WEBVTT 00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:04.860 Once again this morning, I extend a very warm welcome to you all and all of those who are 00:00:04.860 --> 00:00:10.779 joining us online as well. As you can see, today we are having a baptism service and 00:00:10.779 --> 00:00:16.199 that will be at the end of our service today. The baptisms are six children being baptized. 00:00:17.179 --> 00:00:23.059 Fathers are sitting at the front and mums will come in with the children near the end 00:00:23.059 --> 00:00:27.240 of the service. At the end of the service, they'll come in and take their place along 00:00:27.239 --> 00:00:33.039 with the fathers here. Now there's tea and coffee being served in the hall today. I don't 00:00:33.039 --> 00:00:37.659 say some of the intimations here that it'll be on the 5th, but they decided, the girls 00:00:37.659 --> 00:00:43.359 decided, ladies decided that because there would be visitors today as well, we would start 00:00:43.359 --> 00:00:47.799 the tea and coffee and we're glad to be able to do that. It's something we had regularly 00:00:47.799 --> 00:00:54.140 every Lord's Day morning after the service until the COVID situation came along. So we're 00:00:54.140 --> 00:00:59.640 now able to restart that and everybody's very welcome to stay and have a cup of coffee or 00:00:59.640 --> 00:01:03.560 tea in the hall and just have a short time of fellowship there. 00:01:04.980 --> 00:01:12.519 Now tonight, the Big YF meets in the hall at 7.45 and P7 children are actually welcome 00:01:12.519 --> 00:01:19.579 tonight as well. The speaker is Dina MacLeod. And you can see the midweek meetings and the 00:01:19.579 --> 00:01:25.159 Saturday meeting and the reference to the Assistant Minister, Reverend Callum Murdo-Smith, who's 00:01:25.159 --> 00:01:31.219 accepted the congregation's call. And that will take place, the induction, God willing, 00:01:31.739 --> 00:01:38.420 will take place on Friday 1st of July. We're looking forward very much to having Callum Murdo 00:01:38.420 --> 00:01:45.539 installed as the new Assistant Minister. But we're still delighted that the old Assistant Minister 00:01:45.540 --> 00:01:53.840 is actually here as well and continues to be with us. Sorry, I shouldn't have said old, but 00:01:53.840 --> 00:02:02.520 former is the right word. Do notice the reference to Manuel Lopez Franco. If you wish to collect, 00:02:02.760 --> 00:02:06.480 if you wish to add to the collection that's been taken, just follow the directions there. It's just 00:02:06.480 --> 00:02:12.379 the usual. Just have an envelope, please, if you want to leave it in the plate, just mark it 00:02:12.379 --> 00:02:20.280 to Manuel Franco and it'll be forwarded to him in his ministry. An intermission there for a curry 00:02:20.280 --> 00:02:26.139 night, which is on Friday the 10th of June here in the hall at 7pm. This is actually a fundraiser 00:02:26.139 --> 00:02:33.379 for Kin Craig Kids Free Church Camp and that's going to raise funds for that. So if you need 00:02:33.379 --> 00:02:42.159 to receive a place, please contact Ali Moli on any of the numbers or the number or the email that's 00:02:42.159 --> 00:02:49.960 mentioned there. Now these are all the intimations for the moment. Let's begin our worship now and 00:02:49.960 --> 00:02:59.579 today we're singing firstly from Psalm 100. Psalm 100 and in your Psalm books, that's on page 362. 00:02:59.580 --> 00:03:06.900 We're singing the first version of the Psalm, page 362. 00:03:11.180 --> 00:03:17.060 I should have said we're pleased to have so many visitors with us today. This is usually the case 00:03:17.060 --> 00:03:22.320 for a baptism service. We do welcome you all, those who are connected with the families being 00:03:22.319 --> 00:03:30.079 children baptized today, so we extend a very warm welcome to you with us. Psalm 100. 00:03:30.239 --> 00:03:35.759 All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice. Him said with mirth, 00:03:35.759 --> 00:03:42.039 his praise forth tell, come ye before him and rejoice. The whole of the psalm and we'll stand 00:03:42.039 --> 00:04:12.019 to sing this psalm. 00:04:12.020 --> 00:04:13.560 is glorifying power and above the psalm and Heés, visiting with me next to me. 00:04:13.560 --> 00:04:14.020 the whole of the psalm is holy and air,ую must be Syrian, such as soldiers in the 00:04:14.020 --> 00:04:14.500 philipset ange еft they love them. this isabel hoster. 00:04:14.500 --> 00:04:26.220 Our psalm and viney start with me earth. The whole of the psalm and we'll have but this isabel and 00:04:26.220 --> 00:04:27.180 that the cawość isiyor. And with me next to you will you will deal with us. Whither third set, three 00:04:27.180 --> 00:04:33.060 years will return. You will deliver with us for ourVolta beef and Profen butt this, 00:04:33.060 --> 00:04:35.160 workologists. Those 74AT of the year. 00:04:35.160 --> 00:04:36.980 Cocks and Rahola winding lead us to me both continue and hope to me with us in the 00:04:36.980 --> 00:04:37.519 welcomeach metrics andпервых. 00:04:37.519 --> 00:04:37.780 We will become saved for Anduerdo1 hablaba and Clark the back of honor. 00:04:37.779 --> 00:04:59.539 P toilet and kitchen fiers, 00:04:59.559 --> 00:05:01.539 and for dining shopites 00:05:01.539 --> 00:05:06.279 液ES of our hands 00:05:06.279 --> 00:05:17.119 When turned in his gates with fist, 00:05:17.719 --> 00:05:26.099 Approached with joy his courts unto, 00:05:26.099 --> 00:05:34.099 Praise God and bless his name, 00:05:34.100 --> 00:05:47.760 Always for it is simply so to do, 00:05:47.760 --> 00:05:58.140 For while the Lord our God is good, 00:05:58.139 --> 00:06:07.800 His mercy is forever sure, 00:06:08.719 --> 00:06:17.879 His truth at all times firmly stood, 00:06:17.879 --> 00:06:27.079 And shall promise to it endure. 00:06:27.079 --> 00:06:34.339 Now we're going to call upon the Lord in prayer. 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:36.039 Let's all join together in prayer. 00:06:40.039 --> 00:06:42.259 Our gracious and loving God, 00:06:42.819 --> 00:06:46.560 we give thanks that these words we have sung in your praise 00:06:46.560 --> 00:06:50.299 have reminded us and teach us that you are our creator, 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:54.019 that you have brought us into being to be your people, 00:06:54.019 --> 00:06:56.039 to glorify your name, 00:06:57.159 --> 00:06:59.359 to bear your image in this world. 00:07:00.339 --> 00:07:01.159 Oh Lord our God, 00:07:01.219 --> 00:07:03.699 we thank you for the privilege that that brings to us. 00:07:04.659 --> 00:07:06.500 And we pray that today we may be conscious 00:07:06.500 --> 00:07:08.579 of how we carry this about with us, 00:07:08.979 --> 00:07:10.039 wherever we go, 00:07:10.159 --> 00:07:14.539 that we are indeed a people who have the responsibility 00:07:14.539 --> 00:07:17.539 of showing that the Lord is our God. 00:07:18.339 --> 00:07:21.060 We bless you today for this privilege of worship, 00:07:21.060 --> 00:07:24.800 and we thank you for the desire in our hearts to be here today. 00:07:25.759 --> 00:07:28.439 We pray that you would bless to us this occasion. 00:07:29.480 --> 00:07:30.980 Bless to us, Lord, your word, 00:07:31.379 --> 00:07:32.959 as we read it and as it's preached. 00:07:34.079 --> 00:07:35.699 Bless the singing of your praise. 00:07:35.819 --> 00:07:39.740 We thank you for the way in which we're able to sing praises to you, 00:07:40.360 --> 00:07:43.220 and from our hearts express our devotion to you. 00:07:44.220 --> 00:07:46.740 We thank you for the access we have to you in prayer. 00:07:47.779 --> 00:07:50.100 We give thanks, O Lord, that we can speak with you, 00:07:50.100 --> 00:07:52.800 that we can listen to your voice in return, 00:07:53.460 --> 00:07:54.860 speaking to us through your word. 00:07:55.920 --> 00:07:59.540 We pray today for your spirit to be active in our midst, 00:08:00.240 --> 00:08:02.780 the Holy Spirit who takes the things of Christ 00:08:02.780 --> 00:08:06.160 and makes them real and powerful to his people. 00:08:07.180 --> 00:08:10.640 We pray today that your spirit will be evident amongst us, 00:08:10.700 --> 00:08:12.000 that we will each of us know 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:14.980 that your spirit has indeed touched our hearts. 00:08:14.980 --> 00:08:18.220 We pray, Lord, for thankfulness too, 00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:20.520 in regard to our circumstances, 00:08:21.240 --> 00:08:24.340 that we have freedom to gather as we do now, 00:08:25.160 --> 00:08:29.200 a freedom that is not the lot of many others in the world today. 00:08:30.220 --> 00:08:32.960 And we pray that our hearts, as we express our thanks, 00:08:33.680 --> 00:08:36.139 will all the more seek to be devoted to you. 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:40.659 You called us to give praise to your name at all times, 00:08:40.659 --> 00:08:43.699 so that whatever our circumstances may be, 00:08:44.439 --> 00:08:46.519 we know that you are worthy of our worship, 00:08:47.219 --> 00:08:48.500 worthy of being praised, 00:08:48.779 --> 00:08:50.620 worthy of being served. 00:08:51.480 --> 00:08:54.299 And we ask, Lord, today that you would draw near to us 00:08:54.299 --> 00:08:56.679 as we seek to draw near to you. 00:08:57.799 --> 00:09:01.299 And we pray for each and every family represented here today. 00:09:02.199 --> 00:09:04.199 Bless us, Lord, we pray, in our homes. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:06.399 Bless us in our relationships. 00:09:06.399 --> 00:09:08.639 Bless us to our neighbors. 00:09:09.459 --> 00:09:13.539 Bless us in our various spheres of activity and work in the world. 00:09:14.279 --> 00:09:18.860 We ask, Lord, that you would make us bright lights to shine for you. 00:09:19.720 --> 00:09:24.000 We pray that we may at all times be conscious of our responsibility 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:28.860 to carry forward into the world the values of the gospel. 00:09:29.959 --> 00:09:32.639 And we pray that you would be with us today, Lord, 00:09:32.639 --> 00:09:36.199 so that we may be strengthened in the ways of the Lord. 00:09:37.100 --> 00:09:38.639 We are so conscious, O Lord, 00:09:38.759 --> 00:09:42.179 that we meet with many challenges in this life, 00:09:43.059 --> 00:09:45.379 that whatever our circumstances may be, 00:09:45.879 --> 00:09:49.259 there will be elements in them that challenge us 00:09:49.259 --> 00:09:51.699 and bring us testing times. 00:09:52.559 --> 00:09:55.000 O Lord, we pray today for your strength. 00:09:55.759 --> 00:09:57.980 We pray that you would help us to trust in you, 00:09:58.659 --> 00:10:02.299 to be like the psalmist who trusted in you as his great rock, 00:10:02.779 --> 00:10:05.740 who knew you as the God who was foundational for him, 00:10:05.740 --> 00:10:09.879 upon which he could safely stand and base his life. 00:10:10.740 --> 00:10:14.299 And so today we pray that this may be so for each of us here, 00:10:15.039 --> 00:10:16.399 that we may be conscious, Lord, 00:10:16.519 --> 00:10:18.700 that the things of this present world, 00:10:18.779 --> 00:10:21.340 even the very best of the things of this world, 00:10:21.700 --> 00:10:23.180 will not last for us 00:10:23.180 --> 00:10:28.360 and will not prove to be a means of conducting us safely into eternity. 00:10:28.360 --> 00:10:31.080 But we thank you for Jesus Christ. 00:10:31.680 --> 00:10:33.700 We thank you for your eternal Son. 00:10:34.460 --> 00:10:36.460 We thank you that you sent him into this world, 00:10:36.539 --> 00:10:40.279 that he came willingly even to die the death of the cross. 00:10:40.279 --> 00:10:43.059 We thank you that he has risen from the dead 00:10:43.059 --> 00:10:47.199 and is today at the right hand of the Father on the throne of heaven. 00:10:48.059 --> 00:10:50.199 And we thank you today that we worship him 00:10:50.199 --> 00:10:54.339 as we worship the Father and the Holy Spirit, the one God. 00:10:55.220 --> 00:10:58.959 We thank you too for the sacraments you have given to your church, 00:10:59.419 --> 00:11:01.679 for baptism, for the Lord's Supper, 00:11:02.480 --> 00:11:07.179 to be means of your grace being channeled into the lives of your people. 00:11:07.179 --> 00:11:09.799 And we thank you for all that they represent, 00:11:10.579 --> 00:11:14.500 that they represent to us how you deal with our sins in forgiveness, 00:11:15.219 --> 00:11:17.319 in cleansing, in washing us spiritually, 00:11:17.939 --> 00:11:22.659 and how you feed your people with the bread of life represented for us 00:11:22.659 --> 00:11:27.719 and conveyed mysteriously but wonderfully through the Lord's Supper. 00:11:28.659 --> 00:11:30.859 And we pray today for the families especially 00:11:30.859 --> 00:11:33.319 who are bringing their children to be baptized. 00:11:34.159 --> 00:11:37.159 Lord, remember them, each one, in their own homes, 00:11:37.179 --> 00:11:39.359 and remember the children especially. 00:11:40.159 --> 00:11:42.219 We ask that this day may be for them, 00:11:42.859 --> 00:11:45.299 a day that they will look back upon as they grow up, 00:11:45.959 --> 00:11:48.139 significant and meaningful to themselves, 00:11:49.079 --> 00:11:51.919 a day that will be in their recollection, 00:11:52.559 --> 00:11:53.979 a reminder to them that, 00:11:54.639 --> 00:11:56.500 as they are dedicated here in baptism, 00:11:57.259 --> 00:11:59.979 to be brought into the visible church on earth. 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:02.639 So they are dedicated also to God 00:12:02.639 --> 00:12:05.700 and pledged in the parents' pledging 00:12:05.700 --> 00:12:08.460 to be brought up in the ways of the Lord. 00:12:09.159 --> 00:12:11.139 Bless them, bless the parents too. 00:12:11.840 --> 00:12:15.240 Be pleased, Lord, to grant us the grace that enables us 00:12:15.240 --> 00:12:18.019 to fulfill all the responsibilities 00:12:18.019 --> 00:12:22.300 and the duties and the privileges that are ours in this life. 00:12:22.299 --> 00:12:25.259 Now remember, we pray, those who can't be with us, 00:12:25.939 --> 00:12:28.379 remember those especially of our number who are ill, 00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:31.659 who are confined at home or in hospital or in hospice, 00:12:32.339 --> 00:12:33.740 graciously bless them all. 00:12:34.559 --> 00:12:36.399 Bless those today who have sadness, 00:12:37.099 --> 00:12:39.740 who are mourning the passing of loved ones and their families. 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:41.919 We pray that you would be near to them, Lord, 00:12:42.039 --> 00:12:43.060 to comfort them, 00:12:43.899 --> 00:12:45.879 enable them to draw their strength from you. 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:48.680 And we ask, Lord, that you would bless us too 00:12:48.680 --> 00:12:50.220 in our community, 00:12:50.779 --> 00:12:52.620 in our wider community here locally 00:12:52.620 --> 00:12:54.419 and even throughout our land 00:12:54.419 --> 00:12:55.680 and throughout the world today. 00:12:56.320 --> 00:12:58.460 Let your blessing flow out, we pray, 00:12:59.120 --> 00:13:01.159 that many will come to be made disciples 00:13:01.159 --> 00:13:03.159 of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:04.060 --> 00:13:05.899 And so remember us now as we confess 00:13:05.899 --> 00:13:08.279 our sin, our need of your cleansing, 00:13:08.279 --> 00:13:09.439 of your pardon. 00:13:10.139 --> 00:13:12.500 We thank you for the assurance your word gives us 00:13:12.500 --> 00:13:14.980 that if we confess our sins, 00:13:15.519 --> 00:13:18.240 you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:21.379 and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 00:13:22.019 --> 00:13:24.199 So may it be so, Lord, for each of us here, 00:13:24.779 --> 00:13:27.039 for we ask all of these things in Jesus' name 00:13:27.039 --> 00:13:28.799 and for his sake. 00:13:29.279 --> 00:13:29.639 Amen. 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:38.059 I know the order of service actually, 00:13:38.059 --> 00:13:39.619 he says we're going to have a children's address 00:13:39.619 --> 00:13:40.379 at this point, 00:13:41.079 --> 00:13:43.439 but I know the children will be coming in later, 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:45.639 so I'm going to leave the children's address just now 00:13:45.639 --> 00:13:47.059 until they come in, 00:13:47.099 --> 00:13:48.679 which will be just before the baptism. 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:51.859 So I'll say a few words to them specifically, 00:13:52.159 --> 00:13:54.279 and it's going to be in relation to baptism 00:13:54.839 --> 00:13:58.179 and what baptism means for themselves, 00:13:58.699 --> 00:14:01.659 and that will be applicable to adults as well, 00:14:01.779 --> 00:14:04.539 and we'll also have the Lord's Prayer as part of that. 00:14:04.539 --> 00:14:08.339 So if we turn now to read the word of God, 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:10.439 we find our reading today in Matthew, 00:14:11.019 --> 00:14:13.799 Matthew chapter 28. 00:14:20.360 --> 00:14:23.159 Matthew 28, and we're going to read the whole of the chapter. 00:14:25.819 --> 00:14:27.519 It's the first book in the New Testament. 00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:30.919 It's in Pulpit Bible, page 1006, 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:35.360 so it'll be around about that point in your pew Bibles as well. 00:14:36.259 --> 00:14:39.860 So it's the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 28. 00:14:39.860 --> 00:14:42.220 Now after the Sabbath, 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:44.580 towards the dawn of the first day of the week, 00:14:45.440 --> 00:14:48.139 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 00:14:49.120 --> 00:14:50.779 And behold, there was a great earthquake, 00:14:51.340 --> 00:14:53.500 for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven 00:14:53.500 --> 00:14:56.820 and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 00:14:57.779 --> 00:14:59.220 His appearance was like lightning 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:01.680 and his clothing white as snow. 00:15:02.460 --> 00:15:03.700 And for fear of him, 00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:06.820 the guards trembled and became like dead men. 00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:09.320 But the angel said to the women, 00:15:10.060 --> 00:15:10.980 Do not be afraid, 00:15:11.420 --> 00:15:13.920 for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 00:15:15.020 --> 00:15:17.860 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. 00:15:18.700 --> 00:15:20.440 Come, see the place where he lay. 00:15:21.200 --> 00:15:23.720 Then go quickly and tell his disciples 00:15:23.720 --> 00:15:25.160 that he has risen from the dead. 00:15:25.820 --> 00:15:28.360 And behold, he is going before you to Galilee. 00:15:29.080 --> 00:15:30.240 There you will see him. 00:15:30.800 --> 00:15:32.160 See, I have told you. 00:15:32.879 --> 00:15:35.060 So they departed quickly from the tomb 00:15:35.060 --> 00:15:36.800 with fear and great joy 00:15:36.800 --> 00:15:39.100 and ran to tell his disciples. 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:42.480 And behold, Jesus met them and said, 00:15:42.700 --> 00:15:42.960 Greetings. 00:15:43.860 --> 00:15:45.879 And they came up and took hold of his feet 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:46.700 and worshipped him. 00:15:47.320 --> 00:15:48.760 Then Jesus said to them, 00:15:49.020 --> 00:15:50.580 Do not be afraid. 00:15:51.120 --> 00:15:53.320 Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:55.140 and there they will see me. 00:15:56.260 --> 00:15:57.260 While they were going, 00:15:57.500 --> 00:15:59.700 behold, some of the guard went into the city 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:02.980 and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 00:16:03.920 --> 00:16:05.600 When they had assembled with the elders 00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:06.980 and taken counsel, 00:16:07.539 --> 00:16:10.000 they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:10.580 and said, 00:16:11.139 --> 00:16:13.539 Tell people his disciples came by night 00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:16.620 and stole him away while we were asleep. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:19.240 And if this comes to the governor's ears, 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:22.720 we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble. 00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:26.100 So they took the money and did as they were directed. 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:28.840 And this story has been spread abroad 00:16:28.840 --> 00:16:31.019 among the Jews to this day. 00:16:32.259 --> 00:16:34.120 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, 00:16:34.560 --> 00:16:37.200 to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:38.980 And when they saw him, 00:16:39.340 --> 00:16:40.120 they worshipped him, 00:16:40.659 --> 00:16:41.720 but some doubted. 00:16:41.720 --> 00:16:44.139 And Jesus came and said to them, 00:16:44.820 --> 00:16:46.480 All authority in heaven and on earth 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.779 has been given to me. 00:16:48.600 --> 00:16:49.279 Go, therefore, 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:51.460 and make disciples of all nations, 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:54.139 baptizing them in the name of the Father 00:16:54.139 --> 00:16:56.320 and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 00:16:57.080 --> 00:17:00.040 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:17:00.700 --> 00:17:01.360 And behold, 00:17:01.639 --> 00:17:03.440 I am with you always 00:17:03.440 --> 00:17:05.980 to the end of the age. 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:09.860 And the prayer is that God will bless to us 00:17:09.860 --> 00:17:12.900 that reading anew of his word today. 00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:16.759 And we're going to sing some more verses to God's praise. 00:17:16.860 --> 00:17:18.140 This time Psalm 25. 00:17:18.900 --> 00:17:20.380 This is on page 29. 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:21.559 Psalm 25, 00:17:22.319 --> 00:17:23.759 verses 4 to 9. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:31.120 O Lord, reveal to me your ways 00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:32.099 and all your paths. 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:33.120 Help me to know. 00:17:33.920 --> 00:17:35.620 Direct and guide me in your truth 00:17:35.619 --> 00:17:37.259 instruct me in the way to go. 00:17:37.959 --> 00:17:40.079 You are my Savior and my God 00:17:40.079 --> 00:17:41.939 all day, I hope, and you alone. 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:44.759 Remember, Lord, your love and grace 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:47.339 which from past ages you have shown. 00:17:48.119 --> 00:17:50.039 Do not recall my sins of youth 00:17:50.039 --> 00:17:52.359 or my rebellious evil ways. 00:17:52.739 --> 00:17:54.399 Remember me in your great love 00:17:54.399 --> 00:17:57.339 for you, O Lord, are good always. 00:17:58.059 --> 00:18:00.039 Because the Lord is just and good, 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:02.599 he shows his paths to all who stray. 00:18:02.899 --> 00:18:05.279 He guides the meek in what is right, 00:18:05.619 --> 00:18:08.799 and teaches them his holy way. 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:11.000 These verses in Psalm 25, 00:18:11.619 --> 00:18:14.359 O Lord, reveal to me your ways. 00:18:14.359 --> 00:18:27.679 O Lord, reveal to me your ways. 00:18:27.680 --> 00:18:36.680 And all your hearts and me to know. 00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:37.240 And all your hearts and me to know. 00:18:37.240 --> 00:18:46.420 Direct and guide me in your truth. 00:18:46.420 --> 00:18:55.460 Instruct me in the way to go. 00:18:55.460 --> 00:19:05.460 You are my Savior and my God. 00:19:05.460 --> 00:19:14.460 All day I hope in you alone. 00:19:14.460 --> 00:19:24.900 Remember, Lord, your love and grace 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:35.460 which from past ages you have shown. 00:19:35.460 --> 00:19:45.460 Do not recall my sins of youth 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:55.400 or my rebellious evil ways. 00:19:55.400 --> 00:20:05.400 Remember me in your great love. 00:20:05.400 --> 00:20:14.400 For you, O Lord, are good always. 00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:24.400 Because the Lord is just and good. 00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:33.400 He shows his path to all who stray. 00:20:33.400 --> 00:20:43.400 He guides the meek in what is right, 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:53.400 and teaches them his holy way. 00:20:53.400 --> 00:21:01.400 Now, please turn with me to Matthew chapter 28. 00:21:01.400 --> 00:21:04.400 Matthew chapter 28. 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:06.400 And for a short time this morning, 00:21:06.400 --> 00:21:09.400 we're looking at verses 18 to 20. 00:21:09.400 --> 00:21:13.400 We can read again from verse 16, 00:21:13.400 --> 00:21:15.400 that short passage. 00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:17.400 Now, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, 00:21:17.400 --> 00:21:20.400 to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:22.400 And when they saw him, they worshipped him, 00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:23.400 but some doubted. 00:21:23.400 --> 00:21:25.400 And Jesus came and said to them, 00:21:25.400 --> 00:21:27.400 All authority in heaven and on earth 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:29.400 has been given to me. 00:21:29.400 --> 00:21:32.400 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, 00:21:32.400 --> 00:21:35.400 baptizing them in the name of the Father 00:21:35.400 --> 00:21:37.400 and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 00:21:37.400 --> 00:21:40.400 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:49.400 And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:21:49.400 --> 00:21:53.400 And these verses 18 to 20 are usually referred to 00:21:53.400 --> 00:21:55.400 as the Great Commission. 00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:59.400 Because in them, Jesus is commissioning his disciples, 00:21:59.400 --> 00:22:02.400 his church as they are represented in the disciples there. 00:22:02.400 --> 00:22:06.400 He is commissioning them to go forward, 00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:09.400 to go out to make disciples. 00:22:09.400 --> 00:22:13.400 In other words, it's a mandate for mission for the church. 00:22:13.400 --> 00:22:18.400 A mandate to go out and make disciples for Jesus, 00:22:18.400 --> 00:22:21.400 to make disciples of whoever it is that we come across 00:22:21.400 --> 00:22:24.400 and seek to come to follow the Lord. 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:28.400 This is his mandate, this Great Commission. 00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:31.400 This is what he left with the disciples 00:22:31.400 --> 00:22:35.400 shortly before he was taken back to heaven. 00:22:35.400 --> 00:22:41.400 And you can see that it's important even from the words that are being used there. 00:22:41.400 --> 00:22:48.400 Because any church that does not make disciples is going to be in serious decline 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:50.400 and possibly even in terminal decline. 00:22:50.400 --> 00:22:55.400 I know that all things ultimately are in the hands of the Lord who is sovereign. 00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:59.400 But as we look at our responsibilities as a congregation, 00:22:59.400 --> 00:23:02.400 as a church, whatever we think about, 00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:07.400 it's our responsibility to make disciples, as Jesus is saying here, 00:23:07.400 --> 00:23:10.400 so that by the blessing of God, 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:14.400 his own church, his own cause, will continue. 00:23:14.400 --> 00:23:16.400 And indeed, as we pray and hope, 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:20.400 will be multiplied and strengthened in this world. 00:23:20.400 --> 00:23:25.400 And you can see that it's actually in the form of a commandment. 00:23:25.400 --> 00:23:29.400 Go, therefore, and make disciples. 00:23:29.400 --> 00:23:31.400 We are commanded to evangelize. 00:23:31.400 --> 00:23:33.400 It should be our delight. 00:23:33.400 --> 00:23:35.400 It should be our desire. 00:23:35.400 --> 00:23:39.400 It should be our commitment anyway, as Christians, to do that. 00:23:39.400 --> 00:23:43.400 But here is the Lord reminding us that his commandment lies behind 00:23:43.400 --> 00:23:46.400 what he is saying here about making disciples, 00:23:46.400 --> 00:23:49.400 going out to make disciples for him. 00:23:49.400 --> 00:23:54.400 But I want you to notice, especially today in relation to the fact that this is a baptism service, 00:23:54.400 --> 00:24:00.400 that the two elements that are mentioned particularly in relation to making disciples are 00:24:00.400 --> 00:24:05.400 baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 00:24:05.400 --> 00:24:12.400 and secondly, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. 00:24:12.400 --> 00:24:20.400 And these two elements, these two important matters, the baptism and the teaching, 00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:25.400 together actually form part of making disciples. 00:24:25.400 --> 00:24:33.400 You cannot think of the church making disciples without taking these two elements and keeping them together, 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:38.400 baptism and teaching the things of the Lord. 00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:49.400 And so today, I want just to briefly go through these verses and look at how mission is in relation to making disciples, 00:24:49.400 --> 00:24:54.400 and how baptism and teaching actually come into that. 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:58.400 First of all, our mission is carried out on Christ's authority. 00:24:58.400 --> 00:25:05.400 The mission of the church to make disciples is carried out on Christ's own authority. 00:25:05.400 --> 00:25:07.400 It's not something we have invented. 00:25:07.400 --> 00:25:10.400 It's not something that the church thought would be a good idea. 00:25:10.400 --> 00:25:20.400 It's something that the Lord himself in his authority lies behind in order to send his people out into the world to make disciples. 00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:25.400 And that's as the risen Christ and as the sending Christ. 00:25:25.400 --> 00:25:29.400 These two things in regard to our mission carried out on Christ's authority. 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:36.400 Secondly, our mission in making disciples consists actually precisely of making disciples. 00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:41.400 That is the core element of the church's mission. 00:25:41.400 --> 00:25:50.400 Whatever other things may be added on to that rightly, whatever other things may actually be adjuncts if you like to making disciples. 00:25:50.400 --> 00:25:56.400 Making disciples is the primary business of the church as this passage shows. 00:25:56.400 --> 00:26:02.400 And that involves, as we said, baptizing them and teaching them. 00:26:02.400 --> 00:26:09.400 Thirdly, our mission is assured of Christ's presence. 00:26:09.400 --> 00:26:15.400 Behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:26:15.400 --> 00:26:23.400 At no time is the church, when involved in the matter and business and the privilege of making disciples, 00:26:23.400 --> 00:26:30.400 at no time is the church to be anything other than aware of Christ being present with them. 00:26:30.400 --> 00:26:37.400 What a great encouragement, what a great strengthening that is, even as we think of what it means. 00:26:37.400 --> 00:26:50.400 That Jesus is with his people in all their concerns, privately, individually, but as a church, he is with you always, you plural, to the end of the age. 00:26:50.400 --> 00:26:54.400 Let's just briefly go through these points that I've mentioned as our headings. 00:26:54.400 --> 00:26:58.400 Our mission is carried out on Christ's authority. 00:26:58.400 --> 00:27:05.400 Now, he's saying here, Jesus came and said to them, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:27:05.400 --> 00:27:08.400 This is Christ risen from the dead. 00:27:08.400 --> 00:27:12.400 This is Christ with Jesus with death behind him. 00:27:12.400 --> 00:27:13.400 He was buried. 00:27:13.400 --> 00:27:15.400 He was in the grave. 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:17.400 And he's risen from the dead. 00:27:17.400 --> 00:27:19.400 And that's what we find in this chapter. 00:27:19.400 --> 00:27:24.400 After the Sabbath, they went to see the tomb and the body of Jesus was not there. 00:27:24.400 --> 00:27:33.400 He had risen from the dead as the angel said to them, come and see the place where the Lord was placed, where he was laid. 00:27:33.400 --> 00:27:36.400 He is not here for he has risen. 00:27:36.400 --> 00:27:45.400 And it's interesting that this actually took place on a mountain, the mountain that Jesus had specified earlier that they were to go to. 00:27:45.400 --> 00:27:47.400 That's what you find here. 00:27:47.400 --> 00:27:50.400 They came to this mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 00:27:50.400 --> 00:28:04.400 And in the Bible, many important things happen on mountains, but especially when certain things are to take place that really form a new chapter, if you like, in the history of the church or of God's people. 00:28:04.400 --> 00:28:14.400 For example, Moses was on the Mount of Sinai used by God to give the law to the people of Israel. 00:28:14.400 --> 00:28:27.400 And being on the mountain is associated with an ascending up, not just physically, but represents, if you like, an ascending spiritually to God in heaven. 00:28:27.400 --> 00:28:31.400 And here you find the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 00:28:31.400 --> 00:28:32.400 That's where they came. 00:28:32.400 --> 00:28:44.400 And it reminds us that the Jesus that we worship, the Lord that we worship, is at this very moment at the highest position in creation. 00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:48.400 Philippians 2, we have been looking at the book of Philippians for some time. 00:28:48.400 --> 00:28:55.400 In chapter 2, you remember, it speaks about having humbled himself and become obedient to the death of the cross. 00:28:55.400 --> 00:29:00.400 Well, for God has highly exalted him and given him the name that is above every name. 00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:07.400 The exaltation of Jesus was to the highest possible place in the universe, at the right hand of the throne of God. 00:29:07.400 --> 00:29:26.400 And in fact, as you go to the likes of Revelation chapter 5, the first five verses of it there really give in an imagery there the way in which Jesus is in charge of all the events that take place in the history of the world. 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:36.400 It's pictured by a scroll that was taken out and the question was then answered, who has the authority to take this scroll and open its seals? 00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:38.400 The seals with which it was closed. 00:29:38.400 --> 00:29:49.400 And then this lamb came forward, the lamb who was in the midst of the throne, this Jesus who died, came forward and he took the scroll and he began to then open the seals. 00:29:49.400 --> 00:30:01.400 Today, that's who is ruling in this world, in the events of history, in our context even here today. 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:12.400 Today, this Jesus who is here spoken of as having gone to this mountain and met with these disciples who said, 00:30:12.400 --> 00:30:16.400 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:30:16.400 --> 00:30:19.400 And then you notice the word, therefore. 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:22.400 Therefore, go therefore. 00:30:22.400 --> 00:30:34.400 Now this is Jesus having been given all this authority in consequence of all that he has done by his death on the cross and achieved that salvation for his people and risen from the dead. 00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:41.400 And now coming to meet the disciples here, he says all authority in heaven and on earth, not just some, but all. 00:30:41.400 --> 00:30:44.400 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:30:44.400 --> 00:30:50.400 We don't worship today a small Jesus, a merely human Jesus, though he is human. 00:30:50.400 --> 00:30:59.400 We worship this great figure of the Son of God who sits on the throne of the universe, who directs things according to his will and his purpose, 00:30:59.400 --> 00:31:04.400 who calls us to bow before him and lovingly give obedience to him. 00:31:04.400 --> 00:31:12.400 Well, he says, therefore, go and make disciples on the basis of the authority that I have, 00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:24.400 on the basis of my authority as foundational to you as my church, on the basis of my authority which will always be behind you, go and make disciples. 00:31:24.400 --> 00:31:25.400 He is the sending Christ. 00:31:25.400 --> 00:31:27.400 He commissions them. 00:31:27.400 --> 00:31:39.400 And he himself, as the risen and sending Christ, is the one who specifies that they are to go and make disciples of all nations. 00:31:39.400 --> 00:31:41.400 In other words, this is their commissioning. 00:31:41.400 --> 00:31:46.400 This is their command by the risen Christ as the sending Christ. 00:31:46.400 --> 00:31:49.400 This is where we are today as a church. 00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:55.400 This is where Christ's church has been in the world ever since this incident took place. 00:31:55.400 --> 00:32:06.400 They are commissioned by God as his disciples to make disciples of others, of all nations, and bring them that way into the church of Christ. 00:32:06.400 --> 00:32:14.400 Now, that's very important that it's this Christ as Jesus, this authority of Jesus that lies behind our mandate in the gospel. 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:25.400 It's important not just for our own encouragement, for our own assurance, for our reassurance, but also important when you meet with objections in that world out there, 00:32:25.400 --> 00:32:36.400 when you try and bring the gospel lovingly, tactfully, we hope, before the world of the day that doesn't want to know about God, by and large, many at least don't, 00:32:36.400 --> 00:32:49.400 and you present them with the claims of Jesus, you present them with the way that he is calling us through the gospel to repentance, to turn from our sins, and to place our trust in him, 00:32:49.400 --> 00:32:54.400 you'll meet the objection, who has given you the right to say this to me? 00:32:54.400 --> 00:33:00.400 Who has given you the authority to actually go forth as Christians? 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:08.400 If you want to be Christians living your own life the way you think the Bible directs you, that's absolutely fine, but don't bother me in my life. 00:33:08.400 --> 00:33:14.400 Don't actually try and tell me that I need to come in to that same sort of view of life. 00:33:14.400 --> 00:33:20.400 Well, of course, you're going to meet, you cannot actually force anybody, and we're not in the business of forcing people. 00:33:20.400 --> 00:33:25.400 Sadly, that's the impression that many people in the world today have of the church, 00:33:25.400 --> 00:33:35.400 the church, and where the church has gone wrong in past times by trying to force people into a certain mindset and way of life, 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:39.400 even as a Christian mindset, has been entirely wrong. 00:33:39.400 --> 00:33:43.400 We're not in the business of forcing people against their will. 00:33:43.400 --> 00:33:48.400 We're in the business of persuading, and we're in the business of persuading, 00:33:48.400 --> 00:33:53.400 not just by our own authority and by our own ability, which wouldn't take us far, 00:33:53.400 --> 00:34:00.400 but on the authority of Christ, and in the power of the Christ who has risen from the dead. 00:34:00.400 --> 00:34:06.400 So friends, remember that you do have the right, but please, and I say to myself, 00:34:06.400 --> 00:34:12.400 do it tactfully and lovingly and patiently as you interact with the world, 00:34:12.400 --> 00:34:18.400 and especially as you interact with people who are resistant and hostile to the gospel, 00:34:18.400 --> 00:34:23.400 and also to those who are just apathetic and couldn't care one way or the other. 00:34:23.400 --> 00:34:34.400 Present the claims of Jesus, and that will show that you have been given the authority to go and make disciples of all nations. 00:34:34.400 --> 00:34:38.400 Secondly, our mission consists indeed of making disciples. 00:34:38.400 --> 00:34:40.400 That's obvious by now. 00:34:40.400 --> 00:34:42.400 But notice who this is. 00:34:42.400 --> 00:34:46.400 These are Christ's own disciples here as they represent the church, 00:34:46.400 --> 00:34:48.400 and from then on, of course, in the book of Acts, 00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:54.400 you find an account of how the church multiplied and grew from this small group. 00:34:54.400 --> 00:35:02.400 And you notice that it's the disciples, that it's the church, who is to go and make disciples. 00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:06.400 This is not saying that God makes disciples. 00:35:06.400 --> 00:35:08.400 God makes converts. 00:35:08.400 --> 00:35:10.400 God brings people to know himself. 00:35:10.400 --> 00:35:12.400 God converts people. 00:35:12.400 --> 00:35:16.400 God comes powerfully into the lives of people and brings them to know himself, 00:35:16.400 --> 00:35:18.400 to turn from sin and to follow him. 00:35:18.400 --> 00:35:21.400 But it is the church that makes disciples. 00:35:21.400 --> 00:35:27.400 It is we who are charged with making disciples, making followers of Jesus. 00:35:27.400 --> 00:35:32.400 That's what a disciple is, a follower or a pupil of Christ. 00:35:32.400 --> 00:35:36.400 And that's the business of the church, to actually make disciples. 00:35:36.400 --> 00:35:42.400 And to make disciples particularly through these two elements that are mentioned here. 00:35:42.400 --> 00:35:45.400 Go and make disciples of all nations. 00:35:45.400 --> 00:35:47.400 It doesn't leave any of them out. 00:35:47.400 --> 00:35:52.400 There's no prejudice against any particular nation or group of people or race. 00:35:52.400 --> 00:35:54.400 It's all nations. 00:35:54.400 --> 00:36:01.400 Firstly, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 00:36:01.400 --> 00:36:08.400 Now, of course, the nations were actually the pagan nations at that time that surrounded, this place surrounded Israel. 00:36:08.400 --> 00:36:14.400 And what Jesus was saying and what happened in the book of Acts, as you find recorded in the book of Acts, 00:36:14.400 --> 00:36:20.400 is that the disciples, the church actually went out with the gospel, followed the direction of Jesus, 00:36:20.400 --> 00:36:29.400 took the promises of Jesus, brought the message of Jesus crucified and risen from the dead before the world of the pagan nations. 00:36:29.400 --> 00:36:36.400 And as you go through the New Testament, you can see how God blessed that in various parts of that pagan world. 00:36:36.400 --> 00:36:45.400 Great cities like Corinth and Ephesus and Colossae, where many were turned from their paganism, from their idolatry, 00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:52.400 from their licentious and sexually immoral ways into the ways of God. 00:36:52.400 --> 00:37:01.400 And that's what Jesus is saying, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 00:37:01.400 --> 00:37:05.400 the one God who is these three persons. 00:37:05.400 --> 00:37:09.400 And that's what we are going to be doing today. 00:37:09.400 --> 00:37:14.400 Nothing in this passage precludes the baptism of infants. 00:37:14.400 --> 00:37:21.400 We respect the views of our Baptist brethren in Baptist churches. 00:37:21.400 --> 00:37:25.400 We value their partnership in the gospel. 00:37:25.400 --> 00:37:32.400 We give thanks to God for the many of them that are committed to the gospel and to preaching the gospel, soundly. 00:37:32.400 --> 00:37:37.400 But that doesn't actually remove from ourselves the conviction that our children are to be baptized, 00:37:37.400 --> 00:37:44.400 following the analogy and the practice of the Old Testament, where circumcision marked the children, 00:37:44.400 --> 00:37:48.400 or at least the male children, of those who are God's covenant people. 00:37:48.400 --> 00:37:53.400 So that baptism is really whether we are adults or baptized as children. 00:37:53.400 --> 00:38:00.400 It's the formal admission of us into the visible church of God. 00:38:00.400 --> 00:38:06.400 Now, I have to say that very carefully because it would be very wrong to think that baptism confers salvation. 00:38:06.400 --> 00:38:15.400 Whether we are adults or children when we are baptized, our baptism does not make us, itself, saved people of God. 00:38:15.400 --> 00:38:18.400 It doesn't wash away our sins of itself. 00:38:18.400 --> 00:38:25.400 It represents what God does in our salvation, in our washing from sin. 00:38:25.400 --> 00:38:36.400 And that same principle applies to the New Testament because circumcision in the Old Testament was not a racial sin. 00:38:36.400 --> 00:38:46.400 It was not a sign that set apart the Jewish people from all other people in the world, although they had been made by God, his covenant people. 00:38:46.400 --> 00:38:51.400 Because circumcision was a sign of their covenant with God. 00:38:51.400 --> 00:39:03.400 And that the privilege was extended to their children to be brought into that visible body of people that were in covenant outwardly with God. 00:39:03.400 --> 00:39:08.400 That's what we find with baptism as well, as we understand it. 00:39:08.400 --> 00:39:10.400 It's not a racial sign. 00:39:10.400 --> 00:39:22.400 It's a spiritual sign of being involved and incorporated into the covenant people of God, with all the covenant promises that God has given us in the gospel. 00:39:22.400 --> 00:39:28.400 Now, there's a lot, we could say a lot more about that, but I want to move on because the time is moving on. 00:39:28.400 --> 00:39:31.400 And the second element is teaching. 00:39:31.400 --> 00:39:36.400 Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 00:39:36.400 --> 00:39:40.400 Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:39:40.400 --> 00:39:46.400 As we said, making disciples involves teaching those who are baptized the things of God. 00:39:46.400 --> 00:39:49.400 The things that Jesus himself has commanded. 00:39:49.400 --> 00:39:58.400 And remember, we're not just talking about the four gospels where you find extracts from the speeches, from the sermons, if you like, of Jesus. 00:39:58.400 --> 00:40:05.400 This whole word, this whole Bible as the word of God is in fact what Jesus is commanding. 00:40:05.400 --> 00:40:14.400 You find so many times in the gospels themselves, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, that Jesus took those he was speaking to back to the Old Testament. 00:40:14.400 --> 00:40:20.400 And he took them back to the Old Testament in a way that obviously showed that this was his word as well. 00:40:20.400 --> 00:40:22.400 This authoritative word of God. 00:40:22.400 --> 00:40:28.400 And when he's saying here, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:40:28.400 --> 00:40:31.400 It's right that we should include the whole Bible in that. 00:40:31.400 --> 00:40:34.400 And that is the business of the church. 00:40:34.400 --> 00:40:38.400 I know it's the business also of parents in their homes. 00:40:38.400 --> 00:40:46.400 And the parents here are going to be pledging today in the vows they take that they will bring up the children in the ways of the Lord. 00:40:46.400 --> 00:40:49.400 In the nurture and training of the Lord. 00:40:49.400 --> 00:40:50.400 That means teaching. 00:40:50.400 --> 00:40:53.400 Teaching them the ways of God. 00:40:53.400 --> 00:40:59.400 They cannot leave that simply to the church to do for them. 00:40:59.400 --> 00:41:09.400 But nevertheless, the fact that children are taught at home does not remove the responsibility of the church to teach its disciples. 00:41:09.400 --> 00:41:11.400 To teach those that are made disciples. 00:41:11.400 --> 00:41:15.400 Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:41:15.400 --> 00:41:20.400 And that teaching is not just by the preaching of the gospel as it is here today. 00:41:20.400 --> 00:41:22.400 That's a primary part of it. 00:41:22.400 --> 00:41:30.400 But we actually have along with that other ways by which the truth of God is conveyed to our understanding, to our minds. 00:41:30.400 --> 00:41:31.400 We have Sunday schools. 00:41:31.400 --> 00:41:36.400 We have younger children than that, actually, in twinnies or in creche even. 00:41:36.400 --> 00:41:38.400 We have older ones in youth fellowships. 00:41:38.400 --> 00:41:41.400 We have adults taught in various ways. 00:41:41.400 --> 00:41:46.400 We have various means by which we are taught the things of God. 00:41:46.400 --> 00:41:50.400 And that's part of the business and the privilege of the church. 00:41:50.400 --> 00:41:56.400 See, that's why it's important to be in church. 00:41:56.400 --> 00:42:03.400 Although I never nowadays actually say to people, if I meet them and they're not in the practice of attending church, 00:42:03.400 --> 00:42:08.400 I never tend to say to them, would you like to come to church? 00:42:08.400 --> 00:42:11.400 Because it's a lot more than just coming to church. 00:42:11.400 --> 00:42:20.400 It's better to say to people, would you not like to become part of this covenant people, this congregation, 00:42:20.400 --> 00:42:27.400 so as to be part of all the things that take place there, particularly the teaching of the Word of God. 00:42:27.400 --> 00:42:31.400 That's what making disciples involves. 00:42:31.400 --> 00:42:34.400 And that teaching is two things. 00:42:34.400 --> 00:42:37.400 It's not just what to believe. 00:42:37.400 --> 00:42:39.400 It is that, very much so. 00:42:39.400 --> 00:42:42.400 But it's also how to behave. 00:42:42.400 --> 00:42:46.400 What kind of conduct God expects of His people. 00:42:46.400 --> 00:42:50.400 Now those two things are always to be kept together. 00:42:50.400 --> 00:42:57.400 You cannot actually know the conduct that God expects of us without the teaching. 00:42:57.400 --> 00:43:01.400 Without the actual believing going before that. 00:43:01.400 --> 00:43:03.400 You believe the Word of God. 00:43:03.400 --> 00:43:05.400 You believe this is from God. 00:43:05.400 --> 00:43:08.400 You believe that His authority is behind it. 00:43:08.400 --> 00:43:18.400 And so you actually come to think of the conduct and the lifestyle of what followers of Christ aim to be like. 00:43:18.400 --> 00:43:25.400 And that's including teaching people of what baptism itself signifies and is about. 00:43:25.400 --> 00:43:35.400 And I have to say, honestly and personally, I don't think we're very good at that in terms of either our preaching or our practice. 00:43:35.400 --> 00:43:41.400 But that is what, in fact, we are charged by God to be carrying out. 00:43:41.400 --> 00:43:46.400 Baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:43:46.400 --> 00:43:51.400 Remember, I did say previously, it's not a forcing of people's minds. 00:43:51.400 --> 00:43:53.400 It's a presenting of the truth of God. 00:43:53.400 --> 00:43:54.400 It's a presenting of the truth of God. 00:43:54.400 --> 00:43:57.400 Lovingly, tactfully, in dependence on God. 00:43:57.400 --> 00:44:04.400 But it's also recognizing our responsibility under God to receive that truth. 00:44:04.400 --> 00:44:07.400 To comply with that truth. 00:44:07.400 --> 00:44:10.400 To seek to obey God through that truth. 00:44:10.400 --> 00:44:13.400 To have our lives shaped by that truth. 00:44:13.400 --> 00:44:18.400 To be indeed His disciples in this world. 00:44:18.400 --> 00:44:22.400 So our mission is carried out on Christ's authority. 00:44:22.400 --> 00:44:24.400 It consists of making disciples. 00:44:24.400 --> 00:44:28.400 And our mission, thirdly, is assured of Christ's presence. 00:44:28.400 --> 00:44:32.400 Behold, I'm with you always to the end of the age. 00:44:32.400 --> 00:44:37.400 You'll have noticed, reading through the chapter, the word behold mentioned there repeatedly. 00:44:37.400 --> 00:44:44.400 And every time we find it used in that way in the Bible, it's really something of a spotlight for us. 00:44:44.400 --> 00:44:50.400 God is holding things under a spotlight to make them so clear to us. 00:44:50.400 --> 00:44:52.400 Because in His mind they are important. 00:44:52.400 --> 00:44:55.400 They are being highlighted by God Himself. 00:44:55.400 --> 00:44:59.400 And here's the spotlight here at the end of the chapter, the end of Matthew's Gospel. 00:44:59.400 --> 00:45:04.400 The spotlight is actually set upon this great promise. 00:45:04.400 --> 00:45:09.400 It's so important to God that we actually take this to heart. 00:45:09.400 --> 00:45:11.400 It's so important for our encouragement. 00:45:11.400 --> 00:45:13.400 It's so important for our strengthening. 00:45:13.400 --> 00:45:17.400 And it's so important for us in our perseverance as Christians. 00:45:17.400 --> 00:45:22.400 Behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:45:22.400 --> 00:45:25.400 Notice He's saying, always. 00:45:25.400 --> 00:45:30.400 Even when we ourselves seem to be a failure. 00:45:30.400 --> 00:45:32.400 And confess to be a failure. 00:45:32.400 --> 00:45:37.400 When our mission at times may turn out in our own estimation to have been a failure. 00:45:37.400 --> 00:45:42.400 God is saying, Jesus is saying, I am with you always. 00:45:42.400 --> 00:45:44.400 That's not going to change. 00:45:44.400 --> 00:45:45.400 I'm with you always. 00:45:45.400 --> 00:45:48.400 And what an encouragement that is to parents here today. 00:45:48.400 --> 00:45:52.400 Especially those who are bringing their children for baptism. 00:45:52.400 --> 00:45:55.400 That you can build on the promise of Jesus. 00:45:55.400 --> 00:45:58.400 That He's going to be with you always. 00:45:58.400 --> 00:46:00.400 As you teach your children. 00:46:00.400 --> 00:46:04.400 As you involve them in the church's life. 00:46:04.400 --> 00:46:07.400 The presence of Jesus is promised. 00:46:07.400 --> 00:46:15.400 And isn't it amazing how much is built into that little word, I. 00:46:15.400 --> 00:46:16.400 I am with you. 00:46:16.400 --> 00:46:18.400 I am with you. 00:46:18.400 --> 00:46:19.400 I am with you. 00:46:19.400 --> 00:46:26.400 The one who has just spoken of all authority in heaven and earth being given to Him. 00:46:26.400 --> 00:46:28.400 I am with you. 00:46:28.400 --> 00:46:32.400 Not just somebody less than that. 00:46:32.400 --> 00:46:33.400 But Jesus Himself. 00:46:33.400 --> 00:46:42.400 The powerful, risen, exalted, reigning Son of God. 00:46:42.400 --> 00:46:45.400 What greater privilege could you and I have in our lives. 00:46:45.400 --> 00:46:52.400 Than that that person, this glorious Jesus, has promised to be with us. 00:46:52.400 --> 00:46:56.400 As we carry out His mandate in mission. 00:46:56.400 --> 00:47:06.400 In baptizing, in teaching, in instructing those who belong to the church of Christ. 00:47:06.400 --> 00:47:11.400 And we pray God will bless these thoughts upon His word to us. 00:47:11.400 --> 00:47:15.400 And we are going to sing some more verses now. 00:47:15.400 --> 00:47:20.400 We are singing from Psalm 103 in the Scottish Psalter. 00:47:20.400 --> 00:47:28.400 Psalm 103 on page 369. 00:47:28.400 --> 00:47:31.400 Singing verses 1 to 5. 00:47:31.400 --> 00:47:37.400 And while we are singing these verses, the mums will come in with the children. 00:47:37.400 --> 00:47:39.400 And any others who are coming in as well. 00:47:39.400 --> 00:47:44.400 And also the children will come in from the tweenies. 00:47:44.400 --> 00:47:46.400 And Sunday school children have been in the hall. 00:47:46.400 --> 00:47:52.400 They will also come and take their place in the place of the reserved section of the church here. 00:47:52.400 --> 00:47:54.400 So, we sing through these verses. 00:47:54.400 --> 00:48:01.400 And if we need to wait until everybody is actually in the church, then that's absolutely fine. 00:48:01.400 --> 00:48:04.400 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord. 00:48:04.400 --> 00:48:10.400 And all that in me is, be stirred up His holy name to magnify and bless. 00:48:10.400 --> 00:48:17.400 Please, verse 5, we stand again to sing. 00:48:17.400 --> 00:48:18.400 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord. 00:48:18.400 --> 00:48:27.400 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord. 00:48:27.400 --> 00:48:28.400 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord. 00:48:28.400 --> 00:48:29.400 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord. 00:48:29.400 --> 00:48:34.400 And all that in me is, be stirred up His holy name to magnify and bless. 00:48:34.400 --> 00:48:36.400 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord. 00:48:36.400 --> 00:48:40.400 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord. 00:48:40.400 --> 00:48:55.400 O thou my soul, bless God the Lord. 00:48:55.400 --> 00:49:12.400 Assume my soul the Lord I know, and not forget for thee. 00:49:12.400 --> 00:49:31.500 Of all his gracious hand, he hath restored all these. 00:49:31.500 --> 00:49:49.500 O thine iniquities to God most graciously forgive. 00:49:49.500 --> 00:50:07.500 O thine disheets, the soul and grace, doth heal and heal me. 00:50:07.500 --> 00:50:19.860 O thine disheets, the soul and grace, doth redeem my life but thou. 00:50:19.860 --> 00:50:27.860 To death is not all done. 00:50:27.860 --> 00:50:46.860 Who deal with loving kindness, love of tenderness she's come. 00:50:46.860 --> 00:51:05.860 Who with abundance of good things, doth satisfy thy love. 00:51:05.860 --> 00:51:15.860 So that he has the needless age. 00:51:15.860 --> 00:51:24.860 We knew it is thy youth. 00:51:24.860 --> 00:51:34.860 I did say that I would have the children's events. 00:51:34.860 --> 00:51:41.860 I would have the children's events until now. 00:51:41.860 --> 00:51:47.860 And I would have to say a few things about baptism for yourselves and children. 00:51:47.860 --> 00:51:51.860 And it's really to do with what baptism is for. 00:51:51.860 --> 00:51:54.860 And being baptized, what do we then think about? 00:51:54.860 --> 00:51:55.860 What do we do with baptism? 00:51:55.860 --> 00:51:59.860 Well, it's God's way of teaching you three things. 00:51:59.860 --> 00:52:05.860 It's God's way of teaching you, first of all, that you belong to his church in this world. 00:52:05.860 --> 00:52:12.860 And it means that it's not just adults who do the wrong church. 00:52:12.860 --> 00:52:13.860 Is that working? 00:52:17.860 --> 00:52:18.860 Is it working? 00:52:18.860 --> 00:52:34.860 k 00:52:34.860 --> 00:52:38.860 k 00:52:38.860 --> 00:53:03.200 Okay, that's better, is it? 00:53:03.320 --> 00:53:03.760 Can you hear now? 00:53:03.760 --> 00:53:10.020 Okay, it's God's way of teaching you that you belong to His church, the visible church. 00:53:10.100 --> 00:53:13.920 The people that actually come to worship God together regularly, 00:53:14.840 --> 00:53:19.360 we are made part of that number formally by baptism. 00:53:19.900 --> 00:53:25.620 Baptism a lot more than that, but it actually reminds you and teaches you that you belong to the church. 00:53:25.680 --> 00:53:27.620 So it's not just adults who belong to the church. 00:53:27.700 --> 00:53:32.360 When we think about the church of Jesus here, this is the church. 00:53:32.360 --> 00:53:36.800 It involves all of you as children as well, and we're so glad about that. 00:53:38.079 --> 00:53:41.579 It means, secondly, that your parents gave you to God. 00:53:41.660 --> 00:53:42.680 All of you are baptized. 00:53:43.160 --> 00:53:45.220 Of course, this means all of us as adults as well. 00:53:45.940 --> 00:53:50.760 Your parents actually gave you to God in what they did with your baptism. 00:53:50.920 --> 00:53:54.440 It was a pledge of handing you to God and saying, 00:53:55.000 --> 00:53:58.440 I'm devoted to this child to bring up this child for you, Lord. 00:53:58.440 --> 00:54:03.679 That's really what they're doing in giving children over to be baptized. 00:54:04.420 --> 00:54:10.679 But that means that you yourselves as children then must come to give your life to God 00:54:10.679 --> 00:54:15.320 by accepting Jesus as your Savior as you grow up. 00:54:16.000 --> 00:54:21.840 Not just that you belong to the church by baptism, but baptism reminds you you belong to God, 00:54:21.840 --> 00:54:25.640 and therefore you are to deal with God as someone you pray to, 00:54:26.079 --> 00:54:29.920 someone you actually confess your sin to, that you'll be saved. 00:54:30.740 --> 00:54:37.180 And thirdly, baptism shows us something outwardly of how God loves to forgive our sins. 00:54:37.880 --> 00:54:41.780 God loves to wash us from the defilement, from the guilt of our sin. 00:54:42.579 --> 00:54:47.740 And that's really what God does in our forgiveness, not through the water of baptism itself. 00:54:47.739 --> 00:54:54.699 And that means we need to come to God to confess our sin and actually have our sins forgiven. 00:54:56.199 --> 00:55:01.099 So let's say the Lord's Prayer now at this point, seeing we left it out in the service earlier. 00:55:01.979 --> 00:55:05.579 Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 00:55:06.079 --> 00:55:07.179 Thy kingdom come. 00:55:07.719 --> 00:55:09.939 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 00:55:10.619 --> 00:55:12.659 Give us this day our daily bread, 00:55:13.079 --> 00:55:16.459 and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 00:55:16.460 --> 00:55:20.800 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 00:55:21.280 --> 00:55:25.220 For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. 00:55:25.760 --> 00:55:26.260 Amen. 00:55:28.539 --> 00:55:33.079 Now could I ask the Father, please, to stand at this point? 00:55:33.079 --> 00:55:33.139 Amen. 00:55:33.139 --> 00:55:34.139 Amen. 00:55:34.139 --> 00:55:35.139 Amen. 00:55:35.139 --> 00:55:36.139 Amen. 00:55:36.139 --> 00:55:36.460 Amen. 00:55:36.460 --> 00:55:37.139 Amen. 00:55:37.139 --> 00:55:37.339 Amen. 00:55:37.339 --> 00:55:37.500 Amen. 00:55:37.500 --> 00:55:37.639 Amen. 00:55:37.639 --> 00:55:37.960 Amen. 00:55:37.960 --> 00:55:38.219 Amen. 00:55:38.219 --> 00:55:38.400 Amen. 00:55:38.400 --> 00:55:38.799 Amen. 00:55:38.799 --> 00:55:39.440 Amen. 00:55:39.440 --> 00:55:39.460 Amen. 00:55:39.519 --> 00:55:41.139 Amen. 00:55:41.139 --> 00:55:41.779 Amen. 00:55:41.779 --> 00:55:42.239 Amen. 00:55:42.299 --> 00:55:42.719 Amen. 00:55:42.719 --> 00:55:47.519 Well, just to explain to the congregation what's happening now with the formal baptism part 00:55:47.519 --> 00:55:52.739 of the service, I'm going to be asking them questions by which they are going to pledge 00:55:52.739 --> 00:55:55.579 or vow certain things before God. 00:55:56.319 --> 00:55:58.960 And then after that, there'll be a short prayer. 00:55:59.760 --> 00:56:04.179 And then after that, I will call each of them up to be baptized here. 00:56:04.500 --> 00:56:06.900 And then they'll go back to their places each in turn. 00:56:07.920 --> 00:56:12.699 And after that, there'll be another short prayer after all the baptisms have been carried out. 00:56:12.860 --> 00:56:15.900 So, first of all, I'm going to ask these three questions. 00:56:16.300 --> 00:56:18.920 And I'm just going to ask you one time. 00:56:18.920 --> 00:56:21.920 So, if you can just follow with your answer, please. 00:56:22.039 --> 00:56:26.840 Do you acknowledge God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God, 00:56:26.840 --> 00:56:30.039 as the only true God and your God? 00:56:35.039 --> 00:56:39.559 Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only mediator between God and men? 00:56:43.559 --> 00:56:48.460 Do you now promise to bring up your child in the discipline and instruction of the Lord? 00:56:52.160 --> 00:56:52.960 Thank you. 00:56:53.980 --> 00:56:56.300 Let's now engage in prayer briefly. 00:56:56.840 --> 00:57:05.400 Almighty God, we thank you today for the privilege of being here as worshipers of your holy name. 00:57:06.140 --> 00:57:12.200 And we thank you, too, for the sacrament of baptism, which represents to us the washing of sin. 00:57:12.960 --> 00:57:19.160 We do, Lord, confess our sins before you and acknowledge that we all require your washing, your forgiveness. 00:57:19.159 --> 00:57:30.339 And we thank you for every reminder we are given that when we confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 00:57:30.340 --> 00:57:35.380 We thank you for all of these parents and for all the other children gathered with us. 00:57:35.380 --> 00:57:42.620 What a great thrill, O Lord, it is to our hearts to have them here, to see them, and to see them participating even in the Lord's Prayer. 00:57:43.460 --> 00:57:47.960 Lord, our God, we thank you for the way in which that gives us such a lift and encouragement. 00:57:47.960 --> 00:58:01.679 We thank you for the voices that children make, reminding us, Lord, that our congregation and your people include those who are even of the youngest age. 00:58:02.400 --> 00:58:09.300 And we pray, O Lord, for the parents at this time and for the children to be baptized and ask that you would now bless them. 00:58:09.300 --> 00:58:14.080 Hear us, we pray, and pardon our sin for Jesus' sake. Amen. 00:58:16.940 --> 00:58:18.960 I'm going to ask the congregation to stand. 00:58:19.060 --> 00:58:23.380 It's normally the case that we stand during the administration of baptism. 00:58:27.380 --> 00:58:29.380 Just leave that there in case you need it. 00:58:30.160 --> 00:58:31.039 Just watch it doesn't fall. 00:58:33.100 --> 00:58:34.120 Yes, you can both come up. 00:58:34.119 --> 00:58:40.119 I'm going to call them up as couples. 00:58:41.179 --> 00:58:48.759 So, first of all, Murdo and Caroline McLean, whose son Finley McLeod is being baptized. 00:58:49.000 --> 00:58:50.579 So, just come up there, please. 00:58:51.480 --> 00:58:52.460 Okay, just step forward. 00:58:53.960 --> 00:58:54.920 Caroline, just come forward. 00:58:55.460 --> 00:58:56.440 The camera, I'll pick you out there. 00:58:56.500 --> 00:58:57.719 Just hold them down a wee bit for me. 00:58:57.739 --> 00:58:58.759 I hope this is not too cold. 00:58:58.760 --> 00:58:59.760 Amen. 00:59:01.820 --> 00:59:07.280 Finley McLeod, McLean, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God. 00:59:07.900 --> 00:59:09.640 May God bless you and keep you. 00:59:10.180 --> 00:59:13.700 May God make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. 00:59:14.220 --> 00:59:18.820 And may God lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. 00:59:19.620 --> 00:59:19.980 Amen. 00:59:20.500 --> 00:59:20.900 Thank you. 00:59:22.600 --> 00:59:27.220 Next, we have Alistair and Lauren MacDonald with their daughter, Evelyn Keate. 00:59:27.220 --> 00:59:27.320 Amen. 00:59:28.760 --> 00:59:37.800 Evelyn Keate, McDonnell, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God. 00:59:38.540 --> 00:59:39.860 May God bless you and keep you. 00:59:40.300 --> 00:59:42.940 Make His face to shine upon you, be gracious to you. 00:59:43.480 --> 00:59:46.960 And may God lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. 00:59:46.960 --> 00:59:47.860 Thank you. 00:59:50.820 --> 00:59:56.800 Next, there's Matthew and Michelle Morrison with Jonas Kenneth. 00:59:58.760 --> 00:59:59.760 Thank you. 00:59:59.760 --> 01:00:00.760 Thank you. 01:00:00.760 --> 01:00:01.760 Thank you. 01:00:01.760 --> 01:00:02.760 Thank you. 01:00:02.760 --> 01:00:03.760 Thank you. 01:00:03.760 --> 01:00:04.760 Thank you. 01:00:04.760 --> 01:00:05.340 That's fine. 01:00:07.800 --> 01:00:13.580 Jonas Kenneth Morrison, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God. 01:00:14.220 --> 01:00:15.660 May God bless you and keep you. 01:00:16.080 --> 01:00:18.520 Make His face to shine upon you, be gracious to you. 01:00:18.519 --> 01:00:22.759 May God bless you and keep you. 01:00:22.759 --> 01:00:23.340 May God bless you and keep you. 01:00:23.340 --> 01:00:23.920 Thank you. 01:00:23.920 --> 01:00:30.920 May God bless you and keep you. 01:00:30.920 --> 01:00:33.559 May God bless you and keep you. 01:00:33.559 --> 01:00:34.559 Thank you. 01:00:34.559 --> 01:00:35.559 Thank you. 01:00:39.559 --> 01:00:45.440 Joel Morrison, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God. 01:00:46.059 --> 01:00:47.539 May God bless you and keep you. 01:00:48.179 --> 01:00:52.659 May God make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. 01:00:53.099 --> 01:00:56.340 And may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. 01:00:57.519 --> 01:00:58.159 Thank you. 01:00:58.159 --> 01:01:05.619 Then we have Timothy and Don Durbin with our son, Matthew Robert. 01:01:14.199 --> 01:01:20.420 Matthew Robert Durbin, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God. 01:01:21.019 --> 01:01:22.359 May God bless you and keep you. 01:01:22.779 --> 01:01:25.460 Make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. 01:01:26.039 --> 01:01:27.739 May He lift up His countenance upon you. 01:01:28.159 --> 01:01:29.339 And give you peace. 01:01:30.119 --> 01:01:30.359 Amen. 01:01:30.359 --> 01:01:30.879 Thank you. 01:01:32.519 --> 01:01:39.059 The final baptism is going to be carried out by the grandfather of Nathan Kenneth McKenzie. 01:01:40.079 --> 01:01:43.559 So if I call for Ewan and Marie to come forward, please. 01:01:44.779 --> 01:01:45.719 Kenny can do the baptism. 01:01:45.839 --> 01:01:46.559 Do you want this as well? 01:01:46.619 --> 01:01:47.460 Because you're doing prayer afterwards. 01:01:47.460 --> 01:01:47.859 Amen. 01:01:47.859 --> 01:01:48.460 Amen. 01:01:48.460 --> 01:01:48.859 Amen. 01:01:48.859 --> 01:01:49.460 Amen. 01:01:49.460 --> 01:01:49.960 Amen. 01:01:49.960 --> 01:01:50.460 Amen. 01:01:50.460 --> 01:01:50.960 Amen. 01:01:50.960 --> 01:01:51.460 Amen. 01:01:51.460 --> 01:01:52.460 Amen. 01:01:52.460 --> 01:01:53.460 Amen. 01:01:53.460 --> 01:01:54.460 Amen. 01:01:54.460 --> 01:01:55.460 Amen. 01:01:55.460 --> 01:01:55.519 Amen. 01:01:55.519 --> 01:01:56.460 Amen. 01:01:56.460 --> 01:01:57.460 Amen. 01:01:57.460 --> 01:01:57.519 Amen. 01:01:57.519 --> 01:01:58.139 Amen. 01:01:58.159 --> 01:02:02.279 Amen. 01:02:02.279 --> 01:02:07.599 Nathan Kenneth McKenzie, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the 01:02:07.599 --> 01:02:08.819 Holy Spirit, one God. 01:02:09.059 --> 01:02:11.019 May God bless you and keep you. 01:02:11.019 --> 01:02:17.279 May He shine His face upon you and lift up His countenance upon you, be gracious to you 01:02:17.279 --> 01:02:18.799 and give you peace. 01:02:19.619 --> 01:02:21.139 Now, we'll engage in prayer. 01:02:21.139 --> 01:02:27.719 Lord, Lord, our God, we give thanks for this very special time where parents have come with 01:02:27.719 --> 01:02:28.379 their little children. 01:02:28.379 --> 01:02:33.679 And we pray your special blessing upon their little babies today. 01:02:34.099 --> 01:02:35.019 We pray for them. 01:02:35.019 --> 01:02:46.519 We pray, Lord, for the Lord, for you, for Matthew and for Nathan. 01:02:46.519 --> 01:02:47.500 We pray for Matthew and for Nathan. 01:02:47.500 --> 01:02:53.119 We pray that they will grow up in health and in strength, in body, mind, and soul. 01:02:53.119 --> 01:02:58.779 We pray that you will grant the parents wisdom in bringing up children on a very difficult 01:02:58.779 --> 01:02:59.139 day. 01:02:59.699 --> 01:03:03.940 And we pray that the children will be a blessing to the parents and the parents to the children. 01:03:03.940 --> 01:03:06.740 We pray for all who gather here today. 01:03:07.420 --> 01:03:13.400 And we know that an occasion like this, while it's a wonderful time, can also be a sad time 01:03:13.400 --> 01:03:13.960 for some. 01:03:14.639 --> 01:03:19.559 And so we pray that in the mingling of joy, we know that there are often sorrows. 01:03:20.460 --> 01:03:28.400 Pray for those, Lord, who have experienced loss with children and babies and ask that your 01:03:28.400 --> 01:03:29.599 blessing will be on them. 01:03:29.599 --> 01:03:34.839 And, O Lord, we ask now that your word, as we've sung it and read it and heard it preached, 01:03:35.339 --> 01:03:38.539 will go deep into our hearts and that you'll do us all good. 01:03:38.639 --> 01:03:44.980 May we as a congregation and a group of your people remember these children and pray for 01:03:44.980 --> 01:03:45.199 them. 01:03:45.679 --> 01:03:48.980 Grant us your grace, we pray, and take away our sin in Jesus' name. 01:03:49.339 --> 01:03:49.659 Amen. 01:03:49.659 --> 01:03:49.739 Amen. 01:03:49.739 --> 01:04:02.959 Now we'll bring our service to a close by singing in Psalm 56 in the Sing Psalms version. 01:04:03.619 --> 01:04:07.919 That's on page 73, verses 10 to 13. 01:04:07.920 --> 01:04:15.700 In the Lord whose word I honor, in my God I praise His word. 01:04:16.180 --> 01:04:18.240 I will trust and not be fearful. 01:04:18.740 --> 01:04:20.380 What can man do to me, Lord? 01:04:20.960 --> 01:04:22.820 I have taken vows before you. 01:04:22.960 --> 01:04:24.480 To my God I will be true. 01:04:25.500 --> 01:04:29.220 Sacrifices of thanksgiving I will gladly give to you. 01:04:29.960 --> 01:04:35.840 For you kept my feet from stumbling, and from death you set me free, so that I may walk 01:04:35.840 --> 01:04:39.640 before you, and the light of life may see. 01:04:40.059 --> 01:04:41.420 We'll stand to sing these verses. 01:04:41.880 --> 01:04:43.900 Please remain standing for the benediction afterwards. 01:04:43.900 --> 01:04:44.300 Amen. 01:04:48.480 --> 01:05:00.700 In the Lord whose word I honor, in my God I praise His word. 01:05:00.699 --> 01:05:06.699 I will trust and not be fearful. 01:05:06.699 --> 01:05:13.639 What can man do to me, Lord? 01:05:13.639 --> 01:05:20.179 I have taken vows before you. 01:05:20.179 --> 01:05:26.119 To my God I will be true. 01:05:26.119 --> 01:05:39.239 Sacrifices of thanksgiving, I will gladly give to you. 01:05:39.239 --> 01:05:56.099 For you kept my feet from stumbling, and from death you set me free, so that I may 01:05:56.099 --> 01:06:04.779 walk before you, and the light of life may see. 01:06:07.480 --> 01:06:12.239 Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion 01:06:12.239 --> 01:06:15.519 of the Holy Spirit be with you now and evermore. 01:06:15.940 --> 01:06:16.339 Amen. 01:06:16.339 --> 01:06:16.500 Amen. 01:06:16.500 --> 01:06:16.559 Amen. 01:06:16.559 --> 01:06:16.619 Amen. 01:06:16.619 --> 01:06:18.559 Amen. 01:06:18.559 --> 01:06:18.619 Amen. 01:06:18.619 --> 01:06:20.559 Amen. 01:06:20.559 --> 01:06:22.559 Amen. 01:06:22.559 --> 01:06:23.559 Amen. 01:06:23.559 --> 01:06:24.559 Amen. 01:06:24.559 --> 01:06:25.559 Amen. 01:06:25.559 --> 01:06:26.079 Amen. 01:06:26.099 --> 01:06:31.519 Amen. 01:06:31.519 --> 01:06:33.059 Amen. 01:06:33.059 --> 01:06:35.079 Amen. 01:06:35.079 --> 01:06:39.619 Amen. 01:06:39.619 --> 01:06:39.960 Amen. 01:06:39.960 --> 01:06:40.380 Amen. 01:06:40.380 --> 01:06:42.339 Amen. 01:06:42.339 --> 01:06:45.699 Amen. 01:06:45.699 --> 01:06:47.219 Amen. 01:06:47.219 --> 01:06:47.839 Amen. 01:06:47.839 --> 01:06:48.360 Amen. 01:06:48.360 --> 01:06:48.639 Amen. 01:06:48.759 --> 01:06:49.259 Amen. 01:06:49.299 --> 01:06:50.400 Amen. 01:06:50.400 --> 01:06:51.400 Amen. 01:06:51.400 --> 01:06:52.019 Amen. 01:06:52.039 --> 01:06:53.199 Amen. 01:06:53.699 --> 01:06:53.940 Amen. 01:06:53.940 --> 01:06:54.940 Amen.