Participants: Dwight K. Nelson
Series Code: NP
Program Code: NP033112
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00:05 From the campus of Andrews University,
00:08 this is New Perceptions with Dr. Dwight K. Nelson. 00:21 Thank you for the cross, Lord 00:28 Thank you for the price you paid 00:35 Bearing all my sin and shame 00:40 In love you came 00:43 And gave amazing grace 00:49 Thank you for this love, Lord 00:55 Thank you for the nail pierced hands 01:02 Washed me in your cleansing flow 01:07 Now all I know 01:10 Is your forgiveness and embrace 01:18 Worthy is the Lamb 01:24 Seated on the throne 01:30 I crown you now with many crowns 01:38 You reign victorious 01:45 High and lifted up 01:52 Jesus, Son of God 01:58 The Darling of Heaven 02:02 Crucified 02:09 Worthy is the Lamb 02:16 Worthy is the Lamb 02:23 Worthy is the Lamb 02:30 Worthy is the Lamb 02:37 I'm going to ask you to stand for this next song 02:39 as we worship our hymn. 02:41 Alleluia, Alleluia 02:43 For the Lord God Almighty Reigns. 02:51 Alleluia! 02:58 Alleluia! 03:03 For the Lord God Almighty reigns 03:13 Alleluia! 03:20 Alleluia! 03:25 For the Lord God Almighty reigns 03:34 Alleluia 03:39 Holy 03:44 Holy 03:47 Are you Lord God Almighty 03:54 Worthy is the Lamb 03:57 Worthy is the Lamb 04:00 You are Holy 04:04 Holy 04:08 Are you Lord God Almighty 04:15 Worthy is the Lamb 04:18 Worthy is the Lamb 04:21 Amen 04:26 Sing us together one more time, Alleluia. 04:30 Alleluia 04:36 Alleluia 04:41 For our Lord God Almighty reigns 04:50 Alleluia 04:57 Alleluia 05:02 For our Lord God Almighty reigns 05:11 Alleluia 05:17 Holy 05:21 Holy 05:24 Are you Lord God Almighty 05:31 Worthy is the Lamb 05:35 Worthy is the Lamb 05:37 You are Holy 05:42 Holy 05:45 Are you Lord God Almighty 05:52 Worthy is the Lamb 05:55 Worthy is the Lamb 05:58 You are Holy 06:02 Holy 06:06 Are you Lord God Almighty 06:13 Worthy is the Lamb 06:16 Worthy is the Lamb 06:19 Amen. 06:25 Alleluia, the Lord God Almighty reigns. 06:28 Amen. Amen. 06:30 Colossians 1:15-20 says, 06:32 you can read it along with me. 06:34 "He is the image of the invisible God, 06:37 the firstborn over all creation. 06:40 For by Him all things were created 06:42 that were in heaven and that are on earth, 06:44 visible and invisible 06:46 whether thrones or dominions 06:47 or principalities or power, 06:49 all things were created through Him 06:51 and for Him. 06:52 And He is before all things. 06:54 And in Him all things consist. 06:57 And He is the head of the body, the church, 07:00 who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, 07:03 that in all things He may have preeminence. 07:07 For it pleased the Father that He in Himself 07:11 all the fullness should dwell, 07:13 and by him to reconcile all things unto himself, 07:17 by Him, whether things on earth, 07:20 or things in heaven having made peace 07:23 through the blood of his cross." 07:27 We have peace through the blood of the cross 07:31 this Sabbath morning, it is available to us. 07:35 And many times we don't take the opportunity 07:38 to come before the cross 07:40 and to receive the reconciliation 07:42 that the Lord has for us. 07:44 But we want to intend by you this Sabbath morning 07:48 to come before the cross and to lay your burdens, 07:52 to lay the sins you've been carrying 07:54 before the Lord 07:55 because He's promised reconciliation. 07:57 Whatever the struggle maybe 07:59 whether it's visible or invisible, 08:02 whether it's in heaven or above He's promised reconciliation. 08:06 In your bulletins we have red pieces of paper 08:10 that you may have received, 08:12 if you're not we have paper 08:13 that'll be available for you up front. 08:16 And as we sing 'Draw me nearer' 08:17 enter our time of prayer, I want to encourage you all 08:22 to write down your burden or sin 08:24 you've been carrying. 08:25 We're going to have tape, 08:26 we're going to tape them on the cross 08:28 and we're going to leave them there 08:29 with the knowledge that He's reconciled 08:32 and that there is peace in the blood 08:34 and grace in the blood of our Jesus. 08:38 So, as we sing the song and as our ushers come forward 08:41 we're going to take this time to put them on the cross. 09:07 Draw me nearer 09:12 Nearer blessed Lord to the cross 09:17 Where Thou has died 09:22 Draw me nearer 09:26 Nearer blessed Lord 09:31 To Thy precious, bleeding side 09:36 I am thine, O Lord, 09:38 I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice 09:45 And it told Thy love for me 09:50 But I long to rise 09:52 But I long to rise in the arms of faith 09:59 And be closer drawn to Thee 10:06 Draw me nearer 10:11 Nearer blessed Lord 10:13 To the cross where Thou has died 10:20 Draw me nearer 10:25 Nearer blessed Lord 10:29 To Thy precious Bleeding side 10:36 Draw me nearer 10:41 Nearer blessed Lord 10:44 To the cross where Thou has died 10:51 Draw me nearer 10:56 Nearer blessed Lord 11:01 To Thy precious, bleeding side 11:09 Draw me nearer 11:14 Nearer blessed Lord 11:17 To the cross where Thou has died 11:25 Draw me nearer 11:30 Nearer blessed Lord 11:35 To Thy precious 11:38 Bleeding side 11:43 Draw me nearer 11:48 Nearer blessed Lord 11:51 To the cross where Thou has died 11:59 Draw me nearer 12:04 Nearer blessed Lord 12:09 To Thy precious, bleeding side 12:15 Let's just hum it. 12:55 I'd like to invite you to kneel in prayer. 13:20 So the hymn poses the question. 13:27 Was I there when they crucified my Lord? 13:37 And the answer from our hearts 13:40 on our knees this morning was that very much yes. 13:45 We were on the mind of Jesus. 13:48 We've never, not been on the mind of Jesus. 13:53 And so father in heaven we come on our knees today 13:59 having lifted up our petitions 14:05 and placed them 14:08 where you've always invited us to put them, 14:13 where the power of God was manifested the most 14:19 where the love of Jesus was poured out the best, 14:24 the cross of Jesus. 14:27 So we take with Paul's Words in Galatians 14:32 that God forbid that I should boast 14:35 except in the cross our Lord Jesus Christ 14:39 by whom the whole world has been crucified to me 14:42 and I to the world. 14:47 We will boast in nothing else but the cross 14:50 and because of the cross we will come boldly. 14:53 So we come boldly, those petitions Father, 15:02 we come boldly boasting in nothing 15:05 of our abilities to solve the situations 15:07 that those represent we cannot do it, 15:11 we claim only the power that comes from the cross, 15:15 we claim only the line of Matthew 28 15:18 that all power in heaven and on earth 15:20 is given to me because of the cross. 15:23 You, Jesus we understand that You do have the power. 15:28 Forgive us Father for any doubt we've had up to this point 15:31 but Father let don't go easy on us today, 15:35 don't let us up above off our knees 15:37 and certainly not leaving the sanctuary today 15:40 until we have been convinced of the power of Jesus 15:45 shining from the cross. 15:48 So we boast in nothing else 15:50 and because of this we come boldly. 15:52 Please do Jesus. 15:54 Draw us near today to the cross then we've ever been before. 16:00 For the honor and glory of heaven 16:02 we pray for miracles to take place 16:06 as we draw near to the cross 16:08 and leave our petitions there. 16:10 Dear Jesus, for the honor and glory of heaven 16:13 and in the name of Jesus, amen. 16:39 For God so loved the world 16:47 That He gave His only begotten Son 16:55 That whomsoever believeth in Him 17:03 Should not perish 17:11 For God so loved the world 17:19 That He gave His only begotten Son 17:27 That whomsoever believeth in Him 17:38 Should not perish 17:46 But have everlasting life 18:02 For God sent not His Son 18:09 For God sent not His Son 18:16 To condemn 18:23 To condemn 18:32 For God sent not His Son 18:39 Into the world 18:45 To condemn the world 18:50 But that the world 18:58 Through him might be saved 19:13 For God so loved the world 19:21 That He gave His only begotten Son 19:31 That whomsoever believeth in Him 19:41 Should not perish 19:51 But have everlasting life 20:48 For God so loved the world 20:49 that He gave His only begotten Son. 20:52 And whoever believes in Him should not perish 20:54 but have everlasting life. 20:57 Many a composer has dealt with John 3:16 21:00 but I am so grateful for this composer. 21:03 Who realize that there is verse 17 21:05 after verse 16, "For God sent not his Son 21:08 into the world to condemn the world, 21:11 but that the world through him might be saved." 21:15 I don't know if you look down is the choir 21:18 of the Andrews University singers 21:21 beautifully rendering this piece. 21:24 I don't know if you look down to notice who composed it 21:26 but our own ministry music, 21:28 Kenneth Logan composed that piece 21:30 and it is a glorious expression of God's love. 21:34 Thank you, Kenneth very much. 21:37 Thank you choir. 21:40 Let us pray. 21:44 Oh, God, standing beside this cross covered in red, 21:50 you do have the last word, don't you? 21:54 There are thousand more red slips in my life 21:56 where that came from but we've brought these to you, 22:02 symbolic of our longing what Calvary can bring today. 22:07 Whatever it is do it now in worship, 22:12 we pray in Jesus name, amen. 22:16 Would you agree with this, number one, 22:18 it has to be one of the saddest stories 22:19 in all of the scripture and number two, 22:22 it sadly is our story too? 22:27 Come with me to that midnight of gut wrenching, 22:30 heart broken grief. 22:34 Open your Bible with me to the gospel of Saint John, 22:36 John 4th gospel. 22:39 The gospel of John Chapter 18. 22:42 You didn't bring a Bible grab the pew Bible 22:43 this is one of those narratives that will never let you go. 22:48 If you've never read this before 22:49 welcome to your first exposure, 22:51 you'll never forget it the rest of your life. 22:54 Grab the pew Bible if you don't have your Bible 22:55 that's page 729 in the pew Bible, 22:58 John Chapter 18. 23:01 You see on the screen the tile of today's teaching, 23:03 'The denier, the denial, the denied'. 23:08 Just a few weeks left the Gospel of John ends 23:11 on the last Sabbath of this school semester. 23:14 It's been an incredible journey. 23:15 Hope you can join me for the final Sabbath. 23:19 Today John 18, let's go, John 18 23:20 I'm in the New King James Version. 23:23 Verse 1, when Jesus had spoken these words, 23:25 Chapter 17 His mighty prayer 23:27 only recorded in the Gospel of John. 23:29 "When Jesus had spoken these words, 23:31 He went out with his disciples over the Brook Kidron", 23:34 that's a notch, a geological notch 23:36 outside the gates of Jerusalem. 23:37 They went over the Brook where there was a garden, 23:41 which He and His disciple entered, 23:42 verse 2 in Judas, 23:43 who betrayed Him also knew the place, 23:46 for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 23:49 Verse 3, "Then Judas, having received 23:51 a detachment of troops and officers 23:54 from the chief priests and Pharisees, 23:56 came there with lanterns, torches and weapons." 23:59 Hit the pause button right there. 24:00 Do you know that John is the only gospel 24:02 to insert that detail lanterns and torches? 24:06 What's up with that? 24:07 Well, as the moment we read lanterns and torches 24:09 we realize it's dark, it's night and the moment 24:13 we think night, boom, the reader remembers 24:16 we just read night a moment ago. 24:20 Just a few hours ago in the upper room, 24:21 I want you read the, where the word night 24:24 appears just before this. 24:26 Turn back about three pages to John 13. 24:29 Look at this Jesus has just turned to His disciples 24:31 and He's announced the one to whom 24:33 I give this piece of bread will betray me. 24:37 Startled they watch. 24:41 And you watch verse 30, 24:42 "Having received the piece of bread, 24:45 Judas, Judas, then went out immediately 24:50 and it was night." 24:55 And it was night. 25:01 For the son of salvation has set upon Judas life 25:07 never to rise again 25:10 and it is a very, very dark, dark night 25:14 that will never end for that man. 25:18 Beware the night, stay with the light. 25:23 John's point is inescapable. 25:27 Back to Chapter 18, pick it up now in verse 4, 25:30 so the posse is there, it is mobbed up to 200 perhaps 25:34 in that detachment, then Jesus, 25:38 this is verse 4, "Then Jesus therefore, 25:40 knowing all things that would come upon him, 25:43 went forward and said to them, 25:45 Whom are you seeking?" 25:47 And they answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." 25:51 And Jesus said to them, "I am", 25:56 in the Greek just those two words, "I am." 26:03 And Judas, who betrayed Him, 26:04 also stood with them and then the stunning line 26:07 reported in no other gospel, 26:08 verse 6, "Now when Jesus said to them, 26:11 'I am', they drew back and fell to the ground." 26:18 Something happened in that split seconds. 26:22 I read numerous commentaries in the Gospel of John, 26:26 the first writer I have ever come across to describe 26:30 what has just happened is Craig Keener. 26:32 And I've been relying on Keener's 26:34 majestic treatment of two volume treatment 26:36 of the Gospel of John through the series 26:38 and I want to put Keener's words, 26:39 I have never seen another scholar 26:42 make this recognition, Keener on the screen. 26:45 "Jesus' self-revelation, 'I am,' 26:48 can mean simply 'I am, He,' 26:51 that is, 'I am the one you are seeking.' 26:53 "But the reader of the gospel by this point understands 26:56 that the Jesus of this gospel means more than this. 26:59 He is declaring His divine identity. 27:02 Lest anyone fail to grasp this point, 27:04 the response even of Jesus' 27:06 opponents in the story world confirms this: 27:10 the divine name causes their involuntary prostration." 27:16 I am and they realize, 27:18 they are in the presence of divinity. 27:22 And I say Craig Keener is the first one I've read. 27:24 Actually, Desire of Ages, a century preceding Keener 27:27 has already powerfully made the point. 27:29 Let me put the words 27:30 from this classic devotion on the life of Jesus. 27:32 Put it on the screen there. 27:33 "Standing in advance of His disciples," 27:35 this is Desire of Ages, 27:37 Jesus said, 'Whom seek ye?' 27:38 In the language of the King James. 27:40 They answered, 'Jesus of Nazareth.' 27:42 Jesus replied, 'I am He.' 27:46 "As these words were spoken, 27:47 the angel who had lately ministered to Jesus," 27:50 gospel of Luke talks about that angel, 27:52 "Move between Jesus and the mob. 27:54 A divine light illuminated the Savior's face, 27:57 and a dovelike form overshadowed Him. 28:00 In the presence of this divine glory, 28:02 the murderous throng could not stand for a moment." 28:05 Now, hold on, "They staggered back priests, 28:07 elders, soldiers, and even Judas, 28:10 fell as dead men to the ground." 28:14 In an explosion why didn't Keener, 28:18 by the way I agree 28:20 divinity flashed through humanity. 28:24 And all hell breaks loose. 28:30 Because when the arresting mob and Judas 28:32 finally staggered back to their feet 28:34 recovering from that explosion of life 28:38 and Judas, can you believe this with the demonic goal 28:41 to cross that orange lit clearly 28:45 in front of the eyes of the Dom 28:47 founded disciples steps up to Jesus 28:51 and plants a kiss on his bearded cheek. 28:56 Peter, was never in a lost for words, 28:59 and usually did the wrong thing first. 29:02 Reaches into his tunic and brandishes a mini dagger 29:06 and in the dark starts slashing at anybody 29:09 who is nearby and suddenly a scream of pain 29:13 and a bloody wet ear now lies on the cold Gethsemane dirt. 29:20 All hell breaks loose. 29:24 Jesus is bound and gagged and dragged out of the garden. 29:30 Just like that. 29:32 Verse 15, Simon Peter, look at this. 29:37 "And Simon Peter followed Jesus". 29:41 Now Mark and scholars tell us 29:43 it really is not the Gospel of Mark 29:44 it should be the gospel according to Peter 29:46 because Peter told 29:48 John Mark his young and his dear friend. 29:50 He told Mark the story 29:52 and he made sure that when Mark tells the story, 29:54 Mark adds the words and Simon Peter 29:57 followed Jesus at a distance. 30:04 As if Mark and Peter and the Holy Spirit 30:07 would somehow break into our consciousness 30:10 and remind us that when you follow Jesus 30:12 at a distance you are a sitting duck 30:15 for a satanic fall, 30:17 at a distance is no good at all. 30:23 Just close enough to encase, 30:26 I need to join I can but run I might. 30:31 You are dead meat at a distance as we know it. 30:36 Verse 15, Simon Peter followed Jesus 30:38 and so did another disciple. 30:40 Now that disciple was known to the high priest. 30:43 Wait a minute, another disciple. 30:45 Ah, yeah, that's right. 30:46 When John writes his fourth gospel 30:48 it's his literary device speaking of himself 30:51 in the third person. 30:52 This is John boy. 30:53 If he was 18 or 19 when Jesus called him, 30:55 he is three year older, he's 21, 22. 30:57 He is not much older than you. 31:00 This is John boy. 31:03 And Simon Peter followed Jesus in verse 15 31:05 and so did another disciple 31:07 now that disciple was known to the high priest 31:11 and he went with Jesus 31:12 into the courtyard to the high priest. 31:14 Obviously, John is not following at a distance 31:16 he is right up there 31:17 and when the door opens for the passage 31:19 John's right through with Jesus. 31:21 But where's Peter? He is way back at a distance. 31:24 And that's why there is verse 16 31:26 but Peter finally comes up to the door and it's closed. 31:30 "Peter stood outside the door 31:32 then the other disciple John boy 31:34 who was known to the high priest 31:36 went out and spoke to her 31:37 who kept the door and brought Peter in." 31:39 And then the Desire of Ages tells us, listen to this, 31:42 John saw a retired corner 31:44 secured from the notice of the mob 31:46 but is near Jesus as it was possible for him to be. 31:49 Oh, Peter, if only you had joined 31:51 John in that corner, if only. 31:56 No, not Peter. 31:59 He can't afford to be identified 32:02 and so he starts to move toward the guys 32:04 around the fire and the little girl 32:06 at the door catches him. 32:07 Look at this verse 17, 32:09 "Then the servant girl who kept the door said to him, 32:11 by the way no accusation, no condemnation, 32:14 no criticism, John praises 32:17 all three encounters with Peter as questions. 32:20 He's the only one to do that. 32:21 She looks at the priest and said, 32:22 "Oh, you are not also one of this man's disciples, 32:26 are you?" 32:28 And Peter said, I am not. 32:33 And then to prove it he sign is over to the fire 32:36 where the boys are. 32:38 Verse 18, "Now the servants and officers 32:40 who had made the fire of coals stood there, 32:43 for it was cold:" 32:44 Early April, we know about cold even in the spring time. 32:48 "For it was cold and they warmed themselves: 32:51 and Peter stood with them, and he warmed himself." 32:58 Desire of Ages, 32:59 draws the wale aside again and shows, 33:01 reveals Peter's behavior standing by the fire. 33:04 Just minding his own business 33:06 but keeping an eye on the proceedings 33:07 always watching the proceedings 33:10 that's his beloved master, you understand, 33:12 they are like this to his-- 33:13 He's by the fire but Desire of Ages says, 33:16 watch what happens to Peter in the crowd. 33:19 When he's surrounded by the crowd, 33:21 put it on the screen, "Peter tried to show 33:23 no interest in the trial of his Master, 33:25 but his heart was wrung with sorrow 33:27 as he heard the cruel taunts, 33:29 and saw the abuse He was suffering", 33:31 keep reading, 33:33 "In order to conceal his true feelings, 33:36 Peter endeavored-- 33:37 Look at it, can you believe this? 33:39 "He endeavored to join with the persecutors of Jesus 33:41 in their untimely jests." 33:43 Oh, yeah, you're right. Can you believe that? 33:46 He joins in the crew of jest. 33:51 Just to make sure he don't, 33:53 you won't mix me up as a follower of his. 33:56 Oh, my, keep reading. 33:57 "But his appearance was unnatural." 33:59 You can't fool the world. 34:01 If you're a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ 34:02 and you're trying to fit into the crowd 34:04 on a Friday night you can't fool the world. 34:07 They'll see it in your face. 34:08 You can do all the actions but they'll see it, 34:11 there is a haunting shadow in your face. 34:13 That girl she don't belong here. 34:15 That boy, he doesn't fit in here. 34:21 There, his appearance was unnatural. 34:23 He was acting a lie 34:24 and while seeking to talk unconcernedly, 34:27 he just head and went up the weather 34:28 what do you think could beat them all? 34:29 Talking unconcernedly he could not restrain 34:33 the expressions of indignation 34:35 at the abuse heaped upon his Master." 34:38 Somebody finally spots the cognitive dissonance 34:42 reflected in that fisherman's face. 34:43 He said, you-- Here comes now number two, 34:48 this is verse 25, 34:50 now as Peter stood and warmed himself by that fire. 34:53 Therefore the soldiers, the guys, they said to him, 34:58 'You are not also one of his disciples, are you?' 35:01 He denied it and said, I am not. 35:08 Verse 26, 35:11 "One of the servants of the high priest, 35:13 a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off." 35:17 Oh-oh. 35:21 We got to real eye witness here. 35:24 I mean, they got Peter inside, I mean they got Jesus inside 35:27 and they can't find a single witness to confirm 35:29 he did a solitary crime. 35:31 They can't find one witness but right here at the fire 35:33 we've got a red blooded witness that saw 35:36 the crime in the garden and Peter knows the gig is up. 35:44 So one of the servants, verse 26, 35:46 of the high priest, a relative, bad luck 35:53 "A relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, 35:56 said, you, didn't I see you in the garden with Him?" 36:01 Now the pressure is intense. There is no escape. 36:07 There's no way walking out of this. 36:09 Peter knows, all world knows the popular rabbi 36:13 that he is a disciple of, and the disciples of the rabbi 36:17 are noted for their own purity, their own sense of justice 36:20 and mercy and righteousness 36:22 and so Peter desperate now to change the mind 36:27 beyond the shadow of a reasonable doubt 36:29 dips into his old fisherman's book of obscenities. 36:35 And turns the air blue with profanity and obscenity, 36:41 I have never known this, blankety blank, 36:45 blank, blank, blank, blank, blank man in my life. 36:50 There you got any other questions? 36:55 Notice verse 27, 36:56 "Peter then denied again, and immediately a rooster--" 37:03 Ever heard a rooster? 37:05 I'm not going to imitate one. 37:10 You heard of rooster, I can tell. 37:13 "And immediately a rooster crowed." 37:20 And Peter remembers just like that. 37:24 Upper room, just hours ago 37:26 Jesus prediction about him big brave Peter. 37:31 And what has Jesus said? 37:33 Back to Chapter 13, just for a quick glance here. 37:36 Look at this Chapter 13, verse 37, 37:38 "Peter said to Jesus, Lord, why can I not follow you now? 37:43 Hey, guess what Jesus, 37:44 "I will lay down my life for your sake." 37:47 Count me, I'll die for you. 37:50 And Jesus replies, verse 38, "Jesus answered Peter, 37:53 will you lay down your life for my sake?" 37:57 Most assuredly, oh, John, there it is again double amen, 38:00 25 times, one gospel, amen, amen in the Greek. 38:04 Amen, amen, John's devise, yo, reader, slow down. 38:08 This is big stuff just about to be spoken. 38:10 Amen, amen, I say to you, Jesus says, 38:15 the rooster shall not crow till you have denied me three times. 38:21 And the cock-a-doodle-doo brings back the memory 38:28 of these words just out of his-- 38:32 And John on his way to get to Calvary 38:36 omits the most heart breaking moment of all, 38:39 in my humble estimation. 38:42 Only doctor Luke includes it. 38:44 I want to put it on the screen for you. 38:45 Luke 22, 38:47 what happens immediately while Peter was still speaking, 38:51 that would be cursive, profanities. 38:54 Immediately while Peter was still speaking, 38:56 the rooster crowed. 38:58 And get this and the Lord turned and looked at Peter. 39:04 I hear a voice, I recognize 39:06 that's my, that's my dear friend Peter. 39:08 Jesus turns, the air is still blue with obscenities. 39:13 He turns and their eyes meet. 39:19 And Peter's heart breaks. 39:23 I've seen those eyes. 39:26 I have seen those eyes of Jesus. 39:30 The words are still on my lips that Jesus spoke. 39:36 The deed is still in my mind and Jesus looks at me, 39:41 you've said that, you did that. 39:48 It's enough to break your heart, I tell you. 39:52 What happened to Peter? 39:54 Book of Desire of Ages captures this, look at this, 39:56 "While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter's lips, 40:02 and the shrill crowing of the cock 40:04 was still ringing in his ears, 40:05 the savior turned from the frowning judges, 40:07 and looked full upon His poor disciple." 40:10 At the same time you know 40:11 how it works instinctively there's something, 40:13 somebody's looking at me, instinctively Peter looks up 40:16 and his eyes are drawn to his master. 40:19 In that gentle countenance 40:21 he read deep pity and sorrow over Peter. 40:30 But there was no anger there. 40:35 Dr. Luke, one more line continues put it on the screen 40:39 and Peter remembered the word of the Lord. 40:43 But how he had said to him before the rooster crows 40:45 you would deny me three times 40:47 so as Luke puts it here Peter went out and wept bitterly. 40:51 Look how the message Bible renders it, 40:53 "He went out and cried and cried and cried." 41:00 Because what else can you do? 41:01 When you have just now denied 41:03 your truest and dearest friend. 41:11 Aren't you glad that you and I are not like Peter 41:14 and we don't deny Jesus, Halleluiah, 41:16 put your hands up, Halleluiah. 41:19 Say amen. 41:25 We don't deny Jesus except of course, 41:30 for when nobody's listening. 41:33 Nobody's listening, in a fit of enraged, 41:37 impatience or anger privately 41:42 his name on our lips, why? 41:48 Still fresh on our lips. 41:50 Follow, look, look, follower of Jesus Christ. 41:55 We don't deny him, do we? 41:58 Except of course, for when the group we're in 42:02 begins to ridicule someone else's faith, 42:04 or someone else's faith practice 42:05 you know how that goes 42:06 and we who unbeknown to the group by the way, 42:09 share that same faith believe in that same faith practice 42:12 we sit there without a single word of protests, 42:14 without a solitary admission that we share that conviction, 42:18 we share that high standard, 42:19 we share that belief not a word from our lips. 42:24 We don't deny Jesus, do we? 42:27 Except of course, 42:29 for when someone tells that joke 42:32 where God is the punch line. 42:35 Or has barn yard animal droppings as the laugh line 42:39 and we in raucous laughter join all the others 42:41 in that hooding hilarity, we don't deny Jesus, do we? 42:46 The holy one, the pier one, we don't deny Him. 42:51 Except, of course, when someone, 42:54 a friend, a colleague, a teacher, a lecturer 42:58 someone makes a subtle, 43:00 someone makes a blatant put down our belief 43:02 you hold dear and you hold your tongue 43:06 and you keep silent in that classroom, 43:09 you keep silent in that board room, 43:11 you keep silent in that family room, 43:13 you keep silent in that dorm room 43:14 and not a word from you. 43:18 We don't deny Jesus, do we? 43:21 Except of course, 43:25 when I blame Him for the misfortune of my life, 43:29 God, you did this to me. 43:31 Although I know it, 43:32 I may have lead myself into that, 43:33 or this is a satanic attack, never mind it's You. 43:36 I don't deny Jesus, do I? 43:40 Except of course, 43:43 when we spread that juicy bit of gossip 43:46 about somebody else and we hit forward 43:50 and it goes to all our people 43:53 behind the back of that someone 43:55 denying the golden rule of the master we belong to, 43:59 we don't deny Jesus, do we? 44:03 Except of course, 44:04 when we treat someone else 44:06 as an object to gratify our own sexual denials. 44:12 Our own sexual desires. 44:16 Denying Jesus, own Lordship, of our own bodies, 44:21 denying Jesus ownership of her body, 44:26 is ownership of his body, is ownership of my body, 44:33 whoever's body you're using to find this new found love 44:36 in this great romance that you are now announcing 44:38 to the whole world, we don't deny Jesus, do we? 44:41 Never mind my spouse, never mind my children, 44:44 never mind my Lord, never mid my faith, 44:47 never mind my church, you don't deny Jesus, do you? 44:57 So what hope is there for us third millennial deniers, 45:01 of this Lord Jesus Christ? 45:04 In the end, let me conclude of the story written by 45:08 the great South African writer Laurens Van Der Post. 45:12 "Cause he was from South Africa 45:13 I recognize that name instantly. 45:16 Let me read it to you. 45:18 Laurens Van Der Post relates a story of two brothers. " 45:22 The elder brother was strong, 45:23 tall, intelligent and excellent athlete, 45:27 sent away to private school 45:28 in South Africa where the family lived. 45:30 He became an admired leader of the student body. 45:33 His brother was some six years younger. 45:35 Neither good looking, nor capable, 45:38 he was also a hunchback. 45:43 But he had one great gift. 45:44 He had a magnificent singing voice. 45:48 Eventually the younger brother joined the older 45:50 at the same boarding school. 45:51 One day, listen up, in a cruel outbreak of mob psychology, 45:56 a group of students ganged up on the younger brother, 45:59 jeered at him, and tore off his shirt 46:01 to reveal his hunchback. 46:05 The older brother was aware of what was going on. 46:08 He could have gone out 46:09 and faced the crowd of sadistic students, 46:12 acknowledged the strange hunchback as his brother 46:14 and put a stop to this whole sorry mess. 46:17 Instead, he remained in the chemistry lab 46:19 completing an assignment. 46:22 He betrayed his brother by what he failed to do. 46:28 And the younger brother was never the same again. 46:34 He returned home to his parent's farm 46:36 where he kept to himself and sang no more. 46:42 Meanwhile, the older brother had become a soldier 46:44 in World War II, stationed in Palestine. 46:48 One night, lying outdoors 46:51 and gazing into the starlit sky, 46:53 he realized what he had done 46:55 to his younger brother in their school days 46:57 and his heart told him he would never have peace 46:59 until he went home and he asked his brother for forgiveness. 47:03 And so he made the incredibly difficult wartime journey 47:06 from Palestine to South Africa. 47:08 The brothers talked long into the night, 47:10 the elder one confessing his guilt and remorse 47:13 and they cried together, embraced, 47:15 and the breach between them was healed. 47:18 Something else happened that night. 47:21 The older brother had fallen asleep 47:23 when he was startled awake by the sound of a full, rich, 47:27 mellifluous voice soaring into the night. 47:31 It was the beautiful voice of his younger brother 47:35 who was singing once again." 47:40 Wow! It's he. 47:45 The hope of the denied ones 47:49 is the forgiveness of the denied one. 47:57 "The hope of the denying one 48:02 is the forgiveness of the denied one." 48:07 I tell you what, ladies and gentlemen, 48:08 otherwise you and I and Peter and older brother 48:10 will carry our guilt into eternity 48:12 and I promise into eternity. 48:14 Unless somebody can relieve us of these denials. 48:22 That's why today we've got to come, 48:26 we must come, we must hurry, 48:28 we must come humbly and boldly 48:31 to the cross of Christ Jesus, our Lord. 48:35 For though we've heard Him and by the way, 48:36 yes, we've heard him as deeply as Peter heard him, 48:40 though we have heard him yet He still forgives us. 48:46 I'm telling you 48:47 Holy Communion is the most portent, 48:51 expression and reception 48:56 of that forgiveness in all the world. 49:00 Nobody goes home unclean today, 49:03 nobody goes home unforgiven today. 49:07 This is perfect, begin our spring moments 49:11 to come to this cross 49:16 and receive the forgiveness of the denied one. 49:21 Whose only hope you and me, 49:24 whose only hope, our only hope 49:27 tied up in that gift, His forgiveness. 49:36 You, Simon Peter, do you really love me? 49:44 Yes, Lord. 49:47 Yes, Lord, you know, you know I love you. 49:53 Good, good, come. 49:56 Follow me again, it's time we follow him again 50:03 fully forgiven and cleansed. 50:06 Let's pray, oh, Christ Jesus, 50:11 our Lord, please forgive us to 50:15 for our denials for the foolish, foolish ways 50:20 we too have denied you just like Peter. 50:27 Would you please ask us? 50:28 Please Jesus, just ask us. Do you love me? 50:31 And today here in Holy Communion 50:35 you will hear us loud and clear, 50:37 yes, Lord, you know I love you. 50:42 And then quickly Jesus whisper what we long to hear good, 50:46 come, come here, follow me. 50:51 That's why we've come here for that gift right now. 50:57 Thank you Jesus, amen. 51:05 Open thou mine eyes and I shall see 51:13 Incline my heart and I shall desire 51:20 Order my steps and I shall walk 51:30 In the ways of thy commandments 51:40 Open thou mine eyes and I shall see 51:48 Incline my heart and I shall desire 51:57 Order my steps and I shall walk 52:05 In the ways of thy commandments 52:15 O Lord God, be thou to me a God 52:22 And beside thee let there be none else 52:29 No other, naught else with thee 52:36 Vouchsafe to me to worship thee and serve thee 52:44 According to thy commandments 52:52 In truth of spirit, in reverence of body 53:02 In blessings of lips 53:06 In private and in public 53:17 Open thou mine eyes and I shall see 53:24 Incline my heart and I shall desire 53:32 Order my steps and I shall walk 53:42 In the ways of thy commandments 54:05 And I love this, I love this hymn, 54:08 we always save this hymn 54:09 for these four occasions each year. 54:12 Take your hymn aloud, it is so festive 54:15 it sings of the joy 54:18 that has been bestowed upon us at the cross, 54:22 the word sent forth by God's blessing, 54:25 in 407 let's just stand and begin signing together. 54:28 Go forth with the joy of Christ who goes with us. 54:32 Send forth by God's blessing 54:35 Our true faith confessing 54:38 The people of God from His dwelling take leave 54:44 The supper ended Oh, now be extended 54:50 The fruits of this service in all who believe 54:56 The seed of His teaching, Receptive souls reaching 55:03 Shall blossom in action for God and for all 55:09 His grace did invited us, His love shall unite us 55:15 To work for God's kingdom 55:19 And answer His call 55:24 With praise and thanksgiving to God ever living 55:30 The tasks of our everyday life we will face 55:36 Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring 55:43 Embracing His children of each tribe and race 55:49 With Your feast You feed us, with Your light now lead us 55:55 Unite us as one in this life that we share 56:02 Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving 56:08 Give honor to Christ and His name that we bear 56:20 I'd like to take a moment 56:22 here at the end of the service to tell you about 56:23 one of the most important groups of people 56:25 that make this ministry possible. 56:28 They are a team of people 56:30 they are not afraid to get down 56:31 into this sick if life itself. 56:33 Which is why you're going to find them 56:34 you will find them moving forward on their knees. 56:38 They are our prayer partners, 56:39 a group of men and women and young adults 56:42 who believe that this humble television ministry 56:45 has been raised up by God for such a time as this. 56:48 And so they pray earnestly, 56:49 that God will use the preacher, that God will use me, 56:52 that God will use the countless other volunteers 56:55 to spread the everlasting gospel 56:57 and the Word of God in ways 56:58 we could never have imagined before. 57:00 They are the ones who are praying 57:02 that God is going to open up the hearts of people, 57:05 open up the hearts of viewers 57:07 around the world for the message, 57:09 the critical message for this end time generation. 57:13 And what I'd like to do is ask you, 57:15 would you be willing to be a prayer partner with us? 57:18 A prayer partner with New Perceptions? 57:19 You don't have to call our toll free number, 57:21 you don't have to go online to register. 57:23 All I need to know is that you'd be willing 57:26 to lift this little ministry up 57:29 day after day after day, 57:31 pray that somehow through radio and television and the web. 57:35 God will open up new doors, new regions on earth, 57:40 where the everlasting gospel can be proclaimed. 57:42 There is no question the power of prayer 57:45 has potential to take this ministry to place this 57:47 we could never have imagined before. 57:50 So, that's it, would you please be willing 57:53 to partner with me in prayer? 57:55 The times are urgent, the need is critical 57:59 and I hope you'll say yes. 58:00 Till we are together, 58:01 next time may the prayer answering God 58:05 accompany you every step of the way. |
Revised 2014-12-17