[0.00 --> 9.28] Thank you, Florence. [15.02 --> 16.18] It's good to be together. [17.10 --> 19.28] I'm glad not everyone went camping. [21.02 --> 23.16] I have a few people to talk to, so that's good. [24.52 --> 29.44] Today we're going to continue our series on the hard sayings of Jesus [29.44 --> 30.46] that we've done this summer. [31.62 --> 35.92] So much of what Jesus said encourages us, [36.98 --> 42.06] but sometimes what he said was hard to hear or at times confusing. [43.36 --> 46.78] Yet all that he said is for our benefit. [47.08 --> 49.98] All of what he said are words of life, [50.14 --> 53.88] even if it causes us to struggle with those words. [53.88 --> 60.56] Last week, Pastor Dave spoke on the passage he preached on, [60.62 --> 62.68] but he did it in the context of discipleship, [62.90 --> 65.30] the cost of following Jesus. [66.46 --> 69.36] If you haven't heard the message, go back and listen to it. [69.70 --> 70.30] Very good. [70.98 --> 73.04] Today I'm going to deal with another passage, [73.34 --> 76.22] but I'm going to deal with it in the context of mission, [76.74 --> 80.32] of the missio deo, the mission of God, [80.32 --> 83.86] which started already in the Old Testament in the beginning [83.86 --> 85.72] and runs all the way through Scripture, [86.14 --> 87.46] the mission of God. [87.88 --> 89.88] And we're going to read out of Luke 10. [90.10 --> 93.38] So I put a bit of an extra piece on there [93.38 --> 95.28] because I think it's important to understand [95.28 --> 97.62] the context of the particular passage [97.62 --> 98.86] that we're dealing with today. [99.36 --> 100.74] So look at it with me, Luke 10, [101.26 --> 102.16] verse 1 through 21. [102.16 --> 107.82] After this, the Lord appointed 72 others [107.82 --> 110.64] and sent them two by two ahead of him [110.64 --> 113.44] to every town and place where he was about to go. [114.18 --> 115.26] He told them, [115.44 --> 118.82] the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. [119.54 --> 121.42] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, [121.52 --> 124.54] to send out workers into his harvest field. [124.72 --> 127.02] And you hear the mission language. [127.62 --> 132.00] Go, I'm sending you like lambs among wolves. [132.94 --> 135.18] Don't take a purse or a bag or sandals. [135.48 --> 136.98] Do not greet anyone on the road. [137.58 --> 138.40] When you enter a house, [138.68 --> 140.08] first say peace to this house. [140.38 --> 141.86] If someone who promotes peace is there, [141.94 --> 143.04] your peace will rest on them. [143.28 --> 144.70] If not, it will return to you. [145.44 --> 148.20] Stay there eating and drinking whatever they give you, [148.36 --> 149.94] for the worker deserves his wages. [150.64 --> 152.74] Don't move around from house to house. [153.30 --> 154.90] When you enter a town and are welcome, [154.90 --> 155.92] eat what is offered to you, [156.06 --> 157.56] heal the sick who are there, [157.70 --> 161.38] and tell them the kingdom of God has come near to you. [161.38 --> 163.78] But when you enter a town and are not welcome, [163.92 --> 165.18] go into its streets and say, [165.66 --> 167.62] even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet [167.62 --> 168.56] as a warning to you. [168.84 --> 169.88] Yet be sure of this, [170.18 --> 173.04] the kingdom of God has come near. [173.90 --> 174.72] I tell you, [174.78 --> 176.64] it would be more bearable on that day for Sodom [176.64 --> 177.82] than for that town. [178.96 --> 182.52] Whoever listens to you listens to me. [182.66 --> 184.30] Whoever rejects you rejects me. [184.72 --> 187.96] But whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me. [188.92 --> 192.06] The 72 returned with joy and said, [192.46 --> 195.08] Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name. [195.64 --> 196.42] And he replied, [196.42 --> 199.80] I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. [200.44 --> 201.62] And this is part of the difficult, [201.78 --> 202.80] the hard thing Jesus said. [202.86 --> 203.68] We're going to talk about that. [204.22 --> 207.00] I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions [207.00 --> 208.68] and to overcome all the power of the enemy. [209.08 --> 210.20] Nothing will harm you. [210.76 --> 214.28] However, do not rejoice that the spirit submit to you, [214.28 --> 217.24] but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. [217.96 --> 218.72] At that time, [218.80 --> 219.06] Jesus, [219.36 --> 221.20] full of joy through the Holy Spirit, [221.34 --> 221.56] said, [221.90 --> 222.56] I praise you, [222.66 --> 222.92] Father, [223.28 --> 224.38] Lord of heaven and earth, [224.50 --> 227.46] because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned [227.46 --> 229.44] and revealed them to little children. [230.12 --> 230.32] Yes, [230.40 --> 230.64] Father, [230.76 --> 233.96] for this is what you were pleased to do. [236.02 --> 236.74] All right. [236.74 --> 239.14] There's Jesus, [239.72 --> 240.48] and then the 12, [240.66 --> 241.58] and now the 72, [242.14 --> 243.68] carrying out the mission of God, [243.98 --> 247.44] to reclaim and renew all things in the name of the Father, [247.80 --> 252.90] to restore God's peace and reign over all the earth, [253.20 --> 254.98] as it is rightly his, [255.82 --> 259.44] and to overthrow all that goes against God's kingdom. [259.80 --> 261.68] That's kind of what's going on here in a nutshell. [261.68 --> 262.96] And in this, [263.18 --> 264.08] they go about, [264.30 --> 267.48] sometimes they disturb the status quo of their culture. [269.02 --> 269.16] You know, [269.36 --> 271.72] the word world is often used, [271.80 --> 273.10] and the word world is, [274.26 --> 275.90] they're trying to say, [276.16 --> 277.90] it's what opposes God's kingdom. [278.22 --> 279.30] That's what the world is. [279.68 --> 281.18] The world is defensive, [281.52 --> 283.74] and refuses to accept the gospel message, [283.82 --> 285.18] which in heart is saying, [285.60 --> 288.02] you need to be saved. [288.02 --> 288.06] Right? [290.82 --> 292.24] And Jesus sends people, [292.50 --> 293.12] the people out, [293.20 --> 294.20] the 72 disciples, [294.32 --> 296.60] on a mission of God's kingdom come, [296.82 --> 298.50] of salvation coming. [300.28 --> 300.86] Now, you know, [300.96 --> 302.44] in the beginning of this passage, [302.56 --> 302.72] right, [302.78 --> 303.96] we read, [304.04 --> 304.20] he says, [304.28 --> 305.46] I'm sending you, [305.64 --> 306.34] so just picture, [306.46 --> 307.32] this is the mission trip, [307.42 --> 307.62] right? [307.92 --> 308.12] Jesus, [308.58 --> 310.08] how many of you watched The Chosen? [311.68 --> 311.92] Yeah, [312.26 --> 314.42] my wife and I have watched quite a few of the seasons, [314.52 --> 315.32] but there's this one, [316.00 --> 316.98] in one of the episodes, [316.98 --> 318.04] they have this moment, [318.18 --> 318.32] right, [318.40 --> 319.60] where they're sent out, [319.68 --> 320.18] and it kind of, [320.66 --> 320.80] you know, [320.82 --> 321.66] whatever you think of The Chosen, [321.76 --> 323.04] I think it's really good in a lot of ways, [323.36 --> 324.34] it was kind of cool, [324.46 --> 325.72] watching these disciples, [326.50 --> 327.76] suddenly sent out, [328.60 --> 328.94] and saying, [329.06 --> 329.24] okay, [329.46 --> 329.96] you know, [330.00 --> 330.30] go. [331.50 --> 332.12] And they go, [332.32 --> 333.00] okay, [333.14 --> 333.86] but aren't you coming? [333.92 --> 334.02] No, [334.04 --> 334.14] no, [334.28 --> 334.48] go. [334.84 --> 335.54] And they go, [335.62 --> 335.80] right? [335.84 --> 336.82] And they go into these towns, [336.82 --> 337.08] and, [337.52 --> 337.70] you know, [337.74 --> 339.72] and you just feel the awkwardness of it all. [340.80 --> 341.02] You know, [341.06 --> 342.20] it kind of reminded me of, [343.20 --> 345.24] when we first started Hope Community, [345.24 --> 346.10] and we had these, [346.10 --> 348.76] these fishing stories. [349.20 --> 351.10] I was on a board of leaders, [351.74 --> 354.16] and then we were supposed to share our fishing stories, [354.52 --> 357.20] and fishing stories were ones where you talk to somebody [357.20 --> 358.98] about God's kingdom, [359.16 --> 359.82] about faith, [359.90 --> 360.64] about salvation, [360.64 --> 363.20] and we had monthly meetings, [363.30 --> 363.56] and so, [363.74 --> 364.00] okay, [364.34 --> 364.48] hey, [364.56 --> 366.30] how did it go this month for you, [366.42 --> 367.68] with your fishing stories? [368.60 --> 369.98] And I came out of tradition, [369.98 --> 371.88] where we didn't do fishing stories, [371.96 --> 372.22] really, [373.20 --> 373.80] which is sad. [374.16 --> 374.62] But anyways, [374.90 --> 375.26] you know, [375.32 --> 375.44] so, [375.82 --> 377.26] and this new person, [377.26 --> 377.96] who was on the board, [378.20 --> 379.66] had a million fishing stories, [379.66 --> 381.02] of people that she was talking to, [381.08 --> 381.54] and how it was going. [381.84 --> 383.64] And I couldn't even find my fishing rod. [384.76 --> 384.92] So, [385.20 --> 385.88] you know, [385.92 --> 386.82] I had to learn, [387.14 --> 388.52] how to do this. [388.52 --> 389.40] But I appreciate, [389.50 --> 389.74] you know, [390.26 --> 392.56] how awkward it must have felt. [393.20 --> 393.38] So, [393.44 --> 393.54] okay, [393.58 --> 394.34] go to this town. [394.64 --> 394.92] You don't, [394.98 --> 395.72] you don't know anybody. [396.74 --> 397.62] And start. [399.04 --> 400.00] What do you say? [400.20 --> 400.54] How do you, [400.66 --> 401.98] how do you step into that? [402.06 --> 402.64] What's it like? [402.70 --> 403.52] People come up to you. [403.90 --> 404.26] And, [404.26 --> 404.30] and, [404.30 --> 404.52] and, [404.56 --> 404.74] you know, [404.86 --> 405.82] accept the vision. [406.00 --> 406.54] And he said, [406.64 --> 407.48] but I'm sending you. [407.58 --> 407.64] Well, [407.64 --> 407.92] well, [407.92 --> 408.74] what's it like? [409.08 --> 409.24] Well, [409.30 --> 411.06] you're kind of like lambs, [411.48 --> 413.16] going to visit wolves. [417.34 --> 418.50] That's going to be the mission. [418.52 --> 419.24] T-shirt. [420.92 --> 421.32] Right? [422.04 --> 422.38] Yeah, [422.48 --> 423.12] I'm a lamb. [423.58 --> 424.42] Going to wolves. [424.78 --> 424.98] You know, [425.04 --> 426.60] it doesn't sound particularly inviting, [426.66 --> 426.92] does it? [427.04 --> 427.48] And then what? [427.58 --> 428.34] Carry no purse, [428.42 --> 428.90] no bag, [429.22 --> 429.92] extra sandals. [430.18 --> 430.30] No, [430.34 --> 430.88] none of that. [431.22 --> 432.00] Greet no one. [432.14 --> 433.22] Don't get distracted. [433.64 --> 434.98] Don't get distracted by anything. [435.34 --> 436.96] Stay focused on the mission. [437.06 --> 437.38] The mission. [437.68 --> 437.96] Jesus. [439.24 --> 441.16] Not on what you think you need. [442.52 --> 442.92] And, [442.92 --> 444.72] our church has done mission trips, [444.90 --> 447.26] and we prepare really quite well for them. [447.72 --> 448.06] And I wonder, [448.14 --> 450.90] what would you think you had to bring if Jesus said, [450.98 --> 451.10] okay, [451.16 --> 451.94] you're going to go into these towns. [452.06 --> 452.30] Okay, [452.38 --> 452.56] okay. [452.80 --> 454.04] I've got to get my stuff together. [454.82 --> 455.64] Where's my phone? [456.14 --> 456.54] Do they, [456.66 --> 457.46] I need a charger, [457.56 --> 457.72] right, [457.78 --> 457.98] Jesus? [458.18 --> 458.32] Right? [458.36 --> 458.54] I mean, [458.58 --> 458.72] you know, [458.76 --> 460.96] all these things that we would think we would need. [460.96 --> 462.86] And Jesus is saying, [463.00 --> 463.28] nothing. [464.84 --> 465.24] Nothing. [465.52 --> 465.70] Me. [466.50 --> 467.40] That's all you need. [467.52 --> 468.28] Nothing else. [468.98 --> 470.04] Whatever you think you, [470.04 --> 470.88] you imagine you need, [470.92 --> 471.24] you don't. [471.52 --> 475.10] And Jesus' mission order makes us realize that we're often asking the wrong questions. [475.22 --> 476.50] Nothing wrong with preparation. [476.90 --> 478.90] But Jesus is trying to get them to see something. [479.32 --> 480.58] It's not what you need, [480.64 --> 484.00] it's who you need on this mission adventure. [484.00 --> 484.12] Scripture. [488.22 --> 489.10] Hebrews 12, [489.54 --> 490.84] one of my favorite passages, [492.08 --> 493.36] kind of says it this way. [496.28 --> 496.98] It says, [499.46 --> 501.98] it says, [502.10 --> 503.76] keep your eyes focused on Jesus. [504.56 --> 504.84] Right? [505.04 --> 507.38] We're surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, [507.94 --> 512.28] and so let's throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. [512.28 --> 513.96] Let us run the race with perseverance, [514.10 --> 515.62] the race marked out for us. [516.30 --> 517.12] And then now here, [517.30 --> 520.28] fixing our eyes on Jesus. [522.04 --> 522.92] Who did what? [523.08 --> 523.60] The pioneer, [523.74 --> 524.62] the perfecter of our faith. [524.84 --> 525.40] And here we go. [525.66 --> 527.68] For the joy set before him, [527.74 --> 528.96] he endured the cross, [529.08 --> 529.96] scorning it shame, [530.26 --> 532.88] and sat down at the right hand of God, [532.92 --> 533.24] the Father, [533.44 --> 534.36] of God's throne. [536.86 --> 539.14] Keep your eyes on Jesus. [540.08 --> 542.18] That's kind of what Jesus is getting them to do. [542.62 --> 543.92] You're going with nothing. [544.26 --> 545.18] Now keep your eyes on Jesus. [545.60 --> 547.16] And they're sent out two by two. [547.34 --> 551.22] This is a community project. [552.02 --> 553.60] You're not sent out alone. [553.78 --> 555.76] You need to stay focused on Jesus, [555.98 --> 558.90] and you'll need one another to stay focused on Jesus. [559.52 --> 560.84] You'll need that for encouragement. [561.22 --> 562.82] No one should go it alone. [563.54 --> 565.36] We rely on one another. [565.36 --> 568.52] That's why we gather together. [568.68 --> 569.94] That's why each Sunday, [570.42 --> 572.02] we send you out. [572.38 --> 572.64] We. [573.02 --> 573.38] We. [574.46 --> 575.64] It's not a me thing. [575.70 --> 576.36] It's a we thing. [577.72 --> 579.64] We remind one another [579.64 --> 580.94] to keep our eyes on Jesus [580.94 --> 583.18] because it's so easy to get distracted. [583.86 --> 585.12] And too often in our culture, [585.30 --> 587.70] we make faith an individualistic matter. [587.70 --> 588.60] Well, that, you know, [588.66 --> 589.62] that's my faith. [589.70 --> 591.28] No, this is our faith. [592.88 --> 594.60] This is our faith. [595.50 --> 596.62] We're in this together. [596.62 --> 601.04] And Jesus is honest about the mission. [602.24 --> 604.40] Yeah, there's wolves out there. [604.76 --> 605.54] There's opposition. [605.78 --> 606.48] There's distractions. [606.70 --> 607.48] There's hostility. [608.04 --> 610.20] And sometimes all you can do is try, [610.36 --> 611.94] and you try to share the gospel, [612.20 --> 613.30] and then you walk away [613.30 --> 614.48] because they don't want to hear it, [614.58 --> 615.70] and you shake the dust off. [615.74 --> 617.16] You say, okay, that's the end of that one. [617.62 --> 620.32] But other times you're heard, [620.54 --> 621.62] and somehow you hear the hospitality. [622.42 --> 623.64] Have the meals together. [624.14 --> 625.46] Hang out with each other. [625.46 --> 627.90] With those who don't know Jesus. [628.98 --> 630.16] Have some food. [630.30 --> 631.68] Have some conversations. [633.60 --> 634.60] But sometimes, [635.20 --> 638.38] sometimes you're confronted with genuine evil. [640.52 --> 643.76] And God's power in us [643.76 --> 647.42] is there to overcome that evil. [648.84 --> 653.36] And we read in verse 17 through 20. [653.62 --> 654.86] Let me read it to you once more. [654.86 --> 654.90] Lord. [655.38 --> 657.06] The 72 returned with joy and said, [657.14 --> 659.62] Lord, even demons submit to us in your name. [659.92 --> 660.82] And he replied, [661.18 --> 663.20] I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. [664.42 --> 664.64] Right? [664.68 --> 665.50] And you think, okay. [665.88 --> 668.24] You know, even the demons listen to us. [668.30 --> 668.86] I saw Satan fall. [668.96 --> 670.34] You know, so what's going on here, right? [670.58 --> 671.64] I have given you authority [671.64 --> 673.24] to trample on snakes and scorpions [673.24 --> 675.52] and overcome all the power of the enemy. [675.52 --> 677.20] Nothing will harm you. [678.08 --> 680.32] And when the 72 returned, [680.72 --> 682.98] they're excitedly reported that even the demons [682.98 --> 685.90] were subject to them in Jesus' name. [685.90 --> 688.64] And Jesus says, [689.06 --> 691.20] I saw Satan fall from heaven. [691.20 --> 693.08] And then he says, [693.14 --> 693.96] I've given you authority [693.96 --> 695.90] to tread on snakes and scorpions [695.90 --> 699.16] if indeed they are in your way. [700.20 --> 701.38] Some of you might have heard of [701.38 --> 703.78] groups of Christian people [703.78 --> 705.54] who historically have kind of, [705.76 --> 707.26] they were called snake handlers [707.26 --> 707.80] and they would go, [708.36 --> 709.74] have part of their church services, [709.84 --> 711.24] they'd hold on to snakes on purpose [711.24 --> 712.64] and get bit and poisoned [712.64 --> 714.94] and just as a test of faith. [715.20 --> 717.22] That's not what Jesus is talking about. [718.02 --> 718.84] Jesus isn't saying, [719.06 --> 720.40] well, there's a scorpion. [720.54 --> 721.02] Bite me. [721.22 --> 723.76] You know, that's not what's going on here. [723.86 --> 724.40] Jesus is saying, [724.48 --> 725.84] listen, stuff will happen on the way [725.84 --> 727.28] and I'm with you in it all. [727.98 --> 729.24] That's what's going on here. [731.30 --> 732.30] Jesus says, [732.40 --> 733.90] even in the face of violence, [735.06 --> 736.12] in the face of injustice, [736.68 --> 738.60] evil cannot destroy the one [738.60 --> 740.12] who goes in Jesus' name. [741.06 --> 742.42] Now, you might ask, [742.42 --> 743.60] well, does this mean then [743.60 --> 744.88] that, you know, [744.96 --> 746.06] we won't suffer? [747.28 --> 747.68] No. [748.66 --> 749.90] That's not what it's saying here. [750.16 --> 752.72] It means that God's will will prevail. [753.24 --> 754.32] I mean, if you look at the life [754.32 --> 755.60] of many of the twelve, [756.22 --> 757.10] right, they were martyred. [758.22 --> 758.84] Well, they could have said, [758.88 --> 760.50] well, you said we weren't going to get harmed. [760.66 --> 762.02] That's not what's going on here. [762.54 --> 764.20] God's will will prevail. [765.22 --> 766.64] You will overcome. [768.06 --> 769.98] Matthew 16, 8 says it rather well [769.98 --> 771.24] where Jesus said, [771.24 --> 772.52] I tell you that you are Peter [772.52 --> 773.82] and on this rock, [773.92 --> 775.08] I will build my church [775.08 --> 775.70] and what will happen? [775.70 --> 777.34] And the gates of Hades [777.34 --> 778.52] will not overcome it. [780.12 --> 780.70] Right? [781.36 --> 783.00] The gates of hell [783.00 --> 784.70] will not prevail. [784.70 --> 788.04] that mean I might get hurt sometimes? [788.16 --> 789.40] Yeah, probably. [792.24 --> 793.44] But Jesus will prevail. [794.10 --> 795.40] Jesus is our power. [796.24 --> 796.74] Now, there's, [796.90 --> 798.10] but here in our passage, [798.22 --> 799.40] there's potential danger [799.40 --> 800.36] when they say, [800.60 --> 802.52] even the demons are subject to us, [802.76 --> 804.14] even though they said it was in Jesus' name. [804.36 --> 807.48] They say this as if this was the epitome of power. [807.48 --> 810.12] And you can see why. [812.22 --> 812.52] I mean, [812.62 --> 813.94] if you cast out a demon, [814.04 --> 817.08] that's got to be invigorating [817.08 --> 818.78] in some way. [820.06 --> 820.18] You know, [820.28 --> 820.30] but, [820.52 --> 822.30] and look what happened in the past. [822.50 --> 823.20] Luke 9, [823.70 --> 823.94] right? [824.02 --> 824.70] There's another time [824.70 --> 826.02] when the 12 were there. [826.40 --> 827.56] And a man in the crowd called out, [827.60 --> 827.82] Teacher, [828.12 --> 828.80] I beg you, [828.86 --> 829.60] look at my son [829.60 --> 830.58] for he's my only child. [830.88 --> 832.40] A spirit seizes him, [832.44 --> 832.68] a demon, [832.90 --> 833.98] and he suddenly screams [833.98 --> 835.32] and it throws him into convulsions [835.32 --> 836.34] and he foams at the mouth. [836.72 --> 838.32] It scarcely ever leaves him [838.32 --> 840.00] and is destroying him. [840.26 --> 842.18] I beg your disciples to drive it out, [842.46 --> 844.36] but they could not. [847.44 --> 848.64] And I'm sure some of those guys [848.64 --> 849.04] might have thought, [849.14 --> 849.26] well, here, [849.34 --> 850.54] Jesus is sending us out again. [850.92 --> 851.58] Oh, no. [852.24 --> 852.46] Right? [852.60 --> 852.84] And now, [852.90 --> 854.70] confronted with evil again. [855.00 --> 855.90] And is evil going to now [855.90 --> 857.38] kick our butts again this time? [859.04 --> 859.44] No. [860.00 --> 860.40] No, [860.50 --> 861.28] they're thrilled. [861.36 --> 861.86] And I get it. [862.02 --> 863.58] Now they did it in Jesus' name. [863.58 --> 865.36] And this causes them great joy [865.36 --> 866.86] as is understandable. [867.24 --> 869.14] And Jesus' response is warm, [869.26 --> 870.00] it's affirming, [870.34 --> 871.60] even sharing their joy, [871.94 --> 873.50] even if that joy [873.50 --> 875.46] is somewhat misplaced. [877.32 --> 878.24] And before our Lord [878.24 --> 881.08] seeks to refocus their joy, [881.48 --> 882.46] He informs them [882.46 --> 883.78] that their ability [883.78 --> 884.80] to cast out demons [884.80 --> 887.22] was evidence of a greater matter [887.22 --> 888.44] than they imagined. [889.28 --> 891.78] He brings them back to mission, [892.00 --> 893.24] the ultimate mission. [893.58 --> 894.12] What is that? [894.66 --> 895.36] He says, [895.36 --> 897.76] I saw Satan fall from heaven. [899.34 --> 900.10] Yeah, Satan was in heaven [900.10 --> 900.64] at one time. [902.38 --> 904.52] Jesus has overcome [904.52 --> 906.36] through the cross [906.36 --> 907.80] to defeat evil, [907.98 --> 908.90] to defeat sin, [909.28 --> 911.70] to defeat Satan forever. [913.08 --> 915.22] The 72 had a skirmish. [915.96 --> 917.64] Jesus had come to win the war. [917.64 --> 921.56] The mission is salvation. [923.06 --> 923.60] You found, [924.12 --> 924.78] Jesus is saying, [924.86 --> 926.32] you found joy in this moment. [926.40 --> 927.06] Well, that's good. [927.28 --> 929.18] But you want to go deeper than that. [929.42 --> 931.00] You want forever joy. [931.56 --> 932.48] Then don't rejoice [932.48 --> 933.54] about that demon thing. [933.90 --> 935.46] Rejoice that your names [935.46 --> 936.90] are written in heaven. [936.90 --> 942.20] When was the last time [942.20 --> 943.32] you rejoiced in that? [945.92 --> 950.08] Your names are written in heaven. [952.58 --> 954.12] Does that get your heart pumping? [954.12 --> 958.68] Does that change the way you live? [958.68 --> 961.68] Your names are written [961.68 --> 963.12] in the book of life. [967.34 --> 968.96] We shouldn't lose sight of that. [969.64 --> 972.08] Even casting out a demon [972.08 --> 973.48] isn't proof of one's salvation. [973.60 --> 974.50] Look at Matthew 7. [975.76 --> 976.38] Jesus said, [976.38 --> 978.24] many will say to me [978.24 --> 979.02] on that day, [979.18 --> 979.38] right, [979.46 --> 979.86] at the end of times, [980.12 --> 980.66] Lord, Lord, [980.92 --> 983.10] we did not prophesy [983.10 --> 983.62] in your name. [984.16 --> 985.32] Did we not prophesy [985.32 --> 986.02] in your name [986.02 --> 986.86] and in your name [986.86 --> 987.94] drive out demons [987.94 --> 988.60] and in your name [988.60 --> 989.60] perform many miracles? [990.02 --> 991.00] And Jesus said [991.00 --> 992.04] to them plainly, [992.62 --> 993.52] I never knew you. [993.62 --> 994.18] Away with you, [994.26 --> 994.70] evildoers. [997.60 --> 998.38] So apparently, [999.38 --> 1001.42] this isn't an exact [1001.42 --> 1002.76] proof [1002.76 --> 1005.42] of where their allegiance lies. [1006.38 --> 1009.24] I don't quite understand that. [1010.60 --> 1011.82] But it's what it says. [1013.52 --> 1015.14] It would be easy [1015.14 --> 1017.42] to get caught up in power. [1022.26 --> 1023.66] The church has been guilty [1023.66 --> 1024.92] of that throughout history. [1025.86 --> 1027.38] Getting caught up in politics. [1027.60 --> 1028.84] Getting caught up in power. [1029.74 --> 1031.22] Getting caught up in the human thing. [1031.70 --> 1032.26] And forgetting [1032.26 --> 1033.90] what is the biggest point. [1034.24 --> 1036.02] Your names are written [1036.02 --> 1037.06] in heaven. [1039.06 --> 1041.32] Jesus saved you. [1041.98 --> 1042.50] Why? [1042.84 --> 1045.06] Because you needed saving. [1049.84 --> 1050.70] Instead of, [1051.12 --> 1051.84] look what I can do. [1051.92 --> 1053.26] Look what we can do. [1055.44 --> 1057.26] And then you forget [1057.26 --> 1058.30] about your need [1058.30 --> 1059.44] for salvation through Jesus. [1059.68 --> 1060.54] And God's grace [1060.54 --> 1061.48] ought to be [1061.48 --> 1062.96] your greatest joy. [1064.58 --> 1065.46] Your name [1065.46 --> 1066.34] is written in heaven [1066.34 --> 1067.72] because of Jesus. [1068.74 --> 1069.84] Rejoice in that. [1070.16 --> 1071.36] Stay focused on that [1071.36 --> 1072.56] and then share that. [1074.24 --> 1074.44] You know, [1074.48 --> 1075.44] I've seen churches [1075.44 --> 1077.80] that have had huge fights [1077.80 --> 1078.40] over what color [1078.40 --> 1079.34] the carpet should be. [1079.34 --> 1082.30] I remember growing up [1082.30 --> 1083.34] in the church [1083.34 --> 1083.90] I grew up in [1083.90 --> 1085.36] and there was a big fight [1085.36 --> 1087.18] about a pipe organ [1087.18 --> 1090.40] and who got to play it. [1092.00 --> 1092.44] And suddenly [1092.44 --> 1093.50] it was more about ego [1093.50 --> 1094.80] than it was about worship. [1096.38 --> 1097.20] Or having arguments [1097.20 --> 1097.88] in another church [1097.88 --> 1098.44] where I was at [1098.44 --> 1100.22] about what style of music. [1100.70 --> 1101.92] Or can you have drums? [1102.04 --> 1103.42] Or whatever it might be. [1103.84 --> 1104.12] And you know, [1104.26 --> 1105.38] and you have big fights [1105.38 --> 1106.00] over stuff [1106.00 --> 1106.94] and the focus [1106.94 --> 1108.22] isn't Jesus anymore. [1108.40 --> 1108.84] It isn't. [1109.00 --> 1109.64] It's our egos. [1113.00 --> 1114.06] I've seen pastors [1114.06 --> 1115.58] and every pastor [1115.58 --> 1116.18] who has to fight it [1116.18 --> 1117.78] has to keep their ego [1117.78 --> 1119.08] out of the way. [1119.44 --> 1120.34] I've seen Christians [1120.34 --> 1120.98] who supposedly [1120.98 --> 1121.62] love each other [1121.62 --> 1122.96] fight in ugly ways [1122.96 --> 1123.64] over issues. [1124.66 --> 1125.14] Forgetting [1125.14 --> 1126.56] their names [1126.56 --> 1127.24] and the names [1127.24 --> 1127.68] of the ones [1127.68 --> 1128.72] they're hating on [1128.72 --> 1131.04] are written [1131.04 --> 1131.90] in heaven. [1133.08 --> 1133.94] Like your brothers [1133.94 --> 1134.52] and sisters [1134.52 --> 1135.94] in the saving grace [1135.94 --> 1136.70] of Christ. [1138.12 --> 1138.32] Yeah, [1138.40 --> 1139.26] sometimes we'll disagree. [1143.54 --> 1144.92] This thought, [1145.20 --> 1145.76] and I think that's [1145.76 --> 1146.38] what Jesus was doing [1146.38 --> 1147.02] with the disciples here. [1147.34 --> 1148.76] This ought to keep us [1148.76 --> 1149.18] humble [1149.18 --> 1150.72] and properly focused. [1151.36 --> 1152.82] Our forever relationship [1152.82 --> 1153.48] with God [1153.48 --> 1154.54] is our source [1154.54 --> 1155.58] of true joy. [1156.06 --> 1156.40] That's why [1156.40 --> 1157.44] in Hebrews it says, [1157.54 --> 1158.86] keep your eyes [1158.86 --> 1159.92] on Jesus. [1160.18 --> 1161.08] Not on all these [1161.08 --> 1161.56] other things. [1161.84 --> 1162.48] Keep your eyes [1162.48 --> 1162.90] on Him. [1162.90 --> 1167.36] for the joy [1167.36 --> 1168.14] set before Him [1168.14 --> 1168.94] Jesus endured [1168.94 --> 1169.58] the cross. [1169.90 --> 1170.88] Think about that. [1173.36 --> 1174.72] Saving you [1174.72 --> 1177.40] brought Jesus [1177.40 --> 1178.96] great joy. [1180.84 --> 1181.82] So much so [1181.82 --> 1182.68] that He was willing [1182.68 --> 1183.56] to and had to [1183.56 --> 1184.80] take the cross. [1184.80 --> 1189.98] sometimes I think [1189.98 --> 1190.40] about that, [1190.46 --> 1190.56] right? [1190.64 --> 1190.80] You know, [1191.50 --> 1192.38] if you fell [1192.38 --> 1193.06] into the river [1193.06 --> 1194.90] and you were drowning [1194.90 --> 1195.92] some guy jumped in [1195.92 --> 1196.80] and hauled you out, [1197.18 --> 1198.70] you'd be so grateful. [1199.44 --> 1200.06] Rightly so. [1200.86 --> 1201.90] How grateful [1201.90 --> 1203.06] are you to Jesus [1203.06 --> 1204.62] for saving you [1204.62 --> 1205.56] because it brought [1205.56 --> 1206.76] Him such joy [1206.76 --> 1207.54] to do it? [1207.54 --> 1212.72] We ought to wake up [1212.72 --> 1213.12] every morning [1213.12 --> 1213.62] with a smile [1213.62 --> 1214.18] on our face [1214.18 --> 1215.82] that we're loved [1215.82 --> 1216.38] that much. [1217.84 --> 1218.78] Your name [1218.78 --> 1219.54] is written [1219.54 --> 1221.26] because Jesus [1221.26 --> 1222.48] died for you. [1223.16 --> 1223.30] You know, [1223.38 --> 1223.98] and I was looking [1223.98 --> 1225.72] at that phrase, [1225.84 --> 1226.70] your name's written, [1227.20 --> 1228.10] in a number of places. [1228.42 --> 1229.26] There's a lot of places [1229.26 --> 1229.66] in Scripture. [1230.06 --> 1230.96] Daniel 12, [1231.08 --> 1231.66] it says this, [1232.10 --> 1232.96] at that time Michael, [1233.32 --> 1234.60] the angel, [1235.12 --> 1235.88] the great prince [1235.88 --> 1236.92] who protects your people [1236.92 --> 1237.58] will arise. [1237.64 --> 1238.92] This is Old Testament Daniel. [1239.48 --> 1240.22] There will be a time [1240.22 --> 1240.68] of distress [1240.68 --> 1241.78] such as not happened [1241.78 --> 1242.40] from the beginning [1242.40 --> 1243.44] of the nations [1243.44 --> 1244.04] until then. [1244.36 --> 1245.20] But at that time [1245.20 --> 1245.78] your people, [1246.00 --> 1247.14] everyone whose name [1247.14 --> 1248.14] found written in the book [1248.14 --> 1249.14] will be delivered. [1249.42 --> 1250.38] And you have that picture [1250.38 --> 1252.02] of what is to come. [1253.80 --> 1254.10] Right? [1254.60 --> 1256.10] We read in Philippians 4, [1256.56 --> 1257.76] I like this one [1257.76 --> 1258.90] because Paul's talking [1258.90 --> 1260.74] to ordinary people [1260.74 --> 1262.10] doing ordinary things [1262.10 --> 1263.66] in the church. [1263.98 --> 1264.26] And he said, [1264.32 --> 1265.54] I plead with Judea [1265.54 --> 1266.76] and I plead with, [1266.76 --> 1267.40] and I can't say [1267.40 --> 1267.84] this name, [1267.96 --> 1268.34] Cynthia, [1268.98 --> 1270.42] to be of the same [1270.42 --> 1271.12] mind of the Lord. [1271.22 --> 1272.44] So I guess there was [1272.44 --> 1273.22] some kind of disagreement, [1273.40 --> 1273.58] right? [1273.94 --> 1274.70] Okay, it happens. [1275.54 --> 1276.66] Yes, and I ask you, [1276.74 --> 1277.68] my true companion, [1278.08 --> 1278.96] help these women [1278.96 --> 1280.06] since they have contended [1280.06 --> 1280.76] at my side [1280.76 --> 1282.18] in the cause of the gospel. [1282.28 --> 1282.74] They haven't forgotten [1282.74 --> 1283.10] the mission. [1283.44 --> 1284.28] Along with Clement [1284.28 --> 1285.86] and the rest of my coworkers [1285.86 --> 1287.40] whose names [1287.40 --> 1288.86] are in the book of life. [1288.86 --> 1293.64] And next time you have [1293.64 --> 1294.54] an argument with someone [1294.54 --> 1296.26] particularly in the church context, [1296.58 --> 1297.56] remind yourself [1297.56 --> 1299.44] that person's name [1299.44 --> 1300.22] is written [1300.22 --> 1301.22] in the book of life [1301.22 --> 1302.70] as is yours. [1306.86 --> 1307.70] And then maybe [1307.70 --> 1308.48] it'll shut you up [1308.48 --> 1309.06] once in a while. [1312.48 --> 1313.12] Or at least [1313.12 --> 1314.04] keep you focused [1314.04 --> 1315.04] on the mission. [1315.26 --> 1315.64] What's the mission? [1316.02 --> 1316.46] Salvation. [1321.88 --> 1323.54] When we look at that passage, [1323.68 --> 1324.28] verse 21, [1324.72 --> 1325.50] let me read it to you [1325.50 --> 1326.06] one more time. [1326.46 --> 1327.16] At that time, [1327.28 --> 1327.82] here we go. [1328.12 --> 1328.40] Jesus, [1328.70 --> 1330.02] full of joy [1330.02 --> 1331.24] through the Holy Spirit, [1331.32 --> 1331.44] said, [1331.54 --> 1332.50] I praise you, Father, [1332.60 --> 1333.32] Lord of heaven and earth, [1333.48 --> 1334.38] because you have hidden [1334.38 --> 1334.92] these things [1334.92 --> 1335.84] from the wise and the learned [1335.84 --> 1336.78] and revealed them [1336.78 --> 1337.38] to those children. [1337.68 --> 1338.20] Yes, Father, [1338.28 --> 1338.84] for this is what [1338.84 --> 1340.34] you were pleased to do. [1341.26 --> 1342.28] It's the Father's [1342.28 --> 1343.04] good pleasure [1343.04 --> 1344.06] to accomplish [1344.06 --> 1345.34] his salvation plan [1345.34 --> 1346.44] through his Son. [1346.86 --> 1348.06] The Son makes known [1348.06 --> 1349.12] the Father to men. [1350.28 --> 1351.22] That's why Jesus says [1351.22 --> 1352.10] in Scripture, right, [1352.22 --> 1353.08] I am the way, [1353.32 --> 1353.74] the truth, [1353.84 --> 1354.14] the life. [1354.40 --> 1355.76] No one comes to the Father [1355.76 --> 1357.68] except through me. [1361.40 --> 1362.36] That's the path. [1365.62 --> 1367.32] And isn't it incredible [1367.32 --> 1369.16] that Jesus and the Father [1369.16 --> 1370.08] share joy [1370.08 --> 1371.58] in saving us? [1371.58 --> 1374.44] it's not just, [1374.56 --> 1374.96] okay, [1375.06 --> 1375.80] I guess somebody's [1375.80 --> 1376.62] got to save him. [1379.08 --> 1379.42] No, [1379.52 --> 1382.38] it's the whole point. [1382.38 --> 1382.40] It's the whole point. [1389.30 --> 1391.22] Jesus finds joy [1391.22 --> 1392.32] in pleasing the Father, [1393.06 --> 1393.68] in living out [1393.68 --> 1394.88] his good and perfect will, [1395.50 --> 1396.22] in carrying out [1396.22 --> 1396.66] the mission [1396.66 --> 1397.60] to save men [1397.60 --> 1398.76] through himself. [1398.76 --> 1400.36] That's why we read, [1400.44 --> 1401.58] for God so loved the world [1401.58 --> 1402.26] that he gave [1402.26 --> 1403.02] his only Son. [1403.82 --> 1404.54] The disciples [1404.54 --> 1405.32] were to find [1405.32 --> 1406.50] their ultimate joy [1406.50 --> 1408.62] in God's plan [1408.62 --> 1409.20] and will. [1414.86 --> 1415.70] And they are, [1415.76 --> 1416.98] and they are with Jesus, [1417.14 --> 1417.28] right? [1417.66 --> 1418.50] I have some picture, [1418.74 --> 1419.62] envy them in that. [1419.94 --> 1420.58] They are with Jesus [1420.58 --> 1421.08] physically, [1421.58 --> 1422.14] the Son, [1422.24 --> 1422.64] the Messiah, [1422.86 --> 1423.90] who sends them out [1423.90 --> 1424.54] two by two [1424.54 --> 1425.82] with nothing but himself [1425.82 --> 1426.56] and his power. [1427.16 --> 1428.58] And many wise [1428.58 --> 1429.50] and learned ones [1429.50 --> 1430.36] can't see this. [1430.44 --> 1431.48] And it's not a knock [1431.48 --> 1432.04] on education [1432.04 --> 1432.74] or anything like that. [1433.00 --> 1433.80] What this is a knock [1433.80 --> 1434.86] on that passage, [1435.28 --> 1436.04] the wise and learned, [1436.46 --> 1437.60] is they can't see [1437.60 --> 1438.70] their need [1438.70 --> 1439.60] to be saved [1439.60 --> 1440.82] because they're too busy [1440.82 --> 1442.38] saving themselves. [1444.14 --> 1444.80] That's what it's [1444.80 --> 1445.36] talking about. [1446.50 --> 1447.60] I run the show, [1448.96 --> 1449.56] and salvation [1449.56 --> 1450.78] is about you surrendering. [1450.78 --> 1454.64] Not on your own terms. [1455.24 --> 1456.36] Keep your eyes [1456.36 --> 1456.78] on Jesus [1456.78 --> 1457.48] and his salvation, [1457.74 --> 1458.38] and then live out [1458.38 --> 1459.62] the call on your life. [1460.32 --> 1461.52] As you parent, [1461.78 --> 1462.46] keep that in mind. [1462.62 --> 1463.72] As you are at work, [1463.80 --> 1464.44] as you relate [1464.44 --> 1465.10] with one another, [1465.46 --> 1466.76] as you remember [1466.76 --> 1468.86] that you need each other [1468.86 --> 1470.14] to keep focused [1470.14 --> 1470.76] on the mission [1470.76 --> 1472.04] and on Jesus' [1472.20 --> 1472.82] saving power. [1473.22 --> 1473.94] Our joy [1473.94 --> 1475.04] is being subject [1475.04 --> 1475.88] to Jesus, [1476.20 --> 1476.88] to his will, [1477.04 --> 1477.90] to his control. [1478.12 --> 1479.20] That goes against [1479.20 --> 1481.24] our own sinful nature. [1481.60 --> 1483.42] We don't like surrender. [1486.78 --> 1487.94] That's the only path. [1489.38 --> 1491.10] That's when Paul writes too, [1491.18 --> 1492.66] he wrote in Philippians, [1492.76 --> 1494.00] being confident in this, [1494.08 --> 1494.74] that he who began [1494.74 --> 1495.30] a good work in you [1495.30 --> 1496.08] will complete it. [1497.74 --> 1498.00] Right? [1501.40 --> 1502.26] God finishes [1502.26 --> 1502.84] what he starts. [1503.46 --> 1504.80] He chose you and I [1504.80 --> 1505.74] long before we ever [1505.74 --> 1506.38] chose him. [1507.74 --> 1509.18] Bring himself [1509.18 --> 1510.38] salvation through the cross [1510.38 --> 1512.12] and it is through Jesus [1512.12 --> 1513.08] that salvation [1513.08 --> 1515.30] will be completed. [1516.72 --> 1517.72] Because sometimes, [1518.00 --> 1519.18] maybe you're the same way, [1519.62 --> 1521.04] sometimes I'm not feeling it. [1525.28 --> 1526.36] Yet I need to live [1526.36 --> 1527.36] in the truth of it. [1528.62 --> 1529.60] I can't always trust [1529.60 --> 1530.28] the way I feel. [1532.92 --> 1533.32] Right? [1534.08 --> 1535.16] Sometimes I need to say [1535.16 --> 1536.06] I trust God [1536.06 --> 1536.88] in spite of, [1536.88 --> 1537.64] and maybe you do [1537.64 --> 1538.64] in spite of this, [1538.74 --> 1539.34] in spite of that, [1539.60 --> 1540.60] in spite of the circumstance, [1540.90 --> 1541.28] in spite of, [1541.34 --> 1541.74] in spite of, [1541.76 --> 1542.28] in spite of. [1543.50 --> 1544.28] So whatever [1544.28 --> 1545.18] distracts you, [1545.28 --> 1545.72] and there's plenty [1545.72 --> 1546.50] to distract, [1547.88 --> 1548.68] keep your eyes [1548.68 --> 1549.46] focused on Jesus. [1549.84 --> 1550.82] In the midst of suffering, [1550.94 --> 1551.06] yeah. [1551.66 --> 1552.06] Addiction, [1552.20 --> 1552.34] yeah. [1552.54 --> 1552.86] Ego, [1553.16 --> 1553.46] fear, [1553.68 --> 1554.10] anxiety, [1554.50 --> 1554.94] problems, [1555.12 --> 1555.50] issues, [1555.70 --> 1555.98] sin, [1556.80 --> 1557.70] casting out demons. [1558.10 --> 1559.32] Let your focus [1559.32 --> 1560.58] always be [1560.58 --> 1561.22] Jesus. [1561.22 --> 1561.34] Jesus. [1564.44 --> 1565.20] I thought I'd [1565.20 --> 1566.54] kind of conclude [1566.54 --> 1569.08] with a passage [1569.08 --> 1570.52] out of Psalm 51 [1570.52 --> 1571.14] since I was reading [1571.14 --> 1571.96] the Psalms this summer. [1573.64 --> 1575.36] And King David, [1576.02 --> 1576.30] right, [1576.66 --> 1577.68] Scripture describes him [1577.68 --> 1579.12] as a man after God's own heart. [1579.84 --> 1580.88] What a wonderful thing [1580.88 --> 1582.36] that's said of you. [1583.44 --> 1583.72] And yet, [1583.84 --> 1584.48] here he is, [1585.38 --> 1585.58] caught, [1585.74 --> 1585.92] you know, [1585.98 --> 1587.08] he committed adultery, [1587.08 --> 1588.74] and he murdered [1588.74 --> 1590.02] somebody there [1590.02 --> 1591.22] in that process. [1591.98 --> 1592.86] And he writes this, [1592.90 --> 1593.64] and look at it with me. [1594.64 --> 1595.54] See where his eyes [1595.54 --> 1595.98] are focused. [1596.50 --> 1597.64] Have mercy on me, [1597.68 --> 1598.06] O God, [1598.12 --> 1598.70] according to your [1598.70 --> 1599.52] unfailing love, [1599.76 --> 1600.42] according to your [1600.42 --> 1601.16] great compassion. [1601.52 --> 1602.88] Blot out my transgressions. [1603.14 --> 1604.42] Wash away all my iniquity. [1604.78 --> 1606.10] Cleanse me from my sin. [1606.44 --> 1607.54] Cleanse me with hyssop [1607.54 --> 1608.74] and I will be clean. [1609.06 --> 1609.54] Wash me [1609.54 --> 1610.86] and I'll be whiter than snow. [1611.32 --> 1612.22] And here's the joy thing. [1612.48 --> 1614.58] Let me hear joy and gladness. [1614.82 --> 1615.66] Let the bones [1615.66 --> 1616.52] you have crushed [1616.52 --> 1617.06] rejoice. [1617.72 --> 1618.54] Hide your face [1618.54 --> 1619.30] from my sins [1619.30 --> 1620.62] and blot out all my iniquity. [1621.36 --> 1622.06] Create in me [1622.06 --> 1622.64] a pure heart, [1622.72 --> 1623.08] O God. [1624.00 --> 1625.48] Renew a steadfast spirit [1625.48 --> 1626.02] within me. [1626.62 --> 1627.64] Don't cast me [1627.64 --> 1628.84] from your presence [1628.84 --> 1629.64] or take your spirit [1629.64 --> 1630.24] from me. [1630.86 --> 1631.36] And then this, [1632.26 --> 1633.38] restore to me [1633.38 --> 1635.78] the joy of your salvation. [1638.70 --> 1639.66] Even in spite [1639.66 --> 1641.48] of those horrific failures [1641.48 --> 1642.16] David had, [1643.26 --> 1643.92] his joy [1643.92 --> 1645.06] is found [1645.06 --> 1646.36] in his salvation. [1646.36 --> 1648.24] in what God [1648.24 --> 1649.08] has done. [1649.42 --> 1650.26] Our brokenness [1650.26 --> 1651.28] can distract us, [1651.64 --> 1652.52] change our focus [1652.52 --> 1653.38] off of Jesus [1653.38 --> 1654.48] onto the problems [1654.48 --> 1655.22] that don't save us. [1655.42 --> 1656.28] They can rob us [1656.28 --> 1656.88] of joy. [1657.32 --> 1658.34] We focus on failure. [1658.54 --> 1659.56] We focus on guilt. [1659.82 --> 1660.84] And in some weird way [1660.84 --> 1661.96] it turns us inward [1661.96 --> 1662.70] to ourselves. [1663.04 --> 1663.66] And suddenly [1663.66 --> 1664.42] we're no longer [1664.42 --> 1665.22] feeling secure. [1665.38 --> 1666.02] Well, no wonder. [1666.88 --> 1667.56] And we're like [1667.56 --> 1669.14] those disciples [1669.14 --> 1671.28] who had cast out demons [1671.28 --> 1672.34] and made that the point [1672.34 --> 1673.10] and Jesus said, [1673.20 --> 1674.30] I don't know you. [1676.84 --> 1677.84] I don't know you. [1677.92 --> 1678.20] Why? [1678.62 --> 1679.56] Because you're not [1679.56 --> 1680.60] following me. [1683.66 --> 1684.64] You're not following [1684.64 --> 1685.02] Jesus, [1685.16 --> 1685.88] the one who saw [1685.88 --> 1687.04] and caused Satan [1687.04 --> 1688.24] to fall. [1689.40 --> 1690.46] He gets forgotten [1690.46 --> 1691.40] in the process. [1692.60 --> 1693.42] Jesus is the only [1693.42 --> 1694.54] secure place to be. [1694.54 --> 1695.60] The only source [1695.60 --> 1697.06] of true joy. [1698.04 --> 1698.74] And he says, [1699.08 --> 1700.86] bring your faith [1700.86 --> 1701.30] in me [1701.30 --> 1702.70] and I'll provide [1702.70 --> 1703.46] all you need [1703.46 --> 1705.00] even in the face [1705.00 --> 1705.90] of all the wolves [1705.90 --> 1706.56] around you. [1707.80 --> 1708.36] And he says, [1708.44 --> 1709.44] so little lambs, [1709.48 --> 1709.94] how many of you [1709.94 --> 1710.70] like being called [1710.70 --> 1711.30] little lamb? [1713.50 --> 1714.22] Especially some [1714.22 --> 1714.74] of you guys. [1716.50 --> 1716.80] He says, [1716.84 --> 1717.62] little lambs, [1718.08 --> 1718.70] you're amongst [1718.70 --> 1719.20] the wolves [1719.20 --> 1719.90] but you're safe. [1719.90 --> 1720.12] Why? [1720.28 --> 1720.94] Because I'm with you. [1722.32 --> 1723.16] And then together [1723.16 --> 1724.98] we as lambs [1724.98 --> 1725.96] we go forth [1725.96 --> 1726.54] and we proclaim [1726.54 --> 1727.72] salvation through Jesus. [1728.14 --> 1729.30] But we don't forget [1729.30 --> 1730.72] and look at Matthew 9. [1731.52 --> 1732.24] When Jesus saw [1732.24 --> 1732.92] the crowds, [1733.38 --> 1734.26] he had compassion [1734.26 --> 1734.72] on them [1734.72 --> 1735.84] because they were [1735.84 --> 1737.46] harassed and helpless [1737.46 --> 1738.16] and here we go, [1738.48 --> 1739.22] like sheep [1739.22 --> 1740.32] without a shepherd. [1741.60 --> 1742.30] And then he said [1742.30 --> 1742.86] to his disciples, [1743.00 --> 1743.66] and he said it [1743.66 --> 1744.20] in this passage [1744.20 --> 1744.98] we read out of Luke, [1745.32 --> 1746.36] the harvest is plentiful [1746.36 --> 1747.00] but the workers [1747.00 --> 1748.24] are few. [1750.04 --> 1751.02] We lambs [1751.02 --> 1752.00] are secure [1752.00 --> 1752.62] in Jesus [1752.62 --> 1754.36] but there are so many [1754.36 --> 1755.16] who are aimless [1755.16 --> 1756.78] and helpless lambs [1756.78 --> 1758.24] in need of Jesus [1758.24 --> 1759.04] the good shepherd. [1760.00 --> 1761.02] They need his saving. [1762.34 --> 1763.34] And when you come [1763.34 --> 1764.90] to a town [1764.90 --> 1765.38] or you come [1765.38 --> 1765.92] to a people, [1766.02 --> 1766.68] when you come [1766.68 --> 1767.40] to someone, [1767.92 --> 1768.14] yeah, [1768.90 --> 1769.72] look for opportunities [1769.72 --> 1770.34] to eat with them. [1771.70 --> 1772.54] Seek hospitality. [1772.98 --> 1773.56] Help those [1773.56 --> 1774.26] who are struggling [1774.26 --> 1776.28] and say to them, [1777.18 --> 1778.32] the kingdom of God [1778.32 --> 1779.08] has come near [1779.08 --> 1780.00] to you. [1782.06 --> 1783.52] And then rejoice. [1783.84 --> 1784.42] Rejoice in what? [1784.76 --> 1785.54] Rejoice because [1785.54 --> 1786.82] Jesus has saved you [1786.82 --> 1788.16] and he has saved us [1788.16 --> 1789.30] and in that [1789.30 --> 1790.26] we are sent out [1790.26 --> 1791.56] in his mighty name [1791.56 --> 1793.64] to find those lambs [1793.64 --> 1795.56] who are running aimless [1795.56 --> 1796.46] and without a shepherd. [1796.46 --> 1796.56] Lord, [1797.10 --> 1798.16] let's pray. [1801.26 --> 1802.04] Lord God, [1802.10 --> 1803.02] we thank you so much [1803.02 --> 1805.00] for calling us, [1806.00 --> 1808.20] calling us [1808.20 --> 1808.84] to be part [1808.84 --> 1809.78] of your mission. [1811.10 --> 1811.62] Lord, [1811.70 --> 1812.20] might we [1812.20 --> 1813.94] keep our focus [1813.94 --> 1814.48] on you [1814.48 --> 1815.16] and you alone. [1815.84 --> 1816.50] Might we find [1816.50 --> 1817.32] great joy [1817.32 --> 1818.08] in the knowledge [1818.08 --> 1819.08] that you love us, [1819.44 --> 1820.48] that you saved us [1820.48 --> 1821.94] and then invite others [1821.94 --> 1823.20] into that beauty [1823.20 --> 1823.64] as well. [1824.64 --> 1825.26] We pray, [1825.44 --> 1825.82] Lord, [1825.94 --> 1826.46] for those [1826.46 --> 1827.28] who we know [1827.28 --> 1828.80] who don't know you. [1829.84 --> 1830.50] We pray that [1830.50 --> 1831.28] you might open [1831.28 --> 1831.82] some doors [1831.82 --> 1832.54] so that we might [1832.54 --> 1833.48] touch their lives. [1833.88 --> 1834.60] We pray that [1834.60 --> 1835.14] this church [1835.14 --> 1835.86] will be a place [1835.86 --> 1837.08] that welcomes [1837.08 --> 1838.28] and is open [1838.28 --> 1838.82] to those [1838.82 --> 1839.48] who are searching, [1839.78 --> 1840.62] who are running aimless [1840.62 --> 1841.76] and that they might [1841.76 --> 1842.90] find you. [1843.66 --> 1844.36] Lord Jesus, [1844.52 --> 1845.18] we thank you [1845.18 --> 1845.94] that you have [1845.94 --> 1846.70] overcome Satan [1846.70 --> 1848.60] and that you invite us [1848.60 --> 1849.84] into the battle [1849.84 --> 1851.44] but knowing full well [1851.44 --> 1852.46] that you have won the war [1852.46 --> 1853.60] in Jesus' name. [1853.64 --> 1854.28] Amen.