[0.00 --> 2.00] . [30.00 --> 32.00] . [60.00 --> 62.00] . [90.00 --> 92.00] . [120.00 --> 122.00] . [122.00 --> 124.00] . [124.00 --> 126.00] . [126.00 --> 128.00] . [128.00 --> 130.00] . [131.26 --> 137.00] . [137.00 --> 141.00] . [141.00 --> 143.00] . [143.00 --> 145.00] . [145.00 --> 147.00] . [147.00 --> 149.00] . [149.00 --> 149.50] . [149.50 --> 179.48] Thank you. [179.50 --> 209.48] Thank you. [209.50 --> 211.50] Thank you. [239.50 --> 241.50] Thank you. [269.50 --> 271.50] Thank you. [271.50 --> 273.50] Thank you. [301.50 --> 303.50] Thank you. [331.50 --> 333.50] Thank you. [333.50 --> 335.50] Thank you. [335.50 --> 337.50] Thank you. [337.50 --> 339.50] Thank you. [339.50 --> 365.30] I want you as you are not as you ought to be [365.30 --> 370.24] Won't you lay down your guard and come to me [370.24 --> 375.90] The shame that grips you now is crippling [375.90 --> 381.26] It breaks my heart to see you suffering [381.26 --> 384.74] Cause I am for you [384.74 --> 388.64] I'm not against you [388.64 --> 394.02] If you wanna know how far my love can go [394.02 --> 397.60] Just how deep, just how wide [397.60 --> 401.50] If you wanna see how much you mean to me [401.50 --> 405.28] Look at my hands, look at my side [405.28 --> 410.50] If you could count the times that day you are forgiven [410.50 --> 413.98] It's more than the drops in the ocean [413.98 --> 425.66] Don't think you need to settle for a substitute [425.66 --> 431.14] When I'm the only love that changes you [431.14 --> 433.86] And I am for you [433.86 --> 437.88] I'm not against you [437.88 --> 441.54] I am for you [441.54 --> 445.12] I'm not against you [445.12 --> 447.12] I'm not against you [447.12 --> 451.02] If you wanna know how far my love can go [451.02 --> 454.60] Just how deep, just how wide [454.60 --> 458.50] If you wanna see how much you mean to me [458.50 --> 462.28] Look at my hands, look at my side [462.28 --> 467.86] If you could count the times that day you are forgiven [467.86 --> 471.34] More than the drops in the ocean [471.34 --> 474.82] Open your heart [474.82 --> 477.82] It's time that we start again [477.82 --> 482.56] Open your heart, it's time that we start again [482.56 --> 490.10] Open your heart, it's time that we start again [490.10 --> 496.08] If you wanna know how far my love can go [496.08 --> 499.28] Just how deep, just how wide [499.28 --> 503.54] If you wanna see how much you mean to me [503.54 --> 506.86] Look at my hands, look at my side [506.86 --> 512.52] If you could count the times that day you are forgiven [512.52 --> 515.82] It's more than the drops in the ocean [515.82 --> 524.10] The drops in the ocean [524.10 --> 532.14] I am for you [532.14 --> 536.34] I'm not against you [536.34 --> 539.74] I am for you [539.74 --> 543.92] I'm not against you [545.82 --> 553.80] Can an extent [554.02 --> 555.06] Agh [555.06 --> 556.02] S ship [556.02 --> 556.74] G [556.74 --> 557.30] Day [557.30 --> 557.66] And [557.66 --> 558.16] Still [558.16 --> 558.86] Again [558.86 --> 562.82] That limitation [562.82 --> 563.02] S ship [564.76 --> 565.98] añ [565.98 --> 566.36] Pole [566.36 --> 569.06] Ang [569.06 --> 569.76] G [570.92 --> 571.12] Ch [571.12 --> 572.06] Sl [572.06 --> 572.64] ob [572.64 --> 573.12] cellphone [573.12 --> 575.20] en [575.20 --> 584.80] tried but never arrived i'm telling you something this racing this running oh you're working way [584.80 --> 591.04] too hard and this perfection you're chasing just energy wasted [591.04 --> 607.98] good morning welcome to worship we are so glad for the chance to gather together as a church family [607.98 --> 613.46] and to worship our god if you're visiting with us or if you're joining us online for the first time [613.46 --> 620.22] my name is chris i'm one of the pastors on staff here and it's our pleasure to lead you [620.22 --> 625.82] in worship this morning before we begin in earnest there's a couple announcements that [625.82 --> 633.96] need to be made first of all a number of you actually so many of you have responded [633.96 --> 643.90] in extraordinary ways to the fundraiser that the gems girls are doing they have sold over 600 [643.90 --> 656.00] jars of cookie recipes yeah that's amazing um but if i remember correctly that means we need 30 more [656.00 --> 658.18] dozen jars [658.18 --> 668.02] did i stress the anxiousness of the planners a little bit enough in there so if you are able to help [668.02 --> 676.16] provide uh court-sized jars um we asked originally for wide mouth uh we may have cleaned langley out of [676.16 --> 683.72] wide mouth court-sized jars so we're adjusting if you're able to provide a dozen or so or however many [683.72 --> 692.12] you can of those please do so before this wednesday and then maybe connect with rachel and nikki ladies [692.12 --> 696.54] can you raise your hands there you go connect with them tell them that you're able to do that [696.54 --> 705.32] so that they know exactly how many they might need to buy to fill up the missing number as well [705.32 --> 711.90] if you are able to help with the setup or the assembly that the gems girls are going to do that's [711.90 --> 717.88] going to happen on december 1st which is the thursday night of gems they're going to put all those [717.88 --> 724.34] recipes together rachel and i did the math uh we think we need over 80 kilograms of flour for [724.34 --> 729.86] instance that has to be like sifted and separated and so it's it's going to be a thing and they need [729.86 --> 735.92] some help and so again please talk to rachel and nikki if that's something that you can do [735.92 --> 738.72] rachel and nikki did i say everything [738.72 --> 748.20] just help please just help and then also thank you that's amazing and it's awesome to [748.20 --> 754.64] see the gems girls supported in that way as well i want to bring your attention to [754.64 --> 764.62] the not a new thing but a renewed thing we are restarting relaunching prayer ministry here [764.62 --> 770.54] to take place during worship to have people available for someone to go back and connect [770.54 --> 776.64] in prayer and during lord's supper to have people available for that and so we are currently working [776.64 --> 783.80] on surrounding the leader arlene has agreed to be the leader there and surrounding her with a team [783.80 --> 788.00] of people we've reached out to a number already but if that's something that you are interested in [788.00 --> 794.66] participating in the commitment is once every couple months if we get a big enough team in there [794.66 --> 799.86] and then you just sort of hang out and let people approach you and you pray with them you meet with [799.86 --> 805.12] them in their need we're really excited about the opportunity to relaunch this here in our midst and so [805.12 --> 810.76] if that's something that you are interested in participating in grab me or talk to arlene arlene are you [810.76 --> 820.22] here somewhere not yet she's at the bridge right there you go so talk to me or email myself or arlene [820.22 --> 827.32] roarsma on that additionally at the back there's a sign up for the women's christmas event that's [827.32 --> 832.82] happening on december 9th you can get to that table sign up there you can also sign up to set a table [832.82 --> 838.36] which is apparently a thing i don't fully understand but the details are available at the back you can grab [838.36 --> 844.60] some of the women that are there they will explain it and then lastly for the last number of weeks [844.60 --> 852.28] and months we've noticed and experienced a lot of guests in our midst a lot of people checking us out [852.28 --> 858.58] for the first time or coming back regularly and so we wanted to welcome you and offer you a chance to [858.58 --> 865.00] connect more formally and in covenant relationship with us and so beginning on december 5th we're going [865.00 --> 871.88] to run a new members class and so i just want to encourage you if you are new to our fellowship or [871.88 --> 878.04] if you've been checking us out we want to connect with you and draw you into our church family together [878.04 --> 883.36] and so december 5th will be a new members class where you can ask any questions we can sort of outline [883.36 --> 890.12] what this looks like to covenant together to partner together in our ministry with god in the community [890.12 --> 895.88] here and so if you have any questions about that you can also grab me after the service i believe [895.88 --> 901.24] those are the announcements that i have been given and so i'm going to invite you as you are able to [901.24 --> 908.84] stand oh one more safe church thank you so you can stand because it's time to stretch anyway maybe [908.84 --> 917.72] on november 29 there is a another safe church abuse prevention training we have done two of these [917.72 --> 923.32] already back in october we really do need all of our volunteers to have gone through this training [923.32 --> 929.40] and so if you were unable to attend on the previous ones which were on monday this one is on tuesday [929.96 --> 937.88] for adjusting schedules and so on november 29 which is a tuesday there's a training here you can grab [937.88 --> 943.16] whether marguerite or others on the safe church team and ask them questions there's also been a thing in the [943.16 --> 953.48] church bulletin there so thank you for that anyone else it's dangerous time all right we gather in the [953.48 --> 962.44] presence of our god who gathers us into himself and we mark that gathering with his blessing receive the [962.44 --> 972.84] blessing of god grace mercy and peace to you from god our father from the lord jesus christ through the [972.84 --> 980.76] presence and power of the holy spirit amen i'm going to invite you to just turn to those around you [980.76 --> 986.44] and welcome them into worship you can do that with a fist bump or a handshake just make eye contact and [986.44 --> 987.48] discern what's appropriate [991.32 --> 992.36] morning peace of christ [995.08 --> 996.12] morning peace of christ [1002.84 --> 1032.52] good morning psalm 89 verses 5 to 8 we read the heavens praise your wonders lord your faithfulness too in the [1032.52 --> 1037.00] assembly of the assembly of the holy ones for who in the skies above can compare with the lord [1037.56 --> 1044.20] who is like the lord among the heavenly beings in the council of the holy ones god is greatly feared [1044.20 --> 1049.88] he is more awesome than all who surround him who is like you lord god almighty [1053.32 --> 1053.72] father [1053.72 --> 1063.16] help us join with all of creation in praise and worship as we stand in awe of you [1064.76 --> 1069.56] by your spirit open our eyes to see your everlasting love and faithfulness [1071.00 --> 1074.52] who is like you oh lord amen [1074.52 --> 1083.80] enter [1083.80 --> 1084.80] Amen. [1113.80 --> 1115.80] Amen. [1143.80 --> 1145.80] Amen. [1173.80 --> 1175.80] Amen. [1203.80 --> 1205.80] Amen. [1233.80 --> 1235.80] Amen. [1263.80 --> 1265.80] Amen. [1293.80 --> 1295.80] Amen. [1323.80 --> 1325.80] Amen. [1353.80 --> 1355.80] Amen. [1383.80 --> 1385.80] Amen. [1413.80 --> 1415.80] Amen. [1443.80 --> 1460.32] You are holy, holy, Lord of heaven and blue, Lord of heaven and blue. [1460.32 --> 1463.12] and [1476.80 --> 1483.12] us [1483.12 --> 1489.92] You are holy, holy [1489.92 --> 1494.80] Yes, you are in your heart to me [1494.80 --> 1501.34] You are holy, holy [1501.34 --> 1513.10] You are holy, holy [1513.12 --> 1524.12] You are holy, holy [1524.12 --> 1528.18] Heaven and heaven [1528.18 --> 1535.12] Lord of heaven and heaven [1543.12 --> 1546.46] Our confession comes to us this morning from Proverbs 30 [1546.46 --> 1550.28] Where it says, two things I ask of you, Lord [1550.28 --> 1552.86] Do not refuse me before I die [1552.86 --> 1556.74] Keep falsehood and lies far from me [1556.74 --> 1559.84] Give me neither poverty nor riches [1559.84 --> 1562.48] But give me only my daily bread [1562.48 --> 1566.22] Otherwise I may have too much and disown you [1566.22 --> 1567.80] And say, who is the Lord? [1568.88 --> 1570.90] Or I may become poor and steal [1570.90 --> 1573.38] And so dishonor the name of my God [1573.38 --> 1577.84] You know, if I'm honest with myself [1577.84 --> 1581.12] Asking God for neither poverty or riches scares me [1581.12 --> 1584.10] I know in my head it's the right answer [1584.10 --> 1585.42] And it's the right thing to say [1585.42 --> 1589.78] But my old self wants more than my daily needs [1589.78 --> 1591.58] I want to be comfortable [1591.58 --> 1594.78] I want comfort to be important, right? [1596.20 --> 1597.82] When I hear myself saying that [1597.82 --> 1600.78] I recognize that pursuing life's comforts [1601.44 --> 1603.74] Making that my passion [1603.74 --> 1605.90] Could lead me away from the Lord [1605.90 --> 1608.64] Replacing him as the center of my life [1608.64 --> 1609.88] Let's pray [1609.88 --> 1614.04] Father [1614.04 --> 1618.52] Forgive our inclination to be selfish [1618.52 --> 1621.20] And to want more for ourselves [1621.20 --> 1624.26] Forgive us for trying to manipulate you [1624.26 --> 1626.54] Into doing our bidding for our comfort [1626.54 --> 1631.16] Lord, take your rightful place in our lives [1631.16 --> 1633.22] And teach us to be content [1633.22 --> 1637.98] Help us to enjoy resting in what you daily provide us [1637.98 --> 1640.62] Captivate us with your beauty [1640.62 --> 1644.46] May your glory shine as we continue to worship you today [1644.46 --> 1645.58] Amen [1645.58 --> 1649.20] Rise and sing this last song [1649.20 --> 1651.68] Beverly Hills, Musicbee Ho satt alone [1651.68 --> 1654.20] Glory, Naomi, Holy, Holy [1654.20 --> 1657.10] Holy, Holyer, God, Almighty [1657.10 --> 1663.78] Dude, Rabbi Joyce [1663.78 --> 1664.04] Holy, Holy, Holy [1664.04 --> 1669.70] Holy, Holy準, Holy Sunday [1669.70 --> 1678.40] Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty [1678.40 --> 1684.02] Early in the morning [1684.02 --> 1688.74] God's song shall rise to thee [1688.74 --> 1695.26] Holy, holy, holy [1695.26 --> 1701.10] Mercy bold and mighty [1701.10 --> 1710.56] God in three birds of blessed Trinity [1710.56 --> 1717.82] Holy, holy, holy [1717.82 --> 1724.24] All the saints adore thee [1724.24 --> 1730.08] Routing down their golden crowns [1730.08 --> 1734.08] Around the glassy sea [1734.08 --> 1741.28] Share of him and share of him [1741.28 --> 1746.08] Falling down before thee [1746.08 --> 1750.92] Blue, word and heart [1750.92 --> 1755.92] And evermore shall be [1755.92 --> 1762.92] Holy, holy, holy [1762.92 --> 1768.76] Though the darkness hide thee [1768.76 --> 1772.76] Though the eye made blind [1772.76 --> 1778.76] By sin thy glory may not see [1778.76 --> 1786.60] Only thou art holy [1786.60 --> 1791.60] There is none beside thee [1791.60 --> 1796.60] Perfect in power [1796.60 --> 1802.44] In love and purity [1802.44 --> 1804.44] In love and purity [1804.44 --> 1806.44] In love and purity [1806.44 --> 1810.28] Holy, holy, holy [1810.28 --> 1814.28] Lord God Almighty [1814.28 --> 1816.28] All thy thanks shall praise thy name [1816.28 --> 1818.28] In earth and sky and sea [1818.28 --> 1828.12] Lord shall praise thy name [1828.12 --> 1830.12] Lord shall praise thy name [1830.12 --> 1832.12] In earth and sky and sea [1832.12 --> 1833.96] Holy, holy, holy [1833.96 --> 1834.96] Lord shall praise thy name [1834.96 --> 1837.96] Lord shall praise thy name [1837.96 --> 1839.96] All thy thanks shall praise thy name [1839.96 --> 1841.96] Lord shall praise thy name [1841.96 --> 1855.36] Jesus Thee, blessed and bao'li pigwi 19807 [1871.96 --> 1892.44] Worthy is the Lamb of the Slave [1892.44 --> 1895.80] Holy, holy is He [1895.80 --> 1905.32] Sing a new song to Him the same song [1905.32 --> 1909.28] Heaven's mercy sing [1909.28 --> 1917.28] Worthy is the Lamb of the Slave [1917.28 --> 1922.00] Holy, holy is He [1922.00 --> 1930.80] Sing a new song to Him who sings on [1930.80 --> 1934.52] Heaven's mercy sing [1934.52 --> 1942.98] Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty [1942.98 --> 1947.78] Was and is and is to come [1947.78 --> 1952.72] With all creation I sing [1952.72 --> 1955.36] Praise to the King and King [1955.36 --> 1958.40] You are my everything [1958.40 --> 1961.46] And I will adore You [1961.46 --> 1979.54] Oh, good rainbow, baby color [1979.54 --> 1984.26] Flashes of lightning close the thunder [1984.26 --> 1990.20] Blessing and honor, strength and glory [1990.20 --> 1996.94] Empower me to You the only wise me [1996.94 --> 2003.98] Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty [2003.98 --> 2008.78] Was and is and is to come [2008.78 --> 2013.58] All creation I sing [2013.58 --> 2016.10] Praise to the King and King [2016.10 --> 2018.86] You are my everything [2018.86 --> 2021.66] And I will adore You [2021.66 --> 2037.40] Filled with wonder [2037.40 --> 2040.14] Awestruck wonder [2040.14 --> 2045.34] At the mention of Your name [2045.34 --> 2047.22] Here to leant you [2047.22 --> 2047.30] Pší in the weary [2047.30 --> 2049.08] mandato [2049.08 --> 2050.08] Have your face [2050.08 --> 2052.34] You take His power [2052.34 --> 2054.02] Breath of the ill Abi [2054.02 --> 2054.46] 辛me [2054.46 --> 2055.48] In the existent [2055.48 --> 2055.88] Of the kingdom of the Holy [2055.88 --> 2056.82] dump [2056.82 --> 2058.32] cribing [2058.32 --> 2059.46] You'll [2059.46 --> 2070.40] Czy bag [2070.40 --> 2071.50] give His power [2071.50 --> 2072.52] God [2072.52 --> 2081.52] Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. [2084.40 --> 2088.76] All creation I sing, praise to the King. [2088.76 --> 2095.70] You are my everything, and I will adore you. [2095.70 --> 2105.74] Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is and is to come. [2107.86 --> 2113.36] All creation I sing, praise to the King of kings. [2114.36 --> 2119.66] You are my everything, and I will adore you. [2125.70 --> 2139.72] All creation I sing, praise to the King. [2139.72 --> 2139.80] Amen. [2139.80 --> 2167.68] We are a moment, you are a moment, but our vision, that we go to earth. [2167.68 --> 2183.78] We are a moment, you are eternal, love and mercy, reigning on us. [2183.78 --> 2197.62] Glory, holy, Lord God Almighty, worthy is the Lamb of the Lamb. [2197.62 --> 2203.62] God has raised us, and now we are glory. [2205.62 --> 2211.62] We are the broken, you are the nearer. [2211.62 --> 2217.62] We are true, O Lord, we are the nearer. [2217.62 --> 2224.62] We are the broken, you are the nearer. [2224.62 --> 2231.62] Jesus, redeemer, I need you to save. [2231.62 --> 2238.62] You are the love song, we'll sing forever. [2238.62 --> 2248.62] We are the broken, you are the nearer. [2248.62 --> 2260.62] Glory, holy, Lord God Almighty, worthy is the Lamb of the Lamb. [2260.62 --> 2270.62] We are the broken, you are the nearer. [2270.62 --> 2281.62] We are the broken, you are the nearer. [2281.62 --> 2294.62] Glory, holy, Lord God Almighty, worthy is the Lamb of the world's sin. [2294.62 --> 2307.62] Highest praises, honor, and glory be unto your name. [2307.62 --> 2315.62] Be unto your name. [2315.62 --> 2335.62] Good morning. [2335.62 --> 2339.62] My name is Brenda, and I am one of the deacons here at Emmanuel. [2339.62 --> 2346.62] We continue our worship with the giving of our gifts to the budget, which covers the administration of the church and its ministries. [2346.62 --> 2353.62] And our special offering this morning is to UBCO Campus Reformed Okanagan. [2353.62 --> 2357.62] This is formerly called Wellspring UBCO. [2357.62 --> 2362.62] It's the chaplaincy of the UBC Campus Okanagan. [2362.62 --> 2367.62] Embracing students, faculty, and staff in intentional community, [2367.62 --> 2372.62] campus chaplaincies engage their campuses, bringing the gospel in word and deed. [2372.62 --> 2379.62] Campus chaplains are there to facilitate faith formation, worship, and gospel proclamation, [2379.62 --> 2384.62] servant leadership, global mission, mercy, and justice. [2384.62 --> 2389.62] Chaplains are supportive listeners who are on campus to support campus well-being [2389.62 --> 2393.62] and encourage students, faculty, and staff on their spiritual journey. [2393.62 --> 2400.62] Kelowna CRC supports and is in partnership with this ministry on the UBCO Campus. [2400.62 --> 2403.62] This ministry is led by Dr. Todd Statham. [2403.62 --> 2409.62] He loves to explore with students and faculty how all things, what we study, what we research, [2409.62 --> 2413.62] what we imagine and hope, how they hold together in Christ. [2413.62 --> 2419.62] He seeks to equip and encourage students, staff, and faculty to be lifelong disciples of Jesus. [2419.62 --> 2428.62] 2 Corinthians 9, verse 6 to 8 says, [2428.62 --> 2435.62] Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. [2435.62 --> 2441.62] Each of you can give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, [2441.62 --> 2443.62] for God loves a cheerful giver. [2443.62 --> 2449.62] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, [2449.62 --> 2451.62] you will abound in every good work. [2451.62 --> 2459.62] The song that we're going to sing during the offering is the song we've chosen for Advent. [2459.62 --> 2463.62] So we'll sing it throughout the Advent season, and we thought we'd introduce it to you this morning, [2463.62 --> 2467.62] so it's all familiar a little bit next week when Advent begins. [2467.62 --> 2475.62] We'll sing it in on the Kashmir Atkinson to sing the beginning. [2475.62 --> 2482.62] They have aan the остр ranges for the redemption par Naharашke Donna Haddad Kir singe en Legisl mode in January [2482.62 --> 2485.62] the sows popular season at the Autumn party. [2485.62 --> 2490.62] There are companions after the talking counter relaxation about Jesus their host, [2490.62 --> 2494.62] The pockets of Jesus' home implicitly have the connection processes [2494.62 --> 2495.62] Amen. [2524.62 --> 2525.62] Amen. [2554.62 --> 2556.62] Amen. [2584.62 --> 2586.62] Amen. [2614.62 --> 2616.62] Amen. [2644.62 --> 2646.62] Amen. [2674.62 --> 2676.92] Let's go to grade four to the front for a quick hello. [2676.92 --> 2677.92] Oh my goodness. [2677.92 --> 2681.38] I almost couldn't get up here you guys are so busy rushing the aisles. [2683.12 --> 2684.52] It's good to see so many of you. [2684.52 --> 2687.62] I was a little worried some people might be home sick. [2687.62 --> 2690.62] We probably have a few sick friends from school and stuff. [2690.62 --> 2692.62] Hey, but good to have you guys here today. [2692.62 --> 2696.32] Do you guys remember what we've been learning about in children's worship time? [2696.32 --> 2698.32] What Hayley? [2698.32 --> 2701.32] Some big ideas. [2701.32 --> 2703.32] I know it's tricky. [2703.32 --> 2710.76] Trust. Trust. And who was the character we learned about last week? His name was Abram, right? [2711.32 --> 2717.50] And what did he get renamed? Abraham. Yeah, he got a new name, and that means father of many, [2717.74 --> 2725.44] right? Yeah, huge, huge thing that he had to trust God for a really, really big promise. So we're [2725.44 --> 2731.42] going to talk about promises today in Children's Rural Time, but I won't ask you here to confess [2731.42 --> 2736.70] any big promises you've made or ones maybe you've broken. Okay, we won't do that here. We'll have a [2736.70 --> 2740.58] little chat and watch some videos and have an activity in Children's Worship Time. But before [2740.58 --> 2746.92] we do that, let's bless our moms and dads and brothers and sisters as they stay here to hear [2746.92 --> 2754.80] a bigger message, and they will bless us in return, I think. Ready, guys? The Lord be with you. [2755.38 --> 2758.26] All right, let's go to Children's Worship Time. [2761.42 --> 2765.96] All right. [2791.42 --> 2807.74] Lord, we come to you in prayer this morning. Truly, my soul finds rest in God. My salvation [2807.74 --> 2814.72] comes from him. Truly, he is my rock and my salvation. In my fortress, I will not be shaken. [2814.72 --> 2821.14] Our merciful Father in heaven, we thank you for providing faithful and gifted pastors, elders, [2821.34 --> 2826.56] and deacons here at Emmanuel. Continue to fill them with your wisdom and grant them strength. [2827.40 --> 2834.08] Make them faithful workers in your vineyard. This week, our elders will be meeting on Tuesday. [2834.56 --> 2839.90] Bless them in this meeting. Also this week, we pray for a blessing over our congregational meeting [2839.90 --> 2847.66] on Wednesday. Lord, at this time of year, we begin to travel abroad on our roads and start to become [2847.66 --> 2852.10] more dangerous with the cooler weather. We think of the students in the local schools who are traveling [2852.10 --> 2857.08] for provincials. Keep those teams safe in their playing and in their driving to and from the [2857.08 --> 2864.14] provincials. This is the time of year when the colds and flus affect many. Please comfort and heal [2864.14 --> 2870.72] those in need of your healing power. We also think of Harry Baumann as he's undergoing surgery on Monday [2870.72 --> 2876.24] morning to reset the previously broken bones in his left elbow. We pray that the surgeons will be [2876.24 --> 2883.60] able to fix his arm and that his recovery goes well. We also pray for Robin as she continues to help [2883.60 --> 2890.72] Harry in his recovery. We pray for many people in our congregation who are dealing with all sorts of [2890.72 --> 2897.78] stress. Stress of finding work, stress of finding accommodations for housing, awaiting test results, [2898.72 --> 2905.00] awaiting just simply awaiting. We ask for your comfort, Lord. As many of us in this congregation [2905.00 --> 2911.20] have been dealing with lost as loved ones recently or long ago, Lord, it's always can be a difficult time. [2912.26 --> 2917.20] Lord, we pray that you prepare us for the upcoming Advent seasons and the next weekend. [2917.20 --> 2923.60] May you bless us and go throughout this week and be grounded and rooted in your word. [2924.10 --> 2926.00] In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. [2947.20 --> 2960.82] If you have been with us for the last number of weeks, we have been in a series in the book of Psalms, [2960.98 --> 2969.50] primarily a particular few Psalms, a series that we have called Faith and All Our Feelings. And through [2969.50 --> 2976.18] that we have looked at the mix of our emotions and feelings and the sorts of reactions and the [2976.18 --> 2982.88] emotional realities that surround them. And we've been doing that through the lens of a number of [2982.88 --> 2989.54] key Psalms, as well as with the aid of a book called The Cry of the Soul by Allender and Longman. [2991.12 --> 2999.80] This morning is the final teaching in that series. Now, normally when we begin a teaching, [2999.80 --> 3006.64] when we have a message up here, we start with a little bit of an explanation perhaps, but then we, [3006.82 --> 3015.58] at the beginning, read a text that we then explain and apply. Today, however, we're going to do that a [3015.58 --> 3020.54] little bit differently. And so if you have your Bibles with you and you've already turned to Psalm [3020.54 --> 3028.44] 100 because you know that's where we're going, excellent work. Hang on to it. The text is going to [3028.44 --> 3035.36] come at the end. Okay, so we're going to build to what the text says for us and then we will let [3035.36 --> 3043.80] that sort of culminate our journey this morning. Now, that said, I do want to give a bit of a road [3043.80 --> 3052.44] map for where we're going and maybe a little bit of direction for how we might get there. What I hope [3052.44 --> 3061.12] that we will see together this morning at the end is that the end of this journey of faith and feelings, [3061.50 --> 3071.98] the purpose of all of this together, is found in this idea that the purpose of redeemed humanity [3071.98 --> 3090.44] is found in praise and thanksgiving to God. Or to put it another way, the way that the Westminster [3090.44 --> 3097.14] Shorter Catechism summarizes it, the Westminster Shorter Catechism is a confessional and historical [3097.14 --> 3103.16] statement of faith from the Presbyterian branch of the Reformed Church. And in the Shorter Catechism, [3103.26 --> 3111.82] it begins with this question. It asks, what is the chief end of humanity? What is our purpose? What is [3111.82 --> 3119.92] our goal? Where are we going? And how are we going to get there? Why are we here? Now, the answer that [3119.92 --> 3130.30] that catechism gives is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The chief end of humanity, the telos, [3130.46 --> 3139.52] the reason for which we were created, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. But especially if you've [3139.52 --> 3148.26] been with us these last couple weeks, we know and have been living in the reality that there are certain [3148.26 --> 3157.58] things or circumstances or situations that seem to rob us, that seem to remove that end from being [3157.58 --> 3165.24] realistic or at least expressive. It seems to stop us from getting there, right? To wall us off from the [3165.24 --> 3171.56] experience of the truth of God and applying the truth of who God is to the everyday stuff of our life, [3171.56 --> 3181.28] sometimes the sorts of things that we feel and experience seem to be a barrier to accessing or [3181.28 --> 3190.64] encountering God. And our work for these last number of weeks has been to, in some ways, reimagine or [3190.64 --> 3198.46] reframe the relationship between faith and feelings that allows the depths of our feelings to be [3198.46 --> 3205.62] impacted by the depths and the scope of God's presence and His Spirit in our midst. [3207.70 --> 3215.26] And I don't know about you, but as we've explored some of these emotional realities together, [3216.10 --> 3225.66] we've seen hard things, we've remembered hard things, we've felt hard things, right? We've remembered [3225.66 --> 3235.16] and felt truly awful things. We've pierced the dark corners of our emotions and we have tried to find [3235.16 --> 3241.98] God in the midst of our anger and our shame, in the midst of our fear and our despair, right? Our souls [3241.98 --> 3249.32] have cried out at the seeming impossibility of it all and at the injustice of it all. And throughout [3249.32 --> 3258.34] that entire experience and expression and reality lived together, we have tried to hold on to the truth [3258.34 --> 3267.02] that God holds on to us. That somehow in the midst of all of that, He is present, that He is active, [3267.02 --> 3276.62] and that He somehow is always in control. That is, that He is always sovereign. [3278.36 --> 3287.28] And holding the sovereign power of God over history and the sovereign power of God over the hairs on my [3287.28 --> 3292.46] head, right? So that is not just in the big things and the big movements and sweeping motions of history, [3292.46 --> 3298.38] but in the little things and the tiny things, right? Holding that truth of who God is in one hand, [3298.66 --> 3309.14] and then holding the reality lived, the heartbreak of everyday life, creates in our experience, [3309.48 --> 3317.58] almost paradoxical tension. One that Pastor Kevin helped us see that maybe our job is to [3317.58 --> 3327.04] live in the midst of more than try to solve. Where we found ourselves staring face long into this hard [3327.04 --> 3336.98] truth. One that I want to state here, say here explicitly, but I'm realizing that when I say that, [3337.28 --> 3343.54] it might offend some of you. And what I'm quite sure is that when I say what I'm about to say, [3343.54 --> 3350.14] that some of you are going to think it's heresy. And some of you are going to want to get me in [3350.14 --> 3354.82] trouble with the denominational authorities. I want to acknowledge that [3354.82 --> 3364.52] if what I say next offends you, that might be because your view of God is more therapeutic [3364.52 --> 3373.02] than it is transcendent. But please give me some patience and let's dig in together. Because here it is. [3373.54 --> 3378.60] Sometimes God hurts us. [3383.14 --> 3388.28] Sometimes God hurts us intentionally. [3391.28 --> 3398.56] Now the old Puritans used to call this the severe mercy of God. Now before we dig in, don't hear what [3398.56 --> 3403.38] I'm not saying. Okay? Because I know some of you are triggered right now. Right? This doesn't mean [3403.38 --> 3409.68] that all pain comes from God. Right? The devil, for one, is real and he is active. Although I do want [3409.68 --> 3414.10] to say that the devil's not under every stone or behind every cancer, like some people might say. [3418.42 --> 3420.06] But when we wrestle in this moment, [3420.06 --> 3422.30] we inevitably ask the question, [3422.30 --> 3425.00] is the death of my child [3425.00 --> 3426.78] a punishment from God? [3428.22 --> 3429.18] And we'll say, no, [3429.38 --> 3431.82] not likely. In fact, I will say with [3431.82 --> 3434.06] conviction and confidence that if you are a Christian, [3434.44 --> 3436.48] I can guarantee you that your suffering, [3436.60 --> 3438.14] whatever it may be, whatever form [3438.14 --> 3440.40] it takes, is not a punishment [3440.40 --> 3441.56] for your sin. [3442.70 --> 3443.68] Let me say that again. [3443.92 --> 3446.24] Whatever suffering you face, if you are a believer, [3446.36 --> 3447.74] is not a punishment for your sin. [3447.74 --> 3450.02] Because we believe that Jesus on the cross [3450.02 --> 3451.66] bore the full punishment [3451.66 --> 3452.98] for all our sins. [3453.64 --> 3455.76] That's what Romans 8 verse 1 means [3455.76 --> 3457.14] when Paul says, [3457.36 --> 3459.06] there is now no condemnation [3459.06 --> 3460.70] for those who are in Christ Jesus. [3460.90 --> 3462.60] Right? No condemnation means [3462.60 --> 3464.98] no judgment, no punishment. [3465.14 --> 3466.92] That Jesus has already borne [3466.92 --> 3468.38] the punishment for your sins [3468.38 --> 3469.44] if you believe. [3472.46 --> 3473.84] And so then we start to wonder, [3473.96 --> 3474.96] well, if it's not punishment, [3475.90 --> 3476.94] is this the work of the devil? [3478.08 --> 3478.48] Maybe. [3479.44 --> 3480.54] If it's not punishment [3480.54 --> 3481.80] and not the work of the devil, [3482.18 --> 3483.52] is it the result of sin [3483.52 --> 3484.38] in a broken world [3484.38 --> 3485.88] now full of tragic accidents [3485.88 --> 3486.86] and unfair causes? [3487.30 --> 3487.66] Probably. [3488.64 --> 3490.34] But that doesn't solve the question. [3490.94 --> 3491.06] Right? [3491.10 --> 3493.48] That doesn't answer the dilemma for us [3493.48 --> 3494.62] because we're still left with it. [3494.66 --> 3495.72] And it's the same question [3495.72 --> 3496.90] that Job asked [3496.90 --> 3498.38] in the midst of all of his struggling [3498.38 --> 3500.10] with God and with the devil [3500.10 --> 3501.42] and with the reality of evil [3501.42 --> 3502.00] in the world. [3502.36 --> 3502.46] Right? [3502.56 --> 3503.04] Job said, [3503.36 --> 3505.70] shall we accept good from God [3505.70 --> 3507.04] and not trouble? [3507.74 --> 3513.80] Sometimes God hurts us. [3514.62 --> 3515.94] To put it another way, [3516.78 --> 3516.90] right, [3517.22 --> 3518.36] do we believe [3518.36 --> 3520.28] what the Heidelberg Catechism says [3520.28 --> 3522.18] is the proper understanding [3522.18 --> 3524.36] of the doctrine of providence? [3525.16 --> 3525.40] Right? [3525.44 --> 3527.64] If sovereignty is God's big rule [3527.64 --> 3529.24] and reign over the world [3529.24 --> 3530.56] such that nothing happens [3530.56 --> 3531.40] without his will, [3531.40 --> 3534.12] providence is God's intimate action [3534.12 --> 3535.28] in your life. [3536.22 --> 3536.36] Right? [3536.46 --> 3537.82] Providence is God's sovereignty [3537.82 --> 3539.02] made real. [3539.12 --> 3540.02] And in the Catechism, [3540.78 --> 3541.48] it asks, [3541.84 --> 3542.50] what do you believe [3542.50 --> 3543.88] concerning the providence of God? [3543.92 --> 3544.82] And the answer it gives, [3544.86 --> 3546.22] and this is a quick summary, [3546.90 --> 3548.22] that rain and drought, [3548.90 --> 3550.60] fruitful and lean years, [3550.74 --> 3551.90] health and sickness, [3552.24 --> 3554.10] prosperity and poverty, [3554.50 --> 3555.42] beautiful prayer, [3555.78 --> 3555.98] Pete. [3555.98 --> 3558.34] prosperity and poverty, [3558.66 --> 3559.42] all things, [3559.56 --> 3559.96] in fact, [3560.04 --> 3560.70] come to us [3560.70 --> 3561.90] not by chance [3561.90 --> 3564.08] but by His [3564.08 --> 3565.30] fatherly [3565.30 --> 3566.32] hand. [3568.50 --> 3568.66] Right? [3568.70 --> 3570.18] Whatever the immediate cause [3570.18 --> 3570.64] may be, [3570.72 --> 3571.36] the truth is, [3571.40 --> 3572.48] because God is sovereign, [3572.64 --> 3573.98] and can I be bold with you again, [3574.18 --> 3574.30] right, [3574.44 --> 3576.00] He must be sovereign. [3577.04 --> 3577.56] Right? [3577.56 --> 3578.82] Because God is sovereign, [3579.00 --> 3579.92] all suffering [3579.92 --> 3581.34] is brought about [3581.34 --> 3582.18] or used by [3582.18 --> 3582.90] or permitted [3582.90 --> 3583.90] for some [3583.90 --> 3586.12] larger purpose. [3586.72 --> 3587.66] Your suffering, [3587.80 --> 3589.02] no matter how tragic, [3589.44 --> 3591.00] does not surprise God. [3592.04 --> 3593.52] It does not surprise God [3593.52 --> 3594.78] and it does not spoil [3594.78 --> 3595.54] His plan [3595.54 --> 3596.22] for you [3596.22 --> 3597.40] and for the world. [3598.24 --> 3599.12] In fact, [3599.62 --> 3600.22] what I hope [3600.22 --> 3600.92] we might have seen [3600.92 --> 3601.56] in this journey [3601.56 --> 3602.28] in the Psalms [3602.28 --> 3604.42] is that all of our suffering [3604.42 --> 3605.84] invites us [3605.84 --> 3606.84] to struggle [3606.84 --> 3609.02] with God. [3610.22 --> 3611.66] And it's in struggling [3611.66 --> 3612.74] with God, [3612.84 --> 3613.68] like Jacob [3613.68 --> 3614.90] who wrestled with Him, [3615.18 --> 3615.34] right, [3615.40 --> 3616.12] it's in struggling [3616.12 --> 3616.86] with God [3616.86 --> 3618.48] that we get close enough [3618.48 --> 3620.66] to see His face. [3623.22 --> 3623.38] Now, [3623.44 --> 3623.82] suffering [3623.82 --> 3625.98] also helps us see [3625.98 --> 3627.40] how the things [3627.40 --> 3628.14] that we have [3628.14 --> 3629.96] substituted for God [3629.96 --> 3631.52] aren't God [3631.52 --> 3631.94] and that [3631.94 --> 3632.80] those things [3632.80 --> 3633.86] don't and won't [3633.86 --> 3634.98] and can't fill [3634.98 --> 3635.82] the longing [3635.82 --> 3637.72] and the hole [3637.72 --> 3639.02] that only God can fill. [3639.74 --> 3640.92] That this is that mystery [3640.92 --> 3642.00] of the paradox [3642.00 --> 3642.78] continued, [3643.78 --> 3643.92] right, [3644.00 --> 3645.20] that God uses [3645.20 --> 3646.62] our darker emotions, [3647.08 --> 3648.80] He uses our experiences [3648.80 --> 3649.80] of His silence [3649.80 --> 3650.96] and His abandonment [3650.96 --> 3652.18] of struggle [3652.18 --> 3653.74] to win [3653.74 --> 3655.50] our hearts [3655.50 --> 3657.80] for His glory. [3661.20 --> 3662.86] Let me put it this way. [3663.86 --> 3668.56] the only way [3668.56 --> 3670.96] for any [3670.96 --> 3672.76] of our suffering [3672.76 --> 3674.22] and struggling [3674.22 --> 3675.72] to have meaning, [3676.38 --> 3677.30] the only way [3677.30 --> 3678.22] for any of it [3678.22 --> 3678.86] to have meaning [3678.86 --> 3680.34] is if God [3680.34 --> 3681.04] is sovereign [3681.04 --> 3682.52] over everything. [3683.90 --> 3685.48] Because if He's not, [3686.04 --> 3687.60] there's always a chance [3687.60 --> 3689.12] that what you face, [3689.30 --> 3689.96] what you suffer, [3690.08 --> 3690.80] what you struggle [3690.80 --> 3692.32] is meaningless. [3692.32 --> 3694.82] And we can never know. [3696.60 --> 3698.02] But it's not meaningless. [3699.38 --> 3699.48] Right? [3699.72 --> 3700.60] God fills [3700.60 --> 3702.46] everything you do [3702.46 --> 3703.60] and everything [3703.60 --> 3704.40] that happens [3704.40 --> 3704.94] to you [3704.94 --> 3705.48] with [3705.48 --> 3706.60] not just [3706.60 --> 3707.76] an immediate purpose [3707.76 --> 3709.10] but an eternal [3709.10 --> 3710.16] purpose. [3712.08 --> 3712.80] Maybe it's [3712.80 --> 3713.24] cliche [3713.24 --> 3714.30] for some of you [3714.30 --> 3714.72] but that doesn't [3714.72 --> 3715.72] make it any less true. [3716.12 --> 3717.38] Jeremiah 29, 11 [3717.38 --> 3717.82] says, [3718.22 --> 3719.18] I know the plans [3719.18 --> 3720.10] I have for you, [3720.36 --> 3721.04] declares the Lord. [3721.04 --> 3723.30] That means that God [3723.30 --> 3724.80] has plans for you. [3724.90 --> 3725.94] He has a purpose [3725.94 --> 3726.96] for you. [3727.72 --> 3729.10] In 1 Corinthians 15, [3729.46 --> 3730.24] Paul says, [3730.48 --> 3731.66] your labor in the Lord [3731.66 --> 3732.64] is not in vain. [3733.30 --> 3733.42] Right? [3733.44 --> 3734.62] That means what you do [3734.62 --> 3735.80] has purpose. [3736.26 --> 3737.14] That what you do [3737.14 --> 3738.22] has meaning. [3740.50 --> 3741.52] And this next one [3741.52 --> 3742.94] is one of my favorite [3742.94 --> 3743.92] verses in all [3743.92 --> 3744.94] of Scripture. [3745.24 --> 3746.08] And I'm going to [3746.08 --> 3747.12] read it to you, [3747.20 --> 3747.84] share it with you [3747.84 --> 3749.28] from the ESV, [3749.28 --> 3750.46] English Standard Version [3750.46 --> 3751.04] translation. [3751.84 --> 3752.18] Normally, [3752.68 --> 3753.82] I and we here [3753.82 --> 3755.04] read from the NIV [3755.04 --> 3756.12] but I think that [3756.12 --> 3757.32] the way the ESV [3757.32 --> 3758.24] translates this [3758.24 --> 3759.62] section really [3759.62 --> 3760.58] just makes it sing [3760.58 --> 3761.38] and I want to [3761.38 --> 3761.94] share it with you [3761.94 --> 3762.50] in that language. [3762.62 --> 3763.50] But 2 Corinthians [3763.50 --> 3765.96] 4, 17 and 18 [3765.96 --> 3766.44] says, [3766.44 --> 3790.96] This is the perspective [3790.96 --> 3792.10] I want to take [3792.10 --> 3793.60] on my sufferings, [3793.68 --> 3794.64] on my afflictions, [3794.74 --> 3795.80] on my emotions [3795.80 --> 3797.10] that swirl around [3797.10 --> 3797.96] my struggling. [3798.42 --> 3799.48] And when I do, [3799.78 --> 3801.06] then I can say [3801.06 --> 3801.90] with Job, [3802.08 --> 3803.46] as he says in Job 13, [3803.86 --> 3805.22] though he slay me, [3806.22 --> 3808.40] I will hope in him. [3809.88 --> 3811.34] God is not surprised. [3811.58 --> 3812.72] He's not caught off guard. [3813.24 --> 3814.10] Nothing happens [3814.10 --> 3814.90] without his will [3814.90 --> 3815.66] to permit it [3815.66 --> 3816.84] or to bring it about. [3816.84 --> 3821.56] God is not [3821.56 --> 3822.12] in fact, [3822.92 --> 3825.26] this is exactly [3825.26 --> 3826.52] why [3826.52 --> 3828.28] when you are [3828.28 --> 3829.60] in deep despair, [3830.16 --> 3831.84] you can cry out [3831.84 --> 3832.22] to God. [3833.42 --> 3834.54] This is exactly [3834.54 --> 3835.42] why when you are [3835.42 --> 3837.18] raging with anger, [3837.56 --> 3838.58] you can contend [3838.58 --> 3839.26] with God. [3839.82 --> 3840.58] That's exactly [3840.58 --> 3841.32] why when you are [3841.32 --> 3841.80] afraid, [3842.14 --> 3842.78] you can run [3842.78 --> 3843.20] to God [3843.20 --> 3844.08] because he [3844.08 --> 3845.06] and he alone [3845.06 --> 3846.22] is the only one [3846.22 --> 3847.08] who can actually [3847.08 --> 3847.98] do something [3847.98 --> 3849.18] about whatever it is [3849.18 --> 3850.02] that you are facing [3850.02 --> 3850.80] and feeling. [3853.88 --> 3854.48] Look, [3855.48 --> 3859.44] God's sovereignty [3859.44 --> 3861.32] and his providence [3861.32 --> 3862.60] are exactly [3862.60 --> 3863.42] the reason [3863.42 --> 3864.34] why you can [3864.34 --> 3865.32] get angry [3865.32 --> 3866.14] at him [3866.14 --> 3867.08] when it doesn't [3867.08 --> 3868.00] make sense [3868.00 --> 3868.52] to you. [3870.44 --> 3871.74] But God, [3872.00 --> 3873.30] being God, [3873.82 --> 3874.50] his sovereignty [3874.50 --> 3875.56] and his providence [3875.56 --> 3876.52] also means [3876.52 --> 3876.54] also means [3876.54 --> 3877.46] that he has [3877.46 --> 3878.20] a purpose [3878.20 --> 3879.30] beyond your [3879.30 --> 3880.08] understanding, [3880.26 --> 3881.38] beyond your ability [3881.38 --> 3882.26] to see [3882.26 --> 3883.90] in whatever it is [3883.90 --> 3884.58] you are facing. [3887.78 --> 3888.94] And I get it. [3890.28 --> 3892.28] When your husband [3892.28 --> 3892.80] leaves [3892.80 --> 3894.20] or when your child [3894.20 --> 3894.72] dies, [3894.84 --> 3895.98] when you lose [3895.98 --> 3896.52] a job, [3896.78 --> 3898.22] I can't give you [3898.22 --> 3899.38] the reason for that. [3900.40 --> 3901.20] And I wish [3901.20 --> 3901.80] that I could, [3902.80 --> 3903.72] but it will never [3903.72 --> 3904.20] make sense [3904.20 --> 3904.70] to me either. [3904.78 --> 3905.62] I can't see it [3905.62 --> 3906.18] either. [3906.44 --> 3907.30] All I can do [3907.30 --> 3908.40] is cry with you [3908.40 --> 3911.88] and I do. [3915.08 --> 3916.02] And yet, [3917.02 --> 3919.10] and yet, [3919.18 --> 3919.58] no matter [3919.58 --> 3921.94] what you face, [3922.20 --> 3923.32] you can know [3923.32 --> 3924.40] that it is not [3924.40 --> 3925.20] meaningless. [3926.30 --> 3927.34] That it is producing [3927.34 --> 3927.90] in you [3927.90 --> 3929.68] a peculiar glory. [3929.68 --> 3931.84] So when your mom [3931.84 --> 3932.16] dies, [3932.24 --> 3933.08] don't look to [3933.08 --> 3933.92] things that are seen. [3934.02 --> 3934.76] Look to eternal [3934.76 --> 3935.16] things, [3935.40 --> 3936.16] the things of God. [3936.26 --> 3937.20] When you get cancer, [3937.32 --> 3938.58] it's not meaningless. [3940.16 --> 3941.04] God is doing [3941.04 --> 3942.36] something eternal [3942.36 --> 3943.30] in you. [3943.56 --> 3944.48] You can't see it. [3944.54 --> 3945.42] Of course you can't [3945.42 --> 3945.86] see it, [3946.20 --> 3947.68] but you can believe [3947.68 --> 3948.68] that he is. [3949.40 --> 3950.48] In your desperation [3950.48 --> 3951.60] and despair, [3951.78 --> 3952.92] God is developing [3952.92 --> 3954.18] and deepening [3954.18 --> 3955.76] a peculiar glory [3955.76 --> 3956.36] in you [3956.36 --> 3957.76] beyond compare [3957.76 --> 3959.26] to anything else. [3961.16 --> 3961.64] And sure, [3961.90 --> 3963.88] you can't see what, [3964.88 --> 3966.02] but you can know [3966.02 --> 3966.82] that. [3967.72 --> 3968.60] You don't know [3968.60 --> 3969.90] what he is doing. [3970.06 --> 3970.72] I don't know [3970.72 --> 3971.92] what he is doing, [3972.02 --> 3972.56] but I know [3972.56 --> 3973.66] that he is doing [3973.66 --> 3974.48] something [3974.48 --> 3975.44] and it's not [3975.44 --> 3976.38] a meaningless thing. [3976.46 --> 3977.42] It is an eternal [3977.42 --> 3979.08] glory thing. [3981.62 --> 3983.02] Allender and Longman [3983.02 --> 3983.66] in the book [3983.66 --> 3984.40] that we have been using, [3984.92 --> 3985.66] they say this. [3986.44 --> 3986.64] They say, [3986.64 --> 3988.18] part of the mystery [3988.18 --> 3988.88] of God [3988.88 --> 3990.60] is his disruptive [3990.60 --> 3991.62] intrusion [3991.62 --> 3993.08] to provide us [3993.08 --> 3993.70] with what we [3993.70 --> 3995.58] desperately desire, [3995.92 --> 3997.08] not what we think [3997.08 --> 3998.04] we require. [3999.38 --> 4000.08] He does so [4000.08 --> 4000.72] by use [4000.72 --> 4002.60] of a paradox. [4003.84 --> 4004.92] And you need to see this, [4004.98 --> 4005.30] which is why [4005.30 --> 4005.90] it's on the screen. [4006.66 --> 4007.58] He draws us [4007.58 --> 4008.24] to darkness [4008.24 --> 4009.26] and in the midst [4009.26 --> 4010.04] of what appears [4010.04 --> 4010.68] awful, [4011.26 --> 4012.18] he shows us [4012.18 --> 4013.16] something of his [4013.16 --> 4013.74] awe, [4014.10 --> 4014.74] full, [4014.74 --> 4015.94] bright [4015.94 --> 4017.18] goodness. [4019.98 --> 4020.98] You might not [4020.98 --> 4022.62] know it [4022.62 --> 4023.78] sitting here [4023.78 --> 4024.44] in the depths [4024.44 --> 4025.56] of heartache [4025.56 --> 4026.64] and pain, [4026.80 --> 4026.94] but [4026.94 --> 4029.36] what you desperately [4029.36 --> 4030.24] desire [4030.24 --> 4031.88] is God. [4032.72 --> 4033.74] You were made [4033.74 --> 4035.18] to glorify [4035.18 --> 4035.98] him [4035.98 --> 4036.60] and to find [4036.60 --> 4037.34] absolute [4037.34 --> 4038.18] and utter [4038.18 --> 4039.20] eternal [4039.20 --> 4039.96] joy [4039.96 --> 4041.08] in him. [4041.08 --> 4042.06] you were made [4042.06 --> 4042.70] for his [4042.70 --> 4043.26] praise [4043.26 --> 4044.44] and thanksgiving [4044.44 --> 4046.00] and everything, [4046.44 --> 4047.04] absolutely [4047.04 --> 4048.66] everything you do [4048.66 --> 4049.70] drives you [4049.70 --> 4050.72] towards him [4050.72 --> 4052.48] or away [4052.48 --> 4052.94] from him. [4054.02 --> 4054.78] Your life [4054.78 --> 4055.46] is either [4055.46 --> 4056.60] working out [4056.60 --> 4058.30] towards a glorifying [4058.30 --> 4059.16] of God [4059.16 --> 4059.82] and enjoying [4059.82 --> 4060.52] him forever [4060.52 --> 4062.06] or your heart [4062.06 --> 4063.98] is pursuing [4063.98 --> 4064.76] God [4064.76 --> 4065.90] or it's [4065.90 --> 4066.54] pursuing [4066.54 --> 4068.38] lesser glories [4068.38 --> 4070.04] or other [4070.04 --> 4070.84] substitutes. [4071.96 --> 4072.88] There is no [4072.88 --> 4073.78] middle ground [4073.78 --> 4074.74] in this. [4074.84 --> 4075.26] There is no [4075.26 --> 4076.08] neutral option. [4076.24 --> 4076.76] There is no [4076.76 --> 4077.80] third way. [4077.88 --> 4078.32] We get really [4078.32 --> 4078.82] good at trying [4078.82 --> 4079.28] to find [4079.28 --> 4079.86] and navigate [4079.86 --> 4080.60] a third way [4080.60 --> 4081.08] through this, [4081.16 --> 4081.58] but there really [4081.58 --> 4082.64] is only two. [4083.04 --> 4083.82] Either you are [4083.82 --> 4084.70] living and [4084.70 --> 4085.56] working and [4085.56 --> 4087.22] breathing towards [4087.22 --> 4088.18] God and with [4088.18 --> 4089.12] God or [4089.12 --> 4090.54] away from him [4090.54 --> 4091.16] and for [4091.16 --> 4092.30] something or [4092.30 --> 4093.56] someone else. [4095.22 --> 4095.76] And so take [4095.76 --> 4096.80] this truth back [4096.80 --> 4097.64] to our feelings. [4098.38 --> 4098.82] emotions. [4099.34 --> 4099.48] Right? [4099.82 --> 4100.84] The emotions [4100.84 --> 4101.36] that we've [4101.36 --> 4102.14] looked at in [4102.14 --> 4102.66] this series. [4103.36 --> 4104.00] That means [4104.00 --> 4104.78] that your [4104.78 --> 4105.92] anger will [4105.92 --> 4106.62] drive you [4106.62 --> 4107.58] towards God [4107.58 --> 4109.30] or away. [4109.98 --> 4110.94] Your fear [4110.94 --> 4111.62] will pull you [4111.62 --> 4112.22] into closer [4112.22 --> 4112.82] relationship [4112.82 --> 4113.68] with God [4113.68 --> 4115.24] or you will [4115.24 --> 4115.58] push him [4115.58 --> 4115.84] away. [4116.96 --> 4117.70] And it's the [4117.70 --> 4118.10] same thing [4118.10 --> 4118.42] with our [4118.42 --> 4118.92] anxiety, [4119.24 --> 4119.50] with our [4119.50 --> 4119.88] shame, [4120.02 --> 4120.74] with despair, [4120.92 --> 4121.48] with whatever [4121.48 --> 4122.04] it is that [4122.04 --> 4122.66] we are [4122.66 --> 4123.32] experiencing. [4123.32 --> 4124.04] Right? [4126.04 --> 4127.26] God doesn't [4127.26 --> 4128.38] just use [4128.38 --> 4129.38] our anxiety [4129.38 --> 4129.98] or our [4129.98 --> 4130.54] fear or [4130.54 --> 4131.34] our desperation. [4132.10 --> 4133.22] God reveals [4133.22 --> 4134.84] himself through [4134.84 --> 4135.14] them. [4136.44 --> 4136.54] Right? [4136.62 --> 4137.98] God meets us [4137.98 --> 4139.38] with loneliness. [4139.70 --> 4140.24] Wrap your mind [4140.24 --> 4140.98] around that for a [4140.98 --> 4141.06] minute. [4141.16 --> 4141.26] Right? [4141.52 --> 4142.76] It's not just [4142.76 --> 4143.98] in our loneliness. [4144.36 --> 4145.26] He meets us [4145.26 --> 4147.16] with our [4147.16 --> 4147.56] loneliness. [4148.20 --> 4148.86] He meets you [4148.86 --> 4150.06] with silence. [4150.18 --> 4150.78] He reveals [4150.78 --> 4151.80] himself through [4151.80 --> 4152.62] struggle. [4152.62 --> 4153.28] in our [4153.28 --> 4153.76] suffering. [4154.10 --> 4154.98] He reveals [4154.98 --> 4156.14] his goodness. [4156.42 --> 4157.46] His absolute, [4157.96 --> 4158.28] utter, [4158.92 --> 4160.28] eternal goodness. [4160.82 --> 4161.54] The darkness [4161.54 --> 4162.44] of the valley [4162.44 --> 4163.14] of the shadow [4163.14 --> 4163.90] of death [4163.90 --> 4164.80] makes the [4164.80 --> 4165.36] intensity [4165.36 --> 4166.60] of his glory [4166.60 --> 4167.56] and of his [4167.56 --> 4168.54] love shine [4168.54 --> 4169.98] with even [4169.98 --> 4170.86] greater [4170.86 --> 4171.74] lumosity, [4172.10 --> 4172.82] even greater [4172.82 --> 4173.50] brightness. [4173.76 --> 4174.46] The reality [4174.46 --> 4175.24] of who God [4175.24 --> 4176.06] is shines [4176.06 --> 4177.10] brightest [4177.10 --> 4178.44] against the [4178.44 --> 4178.82] darkness [4178.82 --> 4180.48] that we feel [4180.48 --> 4181.74] and live in. [4181.74 --> 4184.94] there is no [4184.94 --> 4185.60] resurrection [4185.60 --> 4186.76] without [4186.76 --> 4187.60] crucifixion. [4188.88 --> 4189.66] There is no [4189.66 --> 4190.16] glory [4190.16 --> 4192.10] without suffering. [4194.38 --> 4194.60] And so, [4194.98 --> 4195.26] again, [4195.46 --> 4196.10] frame that. [4196.22 --> 4196.80] Think about [4196.80 --> 4197.32] where we've [4197.32 --> 4198.04] been in this [4198.04 --> 4198.34] series. [4198.48 --> 4198.66] And I'm [4198.66 --> 4198.88] going to do [4198.88 --> 4199.58] a super [4199.58 --> 4200.62] quick recap [4200.62 --> 4201.00] here. [4201.46 --> 4202.12] Looking at [4202.12 --> 4202.56] the Psalms [4202.56 --> 4202.90] that we've [4202.90 --> 4203.30] looked at. [4204.02 --> 4204.38] We'll see [4204.38 --> 4204.74] them on the [4204.74 --> 4204.96] screen. [4205.58 --> 4206.18] Out of the [4206.18 --> 4207.04] depths I cry [4207.04 --> 4207.46] to you, [4207.58 --> 4207.78] Lord. [4208.04 --> 4208.56] Lord, [4208.74 --> 4209.70] hear my [4209.70 --> 4210.18] voice. [4210.18 --> 4211.84] Will you [4211.84 --> 4212.46] reject me [4212.46 --> 4212.90] forever? [4213.30 --> 4213.62] Will he [4213.62 --> 4214.30] never show [4214.30 --> 4214.88] his favor [4214.88 --> 4215.28] again? [4215.96 --> 4216.62] How long [4216.62 --> 4217.00] must I [4217.00 --> 4217.52] wrestle with [4217.52 --> 4218.12] my thoughts [4218.12 --> 4218.56] and day [4218.56 --> 4219.12] after day [4219.12 --> 4219.76] have sorrow [4219.76 --> 4220.44] in my [4220.44 --> 4220.78] heart? [4221.26 --> 4221.78] When you [4221.78 --> 4222.30] hid your [4222.30 --> 4222.78] face, [4222.90 --> 4223.34] I was [4223.34 --> 4224.18] dismayed. [4224.38 --> 4224.76] I have [4224.76 --> 4225.40] borne your [4225.40 --> 4225.86] terrors [4225.86 --> 4226.44] and in [4226.44 --> 4228.30] despair. [4228.98 --> 4229.32] Darkness [4229.32 --> 4230.26] is my [4230.26 --> 4231.44] closest friend. [4231.56 --> 4232.02] I live [4232.02 --> 4232.70] in disgrace [4232.70 --> 4233.34] all day [4233.34 --> 4233.82] long and [4233.82 --> 4234.40] my face [4234.40 --> 4235.26] is covered [4235.26 --> 4236.20] with shame. [4237.14 --> 4237.70] All of [4237.70 --> 4238.12] these are [4238.12 --> 4238.62] the true [4238.62 --> 4239.30] voice of [4239.30 --> 4239.50] our [4239.50 --> 4239.96] feelings [4239.96 --> 4240.30] and the [4240.30 --> 4240.62] cries [4240.62 --> 4241.00] of our [4241.00 --> 4241.28] faith. [4241.66 --> 4241.80] And in [4241.80 --> 4242.14] the midst [4242.14 --> 4242.52] of the [4242.52 --> 4242.94] Psalter, [4243.68 --> 4243.98] in the [4243.98 --> 4244.38] midst of [4244.38 --> 4245.18] God's [4245.18 --> 4245.80] book of [4245.80 --> 4246.00] his [4246.00 --> 4246.64] revelation [4246.64 --> 4247.28] to himself, [4247.64 --> 4248.22] God gives [4248.22 --> 4248.68] us a [4248.68 --> 4249.32] divinely [4249.32 --> 4250.22] authored [4250.22 --> 4250.92] expression [4250.92 --> 4251.64] of whatever [4251.64 --> 4252.22] emotion [4252.22 --> 4253.08] you find [4253.08 --> 4253.82] yourself in [4253.82 --> 4254.30] and an [4254.30 --> 4254.90] experience [4254.90 --> 4255.90] of whatever [4255.90 --> 4257.00] emotion [4257.00 --> 4257.72] that may [4257.72 --> 4258.78] be is [4258.78 --> 4259.60] used by [4259.60 --> 4260.24] God as [4260.24 --> 4261.16] a revelation [4261.16 --> 4262.78] of himself. [4262.96 --> 4263.46] He uses [4263.46 --> 4264.36] these to [4264.36 --> 4265.36] reveal the [4265.36 --> 4266.00] truth of [4266.00 --> 4266.46] who he [4266.46 --> 4267.02] is and [4267.02 --> 4267.96] the truth [4267.96 --> 4268.60] that is [4268.60 --> 4269.32] revealed to [4269.32 --> 4269.82] us is [4269.82 --> 4270.40] the truth [4270.40 --> 4270.86] of [4270.86 --> 4271.34] scripture [4271.34 --> 4271.84] and it [4271.84 --> 4272.14] becomes [4272.14 --> 4273.04] real in [4273.04 --> 4273.18] our [4273.18 --> 4274.08] experience [4274.08 --> 4274.84] together. [4275.96 --> 4276.16] God [4276.16 --> 4276.86] comes to [4276.86 --> 4277.38] you [4277.38 --> 4279.84] when you [4279.84 --> 4280.22] can't [4280.22 --> 4280.86] handle it [4280.86 --> 4282.26] but he [4282.26 --> 4282.56] can. [4284.14 --> 4284.74] He wants [4284.74 --> 4285.22] you to [4285.22 --> 4286.04] turn to [4286.04 --> 4286.50] him and [4286.50 --> 4286.86] in fact [4286.86 --> 4287.92] turning to [4287.92 --> 4289.04] him is [4289.04 --> 4289.58] what you [4289.58 --> 4290.58] are desperate [4290.58 --> 4291.02] for. [4291.12 --> 4291.36] It's what [4291.36 --> 4291.62] you are [4291.62 --> 4292.52] created for [4292.52 --> 4293.16] and so [4293.16 --> 4293.74] maybe you [4293.74 --> 4294.06] are in [4294.06 --> 4294.58] the depths [4294.58 --> 4295.44] right now, [4295.52 --> 4295.98] the pit of [4295.98 --> 4296.32] despair, [4296.32 --> 4297.04] the blackness [4297.04 --> 4297.62] of the grave, [4297.72 --> 4298.26] the chaos [4298.26 --> 4298.78] of Sheol. [4299.04 --> 4299.46] Maybe you [4299.46 --> 4300.24] feel abandoned [4300.24 --> 4301.20] or alone, [4301.32 --> 4301.60] maybe you [4301.60 --> 4302.06] feel covered [4302.06 --> 4302.66] in shame [4302.66 --> 4303.30] or wrapped [4303.30 --> 4303.78] in fear, [4303.90 --> 4304.58] maybe you [4304.58 --> 4305.40] are seething [4305.40 --> 4306.12] and overcome [4306.12 --> 4307.18] by anger [4307.18 --> 4308.22] and if that's [4308.22 --> 4308.52] you, [4309.46 --> 4309.80] welcome. [4311.84 --> 4312.78] Welcome to [4312.78 --> 4313.28] the family [4313.28 --> 4313.72] of God, [4313.84 --> 4314.58] welcome to [4314.58 --> 4314.96] the church [4314.96 --> 4315.20] of his [4315.20 --> 4315.54] people. [4315.88 --> 4316.20] You are [4316.20 --> 4316.62] in good [4316.62 --> 4317.12] company [4317.12 --> 4318.32] because that's [4318.32 --> 4318.68] me. [4320.20 --> 4320.90] On my best [4320.90 --> 4321.48] days, [4321.78 --> 4322.28] it doesn't [4322.28 --> 4322.82] look like [4322.82 --> 4323.10] that, [4324.10 --> 4325.58] but it [4325.58 --> 4326.00] is. [4327.04 --> 4327.66] You are [4327.66 --> 4328.48] welcome [4328.48 --> 4329.18] here. [4329.30 --> 4329.68] You are [4329.68 --> 4330.08] in the [4330.08 --> 4330.56] company of [4330.56 --> 4331.04] others who [4331.04 --> 4331.86] feel and [4331.86 --> 4332.68] experience the [4332.68 --> 4333.12] same thing [4333.12 --> 4333.60] and the [4333.60 --> 4334.08] truth is [4334.08 --> 4334.86] knowing that [4334.86 --> 4335.50] we don't [4335.50 --> 4335.88] have to [4335.88 --> 4336.64] wear masks, [4337.02 --> 4337.44] knowing that [4337.44 --> 4337.72] we don't [4337.72 --> 4338.02] have to [4338.02 --> 4338.42] pretend, [4338.72 --> 4339.00] we don't [4339.00 --> 4339.24] have to [4339.24 --> 4339.64] look like [4339.64 --> 4339.90] we have [4339.90 --> 4340.12] it all [4340.12 --> 4340.76] put together. [4342.98 --> 4343.68] But this [4343.68 --> 4344.12] morning, [4344.50 --> 4346.44] this morning [4346.44 --> 4346.96] hear the [4346.96 --> 4347.54] good news [4347.54 --> 4350.50] is that [4350.50 --> 4352.46] that truth [4352.46 --> 4353.04] of being [4353.04 --> 4354.24] welcomed into [4354.24 --> 4354.78] the presence [4354.78 --> 4355.46] of God [4355.46 --> 4356.20] in the [4356.20 --> 4356.58] midst of [4356.58 --> 4357.28] our despair, [4357.64 --> 4357.92] that the [4357.92 --> 4358.40] truth of [4358.40 --> 4359.00] being welcomed [4359.00 --> 4359.50] into the [4359.50 --> 4359.96] presence of [4359.96 --> 4360.54] God through [4360.54 --> 4361.58] our shame, [4361.72 --> 4362.42] that God [4362.42 --> 4363.36] reveals himself [4363.36 --> 4364.60] to us in [4364.60 --> 4365.72] our suffering, [4366.10 --> 4366.64] that truth [4366.64 --> 4367.94] is not the [4367.94 --> 4369.02] end of the [4369.02 --> 4369.46] story. [4369.78 --> 4370.46] Your desperation [4370.46 --> 4371.48] is not the [4371.48 --> 4372.14] end and so [4372.14 --> 4373.14] please don't [4373.14 --> 4373.84] let it be an [4373.84 --> 4374.06] end. [4374.18 --> 4374.70] Your loneliness [4374.70 --> 4375.48] is not the [4375.48 --> 4375.68] end. [4375.94 --> 4376.90] There is more [4376.90 --> 4377.76] for you [4377.76 --> 4378.78] and for us. [4379.42 --> 4380.10] I don't know [4380.10 --> 4381.32] exactly what [4381.32 --> 4381.70] it's going to [4381.70 --> 4382.28] take to get [4382.28 --> 4382.64] there, [4383.36 --> 4384.04] but I do [4384.04 --> 4384.36] know where [4384.36 --> 4384.96] there is. [4390.24 --> 4391.06] Shout for [4391.06 --> 4391.86] joy to [4391.86 --> 4392.44] the Lord [4392.44 --> 4393.96] all the [4393.96 --> 4394.32] earth. [4395.38 --> 4395.70] Worship [4395.70 --> 4396.50] the Lord [4396.50 --> 4397.82] with gladness. [4398.00 --> 4398.86] Come before [4398.86 --> 4399.92] him with [4399.92 --> 4401.74] joyful songs. [4402.64 --> 4403.44] The end [4403.44 --> 4404.24] of history [4404.24 --> 4406.06] is that [4406.06 --> 4407.12] reality. [4409.08 --> 4409.96] The end [4409.96 --> 4410.64] of history [4410.64 --> 4411.68] is all [4411.68 --> 4412.48] creation [4412.48 --> 4414.08] shouting for [4414.08 --> 4414.98] joy to [4414.98 --> 4415.34] the Lord. [4415.44 --> 4415.86] All of [4415.86 --> 4416.74] this chaos, [4416.96 --> 4417.44] the wars, [4417.60 --> 4418.00] the death, [4418.18 --> 4418.62] the famine, [4418.74 --> 4419.26] the dying, [4419.62 --> 4420.22] all of this [4420.22 --> 4420.94] heartbreak, [4421.34 --> 4422.70] the births and [4422.70 --> 4423.34] the celebrations [4423.34 --> 4424.28] and the triumphs [4424.28 --> 4425.08] and the rejoicing, [4425.34 --> 4426.46] all of this, [4426.90 --> 4428.16] gathering up [4428.16 --> 4429.00] everything that [4429.00 --> 4429.80] is, all of [4429.80 --> 4431.18] it culminates [4431.18 --> 4432.18] in everything [4432.18 --> 4432.74] that has [4432.74 --> 4433.14] breath, [4433.14 --> 4434.86] praising God. [4436.36 --> 4437.10] Know that [4437.10 --> 4437.64] the Lord [4437.64 --> 4439.00] is God. [4439.00 --> 4439.64] It is [4439.64 --> 4440.28] he who [4440.28 --> 4441.02] made us [4441.02 --> 4441.64] and we [4441.64 --> 4443.18] are his. [4443.38 --> 4444.32] We are [4444.32 --> 4445.34] his people, [4445.54 --> 4446.10] the sheep [4446.10 --> 4447.52] of his pasture. [4448.70 --> 4449.52] Know that [4449.52 --> 4450.06] the Lord [4450.06 --> 4450.94] is God. [4451.06 --> 4451.42] Accept [4451.42 --> 4452.56] no substitute. [4452.88 --> 4453.08] Settle [4453.08 --> 4453.54] for no [4453.54 --> 4454.60] lesser glories. [4454.78 --> 4455.20] Know that [4455.20 --> 4455.64] the Lord [4455.64 --> 4456.56] is God. [4456.64 --> 4456.86] It is [4456.86 --> 4457.44] he who [4457.44 --> 4458.12] made us [4458.12 --> 4458.60] and we [4458.60 --> 4459.08] are his. [4459.26 --> 4459.88] We are [4459.88 --> 4460.48] his people, [4460.58 --> 4461.00] the sheep [4461.00 --> 4462.06] of his pasture. [4462.90 --> 4463.60] All the earth [4463.60 --> 4464.04] is called [4464.04 --> 4464.76] to worship him [4464.76 --> 4465.56] and that's true. [4465.82 --> 4466.32] All the earth [4466.32 --> 4466.94] one day [4466.94 --> 4467.98] will worship him. [4468.06 --> 4468.58] Every knee [4468.58 --> 4469.02] will bow [4469.02 --> 4469.66] and every tongue [4469.66 --> 4470.32] confess that [4470.32 --> 4471.04] Jesus Christ [4471.04 --> 4471.88] is Lord [4471.88 --> 4472.58] to the glory [4472.58 --> 4473.48] of God the Father. [4473.92 --> 4474.36] One day, [4474.46 --> 4474.84] whether you [4474.84 --> 4475.56] believe this [4475.56 --> 4476.12] in life [4476.12 --> 4477.42] now or not, [4477.68 --> 4478.34] you will [4478.34 --> 4479.08] bow down [4479.08 --> 4479.72] in worship. [4480.14 --> 4480.64] The question [4480.64 --> 4481.12] is, [4481.34 --> 4482.14] will your worship [4482.14 --> 4483.30] be a consequence [4483.30 --> 4484.14] of judgment [4484.14 --> 4485.08] or will your [4485.08 --> 4485.88] worship be [4485.88 --> 4486.60] the reality [4486.60 --> 4487.78] of a redeemed [4487.78 --> 4488.36] life [4488.36 --> 4489.22] that knows [4489.22 --> 4489.70] Jesus? [4491.00 --> 4492.66] To be the [4492.66 --> 4493.58] people of God, [4493.74 --> 4495.04] to be a sheep [4495.04 --> 4496.42] of his pasture [4496.42 --> 4497.24] is to be [4497.24 --> 4498.82] his chosen people, [4498.94 --> 4500.16] his royal priesthood, [4500.22 --> 4501.70] his special possession. [4502.04 --> 4502.86] It is to be [4502.86 --> 4503.42] the people [4503.42 --> 4504.26] of whom God [4504.26 --> 4504.60] says, [4504.78 --> 4506.06] I am your God, [4506.36 --> 4507.80] you are my people. [4507.90 --> 4508.44] It is to be [4508.44 --> 4509.62] the lavishly loved [4509.62 --> 4510.96] son or daughter [4510.96 --> 4512.08] of the Father [4512.08 --> 4513.18] who calls us [4513.18 --> 4513.86] by name. [4513.96 --> 4514.50] It is to be [4514.50 --> 4515.14] the child [4515.14 --> 4515.84] to whom [4515.84 --> 4516.36] the Father [4516.36 --> 4517.06] runs. [4517.20 --> 4518.00] It is to know [4518.00 --> 4519.48] in this life [4519.48 --> 4520.38] here and now, [4520.38 --> 4521.42] already now, [4521.52 --> 4522.24] that Jesus [4522.24 --> 4523.16] lived the life [4523.16 --> 4523.96] I should have lived [4523.96 --> 4525.08] and died the death [4525.08 --> 4526.34] that I deserved [4526.34 --> 4527.42] and that in living [4527.42 --> 4528.30] perfectly, [4528.56 --> 4529.46] he grants you [4529.46 --> 4530.80] his righteousness [4530.80 --> 4532.00] and in dying [4532.00 --> 4532.56] the death [4532.56 --> 4533.68] that you deserve, [4533.78 --> 4534.46] that I deserve, [4534.84 --> 4536.36] we hand on to [4536.36 --> 4537.64] him our sin [4537.64 --> 4538.54] that he who knew [4538.54 --> 4539.08] no sin [4539.08 --> 4539.90] became sin [4539.90 --> 4540.42] for us [4540.42 --> 4540.94] that we [4540.94 --> 4541.66] might become [4541.66 --> 4542.36] the righteousness [4542.36 --> 4543.76] of God. [4544.38 --> 4545.56] This same [4545.56 --> 4546.20] Jesus, [4546.52 --> 4547.56] though he suffered [4547.56 --> 4548.50] and died, [4548.64 --> 4549.60] rose victorious [4549.60 --> 4550.82] over sin [4550.82 --> 4551.72] and death. [4551.84 --> 4552.56] There is no [4552.56 --> 4553.24] resurrection [4553.24 --> 4555.20] without crucifixion, [4556.20 --> 4558.00] but there is [4558.00 --> 4558.60] resurrection. [4560.04 --> 4560.76] Amen? [4560.76 --> 4560.92] Amen? [4562.20 --> 4563.26] So whatever [4563.26 --> 4564.20] you're facing, [4564.90 --> 4565.78] it isn't the end [4565.78 --> 4566.38] of the story. [4567.22 --> 4568.24] Resurrection is. [4569.84 --> 4570.50] And so enter [4570.50 --> 4571.30] his gates [4571.30 --> 4572.40] with thanksgiving [4572.40 --> 4573.40] and his courts [4573.40 --> 4574.08] with praise. [4574.08 --> 4575.62] Give thanks to him [4575.62 --> 4577.72] and praise his name. [4577.84 --> 4579.46] The goal of redeemed [4579.46 --> 4580.44] humanity [4580.44 --> 4581.42] is praise [4581.42 --> 4582.40] and thanksgiving. [4582.58 --> 4583.44] The purpose [4583.44 --> 4584.88] of your life [4584.88 --> 4586.00] in Jesus Christ [4586.00 --> 4587.36] is to glorify God [4587.36 --> 4588.72] and enjoy him forever. [4589.06 --> 4589.92] And it might [4589.92 --> 4591.50] take a severe [4591.50 --> 4592.12] mercy [4592.12 --> 4592.98] to see [4592.98 --> 4594.22] that truth. [4596.00 --> 4597.26] But a severe [4597.26 --> 4598.06] mercy now [4598.06 --> 4598.72] is better [4598.72 --> 4599.82] than an eternal [4599.82 --> 4600.28] judgment [4600.28 --> 4601.04] then. [4602.24 --> 4602.98] The affliction [4602.98 --> 4604.00] you experience [4604.00 --> 4604.50] now [4604.50 --> 4605.64] is producing [4605.64 --> 4606.46] in you [4606.46 --> 4607.34] an eternal [4607.34 --> 4608.12] weight [4608.12 --> 4609.02] of glory [4609.02 --> 4610.02] that far [4610.02 --> 4610.78] outweighs [4610.78 --> 4612.04] whatever struggle [4612.04 --> 4613.18] we are in [4613.18 --> 4613.76] now. [4613.88 --> 4614.34] And so [4614.34 --> 4616.22] fix your eyes [4616.22 --> 4617.14] not on things [4617.14 --> 4618.06] that are seen, [4618.44 --> 4619.08] on things that [4619.08 --> 4619.94] make sense [4619.94 --> 4621.28] to your brain, [4621.42 --> 4622.32] but fix them [4622.32 --> 4622.88] on things [4622.88 --> 4623.80] that are unseen. [4624.36 --> 4625.40] Trust in the one [4625.40 --> 4626.68] who guides [4626.68 --> 4627.40] and holds [4627.40 --> 4628.28] all creation [4628.28 --> 4628.70] together. [4628.92 --> 4630.36] Fix your eyes [4630.36 --> 4631.14] on the Lord [4631.14 --> 4632.12] Jesus Christ, [4632.26 --> 4632.74] the author [4632.74 --> 4633.82] and perfecter [4633.82 --> 4634.56] of our faith. [4634.70 --> 4635.56] Fix your eyes [4635.56 --> 4636.20] on God [4636.20 --> 4637.20] and know [4637.20 --> 4638.42] that the Lord [4638.42 --> 4640.36] is good. [4641.36 --> 4642.42] His love [4642.42 --> 4643.76] endures [4643.76 --> 4644.86] forever. [4645.82 --> 4647.04] His faithfulness [4647.04 --> 4647.88] continues [4647.88 --> 4648.88] through all [4648.88 --> 4649.44] generations. [4651.06 --> 4651.90] And that's why [4651.90 --> 4652.90] on Sundays [4652.90 --> 4653.60] when we gather [4653.60 --> 4654.12] to worship [4654.12 --> 4655.26] we can sing [4655.26 --> 4655.84] as we're going to do [4655.84 --> 4656.24] in a moment [4656.24 --> 4657.44] how great that art. [4657.44 --> 4660.24] because maybe [4660.24 --> 4661.46] you can't [4661.46 --> 4662.98] feel that [4662.98 --> 4663.44] true [4663.44 --> 4664.34] right now [4664.34 --> 4666.08] but you sing it [4666.08 --> 4667.22] as a statement [4667.22 --> 4667.74] of faith [4667.74 --> 4669.06] longing for it [4669.06 --> 4669.70] to be true. [4670.08 --> 4671.24] As an aspiration [4671.24 --> 4672.94] for a reality [4672.94 --> 4674.06] of an experience [4674.06 --> 4674.56] of God [4674.56 --> 4675.24] and maybe [4675.24 --> 4676.22] you are in the place [4676.22 --> 4676.96] where that is [4676.96 --> 4678.40] completely and utterly [4678.40 --> 4679.14] true for you [4679.14 --> 4679.60] right now [4679.60 --> 4680.94] and so you sing [4680.94 --> 4682.16] with a boldness [4682.16 --> 4683.76] and a volume [4683.76 --> 4685.02] that gathers up [4685.02 --> 4685.58] those of us [4685.58 --> 4686.06] who can't. [4686.06 --> 4688.20] the Lord [4688.20 --> 4689.86] is good. [4690.30 --> 4691.06] His love [4691.06 --> 4692.22] endures forever. [4692.40 --> 4693.32] His faithfulness [4693.32 --> 4693.90] continues [4693.90 --> 4694.44] through all [4694.44 --> 4695.00] generations [4695.00 --> 4697.28] and so we sing [4697.28 --> 4698.82] how great [4698.82 --> 4701.00] thou art. [4701.78 --> 4702.08] Amen. [4703.08 --> 4704.10] Let's pray together. [4712.10 --> 4712.90] Holy, [4713.40 --> 4714.54] holy God. [4716.06 --> 4717.02] we stand [4717.02 --> 4718.32] in your presence [4718.32 --> 4719.40] amazed [4719.40 --> 4721.04] at who you are [4721.04 --> 4722.14] and at what you [4722.14 --> 4722.74] have done. [4723.48 --> 4724.12] Help us [4724.12 --> 4725.06] to trust [4725.06 --> 4726.20] in things [4726.20 --> 4726.98] that are not [4726.98 --> 4727.76] seen. [4727.90 --> 4728.32] Help us [4728.32 --> 4729.06] to trust [4729.06 --> 4730.28] in your [4730.28 --> 4731.72] faithfulness [4731.72 --> 4732.66] that continues [4732.66 --> 4733.92] through all [4733.92 --> 4734.58] generations. [4735.12 --> 4735.62] May we [4735.62 --> 4736.98] be a generation [4736.98 --> 4738.40] of faith. [4739.40 --> 4739.90] May we [4739.90 --> 4740.42] here [4740.42 --> 4741.20] and now [4741.20 --> 4742.12] know [4742.12 --> 4743.40] that you [4743.40 --> 4744.18] are [4744.18 --> 4744.90] God. [4745.86 --> 4746.38] That you [4746.38 --> 4746.94] have made [4746.94 --> 4747.30] us [4747.30 --> 4747.98] that we [4747.98 --> 4748.92] belong [4748.92 --> 4749.88] to you. [4750.72 --> 4751.44] That we [4751.44 --> 4751.82] are your [4751.82 --> 4752.26] people. [4753.22 --> 4753.80] The sheep [4753.80 --> 4754.48] of your [4754.48 --> 4754.90] pasture. [4756.76 --> 4757.24] And that because [4757.24 --> 4757.58] of your [4757.58 --> 4758.34] great love [4758.34 --> 4759.06] for us [4759.06 --> 4759.76] by grace [4759.76 --> 4760.40] through faith [4760.40 --> 4761.08] you will [4761.08 --> 4762.42] wander far [4762.42 --> 4762.92] afield [4762.92 --> 4763.54] leaving the [4763.54 --> 4764.38] 99 to [4764.38 --> 4764.78] come and [4764.78 --> 4765.48] get us [4765.48 --> 4766.38] the one [4766.38 --> 4767.28] who is [4767.28 --> 4767.98] away. [4768.18 --> 4768.70] Find [4768.70 --> 4769.54] us [4769.54 --> 4770.26] today [4770.26 --> 4770.98] Lord [4770.98 --> 4771.40] Jesus [4771.40 --> 4771.68] whether [4771.68 --> 4772.04] for the [4772.04 --> 4772.36] first [4772.36 --> 4772.82] time [4772.82 --> 4773.46] or the [4773.46 --> 4774.44] 501st [4774.44 --> 4774.86] time [4774.86 --> 4776.22] find us [4776.22 --> 4776.82] today [4776.82 --> 4777.48] that we [4777.48 --> 4778.06] might [4778.06 --> 4778.62] sing [4778.62 --> 4779.26] as a [4779.26 --> 4779.70] statement [4779.70 --> 4780.44] of faith [4780.44 --> 4781.04] and a [4781.04 --> 4781.28] sure [4781.28 --> 4781.84] conviction [4781.84 --> 4782.86] how [4782.86 --> 4783.86] great [4783.86 --> 4784.94] thou [4784.94 --> 4786.00] art. [4786.76 --> 4787.00] Shout [4787.00 --> 4787.82] for joy [4787.82 --> 4788.24] to the [4788.24 --> 4788.60] Lord [4788.60 --> 4789.64] all [4789.64 --> 4790.64] the [4790.64 --> 4791.00] earth. [4791.80 --> 4792.08] Worship [4792.08 --> 4792.72] the Lord [4792.72 --> 4793.30] with [4793.30 --> 4793.88] gladness. [4794.08 --> 4794.26] Come [4794.26 --> 4794.84] before [4794.84 --> 4795.38] him [4795.38 --> 4796.00] with [4796.00 --> 4796.60] joyful [4796.60 --> 4797.86] song. [4798.78 --> 4798.94] In [4798.94 --> 4799.64] Jesus name [4799.64 --> 4800.20] we pray. [4801.10 --> 4801.46] Amen. [4829.64 --> 4832.26] Lord [4832.26 --> 4833.90] my God [4833.90 --> 4835.06] when I [4835.06 --> 4836.06] in awesome [4836.06 --> 4837.52] wonder [4837.52 --> 4839.48] consider [4839.48 --> 4840.76] all [4840.76 --> 4841.56] my [4841.56 --> 4842.00] words [4842.00 --> 4842.42] I [4842.42 --> 4842.88] have [4842.88 --> 4843.38] to [4843.38 --> 4844.14] see [4844.14 --> 4845.70] I [4845.70 --> 4846.26] see [4846.26 --> 4846.70] the [4846.70 --> 4847.64] star [4847.64 --> 4848.36] I [4848.36 --> 4848.90] hear [4848.90 --> 4849.32] the [4849.32 --> 4850.08] rolling [4850.08 --> 4851.26] thunder [4851.26 --> 4852.72] I [4852.72 --> 4853.30] love [4853.30 --> 4855.26] the [4855.26 --> 4856.68] universe [4856.68 --> 4857.06] to [4857.06 --> 4857.94] say [4857.94 --> 4860.70] me [4860.70 --> 4861.32] in [4861.32 --> 4861.60] sense [4861.60 --> 4861.98] my soul [4861.98 --> 4862.20] my [4862.20 --> 4863.08] saviour [4863.08 --> 4863.72] God [4863.72 --> 4863.94] to [4863.94 --> 4864.82] me [4864.82 --> 4866.48] how [4866.48 --> 4866.88] great [4866.88 --> 4867.30] thou [4867.30 --> 4868.74] art [4868.74 --> 4869.78] how [4869.78 --> 4870.32] great [4870.32 --> 4870.78] thou [4870.78 --> 4872.26] art [4872.26 --> 4873.08] in [4873.08 --> 4873.60] sense [4873.60 --> 4875.10] my soul [4875.10 --> 4875.66] my [4875.66 --> 4876.54] saviour [4876.54 --> 4877.16] God [4877.16 --> 4877.42] to [4877.42 --> 4878.58] me [4878.58 --> 4879.84] how [4879.84 --> 4880.26] great [4880.26 --> 4880.76] thou [4880.76 --> 4882.32] art [4882.32 --> 4883.14] how [4883.14 --> 4883.56] great [4883.56 --> 4884.02] thou [4884.02 --> 4885.52] art [4885.52 --> 4895.36] When through the woods and forest streets I wander [4895.36 --> 4901.82] I hear the birds sing sweetly in the sky [4901.82 --> 4908.94] When I look down, come walk me out in wonder [4908.94 --> 4915.14] Then hear the birds and hear the birds of the earth [4915.14 --> 4922.76] And sings my soul, my Savior God to me [4922.76 --> 4928.90] How great the world, how great the world [4928.90 --> 4935.68] Then sings my soul, my Savior God to me [4935.68 --> 4942.42] How great the world, how great the world [4942.42 --> 4953.04] But when I see that God his Son not sparing [4953.04 --> 4959.80] Sends him to die, I scarce can take it in [4959.80 --> 4966.42] That on the cross my burden gladly bearing [4966.42 --> 4973.42] He bled and died to take away my sin [4973.42 --> 4981.04] Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee [4981.04 --> 4987.66] How great thou art, how great thou art [4987.66 --> 4993.66] Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee [4993.66 --> 5000.66] How great thou art, how great thou art [5000.66 --> 5011.28] When Christ shall come, his shout of acclimation [5011.28 --> 5018.28] And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart [5018.28 --> 5024.62] Then I shall bow in a full adoration [5024.62 --> 5032.24] And there will be my heart, how great thou art [5032.24 --> 5038.24] Then sings my soul, my Savior God to me [5038.24 --> 5044.24] How great thou art, how great thou art [5044.24 --> 5055.86] How great thou art, how great thou art [5055.86 --> 5073.70] As you go into this week, as you come from here [5073.70 --> 5078.18] Experiencing and feeling whatever it is that you do [5078.18 --> 5081.32] And going to wherever it is that you go [5081.32 --> 5085.74] Know that God himself goes with you [5085.74 --> 5090.36] As you go, go also with an invitation [5090.36 --> 5093.00] To stick around in fellowship afterwards [5093.00 --> 5094.04] There's coffee [5094.04 --> 5097.04] I was reminded of an announcement that I didn't make [5097.04 --> 5099.32] There is also children's choir practice [5099.32 --> 5102.48] So if you are in the children's choir [5102.48 --> 5103.94] If your kids are in the children's choir [5103.94 --> 5105.76] They are meeting in the multi-purpose room [5105.76 --> 5107.00] Following service [5107.00 --> 5109.10] And there's 20-20 tonight [5109.10 --> 5111.04] So if you're a youth person [5111.04 --> 5112.20] That's 20-20 tonight [5112.20 --> 5114.34] Here at church beginning at 6-30 [5114.34 --> 5115.48] If you have questions about that [5115.48 --> 5116.80] Pastor Kevin will answer them [5116.80 --> 5120.52] Go then in the power of the Spirit [5120.52 --> 5122.74] With the blessing of God [5122.74 --> 5126.10] May God go before you [5126.10 --> 5128.06] To prepare a way for you [5128.06 --> 5130.68] May God go behind you [5130.68 --> 5131.88] To protect you [5131.88 --> 5134.48] May God go beneath you [5134.48 --> 5135.44] To support you [5135.44 --> 5137.96] And may God go beside you [5137.96 --> 5139.18] To befriend you [5139.18 --> 5141.22] Do not be afraid [5141.22 --> 5143.70] Let the blessing of God come upon you today [5143.70 --> 5145.38] Do not be afraid [5145.38 --> 5147.56] But go in peace [5147.56 --> 5150.80] To love and serve the Lord [5150.80 --> 5152.82] Amen [5173.70 --> 5181.94] Monterebee [5181.94 --> 5185.90] Now up to the King eternal [5185.90 --> 5197.58] Into the Kingаго [5197.58 --> 5200.58] His death alone [5201.16 --> 5206.24] The only wise soul [5206.24 --> 5213.58] The only wise soul [5213.58 --> 5222.58] Now unto the King eternal [5222.58 --> 5229.58] Unto the King eternal [5229.58 --> 5235.58] Unto the King eternal [5235.58 --> 5241.58] The only wise soul [5241.58 --> 5247.58] The only wise soul [5247.58 --> 5254.58] Come unto the King [5254.58 --> 5258.58] The glory and honor [5258.58 --> 5262.58] Unto the King forever [5262.58 --> 5268.58] Come to the King [5268.58 --> 5269.58] The only wise soul [5269.58 --> 5270.58] The only wise soul [5270.58 --> 5271.58] Come to the King eternal [5271.58 --> 5274.58] For the King eternal [5274.58 --> 5288.52] For ever my hvad [5288.52 --> 5318.50] Thank you. [5318.52 --> 5348.50] Thank you. [5348.52 --> 5378.50] Thank you.