100:00:01,000 –> 00:00:06,000And there’s a warning here that is very important for us today,200:00:08,000 –> 00:00:12,000and that is Jesus is warning us about the danger of an empty profession.300:00:13,000 –> 00:00:20,000In other words, saying yes to God is of no value if you do not do what he says.400:00:21,000 –> 00:00:24,000Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. I’m David Pick.500:00:25,000 –> 00:00:26,000Glad you could join us today.600:00:26,000 –> 00:00:32,000Colin, are you saying here that some people will make a profession of faith but their actions don’t bear that out?700:00:33,000 –> 00:00:37,000Yeah, and Jesus told a story specifically about this, a man who has two sons.800:00:38,000 –> 00:00:40,000This isn’t the prodigal son. Everyone knows that story – it’s a different story.900:00:41,000 –> 00:00:45,000Jesus says, a man has two sons. One says – I’ll do a work in your field – and then he doesn’t do it,1000:00:46,000 –> 00:00:48,000and the other says – I won’t work in your field – and then he does do it.1100:00:49,000 –> 00:00:50,000And Jesus says, well now, which one did the will of the Father?1200:00:51,000 –> 00:00:52,000Yeah.1300:00:53,000 –> 00:00:54,000Well, he’s drawing attention to the fact is one thing to talk1400:00:54,000 –> 00:00:59,000it’s another thing to actually walk the walk and do the work and to follow the commands of Christ.1500:01:00,000 –> 00:01:03,000If someone recognises themselves in this message,1600:01:04,000 –> 00:01:05,000what should they actually do?1700:01:06,000 –> 00:01:07,000That’s where the call to repentance comes in,1800:01:08,000 –> 00:01:12,000and this whole series that we’re airing on the program just now1900:01:13,000 –> 00:01:17,000is about repentance, which is the hidden path to a transformed life.2000:01:18,000 –> 00:01:22,000And at its heart, repentance is about turning from all that we know that is wrong2100:01:23,000 –> 00:01:25,000and offering all that we can of ourselves to all that we know of Christ.2200:01:26,000 –> 00:01:29,000And that’s an ongoing process in the Christian life.2300:01:30,000 –> 00:01:35,000And simply to talk and not to be pursuing that path is what the Bible would call hypocrisy.2400:01:36,000 –> 00:01:37,000That’s not where anyone wants to be.2500:01:38,000 –> 00:01:42,000You do not want to stand before God and to know that you have been a hypocrite.2600:01:42,000 –> 00:01:50,000So, if you are in the place of professing faith, but not following hard after Jesus Christ,2700:01:51,000 –> 00:01:53,000then today God calls you to repent.2800:01:54,000 –> 00:01:59,000He invites you to follow him in a new way and by the power of the Holy Spirit,2900:02:00,000 –> 00:02:00,0003000:02:01,000 –> 00:02:04,000We’re talking about the very heart of the gospel here and it’s of huge importance.3100:02:05,000 –> 00:02:08,000So, join us today if you can in Matthew 21.3200:02:08,000 –> 00:02:12,000As we begin the message, finding the hidden path to a transformed life.3300:02:13,000 –> 00:02:14,000Here is Pastor Colin.3400:02:15,000 –> 00:02:19,000We’re going to look today at the teaching of Jesus about repentance,3500:02:19,000 –> 00:02:24,000learning not only what it is, but also how you can pursue it.3600:02:26,000 –> 00:02:29,000And I hope that this series, perhaps above everything else,3700:02:29,000 –> 00:02:32,000has been helpful in enabling us to see that repentance is something3800:02:32,000 –> 00:02:37,000positive that we would desire, and even, that we would pursue.3900:02:38,000 –> 00:02:40,000It is the hidden path to a transformed life.4000:02:41,000 –> 00:02:42,000It is a very wonderful thing.4100:02:42,000 –> 00:02:46,000It is, indeed, one of the blessings that is promised by the gospel.4200:02:47,000 –> 00:02:52,000Indeed, Peter, the apostle, speaks in the book of Acts about repentance as a gift,4300:02:52,000 –> 00:02:54,000something to be celebrated.4400:02:55,000 –> 00:02:57,000Acts, chapter five, and verse thirty-one, he says,4500:02:57,000 –> 00:03:01,000Jesus is exalted that he might give repentance to Israel.4600:03:01,000 –> 00:03:07,000It’s a wonderful thing, and in Acts, chapter eleven, and verse eighteen,4700:03:07,000 –> 00:03:11,000where Peter reports what happened in the house of Cornelius,4800:03:11,000 –> 00:03:15,000those who heard it responded with great joy,4900:03:15,000 –> 00:03:20,000and they said, God has granted repentance even to the Gentiles.5000:03:21,000 –> 00:03:25,000So, repentance is always something positive in the New Testament.5100:03:26,000 –> 00:03:28,000It is therefore something to be desired,5200:03:28,000 –> 00:03:30,000something to be sought,5300:03:30,000 –> 00:03:33,000and something to be pursued.5400:03:33,000 –> 00:03:40,000The hidden path to a transformed life that is found in Jesus Christ.5500:03:40,000 –> 00:03:42,000Now, I think this is very important5600:03:42,000 –> 00:03:47,000because many of us instinctively think of repentance5700:03:47,000 –> 00:03:50,000in purely negative terms,5800:03:51,000 –> 00:03:54,000like driving school.5900:03:55,000 –> 00:03:56,000You know?6000:03:57,000 –> 00:03:59,000You get a ticket for speeding6100:03:59,000 –> 00:04:01,000and then you go to driving school6200:04:01,000 –> 00:04:03,000as a kind of penance.6300:04:04,000 –> 00:04:07,000You sit there for 4 hours6400:04:07,000 –> 00:04:09,000thinking that you can hardly afford this time6500:04:09,000 –> 00:04:11,000and how humiliating it all is,6600:04:12,000 –> 00:04:14,000and driving school is something6700:04:14,000 –> 00:04:16,000that you would desperately want to avoid.6800:04:16,000 –> 00:04:19,000Nobody in their right mind actually wants to go.6900:04:19,000 –> 00:04:22,000But it is something you have to do7000:04:22,000 –> 00:04:24,000as a kind of discipline7100:04:24,000 –> 00:04:25,000if you have broken the law7200:04:25,000 –> 00:04:27,000and you have been caught7300:04:27,000 –> 00:04:30,000and it is intended to kind of sober you up7400:04:30,000 –> 00:04:31,000by focusing you on the fact7500:04:31,000 –> 00:04:32,000that you really have done wrong7600:04:32,000 –> 00:04:34,000and by taking it in with some degree7700:04:34,000 –> 00:04:36,000of inconvenience and embarrassment7800:04:36,000 –> 00:04:38,000hopefully you are going to improve7900:04:38,000 –> 00:04:39,000and learn your lesson8000:04:39,000 –> 00:04:41,000and not do the same thing again.8100:04:41,000 –> 00:04:43,000I well remember Memorial Day8200:04:43,000 –> 00:04:44,000a couple of years ago.8300:04:44,000 –> 00:04:46,000Beautiful day, blistering hot8400:04:46,000 –> 00:04:48,000and our family enjoyed a delightful time together.8500:04:48,000 –> 00:04:51,000Except for our younger son David8600:04:51,000 –> 00:04:55,000who said that he needed to earn some money8700:04:55,000 –> 00:04:58,000and so went to work landscaping8800:04:58,000 –> 00:04:59,000on this blistering hot day8900:04:59,000 –> 00:05:01,000for someone who had hired him.9000:05:01,000 –> 00:05:03,000He was off early in the morning9100:05:03,000 –> 00:05:05,000didn’t come back until seven in the evening9200:05:05,000 –> 00:05:07,000and I could tell as he walked in9300:05:07,000 –> 00:05:09,000that all was not well.9400:05:09,000 –> 00:05:11,000How was your day? I said.9500:05:11,000 –> 00:05:12,000Not good.9600:05:12,000 –> 00:05:14,000Laughter9700:05:14,000 –> 00:05:16,000I got a ticket on the way home9800:05:16,000 –> 00:05:21,000He had worked all day and earned $1009900:05:21,000 –> 00:05:24,000and got fined $110 driving back home.10000:05:24,000 –> 00:05:25,000Laughter10100:05:25,000 –> 00:05:26,000And he said.10200:05:26,000 –> 00:05:29,000And now Dad I have got to do a half day of driving school10300:05:29,000 –> 00:05:31,000and will cost me another half day of work.10400:05:31,000 –> 00:05:32,000He was really miserable.10500:05:32,000 –> 00:05:34,000By the way if you are wondering10600:05:34,000 –> 00:05:37,000how I know so much about driving school10700:05:37,000 –> 00:05:39,000it is because I too have been there.10800:05:39,000 –> 00:05:41,000Laughter10900:05:41,000 –> 00:05:42,000He really is miserable.11000:05:42,000 –> 00:05:44,000You are with a group of people11100:05:44,000 –> 00:05:47,000none of whom want to be there.11200:05:47,000 –> 00:05:49,000Kind of shuffling into the room11300:05:49,000 –> 00:05:51,000trying not to be noticed11400:05:51,000 –> 00:05:53,000and I was certainly in that mode.11500:05:53,000 –> 00:05:55,000And half way through the morning11600:05:55,000 –> 00:05:56,000when we got to the coffee break11700:05:56,000 –> 00:05:58,000sure enough it happened11800:05:58,000 –> 00:06:00,000a lady come straight across the room right to me11900:06:00,000 –> 00:06:02,000You are Pastor Colin aren’t you?12000:06:02,000 –> 00:06:05,000I didn’t expect to see you here.12100:06:05,000 –> 00:06:09,000Laughter12200:06:09,000 –> 00:06:12,000Driving school is penance.12300:06:13,000 –> 00:06:16,000It is a miserable business.12400:06:16,000 –> 00:06:18,000It is a way of making sure12500:06:18,000 –> 00:06:20,000that you know that you have done wrong12600:06:20,000 –> 00:06:22,000and the sheer misery of it12700:06:22,000 –> 00:06:24,000hopefully will restrain you12800:06:24,000 –> 00:06:26,000from driving too fast12900:06:26,000 –> 00:06:28,000in the future.13000:06:28,000 –> 00:06:32,000Now repentance obviously13100:06:32,000 –> 00:06:34,000is something entirely different right?13200:06:34,000 –> 00:06:36,000If it is something positive13300:06:36,000 –> 00:06:37,000and to be pursued13400:06:37,000 –> 00:06:39,000if it is something over which13500:06:39,000 –> 00:06:40,000there is joy in heaven13600:06:40,000 –> 00:06:41,000and therefore there must be13700:06:41,000 –> 00:06:43,000recourse it obviously is something13800:06:43,000 –> 00:06:44,000completely different and if you got13900:06:44,000 –> 00:06:46,000these 2 things confused14000:06:46,000 –> 00:06:47,000you’ll never understand14100:06:47,000 –> 00:06:48,000the meaning of repentance14200:06:48,000 –> 00:06:49,000in the Bible.14300:06:49,000 –> 00:06:50,000We’ve been learning14400:06:50,000 –> 00:06:52,000that it’s a wonderful thing14500:06:52,000 –> 00:06:53,000in J. I. Packers words14600:06:53,000 –> 00:06:55,000it is turning from14700:06:55,000 –> 00:06:56,000as much as you know14800:06:56,000 –> 00:06:57,000of your sin to give14900:06:57,000 –> 00:06:58,000as much as you know of yourself15000:06:58,000 –> 00:06:59,000to as much as you know15100:06:59,000 –> 00:07:00,000of your God.15200:07:00,000 –> 00:07:02,000it is a life long process15300:07:02,000 –> 00:07:04,000of change from the inside out15400:07:04,000 –> 00:07:06,000by which you are moved15500:07:06,000 –> 00:07:07,000from one degree of glory15600:07:07,000 –> 00:07:08,000to another15700:07:08,000 –> 00:07:10,000increasingly conformed15800:07:10,000 –> 00:07:11,000to the likeness of Christ15900:07:11,000 –> 00:07:13,000that is why there is joy16000:07:13,000 –> 00:07:14,000in it for heaven16100:07:14,000 –> 00:07:15,000and therefore there is joy16200:07:15,000 –> 00:07:18,000in it for you.16300:07:18,000 –> 00:07:19,000so I hope that we’re beginning16400:07:19,000 –> 00:07:20,000to frame up all different16500:07:20,000 –> 00:07:22,000views of repentance16600:07:22,000 –> 00:07:24,000a gift to be desired16700:07:24,000 –> 00:07:28,000and a path to be pursue.16800:07:28,000 –> 00:07:29,000now today we’re going to16900:07:29,000 –> 00:07:30,000look at the teaching17000:07:30,000 –> 00:07:31,000of Jesus together17100:07:31,000 –> 00:07:33,000with regards to this great subject17200:07:33,000 –> 00:07:35,000Our Lord as you know17300:07:35,000 –> 00:07:36,000taught many things17400:07:36,000 –> 00:07:38,000in parables17500:07:38,000 –> 00:07:39,000stories that gave17600:07:39,000 –> 00:07:41,000shafts of light17700:07:41,000 –> 00:07:42,000for those who had17800:07:42,000 –> 00:07:44,000eyes to see17900:07:44,000 –> 00:07:45,000and one of the parables18000:07:45,000 –> 00:07:47,000of Jesus18100:07:47,000 –> 00:07:48,000was given very18200:07:48,000 –> 00:07:49,000specifically to teach us18300:07:49,000 –> 00:07:51,000about this business18400:07:51,000 –> 00:07:52,000of repentance18500:07:52,000 –> 00:07:53,000and you find it in18600:07:53,000 –> 00:07:55,000Matthew chapter 2118700:07:55,000 –> 00:07:57,000and beginning at18800:07:57,000 –> 00:08:00,000verse 2818900:08:00,000 –> 00:08:01,000Notice that in the NIV19000:08:01,000 –> 00:08:02,000it is called19100:08:02,000 –> 00:08:06,000the parable of the two sons19200:08:06,000 –> 00:08:07,000now Jesus of course19300:08:07,000 –> 00:08:10,000told two different stories19400:08:10,000 –> 00:08:12,000about two sons19500:08:12,000 –> 00:08:14,000and the better known story19600:08:14,000 –> 00:08:15,000is the parable of the19700:08:15,000 –> 00:08:17,000prodigal son which was19800:08:17,000 –> 00:08:18,000read for us from Luke19900:08:18,000 –> 00:08:20,000chapter 15 and we will20000:08:20,000 –> 00:08:21,000touch on that a little20100:08:21,000 –> 00:08:23,000later this morning20200:08:23,000 –> 00:08:24,000but we start with this20300:08:24,000 –> 00:08:25,000story in Matthew,20400:08:25,000 –> 00:08:27,000in chapter 2120500:08:27,000 –> 00:08:29,000where Jesus speaks20600:08:29,000 –> 00:08:30,000specifically about20700:08:30,000 –> 00:08:32,000repentance20800:08:32,000 –> 00:08:33,000hope you have it open20900:08:33,000 –> 00:08:34,000in front of you21000:08:34,000 –> 00:08:35,000what do you think21100:08:35,000 –> 00:08:37,000Jesus says21200:08:37,000 –> 00:08:38,000there was a man who21300:08:38,000 –> 00:08:41,000had two sons21400:08:41,000 –> 00:08:42,000he went to the first21500:08:42,000 –> 00:08:43,000and said son go and21600:08:43,000 –> 00:08:44,000work today21700:08:44,000 –> 00:08:46,000in the vineyard21800:08:46,000 –> 00:08:49,000I will not21900:08:49,000 –> 00:08:51,000he answered22000:08:51,000 –> 00:08:53,000but later he changed22100:08:53,000 –> 00:08:55,000his mind22200:08:55,000 –> 00:08:56,000now literally,22300:08:56,000 –> 00:08:57,000the word that is22400:08:57,000 –> 00:08:58,000repented22500:08:58,000 –> 00:08:59,000later he repented22600:08:59,000 –> 00:09:01,000he changed his mind22700:09:01,000 –> 00:09:02,000and went22800:09:02,000 –> 00:09:03,000then the22900:09:03,000 –> 00:09:04,000father went to23000:09:04,000 –> 00:09:05,000the other son23100:09:05,000 –> 00:09:07,000and said the same thing23200:09:07,000 –> 00:09:08,000and he answered23300:09:08,000 –> 00:09:09,000I will sir23400:09:09,000 –> 00:09:11,000but he did not go23500:09:11,000 –> 00:09:13,000now Jesus asks23600:09:13,000 –> 00:09:14,000verse 3123700:09:14,000 –> 00:09:15,000which of the two23800:09:15,000 –> 00:09:16,000did what his father23900:09:16,000 –> 00:09:18,000wanted24000:09:18,000 –> 00:09:19,000the first they24100:09:19,000 –> 00:09:22,000answered24200:09:22,000 –> 00:09:23,000Jesus said to them24300:09:23,000 –> 00:09:25,000that I tell you24400:09:25,000 –> 00:09:26,000the truth24500:09:26,000 –> 00:09:27,000the tax collectors24600:09:27,000 –> 00:09:28,000and the prostitutes24700:09:28,000 –> 00:09:29,000that is people24800:09:29,000 –> 00:09:30,000who would be24900:09:30,000 –> 00:09:31,000perceived to be25000:09:31,000 –> 00:09:32,000miles away from25100:09:32,000 –> 00:09:33,000God25200:09:33,000 –> 00:09:34,000from the kingdom of God25300:09:34,000 –> 00:09:35,000ahead of you25400:09:35,000 –> 00:09:36,000Jesus says25500:09:36,000 –> 00:09:37,000for John25600:09:37,000 –> 00:09:38,000came to you25700:09:38,000 –> 00:09:39,000to show you25800:09:39,000 –> 00:09:40,000the way of righteousness25900:09:40,000 –> 00:09:41,000and you26000:09:41,000 –> 00:09:42,000did not believe him26100:09:42,000 –> 00:09:43,000but the tax collectors26200:09:43,000 –> 00:09:44,000and the prostitutes26300:09:44,000 –> 00:09:45,000did26400:09:45,000 –> 00:09:46,000and even26500:09:46,000 –> 00:09:47,000after you26600:09:47,000 –> 00:09:48,000saw this26700:09:48,000 –> 00:09:49,000you did not26800:09:49,000 –> 00:09:50,000repent26900:09:51,000 –> 00:09:54,000and believe him27000:09:54,000 –> 00:09:55,000so this is clearly27100:09:55,000 –> 00:09:56,000a story27200:09:56,000 –> 00:09:57,000a parable of Jesus27300:09:57,000 –> 00:09:58,000dedicated to explaining27400:09:58,000 –> 00:09:59,000the subject of27500:09:59,000 –> 00:10:00,000repentance27600:10:00,000 –> 00:10:01,000he’s telling us27700:10:01,000 –> 00:10:02,000what it is27800:10:02,000 –> 00:10:03,000and he is telling us27900:10:03,000 –> 00:10:06,000how it happens28000:10:06,000 –> 00:10:08,000now lets begin with28100:10:08,000 –> 00:10:09,000the second28200:10:09,000 –> 00:10:10,000son28300:10:10,000 –> 00:10:11,000verse thirty28400:10:11,000 –> 00:10:12,000the father says28500:10:12,000 –> 00:10:13,000to him28600:10:13,000 –> 00:10:14,000go and work28700:10:14,000 –> 00:10:16,000in my vineyard28800:10:16,000 –> 00:10:18,000and this28900:10:18,000 –> 00:10:19,000second son says29000:10:19,000 –> 00:10:20,000I will sir29100:10:20,000 –> 00:10:23,000now this is29200:10:23,000 –> 00:10:24,000impresive29300:10:24,000 –> 00:10:26,000the boys response29400:10:26,000 –> 00:10:27,000is immediate29500:10:27,000 –> 00:10:29,000and positive29600:10:29,000 –> 00:10:30,000I will29700:10:30,000 –> 00:10:34,000and notice how29800:10:34,000 –> 00:10:35,000polite he is29900:10:35,000 –> 00:10:36,000he even calls30000:10:36,000 –> 00:10:37,000his father sir30100:10:37,000 –> 00:10:38,000yes sir30200:10:38,000 –> 00:10:40,000I will go and30300:10:40,000 –> 00:10:43,000work in your vineyard30400:10:43,000 –> 00:10:44,000now I think anyone30500:10:44,000 –> 00:10:45,000who saw this30600:10:45,000 –> 00:10:47,000clean cut lad30700:10:47,000 –> 00:10:48,000would have been30800:10:48,000 –> 00:10:50,000very impressed30900:10:50,000 –> 00:10:51,000with him31000:10:51,000 –> 00:10:52,000he is the sort of boy31100:10:52,000 –> 00:10:53,000about whom31200:10:53,000 –> 00:10:55,000old ladies would say31300:10:55,000 –> 00:10:56,000oh he is such31400:10:56,000 –> 00:10:57,000a nice lad31500:10:57,000 –> 00:10:58,000such a good boy31600:10:59,000 –> 00:11:01,000he respects his father31700:11:01,000 –> 00:11:02,000he is always willing31800:11:02,000 –> 00:11:03,000to help31900:11:03,000 –> 00:11:04,000and work32000:11:04,000 –> 00:11:05,000that any father32100:11:05,000 –> 00:11:06,000would be proud32200:11:06,000 –> 00:11:08,000to have a son like that32300:11:08,000 –> 00:11:10,000go and work in my vineyard32400:11:10,000 –> 00:11:12,000I will sir32500:11:14,000 –> 00:11:15,000but now Jesus32600:11:15,000 –> 00:11:16,000punctures the balloon32700:11:16,000 –> 00:11:18,000in 5 simple words32800:11:18,000 –> 00:11:19,000but32900:11:19,000 –> 00:11:20,000he33000:11:20,000 –> 00:11:21,000did33100:11:21,000 –> 00:11:22,000not33200:11:22,000 –> 00:11:23,000go33300:11:23,000 –> 00:11:25,000he didn’t go33400:11:26,000 –> 00:11:29,000the second son said he would go33500:11:29,000 –> 00:11:30,000he intended to go33600:11:30,000 –> 00:11:33,000but he did not go33700:11:33,000 –> 00:11:34,000you’re listening to Open the Bible33800:11:34,000 –> 00:11:35,000with pastor Colin Smith33900:11:35,000 –> 00:11:37,000we’ve got to pause the message briefly34000:11:37,000 –> 00:11:38,000but we will be back very shortly34100:11:38,000 –> 00:11:39,000so do stay with us34200:11:41,000 –> 00:11:42,000the message is called34300:11:42,000 –> 00:11:43,000Finding the Hidden Path34400:11:43,000 –> 00:11:45,000to a Transformed Life34500:11:45,000 –> 00:11:46,000it’s part of our series34600:11:46,000 –> 00:11:48,000all about repentence34700:11:48,000 –> 00:11:49,000and if you’ve missed any of the series34800:11:49,000 –> 00:11:50,000you can easily catch up34900:11:50,000 –> 00:11:51,000or go back and35000:11:51,000 –> 00:11:52,000listen again35100:11:52,000 –> 00:11:53,000by coming online35200:11:53,000 –> 00:11:54,000to our website35300:11:54,000 –> 00:11:56,000openthebibl.org.uk35400:11:57,000 –> 00:11:58,000or go to your favorite podcast site35500:11:58,000 –> 00:11:59,000and search there for35600:12:00,000 –> 00:12:02,000For Open the Bible UK35700:12:02,000 –> 00:12:03,000or follow the link35800:12:03,000 –> 00:12:04,000from our website35900:12:05,000 –> 00:12:06,000I know many of you36000:12:06,000 –> 00:12:07,000listen to podcasts36100:12:07,000 –> 00:12:08,000and we’re excited to tell you36200:12:08,000 –> 00:12:09,000about a new podcast36300:12:09,000 –> 00:12:10,000for Open the Bible36400:12:11,000 –> 00:12:12,000it’s a companion to36500:12:12,000 –> 00:12:13,000Pastor Colin’s book36600:12:13,000 –> 00:12:15,000Hike Through the Bible36700:12:16,000 –> 00:12:17,000Yes and each week36800:12:17,000 –> 00:12:18,000I’ll read a chapter from the book36900:12:19,000 –> 00:12:20,000and then I get to37000:12:20,000 –> 00:12:21,000discuss it with some friends37100:12:21,000 –> 00:12:22,000so if you join us37200:12:22,000 –> 00:12:23,000on the podcast37300:12:23,000 –> 00:12:24,000for three weeks37400:12:24,000 –> 00:12:25,000we’ll cover 50 chapters37500:12:25,000 –> 00:12:26,000of the Bible together37600:12:26,000 –> 00:12:27,000and in a year37700:12:27,000 –> 00:12:28,000you’ll have hiked37800:12:28,000 –> 00:12:30,000through the entire Bible story37900:12:31,000 –> 00:12:32,000Now if you think38000:12:32,000 –> 00:12:33,000hiking sounds like hard work38100:12:33,000 –> 00:12:34,000don’t worry38200:12:34,000 –> 00:12:35,000I promise you38300:12:35,000 –> 00:12:36,000this hike will be38400:12:37,000 –> 00:12:38,000an easy gentle pace38500:12:38,000 –> 00:12:39,000There’s a link to the podcast38600:12:40,000 –> 00:12:41,000and lots more information38700:12:42,000 –> 00:12:43,000on our website38800:12:43,000 –> 00:12:44,000at38900:12:44,000 –> 00:12:46,000openthebible.org.uk39000:12:47,000 –> 00:12:48,000Back to the message now39100:12:49,000 –> 00:12:50,000Here again is Pastor Colin39200:12:50,000 –> 00:12:51,000The second son39300:12:51,000 –> 00:12:52,000said he would go39400:12:52,000 –> 00:12:53,000He intended to go39500:12:53,000 –> 00:12:55,000but he did not go39600:12:56,000 –> 00:12:57,000and there’s a warning here39700:12:57,000 –> 00:12:59,000that is very important39800:12:59,000 –> 00:13:00,000for us today39900:13:00,000 –> 00:13:01,000and that is40000:13:01,000 –> 00:13:02,000Jesus is warning us40100:13:02,000 –> 00:13:04,000about the danger40200:13:04,000 –> 00:13:06,000of an empty profession40300:13:06,000 –> 00:13:07,000in other words40400:13:07,000 –> 00:13:08,000saying yes40500:13:08,000 –> 00:13:09,000to God40600:13:09,000 –> 00:13:11,000is of no value40700:13:11,000 –> 00:13:12,000if you do not do40800:13:12,000 –> 00:13:13,000what he says40900:13:13,000 –> 00:13:14,000and that’s the point41000:13:14,000 –> 00:13:15,000Jesus is making41100:13:15,000 –> 00:13:16,000in this parable41200:13:17,000 –> 00:13:18,000What this lad said41300:13:18,000 –> 00:13:20,000was great41400:13:20,000 –> 00:13:21,000it was very impressive41500:13:21,000 –> 00:13:22,000but what he did41600:13:22,000 –> 00:13:23,000did not match41700:13:23,000 –> 00:13:25,000the profession that he had made41800:13:26,000 –> 00:13:27,000and Jesus’ question41900:13:27,000 –> 00:13:28,000is quite devastating here42000:13:28,000 –> 00:13:29,000Which son did42100:13:29,000 –> 00:13:31,000what the father wanted42200:13:31,000 –> 00:13:33,000and obviously42300:13:33,000 –> 00:13:35,000it was not the second son42400:13:35,000 –> 00:13:37,000Jesus is making the point42500:13:37,000 –> 00:13:38,000what matters is not so much42600:13:38,000 –> 00:13:39,000what you say42700:13:39,000 –> 00:13:40,000but what matters42800:13:40,000 –> 00:13:42,000it’s what you do42900:13:43,000 –> 00:13:45,000this is a consistent theme43000:13:45,000 –> 00:13:46,000in the teaching of the lord Jesus43100:13:46,000 –> 00:13:47,000in the Gospels43200:13:47,000 –> 00:13:49,000Matthew Chapter 743300:13:49,000 –> 00:13:50,000and verse 2143400:13:51,000 –> 00:13:52,000Jesus said43500:13:52,000 –> 00:13:54,000not everyone43600:13:54,000 –> 00:13:56,000who says to me43700:13:56,000 –> 00:13:57,000Lord, Lord43800:13:57,000 –> 00:13:59,000You know, the interesting thing is43900:13:59,000 –> 00:14:00,000that that word44000:14:00,000 –> 00:14:01,000Lord, Lord44100:14:01,000 –> 00:14:02,000it’s44200:14:02,000 –> 00:14:03,000Sir, Sir44300:14:03,000 –> 00:14:04,000it’s the same word44400:14:04,000 –> 00:14:05,000that’s used in the parable here44500:14:05,000 –> 00:14:06,000couret44600:14:06,000 –> 00:14:07,000Not everyone who44700:14:07,000 –> 00:14:08,000says to me44800:14:08,000 –> 00:14:09,000Sir, Sir44900:14:09,000 –> 00:14:10,000will enter the kingdom45000:14:10,000 –> 00:14:11,000of Heaven45100:14:11,000 –> 00:14:13,000but only he45200:14:13,000 –> 00:14:14,000who does45300:14:14,000 –> 00:14:15,000the will of my father45400:14:15,000 –> 00:14:16,000who is in Heaven45500:14:17,000 –> 00:14:18,000So entrance into Heaven45600:14:18,000 –> 00:14:19,000isn’t a matter45700:14:20,000 –> 00:14:21,000of simply45800:14:21,000 –> 00:14:22,000saying that you’re going to follow45900:14:22,000 –> 00:14:23,000the Lord’s way46000:14:23,000 –> 00:14:24,000It is a matter of46100:14:24,000 –> 00:14:25,000actually following46200:14:25,000 –> 00:14:26,000the Lord’s way46300:14:26,000 –> 00:14:27,000That is what Jesus is saying46400:14:27,000 –> 00:14:28,000in Matthew 746500:14:29,000 –> 00:14:30,000and verse 2146600:14:31,000 –> 00:14:32,000In other words46700:14:32,000 –> 00:14:33,000the bible gives46800:14:34,000 –> 00:14:36,000no assurance whatsoever46900:14:37,000 –> 00:14:38,000for a person47000:14:39,000 –> 00:14:40,000who professes faith47100:14:41,000 –> 00:14:42,000but does not follow47200:14:42,000 –> 00:14:44,000the will of the Father47300:14:44,000 –> 00:14:45,000The Bible gives47400:14:45,000 –> 00:14:46,000no assurance47500:14:46,000 –> 00:14:47,000to the second son47600:14:47,000 –> 00:14:48,000who says47700:14:48,000 –> 00:14:49,000to God47800:14:50,000 –> 00:14:51,000but does not follow through47900:14:51,000 –> 00:14:53,000on what he has said48000:14:53,000 –> 00:14:54,000In other words48100:14:54,000 –> 00:14:55,000you cannot be saved48200:14:55,000 –> 00:14:57,000by empty words48300:14:57,000 –> 00:14:59,000or by good intentions48400:15:00,000 –> 00:15:01,000The second son said48500:15:01,000 –> 00:15:02,000he would go48600:15:03,000 –> 00:15:04,000No doubt he intended48700:15:04,000 –> 00:15:05,000to go48800:15:06,000 –> 00:15:07,000But he did not go48900:15:08,000 –> 00:15:09,000He did not do49000:15:09,000 –> 00:15:11,000what the father wanted49100:15:15,000 –> 00:15:16,000Now what we are learning here49200:15:16,000 –> 00:15:17,000is very important49300:15:17,000 –> 00:15:18,000and it is especially important49400:15:18,000 –> 00:15:20,000in Evangelicalism today49500:15:22,000 –> 00:15:25,000If you profess faith49600:15:25,000 –> 00:15:26,000but knowingly49700:15:26,000 –> 00:15:28,000continue in sin49800:15:28,000 –> 00:15:30,000you have no reason49900:15:30,000 –> 00:15:32,000to believe that you are50000:15:32,000 –> 00:15:33,000a true Christian50100:15:34,000 –> 00:15:36,000You are in the same position50200:15:36,000 –> 00:15:37,000as the second son50300:15:38,000 –> 00:15:39,000who said50400:15:39,000 –> 00:15:40,000I will, sir50500:15:40,000 –> 00:15:41,000but did not do50600:15:41,000 –> 00:15:43,000what his father wanted50700:15:44,000 –> 00:15:45,000And the teaching of Jesus50800:15:45,000 –> 00:15:46,000is very clear here50900:15:46,000 –> 00:15:47,000and throughout the gospels51000:15:47,000 –> 00:15:48,000Matthew chapter 751100:15:48,000 –> 00:15:49,000verse 21 particularly51200:15:49,000 –> 00:15:51,000saying Yes to God51300:15:51,000 –> 00:15:53,000is of no value51400:15:53,000 –> 00:15:54,000if it does not lead you51500:15:54,000 –> 00:15:56,000to do what he commands51600:15:58,000 –> 00:15:59,000Not everyone who says to me51700:15:59,000 –> 00:16:00,000Sir, sir51800:16:00,000 –> 00:16:01,000I will, sir51900:16:02,000 –> 00:16:04,000will enter the kingdom of heaven52000:16:04,000 –> 00:16:05,000but only he who does52100:16:05,000 –> 00:16:06,000does the will of my father52200:16:06,000 –> 00:16:07,000who is in heaven52300:16:09,000 –> 00:16:11,000Now the Bible speaks very clearly52400:16:11,000 –> 00:16:12,000by a way of warning52500:16:12,000 –> 00:16:14,000to the person52600:16:14,000 –> 00:16:15,000usually the religious person52700:16:15,000 –> 00:16:17,000who professes faith52800:16:18,000 –> 00:16:19,000who made a decision52900:16:19,000 –> 00:16:21,000who went forward at a meeting53000:16:21,000 –> 00:16:23,000who was part of a youth group53100:16:23,000 –> 00:16:25,000who reckons him or herself53200:16:25,000 –> 00:16:26,000to be a Christian53300:16:26,000 –> 00:16:29,000but really continues in parking53400:16:30,000 –> 00:16:31,000and what the Bible says53500:16:31,000 –> 00:16:32,000to such a person53600:16:32,000 –> 00:16:33,000is simply this53700:16:33,000 –> 00:16:34,000If you live according53800:16:34,000 –> 00:16:36,000to the sinful nature53900:16:36,000 –> 00:16:37,000you will die54000:16:38,000 –> 00:16:39,000Romans chapter 854100:16:40,000 –> 00:16:41,000and verse 1354200:16:42,000 –> 00:16:45,000Where did we get the idea54300:16:46,000 –> 00:16:48,000that if you say yes to Jesus54400:16:48,000 –> 00:16:49,000you are eternally secure54500:16:49,000 –> 00:16:50,000even though you show54600:16:50,000 –> 00:16:52,000no evidence of pursuing54700:16:52,000 –> 00:16:54,000a life that is pleasing to God54800:16:56,000 –> 00:16:57,000You certainly do not54900:16:57,000 –> 00:16:59,000find that anywhere in the Bible55000:17:00,000 –> 00:17:02,000The mark of a true Christian55100:17:02,000 –> 00:17:03,000in the scripture55200:17:03,000 –> 00:17:04,000is that he or she55300:17:04,000 –> 00:17:06,000walks in repentance55400:17:06,000 –> 00:17:08,000and in faith55500:17:09,000 –> 00:17:10,000That’s a growing thing55600:17:10,000 –> 00:17:12,000It’s never perfectly55700:17:12,000 –> 00:17:14,000nor completely done55800:17:14,000 –> 00:17:16,000By the very nature of the fact55900:17:16,000 –> 00:17:17,000that its progressive56000:17:17,000 –> 00:17:18,000It’s never complete56100:17:18,000 –> 00:17:20,000it’s not that we see everything56200:17:20,000 –> 00:17:22,000but that we’re on the path56300:17:22,000 –> 00:17:23,000of turning from56400:17:23,000 –> 00:17:25,000as much as we know of sin56500:17:25,000 –> 00:17:27,000to give as much as we know of self56600:17:27,000 –> 00:17:30,000to as much as we know of God56700:17:32,000 –> 00:17:34,000Now that’s authentic Christianity56800:17:35,000 –> 00:17:37,000And it’s been cheapened56900:17:37,000 –> 00:17:39,000in our time57000:17:39,000 –> 00:17:41,000to the point where many people think57100:17:41,000 –> 00:17:42,000that if you put up your hand57200:17:42,000 –> 00:17:43,000and have said a prayer57300:17:43,000 –> 00:17:44,000if you say57400:17:44,000 –> 00:17:45,000I will, sir57500:17:45,000 –> 00:17:47,000that that’s all that it is57600:17:48,000 –> 00:17:50,000Which is patently unbiblical57700:17:51,000 –> 00:17:52,000and clearly so57800:17:52,000 –> 00:17:54,000in the teaching of Jesus himself57900:17:55,000 –> 00:17:57,000So there is a warning here58000:17:57,000 –> 00:17:58,000that we need to hear58100:17:58,000 –> 00:18:00,000lest there be church folks58200:18:00,000 –> 00:18:02,000who complacently assume58300:18:02,000 –> 00:18:03,000that all is well58400:18:03,000 –> 00:18:04,000When in fact there is no evidence58500:18:04,000 –> 00:18:06,000for thinking that all is well58600:18:06,000 –> 00:18:11,000I was 17 years old58700:18:11,000 –> 00:18:14,000When I sat in a convention in England58800:18:14,000 –> 00:18:17,000Listening to Dr. Allan Redpath58900:18:17,000 –> 00:18:19,000Preached powerfully59000:18:19,000 –> 00:18:21,000and I still remember59100:18:21,000 –> 00:18:23,000the impact of what he said59200:18:23,000 –> 00:18:27,000If you have an unchanged life59300:18:28,000 –> 00:18:30,000you have an unsaved soul59400:18:31,000 –> 00:18:32,000period59500:18:33,000 –> 00:18:35,000and I remember thinking59600:18:35,000 –> 00:18:37,000as a 17-year-old59700:18:38,000 –> 00:18:41,000So this is not just words59800:18:42,000 –> 00:18:44,000It’s serious59900:18:45,000 –> 00:18:49,000It really is about doing the will of the Father60000:18:50,000 –> 00:18:52,000Where in the Bible do we find the idea60100:18:53,000 –> 00:18:56,000that a man can be saved without it making any difference to his life?60200:18:58,000 –> 00:18:59,000It is not there60300:19:00,500 –> 00:19:02,000It’s not the gospel60400:19:02,000 –> 00:19:06,000The gospel is well expressed right through out the whole scripture60500:19:07,000 –> 00:19:09,000Let me give it to you from Isaiah, the prophet60600:19:10,000 –> 00:19:13,000Chapter 55 and verses 6 and 760700:19:14,000 –> 00:19:16,000Seek the LORD while he may be found60800:19:17,000 –> 00:19:18,000Call upon him while he is near60900:19:19,000 –> 00:19:21,000Let the wicked forsake his way61000:19:22,000 –> 00:19:23,000And the evil man his thoughts61100:19:24,000 –> 00:19:28,000Let him turn to the LORD and he will have mercy on him61200:19:29,000 –> 00:19:30,000You see that? Let the wicked forsake his way61300:19:30,000 –> 00:19:31,000And the evil man his thoughts61400:19:32,000 –> 00:19:36,000There is a forsaking, a leaving, a decisive turning61500:19:38,000 –> 00:19:42,000And in this way we turn to the LORD who will have mercy upon us61600:19:43,000 –> 00:19:45,000In other words Isaiah is saying, the whole gospel is saying61700:19:46,000 –> 00:19:47,000That if we are going to turn to the LORD61800:19:48,000 –> 00:19:49,000What that means is that we will have to forsake wickedness61900:19:50,000 –> 00:19:52,000If we are going to receive mercy62000:19:53,000 –> 00:19:54,000Then we have to turn from evil thoughts62100:19:55,000 –> 00:19:56,000You cannot pursue evil thoughts62200:19:57,000 –> 00:19:58,000And turn to the LORD at the same time62300:19:58,000 –> 00:20:00,000You cannot hold what GOD calls wicked62400:20:01,000 –> 00:20:03,000And receive mercy at the same time62500:20:04,000 –> 00:20:06,000God has never promised to forgive one sin62600:20:07,000 –> 00:20:09,000That you are not willing to forsake62700:20:10,000 –> 00:20:12,000You say well I can think of some sins that I ve fallen into many times62800:20:14,000 –> 00:20:16,000Well are you willing to forsake it now?62900:20:17,000 –> 00:20:19,000Are you in the spirit that says63000:20:20,000 –> 00:20:24,000LORD have mercy upon me and create in me a clean heart63100:20:25,000 –> 00:20:27,000Or are you one who comes and says63200:20:28,000 –> 00:20:31,000forgive me, forgive me and I have every intention of doing it again63300:20:37,000 –> 00:20:39,000Let the wicked forsake his way63400:20:40,000 –> 00:20:42,000You feel the power of that word forsake63500:20:44,000 –> 00:20:48,000and the evil man his thoughts63600:20:50,000 –> 00:20:51,000Let him turn to the LORD63700:20:51,000 –> 00:20:52,000and have mercy upon him63800:21:06,000 –> 00:21:08,000You know there’s a warning here isn’t there63900:21:09,000 –> 00:21:11,000There’s a warning that comes from the second son64000:21:12,000 –> 00:21:18,000A warning about the central importance of repentance in the Christian life64100:21:18,000 –> 00:21:25,000A warning that what Jesus is about is not the business of words only64200:21:26,000 –> 00:21:29,000But of changing our lives that’s what the Gospel is64300:21:30,000 –> 00:21:32,000A reminder there from Pastor Colin Smith64400:21:33,000 –> 00:21:36,000that it’s not what you say that matters so much as what you do64500:21:37,000 –> 00:21:40,000You have been listening to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith64600:21:41,000 –> 00:21:44,000and a message called Finding the Hidden Path to a Transformed Life64700:21:45,000 –> 00:21:47,000all about repentance64800:21:48,000 –> 00:21:50,000and if you’ve missed any of these series so far64900:21:50,000 –> 00:21:52,000you can catch up or go back and listen again65000:21:52,000 –> 00:21:54,000by coming online to our website65100:21:54,000 –> 00:21:56,000openthebible.org.uk65200:21:57,000 –> 00:21:59,000or by going to your favourite podcast site65300:21:59,000 –> 00:22:01,000and searching for Open the Bible UK65400:22:01,000 –> 00:22:05,000there you will find all the messages which have already been broadcast65500:22:05,000 –> 00:22:07,000While here on our website65600:22:07,000 –> 00:22:09,000do check out the other resources we have65700:22:09,000 –> 00:22:12,000for churches, groups and individuals65800:22:12,000 –> 00:22:15,000receiving teaching materials and Bible study65900:22:15,000 –> 00:22:18,000and also of course Open the Bible Daily66000:22:18,000 –> 00:22:20,000that’s our series of short66100:22:20,000 –> 00:22:22,0002-3 minute daily reflections66200:22:22,000 –> 00:22:24,000based on pastor Colin’s teaching66300:22:24,000 –> 00:22:26,000and read specially in the UK66400:22:26,000 –> 00:22:28,000That’s Open the Bible Daily66500:22:28,000 –> 00:22:30,000on our website66600:22:30,000 –> 00:22:32,000openthebible.org.uk66700:22:32,000 –> 00:22:35,000Open the Bible is supported by our listeners66800:22:35,000 –> 00:22:37,000it’s people just like you66900:22:37,000 –> 00:22:39,000who keep Open the Bible on this station67000:22:39,000 –> 00:22:41,000on the internet67100:22:41,000 –> 00:22:43,000and in our sites67200:22:43,000 –> 00:22:45,000so if you already give to support the work67300:22:45,000 –> 00:22:47,000thank you so much67400:22:47,000 –> 00:22:49,000If supporting Open the Bible financially67500:22:49,000 –> 00:22:51,000is something you’d like to begin to do67600:22:51,000 –> 00:22:53,000this month we’d love to say thank you67700:22:53,000 –> 00:22:55,000by sending you a free gift67800:22:55,000 –> 00:22:57,000if you’re able to begin67900:22:57,000 –> 00:22:59,000a new direct debit of £5 per month68000:22:59,000 –> 00:23:01,000or more68100:23:01,000 –> 00:23:03,000or a one-off gift of £60 or more68200:23:03,000 –> 00:23:05,000we’d love to send you a copy68300:23:05,000 –> 00:23:07,000of Nancy Guthrie’s book68400:23:07,000 –> 00:23:09,000I’m Praying For You68500:23:09,000 –> 00:23:11,000Poolside ways of praying the bible68600:23:11,000 –> 00:23:13,000for someone who is suffering68700:23:13,000 –> 00:23:15,000Colin, what makes this book68800:23:15,000 –> 00:23:17,000different from other books on prayer?68900:23:17,000 –> 00:23:20,000Well it’s not so much a book you would read69000:23:20,000 –> 00:23:22,000as a book that you would use69100:23:22,000 –> 00:23:24,000and some folks listening to us69200:23:24,000 –> 00:23:26,000might be saying I don’t have time to read another book69300:23:26,000 –> 00:23:28,000Well this is actually69400:23:28,000 –> 00:23:30,000a resource69500:23:30,000 –> 00:23:32,000that you would use69600:23:32,000 –> 00:23:34,000to shape your praying for someone else69700:23:34,000 –> 00:23:36,000in your life, that you’re committed69800:23:36,000 –> 00:23:38,000to praying for69900:23:38,000 –> 00:23:40,000So in this book, Nancy Guthrie gives us70000:23:40,000 –> 00:23:42,000very wonderfully70100:23:42,000 –> 00:23:44,00040 different ways70200:23:44,000 –> 00:23:46,000of praying for someone we love70300:23:46,000 –> 00:23:48,000or someone who is suffering70400:23:48,000 –> 00:23:49,000someone who’s in a particular need70500:23:49,000 –> 00:23:51,000They’re all drawn directly70600:23:51,000 –> 00:23:53,000from scripture70700:23:53,000 –> 00:23:55,000and what she does is in just a few paragraphs70800:23:55,000 –> 00:23:57,000she points to a scripture70900:23:57,000 –> 00:23:59,000explains what it means71000:23:59,000 –> 00:24:01,000and then frames a prayer71100:24:01,000 –> 00:24:03,000that you can actually use71200:24:03,000 –> 00:24:05,000that you love and care for71300:24:05,000 –> 00:24:06,000someone in need in your own life71400:24:06,000 –> 00:24:08,000so the way to use this book71500:24:08,000 –> 00:24:09,000is to identify someone71600:24:09,000 –> 00:24:11,000or maybe two or three people71700:24:11,000 –> 00:24:12,000that you’re praying for71800:24:12,000 –> 00:24:14,000and then use the book71900:24:14,000 –> 00:24:15,000as a resource to guide and shape72000:24:15,000 –> 00:24:17,000your praying over a period of 40 days72100:24:17,000 –> 00:24:19,000and what you’re going to find is this72200:24:19,000 –> 00:24:21,000that you’re praying will be fresh72300:24:23,000 –> 00:24:25,000you will be drawing from the scriptures72400:24:25,000 –> 00:24:27,000and you’ll have the confidence of knowing72500:24:27,000 –> 00:24:29,000that you’re praying according to God’s will72600:24:29,000 –> 00:24:31,000because whatever is in the scripture72700:24:31,000 –> 00:24:33,000is the will of God for his people72800:24:33,000 –> 00:24:35,000Well, we’d love to send you a copy72900:24:35,000 –> 00:24:37,000of Ms. Andy’s book I’m Praying for You73000:24:37,000 –> 00:24:39,000when you begin a new direct debit73100:24:39,000 –> 00:24:41,000to the work of Open the Bible73200:24:41,000 –> 00:24:43,000of £5 per month or more73300:24:43,000 –> 00:24:45,000or a one-off gift of £60 or more73400:24:46,000 –> 00:24:48,000You’ll find full terms and conditions73500:24:48,000 –> 00:24:49,000online at our website73600:24:49,000 –> 00:24:51,000www.openthebible.org.uk73700:24:52,000 –> 00:24:54,000and you can also give online73800:24:54,000 –> 00:24:56,000If you want us to send you this free gift73900:24:57,000 –> 00:24:59,000please don’t give anonymously74000:24:59,000 –> 00:25:00,000and don’t forget to leave74100:25:00,000 –> 00:25:01,000your full name and address74200:25:01,000 –> 00:25:03,000so we can send you your gift74300:25:03,000 –> 00:25:05,000For Open the Bible and pastor Colin Smith74400:25:05,000 –> 00:25:07,000I’m David Pick74500:25:07,000 –> 00:25:09,000Thanks for being with us today74600:25:09,000 –> 00:25:11,000and I hope you’ll join us again next time