[0.00 --> 29.98] Thank you. [30.00 --> 59.98] Thank you. [60.00 --> 89.98] Thank you. [90.00 --> 119.98] Thank you. [120.00 --> 149.98] Thank you. [150.00 --> 179.98] Thank you. [180.00 --> 209.98] Thank you. [210.00 --> 239.98] Thank you. [240.00 --> 269.98] Thank you. [270.00 --> 299.98] Thank you. [300.00 --> 329.98] Thank you. [330.00 --> 359.98] Thank you. [360.00 --> 389.98] Thank you. [390.00 --> 419.98] Thank you. [420.00 --> 449.98] Thank you. [450.00 --> 479.98] Thank you. [480.00 --> 509.98] Thank you. [510.00 --> 539.98] Thank you. [540.00 --> 569.98] Thank you. [570.00 --> 599.98] Thank you. [600.00 --> 629.98] Thank you. [630.00 --> 659.98] Thank you. [659.98 --> 689.96] Thank you. [690.00 --> 719.96] Thank you. [719.96 --> 749.94] Thank you. [749.96 --> 779.96] Thank you. [779.96 --> 809.96] Thank you. [809.96 --> 839.94] Thank you. [839.96 --> 869.94] Thank you. [869.96 --> 899.94] Thank you. [899.96 --> 929.96] Thank you. [929.96 --> 959.96] Thank you. [959.96 --> 989.94] Thank you. [989.96 --> 1019.94] Thank you. [1019.96 --> 1049.94] Thank you. [1049.96 --> 1079.94] Thank you. [1079.96 --> 1109.94] Thank you. [1109.96 --> 1139.94] Thank you. [1139.96 --> 1169.94] Thank you. [1169.96 --> 1199.94] Thank you. [1199.94 --> 1229.94] Thank you. [1229.94 --> 1259.92] Thank you. [1259.94 --> 1289.92] Thank you. [1289.94 --> 1319.92] Thank you. [1319.94 --> 1349.92] Thank you. [1349.94 --> 1379.92] Thank you. [1379.94 --> 1409.92] Thank you. [1409.94 --> 1439.92] Thank you. [1439.94 --> 1469.92] Thank you. [1469.94 --> 1499.92] Thank you. [1499.94 --> 1529.92] Thank you. [1529.94 --> 1559.92] Thank you. [1559.94 --> 1589.92] Thank you. [1589.94 --> 1619.92] Thank you. [1619.94 --> 1649.92] Thank you. [1649.94 --> 1679.92] Thank you. [1679.94 --> 1709.92] Thank you. [1709.94 --> 1739.92] Thank you. [1739.94 --> 1769.92] Thank you. [1769.94 --> 1799.92] Thank you. [1799.94 --> 1829.92] Thank you. [1829.92 --> 1859.90] Thank you. [1859.92 --> 1889.90] Thank you. [1889.92 --> 1919.90] Thank you. [1919.90 --> 1949.88] Thank you. [1949.90 --> 1979.88] Thank you. [1979.90 --> 2009.88] Thank you. [2009.90 --> 2039.88] Thank you. [2039.90 --> 2069.88] Thank you. [2069.90 --> 2099.88] Thank you. [2099.90 --> 2129.88] Thank you. [2129.90 --> 2159.88] All right. [2159.90 --> 2189.90] So, [2189.90 --> 2219.88] Thank you. [2219.88 --> 2249.86] Thank you. [2249.88 --> 2279.86] Thank you. [2279.86 --> 2309.86] Thank you. [2309.86 --> 2339.86] Thank you. [2339.86 --> 2369.86] Thank you. [2369.86 --> 2399.86] Thank you. [2399.86 --> 2429.86] Thank you. [2429.86 --> 2459.86] Thank you. [2459.86 --> 2489.84] Thank you. [2489.86 --> 2519.86] Thank you. [2519.86 --> 2549.86] Thank you. [2549.86 --> 2579.86] Thank you. [2579.86 --> 2609.84] Thank you. [2609.86 --> 2639.86] Thank you. [2639.86 --> 2669.86] Thank you. [2669.86 --> 2699.86] Thank you. [2699.86 --> 2729.86] Thank you. [2729.86 --> 2759.86] Thank you. [2759.86 --> 2760.86] Thank you. [2789.86 --> 2790.86] Thank you. [2819.86 --> 2849.84] And so, [2849.86 --> 2850.86] Thank you. [2850.86 --> 2873.34] Good morning. [2873.68 --> 2874.64] My name is Glenn. [2874.74 --> 2879.88] I'm one of the elders here at Emanuel Church, and it's now my privilege to lead you in our [2879.88 --> 2880.90] congregational prayer. [2885.72 --> 2890.44] Father in heaven, we thank you for the opportunity to come to you in prayer this morning. [2891.20 --> 2897.38] You are almighty God, creator of heaven and earth, and we acknowledge your dominion over [2897.38 --> 2898.26] all creation. [2899.08 --> 2900.20] You are holy. [2901.10 --> 2904.34] Help us to revere your name in all that we say and do. [2904.34 --> 2912.96] We thank you for Christ Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection made us alive in him [2912.96 --> 2917.70] even when we were dead in our sin and restored our relationship with you. [2919.22 --> 2921.86] Your grace and mercy are utterly amazing. [2922.64 --> 2927.70] We are not worthy of your love, and yet you call us your children and heirs. [2928.68 --> 2931.10] Praise, glory, and honor to you, Lord. [2931.10 --> 2935.12] Father, we thank you for this local church community. [2936.12 --> 2937.74] Help us to be united in purpose. [2938.94 --> 2943.24] We thank you for the gifts that you give your people and their willingness to use their gifts [2943.24 --> 2946.66] to proclaim the gospel in so many different ways. [2948.26 --> 2952.50] Thank you for providing new elders and deacons to serve in this community. [2954.06 --> 2959.40] Grant them the presence of your Holy Spirit so that they will lead with wisdom and discernment. [2959.40 --> 2965.54] Grant them love and compassion for those whom they serve in a pastoral role. [2967.48 --> 2971.08] Father, we ask for your blessing on Kids Camp, which will begin this week. [2971.92 --> 2974.42] Bless the leaders as they proclaim the gospel story. [2975.28 --> 2977.08] And be near to all the children who participate. [2978.18 --> 2981.08] Give that these children will deepen their relationship with you. [2981.08 --> 2990.46] If there are children who hear about you for the first time, we ask that you draw them into a relationship with you through the work of your Holy Spirit. [2992.10 --> 2996.72] This morning we ask that you be with Ellen White, who fractured her wrist. [2997.78 --> 3003.86] Grant the medical professionals wisdom to prescribe treatment, which will give Ellen complete healing. [3003.86 --> 3011.70] We thank you that Harry Bauman underwent successful surgery on his arms. [3012.70 --> 3016.42] And we ask that you bless the further treatments that he will receive. [3017.06 --> 3022.90] Lord, it's our prayer that his mobility will be completely restored through these treatments. [3022.90 --> 3029.64] Bless those who struggle with strained relationships. [3031.26 --> 3035.52] Grant those who have done wrong the humility to ask for forgiveness. [3036.84 --> 3042.14] And grant those who have been wronged the grace to forgive and to find a way forward. [3043.74 --> 3049.52] Be with those who grieve after losing loved ones, whether recently or some time ago. [3049.52 --> 3055.98] Surround them with your presence when loneliness and a sense of loss sets in. [3056.90 --> 3065.66] And help us as immediate family members and as church family members to comfort and care for those who grieve and experience loneliness. [3068.46 --> 3074.92] This week we witness tragedy as the result of mass shootings in Chicago and in Victoria. [3075.92 --> 3077.78] Comfort those who have lost loved ones. [3077.78 --> 3080.72] Grant healing to those who have been injured. [3082.20 --> 3087.76] We thank you for law enforcement personnel who put their lives on the line to keep the public safe. [3088.84 --> 3093.06] And we pray that you watch over these people as they serve our communities. [3097.40 --> 3100.34] We continue to lift up the people of the Ukraine to you. [3101.28 --> 3104.52] Strengthen those who remain in the country to resist the invasion. [3104.52 --> 3108.70] Watch over the millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced. [3108.94 --> 3115.06] Equip the people and agencies who have taken in displaced people with all that they need. [3115.88 --> 3120.96] Thank you for the hospitality which has been extended to these displaced people. [3120.96 --> 3124.88] Comfort all who have lost loved ones this war. [3125.98 --> 3134.86] We also ask that you grant wisdom to the leaders of Western Europe, NATO, as they consider how to respond to this aggression. [3135.38 --> 3136.00] Give them wisdom. [3136.00 --> 3137.36] We ask that you grant wisdom. [3137.36 --> 3142.52] And we continue to ask for a withdrawal of Russian forces from the Ukraine. [3144.06 --> 3147.04] And we ask for peace to return to this region. [3147.04 --> 3149.04] We pray that you grant wisdom. [3151.04 --> 3154.24] We pray that you watch over those in our church family who are on vacation. [3155.12 --> 3159.10] We thank you for our work and for the opportunities that we have in this country. [3159.74 --> 3162.50] We are also grateful for the opportunity to rest. [3163.34 --> 3170.96] We ask that our times of rest will re-energize us and that they will also be times when we grow closer to you. [3170.96 --> 3181.80] And now, Lord, as we turn to your word, we ask that you bless Pastor Chris with the presence of your spirit and speak your truth through him. [3183.00 --> 3189.70] Give us ears which are eager to hear your truth and equip us to do your will as we begin this new week. [3190.38 --> 3192.04] In Jesus' name, amen. [3200.96 --> 3225.40] Today we are starting our summer preaching series as we will be looking at a bunch of parables of Jesus. [3225.40 --> 3233.78] And so we are going to start that this morning with the parables of the mustard seed and of the yeast. [3234.00 --> 3239.08] If you have a Bible in front of you, always I encourage you to open that up, have that with you, read along. [3239.16 --> 3245.14] We are going to read Matthew 13, beginning at verse 31. [3251.64 --> 3252.76] From Matthew 13. [3255.40 --> 3258.58] Jesus told them another parable. [3258.58 --> 3267.02] The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. [3268.44 --> 3276.12] Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, [3277.00 --> 3279.94] so that birds come and perch in its branches. [3281.36 --> 3283.36] He told them still another parable. [3283.36 --> 3292.50] The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about 60 pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough. [3294.70 --> 3298.10] Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables. [3298.60 --> 3301.24] He did not say anything to them without using a parable. [3301.68 --> 3304.80] So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet. [3304.80 --> 3311.88] I will open my mouth in parables and I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world. [3312.98 --> 3314.28] This is the word of the Lord. [3320.10 --> 3327.54] Now one of my favorite words in the, probably the whole of the English language, [3327.68 --> 3331.20] one of my favorite words is obfuscation. [3331.20 --> 3337.86] Because whenever I use it, I get that exact face. [3338.12 --> 3338.58] Thank you. [3340.30 --> 3340.52] Right? [3340.60 --> 3344.74] People look at me and with their face or with their words or with their laughter, [3344.88 --> 3345.16] they go, [3345.54 --> 3347.16] What on earth does that mean? [3348.02 --> 3351.14] That seems so unnecessarily confusing. [3351.14 --> 3357.44] Now if you know the word obfuscation, it means unnecessarily confusing. [3358.54 --> 3363.82] That's why I love the word, because the facial expression I get in response is the meaning of the word. [3363.92 --> 3368.24] It means to make things less clear or to intentionally confuse. [3369.28 --> 3377.12] I want to start in this confusion because we are jumping into a series on the parables of Jesus. [3377.12 --> 3388.34] And throughout all the gospels, you will get about eight or nine different categories of parables. [3389.20 --> 3396.28] Now I say that because I'm borrowing a breakdown or a categorization from a scholar named Klein Snodgrass, [3396.40 --> 3399.70] who wrote a book on the parables of Jesus called Stories with Intent. [3400.10 --> 3404.54] It is a pretty dense book, but it is a good one if you wanted a commentary on the parables. [3404.54 --> 3412.26] Anyway, point is, each week what we are going to do is look at one of those different categories or types of parables [3412.26 --> 3422.76] so we get the span or the scope of Jesus' messages given in parable on lostness or eschatology or money or prayer or Israel or kingdom, [3423.16 --> 3424.06] whatever the case may be. [3425.14 --> 3430.84] Now our first parable, as we read, is this parable of the mustard seed and of the yeast. [3430.84 --> 3437.62] But before we dig too deep into that, I think it's important for us to start with the question, [3438.28 --> 3440.56] why did Jesus teach in parables? [3441.20 --> 3445.90] Matthew writes, he spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. [3446.12 --> 3449.14] He did not say anything to them without using a parable. [3450.08 --> 3453.08] And so, it's worth the question, why? [3453.08 --> 3453.16] Why? [3454.56 --> 3460.30] I want to suggest that the answer might not be as simple as you first thought. [3461.68 --> 3469.12] Now I know that some of you here this morning are what's called propositional thinkers. [3470.12 --> 3470.60] Right? [3470.72 --> 3473.62] That is, you think in a very particular way. [3473.80 --> 3478.08] And I know that some of you here this morning are what's called narrative thinkers. [3478.64 --> 3479.52] So you think differently. [3479.52 --> 3487.58] What I mean by that is some of you like logic and order, a syllogistic structure, a thesis statement, [3487.86 --> 3492.80] and then three or seven or 37 arguments to support that thesis. [3493.82 --> 3496.36] Others of you just want to hear a story. [3497.54 --> 3497.72] Right? [3497.76 --> 3501.38] You don't think in propositions or arguments in rebuttals or rejoinders. [3501.46 --> 3503.60] You think in stories or images. [3503.60 --> 3514.68] Whenever I have a discussion with my daughter, yes, you, who's nine going on 25, especially [3514.68 --> 3515.82] if she wants something. [3516.48 --> 3516.72] Right? [3516.76 --> 3518.70] I can see it in her face. [3519.76 --> 3519.94] Right? [3520.20 --> 3525.28] You can, I can see it even as she closes her eyes and her eyes are moving around. [3525.28 --> 3532.54] She is working out her arguments, thinking about the best way to make her argument and [3532.54 --> 3538.74] to structure it, discerning how to articulate the illusion of compromise and choice, but [3538.74 --> 3539.84] so that she still gets her way. [3540.96 --> 3542.42] Do any of you else have kids like this? [3544.12 --> 3544.36] Right? [3544.44 --> 3547.58] She argues logically and it follows a very ordered set. [3548.46 --> 3551.24] Now she comes by that honestly because my brain works the same way. [3551.28 --> 3552.28] So it's only my fault. [3552.38 --> 3553.96] I take full responsibility for that. [3553.96 --> 3559.02] But Malachi, my son, on the other hand, right, he jumps all over the place. [3559.10 --> 3560.84] Sometimes literally, if you know Malachi. [3562.18 --> 3562.58] Right? [3562.64 --> 3566.14] And we have to ask him to stand still so that we can focus on what he's saying. [3566.72 --> 3572.46] And he will tell elaborate stories about the adventures that he's been on and how he needs [3572.46 --> 3575.02] this or that thing in order to continue them. [3575.06 --> 3577.48] It's usually a Nerf gun or a water gun of some sort. [3578.60 --> 3578.82] Right? [3578.82 --> 3583.40] And for Malachi, sometimes we just don't know the difference between his stories and real life. [3583.96 --> 3589.72] And I think that's in part because of, that's just the frame through which he sees the world. [3589.72 --> 3596.90] Now, one or the other is neither good nor bad, neither better nor worse. [3597.20 --> 3601.02] They're just the ways that people engage and interact and think. [3602.46 --> 3609.78] Parables are stories to make a theological point out of the world around us. [3609.78 --> 3611.90] Let me say that again. [3612.76 --> 3618.72] Parables are stories to make a theological point out of the world around us. [3620.32 --> 3624.56] But, here's where we get to the part where it's not what you thought it was. [3624.98 --> 3629.10] Parables are also an intentional obfuscation. [3630.38 --> 3631.82] See how we came back to that word? [3633.44 --> 3634.72] Let me show you where I get that. [3634.72 --> 3641.86] If your Bibles are still open, let's look at an earlier part in this same chapter from Matthew 13. [3642.66 --> 3644.84] In verse 10, we read, [3644.84 --> 3671.68] And then he quotes, [3671.68 --> 3683.98] In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah. [3684.74 --> 3686.96] You will be ever hearing but never understanding. [3687.14 --> 3688.94] You will be ever seeing but never perceiving. [3689.52 --> 3691.66] For the people's heart has become calloused. [3692.00 --> 3694.64] They hardly hear with their ears and their eyes. [3695.12 --> 3696.64] And they have closed their eyes. [3696.92 --> 3700.64] Otherwise, they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts. [3700.64 --> 3704.54] As it is, and I would turn and I would heal them. [3705.60 --> 3711.80] But blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. [3713.68 --> 3715.38] Intentional obfuscation. [3715.88 --> 3715.96] Right? [3716.38 --> 3718.36] Those seeing, they do not see. [3718.82 --> 3720.82] Hearing, they do not hear. [3720.82 --> 3725.18] And so even though parables are stories to make a theological point, [3725.56 --> 3730.40] They're also intended to confuse people who don't get it. [3731.66 --> 3738.34] What Jesus is saying here is that if the story isn't for you, it won't make sense to you. [3739.78 --> 3741.80] Jesus said in verse 11, [3741.80 --> 3747.50] Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. [3748.28 --> 3754.24] And so let me be really clear because this is so common in our trying to understand the parables. [3754.66 --> 3754.74] Right? [3754.92 --> 3761.58] Parables aren't just moralisms for the world to be full of, quote, good people. [3762.32 --> 3762.82] Right? [3762.82 --> 3766.88] Even if that's what our post-Christian culture reduces them to. [3767.98 --> 3768.24] Right? [3768.34 --> 3773.72] Like, so, for example, the lesson of the parable of the Good Samaritan, [3773.86 --> 3776.80] Which is, like, probably one of the most famous parables there is. [3776.84 --> 3776.94] Right? [3776.96 --> 3781.48] There are Good Samaritan laws that exist or used to exist in some countries. [3781.82 --> 3782.08] Right? [3782.08 --> 3787.40] The lesson of the Good Samaritan parable isn't help people in need. [3789.56 --> 3791.26] Because that's just the moralism. [3792.52 --> 3797.50] The lesson is that the new creation, kingdom of God, reality, [3797.98 --> 3805.28] Makes followers of Jesus from people who would be natural enemies and turns them into neighbors. [3806.56 --> 3806.68] Right? [3806.68 --> 3812.34] Redemption is a diverse body full of every tribe, nation, and tongue, [3812.50 --> 3817.46] With Jesus as king on the throne of grace and on the throne of your heart. [3818.12 --> 3818.72] Right? [3818.74 --> 3822.46] It's about who you are, not just what you do. [3826.74 --> 3828.90] And for those outside, [3830.58 --> 3834.74] Gospel living is going to be confusing. [3834.74 --> 3835.92] Right? [3835.94 --> 3837.46] It's not going to make sense. [3838.18 --> 3838.28] Right? [3840.28 --> 3841.90] If you want to gain heaven, [3843.14 --> 3843.98] Give up everything. [3846.10 --> 3846.46] Right? [3846.46 --> 3847.78] If you want to be first, [3848.70 --> 3849.48] Come last. [3850.34 --> 3851.78] If you want to be strong, [3852.66 --> 3853.20] Be weak. [3854.02 --> 3854.14] Right? [3854.16 --> 3855.64] These are what Jesus says. [3856.24 --> 3856.34] Right? [3856.38 --> 3859.92] The poor in spirit receive the kingdom of heaven. [3861.00 --> 3861.84] The meek. [3863.32 --> 3864.24] The meek. [3864.74 --> 3866.66] Inherit the earth. [3869.76 --> 3873.20] The meek don't inherit anything in our society and culture. [3873.56 --> 3874.74] But not according to Jesus. [3874.86 --> 3874.96] Right? [3875.08 --> 3878.00] That doesn't make sense to the world around us. [3878.02 --> 3879.10] That doesn't add up. [3880.40 --> 3881.08] Unless, [3881.60 --> 3885.10] Unless you know Jesus. [3886.14 --> 3886.64] Right? [3886.68 --> 3889.40] The kingdom of heaven has its own economy. [3889.40 --> 3896.12] And that economy looks like foolishness and is a stumbling block to those who are outside. [3897.86 --> 3898.52] And maybe, [3898.86 --> 3900.98] Where you are at right now, [3901.08 --> 3903.46] Maybe all you see is that foolishness. [3903.78 --> 3905.42] You look at this Christian thing and you go, [3905.54 --> 3908.50] Yeah, that's just a bunch of crazy people who don't make sense. [3909.08 --> 3910.46] Maybe none of this makes sense. [3910.46 --> 3913.06] And if that's true for you or for the people in your life, [3913.38 --> 3916.42] I want you to pray verse 16 with me. [3917.24 --> 3917.38] Right? [3917.48 --> 3921.02] Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. [3921.02 --> 3921.54] Right? [3921.68 --> 3927.88] Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear the beautiful mystery of the gospel [3927.88 --> 3932.54] And to be compelled by the beautiful majesty of your kingdom. [3932.96 --> 3933.16] Right? [3933.22 --> 3934.68] This is our prayer. [3936.36 --> 3936.86] Jesus says, [3937.06 --> 3938.74] I will open my mouth in parables. [3938.90 --> 3942.68] I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world. [3942.84 --> 3946.10] And so this will be our challenge for us this summer. [3946.80 --> 3950.42] How do we see past the surface meaning, [3950.76 --> 3952.88] Usually the easy moralism, [3953.24 --> 3953.42] Right? [3953.42 --> 3958.82] To the deeper, more mysterious meaning that Jesus intends for his disciple. [3959.56 --> 3960.66] Or to put it another way, [3960.98 --> 3966.94] What is the uniquely Christian gospel identity forming meaning to each parable? [3968.54 --> 3971.52] Now Jesus tells us that he speaks in parables [3971.52 --> 3975.68] In order to illustrate that there are those who get it [3975.68 --> 3978.50] And those who don't, who won't. [3979.32 --> 3982.68] My prayer for us this summer is that we are among those who do. [3983.42 --> 3989.78] And so now to the parable of the mustard seed and the yeast in bread. [3990.56 --> 3991.98] Now from the very beginning, [3992.68 --> 3999.56] Jesus tells us what sort of category these two parables belong to. [3999.82 --> 3999.92] Right? [3999.94 --> 4000.06] He says, [4000.24 --> 4003.12] The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. [4003.22 --> 4005.82] The kingdom of heaven is like yeast. [4006.26 --> 4006.40] Right? [4006.42 --> 4009.28] These are what we'll call kingdom parables. [4009.54 --> 4011.66] But notice, notice the tense. [4011.66 --> 4012.26] Right? [4012.34 --> 4013.90] So a little bit of grammar for you this morning. [4014.02 --> 4015.90] Notice the tense that Jesus is using. [4016.38 --> 4019.68] The kingdom of heaven is like. [4020.74 --> 4021.84] Not will be. [4022.82 --> 4023.02] Right? [4023.06 --> 4025.06] It's present tense. [4025.30 --> 4026.96] Not future tense. [4027.26 --> 4027.34] Right? [4027.40 --> 4032.68] These parables are about present, current, or concurrent realities. [4032.88 --> 4036.86] Kingdom realities in the here and now because of Jesus coming. [4036.86 --> 4043.48] If you have your Bibles open and you jump a couple pages forward, more than a couple, [4043.60 --> 4045.38] to the beginning of the Gospel of Mark. [4046.02 --> 4049.66] The beginning of the Gospel of Mark in verse 15. [4049.92 --> 4054.68] These are the very first words that Jesus speaks in Mark's Gospel. [4054.80 --> 4057.52] The very first thing that Jesus says in the Gospel of Mark, [4057.52 --> 4059.16] The time has come. [4059.92 --> 4062.50] The kingdom of God has come near. [4063.28 --> 4065.90] Repent and believe the good news. [4067.40 --> 4072.26] The kingdom of God has come near. [4073.40 --> 4075.74] Jesus has started something. [4076.82 --> 4080.20] Jesus coming means something new in the world. [4080.20 --> 4085.46] I love the way that Klein Snodgrass summarizes it. [4085.76 --> 4086.12] He says, [4086.88 --> 4089.20] The end is already in the beginning. [4091.00 --> 4093.18] The end is already in the beginning. [4093.56 --> 4093.64] Right? [4093.70 --> 4099.82] This parable is about reframing expectations of what the kingdom should be. [4100.12 --> 4101.16] Of what it would be. [4102.04 --> 4102.16] Right? [4102.20 --> 4108.46] The disciples, and really, probably all of the contemporary Jews of Jesus' day, [4108.46 --> 4112.06] would have said something along the lines of, [4113.02 --> 4117.40] Isn't the kingdom of heaven supposed to be a big display of God's power? [4118.12 --> 4118.24] Right? [4118.28 --> 4122.44] Isn't Rome supposed to be cast off and Israel restored? [4122.82 --> 4125.18] Shouldn't this new Babylon be destroyed? [4125.78 --> 4129.10] Aren't we supposed to have, you know, the prophet Malachi says, [4129.24 --> 4133.42] storehouses overflowing and milk and honey pouring down? [4133.42 --> 4134.02] Right? [4136.02 --> 4140.66] That's the question of this new kingdom economy. [4141.84 --> 4142.00] Right? [4142.48 --> 4147.64] If that was the expectation, what they saw was something vastly different. [4148.50 --> 4148.64] Right? [4148.68 --> 4156.48] How on earth, or even how in heaven, is a bunch of ragtag misfits and a rabbi from Nazareth? [4156.60 --> 4161.38] You remember the words, the question, can anything good come from Nazareth? [4161.38 --> 4161.88] Right? [4161.88 --> 4162.60] Right? [4162.66 --> 4166.06] How is this ragtag bunch of misfits and this rabbi from Nazareth, [4166.26 --> 4170.48] how are they heralding this kingdom of heaven? [4171.26 --> 4171.38] Right? [4171.38 --> 4173.46] The people expected great things. [4173.80 --> 4175.52] They expected wars and destruction. [4175.96 --> 4179.62] They expected a new king in the line of David on the throne in Jerusalem. [4179.62 --> 4183.36] And what they got was an itinerant preacher who ended up on a cross. [4185.30 --> 4191.58] Now, in our culture, right, we have similar, if not exactly the same, expectations. [4192.16 --> 4196.64] And really, let's be clear here, not just outside of the church, right, we are affected, [4196.86 --> 4198.46] or maybe infected is the better word. [4198.70 --> 4200.70] We are affected by it too. [4200.70 --> 4209.08] How many times have you heard it said, right, if your God was real, why would there be pain in the world? [4210.28 --> 4213.94] If your God was real, why is there still evil in the world? [4214.12 --> 4217.04] If your God is good, why is there still suffering? [4219.28 --> 4219.42] Right? [4219.50 --> 4226.10] The idea being that if the kingdom of God was real, if God was real, if the kingdom was really present, [4226.46 --> 4227.88] wouldn't it all be all good? [4227.88 --> 4227.92] Right? [4229.82 --> 4233.42] And like I said, there's a Christian version of this too. [4234.58 --> 4234.78] Right? [4234.80 --> 4241.70] Not one that necessarily denies the existence of God, but does something different, changes our relationship to God. [4241.94 --> 4242.10] Right? [4242.18 --> 4247.92] Sometimes, we believe, and we may never say it, but we functionally act this way. [4248.18 --> 4248.38] Right? [4248.40 --> 4255.18] We believe that because we have done everything right, or we have tried, at least, to do everything right, [4255.18 --> 4257.86] we've checked the right boxes, we've gone to church, [4257.88 --> 4261.56] we've participated in a Bible study, we had Lord's Supper. [4262.44 --> 4262.80] Right? [4262.88 --> 4265.62] That we haven't sinned, or at least, we haven't sinned that bad. [4266.08 --> 4266.24] Right? [4266.26 --> 4267.64] Not as bad as that person anyway. [4268.60 --> 4268.80] Right? [4268.84 --> 4271.26] Because that's true, shouldn't I get this? [4271.56 --> 4273.16] Don't I deserve this, God? [4274.32 --> 4276.04] Can't you bless me with this? [4277.50 --> 4277.70] Right? [4277.70 --> 4285.18] So, we create this kind of like transactional Christian faith that isn't only ultimately consumeristic, [4285.48 --> 4287.46] it's coercive. [4288.82 --> 4289.34] Right? [4289.34 --> 4296.08] Believing that you can bend God to your will rather than being bent to the will of God in your heart. [4297.62 --> 4302.84] I think both of these, the ones that deny God or the ones that try to coerce God, [4303.02 --> 4308.74] are modern versions of the old world problem that Jesus is addressing in this parable. [4309.02 --> 4309.18] Right? [4309.18 --> 4313.92] It's a problem of expectation, or a problem of misplaced expectations. [4316.38 --> 4327.68] Carl Sagan famously said, he's an astronomer and deeply atheist person, at least at this point in his life. [4327.68 --> 4333.76] He famously said, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. [4335.46 --> 4339.98] And so, where is the extraordinary evidence of the kingdom of God being at hand? [4344.92 --> 4345.72] Right? [4345.72 --> 4359.90] Now, one of the amazing things about this parable is that Matthew, as he structures his gospel, [4360.18 --> 4364.42] as he has written it, by the time that he gets to chapter 13, right, [4364.46 --> 4368.82] we've already seen Jesus do some pretty extraordinary miracles. [4369.20 --> 4371.04] You can flip back through the pages to see it. [4371.32 --> 4373.50] Jesus has already raised a dead girl. [4374.24 --> 4374.72] Right? [4374.72 --> 4376.28] He's already healed a sick woman. [4376.74 --> 4378.60] He's already healed a paralyzed man. [4378.66 --> 4381.90] He's already cast out demons from two possessed men. [4381.90 --> 4382.34] Right? [4382.40 --> 4387.20] He's already stood on the waves in the storm on the Sea of Galilee and said, [4387.38 --> 4389.76] be calm, be still, and stopped it. [4390.46 --> 4393.62] Jesus has already worked all of these incredible miracles, [4394.06 --> 4398.94] but that wasn't enough evidence for the truth of the kingdom come and the kingdom coming. [4399.98 --> 4400.10] Right? [4400.10 --> 4400.88] Think about that. [4401.12 --> 4401.24] Right? [4401.30 --> 4404.44] Stories of the dead being raised, of storms being calmed, [4404.44 --> 4411.34] of demons being cast out, aren't enough to overcome the foolishness and the stumbling block nature of the gospel. [4411.62 --> 4411.94] Right? [4411.98 --> 4414.10] People are still looking at Jesus and going, nope. [4414.82 --> 4416.00] That doesn't make sense. [4416.00 --> 4419.54] The same is true today. [4419.54 --> 4420.02] Right? [4420.02 --> 4423.06] People have talked to me before and they said, [4424.06 --> 4427.94] Pastor, I don't understand why God didn't heal this person. [4429.16 --> 4429.36] Right? [4429.36 --> 4439.50] We heard a story from someone who was at a camp and there was a girl there who had terminal illness and the whole group of people prayed over her. [4439.98 --> 4446.26] And they all left utterly convicted and convinced that God was going to heal her and give her new life. [4446.66 --> 4447.80] Three weeks later, she died. [4447.80 --> 4450.42] And he said to me, [4450.42 --> 4453.52] Pastor, why didn't God heal that little girl? [4454.96 --> 4457.82] Or think about the amazing things that would have happened if God healed her. [4458.26 --> 4459.94] All of those people there would have believed. [4460.34 --> 4462.86] How could they not believe seeing God work so powerfully? [4462.86 --> 4467.56] The testimony of the New Testament is exactly the opposite. [4468.20 --> 4469.14] That it's just not enough. [4469.50 --> 4472.54] No matter how many miracles you see, it's just not enough. [4472.62 --> 4477.48] Because our expectations of what Jesus is doing are vastly different than what Jesus is doing. [4477.56 --> 4479.22] We think we know what he ought to do. [4479.54 --> 4481.08] Jesus does what must be done. [4484.22 --> 4485.26] Jesus is saying, [4486.26 --> 4488.40] it doesn't make sense. [4490.28 --> 4490.72] Unless, [4490.72 --> 4493.26] unless you know me. [4494.52 --> 4495.78] Unless you see me. [4497.06 --> 4497.88] Jesus is saying, [4498.12 --> 4500.36] from such small beginnings. [4500.88 --> 4503.96] This ragtag bunch of misfits and a rabbi from Nazareth. [4504.10 --> 4508.20] Such small beginnings come great and impossible things. [4508.52 --> 4511.72] Jesus is ushering in the beginning of the kingdom. [4511.94 --> 4514.22] Not with a loud bang or clashing armies. [4514.58 --> 4516.20] Not with milk and honey flowing. [4516.36 --> 4518.16] But with an almost unnoticed, [4518.16 --> 4519.96] in fact, it was missed by most. [4520.46 --> 4522.44] Presence of God. [4523.86 --> 4526.72] The end is already present in the beginning. [4527.18 --> 4531.04] History is changed by his word and work. [4531.16 --> 4534.06] The kingdom is already here and it will not be stopped. [4534.40 --> 4540.28] What started as a mustard seed grows into a large tree that is big enough for birds to live in. [4540.28 --> 4543.66] What started with an almost imperceptible truth. [4543.66 --> 4547.00] Like yeast mixed into 60 pounds of dough. [4547.20 --> 4548.58] You can't even see it. [4549.28 --> 4551.50] But its effect is profound. [4551.50 --> 4555.52] And to be really clear. [4557.20 --> 4560.54] This is exactly what happened. [4561.20 --> 4563.50] This is exactly what happened in history. [4563.66 --> 4563.72] Right? [4563.80 --> 4567.58] This ragtag bunch of misfits and this rabbi from Nazareth started a movement. [4567.92 --> 4570.42] And that movement was called The Way at first. [4570.52 --> 4572.48] But later it became called Christianity. [4573.04 --> 4577.56] And that grew and is growing exponentially around the world. [4577.56 --> 4582.74] Rodney Stark has a book called The Rise of Christianity. [4583.24 --> 4585.58] He estimates that in 40 AD. [4586.56 --> 4586.74] Right? [4586.84 --> 4590.36] After around 40 AD. [4590.56 --> 4591.66] So numbers are loose here. [4591.82 --> 4591.94] Right? [4592.00 --> 4594.52] There are approximately a thousand Christians. [4595.84 --> 4598.44] Now all of these Christians would be Palestinian Jews. [4599.12 --> 4601.28] And so there's another scholar, James Jeffers. [4601.28 --> 4607.68] He estimates that there are 2.5 million Jews who lived in Palestine at the time of Jesus. [4607.98 --> 4613.48] That means that 0.04% became believers. [4614.60 --> 4616.58] That's a micro demographic. [4616.80 --> 4621.74] Like that's barely registered on any Canadian census data. [4622.74 --> 4629.24] And yet by 200 AD there are 2 million in the Roman Empire. [4629.24 --> 4636.04] By 300 AD there's over 6 million Christians throughout the empire. [4636.18 --> 4637.40] Throughout the known world. [4638.10 --> 4641.68] That's what a mustard seed movement looks like. [4643.98 --> 4645.48] The gospel is this. [4647.00 --> 4649.50] That Jesus came and lived the life I should have lived. [4649.58 --> 4651.94] That Jesus died the death that I deserve. [4652.08 --> 4657.32] That Jesus came and lived the life of perfect obedience for all who would believe. [4657.32 --> 4663.96] And he died the death of the wrath of God for sins for all who would be called by grace through faith. [4664.32 --> 4669.26] And though he died he was raised 3 days later victorious now over sin and death. [4669.40 --> 4675.86] And though he died being raised 3 days later 40 days after that he ascended to the right hand of God the Father. [4676.06 --> 4679.90] Where he sits on the throne as king of the universe. [4679.90 --> 4683.06] Where he has been given the name that is above every name. [4683.06 --> 4686.82] The gospel is Jesus is king. [4687.06 --> 4690.88] And the gospel is the kingdom come and the kingdom coming. [4691.24 --> 4694.58] The gospel is from such humble beginnings. [4695.08 --> 4701.58] And becomes the very greatness and glory of God revealed to the world. [4701.58 --> 4717.56] And so gospel living is you and me full of hope and expectation and rejoicing and urgency at the truth of this message. [4718.02 --> 4718.26] Right? [4718.32 --> 4720.20] That we all might know and see. [4720.32 --> 4722.20] That we all might hear and understand. [4722.36 --> 4724.42] No matter how dark the night gets. [4724.74 --> 4725.88] We have hope. [4725.88 --> 4727.96] Right? [4728.00 --> 4731.26] We have hope that his mercies are new every morning. [4731.78 --> 4733.92] No matter how hard life gets. [4734.06 --> 4737.92] We have hope that God is greater than all of our challenges. [4738.72 --> 4740.88] Yes in this world you will have trouble. [4741.18 --> 4744.12] But we know and believe that Jesus has overcome the world. [4744.48 --> 4744.58] Right? [4744.66 --> 4747.90] Even when it looks like the powers and principalities. [4747.90 --> 4752.04] When it looks like the emperors and the empires of the world are winning. [4752.30 --> 4757.42] We know that God has already won the victory in Jesus Christ our Lord. [4757.48 --> 4757.68] Amen? [4757.68 --> 4757.82] Amen? [4759.82 --> 4761.14] And so maybe. [4762.64 --> 4763.84] Just maybe. [4764.80 --> 4769.18] This post-Christian world that we are increasingly finding ourselves in. [4769.44 --> 4772.86] Is exactly what the church needs. [4773.00 --> 4777.40] For this mustard seed faith to come to new fruition. [4777.90 --> 4789.34] Parable of the mustard seed and of yeast. [4789.34 --> 4795.32] Is a story to make a theological point out of the world around us. [4796.82 --> 4803.92] To identify us as a people of hope. [4803.92 --> 4807.20] And so no matter where you go. [4807.34 --> 4809.14] No matter what you face. [4809.88 --> 4814.94] Know that God himself goes with you. [4815.74 --> 4819.44] That the kingdom of God has come. [4821.30 --> 4824.64] May it come in our hearts more and more. [4824.86 --> 4828.26] And may it come in fullness in the return of Jesus Christ. [4828.80 --> 4830.62] Soon and very soon. [4831.14 --> 4831.90] Let's pray together. [4831.90 --> 4841.78] Holy God. [4841.84 --> 4842.40] Heavenly Father. [4842.40 --> 4848.36] May we have eyes to see and ears to hear your kingdom come and coming today. [4848.56 --> 4853.04] Grant us hope in this dark night. [4853.04 --> 4858.62] Grant us faith in the midst of our doubts. [4861.14 --> 4865.46] Grant us rejoicing alongside of our mourning. [4867.82 --> 4872.68] Grant us holiness out of our brokenness. [4872.68 --> 4876.24] Lord Jesus. [4876.24 --> 4878.30] Grant us yourself. [4878.92 --> 4879.48] Today. [4880.78 --> 4882.56] That we might be found in you. [4882.70 --> 4885.86] And that we this week might go with you. [4886.24 --> 4886.82] To the world. [4887.54 --> 4889.96] To proclaim your kingdom come and your kingdom coming. [4890.40 --> 4893.04] To proclaim Jesus Christ alone. [4893.62 --> 4894.34] As Lord. [4895.00 --> 4895.66] And God. [4895.66 --> 4897.22] In his name we pray. [4897.98 --> 4898.36] Amen. [4902.36 --> 4904.36] For that journey of faith. [4904.70 --> 4907.08] That we are about to embark on. [4907.22 --> 4908.20] Or continue in. [4909.02 --> 4910.52] God grants us. [4910.76 --> 4912.08] This meal of grace. [4912.52 --> 4914.54] That we might come to his table. [4915.40 --> 4916.72] Be found by him. [4917.10 --> 4917.52] Here. [4918.04 --> 4919.74] And that we might be strengthened. [4919.74 --> 4921.10] And nourished. [4921.42 --> 4922.72] For this journey of faith. [4924.10 --> 4925.06] Jesus Christ. [4925.20 --> 4926.60] Before he suffered. [4927.36 --> 4928.92] Gave us this memorial. [4928.92 --> 4930.86] Of his sacrifice. [4931.56 --> 4932.86] Until he comes again. [4933.78 --> 4934.66] And the Lord Jesus. [4935.00 --> 4936.64] On the night that he was betrayed. [4936.88 --> 4937.60] Took bread. [4937.60 --> 4939.82] And when he had given thanks. [4940.00 --> 4940.76] He broke it. [4940.90 --> 4941.16] And said. [4941.48 --> 4942.64] This is my body. [4942.88 --> 4944.06] Which is for you. [4945.42 --> 4946.14] Do this. [4946.52 --> 4947.18] In remembrance. [4947.96 --> 4948.40] Of me. [4949.74 --> 4951.02] And in the same way. [4951.20 --> 4952.14] After supper. [4952.34 --> 4953.22] He took the cup. [4953.34 --> 4953.62] Saying. [4954.20 --> 4954.90] This cup. [4955.16 --> 4956.16] Is the new covenant. [4956.76 --> 4957.56] In my blood. [4958.48 --> 4959.20] Do this. [4959.38 --> 4960.04] In remembrance. [4960.72 --> 4961.24] Of me. [4962.30 --> 4964.00] For whenever we eat this bread. [4964.12 --> 4965.34] And drink this cup. [4965.44 --> 4966.14] We proclaim. [4966.28 --> 4967.12] The Lord's death. [4967.48 --> 4968.86] Until he comes again. [4969.98 --> 4970.58] This. [4970.84 --> 4972.04] Is the mystery. [4972.70 --> 4973.60] Of our faith. [4976.70 --> 4977.62] Your death. [4977.84 --> 4978.42] Oh Christ. [4978.62 --> 4979.30] We proclaim. [4979.74 --> 4981.10] Your resurrection. [4981.62 --> 4982.12] We affirm. [4982.26 --> 4982.78] With joy. [4983.72 --> 4984.40] Your coming. [4984.74 --> 4985.20] We wait. [4985.32 --> 4985.84] With hope. [4986.70 --> 4988.10] Glory be to you. [4988.22 --> 4988.90] Lord Jesus. [4991.04 --> 4991.94] Church family. [4992.06 --> 4993.06] The Lord has prepared. [4993.06 --> 4993.94] His table. [4994.14 --> 4995.30] For all who love him. [4995.38 --> 4996.72] And who trust in him. [4996.98 --> 4997.50] Alone. [4997.66 --> 4998.64] For their salvation. [4999.72 --> 5000.20] And so. [5000.46 --> 5001.56] Come to this table. [5001.78 --> 5003.82] You who have much faith. [5003.96 --> 5006.32] And you who would like to have more. [5006.80 --> 5007.66] Come to this table. [5007.66 --> 5009.74] You who have been to this sacrament often. [5009.88 --> 5012.62] And you who have not been for a long time. [5012.78 --> 5014.54] You who have tried to follow Jesus. [5014.78 --> 5016.04] And you who have failed. [5016.20 --> 5017.60] Come to this table. [5017.86 --> 5020.70] Because Jesus is king. [5022.28 --> 5023.36] Come to this table. [5023.40 --> 5024.92] If you are here present with us. [5024.98 --> 5027.80] Or if you are participating this morning online. [5028.60 --> 5028.92] Come. [5028.92 --> 5031.84] It is Christ who invites us. [5032.04 --> 5033.42] It is Christ himself. [5033.84 --> 5035.32] Who we meet here. [5036.44 --> 5038.56] These are the gifts of God. [5038.92 --> 5040.80] For the people of God. [5042.34 --> 5044.14] As we come to the table this morning. [5045.18 --> 5047.12] We're going to gather up at the front. [5047.32 --> 5048.52] Around the table. [5049.16 --> 5051.50] The elders will be here present to help serve. [5051.72 --> 5052.38] And there will be. [5052.46 --> 5054.34] I think deacons in the aisles. [5054.34 --> 5058.10] Usher's who will tell you when your time to come to the front is. [5058.90 --> 5060.24] As you come to the front. [5060.48 --> 5063.34] I will pass the tray to my left and to my right. [5063.40 --> 5065.20] And the elders will start in the opposite direction. [5065.48 --> 5067.76] As you pass the elements to the person beside you. [5067.84 --> 5068.90] We invite you to say. [5069.08 --> 5070.88] The body of Christ given for you. [5071.06 --> 5073.38] The blood of Christ shed for you. [5074.02 --> 5075.64] As you pass each element. [5075.86 --> 5077.74] The first group who is going to come to the front. [5077.82 --> 5078.74] Is the worship team. [5079.48 --> 5080.62] And those at the back. [5080.62 --> 5082.86] And then they will lead us with music. [5083.08 --> 5085.14] Through the rest of our time together. [5085.24 --> 5087.08] So I'm going to invite the worship team. [5087.40 --> 5088.28] To come up to the front. [5089.50 --> 5090.16] And those who. [5091.80 --> 5092.20] Yeah. [5092.30 --> 5092.70] Very good. [5110.62 --> 5112.44] If you are unable to come to the front. [5112.68 --> 5114.26] We will serve you in your seat. [5114.36 --> 5117.08] So please just indicate to the ushers in the aisles. [5117.22 --> 5119.44] And they will bring the elements to you. [5121.94 --> 5123.52] The body of Christ given for you. [5126.90 --> 5128.38] The body of Christ given for you. [5134.56 --> 5135.46] Christ given for you. [5135.46 --> 5139.46] The body of Christ given for you. [5140.62 --> 5142.90] The body of Christ gave us. [5144.70 --> 5145.98] The body of Christ with a Allen. [5163.48 --> 5163.74] Eat. [5164.36 --> 5164.86] And remember. [5164.86 --> 5186.70] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5194.86 --> 5196.52] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5224.86 --> 5254.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5254.86 --> 5284.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5284.86 --> 5314.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5314.84 --> 5316.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5316.84 --> 5320.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5320.84 --> 5326.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5326.84 --> 5332.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5332.84 --> 5338.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5338.84 --> 5344.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5344.84 --> 5346.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5346.84 --> 5352.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5352.84 --> 5358.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5358.84 --> 5364.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5364.84 --> 5370.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5370.84 --> 5376.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5376.84 --> 5382.84] Jesus, you brought heaven. [5382.84 --> 5388.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5388.84 --> 5390.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5390.84 --> 5394.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5394.84 --> 5396.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5396.84 --> 5402.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5402.84 --> 5406.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5406.84 --> 5418.84] Lord of Christ, shed for you. [5418.84 --> 5421.56] Nothing compares to this. [5421.56 --> 5425.30] What a wonderful name it is. [5425.46 --> 5429.14] The name of Jesus. [5429.96 --> 5432.88] What a wonderful name it is. [5433.12 --> 5436.78] The name of Jesus. [5448.84 --> 5455.66] Death could not hold you. [5456.38 --> 5459.58] The days are new for you. [5460.12 --> 5466.40] You silenced the boast of sin and grave. [5466.40 --> 5470.58] Heaven's outroar me. [5470.58 --> 5474.06] The praise of your glory. [5474.06 --> 5480.78] For you are raised to life again. [5481.82 --> 5484.74] You have no rival. [5485.82 --> 5488.56] You have no equal. [5489.84 --> 5495.36] Now and forever God you reign. [5496.72 --> 5499.48] Yours is the kingdom. [5499.48 --> 5503.42] Yours is the glory. [5504.06 --> 5510.74] Yours is the name above all names. [5511.32 --> 5514.34] What a powerful name it is. [5514.82 --> 5518.28] What a powerful name it is. [5518.70 --> 5524.82] The name of Jesus Christ my King. [5524.82 --> 5529.24] What a powerful name it is. [5530.12 --> 5532.72] Nothing can stand against. [5532.72 --> 5536.54] What a powerful name it is. [5536.54 --> 5540.34] The name of Jesus. [5540.34 --> 5545.04] You have no rival here. [5545.04 --> 5547.74] You have no equal. [5547.74 --> 5553.30] Now and forever God you reign. [5553.30 --> 5556.36] Yours is the kingdom. [5556.36 --> 5558.72] Yours is the kingdom. [5558.72 --> 5560.62] Yours is the glory. [5560.62 --> 5565.22] Yours is the name above all names. [5565.22 --> 5569.90] What a powerful name it is. [5569.90 --> 5573.84] What a powerful name it is. [5573.84 --> 5576.46] What a powerful name it is. [5576.46 --> 5583.54] The name of Jesus Christ my King. [5583.54 --> 5587.84] What a powerful name it is. [5587.84 --> 5591.40] Nothing can stand against. [5591.40 --> 5595.16] What a powerful name it is. [5595.16 --> 5598.90] The name of Jesus. [5598.90 --> 5602.70] What a wonderful name it is. [5602.70 --> 5606.54] The name of Jesus. [5606.54 --> 5610.36] What a beautiful name it is. [5610.36 --> 5614.54] The name of Jesus. [5614.54 --> 5628.36] The name of Jesus. [5628.36 --> 5630.36] The name of Jesus. [5630.36 --> 5632.62] The name of Jesus. [5632.62 --> 5650.30] Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father. [5650.30 --> 5659.30] There is no shadow of turning with thee. [5659.30 --> 5667.98] Thou changest not, thy compassions may fail not. [5668.60 --> 5676.08] As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be. [5677.16 --> 5685.18] Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness. [5685.18 --> 5693.32] Morning by morning new mercies I see. [5694.16 --> 5701.46] All I have needed thy hand hath provided. [5701.46 --> 5710.46] Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto you. [5710.46 --> 5725.68] Summer and winter and springtime and harvest. [5725.68 --> 5734.14] Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above. [5734.64 --> 5742.36] Joined with all nature in manifold witness. [5742.36 --> 5751.36] To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. [5751.36 --> 5760.76] Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness. [5761.34 --> 5768.74] Morning by morning new mercies I see. [5768.74 --> 5777.74] All I have needed thy hand hath provided. [5777.74 --> 5786.74] Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me. [5786.74 --> 5802.50] Thine Lord, for sin and the peace that endures. [5802.50 --> 5811.52] Thine all dear presence to cheer and to guide. [5811.52 --> 5819.96] Strength for today and pride, hope for tomorrow. [5821.44 --> 5828.52] Blessings of mine with ten thousand beside. [5830.64 --> 5838.52] Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness. [5838.52 --> 5847.52] Morning by morning new mercies I see. [5849.14 --> 5856.98] All I have needed thy hand hath provided. [5858.46 --> 5866.52] Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me. [5868.52 --> 5870.52] Thank you. [5870.52 --> 5871.52] Thank you. [5871.52 --> 5875.52] Thank you. [5875.52 --> 5877.52] Thank you. [5877.52 --> 5879.52] Thank you. [5879.52 --> 5881.52] Thank you. [5881.52 --> 5883.52] Thank you. [5883.52 --> 5884.52] Thank you. [5884.52 --> 5885.52] Thank you. [5885.52 --> 5886.52] Thank you. [5886.52 --> 5888.52] Thank you. [5888.52 --> 5902.16] Because you were forsaken [5902.16 --> 5905.78] I've accepted [5905.78 --> 5909.64] You were condemned [5909.64 --> 5914.70] I'm alive and well [5914.70 --> 5918.10] Your spirit is within me [5918.10 --> 5924.04] Because you died and rose again [5924.04 --> 5929.32] I've been forgiven [5929.32 --> 5933.36] Because you were forsaken [5933.36 --> 5937.24] I've accepted [5937.24 --> 5941.32] You were condemned [5941.32 --> 5946.10] I'm alive and well [5946.10 --> 5950.04] Your spirit is within me [5950.04 --> 5955.04] Because you died and rose again [5955.04 --> 5965.98] Amazing love, how can it be? [5965.98 --> 5971.92] I wish you my King would die for me [5971.92 --> 5980.92] Amazing love, I know it's true [5980.92 --> 5986.86] It's my joy to honor you [5986.86 --> 5991.86] In all I do [5991.86 --> 5995.86] I honor you [5995.86 --> 5998.24] Please rise [5998.24 --> 6004.18] I'm forgiven [6004.18 --> 6004.62] I'm forgiven [6004.62 --> 6008.18] Because you were forsaken [6008.18 --> 6012.46] I'm accepted [6012.46 --> 6016.18] You were condemned [6016.18 --> 6021.40] I'm alive and well [6021.40 --> 6024.34] Your spirit is within me [6024.34 --> 6027.34] I'm alive and well [6027.34 --> 6031.28] You were condemned [6031.28 --> 6033.28] I'm alive and well [6033.28 --> 6033.92] I'm alive and well [6033.92 --> 6038.24] Amazing love, how can it be? [6038.24 --> 6042.20] Amazing love, how can it be? [6042.20 --> 6044.28] That you my King would die for me [6044.28 --> 6058.28] that died for me [6064.28 --> 6072.28] in all i do [6074.28 --> 6078.28] you are my king [6078.28 --> 6086.28] you are my king [6086.28 --> 6094.28] jesus you are my king [6094.28 --> 6104.28] you are my king [6104.28 --> 6108.28] amazing love [6108.28 --> 6112.28] how can it be [6112.28 --> 6114.28] that you my king [6114.28 --> 6118.28] who died for me [6118.28 --> 6124.28] amazing love [6124.28 --> 6130.28] i know it's true [6130.28 --> 6132.28] and it's my joy [6132.28 --> 6136.28] to honor you [6136.28 --> 6138.28] in all i do [6138.28 --> 6142.28] i honor you [6142.28 --> 6146.28] in all i do [6146.28 --> 6150.28] i honor you [6150.28 --> 6156.28] you are my king [6156.28 --> 6158.28] what a refrain [6158.28 --> 6160.28] to end on and to go out [6160.28 --> 6162.28] into this week [6162.28 --> 6164.28] proclaiming [6164.28 --> 6166.28] as you go just a quick reminder [6166.28 --> 6168.28] you stick around for fellowship [6168.28 --> 6170.28] and then i will be at the back [6170.28 --> 6172.28] to you answer your questions [6172.28 --> 6174.28] and hopefully recruit you [6174.28 --> 6176.28] into some bag delivery service [6176.28 --> 6178.28] over these next couple days [6178.28 --> 6180.28] and so grab me for that and i will explain that to you [6180.28 --> 6182.28] also if you're visiting with us this morning [6182.28 --> 6184.28] we would love to connect with you [6184.28 --> 6186.28] and so these cards are available [6186.28 --> 6188.28] use one of those and connect with us there [6188.28 --> 6194.28] and finally if you use one of the kids clipboards this morning [6194.28 --> 6198.28] it would be really helpful if you could return them to the spot at the [6198.28 --> 6200.28] in the foyer there that would be great [6200.28 --> 6202.28] thank you so much [6202.28 --> 6206.28] receive god's blessing now for the journey ahead [6206.28 --> 6210.28] god go before you to guide you [6210.28 --> 6214.28] god go behind you to protect you [6214.28 --> 6216.28] god go beneath you to support you [6216.28 --> 6220.28] god go beside you to befriend you [6220.28 --> 6224.28] do not be afraid [6224.28 --> 6226.28] let the blessing of god come upon you today [6226.28 --> 6228.28] do not be afraid [6228.28 --> 6230.28] but go in peace [6230.28 --> 6232.28] to love and serve [6232.28 --> 6234.28] the lord [6234.28 --> 6236.28] amen [6236.28 --> 6238.28] let's end with [6238.28 --> 6240.28] salvation belongs to our god [6246.28 --> 6256.28] god [6256.28 --> 6258.28] i tried a different intro that didn't work [6258.28 --> 6272.28] it just belongs to our god [6272.28 --> 6276.28] who saves the Lord to the throne [6276.28 --> 6278.28] and unto the land [6278.28 --> 6286.28] praise and glory [6286.28 --> 6288.28] wisdom and love [6288.28 --> 6290.28] honor and power and strength [6290.28 --> 6294.28] honor and power and strength [6294.28 --> 6296.28] please you are gone [6296.28 --> 6300.28] forever and ever [6300.28 --> 6302.28] please you are gone [6302.28 --> 6304.28] forever and ever [6304.28 --> 6306.28] please you are gone [6306.28 --> 6308.28] forever and ever [6308.28 --> 6316.28] amen [6316.28 --> 6320.28] and we the redeemed shall be strong [6320.28 --> 6322.28] in purpose and unity [6322.28 --> 6324.28] in purpose and unity [6324.28 --> 6326.28] in unity [6326.28 --> 6328.28] in glory and love [6328.28 --> 6332.28] enh 활동 [6332.28 --> 6334.28] lord [6334.28 --> 6351.28] Muhl [6351.28 --> 6352.28] me [6352.28 --> 6356.44] ever [6359.56 --> 6362.20] amen [6364.28 --> 6375.48] me to our god forever and ever be to our god forever and ever [6382.28 --> 6389.88] Be to our God forever and ever. [6389.88 --> 6395.08] Be to our God forever and ever. [6395.08 --> 6400.38] Be to our God forever and ever. [6400.38 --> 6401.38] Amen. [6412.28 --> 6414.28] Amen. [6442.28 --> 6444.28] Amen. [6472.28 --> 6474.28] Amen.