diff --git "a/2022/Sunday Worship - August 21, 2022_transcript.txt" "b/2022/Sunday Worship - August 21, 2022_transcript.txt" new file mode 100644--- /dev/null +++ "b/2022/Sunday Worship - August 21, 2022_transcript.txt" @@ -0,0 +1,2428 @@ +[0.00 --> 3.00] With my soul +[3.00 --> 4.00] Sing it out. +[7.00 --> 11.00] It is well +[11.00 --> 19.00] With my soul +[19.00 --> 26.00] It is well +[26.00 --> 34.00] With my soul +[34.00 --> 40.00] It is well +[40.00 --> 44.00] It is well +[44.00 --> 48.00] With my soul +[48.00 --> 49.00] Sing it out. +[49.00 --> 51.00] It is well +[51.00 --> 55.00] Oh, it is well +[55.00 --> 57.00] It is well +[57.00 --> 62.00] With my soul +[62.00 --> 65.00] Because of who you are, Lord +[65.00 --> 71.00] Oh, it is well +[71.00 --> 77.00] With my soul +[77.00 --> 85.00] It is well +[85.00 --> 95.00] With my soul +[95.00 --> 99.00] It is well +[99.00 --> 101.00] It is well +[101.00 --> 103.00] It is well +[103.00 --> 107.00] With my soul +[107.00 --> 108.00] Sing it out. +[108.00 --> 109.00] It is well +[109.00 --> 111.00] It is well +[111.00 --> 113.00] It is well +[113.00 --> 115.00] It is well +[115.00 --> 117.00] It is well +[117.00 --> 121.00] With my soul +[121.00 --> 123.00] It is well +[123.00 --> 125.00] It is well +[125.00 --> 127.00] It is well +[127.00 --> 129.00] It is well +[129.00 --> 131.00] It is well +[131.00 --> 135.00] With my soul +[135.00 --> 137.00] With my soul +[137.00 --> 141.00] Oh +[141.00 --> 143.00] Oh +[143.00 --> 145.00] Oh +[145.00 --> 147.00] Oh +[147.00 --> 149.00] And through it all +[149.00 --> 151.00] Through it all +[151.00 --> 153.00] My eyes are on you +[153.00 --> 155.00] And through it all +[155.00 --> 157.00] Through it all +[157.00 --> 162.00] It is well +[162.00 --> 164.00] And through it all +[164.00 --> 166.00] Through it all +[166.00 --> 167.00] How it is well +[167.00 --> 177.00] Oh +[177.00 --> 178.00] My eyes are on you +[178.00 --> 179.00] And is well +[179.00 --> 181.00] With me +[181.00 --> 210.98] I love you. +[211.00 --> 216.00] It's like a picture that you've painted for me +[216.00 --> 221.28] A love letter in the sky +[221.28 --> 227.00] Story +[227.00 --> 232.78] I could have had a really different story +[232.78 --> 239.00] But you came down from heaven to restore me +[239.00 --> 244.50] Forever saved my life +[244.50 --> 253.66] Nobody loves me like you love me, Jesus +[253.66 --> 259.66] I stand in all of your amazing ways +[259.66 --> 265.16] I worship you as long as I am breathing +[265.16 --> 268.76] God, you are faithful and true +[268.76 --> 272.26] Nobody loves me like you +[272.26 --> 278.26] Mountains +[278.26 --> 284.76] You're breaking down the weight of all my mountains +[284.76 --> 290.26] Even when it feels like I'm surrounded +[290.26 --> 296.26] You never leave my side +[296.26 --> 305.76] Nobody loves me like you love me, Jesus +[305.76 --> 311.26] I stand in all of your amazing ways +[311.26 --> 317.26] I worship you as long as I am breathing +[317.26 --> 320.26] God, you are faithful and true +[320.26 --> 323.76] Nobody loves me like you +[323.76 --> 325.76] お願い +[325.98 --> 327.26] Yeah +[327.26 --> 330.84] God, you are faithful and true +[335.26 --> 346.26] We're broken and utter貝 +[346.26 --> 347.26] Not going to chaos +[347.26 --> 349.26] Oh, what a song to sing. +[351.26 --> 353.26] Oh, what a song. +[354.26 --> 356.26] My heart keeps singing. +[357.26 --> 360.26] Oh, what a song to sing. +[362.26 --> 366.26] Oh, what a song to sing. +[367.26 --> 368.26] I'll never stop. +[369.26 --> 371.26] Oh, what a song to sing. +[372.26 --> 375.26] Jesus, you love me. +[375.26 --> 378.26] And I love you, God. +[380.26 --> 384.26] Nobody loves me like you love me. +[384.26 --> 391.26] Jesus, I stand in awe of your amazing way. +[392.26 --> 397.26] I'll worship you as long as I am relieved. +[398.26 --> 401.26] God, I will worship you forever. +[402.26 --> 403.26] Worship me. +[403.26 --> 407.26] Nobody loves me like you love me. +[408.26 --> 413.26] Jesus, I stand in awe of your amazing way. +[414.26 --> 420.26] I'll worship you as long as I am relieved. +[421.26 --> 423.26] God, you are faithful in truth. +[423.26 --> 424.26] Nobody loves me like you. +[424.26 --> 426.26] Nobody loves me like you love me. +[426.26 --> 428.26] Nobody loves me like you love me. +[428.26 --> 432.26] I'm a child of God. +[432.26 --> 433.26] I'm a child of God. +[433.26 --> 434.26] I'm a child of God. +[434.26 --> 437.26] Yes, I am. +[437.26 --> 440.26] Nobody loves me like you love me. +[440.26 --> 441.26] Nobody loves me like you. +[441.26 --> 445.26] Nobody loves me like you. +[445.26 --> 475.24] I love you +[475.26 --> 505.24] I love you +[505.26 --> 535.24] I love you +[535.24 --> 537.24] We sing to the God who heals +[537.24 --> 540.08] We sing to the God who saves +[540.08 --> 544.52] We sing to the God who always makes a way +[544.52 --> 548.42] Cause He hung up on that cross +[548.42 --> 551.30] Then He rose up from that grave +[551.30 --> 556.40] My God's still rolling stones away +[556.40 --> 561.40] Let's join the heart of the Lord +[561.40 --> 565.72] Good morning everyone +[565.72 --> 568.46] Welcome to church this morning +[568.46 --> 569.54] My name is Kevin Lobert +[569.54 --> 571.34] I'm the youth pastor here at Emanuel +[571.34 --> 574.18] It's good to see so many of us here on this August Sunday +[574.18 --> 577.18] A couple of announcements this morning before we begin the service +[577.18 --> 580.78] This coming Thursday, August the 25th +[580.78 --> 582.70] Our church is hosting a town hall meeting +[582.70 --> 586.14] So that's for all members and even non-members to invite +[586.14 --> 588.42] To come out to discuss things of this church +[588.42 --> 591.08] But specifically the young adult ministry of our church +[591.08 --> 595.12] So the past two years the young adult ministry was under +[595.12 --> 597.78] Josh Chamberlain was the intern here +[597.78 --> 598.58] He ran that ministry +[598.58 --> 599.74] His contract has been up +[599.74 --> 600.92] And so there's a meeting to discuss +[600.92 --> 602.84] What do we do with this ministry going forward +[602.84 --> 605.24] Council's got a proposal +[605.24 --> 608.60] But we want to give some information and some reasons for that proposal +[608.60 --> 610.38] And then we want to hear from you the congregation as well +[610.38 --> 612.50] So please do come out this coming Thursday +[612.50 --> 615.10] I believe it starts at 7 for that discussion +[615.10 --> 617.38] And we hope to see many of you there for that +[617.38 --> 619.42] On September the 4th +[619.42 --> 620.86] Which is in a couple weeks +[620.86 --> 626.62] We're going to be hosting a baseball tournament barbecue fun event +[626.62 --> 628.40] So that'll happen after church +[628.40 --> 630.62] 12 till 4-ish we're thinking +[630.62 --> 632.42] A few more details are being sorted +[632.42 --> 634.46] But have that date sort of circled in your calendar +[634.46 --> 636.18] If you'd like to come to that +[636.18 --> 637.64] Sign up for a baseball team +[637.64 --> 638.74] Email Aaron +[638.74 --> 639.62] His name is +[639.62 --> 642.64] His email's in the bulletin as well +[642.64 --> 643.46] So you can email him +[643.46 --> 644.68] And he'll get you on a team +[644.68 --> 646.02] And then we'll have a good time +[646.02 --> 646.94] So if you want to play +[646.94 --> 647.22] Play +[647.22 --> 648.00] If you don't want to play +[648.00 --> 648.72] You can still come out +[648.72 --> 649.68] And you can watch +[649.68 --> 650.42] And you can eat food +[650.42 --> 651.62] And you can cheer people on +[651.62 --> 652.36] And it'll be very exciting +[652.36 --> 654.36] Finally reactivate +[654.36 --> 655.52] Is a big youth conference +[655.52 --> 656.84] Done in the CRC church +[656.84 --> 659.14] The 7th one is happening +[659.14 --> 661.78] This September 9th to 11th +[661.78 --> 662.32] Youth +[662.32 --> 663.48] You can still register +[663.48 --> 664.22] Till the end of the month +[664.22 --> 665.16] So please do that +[665.16 --> 666.38] But for that conference +[666.38 --> 668.48] It's being hosted by Willoughby +[668.48 --> 670.54] But we're looking for a number of volunteers still +[670.54 --> 672.94] So some more information +[672.94 --> 674.04] On what type of volunteer +[674.04 --> 675.62] Will be coming out in the next week or two +[675.62 --> 677.58] But we're especially looking for someone +[677.58 --> 678.56] To help out in the kitchen +[678.56 --> 680.50] We have a wonderful leader +[680.50 --> 681.70] Who's cooking all the meals +[681.70 --> 683.30] And does most of the grocery shopping +[683.30 --> 683.64] Fay +[683.64 --> 685.86] But she's looking for sort of a right hand person +[685.86 --> 687.98] To kind of walk alongside of her that weekend +[687.98 --> 689.48] So if that's something that you're passionate about +[689.48 --> 690.60] Something you think you can help with +[690.60 --> 693.04] Please consider coming out to that +[693.04 --> 693.92] You can chat with me +[693.92 --> 696.30] To help out in that capacity +[696.30 --> 699.30] I'm going to invite you all to rise right now +[699.30 --> 701.30] And we'll receive God's greeting this morning +[701.30 --> 706.18] God's greeting this morning +[706.18 --> 708.10] Comes from Revelation 1 +[708.10 --> 708.86] Where it says +[708.86 --> 710.90] Grace to you and peace from him +[710.90 --> 713.42] Who is and who was and who is to come +[713.42 --> 716.14] And from the seven spirits before his throne +[716.14 --> 717.64] And from Jesus Christ +[717.64 --> 718.94] Who is the faithful witness +[718.94 --> 720.52] The firstborn of the dead +[720.52 --> 722.94] And the ruler of the kings of the earth +[722.94 --> 724.48] And all God's people said +[724.48 --> 727.62] Now we haven't done this in a long time +[727.62 --> 729.28] But as God has greeted us this morning +[729.28 --> 731.72] Please be sensitive to maybe some handshakes for some +[731.72 --> 732.66] But please take this time +[732.66 --> 733.20] Turn around +[733.20 --> 735.26] Greet one another this morning +[735.26 --> 735.76] Amen +[748.94 --> 761.88] Children of God +[761.88 --> 764.06] Enter into this congregation +[764.06 --> 765.78] Not just with your physical being +[765.78 --> 767.68] Let not your heart and mind +[767.68 --> 769.36] Be misplaced in its affections +[769.36 --> 771.60] Humble yourselves before the presence +[771.60 --> 772.78] Of the almighty God +[772.78 --> 774.08] The everlasting Lord +[774.08 --> 774.98] The truth +[774.98 --> 775.96] The great I am +[775.96 --> 776.90] The Lord of Jehovah +[776.90 --> 778.10] Creator of the earth +[778.10 --> 780.52] Let us come bow down before him +[780.52 --> 782.22] Bring your praises +[782.22 --> 782.90] Your cries +[782.90 --> 783.50] Your prayers +[783.50 --> 784.12] Your wrestling +[784.12 --> 785.76] Come with expectation +[785.76 --> 786.54] With faith +[786.54 --> 787.40] Before our Father +[787.40 --> 788.24] Who art in heaven +[788.24 --> 789.48] Bride of Christ +[789.48 --> 790.36] Lift your voices +[790.36 --> 791.00] And sing +[808.10 --> 817.08] Let us come in true submission +[817.08 --> 822.48] In the faith he will provide +[822.48 --> 828.88] Let us come in true submission +[828.88 --> 834.56] In the faith he will provide +[834.56 --> 837.98] Let us come to God +[837.98 --> 838.94] Let us come to God +[838.94 --> 840.98] To save you +[840.98 --> 846.22] He has his arms stretched open wide +[846.22 --> 849.86] He died at Calvary +[849.86 --> 852.84] Just to save you +[852.84 --> 853.84] Because he loves you +[853.84 --> 855.04] Because he loves you +[855.04 --> 855.06] Because he loves you +[855.06 --> 856.76] As his child +[856.76 --> 864.34] He is the everlasting Lord +[864.34 --> 867.26] He is the truth +[867.26 --> 869.66] The great I am +[869.66 --> 871.50] The Lord Jehovah +[871.50 --> 875.16] Creator of the earth +[875.16 --> 879.58] Come let us bow before him now +[879.58 --> 892.50] He has called you to your Father +[892.50 --> 898.00] He has called you as his child +[898.00 --> 902.42] Joined as with Christ +[902.42 --> 905.50] Oh righteous saint +[905.50 --> 910.42] He has made you holy in his sight +[910.42 --> 916.84] He is the everlasting Lord +[916.84 --> 919.84] He is the truth +[919.84 --> 922.22] The great I am +[922.22 --> 924.06] The Lord Jehovah +[924.06 --> 927.00] Creator of the earth +[927.00 --> 932.42] Come let us bow before him now +[932.42 --> 934.42] Come let us bow before him now +[934.42 --> 935.42] Come let us bow before him now +[935.42 --> 938.42] He is the everlasting Lord +[938.42 --> 939.42] He is the everlasting Lord +[939.42 --> 941.42] He is the truth +[941.42 --> 944.38] The great I am +[944.38 --> 945.42] The Lord Jehovah +[945.42 --> 949.42] Creator of the earth +[949.42 --> 954.42] Come let us bow before him now +[954.42 --> 967.84] Come let us bow before him now +[967.84 --> 971.84] Come let us bow before him now +[971.84 --> 984.96] Come let us bow before him now +[984.96 --> 990.08] Come let us bow before him now +[990.08 --> 1011.64] Let the faith rise up and sing +[1011.64 --> 1015.48] Of the great and glorious King +[1015.48 --> 1019.42] You are strong when you feel weak +[1019.42 --> 1023.80] When your brokenness complete +[1023.80 --> 1029.68] Shout to the north and the south +[1029.68 --> 1033.60] Sing to the east and the west +[1033.60 --> 1037.66] Jesus, his Savior to all +[1037.66 --> 1041.56] He's Lord of heaven and earth +[1041.56 --> 1046.82] Rise up, women of the truth +[1046.82 --> 1050.70] Send and sing to broken hearts +[1050.70 --> 1054.52] Who can know the healing power +[1054.52 --> 1060.32] Of our awesome King of love +[1060.32 --> 1064.78] Shout to the north and the south +[1064.78 --> 1068.70] Sing to the east and the west +[1068.70 --> 1072.70] Jesus, his Savior to all +[1072.70 --> 1076.96] He's Lord of heaven and earth +[1076.96 --> 1080.58] We've been through fire +[1080.58 --> 1082.66] We've been through rain +[1082.66 --> 1086.54] We've been refined by the power of His name +[1086.54 --> 1090.40] We've fallen deeper in love with you +[1090.40 --> 1096.40] You've burned the truth on our lips +[1096.40 --> 1100.40] Shout to the north and the south +[1100.40 --> 1104.38] Sing to the east and the west +[1104.38 --> 1108.46] Jesus, his Savior to all +[1108.46 --> 1112.40] He's Lord of heaven and earth +[1112.40 --> 1117.78] Rise up, church with broken wings +[1117.78 --> 1121.58] Fill this place with songs again +[1121.58 --> 1125.68] Of our God who reigns on heart +[1125.68 --> 1130.28] By His grace again we'll fly +[1130.28 --> 1136.02] Shout to the north and the south +[1136.02 --> 1140.02] Sing to the east and the west +[1140.02 --> 1144.16] Jesus, his Savior to all +[1144.16 --> 1147.74] He's Lord of heaven and earth +[1147.74 --> 1151.96] Shout to the north and the south +[1151.96 --> 1155.74] Sing to the east and the west +[1155.74 --> 1159.78] Jesus, his Savior to all +[1159.78 --> 1163.70] He's Lord of heaven and earth +[1163.70 --> 1176.16] Hear our prayer, O Lord +[1176.16 --> 1179.12] Let my cries come to you +[1179.12 --> 1181.34] Do not hide your face from me +[1181.34 --> 1182.78] In the day of my distress +[1182.78 --> 1184.62] Incline your ear to me +[1184.62 --> 1187.54] Answer me speedily in the day when I call +[1187.54 --> 1190.44] For my days pass away like smoke +[1190.44 --> 1192.86] And my bones burn like a furnace +[1192.86 --> 1195.78] My heart is struck down like grass +[1195.78 --> 1196.64] And has withered +[1196.64 --> 1198.56] I forgot to eat my bread +[1198.56 --> 1200.58] Because of my loud groaning +[1200.58 --> 1202.68] My bones cling to my flesh +[1202.68 --> 1205.74] I'm like a desert owl of the wilderness +[1205.74 --> 1208.18] Like an owl of the waste places +[1208.18 --> 1209.38] I lie awake +[1209.38 --> 1213.00] I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop +[1213.00 --> 1216.34] All the day my enemies taunt me +[1216.34 --> 1219.12] Those who deride me +[1219.12 --> 1221.30] Use my name for a curse +[1221.30 --> 1223.48] For I eat ashes like bread +[1223.48 --> 1225.40] And mingle tears with my drink +[1225.40 --> 1229.20] Because of your indignation and anger +[1229.20 --> 1232.36] For you have taken me up +[1232.36 --> 1233.60] And thrown me down +[1233.60 --> 1235.84] My days are like an evening shadow +[1235.84 --> 1238.54] I wither away like grass +[1238.54 --> 1242.46] But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever +[1242.46 --> 1245.40] You are remembered throughout all the generations +[1245.40 --> 1248.14] You will arise and have pity on Zion +[1248.14 --> 1250.20] It is the time to favour her +[1250.20 --> 1251.92] The appointed time has come +[1251.92 --> 1254.52] For your servants hold her stones dear +[1254.52 --> 1256.00] And have pity on her dust +[1256.00 --> 1258.34] Nations will fear the name of the Lord +[1258.34 --> 1261.26] And all the kings of the earth will fear your glory +[1261.26 --> 1263.22] For the Lord builds up Zion +[1263.22 --> 1264.86] He appears in his glory +[1264.86 --> 1267.52] He regards the prayer of the destitute +[1267.52 --> 1270.04] And he does not despise their prayers +[1270.04 --> 1270.88] Under his alrededor +[1270.88 --> 1294.90] And all the +[1294.90 --> 1309.60] O Lord, hear +[1309.60 --> 1316.20] O Lord, forgive us +[1316.20 --> 1322.90] We have lost the awe of you +[1322.90 --> 1330.90] Have mercy, have mercy +[1330.90 --> 1339.10] O Lord, cleanse +[1339.10 --> 1344.98] Our hearts which are divided +[1344.98 --> 1352.88] Stir the faith that we once knew +[1352.88 --> 1359.88] We're thirsty, we're thirsty +[1359.88 --> 1366.88] O Lord, restore +[1366.88 --> 1374.88] The church that bears your name +[1374.88 --> 1382.88] O Spirit send +[1382.88 --> 1389.88] A revival to this nation +[1389.88 --> 1396.88] Breathe on us again +[1396.88 --> 1403.88] Breathe on us again +[1403.88 --> 1413.88] O Lord, hear +[1413.88 --> 1420.88] O Lord, forgive us +[1420.88 --> 1428.88] We have lost the awe of you +[1428.88 --> 1435.88] Have mercy, have mercy +[1435.88 --> 1445.88] O Lord, cleanse +[1445.88 --> 1449.88] Our hearts which are divided +[1449.88 --> 1457.88] Stir the faith that we once knew +[1457.88 --> 1464.88] We're thirsty, we're thirsty +[1464.88 --> 1465.88] We're thirsty +[1465.88 --> 1471.88] O Lord, restore +[1471.88 --> 1479.88] The church that bears your name +[1479.88 --> 1486.88] O Spirit send +[1486.88 --> 1487.88] O Spirit send +[1487.88 --> 1494.88] A revival to this nation +[1494.88 --> 1500.88] Breathe on us again +[1500.88 --> 1501.88] Breathe on us again +[1501.88 --> 1507.88] Breathe on us again +[1507.88 --> 1514.88] O Lord, restore +[1514.88 --> 1517.88] The church that bears your name +[1517.88 --> 1521.88] The church that bears your name +[1521.88 --> 1523.88] The church that bears your name +[1523.88 --> 1525.88] The church that bears your name +[1525.88 --> 1527.88] O Spirit send +[1527.88 --> 1529.88] A revival to this nation +[1529.88 --> 1531.88] Breathe on us again +[1531.88 --> 1544.88] Breathe on us again +[1544.88 --> 1550.88] Breathe on us again +[1550.88 --> 1560.88] Breathe on us again +[1580.88 --> 1597.88] We go data +[1597.88 --> 1602.88] Love and母 +[1602.88 --> 1618.62] When peace like a river attendeth my way, +[1618.62 --> 1628.86] When sorrows like sea billows roll, +[1628.86 --> 1641.72] Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, +[1641.72 --> 1653.10] It is well, it is well with my soul. +[1653.10 --> 1662.10] It is well, it is well with my soul. +[1662.10 --> 1677.10] It is well, it is well with my soul. +[1677.10 --> 1689.10] Though Satan should buffet, Though trials should come, +[1689.10 --> 1698.10] Let this blessed assurance control. +[1698.10 --> 1712.10] That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, +[1712.10 --> 1724.10] And hath shed His own blood for my soul. +[1724.10 --> 1733.10] It is well, it is well with my soul. +[1733.10 --> 1748.10] With my soul it is well, it is well with my soul. +[1748.10 --> 1761.10] My sin, O the bliss of this glorious Lord, +[1761.10 --> 1774.10] My sin, O the bliss of this world. +[1774.10 --> 1779.10] It is well, it is well, it is well, +[1779.10 --> 1785.10] And I bear it no more. +[1785.10 --> 1797.10] Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul. +[1797.10 --> 1809.10] It is well, it is well with my soul. +[1809.10 --> 1824.10] It is well, it is well with my soul. +[1824.10 --> 1837.10] O Lord, haste the day When my faith shall be sight, +[1837.10 --> 1849.10] The clouds be rolled back as a scroll. +[1849.10 --> 1859.10] The trump shall resound, And the Lord shall descend, +[1859.10 --> 1864.10] Even so, it is well with my soul. +[1864.10 --> 1874.10] It is well with my soul. +[1874.10 --> 1879.10] It is well, it is well, with my soul. +[1879.10 --> 1880.10] With my soul. +[1880.10 --> 1884.10] It is well, it is well, with my soul. +[1884.10 --> 1885.10] With my soul. +[1885.10 --> 1890.10] It is well, it is well, with my soul. +[1890.10 --> 1900.10] It is well, with my soul. +[1900.10 --> 1905.10] Please be seated. +[1905.10 --> 1930.10] Good morning. +[1930.10 --> 1935.10] Well, that's on my top ten for hymns. +[1935.10 --> 1940.10] Okay, today's offerings are for Emmanuel's ministries and missions, +[1940.10 --> 1947.10] And the special offering is for World Renew, refugee sponsorship and resettlement. +[1947.10 --> 1956.10] World Renew has been a sponsorship agreement holder with Immigration and Refugee Citizenship Canada since 1979. +[1956.10 --> 1972.10] World Renew partners with churches, individuals and refugee organizations to facilitate refugee sponsorships to Canada and to advocate for refugee rights globally. +[1972.10 --> 1985.10] World Renew is encouraged by the hard work of churches and communities like ours and others over the past 43 years of the program. +[1985.10 --> 1993.10] In sponsoring and helping to resettle refugees, new Canadians to a new home. +[1993.10 --> 1998.10] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command. +[1998.10 --> 2000.10] Love your neighbor as yourself. +[2000.10 --> 2003.10] Galatians 5.14 +[2003.10 --> 2006.10] Leviticus 19.33-34 +[2006.10 --> 2012.10] For when a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. +[2012.10 --> 2018.10] The foreigner is residing among you who must be treated as your native born. +[2018.10 --> 2020.10] Love them as yourself. +[2020.10 --> 2023.10] For you were foreigners in Egypt. +[2023.10 --> 2025.10] I am the Lord your God. +[2025.10 --> 2027.10] I am the Lord your God. +[2027.10 --> 2057.08] We will feast in the house of sons. +[2057.10 --> 2063.36] We will sing with the hearts restored. +[2063.62 --> 2068.88] He has done great things we will say together. +[2069.44 --> 2075.20] We will feast and weep no more. +[2077.90 --> 2083.38] We will not be burned by the fire. +[2083.38 --> 2088.86] He is the Lord our God. +[2089.22 --> 2094.72] We are not consumed by the flood. +[2095.26 --> 2101.38] A hell protected gathered up. +[2102.40 --> 2107.30] We will feast in the house of Zion. +[2107.30 --> 2112.54] We will sing with the hearts restored. +[2112.88 --> 2117.30] He has done great things we will say together. +[2118.30 --> 2123.30] We will feast and weep no more. +[2123.30 --> 2131.30] In the dark of night before the dawn. +[2132.30 --> 2136.30] My soul be not afraid. +[2137.30 --> 2141.30] For the promised morning, oh how long. +[2141.30 --> 2149.30] Oh God of Jacob, be my strength. +[2150.30 --> 2155.14] We will feast in the house of Zion. +[2155.68 --> 2160.30] We will sing with our hearts restored. +[2160.64 --> 2165.54] He has done great things we will say together. +[2165.54 --> 2171.54] We will feast and weep no more. +[2174.54 --> 2178.54] Every vow we've broken and betrayed. +[2178.54 --> 2184.76] You are the faithful one. +[2184.76 --> 2189.54] And from the garden to the grave. +[2189.54 --> 2193.10] Bind us together. +[2193.10 --> 2197.66] And from the garden to the garden to the garden. +[2197.74 --> 2202.74] We will feast in the house of Zion. +[2202.88 --> 2203.66] We will feast in the house of Zion. +[2203.66 --> 2207.66] We will sing with our hearts restored. +[2208.08 --> 2212.54] He has done great things we will say together. +[2212.54 --> 2219.54] We will feast and weep no more. +[2237.98 --> 2238.84] All right. +[2238.84 --> 2243.14] Can we have all the kids up front for the kids' blessing? +[2263.14 --> 2263.72] All right. +[2263.84 --> 2266.28] I don't have much of a story for you guys today, +[2266.42 --> 2267.66] but before we do the blessing, +[2267.66 --> 2269.60] I kind of want to know how your summer's going. +[2271.42 --> 2272.56] Your summer's going good. +[2272.62 --> 2273.78] How about the rest of you guys? +[2274.56 --> 2275.20] How's the summer? +[2275.38 --> 2275.54] Yeah? +[2276.80 --> 2277.08] Yeah? +[2278.22 --> 2279.04] What would be, +[2279.22 --> 2280.62] maybe you can tell me, +[2280.72 --> 2281.58] a couple of you guys, +[2281.72 --> 2283.50] what your highlight of the summer's been so far. +[2283.56 --> 2284.30] What's been your highlight? +[2284.30 --> 2284.36] What's the highlight? +[2291.36 --> 2292.78] You made a garden this summer, +[2292.92 --> 2294.38] and the sun's helping it grow. +[2294.48 --> 2295.48] That sounds pretty cool. +[2296.82 --> 2298.60] So you don't have to go to the grocery store anymore? +[2298.70 --> 2300.12] You guys are just eating out of the garden? +[2300.12 --> 2300.44] Yeah. +[2300.68 --> 2301.14] Right on. +[2301.22 --> 2301.68] That's good. +[2302.88 --> 2304.12] You eat lots of carrots. +[2304.92 --> 2305.28] How about you? +[2305.34 --> 2306.76] What's the highlight of your summer so far? +[2306.76 --> 2307.76] What's the highlight of your summer? +[2312.62 --> 2314.06] Went to grandma's and went to the lake. +[2314.14 --> 2314.40] Olivia, +[2314.48 --> 2315.54] do you have a highlight of the summer? +[2317.78 --> 2319.20] You went camping and saw turtles. +[2319.28 --> 2319.92] Anybody else? +[2320.02 --> 2320.46] How about you? +[2321.14 --> 2322.44] What's the fun part of your summer? +[2323.24 --> 2324.34] You went to the Shushoff. +[2324.72 --> 2325.28] Right on. +[2325.36 --> 2325.88] Sounds good. +[2326.60 --> 2326.80] Well, +[2326.84 --> 2328.00] I'm glad you guys had a good summer, +[2328.10 --> 2330.32] because summer's almost over, +[2330.54 --> 2332.56] and some of you got to go back to school. +[2333.16 --> 2334.12] Maybe none of you guys. +[2334.12 --> 2335.46] Do any of you guys go to school yet? +[2336.34 --> 2336.70] You do? +[2336.84 --> 2337.24] Right on. +[2337.82 --> 2338.14] All right. +[2338.20 --> 2339.50] Let's stand up and do the blessing +[2339.50 --> 2342.16] that the rest of the congregation can join us. +[2347.04 --> 2347.40] Ready? +[2347.40 --> 2347.48] Ready? +[2348.02 --> 2350.76] The Lord be with you. +[2351.66 --> 2352.94] And all are with you. +[2364.12 --> 2385.02] Good morning. +[2385.12 --> 2385.76] My name is Glenn, +[2386.00 --> 2387.70] and I'm one of the elders here at Emmanuel. +[2388.32 --> 2390.08] It is my privilege to lead you +[2390.08 --> 2391.44] in our congregational prayer. +[2391.44 --> 2393.96] So let's go to the Lord in prayer. +[2396.98 --> 2397.76] Holy Father, +[2398.24 --> 2399.48] we thank you for the opportunity +[2399.48 --> 2401.80] to gather together as a local church family, +[2402.22 --> 2403.72] and to bring our thanksgiving, +[2404.12 --> 2404.76] our joys, +[2404.86 --> 2406.92] and our concerns before you in prayer. +[2407.84 --> 2408.94] Thank you for the assurance +[2408.94 --> 2410.64] that you hear all our prayers, +[2411.18 --> 2413.50] both individual prayers and corporate prayers, +[2413.78 --> 2416.62] and strengthen us to develop the discipline +[2416.62 --> 2418.12] to pray continually. +[2418.12 --> 2421.96] We give you thanks for all that you have done +[2421.96 --> 2423.12] for us in Christ Jesus, +[2423.66 --> 2426.74] and for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, +[2427.24 --> 2428.64] making us a new creation, +[2429.80 --> 2431.38] making us alive in Christ. +[2431.38 --> 2434.64] We ask that your Spirit will enable us +[2434.64 --> 2436.90] to reflect the glory and the light of Christ +[2436.90 --> 2438.28] in a dark world. +[2439.76 --> 2441.16] We pray for your blessing +[2441.16 --> 2442.74] in the ministries of this church. +[2443.74 --> 2446.02] We ask that these ministries will be effective +[2446.02 --> 2447.82] in bringing people to Christ +[2447.82 --> 2451.36] and in deepening our members' relationship with Christ. +[2451.36 --> 2454.66] Grant the leadership of this church wisdom +[2454.66 --> 2456.92] to discern your will for this church +[2456.92 --> 2459.28] and the courage to follow your leading. +[2460.50 --> 2461.20] Later this week, +[2461.24 --> 2462.70] we will meet to discuss and consider +[2462.70 --> 2464.56] how to minister to the young adults +[2464.56 --> 2465.78] in our church family. +[2466.48 --> 2469.04] We ask for your blessing on this ministry, +[2469.72 --> 2471.12] that it will effectively reach +[2471.12 --> 2474.22] and engage the young adults in our community. +[2474.22 --> 2478.08] We thank you for all of the staff +[2478.08 --> 2480.20] and volunteers of this church family +[2480.20 --> 2482.34] and their willingness to serve. +[2483.34 --> 2485.74] We ask that they experience your joy +[2485.74 --> 2487.02] as they serve +[2487.02 --> 2489.30] and grant them wisdom and strength +[2489.30 --> 2491.44] when they must deal with difficult situations. +[2492.82 --> 2495.46] Help our church to reflect your kingdom coming +[2495.46 --> 2496.76] here on earth. +[2496.76 --> 2499.72] We ask for your blessing +[2499.72 --> 2502.12] on Rachel Klingeltink and Kyle Thomas +[2502.12 --> 2504.48] as they prepare to be married later this week. +[2505.32 --> 2506.38] We ask that the wedding +[2506.38 --> 2508.16] will be a wonderful time of celebration. +[2509.30 --> 2511.40] We also ask that you go with them +[2511.40 --> 2513.38] as they begin their lives together. +[2516.52 --> 2518.56] We pray for the leaders who govern us, +[2519.18 --> 2521.82] the national, provincial, and municipal levels. +[2522.98 --> 2524.64] Their authority has been given by you. +[2524.64 --> 2526.78] Help them look to you +[2526.78 --> 2528.48] for guidance and direction. +[2529.72 --> 2531.94] Enable them to govern with hearts of service +[2531.94 --> 2533.36] for their constituents. +[2537.18 --> 2539.42] We continue to ask that you be with those +[2539.42 --> 2541.54] who are affected by war and violence +[2541.54 --> 2542.56] throughout the world. +[2543.48 --> 2546.06] Comfort those who mourn the loss of loved ones. +[2547.16 --> 2548.80] Watch over and provide for those +[2548.80 --> 2549.96] who have been displaced +[2549.96 --> 2551.64] because of war and violence. +[2551.64 --> 2555.12] Grant wisdom to governments and leaders +[2555.12 --> 2557.14] who can be agents of peace +[2557.14 --> 2558.90] in war-torn areas. +[2560.40 --> 2561.76] Change the hearts of those +[2561.76 --> 2566.20] who perpetrate violence and war +[2566.20 --> 2568.62] for their own selfish ambitions. +[2569.66 --> 2571.82] We pray for peace in the Ukraine +[2571.82 --> 2574.90] and wherever war and violence are occurring. +[2574.90 --> 2579.00] We continue to ask for your blessing +[2579.00 --> 2580.38] on the members of this church +[2580.38 --> 2581.24] who are on vacation. +[2582.14 --> 2583.88] We ask that they experience refreshment +[2583.88 --> 2585.80] and renewal as they take a break +[2585.80 --> 2586.92] from regular work. +[2588.14 --> 2589.58] Watch over them as they travel. +[2591.58 --> 2593.10] We thank you for your word +[2593.10 --> 2595.50] which is truly a lamp unto our feet +[2595.50 --> 2597.14] and a light for our path. +[2598.28 --> 2599.14] Bless Pastor Kevin +[2599.14 --> 2601.64] as he expands on your word this morning +[2601.64 --> 2604.72] so that its truth will reside deeply +[2604.72 --> 2605.88] in our hearts. +[2607.04 --> 2608.50] And as we enter a new week +[2608.50 --> 2611.04] equip us to honor and glorify you +[2611.04 --> 2612.22] in all we do and say +[2612.22 --> 2614.34] and keep us from sin. +[2615.18 --> 2616.64] Hear our prayer, O Lord. +[2617.28 --> 2617.56] Amen. +[2631.64 --> 2643.08] There's a famous man, +[2643.48 --> 2644.94] an historian, a philosopher, +[2645.12 --> 2646.50] a writer from the first century +[2646.50 --> 2647.94] by the name of Plutarch. +[2648.52 --> 2650.04] Maybe some of you have heard of him before. +[2650.38 --> 2651.86] I'm not really a historian myself +[2651.86 --> 2652.78] but I had heard of him +[2652.78 --> 2654.28] so he's got to be kind of a big deal. +[2655.14 --> 2656.26] Anyways, in one of his writings +[2656.26 --> 2658.78] titled Sayings of Kings and Commanders +[2658.78 --> 2660.78] he recounts this true story +[2660.78 --> 2664.40] which happened to King Philip II of Macedon. +[2664.46 --> 2665.38] Now King Philip II, +[2665.50 --> 2666.72] he was a very important king +[2666.72 --> 2668.16] who ruled Macedonia +[2668.16 --> 2671.10] from 359 to 336 BC. +[2671.66 --> 2673.88] And early on in King Philip II's reign +[2673.88 --> 2675.88] there was a woman in his kingdom +[2675.88 --> 2678.48] who came upon some really hard times. +[2679.06 --> 2680.74] Her husband had suddenly died +[2680.74 --> 2681.54] quite young +[2681.54 --> 2684.16] and she was left with no one in her life +[2684.16 --> 2685.08] to care for her. +[2685.68 --> 2686.56] On top of that, +[2686.64 --> 2687.56] when she was attending +[2687.56 --> 2689.20] to her husband's funeral, +[2689.20 --> 2690.82] everything she had +[2690.82 --> 2691.74] was stolen from her, +[2691.82 --> 2692.60] all her flocks +[2692.60 --> 2693.52] and her possessions +[2693.52 --> 2695.58] and she was left with nothing. +[2696.52 --> 2697.64] Nothing and no one. +[2697.76 --> 2699.14] So she went to see +[2699.14 --> 2700.16] King Philip II +[2700.16 --> 2701.08] to seek justice +[2701.08 --> 2702.08] and to seek some help. +[2703.44 --> 2704.58] But she was turned away. +[2705.22 --> 2706.54] So she went back the next day +[2706.54 --> 2707.04] and again +[2707.04 --> 2709.10] the guards turned her away. +[2709.26 --> 2710.72] Every day she went back +[2710.72 --> 2711.56] and every day +[2711.56 --> 2713.02] she was turned away +[2713.02 --> 2714.04] along with many others. +[2714.78 --> 2715.28] Now one day +[2715.28 --> 2716.08] when she approached +[2716.08 --> 2717.22] the palace +[2717.22 --> 2717.78] or wherever +[2717.78 --> 2718.52] the king happened +[2718.52 --> 2719.36] to be nearby +[2719.36 --> 2720.28] within earshot +[2720.28 --> 2721.36] and so she shouted out +[2721.36 --> 2722.36] let my troubles +[2722.36 --> 2723.78] be heard by you my king. +[2724.48 --> 2724.84] And the king +[2724.84 --> 2725.82] kind of was startled +[2725.82 --> 2726.72] and paused +[2726.72 --> 2727.16] and looked at her +[2727.16 --> 2727.40] and said +[2727.40 --> 2728.42] I have no time +[2728.42 --> 2729.28] to spare you. +[2730.38 --> 2731.02] Well immediately +[2731.02 --> 2732.10] and without flinching +[2732.10 --> 2732.58] she shouted +[2732.58 --> 2733.50] well then give up +[2733.50 --> 2734.18] being king. +[2736.02 --> 2737.10] Well Philip II +[2737.10 --> 2739.78] was taken aback by that. +[2739.98 --> 2740.72] He was quite amazed +[2740.72 --> 2741.68] by her boldness +[2741.68 --> 2743.86] and he sent everyone away +[2743.86 --> 2746.02] and listened to her at once. +[2746.60 --> 2747.48] He proceeded not only +[2747.48 --> 2748.50] to listen to her case +[2748.50 --> 2750.18] but also all of the others +[2750.18 --> 2750.86] who were around +[2750.86 --> 2751.36] and waiting +[2751.36 --> 2752.96] and provided her justice. +[2753.10 --> 2754.06] Now King Philip II +[2754.06 --> 2755.74] he took this nation +[2755.74 --> 2757.48] whom he apparently cared for +[2757.48 --> 2758.40] and he conquered Greece +[2758.40 --> 2759.44] and he became the father +[2759.44 --> 2761.04] of Alexander the Great +[2761.04 --> 2762.62] who I'm sure most of us know +[2762.62 --> 2763.52] who ended up conquering +[2763.52 --> 2764.68] most of the known world +[2764.68 --> 2765.86] in the decades to follow +[2765.86 --> 2766.70] and thus ends +[2766.70 --> 2767.54] today's history lesson. +[2767.92 --> 2769.02] This story though +[2769.02 --> 2771.14] which is documented +[2771.14 --> 2772.58] in many places +[2772.58 --> 2773.58] in historical literature +[2773.58 --> 2775.12] is a very similar story +[2775.12 --> 2775.56] to the one +[2775.56 --> 2775.98] that we're going +[2775.98 --> 2776.90] to look at today +[2776.90 --> 2777.60] the parable +[2777.60 --> 2779.88] of the persistent widow. +[2780.12 --> 2780.58] Now we're going to look +[2780.58 --> 2781.62] at that text today +[2781.62 --> 2782.66] and we're going to +[2782.66 --> 2783.34] as we continue +[2783.34 --> 2784.48] sort of this sermon series +[2784.48 --> 2785.34] we've been working on +[2785.34 --> 2786.10] on the parables. +[2786.74 --> 2787.56] This story it's found +[2787.56 --> 2788.64] in Luke chapter 18 +[2788.64 --> 2789.96] so if you have your Bibles +[2789.96 --> 2790.98] or your phone apps +[2790.98 --> 2791.32] or whatever +[2791.32 --> 2792.80] please open it up. +[2793.02 --> 2793.92] Luke chapter 18 +[2793.92 --> 2794.92] verses 1 to 8 +[2794.92 --> 2795.56] we're going to be +[2795.56 --> 2796.22] going back to it +[2796.22 --> 2796.96] so I do encourage you +[2796.96 --> 2797.58] to have that open +[2797.58 --> 2799.14] with you today. +[2800.02 --> 2801.06] So Luke 18 +[2801.06 --> 2801.66] 1 to 8 +[2801.66 --> 2802.22] this morning +[2802.22 --> 2803.00] says this +[2803.00 --> 2803.56] we read +[2803.56 --> 2805.38] Then Jesus +[2805.38 --> 2806.70] told his disciples +[2806.70 --> 2807.32] a parable +[2807.32 --> 2808.08] to show them +[2808.08 --> 2808.56] that they should +[2808.56 --> 2809.44] always pray +[2809.44 --> 2810.60] and not give up. +[2811.34 --> 2811.70] He said +[2811.70 --> 2812.68] in a certain town +[2812.68 --> 2813.62] there was a judge +[2813.62 --> 2815.00] who neither feared God +[2815.00 --> 2815.60] nor cared +[2815.60 --> 2816.92] what people thought +[2816.92 --> 2818.46] and there was a widow +[2818.46 --> 2819.38] in that town +[2819.38 --> 2820.54] who kept coming to him +[2820.54 --> 2821.10] with the plea +[2821.10 --> 2822.60] grant me justice +[2822.60 --> 2824.30] against my adversary. +[2825.44 --> 2826.12] For some time +[2826.12 --> 2826.72] he refused +[2826.72 --> 2827.40] but finally +[2827.40 --> 2828.16] he said to himself +[2828.16 --> 2828.68] even though +[2828.68 --> 2829.50] I don't fear God +[2829.50 --> 2830.86] or care what people think +[2830.86 --> 2832.46] yet because this widow +[2832.46 --> 2833.70] keeps bothering me +[2833.70 --> 2835.76] I will see that she gets justice +[2835.76 --> 2837.44] so that she won't +[2837.44 --> 2838.30] eventually come +[2838.30 --> 2839.54] and attack me. +[2841.04 --> 2842.20] And the Lord said +[2842.20 --> 2843.18] listen to what +[2843.18 --> 2845.26] the unjust judge says +[2845.26 --> 2846.96] and will not God +[2846.96 --> 2847.88] bring about justice +[2847.88 --> 2848.84] for his chosen ones +[2848.84 --> 2850.08] who cry out to him +[2850.08 --> 2850.72] day and night? +[2851.02 --> 2851.58] Will he keep +[2851.58 --> 2852.50] putting them off? +[2853.50 --> 2854.02] I tell you +[2854.02 --> 2854.82] he will see that +[2854.82 --> 2855.62] they get justice +[2855.62 --> 2856.26] and quickly. +[2857.54 --> 2857.84] However +[2857.84 --> 2859.22] when the Son of Man +[2859.22 --> 2859.90] comes +[2859.90 --> 2862.04] will he find faith +[2862.04 --> 2863.28] on the earth? +[2864.94 --> 2866.12] The word of the Lord. +[2868.42 --> 2869.52] Now in some ways +[2869.52 --> 2870.08] this parable +[2870.08 --> 2870.60] might seem +[2870.60 --> 2871.68] fairly straightforward. +[2871.90 --> 2872.34] Luke even +[2872.34 --> 2873.70] introduces it +[2873.70 --> 2874.32] for us +[2874.32 --> 2874.86] telling us +[2874.86 --> 2875.50] that it's a parable +[2875.50 --> 2876.96] about praying +[2876.96 --> 2878.18] and about not giving up. +[2878.86 --> 2879.80] It seems like +[2879.80 --> 2880.94] on a quick surface read +[2880.94 --> 2881.46] this is an +[2881.46 --> 2882.80] ask and you shall receive +[2882.80 --> 2883.56] type of thing. +[2883.56 --> 2885.52] Think about it. +[2885.62 --> 2887.14] It can't really be that. +[2887.18 --> 2887.84] Is that what Jesus +[2887.84 --> 2888.42] is saying? +[2889.12 --> 2890.24] If we ask for something +[2890.24 --> 2891.34] enough we'll just get it? +[2892.68 --> 2894.02] That just doesn't seem right. +[2894.08 --> 2895.34] That doesn't seem true. +[2895.82 --> 2896.56] It doesn't seem +[2896.56 --> 2897.62] historically accurate +[2897.62 --> 2898.22] in my life. +[2898.34 --> 2899.04] Perhaps it doesn't seem +[2899.04 --> 2900.20] historically accurate +[2900.20 --> 2900.96] in your life. +[2901.18 --> 2902.22] I'm going to illustrate this. +[2902.28 --> 2903.28] Are there any kids left? +[2903.50 --> 2904.18] And if there's not +[2904.18 --> 2905.68] are there any older kids left? +[2905.88 --> 2906.58] I've got candy. +[2906.66 --> 2907.06] You're going to want +[2907.06 --> 2907.44] to come up. +[2907.80 --> 2908.78] So kids come up front here. +[2908.84 --> 2909.56] Stand in front here. +[2909.60 --> 2910.86] I want to illustrate +[2910.86 --> 2912.10] this point for a second. +[2912.74 --> 2913.14] Here see? +[2913.36 --> 2913.64] Candy. +[2913.76 --> 2914.68] It's in this jar. +[2914.80 --> 2915.28] If you come up +[2915.28 --> 2915.70] you get some. +[2915.76 --> 2916.32] That's a bribe. +[2916.96 --> 2917.24] Ready? +[2918.00 --> 2918.72] Yeah here we go. +[2918.78 --> 2919.14] Here we go. +[2919.50 --> 2920.18] This is going to be good. +[2920.98 --> 2921.96] I'm going to sit right here. +[2922.80 --> 2923.60] You don't have to come +[2923.60 --> 2924.40] on stage or anything +[2924.40 --> 2925.22] but I have a question +[2925.22 --> 2925.66] for you. +[2926.30 --> 2927.02] Let's pretend +[2927.02 --> 2928.00] and remember +[2928.00 --> 2929.44] this is very much +[2929.44 --> 2930.12] only pretend. +[2930.56 --> 2931.10] Let's pretend +[2931.10 --> 2932.56] I'm one of your parents +[2932.56 --> 2933.50] and you know +[2933.50 --> 2934.38] that I've got candy +[2934.38 --> 2935.14] in this jar +[2935.14 --> 2936.08] and let's say +[2936.08 --> 2937.02] that you want some. +[2937.22 --> 2937.90] What would you do? +[2937.90 --> 2940.82] Yeah you would ask +[2940.82 --> 2941.28] can I have some +[2941.28 --> 2941.66] and I would say +[2941.66 --> 2942.42] yeah sure here you go. +[2943.32 --> 2944.14] You want one too? +[2945.02 --> 2945.96] You don't like candy? +[2946.04 --> 2946.42] That's okay. +[2946.74 --> 2947.70] I'm glad you came up anyways. +[2947.80 --> 2948.64] Anybody else want some? +[2948.76 --> 2948.84] Here. +[2949.52 --> 2949.68] Yeah? +[2950.36 --> 2951.30] Okay so let's say +[2951.30 --> 2952.66] you've asked +[2952.66 --> 2953.98] and let's say +[2953.98 --> 2954.80] you've taken one +[2954.80 --> 2956.96] and then let's say +[2956.96 --> 2957.86] you get maybe +[2957.86 --> 2959.08] a little bit greedy +[2959.08 --> 2959.78] and you're like +[2959.78 --> 2960.48] oh you know what +[2960.48 --> 2961.20] one was good. +[2961.64 --> 2962.42] I want another one. +[2962.64 --> 2963.18] What would you do? +[2964.70 --> 2965.78] Yeah you would ask again +[2965.78 --> 2965.96] right? +[2966.02 --> 2966.26] You'd be like +[2966.26 --> 2966.92] hey can I have another one +[2966.92 --> 2967.70] but what if I said no? +[2967.90 --> 2968.44] One's enough? +[2970.28 --> 2970.88] You'd say okay +[2970.88 --> 2971.60] but what if you really +[2971.60 --> 2972.36] wanted that candy? +[2973.26 --> 2974.14] And then you'd ask again +[2974.14 --> 2974.52] and be like +[2974.52 --> 2975.54] could I have another one though? +[2975.72 --> 2976.16] I'd be like no. +[2976.24 --> 2976.70] I said no. +[2977.12 --> 2978.12] You said but I want another one. +[2978.16 --> 2978.88] Could I have another one? +[2979.18 --> 2979.84] Would your parents +[2979.84 --> 2981.04] give you a second candy +[2981.04 --> 2982.22] if you just kept asking +[2982.22 --> 2982.98] and asking and asking? +[2983.80 --> 2984.54] No they wouldn't. +[2984.72 --> 2985.10] In fact +[2985.10 --> 2986.18] if your parents are like me +[2986.18 --> 2986.64] they might even take +[2986.64 --> 2987.30] that first one away +[2987.30 --> 2987.56] and be like +[2987.56 --> 2988.20] nah you're being greedy +[2988.20 --> 2988.80] you don't even get one. +[2989.14 --> 2990.12] I'm not your parents though +[2990.12 --> 2990.68] so you can have +[2990.68 --> 2991.34] as many as you want. +[2994.46 --> 2995.72] But the point stands right? +[2995.76 --> 2996.50] Let's not be too greedy. +[2996.58 --> 2997.36] Make sure everybody gets some. +[2997.36 --> 2998.12] Make sure everybody gets some. +[2999.26 --> 3000.28] Who hasn't got more? +[3001.18 --> 3001.76] Sorry church +[3001.76 --> 3002.20] you're just going to have +[3002.20 --> 3003.02] to be patient for a second. +[3004.38 --> 3005.16] Alright there we go. +[3005.22 --> 3005.96] If you've got a few +[3005.96 --> 3006.96] then you can head on +[3006.96 --> 3007.66] back to your seat. +[3012.78 --> 3013.94] They left two church. +[3014.06 --> 3014.86] Anybody want one? +[3017.36 --> 3018.06] Coming in the middle. +[3018.06 --> 3018.16] Come in. +[3018.16 --> 3018.24] Come in. +[3018.24 --> 3018.34] Come in. +[3018.34 --> 3018.36] Come in. +[3018.36 --> 3018.42] Come in. +[3018.42 --> 3018.48] Come in. +[3018.48 --> 3018.54] Come in. +[3018.54 --> 3018.60] Come in. +[3018.60 --> 3018.90] Come in. +[3018.90 --> 3018.98] Come in. +[3018.98 --> 3019.48] Come in. +[3019.48 --> 3020.48] Come in. +[3020.48 --> 3020.98] Come in. +[3020.98 --> 3021.98] Come in. +[3021.98 --> 3022.98] Come in. +[3022.98 --> 3023.98] Come in. +[3023.98 --> 3024.98] Come in. +[3024.98 --> 3025.98] Come in. +[3025.98 --> 3026.98] Come in. +[3026.98 --> 3028.86] You don't just get what you want +[3028.86 --> 3030.78] if you keep asking for what you want. +[3030.88 --> 3031.92] We see that with children. +[3031.92 --> 3033.08] If you're a parent. +[3033.28 --> 3034.08] If you're a grandparent. +[3034.28 --> 3035.26] If you're an uncle or an aunt. +[3035.42 --> 3036.58] Actually maybe not a grandparent. +[3036.64 --> 3037.74] It seems like the grandparents +[3037.74 --> 3039.08] of my kids cave all the time +[3039.08 --> 3040.36] when my kids keep asking for stuff. +[3040.68 --> 3041.58] But the point is +[3041.58 --> 3043.46] just because we're persistent +[3043.46 --> 3044.30] when we ask +[3044.30 --> 3045.30] it doesn't mean +[3045.30 --> 3046.82] that you get what you want. +[3046.88 --> 3047.70] In fact it can become +[3047.70 --> 3048.56] hugely selfish. +[3048.74 --> 3049.62] And that cannot be +[3049.62 --> 3050.58] the point +[3050.58 --> 3051.94] of this parable. +[3052.90 --> 3053.42] And yet perhaps +[3053.42 --> 3054.56] that's how we read this passage. +[3054.68 --> 3055.82] We hear these words +[3055.82 --> 3056.18] and we say +[3056.18 --> 3057.36] God I want that job. +[3058.02 --> 3059.08] Or I want that house. +[3059.80 --> 3060.76] Or that scholarship. +[3061.22 --> 3062.04] Or that spouse. +[3062.28 --> 3063.04] Or health. +[3063.36 --> 3064.42] Or I want this car. +[3064.86 --> 3065.90] Or whatever it is. +[3066.00 --> 3066.50] And you said +[3066.50 --> 3068.12] if I keep asking God +[3068.12 --> 3069.46] you would give it to me. +[3069.58 --> 3070.58] If I was persistent +[3070.58 --> 3071.36] like that widow +[3071.36 --> 3072.56] you would give it to me. +[3072.90 --> 3074.06] So why don't I have it yet? +[3076.22 --> 3076.90] But that's not +[3076.90 --> 3077.98] what this parable is about. +[3079.46 --> 3080.36] Despite maybe +[3080.36 --> 3082.20] what some prosperity preachers +[3082.20 --> 3083.20] like Joel Osteen +[3083.20 --> 3083.58] or others +[3083.58 --> 3084.20] would make you think +[3084.20 --> 3084.92] this is not how +[3084.92 --> 3086.86] the kingdom of God works. +[3087.24 --> 3088.04] You don't just get +[3088.04 --> 3088.86] what you want +[3088.86 --> 3090.40] if you pray for it enough. +[3093.34 --> 3094.62] This parable is not about +[3094.62 --> 3096.38] praying for what we want +[3096.38 --> 3097.34] or even praying +[3097.34 --> 3098.36] for what we need. +[3099.06 --> 3099.88] It's about being +[3099.88 --> 3101.52] persistent in prayer +[3101.52 --> 3102.78] so that God will give us +[3102.78 --> 3103.84] it's not about +[3103.84 --> 3104.80] being persistent in prayer +[3104.80 --> 3105.80] so that God will give us +[3105.80 --> 3106.78] what we're asking for +[3106.78 --> 3108.30] regardless if it's important +[3108.30 --> 3109.34] or selfless +[3109.34 --> 3109.92] or healthy. +[3111.28 --> 3112.76] This parable is about +[3112.76 --> 3114.26] us being persistent +[3114.26 --> 3115.38] in our faith +[3115.38 --> 3117.18] no matter the context +[3117.18 --> 3118.32] we find ourselves in. +[3119.32 --> 3120.54] And when we're persistent +[3120.54 --> 3121.26] in our faith +[3121.26 --> 3122.70] we root ourselves +[3122.70 --> 3123.44] in the hope +[3123.44 --> 3125.38] found in God's promises +[3125.38 --> 3125.94] for us. +[3126.80 --> 3127.48] We're going to look +[3127.48 --> 3127.96] at this parable +[3127.96 --> 3128.54] a little closer. +[3128.90 --> 3129.68] There's a few characters +[3129.68 --> 3130.50] that need fleshing out +[3130.50 --> 3131.14] maybe a little bit +[3131.14 --> 3131.94] so we'll look at +[3131.94 --> 3132.56] the widow first. +[3132.70 --> 3133.48] She's sort of the title +[3133.48 --> 3134.46] character after all. +[3134.80 --> 3136.00] Now in the ancient Near East +[3136.00 --> 3137.64] a widow was often left +[3137.64 --> 3138.88] with no means of support. +[3139.74 --> 3140.38] Widows were left +[3140.38 --> 3141.30] with essentially +[3141.30 --> 3142.38] one of two options +[3142.38 --> 3143.28] but both of them +[3143.28 --> 3143.90] were not ideal. +[3144.68 --> 3145.36] They could remain +[3145.36 --> 3146.60] in their husband's family +[3146.60 --> 3148.04] but they would have +[3148.04 --> 3148.84] at that point +[3148.84 --> 3150.72] maintained a borderline +[3150.72 --> 3151.98] servant type position +[3151.98 --> 3153.12] or if they returned +[3153.12 --> 3154.32] to their original family +[3154.32 --> 3155.34] all of the money +[3155.34 --> 3156.46] exchanged at the marriage +[3156.46 --> 3157.40] would have to be given back +[3157.40 --> 3158.26] and she would once again +[3158.26 --> 3159.70] be left with nothing. +[3159.84 --> 3161.14] So widows were victimized +[3161.14 --> 3162.14] to the point +[3162.14 --> 3162.76] that they would often +[3162.76 --> 3164.18] be sold as slaves +[3164.18 --> 3165.44] to repay a debt. +[3165.50 --> 3166.34] It was very brutal. +[3167.76 --> 3169.08] Now despite all of this +[3169.08 --> 3170.72] care for the widow +[3170.72 --> 3171.96] was something that +[3171.96 --> 3172.94] God expected +[3172.94 --> 3173.86] from his people. +[3174.78 --> 3175.78] There's countless verses +[3175.78 --> 3176.58] in the Old Testament +[3176.58 --> 3177.52] where God calls +[3177.52 --> 3178.12] on his people +[3178.12 --> 3179.20] especially leaders +[3179.20 --> 3179.72] and judges +[3179.72 --> 3181.54] to look favorably +[3181.54 --> 3182.60] upon widows. +[3183.12 --> 3183.80] In fact if you want +[3183.80 --> 3184.50] to know who God +[3184.50 --> 3186.26] considered vulnerable people +[3186.26 --> 3186.94] if you want to know +[3186.94 --> 3188.12] who God considered +[3188.12 --> 3189.02] the least of these +[3189.02 --> 3189.78] it's the trilogy +[3189.78 --> 3190.36] of the widow +[3190.36 --> 3190.86] the orphan +[3190.86 --> 3191.68] and the stranger. +[3192.72 --> 3193.94] There are over 80 verses +[3193.94 --> 3195.80] directly referencing +[3195.80 --> 3197.20] care for widows +[3197.20 --> 3197.84] in the scriptures +[3197.84 --> 3198.98] and almost all of them +[3198.98 --> 3200.10] also include orphans +[3200.10 --> 3201.12] and strangers +[3201.12 --> 3202.28] as well. +[3202.36 --> 3203.54] God has a huge heart +[3203.54 --> 3204.40] for the vulnerable +[3204.40 --> 3205.36] and the oppressed +[3205.36 --> 3206.18] a huge heart +[3206.18 --> 3206.76] for the widow. +[3208.78 --> 3209.30] Unfortunately +[3209.30 --> 3210.54] while information +[3210.54 --> 3211.96] about the judicial systems +[3211.96 --> 3212.66] functioning in +[3212.66 --> 3213.64] first century Palestine +[3213.64 --> 3214.48] were a little spotty +[3214.48 --> 3215.12] for me to find +[3215.12 --> 3216.28] what wasn't hard +[3216.28 --> 3217.02] to learn +[3217.02 --> 3218.12] was that despite +[3218.12 --> 3219.44] the desperate situation +[3219.44 --> 3220.64] that many widows +[3220.64 --> 3221.22] would have faced +[3221.22 --> 3221.92] in that time +[3221.92 --> 3223.80] their cares often fell +[3223.80 --> 3225.24] upon unsympathetic judges +[3225.24 --> 3226.22] that ruled over them. +[3226.86 --> 3227.44] Judges that would +[3227.44 --> 3228.86] take bribes +[3228.86 --> 3229.92] instead of seek to help. +[3230.12 --> 3230.90] And in this parable +[3230.90 --> 3232.00] this is how this plays out. +[3232.74 --> 3233.08] The widow +[3233.08 --> 3234.12] who's the clear picture +[3234.12 --> 3234.54] of the one +[3234.54 --> 3235.16] who needs help +[3235.16 --> 3236.02] is overlooked +[3236.02 --> 3236.80] by this judge +[3236.80 --> 3238.02] over and over +[3238.02 --> 3239.04] and over again. +[3239.18 --> 3239.66] And so instead +[3239.66 --> 3240.64] of just taking +[3240.64 --> 3241.54] the uninterested +[3241.54 --> 3242.46] shoulder shrugs +[3242.46 --> 3243.08] that the judge +[3243.08 --> 3243.96] is dishing out to her +[3243.96 --> 3245.02] she persists. +[3246.32 --> 3247.18] Now notice this too +[3247.18 --> 3248.54] unlike many pictures +[3248.54 --> 3249.14] maybe you see +[3249.14 --> 3249.94] in children's books +[3249.94 --> 3251.10] or on the table +[3251.10 --> 3251.84] in the back there +[3251.84 --> 3252.56] this widow +[3252.56 --> 3253.48] likely didn't just +[3253.48 --> 3254.88] quietly keep showing up +[3254.88 --> 3255.78] and sitting in the corner. +[3255.78 --> 3257.80] I think for those of us +[3257.80 --> 3258.16] who have heard +[3258.16 --> 3259.26] this parable before +[3259.26 --> 3260.40] we often have +[3260.40 --> 3260.94] this picture +[3260.94 --> 3262.08] of a sweet old lady +[3262.08 --> 3262.88] sitting in the corner +[3262.88 --> 3263.28] knitting +[3263.28 --> 3264.68] just hoping that the judge +[3264.68 --> 3265.54] might pay some attention +[3265.54 --> 3265.98] to her. +[3266.54 --> 3267.38] Constantly just being +[3267.38 --> 3267.90] a presence +[3267.90 --> 3269.86] in the corner +[3269.86 --> 3270.70] but that's not the case. +[3271.76 --> 3273.40] This judge relents. +[3273.50 --> 3274.42] He finally caves +[3274.42 --> 3275.00] to the widow +[3275.00 --> 3276.60] because he's worried +[3276.60 --> 3277.66] she will attack him. +[3278.54 --> 3279.70] That's what the NIV says. +[3280.36 --> 3281.24] Other translations +[3281.24 --> 3282.28] indicate that she's getting +[3282.28 --> 3283.24] or this judge story +[3283.24 --> 3283.92] is getting tired +[3283.92 --> 3284.88] of being berated. +[3285.24 --> 3286.08] She's just causing him +[3286.08 --> 3286.74] too much grief +[3286.74 --> 3287.68] too much stress +[3287.68 --> 3288.46] too much of a headache +[3288.46 --> 3289.76] and the judge finally snaps. +[3291.10 --> 3292.26] She's not a sweet +[3292.26 --> 3293.26] quiet old lady. +[3294.34 --> 3295.82] She is demanding justice. +[3296.08 --> 3297.48] She is demanding change. +[3297.54 --> 3298.32] She is confident +[3298.32 --> 3299.38] that this judge +[3299.38 --> 3300.36] can change her future +[3300.36 --> 3301.22] and she is not +[3301.22 --> 3302.18] quietly present. +[3302.52 --> 3303.82] She is a presence +[3303.82 --> 3305.42] in the face of this judge. +[3306.82 --> 3307.36] And so the fudge +[3307.36 --> 3308.28] the fudge +[3308.28 --> 3310.70] the judge finally caves. +[3310.70 --> 3313.98] So let's look at this judge +[3313.98 --> 3314.50] for a second. +[3314.78 --> 3315.50] Now he's described +[3315.50 --> 3317.02] as a man who doesn't fear God +[3317.02 --> 3317.80] or even care +[3317.80 --> 3318.80] what men think of him. +[3318.86 --> 3319.36] He's a bully +[3319.36 --> 3320.94] which we see in both +[3320.94 --> 3321.54] his actions +[3321.54 --> 3322.52] and his description. +[3323.08 --> 3324.40] He's described as unjust +[3324.40 --> 3325.10] and selfish +[3325.10 --> 3326.62] and yet eventually +[3326.62 --> 3328.40] he rules in favor +[3328.40 --> 3329.04] of this widow. +[3330.54 --> 3331.70] The judge can't handle +[3331.70 --> 3332.30] the rebuking +[3332.30 --> 3332.88] the noise +[3332.88 --> 3333.62] the nagging +[3333.62 --> 3334.68] the aggression +[3334.68 --> 3335.98] of this widow +[3335.98 --> 3336.84] and so he resents +[3336.84 --> 3338.20] and rules in favor +[3338.20 --> 3338.80] of her +[3338.80 --> 3339.82] giving her the justice +[3339.82 --> 3340.68] that she seeks. +[3341.00 --> 3342.56] Finally doing the right thing +[3342.56 --> 3343.66] even if it's for all +[3343.66 --> 3344.30] the wrong reasons. +[3346.58 --> 3347.86] And then to our benefit +[3347.86 --> 3349.76] Luke actually tells us +[3349.76 --> 3351.22] who these two people represent. +[3352.12 --> 3353.88] He says that God's chosen people +[3353.88 --> 3354.48] the believers +[3354.48 --> 3355.30] his children +[3355.30 --> 3356.32] are the widow +[3356.32 --> 3358.00] and that God +[3358.00 --> 3358.96] is the judge. +[3360.42 --> 3361.54] It means that we +[3361.54 --> 3362.70] are the aggressive ones. +[3362.84 --> 3363.50] We are the ones +[3363.50 --> 3364.62] clamoring for God +[3364.62 --> 3365.84] to change our futures +[3365.84 --> 3367.64] to change the future. +[3367.64 --> 3368.84] And Jesus here +[3368.84 --> 3369.60] doesn't say +[3369.60 --> 3370.62] we should stop +[3370.62 --> 3371.12] notice. +[3372.46 --> 3373.90] He doesn't call us +[3373.90 --> 3374.72] to be quiet +[3374.72 --> 3376.54] make quiet little appeals +[3376.54 --> 3377.60] be quietly sitting +[3377.60 --> 3378.12] in the corner. +[3378.24 --> 3378.98] He doesn't say +[3378.98 --> 3380.20] we need to be more kind +[3380.20 --> 3381.18] in our requests +[3381.18 --> 3382.68] or to wait in silence +[3382.68 --> 3383.44] as he works. +[3383.56 --> 3383.70] No. +[3384.24 --> 3385.16] When we're hurt +[3385.16 --> 3386.40] we're allowed +[3386.40 --> 3387.76] to cry out to God. +[3388.18 --> 3389.24] When things are unjust +[3389.24 --> 3390.72] we can shout at him. +[3391.40 --> 3392.70] When we need to lament +[3392.70 --> 3393.74] or cry out +[3393.74 --> 3395.38] or scream in frustration +[3395.38 --> 3396.86] because our adversaries +[3396.86 --> 3397.62] are piling up +[3397.62 --> 3398.20] be them people +[3398.20 --> 3398.74] or problems +[3398.74 --> 3399.76] we find ourselves in +[3399.76 --> 3400.86] we should lament +[3400.86 --> 3401.70] but we should lament +[3401.70 --> 3402.24] to him. +[3402.82 --> 3403.42] We should lament +[3403.42 --> 3404.48] to our God. +[3405.14 --> 3405.88] Not rant +[3405.88 --> 3406.88] to our echo chambers +[3406.88 --> 3407.86] that we find online +[3407.86 --> 3408.96] or chatter with +[3408.96 --> 3409.76] our gossip groups +[3409.76 --> 3410.48] that we meet with +[3410.48 --> 3410.98] for coffee +[3410.98 --> 3412.18] but to God. +[3413.28 --> 3414.10] That's what he's +[3414.10 --> 3414.78] calling us to do +[3414.78 --> 3415.84] to be persistent +[3415.84 --> 3416.90] in faith +[3416.90 --> 3417.78] to him +[3417.78 --> 3418.82] no matter what. +[3420.02 --> 3421.50] He's inviting us +[3421.50 --> 3422.88] to be persistent +[3422.88 --> 3424.40] not just quietly +[3424.40 --> 3425.78] but vocally +[3425.78 --> 3427.70] because he is there. +[3430.70 --> 3432.00] And he's not just +[3432.00 --> 3432.96] ignoring us +[3432.96 --> 3434.28] for a season +[3434.28 --> 3436.90] like this unjust judge was. +[3440.52 --> 3442.32] Notice what verse 6 and 7 say. +[3442.42 --> 3444.78] Listen to what the unjust judge says +[3444.78 --> 3446.90] and will not God +[3446.90 --> 3448.36] bring about justice +[3448.36 --> 3449.40] for his chosen ones +[3449.40 --> 3450.64] who cry to him +[3450.64 --> 3451.68] day and night. +[3451.68 --> 3452.64] Will he keep +[3452.64 --> 3453.60] putting them on? +[3455.24 --> 3456.66] This parable is teaching us +[3456.66 --> 3459.12] that even this unjust judge +[3459.12 --> 3460.64] eventually brings out +[3460.64 --> 3461.68] justice for this widow. +[3462.26 --> 3463.64] So imagine what God +[3463.64 --> 3464.46] will do for you. +[3466.62 --> 3467.92] This judge in the parable +[3467.92 --> 3468.46] is a schmo +[3468.46 --> 3469.44] but God +[3469.44 --> 3470.84] he is so much +[3470.84 --> 3471.60] greater +[3471.60 --> 3472.76] and the Psalms +[3472.76 --> 3473.46] describe him +[3473.46 --> 3474.00] beautifully. +[3474.36 --> 3475.68] Check out what the Psalms +[3475.68 --> 3476.52] describe God as. +[3476.76 --> 3478.16] Our God is loving. +[3478.96 --> 3480.22] Our God is righteous. +[3480.22 --> 3482.18] Our God is powerful. +[3482.78 --> 3484.02] Our God is just. +[3484.44 --> 3485.50] Our God is compassionate. +[3486.18 --> 3487.10] Our God is good. +[3488.06 --> 3489.06] Our God is merciful. +[3489.90 --> 3490.92] Our God is strong. +[3491.72 --> 3492.48] That's just one book +[3492.48 --> 3492.96] of the Bible. +[3494.08 --> 3495.38] Our God is an ever-present +[3495.38 --> 3496.76] help in times of trouble. +[3496.88 --> 3498.42] That's what Psalm 46.1 says. +[3498.62 --> 3499.70] The question isn't +[3499.70 --> 3502.00] will God be there for us +[3502.00 --> 3504.48] or will God provide for us? +[3505.48 --> 3507.14] Our God is so much bigger +[3507.14 --> 3507.82] and greater +[3507.82 --> 3508.50] and gentler +[3508.50 --> 3509.32] and powerful +[3509.32 --> 3510.22] and more loving +[3510.22 --> 3511.60] than we can imagine. +[3511.72 --> 3512.86] He is there for you +[3512.86 --> 3513.54] no matter what. +[3516.82 --> 3517.86] Now while +[3517.86 --> 3519.60] he is there for you +[3519.60 --> 3521.60] as we discussed earlier +[3521.60 --> 3523.50] he is not some genie +[3523.50 --> 3524.28] who is available +[3524.28 --> 3525.46] to answer any wish +[3525.46 --> 3526.12] you may have +[3526.12 --> 3527.36] if you only ask him +[3527.36 --> 3527.94] enough times. +[3528.38 --> 3529.36] That is not what +[3529.36 --> 3530.40] this parable is getting at. +[3530.62 --> 3531.56] This parable is not +[3531.56 --> 3532.48] teaching his disciples +[3532.48 --> 3533.30] to pray for stuff +[3533.30 --> 3534.10] and you'll get it. +[3534.10 --> 3534.26] No. +[3534.94 --> 3535.66] This parable +[3535.66 --> 3537.96] Jesus is telling +[3537.96 --> 3538.52] the disciples +[3538.52 --> 3539.56] that when they pray +[3539.56 --> 3540.52] for what they need +[3540.52 --> 3541.64] for love +[3541.64 --> 3542.46] for hope +[3542.46 --> 3543.40] for justice +[3543.40 --> 3544.06] for shalom +[3544.06 --> 3545.34] that it's coming. +[3546.38 --> 3547.60] It is coming. +[3547.72 --> 3548.76] They will receive it. +[3548.96 --> 3550.26] It may take some time +[3550.26 --> 3550.86] but they +[3550.86 --> 3552.10] and they may need +[3552.10 --> 3552.84] to wait for it. +[3553.26 --> 3554.12] They might even feel +[3554.12 --> 3555.22] like it's taking too long +[3555.22 --> 3557.40] but it is coming. +[3561.40 --> 3562.40] Brothers and sisters +[3562.40 --> 3562.88] here today +[3562.88 --> 3563.94] Jesus is teaching us +[3563.94 --> 3565.10] the same thing. +[3566.24 --> 3567.26] If we wait +[3567.26 --> 3567.92] on the Lord +[3567.92 --> 3568.64] he will renew +[3568.64 --> 3569.74] our strength. +[3570.06 --> 3570.46] Our God +[3570.46 --> 3571.52] our affectionate +[3571.52 --> 3572.26] righteous +[3572.26 --> 3573.06] powerful +[3573.06 --> 3573.54] just +[3573.54 --> 3574.16] compassionate +[3574.16 --> 3574.54] good +[3574.54 --> 3575.20] merciful +[3575.20 --> 3575.94] strong +[3575.94 --> 3576.94] judge +[3576.94 --> 3578.48] loves us. +[3579.50 --> 3580.52] He is there for us. +[3580.84 --> 3581.92] Unconditional love +[3581.92 --> 3583.50] is ours for the receiving. +[3584.08 --> 3584.94] Hope is found +[3584.94 --> 3585.56] in him. +[3585.64 --> 3586.30] He is just. +[3586.68 --> 3587.82] Shalom is coming +[3587.82 --> 3589.14] for all who believe. +[3589.22 --> 3589.78] No matter what +[3589.78 --> 3591.14] crisis we find +[3591.14 --> 3591.72] ourselves in +[3591.72 --> 3592.76] that truth +[3592.76 --> 3593.58] remains. +[3594.58 --> 3595.40] And when we are +[3595.40 --> 3596.06] persistent +[3596.06 --> 3597.68] in our prayer +[3597.68 --> 3598.12] when we are +[3598.12 --> 3598.64] persistent +[3598.64 --> 3599.68] in our faith +[3599.68 --> 3600.14] when we are +[3600.14 --> 3600.84] relentlessly +[3600.84 --> 3601.66] faithful +[3601.66 --> 3602.30] in the midst +[3602.30 --> 3603.18] of adversity +[3603.18 --> 3603.88] like this widow +[3603.88 --> 3604.26] was +[3604.26 --> 3605.90] our foundation +[3605.90 --> 3607.24] remains secure +[3607.24 --> 3608.40] and our +[3608.40 --> 3609.04] perspectives +[3609.04 --> 3610.52] change. +[3611.56 --> 3612.46] And that's +[3612.46 --> 3612.92] the key. +[3614.80 --> 3615.62] Sometimes our +[3615.62 --> 3616.32] contexts +[3616.32 --> 3617.10] won't immediately +[3617.10 --> 3617.66] get better. +[3617.78 --> 3618.30] Sometimes they +[3618.30 --> 3618.78] might not get +[3618.78 --> 3619.38] better at all +[3619.38 --> 3620.00] but Jesus +[3620.00 --> 3621.60] helps change +[3621.60 --> 3622.72] our perspectives +[3622.72 --> 3624.54] which allows us +[3624.54 --> 3624.98] to root +[3624.98 --> 3625.64] ourselves +[3625.64 --> 3626.28] on his +[3626.28 --> 3627.02] solid ground. +[3629.20 --> 3629.88] Now there's +[3629.88 --> 3630.34] two ways +[3630.34 --> 3630.72] that our +[3630.72 --> 3631.16] perspectives +[3631.16 --> 3631.56] shift +[3631.56 --> 3632.36] when we are +[3632.36 --> 3632.80] persistent +[3632.80 --> 3633.54] in our faith +[3633.54 --> 3635.00] and that is +[3635.00 --> 3635.50] that we become +[3635.50 --> 3636.52] less complacent +[3636.52 --> 3637.54] in our faith +[3637.54 --> 3637.96] lives +[3637.96 --> 3639.24] and we +[3639.24 --> 3639.94] rediscover +[3639.94 --> 3640.74] the eternal +[3640.74 --> 3641.42] hope found +[3641.42 --> 3642.00] in the one +[3642.00 --> 3642.46] to whom +[3642.46 --> 3642.68] we are +[3642.68 --> 3643.24] praying for +[3643.24 --> 3643.98] or praying +[3643.98 --> 3644.18] to. +[3644.32 --> 3644.46] Sorry. +[3646.36 --> 3646.64] So whether +[3646.64 --> 3647.28] life is going +[3647.28 --> 3647.78] well or +[3647.78 --> 3648.20] life is +[3648.20 --> 3649.10] crashing in +[3649.10 --> 3649.54] around us +[3649.54 --> 3650.02] we're called +[3650.02 --> 3650.32] to be +[3650.32 --> 3650.86] persistent +[3650.86 --> 3651.82] in our +[3651.82 --> 3652.68] faithfulness +[3652.68 --> 3653.04] to him. +[3654.24 --> 3654.68] Praying +[3654.68 --> 3654.96] to him +[3654.96 --> 3655.44] thanking +[3655.44 --> 3655.78] him +[3655.78 --> 3656.30] crying +[3656.30 --> 3656.58] out +[3656.58 --> 3656.82] to him +[3656.82 --> 3657.34] lamenting +[3657.34 --> 3657.66] to him +[3657.66 --> 3658.24] all of +[3658.24 --> 3658.38] that +[3658.38 --> 3658.92] acknowledges +[3658.92 --> 3659.16] him. +[3661.46 --> 3662.02] And when +[3662.02 --> 3662.28] we do +[3662.28 --> 3662.92] those things +[3662.92 --> 3663.44] two things +[3663.44 --> 3663.66] happen. +[3663.76 --> 3663.94] First +[3663.94 --> 3664.74] we become +[3664.74 --> 3665.06] less +[3665.06 --> 3665.72] complacent +[3665.72 --> 3666.04] in our +[3666.04 --> 3666.30] faith +[3666.30 --> 3666.66] lives +[3666.66 --> 3667.32] and we +[3667.32 --> 3667.74] combat +[3667.74 --> 3668.52] what I +[3668.52 --> 3668.84] like to +[3668.84 --> 3669.02] call +[3669.02 --> 3669.44] covenant +[3669.44 --> 3670.06] child +[3670.06 --> 3670.62] syndrome. +[3670.84 --> 3670.92] Now +[3670.92 --> 3671.24] covenant +[3671.24 --> 3671.62] child +[3671.62 --> 3672.00] syndrome +[3672.00 --> 3672.48] it's +[3672.48 --> 3672.58] an +[3672.58 --> 3672.94] affliction +[3672.94 --> 3673.28] that some +[3673.28 --> 3673.50] of us +[3673.50 --> 3673.68] youth +[3673.68 --> 3674.00] pastors +[3674.00 --> 3674.44] came up +[3674.44 --> 3674.78] a while +[3674.78 --> 3675.06] ago +[3675.06 --> 3676.06] that affects +[3676.06 --> 3676.58] those of +[3676.58 --> 3676.82] us +[3676.82 --> 3677.30] who have +[3677.30 --> 3677.48] been +[3677.48 --> 3677.88] baptized +[3677.88 --> 3678.46] in the +[3678.46 --> 3678.70] church +[3678.70 --> 3679.28] and even +[3679.28 --> 3679.74] professed +[3679.74 --> 3679.86] our +[3679.86 --> 3680.10] faith +[3680.10 --> 3680.38] in the +[3680.38 --> 3680.66] church +[3680.66 --> 3681.30] but are +[3681.30 --> 3681.48] now +[3681.48 --> 3681.84] simply +[3681.84 --> 3682.18] sort of +[3682.18 --> 3682.70] coasting +[3682.70 --> 3682.92] in our +[3682.92 --> 3683.14] faith +[3683.14 --> 3683.54] lives. +[3683.96 --> 3684.04] We +[3684.04 --> 3684.36] believe +[3684.36 --> 3684.82] in God +[3684.82 --> 3685.36] and in +[3685.36 --> 3685.60] Jesus +[3685.60 --> 3686.34] gospel +[3686.34 --> 3686.62] truth +[3686.62 --> 3686.86] of his +[3686.86 --> 3687.10] life +[3687.10 --> 3687.30] death +[3687.30 --> 3687.42] and +[3687.42 --> 3687.78] resurrection +[3687.78 --> 3688.34] and now +[3688.34 --> 3688.64] we feel +[3688.64 --> 3688.92] like we +[3688.92 --> 3689.26] can just +[3689.26 --> 3689.84] sort of +[3689.84 --> 3690.26] do what +[3690.26 --> 3690.64] we want. +[3691.34 --> 3691.68] We think +[3691.68 --> 3692.14] God's grace +[3692.14 --> 3692.74] is big +[3692.74 --> 3692.96] and we +[3692.96 --> 3693.22] know that +[3693.22 --> 3693.38] we're +[3693.38 --> 3693.90] saved +[3693.90 --> 3694.24] and God +[3694.24 --> 3694.70] has chosen +[3694.70 --> 3695.04] us +[3695.04 --> 3695.56] and we're +[3695.56 --> 3696.06] generally +[3696.06 --> 3696.64] pretty nice +[3696.64 --> 3697.06] people +[3697.06 --> 3698.08] so we +[3698.08 --> 3698.34] can go +[3698.34 --> 3698.64] about our +[3698.64 --> 3698.88] days +[3698.88 --> 3699.14] without +[3699.14 --> 3699.44] thinking +[3699.44 --> 3700.08] too much +[3700.08 --> 3700.76] about God +[3700.76 --> 3701.18] or his +[3701.18 --> 3701.58] role in +[3701.58 --> 3701.94] our lives +[3701.94 --> 3702.36] or how +[3702.36 --> 3702.94] the gospel +[3702.94 --> 3703.32] truth +[3703.32 --> 3703.84] should +[3703.84 --> 3704.48] transform +[3704.48 --> 3705.16] everything. +[3706.92 --> 3707.20] Now this +[3707.20 --> 3707.56] way of +[3707.56 --> 3707.80] thinking +[3707.80 --> 3708.28] makes us +[3708.28 --> 3708.72] lazy +[3708.72 --> 3709.02] it makes +[3709.02 --> 3709.18] us +[3709.18 --> 3709.78] complacent +[3709.78 --> 3710.26] and it +[3710.26 --> 3710.72] distances +[3710.72 --> 3711.08] us +[3711.08 --> 3711.80] from God +[3711.80 --> 3712.48] and it +[3712.48 --> 3712.88] distances +[3712.88 --> 3713.20] us +[3713.20 --> 3713.50] from the +[3713.50 --> 3713.84] calling +[3713.84 --> 3714.14] that God +[3714.14 --> 3714.56] has placed +[3714.56 --> 3714.92] on our +[3714.92 --> 3715.40] lives +[3715.40 --> 3716.02] to be +[3716.02 --> 3716.50] the body +[3716.50 --> 3717.08] of Christ. +[3719.08 --> 3719.62] When we +[3719.62 --> 3719.94] think this +[3719.94 --> 3720.16] way we +[3720.16 --> 3720.72] stop serving +[3720.72 --> 3720.98] in the +[3720.98 --> 3721.18] church +[3721.18 --> 3721.48] because +[3721.48 --> 3721.72] what's +[3721.72 --> 3722.08] the point +[3722.08 --> 3722.48] someone else +[3722.48 --> 3722.72] is going +[3722.72 --> 3722.92] to do +[3722.92 --> 3723.02] it. +[3723.18 --> 3723.28] We +[3723.28 --> 3723.54] stop +[3723.54 --> 3724.18] sharing +[3724.18 --> 3724.58] the good +[3724.58 --> 3724.86] news +[3724.86 --> 3725.22] to our +[3725.22 --> 3725.70] colleagues +[3725.70 --> 3726.04] because +[3726.04 --> 3726.74] that seems +[3726.74 --> 3727.44] too hard +[3727.44 --> 3727.82] and too +[3727.82 --> 3728.30] uncomfortable. +[3728.64 --> 3728.98] We stop +[3728.98 --> 3729.50] reading the +[3729.50 --> 3729.98] Bible at +[3729.98 --> 3730.20] home +[3730.20 --> 3730.56] because +[3730.56 --> 3731.10] Pastor +[3731.10 --> 3731.32] Chris +[3731.32 --> 3731.70] does that +[3731.70 --> 3732.04] for us +[3732.04 --> 3732.56] every Sunday +[3732.56 --> 3732.96] so we're +[3732.96 --> 3733.16] good. +[3733.58 --> 3733.96] We stop +[3733.96 --> 3734.54] doing family +[3734.54 --> 3735.12] devotions +[3735.12 --> 3735.54] around the +[3735.54 --> 3736.14] table at +[3736.14 --> 3736.36] night +[3736.36 --> 3736.70] because +[3736.70 --> 3737.44] we've got +[3737.44 --> 3737.94] sports to +[3737.94 --> 3738.26] get to +[3738.26 --> 3738.66] or meetings +[3738.66 --> 3739.24] to attend +[3739.24 --> 3739.84] or rehearsals +[3739.84 --> 3740.26] to see. +[3740.82 --> 3741.44] We stop +[3741.44 --> 3742.22] praying +[3742.22 --> 3743.32] because we +[3743.32 --> 3743.88] kind of have +[3743.88 --> 3744.40] things under +[3744.40 --> 3744.92] control. +[3746.80 --> 3747.56] We stop +[3747.56 --> 3748.24] thinking about +[3748.24 --> 3748.78] the fact +[3748.78 --> 3749.70] that Jesus +[3749.70 --> 3750.32] is coming +[3750.32 --> 3750.74] again +[3750.74 --> 3751.50] because it +[3751.50 --> 3751.98] seems to +[3751.98 --> 3752.50] be taking +[3752.50 --> 3753.32] him so +[3753.32 --> 3753.84] long to +[3753.84 --> 3754.30] do so. +[3756.38 --> 3757.18] We stop +[3757.18 --> 3758.20] being persistently +[3758.20 --> 3758.76] faithful +[3758.76 --> 3760.12] and forget +[3760.12 --> 3760.56] to love +[3760.56 --> 3761.20] our Lord +[3761.20 --> 3761.66] with all +[3761.66 --> 3762.14] our heart +[3762.14 --> 3762.62] and all +[3762.62 --> 3763.08] our soul +[3763.08 --> 3763.50] and all +[3763.50 --> 3763.98] our mind +[3763.98 --> 3764.50] and instead +[3764.50 --> 3765.50] we only +[3765.50 --> 3766.06] love him +[3766.06 --> 3766.98] when it +[3766.98 --> 3767.36] becomes +[3767.36 --> 3767.80] convenient +[3767.80 --> 3768.44] for us +[3768.44 --> 3769.28] or if +[3769.28 --> 3769.64] we need +[3769.64 --> 3770.06] something +[3770.06 --> 3771.02] or if +[3771.02 --> 3771.32] things are +[3771.32 --> 3771.64] getting a +[3771.64 --> 3772.04] little hard. +[3773.52 --> 3774.30] We stop +[3774.30 --> 3775.18] being persistently +[3775.18 --> 3775.88] faithful and we +[3775.88 --> 3776.42] forget to love +[3776.42 --> 3776.84] our neighbors +[3776.84 --> 3777.52] as ourselves +[3777.52 --> 3778.32] and instead +[3778.32 --> 3779.58] we only love +[3779.58 --> 3780.04] those whom +[3780.04 --> 3780.54] we are most +[3780.54 --> 3781.52] comfortable with +[3781.52 --> 3782.02] and only +[3782.02 --> 3782.92] whenever they +[3782.92 --> 3783.52] are conveniently +[3783.52 --> 3784.22] around us. +[3785.94 --> 3786.72] Jesus is +[3786.72 --> 3787.40] concerned about +[3787.40 --> 3787.74] this. +[3787.74 --> 3788.54] He says +[3788.54 --> 3788.84] so in +[3788.84 --> 3789.34] verse 8 +[3789.34 --> 3790.14] the final +[3790.14 --> 3790.52] verse of +[3790.52 --> 3790.98] our passage +[3790.98 --> 3791.70] when we +[3791.70 --> 3792.32] forget to be +[3792.32 --> 3792.92] persistent in +[3792.92 --> 3793.54] our faithfulness +[3793.54 --> 3793.84] to God +[3793.84 --> 3794.78] Jesus worries +[3794.78 --> 3795.24] that when he +[3795.24 --> 3795.82] comes back +[3795.82 --> 3796.48] when he returns +[3796.48 --> 3797.34] again he will +[3797.34 --> 3797.98] find limited +[3797.98 --> 3798.30] faith. +[3798.42 --> 3798.98] Read verse 8 +[3798.98 --> 3799.56] with me again. +[3799.98 --> 3800.32] When the +[3800.32 --> 3800.88] son of man +[3800.88 --> 3802.40] comes will +[3802.40 --> 3803.24] he find +[3803.24 --> 3804.08] faith on +[3804.08 --> 3804.40] earth? +[3806.68 --> 3807.34] If we +[3807.34 --> 3807.78] aren't being +[3807.78 --> 3808.60] persistent in +[3808.60 --> 3809.28] our faithfulness +[3809.28 --> 3809.80] to God will +[3809.80 --> 3810.36] he find +[3810.36 --> 3811.36] faith when +[3811.36 --> 3811.80] he comes +[3811.80 --> 3812.22] again? +[3812.22 --> 3815.46] being +[3815.46 --> 3816.10] persistent in +[3816.10 --> 3816.44] our faith +[3816.44 --> 3816.88] helps us +[3816.88 --> 3817.44] shift that +[3817.44 --> 3818.00] perspective +[3818.00 --> 3818.36] that we +[3818.36 --> 3818.66] have and +[3818.66 --> 3819.28] it combats +[3819.28 --> 3819.52] this +[3819.52 --> 3820.14] complacent +[3820.14 --> 3820.42] faith. +[3820.54 --> 3820.72] When we +[3820.72 --> 3821.40] give our +[3821.40 --> 3821.82] lives to +[3821.82 --> 3822.30] God whether +[3822.30 --> 3823.26] we're quietly +[3823.26 --> 3824.34] content or +[3824.34 --> 3824.80] when we're +[3824.80 --> 3825.58] rolling in +[3825.58 --> 3826.32] turmoil because +[3826.32 --> 3827.28] things seem +[3827.28 --> 3827.88] so upside +[3827.88 --> 3828.80] down when +[3828.80 --> 3829.24] we give +[3829.24 --> 3829.70] our lives +[3829.70 --> 3830.12] to him +[3830.12 --> 3831.16] every day +[3831.16 --> 3831.58] we show +[3831.58 --> 3832.10] our faith +[3832.10 --> 3833.54] we find +[3833.54 --> 3834.00] our rock +[3834.00 --> 3834.32] we can +[3834.32 --> 3834.80] discover +[3834.80 --> 3835.64] something +[3835.64 --> 3836.46] some new +[3836.46 --> 3837.00] stability +[3837.00 --> 3838.10] along the +[3838.10 --> 3838.34] way. +[3839.02 --> 3839.76] I did that +[3839.76 --> 3840.14] this week. +[3840.14 --> 3841.00] it wasn't +[3841.00 --> 3841.86] necessarily a +[3841.86 --> 3842.32] bad week +[3842.32 --> 3842.84] for me +[3842.84 --> 3843.22] although it +[3843.22 --> 3843.56] wasn't a +[3843.56 --> 3844.00] great week +[3844.00 --> 3844.32] either. +[3845.20 --> 3846.18] I definitely +[3846.18 --> 3846.54] had some +[3846.54 --> 3847.14] moments as a +[3847.14 --> 3847.58] parent and +[3847.58 --> 3848.10] as a husband +[3848.10 --> 3848.76] that I regret +[3848.76 --> 3849.20] and that I +[3849.20 --> 3849.70] wasn't super +[3849.70 --> 3850.54] proud of and +[3850.54 --> 3850.98] I had heard +[3850.98 --> 3851.48] from a couple +[3851.48 --> 3852.00] of friends +[3852.00 --> 3852.98] some fairly +[3852.98 --> 3853.72] big news in +[3853.72 --> 3854.26] their lives +[3854.26 --> 3854.64] that isn't +[3854.64 --> 3855.16] going great +[3855.16 --> 3855.56] and their +[3855.56 --> 3856.16] lives are +[3856.16 --> 3856.46] going to be +[3856.46 --> 3857.06] altered going +[3857.06 --> 3857.32] forward. +[3857.42 --> 3857.60] That was a +[3857.60 --> 3857.78] little bit +[3857.78 --> 3858.32] difficult to +[3858.32 --> 3858.52] hear. +[3860.44 --> 3861.26] There was a +[3861.26 --> 3861.72] weight to +[3861.72 --> 3862.08] this week +[3862.08 --> 3862.40] we'll say +[3862.40 --> 3862.86] that and I +[3862.86 --> 3863.46] found myself +[3863.46 --> 3864.14] grumpy and +[3864.14 --> 3864.84] sad more than +[3864.84 --> 3865.36] I wanted to +[3865.36 --> 3865.60] be. +[3866.58 --> 3866.96] However +[3866.96 --> 3868.10] because I was +[3868.10 --> 3868.78] working on this +[3868.78 --> 3869.38] all week +[3869.38 --> 3870.48] when I was +[3870.48 --> 3871.16] feeling burdened +[3871.16 --> 3871.56] or hopeless +[3871.56 --> 3872.26] or frustrated +[3872.26 --> 3873.32] not every time +[3873.32 --> 3873.88] but I often +[3873.88 --> 3874.48] remembered this +[3874.48 --> 3875.18] text that I +[3875.18 --> 3875.82] was looking at +[3875.82 --> 3876.86] and I +[3876.86 --> 3877.38] remembered this +[3877.38 --> 3877.92] sermon that I +[3877.92 --> 3878.64] was working on +[3878.64 --> 3879.20] and every now +[3879.20 --> 3879.54] and then I +[3879.54 --> 3880.10] found myself +[3880.10 --> 3881.28] praying God +[3881.28 --> 3881.86] life is a +[3881.86 --> 3883.26] mess or God +[3883.26 --> 3884.12] I screwed up +[3884.12 --> 3885.66] but I know +[3885.66 --> 3886.26] you are God +[3886.26 --> 3886.84] and I know +[3886.84 --> 3887.44] you are good +[3887.44 --> 3887.94] and I know +[3887.94 --> 3888.64] you are present +[3888.64 --> 3890.02] please redeem +[3890.02 --> 3890.72] this situation +[3890.72 --> 3891.68] help me zoom +[3891.68 --> 3892.68] out of my life +[3892.68 --> 3893.34] and remember +[3893.34 --> 3893.96] how big your +[3893.96 --> 3894.80] plan is for +[3894.80 --> 3895.20] this world +[3895.20 --> 3895.64] around me +[3895.64 --> 3896.34] make me less +[3896.34 --> 3897.34] make you more +[3897.34 --> 3899.68] and every +[3899.68 --> 3900.04] time I +[3900.04 --> 3900.44] prayed that +[3900.44 --> 3900.92] prayer I +[3900.92 --> 3902.20] felt lighter +[3902.20 --> 3903.64] relieved +[3903.64 --> 3904.88] better +[3904.88 --> 3907.60] not for the +[3907.60 --> 3908.00] rest of the +[3908.00 --> 3908.46] week or even +[3908.46 --> 3908.88] for the rest +[3908.88 --> 3909.40] of the day +[3909.40 --> 3911.18] but for a +[3911.18 --> 3911.38] while +[3911.38 --> 3912.46] now I'm not +[3912.46 --> 3914.04] prescribing to +[3914.04 --> 3914.44] you that every +[3914.44 --> 3915.16] time you pray a +[3915.16 --> 3915.90] prayer like that +[3915.90 --> 3916.36] your troubles +[3916.36 --> 3916.72] are going to +[3916.72 --> 3917.18] go away +[3917.18 --> 3917.78] or your +[3917.78 --> 3918.40] frustrations +[3918.40 --> 3919.32] will disintegrate +[3919.32 --> 3920.12] or the world +[3920.12 --> 3920.72] will change +[3920.72 --> 3921.16] forever +[3921.16 --> 3922.54] but what this +[3922.54 --> 3923.22] text teaches +[3923.22 --> 3923.88] us is that +[3923.88 --> 3924.82] no matter what +[3924.82 --> 3925.44] our context +[3925.44 --> 3926.08] we need to be +[3926.08 --> 3927.38] persistent in +[3927.38 --> 3927.90] prayer and +[3927.90 --> 3929.00] understand who +[3929.00 --> 3929.86] our God is +[3929.86 --> 3931.50] and when we +[3931.50 --> 3932.32] grasp that +[3932.32 --> 3932.92] everything +[3932.92 --> 3934.98] seems to get +[3934.98 --> 3935.30] lighter +[3935.30 --> 3937.22] in challenging +[3937.22 --> 3938.12] situations our +[3938.12 --> 3938.88] ground seems a +[3938.88 --> 3939.52] little more solid +[3939.52 --> 3940.58] and our God +[3940.58 --> 3941.36] becomes front and +[3941.36 --> 3942.12] center once again +[3942.12 --> 3943.76] and that +[3943.76 --> 3944.78] perspective shift +[3944.78 --> 3945.74] just roots us in +[3945.74 --> 3946.32] him a little bit +[3946.32 --> 3946.60] deeper +[3946.60 --> 3949.84] the second +[3949.84 --> 3950.60] perspective shift +[3950.60 --> 3951.32] that happens when +[3951.32 --> 3952.16] we are persistent +[3952.16 --> 3953.10] in our faithfulness +[3953.10 --> 3953.56] and this will +[3953.56 --> 3954.42] conclude with this +[3954.42 --> 3955.50] one today is +[3955.50 --> 3956.54] that we rediscover +[3956.54 --> 3958.14] the eternal hope +[3958.14 --> 3958.86] found in God's +[3958.86 --> 3959.84] kingdom come and +[3959.84 --> 3960.58] his kingdom coming +[3960.58 --> 3962.80] if you have your +[3962.80 --> 3964.08] Bibles open look +[3964.08 --> 3965.20] at the second half +[3965.20 --> 3966.26] of chapter 17 +[3966.26 --> 3966.98] that's the chunk +[3966.98 --> 3967.82] of text that comes +[3967.82 --> 3969.00] right before our +[3969.00 --> 3969.74] parable today +[3969.74 --> 3972.24] so in the lead up +[3972.24 --> 3972.90] to this parable +[3972.90 --> 3973.86] in that text +[3973.86 --> 3975.00] Jesus is talking +[3975.00 --> 3975.62] about when he +[3975.62 --> 3976.28] comes again +[3976.28 --> 3978.62] his disciples +[3978.62 --> 3979.28] perhaps didn't +[3979.28 --> 3980.26] grasp the scope +[3980.26 --> 3980.92] of this because +[3980.92 --> 3982.02] Jesus was still +[3982.02 --> 3982.56] there he hadn't +[3982.56 --> 3983.64] even died and +[3983.64 --> 3984.12] come back the +[3984.12 --> 3984.62] first time +[3984.62 --> 3986.34] but Jesus is +[3986.34 --> 3986.82] talking about +[3986.82 --> 3987.26] the future +[3987.26 --> 3987.92] when his kingdom +[3987.92 --> 3989.02] comes again +[3989.02 --> 3991.12] and in that +[3991.12 --> 3992.24] chapter Jesus +[3992.24 --> 3993.42] says that those +[3993.42 --> 3994.12] who are faithful +[3994.12 --> 3994.76] will go with +[3994.76 --> 3996.04] him and those +[3996.04 --> 3996.42] who are not +[3996.42 --> 3996.90] will be left +[3996.90 --> 3997.30] behind +[3997.30 --> 3999.50] and then Jesus +[3999.50 --> 4000.10] tells this +[4000.10 --> 4000.60] parable +[4000.60 --> 4002.96] in the hopes +[4002.96 --> 4003.32] that his +[4003.32 --> 4004.14] disciples will +[4004.14 --> 4004.86] understand that +[4004.86 --> 4005.54] no matter what +[4005.54 --> 4006.62] trials they are +[4006.62 --> 4007.30] going to face +[4007.30 --> 4009.68] no matter what +[4009.68 --> 4010.10] they will be +[4010.10 --> 4011.26] going through +[4011.26 --> 4012.30] as they go +[4012.30 --> 4012.88] forward God +[4012.88 --> 4013.62] calls them +[4013.62 --> 4014.50] Jesus calls +[4014.50 --> 4015.44] them to +[4015.44 --> 4016.70] remain faithful +[4016.70 --> 4017.64] always +[4017.64 --> 4019.18] and remember +[4019.18 --> 4019.88] Jesus knew +[4019.88 --> 4020.76] he knew what +[4020.76 --> 4021.36] these disciples +[4021.36 --> 4021.78] were going to +[4021.78 --> 4022.38] face he knew +[4022.38 --> 4022.96] that the trials +[4022.96 --> 4023.38] they were going +[4023.38 --> 4024.26] to come across +[4024.26 --> 4024.58] were going to +[4024.58 --> 4024.96] be hard +[4024.96 --> 4025.58] remember all +[4025.58 --> 4026.34] those disciples +[4026.34 --> 4027.54] ended up getting +[4027.54 --> 4028.20] martyred for +[4028.20 --> 4028.66] their faith +[4028.66 --> 4029.36] except for John +[4029.36 --> 4030.74] who was boiled +[4030.74 --> 4031.78] and then sent to +[4031.78 --> 4032.36] an island and +[4032.36 --> 4033.10] didn't die and +[4033.10 --> 4033.44] then had to +[4033.44 --> 4033.88] live there for +[4033.88 --> 4034.38] a long time +[4034.38 --> 4035.44] that's what +[4035.44 --> 4035.80] they went +[4035.80 --> 4036.10] through +[4036.10 --> 4039.38] they were +[4039.38 --> 4040.00] persistent +[4040.00 --> 4040.34] though +[4040.34 --> 4040.64] in their +[4040.64 --> 4041.00] faith +[4041.00 --> 4042.24] they were +[4042.24 --> 4042.94] living for +[4042.94 --> 4043.28] Jesus +[4043.28 --> 4043.94] persistent +[4043.94 --> 4044.34] in their +[4044.34 --> 4044.70] love for +[4044.70 --> 4044.82] them +[4044.82 --> 4045.30] persistent +[4045.30 --> 4045.90] in their +[4045.90 --> 4046.20] prayers +[4046.20 --> 4046.46] to him +[4046.46 --> 4046.88] persistent +[4046.88 --> 4047.64] even when +[4047.64 --> 4047.90] they were +[4047.90 --> 4048.40] persecuted +[4048.40 --> 4049.26] persistent +[4049.26 --> 4050.06] even when +[4050.06 --> 4050.50] their friends +[4050.50 --> 4050.94] were killed +[4050.94 --> 4051.68] even when +[4051.68 --> 4052.04] they lost +[4052.04 --> 4052.60] everything +[4052.60 --> 4053.68] the disciples +[4053.68 --> 4054.62] were persistent +[4054.62 --> 4055.02] in their +[4055.02 --> 4055.50] faithfulness +[4055.50 --> 4056.20] because they +[4056.20 --> 4056.84] understood +[4056.84 --> 4058.20] that Christ's +[4058.20 --> 4058.48] kingdom +[4058.48 --> 4059.48] was coming +[4059.48 --> 4061.76] and they +[4061.76 --> 4062.24] later knew +[4062.24 --> 4062.76] like we do +[4062.76 --> 4063.06] now +[4063.06 --> 4063.78] that Jesus +[4063.78 --> 4064.84] lived this +[4064.84 --> 4065.48] life that we +[4065.48 --> 4065.80] have been +[4065.80 --> 4066.60] called to +[4066.60 --> 4066.86] live +[4066.86 --> 4067.50] but then he +[4067.50 --> 4068.24] died a death +[4068.24 --> 4070.12] a terrible +[4070.12 --> 4070.86] death that we +[4070.86 --> 4071.58] all deserve to +[4071.58 --> 4072.06] die but he +[4072.06 --> 4072.50] died it in +[4072.50 --> 4072.92] our stead +[4072.92 --> 4074.02] and he took +[4074.02 --> 4074.56] the weight of +[4074.56 --> 4075.26] the sins of +[4075.26 --> 4075.80] the world on +[4075.80 --> 4076.26] his shoulders +[4076.26 --> 4076.72] and he went +[4076.72 --> 4077.20] to the grave +[4077.20 --> 4077.76] with them all +[4077.76 --> 4079.36] but then three +[4079.36 --> 4080.06] days later he +[4080.06 --> 4080.68] rose again +[4080.68 --> 4081.34] from the dead +[4081.34 --> 4082.36] defeating sin +[4082.36 --> 4082.88] and death +[4082.88 --> 4083.96] forever in +[4083.96 --> 4084.32] this world +[4084.32 --> 4085.14] and all we +[4085.14 --> 4085.88] need to do +[4085.88 --> 4086.96] is believe +[4086.96 --> 4087.96] in what he +[4087.96 --> 4088.52] accomplished +[4088.52 --> 4089.38] in his +[4089.38 --> 4089.86] life in +[4089.86 --> 4090.26] his death +[4090.26 --> 4090.48] and in +[4090.48 --> 4091.08] his resurrection +[4091.08 --> 4091.98] and know +[4091.98 --> 4092.42] that our +[4092.42 --> 4093.20] salvation is +[4093.20 --> 4094.40] assured not +[4094.40 --> 4094.84] by anything +[4094.84 --> 4095.70] we do but +[4095.70 --> 4096.44] by everything +[4096.44 --> 4097.50] he did and +[4097.50 --> 4098.08] by everything +[4098.08 --> 4098.76] he is going +[4098.76 --> 4099.32] to do +[4099.32 --> 4101.76] and when we +[4101.76 --> 4102.54] rest in that +[4102.54 --> 4104.32] truth when we +[4104.32 --> 4105.10] sit in the +[4105.10 --> 4106.24] persistent faith +[4106.24 --> 4107.02] knowing that +[4107.02 --> 4107.60] that gospel +[4107.60 --> 4108.30] truth is just +[4108.30 --> 4109.58] that truth +[4109.58 --> 4111.82] changes everything +[4111.82 --> 4113.54] no matter our +[4113.54 --> 4114.02] context +[4114.02 --> 4116.62] it gives peace +[4116.62 --> 4117.14] to those who +[4117.14 --> 4117.50] mourn +[4117.50 --> 4119.80] it gives rest +[4119.80 --> 4120.24] to those who +[4120.24 --> 4121.04] battle every +[4121.04 --> 4121.38] day +[4121.38 --> 4123.48] it gives hope +[4123.48 --> 4124.94] to those who +[4124.94 --> 4125.40] have nothing +[4125.40 --> 4127.50] it gives love +[4127.50 --> 4127.98] to those who +[4127.98 --> 4128.62] feel alone +[4128.62 --> 4131.66] being persistently +[4131.66 --> 4132.72] faithful allows +[4132.72 --> 4133.52] all of us to +[4133.52 --> 4134.04] remember that +[4134.04 --> 4135.34] justice is +[4135.34 --> 4135.70] coming +[4135.70 --> 4137.64] peace is +[4137.64 --> 4138.08] coming +[4138.08 --> 4140.06] harmony is +[4140.06 --> 4140.46] coming +[4140.46 --> 4142.18] Jesus is +[4142.18 --> 4142.54] coming +[4142.54 --> 4145.44] and while +[4145.44 --> 4145.90] this parable +[4145.90 --> 4146.84] doesn't tell us +[4146.84 --> 4147.38] why Jesus +[4147.38 --> 4148.10] seems to move +[4148.10 --> 4149.06] slowly sometimes +[4149.06 --> 4150.84] it reminds us +[4150.84 --> 4151.62] to be prayerful +[4151.62 --> 4152.36] and live every +[4152.36 --> 4153.04] day faithfully +[4153.04 --> 4153.48] for him +[4153.48 --> 4154.12] not just +[4154.12 --> 4154.80] Sundays from +[4154.80 --> 4155.68] 10 to 1130 +[4155.68 --> 4156.58] but every +[4156.58 --> 4156.86] day +[4156.86 --> 4159.10] on our peaks +[4159.10 --> 4159.64] and in our +[4159.64 --> 4160.00] valleys +[4160.00 --> 4162.18] and we can do +[4162.18 --> 4163.04] that because we +[4163.04 --> 4164.10] can be confident +[4164.10 --> 4164.84] that God +[4164.84 --> 4165.90] will act for +[4165.90 --> 4166.76] the good of +[4166.76 --> 4167.64] those who +[4167.64 --> 4168.00] love him +[4168.00 --> 4168.78] he is coming +[4168.78 --> 4169.46] so let's be +[4169.46 --> 4170.30] persistent +[4170.30 --> 4171.30] in our +[4171.30 --> 4171.60] faith +[4171.60 --> 4171.90] amen +[4171.90 --> 4173.66] let me pray +[4173.66 --> 4178.70] father in +[4178.70 --> 4179.00] heaven +[4179.00 --> 4181.14] we thank you +[4181.14 --> 4181.62] for your +[4181.62 --> 4182.00] redemption +[4182.00 --> 4182.58] plan +[4182.58 --> 4184.80] solidified in +[4184.80 --> 4185.18] the life +[4185.18 --> 4185.60] death and +[4185.60 --> 4186.34] resurrection of +[4186.34 --> 4186.96] Jesus Christ +[4186.96 --> 4187.42] your son +[4187.42 --> 4190.02] we thank you +[4190.02 --> 4190.74] for this parable +[4190.74 --> 4191.62] challenging us +[4191.62 --> 4192.14] that no matter +[4192.14 --> 4192.80] where we find +[4192.80 --> 4193.38] ourselves in +[4193.38 --> 4193.60] life +[4193.60 --> 4195.02] that we are +[4195.02 --> 4195.40] to remain +[4195.40 --> 4196.36] faithful to +[4196.36 --> 4196.66] you +[4196.66 --> 4198.38] persistently +[4198.38 --> 4199.48] faithful to +[4199.48 --> 4199.74] you +[4199.74 --> 4201.60] and God +[4201.60 --> 4201.90] you're a +[4201.90 --> 4202.20] God of +[4202.20 --> 4202.60] all things +[4202.60 --> 4202.96] you can +[4202.96 --> 4203.24] change +[4203.24 --> 4203.78] contexts +[4203.78 --> 4204.46] you don't +[4204.46 --> 4204.94] change other +[4204.94 --> 4205.46] contexts +[4205.46 --> 4205.96] you see +[4205.96 --> 4206.46] all things +[4206.46 --> 4206.86] and know +[4206.86 --> 4207.42] all things +[4207.42 --> 4208.26] let us +[4208.26 --> 4208.88] trust you +[4208.88 --> 4210.92] when things +[4210.92 --> 4211.94] are bad +[4211.94 --> 4212.26] in our +[4212.26 --> 4212.50] lives +[4212.50 --> 4212.78] may we +[4212.78 --> 4213.30] cry out +[4213.30 --> 4213.52] to you +[4213.52 --> 4214.04] call out +[4214.04 --> 4214.24] to you +[4214.24 --> 4214.72] shout out +[4214.72 --> 4214.96] to you +[4214.96 --> 4215.32] when things +[4215.32 --> 4215.66] are good +[4215.66 --> 4216.14] may we +[4216.14 --> 4216.88] glorify you +[4216.88 --> 4217.30] and thank +[4217.30 --> 4217.54] you +[4217.54 --> 4218.08] and God +[4218.08 --> 4218.48] in all +[4218.48 --> 4218.66] of it +[4218.66 --> 4218.92] may we +[4218.92 --> 4219.44] acknowledge +[4219.44 --> 4219.78] you +[4219.78 --> 4221.08] and know +[4221.08 --> 4221.38] that you +[4221.38 --> 4221.74] are our +[4221.74 --> 4222.06] God +[4222.06 --> 4223.72] and may +[4223.72 --> 4223.88] we +[4223.88 --> 4224.60] confidently +[4224.60 --> 4226.00] and +[4226.00 --> 4226.84] passionately +[4226.84 --> 4228.42] bring this +[4228.42 --> 4229.12] good news +[4229.12 --> 4229.96] to those +[4229.96 --> 4230.22] who need +[4230.22 --> 4230.54] to hear +[4230.54 --> 4230.74] it +[4230.74 --> 4232.12] we pray +[4232.12 --> 4232.40] this in +[4232.40 --> 4232.76] your son's +[4232.76 --> 4233.36] precious name +[4233.36 --> 4233.94] amen +[4233.94 --> 4237.98] to those +[4241.26 --> 4241.50] even +[4241.50 --> 4243.28] you +[4243.28 --> 4244.80] need +[4244.80 --> 4245.72] more +[4245.72 --> 4246.34] than +[4246.34 --> 4246.70] you +[4247.62 --> 4248.94] need +[4248.94 --> 4249.78] and +[4249.78 --> 4250.60] now +[4250.60 --> 4251.30] look +[4251.30 --> 4252.12] sure +[4252.12 --> 4253.54] this +[4253.54 --> 4256.78] is +[4256.78 --> 4257.28] now +[4257.28 --> 4257.68] I +[4257.68 --> 4258.96] mean +[4258.96 --> 4260.04] I +[4260.04 --> 4278.72] Holiness, holiness is what I long for +[4278.72 --> 4283.04] Holiness is what I need +[4283.04 --> 4292.28] Holiness, holiness is what you want from me +[4292.28 --> 4301.84] Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I long for +[4301.84 --> 4305.90] Faithfulness is what I need +[4305.90 --> 4315.14] Faithfulness, faithfulness is what you want from me +[4315.14 --> 4322.90] Take my heart and form it +[4322.90 --> 4329.34] Take my life and transform it +[4329.34 --> 4335.20] Take my will, conform it +[4335.20 --> 4340.58] To yours, to yours, O Lord +[4340.58 --> 4348.30] Righteousness, righteousness is what I long for +[4348.30 --> 4352.34] Righteousness is what I need +[4352.34 --> 4361.58] Righteousness, righteousness is what you want from me +[4361.58 --> 4369.88] Take my heart and form it +[4369.88 --> 4375.70] Take my life and transform it +[4375.70 --> 4381.56] Take my will, conform it +[4381.56 --> 4386.94] To yours, to yours, O Lord +[4386.94 --> 4393.20] Take my heart and form it +[4393.20 --> 4399.04] Take my life and transform it +[4399.04 --> 4404.90] Take my will, conform it +[4404.90 --> 4409.78] To yours, to yours, O Lord +[4409.78 --> 4415.28] To yours, to yours, O Lord +[4415.28 --> 4422.20] We invite you all to stick around after the service +[4422.20 --> 4423.98] for some coffee and refreshments afterwards +[4423.98 --> 4426.48] enjoy some fellowship with one another +[4426.48 --> 4428.66] but as we leave this place and go out into our week +[4428.66 --> 4431.52] let's remember to remain faithful to our God +[4431.52 --> 4433.42] when things are good, when things are bad +[4433.42 --> 4434.30] in all situations +[4434.30 --> 4435.92] dust off that Bible at home +[4435.92 --> 4438.60] pray to him, invite him into all your context +[4438.60 --> 4440.00] as he is our Lord +[4440.00 --> 4442.86] Please receive God's parting blessing +[4442.86 --> 4444.96] found from Numbers 6 +[4444.96 --> 4448.26] The Lord bless you and keep you +[4448.26 --> 4450.80] The Lord make his face shine upon you +[4450.80 --> 4451.90] and be gracious to you +[4451.90 --> 4454.22] The Lord turn his face towards you +[4454.22 --> 4455.90] and give you his peace +[4455.90 --> 4457.46] And all God's people said +[4457.46 --> 4458.40] Amen +[4458.40 --> 4462.02] Amen +[4462.02 --> 4491.72] We're pilgrims on the journey +[4491.72 --> 4495.38] of the narrow road +[4495.38 --> 4498.94] and those who've gone before us +[4498.94 --> 4501.90] lie in the way +[4501.90 --> 4505.84] cheering on the faithful +[4505.84 --> 4509.42] encouraging the weary +[4509.42 --> 4513.18] their lives a stirring testament +[4513.18 --> 4518.78] to God's sustaining grace +[4518.78 --> 4524.50] surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses +[4524.50 --> 4528.38] let us run the race +[4528.38 --> 4531.78] not only for the prize +[4531.78 --> 4537.10] but as those who've gone before us +[4537.10 --> 4540.68] let us lead to those behind us +[4540.68 --> 4544.40] the heritage of faithfulness +[4544.40 --> 4548.40] pass on through godly life +[4548.40 --> 4553.06] oh may all who come behind us +[4553.06 --> 4555.12] find us faithful +[4555.12 --> 4559.88] may the fire of our devotion +[4559.88 --> 4562.12] light their way +[4562.12 --> 4567.88] may the footprints that we need +[4567.88 --> 4570.34] lead them to believe +[4570.34 --> 4573.34] and the lives we live +[4573.34 --> 4576.06] inspire them to obey +[4576.06 --> 4581.74] oh may all who come behind us +[4581.74 --> 4583.82] find us faithful +[4583.82 --> 4596.62] after all our hopes and dreams +[4596.62 --> 4599.50] have come and gone +[4599.50 --> 4601.92] and our children saved +[4601.92 --> 4605.42] through all we've left behind +[4605.42 --> 4609.98] may the clues that they discover +[4609.98 --> 4613.70] and the memories they uncover +[4613.70 --> 4615.70] become the light +[4615.70 --> 4618.70] that leads them to the road +[4618.70 --> 4621.42] we each must find +[4621.42 --> 4626.38] oh may all who come behind us +[4626.38 --> 4628.30] find us faithful +[4628.30 --> 4633.16] may the fire of our devotion +[4633.16 --> 4635.42] light their way +[4635.42 --> 4641.02] may the footprints that we leave +[4641.02 --> 4643.52] lead them to believe +[4643.52 --> 4644.52] lead them to believe +[4644.52 --> 4646.38] and the lives we live +[4646.38 --> 4649.20] inspire them to obey +[4649.20 --> 4650.52] to obey +[4650.52 --> 4652.52] to obey +[4652.52 --> 4654.52] to obey +[4654.52 --> 4658.20] oh may all who come behind us +[4658.20 --> 4660.12] find us faithful +[4660.12 --> 4664.76] may the fire of our devotion +[4664.76 --> 4667.76] light their way +[4667.76 --> 4672.52] may the footprints that we leave +[4672.52 --> 4702.50] lead them to believe +[4702.50 --> 4732.48] Thank you. +[4732.50 --> 4734.50] Amen. +[4762.50 --> 4764.50] Amen. +[4792.50 --> 4794.50] Amen. +[4822.50 --> 4824.50] Amen. +[4852.50 --> 4854.50] Amen.