WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 –> 00:00:06.640 I want to invite you to open your Bibles at Isaiah in chapter 66. We’re continuing this series 00:00:07.360 –> 00:00:09.360 Restore My Soul 00:00:09.520 –> 00:00:13.440 Nine heart cries for revival and really what we’re asking of God is that 00:00:14.080 –> 00:00:18.080 he would move in a fresh way breathe upon us in our own hearts and lives and 00:00:18.639 –> 00:00:22.959 Move across our congregation in the work that he has called us to do 00:00:22.959 –> 00:00:29.600 And I have to tell you I’d a very hard job deciding. What was the best title for this message? 00:00:30.480 –> 00:00:33.680 Restore worship was the first option and that’s the one we’ve gone with 00:00:34.400 –> 00:00:36.639 the other would have been restore mission 00:00:37.360 –> 00:00:37.919 and 00:00:37.919 –> 00:00:42.480 I think we’re going to see from the Bible this morning why it was so hard to make the choice because these two 00:00:42.799 –> 00:00:49.139 Are wrapped so closely together. The reason I went with worship is simply because it is logically prior 00:00:49.779 –> 00:00:52.759 But we’re going to see from the scriptures that worship and mission 00:00:53.619 –> 00:00:55.779 Are so tightly wound together 00:00:56.340 –> 00:00:59.860 That you really cannot separate the one from the other 00:01:00.740 –> 00:01:01.700 in fact 00:01:01.700 –> 00:01:05.540 You know with all the talk about worship in churches today 00:01:06.500 –> 00:01:08.500 If you want to evaluate 00:01:09.220 –> 00:01:11.220 a church’s worship 00:01:11.779 –> 00:01:18.339 The best way I think that you can do that is to ask about that church’s commitment to mission 00:01:18.980 –> 00:01:20.980 That’s going to get you beneath the talk 00:01:21.620 –> 00:01:24.279 And enable you to discern the reality 00:01:25.300 –> 00:01:29.540 Because one sure sign of a church losing its way in worship 00:01:30.339 –> 00:01:32.339 Is that it loses its interest? 00:01:33.300 –> 00:01:34.980 in mission 00:01:34.980 –> 00:01:39.620 Putting it positively when God restores worship, which is what we’re looking at today 00:01:40.180 –> 00:01:42.339 his people pursue mission 00:01:43.059 –> 00:01:45.300 And these two are wrapped together 00:01:45.839 –> 00:01:47.839 everywhere in the scripture 00:01:48.080 –> 00:01:52.059 Now, of course they were born together in isaiah’s own experience 00:01:52.059 –> 00:01:57.860 Remember how isaiah was launched into ministry as a prophet the great experience 00:01:58.720 –> 00:02:05.440 Of worship that he was given recorded in isaiah chapter 6. Remember in the year that king uzziah died 00:02:05.839 –> 00:02:07.839 Isaiah says I saw the lord 00:02:08.240 –> 00:02:14.800 Seated on the throne high and exalted and the train of his robe filled the temple now isaiah had known the lord for many years 00:02:15.440 –> 00:02:19.139 But then at some point he is given what was one of the highest 00:02:20.220 –> 00:02:23.139 Experiences of worship in all of the old testament 00:02:23.839 –> 00:02:27.440 He saw the lord not directly because no one has ever seen god 00:02:27.520 –> 00:02:34.559 But he saw the train of the robe filling the temple. He was given a glimpse of the glory of god 00:02:34.639 –> 00:02:36.639 Now what came out of that? 00:02:37.360 –> 00:02:40.240 Well, if you look back in isaiah chapter 6 and many of us know it 00:02:41.199 –> 00:02:48.000 out of the vision out of this worship god says who shall I send and who will go for us and 00:02:49.199 –> 00:02:51.199 In the place of worship 00:02:51.639 –> 00:02:53.639 Isaiah says here am I? 00:02:53.839 –> 00:02:55.720 Send me 00:02:55.720 –> 00:02:59.419 So Isaiah knows from his own experience that this is the pattern 00:03:00.199 –> 00:03:02.199 worship leads to mission 00:03:03.080 –> 00:03:05.080 therefore a worshiping church 00:03:05.520 –> 00:03:07.580 will be increasingly a 00:03:08.000 –> 00:03:09.559 missionary church 00:03:09.559 –> 00:03:15.460 Those who see Christ’s glory are those who will become compelled to proclaim Christ’s glory 00:03:15.979 –> 00:03:18.020 Therefore when worship is restored 00:03:18.020 –> 00:03:20.020 missions will flourish 00:03:20.759 –> 00:03:27.820 Now I want you to see that from Isaiah chapter 66. Isaiah’s experience at the beginning becomes his dominant theme at the end 00:03:28.600 –> 00:03:29.880 But before we do that 00:03:29.880 –> 00:03:32.800 I just want to remind you and especially for all who are new to our 00:03:33.080 –> 00:03:39.160 Congregation if you’re trying to understand this church you saying what’s this church about what’s really important in this church? 00:03:40.440 –> 00:03:44.380 Understand that this church is deeply committed to worship and 00:03:45.240 –> 00:03:47.119 to mission 00:03:47.119 –> 00:03:51.800 Gathering around the Lord’s Word for worship is central to our life together 00:03:52.399 –> 00:03:54.399 That is why praise God for this 00:03:54.759 –> 00:03:57.520 We are meeting this weekend and every weekend in 00:03:58.240 –> 00:04:00.240 seven worship services 00:04:00.460 –> 00:04:04.639 Over two days in three different venues praise God for that privilege 00:04:04.639 –> 00:04:05.740 Why would we do that? 00:04:05.740 –> 00:04:12.139 Because the gathering of God’s people together in worship around the Word of God is central to our life together 00:04:14.100 –> 00:04:20.059 Worship is central to our life mission is central to our ministry. We have the privilege of 00:04:22.059 –> 00:04:24.059 Supporting over 50 00:04:24.299 –> 00:04:28.619 Missionaries in various parts of the world you can see their pictures get updated there 00:04:28.619 –> 00:04:33.119 You’ll see it on the back of at the orchard you find it everywhere across the life of our church 00:04:33.920 –> 00:04:35.920 Twenty cents in 00:04:36.760 –> 00:04:41.160 Every dollar that is given to ministry here in the orchard 00:04:41.640 –> 00:04:44.359 Goes to mission and to outreach 00:04:45.079 –> 00:04:50.779 So if you are giving to the ministry here you are invested in ministry not only here 00:04:51.040 –> 00:04:51.859 but 00:04:51.859 –> 00:04:54.679 to the ends of the earth I 00:04:55.399 –> 00:05:01.459 Wonder if you have noticed how worship and mission are bonded together at the very heart of our mission statement 00:05:01.920 –> 00:05:07.160 Which we all know of course by heart so well having recited it every morning that you don’t even need it on the screens 00:05:07.160 –> 00:05:13.820 But we’ll have it on the screens just in case you have a momentary lapse and let’s read it together the orchard 00:05:14.279 –> 00:05:18.380 Evangelical free church exists to glorify God by 00:05:18.859 –> 00:05:20.179 multiplying 00:05:20.179 –> 00:05:22.239 God-centered Christ exalting 00:05:23.019 –> 00:05:26.540 world-transforming believers through the gospel in the greater 00:05:26.640 –> 00:05:31.339 Chicago area and around the world now notice the three key words that are at the center 00:05:31.339 –> 00:05:35.820 Of it Godscentered Christ exalting. That’s worship 00:05:38.200 –> 00:05:40.399 World-transforming that’s mission 00:05:42.059 –> 00:05:46.859 so worship and mission stand together at the heart of our life and 00:05:47.140 –> 00:05:53.140 Ministry like an old married couple who are never never never to be separated 00:05:53.140 –> 00:05:58.540 I want us to see today than from the Bible how it is that worship fires 00:05:59.399 –> 00:06:00.859 mission and 00:06:00.859 –> 00:06:03.160 To get where we’re going just by way of summary 00:06:03.160 –> 00:06:07.279 If you would look at verse 18 and verse 19, you’ll see the connection right there 00:06:07.700 –> 00:06:13.160 Isaiah chapter 66 last chapter verse 18 and verse 19 in 00:06:13.600 –> 00:06:20.220 Verse 18. Do you see there that God gathers a community of people who see his glory? 00:06:21.000 –> 00:06:24.820 He gathers from the nation’s people who will see his glory 00:06:25.519 –> 00:06:27.559 That’s Worship seeing his glory 00:06:28.399 –> 00:06:29.500 verse 19 00:06:29.500 –> 00:06:36.799 God then sends people from this community that see his glory to proclaim his glory to the nations that are 00:06:37.140 –> 00:06:40.980 Distant nations to the very ends of the earth. That’s Mission 00:06:41.540 –> 00:06:45.200 God gathers a community that see his glory verse 18 00:06:45.200 –> 00:06:51.359 That’s Worship. God sends people from that community to the end of the earth to proclaim his glory verse 00:06:51.459 –> 00:06:56.260 19 that’s mission bonded together can never never never be 00:06:56.940 –> 00:07:02.700 Separated so let’s begin with worship then restoring worship. I want to make three observations 00:07:03.700 –> 00:07:04.839 here 00:07:04.839 –> 00:07:06.200 number one 00:07:06.200 –> 00:07:08.200 seeing Christ’s glory is 00:07:09.000 –> 00:07:10.799 the heart of 00:07:10.799 –> 00:07:12.119 worship 00:07:12.119 –> 00:07:13.559 God says verse 18 00:07:13.559 –> 00:07:18.579 I will gather all nations and tongues and they will come and they will see my glory 00:07:19.220 –> 00:07:20.760 now in its ultimate fulfillment 00:07:20.959 –> 00:07:26.380 Of course the Lord is speaking here about what will happen when Christ comes and we are brought into the new heavens 00:07:26.799 –> 00:07:33.260 Finally and the new earth. This is the promise to all of God’s people if you are in Christ, you will see 00:07:34.059 –> 00:07:35.200 his 00:07:35.200 –> 00:07:37.200 glory and 00:07:37.279 –> 00:07:40.000 in heaven for all eternity 00:07:41.279 –> 00:07:43.200 Everything you discover 00:07:43.200 –> 00:07:49.380 Everything you accomplish and everything you enjoy will give you just more and more of a taste of His glory 00:07:49.920 –> 00:07:54.779 You will never get used to him. You will never tire of him his truth as 00:07:55.260 –> 00:08:00.640 You explore the new heavens and the new earth will just keep expanding your mind 00:08:01.480 –> 00:08:03.760 His love as you 00:08:04.640 –> 00:08:11.380 Enjoy all that he’s prepared for those who love him. His love will just keep on expanding and filling your heart 00:08:12.160 –> 00:08:15.640 His beauty will keep firing your imagination 00:08:15.899 –> 00:08:23.500 And his purpose will keep directing your will and after if we can think of it, this way a million ages in heaven a million 00:08:24.100 –> 00:08:25.239 ages 00:08:25.239 –> 00:08:27.420 you will only have seen 00:08:28.500 –> 00:08:30.820 the beginning of God’s glory 00:08:31.859 –> 00:08:36.940 You will never tire or find life in heaven old or dull 00:08:37.140 –> 00:08:43.719 It will always be fresh and new. And the reason for that is that Christ’s glory is 00:08:43.979 –> 00:08:45.979 Inexhaustible 00:08:46.500 –> 00:08:48.500 Now, here’s the point 00:08:48.840 –> 00:08:56.299 Our worship now is a foretaste of what we will experience then 00:08:57.619 –> 00:09:04.200 Listen to what Paul says about worship in 1st Corinthians chapter 13, you know, by the way that 1st Corinthians chapter 00:09:04.599 –> 00:09:06.599 13 is about worship 00:09:06.599 –> 00:09:08.340 And some folks have the idea 00:09:08.359 –> 00:09:13.900 you know that Paul was taking a sort of coffee break from writing theology in Corinthians and so I know 00:09:14.000 –> 00:09:18.679 Let’s give him a nice passage that they can use at a wedding. I’ll write 1st Corinthians chapter 13 00:09:18.760 –> 00:09:22.520 Well, it’s a wonderful passage for a wedding, but you need to know it’s about worship 00:09:23.140 –> 00:09:28.599 You read chapter 12 and chapter 14. It’s written to a church that’s in a debate about worship 00:09:28.599 –> 00:09:31.219 Chapter 13 is right in the middle. It’s all about worship 00:09:31.219 –> 00:09:34.419 Have I speak with the tongues of men and of angels he’s talking about worship 00:09:34.419 –> 00:09:37.599 Now here is what he says about worship at the end of 1 Corinthians 13 00:09:38.580 –> 00:09:40.059 now 00:09:40.059 –> 00:09:43.599 We see but a poor reflection as in a mirror 00:09:44.979 –> 00:09:46.500 Then 00:09:46.500 –> 00:09:49.000 We shall see face to face 00:09:50.219 –> 00:09:54.359 He’s saying when we worship now, here’s what’s happening. We’re seeing a 00:09:55.539 –> 00:09:57.979 reflection of the glory of Jesus 00:09:57.979 –> 00:09:59.619 We are getting an anticipation 00:09:59.619 –> 00:10:04.140 in worship of what we will see more fully and wonderfully and 00:10:04.260 –> 00:10:08.080 Gloriously when we are in his immediate presence in heaven 00:10:08.099 –> 00:10:13.559 That’s what worship is is what Paul is saying to us seeing Christ glory is 00:10:14.780 –> 00:10:16.760 the heart of worship 00:10:17.179 –> 00:10:21.080 so every glimpse of Jesus Christ that you have in singing and 00:10:21.380 –> 00:10:27.460 Just the choir help us in our praise and every glimpse of Christ that you have been praying and in 00:10:27.859 –> 00:10:30.539 Preaching and in the Word of God and around the Lord’s table 00:10:30.539 –> 00:10:34.239 It is an anticipation affort taste of the unclouded joy 00:10:34.239 –> 00:10:39.340 That will belong to every one of Christ’s people when we see him in his glory in heaven 00:10:40.700 –> 00:10:42.700 Now that’s what worship is 00:10:43.460 –> 00:10:49.380 So, you know when folks talk about worship today, I think you know, many folks have the idea that worship is basically singing 00:10:50.020 –> 00:10:56.500 If you are understanding worship biblically, you will grasp that the heart of worship 00:10:57.619 –> 00:10:59.619 Lies not in what we sing 00:11:00.419 –> 00:11:02.419 But in what we see 00:11:02.900 –> 00:11:05.059 because seeing christ’s glory 00:11:05.780 –> 00:11:07.059 is 00:11:07.059 –> 00:11:09.059 the heart of worship 00:11:09.059 –> 00:11:13.059 So every service of worship ought to be like a visit to the grand canyon 00:11:13.780 –> 00:11:15.140 You know, it’s big 00:11:15.140 –> 00:11:19.299 But when you get to the room, it’s bigger than you thought you go. Wow 00:11:20.340 –> 00:11:22.500 and even folks who’ve been there many times 00:11:23.219 –> 00:11:29.619 Will say, you know every time I go it’s bigger than I remembered it to be. That’s what worship is like 00:11:30.159 –> 00:11:32.020 god is 00:11:32.020 –> 00:11:32.900 bigger 00:11:32.900 –> 00:11:35.859 Than the greatest thought you have ever had about him 00:11:36.900 –> 00:11:40.659 His love is deeper than you think his power is stronger than you think 00:11:41.140 –> 00:11:44.580 His holiness is purer than you think and worship gives us 00:11:45.219 –> 00:11:46.979 a little glimpse 00:11:46.979 –> 00:11:48.820 as in a mirror 00:11:48.820 –> 00:11:51.059 Of what one day we will see face 00:11:51.539 –> 00:11:53.539 to face 00:11:53.859 –> 00:12:01.219 Now I want us to follow that up with two other things from the new testament that are very important in relation to seeing christ’s glory 00:12:01.380 –> 00:12:06.260 Which is the heart of worship I want us to remember so that we’ll be thankful that 00:12:06.979 –> 00:12:10.500 Seeing christ’s glory is is a miracle of grace 00:12:10.580 –> 00:12:12.580 That’s the second observation on worship 00:12:13.140 –> 00:12:17.859 in as much as you see christ to be great and a treasure and glorious and 00:12:17.919 –> 00:12:24.500 Wonderful, and you worship him from your heart and your mind staggers at how great and glorious 00:12:24.500 –> 00:12:27.380 He is that is a gift of god’s grace to you 00:12:28.260 –> 00:12:29.219 Why? 00:12:29.219 –> 00:12:31.219 Well, because we don’t have that naturally 00:12:32.099 –> 00:12:38.419 Second corinthians chapter 4 and verse 4 paul says that the god of this age, that’s satan he’s referring to 00:12:39.059 –> 00:12:45.000 Here’s what he’s done. He’s blinded the minds of those who don’t believe so that they can’t see the glory of christ 00:12:45.640 –> 00:12:51.239 And you see there are thousands millions of people in this world for whom the name of jesus at the center of our worship 00:12:51.479 –> 00:12:53.479 is just a swear word a blasphemy 00:12:54.440 –> 00:12:58.599 And honestly, there are many people who come to church and they enjoy the service 00:12:59.320 –> 00:13:04.520 Now pastor colin preached a great sermon and weren’t the choir wonderful and that was a great song and so forth 00:13:04.520 –> 00:13:11.099 They enjoy the service, but they don’t see christ’s glory. They don’t go away saying isn’t jesus christ wonderful 00:13:11.799 –> 00:13:13.799 I saw his greatness freshly 00:13:15.640 –> 00:13:17.739 Now you see that’s our natural condition 00:13:19.320 –> 00:13:22.599 And how is it then that that you may even this morning? 00:13:22.599 –> 00:13:28.919 Have had your heart lifted to see how great and how wonderful jesus christ is if that has happened for you this morning 00:13:29.000 –> 00:13:32.520 Thank god because it’s his light that has caused this to happen 00:13:32.599 –> 00:13:38.280 Paul says in verse six of second corinthians and chapter four god who said let light 00:13:38.840 –> 00:13:40.520 Shine out of darkness 00:13:40.520 –> 00:13:44.119 He has made his light to shine into our hearts to give us 00:13:44.440 –> 00:13:47.880 the light of the knowledge of the glory of god in the face of jesus christ 00:13:50.679 –> 00:13:53.260 Why do I love jesus 00:13:55.320 –> 00:13:58.760 When people I know and love don’t care for him at all 00:14:00.440 –> 00:14:02.440 It’s your grace. It’s your love 00:14:02.919 –> 00:14:04.919 you 00:14:06.039 –> 00:14:09.640 Every glimpse of christ glory is a a miracle of grace. You know 00:14:10.039 –> 00:14:16.039 Moses went up the mountain and he prayed a great prayer in exodus 33. He said, oh god. Show me your glory 00:14:17.159 –> 00:14:22.119 And I can’t think of a better prayer for you to have in your heart or in your mind as we come to worship 00:14:22.919 –> 00:14:26.039 You know come with us in your heart and mind lord. Show me your glory 00:14:26.760 –> 00:14:32.760 Help me not just to go through another service help me to see more today of how great jesus christ is in the bible 00:14:33.080 –> 00:14:35.080 in the worship 00:14:35.640 –> 00:14:41.159 And every time you open the bible, that’s a great way to pray lord lord show me the greatness of jesus christ 00:14:41.239 –> 00:14:43.500 Why is that so important? Here’s the third observation 00:14:44.599 –> 00:14:48.440 Because seeing christ’s glory changes your life. It really does 00:14:49.159 –> 00:14:52.200 And again, I just want to um draw your attention to 00:14:52.679 –> 00:14:55.179 second corinthians chapter 3 and verse 18 00:14:55.739 –> 00:15:02.539 Where paul he’s been writing about moses seeing the glory of the lord and how his own face shone after that 00:15:02.840 –> 00:15:03.900 experience 00:15:03.900 –> 00:15:08.780 And then he says of us believers we who with unveiled faces reflect or rather 00:15:09.260 –> 00:15:14.219 The better translation in some translations is behold we who behold the lord’s glory 00:15:15.099 –> 00:15:17.099 We who see his glory 00:15:17.260 –> 00:15:24.400 We who are grasping something of how great He is what happens as we behold His glory. We are being transformed 00:15:25.979 –> 00:15:27.979 into His likeness 00:15:28.619 –> 00:15:33.580 And come to worship. You see something of the greatness and glory of Jesus that changes you 00:15:34.859 –> 00:15:36.859 authentic worship is 00:15:37.239 –> 00:15:38.619 Transformational 00:15:38.619 –> 00:15:43.580 The more we behold His glory, that’s why being God-centered and christ-exalting is so important 00:15:44.299 –> 00:15:46.299 The more we behold His glory 00:15:46.619 –> 00:15:51.820 The more we will be changed into His likeness that second Corinthians chapter 3 and verse 18 00:15:52.140 –> 00:15:55.260 This is the inner dynamic of change in the christian life 00:15:57.099 –> 00:16:00.859 Now when you grasp that you’ll quickly see why it is that worship fires mission 00:16:02.059 –> 00:16:05.840 Because if by beholding His glory, we are transformed into His likeness 00:16:07.179 –> 00:16:10.460 Then those who go on beholding His glory in worship 00:16:11.020 –> 00:16:15.099 Will find that they are increasingly changed into the likeness of the son of god 00:16:16.059 –> 00:16:18.859 Who came to seek and to save? 00:16:19.739 –> 00:16:21.739 That which is lost 00:16:22.380 –> 00:16:24.380 That’s how worship fires mission 00:16:24.619 –> 00:16:29.340 Out of the community that really sees christ’s glory and has a passion for christ’s glory 00:16:29.739 –> 00:16:34.219 God will raise up and commission and send out people who will proclaim his glory 00:16:35.099 –> 00:16:39.099 therefore where god restores worship his people pursue 00:16:39.739 –> 00:16:44.159 Mission, do you see how integrated these things are and how they can never be separated? 00:16:44.179 –> 00:16:45.299 Incorporated 00:16:45.299 –> 00:16:51.619 the mark of you that is authentically god-centered and christ exalting is 00:16:52.099 –> 00:16:59.539 A community of people who are utterly dedicated to proclaiming his glory both where god has set us and to the ends 00:17:00.020 –> 00:17:01.460 of the earth 00:17:01.460 –> 00:17:07.459 Now for that reason I want us to see the second theme that is in here, which is this great theme of world mission 00:17:07.839 –> 00:17:14.339 Dr. Alec Metir. Here who is perhaps the foremost writer on the prophecy of isaiah in our time 00:17:14.739 –> 00:17:17.180 Makes this statement. He says the clearest 00:17:17.900 –> 00:17:19.579 old testament 00:17:19.579 –> 00:17:21.079 statement of 00:17:21.079 –> 00:17:23.439 The theme of missionary outreach 00:17:24.079 –> 00:17:29.160 He says it’s right here in isaiah chapter 46 the clearest old testament statement 00:17:30.160 –> 00:17:34.000 About missionary outreach. So as a church that’s committed to mission 00:17:34.119 –> 00:17:40.060 It seems to me that it’s good for us to soak ourselves in and understand. Well the clearest 00:17:40.920 –> 00:17:42.339 Old Testament 00:17:42.339 –> 00:17:43.920 statement and 00:17:43.920 –> 00:17:50.880 Commission with regards to world mission and I want to offer five statements five observations five 00:17:51.119 –> 00:17:58.079 Propositions if you like that really frame a philosophy of missions right from this strategic 00:17:58.560 –> 00:18:02.339 Chapter isaiah and chapter 66 number one 00:18:03.160 –> 00:18:05.160 It relates to missionary calling 00:18:07.540 –> 00:18:09.579 God 00:18:09.579 –> 00:18:11.579 distinctly calls 00:18:11.900 –> 00:18:13.640 some people 00:18:13.640 –> 00:18:15.640 to serve him as 00:18:15.979 –> 00:18:17.979 cross-cultural missionaries 00:18:18.939 –> 00:18:21.160 Now that’s an important statement today 00:18:21.160 –> 00:18:27.000 And I’m basing it on verse 19 where God who gathers the community who see his glory 00:18:27.400 –> 00:18:29.400 Says I will send 00:18:29.920 –> 00:18:31.339 some I 00:18:31.359 –> 00:18:33.359 will send some 00:18:33.920 –> 00:18:39.819 There’s a lot of debate today in mission circles about whether there is such a thing as a missionary call 00:18:40.939 –> 00:18:44.199 There’s a lot of debate in theological and pastoral 00:18:44.699 –> 00:18:49.619 circles as to whether there is such a thing as a calling to pastoral ministry and 00:18:50.640 –> 00:18:54.280 That is an important discussion does God 00:18:55.780 –> 00:18:57.400 specifically call 00:18:57.400 –> 00:18:59.119 some people 00:18:59.119 –> 00:19:01.119 to become missionaries 00:19:02.199 –> 00:19:06.000 Now it’s often said I remember this from my childhood 00:19:06.000 –> 00:19:12.579 I remember in Sunday School at being said you don’t need to go overseas in order to become a missionary 00:19:12.939 –> 00:19:16.079 In fact, you can be a missionary right where you are 00:19:16.400 –> 00:19:20.199 In fact, every Christian is a missionary now hands up 00:19:20.479 –> 00:19:23.680 Everyone who’s heard some version of that statement being that come on 00:19:23.699 –> 00:19:27.739 If you’ve been in church any length of time we’ve all heard that one and we know what’s meant by that 00:19:28.140 –> 00:19:30.140 we’re all called to 00:19:30.260 –> 00:19:35.959 Bear witness to Christ and to be lights in the world and this kind of line, you know 00:19:36.359 –> 00:19:41.160 Everybody’s a missionary is very popular because it makes everybody feel affirmed 00:19:41.979 –> 00:19:43.979 But here’s the problem with it 00:19:44.579 –> 00:19:47.280 if we say that everyone is a missionary 00:19:48.640 –> 00:19:52.339 we lose sight of the distinct calling that 00:19:53.180 –> 00:19:55.180 God gives to some people 00:19:56.099 –> 00:19:59.260 To give their lives to cross cultural mission 00:20:01.140 –> 00:20:02.300 Candidly 00:20:02.300 –> 00:20:03.900 I’ve been asked more than once 00:20:03.900 –> 00:20:07.859 Why do we make a big deal of these 50 people who run the board at the back in the fire? 00:20:08.540 –> 00:20:10.880 That shows a total lack of understanding 00:20:12.560 –> 00:20:14.260 That God 00:20:14.260 –> 00:20:16.260 distinctly calls 00:20:16.260 –> 00:20:18.180 some people 00:20:18.180 –> 00:20:21.339 to serve him in cross-cultural missions and 00:20:22.319 –> 00:20:24.819 And look at verse 19, well you please 00:20:25.579 –> 00:20:31.500 God says I will send what’s the next word some not all 00:20:33.599 –> 00:20:37.839 God distinctly calls some people to cross-cultural mission 00:20:37.859 –> 00:20:43.979 We are all called to bear witness to Christ, but we have different call gifts and we have different callings now 00:20:44.699 –> 00:20:47.760 How do you know then if you are called to this? 00:20:49.060 –> 00:20:50.859 Two ways 00:20:51.479 –> 00:20:57.900 God’s call will be discerned first by the individual and second confirmed by the church 00:20:57.900 –> 00:21:01.560 That’s why we have an important role to play in regard to this 00:21:02.540 –> 00:21:04.540 Let me illustrate it personally 00:21:05.020 –> 00:21:08.660 How do I know that God called me to be a pastor? 00:21:10.060 –> 00:21:11.979 Two reasons 00:21:11.979 –> 00:21:13.619 number one 00:21:13.619 –> 00:21:15.459 over time 00:21:15.459 –> 00:21:16.579 God 00:21:16.579 –> 00:21:20.880 Laid in my heart. I found within my own heart a passion for this work 00:21:21.719 –> 00:21:26.000 Felt compelled towards pursuing it and never shook that off 00:21:26.760 –> 00:21:28.760 That’s reason number one number two 00:21:29.239 –> 00:21:31.239 You guys agreed 00:21:32.079 –> 00:21:35.239 Seriously or actually to be to be more accurate 00:21:36.079 –> 00:21:39.760 First another bunch of guys in a church in North London agreed 00:21:39.760 –> 00:21:44.040 and it was my privilege to serve as their senior pastor for 16 years and 00:21:44.060 –> 00:21:46.000 And 00:21:46.000 –> 00:21:52.680 then you guys said why not come and do it here and it’s been my privilege to serve here for the last 00:21:53.099 –> 00:21:54.359 12 years 00:21:54.359 –> 00:21:58.699 now you see there’s both a subjective and an objective element here a 00:21:59.359 –> 00:22:01.359 personal inclination 00:22:01.619 –> 00:22:06.599 passion and then an objective and wider confirmation 00:22:07.300 –> 00:22:11.439 Now again me say oh, I really feel God wants me to be a pastor 00:22:12.439 –> 00:22:16.479 Well if no church ever says we want you to be our pastor 00:22:16.660 –> 00:22:20.319 Guess what God is probably not calling you to be a pastor and 00:22:21.280 –> 00:22:23.859 Someone might say, you know, I think God’s calling me to be a missionary 00:22:24.780 –> 00:22:30.479 But guess what if no church ever says we want you to be our missionary 00:22:30.979 –> 00:22:34.000 God is probably not calling you to be a missionary 00:22:34.599 –> 00:22:38.319 God gives us safeguards here in which his call is 00:22:38.880 –> 00:22:40.099 given 00:22:40.099 –> 00:22:46.780 Internally and externally so that we may be able to be wise and discerning in this matter now, let me make this practical application 00:22:47.479 –> 00:22:51.219 If God is stirring in your heart 00:22:52.579 –> 00:22:54.020 thoughts about 00:22:54.020 –> 00:22:56.180 interest in 00:22:56.239 –> 00:22:58.239 cross-cultural missions and 00:22:58.420 –> 00:23:02.420 You’re beginning to say is this something that God might have for me? 00:23:03.619 –> 00:23:06.199 Go talk to pastor Dave Wardle 00:23:06.800 –> 00:23:09.359 about it, or Liz Lightbody 00:23:10.640 –> 00:23:12.640 Craig Ott or 00:23:12.800 –> 00:23:15.060 Someone else on our missions team 00:23:15.739 –> 00:23:18.520 don’t be a Lone Ranger on this one and 00:23:19.239 –> 00:23:24.020 Don’t ignore the impulse that God may be stirring in your heart either 00:23:25.319 –> 00:23:30.119 God says I will send some and 00:23:31.699 –> 00:23:33.699 out of this community 00:23:33.920 –> 00:23:35.920 That sees his glory 00:23:36.640 –> 00:23:40.719 He will send more in the next five and the next ten years 00:23:42.599 –> 00:23:44.599 And one of them might be you 00:23:44.920 –> 00:23:46.880 It could be a young person 00:23:46.880 –> 00:23:49.119 be someone in middle life and 00:23:50.219 –> 00:23:54.780 God has a whole new dimension of ministry for you. He calls 00:23:55.800 –> 00:24:00.800 Distinctly call some people to serve him in cross cultural mission 00:24:01.680 –> 00:24:05.060 proposition number two it’s about character if 00:24:05.900 –> 00:24:09.660 Effective missionaries are gripped by the glory of God 00:24:09.859 –> 00:24:14.540 And they’re sorry they are worshipers gripped by the glory of God and they are survivors 00:24:15.260 –> 00:24:18.560 Shaped by the discipline of God 00:24:18.579 –> 00:24:22.780 I think we’ve seen the first thing already verse 18 that 00:24:23.339 –> 00:24:27.420 The missionaries come from a community of people who see Christ’s glory 00:24:27.420 –> 00:24:32.079 So here’s the first thing if you are going to be effective in serving Jesus Christ 00:24:32.140 –> 00:24:34.400 Whether it be here or somewhere else in the world 00:24:34.839 –> 00:24:39.800 You want to be a person who is gripped by the glory of Jesus Christ? Keep that fresh in your soul 00:24:40.500 –> 00:24:45.339 Nothing is more important than this if you are to be effective in God’s work 00:24:46.520 –> 00:24:52.920 Some years ago John piper pastor John piper coined a memorable and very very helpful phrase 00:24:53.479 –> 00:24:59.819 It comes at the beginning of a book that he wrote on missions called let the nation’s be glad and he says this 00:25:00.699 –> 00:25:02.699 Missions exist 00:25:03.020 –> 00:25:08.959 Because worship doesn’t how many people have heard that phrase? It’s a it’s very perceptive 00:25:09.060 –> 00:25:11.959 I’m surprised you must read let the nations be glad 00:25:11.959 –> 00:25:17.099 We’ll get some copies of that at some time in the future. He says this missions exists because worship doesn’t 00:25:17.900 –> 00:25:20.060 In other words across the world 00:25:20.380 –> 00:25:23.339 There are many places where there are millions of people 00:25:23.520 –> 00:25:29.520 who do not see anything great in Jesus Christ do not worship him and the purpose of God is that Jesus Christ will be worshiped 00:25:29.520 –> 00:25:34.520 By people from every tribe and nation and because that is not the reality right now. That’s why we have mission 00:25:35.040 –> 00:25:37.280 the wonderful succinct statement of 00:25:37.640 –> 00:25:43.459 This reality but you know thinking about this it has struck me that the opposite is also true 00:25:44.859 –> 00:25:46.859 missions exist 00:25:47.040 –> 00:25:49.040 because worship does 00:25:49.520 –> 00:25:51.520 see think of this question 00:25:52.520 –> 00:25:54.520 Why in all the world 00:25:55.239 –> 00:26:02.180 Would a person leave the joys and comforts of the totality of our lives here and 00:26:04.699 –> 00:26:10.079 Go to some remote place where people speak a different language 00:26:11.939 –> 00:26:13.739 With all the pressures of that 00:26:13.739 –> 00:26:19.500 What in all the world would motivate a person to go and do that and spend years? 00:26:20.479 –> 00:26:22.479 Yes 00:26:22.479 –> 00:26:25.880 Well there’s one thing that will motivate a person to do that 00:26:28.380 –> 00:26:30.380 Being compelled 00:26:30.800 –> 00:26:33.099 By the glory of Jesus Christ 00:26:33.660 –> 00:26:37.660 And you know that’s the one thing that will sustain a person on the mission field too 00:26:38.180 –> 00:26:41.719 So both these are true missions exist because worship doesn’t 00:26:42.819 –> 00:26:45.520 Missions exist because worship does the people who go 00:26:46.479 –> 00:26:50.780 Effective missionaries are those who are gripped by the greatness of God and 00:26:51.640 –> 00:26:58.479 Also those who have been shaped by the discipline of God look at verse 19. It’s a very striking phrase 00:26:59.260 –> 00:27:02.540 God says verse 19. I will send some of those who survive 00:27:03.400 –> 00:27:04.819 survive 00:27:04.819 –> 00:27:07.780 now because he’s talking immediately here about the exile when 00:27:08.640 –> 00:27:13.140 Jewish people went to Babylon and then in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah 00:27:13.140 –> 00:27:16.660 they were brought back. The survivors came back from the exile 00:27:16.660 –> 00:27:22.959 and it’s out of that continuing community of God’s people that eventually and we’d read about this in the New Testament the gospel goes to 00:27:22.959 –> 00:27:24.300 the ends of 00:27:24.300 –> 00:27:25.939 the earth 00:27:25.939 –> 00:27:28.400 But I think there’s a broader application here 00:27:28.859 –> 00:27:36.300 that those who are most useful and effective and missionary enterprise will be people who have been marked by God’s discipline in their lives they 00:27:36.979 –> 00:27:38.239 Will be 00:27:38.239 –> 00:27:40.239 survivors to use Isaiah’s word 00:27:40.739 –> 00:27:45.459 Who have learned what it is to run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us 00:27:45.979 –> 00:27:50.619 Who know what it is to endure hardship like a good soldier of Jesus Christ? 00:27:53.219 –> 00:27:54.900 God uses 00:27:54.900 –> 00:27:57.060 the tough things in life 00:27:57.780 –> 00:28:02.739 To build the kind of character that makes a person useful in really tough situations 00:28:02.739 –> 00:28:04.599 situations 00:28:04.599 –> 00:28:11.680 So whether it be for someone who goes far or whether it be for us here. Don’t despise the hardships of your life 00:28:13.199 –> 00:28:16.760 Effective missionaries those who are used by God in significant ways 00:28:17.319 –> 00:28:18.880 will be 00:28:18.880 –> 00:28:21.979 Worshippers who are gripped by the glory of God and they’ll be survivors 00:28:22.839 –> 00:28:25.959 Who are shaped by the discipline of God? 00:28:27.119 –> 00:28:29.119 number three 00:28:29.160 –> 00:28:31.140 here’s a 00:28:31.380 –> 00:28:34.660 Proposition with regards to missions focus. Where are we to send folks? 00:28:36.060 –> 00:28:41.319 You want to say from the Scripture that unreached and unconverted people are the focus of 00:28:42.180 –> 00:28:43.739 God’s mission 00:28:43.739 –> 00:28:49.500 Known as God says verse 19. I will send some and then he speaks about the distant lands 00:28:50.660 –> 00:28:53.339 That have not heard of my fame or 00:28:54.020 –> 00:28:59.619 Seen my glory two descriptions of the people to whom God sends missionaries 00:29:00.420 –> 00:29:04.380 He sends missionaries first to those who have not heard of his fame 00:29:05.280 –> 00:29:09.939 We would call these today unreached peoples people who have never heard 00:29:10.719 –> 00:29:17.819 God sends missionaries. He says here that he will send missionaries to communities where there is no viable church and 00:29:18.760 –> 00:29:21.060 it seems clear there for that we 00:29:21.680 –> 00:29:28.979 Should focus our missions effort on unreached peoples and give priority to those who have not heard 00:29:29.979 –> 00:29:33.300 But God specifically says that he will send 00:29:33.819 –> 00:29:37.000 This is what God is doing. And that’s there for what we want to be doing 00:29:37.339 –> 00:29:44.219 He will send people from communities that see his glory to those who have never heard of 00:29:44.979 –> 00:29:46.160 his 00:29:46.160 –> 00:29:48.140 fame 00:29:48.140 –> 00:29:53.040 But I want you to notice that there’s a second description here and sometimes you hear someone who says 00:29:53.040 –> 00:29:56.160 You know, why don’t we just sweep everything away and just do unreached people 00:29:56.739 –> 00:29:57.719 well 00:29:57.719 –> 00:30:00.560 I think there’s an answer to that here as to why 00:30:00.619 –> 00:30:06.579 That would not be a wise thing to do because he says not only those who’ve not heard but also those who have not seen 00:30:06.579 –> 00:30:08.579 my glory 00:30:09.599 –> 00:30:11.599 There are many people 00:30:12.300 –> 00:30:14.300 who have heard the gospel 00:30:14.459 –> 00:30:17.319 And not yet seen Christ’s glory 00:30:17.920 –> 00:30:22.040 By Pastor Greg was praying about this in his pastoral prayer this morning leading us in that 00:30:22.579 –> 00:30:28.300 Lord we’re praying for our children who’ve heard it and heard it and heard it and many of them may not yet have seen 00:30:29.420 –> 00:30:31.300 your glory 00:30:31.300 –> 00:30:33.300 God cares about that 00:30:33.859 –> 00:30:35.380 too 00:30:35.380 –> 00:30:38.760 These are folks who have been reached, but they have not been converted 00:30:39.660 –> 00:30:45.859 So I’m suggesting from this scripture that unreached and unconverted people are the focus of God’s 00:30:46.739 –> 00:30:48.219 mission 00:30:48.219 –> 00:30:49.479 Here’s another phrase, you know 00:30:49.479 –> 00:30:54.359 There’s a lot of phrases get bandied around and they have some truth in them and they’re helpful in some ways and then not in 00:30:54.459 –> 00:30:56.459 Others have you heard this one? 00:30:57.040 –> 00:31:00.099 Nobody has the right to hear the gospel twice 00:31:01.099 –> 00:31:06.339 Until everybody has heard the gospel once how many of us have heard that one that’s been bandied around 00:31:06.819 –> 00:31:13.459 Yeah, it probably was a few years ago, I guess from that little sample, but it was a popular phrase at one time 00:31:13.459 –> 00:31:15.459 No, what do you make of that? 00:31:15.920 –> 00:31:18.319 Nobody has the right to hear the gospel twice 00:31:18.819 –> 00:31:23.459 Until everyone has heard the gospel once how many people are converted after hearing the gospel once? 00:31:24.219 –> 00:31:28.140 Were you converted the first time you heard the gospel? Maybe a very very few of us were 00:31:28.979 –> 00:31:30.979 but not most of us and 00:31:31.319 –> 00:31:34.239 I think the point that we can take to heart here is 00:31:34.900 –> 00:31:36.020 that 00:31:36.020 –> 00:31:40.280 God’s purpose is not only that the nation should be evangelized 00:31:41.760 –> 00:31:43.719 But also that people 00:31:43.719 –> 00:31:46.439 From every nation should be converted 00:31:47.979 –> 00:31:50.819 Not just that the world should hear of his fame 00:31:51.619 –> 00:31:56.619 But that people from every nation of the world should see his glory 00:31:57.939 –> 00:31:59.819 therefore I suggest that 00:31:59.819 –> 00:32:01.380 unreached and 00:32:01.380 –> 00:32:03.380 unconverted people are 00:32:03.400 –> 00:32:07.959 the focus of God’s mission and therefore should be the focus of 00:32:08.579 –> 00:32:13.500 our missions ministry our evangelism compassion and outreach ministries 00:32:14.619 –> 00:32:16.260 as well 00:32:16.260 –> 00:32:18.260 Here’s number for 00:32:18.300 –> 00:32:20.300 priority 00:32:20.660 –> 00:32:22.800 Proclaiming Christ’s glory is 00:32:23.939 –> 00:32:27.260 central to our missionary task 00:32:28.479 –> 00:32:33.359 Now notice again verse 19 is just packed full of this Old Testament mission’s mandate 00:32:34.040 –> 00:32:38.819 God says about those who he sends the missionaries who are sent they will 00:32:39.640 –> 00:32:41.040 proclaim 00:32:41.040 –> 00:32:43.680 My glory that’s what God says 00:32:43.680 –> 00:32:49.380 I’m sending them from communities that see my glory and here’s what they’re going to do they will proclaim 00:32:49.979 –> 00:32:51.680 my 00:32:51.680 –> 00:32:53.680 glory 00:32:53.780 –> 00:33:01.060 Now looking at some phrases that get bandied around not always thoughtfully today. Here’s another one you heard this one 00:33:02.520 –> 00:33:07.079 it’s often said preach the gospel at all times if 00:33:07.859 –> 00:33:09.239 necessary 00:33:09.239 –> 00:33:15.479 Use words anyone see a bumper sticker or a t-shirt that one goes back a long way in the history of the church to early 00:33:15.540 –> 00:33:17.760 Centuries actually and it is often 00:33:18.359 –> 00:33:21.000 Trotted out. It is often quoted and 00:33:21.479 –> 00:33:26.560 Usually by those who have an unclear view of the gospel. Let me ask you to think about it 00:33:27.760 –> 00:33:30.920 Preach the gospel at all times if necessary use words 00:33:32.459 –> 00:33:34.459 How in all the world 00:33:35.400 –> 00:33:40.939 Could you or anyone else communicate the gospel without using words 00:33:43.180 –> 00:33:46.819 See I can communicate love 00:33:47.959 –> 00:33:49.959 without using words 00:33:51.000 –> 00:33:53.239 But love is not the gospel. I 00:33:55.319 –> 00:34:01.959 Can communicate hope without using words, but hope is not the gospel 00:34:01.979 –> 00:34:03.780 Because the gospel 00:34:03.780 –> 00:34:05.020 What is the gospel? 00:34:05.020 –> 00:34:12.379 the gospel is that Jesus Christ the Son of God came into the world died on the cross for our sins rose triumphant from the 00:34:12.379 –> 00:34:16.600 grave and as ascended Lord offers forgiveness of sins 00:34:17.280 –> 00:34:25.600 Reconciliation with God the Father and everlasting life to those who turn to him in repentance and faith crowning him as savior and lord 00:34:26.620 –> 00:34:29.580 Now how in all the world you could communicate that 00:34:30.100 –> 00:34:31.879 Without words. I have no idea 00:34:32.719 –> 00:34:35.919 So when people talk about you know the gospel without words 00:34:36.899 –> 00:34:42.899 Usually, it means they’re not thinking very clearly about what the gospel actually is now 00:34:43.439 –> 00:34:45.439 Here’s the application 00:34:45.739 –> 00:34:47.739 Our missionaries around the world 00:34:48.600 –> 00:34:50.600 engage in a 00:34:51.139 –> 00:34:52.639 galaxy of 00:34:52.639 –> 00:34:54.639 different activities 00:34:54.719 –> 00:34:56.719 that are very very important 00:34:57.219 –> 00:34:59.219 building bridges gaining trust 00:34:59.899 –> 00:35:01.899 Establishing relationships 00:35:03.199 –> 00:35:07.080 Credibility are all very very important, and it’s the same for us here 00:35:07.080 –> 00:35:10.820 If you look at our ministry, we’re engaged in all kinds of different things 00:35:13.500 –> 00:35:19.020 But whether it be here at home or around the world we want as a church to invest in 00:35:19.879 –> 00:35:23.260 Ministries that are committed in some way shape or form 00:35:24.260 –> 00:35:31.340 To proclaiming Christ’s glory and that means putting the gospel of Jesus Christ in some way into words 00:35:32.600 –> 00:35:38.399 Now want us to see this priority clearly what God says about the missionaries that he sends is 00:35:39.899 –> 00:35:42.179 They will proclaim my glory 00:35:44.399 –> 00:35:46.399 Among the nations 00:35:47.080 –> 00:35:52.399 There’s thinking about when I was out in in India a few years ago, we went right out into the sticks 00:35:53.540 –> 00:35:59.939 And a health clinic to people who had absolutely no access to health care at all 00:36:00.100 –> 00:36:04.199 the nurse with a doctor were a line of people and 00:36:04.979 –> 00:36:09.739 We had an evangelist with the Bible sitting down and talking to all who are willing to listen 00:36:10.580 –> 00:36:12.580 About Jesus Christ while they waited 00:36:13.580 –> 00:36:15.580 That’s marvelous 00:36:15.919 –> 00:36:17.919 They proclaim 00:36:18.340 –> 00:36:20.340 Deeds of service 00:36:20.820 –> 00:36:22.820 But the words of the glory of Christ 00:36:24.020 –> 00:36:26.020 married together 00:36:26.139 –> 00:36:30.500 Now here’s the very last thing and it’s the most wonderful thing and maybe a blessing to those 00:36:30.540 –> 00:36:35.600 Who are serving far from us as well as those of us who are able to gather here today 00:36:36.060 –> 00:36:41.139 The reward of missions this great reward this great joy of bringing people 00:36:41.919 –> 00:36:43.919 From all nations to Christ 00:36:44.379 –> 00:36:50.219 this is Christ’s promise and it will be our great great great joy and 00:36:50.439 –> 00:36:52.439 Look at verse 20 00:36:52.820 –> 00:36:59.080 Where God says they will bring all of your brothers from all nations to my holy mountain in Jerusalem 00:36:59.260 –> 00:37:06.260 As an offering to the Lord, now who’s the they it’s the missionaries the whole passages about those who are sent to proclaim 00:37:06.260 –> 00:37:12.159 Christ’s glory by the community that sees Christ’s glory. That’s why it’s such a privilege for us to be 00:37:12.939 –> 00:37:16.560 Intimately involved in this work of global and cross-cultural 00:37:17.439 –> 00:37:21.500 mission what a marvelous picture people are going to be drawn from all the nations and 00:37:22.020 –> 00:37:24.020 they’re gathered before the Lord and 00:37:24.139 –> 00:37:30.820 people from different ethnic backgrounds have all now become brothers because they are united as one in 00:37:31.260 –> 00:37:36.399 Jesus Christ God has gathered them and he has used those who have been sent and 00:37:36.580 –> 00:37:39.360 proclaimed the gospel as the means by which he 00:37:39.540 –> 00:37:45.820 Does this now the new testament takes up this theme of the nations being gathered our people from all the nations? 00:37:46.080 –> 00:37:52.580 Being gathered before our Lord Jesus Christ. You can read about it wonderfully in Revelation 21 and 22 00:37:53.379 –> 00:37:56.179 in fact in Revelation 21 and verse 26 00:37:57.219 –> 00:38:03.280 the Lord says to John that the glory and honor of the nations are 00:38:03.560 –> 00:38:06.560 brought into the city of the New Jerusalem 00:38:06.739 –> 00:38:11.219 That’s the ultimate fulfillment of what Isaiah is talking about right? 00:38:11.979 –> 00:38:17.939 Here, and I was trying to think just have a picture for these last moments to grasp this 00:38:19.239 –> 00:38:21.239 the glory of the nations 00:38:22.100 –> 00:38:24.100 being brought into the New Jerusalem 00:38:25.419 –> 00:38:27.899 People who have been sent out as missionaries 00:38:28.520 –> 00:38:32.020 bringing in a harvest from the nations of the world in 00:38:32.179 –> 00:38:35.820 the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and 00:38:37.080 –> 00:38:42.020 my mind just went to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, can you try and just picture that and 00:38:43.219 –> 00:38:45.219 Here are 00:38:46.040 –> 00:38:51.540 Representatives of every nation participating in these games and 00:38:53.060 –> 00:38:55.879 athletes from each of these nations enter 00:38:56.679 –> 00:38:59.879 the arena they come in groups and 00:39:00.520 –> 00:39:02.820 they walk around the stadium with 00:39:03.560 –> 00:39:08.360 cheers from this vast vast audience that behold the glorious 00:39:09.379 –> 00:39:10.860 spectacle and 00:39:10.860 –> 00:39:12.860 a special honor is 00:39:13.560 –> 00:39:18.060 given to the ones who carry the flag of 00:39:18.820 –> 00:39:20.820 their nation 00:39:21.040 –> 00:39:26.000 Now, I think it’s something like that that God is saying here through Isaiah on the last day 00:39:26.139 –> 00:39:33.320 When peoples from every nation and the planet will be gathered and the glory of the nations will be brought into the city of 00:39:33.679 –> 00:39:37.739 The New Jerusalem and all of Christ’s redeemed people will be gathered together 00:39:38.919 –> 00:39:44.699 Sometimes sing about it in that song when the Saints go marching in I want to be in that number when the Saints go marching in 00:39:46.000 –> 00:39:49.300 He gives to those who have taken the gospel 00:39:50.040 –> 00:39:51.199 the 00:39:51.199 –> 00:39:53.239 joy of bringing in 00:39:54.219 –> 00:39:56.840 the fruit and the harvest of the gospel 00:39:58.159 –> 00:40:01.060 from the nations in which they have 00:40:01.719 –> 00:40:03.719 invested their lives 00:40:04.040 –> 00:40:06.639 And I was moved just to think about that 00:40:09.520 –> 00:40:15.719 That folks who have been sent out from this community this church that sees something of the glory of Jesus 00:40:16.719 –> 00:40:18.719 And we’ve sent them out 00:40:20.080 –> 00:40:22.399 Will come as it were marching in 00:40:24.080 –> 00:40:26.080 With the redeemed of 00:40:26.620 –> 00:40:27.899 Albania 00:40:27.899 –> 00:40:28.919 and 00:40:28.919 –> 00:40:30.979 the redeemed of Chad and 00:40:32.219 –> 00:40:34.219 the redeemed of Germany and 00:40:35.280 –> 00:40:37.320 Honduras and 00:40:37.320 –> 00:40:39.219 Hungary and 00:40:39.219 –> 00:40:41.219 India and 00:40:41.639 –> 00:40:43.639 Indonesia and 00:40:43.899 –> 00:40:45.899 Japan and 00:40:46.239 –> 00:40:47.699 Kenya and 00:40:47.760 –> 00:40:49.760 the Lebanon and 00:40:50.199 –> 00:40:55.780 Mexico and the Middle East and the Philippines and South Africa and 00:40:56.820 –> 00:40:58.659 Spain and 00:40:58.659 –> 00:41:00.659 Sri Lanka 00:41:01.280 –> 00:41:03.280 Tanzania 00:41:04.120 –> 00:41:08.959 Can you picture in your mind the redeemed people of Christ 00:41:11.100 –> 00:41:13.100 Being brought in and 00:41:13.100 –> 00:41:14.520 and 00:41:14.520 –> 00:41:16.520 the cheers of the 00:41:16.520 –> 00:41:23.139 observing angel audience in there thousands upon thousands and ten thousand upon ten thousand and 00:41:23.679 –> 00:41:28.360 They have rejoiced over one sinner who came to Jesus in repentance 00:41:28.360 –> 00:41:33.159 What will be their joy when they see the unveiling of the total harvest of? 00:41:33.360 –> 00:41:40.659 God from all the nations the people from every tribe and every nation the nations bringing their glory into the city 00:41:41.479 –> 00:41:45.679 Will it be that we will come in this way seeing the harvest that? 00:41:46.360 –> 00:41:54.540 Demonstrates that the death of Jesus Christ, and the mission of His Church has brought together the the glory of this 00:41:55.139 –> 00:41:59.919 Worshiping community from every tribe and nation and then when we are gathered 00:42:01.360 –> 00:42:04.239 We will lay all our flags 00:42:04.879 –> 00:42:06.120 at 00:42:06.120 –> 00:42:08.959 the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ 00:42:09.280 –> 00:42:14.219 and he will be crowned as Lord and Savior and 00:42:14.600 –> 00:42:21.479 King of kings forever and ever by all his people from every tribe and nation 00:42:22.219 –> 00:42:24.219 and language 00:42:28.120 –> 00:42:30.120 Father 00:42:30.780 –> 00:42:32.780 Restore worship and 00:42:34.100 –> 00:42:36.100 Out of it 00:42:37.100 –> 00:42:39.100 Restore mission 00:42:40.199 –> 00:42:42.239 Let us see more of your glory 00:42:44.340 –> 00:42:46.540 That we will be more and more compelled 00:42:48.459 –> 00:42:52.360 To send and to stand with those who will proclaim your glory 00:42:55.800 –> 00:42:57.899 Make us a community 00:42:58.939 –> 00:43:00.760 increasingly of 00:43:00.760 –> 00:43:04.199 radically God-centered and Christ exalting and 00:43:04.459 –> 00:43:06.459 world-transforming believers 00:43:07.560 –> 00:43:09.560 Do it through the gospel 00:43:10.520 –> 00:43:15.100 And please do it here in the Greater Chicago Area and 00:43:16.939 –> 00:43:18.939 Around the world 00:43:20.300 –> 00:43:27.620 For the sake of your son Jesus Christ in whose name we pray and all of God’s people together said