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GTM - Christ in Us The Hope Of Glory - Albert Jones - September 1, 2023 Albert Jones begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to give a message during their weekly Sabbath worship. The main topic of the message is the importance of Christ in our lives and the work that he is doing. Albert then emphasizes that we should walk in God's ways and be diligent in our relationship with him.
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GTM - Christ in Us The Hope Of Glory - Albert Jones - September 1, 2023 Albert Jones begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to give a message during their weekly Sabbath worship. The main topic of the message is the importance of Christ in our lives and the work that he is doing. Albert then emphasizes that we should walk in God's ways and be diligent in our relationship with him.
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Albert Jones begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to give a message during their weekly Sabbath worship. The main topic of the message is the importance of Christ in our lives and the work that he is doing. Albert then emphasizes that we should walk in God's ways and be diligent in our relationship with him. He discusses the love of God and how it never fails. Mr. Jones also talks about the light of hope that Christ brings to the world and our role as beacons of that light; mentions that despite the darkness in the world, God's plan is still on track and all mankind will come to comprehend his greatness. Albert also encourages us to let our light shine and be a positive influence in society. Blessed Sabbath to everyone. It is good to be bringing a message here on GoToMeeting. Again, it's been a few months since I've had the opportunity. And so thank you for joining us tonight in our weekly Sabbath worship opportunity and fellowship service here. So it is indeed something that's encouraging and uplifting to all of us when we have an opportunity to spend time together and hear the Word of God. So tonight we're going to talk about a very important topic for us as members of God's family. The central, most important aspect of our relationship with God begins and ends, if you will, with Christ and the work that he is doing in our lives. So as a topic, Christ in us, the hope of glory, is something that we think about and we've heard sermons about. It's the central theme of the gospel, that is Christ and his work that he's doing in our lives. So God's message to us is very loud and clear. We should be walking in his ways with diligence, watchfulness, and focus on the one thing, and that is life and the kingdom of God with him. He lets us know, he lets us know very powerfully, if you will, what he is doing in our lives and how important it is both to him, the Father in Christ, our elder brother. When we really think about the work of God and what they have structured for us as their sons and daughters, it really humbles us. It is more than the human mind can comprehend and that the great God is working our lives the way he is. So yes, he has called us to be very much about the business that he has called us to. So he lets us know that his love and the Father's love is with us at all times. He wanted us to understand that when he was here. He made that point very poignantly to the apostles so that they could convey it to us. And I think we've gotten the message that God loves us, that the Father loves us himself, and that Jesus Christ demonstrated his love in what he did in our life. So as the first scripture has turned to 1 Corinthians 13, and let's read some things about the love of God. In 1 Corinthians 13 and verse 7. 1 Corinthians chapter 13. God expresses his love to us and he has instructed us to be of like kind toward one another. He has set the standard for us in terms of how we're to treat each other and he himself demonstrated that for us. In 1 Corinthians 13, 7, love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Indeed, verse 8, love never fails. And he wants us to understand that God is love, so God will never fail us. His love demonstrates God's commitment to us every single day of our lives in ways that we take for granted sometimes. But God is there and he's demonstrating that love and commitment to us. But he tells us that there are things that will fail. But whether there be prophecies, they shall cease. Whether there be languages, they shall cease. Whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. But we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part shall be set aside. And we have the perfect Christ in our life. And we have been instructed by God to father that we are to become perfect even as he is perfect. As it says there in Matthew 5, 48. So he wants us to grow in this understanding of his relationship with us. In verse 11, when I was a child, I spoke as a child. I understood as a child. I reasoned as a child. But when I became a man, and let's put this in perspective, God is instructing us so that we can grow up into maturity in Christ. To grow up in maturity in our spiritual relationship with him. We don't need a tutor anymore. We have Christ within us. He says, I set aside the things of a child, for now I see through a glass darkly, but then we shall see face to face. And I know in part, but then I shall know exactly as I've been known. As God knows us, we're going to know him. He made us. And so that's an intimate knowledge of the created thing by the creator. But as he knows us, we're going to know him. And now these three remain, faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love, because God is love. And God is calling us and giving us his love so that we can experience his love, but also that we can share that love with one another. Yes, we understand that God's love never fails. It never fails us. The light of hope in the face of Christ is shining upon the darkness of this world. Yes. Turn to Psalm 118. The 118th Psalm. And we're going to pick it up in verse 20, 26. 118th Psalm. And verse 26. It says, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. The Lord is God. And he has made his light to shine upon us. And that is true, brethren. We have a comprehension of the great things of God. He is working in his church and in each and every one of his called in the elect in a way that the world can comprehend, that the world will be able to comprehend who he is by what he is doing in us. Now, it won't be fully realized, if you will, until that day when we're changed to spirit beings. But even today, his light is in us because he dwells in us, as we will see as we go on through. God is allowing his light to shine in us today. 2 Corinthians 4, let's go there. 2 Corinthians in chapter 4. 2 Corinthians 4. We'll pick it up in verse 1. 2 Corinthians 4, 1. Therefore, having this ministry, Paul is writing here, according as we have received mercy, we are not faint hearted. So they were very much enthusiastic, committed, and holistically committed to this calling that God had given them and preaching this word of truth and making sure that they fulfill the calling that God gave them. Because he says in verse 2, we've personally renounced the hidden things of dishonest gain, not walking in cunning craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully. But by manifestation of the truth, which was revealed to them, we are commending ourselves to every man's conscience before God. But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are perishing, in whom the God of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. But that gospel, that glory has been revealed to us. We understand the greatness of God and the things that God has promised us, that we are to be with him and that we are to be born into his family, who is the image of God, that the image of God should shine unto them. Verse 5 says, then, for we do not preach our own selves. No. The hope that is in us is not ourselves. The hope that is in us is from on high. It is from Jesus Christ himself and the Father himself. We do not preach our own selves. There is no salvation in any man. There is only salvation through Christ and from God the Father to us. It is a gift from them to us. And look at the incredible plan of God as it's been unfolded for us, as it's being revealed for us. But the God of this world has all of mankind blinded to the truth of God. But God has a plan to conquer all of that. And he is fulfilling that plan. And a part of that work is through us and what we're going to be doing in assisting and helping, as we'll see. Verse 6, because it is God, it is God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, God's own purpose, that he would reveal these mysteries in his own due time. Who shined in our hearts the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Now we have these treasures in earthen vessels. Yes, we are flesh. We have this treasure in an earthen vessel. It has an expiration date. We have a limitation in the flesh. We have a set time of life that God wants us to take advantage of every single second of it. And not waste any time, especially now that he has called us maybe in our later years. And he's working with us, many of us senior citizens, and came into the church late. But God has a purpose and a plan and he's fulfilling that in us. So yes, it's in earthen vessels in order that the supremacy of the power that makes this all possible, rather, the supremacy of the power may be of God. And not from us. So we know that there is no power within ourselves to create perfect, holy, righteous character. To overcome sin in the flesh. To be able to conquer the flesh. But we have hope because Christ did it. And he is helping us to do it. And he does it in a very intimate, very close, and very personal way. So we have much to be thankful for. So yes, our hope is in him. We are called to be beacons, brethren, to be beacons of hope in a world full of darkness. And I think you would agree with me that the world that we're currently living in is becoming darker and darker every day. Every day you see things that are being considered and thought of. We know that those things are from Satan the devil. That mankind has given itself over to Satan in ways that even in my lifetime I wouldn't have thought would have been so open and so bold and so brazen. That Satan does not in any way have any shame anymore. The things that we see in this world. But again, God is aware. And Jesus Christ is on his throne at the right hand of the father. They know. They know what's going on here upon the earth. And their plan is still on time. You see, they are going to fulfill their purpose upon the earth. All mankind will come to comprehend the greatness of God. And yes, we await that day. Eagerly awaiting that day. God is allowing his light to shine in us. We are called to be beacons of hope in the world because it is full of darkness. Christ told the disciples that they were to let their light shine, that they were to let their light shine because the world is so dark. And he wanted that light to be a part of the fabric, if you will, of life in our society. That there wouldn't just be pure darkness and evil in the world. But the children of God are bringing some light into the situation. In Matthew 5, let's go there. Matthew 5 and verse 14. Matthew 5 and verse 14. He says here, you are the light of the world. A city that is set on a mountain cannot be hid. No, it can't. You have this bright light high up on a hill. You can see that city. He also says, neither do they light a lamp and put it under a bush basket. Who does that? I have several lights for lighting here in the room. Would do no good if I cover them up. But he puts it on the lamp stand and it shines for all who are in the house. In the same way, verse 16, he tells us, you are to let your light shine before men. It doesn't put us on a soapbox. It doesn't have us running through the city streets screaming, you know, at the top of our voice, repent, repent, repent. I wish that was effective. But it would be a short period before you were arrested and put in handcuffs if you did that. No, God wants us to be more wiser than that. He wants us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. So in the Atlantic part of verse 16, so that they may see your good works, see your good works, and may glorify your father who is in heaven. A quiet, consistent example for the world to see. That the good works of God will manifest themselves. So God has called us to do that. Yes, we are the temples of God, temples of earthen vessels in which this light is dwelling. We know the father sent Jesus Christ to bring that light into the world. If we go to 1 John, we've read this many times. So let's go to 1 John. I'm sorry, the Gospel of John. Let's go to the Gospel of John chapter 1. Yes, we've read this many times. That in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. Now, here is the plan of God already drawn up and prepared to go forward. So he is expressing a truth about himself and the father here. He says he was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him. And not even one thing that was created came into being without him. We exist. The world exists. The universe exists because God made it. He is the author of life and all things. It says that in him was life, verse 4. In him was life and that life or the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness. But the darkness does not comprehend it. Again, blinded by Satan, kept at bay from the light. Any little light that gets through, Satan cuts it off. Verse 6. There was a man sent by God, though, brethren, whose name was John. And he came for a witness that he might testify concerning the light. Now, here's an example of one shining forth. So that through him all might believe. Yes, he brought the message of hope. That Jesus Christ was there. That he was on the scene and that he would fulfill the promises that were given. In verse 8, it says of John, he was not the light. But came that he might testify concerning the light. He says the true light was that which enlightens everyone who comes into the world. He was in the world. And the world came into being through him. But the world did not know him. He came to his own. And his own did not receive him. But as many as received him, to them he gave authority to become the children of God. Even to those who believe in his name. Who are not begotten by bloodline. No, it is not a physical or fleshly work. Nor by the will of the flesh. It is not a work of man. Nor by the will of man. But brethren, understand this last phrase. But by the will of God. The great God who made all things. The great God who sustains life. The great God who is above all. This is who gave us this great opportunity that we are privileged to be a part of through grace. And the word became flesh and tabernacled among us. Verse 14. And we ourselves, the apostle John is saying, beheld his glory. The glory is of the only begotten with the father. Full of grace. And truth. And that is the God that we worship. And the God that we serve. Let's go to Isaiah 42. And let's lay a foundation here regarding this truth that is strong and broad, if you will. Isaiah 42. We'll read some verses in a couple of chapters here. Verses from a couple of chapters here in Isaiah. Isaiah 42. Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my elect, and whom my soul delighteth. I have put my spirit upon him. He shall bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He shall not cry out, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised wreath he shall not break. In a smoking wick he shall not quench. In truth, he shall bring forth justice. He shall not fail, nor be discouraged until he has set justice in the earth. And the isles shall wait for his law. Thus says the Lord God, verse 5. He who created the heavens and stretched them out, spreading forth the earth and its offspring. He who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it. He says, brethren, I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness and will hold your hand. This is a sure help and will keep you and give you for a covenant of the people for a light to the Gentiles. To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness out of the prison house. He says, verse 8, I am the Lord. That is my name and my glory. I will not give to another, nor my praise to any raven images. God is God. He doesn't share that existence with other things. He doesn't share that existence with other ideas. You understand that I'm not saying other gods because there is no other God but the one God. But there are other things, other ideas, other concepts of men. Which they have brought to bear. Which the Bible refers to as nothing. He says in verse 9, behold, the former things have come to pass. And new things I declare. Before they happen, I tell you of them. Sing to the Lord a new song. His praise from the end of the earth. You who go down to the sea in its fullness. The isles and their people. Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice. The villages where Kedar dwells. Let the dwellers of the rock sing. Let them shout from the mountaintops. Give glory to the Lord. And declare his praise in the isles. The Lord shall go forth as a warrior. He stirs up zeal like a man of war. He shouts, yea roars. He overcomes his enemies. I have held my peace for a long time. I have been still and refrained myself. Now I will cry like a woman in pains of labor. I will pant and gasp at once. I will make waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their plants. And I will make their rivers islands and I will dry up their pools. And I will bring the blind by a way they knew not. I will lead them in the paths that they have not known. I will make darkness light before them. And ragged places plain. I will do these things to them and not forsake them. This is the God whom we serve. You can read the rest of Isaiah 42, but I want to go to Isaiah 43. Isaiah 43 and verse 6. He says, I will say to the north, give up. And to the south, do not keep back. Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth. Even everyone who is called. Again, even everyone who is called by my name. I have created him for my good. I have formed him. I have made him. God is doing a great work upon the earth. And we have him to call as father. We have his son, Jesus Christ, to call as brother. And they made that possible in us. They chose us, called us to them. As they will fulfill their purpose for all mankind. But today, they're working with a few. Let's go to Ephesians 1. Ephesians 1. Ephesians 1. And we will pick it up in verse 2. Ephesians 1, verse 2. Grace and peace be to you from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing and the heavenly things with Christ. Now, this is outstanding. This is a truth. This is a position that we have in this relationship with God that we need to grow in our understanding of. We need to grow in our understanding of this relationship because it's not something you need to just work up. It is something you need to be zealous about. But you need to hold on to that. That needs to be your focus and your determination. That everything that you do is from that knowledge. That you belong to Christ. That you belong to the Father and that they are doing a great work in you. So, again, verse 3. Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing and the heavenly things with Christ. Appointing as he personally chose us for himself before the foundation of the world in order that we might be holy and blameless before him in love. This is the calling that God determined from the beginning to do. And he is working that out within us. Having predetermined or predestinated us for sonship that he would have begotten sons and daughters that would be first grades of his. Having predestinated us for sonship to himself through Jesus Christ. According to the good pleasure of his own will. To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he has made us objects of his grace and the beloved son. What a company to be in. What a privilege and a blessing to have God see us this way. Do we comprehend the greatness of our calling? Do we truly understand that the great God is working a great miracle in our lives? And, yes, every single day of our lives we are very much important to him. So when we call out to each other and ask, pray for me, right, God instructed us to do that for one another. But we also understand that when we bow on our knees before God, that our prayers are before the throne of the father. We understand that through Christ that that is made possible. Again, verse six, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us objects of his grace and the beloved son. And who we have redemption through his blood, even the remissions of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Which he has made to abound toward us in all wisdom and intelligence. The great God has a great plan. He is working it out in his created beings. We are his. Each and every human being that exists is his, but we are his as first fruits. He called us today. Verse eight, which he has made to abound toward us in all wisdom and intelligence. Having made known to us the mystery of his own will. So we comprehend the mystery of life. Why were we born? You know, what is the purpose in life? What are we doing every single day? What is this life about? Are we just striving after win, as Solomon would say? Is everything vanity of vanities in our life? No. We know that there is a purpose. And our God is working it out. He has made a great investment in us, brethren. An incredible investment. In the life of his very own son. Whom he sent so that we could have this relationship with him. The latter part of verse nine now. According to his good pleasure, which he proposed in himself. That in the divine plan for the fulfilling of the times. The divine plan of God, that is. For the fulfilling of the times. He might bring all things together in Christ. All things, brethren. Both the things that are in the heavens. And the things upon the earth. Yes. In him. In whom we also have obtained an inheritance. Having been predestinated according to his purpose. Who is working out all things according to the counsel of his own will. That we might be the praise of his glory. Who first trusted in Christ. Yes. We're the first. Christ is our forerunner, if you will. He is the first of the first groups. But we are the first of human flesh. And all those whom God has called. To be called first groups. Who first trusted in Christ. But we won't be the last who trust in Christ. Verse 13. In whom you also trusted after hearing the word of the truth. The gospel of your salvation. In whom also after believing. You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Yes. Paul has long sentences. And you have to follow through all the way to the end. So, verse 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance. Until the redemption of the purchased possession. To the praise of his glory. So, yes. In that day. When we are manifested in glory. With Christ. Yes. There will be praise. Not only from us. We will praise God. I know. But even those who see us. Will praise God for what he has done. For us. So. We have. A responsibility today to be light. For surely we will be light. In God's kingdom as well. Let's go to. Philippians 2 now. Philippians 2. Let's add just a little bit more to that. So, Philippians 2. And we'll pick it up here in verse 5. So, here is where we are to be. In our understanding. In our life. In our conduct. In our way of living. It is not a forced thing. It's becoming who we are. It is not something that we. Just practice. Yes. You have to do a thing for it to become a part of who you are. But God's spirit. Moves you to these. Things now. Our way of life. Our condition and existence before God. Is one that is made possible through the indwelling of God's spirit within us. So, it becomes. More than just activities. More than just. Acts of obedience. It is really. It can be defined as acts of love. Outward back to God. Because that love is given to us. So, his laws are now. In a grinder. Burned into our hearts and into our minds. So, that we think like him. We become like him. We reason like him. We reason with the word of God. Because we have that. But here in Philippians. Verse five. Let this mind be in you. That's in Christ Jesus. Who although he existed in the form of God. Did not consider it robbery. To be equal with God. That is. He didn't. See his status. To be something. To be greedily. Held on to. As to say. Who me? Reduce myself. Down to a prick of. A pin of. Of. You know. Size of a pin. And be born into. The Virgin Mary. And become flesh. He didn't see that as. Being robbery. Or something that he would be losing. He. Willingly. Divested himself. To do a greater good. Let's read the whole thing. Did not consider it robbery. To be equal with God. But emptied himself. And was made. In the likeness of men. And took on the form of a servant. And being found. In the manner of men. He humbled himself. And became obedient. Unto death. Even the death of the cross. Now we were reading. His proclamation of himself. There. In Isaiah 42. Now this is the same God. Who divested himself. So that he could come and save us. And so because he was willing. Because he. Willingly did this. The father. Raised him from the dead and exalted him above. All that is. Back to his original. Standing with God. His existence if you will with God. Verse nine. Therefore God has also highly exalted him. And bestowed upon him. A name which is above every name. I can't say that enough. A name which is above. Every name. That at the name of Jesus. Every knee should bow. Yes. Of beings in heaven. Yes. And on earth and under the earth. And every tongue should confess. That Jesus Christ is Lord. To the glory. Of God the father. And there will be a little bit. Of that glorifying the father. As I said earlier. When we are born. Into the family of God. So he says in verse 12. So then my beloved. Even as you have always obeyed. Not as in my presence only. But now much more in my absence. Work out your own salvation. With fear. And trembling. For it is God. Who works in you. Both the will. And to do according to his good pleasure. God is doing. This great work. So let's turn then. To Romans 8. Romans 8. So these are the great. Mysteries of God. And they have been revealed to us. Through God's spirit. Which he has given to us. In Romans 8. In Romans 8. In Romans 8. And we will pick it up in verse 19. So we have this magnificent calling. And opportunity. And I pray brethren. That God gives us the power. To make it sure. In Romans 8. In Romans 8. In verse 19. Romans 8 in verse 19. Let's read here. He says. The earnest expectation of creation itself. Is awaiting the manifestation. Is awaiting. The manifestation of the sons of God. So yes. All of creation itself. Is awaiting the manifestation. Of the sons of God. Both that which is on the earth. And that which is in the heavens. Is awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God. All of creation. Because the creation. Was subject to vanity. We see that. Not willingly. But by reason of him who subjected it in hope. In order that. The creation itself. Might be delivered. From the bondage. Of corruption. And to the freedom. Of the glory of the children of God. This is. A part of what God has called us to. Let's read verse 22 now. For we know that. All the creation is growing together. And prevailing together until now. Not only that. But even we ourselves. We have the first fruits. Who have the first fruits. Of the spirit. Also grown. Within ourselves. Awaiting the sonship. The redemption of our bodies. For by hope we were saved. Hope that is seen as not hope. But why would anyone still be hoping. For what he sees. But if we hope. For what we do not see. We ourselves wait for it. With patience. Now. In the same way also. The spirit. Is conjointly helping our weaknesses. Because we do not fully. Understand what we should pray for. According as it is necessary. But the spirit itself. Makes intercession for us. With the groanings. That cannot be. Cannot be expressed by us. And the one. Who searches the hearts. Comprehend. What the strivings of the spirit. Are the strivings of the spirit. What the. Strivings of the spirit are. Because it makes intercession. For the saints. According to the will of God. And we know. That all things work together for good. To those who love God. To those who are called. According to his purpose. Because those. Who he did foreknow. He also predestinated to be. Conformed to the image. Of his own son. That is our destiny. That is what God has called us to. That he might be the firstborn. Among many. Yes he is alive. And at the right hand of the father. He is in heaven. And doing the work. That God has given him to do in our lives. And so he says. In verse 30. Now whom he predestinated. These he also called. Whom he called. These he also justified. And whom he justified. These he also glorified. What then shall we say. Of these things. If God is for us. Who can be against us. He who did not spare his own son. But gave him up. For us. For us all. How shall he not. Also grant us. All things together with him. Who shall bring an accusation. Against the elect. Of God. Who shall bring an accusation. Against God's people. God is the one. Who justified. Who is the one that condemns. It is Christ who died. But rather. Who is raised again. Who is even now. At the right hand of God. And who is also making a procession. For us. So that is the state of reality. In our lives every day. The right hand of the father. Making intercessions for us. So yes. When you pray to God. Your words through Christ. Through the cleansing blood of Christ. Come before the father directly. In verse 35. What shall separate us from the love of Christ. Shall tribulation. Or distress. Or persecution. Or famine. Or nakedness. It is written. For your sake. We are killed all day long. We are reckoned as sheep. For the slaughter. But in all things. We are more than conquerors. Through him who loves us. For I am persuaded. That neither death. Nor life. Nor angels. Nor principalities. Nor powers. To come. Nor height. Nor depth. Nor any other created thing. Shall be able to separate us. From the love of God. Which is in Christ Jesus. Our Lord. And again. Put that in perspective. Put that in perspective. Any other created thing. Our trust is in God. Our relationship is with God. Not just a God. The one God. And the only God. And he has called us to be a part of his work. A part of his family. So God is for us. Who can be against us. There is no power. That exists. There is no power in the physical realm. That can supersede God's love for us. That's what that scripture is saying to us. So hold on to that. Remember. Faith. Hope. And love. Let's turn to Luke 11. Luke 11. Let's read something. In Luke. The gospel of Luke chapter 11. And let's pick it up. In verse 28. 1128. Let's go to verse 27. It came to pass. Verse 27. It came to pass that as he spoke these things. A certain woman lifted up her voice from the multitude. And said to him. Blessed is the womb that bore you. And the breast that you saw. In verse 28. And he said yes. Yes. Rather blessed are those. Who hear the word of God. And keep it. So this way of life that we are walking in. We pray for God to give us discernment. So that we can stay in his path. And do his will. And obey his commandments. His laws and statutes. His judgments. Not as a manner of routine regiment. But out of love. And a desire. And a commitment. In a way of life. This is who we are brother. This is the people. This is the way of the people of God. This is the way of the people. Who have the spirit of God dwelling in them. The mind of God. So this is our prayer. That God will give us more of his mind. And that he would dwell in us even more. Verse. Verse. 30 now. He says. No verse 29. He says. Verse 28. And he said yes. Rather blessed are those who hear the word of God. And keep it. Now when the multitude had crowded around. Even more. He began to say. This is an evil generation. I think we could say that today. Seeking after a sign. Not so much seeking after a sign. But wanting to do their own thing. That's for sure. But no sign shall be given it. Except the sign of Jonah. The prophet. For as Jonah was in the. Was. For as Jonah was assigned to the Ninevites. In the same way also. Shall the son of man be assigned. To this generation. The queen of the south. The queen of the south. Shall come up in the judgment. This is in the great judgment. With the men of this generation. And shall condemn them. For she came. From the ends of the earth. To hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold a greater than Solomon. Is here. The men of Nineveh. Shall stand up in the judgment. With this generation. And shall condemn it. Because they repented. At Jonah's proclamation. And behold a greater than Jonah. Is here. Now no one who lights a lamp. Again. Sets it in a secret place. Or under a bushel basket. But on a lamp stand. So that those who are entering. May see the light. The light of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye. Is without guile. But when your eye is evil. Your whole body is dark. Therefore beware. That the light that is in you. Is not darkness. Now then if you. If your whole body is light. Not having any part. Dark. It shall be full of light. And when a lamp. As when a lamp. A lamp shining brightly. Gives you light. Now while he was speaking. Certain Pharisees asked him. To dine with them. I'll cut it there. But Christ. Is. Revealing himself. That he is the true light. And he is the standard. That we are to attain to. So. He is the key. He is the key to success. In eternal life. Christ is our witness. But will anyone hear. So again. God's message to his church. Is loud and clear. Christ. Is the greatest. Example. That we can. Keep our eyes on. He's the greatest example that we should attain to. Let's. Turn if you will. To Romans 9. Romans 9. And we'll pick it up in verse. 20. So God called us. He refers us to. To us as the elect. In Romans 9. In verse 20. Yes. Indeed. Oh man. Who are you to answer against God. Shall the thing that is formed. Say to the one who formed it. Why did you make me this way. Or doesn't the potter have authority. Over the clay to make. From the same lump of clay. One vessel into honor. And another into dishonor. So willing to show. His wrath. And make known his power. Choose and much long suffering. To put up with the vessels of wrath. Which were created for destruction. In order that he might. Make known the riches of his glory. Unto the vessels of mercy. Which he prepared before. For glory. Those of us. He also called. Not from among the Jews only. But also from among the Gentiles. Accordingly. He also said. And Hosea. I will call those who are not my people. My people and those who are not my beloved. Beloved. And it shall be. In the place where it was said. You are not my people. There. They shall be called the sons. Of the living God. Verse 27. God is working out. His plan. And he is determining. The phases of it. The stages of it. The processes of it. Again. We are products of his work. And we are yielding to him. And his great work in our life. In verse 26. And it shall be. In the place where it was said. You are not my people. And it shall be. In the place where it was said. You are my people. They are not my people. There. They shall be called the sons of the living God. But Isaiah cried out. Concerning Israel. Although the number of the children of Israel. Shall be as the sand of the sea. A remnant shall be saved. And he goes on to say in verse 28. For he is accomplishing. And limiting the manner. He is doing upon the earth. Accordingly Isaiah also said. Unless the Lord of hosts. Had left us a seed. We would have become a son. And we would have been like the Lord. What then shall we say. That the Gentiles. Who did not follow after righteousness. Have attained righteousness. Even the righteousness. That is by faith. But Israel although they followed. After a lot of righteousness. Did not attain. To a lot of righteousness. Why. Because they did not seek it by faith. But by works of law. For they stumble. At the stone of stump. That one name on the heaven. By which all men shall be saved. Brother. That is the name of Christ. Verse 33. Exactly as it is written. Behold a place. But everyone who believes in him. Shall not be ashamed. So where is our faith. Where is our trust. It is in God. In the work that he is doing in us. In Colossians. In Colossians 1. In Colossians 1. And let's just start here. In verse 1. Verse 2. To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ. Grace and peace be to you from God. Our father and our Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God. To the God of our father. And father. By Lord Jesus Christ. Praying for you continually. Since hearing of your faith in Christ. And the love that you have. Toward all the saints. Because of the hope that is. Laid up for you in heaven. Which you. Heard before in the word of truth. Of the gospel. Which has come to you. Even as it. Also has in all the world. Is bringing forth fruit. Just as it. Is among you. From the day that you heard and knew. The grace of God and truth. Even as you also learn from. Empress. Our beloved fellow servant. Who is a faithful minister of Christ. For you. Who has also informed us. Of your love in the spirit. So God again. Is working out a great work there. And let's go to 27. Verse 27 now it says. To whom God did. Will to make known. What are the riches of the glory. Of this mystery. Among the Gentiles. So this mystery has been. Open up and made available. To all men. Because the father is calling. From every walk of life. Every nation of people. Around the world. God's church is born purposeful. In his being. Perfected if you will. In Christ. Among the Gentiles there. Which is Christ in you. The hope of glory. Paul says whom we preach. Admonishing every man. And teaching every man. So that we may present. Every man perfect. In Christ Jesus. For this cause I labor. Paul says striving. According to the inner working. Which works in me. With power. And that is all the work of the ministry. So brethren. We are God's light. God's wisdom. In the sight. Of the world. Amen.
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