WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.200 Today's scripture reading is taken from John chapter 5 verses 1 to 29. 00:00:05.700 --> 00:00:11.099 ! Please follow along in your Bible or the church Bible in the seats or on the screen. 00:00:11.939 --> 00:00:17.080 ! Our passage can be found on page 837 in the church Bible. 00:00:17.780 --> 00:00:19.879 Starting in verse 1, we read, 00:00:20.699 --> 00:00:25.320 After this, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 00:00:25.320 --> 00:00:33.620 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool in Aramaic called Bethesda, 00:00:34.039 --> 00:00:36.299 which has five-roofed colonnades. 00:00:37.320 --> 00:00:42.159 In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, and paralyzed. 00:00:43.240 --> 00:00:46.799 One man was there who had been an invalid for 38 years. 00:00:47.719 --> 00:00:52.519 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, 00:00:52.520 --> 00:00:55.760 he said to him, Do you want to be healed? 00:00:56.460 --> 00:01:03.680 The sick man answered him, Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, 00:01:03.880 --> 00:01:07.300 and while I am going, another step is down before me. 00:01:08.260 --> 00:01:12.840 Jesus said to him, Get up, take up your bed, and walk. 00:01:13.659 --> 00:01:19.219 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. 00:01:19.219 --> 00:01:21.920 Now that day was the Sabbath. 00:01:22.400 --> 00:01:24.939 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, 00:01:25.719 --> 00:01:29.980 It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed. 00:01:30.819 --> 00:01:35.400 But he answered them, The man who healed me, that man said to me, 00:01:35.799 --> 00:01:37.200 Take up your bed and walk. 00:01:38.000 --> 00:01:42.500 They asked him, Who is the man who said to you, Take up your bed and walk? 00:01:43.019 --> 00:01:46.319 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was. 00:01:46.319 --> 00:01:50.500 For Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 00:01:52.099 --> 00:01:54.859 Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, 00:01:55.539 --> 00:02:00.379 See, you are well. Sin no more, and nothing worse may happen to you. 00:02:01.139 --> 00:02:05.139 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 00:02:06.299 --> 00:02:10.419 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, 00:02:10.680 --> 00:02:13.259 because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 00:02:13.259 --> 00:02:20.319 But Jesus answered them, My father is working until now, and I am working. 00:02:21.259 --> 00:02:25.099 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, 00:02:25.379 --> 00:02:28.120 because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, 00:02:28.560 --> 00:02:33.799 but he was even calling God his own father, making himself equal with God. 00:02:33.800 --> 00:02:38.880 So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, 00:02:39.360 --> 00:02:44.380 the son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the father doing. 00:02:45.219 --> 00:02:48.960 For whatever the father does, that the son does likewise. 00:02:50.360 --> 00:02:54.980 For the father loves the son and shows him all that he himself is doing, 00:02:55.360 --> 00:02:59.580 and greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 00:02:59.580 --> 00:03:03.920 For as the father raises the dead and gives them life, 00:03:04.180 --> 00:03:07.240 so also the son gives life to whom he will. 00:03:08.320 --> 00:03:12.700 For the father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the son, 00:03:13.260 --> 00:03:17.540 that all may honor the son, just as they honor the father. 00:03:18.600 --> 00:03:23.280 Whoever does not honor the son does not honor the father who sent him. 00:03:23.280 --> 00:03:30.439 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. 00:03:31.099 --> 00:03:36.180 He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:41.560 Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and is now here, 00:03:41.819 --> 00:03:46.900 when the dead will hear the voice of the son of God, and those who hear will live. 00:03:46.900 --> 00:03:54.960 For as the father has life in himself, so he has granted the son also to have life in himself. 00:03:55.939 --> 00:04:01.400 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man. 00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:04.939 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming, 00:04:05.360 --> 00:04:09.460 when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, 00:04:09.780 --> 00:04:12.800 those who have done good to the resurrection of life, 00:04:12.800 --> 00:04:16.639 and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. 00:04:16.899 --> 00:04:18.339 This is the word of God. 00:04:20.739 --> 00:04:21.579 Thanks, Kristen. 00:04:23.219 --> 00:04:24.279 Can you guys hear me okay? 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:26.500 Good morning. 00:04:27.259 --> 00:04:28.179 Good morning. 00:04:28.399 --> 00:04:30.259 Welcome to Watermark. 00:04:30.620 --> 00:04:32.339 Especially welcome to all of our guests, 00:04:33.399 --> 00:04:36.519 and those of us who are joining us for the first time. 00:04:37.219 --> 00:04:38.399 My name is Oscar, 00:04:39.299 --> 00:04:42.500 and it's my great privilege, my humble privilege, 00:04:42.679 --> 00:04:45.179 to be preaching today, to be delivering God's word. 00:04:46.899 --> 00:04:50.819 So this is our third Sunday at Viva. 00:04:51.279 --> 00:04:54.339 If you were here the first Sunday, Kevin Murphy, our wonderful pastor, preached. 00:04:55.060 --> 00:04:58.859 The next Sunday, Simon Murphy, his brother from Singapore, preached. 00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:03.259 And you know, there's a thing called trifecta, or trilogy, or hat trick, 00:05:03.399 --> 00:05:04.500 like the third is the best. 00:05:04.579 --> 00:05:05.399 Well, this is not the case. 00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:08.239 Okay, so sorry to disappoint you. 00:05:08.240 --> 00:05:16.540 But let us pray, and let's pray as we consider and come under God's word. 00:05:17.100 --> 00:05:17.960 Please join me in praying. 00:05:19.240 --> 00:05:22.280 Father God, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, 00:05:22.279 --> 00:05:29.019 we ask God that as we come under your word now, as we receive your word, 00:05:29.599 --> 00:05:31.859 I pray that you would humble all of our hearts. 00:05:33.119 --> 00:05:37.599 Open up our hearts to receive what you want to tell us. 00:05:38.639 --> 00:05:41.279 May we listen to your voice and not mine. 00:05:42.079 --> 00:05:45.159 Help me, God, to articulate clearly what you want to say to Watermark, 00:05:45.259 --> 00:05:46.959 to all of us, wherever we're at today, God. 00:05:46.959 --> 00:05:51.680 Some of us here today are Christians for 30, 40 years, 00:05:52.319 --> 00:05:54.099 know a lot of the scriptures. 00:05:55.039 --> 00:05:57.419 Some of us here today don't know you at all. 00:05:57.919 --> 00:06:00.659 We all have different, come from a different place. 00:06:00.740 --> 00:06:04.419 And so wherever we're at today, God, I pray your spirit would speak to us, 00:06:05.019 --> 00:06:09.599 challenge us, God, to see that there are a lot of voices that are influencing us, 00:06:09.639 --> 00:06:10.339 that are not of you. 00:06:10.659 --> 00:06:14.179 Help us to see your voice, hear your voice, respond to you today. 00:06:14.180 --> 00:06:19.300 We give the next number of minutes to you in Jesus' name. 00:06:20.120 --> 00:06:20.480 Amen. 00:06:21.540 --> 00:06:21.759 Amen. 00:06:23.800 --> 00:06:24.920 Okay, the microphone? 00:06:25.840 --> 00:06:26.540 All right. 00:06:27.139 --> 00:06:30.259 So on June 18, 1940, during the Second World War, 00:06:30.699 --> 00:06:32.639 and right after France had fallen, 00:06:33.540 --> 00:06:35.800 Sir Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, 00:06:36.280 --> 00:06:40.319 he gave perhaps his most famous speech first to the House of Commons 00:06:40.319 --> 00:06:42.759 and then live on radio to the British people. 00:06:42.759 --> 00:06:47.199 And that speech is now famously titled Finest Hour. 00:06:48.139 --> 00:06:50.899 And in that speech, in perhaps Britain's darkest hour, 00:06:51.500 --> 00:06:52.879 Churchill's voice was steady. 00:06:53.399 --> 00:06:55.319 His tone was defiant. 00:06:56.120 --> 00:06:59.939 He called the people of Britain to stand together against their enemies, 00:07:00.139 --> 00:07:02.719 to never give up hope, to keep pressing on. 00:07:03.699 --> 00:07:04.920 And listeners responded, 00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:06.839 morale increased. 00:07:06.839 --> 00:07:11.219 Many people joined the Home Guard to support and defend the country. 00:07:11.679 --> 00:07:14.699 Factory output increased to support the military. 00:07:15.579 --> 00:07:17.899 Just from listening to Churchill's voice, 00:07:18.299 --> 00:07:19.659 the entire country responded. 00:07:20.759 --> 00:07:23.399 And that was perhaps the turning point in the war. 00:07:23.399 --> 00:07:27.479 What voice has power over you? 00:07:28.139 --> 00:07:30.560 What voice do you respond to? 00:07:31.279 --> 00:07:36.899 Because isn't it true that there are so many voices that are speaking to us? 00:07:37.359 --> 00:07:43.259 Our classmates, our friends, colleagues, our parents, and even social media. 00:07:43.259 --> 00:07:47.699 Some voices are saying that we must have a certain career 00:07:47.699 --> 00:07:51.360 or we must have a certain amount of money in our bank account 00:07:51.360 --> 00:07:53.639 in order to be safe and secure. 00:07:54.620 --> 00:07:58.920 Other voices tell us that we must be married with children by a certain age. 00:07:59.699 --> 00:08:03.680 Or maybe the biggest voice of influence in our lives is actually our own. 00:08:03.680 --> 00:08:08.019 We tell ourselves quietly that we must look or feel a certain way 00:08:08.019 --> 00:08:11.220 in order to be fully happy or fulfilled. 00:08:12.840 --> 00:08:16.500 And while there may be some wisdom and truth in some of these voices, 00:08:16.720 --> 00:08:21.680 at the end of the day, all of these voices are somewhat fallible and imperfect. 00:08:22.460 --> 00:08:24.800 Our ears and our hearts may be drawn to these voices, 00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:29.259 but none of them can truly tell us what will satisfy the longing of our hearts. 00:08:29.259 --> 00:08:35.299 And today, as we dive back into the book of John in chapter 5, 00:08:35.939 --> 00:08:37.340 we will hear another voice. 00:08:37.840 --> 00:08:40.019 We'll hear a better voice. 00:08:40.379 --> 00:08:43.139 We'll hear from the voice of Jesus Christ. 00:08:44.259 --> 00:08:47.700 Jesus is the better voice because his is the voice that heals. 00:08:49.399 --> 00:08:50.879 His is the voice that warns. 00:08:51.279 --> 00:08:52.419 He is the voice of authority. 00:08:53.039 --> 00:08:55.639 And his voice raises the dead. 00:08:55.639 --> 00:08:59.659 Let's unpack God's word together. 00:09:01.399 --> 00:09:02.399 The voice that heals. 00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:06.379 So our passage today, as Kristen read, begins with Jesus going up to Jerusalem 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:09.279 during a feast, which is a celebration. 00:09:10.199 --> 00:09:16.379 And there he stops at a pool of water called Bethesda or Bethsaida, 00:09:16.480 --> 00:09:17.199 some people call it. 00:09:17.340 --> 00:09:19.279 I think if you go to Israel, I think people do call it Bethsaida. 00:09:20.019 --> 00:09:20.919 That's not mince words. 00:09:21.059 --> 00:09:22.419 Let's not argue over words here. 00:09:22.419 --> 00:09:27.919 In verse 3, we read that at Bethsaida lay a multitude of invalids, 00:09:28.199 --> 00:09:29.979 blind, lame, and paralyzed. 00:09:31.079 --> 00:09:35.000 This was a place that many sick people went to to try to find healing. 00:09:35.659 --> 00:09:39.879 They believed that they could just dip their body into that pool of water. 00:09:39.959 --> 00:09:42.039 When that water was stirred, they'd be healed. 00:09:43.559 --> 00:09:45.179 By the way, this is a real place. 00:09:45.559 --> 00:09:49.819 It was excavated in the late 19th to early 20th century. 00:09:49.820 --> 00:09:53.780 That's a picture of Bethsaida in the modern day. 00:09:54.440 --> 00:09:56.860 Another reason to believe the veracity of the Bible. 00:09:57.980 --> 00:10:01.800 Now at Bethsaida, a man was lying there who had been paralyzed for 38 years, 00:10:02.140 --> 00:10:02.920 a lifetime. 00:10:03.780 --> 00:10:07.840 And Jesus, already knowing this man's condition, he asks the man, 00:10:08.720 --> 00:10:09.460 you want to be healed? 00:10:10.400 --> 00:10:13.020 Perhaps an odd question to ask a man who's paralyzed. 00:10:13.019 --> 00:10:18.279 But as we always say at Watermark, Jesus is the one who approaches us first. 00:10:18.779 --> 00:10:20.960 He's the one that calls us first. 00:10:21.199 --> 00:10:22.419 He initiates. 00:10:22.679 --> 00:10:25.179 It's up for us to respond to him. 00:10:26.059 --> 00:10:29.139 And Jesus, in his compassion and kindness, 00:10:29.319 --> 00:10:31.779 he sees a man suffering, paralyzed, 00:10:32.139 --> 00:10:33.899 and simply through the power of his voice, 00:10:34.279 --> 00:10:34.740 Jesus says, 00:10:34.840 --> 00:10:35.179 Get up! 00:10:35.819 --> 00:10:36.519 Take up your mat! 00:10:36.819 --> 00:10:38.019 Take up your bed and walk! 00:10:38.019 --> 00:10:40.620 And after 38 years of paralysis, 00:10:41.259 --> 00:10:42.759 this man is completely healed. 00:10:43.179 --> 00:10:45.279 He picks up his bed and he walks off. 00:10:46.559 --> 00:10:47.559 Two takeaways, 00:10:48.199 --> 00:10:50.340 at least two takeaways from this story. 00:10:50.439 --> 00:10:51.299 Two I'll mention right now. 00:10:51.960 --> 00:10:52.340 First, 00:10:53.000 --> 00:10:54.919 Jesus cares about our pain. 00:10:56.120 --> 00:11:00.319 Now let's not rush past this miraculous event too quickly. 00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:03.019 I mean, have you ever seen someone paralyzed, 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:05.740 just miraculously get up and walk? 00:11:05.740 --> 00:11:10.820 What do you think about Jesus' ability to miraculously heal? 00:11:11.720 --> 00:11:12.460 Just a myth? 00:11:13.379 --> 00:11:15.700 Or maybe this stuff happened 2,000 years ago, 00:11:16.100 --> 00:11:17.019 or in the Bible, 00:11:17.159 --> 00:11:19.039 but it doesn't really happen today. 00:11:19.940 --> 00:11:21.779 Well, Bethsaida is a real place. 00:11:22.840 --> 00:11:24.519 Jesus really did heal this man, 00:11:24.600 --> 00:11:25.779 and many, many more. 00:11:25.940 --> 00:11:28.419 Too many, actually, to record in the Bible. 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:32.639 And today, Jesus is still healing. 00:11:32.639 --> 00:11:34.980 And not just physical sickness. 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:37.039 All across the world, 00:11:37.159 --> 00:11:40.879 there are stories of Jesus healing people from anxiety and depression. 00:11:41.379 --> 00:11:43.940 He's healing us from addiction and bondage. 00:11:44.360 --> 00:11:46.220 He's healing broken relationships. 00:11:46.779 --> 00:11:50.180 Because Jesus cares deeply about our pain. 00:11:51.200 --> 00:11:52.360 When he walked this earth, 00:11:52.519 --> 00:11:56.580 Jesus didn't hang out in the courts of nobles and kings. 00:11:56.879 --> 00:11:58.100 He went into the mission field, 00:11:58.159 --> 00:12:00.080 where it was uncomfortable and dangerous. 00:12:00.080 --> 00:12:03.400 He much preferred the hospital over the palace. 00:12:04.040 --> 00:12:04.920 And today, 00:12:05.440 --> 00:12:05.840 today, 00:12:05.960 --> 00:12:07.040 nothing has changed. 00:12:07.860 --> 00:12:12.520 Jesus continues to care deeply about both our physical and our emotional pain. 00:12:13.820 --> 00:12:14.740 But second, 00:12:15.639 --> 00:12:18.160 Jesus heals whom he chooses to heal. 00:12:19.220 --> 00:12:19.400 Now, 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:20.500 if the paralyzed man, 00:12:20.600 --> 00:12:23.160 when he saw Jesus coming to Bethsaida, 00:12:23.400 --> 00:12:24.800 if he knew who Jesus was, 00:12:24.900 --> 00:12:26.020 he probably would have said, 00:12:26.019 --> 00:12:27.159 Jesus, 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:27.720 I know who you are. 00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:28.579 I've heard about you. 00:12:28.639 --> 00:12:29.799 I've seen all the miracles you've done. 00:12:29.840 --> 00:12:31.059 I've heard about the miracles you've done. 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:31.779 Please heal me. 00:12:32.039 --> 00:12:32.639 I need healing. 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:33.519 I know you have the power. 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:34.819 I know you're the son of God. 00:12:35.299 --> 00:12:35.639 But, 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:39.460 when Jesus approaches the man and asks him if he wants to be healed, 00:12:39.620 --> 00:12:41.740 the man comes up with a bunch of excuses. 00:12:42.419 --> 00:12:42.819 He says, 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:44.960 no one's helping me into the water. 00:12:45.579 --> 00:12:47.579 And others are going down before me. 00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:51.059 Not exactly a model of faith. 00:12:51.059 --> 00:12:54.799 Imagine you're at the hospital in Hong Kong. 00:12:54.919 --> 00:12:55.799 You're in the waiting room, 00:12:56.159 --> 00:12:57.039 waiting to be treated. 00:12:58.059 --> 00:12:59.459 And Jesus Christ comes in. 00:12:59.559 --> 00:13:00.519 He walks through the front doors. 00:13:00.599 --> 00:13:01.299 And he asks you, 00:13:02.119 --> 00:13:02.779 son or daughter, 00:13:02.839 --> 00:13:03.819 do you want to be healed? 00:13:04.599 --> 00:13:05.359 And you say, 00:13:05.619 --> 00:13:07.500 I can't get to the operating theater. 00:13:08.779 --> 00:13:09.339 And yet, 00:13:10.119 --> 00:13:12.979 Jesus still heals this man. 00:13:14.599 --> 00:13:16.919 But then there are many other people in the Bible. 00:13:17.439 --> 00:13:18.199 And I imagine, 00:13:18.719 --> 00:13:20.439 some even here this morning, 00:13:20.440 --> 00:13:23.240 who have been praying faithfully for healing, 00:13:23.420 --> 00:13:24.820 physical or emotional. 00:13:25.960 --> 00:13:27.080 And you've been praying, 00:13:27.320 --> 00:13:29.620 and nothing has happened thus far. 00:13:29.720 --> 00:13:30.700 And maybe you're wondering, 00:13:30.880 --> 00:13:31.140 Jesus, 00:13:31.480 --> 00:13:32.740 are you even listening to me? 00:13:33.660 --> 00:13:33.840 Well, 00:13:33.860 --> 00:13:34.120 to you, 00:13:34.180 --> 00:13:34.740 I will say, 00:13:35.520 --> 00:13:36.220 keep praying. 00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:37.800 Keep believing. 00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:39.200 Keep persevering. 00:13:40.360 --> 00:13:42.940 We don't know if God will heal you or not, 00:13:43.040 --> 00:13:47.160 or whether through physicians who are gifted to heal, 00:13:47.300 --> 00:13:48.500 or through miraculous healing. 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:51.580 But what we have full confidence in is this. 00:13:52.179 --> 00:13:55.179 God is both sovereign and good. 00:13:55.720 --> 00:13:56.840 So never stop praying. 00:13:57.200 --> 00:13:58.139 Never stop believing. 00:13:58.820 --> 00:13:59.659 Our prayer team, 00:14:00.080 --> 00:14:02.179 we have a prayer team here that would love to pray with you, 00:14:02.460 --> 00:14:05.059 because we trust in the goodness of God. 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:06.759 But also know, 00:14:07.379 --> 00:14:09.059 that if your life is in him, 00:14:09.139 --> 00:14:09.580 in Jesus, 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:11.159 on the last day, 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:12.460 when you see him face to face, 00:14:12.460 --> 00:14:14.940 all your pain and suffering will be gone. 00:14:16.259 --> 00:14:16.700 Jesus, 00:14:17.100 --> 00:14:17.920 the voice that heals. 00:14:20.200 --> 00:14:20.639 Jesus, 00:14:20.740 --> 00:14:21.780 the voice that warns. 00:14:22.160 --> 00:14:23.540 So after healing this man, 00:14:23.660 --> 00:14:25.480 Jesus withdraws from the crowd, 00:14:25.600 --> 00:14:26.360 and later on, 00:14:26.420 --> 00:14:28.139 he sees this man again in the temple. 00:14:29.400 --> 00:14:31.000 And in verse 14, 00:14:31.600 --> 00:14:32.600 Jesus says to the man, 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:33.920 See you, 00:14:33.920 --> 00:14:34.399 you are well. 00:14:34.860 --> 00:14:37.420 Sin no more than nothing worse may happen to you, 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:40.560 suggesting that it was this man's sin 00:14:40.560 --> 00:14:42.259 that resulted in his paralysis, 00:14:42.600 --> 00:14:45.159 and that there may be something worse 00:14:45.159 --> 00:14:46.259 that may happen to him 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:47.639 if he continued to sin. 00:14:48.560 --> 00:14:49.019 Now, 00:14:49.060 --> 00:14:50.659 we don't know what this man's sin was. 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:51.879 The Bible doesn't say. 00:14:52.420 --> 00:14:55.180 Maybe his sin was that he stole from his neighbors. 00:14:56.159 --> 00:14:58.080 Maybe he was a compulsive liar. 00:14:58.900 --> 00:14:59.360 Or maybe, 00:15:00.100 --> 00:15:00.960 in his heart, 00:15:01.080 --> 00:15:03.080 he was proud that he was self-reliant 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:04.200 and self-sufficient, 00:15:04.460 --> 00:15:06.220 even though he was paralyzed. 00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:08.259 You see, 00:15:08.340 --> 00:15:09.580 sin isn't just big stuff, 00:15:10.080 --> 00:15:11.320 like murder and adultery. 00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:15.580 Sin is anything that we put above our worship of God. 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:20.040 Sin is putting ourselves as God in our lives. 00:15:20.740 --> 00:15:21.259 Now, 00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:22.960 right here, 00:15:23.120 --> 00:15:25.500 I think it's important to mention that in the Bible, 00:15:25.700 --> 00:15:27.300 not every form of suffering 00:15:27.299 --> 00:15:28.939 is the result of sin. 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:30.719 Later on, 00:15:30.859 --> 00:15:32.659 we will look at John chapter 9. 00:15:33.339 --> 00:15:34.959 Jesus heals a man born blind. 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:37.579 And the disciples asked Jesus, 00:15:37.839 --> 00:15:38.399 who sinned, 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:39.719 this man or his parents, 00:15:39.799 --> 00:15:40.759 that he was born blind? 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:42.719 And Jesus answered, 00:15:43.419 --> 00:15:45.019 it was not that this man sinned, 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:46.219 nor his parents, 00:15:46.459 --> 00:15:48.000 but that the works of God 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:49.639 might be displayed in him. 00:15:50.279 --> 00:15:53.299 The man's blindness was not the result of his sin. 00:15:54.079 --> 00:15:55.699 But in today's passage, 00:15:55.700 --> 00:15:58.780 Jesus tells this formerly paralyzed man, 00:15:59.259 --> 00:16:02.080 sin no more than nothing worse may happen to you. 00:16:03.360 --> 00:16:04.259 Here's the message. 00:16:05.259 --> 00:16:09.259 While it's true that suffering is not necessarily the result of sin, 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:11.440 sin has consequences, 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:14.060 and suffering can be the result of sin. 00:16:15.560 --> 00:16:16.620 Let me say that again, 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:17.840 bit of a mouthful. 00:16:18.800 --> 00:16:21.020 Suffering is not necessarily the result of sin, 00:16:21.300 --> 00:16:22.880 but sin has consequences, 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:26.460 and suffering can be the result of sin. 00:16:26.460 --> 00:16:29.780 Think about King David, 00:16:29.780 --> 00:16:32.680 if you know the story in the Old Testament of David and Bathsheba. 00:16:33.240 --> 00:16:33.900 King David, 00:16:34.320 --> 00:16:35.740 he abuses his power, 00:16:35.820 --> 00:16:37.139 he sleeps with Bathsheba, 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:37.860 a married woman, 00:16:38.580 --> 00:16:40.220 and then to cover up his adultery, 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:42.180 he murders Bathsheba's husband, 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:47.440 and the consequences of his sin are painful and long-lasting. 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:51.640 The infant son of David and Bathsheba dies. 00:16:52.760 --> 00:16:55.860 There's turmoil in David's family for a long time. 00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:57.820 One son kills another son. 00:16:58.220 --> 00:17:01.580 One son even tries to take over David's throne and tries to kill David. 00:17:01.580 --> 00:17:01.780 David, 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:03.860 David, 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:07.579 Jesus warns the formerly paralyzed man to stop sinning, 00:17:08.600 --> 00:17:11.059 not because Jesus wants to punish the man, 00:17:11.340 --> 00:17:12.500 just the opposite. 00:17:13.140 --> 00:17:15.299 It's because Jesus wants to save the man. 00:17:16.400 --> 00:17:16.519 See, 00:17:16.579 --> 00:17:17.200 when I'm cooking, 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:21.720 I ask my children not to come into the kitchen when the stove is on, 00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:27.340 because I want to try to protect them and save them from burning themselves on the stove. 00:17:27.339 --> 00:17:29.259 In the same way, 00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:33.119 Jesus' voice warns us to stay away from sin, 00:17:33.579 --> 00:17:34.539 not out of fear, 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:35.859 but out of love. 00:17:37.859 --> 00:17:42.119 So I used to work in the investment business for many years. 00:17:42.699 --> 00:17:45.039 I was driven by many voices. 00:17:45.559 --> 00:17:48.699 The voices said that I need that title of portfolio manager, 00:17:49.079 --> 00:17:51.619 and I needed that business card to hand out, 00:17:51.899 --> 00:17:53.259 and that was my identity. 00:17:53.259 --> 00:17:56.359 And all the while, 00:17:56.460 --> 00:17:58.420 the voice of Jesus was warning me that I was, 00:17:58.599 --> 00:18:05.299 I elevated my career and title so high up there that I was bowing down and worshiping it. 00:18:05.819 --> 00:18:09.779 And the consequences of my idolatry and sin, 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:10.980 yes, 00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:12.079 I am calling it that, 00:18:13.140 --> 00:18:17.180 was that even as my career progressed and I was doing better and having more responsibility, 00:18:17.519 --> 00:18:19.640 something was kind of off. 00:18:20.440 --> 00:18:22.440 My heart was never satisfied or content. 00:18:22.440 --> 00:18:24.840 I always felt restless. 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:26.320 But more than that, 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:28.160 when I had a bad year, 00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:32.059 I was gripped with fear and anxiety and worry, 00:18:32.539 --> 00:18:33.299 stress, 00:18:33.900 --> 00:18:35.000 not able to sleep. 00:18:36.360 --> 00:18:38.080 And after many years of wrestling with God, 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:39.660 I felt God 00:18:39.660 --> 00:18:43.620 urging me to leave that career. 00:18:44.080 --> 00:18:44.820 That's a different story. 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:46.019 We don't have time to get into that. 00:18:46.660 --> 00:18:48.799 But now I have no title. 00:18:49.480 --> 00:18:50.860 I have no business card. 00:18:50.859 --> 00:18:52.099 And yet, 00:18:52.179 --> 00:18:53.599 my identity is secure. 00:18:54.539 --> 00:18:54.759 I, 00:18:54.879 --> 00:18:55.179 Oscar, 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:56.059 am a child 00:18:56.059 --> 00:18:57.639 of the most high God. 00:18:58.899 --> 00:18:59.899 And you know what else happened? 00:19:00.579 --> 00:19:01.740 I am being healed. 00:19:02.659 --> 00:19:03.219 By the way, 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:04.000 initially I was going to say, 00:19:04.079 --> 00:19:04.719 I am healed, 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.479 but then I realized, 00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:05.959 no, 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:06.899 I'm a work in progress. 00:19:06.900 --> 00:19:09.519 I am being healed. 00:19:09.800 --> 00:19:19.280 The voice of Jesus that healed this paralyzed man is healing me as well from the pain of finding my identity and security in my job and title, 00:19:19.279 --> 00:19:22.379 and from the pain of never feeling like I'm good enough. 00:19:22.380 --> 00:19:28.460 I must caveat to say that I don't think Jesus is calling all of us to quit our jobs. 00:19:29.660 --> 00:19:31.060 But the question really is, 00:19:31.160 --> 00:19:35.300 is his voice warning you to stop idolizing something? 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:40.520 Is his voice urging you to take down that idol and replace it with him, with loving him, 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:44.519 and to receive his freedom and healing? 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:47.519 Because the beauty of the gospel is that, 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:52.559 although my sin of idolizing my career offended God, 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:57.579 God never forced me to walk through fire or to pay the penalty, 00:19:57.900 --> 00:19:59.900 the ultimate penalty of that sin. 00:19:59.900 --> 00:20:01.000 You know, 00:20:01.060 --> 00:20:02.360 in the John Wick movie series, 00:20:02.600 --> 00:20:04.700 when someone offends the high table, 00:20:04.840 --> 00:20:05.900 the powers that be, 00:20:06.380 --> 00:20:07.420 it's a lesson I love John Wick. 00:20:07.580 --> 00:20:08.380 It's a bit of an obsession. 00:20:08.880 --> 00:20:09.940 Maybe that's idolatry as well, 00:20:10.019 --> 00:20:10.240 actually, 00:20:10.380 --> 00:20:10.900 come to think of it. 00:20:11.420 --> 00:20:12.980 When someone offends the high table, 00:20:13.060 --> 00:20:17.400 they must atone for their offense by re-pledging loyalty to the high table. 00:20:18.320 --> 00:20:19.480 And in that movie, 00:20:19.680 --> 00:20:21.060 to re-pledge loyalty, 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:22.700 to atone for their offense, 00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:24.220 they must get cut with a knife. 00:20:25.100 --> 00:20:25.940 But Jesus, 00:20:26.360 --> 00:20:29.880 he never forces us to pay the penalty for our sin. 00:20:29.900 --> 00:20:34.500 Because if we believe and follow him, 00:20:35.060 --> 00:20:40.200 the penalty for our sin has already been paid for at a great price. 00:20:40.920 --> 00:20:42.500 Jesus died on that cross for us. 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:44.660 But for us today, 00:20:45.160 --> 00:20:47.200 don't treat sin lightly. 00:20:47.920 --> 00:20:49.740 Don't sweep it under the rug. 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:51.380 Bring it into the light. 00:20:51.800 --> 00:20:52.900 Confess and repent of it. 00:20:52.980 --> 00:20:53.640 Run away from it. 00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:57.700 Jesus calls us out of the murky world of bondage and compromise 00:20:57.700 --> 00:20:59.340 into the freedom of the light. 00:20:59.900 --> 00:21:00.940 He warns us 00:21:00.940 --> 00:21:02.980 because he loves us. 00:21:04.300 --> 00:21:07.140 So let's heed the voice that warns. 00:21:08.540 --> 00:21:08.980 Now, 00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:12.160 something else is happening in this passage is that 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:13.720 the religious leaders, 00:21:13.840 --> 00:21:14.960 they're called Pharisees. 00:21:15.380 --> 00:21:17.360 When they see Jesus healing on the Sabbath day, 00:21:17.440 --> 00:21:19.759 they get all offended and agitated. 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:21.500 In case you didn't know, 00:21:21.640 --> 00:21:24.740 the Sabbath was given to God's people in the Old Testament. 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:28.779 One day a week is a day of rest from work to be with God. 00:21:29.140 --> 00:21:31.619 It's meant to be a blessing to the people. 00:21:32.339 --> 00:21:33.480 But here in verse, 00:21:33.720 --> 00:21:34.619 in chapter five, 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:36.119 the Pharisees, 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:37.660 they twist the Sabbath law 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:41.799 and accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath by healing on the Sabbath. 00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:42.200 Now, 00:21:43.519 --> 00:21:44.919 in other gospel accounts, 00:21:45.119 --> 00:21:49.059 other parts of the Bible where stories of Jesus are told, 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:54.359 when Jesus is being accused of breaking the Sabbath by healing on the Sabbath, 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:55.779 he often, 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:57.720 he often says, 00:21:58.099 --> 00:21:58.200 well, 00:21:58.259 --> 00:22:00.819 why shouldn't God do good on the Sabbath and heal? 00:22:01.240 --> 00:22:04.359 If your son or your ox fell into a well on the Sabbath, 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:06.960 would you not rescue them and bring them out? 00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:09.880 But in this passage, 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:12.360 Jesus raises the stakes. 00:22:13.180 --> 00:22:14.559 Am I getting feedback here? 00:22:15.920 --> 00:22:16.900 In this passage, 00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:18.980 Jesus raises the stakes even higher. 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:21.240 In my younger days, 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.180 I used to play a lot of poker. 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:23.299 I'm not proud of that. 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:24.900 But if you know poker at all, 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:27.299 when you want to make a bigger move against your opponents, 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:28.380 you raise them, 00:22:28.440 --> 00:22:29.460 you raise the stakes. 00:22:29.860 --> 00:22:30.000 Well, 00:22:30.059 --> 00:22:30.279 here, 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:33.759 Jesus raises the stakes on the Pharisees. 00:22:34.620 --> 00:22:36.900 He doesn't address the law, 00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:39.900 the faithfulness of healing on the Sabbath. 00:22:40.039 --> 00:22:40.759 In this passage, 00:22:40.860 --> 00:22:42.240 he makes an even bigger move. 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:44.039 What does he do? 00:22:44.340 --> 00:22:44.480 Well, 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:48.640 in response to the accusation of breaking the Sabbath by healing on the Sabbath, 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:50.460 Jesus says in verse 17, 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:53.900 my father is working until now, 00:22:54.539 --> 00:22:55.360 and I am working. 00:22:56.860 --> 00:22:57.539 Now you may ask, 00:22:57.620 --> 00:22:59.019 so if God is working, 00:22:59.480 --> 00:23:00.079 is God, 00:23:00.579 --> 00:23:02.000 is he breaking the Sabbath? 00:23:02.120 --> 00:23:04.220 Is God breaking his own law? 00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:04.660 Well, 00:23:06.100 --> 00:23:09.880 let's go for a moment to Genesis chapter two, 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:10.680 just very quickly. 00:23:11.440 --> 00:23:17.440 And we read that God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it, 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.700 God rested from all his work, 00:23:18.900 --> 00:23:21.680 all the work that he had done in creation. 00:23:21.680 --> 00:23:25.039 God rested from his creation work, 00:23:25.120 --> 00:23:27.460 but every single day since then, 00:23:27.580 --> 00:23:28.820 God has been working. 00:23:29.560 --> 00:23:31.019 For if God wasn't working, 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:33.120 the world would fall apart. 00:23:33.560 --> 00:23:35.539 The laws of gravity wouldn't hold in place. 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:37.000 The sky would fall into the ocean. 00:23:37.100 --> 00:23:38.600 The ocean would spill over into the land. 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:41.519 Many people here in this room would never know the love of Christ. 00:23:41.519 --> 00:23:42.840 If God wasn't working, 00:23:43.060 --> 00:23:44.360 if God wasn't working, 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:45.680 we wouldn't need a prayer team. 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:47.160 We'd be praying to the wind. 00:23:48.279 --> 00:23:48.700 God, 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:49.240 the father, 00:23:50.039 --> 00:23:50.759 always working. 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:54.720 And then the author in verse 18 tells us, 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:57.879 Jesus was calling God, 00:23:58.000 --> 00:23:58.740 his own father, 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:01.039 making himself equal with God. 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:02.180 Okay. 00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:04.140 So what's the point of this? 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:04.940 Well, 00:24:05.619 --> 00:24:07.180 in today's passage so far, 00:24:07.240 --> 00:24:11.140 we've seen Jesus heal a man with just the power of his voice. 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:12.779 And then later on, 00:24:12.859 --> 00:24:15.019 he warns the man to stop sinning. 00:24:16.359 --> 00:24:19.759 But Jesus Christ is not just a miracle healer. 00:24:19.759 --> 00:24:24.420 He's not just a good teacher of morals and ethics. 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:29.279 Jesus claimed to be God's son and equal to God, 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:29.759 the father. 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:32.420 And in the first century in Israel, 00:24:32.420 --> 00:24:34.720 this was an incredibly audacious, 00:24:34.879 --> 00:24:35.839 absurd claim. 00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:37.679 Because for thousands of years, 00:24:37.679 --> 00:24:39.159 the people of Israel, 00:24:39.159 --> 00:24:41.319 they had heard how God, 00:24:41.859 --> 00:24:42.759 God of their fathers, 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:44.019 created the world. 00:24:44.659 --> 00:24:47.919 They heard how God rescued his people from slavery. 00:24:48.259 --> 00:24:52.959 They had heard and seen how God had raised up kings and prophets, 00:24:53.139 --> 00:24:56.199 how God had delivered them time and time again from their enemies. 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:58.000 Then you have God to be sovereign, 00:24:58.220 --> 00:24:58.640 holy, 00:24:59.220 --> 00:24:59.940 set apart, 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:02.220 and therefore worthy, 00:25:02.539 --> 00:25:07.880 the only one worthy of all praise and honor and glory. 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:11.080 And here Jesus says, 00:25:11.540 --> 00:25:12.820 you know God, 00:25:12.880 --> 00:25:13.280 the father. 00:25:13.780 --> 00:25:14.080 Well, 00:25:14.800 --> 00:25:15.280 I am, 00:25:15.380 --> 00:25:18.560 I am his son and I am God. 00:25:19.380 --> 00:25:20.860 Whatever the father does, 00:25:21.080 --> 00:25:22.640 I do as well. 00:25:23.200 --> 00:25:24.620 That's from verse 19. 00:25:25.760 --> 00:25:27.140 In verse 21, 00:25:27.320 --> 00:25:29.480 Jesus continues this line of thought. 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:40.059 Jesus is God. 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:46.220 And one of the implications of Jesus' sovereignty, 00:25:46.860 --> 00:25:48.900 Jesus being God and his authority, 00:25:49.160 --> 00:25:53.140 is that he has the power to judge all of mankind. 00:25:54.079 --> 00:25:54.940 Last week, 00:25:55.079 --> 00:25:58.180 I was in court as an observer. 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:58.279 Remember, 00:25:58.880 --> 00:26:00.539 and in court, 00:26:01.360 --> 00:26:01.820 when the, 00:26:01.900 --> 00:26:03.039 in the high court, 00:26:03.120 --> 00:26:04.000 when the judge walks in, 00:26:04.080 --> 00:26:05.779 everyone rises to their feet, 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:07.259 bows to honor the judge. 00:26:08.360 --> 00:26:11.400 There's no one with greater authority in a courtroom than the judge. 00:26:11.580 --> 00:26:13.440 When the judge makes a, 00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:15.160 a ruling, 00:26:15.700 --> 00:26:16.860 that decision stands. 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.759 Verse 22, 00:26:20.180 --> 00:26:20.700 Jesus says, 00:26:20.820 --> 00:26:23.080 for the father judges no one, 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:25.660 but has given all judgment to the son. 00:26:25.660 --> 00:26:30.220 Jesus is not just an ambassador of his father's will. 00:26:31.540 --> 00:26:32.600 Country ambassadors, 00:26:32.900 --> 00:26:35.940 they travel to represent the prime minister or president, 00:26:36.040 --> 00:26:39.240 but they don't have the same authority of the prime minister or the president. 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:42.860 But Jesus commands all authority to judge the words, 00:26:43.480 --> 00:26:44.140 the thoughts, 00:26:44.900 --> 00:26:45.700 the secret thoughts, 00:26:45.820 --> 00:26:46.259 the heart, 00:26:46.920 --> 00:26:50.019 the action and deeds of every person who's ever lived. 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:55.099 But let's stop here and reflect, 00:26:55.480 --> 00:27:01.400 because this is not just interesting information about the identity of Jesus in the Bible. 00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:04.779 Because if it's true that Jesus is God, 00:27:05.940 --> 00:27:06.779 then all people, 00:27:07.379 --> 00:27:09.759 all people must honor him. 00:27:10.900 --> 00:27:11.639 In verse 23, 00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:12.259 he says, 00:27:12.259 --> 00:27:16.400 whoever does not honor the son, 00:27:17.079 --> 00:27:19.240 does not honor the father who sent him. 00:27:20.879 --> 00:27:22.680 Maybe you believe in God this morning. 00:27:23.539 --> 00:27:24.259 Maybe you said, 00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:24.460 yeah, 00:27:24.559 --> 00:27:25.559 I'm a Christian. 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:26.460 I believe in God, 00:27:26.579 --> 00:27:26.960 but Jesus, 00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:27.559 I'm not sure. 00:27:29.140 --> 00:27:29.879 Let's read this passage, 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:30.940 this verse again. 00:27:31.579 --> 00:27:33.220 Whoever does not honor the son, 00:27:33.460 --> 00:27:35.720 does not honor the father who sent him. 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:43.620 And the voice of authority of Jesus does demand a response from us. 00:27:44.940 --> 00:27:46.900 And at the end of today's passage, 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:49.620 Jesus invites us to respond. 00:27:50.960 --> 00:27:52.360 Starting from verse 25, 00:27:52.940 --> 00:27:56.160 Jesus talks about two distinct time periods. 00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:57.680 The first is today, 00:27:58.200 --> 00:28:02.240 and the second is the end of time when he returns again. 00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:05.180 In the first, 00:28:05.440 --> 00:28:06.160 in verse 25, 00:28:07.059 --> 00:28:07.680 Jesus says, 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:13.099 an hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the son of God. 00:28:13.180 --> 00:28:15.460 And those who hear will live. 00:28:16.559 --> 00:28:17.680 He's saying that today, 00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:18.960 right now, 00:28:19.839 --> 00:28:20.900 7th of September, 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:21.599 2025, 00:28:22.400 --> 00:28:25.200 his voice is calling out to all of us. 00:28:26.620 --> 00:28:28.460 If you're not a Christian here this morning, 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:30.000 his voice is calling out to you. 00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:34.880 Will you make the decision, 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:37.039 turn down the volume and all those other voices, 00:28:37.539 --> 00:28:40.160 and that are telling you to be your own God. 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:43.240 And will you make the decision to listen to the voice of Jesus, 00:28:43.920 --> 00:28:45.140 to trust him and follow him. 00:28:46.539 --> 00:28:50.120 But Jesus is also speaking here to those of us who are Christians, 00:28:50.120 --> 00:28:53.160 because every single day as a Christian, 00:28:53.319 --> 00:28:59.839 the voice of Jesus is calling us and urging us to die to ourselves and to live for him. 00:28:59.839 --> 00:29:01.699 If you listen closely, 00:29:01.819 --> 00:29:08.839 God's spirit is whispering to your heart that that's something that you're idolizing or worshiping a bit too much. 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:10.220 Maybe like me, 00:29:10.299 --> 00:29:10.939 it's your career. 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:13.480 Maybe it's that relationship you're seeking. 00:29:13.899 --> 00:29:16.279 It's actually an idol in your heart. 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:18.099 And Jesus is saying, 00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:18.940 his voice is saying, 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:19.779 live for me. 00:29:20.920 --> 00:29:27.779 Release the grip of your own desires and come to me to find the rest and the peace that your heart longs for. 00:29:29.379 --> 00:29:29.899 Today, 00:29:30.180 --> 00:29:33.559 today we're given the opportunity to respond to Jesus. 00:29:33.559 --> 00:29:35.119 But, 00:29:35.119 --> 00:29:35.139 but, 00:29:35.779 --> 00:29:36.139 but, 00:29:36.419 --> 00:29:37.599 on the last day, 00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:39.000 when he returns, 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:42.919 we will no longer have an opportunity to respond. 00:29:43.519 --> 00:29:47.379 And this is what verses 28 and 29 are talking about. 00:29:48.379 --> 00:29:49.240 Jesus says, 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:53.480 an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out. 00:29:53.960 --> 00:29:59.200 Those who have done good to the resurrection of life and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. 00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:01.579 On the last day, 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:04.559 when Jesus Christ comes back to this world, 00:30:04.660 --> 00:30:07.500 his voice will cry out and all who are in the grave, 00:30:07.920 --> 00:30:13.099 all the billions of people who are in the grave will come out and stand before him. 00:30:13.099 --> 00:30:18.639 Those who have done good doesn't mean those who have done good deeds in this life. 00:30:19.219 --> 00:30:21.199 For no matter how good we are, 00:30:21.439 --> 00:30:21.659 our, 00:30:21.759 --> 00:30:24.819 our good deeds can never live up to God's standard of good. 00:30:25.899 --> 00:30:26.419 It's, 00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:30.179 it's those who have submitted their lives to Jesus, 00:30:30.959 --> 00:30:31.799 who love and trust him. 00:30:32.319 --> 00:30:37.319 Or it's Jesus's good deed on the cross that covers us and makes us good. 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:39.219 But in contrast, 00:30:39.899 --> 00:30:43.000 those who have done evil or those who have turned their backs on Jesus, 00:30:43.099 --> 00:30:47.399 have gone their own way and refuse to submit to his authority. 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:49.919 And friends, 00:30:50.500 --> 00:30:58.259 these verses here crucially speak to those of us here today who have not yet given our lives to Jesus. 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:00.240 You see, 00:31:00.399 --> 00:31:03.000 many faith seekers, 00:31:03.500 --> 00:31:06.000 when they're considering the Christian faith, 00:31:06.740 --> 00:31:06.980 they, 00:31:07.079 --> 00:31:09.519 they think they're left with this big decision. 00:31:10.399 --> 00:31:11.919 What do I think about Jesus? 00:31:11.920 --> 00:31:14.080 Is he really who he said he is? 00:31:14.180 --> 00:31:17.400 Is he really the son of God and savior of the world? 00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:18.980 And it's true. 00:31:19.820 --> 00:31:26.200 We are able to make our own decisions and we're also accountable for those decisions. 00:31:26.200 --> 00:31:29.240 But on the last day, 00:31:29.580 --> 00:31:32.819 when all in their tombs will hear his voice, 00:31:33.259 --> 00:31:33.819 actually, 00:31:33.980 --> 00:31:35.100 the issue won't be, 00:31:35.319 --> 00:31:36.559 what is our judgment of Jesus? 00:31:37.519 --> 00:31:38.580 The real issue will be, 00:31:39.000 --> 00:31:39.460 what is our, 00:31:39.600 --> 00:31:41.539 what is his judgment of us? 00:31:43.539 --> 00:31:44.480 Let me say that again. 00:31:44.840 --> 00:31:45.860 On the last day, 00:31:46.220 --> 00:31:48.360 when all in their tombs will hear his voice, 00:31:48.420 --> 00:31:49.440 the issue will not be, 00:31:49.580 --> 00:31:50.680 what is our judgment of him? 00:31:51.120 --> 00:31:52.039 The issue will be, 00:31:52.200 --> 00:31:54.019 what is his judgment of us? 00:31:55.200 --> 00:31:55.560 Now today, 00:31:55.620 --> 00:31:58.279 if you've joined us and you have not yet given your life to Jesus, 00:31:58.759 --> 00:32:04.400 we are so incredibly overjoyed that you were here with us this morning. 00:32:05.360 --> 00:32:06.700 But please hear this. 00:32:07.480 --> 00:32:10.240 Every person has a very big decision to make. 00:32:11.079 --> 00:32:14.420 And the biggest decision in life is not what school you go to, 00:32:14.539 --> 00:32:15.660 it's not what career you have, 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:16.880 it's not what city you live in, 00:32:16.900 --> 00:32:17.759 it's not who you marry, 00:32:17.859 --> 00:32:18.859 it's not how many kids you have, 00:32:19.220 --> 00:32:20.079 it's not what you eat for dinner, 00:32:20.220 --> 00:32:21.519 it's not what stocks or bonds you buy, 00:32:21.579 --> 00:32:22.000 real estate, 00:32:22.079 --> 00:32:23.039 it's not when you retire. 00:32:23.319 --> 00:32:27.000 The biggest decision and the most important decision in your life is this. 00:32:27.819 --> 00:32:32.299 Will you respond to the voice of the son of God and give your life to him? 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:37.200 Now maybe you don't think you're good enough. 00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:38.519 Well, 00:32:39.140 --> 00:32:40.180 you're right. 00:32:40.759 --> 00:32:41.920 By ourselves, 00:32:42.339 --> 00:32:44.059 none of us are good enough. 00:32:45.200 --> 00:32:47.420 But this is what Jesus did for you. 00:32:48.420 --> 00:32:50.660 Jesus is the judge who says, 00:32:51.460 --> 00:32:51.740 yes, 00:32:52.359 --> 00:32:53.319 you've committed a crime. 00:32:54.259 --> 00:32:54.579 Yes, 00:32:55.079 --> 00:33:00.140 that crime is punishable by death. 00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:01.839 But I, 00:33:02.000 --> 00:33:04.120 as the judge who've made this ruling, 00:33:04.420 --> 00:33:06.440 I will step into your shoes. 00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:09.319 That crime needs to be punished. 00:33:10.079 --> 00:33:11.179 You don't have to take that punishment. 00:33:11.180 --> 00:33:12.960 I will take it for you. 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:14.500 I will take that punishment, 00:33:14.500 --> 00:33:16.420 even though it costs me everything, 00:33:16.579 --> 00:33:17.079 even though, 00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:20.000 even though it costs me the wrath of my father, 00:33:20.059 --> 00:33:22.840 even though it costs me pain and suffering and, 00:33:22.900 --> 00:33:23.340 and, 00:33:23.420 --> 00:33:25.380 and shame and scorn, 00:33:25.519 --> 00:33:26.100 even though people, 00:33:26.380 --> 00:33:29.980 it will cost me people spitting on me and hating me and calling me terrible things, 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:31.940 even though it costs me everything. 00:33:31.940 --> 00:33:33.759 I will step into your shoes, 00:33:33.759 --> 00:33:35.480 even though you're guilty. 00:33:37.120 --> 00:33:39.360 And I'm not doing this just because I'm being obedient. 00:33:39.359 --> 00:33:42.339 I'm not doing this just because I must. 00:33:42.699 --> 00:33:45.939 I'm doing this because of my great love for you. 00:33:47.159 --> 00:33:50.819 Because all I desire is for you to be free to know me. 00:33:53.679 --> 00:33:53.859 See, 00:33:53.899 --> 00:33:54.559 on the cross, 00:33:55.319 --> 00:33:59.679 Jesus died an excruciating death that paid the price for you, 00:34:00.359 --> 00:34:03.479 for all your big sins and all your small sins, 00:34:03.480 --> 00:34:06.660 because all sin is unacceptable to God, 00:34:07.400 --> 00:34:09.740 but you must give your life to him. 00:34:10.320 --> 00:34:14.360 You must declare in your heart and live it out in your action that he is Lord. 00:34:15.800 --> 00:34:19.480 What voice will you listen to today? 00:34:20.000 --> 00:34:20.300 Today, 00:34:21.019 --> 00:34:23.340 listen to the voice of Jesus so that on the last day, 00:34:23.420 --> 00:34:24.360 when his voice cries, 00:34:24.500 --> 00:34:25.380 cries out, 00:34:25.639 --> 00:34:28.139 you'll be raised into the resurrection of life. 00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:31.880 And if anything I've said resonates with you, 00:34:31.940 --> 00:34:33.460 please talk to me or Kev or another, 00:34:33.480 --> 00:34:35.659 one of our leaders after the service. 00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:37.480 And for Christians, 00:34:38.000 --> 00:34:39.099 two things. 00:34:40.079 --> 00:34:45.300 The first is that Jesus' voice is calling out to all of us every day. 00:34:45.980 --> 00:34:46.820 As I said earlier, 00:34:46.980 --> 00:34:53.260 he is urging us to identify what are the things in our lives that we're adoring more than him. 00:34:54.460 --> 00:34:55.579 He's warning us, 00:34:56.199 --> 00:34:57.619 not because he wants to punish us, 00:34:57.679 --> 00:34:58.659 because he loves us. 00:34:59.059 --> 00:35:00.059 He wants us to be free. 00:35:00.059 --> 00:35:03.920 As we respond to him today and later on, 00:35:04.320 --> 00:35:05.279 think about those things, 00:35:05.440 --> 00:35:05.679 pray, 00:35:05.799 --> 00:35:06.079 meditate. 00:35:06.279 --> 00:35:07.900 What has God asked me to lay down? 00:35:08.279 --> 00:35:09.759 What idols he asked me to lay down? 00:35:10.159 --> 00:35:12.719 So that I can receive his grace and freedom. 00:35:12.719 --> 00:35:15.039 But also for Christians, 00:35:15.399 --> 00:35:16.159 Jesus, 00:35:16.339 --> 00:35:16.739 I believe, 00:35:16.819 --> 00:35:21.639 is also urging us to remember the people in our lives that don't know him yet. 00:35:22.679 --> 00:35:25.639 To intentionally pray for them, 00:35:26.419 --> 00:35:29.399 to intentionally share your belief in Christ with them, 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:32.180 to invite them here to Viva. 00:35:33.240 --> 00:35:39.079 This wonderful new venue that God has given us is not just a comfortable place to have Sunday morning service. 00:35:39.780 --> 00:35:42.460 It's a form of Bethsaida, 00:35:43.160 --> 00:35:46.240 where people who are sick and need healing 00:35:46.240 --> 00:35:51.440 can come and find the healing and peace and freedom 00:35:51.440 --> 00:35:55.320 to respond to the voice of Jesus and be healed. 00:35:55.320 --> 00:35:58.039 But time is running short. 00:35:58.900 --> 00:36:01.039 Let's help our friends see the beauty of Jesus. 00:36:01.160 --> 00:36:02.180 So on the last day, 00:36:02.620 --> 00:36:05.620 when his voice cries out to him and they stand in front of him, 00:36:06.420 --> 00:36:09.220 they'll have the right standing in the eyes of the Father. 00:36:11.080 --> 00:36:12.000 I'll close here. 00:36:13.620 --> 00:36:16.200 The voices of the world are constantly telling us 00:36:16.200 --> 00:36:18.780 that in order to find happiness and fulfillment, 00:36:19.320 --> 00:36:23.100 we must find them in money, pleasure, relationships, 00:36:24.160 --> 00:36:25.019 fill in the blank. 00:36:26.140 --> 00:36:28.400 But if we're truly honest with ourselves, 00:36:28.660 --> 00:36:33.519 we know that none of those things satisfy the great longing of the human heart. 00:36:34.580 --> 00:36:37.120 But there's a better voice that speaks to us, 00:36:37.600 --> 00:36:38.720 the voice of Jesus. 00:36:40.200 --> 00:36:42.200 Jesus is not just a miracle healer. 00:36:42.760 --> 00:36:46.640 He's not just a man who teaches morals and ethics. 00:36:46.980 --> 00:36:47.660 He is God. 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:49.800 He doesn't just heal our bodies. 00:36:49.900 --> 00:36:50.940 He heals our soul, 00:36:51.120 --> 00:36:52.059 freezes from fear, 00:36:52.180 --> 00:36:53.240 takes away our bondage, 00:36:53.240 --> 00:36:54.580 takes away our anxiety, 00:36:54.579 --> 00:36:56.119 takes away our baggage. 00:36:56.400 --> 00:36:59.179 He cleanses us from our sin for eternity. 00:36:59.579 --> 00:37:02.779 He makes us right and free and good. 00:37:02.780 --> 00:37:06.120 And every moment of every day, 00:37:06.200 --> 00:37:08.480 Jesus longs for us to respond to his voice, 00:37:08.980 --> 00:37:12.580 to loosen our grip and control over the idols of our heart, 00:37:12.800 --> 00:37:13.680 to come to him, 00:37:14.200 --> 00:37:15.860 to receive his grace and freedom. 00:37:15.860 --> 00:37:19.740 for his is the voice that heals us. 00:37:19.740 --> 00:37:22.599 His voice warns us because he loves us. 00:37:23.200 --> 00:37:27.140 He is a voice of authority and his voice raises the dead. 00:37:27.880 --> 00:37:30.099 Let's respond to him now. 00:37:30.599 --> 00:37:30.960 Let me pray. 00:37:30.960 --> 00:37:34.579 Father God, 00:37:35.099 --> 00:37:35.740 Lord Jesus, 00:37:36.420 --> 00:37:37.360 Holy Spirit, 00:37:38.300 --> 00:37:46.039 we thank you that we can come together this morning and to hear from your word. 00:37:46.039 --> 00:37:46.079 Lord, 00:37:46.880 --> 00:37:48.699 we thank you, 00:37:49.159 --> 00:37:49.420 Jesus, 00:37:49.579 --> 00:37:51.739 that you are constantly speaking to us, 00:37:51.759 --> 00:37:53.000 even now through your spirit. 00:37:53.579 --> 00:37:55.079 You haven't dismissed us. 00:37:55.179 --> 00:37:57.360 You haven't said to us, 00:37:57.420 --> 00:37:57.480 Hey, 00:37:57.500 --> 00:37:58.360 I'm going to go back to heaven. 00:37:58.519 --> 00:37:59.159 You're on your own. 00:37:59.239 --> 00:37:59.500 No, 00:37:59.880 --> 00:38:00.960 you're with us even now, 00:38:01.759 --> 00:38:02.460 speaking to us. 00:38:02.579 --> 00:38:02.599 You, 00:38:02.800 --> 00:38:04.599 you thank you that you desire us. 00:38:05.279 --> 00:38:06.840 You want us to come to you, 00:38:06.920 --> 00:38:10.320 to experience intimacy of a relationship with you. 00:38:10.840 --> 00:38:11.640 And thank you, 00:38:11.680 --> 00:38:11.840 Jesus, 00:38:11.900 --> 00:38:14.039 that you never push us and force us. 00:38:15.760 --> 00:38:16.700 And thank you. 00:38:17.380 --> 00:38:18.420 Most importantly, 00:38:19.180 --> 00:38:20.720 that although we are imperfect, 00:38:21.460 --> 00:38:22.860 though we're all messed up, 00:38:23.460 --> 00:38:25.500 if we love and trust you, 00:38:26.240 --> 00:38:27.220 we're made whole. 00:38:28.080 --> 00:38:29.140 We're considered good. 00:38:31.680 --> 00:38:33.800 As we continue on the service to worship you, 00:38:33.880 --> 00:38:34.019 Lord, 00:38:34.940 --> 00:38:36.700 open up our hearts to respond to you now. 00:38:38.260 --> 00:38:39.519 Give the rest of the service to you. 00:38:39.519 --> 00:38:40.719 In your name, 00:38:40.820 --> 00:38:41.039 Jesus. 00:38:42.039 --> 00:38:42.280 Amen.