Great is the Lord He is holy and just 00:00:27.76\00:00:31.79 By His power we trust in His love 00:00:31.83\00:00:36.43 Great is the Lord He is faithful and true 00:00:36.46\00:00:40.40 By His mercy He proves He is love 00:00:40.47\00:00:45.07 Great is the Lord and worthy of glory 00:00:45.11\00:00:49.31 Great is the Lord and worthy of praise 00:00:49.34\00:00:53.65 Great is the Lord now lift up your voice 00:00:53.68\00:00:57.59 Now lift up your voice 00:00:57.62\00:01:00.16 Great 00:01:00.19\00:01:03.73 Is the Lord 00:01:03.76\00:01:08.63 Great 00:01:08.66\00:01:12.23 Is the Lord 00:01:12.27\00:01:15.34 Great are You Lord You are holy and just 00:01:17.27\00:01:21.18 By Your power we trust in Your love 00:01:21.21\00:01:25.65 Great are You Lord You are faithful and true 00:01:25.68\00:01:29.48 By Your mercy You prove You are love 00:01:29.52\00:01:34.02 Great is the Lord and worthy of glory 00:01:34.06\00:01:38.13 Great is the Lord and worthy of praise 00:01:38.16\00:01:42.30 Great is the Lord now lift up your voice 00:01:42.33\00:01:46.03 Now lift up your voice 00:01:46.07\00:01:48.47 Great 00:01:48.50\00:01:52.11 Is the Lord 00:01:52.14\00:01:56.78 Great 00:01:56.81\00:02:00.32 Is the Lord 00:02:00.35\00:02:03.15 Great are You Lord and worthy of glory 00:02:03.18\00:02:07.19 Great are You Lord and worthy of praise 00:02:07.26\00:02:11.26 Great are You Lord, I lift up my voice 00:02:11.29\00:02:15.06 I lift up my voice 00:02:15.10\00:02:17.47 Great 00:02:17.53\00:02:20.97 Are You Lord 00:02:21.00\00:02:25.71 Great 00:02:25.74\00:02:29.11 Are You Lord. 00:02:29.14\00:02:34.38 Amen. 00:02:34.42\00:02:38.25 This next song is fairly new. 00:02:38.29\00:02:42.79 It's a song that I don't know how I stumbled upon it 00:02:42.82\00:02:46.53 but the first time I heard it, it got stuck in my head 00:02:46.56\00:02:49.40 and I realize why I love this song so much 00:02:49.43\00:02:52.70 is because it comes from the vision out of Isaiah 6 00:02:52.73\00:02:56.74 and I'm gonna read to you starting verse where it says, 00:02:56.77\00:02:59.74 "In the year that king Uzziah died 00:02:59.77\00:03:01.88 I saw the Lord seated on a throne, 00:03:01.91\00:03:04.25 high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 00:03:04.28\00:03:08.75 And above him were seraphim's, each with six wings, 00:03:08.78\00:03:12.32 with two wings they covered their faces, 00:03:12.35\00:03:14.19 and two they covered their feet, 00:03:14.26\00:03:15.59 and with two they were flying. 00:03:15.62\00:03:16.96 And they were calling to one another, 00:03:16.99\00:03:18.33 'Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord almighty, 00:03:18.36\00:03:21.60 the whole earth is full of His glory.'" 00:03:21.63\00:03:25.20 And I think the reason 00:03:25.23\00:03:26.57 that I love this verse in particular 00:03:26.60\00:03:29.24 is because there is something that I struggle with 00:03:29.27\00:03:31.24 as a Christian and that's wrapping my mind 00:03:31.27\00:03:33.78 around this God that is so great 00:03:33.84\00:03:38.08 that the beings that are constantly surrounding Him 00:03:38.11\00:03:41.12 can't help but constantly be in worship 00:03:41.15\00:03:44.82 and yet He acts as my intercessor. 00:03:44.85\00:03:49.26 It's a beautiful thought. 00:03:49.29\00:03:50.73 And so as we sing this morning, "You Are Holy" 00:03:50.79\00:03:53.29 I want you think on that thought. 00:03:53.36\00:03:56.36 I saw the Lord 00:04:32.87\00:04:38.47 seated on His throne 00:04:38.51\00:04:45.15 He was clothed in Glory 00:04:45.18\00:04:51.99 And Exalted high 00:04:52.02\00:04:58.46 And the train of His robe 00:04:58.49\00:05:05.37 Filled the Temple 00:05:05.40\00:05:11.37 And the Angels circled 'round Him 00:05:11.41\00:05:15.41 And cried 00:05:18.95\00:05:25.82 You are Holy 00:05:25.85\00:05:32.43 Oh so Holy 00:05:32.46\00:05:38.83 You are Holy Lord of all-- 00:05:38.87\00:05:45.81 Let's sing that again. 00:05:49.48\00:05:51.61 You are Holy 00:05:51.65\00:05:57.89 Oh so Holy 00:05:57.92\00:06:04.06 You are Holy Lord of all 00:06:04.09\00:06:11.00 And woe is me 00:06:14.27\00:06:20.28 For I am unclean 00:06:20.31\00:06:26.18 For my eyes have seen 00:06:26.21\00:06:32.25 The Holy King 00:06:32.29\00:06:37.96 And he cleansed my lips 00:06:37.99\00:06:43.77 Right before I died 00:06:43.83\00:06:49.64 And the Pillars shook 00:06:49.67\00:06:55.28 As the Angels cried 00:06:55.31\00:06:59.81 You are Holy 00:07:02.82\00:07:08.59 Oh so Holy 00:07:08.62\00:07:14.30 You are Holy Lord of all 00:07:14.36\00:07:20.94 You are Holy 00:07:25.61\00:07:31.61 Oh so Holy 00:07:31.65\00:07:37.52 You are Holy Lord of all 00:07:37.59\00:07:44.53 And we see worthy is the Lamb 00:07:47.76\00:07:54.37 Seated on the throne 00:07:54.40\00:08:00.11 We crown You now with many crowns 00:08:00.14\00:08:05.81 You reign victorious! 00:08:05.85\00:08:11.55 High and lifted up 00:08:11.59\00:08:17.39 Jesus, Son of God 00:08:17.46\00:08:22.93 The darling of Heaven 00:08:22.96\00:08:26.00 Crucified 00:08:26.03\00:08:31.97 Worthy is the Lamb 00:08:32.01\00:08:37.88 Worthy is the Lamb. 00:08:37.91\00:08:44.75 Great is Thy faithfulness 00:09:13.85\00:09:18.65 O God my Father 00:09:18.69\00:09:23.46 There is no shadow 00:09:23.49\00:09:27.30 Of turning with Thee 00:09:27.36\00:09:32.67 Thou changest not, Thy compassions 00:09:32.70\00:09:39.11 They fail not 00:09:39.14\00:09:42.11 As Thou has been 00:09:42.14\00:09:45.78 Thou forever will be 00:09:45.81\00:09:51.79 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:09:51.82\00:09:56.62 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:09:56.66\00:10:01.33 Morning by morning 00:10:01.36\00:10:05.20 New mercies I see 00:10:05.23\00:10:10.71 All I have needed 00:10:10.77\00:10:14.71 Thy hand hath provided 00:10:14.74\00:10:20.18 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:10:20.22\00:10:25.22 Lord, unto me 00:10:25.25\00:10:28.76 Summer and winter 00:10:32.53\00:10:36.93 And springtime and harvest 00:10:37.00\00:10:42.07 Sun, moon and stars 00:10:42.10\00:10:45.71 In their courses above 00:10:45.74\00:10:51.28 Join with all nature 00:10:51.31\00:10:55.35 In manifold witness 00:10:55.38\00:11:00.66 To Thy great faithfulness, 00:11:00.69\00:11:05.56 Mercy and love 00:11:05.59\00:11:10.17 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:11:10.23\00:11:14.94 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:11:14.97\00:11:19.61 Morning by morning 00:11:19.64\00:11:23.61 New mercies I see 00:11:23.65\00:11:28.95 All I have needed 00:11:28.98\00:11:32.99 Thy hand hath provided 00:11:33.02\00:11:38.53 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:11:38.56\00:11:43.50 Lord unto me 00:11:43.53\00:11:47.57 Pardon for sin 00:11:50.64\00:11:54.54 And a peace that endureth 00:11:54.58\00:12:00.92 Thy own dear presence 00:12:00.95\00:12:04.89 To cheer and to guide 00:12:04.92\00:12:10.26 Strength for today 00:12:10.33\00:12:14.00 And bright hope for tomorrow 00:12:14.00\00:12:20.10 Blessings all mine, 00:12:20.14\00:12:23.57 With ten thousand beside 00:12:23.61\00:12:29.61 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:12:29.64\00:12:34.28 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:12:34.32\00:12:39.19 Morning by morning 00:12:39.22\00:12:43.19 new mercies I see 00:12:43.22\00:12:48.60 All I have needed 00:12:48.63\00:12:52.70 Thy hand hath provided 00:12:52.73\00:12:58.24 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:12:58.27\00:13:03.35 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:13:03.38\00:13:08.65 Great is Thy faithfulness! 00:13:08.68\00:13:14.56 Lord, unto me. 00:13:17.69\00:13:22.20 Hey, you got a good group. Come on up, guys, we got room. 00:13:28.64\00:13:32.44 Come on in, I want to tell you story 00:13:32.47\00:13:33.84 about a little boy named Nate. 00:13:33.88\00:13:35.21 Is anybody here named Nate? Anybody here? 00:13:35.24\00:13:38.51 Seven-years-old. Anybody here seven? 00:13:38.55\00:13:40.82 Seven, seven, okay, okay. I need to see that. 00:13:40.88\00:13:43.25 good, seven, seven. 00:13:43.28\00:13:45.15 Thank you Dick and Harvey, bless you. 00:13:45.19\00:13:49.42 Okay, guys, I got some good seats down here. 00:13:49.46\00:13:51.29 There you go. 00:13:51.33\00:13:52.79 Nate, seven-years-old and oh, he loved his mother. 00:13:52.83\00:13:55.73 He just loved his mother. 00:13:55.76\00:13:57.53 I got to tell you, his dad, his dad just wasn't around. 00:13:57.57\00:14:00.77 He saw his dad very little but his mother was his BFF, 00:14:00.84\00:14:05.74 his best friend for ever. 00:14:05.77\00:14:07.61 And mother loved Natey. 00:14:07.64\00:14:09.88 Oh, she loved Natey, you know why? 00:14:09.91\00:14:12.18 Not just because he had a very rare blood diseases 00:14:12.21\00:14:15.62 that he had to go to the doctor almost every week 00:14:15.65\00:14:17.59 or the hospital laboratory he had to go 00:14:17.62\00:14:20.16 not just because of that 00:14:20.19\00:14:21.52 but because he was her main man. 00:14:21.56\00:14:24.56 And mother and Nate were just like that. 00:14:24.59\00:14:26.36 So today we got to go to the doctor again. 00:14:26.39\00:14:29.10 Oh, Nate, we'll run it. 00:14:29.13\00:14:31.03 Oh, Nate, we are way behind, let's go, boy, come on. 00:14:31.07\00:14:35.84 I'm coming, Mom, but I can't get my shoe on. 00:14:35.87\00:14:39.57 Bring it down here I'll help. 00:14:39.61\00:14:43.01 But by that time they got in the car 00:14:43.04\00:14:44.48 with the shoes on fitting right, 00:14:44.51\00:14:49.22 so, you know, Highway 31 out here, 00:14:49.25\00:14:50.65 Highway 31, it goes from 45 to 40 to 35. 00:14:50.69\00:14:56.52 Well, mother just said, I got to get, 00:14:56.56\00:14:57.96 "We got to get to the doctor. 00:14:57.99\00:14:59.33 We got to get to the hospital, the laboratory." 00:14:59.36\00:15:01.56 And so mother is going a little faster 00:15:01.60\00:15:03.37 but when she gets down to the stop line 00:15:03.40\00:15:04.77 in Berrien Springs and it's ferry road 00:15:04.80\00:15:07.64 and she turns on to ferry road, the speed drops down to 25 00:15:07.67\00:15:12.91 but mother is thinking "I got to go, I got to go" 00:15:12.94\00:15:15.18 and she is not thinking about the speed. 00:15:15.21\00:15:16.95 She is not going 25 she is going 30, 00:15:16.98\00:15:18.68 no she is going 35, she is going 40. 00:15:18.71\00:15:20.85 She is going 45 and just then... 00:15:20.92\00:15:24.99 the police. 00:15:28.82\00:15:30.36 They pulled mother over, a very nice Berrien Springs 00:15:30.43\00:15:33.43 our local policeman got out 00:15:33.50\00:15:36.10 and he said, "If you can, ma'am, 00:15:36.13\00:15:37.47 may I see your driver's license and registration." 00:15:37.53\00:15:39.00 And you know the drill, you probably don't 00:15:39.03\00:15:41.74 but then he had to check it all out. 00:15:41.77\00:15:46.11 He came back finally he said, "I've written you a ticket. 00:15:46.14\00:15:48.58 Do you know you're going 48, 48 in a 25? 00:15:48.61\00:15:51.51 This is residential. What were you thinking? 00:15:51.55\00:15:53.78 You're gonna be in the court house 00:15:53.82\00:15:55.48 in three weeks." 00:15:55.52\00:15:56.85 And mother is just feeling awful now 00:15:56.89\00:15:58.52 but they had to get Natey, still had to go 00:15:58.55\00:16:00.09 but she is driving carefully now. 00:16:00.12\00:16:01.46 They were late. 00:16:01.49\00:16:02.82 Three weeks later St. Joseph County Court House 00:16:02.86\00:16:06.66 big building, you've seen it. 00:16:06.73\00:16:08.50 Mother and Nate are going in and mother's heart, 00:16:08.53\00:16:10.77 what do you think mother's heart is doing? 00:16:10.80\00:16:14.30 Her heart is beating very fast 00:16:14.34\00:16:15.67 because today she would stand before the judge. 00:16:15.70\00:16:18.01 And everybody knows, and he is gonna say 00:16:18.04\00:16:22.44 "Are you guilty or innocent? What do you plea?" 00:16:22.48\00:16:26.72 So they come into the room there are others there. 00:16:26.75\00:16:28.55 Well, Lisa's company there and then a clerk comes out, 00:16:28.58\00:16:31.85 "Stand ye, 00:16:31.89\00:16:33.56 stand ye in the honorable Judge Johnson's court room." 00:16:33.59\00:16:39.26 He comes in his black robe everybody standing. 00:16:39.29\00:16:42.20 He sits up on a chair high and lifted up. 00:16:42.23\00:16:45.47 And now mother's heart is, her palms are sweaty 00:16:45.50\00:16:47.97 and one by one he is calling them out. 00:16:48.00\00:16:50.07 Traffic court here they come 00:16:50.11\00:16:51.54 and they she hears "Mrs. Kendrick." 00:16:51.57\00:16:57.71 Come on, Nate, let's go. 00:16:57.75\00:16:59.25 So mother and Nate go walking up, 00:16:59.28\00:17:01.52 walking up till now they are standing 00:17:01.55\00:17:03.82 beneath the judge's high and lifted up desk. 00:17:03.85\00:17:08.52 He didn't even look up. 00:17:08.56\00:17:10.16 He pulls his glasses down and he is looking at, 00:17:10.19\00:17:12.39 he is looking, "I see you speed 48 in a 25 00:17:12.43\00:17:18.50 what were you thinking?" 00:17:18.53\00:17:21.64 And he looks over the edge of his glasses, 00:17:21.67\00:17:23.27 he looks over the top to look at Mrs. Kendrick 00:17:23.30\00:17:26.61 and then he sees a little boy. 00:17:26.68\00:17:30.15 And, you know, what the little boy is doing? 00:17:30.18\00:17:32.08 He has a great big smile on his face. 00:17:32.11\00:17:38.05 And the judge looks back at that little boy 00:17:38.09\00:17:41.19 and then the judge gets a great big smile on his face 00:17:41.22\00:17:46.56 and Nate, when there was a pause Nate said, 00:17:46.59\00:17:48.83 "Mommy, this Natasha, this is Natasha's dad. 00:17:48.86\00:17:52.73 You remember the house I went to Natasha 00:17:52.77\00:17:54.34 for the afternoon and evening. 00:17:54.37\00:17:55.80 This is her daddy, I recognize him." 00:17:55.84\00:17:57.97 Mother looked up at him. He looked down to mother. 00:17:58.01\00:18:01.44 "Are you Nate's mother? 00:18:01.48\00:18:05.31 Well, I must tell you, you've done a very good job 00:18:05.35\00:18:07.48 with that boy of yours. 00:18:07.55\00:18:09.08 Now, mother, what was happening?" 00:18:09.12\00:18:10.45 "Well, my boy, he has to go to the doctor every week 00:18:10.52\00:18:12.52 and he couldn't get the shoe on. 00:18:12.55\00:18:13.89 We were running late and..." 00:18:13.92\00:18:15.82 Judge Johnson looked down at mother and he says, 00:18:15.86\00:18:18.63 "You know what, give me that ticket. 00:18:18.66\00:18:23.90 Pardon. 00:18:23.97\00:18:25.97 I've dropped it. I've dropped the charges. 00:18:26.00\00:18:28.77 Now, Mrs. Kendrick, are you gonna drive carefully?" 00:18:28.80\00:18:31.57 "Oh, yes, sure. I will. I will." 00:18:31.61\00:18:34.94 But when mother and Nate walked out of that court house 00:18:34.98\00:18:37.75 they are walking on air because, you know what, 00:18:37.78\00:18:41.25 when the judge is a friend, 00:18:41.28\00:18:45.09 you have nothing to be afraid of. 00:18:45.12\00:18:48.82 They were walking on air. The judge was a friend. 00:18:48.86\00:18:53.70 The Bible says that God is our judge, 00:18:53.73\00:18:55.76 Jesus is our judge. 00:18:55.80\00:18:57.13 But guess what? 00:18:57.17\00:18:58.50 That Jesus and the Father are our friend. 00:18:58.53\00:19:03.64 We have nothing to be afraid of. 00:19:03.67\00:19:05.67 Just stand before that judge. 00:19:05.71\00:19:07.04 Are you kidding? He is my friend. 00:19:07.11\00:19:10.01 How many are happy that Jesus is the judge? 00:19:10.08\00:19:13.55 One hand Jesus is the judge and how many are happy 00:19:13.58\00:19:16.55 that if you put your case in His hands you got it. 00:19:16.58\00:19:19.29 You got it. Everything is gonna be okay. 00:19:19.32\00:19:23.96 Who would like to thank Jesus 00:19:23.99\00:19:25.33 for not only being our Savior but our judge? 00:19:25.36\00:19:28.23 I had a girl in first service 00:19:28.26\00:19:29.66 so I need a boy in second service. 00:19:29.70\00:19:31.80 Yes, I do. Sir, come right here, Mr. Davis. 00:19:31.83\00:19:35.67 Yes, you. 00:19:35.70\00:19:37.21 All right, let's fold our hands, 00:19:37.24\00:19:40.31 let's close our eyes. 00:19:40.38\00:19:41.71 What's your first name? Brian. 00:19:41.74\00:19:44.15 Brian is gonna pray. Brian has the microphone. 00:19:44.18\00:19:46.75 Let's pray with Brian. All right, Brian. 00:19:46.82\00:19:48.88 Dear Jesus, please help us to have a good day today. 00:19:48.92\00:19:51.49 Thank You that is Your, that is Your holy day. 00:19:51.52\00:19:54.46 Thank You that we get to spend time with our family today, 00:19:54.49\00:19:57.03 in Your name we pray, amen. 00:19:57.06\00:19:58.56 Amen. Thank you, Brian. 00:19:58.59\00:20:00.53 Thank you, boys and girls, as you go quietly 00:20:00.60\00:20:02.56 and reverently back to your seats. 00:20:02.60\00:20:04.03 Thank You, Jesus. 00:20:04.07\00:20:05.40 You're my judge and You're my friend. 00:20:05.43\00:20:09.47 Happy Sabbath to you. 00:20:09.50\00:20:10.87 Amen. 00:25:09.30\00:25:10.64 I suppose we would have to agree 00:26:12.43\00:26:13.77 looking at the evidence 00:26:13.84\00:26:15.27 that God has a huge PR problem 00:26:15.30\00:26:20.88 on this planet. 00:26:20.91\00:26:22.54 I mean, His approval ratings are in the tank. 00:26:22.58\00:26:25.95 If He were running for president, 00:26:25.98\00:26:27.95 Donald Trump would win. 00:26:27.98\00:26:32.12 Now I get it, God wrote a book once upon a time 00:26:32.15\00:26:34.16 and it's the best seller 00:26:34.19\00:26:35.52 over any other piece of human literature. 00:26:35.56\00:26:37.23 I understand that 00:26:37.26\00:26:38.59 but do you know what they are saying about the book. 00:26:38.63\00:26:41.70 One author I put his words, a skeptic on the screen. 00:26:41.73\00:26:44.80 "The God of the Old Testament is arguably 00:26:44.83\00:26:47.00 the most unpleasant character in all fiction: 00:26:47.04\00:26:50.77 jealous and proud of it, a petty, unjust, 00:26:50.81\00:26:53.78 unforgiving control-freak, a vindictive, 00:26:53.84\00:26:55.98 bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser, a misogynistic, 00:26:56.01\00:26:59.08 homophobic, racist, infanticidal, 00:26:59.11\00:27:01.55 genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, 00:27:01.58\00:27:04.39 megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, 00:27:04.42\00:27:08.06 capriciously malevolent bully." 00:27:08.09\00:27:10.86 Can't even read it. 00:27:10.89\00:27:14.20 But I want to say to that author, 00:27:14.23\00:27:15.56 "Why don't you tell us how you really feel?" 00:27:15.60\00:27:18.30 Here's another one, here's another author, 00:27:18.33\00:27:19.97 a skeptic you would guess. 00:27:20.04\00:27:21.50 On the screen "And it is astride 00:27:21.54\00:27:23.17 this contemptible history of religious atrocity 00:27:23.20\00:27:25.54 and scientific ignorance that Christianity now stands 00:27:25.57\00:27:28.81 as an absurdly unselfconscious apotheosis 00:27:28.84\00:27:32.18 which is a culmination 00:27:32.21\00:27:33.55 or a climax of all of the mess behind it. 00:27:33.62\00:27:35.38 The notion that Jesus Christ died for our sins 00:27:35.42\00:27:38.35 and that his death constitutes a successful propitiation 00:27:38.39\00:27:41.49 of a 'loving' God is a direct and undisguised inheritance 00:27:41.52\00:27:45.59 of the superstitious bloodletting 00:27:45.63\00:27:47.73 that has plagued bewildered people throughout history." 00:27:47.76\00:27:52.47 I repeat God has a huge PR problem on this planet. 00:27:52.50\00:27:58.74 And guess what? 00:27:58.77\00:28:01.28 He has an enemy who with blinding rage 00:28:01.31\00:28:04.41 and desperate cunning is out to shred God's reputation 00:28:04.45\00:28:09.68 at least in the court of public opinion. 00:28:09.72\00:28:12.65 And so far he is winning. 00:28:12.69\00:28:17.56 Little classic called "Steps to Christ." 00:28:17.59\00:28:19.06 Let me just put a line on the screen for you. 00:28:19.09\00:28:22.53 Your study guide has just began by the way, 00:28:22.56\00:28:24.17 no fanfare, we are now in it. 00:28:24.20\00:28:26.30 Pull that study guide out of your worship bulletin. 00:28:26.33\00:28:27.77 Those of you who watching on television 00:28:27.80\00:28:29.37 or on live streaming right now www.newperceptions.tv. 00:28:29.40\00:28:35.14 That's our new website newperceptions.tv. 00:28:35.18\00:28:37.45 You go there, you're looking for Charmed into Righteousness 00:28:37.48\00:28:40.12 and today's teaching "The Fairest Judge." 00:28:40.15\00:28:42.12 All right, "Steps to Christ" it's on the screen. 00:28:42.15\00:28:44.32 "Satan has led humanity to conceive of God 00:28:44.35\00:28:47.49 as a being whose chief attribute 00:28:47.56\00:28:50.33 is stern justice- one who is a severe..." 00:28:50.36\00:28:53.73 Write it in, "Judge, a severe judge, 00:28:53.80\00:28:57.27 a harsh, exacting creditor. 00:28:57.33\00:28:59.37 He pictured the Creator 00:28:59.40\00:29:00.90 as a being who is watching with jealous eye 00:29:00.97\00:29:02.94 to discern the errors and mistakes of men, 00:29:02.97\00:29:05.14 that He may visit judgments upon them." 00:29:05.17\00:29:09.41 How did that writer put it just a moment ago 00:29:09.44\00:29:10.88 speaking of God "a petty, unjust, 00:29:10.91\00:29:12.55 unforgiving control-freak, 00:29:12.58\00:29:13.95 a capriciously malevolent bully." 00:29:13.98\00:29:16.42 Turns our there's has been a whisper campaign, 00:29:16.45\00:29:18.22 a smear campaign to shred... 00:29:18.25\00:29:20.99 the divine reputation. 00:29:23.39\00:29:26.16 So what's the God to do? 00:29:26.19\00:29:28.00 The next line same book 00:29:28.03\00:29:29.36 "Steps to Christ" on the screen. 00:29:29.40\00:29:30.87 "It was to remove..." 00:29:30.90\00:29:33.54 Keyword, jot it down. 00:29:33.57\00:29:35.27 "It was to remove this dark shadow, 00:29:35.30\00:29:38.07 by revealing to the world the infinite love of God, 00:29:38.11\00:29:40.58 that Jesus came to live among men and women. 00:29:40.61\00:29:42.78 The Son of God came from heaven to make manifest the Father." 00:29:42.81\00:29:48.05 Let's check it out. 00:29:48.08\00:29:49.42 Open your Bible to the fourth gospel 00:29:49.45\00:29:50.82 that would be the Gospel of John. 00:29:50.89\00:29:52.22 Let's go. 00:29:52.25\00:29:53.59 Every reference we look at now will have John in front of it. 00:29:53.62\00:29:57.06 John 1, the majestic prolog to the fourth gospel. 00:29:57.13\00:30:01.90 Oh, this prolog I could, I just, 00:30:01.93\00:30:04.13 it's has to be the pinnacle of human literature. 00:30:04.17\00:30:08.17 John 1 now, the last line of the prolog. 00:30:08.20\00:30:10.71 John 1:18 I'll be in the NIV. Grab the pew Bible. 00:30:10.77\00:30:13.84 If you don't have a Bible, grab the pew Bible. 00:30:13.88\00:30:15.81 Track this along for page 714 00:30:15.84\00:30:18.51 otherwise on your devise find it please. 00:30:18.55\00:30:20.95 John 1:18, "No one has ever seen God, 00:30:20.98\00:30:25.69 but the one and only Son, who is himself God 00:30:25.72\00:30:27.96 and is in close relationship with the Father, 00:30:27.99\00:30:30.89 has made him known." 00:30:30.93\00:30:34.13 Drop back, how did he do it? Drop back to verse 14. 00:30:34.20\00:30:37.33 "And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. 00:30:37.40\00:30:40.67 We have seen his glory, 00:30:40.70\00:30:42.04 the glory of the one and only Son, 00:30:42.07\00:30:43.44 who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." 00:30:43.47\00:30:46.41 What did we read just a moment ago? 00:30:46.44\00:30:47.78 It was to remove this dark shadow that he came. 00:30:47.81\00:30:53.35 Come on, the most beloved text in the whole book 00:30:53.38\00:30:56.35 for someone who believes in the book. 00:30:56.38\00:30:59.42 Chapter 3 verse 16, John 3:16, 00:30:59.45\00:31:03.63 "For God so loved the world 00:31:03.66\00:31:04.99 that he gave his one and only Son, 00:31:05.03\00:31:07.66 that whoever believes in him shall not perish 00:31:07.66\00:31:10.03 but have" what? 00:31:10.07\00:31:11.53 "Eternal life." 00:31:11.57\00:31:14.94 Let's fast forward now 00:31:14.97\00:31:16.30 all the way to the less than 12 hours 00:31:16.34\00:31:18.97 and he will be dead. 00:31:19.01\00:31:20.34 John Chapter 14 take a look at this. 00:31:20.38\00:31:22.58 John Chapter 14, let's pick it up in verse 5. 00:31:22.61\00:31:27.88 Jesus upper room, 11 of the disciples are there. 00:31:27.92\00:31:34.12 "Thomas said to him, 'Lord, 00:31:34.16\00:31:35.79 we don't know where you are going, 00:31:35.82\00:31:37.19 so how can we know the way?' 00:31:37.23\00:31:38.79 And Jesus answered, 'I am the way 00:31:38.83\00:31:41.06 and the truth and the life. 00:31:41.10\00:31:42.43 No one comes to the Father except through me. 00:31:42.46\00:31:44.43 If you really know me, 00:31:44.47\00:31:45.80 you will know my Father as well. 00:31:45.83\00:31:47.57 From now on, you do know him and have seen him.' 00:31:47.60\00:31:51.31 Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father 00:31:51.34\00:31:54.01 and that will be enough for us.' 00:31:54.04\00:31:55.81 Jesus answered" red letters, "Don't you know me, Philip, 00:31:55.84\00:32:00.82 even after I have been among you such a long time? 00:32:00.85\00:32:04.32 Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. 00:32:04.35\00:32:06.76 How can you say, 'Show us the Father?'" 00:32:06.79\00:32:10.33 So I'm visiting this week in a business 00:32:10.36\00:32:12.79 in the village of Berrien Springs, Michigan. 00:32:12.83\00:32:15.50 I'm talking to the owner of the business who is the dad. 00:32:15.53\00:32:18.57 I bumped into the son as I go outside the business 00:32:18.60\00:32:21.90 and fall in the conversation with him. 00:32:21.94\00:32:23.30 He is young adult in his 30s I would imagine. 00:32:23.37\00:32:25.84 So we get, we fall in the conversation 00:32:25.87\00:32:27.38 and I'm just beginning to marvel. 00:32:27.44\00:32:30.91 This is insane. 00:32:30.95\00:32:32.28 This guy is a spitting image of his dad 00:32:32.31\00:32:35.22 except for that big lumberjack beard that the boy has. 00:32:35.25\00:32:38.95 The eyes, the nose, the lips, 00:32:38.99\00:32:40.72 the cheeks, the way he talks, wow. 00:32:40.76\00:32:44.36 Is that Jesus who say, "Hey, when you see me, 00:32:44.39\00:32:47.93 you've seen the Father. 00:32:47.96\00:32:49.26 He looks just like Me." 00:32:49.30\00:32:50.63 Is that the point Jesus is making 00:32:50.70\00:32:52.03 some sort of physical resemblance? 00:32:52.07\00:32:54.64 Can't be. Look at verse 10. 00:32:54.67\00:32:57.37 He goes on verse 10. 00:32:57.44\00:32:58.94 "Don't you believe that I am in the Father, 00:32:58.97\00:33:01.58 and that the Father is in me? 00:33:01.61\00:33:03.55 The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. 00:33:03.58\00:33:06.11 Rather, it is the Father, 00:33:06.15\00:33:07.82 living in me, who is doing his work." 00:33:07.85\00:33:12.79 Hey, guys, I'm not talking about five fingers 00:33:12.82\00:33:14.59 and brown eyes, 00:33:14.62\00:33:15.96 I'm talking about God the Father living out His love, 00:33:15.99\00:33:17.83 His very character toward Me. 00:33:17.86\00:33:19.19 You want to know what kind of God your Father in heaven is. 00:33:19.23\00:33:22.60 Take a look in me, that's it. 00:33:22.63\00:33:24.97 Wow, the theologian Kevin Vanhoozer 00:33:28.54\00:33:33.34 summarizes Jesus point right here. 00:33:33.38\00:33:35.61 I love the way he puts it up. 00:33:35.64\00:33:37.01 I'll put it on the screen for you. 00:33:37.05\00:33:38.38 "The son's humanity is the ultimate form 00:33:38.41\00:33:40.78 of God's self-presentation," 00:33:40.82\00:33:42.85 I like that, God's self-presentation. 00:33:42.88\00:33:45.35 "Jesus is God's definitive word 00:33:45.39\00:33:47.86 and in his person and history corresponds 00:33:47.89\00:33:50.39 to what it is that makes God God." 00:33:50.43\00:33:54.13 Write in that second God, God, God. 00:33:54.20\00:33:58.13 You want to know what makes God God? 00:33:58.17\00:33:59.83 Look at Me, if you've seen me, you've seen the Father also. 00:33:59.87\00:34:03.51 And by the way, not just in the Old Testament 00:34:03.54\00:34:05.51 but also in the New Testament. 00:34:05.54\00:34:08.18 That skeptic a moment ago said, "Yeah, this God is..." 00:34:08.21\00:34:12.28 Listen to what John Peckham in his steering book for me 00:34:12.31\00:34:17.65 " The Love of God: A Canonical Model" 00:34:17.69\00:34:19.82 he's just right here in the seminary. 00:34:19.85\00:34:21.19 Okay, I put Peckham's words on the screen for you. 00:34:21.22\00:34:23.02 "Depictions of divine compassion 00:34:23.06\00:34:25.16 in the Old Testament and New Testament 00:34:25.19\00:34:28.50 are strikingly similar 00:34:28.53\00:34:29.86 to that manifested by Christ in the Gospels. 00:34:29.90\00:34:32.17 Thus Leon Morris 00:34:32.20\00:34:33.80 contends that 'Christ's action is God's action. 00:34:33.84\00:34:36.60 Christ's love is God's love.'" 00:34:36.67\00:34:40.54 If you've seen Me, you've seen the Father also. 00:34:40.58\00:34:45.55 And what do we see when we see Jesus? 00:34:45.58\00:34:48.55 Okay, let's go to a case study. 00:34:48.58\00:34:52.39 There is a case study embedded in a very familiar story 00:34:52.42\00:34:54.72 just a few pages back in the Gospel of John. 00:34:54.76\00:34:57.13 So I have to set the story up, don't go there yet. 00:34:57.19\00:34:59.46 Let set the story up. 00:34:59.49\00:35:00.93 There are two players in this narrative, 00:35:00.96\00:35:02.40 the protagonist and the antagonist 00:35:02.43\00:35:04.93 and both will interact with Jesus. 00:35:04.97\00:35:07.24 Yes, they do. 00:35:07.27\00:35:08.60 Both considered themselves in fact, followers of Christ. 00:35:08.64\00:35:11.11 And we would categorize both of them 00:35:11.14\00:35:13.38 since we've read the cliff notes 00:35:13.41\00:35:14.91 of the story we know. 00:35:14.94\00:35:16.28 We would categorize both of them 00:35:16.31\00:35:17.65 as red blooded sinners just like you and me 00:35:17.68\00:35:20.45 and one of them would say absolutely 00:35:20.52\00:35:22.38 and the other would vehemently deny that, 00:35:22.42\00:35:25.05 all right. 00:35:25.09\00:35:26.55 Both in this morality tale will be exposed 00:35:26.59\00:35:30.76 which means that we will come to the Day of Judgment 00:35:30.83\00:35:34.36 for them both as we live the story. 00:35:34.36\00:35:38.20 So it's gonna be a case study. 00:35:38.23\00:35:40.24 First let's consider the protagonist 00:35:40.30\00:35:43.77 who happens to be a woman and her name is Mary. 00:35:43.81\00:35:48.44 Jesus has battled for the heart of Mary 00:35:48.48\00:35:50.61 from the very first time they met. 00:35:50.65\00:35:52.31 You see, Mary has been demonized by sexual impurity. 00:35:52.35\00:35:57.39 Lock stock and barrel, bow and chain 00:35:57.45\00:36:01.32 but whenever she stands 00:36:01.36\00:36:02.86 in the pure unsullied presence of Christ 00:36:02.89\00:36:06.53 everything within her is just longing for that purity 00:36:06.56\00:36:10.07 to become my purity and Jesus knows it. 00:36:10.10\00:36:13.97 I'll put these words on the screen for you. 00:36:14.04\00:36:17.14 In Mark 16:9 she is described, 00:36:17.21\00:36:21.14 not in the story we are about to read 00:36:21.18\00:36:22.58 but she is described Mark 16:9, one line on the screen. 00:36:22.61\00:36:25.61 "When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, 00:36:25.65\00:36:27.65 he appeared first to Mary Magdalene," 00:36:27.68\00:36:30.09 there she is "out of whom he had driven seven demons." 00:36:30.12\00:36:35.99 The only reason the number is indicated there 00:36:36.02\00:36:40.63 is because there is some sort of 00:36:40.70\00:36:42.06 unfolding process in this. 00:36:42.10\00:36:43.93 Something is going on here. 00:36:43.97\00:36:45.63 Desire of Ages on the screen for you. 00:36:45.67\00:36:47.94 "Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, 00:36:47.97\00:36:50.77 but Christ knew the circumstances 00:36:50.81\00:36:52.44 that had shaped her life. 00:36:52.47\00:36:53.84 He might have extinguished 00:36:53.88\00:36:55.38 every spark of hope in her soul, 00:36:55.41\00:36:57.11 but He did not. 00:36:57.15\00:36:58.48 It was He who had lifted her from despair and ruin." 00:36:58.51\00:37:00.35 Now jot it down. 00:37:00.38\00:37:01.72 "Seven times..." 00:37:01.75\00:37:04.02 Seven separate times, "She had heard His rebuke 00:37:04.05\00:37:07.52 of the demons that controlled her heart and mind. 00:37:07.59\00:37:09.69 She had heard His strong cries to the Father in her behalf. 00:37:09.72\00:37:13.13 She knew how offensive is sin to His unsullied purity, 00:37:13.16\00:37:16.87 and in His strength she had overcome." 00:37:16.90\00:37:21.67 Seven major prayer seasons 00:37:21.70\00:37:25.07 she is close enough to Jesus physically 00:37:25.11\00:37:27.78 that she hears Him sobbing to the Father, 00:37:27.81\00:37:30.85 "You've got to set this girl free." 00:37:30.88\00:37:34.05 Don't ever be fooled into thinking 00:37:38.59\00:37:41.26 that sometimes it just goes. 00:37:41.29\00:37:44.39 Sometimes even with Jesus and you 00:37:44.43\00:37:49.10 it takes time and He is loving you, 00:37:49.13\00:37:52.53 He is holding on to you through it. 00:37:52.57\00:37:55.27 And in His presence on the seventh time 00:37:55.30\00:37:58.11 that pleading it just, it got through 00:37:58.14\00:38:02.08 and He set her free. 00:38:02.11\00:38:04.85 I want to put it back on the screen 00:38:04.88\00:38:06.21 Mary again Desire of Ages. 00:38:06.25\00:38:07.58 "When to human eyes..." 00:38:07.65\00:38:09.05 See Jesus never gave up on her. 00:38:09.08\00:38:11.12 "When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless..." 00:38:11.15\00:38:13.69 And some of you today, 00:38:13.72\00:38:15.06 your case to yourself is hopeless. 00:38:15.09\00:38:16.96 Dwight, you don't know what I've been through. 00:38:16.99\00:38:18.33 You do not know my story. My case is hopeless today. 00:38:18.36\00:38:21.50 It is not. Human eyes would say hopeless. 00:38:21.53\00:38:27.57 "When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, 00:38:27.64\00:38:29.30 Christ saw in Mary capabilities for good. 00:38:29.34\00:38:31.64 He saw the better traits of her character. 00:38:31.67\00:38:33.27 The plan of redemption has invested humanity..." 00:38:33.31\00:38:35.98 That would be you and me. 00:38:36.01\00:38:37.35 "With great possibilities, 00:38:37.38\00:38:38.71 and in Mary these possibilities were to be realized. 00:38:38.75\00:38:41.92 Through His grace 00:38:41.95\00:38:43.28 she became a partaker of the divine nature. 00:38:43.32\00:38:46.19 The one who had fallen, 00:38:46.22\00:38:47.66 and whose mind had been a habitation of demons, 00:38:47.69\00:38:50.86 was brought very near to the Savior 00:38:50.93\00:38:53.90 in fellowship and ministry." 00:38:53.93\00:38:56.23 Jesus never gave up on her. 00:38:56.26\00:39:02.00 And in just a moment you will see here 00:39:02.04\00:39:03.54 in the case study. 00:39:03.57\00:39:04.91 But there is not only a protagonist, 00:39:04.94\00:39:06.27 there is an antagonist he is a man 00:39:06.31\00:39:09.18 and his name is Judas. 00:39:09.21\00:39:11.75 One day when Jesus send His disciples were gathered, 00:39:11.78\00:39:14.68 Judas approached the group with just a very bold petition. 00:39:14.72\00:39:18.72 I want to be tall, young, handsome, 00:39:18.75\00:39:22.36 executive type straight out of Wall Street. 00:39:22.39\00:39:25.39 I want to be yo, 00:39:25.43\00:39:26.83 I want to be in your inner circle. 00:39:26.86\00:39:29.86 Jesus comes and stands in front of Judas 00:39:32.50\00:39:35.17 and He looks into those dark eyes of that young man 00:39:35.20\00:39:39.21 and He reads the story. 00:39:39.24\00:39:41.68 He knows how it will end. 00:39:41.71\00:39:44.25 And we are told with mournful tones 00:39:44.28\00:39:47.42 "Jesus said, 'Foxes have dens and birds have nests, 00:39:47.45\00:39:52.52 but the Son of Man has no where to lay his head.' 00:39:52.55\00:39:55.29 " In other words 00:39:55.32\00:39:57.06 if you think you're going to get rich with me 00:39:57.13\00:40:00.00 forget it. 00:40:00.03\00:40:02.60 But Judas insisted, come on in. 00:40:02.63\00:40:08.04 And as He did with Mary, 00:40:08.07\00:40:10.31 Jesus sees in Judas divine possibilities. 00:40:10.37\00:40:13.11 if, if, if Judas will surrender 00:40:13.14\00:40:15.94 his life to the Savior. 00:40:15.98\00:40:20.28 Look at this "Desire of Ages" on the screen. 00:40:20.32\00:40:22.05 "When Judas joined the disciples, 00:40:22.08\00:40:24.25 he was not insensible 00:40:24.29\00:40:25.62 to the beauty of the character of Christ. 00:40:25.65\00:40:27.42 He felt the influence of that divine power 00:40:27.46\00:40:29.19 which was drawing souls to the Savior. 00:40:29.22\00:40:31.29 In connecting this man with Himself," 00:40:31.33\00:40:33.70 Jesus places Judas where he might, 00:40:33.76\00:40:35.76 day by day, be brought in contact 00:40:35.80\00:40:37.97 with the outflowing of Jesus own unselfish love. 00:40:38.00\00:40:41.44 If Judas would open his heart." 00:40:41.47\00:40:43.47 Jot it down that's the keyword 00:40:43.54\00:40:44.97 in this case study we are about to read. 00:40:45.01\00:40:47.21 It's all, it's the battle it's everything in the heart. 00:40:47.24\00:40:50.28 Everything is in the heart. 00:40:50.31\00:40:51.65 "If you would open his heart to Christ, 00:40:54.42\00:40:56.22 divine grace would banish the demon of selfishness," 00:40:56.25\00:40:59.85 isn't that something? 00:40:59.89\00:41:01.29 Mary had demons, Judas has a demon. 00:41:01.32\00:41:04.59 It looks like we all have a demon 00:41:04.63\00:41:07.10 that might be our favorite demon. 00:41:07.13\00:41:10.43 Nobody is exempted from this battle. 00:41:13.50\00:41:17.47 "If he would open his heart to Christ, 00:41:24.71\00:41:26.08 divine grace would banish the demon of selfishness, 00:41:26.11\00:41:28.22 and even Judas might become 00:41:28.25\00:41:29.62 a subject of the kingdom of God." 00:41:29.65\00:41:31.75 Seven times Jesus pleads for Mary. 00:41:31.79\00:41:33.92 Makes you wonder how many times did Jesus plead 00:41:33.96\00:41:35.82 to the same father for Judas. 00:41:35.86\00:41:37.49 How many times did He say, "God, just give me this boy. 00:41:37.53\00:41:40.66 He is so young. He has so much promise. 00:41:40.70\00:41:43.30 I just look at him and I'm thinking 00:41:43.33\00:41:45.03 if we could have him, Father, You and Me. 00:41:45.07\00:41:46.87 If we could have him for the kingdom." 00:41:46.90\00:41:49.70 If He never gave up on Mary, 00:41:49.74\00:41:51.07 do you think He would give up on Judas? 00:41:51.11\00:41:52.84 Are you kidding? 00:41:52.87\00:41:56.48 But sadly lesson after lesson falls on a deaf ear. 00:41:56.51\00:41:59.31 "Desire of Ages" back on the screen. 00:41:59.35\00:42:01.05 "When Judas came into association with Jesus, 00:42:01.08\00:42:02.98 he had some precious..." 00:42:03.02\00:42:04.55 Look at that. Jot that word down, precious traits. 00:42:04.59\00:42:08.92 Precious traits, great possibility. 00:42:08.96\00:42:11.76 "He had some precious traits of character 00:42:11.79\00:42:13.26 that might have been made a blessing to the church. 00:42:13.29\00:42:15.16 If Judas had been willing to wear the yoke of Christ, 00:42:15.20\00:42:17.57 he might have been among the chief of the apostles, 00:42:17.60\00:42:19.93 but he hardened his heart..." 00:42:20.00\00:42:21.67 Keyword again "When his defects were pointed out, 00:42:21.70\00:42:24.51 and in pride and rebellion 00:42:24.54\00:42:25.87 chose his own selfish ambitions, 00:42:25.91\00:42:28.84 and thus unfitted himself 00:42:28.88\00:42:31.01 for the work that God would have given him to do." 00:42:31.05\00:42:35.72 Mary the fallen, 00:42:35.75\00:42:38.12 Judas the fallen will meet one last time 00:42:38.15\00:42:41.12 in the case study we are about to read. 00:42:41.16\00:42:42.82 Let's go to it, just a few pages back chapter 12, 00:42:42.86\00:42:46.19 John 12. 00:42:46.23\00:42:48.26 Here's the case study, watch this carefully. 00:42:48.30\00:42:50.40 As you read watch in your mind. 00:42:50.43\00:42:53.70 Verse 1, "Six days before the Passover, 00:42:53.77\00:42:56.17 Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, 00:42:56.20\00:42:59.24 whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 00:42:59.27\00:43:01.41 Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. 00:43:01.44\00:43:03.58 Martha served, 00:43:03.65\00:43:04.98 while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table 00:43:05.01\00:43:07.32 with Jesus. 00:43:07.35\00:43:08.68 Then Mary," there she is now. 00:43:08.72\00:43:10.59 "Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, 00:43:10.62\00:43:13.46 an expensive perfume, she poured it on Jesus' feet 00:43:13.49\00:43:16.49 and wiped his feet with her hair. 00:43:16.52\00:43:17.86 And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 00:43:17.89\00:43:20.60 But one of the disciples..." 00:43:20.63\00:43:24.87 You guessed it "Judas Iscariot, 00:43:24.90\00:43:27.64 who was later to betray Jesus, objected," 00:43:27.67\00:43:30.51 loud stage whisper. 00:43:30.57\00:43:31.91 Everybody in the room hears it including Mary. 00:43:31.94\00:43:34.74 Why was this perfume sold? 00:43:34.78\00:43:36.95 "'Why wasn't this perfume sold 00:43:37.01\00:43:38.35 and the money given to the poor? 00:43:38.38\00:43:39.71 It was worth a year's wages.'" 00:43:39.75\00:43:41.98 Now little parentheses from John. 00:43:42.02\00:43:44.15 "He did not say this because he cared about the poor 00:43:44.19\00:43:46.92 but because he was a thief, as keeper of the money bag, 00:43:46.96\00:43:50.09 he used to help himself to what was put into it." 00:43:50.13\00:43:52.59 End of parentheses. 00:43:52.63\00:43:53.96 Now Jesus speaks 00:43:54.00\00:43:56.10 'Leave her alone,' Jesus replied. 00:43:56.13\00:44:02.07 'It was intended that she should save this perfume 00:44:02.10\00:44:04.84 for the day of my burial. 00:44:04.87\00:44:07.08 You will always have the poor among you, 00:44:07.11\00:44:09.84 but you will not always have me.'" 00:44:09.88\00:44:13.18 Leave Mary alone, Judas. 00:44:13.21\00:44:18.12 Jesus knows the hearts of both the protagonist 00:44:21.79\00:44:25.36 and the antagonist 00:44:25.39\00:44:26.73 and in that single pronouncement of judgment 00:44:26.80\00:44:29.26 upon them both Jesus reveals the truth. 00:44:29.30\00:44:32.70 He is the judge of the human race. 00:44:32.73\00:44:37.71 You say, oh, come on. Come on. 00:44:37.74\00:44:39.07 I mean, you are saying the judge of the whole earth? 00:44:39.11\00:44:45.35 The guys in the room didn't remember that day of the dinner 00:44:45.38\00:44:47.38 but Jesus actually earlier in John had spoken these words. 00:44:47.42\00:44:50.05 They are in your study guide, jot it down. Will you please? 00:44:50.09\00:44:51.72 Jesus had announced, "The Father judges no one, 00:44:51.75\00:44:54.92 but has entrusted all judgment to the Son." 00:44:54.96\00:44:59.36 Jot that word down. 00:44:59.39\00:45:01.03 You mean, the same Jesus of Nazareth 00:45:01.06\00:45:02.40 is the end time judge of the human race? 00:45:02.43\00:45:04.17 That's what He said. 00:45:04.20\00:45:05.53 And by the way, that's what the Bible says. 00:45:05.57\00:45:07.44 2 Corinthians 5:10 jot this one down. 00:45:07.47\00:45:09.74 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of..." 00:45:09.77\00:45:12.81 What's the next word, ladies and gentlemen? 00:45:12.84\00:45:14.28 What's the next word? Christ. 00:45:14.31\00:45:16.85 "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, 00:45:16.88\00:45:18.81 so that each of us may receive what is due us 00:45:18.85\00:45:21.78 for the things we did while in the body," 00:45:21.82\00:45:26.65 Plain and simple. 00:45:26.69\00:45:28.19 Christ is the end time judge of the human race. 00:45:28.22\00:45:31.66 And so the question that begs to be asked is 00:45:31.69\00:45:33.83 "How will He treat the sinner in the judgment 00:45:33.90\00:45:38.43 since he is the judge?" 00:45:38.47\00:45:41.00 Well, we know two sinners by name in this case study. 00:45:41.04\00:45:44.34 How did He treat them? It is absolutely clear. 00:45:44.37\00:45:47.78 He did not embarrass either sinner. 00:45:47.81\00:45:54.75 Isn't that right? 00:45:54.78\00:45:56.12 Could He have work Judas up one side 00:45:56.15\00:45:58.12 and down the other 00:45:58.15\00:46:00.59 trashing him in front of the circle 00:46:00.62\00:46:02.06 that had no idea as Jesus did who was pilfering. 00:46:02.09\00:46:05.06 Why their money never lasted? 00:46:05.09\00:46:08.16 Of course He could have. Not a word. 00:46:08.20\00:46:10.17 His only judgment to Judas, "Leave her alone." 00:46:10.20\00:46:13.74 And in that eye, and in that eye lock 00:46:13.77\00:46:18.67 Judas now knows Jesus knows about me. 00:46:18.71\00:46:24.05 Five evenings later when the gathering 00:46:29.55\00:46:32.05 in the upper room for the last supper 00:46:32.09\00:46:34.26 Judas elbows his way to the front of the group. 00:46:34.29\00:46:36.56 He is gonna be right beside Jesus. 00:46:36.59\00:46:38.89 John boy is on the other side, Judas on this side. 00:46:38.93\00:46:41.26 What a stark contrast between the two disciples. 00:46:41.30\00:46:47.20 Jesus gets up from His table strips, strips to His waist. 00:46:47.24\00:46:51.27 Begins to wash the feet of His proud bicker, 00:46:51.31\00:46:53.94 they are bickering on the eve of His execution, disciples. 00:46:53.98\00:46:58.71 And He begins with a feet of His betrayer. 00:46:58.75\00:47:04.99 "Desire of Ages" on the screen. 00:47:05.02\00:47:06.55 "Jesus' heart was crying, How can I give thee up? 00:47:06.59\00:47:10.86 The constraining power of that love was felt by Judas. 00:47:10.89\00:47:13.43 And when the Savior's hands were bathing those soiled feet, 00:47:13.46\00:47:16.67 and wiping them with the towel, 00:47:16.70\00:47:18.20 the heart of Judas thrilled through 00:47:18.23\00:47:20.24 and through with the impulse then and there 00:47:20.27\00:47:21.97 to confess his sin. 00:47:22.00\00:47:24.11 But he would not humble himself. 00:47:24.14\00:47:27.81 He hardened his heart against repentance, 00:47:27.84\00:47:29.88 and the old impulses, for the moment put aside, 00:47:29.91\00:47:33.18 again controlled him." 00:47:33.21\00:47:36.45 And when later that night in the Garden of Gethsemane 00:47:36.48\00:47:40.06 Judas is leading this profane mob 00:47:40.09\00:47:42.66 to arrest his master. 00:47:42.69\00:47:46.03 Judas feigns affection. 00:47:46.06\00:47:47.66 Walks across the clearing in the full moon. 00:47:47.66\00:47:50.57 Throws his arms around Jesus. 00:47:50.63\00:47:52.17 Kisses Him on both cheeks, Master. 00:47:52.20\00:47:57.37 Jesus steps back. 00:47:57.41\00:47:59.91 He looks into those young dark eyes 00:47:59.94\00:48:02.91 and Jesus says, "Friend. 00:48:02.94\00:48:07.15 Hey, friend, what are you doing here?" 00:48:07.18\00:48:11.75 Well, later that night early the next morning 00:48:14.39\00:48:18.33 after Judas's nefarious betrayal of Jesus, 00:48:18.36\00:48:22.36 guilt ridden Judas comes back to the court room. 00:48:22.40\00:48:27.54 He is in anguish. He knows what he has done. 00:48:27.57\00:48:31.74 And as it describe 00:48:31.77\00:48:33.11 his hoarse voice rang through the hall 00:48:33.14\00:48:35.38 sending a thrill of terror to all hearts "He is innocent. 00:48:35.41\00:48:39.78 Spare him, O Caiaphas!" 00:48:39.81\00:48:42.22 Judas hurdles 30 pieces of silver at the priest 00:48:42.25\00:48:45.39 and then falls at Jesus feet. 00:48:45.42\00:48:48.32 Desire of Ages "The Savior did not reproach His betrayer. 00:48:53.16\00:48:59.53 He knew that Judas did not repent, 00:48:59.57\00:49:01.84 his confession was forced from his guilty soul 00:49:01.87\00:49:03.64 by an awful sense of condemnation 00:49:03.67\00:49:05.47 and a looking for judgment, 00:49:05.51\00:49:07.64 but he felt no deep, heartbreaking grief 00:49:07.68\00:49:09.44 that he had betrayed the spotless Son of God, 00:49:09.48\00:49:11.35 and denied the Holy One of Israel. 00:49:11.38\00:49:13.45 Yet 00:49:13.48\00:49:15.42 the Judge 00:49:15.45\00:49:18.49 spoke no word of condemnation. 00:49:18.52\00:49:22.36 He looked pityingly upon Judas, and said, 00:49:22.39\00:49:28.20 "For this hour came I into the world." 00:49:28.23\00:49:33.20 Oh, Judas. 00:49:33.23\00:49:36.81 Oh, Judas, 00:49:36.84\00:49:39.81 how I have longed to draw Me, 00:49:39.84\00:49:46.48 draw you to Me 00:49:46.51\00:49:47.95 as a mother hen draws her chicks 00:49:51.59\00:49:57.26 but you would not. 00:49:57.33\00:50:00.10 And the record reads Judas went out and hanged himself. 00:50:00.13\00:50:04.07 The Judge of the earth 00:50:04.13\00:50:05.47 and here's the point you need to get, 00:50:05.50\00:50:06.84 the Judge of earth has washed his feet. 00:50:06.87\00:50:09.44 Jesus has done everything divinely 00:50:09.47\00:50:11.97 and humanly possible to win that life back. 00:50:12.01\00:50:16.75 I remind you also this very same night... 00:50:16.81\00:50:20.78 another disciple will with profanity 00:50:27.02\00:50:31.96 deny his connection with this Jesus 00:50:31.99\00:50:36.00 and Jesus will forgive him. 00:50:36.03\00:50:39.57 Which means if Judas had just lived through the weekend. 00:50:39.60\00:50:43.34 If he would found the master 00:50:43.37\00:50:44.97 and then sob at His nail scared feet, 00:50:45.01\00:50:47.68 the same Jesus would have just assuredly forgiven Judas. 00:50:47.71\00:50:51.68 It's okay, I take you back. God used it, let's go. 00:50:51.71\00:50:55.25 Standing in front of the Judge 00:50:58.79\00:51:01.99 Judas has granted his free choice and he says no. 00:51:02.02\00:51:06.93 So hey, here's the question. 00:51:07.00\00:51:08.30 How about you and me, 00:51:08.33\00:51:09.66 when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, 00:51:09.70\00:51:12.43 how will it be for us? 00:51:12.47\00:51:15.30 I said every text has a genre in front but this one is true. 00:51:15.34\00:51:17.37 Our last text is 1 John. Go to 1 John. 00:51:17.41\00:51:20.28 This is, if it's not marked in your Bible, 00:51:20.34\00:51:22.68 make sure you mark it. 00:51:22.71\00:51:24.05 1 John 2, this is a stunning, 00:51:24.11\00:51:27.48 stunning piece of word here, get it. 00:51:27.52\00:51:30.45 1 John 2:1, you will never forget this verse again. 00:51:30.49\00:51:35.36 1 John 2:1 "My dear children..." 00:51:35.39\00:51:38.63 This is John boy elderly now a pastor, elderly pastor. 00:51:38.66\00:51:42.26 "My dear children, I write this to you 00:51:42.30\00:51:44.20 so that you will not sin. 00:51:44.23\00:51:45.63 But if anybody does sin, 00:51:45.67\00:51:48.60 we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ, 00:51:48.64\00:51:52.11 the Righteous One. 00:51:52.14\00:51:54.11 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, 00:51:54.14\00:51:57.01 and not only for ours 00:51:57.08\00:51:58.45 but also for the sins of the whole world." 00:51:58.48\00:52:00.95 Can you believe it? 00:52:00.98\00:52:03.12 This one who is the Savior of the whole world, 00:52:03.15\00:52:06.29 this one who is the judge of the whole world 00:52:06.32\00:52:09.59 is also the advocate of the whole world. 00:52:09.62\00:52:11.99 And fill that blank in, what's an advocate? 00:52:12.03\00:52:14.10 He is the Defense Attorney for the human race. 00:52:14.10\00:52:18.30 Now I want you to just think about the logic 00:52:18.33\00:52:20.10 of a court room for a moment. 00:52:20.14\00:52:21.90 If you're the defense attorney 00:52:21.94\00:52:25.24 and you are going with your client to the bar 00:52:25.27\00:52:31.18 if is it turns out you're also the judge of the case 00:52:31.21\00:52:37.15 would you logically ever lose a case? 00:52:37.19\00:52:41.32 Yes or no? Impossible. 00:52:41.36\00:52:44.09 If you're the judge 00:52:44.13\00:52:45.59 and the defense attorney you win every single time. 00:52:45.63\00:52:49.70 If somebody places his case or her case in your hands, 00:52:49.73\00:52:53.77 you win for her, you win for him every single time. 00:52:53.80\00:52:59.94 He is even better than that. 00:53:00.08\00:53:02.04 He is not just the defense attorney, 00:53:02.08\00:53:03.85 He is not just the judge, He is the Savior of the world. 00:53:03.88\00:53:09.45 Hallelujah. Wow. 00:53:09.48\00:53:13.09 Oh, Judas, Judas, how can I give you up. 00:53:13.12\00:53:17.13 Give me your life, 00:53:17.16\00:53:19.33 give me your case, I will defend you. 00:53:19.36\00:53:21.26 I will deliver you. 00:53:21.30\00:53:22.63 Mary kept coming back Judas says, 00:53:22.66\00:53:24.03 okay, you just keep coming back 00:53:24.07\00:53:26.47 I will save you, come to me. 00:53:26.50\00:53:31.64 I love this "Steps to Christ" 00:53:31.67\00:53:33.11 put it on the screen last quotation. 00:53:33.14\00:53:34.58 "We shall often have to bow down 00:53:34.61\00:53:37.81 and weep at the feet of Jesus 00:53:37.85\00:53:39.18 because of our shortcomings and mistakes..." 00:53:39.21\00:53:41.52 Often, often, "But we are not to be discouraged. 00:53:41.55\00:53:46.39 Even if we are overcome by the enemy, 00:53:46.42\00:53:48.92 we are not cast off, 00:53:48.96\00:53:50.29 we're not forsaken and rejected of God." 00:53:50.33\00:53:53.29 No, no, no. 00:53:53.36\00:53:54.66 "No, Christ is at the right hand of God, 00:53:54.73\00:53:56.46 who also makes intercession for us." 00:53:56.50\00:54:01.87 And if He is at the right hand of the Father 00:54:01.90\00:54:04.21 who is just like Him. 00:54:04.24\00:54:05.57 Didn't Jesus say, 00:54:05.61\00:54:06.94 "If you've seen Me, you seen the Father." 00:54:06.98\00:54:08.31 If He is at the right hand of the Father everybody there, 00:54:08.34\00:54:10.95 everybody there is on your side. 00:54:10.98\00:54:12.98 The defense attorney, the Savior and the judge. 00:54:13.01\00:54:18.49 I mean, how can you lose 00:54:18.52\00:54:20.99 just like Mary keep coming back. 00:54:21.02\00:54:23.53 Mary, it's no wonder that the very first person 00:54:23.56\00:54:28.63 the Savior greets upon His resurrection 00:54:28.66\00:54:31.53 there in the garden is sobbing Mary Magdalene. 00:54:31.57\00:54:37.37 And when she recognizes Him, she is so overcome with joy 00:54:37.41\00:54:44.01 that through her tears she has fallen to the ground 00:54:44.05\00:54:46.92 and she is holding Him by his ankles 00:54:46.98\00:54:50.25 until Jesus finally has to say, 00:54:50.29\00:54:51.99 "Yo, yo, Mary, you gonna let go. 00:54:52.02\00:54:56.02 I haven't even been to the Father yet. 00:54:56.06\00:54:59.43 I wanted to make sure that you heard the good news. 00:54:59.46\00:55:03.13 You were the first one, let me go. 00:55:03.16\00:55:06.57 And go tell the world that I go to My Father 00:55:06.60\00:55:09.47 and your Father but I will come again 00:55:09.50\00:55:12.44 and I will receive you to myself 00:55:12.47\00:55:14.44 that where I am there you may be also. 00:55:14.48\00:55:18.88 You go, you tell. 00:55:18.91\00:55:22.62 And, ladies and gentlemen, 00:55:22.65\00:55:25.65 in my humble opinion and conviction, 00:55:25.69\00:55:28.66 there is no better news than that, 00:55:28.69\00:55:34.93 for they call it the good news. 00:55:34.93\00:55:38.10 Oh, what I wish for you, what I wish for you 00:55:38.13\00:55:44.81 is a life 00:55:44.84\00:55:47.14 surrendered into the nails scared hands of Christ. 00:55:47.18\00:55:51.65 Just give your case to Him, He wins every time. 00:55:51.68\00:55:57.95 We've just finished incredible week of prayer 00:55:57.99\00:56:01.16 here on this campus 00:56:01.19\00:56:04.83 and I want to give you an opportunity to respond. 00:56:04.86\00:56:06.96 I want to pray with you first 00:56:10.10\00:56:13.74 and then we will go to that connect card. 00:56:13.77\00:56:15.10 Oh, God... 00:56:15.14\00:56:16.47 what do we say, this is who You are 00:56:19.94\00:56:25.78 charmed by Masters attractions of Christ. 00:56:25.81\00:56:30.39 This is who You are, 00:56:30.42\00:56:32.85 the Judge, the Savior, 00:56:32.89\00:56:37.63 the Defense Attorney all in one and I pray, oh, Father, 00:56:37.66\00:56:42.93 that everyone of us will chose 00:56:42.96\00:56:45.37 to place Jesus nail scared hands 00:56:45.40\00:56:49.70 our case and our life. 00:56:49.74\00:56:51.94 In His name I pray, amen. 00:56:51.97\00:56:54.64 May I take an extra moment with you 00:56:57.75\00:56:59.08 and let you know how grateful I am 00:56:59.11\00:57:00.75 that you joined us and worshiped today. 00:57:00.78\00:57:02.82 I have some viewers like you across the nation 00:57:02.85\00:57:04.95 and literally around the world and I'm thankful. 00:57:04.99\00:57:07.79 If you would like to explore further 00:57:07.82\00:57:09.16 what we've just shared, 00:57:09.19\00:57:10.56 I hope you will visit us at our website. 00:57:10.59\00:57:11.93 It's an easy one to remember www.pmchurch.tv. 00:57:11.96\00:57:17.10 We are the Pioneer Memorial Church 00:57:17.17\00:57:19.10 here on the campus of Andrews University. 00:57:19.13\00:57:20.94 So that's www.pmchurch.tv. 00:57:20.97\00:57:24.77 Click on to that website 00:57:24.81\00:57:26.14 and you will be able to listen to a podcast of this material, 00:57:26.17\00:57:28.34 you can download the presentation, 00:57:28.38\00:57:29.71 you can print off the study guide, 00:57:29.74\00:57:31.45 you may have a special prayer need 00:57:31.48\00:57:32.81 that you wish to share with our prayer partners 00:57:32.85\00:57:35.12 or you may wish to partner with us 00:57:35.15\00:57:36.48 through a personal donation to help reach this generation 00:57:36.52\00:57:39.35 with the everlasting good news of Christ. 00:57:39.39\00:57:41.99 If you rather talk with someone, 00:57:42.02\00:57:43.63 call one of our friendly operators. 00:57:43.66\00:57:45.46 Here's the toll free number 877 00:57:45.49\00:57:47.66 and then the two words HIS-WILL, 00:57:47.73\00:57:49.36 877-HIS-WILL. 00:57:49.40\00:57:51.90 In the meantime, 00:57:51.93\00:57:53.30 may the grace and peace of Jesus be yours 00:57:53.34\00:57:55.40 every step of this adventurous way. 00:57:55.44\00:57:57.84