1 00:00:00,250 --> 00:00:02,510 We're going to continue in the sermon series that we 2 00:00:02,510 --> 00:00:05,940 started at, in the beginning of November called Thank God For. 3 00:00:06,340 --> 00:00:08,460 And so we've thanked God for his word. 4 00:00:08,470 --> 00:00:10,360 We have thanked God for his Spirit. 5 00:00:10,580 --> 00:00:12,300 We have thanked God for his church. 6 00:00:12,300 --> 00:00:15,369 And last week we talked about thanking God for the life of Jesus. 7 00:00:16,550 --> 00:00:20,680 And so now as we're in the Christmas season, a time where we reflect, remember, 8 00:00:20,939 --> 00:00:25,769 Jesus is coming and those who are selling Advent, we, we wait in anticipation 9 00:00:25,770 --> 00:00:28,129 for his second coming of Jesus. 10 00:00:28,129 --> 00:00:33,339 And so we're going to talk about thanking God today for the sacrifice of Jesus. 11 00:00:34,160 --> 00:00:37,990 And we know Jesus lived a life of sacrifice, so we can really study out 12 00:00:37,990 --> 00:00:42,869 his life again, but we want to talk about and study out and again reflect 13 00:00:42,870 --> 00:00:50,119 and really marvel at the sacrifice that Jesus made for you and me. 14 00:00:51,249 --> 00:00:52,360 Let's go to God in prayer. 15 00:00:52,360 --> 00:00:56,489 Father, thank you so much for this chance to worship, for this chance 16 00:00:56,489 --> 00:00:57,739 to look into your scriptures. 17 00:00:57,739 --> 00:01:01,760 I know for the last week or so just studying things out and even 18 00:01:01,760 --> 00:01:03,280 this morning just being a hit. 19 00:01:04,144 --> 00:01:10,195 And impacted by the blessing we have through your son, Jesus and his sacrifice. 20 00:01:10,535 --> 00:01:14,274 God, there's nothing we can do to repay you, but we can thank you with our lives. 21 00:01:14,274 --> 00:01:18,525 And God, I pray today that we are inspired to thank you more and more 22 00:01:18,675 --> 00:01:20,374 and to thank you with faithfulness. 23 00:01:20,384 --> 00:01:21,844 In Jesus name, Amen. 24 00:01:21,845 --> 00:01:25,815 In Philippians 2, we won't turn there. 25 00:01:25,815 --> 00:01:32,615 The Apostle Paul, he writes how Jesus Jesus was in heaven, but 26 00:01:32,625 --> 00:01:38,275 chose to come to earth, live as a human being, and die upon the cross. 27 00:01:38,275 --> 00:01:42,865 And not only just die, but die a criminal's death, so that 28 00:01:42,865 --> 00:01:45,255 you and I can have salvation. 29 00:01:46,075 --> 00:01:47,785 Now that's a sacrifice, isn't it? 30 00:01:48,570 --> 00:01:51,929 I know many of us, it's hard for us to sacrifice things, especially if 31 00:01:51,929 --> 00:01:55,410 we feel like we're the head honcho or we feel like we've arrived. 32 00:01:55,410 --> 00:02:01,350 We have a certain status, so to lower ourselves would be a sacrifice. 33 00:02:01,770 --> 00:02:07,530 And so for Jesus, God in the flesh, for him to go ahead and sacrifice his 34 00:02:07,530 --> 00:02:13,350 position and lower himself so that he can taste and feel and live like us. 35 00:02:13,905 --> 00:02:18,085 Showing us how to live, but then not only that, but giving us salvation 36 00:02:18,085 --> 00:02:20,755 through a criminal's execution. 37 00:02:21,454 --> 00:02:22,505 And then raising from the dead. 38 00:02:22,625 --> 00:02:24,074 That's a sacrifice. 39 00:02:24,894 --> 00:02:27,655 And so we're going to look at this sacrifice some more. 40 00:02:27,655 --> 00:02:28,875 So here's what I want us to do. 41 00:02:28,885 --> 00:02:32,885 We're going to go over to the book of Colossians, and Colossians is a letter 42 00:02:32,885 --> 00:02:37,215 written by the Apostle Paul, and he writes to the church that met in this city, and 43 00:02:37,424 --> 00:02:40,984 what's incredible about the Apostle Paul, most of us in the audience know this, 44 00:02:40,984 --> 00:02:46,255 but some of us don't, Paul was actually an, uh, really an enemy of Christianity. 45 00:02:47,120 --> 00:02:52,109 He was opposing Christianity and then he became a Christian. 46 00:02:52,370 --> 00:02:56,109 Then he became a leader in the Christian church and then he 47 00:02:56,140 --> 00:03:00,169 ultimately died for his faith in Jesus. 48 00:03:00,620 --> 00:03:04,494 And so that alone right there can testify to the power of Christianity. 49 00:03:04,495 --> 00:03:08,335 The sacrifice of Jesus, but he writes this letter and we're going to study 50 00:03:08,335 --> 00:03:11,875 out just a portion of it because we won't have time to go through it all. 51 00:03:12,105 --> 00:03:15,975 But as we read, here's what I want you to do, whether you're using physical paper, 52 00:03:15,975 --> 00:03:20,474 which is very few of us, or you have in technology, I want you to write down as 53 00:03:20,475 --> 00:03:27,115 we walk through this passage, what stands out to you about the sacrifice of Jesus. 54 00:03:27,165 --> 00:03:28,215 You guys with me here. 55 00:03:28,869 --> 00:03:32,690 And so online as well, uh, you'll have an opportunity to go ahead 56 00:03:32,690 --> 00:03:36,799 and type in the little chat what observations you have about the 57 00:03:36,799 --> 00:03:39,380 sacrifice of Jesus from this passage. 58 00:03:39,390 --> 00:03:40,450 You guys all with me? 59 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:42,429 Alright, let's get into the word here. 60 00:03:42,429 --> 00:03:43,810 Alright, Colossians chapter 1. 61 00:03:44,069 --> 00:03:49,120 Again, we're taking it up in the middle, uh, uh, of the chapter here in verse 13. 62 00:03:49,130 --> 00:03:52,450 It says, For he, talking about God, has rescued us. 63 00:03:52,910 --> 00:03:56,460 From the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom 64 00:03:56,490 --> 00:03:59,480 of the sun he loves in home. 65 00:03:59,550 --> 00:04:02,519 Now, that's really big I'll give you a little teaser right there. 66 00:04:02,519 --> 00:04:04,840 We're going to come back to that idea of in whom. 67 00:04:05,049 --> 00:04:09,390 In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 68 00:04:09,760 --> 00:04:14,359 The sun is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 69 00:04:14,620 --> 00:04:18,959 For in him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible 70 00:04:18,959 --> 00:04:24,850 and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things have 71 00:04:24,850 --> 00:04:27,710 been created through him and for him. 72 00:04:28,034 --> 00:04:32,355 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 73 00:04:32,625 --> 00:04:34,865 And He is the head of the body, the church. 74 00:04:35,115 --> 00:04:38,525 He is the beginning, and the firstborn from among the dead. 75 00:04:38,525 --> 00:04:42,034 So that in everything, He might have the supremacy. 76 00:04:42,354 --> 00:04:46,605 For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him. 77 00:04:46,875 --> 00:04:52,995 And through Him, To reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth 78 00:04:53,335 --> 00:04:58,974 or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross. 79 00:04:59,145 --> 00:05:03,025 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds 80 00:05:03,034 --> 00:05:05,164 because of your evil behavior. 81 00:05:05,465 --> 00:05:11,295 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to 82 00:05:11,295 --> 00:05:16,664 present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation. 83 00:05:17,105 --> 00:05:21,495 If you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move 84 00:05:21,505 --> 00:05:23,525 from the hope held out in the gospel. 85 00:05:23,915 --> 00:05:27,935 This is the gospel you heard and that has been proclaimed to every 86 00:05:27,935 --> 00:05:32,615 creature under heaven and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. 87 00:05:32,864 --> 00:05:34,385 Let's stop right there. 88 00:05:35,514 --> 00:05:40,455 Anything stand out to you about the cross and the crucifixion 89 00:05:40,455 --> 00:05:42,115 and the sacrifice of Jesus? 90 00:05:42,755 --> 00:05:46,264 Did you take down, did you note down anything that stood out to you? 91 00:05:47,100 --> 00:05:47,640 Let's do this. 92 00:05:47,659 --> 00:05:49,380 Go ahead and share with those right next to you. 93 00:05:49,380 --> 00:05:53,110 What are some things that stood out to you about the sacrifice of 94 00:05:53,110 --> 00:05:55,389 Jesus from Colossians chapter one? 95 00:05:55,390 --> 00:05:59,130 And those online again, go ahead and type in the chat what things stood out to you 96 00:05:59,279 --> 00:06:06,520 from this passage about the blessings or the the results of Jesus sacrifice for us. 97 00:06:06,790 --> 00:06:08,370 I'll go ahead and give you guys a couple minutes. 98 00:06:08,370 --> 00:06:08,760 Right. 99 00:06:09,615 --> 00:06:10,085 Let's go ahead. 100 00:06:10,095 --> 00:06:11,105 Let's get a couple of people. 101 00:06:11,125 --> 00:06:13,735 Let's have a couple of people share what stood out to you about 102 00:06:13,735 --> 00:06:18,315 the sacrifice of Jesus here from Colossians one 13 through 23. 103 00:06:18,315 --> 00:06:20,585 That he presents you wholly without blemish. 104 00:06:20,715 --> 00:06:21,125 Okay. 105 00:06:21,175 --> 00:06:21,614 Awesome. 106 00:06:21,614 --> 00:06:21,915 Awesome. 107 00:06:21,915 --> 00:06:23,350 I saw another hand over here. 108 00:06:23,350 --> 00:06:23,745 Yes. 109 00:06:23,745 --> 00:06:24,115 Okay. 110 00:06:24,115 --> 00:06:25,245 That Jesus made everything. 111 00:06:25,245 --> 00:06:28,585 Everything we see and do is through him and by him and he can see everything. 112 00:06:28,585 --> 00:06:29,145 Okay, great. 113 00:06:29,155 --> 00:06:29,415 All right. 114 00:06:29,424 --> 00:06:30,744 Joan, you, you, you also said something. 115 00:06:30,744 --> 00:06:33,424 Okay, same thing, the same thing that makes us holy there. 116 00:06:33,424 --> 00:06:33,754 All right. 117 00:06:33,754 --> 00:06:34,194 Who is that? 118 00:06:34,194 --> 00:06:34,454 Yes. 119 00:06:34,454 --> 00:06:34,764 John. 120 00:06:34,764 --> 00:06:35,234 Okay. 121 00:06:35,234 --> 00:06:39,144 So Jesus's sacrifice also means you have to continue in your faith there. 122 00:06:39,144 --> 00:06:39,514 Okay. 123 00:06:39,514 --> 00:06:39,555 Awesome. 124 00:06:39,564 --> 00:06:39,933 Awesome. 125 00:06:40,254 --> 00:06:41,534 Anybody on this side here? 126 00:06:41,795 --> 00:06:43,425 We were talking about the young folks over here. 127 00:06:43,425 --> 00:06:43,675 All right. 128 00:06:43,695 --> 00:06:46,284 Let's get one of the young folks, uh, to share something there. 129 00:06:48,065 --> 00:06:48,335 Yes. 130 00:06:48,344 --> 00:06:49,175 The pressure is on. 131 00:06:49,185 --> 00:06:49,915 The light is on you. 132 00:06:49,915 --> 00:06:50,474 Yes. 133 00:06:51,455 --> 00:06:51,754 Okay. 134 00:06:51,754 --> 00:06:52,025 All right. 135 00:06:52,034 --> 00:06:52,634 Devin, let's go. 136 00:06:52,634 --> 00:06:52,994 Devin. 137 00:06:52,994 --> 00:06:57,405 Okay, so the sun is the invisible image of God that, that helps us in our faith here. 138 00:06:57,405 --> 00:06:58,155 Okay, awesome. 139 00:06:58,425 --> 00:07:01,505 There's a number of things that are in this passage that we're 140 00:07:01,505 --> 00:07:02,695 gonna walk through a little bit. 141 00:07:02,695 --> 00:07:04,264 Some things were already mentioned. 142 00:07:04,535 --> 00:07:08,574 One of the things that stands out to me is Jesus sacrifice means our salvation. 143 00:07:09,395 --> 00:07:11,155 That's clearly stated in the passage. 144 00:07:11,155 --> 00:07:17,425 It's our salvation meaning a right relationship with God for all eternity. 145 00:07:18,640 --> 00:07:22,160 To have a right relationship, no longer at odds or there's 146 00:07:22,160 --> 00:07:24,300 no insecurity, uncertainty. 147 00:07:24,300 --> 00:07:30,030 We have a right relationship, not just for the moments, but for all eternity. 148 00:07:31,010 --> 00:07:33,990 That's through the sacrifice of Jesus. 149 00:07:33,990 --> 00:07:37,430 But let's walk through this and let's go back over to verse 14. 150 00:07:37,609 --> 00:07:43,280 It says that in whom again in whom in Christ we have redemption. 151 00:07:44,360 --> 00:07:50,120 Redemption to redeem someone means to buy them back and set them free. 152 00:07:50,940 --> 00:07:54,550 So if you are a prisoner, if you were a slave, if you were redeemed, the 153 00:07:54,570 --> 00:07:57,339 price was paid and you were set free. 154 00:07:58,230 --> 00:08:07,320 So Jesus threw the cross, paid the price and bought us back and set us free. 155 00:08:09,015 --> 00:08:14,864 From the dominion of darkness, the power of sin, the chains of darkness and evil. 156 00:08:15,215 --> 00:08:19,335 He redeemed us from that and set us free and allowed us to 157 00:08:19,335 --> 00:08:22,625 now be in His glorious kingdom. 158 00:08:23,415 --> 00:08:27,505 And because of Christ's death on our behalf, we are set free from 159 00:08:27,505 --> 00:08:31,094 the prison and the darkness of sin. 160 00:08:32,044 --> 00:08:36,365 It also says that we have the forgiveness of sins. 161 00:08:37,065 --> 00:08:39,234 through the cross of Jesus. 162 00:08:39,234 --> 00:08:43,414 You know, redemption releases us from the power of sin, while forgiveness 163 00:08:43,433 --> 00:08:46,414 releases us from the penalty of sin. 164 00:08:47,025 --> 00:08:50,435 It releases us from the guilt of sin. 165 00:08:51,204 --> 00:08:52,904 To be forgiven. 166 00:08:53,334 --> 00:08:57,464 That means to have mercy and to, in Romans 8 verse 1, to have 167 00:08:57,464 --> 00:09:00,224 no condemnation, no judgments. 168 00:09:03,284 --> 00:09:04,994 Now you know what it's like to be forgiven. 169 00:09:05,060 --> 00:09:06,228 I know you've been forgiven. 170 00:09:06,228 --> 00:09:08,799 Maybe from your parents or the police or maybe you haven't 171 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:10,190 been forgiven from the police. 172 00:09:12,980 --> 00:09:19,520 But to be forgiven to not suffer the time, even though you did the crime. 173 00:09:20,670 --> 00:09:25,410 That's what the scriptures reveal about Jesus's death for us. 174 00:09:25,980 --> 00:09:27,660 Our salvation means we are forgiven. 175 00:09:27,670 --> 00:09:32,490 It is wiped clean before the eyes of God. 176 00:09:33,590 --> 00:09:35,610 He has canceled the debts. 177 00:09:36,700 --> 00:09:39,860 From our sin, a debt that you and I couldn't pay back. 178 00:09:40,830 --> 00:09:42,280 There's no righteous deed. 179 00:09:42,510 --> 00:09:46,289 There's no amount of deeds, no amount of time that can go and 180 00:09:46,289 --> 00:09:48,469 measure up and equal out the sin. 181 00:09:49,980 --> 00:09:52,339 That we have before a righteous and holy God. 182 00:09:52,920 --> 00:09:56,930 It was only through Jesus because that debt be canceled. 183 00:09:57,940 --> 00:09:59,440 And it means we have grace. 184 00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:04,840 We have a second chance, an opportunity in our relationship with God. 185 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:10,140 We continue in verse 20 and 22, it talks about reconciliation 186 00:10:10,140 --> 00:10:12,550 being reconciled to himself. 187 00:10:13,050 --> 00:10:17,360 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body 188 00:10:17,360 --> 00:10:19,489 through death to present you. 189 00:10:20,470 --> 00:10:22,350 You know, it talks about reconciliation. 190 00:10:22,350 --> 00:10:23,640 What's reconciliation? 191 00:10:23,830 --> 00:10:27,030 Reconciliation means that two parties have been at war. 192 00:10:27,040 --> 00:10:28,269 They've been at odds. 193 00:10:28,440 --> 00:10:30,760 There is hostility between the two. 194 00:10:31,220 --> 00:10:34,989 And when you reconcile those, instead of them being at odds, they 195 00:10:34,990 --> 00:10:37,859 are now at a friendly relationship. 196 00:10:39,459 --> 00:10:41,619 They have now been reconciled. 197 00:10:42,610 --> 00:10:47,930 And so through Christ's sacrifice, those who are in and out of That Christ 198 00:10:48,160 --> 00:10:52,379 have now been reconciled with God. 199 00:10:54,770 --> 00:10:56,140 We have now been redeemed. 200 00:10:56,150 --> 00:10:58,099 We've been forgiven the hostility. 201 00:10:58,300 --> 00:11:02,569 The war between us has been removed. 202 00:11:03,050 --> 00:11:06,489 It says now once you were alienated, we're enemies in your minds 203 00:11:06,490 --> 00:11:08,929 because of your evil behavior. 204 00:11:09,589 --> 00:11:12,680 Some of us might look and say, well, that was just the church in Colossae. 205 00:11:12,710 --> 00:11:13,790 That's not me. 206 00:11:13,810 --> 00:11:14,380 Really? 207 00:11:14,380 --> 00:11:14,594 That's not me. 208 00:11:16,635 --> 00:11:21,885 All of us, whether we grew up in a church or not, all of us had a mindset 209 00:11:21,885 --> 00:11:27,344 and had attitudes or behavior that was contrary to God's righteous ways. 210 00:11:28,504 --> 00:11:31,244 And so therefore we were alienated from God. 211 00:11:31,514 --> 00:11:34,615 Therefore we were at odds with God. 212 00:11:34,935 --> 00:11:38,545 Whether it was our stinking thinking or our stinking behavior. 213 00:11:38,545 --> 00:11:42,784 But we were at odds with our faithful Creator. 214 00:11:43,579 --> 00:11:47,870 But yet, through Christ, we have been reconciled. 215 00:11:48,930 --> 00:11:51,950 We have been brought back to a right relationship. 216 00:11:51,960 --> 00:11:56,530 You know, Jesus death allows God's enemy to become God's friend. 217 00:11:58,359 --> 00:12:04,780 And so we are not just on his team, but we are now a child of the living God. 218 00:12:05,859 --> 00:12:06,690 We continue. 219 00:12:07,405 --> 00:12:13,514 And it says, making peace through his blood, making peace. 220 00:12:13,535 --> 00:12:17,535 There is now harmony between us and the living God. 221 00:12:19,394 --> 00:12:22,174 There is peace between us. 222 00:12:22,795 --> 00:12:24,035 There is harmony. 223 00:12:25,305 --> 00:12:29,365 The purpose of Christ's death on the cross was to bring not just you and I, but it 224 00:12:29,365 --> 00:12:36,625 says all things created by Christ and for Christ into a harmonious relationship. 225 00:12:39,025 --> 00:12:43,895 And so all of creation through the cross has the opportunity to have a 226 00:12:43,895 --> 00:12:46,944 harmonious relationship with the Father. 227 00:12:48,025 --> 00:12:51,264 You know, me and Karina almost got into it a little bit this morning. 228 00:12:54,105 --> 00:12:57,444 Somebody said, yeah, maybe you did too. 229 00:12:59,425 --> 00:13:03,245 And I had an opportunity to think through this and the Holy Spirit 230 00:13:03,255 --> 00:13:07,494 was ministering to me and I came back and we were able to talk in. 231 00:13:08,080 --> 00:13:10,800 And, and have a harmonious relationship this morning. 232 00:13:12,200 --> 00:13:15,370 We were able to make some peace this morning. 233 00:13:16,500 --> 00:13:20,240 And you know, that just does something to, I'm firing up, I'm like, whoo, amen. 234 00:13:20,939 --> 00:13:24,129 I don't have to act weird or it don't have to get strange and then I'm have to pray 235 00:13:24,130 --> 00:13:25,740 before I get to praying and preaching. 236 00:13:25,749 --> 00:13:26,340 You know what I'm saying? 237 00:13:26,370 --> 00:13:27,760 It just gets a little crazy for me. 238 00:13:29,120 --> 00:13:33,210 But I thank God for the peace of there, but I thank God for the peace that we 239 00:13:33,210 --> 00:13:36,800 have in Christ through Christ's sacrifice. 240 00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:40,280 And here's an incredible thing, it stood out to me, I was reading something. 241 00:13:40,600 --> 00:13:44,130 You know, it wasn't, it says by his blood, did you see that? 242 00:13:44,130 --> 00:13:44,760 Through his blood. 243 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:51,750 And you think, it wasn't the blood of a victorious physical fight. 244 00:13:53,610 --> 00:13:57,260 It wasn't like Jesus was one of the Roman soldiers and he was fighting and 245 00:13:57,260 --> 00:14:00,860 he, and he got cut and he came away victorious, like I shed blood for this. 246 00:14:00,890 --> 00:14:03,570 It wasn't that type of blood that was shed. 247 00:14:03,740 --> 00:14:06,429 It was actually blood from an animal. 248 00:14:06,920 --> 00:14:08,910 innocent person being executed. 249 00:14:11,150 --> 00:14:15,650 It was innocent blood that was executed. 250 00:14:16,780 --> 00:14:22,769 A criminal's death that allowed for us to have peace with our 251 00:14:22,769 --> 00:14:25,719 father, our maker and creator. 252 00:14:26,540 --> 00:14:27,619 This is incredible. 253 00:14:28,365 --> 00:14:33,145 And then it goes on and somebody mentioned this earlier, it says, to make us holy 254 00:14:33,175 --> 00:14:39,165 in his sight without blemish and free from accusation, to be holy, to be 255 00:14:39,165 --> 00:14:46,944 sacred, to be set apart for God's divine purpose, to be righteous, to be of him. 256 00:14:46,944 --> 00:14:48,625 That's what it means to be holy. 257 00:14:49,395 --> 00:14:53,085 And then it says not only holy, but without blemish, there's no stain, 258 00:14:53,085 --> 00:14:54,895 there's no wrinkle, there's no issue. 259 00:14:54,915 --> 00:14:55,155 It's pure. 260 00:14:55,155 --> 00:14:56,014 It's pure. 261 00:14:57,615 --> 00:15:05,875 And that says to be free from accusation, free from accusation, blameless, 262 00:15:06,415 --> 00:15:10,534 justified before the eyes of God. 263 00:15:11,694 --> 00:15:14,694 All of this is through the Word of God. 264 00:15:14,994 --> 00:15:17,385 The sacrifice of Jesus. 265 00:15:17,385 --> 00:15:21,935 And so if we look at this, we see redemption, we see forgiveness of sins, 266 00:15:21,935 --> 00:15:29,004 reconciliation, peace with God, holy without blemish and free from accusation. 267 00:15:29,984 --> 00:15:31,675 This is incredible, isn't it? 268 00:15:32,605 --> 00:15:34,895 You're probably wondering what's going on on the stage. 269 00:15:35,895 --> 00:15:37,345 I want to do a little demonstration. 270 00:15:37,345 --> 00:15:38,775 I'm in my demonstration season. 271 00:15:38,775 --> 00:15:41,435 I have these seasons where I'm all about demonstrations and seasons 272 00:15:41,435 --> 00:15:43,105 where I'm just not as creative. 273 00:15:44,280 --> 00:15:46,690 And I saw this online and so I said, you know, this is really good. 274 00:15:46,690 --> 00:15:50,149 And so I want to do this demonstration here to help us 275 00:15:50,149 --> 00:15:57,019 understand the magnitude of what we have for those who are in Christ. 276 00:15:58,419 --> 00:16:03,020 The blessings we have from Jesus's sacrifice, the reconciliation, 277 00:16:03,020 --> 00:16:05,060 the forgiveness of sins. 278 00:16:05,429 --> 00:16:10,145 I have some now this right here represents Us. 279 00:16:10,204 --> 00:16:11,194 It represents us. 280 00:16:11,204 --> 00:16:11,964 This is our lives. 281 00:16:11,974 --> 00:16:12,714 This is our body. 282 00:16:13,194 --> 00:16:17,675 Now, unfortunately, you and I, we were alienated from God because of what? 283 00:16:18,665 --> 00:16:19,585 Because of sin. 284 00:16:19,585 --> 00:16:21,004 I have a little iodine right here. 285 00:16:21,264 --> 00:16:24,315 And so you pour that in there, and this is what happens when we sin. 286 00:16:24,585 --> 00:16:27,164 Oh, let me listen to a little white lie to my mom and my dad. 287 00:16:28,065 --> 00:16:31,464 Oh, let me just go ahead and steal, or let me just be, uh, 288 00:16:31,514 --> 00:16:33,185 immoral or sexually impure. 289 00:16:33,185 --> 00:16:36,584 Whatever the case may be, go down the list of lines, my pride, 290 00:16:36,584 --> 00:16:38,075 my arrogance, all that stuff. 291 00:16:38,284 --> 00:16:40,885 Here's what happens to our very souls. 292 00:16:41,044 --> 00:16:45,565 We went from this pure soul, we went from being clear and clean before 293 00:16:45,565 --> 00:16:48,470 the eyes of God, to now we are what? 294 00:16:48,470 --> 00:16:49,735 Dark and tainted. 295 00:16:49,735 --> 00:16:53,949 No longer righteous, no longer sacred, no longer without blemish. 296 00:16:54,540 --> 00:16:56,300 Definitely not free of accusation. 297 00:16:56,300 --> 00:16:59,220 No, there's a whole lot of truth in the accusations, isn't there? 298 00:17:00,450 --> 00:17:03,389 And this is what happens when you and I sin. 299 00:17:03,390 --> 00:17:04,140 And this is what happens. 300 00:17:04,150 --> 00:17:10,319 This is our standing before the eyes of God until the cross comes into play. 301 00:17:12,630 --> 00:17:14,460 And so we have, oh, let me see here. 302 00:17:16,648 --> 00:17:18,920 We have here the cross. 303 00:17:18,930 --> 00:17:20,069 This is where the cross comes in. 304 00:17:21,204 --> 00:17:22,674 And this is where Jesus comes in. 305 00:17:22,674 --> 00:17:26,654 And when Jesus, when we decide that Jesus, we want Jesus to be Lord of our lives. 306 00:17:26,654 --> 00:17:28,584 And we have saving faith. 307 00:17:28,604 --> 00:17:33,314 We believe he's the Messiah, the son of the living King, the God almighty. 308 00:17:33,695 --> 00:17:35,764 And we decided to repent and get baptized. 309 00:17:35,924 --> 00:17:41,245 What happens to us then is that we go ahead and we see something 310 00:17:41,245 --> 00:17:44,344 incredible take place in our lives. 311 00:17:46,375 --> 00:17:50,705 The cross deals with all that sin. 312 00:17:52,695 --> 00:17:57,745 And now what we see is what we are free from accusation. 313 00:17:58,425 --> 00:18:01,205 We are no longer polluted but without blemish. 314 00:18:01,444 --> 00:18:04,364 We are holy before the eyes of the living God. 315 00:18:04,495 --> 00:18:06,854 We have been redeemed and all that sin is what? 316 00:18:06,984 --> 00:18:08,004 Wiped away. 317 00:18:08,574 --> 00:18:10,185 Does this look like this has ever sinned? 318 00:18:10,294 --> 00:18:11,074 No, it doesn't. 319 00:18:12,574 --> 00:18:16,435 And this is our standing before the eyes of God. 320 00:18:16,864 --> 00:18:23,315 For those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 321 00:18:24,885 --> 00:18:30,064 Now, I don't know about you, but I say thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus, 322 00:18:31,074 --> 00:18:34,174 because I don't know about you, but I don't want to stay in this position. 323 00:18:34,764 --> 00:18:40,834 I want this to be me, and hallelujah, for this is my status before the living God. 324 00:18:42,185 --> 00:18:43,185 Now, here's the thing. 325 00:18:44,044 --> 00:18:48,870 If we don't have the cross, This is where we're at. 326 00:18:49,889 --> 00:18:52,040 This is our standing before the eyes of God. 327 00:18:53,610 --> 00:18:58,620 Because again, it said in whom, in whom talking about in Jesus, all 328 00:18:58,620 --> 00:19:00,529 of the blessings are in Christ. 329 00:19:00,529 --> 00:19:04,349 If we are outside of Christ, this is where we're at spiritually. 330 00:19:05,119 --> 00:19:08,110 And this is where some of us in this room are at spiritually. 331 00:19:10,100 --> 00:19:12,950 And so you say, well, maybe I grew up in a church where you can be as 332 00:19:12,950 --> 00:19:15,330 close to the cross as you want to be. 333 00:19:15,469 --> 00:19:16,200 But if cross. 334 00:19:16,985 --> 00:19:20,155 If the sacrifice of Jesus hasn't entered your life, then this 335 00:19:20,155 --> 00:19:21,745 is your standing before God. 336 00:19:23,335 --> 00:19:24,895 I say this not to make you feel bad. 337 00:19:24,895 --> 00:19:30,415 I say this so that you can understand the opportunity that waits for you 338 00:19:30,415 --> 00:19:32,265 to make Jesus Lord of your life. 339 00:19:33,194 --> 00:19:37,995 The opportunity to be wiped clean of all guilt and all sin and be able 340 00:19:37,995 --> 00:19:41,505 to stand before the eyes of God, not with head down, but with confidence 341 00:19:41,675 --> 00:19:43,674 and a welcoming of his spirits. 342 00:19:46,595 --> 00:19:48,195 And so this is what we have. 343 00:19:48,840 --> 00:19:52,169 Through the blessings of Christ. 344 00:19:52,710 --> 00:19:55,189 And you say, well, man, I've sinned a little bit. 345 00:19:55,189 --> 00:19:57,779 Well, here's how powerful the cross is. 346 00:19:58,049 --> 00:20:00,009 You go, OK, well, you sinned a little bit. 347 00:20:00,259 --> 00:20:02,520 OK, well, we understand your situation. 348 00:20:03,020 --> 00:20:06,799 But guess what happens when the cross is still working in your life? 349 00:20:07,679 --> 00:20:09,939 You say, well, OK, Marcel, I sinned some more. 350 00:20:10,120 --> 00:20:14,679 OK, well, if you persevere in the faith, guess what happens? 351 00:20:16,360 --> 00:20:18,639 Now, does this mean, let me go ahead and continue to sit? 352 00:20:18,639 --> 00:20:21,010 No, of course not. 353 00:20:21,230 --> 00:20:26,490 But we see the power of Jesus's sacrifice. 354 00:20:27,389 --> 00:20:31,579 Now, I don't know about you, but I say, thank God for his sacrifice. 355 00:20:32,320 --> 00:20:33,479 Turn to the person to your right. 356 00:20:33,479 --> 00:20:35,720 Let's say, thank God for Jesus's sacrifice. 357 00:20:41,960 --> 00:20:44,090 I don't know about you, but if this doesn't get fired up and I don't know 358 00:20:44,090 --> 00:20:47,750 what will, that means you're asleep and I don't know how you fall asleep on me. 359 00:20:51,194 --> 00:20:54,125 You know, this is important that we remember that what I'm saying 360 00:20:54,125 --> 00:20:58,085 is anything new, but we're getting a chance to have a fresh look and 361 00:20:58,085 --> 00:21:01,395 maybe a deeper perspective and appreciation for what we have in Christ. 362 00:21:02,974 --> 00:21:04,354 And it's important that we do this. 363 00:21:04,354 --> 00:21:10,034 And in fact, this is partly why we take communion every Sunday so that we can have 364 00:21:10,034 --> 00:21:17,004 a time to reflect and meditate and realize what we have through Jesus's sacrifice. 365 00:21:18,135 --> 00:21:24,555 Because if we do not stay in connection with the cross of Jesus, 366 00:21:24,785 --> 00:21:26,584 what will happen to our faith? 367 00:21:31,474 --> 00:21:35,284 One of the things that will happen is it will become a distant memory. 368 00:21:36,924 --> 00:21:38,935 It won't be something that impacts us. 369 00:21:39,885 --> 00:21:43,615 And when that happens, what happens is we start to separate from the 370 00:21:43,615 --> 00:21:48,254 cross and we become less appreciative and thankful for the cross. 371 00:21:50,085 --> 00:21:56,245 Which leads to our heart getting harder and can lead to leaving God 372 00:21:57,435 --> 00:22:00,075 All of us have seen those who have been around if you've been around for 373 00:22:00,075 --> 00:22:04,524 probably three or six months You've seen somebody leave the faith Did you 374 00:22:04,564 --> 00:22:10,334 ever hear them talk about how great Jesus sacrifice was as they left God? 375 00:22:11,344 --> 00:22:15,744 of course not and In fact, that's one of the things that's omitted 376 00:22:15,754 --> 00:22:17,094 from the conversation, isn't it? 377 00:22:17,094 --> 00:22:23,380 You It's everything else except for the sacrifice of Jesus. 378 00:22:23,960 --> 00:22:27,670 So this is why it's so important, brothers and sisters, that we 379 00:22:27,670 --> 00:22:31,020 recognize, we remember, and here's what Paul is doing for the church. 380 00:22:31,060 --> 00:22:32,569 He wants them to get it. 381 00:22:33,940 --> 00:22:40,200 Please get what you have from the sacrifice of Jesus so that you will 382 00:22:40,200 --> 00:22:42,800 remain in your standing with God. 383 00:22:43,565 --> 00:22:48,735 And you will have an inheritance of his kingdom for all eternity. 384 00:22:50,775 --> 00:22:52,705 And this is why we need one another. 385 00:22:53,745 --> 00:22:56,525 This is why we encourage one another with the scriptures and 386 00:22:56,525 --> 00:23:00,735 the truth and the promises of God through Jesus and his sacrifice. 387 00:23:00,984 --> 00:23:03,675 This is why we show up and worship God. 388 00:23:04,095 --> 00:23:08,975 And we can say how he loves us, how he show us love through the cross. 389 00:23:10,885 --> 00:23:13,165 This is why we dig into his word. 390 00:23:13,500 --> 00:23:17,580 So we can remember who it is that we serve and that He is 391 00:23:17,590 --> 00:23:19,840 forever present in our lives. 392 00:23:20,840 --> 00:23:24,509 This is why you and I are here. 393 00:23:25,840 --> 00:23:30,809 This is why you and I need to stay here in the faith. 394 00:23:31,879 --> 00:23:38,169 And it says to me, and it was mentioned earlier, what's the response to that? 395 00:23:38,430 --> 00:23:42,390 To such a great treasure we have through the sacrifice of Jesus. 396 00:23:42,690 --> 00:23:48,539 I believe is this is to be faithful to Jesus is to be faithful to Jesus, to thank 397 00:23:48,550 --> 00:23:55,859 God with faithfulness, to thank him, not just with words, not just with the song, 398 00:23:55,990 --> 00:24:00,090 not just what the moment of appreciation, but to thank him with faithfulness. 399 00:24:03,505 --> 00:24:07,864 And Jesus, you know, it says this in the scripture, it was alluded to earlier. 400 00:24:08,194 --> 00:24:14,304 If you continue in your faith, established and firm, it's not 401 00:24:14,304 --> 00:24:19,764 shaking, it's not swayed back and forth like, like a tree blown by the wind. 402 00:24:20,264 --> 00:24:24,674 It says, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. 403 00:24:25,514 --> 00:24:28,435 This is a call to keep going. 404 00:24:28,915 --> 00:24:31,565 This is a call to never quit. 405 00:24:32,635 --> 00:24:36,345 This is a call to be firm and established in our faith, meaning 406 00:24:36,514 --> 00:24:41,304 I'm gonna be as faithful to him, his laws, and his ways as I can. 407 00:24:41,885 --> 00:24:44,644 Like a faithful soldier in his service. 408 00:24:44,644 --> 00:24:48,705 Like a faithful friend, I am there for you through thick and thin. 409 00:24:48,804 --> 00:24:51,025 Like a faithful child to a family. 410 00:24:51,125 --> 00:24:52,545 Like a faithful spouse. 411 00:24:52,725 --> 00:24:53,715 There is fidelity. 412 00:24:53,745 --> 00:24:55,045 I will be faithful to you. 413 00:24:55,195 --> 00:24:57,345 That's the call for you in being Christ. 414 00:24:58,104 --> 00:24:58,624 Why? 415 00:25:01,024 --> 00:25:02,975 Because of all that we have through the cross. 416 00:25:04,505 --> 00:25:07,145 Because of all that it means for our lives. 417 00:25:08,005 --> 00:25:10,904 It's a call for you and I to be faithful. 418 00:25:11,085 --> 00:25:15,534 Not to quit, not to give the least, or to give less, but to give all 419 00:25:15,554 --> 00:25:18,225 that we can to Jesus and his will. 420 00:25:19,354 --> 00:25:20,965 You know, he was faithful to us. 421 00:25:21,634 --> 00:25:23,755 We should be faithful in return. 422 00:25:24,685 --> 00:25:28,264 Giving our best until the day that we pass. 423 00:25:28,264 --> 00:25:28,324 Amen. 424 00:25:28,990 --> 00:25:31,070 You know, as mentioned earlier, Brian Craig's funeral. 425 00:25:31,400 --> 00:25:35,720 We also have one coming up, uh, uh, uh, uh, for Maria Hertzberg here in January. 426 00:25:36,020 --> 00:25:39,740 And I just appreciate when, you know, it's sad, it's, it's a bittersweet thing. 427 00:25:39,740 --> 00:25:43,919 It's bitter because we, we, we miss, we, we lose, we grieve, we mourn the 428 00:25:43,920 --> 00:25:47,459 loss of our brother and sister in the faith and we want to be able to 429 00:25:47,459 --> 00:25:49,079 physically talk and be with them. 430 00:25:49,269 --> 00:25:52,540 But yet we celebrate because they've already achieved the goal of our faith. 431 00:25:54,239 --> 00:25:56,020 And so we actually want to mimic their faith. 432 00:25:56,020 --> 00:26:00,259 And I just love going to faithful disciples funerals in 433 00:26:00,259 --> 00:26:01,620 the sense of being inspired. 434 00:26:01,679 --> 00:26:02,980 They made it. 435 00:26:04,310 --> 00:26:06,019 I was so inspired yesterday. 436 00:26:06,219 --> 00:26:08,249 Brian and I didn't get a chance to talk to him in the last couple 437 00:26:08,250 --> 00:26:11,389 weeks, but I talked to him a couple months prior to his passing. 438 00:26:11,549 --> 00:26:15,960 And I was so in awe, like, that man is worthy of imitation 439 00:26:15,960 --> 00:26:17,319 the way he's facing death. 440 00:26:18,480 --> 00:26:21,770 He was inspiring, still teaching, still preaching. 441 00:26:22,284 --> 00:26:24,844 And wasn't mad at God, he wrestled with God. 442 00:26:25,475 --> 00:26:27,105 But he wasn't mad at God. 443 00:26:27,674 --> 00:26:30,315 And he said he got closer to God through the experience. 444 00:26:31,455 --> 00:26:33,995 Going through brain cancer, you get closer to God? 445 00:26:35,114 --> 00:26:39,004 Shouldn't that lead you to faithlessness and despair and discouragement? 446 00:26:39,374 --> 00:26:40,895 And let him closer to God. 447 00:26:42,045 --> 00:26:44,975 And say that's, that's what Paul's talking about. 448 00:26:45,665 --> 00:26:46,775 Continuing in the faith. 449 00:26:46,815 --> 00:26:48,295 Established and firm. 450 00:26:48,485 --> 00:26:51,685 Not moving from the hope of the gospel. 451 00:26:51,955 --> 00:26:55,514 You know, this is the proper response to such a great love and sacrifice. 452 00:26:56,215 --> 00:27:01,405 What other response could we have than to be faithful with all of 453 00:27:01,405 --> 00:27:03,794 our hearts for all of our lives? 454 00:27:04,504 --> 00:27:06,204 I want to give us some action steps here. 455 00:27:06,204 --> 00:27:07,464 Church, are you still with me? 456 00:27:08,224 --> 00:27:10,154 Are you still tripping like, hey, how did he do that? 457 00:27:10,154 --> 00:27:11,134 Alright, we can talk later. 458 00:27:13,159 --> 00:27:16,560 I want to give you some action steps this week here in, so pillow, pillow, 459 00:27:16,560 --> 00:27:21,659 pillow, whatever it is, pull out, pull out your phone or write down 460 00:27:21,690 --> 00:27:23,980 because it's going to be something each day I want to give you here. 461 00:27:25,010 --> 00:27:30,779 It's going to allow us to remember to recognize every day this week what we 462 00:27:30,780 --> 00:27:32,510 have through the sacrifice of Jesus. 463 00:27:33,875 --> 00:27:37,685 And I believe it will allow us then to swell up not only with generosity 464 00:27:37,885 --> 00:27:39,685 but with faithfulness each day. 465 00:27:40,425 --> 00:27:41,455 Are you guys ready here? 466 00:27:42,115 --> 00:27:43,045 All right, get ready here. 467 00:27:43,045 --> 00:27:45,025 All right, so here's what the call here is. 468 00:27:45,275 --> 00:27:49,245 To thank God for the blessings of salvation through Jesus sacrifice. 469 00:27:49,255 --> 00:27:49,745 So here we go. 470 00:27:49,745 --> 00:27:50,915 So today you can start. 471 00:27:51,295 --> 00:27:56,925 Sunday, thank God for the grace that we receive through the sacrifice of Jesus. 472 00:27:56,925 --> 00:27:59,155 Tomorrow, for the rescue. 473 00:28:00,285 --> 00:28:03,015 Through this sacrifice, Tuesday, the inheritance. 474 00:28:03,015 --> 00:28:05,395 We didn't get a chance to talk too much about it, but go ahead and read 475 00:28:05,585 --> 00:28:10,645 Colossians one again on your own Wednesday, the redemption being redeemed. 476 00:28:11,595 --> 00:28:19,155 Thursday, the forgiveness Friday, the reconciliation and Saturday, the hope. 477 00:28:19,715 --> 00:28:23,625 It's been a couple of moments in your prayer, maybe the beginning of the day. 478 00:28:23,625 --> 00:28:25,645 I would encourage you because that'll help you throughout the 479 00:28:25,645 --> 00:28:27,755 day and thank God for these things. 480 00:28:27,765 --> 00:28:29,035 Meditate upon them. 481 00:28:29,675 --> 00:28:34,275 Each day, this particular area, and who knows, God may open up more ideas 482 00:28:34,275 --> 00:28:37,725 and areas in which you can thank him for through the sacrifice of Jesus. 483 00:28:37,935 --> 00:28:42,065 But do this and allow this to swell up to, to not only gratitude, 484 00:28:42,275 --> 00:28:45,315 but to influence your daily life. 485 00:28:46,625 --> 00:28:50,725 And so that's my encouragement and my charge for every one of us. 486 00:28:51,175 --> 00:28:53,695 We're going to come to a close here, we're going to take communion. 487 00:28:54,135 --> 00:28:57,469 This is a time where we recognize, we thank God. 488 00:28:58,110 --> 00:29:03,220 reflect upon, we meditate, we remember, and in many ways we 489 00:29:03,230 --> 00:29:06,360 celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus. 490 00:29:07,420 --> 00:29:10,490 And we take the emblems that represent his body and his blood that was 491 00:29:10,490 --> 00:29:15,090 broken and shed so that you and I can have all these things and more. 492 00:29:15,825 --> 00:29:20,365 And we close out in Colossians 1, verses 19 through 22, we'll read again. 493 00:29:20,695 --> 00:29:24,855 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through 494 00:29:24,855 --> 00:29:28,885 him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or 495 00:29:28,885 --> 00:29:34,145 things in heaven, by making peace through his blood shed on the cross. 496 00:29:34,585 --> 00:29:36,015 Once you were alienated from God. 497 00:29:36,935 --> 00:29:39,585 And we're enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 498 00:29:39,825 --> 00:29:45,055 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to 499 00:29:45,055 --> 00:29:51,345 present you wholly in his sight without blemish and free from accusation. 500 00:29:51,455 --> 00:29:52,095 Let's pray. 501 00:29:52,685 --> 00:29:57,515 Father, we thank you so much for the sacrifice of Jesus. 502 00:29:59,980 --> 00:30:01,600 God, we could go through each element. 503 00:30:01,620 --> 00:30:03,970 We could go through each category. 504 00:30:03,970 --> 00:30:05,560 We, that could be its own sermon. 505 00:30:05,560 --> 00:30:09,520 That can, we can reflect upon that all day, but God, we are reminded 506 00:30:09,520 --> 00:30:16,590 of all that we have through your son, Jesus and his sacrifice. 507 00:30:17,640 --> 00:30:18,580 God, I'm humbled. 508 00:30:19,080 --> 00:30:20,150 I'm not deserving. 509 00:30:20,780 --> 00:30:22,640 I didn't earn a thing. 510 00:30:22,640 --> 00:30:25,040 In fact, what I did earn was judgment. 511 00:30:25,810 --> 00:30:32,420 But you out of love extended grace and mercy and God, you did that 512 00:30:32,690 --> 00:30:34,890 through the sacrifice of your son. 513 00:30:35,690 --> 00:30:36,650 We thank you. 514 00:30:37,350 --> 00:30:38,740 We praise you. 515 00:30:39,070 --> 00:30:45,760 We love you and pray that you help us to remember and to respond with faithfulness. 516 00:30:46,570 --> 00:30:50,700 Thank you, Lord Jesus, for deciding to come. 517 00:30:51,055 --> 00:30:56,855 For living the life you lived for staying upon the cross and for resurrecting. 518 00:30:57,785 --> 00:31:02,275 And as you know, you hit me several days ago, thinking in John 10, where 519 00:31:02,285 --> 00:31:08,515 Lord, you are recorded as saying it was your life to lay down, then no one took 520 00:31:08,515 --> 00:31:16,015 it from you that you chose to lay your life down and God, it was your choice. 521 00:31:16,015 --> 00:31:19,295 And I'm so grateful that you made that choice. 522 00:31:19,905 --> 00:31:24,295 Thank you that you showed your desire for us and your desire to 523 00:31:24,295 --> 00:31:26,495 father, to follow the father's will. 524 00:31:27,955 --> 00:31:31,315 All we can do is thank you with our hearts, our minds, 525 00:31:31,315 --> 00:31:33,485 our souls, and our strength. 526 00:31:34,175 --> 00:31:38,575 We pray that this may be acceptable in the name of Jesus, amen.