WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:13.720 on 00:00:19.800 --> 00:00:24.719 on 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.899 Genesis 18, we're following along in our studies through Genesis. 00:00:39.359 --> 00:00:41.320 Thank you, just waiting for a drink. 00:00:43.980 --> 00:00:44.740 Thank you. 00:00:44.740 --> 00:01:14.719 Thank you. 00:01:14.739 --> 00:01:20.699 In the heat of the day, Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. 00:01:21.799 --> 00:01:29.299 When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them, and he bowed low to the ground. 00:01:30.699 --> 00:01:37.079 He said, if I found favour in your eyes, my Lord, do not pass your servant by. 00:01:38.079 --> 00:01:43.399 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 00:01:43.400 --> 00:01:52.480 Let me get you something to eat so you can be refreshed, and then go on your way, now that you have come to your servant. 00:01:52.480 --> 00:01:55.740 Very well, they answered. 00:01:56.040 --> 00:01:57.280 Do as you say. 00:01:58.439 --> 00:02:01.400 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. 00:02:02.359 --> 00:02:03.420 Quick, he said. 00:02:03.420 --> 00:02:09.000 Get sixteen kilograms of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread. 00:02:09.000 --> 00:02:17.460 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice tender calf, gave it to his servant who hurried to prepare it. 00:02:17.460 --> 00:02:25.000 He then brought some curds and milk and set these before them. 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:28.900 While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. 00:02:28.900 --> 00:02:32.480 Where is your wife, Sarah? 00:02:32.879 --> 00:02:34.000 They asked him. 00:02:35.159 --> 00:02:37.140 There, in the tent, he said. 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:45.980 Then one of them said, I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah, your wife, will have a son. 00:02:47.500 --> 00:02:51.480 Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent which was behind him. 00:02:51.479 --> 00:02:57.899 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 00:02:58.979 --> 00:03:01.219 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought. 00:03:01.959 --> 00:03:07.280 After I am worn out and my Lord is old, will I now have this pleasure? 00:03:07.280 --> 00:03:18.080 Then the Lord said to Abraham, why did Sarah laugh and say, will I really have a child now that I am old? 00:03:18.900 --> 00:03:21.560 Is anything too hard for the Lord? 00:03:23.599 --> 00:03:29.199 I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son. 00:03:30.819 --> 00:03:36.780 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, I didn't laugh. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:40.439 But he said, yes, you did laugh. 00:03:42.640 --> 00:03:43.939 Well, let's pray. 00:03:47.780 --> 00:03:55.800 Father, we thank you for giving to us your words in our language that we can read, 00:03:57.259 --> 00:04:00.360 and that by your Spirit's help we can understand. 00:04:00.360 --> 00:04:10.300 We pray that from this short text, you would teach us about yourself, 00:04:11.300 --> 00:04:14.500 and how we should live in response. 00:04:16.500 --> 00:04:24.300 May not one of us leave this building without being changed and transformed by you today. 00:04:24.300 --> 00:04:31.379 And we pray this for your glory and for our good. 00:04:32.540 --> 00:04:33.079 Amen. 00:04:37.080 --> 00:04:42.300 Well, Sunday mornings, well, usually Sunday mornings anyway, I know it's an afternoon, 00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:45.560 can be a bit frantic, especially for me. 00:04:45.560 --> 00:04:49.439 It usually ends with me sitting in the car, beeping the horn. 00:04:50.660 --> 00:04:56.939 Eventually, Kirsty makes her way to the car, and the conversations begin. 00:04:57.519 --> 00:04:59.199 What took you so long? 00:05:00.980 --> 00:05:05.740 And it's only then that I realised, well, somebody had to unload and load the dishwasher. 00:05:06.019 --> 00:05:09.699 Somebody had to get the sandwiches prepared for afternoon tea. 00:05:09.699 --> 00:05:14.719 Someone had to bring my Bible, which I had left on the stairs yet again. 00:05:15.740 --> 00:05:21.759 Just because Kirsty isn't running in a hurry, doesn't mean to say nothing is happening. 00:05:23.319 --> 00:05:26.759 Well, it appears that God is not in a hurry. 00:05:28.019 --> 00:05:31.439 And that doesn't mean that nothing is happening. 00:05:32.259 --> 00:05:37.319 God had promised to Abraham that he was going to be a blessing to the world. 00:05:37.319 --> 00:05:41.439 And God confirmed it by his covenant. 00:05:42.540 --> 00:05:45.459 So by the time we turn to chapter 18, 00:05:45.839 --> 00:05:52.159 we expect to find Abraham as a great nation, blessing the world. 00:05:53.159 --> 00:05:57.259 We expect to see him on his world preaching tour, 00:05:57.719 --> 00:06:00.939 entitled Five Steps to a Blessed Life, 00:06:01.800 --> 00:06:04.240 filling the stadiums, signing books. 00:06:04.240 --> 00:06:08.379 But that's not where we find Abraham. 00:06:09.259 --> 00:06:14.720 We actually find him all by himself under a tree. 00:06:15.639 --> 00:06:16.620 Look at verse 1. 00:06:17.600 --> 00:06:21.060 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre 00:06:21.060 --> 00:06:26.079 while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 00:06:26.079 --> 00:06:30.539 It seems that when it comes to God's promises, 00:06:31.300 --> 00:06:33.500 God isn't in much of a hurry. 00:06:34.620 --> 00:06:38.419 But that doesn't mean to say that nothing is happening. 00:06:39.759 --> 00:06:44.019 So let's encourage ourselves that as we look at this text this afternoon, 00:06:44.199 --> 00:06:45.079 not to rush. 00:06:46.240 --> 00:06:47.719 Let's take our time, 00:06:48.719 --> 00:06:49.539 slow down, 00:06:50.299 --> 00:06:53.479 and see what God is teaching us. 00:06:53.480 --> 00:06:56.660 The first thing that I want us to see is 00:06:56.660 --> 00:07:02.920 the ordinary ways in which God's people serve. 00:07:03.020 --> 00:07:05.580 The ordinary ways in which God's people serve. 00:07:06.640 --> 00:07:09.879 God hasn't forgotten his plan of redemption. 00:07:10.700 --> 00:07:15.060 In fact, it's through the ordinary, everyday acts of service 00:07:15.060 --> 00:07:17.620 that God is doing his work. 00:07:17.620 --> 00:07:19.959 Now, before we see this, 00:07:20.500 --> 00:07:23.420 we need to get to grips with our three friends. 00:07:23.579 --> 00:07:26.720 We're introduced to them at the beginning of verse 2. 00:07:27.939 --> 00:07:32.340 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing by. 00:07:33.300 --> 00:07:34.840 Now, this isn't the Trinity. 00:07:35.740 --> 00:07:37.939 Some people say it is, but it's not. 00:07:38.699 --> 00:07:40.100 As we read through the text, 00:07:40.220 --> 00:07:42.079 it seems that one of them is the Lord, 00:07:42.720 --> 00:07:44.879 while the other two are angels, 00:07:45.079 --> 00:07:46.040 God's messengers. 00:07:46.040 --> 00:07:49.760 And we can see this if you go to the very end of the chapter. 00:07:51.080 --> 00:07:52.980 Chapter 18, verse 33. 00:07:54.180 --> 00:07:57.920 We read that when the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, 00:07:58.420 --> 00:08:01.820 he left and Abraham returned home. 00:08:02.520 --> 00:08:04.040 And then into chapter 19, 00:08:04.180 --> 00:08:08.259 the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening. 00:08:08.259 --> 00:08:11.740 So there we have our three visitors 00:08:11.740 --> 00:08:13.899 who've been encountering and speaking 00:08:13.899 --> 00:08:15.860 to Abraham the Lord 00:08:15.860 --> 00:08:17.680 and two angels. 00:08:18.319 --> 00:08:21.459 Now, while we at this stage know their identity, 00:08:21.980 --> 00:08:25.860 it's not immediately clear to Abraham who they are. 00:08:26.819 --> 00:08:29.199 But let's get back to the main point. 00:08:29.819 --> 00:08:32.240 Abraham may be waiting at his tent, 00:08:33.080 --> 00:08:34.819 sits shading from the sun, 00:08:34.820 --> 00:08:38.140 waiting for God to fulfil his purpose. 00:08:39.040 --> 00:08:41.760 But that doesn't mean he's just twiddling his thumbs, 00:08:41.940 --> 00:08:42.700 doing nothing. 00:08:43.760 --> 00:08:46.980 No, Abraham gets serving. 00:08:48.060 --> 00:08:52.260 First, notice the attitude of Abraham. 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:54.300 Look at his attitude, verse 2. 00:08:54.299 --> 00:08:59.679 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:01.899 When he saw them, 00:09:01.959 --> 00:09:04.319 he hurried from the entrance of his tent 00:09:04.319 --> 00:09:08.699 to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 00:09:09.819 --> 00:09:12.979 Now, bowing low is a posture of humility. 00:09:13.299 --> 00:09:15.159 It's bowing down as if to say, 00:09:15.539 --> 00:09:18.179 at your service, your master. 00:09:18.539 --> 00:09:20.399 How can I be of help? 00:09:20.399 --> 00:09:25.159 Now, that's not always the way I respond 00:09:25.159 --> 00:09:26.679 when my doorbell goes, 00:09:27.419 --> 00:09:28.959 especially if I'm sitting down 00:09:28.959 --> 00:09:30.840 treating myself to some me time. 00:09:31.679 --> 00:09:33.039 For goodness sake, 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:35.299 will you go and ring somebody else's house? 00:09:35.959 --> 00:09:37.000 Leave me alone. 00:09:38.740 --> 00:09:42.559 No, the assumed heart attitude of God's people 00:09:42.559 --> 00:09:45.019 should be one of humility. 00:09:46.120 --> 00:09:48.399 At your service, 00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:51.819 how can I be of help? 00:09:53.299 --> 00:09:54.639 So that's his attitude. 00:09:54.899 --> 00:09:56.959 But now look at his action. 00:09:58.159 --> 00:09:59.079 Verse 3. 00:10:00.939 --> 00:10:01.740 He said, 00:10:01.819 --> 00:10:04.819 If I have found favour in your eyes, my Lord, 00:10:05.720 --> 00:10:07.459 do not pass your servant by. 00:10:07.879 --> 00:10:09.439 Let a little water be bought 00:10:09.439 --> 00:10:11.579 and then you may all wash your feet 00:10:11.579 --> 00:10:13.120 and rest under this tree. 00:10:13.460 --> 00:10:15.199 Let me get you something to eat 00:10:15.199 --> 00:10:16.340 so you can be fresh 00:10:16.340 --> 00:10:18.899 and then go on your way 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:20.720 now that you have come to your servant. 00:10:22.019 --> 00:10:23.040 All of a sudden, 00:10:23.139 --> 00:10:24.899 there's a flurry of activity. 00:10:25.940 --> 00:10:27.360 There's no Lidl's bakery, 00:10:27.540 --> 00:10:29.160 no chicken van to go to. 00:10:29.660 --> 00:10:30.560 Sarah, quick! 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:32.540 There's people for dinner. 00:10:32.980 --> 00:10:34.440 Get the fire stoked up. 00:10:34.540 --> 00:10:35.560 Get the bread on. 00:10:35.980 --> 00:10:37.560 I'll go and get the steaks. 00:10:37.559 --> 00:10:40.599 A couple of hours later, 00:10:40.679 --> 00:10:42.959 our three friends are smiling, aren't they? 00:10:43.639 --> 00:10:44.399 What a meal! 00:10:44.579 --> 00:10:45.119 Verse 8. 00:10:45.699 --> 00:10:47.539 He then brought them some curds, 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:49.399 that's some cheese and milk, 00:10:50.059 --> 00:10:52.119 and a calf that had been prepared, 00:10:52.939 --> 00:10:54.559 and set these before them. 00:10:55.299 --> 00:10:56.419 And while they ate, 00:10:57.099 --> 00:10:59.879 he stood near them under a tree. 00:10:59.879 --> 00:11:01.399 You see, 00:11:01.500 --> 00:11:03.259 the attitude of humility 00:11:03.259 --> 00:11:07.460 leads to an action of service. 00:11:08.419 --> 00:11:11.100 Abraham assumes the role of a servant 00:11:11.100 --> 00:11:14.799 because when we're waiting for God, 00:11:15.559 --> 00:11:17.720 that's what God's people do. 00:11:19.159 --> 00:11:21.480 Now, serving isn't particularly glamorous. 00:11:22.439 --> 00:11:25.440 It has the habit of interrupting me time 00:11:25.440 --> 00:11:26.820 and family schedules 00:11:26.820 --> 00:11:28.840 and weekend plans. 00:11:30.100 --> 00:11:32.280 But yet, this is what God's people do. 00:11:32.580 --> 00:11:34.400 We get on with serving. 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:37.080 That's our daily diet. 00:11:39.080 --> 00:11:41.100 Of course, humble hospitality 00:11:41.100 --> 00:11:43.600 may only be one way to serve, 00:11:43.880 --> 00:11:45.540 but it's a great way to serve. 00:11:46.800 --> 00:11:48.200 God has given you a home. 00:11:48.640 --> 00:11:50.480 It's not yours, by the way, 00:11:51.080 --> 00:11:52.120 and neither is mine. 00:11:52.120 --> 00:11:53.880 It's a gift from God, 00:11:53.879 --> 00:11:55.899 and he has filled your house, 00:11:56.039 --> 00:11:56.399 no doubt, 00:11:56.519 --> 00:11:58.399 with frying pans and pots 00:11:58.399 --> 00:12:01.019 and all sorts of cooking utensils. 00:12:02.379 --> 00:12:04.240 So start using them. 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:06.100 Open up our homes 00:12:06.100 --> 00:12:07.379 for the sake of the kingdom 00:12:07.379 --> 00:12:09.919 to serve those around us 00:12:09.919 --> 00:12:12.820 who need encouragement and support. 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:14.980 When you say, 00:12:15.080 --> 00:12:16.320 I'm not a very good baker. 00:12:17.360 --> 00:12:18.399 Well, I get that. 00:12:18.960 --> 00:12:20.340 But that doesn't hinder 00:12:20.340 --> 00:12:21.379 what we can do. 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:23.860 Turn with me, please, 00:12:23.960 --> 00:12:26.600 to 1 Peter chapter 4 00:12:26.600 --> 00:12:28.120 in the New Testament. 00:12:28.360 --> 00:12:29.939 1 Peter chapter 4. 00:12:30.860 --> 00:12:32.419 If you've got a page number, 00:12:32.559 --> 00:12:33.759 help me out, please. 00:12:40.539 --> 00:12:42.320 1, 2, 2, 0. 00:12:43.879 --> 00:12:46.120 1, 2, 2, 0. 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:48.379 1 Peter chapter 4. 00:12:53.200 --> 00:12:55.159 He's actually just spoken about 00:12:55.159 --> 00:12:56.600 hospitality. 00:12:59.799 --> 00:13:01.440 But then he reminds us, 00:13:01.560 --> 00:13:02.860 starting in verse 10, 00:13:03.200 --> 00:13:04.659 1 Peter chapter 4, 00:13:05.080 --> 00:13:05.860 verse 10. 00:13:07.980 --> 00:13:09.060 Each of you, 00:13:09.759 --> 00:13:11.340 doesn't matter who we are, 00:13:12.480 --> 00:13:14.379 should use whatever gift 00:13:14.379 --> 00:13:15.759 you have received, 00:13:16.379 --> 00:13:17.720 we all have gifts, 00:13:18.139 --> 00:13:19.460 to serve others 00:13:19.460 --> 00:13:21.539 as faithful stewards 00:13:21.539 --> 00:13:22.759 of God's grace 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:24.840 in its various forms 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:26.779 or its multicoloured form. 00:13:27.439 --> 00:13:29.379 So we become conduits 00:13:29.379 --> 00:13:30.639 of grace 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:32.080 to one another 00:13:32.080 --> 00:13:33.779 as we serve. 00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:35.379 If anyone speaks, 00:13:37.039 --> 00:13:38.120 they should do so 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:39.080 as one who speaks 00:13:39.080 --> 00:13:40.440 the very words of God. 00:13:40.440 --> 00:13:42.960 as we have our tea 00:13:42.960 --> 00:13:44.080 and sandwiches later, 00:13:44.200 --> 00:13:45.360 what a great opportunity 00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:46.480 to speak 00:13:46.480 --> 00:13:48.420 words of encouragement 00:13:48.420 --> 00:13:49.260 to each other. 00:13:50.140 --> 00:13:51.380 If anyone serves, 00:13:51.940 --> 00:13:52.740 they should do it 00:13:52.740 --> 00:13:53.460 with the strength 00:13:53.460 --> 00:13:54.400 God provides, 00:13:54.700 --> 00:13:56.020 so that in all things 00:13:56.020 --> 00:13:57.340 God may be praised 00:13:57.340 --> 00:13:58.560 through Jesus Christ. 00:13:58.920 --> 00:13:59.600 To him 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:00.960 be the glory 00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:01.680 and the power 00:14:01.680 --> 00:14:02.800 forever and ever. 00:14:03.620 --> 00:14:04.080 Amen. 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:06.980 Let's go back 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:07.640 to Genesis. 00:14:07.639 --> 00:14:09.039 You see, 00:14:09.120 --> 00:14:10.860 the ordinary slog 00:14:10.860 --> 00:14:12.840 of serving others 00:14:12.840 --> 00:14:14.460 mightn't get you 00:14:14.460 --> 00:14:15.279 any awards, 00:14:16.340 --> 00:14:17.519 but it does lead 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:18.360 to the praise 00:14:18.360 --> 00:14:19.759 and glory of God 00:14:19.759 --> 00:14:22.419 through our very simple 00:14:22.419 --> 00:14:23.699 acts of speaking 00:14:23.699 --> 00:14:25.159 and serving. 00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:27.759 So God mightn't be 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:28.360 in a hurry 00:14:28.360 --> 00:14:29.919 as far as we're concerned, 00:14:30.860 --> 00:14:32.379 but he will fulfil 00:14:32.379 --> 00:14:34.000 his plan of redemption. 00:14:35.059 --> 00:14:35.899 In the meantime, 00:14:35.899 --> 00:14:37.319 as we wait for God 00:14:37.319 --> 00:14:38.299 to do his work, 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.980 we get serving. 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:42.500 It's what God's people 00:14:42.500 --> 00:14:43.539 do. 00:14:45.779 --> 00:14:46.379 So, 00:14:46.500 --> 00:14:47.120 the way in which 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:48.559 God's people serve. 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:50.679 Second, 00:14:51.679 --> 00:14:53.539 the ordinary people 00:14:53.539 --> 00:14:55.459 that God uses 00:14:55.459 --> 00:14:57.879 in his purposes. 00:14:58.120 --> 00:14:59.379 The ordinary people 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:00.100 God uses 00:15:00.100 --> 00:15:01.059 in his purposes. 00:15:01.939 --> 00:15:03.019 Our three friends 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:03.779 may be licking 00:15:03.779 --> 00:15:04.399 their lips 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:05.439 after steak 00:15:05.439 --> 00:15:06.039 and milk 00:15:06.039 --> 00:15:06.980 and cheese, 00:15:07.500 --> 00:15:08.279 but it seems 00:15:08.279 --> 00:15:09.059 that they're much 00:15:09.059 --> 00:15:09.759 more than just 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:10.879 hungry travellers. 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:12.919 They know more 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:13.779 about Abraham 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:14.519 and Sarah 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:15.279 than they first 00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:15.879 let on. 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:17.539 Look at verse 9. 00:15:19.919 --> 00:15:21.360 Where is your wife 00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:22.120 Sarah? 00:15:22.419 --> 00:15:23.220 They asked him. 00:15:24.460 --> 00:15:25.539 There in the tent, 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:26.120 he said. 00:15:27.059 --> 00:15:27.960 Then one of them 00:15:27.960 --> 00:15:28.399 said, 00:15:29.059 --> 00:15:29.919 I will surely 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:30.720 return to you 00:15:30.720 --> 00:15:31.480 about this time 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:32.200 next year 00:15:32.200 --> 00:15:33.360 and Sarah, 00:15:33.500 --> 00:15:34.159 your wife, 00:15:34.899 --> 00:15:35.800 will have a son. 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:37.720 Now, 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:38.639 through our studies 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:39.240 in Genesis, 00:15:39.539 --> 00:15:41.100 promises of children 00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:42.480 to Abraham and Sarah 00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:43.700 are not new. 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:45.340 But it seems 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:46.259 God wants to 00:15:46.259 --> 00:15:47.259 remind them again 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:48.460 that his plan 00:15:48.460 --> 00:15:49.159 of redemption 00:15:49.159 --> 00:15:51.180 is still on track. 00:15:52.259 --> 00:15:52.740 In fact, 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:53.539 God is going 00:15:53.539 --> 00:15:54.300 to use 00:15:54.300 --> 00:15:55.399 a struggling 00:15:55.399 --> 00:15:56.100 servant 00:15:56.100 --> 00:15:57.580 like Sarah. 00:15:57.580 --> 00:15:59.720 first of all, 00:16:00.540 --> 00:16:01.060 notice 00:16:01.060 --> 00:16:02.700 the weakness 00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:03.960 of Sarah. 00:16:04.540 --> 00:16:05.720 Notice her weakness. 00:16:06.680 --> 00:16:07.340 Look at the rest 00:16:07.340 --> 00:16:08.139 of verse 10. 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.220 Now, 00:16:10.300 --> 00:16:11.240 Sarah was listening 00:16:11.240 --> 00:16:12.020 at the entrance 00:16:12.020 --> 00:16:12.759 to the tent 00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:13.980 which was behind him. 00:16:15.420 --> 00:16:16.540 Abraham and Sarah 00:16:16.540 --> 00:16:17.500 were already 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:18.360 very old 00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:19.759 and Sarah 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:20.879 was past the age 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:21.860 of childbearing. 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:24.680 Sarah's biological 00:16:24.680 --> 00:16:25.460 clock, 00:16:25.460 --> 00:16:26.340 we could say, 00:16:26.440 --> 00:16:27.040 has already 00:16:27.040 --> 00:16:27.740 talked. 00:16:28.820 --> 00:16:29.519 The promise 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:31.300 seems misplaced. 00:16:32.200 --> 00:16:32.480 Surely, 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:33.180 he doesn't 00:16:33.180 --> 00:16:33.879 really mean 00:16:33.879 --> 00:16:34.639 what he's saying. 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:36.379 Why is it 00:16:36.379 --> 00:16:36.900 that God 00:16:36.900 --> 00:16:37.600 insists 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:38.660 that old 00:16:38.660 --> 00:16:39.300 Sarah 00:16:39.300 --> 00:16:40.620 is going 00:16:40.620 --> 00:16:41.019 to have 00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:41.500 a son? 00:16:43.100 --> 00:16:43.360 Well, 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:44.060 because God 00:16:44.060 --> 00:16:44.580 wants us 00:16:44.580 --> 00:16:45.019 to see 00:16:45.019 --> 00:16:45.960 that redemption 00:16:45.960 --> 00:16:47.259 comes through 00:16:47.259 --> 00:16:48.259 weakness. 00:16:49.780 --> 00:16:50.580 Sarah may be 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:51.060 done in 00:16:51.059 --> 00:16:51.500 and worn 00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:51.839 out, 00:16:51.979 --> 00:16:52.699 but she 00:16:52.699 --> 00:16:53.579 is going 00:16:53.579 --> 00:16:54.179 to have 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:54.879 a son. 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:56.479 You see, 00:16:56.619 --> 00:16:56.979 weakness 00:16:56.979 --> 00:16:57.579 is not 00:16:57.579 --> 00:16:58.239 a barrier 00:16:58.239 --> 00:16:58.919 to God. 00:16:59.919 --> 00:17:00.379 They're the 00:17:00.379 --> 00:17:01.219 kind of people 00:17:01.219 --> 00:17:02.119 God uses 00:17:02.119 --> 00:17:03.079 in his plans 00:17:03.079 --> 00:17:04.099 and in his 00:17:04.099 --> 00:17:04.539 purposes. 00:17:05.299 --> 00:17:06.019 It's the way 00:17:06.019 --> 00:17:06.440 in which 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:06.940 God 00:17:06.940 --> 00:17:08.139 works. 00:17:09.579 --> 00:17:10.299 But it's 00:17:10.299 --> 00:17:10.779 not just 00:17:10.779 --> 00:17:11.460 her weakness. 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:13.399 Notice 00:17:13.399 --> 00:17:14.500 the doubting 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:16.480 of Sarah. 00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:18.299 The doubting 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:18.759 of Sarah, 00:17:18.859 --> 00:17:19.519 verse 11. 00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:21.480 Abraham 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:22.139 and Sarah 00:17:22.139 --> 00:17:22.879 were already 00:17:22.879 --> 00:17:23.539 very old 00:17:23.539 --> 00:17:24.079 and Sarah 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:24.700 was past 00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:25.139 the age 00:17:25.139 --> 00:17:26.019 of childbearing. 00:17:26.839 --> 00:17:27.400 So Sarah 00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:28.059 laughed to 00:17:28.059 --> 00:17:28.720 herself as 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:29.220 she thought, 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:30.980 after I'm 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:31.740 worn out 00:17:31.740 --> 00:17:32.099 and my 00:17:32.099 --> 00:17:32.700 Lord is 00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:33.139 old, 00:17:33.859 --> 00:17:34.319 will I 00:17:34.319 --> 00:17:35.160 now have 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:36.079 this pleasure? 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:37.960 You see, 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:38.720 we wouldn't 00:17:38.720 --> 00:17:39.839 describe Sarah 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:40.500 as a woman 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:41.279 of confident 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:41.900 faith. 00:17:42.799 --> 00:17:43.579 We wouldn't 00:17:43.579 --> 00:17:44.579 invite Sarah 00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:45.200 to come and 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:45.759 speak at a 00:17:45.759 --> 00:17:46.519 conference on 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:47.779 faith-building 00:17:47.779 --> 00:17:48.619 exercises. 00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:50.480 Me? 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:51.740 Have a 00:17:51.740 --> 00:17:52.079 son? 00:17:52.879 --> 00:17:53.299 You've 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:53.740 got to be 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:54.139 joking. 00:17:55.700 --> 00:17:56.139 I have 00:17:56.139 --> 00:17:56.579 as much 00:17:56.579 --> 00:17:57.299 chance of 00:17:57.299 --> 00:17:58.559 getting pregnant 00:17:58.559 --> 00:17:59.220 as a dead 00:17:59.220 --> 00:18:00.000 camel winning 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:00.799 a race. 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:01.900 Me? 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:02.839 It can't 00:18:02.839 --> 00:18:03.119 happen. 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:03.779 It possibly 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:04.400 couldn't 00:18:04.400 --> 00:18:04.779 happen. 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:07.799 Well, 00:18:07.859 --> 00:18:08.180 the year 00:18:08.180 --> 00:18:08.879 will pass 00:18:08.879 --> 00:18:09.400 and as we'll 00:18:09.400 --> 00:18:09.900 see in 00:18:09.900 --> 00:18:10.900 chapter 21, 00:18:11.660 --> 00:18:12.779 Sarah does 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:13.660 have a 00:18:13.660 --> 00:18:13.960 son. 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:15.759 You see, 00:18:15.980 --> 00:18:17.059 it seems 00:18:17.059 --> 00:18:17.579 that God 00:18:17.579 --> 00:18:18.019 is not 00:18:18.019 --> 00:18:18.679 restricted 00:18:18.679 --> 00:18:19.679 by weak, 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:21.119 doubting 00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:22.359 servants. 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:24.240 God never 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:25.359 writes people 00:18:25.359 --> 00:18:26.299 off and 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:26.879 neither should 00:18:26.879 --> 00:18:27.240 we. 00:18:28.299 --> 00:18:29.039 Older women 00:18:29.039 --> 00:18:30.000 like Sarah 00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:30.940 have a 00:18:30.940 --> 00:18:32.000 vital role 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:33.119 in God's 00:18:33.119 --> 00:18:33.659 work and 00:18:33.659 --> 00:18:34.319 in God's 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:34.859 purposes. 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:38.779 Essel and 00:18:38.779 --> 00:18:39.379 Vera were 00:18:39.379 --> 00:18:40.319 two old 00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:40.839 sisters. 00:18:42.179 --> 00:18:42.839 Essel was 00:18:42.839 --> 00:18:43.659 never married. 00:18:44.879 --> 00:18:45.559 Vera was 00:18:45.559 --> 00:18:46.359 married but 00:18:46.359 --> 00:18:47.099 she didn't 00:18:47.099 --> 00:18:47.720 ever have 00:18:47.720 --> 00:18:48.259 children. 00:18:49.579 --> 00:18:49.940 They were 00:18:49.940 --> 00:18:50.779 both timid. 00:18:51.679 --> 00:18:52.079 They were 00:18:52.079 --> 00:18:52.559 shy. 00:18:53.500 --> 00:18:53.819 They were 00:18:53.819 --> 00:18:54.879 quite reserved. 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:56.480 Yet for 00:18:56.480 --> 00:18:57.619 25 years 00:18:57.619 --> 00:18:58.399 they faithfully 00:18:58.399 --> 00:18:59.279 prayed and 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.460 supported my 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:01.240 dad while he 00:19:01.240 --> 00:19:01.960 was a pastor 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:02.779 in Waterford. 00:19:03.940 --> 00:19:04.940 They held 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:05.639 no title 00:19:05.639 --> 00:19:06.379 or any 00:19:06.379 --> 00:19:06.919 particular 00:19:06.919 --> 00:19:07.919 special role 00:19:07.919 --> 00:19:09.859 but yet 00:19:09.859 --> 00:19:10.559 they attended 00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:11.619 every meeting 00:19:11.619 --> 00:19:12.200 as they were 00:19:12.200 --> 00:19:12.559 able. 00:19:13.639 --> 00:19:14.220 They prayed 00:19:14.220 --> 00:19:14.599 for his 00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:15.079 children. 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:18.259 rags like 00:19:18.259 --> 00:19:18.639 me. 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:20.440 Encouraged 00:19:20.440 --> 00:19:21.079 my mum 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:22.720 and gave 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:23.119 when there 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:23.799 were needs. 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:24.899 To the 00:19:24.899 --> 00:19:25.460 world they 00:19:25.460 --> 00:19:25.960 were just 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:27.079 weak and 00:19:27.079 --> 00:19:27.659 frail. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:28.299 They were 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.119 nothing and 00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:29.859 nobodies. 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:30.960 Yet in the 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:31.500 hands of 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:32.039 God they 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:32.539 were the 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:33.339 backbone you 00:19:33.339 --> 00:19:33.839 might say 00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:34.419 of a local 00:19:34.419 --> 00:19:35.039 church. 00:19:36.519 --> 00:19:36.879 You see 00:19:36.879 --> 00:19:37.440 the church 00:19:37.440 --> 00:19:38.639 always needs 00:19:38.639 --> 00:19:40.200 people like 00:19:40.200 --> 00:19:41.920 Ethel and 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:42.299 Vera. 00:19:43.500 --> 00:19:44.539 He needs 00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:45.299 people like 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:45.860 us. 00:19:46.860 --> 00:19:47.319 Of course 00:19:47.319 --> 00:19:47.720 it's not 00:19:47.720 --> 00:19:48.480 just older 00:19:48.480 --> 00:19:49.220 women that 00:19:49.220 --> 00:19:49.960 God uses. 00:19:50.360 --> 00:19:50.779 When it 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:51.240 comes to 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:51.920 God's work 00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:52.480 and God's 00:19:52.480 --> 00:19:52.880 purposes, 00:19:53.140 --> 00:19:53.580 age, 00:19:53.920 --> 00:19:54.380 whether you're 00:19:54.380 --> 00:19:54.779 young or 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:55.080 old, 00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:55.840 gender, 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:56.460 male or 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:56.860 female, 00:19:57.279 --> 00:19:57.860 whatever your 00:19:57.860 --> 00:19:58.299 ability, 00:19:58.480 --> 00:19:58.799 whether you 00:19:58.799 --> 00:19:59.620 feel strong 00:19:59.620 --> 00:20:00.319 or struggling, 00:20:00.880 --> 00:20:01.600 it's not an 00:20:01.600 --> 00:20:02.160 issue for 00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:02.600 God. 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.120 In fact 00:20:04.120 --> 00:20:04.920 God uses 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:05.559 the weak 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:06.380 and doubting, 00:20:06.819 --> 00:20:07.559 the suffering, 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:08.779 the sinful, 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:09.519 the broken. 00:20:10.879 --> 00:20:11.679 Why is it 00:20:11.679 --> 00:20:12.200 that God 00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:13.059 insists in 00:20:13.059 --> 00:20:13.619 doing his 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:14.359 work like 00:20:14.359 --> 00:20:14.740 this? 00:20:15.039 --> 00:20:15.460 Well to 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:15.940 show us 00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:16.279 that his 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:16.839 plan of 00:20:16.839 --> 00:20:17.319 redemption 00:20:17.319 --> 00:20:18.399 will not 00:20:18.399 --> 00:20:19.099 be accomplished 00:20:19.099 --> 00:20:20.019 by my 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:21.859 strength or 00:20:21.859 --> 00:20:22.859 your strength, 00:20:23.440 --> 00:20:24.519 not our 00:20:24.519 --> 00:20:26.599 faith but 00:20:26.599 --> 00:20:27.879 his faithfulness. 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:29.779 It's like 00:20:29.779 --> 00:20:30.559 he delights 00:20:30.559 --> 00:20:31.440 in gathering 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:33.460 nobodies and 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:34.980 nothings and 00:20:34.980 --> 00:20:35.960 using us so 00:20:35.960 --> 00:20:36.720 that we might 00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:37.460 wonder, 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:38.519 at God's 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:39.599 amazing grace 00:20:39.599 --> 00:20:40.299 that he 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:40.919 would work 00:20:40.919 --> 00:20:41.919 through me. 00:20:43.679 --> 00:20:44.700 The ordinary 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:45.500 servant of 00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:46.179 God may be 00:20:46.179 --> 00:20:46.839 nothing in 00:20:46.839 --> 00:20:47.359 the eyes of 00:20:47.359 --> 00:20:47.899 the world 00:20:47.899 --> 00:20:49.679 but yet God 00:20:49.679 --> 00:20:50.679 uses weak 00:20:50.679 --> 00:20:51.639 servants to 00:20:51.639 --> 00:20:52.759 accomplish his 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:53.720 purposes. 00:20:55.200 --> 00:20:56.299 So God 00:20:56.299 --> 00:20:57.220 might be much 00:20:57.220 --> 00:20:57.779 of a hurry 00:20:57.779 --> 00:20:59.779 but he will 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:00.740 fulfil his 00:21:00.740 --> 00:21:01.899 plan of 00:21:01.899 --> 00:21:02.399 redemption. 00:21:03.419 --> 00:21:03.819 In the 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:04.619 meantime we 00:21:04.619 --> 00:21:05.399 get on 00:21:05.399 --> 00:21:06.599 serving and 00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:07.460 we marvel at 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:07.880 the fact 00:21:07.880 --> 00:21:08.500 that God 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.019 by his 00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:10.980 grace can 00:21:10.980 --> 00:21:11.900 use people 00:21:11.900 --> 00:21:13.340 like us. 00:21:16.539 --> 00:21:17.400 So the 00:21:17.400 --> 00:21:18.160 ordinary ways 00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:18.519 in which 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:19.319 God's people 00:21:19.319 --> 00:21:19.880 serve, 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:21.480 the ordinary 00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.319 people God 00:21:22.319 --> 00:21:23.360 uses in his 00:21:23.360 --> 00:21:26.000 purposes and 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:26.519 then third, 00:21:26.620 --> 00:21:27.340 the extraordinary 00:21:27.340 --> 00:21:28.380 ways in which 00:21:28.380 --> 00:21:30.039 God works. 00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:31.420 God 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:32.460 will 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:34.220 be able to 00:21:34.220 --> 00:21:35.099 build a 00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:35.659 nation and 00:21:35.659 --> 00:21:36.159 a people 00:21:36.159 --> 00:21:36.920 who in 00:21:36.920 --> 00:21:37.339 turn are 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:37.700 going to 00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:38.019 be a 00:21:38.019 --> 00:21:38.680 blessing to 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:39.200 the world 00:21:39.200 --> 00:21:40.299 seems to 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:40.899 be too 00:21:40.899 --> 00:21:42.079 big to 00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:42.639 be true. 00:21:43.639 --> 00:21:44.099 And when we 00:21:44.099 --> 00:21:44.920 factor into 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:45.480 all of it 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:46.099 that the 00:21:46.099 --> 00:21:47.519 very foundation 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:48.240 of it all 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:49.059 starts with 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:49.639 an old 00:21:49.639 --> 00:21:50.420 Abraham and 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:50.799 a worn 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:51.500 out Sarah, 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:52.359 it just 00:21:52.359 --> 00:21:53.259 seems utterly 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:54.359 impossible, 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:55.159 doesn't it? 00:21:55.160 --> 00:21:57.279 yet look 00:21:57.279 --> 00:21:57.779 how God 00:21:57.779 --> 00:21:58.660 responds to 00:21:58.660 --> 00:21:58.840 our 00:21:58.840 --> 00:21:59.380 questioning 00:21:59.380 --> 00:22:00.060 doubts. 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:01.860 Verse 13, 00:22:01.859 --> 00:22:04.919 Then the 00:22:04.919 --> 00:22:05.459 Lord said 00:22:05.459 --> 00:22:06.219 to Abraham, 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:07.919 Why did 00:22:07.919 --> 00:22:08.759 Sarah laugh 00:22:08.759 --> 00:22:09.379 and say, 00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:10.719 Will I 00:22:10.719 --> 00:22:11.359 really have 00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:11.859 a child 00:22:11.859 --> 00:22:12.339 now that 00:22:12.339 --> 00:22:12.959 I'm old? 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:14.719 Is 00:22:14.719 --> 00:22:15.319 anything 00:22:15.319 --> 00:22:16.559 too hard 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:17.559 for the 00:22:17.559 --> 00:22:17.839 Lord? 00:22:20.699 --> 00:22:21.419 Well, 00:22:21.439 --> 00:22:21.919 the answer 00:22:21.919 --> 00:22:22.399 should be 00:22:22.399 --> 00:22:23.059 a resounding 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:23.619 no. 00:22:24.859 --> 00:22:25.359 Nothing 00:22:25.359 --> 00:22:26.519 is too 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:27.039 hard 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:27.699 for the 00:22:27.699 --> 00:22:28.019 Lord. 00:22:28.979 --> 00:22:29.459 You see, 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:30.159 we're dealing 00:22:30.159 --> 00:22:30.679 here with 00:22:30.679 --> 00:22:31.139 God 00:22:31.140 --> 00:22:32.020 Almighty, 00:22:32.480 --> 00:22:32.800 the one 00:22:32.800 --> 00:22:33.640 who spoke 00:22:33.640 --> 00:22:34.259 the universe 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:35.320 into existence. 00:22:35.620 --> 00:22:36.220 Out of 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:36.780 nothing, 00:22:37.900 --> 00:22:38.400 he brought 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:39.180 this world 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:40.740 into being. 00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:42.280 And if 00:22:42.280 --> 00:22:42.820 God is 00:22:42.820 --> 00:22:43.420 that all 00:22:43.420 --> 00:22:44.060 powerful 00:22:44.060 --> 00:22:45.800 life-giving 00:22:45.800 --> 00:22:46.580 source, 00:22:47.480 --> 00:22:47.960 then he 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:48.540 can give 00:22:48.540 --> 00:22:49.780 life to 00:22:49.780 --> 00:22:50.680 all as 00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:51.540 he pleases. 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:53.940 End of 00:22:53.940 --> 00:22:54.640 verse 14, 00:22:54.720 --> 00:22:55.080 I will 00:22:55.080 --> 00:22:55.780 return to 00:22:55.780 --> 00:22:56.120 you at 00:22:56.120 --> 00:22:56.620 the appointed 00:22:56.620 --> 00:22:57.380 time next 00:22:57.380 --> 00:22:57.759 year, 00:22:58.680 --> 00:22:59.360 and Sarah 00:22:59.360 --> 00:23:00.340 will have 00:23:00.340 --> 00:23:01.040 a son. 00:23:01.140 --> 00:23:03.220 Sarah 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.920 was afraid, 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.540 so she 00:23:05.540 --> 00:23:06.240 lied and 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:06.520 said, 00:23:06.820 --> 00:23:07.280 no, 00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:07.740 I didn't 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:08.180 laugh. 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:10.100 But he 00:23:10.100 --> 00:23:10.340 said, 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:10.580 yes, 00:23:10.640 --> 00:23:11.140 you did 00:23:11.140 --> 00:23:11.740 laugh. 00:23:13.420 --> 00:23:13.960 Now, 00:23:14.020 --> 00:23:14.620 like Sarah, 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:15.160 we too 00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:16.120 might laugh 00:23:16.120 --> 00:23:17.200 at the 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:18.120 impossibility 00:23:18.120 --> 00:23:18.480 of it 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:18.720 all. 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:20.000 When we 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.460 think of 00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:20.900 God's 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:21.320 promises 00:23:21.320 --> 00:23:22.000 to us, 00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:23.140 how could 00:23:23.140 --> 00:23:24.259 this ever 00:23:24.259 --> 00:23:24.960 happen? 00:23:24.960 --> 00:23:25.019 man? 00:23:26.700 --> 00:23:27.140 Well, 00:23:27.200 --> 00:23:27.500 don't 00:23:27.500 --> 00:23:29.240 laugh at 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:29.740 what God 00:23:29.740 --> 00:23:30.640 promises to 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:30.940 do. 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:33.100 First, 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:33.900 notice with 00:23:33.900 --> 00:23:35.539 me the 00:23:35.539 --> 00:23:36.140 plan of 00:23:36.140 --> 00:23:36.640 redemption 00:23:36.640 --> 00:23:38.500 in this 00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:39.340 story, 00:23:39.480 --> 00:23:39.920 the plan 00:23:39.920 --> 00:23:40.519 of redemption. 00:23:41.559 --> 00:23:42.400 God's plan 00:23:42.400 --> 00:23:42.980 of redemption 00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:43.700 is going to 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:44.279 come through 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:44.900 the family 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:45.480 of Abraham, 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:46.500 and as we 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:47.220 follow the 00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:48.200 storyline of 00:23:48.200 --> 00:23:48.720 the Bible, 00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:50.160 God's promise 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:50.980 is fulfilled 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:51.779 in the 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:52.039 most 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:52.740 extraordinary 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.680 of ways. 00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:56.059 Go with 00:23:56.059 --> 00:23:56.259 me, 00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:56.620 please, 00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:57.339 to Luke's 00:23:57.339 --> 00:23:57.740 Gospel, 00:23:58.700 --> 00:23:59.880 chapter 1. 00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:01.700 Luke's 00:24:01.700 --> 00:24:02.039 Gospel, 00:24:02.200 --> 00:24:02.900 chapter 1. 00:24:13.860 --> 00:24:14.539 And 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:15.700 verse 31. 00:24:20.980 --> 00:24:30.019 An angel 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:30.640 has appeared 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:31.240 to Mary, 00:24:31.360 --> 00:24:31.759 a young 00:24:31.759 --> 00:24:32.819 teenage girl, 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:34.339 and this 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:34.920 is what the 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:35.940 angel said, 00:24:36.140 --> 00:24:36.960 verse 31. 00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:38.759 You will 00:24:38.759 --> 00:24:39.579 conceive and 00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.299 give birth to 00:24:40.299 --> 00:24:40.779 a son, 00:24:42.059 --> 00:24:42.519 and you 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:42.839 are to 00:24:42.839 --> 00:24:43.420 call him 00:24:43.420 --> 00:24:44.000 Jesus, 00:24:45.400 --> 00:24:45.700 the 00:24:45.700 --> 00:24:46.180 Saviour, 00:24:46.400 --> 00:24:46.519 the 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.059 Messiah. 00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:48.599 Well, 00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:48.900 look at 00:24:48.900 --> 00:24:49.319 Mary's 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:50.000 response, 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:50.900 verse 34. 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:52.559 How will 00:24:52.559 --> 00:24:53.440 this be? 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:54.860 Mary asked 00:24:54.860 --> 00:24:55.380 the angel, 00:24:55.700 --> 00:24:56.319 since I 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:56.620 am a 00:24:56.620 --> 00:24:56.960 virgin. 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:58.519 That's 00:24:58.519 --> 00:24:59.079 impossible. 00:25:00.319 --> 00:25:00.660 These 00:25:00.660 --> 00:25:01.339 things don't 00:25:01.339 --> 00:25:01.720 happen. 00:25:02.120 --> 00:25:02.880 Mary understood 00:25:02.880 --> 00:25:03.860 her biology. 00:25:04.519 --> 00:25:04.940 Virgins 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:05.579 can't be 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:06.000 pregnant. 00:25:08.120 --> 00:25:09.240 Verse 35. 00:25:10.180 --> 00:25:11.160 The angel 00:25:11.160 --> 00:25:11.660 answered, 00:25:11.799 --> 00:25:12.120 the Holy 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:12.759 Spirit will 00:25:12.759 --> 00:25:13.200 come on 00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:13.380 you, 00:25:13.440 --> 00:25:13.680 and the 00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:14.059 power of 00:25:14.059 --> 00:25:14.420 the Most 00:25:14.420 --> 00:25:14.880 High will 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:15.440 overshadow 00:25:15.440 --> 00:25:15.740 you, 00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:16.839 and the 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:17.380 Holy One 00:25:17.380 --> 00:25:18.079 born will 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:18.779 be called 00:25:18.779 --> 00:25:19.900 the Son 00:25:19.900 --> 00:25:20.500 of God. 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:23.339 verse 37. 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:25.079 For no 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.980 word from 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:26.500 God 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:28.220 will ever 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:28.880 fail. 00:25:30.299 --> 00:25:30.960 Mary, 00:25:32.079 --> 00:25:32.660 nothing 00:25:32.660 --> 00:25:34.019 is too 00:25:34.019 --> 00:25:34.579 hard for 00:25:34.579 --> 00:25:34.920 God. 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:36.140 Nothing. 00:25:37.620 --> 00:25:38.140 You see, 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:39.039 God takes 00:25:39.039 --> 00:25:39.660 and uses 00:25:39.660 --> 00:25:40.380 a weak 00:25:40.380 --> 00:25:41.880 teenage 00:25:41.880 --> 00:25:42.420 virgin 00:25:42.420 --> 00:25:42.980 from the 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.500 back end 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:44.120 of nowhere, 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:45.539 and says, 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:46.059 you're going 00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:46.579 to have a 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:46.920 son, 00:25:47.839 --> 00:25:48.440 and by the 00:25:48.440 --> 00:25:48.660 way, 00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:49.300 the child 00:25:49.300 --> 00:25:49.720 that you 00:25:49.720 --> 00:25:50.980 bear is 00:25:50.980 --> 00:25:51.360 going to 00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:52.040 be God's 00:25:52.040 --> 00:25:52.680 promised 00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:53.440 Messiah, 00:25:54.360 --> 00:25:54.900 the one 00:25:54.900 --> 00:25:55.240 who is 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:55.700 going to 00:25:55.700 --> 00:25:56.160 bring the 00:25:56.160 --> 00:25:56.860 blessing of 00:25:56.860 --> 00:25:57.400 redemption 00:25:57.400 --> 00:25:58.640 to the 00:25:58.640 --> 00:25:58.960 world. 00:26:00.320 --> 00:26:01.000 Why does 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:01.820 God make 00:26:01.820 --> 00:26:02.720 seemingly 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.800 impossible 00:26:03.800 --> 00:26:04.560 promises 00:26:04.560 --> 00:26:06.040 and fulfill 00:26:06.040 --> 00:26:06.800 them through 00:26:06.800 --> 00:26:07.360 weak, 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:08.120 humble 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:08.779 servants? 00:26:09.940 --> 00:26:10.980 Because God 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:11.620 wants us to 00:26:11.620 --> 00:26:12.380 see that his 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:13.279 plan of 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:13.759 redemption 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:14.920 is a work 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:15.460 of God. 00:26:15.600 --> 00:26:16.120 It's not 00:26:16.120 --> 00:26:16.860 something we 00:26:16.859 --> 00:26:17.379 do by 00:26:17.379 --> 00:26:17.959 ourselves, 00:26:18.119 --> 00:26:18.579 it's 00:26:18.579 --> 00:26:18.919 something 00:26:18.919 --> 00:26:19.559 that God 00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:19.959 does, 00:26:20.199 --> 00:26:20.679 and it's 00:26:20.679 --> 00:26:21.279 not too 00:26:21.279 --> 00:26:21.959 hard for 00:26:21.959 --> 00:26:22.539 him either. 00:26:24.059 --> 00:26:25.119 Verse 37, 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:25.959 for no 00:26:25.959 --> 00:26:26.839 word from 00:26:26.839 --> 00:26:28.339 God will 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:29.139 ever fail. 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:29.859 What God 00:26:29.859 --> 00:26:30.439 says he 00:26:30.439 --> 00:26:30.979 will do, 00:26:31.500 --> 00:26:31.919 he will 00:26:31.919 --> 00:26:32.259 do. 00:26:33.759 --> 00:26:34.500 Now this 00:26:34.500 --> 00:26:35.240 is how God 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:36.019 continues to 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:36.879 work out his 00:26:36.879 --> 00:26:38.519 redemption in 00:26:38.519 --> 00:26:39.199 the lives of 00:26:39.199 --> 00:26:39.859 people like 00:26:39.859 --> 00:26:40.559 you and me. 00:26:41.639 --> 00:26:42.459 Jump forward 00:26:42.459 --> 00:26:42.919 with me, 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:43.339 please, 00:26:43.459 --> 00:26:44.079 to chapter 00:26:44.079 --> 00:26:45.759 18 of 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.199 Luke's 00:26:46.200 --> 00:26:46.539 Gospel, 00:26:46.680 --> 00:26:47.600 chapter 18, 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:51.700 and see 00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:52.299 here the 00:26:52.299 --> 00:26:53.160 possibility 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:54.460 of 00:26:54.460 --> 00:26:55.000 redemption. 00:26:57.160 --> 00:26:57.840 Luke 00:26:57.840 --> 00:26:58.900 chapter 18. 00:27:01.860 --> 00:27:02.740 In this 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:03.220 account, 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:06.380 a wealthy 00:27:06.380 --> 00:27:07.120 man comes 00:27:07.120 --> 00:27:07.759 to Jesus 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:08.519 wanting to 00:27:08.519 --> 00:27:09.080 know what 00:27:09.080 --> 00:27:09.700 he has to 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:11.259 do to 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:12.220 earn God's 00:27:12.220 --> 00:27:12.720 redemption. 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:12.819 salvation. 00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:14.860 And it 00:27:14.860 --> 00:27:15.480 soon becomes 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.120 very clear 00:27:16.120 --> 00:27:16.860 to him that 00:27:16.860 --> 00:27:17.279 there is 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:17.920 nothing he 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:18.960 can do 00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:20.180 to earn 00:27:20.180 --> 00:27:20.960 his salvation. 00:27:21.180 --> 00:27:21.460 Look at 00:27:21.460 --> 00:27:22.059 what Jesus 00:27:22.059 --> 00:27:23.200 says to 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:23.860 this wealthy 00:27:23.860 --> 00:27:24.299 man. 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:26.039 Luke 18, 00:27:26.160 --> 00:27:26.980 verse 24. 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:31.460 Jesus 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:32.180 looked at him 00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:32.700 and said, 00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:34.200 how hard 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:34.819 it is for 00:27:34.819 --> 00:27:35.299 the rich 00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:35.840 to enter 00:27:35.840 --> 00:27:36.360 the kingdom 00:27:36.360 --> 00:27:36.980 of God. 00:27:37.860 --> 00:27:38.279 Indeed, 00:27:38.400 --> 00:27:39.100 it is easier 00:27:39.100 --> 00:27:39.759 for a camel 00:27:39.759 --> 00:27:40.440 to go through 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:40.960 the eye of 00:27:40.960 --> 00:27:41.420 a needle 00:27:41.420 --> 00:27:42.380 than for 00:27:42.380 --> 00:27:43.019 someone who 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:43.660 is rich 00:27:43.660 --> 00:27:44.600 to enter 00:27:44.600 --> 00:27:45.100 the kingdom 00:27:45.100 --> 00:27:45.700 of God. 00:27:46.860 --> 00:27:47.779 The point 00:27:47.779 --> 00:27:48.700 is simple 00:27:48.700 --> 00:27:49.259 and clear. 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:50.640 Just as it's 00:27:50.640 --> 00:27:51.700 impossible for 00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:52.220 a camel 00:27:52.220 --> 00:27:53.460 to fit through 00:27:53.460 --> 00:27:54.160 the eye of 00:27:54.160 --> 00:27:54.660 a needle, 00:27:55.460 --> 00:27:56.080 so it's 00:27:56.080 --> 00:27:57.019 impossible for 00:27:57.019 --> 00:27:57.740 us by our 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:58.380 own efforts 00:27:58.380 --> 00:27:59.120 to enter 00:27:59.120 --> 00:28:00.140 into the 00:28:00.140 --> 00:28:00.660 kingdom of 00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:00.940 God. 00:28:00.940 --> 00:28:01.820 it can't 00:28:01.820 --> 00:28:02.200 happen. 00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:03.759 It's just 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:04.519 not possible. 00:28:05.940 --> 00:28:06.480 It's like 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:07.220 old women 00:28:07.220 --> 00:28:08.220 having children 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:09.299 or virgins 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:10.200 getting pregnant. 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:11.840 That sort 00:28:11.840 --> 00:28:12.180 of thing 00:28:12.180 --> 00:28:13.000 can't happen. 00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:16.460 Verse 26. 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:18.539 Those who 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:19.120 heard this 00:28:19.120 --> 00:28:19.539 asked, 00:28:19.840 --> 00:28:20.200 well then 00:28:20.200 --> 00:28:20.680 who can 00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:21.360 be saved? 00:28:22.559 --> 00:28:23.460 What can 00:28:23.460 --> 00:28:24.180 God do 00:28:24.180 --> 00:28:25.279 in the lives 00:28:25.279 --> 00:28:25.840 of people 00:28:25.840 --> 00:28:26.440 to save 00:28:26.440 --> 00:28:26.680 them? 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:28.860 Verse 27. 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:30.559 Jesus 00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:31.419 replied, 00:28:32.819 --> 00:28:33.279 what is 00:28:33.279 --> 00:28:34.200 impossible 00:28:34.200 --> 00:28:35.299 with man 00:28:35.299 --> 00:28:37.139 is possible 00:28:37.139 --> 00:28:38.659 with God. 00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:40.539 What is 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.339 impossible 00:28:41.339 --> 00:28:42.240 with man 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:43.700 is possible 00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:44.440 with God. 00:28:45.700 --> 00:28:46.359 You see, 00:28:46.440 --> 00:28:47.039 we can never 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:48.179 save ourselves 00:28:48.179 --> 00:28:49.740 and we can 00:28:49.740 --> 00:28:50.379 never save 00:28:50.379 --> 00:28:51.339 anybody else. 00:28:52.299 --> 00:28:53.000 But what's 00:28:53.000 --> 00:28:53.899 impossible for 00:28:53.899 --> 00:28:56.019 us is what 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:56.799 God does. 00:28:57.500 --> 00:28:58.059 This is what 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:58.759 he delights 00:28:58.759 --> 00:28:59.339 sin doing. 00:28:59.839 --> 00:29:00.400 How is 00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:01.019 it possible? 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:02.559 Because God, 00:29:03.039 --> 00:29:03.599 in his 00:29:03.599 --> 00:29:04.180 redemption 00:29:04.180 --> 00:29:04.879 plan, 00:29:05.299 --> 00:29:06.200 sent his 00:29:06.200 --> 00:29:06.599 son, 00:29:07.119 --> 00:29:07.500 Jesus, 00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:08.160 who came 00:29:08.160 --> 00:29:08.640 to us 00:29:08.640 --> 00:29:09.480 in humility 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:10.819 and weakness, 00:29:11.180 --> 00:29:11.879 who bowed 00:29:11.879 --> 00:29:12.700 before us 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:13.220 to say, 00:29:13.599 --> 00:29:14.259 I am at 00:29:14.259 --> 00:29:15.200 your service. 00:29:17.140 --> 00:29:17.740 And he 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:18.480 served us 00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:19.000 in the most 00:29:19.000 --> 00:29:19.759 humbling of 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.180 ways, 00:29:20.440 --> 00:29:21.059 by giving 00:29:21.059 --> 00:29:21.779 his life 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:22.339 for us, 00:29:22.680 --> 00:29:23.460 by dying 00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:24.220 on a cross, 00:29:24.640 --> 00:29:25.500 taking all 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:26.160 our failures 00:29:26.160 --> 00:29:26.800 on himself, 00:29:26.920 --> 00:29:27.220 so that 00:29:27.220 --> 00:29:27.740 he might 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.340 secure 00:29:28.340 --> 00:29:29.060 our 00:29:29.060 --> 00:29:29.640 redemption 00:29:29.640 --> 00:29:30.840 forever. 00:29:34.240 --> 00:29:35.019 Now you 00:29:35.019 --> 00:29:35.460 might be 00:29:35.460 --> 00:29:35.840 thinking, 00:29:36.019 --> 00:29:36.140 well, 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:36.700 my life 00:29:36.700 --> 00:29:37.040 is a 00:29:37.040 --> 00:29:37.400 mess. 00:29:38.680 --> 00:29:39.240 I've 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:39.560 failed 00:29:39.560 --> 00:29:40.180 too many 00:29:40.180 --> 00:29:40.860 times. 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.060 I've 00:29:42.060 --> 00:29:42.340 broken 00:29:42.340 --> 00:29:43.019 too many 00:29:43.019 --> 00:29:43.580 promises. 00:29:44.940 --> 00:29:45.220 There's 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:45.800 no way 00:29:45.800 --> 00:29:46.340 that God 00:29:46.340 --> 00:29:46.960 can save 00:29:46.960 --> 00:29:47.300 me. 00:29:48.580 --> 00:29:49.320 Or maybe 00:29:49.320 --> 00:29:49.580 you're 00:29:49.580 --> 00:29:50.040 thinking, 00:29:50.360 --> 00:29:51.440 I've got 00:29:51.440 --> 00:29:52.000 a friend, 00:29:52.160 --> 00:29:52.420 I've got 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:52.900 a family 00:29:52.900 --> 00:29:53.360 member, 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:54.559 maybe 00:29:54.559 --> 00:29:54.879 it's 00:29:54.879 --> 00:29:55.039 your 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:55.359 mother 00:29:55.359 --> 00:29:55.759 or your 00:29:55.759 --> 00:29:56.279 father, 00:29:57.139 --> 00:29:57.699 your 00:29:57.699 --> 00:29:58.199 son, 00:29:59.059 --> 00:29:59.619 or your 00:29:59.619 --> 00:30:00.039 daughter, 00:30:00.740 --> 00:30:01.919 and you're 00:30:01.919 --> 00:30:02.240 thinking, 00:30:02.419 --> 00:30:02.859 no way, 00:30:03.879 --> 00:30:04.319 it's 00:30:04.319 --> 00:30:04.899 impossible, 00:30:05.859 --> 00:30:06.259 God 00:30:06.259 --> 00:30:06.719 can't 00:30:06.719 --> 00:30:07.019 save 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:07.339 them. 00:30:09.519 --> 00:30:09.779 Well, 00:30:09.819 --> 00:30:10.099 don't 00:30:10.099 --> 00:30:11.439 laugh at 00:30:11.439 --> 00:30:12.099 what God 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:12.659 can do. 00:30:13.819 --> 00:30:14.099 Is 00:30:14.099 --> 00:30:14.599 anything 00:30:14.599 --> 00:30:15.579 too hard 00:30:15.579 --> 00:30:15.979 for the 00:30:15.979 --> 00:30:16.279 Lord? 00:30:17.539 --> 00:30:18.240 What is 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:19.099 impossible 00:30:19.099 --> 00:30:20.219 for man 00:30:20.219 --> 00:30:22.279 is possible 00:30:22.279 --> 00:30:23.039 with God. 00:30:23.359 --> 00:30:26.159 redemption 00:30:26.159 --> 00:30:26.839 might not 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:27.199 happen 00:30:27.199 --> 00:30:27.939 according to 00:30:27.939 --> 00:30:28.159 our 00:30:28.159 --> 00:30:28.599 timing, 00:30:29.599 --> 00:30:30.219 but that 00:30:30.219 --> 00:30:30.539 doesn't 00:30:30.539 --> 00:30:30.959 mean we 00:30:30.959 --> 00:30:31.579 sit back 00:30:31.579 --> 00:30:31.919 and do 00:30:31.919 --> 00:30:32.299 nothing 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:32.859 and twiddle 00:30:32.859 --> 00:30:33.059 our 00:30:33.059 --> 00:30:33.379 thumbs. 00:30:34.319 --> 00:30:34.819 We get 00:30:34.819 --> 00:30:35.259 on with 00:30:35.259 --> 00:30:35.479 the 00:30:35.479 --> 00:30:36.199 ordinary, 00:30:36.619 --> 00:30:37.439 everyday, 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:38.479 humble 00:30:38.479 --> 00:30:40.039 acts of 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:40.639 service. 00:30:41.619 --> 00:30:42.179 We 00:30:42.179 --> 00:30:42.799 faithfully 00:30:42.799 --> 00:30:43.259 pray. 00:30:44.479 --> 00:30:44.759 We 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.519 obediently 00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:46.000 share the 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.379 gospel. 00:30:47.539 --> 00:30:48.139 We open 00:30:48.139 --> 00:30:48.519 up our 00:30:48.519 --> 00:30:49.119 homes and 00:30:49.119 --> 00:30:49.899 invite people 00:30:49.899 --> 00:30:50.199 in. 00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:51.519 We get 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:51.979 alongside 00:30:51.979 --> 00:30:52.819 people who 00:30:52.819 --> 00:30:53.399 are struggling. 00:30:53.939 --> 00:30:54.439 We use 00:30:54.439 --> 00:30:55.139 the gifts 00:30:55.139 --> 00:30:55.720 that God 00:30:55.720 --> 00:30:56.159 has given 00:30:56.159 --> 00:30:56.859 us to 00:30:56.859 --> 00:30:57.960 be conduits 00:30:57.960 --> 00:30:58.879 of his 00:30:58.879 --> 00:30:59.839 amazing 00:30:59.839 --> 00:31:00.500 grace. 00:31:02.619 --> 00:31:03.319 God's 00:31:03.319 --> 00:31:03.700 not in 00:31:03.700 --> 00:31:04.119 a hurry, 00:31:04.960 --> 00:31:06.480 but that 00:31:06.480 --> 00:31:07.059 doesn't mean 00:31:07.059 --> 00:31:07.700 nothing is 00:31:07.700 --> 00:31:08.159 happening. 00:31:09.659 --> 00:31:10.339 Don't 00:31:10.339 --> 00:31:10.919 limit 00:31:10.919 --> 00:31:12.740 and don't 00:31:12.740 --> 00:31:13.399 laugh 00:31:13.399 --> 00:31:14.679 at what 00:31:14.679 --> 00:31:15.339 God can 00:31:15.339 --> 00:31:16.019 do through 00:31:16.019 --> 00:31:16.599 humble, 00:31:17.220 --> 00:31:17.539 weak 00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:18.720 servants 00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:19.819 like you 00:31:19.819 --> 00:31:20.220 and I. 00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:22.860 God is 00:31:22.860 --> 00:31:23.319 fulfilling 00:31:23.319 --> 00:31:24.059 his purpose 00:31:24.059 --> 00:31:24.500 and his 00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:24.860 plan. 00:31:26.380 --> 00:31:26.839 And God 00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:27.319 will do 00:31:27.319 --> 00:31:27.620 it. 00:31:28.620 --> 00:31:29.140 And he 00:31:29.140 --> 00:31:29.819 uses people 00:31:29.819 --> 00:31:30.579 like us 00:31:30.579 --> 00:31:31.839 as we 00:31:31.839 --> 00:31:32.420 step out 00:31:32.420 --> 00:31:33.160 in service 00:31:33.160 --> 00:31:34.140 for him. 00:31:34.140 --> 00:31:36.100 Let's 00:31:36.100 --> 00:31:36.400 pray. 00:31:36.400 --> 00:31:53.080 Father, we 00:31:53.080 --> 00:31:53.920 confess that 00:31:53.920 --> 00:31:54.320 we are 00:31:54.320 --> 00:31:54.980 such a 00:31:54.980 --> 00:31:55.600 rushing, 00:31:56.720 --> 00:31:57.060 busy 00:31:57.060 --> 00:31:57.680 people, 00:31:58.519 --> 00:32:00.120 going from 00:32:00.120 --> 00:32:00.740 one thing 00:32:00.740 --> 00:32:01.360 to another, 00:32:02.640 --> 00:32:03.160 never 00:32:03.160 --> 00:32:03.800 slowing 00:32:03.800 --> 00:32:04.280 down. 00:32:04.279 --> 00:32:06.779 Father, 00:32:06.899 --> 00:32:07.660 help us 00:32:07.660 --> 00:32:09.259 that we 00:32:09.259 --> 00:32:09.899 would slow 00:32:09.899 --> 00:32:10.480 down and 00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:11.180 see the 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:11.740 ways in 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:12.240 which we 00:32:12.240 --> 00:32:13.259 can serve, 00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:15.000 the things 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:15.319 that we 00:32:15.319 --> 00:32:15.940 can do 00:32:15.940 --> 00:32:17.639 to show 00:32:17.639 --> 00:32:18.440 your grace 00:32:18.440 --> 00:32:19.700 to others. 00:32:21.119 --> 00:32:21.759 Father, 00:32:21.899 --> 00:32:22.399 thank you 00:32:22.399 --> 00:32:23.099 for your 00:32:23.099 --> 00:32:23.799 plan of 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:24.259 redemption. 00:32:25.240 --> 00:32:25.720 Thank you 00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:26.160 for your 00:32:26.160 --> 00:32:26.759 son, the 00:32:26.759 --> 00:32:27.359 Lord Jesus 00:32:27.359 --> 00:32:27.940 Christ. 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:29.879 Thank you 00:32:29.879 --> 00:32:30.740 that nothing 00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:31.819 when it 00:32:31.819 --> 00:32:32.299 comes to 00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:33.119 salvation is 00:32:33.119 --> 00:32:34.019 impossible for 00:32:34.019 --> 00:32:35.440 you, that 00:32:35.440 --> 00:32:35.819 you have 00:32:35.819 --> 00:32:36.379 accomplished 00:32:36.379 --> 00:32:38.319 it all, and 00:32:38.319 --> 00:32:38.680 you are 00:32:38.680 --> 00:32:39.660 continuing your 00:32:39.660 --> 00:32:41.099 work through 00:32:41.099 --> 00:32:41.839 people like 00:32:41.839 --> 00:32:42.160 us. 00:32:43.559 --> 00:32:44.339 Thank you 00:32:44.339 --> 00:32:44.920 for that. 00:32:45.980 --> 00:32:46.500 So help 00:32:46.500 --> 00:32:47.200 us to go 00:32:47.200 --> 00:32:49.700 encouraged and 00:32:49.700 --> 00:32:50.639 blessed today. 00:32:51.299 --> 00:32:52.220 In Jesus' 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:52.720 name. 00:32:53.619 --> 00:32:54.079 Amen. 00:32:54.079 --> 00:32:59.879 we're going 00:32:59.879 --> 00:33:00.259 to sing 00:33:00.259 --> 00:33:00.799 together. 00:33:01.659 --> 00:33:02.379 I will 00:33:02.379 --> 00:33:03.139 glory in 00:33:03.139 --> 00:33:03.399 my 00:33:03.399 --> 00:33:03.919 Redeemer 00:33:03.919 --> 00:33:05.659 as we 00:33:05.659 --> 00:33:06.259 think about 00:33:06.259 --> 00:33:06.699 the one 00:33:06.699 --> 00:33:07.199 who came 00:33:07.199 --> 00:33:07.939 to serve 00:33:07.939 --> 00:33:08.439 us and 00:33:08.439 --> 00:33:08.899 give his 00:33:08.899 --> 00:33:09.359 life 00:33:09.359 --> 00:33:10.759 for us. 00:33:11.259 --> 00:33:11.659 We'll 00:33:11.659 --> 00:33:11.919 stand 00:33:11.919 --> 00:33:12.480 together 00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:14.000 as we 00:33:14.000 --> 00:33:14.299 sing. 00:33:14.299 --> 00:33:14.359 Amen. 00:33:14.359 --> 00:33:14.460 Amen. 00:33:14.460 --> 00:33:14.519 Amen. 00:33:14.519 --> 00:33:16.240 Amen. 00:33:16.240 --> 00:33:16.419 Amen. 00:33:16.419 --> 00:33:16.519 Amen. 00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:16.599 Amen. 00:33:16.599 --> 00:33:17.079 Amen. 00:33:17.079 --> 00:33:17.599 Amen. 00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:18.119 Amen. 00:33:18.119 --> 00:33:18.299 Amen. 00:33:18.299 --> 00:33:18.399 Amen. 00:33:18.399 --> 00:33:18.500 Amen. 00:33:18.500 --> 00:33:18.960 Amen. 00:33:18.960 --> 00:33:19.179 Amen. 00:33:19.179 --> 00:33:19.599 Amen. 00:33:19.599 --> 00:33:20.299 Amen. 00:33:20.299 --> 00:33:21.139 Amen. 00:33:21.139 --> 00:33:21.179 Amen. 00:33:21.179 --> 00:33:21.500 Amen. 00:33:21.500 --> 00:33:22.179 Amen. 00:33:22.179 --> 00:33:22.599 Amen. 00:33:22.599 --> 00:33:23.159 Amen. 00:33:23.159 --> 00:33:23.639 Amen.