WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.679 I'm going to do that by looking at a couple of chapters in Romans 9 and 10. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.880 And they're really chapters which are mainly about why Israel has not believed. 00:00:37.079 --> 00:00:40.820 Why if the gospel is such wonderful news that the Jews not believed. 00:00:41.880 --> 00:00:50.900 And yet I think what we can find in these chapters are wonderful insights into how the lost are found. 00:00:52.280 --> 00:00:53.200 And so let us pray. 00:00:53.200 --> 00:01:03.560 Father in heaven we do pray that we would be people who are eager to play our part in seeking the lost. 00:01:03.560 --> 00:01:07.640 Father we're not all called to be evangelists. 00:01:08.859 --> 00:01:10.340 But we are called to bear witness. 00:01:11.260 --> 00:01:12.980 To play our role in your mission. 00:01:13.520 --> 00:01:14.620 As you build your kingdom. 00:01:14.620 --> 00:01:19.020 And that is an absolute privilege. 00:01:20.460 --> 00:01:22.600 You do not need us at all. 00:01:23.800 --> 00:01:25.439 Not in one little bit. 00:01:26.500 --> 00:01:30.420 But in your kindness you have allowed us to be your instruments. 00:01:31.780 --> 00:01:32.840 Your mouthpiece. 00:01:32.840 --> 00:01:36.420 To be your body language so to speak. 00:01:37.780 --> 00:01:39.380 That we are the body of Christ. 00:01:39.880 --> 00:01:40.460 Your hands. 00:01:41.380 --> 00:01:42.620 Your feet and your mouth. 00:01:42.760 --> 00:01:44.560 So we pray use us in Jesus name. 00:01:45.760 --> 00:01:46.120 Amen. 00:01:47.400 --> 00:01:47.840 Amen. 00:01:47.920 --> 00:01:51.719 I think I've announced both this morning and this evening that this Tuesday is the only morning prayer meeting. 00:01:52.140 --> 00:01:52.659 And it's not. 00:01:53.159 --> 00:01:54.000 It's the following week. 00:01:54.520 --> 00:01:55.420 John Silver has told me. 00:01:55.840 --> 00:01:59.159 Which I'm sure you're all mightily relieved because you were all planning to be there. 00:01:59.159 --> 00:01:59.519 Yeah. 00:02:00.299 --> 00:02:01.000 So it's next week. 00:02:02.019 --> 00:02:05.119 Now I'm going to argue tonight that to be a good Bible reader. 00:02:05.979 --> 00:02:07.920 To be a good Bible reader you need to be a juggler. 00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:15.180 A typical mistake that Christians make is that we tend to hold one truth against another. 00:02:16.699 --> 00:02:18.340 Rather than holding them both together. 00:02:19.280 --> 00:02:21.680 I don't know if you've heard this definition of a fundamentalist. 00:02:22.199 --> 00:02:23.500 What is a fundamentalist? 00:02:23.500 --> 00:02:26.639 A fundamentalist is someone who holds half a truth. 00:02:27.780 --> 00:02:29.139 As though it were the whole truth. 00:02:29.159 --> 00:02:32.240 They hold half a truth. 00:02:32.620 --> 00:02:33.780 As though it were the whole truth. 00:02:35.079 --> 00:02:39.800 And I think we can't help ourselves but to pit one against the other. 00:02:40.240 --> 00:02:41.159 One truth against the other. 00:02:41.659 --> 00:02:45.219 And that is why I want to argue that a good Bible reader is a good juggler. 00:02:46.400 --> 00:02:48.379 We hold those balls in the air. 00:02:49.419 --> 00:02:54.519 And if you hold on to one ball at the expense of another then you'll drop it. 00:02:54.579 --> 00:02:56.699 You've got to keep them up in the air. 00:02:57.439 --> 00:02:59.679 And if you imagine each ball being a theological truth. 00:02:59.979 --> 00:03:04.099 The aim of the game is to keep them all in the air at the same time. 00:03:04.840 --> 00:03:08.680 Even though sometimes we can't work out the relationship between the truths. 00:03:08.680 --> 00:03:12.099 So as I look at how the lots are found tonight. 00:03:12.099 --> 00:03:14.280 What I want to do is I want to juggle with a few balls. 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:17.219 And there are five ways to answer that question. 00:03:17.980 --> 00:03:20.659 Now I know over three points nobody ever remembers. 00:03:21.280 --> 00:03:22.920 And so there is a summary of this sermon. 00:03:23.020 --> 00:03:24.879 Which is normally a bad sign. 00:03:24.879 --> 00:03:27.439 But I want you to try and remember this sermon this week. 00:03:27.500 --> 00:03:30.599 So as you go out on the left there will be a little red piece of paper. 00:03:30.639 --> 00:03:32.199 I didn't give you the piece of paper before. 00:03:32.719 --> 00:03:34.240 Because then you would listen to the sermon otherwise. 00:03:34.979 --> 00:03:36.759 But I thought if I give you the summary. 00:03:38.419 --> 00:03:40.560 But at least you'll listen and hopefully you'll remember it. 00:03:41.819 --> 00:03:43.139 So my first point. 00:03:43.259 --> 00:03:44.240 My first answer. 00:03:45.199 --> 00:03:47.259 To the question how the lots are found. 00:03:47.460 --> 00:03:49.120 Is when the people of God. 00:03:49.859 --> 00:03:51.340 Begin to anguish over the lost. 00:03:51.340 --> 00:03:54.840 How are the lost found when the people of God begin to anguish. 00:03:55.719 --> 00:03:56.319 Over the lost. 00:03:56.379 --> 00:03:58.360 That's how Paul begins in Romans chapter 9. 00:03:59.340 --> 00:04:00.340 Let me read to you these verses. 00:04:00.480 --> 00:04:01.480 They are stunning verses tonight. 00:04:01.560 --> 00:04:03.900 Open your Bible 945 if you've got a black church Bible. 00:04:04.819 --> 00:04:06.280 I am speaking the truth in Christ. 00:04:06.420 --> 00:04:07.180 I am not lying. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:11.340 My conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit. 00:04:12.319 --> 00:04:14.920 That I have great, great sorrow. 00:04:15.759 --> 00:04:18.300 And unceasing, never ending anguish in my heart. 00:04:18.300 --> 00:04:22.939 Paul's pain for his own people, the Jews, is so deep. 00:04:23.400 --> 00:04:25.439 His sorrow is so great. 00:04:25.520 --> 00:04:27.460 His anguish never ends. 00:04:27.520 --> 00:04:28.460 He's not faking it. 00:04:29.960 --> 00:04:33.560 This is not a trick to manipulate people. 00:04:34.660 --> 00:04:36.620 To sort of side with him in some way. 00:04:36.699 --> 00:04:37.800 He says, doesn't he? 00:04:38.360 --> 00:04:39.199 Start of verse 1. 00:04:39.259 --> 00:04:39.920 I'm not lying. 00:04:41.600 --> 00:04:43.720 My conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit. 00:04:45.160 --> 00:04:47.560 He is burdened over Israel. 00:04:47.560 --> 00:04:47.639 Israel. 00:04:48.220 --> 00:04:50.680 Who has rejected the Lord Jesus, the Messiah. 00:04:52.060 --> 00:04:54.980 And he knows what will await those people. 00:04:55.120 --> 00:04:56.560 Even though they've had great covenant privilege. 00:04:57.579 --> 00:04:59.319 Even though they've had the promises of God. 00:04:59.399 --> 00:05:02.139 He knows if they reject and they do not repent. 00:05:03.939 --> 00:05:05.000 He knows what will happen. 00:05:06.980 --> 00:05:09.019 I know that we would feel for our loved ones. 00:05:09.240 --> 00:05:10.340 In exactly the same way. 00:05:12.139 --> 00:05:12.860 Then you have, don't you? 00:05:12.860 --> 00:05:15.220 One of the most shocking verses in all of the Bible. 00:05:15.220 --> 00:05:21.460 The more I study this verse, the more I think that I can't believe Paul is saying it. 00:05:22.380 --> 00:05:23.000 Verse 3. 00:05:23.240 --> 00:05:24.280 For I could wish. 00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:28.240 For I could wish that I myself were accursed. 00:05:29.220 --> 00:05:31.800 And cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers. 00:05:32.980 --> 00:05:33.880 My kinsmen. 00:05:33.980 --> 00:05:34.460 My people. 00:05:35.260 --> 00:05:35.860 My own. 00:05:37.240 --> 00:05:38.260 According to the flesh. 00:05:38.259 --> 00:05:42.120 So big is Paul's pain. 00:05:42.939 --> 00:05:43.459 For his. 00:05:44.019 --> 00:05:44.879 The people of Israel. 00:05:45.019 --> 00:05:46.639 That he kind of postulates. 00:05:47.379 --> 00:05:49.319 He kind of has this thought. 00:05:49.519 --> 00:05:50.240 This desire. 00:05:50.420 --> 00:05:52.259 That if it was somehow possible. 00:05:53.079 --> 00:05:54.920 That he could take their place in hell. 00:05:56.399 --> 00:05:58.699 Or that he could give his place in heaven. 00:05:59.699 --> 00:06:00.579 He would do so. 00:06:00.579 --> 00:06:03.519 Now if it was anyone else. 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:04.919 Who was writing this. 00:06:05.039 --> 00:06:05.319 You would think. 00:06:05.399 --> 00:06:06.699 Well obviously they don't understand hell. 00:06:06.779 --> 00:06:07.839 They don't understand judgment. 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:09.159 That awaits. 00:06:10.079 --> 00:06:11.819 But we know the apostle clearly does. 00:06:13.899 --> 00:06:15.579 So think about this passage for a moment. 00:06:17.620 --> 00:06:19.879 I know that I would give my kidneys to my wife. 00:06:20.539 --> 00:06:21.219 No problems. 00:06:21.220 --> 00:06:21.340 But. 00:06:22.620 --> 00:06:23.760 I'd lay down. 00:06:24.080 --> 00:06:25.260 My life for my kids. 00:06:25.980 --> 00:06:26.880 I'm almost certain of that. 00:06:27.660 --> 00:06:28.920 You never know what you can do on the day. 00:06:29.100 --> 00:06:29.200 But. 00:06:31.300 --> 00:06:32.540 But I'm. 00:06:32.540 --> 00:06:33.300 But I'm hopeful. 00:06:34.820 --> 00:06:35.740 I'm optimistic. 00:06:39.400 --> 00:06:42.160 But to give my place in heaven for them. 00:06:46.040 --> 00:06:49.140 Isn't it wonderful that God doesn't even allow us that option. 00:06:49.540 --> 00:06:49.780 Isn't it? 00:06:52.220 --> 00:06:54.800 That option is reserved only for the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:06:55.540 --> 00:06:57.220 Of all the choices you will have to make in life. 00:06:57.340 --> 00:06:58.300 Offering your pleasure in heaven. 00:06:58.420 --> 00:06:58.840 Or your love. 00:06:59.040 --> 00:06:59.840 This is not one of them. 00:07:00.200 --> 00:07:01.340 Praise the Lord for that. 00:07:03.260 --> 00:07:07.140 And notice all of this is an expression of Paul's love for his own people. 00:07:07.820 --> 00:07:09.720 There are two reasons that he gives. 00:07:09.840 --> 00:07:10.240 Number one. 00:07:10.340 --> 00:07:11.480 They are his own flesh and blood. 00:07:11.560 --> 00:07:12.180 He is a Jew. 00:07:13.620 --> 00:07:16.520 He is one of the Jews that accepted Jesus as Messiah. 00:07:16.860 --> 00:07:19.580 And the other thing is the uniqueness of his people. 00:07:19.579 --> 00:07:22.439 They are the literal descendants of Abraham. 00:07:22.439 --> 00:07:27.519 And so again we need to ask ourselves. 00:07:27.620 --> 00:07:28.519 This challenge isn't it? 00:07:28.519 --> 00:07:31.240 Do I have a love for my own unconverted flesh and blood? 00:07:32.759 --> 00:07:34.720 And I don't just mean your immediate family. 00:07:34.839 --> 00:07:35.839 Your extended family. 00:07:37.439 --> 00:07:38.720 Do you have a burden of people? 00:07:39.439 --> 00:07:40.839 A burden of people of your race? 00:07:40.839 --> 00:07:43.060 And your land. 00:07:43.239 --> 00:07:44.000 This land. 00:07:45.139 --> 00:07:46.899 This fine land. 00:07:48.719 --> 00:07:50.519 This fine land that has produced. 00:07:50.619 --> 00:07:52.539 There's so many wonderful Christians in the past. 00:07:54.159 --> 00:07:57.479 But the flame doesn't burn as brightly as it once did. 00:07:57.480 --> 00:08:01.180 I often don't feel that. 00:08:02.040 --> 00:08:04.319 The first statement of the series on how lost is the lost. 00:08:04.400 --> 00:08:06.220 I shared at the beginning that when I see a crowd. 00:08:06.660 --> 00:08:08.460 It's not my automatic thought. 00:08:09.680 --> 00:08:12.319 My default position is not a passion for the lost. 00:08:14.520 --> 00:08:16.740 And one of the things that I found really helpful in thinking that through. 00:08:16.860 --> 00:08:17.780 Is in Matthew chapter 10. 00:08:17.900 --> 00:08:19.580 Jesus looks at the lost sheep of Israel. 00:08:19.720 --> 00:08:21.140 And they are burdened and abused. 00:08:21.259 --> 00:08:22.740 And his heart is moved with compassion. 00:08:22.740 --> 00:08:27.280 It's the same word that captures the father's heart. 00:08:27.519 --> 00:08:29.220 When he sees the prodigal returning. 00:08:30.759 --> 00:08:32.340 And then Jesus in response to that. 00:08:32.460 --> 00:08:33.259 Says to his disciples. 00:08:33.919 --> 00:08:34.500 He tells them. 00:08:34.620 --> 00:08:37.100 You pray to the Lord of the harvest to raise up workers. 00:08:38.659 --> 00:08:40.460 And I tell you why I find that comforting. 00:08:40.620 --> 00:08:42.460 Because the prayer of the disciples. 00:08:42.879 --> 00:08:46.120 Is not based on their compassion for the lost sheep of Israel. 00:08:46.220 --> 00:08:47.080 It's not based on that. 00:08:48.159 --> 00:08:49.940 It was based on the compassion of Jesus. 00:08:49.940 --> 00:08:52.980 And I find that quite liberating. 00:08:53.120 --> 00:08:55.820 The lost often don't matter much to me. 00:08:57.080 --> 00:08:58.080 But they matter. 00:08:58.820 --> 00:09:00.340 To my Lord and my love. 00:09:01.880 --> 00:09:03.220 And if they matter to him. 00:09:03.320 --> 00:09:04.080 That's enough for me. 00:09:05.580 --> 00:09:08.860 The lost are found when we begin to see the lost through the eyes of Jesus. 00:09:09.100 --> 00:09:11.620 Whose heart is filled with compassion. 00:09:13.280 --> 00:09:16.920 So how are the lost found when we develop a passion for the lost through the eyes of Jesus. 00:09:16.919 --> 00:09:17.479 Point two. 00:09:17.899 --> 00:09:20.159 The lost are found when we grasp the truth. 00:09:20.339 --> 00:09:22.259 That God is the one who seeks the lost. 00:09:24.179 --> 00:09:25.979 The lost are found ultimately. 00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:28.639 Because before time began. 00:09:29.059 --> 00:09:30.240 God decided. 00:09:31.240 --> 00:09:33.759 On whom he would have mercy upon. 00:09:35.019 --> 00:09:36.779 That famous verse from Romans 8 to 29. 00:09:36.919 --> 00:09:37.599 We preached on it. 00:09:37.639 --> 00:09:39.000 I preached on it earlier this year isn't it? 00:09:39.719 --> 00:09:40.479 Where it says. 00:09:40.480 --> 00:09:42.100 It says. 00:09:42.100 --> 00:09:44.379 For those he foreknew. 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:46.340 He also predestined. 00:09:46.720 --> 00:09:49.500 To be conformed to the image of his son. 00:09:50.320 --> 00:09:53.060 In order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 00:09:53.379 --> 00:09:54.920 Because those he predestined. 00:09:55.560 --> 00:09:56.779 He also called. 00:09:57.399 --> 00:09:58.580 And those he called. 00:09:58.700 --> 00:09:59.519 He also justified. 00:09:59.740 --> 00:10:00.620 And those he justified. 00:10:00.759 --> 00:10:01.600 He also glorified. 00:10:02.759 --> 00:10:04.000 And it's important to remember. 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:05.420 That before we seek the lost. 00:10:05.500 --> 00:10:06.379 God has already done it. 00:10:06.379 --> 00:10:09.740 Before it's about us. 00:10:10.299 --> 00:10:11.220 It's about him. 00:10:12.299 --> 00:10:12.720 He. 00:10:13.139 --> 00:10:13.700 He. 00:10:14.179 --> 00:10:14.580 He. 00:10:14.820 --> 00:10:16.340 Before time began. 00:10:16.879 --> 00:10:18.000 God said of those. 00:10:18.080 --> 00:10:19.840 And he's appointed to eternal life. 00:10:20.080 --> 00:10:21.279 You'll be coming home with me. 00:10:21.439 --> 00:10:22.279 On the last day. 00:10:23.419 --> 00:10:24.379 Appointed to life. 00:10:25.460 --> 00:10:26.379 What a relief. 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:28.860 I tell you. 00:10:29.019 --> 00:10:29.539 This truth. 00:10:29.620 --> 00:10:30.559 Keeps me sane. 00:10:30.919 --> 00:10:32.039 Probably more than any other. 00:10:32.120 --> 00:10:32.500 As a minister. 00:10:33.899 --> 00:10:34.759 It stops me. 00:10:35.259 --> 00:10:35.860 From wanting. 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:37.139 To manipulate people. 00:10:37.279 --> 00:10:37.759 Because I know. 00:10:37.840 --> 00:10:38.939 That it's in the hands of God. 00:10:40.259 --> 00:10:41.279 I don't have to trick people. 00:10:41.360 --> 00:10:41.779 Into the kingdom. 00:10:44.600 --> 00:10:45.059 I think. 00:10:45.139 --> 00:10:45.419 A lady. 00:10:45.559 --> 00:10:46.039 Who came to church. 00:10:46.080 --> 00:10:47.100 She comes from Little Stars. 00:10:47.299 --> 00:10:48.360 I don't remember her name. 00:10:48.820 --> 00:10:49.879 She came to Little Stars. 00:10:50.100 --> 00:10:50.259 And. 00:10:50.720 --> 00:10:51.600 It was just. 00:10:51.679 --> 00:10:52.059 A Sunday. 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:53.059 Before I went on holiday. 00:10:53.179 --> 00:10:53.679 Last year. 00:10:54.120 --> 00:10:54.659 And I think. 00:10:54.740 --> 00:10:55.600 I preached on. 00:10:55.600 --> 00:10:57.240 The Apostle Paul. 00:10:57.379 --> 00:10:58.240 Self concept. 00:10:59.259 --> 00:11:00.340 You won't remember the sermon. 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:01.440 And you shouldn't remember the sermon. 00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:03.120 Because it was pretty incomprehensible. 00:11:04.340 --> 00:11:05.139 And this woman. 00:11:05.220 --> 00:11:06.500 Who the Little Stars leaders. 00:11:06.620 --> 00:11:07.320 Had prayed for. 00:11:07.399 --> 00:11:07.779 She came. 00:11:07.820 --> 00:11:08.460 It was so thrilling. 00:11:08.580 --> 00:11:09.220 And then I preached. 00:11:09.259 --> 00:11:10.820 An incomprehensible sermon. 00:11:10.920 --> 00:11:11.480 That by the end. 00:11:11.500 --> 00:11:11.920 I didn't know. 00:11:11.980 --> 00:11:12.420 Now what is. 00:11:12.500 --> 00:11:13.840 What is our hope at that point? 00:11:15.460 --> 00:11:15.779 Well. 00:11:15.820 --> 00:11:16.379 I said to myself. 00:11:16.440 --> 00:11:17.019 As I got out of bed. 00:11:17.060 --> 00:11:17.600 And went on holiday. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:18.240 Thank goodness. 00:11:18.320 --> 00:11:19.399 We believe in predestination. 00:11:21.259 --> 00:11:21.580 Imagine. 00:11:21.820 --> 00:11:22.139 If. 00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:23.259 It's new. 00:11:23.320 --> 00:11:23.440 Because. 00:11:23.519 --> 00:11:23.960 Imagine. 00:11:24.240 --> 00:11:24.540 If. 00:11:24.539 --> 00:11:25.699 Salvation. 00:11:25.939 --> 00:11:27.360 Of our loved ones. 00:11:28.019 --> 00:11:29.079 Rested in our hands. 00:11:29.139 --> 00:11:30.099 Or in the hands of other Christians. 00:11:31.679 --> 00:11:32.819 I don't trust the church. 00:11:34.399 --> 00:11:34.620 There. 00:11:34.620 --> 00:11:34.799 There. 00:11:34.959 --> 00:11:35.860 There are too many. 00:11:36.500 --> 00:11:36.839 Meatheads. 00:11:36.919 --> 00:11:37.099 Aren't there. 00:11:37.139 --> 00:11:37.719 Including myself. 00:11:39.299 --> 00:11:39.959 How else. 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:41.099 Can we live in a world. 00:11:41.279 --> 00:11:42.659 Where children are sexually. 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:43.860 Interfered with. 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:45.079 By church leaders. 00:11:46.079 --> 00:11:46.980 And expect them. 00:11:46.980 --> 00:11:47.799 To believe in Jesus. 00:11:49.360 --> 00:11:50.059 Or a woman. 00:11:50.159 --> 00:11:51.019 Who is squashed. 00:11:51.099 --> 00:11:51.740 Under the name. 00:11:51.740 --> 00:11:53.039 Of Christian headship. 00:11:53.139 --> 00:11:53.820 In a marriage. 00:11:54.159 --> 00:11:54.899 Or a person. 00:11:55.039 --> 00:11:56.139 Who talks about Jesus. 00:11:57.340 --> 00:11:58.180 To their friends. 00:11:58.259 --> 00:11:59.460 But then talks behind their back. 00:11:59.460 --> 00:11:59.840 About them. 00:12:00.080 --> 00:12:01.320 There are so many. 00:12:01.560 --> 00:12:02.519 Good reasons. 00:12:02.700 --> 00:12:04.000 Not to become a Christian. 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:04.460 I think. 00:12:05.580 --> 00:12:06.340 How on earth. 00:12:06.460 --> 00:12:07.039 Did any of us. 00:12:07.139 --> 00:12:07.779 Become Christians. 00:12:09.840 --> 00:12:10.980 And so the question here. 00:12:11.039 --> 00:12:12.259 Is not whether we choose God. 00:12:12.299 --> 00:12:13.240 Or God chooses us. 00:12:13.299 --> 00:12:13.779 The point here. 00:12:13.840 --> 00:12:14.340 Is simply. 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:15.779 We chose God. 00:12:15.840 --> 00:12:17.299 Only because he first chose us. 00:12:17.299 --> 00:12:19.459 We love him. 00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:21.459 Because he first loved us. 00:12:22.500 --> 00:12:23.579 It's in his hands. 00:12:23.919 --> 00:12:24.599 Human will. 00:12:24.899 --> 00:12:25.759 And divine sovereignty. 00:12:25.859 --> 00:12:26.599 Are both revealed. 00:12:27.819 --> 00:12:29.240 And once you grasp that. 00:12:29.319 --> 00:12:30.779 You understand that your salvation. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:31.759 Is completely. 00:12:31.959 --> 00:12:32.439 Completely. 00:12:32.620 --> 00:12:33.039 Utterly. 00:12:33.439 --> 00:12:33.799 Totally. 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:34.659 Thoroughly. 00:12:35.019 --> 00:12:35.479 Absolutely. 00:12:36.639 --> 00:12:37.240 Definitively. 00:12:37.559 --> 00:12:39.039 Based on God's. 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:39.639 Gracious. 00:12:39.899 --> 00:12:40.819 Sovereign calling. 00:12:42.500 --> 00:12:43.779 No one has said it better. 00:12:43.859 --> 00:12:44.059 I think. 00:12:44.120 --> 00:12:44.699 Than C.S. Lewis. 00:12:44.700 --> 00:12:46.600 That when he reflected. 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:47.600 On his own conversion. 00:12:47.759 --> 00:12:49.180 This hard nosed atheist. 00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:50.940 Who finally bowed the knee. 00:12:51.020 --> 00:12:51.480 Said this. 00:12:51.920 --> 00:12:53.520 I never had the experience. 00:12:53.720 --> 00:12:54.680 Of looking for God. 00:12:55.320 --> 00:12:56.200 It was the other way around. 00:12:57.280 --> 00:12:58.360 He was the hunter. 00:12:59.560 --> 00:13:00.660 Or so it seemed to me. 00:13:00.780 --> 00:13:01.600 And I was the deer. 00:13:02.520 --> 00:13:03.420 He stalked me. 00:13:03.420 --> 00:13:04.300 Like a red skin. 00:13:04.840 --> 00:13:06.080 Took an erring aim. 00:13:06.379 --> 00:13:06.820 And fired. 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:09.220 And I am thankful. 00:13:09.680 --> 00:13:10.300 That this is how. 00:13:10.400 --> 00:13:11.379 The first meeting occurred. 00:13:11.379 --> 00:13:14.779 And don't be proud. 00:13:14.899 --> 00:13:15.820 Don't be proud tonight. 00:13:15.899 --> 00:13:16.399 To think that. 00:13:16.759 --> 00:13:17.279 In your case. 00:13:17.340 --> 00:13:18.279 It was any different at all. 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:18.899 Because it wasn't. 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:21.879 God. 00:13:22.639 --> 00:13:23.620 Has his elect. 00:13:25.820 --> 00:13:27.039 So let's go out and get them. 00:13:28.600 --> 00:13:30.100 Because those who have been appointed. 00:13:31.480 --> 00:13:32.439 To eternal life. 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:33.000 Will believe. 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:36.659 This ought to not. 00:13:37.659 --> 00:13:38.179 Result. 00:13:38.179 --> 00:13:40.259 In some despondent. 00:13:41.039 --> 00:13:41.639 Resignation. 00:13:42.620 --> 00:13:44.239 I know that it often has. 00:13:44.319 --> 00:13:44.679 Isn't it? 00:13:45.479 --> 00:13:46.479 In certain quarters. 00:13:46.579 --> 00:13:47.699 It's resulted in that way. 00:13:48.299 --> 00:13:49.000 But actually. 00:13:49.179 --> 00:13:50.500 As we understand. 00:13:50.659 --> 00:13:51.099 Election. 00:13:51.359 --> 00:13:52.199 And predestination. 00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:54.259 It should inspire. 00:13:54.620 --> 00:13:55.799 Confident action. 00:13:56.059 --> 00:13:56.959 On the part of Christians. 00:13:58.519 --> 00:13:59.759 Because what it means. 00:13:59.899 --> 00:14:01.399 Is that this whole doctrine. 00:14:01.519 --> 00:14:02.539 Of predestination. 00:14:02.779 --> 00:14:04.519 Is that whoever I'm standing. 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:05.500 Before. 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:07.320 It could be. 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:08.440 Osama. 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:09.379 Or it could be. 00:14:09.460 --> 00:14:09.940 Obama. 00:14:11.059 --> 00:14:12.000 It could be. 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:13.980 A hardcore. 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:15.480 Fundamentalist. 00:14:15.580 --> 00:14:15.919 Muslim. 00:14:16.340 --> 00:14:16.700 Or a. 00:14:17.320 --> 00:14:18.340 Third generation. 00:14:18.740 --> 00:14:19.299 Atheist. 00:14:19.480 --> 00:14:20.360 Or a God. 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:21.000 Cursing. 00:14:21.179 --> 00:14:21.740 Banker. 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:25.039 Or your children. 00:14:26.940 --> 00:14:27.820 It doesn't matter. 00:14:27.899 --> 00:14:28.820 Who you're standing next to. 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:29.740 Because if God wants. 00:14:29.820 --> 00:14:30.419 He will get them. 00:14:32.460 --> 00:14:33.440 So preach. 00:14:33.440 --> 00:14:33.640 Teach. 00:14:35.580 --> 00:14:35.940 Teach. 00:14:37.020 --> 00:14:37.420 Speak. 00:14:38.720 --> 00:14:39.640 He gets to choose. 00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:40.020 Not you. 00:14:41.100 --> 00:14:41.460 You. 00:14:41.660 --> 00:14:42.840 You are indiscriminate. 00:14:43.560 --> 00:14:44.420 We preach the gospel. 00:14:44.580 --> 00:14:46.200 We don't know the elect. 00:14:46.280 --> 00:14:46.580 Do we? 00:14:47.740 --> 00:14:49.400 But he will draw his people to himself. 00:14:51.740 --> 00:14:52.660 And we've seen that. 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:53.760 And we look around you at the church. 00:14:53.820 --> 00:14:54.620 Different kinds of people. 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:55.680 Different kinds of personality. 00:14:56.920 --> 00:14:57.860 From different nations. 00:14:57.860 --> 00:15:01.379 Because those he predestined. 00:15:01.460 --> 00:15:01.940 He called. 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:03.860 Those he called. 00:15:03.940 --> 00:15:04.419 He justified. 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:05.320 And those he justified. 00:15:05.460 --> 00:15:06.000 He glorified. 00:15:08.480 --> 00:15:08.879 Predestination. 00:15:09.240 --> 00:15:10.440 Does not prevent. 00:15:10.440 --> 00:15:11.120 This apostle. 00:15:11.360 --> 00:15:11.919 From feeling. 00:15:12.159 --> 00:15:12.720 For the lost. 00:15:14.460 --> 00:15:15.100 And interestingly. 00:15:15.320 --> 00:15:16.180 He doesn't use. 00:15:16.580 --> 00:15:17.159 This doctrine. 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:17.860 To discourage. 00:15:18.080 --> 00:15:18.360 Prayer. 00:15:18.519 --> 00:15:18.860 In fact. 00:15:18.940 --> 00:15:19.460 In chapter 10. 00:15:19.519 --> 00:15:19.820 Verse 1. 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:20.600 Here's point 3. 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:22.060 How are the lost found? 00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:23.080 The lost are found. 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:23.800 When we pray for them. 00:15:24.159 --> 00:15:24.620 Chapter 10. 00:15:24.680 --> 00:15:25.159 And verse 1. 00:15:25.159 --> 00:15:26.719 Brothers. 00:15:26.819 --> 00:15:27.500 My heart's desire. 00:15:27.679 --> 00:15:28.360 And prayer. 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:30.579 To God for them. 00:15:30.620 --> 00:15:31.399 Is that they may be saved. 00:15:33.500 --> 00:15:34.279 The lost are found. 00:15:34.299 --> 00:15:34.939 When we pray for them. 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:36.919 The God who said. 00:15:37.059 --> 00:15:38.480 I will have mercy. 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:40.019 On whom I will have mercy. 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:42.659 Is the God who welcomes prayer. 00:15:42.719 --> 00:15:43.600 On behalf of the lost. 00:15:45.459 --> 00:15:46.959 We are to bathe. 00:15:47.480 --> 00:15:48.759 Our mission in prayer. 00:15:50.799 --> 00:15:51.559 Jesus said. 00:15:51.659 --> 00:15:52.419 Apart from me. 00:15:52.519 --> 00:15:53.199 You can do. 00:15:53.459 --> 00:15:53.659 What? 00:15:54.659 --> 00:15:55.100 Nothing. 00:15:55.159 --> 00:15:55.659 Nothing. 00:15:56.639 --> 00:15:57.379 And so pray. 00:15:58.419 --> 00:15:59.899 And if God is not sovereign. 00:16:00.059 --> 00:16:00.939 Prayer is totally pointless. 00:16:03.299 --> 00:16:04.219 If we have a God. 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:04.819 Who is sovereign. 00:16:04.939 --> 00:16:05.659 In every area. 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:06.639 But the salvation. 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:07.240 Of humans. 00:16:09.179 --> 00:16:10.059 Then God. 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:11.299 Is not sovereign. 00:16:12.219 --> 00:16:12.799 It's the reason. 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:13.500 I can pray. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:13.799 Surely. 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:16.500 The fact that I. 00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:17.459 Can't put. 00:16:17.620 --> 00:16:18.159 All the pieces. 00:16:18.419 --> 00:16:18.779 Together. 00:16:19.199 --> 00:16:19.919 Well so what? 00:16:21.980 --> 00:16:22.799 And have you not seen. 00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:23.519 The way that God. 00:16:23.579 --> 00:16:24.299 Answers prayer. 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:26.240 Maybe. 00:16:26.240 --> 00:16:26.279 Maybe. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:26.359 Maybe. 00:16:26.359 --> 00:16:27.039 Maybe. 00:16:27.459 --> 00:16:28.679 We need to be more patient. 00:16:29.719 --> 00:16:31.559 God hears the prayers of his people. 00:16:33.099 --> 00:16:34.179 And sometimes you have to be praying. 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:34.959 A long time. 00:16:36.479 --> 00:16:36.959 Bethan Evans. 00:16:37.019 --> 00:16:37.559 Is a girl that. 00:16:38.599 --> 00:16:39.359 I grew up with. 00:16:39.459 --> 00:16:40.099 In our youth group. 00:16:40.979 --> 00:16:42.000 At the age of 15. 00:16:42.079 --> 00:16:43.159 In complete shock to me. 00:16:43.379 --> 00:16:44.639 And the rest of the youth group. 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:45.859 Bethan decided that. 00:16:46.259 --> 00:16:47.379 She would no longer. 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:48.819 Come to church. 00:16:48.899 --> 00:16:49.599 She didn't want anything. 00:16:49.600 --> 00:16:50.899 To do with the gospel. 00:16:51.060 --> 00:16:51.800 She wanted to move out. 00:16:51.840 --> 00:16:52.540 As soon as possible. 00:16:52.720 --> 00:16:53.360 From her parents home. 00:16:53.420 --> 00:16:54.200 It was absolutely shocking. 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:56.279 And so she went. 00:16:56.740 --> 00:16:57.000 And. 00:16:59.000 --> 00:17:00.259 People grieved over it. 00:17:00.320 --> 00:17:01.180 People were so sad. 00:17:01.820 --> 00:17:02.480 She didn't really want. 00:17:02.540 --> 00:17:03.340 Any contact with anyone. 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:03.899 In the church. 00:17:04.539 --> 00:17:04.960 I remember dad. 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.720 Dave and Anne Evans. 00:17:06.380 --> 00:17:06.740 Prayed. 00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:08.180 And kept praying. 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:09.539 But there was a great sorrow. 00:17:09.680 --> 00:17:10.460 A constant sorrow. 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:12.640 Two years ago. 00:17:12.700 --> 00:17:12.900 Living. 00:17:13.019 --> 00:17:13.579 200 miles. 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:14.480 In the middle of mid Wales. 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:15.839 Bethan Evans. 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:16.480 Became pristine. 00:17:16.539 --> 00:17:17.120 I don't know how. 00:17:17.119 --> 00:17:17.739 I don't know. 00:17:18.119 --> 00:17:18.799 What led to it. 00:17:19.479 --> 00:17:20.379 But she wrote her. 00:17:21.459 --> 00:17:21.859 Father. 00:17:22.099 --> 00:17:23.099 A birthday card. 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:24.199 A father's day card. 00:17:24.259 --> 00:17:24.699 That year. 00:17:24.919 --> 00:17:26.039 And it said in the card. 00:17:26.139 --> 00:17:26.659 To dad. 00:17:27.159 --> 00:17:27.939 Bring up a child. 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:28.959 In the way that it should go. 00:17:29.099 --> 00:17:29.859 Dot dot dot. 00:17:30.159 --> 00:17:30.779 Lots of love. 00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:31.199 Bethan. 00:17:32.519 --> 00:17:33.399 Debbie Clowney. 00:17:35.299 --> 00:17:35.879 Paul Clowney. 00:17:35.959 --> 00:17:36.679 Was an elder in this church. 00:17:36.699 --> 00:17:37.239 For many years. 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:37.799 Debbie Clowney. 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:38.759 Was rebellious. 00:17:38.919 --> 00:17:39.699 Although like her father. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:40.739 Was a seminary professor. 00:17:42.259 --> 00:17:42.619 And. 00:17:44.139 --> 00:17:45.219 Various members of the family. 00:17:45.319 --> 00:17:46.399 Tried very unsuccessfully. 00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:47.200 To share the gospel. 00:17:47.340 --> 00:17:47.740 With Debbie. 00:17:49.060 --> 00:17:49.960 She got married. 00:17:50.060 --> 00:17:50.680 She got divorced. 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:52.440 She rebelled against the gospel. 00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:54.340 Six months before he died. 00:17:54.660 --> 00:17:55.240 Her father. 00:17:55.420 --> 00:17:56.060 Shared the gospel. 00:17:56.200 --> 00:17:56.600 With Debbie. 00:17:57.100 --> 00:17:57.620 And Debbie. 00:17:57.820 --> 00:17:58.759 Threw a shoe at him. 00:17:59.080 --> 00:17:59.660 And said. 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:01.200 Will you ever stop. 00:18:01.320 --> 00:18:01.940 Going on. 00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:04.280 Ed Clowney died. 00:18:04.740 --> 00:18:05.400 And on the night. 00:18:05.400 --> 00:18:06.360 Ed Clowney died. 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:07.840 Debbie Clowney. 00:18:07.840 --> 00:18:08.420 Was converted. 00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:10.680 Debbie Clowney. 00:18:10.759 --> 00:18:11.600 Sat in the funeral. 00:18:11.820 --> 00:18:12.720 Where everyone was crying. 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:13.860 And she just wanted to say. 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:14.600 Isn't this wonderful. 00:18:14.599 --> 00:18:18.000 Now. 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:18.839 If you think back. 00:18:18.879 --> 00:18:19.539 Of your Christian life. 00:18:19.619 --> 00:18:20.659 You will be able to tell stories. 00:18:20.740 --> 00:18:21.299 Similar to that. 00:18:23.639 --> 00:18:24.899 How are the lost found? 00:18:26.219 --> 00:18:27.240 The lost are found. 00:18:27.319 --> 00:18:28.199 When the children of God. 00:18:28.259 --> 00:18:28.899 Are on their knees. 00:18:29.059 --> 00:18:30.039 And to see them for the lost. 00:18:31.379 --> 00:18:32.000 Point four. 00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:32.959 The lost are found. 00:18:33.019 --> 00:18:33.839 When we see the lost. 00:18:33.919 --> 00:18:34.539 As being lost. 00:18:36.859 --> 00:18:37.480 I think. 00:18:37.559 --> 00:18:38.980 I have to train myself. 00:18:39.059 --> 00:18:40.059 And you have to train yourself. 00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:42.339 To not think the best. 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:43.019 In this area. 00:18:43.139 --> 00:18:44.119 To not be naive. 00:18:45.679 --> 00:18:47.319 We must stop. 00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:48.679 Romanticizing. 00:18:49.179 --> 00:18:50.019 The spirituality. 00:18:50.419 --> 00:18:50.759 Of people. 00:18:50.879 --> 00:18:51.639 Who don't have the gospel. 00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:52.159 Of Greece. 00:18:54.159 --> 00:18:54.839 And I know. 00:18:54.899 --> 00:18:56.119 It can feel so judgmental. 00:18:56.179 --> 00:18:56.539 Can't it? 00:18:57.799 --> 00:18:58.740 But if you. 00:18:59.119 --> 00:18:59.519 Don't. 00:18:59.679 --> 00:19:00.539 You are being. 00:19:00.639 --> 00:19:01.000 Unloving. 00:19:01.179 --> 00:19:02.059 Paul does not. 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:02.960 Romanticize. 00:19:03.059 --> 00:19:03.579 About the faith. 00:19:03.639 --> 00:19:04.519 Of his own people. 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:07.480 So look what he says. 00:19:07.619 --> 00:19:07.899 Isn't it? 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:09.259 Verse two. 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:09.980 Of chapter ten. 00:19:10.100 --> 00:19:11.440 It's a fascinating verse. 00:19:12.080 --> 00:19:12.780 They are zealous. 00:19:12.880 --> 00:19:14.140 For Paul does not confuse. 00:19:14.660 --> 00:19:15.060 Zeal. 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:16.040 With real faith. 00:19:16.100 --> 00:19:16.580 Look what he says. 00:19:16.660 --> 00:19:17.519 In Romans chapter ten. 00:19:17.580 --> 00:19:17.920 Verse two. 00:19:18.320 --> 00:19:19.280 For I bear them witness. 00:19:19.380 --> 00:19:20.200 That they have a real. 00:19:20.380 --> 00:19:21.320 A zeal for God. 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:22.720 But not according to knowledge. 00:19:25.900 --> 00:19:26.560 Now we know. 00:19:26.600 --> 00:19:26.860 Don't we. 00:19:26.900 --> 00:19:27.420 You've got to finish. 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:28.580 We know that the Jews. 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:29.180 You've got to finish. 00:19:29.240 --> 00:19:29.620 On Saturday. 00:19:29.740 --> 00:19:30.360 You know that the Jews. 00:19:30.360 --> 00:19:31.800 Are very zealous for God. 00:19:35.080 --> 00:19:35.660 Orthodox Jews. 00:19:35.840 --> 00:19:37.180 They had a passion. 00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:38.100 And a sincerity. 00:19:38.279 --> 00:19:39.519 Those who are around today do. 00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:41.440 Two qualities. 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:42.920 That our western culture. 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:43.640 Loves. 00:19:43.799 --> 00:19:44.740 As long as you don't have. 00:19:44.900 --> 00:19:45.440 Too much of them. 00:19:45.539 --> 00:19:46.539 Passion and sincerity. 00:19:47.740 --> 00:19:49.940 But they had a genuine conviction. 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:52.000 And a knowledge of the triune God. 00:19:52.100 --> 00:19:53.000 They did not have that. 00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:56.740 And we know that you can be sincere. 00:19:57.039 --> 00:19:58.480 And sincerely wrong. 00:19:58.940 --> 00:20:00.539 We've got to get clear on this. 00:20:01.620 --> 00:20:02.519 And that is what they were. 00:20:02.600 --> 00:20:04.700 And here is why he is so explicit about it. 00:20:04.700 --> 00:20:08.480 The core difference between biblical Christianity and the rest. 00:20:08.620 --> 00:20:09.960 Is not sincerity. 00:20:11.660 --> 00:20:13.160 Jehovah Witnesses. 00:20:13.440 --> 00:20:14.880 Have heaps of it. 00:20:17.340 --> 00:20:19.759 The difference between biblical Christianity. 00:20:20.840 --> 00:20:21.940 And the rest. 00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:23.200 Is not sincerity. 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:25.880 Many of your Muslim neighbors. 00:20:26.039 --> 00:20:26.840 And your Muslim friends. 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:27.759 They are very. 00:20:27.940 --> 00:20:29.240 Very sincere people. 00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:32.700 The difference between biblical Christianity. 00:20:32.700 --> 00:20:33.440 And the rest. 00:20:33.579 --> 00:20:34.319 Is not passion. 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:36.700 Every suicide bomber. 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:37.200 Has that. 00:20:38.539 --> 00:20:39.500 What is the difference? 00:20:39.620 --> 00:20:41.380 It is a saving knowledge of God. 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.339 Through Christ Jesus. 00:20:44.099 --> 00:20:45.200 And the loss. 00:20:45.319 --> 00:20:46.380 Will not be found. 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:48.299 If we keep giving ourselves permission. 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.019 For thinking. 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:50.460 That they are in. 00:20:50.700 --> 00:20:51.599 When they are out. 00:20:51.599 --> 00:20:55.339 And you will get it. 00:20:56.419 --> 00:20:58.259 You will really get pressure. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.559 From even inside. 00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:01.579 The church. 00:21:03.699 --> 00:21:04.459 There will be pressure. 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:06.279 To not have mission to the Jews. 00:21:08.439 --> 00:21:09.199 Not long ago. 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:09.559 The Pope. 00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:09.899 But in fact. 00:21:09.939 --> 00:21:10.480 A number of times. 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:11.119 The Pope has made. 00:21:11.199 --> 00:21:12.359 A very clear statement. 00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:13.699 Speaking to a group of Muslims. 00:21:13.839 --> 00:21:14.719 That Muslims. 00:21:15.019 --> 00:21:15.719 And Christians. 00:21:15.859 --> 00:21:16.959 Worship the same God. 00:21:16.960 --> 00:21:20.700 I understand. 00:21:20.819 --> 00:21:21.200 That Islam. 00:21:21.519 --> 00:21:23.220 Of all the monotheistic religions. 00:21:23.340 --> 00:21:24.039 Apart from Judaism. 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:25.740 Is the closest of all the religions. 00:21:25.840 --> 00:21:26.360 To Christianity. 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:27.539 I think we can accept that. 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:29.360 We share a lot of similar features. 00:21:29.360 --> 00:21:30.500 About the nature of God. 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:31.299 With Islam. 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:32.579 In his character. 00:21:32.920 --> 00:21:33.940 But do we worship. 00:21:33.940 --> 00:21:34.759 The same God? 00:21:36.819 --> 00:21:37.640 Of course we don't. 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.860 The Quran is explicit. 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:40.480 That Jesus is not the son of God. 00:21:40.600 --> 00:21:41.480 And he didn't die. 00:21:41.579 --> 00:21:42.559 For the sins of his people. 00:21:45.360 --> 00:21:46.079 I'm told. 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:47.119 Remarkably often. 00:21:47.259 --> 00:21:48.059 That you ought not. 00:21:48.139 --> 00:21:48.759 To be engaging. 00:21:48.879 --> 00:21:49.519 In evangelism. 00:21:49.639 --> 00:21:50.779 In the remote Roman Catholics. 00:21:52.299 --> 00:21:53.139 Or the Orthodox. 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:53.980 It's disrespectful. 00:21:56.639 --> 00:21:57.460 But in what ways. 00:21:57.519 --> 00:21:58.439 Did the Jews get it wrong? 00:21:59.960 --> 00:22:01.939 Well like every religious person. 00:22:02.019 --> 00:22:03.299 They simply didn't grasp. 00:22:03.399 --> 00:22:04.059 The gospel of grace. 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:04.679 Chapter 10. 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:05.339 Verse 3. 00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:06.419 For being ignorant. 00:22:06.579 --> 00:22:07.599 Of the righteousness of God. 00:22:07.699 --> 00:22:08.599 And seeking to establish. 00:22:08.599 --> 00:22:09.599 Their own righteousness. 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:10.500 They did not submit. 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:11.319 To God's righteousness. 00:22:13.619 --> 00:22:15.259 They fell for the mistake. 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:16.879 That every religion. 00:22:17.879 --> 00:22:18.539 Goes for. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.480 Let me summarize. 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:21.759 Let me summarize. 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:24.000 Five classic eras. 00:22:24.119 --> 00:22:25.900 Of religious spirituality. 00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:28.299 Number one. 00:22:28.440 --> 00:22:30.339 Religion ignores the fact. 00:22:30.599 --> 00:22:31.500 That good enough. 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:33.440 Will never be good enough. 00:22:35.519 --> 00:22:36.619 The book of Romans teaches. 00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:37.680 That God's standards. 00:22:38.119 --> 00:22:39.960 Are nothing less than perfect. 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:41.799 Perfection. 00:22:41.879 --> 00:22:43.160 He is a holy God. 00:22:43.160 --> 00:22:44.620 The pass mark is 100%. 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:46.240 Number two. 00:22:46.320 --> 00:22:48.340 Religion keeps on treating heaven. 00:22:48.940 --> 00:22:49.560 Or nirvana. 00:22:49.820 --> 00:22:50.660 Whatever you want to call it. 00:22:51.560 --> 00:22:52.640 The final destiny. 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:54.519 It treats heaven. 00:22:54.519 --> 00:22:56.019 Like a wage to be earned. 00:22:56.100 --> 00:22:57.340 Rather than a gift to be received. 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:58.920 By trust. 00:23:00.620 --> 00:23:01.420 But the truth is. 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.740 Nothing that by hands I bring. 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:03.600 Simply. 00:23:04.560 --> 00:23:05.100 To your course. 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:05.440 I think. 00:23:05.500 --> 00:23:05.860 Number three. 00:23:06.120 --> 00:23:07.759 Religion tends to use good works. 00:23:07.820 --> 00:23:08.900 To buy God. 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:11.100 And manipulate his approval. 00:23:11.099 --> 00:23:13.159 Number four. 00:23:13.719 --> 00:23:15.379 Religion always has that double edge. 00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:16.319 If you're good enough. 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:17.219 In religion. 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:17.919 You feel proud. 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:20.359 And if you're bad enough. 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:21.879 Well you end up feeling depressed. 00:23:22.879 --> 00:23:23.959 And despairing. 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:24.819 Religion. 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.219 Always leaves you. 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:26.899 Either proud. 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:27.699 Or petrified. 00:23:28.919 --> 00:23:29.619 And number five. 00:23:29.699 --> 00:23:30.079 Worst of all. 00:23:30.139 --> 00:23:30.759 It always. 00:23:30.879 --> 00:23:31.279 Always. 00:23:31.559 --> 00:23:32.000 Disrespects. 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:32.799 What Christ has done. 00:23:32.879 --> 00:23:33.359 At the cross. 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:36.019 Because if righteousness. 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:37.219 Could be gained by the law. 00:23:37.339 --> 00:23:38.219 Then Christ died for nothing. 00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:41.400 And that is what religion. 00:23:41.799 --> 00:23:42.120 Says. 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:44.740 It says to Jesus. 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:47.000 You didn't have to shed your blood for me. 00:23:47.079 --> 00:23:47.839 Thanks very much. 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:50.160 But the gospel is so simple. 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:51.319 And it's so easy to trip over. 00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:51.579 Isn't it? 00:23:51.620 --> 00:23:52.839 It always appears too easy. 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:54.240 It's beautifully expressed. 00:23:54.360 --> 00:23:55.240 In Romans chapter 10. 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:56.319 Chapter 10. 00:23:56.400 --> 00:23:57.500 And verse 9. 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:00.460 Because if you. 00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:01.579 Confess with your mouth. 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:02.940 That Jesus is Lord. 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:04.839 And believe in your heart. 00:24:04.920 --> 00:24:05.720 That God raised him. 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:07.079 From the dead. 00:24:07.140 --> 00:24:07.819 He will be saved. 00:24:09.160 --> 00:24:10.299 The whole of Romans. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:10.900 Makes that. 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:11.440 Really. 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:11.920 Very. 00:24:12.120 --> 00:24:12.319 Very. 00:24:12.400 --> 00:24:13.180 Simple point. 00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:15.299 That the righteous. 00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:16.539 Will live by faith. 00:24:18.120 --> 00:24:19.100 And in fact. 00:24:19.180 --> 00:24:20.059 Once you realise. 00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:21.480 That people are saved. 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:22.640 By trusting. 00:24:22.880 --> 00:24:23.600 In the message. 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:24.579 Of Christ crucified. 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:25.519 Then you're left. 00:24:25.559 --> 00:24:26.360 With my last point. 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.259 For the lost. 00:24:28.339 --> 00:24:28.720 Be found. 00:24:28.860 --> 00:24:29.240 The gospel. 00:24:29.360 --> 00:24:29.980 Must be preached. 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:33.539 If faith. 00:24:33.620 --> 00:24:34.039 In Christ. 00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:34.480 Saves. 00:24:34.600 --> 00:24:35.120 And faith. 00:24:35.120 --> 00:24:36.059 Comes from hearing. 00:24:36.420 --> 00:24:37.240 Then the gospel. 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:37.759 Logic. 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.519 Demands. 00:24:39.039 --> 00:24:39.640 For the message. 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.079 Of Jesus. 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:40.720 To be proclaimed. 00:24:41.180 --> 00:24:41.759 To be announced. 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:42.940 To be shared. 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:43.539 To be spoken. 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:44.779 To be pleaded with. 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:45.640 To be debated. 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:48.519 To be discussed. 00:24:50.099 --> 00:24:50.619 The gospel. 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:51.440 Is the power of God. 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:51.960 To salvation. 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:52.779 For all who believe. 00:24:55.180 --> 00:24:56.000 And we know. 00:24:56.059 --> 00:24:56.319 Don't we. 00:24:56.359 --> 00:24:56.640 We know. 00:24:56.680 --> 00:24:57.039 That knowledge. 00:24:57.160 --> 00:24:57.599 Is power. 00:24:59.440 --> 00:25:00.240 And gospel. 00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:00.599 Knowledge. 00:25:00.599 --> 00:25:01.460 Is ultimate power. 00:25:01.460 --> 00:25:03.799 It determines. 00:25:03.799 --> 00:25:04.299 Destiny. 00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:06.579 And with that knowledge. 00:25:06.660 --> 00:25:07.500 Comes responsibility. 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:10.740 And you and I. 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:11.480 Can't shake that. 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:13.960 You and I. 00:25:14.059 --> 00:25:14.640 Have knowledge. 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:15.180 Concerning. 00:25:15.180 --> 00:25:15.880 What will determine. 00:25:15.880 --> 00:25:16.980 Ultimate destinies. 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:17.400 For people. 00:25:19.560 --> 00:25:20.080 And so imagine. 00:25:20.200 --> 00:25:20.759 Keeping the cure. 00:25:20.820 --> 00:25:21.460 For breast cancer. 00:25:21.460 --> 00:25:22.080 To yourself. 00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:22.880 While you're armed. 00:25:23.100 --> 00:25:23.880 Is having a mastectomy. 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:25.360 You can't live. 00:25:25.400 --> 00:25:25.940 With that reality. 00:25:27.380 --> 00:25:28.180 That's not a thing. 00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:29.320 That you can keep silent over. 00:25:31.320 --> 00:25:32.340 And if zeal. 00:25:32.460 --> 00:25:33.640 Without knowledge. 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:35.180 Will send you to hell. 00:25:36.320 --> 00:25:36.880 What is knowledge. 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:38.920 Without zeal. 00:25:38.920 --> 00:25:41.700 It is downright tragic. 00:25:43.360 --> 00:25:44.340 Let's look at the logic. 00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:45.960 Of verses 14 and 15. 00:25:46.200 --> 00:25:46.620 Can you see that? 00:25:48.080 --> 00:25:48.860 Paul says this. 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.779 How then will. 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:50.600 They call on him. 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:51.460 Who they've. 00:25:51.880 --> 00:25:52.539 Not believed. 00:25:53.620 --> 00:25:54.320 And how are they. 00:25:54.460 --> 00:25:55.400 To believe in him. 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.340 Of whom they've not heard. 00:25:57.100 --> 00:25:57.759 And how are they. 00:25:57.820 --> 00:25:58.120 To hear. 00:25:58.200 --> 00:25:58.660 Without someone. 00:25:58.900 --> 00:25:59.220 Preaching. 00:26:00.440 --> 00:26:01.080 And how are they. 00:26:01.140 --> 00:26:01.360 To preach. 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:02.080 Unless they're sent. 00:26:03.880 --> 00:26:04.580 As it is written. 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:05.019 How beautiful. 00:26:05.140 --> 00:26:05.740 Are the feet of those. 00:26:05.779 --> 00:26:06.640 Who preach the good news. 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:09.580 Paul makes it very clear. 00:26:10.120 --> 00:26:11.020 That the Jewish problem. 00:26:11.100 --> 00:26:12.100 Is not they haven't heard. 00:26:12.200 --> 00:26:13.300 That is not their problem. 00:26:13.620 --> 00:26:14.500 They have heard. 00:26:15.080 --> 00:26:15.980 But many have not. 00:26:16.280 --> 00:26:17.360 The logic is clear. 00:26:19.540 --> 00:26:20.480 And so I want to say to you. 00:26:20.500 --> 00:26:20.900 This text. 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:21.720 Is not just a text. 00:26:21.780 --> 00:26:22.300 From missionaries. 00:26:22.300 --> 00:26:23.000 Who are sent out. 00:26:23.320 --> 00:26:25.100 You cannot call on the Lord. 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:26.440 Unless you believe in him. 00:26:26.700 --> 00:26:27.820 And you cannot believe. 00:26:27.820 --> 00:26:28.400 On the Lord. 00:26:28.460 --> 00:26:29.860 Unless you've heard of him. 00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:31.480 And you can only hear. 00:26:31.680 --> 00:26:33.180 If you've been preached to. 00:26:33.860 --> 00:26:34.920 And that can happen. 00:26:35.160 --> 00:26:36.080 Only if you're sent. 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:39.240 It's a simple logic. 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:40.780 So remember how it was for you. 00:26:41.100 --> 00:26:41.660 Who was it? 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:44.060 A mother. 00:26:46.180 --> 00:26:46.940 A friend. 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:48.940 A neighbour. 00:26:51.280 --> 00:26:52.340 A member of the family. 00:26:52.440 --> 00:26:53.060 A work colleague. 00:26:53.120 --> 00:26:53.600 A teacher. 00:26:54.080 --> 00:26:55.000 A teacher in Sunday school. 00:26:56.120 --> 00:26:56.780 A camp leader. 00:26:57.000 --> 00:26:57.480 A friend. 00:26:57.920 --> 00:26:58.400 An enemy. 00:26:59.320 --> 00:27:00.360 Sometimes the gospel comes. 00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:00.940 Just from an enemy. 00:27:01.040 --> 00:27:01.800 They come into your life. 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:02.060 And they. 00:27:03.040 --> 00:27:04.400 Probably lived some sort of life. 00:27:04.460 --> 00:27:05.660 That was consistent with the message. 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:06.700 They shared their story. 00:27:06.800 --> 00:27:07.060 At least. 00:27:07.120 --> 00:27:08.340 And somewhere along the line. 00:27:08.420 --> 00:27:09.060 You've got to hear. 00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:10.040 That Jesus is the way. 00:27:10.120 --> 00:27:10.460 The truth. 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:10.900 And the life. 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:12.100 And no one comes to the father. 00:27:12.160 --> 00:27:12.640 But through him. 00:27:14.080 --> 00:27:15.019 And by his grace. 00:27:15.060 --> 00:27:15.940 He brought you to himself. 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:18.200 And oh. 00:27:18.259 --> 00:27:18.920 How beautiful. 00:27:20.600 --> 00:27:21.380 Beautiful are the feet. 00:27:21.380 --> 00:27:22.460 Of those who preach good news. 00:27:23.300 --> 00:27:24.019 Beautiful feet. 00:27:26.519 --> 00:27:27.580 And so as a church. 00:27:27.580 --> 00:27:28.480 We have to be committed. 00:27:28.480 --> 00:27:29.340 To this endeavour. 00:27:29.460 --> 00:27:29.960 For the gospel. 00:27:29.960 --> 00:27:30.880 Is the power of God. 00:27:30.940 --> 00:27:31.540 To salvation. 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:34.619 And with power comes responsibility. 00:27:36.440 --> 00:27:36.920 And that of course. 00:27:37.019 --> 00:27:38.059 Ought to direct us in two ways. 00:27:38.099 --> 00:27:39.259 And one beyond our shores. 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:41.279 And so make sure that we keep. 00:27:41.339 --> 00:27:41.899 Raising up. 00:27:42.000 --> 00:27:42.839 We keep sending. 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:44.019 Praying. 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:44.839 And supporting. 00:27:45.279 --> 00:27:46.680 And giving the churches abroad. 00:27:47.399 --> 00:27:48.259 Praying for. 00:27:48.379 --> 00:27:49.440 Jose Segovia. 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:50.559 In Madrid. 00:27:50.879 --> 00:27:51.879 And Joe and. 00:27:52.339 --> 00:27:53.259 Fred Cavill. 00:27:53.319 --> 00:27:54.440 As they go to North Africa. 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:56.420 And Darius. 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.899 In the work in Warsaw. 00:27:57.900 --> 00:28:00.900 But I think. 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:01.960 We need to understand. 00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:03.880 That this is our generation. 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:06.740 This is our time. 00:28:08.060 --> 00:28:09.060 In this place. 00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:10.180 These are our people. 00:28:11.860 --> 00:28:13.300 And they are our first priority. 00:28:14.660 --> 00:28:16.259 And God is not laying. 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:16.940 Upon you. 00:28:17.019 --> 00:28:18.019 The conversion of. 00:28:18.420 --> 00:28:19.180 The next generation. 00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:20.019 You're not going to be here. 00:28:21.620 --> 00:28:22.700 That's for the next generation. 00:28:22.840 --> 00:28:23.100 Of Christians. 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:24.380 And we are not responsible. 00:28:24.560 --> 00:28:25.660 For the generation that is past. 00:28:25.800 --> 00:28:26.620 But we are responsible. 00:28:26.780 --> 00:28:27.600 For this generation. 00:28:27.900 --> 00:28:29.860 And those. 00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:30.500 You live with. 00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:31.180 Shoulder to shoulder. 00:28:31.360 --> 00:28:32.000 Fellow citizens. 00:28:32.519 --> 00:28:33.560 Wherever you live. 00:28:33.660 --> 00:28:34.100 Or work. 00:28:34.560 --> 00:28:35.300 The city of which. 00:28:35.360 --> 00:28:35.980 You are a part of. 00:28:37.759 --> 00:28:38.840 Somebody has estimated. 00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:39.380 That in London. 00:28:39.540 --> 00:28:39.759 Again. 00:28:39.860 --> 00:28:40.360 We've got to remember. 00:28:40.540 --> 00:28:43.000 That 75% of statistics. 00:28:43.120 --> 00:28:44.019 Are made up on the spot. 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:44.540 But. 00:28:45.980 --> 00:28:46.720 Somebody has said. 00:28:46.800 --> 00:28:48.519 That 65% of people. 00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:48.980 In London. 00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:50.080 Don't know someone. 00:28:50.160 --> 00:28:50.920 Who is born again. 00:28:51.060 --> 00:28:51.920 I don't know how on earth. 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:52.680 You get to that figure. 00:28:54.560 --> 00:28:55.620 They don't know. 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:56.420 Someone who can tell. 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:56.960 The gospel. 00:28:56.960 --> 00:28:58.100 They live their whole life. 00:28:58.200 --> 00:28:59.220 Never rubbing shoulders. 00:28:59.220 --> 00:28:59.860 With a person. 00:29:00.420 --> 00:29:01.620 In a meaningful way. 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.079 Who knows. 00:29:02.200 --> 00:29:03.000 And loves the Lord Jesus. 00:29:03.279 --> 00:29:03.680 That is. 00:29:03.799 --> 00:29:05.019 Three out of five people. 00:29:05.120 --> 00:29:05.600 In London. 00:29:06.480 --> 00:29:07.740 Can live their whole life. 00:29:08.340 --> 00:29:09.240 Missing out on the gospel. 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:12.839 And the only way. 00:29:12.839 --> 00:29:13.740 They will hear about the gospel. 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:15.180 Is probably through the BBC. 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.339 Or through some. 00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:17.319 Atheist comedian. 00:29:17.319 --> 00:29:17.900 Who kind of. 00:29:18.099 --> 00:29:18.960 Takes a shot at it. 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:20.019 In their gigs. 00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:21.259 And that will be very helpful. 00:29:23.599 --> 00:29:24.359 And that's why. 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:24.759 I think. 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:25.460 Occasionally. 00:29:25.559 --> 00:29:26.259 It's quite helpful. 00:29:26.259 --> 00:29:27.579 For us to think like this. 00:29:27.620 --> 00:29:28.279 And for me to preach. 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:29.299 A sermon like this. 00:29:30.220 --> 00:29:31.240 Because to define. 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:32.160 The mission of the church. 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:33.480 As filling this building. 00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:34.380 Or filling the great. 00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:35.039 New building. 00:29:35.700 --> 00:29:36.700 Is not good enough. 00:29:36.700 --> 00:29:39.680 Because there's a big task. 00:29:39.680 --> 00:29:40.100 Ahead. 00:29:40.240 --> 00:29:41.180 Of the church in London. 00:29:41.380 --> 00:29:43.519 65% live their lives. 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:44.120 Without hearing. 00:29:44.220 --> 00:29:45.019 Or knowing the gospel. 00:29:45.660 --> 00:29:46.799 And so what that must mean. 00:29:46.840 --> 00:29:47.620 Is we must begin. 00:29:47.680 --> 00:29:48.819 With our family and friends. 00:29:48.900 --> 00:29:49.460 And our neighbours. 00:29:50.819 --> 00:29:51.360 We must. 00:29:51.720 --> 00:29:52.039 That's. 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:53.140 That's the priority. 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:53.920 But I don't think. 00:29:53.940 --> 00:29:54.720 We can end there. 00:29:57.120 --> 00:29:57.660 And so I think. 00:29:57.740 --> 00:29:58.660 We must look. 00:29:59.200 --> 00:30:00.240 To reach out to people. 00:30:00.240 --> 00:30:01.000 Who are not in our. 00:30:01.120 --> 00:30:02.240 Ordinary circle of life. 00:30:02.299 --> 00:30:03.000 That's one of the reasons. 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:04.360 Why we run clubs. 00:30:04.680 --> 00:30:06.000 And English language class. 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:07.000 And those stars. 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:11.779 And so let me give you. 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:12.519 Something which I've. 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:13.740 Been very negative about. 00:30:13.799 --> 00:30:14.200 In the past. 00:30:14.279 --> 00:30:14.720 But I think. 00:30:14.799 --> 00:30:15.799 I'm capitulating on. 00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:18.119 I think. 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:18.779 Door knocking. 00:30:21.160 --> 00:30:21.839 Might help. 00:30:22.380 --> 00:30:23.059 Now you can do it. 00:30:23.079 --> 00:30:23.779 In different ways. 00:30:24.859 --> 00:30:25.480 I've got a great. 00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:26.319 Opening line for you. 00:30:27.420 --> 00:30:28.359 Here's my opening line. 00:30:28.460 --> 00:30:28.799 Relax. 00:30:29.440 --> 00:30:30.359 I'm not a jungle witness. 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:31.059 And I'm not a Mormon. 00:30:31.059 --> 00:30:32.059 I'm not a jungle witness. 00:30:34.799 --> 00:30:35.659 And if they laugh. 00:30:35.740 --> 00:30:36.440 And you can go from there. 00:30:39.839 --> 00:30:40.740 We are so fortunate. 00:30:40.859 --> 00:30:41.919 There are just so many people. 00:30:42.059 --> 00:30:42.279 In London. 00:30:43.899 --> 00:30:45.240 And I know it's scary. 00:30:45.339 --> 00:30:46.059 I know it's really. 00:30:46.220 --> 00:30:46.539 Really scary. 00:30:46.619 --> 00:30:47.419 That you end up praying. 00:30:47.559 --> 00:30:48.879 That nobody lands on the door. 00:30:49.419 --> 00:30:50.599 Or you knock so quietly. 00:30:50.700 --> 00:30:51.379 That nobody would hear. 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:53.659 But go with someone. 00:30:53.740 --> 00:30:54.559 Who will do all the talking. 00:30:54.659 --> 00:30:55.179 There are a few people. 00:30:55.179 --> 00:30:55.559 In this room. 00:30:55.659 --> 00:30:56.059 More like that. 00:30:56.059 --> 00:30:56.619 Right. 00:31:00.859 --> 00:31:02.480 What's been astounding to me. 00:31:02.899 --> 00:31:04.279 In a little bit of evangelism. 00:31:04.399 --> 00:31:05.319 I've done in the last while. 00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:07.319 That people are far more interested. 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:08.740 In wanting to talk about God. 00:31:08.839 --> 00:31:10.579 Than I am prepared to talk about him. 00:31:13.159 --> 00:31:14.859 And they are far more prepared. 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:15.359 To listen. 00:31:15.519 --> 00:31:16.299 Than we are to talk. 00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:19.200 So what about it? 00:31:20.139 --> 00:31:20.799 Once a month. 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:21.480 On a Saturday morning. 00:31:21.599 --> 00:31:21.700 Maybe. 00:31:21.839 --> 00:31:22.059 Should we? 00:31:22.059 --> 00:31:26.220 If people are successful. 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:27.539 With a false gospel. 00:31:29.839 --> 00:31:31.379 Imagine if you had the true gospel. 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:32.339 A successful you'd be. 00:31:34.879 --> 00:31:35.659 You may not think. 00:31:35.720 --> 00:31:36.440 It's a suggestion for you. 00:31:36.480 --> 00:31:37.359 That's really fine. 00:31:37.919 --> 00:31:38.879 There's nothing in the Bible. 00:31:39.039 --> 00:31:39.299 Which says. 00:31:39.379 --> 00:31:40.359 Thou must doorknock. 00:31:40.740 --> 00:31:41.779 Don't take that. 00:31:41.919 --> 00:31:42.500 And feel guilty. 00:31:43.119 --> 00:31:44.039 But if it's not that. 00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:45.720 And it may well not be that for you. 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:47.139 Then what? 00:31:48.899 --> 00:31:50.579 How are we going to reach this generation? 00:31:52.980 --> 00:31:54.379 Because in Romans chapter 12. 00:31:54.460 --> 00:31:55.220 And verse 11. 00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:03.839 It says there. 00:32:06.839 --> 00:32:08.220 The time has come. 00:32:08.299 --> 00:32:09.759 For you to wake up from sleep. 00:32:14.220 --> 00:32:15.679 Another way of putting it. 00:32:16.019 --> 00:32:17.079 Which I think the NIV says. 00:32:17.200 --> 00:32:18.539 Never be lacking in zeal. 00:32:18.539 --> 00:32:22.420 Never be lacking in zeal. 00:32:24.339 --> 00:32:26.159 Let's cast off the works of darkness. 00:32:26.339 --> 00:32:27.639 And put on the armor of light. 00:32:29.759 --> 00:32:31.480 Keep your spiritual fervor. 00:32:31.579 --> 00:32:32.359 Serving the Lord. 00:32:34.539 --> 00:32:35.339 For many of us. 00:32:35.399 --> 00:32:36.299 I kid myself on this. 00:32:36.399 --> 00:32:38.279 We work on a small canvas. 00:32:38.579 --> 00:32:39.940 Of my life. 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:40.559 My family. 00:32:40.720 --> 00:32:41.339 My church. 00:32:42.639 --> 00:32:43.659 Our group of friends. 00:32:43.779 --> 00:32:44.720 Maybe a little bit of church. 00:32:45.680 --> 00:32:47.039 But our canvas needs to be much bigger. 00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:47.720 Jesus said. 00:32:47.779 --> 00:32:48.400 Look at the fields. 00:32:48.600 --> 00:32:49.539 Look at the fields. 00:32:49.660 --> 00:32:50.779 They are ripe for harvest. 00:32:51.640 --> 00:32:52.519 They're ripe for harvest. 00:32:53.059 --> 00:32:54.500 They are more interested in listening. 00:32:55.140 --> 00:32:56.140 We are prepared to speak. 00:32:57.940 --> 00:32:58.779 So brothers and sisters. 00:32:58.779 --> 00:32:59.600 How are the lost found? 00:33:01.120 --> 00:33:02.460 When we have a passion for the lost. 00:33:03.640 --> 00:33:05.019 And when we see them through the eyes. 00:33:05.059 --> 00:33:05.940 And compassion of Jesus. 00:33:06.059 --> 00:33:06.819 How are the lost found? 00:33:06.900 --> 00:33:07.660 When we understand. 00:33:07.660 --> 00:33:09.580 That God has his elect out there. 00:33:10.340 --> 00:33:11.680 Who is calling to himself. 00:33:13.340 --> 00:33:14.519 He does the conversion. 00:33:14.720 --> 00:33:15.060 Not you. 00:33:16.580 --> 00:33:17.440 How are the lost found? 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:19.279 When we bathe our mission in prayer. 00:33:20.060 --> 00:33:21.480 And we fall to our knees. 00:33:21.580 --> 00:33:22.880 As priests of God. 00:33:22.980 --> 00:33:24.000 In deceding for the lost. 00:33:26.140 --> 00:33:27.180 How are the lost found? 00:33:27.259 --> 00:33:28.420 Well when we stop being naive. 00:33:28.420 --> 00:33:29.540 About their spiritual state. 00:33:29.640 --> 00:33:31.019 And call a spade a spade. 00:33:31.180 --> 00:33:32.920 And a lost a lost. 00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:36.000 So that we can. 00:33:37.019 --> 00:33:38.120 Not give ourselves. 00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:39.259 The permission to be silent. 00:33:41.740 --> 00:33:42.840 And how are the lost found? 00:33:42.940 --> 00:33:43.700 By preaching the gospel. 00:33:43.840 --> 00:33:45.140 Because how can they call on the one? 00:33:45.560 --> 00:33:46.320 They do not know. 00:33:48.620 --> 00:33:49.180 Let's pray.