[0.00 --> 22.40] To you, Lord, Christ my Lord, I am not my own, but beyond body and soul. [22.40 --> 37.26] In my life and in death, to you, Lord, Christ my Lord. [37.26 --> 50.26] I am not my own, but beyond body and soul. [50.26 --> 65.26] In my life and in death, to you, Lord, Christ my Lord. [65.26 --> 95.24] I am not my own, but beyond body and soul. [95.24 --> 100.70] I raise a hallelujah. [100.70 --> 107.00] Louder than the unbelief. [107.00 --> 112.46] I raise a hallelujah. [112.46 --> 117.92] My weapon is a melody. [117.92 --> 124.08] I raise a hallelujah. [124.08 --> 130.54] Heaven comes to fight for me. [130.54 --> 138.12] I'm gonna sing in the middle of the storm. [138.12 --> 141.26] Louder and louder. [141.26 --> 144.72] You're gonna hear my praises roar. [144.72 --> 149.72] Up from the ashes, hope will arise. [149.72 --> 153.18] God is defeated. [153.18 --> 155.18] The king is alive. [155.18 --> 159.18] I raise a hallelujah. [159.18 --> 167.64] I raise a hallelujah. [167.64 --> 170.94] I raise a hallelujah. [170.94 --> 174.40] With everything inside me. [174.40 --> 179.70] I raise a hallelujah. [179.70 --> 185.90] I will watch the darkness flee. [185.90 --> 191.40] I raise a hallelujah. [191.40 --> 196.86] In the middle of the mystery. [196.86 --> 201.16] I raise a hallelujah. [201.16 --> 203.16] I raise a hallelujah. [203.16 --> 205.16] I raise a hallelujah. [205.16 --> 212.16] God is defeated. [212.16 --> 213.10] I raise a hallelujah. [213.10 --> 215.62] I raise a hallelujah. [215.62 --> 217.16] I raise a hallelujah. [217.16 --> 221.54] I raise a hallelujah. [221.54 --> 225.38] God is defeated. [225.38 --> 234.38] He's defeated. [234.38 --> 236.48] He scores 229 on the bellas gepositions of choice. [236.48 --> 240.06] In the negligence of spirit. [240.06 --> 240.60] The Andrew Trump chamber works the highest I got as a hallelujah. [240.60 --> 242.92] Paul Cushy teaches a hallelujah. [242.92 --> 245.10] wig forgot to train with God's angel. [245.10 --> 247.68] His will have to train with God. [247.68 --> 250.50] She worshiped the hallelujah. [250.50 --> 252.98] Sing a little louder [252.98 --> 256.18] My weapon is a melody [256.18 --> 259.22] Sing a little louder [259.22 --> 262.18] Heaven comes to fight for me [262.18 --> 264.74] Sing a little louder [264.74 --> 268.02] In the presence of my enemies [268.02 --> 270.82] Sing a little louder [270.82 --> 273.78] Louder than the unbelief [273.78 --> 276.42] Sing a little louder [276.42 --> 279.70] My weapon is a melody [279.70 --> 282.66] Sing a little louder [282.66 --> 285.54] Heaven comes to fight for me [285.54 --> 288.50] Sing a little louder [288.50 --> 291.14] I'm gonna sing [291.14 --> 294.42] In the middle of the storm [294.42 --> 296.82] Louder and louder [296.82 --> 300.26] You're gonna hear my praises roar [300.26 --> 303.22] Up from the ashes [303.22 --> 306.10] Hope will arise [306.10 --> 308.74] Death is defeated [308.74 --> 312.66] The King is alive [312.66 --> 314.58] The King is alive [314.58 --> 315.70] The King is alive [315.70 --> 345.68] I love you. [345.70 --> 375.68] I love you. [375.70 --> 377.70] I love you. [377.70 --> 379.70] I love you. [379.70 --> 381.70] I love you. [381.70 --> 383.70] I love you. [383.70 --> 385.70] I love you. [385.70 --> 387.70] I love you. [387.70 --> 389.70] I love you. [389.70 --> 391.70] I love you. [391.70 --> 393.70] I love you. [393.70 --> 395.70] I love you. [395.70 --> 397.70] I love you. [397.70 --> 399.70] I love you. [399.70 --> 401.70] I love you. [401.70 --> 403.70] I love you. [403.70 --> 407.70] I love you. [407.70 --> 409.70] I love you. [409.70 --> 411.70] I love you. [411.70 --> 415.18] Blessed be your glory, I can name. [419.08 --> 422.14] Blessed be your name. [422.46 --> 426.10] When the sun is shining down on me. [426.58 --> 430.36] When the world's all as it should be. [430.74 --> 432.30] Blessed be your name. [435.64 --> 438.70] Blessed be your name. [438.70 --> 442.44] On the road marked with suffering. [443.16 --> 446.50] Though there's pain in the offering. [447.50 --> 448.90] Blessed be your name. [449.28 --> 450.34] Yes, Lord. [451.94 --> 456.08] Every blessing you pour out of. [456.46 --> 458.86] Turn back to praise. [460.50 --> 464.28] When the darkness closes in more. [464.28 --> 466.28] Still I will say. [466.40 --> 470.80] Blessed be the name of the Lord. [471.04 --> 473.34] Blessed be your name. [475.00 --> 479.12] Blessed be the name of the Lord. [479.80 --> 483.04] Blessed be your glorious name. [483.86 --> 485.60] Blessed be the name. [486.68 --> 488.62] Blessed be your name. [488.62 --> 490.24] Blessed be your name. [490.24 --> 495.64] Blessed be the name of the Lord [495.64 --> 502.12] Blessed be your glorious name [502.12 --> 506.22] To give and take away [506.22 --> 510.36] To give and take away [510.36 --> 514.56] My heart will choose to say [514.56 --> 518.84] Blessed be your name [518.84 --> 522.82] To give and take away [522.82 --> 526.94] Oh, you give and take away [526.94 --> 531.04] My heart will choose to say [531.04 --> 536.84] For blessed be your name [536.84 --> 541.22] Blessed be the name of the Lord [541.22 --> 544.34] Blessed be your name [544.34 --> 549.60] Blessed be the name of the Lord [549.60 --> 553.54] Blessed be your glorious name [553.54 --> 557.66] Blessed be the name of the Lord [557.66 --> 560.32] Blessed be your name [560.32 --> 562.32] A true... [562.32 --> 565.38] Good morning! [565.80 --> 566.56] How are we all doing? [568.74 --> 570.42] Alright, Haley's doing good. [570.50 --> 571.62] How about everybody over here? [573.26 --> 574.96] Oh, Allie's doing okay. [575.18 --> 576.56] The rest of you aren't yet sure. [577.34 --> 578.04] Alright, well. [578.78 --> 580.98] Welcome to worship. [581.36 --> 584.34] I am so excited that you are here [584.34 --> 586.40] and for those who are making their way in yet, [586.70 --> 587.78] welcome to you. [587.78 --> 588.98] If you're joining us online, [589.12 --> 591.80] we are glad that you are participating with us [591.80 --> 593.72] in our worship together this morning. [593.84 --> 594.46] My name is Chris. [594.98 --> 596.32] I'm one of the pastors here [596.32 --> 599.10] and with these other people that you see on stage [599.10 --> 600.32] and yet a few more, [600.68 --> 604.74] we will lead you in our shared worship together this morning. [605.38 --> 606.04] Before we begin, [606.12 --> 608.04] there's just a couple housekeeping notes [608.04 --> 609.46] that we want to make you aware of. [609.46 --> 613.74] the first of which is that next week [613.74 --> 615.16] in our worship together, [615.16 --> 618.28] we will be celebrating the Lord's Supper. [618.94 --> 621.28] And so we want to put that on your hearts [621.28 --> 622.30] for the week to come [622.30 --> 624.16] that you can prepare it yourself. [624.42 --> 625.94] And if you have kids, [626.00 --> 626.96] you can talk to your kids [626.96 --> 628.80] about what that experience is like [628.80 --> 629.56] and what that means [629.56 --> 631.72] so we can come together to the table. [632.22 --> 633.76] For those of you who are thinking [633.76 --> 635.34] and doing the math on that, [635.40 --> 637.30] it is technically a week early [637.30 --> 639.82] from our normal practice of things, [639.82 --> 640.80] but it is correct. [641.98 --> 643.42] And so next week, Sunday, [643.42 --> 646.20] we're going to be looking at the Passover event [646.20 --> 647.68] in our worship together. [647.78 --> 649.80] And so we wanted to tie those two things together. [650.22 --> 652.06] And then also in two weeks time, [652.14 --> 652.88] I am away. [653.24 --> 654.60] And so this is the easiest way [654.60 --> 656.58] to facilitate that service together. [656.58 --> 658.98] So prepare yourselves over this next week. [660.28 --> 662.26] Additionally, we want to just bring some clarity [662.26 --> 663.12] to an announcement [663.12 --> 664.34] that was in the midweek memo. [664.66 --> 665.94] For those of you who are interested [665.94 --> 668.42] in our Easter choir, [669.34 --> 670.88] the practices are beginning for that [670.88 --> 672.04] on February 9. [672.68 --> 674.26] And there was a correction, [674.42 --> 675.26] then another correction, [675.52 --> 677.86] and now this is finalized, [678.24 --> 678.88] Lord willing. [679.32 --> 680.96] February 9 will be the first practice. [681.08 --> 682.42] If you have any questions about that, [682.46 --> 684.56] you can talk to Mark DeGeis, [684.56 --> 686.48] who is here this morning. [686.58 --> 687.96] Mark, wave nice and big, everyone. [688.08 --> 688.50] That's Mark. [688.58 --> 690.56] You can grab him following the service [690.56 --> 692.92] or check in with us later for more details. [694.66 --> 696.64] I have a note that Brandon Muller [696.64 --> 697.74] is going to make an announcement. [697.90 --> 698.36] Is he here? [699.70 --> 700.60] There you are. [701.20 --> 701.60] All right. [702.18 --> 703.20] Brandon, come on up. [703.82 --> 704.52] Grab a microphone. [716.58 --> 721.42] Yeah, just a quick one for Youth Mexico. [722.12 --> 723.82] We got a meeting after the service today [723.82 --> 724.50] for five minutes. [724.54 --> 725.84] Just go over your guys' fundraiser [725.84 --> 726.76] that you'll be starting. [727.40 --> 728.80] And then next week, Sunday, [728.90 --> 730.20] the 6th, I think that is, [730.74 --> 732.70] we'll be doing a meeting after Youth Coffee. [732.92 --> 734.28] So it'll be 2 to 4 o'clock [734.28 --> 734.94] will be our meeting. [735.06 --> 736.40] Youth Coffee is 12 to 2 or so. [737.46 --> 738.96] So yeah, that's just the quick ones. [738.96 --> 740.84] I know we email that out as well, [740.96 --> 742.38] but just to make sure it's known. [747.60 --> 748.22] All right. [748.46 --> 749.52] Thank you, Brandon. [749.58 --> 751.08] If you have any questions for Brandon, [751.16 --> 751.88] you can grab him, [752.38 --> 755.16] and he will address those as well. [755.66 --> 756.70] And then the last one, [756.86 --> 757.96] that there is 2020 tonight, [758.60 --> 760.12] that's a youth program. [760.20 --> 761.28] If you have any questions about that, [761.58 --> 762.34] you can ask Pastor Kevin. [762.58 --> 763.54] He knows those things. [763.54 --> 765.62] As you're able, [765.72 --> 766.20] and where you are, [766.36 --> 767.36] I'm going to invite you to stand. [767.82 --> 770.22] We are gathered into the presence of God, [770.32 --> 771.40] and he welcomes us [771.40 --> 774.70] and greets us with his own words. [775.22 --> 777.48] Receive the greeting of our God. [778.64 --> 782.10] Grace, mercy, and peace to you. [782.38 --> 783.40] From God our Father, [783.48 --> 784.48] and the Lord Jesus Christ, [784.56 --> 786.30] his Son, and our Savior, [786.74 --> 788.22] through the presence and power [788.22 --> 789.42] of the Holy Spirit. [790.66 --> 790.94] Amen. [793.54 --> 813.78] You give light, [813.88 --> 815.68] you are love, [815.68 --> 820.12] you bring light to the darkness, [820.48 --> 822.18] you give hope, [822.18 --> 829.18] you restore every heart that is broken. [832.56 --> 836.18] Grace are you, Lord. [838.08 --> 842.04] It's your breath in our lives, [842.04 --> 844.98] so we pour out our praise, [845.32 --> 847.12] you pour out our praise. [847.18 --> 850.82] It's your breath in our lives, [850.82 --> 854.04] so we pour out our praise, [854.16 --> 856.82] you hold me. [863.94 --> 866.42] You give light, [866.88 --> 868.62] you are love, [868.98 --> 873.08] you bring light to the darkness, [873.08 --> 878.08] you give light, you give light, you restore every heart that is broken. [878.08 --> 880.08] Every heart that is broken. [880.08 --> 882.08] Every heart that is broken. [882.08 --> 883.08] Every heart that is broken. [883.08 --> 885.08] Every heart that is broken. [885.08 --> 886.08] Every heart that is broken. [886.08 --> 887.08] Great are you, Lord. [887.08 --> 891.08] It's your breath in our lives, [891.08 --> 894.08] your breath in our lives, [894.08 --> 897.68] so we pour out our grace, [898.08 --> 899.76] you pour out our praise. [899.76 --> 903.60] It's your breath in our lives, [903.60 --> 906.66] so we pour out our grace, [906.86 --> 908.60] you're holy. [908.60 --> 922.24] And all the earth will shout your praise [922.24 --> 926.78] Our hearts will cry, these hosts will sing [926.78 --> 934.72] May I be all you are [934.72 --> 939.74] And all the earth will shout your praise [939.74 --> 944.12] Our hearts will cry, these hosts will sing [944.12 --> 950.86] Great are you Lord [950.86 --> 956.90] And all the earth will shout your praise [956.90 --> 961.28] Our hearts will cry, these hosts will sing [961.28 --> 968.08] Great are you Lord [968.08 --> 973.32] It's your breath in our lungs [973.32 --> 978.30] So we pour out our praise, pour out our praise [978.30 --> 981.88] It's your breath in our lungs [981.88 --> 986.10] So we pour out our praise to you only [986.10 --> 990.52] It's your breath in our lungs [990.52 --> 995.62] So we pour out our praise, pour out our praise [995.62 --> 999.20] It's your breath in our lungs [999.20 --> 1004.26] So we pour out our praise to you only [1004.26 --> 1019.86] Revelation 15, 3-4 is our call to worship [1019.86 --> 1023.06] Great and amazing are your deeds [1023.06 --> 1025.06] O Lord God the Almighty [1025.06 --> 1027.70] Just and true are your ways [1027.70 --> 1029.46] O King of the nations [1029.46 --> 1032.06] Who will not fear, O Lord [1032.06 --> 1033.66] And glorify your name [1033.66 --> 1036.06] For you alone are holy [1036.06 --> 1039.28] All nations will come and worship you [1039.28 --> 1042.44] For your righteous acts have been revealed [1042.44 --> 1072.42] I love you [1072.42 --> 1075.02] For your mercy never fails me [1075.02 --> 1079.02] For your mercy never fails me [1079.02 --> 1086.42] All my days I've been held in your hands [1086.42 --> 1089.72] From the moment that I wake up [1089.72 --> 1093.36] Until I lay my head [1093.36 --> 1095.96] I will sing [1095.96 --> 1098.96] I will sing [1098.96 --> 1099.96] I will sing [1099.96 --> 1106.46] All my life you have been faithful [1106.46 --> 1113.46] All my life you have been so, so good [1113.46 --> 1127.60] Oh God, with every breath that I am able, I will sing upon the goodness of God. [1127.60 --> 1139.04] My heart, your voice, you have led me through the fire, in darkest night. [1139.04 --> 1150.40] You are close like no other, I've known you as a father, I've known you as a friend. [1150.40 --> 1157.18] I have lived in the goodness of God. [1157.18 --> 1164.14] All my life you have been faithful. [1166.54 --> 1173.32] All my life you have been so, so good. [1173.32 --> 1185.68] With every breath that I am able, I will sing upon the goodness of God. [1187.68 --> 1193.32] Your goodness is running after, it's running after me. [1193.32 --> 1200.32] Your goodness is running after, it's running after me. [1201.04 --> 1204.60] With my heart laid down, I surrender now. [1204.88 --> 1206.96] I give you everything. [1209.06 --> 1214.30] Your goodness is running after, it's running after me. [1214.30 --> 1228.30] Your goodness is running after, it's running after me. [1228.30 --> 1232.12] With my life laid down, I surrender now. [1232.30 --> 1234.38] I give you everything. [1236.16 --> 1241.76] Your goodness is running after, it's running after me. [1241.76 --> 1271.74] Your goodness is running after, it's running after, it's running after, it's running after. [1271.74 --> 1277.74] I will sing of the goodness of God. [1280.18 --> 1282.58] We invite you to be seated for this next song. [1282.58 --> 1291.02] Thank you. [1291.02 --> 1316.58] I have a maker. [1316.58 --> 1321.58] kind of a maker. [1321.58 --> 1329.80] Before even time began [1329.80 --> 1335.20] My life was in His hand [1335.20 --> 1341.32] He knows my name [1341.32 --> 1349.04] He knows my every God [1349.04 --> 1354.60] He leaves each year that falls [1354.60 --> 1359.84] And hears me when I call [1359.84 --> 1365.80] Oh, my Father [1365.80 --> 1372.96] He calls me His own [1372.96 --> 1378.76] He'll never leave me [1378.76 --> 1384.32] No matter where I go [1384.32 --> 1390.76] He knows my name [1390.76 --> 1397.76] He knows my every God [1397.76 --> 1403.32] He sees each year that falls [1403.32 --> 1408.88] And hears me when I call [1408.88 --> 1410.88] He hears me when I call [1410.88 --> 1415.32] He knows my name [1415.32 --> 1420.88] He knows my every God [1420.88 --> 1426.44] He sees each year that falls [1426.44 --> 1430.44] He hears me when I call [1430.44 --> 1433.44] He hears me when I call [1433.44 --> 1439.00] He hears me when I call [1439.00 --> 1444.56] Let's pray [1444.56 --> 1446.12] Our Heavenly Father [1446.12 --> 1446.44] Our Heavenly Father [1446.44 --> 1449.06] We often fail to recognize [1449.06 --> 1450.12] Your love for us [1450.12 --> 1452.68] As we go about our busy daily lives [1452.68 --> 1453.68] Please forgive us [1453.68 --> 1454.68] Please forgive us [1454.68 --> 1457.24] When we have failed to recognize [1457.24 --> 1458.24] Your presence [1458.24 --> 1460.24] Which is always with us in this world [1460.24 --> 1462.24] Please forgive us [1462.24 --> 1465.46] When we have failed to remember [1465.46 --> 1466.94] Your teachings and our actions [1466.94 --> 1468.86] Thoughts and words to others [1468.86 --> 1471.24] Please forgive us, we pray [1471.24 --> 1474.46] Lord, please renew our hearts [1474.46 --> 1475.06] And worship [1475.06 --> 1476.86] And our minds and our hands [1476.86 --> 1477.98] In service to You [1477.98 --> 1480.10] Take our lives [1480.10 --> 1481.12] And use them [1481.12 --> 1483.14] As a sacrifice of love [1483.14 --> 1485.54] We thank You for Your mercy, O God [1485.54 --> 1487.30] Through Jesus Christ, our Savior [1487.30 --> 1488.20] Amen [1488.20 --> 1490.10] Please rise [1490.10 --> 1491.16] When we sing this next song [1491.16 --> 1491.74] Amen [1491.74 --> 1502.22] All to remember [1502.22 --> 1505.00] No wrongs we have done [1505.00 --> 1507.90] On this and all knowing [1507.90 --> 1510.14] He counts not their style [1510.14 --> 1512.66] Brought into our seed [1512.66 --> 1515.66] With the bottom or shelf [1515.66 --> 1522.62] Our sins, they are many, His mercy is low [1522.62 --> 1530.36] What patience, Lord, wait us, weak, lost, and evil [1530.36 --> 1535.84] What Father so tender is calling us low [1535.84 --> 1541.78] He welcomes the weakest, the finest, the poor [1541.78 --> 1547.78] Our sins, they are many, His mercy is low [1547.78 --> 1559.38] Praise the Lord, His mercy is low [1559.38 --> 1565.78] Stronger than darkness, new and reward [1565.78 --> 1571.78] Our sins, they are many, His mercy is low [1571.78 --> 1580.08] What riches of kindness He lavished on us [1580.08 --> 1585.20] His blood was the payment, His life was the cost [1585.20 --> 1590.78] We stood, we thought, we could never afford [1590.78 --> 1596.78] Our sins, they are many, His mercy is low [1596.78 --> 1606.78] Praise the Lord, His mercy is low [1606.78 --> 1614.78] Stronger than darkness, new and reward [1614.78 --> 1620.78] Our sins, they are many, His mercy is low [1620.78 --> 1626.78] Praise the Lord, His mercy is low [1626.78 --> 1632.78] Stronger than darkness, new and reward [1632.78 --> 1638.78] Our sins, they are many, His mercy is low [1638.78 --> 1644.78] Our sins, they are many, His mercy is low [1644.78 --> 1648.78] Please be seated [1648.78 --> 1650.78] Please be seated [1650.78 --> 1654.78] Thank you [1654.78 --> 1682.78] Thank you [1682.78 --> 1687.78] Helping boys grow more Christ-like in all areas of life [1687.78 --> 1690.78] That's the goal of the Calvinist Cadet Corps [1690.78 --> 1693.78] Which is what today's special offering is for [1693.78 --> 1697.78] Cadet ministry is based on landmarks that guide all cadets [1697.78 --> 1701.78] Programs designed to meet boys where they are in life [1701.78 --> 1704.78] And publications that entertain and educate [1704.78 --> 1718.78] While the Minh18ri span ohest impression [1718.78 --> 1719.78] Officials of his greenidée [1719.78 --> 1720.78] As the middle 저도 contemporalen [1720.78 --> 1723.78] To right of your natural identity [1723.78 --> 1726.06] To what theos Africaut Black [1726.06 --> 1740.64] What a friend we have in Jesus [1740.64 --> 1745.28] All our sins and grace to bear [1745.28 --> 1751.32] What a privilege to bear me [1751.32 --> 1756.16] Everything to God in prayer [1756.16 --> 1761.82] Oh, what peace we often forfeit [1761.82 --> 1766.68] Oh, what needless pain we bear [1766.68 --> 1771.52] Oh, because we do not carry [1771.52 --> 1777.06] Everything to God in prayer [1777.06 --> 1784.80] Have we trials and temptations? [1785.42 --> 1788.16] Is there trouble anywhere? [1790.50 --> 1794.54] We should never be discouraged [1794.54 --> 1799.90] Take it to the Lord in prayer [1799.90 --> 1804.86] God, we find a friend so faithful [1804.86 --> 1809.64] Oh, and all our sorrows share [1809.64 --> 1815.06] Jesus knows our every weakness [1815.06 --> 1820.64] Take it to the Lord in prayer [1820.64 --> 1828.50] Are we weak and heavy laden [1828.50 --> 1833.60] Cumbered with a load of care [1833.60 --> 1838.38] Precious Savior, still our refuge [1838.38 --> 1843.18] Take it to the Lord in prayer [1843.18 --> 1848.42] Do thy friends despise forsaken [1848.42 --> 1853.92] Take it to the Lord in prayer [1853.92 --> 1859.38] In his heart still take and shield you [1859.38 --> 1863.52] Now you'll find us all as glad [1863.52 --> 1880.04] Turn it for Kids Corner [1880.04 --> 1882.16] Everyone else want to come on up front? [1882.16 --> 1892.16] I was looking around the church [1892.16 --> 1893.58] I didn't think there were that many kids here [1893.58 --> 1894.56] Then all of a sudden they just start [1894.56 --> 1895.78] Coming out of the woodwork here [1895.78 --> 1896.50] That's pretty good [1896.50 --> 1903.08] Today? [1908.60 --> 1910.06] Okay, that sounds like fun [1910.06 --> 1911.82] How's everyone else doing today? [1912.16 --> 1912.84] Good? [1914.18 --> 1916.58] Okay, last week we were here [1916.58 --> 1921.30] And Mrs. Lovert did a really cool example of something [1921.30 --> 1923.96] Does anybody remember what happened last week? [1924.52 --> 1925.46] When we were sitting here? [1926.96 --> 1928.70] Ruby, do you remember what happened? [1929.02 --> 1929.82] Do you remember what happened? [1931.00 --> 1932.04] We were talking about faith [1932.04 --> 1934.60] And what was the example they used [1934.60 --> 1936.42] Or Mrs. Lovert used? [1936.50 --> 1936.78] Yes [1936.78 --> 1936.84] Yes [1936.84 --> 1937.70] Yes [1937.70 --> 1943.02] Do you guys all remember that? [1943.18 --> 1944.54] Ruby was standing down here [1944.54 --> 1946.58] And Mrs. Lovert was standing up on the stage [1946.58 --> 1948.94] And we were wondering if Ruby was going to be able to catch her [1948.94 --> 1949.36] What do you think? [1949.40 --> 1950.14] Was that going to happen? [1950.14 --> 1952.74] But then we reversed the roles [1952.74 --> 1953.88] Was that better? [1954.64 --> 1955.92] And we could trust that [1955.92 --> 1959.18] Mrs. Lovert was going to be able to catch Ruby, right? [1963.94 --> 1965.26] Okay, sounds good [1965.26 --> 1967.76] Today we are going to [1967.76 --> 1970.42] We're going to talk about a story about prayer [1970.42 --> 1973.40] And I was going to ask you guys a couple questions about prayer [1973.40 --> 1977.40] What are some things that we often pray for? [1977.46 --> 1978.68] Does anybody got any ideas? [1979.40 --> 1981.66] Our mom and dad and kittens [1981.66 --> 1983.80] The mom and dad and kittens [1983.80 --> 1984.66] That sounds good [1984.66 --> 1985.06] What else? [1985.10 --> 1985.70] Anybody else? [1985.78 --> 1987.10] What are some things you pray about [1987.10 --> 1988.74] At home or at school? [1992.16 --> 1992.56] Yeah [1992.56 --> 1995.36] To have a good day [1995.36 --> 1996.14] That's good [1996.14 --> 1996.88] Anything else? [1997.10 --> 1997.86] Anybody else got any? [1997.86 --> 2007.42] Thank you that the Lord died on the cross [2007.42 --> 2008.66] Very good, very good [2008.66 --> 2010.02] And how many people [2010.02 --> 2010.62] Let me think [2010.62 --> 2012.54] There's different places we often pray [2012.54 --> 2013.82] Does anybody got any ideas? [2013.94 --> 2015.08] Where do you pray? [2015.20 --> 2015.82] At church? [2015.92 --> 2016.30] We pray? [2016.42 --> 2016.82] Where else? [2016.94 --> 2017.56] Where do you pray? [2023.36 --> 2024.80] At school, at home, and church [2024.80 --> 2025.38] How about you? [2027.86 --> 2028.66] He prays everywhere [2028.66 --> 2029.46] Well, that's good [2029.46 --> 2030.08] That's great [2030.08 --> 2031.32] We should be praying everywhere [2031.32 --> 2031.52] I wonder [2031.52 --> 2036.96] You sing to God? [2037.04 --> 2038.30] Well, he's going to be loving that [2038.30 --> 2039.74] He's loving that we're praying all the time [2039.74 --> 2040.96] And that we're singing to him often [2040.96 --> 2041.68] That's really good [2041.68 --> 2043.90] So today we're going to talk about prayer in the back [2043.90 --> 2044.96] And there's a really [2044.96 --> 2048.04] A prayer that's been very [2048.04 --> 2050.28] That's been used very often in the New Testament [2050.28 --> 2052.82] Has anybody ever heard of the Lord's Prayer? [2053.72 --> 2054.06] Yeah? [2054.76 --> 2056.80] So we're going to talk a bit about that [2056.80 --> 2058.18] In children's worship time [2058.18 --> 2058.92] In the back [2058.92 --> 2060.92] Can I pray with you guys right now? [2062.08 --> 2062.86] Let's do that [2062.86 --> 2065.52] You can show me in the [2065.52 --> 2067.00] In children's worship time [2067.00 --> 2067.50] How about that? [2068.28 --> 2068.74] Sound good? [2069.54 --> 2070.50] Okay, if everyone can [2070.50 --> 2071.86] Fold your hands and close your eyes [2071.86 --> 2072.66] We're going to pray together [2072.66 --> 2073.72] Heavenly Father [2073.72 --> 2074.98] Thank you so much for this day [2074.98 --> 2076.58] Thank you that we be here together [2076.58 --> 2077.86] And see the excitement [2077.86 --> 2078.82] And the exuberance [2078.82 --> 2079.58] In these young kids [2079.58 --> 2081.60] Thank you for them all [2081.60 --> 2084.32] And I ask that you bless the leaders [2084.32 --> 2086.62] This morning [2086.62 --> 2088.54] As they share your word [2088.54 --> 2089.94] With all these wonderful children [2089.94 --> 2091.06] For Jesus' sake [2091.06 --> 2091.26] Amen [2091.26 --> 2093.60] Okay, next we're going to do the blessing [2093.60 --> 2095.00] So if everyone can stand up [2095.00 --> 2097.06] And face the adults [2097.06 --> 2101.34] Alright [2101.34 --> 2102.28] Ready [2102.28 --> 2103.40] The [2103.40 --> 2107.72] All these works [2107.72 --> 2107.80] All these works [2107.80 --> 2108.16] All these works [2108.16 --> 2109.82] All these bodies [2109.82 --> 2110.66] felons [2110.66 --> 2117.42] We're going to do theорот [2117.42 --> 2118.40] Of those fat [2118.40 --> 2119.58] Of those fat [2119.58 --> 2120.60] Slity [2120.60 --> 2121.06] referred to [2121.06 --> 2121.76] Back [2121.76 --> 2122.80] All these [2122.80 --> 2123.08] Of those [2123.08 --> 2123.70] All these [2123.70 --> 2125.48] We're going to do [2125.48 --> 2127.24] All these [2127.24 --> 2128.28] And [2128.28 --> 2128.74] We're Shit [2128.74 --> 2129.16] There [2129.16 --> 2143.64] Good morning. [2145.26 --> 2146.28] My name is Dave. [2146.40 --> 2147.86] I am one of the elders on council, [2148.14 --> 2151.40] and it is my privilege to be able to lead us in our church family prayer. [2152.12 --> 2152.84] Let us pray. [2155.58 --> 2157.86] Father, this is the day that you have made. [2157.86 --> 2160.34] We rejoice, and we are glad in it. [2160.96 --> 2164.42] Father, we praise you because of your love and your providence that you have showed us, [2164.78 --> 2169.02] the love and the guidance you have given us throughout this week and throughout our lives. [2170.08 --> 2176.06] Father, it is important that we confess all of our sins and our shortcomings. [2177.14 --> 2181.58] We confess that there are deeds that we have done or deeds that we should have done. [2181.94 --> 2185.76] We pray that there have been words that we have said or words that we should have said. [2185.76 --> 2190.16] And quite often, we act out of selfishness or anger. [2190.84 --> 2195.00] Father, we thank you that we do not have to bear all those sins, [2195.42 --> 2198.08] that we do not have to carry that burden through our lives, [2198.26 --> 2202.54] but that Jesus willingly took that burden on himself and took them on the cross, [2202.68 --> 2204.56] and we don't have to bear them anymore. [2204.82 --> 2206.88] We thank you for that unspeakable gift. [2206.88 --> 2214.44] And in reply and in joy and in gratitude, we take seriously our command, [2215.06 --> 2220.24] your command, for us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. [2221.24 --> 2223.72] Father, we thank you for your church. [2224.00 --> 2227.26] We thank you for this church congregation and the ministries that we have. [2227.82 --> 2230.76] We think about Children's Worship Time, where we're meeting right now. [2231.02 --> 2232.80] We think about the Gems and the Cadets. [2232.80 --> 2234.86] We think about youth in 2020. [2235.36 --> 2238.38] We think about our young adults, nursery, coffee break. [2238.76 --> 2242.18] We pray for those who are preparing for a Mexico missions trip. [2242.62 --> 2245.08] We thank you for all those missions and all of our others, [2245.80 --> 2251.18] ways to bring our congregation closer to you and to serve those in our community. [2252.20 --> 2256.74] Father, we think about our offering today for the Calvitas Connect Corps [2256.74 --> 2260.46] and how many churches are celebrating Cadet Sunday. [2260.46 --> 2266.74] We thank you for that ministry, and we take seriously their motto, [2267.30 --> 2272.26] that men can help boys to become more Christ-like in all areas of life. [2273.18 --> 2277.86] Father, we think about our church that will be celebrating the Lord's Supper next week. [2278.02 --> 2280.82] It is an important visible sign for all of us. [2281.36 --> 2284.40] We thank you that when we look at the bread and the cup, [2284.72 --> 2286.44] we can think about the body and the Lord, [2286.44 --> 2288.36] the body and blood of the Lord, [2288.82 --> 2292.84] and how they've been broken and how his blood has been shed for all of our sins. [2294.24 --> 2298.50] Father, we think about our congregation and the world around us, [2298.54 --> 2300.08] and we think of many things to pray for. [2300.62 --> 2305.26] We think about the fear and the unrest in the Ukraine and with nearby Russia. [2305.26 --> 2312.76] We think about everyone who's experiencing fear because of this potential conflict and open hostility. [2313.26 --> 2317.06] We pray for leaders and diplomats who are trying to find a peaceful way around this. [2317.56 --> 2322.68] We do pray that there will be a way for us to avoid conflict but still stand up for justice. [2323.48 --> 2325.54] Father, we think about needs in our own congregation. [2325.54 --> 2330.38] We think about Miriam Visser, who has had some seizure-like symptoms. [2330.86 --> 2335.40] We pray for her medical help, that they'll be able to figure out what it is, what is wrong, [2335.64 --> 2338.24] and what is the best way to take care of her. [2339.10 --> 2344.44] Father, we pray for all of those in our congregation who have lost loved ones recently. [2345.12 --> 2351.48] It is something that is painful and difficult, and it affects the way we live our lives. [2351.48 --> 2355.56] We pray that you will provide them your love and your strength, [2356.10 --> 2361.62] that they will feel the love and encouragement from members of this congregation too. [2362.44 --> 2364.62] Father, we pray for those who are involved in ministry. [2364.88 --> 2368.04] We think about Jared Alkema, who is in Costa Rica with Cape and Ray, [2368.68 --> 2370.60] part of a leadership development program. [2370.86 --> 2374.56] We pray that these four months will be a very good time for him, [2375.06 --> 2378.88] for the people he works with, and the ministry that he takes part in. [2378.88 --> 2383.70] We think about Marilyn Heinen's nephew, Kevin, and wife, Colleen, [2384.24 --> 2386.96] with a serious car accident that they have been in. [2387.26 --> 2390.18] We thank you for the recovery that they have been experiencing, [2390.52 --> 2392.54] the miraculous recovery that they have. [2392.88 --> 2396.00] We pray for continued healing and that they'll be able to be restored [2396.00 --> 2399.24] to their full health and full mobility before too long. [2400.08 --> 2403.60] We think about the Canadian branch of the Christian Reformed Church, [2404.02 --> 2407.20] of your church, because they're looking for a new executive director. [2407.20 --> 2410.64] We pray for Pastor Chris, who is chairing the search committee for that, [2411.10 --> 2415.90] and that as they make decisions about what the future of our church will be like, [2416.24 --> 2418.32] that they will feel your wisdom and your clarity. [2419.36 --> 2425.78] Father, we think about provincial and federal leaders who are involved in responding to COVID [2425.78 --> 2427.32] in the best way that they know how. [2427.68 --> 2429.60] We pray that you give them wisdom and clarity, [2429.60 --> 2435.36] so that they will be able to make decisions that are good for all. [2435.36 --> 2439.40] We know there is a difficult balance of keeping people safe [2439.40 --> 2443.22] and trying to live our lives as freely as we can. [2443.72 --> 2446.02] We know that there are different reactions to the pandemic. [2447.12 --> 2455.72] We pray that even though this pandemic can show how divided people can be, [2456.12 --> 2461.40] we pray that everyone will continue this conversation with civility and respect. [2461.40 --> 2466.84] We think about our council as we make decisions about how COVID impacts our ministries [2466.84 --> 2468.40] and how we can best serve your people. [2468.82 --> 2472.50] We pray for wisdom and insight for that group as they meet this week. [2473.26 --> 2477.64] Father, we pray for Pastor Chris, who is leading us in our message today. [2478.16 --> 2480.12] We continue our study about the Exodus. [2480.78 --> 2484.08] And in that story, we see your love and your care for your people, Israel. [2484.08 --> 2489.64] And in that example before us, that we could also see your love and care for your church, [2490.06 --> 2493.02] for your worldwide church, and for this church, Emmanuel. [2493.72 --> 2498.52] We thank you for that name, Emmanuel, and the reminder that God is with us. [2499.10 --> 2503.40] Father, we pray these things, not because we deserve it, but we ask it in Jesus' name. [2504.26 --> 2504.50] Amen. [2504.50 --> 2504.60] Amen. [2514.08 --> 2515.08] Amen. [2529.72 --> 2537.90] So, as Dave prayed, as you see on the screen, we are indeed continuing looking at Exodus. [2538.02 --> 2540.36] In just a moment, I'm going to read from Exodus 7. [2540.36 --> 2544.06] We're going to look at the story of the Ten Plagues. [2544.12 --> 2548.92] But before we get into that, I want to just start with a controversy right away. [2550.60 --> 2555.26] And that controversy may divide along age lines. [2556.26 --> 2561.88] And so, while that is a consequence, it's not particularly my intent. [2562.88 --> 2563.82] But here it is. [2563.82 --> 2576.02] The movie, The Prince of Egypt, voiced by Val Kilmer in 1998, is better than the movie, The Ten Commandments, with Charlton Heston. [2577.20 --> 2578.48] Which was from 1954. [2578.76 --> 2579.12] Yes. [2579.78 --> 2584.58] I'm glad you said yes and not amen, because if that was the first loud amen that I've gotten in a year preaching here, [2584.64 --> 2586.74] that would be a really bad sign. [2586.74 --> 2591.70] Let me take that controversy one step further. [2593.52 --> 2607.16] The movie from 2014 with Christian Bale, Exodus, Gods and Kings, is better than Moe and the Big Exit, the VeggieTale movie from 2007. [2609.34 --> 2610.52] No, okay. [2611.12 --> 2613.56] I was expecting a boo, actually, so that's good. [2613.56 --> 2618.48] Here's my point in raising this thing. [2618.60 --> 2629.44] Most of us are at least minimally familiar with the story of Exodus, with in particular the Ten Commandments, or the Ten Plagues, and the Exodus, and the Ten Commandments. [2629.72 --> 2630.90] That little snapshot. [2631.68 --> 2635.08] And that's what we are getting into here this morning. [2635.08 --> 2647.16] And so because we are minimally familiar, because culture and pop culture has influenced some of our experience around those things, [2647.22 --> 2653.00] it can be hard to weed through all of that, or wade through all of that, [2653.30 --> 2660.86] and see what is actually in the text, and in the story, and the purpose thereof. [2660.86 --> 2667.38] And so I want to name that at the beginning, and then challenge you, with the best of your ability, [2667.84 --> 2675.74] to dig through that, and come into this story looking for something new. [2677.06 --> 2678.76] And so with that in mind, I'm going to read. [2679.88 --> 2683.48] I'm going to start in chapter 7 at verse 8. [2684.40 --> 2687.02] I think it's going to be on the screen behind me there, too. [2687.02 --> 2693.36] And now while we're going to talk about the first nine plagues today, [2693.38 --> 2696.68] we're not going to read all nine plagues together. [2696.94 --> 2698.06] But we will read the first one. [2699.54 --> 2702.02] The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, [2702.92 --> 2705.12] When Pharaoh says to you, perform a miracle, [2705.70 --> 2706.96] then say to Aaron, [2707.40 --> 2710.36] Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, [2710.64 --> 2711.92] and it will become a snake. [2711.92 --> 2717.72] So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord had commanded. [2719.06 --> 2722.64] Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, [2722.84 --> 2724.58] and it became a snake. [2725.70 --> 2728.70] Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, [2728.84 --> 2733.58] and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts. [2734.20 --> 2737.72] Each one threw down his staff, and it became a snake. [2737.72 --> 2742.72] But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs. [2743.94 --> 2745.98] Yet Pharaoh's heart became hard, [2746.10 --> 2749.00] and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said. [2750.60 --> 2752.38] Then the Lord said to Moses, [2752.98 --> 2755.02] Pharaoh's heart is unyielding. [2755.44 --> 2757.28] He refuses to let the people go. [2758.36 --> 2762.04] Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he goes out to the river. [2762.04 --> 2765.40] Confront him on the bank of the Nile, [2765.84 --> 2770.66] and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. [2771.68 --> 2772.68] Then say to him, [2773.40 --> 2776.88] The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to you to say, [2777.36 --> 2781.24] Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the wilderness. [2782.74 --> 2784.68] But until now you have not listened. [2785.60 --> 2787.16] This is what the Lord says, [2787.16 --> 2791.32] By this you will know that I am the Lord. [2792.28 --> 2794.62] And with the staff that is in my hand, [2794.70 --> 2796.60] I will strike the water of the Nile, [2796.70 --> 2798.68] and it will be changed into blood. [2799.66 --> 2801.54] The fish of the Nile will die, [2801.64 --> 2802.54] the river will sink, [2802.64 --> 2805.10] the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water. [2806.76 --> 2808.16] The Lord said to Moses, [2809.00 --> 2809.52] Tell Aaron, [2809.78 --> 2812.98] Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, [2813.32 --> 2814.78] over the streams and canals, [2814.78 --> 2817.04] over the ponds and over all the reservoirs, [2817.16 --> 2818.80] and they will turn to blood. [2819.72 --> 2822.16] Blood will be everywhere in Egypt, [2822.54 --> 2825.08] even in vessels of wood and stone. [2826.62 --> 2828.10] Moses and Aaron did, [2828.24 --> 2829.66] just as the Lord had commanded. [2829.80 --> 2832.68] He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, [2832.96 --> 2834.94] and struck the water of the Nile, [2835.12 --> 2837.64] and all the water was changed into blood. [2838.32 --> 2840.10] The fish in the Nile died, [2840.16 --> 2841.58] and the river smelled so bad [2841.58 --> 2843.58] that the Egyptians could not drink its water. [2843.58 --> 2846.64] Blood was everywhere in Egypt. [2847.16 --> 2852.14] But the Egyptian magicians did the same things, [2852.14 --> 2853.44] by their secret arts, [2853.68 --> 2855.52] and Pharaoh's heart became hard. [2856.30 --> 2858.20] He would not listen to Moses and Aaron, [2858.32 --> 2859.64] just as the Lord had said. [2860.02 --> 2862.72] Instead, he turned and went into his palace, [2862.72 --> 2865.20] and did not even take this to heart. [2865.86 --> 2868.94] And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile [2868.94 --> 2869.96] to get drinking water, [2870.12 --> 2873.92] because they could not drink the water of the river. [2873.92 --> 2875.98] This is the word of the Lord. [2879.70 --> 2882.54] Now, the story of the ten plagues, [2882.66 --> 2885.32] familiar that it may be to us all, [2885.64 --> 2887.70] starts, as we read, [2887.92 --> 2890.06] with the story about the staff [2890.06 --> 2891.66] being turned into a snake. [2892.80 --> 2894.40] And this is a sort of introduction [2894.40 --> 2896.46] to the bigger unit [2896.46 --> 2898.70] that makes up the ten plagues. [2898.70 --> 2901.02] This morning, like I said, [2901.08 --> 2903.66] we're going to look at that bigger unit together. [2905.28 --> 2906.58] Next week, though, [2906.68 --> 2910.14] we will focus in particular on the last plague, [2910.40 --> 2911.72] the death of the firstborn, [2911.82 --> 2912.74] and then the Passover [2912.74 --> 2914.20] that comes with that. [2915.38 --> 2916.50] Now, I want to be clear [2916.50 --> 2919.16] that this isn't an arbitrary division [2919.16 --> 2921.78] that just works in our preaching schedule, right? [2921.78 --> 2923.50] The actual narrative structure [2923.50 --> 2925.34] of this whole section [2925.34 --> 2927.42] breaks the plagues down [2927.42 --> 2929.80] into three groups of three plagues, [2929.88 --> 2930.94] with the tenth plague [2930.94 --> 2932.68] coming at the end as the climax. [2934.04 --> 2935.68] There are phrases throughout, [2935.76 --> 2937.20] and you can look into this later, [2937.32 --> 2938.86] that indicate a time of day, [2938.94 --> 2940.48] or when Moses is called [2940.48 --> 2942.16] to go to Pharaoh and show, [2942.52 --> 2944.16] that reveals that this breakdown [2944.16 --> 2946.70] of three times three plus one [2946.70 --> 2948.50] is an intentional structure, [2948.50 --> 2950.66] and that the author is using it [2950.66 --> 2952.44] to make a particular point [2952.44 --> 2954.06] about the tenth plague [2954.06 --> 2955.00] and the Passover. [2955.66 --> 2956.78] We're just sort of using [2956.78 --> 2957.88] that same structure here. [2959.04 --> 2960.78] And to set the stage for that, [2961.66 --> 2963.82] really, from the get-go, [2964.42 --> 2965.32] right, to help us see [2965.32 --> 2966.30] what's going on here, [2967.00 --> 2968.34] we start with that story [2968.34 --> 2970.44] of a staff being turned into a snake, [2971.00 --> 2973.32] even though the Egyptian sorcerers [2973.32 --> 2974.62] can do the same thing. [2974.62 --> 2976.90] And then, amazingly, [2977.58 --> 2979.48] Aaron's staff, that snake, [2979.96 --> 2981.04] eats theirs. [2982.28 --> 2983.80] I want to dig into this a little [2983.80 --> 2986.18] and say that there are two levels [2986.18 --> 2988.82] to the symbolism that's happening here [2988.82 --> 2990.66] that sort of pervades [2990.66 --> 2992.12] the rest of the story. [2993.44 --> 2994.02] And so first, [2994.88 --> 2997.20] in Egyptian iconography, [2997.84 --> 2999.70] in Egyptian religious symbols, [3000.00 --> 3001.76] the snake is associated [3001.76 --> 3003.12] with the pharaoh. [3003.12 --> 3005.08] And you can see that [3005.08 --> 3008.12] in commonly depicted headdresses. [3008.66 --> 3010.00] I think we have an image there. [3011.54 --> 3013.16] And this is a burial mask [3013.16 --> 3015.28] that was found in the grave [3015.28 --> 3017.52] of Pharaoh Tutankhamen. [3018.46 --> 3020.70] This particular one is really famous. [3021.64 --> 3024.26] He reigned in the 14th century BC. [3025.20 --> 3027.14] I saw this mask actually on exhibit [3027.14 --> 3029.78] in the Cairo Museum in Egypt. [3029.78 --> 3031.28] But notice, [3031.56 --> 3032.92] in the center of the head, [3033.02 --> 3035.98] there is a bird of prey coming out. [3036.06 --> 3037.56] That's for the god Ra. [3037.66 --> 3038.36] We'll come back to him. [3038.44 --> 3039.50] And there is a snake [3039.50 --> 3042.38] emerging from the center of the head, [3042.46 --> 3042.90] a cobra. [3043.90 --> 3044.70] In Egypt, [3045.58 --> 3047.46] the pharaohs are also believed [3047.46 --> 3048.54] to be divine, [3048.66 --> 3051.24] or to become divine after death. [3051.82 --> 3052.40] And so, [3052.54 --> 3053.30] on one level, [3053.40 --> 3054.26] right at the beginning, [3054.56 --> 3054.76] right, [3054.76 --> 3055.86] the plague story [3055.86 --> 3057.36] begins with the god [3057.36 --> 3058.56] of the Israelites [3058.56 --> 3059.78] eating up [3059.78 --> 3062.02] a god to the Egyptians [3062.02 --> 3063.76] in the symbol of the pharaoh. [3065.74 --> 3067.98] The author wants us to see [3067.98 --> 3071.26] that this is god against gods, [3071.60 --> 3072.72] right from the beginning. [3074.06 --> 3075.50] There's also a second point [3075.50 --> 3076.88] to the symbol here. [3076.88 --> 3079.32] And that comes from the word [3079.32 --> 3081.60] that the Hebrew text uses for snake. [3082.42 --> 3084.94] The word used for snake [3084.94 --> 3087.16] is not the normal word [3087.16 --> 3088.24] that the Bible uses. [3088.42 --> 3089.16] And so, for instance, [3089.34 --> 3090.10] if you're familiar [3090.10 --> 3091.98] in the story of the fall, [3092.08 --> 3093.26] the rebellion in creation [3093.26 --> 3094.22] in Genesis 3, [3094.34 --> 3094.92] a serpent, [3095.14 --> 3095.62] a snake, [3095.78 --> 3097.34] comes and tempts Eve [3097.34 --> 3098.24] who then tempts Adam. [3098.50 --> 3099.70] That's not the same word [3099.70 --> 3100.88] that's used here [3100.88 --> 3102.36] in Exodus 7. [3102.42 --> 3102.88] Or even, [3103.22 --> 3104.24] in Numbers 21, [3104.24 --> 3105.18] you have the story [3105.18 --> 3106.08] of a whole bunch [3106.08 --> 3106.88] of venomous snakes [3106.88 --> 3108.32] descending on the people [3108.32 --> 3108.96] as they wandered [3108.96 --> 3109.46] in the wilderness [3109.46 --> 3110.70] and then Moses lifts up [3110.70 --> 3111.60] a bronze snake [3111.60 --> 3112.62] and if they look to that, [3112.72 --> 3113.22] they're saved. [3114.10 --> 3115.68] That's also a different word [3115.68 --> 3116.40] for snake. [3116.80 --> 3117.14] Instead, [3118.10 --> 3119.40] the word that's used here [3119.40 --> 3120.26] in this text [3120.26 --> 3120.88] is a word [3120.88 --> 3122.16] that is really translated [3122.16 --> 3122.74] in a whole bunch [3122.74 --> 3123.58] of different ways [3123.58 --> 3126.32] ranging from sea monster [3126.32 --> 3127.46] to jackal [3127.46 --> 3128.54] to wild beasts [3128.54 --> 3129.24] and yes, [3129.40 --> 3131.04] to serpents. [3132.62 --> 3133.00] And so, [3133.00 --> 3134.04] that's not to say [3134.04 --> 3134.98] that the word snake [3134.98 --> 3135.76] isn't included [3135.76 --> 3136.64] in the range of meaning [3136.64 --> 3138.12] but it is to say [3138.12 --> 3139.28] that when you look [3139.28 --> 3139.86] at this word [3139.86 --> 3140.78] in the Psalms [3140.78 --> 3141.90] or in the prophets, [3142.54 --> 3143.86] it's used to describe [3143.86 --> 3145.08] the kinds of places [3145.08 --> 3146.28] in the world [3146.28 --> 3146.92] that are sort of [3146.92 --> 3148.10] without God, [3148.22 --> 3150.04] the desolate places, [3150.62 --> 3150.72] right, [3150.78 --> 3152.48] the godless places. [3154.12 --> 3156.82] In Leviticus 16, [3157.10 --> 3158.50] in the day of atonement ceremony, [3158.50 --> 3160.22] you have the Israelites [3160.22 --> 3162.20] having to sacrifice a lamb [3162.20 --> 3163.08] and then they put the blood [3163.08 --> 3163.84] on another goat [3163.84 --> 3164.90] and they send that out [3164.90 --> 3166.02] into the wilderness, [3166.92 --> 3167.06] right, [3167.10 --> 3169.32] the places without God, [3170.10 --> 3170.32] right, [3170.38 --> 3173.80] the chaoses of the universe [3173.80 --> 3176.56] contrary to the places [3176.56 --> 3178.52] of God's established order. [3179.52 --> 3181.08] It's a word used [3181.08 --> 3181.96] in the Old Testament [3181.96 --> 3183.28] and in other ancient [3183.28 --> 3184.20] Near Eastern cultures [3184.20 --> 3185.44] to refer to [3185.44 --> 3187.74] the chaotic forces of nature, [3187.74 --> 3190.72] forces that Genesis tells us [3190.72 --> 3191.70] the Lord, [3191.92 --> 3192.44] Yahweh, [3192.74 --> 3194.90] overcame in creation. [3196.78 --> 3197.56] And so Pharaoh [3197.56 --> 3199.88] with his magicians [3199.88 --> 3200.88] and sorcerers [3200.88 --> 3202.76] is a stand-in [3202.76 --> 3203.68] right at the beginning [3203.68 --> 3204.88] and then all the way [3204.88 --> 3205.32] throughout [3205.32 --> 3206.78] for all things [3206.78 --> 3208.02] that are anti-God, [3208.26 --> 3209.22] anti-creation, [3209.46 --> 3210.44] anti-life, [3210.84 --> 3212.62] which is the true, [3212.76 --> 3214.10] which is what the true God [3214.10 --> 3215.32] is all about, [3215.56 --> 3215.82] right, [3215.86 --> 3217.38] and who the true God [3217.38 --> 3219.08] is about to reveal himself [3219.08 --> 3221.38] in absolute power [3221.38 --> 3223.04] through and over. [3224.18 --> 3224.60] And so, [3224.78 --> 3225.16] in summary, [3225.28 --> 3226.60] this is a battle [3226.60 --> 3228.34] between the true God [3228.34 --> 3229.66] and false gods [3229.66 --> 3230.60] and it is a battle [3230.60 --> 3232.40] for and through [3232.40 --> 3233.94] all of creation. [3233.94 --> 3237.74] I'm going to run through [3237.74 --> 3238.54] this pretty quickly [3238.54 --> 3240.62] and so I want to encourage you [3240.62 --> 3241.74] over the next week [3241.74 --> 3243.50] to take this on [3243.50 --> 3244.74] in your personal devotions, [3245.00 --> 3245.18] right, [3245.22 --> 3246.38] to get into the details [3246.38 --> 3247.28] of each story. [3247.46 --> 3248.28] We're going to sort of [3248.28 --> 3249.90] take a 10,000 foot view [3249.90 --> 3250.96] so you can see [3250.96 --> 3252.62] what I think is the big point [3252.62 --> 3253.50] of the story [3253.50 --> 3254.64] and then you can take it home [3254.64 --> 3256.24] and dig into the depths [3256.24 --> 3257.82] throughout this week. [3259.40 --> 3262.58] But if the opening story [3262.58 --> 3264.88] is between Moses and Aaron [3264.88 --> 3266.64] and the snakes being eaten, [3266.82 --> 3267.98] the opening move [3267.98 --> 3269.14] of this battle [3269.14 --> 3271.94] is between God and God [3271.94 --> 3272.96] takes place [3272.96 --> 3274.98] along the Nile River. [3276.18 --> 3277.02] Now, the Nile River [3277.02 --> 3279.50] is the source of life [3279.50 --> 3280.74] for the Egyptians [3280.74 --> 3284.18] and it's also the source of death [3284.18 --> 3285.80] for many Israelite boys [3285.80 --> 3286.88] a generation earlier. [3287.88 --> 3289.20] And this Nile River, [3289.38 --> 3290.82] which was the source of life, [3290.82 --> 3292.52] becomes death [3292.52 --> 3293.92] for the Egyptians. [3295.78 --> 3297.74] Now, for just a moment, [3297.86 --> 3299.22] get past the gruesomeness [3299.22 --> 3300.84] of everything being blood [3300.84 --> 3303.78] and here's what you can see. [3305.08 --> 3306.46] The Nile River [3306.46 --> 3308.64] is also worshipped [3308.64 --> 3309.34] in Egypt [3309.34 --> 3310.74] as a god. [3311.50 --> 3312.80] A god called Happy. [3315.06 --> 3316.76] This god Happy [3316.76 --> 3319.56] is representative [3319.56 --> 3321.62] of life [3321.62 --> 3322.62] and the changing [3322.62 --> 3323.92] of seasons [3323.92 --> 3325.20] and the provision [3325.20 --> 3325.98] of life [3325.98 --> 3326.96] that flows [3326.96 --> 3327.94] along the Nile. [3328.06 --> 3328.34] And so, [3328.46 --> 3329.12] an attack [3329.12 --> 3330.50] on the Nile [3330.50 --> 3332.18] is an attack [3332.18 --> 3333.72] on the entire structure [3333.72 --> 3335.30] of Egyptian life. [3335.86 --> 3336.60] Social life, [3337.04 --> 3338.42] agrarian farming life, [3338.48 --> 3339.62] and religious life. [3340.24 --> 3340.36] Right? [3340.46 --> 3341.82] All of Egyptian life [3341.82 --> 3342.82] is sustained [3342.82 --> 3343.96] and ruled [3343.96 --> 3344.90] by the Nile, [3345.02 --> 3345.82] by Happy. [3345.82 --> 3347.82] It's the annual calendar [3347.82 --> 3349.20] and the bringer [3349.20 --> 3349.74] of life. [3350.76 --> 3352.06] And at God's command, [3352.56 --> 3353.44] the very order [3353.44 --> 3354.50] of creation [3354.50 --> 3355.96] is being reversed. [3356.84 --> 3356.98] Right? [3357.04 --> 3358.46] Returning to chaos [3358.46 --> 3359.22] again [3359.22 --> 3360.50] at the command [3360.50 --> 3361.50] of God. [3363.54 --> 3364.22] Remember what we said. [3364.28 --> 3364.84] This is a battle [3364.84 --> 3366.22] for and through [3366.22 --> 3367.48] all of creation [3367.48 --> 3369.02] between the one true God [3369.02 --> 3370.48] and the false gods [3370.48 --> 3371.68] of Egypt. [3371.68 --> 3373.56] Now, [3373.60 --> 3374.56] the second plague, [3374.72 --> 3375.82] the plague of the frogs, [3375.94 --> 3377.28] is a continued attack [3377.28 --> 3378.02] by God [3378.02 --> 3379.20] on the religious systems [3379.20 --> 3380.24] of the Egyptians. [3381.32 --> 3381.60] Heket [3381.60 --> 3383.26] is the god [3383.26 --> 3384.84] of childbirth [3384.84 --> 3386.32] and fertility [3386.32 --> 3387.10] depicted [3387.10 --> 3389.04] in Egyptian art. [3389.18 --> 3389.40] Sorry, [3389.48 --> 3389.70] the goddess [3389.70 --> 3390.94] of childbirth [3390.94 --> 3392.38] depicted in Egyptian art [3392.38 --> 3392.86] with the head [3392.86 --> 3393.46] of a frog. [3393.46 --> 3393.50] frog. [3394.68 --> 3395.16] And so, [3395.42 --> 3396.92] the plague [3396.92 --> 3397.92] of frogs [3397.92 --> 3399.62] can be understood [3399.62 --> 3401.02] to be an attack [3401.02 --> 3402.30] on Egyptian [3402.30 --> 3403.46] fertility goddesses. [3404.54 --> 3405.58] Perhaps as a direct [3405.58 --> 3406.74] result of the Egyptians [3406.74 --> 3407.88] trying to squash [3407.88 --> 3408.46] the fertility [3408.46 --> 3409.74] of the Israelites [3409.74 --> 3411.02] generation before. [3411.58 --> 3412.12] But again, [3412.18 --> 3413.80] the point is being made. [3413.94 --> 3414.02] Right? [3414.12 --> 3414.68] Yahweh, [3414.84 --> 3415.36] the Lord, [3415.46 --> 3416.18] is bigger [3416.18 --> 3416.92] than the gods [3416.92 --> 3417.34] of Egypt [3417.34 --> 3418.50] and will unleash [3418.50 --> 3419.34] the forces [3419.34 --> 3420.38] of his creation [3420.38 --> 3421.40] to prove it. [3422.60 --> 3423.58] This continues [3423.58 --> 3424.66] in pattern. [3424.80 --> 3424.90] Now, [3424.96 --> 3425.88] the third plague, [3426.70 --> 3427.92] as far as we know, [3428.16 --> 3428.96] cannot be linked [3428.96 --> 3430.98] to a particular god [3430.98 --> 3432.94] in the Egyptian pantheon. [3433.12 --> 3434.20] It is still important [3434.20 --> 3434.88] to notice [3434.88 --> 3436.06] where it comes from. [3436.92 --> 3437.02] Right? [3437.10 --> 3437.70] Plagues two [3437.70 --> 3438.36] and three [3438.36 --> 3438.98] and four [3438.98 --> 3440.70] come from the water, [3441.02 --> 3441.54] the dust, [3441.74 --> 3442.30] and the air. [3442.46 --> 3443.42] Frogs from the water, [3443.80 --> 3444.68] gnats from the dust, [3444.76 --> 3446.26] and flies from the air. [3447.16 --> 3447.40] Right? [3447.48 --> 3449.28] And many biblical scholars [3449.28 --> 3450.02] notice that [3450.02 --> 3451.56] these correspond [3451.56 --> 3452.72] to the three [3452.72 --> 3453.96] sort of sectors [3453.96 --> 3454.92] or sections [3454.92 --> 3456.12] of the ecosystem. [3456.38 --> 3456.52] Right? [3456.64 --> 3457.24] Water, [3457.66 --> 3457.98] land, [3458.10 --> 3458.84] and air. [3459.62 --> 3460.64] And so the whole [3460.64 --> 3462.16] land of the living [3462.16 --> 3463.08] is controlled [3463.08 --> 3464.30] by the Lord. [3465.56 --> 3465.70] Now, [3465.72 --> 3466.44] it's also interesting [3466.44 --> 3467.74] for our comparison [3467.74 --> 3468.46] to note that [3468.46 --> 3470.08] the origin of this plague [3470.08 --> 3471.02] is the dust. [3471.54 --> 3471.78] Right? [3471.84 --> 3472.78] When in Genesis 3 [3472.78 --> 3474.02] you read [3474.02 --> 3475.62] from dust you are [3475.62 --> 3476.44] and to dust [3476.44 --> 3477.84] you will return. [3478.10 --> 3478.40] Dust [3478.40 --> 3479.80] is for everyone [3479.80 --> 3481.24] a sign of human [3481.24 --> 3481.94] mortality [3481.94 --> 3483.14] and death. [3483.34 --> 3483.64] And so [3483.64 --> 3485.36] here in contrast [3485.36 --> 3486.52] to the fertility [3486.52 --> 3487.64] of the Nile [3487.64 --> 3489.80] and the overwhelming [3489.80 --> 3492.22] lucrative life [3492.22 --> 3493.34] of Egypt [3493.34 --> 3494.14] you get [3494.14 --> 3494.88] a symbol [3494.88 --> 3495.50] and sign [3495.50 --> 3496.76] of death. [3497.18 --> 3497.44] Pharaoh [3497.44 --> 3498.30] and the Egyptians [3498.30 --> 3499.30] are being moved [3499.30 --> 3500.00] towards [3500.00 --> 3501.06] a recognition [3501.06 --> 3502.20] of the one [3502.20 --> 3503.02] true God [3503.02 --> 3504.82] as the only God. [3504.82 --> 3507.34] the fourth plague [3507.34 --> 3507.84] comes [3507.84 --> 3508.76] that's the flies [3508.76 --> 3509.62] and it comes [3509.62 --> 3510.38] from the air [3510.38 --> 3511.00] and is used [3511.00 --> 3511.54] by God [3511.54 --> 3512.02] to show [3512.02 --> 3512.72] the comprehensive [3512.72 --> 3513.10] nature [3513.10 --> 3513.78] of his power [3513.78 --> 3514.36] over all [3514.36 --> 3514.96] of creation. [3514.96 --> 3516.16] The fourth plague [3516.16 --> 3516.80] is also [3516.80 --> 3517.92] the first plague [3517.92 --> 3519.02] that explicitly [3519.02 --> 3520.60] makes a distinction [3520.60 --> 3521.86] between Israel [3521.86 --> 3522.72] and the people [3522.72 --> 3523.20] of Egypt [3523.20 --> 3524.38] where things [3524.38 --> 3524.86] are utterly [3524.86 --> 3525.52] destroyed [3525.52 --> 3526.54] in Egypt [3526.54 --> 3527.42] except in the [3527.42 --> 3528.44] region of Goshen [3528.44 --> 3529.74] where the Israelites [3529.74 --> 3530.14] lived. [3530.72 --> 3531.52] This happens [3531.52 --> 3532.74] at least four times [3532.74 --> 3533.76] in the story [3533.76 --> 3535.06] and you can [3535.06 --> 3536.40] maybe read [3536.40 --> 3537.08] between the lines [3537.08 --> 3537.86] in a couple others [3537.86 --> 3539.00] to see a distinction. [3540.44 --> 3541.66] In the fifth plague [3541.66 --> 3542.38] we come back [3542.38 --> 3542.96] to an attack [3542.96 --> 3543.72] on the Egyptian [3543.72 --> 3545.20] pantheon of gods [3545.20 --> 3545.92] and so here [3545.92 --> 3546.52] we get the picture [3546.52 --> 3547.62] of Hathor [3547.62 --> 3548.56] who's the mother [3548.56 --> 3549.60] and sky goddess [3549.60 --> 3550.64] and is regularly [3550.64 --> 3551.80] depicted as a cow. [3553.32 --> 3554.28] The plague [3554.28 --> 3555.18] of livestock [3555.18 --> 3556.38] is another [3556.38 --> 3557.26] strike [3557.26 --> 3558.62] against Egypt's [3558.62 --> 3559.92] apparent strength. [3560.74 --> 3560.92] Right? [3560.92 --> 3561.58] And here too [3561.58 --> 3562.42] the reversal [3562.42 --> 3563.80] of creation [3563.80 --> 3564.36] order [3564.36 --> 3565.30] for the revealing [3565.30 --> 3566.90] of God's power [3566.90 --> 3567.56] is evident. [3567.74 --> 3567.82] Right? [3567.92 --> 3568.84] Animals that once [3568.84 --> 3570.00] provide life [3570.00 --> 3570.64] for people [3570.64 --> 3572.00] are taken from them [3572.00 --> 3573.10] and the symbol [3573.10 --> 3574.30] of new life [3574.30 --> 3575.22] is bringing [3575.22 --> 3576.64] only death. [3578.38 --> 3579.16] The plague [3579.16 --> 3579.68] of boils [3579.68 --> 3580.56] the sixth plague [3580.56 --> 3581.84] continues again [3581.84 --> 3582.76] as another attack [3582.76 --> 3583.82] on the religious system [3583.82 --> 3585.82] making God supreme [3585.82 --> 3586.60] because boils [3586.60 --> 3587.36] would make you [3587.36 --> 3589.12] ceremoniously unclean [3589.12 --> 3589.84] therefore unable [3589.84 --> 3591.02] to attend worship [3591.02 --> 3591.72] in temples [3591.72 --> 3593.74] and even in this one [3593.74 --> 3594.12] we're told [3594.12 --> 3594.98] the magicians [3594.98 --> 3595.86] couldn't stand [3595.86 --> 3596.74] before Moses [3596.74 --> 3597.66] in the presence [3597.66 --> 3598.20] of Pharaoh [3598.20 --> 3599.42] because of the boils [3599.42 --> 3600.04] on them [3600.04 --> 3601.08] and maybe that means [3601.08 --> 3601.64] they couldn't [3601.64 --> 3602.62] reproduce this one. [3604.18 --> 3605.38] The seventh plague [3605.38 --> 3606.18] brings hail [3606.18 --> 3607.12] and begins this [3607.12 --> 3608.46] final set of three. [3609.22 --> 3609.98] Now the record [3609.98 --> 3610.62] and the story [3610.62 --> 3611.18] of this plague [3611.18 --> 3611.74] is the longest [3611.74 --> 3613.22] in the narrative [3613.22 --> 3615.50] save for the tenth plague [3615.50 --> 3616.04] which includes [3616.04 --> 3616.54] the Passover [3616.54 --> 3617.62] and here [3617.62 --> 3618.54] in this text [3618.54 --> 3618.94] you get [3618.94 --> 3620.18] the most [3620.18 --> 3620.88] explicit [3620.88 --> 3621.68] purpose [3621.68 --> 3622.34] of God [3622.34 --> 3622.90] for all [3622.90 --> 3623.64] of these plagues [3623.64 --> 3624.16] and so it's [3624.16 --> 3625.20] worth looking at [3625.20 --> 3626.26] from Exodus 9 [3626.26 --> 3628.00] verse 14 [3628.00 --> 3628.90] and 16. [3630.90 --> 3631.76] It says [3631.76 --> 3633.58] so that you may know [3633.58 --> 3634.86] that there is no one [3634.86 --> 3635.42] like me [3635.42 --> 3636.38] in all the earth [3636.38 --> 3637.48] for by now [3637.48 --> 3637.98] I could have [3637.98 --> 3638.92] stretched out my hand [3638.92 --> 3639.68] and struck you [3639.68 --> 3640.22] and your people [3640.22 --> 3640.82] with a plague [3640.82 --> 3641.58] that would have [3641.58 --> 3642.52] wiped you off the earth [3642.52 --> 3644.96] but I have raised you up [3644.96 --> 3646.62] for this very purpose [3646.62 --> 3648.60] that I might show you [3648.60 --> 3649.36] my power [3649.36 --> 3650.88] and that my name [3650.88 --> 3652.00] might be proclaimed [3652.00 --> 3654.20] in all the earth. [3655.86 --> 3656.90] Two things stand out [3656.90 --> 3657.58] to me in this [3657.58 --> 3658.48] explanation. [3658.74 --> 3658.96] One [3658.96 --> 3661.98] God has restrained himself [3661.98 --> 3663.26] in this [3663.26 --> 3663.60] right? [3663.64 --> 3664.12] He could have [3664.12 --> 3665.16] ended the matter [3665.16 --> 3666.10] but he didn't [3666.10 --> 3667.34] and it's an interesting [3667.34 --> 3668.34] point of grace [3668.34 --> 3668.90] actually [3668.90 --> 3669.80] in the midst [3669.80 --> 3670.48] of this battle. [3671.30 --> 3671.82] Two [3671.82 --> 3673.48] that God's purpose [3673.48 --> 3674.48] in all of this [3674.48 --> 3675.70] here is not simply [3675.70 --> 3677.24] the release of Israel [3677.24 --> 3678.56] from slavery [3678.56 --> 3679.60] so that they might go [3679.60 --> 3680.56] and worship him [3680.56 --> 3681.20] though we have seen [3681.20 --> 3682.54] that as the big part [3682.54 --> 3682.80] right? [3683.10 --> 3683.54] Instead [3683.54 --> 3684.64] God sees [3684.64 --> 3685.68] that in this [3685.68 --> 3686.82] is a fight [3686.82 --> 3687.52] is a battle [3687.52 --> 3688.18] is a war [3688.18 --> 3689.36] that has worldwide [3689.36 --> 3690.62] implications. [3691.62 --> 3692.06] God says [3692.06 --> 3693.26] that I might show you [3693.26 --> 3693.80] Pharaoh [3693.80 --> 3694.88] my power [3694.88 --> 3695.90] and that my name [3695.90 --> 3696.96] might be proclaimed [3696.96 --> 3698.78] in all the earth [3698.78 --> 3699.62] right? [3699.70 --> 3700.64] So to Pharaoh [3700.64 --> 3701.08] yes [3701.08 --> 3702.82] but for all the earth [3702.82 --> 3703.66] to know. [3705.62 --> 3706.94] The eighth plague [3706.94 --> 3708.40] the plague of locusts [3708.40 --> 3709.44] takes this purpose [3709.44 --> 3710.90] even further [3710.90 --> 3713.08] chapter 10 [3713.08 --> 3715.02] verse 1 and 2 [3715.02 --> 3716.72] God says [3716.72 --> 3718.10] that he is doing [3718.10 --> 3718.64] this [3718.64 --> 3719.72] so that [3719.72 --> 3720.88] I may perform [3720.88 --> 3721.98] these signs of mine [3721.98 --> 3722.56] among them [3722.56 --> 3724.18] that you may tell [3724.18 --> 3725.00] your children [3725.00 --> 3726.00] and grandchildren [3726.00 --> 3726.74] how I dealt [3726.74 --> 3728.04] harshly with the Egyptians [3728.04 --> 3729.60] and how I performed [3729.60 --> 3730.96] my signs among them [3730.96 --> 3732.50] that you may [3732.50 --> 3733.10] know [3733.10 --> 3734.06] that I [3734.06 --> 3735.14] am [3735.14 --> 3736.36] the Lord. [3738.24 --> 3738.44] Right? [3738.48 --> 3739.18] Not only is God [3739.18 --> 3739.82] doing this [3739.82 --> 3741.30] to prove to the Egyptians [3741.30 --> 3742.60] his superiority [3742.60 --> 3744.92] but so that his own [3744.92 --> 3745.48] people [3745.48 --> 3747.02] might know [3747.02 --> 3747.98] who he is. [3748.62 --> 3748.82] Right? [3748.86 --> 3750.04] The redemptive actions [3750.04 --> 3750.52] of God [3750.52 --> 3751.22] in this moment [3751.22 --> 3752.36] are going to be [3752.36 --> 3753.74] identity shaping [3753.74 --> 3755.16] for generations [3755.16 --> 3756.28] to come. [3756.72 --> 3757.44] Right? [3757.50 --> 3758.30] And in the light [3758.30 --> 3759.36] of future [3759.36 --> 3760.16] struggles [3760.16 --> 3761.62] God's work [3761.62 --> 3762.76] here and now [3762.76 --> 3763.98] in and with [3763.98 --> 3764.86] the Egyptians [3764.86 --> 3766.36] will be a source [3766.36 --> 3767.10] of strength [3767.10 --> 3768.06] and comfort [3768.06 --> 3768.86] in light of [3768.86 --> 3769.78] whatever future [3769.78 --> 3771.12] opposition they face. [3771.40 --> 3771.52] Right? [3771.56 --> 3772.16] In wandering [3772.16 --> 3773.26] through the wilderness [3773.26 --> 3773.94] the people [3773.94 --> 3774.72] will be called [3774.72 --> 3776.00] to look back [3776.00 --> 3776.88] on this [3776.88 --> 3777.88] experience [3777.88 --> 3778.64] and remember [3778.64 --> 3779.60] what God has done. [3779.94 --> 3780.56] In entering [3780.56 --> 3781.34] into the land [3781.34 --> 3782.06] and having to [3782.06 --> 3783.54] expel other nations [3783.54 --> 3784.46] they will look back [3784.46 --> 3785.14] and remember [3785.14 --> 3786.48] what God has done. [3786.74 --> 3787.18] Throughout their [3787.18 --> 3788.70] captivity and exile [3788.70 --> 3789.24] in Babylon [3789.24 --> 3790.12] and Persia [3790.12 --> 3791.60] they will look back [3791.60 --> 3792.30] and remember [3792.30 --> 3793.56] this moment [3793.56 --> 3794.18] and what God [3794.18 --> 3794.68] has done. [3794.78 --> 3796.18] When Roman power [3796.18 --> 3797.28] is overwhelming [3797.28 --> 3798.90] and Jewish identity [3798.90 --> 3800.62] is being lost. [3801.04 --> 3801.12] Right? [3801.18 --> 3801.92] The Messiah [3801.92 --> 3802.66] himself [3802.66 --> 3803.58] will come [3803.58 --> 3804.62] and remind them [3804.62 --> 3805.22] of all that [3805.22 --> 3806.06] God has done [3806.06 --> 3807.10] and will show [3807.10 --> 3807.60] them [3807.60 --> 3809.06] who his [3809.06 --> 3809.96] show them [3809.96 --> 3811.08] by his life [3811.08 --> 3812.02] in the culmination [3812.02 --> 3813.04] of the efforts [3813.04 --> 3814.10] of God's work [3814.10 --> 3815.16] in the world. [3816.40 --> 3817.62] Pictured in Pharaoh [3817.62 --> 3819.58] culminating [3819.58 --> 3820.22] in the cross. [3822.10 --> 3823.48] The ninth plague [3823.48 --> 3824.50] ends this [3824.50 --> 3825.46] literary cycle [3825.46 --> 3826.82] with darkness [3826.82 --> 3827.96] falling [3827.96 --> 3829.30] on the land. [3830.86 --> 3831.22] Again [3831.22 --> 3832.62] this plague [3832.62 --> 3833.14] is almost [3833.14 --> 3834.10] certainly linked [3834.10 --> 3834.92] to the Egyptian [3834.92 --> 3835.82] sun god [3835.82 --> 3836.46] Ra. [3838.20 --> 3838.40] Right? [3838.44 --> 3839.30] And even [3839.30 --> 3839.92] more so [3839.92 --> 3841.08] it's not uncommon [3841.08 --> 3842.36] for Egyptian kings [3842.36 --> 3843.28] to be referred to [3843.28 --> 3844.40] as the son of Ra. [3844.82 --> 3845.38] And so you will [3845.38 --> 3846.10] remember the headdress [3846.10 --> 3846.64] from the beginning [3846.64 --> 3847.22] that had the symbol [3847.22 --> 3847.72] of the Ra [3847.72 --> 3848.40] of Ra [3848.40 --> 3848.84] and then [3848.84 --> 3850.00] of the snake. [3851.34 --> 3851.72] Here [3851.72 --> 3854.22] the god [3854.22 --> 3855.34] of light [3855.34 --> 3856.50] and sun [3856.50 --> 3858.72] is defeated [3858.72 --> 3860.08] with darkness [3860.08 --> 3860.62] and yet [3860.62 --> 3861.20] this is another [3861.20 --> 3861.76] one of those [3861.76 --> 3862.22] places [3862.22 --> 3863.46] where the region [3863.46 --> 3864.22] where the Israelites [3864.22 --> 3865.36] lived was not [3865.36 --> 3865.94] affected [3865.94 --> 3867.62] by the darkness. [3869.12 --> 3870.00] Imagine the [3870.00 --> 3870.64] possibility [3870.64 --> 3871.74] of that [3871.74 --> 3873.04] or the impossibility [3873.04 --> 3874.08] of how that [3874.08 --> 3874.62] might work. [3875.94 --> 3876.82] The phrase [3876.82 --> 3877.32] actually [3877.32 --> 3878.28] rendered [3878.28 --> 3879.36] in verse 23 [3879.36 --> 3880.20] of chapter 10 [3880.20 --> 3881.74] there was light [3881.74 --> 3883.24] in the place [3883.24 --> 3884.18] where the Israelites [3884.18 --> 3884.52] lived [3884.52 --> 3885.24] is an echo [3885.24 --> 3886.42] of Genesis 1 [3886.42 --> 3887.30] verse 3 [3887.30 --> 3887.94] when God said [3887.94 --> 3888.80] let there be [3888.80 --> 3889.72] light. [3890.64 --> 3891.24] Again [3891.24 --> 3891.86] holding out [3891.86 --> 3893.44] that contrast [3893.44 --> 3894.32] the scope [3894.32 --> 3895.18] of this [3895.18 --> 3896.02] event. [3897.52 --> 3897.64] Now [3897.64 --> 3897.92] throughout [3897.92 --> 3898.76] these first [3898.76 --> 3899.76] nine plagues [3899.76 --> 3900.56] two things [3900.56 --> 3902.00] become abundantly [3902.00 --> 3902.44] clear. [3903.34 --> 3903.98] The battle [3903.98 --> 3904.86] is between [3904.86 --> 3906.04] the true [3906.04 --> 3906.54] god [3906.54 --> 3907.42] and false [3907.42 --> 3907.86] gods [3907.86 --> 3909.28] and all [3909.28 --> 3909.96] of creation [3909.96 --> 3910.76] is the [3910.76 --> 3911.54] battleground [3911.54 --> 3912.62] and ultimately [3912.62 --> 3913.82] all of creation [3913.82 --> 3914.70] is what is [3914.70 --> 3915.40] at stake. [3916.38 --> 3917.00] God is [3917.00 --> 3917.78] unleashing [3917.78 --> 3918.56] his creative [3918.56 --> 3919.42] forces against [3919.42 --> 3920.32] all claims [3920.32 --> 3921.72] to divinity [3921.72 --> 3922.52] and he's [3922.52 --> 3923.06] unleashing them [3923.06 --> 3923.84] as the one [3923.84 --> 3924.46] true god [3924.46 --> 3925.54] as the only [3925.54 --> 3927.02] true sovereign. [3927.24 --> 3927.92] His rule [3927.92 --> 3928.74] and reign [3928.74 --> 3929.26] and his [3929.26 --> 3930.04] absolute [3930.04 --> 3930.90] worthiness [3930.90 --> 3932.04] to be worshipped [3932.04 --> 3933.30] is what [3933.30 --> 3934.12] is on display [3934.12 --> 3934.58] here. [3934.58 --> 3937.34] here's what [3937.34 --> 3937.82] I want us [3937.82 --> 3938.30] to see [3938.30 --> 3939.84] what I think [3939.84 --> 3940.22] that all of [3940.22 --> 3940.76] this has been [3940.76 --> 3942.40] building towards [3942.40 --> 3944.36] the plagues [3944.36 --> 3945.40] and then [3945.40 --> 3945.76] afterwards [3945.76 --> 3946.28] of course [3946.28 --> 3947.16] the exodus [3947.16 --> 3949.04] becomes [3949.04 --> 3949.56] the [3949.56 --> 3950.96] paradigmatic [3950.96 --> 3951.66] event [3951.66 --> 3952.26] right [3952.26 --> 3952.44] the [3952.44 --> 3953.40] identity [3953.40 --> 3954.54] defining [3954.54 --> 3955.30] event [3955.30 --> 3955.60] the [3955.60 --> 3957.14] forming [3957.14 --> 3958.42] experience [3958.42 --> 3959.02] for [3959.02 --> 3959.84] the people [3959.84 --> 3960.38] of [3960.38 --> 3961.14] Israel [3961.14 --> 3962.34] this story [3962.34 --> 3962.98] and the [3962.98 --> 3963.36] victory [3963.36 --> 3963.96] of God [3963.96 --> 3965.02] this display [3965.02 --> 3965.98] of his [3965.98 --> 3966.70] power [3966.70 --> 3967.74] is what [3967.74 --> 3967.96] will [3967.96 --> 3968.66] shape [3968.66 --> 3969.16] them [3969.16 --> 3970.00] for [3970.00 --> 3970.32] the [3970.32 --> 3970.80] futures [3970.80 --> 3971.66] to come. [3973.12 --> 3973.38] Remember [3973.38 --> 3973.86] all of [3973.86 --> 3974.24] this [3974.24 --> 3974.46] right [3974.46 --> 3974.78] this whole [3974.78 --> 3975.16] story [3975.16 --> 3975.34] in [3975.34 --> 3975.72] exodus [3975.72 --> 3976.28] has been [3976.28 --> 3976.80] so that [3976.80 --> 3977.44] God's [3977.44 --> 3977.78] people [3977.78 --> 3978.08] can [3978.08 --> 3978.50] worship [3978.50 --> 3978.88] him [3978.88 --> 3979.60] rightly [3979.60 --> 3980.16] but [3980.16 --> 3980.58] here [3980.58 --> 3981.02] it's [3981.02 --> 3981.50] also [3981.50 --> 3982.34] so much [3982.34 --> 3982.62] more [3982.62 --> 3982.82] than [3982.82 --> 3983.14] that [3983.14 --> 3984.24] right [3984.24 --> 3984.56] all [3984.56 --> 3984.80] of [3984.80 --> 3985.08] this [3985.08 --> 3985.32] is [3985.32 --> 3985.54] so [3985.54 --> 3985.78] that [3985.78 --> 3986.10] I [3986.10 --> 3986.36] God [3986.36 --> 3986.68] says [3986.68 --> 3986.94] might [3986.94 --> 3987.28] show [3987.28 --> 3987.54] my [3987.54 --> 3988.04] power [3988.04 --> 3988.48] and [3988.48 --> 3988.62] that [3988.62 --> 3988.86] my [3988.86 --> 3989.22] name [3989.22 --> 3989.42] might [3989.42 --> 3989.58] be [3989.58 --> 3990.02] proclaimed [3990.02 --> 3990.24] in [3990.24 --> 3990.50] all [3990.50 --> 3990.68] the [3990.68 --> 3990.90] earth [3990.90 --> 3991.26] all [3991.26 --> 3991.42] of [3991.42 --> 3991.68] this [3991.68 --> 3991.90] is [3991.90 --> 3992.12] so [3992.12 --> 3992.32] that [3992.32 --> 3992.78] you [3992.78 --> 3993.10] may [3993.10 --> 3993.42] know [3993.42 --> 3993.68] that [3993.68 --> 3994.12] I [3994.12 --> 3994.50] am [3994.50 --> 3994.94] the [3994.94 --> 3995.22] Lord [3995.22 --> 3995.60] all [3995.60 --> 3995.78] of [3995.78 --> 3996.06] this [3996.06 --> 3996.28] is [3996.28 --> 3996.44] so [3996.44 --> 3996.60] that [3996.60 --> 3996.76] you [3996.76 --> 3996.98] may [3996.98 --> 3997.24] tell [3997.24 --> 3997.46] your [3997.46 --> 3997.90] children [3997.90 --> 3998.50] and [3998.50 --> 3998.68] your [3998.68 --> 3999.26] grandchildren [3999.26 --> 3999.68] tell [3999.68 --> 3999.92] your [3999.92 --> 4000.42] children [4000.42 --> 4000.92] and [4000.92 --> 4001.10] your [4001.10 --> 4001.68] grandchildren [4001.68 --> 4001.96] the [4001.96 --> 4002.46] activity [4002.46 --> 4003.06] of [4003.06 --> 4003.40] God [4003.40 --> 4003.60] in [4003.60 --> 4003.74] the [4003.74 --> 4004.10] world [4004.10 --> 4004.82] because [4004.82 --> 4005.00] the [4005.00 --> 4005.46] activity [4005.46 --> 4005.76] of [4005.76 --> 4006.02] God [4006.02 --> 4006.18] in [4006.18 --> 4006.30] the [4006.30 --> 4006.56] world [4006.56 --> 4006.88] is [4006.88 --> 4007.14] the [4007.14 --> 4007.86] story [4007.86 --> 4008.44] that [4008.44 --> 4009.04] grounds [4009.04 --> 4009.38] your [4009.38 --> 4009.98] faith [4009.98 --> 4010.58] in [4010.58 --> 4011.20] him [4011.20 --> 4012.20] the [4012.20 --> 4013.14] experience [4013.14 --> 4013.46] of [4013.46 --> 4013.82] God [4013.82 --> 4014.12] at [4014.12 --> 4014.38] work [4014.38 --> 4014.62] in [4014.62 --> 4014.80] the [4014.80 --> 4015.16] world [4015.16 --> 4015.42] is [4015.42 --> 4015.60] the [4015.60 --> 4016.12] narrative [4016.12 --> 4016.58] is [4016.58 --> 4017.08] the [4017.08 --> 4017.68] word [4017.68 --> 4018.44] that [4020.90 --> 4022.02] this [4022.02 --> 4022.74] story [4022.74 --> 4023.10] and [4023.10 --> 4023.32] its [4023.32 --> 4023.82] telling [4023.82 --> 4024.10] and [4024.10 --> 4025.10] retelling [4025.10 --> 4025.58] would [4025.58 --> 4025.86] come [4025.86 --> 4026.10] to [4026.10 --> 4026.66] define [4026.66 --> 4026.88] an [4026.88 --> 4027.30] entire [4027.30 --> 4028.00] nation [4028.00 --> 4028.24] of [4028.24 --> 4028.54] people [4028.54 --> 4028.92] for [4028.92 --> 4029.04] an [4029.04 --> 4029.34] entire [4029.34 --> 4029.88] history [4029.88 --> 4030.32] you [4030.32 --> 4030.46] are [4030.46 --> 4030.72] not [4030.72 --> 4030.96] meant [4030.96 --> 4031.14] to [4031.14 --> 4031.40] just [4031.40 --> 4031.78] hear [4031.78 --> 4032.12] this [4032.12 --> 4032.74] story [4032.74 --> 4033.16] but [4033.16 --> 4033.32] to [4033.32 --> 4034.12] experience [4034.12 --> 4034.60] it [4034.60 --> 4035.04] in [4035.04 --> 4035.26] its [4035.26 --> 4035.86] retelling [4035.86 --> 4036.14] to [4036.14 --> 4037.10] relive [4037.10 --> 4037.32] it [4037.32 --> 4037.52] and [4037.52 --> 4037.68] then [4037.68 --> 4038.06] by [4038.06 --> 4038.50] the [4038.50 --> 4039.08] reliving [4039.08 --> 4039.50] in [4039.50 --> 4039.64] the [4039.64 --> 4040.16] retelling [4040.16 --> 4040.44] to [4040.44 --> 4041.72] experience [4041.72 --> 4042.40] the [4042.40 --> 4042.80] God [4042.80 --> 4043.00] who [4043.00 --> 4043.18] is [4043.18 --> 4043.66] behind [4043.66 --> 4043.98] it [4043.98 --> 4044.32] and [4044.32 --> 4044.42] who [4044.42 --> 4044.52] is [4044.52 --> 4044.66] at [4044.66 --> 4045.08] work [4045.08 --> 4045.58] in [4045.58 --> 4045.72] the [4045.72 --> 4045.94] midst [4045.94 --> 4046.12] of [4046.12 --> 4046.28] it [4046.28 --> 4047.98] and [4047.98 --> 4048.10] so [4048.10 --> 4048.38] even [4048.38 --> 4048.64] for [4048.64 --> 4048.96] us [4048.96 --> 4049.48] today [4049.48 --> 4049.88] with [4049.88 --> 4052.10] the [4052.10 --> 4052.30] Holy [4052.30 --> 4052.92] Spirit [4052.92 --> 4054.16] at [4054.16 --> 4055.26] work [4055.26 --> 4055.86] these [4055.86 --> 4056.40] words [4056.40 --> 4057.06] drive [4057.06 --> 4057.44] us [4057.44 --> 4057.60] are [4057.60 --> 4058.32] intended [4058.32 --> 4058.64] to [4058.64 --> 4059.02] drive [4059.02 --> 4059.28] us [4059.28 --> 4059.56] to [4059.56 --> 4060.02] the [4060.02 --> 4060.40] word [4060.40 --> 4060.98] made [4060.98 --> 4061.72] flesh [4061.72 --> 4063.54] right [4063.54 --> 4063.68] if [4063.68 --> 4063.84] the [4063.84 --> 4064.22] plagues [4064.22 --> 4064.42] and [4064.42 --> 4064.56] the [4064.56 --> 4064.98] exodus [4064.98 --> 4065.24] are [4065.24 --> 4065.48] those [4065.48 --> 4066.44] paradigmatic [4066.44 --> 4067.42] defining [4067.42 --> 4068.06] identity [4068.06 --> 4068.56] events [4068.56 --> 4069.14] for the [4069.14 --> 4069.58] Israelites [4069.58 --> 4069.86] the [4069.86 --> 4070.38] story [4070.38 --> 4071.12] actually [4071.12 --> 4071.48] goes [4071.48 --> 4071.98] further [4071.98 --> 4073.26] because [4073.26 --> 4073.48] the [4073.48 --> 4073.74] coming [4073.74 --> 4073.98] of [4073.98 --> 4074.30] Jesus [4074.30 --> 4074.70] too [4074.70 --> 4075.02] has [4075.02 --> 4075.48] these [4075.48 --> 4075.86] same [4075.86 --> 4076.14] sort [4076.14 --> 4076.26] of [4076.26 --> 4076.92] worldwide [4076.92 --> 4077.92] implications [4077.92 --> 4078.52] and [4078.52 --> 4078.64] it [4078.64 --> 4078.78] is [4078.78 --> 4079.06] a [4079.06 --> 4079.92] the [4079.92 --> 4080.98] paradigmatic [4080.98 --> 4081.44] event [4081.44 --> 4081.76] for [4081.76 --> 4082.16] all [4082.16 --> 4082.36] of [4082.36 --> 4082.80] history [4082.80 --> 4084.00] and [4084.00 --> 4084.24] like [4084.24 --> 4084.44] the [4084.44 --> 4084.94] plague's [4084.94 --> 4085.52] story [4085.52 --> 4086.40] creation [4086.40 --> 4086.94] here [4086.94 --> 4087.34] too [4087.34 --> 4087.84] is [4087.84 --> 4088.58] proclaiming [4088.58 --> 4088.76] the [4088.76 --> 4089.14] coming [4089.14 --> 4089.64] of [4089.64 --> 4090.04] Jesus [4090.04 --> 4090.42] right [4090.42 --> 4090.60] with [4090.60 --> 4091.06] stars [4091.06 --> 4091.34] that [4091.34 --> 4092.08] lead [4092.08 --> 4092.34] the [4092.34 --> 4092.80] magi [4092.80 --> 4093.22] from [4093.22 --> 4093.36] the [4093.36 --> 4093.62] east [4093.62 --> 4093.80] with [4093.80 --> 4094.40] water [4094.40 --> 4094.74] being [4094.74 --> 4095.04] turned [4095.04 --> 4095.36] into [4095.36 --> 4095.74] wine [4095.74 --> 4095.98] with [4095.98 --> 4096.56] fish [4096.56 --> 4096.84] and [4096.84 --> 4097.16] bread [4097.16 --> 4097.52] being [4097.52 --> 4098.08] multiplied [4098.08 --> 4098.66] with [4098.66 --> 4099.20] disabled [4099.20 --> 4099.68] bodies [4099.68 --> 4100.08] being [4100.08 --> 4100.72] healed [4100.72 --> 4101.22] Jesus [4101.22 --> 4101.76] walks [4101.76 --> 4102.04] on [4102.04 --> 4102.68] water [4102.68 --> 4103.06] Jesus [4103.06 --> 4103.66] commands [4103.66 --> 4104.28] storms [4104.28 --> 4104.54] to [4104.54 --> 4104.96] cease [4104.96 --> 4105.36] and [4105.36 --> 4105.52] he [4105.52 --> 4105.76] makes [4105.76 --> 4106.08] fig [4106.14 --> 4106.50] trees [4106.50 --> 4107.26] wither [4107.26 --> 4108.84] as [4108.84 --> 4109.08] the [4109.08 --> 4109.62] plagues [4109.62 --> 4110.66] proved [4110.66 --> 4111.14] God's [4111.14 --> 4111.80] presence [4111.80 --> 4112.26] among [4112.26 --> 4112.66] his [4112.66 --> 4113.16] people [4113.16 --> 4113.70] and [4113.70 --> 4114.00] as [4114.00 --> 4114.44] sovereign [4114.44 --> 4114.90] over [4114.90 --> 4115.70] creation [4115.70 --> 4116.10] in the [4116.10 --> 4116.50] past [4116.50 --> 4117.04] Jesus [4117.04 --> 4117.94] is doing [4117.94 --> 4118.64] the same [4118.64 --> 4119.20] things [4119.20 --> 4120.66] and it's [4120.66 --> 4121.28] a clear [4121.28 --> 4121.88] indication [4121.88 --> 4122.70] that once [4122.70 --> 4123.00] again [4123.00 --> 4123.50] God [4123.50 --> 4124.36] is walking [4124.36 --> 4125.00] among [4125.00 --> 4125.66] his [4125.66 --> 4126.48] people [4126.48 --> 4127.32] the [4127.32 --> 4127.70] disciples [4127.70 --> 4128.12] said of [4128.12 --> 4128.40] Jesus [4128.40 --> 4129.36] who is [4129.36 --> 4130.08] this man [4130.08 --> 4130.60] that even [4130.60 --> 4131.28] the wind [4131.28 --> 4131.98] and the [4131.98 --> 4132.50] waves [4132.50 --> 4133.48] obey him [4133.48 --> 4133.98] even [4133.98 --> 4134.98] the chaos [4134.98 --> 4135.74] of the [4135.74 --> 4136.28] sea [4136.28 --> 4137.18] is under [4137.18 --> 4137.68] his [4137.68 --> 4138.52] control [4138.52 --> 4141.08] and [4141.08 --> 4141.34] Jesus [4141.34 --> 4141.86] says [4141.86 --> 4142.58] the exact [4142.58 --> 4142.94] same [4142.94 --> 4143.40] things [4143.40 --> 4143.90] about [4143.90 --> 4144.26] his [4144.26 --> 4144.76] purposes [4144.76 --> 4145.44] as [4145.44 --> 4145.72] God [4145.72 --> 4146.16] says [4146.16 --> 4146.72] about [4146.72 --> 4147.22] his [4147.22 --> 4147.62] purposes [4147.62 --> 4148.16] in [4148.16 --> 4148.30] the [4148.30 --> 4148.70] plagues [4148.70 --> 4150.44] Jesus [4150.44 --> 4150.96] says to [4150.96 --> 4151.10] his [4151.10 --> 4151.52] disciples [4151.52 --> 4151.88] you [4151.88 --> 4152.14] will [4152.14 --> 4152.38] be [4152.38 --> 4152.66] my [4152.66 --> 4153.18] witnesses [4153.18 --> 4153.64] in [4153.64 --> 4154.44] Jerusalem [4154.44 --> 4154.96] and in [4154.96 --> 4155.42] Judea [4155.42 --> 4155.80] and in [4155.80 --> 4156.30] Samaria [4156.30 --> 4157.16] and to [4157.16 --> 4157.46] the [4157.46 --> 4157.98] ends [4157.98 --> 4158.40] of [4158.40 --> 4158.80] the [4158.80 --> 4159.72] earth [4159.72 --> 4162.62] that the [4162.62 --> 4162.84] whole [4162.84 --> 4163.58] world [4163.58 --> 4164.60] might [4164.60 --> 4164.94] know [4164.94 --> 4167.26] Peter [4167.26 --> 4167.84] preaches [4167.84 --> 4168.22] in the [4168.22 --> 4168.54] power of [4168.54 --> 4168.64] the [4168.64 --> 4168.82] Holy [4168.82 --> 4169.14] Spirit [4169.14 --> 4169.32] the [4169.32 --> 4169.64] promise [4169.64 --> 4169.84] is [4169.84 --> 4170.02] for [4170.02 --> 4170.38] you [4170.38 --> 4170.86] and [4170.86 --> 4171.04] for [4171.04 --> 4171.22] your [4171.22 --> 4171.70] children [4171.70 --> 4172.24] for [4172.24 --> 4172.54] all [4172.54 --> 4172.76] whom [4172.76 --> 4172.96] are [4172.96 --> 4173.26] far [4173.26 --> 4173.52] off [4173.52 --> 4173.64] and [4173.64 --> 4173.80] for [4173.80 --> 4174.06] all [4174.06 --> 4174.36] whom [4174.36 --> 4174.78] the [4174.78 --> 4175.04] Lord [4175.04 --> 4175.28] our [4175.28 --> 4175.52] God [4175.52 --> 4175.70] will [4175.70 --> 4175.96] call [4175.96 --> 4176.52] tell [4176.52 --> 4176.80] your [4176.80 --> 4177.24] children [4177.24 --> 4177.62] tell [4177.62 --> 4178.08] your [4178.08 --> 4178.62] grandchildren [4178.62 --> 4178.98] this [4178.98 --> 4179.44] promise [4179.44 --> 4179.98] is [4179.98 --> 4180.16] for [4180.16 --> 4180.44] them [4180.44 --> 4182.16] tell [4182.16 --> 4182.36] your [4182.36 --> 4182.74] nieces [4182.74 --> 4183.38] and [4183.38 --> 4183.86] nephews [4183.86 --> 4184.12] tell [4184.12 --> 4184.36] your [4184.36 --> 4185.08] neighbors [4185.08 --> 4185.66] and [4185.66 --> 4185.82] your [4185.82 --> 4186.18] friends [4186.18 --> 4186.54] this [4186.54 --> 4187.16] promise [4187.16 --> 4187.78] is [4187.78 --> 4188.02] held [4188.02 --> 4188.30] out [4188.30 --> 4188.74] for [4188.74 --> 4189.02] them [4189.02 --> 4190.28] Jesus [4190.28 --> 4190.82] came [4190.82 --> 4191.06] to [4191.06 --> 4191.34] live [4191.34 --> 4191.54] the [4191.54 --> 4191.82] life [4191.82 --> 4192.02] I [4192.02 --> 4192.20] should [4192.20 --> 4192.34] have [4192.34 --> 4192.58] lived [4192.58 --> 4192.74] and [4192.74 --> 4193.44] died [4193.44 --> 4193.72] the [4193.72 --> 4194.04] death [4194.04 --> 4194.46] that [4194.46 --> 4194.62] I [4194.62 --> 4195.18] deserved [4195.18 --> 4195.58] and [4195.58 --> 4196.68] this [4196.68 --> 4196.94] isn't [4196.94 --> 4197.06] going [4197.06 --> 4197.22] to be [4197.22 --> 4197.48] on the [4197.48 --> 4197.78] screen [4197.78 --> 4200.50] Philippians [4200.50 --> 4200.78] 2 [4200.78 --> 4201.32] Jesus [4201.32 --> 4201.70] lived [4201.70 --> 4201.84] the [4201.84 --> 4204.32] life [4204.32 --> 4204.56] that [4204.56 --> 4204.80] I [4204.80 --> 4206.08] couldn't [4206.08 --> 4206.38] live [4206.38 --> 4206.56] and [4206.56 --> 4206.82] died [4206.82 --> 4207.02] the [4207.02 --> 4207.26] death [4207.26 --> 4207.44] that [4207.44 --> 4207.58] I [4207.58 --> 4208.00] deserved [4208.00 --> 4208.36] and [4208.36 --> 4208.66] because [4208.66 --> 4209.06] of [4209.06 --> 4209.20] that [4209.20 --> 4209.54] become [4209.54 --> 4209.70] he [4209.70 --> 4210.12] became [4210.12 --> 4210.66] obedient [4210.66 --> 4211.28] to [4211.28 --> 4211.56] death [4211.56 --> 4211.78] on [4211.78 --> 4211.92] the [4211.92 --> 4212.32] cross [4212.32 --> 4213.60] Philippians [4213.60 --> 4213.84] 2 [4213.84 --> 4214.06] verse [4214.06 --> 4214.36] 9 [4214.36 --> 4214.88] therefore [4214.88 --> 4215.92] God [4215.92 --> 4216.54] exalted [4216.54 --> 4216.92] him [4216.92 --> 4217.28] to the [4217.28 --> 4217.68] highest [4217.68 --> 4218.16] place [4218.16 --> 4218.38] and [4218.38 --> 4218.72] gave [4218.72 --> 4218.94] him [4218.94 --> 4219.14] the [4219.14 --> 4219.62] name [4219.62 --> 4220.04] that [4220.04 --> 4220.22] is [4220.22 --> 4220.48] above [4220.48 --> 4221.00] every [4221.00 --> 4221.42] name [4221.42 --> 4221.84] that [4221.84 --> 4222.02] at [4222.02 --> 4222.18] the [4222.18 --> 4222.42] name [4222.42 --> 4222.58] of [4222.58 --> 4222.90] Jesus [4222.90 --> 4223.38] every [4223.38 --> 4223.68] knee [4223.68 --> 4223.90] should [4223.90 --> 4224.16] bow [4224.16 --> 4224.32] in [4224.32 --> 4224.56] heaven [4224.56 --> 4224.80] and [4224.80 --> 4224.92] on [4224.92 --> 4225.14] earth [4225.14 --> 4225.26] and [4225.26 --> 4225.50] under [4225.50 --> 4225.64] the [4225.64 --> 4225.82] earth [4225.82 --> 4225.96] and [4225.96 --> 4226.42] every [4226.42 --> 4226.78] tongue [4226.78 --> 4227.40] confess [4227.40 --> 4227.92] and [4227.92 --> 4228.36] acknowledge [4228.36 --> 4228.62] that [4228.62 --> 4229.00] Jesus [4229.00 --> 4229.62] Christ [4229.62 --> 4230.46] is [4230.46 --> 4231.30] Lord [4231.30 --> 4232.40] to the [4232.40 --> 4232.88] glory [4232.88 --> 4234.20] of God [4234.20 --> 4234.90] the [4234.90 --> 4235.26] Father [4235.26 --> 4237.52] God [4237.52 --> 4237.88] says that [4237.88 --> 4238.02] his [4238.02 --> 4238.54] purpose [4238.54 --> 4239.08] is that [4239.08 --> 4239.26] his [4239.26 --> 4239.68] power [4239.68 --> 4240.12] might be [4240.12 --> 4240.42] known [4240.42 --> 4240.60] that [4240.60 --> 4240.78] his [4240.78 --> 4241.08] name [4241.08 --> 4241.28] might [4241.28 --> 4241.44] be [4241.44 --> 4241.94] proclaimed [4241.94 --> 4242.44] in [4242.44 --> 4242.70] all [4242.70 --> 4242.88] the [4242.88 --> 4243.12] earth [4243.12 --> 4243.74] that [4243.74 --> 4244.32] is [4244.32 --> 4244.76] why [4244.76 --> 4245.48] Jesus [4245.48 --> 4246.42] came [4246.42 --> 4248.86] and [4248.86 --> 4249.08] so [4249.08 --> 4251.58] in [4251.58 --> 4251.72] the [4251.72 --> 4251.98] first [4251.98 --> 4252.50] place [4252.50 --> 4254.52] we [4254.52 --> 4255.30] apply [4255.30 --> 4255.98] the [4255.98 --> 4257.08] themes [4257.08 --> 4257.42] of [4257.42 --> 4257.70] the [4257.70 --> 4258.30] plague [4258.30 --> 4258.54] the [4258.54 --> 4259.42] story [4259.42 --> 4259.86] of [4259.86 --> 4260.34] the [4260.34 --> 4260.70] plague [4260.70 --> 4260.94] by [4260.94 --> 4261.26] letting [4261.26 --> 4261.48] it [4261.48 --> 4261.92] sink [4261.92 --> 4262.56] deep [4262.56 --> 4263.34] into [4263.34 --> 4263.90] our [4263.90 --> 4265.00] imaginations [4265.00 --> 4265.66] the [4265.66 --> 4266.40] majesty [4266.40 --> 4267.00] and the [4267.00 --> 4267.60] power [4267.60 --> 4268.32] of who [4268.32 --> 4268.58] God [4268.58 --> 4268.90] is [4268.90 --> 4269.30] the [4269.30 --> 4269.96] impact [4269.96 --> 4270.56] of this [4270.56 --> 4270.96] text [4270.96 --> 4271.46] of this [4271.46 --> 4272.00] story [4272.00 --> 4272.46] the [4272.46 --> 4273.08] application [4273.08 --> 4273.76] here [4273.76 --> 4274.04] is [4274.04 --> 4274.76] wow [4274.76 --> 4276.30] right [4276.30 --> 4276.44] in [4276.44 --> 4276.78] hearing [4276.78 --> 4277.10] this [4277.10 --> 4277.50] story [4277.50 --> 4277.74] our [4277.74 --> 4278.10] hearts [4278.10 --> 4278.52] and [4278.52 --> 4278.68] our [4278.68 --> 4279.00] minds [4279.00 --> 4279.22] are [4279.22 --> 4279.66] opened [4279.66 --> 4279.96] up [4279.96 --> 4280.24] to [4280.24 --> 4280.80] what [4280.80 --> 4281.44] God [4281.44 --> 4281.74] has [4281.74 --> 4282.02] done [4282.02 --> 4282.28] in [4282.28 --> 4282.70] history [4282.70 --> 4283.08] and [4283.08 --> 4283.22] to [4283.22 --> 4283.42] who [4283.42 --> 4283.70] God [4283.70 --> 4284.00] is [4284.00 --> 4284.12] and [4284.12 --> 4284.28] his [4284.28 --> 4284.62] purposes [4284.62 --> 4285.06] and [4285.06 --> 4285.26] how [4285.26 --> 4285.46] we [4285.46 --> 4285.64] can [4285.64 --> 4285.90] better [4285.90 --> 4286.66] understand [4286.66 --> 4287.28] him [4287.28 --> 4287.64] and [4287.64 --> 4287.92] our [4287.92 --> 4288.64] only [4288.64 --> 4289.12] right [4289.12 --> 4289.86] response [4289.86 --> 4290.10] in [4290.10 --> 4290.50] seeing [4290.50 --> 4290.78] that [4290.78 --> 4291.02] is [4291.02 --> 4291.52] behold [4291.52 --> 4292.52] our [4292.52 --> 4293.34] God [4293.34 --> 4294.08] the [4294.08 --> 4294.34] only [4294.34 --> 4294.68] right [4294.68 --> 4295.22] response [4295.22 --> 4295.66] is [4295.66 --> 4296.68] worship [4296.68 --> 4300.36] and [4300.36 --> 4300.68] seeing [4300.68 --> 4301.18] God [4301.18 --> 4301.82] in [4301.82 --> 4302.06] this [4302.06 --> 4302.44] light [4302.44 --> 4302.94] seeing [4302.94 --> 4303.24] the [4303.24 --> 4303.72] plagues [4303.72 --> 4304.20] as [4304.20 --> 4304.76] exposing [4304.76 --> 4305.60] false [4305.60 --> 4306.30] gods [4306.30 --> 4307.44] in [4307.44 --> 4308.04] Egypt [4308.04 --> 4309.38] begs [4309.38 --> 4309.58] the [4309.58 --> 4310.16] question [4310.16 --> 4310.50] for [4310.50 --> 4310.72] your [4310.72 --> 4311.38] discernment [4311.38 --> 4312.72] begs [4312.72 --> 4312.88] the [4312.88 --> 4313.20] question [4313.20 --> 4313.44] for [4313.44 --> 4313.66] your [4313.66 --> 4314.26] application [4314.26 --> 4315.88] what [4315.88 --> 4316.24] false [4316.24 --> 4316.56] gods [4316.56 --> 4316.72] are [4316.72 --> 4316.96] being [4316.96 --> 4317.48] exposed [4317.48 --> 4317.78] in [4317.78 --> 4317.96] your [4317.96 --> 4318.40] heart [4318.40 --> 4319.82] who [4319.82 --> 4320.26] or [4320.26 --> 4320.72] what [4320.72 --> 4321.00] are [4321.00 --> 4321.28] you [4321.28 --> 4321.64] looking [4321.64 --> 4321.88] to [4321.88 --> 4322.20] as [4322.20 --> 4322.46] the [4322.46 --> 4322.80] source [4322.80 --> 4323.10] of [4323.10 --> 4323.86] life [4323.86 --> 4325.20] right [4325.20 --> 4325.38] it [4325.38 --> 4325.56] may [4325.56 --> 4325.78] not [4325.78 --> 4326.06] be [4326.06 --> 4326.44] the [4326.44 --> 4326.74] Nile [4326.74 --> 4327.20] river [4327.20 --> 4328.16] it [4328.16 --> 4328.28] may [4328.28 --> 4328.46] not [4328.46 --> 4328.64] be [4328.64 --> 4329.02] happy [4329.02 --> 4329.48] but [4329.48 --> 4329.74] maybe [4329.74 --> 4330.00] it's [4330.00 --> 4330.56] happiness [4330.56 --> 4333.54] right [4333.54 --> 4333.76] because [4333.76 --> 4334.02] if it [4334.02 --> 4334.30] isn't [4334.30 --> 4334.68] God [4334.68 --> 4334.96] if it [4334.96 --> 4335.16] isn't [4335.16 --> 4335.28] the [4335.28 --> 4335.46] one [4335.46 --> 4335.66] true [4335.66 --> 4335.94] God [4335.94 --> 4336.16] it [4336.16 --> 4336.44] will [4336.44 --> 4336.84] be [4336.84 --> 4337.60] something [4337.60 --> 4338.64] and [4338.64 --> 4338.84] what [4338.84 --> 4339.06] you [4339.06 --> 4339.66] that [4339.66 --> 4340.04] thing [4340.04 --> 4340.44] is [4340.44 --> 4340.62] what [4340.62 --> 4340.74] you [4340.74 --> 4341.18] believe [4341.18 --> 4341.40] in [4341.40 --> 4341.54] your [4341.54 --> 4341.84] heart [4341.84 --> 4342.02] of [4342.02 --> 4342.44] hearts [4342.44 --> 4342.96] that [4342.96 --> 4343.78] if you [4343.78 --> 4344.06] had [4344.06 --> 4344.18] it [4344.18 --> 4344.34] would [4344.34 --> 4344.64] make [4344.64 --> 4344.84] you [4344.84 --> 4345.46] happy [4345.46 --> 4345.68] would [4345.68 --> 4346.12] fill [4346.12 --> 4346.40] you [4346.40 --> 4347.00] finally [4347.00 --> 4347.24] would [4347.24 --> 4347.42] give [4347.42 --> 4347.54] you [4347.54 --> 4347.70] that [4347.70 --> 4348.00] sense [4348.00 --> 4348.16] of [4348.16 --> 4348.80] home [4348.80 --> 4349.32] right [4349.32 --> 4349.78] is [4349.78 --> 4350.16] that [4350.16 --> 4350.68] thing [4350.68 --> 4351.16] taking [4351.16 --> 4351.44] the [4351.44 --> 4351.90] place [4351.90 --> 4352.24] of [4352.24 --> 4352.74] God [4352.74 --> 4353.00] in [4353.00 --> 4353.14] your [4353.14 --> 4353.54] life [4353.54 --> 4355.00] maybe [4355.00 --> 4355.22] we [4355.22 --> 4355.46] don't [4355.46 --> 4355.76] bow [4355.76 --> 4356.12] to [4356.12 --> 4356.82] Hecate [4356.82 --> 4357.10] the [4357.10 --> 4357.78] frog [4357.78 --> 4358.20] queen [4358.20 --> 4358.48] of [4358.48 --> 4359.10] fertility [4359.10 --> 4359.72] but [4359.72 --> 4360.06] how [4360.06 --> 4360.46] many [4360.46 --> 4360.82] of [4360.82 --> 4361.22] us [4361.22 --> 4361.60] in [4361.60 --> 4361.76] our [4361.76 --> 4362.46] experiences [4362.46 --> 4362.76] have [4362.76 --> 4362.94] been [4362.94 --> 4363.56] crushed [4363.56 --> 4364.16] by [4364.16 --> 4364.96] infertility [4364.96 --> 4365.36] how [4365.36 --> 4365.62] many [4365.62 --> 4365.80] of [4365.80 --> 4365.94] us [4365.94 --> 4366.12] have [4366.12 --> 4366.40] lived [4366.40 --> 4366.54] in [4366.54 --> 4366.68] a [4366.68 --> 4367.10] community [4367.10 --> 4367.38] that [4367.38 --> 4367.56] has [4367.56 --> 4368.52] raised [4368.52 --> 4368.98] the [4368.98 --> 4369.82] status [4369.82 --> 4370.20] that [4370.20 --> 4370.52] comes [4370.52 --> 4370.80] with [4370.80 --> 4371.54] having [4371.54 --> 4371.82] a [4371.82 --> 4372.16] family [4372.16 --> 4372.46] as [4372.46 --> 4373.16] finally [4373.16 --> 4373.92] accomplishing [4373.92 --> 4374.38] something [4374.38 --> 4376.16] how [4376.16 --> 4376.46] many [4376.46 --> 4376.80] in [4376.80 --> 4377.18] our [4377.18 --> 4377.70] culture [4377.70 --> 4378.04] and [4378.04 --> 4378.34] day [4378.34 --> 4379.28] rebel [4379.28 --> 4379.78] against [4379.78 --> 4380.32] aging [4380.32 --> 4382.10] and so [4382.10 --> 4382.24] we [4382.24 --> 4382.52] kill [4382.52 --> 4383.06] ourselves [4383.06 --> 4384.04] and we [4384.04 --> 4384.70] mutilate [4384.70 --> 4384.94] our [4384.94 --> 4385.40] bodies [4385.40 --> 4385.76] in the [4385.76 --> 4386.18] pursuit [4386.18 --> 4386.44] to [4386.44 --> 4387.00] look [4387.00 --> 4387.40] younger [4387.40 --> 4387.78] or to [4387.78 --> 4388.32] hold [4388.32 --> 4388.58] off [4388.58 --> 4388.82] getting [4388.82 --> 4389.22] older [4389.22 --> 4390.86] how [4390.86 --> 4391.34] easy [4391.34 --> 4391.76] is it [4391.76 --> 4392.10] in our [4392.10 --> 4392.40] world [4392.40 --> 4392.66] to [4392.66 --> 4393.08] simply [4393.08 --> 4393.46] put [4393.46 --> 4393.82] on [4393.82 --> 4394.44] a [4394.44 --> 4395.00] filter [4395.00 --> 4395.52] with [4395.52 --> 4395.66] the [4395.66 --> 4395.96] pictures [4395.96 --> 4396.20] you [4396.20 --> 4396.54] post [4396.54 --> 4397.06] online [4397.06 --> 4397.32] that [4397.32 --> 4398.16] subtly [4398.16 --> 4398.84] softens [4398.84 --> 4399.04] your [4399.04 --> 4399.44] skin [4399.44 --> 4399.72] and [4399.72 --> 4400.08] whitens [4400.08 --> 4400.26] your [4400.26 --> 4400.60] teeth [4400.60 --> 4402.80] the [4402.80 --> 4403.28] names [4403.28 --> 4403.56] might [4403.56 --> 4403.76] be [4403.76 --> 4404.22] different [4404.22 --> 4404.44] but [4404.44 --> 4404.64] the [4404.64 --> 4405.36] pursuits [4405.36 --> 4405.92] are [4405.92 --> 4406.10] the [4406.10 --> 4406.46] same [4406.46 --> 4406.94] we [4406.94 --> 4407.18] take [4407.18 --> 4407.38] the [4407.38 --> 4407.62] good [4407.62 --> 4408.04] things [4408.04 --> 4408.30] of [4408.30 --> 4408.50] the [4408.50 --> 4408.78] world [4408.78 --> 4408.92] and [4408.92 --> 4409.06] we [4409.06 --> 4409.48] worship [4409.48 --> 4409.74] them [4409.74 --> 4410.06] we [4410.06 --> 4410.42] elevate [4410.42 --> 4410.64] them [4410.64 --> 4410.78] as [4410.78 --> 4411.12] ultimate [4411.12 --> 4411.46] things [4411.46 --> 4411.62] we [4411.62 --> 4411.84] build [4411.84 --> 4412.02] our [4412.02 --> 4412.40] lives [4412.40 --> 4412.82] around [4412.82 --> 4413.14] them [4413.14 --> 4413.62] and [4413.62 --> 4414.12] these [4414.12 --> 4414.56] things [4414.56 --> 4415.14] ultimately [4415.14 --> 4415.76] cannot [4415.76 --> 4416.56] sustain [4416.56 --> 4417.48] life [4417.48 --> 4417.88] and [4417.88 --> 4418.02] when [4418.02 --> 4418.20] they [4418.20 --> 4418.66] fail [4418.66 --> 4419.02] us [4419.02 --> 4419.16] or [4419.16 --> 4419.30] when [4419.30 --> 4419.44] they [4419.44 --> 4419.68] begin [4419.68 --> 4419.90] to [4419.90 --> 4420.32] crush [4420.32 --> 4420.68] us [4420.68 --> 4421.14] under [4421.14 --> 4421.36] the [4421.36 --> 4421.64] weight [4421.64 --> 4421.90] of [4421.90 --> 4422.10] our [4422.10 --> 4422.96] misdirected [4422.96 --> 4423.52] glory [4423.52 --> 4423.80] and [4423.80 --> 4424.20] worship [4424.20 --> 4424.66] our [4424.66 --> 4425.14] default [4425.14 --> 4425.82] response [4425.82 --> 4426.14] if we're [4426.14 --> 4426.44] honest [4426.44 --> 4426.78] isn't [4426.78 --> 4426.92] to [4426.92 --> 4427.40] destroy [4427.40 --> 4427.64] them [4427.64 --> 4427.90] isn't [4427.90 --> 4428.06] to [4428.06 --> 4428.34] cast [4428.34 --> 4428.56] them [4428.56 --> 4428.84] off [4428.84 --> 4429.22] and [4429.22 --> 4429.38] to [4429.38 --> 4429.60] run [4429.60 --> 4429.76] to [4429.76 --> 4429.88] the [4429.88 --> 4430.08] one [4430.08 --> 4430.28] true [4430.28 --> 4430.70] God [4430.70 --> 4432.64] it's [4432.64 --> 4432.80] to [4432.80 --> 4433.20] find [4433.20 --> 4433.68] other [4433.68 --> 4434.32] lesser [4434.32 --> 4434.92] glories [4434.92 --> 4435.14] and [4435.14 --> 4435.56] add [4435.56 --> 4435.82] them [4435.82 --> 4436.08] to [4436.08 --> 4436.30] the [4436.30 --> 4436.92] pantheon [4436.92 --> 4437.10] of [4437.10 --> 4437.24] our [4437.24 --> 4437.70] practices [4437.70 --> 4441.36] look [4441.36 --> 4441.60] at the [4441.60 --> 4442.22] plagues [4442.22 --> 4443.60] and don't [4443.60 --> 4444.10] get left [4444.10 --> 4444.36] in the [4444.36 --> 4444.74] dark [4444.74 --> 4446.54] or in [4446.54 --> 4446.64] the [4446.64 --> 4447.00] darkness [4447.00 --> 4447.26] of [4447.26 --> 4447.90] unregenerate [4447.90 --> 4448.76] hearts [4448.76 --> 4450.16] come [4450.16 --> 4451.10] to the [4451.10 --> 4451.50] light [4451.50 --> 4452.36] of the [4452.36 --> 4452.80] world [4452.80 --> 4453.34] come [4453.34 --> 4454.06] to [4454.06 --> 4454.52] Jesus [4454.52 --> 4454.90] and [4454.90 --> 4455.56] finally [4455.56 --> 4456.18] see [4456.18 --> 4456.48] the [4456.48 --> 4456.96] world [4456.96 --> 4457.66] as [4457.66 --> 4457.86] it [4457.86 --> 4458.54] really [4458.54 --> 4459.48] is [4459.48 --> 4461.68] finally [4461.68 --> 4463.32] lastly [4463.32 --> 4464.72] the [4464.72 --> 4465.18] impact [4465.18 --> 4465.44] of [4465.44 --> 4465.76] this [4465.76 --> 4466.70] story [4466.70 --> 4467.74] makes [4467.74 --> 4468.10] the [4468.10 --> 4468.58] gospel [4468.58 --> 4469.70] much [4469.70 --> 4470.32] bigger [4470.32 --> 4470.88] in [4470.88 --> 4471.10] our [4471.10 --> 4471.60] minds [4471.60 --> 4472.02] and [4472.02 --> 4472.16] in [4472.16 --> 4472.34] our [4472.34 --> 4473.10] imaginations [4473.10 --> 4474.24] right [4474.24 --> 4474.68] Jesus [4474.68 --> 4475.30] entered [4475.30 --> 4475.72] into [4475.72 --> 4476.34] creation [4476.34 --> 4476.96] not [4476.96 --> 4477.30] just [4477.30 --> 4477.58] to [4477.58 --> 4478.12] save [4478.12 --> 4478.38] a [4478.38 --> 4478.78] people [4478.78 --> 4480.20] but [4480.20 --> 4480.40] to [4480.40 --> 4480.88] redeem [4480.88 --> 4481.58] and [4481.58 --> 4482.34] restore [4482.34 --> 4482.68] the [4482.68 --> 4483.28] whole [4483.28 --> 4483.80] of [4483.80 --> 4484.38] creation [4484.38 --> 4486.04] all [4486.04 --> 4486.68] creation [4486.68 --> 4487.16] groans [4487.16 --> 4487.50] under [4487.50 --> 4487.70] the [4487.70 --> 4487.94] weight [4487.94 --> 4488.24] of [4488.24 --> 4488.56] sin [4488.56 --> 4489.06] and [4489.06 --> 4489.64] all [4489.64 --> 4490.22] creation [4490.22 --> 4490.88] is [4490.88 --> 4491.02] to [4491.02 --> 4491.18] be [4491.18 --> 4491.82] redeemed [4491.82 --> 4492.48] by [4492.48 --> 4492.84] Jesus [4492.84 --> 4493.32] Christ [4493.32 --> 4493.98] Christ [4493.98 --> 4494.40] comes [4494.40 --> 4494.68] to [4494.68 --> 4495.16] redeem [4495.16 --> 4495.64] the [4495.64 --> 4496.20] entire [4496.20 --> 4496.78] cosmos [4496.78 --> 4497.38] for [4497.38 --> 4497.62] God [4497.62 --> 4497.92] so [4497.92 --> 4498.42] loved [4498.42 --> 4498.70] the [4498.70 --> 4499.02] world [4499.02 --> 4499.26] the [4499.26 --> 4499.78] entire [4499.78 --> 4500.52] world [4500.52 --> 4500.74] the [4500.74 --> 4501.08] whole [4501.08 --> 4501.28] of [4501.28 --> 4501.70] creation [4501.70 --> 4501.94] that [4501.94 --> 4502.08] he [4502.08 --> 4502.42] sent [4502.42 --> 4503.10] his [4503.10 --> 4503.82] son [4503.82 --> 4504.34] the [4504.34 --> 4504.70] coming [4504.70 --> 4505.04] of [4505.04 --> 4505.64] Christ [4505.64 --> 4506.72] recreates [4506.72 --> 4507.20] a new [4507.20 --> 4507.88] humanity [4507.88 --> 4508.36] yes [4508.36 --> 4508.88] and [4508.88 --> 4509.32] amen [4509.32 --> 4509.94] and [4509.94 --> 4510.20] this [4510.20 --> 4510.54] act [4510.54 --> 4510.86] just [4510.86 --> 4511.12] like [4511.12 --> 4511.32] the [4511.32 --> 4511.64] plagues [4511.64 --> 4512.04] before [4512.04 --> 4512.46] has [4512.46 --> 4512.70] the [4512.70 --> 4513.26] widest [4513.26 --> 4514.00] possible [4514.00 --> 4514.94] implications [4514.94 --> 4515.98] right [4515.98 --> 4516.32] Jesus [4516.32 --> 4516.86] comes [4516.86 --> 4517.18] to [4517.18 --> 4517.70] usher [4517.70 --> 4518.56] in a [4518.56 --> 4518.98] new [4518.98 --> 4519.66] world [4519.66 --> 4520.20] a world [4520.20 --> 4520.96] called [4520.96 --> 4521.24] the [4521.24 --> 4521.68] kingdom [4521.68 --> 4522.38] of [4522.38 --> 4522.86] God [4522.86 --> 4523.14] and [4523.14 --> 4523.64] with [4523.64 --> 4524.06] that [4524.06 --> 4524.38] a [4524.38 --> 4524.78] renewed [4524.78 --> 4525.48] order [4525.48 --> 4525.92] of [4525.92 --> 4526.36] things [4526.36 --> 4526.54] that [4526.54 --> 4526.68] we [4526.68 --> 4527.34] already [4527.34 --> 4527.72] get to [4527.72 --> 4528.02] see [4528.02 --> 4528.50] and live [4528.50 --> 4528.68] and [4528.68 --> 4529.08] participate [4529.08 --> 4529.40] in [4529.40 --> 4529.94] and [4529.94 --> 4530.60] eventually [4530.60 --> 4531.18] not just [4531.18 --> 4531.60] a renewed [4531.60 --> 4532.00] order [4532.00 --> 4532.40] but an [4532.40 --> 4532.96] entirely [4532.96 --> 4533.70] renewed [4533.70 --> 4534.48] world [4534.48 --> 4535.00] right [4535.00 --> 4535.50] the gospel [4535.50 --> 4536.24] isn't just [4536.24 --> 4536.72] that you [4536.72 --> 4537.38] are saved [4537.38 --> 4539.68] the gospel [4539.68 --> 4540.06] is that [4540.06 --> 4540.38] the whole [4540.38 --> 4540.76] world [4540.76 --> 4541.82] is redeemed [4541.82 --> 4542.30] by [4542.30 --> 4542.76] Jesus [4542.76 --> 4543.92] creation [4543.92 --> 4544.64] currently [4544.64 --> 4545.28] groaning [4545.28 --> 4545.80] under [4545.80 --> 4546.02] the [4546.02 --> 4546.26] weight [4546.26 --> 4546.44] of [4546.44 --> 4546.70] sin [4546.70 --> 4546.98] is [4546.98 --> 4547.44] re [4547.44 --> 4548.14] ordered [4548.14 --> 4548.82] in [4548.82 --> 4549.60] renewal [4549.60 --> 4552.62] that's [4552.62 --> 4552.90] what the [4552.90 --> 4553.26] plagues [4553.26 --> 4554.82] teach us [4554.82 --> 4556.22] and it's [4556.22 --> 4556.84] nothing short [4556.84 --> 4557.62] of the [4557.62 --> 4558.08] fullest [4558.08 --> 4558.80] scope [4558.80 --> 4559.44] of [4559.44 --> 4559.86] redemption [4559.86 --> 4562.16] and so [4562.16 --> 4562.44] now [4562.44 --> 4562.84] with [4562.84 --> 4563.30] all [4563.30 --> 4563.54] of [4563.54 --> 4563.88] that [4563.88 --> 4565.24] tell [4565.24 --> 4565.44] your [4565.44 --> 4565.84] children [4565.84 --> 4567.00] tell [4567.00 --> 4567.20] your [4567.20 --> 4567.82] grandchildren [4567.82 --> 4568.40] tell [4568.40 --> 4568.60] your [4568.60 --> 4568.96] neighbors [4568.96 --> 4569.26] tell [4569.26 --> 4569.44] your [4569.44 --> 4569.92] friends [4569.92 --> 4571.60] proclaim [4571.60 --> 4572.40] the name [4572.40 --> 4572.64] of [4572.64 --> 4572.94] Jesus [4572.94 --> 4573.24] in [4573.24 --> 4573.52] all [4573.52 --> 4573.70] the [4573.70 --> 4573.94] earth [4573.94 --> 4574.74] and know [4574.74 --> 4575.08] that [4575.08 --> 4575.46] he [4575.46 --> 4576.24] is [4576.24 --> 4576.96] Lord [4576.96 --> 4577.22] to [4577.22 --> 4577.38] the [4577.38 --> 4577.78] glory [4577.78 --> 4578.46] of [4578.46 --> 4578.84] God [4578.84 --> 4579.40] the [4579.40 --> 4579.78] father [4579.78 --> 4581.58] hear [4581.58 --> 4582.00] this [4582.00 --> 4582.82] story [4582.82 --> 4583.82] and sing [4583.82 --> 4584.68] behold [4584.68 --> 4585.92] our [4585.92 --> 4587.38] God [4587.38 --> 4588.88] let me [4588.88 --> 4589.16] pray [4589.16 --> 4595.04] holy [4595.04 --> 4595.96] holy [4595.96 --> 4596.36] God [4596.36 --> 4596.78] open [4596.78 --> 4597.44] the eyes [4597.44 --> 4597.86] of our [4597.86 --> 4598.34] hearts [4598.34 --> 4599.14] open [4599.14 --> 4599.54] the [4599.54 --> 4600.64] capacities [4600.64 --> 4601.68] of our [4601.68 --> 4602.56] imaginations [4602.56 --> 4603.32] to see [4603.32 --> 4603.74] you [4603.74 --> 4604.28] more [4604.28 --> 4604.86] clearly [4604.86 --> 4605.10] to [4605.10 --> 4605.84] experience [4605.84 --> 4606.40] you [4606.40 --> 4606.88] more [4606.88 --> 4607.52] deeply [4607.52 --> 4607.88] and [4607.88 --> 4608.28] truly [4608.28 --> 4608.66] in [4608.66 --> 4609.02] this [4609.02 --> 4609.46] place [4609.46 --> 4609.94] today [4609.94 --> 4610.48] may [4610.48 --> 4610.66] we [4610.66 --> 4611.00] look [4611.00 --> 4611.34] out [4611.34 --> 4611.76] into [4611.76 --> 4612.16] this [4612.16 --> 4612.54] world [4612.54 --> 4612.84] and [4612.84 --> 4613.20] know [4613.20 --> 4613.46] that [4613.46 --> 4613.72] you [4613.72 --> 4613.98] are [4613.98 --> 4614.24] at [4614.24 --> 4614.58] work [4614.58 --> 4615.34] here [4615.34 --> 4615.64] and [4615.64 --> 4615.98] now [4615.98 --> 4616.36] because [4616.36 --> 4616.98] we [4616.98 --> 4617.22] can [4617.22 --> 4617.76] see [4617.76 --> 4618.34] you [4618.34 --> 4618.72] having [4618.72 --> 4619.16] worked [4619.16 --> 4619.66] in [4619.66 --> 4619.78] the [4619.78 --> 4620.18] past [4620.18 --> 4620.40] may [4620.40 --> 4620.58] we [4620.58 --> 4620.86] look [4620.86 --> 4621.08] out [4621.08 --> 4621.40] into [4621.40 --> 4621.68] this [4621.68 --> 4621.98] world [4621.98 --> 4622.24] and [4622.24 --> 4622.62] see [4622.62 --> 4622.92] how [4622.92 --> 4623.20] you [4623.20 --> 4623.44] are [4623.44 --> 4624.64] reordering [4624.64 --> 4624.84] in [4624.84 --> 4624.98] the [4624.98 --> 4625.28] moving [4625.28 --> 4625.50] and [4625.50 --> 4625.86] revealing [4625.86 --> 4626.16] of [4626.16 --> 4626.32] your [4626.32 --> 4626.60] kingdom [4626.60 --> 4627.00] come [4627.00 --> 4627.22] and [4627.22 --> 4627.42] your [4627.42 --> 4627.78] kingdom [4627.78 --> 4628.70] coming [4628.70 --> 4629.44] and send [4629.44 --> 4629.72] us [4629.72 --> 4630.08] out [4630.08 --> 4630.66] now [4630.66 --> 4631.18] to [4631.18 --> 4631.64] worship [4631.64 --> 4632.30] and [4632.30 --> 4632.90] praise [4632.90 --> 4633.56] you [4633.56 --> 4634.46] send [4634.46 --> 4634.70] us [4634.70 --> 4634.94] out [4634.94 --> 4635.24] now [4635.24 --> 4635.44] that [4635.44 --> 4635.62] we [4635.62 --> 4635.92] might [4635.92 --> 4637.26] declare [4637.26 --> 4637.78] your [4637.78 --> 4638.38] kingdom [4638.38 --> 4638.78] with [4638.78 --> 4639.14] our [4639.14 --> 4639.74] lives [4639.74 --> 4640.08] and [4640.08 --> 4640.34] with [4640.34 --> 4640.66] our [4640.66 --> 4641.42] words [4641.42 --> 4641.86] send [4641.86 --> 4642.20] us [4642.20 --> 4642.64] out [4642.64 --> 4644.14] that [4644.14 --> 4644.32] we [4644.32 --> 4644.64] might [4644.64 --> 4645.24] worship [4645.24 --> 4646.12] you [4646.12 --> 4647.02] in [4647.02 --> 4647.16] the [4647.16 --> 4647.92] power [4647.92 --> 4648.64] of [4648.64 --> 4648.92] who [4648.92 --> 4649.16] you [4649.16 --> 4649.50] are [4649.50 --> 4650.10] and [4650.10 --> 4650.46] what [4650.46 --> 4651.22] you [4651.22 --> 4652.14] are [4652.14 --> 4653.06] doing [4653.06 --> 4655.42] reorder [4655.42 --> 4655.88] our [4655.88 --> 4656.70] affections [4656.70 --> 4656.96] Lord [4656.96 --> 4657.34] Jesus [4657.34 --> 4657.68] that [4657.68 --> 4657.86] we [4657.86 --> 4658.20] might [4658.20 --> 4658.58] love [4658.58 --> 4659.04] you [4659.04 --> 4659.92] and [4659.92 --> 4660.32] you [4660.32 --> 4661.64] alone [4661.64 --> 4662.54] as [4662.54 --> 4662.96] God [4662.96 --> 4664.26] in [4664.26 --> 4664.64] his [4664.64 --> 4665.02] name [4665.02 --> 4665.28] we [4665.28 --> 4665.64] pray [4665.64 --> 4667.18] amen [4687.34 --> 4696.68] who [4696.68 --> 4697.48] has [4697.48 --> 4698.26] held [4698.26 --> 4698.74] the [4698.74 --> 4699.70] oceans [4699.70 --> 4700.16] in [4700.16 --> 4700.46] his [4700.46 --> 4701.50] hands [4701.50 --> 4702.32] who [4702.32 --> 4703.18] has [4703.18 --> 4704.04] numbered [4704.04 --> 4705.22] every [4705.22 --> 4705.74] grain [4705.74 --> 4706.04] of [4706.04 --> 4707.00] sand [4707.00 --> 4708.14] kings [4708.14 --> 4708.88] and [4708.88 --> 4709.96] nations [4709.96 --> 4710.90] tremble [4710.90 --> 4711.32] at [4711.32 --> 4711.68] his [4711.68 --> 4712.64] voice [4712.64 --> 4713.74] all [4713.74 --> 4715.18] creation [4715.18 --> 4716.34] rises [4716.34 --> 4716.88] to [4716.88 --> 4718.18] rejoice [4718.18 --> 4720.52] behold [4720.52 --> 4723.02] our [4723.02 --> 4724.14] God [4724.14 --> 4725.04] seated [4725.04 --> 4725.70] on [4725.70 --> 4726.02] his [4726.02 --> 4727.10] throne [4727.10 --> 4727.84] come [4727.84 --> 4728.62] let us [4728.62 --> 4729.64] adore [4729.64 --> 4731.24] him [4731.24 --> 4732.52] behold [4732.52 --> 4734.60] our [4734.60 --> 4735.64] king [4735.64 --> 4736.52] nothing [4736.52 --> 4737.10] can [4737.10 --> 4738.52] compare [4738.52 --> 4739.34] come [4739.34 --> 4740.18] let us [4740.18 --> 4741.88] adore [4741.88 --> 4743.54] him [4743.54 --> 4755.04] who [4755.04 --> 4755.78] has [4755.78 --> 4756.62] given [4756.62 --> 4757.72] counsel [4757.72 --> 4758.22] to [4758.22 --> 4758.66] the [4758.66 --> 4759.70] Lord [4759.70 --> 4760.44] who [4760.44 --> 4761.32] can [4761.32 --> 4762.22] question [4762.22 --> 4763.52] any [4763.52 --> 4764.00] of [4764.00 --> 4764.28] his [4764.28 --> 4765.22] words [4765.22 --> 4766.22] who [4766.22 --> 4767.04] can [4767.04 --> 4767.80] teach [4767.80 --> 4768.50] the [4768.50 --> 4768.96] one [4768.96 --> 4769.26] who [4769.26 --> 4769.68] knows [4769.68 --> 4770.02] all [4770.02 --> 4770.88] things [4770.88 --> 4771.74] who [4771.74 --> 4772.70] can [4772.70 --> 4773.58] fashion [4773.58 --> 4774.48] all [4774.48 --> 4774.82] his [4774.82 --> 4775.52] wondrous [4775.52 --> 4777.02] feet [4777.02 --> 4778.52] the [4778.52 --> 4779.84] old [4779.84 --> 4781.34] our [4781.34 --> 4782.48] God [4782.48 --> 4783.34] seated [4783.34 --> 4783.96] on [4783.96 --> 4784.28] his [4784.28 --> 4785.38] throne [4785.38 --> 4786.10] come [4786.10 --> 4786.90] let us [4786.90 --> 4787.84] adore [4787.84 --> 4789.44] him [4789.44 --> 4790.02] the [4790.02 --> 4791.40] old [4791.40 --> 4792.84] our [4792.84 --> 4793.90] king [4793.90 --> 4794.84] nothing [4794.84 --> 4795.38] can [4795.38 --> 4796.74] compare [4796.74 --> 4797.52] come [4797.52 --> 4798.34] let us [4798.34 --> 4799.34] adore [4799.34 --> 4800.70] the [4800.70 --> 4801.04] door [4801.04 --> 4801.44] for [4801.44 --> 4803.18] him [4803.18 --> 4813.04] who [4813.04 --> 4813.78] has [4813.78 --> 4814.48] felt [4814.48 --> 4815.18] the [4815.18 --> 4815.70] nails [4815.70 --> 4816.30] upon [4816.30 --> 4816.68] his [4816.68 --> 4817.62] hands [4817.62 --> 4818.82] bearing [4818.82 --> 4820.76] all the [4820.76 --> 4821.18] guilt [4821.18 --> 4821.50] of [4821.50 --> 4821.98] sinful [4821.98 --> 4823.04] men [4823.04 --> 4824.46] God [4824.46 --> 4825.80] eternal [4825.80 --> 4826.96] humbled [4826.96 --> 4827.50] to [4827.50 --> 4827.86] the [4827.86 --> 4828.80] grave [4828.80 --> 4830.06] Jesus [4830.06 --> 4831.52] Savior [4831.52 --> 4832.62] risen [4832.62 --> 4833.16] now [4833.16 --> 4833.50] to [4833.50 --> 4834.96] reign [4834.96 --> 4837.16] behold [4837.16 --> 4839.30] our [4839.30 --> 4840.34] arm [4840.34 --> 4841.24] seated [4841.24 --> 4841.88] on [4841.88 --> 4842.16] his [4842.16 --> 4843.26] throne [4843.26 --> 4844.04] come [4844.04 --> 4844.86] let us [4844.86 --> 4845.80] adore [4845.80 --> 4847.30] him [4847.30 --> 4848.30] behold [4848.30 --> 4849.72] the [4849.72 --> 4851.62] king [4851.62 --> 4852.66] nothing [4852.66 --> 4853.24] can't [4853.24 --> 4853.96] bear [4853.96 --> 4855.30] come [4855.30 --> 4858.26] that [4858.26 --> 4860.04] after [4861.12 --> 4862.66] he [4862.66 --> 4863.72] moved [4863.96 --> 4865.30] in [4865.30 --> 4865.46] the [4865.46 --> 4865.56] power [4865.56 --> 4866.40] for [4866.46 --> 4868.36] they [4868.36 --> 4869.52] will [4869.52 --> 4870.54] sometimes [4870.54 --> 4870.66] years [4870.66 --> 4883.60] be [4883.60 --> 4897.60] you will reign [4897.60 --> 4911.60] you will reign [4913.60 --> 4919.60] come let us adore him [4919.60 --> 4925.60] behold the king [4925.60 --> 4929.60] nothing can compare [4929.60 --> 4935.60] come let us adore him [4943.60 --> 4947.60] behold [4947.60 --> 4953.60] behold our god and go knowing that you are held by him [4953.60 --> 4955.60] go in the power of his name [4955.60 --> 4957.60] in the full purpose of God [4957.60 --> 4959.60] at work in the world be [4959.60 --> 4961.60] those who reveal his kingdom come [4961.60 --> 4963.60] and kingdom coming [4963.60 --> 4965.60] receive his blessing [4965.60 --> 4967.60] may God [4967.60 --> 4969.60] go before you [4969.60 --> 4971.60] to guide you may God go [4971.60 --> 4973.60] behind you to protect you may [4973.60 --> 4979.60] may God go beneath you to support you may God go beside you to befriend you [4979.60 --> 4981.60] do not be afraid [4981.60 --> 4983.60] let the blessing of God come upon you today [4983.60 --> 4985.60] do not be afraid [4985.60 --> 4987.60] go in peace [4987.60 --> 4989.60] to love and serve [4989.60 --> 4991.60] the Lord [4991.60 --> 4993.60] amen [4993.60 --> 5003.60] there's a place [5003.60 --> 5005.60] where the streets shine [5005.60 --> 5007.60] with the glory [5007.60 --> 5009.60] of the Lamb [5009.60 --> 5011.60] there's a way [5011.60 --> 5013.60] we can go there [5013.60 --> 5015.60] we can live there [5015.60 --> 5017.60] we can live there [5017.60 --> 5019.60] we all die [5019.60 --> 5025.60] because of you [5025.60 --> 5029.60] because of you [5029.60 --> 5031.60] because of your love [5031.60 --> 5033.60] because of your blood [5033.60 --> 5035.60] no more pain [5035.60 --> 5037.60] no more sadness [5037.60 --> 5039.60] no more suffering [5039.60 --> 5041.60] no more tears [5041.60 --> 5043.60] no more tears [5043.60 --> 5045.60] no more sickness [5045.60 --> 5047.60] no injustice [5047.60 --> 5051.64] Because of you [5051.64 --> 5055.28] Because of you [5055.28 --> 5060.16] Because of your love [5060.16 --> 5064.12] Because of your love [5064.12 --> 5067.98] All our sins are washed away [5067.98 --> 5072.06] And we can't live forever [5072.06 --> 5075.64] Now we have this hope [5075.64 --> 5078.64] because of you [5078.64 --> 5083.64] oh we'll see you face the pain [5083.64 --> 5087.64] and we will dance together [5087.64 --> 5093.64] in the city of our God because of you [5093.64 --> 5098.64] there is joy everlasting [5098.64 --> 5101.64] there is gladness there is peace [5101.64 --> 5105.64] there is wine heaven's glory [5105.64 --> 5109.64] there's a wedding there's a peace [5109.64 --> 5112.64] because of you [5112.64 --> 5116.64] because of you [5116.64 --> 5120.64] because of your love [5120.64 --> 5123.64] because of your love [5123.64 --> 5128.64] oh all our sins are washed away [5128.64 --> 5132.64] and we can live forever [5132.64 --> 5138.64] now we have this hope because of you [5138.64 --> 5143.64] oh we'll see you face to face [5143.64 --> 5147.64] and we will dance together [5147.64 --> 5153.64] in the city of our God because of you [5153.64 --> 5158.64] oh we'll see you face to face [5158.64 --> 5162.64] and we will dance together [5162.64 --> 5168.64] in the city of our God because of you [5168.64 --> 5173.64] in the city of our God [5173.64 --> 5176.64] inf Kill it [5176.64 --> 5177.64] it's all that war [5177.64 --> 5178.66] because of you [5178.66 --> 5179.64] and our fasting [5179.64 --> 5181.52] in the city of our God [5181.52 --> 5181.64] in our city of God [5181.64 --> 5182.40] the Holy Spirit [5182.40 --> 5184.04] here is to worship [5184.64 --> 5185.38] helplessly [5185.38 --> 5187.38] without the sacrifice [5187.38 --> 5188.64] in the presence palette [5188.64 --> 5189.24] to worship [5189.64 --> 5190.64] Ty holy [5190.64 --> 5190.68] the cigar [5190.68 --> 5192.64] Channing [5192.64 --> 5193.64] says [5193.64 --> 5194.64] Yay [5194.64 --> 5195.64] Say [5195.64 --> 5196.64] Tory [5198.64 --> 5228.62] Thank you. [5228.64 --> 5258.62] Thank you. [5258.64 --> 5288.62] Thank you. [5288.64 --> 5318.62] Thank you. [5318.64 --> 5348.62] Thank you. [5348.64 --> 5378.62] Thank you.