WEBVTT 00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:08.480 We study through books of the Bible here at the Village Chapel, and it's my pleasure this morning to continue our study of Revelation. 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:13.359 We have called this study the Hope of Glory with Good Reason. 00:00:13.679 --> 00:00:36.880 This last book of the Bible gives us a glimpse of how God will use people, places, and events, past, present, and future, to bring about his glorious kingdom and to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of Jesus' cross. 00:00:37.439 --> 00:00:58.399 And as Jim has pointed out the last couple of weeks, the final six chapters of Revelation deal with two primary themes: the final destruction of the world system which has set itself against Jesus Christ, and the final destiny of those who have given themselves to the worship of Jesus Christ. 00:00:58.560 --> 00:01:01.920 And I sincerely hope that is you this morning. 00:01:02.320 --> 00:01:05.840 So let's talk about where we are in the story. 00:01:06.319 --> 00:01:14.239 Little side note: years ago, when our boys were small, we started a goofy little family tradition like you do. 00:01:14.560 --> 00:01:26.400 As we were driving on any out-of-state trip, anytime we were getting ready to cross over a state line, we'd all say together, We're in Tennessee, we're in Tennessee. 00:01:26.480 --> 00:01:32.159 And then right as we cross the line, we'd say, We're in Kentucky, or whatever state we were entering. 00:01:32.640 --> 00:01:43.920 And you know, no matter how great your trip is, no matter where you go or what you do, there's something great about turning towards home. 00:01:44.719 --> 00:01:46.959 So back to our little family trips. 00:01:47.120 --> 00:02:00.319 Whenever we'd be returning home and we get ready to cross over into Tennessee at the end of a trip, we'd say extra loudly, we're in Kentucky, we're in Kentucky, we're in Tennessee. 00:02:00.560 --> 00:02:04.480 It just feels good to know you're almost home, doesn't it? 00:02:04.719 --> 00:02:07.120 Well, that's where we are in our text today. 00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:11.439 With this chapter, we are definitely turning towards home. 00:02:11.840 --> 00:02:29.360 Since the beginning of chapter 17, we see Jesus methodically undoing all the wrong in creation, starting with the prostitute and Babylon representing the corrupt world systems, everything that is against flourishing. 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:43.919 And here in chapter 19, we'll see the final battle and the end of the beast and the false prophet, and we will see the deadly consequences of those who continually rejected God and have chosen Babylon. 00:02:44.319 --> 00:02:52.319 Step by step, Jesus is dismantling all that is wrong, and he's taking back territory for God. 00:02:53.120 --> 00:03:00.639 Eugene Peterson says this about chapter 19 and 20 in his commentary on Revelation Reversed Thunder. 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:13.520 Salvation wins back the territory, loss to the invasion of evil, and restores the country to the believing, enduring, and worshiping people of God. 00:03:14.319 --> 00:03:17.919 I love that picture winning back territory. 00:03:18.240 --> 00:03:22.080 So, church, join me and let's pray and then we'll read our text. 00:03:24.639 --> 00:03:27.120 Lord, we are grateful for your word. 00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:37.759 We are grateful that you are our knight in shining armor, our faithful and true warrior who is coming to rescue us. 00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:50.879 Holy Spirit, we ask that you illuminate our minds this morning, that you would open our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to receive your word deepen inside us. 00:03:51.199 --> 00:03:52.800 We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:03:52.960 --> 00:03:53.599 Amen. 00:03:54.560 --> 00:03:59.039 Okay, so follow along with me, Revelation 19, 1 through 21. 00:03:59.280 --> 00:04:09.919 And it starts with the phrase, after this, which is John is kind of summarizing all that's happened in Revelation 17 and 18. 00:04:10.159 --> 00:04:14.719 And he's saying, Okay, after all this, so here we go. 00:04:14.960 --> 00:04:39.920 After this, I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven crying out, Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just, for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants. 00:04:40.319 --> 00:04:46.079 Once more they cried out, Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever. 00:04:46.639 --> 00:04:56.959 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshipped God who was seated on the throne, saying, Amen, hallelujah. 00:04:57.279 --> 00:05:05.600 And from the throne came a voice saying, Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great. 00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:20.720 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters, and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder crying out, Hallelujah, for the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. 00:05:21.040 --> 00:05:26.399 This, guys, this is the first, the original hallelujah chorus. 00:05:27.680 --> 00:05:36.879 John is still so overwhelmed with what he is hearing that yet again he has to resort to metaphors to try and describe it. 00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:42.240 He describes this great multitude in heaven praising God for his judgments. 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:58.720 And then he describes the 24 elders and the four creatures that we first met in chapter four, and then the voice coming from the throne, and finally another great multitude, so loud it sounded like roaring waters or booming thunder. 00:05:59.600 --> 00:06:01.600 Okay, so this is so cool. 00:06:01.759 --> 00:06:05.199 I just kind of learned this this week while studying for this passage. 00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:15.040 Did you know that this passage here in Revelation 19, this is the first time the word hallelujah is used in the entire Bible? 00:06:15.360 --> 00:06:29.759 There is a Hebrew word, hallelujah, starting with the letter A, that is very similar, and that's used especially in the Old Testament, but this is the first time hallelujah is ever used in the Bible. 00:06:30.879 --> 00:06:32.399 So back to our text. 00:06:32.639 --> 00:06:43.439 Verse 7, let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:50.639 Isaiah 25, 6 through 9 portrays a beautiful description of this wedding feast. 00:06:50.879 --> 00:06:53.120 And I'm gonna I've got the slide up there. 00:06:53.199 --> 00:06:55.759 It's a lot of text, so I'm not gonna put the text on the screen. 00:06:55.839 --> 00:06:57.199 I'm just gonna read it to you. 00:06:57.439 --> 00:07:12.720 On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. 00:07:12.959 --> 00:07:21.759 And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. 00:07:22.160 --> 00:07:24.959 He will swallow up death forever. 00:07:25.360 --> 00:07:37.600 And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. 00:07:38.720 --> 00:07:42.959 It will be said on that day, Behold, this is our God. 00:07:43.360 --> 00:07:46.480 We have waited for him that he might save us. 00:07:46.800 --> 00:07:48.399 This is the Lord. 00:07:48.560 --> 00:07:49.839 We have waited for him. 00:07:50.160 --> 00:07:54.079 Let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. 00:07:54.800 --> 00:08:28.160 Man, what a beautiful picture of God's intent to rescue and redeem us, to remove from us the veil spread over us, that that covering that covers all of us caused by our sin, that that keeps us from a clear view and relationship with God, to heal from us the heartache of sin and suffering, and to take away even the shame and the reproach from his people over all the earth. 00:08:29.519 --> 00:08:33.279 So back to our revelation text, verse eight. 00:08:33.519 --> 00:08:42.960 It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure, for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 00:08:43.919 --> 00:08:46.159 Okay, you guys, this is so cool. 00:08:48.799 --> 00:09:02.960 The fine linen, white, bright, pure, that is the wedding gown of the church, the bride of Christ, that material is provided by the righteous deeds of the saints. 00:09:04.720 --> 00:09:08.480 Our salvation is a gift of grace through faith. 00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:22.639 But remember that all of the righteous deeds that we do are used as clothing for the for the bridal gown, for the bride of Christ. 00:09:22.799 --> 00:09:24.480 I just think that's an amazing thing. 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:28.399 Remember that our righteous deeds have a purpose. 00:09:28.559 --> 00:09:30.960 Our righteous deeds don't save us. 00:09:31.440 --> 00:09:36.399 It is the grace of God through Jesus Christ that saves us. 00:09:37.279 --> 00:09:41.039 But our righteous deeds have purpose. 00:09:42.399 --> 00:09:44.080 So, verse nine. 00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:51.519 The angel said to me, Write this blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. 00:09:51.679 --> 00:09:55.840 And he said to me, These are the true words of God. 00:09:56.480 --> 00:10:01.759 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, You must not do that. 00:10:01.919 --> 00:10:06.879 I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. 00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:08.480 Worship God. 00:10:08.960 --> 00:10:12.639 For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 00:10:13.039 --> 00:10:17.120 You guys, fellow servants, I love that that's what the angel said to John. 00:10:17.360 --> 00:10:24.879 And here you see John, he's still so amazed by what he is seeing and hearing. 00:10:25.200 --> 00:10:30.960 He's just totally overcome and falls to his knees to worship. 00:10:31.200 --> 00:10:34.879 And the angels saying, No, no, no, no, whoa, whoa, whoa, don't do that. 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:36.240 Only worship God. 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:38.000 We need to remember that. 00:10:38.399 --> 00:10:39.919 Only worship God. 00:10:41.039 --> 00:10:41.840 Verse 11. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:45.759 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:52.720 The one sitting on it is called faithful and true, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 00:10:54.159 --> 00:11:00.000 Boy, what a different picture we have now of Jesus coming to battle on a white horse. 00:11:00.159 --> 00:11:06.320 How different than the entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on the back of a donkey. 00:11:06.639 --> 00:11:11.440 To a resident of Israel in Jesus' time, there was a massive difference. 00:11:11.679 --> 00:11:21.200 A conquering king or military commander would sweep into a city on the back of a war horse, intent on conquering and taking control. 00:11:21.679 --> 00:11:28.240 Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey signified his servant status. 00:11:28.320 --> 00:11:33.200 He was the Lamb of God intent on giving his life away on the cross. 00:11:33.919 --> 00:11:37.759 But it's vitally important that we have both images of Jesus. 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:46.080 He is the Lamb of God, slain before the foundation of the world, intent on laying down his life for all of us. 00:11:46.399 --> 00:12:01.279 But he is also the resurrected king of the universe, the rider called faithful and true on the back of his white horse, intent on conquering all that is evil, and intent on making all things right again. 00:12:02.799 --> 00:12:11.840 And look at how he judges and makes war in righteousness, not in anger, not in vindictiveness, in righteousness. 00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:22.000 And this is who we are longing for, brothers and sisters, that true and just king, the true Prince of Peace who is coming to set all things right. 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:35.120 Verse 12, his eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems or crowns, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:42.320 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is the Word of God. 00:12:42.960 --> 00:12:50.720 And the armies of heaven arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 00:12:50.960 --> 00:12:58.399 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. 00:12:58.639 --> 00:13:04.320 He will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 00:13:04.720 --> 00:13:12.639 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 00:13:13.840 --> 00:13:23.519 Guys, every word of God is a revelation of God, of who he is, of what he has done, and what he will do. 00:13:23.919 --> 00:13:31.840 Jesus, as the word, capital W, is the full and complete revelation of God. 00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:34.240 In Jesus we see God. 00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:39.279 In Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, we see who God is. 00:13:39.519 --> 00:13:52.639 And in his coming to tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty, the picture of God is complete: creator, sustainer, redeemer, and avenger. 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:54.399 Alpha and Omega. 00:13:57.360 --> 00:13:58.320 Verse 17. 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:01.120 Now we get to the good part of this passage. 00:14:01.759 --> 00:14:06.879 Parents, this is a little graphic in case you have young kids watching church with you this morning. 00:14:07.200 --> 00:14:32.960 Verse 17, then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, come, gather for the great supper of God to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great. 00:14:34.080 --> 00:14:43.600 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him, who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 00:14:44.799 --> 00:14:57.679 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet, who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped its image. 00:14:57.840 --> 00:15:13.919 These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur, and the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:19.039 Holy cow! What a magnificent, dramatic chapter. 00:15:19.600 --> 00:15:25.759 There is so much rejoicing, so much celebration, so much triumph. 00:15:26.240 --> 00:15:44.000 And then to end the chapter describing this horrific scene of massive roadkill with the buzzards coming to feast on the slain bodies of those who had followed the beast and his false prophet and waged war against the one called faithful and true and his army of heaven. 00:15:44.240 --> 00:15:53.200 What a contrast this feast is at the end of the chapter, the feast of the buzzards, contrasted with the marriage supper of the Lamb. 00:15:54.559 --> 00:15:57.679 Parts of this chapter seem harsh. 00:15:58.240 --> 00:16:11.600 What with heaven rejoicing loudly and fiercely at the destruction of Babylon, and then this terrible battle with massive casualties, but it is the final battle between good and evil. 00:16:11.919 --> 00:16:20.399 And the moment when Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, finally takes to his war horse to make things right. 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:26.000 In this chapter, we see where God is saying, enough, enough. 00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:40.320 And you get a sense, don't you, of thinking of the movie The Lord of the Rings, you get that sense of when Gandalf is standing strong with his staff and he's saying to that monster from the pit, you shall not pass. 00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:42.559 That is what God is saying right here. 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:49.360 The wrath of God is set against all that is evil and wrong with the world. 00:16:51.440 --> 00:17:01.039 As I was praying this, preparing this week, I came across a quote by John Piper that encapsulates a lot that is in this passage. 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:15.920 The wisdom of God devised a way for the love of God to deliver sinners from the wrath of God while not compromising the righteousness of God. 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:18.480 Amen to that. 00:17:19.279 --> 00:17:31.599 The wisdom of God devised a way for the love of God to deliver sinners from the wrath of God while not compromising the righteousness of God. 00:17:31.759 --> 00:17:33.519 I'm going to read that one more time. 00:17:33.839 --> 00:17:47.359 The wisdom of God devised a way for the love of God to deliver sinners from the wrath of God while not compromising the righteousness of God. 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:50.160 That's utterly fantastic, in my opinion. 00:17:50.400 --> 00:17:57.359 Just absolutely shows us the brilliant plan of God for our salvation in Jesus Christ. 00:17:58.400 --> 00:18:01.680 So, what can we take away from this chapter? 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:03.920 I've got three thoughts. 00:18:04.240 --> 00:18:16.880 Number one, that fourfold hallelujah that we read at the beginning of the chapter is heaven's great rejoicing at God's righteous judgment. 00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:22.160 This is the proper response to the end of evil and wickedness. 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:38.000 And with everything that has happened in Scripture up to this point, including creation and the resurrection of Jesus, nothing, nothing has merited yet using the word hallelujah until this point. 00:18:38.160 --> 00:18:39.759 Just mind-blowing. 00:18:40.079 --> 00:18:46.480 And that's truly how important it is that justice is finally being realized. 00:18:48.400 --> 00:18:53.200 I think for all of us, we are watching the world cry out for justice. 00:18:53.359 --> 00:18:57.359 I mean, we can literally see it out our front doors. 00:18:57.920 --> 00:19:15.119 Our country is obviously deeply fractured along so many different lines: political, economic, social issues, and yet the underlying theme is people crying out for things to be made right. 00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:30.319 You know, we can argue about which things we want fixed or what we perceive to be broken in the world, but one unifying trait is that we all sense that things aren't the way they ought to be. 00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:33.519 And we long for things to be made right. 00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:36.799 We are aching for justice. 00:19:37.519 --> 00:19:44.319 Part of our human predicament is that we are looking for finite solutions for our problems. 00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:49.839 We think that if we can just try harder, we can solve our social issues. 00:19:50.079 --> 00:19:54.079 If we're more tolerant, we can solve our political issues. 00:19:54.240 --> 00:20:05.680 And we think if we just accumulate more data, more science, we can cure cancer or COVID or solve all of our environmental issues. 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:18.480 And while the goals are admirable, in a sense they are unrealistic because these problems are much deeper than what a finite solution can reach. 00:20:20.559 --> 00:20:27.680 If God is going to deal with suffering finally, fully and completely, he must deal with sin. 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:35.039 He cannot completely wipe out suffering without fully and finally wiping out sin. 00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:40.319 There's literally nothing untouched by the consequence of sin. 00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:47.759 So as we cry out for justice and mercy, we need to realize the root cause. 00:20:49.839 --> 00:21:03.680 For every person who's lost someone they love, or watch them struggle for every thought, for every step, for every breath, that's what God's righteous justice will restore. 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:06.640 Even disease and death will be no more. 00:21:06.880 --> 00:21:09.680 Now that is worth a loud hallelujah. 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:10.400 Amen. 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:11.359 Amen. 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:18.319 So what we need is an eternal solution to all of our problems. 00:21:18.799 --> 00:21:23.279 And an eternal solution cannot be reached by finite beings. 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:33.839 We need a perfect justice, an eternal solution, a judge who is completely true, righteous, faithful, and fair. 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:36.319 And there is only one. 00:21:37.279 --> 00:21:39.039 His name is faithful and true. 00:21:39.200 --> 00:21:40.720 His name is Jesus. 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:53.440 Bible commentator Michael Wilcox says this to see Babylon like this in its right perspective should affect the Christian's whole outlook. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:59.680 It should restore his sense of proportion and therefore his assurance, his hope. 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:03.519 His confidence, courage, and joy. 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:11.119 Our confidence, loved ones, is in God who is on the throne, whose purposes have not been thwarted. 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:16.559 He will restore all things to shalom, to perfect peace. 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:26.720 Pastor Malty Babcock wrote this hymn shortly before the turn of the 20th century, and it's such a sweet reminder in these days. 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:29.519 This is my father's world. 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:40.000 Oh, let me ne'er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:45.759 And boy, that truth is something we can cling to in these days. 00:22:47.359 --> 00:23:01.680 Our second point: an invitation to the wedding feast, the wedding feast of the Lamb is available to all, but guys, a response is required. 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:09.200 You know, when you get a wedding invitation, you're usually asked to RSVP. 00:23:11.599 --> 00:23:18.559 Remember that Jesus' first miracle was the turning of water to wine at the wedding in Cana, which I just love that story. 00:23:18.640 --> 00:23:21.279 It's just such a fantastic story. 00:23:22.240 --> 00:23:38.240 And don't underestimate how important this is because of how that miracle, how that relates to what we call communion, the Lord's Supper, and how it looks forward to the wedding feast of the Lamb. 00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:46.319 This is summarized well by Derek Thomas when he said the entire ministry of Jesus is a preparation for wedding. 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:48.000 Isn't that awesome? 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:59.680 So much of Jesus' interactions with people were based around eating together, meals, celebrations, events. 00:24:00.160 --> 00:24:04.319 And this is just that emphasis on relationship. 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:18.559 Jesus' whole ministry is looking forward to this wedding feast being reunited and united fully and finally with his bride. 00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:26.240 So you hear advertisers say this all the time. 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.359 Hurry in. 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:28.960 You don't want to miss out on this. 00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:30.400 Supplies are limited. 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:32.240 The time to act is now. 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:39.440 Well, invitations to the marriage feast are not limited, but they are required. 00:24:39.680 --> 00:24:43.519 The marriage supper is not yet, but it is coming. 00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:47.359 There is a window, and it will one day be closing. 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:50.559 And the time to act indeed is now. 00:24:51.359 --> 00:24:54.240 Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this. 00:24:54.480 --> 00:24:58.799 And I want to make note of the seriousness of the occasion, right? 00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:10.000 But gosh, the joy in what lies behind it, that joy of relationship, the joy of being chosen and beloved. 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:15.839 We are indeed chosen and beloved, friends. 00:25:16.880 --> 00:25:24.160 So you might say, man, I can't believe God would make me choose just one way, just one path. 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:30.880 And frankly, in reality, human nature tends to be that if there were two ways, we'd want 10. 00:25:31.119 --> 00:25:33.680 If there were 10 ways, we'd want 20. 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:43.119 And I would answer to that complaint about there being only one way, I'd say, thank God there is a way. 00:25:43.279 --> 00:25:50.000 It is grace and mercy itself that gives us a choice that provides a path to salvation. 00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:56.480 God has created us as morally significant creatures, not as robots. 00:25:57.039 --> 00:26:01.599 He gives us the choice because he loves us and believes in us. 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:04.400 It is his nature to give us a choice. 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:14.240 And even when it is our nature to choose wrongly, it is his nature to create a path back to him through the cross. 00:26:15.839 --> 00:26:16.319 C.S. 00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:17.599 Lewis sums this up. 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:21.119 He says, God doesn't want something from us. 00:26:21.440 --> 00:26:23.359 He simply wants us. 00:26:26.640 --> 00:26:49.039 Loved ones, for everyone right now who is lonely, who is hurting, who is isolated, like we all have been for the last six, seven months, for everyone who is fearful, lost, you are seen, you are known, and you are fully loved as God's beloved. 00:26:50.400 --> 00:26:54.480 Let that sink in to your pores for just a minute. 00:26:56.000 --> 00:27:00.640 The essence of the gospel is relationship and invitation. 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:06.160 Again, that's why so much of Jesus' ministry was around meals and gatherings. 00:27:06.319 --> 00:27:11.759 This is why the church and Jesus are compared to a bride and a groom. 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:21.680 We are invited into an intimate and loving relationship with our Savior, but it does require a response. 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:31.839 Saint Augustine said, He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent. 00:27:32.079 --> 00:27:33.200 And I love that. 00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:39.759 But even then, our response is a result of a gift of God's grace. 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:49.599 Ephesians 2, 8 and 9 says, For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing. 00:27:49.759 --> 00:27:56.400 It is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 00:27:58.960 --> 00:28:06.720 And our third point, the sovereign God, creator of the universe, will have the final word. 00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:10.480 The Lamb who was slain is risen again. 00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:14.799 Evil will not have the last word in the universe. 00:28:15.920 --> 00:28:21.839 You know, don't be shocked and surprised at evil shaking its fist. 00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:27.200 For as the return of Christ grows closer, evil gets more anxious. 00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:41.839 You know, as we've heard from Scotty Smith, from Tommy, and from Jim, evil knows it has an expiration date and it senses that it is running out of time. 00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:45.279 But God will have the final word. 00:28:45.920 --> 00:28:55.279 The God who spoke the universe into being with a single word is also able to crush evil with a single word. 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:58.319 God will have that final word. 00:28:59.440 --> 00:29:06.799 Derek Thomas, Bible commentator, says one by one, the enemies of God are being destroyed. 00:29:07.119 --> 00:29:11.680 One by one, Jesus is defeating every opponent. 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:16.319 He is ensuring the triumph he has promised to his people. 00:29:16.880 --> 00:29:18.160 Amen to that. 00:29:18.640 --> 00:29:21.839 Evil will not have the final word in the universe. 00:29:22.160 --> 00:29:23.839 God will have the final word. 00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:27.119 Evil is not original. 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:29.839 It cannot make anything on its own. 00:29:30.079 --> 00:29:39.680 It can only disrupt, disturb, and disorder God's good and original creation, but that it can only do so temporarily. 00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:42.799 There is an end in sight. 00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:53.359 The sight of home may be far off in the distance, barely visible yet, but it is there, make no mistake, and we are headed for it. 00:29:55.519 --> 00:29:59.039 I love this Cornelius Planning quote. 00:30:04.319 --> 00:30:06.960 Good has its own momentum. 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:10.400 Corruption never wholly succeeds. 00:30:10.640 --> 00:30:13.200 Even blasphemers acknowledge God. 00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:19.039 Creation is stronger than sin, and grace stronger still. 00:30:19.519 --> 00:30:31.599 Human sin is stubborn, but not so stubborn as the grace of God, and not half so persistent, not half so ready to suffer to win its way. 00:30:33.519 --> 00:30:39.119 You guys, there is justice that is bigger than this particular moment in time. 00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:44.799 There is truth that is more solid than anything we hear right now. 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:50.240 There is righteousness that is pure and absolute. 00:30:50.720 --> 00:30:54.400 Heaven rejoices at God's final victory over evil. 00:30:54.720 --> 00:31:03.359 The gospel invitation is available to all, and God will indeed have the final word.