WEBVTT 00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:08.419 We are in a series of sermons on can God use me. 00:00:09.820 --> 00:00:18.400 That is, some of us for various reasons don't think that either God will use us or can use us 00:00:18.400 --> 00:00:25.039 or that we have anything to give or that we are insignificant or whatever. 00:00:25.039 --> 00:00:34.799 And we are trying to look at various people that God has used in the past to enable us to see what kind of people he uses. 00:00:35.879 --> 00:00:47.079 And so we have been looking at the book of Judges because the book of Judges probably has the largest accumulation of different kinds of people that God has used. 00:00:47.599 --> 00:00:50.039 There is a common theme in the book of Judges. 00:00:50.679 --> 00:00:52.320 Israel turns away from God. 00:00:52.460 --> 00:00:53.519 God punishes her. 00:00:53.520 --> 00:00:55.480 They cry out for help. 00:00:55.700 --> 00:01:00.700 So he sends them a savior and everything is fine as long as that savior is alive. 00:01:00.800 --> 00:01:01.600 And then he dies. 00:01:02.040 --> 00:01:03.800 And then Israel backslides again. 00:01:04.460 --> 00:01:05.760 And God punishes her. 00:01:05.859 --> 00:01:07.719 And they cry out for help. 00:01:07.820 --> 00:01:09.240 And he sends them a redeemer. 00:01:09.680 --> 00:01:13.180 And this goes on cycle after cycle after cycle. 00:01:14.300 --> 00:01:16.460 We have looked at two persons. 00:01:16.459 --> 00:01:17.459 One of them is Ehud. 00:01:17.459 --> 00:01:19.640 One of them is Ehud. 00:01:19.640 --> 00:01:21.439 The left-handed judge. 00:01:21.639 --> 00:01:30.239 And he is in some ways a misfit because he is left-handed in a society that is basically right-handed. 00:01:30.639 --> 00:01:35.639 And then Deborah who is a woman in a society dominated by men. 00:01:35.640 --> 00:01:39.640 So Ehud really doesn't fit very well with society. 00:01:39.640 --> 00:01:43.079 And Deborah doesn't fit very well in society. 00:01:43.079 --> 00:01:49.640 But God decides to use those people of all the different people that he could have used. 00:01:49.640 --> 00:01:57.620 And this morning I want us to look at the book of Judges chapter 6. 00:01:58.319 --> 00:01:59.579 The judge Gideon. 00:02:00.260 --> 00:02:02.060 So we're going to look at Gideon. 00:02:02.579 --> 00:02:08.280 The amount of space that is given to Gideon is a lot more than any of the judges up to this point. 00:02:08.280 --> 00:02:12.300 So he receives a lot of space. 00:02:13.159 --> 00:02:15.020 And Gideon is very fascinating. 00:02:15.319 --> 00:02:18.840 In some ways he picks up themes that we have already encountered. 00:02:19.259 --> 00:02:24.159 But then explores other misfittings if you please. 00:02:25.400 --> 00:02:28.319 Israel again backslides. 00:02:29.060 --> 00:02:32.520 And God oppresses her with the Midianites. 00:02:33.219 --> 00:02:37.780 When they are oppressed by the Midianites they cry to the Lord. 00:02:38.280 --> 00:02:43.140 So look at Judges chapter 6 verse 7. 00:02:45.840 --> 00:02:50.199 When Israel cried to the Lord because of Midian. 00:02:50.840 --> 00:02:52.900 He sent them a prophet. 00:02:54.180 --> 00:02:56.259 Now this is rather interesting. 00:02:56.580 --> 00:03:00.300 Because all the other times he sent them a deliverer. 00:03:02.219 --> 00:03:04.439 Deborah was a prophetess. 00:03:04.800 --> 00:03:07.939 And maybe he is connecting this theme here. 00:03:08.280 --> 00:03:10.979 That God is going to send them a prophet. 00:03:11.140 --> 00:03:14.180 Who is able to explain things. 00:03:14.340 --> 00:03:17.360 Rather than just to lead armies. 00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:21.060 And so God sends them a prophet. 00:03:21.479 --> 00:03:24.520 This prophet is not the one who is going to lead them to war. 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:26.759 This is not the deliverer. 00:03:27.060 --> 00:03:28.479 But he is a prophet. 00:03:28.479 --> 00:03:31.060 And he has a word from God. 00:03:31.060 --> 00:03:38.560 I happen to teach at a Christian liberal arts university. 00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:40.239 And at seminary. 00:03:40.759 --> 00:03:45.899 A very essential part of my job is to train future pastors. 00:03:46.759 --> 00:03:48.899 And to be a mentor. 00:03:49.419 --> 00:03:50.459 And to guide. 00:03:50.460 --> 00:03:53.659 And to help with their faith. 00:03:53.659 --> 00:03:56.219 And as well as with academics. 00:03:57.420 --> 00:04:05.180 And because my job is not biology or physics or literature or music. 00:04:05.180 --> 00:04:07.180 Because it is biblical studies. 00:04:07.180 --> 00:04:07.659 And to be a Christian liberal arts. 00:04:07.659 --> 00:04:12.040 With special interest in preparing future pastors. 00:04:12.400 --> 00:04:16.040 We watch constantly what's happening with Christianity. 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:21.100 We want to understand how Christianity is now. 00:04:21.160 --> 00:04:25.759 As opposed to how it was at the time of Martin Luther and the Great Reformation. 00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:29.459 Not in any way to belittle Martin Luther and the Reformation. 00:04:29.860 --> 00:04:31.459 But we're not living then. 00:04:31.560 --> 00:04:32.379 We're living here. 00:04:32.480 --> 00:04:34.159 We're living in 2015. 00:04:34.680 --> 00:04:38.860 We want to understand global Christianity in 2015. 00:04:40.699 --> 00:04:41.139 And so. 00:04:42.659 --> 00:04:43.980 When you ask. 00:04:46.379 --> 00:04:46.980 Outsiders. 00:04:47.740 --> 00:04:49.219 Or even insiders. 00:04:50.019 --> 00:04:53.639 What is the kind of Christianity that we have inherited? 00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:55.680 In 2015. 00:04:56.379 --> 00:05:00.399 What kind of Christianity do we experience? 00:05:01.800 --> 00:05:03.039 And the answer is. 00:05:03.480 --> 00:05:06.240 Christianity has gone through two stages. 00:05:07.060 --> 00:05:09.199 And these two stages have affected. 00:05:09.699 --> 00:05:12.199 What our Christianity looks like now. 00:05:12.719 --> 00:05:16.360 The first stage is in the 1900s. 00:05:16.360 --> 00:05:18.959 In effect what happened in America. 00:05:19.519 --> 00:05:22.699 Is that Christianity split into two branches. 00:05:23.319 --> 00:05:25.060 Not Catholic and Protestant. 00:05:25.060 --> 00:05:27.439 Or Presbyterians and Methodists. 00:05:27.439 --> 00:05:29.160 Not that kind of split. 00:05:29.660 --> 00:05:32.920 But you ended up with Christianity in New England. 00:05:33.339 --> 00:05:35.060 And Christianity out west. 00:05:36.639 --> 00:05:37.100 And so. 00:05:37.439 --> 00:05:38.340 In New England. 00:05:38.339 --> 00:05:42.719 You have Christianity associated with intellectualism. 00:05:42.719 --> 00:05:43.719 With studies. 00:05:43.719 --> 00:05:45.719 With studies. 00:05:45.719 --> 00:05:47.239 With academics. 00:05:47.239 --> 00:05:51.199 With intellectual pursuit. 00:05:51.199 --> 00:05:52.199 Christianity. 00:05:52.199 --> 00:05:53.199 And Christianity. 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:53.639 Christianity. 00:05:53.639 --> 00:05:57.420 Christianity was dominated by Princeton University. 00:05:57.420 --> 00:06:00.319 And the theologians at Princeton University. 00:06:00.879 --> 00:06:03.920 And if you talked to that group of Christians. 00:06:03.920 --> 00:06:04.759 And you asked them. 00:06:04.759 --> 00:06:05.759 What do I need to do? 00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:06.759 What do I need to do? 00:06:07.360 --> 00:06:09.240 How do I know that I'm a Christian? 00:06:09.240 --> 00:06:10.980 The answer would be. 00:06:11.480 --> 00:06:12.539 Can you write. 00:06:13.319 --> 00:06:15.980 A valid statement of faith? 00:06:15.980 --> 00:06:18.700 So the evidence. 00:06:18.700 --> 00:06:20.860 That I'm a Christian. 00:06:20.860 --> 00:06:22.879 Is my ability to write. 00:06:22.879 --> 00:06:24.200 A valid. 00:06:24.460 --> 00:06:25.160 Biblical. 00:06:25.600 --> 00:06:26.120 Genuine. 00:06:27.879 --> 00:06:28.680 Appropriate. 00:06:29.080 --> 00:06:30.180 Statement of faith. 00:06:31.220 --> 00:06:32.759 On the other hand. 00:06:32.980 --> 00:06:33.939 In the west. 00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:36.180 We had more Christianity. 00:06:36.180 --> 00:06:37.520 Of the feelings. 00:06:37.980 --> 00:06:39.560 The campfire Christianity. 00:06:40.360 --> 00:06:40.600 The. 00:06:40.960 --> 00:06:42.700 Give me that old time religion. 00:06:43.300 --> 00:06:44.460 Kind of Christianity. 00:06:44.459 --> 00:06:44.659 Christianity. 00:06:45.599 --> 00:06:47.120 Christianity of feelings. 00:06:47.339 --> 00:06:48.139 And experience. 00:06:49.659 --> 00:06:50.919 So you can say. 00:06:51.399 --> 00:06:51.519 I. 00:06:51.799 --> 00:06:52.299 You know. 00:06:52.439 --> 00:06:52.599 I. 00:06:52.739 --> 00:06:53.859 The Lord said to me. 00:06:53.939 --> 00:06:55.639 Or you can give your testimony. 00:06:56.139 --> 00:06:58.120 As opposed to a statement of faith. 00:06:58.579 --> 00:07:00.759 So you had the intellectual Christianity. 00:07:01.279 --> 00:07:02.519 Headed by Princeton. 00:07:02.899 --> 00:07:03.060 And. 00:07:04.919 --> 00:07:05.439 Experiential. 00:07:06.079 --> 00:07:06.560 Christianity. 00:07:07.079 --> 00:07:07.299 Well. 00:07:07.379 --> 00:07:08.060 Which is correct? 00:07:09.060 --> 00:07:09.539 Well. 00:07:09.979 --> 00:07:10.459 That's a. 00:07:11.060 --> 00:07:12.419 Interesting question to ask. 00:07:12.560 --> 00:07:14.219 But last time I read Deuteronomy. 00:07:14.459 --> 00:07:15.019 It is. 00:07:15.139 --> 00:07:15.279 Hear. 00:07:15.279 --> 00:07:15.299 Hear. 00:07:15.399 --> 00:07:15.759 O Israel. 00:07:15.879 --> 00:07:16.159 The Lord. 00:07:16.219 --> 00:07:16.599 Our God. 00:07:16.639 --> 00:07:17.359 The Lord is one. 00:07:17.639 --> 00:07:18.699 You shall love the Lord. 00:07:18.759 --> 00:07:19.339 Your God. 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:19.879 With. 00:07:21.039 --> 00:07:21.359 And. 00:07:22.479 --> 00:07:24.099 Several things are mentioned there. 00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:25.639 Your heart. 00:07:26.019 --> 00:07:26.659 Your mind. 00:07:26.919 --> 00:07:27.639 Your work. 00:07:28.500 --> 00:07:29.399 So it's not. 00:07:29.539 --> 00:07:30.199 Either or. 00:07:31.120 --> 00:07:31.599 But. 00:07:31.859 --> 00:07:32.299 That. 00:07:32.419 --> 00:07:32.779 In effect. 00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:33.779 Is what has happened. 00:07:34.019 --> 00:07:34.179 In. 00:07:35.179 --> 00:07:35.539 Christianity. 00:07:35.859 --> 00:07:36.339 In America. 00:07:37.019 --> 00:07:37.919 You still have. 00:07:38.120 --> 00:07:38.519 Intellectual. 00:07:38.639 --> 00:07:39.079 Christianity. 00:07:39.359 --> 00:07:40.319 And then you still have. 00:07:40.919 --> 00:07:41.439 Experiential. 00:07:41.859 --> 00:07:42.339 Christianity. 00:07:42.339 --> 00:07:42.459 Christianity. 00:07:43.719 --> 00:07:45.579 The other thing that is. 00:07:46.019 --> 00:07:46.619 True about. 00:07:46.839 --> 00:07:47.739 American Christianity. 00:07:47.739 --> 00:07:49.060 Is that when you ask. 00:07:49.179 --> 00:07:49.779 Outsiders. 00:07:50.299 --> 00:07:51.219 How would you describe. 00:07:51.339 --> 00:07:51.779 Christianity. 00:07:51.779 --> 00:07:52.519 In America. 00:07:52.519 --> 00:07:54.019 The answer is. 00:07:54.219 --> 00:07:54.959 It is. 00:07:55.519 --> 00:07:56.120 Sweden. 00:07:56.120 --> 00:07:57.219 On top. 00:07:57.359 --> 00:07:58.079 Of India. 00:07:59.599 --> 00:08:00.039 Now. 00:08:00.120 --> 00:08:00.620 Let me see. 00:08:00.939 --> 00:08:01.979 Does anybody know. 00:08:02.179 --> 00:08:02.799 Anything about. 00:08:02.959 --> 00:08:03.939 What I just finished saying. 00:08:04.779 --> 00:08:05.939 Does anybody have. 00:08:06.159 --> 00:08:07.259 The slightest idea. 00:08:07.819 --> 00:08:08.559 What Sweden. 00:08:08.899 --> 00:08:09.519 On top. 00:08:09.579 --> 00:08:10.079 Of India. 00:08:10.399 --> 00:08:10.659 Mean. 00:08:10.660 --> 00:08:14.380 The United Nations. 00:08:14.980 --> 00:08:16.080 Did a major. 00:08:16.620 --> 00:08:17.160 Research. 00:08:18.220 --> 00:08:18.500 And. 00:08:18.760 --> 00:08:19.280 As a result. 00:08:19.380 --> 00:08:20.260 Of this research. 00:08:20.700 --> 00:08:21.560 It found out. 00:08:21.939 --> 00:08:22.860 That the most. 00:08:23.080 --> 00:08:23.560 Religious. 00:08:24.120 --> 00:08:24.540 Country. 00:08:24.760 --> 00:08:25.260 In the world. 00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:26.180 Is India. 00:08:27.620 --> 00:08:28.140 Now. 00:08:28.379 --> 00:08:29.160 That doesn't mean. 00:08:29.740 --> 00:08:30.020 That. 00:08:30.320 --> 00:08:30.860 They worship. 00:08:31.379 --> 00:08:32.279 The living God. 00:08:34.040 --> 00:08:35.000 Some worship. 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:35.560 One God. 00:08:35.660 --> 00:08:36.100 Some worship. 00:08:36.180 --> 00:08:36.680 Three God. 00:08:36.779 --> 00:08:37.220 Some worship. 00:08:37.300 --> 00:08:38.259 Three million gods. 00:08:38.259 --> 00:08:39.960 There are all kinds. 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:40.639 Of religions. 00:08:40.819 --> 00:08:41.639 Hinduism is. 00:08:41.860 --> 00:08:42.639 As broad. 00:08:42.700 --> 00:08:43.600 As it can come. 00:08:43.819 --> 00:08:44.879 There is no Hinduism. 00:08:44.980 --> 00:08:45.559 There is about like. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:45.939 Twelve. 00:08:46.620 --> 00:08:47.179 Hinduisms. 00:08:49.139 --> 00:08:49.580 And so. 00:08:51.100 --> 00:08:51.659 Practically. 00:08:51.899 --> 00:08:52.379 Everyone. 00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:53.659 In India. 00:08:53.899 --> 00:08:54.840 As high as. 00:08:54.919 --> 00:08:55.759 Ninety five percent. 00:08:55.840 --> 00:08:56.799 Or maybe even higher. 00:08:57.340 --> 00:08:57.799 Believe. 00:08:57.960 --> 00:08:58.740 In some kind. 00:08:58.740 --> 00:08:59.279 Of a God. 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:02.039 The least. 00:09:02.879 --> 00:09:03.759 Religious country. 00:09:03.759 --> 00:09:04.480 In the world. 00:09:04.860 --> 00:09:05.340 Is Sweden. 00:09:05.340 --> 00:09:05.480 Sweden. 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:09.419 So. 00:09:09.539 --> 00:09:10.039 When you take. 00:09:10.039 --> 00:09:10.740 Surveys. 00:09:10.840 --> 00:09:11.460 Of do you believe. 00:09:11.539 --> 00:09:12.059 In God. 00:09:12.840 --> 00:09:13.500 In Sweden. 00:09:13.740 --> 00:09:14.879 You get the lowest. 00:09:15.319 --> 00:09:15.620 Score. 00:09:15.840 --> 00:09:16.279 Possible. 00:09:17.480 --> 00:09:17.720 So. 00:09:17.939 --> 00:09:18.480 Sweden. 00:09:18.740 --> 00:09:19.740 On top of India. 00:09:19.919 --> 00:09:20.299 Means. 00:09:20.639 --> 00:09:21.860 That in America. 00:09:22.279 --> 00:09:22.460 We. 00:09:23.259 --> 00:09:24.000 Our Christianity. 00:09:24.340 --> 00:09:24.620 In some. 00:09:24.779 --> 00:09:25.600 Our society. 00:09:25.759 --> 00:09:26.200 In some ways. 00:09:26.299 --> 00:09:26.879 Looks like. 00:09:27.200 --> 00:09:27.480 India. 00:09:27.700 --> 00:09:28.259 In some ways. 00:09:28.340 --> 00:09:29.480 It also looks like. 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:31.240 Sweden. 00:09:32.580 --> 00:09:33.679 How is that? 00:09:33.679 --> 00:09:39.219 We have far more. 00:09:39.219 --> 00:09:40.179 Evangelicals. 00:09:40.379 --> 00:09:41.319 Percentage wise. 00:09:41.599 --> 00:09:42.039 In America. 00:09:42.259 --> 00:09:42.399 Than. 00:09:43.259 --> 00:09:43.719 Surely. 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:44.659 In France. 00:09:44.819 --> 00:09:45.579 Or in England. 00:09:45.819 --> 00:09:46.879 Or in Australia. 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:48.819 We have more people. 00:09:48.939 --> 00:09:50.179 Who say they believe in God. 00:09:50.319 --> 00:09:50.919 More people. 00:09:51.059 --> 00:09:52.000 Who go to churches. 00:09:52.319 --> 00:09:52.599 Etc. 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:53.120 Etc. 00:09:54.120 --> 00:09:55.279 Over country. 00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:56.059 After country. 00:09:56.179 --> 00:09:56.899 And after country. 00:09:57.379 --> 00:09:58.399 And God raised. 00:09:58.479 --> 00:09:58.939 Elijah. 00:09:59.159 --> 00:09:59.919 And Elisha. 00:09:59.919 --> 00:10:01.219 To stop it. 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:02.279 From spreading. 00:10:02.279 --> 00:10:04.399 So the worship of Baal. 00:10:04.500 --> 00:10:06.059 Never became the official. 00:10:06.399 --> 00:10:06.839 Religion. 00:10:07.439 --> 00:10:08.100 Of Israel. 00:10:08.500 --> 00:10:09.379 But in practice. 00:10:09.559 --> 00:10:10.740 Practice is always different. 00:10:11.579 --> 00:10:12.159 Not always. 00:10:12.339 --> 00:10:13.439 But often. 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:14.399 Different. 00:10:14.539 --> 00:10:15.339 From regular worship. 00:10:16.220 --> 00:10:17.399 So Gideon is saying. 00:10:18.459 --> 00:10:20.139 I don't see any miracles. 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:21.220 Therefore. 00:10:21.600 --> 00:10:23.019 God is not with us. 00:10:24.600 --> 00:10:25.120 In a second. 00:10:25.259 --> 00:10:25.959 We'll have to think. 00:10:26.059 --> 00:10:26.720 About that. 00:10:26.799 --> 00:10:27.919 From a Christian perspective. 00:10:29.319 --> 00:10:29.839 So. 00:10:30.439 --> 00:10:32.259 God must have abandoned us. 00:10:32.279 --> 00:10:33.419 Even though. 00:10:33.620 --> 00:10:34.539 The angel. 00:10:34.779 --> 00:10:35.539 The angel. 00:10:35.539 --> 00:10:36.159 Is telling him. 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:36.959 The Lord. 00:10:37.079 --> 00:10:37.819 Is with you. 00:10:40.079 --> 00:10:40.819 I think. 00:10:40.899 --> 00:10:41.519 I'd be hesitant. 00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:42.139 To disagree. 00:10:42.139 --> 00:10:42.860 With the. 00:10:43.439 --> 00:10:44.539 Angel of the Lord. 00:10:45.059 --> 00:10:45.919 I'd be happy. 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:47.399 I wouldn't be. 00:10:47.759 --> 00:10:48.220 Brave enough. 00:10:48.299 --> 00:10:48.539 To say. 00:10:48.659 --> 00:10:49.439 You're wrong. 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:51.259 You know. 00:10:53.339 --> 00:10:54.199 I don't care. 00:10:54.279 --> 00:10:54.919 What university. 00:10:55.059 --> 00:10:56.000 I graduated from. 00:10:56.519 --> 00:10:57.860 I wouldn't tell him. 00:10:58.059 --> 00:10:58.959 You're wrong. 00:10:58.960 --> 00:10:59.639 I don't care. 00:10:59.639 --> 00:10:59.700 I don't care. 00:10:59.700 --> 00:10:59.920 I don't care. 00:10:59.920 --> 00:10:59.960 I don't care. 00:10:59.960 --> 00:11:00.300 I don't care. 00:11:00.300 --> 00:11:00.600 I don't care. 00:11:00.600 --> 00:11:01.700 But he is struggling. 00:11:01.700 --> 00:11:02.700 But he is struggling. 00:11:02.700 --> 00:11:03.639 With two things. 00:11:03.840 --> 00:11:05.600 That he is a mighty warrior. 00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:07.340 And that the Lord is with him. 00:11:07.780 --> 00:11:08.200 So. 00:11:08.200 --> 00:11:10.500 In response to the Lord is with you. 00:11:10.639 --> 00:11:11.000 He says. 00:11:11.120 --> 00:11:11.220 No. 00:11:11.300 --> 00:11:11.840 He's not. 00:11:12.340 --> 00:11:14.180 But now we've got the other problem. 00:11:14.600 --> 00:11:15.660 The Lord is with you. 00:11:15.920 --> 00:11:16.840 Mighty warrior. 00:11:18.840 --> 00:11:19.240 So. 00:11:19.820 --> 00:11:21.019 The Lord turned to him. 00:11:21.160 --> 00:11:21.800 Verse 14. 00:11:21.799 --> 00:11:23.059 The Lord turned to him. 00:11:23.219 --> 00:11:23.859 And said. 00:11:24.339 --> 00:11:25.599 Go in the strength. 00:11:26.219 --> 00:11:26.939 You have. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:28.099 And save Israel. 00:11:28.339 --> 00:11:30.199 Out of Midianite's hand. 00:11:30.599 --> 00:11:32.000 Am I not sending you? 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:34.519 Go. 00:11:35.079 --> 00:11:35.419 Deliver. 00:11:37.159 --> 00:11:38.779 And look at his response. 00:11:38.959 --> 00:11:39.859 Verse 15. 00:11:40.539 --> 00:11:41.199 But Lord. 00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:42.479 Gideon asked. 00:11:42.759 --> 00:11:44.120 How can I save Israel? 00:11:44.899 --> 00:11:46.799 My clan is the weakest in Manasseh. 00:11:47.699 --> 00:11:50.179 And I am the least in my family. 00:11:51.799 --> 00:11:54.439 In Greek philosophy. 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:56.459 When the Greeks wanted to. 00:11:57.240 --> 00:11:58.699 Find a word from the gods. 00:11:58.839 --> 00:12:01.079 They went to a place called. 00:12:03.479 --> 00:12:04.019 Well. 00:12:04.179 --> 00:12:06.099 It was at Delphi. 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:07.799 Where you received an oracle. 00:12:07.979 --> 00:12:08.599 From the gods. 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:10.839 The oracle usually was basically. 00:12:10.979 --> 00:12:12.539 A kind of a standard answer. 00:12:12.819 --> 00:12:14.459 Which is know yourself. 00:12:15.620 --> 00:12:17.039 And you can interpret that. 00:12:17.179 --> 00:12:18.459 In a variety of ways. 00:12:19.019 --> 00:12:19.279 You know. 00:12:19.479 --> 00:12:21.000 Maybe I need to know my. 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:22.039 Strengths. 00:12:22.100 --> 00:12:23.620 Maybe I need to know my weaknesses. 00:12:24.200 --> 00:12:26.100 Maybe I need to know what I'm good at. 00:12:26.379 --> 00:12:27.720 What I'm bad at. 00:12:27.820 --> 00:12:28.960 What I'm clever at. 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:30.220 What I'm dumb at. 00:12:30.379 --> 00:12:30.480 So. 00:12:30.919 --> 00:12:31.779 Know yourself. 00:12:32.179 --> 00:12:33.360 The more you know yourself. 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:35.019 The better off you are. 00:12:35.820 --> 00:12:37.620 That's not what the oracle meant. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:38.440 To convey. 00:12:38.879 --> 00:12:39.799 What it meant to convey. 00:12:39.919 --> 00:12:40.639 Is that you're human. 00:12:40.840 --> 00:12:41.600 And you're not a god. 00:12:41.740 --> 00:12:41.919 So. 00:12:42.340 --> 00:12:43.399 Live with that limitations. 00:12:43.399 --> 00:12:47.419 It looks like. 00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:49.659 Gideon. 00:12:49.659 --> 00:12:49.699 Gideon. 00:12:49.860 --> 00:12:50.679 Knows himself. 00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:52.259 So he says. 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:54.519 How can I save Israel. 00:12:55.220 --> 00:12:55.980 My clan. 00:12:56.220 --> 00:12:56.779 Is the weakest. 00:12:56.779 --> 00:12:57.679 In Manasseh. 00:12:57.919 --> 00:12:59.459 And I am the least. 00:13:00.279 --> 00:13:01.600 In my family. 00:13:02.899 --> 00:13:03.559 Weak. 00:13:03.699 --> 00:13:04.259 And strong. 00:13:04.439 --> 00:13:05.079 Is relative. 00:13:06.179 --> 00:13:07.019 It depends on. 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:08.419 Whom you're comparing with. 00:13:08.419 --> 00:13:11.240 My daughter. 00:13:12.079 --> 00:13:12.559 Graduated. 00:13:12.939 --> 00:13:13.399 Topps. 00:13:13.620 --> 00:13:14.500 In her high school. 00:13:15.959 --> 00:13:16.419 So. 00:13:16.699 --> 00:13:18.120 She went to University of California. 00:13:18.120 --> 00:13:19.039 Where I went. 00:13:19.419 --> 00:13:21.779 And she joined the honors program. 00:13:23.079 --> 00:13:25.039 And she was very frustrated. 00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:28.019 And. 00:13:28.939 --> 00:13:29.899 She wrote me. 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:30.339 She said. 00:13:30.419 --> 00:13:30.639 Dad. 00:13:30.719 --> 00:13:32.279 There is nothing that I can do. 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:33.719 To get an A in this class. 00:13:36.480 --> 00:13:37.279 So I said. 00:13:37.339 --> 00:13:38.139 Talk to the teacher. 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:40.899 So she went to the professor. 00:13:41.079 --> 00:13:41.379 And said. 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:42.639 What do I have to do. 00:13:42.699 --> 00:13:43.819 To get an A in this class. 00:13:43.899 --> 00:13:44.979 I've always gotten A's. 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:45.639 I've never gotten. 00:13:45.839 --> 00:13:46.899 Anything other than A's. 00:13:47.599 --> 00:13:47.879 You know. 00:13:47.879 --> 00:13:48.740 I graduated. 00:13:48.939 --> 00:13:49.199 Topps. 00:13:49.319 --> 00:13:50.259 In high school. 00:13:51.240 --> 00:13:51.699 And he said. 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:52.039 Oh. 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:52.799 If you want to. 00:13:53.339 --> 00:13:53.879 Get A's. 00:13:54.559 --> 00:13:56.000 Go to an easier university. 00:13:59.779 --> 00:14:00.959 She said to me. 00:14:01.439 --> 00:14:03.079 She talked to the other students. 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:04.079 She said. 00:14:05.759 --> 00:14:06.120 Valdetorian. 00:14:06.659 --> 00:14:07.059 Was. 00:14:07.399 --> 00:14:07.959 Average. 00:14:08.419 --> 00:14:08.899 Valetorian. 00:14:08.899 --> 00:14:09.899 Valetorian. 00:14:09.899 --> 00:14:10.899 Valetorian. 00:14:10.899 --> 00:14:11.639 Is. 00:14:11.639 --> 00:14:11.899 Average. 00:14:11.899 --> 00:14:13.899 In that program. 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:14.419 In that program. 00:14:17.339 --> 00:14:18.860 We have. 00:14:19.339 --> 00:14:19.939 In America. 00:14:20.399 --> 00:14:21.899 Approximately 5,000 universities. 00:14:21.899 --> 00:14:24.899 About. 00:14:24.899 --> 00:14:24.919 About. 00:14:24.919 --> 00:14:25.019 About. 00:14:25.019 --> 00:14:26.319 About. 00:14:26.319 --> 00:14:27.360 150. 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:28.879 Produce. 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:29.959 Excellent. 00:14:29.959 --> 00:14:30.740 Athletes. 00:14:30.740 --> 00:14:31.480 That we watch. 00:14:31.480 --> 00:14:31.779 On. 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:32.740 TV. 00:14:33.379 --> 00:14:34.120 In basketball. 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:34.720 And. 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:35.379 And volleyball. 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:35.799 And. 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:36.120 And. 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:36.879 Football. 00:14:37.379 --> 00:14:37.559 And. 00:14:37.559 --> 00:14:38.759 Soccer. 00:14:38.879 --> 00:14:39.759 And things like that. 00:14:39.759 --> 00:14:41.399 If you take. 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:41.960 If you take. 00:14:41.960 --> 00:14:43.139 The best. 00:14:43.139 --> 00:14:43.899 Player. 00:14:44.679 --> 00:14:44.860 From. 00:14:45.240 --> 00:14:45.559 Every one. 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:46.100 Of those. 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:47.000 120. 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:48.259 Universities. 00:14:49.240 --> 00:14:51.159 These are the MVPs. 00:14:51.240 --> 00:14:52.159 In their conferences. 00:14:53.240 --> 00:14:54.200 If you take. 00:14:54.200 --> 00:14:54.480 These. 00:14:55.039 --> 00:14:55.500 Players. 00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:57.039 And. 00:14:57.240 --> 00:14:58.519 When it comes. 00:14:59.299 --> 00:14:59.799 To bidding. 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.480 And to recruiting. 00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:02.899 Do you know. 00:15:03.039 --> 00:15:04.039 How many make it. 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:05.720 In professional. 00:15:05.720 --> 00:15:08.440 Sports. 00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:16.399 You will be surprised. 00:15:17.420 --> 00:15:18.180 You are. 00:15:18.180 --> 00:15:18.820 MVP. 00:15:19.259 --> 00:15:20.340 In your conference. 00:15:21.340 --> 00:15:22.340 And you recruit. 00:15:22.460 --> 00:15:22.960 And you are. 00:15:23.080 --> 00:15:24.040 Drafted by the. 00:15:24.519 --> 00:15:25.060 L.A. 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:25.480 Lakers. 00:15:26.160 --> 00:15:26.899 And you think. 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:27.920 You're going to be the next. 00:15:29.139 --> 00:15:29.700 You know. 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:31.360 Will Chamberlain. 00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:32.040 Or whoever. 00:15:32.560 --> 00:15:33.300 And guess what you do. 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:35.259 At the end. 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:37.860 You sit there. 00:15:38.440 --> 00:15:39.420 Number 12. 00:15:40.080 --> 00:15:40.460 They're lucky. 00:15:40.580 --> 00:15:41.300 If anybody knows. 00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:41.879 You exist. 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:46.500 To be strong. 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:47.600 Or to be weak. 00:15:47.680 --> 00:15:48.500 Depends on who you're. 00:15:48.620 --> 00:15:49.300 Competing with. 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:51.560 If you lower standards. 00:15:52.200 --> 00:15:52.440 You know. 00:15:52.500 --> 00:15:53.379 If you lower standards. 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:53.960 Low enough. 00:15:54.160 --> 00:15:54.800 Jack the Ripper. 00:15:54.940 --> 00:15:55.560 Could be a saint. 00:15:55.779 --> 00:15:55.960 You know. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:56.200 I mean. 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:56.940 You just have to. 00:15:57.399 --> 00:15:57.720 Lower. 00:16:01.820 --> 00:16:02.519 So he. 00:16:02.680 --> 00:16:03.259 He says. 00:16:03.560 --> 00:16:04.300 I am. 00:16:04.299 --> 00:16:05.579 The least. 00:16:05.579 --> 00:16:06.439 In my family. 00:16:06.819 --> 00:16:07.199 Okay. 00:16:07.459 --> 00:16:07.979 So you are. 00:16:08.079 --> 00:16:08.359 The least. 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:08.979 In that family. 00:16:09.359 --> 00:16:10.419 It is one thing. 00:16:10.659 --> 00:16:11.399 To know yourself. 00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:12.899 It is something else. 00:16:13.059 --> 00:16:13.839 To use that. 00:16:14.199 --> 00:16:14.639 Knowledge. 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:17.679 As an excuse. 00:16:18.039 --> 00:16:19.079 Not to minister. 00:16:19.080 --> 00:16:23.060 It is okay. 00:16:23.060 --> 00:16:23.440 To say. 00:16:23.520 --> 00:16:24.440 I am not good at it. 00:16:24.540 --> 00:16:25.320 There are lots of things. 00:16:25.400 --> 00:16:26.160 I am not good at. 00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:28.020 If anything happens. 00:16:28.020 --> 00:16:28.480 To your car. 00:16:28.560 --> 00:16:29.120 For heaven's sake. 00:16:29.160 --> 00:16:29.720 Don't come to me. 00:16:29.780 --> 00:16:30.340 I don't know anything. 00:16:30.340 --> 00:16:30.980 About cars. 00:16:31.980 --> 00:16:32.620 I know. 00:16:32.860 --> 00:16:33.840 Close to zero. 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:34.879 About biology. 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:41.279 But it is one thing. 00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:41.659 To say. 00:16:41.659 --> 00:16:42.500 I am weak. 00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:43.679 It is something. 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:44.139 To say. 00:16:44.580 --> 00:16:44.980 Consequently. 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:46.200 Because of my weakness. 00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:47.620 I refuse to witness. 00:16:48.200 --> 00:16:49.600 We'll get back to this point. 00:16:49.700 --> 00:16:50.000 We're not. 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:51.039 We're not away from it. 00:16:51.320 --> 00:16:52.279 We'll get back to it. 00:16:55.620 --> 00:16:56.100 So. 00:16:57.960 --> 00:16:59.059 Verse 16. 00:16:59.059 --> 00:17:01.419 The Lord answered. 00:17:01.719 --> 00:17:03.039 I will be with you. 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:04.940 And you will strike down. 00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.980 All the Midianites. 00:17:06.559 --> 00:17:06.899 Together. 00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:08.779 He said. 00:17:08.879 --> 00:17:09.619 I'll be with you. 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:10.700 Three times already. 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:12.639 In one paragraph. 00:17:15.940 --> 00:17:17.159 He will win. 00:17:17.159 --> 00:17:18.899 Because God is with him. 00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:21.879 The Lord is with you. 00:17:22.019 --> 00:17:23.159 Oh mighty warrior. 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:25.419 Both statements are true. 00:17:26.960 --> 00:17:28.139 What happens sometimes. 00:17:28.140 --> 00:17:28.780 Is that. 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:30.320 God sees us. 00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:32.020 In the way. 00:17:32.480 --> 00:17:33.360 He sees us. 00:17:33.800 --> 00:17:34.500 But we. 00:17:34.660 --> 00:17:35.900 Refuse to accept it. 00:17:36.020 --> 00:17:37.200 We want to keep seeing. 00:17:37.200 --> 00:17:37.700 Ourselves. 00:17:37.860 --> 00:17:38.500 In the way that. 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:39.680 We want to see ourselves. 00:17:41.280 --> 00:17:42.300 We're not willing. 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:42.820 To let. 00:17:44.040 --> 00:17:44.520 God. 00:17:45.520 --> 00:17:46.800 We resist God. 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:48.500 When he tries. 00:17:49.320 --> 00:17:50.580 To bring out the potential. 00:17:50.920 --> 00:17:51.920 And so he has to. 00:17:52.740 --> 00:17:53.740 Play hard ball. 00:17:54.320 --> 00:17:55.160 In some cases. 00:17:57.280 --> 00:17:57.800 So. 00:17:58.140 --> 00:18:03.860 I will be with you. 00:18:03.860 --> 00:18:04.759 Verse 16. 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:06.040 Gideon replied. 00:18:07.200 --> 00:18:08.000 If now. 00:18:08.200 --> 00:18:08.920 I have found favor. 00:18:09.060 --> 00:18:09.660 In your eyes. 00:18:09.800 --> 00:18:10.759 Give me a sign. 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:12.540 Barak. 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:13.460 Give me a sign. 00:18:13.560 --> 00:18:13.960 If you go. 00:18:14.040 --> 00:18:14.400 I'll go. 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:15.100 If you don't go. 00:18:15.160 --> 00:18:15.780 I don't go. 00:18:17.560 --> 00:18:18.480 So it doesn't matter. 00:18:18.580 --> 00:18:19.720 That God is speaking to him. 00:18:20.020 --> 00:18:21.080 He wants a sign. 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:21.179 God. 00:18:23.980 --> 00:18:24.799 It shows. 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:25.679 It shows. 00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:28.179 How bad things are. 00:18:28.859 --> 00:18:29.799 The Midianites. 00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:30.399 Are. 00:18:30.980 --> 00:18:31.579 Defeating. 00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:32.319 Israel. 00:18:32.659 --> 00:18:33.259 When. 00:18:33.559 --> 00:18:33.759 Israel. 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:34.599 Is ten times. 00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:35.939 Stronger than the Midianites. 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:37.579 But that is because. 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:38.039 Israel. 00:18:38.299 --> 00:18:39.339 Has turned away from God. 00:18:39.419 --> 00:18:40.519 And God is punishing them. 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:44.400 the fact that it is the Midianites 00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:48.079 not the Egyptians, not the Assyrians, not the Babylonians 00:18:48.079 --> 00:18:50.200 not some great world power 00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:54.599 the fact that it's the Midianites who are defeating the Israelites 00:18:54.599 --> 00:18:55.859 is embarrassing 00:18:55.859 --> 00:18:58.639 try to imagine this 00:18:58.639 --> 00:19:03.259 that Bradford High School invites 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:06.879 the basketball team invites the Chicago Bulls 00:19:06.879 --> 00:19:09.819 to a game and Bradford wins 00:19:09.819 --> 00:19:16.019 you could ask what does that tell you about Bradford 00:19:16.019 --> 00:19:17.859 I'd like to ask a different question 00:19:17.859 --> 00:19:21.399 what does it tell you about the Chicago Bulls 00:19:21.399 --> 00:19:24.639 where are the glory days 00:19:24.639 --> 00:19:28.980 there are no glory days if Bradford can beat them 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:35.159 the Midianites are beating up on us 00:19:35.159 --> 00:19:38.079 what could be more insulting 00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:42.039 it's like if you race a two year old 00:19:42.039 --> 00:19:46.039 50 yards and the two year old beats you in the race 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:51.119 so 00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:56.419 God performs a sign 00:19:56.419 --> 00:19:59.119 and he is convinced it is God 00:19:59.119 --> 00:20:00.279 and now 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:04.259 to this delightful portion of scriptures 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:05.819 God says 00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:06.859 you know in your village 00:20:06.859 --> 00:20:09.879 you're supposed to be worshipping me 00:20:09.879 --> 00:20:11.379 and look what we have here 00:20:11.379 --> 00:20:12.779 we have an altar for Baal 00:20:12.779 --> 00:20:15.119 and a pole 00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:17.319 a wooden pole for Asherah's 00:20:17.319 --> 00:20:18.519 Baal's consort 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:20.839 so he says 00:20:20.839 --> 00:20:22.220 chop it down 00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:23.720 and build me an altar 00:20:23.720 --> 00:20:24.799 using that wood 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:25.639 well 00:20:25.639 --> 00:20:29.240 the verb to hack something down 00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:32.639 is the word for Gideon 00:20:32.639 --> 00:20:35.099 a person 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:37.160 pun intended 00:20:37.160 --> 00:20:37.619 in case 00:20:37.619 --> 00:20:38.660 I'm warning you ahead of time 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:39.740 so you'll catch the pun 00:20:39.740 --> 00:20:42.480 a person 00:20:42.480 --> 00:20:44.619 whose name is Hacker 00:20:44.619 --> 00:20:46.739 is supposed to hack 00:20:46.739 --> 00:20:48.019 the pole 00:20:48.019 --> 00:20:52.379 at least I can tell 00:20:52.379 --> 00:20:53.399 at least three people 00:20:53.399 --> 00:20:54.579 sitting in front got it 00:20:54.579 --> 00:21:01.139 so 00:21:01.139 --> 00:21:04.719 he wants to obey God 00:21:04.719 --> 00:21:06.179 God has talked to him 00:21:06.179 --> 00:21:08.419 you're a mighty man 00:21:08.419 --> 00:21:09.739 go do it 00:21:09.739 --> 00:21:11.719 but look at this wonderful delight 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:13.839 look at verse 27 00:21:13.839 --> 00:21:14.480 in chapter 00:21:14.480 --> 00:21:16.279 6 00:21:16.279 --> 00:21:17.519 627 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:20.339 so Gideon 00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:20.799 took 00:21:20.799 --> 00:21:22.519 ten of his servants 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.559 and did 00:21:23.559 --> 00:21:24.339 as the Lord 00:21:24.339 --> 00:21:25.059 told him 00:21:25.059 --> 00:21:27.120 but because 00:21:27.120 --> 00:21:28.339 he was afraid 00:21:28.339 --> 00:21:29.799 of his family 00:21:29.799 --> 00:21:31.079 and the men 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:31.759 of the town 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:32.960 he did it 00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:33.700 at night 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:35.299 rather than 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.140 in the daytime 00:21:36.140 --> 00:21:41.700 God is with him 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:43.819 he doesn't know 00:21:43.819 --> 00:21:44.539 how to overcome 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:45.420 his cowardice 00:21:45.420 --> 00:21:46.180 he does it 00:21:46.180 --> 00:21:46.759 at night 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:48.340 I would have said 00:21:48.340 --> 00:21:48.819 come on 00:21:48.819 --> 00:21:49.539 be brave 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:50.960 but at least 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:51.860 he obeys God 00:21:51.860 --> 00:21:54.519 it's better 00:21:54.519 --> 00:21:55.600 to obey God 00:21:55.600 --> 00:21:56.319 cowardly 00:21:56.319 --> 00:21:57.440 than not to obey 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:57.860 God 00:21:57.860 --> 00:21:59.200 cowardly 00:21:59.200 --> 00:22:00.680 but at least 00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:01.460 he does it 00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:02.100 at night 00:22:02.100 --> 00:22:03.740 and then there's 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.200 the argument 00:22:04.200 --> 00:22:04.840 the next day 00:22:04.840 --> 00:22:05.559 who did it 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:08.200 this 00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:09.319 at least 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.160 he has shown 00:22:10.160 --> 00:22:10.660 himself 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:11.660 to be faithful 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:12.920 on small things 00:22:12.920 --> 00:22:14.200 it's only 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:15.840 an altar 00:22:15.840 --> 00:22:16.580 it's only 00:22:16.580 --> 00:22:17.200 a pole 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:18.380 but he has 00:22:18.380 --> 00:22:19.640 shown himself 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:20.180 faithful 00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:20.940 he's getting 00:22:20.940 --> 00:22:21.860 somewhere 00:22:21.860 --> 00:22:25.019 he is willing 00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:25.660 to obey 00:22:25.660 --> 00:22:26.180 God 00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:27.460 he is willing 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:28.420 to be used 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.500 on a small 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:30.000 scale 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:31.100 and if God 00:22:31.100 --> 00:22:31.779 trusts us 00:22:31.779 --> 00:22:32.740 on small things 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:33.700 he will make us 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.660 responsible 00:22:34.660 --> 00:22:36.900 for bigger things 00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:39.600 but there is 00:22:39.600 --> 00:22:39.980 a battle 00:22:39.980 --> 00:22:40.460 to be 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:41.280 fought 00:22:41.280 --> 00:22:42.100 and so 00:22:42.100 --> 00:22:42.640 he calls 00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:43.160 the people 00:22:43.160 --> 00:22:43.680 from 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:45.560 Israel 00:22:45.560 --> 00:22:46.759 and 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:47.320 he 00:22:47.320 --> 00:22:48.840 has a 00:22:48.840 --> 00:22:49.180 great 00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:49.980 army 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:51.519 so 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:55.180 look at 00:22:55.180 --> 00:22:55.960 chapter 7 00:22:55.960 --> 00:22:56.600 verse 2 00:22:56.600 --> 00:22:58.460 the Lord 00:22:58.460 --> 00:22:59.000 said to 00:22:59.000 --> 00:22:59.400 Gideon 00:22:59.400 --> 00:23:00.340 you have 00:23:00.340 --> 00:23:00.940 too many 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:01.480 men 00:23:01.480 --> 00:23:02.660 for me 00:23:02.660 --> 00:23:03.200 to deliver 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:03.660 Midian 00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:04.079 into 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:04.839 their 00:23:04.839 --> 00:23:05.299 hands 00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:07.039 in order 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:07.720 that Israel 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:08.339 may not 00:23:08.339 --> 00:23:08.819 boast 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.579 against me 00:23:09.579 --> 00:23:10.559 that her 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:11.339 own strength 00:23:11.339 --> 00:23:12.259 has saved 00:23:12.259 --> 00:23:12.620 her 00:23:12.620 --> 00:23:13.620 announce 00:23:13.620 --> 00:23:13.980 now 00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:14.319 to the 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:14.700 people 00:23:14.700 --> 00:23:16.460 anyone 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:16.839 who 00:23:16.839 --> 00:23:17.460 trembles 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:18.180 with fear 00:23:18.180 --> 00:23:19.079 may turn 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:19.460 back 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:19.940 and leave 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:20.319 Mount 00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:20.940 Gilead 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:21.980 so 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:23.180 22,000 00:23:23.180 --> 00:23:23.620 men 00:23:23.620 --> 00:23:24.079 left 00:23:24.079 --> 00:23:25.019 while 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:25.779 10,000 00:23:25.779 --> 00:23:26.259 remained 00:23:26.259 --> 00:23:28.039 he has 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:28.420 just 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:28.819 reduced 00:23:28.819 --> 00:23:29.079 his 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:29.440 army 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:29.700 by 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:29.960 two 00:23:29.960 --> 00:23:30.319 thirds 00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:32.339 I 00:23:32.339 --> 00:23:32.559 think 00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:32.700 to 00:23:32.700 --> 00:23:33.000 myself 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:33.319 where 00:23:33.319 --> 00:23:33.579 was 00:23:33.579 --> 00:23:33.839 that 00:23:33.839 --> 00:23:34.240 verse 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:35.079 why 00:23:35.079 --> 00:23:35.259 didn't 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:35.420 they 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:35.640 tell 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:35.900 us 00:23:35.900 --> 00:23:36.140 that 00:23:36.140 --> 00:23:36.400 before 00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:36.599 they 00:23:36.599 --> 00:23:36.799 sent 00:23:36.799 --> 00:23:36.980 us 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:37.180 off 00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:37.299 to 00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:37.619 Vietnam 00:23:37.619 --> 00:23:39.220 I 00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:39.420 wouldn't 00:23:39.420 --> 00:23:39.579 have 00:23:39.579 --> 00:23:39.859 gone 00:23:39.859 --> 00:23:40.339 if I 00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:40.480 had 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:40.660 that 00:23:40.660 --> 00:23:41.079 option 00:23:41.079 --> 00:23:43.500 but 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.680 the 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:45.119 army 00:23:45.119 --> 00:23:45.539 is 00:23:45.539 --> 00:23:45.940 now 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:46.299 down 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:46.500 to 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:47.259 10,000 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:48.220 you 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:48.599 don't 00:23:48.599 --> 00:23:48.900 win 00:23:48.900 --> 00:23:49.140 by 00:23:49.140 --> 00:23:49.579 reducing 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:49.839 the 00:23:49.839 --> 00:23:50.099 size 00:23:50.099 --> 00:23:50.240 of 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:50.359 the 00:23:50.359 --> 00:23:50.599 army 00:23:50.599 --> 00:23:50.819 you 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:51.019 win 00:23:51.019 --> 00:23:51.240 by 00:23:51.240 --> 00:23:51.640 doubling 00:23:51.640 --> 00:23:51.900 the 00:23:51.900 --> 00:23:52.220 army 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:52.799 for 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:53.039 every 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:53.339 soldier 00:23:53.339 --> 00:23:53.539 they 00:23:53.539 --> 00:23:53.779 have 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:53.900 you 00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:54.079 have 00:23:54.079 --> 00:23:54.359 three 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:54.579 and 00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:54.740 then 00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:54.900 you 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:55.180 can 00:23:55.180 --> 00:23:55.480 win 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:56.440 so 00:23:56.440 --> 00:23:57.720 22,000 00:23:57.720 --> 00:23:58.200 men 00:23:58.200 --> 00:23:58.620 left 00:23:58.620 --> 00:23:59.640 while 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:00.359 10,000 00:24:00.359 --> 00:24:00.940 remained 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:02.620 verse 4 00:24:02.620 --> 00:24:03.000 but the 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:03.200 Lord 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:03.660 said to 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:04.039 Gideon 00:24:04.039 --> 00:24:05.480 there 00:24:05.480 --> 00:24:05.779 are 00:24:05.779 --> 00:24:06.200 still 00:24:06.200 --> 00:24:06.500 too 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:06.799 many 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:07.200 men 00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:09.059 and 00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:09.200 so 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:09.420 do 00:24:09.420 --> 00:24:09.680 this 00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:10.200 test 00:24:10.200 --> 00:24:11.940 and 00:24:11.940 --> 00:24:12.240 they're 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:12.660 down 00:24:12.660 --> 00:24:13.079 to 00:24:13.079 --> 00:24:14.640 300 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:15.240 people 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:19.259 you 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:19.640 start 00:24:19.640 --> 00:24:19.819 with 00:24:19.819 --> 00:24:20.039 about 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:20.940 32,000 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:21.319 soldiers 00:24:21.319 --> 00:24:21.559 you're 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:21.720 down 00:24:21.720 --> 00:24:21.880 to 00:24:21.880 --> 00:24:22.359 300 00:24:22.359 --> 00:24:24.279 what 00:24:24.279 --> 00:24:24.559 is 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:24.879 God 00:24:24.879 --> 00:24:25.460 thinking 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:27.079 God 00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:27.319 is 00:24:27.319 --> 00:24:27.680 thinking 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:28.059 that 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:28.420 he 00:24:28.420 --> 00:24:28.799 knows 00:24:28.799 --> 00:24:28.980 how 00:24:28.980 --> 00:24:29.139 to 00:24:29.139 --> 00:24:29.399 win 00:24:29.399 --> 00:24:30.920 and 00:24:30.920 --> 00:24:31.099 he 00:24:31.099 --> 00:24:31.379 does 00:24:31.379 --> 00:24:31.819 not 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:32.160 want 00:24:32.160 --> 00:24:32.339 us 00:24:32.339 --> 00:24:32.539 to 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:33.039 think 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:34.599 stupidly 00:24:34.599 --> 00:24:35.220 that 00:24:35.220 --> 00:24:35.619 the 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:36.000 victory 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:36.379 is 00:24:36.379 --> 00:24:36.920 ours 00:24:36.920 --> 00:24:38.240 the 00:24:38.240 --> 00:24:38.759 power 00:24:38.759 --> 00:24:39.220 comes 00:24:39.220 --> 00:24:39.460 from 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:39.879 God 00:24:39.879 --> 00:24:40.879 and 00:24:40.879 --> 00:24:41.160 when 00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:41.639 we 00:24:41.639 --> 00:24:42.359 are 00:24:42.359 --> 00:24:42.539 the 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:43.000 weakest 00:24:43.000 --> 00:24:44.019 God 00:24:44.019 --> 00:24:44.279 is 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:44.460 the 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:44.960 strongest 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:47.960 that's 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:48.119 a 00:24:48.119 --> 00:24:48.660 basic 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:49.039 lesson 00:24:49.039 --> 00:24:49.399 we have 00:24:49.399 --> 00:24:49.539 to 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:49.839 learn 00:24:49.839 --> 00:24:50.819 and 00:24:50.819 --> 00:24:51.000 if 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:51.220 you're 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:51.660 strong 00:24:51.660 --> 00:24:51.899 I 00:24:51.899 --> 00:24:52.180 feel 00:24:52.180 --> 00:24:52.539 bad 00:24:52.539 --> 00:24:52.720 for 00:24:52.720 --> 00:24:52.859 you 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:53.139 because 00:24:53.139 --> 00:24:53.480 God 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:53.660 is 00:24:53.660 --> 00:24:53.799 going 00:24:53.799 --> 00:24:53.839 to 00:24:53.839 --> 00:24:54.000 have 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:54.140 to 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:54.299 play 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:54.599 tough 00:24:54.599 --> 00:24:54.819 with 00:24:54.819 --> 00:24:55.000 you 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:55.380 to 00:24:55.380 --> 00:24:55.599 make 00:24:55.599 --> 00:24:55.740 you 00:24:55.740 --> 00:24:56.000 feel 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:56.400 weak 00:24:56.400 --> 00:25:04.039 so 00:25:04.039 --> 00:25:05.900 God 00:25:05.900 --> 00:25:07.440 sends 00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:07.720 them 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:08.339 they 00:25:08.339 --> 00:25:08.700 don't 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:09.140 even 00:25:09.140 --> 00:25:09.779 fight 00:25:09.779 --> 00:25:10.819 it's 00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:11.299 dark 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:12.360 and the 00:25:12.360 --> 00:25:12.620 army 00:25:12.620 --> 00:25:12.839 is 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:13.339 confused 00:25:13.339 --> 00:25:14.660 and 00:25:14.660 --> 00:25:15.000 the 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:15.259 army 00:25:15.259 --> 00:25:15.700 defeats 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:16.079 itself 00:25:16.079 --> 00:25:18.680 what 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:18.839 is 00:25:18.839 --> 00:25:19.120 going 00:25:19.120 --> 00:25:19.480 on 00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:21.720 what 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:21.880 is 00:25:21.880 --> 00:25:22.140 going 00:25:22.140 --> 00:25:22.519 on 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:22.819 is 00:25:22.819 --> 00:25:23.079 a 00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:23.480 lesson 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:24.059 that 00:25:24.059 --> 00:25:25.160 we 00:25:25.160 --> 00:25:25.480 all 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:25.799 know 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:26.880 first 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:27.079 of 00:25:27.079 --> 00:25:27.400 all 00:25:27.400 --> 00:25:29.500 if 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:29.799 I 00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:30.259 said 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:30.660 like 00:25:30.660 --> 00:25:31.059 Gideon 00:25:31.059 --> 00:25:31.299 the 00:25:31.299 --> 00:25:31.480 Lord 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:31.720 has 00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:32.160 abandoned 00:25:32.160 --> 00:25:32.599 us 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:33.120 I 00:25:33.120 --> 00:25:33.339 would 00:25:33.339 --> 00:25:33.640 know 00:25:33.640 --> 00:25:33.839 I 00:25:33.839 --> 00:25:34.059 was 00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:34.400 wrong 00:25:34.400 --> 00:25:35.319 because 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:35.779 I've 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.039 heard 00:25:36.039 --> 00:25:36.380 Jesus 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:36.779 say 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:38.039 wherever 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:38.519 two 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:38.779 or 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:39.019 three 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:39.279 are 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:39.599 gathered 00:25:39.599 --> 00:25:40.039 together 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:40.319 in 00:25:40.319 --> 00:25:40.539 my 00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:40.920 name 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.880 there 00:25:41.880 --> 00:25:42.160 I 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:42.360 am 00:25:42.360 --> 00:25:42.599 in 00:25:42.599 --> 00:25:42.799 their 00:25:42.799 --> 00:25:43.160 midst 00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:44.759 I 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.000 know 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:45.380 Jesus 00:25:45.380 --> 00:25:45.660 has 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:45.900 said 00:25:45.900 --> 00:25:46.259 I 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:46.500 would 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:46.660 be 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:46.900 with 00:25:46.900 --> 00:25:47.099 you 00:25:47.099 --> 00:25:47.700 always 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:48.120 even 00:25:48.120 --> 00:25:48.339 to 00:25:48.339 --> 00:25:48.500 the 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:48.700 end 00:25:48.700 --> 00:25:48.839 of 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:49.000 the 00:25:49.000 --> 00:25:49.380 age 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:51.299 I 00:25:51.299 --> 00:25:51.519 know 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:51.759 I've 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:51.940 heard 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:52.220 Jesus 00:25:52.220 --> 00:25:52.519 say 00:25:52.519 --> 00:25:52.759 I 00:25:52.759 --> 00:25:52.940 will 00:25:52.940 --> 00:25:53.200 never 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:53.519 leave 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:53.759 you 00:25:53.759 --> 00:25:54.259 nor 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:54.819 forsake 00:25:54.819 --> 00:25:55.059 you 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:56.240 so 00:25:56.240 --> 00:25:56.720 Midian 00:25:56.720 --> 00:25:57.180 might 00:25:57.180 --> 00:25:57.420 think 00:25:57.420 --> 00:25:57.599 he 00:25:57.599 --> 00:25:57.740 would 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:57.880 be 00:25:57.880 --> 00:25:58.039 able 00:25:58.039 --> 00:25:58.180 to 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:58.299 get 00:25:58.299 --> 00:25:58.500 away 00:25:58.500 --> 00:25:58.680 with 00:25:58.680 --> 00:25:58.859 it 00:25:58.859 --> 00:25:59.200 we 00:25:59.200 --> 00:25:59.700 can't 00:25:59.700 --> 00:26:01.039 we 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:01.480 cannot 00:26:01.480 --> 00:26:01.900 say 00:26:01.900 --> 00:26:02.619 God 00:26:02.619 --> 00:26:02.839 has 00:26:02.839 --> 00:26:03.200 abandoned 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:03.640 us 00:26:03.640 --> 00:26:05.079 God 00:26:05.079 --> 00:26:05.279 has 00:26:05.279 --> 00:26:05.480 said 00:26:05.480 --> 00:26:05.859 instead 00:26:05.859 --> 00:26:06.440 nothing 00:26:06.440 --> 00:26:06.839 can 00:26:06.839 --> 00:26:07.200 separate 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:07.480 us 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:07.680 from 00:26:07.680 --> 00:26:07.839 the 00:26:07.839 --> 00:26:08.000 love 00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:08.160 of 00:26:08.160 --> 00:26:08.440 God 00:26:08.440 --> 00:26:14.440 and 00:26:14.440 --> 00:26:16.240 to 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:16.759 conclude 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:18.140 please 00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:18.440 turn 00:26:18.440 --> 00:26:18.620 to 00:26:18.620 --> 00:26:19.140 2nd 00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:19.840 Corinthians 00:26:19.840 --> 00:26:22.020 please 00:26:22.020 --> 00:26:22.440 turn 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:22.620 to 00:26:22.620 --> 00:26:22.820 this 00:26:22.820 --> 00:26:23.200 wonderful 00:26:23.200 --> 00:26:23.640 passage 00:26:23.640 --> 00:26:23.880 by 00:26:23.880 --> 00:26:24.280 Paul 00:26:24.280 --> 00:26:25.500 who 00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:26.220 experienced 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:26.600 this 00:26:26.600 --> 00:26:26.880 whole 00:26:26.880 --> 00:26:27.280 issue 00:26:27.280 --> 00:26:28.100 how do 00:26:28.100 --> 00:26:28.240 we 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:28.720 understand 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:29.240 strength 00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:29.640 how do 00:26:29.640 --> 00:26:29.759 we 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:30.160 understand 00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:30.800 weakness 00:26:30.800 --> 00:26:32.400 look at 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:32.759 2nd 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:33.220 Corinthians 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:34.259 chapter 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:34.759 12 00:26:34.759 --> 00:26:42.920 verse 7 00:26:42.920 --> 00:26:45.779 2nd 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:46.200 Corinthians 00:26:46.200 --> 00:26:46.680 chapter 00:26:46.680 --> 00:26:47.200 12 00:26:47.200 --> 00:26:49.019 verse 7 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:50.720 to keep 00:26:50.720 --> 00:26:51.100 me from 00:26:51.100 --> 00:26:51.539 becoming 00:26:51.539 --> 00:26:52.300 conceited 00:26:52.300 --> 00:26:53.220 because of 00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:53.420 these 00:26:53.420 --> 00:26:54.460 surpassingly 00:26:54.460 --> 00:26:54.900 great 00:26:54.900 --> 00:26:55.640 revelations 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:57.279 there was 00:26:57.279 --> 00:26:57.840 given me 00:26:57.840 --> 00:26:58.500 a thorn 00:26:58.500 --> 00:26:58.960 in my 00:26:58.960 --> 00:26:59.460 flesh 00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:00.720 a messenger 00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:01.380 of Satan 00:27:01.380 --> 00:27:02.420 to torment 00:27:02.420 --> 00:27:02.880 me 00:27:02.880 --> 00:27:04.539 three times 00:27:04.539 --> 00:27:05.200 I pleaded 00:27:05.200 --> 00:27:05.560 with the 00:27:05.560 --> 00:27:06.019 Lord to 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:06.320 take it 00:27:06.320 --> 00:27:06.759 away from 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:07.039 me 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.880 but he 00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:08.200 said 00:27:08.200 --> 00:27:09.480 my grace 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.380 is sufficient 00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:11.060 for you 00:27:11.059 --> 00:27:12.700 my power 00:27:12.700 --> 00:27:13.339 is made 00:27:13.339 --> 00:27:13.940 perfect 00:27:13.940 --> 00:27:14.919 in weakness 00:27:14.919 --> 00:27:16.460 therefore 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.139 I will 00:27:17.139 --> 00:27:17.599 boast 00:27:17.599 --> 00:27:18.039 all the 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:18.359 more 00:27:18.359 --> 00:27:19.059 gladly 00:27:19.059 --> 00:27:20.079 about 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.359 my 00:27:20.359 --> 00:27:20.819 weaknesses 00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:22.259 so that 00:27:22.259 --> 00:27:22.940 Christ's 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:23.279 power 00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:24.720 may rest 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:25.179 on me 00:27:25.179 --> 00:27:26.379 that is 00:27:26.379 --> 00:27:26.740 why 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:27.639 for 00:27:27.639 --> 00:27:28.220 Christ's 00:27:28.220 --> 00:27:28.539 sake 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:29.799 I delight 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:30.559 in weaknesses 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:32.759 in insults 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:33.599 in hardships 00:27:33.599 --> 00:27:35.019 in persecutions 00:27:35.019 --> 00:27:35.899 in difficulties 00:27:35.899 --> 00:27:37.159 for when 00:27:37.159 --> 00:27:37.619 I am 00:27:37.619 --> 00:27:38.019 weak 00:27:38.019 --> 00:27:39.059 then 00:27:39.059 --> 00:27:39.819 I am 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:40.299 strong 00:27:40.299 --> 00:27:42.159 that is 00:27:42.159 --> 00:27:42.519 true 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:44.000 of us 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:44.659 individually 00:27:44.659 --> 00:27:45.779 that is 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:46.099 true 00:27:46.099 --> 00:27:46.579 of our 00:27:46.579 --> 00:27:46.960 church 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:48.440 the power 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:49.220 comes 00:27:49.220 --> 00:27:49.919 from God 00:27:49.919 --> 00:27:51.859 the power 00:27:51.859 --> 00:27:52.519 comes 00:27:52.519 --> 00:27:53.159 from God 00:27:53.159 --> 00:27:54.619 and we 00:27:54.619 --> 00:27:55.359 are not 00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:55.960 abandoned 00:27:55.960 --> 00:27:58.700 let's have 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.079 a word of 00:27:59.079 --> 00:27:59.279 prayer 00:27:59.279 --> 00:28:04.339 thank you 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:05.079 father for 00:28:05.079 --> 00:28:06.139 using weak 00:28:06.139 --> 00:28:08.279 afraid 00:28:08.279 --> 00:28:10.279 unsure 00:28:10.279 --> 00:28:10.960 people 00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:12.920 thank you 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:13.460 for working 00:28:13.460 --> 00:28:13.920 in their 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:14.279 lives 00:28:14.279 --> 00:28:14.599 and in 00:28:14.599 --> 00:28:14.799 our 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.160 lives 00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:15.579 so that 00:28:15.579 --> 00:28:16.000 they learn 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:16.559 to obey 00:28:16.559 --> 00:28:17.099 even when 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:17.319 they're 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:17.779 afraid 00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:19.019 they 00:28:19.019 --> 00:28:20.200 accept 00:28:20.200 --> 00:28:20.740 their mission 00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:21.299 even when 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:21.539 they're 00:28:21.539 --> 00:28:21.960 hesitant 00:28:21.960 --> 00:28:23.599 father 00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:24.240 I suspect 00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:24.680 there are 00:28:24.680 --> 00:28:25.220 far more 00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:25.819 cowards 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:26.920 than there 00:28:26.920 --> 00:28:27.259 are 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:28.259 heroes 00:28:28.259 --> 00:28:29.759 in 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:30.460 normal 00:28:30.460 --> 00:28:31.059 churches 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:33.160 that some 00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:33.619 of us 00:28:33.619 --> 00:28:34.660 are 00:28:34.660 --> 00:28:35.099 hesitant 00:28:35.099 --> 00:28:35.539 and are 00:28:35.539 --> 00:28:35.919 afraid 00:28:35.919 --> 00:28:36.259 to be 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:36.659 used 00:28:36.659 --> 00:28:38.059 but you 00:28:38.059 --> 00:28:38.579 want to 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:39.139 use us 00:28:39.139 --> 00:28:41.240 I pray 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:41.719 that we 00:28:41.719 --> 00:28:42.740 would have 00:28:42.740 --> 00:28:43.240 confidence 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:44.139 in you 00:28:44.139 --> 00:28:45.659 not in 00:28:45.659 --> 00:28:46.279 ourselves 00:28:46.279 --> 00:28:47.980 that we 00:28:47.980 --> 00:28:48.659 will rely 00:28:48.659 --> 00:28:49.379 on you 00:28:49.379 --> 00:28:50.519 not on 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:51.099 ourselves 00:28:51.099 --> 00:28:52.980 and we 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:53.599 thank you 00:28:53.599 --> 00:28:53.919 father 00:28:53.919 --> 00:28:55.459 that you 00:28:55.459 --> 00:28:56.179 are always 00:28:56.179 --> 00:28:56.759 with us 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:59.299 we give 00:28:59.299 --> 00:28:59.799 you much 00:28:59.799 --> 00:29:01.119 thanks and 00:29:01.119 --> 00:29:01.660 gratitude 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:03.000 and appreciation 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:04.420 in Jesus 00:29:04.420 --> 00:29:04.839 name 00:29:04.839 --> 00:29:06.059 amen