1 00:00:00,480 --> 00:00:06,780 Dear brothers and sisters, we feel greatly honored 2 00:00:06,780 --> 00:00:10,380 to be able to come and visit you. 3 00:00:14,400 --> 00:00:17,520 We do thank the Lord that He has 4 00:00:17,520 --> 00:00:20,180 made it possible for us to come. 5 00:00:23,720 --> 00:00:26,900 And we want to greet you in the 6 00:00:26,900 --> 00:00:30,300 beloved name of our dear Lord Jesus. 7 00:00:36,040 --> 00:00:38,400 Will you please turn to Proverbs. 8 00:00:41,680 --> 00:00:46,280 Proverbs, chapter 29, verse 18. 9 00:00:52,720 --> 00:00:58,900 Proverbs, chapter 29, verse 18. 10 00:01:03,340 --> 00:01:08,660 Where there is no vision, the people cast 11 00:01:08,660 --> 00:01:09,700 off restraint. 12 00:01:10,720 --> 00:01:18,820 But happy is he who keepeth the law. 13 00:01:27,500 --> 00:01:32,800 But happy is he who keepeth the law. 14 00:01:35,940 --> 00:01:39,000 And also turn to the book of Acts, 15 00:01:41,520 --> 00:01:51,120 chapter 26, verse 19. 16 00:01:55,140 --> 00:02:00,620 Acts, chapter 26, verse 19. 17 00:02:03,480 --> 00:02:10,660 Whereupon King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to 18 00:02:10,660 --> 00:02:13,240 the heavenly vision. 19 00:02:13,240 --> 00:02:18,480 Whereupon King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to 20 00:02:18,480 --> 00:02:19,580 the heavenly vision. 21 00:02:20,780 --> 00:02:27,260 King Solomon, he spoke three thousand proverbs. 22 00:02:30,580 --> 00:02:34,020 He is the wisest of men. 23 00:02:37,020 --> 00:02:40,740 God gave him a hearing heart. 24 00:02:44,100 --> 00:02:50,640 In other words, he can hear God with 25 00:02:50,640 --> 00:02:51,300 his heart. 26 00:02:54,740 --> 00:03:02,440 And out of his hearing heart, he gave 27 00:03:02,440 --> 00:03:04,220 us many proverbs. 28 00:03:06,320 --> 00:03:10,400 And of all the proverbs, there is one 29 00:03:10,400 --> 00:03:14,220 which is very, very important. 30 00:03:18,460 --> 00:03:23,220 Because proverbs give us the principles of life. 31 00:03:25,680 --> 00:03:31,620 And here is a principle that is applicable 32 00:03:31,620 --> 00:03:37,460 not only to the earth, but applicable even 33 00:03:37,460 --> 00:03:39,440 to spiritual realm. 34 00:03:46,660 --> 00:03:49,560 And this is what the proverb says. 35 00:03:51,180 --> 00:03:58,120 Where there is no vision, the people cast 36 00:03:58,120 --> 00:03:59,600 off restraint. 37 00:04:01,820 --> 00:04:04,780 And in some version it may say, where 38 00:04:04,780 --> 00:04:08,740 there is no vision, the people scatter. 39 00:04:13,460 --> 00:04:17,920 Or even stronger, where there is no vision, 40 00:04:18,500 --> 00:04:19,740 the people perish. 41 00:04:24,520 --> 00:04:28,000 So we can see how important is this 42 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:29,480 matter of vision. 43 00:04:33,240 --> 00:04:35,750 It is important even in this world. 44 00:04:38,740 --> 00:04:43,960 You know, in this world, if people do 45 00:04:43,960 --> 00:04:48,500 not have vision, or you may put it 46 00:04:48,500 --> 00:04:52,020 in other words, if people do not have 47 00:04:52,020 --> 00:04:57,320 a dream, if people do not have a 48 00:04:57,320 --> 00:05:02,460 goal, if people do not have a strong 49 00:05:02,460 --> 00:05:08,780 ambition, if people do not want to attain 50 00:05:08,780 --> 00:05:16,220 to something, then that person can do nothing. 51 00:05:18,080 --> 00:05:21,280 If you want to be successful in this 52 00:05:21,280 --> 00:05:26,460 world, you have to have an ambition. 53 00:05:28,540 --> 00:05:32,240 You have to have an impelling force within 54 00:05:32,240 --> 00:05:32,560 you. 55 00:05:34,660 --> 00:05:41,240 There is something you want to arrive, and 56 00:05:41,240 --> 00:05:43,500 you are willing to pay any cost for 57 00:05:43,500 --> 00:05:43,920 it. 58 00:05:47,580 --> 00:05:50,100 You will be able to endure hardship. 59 00:05:52,560 --> 00:05:57,620 You are able to sacrifice many things in 60 00:05:57,620 --> 00:05:59,920 order that you may get what you are 61 00:05:59,920 --> 00:06:00,280 after. 62 00:06:02,480 --> 00:06:08,340 So we find that even in this world, 63 00:06:08,560 --> 00:06:14,080 vision, or dream, or ambition is very, very 64 00:06:14,080 --> 00:06:14,780 essential. 65 00:06:19,260 --> 00:06:22,180 Otherwise our life will be just mediocre. 66 00:06:26,140 --> 00:06:28,420 Or our life will be just drifting. 67 00:06:32,200 --> 00:06:39,700 We are not able to succeed in anything. 68 00:06:40,220 --> 00:06:43,500 Now, of course, when Solomon spoke that proverb, 69 00:06:46,660 --> 00:06:49,680 he had especially in his mind the children 70 00:06:49,680 --> 00:06:51,640 of Israel there. 71 00:06:55,100 --> 00:06:57,760 And therefore he said, where there is no 72 00:06:57,760 --> 00:06:58,100 vision. 73 00:07:00,280 --> 00:07:04,980 The people cast of restraint. 74 00:07:05,580 --> 00:07:09,360 Happy is he who keeps the law. 75 00:07:13,140 --> 00:07:16,880 Now, to the children of Israel, they were 76 00:07:16,880 --> 00:07:19,840 God's earthly chosen people. 77 00:07:23,240 --> 00:07:27,260 And God gave them a vision. 78 00:07:27,860 --> 00:07:32,820 On Mount Sinai, God gave them the ten 79 00:07:32,820 --> 00:07:34,340 words, the commandments. 80 00:07:37,520 --> 00:07:38,980 He gave them the law. 81 00:07:40,540 --> 00:07:45,540 And in the ten commandments, God revealed to 82 00:07:45,540 --> 00:07:47,680 them what a God He was. 83 00:07:50,980 --> 00:07:55,560 That He was holy in nature. 84 00:07:56,020 --> 00:07:59,160 He is altogether different from anything else. 85 00:08:01,440 --> 00:08:04,620 He is all unique by Himself. 86 00:08:07,140 --> 00:08:10,240 That is the first four commandments. 87 00:08:13,240 --> 00:08:14,560 God is holy. 88 00:08:16,660 --> 00:08:22,240 And then the other six commandments show us 89 00:08:22,240 --> 00:08:27,380 that God is righteous, so far as His 90 00:08:27,380 --> 00:08:28,680 nature is concerned. 91 00:08:30,820 --> 00:08:32,780 He is most holy. 92 00:08:36,500 --> 00:08:37,940 Altogether different. 93 00:08:38,179 --> 00:08:41,320 So far as His action is concerned. 94 00:08:42,940 --> 00:08:44,740 He is all righteous. 95 00:08:46,720 --> 00:08:49,840 And God gave this understanding to the children 96 00:08:49,840 --> 00:08:50,380 of Israel. 97 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:57,080 It is God's vision to the people of 98 00:08:57,080 --> 00:08:57,340 Israel. 99 00:09:00,280 --> 00:09:04,920 If they keep the law, they will be 100 00:09:04,920 --> 00:09:06,280 a most happy people. 101 00:09:08,920 --> 00:09:11,320 You know, happy is the same as blessed. 102 00:09:15,460 --> 00:09:21,800 They will be blessed if they keep the 103 00:09:21,800 --> 00:09:22,040 law. 104 00:09:22,140 --> 00:09:25,800 And this vision united the children of Israel 105 00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:26,860 into one. 106 00:09:31,640 --> 00:09:35,320 It gave them the goal of life. 107 00:09:38,140 --> 00:09:41,560 But brothers and sisters, we know that the 108 00:09:41,560 --> 00:09:44,340 law is just and righteous. 109 00:09:46,820 --> 00:09:48,760 The law is spiritual. 110 00:09:50,940 --> 00:09:54,940 But unfortunately, the children of Israel, they were 111 00:09:54,940 --> 00:09:58,000 earthly and fleshly. 112 00:10:02,240 --> 00:10:04,960 And because of this, you find as a 113 00:10:04,960 --> 00:10:07,980 nation they failed to keep the law of 114 00:10:07,980 --> 00:10:08,280 God. 115 00:10:13,920 --> 00:10:18,400 Even though by the mercy of God, there 116 00:10:18,400 --> 00:10:22,680 were some who were able to fear God. 117 00:10:26,280 --> 00:10:30,260 And who were able to receive the sacrifice. 118 00:10:30,280 --> 00:10:34,040 And who were able to receive the sacrifice. 119 00:10:34,520 --> 00:10:37,560 And these are the few who were able 120 00:10:38,140 --> 00:10:44,300 to keep the vision. 121 00:10:44,620 --> 00:10:49,820 But so far as the nation is concerned, 122 00:10:52,980 --> 00:10:56,340 they failed to become the blessed people of 123 00:10:56,340 --> 00:10:56,500 God. 124 00:11:00,280 --> 00:11:06,560 Now dear brothers and sisters, we are God's 125 00:11:06,560 --> 00:11:09,160 heavenly chosen people. 126 00:11:13,020 --> 00:11:14,360 Praise the Lord. 127 00:11:14,540 --> 00:11:16,140 He has come into this world. 128 00:11:19,020 --> 00:11:20,980 The shadow has passed. 129 00:11:22,940 --> 00:11:24,620 The reality has come. 130 00:11:26,260 --> 00:11:31,280 So by His grace, we are called the 131 00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:35,580 heavenly people of God. 132 00:11:35,820 --> 00:11:39,860 A spiritual people of God. 133 00:11:40,160 --> 00:11:43,740 And to us, God has also given us 134 00:11:43,740 --> 00:11:45,220 a heavenly vision. 135 00:11:49,940 --> 00:11:51,520 It is not the law. 136 00:11:53,800 --> 00:11:54,720 It is grace. 137 00:11:55,940 --> 00:11:58,880 It is not something about God. 138 00:12:01,700 --> 00:12:05,300 Giving us an outward knowledge of what God 139 00:12:05,300 --> 00:12:06,160 is like. 140 00:12:10,440 --> 00:12:13,060 But it is something of life. 141 00:12:16,020 --> 00:12:17,840 It is something inward. 142 00:12:19,640 --> 00:12:21,540 It is something of the spirit. 143 00:12:24,100 --> 00:12:28,180 And thank God He has given us a 144 00:12:28,180 --> 00:12:29,360 heavenly vision. 145 00:12:32,560 --> 00:12:37,040 And that vision is something that should grasp 146 00:12:37,040 --> 00:12:37,880 us. 147 00:12:40,520 --> 00:12:45,160 And happy are we if we are obedient 148 00:12:45,400 --> 00:12:47,200 to that heavenly vision. 149 00:12:53,660 --> 00:12:58,200 Now brothers and sisters, what is that heavenly 150 00:12:58,200 --> 00:12:58,700 vision? 151 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:05,160 That heavenly vision is not a mental knowledge 152 00:13:08,180 --> 00:13:09,300 of God. 153 00:13:09,680 --> 00:13:12,440 That heavenly vision is God Himself. 154 00:13:15,740 --> 00:13:19,880 God reveals Himself to us in His beloved 155 00:13:19,880 --> 00:13:20,320 Son. 156 00:13:23,440 --> 00:13:27,310 God shows us His eternal purpose. 157 00:13:32,980 --> 00:13:37,240 How His eternal purpose is concerning His beloved 158 00:13:37,240 --> 00:13:37,840 Son. 159 00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:46,700 And in His beloved Son He has called 160 00:13:46,700 --> 00:13:52,440 our people to be the bride of His 161 00:13:52,440 --> 00:13:53,080 beloved Son. 162 00:13:54,280 --> 00:13:57,340 And that is the gist of that heavenly 163 00:13:57,340 --> 00:13:57,820 vision. 164 00:14:01,340 --> 00:14:05,760 So brothers and sisters it is of tremendous 165 00:14:05,760 --> 00:14:14,060 importance that we who are God's people that 166 00:14:14,060 --> 00:14:18,120 we know what that heavenly vision really is. 167 00:14:21,260 --> 00:14:25,180 That by the Spirit of God we may 168 00:14:25,180 --> 00:14:31,700 have that vision in our spirit. 169 00:14:31,900 --> 00:14:35,460 Now by vision it doesn't mean that something 170 00:14:35,640 --> 00:14:40,420 you only see with your naked eyes. 171 00:14:44,100 --> 00:14:46,200 It is something deeper than that. 172 00:14:48,300 --> 00:14:52,160 It is God's revelation. 173 00:14:52,160 --> 00:14:56,620 And by His Spirit He reveals His heart 174 00:14:56,620 --> 00:15:01,660 to us. 175 00:15:01,840 --> 00:15:06,720 In our spirit deep down in our human 176 00:15:06,720 --> 00:15:13,800 spirit we see something of God. 177 00:15:16,660 --> 00:15:17,940 We see His heart. 178 00:15:19,480 --> 00:15:20,760 We see His mind. 179 00:15:21,540 --> 00:15:25,000 We see what He really is after. 180 00:15:27,780 --> 00:15:31,940 We see what is precious to Him. 181 00:15:32,060 --> 00:15:36,360 That it may be precious to us. 182 00:15:36,420 --> 00:15:39,760 And brothers and sisters this is what we 183 00:15:39,760 --> 00:15:42,860 need God to give us the spirit of 184 00:15:42,860 --> 00:15:47,880 wisdom and revelation to the true knowledge of 185 00:15:47,880 --> 00:15:48,240 God. 186 00:15:56,320 --> 00:16:00,520 In my contact with God's people in many 187 00:16:04,040 --> 00:16:09,080 places I discovered that the greatest need among 188 00:16:09,080 --> 00:16:19,040 God's people is to catch that vision that 189 00:16:19,040 --> 00:16:20,060 heavenly vision. 190 00:16:20,100 --> 00:16:23,020 That is the greatest need. 191 00:16:23,340 --> 00:16:26,900 Thank God that God's people are blessed. 192 00:16:30,400 --> 00:16:33,980 By the grace of God He has not 193 00:16:33,980 --> 00:16:41,320 only enabled us to receive salvation Thank God 194 00:16:41,320 --> 00:16:44,380 we know that our sins have been forgiven. 195 00:16:47,860 --> 00:16:50,560 Thank God we know that He has given 196 00:16:50,560 --> 00:16:52,840 us His own eternal life. 197 00:16:56,830 --> 00:16:59,560 Thank God He has blessed us with many 198 00:17:02,780 --> 00:17:03,640 blessings. 199 00:17:04,200 --> 00:17:08,640 But brothers and sisters the greatest need among 200 00:17:08,640 --> 00:17:14,760 God's people today is to catch that heavenly 201 00:17:14,760 --> 00:17:15,180 vision. 202 00:17:17,560 --> 00:17:23,520 Because without that heavenly vision we really do 203 00:17:23,520 --> 00:17:26,920 not have a purpose of our life. 204 00:17:27,319 --> 00:17:35,980 What is the purpose of our spiritual life? 205 00:17:36,140 --> 00:17:39,180 Why is it that God should save us 206 00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:43,800 out of multitudes of people? 207 00:17:46,060 --> 00:17:48,240 Why is it that the grace of God 208 00:17:48,240 --> 00:17:49,440 should come upon us? 209 00:17:52,580 --> 00:17:54,580 Is it that we may be free? 210 00:17:57,060 --> 00:17:59,060 Is it that we may live our own 211 00:17:59,060 --> 00:17:59,580 lives? 212 00:18:01,820 --> 00:18:04,360 Is it that we may just enjoy the 213 00:18:04,360 --> 00:18:06,580 blessings that God has blessed us with? 214 00:18:08,860 --> 00:18:13,780 Brothers and sisters that will make us very 215 00:18:13,780 --> 00:18:14,260 selfish. 216 00:18:17,240 --> 00:18:19,540 That will make us very self-centered. 217 00:18:22,220 --> 00:18:26,760 If we believe in the Lord Jesus and 218 00:18:26,760 --> 00:18:32,620 we become a self-centered people what will 219 00:18:32,620 --> 00:18:33,800 it glorify God? 220 00:18:35,920 --> 00:18:39,720 Brothers and sisters God has a higher purpose 221 00:18:39,720 --> 00:18:40,600 for us. 222 00:18:44,060 --> 00:18:46,980 He wants us to know Himself in a 223 00:18:46,980 --> 00:18:50,920 living way. 224 00:18:51,140 --> 00:18:54,060 He wants us to enter into His very 225 00:18:54,060 --> 00:18:54,640 heart. 226 00:18:58,260 --> 00:19:00,140 He wants us to be what He wants 227 00:19:00,140 --> 00:19:04,580 us to be. 228 00:19:04,820 --> 00:19:09,340 That He may be glorified in us. 229 00:19:09,480 --> 00:19:14,040 His Son may be glorified in us. 230 00:19:14,040 --> 00:19:19,080 Brothers and sisters otherwise even we as Christians 231 00:19:19,080 --> 00:19:22,420 have no real purpose of life. 232 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:30,520 What is the goal that you are seeking 233 00:19:30,520 --> 00:19:31,300 for today? 234 00:19:34,280 --> 00:19:37,160 We are called with our own high calling. 235 00:19:40,680 --> 00:19:43,300 We are called with a glorious calling. 236 00:19:47,440 --> 00:19:49,420 We are called with a holy calling. 237 00:19:52,400 --> 00:19:54,260 Now, what is that calling? 238 00:19:56,060 --> 00:19:59,960 What is it that God really desires to 239 00:20:00,720 --> 00:20:02,280 obtain in us? 240 00:20:06,020 --> 00:20:10,300 That will make our life really useful to 241 00:20:10,300 --> 00:20:10,640 God. 242 00:20:13,580 --> 00:20:17,280 And glorify God. 243 00:20:17,700 --> 00:20:22,720 Brothers and sisters, is there something within us 244 00:20:24,100 --> 00:20:27,680 that enables us to press on towards the 245 00:20:27,680 --> 00:20:27,840 goal? 246 00:20:32,040 --> 00:20:36,100 Is there a power within us that we 247 00:20:36,100 --> 00:20:39,700 are willing to sacrifice everything for that one 248 00:20:39,700 --> 00:20:40,000 thing? 249 00:20:43,480 --> 00:20:46,320 Is there something that will give us discipline? 250 00:20:50,560 --> 00:20:53,040 Is there something within us that will give 251 00:20:53,040 --> 00:20:53,920 us endurance? 252 00:20:57,660 --> 00:21:00,480 Is there something that will unite us together 253 00:21:00,480 --> 00:21:01,780 as one people? 254 00:21:05,860 --> 00:21:10,720 If, brothers and sisters, you have your own 255 00:21:11,260 --> 00:21:15,160 vision, I have my own dream, you have 256 00:21:15,160 --> 00:21:19,920 your own purpose, I have my own idea, 257 00:21:21,840 --> 00:21:24,900 we will be a scattered people. 258 00:21:25,340 --> 00:21:28,480 What really unites us into one? 259 00:21:29,820 --> 00:21:34,700 What really disciplines us that we will not 260 00:21:36,680 --> 00:21:37,420 perish? 261 00:21:37,860 --> 00:21:42,420 Brothers and sisters, it is that heavenly vision. 262 00:21:44,940 --> 00:21:49,580 So, to me, I feel that it is 263 00:21:49,580 --> 00:21:59,720 of tremendous importance that every child of God 264 00:21:59,720 --> 00:22:04,480 must catch that heavenly vision that God has 265 00:22:04,480 --> 00:22:06,620 meant for every one of us. 266 00:22:11,340 --> 00:22:16,400 Because without that heavenly vision, we will cast 267 00:22:16,400 --> 00:22:17,260 off restraint. 268 00:22:19,640 --> 00:22:23,620 We will be a people without discipline. 269 00:22:24,220 --> 00:22:26,100 We will be a people without goal. 270 00:22:28,360 --> 00:22:29,920 Life will be meaningless. 271 00:22:32,420 --> 00:22:35,880 We will not be able to fulfill God's 272 00:22:35,880 --> 00:22:36,200 will. 273 00:22:38,520 --> 00:22:44,520 And God will not be glorified in us. 274 00:22:45,120 --> 00:22:48,880 Heavenly vision is a must in our Christian 275 00:22:49,900 --> 00:22:50,340 life. 276 00:22:54,160 --> 00:22:57,840 It is the only thing that enables us 277 00:22:57,840 --> 00:23:01,420 to go to follow the Lord to the 278 00:23:01,420 --> 00:23:02,080 very end. 279 00:23:07,440 --> 00:23:14,040 All those who are the Lord, we find 280 00:23:14,040 --> 00:23:18,340 in the New Testament among the apostles. 281 00:23:19,260 --> 00:23:24,700 We find in church history among God's people 282 00:23:26,300 --> 00:23:34,180 who really glorify God in their lives by 283 00:23:34,180 --> 00:23:35,680 the grace of God. 284 00:23:36,880 --> 00:23:41,160 They really achieved something for God's glory. 285 00:23:46,260 --> 00:23:48,000 They were able to endure. 286 00:23:51,240 --> 00:23:57,900 They were willing to sacrifice for one thing, 287 00:23:58,220 --> 00:24:01,760 that the heavenly mission might be fulfilled in 288 00:24:01,760 --> 00:24:02,460 their lives. 289 00:24:07,720 --> 00:24:11,560 Every one of them, you will find they 290 00:24:11,560 --> 00:24:14,060 are being caught by that heavenly vision. 291 00:24:19,900 --> 00:24:23,900 Dear brothers and sisters, it is our prayer 292 00:24:25,320 --> 00:24:29,400 that every one of us here will be 293 00:24:29,400 --> 00:24:31,580 caught up by that heavenly vision. 294 00:24:33,480 --> 00:24:38,940 It is not a mental understanding. 295 00:24:39,720 --> 00:24:44,020 It is an inward reality. 296 00:24:44,540 --> 00:24:49,000 Now, of all those who have that heavenly 297 00:24:51,940 --> 00:24:56,460 vision, I feel that the apostle Paul is 298 00:24:56,460 --> 00:25:02,440 one who seems to catch that heavenly vision 299 00:25:02,440 --> 00:25:06,340 in a most inclusive way. 300 00:25:11,400 --> 00:25:13,000 Now, it is very true. 301 00:25:14,660 --> 00:25:17,400 The apostle John caught that heavenly vision. 302 00:25:20,400 --> 00:25:22,860 The apostle Peter caught that heavenly vision. 303 00:25:25,740 --> 00:25:27,420 And you will find in every one of 304 00:25:27,420 --> 00:25:32,680 them, there were some special emphases. 305 00:25:35,920 --> 00:25:40,000 But not because of the special emphases. 306 00:25:43,060 --> 00:25:46,740 You lose the general outline of that heavenly 307 00:25:46,740 --> 00:25:47,160 vision. 308 00:25:52,300 --> 00:25:55,420 But to me, I feel that apostle Paul 309 00:25:57,420 --> 00:26:00,420 he seemed to give us a very clear 310 00:26:00,420 --> 00:26:05,880 general outline of that heavenly vision. 311 00:26:08,720 --> 00:26:12,620 So, God willing, we would like to share 312 00:26:12,620 --> 00:26:18,420 together on that heavenly vision that Paul saw. 313 00:26:22,920 --> 00:26:25,780 You know his whole life and ministry. 314 00:26:27,980 --> 00:26:33,220 Were controlled by that heavenly vision. 315 00:26:35,960 --> 00:26:39,000 Even towards the end of his life. 316 00:26:41,700 --> 00:26:44,500 He gave his testimony before King Agrippa. 317 00:26:47,100 --> 00:26:49,060 He said, wherefore King Agrippa? 318 00:26:51,300 --> 00:26:54,740 I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. 319 00:26:57,500 --> 00:27:00,640 It is that heavenly vision that changes my 320 00:27:00,640 --> 00:27:01,280 life. 321 00:27:04,660 --> 00:27:08,260 It is that heavenly vision that controls my 322 00:27:08,260 --> 00:27:12,440 whole being. 323 00:27:13,020 --> 00:27:16,800 I live for that heavenly vision. 324 00:27:16,900 --> 00:27:20,420 That heavenly vision lives in me. 325 00:27:21,360 --> 00:27:25,240 It is a spiritual reality. 326 00:27:25,240 --> 00:27:29,240 Brothers and sisters, this is Paul's testimony. 327 00:27:31,260 --> 00:27:33,460 And I believe that it is God's will. 328 00:27:35,060 --> 00:27:37,240 That it should be our testimony. 329 00:27:39,580 --> 00:27:43,100 You know, the testimony of the Apostle Paul 330 00:27:45,160 --> 00:27:50,440 is given in the book of Acts three 331 00:27:50,440 --> 00:27:51,120 times. 332 00:27:51,760 --> 00:27:54,940 The first time in Acts chapter nine. 333 00:27:58,200 --> 00:28:02,720 It was Luke who records what happened. 334 00:28:05,960 --> 00:28:10,100 He records what happened to Saul, the Pharisee, 335 00:28:10,780 --> 00:28:12,620 on the road to Damascus. 336 00:28:17,720 --> 00:28:22,920 And then in Acts chapter twenty-two, the 337 00:28:22,920 --> 00:28:27,780 Apostle himself gave his testimony before the Jews. 338 00:28:32,080 --> 00:28:36,520 And then again in chapter twenty-six, he 339 00:28:36,520 --> 00:28:42,340 gave his testimony before the Gentiles, even though 340 00:28:42,340 --> 00:28:43,580 before King Agrippa. 341 00:28:45,660 --> 00:28:50,060 And you remember the Roman Empire was represented 342 00:28:50,060 --> 00:28:50,280 there. 343 00:28:54,720 --> 00:28:59,880 So three times his testimony is recorded in 344 00:28:59,880 --> 00:29:00,720 the book of Acts. 345 00:29:05,800 --> 00:29:10,780 Now dear brothers and sisters, when God speaks 346 00:29:10,780 --> 00:29:14,720 once, we may not hear it. 347 00:29:16,500 --> 00:29:18,180 So God has to speak twice. 348 00:29:20,600 --> 00:29:26,200 But here you find God speaks three times. 349 00:29:26,300 --> 00:29:27,440 Now, what does it mean? 350 00:29:28,860 --> 00:29:35,000 It means that it should catch our attention. 351 00:29:35,540 --> 00:29:38,440 It means that this testimony of the Apostle 352 00:29:38,440 --> 00:29:45,720 Paul is not just something personal. 353 00:29:46,320 --> 00:29:53,140 It is a testimony that should be ours. 354 00:29:53,440 --> 00:29:56,880 God gave the heavenly vision to the Apostle 355 00:29:56,880 --> 00:30:03,060 Paul that he may pass on to us 356 00:30:03,060 --> 00:30:03,480 today. 357 00:30:06,020 --> 00:30:11,200 So every one of us need to see 358 00:30:11,200 --> 00:30:12,260 that heavenly vision. 359 00:30:15,760 --> 00:30:18,160 We may not experience it in the same 360 00:30:18,160 --> 00:30:20,480 way as the Apostle Paul. 361 00:30:24,320 --> 00:30:26,920 Because for every one is different. 362 00:30:29,700 --> 00:30:31,440 You know, God loves variety. 363 00:30:34,880 --> 00:30:37,540 And yet in variety there is unity. 364 00:30:41,100 --> 00:30:44,300 So we may receive that heavenly vision in 365 00:30:44,300 --> 00:30:46,440 different ways as the Apostle Paul. 366 00:30:53,000 --> 00:30:56,620 But the outline of the heavenly vision should 367 00:30:56,620 --> 00:30:57,740 be the same. 368 00:31:00,700 --> 00:31:06,420 Otherwise, how can we be united into one? 369 00:31:10,200 --> 00:31:14,520 So dear brothers and sisters, it is my 370 00:31:14,520 --> 00:31:15,000 burden. 371 00:31:16,610 --> 00:31:22,320 To share with you on the heavenly vision 372 00:31:22,320 --> 00:31:25,180 given to the Apostle Paul. 373 00:31:28,800 --> 00:31:32,800 Now, in order to understand what really happened 374 00:31:33,350 --> 00:31:40,560 on the road to Damascus, it is important 375 00:31:40,560 --> 00:31:43,360 for us to understand a little background. 376 00:31:47,520 --> 00:31:50,520 We want to know what kind of person 377 00:31:50,520 --> 00:31:55,320 that man who was called Saul before. 378 00:31:59,600 --> 00:32:03,480 Now, in the New Testament, you find there 379 00:32:03,480 --> 00:32:06,740 are many references to his past. 380 00:32:08,100 --> 00:32:13,020 He himself told of his past, and especially 381 00:32:13,020 --> 00:32:15,480 if you turn to Philippians chapter three. 382 00:32:17,840 --> 00:32:21,460 In Philippians chapter three verses five and six, 383 00:32:25,200 --> 00:32:27,580 he told us a little bit of his 384 00:32:27,580 --> 00:32:28,060 background. 385 00:32:30,640 --> 00:32:33,700 He said he was circumcised on the eighth 386 00:32:33,700 --> 00:32:34,980 day. 387 00:32:37,420 --> 00:32:40,780 Now, to a Jew, this was very, very 388 00:32:40,780 --> 00:32:41,660 important. 389 00:32:44,550 --> 00:32:51,620 Because you remember in Genesis chapter seventeen, God 390 00:32:51,620 --> 00:32:56,880 made a covenant with Abraham, and the sign 391 00:32:56,880 --> 00:32:59,470 of the covenant was circumcision. 392 00:33:04,540 --> 00:33:10,400 Any male born to the children of Abraham 393 00:33:13,980 --> 00:33:17,980 must be circumcised on the eighth day. 394 00:33:20,700 --> 00:33:24,420 That is the sign of God's covenant with 395 00:33:24,420 --> 00:33:25,180 Abraham. 396 00:33:29,340 --> 00:33:36,080 If a male child is not circumcised, he 397 00:33:36,080 --> 00:33:40,240 will not be considered as belonging to the 398 00:33:40,240 --> 00:33:41,780 commonwealth of Israel. 399 00:33:45,000 --> 00:33:47,880 He will be outside of God's covenant. 400 00:33:50,920 --> 00:33:53,140 But we know that Abraham, when he was 401 00:33:55,520 --> 00:33:57,620 circumcised, you know how old he was? 402 00:33:59,540 --> 00:34:01,000 He was ninety years old. 403 00:34:03,480 --> 00:34:09,320 And you remember his son Ismael, when he 404 00:34:09,320 --> 00:34:13,040 was circumcised, he was thirteen years old. 405 00:34:14,560 --> 00:34:17,320 So strictly speaking, they are not kosher. 406 00:34:17,620 --> 00:34:20,280 They are not very kosher, very orthodox. 407 00:34:24,679 --> 00:34:30,159 But this young man, who was called Potsaw, 408 00:34:31,760 --> 00:34:35,980 he was circumcised on the eighth day. 409 00:34:36,800 --> 00:34:40,139 So you find he was a covenant people 410 00:34:40,900 --> 00:34:41,540 of God. 411 00:34:45,120 --> 00:34:48,340 And more than that, he said he was 412 00:34:48,340 --> 00:34:50,280 of the race of Israel. 413 00:34:53,679 --> 00:34:55,620 You know that is very important too. 414 00:34:58,100 --> 00:34:58,360 Why? 415 00:34:58,540 --> 00:35:00,260 Because he was not of Esau. 416 00:35:02,560 --> 00:35:04,940 As you know, Esau lost his birthright. 417 00:35:09,320 --> 00:35:11,760 And he lost his blessing of the birthright. 418 00:35:14,060 --> 00:35:16,640 But Jacob got the birthright. 419 00:35:19,060 --> 00:35:20,220 And he got the blessing. 420 00:35:23,100 --> 00:35:29,100 And even though he got it wrongly, God 421 00:35:29,100 --> 00:35:32,220 really chastised him. 422 00:35:34,540 --> 00:35:37,240 Until God turned him from Jacob to Israel. 423 00:35:40,780 --> 00:35:42,820 And Paul said, I am of the race 424 00:35:42,820 --> 00:35:47,100 of Israel. 425 00:35:47,400 --> 00:35:50,340 And more than that, he said, I was 426 00:35:50,340 --> 00:35:51,700 of the tribe of Benjamin. 427 00:35:54,360 --> 00:35:57,340 You know, Jacob had twelve sons. 428 00:35:58,540 --> 00:36:01,300 But all the eleven sons were not born 429 00:36:01,300 --> 00:36:02,880 in the promised land. 430 00:36:10,000 --> 00:36:14,340 Only Benjamin was born in the promised land. 431 00:36:15,380 --> 00:36:17,760 So you find he was the very orthodox 432 00:36:17,760 --> 00:36:19,120 of the orthodox Jew. 433 00:36:23,860 --> 00:36:26,860 And furthermore, he said, I am a Hebrew 434 00:36:26,860 --> 00:36:27,780 of Hebrews. 435 00:36:30,720 --> 00:36:35,880 You know, Saul actually was born outside of 436 00:36:35,880 --> 00:36:36,720 the promised land. 437 00:36:36,720 --> 00:36:43,680 He was born in a gentile city. 438 00:36:44,240 --> 00:36:46,070 Saul of Tarsus of Cilicia. 439 00:36:48,700 --> 00:36:54,440 Yet he was born to a Hebrew family. 440 00:36:55,040 --> 00:36:57,180 But what is a Hebrew of Hebrews? 441 00:36:59,700 --> 00:37:02,640 It means that even they live in a 442 00:37:02,640 --> 00:37:09,560 gentile city, in their home, they still speak 443 00:37:13,020 --> 00:37:13,780 Hebrew. 444 00:37:14,260 --> 00:37:18,000 You know, many people migrated to other countries. 445 00:37:22,080 --> 00:37:24,680 And even their children in their home will 446 00:37:24,680 --> 00:37:26,600 not speak that native language anymore. 447 00:37:31,600 --> 00:37:36,220 For instance, many Chinese children in the States 448 00:37:36,220 --> 00:37:37,380 could not speak Chinese. 449 00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:44,160 And so they are no longer typical Chinese. 450 00:37:46,080 --> 00:37:50,620 But in this family, even though they live 451 00:37:50,620 --> 00:37:56,300 in a gentile city, they spoke Hebrew at 452 00:37:56,300 --> 00:37:59,720 home. 453 00:37:59,800 --> 00:38:02,300 So he was a Hebrew of Hebrews. 454 00:38:04,320 --> 00:38:08,100 Now, brothers and sisters, it may not mean 455 00:38:08,100 --> 00:38:13,620 anything to you, but to a Jew this 456 00:38:13,620 --> 00:38:19,500 is most important. 457 00:38:19,920 --> 00:38:23,700 That he is really God's chosen one. 458 00:38:23,920 --> 00:38:31,000 He is really a covenant people of God. 459 00:38:34,540 --> 00:38:37,320 That makes him different from every nation. 460 00:38:41,140 --> 00:38:42,200 And not only that. 461 00:38:43,600 --> 00:38:50,720 If you look into his upbringing, even though 462 00:38:50,720 --> 00:38:55,660 when he was young, living in a gentile 463 00:38:55,660 --> 00:39:03,540 city, he received Greek culture. 464 00:39:03,760 --> 00:39:05,620 You know, at that time it was the 465 00:39:05,620 --> 00:39:06,540 Roman Empire. 466 00:39:09,960 --> 00:39:14,400 But the culture was Greek culture. 467 00:39:14,620 --> 00:39:19,760 And the apostle, and Saul, he was born 468 00:39:19,760 --> 00:39:25,820 in Tarsus, and somehow his family was able 469 00:39:25,820 --> 00:39:27,760 to get Roman citizenship. 470 00:39:34,020 --> 00:39:35,960 So, when he was born, he was a 471 00:39:35,960 --> 00:39:36,800 Roman citizen. 472 00:39:39,500 --> 00:39:41,380 Now, at that time, to be a Roman 473 00:39:41,380 --> 00:39:43,060 citizen was very special. 474 00:39:46,880 --> 00:39:51,020 Because there were more slaves than citizens in 475 00:39:51,020 --> 00:39:51,820 Roman Empire. 476 00:39:55,820 --> 00:40:00,600 As a Roman citizen, he had right to 477 00:40:00,600 --> 00:40:02,240 all the Roman rights. 478 00:40:07,120 --> 00:40:09,820 And then he received Greek culture. 479 00:40:12,060 --> 00:40:16,080 The highest culture during that these days. 480 00:40:18,540 --> 00:40:24,300 And further than that, he was trained as 481 00:40:24,300 --> 00:40:25,420 a Pharisee. 482 00:40:28,480 --> 00:40:32,940 Now, brothers and sisters, today, when you hear 483 00:40:32,940 --> 00:40:36,200 the word Pharisees, we say, well, that's very 484 00:40:36,200 --> 00:40:36,660 bad. 485 00:40:40,560 --> 00:40:45,520 Because our Lord Jesus cursed the Pharisees. 486 00:40:48,600 --> 00:40:49,320 Hypocrites. 487 00:40:51,360 --> 00:40:57,000 But to the Jews, at that time, the 488 00:40:57,000 --> 00:40:59,520 Pharisees were very, very special. 489 00:41:02,660 --> 00:41:05,900 Never, in any time, there were more than 490 00:41:05,900 --> 00:41:07,860 several thousand Pharisees. 491 00:41:11,700 --> 00:41:15,440 Pharisees was a very strict set of Judaism. 492 00:41:19,880 --> 00:41:23,020 They devoted their lives not only to study 493 00:41:26,060 --> 00:41:31,680 the Scripture, but to keep every item of 494 00:41:31,680 --> 00:41:32,080 the Law. 495 00:41:37,200 --> 00:41:40,140 They kept the Law more than what they 496 00:41:40,140 --> 00:41:43,300 could find in God's Word. 497 00:41:47,880 --> 00:41:50,420 They kept the traditions of the Fathers. 498 00:41:53,000 --> 00:41:57,320 So they were looked upon by other people 499 00:41:57,320 --> 00:41:59,680 as a very model. 500 00:42:03,900 --> 00:42:06,600 And this young man was not a hypocrite. 501 00:42:09,940 --> 00:42:11,200 He meant business. 502 00:42:13,000 --> 00:42:15,380 He said, according to the righteousness of the 503 00:42:15,380 --> 00:42:18,020 Law, I was blameless. 504 00:42:22,300 --> 00:42:25,940 He kept every letter of the Law. 505 00:42:30,120 --> 00:42:32,180 And we know that he was a student 506 00:42:32,180 --> 00:42:33,060 of Gamaliel. 507 00:42:35,640 --> 00:42:38,300 Gamaliel, at the time, was one of the 508 00:42:38,300 --> 00:42:39,980 greatest rabbis. 509 00:42:44,500 --> 00:42:47,520 Gamaliel was the grandson of Helio. 510 00:42:48,140 --> 00:42:55,600 Helio was a great rabbi. 511 00:42:55,760 --> 00:42:58,480 A school of the Pharisees. 512 00:43:01,700 --> 00:43:04,740 And this young man studied under Gamaliel. 513 00:43:08,660 --> 00:43:13,200 And he was zealous for the traditions of 514 00:43:13,200 --> 00:43:13,620 the Fathers. 515 00:43:17,520 --> 00:43:22,340 He told us himself, he was more advanced 516 00:43:22,340 --> 00:43:26,560 than his contemporaries. 517 00:43:26,820 --> 00:43:28,500 What a young man he was. 518 00:43:30,740 --> 00:43:35,540 Brothers and sisters, young men at any age 519 00:43:35,540 --> 00:43:38,320 will seek worldly things. 520 00:43:44,220 --> 00:43:46,560 It is very rare to see any young 521 00:43:46,560 --> 00:43:55,660 man seeking moral, religious, spiritual things. 522 00:43:59,960 --> 00:44:02,830 But this young man saw. 523 00:44:03,540 --> 00:44:05,620 He despised earthly things. 524 00:44:08,280 --> 00:44:11,360 He knew these are only temporary passing by. 525 00:44:13,900 --> 00:44:16,340 He sought for something eternal. 526 00:44:18,520 --> 00:44:19,520 He was moral. 527 00:44:21,420 --> 00:44:22,580 He was religious. 528 00:44:24,120 --> 00:44:26,340 He was very zealous. 529 00:44:27,420 --> 00:44:30,820 And in his zeal for the traditions of 530 00:44:30,820 --> 00:44:38,060 the Fathers, he persecuted the followers of Jesus. 531 00:44:41,060 --> 00:44:43,740 Because according to the traditions of the Fathers, 532 00:44:47,300 --> 00:44:53,660 they considered Jesus as an imposter. 533 00:44:54,040 --> 00:44:56,580 Because Jesus did not fit in with their 534 00:44:56,580 --> 00:44:58,020 idea of Messiah. 535 00:45:02,900 --> 00:45:05,200 They were looking for a political Messiah. 536 00:45:08,020 --> 00:45:10,940 A Messiah that would come overturn the Roman 537 00:45:10,940 --> 00:45:11,460 Empire. 538 00:45:14,660 --> 00:45:20,100 And make Israel the first of the nations. 539 00:45:20,400 --> 00:45:24,080 But when our Lord Jesus came, He did 540 00:45:24,080 --> 00:45:25,120 not do this work. 541 00:45:26,720 --> 00:45:30,060 He sought for the spiritual good of the 542 00:45:30,060 --> 00:45:30,400 people. 543 00:45:34,060 --> 00:45:35,920 So they were disappointed at him. 544 00:45:38,220 --> 00:45:40,380 They thought he was an imposter of Judaism. 545 00:45:42,260 --> 00:45:44,100 They crucified him. 546 00:45:45,400 --> 00:45:50,540 And anyone who followed Jesus was to be 547 00:45:51,980 --> 00:45:52,780 eliminated. 548 00:45:53,360 --> 00:45:56,480 That is according to the tradition of the 549 00:45:56,480 --> 00:45:56,940 Fathers. 550 00:45:59,400 --> 00:46:02,200 And this young man Saul did his very 551 00:46:02,200 --> 00:46:04,560 best to carry out the task. 552 00:46:09,300 --> 00:46:13,000 And all the time he was thinking, he 553 00:46:13,000 --> 00:46:14,260 was serving God. 554 00:46:18,360 --> 00:46:23,740 Dear brothers and sisters, you know the traditions 555 00:46:23,740 --> 00:46:27,580 of the Jewish Father are the best traditions 556 00:46:27,580 --> 00:46:28,200 in the world. 557 00:46:34,560 --> 00:46:37,840 And even with the best tradition of the 558 00:46:40,780 --> 00:46:44,160 world, you know that is total darkness. 559 00:46:46,940 --> 00:46:50,760 This young man, he meant well. 560 00:46:52,480 --> 00:46:53,600 He was sincere. 561 00:46:54,880 --> 00:46:55,880 He was honest. 562 00:46:57,140 --> 00:46:59,240 And yet he was totally blind. 563 00:47:01,760 --> 00:47:08,340 He was blinded by human tradition. 564 00:47:08,740 --> 00:47:10,340 There was no revelation. 565 00:47:12,080 --> 00:47:13,820 There was no heavenly light. 566 00:47:15,840 --> 00:47:17,780 He was grouping in darkness. 567 00:47:20,840 --> 00:47:24,880 He didn't know that he was persecuting God. 568 00:47:28,000 --> 00:47:30,340 He thought he was serving God. 569 00:47:31,660 --> 00:47:40,440 Dear brothers and sisters, how strong is tradition. 570 00:47:41,020 --> 00:47:47,700 Even the best of human tradition, if it's 571 00:47:47,700 --> 00:47:55,340 not of revelation from above, the best of 572 00:47:55,340 --> 00:47:58,000 man's tradition is total darkness. 573 00:48:01,220 --> 00:48:04,000 And tradition is so powerful. 574 00:48:07,240 --> 00:48:09,480 It can dominate that person. 575 00:48:12,320 --> 00:48:14,640 He didn't know what he was doing. 576 00:48:16,740 --> 00:48:23,820 Oh, brothers and sisters, beware of human tradition. 577 00:48:24,760 --> 00:48:28,540 Even though we may grow up in Christian 578 00:48:28,540 --> 00:48:36,500 tradition, I was born to a Christian family. 579 00:48:38,040 --> 00:48:42,560 My family used to be Buddhist or Confucianist. 580 00:48:46,780 --> 00:48:50,040 Thank God my father was the first one 581 00:48:50,040 --> 00:48:51,300 who turned to the Lord. 582 00:48:55,060 --> 00:48:58,120 He was persecuted because of his faith. 583 00:48:59,880 --> 00:49:01,800 But I was born to a Christian family. 584 00:49:04,810 --> 00:49:06,320 My father loved the Lord. 585 00:49:08,420 --> 00:49:11,040 We had family worship every evening. 586 00:49:14,420 --> 00:49:19,350 But dear brothers and sisters, I can testify 587 00:49:19,880 --> 00:49:25,880 even Christian tradition, which is handed down by 588 00:49:25,880 --> 00:49:35,160 the Father, without revelation from above, is total 589 00:49:35,160 --> 00:49:35,880 darkness. 590 00:49:38,020 --> 00:49:43,760 Not until one day, God in His mercy 591 00:49:44,160 --> 00:49:46,640 revealed His Son in me. 592 00:49:47,980 --> 00:49:52,640 Oh, brothers and sisters, He opened my eyes. 593 00:49:54,180 --> 00:49:55,680 That is the reality. 594 00:49:56,940 --> 00:50:02,240 So never, never be contented with any tradition. 595 00:50:06,560 --> 00:50:07,980 We need revelation. 596 00:50:09,960 --> 00:50:11,680 Revelation from above. 597 00:50:13,380 --> 00:50:18,660 Now this young man saw God knew His 598 00:50:20,240 --> 00:50:21,100 heart. 599 00:50:21,580 --> 00:50:26,180 God knew He was sincere, but blind. 600 00:50:28,360 --> 00:50:32,580 So you find that God's grace came upon 601 00:50:35,420 --> 00:50:36,120 him. 602 00:50:36,420 --> 00:50:38,520 But God allowed Him to go as far 603 00:50:38,520 --> 00:50:39,420 as He could. 604 00:50:43,440 --> 00:50:46,680 I often say that God's love, cord of 605 00:50:46,680 --> 00:50:48,440 love, is very long. 606 00:50:53,620 --> 00:50:57,640 Actually, actually the cord of love was already 607 00:50:58,200 --> 00:50:59,860 surrounded this young man. 608 00:51:05,660 --> 00:51:08,820 But God allowed that cord to extend and 609 00:51:08,820 --> 00:51:09,520 to extend. 610 00:51:13,340 --> 00:51:15,400 It seemed that He demanded this young man 611 00:51:15,400 --> 00:51:17,460 just to go to the very end. 612 00:51:20,380 --> 00:51:23,640 But God said, thus far and no further. 613 00:51:27,000 --> 00:51:29,460 He persecuted the believers. 614 00:51:31,660 --> 00:51:39,040 He entered into Christian homes, seized men and 615 00:51:39,040 --> 00:51:47,180 women, put them into prison, condemned them, and 616 00:51:47,180 --> 00:51:49,340 when they were condemned to death, He gave 617 00:51:49,340 --> 00:51:51,460 His vote. 618 00:51:53,100 --> 00:51:58,220 He hated those followers of Jesus, and He 619 00:51:58,220 --> 00:52:04,140 asked permission from the high priest to even 620 00:52:04,140 --> 00:52:10,100 go to Gentile cities to seize those who 621 00:52:10,100 --> 00:52:14,500 are followers of Jesus, to bring them back 622 00:52:14,500 --> 00:52:20,060 to Jerusalem, and to condemn them. 623 00:52:20,160 --> 00:52:24,860 Ah, brothers and sisters, the long suffering of 624 00:52:24,860 --> 00:52:25,180 God. 625 00:52:27,140 --> 00:52:29,920 allowed Him to go as far as He 626 00:52:29,920 --> 00:52:35,320 could, not without previous warnings. 627 00:52:38,800 --> 00:52:44,700 God gave Him many warnings, but He neglected. 628 00:52:45,200 --> 00:52:51,240 He hardened His conscience, and He persecuted Christians 629 00:52:51,240 --> 00:52:57,740 with double effort, while He was on His 630 00:52:57,740 --> 00:52:58,980 way to Damascus. 631 00:53:00,600 --> 00:53:04,020 God allowed Him to travel as far as 632 00:53:04,020 --> 00:53:06,540 near the gate of Damascus. 633 00:53:10,900 --> 00:53:15,460 It was noon day, and suddenly a light 634 00:53:15,460 --> 00:53:21,620 came from heaven, brighter than the noon sun. 635 00:53:23,340 --> 00:53:27,860 It shone upon this young man, and upon 636 00:53:27,860 --> 00:53:32,940 his followers, and they all were stricken to 637 00:53:32,940 --> 00:53:33,540 the ground. 638 00:53:35,500 --> 00:53:39,740 Oh, brothers and sisters, the very first thing 639 00:53:39,740 --> 00:53:42,840 in the grace of God that comes to 640 00:53:42,840 --> 00:53:45,460 our life is this heavenly light. 641 00:53:49,440 --> 00:53:52,820 You know, we were all grouping in darkness. 642 00:53:56,440 --> 00:53:58,600 We do not know what we are doing. 643 00:54:00,400 --> 00:54:02,460 We do not know where we are heading, 644 00:54:04,880 --> 00:54:06,900 but thank God. 645 00:54:07,100 --> 00:54:11,140 One day, the light of God from heaven 646 00:54:11,140 --> 00:54:13,460 came to us. 647 00:54:13,900 --> 00:54:19,060 Brothers and sisters, in Genesis chapter one, you 648 00:54:19,060 --> 00:54:21,280 will find when the earth was filled with 649 00:54:21,280 --> 00:54:28,800 water, and darkness was upon this earth, the 650 00:54:28,800 --> 00:54:31,960 first word, God said, let there be light. 651 00:54:33,700 --> 00:54:35,220 And there was light. 652 00:54:36,120 --> 00:54:39,400 Oh, brothers and sisters, is it not the 653 00:54:39,400 --> 00:54:42,860 same as we look back to our Christian 654 00:54:42,860 --> 00:54:44,220 experience? 655 00:54:47,820 --> 00:54:53,680 In 2 Corinthians chapter four, verse six, Paul 656 00:54:53,680 --> 00:54:58,240 said, it is God who spoke that out 657 00:54:58,240 --> 00:55:00,780 of darkness light should shine. 658 00:55:07,280 --> 00:55:11,840 Who shines upon our heart with the heavenly 659 00:55:11,840 --> 00:55:13,160 light. 660 00:55:17,360 --> 00:55:20,240 We see the glory of God in the 661 00:55:20,240 --> 00:55:22,100 face of Jesus Christ. 662 00:55:25,260 --> 00:55:29,600 Brothers and sisters, one day that heavenly light 663 00:55:29,600 --> 00:55:31,380 came upon us. 664 00:55:33,860 --> 00:55:39,520 And in that light all the darknesses were 665 00:55:39,520 --> 00:55:40,260 exposed. 666 00:55:43,260 --> 00:55:45,940 Formerly we did not know where we were. 667 00:55:48,100 --> 00:55:52,080 We did not know how sinful we were. 668 00:55:52,240 --> 00:55:57,360 But when that light came, it exposes us. 669 00:55:58,560 --> 00:56:00,380 We find that we are the chief of 670 00:56:00,380 --> 00:56:00,800 sinners. 671 00:56:05,200 --> 00:56:08,800 I believe, brothers and sisters, when that young 672 00:56:08,800 --> 00:56:13,440 man, when that light came upon him, his 673 00:56:13,440 --> 00:56:16,500 whole past life passed before. 674 00:56:18,980 --> 00:56:21,660 He began to see his past life in 675 00:56:21,660 --> 00:56:23,300 the light of heaven. 676 00:56:28,760 --> 00:56:31,340 How he must repent in dust and ashes. 677 00:56:34,500 --> 00:56:38,460 He realized how sinful he was. 678 00:56:40,760 --> 00:56:42,300 He was a blasphemer. 679 00:56:44,440 --> 00:56:45,900 He was a persecutor. 680 00:56:47,660 --> 00:56:50,660 He was one who was against God. 681 00:56:53,500 --> 00:56:57,380 Oh, brothers and sisters, thank God that light 682 00:56:57,380 --> 00:56:57,800 came. 683 00:56:59,840 --> 00:57:02,180 And we saw our darkness. 684 00:57:04,580 --> 00:57:11,540 And we repent in dust and ashes. 685 00:57:11,940 --> 00:57:12,700 Thank God. 686 00:57:13,860 --> 00:57:16,540 It is not just showing us our darkness. 687 00:57:20,340 --> 00:57:23,480 It revealed the glory of God in the 688 00:57:23,480 --> 00:57:24,820 face of Jesus. 689 00:57:28,560 --> 00:57:31,640 For the first time, we see our Lord 690 00:57:31,640 --> 00:57:31,980 Jesus. 691 00:57:34,500 --> 00:57:39,360 We see the glory of God in the 692 00:57:39,360 --> 00:57:42,800 face of Jesus Christ. 693 00:57:42,820 --> 00:57:46,620 Ah, brothers and sisters, glory to God. 694 00:57:49,140 --> 00:57:54,580 In that light, when he was bitten by 695 00:57:54,580 --> 00:57:59,880 that light, he heard a voice. 696 00:58:00,240 --> 00:58:08,200 A voice from heaven Saul, Saul, why do 697 00:58:08,200 --> 00:58:09,160 you persecute me? 698 00:58:10,900 --> 00:58:13,780 It is hard for you to kick against 699 00:58:14,300 --> 00:58:14,940 the goats. 700 00:58:18,460 --> 00:58:22,580 Brothers and sisters, was it an angry voice? 701 00:58:26,520 --> 00:58:29,100 It was a voice full of love. 702 00:58:29,100 --> 00:58:34,620 A voice full of sympathy. 703 00:58:35,260 --> 00:58:41,940 Saul, Saul, you do not know me, but 704 00:58:41,940 --> 00:58:45,240 I always know you. 705 00:58:45,440 --> 00:58:47,280 I know your very name. 706 00:58:48,820 --> 00:58:50,880 You are Saul. 707 00:58:51,280 --> 00:58:56,080 Saul, why do you persecute me? 708 00:58:56,460 --> 00:58:56,860 Why? 709 00:58:57,640 --> 00:59:00,000 Do you know it is hard for you 710 00:59:00,000 --> 00:59:01,440 to kick against the goats? 711 00:59:06,020 --> 00:59:09,720 You know, brothers and sisters, in the old 712 00:59:09,720 --> 00:59:16,760 days, when a farmer plowed the field, he 713 00:59:16,760 --> 00:59:21,840 would use an ox or a horse, and 714 00:59:21,840 --> 00:59:24,080 that ox or horse would be put under 715 00:59:26,940 --> 00:59:31,260 a yoke, and then you find a farmer, 716 00:59:33,800 --> 00:59:40,200 he will guide that yoke to plow the 717 00:59:40,200 --> 00:59:44,180 land, and of course he want to plow 718 00:59:44,180 --> 00:59:45,340 the land in straight. 719 00:59:48,640 --> 00:59:51,120 But you know the ox cannot be very 720 00:59:51,120 --> 00:59:51,560 stubborn. 721 00:59:54,200 --> 00:59:59,520 The ox has his own will, and sometimes 722 00:59:59,520 --> 01:00:04,780 he may see something good, and he will 723 01:00:04,780 --> 01:00:09,860 be rough, and he will not obey his 724 01:00:09,860 --> 01:00:10,260 master. 725 01:00:12,500 --> 01:00:14,060 So what the master will do? 726 01:00:15,680 --> 01:00:20,760 In the master's hand there is a sharp 727 01:00:20,760 --> 01:00:21,960 instrument called goat. 728 01:00:26,380 --> 01:00:32,780 And the master will use the goat, and 729 01:00:32,780 --> 01:00:38,060 gently touch its leg. 730 01:00:38,280 --> 01:00:40,280 Now the master does not want to hurt 731 01:00:40,280 --> 01:00:40,860 that ox. 732 01:00:44,000 --> 01:00:46,140 Just to remind the ox that he has 733 01:00:46,140 --> 01:00:51,700 a master, that he is not his own. 734 01:00:54,080 --> 01:00:58,220 But the ox is so stubborn when that 735 01:00:58,220 --> 01:01:04,880 goat touches his leg, he kicks back, and 736 01:01:04,880 --> 01:01:06,000 you know it hurts. 737 01:01:07,500 --> 01:01:10,260 Now after a number of times of being 738 01:01:10,260 --> 01:01:17,880 hurt, then he learns his lesson, and then 739 01:01:17,880 --> 01:01:20,040 he will be obedient to the master. 740 01:01:22,520 --> 01:01:26,940 Dear brothers and sisters, do you know you 741 01:01:26,940 --> 01:01:30,200 have a master? 742 01:01:32,060 --> 01:01:35,040 Do you know when you come into this 743 01:01:35,040 --> 01:01:41,640 world, God has a purpose in your life. 744 01:01:44,640 --> 01:01:47,760 You are born into this world not by 745 01:01:50,220 --> 01:01:51,060 chance. 746 01:01:51,480 --> 01:01:54,720 By the will of God. 747 01:01:55,020 --> 01:02:00,540 God's purpose in your life is that you 748 01:02:00,540 --> 01:02:03,240 may serve his purpose. 749 01:02:05,860 --> 01:02:10,780 That is why you come into this world. 750 01:02:11,100 --> 01:02:12,260 You have a master. 751 01:02:13,720 --> 01:02:15,340 You are not born free. 752 01:02:17,240 --> 01:02:18,860 Free to do whatever you like. 753 01:02:19,960 --> 01:02:22,880 We are born with a master. 754 01:02:24,400 --> 01:02:26,900 Our creator is our master. 755 01:02:29,220 --> 01:02:32,080 He has a definite purpose in each one 756 01:02:32,080 --> 01:02:32,440 of us. 757 01:02:36,200 --> 01:02:41,380 We are to serve his will. 758 01:02:41,740 --> 01:02:45,660 But brothers and sisters, we do not know. 759 01:02:47,520 --> 01:02:48,800 We do not understand. 760 01:02:50,400 --> 01:02:52,400 We think we are our own master. 761 01:02:53,760 --> 01:02:57,320 We can do whatever we want to do. 762 01:02:57,860 --> 01:03:00,400 We live here to serve our own purpose. 763 01:03:04,040 --> 01:03:05,660 To satisfy ourselves. 764 01:03:08,360 --> 01:03:10,400 We forgot God altogether. 765 01:03:11,940 --> 01:03:14,880 Brothers and sisters, but you are not free. 766 01:03:16,200 --> 01:03:19,400 You are born to serve God. 767 01:03:20,760 --> 01:03:24,680 You have a master, but you don't know 768 01:03:24,680 --> 01:03:25,580 it. 769 01:03:26,560 --> 01:03:29,860 And you rebel against him. 770 01:03:30,540 --> 01:03:36,120 But in his grace, he sometimes views the 771 01:03:36,120 --> 01:03:37,380 courts upon you. 772 01:03:40,520 --> 01:03:41,440 Is it not true? 773 01:03:42,640 --> 01:03:44,140 Look at this young man's soul. 774 01:03:47,480 --> 01:03:50,080 God has used the gospel a number of 775 01:03:50,080 --> 01:03:51,980 times upon him. 776 01:03:55,760 --> 01:04:02,100 First of all, when Stephen was martyred, you 777 01:04:02,100 --> 01:04:03,140 remember Stephen? 778 01:04:03,840 --> 01:04:09,240 The first martyr, he was filled with wisdom 779 01:04:09,240 --> 01:04:10,880 and the Holy Spirit. 780 01:04:14,080 --> 01:04:18,400 And how you find these Gentile synagogues arguing 781 01:04:22,100 --> 01:04:22,920 with him. 782 01:04:23,320 --> 01:04:26,160 I believe probably Saul was one of the 783 01:04:26,160 --> 01:04:28,000 persons who argued with Stephen. 784 01:04:30,680 --> 01:04:34,700 But they could not overcome him because he 785 01:04:34,700 --> 01:04:38,360 spoke with wisdom from above. 786 01:04:38,660 --> 01:04:43,420 And they arrested him, took him to the 787 01:04:43,420 --> 01:04:47,640 council, they looked at his face. 788 01:04:49,040 --> 01:04:53,120 His face like the face of an angel. 789 01:04:54,180 --> 01:04:57,960 Stephen gave his testimony. 790 01:04:58,460 --> 01:05:06,200 Saul, being trained a Pharisee, when he heard 791 01:05:06,200 --> 01:05:12,740 that testimony, when he began to hear reality 792 01:05:12,740 --> 01:05:22,980 instead of outward appearance, God 793 01:05:22,980 --> 01:05:24,780 is looking for reality. 794 01:05:27,840 --> 01:05:34,260 God cannot be satisfied with outward appearance. 795 01:05:34,700 --> 01:05:42,160 The truth must have touched Saul's And then 796 01:05:42,160 --> 01:05:45,260 when they pushed him out of the city, 797 01:05:49,400 --> 01:05:53,700 Stephen saw heaven open. 798 01:05:53,860 --> 01:05:56,300 He said, I saw the Son of Man 799 01:05:58,120 --> 01:06:00,860 standing by the right hand of God. 800 01:06:02,880 --> 01:06:04,300 What a wonderful vision. 801 01:06:06,140 --> 01:06:11,720 They had to close their eyes, ears, harden 802 01:06:11,720 --> 01:06:17,400 their conscience, push him out, and stone him 803 01:06:17,400 --> 01:06:17,740 to death. 804 01:06:20,280 --> 01:06:25,420 And when Stephen was dying, he said, Lord, 805 01:06:26,420 --> 01:06:28,540 do not lay this sin upon him. 806 01:06:30,720 --> 01:06:32,240 And he rested. 807 01:06:34,480 --> 01:06:37,920 This immense Saul was watching the clothes of 808 01:06:37,920 --> 01:06:40,180 those who stoned Stephen. 809 01:06:45,540 --> 01:06:48,180 Do you think his conscience was not touched? 810 01:06:51,360 --> 01:06:53,580 He was a good man. 811 01:06:54,040 --> 01:06:56,360 A moral man. 812 01:06:56,580 --> 01:06:58,960 A religious man. 813 01:06:59,240 --> 01:07:01,540 He was a real person. 814 01:07:02,160 --> 01:07:06,300 No doubt his conscience must be deeply touched. 815 01:07:10,100 --> 01:07:15,240 But what the Bible said afterwards, he doubled 816 01:07:15,240 --> 01:07:17,960 his effort to persecute Christ. 817 01:07:21,160 --> 01:07:25,700 In other words, he tried to silence his 818 01:07:25,700 --> 01:07:26,280 conscience. 819 01:07:26,720 --> 01:07:31,060 His tradition was so strong that he was 820 01:07:31,060 --> 01:07:35,940 able to silence his conscience. 821 01:07:36,460 --> 01:07:38,180 Think of that. 822 01:07:38,300 --> 01:07:43,600 A moral person going to their homes to 823 01:07:43,600 --> 01:07:45,160 seize men and women. 824 01:07:47,020 --> 01:07:47,980 How can you do that? 825 01:07:49,440 --> 01:07:53,680 Force people to blaspheme in the synagogue. 826 01:07:55,760 --> 01:07:57,820 How can a pious person do that? 827 01:07:59,920 --> 01:08:04,120 He must be hard on his conscience. 828 01:08:06,660 --> 01:08:10,340 Oh, brothers and sisters, how terrible that is 829 01:08:10,340 --> 01:08:14,840 to Again and again, God reminded him. 830 01:08:16,520 --> 01:08:23,380 Saul, it is hard to kick against the 831 01:08:23,380 --> 01:08:23,640 goal. 832 01:08:23,740 --> 01:08:25,160 You only hurt yourself. 833 01:08:26,620 --> 01:08:30,640 You only hurt yourself to death if you 834 01:08:30,640 --> 01:08:32,840 do not repent. 835 01:08:35,359 --> 01:08:37,279 Why do you persecute me? 836 01:08:38,560 --> 01:08:42,439 Such a gentle, loving voice. 837 01:08:43,899 --> 01:08:49,580 It must have melted Saul's heart. 838 01:08:49,620 --> 01:08:56,540 Me, the chief of sinners, a blasphemer, a 839 01:08:56,540 --> 01:09:01,760 persecutor, and yet you love me. 840 01:09:02,100 --> 01:09:04,020 You forgive me. 841 01:09:04,260 --> 01:09:05,120 You save me. 842 01:09:06,560 --> 01:09:08,040 You want to be my master. 843 01:09:10,240 --> 01:09:14,779 Oh, brothers and sisters, there on the ground, 844 01:09:17,100 --> 01:09:18,880 he saw the just one. 845 01:09:21,819 --> 01:09:27,540 He saw the one he persecuted was the 846 01:09:27,540 --> 01:09:32,300 righteous one, the seamless, perfect one. 847 01:09:34,939 --> 01:09:39,859 Not only that, it pleased God to reveal 848 01:09:39,859 --> 01:09:41,800 his son in him. 849 01:09:45,359 --> 01:09:48,220 It is more than just an outward seeing. 850 01:09:48,640 --> 01:09:53,960 He saw the glory of God in the 851 01:09:53,960 --> 01:09:55,060 face of Jesus Christ. 852 01:09:57,160 --> 01:10:03,320 His eyes were blinded, but also his inner 853 01:10:03,320 --> 01:10:06,980 eyes were opened. 854 01:10:07,580 --> 01:10:14,060 It pleased God to reveal his son in 855 01:10:14,060 --> 01:10:14,520 him. 856 01:10:14,840 --> 01:10:20,320 This Jesus is not only the just one. 857 01:10:21,980 --> 01:10:23,500 He is a son of God. 858 01:10:25,500 --> 01:10:29,800 All the fullness of the Godhead dwells in 859 01:10:29,800 --> 01:10:30,640 him bodily. 860 01:10:35,080 --> 01:10:40,240 He is the heir of all things. 861 01:10:40,340 --> 01:10:44,740 He is the head of all things. 862 01:10:44,920 --> 01:10:48,400 He is the master of everyone. 863 01:10:49,920 --> 01:10:54,460 Brothers and sisters, that's the heavenly vision. 864 01:10:55,400 --> 01:11:01,060 He saw the Lord, and to him he 865 01:11:01,060 --> 01:11:01,320 surrendered. 866 01:11:04,760 --> 01:11:07,760 Lord, what should I do? 867 01:11:09,020 --> 01:11:13,600 I used to be my own master, but 868 01:11:13,600 --> 01:11:16,440 now I give up my right. 869 01:11:19,960 --> 01:11:21,200 You are my master. 870 01:11:22,660 --> 01:11:23,560 I surrender. 871 01:11:24,260 --> 01:11:29,420 Dear brothers and sisters, do we have this 872 01:11:29,420 --> 01:11:30,080 heavenly vision? 873 01:11:32,000 --> 01:11:35,960 Can you have the heavenly vision and still 874 01:11:35,960 --> 01:11:37,060 be your own master? 875 01:11:42,140 --> 01:11:46,720 Can you see our Lord Jesus, the glorious 876 01:11:46,720 --> 01:11:55,980 son of God, and still retain your own 877 01:11:55,980 --> 01:11:56,420 rights? 878 01:12:00,080 --> 01:12:04,280 Brothers and sisters, have you seen the heavenly 879 01:12:06,300 --> 01:12:06,980 vision? 880 01:12:07,200 --> 01:12:11,840 Once you see the heavenly vision, you are 881 01:12:11,840 --> 01:12:12,980 no longer yours. 882 01:12:15,380 --> 01:12:18,220 You are his forever. 883 01:12:20,400 --> 01:12:25,080 But this heavenly vision is more than that. 884 01:12:26,620 --> 01:12:31,520 God not only revealed his son to us, 885 01:12:35,400 --> 01:12:41,760 with his son, he revealed something else which 886 01:12:41,760 --> 01:12:44,860 is dearest to his son. 887 01:12:46,420 --> 01:12:51,940 So, why do you persecute me? 888 01:12:54,080 --> 01:12:56,760 You know, the word of God is exact. 889 01:12:59,660 --> 01:13:02,640 The Lord said, why do you persecute me? 890 01:13:05,920 --> 01:13:06,380 Me! 891 01:13:07,760 --> 01:13:09,460 Now, Saul was a Pharisee. 892 01:13:12,320 --> 01:13:20,940 He was trained in logic, in argument, with 893 01:13:20,940 --> 01:13:22,180 his natural mind. 894 01:13:23,760 --> 01:13:29,120 Immediately he can answer, I have never persecuted 895 01:13:30,580 --> 01:13:31,140 you. 896 01:13:31,300 --> 01:13:32,920 I never have a chance to meet you. 897 01:13:35,280 --> 01:13:36,920 You are in heaven, I'm on earth. 898 01:13:39,940 --> 01:13:41,280 How can I touch you? 899 01:13:42,660 --> 01:13:43,380 It's ridiculous. 900 01:13:45,040 --> 01:13:45,380 No. 901 01:13:46,620 --> 01:13:49,280 His inner eyes were open. 902 01:13:51,880 --> 01:13:58,300 Immediately he saw an eternal truth. 903 01:13:58,680 --> 01:14:06,280 He saw when he persecuted the followers of 904 01:14:06,280 --> 01:14:09,860 Jesus, he was persecuting Jesus himself. 905 01:14:14,260 --> 01:14:18,520 Because Jesus is the head, and those who 906 01:14:18,520 --> 01:14:21,380 believe in him are his followers. 907 01:14:24,980 --> 01:14:31,200 Every believer in Jesus is a member of 908 01:14:31,200 --> 01:14:32,660 the body of Christ. 909 01:14:35,430 --> 01:14:40,250 The head is in heaven, the body fills 910 01:14:40,250 --> 01:14:41,970 the whole universe. 911 01:14:47,470 --> 01:14:50,250 If you touch any member of the body, 912 01:14:53,390 --> 01:14:54,950 you touch the head. 913 01:14:55,910 --> 01:14:59,330 Brothers and sisters, the head and the body 914 01:15:00,950 --> 01:15:02,370 are one. 915 01:15:02,870 --> 01:15:09,890 Immediately on the road to Damascus, Saul's eyes 916 01:15:09,890 --> 01:15:10,390 were open. 917 01:15:12,510 --> 01:15:16,810 He not only saw Jesus, the eternal Son 918 01:15:16,810 --> 01:15:23,490 of God, the master of all, he also 919 01:15:23,490 --> 01:15:30,270 saw the church, the body of Christ. 920 01:15:30,370 --> 01:15:31,340 What a revelation! 921 01:15:32,770 --> 01:15:37,490 Dear brothers and sisters, when we believe in 922 01:15:37,490 --> 01:15:43,450 the Lord Jesus, in one spirit, we were 923 01:15:43,450 --> 01:15:45,650 baptized into one body. 924 01:15:48,310 --> 01:15:55,370 Whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bowmen or freemen, 925 01:15:55,650 --> 01:15:57,510 and we are all made to drink of 926 01:15:57,510 --> 01:15:59,190 one spirit. 927 01:16:01,490 --> 01:16:05,990 If anyone should touch you, the head will 928 01:16:05,990 --> 01:16:10,010 complain, why do you touch me? 929 01:16:11,590 --> 01:16:19,350 Brothers and sisters, here is a universal man. 930 01:16:19,710 --> 01:16:23,650 Not a small person, a universal man. 931 01:16:25,110 --> 01:16:28,310 The head is in heaven, the body covers 932 01:16:28,310 --> 01:16:36,250 the whole world, covers all the ages, from 933 01:16:36,250 --> 01:16:38,890 the very first one who believes in the 934 01:16:38,890 --> 01:16:45,150 Lord, to the very last one who believes 935 01:16:45,150 --> 01:16:45,790 in the Lord. 936 01:16:45,850 --> 01:16:49,670 No matter what country you are, at what 937 01:16:49,670 --> 01:16:55,570 age you live, you are one body. 938 01:16:57,990 --> 01:17:04,090 One Lord, one body, and the body and 939 01:17:04,090 --> 01:17:05,770 the head are one. 940 01:17:09,090 --> 01:17:11,090 It is one life. 941 01:17:13,070 --> 01:17:16,290 And this body that our Lord took up, 942 01:17:19,610 --> 01:17:25,810 after His ascension, will be His vessel of 943 01:17:25,810 --> 01:17:27,790 testimony on earth. 944 01:17:30,630 --> 01:17:32,330 Praise the Lord. 945 01:17:34,130 --> 01:17:39,090 This is the heavenly vision. 946 01:17:39,410 --> 01:17:44,650 Brothers and sisters, when you see that vision, 947 01:17:46,290 --> 01:17:49,850 it delivers you from your little self. 948 01:17:54,610 --> 01:18:00,150 It hooks you into that universal man. 949 01:18:01,610 --> 01:18:05,150 Your fellowship is with the saints all over 950 01:18:05,150 --> 01:18:06,570 the world. 951 01:18:09,150 --> 01:18:11,630 Our fellowship is with the Father and the 952 01:18:11,630 --> 01:18:11,870 Son. 953 01:18:14,630 --> 01:18:17,230 And through the fellowship with the Father and 954 01:18:19,630 --> 01:18:26,650 the Son, we fellowship with one another, that 955 01:18:26,650 --> 01:18:30,590 our joy may be full.