WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:17.460 Let's read together, we'll be reading the entire chapter, and particularly an appropriate 00:00:17.460 --> 00:00:19.059 passage for today. 00:00:20.679 --> 00:00:23.500 Forgot to put my mic on, trying to deal with that. 00:00:23.960 --> 00:00:24.500 There we go. 00:00:25.060 --> 00:00:26.160 All right, Acts chapter 14. 00:00:26.160 --> 00:00:32.759 Now at Iconium, they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way 00:00:32.759 --> 00:00:35.759 that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 00:00:36.579 --> 00:00:40.740 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 00:00:41.280 --> 00:00:46.439 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the 00:00:46.439 --> 00:00:50.679 word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 00:00:51.500 --> 00:00:53.179 But the people of the city were divided. 00:00:53.179 --> 00:00:56.259 Some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 00:00:57.140 --> 00:01:02.039 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews with their rulers to mistreat them and 00:01:02.039 --> 00:01:08.000 to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:11.920 to the surrounding country, and there they continued to preach the gospel. 00:01:12.480 --> 00:01:15.140 Now at Lystra, there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. 00:01:15.760 --> 00:01:17.799 He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 00:01:17.799 --> 00:01:19.099 He listened to Paul speaking. 00:01:19.780 --> 00:01:24.340 And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in 00:01:24.340 --> 00:01:27.459 a loud voice, stand upright on your feet. 00:01:28.239 --> 00:01:30.200 And he sprang up and began walking. 00:01:30.819 --> 00:01:35.319 And when the crowd saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying, in Lycaonian, 00:01:36.039 --> 00:01:38.519 the gods have come down to us in the likeness of men. 00:01:39.479 --> 00:01:43.560 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 00:01:43.560 --> 00:01:48.560 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and 00:01:48.560 --> 00:01:51.960 garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 00:01:52.560 --> 00:01:56.700 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out 00:01:56.700 --> 00:02:00.640 into the crowd, crying out, men, why are you doing these things? 00:02:01.200 --> 00:02:04.180 We also are men of like nature with you. 00:02:04.820 --> 00:02:11.020 And we bring you good news that you should turn from these vain things to a living God 00:02:11.020 --> 00:02:15.180 who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 00:02:15.980 --> 00:02:19.580 In past generations, he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 00:02:20.420 --> 00:02:26.160 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven 00:02:26.160 --> 00:02:30.800 and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness. 00:02:31.260 --> 00:02:35.360 Even with these words, they scarcely restrain the people from offering sacrifice to them. 00:02:36.260 --> 00:02:40.580 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul, 00:02:41.020 --> 00:02:43.240 and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 00:02:44.219 --> 00:02:48.680 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the 00:02:48.680 --> 00:02:50.780 next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 00:02:51.439 --> 00:02:55.540 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned 00:02:55.540 --> 00:03:01.840 to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to 00:03:01.840 --> 00:03:08.540 continue in the faith and saying that through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom of God. 00:03:08.539 --> 00:03:13.439 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church with prayer and fasting, they 00:03:13.439 --> 00:03:15.599 committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 00:03:16.120 --> 00:03:20.459 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia, and when they had spoken the word 00:03:20.459 --> 00:03:24.739 in Perga, they went down to Atalia, and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had 00:03:24.739 --> 00:03:28.039 been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 00:03:28.799 --> 00:03:32.219 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done 00:03:32.219 --> 00:03:36.599 with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, and they remained 00:03:36.599 --> 00:03:39.599 no little time with the disciples. 00:03:43.299 --> 00:03:43.960 Let's pray. 00:03:46.659 --> 00:03:53.579 Almighty God, whose dear Son went not up to joy, but first he suffered pain and entered 00:03:53.579 --> 00:04:00.799 not into glory before he was crucified, mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, 00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:04.300 may find it to be the way of life and peace. 00:04:04.939 --> 00:04:09.500 Through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit, 00:04:09.600 --> 00:04:10.939 one God, forever and ever. 00:04:11.480 --> 00:04:11.800 Amen. 00:04:13.200 --> 00:04:15.260 I want to begin this morning with two quotations. 00:04:15.939 --> 00:04:21.920 One is from a popular song written four years ago, and one is from a scholarly treatise 00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:23.460 written 500 years ago. 00:04:23.459 --> 00:04:25.899 So, the popular song goes as follows. 00:04:27.359 --> 00:04:30.060 What if your blessings come through raindrops? 00:04:30.959 --> 00:04:33.299 What if your healing comes through tears? 00:04:34.219 --> 00:04:37.939 What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know you're near? 00:04:38.759 --> 00:04:45.539 What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst 00:04:45.539 --> 00:04:47.479 this world can't satisfy? 00:04:47.480 --> 00:04:52.660 What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise? 00:04:54.060 --> 00:04:59.560 Well, in a very different context, almost 500 years ago, the German monk and scholar Martin Luther 00:04:59.560 --> 00:05:06.480 made a similar point at the conclusion of the 95 Theses, which was sort of a best-selling booklet 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:11.040 of that era, right after the printing press had been invented. 00:05:11.180 --> 00:05:13.980 It was one of the first sort of mass-produced documents. 00:05:13.980 --> 00:05:19.840 If you're not familiar with the 95 Theses, Luther was mostly questioning some corrupt practices 00:05:19.840 --> 00:05:26.920 that had become common in the Roman Catholic Church at that time, such as the sale of indulgences. 00:05:27.020 --> 00:05:32.759 And some guys were going around promising that for a one-time significant financial contribution 00:05:32.759 --> 00:05:37.700 that you would be granted complete forgiveness of all sins without the need to really repent. 00:05:38.360 --> 00:05:39.600 And Luther was furious. 00:05:40.360 --> 00:05:41.080 And he said, no. 00:05:41.079 --> 00:05:47.620 First of all, according to the Bible, forgiveness of sin is not something you can buy or earn 00:05:47.620 --> 00:05:48.719 by good deeds. 00:05:48.939 --> 00:05:55.219 It's purely a gift from God that we receive from His grace by trusting Jesus. 00:05:55.800 --> 00:06:03.039 But he also said if we owe our salvation completely to God, we also owe our lives completely to Him 00:06:03.039 --> 00:06:04.719 to live for His glory. 00:06:04.720 --> 00:06:10.360 So trusting Jesus isn't a one-time transaction where you sign on a paper and never think about 00:06:10.360 --> 00:06:10.880 it again. 00:06:11.860 --> 00:06:17.140 True faith in Jesus expresses itself in a life of ongoing repentance, which means turning 00:06:17.140 --> 00:06:21.000 to God, obedience, and sacrificial love for others. 00:06:21.500 --> 00:06:25.180 And so this is what he said at the conclusion of these 95 Theses. 00:06:25.180 --> 00:06:32.639 He said, Christians should be exhorted to be zealous to follow Christ their head through penalties, 00:06:33.340 --> 00:06:34.939 deaths, and hells. 00:06:35.780 --> 00:06:41.780 And let them thus be more confident of entering heaven through many tribulations rather than 00:06:41.780 --> 00:06:44.280 through a false assurance of peace. 00:06:44.920 --> 00:06:48.360 Luther was alluding to this very chapter in Acts that we just read. 00:06:48.360 --> 00:06:55.060 Verse 22, Paul and Barnabas told the Christian believers, through many tribulations, we must 00:06:55.060 --> 00:06:57.199 enter the kingdom of God. 00:06:57.960 --> 00:07:00.840 And that's really the main point of our passage this morning. 00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:04.040 What I want to do this morning, I want to do three things. 00:07:04.720 --> 00:07:10.040 First, I want to look deeper into Paul and Barnabas' teaching in this verse, verse 22. 00:07:11.020 --> 00:07:14.660 Second, I want to look at Paul and Barnabas' example throughout the whole chapter. 00:07:14.660 --> 00:07:21.480 And third, I want us to consider some implications for us today as individuals and as a church. 00:07:21.600 --> 00:07:28.420 So first, Paul and Barnabas' teaching, verse 22, through many tribulations, we must enter 00:07:28.420 --> 00:07:29.460 the kingdom of God. 00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:32.480 And you might say, well, what exactly does that mean? 00:07:33.660 --> 00:07:35.960 What exactly is the kingdom of God? 00:07:36.840 --> 00:07:42.640 Well, the kingdom of God is God's liberating rule breaking into human history. 00:07:42.639 --> 00:07:48.560 The kingdom of God is where God's healing and restoring presence makes all things new. 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:54.139 Where God's creatures reflect his love and wisdom and glory back to him. 00:07:55.039 --> 00:07:59.099 Where his people are filled with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 00:08:00.779 --> 00:08:05.240 When Jesus began his public ministry, he proclaimed, the kingdom of God is at hand. 00:08:05.240 --> 00:08:11.240 And he said in Luke chapter 4, the spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:11.579 me. 00:08:12.939 --> 00:08:14.660 In other words, a king was anointed. 00:08:14.780 --> 00:08:18.900 In other words, God has anointed me to bring this kingdom, to proclaim. 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:21.259 And he said, this is what the kingdom is going to look like. 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:23.400 To proclaim good news to the poor. 00:08:24.360 --> 00:08:25.639 Liberty to the captives. 00:08:26.139 --> 00:08:27.620 Recovering of sight to the blind. 00:08:27.720 --> 00:08:29.019 To set free the oppressed. 00:08:29.379 --> 00:08:31.560 To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. 00:08:31.560 --> 00:08:37.679 And Jesus not only preached about the kingdom of God, he also healed people from sicknesses. 00:08:38.059 --> 00:08:40.259 Cast out evil spirits and set people free. 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:42.679 Brought people out of shame and isolation. 00:08:43.240 --> 00:08:45.000 Into wholeness and community. 00:08:46.580 --> 00:08:51.879 And all these miracles, these signs that Jesus did, were signs of God's kingdom breaking into 00:08:51.879 --> 00:08:55.240 this present, broken, and fallen world. 00:08:55.240 --> 00:08:59.899 You see, the kingdom of God is what we were made for. 00:09:00.419 --> 00:09:06.000 As human beings, created in God's image and deep inside, it's what we long for. 00:09:06.659 --> 00:09:10.080 It's what we hope for when the Holy Spirit moves in our hearts. 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:17.379 And the good news is that Jesus has made a way for us to enter into this kingdom of wholeness 00:09:17.379 --> 00:09:21.940 and peace and righteousness and justice and love. 00:09:21.940 --> 00:09:26.020 And then, of course, there's another part to Paul's statement. 00:09:26.320 --> 00:09:27.880 He doesn't just talk about the kingdom of God. 00:09:27.940 --> 00:09:30.320 He also talks about going through many tribulations. 00:09:31.700 --> 00:09:33.340 So what exactly does that word mean? 00:09:34.640 --> 00:09:39.920 Well, that word tribulation can also be translated hardship or affliction or even persecution. 00:09:41.380 --> 00:09:48.460 In one sense, affliction or suffering is an inevitable part of life, human life, in this broken world. 00:09:48.460 --> 00:09:52.820 Sometimes we can even bring suffering on ourselves by our own foolishness. 00:09:52.920 --> 00:09:55.820 But the word translated tribulation is a bit more specific. 00:09:56.900 --> 00:10:05.060 It's not speaking about all human suffering generally, but it's focusing especially on the hardships and difficulties 00:10:05.060 --> 00:10:13.940 that we endure on the way to the kingdom of God for the sake of following Jesus along that path. 00:10:13.940 --> 00:10:20.840 And, you know, this wasn't just Paul's idea that we have to go through tribulations to enter the kingdom of God. 00:10:20.900 --> 00:10:23.280 It was a common idea throughout the New Testament. 00:10:23.540 --> 00:10:28.060 So Jesus himself, in John 16, 33, said to his disciples, 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:31.720 In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart. 00:10:32.220 --> 00:10:33.520 I have overcome the world. 00:10:34.420 --> 00:10:39.080 In Revelation chapter 1, verse 9, the apostle John introduces himself in these same terms. 00:10:39.080 --> 00:10:48.120 He says, I, John, am your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus. 00:10:50.440 --> 00:10:52.639 Earlier today we heard from James, 00:10:52.740 --> 00:10:56.280 Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, 00:10:57.300 --> 00:11:01.440 because the testing of your faith produces steadfastness or perseverance. 00:11:02.400 --> 00:11:06.320 Now, if you're here today, if you're visiting, if you're not a follower of Jesus, 00:11:06.320 --> 00:11:08.660 let me say to you really right up front, 00:11:09.280 --> 00:11:12.400 following Jesus will not necessarily make your life easier. 00:11:13.700 --> 00:11:15.640 Now, if you listen to some of the TV preachers, 00:11:16.040 --> 00:11:17.280 they won't tell you that. 00:11:18.320 --> 00:11:21.200 They'll say if you believe in Jesus, he'll give you your best life now. 00:11:22.080 --> 00:11:23.320 A life without limitations. 00:11:23.560 --> 00:11:24.540 Every day of Friday. 00:11:25.160 --> 00:11:26.240 Just claim your blessing. 00:11:26.980 --> 00:11:28.400 And God will send it down from heaven. 00:11:28.540 --> 00:11:29.720 You can and you will. 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:32.820 Sorry to say that's not true. 00:11:32.820 --> 00:11:36.879 And it's better to realize it sooner than later. 00:11:38.060 --> 00:11:42.180 Jesus didn't say, if you follow me, I will make you feel good all the time. 00:11:43.400 --> 00:11:47.200 He said, if you want to come after me, you must deny yourself. 00:11:48.160 --> 00:11:50.540 Take up your cross and follow me. 00:11:51.600 --> 00:11:59.140 In other words, following Jesus will require suffering, sacrifice, and self-denial on the way to 00:11:59.140 --> 00:12:01.480 the glorious kingdom of God. 00:12:01.480 --> 00:12:07.740 You know, Paul doesn't say, we might face many tribulations on the way to the kingdom of God. 00:12:07.820 --> 00:12:12.259 He might say, he doesn't say, some of you will face many tribulations. 00:12:12.440 --> 00:12:14.399 He says, we must. 00:12:17.300 --> 00:12:23.300 That word translated must, it's sort of a key word in the gospel of Luke and in the book of Acts. 00:12:23.360 --> 00:12:28.080 It's one of those words that when you read it, it should make siren bells go off in your head. 00:12:28.080 --> 00:12:31.220 Because it doesn't appear in every chapter. 00:12:31.360 --> 00:12:37.840 It's not a word that comes up all the time, but it comes up at key points in the narrative. 00:12:38.660 --> 00:12:46.379 So in the gospel of Luke, Jesus' first spoken words to his parents when he was a 12-year-old boy, 00:12:46.379 --> 00:12:50.740 did you not know that I must be in my father's house? 00:12:52.019 --> 00:12:59.320 And then when he began his public ministry, began preaching, he said, I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God. 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:06.139 Later on, Jesus said to his disciples, the son of man must suffer and be rejected and killed. 00:13:06.139 --> 00:13:10.960 And at the end, on the road to Emmaus, he said, was it not necessary? 00:13:12.179 --> 00:13:13.220 It's the same word. 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:16.500 Sometimes it's translated must, sometimes it's translated it is necessary. 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:21.740 The same word, was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and then enter into his glory? 00:13:23.559 --> 00:13:28.419 You see, the word must emphasizes God's set purpose. 00:13:29.539 --> 00:13:31.220 God's unchanging will. 00:13:31.220 --> 00:13:34.279 So in the book of Acts, it's the same pattern. 00:13:34.980 --> 00:13:37.160 It was also, because it was also written by Luke, same author. 00:13:37.560 --> 00:13:39.360 So he says the scripture must be fulfilled. 00:13:40.300 --> 00:13:43.080 There's no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. 00:13:43.160 --> 00:13:44.860 We must obey God rather than men. 00:13:45.720 --> 00:13:47.519 In fact, it comes up again in the next chapter. 00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:55.420 When some people say it is necessary to circumcise the Gentile Christians and make them obey the law of Moses. 00:13:56.160 --> 00:13:59.399 And immediately, that should ring bells in your head. 00:13:59.399 --> 00:14:02.319 And Paul, Peter, and James all say, oh, no, no, no, no, no. 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:03.980 We'll get to that next week. 00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:07.139 But the point is, it's a key word. 00:14:07.699 --> 00:14:10.079 It's an important word that says it's God's set purpose. 00:14:10.819 --> 00:14:17.139 It's God's unchanging will that we should enter the kingdom through many tribulations. 00:14:18.240 --> 00:14:24.480 That was what Paul and Barnabas taught to these new groups of followers of Jesus. 00:14:24.480 --> 00:14:28.399 But, you know, we don't just see what they said and what they taught. 00:14:28.480 --> 00:14:30.519 This passage also shows us what they did. 00:14:31.899 --> 00:14:35.920 We see throughout the whole chapter Paul and Barnabas example in this regard. 00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:42.980 And in this whole chapter, we see the kingdom of God gloriously breaking into this fallen world. 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:53.800 And we see God's people enduring many, even increasing tribulations as they participate in extending that kingdom. 00:14:54.700 --> 00:14:59.180 And in one sense, this chapter 14 shows us God's kingdom advancing. 00:15:00.080 --> 00:15:01.800 It's Paul's first missionary journey. 00:15:01.799 --> 00:15:10.659 Paul and Barnabas, just in this chapter, they're publicly proclaiming the message of Jesus in three new cities, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. 00:15:11.479 --> 00:15:15.719 In both Iconium and Lystra, we see Paul doing miraculous signs and wonders. 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:22.620 Verse 8 through 10, we see this wonderful story of a man who had been crippled from birth, who had never walked. 00:15:23.259 --> 00:15:27.639 And as he listened to Paul and believed the message about Jesus, he was healed. 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:29.959 And he sprang up and began walking. 00:15:30.299 --> 00:15:30.899 What a picture. 00:15:31.799 --> 00:15:36.279 Of the power of God to save and heal and restore and deliver. 00:15:37.479 --> 00:15:44.959 In each city, many people, both Jews and Gentiles, came to faith in the risen Lord Jesus. 00:15:46.079 --> 00:15:49.279 On the way back, verse 23, Paul appoints leaders for all the churches. 00:15:50.279 --> 00:15:56.879 At the end of the chapter, verse 27, they declared all that God had done with them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:14.919 I mean, in summary, in these two chapters, Acts 13 and 14, Paul and Barnabas traveled hundreds of miles, presumably on foot, planted at least five new churches from scratch without any existing core group in five different cities, and appointed a team of elders to lead each of them all in the course of less than three years. 00:16:14.919 --> 00:16:15.919 That's amazing. 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:16.620 That's amazing. 00:16:17.919 --> 00:16:20.019 Talk to anyone in the New London Church Plant group. 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:22.179 It doesn't always happen that fast. 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:30.799 At the very same time, we see in this chapter, Paul and Barnabas facing growing opposition and difficulty. 00:16:32.079 --> 00:16:40.679 In Iconium, verse 2, the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers, against the brothers and sisters, the believers in Jesus. 00:16:40.679 --> 00:16:45.059 Now, in verse 3, we see Paul's initial response to this opposition. 00:16:46.500 --> 00:16:48.439 He stays there for a long time. 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:51.219 He doesn't immediately run away. 00:16:52.439 --> 00:16:53.459 Paul was a good shepherd. 00:16:54.599 --> 00:16:58.659 When the sheep were being threatened, he stuck with them. 00:16:59.979 --> 00:17:02.379 But then in verse 5, the opposition turned violent. 00:17:03.479 --> 00:17:05.179 And it wasn't just against the church in general. 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:11.539 It was against Paul and Barnabas in particular, and so they fled to the neighboring province of Lycaonia. 00:17:13.120 --> 00:17:13.740 It's interesting. 00:17:13.860 --> 00:17:17.279 Sometimes the bold response to opposition is to stay and stick it out. 00:17:17.380 --> 00:17:21.299 Sometimes the wise response to opposition is to leave and go somewhere else. 00:17:22.420 --> 00:17:25.400 Both responses call for humility and trusting God. 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:27.160 So they go on to Lystra. 00:17:27.560 --> 00:17:29.360 They preach there, and it gets worse. 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:31.220 Eventually, the opposition follows them. 00:17:31.220 --> 00:17:39.460 A crowd starts throwing rocks at him, knocks him unconscious, drags him out of the city, thinking he's dead, barely survives. 00:17:40.600 --> 00:17:50.039 About 15 years later, when Paul was writing 2 Timothy, he looks back on this time in his life as a particularly intense time of opposition and persecution. 00:17:51.100 --> 00:17:52.759 He mentions these cities in particular. 00:17:52.900 --> 00:17:53.059 He said, 00:17:53.059 --> 00:18:16.019 So you see, simultaneously, we see God's kingdom advancing and growing tribulations in order to extend that kingdom. 00:18:16.879 --> 00:18:19.460 And this is not an unusual pattern in the New Testament. 00:18:19.460 --> 00:18:25.920 Great miracles, great works of God are often accompanied by great difficulties. 00:18:27.640 --> 00:18:30.660 Just one other example, 1 Corinthians 16, 8 and 9. 00:18:31.180 --> 00:18:33.380 Paul is talking about some of his travel plans, and he says, 00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:38.940 I'll stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me. 00:18:39.620 --> 00:18:42.160 And there are many adversaries. 00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:45.079 Right next to each other. 00:18:46.120 --> 00:18:46.840 Open door. 00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:48.259 Much opposition. 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:55.839 Now, what we see in the example of Paul and Barnabas here is that they didn't look for the easy way out. 00:18:57.879 --> 00:19:06.220 They didn't look for, how can we extend the kingdom and avoid all the tribulation, all the difficulty. 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:14.619 In Iconium, they stayed a long time to strengthen a church that was facing opposition, to stand alongside people. 00:19:14.619 --> 00:19:19.559 In Lystra, they confronted popular idolatry instead of benefiting from it. 00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:22.000 Interesting story, isn't it? 00:19:22.259 --> 00:19:23.439 Look down at verse 11. 00:19:24.699 --> 00:19:27.619 Crippled man gets healed, and the crowds are delighted. 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:31.019 And they say, the gods have come down to earth in human form. 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:38.900 In fact, there was a local legend in that area that Zeus and Hermes, who were some of the Greek gods, 00:19:39.599 --> 00:19:46.480 had once visited the region near Lystra disguised as ordinary men who needed a place to stay. 00:19:46.559 --> 00:19:52.339 And they went around from house to house asking for people to take them in, and thousands of people turned them away. 00:19:52.339 --> 00:19:55.159 Until finally, one elderly couple received them. 00:19:56.240 --> 00:20:02.899 And so what they did, they burned all the houses that had rejected them, and they turned the house that had received them into a temple. 00:20:03.599 --> 00:20:04.339 This was the legend. 00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:10.959 And so the people probably were thinking, let's not miss our chance this time. 00:20:12.859 --> 00:20:14.139 We got another chance. 00:20:14.339 --> 00:20:15.079 They're here again. 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:18.480 Even the priest of Zeus was on board. 00:20:19.879 --> 00:20:25.799 You know, get a big procession together, offer sacrifice, and then of course after you offer sacrifice, you throw a big party. 00:20:26.359 --> 00:20:28.019 You eat all the meat that you just cooked. 00:20:30.399 --> 00:20:31.899 Now imagine Paul and Barnabas. 00:20:32.819 --> 00:20:33.679 They're refugees. 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:35.319 Right? 00:20:35.379 --> 00:20:37.179 They just fled from violent persecution. 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:41.740 They've arrived in this new country where they don't even understand the local language. 00:20:42.899 --> 00:20:43.619 Have you been there? 00:20:43.619 --> 00:20:46.739 Have you been in a place where you don't understand the local language? 00:20:46.879 --> 00:20:51.519 And Paul was able to speak in Greek, which was sort of like the English language of its day. 00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:56.019 But he didn't understand the local language that people spoke. 00:20:56.859 --> 00:20:59.879 And so they, but they continued preaching. 00:21:00.399 --> 00:21:01.500 God used them to heal this man. 00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:03.319 And now the people want to treat them like gods. 00:21:03.559 --> 00:21:06.259 And you might think, hey, that's sort of a good deal. 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:10.979 You know, maybe our life will be a little easier for once. 00:21:10.980 --> 00:21:13.980 I mean, finally everyone likes us. 00:21:14.059 --> 00:21:16.819 If they think we're gods, then they'll probably do whatever we ask. 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:20.599 We can benefit from this popular idolatry. 00:21:20.680 --> 00:21:23.860 Oh, it may be a little misguided, but, you know, we'll just go along with them. 00:21:25.940 --> 00:21:30.819 Of course, what we idolize, we eventually demonize when it doesn't live up to our standards. 00:21:30.819 --> 00:21:34.279 So in the long run, it's not always a good deal to be idolized. 00:21:35.079 --> 00:21:37.579 But Paul and Barnabas didn't tolerate it for a minute. 00:21:38.939 --> 00:21:40.439 Look at what they did in verse 14. 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:47.159 When they figured out what was going on, they tore their garments in dismay. 00:21:47.659 --> 00:21:51.179 They rushed out into the crowd crying, man, why are you doing these things? 00:21:51.480 --> 00:21:52.399 We're only human. 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:54.419 We're just like you. 00:21:54.420 --> 00:21:56.539 And we bring you good news. 00:21:56.640 --> 00:22:01.539 Turn from these vain things, these empty things, and trust in the living God. 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:04.580 They didn't take the easy way out. 00:22:05.920 --> 00:22:09.500 They didn't benefit from popular misconceptions. 00:22:10.700 --> 00:22:14.539 They confronted the people's inherited pagan assumptions, 00:22:15.100 --> 00:22:18.600 which were causing them to seriously misunderstand Paul's message. 00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:29.359 See, if you embrace Jesus Christ, you must be willing to rethink everything else that you have previously believed. 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:38.419 You cannot hold on to all your previous philosophical assumptions, religious traditions, and moral intuitions, 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:40.959 and add Jesus in like a side dish on a buffet. 00:22:41.379 --> 00:22:42.719 It doesn't work that way. 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:48.199 Because the message about Jesus is part of a larger world view. 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:55.000 A message about one true and living God who made all things. 00:22:55.759 --> 00:23:00.939 Who created us, human beings, in his image to worship him and yet we turn to idols. 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:09.000 Who began his plan of revealing himself and redeeming the world by revealing himself to the people of Israel. 00:23:09.719 --> 00:23:11.539 Not to all the nations at once. 00:23:12.199 --> 00:23:16.000 But still, Paul says, he didn't leave himself without witness in the world. 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:21.480 Paul says, look, this God who I'm talking about, he's already been at work in your lives. 00:23:22.599 --> 00:23:25.799 He's already been doing good to you every day. 00:23:26.599 --> 00:23:32.240 On all the things that you ascribe to Zeus or Hermes or just random chance. 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:39.620 All the good things, every good and perfect gift is ultimately from his hand. 00:23:39.619 --> 00:23:43.479 Paul says, this is the God who I'm talking about. 00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:50.879 Now perhaps you might wonder, you know, Paul doesn't talk about Jesus in the speech. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:53.179 Why didn't he mention him? 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:56.719 Well, for one thing, Paul, it seems like Paul was interrupted. 00:23:57.399 --> 00:23:58.839 There was quite a bit of commotion. 00:23:58.839 --> 00:24:03.759 And Luke is most likely giving us an excerpt rather than a transcript of what Paul said. 00:24:04.879 --> 00:24:09.240 But I think what we also see here is that Paul is a patient evangelist. 00:24:10.339 --> 00:24:16.139 Paul wasn't trying to pressure the people to make as many decisions and get as many decisions for Christ. 00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:21.179 And many people to get dunked in some water in as short a time as possible. 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:26.380 This is Paul's first recorded speech to a completely pagan audience. 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:29.720 People who had no background in the Bible. 00:24:30.900 --> 00:24:33.700 And so he took the time to explain what it meant. 00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:37.740 He didn't just say, Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead, believe in him. 00:24:39.640 --> 00:24:45.360 He took the time to explain the broader context, the world view in which that statement makes any sense at all. 00:24:47.360 --> 00:24:49.460 You know, sometimes that's where we need to start as well. 00:24:51.180 --> 00:24:57.840 As we seek to share the good news of Jesus, we often need to take that same patient, persistent approach. 00:24:59.060 --> 00:25:00.460 Answering people's questions. 00:25:01.560 --> 00:25:02.620 Questioning people's assumptions. 00:25:03.820 --> 00:25:05.340 Explaining the Christian world view. 00:25:06.600 --> 00:25:12.700 Exposing the futility of the modern idols that we cling on to. 00:25:13.900 --> 00:25:17.860 If you're exploring Christianity, this is the kind of church we want to be. 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:21.899 A place where you can learn and ask questions. 00:25:22.740 --> 00:25:26.479 And where you can have thought-provoking questions asked of you. 00:25:28.059 --> 00:25:30.759 And where we can talk about what this means. 00:25:32.219 --> 00:25:35.000 Paul and Barnabas didn't take the easy way out. 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:41.019 They patiently and persistently shared the good news of Jesus. 00:25:41.679 --> 00:25:45.299 And led people through, step by step, why it makes sense. 00:25:45.299 --> 00:25:50.500 Finally, verse 21 to 28, we see they also refused to take the easy way home. 00:25:51.159 --> 00:25:53.839 Open your bulletin and look at the map on the insert. 00:25:56.839 --> 00:25:59.819 There's a map of Paul's journeys in Acts 13 and 14. 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:05.039 And you see that he began at Antioch in Syria. 00:26:05.180 --> 00:26:07.279 There's two Antiochs, if you got confused by that. 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:14.500 But, sailed to Cyprus, went up, and finally you see he gets to Derby. 00:26:15.160 --> 00:26:20.399 Now, it would have been much more convenient, if he was heading back to Antioch, southeast, 00:26:20.819 --> 00:26:22.059 to simply go south. 00:26:22.139 --> 00:26:25.759 There was a nice road heading directly south from Derby to the coast. 00:26:26.559 --> 00:26:27.220 In Cilicia. 00:26:28.359 --> 00:26:29.839 Gone straight down from Derby. 00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:30.819 Take a boat. 00:26:30.819 --> 00:26:34.059 And get right back to his home base. 00:26:34.700 --> 00:26:37.379 But instead, he takes the long way back. 00:26:37.879 --> 00:26:42.480 And he goes to all the cities where he had previously been violently persecuted 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:50.399 in order to strengthen and encourage the new Christian believers in those places. 00:26:50.400 --> 00:26:59.519 Do you see how much Paul valued the opportunity to strengthen and encourage new disciples of Jesus? 00:27:00.860 --> 00:27:03.040 He traveled hundreds of extra miles. 00:27:05.280 --> 00:27:09.759 Visiting cities where he was previously violently opposed for the sake of these new believers. 00:27:10.700 --> 00:27:12.600 So that's Paul and Barnabas' example. 00:27:14.380 --> 00:27:19.860 Pursuing and extending the kingdom of God and enduring the tribulations necessary to do so. 00:27:21.140 --> 00:27:22.880 Now, finally, what does this mean for us? 00:27:24.900 --> 00:27:29.880 It's God's appointed purpose, not just for people back then, but for us. 00:27:30.380 --> 00:27:33.080 To enter his kingdom through many tribulations as well. 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:38.040 Now, that might not look like getting stoned by a hostile mob. 00:27:39.680 --> 00:27:42.820 But what might some of these tribulations be for us? 00:27:44.200 --> 00:27:45.400 Well, let me give a few examples. 00:27:46.380 --> 00:27:49.420 It could look like simple physical tiredness. 00:27:50.400 --> 00:27:57.640 From working hard at your job, caring diligently for your family, and serving actively in the local church. 00:27:58.540 --> 00:28:03.380 Even when it would be easier to say, it's just impossible for me to do all three right now. 00:28:03.380 --> 00:28:08.480 It could look like emotional vulnerability. 00:28:09.420 --> 00:28:12.220 As we share griefs and sorrows together. 00:28:13.160 --> 00:28:20.460 As we perhaps even open old wounds in order for them to be truly healed. 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:24.299 It might look like logistical inconvenience. 00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:27.340 Going out of your way, as Paul did. 00:28:27.400 --> 00:28:32.539 Taking initiative to strengthen and encourage a new disciple of Jesus. 00:28:33.579 --> 00:28:36.000 By meeting with them and praying for them regularly. 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:43.559 Or perhaps it means intentionally investing time in building a relationship with a non-Christian co-worker or neighbor. 00:28:44.279 --> 00:28:46.980 And patiently seeking to share the gospel with them. 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:49.799 Taking time to understand what they believe. 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:54.240 And to communicate the truth, the message of Jesus Christ. 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:57.720 It might look like being part of a church plant. 00:28:58.940 --> 00:29:00.460 As all these new believers were. 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:06.240 For those of you who come from New London, there's a glorious opportunity to extend God's kingdom. 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:09.220 And I guarantee you there will be tribulations along the way. 00:29:10.120 --> 00:29:11.480 I'm not sure what they will be. 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:15.160 But be forewarned. 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:16.140 Don't be surprised. 00:29:16.140 --> 00:29:19.960 Might look like cross-cultural mission work. 00:29:20.400 --> 00:29:22.800 Going somewhere where you don't speak the local language. 00:29:23.220 --> 00:29:24.740 And you might be terribly misunderstood. 00:29:26.040 --> 00:29:28.100 And being flexible in your role there. 00:29:29.420 --> 00:29:30.259 It's interesting. 00:29:31.960 --> 00:29:36.200 Paul began by doing a lot of direct evangelism. 00:29:36.300 --> 00:29:39.700 Sharing the gospel with people in places where no one had heard of Jesus. 00:29:40.440 --> 00:29:41.940 But on his return visits. 00:29:41.940 --> 00:29:48.259 It seems like he focused more on strengthening and encouraging and training the local believers. 00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:51.140 And appointing local leaders. 00:29:51.840 --> 00:29:52.860 And setting them free to lead. 00:29:54.019 --> 00:29:55.380 And you know, depending on the situation. 00:29:56.940 --> 00:29:57.860 Being flexible. 00:29:58.039 --> 00:29:59.299 He was flexible in his role. 00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:03.519 Might look like taking on the burden of spiritual leadership. 00:30:04.640 --> 00:30:05.759 Later on in his life. 00:30:05.880 --> 00:30:06.680 Paul set aside. 00:30:07.220 --> 00:30:10.700 He was sort of listing all the physical persecutions he had endured. 00:30:10.700 --> 00:30:12.819 And he said, aside from my physical persecutions. 00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:14.759 There is the daily pressure on me. 00:30:15.259 --> 00:30:17.620 Of my anxiety for all the churches. 00:30:18.960 --> 00:30:20.080 He says, who is weak? 00:30:20.720 --> 00:30:22.059 And I am not weak. 00:30:22.700 --> 00:30:23.860 Who is made to fall? 00:30:23.980 --> 00:30:25.059 And I am not indignant. 00:30:27.100 --> 00:30:28.000 Christian leadership. 00:30:28.880 --> 00:30:31.200 Means feeling the pain of others. 00:30:31.779 --> 00:30:33.360 As they struggle with their sin. 00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:36.559 And entering into that struggle with them. 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:38.460 As they pursue holiness. 00:30:38.460 --> 00:30:43.000 Perspective elders. 00:30:43.400 --> 00:30:43.799 Deacons. 00:30:44.200 --> 00:30:44.960 Small group leaders. 00:30:45.600 --> 00:30:46.720 That is what we were called to. 00:30:47.880 --> 00:30:50.380 To enter into the pain and struggle of others. 00:30:51.240 --> 00:30:52.819 As they seek to follow Christ. 00:30:54.380 --> 00:30:56.000 And being on that journey with them. 00:30:56.960 --> 00:30:57.700 With each other. 00:30:58.420 --> 00:31:00.900 The road to the kingdom of God passes through many tribulations. 00:31:00.900 --> 00:31:01.080 Tribulations. 00:31:02.080 --> 00:31:03.519 Now as you hear that list. 00:31:04.400 --> 00:31:05.780 You may feel discouraged. 00:31:05.920 --> 00:31:06.980 Perhaps you feel overwhelmed. 00:31:07.860 --> 00:31:08.800 Or disheartened. 00:31:10.200 --> 00:31:10.920 You doubt. 00:31:11.620 --> 00:31:13.860 Maybe I don't want to embrace those things. 00:31:14.940 --> 00:31:16.300 But you know the irony is. 00:31:16.840 --> 00:31:18.640 The more of these tribulations. 00:31:19.100 --> 00:31:19.960 That you embrace. 00:31:20.780 --> 00:31:22.800 The more you will experience the joy. 00:31:23.560 --> 00:31:24.180 And freedom. 00:31:24.920 --> 00:31:26.519 That comes from being part of God's kingdom. 00:31:26.519 --> 00:31:29.400 The kingdom comes through tribulation. 00:31:29.859 --> 00:31:31.839 But tribulation is also the way to the kingdom. 00:31:33.779 --> 00:31:35.220 So that's a message of encouragement. 00:31:36.440 --> 00:31:39.119 If you're going through many tribulations. 00:31:39.519 --> 00:31:42.319 If you've embraced difficulties and hardships in your life. 00:31:42.359 --> 00:31:43.859 In order to be faithful to Jesus. 00:31:44.059 --> 00:31:44.859 Be encouraged. 00:31:46.660 --> 00:31:47.779 They are not in vain. 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:50.200 Ajith Fernando. 00:31:51.379 --> 00:31:52.220 Writes this. 00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:56.140 Churches born in suffering are strong churches. 00:31:57.500 --> 00:32:00.680 Their converts are forced to thrust themselves upon God. 00:32:00.779 --> 00:32:02.180 In earnest desire for his help. 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:04.100 And that has a way of strengthening our faith. 00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:06.120 And purifying our motives. 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:08.500 A.W. Tozer said. 00:32:08.600 --> 00:32:09.900 We can afford to suffer now. 00:32:10.160 --> 00:32:12.640 We'll have a long eternity to enjoy ourselves. 00:32:13.500 --> 00:32:15.839 And our enjoyment will be valid and pure. 00:32:15.960 --> 00:32:17.519 For it will come in the right way. 00:32:17.940 --> 00:32:18.779 At the right time. 00:32:20.319 --> 00:32:21.480 Matthew Henry wrote. 00:32:21.480 --> 00:32:23.599 Commenting on verse 19 through 20 in particular. 00:32:24.440 --> 00:32:24.640 He said. 00:32:24.839 --> 00:32:25.839 God's faithful servants. 00:32:27.039 --> 00:32:28.920 Though they may be brought within a step of death. 00:32:29.640 --> 00:32:30.839 And may be looked upon as dead. 00:32:31.059 --> 00:32:32.299 Both by friends and enemies. 00:32:32.880 --> 00:32:36.019 Shall not die as long as he has work for them to do. 00:32:36.920 --> 00:32:37.920 They are cast down. 00:32:38.380 --> 00:32:39.440 But not destroyed. 00:32:41.420 --> 00:32:42.480 See brothers and sisters. 00:32:42.599 --> 00:32:44.240 As we face tribulation. 00:32:45.039 --> 00:32:47.440 Whatever the particular challenges. 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:49.140 And difficulties that you're facing. 00:32:49.140 --> 00:32:51.740 The good news is we're not alone. 00:32:52.860 --> 00:32:55.259 There are many other Christians who have gone before us. 00:32:55.400 --> 00:32:56.520 And who are walking with us. 00:32:56.580 --> 00:32:58.300 But most especially we have a savior. 00:32:59.000 --> 00:33:00.280 The son of God himself. 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:02.060 Who embraced tribulation. 00:33:04.340 --> 00:33:07.000 As a way he would establish his kingdom. 00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:09.680 Jesus went into the wilderness. 00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:12.640 At the beginning of his public life. 00:33:13.140 --> 00:33:14.839 He was tempted by Satan himself. 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:16.279 And there were three temptations. 00:33:18.420 --> 00:33:19.200 First Satan said. 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:20.160 If you're the son of God. 00:33:20.740 --> 00:33:22.099 Turn these stones into bread. 00:33:22.920 --> 00:33:23.880 You're hungry aren't you? 00:33:25.500 --> 00:33:27.279 Then he showed him all the kingdoms of the world. 00:33:28.279 --> 00:33:28.759 And said. 00:33:28.839 --> 00:33:29.819 Just bow down to me. 00:33:31.200 --> 00:33:32.259 Swear allegiance to me. 00:33:32.259 --> 00:33:33.940 And I'll give it all to you. 00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:35.140 Now. 00:33:37.240 --> 00:33:37.879 Finally he said. 00:33:37.980 --> 00:33:38.799 If you're the son of God. 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:41.480 Go to the highest point of the temple. 00:33:42.140 --> 00:33:42.700 Jump off. 00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:44.859 And prove to everyone. 00:33:44.980 --> 00:33:46.259 That you can command the angels. 00:33:46.379 --> 00:33:47.619 And they'll come and rescue you. 00:33:51.740 --> 00:33:54.240 What's common to all these three temptations. 00:33:55.660 --> 00:33:56.539 Take the crown. 00:33:57.420 --> 00:33:58.200 Take the kingdom. 00:33:58.900 --> 00:33:59.720 Take the glory. 00:33:59.720 --> 00:34:01.539 Take the satisfaction. 00:34:01.759 --> 00:34:03.120 And bypass the cross. 00:34:04.120 --> 00:34:04.819 The hunger. 00:34:05.940 --> 00:34:06.819 The sacrifice. 00:34:08.380 --> 00:34:09.300 The humility. 00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:10.679 The tribulation. 00:34:11.840 --> 00:34:12.940 And Jesus said no. 00:34:14.579 --> 00:34:15.240 Jesus says. 00:34:15.300 --> 00:34:16.619 God's unchanging purpose. 00:34:17.300 --> 00:34:18.460 Is that I would suffer. 00:34:18.880 --> 00:34:19.659 And die. 00:34:20.659 --> 00:34:21.320 For my people. 00:34:22.199 --> 00:34:24.519 That is the way I will establish my kingdom on earth. 00:34:24.599 --> 00:34:26.079 Not by brute force. 00:34:26.559 --> 00:34:28.960 Not by a massive display of overwhelming power. 00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:30.880 But by laying down my life. 00:34:30.960 --> 00:34:32.500 In an act of great love. 00:34:33.880 --> 00:34:35.079 And so Jesus embraced. 00:34:36.019 --> 00:34:37.059 All these things. 00:34:37.960 --> 00:34:38.960 Physical tiredness. 00:34:39.880 --> 00:34:40.780 Emotional vulnerability. 00:34:41.860 --> 00:34:43.139 Logistical inconvenience. 00:34:43.639 --> 00:34:45.240 And above all the burden of our sin. 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:47.940 He endured many tribulations. 00:34:48.800 --> 00:34:50.059 Throughout his whole life. 00:34:51.559 --> 00:34:52.679 Till the end when he. 00:34:53.559 --> 00:34:54.519 Died on the cross. 00:34:54.519 --> 00:34:56.340 But he did all that. 00:34:56.400 --> 00:34:57.599 In order to bring us into. 00:34:57.599 --> 00:34:58.679 His glorious kingdom. 00:34:59.059 --> 00:35:00.400 He embraced physical tiredness. 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.320 So that we might have. 00:35:01.679 --> 00:35:02.119 Rest. 00:35:03.440 --> 00:35:03.920 Everlasting. 00:35:05.219 --> 00:35:06.840 He endured emotional hurt. 00:35:07.380 --> 00:35:08.900 So that we might know peace. 00:35:09.340 --> 00:35:09.860 And comfort. 00:35:10.820 --> 00:35:13.000 He accepted logistical inconvenience. 00:35:13.500 --> 00:35:15.380 So that people in remote places. 00:35:15.820 --> 00:35:17.000 Far off from God. 00:35:18.639 --> 00:35:19.739 Might one day know him. 00:35:19.739 --> 00:35:22.879 He took on himself the burden of our sin and death. 00:35:23.239 --> 00:35:24.599 That we could never bear ourselves. 00:35:24.979 --> 00:35:26.959 And he triumphed over it in his resurrection. 00:35:27.659 --> 00:35:29.279 And Jesus calls us to follow him. 00:35:31.039 --> 00:35:34.339 On a road through tribulation to his kingdom. 00:35:37.279 --> 00:35:37.899 Let's pray. 00:35:37.900 --> 00:35:46.700 Lord Jesus we pray. 00:35:49.240 --> 00:35:50.980 We pray that you would give us courage. 00:35:52.420 --> 00:35:53.200 To face. 00:35:55.340 --> 00:35:58.059 The trials and tribulations of this present time. 00:35:59.059 --> 00:36:00.980 And we pray that you would give us encouragement. 00:36:02.240 --> 00:36:03.400 Lord give us that. 00:36:03.400 --> 00:36:07.639 Encouragement. 00:36:08.019 --> 00:36:09.240 Even as we are in the midst. 00:36:10.400 --> 00:36:11.380 Of tribulation. 00:36:12.220 --> 00:36:13.539 That we belong to you. 00:36:14.280 --> 00:36:15.559 And we're part of your kingdom. 00:36:16.579 --> 00:36:19.360 And Lord we pray that your kingdom would come. 00:36:20.300 --> 00:36:21.740 In our lives individually. 00:36:22.900 --> 00:36:24.119 Lord in this church. 00:36:24.440 --> 00:36:24.980 In this city. 00:36:25.660 --> 00:36:26.380 In this world. 00:36:27.539 --> 00:36:28.800 That your kingdom would come. 00:36:28.860 --> 00:36:29.720 And your will would be done. 00:36:29.719 --> 00:36:33.759 Lord give us that. 00:36:34.219 --> 00:36:35.319 Joy and comfort. 00:36:35.959 --> 00:36:37.739 Of your presence to sustain us. 00:36:38.439 --> 00:36:39.959 And the power of your Holy Spirit. 00:36:41.379 --> 00:36:42.859 We pray these things in Jesus name. 00:36:43.439 --> 00:36:43.699 Amen. 00:36:45.439 --> 00:36:46.219 Let's stand. 00:36:46.539 --> 00:36:47.119 As we sing. 00:36:47.779 --> 00:36:48.819 Our closing song. 00:36:49.619 --> 00:36:50.219 That's a prayer. 00:36:50.959 --> 00:36:52.239 For God's kingdom to come. 00:36:52.279 --> 00:36:53.639 And his will to be done through us. 00:36:54.480 --> 00:36:55.419 So let's stand and sing. 00:36:55.419 --> 00:36:55.539 Amen. 00:36:55.539 --> 00:36:55.579 Amen. 00:36:59.719 --> 00:37:22.819 Your glorious cause. 00:37:22.820 --> 00:37:25.700 Your glorious cause. 00:37:25.700 --> 00:37:26.920 Oh God. 00:37:27.440 --> 00:37:29.980 Engages our hearts. 00:37:30.760 --> 00:37:34.760 May Jesus Christ be known. 00:37:35.320 --> 00:37:38.039 Wherever we are. 00:37:39.320 --> 00:37:43.260 We ask not for ourselves. 00:37:44.100 --> 00:37:45.920 For your renown. 00:37:47.380 --> 00:37:50.260 The cross has saved us. 00:37:50.260 --> 00:37:52.120 So we pray. 00:37:52.119 --> 00:37:56.000 Your kingdom come. 00:37:56.000 --> 00:38:00.000 Let your kingdom come. 00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:01.000 Let your kingdom come. 00:38:02.000 --> 00:38:05.000 Let your will be done. 00:38:06.000 --> 00:38:11.000 So that everyone might know your name. 00:38:13.000 --> 00:38:17.799 Let your song be heard. 00:38:18.119 --> 00:38:21.599 Everywhere on earth. 00:38:21.599 --> 00:38:23.480 Till your song. 00:38:23.480 --> 00:38:24.480 Till your song. 00:38:24.480 --> 00:38:24.839 Till your song. 00:38:24.840 --> 00:38:27.720 The world on earth is done. 00:38:27.720 --> 00:38:28.720 Let your kingdom come. 00:38:28.720 --> 00:38:32.720 Let your kingdom come. 00:38:32.720 --> 00:38:41.660 Give us your strength. 00:38:41.720 --> 00:38:42.720 Oh God. 00:38:42.719 --> 00:39:00.319 God will sing for you. 00:39:00.320 --> 00:39:01.559 the dead. 00:39:03.039 --> 00:39:04.180 By grace 00:39:04.180 --> 00:39:06.360 we'll preach your gospel 00:39:06.360 --> 00:39:07.760 to 00:39:07.760 --> 00:39:09.920 dying 00:39:09.920 --> 00:39:12.080 to red. 00:39:13.420 --> 00:39:14.519 Let your 00:39:14.519 --> 00:39:16.200 kingdom 00:39:16.200 --> 00:39:18.460 come. Let your 00:39:18.460 --> 00:39:20.400 will be 00:39:20.400 --> 00:39:22.680 done so that 00:39:22.680 --> 00:39:24.519 everyone 00:39:24.519 --> 00:39:27.120 might know your name. 00:39:29.120 --> 00:39:30.300 Let your 00:39:30.300 --> 00:39:32.920 song be heard 00:39:32.920 --> 00:39:34.500 everywhere 00:39:34.500 --> 00:39:36.760 on earth. 00:39:37.200 --> 00:39:38.340 Till your 00:39:38.340 --> 00:39:40.600 soft work 00:39:40.600 --> 00:39:42.800 on earth is done. 00:39:44.080 --> 00:39:45.039 Let your 00:39:45.039 --> 00:39:47.039 kingdom come. 00:39:52.380 --> 00:39:54.060 Let your 00:39:54.060 --> 00:39:56.620 kingdom come. 00:39:57.100 --> 00:39:58.220 Let your 00:39:58.220 --> 00:40:00.280 will be done. 00:40:00.300 --> 00:40:02.200 So that 00:40:02.200 --> 00:40:03.960 everyone 00:40:03.960 --> 00:40:06.539 might know your name. 00:40:08.480 --> 00:40:09.760 Let your 00:40:09.760 --> 00:40:10.600 song 00:40:10.600 --> 00:40:12.460 be heard 00:40:12.460 --> 00:40:14.000 everywhere 00:40:14.000 --> 00:40:16.260 on earth. 00:40:16.640 --> 00:40:17.860 Till your 00:40:17.860 --> 00:40:20.160 sovereign work 00:40:20.160 --> 00:40:22.420 on earth is done. 00:40:23.940 --> 00:40:24.599 Let your 00:40:24.599 --> 00:40:26.260 kingdom come. 00:40:26.260 --> 00:40:29.960 Amen. 00:40:29.960 --> 00:40:40.980 Well, please feel free to join us tonight for our evening service. 00:40:41.000 --> 00:40:41.659 carne 00:40:41.659 --> 00:40:49.460 to 00:40:49.619 --> 00:40:50.559 sugar 00:40:52.519 --> 00:40:55.460 and 00:40:55.519 --> 00:40:56.199 to 00:40:56.199 --> 00:41:02.260 the 00:41:02.440 --> 00:41:03.900 to