WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.640 define marriage as between one man and one woman, it is assumed and implied. 00:00:08.759 --> 00:00:14.380 So Article 41.3 reads from our Constitution, 00:00:14.540 --> 00:00:19.460 the state pledges to guard with special care the institution of marriage 00:00:19.460 --> 00:00:24.620 on which the family is founded and to protect it against attack. 00:00:24.620 --> 00:00:31.740 In fact, our laws that we have within our country define marriage as between one man and one woman 00:00:31.740 --> 00:00:35.200 and this has been reflected in legislation. 00:00:36.299 --> 00:00:42.120 However, according to the chairperson of the Referendum Commission, Mr Justice Kevin Cross, 00:00:42.579 --> 00:00:46.939 he says it's not going to change anything. 00:00:46.939 --> 00:00:56.780 All it means is marriage is, and his words, broadened to include two people of the same sex. 00:00:56.839 --> 00:00:58.320 So it doesn't change marriage. 00:00:58.959 --> 00:01:06.259 All we're doing is broadening marriage so that it includes two people of the same sex. 00:01:06.920 --> 00:01:09.539 So it will mean primarily two things. 00:01:09.540 --> 00:01:14.020 First, that two people of the same sex will be able to marry each other, 00:01:14.340 --> 00:01:17.420 just as two people of the opposite sex may marry. 00:01:18.460 --> 00:01:21.040 And secondly, these are the two primary things, 00:01:21.719 --> 00:01:28.460 a married couple of the opposite sex or of the same sex will be recognized as family 00:01:28.460 --> 00:01:33.380 and be entitled to the constitutional protection for families. 00:01:33.379 --> 00:01:46.259 Now, all the main political parties and the majority of the independents are campaigning for a yes vote 00:01:46.259 --> 00:01:51.939 because they claim it's all about equality and rights. 00:01:52.899 --> 00:01:57.859 So listen to what Ender Kenny said at the Fine Gael Ard Fesh some time ago. 00:01:59.699 --> 00:02:00.299 Quote, 00:02:00.299 --> 00:02:02.859 As we approach the centenary of the rising, 00:02:03.299 --> 00:02:07.299 a yes vote would, I believe, send out a powerful signal internationally 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:13.460 that Ireland has evolved into a fair, compassionate and tolerant nation. 00:02:14.280 --> 00:02:17.539 I believe that this is the right thing to do. 00:02:18.400 --> 00:02:22.359 I and the Fine Gael party strongly support a yes vote. 00:02:22.900 --> 00:02:26.259 And therefore I say to all same-sex couples in our country, 00:02:26.680 --> 00:02:28.180 this is about you. 00:02:28.180 --> 00:02:33.860 It's about your right to say two small words made up of three simple letters, 00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:35.120 I do. 00:02:36.659 --> 00:02:39.280 Now this week, if you've been paying attention to the news, 00:02:39.960 --> 00:02:44.360 former President Mary McAleese gave her views as well. 00:02:45.180 --> 00:02:45.980 She said this, 00:02:45.979 --> 00:02:52.979 We want to be a human rights issue. 00:02:52.979 --> 00:02:58.199 We want them to be born into a world where if they fall in love with someone, 00:02:58.319 --> 00:03:00.799 they can express that love fully. 00:03:01.759 --> 00:03:05.439 We believe it to be a human rights issue. 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:11.180 Now I think we all want a fair and compassionate Ireland. 00:03:11.900 --> 00:03:17.840 We all want to be treated with equality regardless of our gender. 00:03:18.479 --> 00:03:21.560 We want the rights of all people protected, 00:03:22.099 --> 00:03:24.659 whatever their orientation may be. 00:03:24.659 --> 00:03:30.180 So is it not right and fair and compassionate 00:03:30.180 --> 00:03:35.259 to recognise the unique relationship between a man and a woman? 00:03:36.259 --> 00:03:41.340 Wouldn't it be a tolerant society to protect the marriage institution 00:03:41.340 --> 00:03:43.979 on which the family is founded? 00:03:43.979 --> 00:03:48.459 You see, while every relationship, 00:03:49.079 --> 00:03:50.399 or while every person, 00:03:50.539 --> 00:03:52.259 we'll go back one, that's not right, 00:03:52.519 --> 00:03:55.280 while every person should be treated with equality, 00:03:56.079 --> 00:04:00.319 not every relationship has the same equality. 00:04:01.139 --> 00:04:01.399 Okay? 00:04:01.500 --> 00:04:03.719 Every person should be treated with equality, 00:04:03.719 --> 00:04:06.719 but not every relationship has the same equality. 00:04:06.719 --> 00:04:07.759 So let me explain. 00:04:08.819 --> 00:04:11.439 The relationship between a brother and a sister 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:16.379 is different to the relationship of a son and his mother. 00:04:17.040 --> 00:04:18.759 And that is different, again, 00:04:18.980 --> 00:04:21.720 to the relationship between a husband and a wife. 00:04:22.259 --> 00:04:24.879 Each individual in those relationships 00:04:24.879 --> 00:04:28.060 has equal value and worth. 00:04:29.060 --> 00:04:32.660 But the relationships themselves are not equal. 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:33.519 They're different. 00:04:33.519 --> 00:04:37.879 Each relationship needs to be treated differently 00:04:37.879 --> 00:04:41.240 and we have laws to protect those relationships. 00:04:42.159 --> 00:04:47.279 You see, the marriage relationship of one man and one woman is unique. 00:04:48.519 --> 00:04:52.339 Only one man and one woman can make new life. 00:04:53.339 --> 00:04:57.879 Only one man and one woman can give a child a mum and a dad. 00:04:58.359 --> 00:05:03.479 No two men or two women are ever able to do this. 00:05:03.519 --> 00:05:05.560 So in this referendum, 00:05:05.799 --> 00:05:10.180 we are talking about two very different kinds of relationships. 00:05:11.180 --> 00:05:13.500 Therefore, I think it would be very wrong 00:05:13.500 --> 00:05:16.219 to treat them as exactly the same. 00:05:17.500 --> 00:05:21.060 In fact, if we are to say it's all about rights and equality, 00:05:22.479 --> 00:05:25.159 then why not allow two sisters to marry? 00:05:26.219 --> 00:05:28.560 Or why don't we allow polygamy? 00:05:28.560 --> 00:05:31.800 Or why not legislate for open marriages 00:05:31.800 --> 00:05:34.319 where you can go from one to the other? 00:05:35.280 --> 00:05:38.660 Why don't we just broaden the definition of marriage 00:05:38.660 --> 00:05:39.560 to include what... 00:05:40.199 --> 00:05:41.399 Well, you fill in the blank. 00:05:41.579 --> 00:05:44.579 You decide what is right for you 00:05:44.579 --> 00:05:46.699 in terms of marriage. 00:05:48.600 --> 00:05:50.019 The point is, 00:05:50.340 --> 00:05:52.560 marriage is a unique relationship 00:05:52.560 --> 00:05:57.139 and it should be treated and protected as such. 00:05:58.540 --> 00:06:00.759 Now, as the referendum gets closer, 00:06:01.379 --> 00:06:02.780 each side of the campaign 00:06:02.780 --> 00:06:05.720 are playing what we call the rights card. 00:06:05.840 --> 00:06:08.600 Everybody's saying it's this right or that right. 00:06:08.980 --> 00:06:10.939 But I want to ask us all this morning, 00:06:11.279 --> 00:06:13.879 who ultimately decides what is right? 00:06:13.879 --> 00:06:16.740 Is it our laws? 00:06:17.899 --> 00:06:20.719 Is it our politicians who say what is right? 00:06:21.519 --> 00:06:24.800 Or is it what the outcome of the referendum says is right? 00:06:24.879 --> 00:06:26.800 The majority of people, 00:06:26.860 --> 00:06:28.759 will they decide what is right? 00:06:30.839 --> 00:06:32.620 Well, ultimately for me, 00:06:33.159 --> 00:06:35.480 and it should be the same for you if you are a Christian, 00:06:35.819 --> 00:06:37.560 it's not what I think is right 00:06:37.560 --> 00:06:39.240 or what you think is right. 00:06:39.240 --> 00:06:40.960 But ultimately, 00:06:41.220 --> 00:06:44.079 it's what God's word says is right. 00:06:44.660 --> 00:06:47.000 That is where our authority comes from. 00:06:47.280 --> 00:06:50.759 That is where we must submit ourselves to. 00:06:51.420 --> 00:06:54.199 And that's to where we're going to turn right now. 00:06:54.259 --> 00:06:57.060 We're going to look at two big questions 00:06:57.060 --> 00:06:58.400 or two big statements. 00:06:59.680 --> 00:07:00.759 Here's the first one. 00:07:01.220 --> 00:07:05.460 What has Jesus to say about same-sex marriage? 00:07:06.100 --> 00:07:07.540 What does Jesus have to say? 00:07:07.540 --> 00:07:08.420 Not what I say, 00:07:09.020 --> 00:07:10.580 not what politicians say. 00:07:10.980 --> 00:07:12.120 What does Jesus say? 00:07:13.319 --> 00:07:14.960 So, what does he have to say? 00:07:15.700 --> 00:07:17.960 Well, nothing. 00:07:19.620 --> 00:07:24.680 Jesus mentions or never mentions same-sex marriage. 00:07:25.660 --> 00:07:31.980 But, he does have something to say about sex and marriage. 00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:34.220 What does he have to say? 00:07:34.320 --> 00:07:34.740 Well, listen. 00:07:35.820 --> 00:07:37.200 First, sexual immorality. 00:07:37.199 --> 00:07:39.479 Have a look at Matthew chapter 15. 00:07:41.159 --> 00:07:42.639 Matthew chapter 15. 00:07:43.180 --> 00:07:46.659 We're going to be looking at a few different chapters in Matthew. 00:07:47.120 --> 00:07:48.659 So, if you've got your Bibles there, 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:51.039 please open to Matthew chapter 15. 00:07:51.040 --> 00:08:02.500 And I encourage you to take down any notes or any questions. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:05.060 And if there's anything you want to talk about afterwards or raise on Wednesday, 00:08:05.320 --> 00:08:07.300 that would be a great time to do it. 00:08:07.379 --> 00:08:09.580 So, Matthew 15 verse 18. 00:08:09.579 --> 00:08:13.219 Familiar words? 00:08:13.219 --> 00:08:19.979 Matthew 15 verse 18. 00:08:19.980 --> 00:08:37.860 Now, here Jesus is talking about the different behaviours that make us unacceptable before God. 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:49.700 Now, here Jesus is talking about the different behaviours that make us unacceptable before God. 00:08:49.700 --> 00:09:01.360 And the phrase there in the middle, sexual immorality is a catch-all term for any distortion on God's design for sex. 00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:16.960 So, it includes things like pornography, adultery, premarital sex, prostitution, same-sex, or any distortion or forced sex within heterosexual marriage. 00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:27.120 So, in one statement, Jesus is saying, we are all sexually flawed. 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:30.040 Every single one of us. 00:09:30.780 --> 00:09:33.660 But notice, he's not just talking about sexual immorality. 00:09:33.980 --> 00:09:38.160 He includes things like evil thoughts, slander, false testimony. 00:09:38.159 --> 00:09:49.500 In other words, Jesus is setting a standard before every single person that we all fail to achieve, married or not. 00:09:50.740 --> 00:09:55.059 You see, it's not just the area of marriage that we need to get right. 00:09:55.980 --> 00:09:58.740 Jesus is saying, it's actually bigger than that. 00:09:59.039 --> 00:10:01.399 What we need to get right is our whole life. 00:10:02.519 --> 00:10:04.600 We need to get our hearts right. 00:10:04.600 --> 00:10:05.939 Look at verse 19. 00:10:05.940 --> 00:10:10.700 For it's out of the heart that come all of these things. 00:10:12.180 --> 00:10:15.060 So, it's not just about defining marriage. 00:10:15.900 --> 00:10:18.580 Jesus is saying, it's much bigger. 00:10:19.080 --> 00:10:21.680 We need to get our hearts in order. 00:10:24.320 --> 00:10:29.180 But Jesus does have something to say about marriage. 00:10:29.700 --> 00:10:31.160 Have a look at Matthew 19. 00:10:33.300 --> 00:10:34.640 Matthew 19. 00:10:35.940 --> 00:10:42.900 And verse 3. 00:10:44.900 --> 00:10:46.680 Matthew 19, verse 3. 00:10:49.240 --> 00:10:51.880 Some Pharisees came. 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:54.520 They were coming to trick Jesus. 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:57.340 So, some Pharisees came to him to test him. 00:10:57.340 --> 00:11:04.300 They asked, is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason? 00:11:04.299 --> 00:11:16.859 So, the Jews at the time had an understanding that a husband could actually divorce his wife for very petty things like not producing a good dinner. 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:18.860 That was the way their laws worked. 00:11:18.860 --> 00:11:20.779 So, verse 4. 00:11:20.779 --> 00:11:21.560 Haven't you read? 00:11:21.560 --> 00:11:32.200 He replied that at the beginning the creator made them male and female and said, for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh. 00:11:32.200 --> 00:11:35.600 So, they are no longer two but one. 00:11:36.240 --> 00:11:41.020 Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate. 00:11:41.019 --> 00:11:44.899 Now, the primary issue here is about divorce. 00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:46.299 That's what the question is. 00:11:46.579 --> 00:11:50.720 But as Jesus addresses it, he defines clearly what marriage is. 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:52.360 So, three things under this. 00:11:52.360 --> 00:11:58.600 First, we see that marriage is initiated and provided by God. 00:11:58.700 --> 00:11:59.680 So, look at verse 4. 00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:02.580 Jesus takes us right back to the beginning. 00:12:03.480 --> 00:12:08.300 He says, haven't you read, he replied, that at the beginning the creator. 00:12:08.879 --> 00:12:14.519 He takes us right back to Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 which he quotes from. 00:12:15.240 --> 00:12:19.060 So, he's saying right up front, marriage is not man's idea. 00:12:19.779 --> 00:12:22.180 It's the creator's idea. 00:12:22.940 --> 00:12:25.620 Marriage is a gift from God to people. 00:12:26.080 --> 00:12:30.899 It's not something that we invent and that we decide what's right or what's wrong. 00:12:30.899 --> 00:12:35.159 It's something initiated and provided for by God. 00:12:36.720 --> 00:12:41.500 Second thing, marriage, he says, is the union of one man and one woman. 00:12:41.659 --> 00:12:43.180 So, let's read verse 4 again. 00:12:43.539 --> 00:12:51.920 He says, at the beginning the creator made them male and female and said, for this reason a man will leave his father and mother. 00:12:52.360 --> 00:12:56.080 And be united to his wife and they will become one flesh. 00:12:57.279 --> 00:13:01.139 So, marriage is about one male and one female. 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:09.419 They leave their father a male and they leave their mother a female and they become one flesh. 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:14.179 It's two people of the opposite sex that define marriage. 00:13:14.179 --> 00:13:23.819 Now, the fact that we are created as men or as women means we have this relationship called marriage. 00:13:24.079 --> 00:13:28.539 Marriage exists because we are sexually different. 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:33.439 Because we are made differently, we have the marriage institution. 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:39.919 So, marriage is clearly defined by the union of one man and one woman. 00:13:39.919 --> 00:13:51.479 The third thing under this that Jesus has to say is that the only alternative to heterosexual marriage is singleness. 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:56.919 The only alternative to heterosexual marriage is singleness. 00:13:56.919 --> 00:14:03.379 So, as Jesus goes on to talk with the Pharisees about what it is to be faithful, 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:08.059 what it is to live in a lifelong committed marriage relationships, 00:14:09.019 --> 00:14:12.979 it makes the disciples a little bit uneasy about marriage. 00:14:13.039 --> 00:14:14.819 So, look what they have to say in verse 10. 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:16.860 The disciples said to him, 00:14:17.500 --> 00:14:21.779 if this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry. 00:14:21.779 --> 00:14:24.919 In other words, the standard that Jesus sets is so high, 00:14:25.379 --> 00:14:28.839 he said, what if we can't actually live up to this standard? 00:14:29.100 --> 00:14:30.299 Then what are we to do? 00:14:31.439 --> 00:14:33.159 So, look how Jesus answers. 00:14:34.539 --> 00:14:38.759 He starts talking about celibacy or singleness. 00:14:39.319 --> 00:14:40.159 So, verse 11. 00:14:40.740 --> 00:14:41.679 Jesus replied, 00:14:42.159 --> 00:14:46.519 Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 00:14:47.319 --> 00:14:50.620 For some are eunuchs or some are celibate, 00:14:50.620 --> 00:14:52.500 because they were born that way. 00:14:52.600 --> 00:14:54.019 Others were made that way by men. 00:14:54.340 --> 00:14:56.179 Others have renounced marriage. 00:14:57.379 --> 00:14:59.080 In other words, Jesus is saying, 00:14:59.639 --> 00:15:02.840 if we are not in a heterosexual marriage, 00:15:03.700 --> 00:15:07.820 the only alternative to that is singleness. 00:15:09.220 --> 00:15:10.980 Jesus doesn't say to the disciples, 00:15:11.159 --> 00:15:13.840 look, if that marriage doesn't work out with that person 00:15:13.840 --> 00:15:15.519 and it's not going so well, 00:15:15.940 --> 00:15:17.779 well, you can go and marry somebody else. 00:15:17.779 --> 00:15:20.659 Or he doesn't say, 00:15:21.459 --> 00:15:24.500 if your orientation is same-sex attraction, 00:15:25.079 --> 00:15:28.480 then go find somebody of the same sex and marry them. 00:15:29.299 --> 00:15:30.539 No, he doesn't say any of that. 00:15:30.600 --> 00:15:31.100 He says, look, 00:15:31.939 --> 00:15:36.139 singleness is the only godly alternative 00:15:36.139 --> 00:15:38.939 to heterosexual marriage. 00:15:38.940 --> 00:15:46.640 So, Jesus does have something to say about sex and marriage, 00:15:46.780 --> 00:15:49.380 and it challenges every single one of us. 00:15:50.080 --> 00:15:52.620 It's not just about same-sex marriage. 00:15:52.800 --> 00:15:55.300 It's not just about heterosexual marriage. 00:15:55.460 --> 00:15:57.020 It's much deeper than that. 00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:58.800 It's about our sexuality, 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:01.580 and as we have seen from Matthew 15, 00:16:01.660 --> 00:16:04.160 we are all sexually flawed. 00:16:04.159 --> 00:16:08.539 None of us live life as God intends. 00:16:08.980 --> 00:16:10.199 Every one of us, 00:16:10.459 --> 00:16:13.459 whether we identify as gay or straight, 00:16:13.679 --> 00:16:15.839 whether we are married or single, 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:20.259 we all need God to change our hearts on the inside, 00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:21.919 to clean us up, 00:16:22.759 --> 00:16:26.339 so that we live life His way. 00:16:26.340 --> 00:16:30.800 But Jesus says something else about marriage 00:16:30.800 --> 00:16:34.320 that is more important 00:16:34.320 --> 00:16:36.720 than the marriage relationships 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:39.320 that we may find in this life. 00:16:40.420 --> 00:16:42.759 This is the third thing He says about marriage. 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:45.720 Have a look at Matthew chapter 22. 00:16:49.420 --> 00:16:50.560 Matthew 22. 00:16:50.860 --> 00:16:52.980 Here's another group of religious leaders. 00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:54.120 We have the Pharisees, 00:16:54.280 --> 00:16:56.320 and here's the Sadducees. 00:16:57.240 --> 00:16:58.860 If you want to know the difference about them, 00:16:58.920 --> 00:17:00.379 you can ask me afterwards. 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:04.519 And here they're trying to catch Jesus out 00:17:04.519 --> 00:17:05.500 with another question. 00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:07.259 And they're asking about, 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:09.079 well, what about marriage in heaven, 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:10.819 or what about marriage in the afterlife? 00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:11.779 What about that? 00:17:13.100 --> 00:17:15.819 So, Matthew chapter 22, verse 24. 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:18.940 They come up with this scenario. 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:22.880 Teacher, they said, verse 24, 00:17:22.880 --> 00:17:27.200 Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, 00:17:28.040 --> 00:17:30.100 his brother must marry the widow 00:17:30.100 --> 00:17:32.300 and have children for him. 00:17:34.280 --> 00:17:35.200 Now, they say, 00:17:35.280 --> 00:17:37.060 there were seven brothers among us. 00:17:37.740 --> 00:17:40.380 The first one married and died, 00:17:40.880 --> 00:17:42.520 and since he had no children, 00:17:43.320 --> 00:17:45.500 he left his wife to his brother. 00:17:45.500 --> 00:17:49.960 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:52.299 right on down to the seventh. 00:17:53.599 --> 00:17:55.819 Finally, the woman died. 00:17:56.880 --> 00:17:58.420 Now then, here's the question. 00:17:58.420 --> 00:17:59.940 So, she's married seven times 00:17:59.940 --> 00:18:00.960 to seven different people. 00:18:01.080 --> 00:18:01.680 They're all brothers. 00:18:02.660 --> 00:18:04.300 Now then, at the resurrection, 00:18:04.460 --> 00:18:05.480 at the end of life, 00:18:06.360 --> 00:18:09.259 whose wife will she be of the seven 00:18:09.259 --> 00:18:11.259 since all of them were married to her? 00:18:11.800 --> 00:18:13.300 Hmm, good question. 00:18:14.600 --> 00:18:16.519 Will she have seven husbands in heaven? 00:18:18.060 --> 00:18:19.440 Or does she just have one? 00:18:19.560 --> 00:18:21.420 And which one is she going to pick? 00:18:22.560 --> 00:18:23.880 What's the answer going to be? 00:18:23.880 --> 00:18:27.460 Well, look what Jesus says, verse 29. 00:18:29.260 --> 00:18:30.100 Jesus replied, 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:32.640 You are in error 00:18:32.640 --> 00:18:34.800 because you do not know the scriptures 00:18:34.800 --> 00:18:36.240 or the power of God. 00:18:37.180 --> 00:18:38.420 At the resurrection, 00:18:38.600 --> 00:18:39.540 at the end of time, 00:18:40.700 --> 00:18:42.280 people will neither marry 00:18:42.280 --> 00:18:45.660 nor be given in marriage. 00:18:48.060 --> 00:18:49.320 Look, says Jesus, 00:18:50.520 --> 00:18:53.140 there's something that is much more important 00:18:53.140 --> 00:18:55.380 than marriage in this life. 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:58.520 In fact, our married relationships 00:18:58.520 --> 00:18:59.600 are all temporary. 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:03.440 What's important is not whether we marry, 00:19:04.700 --> 00:19:06.820 but what we will be like. 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:08.600 Look at the end of verse 30. 00:19:09.860 --> 00:19:11.100 He says they'll neither marry 00:19:11.100 --> 00:19:12.300 nor be given in marriage. 00:19:13.120 --> 00:19:17.120 They will be like the angels in heaven. 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:20.660 That is, we will become pure. 00:19:20.660 --> 00:19:24.160 However, the intimacy and joy 00:19:24.160 --> 00:19:26.080 of human relationships 00:19:26.080 --> 00:19:30.320 will be replaced by a new kind of relationship, 00:19:30.620 --> 00:19:32.680 an ultimate relationship with God 00:19:32.680 --> 00:19:35.500 that the angels now enjoy 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:37.700 with God in heaven. 00:19:40.500 --> 00:19:43.400 That is what's important. 00:19:44.420 --> 00:19:45.140 Verse 31. 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:46.980 But he continues, 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:48.880 but about the resurrection of the dead. 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:51.160 Have you not read what God said to you? 00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:53.380 I am the God of Abraham, 00:19:53.839 --> 00:19:54.819 the God of Isaac, 00:19:55.120 --> 00:19:56.019 and the God of Jacob. 00:19:56.319 --> 00:19:58.200 He is not the God of the dead, 00:19:59.140 --> 00:20:00.360 but the God of the living. 00:20:01.380 --> 00:20:02.740 Jesus is reminding them 00:20:02.740 --> 00:20:04.079 that God is the one 00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:05.819 who enters into a permanent, 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:09.180 faithful covenant with his people. 00:20:09.440 --> 00:20:11.180 That quote there in verse 32 00:20:11.180 --> 00:20:12.799 is this covenant God 00:20:12.799 --> 00:20:13.860 who comes to his people 00:20:13.859 --> 00:20:14.240 who said, 00:20:14.599 --> 00:20:16.079 I am the God of Abraham. 00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:18.279 I am the eternal, 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:19.899 living God 00:20:19.899 --> 00:20:21.659 who enters into 00:20:21.659 --> 00:20:23.000 a relationship 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:24.599 with my people, 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:26.119 into that ultimate 00:20:26.119 --> 00:20:27.379 married relationship. 00:20:28.819 --> 00:20:29.859 You see, 00:20:29.939 --> 00:20:31.159 the problem with this 00:20:31.159 --> 00:20:32.939 marriage referendum is 00:20:32.939 --> 00:20:36.279 it's so short-sighted. 00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:38.219 It's not about 00:20:38.219 --> 00:20:39.559 same-sex marriage. 00:20:39.740 --> 00:20:40.979 It's not about 00:20:40.979 --> 00:20:42.339 heterosexual marriage. 00:20:42.339 --> 00:20:44.399 It's about eternity. 00:20:45.459 --> 00:20:47.039 It's about the ultimate, 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.939 eternal marriage 00:20:48.939 --> 00:20:50.279 between God 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:51.899 and his people. 00:20:52.399 --> 00:20:53.839 That's where every marriage 00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:54.339 is headed. 00:20:55.639 --> 00:20:57.579 So the question is, 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:01.119 not what our view of marriage, 00:21:02.579 --> 00:21:03.419 but am I, 00:21:04.119 --> 00:21:05.039 and are you, 00:21:05.619 --> 00:21:07.179 are we ready 00:21:07.179 --> 00:21:08.480 to meet God? 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:12.460 we can have marriage 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:12.940 right, 00:21:13.319 --> 00:21:14.799 we can have our definition 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:15.420 right, 00:21:16.220 --> 00:21:18.240 but are our hearts 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:19.059 right? 00:21:20.039 --> 00:21:21.460 That's the real issue. 00:21:23.059 --> 00:21:23.720 You see, 00:21:23.799 --> 00:21:24.460 the big thing, 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:25.980 if we can just take this away, 00:21:26.140 --> 00:21:27.839 is that Jesus 00:21:27.839 --> 00:21:28.620 has been saying 00:21:28.620 --> 00:21:29.980 through these different passages 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:31.319 we've looked at so far, 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:32.200 listen, 00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:33.900 we are all 00:21:33.900 --> 00:21:35.660 sexually flawed. 00:21:36.279 --> 00:21:36.880 Our hearts 00:21:36.880 --> 00:21:37.840 are all broken. 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:39.720 But get this, 00:21:40.540 --> 00:21:42.700 we are so loved, 00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:44.660 we are infinitely loved 00:21:44.660 --> 00:21:45.460 by God. 00:21:45.940 --> 00:21:47.120 So much so 00:21:47.120 --> 00:21:48.340 that he sent his son, 00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:49.520 the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:21:49.640 --> 00:21:50.800 who gave up 00:21:50.800 --> 00:21:52.160 all of his rights. 00:21:52.660 --> 00:21:53.560 The only one 00:21:53.560 --> 00:21:54.720 who did have rights. 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:55.700 He gave up 00:21:55.700 --> 00:21:56.780 all of his rights 00:21:56.780 --> 00:21:57.760 to come and serve 00:21:57.760 --> 00:21:58.660 people like you 00:21:58.660 --> 00:21:59.100 and me, 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:01.060 to take on 00:22:01.060 --> 00:22:02.320 all our impurities, 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:04.500 to become 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:05.359 and to be treated 00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:06.319 as if he 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:07.940 was sexually flawed, 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:09.779 so that we might 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:10.960 have his purity 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:12.160 be accepted 00:22:12.160 --> 00:22:12.880 and welcomed 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:14.740 into the ultimate 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:15.859 marriage relationship 00:22:15.859 --> 00:22:16.420 with God, 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:17.200 to know him 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:18.220 and enjoy him. 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:19.819 That's the big issue. 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:22.180 And we can go on 00:22:22.180 --> 00:22:22.740 and on about 00:22:22.740 --> 00:22:23.720 defining and saying, 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:24.640 get this, 00:22:24.740 --> 00:22:25.160 get this, 00:22:25.279 --> 00:22:26.700 but as Christian people, 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:28.200 our role is to 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:28.940 point towards 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:29.480 Jesus 00:22:29.480 --> 00:22:32.259 and the relationship 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:33.039 that we can have 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:33.700 with him 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:35.599 and what it means 00:22:35.599 --> 00:22:36.440 to live life 00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:37.620 under him. 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:39.900 So that's what 00:22:39.900 --> 00:22:41.019 Jesus has to say 00:22:41.019 --> 00:22:43.620 about same-sex marriage. 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:45.680 The second thing 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:46.160 that we're going 00:22:46.160 --> 00:22:46.660 to look at 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:47.779 is what Jesus 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:48.420 has to say 00:22:48.420 --> 00:22:50.259 about children's rights. 00:22:51.660 --> 00:22:52.059 You see, 00:22:52.140 --> 00:22:52.860 in this referendum, 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:54.019 it's not just about 00:22:54.019 --> 00:22:54.980 adults saying, 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:56.460 it's my right 00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:57.380 to get married. 00:22:57.380 --> 00:22:59.920 It's about 00:22:59.920 --> 00:23:00.640 the rights 00:23:00.640 --> 00:23:01.720 of children 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:03.440 or perhaps 00:23:03.440 --> 00:23:04.720 ignoring the rights 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:05.680 of children. 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:08.140 Have a look back 00:23:08.140 --> 00:23:09.280 at Matthew 19. 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:12.820 Matthew 19 00:23:12.820 --> 00:23:16.200 and verse 13. 00:23:19.660 --> 00:23:21.000 So this comes 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:22.260 just after 00:23:22.260 --> 00:23:22.920 the teaching 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:23.480 on marriage 00:23:23.480 --> 00:23:24.260 that we looked at 00:23:24.260 --> 00:23:25.240 just a moment ago. 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:27.839 And in Matthew 19 00:23:27.839 --> 00:23:28.579 verse 13 00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:29.380 we read this, 00:23:32.220 --> 00:23:33.160 Then little children 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:33.700 were brought 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:34.240 to Jesus 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:34.900 for him 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:35.440 to place 00:23:35.440 --> 00:23:36.079 his hands 00:23:36.079 --> 00:23:36.599 on them 00:23:36.599 --> 00:23:37.339 and pray 00:23:37.339 --> 00:23:37.779 for them. 00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:40.079 But the disciples 00:23:40.079 --> 00:23:41.279 rebuked those 00:23:41.279 --> 00:23:42.079 who brought them. 00:23:43.319 --> 00:23:43.680 Now, 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:44.559 we might get 00:23:44.559 --> 00:23:45.440 a bit surprised 00:23:45.440 --> 00:23:46.319 there at the reaction 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:47.220 of the disciples. 00:23:48.200 --> 00:23:49.259 Why are the disciples 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:50.279 telling all the parents 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:50.660 who are bringing 00:23:50.660 --> 00:23:51.339 all the children, 00:23:52.140 --> 00:23:52.859 take them away? 00:23:52.859 --> 00:23:54.699 You shouldn't be here 00:23:54.699 --> 00:23:55.519 is basically 00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:56.419 what's going on. 00:23:56.659 --> 00:23:57.279 We don't want 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:58.439 any kids around here. 00:24:01.399 --> 00:24:02.759 Why would the disciples 00:24:02.759 --> 00:24:03.979 react like this? 00:24:05.299 --> 00:24:05.719 Well, 00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:06.439 we must remember 00:24:06.439 --> 00:24:07.059 that children 00:24:07.059 --> 00:24:08.199 in the first century 00:24:08.199 --> 00:24:10.039 had no rights 00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:11.339 or status. 00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:14.299 At very best, 00:24:15.159 --> 00:24:16.439 they were to be seen 00:24:16.439 --> 00:24:17.899 and not heard. 00:24:18.899 --> 00:24:19.579 In fact, 00:24:19.659 --> 00:24:20.719 under Roman law, 00:24:20.720 --> 00:24:21.880 a father 00:24:21.880 --> 00:24:23.160 had the right 00:24:23.160 --> 00:24:24.660 to kill his child 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:27.039 if they displeased him 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:28.700 or were unwanted. 00:24:30.120 --> 00:24:31.059 So children 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:32.100 in the first century 00:24:32.100 --> 00:24:33.620 were legally sold 00:24:33.620 --> 00:24:34.839 and used as slaves. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:35.779 That was allowed 00:24:35.779 --> 00:24:36.160 to happen. 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.420 That was in the laws. 00:24:38.140 --> 00:24:38.720 So children 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:39.779 had no rights 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:41.100 and they had no laws 00:24:41.100 --> 00:24:41.900 to protect them. 00:24:42.500 --> 00:24:43.420 So the disciples 00:24:43.420 --> 00:24:44.140 at this point 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:45.160 are expressing 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:46.339 something of the culture 00:24:46.339 --> 00:24:46.980 that has begun 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:47.720 to shape them. 00:24:47.880 --> 00:24:48.680 It's wrong, 00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:50.320 but they're only expressing 00:24:50.320 --> 00:24:53.000 what they have been 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:53.779 shaped by. 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:56.080 Jesus, however, 00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:57.299 challenges 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:58.840 and confronts 00:24:58.840 --> 00:24:59.519 the culture 00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:00.560 of the day. 00:25:00.900 --> 00:25:02.100 So look at verse 14. 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:03.840 Jesus said, 00:25:04.620 --> 00:25:06.100 Let the little children 00:25:06.100 --> 00:25:06.880 come to me 00:25:06.880 --> 00:25:09.279 and do not hinder them 00:25:09.279 --> 00:25:10.680 for the kingdom of heaven 00:25:10.680 --> 00:25:12.259 belongs to such 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:13.380 as these. 00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:14.940 Jesus is making 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:16.580 a bold statement 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:17.439 to the culture 00:25:17.439 --> 00:25:18.019 and the people 00:25:18.019 --> 00:25:18.599 of his time. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:20.019 Children are 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:21.339 of equal value 00:25:21.339 --> 00:25:21.779 and worth. 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:23.439 They are welcomed 00:25:23.439 --> 00:25:24.539 and accepted. 00:25:25.659 --> 00:25:27.179 And we have to change it 00:25:27.179 --> 00:25:28.199 is what he is saying. 00:25:28.759 --> 00:25:29.819 And it was because 00:25:29.819 --> 00:25:31.199 of that very teaching 00:25:31.199 --> 00:25:31.819 of Jesus 00:25:31.819 --> 00:25:33.619 that the Christian community 00:25:33.619 --> 00:25:34.679 in the first century 00:25:34.679 --> 00:25:36.159 were the first people 00:25:36.159 --> 00:25:36.740 who were known 00:25:36.740 --> 00:25:37.740 for rescuing 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:38.839 and protecting 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:39.939 vulnerable children 00:25:39.939 --> 00:25:40.879 and adopting them 00:25:40.879 --> 00:25:42.139 into their own families. 00:25:42.460 --> 00:25:43.119 They would make it 00:25:43.119 --> 00:25:43.579 their business 00:25:43.579 --> 00:25:44.339 to go and take 00:25:44.339 --> 00:25:44.899 the children 00:25:44.900 --> 00:25:46.240 that the Roman fathers 00:25:46.240 --> 00:25:47.380 would want to get rid of 00:25:47.380 --> 00:25:48.660 and take them in. 00:25:52.120 --> 00:25:54.140 And it's this teaching 00:25:54.140 --> 00:25:55.300 that has shaped 00:25:55.300 --> 00:25:57.180 many of our laws since. 00:25:59.120 --> 00:25:59.680 Interestingly, 00:26:00.680 --> 00:26:01.960 our Minister for Health, 00:26:02.060 --> 00:26:02.880 Leo Varadkar, 00:26:03.660 --> 00:26:04.600 although this is speaking 00:26:04.600 --> 00:26:06.040 back in 2010, 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:08.340 who has since identified 00:26:08.340 --> 00:26:09.340 himself as gay, 00:26:09.540 --> 00:26:10.220 said this. 00:26:10.220 --> 00:26:10.660 He says, 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:11.500 Every child 00:26:11.500 --> 00:26:13.119 has the right 00:26:13.119 --> 00:26:14.960 to a mother and father 00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:16.980 and as much as possible 00:26:16.980 --> 00:26:18.599 the state should vindicate 00:26:18.599 --> 00:26:19.299 that right. 00:26:20.019 --> 00:26:22.140 That is a more important right 00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:23.819 than that of two men 00:26:23.819 --> 00:26:24.519 or two women 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:25.420 having a family. 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:27.380 That is the principle 00:26:27.380 --> 00:26:28.660 that should underline 00:26:28.660 --> 00:26:29.599 our laws 00:26:29.599 --> 00:26:31.039 regarding children 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:32.619 and adoption. 00:26:34.359 --> 00:26:35.619 So the rights 00:26:35.619 --> 00:26:37.119 of children 00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:38.140 matter. 00:26:38.140 --> 00:26:40.480 In fact, 00:26:40.620 --> 00:26:41.700 they have a right 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:43.460 to a mum 00:26:43.460 --> 00:26:44.280 and dad. 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:45.580 You see, 00:26:45.640 --> 00:26:46.600 the teaching of Jesus 00:26:46.600 --> 00:26:47.660 is affirmed 00:26:47.660 --> 00:26:48.580 and built upon 00:26:48.580 --> 00:26:49.380 as you go through 00:26:49.380 --> 00:26:50.240 the New Testament. 00:26:51.100 --> 00:26:51.940 The Apostle Paul 00:26:51.940 --> 00:26:53.140 consistently writes 00:26:53.140 --> 00:26:54.759 about children's relationship 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:56.060 to a mother and father. 00:26:56.440 --> 00:26:57.940 In Ephesians chapter 6, 00:26:58.140 --> 00:26:58.920 have a look there 00:26:58.920 --> 00:26:59.320 if you like, 00:26:59.400 --> 00:27:00.500 Ephesians chapter 6 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:01.580 verses 1 to 3. 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:10.019 Ephesians 6 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:11.019 verses 1 to 3. 00:27:11.119 --> 00:27:11.699 So this is all 00:27:11.699 --> 00:27:12.659 being built upon 00:27:12.659 --> 00:27:15.419 what Jesus has said, 00:27:15.799 --> 00:27:17.099 what Jesus had built upon 00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:18.980 from what God had said 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:20.720 in the Old Testament. 00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:22.699 So chapter 6 00:27:22.699 --> 00:27:23.359 verse 1. 00:27:24.179 --> 00:27:24.619 Children, 00:27:25.939 --> 00:27:27.460 obey your parents 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:28.960 in the Lord 00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:30.500 for this is right. 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:31.380 Well, 00:27:31.420 --> 00:27:32.240 who are the parents? 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:33.599 Verse 2, 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:34.859 honour your father 00:27:34.859 --> 00:27:36.740 and mother 00:27:36.740 --> 00:27:39.059 which is the first commandment 00:27:39.059 --> 00:27:40.119 and it has a promise. 00:27:40.579 --> 00:27:41.420 And here's the promise, 00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:42.839 that it may go well 00:27:42.839 --> 00:27:43.420 with you 00:27:43.420 --> 00:27:44.519 and that you may 00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:46.200 enjoy long life 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:47.319 on the earth. 00:27:47.799 --> 00:27:48.900 Now isn't it interesting 00:27:48.900 --> 00:27:49.240 you're saying, 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:49.440 look, 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:50.720 there's a design here. 00:27:51.140 --> 00:27:52.380 This is what family life 00:27:52.380 --> 00:27:53.619 is to be like. 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:54.359 Children 00:27:54.359 --> 00:27:55.759 in a family 00:27:55.759 --> 00:27:57.559 as far as possible 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:58.500 with a mum and dad. 00:27:58.660 --> 00:27:58.819 Why? 00:27:58.819 --> 00:27:59.879 Because it's going to be 00:27:59.879 --> 00:28:00.899 best for them. 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:02.639 You see, 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:03.700 a family consisting 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:04.539 of a mum and dad 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:06.460 is the best environment 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:07.299 for a child 00:28:07.299 --> 00:28:08.099 to be raised. 00:28:10.419 --> 00:28:11.019 UNICEF, 00:28:12.139 --> 00:28:13.980 the worldwide organisation 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:15.779 protecting the rights 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.460 of children, 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:18.639 make it abundantly clear 00:28:18.639 --> 00:28:19.500 what is best 00:28:19.500 --> 00:28:20.359 for the development 00:28:20.359 --> 00:28:21.019 and care 00:28:21.019 --> 00:28:21.980 of children. 00:28:21.980 --> 00:28:22.519 and this comes 00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:23.000 from their 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:25.120 early childhood 00:28:25.120 --> 00:28:26.440 development studies. 00:28:28.339 --> 00:28:29.539 Child development, 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:30.079 they say, 00:28:30.140 --> 00:28:31.380 is largely influenced 00:28:31.380 --> 00:28:32.799 by the family structure 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:34.039 in which a child 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:34.700 is raised. 00:28:35.339 --> 00:28:36.019 Children living 00:28:36.019 --> 00:28:37.019 without their mothers 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:37.940 or fathers 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:39.360 or without both 00:28:39.360 --> 00:28:40.680 biological parents 00:28:40.680 --> 00:28:42.420 are at special risk 00:28:42.420 --> 00:28:43.319 of being denied 00:28:43.319 --> 00:28:44.579 the care they need 00:28:44.579 --> 00:28:45.640 for their physical 00:28:45.640 --> 00:28:46.920 and psychological 00:28:46.920 --> 00:28:48.099 well-being. 00:28:48.099 --> 00:28:49.500 So it's not just 00:28:49.500 --> 00:28:50.539 a biblical idea, 00:28:51.119 --> 00:28:53.099 it's seen in practice 00:28:53.099 --> 00:28:54.679 that that's what's right 00:28:54.679 --> 00:28:55.639 and what's best. 00:28:56.599 --> 00:28:58.159 Biological parents 00:28:58.159 --> 00:29:00.000 are the best. 00:29:00.159 --> 00:29:01.740 But let's be real 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.279 about this. 00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:03.119 Sometimes 00:29:03.119 --> 00:29:04.740 our biological parents 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:05.679 are not always 00:29:05.679 --> 00:29:06.759 the best parents 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:07.639 and sometimes 00:29:07.639 --> 00:29:08.459 they're not always 00:29:08.459 --> 00:29:09.319 able to care 00:29:09.319 --> 00:29:10.599 for their children. 00:29:10.599 --> 00:29:12.059 So sometimes 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:12.919 it is best 00:29:12.919 --> 00:29:13.459 and loving 00:29:13.459 --> 00:29:14.839 for those children 00:29:14.839 --> 00:29:16.279 to be cared for 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:17.099 and to be provided 00:29:17.099 --> 00:29:19.019 for by another family. 00:29:19.939 --> 00:29:21.139 But that should, 00:29:21.379 --> 00:29:22.339 as far as possible, 00:29:22.519 --> 00:29:24.059 be a mum 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:24.759 and a dad. 00:29:26.159 --> 00:29:27.779 Because if we get it wrong, 00:29:28.779 --> 00:29:29.359 then it leads 00:29:29.359 --> 00:29:30.240 to all kinds 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:32.599 of terrible experiences. 00:29:35.619 --> 00:29:36.619 Listen to this. 00:29:36.719 --> 00:29:37.539 This past week 00:29:37.539 --> 00:29:38.539 an actress in England 00:29:38.539 --> 00:29:39.599 told of her experience 00:29:39.599 --> 00:29:41.539 being raised 00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:43.319 by her biological mother 00:29:43.319 --> 00:29:45.579 and her mum's gay partner. 00:29:46.439 --> 00:29:47.480 This is what she said, 00:29:47.539 --> 00:29:48.119 far from being 00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:48.759 a healthy, 00:29:49.339 --> 00:29:50.099 nurturing state 00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:50.699 of affairs, 00:29:51.359 --> 00:29:52.439 this arrangement 00:29:52.439 --> 00:29:53.459 where I was caught 00:29:53.459 --> 00:29:54.319 in a destructive, 00:29:54.599 --> 00:29:55.519 triangular battle 00:29:55.519 --> 00:29:56.659 for my mother's affection 00:29:56.659 --> 00:29:57.959 with another woman 00:29:57.959 --> 00:29:58.819 while forced 00:29:58.819 --> 00:29:59.939 to watch helplessly 00:29:59.939 --> 00:30:00.539 as my father 00:30:00.539 --> 00:30:01.459 was emasculated 00:30:01.459 --> 00:30:02.099 and airbrushed 00:30:02.099 --> 00:30:02.819 from our lives 00:30:02.819 --> 00:30:04.179 was simultaneously 00:30:04.179 --> 00:30:05.019 damaging 00:30:05.019 --> 00:30:06.439 and confusing. 00:30:07.319 --> 00:30:07.919 So that is 00:30:07.919 --> 00:30:08.959 the experience 00:30:08.960 --> 00:30:09.720 of one child 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:10.160 in the home 00:30:10.160 --> 00:30:11.079 that they were raised. 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:14.539 But the implications 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:15.340 are further. 00:30:16.860 --> 00:30:17.840 A website 00:30:17.840 --> 00:30:18.860 that I encourage you 00:30:18.860 --> 00:30:19.420 to look up 00:30:19.420 --> 00:30:20.500 and check out, 00:30:20.700 --> 00:30:22.420 Mothers and Fathers Matter. 00:30:23.120 --> 00:30:24.360 It's an organisation 00:30:24.360 --> 00:30:25.140 campaigning 00:30:25.140 --> 00:30:26.380 on the no side 00:30:26.380 --> 00:30:27.840 and they spell out 00:30:27.840 --> 00:30:28.480 very clearly 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:29.519 what it would mean 00:30:29.519 --> 00:30:30.539 if the referendum 00:30:30.539 --> 00:30:31.539 is accepted. 00:30:31.539 --> 00:30:35.680 It says, 00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:36.240 the right 00:30:36.240 --> 00:30:37.039 to found 00:30:37.039 --> 00:30:37.680 a family 00:30:37.680 --> 00:30:38.899 will become 00:30:38.899 --> 00:30:39.819 a constitutional 00:30:39.819 --> 00:30:40.740 right of any 00:30:40.740 --> 00:30:41.399 two men 00:30:41.399 --> 00:30:42.399 or two women. 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:43.879 What will that mean? 00:30:44.659 --> 00:30:44.980 Well, 00:30:45.039 --> 00:30:45.659 for two men 00:30:45.659 --> 00:30:46.220 they will be 00:30:46.220 --> 00:30:47.259 legally entitled 00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:48.059 to seek out 00:30:48.059 --> 00:30:48.899 a surrogate. 00:30:49.960 --> 00:30:50.740 Two women 00:30:50.740 --> 00:30:51.519 on the other side 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:52.259 will have the legal 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:53.039 right to seek 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:54.099 a sperm donation 00:30:54.099 --> 00:30:55.700 and create a child. 00:30:55.700 --> 00:30:57.759 That means 00:30:57.759 --> 00:30:58.440 the child 00:30:58.440 --> 00:30:58.940 themselves, 00:30:59.059 --> 00:30:59.440 the child 00:30:59.440 --> 00:31:00.120 who is born 00:31:00.120 --> 00:31:00.819 will have 00:31:00.819 --> 00:31:02.000 zero identifying 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:02.840 information 00:31:02.840 --> 00:31:03.700 until they reach 00:31:03.700 --> 00:31:04.240 the years, 00:31:04.460 --> 00:31:05.059 until they reach 00:31:05.059 --> 00:31:06.080 18 years old. 00:31:06.779 --> 00:31:07.660 So an entire 00:31:07.660 --> 00:31:08.240 childhood 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:09.080 will have passed 00:31:09.080 --> 00:31:09.940 before their 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:11.160 true identity 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:12.319 and genetic 00:31:12.319 --> 00:31:13.059 heritage 00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:14.500 can be revealed 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:15.100 to them. 00:31:16.100 --> 00:31:16.940 Now that has 00:31:16.940 --> 00:31:18.620 medical 00:31:18.620 --> 00:31:19.799 consequences 00:31:19.799 --> 00:31:20.360 as well 00:31:20.360 --> 00:31:21.100 because there may 00:31:21.100 --> 00:31:21.559 be something 00:31:21.559 --> 00:31:22.120 hereditary 00:31:22.119 --> 00:31:22.719 from their 00:31:22.719 --> 00:31:24.219 biological parents 00:31:24.219 --> 00:31:24.919 that now 00:31:24.919 --> 00:31:25.399 they know 00:31:25.399 --> 00:31:26.279 nothing about 00:31:26.279 --> 00:31:26.819 because they are 00:31:26.819 --> 00:31:27.259 now living 00:31:27.259 --> 00:31:28.279 with somebody else 00:31:28.279 --> 00:31:29.419 and they can't 00:31:29.419 --> 00:31:30.679 be told about it. 00:31:31.759 --> 00:31:32.659 Not to say 00:31:32.659 --> 00:31:33.319 anything of the 00:31:33.319 --> 00:31:34.559 psychological damage 00:31:34.559 --> 00:31:35.599 that it may cause. 00:31:36.739 --> 00:31:37.379 Now from my 00:31:37.379 --> 00:31:37.959 understanding 00:31:37.959 --> 00:31:38.659 of what all 00:31:38.659 --> 00:31:39.479 that means is 00:31:39.479 --> 00:31:40.599 that children 00:31:40.599 --> 00:31:41.279 just become 00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:42.279 made to order. 00:31:43.799 --> 00:31:44.500 They are not 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:45.219 only denied 00:31:45.219 --> 00:31:45.879 a mother and 00:31:45.879 --> 00:31:46.319 father, 00:31:46.679 --> 00:31:47.500 they are denied 00:31:47.500 --> 00:31:48.259 knowing who 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:49.019 their actual 00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:50.299 biological parents 00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:50.799 are. 00:31:52.119 --> 00:31:53.439 So just as 00:31:53.439 --> 00:31:54.439 Jesus sought 00:31:54.439 --> 00:31:55.419 to set out 00:31:55.419 --> 00:31:55.919 at the very 00:31:55.919 --> 00:31:56.359 beginning 00:31:56.359 --> 00:31:57.339 the rights 00:31:57.339 --> 00:31:58.159 of children 00:31:58.159 --> 00:31:59.559 and to 00:31:59.559 --> 00:32:00.519 protect them, 00:32:01.059 --> 00:32:02.059 so we should 00:32:02.059 --> 00:32:02.859 also be on 00:32:02.859 --> 00:32:03.399 the side of 00:32:03.399 --> 00:32:04.099 protecting the 00:32:04.099 --> 00:32:04.519 rights of 00:32:04.519 --> 00:32:05.399 children because 00:32:05.399 --> 00:32:06.599 the unborn 00:32:06.599 --> 00:32:07.779 can't protect 00:32:07.779 --> 00:32:08.959 themselves. 00:32:12.099 --> 00:32:13.059 So those are 00:32:13.059 --> 00:32:13.599 the two big 00:32:13.599 --> 00:32:14.259 things that 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:15.099 Jesus has to 00:32:15.099 --> 00:32:15.539 say about 00:32:15.539 --> 00:32:17.279 marriage and 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:17.799 about the 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:19.119 rights of 00:32:19.119 --> 00:32:19.559 children. 00:32:20.639 --> 00:32:21.199 So where 00:32:21.199 --> 00:32:21.559 does this 00:32:21.559 --> 00:32:21.940 leave us 00:32:21.940 --> 00:32:21.960 leave us 00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:22.200 all? 00:32:24.119 --> 00:32:24.779 Well I 00:32:24.779 --> 00:32:25.159 want to 00:32:25.159 --> 00:32:26.079 encourage you 00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:27.639 to vote 00:32:27.639 --> 00:32:27.940 no. 00:32:29.779 --> 00:32:30.299 Primarily 00:32:30.299 --> 00:32:31.700 because of 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.240 what Jesus 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:32.859 has to say 00:32:32.859 --> 00:32:33.659 about marriage 00:32:33.659 --> 00:32:34.679 and the 00:32:34.679 --> 00:32:35.159 rights of 00:32:35.159 --> 00:32:35.539 children. 00:32:37.740 --> 00:32:38.460 But that 00:32:38.460 --> 00:32:38.859 does not 00:32:38.859 --> 00:32:39.319 mean by 00:32:39.319 --> 00:32:39.960 voting no 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:40.480 we have to 00:32:40.480 --> 00:32:41.220 somehow choose 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:42.000 between loving 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:43.000 and opposing. 00:32:44.119 --> 00:32:44.940 We mustn't 00:32:44.940 --> 00:32:45.740 split that. 00:32:45.960 --> 00:32:46.419 We must 00:32:46.419 --> 00:32:47.679 do both. 00:32:47.680 --> 00:32:47.799 love. 00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:49.279 And I want 00:32:49.279 --> 00:32:49.799 to stress 00:32:49.799 --> 00:32:50.440 this as 00:32:50.440 --> 00:32:50.880 people. 00:32:51.279 --> 00:32:51.620 We should 00:32:51.620 --> 00:32:52.640 be loving 00:32:52.640 --> 00:32:53.460 to all 00:32:53.460 --> 00:32:55.080 people and 00:32:55.080 --> 00:32:56.200 welcoming of 00:32:56.200 --> 00:32:57.700 all regardless 00:32:57.700 --> 00:32:58.660 of their 00:32:58.660 --> 00:32:59.400 relationship 00:32:59.400 --> 00:33:00.759 status whether 00:33:00.759 --> 00:33:01.160 they are 00:33:01.160 --> 00:33:01.820 married or 00:33:01.820 --> 00:33:02.200 single. 00:33:03.660 --> 00:33:04.360 We should 00:33:04.360 --> 00:33:04.980 be people 00:33:04.980 --> 00:33:05.480 who are at 00:33:05.480 --> 00:33:06.200 the forefront 00:33:06.200 --> 00:33:07.100 of protecting 00:33:07.100 --> 00:33:07.820 the rights 00:33:07.820 --> 00:33:08.799 of all 00:33:08.799 --> 00:33:09.920 people whatever 00:33:09.920 --> 00:33:10.779 their gender 00:33:10.779 --> 00:33:11.820 or orientation. 00:33:11.819 --> 00:33:13.220 it is the 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:13.579 Christian 00:33:13.579 --> 00:33:14.679 community who 00:33:14.679 --> 00:33:15.000 should be 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:15.359 saying you 00:33:15.359 --> 00:33:15.759 have the 00:33:15.759 --> 00:33:16.899 right to 00:33:16.899 --> 00:33:17.839 say what 00:33:17.839 --> 00:33:18.259 you want 00:33:18.259 --> 00:33:18.659 to say. 00:33:18.759 --> 00:33:19.019 You have 00:33:19.019 --> 00:33:19.799 the right to 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:20.359 freedom of 00:33:20.359 --> 00:33:21.119 speech and 00:33:21.119 --> 00:33:21.740 declare what 00:33:21.740 --> 00:33:22.460 your interests 00:33:22.460 --> 00:33:23.059 and desires 00:33:23.059 --> 00:33:23.559 are. 00:33:23.859 --> 00:33:24.519 That is what 00:33:24.519 --> 00:33:25.059 we should be 00:33:25.059 --> 00:33:26.179 protecting and 00:33:26.179 --> 00:33:26.659 we should do 00:33:26.659 --> 00:33:27.519 it lovingly but 00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:28.240 at the same 00:33:28.240 --> 00:33:30.839 time opposing 00:33:30.839 --> 00:33:32.000 with gentleness 00:33:32.000 --> 00:33:34.579 and care any 00:33:34.579 --> 00:33:36.200 change to 00:33:36.200 --> 00:33:36.779 God's good 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:38.240 design for 00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:39.679 marriage and 00:33:39.679 --> 00:33:40.259 the family. 00:33:41.819 --> 00:33:43.519 loving to 00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:45.700 all but 00:33:45.700 --> 00:33:47.119 gently opposing 00:33:47.119 --> 00:33:49.079 any change 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:49.639 to God's 00:33:49.639 --> 00:33:50.460 good design 00:33:50.460 --> 00:33:51.740 for marriage 00:33:51.740 --> 00:33:52.879 and family. 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:55.279 Let's pray 00:33:55.279 --> 00:33:55.939 together. 00:33:55.940 --> 00:34:11.599 this is the 00:34:11.599 --> 00:34:12.340 prayer of the 00:34:12.340 --> 00:34:13.099 apostle Paul. 00:34:13.220 --> 00:34:13.860 He says let 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:15.019 your conversation 00:34:15.019 --> 00:34:17.039 be always 00:34:17.039 --> 00:34:17.639 full of 00:34:17.639 --> 00:34:18.139 grace 00:34:18.139 --> 00:34:20.220 seasoned 00:34:20.220 --> 00:34:21.099 with salt 00:34:21.099 --> 00:34:22.880 so that 00:34:22.880 --> 00:34:23.300 you may 00:34:23.300 --> 00:34:24.139 know how 00:34:24.139 --> 00:34:25.000 to answer 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:25.980 everyone. 00:34:27.079 --> 00:34:27.840 Father we 00:34:27.840 --> 00:34:28.480 ask that 00:34:28.480 --> 00:34:29.099 for each 00:34:29.099 --> 00:34:29.619 one of us 00:34:29.619 --> 00:34:29.940 here 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:32.400 that we 00:34:32.400 --> 00:34:33.480 would be 00:34:33.480 --> 00:34:33.960 able to 00:34:33.960 --> 00:34:34.420 clearly 00:34:34.420 --> 00:34:36.420 explain our 00:34:36.420 --> 00:34:37.119 reasons 00:34:37.119 --> 00:34:39.800 but that we 00:34:39.800 --> 00:34:40.719 would also be 00:34:40.719 --> 00:34:41.199 able to 00:34:41.199 --> 00:34:42.019 explain the 00:34:42.019 --> 00:34:42.860 hope that 00:34:42.860 --> 00:34:43.460 we have 00:34:43.460 --> 00:34:45.480 that there 00:34:45.480 --> 00:34:45.980 is something 00:34:45.980 --> 00:34:46.480 of far 00:34:46.480 --> 00:34:46.880 greater 00:34:46.880 --> 00:34:48.219 significance 00:34:48.219 --> 00:34:49.239 and consequence 00:34:49.239 --> 00:34:51.360 than our 00:34:51.360 --> 00:34:52.059 earthly 00:34:52.059 --> 00:34:53.000 relationships 00:34:53.000 --> 00:34:54.000 relationships 00:34:54.000 --> 00:34:55.559 or our 00:34:55.559 --> 00:34:56.079 married 00:34:56.079 --> 00:34:57.539 relationships 00:34:57.539 --> 00:34:57.760 but the 00:34:57.760 --> 00:34:58.320 ultimate 00:34:58.320 --> 00:34:58.880 marriage 00:34:58.880 --> 00:34:59.519 relationship 00:34:59.519 --> 00:35:00.139 to come 00:35:00.139 --> 00:35:02.119 between God 00:35:02.119 --> 00:35:02.480 and his 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:02.900 people 00:35:02.900 --> 00:35:04.320 in the 00:35:04.320 --> 00:35:04.880 new heavens 00:35:04.880 --> 00:35:05.219 and the 00:35:05.219 --> 00:35:05.760 new earth. 00:35:07.760 --> 00:35:08.599 Father would 00:35:08.599 --> 00:35:09.260 you please 00:35:09.260 --> 00:35:10.099 forgive us 00:35:10.099 --> 00:35:12.119 for we are 00:35:12.119 --> 00:35:13.019 all sexually 00:35:13.019 --> 00:35:13.519 flawed 00:35:13.519 --> 00:35:14.239 we have all 00:35:14.239 --> 00:35:15.000 messed up 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:17.219 would you 00:35:17.219 --> 00:35:17.699 please 00:35:17.699 --> 00:35:19.219 forgive us 00:35:19.219 --> 00:35:20.719 would you 00:35:20.719 --> 00:35:21.460 cleanse us 00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:22.019 afresh 00:35:22.019 --> 00:35:24.000 and would 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:24.539 you please 00:35:24.539 --> 00:35:24.960 by the 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:25.460 power of 00:35:25.460 --> 00:35:25.920 your Holy 00:35:25.920 --> 00:35:26.400 Spirit 00:35:26.400 --> 00:35:27.699 help us 00:35:27.699 --> 00:35:28.099 to live 00:35:28.099 --> 00:35:28.599 life 00:35:28.599 --> 00:35:29.980 as you 00:35:29.980 --> 00:35:30.500 call us 00:35:30.500 --> 00:35:30.760 to 00:35:30.760 --> 00:35:32.460 protecting 00:35:32.460 --> 00:35:33.039 every 00:35:33.039 --> 00:35:33.480 marriage 00:35:33.480 --> 00:35:34.099 relationship 00:35:34.099 --> 00:35:34.559 here 00:35:34.559 --> 00:35:35.940 protecting 00:35:35.940 --> 00:35:36.280 every 00:35:36.280 --> 00:35:36.780 family 00:35:36.780 --> 00:35:37.199 unit 00:35:37.199 --> 00:35:37.559 here 00:35:37.559 --> 00:35:39.179 and that 00:35:39.179 --> 00:35:39.559 together 00:35:39.559 --> 00:35:39.980 as a 00:35:39.980 --> 00:35:40.280 church 00:35:40.280 --> 00:35:40.679 family 00:35:40.679 --> 00:35:42.119 we would 00:35:42.119 --> 00:35:43.139 be loving 00:35:43.139 --> 00:35:44.259 and caring 00:35:44.259 --> 00:35:45.159 and welcoming 00:35:45.159 --> 00:35:46.879 of all 00:35:46.879 --> 00:35:47.960 who would 00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:48.299 come 00:35:48.299 --> 00:35:50.379 we pray 00:35:50.379 --> 00:35:50.679 that you 00:35:50.679 --> 00:35:51.039 would help 00:35:51.039 --> 00:35:51.500 us to do 00:35:51.500 --> 00:35:52.139 this well 00:35:52.139 --> 00:35:53.619 in Jesus 00:35:53.619 --> 00:35:54.139 name we 00:35:54.139 --> 00:35:54.639 ask 00:35:54.639 --> 00:35:56.019 amen