.460 Will be with you. 00:45:34.760 --> 00:45:35.679 To the very end. 00:45:35.679 --> 00:45:37.139 And the thing. 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139 00:45:37.139 --> 00:45:37.139