A Kingdom of Priests

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley [music] Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know that Community Church. You should know that Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple Clear Creek is made up of multiple Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch [music] you've joined us here to watch [music] you've joined us here to watch [music] this sermon today, I want to invite you this sermon today, I want to invite you this sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to check us out in person to make plans to check us out in person to make plans to check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see what at the campus nearest you to see what at the campus nearest you to see what [music] worshiping and living in [music] worshiping and living in [music] worshiping and living in community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at clearcreteak.org or to find information clearcreteak.org or to find information clearcreteak.org or to find information about our locations, service times, about our locations, service times, about our locations, service times, [music] and much more. We hope to see [music] and much more. We hope to see [music] and much more. We hope to see you soon. you soon. you soon. >> Everybody, it's good to be with you guys >> Everybody, it's good to be with you guys >> Everybody, it's good to be with you guys today. Um, as I said, I'm Anthony today. Um, as I said, I'm Anthony today. Um, as I said, I'm Anthony Arrington, the teaching pastor. Glad Arrington, the teaching pastor. Glad Arrington, the teaching pastor. Glad that you're here. Uh, we got a lot of that you're here. Uh, we got a lot of that you're here. Uh, we got a lot of text to cover today because we're in text to cover today because we're in text to cover today because we're in Genesis, as you just heard, and I'm Genesis, as you just heard, and I'm Genesis, as you just heard, and I'm going to jump right into it with the going to jump right into it with the going to jump right into it with the kind of shortest intro I can think kind of shortest intro I can think kind of shortest intro I can think about. So, here's the deal. If you ask about. So, here's the deal. If you ask about. So, here's the deal. If you ask people, uh, what is a Christian supposed people, uh, what is a Christian supposed people, uh, what is a Christian supposed to be about? I think you'll get a lot of to be about? I think you'll get a lot of to be about? I think you'll get a lot of different answers. Some people will say, different answers. Some people will say, different answers. Some people will say, well, they need to be they need to well, they need to be they need to well, they need to be they need to believe in Jesus as as savior and lord. believe in Jesus as as savior and lord. believe in Jesus as as savior and lord. Others will say uh they need to attend a Others will say uh they need to attend a Others will say uh they need to attend a local church. Uh still others will say, local church. Uh still others will say, local church. Uh still others will say, yeah, and they need to read a Bible and yeah, and they need to read a Bible and yeah, and they need to read a Bible and pray and so on and so forth. And I think pray and so on and so forth. And I think pray and so on and so forth. And I think all those answers are good, but there's all those answers are good, but there's all those answers are good, but there's something missing in what it is to be a something missing in what it is to be a something missing in what it is to be a believer to what it is to follow Jesus, believer to what it is to follow Jesus, believer to what it is to follow Jesus, what it is to be a Christian that is what it is to be a Christian that is what it is to be a Christian that is central to not only our identity as central to not only our identity as central to not only our identity as followers of Jesus, but our activity as followers of Jesus, but our activity as followers of Jesus, but our activity as followers of Jesus. And I think it's the followers of Jesus. And I think it's the followers of Jesus. And I think it's the answer is found here at the very answer is found here at the very answer is found here at the very beginning of the Bible. Uh the the the beginning of the Bible. Uh the the the beginning of the Bible. Uh the the the very second chapter of Genesis. So if very second chapter of Genesis. So if very second chapter of Genesis. So if you have a Bible, I'd love for you to you have a Bible, I'd love for you to you have a Bible, I'd love for you to turn with me to Genesis chapter 2. Uh

turn with me to Genesis chapter 2. Uh turn with me to Genesis chapter 2. Uh last week we we looked at Genesis last week we we looked at Genesis last week we we looked at Genesis chapter 1, the very beginning all the chapter 1, the very beginning all the chapter 1, the very beginning all the way to chapter 2:3. We're going to start way to chapter 2:3. We're going to start way to chapter 2:3. We're going to start in chapter 2:4 and read all the way to in chapter 2:4 and read all the way to in chapter 2:4 and read all the way to verse 17. At least study all the way to verse 17. At least study all the way to verse 17. At least study all the way to verse uh 17. Um I I really encourage you verse uh 17. Um I I really encourage you verse uh 17. Um I I really encourage you to read along with me. There's just a to read along with me. There's just a to read along with me. There's just a lot of text. If you have it on your lot of text. If you have it on your lot of text. If you have it on your Bible app, dial that guy up. We'll put Bible app, dial that guy up. We'll put Bible app, dial that guy up. We'll put it on the screen if you don't have a it on the screen if you don't have a it on the screen if you don't have a Bible or a Bible app. Uh but I I want Bible or a Bible app. Uh but I I want Bible or a Bible app. Uh but I I want you to read through this with me. Let's you to read through this with me. Let's you to read through this with me. Let's start off right off the bat in verse start off right off the bat in verse start off right off the bat in verse four. four. four. It says this, "These are the generations It says this, "These are the generations It says this, "These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they of the heavens and the earth when they of the heavens and the earth when they were created in the day that the Lord." were created in the day that the Lord." were created in the day that the Lord." Now, again, if you ever see LD, we we Now, again, if you ever see LD, we we Now, again, if you ever see LD, we we talked about this in our Judges series. talked about this in our Judges series. talked about this in our Judges series. uh capital L O R D all of it cap that uh capital L O R D all of it cap that uh capital L O R D all of it cap that that it's referencing the covenant name that it's referencing the covenant name that it's referencing the covenant name that God gave uh revealed to his people that God gave uh revealed to his people that God gave uh revealed to his people Israel. It's the name Yahweh or Israel. It's the name Yahweh or Israel. It's the name Yahweh or something close to that. So if you read something close to that. So if you read something close to that. So if you read it this way, it would say this. These it this way, it would say this. These it this way, it would say this. These are the generations of the heavens and are the generations of the heavens and are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created in the the earth when they were created in the the earth when they were created in the day that Yahweh God made the earth and day that Yahweh God made the earth and day that Yahweh God made the earth and the heavens. And you're thinking, "Oh my the heavens. And you're thinking, "Oh my the heavens. And you're thinking, "Oh my gosh, we just did this Yansy. You've gosh, we just did this Yansy. You've gosh, we just did this Yansy. You've messed up. This is week one. We talked messed up. This is week one. We talked messed up. This is week one. We talked about the heavens and the earth being about the heavens and the earth being about the heavens and the earth being created." But if you're new to the created." But if you're new to the created." But if you're new to the Christian faith, what you may not Christian faith, what you may not Christian faith, what you may not realize is that in the Genesis account, realize is that in the Genesis account, realize is that in the Genesis account, there are two creation stories. There's there are two creation stories. There's there are two creation stories. There's Genesis 1 and there's Genesis 2. And Genesis 1 and there's Genesis 2. And Genesis 1 and there's Genesis 2. And they're both talking about the creation.

they're both talking about the creation. they're both talking about the creation. You're thinking, "Oh, that's messed up." You're thinking, "Oh, that's messed up." You're thinking, "Oh, that's messed up." It's not because in Genesis 2, what It's not because in Genesis 2, what It's not because in Genesis 2, what we're about to see is that this is we're about to see is that this is we're about to see is that this is actually highlighting from a different actually highlighting from a different actually highlighting from a different angle uh what makes man, his creation, angle uh what makes man, his creation, angle uh what makes man, his creation, uh what makes mankind so special. In uh what makes mankind so special. In uh what makes mankind so special. In fact, let's just jump right on into it. fact, let's just jump right on into it. fact, let's just jump right on into it. So, this is the subject. Here's how it So, this is the subject. Here's how it So, this is the subject. Here's how it was made. But guess who gets highlighted was made. But guess who gets highlighted was made. But guess who gets highlighted in it? mankind. Watch this. Verse five. in it? mankind. Watch this. Verse five. in it? mankind. Watch this. Verse five. Here we go. When no bush, this is our Here we go. When no bush, this is our Here we go. When no bush, this is our reading for the day. When no bush of the reading for the day. When no bush of the reading for the day. When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small field was yet in the land and no small field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up, plant of the field had yet sprung up, plant of the field had yet sprung up, for Yahweh God had not caused it to rain for Yahweh God had not caused it to rain for Yahweh God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to on the land, and there was no man to on the land, and there was no man to work the ground. And it was a mist was work the ground. And it was a mist was work the ground. And it was a mist was going up from the land and was watering going up from the land and was watering going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground. Then the whole face of the ground. Then the whole face of the ground. Then Yahweh God formed the man from the dust, Yahweh God formed the man from the dust, Yahweh God formed the man from the dust, excuse me, formed the man of dust from excuse me, formed the man of dust from excuse me, formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his the ground and breathed into his the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man nostrils the breath of life, and the man nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. So, here's how became a living creature. So, here's how became a living creature. So, here's how the scene opens up. It's a little the scene opens up. It's a little the scene opens up. It's a little different. uh the world is there but different. uh the world is there but different. uh the world is there but it's not being cultivated. Uh it's not being cultivated. Uh it's not being cultivated. Uh [clears throat] no one's working the [clears throat] no one's working the [clears throat] no one's working the land so to speak. And so what God does, land so to speak. And so what God does, land so to speak. And so what God does, what Yahweh does is he famously makes what Yahweh does is he famously makes what Yahweh does is he famously makes man by taking him out of the dust. And man by taking him out of the dust. And man by taking him out of the dust. And it says he breathes the breath of life it says he breathes the breath of life it says he breathes the breath of life in him. And I want you to do something in him. And I want you to do something in him. And I want you to do something uh with me here. Um first of all, let's uh with me here. Um first of all, let's uh with me here. Um first of all, let's just do it this way. The word in Hebrew, just do it this way. The word in Hebrew, just do it this way. The word in Hebrew, which is the original language that which is the original language that which is the original language that Genesis was written in, is uh the word Genesis was written in, is uh the word Genesis was written in, is uh the word for breathe is the word ruach. All for breathe is the word ruach. All for breathe is the word ruach. All right. So, here's what I want you to do.

right. So, here's what I want you to do. right. So, here's what I want you to do. Put your hand in front of your mouth and Put your hand in front of your mouth and Put your hand in front of your mouth and say ruak. say ruak. say ruak. Now, do you feel the do you feel the Now, do you feel the do you feel the Now, do you feel the do you feel the puff of breath hitting against your puff of breath hitting against your puff of breath hitting against your palm? Um, I mean that that's palm? Um, I mean that that's palm? Um, I mean that that's intentional. Even saying the word breath intentional. Even saying the word breath intentional. Even saying the word breath uh causes you to have to breathe out. uh causes you to have to breathe out. uh causes you to have to breathe out. And what's interesting is this word that And what's interesting is this word that And what's interesting is this word that that that God creates man out of the that that God creates man out of the that that God creates man out of the dust and breathes life into him. Uh the dust and breathes life into him. Uh the dust and breathes life into him. Uh the same word for breathe is the same word same word for breathe is the same word same word for breathe is the same word for spirit, same word for wind. So you for spirit, same word for wind. So you for spirit, same word for wind. So you got this idea already on from the very got this idea already on from the very got this idea already on from the very beginning that uh the author of Genesis beginning that uh the author of Genesis beginning that uh the author of Genesis is trying to hit like mankind's pretty is trying to hit like mankind's pretty is trying to hit like mankind's pretty special. It's not like the it's not like special. It's not like the it's not like special. It's not like the it's not like your golden retriever who you love or your golden retriever who you love or your golden retriever who you love or your plants or your other kinds of your plants or your other kinds of your plants or your other kinds of animals. This this being is different. animals. This this being is different. animals. This this being is different. And though he's special, he's not And though he's special, he's not And though he's special, he's not divine. And you know that he's not divine. And you know that he's not divine. And you know that he's not divine. Why? He's very much Yahweh's divine. Why? He's very much Yahweh's divine. Why? He's very much Yahweh's creation because he was made from the creation because he was made from the creation because he was made from the dust. And and in fact uh in the Hebrew dust. And and in fact uh in the Hebrew dust. And and in fact uh in the Hebrew there's a little bit of word play there's a little bit of word play there's a little bit of word play between uh dust and man. I'll show it to between uh dust and man. I'll show it to between uh dust and man. I'll show it to you. Here's what dust looks like in you. Here's what dust looks like in you. Here's what dust looks like in Hebrew. Dust is the word haadama. Hebrew. Dust is the word haadama. Hebrew. Dust is the word haadama. So it's really easy to say haadama. But So it's really easy to say haadama. But So it's really easy to say haadama. But but the word for man is this haadam.

but the word for man is this haadam. but the word for man is this haadam. So here's here's what it says. Out of So here's here's what it says. Out of So here's here's what it says. Out of haadama, God created haadam. We get the haadama, God created haadam. We get the haadama, God created haadam. We get the word Adam from it. It's a word Adam from it. It's a word Adam from it. It's a transliteration. Uh so right off the transliteration. Uh so right off the transliteration. Uh so right off the bat, you're like, that that sounds very bat, you're like, that that sounds very bat, you're like, that that sounds very similar. What? Of course it is. It's similar. What? Of course it is. It's similar. What? Of course it is. It's intentional. Uh the the writer of intentional. Uh the the writer of intentional. Uh the the writer of Genesis is making a theological Genesis is making a theological Genesis is making a theological statement here. He's like, "Listen, man. statement here. He's like, "Listen, man. statement here. He's like, "Listen, man. Um, man is special, but he's not that Um, man is special, but he's not that Um, man is special, but he's not that special. He He doesn't exist outside of special. He He doesn't exist outside of special. He He doesn't exist outside of God. God has to make him. And not only God. God has to make him. And not only God. God has to make him. And not only that, let's just break this word down. that, let's just break this word down. that, let's just break this word down. Adam. Uh, the the word itself, if you Adam. Uh, the the word itself, if you Adam. Uh, the the word itself, if you can kind of flip it around. Adam just can kind of flip it around. Adam just can kind of flip it around. Adam just means this. It means mankind or human means this. It means mankind or human means this. It means mankind or human being. being. being. Mankind or human being. So, so what the Mankind or human being. So, so what the Mankind or human being. So, so what the author is trying to tell us, let me tell author is trying to tell us, let me tell author is trying to tell us, let me tell you why this is important. Most people you why this is important. Most people you why this is important. Most people don't go around, hey, what's your name? don't go around, hey, what's your name? don't go around, hey, what's your name? Mankind. Mankind. Mankind. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Uh, Eve is will be known later on as the Uh, Eve is will be known later on as the Uh, Eve is will be known later on as the mother of all living. What's your name? mother of all living. What's your name? mother of all living. What's your name? Mother of All Living. And that sounds Mother of All Living. And that sounds Mother of All Living. And that sounds weird. And unless you're a wrestler on weird. And unless you're a wrestler on weird. And unless you're a wrestler on WWE from the old school days, there is WWE from the old school days, there is WWE from the old school days, there is no man guy. There's no guy named no man guy. There's no guy named no man guy. There's no guy named Mankind. And so, like, what if you had a Mankind. And so, like, what if you had a Mankind. And so, like, what if you had a friend who had a baby and hey, what did friend who had a baby and hey, what did friend who had a baby and hey, what did you name your baby? Uh, we named it you name your baby? Uh, we named it you name your baby? Uh, we named it human baby. That'd be weird because human baby. That'd be weird because human baby. That'd be weird because you're like, "No, no, no, no, no, no.

you're like, "No, no, no, no, no, no. you're like, "No, no, no, no, no, no. That's not a name. That's a category." That's not a name. That's a category." That's not a name. That's a category." And so when when the original authors, And so when when the original authors, And so when when the original authors, excuse me, the original readers, the excuse me, the original readers, the excuse me, the original readers, the Hebrews would read this, they knew that Hebrews would read this, they knew that Hebrews would read this, they knew that Adam was was not just Adam. It says, "In Adam was was not just Adam. It says, "In Adam was was not just Adam. It says, "In the beginning, God created man, the beginning, God created man, the beginning, God created man, mankind." Adamama. Ha adama from ha mankind." Adamama. Ha adama from ha mankind." Adamama. Ha adama from ha Adam, right? And so what we have here Adam, right? And so what we have here Adam, right? And so what we have here now is like Adam represents or man here now is like Adam represents or man here now is like Adam represents or man here represents all of us. He's archetypal. represents all of us. He's archetypal. represents all of us. He's archetypal. That's a fancy word. An archetype is That's a fancy word. An archetype is That's a fancy word. An archetype is someone uh if you will who who who someone uh if you will who who who someone uh if you will who who who embodies and represents an entire group. embodies and represents an entire group. embodies and represents an entire group. And we know that that Adam that's true And we know that that Adam that's true And we know that that Adam that's true of Adam. He represents every one of us of Adam. He represents every one of us of Adam. He represents every one of us who happens to be a human being. Now who happens to be a human being. Now who happens to be a human being. Now that's super important because what what that's super important because what what that's super important because what what you're starting to see here already, we you're starting to see here already, we you're starting to see here already, we saw it last week, we see it this week, saw it last week, we see it this week, saw it last week, we see it this week, is that because Adam's named a proper is that because Adam's named a proper is that because Adam's named a proper name, he doesn't have one. He's his name name, he doesn't have one. He's his name name, he doesn't have one. He's his name is really a category. We're supposed to is really a category. We're supposed to is really a category. We're supposed to see him categorically. We're supposed to see him categorically. We're supposed to see him categorically. We're supposed to see him as mankind. Period. represents see him as mankind. Period. represents see him as mankind. Period. represents all of us. And someone's gonna go, all of us. And someone's gonna go, all of us. And someone's gonna go, Yansancy, you don't think that Adam's a Yansancy, you don't think that Adam's a Yansancy, you don't think that Adam's a real person. I do. I take him as an real person. I do. I take him as an real person. I do. I take him as an historical person. But if you're going historical person. But if you're going historical person. But if you're going to get caught up in that kind of um to get caught up in that kind of um to get caught up in that kind of um challenge and debate, I think you're challenge and debate, I think you're challenge and debate, I think you're missing the point of Genesis here. The missing the point of Genesis here. The missing the point of Genesis here. The author is trying to tell you that that author is trying to tell you that that author is trying to tell you that that Adam has a special creation. Though he's Adam has a special creation. Though he's Adam has a special creation. Though he's part of creation, he has a special part of creation, he has a special part of creation, he has a special creation. God's breath of life has been creation. God's breath of life has been creation. God's breath of life has been breathed into him and he represents all breathed into him and he represents all breathed into him and he represents all of us. He represents us. And because he of us. He represents us. And because he of us. He represents us. And because he has a special role, he gets a special has a special role, he gets a special has a special role, he gets a special place in creation. What do I mean? Glad place in creation. What do I mean? Glad place in creation. What do I mean? Glad you asked. Let's keep working through you asked. Let's keep working through you asked. Let's keep working through Genesis chapter 2. Let's continue in Genesis chapter 2. Let's continue in Genesis chapter 2. Let's continue in verse 8. And Yahweh God planted a garden

verse 8. And Yahweh God planted a garden verse 8. And Yahweh God planted a garden in Eden in the east. And there he put in Eden in the east. And there he put in Eden in the east. And there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the man whom he had formed. And out of the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground Yahweh God made to spring up the ground Yahweh God made to spring up the ground Yahweh God made to spring up every tree that's pleasant to the sight every tree that's pleasant to the sight every tree that's pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was and good for food. The tree of life was and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden. And the tree in the midst of the garden. And the tree in the midst of the garden. And the tree of knowledge of good and the tree of the of knowledge of good and the tree of the of knowledge of good and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Those two knowledge of good and evil. Those two knowledge of good and evil. Those two trees. Verse 10. [clears throat] trees. Verse 10. [clears throat] trees. Verse 10. [clears throat] A river flowed out of Eden to water the A river flowed out of Eden to water the A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden and there it divided and became garden and there it divided and became garden and there it divided and became four rivers. We'll continue to read. The four rivers. We'll continue to read. The four rivers. We'll continue to read. The name of the first is the Pishon. It's name of the first is the Pishon. It's name of the first is the Pishon. It's the one that float around the whole land the one that float around the whole land the one that float around the whole land of Havala where there is gold and the of Havala where there is gold and the of Havala where there is gold and the gold of that land is good. Of course, gold of that land is good. Of course, gold of that land is good. Of course, gold is always good. For the record, um gold is always good. For the record, um gold is always good. For the record, um delum and onyx delium and onyx stones delum and onyx delium and onyx stones delum and onyx delium and onyx stones are there. Verse 13, the name of the are there. Verse 13, the name of the are there. Verse 13, the name of the second river is the Gihon. Uh it is the second river is the Gihon. Uh it is the second river is the Gihon. Uh it is the one that flowed around the whole land of one that flowed around the whole land of one that flowed around the whole land of Kush. Verse 14, and the name of the Kush. Verse 14, and the name of the Kush. Verse 14, and the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows third river is the Tigris, which flows third river is the Tigris, which flows around which flows east of Assyria. And around which flows east of Assyria. And around which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. those the fourth river is the Euphrates. those the fourth river is the Euphrates. those other two rivers. The last two we know, other two rivers. The last two we know, other two rivers. The last two we know, the first two we don't. What's the point the first two we don't. What's the point the first two we don't. What's the point here? Listen, there's a ton to unpack in here? Listen, there's a ton to unpack in here? Listen, there's a ton to unpack in this passage here. And I'm telling you this passage here. And I'm telling you this passage here. And I'm telling you this, many Christians have misunderstood this, many Christians have misunderstood this, many Christians have misunderstood this story because they've gotten their this story because they've gotten their this story because they've gotten their ideas about Eden and all this stuff from ideas about Eden and all this stuff from ideas about Eden and all this stuff from from whatever from maybe popular from whatever from maybe popular from whatever from maybe popular stories, but when you dig deep into the stories, but when you dig deep into the stories, but when you dig deep into the Bible, this is a little different. So, Bible, this is a little different. So, Bible, this is a little different. So, for example, uh Eden in Genesis 2 is not for example, uh Eden in Genesis 2 is not for example, uh Eden in Genesis 2 is not the entire world. The whole world's not the entire world. The whole world's not the entire world. The whole world's not Eden. It actually says Eden is a place Eden. It actually says Eden is a place Eden. It actually says Eden is a place in the world. Uh, chapter 1 begins uh uh in the world. Uh, chapter 1 begins uh uh in the world. Uh, chapter 1 begins uh uh excuse me, chapter 2 begins a lot like excuse me, chapter 2 begins a lot like excuse me, chapter 2 begins a lot like chapter 1. The earth's not really um not chapter 1. The earth's not really um not chapter 1. The earth's not really um not really cultivated. It's uh there's not a really cultivated. It's uh there's not a really cultivated. It's uh there's not a lot of order there. It still lot of order there. It still lot of order there. It still [clears throat] needs uh God's touch

[clears throat] needs uh God's touch [clears throat] needs uh God's touch through God's people in it. And then God through God's people in it. And then God through God's people in it. And then God sets a special place called Eden. So, sets a special place called Eden. So, sets a special place called Eden. So, it's not the whole planet. It's just it's not the whole planet. It's just it's not the whole planet. It's just this patch of land, if you will. In this patch of land, if you will. In this patch of land, if you will. In fact, Eden, if you transliterate, if you fact, Eden, if you transliterate, if you fact, Eden, if you transliterate, if you translate, not transliterate, if you translate, not transliterate, if you translate, not transliterate, if you translate it, it would sound something translate it, it would sound something translate it, it would sound something like uh or be defined as something like like uh or be defined as something like like uh or be defined as something like luxurious um or if you will u abundant. luxurious um or if you will u abundant. luxurious um or if you will u abundant. Uh the Greek Septuagent, which is the Uh the Greek Septuagent, which is the Uh the Greek Septuagent, which is the Old Testament written for Greeks during Old Testament written for Greeks during Old Testament written for Greeks during Jesus's time, translated Eden as Jesus's time, translated Eden as Jesus's time, translated Eden as paradise. So, Eden isn't uh every place. paradise. So, Eden isn't uh every place. paradise. So, Eden isn't uh every place. It's just a special place. Now, notice It's just a special place. Now, notice It's just a special place. Now, notice what happens here in Eden. God to the what happens here in Eden. God to the what happens here in Eden. God to the east of Eden plants a garden or he east of Eden plants a garden or he east of Eden plants a garden or he creates a garden. Uh, and then it says creates a garden. Uh, and then it says creates a garden. Uh, and then it says so, so if you're a um, here's what we so, so if you're a um, here's what we so, so if you're a um, here's what we need to do. Anytime you read the Bible, need to do. Anytime you read the Bible, need to do. Anytime you read the Bible, especially in Genesis, you can't think especially in Genesis, you can't think especially in Genesis, you can't think of yourself as a 21st century modern. of yourself as a 21st century modern. of yourself as a 21st century modern. Like, oh, okay. Well, this says in the Like, oh, okay. Well, this says in the Like, oh, okay. Well, this says in the east, what a random thing to say. You east, what a random thing to say. You east, what a random thing to say. You have to think of yourself as an original have to think of yourself as an original have to think of yourself as an original audience, an original reader. And this audience, an original reader. And this audience, an original reader. And this book, Genesis, was written for the book, Genesis, was written for the book, Genesis, was written for the Hebrews, the Israelites. Uh and so when Hebrews, the Israelites. Uh and so when Hebrews, the Israelites. Uh and so when they would read like oh god planted a they would read like oh god planted a they would read like oh god planted a garden in the east it wasn't just some garden in the east it wasn't just some garden in the east it wasn't just some random direction in the east symbolized random direction in the east symbolized random direction in the east symbolized for them in the ancient world life and for them in the ancient world life and for them in the ancient world life and power. I'll give you examples. Uh Old power. I'll give you examples. Uh Old power. I'll give you examples. Uh Old Testament scholar Bruce Walke says that Testament scholar Bruce Walke says that Testament scholar Bruce Walke says that if you for example take Egypt if you if you for example take Egypt if you if you for example take Egypt if you sail down the Nile on the east side are sail down the Nile on the east side are sail down the Nile on the east side are all the buildings it's all the abodess.

all the buildings it's all the abodess. all the buildings it's all the abodess. It's all the palaces but on the west It's all the palaces but on the west It's all the palaces but on the west side are all the graves and the tombs side are all the graves and the tombs side are all the graves and the tombs because everyone knew that the east is because everyone knew that the east is because everyone knew that the east is where life and power live because that's where life and power live because that's where life and power live because that's where the sun rises. And Jesus in the where the sun rises. And Jesus in the where the sun rises. And Jesus in the time that he lived, the ancients still time that he lived, the ancients still time that he lived, the ancients still had this idea. He carries it over. When had this idea. He carries it over. When had this idea. He carries it over. When Jesus talks about his return in Matthew Jesus talks about his return in Matthew Jesus talks about his return in Matthew chapter 24 27, he speaks of himself as chapter 24 27, he speaks of himself as chapter 24 27, he speaks of himself as the son of man. He will come like the son of man. He will come like the son of man. He will come like lightning. How? It says here in this lightning. How? It says here in this lightning. How? It says here in this text, it says that as lightning comes text, it says that as lightning comes text, it says that as lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the from the east and shines as far as the from the east and shines as far as the west. Why the east to the west? Because west. Why the east to the west? Because west. Why the east to the west? Because the east is where life and power come the east is where life and power come the east is where life and power come from in the ancient mind. This is why from in the ancient mind. This is why from in the ancient mind. This is why for a long time Christians even um for a long time Christians even um for a long time Christians even um practice facing the east. When you practice facing the east. When you practice facing the east. When you baptize someone, I know we just baptized baptize someone, I know we just baptized baptize someone, I know we just baptized five people in this service. It's five people in this service. It's five people in this service. It's awesome. Historically, back in the old awesome. Historically, back in the old awesome. Historically, back in the old days, by that I mean like 1500 years days, by that I mean like 1500 years days, by that I mean like 1500 years ago, when someone would get baptized, ago, when someone would get baptized, ago, when someone would get baptized, they would literally face the west, the they would literally face the west, the they would literally face the west, the opposite of the east, right? And they opposite of the east, right? And they opposite of the east, right? And they would spit and they would uh they would would spit and they would uh they would would spit and they would uh they would denounce Satan, then they turn to the denounce Satan, then they turn to the denounce Satan, then they turn to the east and be baptized. Do you know that east and be baptized. Do you know that east and be baptized. Do you know that the earliest Christians when they the earliest Christians when they the earliest Christians when they prayed, they always had to face east to prayed, they always had to face east to prayed, they always had to face east to be bapt to to pray? Matter of fact, be bapt to to pray? Matter of fact, be bapt to to pray? Matter of fact, Basel the Great, uh, one of the the Basel the Great, uh, one of the the Basel the Great, uh, one of the the famous church fathers said this, "Facing famous church fathers said this, "Facing famous church fathers said this, "Facing the east to pray was among the oldest the east to pray was among the oldest the east to pray was among the oldest unwritten laws of the church." Now, I'm unwritten laws of the church." Now, I'm unwritten laws of the church." Now, I'm not trying to say like, "Oh my gosh, not trying to say like, "Oh my gosh, not trying to say like, "Oh my gosh, Yansancy, uh, when I'm driving and I'm Yansancy, uh, when I'm driving and I'm Yansancy, uh, when I'm driving and I'm praying, do I have to turn the car east praying, do I have to turn the car east praying, do I have to turn the car east to make sure that No, I'm just telling to make sure that No, I'm just telling to make sure that No, I'm just telling you the east to the east was something you the east to the east was something you the east to the east was something the ancients knew about." That's why for the ancients knew about." That's why for the ancients knew about." That's why for centuries, uh, the early church would centuries, uh, the early church would centuries, uh, the early church would pray adorientum.

pray adorientum. pray adorientum. They would face the east because they They would face the east because they They would face the east because they wanted to honor the idea that you face wanted to honor the idea that you face wanted to honor the idea that you face the place of power. If you go to Europe the place of power. If you go to Europe the place of power. If you go to Europe today, go to all the cathedrals, they're today, go to all the cathedrals, they're today, go to all the cathedrals, they're going to face one direction. Where do going to face one direction. Where do going to face one direction. Where do you think they face? East. Right? So you think they face? East. Right? So you think they face? East. Right? So saying that the garden of Eden was saying that the garden of Eden was saying that the garden of Eden was placed to the east in Eden. It's saying placed to the east in Eden. It's saying placed to the east in Eden. It's saying that the author is telegraphing to the that the author is telegraphing to the that the author is telegraphing to the original audience, oh my gosh, this original audience, oh my gosh, this original audience, oh my gosh, this garden must be a place of immense power garden must be a place of immense power garden must be a place of immense power and life. It also mentions in this text and life. It also mentions in this text and life. It also mentions in this text as we've seen trees. Trees are important as we've seen trees. Trees are important as we've seen trees. Trees are important in the ancient world. They represented in the ancient world. They represented in the ancient world. They represented stability uh order. They also stability uh order. They also stability uh order. They also represented uh power. There was represented uh power. There was represented uh power. There was something sacred about trees. In fact, something sacred about trees. In fact, something sacred about trees. In fact, uh in a lot of the early uh stories of uh in a lot of the early uh stories of uh in a lot of the early uh stories of like Assyria and Babylon and so on and like Assyria and Babylon and so on and like Assyria and Babylon and so on and so forth, which uh Moses definitely so forth, which uh Moses definitely so forth, which uh Moses definitely would have known about and if he would have known about and if he would have known about and if he employed anyone to help write Genesis, employed anyone to help write Genesis, employed anyone to help write Genesis, they would have had these ideas in their they would have had these ideas in their they would have had these ideas in their head. Everyone believed that there was a head. Everyone believed that there was a head. Everyone believed that there was a tree of life. In fact, uh the gods owned tree of life. In fact, uh the gods owned tree of life. In fact, uh the gods owned the tree of life because that's how they the tree of life because that's how they the tree of life because that's how they lived forever. whatever fruit came from lived forever. whatever fruit came from lived forever. whatever fruit came from the tree of life, they would eat that the tree of life, they would eat that the tree of life, they would eat that fruit and thus they would have eternal fruit and thus they would have eternal fruit and thus they would have eternal life. So it makes sense that when you life. So it makes sense that when you life. So it makes sense that when you read as a Israelite, a Hebrew looking at read as a Israelite, a Hebrew looking at read as a Israelite, a Hebrew looking at Genesis, of course, if Yahweh has a Genesis, of course, if Yahweh has a Genesis, of course, if Yahweh has a garden, he's going to have the tree of garden, he's going to have the tree of garden, he's going to have the tree of life in his garden because only God life in his garden because only God life in his garden because only God gives life. In fact, what this tells us gives life. In fact, what this tells us gives life. In fact, what this tells us theologically is that man wasn't created theologically is that man wasn't created theologically is that man wasn't created forever in and of himself. That that forever in and of himself. That that forever in and of himself. That that human beings have to be with God, take human beings have to be with God, take human beings have to be with God, take life from God in order to live for God.

life from God in order to live for God. life from God in order to live for God. That's what the text tells us. That's That's what the text tells us. That's That's what the text tells us. That's why at some point we die. But the idea why at some point we die. But the idea why at some point we die. But the idea in Genesis is if you could get to the in Genesis is if you could get to the in Genesis is if you could get to the garden, if you could eat from the tree garden, if you could eat from the tree garden, if you could eat from the tree of life, that you could stay alive as of life, that you could stay alive as of life, that you could stay alive as long as you wanted to because you got to long as you wanted to because you got to long as you wanted to because you got to eat from the fruit of Yahweh, eat from the fruit of Yahweh, eat from the fruit of Yahweh, his life himself. his life himself. his life himself. So when you think about all this, my So when you think about all this, my So when you think about all this, my gosh, there's a lot of stuff going on in gosh, there's a lot of stuff going on in gosh, there's a lot of stuff going on in this passage. Oh my gosh, we're not even this passage. Oh my gosh, we're not even this passage. Oh my gosh, we're not even done. done. done. So if you continue, if as we read verses So if you continue, if as we read verses So if you continue, if as we read verses 10-14, it says that in Eden there is 10-14, it says that in Eden there is 10-14, it says that in Eden there is this river that has its headwaters there this river that has its headwaters there this river that has its headwaters there and flows through the garden and then it and flows through the garden and then it and flows through the garden and then it rushes to become four rivers. And I just rushes to become four rivers. And I just rushes to become four rivers. And I just mentioned two of them we don't know mentioned two of them we don't know mentioned two of them we don't know anything about. Two of them obviously anything about. Two of them obviously anything about. Two of them obviously the Tigress and the Euphrates we still the Tigress and the Euphrates we still the Tigress and the Euphrates we still have today. And people go, "Oh my gosh, have today. And people go, "Oh my gosh, have today. And people go, "Oh my gosh, does that mean Yansancy we can trace and does that mean Yansancy we can trace and does that mean Yansancy we can trace and do triangulate and figure out where the do triangulate and figure out where the do triangulate and figure out where the Garden of Eden is?" No, we can't. You Garden of Eden is?" No, we can't. You Garden of Eden is?" No, we can't. You can try, but you're never going to find can try, but you're never going to find can try, but you're never going to find it. But what what what the Genesis it. But what what what the Genesis it. But what what what the Genesis author is trying to do is tell us author is trying to do is tell us author is trying to do is tell us something very important. He's trying to something very important. He's trying to something very important. He's trying to tell us, and this is what I think a lot tell us, and this is what I think a lot tell us, and this is what I think a lot of people miss, that Eden is on high of people miss, that Eden is on high of people miss, that Eden is on high ground. ground. ground. That that Eden, if you will, is on a That that Eden, if you will, is on a That that Eden, if you will, is on a mountain, at least a raised idea, a mountain, at least a raised idea, a mountain, at least a raised idea, a raised plane whereby the waters of this raised plane whereby the waters of this raised plane whereby the waters of this river of life, so to speak, can walk can river of life, so to speak, can walk can river of life, so to speak, can walk can go and go down into the world like the go and go down into the world like the go and go down into the world like the Euphrates, like the Tigris, and so on Euphrates, like the Tigris, and so on Euphrates, like the Tigris, and so on and so forth. In fact, when you read and so forth. In fact, when you read and so forth. In fact, when you read passages in the Old Testament, it seems passages in the Old Testament, it seems passages in the Old Testament, it seems to give the idea that Eden is lifted up to give the idea that Eden is lifted up to give the idea that Eden is lifted up on a mountain. Ezekiel 28:14 calls Eden on a mountain. Ezekiel 28:14 calls Eden on a mountain. Ezekiel 28:14 calls Eden the holy mountain of God. And on the the holy mountain of God. And on the the holy mountain of God. And on the holy mountain of God, go back a couple holy mountain of God, go back a couple holy mountain of God, go back a couple of verses to 28:12 and what guess what of verses to 28:12 and what guess what of verses to 28:12 and what guess what you'll read about? Oh, you'll find the

you'll read about? Oh, you'll find the you'll read about? Oh, you'll find the garden of God there. So, it's the garden garden of God there. So, it's the garden garden of God there. So, it's the garden of God, Garden of Eden on the mountain of God, Garden of Eden on the mountain of God, Garden of Eden on the mountain of God. In fact, there's a river there. of God. In fact, there's a river there. of God. In fact, there's a river there. Keep reading if you'll see this. And the Keep reading if you'll see this. And the Keep reading if you'll see this. And the Psalmist says this. Psalm 46:4, there is Psalmist says this. Psalm 46:4, there is Psalmist says this. Psalm 46:4, there is a river whose streams make glad the city a river whose streams make glad the city a river whose streams make glad the city or the abode of God, the holy or the abode of God, the holy or the abode of God, the holy habitation, again, the holy dwelling of habitation, again, the holy dwelling of habitation, again, the holy dwelling of the most high. So, here's what's going the most high. So, here's what's going the most high. So, here's what's going on here. It's crazy to me. on here. It's crazy to me. on here. It's crazy to me. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] It seems like this most high place where It seems like this most high place where It seems like this most high place where Eden is is the place where heaven and Eden is is the place where heaven and Eden is is the place where heaven and earth meet. Now, think about that for a earth meet. Now, think about that for a earth meet. Now, think about that for a second. In the ancient world, there was second. In the ancient world, there was second. In the ancient world, there was only one place, only one place where only one place, only one place where only one place, only one place where heaven and earth met. It wasn't in the heaven and earth met. It wasn't in the heaven and earth met. It wasn't in the king's palace. It was in the god's king's palace. It was in the god's king's palace. It was in the god's house. What would you call a house of a house. What would you call a house of a house. What would you call a house of a god? You'd call it a temple. Now, I want god? You'd call it a temple. Now, I want god? You'd call it a temple. Now, I want you to get ready for this for a second. you to get ready for this for a second. you to get ready for this for a second. Um, in a temple, uh, you would have Um, in a temple, uh, you would have Um, in a temple, uh, you would have especially uh, let's just relate it to especially uh, let's just relate it to especially uh, let's just relate it to um, think of more of let me give you an um, think of more of let me give you an um, think of more of let me give you an illustration from an earthly illustration from an earthly illustration from an earthly perspective. Uh, if a temple is the perspective. Uh, if a temple is the perspective. Uh, if a temple is the house where a god lives, well, what's house where a god lives, well, what's house where a god lives, well, what's the next best thing to a god? A king.

the next best thing to a god? A king. the next best thing to a god? A king. What would the king live in? A king What would the king live in? A king What would the king live in? A king would live in a palace. Did you know would live in a palace. Did you know would live in a palace. Did you know that in the ancient world that what that in the ancient world that what that in the ancient world that what would be built around palaces were would be built around palaces were would be built around palaces were gardens? See, a lot of people read the gardens? See, a lot of people read the gardens? See, a lot of people read the garden of Eden. You think, "Oh my gosh, garden of Eden. You think, "Oh my gosh, garden of Eden. You think, "Oh my gosh, this guy's we're God's gardeners. You this guy's we're God's gardeners. You this guy's we're God's gardeners. You know, we're just clipping branches and know, we're just clipping branches and know, we're just clipping branches and picking strawberries and having fun." picking strawberries and having fun." picking strawberries and having fun." Uh, that's not it's it's it's not the Uh, that's not it's it's it's not the Uh, that's not it's it's it's not the kind of fruit garden that you would kind of fruit garden that you would kind of fruit garden that you would think. I know fruit's mentioned in it, think. I know fruit's mentioned in it, think. I know fruit's mentioned in it, but it's not that kind of a garden. So, but it's not that kind of a garden. So, but it's not that kind of a garden. So, what we have is this. We have God's what we have is this. We have God's what we have is this. We have God's abode in Eden. Looks like it's a temple. abode in Eden. Looks like it's a temple. abode in Eden. Looks like it's a temple. And around the temple grounds are what And around the temple grounds are what And around the temple grounds are what you would call the temple gardens. In you would call the temple gardens. In you would call the temple gardens. In fact, um I'll show you. Anyone if you've fact, um I'll show you. Anyone if you've fact, um I'll show you. Anyone if you've ever seen a picture of been to ever seen a picture of been to ever seen a picture of been to Versailles in France, you understand Versailles in France, you understand Versailles in France, you understand what the gardens look like. A couple what the gardens look like. A couple what the gardens look like. A couple years ago, I was in I had a chance with years ago, I was in I had a chance with years ago, I was in I had a chance with some church playing stuff with our some church playing stuff with our some church playing stuff with our church. My wife and I were in Madrid and church. My wife and I were in Madrid and church. My wife and I were in Madrid and uh here's the picture of the Royal uh here's the picture of the Royal uh here's the picture of the Royal Palace in Madrid. So these are the Palace in Madrid. So these are the Palace in Madrid. So these are the sabatini gardens around the royal palace sabatini gardens around the royal palace sabatini gardens around the royal palace and this wasn't unique. This was common. and this wasn't unique. This was common. and this wasn't unique. This was common. So so even in later centuries wherever So so even in later centuries wherever So so even in later centuries wherever the king lived, wherever the sovereign the king lived, wherever the sovereign the king lived, wherever the sovereign lived, right next to where he lived lived, right next to where he lived lived, right next to where he lived would be these, if you will, um these would be these, if you will, um these would be these, if you will, um these temple grounds or these gardens again um temple grounds or these gardens again um temple grounds or these gardens again um something special. So what is Genesis something special. So what is Genesis something special. So what is Genesis trying to show us? If I can make this in trying to show us? If I can make this in trying to show us? If I can make this in kind of a picture, which I I can because kind of a picture, which I I can because kind of a picture, which I I can because we had Christy Green, one of our top we had Christy Green, one of our top we had Christy Green, one of our top kind of artists for us in our kind of artists for us in our kind of artists for us in our communications, I asked her to make a communications, I asked her to make a communications, I asked her to make a rendering of what we've seen in Genesis.

rendering of what we've seen in Genesis. rendering of what we've seen in Genesis. Here's probably what it would look like Here's probably what it would look like Here's probably what it would look like if I could just draw this out. So, what if I could just draw this out. So, what if I could just draw this out. So, what you have is this. This is Genesis 2. God you have is this. This is Genesis 2. God you have is this. This is Genesis 2. God describes Eden raised up on a mountain describes Eden raised up on a mountain describes Eden raised up on a mountain from which the river of life flows out from which the river of life flows out from which the river of life flows out of into four different rivers. We have of into four different rivers. We have of into four different rivers. We have the tree of life. And the reason that the tree of life. And the reason that the tree of life. And the reason that this is all in the east is this is where this is all in the east is this is where this is all in the east is this is where power and life come from. But what we power and life come from. But what we power and life come from. But what we have to know is this. This is also the have to know is this. This is also the have to know is this. This is also the place where heaven and earth meet. Well, place where heaven and earth meet. Well, place where heaven and earth meet. Well, where do they meet? They meet at God's where do they meet? They meet at God's where do they meet? They meet at God's temple. So I'm I'm tell I'm going to put temple. So I'm I'm tell I'm going to put temple. So I'm I'm tell I'm going to put this all together for you. Just just this all together for you. Just just this all together for you. Just just hold on. Um so what does that mean about hold on. Um so what does that mean about hold on. Um so what does that mean about man? What does that mean for humanity? man? What does that mean for humanity? man? What does that mean for humanity? What does that mean for mankind? Let's What does that mean for mankind? Let's What does that mean for mankind? Let's continue to read. So we have this in our continue to read. So we have this in our continue to read. So we have this in our head, right? God's going to plop down head, right? God's going to plop down head, right? God's going to plop down right out of the dust. creates mankind, right out of the dust. creates mankind, right out of the dust. creates mankind, puts him in the garden. What do you puts him in the garden. What do you puts him in the garden. What do you think he's going to do? Watch this. Uh think he's going to do? Watch this. Uh think he's going to do? Watch this. Uh Genesis 2 15-17. [clears throat] Genesis 2 15-17. [clears throat] Genesis 2 15-17. [clears throat] Yahweh God took the man and put him in Yahweh God took the man and put him in Yahweh God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and to the garden of Eden to work it and to the garden of Eden to work it and to keep it. We'll come back to that. And keep it. We'll come back to that. And keep it. We'll come back to that. And Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, "Surely you may you may surely eat of "Surely you may you may surely eat of "Surely you may you may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the every tree of the garden, but of the every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, tree of the knowledge of good and evil, tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat. From the day that you you shall not eat. From the day that you you shall not eat. From the day that you eat it, you shall surely die." Now, let eat it, you shall surely die." Now, let eat it, you shall surely die." Now, let let's stay with the command first. We're let's stay with the command first. We're let's stay with the command first. We're going to get to this later on. In fact, going to get to this later on. In fact, going to get to this later on. In fact, I this is going to be in a couple of I this is going to be in a couple of I this is going to be in a couple of weeks where we're going to talk about weeks where we're going to talk about weeks where we're going to talk about the tree of the knowledge of good and the tree of the knowledge of good and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. I'm I'm going to I'm going to evil. I'm I'm going to I'm going to evil. I'm I'm going to I'm going to leave it alone so I don't steal someone leave it alone so I don't steal someone leave it alone so I don't steal someone else's fire when they preached in two else's fire when they preached in two else's fire when they preached in two weeks. But what I do want to do is this.

weeks. But what I do want to do is this. weeks. But what I do want to do is this. Uh I want to highlight this for you. It Uh I want to highlight this for you. It Uh I want to highlight this for you. It says Yahweh God took the man and put him says Yahweh God took the man and put him says Yahweh God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and in the Garden of Eden to work it and in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Again, don't think he's got keep it. Again, don't think he's got keep it. Again, don't think he's got pretty white gloves on. Snip snip some pretty white gloves on. Snip snip some pretty white gloves on. Snip snip some strawberries and tomatoes. That's not strawberries and tomatoes. That's not strawberries and tomatoes. That's not what he's doing here. In fact, this is what he's doing here. In fact, this is what he's doing here. In fact, this is very important when you look at this very important when you look at this very important when you look at this text. Um the command here to work it and text. Um the command here to work it and text. Um the command here to work it and keep it uh in the Hebrew uh actually has keep it uh in the Hebrew uh actually has keep it uh in the Hebrew uh actually has a a a more specific definition. It's the a a a more specific definition. It's the a a a more specific definition. It's the idea, if you will, to work it, excuse idea, if you will, to work it, excuse idea, if you will, to work it, excuse me, and keep it means to serve and guard me, and keep it means to serve and guard me, and keep it means to serve and guard it. To serve and keep is means like to it. To serve and keep is means like to it. To serve and keep is means like to keep away, to guard it. Um this phrase keep away, to guard it. Um this phrase keep away, to guard it. Um this phrase in Hebrew is used about 40 times in the in Hebrew is used about 40 times in the in Hebrew is used about 40 times in the Old Testament where where Genesis is Old Testament where where Genesis is Old Testament where where Genesis is located. Almost universally, it's used located. Almost universally, it's used located. Almost universally, it's used with actions on one specific group of with actions on one specific group of with actions on one specific group of people. You want to guess who it is? people. You want to guess who it is? people. You want to guess who it is? It's with priests. It's only used for It's with priests. It's only used for It's with priests. It's only used for priests. Now, think about this. Let's priests. Now, think about this. Let's priests. Now, think about this. Let's put it all together. put it all together. put it all together. God creates this world. It's got some God creates this world. It's got some God creates this world. It's got some work to be done for it. God creates work to be done for it. God creates work to be done for it. God creates Eden. This almost heavenly place where Eden. This almost heavenly place where Eden. This almost heavenly place where his presence of heaven meets earth.

his presence of heaven meets earth. his presence of heaven meets earth. Where would God live? He would live in Where would God live? He would live in Where would God live? He would live in kind of a temple. What would be the kind of a temple. What would be the kind of a temple. What would be the grounds of the temple? Of course, it grounds of the temple? Of course, it grounds of the temple? Of course, it would be a garden. And who would be would be a garden. And who would be would be a garden. And who would be there to tend the garden and more there to tend the garden and more there to tend the garden and more importantly guard the temple? priests. importantly guard the temple? priests. importantly guard the temple? priests. So what's God asking him to do? Mankind, So what's God asking him to do? Mankind, So what's God asking him to do? Mankind, hey, I need you to work it and to keep hey, I need you to work it and to keep hey, I need you to work it and to keep it. In other words, I need you to serve it. In other words, I need you to serve it. In other words, I need you to serve and guard it. He's asking mankind, and guard it. He's asking mankind, and guard it. He's asking mankind, humanity, to be his priest. Well, what's humanity, to be his priest. Well, what's humanity, to be his priest. Well, what's a priest, Yansancy? Well, ultimately, a priest, Yansancy? Well, ultimately, a priest, Yansancy? Well, ultimately, here's what a priest does. I need you to here's what a priest does. I need you to here's what a priest does. I need you to catch this because this is the catch this because this is the catch this because this is the foundation for the rest of the message. foundation for the rest of the message. foundation for the rest of the message. We've only got eight hours left, so hold We've only got eight hours left, so hold We've only got eight hours left, so hold on. So, listen. Um, what does a priest on. So, listen. Um, what does a priest on. So, listen. Um, what does a priest do? A priest mediates the knowledge of do? A priest mediates the knowledge of do? A priest mediates the knowledge of God to the world. God to the world. God to the world. Here's God. Here's the world. A priest Here's God. Here's the world. A priest Here's God. Here's the world. A priest stands in the gap because a priest knows stands in the gap because a priest knows stands in the gap because a priest knows God, knows about God, knows the will of God, knows about God, knows the will of God, knows about God, knows the will of God, and he tells the people who God is God, and he tells the people who God is God, and he tells the people who God is and what God's will is. That's exactly and what God's will is. That's exactly and what God's will is. That's exactly what God is doing here with Adam. In what God is doing here with Adam. In what God is doing here with Adam. In fact, here, you know, this is true. Take fact, here, you know, this is true. Take fact, here, you know, this is true. Take Genesis 2, what we're studying right Genesis 2, what we're studying right Genesis 2, what we're studying right now. Talk about Genesis 1 that we talked now. Talk about Genesis 1 that we talked now. Talk about Genesis 1 that we talked about last week. What is what is God about last week. What is what is God about last week. What is what is God asking mankind to do? I need you to be asking mankind to do? I need you to be asking mankind to do? I need you to be fruitful and multiply. Why? I need you fruitful and multiply. Why? I need you fruitful and multiply. Why? I need you to extend Eden to the whole world that to extend Eden to the whole world that to extend Eden to the whole world that doesn't know me. and I want you to be my doesn't know me. and I want you to be my doesn't know me. and I want you to be my priests. In other words, I want you to priests. In other words, I want you to priests. In other words, I want you to share about Yahweh and spread the share about Yahweh and spread the share about Yahweh and spread the knowledge about Yahweh to all the world knowledge about Yahweh to all the world knowledge about Yahweh to all the world so they can live under my kingdom and we so they can live under my kingdom and we so they can live under my kingdom and we can have order and we can have peace and can have order and we can have peace and can have order and we can have peace and we'll rule together.

we'll rule together. we'll rule together. This to me blows my mind. So, what it This to me blows my mind. So, what it This to me blows my mind. So, what it tells us is this. Mankind in the person tells us is this. Mankind in the person tells us is this. Mankind in the person of Adam and Eve um they were created to of Adam and Eve um they were created to of Adam and Eve um they were created to represent us. And what is the commission represent us. And what is the commission represent us. And what is the commission they're given? go share and spread as they're given? go share and spread as they're given? go share and spread as priests the knowledge of Yahweh to the priests the knowledge of Yahweh to the priests the knowledge of Yahweh to the world. Now listen, let me let's do some world. Now listen, let me let's do some world. Now listen, let me let's do some little let's do a little story time here little let's do a little story time here little let's do a little story time here for those of you that may not know the for those of you that may not know the for those of you that may not know the Bible very well. Um let me just help you Bible very well. Um let me just help you Bible very well. Um let me just help you out with this. out with this. out with this. Uh what happens here is amazing. When Uh what happens here is amazing. When Uh what happens here is amazing. When you start to read just the very next you start to read just the very next you start to read just the very next chapter, you're going to see this. I'm chapter, you're going to see this. I'm chapter, you're going to see this. I'm going to give it away. It's going to bl going to give it away. It's going to bl going to give it away. It's going to bl uh bust the plot here. Um Adam and Eve uh bust the plot here. Um Adam and Eve uh bust the plot here. Um Adam and Eve failed. Surprise. failed. Surprise. failed. Surprise. Then halfway through this book as you're Then halfway through this book as you're Then halfway through this book as you're reading Genesis, you're going to come reading Genesis, you're going to come reading Genesis, you're going to come across a guy in Genesis chapter 12. across a guy in Genesis chapter 12. across a guy in Genesis chapter 12. God's going to pick another guy. He's God's going to pick another guy. He's God's going to pick another guy. He's going to he's going to call him Abraham going to he's going to call him Abraham going to he's going to call him Abraham or he's called Abraham. And he calls to or he's called Abraham. And he calls to or he's called Abraham. And he calls to Abraham. He says, "Abraham, here's what Abraham. He says, "Abraham, here's what Abraham. He says, "Abraham, here's what I want you to do. I'm not going to put I want you to do. I'm not going to put I want you to do. I'm not going to put on the screen. I'll just read you the on the screen. I'll just read you the on the screen. I'll just read you the text." Genesis 12:3 says this, "In you, text." Genesis 12:3 says this, "In you, text." Genesis 12:3 says this, "In you, Abraham, all the families of the earth Abraham, all the families of the earth Abraham, all the families of the earth shall be blessed." Notice the global shall be blessed." Notice the global shall be blessed." Notice the global language here. What what's he what's he language here. What what's he what's he language here. What what's he what's he calling Abraham to do? Abraham doesn't calling Abraham to do? Abraham doesn't calling Abraham to do? Abraham doesn't even know all the call. He just says even know all the call. He just says even know all the call. He just says Yahweh comes to him and says, "Hey, Yahweh comes to him and says, "Hey, Yahweh comes to him and says, "Hey, listen. I'm going to do something listen. I'm going to do something listen. I'm going to do something through you where the whole world will through you where the whole world will through you where the whole world will be blessed. Doesn't it sound like be blessed. Doesn't it sound like be blessed. Doesn't it sound like something that he gave in Genesis 1 something that he gave in Genesis 1 something that he gave in Genesis 1 and2? Absolutely. So he's calling and2? Absolutely. So he's calling and2? Absolutely. So he's calling Abraham to actually be like what what Abraham to actually be like what what Abraham to actually be like what what does he do? He asks Abraham to create does he do? He asks Abraham to create does he do? He asks Abraham to create multiply to create people. So what does multiply to create people. So what does multiply to create people. So what does Abraham do? Here's how the story goes.

Abraham do? Here's how the story goes. Abraham do? Here's how the story goes. Abraham creates a family. That family Abraham creates a family. That family Abraham creates a family. That family creates a clan. That clan becomes a creates a clan. That clan becomes a creates a clan. That clan becomes a people. That people becomes a nation. We people. That people becomes a nation. We people. That people becomes a nation. We know them as the ancient nation of know them as the ancient nation of know them as the ancient nation of Israel. That nation gets in trouble. Israel. That nation gets in trouble. Israel. That nation gets in trouble. They go into Egypt. They have to uh They go into Egypt. They have to uh They go into Egypt. They have to uh suffer under the Pharaoh. And then what suffer under the Pharaoh. And then what suffer under the Pharaoh. And then what happens? God raises up Charlton H. Some happens? God raises up Charlton H. Some happens? God raises up Charlton H. Some of you old-timers will know. God raises up Moses, a leader, to God raises up Moses, a leader, to deliver his people. But I want you to deliver his people. But I want you to deliver his people. But I want you to hear what Moses gets said to by God. God hear what Moses gets said to by God. God hear what Moses gets said to by God. God takes him up on a what? A mountain takes him up on a what? A mountain takes him up on a what? A mountain at Mount Si because you meet God at the at Mount Si because you meet God at the at Mount Si because you meet God at the mountain. Just like God was in the mountain. Just like God was in the mountain. Just like God was in the mountain in Genesis and Eden. So now you mountain in Genesis and Eden. So now you mountain in Genesis and Eden. So now you have Moses going up to the mountain to have Moses going up to the mountain to have Moses going up to the mountain to meet God. And guess what God tells him? meet God. And guess what God tells him? meet God. And guess what God tells him? Listen to the language here. He says to Listen to the language here. He says to Listen to the language here. He says to him in Genesis 19, the last half of him in Genesis 19, the last half of him in Genesis 19, the last half of five, first part of six, he says this. five, first part of six, he says this. five, first part of six, he says this. He says, "Tell the Israelites, they He says, "Tell the Israelites, they He says, "Tell the Israelites, they shall be my treasured possession among shall be my treasured possession among shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine." all peoples, for all the earth is mine." all peoples, for all the earth is mine." Notice the global language here. "And Notice the global language here. "And Notice the global language here. "And they shall be to me," watch this y'all, they shall be to me," watch this y'all, they shall be to me," watch this y'all, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. What? A kingdom of priests? Like there What? A kingdom of priests? Like there What? A kingdom of priests? Like there the the whole nation's going to the the whole nation's going to the the whole nation's going to sacrifice animals and they're going to sacrifice animals and they're going to sacrifice animals and they're going to all be squeezing in the temple. No, it's all be squeezing in the temple. No, it's all be squeezing in the temple. No, it's not what he's talking about. They will not what he's talking about. They will not what he's talking about. They will be the people who mediate the knowledge be the people who mediate the knowledge be the people who mediate the knowledge of Yahweh to the rest of the world. of Yahweh to the rest of the world. of Yahweh to the rest of the world. They're going to be the people who share They're going to be the people who share They're going to be the people who share and spread the good news of Yahweh. But and spread the good news of Yahweh. But and spread the good news of Yahweh. But here's what you need to know. If you here's what you need to know. If you here's what you need to know. If you keep reading all the way into that deep, keep reading all the way into that deep, keep reading all the way into that deep, deep, deep in your Old Testament, from deep, deep in your Old Testament, from deep, deep in your Old Testament, from Genesis all the way to Malachi, which is Genesis all the way to Malachi, which is Genesis all the way to Malachi, which is the whole entirety of the Old Testament, the whole entirety of the Old Testament, the whole entirety of the Old Testament, here's what you're going to find out. here's what you're going to find out. here's what you're going to find out. They blew it, too. They blew it, too. They blew it, too. They weren't good at it. Pop quiz. They weren't good at it. Pop quiz. They weren't good at it. Pop quiz. Here's the question. How many nations Here's the question. How many nations Here's the question. How many nations served Yahweh as a result of Israel served Yahweh as a result of Israel served Yahweh as a result of Israel being a missionary to them? Here's the being a missionary to them? Here's the being a missionary to them? Here's the answer. Zero. None of them. answer. Zero. None of them. answer. Zero. None of them. No other nation came to Yahweh. And all No other nation came to Yahweh. And all No other nation came to Yahweh. And all the years and centuries that Israel was the years and centuries that Israel was the years and centuries that Israel was given the commission to be priests. God given the commission to be priests. God given the commission to be priests. God knew it. So he had to one up everybody. knew it. So he had to one up everybody. knew it. So he had to one up everybody. What did he do? He sent himself. What did he do? He sent himself. What did he do? He sent himself. Yahweh's like, "I'll come in my I'll Yahweh's like, "I'll come in my I'll Yahweh's like, "I'll come in my I'll come in myself by the person of my son, come in myself by the person of my son, come in myself by the person of my son, Jesus the Christ." And so God sends his Jesus the Christ." And so God sends his Jesus the Christ." And so God sends his son Christ Jesus. He comes to earth and son Christ Jesus. He comes to earth and son Christ Jesus. He comes to earth and Jesus lives this perfect life and he Jesus lives this perfect life and he Jesus lives this perfect life and he dies on the cross and he rises from the dies on the cross and he rises from the dies on the cross and he rises from the dead and he comes saying, "I'm not only dead and he comes saying, "I'm not only dead and he comes saying, "I'm not only talking about the message of the kingdom talking about the message of the kingdom talking about the message of the kingdom of God, the kingdom of Yahweh. I'm I'm of God, the kingdom of Yahweh. I'm I'm of God, the kingdom of Yahweh. I'm I'm the king.

the king. the king. Like I'm I'm the guy and if you'll just Like I'm I'm the guy and if you'll just Like I'm I'm the guy and if you'll just believe me, if you'll give me your life, believe me, if you'll give me your life, believe me, if you'll give me your life, give me your allegiance, I'll bring you give me your allegiance, I'll bring you give me your allegiance, I'll bring you into this kingdom as well." And there's into this kingdom as well." And there's into this kingdom as well." And there's what he does. People start to believe what he does. People start to believe what he does. People start to believe like, "All right, I'm I'm down with this like, "All right, I'm I'm down with this like, "All right, I'm I'm down with this guy. this guy, I actually think he's the guy. this guy, I actually think he's the guy. this guy, I actually think he's the true savior and lord. I think he's the true savior and lord. I think he's the true savior and lord. I think he's the Messiah. I think he's not just the Messiah. I think he's not just the Messiah. I think he's not just the follower or messenger of Yahweh. I think follower or messenger of Yahweh. I think follower or messenger of Yahweh. I think I think he might BE YAHWEH'S SON, YAHWEH I think he might BE YAHWEH'S SON, YAHWEH I think he might BE YAHWEH'S SON, YAHWEH IN THE FLESH. And so, they start to IN THE FLESH. And so, they start to IN THE FLESH. And so, they start to follow him and do all these things. And follow him and do all these things. And follow him and do all these things. And here's what Jesus does is so cool to me. here's what Jesus does is so cool to me. here's what Jesus does is so cool to me. Jesus towards the end of his ministry. Jesus towards the end of his ministry. Jesus towards the end of his ministry. He gathers all the people that have He gathers all the people that have He gathers all the people that have decided to follow him, which is what we decided to follow him, which is what we decided to follow him, which is what we would call the church. And so, he would call the church. And so, he would call the church. And so, he gathers them up to where Matthew 28 gathers them up to where Matthew 28 gathers them up to where Matthew 28 18-20, this is what he tells them. By by 18-20, this is what he tells them. By by 18-20, this is what he tells them. By by the way, verse 16 says, "And upon a the way, verse 16 says, "And upon a the way, verse 16 says, "And upon a mountain, Jesus gathered them." So, one mountain, Jesus gathered them." So, one mountain, Jesus gathered them." So, one more time, Jesus gathers them on a mount more time, Jesus gathers them on a mount more time, Jesus gathers them on a mount so they can hear from God. And Jesus so they can hear from God. And Jesus so they can hear from God. And Jesus came to them and he said, "All authority came to them and he said, "All authority came to them and he said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to in heaven and on earth has been given to in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Now, we have global language again. me." Now, we have global language again. me." Now, we have global language again. Go therefore make disciples of all what Go therefore make disciples of all what Go therefore make disciples of all what >> nations around the globe, baptizing them >> nations around the globe, baptizing them >> nations around the globe, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son in the name of the Father and of the Son in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you. And observe all I have commanded you. And observe all I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end behold, I am with you always to the end behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. This is amazing. So, once of the age. This is amazing. So, once of the age. This is amazing. So, once again, what does God do? He gathers a again, what does God do? He gathers a again, what does God do? He gathers a group of people. It's not Adam and Eve.

group of people. It's not Adam and Eve. group of people. It's not Adam and Eve. They messed it up. It's not old Israel. They messed it up. It's not old Israel. They messed it up. It's not old Israel. They're gone. He now gathers the church, They're gone. He now gathers the church, They're gone. He now gathers the church, which is composed of Jews and Gentiles, which is composed of Jews and Gentiles, which is composed of Jews and Gentiles, male and female, everybody, right? But male and female, everybody, right? But male and female, everybody, right? But they've all come to know Jesus and they've all come to know Jesus and they've all come to know Jesus and believe in him and trust him as savior believe in him and trust him as savior believe in him and trust him as savior and king. And he said, "All right, you and king. And he said, "All right, you and king. And he said, "All right, you guys. You guys, it's your turn. Here's guys. You guys, it's your turn. Here's guys. You guys, it's your turn. Here's the baton. You get to hold it. Oh, yeah. the baton. You get to hold it. Oh, yeah. the baton. You get to hold it. Oh, yeah. What are you supposed to do?" Well, What are you supposed to do?" Well, What are you supposed to do?" Well, you're you're you're supposed to share you're you're you're supposed to share you're you're you're supposed to share and spread the knowledge of the kingdom and spread the knowledge of the kingdom and spread the knowledge of the kingdom of God in Jesus Christ in order that the of God in Jesus Christ in order that the of God in Jesus Christ in order that the world one day might live under Yahweh's world one day might live under Yahweh's world one day might live under Yahweh's rule. That's your commission. Here's rule. That's your commission. Here's rule. That's your commission. Here's what's crazy. Christians even call this what's crazy. Christians even call this what's crazy. Christians even call this passage the great commission. Sounds passage the great commission. Sounds passage the great commission. Sounds like the church is doing the priestly like the church is doing the priestly like the church is doing the priestly work that God asked of mankind in work that God asked of mankind in work that God asked of mankind in Genesis 2, that God asked of Abraham and Genesis 2, that God asked of Abraham and Genesis 2, that God asked of Abraham and Moses later on in Genesis and Exodus of Moses later on in Genesis and Exodus of Moses later on in Genesis and Exodus of Israel, and now he's asking it of the Israel, and now he's asking it of the Israel, and now he's asking it of the church. Why? Because we get to represent church. Why? Because we get to represent church. Why? Because we get to represent to the world the knowledge of God in to the world the knowledge of God in to the world the knowledge of God in Christ. In fact, here's what's so Christ. In fact, here's what's so Christ. In fact, here's what's so mind-blowing about this. Peter, mind-blowing about this. Peter, mind-blowing about this. Peter, uh, St. Peter when he talks about the uh, St. Peter when he talks about the uh, St. Peter when he talks about the church, the people of God, you and me as church, the people of God, you and me as church, the people of God, you and me as Christians. Here's what he says. Listen Christians. Here's what he says. Listen Christians. Here's what he says. Listen to the language he uses to describe us to the language he uses to describe us to the language he uses to describe us in sec 1 Peter chapter 2:9, he says, in sec 1 Peter chapter 2:9, he says, in sec 1 Peter chapter 2:9, he says, "But you all are a cho are a chosen "But you all are a cho are a chosen "But you all are a cho are a chosen race." What else? We're a royal what?

race." What else? We're a royal what? race." What else? We're a royal what? >> Priesthood. >> Priesthood. >> Priesthood. You're a royal priesthood. But Yansancy, You're a royal priesthood. But Yansancy, You're a royal priesthood. But Yansancy, I don't have a collar. I don't I don't I don't have a collar. I don't I don't I don't have a collar. I don't I don't do that. Yeah, you're missing the point. do that. Yeah, you're missing the point. do that. Yeah, you're missing the point. That's not what it is. That's not what it is. That's not what it is. The point of priesthood here is you you The point of priesthood here is you you The point of priesthood here is you you bear a as being the witness of God, a bear a as being the witness of God, a bear a as being the witness of God, a redeemed image made in his image to show redeemed image made in his image to show redeemed image made in his image to show Yahweh to the world because you know his Yahweh to the world because you know his Yahweh to the world because you know his son. son. son. But you are a chosen way race, a royal But you are a chosen way race, a royal But you are a chosen way race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for priesthood, a holy nation, a people for priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession. Why? That you may his own possession. Why? That you may his own possession. Why? That you may proclaim, share and spread the proclaim, share and spread the proclaim, share and spread the excellencies of him who called you out excellencies of him who called you out excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. of darkness into his marvelous light. of darkness into his marvelous light. Notice the language here, y'all. It's Notice the language here, y'all. It's Notice the language here, y'all. It's the same exact language from Exodus the same exact language from Exodus the same exact language from Exodus spoken of the ancient place, ancient spoken of the ancient place, ancient spoken of the ancient place, ancient nation of Israel. The the same kind of nation of Israel. The the same kind of nation of Israel. The the same kind of deal that God gave to Adam and Eve. What deal that God gave to Adam and Eve. What deal that God gave to Adam and Eve. What do we do? We serve the Lord. We guard do we do? We serve the Lord. We guard do we do? We serve the Lord. We guard the gospel, but we share it and spread the gospel, but we share it and spread the gospel, but we share it and spread it to everyone. In fact, here's what's it to everyone. In fact, here's what's it to everyone. In fact, here's what's so awesome about being in this stage of so awesome about being in this stage of so awesome about being in this stage of redemptive history. We don't get to do redemptive history. We don't get to do redemptive history. We don't get to do this just on our own. We got like a this just on our own. We got like a this just on our own. We got like a special dispensation of power to share special dispensation of power to share special dispensation of power to share the good news of God with people. When the good news of God with people. When the good news of God with people. When before Jesus left, he promised them this before Jesus left, he promised them this before Jesus left, he promised them this in Acts chapter 1 vers8. He says this to in Acts chapter 1 vers8. He says this to in Acts chapter 1 vers8. He says this to the church, he says, "But you will the church, he says, "But you will the church, he says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes receive power when the Holy Spirit comes receive power when the Holy Spirit comes has come upon you." Why? And you will be has come upon you." Why? And you will be has come upon you." Why? And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea in Samaria. Catch this. Until the end of in Samaria. Catch this. Until the end of in Samaria. Catch this. Until the end of the what?

the what? the what? >> It's the whole global language again. >> It's the whole global language again. >> It's the whole global language again. Not only do we get to work as priests in Not only do we get to work as priests in Not only do we get to work as priests in that we share and spread the knowledge that we share and spread the knowledge that we share and spread the knowledge of God through Christ to the world, we of God through Christ to the world, we of God through Christ to the world, we get empowered to do it. Listen, listen, get empowered to do it. Listen, listen, get empowered to do it. Listen, listen, listen. Um, it's working. listen. Um, it's working. listen. Um, it's working. It's working. By it, I mean like God's It's working. By it, I mean like God's It's working. By it, I mean like God's gift to us to empower us is working. He gift to us to empower us is working. He gift to us to empower us is working. He is working through us. I'll tell you is working through us. I'll tell you is working through us. I'll tell you why. All those centuries, Israel had it why. All those centuries, Israel had it why. All those centuries, Israel had it in the palm of their hand to share the in the palm of their hand to share the in the palm of their hand to share the knowledge of Yahweh to the world. And knowledge of Yahweh to the world. And knowledge of Yahweh to the world. And they didn't convert anybody. Not one they didn't convert anybody. Not one they didn't convert anybody. Not one nation. Jesus drops this bomb in Matthew nation. Jesus drops this bomb in Matthew nation. Jesus drops this bomb in Matthew chapter 28 and then says, "The spirit's chapter 28 and then says, "The spirit's chapter 28 and then says, "The spirit's going to come and empower you in Acts going to come and empower you in Acts going to come and empower you in Acts 18." And all of a sudden, once the 18." And all of a sudden, once the 18." And all of a sudden, once the spirit fills up his church, what do they spirit fills up his church, what do they spirit fills up his church, what do they start doing? They start sharing the start doing? They start sharing the start doing? They start sharing the gospel everywhere as fast as they can, gospel everywhere as fast as they can, gospel everywhere as fast as they can, as far as they can, as much as they can, as far as they can, as much as they can, as far as they can, as much as they can, whether they live or die. And they're whether they live or die. And they're whether they live or die. And they're killing them left and right. And they're killing them left and right. And they're killing them left and right. And they're still sharing the gospel. That's why still sharing the gospel. That's why still sharing the gospel. That's why within 300 years, within 300 years, within 300 years, within 300 years, within 300 years, within 300 years, the the very nation that they were being the the very nation that they were being the the very nation that they were being oppressed by, the Roman Empire, which oppressed by, the Roman Empire, which oppressed by, the Roman Empire, which was the most powerful nation on the was the most powerful nation on the was the most powerful nation on the earth, within 300 years later went from earth, within 300 years later went from earth, within 300 years later went from outlawing Christianity to embracing outlawing Christianity to embracing outlawing Christianity to embracing Christianity.

Christianity. Christianity. Boom. Boom. Boom. I mean that that's so big that they went I mean that that's so big that they went I mean that that's so big that they went from there to Ethiopia and then they from there to Ethiopia and then they from there to Ethiopia and then they went to Egypt and to India and to Spain went to Egypt and to India and to Spain went to Egypt and to India and to Spain and to France and to England and all of and to France and to England and all of and to France and to England and all of a sudden what had not been done forever a sudden what had not been done forever a sudden what had not been done forever now gets done by the church. Why? now gets done by the church. Why? now gets done by the church. Why? Because God's like, I'm going to give Because God's like, I'm going to give Because God's like, I'm going to give you the baton. you the baton. you the baton. You're going to be the priest now and You're going to be the priest now and You're going to be the priest now and I'm going to empower you to get it done. I'm going to empower you to get it done. I'm going to empower you to get it done. You get to share and spread the good You get to share and spread the good You get to share and spread the good news of God here and around the world. news of God here and around the world. news of God here and around the world. So, man, I get so stoked when I see this So, man, I get so stoked when I see this So, man, I get so stoked when I see this because here's what I think. What does because here's what I think. What does because here's what I think. What does it mean to be a Christian? Yeah, you do it mean to be a Christian? Yeah, you do it mean to be a Christian? Yeah, you do need to believe in Jesus as Savior and need to believe in Jesus as Savior and need to believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Yes, you do need to be a part of a Lord. Yes, you do need to be a part of a Lord. Yes, you do need to be a part of a local church. Yes, you do need to read local church. Yes, you do need to read local church. Yes, you do need to read your Bible and you need to pray, so on your Bible and you need to pray, so on your Bible and you need to pray, so on and so forth. But man, let's just The and so forth. But man, let's just The and so forth. But man, let's just The heart of it is this. God did not create heart of it is this. God did not create heart of it is this. God did not create you to let you do whatever you wanted to you to let you do whatever you wanted to you to let you do whatever you wanted to do. That's what Western culture is do. That's what Western culture is do. That's what Western culture is trying to get you to buy into. But God trying to get you to buy into. But God trying to get you to buy into. But God has saved you. He created you and has saved you. He created you and has saved you. He created you and redeemed you to put you on mission redeemed you to put you on mission redeemed you to put you on mission >> so that you would be like, "Listen, man.

>> so that you would be like, "Listen, man. >> so that you would be like, "Listen, man. I'm going to get to go out and be a I'm going to get to go out and be a I'm going to get to go out and be a priest for the king of kings." How so? I priest for the king of kings." How so? I priest for the king of kings." How so? I get to share and spread the knowledge of get to share and spread the knowledge of get to share and spread the knowledge of Yahweh through the person of his son Yahweh through the person of his son Yahweh through the person of his son >> and I get to see God actually work in >> and I get to see God actually work in >> and I get to see God actually work in people and I get to see people converted people and I get to see people converted people and I get to see people converted and I get to see people getting in that and I get to see people getting in that and I get to see people getting in that water and they come out of it. That's water and they come out of it. That's water and they come out of it. That's the glory of what God does for us. the glory of what God does for us. the glory of what God does for us. Right? So, Right? So, Right? So, so what what we're talking about is so what what we're talking about is so what what we're talking about is this. What we're talking about is making this. What we're talking about is making this. What we're talking about is making disciples that make disciples. what you disciples that make disciples. what you disciples that make disciples. what you saw there with those men and women saw there with those men and women saw there with those men and women standing around those waters, they're on standing around those waters, they're on standing around those waters, they're on mission. What are they doing? They're mission. What are they doing? They're mission. What are they doing? They're living the life God's redeemed and living the life God's redeemed and living the life God's redeemed and called them to. Period. Right? So, we're called them to. Period. Right? So, we're called them to. Period. Right? So, we're like, well, Yansancy, like what what like, well, Yansancy, like what what like, well, Yansancy, like what what kind of priestly things should I be kind of priestly things should I be kind of priestly things should I be doing right now? Glad you asked. I'll doing right now? Glad you asked. I'll doing right now? Glad you asked. I'll tell you. tell you. tell you. Anything anything and everything that Anything anything and everything that Anything anything and everything that will allow you to share and spread the will allow you to share and spread the will allow you to share and spread the good news of Jesus. Let me give you good news of Jesus. Let me give you good news of Jesus. Let me give you different ways that looks. I'm going to different ways that looks. I'm going to different ways that looks. I'm going to put them on the screen. We don't have put them on the screen. We don't have put them on the screen. We don't have time for me to go into all this, but let time for me to go into all this, but let time for me to go into all this, but let me just walk through some of them. You me just walk through some of them. You me just walk through some of them. You can share and spread the gospel. can share and spread the gospel. can share and spread the gospel. Parents, here's one thing you can do. Parents, here's one thing you can do. Parents, here's one thing you can do. You can uh help your kids grow in the You can uh help your kids grow in the You can uh help your kids grow in the faith. Help your kids grow in the faith, faith. Help your kids grow in the faith, faith. Help your kids grow in the faith, man. Like, teach your kids the Bible.

man. Like, teach your kids the Bible. man. Like, teach your kids the Bible. Pray with them. Share with them Jesus. I Pray with them. Share with them Jesus. I Pray with them. Share with them Jesus. I mean, you're you're you're actually mean, you're you're you're actually mean, you're you're you're actually doing both things of Genesis 1 and two. doing both things of Genesis 1 and two. doing both things of Genesis 1 and two. Number one, you're multiplying. There's Number one, you're multiplying. There's Number one, you're multiplying. There's no diagrams. You know how that happens. no diagrams. You know how that happens. no diagrams. You know how that happens. All right? But number two, you're All right? But number two, you're All right? But number two, you're spreading the knowledge of God to the spreading the knowledge of God to the spreading the knowledge of God to the littlest people that God gave you. And littlest people that God gave you. And littlest people that God gave you. And we'll help you do that. But that's part we'll help you do that. But that's part we'll help you do that. But that's part of the priestly part that God's called of the priestly part that God's called of the priestly part that God's called us. Here's another one. Number number us. Here's another one. Number number us. Here's another one. Number number two, pray for your top five. If you're two, pray for your top five. If you're two, pray for your top five. If you're new here, you don't know what the top new here, you don't know what the top new here, you don't know what the top five is. Those are five people that you five is. Those are five people that you five is. Those are five people that you have a heart for that come to know have a heart for that come to know have a heart for that come to know Jesus. And so, like, you can help share Jesus. And so, like, you can help share Jesus. And so, like, you can help share and spread the goodness of the knowledge and spread the goodness of the knowledge and spread the goodness of the knowledge of God in Christ by praying for them. of God in Christ by praying for them. of God in Christ by praying for them. Say, "God, give me a window to talk to Say, "God, give me a window to talk to Say, "God, give me a window to talk to this person. Open a door. Let something this person. Open a door. Let something this person. Open a door. Let something happen. Give me some boldness. Lord, let happen. Give me some boldness. Lord, let happen. Give me some boldness. Lord, let the spirit just empower me to speak." the spirit just empower me to speak." the spirit just empower me to speak." Like that's that that's huge for us. Like that's that that's huge for us. Like that's that that's huge for us. I'll give you another one. Uh build I'll give you another one. Uh build I'll give you another one. Uh build relationships of integrity with relationships of integrity with relationships of integrity with unbelievers. Just love people well. unbelievers. Just love people well. unbelievers. Just love people well. Don't treat people as projects or Don't treat people as projects or Don't treat people as projects or notches on your evangelistic belt or notches on your evangelistic belt or notches on your evangelistic belt or numbers like no. Like dude, I love you numbers like no. Like dude, I love you numbers like no. Like dude, I love you that I love you. If you don't come to that I love you. If you don't come to that I love you. If you don't come to Jesus, it'll be tragic for me, but I'm Jesus, it'll be tragic for me, but I'm Jesus, it'll be tragic for me, but I'm not going to stop loving you. But I'm not going to stop loving you. But I'm not going to stop loving you. But I'm going to love you in such a way that I going to love you in such a way that I going to love you in such a way that I want you to know like if if there's a want you to know like if if there's a want you to know like if if there's a time and I'm going to try to ask God as time and I'm going to try to ask God as time and I'm going to try to ask God as I'm praying that there's going to be a I'm praying that there's going to be a I'm praying that there's going to be a time I'm going to share and spread the time I'm going to share and spread the time I'm going to share and spread the gospel to you as well. And so I I want gospel to you as well. And so I I want gospel to you as well. And so I I want to see you come to Jesus. And here's the to see you come to Jesus. And here's the to see you come to Jesus. And here's the deal. Here here's what y'all need to deal. Here here's what y'all need to deal. Here here's what y'all need to know. Like maybe some of that's like know. Like maybe some of that's like know. Like maybe some of that's like building a relationship of integrity building a relationship of integrity building a relationship of integrity with them that they know that you love with them that they know that you love with them that they know that you love them that you could act at some point them that you could act at some point them that you could act at some point maybe invite them to a service. Do you maybe invite them to a service. Do you maybe invite them to a service. Do you know that u if someone has a friend uh know that u if someone has a friend uh know that u if someone has a friend uh if a friend invites someone to a church if a friend invites someone to a church if a friend invites someone to a church service studies show us that 82% of the service studies show us that 82% of the service studies show us that 82% of the time that person is going to say yes 82% time that person is going to say yes 82% time that person is going to say yes 82% of the time you get to share and sprint.

of the time you get to share and sprint. of the time you get to share and sprint. What's the success rate? I don't know. What's the success rate? I don't know. What's the success rate? I don't know. Sharing and sprint. I can invite a Sharing and sprint. I can invite a Sharing and sprint. I can invite a friend and 82% of the time they're going friend and 82% of the time they're going friend and 82% of the time they're going to show up. And I that's where I feel to show up. And I that's where I feel to show up. And I that's where I feel the pressure because you bring your the pressure because you bring your the pressure because you bring your friend you look at me like auntie you friend you look at me like auntie you friend you look at me like auntie you better be good today. Right. I get it. I better be good today. Right. I get it. I better be good today. Right. I get it. I get it. Let me move on some more. Uh get it. Let me move on some more. Uh get it. Let me move on some more. Uh here's our next one. Uh get on foreign here's our next one. Uh get on foreign here's our next one. Uh get on foreign soil in the name of Jesus. What do I soil in the name of Jesus. What do I soil in the name of Jesus. What do I mean by that? I mean get on foreign soil mean by that? I mean get on foreign soil mean by that? I mean get on foreign soil in the name of Jesus. We we go all in the name of Jesus. We we go all in the name of Jesus. We we go all around the planet to go plant churches around the planet to go plant churches around the planet to go plant churches because we've been given a global because we've been given a global because we've been given a global commission. And so we've been in Mosmb commission. And so we've been in Mosmb commission. And so we've been in Mosmb beek, we're in Honduras, we're in beek, we're in Honduras, we're in beek, we're in Honduras, we're in Brazil, we're in Spain, we're all over Brazil, we're in Spain, we're all over Brazil, we're in Spain, we're all over the place. And what we said is a couple the place. And what we said is a couple the place. And what we said is a couple years ago, we said uh in 5 years we want years ago, we said uh in 5 years we want years ago, we said uh in 5 years we want a thousand creers on foreign soil in the a thousand creers on foreign soil in the a thousand creers on foreign soil in the name of Jesus. We're only two years in name of Jesus. We're only two years in name of Jesus. We're only two years in and we're over 600 already. So and we're over 600 already. So and we're over 600 already. So [applause] what I'm when I'm saying that is jump what I'm when I'm saying that is jump in. I just talked to a guy that came in. I just talked to a guy that came in. I just talked to a guy that came back from Brazil and he said I mean this back from Brazil and he said I mean this back from Brazil and he said I mean this is awesome to me. He's like Yansancy is awesome to me. He's like Yansancy is awesome to me. He's like Yansancy I've never felt more alive in my life. I've never felt more alive in my life. I've never felt more alive in my life. And I'm like of course And I'm like of course And I'm like of course this is why God forms you out of the this is why God forms you out of the this is why God forms you out of the dust bro. This is why he breathed life dust bro. This is why he breathed life dust bro. This is why he breathed life into you. This is why he redeemed you so into you. This is why he redeemed you so into you. This is why he redeemed you so that he could put you on mission. That's that he could put you on mission. That's that he could put you on mission. That's why things start to click when you're on why things start to click when you're on why things start to click when you're on mission because it's like this is what mission because it's like this is what mission because it's like this is what I'm supposed to live for. I'm not I'm supposed to live for. I'm not I'm supposed to live for. I'm not supposed to live for my car or for my supposed to live for my car or for my supposed to live for my car or for my boats or for my job. I'm supposed to boats or for my job. I'm supposed to boats or for my job. I'm supposed to live for God, right? And what's crazy is live for God, right? And what's crazy is live for God, right? And what's crazy is all those other things come under all those other things come under all those other things come under alignment where they use them for God.

alignment where they use them for God. alignment where they use them for God. You take antie out on your boat is what You take antie out on your boat is what You take antie out on your boat is what you No, I'm just saying. All right, let you No, I'm just saying. All right, let you No, I'm just saying. All right, let me give you one more and I I'll be out me give you one more and I I'll be out me give you one more and I I'll be out of here because I want to fill this of here because I want to fill this of here because I want to fill this thing out. Last thing on here is join a thing out. Last thing on here is join a thing out. Last thing on here is join a new campus plant. We're going to new campus plant. We're going to new campus plant. We're going to continue to plant campuses in and around continue to plant campuses in and around continue to plant campuses in and around this Bay Area because we've learned is this Bay Area because we've learned is this Bay Area because we've learned is this. People are three times more likely this. People are three times more likely this. People are three times more likely to actually get involved in their local to actually get involved in their local to actually get involved in their local church if their church is local. And we church if their church is local. And we church if their church is local. And we have a lot of people that come to Clear have a lot of people that come to Clear have a lot of people that come to Clear Creek from all over. And where we have Creek from all over. And where we have Creek from all over. And where we have concentrations of those people, we go concentrations of those people, we go concentrations of those people, we go take the church to them. And so when you take the church to them. And so when you take the church to them. And so when you find us, we're on campus 6 now. We'll find us, we're on campus 6 now. We'll find us, we're on campus 6 now. We'll have seven and eight coming down the have seven and eight coming down the have seven and eight coming down the pipe. And sooner than later, you can pipe. And sooner than later, you can pipe. And sooner than later, you can join us in being spreading the gospel join us in being spreading the gospel join us in being spreading the gospel and sharing the gospel. Be being a part and sharing the gospel. Be being a part and sharing the gospel. Be being a part of those kind of endeavors. So all this of those kind of endeavors. So all this of those kind of endeavors. So all this stuff, man, there's more. You can be a stuff, man, there's more. You can be a stuff, man, there's more. You can be a navigator. I could add to this list. The navigator. I could add to this list. The navigator. I could add to this list. The point is this. point is this. point is this. You get to live out your divine You get to live out your divine You get to live out your divine commission. Live out your divine commission. Live out your divine commission. Live out your divine commission when you're sharing and commission when you're sharing and commission when you're sharing and spreading, right? And when you see your spreading, right? And when you see your spreading, right? And when you see your priestly assignment, because you got one priestly assignment, because you got one priestly assignment, because you got one and I have one, the church has one. When and I have one, the church has one. When and I have one, the church has one. When we live out our priestly assignment, we live out our priestly assignment, we live out our priestly assignment, here's what happened. Christianity here's what happened. Christianity here's what happened. Christianity becomes so much bigger and better, so becomes so much bigger and better, so becomes so much bigger and better, so much more sustaining and substantive, so much more sustaining and substantive, so much more sustaining and substantive, so much more meaning when we're missional.

much more meaning when we're missional. much more meaning when we're missional. That's why God created us. Okay, here's That's why God created us. Okay, here's That's why God created us. Okay, here's the deal. I got to make this real quick, the deal. I got to make this real quick, the deal. I got to make this real quick, but I'm not going to let it go. Um, but I'm not going to let it go. Um, but I'm not going to let it go. Um, there's something really geeky about there's something really geeky about there's something really geeky about this for me that I want to share with this for me that I want to share with this for me that I want to share with you guys. God's given you all and me, you guys. God's given you all and me, you guys. God's given you all and me, the church, a mission to share and the church, a mission to share and the church, a mission to share and spread the gospel to the world. spread the gospel to the world. spread the gospel to the world. And sometimes it can get really And sometimes it can get really And sometimes it can get really depressing because like Nancy, some of depressing because like Nancy, some of depressing because like Nancy, some of those countries you mentioned, they seem those countries you mentioned, they seem those countries you mentioned, they seem to be like gospel wastelands now. And to be like gospel wastelands now. And to be like gospel wastelands now. And I'm like, yeah, that's why we're going I'm like, yeah, that's why we're going I'm like, yeah, that's why we're going back to them. And you go like, is will back to them. And you go like, is will back to them. And you go like, is will we ever see God and his glory throughout we ever see God and his glory throughout we ever see God and his glory throughout the whole planet ever again? You will. the whole planet ever again? You will. the whole planet ever again? You will. Um, you will because if you go to the Um, you will because if you go to the Um, you will because if you go to the very last book of the Bible, I just very last book of the Bible, I just very last book of the Bible, I just thought I'd cover the whole Bible today. thought I'd cover the whole Bible today. thought I'd cover the whole Bible today. So if you start I'm not here a lot. So So if you start I'm not here a lot. So So if you start I'm not here a lot. So you start in Genesis. If you go to you start in Genesis. If you go to you start in Genesis. If you go to Revelation, here's what you see. you see Revelation, here's what you see. you see Revelation, here's what you see. you see what's known as the new heaven or what's what's known as the new heaven or what's what's known as the new heaven or what's known as the new Jerusalem, the known as the new Jerusalem, the known as the new Jerusalem, the celestial city, which represents celestial city, which represents celestial city, which represents actually God's people coming out of the actually God's people coming out of the actually God's people coming out of the heavens onto the earth. And it's one heavens onto the earth. And it's one heavens onto the earth. And it's one more time where heaven and earth more time where heaven and earth more time where heaven and earth intersect. And I want you just to hear intersect. And I want you just to hear intersect. And I want you just to hear the language of this. Uh this one will the language of this. Uh this one will the language of this. Uh this one will be a little maybe tough for you to get, be a little maybe tough for you to get, be a little maybe tough for you to get, but I'll explain it here. Revelation 21 but I'll explain it here. Revelation 21 but I'll explain it here. Revelation 21 15 through 17 says this 16. So John's 15 through 17 says this 16. So John's 15 through 17 says this 16. So John's seen a vision of what the future looks seen a vision of what the future looks seen a vision of what the future looks like when Jesus returns. And here's what like when Jesus returns. And here's what like when Jesus returns. And here's what he sees. He sees this city, but as the he sees. He sees this city, but as the he sees. He sees this city, but as the city looks very specific, it says, "And city looks very specific, it says, "And city looks very specific, it says, "And the one who spoke with me had a the one who spoke with me had a the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the measuring rod of gold to measure the measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and its walls. And city and its gates and its walls. And city and its gates and its walls. And the city lies four square and its length the city lies four square and its length the city lies four square and its length the same as its width." So, it's a cube.

the same as its width." So, it's a cube. the same as its width." So, it's a cube. And he measured the city with its rod, And he measured the city with its rod, And he measured the city with its rod, 12,000 stadium. You're like, "What does 12,000 stadium. You're like, "What does 12,000 stadium. You're like, "What does this mean, Yansancy? I'll tell you what this mean, Yansancy? I'll tell you what this mean, Yansancy? I'll tell you what it means." it means." it means." John has a vision where he sees a the John has a vision where he sees a the John has a vision where he sees a the city of God, the celestial city, God city of God, the celestial city, God city of God, the celestial city, God living with man, coming down out of living with man, coming down out of living with man, coming down out of heaven to the earth again. And it's a heaven to the earth again. And it's a heaven to the earth again. And it's a cube. But why is it a cube? That sounds cube. But why is it a cube? That sounds cube. But why is it a cube? That sounds like a random measurement. It's not like a random measurement. It's not like a random measurement. It's not random if you grew up going to temple random if you grew up going to temple random if you grew up going to temple because once you got into the temple, because once you got into the temple, because once you got into the temple, the Holy of Holies was a cube. It's the Holy of Holies was a cube. It's the Holy of Holies was a cube. It's where God lived. So John now sees a where God lived. So John now sees a where God lived. So John now sees a vision that says, "Oh my gosh, the Holy vision that says, "Oh my gosh, the Holy vision that says, "Oh my gosh, the Holy of Holies is coming down to earth. of Holies is coming down to earth. of Holies is coming down to earth. God's coming to back to live with us God's coming to back to live with us God's coming to back to live with us again. In fact, it's not God in a it's again. In fact, it's not God in a it's again. In fact, it's not God in a it's not God in even a physical building. It not God in even a physical building. It not God in even a physical building. It says that there's actually no temple says that there's actually no temple says that there's actually no temple here anymore." You know why? Because God here anymore." You know why? Because God here anymore." You know why? Because God once again walks with his people in the once again walks with his people in the once again walks with his people in the cool of the day. cool of the day. cool of the day. Watch this. I'll give you one last Watch this. I'll give you one last Watch this. I'll give you one last passage here. If we were to continue in passage here. If we were to continue in passage here. If we were to continue in Revelation 21, and we're going to put Revelation 21, and we're going to put Revelation 21, and we're going to put this on the screen. Look for the this on the screen. Look for the this on the screen. Look for the language. We're highlighting it. Where language. We're highlighting it. Where language. We're highlighting it. Where does this language come from? Watch does this language come from? Watch does this language come from? Watch this. And I saw no temple in the new this. And I saw no temple in the new this. And I saw no temple in the new celestial city or the new Jerusalem. For celestial city or the new Jerusalem. For celestial city or the new Jerusalem. For its temple is the Lord God Almighty and its temple is the Lord God Almighty and its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. So, no physical temple the Lamb. So, no physical temple the Lamb. So, no physical temple anymore. And they'll bring it into the anymore. And they'll bring it into the anymore. And they'll bring it into the glory, excuse me, and they will bring glory, excuse me, and they will bring glory, excuse me, and they will bring into it the glory and the honor of the into it the glory and the honor of the into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing ever unclean will nations. But nothing ever unclean will nations. But nothing ever unclean will enter it, nor anyone who does what is enter it, nor anyone who does what is enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false. Why? Because it's detestable or false. Why? Because it's detestable or false. Why? Because it's being kept and guarded. Because that's being kept and guarded. Because that's being kept and guarded. Because that's what priests do. But only those who are what priests do. But only those who are what priests do. But only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

written in the Lamb's book of life. written in the Lamb's book of life. Let's continue. And the angel showed me Let's continue. And the angel showed me Let's continue. And the angel showed me the river of the water of life. Bright the river of the water of life. Bright the river of the water of life. Bright as crystal flowing from the throne of as crystal flowing from the throne of as crystal flowing from the throne of God and the lamb. Water flowing down God and the lamb. Water flowing down God and the lamb. Water flowing down through the city through the middle of through the city through the middle of through the city through the middle of the streets of the city also on either the streets of the city also on either the streets of the city also on either side of the river. Guess what? THE TREE side of the river. Guess what? THE TREE side of the river. Guess what? THE TREE OF LIFE WAS THERE. The tree of life with OF LIFE WAS THERE. The tree of life with OF LIFE WAS THERE. The tree of life with its 12 kinds of fruit yielding its fruit its 12 kinds of fruit yielding its fruit its 12 kinds of fruit yielding its fruit in each month. The leaves of the tree in each month. The leaves of the tree in each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And were for the healing of the nations. And were for the healing of the nations. And then it says as we conclude, no longer then it says as we conclude, no longer then it says as we conclude, no longer will there be anything accursed. Why? will there be anything accursed. Why? will there be anything accursed. Why? Because the throne of God and the lamb Because the throne of God and the lamb Because the throne of God and the lamb will be in it and his servants, his will be in it and his servants, his will be in it and his servants, his priests priests priests will worship him. [snorts] [snorts] They're going to see his face and his They're going to see his face and his They're going to see his face and his name will be on their foreheads and name will be on their foreheads and name will be on their foreheads and night will be no more and they'll need night will be no more and they'll need night will be no more and they'll need no light of lamp or sun for the Lord God no light of lamp or sun for the Lord God no light of lamp or sun for the Lord God will be their light and they will reign will be their light and they will reign will be their light and they will reign forever and ever. Amen. forever and ever. Amen. forever and ever. Amen. Say, listen. Here's what you have to Say, listen. Here's what you have to Say, listen. Here's what you have to understand. understand. understand. What's the language here? What's the language here? What's the language here? It's the language of Genesis. If we It's the language of Genesis. If we It's the language of Genesis. If we could mock this up into a a a diagram, could mock this up into a a a diagram, could mock this up into a a a diagram, this is what it would look like. It this is what it would look like. It this is what it would look like. It would look just like this.

would look just like this. would look just like this. You have the city here, You have the city here, You have the city here, right there, the river of life and the right there, the river of life and the right there, the river of life and the tree of life. Where have we seen that tree of life. Where have we seen that tree of life. Where have we seen that before? I don't know. Let's match it up before? I don't know. Let's match it up before? I don't know. Let's match it up with Genesis 2. Genesis 2, Revelation with Genesis 2. Genesis 2, Revelation with Genesis 2. Genesis 2, Revelation 22. 21 and 22, I should say. Why is it 22. 21 and 22, I should say. Why is it 22. 21 and 22, I should say. Why is it looking familiar? Because John the looking familiar? Because John the looking familiar? Because John the author is trying to tell us in author is trying to tell us in author is trying to tell us in Revelation that Jesus is coming to bring Revelation that Jesus is coming to bring Revelation that Jesus is coming to bring a new and better Eden. One that's not a new and better Eden. One that's not a new and better Eden. One that's not just a patch of land will be all over just a patch of land will be all over just a patch of land will be all over the whole world. As the waters are the whole world. As the waters are the whole world. As the waters are covered, as the waters covers the seas, covered, as the waters covers the seas, covered, as the waters covers the seas, so will the glory of the Lord fill the so will the glory of the Lord fill the so will the glory of the Lord fill the earth and his mission will finally be earth and his mission will finally be earth and his mission will finally be done. Here's what I want you to get. done. Here's what I want you to get. done. Here's what I want you to get. Here's what I want you to get. It starts Here's what I want you to get. It starts Here's what I want you to get. It starts with a garden temple. It ends with a with a garden temple. It ends with a with a garden temple. It ends with a garden temple. And we're the priests in garden temple. And we're the priests in garden temple. And we're the priests in the middle. So, let's keep working. the middle. So, let's keep working. the middle. So, let's keep working. Let's keep charging hard. Let's keep Let's keep charging hard. Let's keep Let's keep charging hard. Let's keep asking God to bring more and more souls asking God to bring more and more souls asking God to bring more and more souls into his church that we might send more into his church that we might send more into his church that we might send more and more souls out to share with the and more souls out to share with the and more souls out to share with the world the good news that Yahweh's world the good news that Yahweh's world the good news that Yahweh's kingdom is here in Jesus. That's what kingdom is here in Jesus. That's what kingdom is here in Jesus. That's what Genesis 2 is all about. Let's pray.

Father, we thank you for today. I mean, Father, we thank you for today. I mean, just being reminded of all these just being reminded of all these just being reminded of all these baptisms. This is what it is. baptisms. This is what it is. baptisms. This is what it is. the church serving as your priest, the church serving as your priest, the church serving as your priest, sharing the knowledge of you and your sharing the knowledge of you and your sharing the knowledge of you and your kingdom to the world, making disciples kingdom to the world, making disciples kingdom to the world, making disciples who make disciples. So Lord, uh I hope who make disciples. So Lord, uh I hope who make disciples. So Lord, uh I hope this lights a fire in all of us that this lights a fire in all of us that this lights a fire in all of us that this fans the flames and stokes the this fans the flames and stokes the this fans the flames and stokes the embers in such a way that we want to get embers in such a way that we want to get embers in such a way that we want to get out and share the gospel with the world. out and share the gospel with the world. out and share the gospel with the world. So Lord, I don't know uh if there's a So Lord, I don't know uh if there's a So Lord, I don't know uh if there's a person that that that my friends in this person that that that my friends in this person that that that my friends in this room that you would just bring to their room that you would just bring to their room that you would just bring to their mind right now that they need to know mind right now that they need to know mind right now that they need to know Jesus. They need to hear from Jesus. And Jesus. They need to hear from Jesus. And Jesus. They need to hear from Jesus. And maybe some of your saints in this room maybe some of your saints in this room maybe some of your saints in this room need to be the ones that share that. But need to be the ones that share that. But need to be the ones that share that. But Lord, I pray that we would we'd hold on Lord, I pray that we would we'd hold on Lord, I pray that we would we'd hold on to that baton of our priestly commission to that baton of our priestly commission to that baton of our priestly commission to make disciples as hard and as fast as to make disciples as hard and as fast as to make disciples as hard and as fast as we can, knowing that you've empowered us we can, knowing that you've empowered us we can, knowing that you've empowered us to do so. We pray this in the name of to do so. We pray this in the name of to do so. We pray this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.