The Sermon on the Mount #2
Series: Upside Down Kingdom
Date: 9th January 2022
00:00:00 --> 00:00:01 Well, good morning.
00:00:03 --> 00:00:06 Something happened 2 years ago.
00:00:07 --> 00:00:08 Something major.
00:00:08 --> 00:00:15 A pivotal event in history that was and is the biggest game-changer of all time.
00:00:16 --> 00:00:19 Have you ever dropped a pebble in a steel pond
00:00:19 --> 00:00:21 and watched those concentric circles go out?
00:00:22 --> 00:00:24 On the outskirts of Jerusalem,
00:00:25 --> 00:00:29 something took place that rippled all the way out to Sydney, Australia,
00:00:30 --> 00:00:33 and has actually rippled throughout the entire world,
00:00:34 --> 00:00:35 permeating the 21st century.
00:00:36 --> 00:00:37 That event?
00:00:38 --> 00:00:40 Jesus' physical resurrection from the dead.
00:00:42 --> 00:00:44 This was a miraculous event
00:00:44 --> 00:00:47 that completely defies the laws of nature,
00:00:48 --> 00:00:51 common knowledge, reasonable thinking,
00:00:51 --> 00:00:56 and goes against every lived experience and human understanding.
00:00:57 --> 00:00:59 It's the linchpin that holds the Christian message together.
00:01:00 --> 00:01:02 No resurrection.
00:01:03 --> 00:01:05 Jesus was just another teacher or prophet
00:01:05 --> 00:01:07 who said and apparently did some amazing things.
00:01:08 --> 00:01:09 But he's dead now.
00:01:11 --> 00:01:14 No message of hope without the resurrection.
00:01:14 --> 00:01:17 When you actually see someone destroyed,
00:01:18 --> 00:01:19 nailed to a cross,
00:01:20 --> 00:01:22 breathe their last breath,
00:01:22 --> 00:01:24 embalmed and laid in a tomb,
00:01:25 --> 00:01:26 and then three days later,
00:01:26 --> 00:01:28 you see them in a locked room,
00:01:29 --> 00:01:31 wind up eating fish with them by a lake,
00:01:32 --> 00:01:34 and hang out with them for 40 days,
00:01:34 --> 00:01:36 so there's no doubt.
00:01:36 --> 00:01:39 There's no more speculating or guessing.
00:01:40 --> 00:01:44 We don't reincarnate or cease to exist.
00:01:45 --> 00:01:46 We physically resurrect
00:01:46 --> 00:01:50 into a body that hasn't had its memory wiped,
00:01:50 --> 00:01:51 that is recognisable,
00:01:51 --> 00:01:54 a body that cannot be destroyed,
00:01:55 --> 00:01:56 and that will last forever.
00:01:57 --> 00:02:00 Imagine seeing someone rise from the dead.
00:02:02 --> 00:02:04 It's jaw-dropping stuff.
00:02:04 --> 00:02:07 You're going to spend the rest of your life
00:02:07 --> 00:02:09 telling people about it,
00:02:09 --> 00:02:10 encouraging them,
00:02:11 --> 00:02:12 and warning them to be ready.
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 That all around us that we see,
00:02:15 --> 00:02:16 this isn't all there is.
00:02:17 --> 00:02:19 There is more to come.
00:02:20 --> 00:02:22 You wouldn't just feel obliged to tell people.
00:02:23 --> 00:02:24 There'd be a sense of urgency,
00:02:25 --> 00:02:27 as we don't know when Jesus will return,
00:02:27 --> 00:02:30 and we don't know when our time will be up.
00:02:31 --> 00:02:34 If we really love and care about anyone at all,
00:02:35 --> 00:02:37 then we'd be telling them about what we know for certain.
00:02:38 --> 00:02:40 What happens next?
00:02:40 --> 00:02:41 We resurrect.
00:02:43 --> 00:02:45 The resurrection turned weak-willed people
00:02:45 --> 00:02:49 who would cow down at the slightest hint of persecution
00:02:49 --> 00:02:51 into bold proclaimers of the gospel,
00:02:52 --> 00:02:53 ready to lay down their lives
00:02:53 --> 00:02:55 as they knew what would come back.
00:02:55 --> 00:02:58 that they would come back.
00:02:59 --> 00:03:01 And they didn't definitely make this story up
00:03:01 --> 00:03:02 and perpetuate some lie.
00:03:03 --> 00:03:04 Why would they die for a lie?
00:03:05 --> 00:03:06 You know the saying,
00:03:06 --> 00:03:08 YOLO, you only live once.
00:03:08 --> 00:03:09 It's just not true.
00:03:10 --> 00:03:11 We live forever,
00:03:12 --> 00:03:14 and the gospel is good news
00:03:14 --> 00:03:16 that if we repent of our sin
00:03:16 --> 00:03:17 and trust in Jesus,
00:03:18 --> 00:03:21 we escape God's good and right judgment.
00:03:22 --> 00:03:24 Do we realize that we deserve condemnation
00:03:24 --> 00:03:25 and the second death?
00:03:26 --> 00:03:28 By God's gracious gift,
00:03:28 --> 00:03:31 eternity awaits the faithful in the new creation,
00:03:32 --> 00:03:33 a forever kingdom
00:03:33 --> 00:03:36 which is completely upside down
00:03:36 --> 00:03:38 to the way in which the world currently lives.
00:03:39 --> 00:03:41 What I've just said
00:03:41 --> 00:03:42 is the truth.
00:03:44 --> 00:03:45 This is not blind faith.
00:03:45 --> 00:03:48 We're invited to enter the Christian faith
00:03:48 --> 00:03:50 with eyes wide open.
00:03:51 --> 00:03:53 We can use reason and logic
00:03:53 --> 00:03:55 and examine the historically compelling evidence.
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 Yet for some in our current age
00:03:58 --> 00:04:01 and ever since the resurrection took place,
00:04:02 --> 00:04:04 this message is considered utter madness.
00:04:04 --> 00:04:09 What happens when the message is shared?
00:04:10 --> 00:04:11 Some people want to know more.
00:04:12 --> 00:04:14 Some rejoice and embrace it.
00:04:14 --> 00:04:16 And others seek to persecute,
00:04:17 --> 00:04:17 ridicule,
00:04:17 --> 00:04:20 and even attempt to completely silence
00:04:20 --> 00:04:22 and stamp out the message.
00:04:23 --> 00:04:23 Last week,
00:04:23 --> 00:04:25 we began our summer series
00:04:25 --> 00:04:26 from the Sermon on the Mount
00:04:26 --> 00:04:28 when Jesus makes a pronouncement
00:04:28 --> 00:04:29 about the kingdom of God.
00:04:30 --> 00:04:32 Jesus invites us
00:04:32 --> 00:04:34 to be part of his long-awaited kingdom
00:04:34 --> 00:04:35 and instructs his followers
00:04:35 --> 00:04:38 about the nature of the kingdom life,
00:04:39 --> 00:04:40 detailing characteristics
00:04:40 --> 00:04:42 that are upside down
00:04:42 --> 00:04:43 to the world in which we live.
00:04:44 --> 00:04:45 The Beatitudes,
00:04:46 --> 00:04:48 the beautiful attitudes,
00:04:48 --> 00:04:50 contrast Jesus' values
00:04:50 --> 00:04:52 and the values of the world.
00:04:53 --> 00:04:55 Jesus' values,
00:04:56 --> 00:04:57 poor in spirit,
00:04:57 --> 00:04:58 the world values,
00:04:59 --> 00:05:00 self-confident.
00:05:01 --> 00:05:02 Those who mourn,
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 self-indulge,
00:05:04 --> 00:05:05 seek pleasure.
00:05:06 --> 00:05:07 Those who are meek,
00:05:08 --> 00:05:09 those who are self-important
00:05:09 --> 00:05:10 and arrogant.
00:05:11 --> 00:05:12 Those who hunger and thirst
00:05:12 --> 00:05:13 for righteousness,
00:05:14 --> 00:05:15 those who are self-reliant
00:05:15 --> 00:05:16 and proud.
00:05:17 --> 00:05:18 Those who are merciful,
00:05:19 --> 00:05:21 those who are self-righteous
00:05:21 --> 00:05:22 and unforgiving.
00:05:23 --> 00:05:25 Those who are pure in heart,
00:05:26 --> 00:05:27 those who are self-directed,
00:05:27 --> 00:05:28 libertines.
00:05:29 --> 00:05:31 Those who are self-governing,
00:05:31 --> 00:05:36 those who are peacemakers,
00:05:36 --> 00:05:37 those who are self-governing
00:05:37 --> 00:05:38 and hostile.
00:05:39 --> 00:05:40 Those who are persecuted
00:05:40 --> 00:05:41 because of righteousness,
00:05:42 --> 00:05:44 those who self-promote
00:05:44 --> 00:05:45 and are popular
00:05:45 --> 00:05:47 and seek to conform.
00:05:48 --> 00:05:49 Now, while we just had the passage
00:05:49 --> 00:05:51 read to us about salt and light,
00:05:51 --> 00:05:52 being salt and light
00:05:52 --> 00:05:53 is one of the reasons
00:05:53 --> 00:05:55 we are persecuted.
00:05:55 --> 00:05:56 So I'm actually going to be
00:05:56 --> 00:05:58 emphasising the persecuted part today
00:05:58 --> 00:06:00 and pick up on salt and light
00:06:00 --> 00:06:02 next week.
00:06:02 --> 00:06:04 We notice that the world's values
00:06:04 --> 00:06:06 place at the centre
00:06:06 --> 00:06:07 the self
00:06:07 --> 00:06:10 and life revolves around
00:06:10 --> 00:06:11 the self.
00:06:12 --> 00:06:13 In contrast,
00:06:14 --> 00:06:16 God's way is completely upside down
00:06:16 --> 00:06:18 and we replace self
00:06:18 --> 00:06:19 with Christ.
00:06:19 --> 00:06:20 And we want to desire
00:06:20 --> 00:06:21 what he values
00:06:21 --> 00:06:24 and that is at the centre
00:06:24 --> 00:06:24 of our lives.
00:06:25 --> 00:06:27 We must not conclude
00:06:27 --> 00:06:27 that the Beatitudes
00:06:27 --> 00:06:28 are burdensome,
00:06:28 --> 00:06:29 ethical demands,
00:06:30 --> 00:06:31 which Jesus is calling
00:06:31 --> 00:06:32 his listeners
00:06:32 --> 00:06:33 to meritorious attempt
00:06:33 --> 00:06:34 at earning salvation
00:06:34 --> 00:06:36 by living out
00:06:36 --> 00:06:37 these characteristics.
00:06:38 --> 00:06:39 Jesus' Beatitudes
00:06:39 --> 00:06:40 and statements
00:06:40 --> 00:06:42 are of grace,
00:06:42 --> 00:06:43 not law.
00:06:44 --> 00:06:45 These blessings
00:06:45 --> 00:06:46 aren't just for the future,
00:06:47 --> 00:06:48 they can be found
00:06:48 --> 00:06:49 in the present.
00:06:49 --> 00:06:51 Today we're actually
00:06:51 --> 00:06:52 going to focus on
00:06:52 --> 00:06:53 blessed are those
00:06:53 --> 00:06:54 who are persecuted
00:06:54 --> 00:06:56 because of righteousness.
00:06:57 --> 00:06:58 As I mentioned last week,
00:06:59 --> 00:07:00 this is counterintuitive
00:07:00 --> 00:07:02 and sounds masochistic.
00:07:02 --> 00:07:04 What it does not mean
00:07:04 --> 00:07:04 is this.
00:07:05 --> 00:07:06 It does not mean
00:07:06 --> 00:07:07 we're to carry around
00:07:07 --> 00:07:09 a persecution complex,
00:07:09 --> 00:07:10 woe is me,
00:07:10 --> 00:07:11 or deliberately
00:07:11 --> 00:07:12 seek out suffering,
00:07:13 --> 00:07:14 living a miserable,
00:07:14 --> 00:07:15 self-inflicted
00:07:15 --> 00:07:17 Job existence.
00:07:17 --> 00:07:19 Jesus is not talking
00:07:19 --> 00:07:20 about persecution
00:07:20 --> 00:07:21 that can result
00:07:21 --> 00:07:22 from our own sin.
00:07:23 --> 00:07:24 We reap what we sow
00:07:24 --> 00:07:25 and as a result
00:07:25 --> 00:07:26 may suffer
00:07:26 --> 00:07:28 as we justly receive
00:07:28 --> 00:07:28 consequences
00:07:28 --> 00:07:30 for our own foolish actions.
00:07:32 --> 00:07:34 And Jesus is not
00:07:34 --> 00:07:35 talking about
00:07:35 --> 00:07:38 blessed are those
00:07:38 --> 00:07:39 who are persecuted
00:07:39 --> 00:07:41 because they're objectionable
00:07:41 --> 00:07:43 or because they rave on
00:07:43 --> 00:07:45 like wild-eyed fanatics
00:07:45 --> 00:07:46 or because they pursue
00:07:46 --> 00:07:48 some religio-political cause.
00:07:49 --> 00:07:51 The blessing is restricted
00:07:51 --> 00:07:52 to those who suffer
00:07:52 --> 00:07:53 persecution
00:07:53 --> 00:07:54 because of righteousness.
00:07:55 --> 00:07:56 Those who experience
00:07:56 --> 00:07:57 suffering,
00:07:58 --> 00:07:58 they're mocked,
00:07:59 --> 00:08:00 they're ridiculed,
00:08:01 --> 00:08:02 falsely accused,
00:08:02 --> 00:08:03 brought down
00:08:03 --> 00:08:04 because they're determined
00:08:04 --> 00:08:05 to love
00:08:05 --> 00:08:07 and live like Jesus.
00:08:07 --> 00:08:10 sharing the gospel
00:08:10 --> 00:08:11 of forgiveness
00:08:11 --> 00:08:12 and the hope
00:08:12 --> 00:08:13 of resurrection
00:08:13 --> 00:08:14 and their suffering
00:08:14 --> 00:08:15 for it.
00:08:16 --> 00:08:16 Jesus goes on
00:08:16 --> 00:08:17 to teach
00:08:17 --> 00:08:18 that this is the way
00:08:18 --> 00:08:19 it was
00:08:19 --> 00:08:20 right back.
00:08:22 --> 00:08:23 He says,
00:08:23 --> 00:08:24 in the same way
00:08:24 --> 00:08:25 they persecuted
00:08:25 --> 00:08:25 the prophets
00:08:25 --> 00:08:27 who were before you.
00:08:28 --> 00:08:29 So I'm going to share
00:08:29 --> 00:08:30 some stories
00:08:30 --> 00:08:30 this morning
00:08:30 --> 00:08:31 that outline
00:08:31 --> 00:08:32 how this has played out
00:08:32 --> 00:08:34 through biblical history
00:08:34 --> 00:08:35 and flowed out
00:08:35 --> 00:08:36 into our modern era
00:08:36 --> 00:08:38 beginning with the prophets
00:08:38 --> 00:08:39 Jesus spoke of.
00:08:40 --> 00:08:41 Now remember,
00:08:41 --> 00:08:41 a prophet
00:08:41 --> 00:08:43 is a messenger of God.
00:08:44 --> 00:08:45 Prophets brought
00:08:45 --> 00:08:45 God's message
00:08:45 --> 00:08:46 in word
00:08:46 --> 00:08:47 and righteous living
00:08:47 --> 00:08:49 and sometimes
00:08:49 --> 00:08:50 they had to live out
00:08:50 --> 00:08:50 a parable
00:08:50 --> 00:08:51 like Hosea.
00:08:52 --> 00:08:53 There were warnings
00:08:53 --> 00:08:54 to turn back to God
00:08:54 --> 00:08:55 to repent
00:08:55 --> 00:08:57 and live obedient lives.
00:08:58 --> 00:08:59 Prophets were calling
00:08:59 --> 00:09:00 people to live
00:09:00 --> 00:09:01 compassionate lives
00:09:01 --> 00:09:02 and to seek justice
00:09:02 --> 00:09:03 and prophets
00:09:03 --> 00:09:04 also reminded people
00:09:04 --> 00:09:05 of God's promises
00:09:05 --> 00:09:07 that one day
00:09:07 --> 00:09:07 in the future
00:09:07 --> 00:09:08 there'll be a new hope
00:09:08 --> 00:09:10 a messianic age
00:09:10 --> 00:09:12 and a messiah's coming.
00:09:12 --> 00:09:13 So trust God
00:09:13 --> 00:09:14 he's got it covered.
00:09:16 --> 00:09:16 Prophets
00:09:16 --> 00:09:17 were not popular.
00:09:18 --> 00:09:19 Usually
00:09:19 --> 00:09:20 whatever the king
00:09:20 --> 00:09:20 believed
00:09:20 --> 00:09:21 filtered down
00:09:21 --> 00:09:21 to the people.
00:09:22 --> 00:09:23 So if the leadership
00:09:23 --> 00:09:24 was disobedient
00:09:24 --> 00:09:25 to God's commands
00:09:25 --> 00:09:26 if they were immoral
00:09:26 --> 00:09:27 and idolatrous
00:09:27 --> 00:09:28 then the people
00:09:28 --> 00:09:29 followed that example
00:09:29 --> 00:09:30 and followed
00:09:30 --> 00:09:31 the leader's lead.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:33 The prophets
00:09:33 --> 00:09:34 frustrated the kings
00:09:34 --> 00:09:35 the priesthood
00:09:35 --> 00:09:36 and the common people.
00:09:37 --> 00:09:38 No one likes
00:09:38 --> 00:09:39 their disobedience
00:09:39 --> 00:09:39 highlighted
00:09:39 --> 00:09:40 and so when you're
00:09:40 --> 00:09:41 salt and light
00:09:41 --> 00:09:42 in the world
00:09:42 --> 00:09:43 that tends to highlight
00:09:43 --> 00:09:45 disobedience around you
00:09:45 --> 00:09:45 and again I'm going to
00:09:45 --> 00:09:46 talk about that
00:09:46 --> 00:09:47 more next week.
00:09:47 --> 00:09:48 So just like
00:09:48 --> 00:09:49 in today's society
00:09:49 --> 00:09:50 if you proclaim
00:09:50 --> 00:09:51 God's word
00:09:51 --> 00:09:53 it's not well received.
00:09:55 --> 00:09:56 Because they spoke up
00:09:56 --> 00:09:58 and lived lives
00:09:58 --> 00:09:59 worthy of their calling
00:09:59 --> 00:10:01 desiring praise
00:10:01 --> 00:10:01 from God
00:10:01 --> 00:10:02 not from man
00:10:02 --> 00:10:04 here's how some
00:10:04 --> 00:10:04 ended up
00:10:04 --> 00:10:06 persecuted
00:10:06 --> 00:10:07 because of righteousness
00:10:07 --> 00:10:09 and their demise
00:10:09 --> 00:10:10 often came at the hands
00:10:10 --> 00:10:11 of the religious
00:10:11 --> 00:10:12 and their own people.
00:10:14 --> 00:10:15 Tradition records
00:10:15 --> 00:10:16 Isaiah
00:10:16 --> 00:10:17 was thawed in two
00:10:17 --> 00:10:19 under the evil king
00:10:19 --> 00:10:20 Manasseh of Judah.
00:10:21 --> 00:10:22 Jeremiah
00:10:22 --> 00:10:23 was stoned to death
00:10:23 --> 00:10:24 by his own people
00:10:24 --> 00:10:25 for calling out
00:10:25 --> 00:10:25 idolatry.
00:10:27 --> 00:10:27 Ezekiel
00:10:27 --> 00:10:28 was killed
00:10:28 --> 00:10:29 in Babylonia
00:10:29 --> 00:10:31 by what was recorded
00:10:31 --> 00:10:32 as the leader
00:10:32 --> 00:10:33 of the Israelite exiles
00:10:33 --> 00:10:35 for confronting them
00:10:35 --> 00:10:36 about their idolatry.
00:10:37 --> 00:10:38 Micah
00:10:38 --> 00:10:38 was killed
00:10:38 --> 00:10:39 by Joram
00:10:39 --> 00:10:40 King Ahab's son.
00:10:41 --> 00:10:42 Amos
00:10:42 --> 00:10:43 was tortured
00:10:43 --> 00:10:43 severely
00:10:43 --> 00:10:44 by Amaziah
00:10:44 --> 00:10:44 the priest
00:10:44 --> 00:10:45 of Bethel
00:10:45 --> 00:10:46 and later
00:10:46 --> 00:10:47 mortally wounded
00:10:47 --> 00:10:47 by a club
00:10:47 --> 00:10:49 by Amaziah's son.
00:10:50 --> 00:10:51 Habakkuk
00:10:51 --> 00:10:51 was stoned
00:10:51 --> 00:10:52 to death
00:10:52 --> 00:10:52 in Jerusalem.
00:10:54 --> 00:10:55 Blessed are those
00:10:55 --> 00:10:55 who are persecuted
00:10:55 --> 00:10:57 because of righteousness
00:10:57 --> 00:10:58 rejoice
00:10:58 --> 00:10:59 and be glad
00:10:59 --> 00:11:00 because great
00:11:00 --> 00:11:01 is your reward
00:11:01 --> 00:11:02 in heaven
00:11:02 --> 00:11:03 at the resurrection.
00:11:05 --> 00:11:06 In John's gospel
00:11:06 --> 00:11:07 Jesus declared
00:11:07 --> 00:11:08 to his followers
00:11:08 --> 00:11:10 if the world
00:11:10 --> 00:11:11 hates you
00:11:11 --> 00:11:12 keep in mind
00:11:12 --> 00:11:13 that it hated
00:11:13 --> 00:11:14 me first.
00:11:15 --> 00:11:16 If you belong
00:11:16 --> 00:11:17 to the world
00:11:17 --> 00:11:18 it would love you
00:11:18 --> 00:11:18 as its own.
00:11:19 --> 00:11:20 As it is
00:11:20 --> 00:11:21 you do not belong
00:11:21 --> 00:11:22 to the world
00:11:22 --> 00:11:23 but I have chosen
00:11:23 --> 00:11:25 you out of the world.
00:11:25 --> 00:11:26 that is why
00:11:26 --> 00:11:26 the world
00:11:26 --> 00:11:27 hates you.
00:11:28 --> 00:11:29 Remember
00:11:29 --> 00:11:30 what I told you
00:11:30 --> 00:11:31 if they persecuted
00:11:31 --> 00:11:32 me
00:11:32 --> 00:11:33 they will
00:11:33 --> 00:11:34 persecute
00:11:34 --> 00:11:34 you
00:11:34 --> 00:11:35 also.
00:11:37 --> 00:11:38 Two thousand
00:11:38 --> 00:11:38 years ago
00:11:38 --> 00:11:40 something happened
00:11:40 --> 00:11:41 having given up
00:11:41 --> 00:11:42 at the cross
00:11:42 --> 00:11:43 the followers
00:11:43 --> 00:11:43 of Jesus
00:11:43 --> 00:11:45 had a new
00:11:45 --> 00:11:45 spring in their
00:11:45 --> 00:11:46 step
00:11:46 --> 00:11:47 resurrection
00:11:47 --> 00:11:48 hope
00:11:48 --> 00:11:50 and Jesus
00:11:50 --> 00:11:50 ascension
00:11:50 --> 00:11:52 and at
00:11:52 --> 00:11:52 Pentecost
00:11:52 --> 00:11:54 emboldened
00:11:54 --> 00:11:55 by the power
00:11:55 --> 00:11:55 of the Holy Spirit
00:11:55 --> 00:11:57 the first thing
00:11:57 --> 00:11:57 Peter does
00:11:57 --> 00:11:59 he shares
00:11:59 --> 00:11:59 the good news
00:11:59 --> 00:12:00 with everyone
00:12:00 --> 00:12:02 and like the
00:12:02 --> 00:12:03 droplet in the
00:12:03 --> 00:12:03 pond
00:12:03 --> 00:12:05 the message
00:12:05 --> 00:12:05 spreads
00:12:05 --> 00:12:07 like wildfire
00:12:07 --> 00:12:08 and we're
00:12:08 --> 00:12:09 speaking about
00:12:09 --> 00:12:09 it now
00:12:09 --> 00:12:10 on the 9th
00:12:10 --> 00:12:11 of January
00:12:11 --> 00:12:12 2022
00:12:12 --> 00:12:14 here in
00:12:14 --> 00:12:14 Sydney.
00:12:15 --> 00:12:16 Luke records
00:12:16 --> 00:12:17 in the book
00:12:17 --> 00:12:17 of Acts
00:12:17 --> 00:12:18 events that
00:12:18 --> 00:12:19 followed
00:12:19 --> 00:12:20 as the apostles
00:12:20 --> 00:12:20 shared the good
00:12:20 --> 00:12:21 news of Jesus.
00:12:21 --> 00:12:22 firstly
00:12:22 --> 00:12:24 people were
00:12:24 --> 00:12:25 added to the
00:12:25 --> 00:12:26 number daily
00:12:26 --> 00:12:27 thousands
00:12:27 --> 00:12:29 God's kingdom
00:12:29 --> 00:12:29 was advancing
00:12:29 --> 00:12:30 there were people
00:12:30 --> 00:12:31 embracing the
00:12:31 --> 00:12:32 message
00:12:32 --> 00:12:32 and wanted to
00:12:32 --> 00:12:33 know more
00:12:33 --> 00:12:34 Jews and
00:12:34 --> 00:12:35 Gentiles were
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00:12:37 --> 00:12:39 but not
00:12:39 --> 00:12:40 everyone felt
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00:12:43 --> 00:12:43 an attempt to
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00:12:48 --> 00:12:48 leaders
00:12:48 --> 00:12:49 imprison
00:12:49 --> 00:12:50 apostles
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00:12:54 --> 00:12:55 released
00:12:55 --> 00:12:57 when the
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00:13:00 --> 00:13:02 they called
00:13:02 --> 00:13:02 the apostles
00:13:02 --> 00:13:03 in and had
00:13:03 --> 00:13:04 them flogged
00:13:04 --> 00:13:05 then they
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00:13:05 --> 00:13:06 not to speak
00:13:06 --> 00:13:06 in the name
00:13:06 --> 00:13:07 of Jesus
00:13:07 --> 00:13:08 and then
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00:13:08 --> 00:13:10 the apostles
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00:13:11 --> 00:13:12 strangely
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00:13:13 --> 00:13:14 because they'd
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00:13:18 --> 00:13:21 later
00:13:21 --> 00:13:21 Stephen is
00:13:21 --> 00:13:22 stoned
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00:13:22 --> 00:13:24 he's
00:13:24 --> 00:13:24 seized
00:13:24 --> 00:13:26 and we read
00:13:26 --> 00:13:26 in Acts
00:13:26 --> 00:13:27 chapter 8
00:13:27 --> 00:13:27 verse 1
00:13:27 --> 00:13:28 on that
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00:13:28 --> 00:13:29 great
00:13:29 --> 00:13:30 persecution
00:13:30 --> 00:13:31 broke out
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00:13:40 --> 00:13:41 last words
00:13:41 --> 00:13:43 Lord
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00:13:48 --> 00:13:49 blessed
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00:13:54 --> 00:13:54 apostles
00:13:54 --> 00:13:55 meet their
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00:13:55 --> 00:13:56 John died
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00:13:57 --> 00:13:58 but everyone
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00:13:58 --> 00:13:59 well
00:13:59 --> 00:14:00 Peter
00:14:00 --> 00:14:01 Philip
00:14:01 --> 00:14:02 and Bartholomew
00:14:02 --> 00:14:03 were crucified
00:14:03 --> 00:14:04 upside down
00:14:04 --> 00:14:05 Andrew
00:14:05 --> 00:14:06 Thaddeus
00:14:06 --> 00:14:06 Jude
00:14:06 --> 00:14:07 and Simon
00:14:07 --> 00:14:08 were crucified
00:14:08 --> 00:14:09 Matthias
00:14:09 --> 00:14:10 and James
00:14:10 --> 00:14:10 son of
00:14:10 --> 00:14:11 Alphaeus
00:14:11 --> 00:14:11 were stoned
00:14:11 --> 00:14:12 to death
00:14:12 --> 00:14:12 like Stephen
00:14:12 --> 00:14:14 James
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00:14:14 --> 00:14:15 Zebedee
00:14:15 --> 00:14:16 was beheaded
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00:14:17 --> 00:14:19 Matthew
00:14:19 --> 00:14:19 and Thomas
00:14:19 --> 00:14:20 were speared
00:14:20 --> 00:14:21 Luke
00:14:21 --> 00:14:22 was hanged
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00:14:23 --> 00:14:24 Mark
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00:14:25 --> 00:14:26 Paul
00:14:26 --> 00:14:27 was beheaded
00:14:27 --> 00:14:28 James
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00:14:28 --> 00:14:28 brother
00:14:28 --> 00:14:29 was thrown
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00:14:53 --> 00:14:54 persecution
00:14:54 --> 00:14:55 followed
00:14:55 --> 00:14:57 often at the
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00:15:00 --> 00:15:02 one such
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00:15:02 --> 00:15:03 around
00:15:03 --> 00:15:04 155
00:15:04 --> 00:15:04 AD
00:15:04 --> 00:15:05 the
00:15:05 --> 00:15:06 pastor
00:15:06 --> 00:15:06 Polycarp
00:15:06 --> 00:15:07 was martyred
00:15:07 --> 00:15:08 he was
00:15:08 --> 00:15:08 taken to
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00:15:09 --> 00:15:10 and refused
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00:15:12 --> 00:15:12 and honour
00:15:12 --> 00:15:13 Caesar
00:15:13 --> 00:15:14 as divine
00:15:14 --> 00:15:15 Polycarp
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00:15:18 --> 00:15:18 God
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00:15:19 --> 00:15:20 of our
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00:15:20 --> 00:15:21 Saviour
00:15:21 --> 00:15:21 I thank
00:15:21 --> 00:15:22 thee that
00:15:22 --> 00:15:22 I've been
00:15:22 --> 00:15:22 deemed
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00:15:23 --> 00:15:24 to receive
00:15:24 --> 00:15:24 the crown
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00:15:25 --> 00:15:25 and that
00:15:25 --> 00:15:27 I may
00:15:27 --> 00:15:27 die for
00:15:27 --> 00:15:28 thee
00:15:28 --> 00:15:28 and thy
00:15:28 --> 00:15:28 cause
00:15:28 --> 00:15:30 in the
00:15:30 --> 00:15:30 days
00:15:30 --> 00:15:31 leading up
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00:15:31 --> 00:15:32 martyrdom
00:15:32 --> 00:15:33 in 1555
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00:15:34 --> 00:15:35 reformers
00:15:35 --> 00:15:35 Bishop
00:15:35 --> 00:15:35 Latimer
00:15:35 --> 00:15:36 and Bishop
00:15:36 --> 00:15:36 Ridley
00:15:36 --> 00:15:37 were given
00:15:37 --> 00:15:37 a chance
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00:15:38 --> 00:15:38 their
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00:15:39 --> 00:15:40 and convert
00:15:40 --> 00:15:41 to
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00:15:41 --> 00:15:43 they refused
00:15:43 --> 00:15:44 and were
00:15:44 --> 00:15:45 burnt at the
00:15:45 --> 00:15:45 stake
00:15:45 --> 00:15:46 where Bishop
00:15:46 --> 00:15:47 Latimer
00:15:47 --> 00:15:47 famously
00:15:47 --> 00:15:48 said to
00:15:48 --> 00:15:48 Bishop
00:15:48 --> 00:15:49 Ridley
00:15:49 --> 00:15:49 while tied
00:15:49 --> 00:15:50 to the
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00:15:52 --> 00:15:54 we
00:15:54 --> 00:15:54 shall
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00:15:55 --> 00:15:55 a
00:15:55 --> 00:15:56 candle
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00:15:57 --> 00:15:58 as I
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00:15:59 --> 00:15:59 shall
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00:15:59 --> 00:16:00 put
00:16:00 --> 00:16:00 out
00:16:00 --> 00:16:02 sadly
00:16:02 --> 00:16:03 just as
00:16:03 --> 00:16:04 the first
00:16:04 --> 00:16:04 Jewish
00:16:04 --> 00:16:04 believers
00:16:04 --> 00:16:04 in
00:16:04 --> 00:16:05 Christ
00:16:05 --> 00:16:05 were
00:16:05 --> 00:16:05 martyred
00:16:05 --> 00:16:06 for
00:16:06 --> 00:16:06 their
00:16:06 --> 00:16:06 belief
00:16:06 --> 00:16:06 by
00:16:06 --> 00:16:06 the
00:16:06 --> 00:16:07 religious
00:16:07 --> 00:16:08 Christian
00:16:08 --> 00:16:09 sectarianism
00:16:09 --> 00:16:10 has seen
00:16:10 --> 00:16:10 religious
00:16:10 --> 00:16:11 persecution
00:16:11 --> 00:16:12 in
00:16:12 --> 00:16:12 Queen
00:16:12 --> 00:16:13 Mary's
00:16:13 --> 00:16:13 reign
00:16:13 --> 00:16:13 alone
00:16:13 --> 00:16:15 280
00:16:15 --> 00:16:16 Protestants
00:16:16 --> 00:16:16 were
00:16:16 --> 00:16:17 persecuted
00:16:17 --> 00:16:17 and killed
00:16:17 --> 00:16:19 so let's
00:16:19 --> 00:16:19 now fast
00:16:19 --> 00:16:20 forward
00:16:20 --> 00:16:21 to the
00:16:21 --> 00:16:21 20th
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00:16:22 --> 00:16:23 there's
00:16:23 --> 00:16:24 been
00:16:24 --> 00:16:24 more
00:16:24 --> 00:16:25 persecution
00:16:25 --> 00:16:25 in
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00:16:25 --> 00:16:25 last
00:16:25 --> 00:16:26 hundred
00:16:26 --> 00:16:26 years
00:16:26 --> 00:16:27 than
00:16:27 --> 00:16:27 all
00:16:27 --> 00:16:27 the
00:16:27 --> 00:16:27 previous
00:16:27 --> 00:16:28 centuries
00:16:28 --> 00:16:29 combined
00:16:29 --> 00:16:30 Richard
00:16:30 --> 00:16:31 Wurmbrand
00:16:31 --> 00:16:32 the author
00:16:32 --> 00:16:32 of 24
00:16:32 --> 00:16:33 books
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00:16:34 --> 00:16:34 and
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00:16:35 --> 00:16:36 mission
00:16:36 --> 00:16:36 to
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00:16:36 --> 00:16:36 communist
00:16:36 --> 00:16:37 world
00:16:37 --> 00:16:38 until
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00:16:38 --> 00:16:38 in
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00:16:43 --> 00:16:44 stories
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00:16:45 --> 00:16:46 for
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00:16:47 --> 00:16:47 a
00:16:47 --> 00:16:47 follower
00:16:47 --> 00:16:47 of
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00:16:48 --> 00:16:49 imprisoned
00:16:49 --> 00:16:49 for
00:16:49 --> 00:16:50 14
00:16:50 --> 00:16:50 years
00:16:50 --> 00:16:51 tortured
00:16:51 --> 00:16:51 in
00:16:51 --> 00:16:51 communist
00:16:51 --> 00:16:52 Romania
00:16:52 --> 00:16:53 between
00:16:53 --> 00:16:54 1948
00:16:54 --> 00:16:55 and
00:16:55 --> 00:16:55 1964
00:16:55 --> 00:16:57 he
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00:16:58 --> 00:16:58 from
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00:16:59 --> 00:16:59 in
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00:16:59 --> 00:16:59 face
00:16:59 --> 00:17:00 of
00:17:00 --> 00:17:00 surrender
00:17:00 --> 00:17:02 Bishop
00:17:02 --> 00:17:02 Victor
00:17:02 --> 00:17:02 Belich
00:17:02 --> 00:17:03 a
00:17:03 --> 00:17:04 Ukrainian
00:17:04 --> 00:17:04 Christian
00:17:04 --> 00:17:05 spent
00:17:05 --> 00:17:06 24
00:17:06 --> 00:17:06 years
00:17:06 --> 00:17:07 in
00:17:07 --> 00:17:07 communist
00:17:07 --> 00:17:08 jails
00:17:08 --> 00:17:09 if
00:17:09 --> 00:17:09 he
00:17:09 --> 00:17:09 wanted
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00:17:11 --> 00:17:11 he
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00:17:11 --> 00:17:11 to
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00:17:12 --> 00:17:12 recant
00:17:12 --> 00:17:13 and
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00:18:03 --> 00:18:03 he was
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00:18:04 --> 00:18:04 for
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00:18:05 --> 00:18:05 to
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00:18:06 --> 00:18:06 Siberia
00:18:06 --> 00:18:07 where the
00:18:07 --> 00:18:07 snow
00:18:07 --> 00:18:08 never
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00:18:08 --> 00:18:09 Richard
00:18:09 --> 00:18:10 Wurmbrand
00:18:10 --> 00:18:10 met him
00:18:10 --> 00:18:11 and asked
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00:19:04 --> 00:19:05 Ugandan
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00:19:29 --> 00:19:29 now
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00:19:29 --> 00:19:29 is
00:19:29 --> 00:19:29 a
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00:20:02 --> 00:20:02 the
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00:22:00 --> 00:22:01 no place
00:22:01 --> 00:22:01 in christianity
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00:22:02 --> 00:22:02 personal
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00:22:03 --> 00:22:03 quiet
00:22:03 --> 00:22:04 faith
00:22:04 --> 00:22:07 we're not
00:22:07 --> 00:22:07 to keep
00:22:07 --> 00:22:07 it to
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00:22:08 --> 00:22:09 jesus
00:22:09 --> 00:22:09 commanded
00:22:09 --> 00:22:10 go and
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00:22:28 --> 00:22:29 later
00:22:29 --> 00:22:29 in
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00:22:42 --> 00:22:43 rocky
00:22:43 --> 00:22:43 ground
00:22:43 --> 00:22:44 refers
00:22:44 --> 00:22:44 to
00:22:44 --> 00:22:44 someone
00:22:44 --> 00:22:45 who
00:22:45 --> 00:22:45 hears
00:22:45 --> 00:22:45 the
00:22:45 --> 00:22:45 word
00:22:45 --> 00:22:46 of
00:22:46 --> 00:22:46 god
00:22:46 --> 00:22:47 and
00:22:47 --> 00:22:47 at
00:22:47 --> 00:22:47 once
00:22:47 --> 00:22:48 receives
00:22:48 --> 00:22:48 it
00:22:48 --> 00:22:48 with
00:22:48 --> 00:22:49 joy
00:22:49 --> 00:22:50 but
00:22:50 --> 00:22:50 since
00:22:50 --> 00:22:50 they
00:22:50 --> 00:22:50 have
00:22:50 --> 00:22:51 no
00:22:51 --> 00:22:51 root
00:22:51 --> 00:22:53 it
00:22:53 --> 00:22:53 only
00:22:53 --> 00:22:53 lasts
00:22:53 --> 00:22:53 a
00:22:53 --> 00:22:54 short
00:22:54 --> 00:22:54 time
00:22:54 --> 00:22:55 when
00:22:55 --> 00:22:56 trouble
00:22:56 --> 00:22:56 or
00:22:56 --> 00:22:56 persecution
00:22:56 --> 00:22:57 comes
00:22:57 --> 00:22:57 because
00:22:57 --> 00:22:58 of
00:22:58 --> 00:22:58 the
00:22:58 --> 00:22:59 word
00:22:59 --> 00:22:59 they
00:22:59 --> 00:22:59 quickly
00:22:59 --> 00:22:59 fall
00:22:59 --> 00:23:00 away
00:23:00 --> 00:23:01 and
00:23:01 --> 00:23:01 it's
00:23:01 --> 00:23:01 because
00:23:01 --> 00:23:02 the
00:23:02 --> 00:23:02 seed
00:23:02 --> 00:23:02 has
00:23:02 --> 00:23:03 fallen
00:23:03 --> 00:23:03 on
00:23:03 --> 00:23:04 rocky
00:23:04 --> 00:23:04 ground
00:23:04 --> 00:23:07 sadly
00:23:07 --> 00:23:09 Christians
00:23:09 --> 00:23:09 and
00:23:09 --> 00:23:10 religious
00:23:10 --> 00:23:10 leaders
00:23:10 --> 00:23:11 are buckling
00:23:11 --> 00:23:12 from
00:23:12 --> 00:23:12 pressure
00:23:12 --> 00:23:12 to
00:23:12 --> 00:23:13 conform
00:23:13 --> 00:23:13 in
00:23:13 --> 00:23:13 society
00:23:13 --> 00:23:15 to
00:23:15 --> 00:23:15 no
00:23:15 --> 00:23:15 longer
00:23:15 --> 00:23:15 listen
00:23:15 --> 00:23:16 to
00:23:16 --> 00:23:16 god's
00:23:16 --> 00:23:16 word
00:23:16 --> 00:23:17 or
00:23:17 --> 00:23:18 obey
00:23:18 --> 00:23:18 god's
00:23:18 --> 00:23:18 word
00:23:18 --> 00:23:20 and
00:23:20 --> 00:23:20 their
00:23:20 --> 00:23:20 roots
00:23:20 --> 00:23:21 are
00:23:21 --> 00:23:21 exposed
00:23:21 --> 00:23:22 as
00:23:22 --> 00:23:22 rocky
00:23:22 --> 00:23:22 ground
00:23:22 --> 00:23:24 it's
00:23:24 --> 00:23:24 even
00:23:24 --> 00:23:25 seeping
00:23:25 --> 00:23:25 into
00:23:25 --> 00:23:25 our
00:23:25 --> 00:23:26 Anglican
00:23:26 --> 00:23:26 schools
00:23:26 --> 00:23:27 throughout
00:23:27 --> 00:23:28 Australia
00:23:28 --> 00:23:29 our
00:23:29 --> 00:23:29 schools
00:23:29 --> 00:23:29 which
00:23:29 --> 00:23:29 are
00:23:29 --> 00:23:30 shaping
00:23:30 --> 00:23:30 our
00:23:30 --> 00:23:30 next
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00:23:31 --> 00:23:32 there
00:23:32 --> 00:23:32 are
00:23:32 --> 00:23:33 chaplains
00:23:33 --> 00:23:33 who
00:23:33 --> 00:23:33 don't
00:23:33 --> 00:23:33 believe
00:23:33 --> 00:23:33 in
00:23:33 --> 00:23:33 the
00:23:33 --> 00:23:34 resurrection
00:23:34 --> 00:23:35 they
00:23:35 --> 00:23:35 openly
00:23:35 --> 00:23:36 endorse
00:23:36 --> 00:23:37 immorality
00:23:37 --> 00:23:38 they
00:23:38 --> 00:23:38 teach
00:23:38 --> 00:23:39 pluralism
00:23:39 --> 00:23:39 are
00:23:39 --> 00:23:40 given
00:23:40 --> 00:23:41 directives
00:23:41 --> 00:23:41 to
00:23:41 --> 00:23:41 assume
00:23:41 --> 00:23:41 that
00:23:41 --> 00:23:42 everyone
00:23:42 --> 00:23:42 is
00:23:42 --> 00:23:42 saved
00:23:42 --> 00:23:43 or
00:23:43 --> 00:23:44 to
00:23:44 --> 00:23:44 teach
00:23:44 --> 00:23:44 people
00:23:44 --> 00:23:45 are
00:23:45 --> 00:23:45 mostly
00:23:45 --> 00:23:46 good
00:23:46 --> 00:23:48 and
00:23:48 --> 00:23:48 talk
00:23:48 --> 00:23:48 in
00:23:48 --> 00:23:48 general
00:23:48 --> 00:23:49 terms
00:23:49 --> 00:23:49 about
00:23:49 --> 00:23:50 god
00:23:50 --> 00:23:50 but
00:23:50 --> 00:23:50 don't
00:23:50 --> 00:23:51 talk
00:23:51 --> 00:23:51 about
00:23:51 --> 00:23:51 Jesus
00:23:51 --> 00:23:53 an
00:23:53 --> 00:23:54 attempt
00:23:54 --> 00:23:54 to
00:23:54 --> 00:23:54 make
00:23:54 --> 00:23:54 Christianity
00:23:54 --> 00:23:55 attractional
00:23:55 --> 00:23:56 through
00:23:56 --> 00:23:57 moralistic
00:23:57 --> 00:23:57 theism
00:23:57 --> 00:23:58 which
00:23:58 --> 00:23:58 is
00:23:58 --> 00:23:58 basically
00:23:58 --> 00:23:59 be a
00:23:59 --> 00:24:00 good
00:24:00 --> 00:24:00 person
00:24:00 --> 00:24:01 and
00:24:01 --> 00:24:01 god's
00:24:01 --> 00:24:01 kind
00:24:01 --> 00:24:01 of
00:24:01 --> 00:24:02 good
00:24:02 --> 00:24:02 for
00:24:02 --> 00:24:02 you
00:24:02 --> 00:24:04 popular
00:24:04 --> 00:24:05 Christianity
00:24:05 --> 00:24:06 is not
00:24:06 --> 00:24:07 biblical
00:24:07 --> 00:24:09 and
00:24:09 --> 00:24:09 biblical
00:24:09 --> 00:24:10 Christianity
00:24:10 --> 00:24:11 is not
00:24:11 --> 00:24:11 popular
00:24:11 --> 00:24:13 while
00:24:13 --> 00:24:14 we're all
00:24:14 --> 00:24:14 gifted in
00:24:14 --> 00:24:14 different
00:24:14 --> 00:24:15 ways
00:24:15 --> 00:24:15 we're
00:24:15 --> 00:24:15 one
00:24:15 --> 00:24:16 body
00:24:16 --> 00:24:17 with
00:24:17 --> 00:24:17 many
00:24:17 --> 00:24:18 parts
00:24:18 --> 00:24:19 if we
00:24:19 --> 00:24:20 really
00:24:20 --> 00:24:20 care
00:24:20 --> 00:24:20 about
00:24:20 --> 00:24:21 people
00:24:21 --> 00:24:22 we
00:24:22 --> 00:24:22 can't
00:24:22 --> 00:24:22 keep
00:24:22 --> 00:24:23 this
00:24:23 --> 00:24:23 message
00:24:23 --> 00:24:23 of
00:24:23 --> 00:24:23 hope
00:24:23 --> 00:24:23 to
00:24:23 --> 00:24:24 ourselves
00:24:24 --> 00:24:26 we
00:24:26 --> 00:24:26 share
00:24:26 --> 00:24:28 because
00:24:28 --> 00:24:28 we
00:24:28 --> 00:24:28 care
00:24:28 --> 00:24:31 and
00:24:31 --> 00:24:31 we
00:24:31 --> 00:24:32 care
00:24:32 --> 00:24:33 enough
00:24:33 --> 00:24:34 to
00:24:34 --> 00:24:34 share
00:24:34 --> 00:24:34 Jesus
00:24:34 --> 00:24:37 whatever
00:24:37 --> 00:24:37 stage of
00:24:37 --> 00:24:37 life
00:24:37 --> 00:24:38 we're
00:24:38 --> 00:24:38 in
00:24:38 --> 00:24:38 whatever
00:24:38 --> 00:24:39 our
00:24:39 --> 00:24:39 gender
00:24:39 --> 00:24:39 our
00:24:39 --> 00:24:40 age
00:24:40 --> 00:24:40 our
00:24:40 --> 00:24:40 occupation
00:24:40 --> 00:24:41 the
00:24:41 --> 00:24:41 Sermon
00:24:41 --> 00:24:42 on the
00:24:42 --> 00:24:42 Mount
00:24:42 --> 00:24:42 calls
00:24:42 --> 00:24:43 the followers
00:24:43 --> 00:24:43 of Jesus
00:24:43 --> 00:24:44 to
00:24:44 --> 00:24:44 righteousness
00:24:44 --> 00:24:46 love
00:24:46 --> 00:24:46 and live
00:24:46 --> 00:24:47 like
00:24:47 --> 00:24:47 Jesus
00:24:47 --> 00:24:48 and openly
00:24:48 --> 00:24:49 declare this
00:24:49 --> 00:24:49 message
00:24:49 --> 00:24:50 both in
00:24:50 --> 00:24:51 word
00:24:51 --> 00:24:51 and
00:24:51 --> 00:24:52 deed
00:24:52 --> 00:24:53 how much
00:24:53 --> 00:24:54 do we
00:24:54 --> 00:24:54 value the
00:24:54 --> 00:24:55 name of
00:24:55 --> 00:24:55 Jesus
00:24:55 --> 00:24:57 and how
00:24:57 --> 00:24:58 willing are
00:24:58 --> 00:24:58 we to
00:24:58 --> 00:24:59 follow him
00:24:59 --> 00:25:01 Jesus
00:25:01 --> 00:25:01 reminds us
00:25:01 --> 00:25:02 to count
00:25:02 --> 00:25:02 the cost
00:25:02 --> 00:25:04 if anyone
00:25:04 --> 00:25:04 would come
00:25:04 --> 00:25:05 after me
00:25:05 --> 00:25:05 they must
00:25:05 --> 00:25:05 deny
00:25:05 --> 00:25:06 themselves
00:25:06 --> 00:25:07 and take
00:25:07 --> 00:25:07 up their
00:25:07 --> 00:25:07 cross
00:25:07 --> 00:25:08 and follow
00:25:08 --> 00:25:08 me
00:25:08 --> 00:25:09 for whoever
00:25:09 --> 00:25:09 wants to
00:25:09 --> 00:25:10 save their
00:25:10 --> 00:25:10 life will
00:25:10 --> 00:25:11 lose it
00:25:11 --> 00:25:12 but whoever
00:25:12 --> 00:25:12 loses their
00:25:12 --> 00:25:13 life for me
00:25:13 --> 00:25:14 and for the
00:25:14 --> 00:25:14 gospel
00:25:14 --> 00:25:15 will save
00:25:15 --> 00:25:16 it
00:25:16 --> 00:25:17 grace
00:25:17 --> 00:25:18 is a
00:25:18 --> 00:25:18 free
00:25:18 --> 00:25:18 gift
00:25:18 --> 00:25:19 but there
00:25:19 --> 00:25:20 is a
00:25:20 --> 00:25:20 cost
00:25:20 --> 00:25:23 following
00:25:23 --> 00:25:24 Jesus
00:25:24 --> 00:25:25 if we
00:25:25 --> 00:25:26 are salt
00:25:26 --> 00:25:26 and light
00:25:26 --> 00:25:26 in the
00:25:26 --> 00:25:27 world
00:25:27 --> 00:25:28 this
00:25:28 --> 00:25:28 exposes
00:25:28 --> 00:25:29 darkness
00:25:29 --> 00:25:30 and people
00:25:30 --> 00:25:31 don't like
00:25:31 --> 00:25:31 that
00:25:31 --> 00:25:32 and we're
00:25:32 --> 00:25:32 going to
00:25:32 --> 00:25:33 explore this
00:25:33 --> 00:25:33 a bit
00:25:33 --> 00:25:33 more
00:25:33 --> 00:25:34 next week
00:25:34 --> 00:25:35 in more
00:25:35 --> 00:25:35 detail
00:25:35 --> 00:25:37 taking up
00:25:37 --> 00:25:38 your cross
00:25:38 --> 00:25:38 and following
00:25:38 --> 00:25:39 Jesus
00:25:39 --> 00:25:40 means we
00:25:40 --> 00:25:40 have to
00:25:40 --> 00:25:40 accept the
00:25:40 --> 00:25:41 whole
00:25:41 --> 00:25:41 Jesus
00:25:41 --> 00:25:42 not only
00:25:42 --> 00:25:43 what is
00:25:43 --> 00:25:43 pleasant
00:25:43 --> 00:25:44 but his
00:25:44 --> 00:25:45 crown of
00:25:45 --> 00:25:45 thorns
00:25:45 --> 00:25:47 if you've
00:25:47 --> 00:25:48 never
00:25:48 --> 00:25:49 experienced
00:25:49 --> 00:25:49 some form
00:25:49 --> 00:25:50 of persecution
00:25:50 --> 00:25:51 and you're
00:25:51 --> 00:25:52 faithful
00:25:52 --> 00:25:54 I'm not
00:25:54 --> 00:25:54 wishing this
00:25:54 --> 00:25:55 on you
00:25:55 --> 00:25:56 but it
00:25:56 --> 00:25:56 will happen
00:25:56 --> 00:25:57 sooner or
00:25:57 --> 00:25:57 later
00:25:57 --> 00:25:58 at the
00:25:58 --> 00:25:59 moment in
00:25:59 --> 00:25:59 Australia
00:25:59 --> 00:26:00 I think
00:26:00 --> 00:26:00 it's low
00:26:00 --> 00:26:00 level
00:26:00 --> 00:26:02 maybe some
00:26:02 --> 00:26:02 name calling
00:26:02 --> 00:26:04 possibly some
00:26:04 --> 00:26:04 physical
00:26:04 --> 00:26:05 hit out
00:26:05 --> 00:26:06 or maybe
00:26:06 --> 00:26:06 you're
00:26:06 --> 00:26:07 shunned
00:26:07 --> 00:26:08 it's not
00:26:08 --> 00:26:08 so bad
00:26:08 --> 00:26:10 if you have
00:26:10 --> 00:26:10 experienced
00:26:10 --> 00:26:11 persecution
00:26:11 --> 00:26:11 and found
00:26:11 --> 00:26:11 yourself
00:26:11 --> 00:26:12 crying out
00:26:12 --> 00:26:13 why God
00:26:13 --> 00:26:14 remember
00:26:14 --> 00:26:15 Jesus
00:26:15 --> 00:26:15 has walked
00:26:15 --> 00:26:16 in our
00:26:16 --> 00:26:16 shoes
00:26:16 --> 00:26:17 Jesus
00:26:17 --> 00:26:18 was left
00:26:18 --> 00:26:18 alone
00:26:18 --> 00:26:20 Jesus
00:26:20 --> 00:26:21 was ridiculed
00:26:21 --> 00:26:22 Jesus
00:26:22 --> 00:26:22 was beaten
00:26:22 --> 00:26:23 down
00:26:23 --> 00:26:24 he was
00:26:24 --> 00:26:24 broken
00:26:24 --> 00:26:25 he was
00:26:25 --> 00:26:26 betrayed
00:26:26 --> 00:26:27 Jesus
00:26:27 --> 00:26:28 was falsely
00:26:28 --> 00:26:28 accused
00:26:28 --> 00:26:30 he was
00:26:30 --> 00:26:31 let down
00:26:31 --> 00:26:31 by close
00:26:31 --> 00:26:32 friends
00:26:32 --> 00:26:33 he was
00:26:33 --> 00:26:33 hurt
00:26:33 --> 00:26:33 and he
00:26:33 --> 00:26:34 shed
00:26:34 --> 00:26:34 tears
00:26:34 --> 00:26:36 when we
00:26:36 --> 00:26:36 cry out
00:26:36 --> 00:26:37 in anguish
00:26:37 --> 00:26:38 we have
00:26:38 --> 00:26:39 one who
00:26:39 --> 00:26:39 sympathizes
00:26:39 --> 00:26:40 with us
00:26:40 --> 00:26:42 Jesus
00:26:42 --> 00:26:44 like the
00:26:44 --> 00:26:45 early
00:26:45 --> 00:26:45 disciples
00:26:45 --> 00:26:46 who were
00:26:46 --> 00:26:46 rejoicing
00:26:46 --> 00:26:47 because they
00:26:47 --> 00:26:47 had been
00:26:47 --> 00:26:47 counted
00:26:47 --> 00:26:48 worthy
00:26:48 --> 00:26:48 of
00:26:48 --> 00:26:49 suffering
00:26:49 --> 00:26:50 disgrace
00:26:50 --> 00:26:50 for the
00:26:50 --> 00:26:50 name
00:26:50 --> 00:26:51 of
00:26:51 --> 00:26:51 Jesus
00:26:51 --> 00:26:52 if we
00:26:52 --> 00:26:53 suffer
00:26:53 --> 00:26:53 for the
00:26:53 --> 00:26:53 name
00:26:53 --> 00:26:53 of
00:26:53 --> 00:26:54 Jesus
00:26:54 --> 00:26:55 it's a
00:26:55 --> 00:26:55 sign
00:26:55 --> 00:26:55 that we're
00:26:55 --> 00:26:55 doing
00:26:55 --> 00:26:56 something
00:26:56 --> 00:26:56 right
00:26:56 --> 00:26:57 if we
00:26:57 --> 00:26:58 share
00:26:58 --> 00:26:58 in their
00:26:58 --> 00:26:59 experience
00:26:59 --> 00:27:00 rejoice
00:27:00 --> 00:27:02 God
00:27:02 --> 00:27:02 has a
00:27:02 --> 00:27:03 special
00:27:03 --> 00:27:03 blessing
00:27:03 --> 00:27:04 for those
00:27:04 --> 00:27:05 who have
00:27:05 --> 00:27:05 this
00:27:05 --> 00:27:05 beautiful
00:27:05 --> 00:27:06 attitude
00:27:06 --> 00:27:08 persecuted
00:27:08 --> 00:27:09 for
00:27:09 --> 00:27:09 righteousness
00:27:09 --> 00:27:11 heaven
00:27:11 --> 00:27:12 is theirs
00:27:12 --> 00:27:13 I want to
00:27:13 --> 00:27:14 conclude
00:27:14 --> 00:27:14 with the
00:27:14 --> 00:27:14 words of
00:27:14 --> 00:27:15 Richard
00:27:15 --> 00:27:15 Wurmbrand
00:27:15 --> 00:27:16 who reminds
00:27:16 --> 00:27:16 us
00:27:16 --> 00:27:18 we can
00:27:18 --> 00:27:18 learn
00:27:18 --> 00:27:19 from
00:27:19 --> 00:27:19 Christians
00:27:19 --> 00:27:20 who have
00:27:20 --> 00:27:20 suffered
00:27:20 --> 00:27:22 Christians
00:27:22 --> 00:27:23 must be
00:27:23 --> 00:27:23 prepared to
00:27:23 --> 00:27:24 face adversity
00:27:24 --> 00:27:25 and personal
00:27:25 --> 00:27:26 trauma
00:27:26 --> 00:27:27 God can
00:27:27 --> 00:27:28 protect us
00:27:28 --> 00:27:29 and give us
00:27:29 --> 00:27:30 happy days
00:27:30 --> 00:27:31 but no
00:27:31 --> 00:27:31 believer is
00:27:31 --> 00:27:32 exempt from
00:27:32 --> 00:27:33 tribulations
00:27:33 --> 00:27:34 let us
00:27:34 --> 00:27:35 expect them
00:27:35 --> 00:27:35 with serenity
00:27:35 --> 00:27:36 our journey
00:27:36 --> 00:27:37 in life
00:27:37 --> 00:27:37 will not be
00:27:37 --> 00:27:38 easy
00:27:38 --> 00:27:39 but with
00:27:39 --> 00:27:39 God's
00:27:39 --> 00:27:40 help
00:27:40 --> 00:27:41 we may
00:27:41 --> 00:27:41 succeed
00:27:41 --> 00:27:42 let's
00:27:42 --> 00:27:43 pray
00:27:43 --> 00:27:46 father in
00:27:46 --> 00:27:47 heaven
00:27:47 --> 00:27:48 we know
00:27:48 --> 00:27:49 that blessed
00:27:49 --> 00:27:49 are those
00:27:49 --> 00:27:49 who are
00:27:49 --> 00:27:50 persecuted
00:27:50 --> 00:27:50 because of
00:27:50 --> 00:27:51 righteousness
00:27:51 --> 00:27:52 for theirs
00:27:52 --> 00:27:53 is the
00:27:53 --> 00:27:53 kingdom of
00:27:53 --> 00:27:53 heaven
00:27:53 --> 00:27:55 help us
00:27:55 --> 00:27:55 to stand
00:27:55 --> 00:27:56 under
00:27:56 --> 00:27:56 temptation
00:27:56 --> 00:27:58 trial
00:27:58 --> 00:27:58 suffering
00:27:58 --> 00:27:59 and
00:27:59 --> 00:27:59 persecution
00:27:59 --> 00:28:01 Jesus
00:28:01 --> 00:28:01 said
00:28:01 --> 00:28:02 blessed
00:28:02 --> 00:28:02 are you
00:28:02 --> 00:28:02 when people
00:28:02 --> 00:28:03 insult
00:28:03 --> 00:28:03 you
00:28:03 --> 00:28:04 persecute
00:28:04 --> 00:28:04 you
00:28:04 --> 00:28:05 and falsely
00:28:05 --> 00:28:05 say all
00:28:05 --> 00:28:06 kinds of
00:28:06 --> 00:28:06 evil
00:28:06 --> 00:28:06 against you
00:28:06 --> 00:28:07 because of
00:28:07 --> 00:28:07 me
00:28:07 --> 00:28:09 help us
00:28:09 --> 00:28:09 to be
00:28:09 --> 00:28:09 patient
00:28:09 --> 00:28:10 loving
00:28:10 --> 00:28:11 and forgiving
00:28:11 --> 00:28:12 and ready
00:28:12 --> 00:28:12 to speak
00:28:12 --> 00:28:13 the truth
00:28:13 --> 00:28:13 in love
00:28:13 --> 00:28:15 for the name
00:28:15 --> 00:28:16 of Jesus
00:28:16 --> 00:28:16 many have
00:28:16 --> 00:28:17 suffered
00:28:17 --> 00:28:18 we pray
00:28:18 --> 00:28:18 for our
00:28:18 --> 00:28:18 brothers and
00:28:18 --> 00:28:19 sisters
00:28:19 --> 00:28:19 globally
00:28:19 --> 00:28:19 who are
00:28:19 --> 00:28:20 facing
00:28:20 --> 00:28:20 extreme
00:28:20 --> 00:28:21 persecution
00:28:21 --> 00:28:21 right now
00:28:21 --> 00:28:23 comfort
00:28:23 --> 00:28:23 protect
00:28:23 --> 00:28:24 and deliver
00:28:24 --> 00:28:24 them from
00:28:24 --> 00:28:24 evil
00:28:24 --> 00:28:26 strengthen
00:28:26 --> 00:28:26 us by
00:28:26 --> 00:28:27 your Holy
00:28:27 --> 00:28:27 Spirit
00:28:27 --> 00:28:27 to be
00:28:27 --> 00:28:28 prepared
00:28:28 --> 00:28:28 to go
00:28:28 --> 00:28:29 where Jesus
00:28:29 --> 00:28:29 has gone
00:28:29 --> 00:28:30 to be
00:28:30 --> 00:28:31 bold
00:28:31 --> 00:28:31 and take
00:28:31 --> 00:28:31 up our
00:28:31 --> 00:28:32 cross
00:28:32 --> 00:28:32 and follow
00:28:32 --> 00:28:32 him
00:28:32 --> 00:28:34 help us
00:28:34 --> 00:28:34 not to lose
00:28:34 --> 00:28:35 sight of
00:28:35 --> 00:28:35 the end
00:28:35 --> 00:28:35 goal
00:28:35 --> 00:28:37 when we
00:28:37 --> 00:28:37 do face
00:28:37 --> 00:28:38 hardships
00:28:38 --> 00:28:38 and suffer
00:28:38 --> 00:28:39 fill us
00:28:39 --> 00:28:40 with an
00:28:40 --> 00:28:41 inexpressible
00:28:41 --> 00:28:41 joy
00:28:41 --> 00:28:42 to rejoice
00:28:42 --> 00:28:42 and be
00:28:42 --> 00:28:43 glad
00:28:43 --> 00:28:44 knowing that
00:28:44 --> 00:28:44 great will
00:28:44 --> 00:28:45 be our
00:28:45 --> 00:28:46 reward in
00:28:46 --> 00:28:46 heaven
00:28:46 --> 00:28:47 in our
00:28:47 --> 00:28:47 Saviour
00:28:47 --> 00:28:48 Jesus
00:28:48 --> 00:28:48 name we
00:28:48 --> 00:28:48 pray
00:28:48 --> 00:28:50 Amen
00:28:50 --> 00:28:52 viele
00:28:52 --> 00:29:00 to
00:29:16 --> 00:29:17 happen