WEBVTT 33 00:05:11.735 --> 00:05:16.385 Well hope Community Church, it is great to see you today. Uh, my name's Dwayne. 34 00:05:16.386 --> 00:05:19.625 I'm one of the pastors here and I get the privilege of welcoming you to church 35 00:05:19.675 --> 00:05:21.745 today. Now at Hope Community Church, 36 00:05:21.925 --> 00:05:26.185 we like to say that we are a family of families who loves God, 37 00:05:26.335 --> 00:05:29.265 follows Jesus and shares hope in any way that we possibly can. 38 00:05:29.565 --> 00:05:32.585 And we want you to be a part of that hope. 39 00:05:32.925 --> 00:05:35.785 And so just know that we're glad that you're here today and listen at the end of 40 00:05:35.786 --> 00:05:36.515 service today, 41 00:05:36.515 --> 00:05:40.825 we'll share with you how you can get connected here at hope and be a part in a 42 00:05:40.826 --> 00:05:42.625 deeper way of that family. Now, 43 00:05:42.626 --> 00:05:46.305 one of the things we recognize as a family is that God has called the family to 44 00:05:46.306 --> 00:05:50.585 some unique roles and some things that we do to share the love of Christ with 45 00:05:50.586 --> 00:05:51.419 the people around us. 46 00:05:51.865 --> 00:05:55.785 And one of those ways is through our generosity that's giving back of our time 47 00:05:55.964 --> 00:05:59.285 and our talent and our treasure from all of the things that God has so 48 00:05:59.485 --> 00:06:01.765 graciously given to us. Now, a few weeks back, 49 00:06:01.904 --> 00:06:05.645 our lead pastor shared some vision as we were moving through the holiday season 50 00:06:05.654 --> 00:06:07.485 about how we can be generous as a church. 51 00:06:07.785 --> 00:06:11.404 And so we started a brown bag campaign to collect simple food items, 52 00:06:11.835 --> 00:06:13.445 drop 'em off at our physical campuses, 53 00:06:13.464 --> 00:06:15.925 and those items get distributed to the week, 54 00:06:16.235 --> 00:06:19.885 both to our local schools and through a food pantry that we have at the Raleigh 55 00:06:19.886 --> 00:06:20.925 campus. Now, 56 00:06:20.985 --> 00:06:24.445 I'm excited to share that because of your generosity in just a few short weeks, 57 00:06:24.945 --> 00:06:29.205 you as Hope Community Church have collected over 20,000 pounds of food. 58 00:06:29.505 --> 00:06:30.685 Can we just give some praise for that? 59 00:06:36.665 --> 00:06:41.005 And that might be a reason when we think about it, to celebrate and think, okay, 60 00:06:41.025 --> 00:06:41.885 the work's been done. 61 00:06:42.265 --> 00:06:46.845 But can I just tell you that the needs never stop and that beyond the holidays, 62 00:06:46.846 --> 00:06:49.445 through the advent season and even beyond Christmas, 63 00:06:49.615 --> 00:06:53.645 there will still be needs in our community and we want to be the kind of church 64 00:06:54.045 --> 00:06:55.685 that's positioned to help with those needs. 65 00:06:56.025 --> 00:06:59.165 And so one of the ways that you can continue to support that is through your 66 00:06:59.175 --> 00:07:01.085 generosity, uh, with food. 67 00:07:01.265 --> 00:07:05.725 The way that you can do that is simply to text the word food to the number 7 2 9 68 00:07:05.725 --> 00:07:05.945 8 9. 69 00:07:05.945 --> 00:07:08.925 And that'll give you a list of items that you can pick up at your local grocery 70 00:07:08.975 --> 00:07:12.765 store and continue to bring those to our physical campuses throughout the week 71 00:07:13.145 --> 00:07:14.125 and even through the weekend. 72 00:07:14.225 --> 00:07:17.925 And you need to know that everything that you give makes a difference. 73 00:07:18.075 --> 00:07:21.845 Your generosity makes a difference. Now, speaking of generosity at hope, 74 00:07:22.025 --> 00:07:25.245 one of the things we say is that we want to be the kind of church that makes a 75 00:07:25.246 --> 00:07:26.485 difference even through our giving. 76 00:07:26.945 --> 00:07:30.165 And so we always share ways with you that we can give here at hope. 77 00:07:30.405 --> 00:07:34.725 And one of the best ways you can do that is simply to text the word give to 7 2, 78 00:07:34.725 --> 00:07:34.745 9, 8, 9. 79 00:07:34.745 --> 00:07:38.525 And all the information will be there for you to be and continue to be a 80 00:07:38.725 --> 00:07:40.925 faithful giver. Now, this is speaking of giving. 81 00:07:41.275 --> 00:07:45.485 This is another opportunity for us to give our worship to a loving and living 82 00:07:45.705 --> 00:07:50.165 God. So let's continue to worship. Welcome to hope. We're glad you're here. 135 00:21:27.625 --> 00:21:32.265 Can we give God some thanksgiving today. Amen. Amen. 136 00:21:33.085 --> 00:21:38.065 You may take your seats. It's because of that newborn king, Jesus Christ, 137 00:21:38.085 --> 00:21:41.505 the son of God, born of a virgin here on earth. 138 00:21:42.365 --> 00:21:45.665 He lived a perfect life and he was tortured 139 00:21:46.565 --> 00:21:50.945 And he was crucified and he died. But we believe he didn't stay dead, 140 00:21:51.085 --> 00:21:55.865 but that he rose again to the glory of God and for the sake of our 141 00:21:56.145 --> 00:21:57.825 salvation. And as a family, 142 00:21:57.826 --> 00:22:02.105 we spend time together to remember what Christ did by taking 143 00:22:02.335 --> 00:22:05.305 communion. So if you're at home or you're sitting in the coffee shop, 144 00:22:05.306 --> 00:22:07.865 you can find a cracker, a piece of bread, some coffee, some juice. 145 00:22:07.866 --> 00:22:11.465 But we're gonna get something to represent what Christ went through. 146 00:22:11.466 --> 00:22:12.785 And so if you have your elements with you, 147 00:22:12.786 --> 00:22:15.425 you can open it up and you can take off that top piece. 148 00:22:15.426 --> 00:22:17.345 And it's the the cracker, 149 00:22:18.065 --> 00:22:21.545 it's represents the piece of bread that on the night before he was crucified, 150 00:22:21.546 --> 00:22:26.065 Christ took and he broke. He goes, this is my body broken for you. 151 00:22:26.135 --> 00:22:28.065 Take and eat. Let's take together. 152 00:22:33.545 --> 00:22:36.065 In the same way, he took the cup and said, 153 00:22:36.305 --> 00:22:40.744 this is my blood poured out for you. Take and drink. 154 00:22:47.265 --> 00:22:50.984 Would you pray with me? Jesus, you are worthy. 155 00:22:52.825 --> 00:22:57.425 You are worthy of every emotion we can possibly muster to express our 156 00:22:57.426 --> 00:23:01.905 gratitude for your greatness and your boldness and your faithfulness to the 157 00:23:01.906 --> 00:23:02.739 Father. 158 00:23:03.484 --> 00:23:07.505 We remember you in this time and the great sacrifice that you made on our 159 00:23:07.506 --> 00:23:08.339 behalf. 160 00:23:08.725 --> 00:23:11.425 And we worship you as the name above every name of the king of kings and the 161 00:23:11.545 --> 00:23:15.425 word in Jesus' name and pray. Amen. 162 00:23:16.195 --> 00:23:19.065 We're gonna continue to respond to the goodness of Jesus today as we continue to 163 00:23:19.066 --> 00:23:21.425 worship. So you can stand, you can sit, 164 00:23:21.625 --> 00:23:23.025 but this is between you and the Lord right now. 194 00:28:31.625 --> 00:28:33.285 Advent is a paradoxical season, 195 00:28:36.165 --> 00:28:40.605 a season of waiting and anticipation in which the waiting itself is strangely 196 00:28:40.606 --> 00:28:41.565 rich and fulfilling. 197 00:28:45.085 --> 00:28:48.605 A season that looks back at the people who waited in darkness for the coming 198 00:28:48.606 --> 00:28:53.205 light of Christ and yet forward to a fuller light still to come and illuminate 199 00:28:53.206 --> 00:28:54.039 our darkness. 200 00:28:57.625 --> 00:29:01.405 Advent falls in winter at the end of the year in the dark and cold, 201 00:29:01.945 --> 00:29:04.245 but its focus is on the coming light in life. 202 00:29:04.715 --> 00:29:07.885 When the agent of days becomes a young child and says, behold, 203 00:29:08.325 --> 00:29:09.605 I make all things new. 204 00:29:28.815 --> 00:29:33.735 I dunno about you, but my heart is full with those songs. 205 00:29:34.485 --> 00:29:37.055 What great truths we just expressed in song. 206 00:29:37.675 --> 00:29:41.445 And it reminds me of Paul's words that we need to encourage each other and 207 00:29:41.725 --> 00:29:45.565 strengthen each each other through Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. 208 00:29:45.585 --> 00:29:47.005 So we just enjoyed that together. 209 00:29:47.465 --> 00:29:52.325 And now we begin a four-part series focusing on advent. 210 00:29:52.905 --> 00:29:55.245 And some of you, because of your past church experience, 211 00:29:55.246 --> 00:29:59.525 know exactly what I'm talking about and other people are thinking, 212 00:29:59.875 --> 00:30:03.975 what is an advent? I've heard of an advent wreath, 213 00:30:04.495 --> 00:30:07.215 an advent calendar. What is advent? Well, 214 00:30:07.216 --> 00:30:11.295 simply the word means arrival or coming 215 00:30:12.655 --> 00:30:16.515 and refers to two distinct physical bodily 216 00:30:17.275 --> 00:30:19.435 arrivals of Jesus to earth. 217 00:30:20.495 --> 00:30:24.275 Of course we know really well this one because we're celebrating Christmas, 218 00:30:24.535 --> 00:30:28.115 the Christmas season, Jesus coming as a baby. 219 00:30:29.335 --> 00:30:34.155 But there's another event where he's coming back and that is coming back to 220 00:30:34.395 --> 00:30:36.395 right all wrongs as the just judge. 221 00:30:36.455 --> 00:30:39.235 We sang a little bit about that in one of our songs today. 222 00:30:42.365 --> 00:30:47.025 And I wanna just pause to consider these truths for just a minute before we look 223 00:30:47.045 --> 00:30:50.145 at first Peter chapter one, our text for this morning. 224 00:30:51.995 --> 00:30:55.535 And when we think about Matthew chapter one, 225 00:30:55.755 --> 00:30:58.255 in the account of Jesus coming as a baby, 226 00:30:58.515 --> 00:31:03.015 we recount that there is the angel of the Lord who comes to 227 00:31:03.155 --> 00:31:03.988 Joseph. 228 00:31:04.715 --> 00:31:09.135 Joseph is engaged to marry who is pregnant with the Christ child. 229 00:31:10.395 --> 00:31:12.295 And he says in Matthew chapter one, 230 00:31:12.296 --> 00:31:13.775 this is the angel of the Lord speaking to Joseph. 231 00:31:13.835 --> 00:31:15.735 He says in Matthew chapter one, verse 23, 232 00:31:15.875 --> 00:31:20.215 behold the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son 233 00:31:20.675 --> 00:31:23.495 and they shall call his name Emmanuel, 234 00:31:24.305 --> 00:31:27.095 which translated means God with us. 235 00:31:29.125 --> 00:31:33.825 Now that's a quote that the angel of the Lord is using from 236 00:31:33.995 --> 00:31:38.945 740 years before Isaiah chapter seven and verse 14. 237 00:31:40.495 --> 00:31:45.315 So an angel of the Lord is quoting the Old Testament 238 00:31:46.165 --> 00:31:50.435 about something that's happening centuries later. 239 00:31:52.015 --> 00:31:52.848 And the name 240 00:31:54.435 --> 00:31:57.255 God with us several weeks ago, 241 00:31:57.256 --> 00:32:01.895 Jason was in Genesis chapter three and talked about what God said to the serpent 242 00:32:02.045 --> 00:32:06.975 that a seed would come from the woman and that seed would crush the head of the 243 00:32:07.055 --> 00:32:10.415 serpent, though the serpent would bruise the head of uh, 244 00:32:12.075 --> 00:32:12.908 of the child. 245 00:32:14.565 --> 00:32:19.145 And here that seed bears fruit because Mary 246 00:32:19.885 --> 00:32:21.985 is pregnant with that child 247 00:32:23.565 --> 00:32:27.465 and he is called Emmanuel God with us. 248 00:32:27.466 --> 00:32:28.585 Because back in the garden, 249 00:32:29.995 --> 00:32:34.865 God's presence was no longer experienced as the man and the woman were driven 250 00:32:35.105 --> 00:32:37.505 out of the garden. God was with them. 251 00:32:38.045 --> 00:32:41.205 And now Jesus comes Emmanuel God with us. 252 00:32:41.585 --> 00:32:45.045 And then as we fast forward to Revelation 21 and 22, 253 00:32:45.105 --> 00:32:49.725 we have a picture of what's going to happen when Christ comes 254 00:32:50.145 --> 00:32:51.445 for the second advent. 255 00:32:52.105 --> 00:32:57.085 And that is he is going to make a new heaven and a 256 00:32:57.165 --> 00:33:01.725 new earth. And Revelation 21 verse three says this, 257 00:33:03.345 --> 00:33:08.165 behold the tabernacle of God is among men and he will 258 00:33:08.166 --> 00:33:13.045 dwell among them and they will be his people and God himself will be among them, 259 00:33:14.915 --> 00:33:19.725 repeats three times the fact that God is going to be among us. 260 00:33:22.305 --> 00:33:25.885 He was in the garden, he was in the tabernacle, 261 00:33:26.305 --> 00:33:30.445 he was in the temple, he was in human form in Jesus. 262 00:33:31.025 --> 00:33:33.205 And Jesus is coming back again, 263 00:33:33.905 --> 00:33:38.805 making a new earth for us to dwell with God once again. 264 00:33:39.915 --> 00:33:42.045 Well, how's that possible? Well, 265 00:33:42.305 --> 00:33:46.085 the other name given by the angel of the Lord to Joseph in that same chapter, 266 00:33:46.086 --> 00:33:47.445 Matthew chapter one is this, 267 00:33:48.065 --> 00:33:52.045 she will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus, 268 00:33:53.465 --> 00:33:56.725 for he will save his people from their sins. 269 00:33:57.465 --> 00:34:02.005 So the purpose of the first advent is the death barrel and resurrection of Jesus 270 00:34:02.006 --> 00:34:06.925 Christ. We know in the gospels that Jesus set his face towards Jerusalem 271 00:34:07.505 --> 00:34:12.245 in order to die and to be raised up again and then to 272 00:34:12.344 --> 00:34:15.125 ascend to his father's right hand where he reigns today. 273 00:34:15.705 --> 00:34:20.565 And the cross makes possible the second advent and for God 274 00:34:20.566 --> 00:34:23.005 dwelling with us again. So that's the story of the Bible. 275 00:34:23.905 --> 00:34:27.205 So when we talk about advent, it's not unimportant. In fact, 276 00:34:27.465 --> 00:34:31.485 all of the letters of the New Testament speak to both advents. 277 00:34:33.155 --> 00:34:36.065 We're gonna see this in first Peter chapter one. 278 00:34:36.085 --> 00:34:38.265 I'd like you to turn there first Peter chapter one. 279 00:34:39.205 --> 00:34:43.105 So between Christ's first advent when he came as a baby and when he comes as the 280 00:34:43.106 --> 00:34:47.505 just judge that's going to right all wrongs, what are we to do? 281 00:34:49.344 --> 00:34:53.075 Because from the very first century until today 2000 years, 282 00:34:53.076 --> 00:34:55.435 people are wondering when is he coming back? 283 00:34:57.925 --> 00:35:00.055 There's all kinds of people that give dates, 284 00:35:00.315 --> 00:35:02.215 but they don't know and they will never know. 285 00:35:04.325 --> 00:35:09.245 So what are we supposed to do now? Oh, Peter says this in one Peter chapter one, 286 00:35:09.485 --> 00:35:12.485 verse one, Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ, 287 00:35:12.585 --> 00:35:16.165 to those who reside as aliens scattered throughout Pania, 288 00:35:17.114 --> 00:35:20.245 Galacia, Cappadocia, Asia Bia, 289 00:35:20.265 --> 00:35:24.445 that's modern day Turkey who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God 290 00:35:24.446 --> 00:35:26.245 the Father by the sanctify, 291 00:35:26.246 --> 00:35:30.565 sanctifying work of the spirit to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his 292 00:35:31.085 --> 00:35:34.645 blood. May grace and peace be your in the fullest measure. 293 00:35:35.705 --> 00:35:38.420 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 294 00:35:38.465 --> 00:35:40.125 who according to his great mercy, 295 00:35:40.585 --> 00:35:45.005 has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of 296 00:35:45.006 --> 00:35:49.165 Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance which is imperishable. 297 00:35:49.955 --> 00:35:52.605 Undefiled will not fade away, 298 00:35:52.725 --> 00:35:57.485 reserved in heaven for you who are protected by the power of God 299 00:35:57.486 --> 00:35:59.485 through faith for salvation, 300 00:35:59.486 --> 00:36:03.005 ready to be revealed in the last time in this. 301 00:36:03.985 --> 00:36:04.965 And these truths, 302 00:36:05.665 --> 00:36:09.565 you greatly rejoice even though now for a little while if necessary, 303 00:36:09.825 --> 00:36:12.645 you have been distressed by various trials. 304 00:36:13.185 --> 00:36:16.525 So is that the proof of your faith being more precious than gold which is 305 00:36:16.526 --> 00:36:17.359 perishable, 306 00:36:17.515 --> 00:36:22.445 even though tested by fire may be found to result in praise and glory and honor 307 00:36:22.505 --> 00:36:26.445 at the revelation of Jesus Christ. And though you have not seen him, 308 00:36:27.265 --> 00:36:32.085 you love him. And though you do not see him now you believe in him, 309 00:36:32.825 --> 00:36:37.685 you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory obtaining 310 00:36:37.705 --> 00:36:42.005 as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 311 00:36:45.405 --> 00:36:49.555 Peter, writing to an audience of newly converted believers 312 00:36:51.295 --> 00:36:52.695 residing in modern day Turkey 313 00:36:54.825 --> 00:36:59.815 and he's telling them how he views the two advents of 314 00:36:59.816 --> 00:37:02.665 Christ. That's what he's talking about. 315 00:37:03.594 --> 00:37:06.815 But before we look at what he wrote, lemme say something about Peter, 316 00:37:07.535 --> 00:37:08.555 if we're gonna listen to him, 317 00:37:09.555 --> 00:37:10.995 probably worthwhile to know a little bit about him. 318 00:37:11.815 --> 00:37:16.355 So as I think through Peter's life as he's called to be a disciple of Jesus, 319 00:37:17.075 --> 00:37:19.275 I I think of Luke five, 320 00:37:19.425 --> 00:37:22.835 five where Peter is on a boat thinking he knows better than Jesus. 321 00:37:24.655 --> 00:37:28.875 Remember they fished all night, hadn't caught a thing. Jesus shows up and says, 322 00:37:28.876 --> 00:37:31.835 Hey, put your boats back out, throw the nets soon. 323 00:37:33.535 --> 00:37:36.235 And you know Peter, he's like, uh, Jesus, 324 00:37:38.355 --> 00:37:41.015 we fished we're fishermen. You are not. You're the rabbi. 325 00:37:41.835 --> 00:37:45.495 We fished all night nothing. But as he says that, 326 00:37:45.496 --> 00:37:50.415 he catches the master's eye looking at him like Peter. He said, 327 00:37:50.416 --> 00:37:54.535 but what you say I'll do? And there Peter in the boat 328 00:37:56.135 --> 00:37:59.535 thinking he knows better learns, obedience 329 00:38:01.155 --> 00:38:03.295 or Matthew chapter 14, 330 00:38:04.675 --> 00:38:08.185 Jesus or Peter rather, in the water, fearing and doubting, 331 00:38:09.305 --> 00:38:13.065 remember they're in the boat and Jesus comes walking on the water. 332 00:38:13.135 --> 00:38:16.145 They think he's a ghost and they're afraid. And Jesus says, Hey, 333 00:38:17.695 --> 00:38:22.645 peace beats you. It's me. And Peter says, if it's you, 334 00:38:24.085 --> 00:38:28.895 it's like Peter, he just said it was, if it's you, let me come to you. 335 00:38:29.175 --> 00:38:31.895 He says, come. So Peter gets out of the boat, 336 00:38:32.075 --> 00:38:36.285 starts walking and begins to look down, doubting. 337 00:38:36.945 --> 00:38:41.935 And Jesus says to him, Peter, where's your faith? 338 00:38:43.305 --> 00:38:47.525 So Peter on a boat thinking he knows better than Jesus in the water, 339 00:38:47.755 --> 00:38:51.765 fearing and doubting Jesus. And then in John chapter 18, 340 00:38:51.815 --> 00:38:54.965 Peter in the garden acting tough. 341 00:38:57.445 --> 00:38:59.445 Remember Jesus And the disciples are in the garden, 342 00:38:59.905 --> 00:39:02.925 and this is where Judas is going to betray Jesus. 343 00:39:03.425 --> 00:39:06.125 And the high priests and their officials come, 344 00:39:06.565 --> 00:39:10.725 servants come and there's Peter and what does he do? Oh no, 345 00:39:11.305 --> 00:39:15.925 you're not taking my Jesus. And he pulls out a sword and he waxs off Mel's ear 346 00:39:18.215 --> 00:39:20.655 there in the garden acting all tough. 347 00:39:23.195 --> 00:39:25.375 The same chapter just verses away, 348 00:39:25.445 --> 00:39:27.695 literally just hours away in the actual event, 349 00:39:28.585 --> 00:39:32.495 Peter in the courtyard running scared and telling lies, 350 00:39:35.555 --> 00:39:40.175 Peter, doubting, questioning, 351 00:39:42.114 --> 00:39:45.344 impetuous, denying. 352 00:39:47.145 --> 00:39:48.285 Can you identify with Peter? 353 00:39:51.075 --> 00:39:52.844 Ever doubted Jesus ever questioned him, 354 00:39:56.844 --> 00:40:01.525 ever denied him before friends. So that's Peter. 355 00:40:02.344 --> 00:40:06.925 The last scene is Peter on the shoreline being restored 356 00:40:08.675 --> 00:40:11.835 after the resurrection. Jesus, 357 00:40:12.755 --> 00:40:16.555 he's on the shoreline and Peter's there and he says to Peter, Peter, 358 00:40:16.556 --> 00:40:19.315 do you love me? The Lord, do you know I love you? 359 00:40:20.955 --> 00:40:22.755 He asked him that twice. And the third time, 360 00:40:23.605 --> 00:40:27.915 Peter probably upset that Jesus is questioning his love, says, do you love me? 361 00:40:27.916 --> 00:40:32.275 Peter says, yes. He says, feed my sheep. 362 00:40:34.025 --> 00:40:36.895 Peter on the shoreline being restored. 363 00:40:37.635 --> 00:40:41.415 He knew what it was like to have ups and downs. 364 00:40:41.475 --> 00:40:46.375 He knew what it was like to think right half the time and think wrong the other 365 00:40:46.376 --> 00:40:49.685 half, 50 time 50% of the time being right, 366 00:40:49.686 --> 00:40:54.125 50% of the time being wrong sometimes saying brilliant things 367 00:40:54.715 --> 00:40:55.605 like you're at the crisis. 368 00:40:55.844 --> 00:40:59.645 Some of the living God and other times saying other things where Christ reserved 369 00:40:59.646 --> 00:41:02.364 his harshest, rebuke for him, get the behind me Satan, 370 00:41:04.985 --> 00:41:08.895 Peter, like you and me normal. 371 00:41:11.645 --> 00:41:15.445 But in the normal ups and downs of faith, 372 00:41:17.655 --> 00:41:20.755 God lays hold of him like he does the rest of us. 373 00:41:23.445 --> 00:41:27.285 And I think one of the greatest lies the evil one puts out is this. 374 00:41:28.945 --> 00:41:32.815 If you've ever messed up, if you've ever done something stupid, 375 00:41:33.265 --> 00:41:35.364 if you ever said something that was hurtful, 376 00:41:37.425 --> 00:41:40.725 then you're washed up. You can't be used. 377 00:41:41.895 --> 00:41:45.885 God's done with you. And nothing, nothing could be further from the truth. 378 00:41:46.935 --> 00:41:50.915 We see this in the life of Peter. It's no wonder he writes the way he writes, 379 00:41:52.515 --> 00:41:56.535 filled with joy and gladness because of God's mercy. 380 00:41:59.094 --> 00:42:02.475 We need that. You need that. I need that. 381 00:42:03.965 --> 00:42:05.625 God wants to use us. 382 00:42:08.435 --> 00:42:12.295 He doesn't simply save us to instruct us. 383 00:42:14.375 --> 00:42:18.875 He instructs us that he might use us in ways that we can't even imagine. 384 00:42:20.655 --> 00:42:24.795 So here's Peter. He's writing, he's writing to these new converts. 385 00:42:25.025 --> 00:42:29.515 They're from all over the world now living in these, this, uh, 386 00:42:29.516 --> 00:42:30.349 modern day Turkey. 387 00:42:31.335 --> 00:42:36.275 And he gives us three truths that are true of every believer, 388 00:42:37.385 --> 00:42:39.935 every one of us. The first one is this, 389 00:42:40.955 --> 00:42:43.055 we are chosen by God. 390 00:42:45.425 --> 00:42:48.505 Secondly, we are redeemed by the blood of the lamb. 391 00:42:49.085 --> 00:42:51.065 He says that in one Peter one, 18 and 19. 392 00:42:51.364 --> 00:42:54.745 We won't look at that this morning today. And then third, 393 00:42:55.125 --> 00:42:58.425 we are sanctified or made holy by the spirit of God. 394 00:42:59.545 --> 00:43:03.405 So wait a minute, I, I believed in God. I I was searching him, 395 00:43:03.475 --> 00:43:07.205 seeking for him and found him. And, and that is a human experience. 396 00:43:07.206 --> 00:43:09.285 But when we understand in time, 397 00:43:09.785 --> 00:43:13.675 we look back at it and we say the Father planned it. 398 00:43:14.485 --> 00:43:17.315 Jesus achieved it and the spirit applied it. 399 00:43:18.594 --> 00:43:19.915 And that's the reality for all of us. 400 00:43:22.594 --> 00:43:25.855 That's the truth we sang about today. 401 00:43:29.155 --> 00:43:33.094 The Trinity at work in your life, in my life, 402 00:43:33.835 --> 00:43:36.614 chosen by God, redeemed by Jesus, 403 00:43:37.265 --> 00:43:39.015 sanctified by the spirit of God. 404 00:43:40.085 --> 00:43:43.055 There's much that can be said and needs to be said about all of this. 405 00:43:43.155 --> 00:43:47.975 But I want to focus on what happens when Peter says those 406 00:43:47.976 --> 00:43:49.955 things. What does he do? 407 00:43:52.495 --> 00:43:55.555 What he does is what we ought to do. Verse three, 408 00:43:56.945 --> 00:44:00.435 blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 409 00:44:01.605 --> 00:44:02.745 He bursts out and prays. 410 00:44:06.255 --> 00:44:08.265 Paul does the same thing in Ephesians one, three, 411 00:44:09.015 --> 00:44:11.425 blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 412 00:44:11.625 --> 00:44:15.065 who has blessed us with every spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ. 413 00:44:15.975 --> 00:44:18.225 When we consider what God has done for us, 414 00:44:19.125 --> 00:44:24.105 our heart's disposition ought to be praise, blessed bee, praise God. 415 00:44:24.475 --> 00:44:26.425 Right? And if it's not, 416 00:44:27.695 --> 00:44:30.065 perhaps we have a heart problem. 417 00:44:31.545 --> 00:44:36.275 Perhaps our faith has grown old and cold 418 00:44:40.015 --> 00:44:44.565 or perhaps we don't understand what Christ actually 419 00:44:44.566 --> 00:44:46.685 accomplished for us in his first advent. 420 00:44:47.585 --> 00:44:50.685 And so Peter wants us to understand exactly that. 421 00:44:51.925 --> 00:44:54.245 It reminds me of the old hymn you're familiar with. 422 00:44:54.246 --> 00:44:58.925 Perhaps when I think that God, his son, not sparing, 423 00:44:59.315 --> 00:45:00.205 sent him to die, 424 00:45:00.844 --> 00:45:05.565 I scarce can take it in that on the cross our burden gladly bearing, 425 00:45:06.225 --> 00:45:10.075 he bled and died to take away our sin, 426 00:45:11.864 --> 00:45:13.795 then sings my soul, 427 00:45:15.765 --> 00:45:19.344 my savior God to thee how great thou art. 428 00:45:20.325 --> 00:45:24.105 How great thou art. When we consider what God has done for us, 429 00:45:24.245 --> 00:45:25.745 we burst out in praise. 430 00:45:27.965 --> 00:45:32.425 So he talks about what he's praising God for and the first thing he talks about 431 00:45:32.605 --> 00:45:37.005 is His mercy. His mercy. 432 00:45:38.405 --> 00:45:41.445 I hope that is an important word to you, his mercy. 433 00:45:44.745 --> 00:45:48.375 We live in a day that calls for justice, that demands rights. 434 00:45:51.425 --> 00:45:54.465 We'll do well to be grateful for God's mercy rather than to cry out for his 435 00:45:54.466 --> 00:45:56.705 justice. We know what his justice brings. 436 00:45:57.445 --> 00:46:01.985 But the beauty of Christ's second advent is that the just 437 00:46:02.505 --> 00:46:04.985 Judd Jesus Christ is going to come and right all wrong. 438 00:46:05.185 --> 00:46:07.585 So everything that's upside down, he's gonna turn right side up. 439 00:46:09.065 --> 00:46:13.405 That day is coming. And between the two events, 440 00:46:13.435 --> 00:46:16.445 what we experience is mercy. Mercy. 441 00:46:17.995 --> 00:46:21.425 Mercy is simply two parts. 442 00:46:23.005 --> 00:46:27.105 One, there's a need on the part of a person. The person is in misery, 443 00:46:27.106 --> 00:46:31.305 the person is broken, the person needs help. And then two, 444 00:46:32.265 --> 00:46:34.945 a person who has the resources to meet that need, 445 00:46:35.645 --> 00:46:40.225 not out of the first person deserving it, but simply because of love. 446 00:46:40.405 --> 00:46:43.735 And that's God's mercy. He saw our brokenness. 447 00:46:45.035 --> 00:46:48.975 And before he saw it all experienced by humanity, 448 00:46:49.275 --> 00:46:52.895 he said in the garden, I'm sending one to take care of the problem. 449 00:46:53.875 --> 00:46:56.705 Mercy throughout scripture, 450 00:46:59.065 --> 00:47:02.335 mercy throughout your life and my life. 451 00:47:05.165 --> 00:47:07.975 Then he says, what does this mercy do? Well, 452 00:47:08.725 --> 00:47:11.925 it causes us to be born again. Now wait a minute. 453 00:47:11.926 --> 00:47:14.245 That word is kind of a new word, isn't it? 454 00:47:14.246 --> 00:47:17.645 Didn't Chuck Colson write a book in 1976 called, born Again? 455 00:47:18.325 --> 00:47:21.965 I was in Jimmy Carter talked about being a born again Christian. 456 00:47:22.075 --> 00:47:25.165 What does born again mean? What's it all about? And of course, 457 00:47:25.875 --> 00:47:29.005 that word is also 2000 years old. That idea, 458 00:47:29.895 --> 00:47:32.605 Jesus talking to Nicodemus, who came to him at night, 459 00:47:34.255 --> 00:47:35.245 Jesus said, it's, 460 00:47:35.635 --> 00:47:39.325 it's necessary for you to be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God. 461 00:47:39.344 --> 00:47:41.605 And Nicodemus says, well wait a minute, 462 00:47:43.205 --> 00:47:47.645 I can be born again. Like enter my mother's womb again. And Jesus, you know, 463 00:47:47.646 --> 00:47:51.165 you just imagine Jesus looking at him like, man, 464 00:47:51.445 --> 00:47:54.485 I I I thought you were brighter than that. Nicodemus. Of course, 465 00:47:54.625 --> 00:47:59.245 I'm not talking about a physical birth. I'm talking about a spiritual birth, 466 00:47:59.525 --> 00:48:03.905 a renewal that takes place on the inside. Yes, 467 00:48:06.085 --> 00:48:08.695 born of water and born of spirit. 468 00:48:10.635 --> 00:48:13.855 That's the same context by the way, when Jesus is talking to Nicodemus, 469 00:48:13.856 --> 00:48:16.255 that we get John three 16, 470 00:48:17.695 --> 00:48:22.594 so born again and John three 16 are part of the same passage because 471 00:48:22.595 --> 00:48:24.155 they refer to the same thing for God. 472 00:48:24.215 --> 00:48:28.035 So love the world that he gave his only son, 473 00:48:28.036 --> 00:48:32.235 that whoever believes in him should have. What? Eternal life. Right? 474 00:48:32.385 --> 00:48:35.805 Eternal life. We have physical life. 475 00:48:37.225 --> 00:48:42.075 It's broken. All we need is eternal life. And Jesus came to to give that. 476 00:48:43.575 --> 00:48:47.935 And that's what he gives us. According to his mercy, he gives us new life. 477 00:48:48.205 --> 00:48:50.855 Paul says it a different way in Ephesians chapter two, 478 00:48:52.575 --> 00:48:57.015 a bit more bluntly. He said, you are dead and your trespasses and sins. 479 00:48:57.785 --> 00:49:00.605 But then verse four of Ephesians two says, 480 00:49:00.945 --> 00:49:04.525 but by God's grace and mercy, 481 00:49:05.594 --> 00:49:09.195 he makes us alive. That's what it means to be born again. 482 00:49:10.405 --> 00:49:15.225 And so he's really focusing in on God's mercy and this idea 483 00:49:15.226 --> 00:49:18.425 that he has new life and what does that new life bring? 484 00:49:18.985 --> 00:49:20.425 'cause that's what Peter really wants to focus on. 485 00:49:20.426 --> 00:49:22.465 And that's actually a subject for the day. We're finally there. 486 00:49:23.445 --> 00:49:26.614 And that is hope, hope, 487 00:49:28.625 --> 00:49:32.035 hope. It's a word that we use pretty much every day. You know, 488 00:49:32.036 --> 00:49:33.835 I hope I make it to the meeting on time. 489 00:49:33.995 --> 00:49:37.795 I hope de still has the Grand Slam breakfast special, uh, um, 490 00:49:38.175 --> 00:49:41.515 on a beautiful Saturday morning. Now parents, you have to admit this, 491 00:49:41.575 --> 00:49:43.594 on a beautiful Saturday morning, you say, 492 00:49:43.955 --> 00:49:48.875 I hope that my son's soccer practice gets 493 00:49:49.395 --> 00:49:50.228 canceled. 494 00:49:50.515 --> 00:49:51.755 , right? 495 00:49:52.895 --> 00:49:53.875 We hope for a lot of things. 496 00:49:55.275 --> 00:49:58.795 I hope that I'm done speaking before you're done listening. 497 00:50:01.525 --> 00:50:03.135 Then we use it for more serious things. 498 00:50:04.685 --> 00:50:06.965 I hope that my test results come back with no cancer. 499 00:50:09.675 --> 00:50:13.505 I hope my child will reconcile with me. You fill in the blank. 500 00:50:14.165 --> 00:50:18.165 We hope for a lot of things. But Peter's not talking about that kind of hope. 501 00:50:18.815 --> 00:50:20.765 Those kinds of, that kind of hope is, 502 00:50:21.025 --> 00:50:24.765 is a hope that arises out of an internal desire to have a different outcome, 503 00:50:27.315 --> 00:50:30.075 a different kind of relationship with someone, 504 00:50:31.685 --> 00:50:32.518 a different kinda life. 505 00:50:34.855 --> 00:50:39.675 But the kind of hope that Peter refers to is a living hope that rests in 506 00:50:39.676 --> 00:50:42.755 the mercy and only in the mercy of God. 507 00:50:44.225 --> 00:50:48.165 He caused us to be born again to a living hope because of his mercy. 508 00:50:49.465 --> 00:50:52.085 And this is not a, I hope so, kind of hope. 509 00:50:53.265 --> 00:50:57.355 Like I hope I get to heaven when I die. I hope I've been good enough. It's, 510 00:50:57.475 --> 00:51:00.155 I know. So kind of hope, a certain hope. 511 00:51:02.755 --> 00:51:07.575 So I believe that hope is a settled confidence and God's plan through 512 00:51:07.576 --> 00:51:09.335 Jesus Christ to give us, 513 00:51:09.515 --> 00:51:14.495 to allow us to enjoy a joy-filled and fil life in the present days of 514 00:51:14.496 --> 00:51:18.075 disappointments and difficulties. 'cause that's real life. 515 00:51:21.835 --> 00:51:26.295 That's the hope that we need. But let's look at a few things about hope. 516 00:51:27.405 --> 00:51:30.655 This living hope is first of all, a hope that is grounded in the past. 517 00:51:32.245 --> 00:51:35.655 It's grounded in the past. In this sentence is a living hope. 518 00:51:35.656 --> 00:51:38.895 Through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, 519 00:51:39.555 --> 00:51:44.175 he was dead and is now alive. Scripture calls him our hope. 520 00:51:44.515 --> 00:51:45.895 So our hope is alive. 521 00:51:46.035 --> 00:51:49.975 We have living hope 'cause our hope is all wrapped up in the mercy of God, 522 00:51:49.985 --> 00:51:52.855 found in the Lord Jesus Christ and what he accomplished through his death, 523 00:51:52.856 --> 00:51:56.575 burial, and resurrection. It says, hope that it's grounded in the past, 524 00:51:57.685 --> 00:51:59.655 certainly is a hope that is focused on the future. 525 00:52:02.335 --> 00:52:03.864 Look at verse four, 526 00:52:04.525 --> 00:52:08.745 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, 527 00:52:09.735 --> 00:52:10.568 undefiled, 528 00:52:10.685 --> 00:52:14.945 and will not fade away presently reserved in heaven 529 00:52:15.925 --> 00:52:19.825 for you. It's a hope that's focused on the future, 530 00:52:21.585 --> 00:52:25.385 Grounded in the past, focused on the future. In fact, Paul, 531 00:52:25.864 --> 00:52:29.185 Paul deals with hope a lot in one Corinthians 15, according to the resurrection. 532 00:52:29.685 --> 00:52:32.665 And if our hope is only for this world, 533 00:52:33.495 --> 00:52:37.905 like we only have hope while we live these 70, 80 years of life, 534 00:52:38.055 --> 00:52:40.265 then we are to be of all people. Most pitied. 535 00:52:41.585 --> 00:52:45.445 And lot of people say psych, uh, Christianity is like a psychological crutch. 536 00:52:45.446 --> 00:52:46.725 And that's what they would be talking about. 537 00:52:46.785 --> 00:52:51.325 If our faith was only for this earth that's focused 538 00:52:51.745 --> 00:52:52.578 on the future. 539 00:52:53.795 --> 00:52:57.765 When we experience the second advent of Jesus, 540 00:52:57.905 --> 00:53:02.445 the second arrival when he comes, as I said before, to right all wrongs, 541 00:53:02.985 --> 00:53:06.885 but these three words, imperishable, undefiled, 542 00:53:08.315 --> 00:53:09.285 will not fade away. 543 00:53:09.575 --> 00:53:13.765 Those are the kinds of things that we experience in this life. 544 00:53:15.235 --> 00:53:19.805 Fruits and vegetables perish. People 545 00:53:21.815 --> 00:53:22.648 perish. 546 00:53:22.975 --> 00:53:23.808 But. 547 00:53:26.020 --> 00:53:30.565 About our future already guaranteed and secured. 548 00:53:31.844 --> 00:53:32.677 Imperishable, 549 00:53:37.705 --> 00:53:42.635 undefiled has the idea of being stained or spoiled in some 550 00:53:42.636 --> 00:53:47.094 way. You, you know what that's like? 551 00:53:48.295 --> 00:53:52.105 Every time I wear a tie, I drip on it, 552 00:53:52.975 --> 00:53:56.915 stains, everything gets stained, 553 00:53:59.685 --> 00:54:03.305 it fades. It's the idea of of, uh, 554 00:54:03.775 --> 00:54:07.625 undefiled where we'll find, not fade away. The idea of of fading 555 00:54:10.015 --> 00:54:14.305 diamonds lose their luster. They have to be cleaned. Your couches fade, 556 00:54:14.335 --> 00:54:17.825 your rugs fade, everything fades. It loses its luster. 557 00:54:17.826 --> 00:54:20.065 Your car needs polished and waxed. And 558 00:54:22.525 --> 00:54:23.925 in this world, that's what we face. 559 00:54:27.625 --> 00:54:30.005 But that which is reserved for us in heaven, 560 00:54:33.805 --> 00:54:37.185 no per no death, no dying, no 561 00:54:39.435 --> 00:54:43.415 stains never loses its luster. 562 00:54:46.535 --> 00:54:51.385 I think sometimes today we're so earthly might have, 563 00:54:51.505 --> 00:54:52.338 were no heavenly good. 564 00:54:55.085 --> 00:54:59.185 We don't think about the future. Very often we think about the now 565 00:55:02.455 --> 00:55:06.695 we say, well, I hope I make it. I I want that. I want that kinda life. 566 00:55:08.015 --> 00:55:09.745 Well, verse five is great. 567 00:55:11.795 --> 00:55:14.985 We're protected by the power of God through faith 568 00:55:16.985 --> 00:55:21.575 who's protecting us. God, his power. 569 00:55:22.645 --> 00:55:26.495 That is good news. If it was up to my power, I wouldn't make it. 570 00:55:26.805 --> 00:55:27.655 That is for sure. 571 00:55:30.965 --> 00:55:35.215 God's going to make sure that you get your inheritance. 572 00:55:37.975 --> 00:55:42.225 That doesn't fade. That doesn't perish. That is good news. 573 00:55:42.844 --> 00:55:45.105 But the, but what I love about this passage 574 00:55:46.665 --> 00:55:48.864 is the next point. 575 00:55:49.815 --> 00:55:52.065 It's a hope that is active in the present. 576 00:55:55.745 --> 00:55:59.905 So that's where we are. We're in the present. Peter was in the present. 577 00:56:00.475 --> 00:56:04.255 Every human being is in the present that is alive. 578 00:56:06.225 --> 00:56:09.885 And what I appreciate about the Bible is it doesn't provide a false perspective 579 00:56:10.455 --> 00:56:14.395 about hope or about life. Verse six, 580 00:56:14.655 --> 00:56:19.555 in this you greatly rejoice in what God's mercy we're born again to a 581 00:56:19.556 --> 00:56:23.925 living hope reserved in heaven for us, protected by the power of God. 582 00:56:24.515 --> 00:56:25.765 That is good news. 583 00:56:25.905 --> 00:56:30.125 We greatly rejoice in that even though now for a little while, our lifespan, 584 00:56:31.445 --> 00:56:32.795 since it is necessary, 585 00:56:34.175 --> 00:56:37.995 you have been distressed by various trials. 586 00:56:40.995 --> 00:56:43.614 If I was translating this, looking at the words, 587 00:56:45.155 --> 00:56:47.815 you have mental anguish 588 00:56:49.835 --> 00:56:54.125 because of the various size and shape trials that you 589 00:56:54.455 --> 00:56:55.288 experience. 590 00:56:57.075 --> 00:56:59.525 Anybody here have mental anguish 591 00:57:02.125 --> 00:57:03.515 struggling with hopelessness, 592 00:57:06.515 --> 00:57:11.075 angst and pain because of circumstances in your life? Yes, 593 00:57:16.285 --> 00:57:20.805 we all do. And this mental anguish is, 594 00:57:21.225 --> 00:57:22.605 is really important that we, 595 00:57:22.825 --> 00:57:27.725 we deal with because it will destroy us if we don't remember 596 00:57:28.585 --> 00:57:29.418 the living hope. 597 00:57:33.355 --> 00:57:37.335 Here's a snapshot of of this. Just the last week or so, 598 00:57:38.215 --> 00:57:41.495 a friend discovered he has terminal lung cancer leaving behind six kids. 599 00:57:43.345 --> 00:57:44.785 A mother lost her unborn child. 600 00:57:47.105 --> 00:57:50.145 A wife discovered her husband has early onset dementia. 601 00:57:51.785 --> 00:57:54.225 A young lady lost her father-in-law who was like her father. 602 00:57:55.505 --> 00:57:59.305 A couple exhausted and grieving over a child that is in trouble with the law 603 00:58:00.725 --> 00:58:03.455 parents exhausted from caring for their son who is very sick. 604 00:58:03.475 --> 00:58:04.735 Not sure how long he will live. 605 00:58:06.315 --> 00:58:09.925 Husband watches on as his wife sub comes to alcoholism. 606 00:58:10.635 --> 00:58:13.675 That's just from conversations with some of you. 607 00:58:18.135 --> 00:58:22.115 Distress, mental anguish, 608 00:58:24.785 --> 00:58:29.175 pain, grief, loss, 609 00:58:29.435 --> 00:58:32.655 trauma. That's real life. 610 00:58:35.045 --> 00:58:37.425 That's real life. That's what you're going through. 611 00:58:40.685 --> 00:58:44.825 It is in that context of life, those realities. 612 00:58:45.155 --> 00:58:47.385 Peter doesn't skirt the issue, he deals with it. 613 00:58:47.805 --> 00:58:50.545 We go through anguish 614 00:58:52.825 --> 00:58:56.725 and yet he uses the word to kick off that verse. We greatly rejoice. 615 00:58:57.225 --> 00:59:01.585 And there's the PA paradox, right For the believer we have 616 00:59:03.195 --> 00:59:07.145 great hope, a living hope because of what Christ has done in the past, 617 00:59:07.455 --> 00:59:12.305 what he's going to do in the future and in the in the InBetween 618 00:59:12.306 --> 00:59:15.545 time. Here we are. And what do we do with that grief? 619 00:59:16.485 --> 00:59:20.455 What do we do with that anguish, that pain, that hurt, that angst 620 00:59:22.565 --> 00:59:27.365 at seemingly hopeless situation in which we find ourselves? 621 00:59:28.515 --> 00:59:33.125 What do we do? Well, he tells us That we rejoice 622 00:59:39.275 --> 00:59:43.235 'cause we like our life and all the circumstances, isn't it? No. 623 00:59:43.625 --> 00:59:48.505 Because we have life and eternal life at that. 624 00:59:49.845 --> 00:59:54.585 And we must keep in mind those realities because 625 00:59:54.985 --> 00:59:59.305 as Paul says, we don't grieve like the world that has no hope. We grieve, 626 00:59:59.685 --> 01:00:00.585 but not like that. 627 01:00:01.805 --> 01:00:05.305 We grieve knowing what Christ has done and what he's coming to. 628 01:00:05.306 --> 01:00:07.505 Do we grieve that way? 629 01:00:09.375 --> 01:00:11.745 Does it make the pain less? No, 630 01:00:13.405 --> 01:00:18.265 but it does make it manageable because we know what God 631 01:00:18.345 --> 01:00:19.178 is up to. 632 01:00:20.425 --> 01:00:23.185 And I love the fact that it doesn't skirt those issues because if it did, 633 01:00:23.695 --> 01:00:28.225 this would be pie in the sky stuff like we have to go around always smiling and 634 01:00:28.226 --> 01:00:30.425 happy go lucky. And that is not what we find in scripture. 635 01:00:31.805 --> 01:00:35.865 We find reality met with the reality of what God has done for us in Jesus. 636 01:00:38.515 --> 01:00:41.415 And so Romans 1513 I think is a great verse. 637 01:00:41.635 --> 01:00:46.415 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace 638 01:00:47.315 --> 01:00:51.455 in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. 639 01:00:51.615 --> 01:00:55.765 You notice that phrase in believing we can't have hope, 640 01:00:57.025 --> 01:01:01.805 we can't have peace even even with these truths that we talked about. 641 01:01:02.505 --> 01:01:06.995 If we actually don't believe them, if we don't hold them dear, 642 01:01:09.545 --> 01:01:13.605 If they're just some list of things that we say we agree with, 643 01:01:14.445 --> 01:01:16.805 they're not going to help you in your moment. 644 01:01:17.625 --> 01:01:21.245 And moments of mental anguish, it says, 645 01:01:21.705 --> 01:01:25.445 may the God of hope fill you with all peace and joy in believing, 646 01:01:26.515 --> 01:01:29.255 having confidence that what God has done through Christ in the past, 647 01:01:29.256 --> 01:01:32.375 what he's going to do in the future allows me to live today. 648 01:01:32.895 --> 01:01:36.935 And joy and peace, I believe it. 649 01:01:37.335 --> 01:01:41.735 I hold onto it. And if you're not experiencing that kind of hope and peace, 650 01:01:43.605 --> 01:01:45.655 that kind of joy in this world, 651 01:01:46.965 --> 01:01:51.885 perhaps it's because you have not committed to actually living 652 01:01:51.945 --> 01:01:56.765 in light of those truths. You've committed to thinking about those truths, 653 01:01:56.766 --> 01:02:00.685 maybe even singing about those truths but not living according to them. 654 01:02:00.865 --> 01:02:01.698 That's different. 655 01:02:05.635 --> 01:02:10.245 And we can't expect to abound in peace and joy without 656 01:02:10.246 --> 01:02:11.079 believing, 657 01:02:11.115 --> 01:02:16.005 like really trusting that God is up to our good in all of life's 658 01:02:16.006 --> 01:02:17.445 circumstances, as Paul says. 659 01:02:20.265 --> 01:02:24.485 But I wouldn't do my job properly if I didn't address those here without God and 660 01:02:24.486 --> 01:02:28.785 without hope. Maybe you showed up. 'cause that's what you're looking for. 661 01:02:30.275 --> 01:02:33.775 You're wondering where in the world you can find hope in this un world of 662 01:02:33.776 --> 01:02:37.375 untethered anxiety and crushing hopelessness. And, and let me say this, 663 01:02:37.435 --> 01:02:42.375 all that Christ has done for us is of no value to 664 01:02:42.395 --> 01:02:45.935 us so long as we live outside of Christ. 665 01:02:49.005 --> 01:02:51.745 You know, if I, uh, struggle with, uh, 666 01:02:53.435 --> 01:02:57.475 Sickness from time to time, uh, immune system, that doesn't work the best. 667 01:02:58.215 --> 01:03:01.875 And so I unfortunately frequently have to take antibiotics 668 01:03:03.735 --> 01:03:08.175 and I can believe that that pill or those pills 669 01:03:08.525 --> 01:03:12.875 will help me. I can know it. I can read about 'em, study it, 670 01:03:13.395 --> 01:03:15.555 I can know it. I can look at it, say I believe it, 671 01:03:17.575 --> 01:03:22.265 but until I take them, they have no effect. 672 01:03:23.935 --> 01:03:26.315 And that's like saving faith. 673 01:03:27.175 --> 01:03:30.915 It involves knowledge and knowledge of who Jesus is and what he's accomplished 674 01:03:30.916 --> 01:03:33.275 for us. It involves an ascent to that knowledge. 675 01:03:33.395 --> 01:03:35.915 I actually believe what I have heard. 676 01:03:37.695 --> 01:03:42.355 And then it involves trusting in what you say you 677 01:03:43.125 --> 01:03:45.595 understand. Do you really trust it? 678 01:03:48.035 --> 01:03:51.535 Do you receive it? Do you embrace it? Do you welcome it into your life? 679 01:03:51.555 --> 01:03:54.295 Or is it still just that bottle on the shelf? 680 01:03:56.795 --> 01:04:00.645 There's an invisible boundary between the mercy of God and the brokenness of 681 01:04:00.885 --> 01:04:04.625 humanity. And no amount of good works will break through that barrier. 682 01:04:06.655 --> 01:04:08.395 That's why a Christian is not saying, 683 01:04:08.515 --> 01:04:12.035 I hope I am good enough or I hope I will be good enough. 684 01:04:12.305 --> 01:04:17.035 It's saying my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and 685 01:04:17.036 --> 01:04:20.715 righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but holy lean 686 01:04:21.935 --> 01:04:24.915 On Jesus' name, on Christ the solid rock. I stand, 687 01:04:25.575 --> 01:04:27.435 all of the ground is sinking sand. 688 01:04:30.775 --> 01:04:33.975 Maybe you're ready to call for God's mercy. No, 689 01:04:33.995 --> 01:04:36.295 you know you have a need and you know you can't meet it. 690 01:04:36.995 --> 01:04:41.175 And now you believe that there is one who wants to provide for you through Jesus 691 01:04:41.195 --> 01:04:42.028 Christ. 692 01:04:42.665 --> 01:04:46.405 I invite you to pray this prayer with me if that is you. 693 01:04:46.785 --> 01:04:50.965 If you're a believer already and maybe you haven't committed to actually living 694 01:04:51.025 --> 01:04:54.885 out those truths and belief and faith, and I encourage you to do that as well. 695 01:04:54.945 --> 01:04:57.605 But for those who have never placed their faith in Jesus Christ, 696 01:04:57.725 --> 01:05:01.885 I encourage you to pray this prayer after me. Jesus. 697 01:05:02.165 --> 01:05:04.805 I know what is being, what being miserable is. 698 01:05:06.465 --> 01:05:08.265 I know I can do nothing about my condition. 699 01:05:08.905 --> 01:05:12.065 I learned today that I'm dead in sins and need to be made alive by your mercy. 700 01:05:12.325 --> 01:05:16.185 I'm resting on your mercy. I must rest on your mercy. 701 01:05:17.645 --> 01:05:20.765 Staking my life, one that Christ did for me through his death, 702 01:05:20.825 --> 01:05:22.245 his burial and his resurrection. 703 01:05:23.085 --> 01:05:26.245 I believe in it and I surrender to him today. 704 01:05:30.515 --> 01:05:30.925 Lord, 705 01:05:30.925 --> 01:05:35.205 I do pray for those who have been without hope and without God in this world. 706 01:05:36.285 --> 01:05:41.105 How crushing must be that pressure of hopelessness and 707 01:05:41.106 --> 01:05:45.955 that mental anguish and angst. Thank you for your mercy. 708 01:05:46.255 --> 01:05:49.875 For those of us who've already placed our faith in Jesus Christ, 709 01:05:50.055 --> 01:05:54.955 we need to be reminded over and over again that you have cause us to be born 710 01:05:54.956 --> 01:05:58.795 again to a living hope. It's alive today. Christ is alive. 711 01:05:58.895 --> 01:06:01.355 He reigns so we can have joy, 712 01:06:03.215 --> 01:06:06.355 we can have peace. We can have hope. 713 01:06:08.515 --> 01:06:09.348 Help us Lord, 714 01:06:09.985 --> 01:06:14.445 to trust in you day by day in the midst of this distressed world, 715 01:06:15.285 --> 01:06:17.595 in the midst of our difficult circumstances, 716 01:06:18.495 --> 01:06:22.755 may we have hope based on what Christ did when he came as a baby 717 01:06:23.825 --> 01:06:28.695 grew to give joyfully his life for us. 718 01:06:29.695 --> 01:06:31.255 Let he thank you in his name. Amen.