WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.240 We're going to continue our study of Luke's second account of Jesus' ministry, the book of Acts. 00:00:05.240 --> 00:00:07.679 So if you have a copy of God's Word, I hope you do today. 00:00:07.679 --> 00:00:10.919 Please turn to Acts chapter 17. 00:00:12.200 --> 00:00:20.359 You've heard me, if you've been here, call this Luke's second account, the Acts of the risen Jesus. 00:00:21.019 --> 00:00:27.199 Jesus has ascended and he has sent his spirit that now abides in the lives of the disciples. 00:00:27.199 --> 00:00:33.759 And they are working out Jesus' purpose in the world by the power of that spirit. 00:00:34.700 --> 00:00:40.079 So we're going to look today at Acts chapter 17, verses 1 through 9. 00:00:40.299 --> 00:00:45.100 And let me remind you before I read that this is God's Word to us. 00:00:45.960 --> 00:00:49.100 It was written for his glory and for our good. 00:00:49.100 --> 00:00:57.920 And as such, we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands. 00:00:58.380 --> 00:01:00.500 I'll begin reading in verse 1. 00:01:00.500 --> 00:01:08.400 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, I hope I said this right, 00:01:08.900 --> 00:01:13.340 they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 00:01:14.079 --> 00:01:19.379 And Paul went in as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 00:01:20.340 --> 00:01:25.620 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, 00:01:25.620 --> 00:01:30.380 and saying, This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ. 00:01:31.400 --> 00:01:34.320 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, 00:01:34.380 --> 00:01:38.439 as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:40.380 But the Jews were jealous. 00:01:40.960 --> 00:01:44.000 And taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, 00:01:44.460 --> 00:01:48.040 setting the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, 00:01:48.219 --> 00:01:50.360 seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 00:01:50.359 --> 00:01:55.359 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, 00:01:55.539 --> 00:02:00.939 shouting, These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also. 00:02:01.500 --> 00:02:06.019 And Jason has received them, and they're all acting against the decrees of Caesar, 00:02:06.180 --> 00:02:08.599 saying that there is another king, Jesus. 00:02:09.780 --> 00:02:14.800 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 00:02:14.800 --> 00:02:20.620 When they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. 00:02:21.760 --> 00:02:27.860 Now this morning, we're going to structure our study of today's text around four points. 00:02:28.600 --> 00:02:29.680 And they alliterate. 00:02:30.040 --> 00:02:32.000 Praise God, I love it when this works out. 00:02:33.160 --> 00:02:34.620 Four points, and they are as follows. 00:02:34.700 --> 00:02:36.920 I'm going to give them to you quickly, and then we'll go back through them. 00:02:37.640 --> 00:02:39.800 Number one, gospel courage. 00:02:41.260 --> 00:02:44.000 Number two, gospel clarity. 00:02:44.800 --> 00:02:49.120 Number three, gospel conversion. 00:02:50.840 --> 00:02:53.760 And number four, gospel conflict. 00:02:54.700 --> 00:03:00.240 Before we get into those, though, let's look a little bit at the geographic and anthropologic background. 00:03:00.580 --> 00:03:01.160 What's happening? 00:03:01.340 --> 00:03:02.400 Where have they gone? 00:03:02.800 --> 00:03:06.140 What is the significance of the city of Thessalonica? 00:03:06.240 --> 00:03:10.080 You can see there in verse one that they pass through, and here we go again. 00:03:10.080 --> 00:03:12.080 I should practice these words before I get up here. 00:03:13.380 --> 00:03:14.400 Amphipolis, I think. 00:03:14.800 --> 00:03:17.560 And Apollonia, maybe. 00:03:18.120 --> 00:03:22.640 They came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 00:03:22.800 --> 00:03:32.980 The missionary band that we've been observing through chapter 16 is now traveling southwest along the Roman highway known as the Ignatian Way. 00:03:32.979 --> 00:03:38.259 And we see that the first city is about 30 miles from Philippi. 00:03:38.759 --> 00:03:43.019 The second, another 30 miles from the first. 00:03:43.739 --> 00:03:48.379 And Thessalonica, just under 40 miles from the second. 00:03:48.579 --> 00:03:50.859 I'm avoiding saying those city names again. 00:03:50.860 --> 00:04:00.080 So what's likely is that Luke's record is suggesting to us that they made a three-day journey from Philippi to Thessalonica. 00:04:00.240 --> 00:04:02.360 That's why he lists these cities off. 00:04:02.420 --> 00:04:05.780 Because nothing significant seems to happen there. 00:04:05.780 --> 00:04:18.720 And by the phrase, where there was a synagogue of the Jews in Thessalonica, that probably what's being implied is that there were not synagogues in either of the two first cities. 00:04:18.720 --> 00:04:33.960 Additionally, some have suggested that the missionary band were traveling on horseback provided by the generosity of the Philippian church since they had recently been beaten and imprisoned in Philippi. 00:04:33.959 --> 00:04:37.379 If you look back in chapter 16, you can note that. 00:04:37.979 --> 00:04:43.039 Likely not very strong in frame to travel such a long distance. 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:51.519 And certainly, 30 miles in a day, for those of you who are hikers, is a stout trek, even when you're in very good health. 00:04:51.599 --> 00:04:58.919 So it's likely that they're now traveling by the equine way to these cities. 00:04:58.920 --> 00:05:05.819 Note also, at this point, that Luke returns to the third person pronouns, they. 00:05:06.400 --> 00:05:11.020 He's previously in chapter 16 been saying we, now he says they. 00:05:11.160 --> 00:05:16.840 And so probably, for unknown reasons, Luke did not accompany them to Thessalonica. 00:05:16.980 --> 00:05:18.920 He probably stayed in Philippi. 00:05:19.860 --> 00:05:20.860 We're not sure why. 00:05:21.840 --> 00:05:27.819 Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia and had a population of roughly 200,000 people. 00:05:27.819 --> 00:05:29.599 So it's a big city. 00:05:29.740 --> 00:05:34.079 And certainly, by ancient standards, a massive city. 00:05:34.620 --> 00:05:43.759 Think of the size of Birmingham, which is just a little over 200,000 people, or Chattanooga, which is just a little under 200,000 people. 00:05:43.879 --> 00:05:46.539 And that was the city of Thessalonica. 00:05:46.980 --> 00:05:54.060 And it was significant as it was along the Ignatian Highway, as well as being a port city on the Aegean Sea. 00:05:54.060 --> 00:05:57.180 So lots of traffic is flowing through this place. 00:05:57.180 --> 00:06:05.920 And we'll see in some future time that it becomes a very significant place for the advance of the gospel in the known world. 00:06:07.420 --> 00:06:14.720 Further, before we begin our first point, I want to draw our attention to a phrase in our text in verse 6. 00:06:16.100 --> 00:06:17.139 The phrase is this. 00:06:17.139 --> 00:06:24.979 In the accusation, these men who have turned the world upside down. 00:06:25.319 --> 00:06:27.259 I love that phrase. 00:06:27.819 --> 00:06:31.519 These men who have turned the world upside down. 00:06:31.579 --> 00:06:37.379 I hope someday that I'm accused of the same, having turned the world upside down. 00:06:37.379 --> 00:06:44.379 I don't think that their accusers really understood how accurate their accusation was. 00:06:44.699 --> 00:06:48.839 They meant these men are disrupting our Roman rule. 00:06:49.100 --> 00:06:53.060 These men are seeking to set up a different king. 00:06:53.959 --> 00:07:03.079 But isn't it really true that the world as we know it, the world that we walk in, is already upside down? 00:07:03.079 --> 00:07:11.199 The worship of self and the worship of things rather than the worship of the creator God. 00:07:11.979 --> 00:07:18.919 So in many senses, this missionary band is really turning the world right side up. 00:07:19.240 --> 00:07:24.459 Calling people back to the worship of God in Christ. 00:07:24.459 --> 00:07:35.339 So, with that in mind, turning the world upside down, let's look at our four points and let's start with gospel courage. 00:07:35.899 --> 00:07:46.359 So you note that they travel from Philippi, where they had suffered beating and imprisonment at the hands of the Philippian people. 00:07:46.459 --> 00:07:48.979 Not the Philippian believers, but the Philippian people, the Philippians. 00:07:49.719 --> 00:07:51.000 And what do they do? 00:07:51.000 --> 00:08:02.379 They travel through these cities and they go back to the same place in a new city that caused all of the trouble in the last city that they were in. 00:08:03.620 --> 00:08:10.600 The theme of Christian persecution should not be foreign to you as a student of the Bible. 00:08:11.439 --> 00:08:15.500 It also should not be foreign to you as a participant in our study of Acts. 00:08:15.500 --> 00:08:27.699 If you've been here on Sunday mornings with us, it shouldn't surprise you that once again we're going to see new conflict and new courage on behalf of the disciples of Jesus Christ. 00:08:28.259 --> 00:08:29.699 Let me run into you in our study of Acts. 00:08:29.779 --> 00:08:34.179 We have seen the arrest and trial of Peter and John in chapters 3 and 4. 00:08:35.059 --> 00:08:38.000 The apostles' arrest and beating in chapter 5. 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:43.980 Stephen's arrest and martyrdom is the first Christian martyr in chapters 6 and 7. 00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:46.159 We get a break for a chapter. 00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:49.419 The plot to kill Paul in chapter 9. 00:08:49.980 --> 00:08:54.600 The murder of James and another arrest of Peter in chapter 12. 00:08:55.259 --> 00:08:59.279 Barnabas and Paul's opposition on Cyprus in chapter 13. 00:08:59.279 --> 00:09:04.039 The attempted stoning of Barnabas and Paul in Iconium. 00:09:04.319 --> 00:09:08.860 And the successful stoning of Paul in Lystra in chapter 14. 00:09:09.779 --> 00:09:16.879 And Paul and Silas attacked, beaten with rods, and imprisoned in chapter 16. 00:09:17.480 --> 00:09:22.839 As students of the Gospels, this should not surprise us. 00:09:22.840 --> 00:09:29.240 Jesus states to the apostles in John chapter 15, verses 18 and 19, 00:09:29.820 --> 00:09:36.920 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 00:09:38.360 --> 00:09:43.379 Now the if there, if the world hates you, seems kind of hopeful, doesn't it? 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:46.780 Like maybe the world won't hate us. 00:09:46.900 --> 00:09:49.120 Is it possible that it won't? 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:57.139 Jesus seems to say, you may not be hated, but if you are, know that I was hated first. 00:09:57.700 --> 00:10:00.960 But oh, we must read on to verse 19. 00:10:01.940 --> 00:10:02.940 Jesus says in verse 18, 00:10:03.060 --> 00:10:06.120 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 00:10:06.580 --> 00:10:07.560 Verse 19 says, 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:13.080 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. 00:10:13.080 --> 00:10:22.240 But because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 00:10:22.960 --> 00:10:32.940 So the if of verse 18 is only conditioned on whether or not you are of the world or chosen out of the world. 00:10:33.080 --> 00:10:37.700 So followers of Jesus Christ will meet opposition. 00:10:37.700 --> 00:10:45.540 Persecution is the norm for the devoted follower of Christ, not the exception. 00:10:46.640 --> 00:10:52.080 Of course, it will take various forms in various places and times. 00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:57.020 We are not likely to be stripped naked and beaten with rods and imprisoned in the U.S. 00:10:57.020 --> 00:11:03.060 But persecution is still normative for the follower of Jesus. 00:11:03.059 --> 00:11:06.359 Paul says in 2 Timothy 3.12, 00:11:06.559 --> 00:11:14.219 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 00:11:15.119 --> 00:11:18.000 So what does it mean when the world doesn't push back at your faith? 00:11:19.459 --> 00:11:21.859 It's not a faith in Christ at all. 00:11:22.779 --> 00:11:25.699 Or it's a very weak faith. 00:11:25.699 --> 00:11:31.459 It's not a godly life lived out because of that faith. 00:11:31.460 --> 00:11:40.040 In the face of normative persecution, Paul and his companions are courageous. 00:11:40.820 --> 00:11:43.920 They repeat the same process in another town. 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:45.759 They have not come up with a different strategy. 00:11:46.220 --> 00:11:48.060 They haven't gotten together and Paul said, 00:11:48.180 --> 00:11:50.420 Guys, it's really not working out for us. 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:53.780 This whole go to the town, go to the synagogue, preach the gospel thing. 00:11:53.860 --> 00:11:56.220 We keep getting in trouble for doing that. 00:11:56.220 --> 00:12:00.980 But they press on and they continue to do the same thing once again. 00:12:01.080 --> 00:12:05.899 Knowing full well that some will believe the gospel and some will reject it. 00:12:06.300 --> 00:12:08.019 They're not being naive. 00:12:08.980 --> 00:12:10.019 They're being bold. 00:12:11.379 --> 00:12:15.580 Paul recounts in 1 Thessalonians 2.2. 00:12:15.580 --> 00:12:20.360 So a letter written to these believers that he's here visiting in our text. 00:12:20.360 --> 00:12:25.360 Though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, 00:12:25.580 --> 00:12:35.039 as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 00:12:36.039 --> 00:12:39.279 So what is the source of such courage? 00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:45.500 What is it that builds us up that we would have that kind of courage? 00:12:45.500 --> 00:12:47.139 It's faith. 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:55.519 It's faith, an unshakable belief in God's providence and in God's goodness. 00:12:56.519 --> 00:12:59.480 In Deuteronomy 31, verse 6, 00:13:00.019 --> 00:13:01.539 Moses is addressing the Israelites. 00:13:02.039 --> 00:13:06.419 Joshua is about to take over and lead them into the promised land. 00:13:07.019 --> 00:13:08.039 And Moses says to the Israelites, 00:13:08.559 --> 00:13:10.379 Be strong and courageous. 00:13:11.480 --> 00:13:13.879 Do not fear or be in dread of them, 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:17.899 for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:21.500 He will not leave you or forsake you. 00:13:22.620 --> 00:13:26.299 A wonderful text that speaks of this is found in Romans chapter 8. 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:28.159 And I would love for you to turn there with me. 00:13:28.259 --> 00:13:30.720 Keep your finger in Acts chapter 17. 00:13:31.320 --> 00:13:33.340 Romans chapter 8, beginning in verse 31. 00:13:33.340 --> 00:13:51.360 And I'm going to read through verse 39 because I can't help it. 00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:52.899 This text is just too good. 00:13:52.899 --> 00:14:04.340 Paul has just talked about the fact at the beginning of chapter 8 00:14:04.340 --> 00:14:07.340 that there's no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:10.100 So in the midst of our failing as Christians, 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:12.899 we have great reason to press on into holiness. 00:14:13.620 --> 00:14:17.399 He talks in that chapter about the way in which that happens, 00:14:17.559 --> 00:14:19.319 setting our minds on the things of the Spirit, 00:14:19.320 --> 00:14:23.540 walking by the Spirit so that we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. 00:14:24.220 --> 00:14:28.540 He talks about the way in which we long for that better place 00:14:28.540 --> 00:14:30.600 where we're delivered from our flesh altogether. 00:14:30.920 --> 00:14:34.420 That one day, even the creation groans for that to happen 00:14:34.420 --> 00:14:37.600 as we walk in this very troubled world. 00:14:38.040 --> 00:14:41.320 He says to us that all things work for good 00:14:41.879 --> 00:14:43.660 for those who know God 00:14:43.660 --> 00:14:46.220 and who are called according to His purpose. 00:14:46.220 --> 00:14:50.980 And he speaks of God's providential calling of His people together. 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:52.200 And then he says this. 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:55.920 So those are these things he's referring to. 00:14:56.040 --> 00:14:59.700 What then shall we say to these things? 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:04.259 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:15:05.080 --> 00:15:07.379 He who did not spare His own Son, 00:15:07.860 --> 00:15:09.460 but gave Him up for us all, 00:15:09.820 --> 00:15:14.120 how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 00:15:14.120 --> 00:15:19.080 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? 00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:21.200 It is God who justifies. 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:23.419 Who is to condemn? 00:15:24.139 --> 00:15:26.480 Jesus Christ is the one who died, 00:15:26.679 --> 00:15:29.220 more than that who was raised, 00:15:29.460 --> 00:15:30.840 who is at the right hand of God, 00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:33.360 who indeed is interceding for us. 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:36.299 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:40.220 Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:44.660 or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 00:15:45.540 --> 00:15:46.519 As it is written, 00:15:47.080 --> 00:15:49.920 for your sake we are being killed all the day long. 00:15:50.220 --> 00:15:53.420 We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. 00:15:53.460 --> 00:15:54.899 And what Paul is saying is that 00:15:54.899 --> 00:15:56.899 this is a thing that has come to pass 00:15:56.899 --> 00:15:59.120 and will continue to come to pass. 00:15:59.320 --> 00:16:00.600 Will that separate us? 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:02.040 No. 00:16:02.259 --> 00:16:02.879 Verse 37. 00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:05.860 In all these things we are more than conquerors 00:16:05.860 --> 00:16:07.720 through Him who loved us. 00:16:07.720 --> 00:16:09.920 For I am sure that neither death nor life, 00:16:10.160 --> 00:16:12.160 nor angels, nor rulers, 00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:14.960 nor things present, nor things to come, 00:16:15.060 --> 00:16:17.759 nor powers, nor height, nor depth, 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:19.800 nor anything else in all creation 00:16:19.800 --> 00:16:21.139 will be able to separate us 00:16:21.139 --> 00:16:24.700 from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:16:24.820 --> 00:16:27.720 It is faith in these promises, 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:29.920 in this reality, 00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:33.240 that presses us to courage. 00:16:33.240 --> 00:16:36.639 By faith we can have an unshakable belief 00:16:36.639 --> 00:16:38.440 in God's providence, 00:16:38.759 --> 00:16:41.139 His good rule over the earth, 00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:43.399 His goodness towards us, 00:16:43.440 --> 00:16:46.220 which will lead us to boldness. 00:16:46.460 --> 00:16:50.799 Do you believe that God is in control of all things? 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:54.680 If you lack gospel boldness, 00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:57.620 you must ask yourself why. 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:57.740 Why? 00:16:58.899 --> 00:16:59.460 Why? 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:02.679 Why do I lack gospel boldness? 00:17:02.779 --> 00:17:05.720 What causes you to shrink back 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:09.420 when you should press forward? 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:11.720 Your timidity, 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:14.240 your fear to press on, 00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:15.440 your lack of courage, 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:16.640 your lack of boldness 00:17:16.640 --> 00:17:20.200 is rooted in your lack of faith. 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:22.279 And that's where you need to go. 00:17:22.640 --> 00:17:24.259 And that's where you need to confess 00:17:24.259 --> 00:17:26.660 and then turn from that sin. 00:17:27.879 --> 00:17:30.640 So we see gospel courage 00:17:30.640 --> 00:17:32.240 that we can all learn from. 00:17:33.319 --> 00:17:36.119 Secondly, gospel clarity. 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:38.799 Gospel clarity. 00:17:40.379 --> 00:17:44.220 So they've come to a synagogue in Thessalonica. 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:49.460 And Paul goes in as was his custom. 00:17:49.960 --> 00:17:52.819 He had made a practice of doing this. 00:17:52.819 --> 00:17:54.919 Paul began at the synagogue 00:17:54.919 --> 00:17:57.339 where he could find Jews 00:17:57.339 --> 00:17:59.599 and what's often referred to as 00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:01.759 God-fearing Gentiles. 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:03.839 Whether these are Gentile people, 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:04.679 non-Jewish people 00:18:04.679 --> 00:18:06.000 that had converted to Judaism, 00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:07.240 or they were simply people 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:09.179 who were there seeking out God 00:18:09.179 --> 00:18:10.000 and His ways 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:11.079 and trying to understand 00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:13.039 how they could live appropriately 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:15.179 in relationship with Him. 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:17.079 And Paul does this, I think, 00:18:17.119 --> 00:18:17.700 for two reasons. 00:18:17.819 --> 00:18:20.279 Number one, his commitment to his people. 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:22.460 You can read about that in Romans 9, 00:18:22.460 --> 00:18:24.840 the very beginning of chapter 9. 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:27.799 Paul, even as the apostle to the Gentiles, 00:18:27.840 --> 00:18:28.519 as he calls himself, 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:30.400 so had a heart for his people, 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:33.539 still wanted them to turn to Christ. 00:18:34.400 --> 00:18:34.880 And secondly, 00:18:35.259 --> 00:18:37.420 I believe it was a practical starting point, 00:18:37.980 --> 00:18:38.660 as these were people 00:18:38.660 --> 00:18:40.160 who were familiar with the Scriptures. 00:18:40.480 --> 00:18:42.299 It was a great place to begin 00:18:42.299 --> 00:18:43.819 gospel advance 00:18:43.819 --> 00:18:45.500 with people who were already familiar 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:47.920 with what we call our Old Testament, 00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:49.920 their Scriptures. 00:18:49.920 --> 00:18:52.300 And as he's there with them 00:18:52.300 --> 00:18:54.300 on three Sabbath days, 00:18:54.460 --> 00:18:55.740 so three weeks, 00:18:57.060 --> 00:18:58.080 could have been longer. 00:18:58.440 --> 00:18:59.700 The book of 1 Thessalonians 00:18:59.700 --> 00:19:01.240 makes us think that he was actually there 00:19:01.240 --> 00:19:02.580 for a much longer time, 00:19:02.660 --> 00:19:04.740 but at least these three Sabbath days, 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:07.360 he reasoned with them. 00:19:08.360 --> 00:19:11.360 And the word that is here translated 00:19:11.360 --> 00:19:13.680 reasoned is the Greek word 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:14.680 dialegomai, 00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:17.220 from which we get the English word 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:18.480 dialogue. 00:19:19.580 --> 00:19:22.019 So he had a conversation 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:23.279 with them, 00:19:23.320 --> 00:19:25.840 and there's a good and proper place for that. 00:19:25.920 --> 00:19:26.900 This isn't it, 00:19:27.100 --> 00:19:28.460 but there's a good time 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:29.680 to sit and discuss 00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:32.500 and to reason with people. 00:19:32.900 --> 00:19:34.259 So he taught 00:19:34.259 --> 00:19:36.500 and he fielded questions. 00:19:36.880 --> 00:19:38.180 He allowed people to ask him 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:39.900 questions about what 00:19:39.900 --> 00:19:41.240 he was thinking. 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:43.480 Do not think 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:45.200 that when you are given 00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:46.180 the opportunity 00:19:46.180 --> 00:19:47.460 to share your faith 00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:49.920 that you have to go on blast mode. 00:19:51.380 --> 00:19:52.799 Rarely is that the way 00:19:52.799 --> 00:19:53.700 to approach it. 00:19:54.839 --> 00:19:56.400 Being able to settle 00:19:56.400 --> 00:19:57.680 into a conversation 00:19:57.680 --> 00:19:59.240 and meet objections 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.819 with kindness 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:02.920 is an important aspect 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:05.599 of faithful gospel witness. 00:20:06.140 --> 00:20:08.240 Slow your roll 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:09.779 and talk with people. 00:20:09.779 --> 00:20:11.859 Get to know them. 00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:14.220 Two axioms for sharing your faith. 00:20:14.819 --> 00:20:16.019 We're all different. 00:20:16.660 --> 00:20:17.559 Try to meet people 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:18.299 where they are. 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:19.639 Every one of us 00:20:19.639 --> 00:20:20.119 is different. 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:21.299 We have a different background, 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:22.420 a different story. 00:20:23.379 --> 00:20:23.779 Second, 00:20:23.879 --> 00:20:24.460 and more importantly, 00:20:24.599 --> 00:20:26.160 we are all the same. 00:20:26.599 --> 00:20:27.319 We're all living 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:28.099 in this greater 00:20:28.099 --> 00:20:29.279 meta-narrative 00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:30.139 of God's 00:20:30.139 --> 00:20:31.139 redemptive work. 00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:32.019 Meet people 00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:32.559 where they are 00:20:32.559 --> 00:20:33.519 and draw them up 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:35.480 into that larger story 00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:36.279 and do that 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:38.700 with a conversation. 00:20:38.700 --> 00:20:40.680 Don't blah 00:20:40.680 --> 00:20:41.980 and run away. 00:20:44.480 --> 00:20:45.279 Peter writes 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:46.580 in 1 Peter 3.15, 00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:48.340 In your hearts, 00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:50.980 honor Christ the Lord 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:52.340 as holy 00:20:52.340 --> 00:20:54.440 or sanctify Christ 00:20:54.440 --> 00:20:55.360 in your hearts. 00:20:56.220 --> 00:20:57.620 Always being prepared 00:20:57.620 --> 00:20:58.980 to make a defense 00:20:58.980 --> 00:20:59.519 to anyone 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:00.340 who asks you 00:21:00.340 --> 00:21:01.000 for a reason 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:01.600 for the hope 00:21:01.600 --> 00:21:02.799 that is in you. 00:21:02.799 --> 00:21:04.519 And just in case 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:06.039 your mind goes to defense, 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:07.980 you think of being defensive. 00:21:09.180 --> 00:21:10.139 Peter says, 00:21:10.279 --> 00:21:10.500 Yet, 00:21:10.919 --> 00:21:12.180 do it with gentleness 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:14.180 and respect. 00:21:15.339 --> 00:21:16.859 No one's attacking you 00:21:16.859 --> 00:21:17.619 personally 00:21:17.619 --> 00:21:19.299 when they object 00:21:19.299 --> 00:21:19.899 to the Gospel. 00:21:20.379 --> 00:21:20.460 Right? 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:21.879 They're attacking the Gospel. 00:21:23.159 --> 00:21:24.079 Calm down. 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:25.980 Address their complaints. 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:27.980 You'll also note 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:29.319 that He reasoned with them 00:21:29.319 --> 00:21:30.859 from the Scriptures. 00:21:30.859 --> 00:21:32.899 He reasoned with them 00:21:32.899 --> 00:21:35.279 from the Scriptures. 00:21:35.979 --> 00:21:36.979 It is much better 00:21:36.979 --> 00:21:38.039 in those conversations 00:21:38.039 --> 00:21:39.119 rather than saying, 00:21:39.459 --> 00:21:40.019 I think 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:41.399 or I believe 00:21:41.399 --> 00:21:42.339 to say, 00:21:42.579 --> 00:21:43.740 the Bible says. 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:46.479 Appeal to God's authority. 00:21:47.139 --> 00:21:47.159 Right? 00:21:47.359 --> 00:21:48.399 Speak with authority 00:21:48.399 --> 00:21:49.539 as you speak 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:50.119 the Bible 00:21:50.119 --> 00:21:50.759 to people. 00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:51.759 It's God's Word. 00:21:52.059 --> 00:21:53.179 Let people have a problem 00:21:53.179 --> 00:21:55.059 with God's Word. 00:21:55.459 --> 00:21:56.240 I have been approached 00:21:56.240 --> 00:21:56.859 many times 00:21:57.379 --> 00:21:58.459 in the past eight years 00:21:58.459 --> 00:21:58.819 by people 00:21:58.819 --> 00:21:59.779 who do not like 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:01.119 what I say. 00:22:01.299 --> 00:22:02.220 This is their perspective. 00:22:02.839 --> 00:22:03.919 And I simply say to them, 00:22:04.200 --> 00:22:05.240 but did I say that 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:06.359 or did the Lord say it? 00:22:07.379 --> 00:22:08.339 And when they admit 00:22:08.339 --> 00:22:09.319 that it's in the Bible, 00:22:09.419 --> 00:22:09.619 I go, 00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:10.839 your problem is not with me. 00:22:11.579 --> 00:22:12.599 Your problem is with God. 00:22:13.919 --> 00:22:14.599 Repent and believe. 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:15.740 Right? 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:18.139 Paul employed the Bible. 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:18.599 Right? 00:22:18.619 --> 00:22:19.419 He employed the Bible. 00:22:19.480 --> 00:22:19.960 It's what we call 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:20.559 our Old Testament. 00:22:21.179 --> 00:22:22.259 And he clarified 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:23.159 their misconceptions 00:22:23.159 --> 00:22:24.619 about the Christ. 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:25.740 That's what's happening here 00:22:25.740 --> 00:22:26.539 as he's reasoning 00:22:26.539 --> 00:22:27.159 with them. 00:22:27.160 --> 00:22:28.940 The common understanding 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:29.460 of the day 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:30.279 was that the Messiah 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:31.000 would come 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:32.400 as a conquering 00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:33.540 political figure. 00:22:34.180 --> 00:22:35.300 That he would restore 00:22:35.300 --> 00:22:37.259 Israel to its former glory. 00:22:37.680 --> 00:22:37.700 Right? 00:22:37.920 --> 00:22:38.720 That the blessings 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:39.400 of the Messiah 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:40.720 were temporal blessings. 00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:41.460 That he was coming 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:41.960 to earth 00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:43.660 to set all things right. 00:22:43.860 --> 00:22:45.560 Pre-Babylonian captivity. 00:22:47.560 --> 00:22:48.660 The idea 00:22:48.660 --> 00:22:50.360 that it was necessary 00:22:50.360 --> 00:22:51.300 for the Christ 00:22:51.300 --> 00:22:52.060 to suffer 00:22:52.060 --> 00:22:52.900 and to rise 00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:53.680 from the dead 00:22:53.680 --> 00:22:54.680 would have been 00:22:54.680 --> 00:22:56.060 far removed 00:22:56.060 --> 00:22:57.180 from their thinking. 00:22:57.600 --> 00:22:58.240 Entirely 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:59.920 out of their framework. 00:23:01.539 --> 00:23:01.880 Now Luke 00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:02.660 does not share 00:23:02.660 --> 00:23:03.920 with us 00:23:03.920 --> 00:23:05.480 Paul's apologetic process. 00:23:06.680 --> 00:23:07.880 But he likely 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:09.960 spoke of the types 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:11.360 of the sacrificial system 00:23:11.360 --> 00:23:13.200 and referred to texts 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:14.500 like Psalm 22, 00:23:15.120 --> 00:23:15.940 Psalm 16, 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:17.960 and Isaiah 53 00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.860 to prove 00:23:18.860 --> 00:23:20.380 this Jesus 00:23:20.380 --> 00:23:21.440 whom I proclaim 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:22.100 to you 00:23:22.100 --> 00:23:22.700 is 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:24.360 the Christ. 00:23:24.500 --> 00:23:24.880 He put 00:23:24.880 --> 00:23:25.860 Jesus Christ 00:23:25.860 --> 00:23:26.820 in the proper 00:23:26.820 --> 00:23:28.220 context 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:29.059 and showed 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:30.039 that he had to. 00:23:30.059 --> 00:23:30.860 He had to suffer 00:23:30.860 --> 00:23:31.279 and die 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:32.360 and be raised 00:23:32.360 --> 00:23:33.720 again. 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:35.320 Paul said this 00:23:35.320 --> 00:23:35.799 of his time 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:36.600 in Thessalonica 00:23:36.600 --> 00:23:37.880 and of his 00:23:37.880 --> 00:23:38.799 current ministry 00:23:38.799 --> 00:23:40.039 in 1 Thessalonians 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:40.779 chapter 2 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:42.620 verses 3 and 4. 00:23:42.720 --> 00:23:43.080 And when I say 00:23:43.080 --> 00:23:43.539 current ministry 00:23:43.539 --> 00:23:44.080 I don't mean today. 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:44.420 I mean 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:45.620 when he wrote it 00:23:45.620 --> 00:23:46.680 to the Thessalonians. 00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:48.480 For our appeal 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:49.759 does not spring 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.620 from error 00:23:50.620 --> 00:23:51.599 or purity 00:23:51.599 --> 00:23:52.880 or impurity 00:23:52.880 --> 00:23:53.660 or any attempt 00:23:53.660 --> 00:23:54.240 to deceive. 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:55.740 But just as we 00:23:55.740 --> 00:23:56.380 have been approved 00:23:56.380 --> 00:23:56.960 by God 00:23:56.960 --> 00:23:57.700 to be entrusted 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:58.559 with the gospel 00:23:58.559 --> 00:24:00.220 so we speak 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:02.039 not to please man 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:03.500 but to please God 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.700 who tests 00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:05.819 our hearts. 00:24:06.819 --> 00:24:07.519 So what does this 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:08.279 mean for us? 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.620 What do we do 00:24:09.620 --> 00:24:09.900 with that? 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:10.880 I don't know 00:24:10.880 --> 00:24:11.339 about you 00:24:11.339 --> 00:24:12.279 but I don't often 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:13.460 encounter 00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:16.000 strict adherence 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:16.880 of Judaism. 00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:18.800 So if you 00:24:18.800 --> 00:24:19.480 encounter someone 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.300 who is aware 00:24:20.300 --> 00:24:20.980 of the law 00:24:20.980 --> 00:24:21.840 of God 00:24:21.840 --> 00:24:22.720 and their 00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:23.440 transgression 00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:23.960 of it 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:24.760 you can think 00:24:24.760 --> 00:24:25.840 of the Jews 00:24:25.840 --> 00:24:26.320 and the God 00:24:26.320 --> 00:24:27.060 fearing Gentiles 00:24:27.060 --> 00:24:28.360 in that framework 00:24:28.360 --> 00:24:28.820 right? 00:24:28.940 --> 00:24:29.480 They're aware 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:29.820 of the law 00:24:29.820 --> 00:24:30.160 of God 00:24:30.160 --> 00:24:30.600 and they're aware 00:24:30.600 --> 00:24:30.820 of their 00:24:30.820 --> 00:24:31.440 transgression 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:32.060 of it 00:24:32.060 --> 00:24:33.460 preach Jesus 00:24:33.460 --> 00:24:34.160 Christ to them 00:24:34.160 --> 00:24:35.140 speak to them 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:35.800 of the grace 00:24:35.800 --> 00:24:36.440 that's found 00:24:36.440 --> 00:24:37.840 in Christ. 00:24:38.780 --> 00:24:39.620 If you encounter 00:24:39.620 --> 00:24:40.200 someone who is 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:40.920 not aware 00:24:40.920 --> 00:24:41.360 of the law 00:24:41.360 --> 00:24:41.700 of God 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:42.640 they have no 00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:43.640 biblical framework 00:24:43.640 --> 00:24:44.080 at all 00:24:44.080 --> 00:24:44.980 and their 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:45.540 transgression 00:24:45.540 --> 00:24:45.920 of it 00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:46.500 they need 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:47.180 that first 00:24:47.180 --> 00:24:47.820 they need 00:24:47.820 --> 00:24:49.620 to feel 00:24:49.620 --> 00:24:50.420 the weight 00:24:50.420 --> 00:24:51.019 of their 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:51.740 sinfulness 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.140 they need 00:24:52.140 --> 00:24:52.700 to know 00:24:52.700 --> 00:24:53.060 that they 00:24:53.060 --> 00:24:54.460 need a 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:54.820 savior 00:24:54.820 --> 00:24:56.340 this is why 00:24:56.340 --> 00:24:57.080 we preach 00:24:57.080 --> 00:24:57.460 sin 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.420 in this church 00:24:58.420 --> 00:24:59.380 you need to 00:24:59.380 --> 00:24:59.720 know that 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:00.460 you need 00:25:00.460 --> 00:25:02.259 a deliverer 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:04.560 you find 00:25:04.560 --> 00:25:05.080 those people 00:25:05.080 --> 00:25:05.600 preach 00:25:05.600 --> 00:25:06.360 the law 00:25:06.360 --> 00:25:06.980 of God 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:08.300 and the 00:25:08.300 --> 00:25:08.700 grace 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:09.620 of God 00:25:09.620 --> 00:25:10.080 which is 00:25:10.080 --> 00:25:10.700 found in 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:11.220 Jesus 00:25:11.220 --> 00:25:12.660 as the 00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:13.039 Christ 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:14.420 and beloved 00:25:14.420 --> 00:25:14.720 you need 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:15.000 to know 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.180 your 00:25:15.180 --> 00:25:15.460 bible 00:25:15.460 --> 00:25:16.000 to do 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:16.240 so 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:19.279 the 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:19.519 old 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:19.839 testament 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:20.399 spoke 00:25:20.399 --> 00:25:21.399 of the 00:25:21.399 --> 00:25:21.779 promised 00:25:21.779 --> 00:25:22.359 Christ 00:25:22.359 --> 00:25:23.480 we have 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:24.019 in addition 00:25:24.019 --> 00:25:24.539 to that 00:25:24.539 --> 00:25:24.819 and the 00:25:24.819 --> 00:25:24.960 old 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:25.200 testament 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:25.500 is still 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:25.899 a very 00:25:25.899 --> 00:25:26.240 useful 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:26.559 tool 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:26.980 to this 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:27.240 end 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:27.980 but we 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:28.139 have 00:25:28.139 --> 00:25:28.599 in addition 00:25:28.599 --> 00:25:28.980 to that 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:29.159 the 00:25:29.159 --> 00:25:29.519 new 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:29.980 testament 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:30.240 the 00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:30.980 fulfillment 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:32.599 of that 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:33.039 promise 00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:33.359 use 00:25:33.359 --> 00:25:33.980 both 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:35.460 use it 00:25:35.460 --> 00:25:36.539 richly 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:37.000 and 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.599 well 00:25:37.599 --> 00:25:39.079 in 00:25:39.079 --> 00:25:39.359 preaching 00:25:39.359 --> 00:25:39.779 to you 00:25:39.779 --> 00:25:40.039 week 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:40.179 in 00:25:40.179 --> 00:25:40.279 and 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:40.459 week 00:25:40.459 --> 00:25:40.719 out 00:25:40.719 --> 00:25:40.899 it 00:25:40.899 --> 00:25:41.019 is 00:25:41.019 --> 00:25:41.199 my 00:25:41.199 --> 00:25:41.899 earnest 00:25:41.899 --> 00:25:42.579 hope 00:25:42.579 --> 00:25:43.299 that 00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:43.379 you 00:25:43.379 --> 00:25:43.480 are 00:25:43.480 --> 00:25:43.799 becoming 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:44.299 fluent 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:45.259 in 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:45.379 the 00:25:45.379 --> 00:25:45.719 gospel 00:25:45.719 --> 00:25:46.459 that 00:25:46.459 --> 00:25:46.539 you 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:46.659 are 00:25:46.659 --> 00:25:47.079 growing 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:47.279 in 00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:47.379 your 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:47.779 knowledge 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:47.959 of 00:25:47.959 --> 00:25:48.079 the 00:25:48.079 --> 00:25:48.419 bible 00:25:48.419 --> 00:25:49.199 that 00:25:49.199 --> 00:25:49.319 you 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:49.500 can 00:25:49.500 --> 00:25:50.000 speak 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:50.179 with 00:25:50.179 --> 00:25:50.619 greater 00:25:50.619 --> 00:25:51.279 clarity 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:51.939 concerning 00:25:51.939 --> 00:25:52.859 Jesus 00:25:52.859 --> 00:25:53.459 Christ 00:25:53.459 --> 00:25:54.439 this is 00:25:54.439 --> 00:25:55.159 sometimes 00:25:55.159 --> 00:25:55.579 not every 00:25:55.579 --> 00:25:55.779 time 00:25:55.779 --> 00:25:56.259 sometimes 00:25:56.259 --> 00:25:56.579 why 00:25:56.579 --> 00:25:56.740 I 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:57.099 walk 00:25:57.099 --> 00:25:57.259 you 00:25:57.259 --> 00:25:57.699 through 00:25:57.699 --> 00:25:59.379 hermeneutic 00:25:59.379 --> 00:25:59.759 principles 00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:00.099 how do 00:26:00.099 --> 00:26:00.199 I 00:26:00.199 --> 00:26:00.459 study 00:26:00.459 --> 00:26:00.619 the 00:26:00.619 --> 00:26:00.819 bible 00:26:00.819 --> 00:26:01.199 how do 00:26:01.199 --> 00:26:01.299 I 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:01.899 arrive 00:26:01.899 --> 00:26:02.259 at 00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:02.480 the 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:02.719 view 00:26:02.719 --> 00:26:02.939 that 00:26:02.939 --> 00:26:03.139 I 00:26:03.139 --> 00:26:03.599 hold 00:26:03.599 --> 00:26:03.719 I 00:26:03.719 --> 00:26:03.939 want 00:26:03.939 --> 00:26:03.939 00:26:03.939 --> 00:26:04.039 you 00:26:07.599 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00:27:18.900 just 00:27:18.900 --> 00:27:19.099 like 00:27:19.099 --> 00:27:19.279 other 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:19.519 days 00:27:19.519 --> 00:27:19.619 of 00:27:19.619 --> 00:27:19.720 the 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:20.039 week 00:27:20.039 --> 00:27:21.240 pray 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:22.339 bring 00:27:22.339 --> 00:27:22.500 a 00:27:22.500 --> 00:27:23.220 notepad 00:27:23.220 --> 00:27:23.879 put 00:27:23.879 --> 00:27:24.039 a 00:27:24.039 --> 00:27:24.299 pin 00:27:24.299 --> 00:27:24.440 in 00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:24.579 your 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.140 hand 00:27:25.140 --> 00:27:26.799 do 00:27:26.799 --> 00:27:27.039 not 00:27:27.039 --> 00:27:27.400 look 00:27:27.400 --> 00:27:27.900 in 00:27:27.900 --> 00:27:28.160 my 00:27:28.160 --> 00:27:28.519 preaching 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:28.740 for 00:27:28.740 --> 00:27:29.119 tweetable 00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:29.619 moments 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:31.619 the 00:27:31.619 --> 00:27:32.299 Southern 00:27:32.299 --> 00:27:32.579 Baptist 00:27:32.579 --> 00:27:32.960 leader 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.579 recently 00:27:33.579 --> 00:27:34.519 who 00:27:34.519 --> 00:27:35.559 tweeted 00:27:35.559 --> 00:27:36.460 an article 00:27:36.460 --> 00:27:38.599 suggesting 00:27:38.599 --> 00:27:38.980 that you 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:39.659 encourage 00:27:39.659 --> 00:27:39.859 your 00:27:39.859 --> 00:27:40.279 people 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:40.759 to 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:41.119 tweet 00:27:41.119 --> 00:27:41.599 parts 00:27:41.599 --> 00:27:41.699 of 00:27:41.699 --> 00:27:41.859 your 00:27:41.859 --> 00:27:42.279 sermons 00:27:42.279 --> 00:27:42.720 in 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:42.859 order 00:27:42.859 --> 00:27:43.059 to 00:27:43.059 --> 00:27:43.339 promote 00:27:43.339 --> 00:27:43.539 your 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:43.939 church 00:27:43.939 --> 00:27:45.399 do 00:27:45.399 --> 00:27:45.980 not 00:27:45.980 --> 00:27:46.579 do 00:27:46.579 --> 00:27:46.879 that 00:27:46.879 --> 00:27:48.879 invite 00:27:48.879 --> 00:27:49.399 your 00:27:49.399 --> 00:27:49.839 friends 00:27:49.839 --> 00:27:49.980 and 00:27:49.980 --> 00:27:50.139 your 00:27:50.139 --> 00:27:50.659 family 00:27:50.659 --> 00:27:51.960 saved 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:52.139 and 00:27:52.139 --> 00:27:52.460 lost 00:27:52.460 --> 00:27:52.659 to 00:27:52.659 --> 00:27:52.939 come 00:27:52.939 --> 00:27:53.139 and 00:27:53.139 --> 00:27:53.519 hear 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:54.059 preaching 00:27:54.059 --> 00:27:55.099 we 00:27:55.099 --> 00:27:55.639 record 00:27:55.639 --> 00:27:56.139 sermons 00:27:56.139 --> 00:27:56.299 if 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:56.399 you 00:27:56.399 --> 00:27:56.699 miss 00:27:56.699 --> 00:27:56.859 a 00:27:56.859 --> 00:27:57.079 week 00:27:57.079 --> 00:27:57.220 and 00:27:57.220 --> 00:27:57.319 you 00:27:57.319 --> 00:27:57.480 want 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:57.539 to 00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:57.639 go 00:27:57.639 --> 00:27:57.919 back 00:27:57.919 --> 00:27:58.039 and 00:27:58.039 --> 00:27:58.159 try 00:27:58.159 --> 00:27:58.259 to 00:27:58.259 --> 00:27:58.559 catch 00:27:58.559 --> 00:27:58.740 up 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:58.879 and 00:27:58.879 --> 00:27:59.079 stay 00:27:59.079 --> 00:27:59.240 where 00:27:59.240 --> 00:27:59.419 we 00:27:59.419 --> 00:27:59.720 are 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:00.299 in 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:00.679 the 00:28:00.679 --> 00:28:01.039 text 00:28:01.039 --> 00:28:01.539 don't 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:01.740 look 00:28:01.740 --> 00:28:01.939 for 00:28:01.939 --> 00:28:02.379 little 00:28:02.379 --> 00:28:03.379 snippets 00:28:03.380 --> 00:28:03.880 in 00:28:03.880 --> 00:28:04.160 the 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:04.500 things 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:04.680 that 00:28:04.680 --> 00:28:04.860 I'm 00:28:04.860 --> 00:28:05.100 saying 00:28:05.100 --> 00:28:05.220 or 00:28:05.220 --> 00:28:05.520 anybody 00:28:05.520 --> 00:28:06.300 here 00:28:06.300 --> 00:28:06.820 preaches 00:28:06.820 --> 00:28:07.420 right 00:28:07.420 --> 00:28:08.280 listen 00:28:08.280 --> 00:28:08.960 actively 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:09.600 right 00:28:09.600 --> 00:28:10.220 catch 00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:10.460 the 00:28:10.460 --> 00:28:11.000 thrust 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:11.260 of 00:28:11.260 --> 00:28:11.560 where 00:28:11.560 --> 00:28:12.160 we're 00:28:12.160 --> 00:28:12.520 going 00:28:12.520 --> 00:28:13.100 one 00:28:13.100 --> 00:28:13.400 of my 00:28:13.400 --> 00:28:14.060 greatest 00:28:14.060 --> 00:28:15.800 frustrations 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.119 as 00:28:16.119 --> 00:28:16.619 pastor 00:28:16.619 --> 00:28:17.399 is 00:28:17.399 --> 00:28:17.519 the 00:28:17.519 --> 00:28:17.819 person 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:17.980 who 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:18.240 comes 00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:18.399 to 00:28:18.399 --> 00:28:18.539 me 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:18.659 and 00:28:18.659 --> 00:28:19.079 complains 00:28:19.079 --> 00:28:19.279 about 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:19.639 something 00:28:19.639 --> 00:28:19.819 I 00:28:19.819 --> 00:28:20.200 said 00:28:20.200 --> 00:28:20.399 and 00:28:20.399 --> 00:28:20.859 entirely 00:28:20.859 --> 00:28:21.200 misses 00:28:21.200 --> 00:28:21.419 the 00:28:21.419 --> 00:28:21.940 context 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:22.159 in 00:28:22.159 --> 00:28:22.319 which 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:22.519 I 00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:23.159 said 00:28:23.159 --> 00:28:23.419 it 00:28:23.419 --> 00:28:23.799 will 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:23.960 say 00:28:23.960 --> 00:28:24.299 I 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:24.440 don't 00:28:24.440 --> 00:28:24.599 think 00:28:24.599 --> 00:28:24.680 it 00:28:24.680 --> 00:28:24.799 was 00:28:24.799 --> 00:28:25.000 right 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:25.139 for 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:25.240 you 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:25.379 to 00:28:25.379 --> 00:28:25.559 say 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:25.819 that 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:25.960 and 00:28:25.960 --> 00:28:26.159 I'll 00:28:26.159 --> 00:28:26.680 go 00:28:26.680 --> 00:28:26.960 well 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:27.079 I 00:28:27.079 --> 00:28:27.259 said 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:27.519 right 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:27.799 after 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:28.139 that 00:28:28.139 --> 00:28:28.960 the 00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:29.279 statement 00:28:29.279 --> 00:28:29.419 that 00:28:29.419 --> 00:28:29.779 completely 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:30.259 clarified 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:30.519 the 00:28:30.519 --> 00:28:30.680 thing 00:28:30.680 --> 00:28:30.799 that 00:28:30.799 --> 00:28:30.919 they 00:28:30.919 --> 00:28:31.240 got 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:31.899 hung 00:28:31.899 --> 00:28:32.079 up 00:28:32.079 --> 00:28:32.339 on 00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:32.659 so 00:28:32.659 --> 00:28:33.839 listen 00:28:33.839 --> 00:28:34.799 pay 00:28:34.799 --> 00:28:35.279 attention 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:35.579 to 00:28:35.579 --> 00:28:35.960 what's 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:36.759 going 00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:37.180 on 00:28:37.180 --> 00:28:38.139 I 00:28:38.139 --> 00:28:38.339 have 00:28:38.339 --> 00:28:38.579 found 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:38.740 that 00:28:38.740 --> 00:28:38.940 I 00:28:38.940 --> 00:28:39.299 find 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:39.460 the 00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:39.759 most 00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:40.359 valuable 00:28:40.359 --> 00:28:40.680 form 00:28:40.680 --> 00:28:40.799 of 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:41.019 rhetoric 00:28:41.019 --> 00:28:41.259 for 00:28:41.259 --> 00:28:41.500 me 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:41.759 is 00:28:41.759 --> 00:28:41.839 I 00:28:41.839 --> 00:28:41.980 like 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:42.059 to 00:28:42.059 --> 00:28:42.200 make 00:28:42.200 --> 00:28:42.460 big 00:28:42.460 --> 00:28:42.759 bold 00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:43.220 statements 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:43.440 that 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:43.599 make 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:43.720 you 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:43.900 go 00:28:43.900 --> 00:28:44.480 what 00:28:44.480 --> 00:28:45.000 and 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:45.120 then 00:28:45.120 --> 00:28:45.380 explain 00:28:45.380 --> 00:28:45.599 it 00:28:45.599 --> 00:28:46.559 I 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:46.740 like 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:46.880 to 00:28:46.880 --> 00:28:47.339 lay 00:28:47.339 --> 00:28:47.539 out 00:28:47.539 --> 00:28:47.960 premises 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:48.900 for 00:28:48.900 --> 00:28:49.079 you 00:28:49.079 --> 00:28:49.240 and 00:28:49.240 --> 00:28:49.480 then 00:28:49.480 --> 00:28:50.539 explain 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:50.660 it 00:28:50.660 --> 00:28:50.819 I 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:51.019 think 00:28:51.019 --> 00:28:51.299 some 00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:51.460 of 00:28:51.460 --> 00:28:51.680 you 00:28:51.680 --> 00:28:52.120 want 00:28:52.120 --> 00:28:52.240 it 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:52.380 the 00:28:52.380 --> 00:28:52.539 other 00:28:52.539 --> 00:28:52.720 way 00:28:52.720 --> 00:28:53.099 around 00:28:53.099 --> 00:28:53.259 where 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:53.339 I 00:28:53.339 --> 00:28:53.559 like 00:28:53.559 --> 00:28:54.240 gently 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:54.559 and 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:54.980 slowly 00:28:54.980 --> 00:28:55.579 back 00:28:55.579 --> 00:28:55.900 into 00:28:55.900 --> 00:28:56.099 an 00:28:56.099 --> 00:28:56.500 idea 00:28:56.500 --> 00:28:57.799 and 00:28:57.799 --> 00:28:58.000 then 00:28:58.000 --> 00:28:58.620 drop 00:28:58.620 --> 00:28:58.740 it 00:28:58.740 --> 00:28:58.859 at 00:28:58.859 --> 00:28:58.980 the 00:28:58.980 --> 00:28:59.279 end 00:28:59.279 --> 00:28:59.759 and 00:28:59.759 --> 00:28:59.980 maybe 00:28:59.980 --> 00:29:00.120 I 00:29:00.120 --> 00:29:00.259 should 00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:00.519 try 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:00.839 that 00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:01.140 from 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.359 what 00:29:09.359 --> 00:29:09.500 I 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:09.620 mean 00:29:09.620 --> 00:29:09.859 don't 00:29:09.859 --> 00:29:10.019 look 00:29:10.019 --> 00:29:10.180 for 00:29:10.180 --> 00:29:10.420 the 00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:11.460 tweetable 00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:11.839 moments 00:29:11.839 --> 00:29:12.039 be 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:12.200 an 00:29:12.200 --> 00:29:12.539 active 00:29:12.539 --> 00:29:12.940 listener 00:29:12.940 --> 00:29:13.400 take 00:29:13.400 --> 00:29:14.240 notes 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:15.319 if 00:29:15.319 --> 00:29:15.460 you 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:15.579 were 00:29:15.579 --> 00:29:15.779 coming 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:16.140 here 00:29:16.140 --> 00:29:16.640 on 00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:17.140 Sunday 00:29:17.140 --> 00:29:17.559 morning 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:18.319 it 00:29:18.319 --> 00:29:18.420 is 00:29:18.420 --> 00:29:18.579 a 00:29:18.579 --> 00:29:19.180 very 00:29:19.180 --> 00:29:19.539 rare 00:29:19.539 --> 00:29:19.920 Sunday 00:29:19.920 --> 00:29:21.019 that 00:29:21.019 --> 00:29:21.339 we 00:29:21.339 --> 00:29:21.559 don't 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:21.960 preach 00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:22.220 the 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:22.799 full 00:29:22.799 --> 00:29:23.160 gospel 00:29:23.160 --> 00:29:23.339 of 00:29:23.339 --> 00:29:23.519 Jesus 00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:23.980 Christ 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.799 within 00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:25.359 the 00:29:25.359 --> 00:29:25.680 sermon 00:29:25.680 --> 00:29:26.440 and 00:29:26.440 --> 00:29:26.559 I 00:29:26.559 --> 00:29:26.859 try 00:29:26.859 --> 00:29:26.980 to 00:29:26.980 --> 00:29:27.059 do 00:29:27.059 --> 00:29:27.220 these 00:29:27.220 --> 00:29:27.500 quick 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:27.940 summaries 00:29:27.940 --> 00:29:28.140 for 00:29:28.140 --> 00:29:28.319 you 00:29:28.319 --> 00:29:28.500 that 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:28.599 you 00:29:28.599 --> 00:29:28.740 can 00:29:28.740 --> 00:29:28.940 pick 00:29:28.940 --> 00:29:29.120 up 00:29:29.120 --> 00:29:29.259 and 00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:29.359 you 00:29:29.359 --> 00:29:29.500 can 00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:29.839 take 00:29:29.839 --> 00:29:30.059 and 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:30.539 use 00:29:30.539 --> 00:29:31.240 as 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.420 well 00:29:31.420 --> 00:29:31.559 so 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:31.680 pay 00:29:31.680 --> 00:29:32.000 attention 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:32.400 to 00:29:32.400 --> 00:29:32.720 that 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:32.980 kind 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:33.140 of 00:29:33.140 --> 00:29:33.820 thing 00:29:33.820 --> 00:29:34.220 happening 00:29:34.220 --> 00:29:35.900 further 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:36.960 the 00:29:36.960 --> 00:29:37.320 gathering 00:29:37.320 --> 00:29:37.600 of the 00:29:37.600 --> 00:29:37.980 church 00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:38.280 right 00:29:38.280 --> 00:29:38.400 what 00:29:38.400 --> 00:29:38.560 we're 00:29:38.560 --> 00:29:38.780 doing 00:29:38.780 --> 00:29:39.080 here 00:29:39.080 --> 00:29:39.240 on 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:39.460 Sunday 00:29:39.460 --> 00:29:39.759 mornings 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.380 is 00:29:40.380 --> 00:29:41.380 primarily 00:29:41.380 --> 00:29:41.860 for 00:29:41.860 --> 00:29:41.980 the 00:29:41.980 --> 00:29:42.280 believer 00:29:42.280 --> 00:29:43.440 that 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:43.560 is 00:29:43.560 --> 00:29:43.759 not 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:43.920 to 00:29:43.920 --> 00:29:44.200 say 00:29:44.200 --> 00:29:44.540 that 00:29:44.540 --> 00:29:44.860 a 00:29:44.860 --> 00:29:45.140 lost 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:45.440 person 00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:45.700 cannot 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.020 come 00:29:46.020 --> 00:29:46.180 here 00:29:46.180 --> 00:29:46.300 we 00:29:46.300 --> 00:29:46.420 are 00:29:46.420 --> 00:29:46.820 glad 00:29:46.820 --> 00:29:46.960 to 00:29:46.960 --> 00:29:47.180 have 00:29:47.180 --> 00:29:47.720 unsaved 00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:47.940 people 00:29:47.940 --> 00:29:48.240 here 00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:48.840 to hear 00:29:48.840 --> 00:29:48.960 the 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:49.240 gospel 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:49.400 of 00:29:49.400 --> 00:29:49.580 Jesus 00:29:49.580 --> 00:29:50.020 Christ 00:29:50.020 --> 00:29:50.460 but 00:29:50.460 --> 00:29:50.560 it 00:29:50.560 --> 00:29:50.700 is 00:29:50.700 --> 00:29:50.940 not 00:29:50.940 --> 00:29:51.600 primarily 00:29:51.600 --> 00:29:52.140 for 00:29:52.140 --> 00:29:52.300 that 00:29:52.300 --> 00:29:52.520 lost 00:29:52.520 --> 00:29:52.740 person 00:29:52.740 --> 00:29:52.920 it's 00:29:52.920 --> 00:29:53.380 primarily 00:29:53.380 --> 00:29:53.600 for 00:29:53.600 --> 00:29:53.720 the 00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:54.160 believer 00:29:54.160 --> 00:29:54.640 to 00:29:54.640 --> 00:29:54.759 be 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:55.040 equipped 00:29:55.040 --> 00:29:55.200 for 00:29:55.200 --> 00:29:55.360 every 00:29:55.360 --> 00:29:55.540 good 00:29:55.540 --> 00:29:55.820 work 00:29:55.820 --> 00:29:56.420 to 00:29:56.420 --> 00:29:56.520 be 00:29:56.520 --> 00:29:56.740 equipped 00:29:56.740 --> 00:29:56.920 for 00:29:56.920 --> 00:29:57.120 every 00:29:57.119 --> 00:29:57.699 good 00:29:57.699 --> 00:29:58.299 work 00:29:58.299 --> 00:29:58.959 so 00:29:58.959 --> 00:29:59.059 the 00:29:59.059 --> 00:29:59.399 gathering 00:29:59.399 --> 00:29:59.599 of 00:29:59.599 --> 00:29:59.679 the 00:29:59.679 --> 00:29:59.959 church 00:29:59.959 --> 00:30:00.219 is 00:30:00.219 --> 00:30:00.319 for 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:00.419 the 00:30:00.419 --> 00:30:00.659 believer 00:30:00.659 --> 00:30:01.099 the 00:30:01.099 --> 00:30:01.799 going 00:30:01.799 --> 00:30:02.099 of 00:30:02.099 --> 00:30:02.199 the 00:30:02.199 --> 00:30:02.579 church 00:30:02.579 --> 00:30:03.559 is 00:30:03.559 --> 00:30:03.659 for 00:30:03.659 --> 00:30:03.759 the 00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:04.219 unbeliever 00:30:04.219 --> 00:30:05.000 we 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:05.239 take 00:30:05.239 --> 00:30:05.339 what 00:30:05.339 --> 00:30:05.439 we 00:30:05.439 --> 00:30:05.699 learn 00:30:05.699 --> 00:30:05.959 here 00:30:05.959 --> 00:30:06.099 and 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:06.299 we're 00:30:06.299 --> 00:30:06.659 enriched 00:30:06.659 --> 00:30:06.879 by 00:30:06.879 --> 00:30:07.219 here 00:30:07.219 --> 00:30:07.699 we 00:30:07.699 --> 00:30:07.819 are 00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:08.539 minded 00:30:08.539 --> 00:30:08.759 to 00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:08.959 fight 00:30:08.959 --> 00:30:09.239 together 00:30:09.239 --> 00:30:09.659 we sing 00:30:09.659 --> 00:30:10.159 gospel 00:30:10.159 --> 00:30:10.579 songs 00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:10.699 and 00:30:10.699 --> 00:30:10.779 we 00:30:10.779 --> 00:30:10.939 go 00:30:10.939 --> 00:30:11.139 out 00:30:11.139 --> 00:30:11.199 of 00:30:11.199 --> 00:30:11.359 this 00:30:11.359 --> 00:30:11.799 place 00:30:11.799 --> 00:30:12.739 to 00:30:12.739 --> 00:30:13.000 take 00:30:13.000 --> 00:30:13.099 it 00:30:13.099 --> 00:30:13.259 by 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:13.659 storm 00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:13.799 and 00:30:13.799 --> 00:30:13.919 to 00:30:13.919 --> 00:30:14.159 turn 00:30:14.159 --> 00:30:14.339 it 00:30:14.339 --> 00:30:15.219 upside 00:30:15.219 --> 00:30:15.679 down 00:30:15.679 --> 00:30:16.979 so 00:30:16.979 --> 00:30:17.299 gospel 00:30:17.299 --> 00:30:17.939 clarity 00:30:17.939 --> 00:30:19.619 thirdly 00:30:19.619 --> 00:30:21.579 gospel 00:30:21.579 --> 00:30:22.099 conversion 00:30:22.099 --> 00:30:23.799 in 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:24.179 verse 4 00:30:24.179 --> 00:30:24.559 we see 00:30:24.559 --> 00:30:24.839 that 00:30:24.839 --> 00:30:25.819 some 00:30:25.819 --> 00:30:26.000 of 00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:26.319 them 00:30:26.319 --> 00:30:26.559 this 00:30:26.559 --> 00:30:26.680 is 00:30:26.680 --> 00:30:27.000 referring 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.259 to 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:27.400 the 00:30:27.400 --> 00:30:27.759 Jews 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:28.759 were 00:30:28.759 --> 00:30:29.339 persuaded 00:30:29.339 --> 00:30:29.619 and 00:30:29.619 --> 00:30:29.900 joined 00:30:29.900 --> 00:30:30.140 Paul 00:30:30.140 --> 00:30:30.279 and 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:30.599 Silas 00:30:30.599 --> 00:30:30.819 as 00:30:30.819 --> 00:30:30.980 did 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:31.140 a 00:30:31.140 --> 00:30:31.460 great 00:30:31.460 --> 00:30:31.799 many 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.740 of 00:30:32.740 --> 00:30:32.920 the 00:30:32.920 --> 00:30:33.500 devout 00:30:33.500 --> 00:30:33.660 that 00:30:33.660 --> 00:30:33.759 be 00:30:33.759 --> 00:30:33.880 that 00:30:33.880 --> 00:30:34.039 kind 00:30:34.039 --> 00:30:34.140 of 00:30:34.140 --> 00:30:34.440 God 00:30:34.440 --> 00:30:34.880 fearing 00:30:34.880 --> 00:30:35.599 Greek 00:30:35.599 --> 00:30:36.220 Gentile 00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:36.440 and 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:36.720 not 00:30:36.720 --> 00:30:36.880 a 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:37.119 few 00:30:37.119 --> 00:30:38.099 of 00:30:38.099 --> 00:30:38.220 the 00:30:38.220 --> 00:30:38.559 leading 00:30:38.559 --> 00:30:39.480 women 00:30:39.480 --> 00:30:40.980 where 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:41.140 the 00:30:41.140 --> 00:30:41.480 gospel 00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:41.700 is 00:30:41.700 --> 00:30:42.140 preached 00:30:42.140 --> 00:30:42.400 with 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:43.019 courage 00:30:43.019 --> 00:30:44.140 and 00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:44.319 with 00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:44.819 clarity 00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:46.380 and 00:30:46.380 --> 00:30:47.660 blessed 00:30:47.660 --> 00:30:48.019 by the 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.339 working 00:30:48.339 --> 00:30:48.819 of the 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:48.980 Holy 00:30:48.980 --> 00:30:49.380 Spirit 00:30:49.380 --> 00:30:50.619 it 00:30:50.619 --> 00:30:50.799 will 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:51.220 yield 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:52.359 conversion 00:30:52.359 --> 00:30:53.839 the 00:30:53.839 --> 00:30:54.200 spiritually 00:30:54.200 --> 00:30:54.960 dead 00:30:54.960 --> 00:30:55.339 are 00:30:55.339 --> 00:30:55.680 made 00:30:55.680 --> 00:30:56.340 spiritually 00:30:56.340 --> 00:30:57.460 alive 00:30:57.460 --> 00:30:59.140 the 00:30:59.140 --> 00:30:59.380 Puritan 00:30:59.380 --> 00:30:59.779 pastor 00:30:59.779 --> 00:31:00.539 Thomas 00:31:00.539 --> 00:31:01.140 Watson 00:31:01.140 --> 00:31:02.140 wrote 00:31:02.140 --> 00:31:02.360 this 00:31:02.360 --> 00:31:02.519 and 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:02.680 this 00:31:02.680 --> 00:31:02.820 is 00:31:02.820 --> 00:31:03.200 driving 00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:03.519 this 00:31:03.519 --> 00:31:04.160 kind 00:31:04.160 --> 00:31:04.240 of 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:04.500 added 00:31:04.500 --> 00:31:04.940 idea 00:31:04.940 --> 00:31:05.460 of 00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:06.460 blessed 00:31:06.460 --> 00:31:06.799 by the 00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:07.100 working 00:31:07.100 --> 00:31:07.560 of the 00:31:07.560 --> 00:31:07.720 Holy 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:08.000 Spirit 00:31:08.000 --> 00:31:08.160 we're 00:31:08.160 --> 00:31:08.259 not 00:31:08.259 --> 00:31:08.380 being 00:31:08.380 --> 00:31:08.779 pragmatic 00:31:08.779 --> 00:31:09.340 right 00:31:09.340 --> 00:31:10.640 be 00:31:10.640 --> 00:31:11.019 bold 00:31:11.019 --> 00:31:11.240 and 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:11.640 speak 00:31:11.640 --> 00:31:11.799 with 00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:12.080 clarity 00:31:12.080 --> 00:31:12.380 and 00:31:12.380 --> 00:31:12.920 people 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:13.060 will 00:31:13.060 --> 00:31:13.160 come 00:31:13.160 --> 00:31:13.279 to 00:31:13.279 --> 00:31:13.560 Christ 00:31:13.560 --> 00:31:13.799 but 00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:14.180 and 00:31:14.180 --> 00:31:14.420 also 00:31:14.420 --> 00:31:14.759 blessed 00:31:14.759 --> 00:31:15.000 by the 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:15.220 working 00:31:15.220 --> 00:31:15.400 of the 00:31:15.400 --> 00:31:15.539 Holy 00:31:15.539 --> 00:31:15.799 Spirit 00:31:15.799 --> 00:31:16.400 he 00:31:16.400 --> 00:31:16.539 wrote 00:31:16.539 --> 00:31:16.799 this 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:18.240 the 00:31:18.240 --> 00:31:18.700 word 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.220 is 00:31:19.220 --> 00:31:19.399 the 00:31:19.399 --> 00:31:19.980 instrumental 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:20.680 cause 00:31:20.680 --> 00:31:20.879 of 00:31:20.879 --> 00:31:21.180 our 00:31:21.180 --> 00:31:21.879 conversion 00:31:21.879 --> 00:31:23.000 the 00:31:23.000 --> 00:31:23.559 spirit 00:31:23.559 --> 00:31:24.279 is 00:31:24.279 --> 00:31:24.539 the 00:31:24.539 --> 00:31:25.460 officiant 00:31:25.460 --> 00:31:26.819 the 00:31:26.819 --> 00:31:27.220 ministers 00:31:27.220 --> 00:31:27.480 of 00:31:27.480 --> 00:31:27.779 God 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:27.940 are 00:31:27.940 --> 00:31:28.559 only 00:31:28.559 --> 00:31:29.259 the 00:31:29.259 --> 00:31:29.819 pipes 00:31:29.819 --> 00:31:30.680 and 00:31:30.680 --> 00:31:31.139 organs 00:31:31.139 --> 00:31:32.099 it 00:31:32.099 --> 00:31:32.220 is 00:31:32.220 --> 00:31:32.399 the 00:31:32.399 --> 00:31:32.819 spirit 00:31:32.819 --> 00:31:33.259 blowing 00:31:33.259 --> 00:31:33.599 in 00:31:33.599 --> 00:31:33.799 them 00:31:33.799 --> 00:31:33.940 that 00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:34.500 effectually 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.079 changes 00:31:35.079 --> 00:31:35.579 the 00:31:35.579 --> 00:31:35.899 heart 00:31:35.899 --> 00:31:37.099 it 00:31:37.099 --> 00:31:37.220 is 00:31:37.220 --> 00:31:37.440 not 00:31:37.440 --> 00:31:37.639 the 00:31:37.639 --> 00:31:38.279 farmer's 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:38.960 industry 00:31:38.960 --> 00:31:39.339 in 00:31:39.339 --> 00:31:39.899 plowing 00:31:39.899 --> 00:31:40.220 and 00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:40.619 sowing 00:31:40.619 --> 00:31:40.980 that 00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:41.119 will 00:31:41.119 --> 00:31:41.359 make 00:31:41.359 --> 00:31:41.519 the 00:31:41.519 --> 00:31:41.799 ground 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:42.259 fruitful 00:31:42.259 --> 00:31:43.220 without 00:31:43.220 --> 00:31:43.639 the 00:31:43.639 --> 00:31:44.200 early 00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:44.919 and 00:31:44.919 --> 00:31:45.339 latter 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:45.839 rain 00:31:45.839 --> 00:31:48.379 so it 00:31:48.379 --> 00:31:48.500 is 00:31:48.500 --> 00:31:48.720 not 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:48.939 the 00:31:48.939 --> 00:31:49.199 seed 00:31:49.199 --> 00:31:49.319 of 00:31:49.319 --> 00:31:49.439 the 00:31:49.439 --> 00:31:49.679 word 00:31:49.679 --> 00:31:49.859 that 00:31:49.859 --> 00:31:50.019 will 00:31:50.019 --> 00:31:50.639 effectually 00:31:50.639 --> 00:31:51.179 convert 00:31:51.179 --> 00:31:51.659 unless 00:31:51.659 --> 00:31:51.939 the 00:31:51.939 --> 00:31:52.339 spirit 00:31:52.339 --> 00:31:52.740 puts 00:31:52.740 --> 00:31:53.259 forth 00:31:53.259 --> 00:31:53.819 his 00:31:53.819 --> 00:31:54.240 sweet 00:31:54.240 --> 00:31:54.959 influence 00:31:54.959 --> 00:31:55.599 and 00:31:55.599 --> 00:31:56.039 drops 00:31:56.039 --> 00:31:56.299 as 00:31:56.299 --> 00:31:56.799 rain 00:31:56.799 --> 00:31:57.299 upon 00:31:57.299 --> 00:31:57.500 the 00:31:57.500 --> 00:31:57.839 heart 00:31:57.839 --> 00:31:59.539 therefore 00:31:59.539 --> 00:32:00.539 the 00:32:00.539 --> 00:32:01.000 aid 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:01.159 of 00:32:01.159 --> 00:32:01.619 God's 00:32:01.619 --> 00:32:01.899 spirit 00:32:01.899 --> 00:32:02.179 is 00:32:02.179 --> 00:32:02.319 to 00:32:02.319 --> 00:32:02.559 be 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:03.459 implored 00:32:03.459 --> 00:32:04.399 prayed 00:32:04.399 --> 00:32:04.859 for 00:32:04.859 --> 00:32:05.839 plead 00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:06.059 with 00:32:06.059 --> 00:32:06.319 God 00:32:06.319 --> 00:32:06.459 that 00:32:06.459 --> 00:32:06.519 he 00:32:06.519 --> 00:32:06.639 would 00:32:06.639 --> 00:32:07.039 work 00:32:07.039 --> 00:32:07.240 in 00:32:07.240 --> 00:32:07.399 our 00:32:07.399 --> 00:32:07.839 gospel 00:32:07.839 --> 00:32:08.319 proclamation 00:32:08.319 --> 00:32:09.119 that 00:32:09.119 --> 00:32:09.199 he 00:32:09.199 --> 00:32:09.319 would 00:32:09.319 --> 00:32:09.519 put 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:09.899 forth 00:32:09.899 --> 00:32:10.079 his 00:32:10.079 --> 00:32:10.559 powerful 00:32:10.559 --> 00:32:11.039 voice 00:32:11.039 --> 00:32:11.539 and 00:32:11.539 --> 00:32:11.939 awaken 00:32:11.939 --> 00:32:12.179 us 00:32:12.179 --> 00:32:12.399 out 00:32:12.399 --> 00:32:12.519 of 00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:12.659 the 00:32:12.659 --> 00:32:13.119 grave 00:32:13.119 --> 00:32:13.659 of 00:32:13.659 --> 00:32:14.259 unbelief 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:15.240 if 00:32:15.240 --> 00:32:15.399 a 00:32:15.399 --> 00:32:15.720 man 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:16.180 knocked 00:32:16.180 --> 00:32:16.460 at 00:32:16.460 --> 00:32:16.640 a 00:32:16.640 --> 00:32:16.860 gate 00:32:16.860 --> 00:32:17.079 of 00:32:17.079 --> 00:32:17.519 brass 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:17.779 it 00:32:17.779 --> 00:32:18.039 will 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:18.299 not 00:32:18.299 --> 00:32:18.720 open 00:32:18.720 --> 00:32:19.600 but 00:32:19.600 --> 00:32:19.720 if 00:32:19.720 --> 00:32:19.860 he 00:32:19.860 --> 00:32:20.220 comes 00:32:20.220 --> 00:32:20.360 with 00:32:20.360 --> 00:32:20.500 a 00:32:20.500 --> 00:32:20.720 key 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:20.880 in 00:32:20.880 --> 00:32:21.039 his 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:21.460 hand 00:32:21.460 --> 00:32:21.700 it 00:32:21.700 --> 00:32:22.120 will 00:32:22.120 --> 00:32:23.120 open 00:32:23.120 --> 00:32:24.079 so 00:32:24.079 --> 00:32:24.360 when 00:32:24.360 --> 00:32:24.759 God 00:32:24.759 --> 00:32:24.940 who 00:32:24.940 --> 00:32:25.339 has 00:32:25.339 --> 00:32:25.539 the 00:32:25.539 --> 00:32:25.839 key 00:32:25.839 --> 00:32:26.620 comes 00:32:26.620 --> 00:32:27.339 he 00:32:27.339 --> 00:32:27.720 opens 00:32:27.720 --> 00:32:27.940 the 00:32:27.940 --> 00:32:28.339 heart 00:32:28.339 --> 00:32:28.900 though 00:32:28.900 --> 00:32:29.019 it 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:29.140 be 00:32:29.140 --> 00:32:29.420 ever 00:32:29.420 --> 00:32:29.720 so 00:32:29.720 --> 00:32:30.299 fast 00:32:30.299 --> 00:32:30.860 locked 00:32:30.860 --> 00:32:31.940 against 00:32:31.940 --> 00:32:32.259 him 00:32:32.259 --> 00:32:32.700 a 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:32.700 00:33:02.259 --> 00:33:08.660 I'm neither encouraged or discouraged 00:33:08.660 --> 00:33:10.140 by the lack of turning pages. 00:33:12.220 --> 00:33:14.720 First of all, this is chapter 1, verses 2-10. 00:33:15.559 --> 00:33:16.940 Paul's writing to the Thessalonians. 00:33:16.940 --> 00:33:20.660 We give thanks to God always for all of you, 00:33:21.599 --> 00:33:23.279 constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 00:33:23.460 --> 00:33:25.480 remembering before our God and Father 00:33:25.480 --> 00:33:28.420 your work of faith and labor of love 00:33:28.420 --> 00:33:32.259 and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:35.519 For we know, brothers, loved by God, 00:33:36.000 --> 00:33:39.000 that He has chosen you because our gospel came to you 00:33:39.000 --> 00:33:42.019 not only in word, but also in power 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:45.279 and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. 00:33:46.440 --> 00:33:48.460 You know what kind of men we prove to be among you 00:33:48.460 --> 00:33:49.380 for your sake. 00:33:49.960 --> 00:33:53.120 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord. 00:33:53.539 --> 00:33:56.720 For you received the word in much affliction 00:33:56.720 --> 00:33:58.700 with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 00:33:59.240 --> 00:34:01.779 so that you became an example to all the believers 00:34:01.779 --> 00:34:04.039 in Macedonia and in Achaia, 00:34:04.100 --> 00:34:06.220 which is region south of Macedonia. 00:34:06.900 --> 00:34:08.300 For not only has the word of the Lord 00:34:08.300 --> 00:34:10.820 sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, 00:34:10.820 --> 00:34:14.079 but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, 00:34:14.699 --> 00:34:16.300 likely known world, 00:34:16.500 --> 00:34:19.320 so that we need not say anything. 00:34:19.960 --> 00:34:23.300 For they themselves, believers in the world, 00:34:23.300 --> 00:34:26.620 report concerning us the kind of reception 00:34:26.620 --> 00:34:27.600 we had among you 00:34:27.600 --> 00:34:29.940 and how you turned to God from idols 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:32.160 to serve the living and true God 00:34:32.160 --> 00:34:33.820 and to wait for His Son from heaven 00:34:33.820 --> 00:34:34.840 whom He raised from the dead, 00:34:34.980 --> 00:34:38.300 Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 00:34:38.880 --> 00:34:40.780 And so you see the Thessalonian believers, right, 00:34:40.820 --> 00:34:42.080 in the midst of great conflict. 00:34:42.180 --> 00:34:44.600 And we get some hint of that with Jason 00:34:44.600 --> 00:34:46.780 who was hosting this missionary band 00:34:46.780 --> 00:34:47.920 being put on trial. 00:34:48.000 --> 00:34:50.700 We don't know where the missionary band has gone to. 00:34:50.699 --> 00:34:51.619 They couldn't be found. 00:34:52.059 --> 00:34:53.679 Where exactly they are, we don't know. 00:34:54.379 --> 00:34:57.619 Put on trial and released with some bond. 00:34:58.299 --> 00:34:59.679 So they received the word of God 00:34:59.679 --> 00:35:03.159 and much conflict, much affliction. 00:35:04.059 --> 00:35:06.899 1 Thessalonians 1.6 says, 00:35:07.460 --> 00:35:10.679 And the gospel was going forth. 00:35:11.519 --> 00:35:13.619 So the disciples of Jesus Christ, 00:35:14.559 --> 00:35:16.359 made courageous by faith, 00:35:17.139 --> 00:35:18.919 speaking the gospel with clarity, 00:35:18.920 --> 00:35:21.320 empowered by the Holy Spirit, 00:35:22.519 --> 00:35:23.119 makes converts. 00:35:24.740 --> 00:35:27.360 Let us consider today the example of Paul 00:35:27.360 --> 00:35:31.260 and the example of the Thessalonian converts. 00:35:31.920 --> 00:35:37.000 We are to be about the work of conversion. 00:35:38.720 --> 00:35:40.000 And as we consider that, 00:35:40.079 --> 00:35:41.159 let us also remember that 00:35:41.159 --> 00:35:43.340 not everyone will respond faithfully 00:35:43.340 --> 00:35:44.619 to the gospel message. 00:35:44.700 --> 00:35:48.240 And that's our fourth point, gospel conflict. 00:35:48.920 --> 00:35:50.840 Gospel conflict. 00:35:52.840 --> 00:35:55.700 See in verse 5 that the Jews become jealous. 00:35:56.460 --> 00:35:58.720 People are turning from Judaism. 00:35:59.340 --> 00:36:01.639 Both Jews and those God-fearing Gentiles 00:36:01.639 --> 00:36:03.480 are turning from Judaism 00:36:03.480 --> 00:36:05.320 to worship Christ. 00:36:06.019 --> 00:36:09.659 They're no longer listening to them any longer. 00:36:09.659 --> 00:36:13.239 And in order to counteract that, 00:36:13.719 --> 00:36:15.339 they go to the rabble. 00:36:15.899 --> 00:36:18.859 They go to the common folk of the street 00:36:18.859 --> 00:36:20.480 and find wicked men. 00:36:20.480 --> 00:36:22.799 They go seek out men that they know 00:36:22.799 --> 00:36:24.440 will cause an uprising. 00:36:24.759 --> 00:36:26.659 It's very ironic that they accuse 00:36:26.659 --> 00:36:28.879 the apostles of turning the world upside down 00:36:28.879 --> 00:36:30.519 and they go find the most wicked of men 00:36:30.519 --> 00:36:33.980 to cause a stir in the city. 00:36:33.980 --> 00:36:37.599 And because of these accusations brought against them, 00:36:37.760 --> 00:36:39.380 they're going to raise up another king, 00:36:39.539 --> 00:36:40.539 this Jesus. 00:36:41.260 --> 00:36:43.960 These men thinking still in temporal ways 00:36:43.960 --> 00:36:47.920 are disturbed when they hear these things. 00:36:49.260 --> 00:36:50.760 It is a good desire 00:36:50.760 --> 00:36:54.039 to want everyone to whom the gospel is preached 00:36:54.039 --> 00:36:56.679 to respond in faith to the gospel message. 00:36:56.719 --> 00:36:57.240 It's good. 00:36:57.300 --> 00:36:58.539 It's good when we preach the gospel 00:36:58.539 --> 00:36:59.420 to want people, 00:36:59.500 --> 00:37:02.159 to desire people to respond in faith. 00:37:02.159 --> 00:37:05.119 to rightly see people in their distress, 00:37:05.339 --> 00:37:07.339 which they most often don't see themselves. 00:37:07.719 --> 00:37:09.960 You're in a desperate place 00:37:09.960 --> 00:37:10.960 if you're not in Christ. 00:37:11.420 --> 00:37:13.279 Your end is destruction. 00:37:14.779 --> 00:37:16.519 The people of God see that. 00:37:18.119 --> 00:37:20.239 And to see that and to offer them 00:37:20.239 --> 00:37:23.219 the relief that they so desperately need, 00:37:23.980 --> 00:37:25.699 only to have it refused, 00:37:26.299 --> 00:37:28.440 can bring much discouragement to the soul. 00:37:29.259 --> 00:37:30.319 I've been there. 00:37:30.320 --> 00:37:32.680 working with a person, 00:37:33.300 --> 00:37:35.900 pressing them to repentance and faith, 00:37:35.960 --> 00:37:37.800 and they just at every turn 00:37:37.800 --> 00:37:41.559 reject the good news of the gospel of Christ. 00:37:42.640 --> 00:37:44.740 So how do we hold up? 00:37:45.600 --> 00:37:46.840 How do we bear up 00:37:46.840 --> 00:37:49.740 when people reject the gospel? 00:37:51.080 --> 00:37:55.960 We hold tightly to the providence of God. 00:37:55.960 --> 00:37:58.440 We pick up that faith, 00:37:58.539 --> 00:37:59.440 believing in God's good, 00:37:59.579 --> 00:38:00.840 sovereign control. 00:38:01.559 --> 00:38:02.900 We trust that He is in control 00:38:02.900 --> 00:38:05.480 of all things at all times, 00:38:06.099 --> 00:38:06.980 and we press on. 00:38:07.780 --> 00:38:10.139 We keep preaching and living 00:38:10.139 --> 00:38:12.880 the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:38:13.340 --> 00:38:14.179 The gospel, 00:38:14.920 --> 00:38:16.679 courageously proclaimed with clarity, 00:38:16.860 --> 00:38:17.860 empowered by the Spirit, 00:38:18.320 --> 00:38:19.440 will yield conversion, 00:38:19.940 --> 00:38:22.179 which causes conflict. 00:38:22.179 --> 00:38:25.539 Not everyone wants to hear 00:38:25.539 --> 00:38:27.619 the gospel message. 00:38:27.899 --> 00:38:29.119 It's offensive 00:38:29.119 --> 00:38:32.000 in the best possible way. 00:38:33.339 --> 00:38:34.819 I read to you a number of references 00:38:34.819 --> 00:38:36.259 that speak to this 00:38:36.259 --> 00:38:37.859 in the very first point 00:38:37.859 --> 00:38:38.779 for this morning, 00:38:38.819 --> 00:38:39.500 so I don't want to go back 00:38:39.500 --> 00:38:40.559 and belabor that. 00:38:41.339 --> 00:38:42.500 But let me read to you one more, 00:38:42.599 --> 00:38:44.440 and I'm going to finish with this text. 00:38:45.359 --> 00:38:47.639 Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 2, 00:38:48.639 --> 00:38:50.179 verses 14 through 17. 00:38:50.179 --> 00:38:53.899 Thanks be to God, 00:38:54.299 --> 00:38:57.119 who in Christ always leads us 00:38:57.119 --> 00:38:59.539 in triumphal procession, 00:39:00.079 --> 00:39:02.879 and through us spreads the fragrance 00:39:02.879 --> 00:39:05.279 of the knowledge of Him everywhere. 00:39:06.139 --> 00:39:09.159 For we are the aroma of Christ to God 00:39:09.159 --> 00:39:11.699 among those who are being saved 00:39:11.699 --> 00:39:14.419 and among those who are perishing. 00:39:15.159 --> 00:39:17.619 To one a fragrance from death to death, 00:39:17.619 --> 00:39:21.299 to the other a fragrance from life to life. 00:39:22.139 --> 00:39:24.440 Who is sufficient for these things? 00:39:25.219 --> 00:39:27.000 For we are not like so many peddlers 00:39:27.000 --> 00:39:28.019 of God's Word, 00:39:28.559 --> 00:39:30.299 but as men of sincerity, 00:39:30.920 --> 00:39:32.779 as commissioned by God, 00:39:33.279 --> 00:39:34.400 in the sight of God, 00:39:35.039 --> 00:39:36.199 we speak in Christ. 00:39:36.960 --> 00:39:37.880 Let's pray together. 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:38.320