WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.660 Amen. Well, thank you very much, John. Folks, do have that Bible passage open in front of you. 00:00:06.740 --> 00:00:16.019 We're going to be diving into it. As has been said, my name is Alistair, and it is now my joy to take us through this passage of God's word. 00:00:16.620 --> 00:00:25.980 Now, I wonder if some of you have enjoyed the bliss over the last few years of the dentist surgeries being shot. 00:00:25.980 --> 00:00:34.600 But maybe until just a few weeks ago, where your heart skipped a beat as you got the ping on your phone saying you would do a checkup. 00:00:35.640 --> 00:00:38.859 No offense to the dentist here, Hannah. I am really sorry. 00:00:40.020 --> 00:00:51.240 But since I was a child, I have had a fear of the dentist, of their tools, of the pain that you get when you take a trip to that appointment. 00:00:51.240 --> 00:00:58.440 Or maybe you're like me. Growing up, you're told, aren't you? Don't worry, it won't hurt. I promise. 00:00:59.880 --> 00:01:02.280 And that initially puts you at ease, doesn't it? 00:01:02.760 --> 00:01:09.939 Because we like to have the reassurance of someone older, someone more experienced than us say, everything will be fine. 00:01:11.439 --> 00:01:17.020 Or maybe that promise of don't worry, I'll be there with you the whole time also puts you at ease. 00:01:17.019 --> 00:01:24.859 But then the day comes, the appointment is upon you and you sit in the waiting room and you start to sweat. 00:01:25.719 --> 00:01:32.500 You hear the sounds of the tools going on in the distance and suddenly you have that urge to bolt out the door. 00:01:33.079 --> 00:01:36.939 As you imagine what tools those little noises are coming from. 00:01:37.759 --> 00:01:39.199 And maybe you can hear some groans. 00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:49.520 And then you get into the chair in the dentist's office and somehow every dentist thinks that now is a convenient time to have a conversation with you. 00:01:50.379 --> 00:01:54.760 With all the, they try to talk with you as you've got all these tools in your mouth. 00:01:54.840 --> 00:02:02.020 There must be a dentist language course because every single one of them seems to understand what you're saying and how you respond. 00:02:02.019 --> 00:02:10.019 But then the work begins and the promise that it won't hurt isn't fulfilled. 00:02:11.180 --> 00:02:19.120 Now that is a very silly example, but we all know the pain, physical or emotional, of a broken promise, don't we? 00:02:20.479 --> 00:02:29.400 We know the heartbreak that it can cause, the unease that it leaves you with, the emotional scars that you can carry maybe even years after. 00:02:29.400 --> 00:02:44.460 Well, this morning as we turn to the Bible, to God's word, we're diving into Act 18 and we are going to see two promises of a faithful God that can and should change your life. 00:02:45.360 --> 00:02:48.460 These are promises that you can rely on. 00:02:49.800 --> 00:02:58.400 They aren't the assurances of a parent trying to make you feel better, but they are trustworthy and life-changing promises. 00:02:59.400 --> 00:03:07.520 So in Act 18 we travel with Paul, one of the early leaders of the church, to a place called Corinth, a city in Greece. 00:03:08.420 --> 00:03:14.439 And as we've journeyed through the book of Acts as a church together, the same theme has come up again and again, hasn't it? 00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:18.140 The gospel grows as it is opposed. 00:03:18.139 --> 00:03:26.179 But why would Paul continue to tell people about Jesus when he knows he's going to face opposition? 00:03:27.759 --> 00:03:36.060 Well, it's because Paul knows that God always comes through on his promises and that gives him confidence to continue. 00:03:36.060 --> 00:03:45.300 The key verses in our passage this morning that shape Paul's ministry and that should shape our lives as well are in verses 9 and 10. 00:03:45.400 --> 00:03:46.159 Read those with me. 00:03:46.840 --> 00:03:47.719 God says to Paul, 00:03:47.719 --> 00:04:12.199 The promises that spur Paul on are the promises that God is with him and that God has people in the city who he wants to save. 00:04:12.199 --> 00:04:16.379 Those promises are true for God's people today as well. 00:04:17.240 --> 00:04:24.099 And we're going to see why it's so important that we put our trust in God and base our lives on his promises. 00:04:25.360 --> 00:04:32.279 We'll spend the remainder of our time looking at those two promises and how they shaped Paul's life at Corinth. 00:04:32.279 --> 00:04:37.579 So the first promise we see is that God is with you. 00:04:37.899 --> 00:04:39.439 Look again at verses 9 to 10. 00:04:39.579 --> 00:04:40.500 God says to Paul, 00:04:41.039 --> 00:04:41.979 Do not be afraid. 00:04:42.599 --> 00:04:43.500 Keep on speaking. 00:04:43.779 --> 00:04:44.659 Do not be silent. 00:04:44.899 --> 00:04:47.479 For I am with you. 00:04:49.159 --> 00:04:51.079 Now, why would Paul need this reminder? 00:04:52.159 --> 00:04:54.319 This isn't a new promise from God. 00:04:54.399 --> 00:04:57.979 It's something that Paul already knows and has experienced in his life. 00:04:58.139 --> 00:05:02.079 So why the reminder at this particular moment in time? 00:05:02.279 --> 00:05:06.959 Well, it's because of the environment that Paul finds himself in in Corinth. 00:05:08.139 --> 00:05:15.359 See, Corinth was one of the biggest cities in ancient Greece with around 200,000 people at this time. 00:05:16.299 --> 00:05:21.359 A strategic, social and political capital of the ancient world. 00:05:21.839 --> 00:05:24.959 But it was also known for its promiscuity. 00:05:24.959 --> 00:05:36.919 See, it had a lot of temples to pagan gods, but the most prominent was to Aphrodite, the goddess of fertility, love and sex. 00:05:38.199 --> 00:05:44.539 Corinth was a city, was known as a city of sexual promiscuity and fornication. 00:05:44.540 --> 00:05:50.660 Now, Christians often today think that we're living in a really hard environment. 00:05:51.600 --> 00:05:58.900 A world of confusion that's changed its mind on sexual ethics, on gender, on the birth of children, 00:05:59.460 --> 00:06:04.500 on the definition of marriage, with an ever-growing rate of divorce and adultery. 00:06:04.500 --> 00:06:11.480 Christians and some non-Christians can look at this world and find it to be a really hard environment. 00:06:13.759 --> 00:06:15.300 But this isn't a new development. 00:06:16.040 --> 00:06:17.779 And it's not unique to the UK. 00:06:18.680 --> 00:06:20.639 There is nothing new under the sun. 00:06:22.220 --> 00:06:27.579 Corinth was known for being a very sexualized city where a person's desires mattered most. 00:06:27.579 --> 00:06:35.919 So well known that to play the Corinthian had become a slur and shorthand for fornication. 00:06:36.699 --> 00:06:40.620 So that's the environment that Paul finds himself in verse 1. 00:06:41.620 --> 00:06:49.079 And so it makes sense, doesn't it, in light of that context that Paul would later write in 1 Corinthians 2, verse 3, 00:06:49.419 --> 00:06:55.719 that when he first went to Corinth, he came to them in weakness, with great fear and trembling. 00:06:57.579 --> 00:07:03.899 Paul was probably so nervous walking into this city because of their pride and their immorality. 00:07:04.800 --> 00:07:05.919 So what does he do? 00:07:07.399 --> 00:07:10.479 How does Paul speak to this city about Jesus? 00:07:10.639 --> 00:07:16.439 How can we as Christians go into this world which is living in active rebellion against Jesus 00:07:16.439 --> 00:07:20.319 and talk to them about their need to hear his call? 00:07:20.319 --> 00:07:26.759 How should you, Lisa, after your public declaration of faith before this congregation today, 00:07:27.180 --> 00:07:31.839 go into the workplace and into the world and share Jesus? 00:07:33.120 --> 00:07:35.899 Well, we do exactly what has been done from the very beginning. 00:07:37.279 --> 00:07:38.740 See, Paul doesn't do anything different. 00:07:38.860 --> 00:07:42.899 He doesn't soften his message, but he continues to preach the gospel, 00:07:43.399 --> 00:07:46.539 the good news of Jesus to everyone around him. 00:07:46.540 --> 00:07:50.240 He's not afraid of offending people. 00:07:50.340 --> 00:07:51.680 His message doesn't change. 00:07:51.840 --> 00:07:57.800 Instead, he is clinging to that promise that God is with him and that God will help him. 00:07:59.320 --> 00:08:03.700 And so in verse 2, Paul meets some fellow tent makers and he stays and works with them 00:08:03.700 --> 00:08:05.379 in order to provide for himself. 00:08:06.620 --> 00:08:08.920 But look at his main focus in verse 4. 00:08:09.040 --> 00:08:09.720 Read it with me. 00:08:09.720 --> 00:08:17.260 Every Sabbath, he reasoned in the synagogue trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 00:08:18.260 --> 00:08:21.900 And then in verse 5, Silas and Timothy, some of his gospel friends, 00:08:22.320 --> 00:08:25.100 bring Paul a financial gift from other churches. 00:08:25.360 --> 00:08:27.780 And we read about that in 2 Corinthians 11, 00:08:28.140 --> 00:08:34.340 which enables Paul to, verse 5, devote himself exclusively to preaching, 00:08:34.980 --> 00:08:38.080 testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 00:08:38.080 --> 00:08:41.860 So Paul went through different seasons. 00:08:42.680 --> 00:08:44.879 Sometimes working to support himself, 00:08:45.220 --> 00:08:50.480 other times being supported so that he could devote himself to sharing Jesus full time. 00:08:51.620 --> 00:08:54.160 But regardless of what kind of season he was in, 00:08:54.440 --> 00:08:57.460 he was consistently sharing the message of Jesus. 00:08:58.759 --> 00:08:59.860 Now what is that message? 00:09:00.639 --> 00:09:03.060 The message that Lisa has already talked about. 00:09:03.059 --> 00:09:06.199 The message that we see at the end of verse 5, 00:09:06.299 --> 00:09:08.819 that Jesus is the Messiah. 00:09:10.500 --> 00:09:14.619 See, Jesus was not just a good guy or a good moral teacher. 00:09:15.699 --> 00:09:20.179 Jesus is God who came into our world because our world is broken 00:09:20.179 --> 00:09:22.639 and because we are broken. 00:09:22.639 --> 00:09:28.019 The Bible says that all have fallen short of God's glory. 00:09:28.199 --> 00:09:33.299 Every single person alive is born into rebellion against God. 00:09:33.379 --> 00:09:34.659 That is our natural state. 00:09:34.799 --> 00:09:39.179 And therefore, everyone is rightly under the wrath of God. 00:09:40.639 --> 00:09:44.519 That is the hard message of the Christian faith. 00:09:44.519 --> 00:09:48.639 And if we stop there, there is no hope. 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:51.819 If we stop there, there is no life. 00:09:51.960 --> 00:09:52.699 There is no point. 00:09:52.840 --> 00:09:54.819 There is no happy ending. 00:09:56.379 --> 00:09:58.539 But the truth that Paul proclaimed, 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:00.279 that Lisa has talked about, 00:10:00.360 --> 00:10:02.539 and that I want you to consider this morning, 00:10:03.199 --> 00:10:05.879 is that God did not just leave us in our mess. 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:10.820 He stepped into our world in Jesus. 00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:14.080 He lived the perfect life that we could never live. 00:10:15.100 --> 00:10:16.080 He was crucified, 00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:19.539 taking the death that every single one of us deserves. 00:10:20.820 --> 00:10:22.120 Taking our sin, 00:10:22.779 --> 00:10:24.600 our brokenness upon himself, 00:10:25.360 --> 00:10:28.980 so that all who deny themselves and follow him can be forgiven. 00:10:29.700 --> 00:10:32.480 Given a right relationship with God. 00:10:32.480 --> 00:10:37.200 And so that everyone who is a Christian is given true life. 00:10:37.759 --> 00:10:38.539 And life forever. 00:10:40.279 --> 00:10:41.940 And Jesus didn't stay dead. 00:10:43.200 --> 00:10:44.820 He was resurrected to life, 00:10:44.960 --> 00:10:46.800 proving that all he said was true. 00:10:47.259 --> 00:10:51.200 Proving how all the Old Testament promises about God's Messiah, 00:10:52.039 --> 00:10:53.080 God sent one, 00:10:53.600 --> 00:10:55.820 the one who would come to save God's people, 00:10:56.580 --> 00:10:57.340 are all true. 00:10:59.279 --> 00:11:01.539 That's why Paul can stand in a synagogue 00:11:01.539 --> 00:11:03.679 and preach Jesus as the Messiah 00:11:03.679 --> 00:11:06.079 to the Jews in Corinth with confidence. 00:11:07.039 --> 00:11:10.679 That's why Lisa has decided to deny herself and follow Jesus. 00:11:11.019 --> 00:11:12.819 That is why I am here this morning, 00:11:13.319 --> 00:11:17.279 begging you to consider how you will respond to Jesus Christ. 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:21.179 Jesus really is the Messiah. 00:11:22.039 --> 00:11:23.699 He really did die. 00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:26.339 He really did rise from the dead. 00:11:26.340 --> 00:11:29.259 And he really does call you to him. 00:11:29.899 --> 00:11:31.639 To put your trust in him. 00:11:31.780 --> 00:11:34.480 To find forgiveness and true life. 00:11:35.399 --> 00:11:36.920 Will you listen this morning? 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:42.360 So the reason Paul can stand and preach with boldness 00:11:42.360 --> 00:11:45.300 is because God has promised to be with him. 00:11:46.280 --> 00:11:46.940 Now friends, 00:11:47.019 --> 00:11:49.360 no matter what kind of season you are in at the moment, 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:52.100 no matter where God has placed you, 00:11:52.100 --> 00:11:54.879 know that God is with his people. 00:11:56.639 --> 00:11:59.980 It may be that you're in a very difficult work environment 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:02.000 where you're afraid to speak about the gospel 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:05.340 because of what your colleagues or your bosses will say. 00:12:06.340 --> 00:12:08.060 Know that God is with you. 00:12:08.059 --> 00:12:14.139 Maybe you're unemployed and you're finding that really hard, 00:12:14.239 --> 00:12:17.479 but you're trying to consciously make an effort 00:12:17.479 --> 00:12:21.379 and find time to spend time with friends and family members 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:22.779 and share Jesus with them. 00:12:23.079 --> 00:12:25.079 Know that God is with you. 00:12:26.899 --> 00:12:29.679 Maybe you're a mom who's trying to spend time 00:12:29.679 --> 00:12:31.859 befriending other parents, sharing Jesus. 00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:35.279 Maybe that's your season of ministry 00:12:35.279 --> 00:12:37.720 and daily making an effort to teach your children 00:12:37.720 --> 00:12:39.279 about the good news of Jesus. 00:12:40.179 --> 00:12:42.360 Seasons of ministry aren't only about employment 00:12:42.360 --> 00:12:44.600 or formal ministry. 00:12:45.639 --> 00:12:48.740 Every Christian is called to go about the daily work 00:12:48.740 --> 00:12:51.240 of living for and sharing Jesus. 00:12:52.399 --> 00:12:53.279 And we do it with confidence 00:12:53.860 --> 00:12:55.779 because of that promise 00:12:55.779 --> 00:12:58.319 that God is with us. 00:13:00.179 --> 00:13:01.319 Maybe you're struggling. 00:13:01.320 --> 00:13:05.480 Maybe you're tired of being opposed for your faith, 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:07.200 ridiculed by people around you. 00:13:07.280 --> 00:13:10.980 Maybe you feel that you keep being put on trial 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:15.200 and falsely accused like Paul is in verses 12 to 17. 00:13:17.400 --> 00:13:19.900 Maybe you're close to throwing in the towel yourself 00:13:19.900 --> 00:13:22.820 because things just seem so hard. 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:26.220 Friends, remember God is with you. 00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:31.540 That's a promise of a faithful promise keeping God 00:13:31.540 --> 00:13:34.480 and nothing will ever prove that to be wrong. 00:13:35.360 --> 00:13:37.320 God is with you. 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:40.899 Look at the final command that Jesus gave the disciples 00:13:40.899 --> 00:13:43.240 in Matthew's gospel from Matthew 28. 00:13:44.100 --> 00:13:46.680 Then Jesus came to them, the disciples, and said, 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:50.420 all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:13:50.540 --> 00:13:51.680 Therefore, go. 00:13:52.600 --> 00:13:54.460 Make disciples of all nations, 00:13:54.460 --> 00:13:57.040 baptizing them in the name of the Father 00:13:57.040 --> 00:13:58.960 and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 00:13:58.960 --> 00:14:02.680 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 00:14:03.340 --> 00:14:06.759 And surely I am with you always 00:14:06.759 --> 00:14:09.540 to the very end of the age. 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:12.160 The same is true today. 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:16.360 Stand up, speak out, be bold, 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:18.720 because God is with you. 00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:24.500 And the second promise that we see in this passage from God 00:14:24.500 --> 00:14:27.200 is that God has people. 00:14:27.800 --> 00:14:29.100 Look at the end of verse 10. 00:14:29.220 --> 00:14:32.740 God says, I have many people in this city. 00:14:34.279 --> 00:14:36.700 So Paul preaches in the synagogue to the Jews 00:14:36.700 --> 00:14:38.120 and verse five says, 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:41.700 testifying to them that Jesus was the Messiah. 00:14:42.960 --> 00:14:45.220 But then their response is abuse. 00:14:46.139 --> 00:14:47.100 Look at verse six. 00:14:47.100 --> 00:14:50.560 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, 00:14:50.800 --> 00:14:53.800 he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, 00:14:54.180 --> 00:14:55.920 your blood be on your own heads. 00:14:56.019 --> 00:14:57.460 I am innocent of it. 00:14:58.279 --> 00:15:00.940 From now on, I will go to the Gentiles. 00:15:02.560 --> 00:15:05.220 The Jews opposed Paul and become abusive. 00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:07.279 But as God says in verse 10, 00:15:07.840 --> 00:15:10.200 they wouldn't attack him in Corinth. 00:15:10.980 --> 00:15:14.000 That's specific to Corinth because he is attacked later on 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:15.460 and harmed in other places. 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:17.679 But after their abuse, 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:19.500 Paul in verse six basically says, 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:20.600 I've done my part. 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:24.559 I have consistently and faithfully shared Jesus with you. 00:15:24.700 --> 00:15:26.940 You are responsible for your own sins. 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:30.519 So Paul goes to the Gentiles, 00:15:30.620 --> 00:15:31.919 to those who aren't Jews, 00:15:32.379 --> 00:15:34.100 and begins to share Jesus. 00:15:35.399 --> 00:15:35.919 But do you see, 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:37.480 he doesn't actually go very far. 00:15:38.159 --> 00:15:40.299 In fact, he sets up shop right next door. 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:41.200 Look at verse seven. 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:45.320 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:47.000 to the house of Titus Justice, 00:15:47.560 --> 00:15:48.780 a worshiper of God. 00:15:49.560 --> 00:15:50.920 Crispus, the synagogue leader, 00:15:51.060 --> 00:15:53.540 and his entire household believed in the Lord, 00:15:53.640 --> 00:15:56.920 and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed 00:15:56.920 --> 00:15:58.280 and were baptized. 00:16:00.020 --> 00:16:02.980 Now, why would Paul spend time in a place 00:16:02.980 --> 00:16:05.800 where he has just been mistreated and abused? 00:16:05.799 --> 00:16:10.639 Why would he stay in a city for a year and a half, 00:16:10.979 --> 00:16:12.240 as verse 11 says, 00:16:12.319 --> 00:16:13.759 and continue to teach? 00:16:15.699 --> 00:16:18.120 Because God has promised 00:16:18.120 --> 00:16:20.719 that he has many people in that city. 00:16:22.120 --> 00:16:24.179 See, God knows that there are people living 00:16:24.179 --> 00:16:26.479 in this sin-stained city of Corinth 00:16:26.479 --> 00:16:28.879 who are living immoral lives, 00:16:28.979 --> 00:16:31.779 who are acting in rebellion against God 00:16:31.779 --> 00:16:34.159 and worshiping pagan idols, 00:16:34.860 --> 00:16:37.799 living for themselves and nothing else. 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:39.879 God knows that one day 00:16:39.879 --> 00:16:41.199 they will hear the news of Jesus 00:16:41.199 --> 00:16:42.159 and they will respond. 00:16:43.879 --> 00:16:46.159 God knows that there are people in Corinth 00:16:46.159 --> 00:16:48.179 who will come to believe in Jesus. 00:16:48.439 --> 00:16:50.500 People will turn from their sin 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:51.919 and follow him. 00:16:53.819 --> 00:16:55.319 See, this tells us that God knows 00:16:55.319 --> 00:16:56.480 who his people are. 00:16:56.480 --> 00:16:58.940 Like a good father, 00:16:59.360 --> 00:17:01.560 he loves and cares for 00:17:01.560 --> 00:17:03.800 and calls his children to himself. 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:05.880 That's why Paul is to stay 00:17:05.880 --> 00:17:07.539 and keep on speaking about Jesus. 00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:12.259 But notice that God doesn't tell Paul 00:17:12.259 --> 00:17:13.400 who these people are. 00:17:14.900 --> 00:17:16.680 That's because we will never know 00:17:16.680 --> 00:17:18.620 who God's people are beforehand 00:17:18.620 --> 00:17:20.059 and we don't need to know. 00:17:21.620 --> 00:17:24.180 Our responsibility is to share Jesus 00:17:24.180 --> 00:17:26.279 with everyone we can, 00:17:26.820 --> 00:17:27.680 whenever we can, 00:17:27.940 --> 00:17:28.799 wherever we can. 00:17:29.600 --> 00:17:31.680 And if we shared this deep love 00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:33.120 that God has for people, 00:17:33.340 --> 00:17:35.019 then I think we would want 00:17:35.019 --> 00:17:36.299 to share Jesus with them, 00:17:36.340 --> 00:17:36.799 would we not? 00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:40.160 Not wanting anyone to suffer 00:17:40.160 --> 00:17:41.600 in judgment for eternity, 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:44.140 but for people to have a relationship 00:17:44.140 --> 00:17:46.640 with God and to live in his presence forever. 00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:50.180 Too often, Christians, 00:17:50.360 --> 00:17:52.779 we can look at the world we live in 00:17:52.779 --> 00:17:54.480 and see it a bit like Gotham City 00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:55.079 from Batman. 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:58.000 A city rampant with crime, 00:17:58.240 --> 00:18:00.000 where the bad guys rule the show, 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:01.740 where sin is always on the cards, 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:03.299 where no one cares for God. 00:18:04.779 --> 00:18:06.579 It's easy to look into our world 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:07.599 and see an environment 00:18:07.599 --> 00:18:09.119 where sin thrives. 00:18:12.359 --> 00:18:13.779 And we can cringe at that. 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:16.019 And sometimes Christians 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:18.200 have even retreated from the world 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:19.720 and created a holy huddle. 00:18:20.319 --> 00:18:21.960 But we're not told to do that. 00:18:22.779 --> 00:18:24.859 But we should be looking at this world, 00:18:24.940 --> 00:18:25.660 at our city, 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:28.339 and seeing people that God loves, 00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:32.279 that God wants us to tell about Jesus. 00:18:33.879 --> 00:18:35.279 Because whilst this promise 00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:36.700 is specific to Corinth, 00:18:37.139 --> 00:18:38.759 the principle is the same. 00:18:39.859 --> 00:18:42.240 God has many people in this city, 00:18:42.920 --> 00:18:44.379 in this nation, 00:18:44.879 --> 00:18:46.119 and in this world. 00:18:47.119 --> 00:18:48.799 We need to tell them about Jesus 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:50.339 and have the same love 00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:52.099 that God has for them. 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:57.159 God promises 00:18:57.159 --> 00:18:59.639 that He has people in Corinth. 00:18:59.899 --> 00:19:01.099 And the good news of Jesus 00:19:01.099 --> 00:19:02.159 is bearing fruit. 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:03.579 Verse 8 tells us 00:19:03.579 --> 00:19:04.539 that people believed 00:19:04.539 --> 00:19:05.339 and were baptized. 00:19:06.639 --> 00:19:08.440 And we know that it wasn't very long 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:09.579 before a whole church 00:19:09.579 --> 00:19:10.899 was established in Corinth. 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:13.940 And that continues today. 00:19:15.140 --> 00:19:16.940 God has people around us. 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.800 Look at this room. 00:19:19.540 --> 00:19:21.140 Look at this city. 00:19:21.280 --> 00:19:22.340 Other churches in Edinburgh. 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.660 Look at Lisa's testimony. 00:19:24.300 --> 00:19:26.420 Different people have been used by God 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:27.500 through the years 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:29.720 to teach others about Jesus. 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:32.000 And it is bearing fruit. 00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:36.960 Think back to where we started off this morning 00:19:36.960 --> 00:19:37.800 about the promise 00:19:37.800 --> 00:19:39.580 that the dentist appointment won't hurt. 00:19:39.579 --> 00:19:41.119 It's a silly example. 00:19:42.359 --> 00:19:43.960 But it highlights a general principle 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:45.240 that we all know the pain, 00:19:46.179 --> 00:19:47.439 physical or emotional, 00:19:47.619 --> 00:19:48.419 of broken promises. 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:51.439 We know the heartache it can cause, 00:19:52.279 --> 00:19:54.439 the unease that it leaves you with, 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:56.240 and the emotional scars that you carry. 00:19:57.659 --> 00:19:59.720 The Bible is full of promises 00:19:59.720 --> 00:20:01.059 that God makes to His people, 00:20:01.220 --> 00:20:04.699 and He keeps every single one of them. 00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:08.559 God is a faithful, promise-keeping God 00:20:08.559 --> 00:20:10.519 who promises to be with His people, 00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:13.099 and that He has people in this city, 00:20:13.299 --> 00:20:14.200 in this nation, 00:20:14.279 --> 00:20:15.299 and in this world 00:20:15.299 --> 00:20:17.119 who will be saved. 00:20:18.659 --> 00:20:21.639 Our job is just to act in confidence, 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:24.200 to put our trust in Jesus, 00:20:24.339 --> 00:20:25.619 to believe, to be baptized, 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.919 and to go, 00:20:27.599 --> 00:20:29.839 and to share Jesus with the world. 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:32.720 It won't always be easy, 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:33.939 and it won't be quick. 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:36.639 But because of God's promises, 00:20:37.220 --> 00:20:41.399 we can confidently declare Jesus to the world. 00:20:42.639 --> 00:20:44.559 Now, I know some of you are here this morning, 00:20:44.659 --> 00:20:46.459 and you've been praying for a family member, 00:20:46.959 --> 00:20:49.599 or a friend to become a Christian for many years. 00:20:50.959 --> 00:20:53.519 You've been praying and speaking the gospel to them, 00:20:53.619 --> 00:20:56.079 and you're wondering whether you should continue, 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:58.799 or whether it's time to throw in the towel. 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:03.099 Let me end with a story that I read earlier on this week 00:21:03.099 --> 00:21:06.480 of Evelyn and Bernie Carter. 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:11.039 They had been married for 67 years. 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:12.779 Now, Evelyn was a Christian, 00:21:13.319 --> 00:21:14.779 and her husband wasn't. 00:21:15.319 --> 00:21:17.119 For years and years, 00:21:17.119 --> 00:21:18.779 she prayed for him 00:21:18.779 --> 00:21:22.699 and continued to share the gospel with him. 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:24.680 The church that she was a part of 00:21:24.680 --> 00:21:26.559 continued to witness to him as well, 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:28.740 and the pastor many times 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:31.039 went and prayed with Bernie. 00:21:32.400 --> 00:21:33.940 Just a few months ago, 00:21:34.740 --> 00:21:36.720 at the age of 93, 00:21:38.380 --> 00:21:40.940 Bernie put his trust in Jesus. 00:21:41.600 --> 00:21:43.480 He believed and was baptized. 00:21:45.059 --> 00:21:47.080 What gave Evelyn the strength 00:21:47.080 --> 00:21:48.039 to keep on witnessing? 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:51.359 What gave Paul the confidence 00:21:51.359 --> 00:21:52.359 to stay in Corinth 00:21:52.359 --> 00:21:53.339 and preach the gospel? 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:56.420 What gives you the strength tomorrow 00:21:56.420 --> 00:21:57.960 to go into your workplace, 00:21:58.159 --> 00:21:59.180 or wherever you're going, 00:21:59.659 --> 00:22:02.180 and to boldly proclaim Jesus to this world? 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:04.159 It's the promises 00:22:04.159 --> 00:22:05.720 that God is with you, 00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:07.519 and that he has people. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:11.859 Those promises should change your life. 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:13.240 Never give up, 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:15.900 because God is with you, 00:22:16.019 --> 00:22:18.559 and because he has his people. 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.279 Let's pray together. 00:22:24.120 --> 00:22:24.839 Heavenly Father, 00:22:24.920 --> 00:22:25.559 we thank you 00:22:25.559 --> 00:22:28.019 for your promises. 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:32.420 We thank you that we can bring our lives, 00:22:32.519 --> 00:22:34.079 that we can live 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:35.960 as you want us to, 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:37.480 because you have promised 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:38.559 to be with us. 00:22:39.220 --> 00:22:40.120 That you have promised 00:22:40.120 --> 00:22:41.200 to give us strength 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:42.279 by your Holy Spirit 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:43.240 to live the life 00:22:43.240 --> 00:22:44.519 that you have called us to live. 00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:46.259 And Father, 00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:47.940 I pray for every single person here 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:49.079 that we would consider 00:22:49.079 --> 00:22:49.980 where we stand 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:51.059 before you this morning. 00:22:52.339 --> 00:22:54.180 That if we do not yet know you, 00:22:54.940 --> 00:22:56.420 we would put our trust in you. 00:22:57.500 --> 00:22:58.119 And Father, 00:22:58.160 --> 00:22:59.099 that if we do know you, 00:22:59.160 --> 00:23:00.779 you would give us boldness this week 00:23:00.779 --> 00:23:01.940 and opportunities 00:23:01.940 --> 00:23:04.279 to share the hope 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:05.740 and life that we have. 00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:07.680 And we realize 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:09.839 that that is only because of Jesus. 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:12.099 And it's in his name 00:23:12.099 --> 00:23:14.079 and for your glory that we pray. 00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:15.199 Amen.