1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:12,500 Is The century Ripening ? 2 00:00:12,500 –> 00:00:18,620 Get to the Message Here is Pastor Colin 3 00:00:19,139 –> 00:00:24,500 Well, if you would open your Bible please at 1st Timothy and Chapter 3 and 4 00:00:24,500 –> 00:00:31,040 verse 16 this is the verse we are camped on in the weeks that are leading up to 5 00:00:31,040 –> 00:00:37,500 Christmas first Timothy Chapter 3 and verse 16 great indeed we confess is the 6 00:00:37,500 –> 00:00:44,320 mystery of godliness he was manifested in the flesh vindicated by the spirit 7 00:00:44,540 –> 00:00:51,759 seen by angels proclaimed among the nations believed on in the world taken 8 00:00:51,759 –> 00:01:01,759 up in glory godliness this verse is about godliness and we saw that to be 9 00:01:01,759 –> 00:01:09,199 godly is to be God’s man or God’s woman that is God made you for himself 10 00:01:09,440 –> 00:01:15,459 godliness is the life for which he made you and the life to which he calls you 11 00:01:15,459 –> 00:01:22,540 but sin causes us to be bent in on ourselves so how can we become godly how 12 00:01:22,540 –> 00:01:30,339 is a godly life possible well great is the mystery of godliness and we saw that 13 00:01:30,339 –> 00:01:35,120 in the Bible a mystery very simply is a secret that God has revealed though its 14 00:01:35,120 –> 00:01:41,739 full wonder is still to be made known and the mystery of godliness the secret 15 00:01:41,739 –> 00:01:46,220 God has revealed though its full wonder is still to be made known is Jesus 16 00:01:46,220 –> 00:01:53,120 Christ himself great indeed we confess is the mystery of godliness he and then 17 00:01:53,120 –> 00:01:59,239 follow six marvelous statements about our Lord Jesus Christ so here is the 18 00:01:59,239 –> 00:02:02,839 secret that God has revealed though it’s full wonder is still to be made known 19 00:02:02,860 –> 00:02:08,740 through Jesus Christ you can live the life for which God made you and the life 20 00:02:08,740 –> 00:02:13,720 to which God calls you through Jesus Christ you really can become God’s man 21 00:02:13,720 –> 00:02:20,619 God’s woman through Jesus Christ you can grow in godliness and the way in which 22 00:02:20,619 –> 00:02:26,500 we grow in godliness is by coming to know more of Jesus Christ who is in 23 00:02:26,500 –> 00:02:32,720 himself the mystery of godliness the great secret God has revealed now we 24 00:02:33,000 –> 00:02:37,800 therefore last week to look at who Jesus Christ is and we saw first he was 25 00:02:37,800 –> 00:02:42,960 manifested in the flesh that of course is what the Christmas story is all about 26 00:02:42,960 –> 00:02:49,300 God became man in Jesus Christ God has made himself known to us in Jesus he was 27 00:02:49,300 –> 00:02:55,339 manifested in the flesh and then he was vindicated by the Spirit has manifested 28 00:02:55,339 –> 00:02:59,479 in the flesh Peaks about the birth of Jesus vindicated by the Spirit speaks 29 00:02:59,539 –> 00:03:05,440 about the resurrection of Jesus so here is the great mystery of Godliness 30 00:03:05,440 –> 00:03:11,080 The Incarnation, the Resurrection are secrets that God has revealed 31 00:03:11,080 –> 00:03:16,600 though their full wonder of course is still to be made known 32 00:03:16,600 –> 00:03:24,419 Now today we’re going to look at the next line of this remarkable ancient Christian creed 33 00:03:24,419 –> 00:03:29,059 Almost certainly this was a credal statement that may have been recited 34 00:03:29,059 –> 00:03:34,080 aloud by Christian believers in the early church or at least part of a creed 35 00:03:34,080 –> 00:03:37,839 You’ll notice that it’s written in the form of poetry 36 00:03:37,839 –> 00:03:41,539 There’s metre, there’s rhythm in these wonderful lines 37 00:03:41,539 –> 00:03:45,179 and for that reason I think we might reasonably regard this as perhaps 38 00:03:45,179 –> 00:03:47,979 one of the first Christmas carols ever written 39 00:03:47,979 –> 00:03:51,679 Because it is a marvellous statement about Jesus Christ 40 00:03:51,679 –> 00:03:54,300 and his coming into the world 41 00:03:54,360 –> 00:03:57,220 We are looking today then at these marvellous words 42 00:03:57,220 –> 00:04:04,820 seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations 43 00:04:04,820 –> 00:04:07,820 Angels 44 00:04:07,820 –> 00:04:14,020 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth 45 00:04:14,020 –> 00:04:17,059 That means the heavens and the earth 46 00:04:17,059 –> 00:04:22,779 that alongside the earthly creation that is visible to us 47 00:04:22,820 –> 00:04:26,700 God has also a heavenly creation 48 00:04:26,700 –> 00:04:29,500 a creation that he has made in heavenly places 49 00:04:29,500 –> 00:04:31,579 that is invisible to us 50 00:04:32,339 –> 00:04:36,540 The apostle speaks about this in Colossians, chapter 1 51 00:04:36,779 –> 00:04:40,820 By him, that is by Christ, all things were created 52 00:04:40,820 –> 00:04:44,260 Christ was the agent of God’s creation 53 00:04:44,260 –> 00:04:48,540 The Father acted through the Son in creation 54 00:04:48,579 –> 00:04:51,420 By him, all things were created 55 00:04:51,420 –> 00:04:56,420 in heaven on earth, visible and invisible 56 00:04:57,540 –> 00:05:01,579 So alongside this wonderful world of trees and flowers 57 00:05:01,579 –> 00:05:04,220 and fish and animals and men and women 58 00:05:04,220 –> 00:05:06,459 alongside this visible creation 59 00:05:06,459 –> 00:05:09,220 there is also an invisible creation 60 00:05:09,220 –> 00:05:11,100 a heavenly creation 61 00:05:11,100 –> 00:05:13,820 Another glorious realm 62 00:05:13,820 –> 00:05:17,820 and angels belong to that realm 63 00:05:17,859 –> 00:05:22,859 That’s why we sing angels from the realms of glory 64 00:05:22,899 –> 00:05:26,779 Now the word angel, agilos 65 00:05:26,779 –> 00:05:31,619 very simply means a messenger or a herald 66 00:05:31,619 –> 00:05:36,380 And that’s why we sing Hark The Herald Angels sing 67 00:05:36,380 –> 00:05:39,420 God sends his angels to speak 68 00:05:39,420 –> 00:05:41,540 they announce the good news 69 00:05:41,540 –> 00:05:45,220 And we see this all over the Christmas story 70 00:05:45,260 –> 00:05:48,179 And God sends angels to serve 71 00:05:48,179 –> 00:05:51,940 In one of the clearest statements about angels in the bible 72 00:05:51,940 –> 00:05:54,739 Hebrews chapter 1 verse 14 we read this 73 00:05:54,739 –> 00:05:57,420 that they are ministering spirits 74 00:05:57,420 –> 00:05:59,540 sent out to serve 75 00:05:59,540 –> 00:06:01,739 They are sent to serve and they speak 76 00:06:01,739 –> 00:06:05,540 They’re messengers that’s what the word angel means 77 00:06:05,540 –> 00:06:09,380 So from that we can give this little summary or definition 78 00:06:09,380 –> 00:06:12,260 Angels are messengers 79 00:06:12,260 –> 00:06:13,739 That’s what the word means 80 00:06:13,739 –> 00:06:16,540 They are sent to speak of Christ 81 00:06:16,540 –> 00:06:21,779 and they are sent to serve Jesus Christ 82 00:06:21,779 –> 00:06:25,220 Angels are messengers 83 00:06:25,220 –> 00:06:28,380 Now this word agilos 84 00:06:28,380 –> 00:06:29,739 Angels 85 00:06:29,739 –> 00:06:34,220 normally translated angels in the New Testament 86 00:06:34,220 –> 00:06:36,779 is sometimes also used 87 00:06:36,779 –> 00:06:38,660 of human messengers 88 00:06:38,660 –> 00:06:41,779 because the word simply means messenger 89 00:06:41,779 –> 00:06:44,579 So for example, our Lord Jesus 90 00:06:44,579 –> 00:06:46,459 speaking about John the Baptist 91 00:06:46,459 –> 00:06:48,059 quotes from the Old Testament 92 00:06:48,059 –> 00:06:49,619 and in Matthew 11 and verse 10 93 00:06:49,619 –> 00:06:51,500 he says this, of John 94 00:06:51,500 –> 00:06:55,100 This is He of whom it is written 95 00:06:55,100 –> 00:06:59,420 behold I send my messenger 96 00:06:59,420 –> 00:07:01,459 agilos 97 00:07:01,459 –> 00:07:03,540 could be translated angel 98 00:07:03,540 –> 00:07:06,700 I send my messenger before your face 99 00:07:06,700 –> 00:07:08,940 who will prepare your way for you 100 00:07:08,940 –> 00:07:11,380 So John the Baptist is described 101 00:07:11,380 –> 00:07:16,660 as agilos, a messenger, an angel 102 00:07:16,660 –> 00:07:18,660 which clearly does not mean 103 00:07:18,660 –> 00:07:20,779 that John was a disembodied spirit 104 00:07:20,779 –> 00:07:24,140 He ate wild locusts and honey 105 00:07:24,140 –> 00:07:25,619 and he was dressed in that awful 106 00:07:25,619 –> 00:07:26,940 camel hair 107 00:07:26,940 –> 00:07:27,980 It does not mean that John 108 00:07:27,980 –> 00:07:29,500 was a disembodied spirit 109 00:07:29,500 –> 00:07:30,779 What it means very simply 110 00:07:30,779 –> 00:07:33,260 is that John did what angels do 111 00:07:33,260 –> 00:07:35,660 He was a messenger 112 00:07:35,739 –> 00:07:37,859 He spoke of and served 113 00:07:37,859 –> 00:07:40,380 Jesus Christ 114 00:07:40,380 –> 00:07:43,140 Now, since agilos in the 115 00:07:43,140 –> 00:07:45,299 New Testament is translated 116 00:07:45,299 –> 00:07:47,500 and can be translated either 117 00:07:47,500 –> 00:07:51,420 as angel or as messenger 118 00:07:51,420 –> 00:07:53,179 there are some commentators 119 00:07:53,179 –> 00:07:56,940 who suggest that seen by angels 120 00:07:56,940 –> 00:07:58,980 may actually be a reference 121 00:07:58,980 –> 00:08:01,019 to the Apostles 122 00:08:01,019 –> 00:08:03,260 The meaning then would be this 123 00:08:03,260 –> 00:08:06,380 Christ was manifested in the flesh 124 00:08:06,380 –> 00:08:08,299 through his birth 125 00:08:08,299 –> 00:08:10,459 He was vindicated by the spirit 126 00:08:10,459 –> 00:08:13,179 through his resurrection 127 00:08:13,179 –> 00:08:14,420 One what happened after the 128 00:08:14,420 –> 00:08:16,579 resurrection of Jesus from the dead? 129 00:08:16,579 –> 00:08:20,140 Well, he appeared to the apostles 130 00:08:20,140 –> 00:08:23,619 He was seen by the messengers 131 00:08:23,619 –> 00:08:25,660 by the agilos 132 00:08:25,660 –> 00:08:27,420 And what did the apostles do next? 133 00:08:27,420 –> 00:08:29,859 Well, they went out to proclaim 134 00:08:29,859 –> 00:08:31,500 the good news of the risen Lord 135 00:08:31,899 –> 00:08:34,059 Jesus Christ to the nation 136 00:08:34,059 –> 00:08:35,859 So, there’s a flow there 137 00:08:35,859 –> 00:08:37,460 and a continuity there 138 00:08:37,460 –> 00:08:39,500 and that could indeed be 139 00:08:39,500 –> 00:08:41,260 the meaning here 140 00:08:41,260 –> 00:08:43,340 Frankfurt it is one of these classes 141 00:08:43,340 –> 00:08:46,739 where it is difficult to be sure 142 00:08:46,739 –> 00:08:50,299 I think that seen by angels 143 00:08:50,299 –> 00:08:54,059 refers to the ministry of angels 144 00:08:54,059 –> 00:08:55,340 The ministry of angels 145 00:08:55,340 –> 00:08:57,059 who announced the birth of Christ 146 00:08:57,059 –> 00:08:58,979 and the resurrection of Christ 147 00:08:58,979 –> 00:09:01,099 that he was manifested in the flesh 148 00:09:01,140 –> 00:09:04,739 and that he was vindicated by the Spirit 149 00:09:04,739 –> 00:09:06,580 And the ministry of angels 150 00:09:06,580 –> 00:09:08,260 who announced that he was manifested 151 00:09:08,260 –> 00:09:08,979 in the flesh 152 00:09:08,979 –> 00:09:11,419 and that he was vindicated by the Spirit 153 00:09:11,419 –> 00:09:13,179 is put alongside 154 00:09:13,179 –> 00:09:15,140 the ministry of the apostles 155 00:09:15,140 –> 00:09:16,900 who then took the message 156 00:09:16,900 –> 00:09:18,179 declared by angels 157 00:09:18,179 –> 00:09:21,460 and proclaimed it to the nations 158 00:09:21,460 –> 00:09:23,299 Seen by angels 159 00:09:23,299 –> 00:09:26,780 proclaimed among the nations 160 00:09:26,780 –> 00:09:28,979 And the point of putting these two together 161 00:09:28,979 –> 00:09:30,739 that is the witness of angels 162 00:09:30,739 –> 00:09:33,619 who declared his birth and his resurrection 163 00:09:33,619 –> 00:09:35,340 And the ministry of the apostles 164 00:09:35,340 –> 00:09:38,580 who then took that message to the nations 165 00:09:38,580 –> 00:09:40,380 The point of putting these two together 166 00:09:40,380 –> 00:09:41,539 is surely this 167 00:09:41,539 –> 00:09:44,059 that the ministry of angels 168 00:09:44,059 –> 00:09:46,260 is in fact the model 169 00:09:46,260 –> 00:09:48,580 for the ministry of the apostles 170 00:09:48,580 –> 00:09:52,460 and for our ministry today 171 00:09:52,460 –> 00:09:53,780 What were angels to do? 172 00:09:53,780 –> 00:09:55,059 Well, they were messengers 173 00:09:55,059 –> 00:09:57,020 sent by God to speak of Christ 174 00:09:57,020 –> 00:09:58,700 and to serve Him 175 00:09:58,700 –> 00:10:01,219 So the apostles were sent out 176 00:10:01,219 –> 00:10:04,099 as messengers to speak of Christ 177 00:10:04,099 –> 00:10:05,380 and to serve Him 178 00:10:05,380 –> 00:10:08,140 So, we today are messengers 179 00:10:08,140 –> 00:10:09,500 sent out by God 180 00:10:09,500 –> 00:10:11,460 to speak of Jesus Christ 181 00:10:11,460 –> 00:10:16,299 and to serve him in the world today 182 00:10:16,299 –> 00:10:17,940 Now lets then focus in 183 00:10:17,940 –> 00:10:20,979 on this marvelous ministry of angels 184 00:10:20,979 –> 00:10:22,539 that not only was a model 185 00:10:22,539 –> 00:10:24,619 for the ministry of the apostles 186 00:10:24,619 –> 00:10:26,619 but also is a model 187 00:10:26,659 –> 00:10:28,099 for our ministry 188 00:10:28,099 –> 00:10:28,900 here 189 00:10:28,900 –> 00:10:30,580 today 190 00:10:30,580 –> 00:10:34,460 Seng by angels 191 00:10:34,460 –> 00:10:35,580 Angels were 192 00:10:35,580 –> 00:10:37,739 messengers 193 00:10:37,739 –> 00:10:38,859 and they were sent 194 00:10:38,859 –> 00:10:40,059 to announce 195 00:10:40,059 –> 00:10:41,020 first 196 00:10:41,020 –> 00:10:42,460 the birth of Jesus 197 00:10:42,460 –> 00:10:44,219 that he was manifested 198 00:10:44,219 –> 00:10:45,140 in 199 00:10:45,140 –> 00:10:45,979 the flesh 200 00:10:45,979 –> 00:10:48,380 They were the heralds 201 00:10:48,380 –> 00:10:52,340 Hark the herald angels sing 202 00:10:52,340 –> 00:10:54,539 Notice how the angels 203 00:10:54,539 –> 00:10:56,260 announced 204 00:10:56,260 –> 00:10:59,419 the coming of Jesus Christ in the world 205 00:10:59,419 –> 00:11:00,900 to Mary 206 00:11:00,900 –> 00:11:03,059 the angel appeared 207 00:11:03,059 –> 00:11:04,580 and announced 208 00:11:04,580 –> 00:11:06,859 the coming of the Son of God 209 00:11:06,859 –> 00:11:08,260 Mary said how 210 00:11:08,260 –> 00:11:11,979 can this be seeing that I am a virgin and the 211 00:11:11,979 –> 00:11:12,859 angel said 212 00:11:12,859 –> 00:11:14,500 to her 213 00:11:14,500 –> 00:11:17,260 the Holy Spirit shall come upon you 214 00:11:17,260 –> 00:11:20,739 The power of the Most High shall overshadow you and therefore the child 215 00:11:20,739 –> 00:11:21,859 to be born 216 00:11:21,859 –> 00:11:23,679 will be called Holy 217 00:11:23,679 –> 00:11:26,039 the Son of God 218 00:11:26,039 –> 00:11:29,979 and then it was the angels who announced the birth of Jesus Christ to the 219 00:11:29,979 –> 00:11:31,119 shepherds the 220 00:11:31,119 –> 00:11:32,320 angel said to them 221 00:11:32,320 –> 00:11:36,799 fear not for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will 222 00:11:36,799 –> 00:11:37,440 be 223 00:11:37,440 –> 00:11:39,440 to all the people 224 00:11:39,440 –> 00:11:43,280 for to you this day in the city of David a Savior is born 225 00:11:43,280 –> 00:11:45,840 he is Christ 226 00:11:45,840 –> 00:11:47,679 the Lord 227 00:11:47,679 –> 00:11:52,119 Now notice the ministry of angels here this is very important they 228 00:11:52,119 –> 00:11:55,080 explain the meaning 229 00:11:55,080 –> 00:11:58,280 of the birth of Jesus 230 00:11:58,280 –> 00:11:59,859 a baby was born 231 00:11:59,859 –> 00:12:02,679 in a small town called Bethlehem 232 00:12:02,679 –> 00:12:05,440 many years ago 233 00:12:05,440 –> 00:12:10,559 what is the significance of that for us today 234 00:12:10,559 –> 00:12:13,039 well the angels tell us 235 00:12:13,039 –> 00:12:14,739 what it means 236 00:12:14,739 –> 00:12:17,280 and why it matters 237 00:12:17,299 –> 00:12:20,539 the one who is born they announce is 238 00:12:20,539 –> 00:12:22,359 the Lord 239 00:12:22,359 –> 00:12:24,619 and the reason that he has come 240 00:12:24,619 –> 00:12:25,640 is to be 241 00:12:25,640 –> 00:12:27,679 our savior 242 00:12:27,679 –> 00:12:30,640 if we ask savior from what 243 00:12:30,640 –> 00:12:35,479 again the angels give us the answer . . . the angel appeared to Joseph and said 244 00:12:35,479 –> 00:12:42,479 call him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins 245 00:12:42,840 –> 00:12:48,039 now friends, here is why this matters especially for us today 246 00:12:48,039 –> 00:12:51,080 we live in our culture 247 00:12:51,080 –> 00:12:55,580 where people dismiss any claim to truth 248 00:12:55,580 –> 00:12:57,719 with a single phrase 249 00:12:57,719 –> 00:12:59,979 and we’ve all heard it 250 00:12:59,979 –> 00:13:03,919 that’s just your interpretation 251 00:13:03,919 –> 00:13:06,739 you speak about the Lord Jesus Christ 252 00:13:06,739 –> 00:13:10,760 and you will find time and again that what you say is dismissed 253 00:13:10,760 –> 00:13:12,460 well, thats just your opinion 254 00:13:12,500 –> 00:13:15,679 that’s just your interpretation 255 00:13:15,679 –> 00:13:18,159 and so we end up in a postmodern world 256 00:13:18,159 –> 00:13:21,340 you know, there’s this marvellous story about a baby being born in a manger 257 00:13:21,340 –> 00:13:22,859 what does it mean to you? 258 00:13:22,859 –> 00:13:26,500 Really, at the end of the day, it’s all a matter of personal opinion 259 00:13:26,500 –> 00:13:28,419 No! 260 00:13:28,419 –> 00:13:31,440 God sent the angel 261 00:13:31,440 –> 00:13:35,580 to tell us what the birth of Jesus means 262 00:13:35,580 –> 00:13:37,619 what it means for you 263 00:13:37,619 –> 00:13:39,340 here is what it means for you 264 00:13:39,340 –> 00:13:41,320 a Saviour is born 265 00:13:41,599 –> 00:13:44,659 and he came because you need saving 266 00:13:44,659 –> 00:13:50,159 and the Saviour who is born, is Jesus Christ the Lord 267 00:13:50,159 –> 00:13:55,280 so, friends, please don’t settle for the widely propagated myth 268 00:13:55,280 –> 00:13:57,479 that the Bible just contains certain stories 269 00:13:57,479 –> 00:14:01,940 and it’s down to us to decide what they all mean 270 00:14:01,940 –> 00:14:06,419 for sure, there are places in the Bible 271 00:14:06,419 –> 00:14:09,380 where interpretation is not clear 272 00:14:09,380 –> 00:14:11,219 I mean, I’ve just referred to one of them 273 00:14:11,219 –> 00:14:13,700 it is not entirely clear 274 00:14:13,700 –> 00:14:15,599 whether seen by angels 275 00:14:15,599 –> 00:14:18,000 in 1 Timothy, chapter 3 in verse 6 276 00:14:18,000 –> 00:14:19,559 refers to heavenly beings 277 00:14:19,559 –> 00:14:21,419 or whether it might be a reference 278 00:14:21,419 –> 00:14:23,140 to the ministry of the apostles 279 00:14:23,140 –> 00:14:24,979 who sought the risen Lord Jesus 280 00:14:24,979 –> 00:14:27,559 and became His messengers to the nations 281 00:14:27,559 –> 00:14:28,559 but I’ll tell you 282 00:14:28,559 –> 00:14:30,960 there isn’t anyone whose eternal destiny 283 00:14:30,960 –> 00:14:33,280 depends on which one of these turns out to be right 284 00:14:33,280 –> 00:14:37,119 but I’m saying to you today 285 00:14:37,119 –> 00:14:40,679 that in the things that matter most 286 00:14:40,679 –> 00:14:43,000 the things on which your eternity hangs 287 00:14:43,000 –> 00:14:45,679 God has left us in absolutely 288 00:14:45,679 –> 00:14:47,320 no doubt whatsoever 289 00:14:47,320 –> 00:14:49,039 God tells us what happened 290 00:14:49,039 –> 00:14:52,179 and God tells us what it means 291 00:14:52,179 –> 00:14:55,919 How could the shepherds 292 00:14:55,919 –> 00:14:58,739 have possibly known 293 00:14:58,739 –> 00:15:00,179 that this baby lying in a manger 294 00:15:00,179 –> 00:15:03,359 was actually God manifested in the flesh 295 00:15:03,359 –> 00:15:05,799 there’s only one way that they could ever have known 296 00:15:05,799 –> 00:15:08,299 God has to tell them 297 00:15:08,299 –> 00:15:11,299 they’d never have worked it out 298 00:15:11,299 –> 00:15:15,239 and so God tells us since the angel 299 00:15:15,239 –> 00:15:19,119 and the angel tells them 300 00:15:19,119 –> 00:15:21,219 now, to underline that 301 00:15:21,219 –> 00:15:23,020 I want you to notice 302 00:15:23,020 –> 00:15:25,500 that when you come to the resurrection of Jesus 303 00:15:25,500 –> 00:15:26,859 the Easter story 304 00:15:26,859 –> 00:15:30,940 you have exactly the same pattern 305 00:15:30,940 –> 00:15:32,900 angels were God’s messengers 306 00:15:32,900 –> 00:15:35,900 not only to announce his birth 307 00:15:35,900 –> 00:15:38,219 but also to announce his resurrection 308 00:15:38,299 –> 00:15:41,340 not only to announce that he was manifested in the flesh 309 00:15:41,340 –> 00:15:46,179 but also to announce that he was vindicated by the spirit 310 00:15:46,179 –> 00:15:48,859 now, remember that story 311 00:15:48,859 –> 00:15:51,440 on the Easter morning 312 00:15:51,440 –> 00:15:52,960 the women came 313 00:15:52,960 –> 00:15:54,859 they arrived at the tomb 314 00:15:54,859 –> 00:15:58,059 and they found that it was empty 315 00:15:58,059 –> 00:16:02,820 the stone was rolled away 316 00:16:02,820 –> 00:16:06,640 but what did that mean? 317 00:16:06,640 –> 00:16:09,599 I mean it wasn’t that the women turned to each other and said 318 00:16:09,599 –> 00:16:11,960 oh look 319 00:16:11,960 –> 00:16:15,140 the stones rolled away 320 00:16:15,140 –> 00:16:17,159 the tomb is empty 321 00:16:17,159 –> 00:16:19,159 He has risen from the dead 322 00:16:19,159 –> 00:16:22,580 that would have been a matter of personal interpretation 323 00:16:22,580 –> 00:16:25,340 that is not what happened 324 00:16:25,340 –> 00:16:26,960 if that had been what happened 325 00:16:26,960 –> 00:16:28,619 then of course other people would have come and said 326 00:16:28,619 –> 00:16:30,080 ah, look, the tomb is empty 327 00:16:30,080 –> 00:16:31,960 that must mean that the disciples stole the body 328 00:16:31,960 –> 00:16:33,799 that would have been a matter of interpretation too 329 00:16:33,799 –> 00:16:35,840 and then for the next 2000 years we just say 330 00:16:35,840 –> 00:16:37,820 well there’s one interpretation and there’s another interpretation 331 00:16:37,820 –> 00:16:39,599 what do you think? 332 00:16:39,599 –> 00:16:42,640 That’s exactly where the postmodern world is 333 00:16:42,640 –> 00:16:45,119 that is not what happened 334 00:16:45,119 –> 00:16:47,679 the resurrection was not a matter of private interpretation 335 00:16:47,679 –> 00:16:50,580 for the women or everyone else 336 00:16:50,580 –> 00:16:52,900 what happened? 337 00:16:54,080 –> 00:17:00,140 we’re told in Matthew Chapter 28, verses 5 and 6 338 00:17:00,140 –> 00:17:03,599 that to the women who were perplexed 339 00:17:03,640 –> 00:17:07,880 that’s the word that’s used in Luke’s gospel in chapter 24 340 00:17:07,880 –> 00:17:11,079 the women looked at the empty tomb and rather than drawing a conclusion 341 00:17:11,079 –> 00:17:14,459 they didn’t have the faintest idea what it meant 342 00:17:14,459 –> 00:17:16,400 they’re perplexed 343 00:17:16,400 –> 00:17:18,160 what’s this? 344 00:17:18,160 –> 00:17:20,680 what’s going on? 345 00:17:21,540 –> 00:17:23,479 so how did they know what had really happened? 346 00:17:23,479 –> 00:17:27,060 the answer is God sent an angel to tell them 347 00:17:27,060 –> 00:17:28,420 Matthew 28 348 00:17:28,420 –> 00:17:31,180 the angel said to the women 349 00:17:31,180 –> 00:17:32,839 do not be afraid 350 00:17:32,859 –> 00:17:35,140 for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified 351 00:17:35,140 –> 00:17:37,859 he is not here for he has risen as he said 352 00:17:37,859 –> 00:17:42,439 come and see the place where he lay 353 00:17:42,439 –> 00:17:45,599 so please understand this is very important 354 00:17:45,599 –> 00:17:48,199 the resurrection of Jesus 355 00:17:48,199 –> 00:17:50,800 was not an inference 356 00:17:50,800 –> 00:17:55,040 drawn by the women from the empty tomb 357 00:17:55,040 –> 00:17:58,800 it was announced by the angel 358 00:17:58,800 –> 00:18:01,920 and then it was confirmed to the Apostles 359 00:18:02,160 –> 00:18:05,400 by the subsequent resurrection appearances 360 00:18:05,400 –> 00:18:07,439 of our Lord Jesus Christ 361 00:18:07,439 –> 00:18:09,400 here’s what that means 362 00:18:09,400 –> 00:18:16,060 Christian faith is not a matter of personal interpretation 363 00:18:16,060 –> 00:18:19,339 it does not rest on an individual’s feelings 364 00:18:19,339 –> 00:18:23,140 or impulses or experiences 365 00:18:23,140 –> 00:18:26,199 at its heart Christian faith is a matter 366 00:18:26,199 –> 00:18:31,099 of believing God’s own explanation of events 367 00:18:31,099 –> 00:18:33,680 as revealed to us in the scripture 368 00:18:33,680 –> 00:18:36,140 a saviour has been born 369 00:18:36,140 –> 00:18:39,239 he is Christ the Lord 370 00:18:39,239 –> 00:18:41,760 he is manifested in the flesh 371 00:18:41,760 –> 00:18:43,660 vindicated by the Spirit 372 00:18:43,660 –> 00:18:46,119 he died for our sins 373 00:18:46,119 –> 00:18:51,459 and he rose from the dead 374 00:18:51,459 –> 00:18:54,400 Now this ministry of angels 375 00:18:54,400 –> 00:18:59,660 this bringing of God’s revelation to people 376 00:18:59,699 –> 00:19:02,040 becomes the pattern for the ministry of the apostles 377 00:19:02,040 –> 00:19:06,420 and the pattern of our ministry today 378 00:19:06,420 –> 00:19:08,800 that what they did we are in this world to do 379 00:19:08,800 –> 00:19:11,540 we are to communicate this revelation that is speaking 380 00:19:11,540 –> 00:19:12,959 to one’s for all time 381 00:19:12,959 –> 00:19:15,000 for every person on the planet 382 00:19:15,000 –> 00:19:18,040 that’s why what follows from seen by angels 383 00:19:18,040 –> 00:19:21,339 is declared among the nations 384 00:19:21,339 –> 00:19:26,020 what can we learn then from the ministry of angels? 385 00:19:26,020 –> 00:19:29,619 Surely the most obvious thing is this 386 00:19:29,660 –> 00:19:34,160 that the ministry of angels focused entirely 387 00:19:34,160 –> 00:19:38,359 and exclusively on Jesus Christ 388 00:19:38,359 –> 00:19:40,979 and that must be true for us today as well 389 00:19:40,979 –> 00:19:42,839 they declared his birth 390 00:19:42,839 –> 00:19:45,140 they declared his resurrection 391 00:19:45,140 –> 00:19:47,079 they declared in the acts of the apostles 392 00:19:47,079 –> 00:19:49,140 his glorious second coming 393 00:19:50,160 –> 00:19:53,260 and because that was the model for the apostles 394 00:19:53,260 –> 00:19:55,260 when they then went out to proclaim Christ 395 00:19:55,260 –> 00:19:56,239 among the nations 396 00:19:56,239 –> 00:19:57,260 they did the same thing 397 00:19:57,260 –> 00:19:58,780 Paul says to the Corinthians 398 00:19:58,800 –> 00:20:01,140 I determined when I came to your town 399 00:20:01,140 –> 00:20:02,500 when I came among you 400 00:20:02,500 –> 00:20:05,520 to know nothing except Jesus Christ 401 00:20:06,680 –> 00:20:08,119 we proclaim him 402 00:20:08,119 –> 00:20:10,880 he says to the Colossians 403 00:20:10,880 –> 00:20:13,900 Christ was seen by angels 404 00:20:13,900 –> 00:20:16,760 and proclaimed among the nations 405 00:20:17,599 –> 00:20:19,079 and that is our calling 406 00:20:19,079 –> 00:20:21,000 and that is our ministry today 407 00:20:21,000 –> 00:20:25,140 we are trusted with what angels saw 408 00:20:25,140 –> 00:20:27,979 and what apostles proclaimed 409 00:20:28,199 –> 00:20:30,300 the good news of Jesus Christ 410 00:20:30,300 –> 00:20:31,140 who he is 411 00:20:31,140 –> 00:20:32,239 what he has done 412 00:20:32,239 –> 00:20:33,699 and what he offers to people 413 00:20:33,699 –> 00:20:34,939 from every nation 414 00:20:34,939 –> 00:20:38,060 from every background in the world 415 00:20:39,660 –> 00:20:43,560 now what does all of this have to do with godliness? 416 00:20:43,560 –> 00:20:44,780 remember this verse 417 00:20:44,780 –> 00:20:46,680 this whole chapter is about godliness 418 00:20:46,680 –> 00:20:48,760 this is the chapter that lays out 419 00:20:48,760 –> 00:20:51,239 the qualifications for Christian leadership 420 00:20:51,239 –> 00:20:53,160 it gives us a pattern if you like 421 00:20:53,160 –> 00:20:55,319 for what a godly life looks like 422 00:20:55,319 –> 00:20:56,920 and it ends with a question 423 00:20:56,920 –> 00:20:59,520 how then are we to live such a life? 424 00:20:59,520 –> 00:21:01,959 how are you to become a godly person? 425 00:21:01,959 –> 00:21:03,459 are you to become God’s man 426 00:21:03,459 –> 00:21:06,199 God’s woman who manifests the character 427 00:21:06,199 –> 00:21:09,319 of a person who walks closely with god? 428 00:21:10,439 –> 00:21:11,800 and the answer to that question 429 00:21:11,800 –> 00:21:14,500 is that Jesus Christ himself 430 00:21:14,500 –> 00:21:16,599 is the mystery of godliness 431 00:21:16,599 –> 00:21:18,119 the secret that god has revealed 432 00:21:18,119 –> 00:21:18,939 though it’s full wonder 433 00:21:18,939 –> 00:21:20,760 is still to be made known 434 00:21:20,760 –> 00:21:23,459 is that the life for which he made you 435 00:21:23,459 –> 00:21:25,680 and the life to which he calls you 436 00:21:25,680 –> 00:21:28,420 is made possible for you 437 00:21:28,420 –> 00:21:31,180 in and through Jesus Christ 438 00:21:33,359 –> 00:21:35,540 in other words 439 00:21:35,540 –> 00:21:38,000 becoming a godly person 440 00:21:38,000 –> 00:21:40,760 does not at its heart 441 00:21:40,760 –> 00:21:44,439 lie in you trying harder 442 00:21:44,439 –> 00:21:46,319 to live a more disciplined life 443 00:21:47,839 –> 00:21:49,579 it does not lie at its heart 444 00:21:49,579 –> 00:21:52,880 in more focused and concentrated effort 445 00:21:53,619 –> 00:21:56,660 godliness we’re being told here 446 00:21:56,660 –> 00:21:59,459 flows from a heart and life 447 00:21:59,459 –> 00:22:03,420 that is gripped by the grace and the glory 448 00:22:03,420 –> 00:22:06,339 that are in Jesus Christ 449 00:22:07,920 –> 00:22:11,459 Paul on one occasion wrote to a young colleague 450 00:22:11,459 –> 00:22:13,439 a man by the name of Titus 451 00:22:13,439 –> 00:22:17,260 who he had mentored 452 00:22:17,260 –> 00:22:19,020 Titus a young man 453 00:22:19,020 –> 00:22:21,359 and he’s called to be a pastor 454 00:22:22,260 –> 00:22:25,160 and he faces all the same temptations 455 00:22:25,160 –> 00:22:26,699 as anybody else 456 00:22:27,599 –> 00:22:32,219 and so Paul writes to him about how he is to 457 00:22:32,219 –> 00:22:34,040 pursue the godly life 458 00:22:34,040 –> 00:22:35,400 to which he is called 459 00:22:35,400 –> 00:22:36,800 and for which he was made 460 00:22:36,800 –> 00:22:39,839 he writes this in Titus chapter 2 in verse 11 461 00:22:39,839 –> 00:22:42,319 the grace of God has appeared 462 00:22:42,319 –> 00:22:45,199 bringing salvation to all people 463 00:22:45,199 –> 00:22:48,540 training us to renounce 464 00:22:48,540 –> 00:22:50,599 godliness and worldly passions 465 00:22:50,780 –> 00:22:54,560 this is how do you learn to say no to temptation 466 00:22:55,780 –> 00:23:00,160 and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives 467 00:23:00,160 –> 00:23:01,180 in the present age 468 00:23:01,180 –> 00:23:02,739 how do you learn 469 00:23:02,739 –> 00:23:04,180 how are you trained 470 00:23:04,180 –> 00:23:07,359 to say no to powerful temptations 471 00:23:07,359 –> 00:23:09,760 and to live the life for which you were made 472 00:23:09,760 –> 00:23:11,959 the life to which you are called 473 00:23:11,959 –> 00:23:14,239 in this present age 474 00:23:15,479 –> 00:23:16,479 and you might think 475 00:23:16,479 –> 00:23:18,579 that the way we learn to be godly 476 00:23:18,579 –> 00:23:19,959 is through the law of God 477 00:23:20,119 –> 00:23:21,119 isn’t it the law of God 478 00:23:21,119 –> 00:23:23,020 that tells us what a godly life looks like 479 00:23:24,520 –> 00:23:25,760 but you see the law of God 480 00:23:25,760 –> 00:23:27,760 doesn’t have the power to get you there 481 00:23:28,939 –> 00:23:30,000 and so what he says here 482 00:23:30,000 –> 00:23:31,400 is very significant 483 00:23:31,400 –> 00:23:34,160 he says the grace of God 484 00:23:34,160 –> 00:23:36,060 has appeared 485 00:23:36,060 –> 00:23:38,880 and it’s the grace of God 486 00:23:38,880 –> 00:23:41,260 that teaches us 487 00:23:41,260 –> 00:23:42,939 trains us 488 00:23:42,939 –> 00:23:44,800 equips us 489 00:23:45,640 –> 00:23:49,079 to say no to the most powerful temptations we face 490 00:23:49,099 –> 00:23:50,800 and to press forward 491 00:23:50,800 –> 00:23:54,599 in a life of genuine godliness 492 00:23:54,599 –> 00:23:56,099 why the grace of God? 493 00:23:57,160 –> 00:23:58,599 because 494 00:23:58,599 –> 00:24:00,140 grace produces 495 00:24:00,140 –> 00:24:01,119 when you see 496 00:24:01,119 –> 00:24:03,420 the love of God in Jesus Christ 497 00:24:03,420 –> 00:24:06,040 and the richness of his gift in Jesus Christ 498 00:24:06,040 –> 00:24:07,800 and all that he holds out for you 499 00:24:07,800 –> 00:24:09,219 and all that is in him 500 00:24:10,380 –> 00:24:12,040 that begets in the heart 501 00:24:12,040 –> 00:24:13,560 a love for Christ 502 00:24:14,260 –> 00:24:16,459 a desire for Christ 503 00:24:16,459 –> 00:24:18,739 a gratitude to Christ 504 00:24:19,160 –> 00:24:20,719 and that brothers and sisters 505 00:24:20,719 –> 00:24:22,400 is the motive 506 00:24:22,400 –> 00:24:23,400 it’s the mainspring 507 00:24:23,400 –> 00:24:24,119 it’s the energy 508 00:24:24,119 –> 00:24:25,839 it’s the driving force 509 00:24:25,839 –> 00:24:28,280 of a godly life 510 00:24:29,079 –> 00:24:29,880 the more you see 511 00:24:29,880 –> 00:24:31,099 the grace and glory 512 00:24:31,099 –> 00:24:32,819 of Jesus your Saviour 513 00:24:32,819 –> 00:24:34,920 the greater will be your ability 514 00:24:34,920 –> 00:24:35,760 and your growth 515 00:24:35,760 –> 00:24:38,219 in regards to a godly life 516 00:24:39,439 –> 00:24:40,739 now friends 517 00:24:40,739 –> 00:24:42,199 we live 518 00:24:42,199 –> 00:24:45,520 in an increasingly harsh world 519 00:24:46,520 –> 00:24:49,839 where people make demands of each other 520 00:24:49,839 –> 00:24:52,920 only to be disappointed and frustrated 521 00:24:52,920 –> 00:24:55,140 when their demands are not met 522 00:24:56,540 –> 00:25:00,640 godliness can never be demanded 523 00:25:01,719 –> 00:25:04,760 it does not come through law 524 00:25:06,880 –> 00:25:08,800 godliness grows 525 00:25:08,800 –> 00:25:11,199 in the soil of grace 526 00:25:12,420 –> 00:25:14,119 and when we understand that 527 00:25:14,119 –> 00:25:15,000 it will 528 00:25:15,359 –> 00:25:18,660 characterize our communication with the world 529 00:25:18,660 –> 00:25:20,339 as we declare 530 00:25:20,339 –> 00:25:22,520 the good news that was seen by angels 531 00:25:22,520 –> 00:25:23,880 was trusted to the Apostles 532 00:25:23,880 –> 00:25:25,920 and is now given to us 533 00:25:26,540 –> 00:25:28,939 it’s the good news of God’s grace 534 00:25:29,560 –> 00:25:31,599 and therefore it is to be spoken to 535 00:25:31,599 –> 00:25:34,280 an often angry and demanding world 536 00:25:34,280 –> 00:25:36,000 in the tone of grace 537 00:25:36,000 –> 00:25:37,619 and in the spirit of grace 538 00:25:37,619 –> 00:25:40,959 because godliness can never be demanded 539 00:25:41,839 –> 00:25:46,020 it grows in the soil of grace 540 00:25:46,020 –> 00:25:47,680 it is the grace of God 541 00:25:47,680 –> 00:25:48,579 that equips us 542 00:25:48,579 –> 00:25:49,560 trains us 543 00:25:49,560 –> 00:25:51,739 to say no to ungodliness 544 00:25:51,739 –> 00:25:54,280 and to live with self-control 545 00:25:54,280 –> 00:25:57,520 in this present age 546 00:25:58,260 –> 00:26:02,119 so, here is the mystery 547 00:26:02,119 –> 00:26:03,579 of godliness 548 00:26:04,680 –> 00:26:06,959 you can live the life for which God made you 549 00:26:06,959 –> 00:26:08,520 the life to which God calls you 550 00:26:08,579 –> 00:26:11,339 and you can do it in and through Jesus Christ 551 00:26:11,339 –> 00:26:13,739 The more you see the grace of God in Him 552 00:26:13,739 –> 00:26:16,359 the more you will be motivated from the heart 553 00:26:16,359 –> 00:26:18,459 to pursue a godly life 554 00:26:20,560 –> 00:26:22,180 It follows therefore 555 00:26:22,180 –> 00:26:24,239 that since godliness 556 00:26:24,239 –> 00:26:27,739 is the purpose for which every person on the planet is made 557 00:26:27,739 –> 00:26:31,859 and it is the call of God to every life 558 00:26:31,859 –> 00:26:34,199 every person who has ever lived 559 00:26:35,060 –> 00:26:37,780 It follows that the mystery of godliness 560 00:26:37,780 –> 00:26:41,380 Jesus Christ is therefore to be proclaimed to all people 561 00:26:41,380 –> 00:26:42,719 there is no person 562 00:26:42,719 –> 00:26:45,500 on any corner of this planet 563 00:26:45,500 –> 00:26:47,359 who was not made by God 564 00:26:47,359 –> 00:26:48,680 and is not called by God 565 00:26:48,680 –> 00:26:50,020 to be his man or his woman 566 00:26:51,160 –> 00:26:54,060 Therefore this gospel 567 00:26:54,060 –> 00:26:55,420 that was seen by angels 568 00:26:55,420 –> 00:26:56,859 and proclaimed by the apostles 569 00:26:56,859 –> 00:26:58,619 is not a matter of private opinion 570 00:26:58,619 –> 00:27:00,479 it is in fact the very Word of God 571 00:27:00,479 –> 00:27:01,520 the revelation of God 572 00:27:01,520 –> 00:27:03,260 for all people 573 00:27:04,560 –> 00:27:07,560 and therefore we are to 574 00:27:07,560 –> 00:27:10,199 declare 575 00:27:10,199 –> 00:27:12,060 this good news 576 00:27:12,060 –> 00:27:13,500 proclaim it 577 00:27:13,500 –> 00:27:15,479 to the nations 578 00:27:15,479 –> 00:27:16,619 and when we do that 579 00:27:16,619 –> 00:27:20,160 we are not pressing private opinion 580 00:27:20,160 –> 00:27:21,760 we are telling another person 581 00:27:21,760 –> 00:27:22,520 very simply 582 00:27:22,520 –> 00:27:26,739 what God has revealed for all people 583 00:27:26,739 –> 00:27:28,900 the life for which God made you 584 00:27:28,900 –> 00:27:31,300 the life to which he calls you 585 00:27:31,300 –> 00:27:33,060 is made possible for you 586 00:27:33,339 –> 00:27:34,939 in and through his graceous 587 00:27:34,939 –> 00:27:36,739 and glorious gift 588 00:27:36,739 –> 00:27:38,800 of Jesus Christ the Lord 589 00:27:38,800 –> 00:27:40,319 who came into the world 590 00:27:40,319 –> 00:27:41,459 to be 591 00:27:41459 –> 00:27:43,500 your Savior 592 00:27:43,500 –> 00:27:47,219 now let me end with this 593 00:27:47,219 –> 00:27:49,760 just once in a while 594 00:27:49,760 –> 00:27:51,579 when my wife 595 00:27:51,579 –> 00:27:54,760 wants me to do something particularly 596 00:27:54,760 –> 00:27:56,760 to help her 597 00:27:56,760 –> 00:27:58,680 she’ll make her request 598 00:27:58,680 –> 00:27:59,439 using 599 00:27:59,439 –> 00:28:01,500 a rather unusual phrase 600 00:28:01,500 –> 00:28:03,680 which perhaps is used in your home as well 601 00:28:03,680 –> 00:28:05,680 she will say 602 00:28:05,680 –> 00:28:07,739 Be an Angel 603 00:28:07,739 –> 00:28:11,199 And then follow some request 604 00:28:11,199 –> 00:28:12,560 as to some 605 00:28:12,560 –> 00:28:13,780 kind and good thing 606 00:28:13,780 –> 00:28:16,300 that needs to be done 607 00:28:16,300 –> 00:28:19,880 Now we know what that phrase means 608 00:28:19,880 –> 00:28:22,300 Be an Angel 609 00:28:22,300 –> 00:28:23,800 Angels 610 00:28:23,800 –> 00:28:26,719 are messengers sent by God 611 00:28:26,719 –> 00:28:29,180 to speak of 612 00:28:29,180 –> 00:28:31,180 and to serve Jesus Christ 613 00:28:31,500 –> 00:28:33,119 I want to say to you this Christmas 614 00:28:33,119 –> 00:28:35,020 Be an Angel 615 00:28:35,020 –> 00:28:38,520 Be an Angel 616 00:28:38,520 –> 00:28:40,319 Tell someone 617 00:28:40,319 –> 00:28:44,760 who needs to know about the love of God in Jesus Christ 618 00:28:44,760 –> 00:28:46,439 Tell someone 619 00:28:46,439 –> 00:28:49,719 that God offers a gift of unspeakable value 620 00:28:49,719 –> 00:28:52,119 that forgiveness and reconciliation 621 00:28:52,119 –> 00:28:53,420 is freely available 622 00:28:53,420 –> 00:28:54,939 through the Lord who came into the world 623 00:28:54,939 –> 00:28:56,780 to be the Savior 624 00:28:56,780 –> 00:28:58,479 It’s not just your opinion 625 00:28:58,479 –> 00:29:00,319 It’s what God has made known 626 00:29:00,319 –> 00:29:01,920 for every person 627 00:29:01,920 –> 00:29:06,319 Good news, great joy for all people 628 00:29:06,319 –> 00:29:07,459 Christ the Lord 629 00:29:07,459 –> 00:29:09,479 stands ready to receive all 630 00:29:09,479 –> 00:29:10,680 who will come 631 00:29:10,680 –> 00:29:12,599 to Him in faith and in repentance 632 00:29:12,599 –> 00:29:14,520 and to do so in marvelous 633 00:29:14,520 –> 00:29:17,380 and marvelous grace 634 00:29:17,380 –> 00:29:19,959 Ask yourself this question 635 00:29:19,959 –> 00:29:21,599 Where are there people 636 00:29:21,599 –> 00:29:23,400 who do not know Jesus 637 00:29:23,400 –> 00:29:26,500 and how can I reach them? 638 00:29:26,500 –> 00:29:27,400 Where are there people 639 00:29:27,400 –> 00:29:28,900 who do not know Jesus 640 00:29:28,900 –> 00:29:30,219 and how can I reach them? 641 00:29:30,239 –> 00:29:31,160 And then remember this 642 00:29:31,160 –> 00:29:32,040 as you recalled that 643 00:29:32,040 –> 00:29:33,739 angels were sent by God 644 00:29:33,739 –> 00:29:35,400 You have been sent by God 645 00:29:35,400 –> 00:29:38,359 into a particular family circle 646 00:29:38,359 –> 00:29:40,040 Into a neighborhood 647 00:29:40,040 –> 00:29:41,300 Into a school 648 00:29:41,300 –> 00:29:42,599 Into a workplace 649 00:29:42,599 –> 00:29:44,079 Into a circle of friends 650 00:29:44,079 –> 00:29:47,560 Why did God send you there? 651 00:29:47,560 –> 00:29:50,239 He sent you there to be an angel 652 00:29:50,239 –> 00:29:52,239 a messenger 653 00:29:52,239 –> 00:29:53,199 to proclaim what 654 00:29:53,199 –> 00:29:55,760 angels have seen 655 00:29:55,760 –> 00:29:58,979 The Good News of Jesus Christ 656 00:29:58,979 –> 00:30:01,219 Born and Risen 657 00:30:01,219 –> 00:30:03,560 Father 658 00:30:03,560 –> 00:30:05,420 Grant 659 00:30:05,420 –> 00:30:08,280 That you would give to us 660 00:30:08,280 –> 00:30:09,920 a humble confidence 661 00:30:09,920 –> 00:30:11,319 in the greatest good news 662 00:30:11,319 –> 00:30:13,180 this world has ever heard 663 00:30:13,199 –> 00:30:16,819 Not a matter of private opinion 664 00:30:16,819 –> 00:30:19,739 But that which you sent angels to 665 00:30:19,739 –> 00:30:21,219 explain to us that 666 00:30:23,359 –> 00:30:24,859 the baby born in the manger 667 00:30:24,859 –> 00:30:27,680 is God manifested in the flesh 668 00:30:28,420 –> 00:30:31,199 The empty tomb is because he is 669 00:30:31,199 –> 00:30:32,459 risen from the dead 670 00:30:32,459 –> 00:30:34,119 vindicated by the Spirit 671 00:30:34,119 –> 00:30:35,239 Grant therefore that 672 00:30:35,239 –> 00:30:37,319 with a sense of privilege and joy 673 00:30:37,319 –> 00:30:38,939 we may in our time 674 00:30:38,939 –> 00:30:41,819 proclaim him to others around us 675 00:30:41,819 –> 00:30:42,900 that the great purpose 676 00:30:42,900 –> 00:30:45,420 for which Jesus came into the world 677 00:30:45,420 –> 00:30:46,819 may be wonderfully fulfilled 678 00:30:46,819 –> 00:30:48,199 in the lives of many 679 00:30:48,219 –> 00:30:49,540 and we pray these things 680 00:30:49,540 –> 00:30:51,219 in Jesus name 681 00:30:51,219 –> 00:30:52,219 Amen 682 00:30:55,839 –> 00:30:56,959 You’ve been listening to a sermon 683 00:30:56,959 –> 00:30:58,060 with Pastor Colin Smith 684 00:30:58,060 –> 00:30:59,380 of Open the Bible 685 00:30:59,380 –> 00:31:00,420 To contact us 686 00:31:00,420 –> 00:31:01,459 call us at 687 00:31:01,459 –> 00:31:04,800 1-877- OPEN 365 688 00:31:04,800 –> 00:31:06,160 or visit our website 689 00:31:06,160 –> 00:31:08,040 OpenTheBible.org