Our Identity: Joyful Exiles – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

Peter, [music] an apostle of Jesus Peter, [music] an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God's elect, exiles scattered Christ, to God's elect, exiles scattered Christ, to God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, throughout the provinces of Pontus, throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Capidoshia, Asia, and Bethnia, Galatia, Capidoshia, Asia, and Bethnia, Galatia, Capidoshia, Asia, and Bethnia, who have been chosen according to the who have been chosen according to the who have been chosen according to the fornowledge of God the Father through fornowledge of God the Father through fornowledge of God the Father through the sanctifying work of the Spirit to be the sanctifying work of the Spirit to be the sanctifying work of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood. with his blood. with his blood. Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Grace and peace be yours in abundance. But you are a chosen people, a royal But you are a chosen people, a royal But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special priesthood, a holy nation, God's special priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the possession, that you may declare the possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of praises of him who called you out of praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once darkness into his wonderful light. Once darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are you were not a people, but now you are you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. Once you had not the people of God. Once you had not the people of God. Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy, but now you have received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from as foreigners and exiles to abstain from as foreigners and exiles to abstain from sinful desires which wage war against sinful desires which wage war against sinful desires which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among your soul. Live such good lives among your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you the pagans that though they accuse you the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good of doing wrong, they may see your good of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he deeds and glorify God on the day he deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. This is God's word.

>> Here's what we're doing for a series >> Here's what we're doing for a series now. After Easter, it's right to ask the now. After Easter, it's right to ask the now. After Easter, it's right to ask the question, what does it mean to live the question, what does it mean to live the question, what does it mean to live the Christian life? Since Philippians 3, Christian life? Since Philippians 3, Christian life? Since Philippians 3, Ephesians 2 talk about the fact that Ephesians 2 talk about the fact that Ephesians 2 talk about the fact that when you become a Christian, you don't when you become a Christian, you don't when you become a Christian, you don't just turn over a new leaf. just turn over a new leaf. just turn over a new leaf. You get the resurrection power of Jesus You get the resurrection power of Jesus You get the resurrection power of Jesus in your life. Ephesians 2 says you were in your life. Ephesians 2 says you were in your life. Ephesians 2 says you were raised with him. Uh Philippians 3, Paul raised with him. Uh Philippians 3, Paul raised with him. Uh Philippians 3, Paul says, "I want to know him in the power says, "I want to know him in the power says, "I want to know him in the power of his resurrection." So, what does that of his resurrection." So, what does that of his resurrection." So, what does that look like? What does it look like to look like? What does it look like to look like? What does it look like to have the resurrection power of Jesus have the resurrection power of Jesus have the resurrection power of Jesus Christ in your life? What does a life Christ in your life? What does a life Christ in your life? What does a life with that look like? That's what we're with that look like? That's what we're with that look like? That's what we're asking every week by looking at the uh asking every week by looking at the uh asking every week by looking at the uh epistles of Peter. First Peter, second epistles of Peter. First Peter, second epistles of Peter. First Peter, second Peter. We're trying to find something uh Peter. We're trying to find something uh Peter. We're trying to find something uh we're [clears throat] trying to take the we're [clears throat] trying to take the we're [clears throat] trying to take the main themes out of these two epistles main themes out of these two epistles main themes out of these two epistles that talk about what it means to live a that talk about what it means to live a that talk about what it means to live a Christian life in the world. Last week Christian life in the world. Last week Christian life in the world. Last week we looked at the new birth. This week we looked at the new birth. This week we looked at the new birth. This week we're looking at a new theme. And I want we're looking at a new theme. And I want we're looking at a new theme. And I want you to see first of all uh what this you to see first of all uh what this you to see first of all uh what this theme means about how we should live. theme means about how we should live. theme means about how we should live. Then we're going to see a test to see Then we're going to see a test to see Then we're going to see a test to see whether you are living that way. And whether you are living that way. And whether you are living that way. And then we're going to find out how do you then we're going to find out how do you then we're going to find out how do you get the power to live that way? How to get the power to live that way? How to get the power to live that way? How to live?

Then test. How do we know you are living Then test. How do we know you are living that way? And then thirdly, power. Where that way? And then thirdly, power. Where that way? And then thirdly, power. Where do you get the power to live like that? do you get the power to live like that? do you get the power to live like that? So first of all, what is the principle? So first of all, what is the principle? So first of all, what is the principle? We're exiles. We're exiles. We're exiles. We're supposed to live in this world as We're supposed to live in this world as We're supposed to live in this world as exiles. To live the Christian life is to exiles. To live the Christian life is to exiles. To live the Christian life is to live as exiles. You see it twice. Very live as exiles. You see it twice. Very live as exiles. You see it twice. Very important uh word. Uh in verse one, it important uh word. Uh in verse one, it important uh word. Uh in verse one, it says to God's elect, exiles scattered. says to God's elect, exiles scattered. says to God's elect, exiles scattered. And by the way, that word scattered is And by the way, that word scattered is And by the way, that word scattered is actually the Greek word diaspora. actually the Greek word diaspora. actually the Greek word diaspora. We're the diaspora. We're where we're We're the diaspora. We're where we're We're the diaspora. We're where we're we're exiles. We're scattered away from we're exiles. We're scattered away from we're exiles. We're scattered away from home. And then down at verse 11, it home. And then down at verse 11, it home. And then down at verse 11, it says, "Now dear friends, I urge you urge says, "Now dear friends, I urge you urge says, "Now dear friends, I urge you urge you as foreigners and exiles you as foreigners and exiles you as foreigners and exiles So Peter is saying Christians are So Peter is saying Christians are So Peter is saying Christians are exiles. This word which um is quite exiles. This word which um is quite exiles. This word which um is quite important in understanding what it means important in understanding what it means important in understanding what it means to live the Christian life is a Greek to live the Christian life is a Greek to live the Christian life is a Greek word that doesn't really as usual as you word that doesn't really as usual as you word that doesn't really as usual as you I I know I do this to you every week. Uh I I know I do this to you every week. Uh I I know I do this to you every week. Uh the Greek word parapidemoy doesn't the Greek word parapidemoy doesn't the Greek word parapidemoy doesn't particularly get all of its meaning out particularly get all of its meaning out particularly get all of its meaning out with one English word. It's probably with one English word. It's probably with one English word. It's probably better better better translated resident aliens translated resident aliens translated resident aliens because this word means because this word means because this word means residing and living in a in a country residing and living in a in a country residing and living in a in a country where you're not a citizen. That's what where you're not a citizen. That's what where you're not a citizen. That's what the word means to reside in a country the word means to reside in a country the word means to reside in a country and yet not be a citizen. Now you see and yet not be a citizen. Now you see and yet not be a citizen. Now you see there's a balance here. Why? On the one there's a balance here. Why? On the one there's a balance here. Why? On the one hand uh Christians are not tourists.

hand uh Christians are not tourists. hand uh Christians are not tourists. A tourist visits a country but you don't A tourist visits a country but you don't A tourist visits a country but you don't live there. You're sightseeing. You're live there. You're sightseeing. You're live there. You're sightseeing. You're detached. detached. detached. But we're talking here about people who But we're talking here about people who But we're talking here about people who go to another country and they reside go to another country and they reside go to another country and they reside there. They're part of the they're a there. They're part of the they're a there. They're part of the they're a functioning part of society. They have functioning part of society. They have functioning part of society. They have jobs. They're part of the economy. Uh jobs. They're part of the economy. Uh jobs. They're part of the economy. Uh they they know the language. They they they they know the language. They they they they know the language. They they uh they they befriend their neighbors. uh they they befriend their neighbors. uh they they befriend their neighbors. They're part of the neighborhood. They're part of the neighborhood. They're part of the neighborhood. Uh you might say this is someone who's Uh you might say this is someone who's Uh you might say this is someone who's living on a resident passport and with a living on a resident passport and with a living on a resident passport and with a green card. So a citizen of another green card. So a citizen of another green card. So a citizen of another country but who comes here and you country but who comes here and you country but who comes here and you really reside here. You're not a really reside here. You're not a really reside here. You're not a tourist. You're a resident. But even tourist. You're a resident. But even tourist. You're a resident. But even though you're a resident, you don't though you're a resident, you don't though you're a resident, you don't become a citizen. become a citizen. become a citizen. Uh you uh are not completely Uh you uh are not completely Uh you uh are not completely assimilated. assimilated. assimilated. You don't have a lot of the privileges You don't have a lot of the privileges You don't have a lot of the privileges of citizens. of citizens. of citizens. And your neighbors, even though they And your neighbors, even though they And your neighbors, even though they like you, you know, you speak their like you, you know, you speak their like you, you know, you speak their language and you're befriending them. language and you're befriending them. language and you're befriending them. Even though they like you, they still Even though they like you, they still Even though they like you, they still think you're kind of weird think you're kind of weird think you're kind of weird because you have some customs and you because you have some customs and you because you have some customs and you have some values that are different.

have some values that are different. have some values that are different. And because it's a passport you're And because it's a passport you're And because it's a passport you're living here on, it's assumed that living here on, it's assumed that living here on, it's assumed that eventually you're going to go home. eventually you're going to go home. eventually you're going to go home. Now, think about this. Now, think about this. Now, think about this. The parapidemoy are resident aliens, The parapidemoy are resident aliens, The parapidemoy are resident aliens, people that are not either withdrawn people that are not either withdrawn people that are not either withdrawn from the society where they live. from the society where they live. from the society where they live. They're really engaged to serve their They're really engaged to serve their They're really engaged to serve their neighbor, but at the same time, they're neighbor, but at the same time, they're neighbor, but at the same time, they're not assimilated. They don't accommodate. not assimilated. They don't accommodate. not assimilated. They don't accommodate. They don't completely identify with it. They don't completely identify with it. They don't completely identify with it. So, in other words, you don't So, in other words, you don't So, in other words, you don't accommodate or withdraw. You're a accommodate or withdraw. You're a accommodate or withdraw. You're a citizen of heaven. citizen of heaven. citizen of heaven. But on the other hand, you are But on the other hand, you are But on the other hand, you are completely you you are engaged resident completely you you are engaged resident completely you you are engaged resident here to serve your neighbors. What's the here to serve your neighbors. What's the here to serve your neighbors. What's the implication then of this? Do you see all implication then of this? Do you see all implication then of this? Do you see all the implications? I'm going to give you the implications? I'm going to give you the implications? I'm going to give you two two implications of this image for two two implications of this image for two two implications of this image for uh how to live the Christian life. First uh how to live the Christian life. First uh how to live the Christian life. First of all, it means if you're a Christian, of all, it means if you're a Christian, of all, it means if you're a Christian, your life is a pilgrimage. Your whole your life is a pilgrimage. Your whole your life is a pilgrimage. Your whole life is a pilgrimage. life is a pilgrimage. life is a pilgrimage. So, when you become a Christian, of So, when you become a Christian, of So, when you become a Christian, of course, there's marvelous things. You course, there's marvelous things. You course, there's marvelous things. You you know, you're completely pardoned. you know, you're completely pardoned. you know, you're completely pardoned. You know, you're you're totally You know, you're you're totally You know, you're you're totally accepted.

accepted. accepted. Uh just just the knowledge of that comes Uh just just the knowledge of that comes Uh just just the knowledge of that comes down and is very transformative. And down and is very transformative. And down and is very transformative. And yet, this is the other side. To become a yet, this is the other side. To become a yet, this is the other side. To become a Christian is not to arrive. It's to Christian is not to arrive. It's to Christian is not to arrive. It's to start is start a long process. And the start is start a long process. And the start is start a long process. And the Christian life has been called the book Christian life has been called the book Christian life has been called the book of Hebrews talks about it and this is of Hebrews talks about it and this is of Hebrews talks about it and this is talking about it too. The Christian life talking about it too. The Christian life talking about it too. The Christian life is a pilgrimage. is a pilgrimage. is a pilgrimage. Um Um Um why is it and I just if you're some of why is it and I just if you're some of why is it and I just if you're some of you are new Christians let me just tell you are new Christians let me just tell you are new Christians let me just tell you why is it that you will never stop you why is it that you will never stop you why is it that you will never stop struggling. struggling. struggling. You will always find times of emptiness. You will always find times of emptiness. You will always find times of emptiness. There will always be times of great There will always be times of great There will always be times of great dissatisfaction. dissatisfaction. dissatisfaction. It will never be. Your life will never It will never be. Your life will never It will never be. Your life will never be completely okay. You know why? be completely okay. You know why? be completely okay. You know why? Because you, though you're a Christian, Because you, though you're a Christian, Because you, though you're a Christian, you are not home. you are not home. you are not home. You're not home. You're exiles. What do You're not home. You're exiles. What do You're not home. You're exiles. What do I mean? Well, let's think about home for I mean? Well, let's think about home for I mean? Well, let's think about home for a minute. How do we define home? Uh a minute. How do we define home? Uh a minute. How do we define home? Uh Kathy and I were recently uh we went to Kathy and I were recently uh we went to Kathy and I were recently uh we went to uh Asia and Australia with Redeemer City uh Asia and Australia with Redeemer City uh Asia and Australia with Redeemer City to city. We were talking to church to city. We were talking to church to city. We were talking to church planters. Some of you know this was not planters. Some of you know this was not planters. Some of you know this was not that long ago. this spring and uh it was that long ago. this spring and uh it was that long ago. this spring and uh it was a long trip and even though people a long trip and even though people a long trip and even though people really took care of us and you know as really took care of us and you know as really took care of us and you know as as well as you could when we got home as well as you could when we got home as well as you could when we got home and we got into our bed for the first and we got into our bed for the first and we got into our bed for the first time in a couple weeks there's no bed time in a couple weeks there's no bed time in a couple weeks there's no bed like your bed at home. Do you know why?

like your bed at home. Do you know why? like your bed at home. Do you know why? Because you work so hard to get that bed Because you work so hard to get that bed Because you work so hard to get that bed just the way you want it. It's not too just the way you want it. It's not too just the way you want it. It's not too hard. It's not too soft. And every other hard. It's not too soft. And every other hard. It's not too soft. And every other bed in the world is too hard and too bed in the world is too hard and too bed in the world is too hard and too soft. but not your bed. See, so you get soft. but not your bed. See, so you get soft. but not your bed. See, so you get home to your bed. Also, even though we home to your bed. Also, even though we home to your bed. Also, even though we sometimes stayed in some nice hotel sometimes stayed in some nice hotel sometimes stayed in some nice hotel rooms, I'm very tall. Kathy is very rooms, I'm very tall. Kathy is very rooms, I'm very tall. Kathy is very short. And as a result, there's a lot of short. And as a result, there's a lot of short. And as a result, there's a lot of things there, but uh they weren't in the things there, but uh they weren't in the things there, but uh they weren't in the right places right places right places because if you live in a place long because if you live in a place long because if you live in a place long enough, home at home, you arrange things enough, home at home, you arrange things enough, home at home, you arrange things that it fits your height, it fits your that it fits your height, it fits your that it fits your height, it fits your weight, it fits your emotions. weight, it fits your emotions. weight, it fits your emotions. See, home is where things fit you. See, home is where things fit you. See, home is where things fit you. All right. Now, if that's the case, then All right. Now, if that's the case, then All right. Now, if that's the case, then what's ultimate home? What would be the what's ultimate home? What would be the what's ultimate home? What would be the ultimate home? Your ultimate home would ultimate home? Your ultimate home would ultimate home? Your ultimate home would be a place where all the deepest be a place where all the deepest be a place where all the deepest longings of your soul were fulfilled. longings of your soul were fulfilled. longings of your soul were fulfilled. Ultimate home would be a place that fit Ultimate home would be a place that fit Ultimate home would be a place that fit your deepest longings. It would be a your deepest longings. It would be a your deepest longings. It would be a place of complete rest, of total love. place of complete rest, of total love. place of complete rest, of total love. That you would be flourishing in every That you would be flourishing in every That you would be flourishing in every aspect of your life, spiritually, aspect of your life, spiritually, aspect of your life, spiritually, relationally, emotionally, relationally, emotionally, relationally, emotionally, you know, physically.

you know, physically. you know, physically. That would be home. We're not home. We're not home. The Bible's actually one of the main The Bible's actually one of the main The Bible's actually one of the main themes of the Bible is to show you that. themes of the Bible is to show you that. themes of the Bible is to show you that. Have you ever noticed, for example, that Have you ever noticed, for example, that Have you ever noticed, for example, that the people of God are constantly in the people of God are constantly in the people of God are constantly in exile? Abraham, you know, who was the exile? Abraham, you know, who was the exile? Abraham, you know, who was the kind of progenitor and his family was kind of progenitor and his family was kind of progenitor and his family was the original people of God. He's sent the original people of God. He's sent the original people of God. He's sent out. He's in exile. Children of Israel out. He's in exile. Children of Israel out. He's in exile. Children of Israel go to Egypt in exile. The children of go to Egypt in exile. The children of go to Egypt in exile. The children of Israel go to Babylon in exile. You say, Israel go to Babylon in exile. You say, Israel go to Babylon in exile. You say, "Well, that's the children of Israel." "Well, that's the children of Israel." "Well, that's the children of Israel." uh they were they're a microcosm of the uh they were they're a microcosm of the uh they were they're a microcosm of the human race because if you think about human race because if you think about human race because if you think about what the entirety of the Bible is, it what the entirety of the Bible is, it what the entirety of the Bible is, it starts with exile. The whole human race starts with exile. The whole human race starts with exile. The whole human race is in exile. We've lost the Garden of is in exile. We've lost the Garden of is in exile. We've lost the Garden of Eden. We've lost the paradise. Eden. We've lost the paradise. Eden. We've lost the paradise. And therefore, this world isn't home And therefore, this world isn't home And therefore, this world isn't home anymore. anymore. anymore. Why? There's death here. So, we're Why? There's death here. So, we're Why? There's death here. So, we're always losing loved ones and we're always losing loved ones and we're always losing loved ones and we're always losing love. always losing love. always losing love. And evil is always triumphing. And um And evil is always triumphing. And um And evil is always triumphing. And um uh uh uh it's not home. This is doesn't in no way it's not home. This is doesn't in no way it's not home. This is doesn't in no way does this fit what we want to be and we does this fit what we want to be and we does this fit what we want to be and we what we what we where we want to be.

what we what we where we want to be. what we what we where we want to be. Doesn't fit our longings. In no way. And Doesn't fit our longings. In no way. And Doesn't fit our longings. In no way. And you know um if you don't believe the you know um if you don't believe the you know um if you don't believe the Bible and or don't believe in God and Bible and or don't believe in God and Bible and or don't believe in God and you believe that this world is all there you believe that this world is all there you believe that this world is all there is and all there ever will be, you is and all there ever will be, you is and all there ever will be, you realize that you're in exile and you realize that you're in exile and you realize that you're in exile and you don't even know it. You don't know why don't even know it. You don't know why don't even know it. You don't know why you're so unhappy. you're so unhappy. you're so unhappy. You think this is the only world that You think this is the only world that You think this is the only world that there's ever been. This is only the there's ever been. This is only the there's ever been. This is only the world that will ever be. And if you world that will ever be. And if you world that will ever be. And if you believe that, then why why are you so believe that, then why why are you so believe that, then why why are you so happy, unhappy? Why are you so unhappy? happy, unhappy? Why are you so unhappy? happy, unhappy? Why are you so unhappy? Why are you so discontent? Why why does Why are you so discontent? Why why does Why are you so discontent? Why why does this why does this world not fit you at this why does this world not fit you at this why does this world not fit you at all? all? all? You know, if you just if you evolved You know, if you just if you evolved You know, if you just if you evolved here, shouldn't you fit? I thought it here, shouldn't you fit? I thought it here, shouldn't you fit? I thought it was adaptation, was adaptation, was adaptation, you know, wasn't it? Survival of the you know, wasn't it? Survival of the you know, wasn't it? Survival of the fittest. adaptation. fittest. adaptation. fittest. adaptation. Why is it that our hearts haven't been Why is it that our hearts haven't been Why is it that our hearts haven't been adapted? Why hasn't our souls been adapted? Why hasn't our souls been adapted? Why hasn't our souls been adapted? What's going on here? And the adapted? What's going on here? And the adapted? What's going on here? And the Bible's answer is Bible's answer is Bible's answer is home is actually in the very presence home is actually in the very presence home is actually in the very presence and the arms and the face of God. See, and the arms and the face of God. See, and the arms and the face of God. See, we were built to be in his presence, we were built to be in his presence, we were built to be in his presence, fellowship with him. And that's the fellowship with him. And that's the fellowship with him. And that's the reason why Psalm 90 calls God our reason why Psalm 90 calls God our reason why Psalm 90 calls God our dwelling place.

dwelling place. dwelling place. And that great hymn by Isaac Watts based And that great hymn by Isaac Watts based And that great hymn by Isaac Watts based on Psalm 90 says, "He's our eternal on Psalm 90 says, "He's our eternal on Psalm 90 says, "He's our eternal home." Next time we sing that, remember home." Next time we sing that, remember home." Next time we sing that, remember that. that. that. And what that means is And what that means is And what that means is the only place that fits the deepest the only place that fits the deepest the only place that fits the deepest longings of your heart, the only place longings of your heart, the only place longings of your heart, the only place where you will ever find real home is in where you will ever find real home is in where you will ever find real home is in his arms, in his presence. his arms, in his presence. his arms, in his presence. That's what you were built for. And That's what you were built for. And That's what you were built for. And someday we're told by the Bible that God someday we're told by the Bible that God someday we're told by the Bible that God will return with his presence and make will return with his presence and make will return with his presence and make the world home again. Get rid of all the world home again. Get rid of all the world home again. Get rid of all death, get rid of all suffering, wipe death, get rid of all suffering, wipe death, get rid of all suffering, wipe away every tear. It's going to fix away every tear. It's going to fix away every tear. It's going to fix everything. everything. everything. And therefore, what does that mean? That And therefore, what does that mean? That And therefore, what does that mean? That means if you believe what the Bible means if you believe what the Bible means if you believe what the Bible says, then he shouldn't surprise you says, then he shouldn't surprise you says, then he shouldn't surprise you that you're not home. And therefore, that you're not home. And therefore, that you're not home. And therefore, things are never okay. They're just things are never okay. They're just things are never okay. They're just never completely okay. You have ups and never completely okay. You have ups and never completely okay. You have ups and downs. You have great things that God downs. You have great things that God downs. You have great things that God does in your life. There's times, does in your life. There's times, does in your life. There's times, there's great times, but you're on a there's great times, but you're on a there's great times, but you're on a pilgrimage. You are not home, and you pilgrimage. You are not home, and you pilgrimage. You are not home, and you won't be home to the end. won't be home to the end. won't be home to the end. And Christians recognize that. And they And Christians recognize that. And they And Christians recognize that. And they recognize that they're homeward bound. recognize that they're homeward bound. recognize that they're homeward bound. That they're on a pilgrimage homeward.

That they're on a pilgrimage homeward. That they're on a pilgrimage homeward. But they go through wilderness and they But they go through wilderness and they But they go through wilderness and they go through all sorts of things and go through all sorts of things and go through all sorts of things and they're you're never completely home. they're you're never completely home. they're you're never completely home. Not until you get home. Not until you get home. Not until you get home. So it's very important. Christians are So it's very important. Christians are So it's very important. Christians are so realistic if they understand this. so realistic if they understand this. so realistic if they understand this. Their expectations are not naive. Their expectations are not naive. Their expectations are not naive. They're not nuts and they're not They're not nuts and they're not They're not nuts and they're not constantly angry because why isn't God constantly angry because why isn't God constantly angry because why isn't God putting everything okay? Well, he will. putting everything okay? Well, he will. putting everything okay? Well, he will. Meanwhile, you're not home. You're on a Meanwhile, you're not home. You're on a Meanwhile, you're not home. You're on a pilgrimage. That's the first pilgrimage. That's the first pilgrimage. That's the first implication. Do you understand that? implication. Do you understand that? implication. Do you understand that? Do you do you live life in light of that Do you do you live life in light of that Do you do you live life in light of that not that uh this understanding of not that uh this understanding of not that uh this understanding of yourself as exiles? But the other's part yourself as exiles? But the other's part yourself as exiles? But the other's part uh uh the other aspect or other uh uh the other aspect or other uh uh the other aspect or other implication of being exiles is it tells implication of being exiles is it tells implication of being exiles is it tells us something about how we're supposed to us something about how we're supposed to us something about how we're supposed to relate to the society and the culture relate to the society and the culture relate to the society and the culture around us to New York City. around us to New York City. around us to New York City. And the answer there is we're supposed And the answer there is we're supposed And the answer there is we're supposed to neither with be withdrawn because to neither with be withdrawn because to neither with be withdrawn because we're supposed to be residents neither we're supposed to be residents neither we're supposed to be residents neither identify because we're aliens. And let's identify because we're aliens. And let's identify because we're aliens. And let's move on then to the second point. Second move on then to the second point. Second move on then to the second point. Second point as I said was this is how we're point as I said was this is how we're point as I said was this is how we're supposed to live as exiles. Now the supposed to live as exiles. Now the supposed to live as exiles. Now the second question is the second thing second question is the second thing second question is the second thing we're going to learn here is where is we're going to learn here is where is we're going to learn here is where is the test to know that you are exiles the test to know that you are exiles the test to know that you are exiles that you're living the way you should.

that you're living the way you should. that you're living the way you should. How can we test whether or not you're How can we test whether or not you're How can we test whether or not you're living as you should? If you're a living as you should? If you're a living as you should? If you're a Christian you should be living as Christian you should be living as Christian you should be living as exiles. What does that mean? I'll show exiles. What does that mean? I'll show exiles. What does that mean? I'll show you verse 11 and 12. And if you let me you verse 11 and 12. And if you let me you verse 11 and 12. And if you let me um take these two uh verses and uh um take these two uh verses and uh um take these two uh verses and uh distill them down to the basic subject distill them down to the basic subject distill them down to the basic subject and predicate. Dear friends, as exiles, and predicate. Dear friends, as exiles, and predicate. Dear friends, as exiles, live such good lives among the pagans live such good lives among the pagans live such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of that though they accuse you of that though they accuse you of wrongdoing, they may see your good deeds wrongdoing, they may see your good deeds wrongdoing, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. and glorify God on the day he visits us. and glorify God on the day he visits us. Now look real carefully. Remember, on Now look real carefully. Remember, on Now look real carefully. Remember, on the one hand, we're not tourists the one hand, we're not tourists the one hand, we're not tourists detached. detached. detached. On the other hand, we're not completely On the other hand, we're not completely On the other hand, we're not completely assimilated. You know, we're not uh full assimilated. You know, we're not uh full assimilated. You know, we're not uh full citizens. We haven't completely citizens. We haven't completely citizens. We haven't completely identified. So, what does this mean? It identified. So, what does this mean? It identified. So, what does this mean? It means on the one hand, a if you are means on the one hand, a if you are means on the one hand, a if you are living good lies, we'll get to that in a living good lies, we'll get to that in a living good lies, we'll get to that in a minute. If you're living as exiles, then minute. If you're living as exiles, then minute. If you're living as exiles, then on the one hand, you will be falsely on the one hand, you will be falsely on the one hand, you will be falsely accused. accused. accused. You will be misunderstood. See, and at the same time, people will See, and at the same time, people will see through your good life the beauty of see through your good life the beauty of see through your good life the beauty of God and come to faith.

God and come to faith. God and come to faith. Did you see how care? Look carefully. Did you see how care? Look carefully. Did you see how care? Look carefully. These are both present tenses. It's not These are both present tenses. It's not These are both present tenses. It's not either or. It says that if you're living either or. It says that if you're living either or. It says that if you're living as exiles, which means living good lives as exiles, which means living good lives as exiles, which means living good lives as exiles, as exiles, as exiles, you will be offensive you will be offensive you will be offensive and attractive at the same time. You'll and attractive at the same time. You'll and attractive at the same time. You'll be extremely outrageous be extremely outrageous be extremely outrageous and compelling. You will be absolutely and compelling. You will be absolutely and compelling. You will be absolutely offensive and attractive at once. That's offensive and attractive at once. That's offensive and attractive at once. That's the test. Let's explore this for a the test. Let's explore this for a the test. Let's explore this for a minute before we come back and try to minute before we come back and try to minute before we come back and try to really use it on ourselves. Uh what does really use it on ourselves. Uh what does really use it on ourselves. Uh what does good life mean? He says if you live good good life mean? He says if you live good good life mean? He says if you live good lives, there will be this offensiveness lives, there will be this offensiveness lives, there will be this offensiveness and this attractiveness. You'll be both and this attractiveness. You'll be both and this attractiveness. You'll be both repulsive and beautiful. repulsive and beautiful. repulsive and beautiful. In other words, you'll be persecuted and In other words, you'll be persecuted and In other words, you'll be persecuted and yet you'll grow because people will come yet you'll grow because people will come yet you'll grow because people will come in and have their lives changed. Uh in and have their lives changed. Uh in and have their lives changed. Uh offensive and attractive. So what does offensive and attractive. So what does offensive and attractive. So what does it mean to live a good life? The reason it mean to live a good life? The reason it mean to live a good life? The reason we know something about what it probably we know something about what it probably we know something about what it probably means is because Peter here is basically means is because Peter here is basically means is because Peter here is basically quoting Jesus Christ from the sermon on quoting Jesus Christ from the sermon on quoting Jesus Christ from the sermon on the mount. If you know Matthew 5:16, the mount. If you know Matthew 5:16, the mount. If you know Matthew 5:16, you'll know that Jesus has just talked you'll know that Jesus has just talked you'll know that Jesus has just talked about persecution in the biatitudes. He about persecution in the biatitudes. He about persecution in the biatitudes. He says, you know, you're blessed when God says, you know, you're blessed when God says, you know, you're blessed when God when when you're persecuted, you will be when when you're persecuted, you will be when when you're persecuted, you will be persecuted. And then he turns around and persecuted. And then he turns around and persecuted. And then he turns around and he says, "However, you need to let your he says, "However, you need to let your he says, "However, you need to let your light shine. You're the light of the light shine. You're the light of the light shine. You're the light of the world and you need to let your your your world and you need to let your your your world and you need to let your your your good lives and good deeds shine forth so good lives and good deeds shine forth so good lives and good deeds shine forth so that people will see the beauty of God that people will see the beauty of God that people will see the beauty of God and glorify God." In other words, people and glorify God." In other words, people and glorify God." In other words, people will get converted because they're will get converted because they're will get converted because they're they'll be attracted to you. You'll be

they'll be attracted to you. You'll be they'll be attracted to you. You'll be persecuted and at the same time, you'll persecuted and at the same time, you'll persecuted and at the same time, you'll be attractive. Well, what does it mean be attractive. Well, what does it mean be attractive. Well, what does it mean to live good lives? Well, in the to live good lives? Well, in the to live good lives? Well, in the context, we know it's to live the sermon context, we know it's to live the sermon context, we know it's to live the sermon on the mount. on the mount. on the mount. Jesus is saying if you live Jesus is saying if you live Jesus is saying if you live [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] out the sermon on the mount, you will be out the sermon on the mount, you will be out the sermon on the mount, you will be both attractive and offensive. Well, both attractive and offensive. Well, both attractive and offensive. Well, what's in the sermon on the mount? Well, what's in the sermon on the mount? Well, what's in the sermon on the mount? Well, here's what we know from history. here's what we know from history. here's what we know from history. Um, the early Christians did live out Um, the early Christians did live out Um, the early Christians did live out the sermon on the mount and it had a big the sermon on the mount and it had a big the sermon on the mount and it had a big impact on the people around them. Let me impact on the people around them. Let me impact on the people around them. Let me give you four areas where that happened. give you four areas where that happened. give you four areas where that happened. Four areas. The early Christians Four areas. The early Christians Four areas. The early Christians forgave. Secondly, the early Christians forgave. Secondly, the early Christians forgave. Secondly, the early Christians were generous to the poor. all kinds, were generous to the poor. all kinds, were generous to the poor. all kinds, all races. Thirdly, they could handle all races. Thirdly, they could handle all races. Thirdly, they could handle adversity and even death with adversity and even death with adversity and even death with cheerfulness. And thirdly, they believed cheerfulness. And thirdly, they believed cheerfulness. And thirdly, they believed that sex was only for marriage. In those that sex was only for marriage. In those that sex was only for marriage. In those four ways, they were really, really, four ways, they were really, really, four ways, they were really, really, really weird. really weird. really weird. First of all, forgiveness was very weird First of all, forgiveness was very weird First of all, forgiveness was very weird in a shame and honor culture where it in a shame and honor culture where it in a shame and honor culture where it was believed that the only way that you was believed that the only way that you was believed that the only way that you had social stability was is is if had social stability was is is if had social stability was is is if everyone knew that your neighbor was a everyone knew that your neighbor was a everyone knew that your neighbor was a person of honor. And what it meant to be person of honor. And what it meant to be person of honor. And what it meant to be a person of honor was that if you were a person of honor was that if you were a person of honor was that if you were wronged or or your family was wronged, wronged or or your family was wronged, wronged or or your family was wronged, you went for vengeance.

you went for vengeance. you went for vengeance. A person of honor never just let things A person of honor never just let things A person of honor never just let things slide. A person of honor says you have slide. A person of honor says you have slide. A person of honor says you have shamed me or you have brought I'm going shamed me or you have brought I'm going shamed me or you have brought I'm going to pay you back. And since everybody to pay you back. And since everybody to pay you back. And since everybody knew that everybody around you was a knew that everybody around you was a knew that everybody around you was a person of honor, then you had a stable person of honor, then you had a stable person of honor, then you had a stable society. Fear and respect. That's what society. Fear and respect. That's what society. Fear and respect. That's what society worked on. Christians come society worked on. Christians come society worked on. Christians come along, turn the other cheek. along, turn the other cheek. along, turn the other cheek. Don't repay evil with evil, but overcome Don't repay evil with evil, but overcome Don't repay evil with evil, but overcome evil with good. evil with good. evil with good. Forgive 70* 7. It was outrageous. It was Forgive 70* 7. It was outrageous. It was Forgive 70* 7. It was outrageous. It was offensive. It was nuts. It was crazy. offensive. It was nuts. It was crazy. offensive. It was nuts. It was crazy. And yet, it was kind of attractive, too. And yet, it was kind of attractive, too. And yet, it was kind of attractive, too. Okay. Generosity. Okay. Generosity. Okay. Generosity. When Christians came along in the Greor When Christians came along in the Greor When Christians came along in the Greor Roman world, the biblical idea of the Roman world, the biblical idea of the Roman world, the biblical idea of the image of God had not gotten out there. image of God had not gotten out there. image of God had not gotten out there. uh you know the the Bible teaches that uh you know the the Bible teaches that uh you know the the Bible teaches that all human beings are made in the image all human beings are made in the image all human beings are made in the image of God of God of God and therefore everybody regardless of and therefore everybody regardless of and therefore everybody regardless of aptitude or ability regardless of race aptitude or ability regardless of race aptitude or ability regardless of race regardless of um u economic status regardless of um u economic status regardless of um u economic status everybody is an inviable everybody is an inviable everybody is an inviable person of dignity right that's the idea person of dignity right that's the idea person of dignity right that's the idea of the image of God and historians say of the image of God and historians say of the image of God and historians say that the idea that of human rights the that the idea that of human rights the that the idea that of human rights the modern idea of human rights came from modern idea of human rights came from modern idea of human rights came from the biblical idea of the image of God.

the biblical idea of the image of God. the biblical idea of the image of God. Certainly uh Martin Luther King Jr. took Certainly uh Martin Luther King Jr. took Certainly uh Martin Luther King Jr. took that idea of the image of God and ran that idea of the image of God and ran that idea of the image of God and ran with it and basically based an awful lot with it and basically based an awful lot with it and basically based an awful lot of his own work on the image of God. But of his own work on the image of God. But of his own work on the image of God. But back then when when uh Christians were back then when when uh Christians were back then when when uh Christians were uh you know first the early Christians uh you know first the early Christians uh you know first the early Christians were living in the Greor Roman world, were living in the Greor Roman world, were living in the Greor Roman world, the idea that you not only took care of the idea that you not only took care of the idea that you not only took care of your own family's poor or your own poor your own family's poor or your own poor your own family's poor or your own poor of your own race but everybody else's of your own race but everybody else's of your own race but everybody else's poor too was crazy. poor too was crazy. poor too was crazy. you know, to care for the poor of other you know, to care for the poor of other you know, to care for the poor of other races and other people. What would you races and other people. What would you races and other people. What would you do that for? It was outrageous. It was do that for? It was outrageous. It was do that for? It was outrageous. It was weird. It was crazy and kind of weird. It was crazy and kind of weird. It was crazy and kind of offensive, but also kind of attractive. offensive, but also kind of attractive. offensive, but also kind of attractive. Okay. Thirdly, Christians were able to Okay. Thirdly, Christians were able to Okay. Thirdly, Christians were able to face suffering and even death with a face suffering and even death with a face suffering and even death with a cheerfulness because they believed in cheerfulness because they believed in cheerfulness because they believed in the resurrection. And see, the culture the resurrection. And see, the culture the resurrection. And see, the culture around them did not other people, their around them did not other people, their around them did not other people, their culture did not give them that resource. culture did not give them that resource. culture did not give them that resource. Christians had a resource to face Christians had a resource to face Christians had a resource to face suffering and death with a certain suffering and death with a certain suffering and death with a certain amount of cheerfulness that nobody else amount of cheerfulness that nobody else amount of cheerfulness that nobody else had. And they watched them die singing had. And they watched them die singing had. And they watched them die singing hymns and they did not know what to make hymns and they did not know what to make hymns and they did not know what to make of it. And then lastly, of course, it of it. And then lastly, of course, it of it. And then lastly, of course, it the Greeks believed that the body was, the Greeks believed that the body was, the Greeks believed that the body was, you know, not important. It was the you know, not important. It was the you know, not important. It was the spirit that was important. And spirit that was important. And spirit that was important. And therefore, sex was really just a bodily therefore, sex was really just a bodily therefore, sex was really just a bodily appetite and no big deal and had sex appetite and no big deal and had sex appetite and no big deal and had sex whenever you felt like it. Sort of like whenever you felt like it. Sort of like whenever you felt like it. Sort of like eating. And Christians came along and eating. And Christians came along and eating. And Christians came along and said, "Look, sex is God's way of saying said, "Look, sex is God's way of saying said, "Look, sex is God's way of saying to someone else, I'm giving my life to to someone else, I'm giving my life to to someone else, I'm giving my life to you." Sex was a way of doing whole life you." Sex was a way of doing whole life you." Sex was a way of doing whole life absolute loving commitment to one other absolute loving commitment to one other absolute loving commitment to one other person. Therefore, it was only for

person. Therefore, it was only for person. Therefore, it was only for marriage. And the the the Christians had marriage. And the the the Christians had marriage. And the the the Christians had such a high view of sex that went along such a high view of sex that went along such a high view of sex that went along with the idea that sex was only in with the idea that sex was only in with the idea that sex was only in marriage that nobody had ever seen it marriage that nobody had ever seen it marriage that nobody had ever seen it before. And it was very very weird. But before. And it was very very weird. But before. And it was very very weird. But see, in every case, here's what we know. see, in every case, here's what we know. see, in every case, here's what we know. Because Christians were so different in Because Christians were so different in Because Christians were so different in those areas. Forgiveness, chastity, those areas. Forgiveness, chastity, those areas. Forgiveness, chastity, generosity at all, you know, all the generosity at all, you know, all the generosity at all, you know, all the races and the ability to handle races and the ability to handle races and the ability to handle suffering. And by the way, three of suffering. And by the way, three of suffering. And by the way, three of those four were still weird. Even today, those four were still weird. Even today, those four were still weird. Even today, we're weird. Not the generosity to all we're weird. Not the generosity to all we're weird. Not the generosity to all races that has been co-opted from races that has been co-opted from races that has been co-opted from Christians. And now the general culture Christians. And now the general culture Christians. And now the general culture believes that. But the other three to believes that. But the other three to believes that. But the other three to say back then and today on the one hand say back then and today on the one hand say back then and today on the one hand the people around did not have the the people around did not have the the people around did not have the resources for it and to some degree was resources for it and to some degree was resources for it and to some degree was offensive offensive offensive and yet it was attractive. and yet it was attractive. and yet it was attractive. Now this principle that if you're living Now this principle that if you're living Now this principle that if you're living life as you ought to if you're living life as you ought to if you're living life as you ought to if you're living according to the sermon on the mount you according to the sermon on the mount you according to the sermon on the mount you will absolutely will absolutely will absolutely be both offensive and attract attractive be both offensive and attract attractive be both offensive and attract attractive is a is it's a universal principle. It is a is it's a universal principle. It is a is it's a universal principle. It wasn't, it didn't just happen back then, wasn't, it didn't just happen back then, wasn't, it didn't just happen back then, which it did. Here's what we know about which it did. Here's what we know about which it did. Here's what we know about the early church. They were persecuted, the early church. They were persecuted, the early church. They were persecuted, they were killed, and they grew rapidly.

they were killed, and they grew rapidly. they were killed, and they grew rapidly. They were persecuted and killed. They They were persecuted and killed. They They were persecuted and killed. They were offensive, and they grew like crazy were offensive, and they grew like crazy were offensive, and they grew like crazy because they were so attractive. And because they were so attractive. And because they were so attractive. And every other place in the world, the same every other place in the world, the same every other place in the world, the same thing will happen. In the Middle East, thing will happen. In the Middle East, thing will happen. In the Middle East, parts of the Bible and Christian life parts of the Bible and Christian life parts of the Bible and Christian life are offensive. In the Middle East, they are offensive. In the Middle East, they are offensive. In the Middle East, they don't mind what the Bible and Christians don't mind what the Bible and Christians don't mind what the Bible and Christians say about sex and marriage. What they do say about sex and marriage. What they do say about sex and marriage. What they do find very offensive is the Christian find very offensive is the Christian find very offensive is the Christian idea of forgiveness or the very the idea of forgiveness or the very the idea of forgiveness or the very the Christian idea of uh of somebody Christian idea of uh of somebody Christian idea of uh of somebody repents, they restore them right away or repents, they restore them right away or repents, they restore them right away or forgiving your enemies. Their shame and forgiving your enemies. Their shame and forgiving your enemies. Their shame and honor cultures over there and they find honor cultures over there and they find honor cultures over there and they find that very weak. Here in Manhattan, it's that very weak. Here in Manhattan, it's that very weak. Here in Manhattan, it's the other way around. In Manhattan, the the other way around. In Manhattan, the the other way around. In Manhattan, the surrounding culture likes what we say surrounding culture likes what we say surrounding culture likes what we say about forgiveness, doesn't quite know about forgiveness, doesn't quite know about forgiveness, doesn't quite know how to do it, but they like what we say how to do it, but they like what we say how to do it, but they like what we say about forgiveness and finds everything about forgiveness and finds everything about forgiveness and finds everything we say about sex and marriage hateful we say about sex and marriage hateful we say about sex and marriage hateful and dangerous. and dangerous. and dangerous. Every single culture will find Every single culture will find Every single culture will find Christianity offensive in some way and Christianity offensive in some way and Christianity offensive in some way and attractive in some way except different attractive in some way except different attractive in some way except different depending on the culture. So how are you doing with the test?

So how are you doing with the test? Let me ask you a question. Let me ask you a question. Let me ask you a question. Are you attractive as a Christian? Do Are you attractive as a Christian? Do Are you attractive as a Christian? Do people even know you're a Christian? people even know you're a Christian? people even know you're a Christian? Do people come to you? Do they at least Do people come to you? Do they at least Do people come to you? Do they at least talk to you about your problems? Are you talk to you about your problems? Are you talk to you about your problems? Are you attractive in that sense? Do people are attractive in that sense? Do people are attractive in that sense? Do people are people drawn to you and maybe drawn to people drawn to you and maybe drawn to people drawn to you and maybe drawn to Christianity through you? And at the Christianity through you? And at the Christianity through you? And at the same time, are you sometimes taking on same time, are you sometimes taking on same time, are you sometimes taking on the chin? Are you sometimes really, the chin? Are you sometimes really, the chin? Are you sometimes really, you know, taking it because people get you know, taking it because people get you know, taking it because people get really upset with you because of your really upset with you because of your really upset with you because of your Christian beliefs? In other words, are Christian beliefs? In other words, are Christian beliefs? In other words, are you attractive and are you offensive? you attractive and are you offensive? you attractive and are you offensive? See, if you're only offensive and not See, if you're only offensive and not See, if you're only offensive and not attractive, you're not really attractive, you're not really attractive, you're not really that probably means that you're just a that probably means that you're just a that probably means that you're just a self-righteous person who likes to tell self-righteous person who likes to tell self-righteous person who likes to tell other people what's wrong with them. other people what's wrong with them. other people what's wrong with them. And if you're attractive but not And if you're attractive but not And if you're attractive but not offensive, you're not really offensive, you're not really offensive, you're not really you're probably just cowardly and you you're probably just cowardly and you you're probably just cowardly and you don't like you want to keep everybody don't like you want to keep everybody don't like you want to keep everybody happy. happy. happy. But if you're attractive and offensive, But if you're attractive and offensive, But if you're attractive and offensive, you're a person of both courage and you're a person of both courage and you're a person of both courage and compassion. See, that's what it compassion. See, that's what it compassion. See, that's what it requires. It takes courage to be requires. It takes courage to be requires. It takes courage to be offensive. It takes compassion to be offensive. It takes compassion to be offensive. It takes compassion to be attractive. And if you're courage, if attractive. And if you're courage, if attractive. And if you're courage, if you think you're courageous, but you're you think you're courageous, but you're you think you're courageous, but you're not very compassionate, you're really not very compassionate, you're really not very compassionate, you're really self-righteous. If you think you're self-righteous. If you think you're self-righteous. If you think you're compassionate but not very courageous, compassionate but not very courageous, compassionate but not very courageous, you're really a coward.

you're really a coward. you're really a coward. And you're not like Jesus at all. And you're not like Jesus at all. And you're not like Jesus at all. You're not like Jesus at all because he You're not like Jesus at all because he You're not like Jesus at all because he was both. Of course, he was infinitely was both. Of course, he was infinitely was both. Of course, he was infinitely attractive. attractive. attractive. Look at what he did to people. Look how Look at what he did to people. Look how Look at what he did to people. Look how he attracted people. Look how he started he attracted people. Look how he started he attracted people. Look how he started the the greatest movement in the history the the greatest movement in the history the the greatest movement in the history of the world. of the world. of the world. But on the other hand, look what But on the other hand, look what But on the other hand, look what happened to him. happened to him. happened to him. So, how are you doing with this? See, So, how are you doing with this? See, So, how are you doing with this? See, I'm afraid some of us are are offensive I'm afraid some of us are are offensive I'm afraid some of us are are offensive without being attractive, some of us without being attractive, some of us without being attractive, some of us Christians. And some of us are Christians. And some of us are Christians. And some of us are attractive without being offensive. And attractive without being offensive. And attractive without being offensive. And some of us are neither, by the way, some of us are neither, by the way, some of us are neither, by the way, which means we're not like Jesus at all. which means we're not like Jesus at all. which means we're not like Jesus at all. How are you doing with this test? All right. So if that's the test that if All right. So if that's the test that if you're living the lives that Jesus calls you're living the lives that Jesus calls you're living the lives that Jesus calls you to live, you'll be offensive and at you to live, you'll be offensive and at you to live, you'll be offensive and at the same time attractive, which means the same time attractive, which means the same time attractive, which means you have to be very courageous and you have to be very courageous and you have to be very courageous and you'll be compassionate. Incredibly you'll be compassionate. Incredibly you'll be compassionate. Incredibly compassionate question. How can you get compassionate question. How can you get compassionate question. How can you get the power to live like that? And the the power to live like that? And the the power to live like that? And the answer is you got to see two things. Let answer is you got to see two things. Let answer is you got to see two things. Let me tell you what those two things are.

me tell you what those two things are. me tell you what those two things are. The first thing is you've got to see The first thing is you've got to see The first thing is you've got to see well you have to see verse nine. well you have to see verse nine. well you have to see verse nine. And unfortunately, this is this is a And unfortunately, this is this is a And unfortunately, this is this is a there's four things here that describe there's four things here that describe there's four things here that describe the church. Every one of them could take the church. Every one of them could take the church. Every one of them could take an entire sermon or two. And if any of an entire sermon or two. And if any of an entire sermon or two. And if any of you know, been around here for a number you know, been around here for a number you know, been around here for a number of years, you know I've done that. But of years, you know I've done that. But of years, you know I've done that. But let me just let me look at the beginning let me just let me look at the beginning let me just let me look at the beginning at the end. You are a chosen people and at the end. You are a chosen people and at the end. You are a chosen people and you're God's special possession. Now, you're God's special possession. Now, you're God's special possession. Now, this is the first thing you've got to this is the first thing you've got to this is the first thing you've got to see. see. see. when the Bible I had a prof I had a when the Bible I had a prof I had a when the Bible I had a prof I had a professor professor professor and a friend named Edund Clowney. He was and a friend named Edund Clowney. He was and a friend named Edund Clowney. He was a teacher of mine and Ed Clowny used to a teacher of mine and Ed Clowny used to a teacher of mine and Ed Clowny used to used to preach on this right here where used to preach on this right here where used to preach on this right here where it says you Christians are a chosen it says you Christians are a chosen it says you Christians are a chosen people. He used to preach on it like people. He used to preach on it like people. He used to preach on it like this. He he preached on it in a very this. He he preached on it in a very this. He he preached on it in a very memorable way. So memorable that you can memorable way. So memorable that you can memorable way. So memorable that you can tell I can tell you almost exactly what tell I can tell you almost exactly what tell I can tell you almost exactly what he said. He says first of all please he said. He says first of all please he said. He says first of all please keep in mind that if you're Christians keep in mind that if you're Christians keep in mind that if you're Christians you're chosen. You're not choice. you're chosen. You're not choice. you're chosen. You're not choice. It doesn't say you're a choice. People It doesn't say you're a choice. People It doesn't say you're a choice. People see if you're a choice that means really see if you're a choice that means really see if you're a choice that means really good, you know, really virtuous, uh, you good, you know, really virtuous, uh, you good, you know, really virtuous, uh, you know, really spiritual, you know. No, it know, really spiritual, you know. No, it know, really spiritual, you know. No, it didn't say you're the choice people. It didn't say you're the choice people. It didn't say you're the choice people. It says you're the chosen people. And what says you're the chosen people. And what says you're the chosen people. And what does that mean?

does that mean? does that mean? Then Ed would go to Deuteronomy 7. And Then Ed would go to Deuteronomy 7. And Then Ed would go to Deuteronomy 7. And in Deuteronomy 7, it is a place where in Deuteronomy 7, it is a place where in Deuteronomy 7, it is a place where God is speaking to Israel. And God says God is speaking to Israel. And God says God is speaking to Israel. And God says to Israel, to Israel, to Israel, "I didn't choose you because you were "I didn't choose you because you were "I didn't choose you because you were the greatest of nations. the greatest of nations. the greatest of nations. In fact, you're the puniest of nations, In fact, you're the puniest of nations, In fact, you're the puniest of nations, but because I loved you, I chose you." but because I loved you, I chose you." but because I loved you, I chose you." And it said, "Listen to that." Do you And it said, "Listen to that." Do you And it said, "Listen to that." Do you know what the reasoning is? It's know what the reasoning is? It's know what the reasoning is? It's circular. He says, "I didn't choose you circular. He says, "I didn't choose you circular. He says, "I didn't choose you because you were virtuous, because you because you were virtuous, because you because you were virtuous, because you were spiritual, because you were great." were spiritual, because you were great." were spiritual, because you were great." You know, I didn't love you because you You know, I didn't love you because you You know, I didn't love you because you were virtuous and spiritual and great. I were virtuous and spiritual and great. I were virtuous and spiritual and great. I loved you because what? loved you because what? loved you because what? I loved you because I loved you. Now you I loved you because I loved you. Now you I loved you because I loved you. Now you say, "If that's circular, I just want say, "If that's circular, I just want say, "If that's circular, I just want you to know that." And you say, "Well, you to know that." And you say, "Well, you to know that." And you say, "Well, that's kind of circular. That doesn't that's kind of circular. That doesn't that's kind of circular. That doesn't make any sense." It does. It makes make any sense." It does. It makes make any sense." It does. It makes tremendous emotional sense. Let me prove tremendous emotional sense. Let me prove tremendous emotional sense. Let me prove it to you. This is how it works in it to you. This is how it works in it to you. This is how it works in marriage. You're married, right? Your marriage. You're married, right? Your marriage. You're married, right? Your spouse someday comes and says, "Honey, spouse someday comes and says, "Honey, spouse someday comes and says, "Honey, do you love me?" You say, "Of course I do you love me?" You say, "Of course I do you love me?" You say, "Of course I love you." And then your spouse asks you love you." And then your spouse asks you love you." And then your spouse asks you the $64,000 question. Why? Why do you the $64,000 question. Why? Why do you the $64,000 question. Why? Why do you love me? Now, one possibility you one love me? Now, one possibility you one love me? Now, one possibility you one thing you could say is say, "Well, thing you could say is say, "Well, thing you could say is say, "Well, honey, you're very attractive honey, you're very attractive honey, you're very attractive physically.

physically. physically. Uh, you make good money. Uh, you're Uh, you make good money. Uh, you're Uh, you make good money. Uh, you're you're you're you're a great tennis you're you're you're a great tennis you're you're you're a great tennis player. Uh, and I like tennis. Uh, you player. Uh, and I like tennis. Uh, you player. Uh, and I like tennis. Uh, you are and and you start to list all the are and and you start to list all the are and and you start to list all the person's virtues." person's virtues." person's virtues." That conversation is going nowhere That conversation is going nowhere That conversation is going nowhere really fast. really fast. really fast. You know, what happens if you lose the You know, what happens if you lose the You know, what happens if you lose the job? What happens if you can't play job? What happens if you can't play job? What happens if you can't play tennis? What happens if you put on tennis? What happens if you put on tennis? What happens if you put on weight? Wait a minute. Wait a minute. weight? Wait a minute. Wait a minute. weight? Wait a minute. Wait a minute. This is what you need to say. And this This is what you need to say. And this This is what you need to say. And this is the way I hope you'll be able to say is the way I hope you'll be able to say is the way I hope you'll be able to say eventually eventually eventually um express it. You need to say this um express it. You need to say this um express it. You need to say this honey. I have to admit that in the very honey. I have to admit that in the very honey. I have to admit that in the very beginning many of these great virtues beginning many of these great virtues beginning many of these great virtues were the things that has started were the things that has started were the things that has started attracted me to you at first. But now I attracted me to you at first. But now I attracted me to you at first. But now I just love you because I love you. just love you because I love you. just love you because I love you. My love's unconditional. My love's unconditional. My love's unconditional. I don't love you because you're living I don't love you because you're living I don't love you because you're living up to standards because then of course up to standards because then of course up to standards because then of course my goodness, who would want to be loved my goodness, who would want to be loved my goodness, who would want to be loved like that? I mean nobody can do that. I like that? I mean nobody can do that. I like that? I mean nobody can do that. I love you because I love you. This is love you because I love you. This is love you because I love you. This is what God says to you. what God says to you. what God says to you. I have set my love on you and you are I have set my love on you and you are I have set my love on you and you are saved by grace. You're not saved because saved by grace. You're not saved because saved by grace. You're not saved because you're serviceable to me, because you're you're serviceable to me, because you're you're serviceable to me, because you're virtuous, because you're spiritual.

virtuous, because you're spiritual. virtuous, because you're spiritual. Uh-uh. I love you because I love you. Uh-uh. I love you because I love you. Uh-uh. I love you because I love you. I've chosen you by grace. And therefore, I've chosen you by grace. And therefore, I've chosen you by grace. And therefore, at the end, you are my special at the end, you are my special at the end, you are my special possession. This is a very difficult possession. This is a very difficult possession. This is a very difficult term to term to term to translate, but it pro it means something translate, but it pro it means something translate, but it pro it means something like you are my most treasured like you are my most treasured like you are my most treasured possession. This word means the sort of possession. This word means the sort of possession. This word means the sort of thing that you might have inherited from thing that you might have inherited from thing that you might have inherited from your great-g grandandmother, some your great-g grandandmother, some your great-g grandandmother, some heirloom, some piece of jewelry or heirloom, some piece of jewelry or heirloom, some piece of jewelry or something that's actually worth more something that's actually worth more something that's actually worth more than everything else in your apartment. than everything else in your apartment. than everything else in your apartment. Your most treasured possession is Your most treasured possession is Your most treasured possession is something that's actually worth something that's actually worth something that's actually worth everything else you've got. everything else you've got. everything else you've got. And the first time that God ever uses And the first time that God ever uses And the first time that God ever uses this term, this actual term is used in this term, this actual term is used in this term, this actual term is used in Exodus 19 when he's speaking to the Exodus 19 when he's speaking to the Exodus 19 when he's speaking to the children of Israel at Mount Si. And this children of Israel at Mount Si. And this children of Israel at Mount Si. And this is what he says. Though all the world is is what he says. Though all the world is is what he says. Though all the world is mine, mine, mine, you are my most treasured possession. He you are my most treasured possession. He you are my most treasured possession. He could have said, I've got all the whole could have said, I've got all the whole could have said, I've got all the whole universe is mine. I got galaxies. I got universe is mine. I got galaxies. I got universe is mine. I got galaxies. I got you. You talk about rich people. I own you. You talk about rich people. I own you. You talk about rich people. I own galaxies. None of them are worth what galaxies. None of them are worth what galaxies. None of them are worth what you're worth to me. That's what he's you're worth to me. That's what he's you're worth to me. That's what he's saying. And the first thing you've got saying. And the first thing you've got saying. And the first thing you've got to see if you're going to have the to see if you're going to have the to see if you're going to have the courage and the compassion to be both courage and the compassion to be both courage and the compassion to be both offensive offensive offensive when necessary when necessary when necessary and attractive is you've got to know and attractive is you've got to know and attractive is you've got to know you're this loved.

you're this loved. you're this loved. If you are not absolutely convinced If you are not absolutely convinced If you are not absolutely convinced you're this loved, if you're not you're this loved, if you're not you're this loved, if you're not existentially aware that you're this existentially aware that you're this existentially aware that you're this loved, if you don't grasp loved, if you don't grasp loved, if you don't grasp that you're this loved by God, then I that you're this loved by God, then I that you're this loved by God, then I want you to know you won't actually be want you to know you won't actually be want you to know you won't actually be courageous. You'll tell people the truth courageous. You'll tell people the truth courageous. You'll tell people the truth and they get angry at you and then and they get angry at you and then and they get angry at you and then you'll and then you'll go home and say, you'll and then you'll go home and say, you'll and then you'll go home and say, "I'm very valiant for truth." Or you'll "I'm very valiant for truth." Or you'll "I'm very valiant for truth." Or you'll be very compassionate and help the poor be very compassionate and help the poor be very compassionate and help the poor and then you'll come home and look in and then you'll come home and look in and then you'll come home and look in the mirror and say, "I'm a very the mirror and say, "I'm a very the mirror and say, "I'm a very compassionate person." In other words, compassionate person." In other words, compassionate person." In other words, if you aren't absolutely sure about your if you aren't absolutely sure about your if you aren't absolutely sure about your how how much God loves you, then all the how how much God loves you, then all the how how much God loves you, then all the things you do in the world will be about things you do in the world will be about things you do in the world will be about you. you. you. Everything will be about you. Everything will be about you. Everything will be about you. You'll be telling people off to feel You'll be telling people off to feel You'll be telling people off to feel good about yourself. You'll be helping good about yourself. You'll be helping good about yourself. You'll be helping people to feel good about yourself. people to feel good about yourself. people to feel good about yourself. You'll be trying to fill up that You'll be trying to fill up that You'll be trying to fill up that emotional tank emotional tank emotional tank and you won't be truly courageous and and you won't be truly courageous and and you won't be truly courageous and compassionate at the same time. You compassionate at the same time. You compassionate at the same time. You won't be truly offensive and attract. won't be truly offensive and attract. won't be truly offensive and attract. you'll be one or the other because you'll be one or the other because you'll be one or the other because you're really not either you're really not either you're really not either until you're absolutely that sure you're until you're absolutely that sure you're until you're absolutely that sure you're loved loved loved because see to know you're loved because see to know you're loved because see to know you're loved unconditionally to hear to know God is unconditionally to hear to know God is unconditionally to hear to know God is saying I love you because I love you and saying I love you because I love you and saying I love you because I love you and you are worth more than all the galaxies you are worth more than all the galaxies you are worth more than all the galaxies in the world to me that humbles you in the world to me that humbles you in the world to me that humbles you because it's undeserving because it's undeserving because it's undeserving it's undeserved I mean it humbles you it's undeserved I mean it humbles you it's undeserved I mean it humbles you because it's undeserved and that of because it's undeserved and that of because it's undeserved and that of course gets you compassionate but also course gets you compassionate but also course gets you compassionate but also affirms you to the skies because you affirms you to the skies because you affirms you to the skies because you can't lose it and that gives you the can't lose it and that gives you the can't lose it and that gives you the courage. So you have to see that and you courage. So you have to see that and you courage. So you have to see that and you say I wish I did. How can I be that say I wish I did. How can I be that say I wish I did. How can I be that sure?

sure? sure? I mean I hear that you might say maybe I I mean I hear that you might say maybe I I mean I hear that you might say maybe I believe it in the abstract but I don't believe it in the abstract but I don't believe it in the abstract but I don't really have that kind of assurance and really have that kind of assurance and really have that kind of assurance and therefore I'm not able to be both therefore I'm not able to be both therefore I'm not able to be both offensive and attractive. Well that's offensive and attractive. Well that's offensive and attractive. Well that's because you need to see a second thing because you need to see a second thing because you need to see a second thing of course and you you can't just hear of course and you you can't just hear of course and you you can't just hear abstract in the abstract God loves you. abstract in the abstract God loves you. abstract in the abstract God loves you. Here's how much he loves you. Go up to Here's how much he loves you. Go up to Here's how much he loves you. Go up to verse two. verse two. verse two. You're God's elect exiles. Why? You've You're God's elect exiles. Why? You've You're God's elect exiles. Why? You've been chosen by the father. We already been chosen by the father. We already been chosen by the father. We already saw that. You've been sanctified by the saw that. You've been sanctified by the saw that. You've been sanctified by the spirit, which of course we talked about spirit, which of course we talked about spirit, which of course we talked about last week. But here's the key. It's last last week. But here's the key. It's last last week. But here's the key. It's last because it's the basis for all the because it's the basis for all the because it's the basis for all the others. You've been sprinkled with the others. You've been sprinkled with the others. You've been sprinkled with the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ shed blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ shed blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the ultimate exile. He was in home. is the ultimate exile. He was in home. is the ultimate exile. He was in home. He was home. He was in heaven. He was in He was home. He was in heaven. He was in He was home. He was in heaven. He was in the bosom of the father. He was in the the bosom of the father. He was in the the bosom of the father. He was in the ultimate home. and he left and came down ultimate home. and he left and came down ultimate home. and he left and came down and then he wandered. Have you ever and then he wandered. Have you ever and then he wandered. Have you ever noticed if you're reading the the noticed if you're reading the the noticed if you're reading the the gospels, you never see any place where gospels, you never see any place where gospels, you never see any place where it says Jesus was at home and people it says Jesus was at home and people it says Jesus was at home and people came to see him or he was he was eating came to see him or he was he was eating came to see him or he was he was eating at home and in the door came Do you ever at home and in the door came Do you ever at home and in the door came Do you ever see them ever talking about Jesus at his see them ever talking about Jesus at his see them ever talking about Jesus at his home? No. And you know why?

home? No. And you know why? home? No. And you know why? He says, "Foxes have holes. Birds have He says, "Foxes have holes. Birds have He says, "Foxes have holes. Birds have nests. Son of man has nowhere to lay his nests. Son of man has nowhere to lay his nests. Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." Jesus left home. Jesus left home. He wandered without a home. And when he He wandered without a home. And when he He wandered without a home. And when he was crucified, he was crucified outside was crucified, he was crucified outside was crucified, he was crucified outside the gate, outside the city. He was the the gate, outside the city. He was the the gate, outside the city. He was the ultimate exile. He was He received the ultimate exile. He was He received the ultimate exile. He was He received the exile we deserve. exile we deserve. exile we deserve. He lost home so that we could be brought He lost home so that we could be brought He lost home so that we could be brought in. He took the punishment we deserve. in. He took the punishment we deserve. in. He took the punishment we deserve. And if you know that, if you see him And if you know that, if you see him And if you know that, if you see him dying for you like that, then you can dying for you like that, then you can dying for you like that, then you can have courage. Let me give you a little have courage. Let me give you a little have courage. Let me give you a little secret and conclusion idea. Um, secret and conclusion idea. Um, secret and conclusion idea. Um, here's one of the ways I know some here's one of the ways I know some here's one of the ways I know some people get courage sometimes. You know people get courage sometimes. You know people get courage sometimes. You know that if I do the right thing or if I that if I do the right thing or if I that if I do the right thing or if I stand up, I'm really going to get stand up, I'm really going to get stand up, I'm really going to get clobbered or somebody's going to get clobbered or somebody's going to get clobbered or somebody's going to get upset with me and then you just upset with me and then you just upset with me and then you just chickenen out. Well, here's a way to be chickenen out. Well, here's a way to be chickenen out. Well, here's a way to be courageous. You know how at the end of courageous. You know how at the end of courageous. You know how at the end of the movie and the book of Lord of the the movie and the book of Lord of the the movie and the book of Lord of the Rings, there's a big battle and there's Rings, there's a big battle and there's Rings, there's a big battle and there's this one of the hobbits, Mary Mariodok.

this one of the hobbits, Mary Mariodok. this one of the hobbits, Mary Mariodok. He's uh he's in the middle of the battle He's uh he's in the middle of the battle He's uh he's in the middle of the battle and he's down in the mud and he's he's and he's down in the mud and he's he's and he's down in the mud and he's he's lost all of his courage and he's just lost all of his courage and he's just lost all of his courage and he's just trying to survive and there's all these trying to survive and there's all these trying to survive and there's all these big evil warriors around and he's just big evil warriors around and he's just big evil warriors around and he's just afraid that somebody's going to see him. afraid that somebody's going to see him. afraid that somebody's going to see him. And he looks up and he sees Aayowan And he looks up and he sees Aayowan And he looks up and he sees Aayowan standing in front of this great, you standing in front of this great, you standing in front of this great, you know, evil warrior. know, evil warrior. know, evil warrior. And when he sees her, I think the text And when he sees her, I think the text And when he sees her, I think the text says in the book, it says, "And the says in the book, it says, "And the says in the book, it says, "And the slowkindled courage of his wake of his slowkindled courage of his wake of his slowkindled courage of his wake of his race awoke and he said, she should not race awoke and he said, she should not race awoke and he said, she should not die alone." die alone." die alone." And the minute he said that she should And the minute he said that she should And the minute he said that she should not die alone, he got courageous and he not die alone, he got courageous and he not die alone, he got courageous and he does his great deed. Now, here's the does his great deed. Now, here's the does his great deed. Now, here's the point. point. point. Jesus should not die alone either. Oh, Jesus should not die alone either. Oh, Jesus should not die alone either. Oh, it doesn't mean that you can die for it doesn't mean that you can die for it doesn't mean that you can die for your own sins. But don't you realize if your own sins. But don't you realize if your own sins. But don't you realize if Jesus Christ has stood before what he Jesus Christ has stood before what he Jesus Christ has stood before what he stood before? He was rejected. He was stood before? He was rejected. He was stood before? He was rejected. He was betrayed. He was exiled. He was betrayed. He was exiled. He was betrayed. He was exiled. He was homeless. He was stripped. He was all homeless. He was stripped. He was all homeless. He was stripped. He was all for you. He He died the big death for for you. He He died the big death for for you. He He died the big death for you. Then you say, "He should not die you. Then you say, "He should not die you. Then you say, "He should not die alone. I can die these little deaths. I alone. I can die these little deaths. I alone. I can die these little deaths. I can just stick up. I can say it. If can just stick up. I can say it. If can just stick up. I can say it. If there's anything right now you're afraid there's anything right now you're afraid there's anything right now you're afraid to do, to do, to do, but you know Jesus wants you to do it, but you know Jesus wants you to do it, but you know Jesus wants you to do it, then just remember this. He should not then just remember this. He should not then just remember this. He should not die alone.

die alone. die alone. If you understand what he did for you, If you understand what he did for you, If you understand what he did for you, you'll be able to be courageous and you'll be able to be courageous and you'll be able to be courageous and compassionate. In fact, let me just end compassionate. In fact, let me just end compassionate. In fact, let me just end like this. When Kathy and I moved here like this. When Kathy and I moved here like this. When Kathy and I moved here 25 years ago, the parks were filled with 25 years ago, the parks were filled with 25 years ago, the parks were filled with homeless people. And it was very bad for homeless people. And it was very bad for homeless people. And it was very bad for them because parks are great places, but them because parks are great places, but them because parks are great places, but they aren't made for people to sleep in, they aren't made for people to sleep in, they aren't made for people to sleep in, eat in, bathe in, and do those other eat in, bathe in, and do those other eat in, bathe in, and do those other things in. things in. things in. Uh, in other words, they weren't they're Uh, in other words, they weren't they're Uh, in other words, they weren't they're not homes. They weren't made to be to not homes. They weren't made to be to not homes. They weren't made to be to bear the full freight of a human life. bear the full freight of a human life. bear the full freight of a human life. So, they were nice, but they became foul So, they were nice, but they became foul So, they were nice, but they became foul because they weren't home. because they weren't home. because they weren't home. I want you to know that if you live for I want you to know that if you live for I want you to know that if you live for anything more than Jesus Christ and his anything more than Jesus Christ and his anything more than Jesus Christ and his salvation, if there's anything that you salvation, if there's anything that you salvation, if there's anything that you are getting your happiness from more are getting your happiness from more are getting your happiness from more than Jesus and his salvation, it might than Jesus and his salvation, it might than Jesus and his salvation, it might be a good thing, but it's not home and be a good thing, but it's not home and be a good thing, but it's not home and it cannot bear the full weight of your it cannot bear the full weight of your it cannot bear the full weight of your soul. And if you let it, if you try, you will experience a homesickness.

you will experience a homesickness. But if you give yourself to Jesus and But if you give yourself to Jesus and But if you give yourself to Jesus and you begin to live for him, do you know you begin to live for him, do you know you begin to live for him, do you know what's going to happen? If you give what's going to happen? If you give what's going to happen? If you give yourself to him, then in prayer and in yourself to him, then in prayer and in yourself to him, then in prayer and in worship, you'll start to experience some worship, you'll start to experience some worship, you'll start to experience some of the foretastes of home, some of the of the foretastes of home, some of the of the foretastes of home, some of the foretastes of his presence. foretastes of his presence. foretastes of his presence. Then you'll start to some of your Then you'll start to some of your Then you'll start to some of your homesickness, your own him kite will homesickness, your own him kite will homesickness, your own him kite will start to get healed. And someday you can start to get healed. And someday you can start to get healed. And someday you can know that someday you will rise know that someday you will rise know that someday you will rise and you'll be home and you will say, and you'll be home and you will say, and you'll be home and you will say, "I'm home at last. I belong here. I belong here. This is the land I was looking for all This is the land I was looking for all This is the land I was looking for all my life, my life, my life, though I never knew it." Let's let's though I never knew it." Let's let's though I never knew it." Let's let's pray. Our father, thank you for uh home. pray. Our father, thank you for uh home. pray. Our father, thank you for uh home. Thank you that we're on our way home. Thank you that we're on our way home. Thank you that we're on our way home. Thank you for the promise of it. Thank Thank you for the promise of it. Thank Thank you for the promise of it. Thank you that your son lost it so that we can you that your son lost it so that we can you that your son lost it so that we can have it. Thank you for this very, very have it. Thank you for this very, very have it. Thank you for this very, very specific idea of living as exiles. It specific idea of living as exiles. It specific idea of living as exiles. It gives us such um a carefully calibrated, gives us such um a carefully calibrated, gives us such um a carefully calibrated, balanced understanding of what it means balanced understanding of what it means balanced understanding of what it means to live in a place like New York City.

to live in a place like New York City. to live in a place like New York City. We're to love New York City and yet not We're to love New York City and yet not We're to love New York City and yet not not be just like everyone else in New not be just like everyone else in New not be just like everyone else in New York City. We're to be resident aliens. York City. We're to be resident aliens. York City. We're to be resident aliens. We're supposed to be courageous enough We're supposed to be courageous enough We're supposed to be courageous enough to be offensive and compassionate enough to be offensive and compassionate enough to be offensive and compassionate enough to pour ourselves out for other people to pour ourselves out for other people to pour ourselves out for other people knowing we're going to be both knowing we're going to be both knowing we're going to be both misunderstood and at the same time we're misunderstood and at the same time we're misunderstood and at the same time we're going to draw many many people to you. going to draw many many people to you. going to draw many many people to you. So we pray that you would teach us how So we pray that you would teach us how So we pray that you would teach us how to do this that we how to live as joyful to do this that we how to live as joyful to do this that we how to live as joyful exiles. We pray this in Jesus name. exiles. We pray this in Jesus name. exiles. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for listening today. Gospel and Life's Ministry is supported Gospel and Life's Ministry is supported Gospel and Life's Ministry is supported by generous partners all over the world. by generous partners all over the world. by generous partners all over the world. Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel message with millions of people through message with millions of people through message with millions of people through our podcast, radio, and other channels, our podcast, radio, and other channels, our podcast, radio, and other channels, including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you for your part in it. If you'd like to for your part in it. If you'd like to for your part in it. If you'd like to make a gift today, go to make a gift today, go to make a gift today, go to gospelin.com/youtube gospelin.com/youtube gospelin.com/youtube and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again for your generous support because the for your generous support because the for your generous support because the gospel really does change everything.