WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.679 Verse 18. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:59.980 Verse 18. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:29.980 Verse 18. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:59.980 Verse 18. 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:01.700 Who then is the one who condemns? 00:02:02.239 --> 00:02:02.719 No one. 00:02:04.040 --> 00:02:09.120 Christ Jesus who died, more than that he was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:12.020 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 00:02:12.879 --> 00:02:17.780 Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 00:02:18.180 --> 00:02:22.560 As it is written, for your sake we face death all day long. 00:02:23.360 --> 00:02:25.819 We are considered a sheep to be slaughtered. 00:02:26.400 --> 00:02:26.699 No. 00:02:27.860 --> 00:02:31.199 In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 00:02:31.599 --> 00:02:39.759 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 00:02:39.759 --> 00:02:49.959 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:02:49.960 --> 00:02:50.900 Amen. 00:02:50.900 --> 00:02:51.099 Amen. 00:02:51.099 --> 00:02:53.939 Good morning and welcome. 00:02:53.939 --> 00:02:57.819 It's a great privilege always to be at Brunsfield Evangelical. 00:02:58.319 --> 00:03:03.060 It would be much better to be with you in person, but I understand that's happening next week. 00:03:03.060 --> 00:03:11.000 But it's a privilege to bring God's word to you and to proclaim in Jesus who we are. 00:03:11.479 --> 00:03:20.599 Not what others might think and not even what we might think ourselves, but what God has to say to us, about us, and for us. 00:03:21.240 --> 00:03:24.240 So with you this morning, I'd like to look at the passage that has been read. 00:03:24.640 --> 00:03:27.759 Romans chapter 8 and verses 18 to 39. 00:03:27.759 --> 00:03:33.780 It's that chunk of scripture, actually from verse 28 to the end of the chapter. 00:03:34.039 --> 00:03:38.500 It's that chunk of scripture that is so familiar, so precious, so encouraging. 00:03:39.099 --> 00:03:44.539 And maybe for you it might not be a familiar passage, but as you heard those words read, 00:03:44.859 --> 00:03:48.019 I'd like to highlight a few of the truths that are contained. 00:03:48.979 --> 00:03:53.620 The famous CBS News anchorman, Walter Cronkite. 00:03:53.620 --> 00:03:59.300 He would always sign off his broadcasts on CBS Evening News with these words, 00:03:59.680 --> 00:04:01.480 and that's the way it is. 00:04:02.240 --> 00:04:06.700 Well, as we move ourselves back to 57 AD or thereabouts, 00:04:07.219 --> 00:04:11.780 we're with the Apostle Paul, and as he's writing to this Roman church, 00:04:12.140 --> 00:04:13.860 what is the way it is? 00:04:14.140 --> 00:04:17.420 How is it in Rome for his audience? 00:04:17.780 --> 00:04:18.780 What is it like? 00:04:18.879 --> 00:04:19.780 What is happening? 00:04:19.779 --> 00:04:27.119 Well, let me just say that it's not a propitious time to be a follower of Jesus in the first century AD. 00:04:27.659 --> 00:04:30.819 To be there in the heart of Rome at the center of the empire, 00:04:30.979 --> 00:04:35.439 that is not the place that you would want to be as a follower of Jesus. 00:04:35.659 --> 00:04:36.000 Why? 00:04:36.479 --> 00:04:43.419 Because in this city that is filled with emblems of power and authority and glory and majesty, 00:04:43.739 --> 00:04:46.099 none of those emblems proclaim Jesus. 00:04:46.100 --> 00:04:53.879 And to proclaim your allegiance to Jesus means that you are no longer allied to Caesar, 00:04:54.020 --> 00:04:57.020 that you are no longer one of his followers, 00:04:57.020 --> 00:05:00.780 because you have a greater master, a higher Lord, 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:04.439 and your allegiance is to that Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:04.900 --> 00:05:08.700 So a Christian in the first century AD is in the minority. 00:05:09.420 --> 00:05:10.100 They are weak. 00:05:10.500 --> 00:05:12.939 They are often despised. 00:05:12.939 --> 00:05:17.560 They often can seem to be marginalized because they are marginalized. 00:05:18.379 --> 00:05:23.920 And what's more, we find that this early church has its fair share of problems internally. 00:05:24.339 --> 00:05:26.379 So it's not just external pressure. 00:05:26.620 --> 00:05:28.120 There's internal problems. 00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:30.720 There's moral lapses and decay. 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:36.040 There's internal theological debates and heresies. 00:05:36.560 --> 00:05:41.680 So you think 2,000 years ago, it is not a great time to be a follower of Jesus. 00:05:41.680 --> 00:05:47.780 Maybe let's fast forward to 20 centuries, and you might think if Cronkite would say, 00:05:47.900 --> 00:05:52.579 and that's the way it is here today, the end of August 2020, 00:05:53.079 --> 00:05:55.579 it is not a good time to be a follower of Jesus. 00:05:56.060 --> 00:05:57.000 It's not easy. 00:05:57.319 --> 00:05:58.879 We seem to be in the minority. 00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:00.500 We seem to be despised. 00:06:00.840 --> 00:06:05.860 We have our fair share of problems externally and our fair share of problems internally. 00:06:06.460 --> 00:06:10.340 But with that rather bleak introduction, let me tell you what God says. 00:06:10.339 --> 00:06:18.779 Let me tell you what the Apostle Paul says to this small and despised and divided and vulnerable group of believers 00:06:18.779 --> 00:06:20.639 at the heart of the Roman Empire. 00:06:21.299 --> 00:06:21.639 He says, 00:06:21.799 --> 00:06:24.500 What then shall we say in response to this? 00:06:24.879 --> 00:06:30.199 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:06:30.959 --> 00:06:33.939 You see, when God is on your side, 00:06:33.939 --> 00:06:36.639 or rather when you are on his side, 00:06:37.339 --> 00:06:40.259 one person can become a majority. 00:06:40.899 --> 00:06:44.579 One person or a small group can be in the ascendancy. 00:06:44.819 --> 00:06:49.180 Not because of who they are, but because who they are aligned to. 00:06:49.699 --> 00:06:51.300 And I want you to think of those words, 00:06:51.500 --> 00:06:53.779 God is for us. 00:06:54.480 --> 00:06:55.360 And the question, 00:06:55.579 --> 00:06:57.579 who can stand against, 00:06:57.659 --> 00:06:58.959 who can be against us? 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:00.540 What shall we say? 00:07:00.540 --> 00:07:03.920 What shall we say in response to these great truths? 00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:06.920 How can we comprehend them first? 00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:09.240 How can we respond to them secondly? 00:07:09.620 --> 00:07:12.680 And what does this mean for us today? 00:07:13.120 --> 00:07:15.580 Here, the end of August 2020, 00:07:15.840 --> 00:07:17.259 the city center of Edinburgh, 00:07:17.640 --> 00:07:18.900 coming out of lockdown. 00:07:19.540 --> 00:07:22.240 Because we might have a lot of ideas about ourselves. 00:07:23.120 --> 00:07:25.140 The culture or society around us 00:07:25.140 --> 00:07:26.960 might have their own opinions of us. 00:07:26.959 --> 00:07:30.579 But let me remind you that what God says is true. 00:07:30.779 --> 00:07:31.620 Always true. 00:07:32.120 --> 00:07:36.599 And what he says about you is the most important verdict of anyone. 00:07:36.759 --> 00:07:38.459 Or the most important assessment. 00:07:39.639 --> 00:07:40.479 And with you today, 00:07:40.539 --> 00:07:43.719 I'd like just to notice a few things that leap off the page. 00:07:44.379 --> 00:07:48.219 Because what the Apostle Paul has to say is positive. 00:07:49.199 --> 00:07:49.759 Encouraging. 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:54.240 And so often we find it difficult temperamentally 00:07:54.240 --> 00:07:55.459 to hear the positive. 00:07:55.899 --> 00:07:57.199 To hear the encouraging. 00:07:57.639 --> 00:07:58.860 We hear something positive. 00:07:59.259 --> 00:08:00.079 And in our minds, 00:08:00.219 --> 00:08:01.819 we counterbalance that. 00:08:02.120 --> 00:08:05.839 Or we simply reject what we've heard. 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:07.959 I was listening to Radio 4, 00:08:08.079 --> 00:08:09.259 which is always a good endeavor. 00:08:09.379 --> 00:08:10.980 If you're not a Radio 4 listener, 00:08:11.079 --> 00:08:12.099 I hope you become one. 00:08:12.519 --> 00:08:13.480 But on Radio 4, 00:08:13.560 --> 00:08:14.959 I heard a psychiatrist say 00:08:14.959 --> 00:08:17.839 that for every one negative thing 00:08:17.839 --> 00:08:19.199 that you or I hear, 00:08:19.199 --> 00:08:22.360 we need to hear at least five positive things 00:08:22.360 --> 00:08:23.779 to balance out the negative. 00:08:24.819 --> 00:08:25.459 Now you might say, 00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:28.860 well, that's secular, psychiatric nonsense. 00:08:29.879 --> 00:08:33.679 Well, my colleagues in the seminary where I work 00:08:33.679 --> 00:08:36.980 who study Christian counseling 00:08:36.980 --> 00:08:38.580 say that that's true, 00:08:38.679 --> 00:08:40.500 but it's actually probably even greater. 00:08:41.019 --> 00:08:43.100 That for every one negative thing 00:08:43.100 --> 00:08:44.919 you hear about yourself, 00:08:45.259 --> 00:08:48.220 you need to hear seven or more positive things 00:08:48.220 --> 00:08:49.120 to balance that out. 00:08:49.200 --> 00:08:49.480 Why? 00:08:49.840 --> 00:08:50.980 Because temperamentally, 00:08:51.080 --> 00:08:53.200 we are more inclined to believe the negative. 00:08:53.700 --> 00:08:55.160 More inclined to believe 00:08:55.160 --> 00:08:57.220 what's wrong 00:08:57.220 --> 00:08:58.540 rather than what's good 00:08:58.540 --> 00:08:59.400 or what's right. 00:08:59.940 --> 00:09:01.600 So what God is saying here 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:02.580 in his word 00:09:02.580 --> 00:09:05.560 is that he is for us. 00:09:06.300 --> 00:09:08.000 And in the scripture, 00:09:08.540 --> 00:09:10.640 there are some magnificent truths 00:09:10.640 --> 00:09:12.100 that come before our attention. 00:09:12.100 --> 00:09:14.100 And you think of the incarnation, 00:09:14.100 --> 00:09:16.600 and you think of the birth of Jesus, 00:09:16.600 --> 00:09:18.480 and how is that described? 00:09:19.019 --> 00:09:19.940 Well, Jesus has given, 00:09:20.259 --> 00:09:21.360 among many names, 00:09:21.480 --> 00:09:22.040 Emmanuel, 00:09:22.620 --> 00:09:23.600 God with us. 00:09:24.019 --> 00:09:25.159 So God is with us. 00:09:25.399 --> 00:09:26.940 He's now come down to our level. 00:09:27.300 --> 00:09:28.779 He's now pitched his tent. 00:09:28.879 --> 00:09:30.680 He's made his dwelling among us. 00:09:31.100 --> 00:09:32.159 God with us. 00:09:32.680 --> 00:09:34.580 The second great redemptive event 00:09:34.580 --> 00:09:35.399 in the New Testament 00:09:35.399 --> 00:09:37.100 is the outpouring of the Spirit 00:09:37.100 --> 00:09:38.180 at Pentecost. 00:09:38.179 --> 00:09:39.519 And what does that mean? 00:09:39.739 --> 00:09:41.099 That means that now God 00:09:41.099 --> 00:09:42.479 is dwelling in us. 00:09:42.679 --> 00:09:44.539 That the Holy Spirit has come, 00:09:44.819 --> 00:09:46.579 is poured out on the church 00:09:46.579 --> 00:09:48.579 so that we are now filled 00:09:48.579 --> 00:09:49.879 with the Spirit. 00:09:50.519 --> 00:09:51.659 That instead of weakness, 00:09:51.879 --> 00:09:52.539 there's strength. 00:09:52.879 --> 00:09:54.579 Instead of deadness, 00:09:54.679 --> 00:09:55.299 there's life. 00:09:55.459 --> 00:09:57.859 Instead of separation from God, 00:09:57.959 --> 00:09:59.239 there's union with God 00:09:59.239 --> 00:10:00.839 through Jesus Christ. 00:10:01.539 --> 00:10:02.979 God with us. 00:10:03.299 --> 00:10:03.899 Incarnation. 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:05.139 God in us. 00:10:05.139 --> 00:10:08.019 The truth of Pentecost. 00:10:08.179 --> 00:10:10.000 And the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 00:10:10.419 --> 00:10:11.459 And here before us, 00:10:11.779 --> 00:10:13.500 God for us. 00:10:14.239 --> 00:10:16.179 This great work of Jesus Christ, 00:10:16.279 --> 00:10:16.919 the atonement, 00:10:17.279 --> 00:10:20.259 this demonstrates that God is for us. 00:10:20.399 --> 00:10:21.219 And who is the us? 00:10:21.659 --> 00:10:23.039 The us is the man, the woman, 00:10:23.120 --> 00:10:23.839 the boy, the girl, 00:10:24.359 --> 00:10:25.439 the weak, the strong, 00:10:25.579 --> 00:10:26.579 the wise, the foolish, 00:10:26.819 --> 00:10:29.519 that person who placed their faith 00:10:29.519 --> 00:10:31.500 and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:32.059 --> 00:10:34.559 If you are one of that category, 00:10:34.799 --> 00:10:37.000 I'm not asking you how much you know. 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:39.860 I'm not asking you how consistent your walk is. 00:10:39.919 --> 00:10:41.840 I'm not asking how deep 00:10:41.840 --> 00:10:45.139 or how strong your spiritual life might be. 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:47.919 But if your faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:10:48.039 --> 00:10:50.340 the Apostle Paul is speaking to you. 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:53.759 And if your faith is not yet in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:10:54.100 --> 00:10:55.779 he still speaks to you. 00:10:56.179 --> 00:10:59.179 And by demonstrating this reality, 00:10:59.179 --> 00:11:00.860 he wants to present to you 00:11:00.860 --> 00:11:03.120 this truth of the gospel. 00:11:03.120 --> 00:11:05.080 So this is hope for the believer. 00:11:05.560 --> 00:11:07.259 And this is hope for the non-believer. 00:11:07.600 --> 00:11:10.039 But this hope is found only in one person, 00:11:10.139 --> 00:11:12.440 and that's in the person of Jesus Christ 00:11:12.440 --> 00:11:16.460 and the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. 00:11:17.679 --> 00:11:20.399 There's a great summary that was given by John Wesley. 00:11:20.820 --> 00:11:24.080 John Wesley, that great preacher of the awakening. 00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:27.419 And John Wesley continually preached on the new birth. 00:11:27.840 --> 00:11:29.120 You must be born again. 00:11:29.120 --> 00:11:32.519 And he said, you can summarize it in this way. 00:11:33.039 --> 00:11:34.240 He said, if any doctrines 00:11:34.240 --> 00:11:36.299 within the whole compass of Christianity 00:11:36.299 --> 00:11:39.080 may be properly termed fundamental, 00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:41.159 they are doubtless these two. 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:43.679 The doctrine of justification 00:11:43.679 --> 00:11:45.759 and that of the new birth. 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:48.279 The former relating to that great work 00:11:48.279 --> 00:11:49.759 which God does for us 00:11:49.759 --> 00:11:51.379 in forgiving our sins, 00:11:51.600 --> 00:11:53.460 and the latter in that great work 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:55.580 which God does in us. 00:11:55.580 --> 00:11:58.040 And it's with this great truth, 00:11:58.180 --> 00:11:59.320 God, for us, 00:11:59.800 --> 00:12:01.700 the work of Jesus on the cross, 00:12:02.180 --> 00:12:03.800 that I want to begin to answer 00:12:03.800 --> 00:12:05.280 a few of the questions 00:12:05.280 --> 00:12:07.000 that the Apostle Paul raises. 00:12:08.139 --> 00:12:09.500 Now I understand that your minister 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:10.960 had a previous career, 00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:13.960 that he seemed to be in the career of law. 00:12:14.920 --> 00:12:17.660 So too, the Apostle Paul has a legal mind 00:12:17.660 --> 00:12:19.160 and has a reasoning mind. 00:12:19.500 --> 00:12:21.060 And very often the illustrations 00:12:21.060 --> 00:12:23.940 that the Apostle Paul brings us into 00:12:23.940 --> 00:12:25.400 include the law court, 00:12:25.540 --> 00:12:26.580 not exclusively, 00:12:27.280 --> 00:12:29.260 but we have here the law court 00:12:29.260 --> 00:12:31.420 brought before us very powerfully. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:33.820 Because what does the Apostle Paul do? 00:12:33.900 --> 00:12:35.500 He raises three questions. 00:12:36.220 --> 00:12:37.600 He talks about a charge. 00:12:38.120 --> 00:12:39.820 He talks about condemnation. 00:12:39.820 --> 00:12:41.820 And he talks about separation. 00:12:42.620 --> 00:12:43.600 Now in so doing, 00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:44.960 he's basically framing 00:12:44.960 --> 00:12:46.780 what a court case looks like. 00:12:47.100 --> 00:12:48.760 Especially a criminal court case. 00:12:49.240 --> 00:12:51.200 Because in a case of law, 00:12:51.540 --> 00:12:53.900 you would have the defendant in the dock. 00:12:54.380 --> 00:12:56.120 And the defendant would be charged 00:12:56.120 --> 00:12:57.240 with some crime, 00:12:57.420 --> 00:12:58.300 some misdemeanor, 00:12:58.480 --> 00:12:59.180 some felony, 00:12:59.700 --> 00:13:01.320 some less than serious, 00:13:01.440 --> 00:13:03.320 or some very serious crime. 00:13:03.900 --> 00:13:05.220 So there's a charge. 00:13:05.640 --> 00:13:06.720 And there's the finding, 00:13:06.880 --> 00:13:08.100 is this person innocent? 00:13:08.300 --> 00:13:09.540 Is this person guilty? 00:13:10.440 --> 00:13:11.320 Now in ancient Rome, 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:14.020 they didn't have the not proven verdict 00:13:14.020 --> 00:13:15.320 as you do here in Scotland. 00:13:15.680 --> 00:13:17.380 So you have the charge, 00:13:17.380 --> 00:13:19.140 and then you either have the acquittal, 00:13:19.220 --> 00:13:20.860 or you have the condemnation. 00:13:21.480 --> 00:13:23.019 And the condemnation is that 00:13:23.019 --> 00:13:25.480 the punishment belongs to the guilty. 00:13:26.120 --> 00:13:27.240 The person who is guilty 00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:29.220 will be punished in some way. 00:13:29.840 --> 00:13:31.120 And the third phase 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:32.659 is the phase of separation. 00:13:33.659 --> 00:13:36.419 Now, we see this in the court cases today, 00:13:36.419 --> 00:13:37.980 that if somebody is found guilty, 00:13:37.980 --> 00:13:38.800 they are punished. 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.320 They might be fined. 00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:41.940 That means that they're separated 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:43.000 from some of their money. 00:13:43.539 --> 00:13:44.600 They might be imprisoned. 00:13:44.600 --> 00:13:45.940 I'm a prison chaplain, 00:13:45.940 --> 00:13:47.820 and Monday mornings, 00:13:47.920 --> 00:13:49.800 I'll find myself in Salkton prison. 00:13:50.200 --> 00:13:52.060 And there you have a group of men and women 00:13:52.060 --> 00:13:53.860 who are separated from their families, 00:13:54.380 --> 00:13:55.640 separated from their homes, 00:13:55.860 --> 00:13:57.180 separated from society. 00:13:57.900 --> 00:13:59.980 And in the case of capital punishment, 00:14:00.660 --> 00:14:02.020 which would be a capital, 00:14:02.360 --> 00:14:04.620 which certainly existed in ancient Rome, 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:06.940 in the case of a capital charge, 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:09.420 in a capital verdict of guilty, 00:14:09.880 --> 00:14:12.140 there would be separation from life itself. 00:14:12.780 --> 00:14:13.900 So with you just briefly, 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:16.620 I'd like you to notice these three questions 00:14:16.620 --> 00:14:20.579 that the Apostle Paul asks and answers, 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:23.600 but all within the context of the Son. 00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:26.699 At least six times in these few verses, 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:29.159 Jesus Christ is mentioned by name 00:14:29.159 --> 00:14:31.840 or referred to as Son 00:14:31.840 --> 00:14:33.840 or referenced as Him. 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:36.120 Six times in just a few verses, 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:39.039 which remind us that the message here 00:14:39.039 --> 00:14:41.399 from beginning to end is about Jesus. 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:43.579 Now that's just not a truism 00:14:43.579 --> 00:14:46.019 that's good for Sunday school lessons. 00:14:46.639 --> 00:14:47.939 You know the story of the child 00:14:47.939 --> 00:14:50.159 who was asked in a children's address, 00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:52.179 what do you call the animal 00:14:52.179 --> 00:14:53.199 that lives in a tree 00:14:53.199 --> 00:14:55.379 and has a bushy tail and gathers nuts? 00:14:56.039 --> 00:14:57.579 Child raises his hand and says, 00:14:58.079 --> 00:14:59.459 I know the answer is Jesus, 00:14:59.659 --> 00:15:00.840 but it sounds like a squirrel. 00:15:01.399 --> 00:15:02.919 Now this isn't a Sunday school answer, 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:04.340 but the answer is Jesus. 00:15:05.079 --> 00:15:06.259 The answer is Jesus 00:15:06.259 --> 00:15:08.379 to each of the three questions 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:09.679 that Paul presents. 00:15:10.039 --> 00:15:12.360 And let's look at them in turn. 00:15:13.200 --> 00:15:17.039 We're told that Jesus Christ, 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:18.820 God's only begotten Son, 00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:20.100 was not spared. 00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:22.980 That He was given up for us all. 00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:25.360 And that if that was the gift, 00:15:25.939 --> 00:15:28.700 how much more will God graciously give us 00:15:28.700 --> 00:15:29.439 in verse 32, 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:31.080 all things that are necessary. 00:15:31.620 --> 00:15:32.580 God is for us. 00:15:32.799 --> 00:15:33.980 Who can be against us? 00:15:33.980 --> 00:15:35.259 He didn't spare His Son. 00:15:35.320 --> 00:15:36.779 He gave Him for us all. 00:15:36.779 --> 00:15:37.919 And look at verse 33, 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:39.439 which is question number one. 00:15:40.059 --> 00:15:42.299 Who will bring any charge 00:15:42.299 --> 00:15:45.679 against those whom God has chosen? 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:47.539 Who will bring a charge? 00:15:48.179 --> 00:15:49.639 Who will bring a charge against you? 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:51.179 Who will bring a charge against me? 00:15:51.459 --> 00:15:53.600 Who will accuse us of doing wrong? 00:15:54.679 --> 00:15:56.100 Well, that's a long list, isn't it? 00:15:56.579 --> 00:15:57.899 We have our own conscience. 00:15:58.579 --> 00:16:00.240 We have the evil one. 00:16:00.620 --> 00:16:02.179 We have our family. 00:16:02.299 --> 00:16:03.120 We have our friends. 00:16:03.240 --> 00:16:04.240 We have our colleagues. 00:16:04.360 --> 00:16:05.120 We have our neighbors. 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:08.419 There's no end to the list of those 00:16:08.419 --> 00:16:11.039 who could bring a charge against us. 00:16:11.419 --> 00:16:14.860 And sadly, very often, that charge is true 00:16:14.860 --> 00:16:17.259 because we are not the people 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:18.399 that we are meant to be. 00:16:19.080 --> 00:16:22.399 I came across this extract from Pilgrim's Progress. 00:16:23.379 --> 00:16:25.539 And this is where a Christian encounters Apollyon, 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:26.500 the evil one. 00:16:27.019 --> 00:16:30.500 And in the dialogue, Apollyon says to Christian, 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:42.500 Christian responds, 00:16:42.500 --> 00:16:45.320 Wherein, O Apollyon, have I been unfaithful to him? 00:16:46.159 --> 00:16:48.019 Thou didst faint at first setting out, 00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:50.860 when thou wast almost choked in the gulf of despond. 00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:53.960 Thou didst attempt wrong ways to be rid of thy burden, 00:16:54.460 --> 00:16:55.820 whereas thou should have stayed 00:16:55.820 --> 00:16:57.620 till thy prince had taken it off. 00:16:57.620 --> 00:17:00.899 Thou didst sinfully sleep and lose thy choice thing. 00:17:01.259 --> 00:17:03.179 Thou wast also persuaded to go back 00:17:03.179 --> 00:17:04.619 at the sight of the lions. 00:17:04.700 --> 00:17:06.619 And when thou talkest of thy journey 00:17:06.619 --> 00:17:09.279 and of what thou hast seen and heard, 00:17:09.579 --> 00:17:12.400 thou art inwardly desirous of vain glory 00:17:12.400 --> 00:17:14.500 in all that thou sayest or doest. 00:17:15.220 --> 00:17:16.720 Listen to Christian's response. 00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:18.720 All this is true, 00:17:19.220 --> 00:17:22.000 and much more which thou hast left out. 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:24.500 But the prince whom I serve and honor 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:27.339 is merciful and ready to forgive. 00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:29.599 You see, all these charges, 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:31.599 the Christian says, are true. 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:32.400 And what's more, 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:34.339 your charge is inadequate 00:17:34.339 --> 00:17:36.759 because I'm actually much worse than you suggest. 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:39.779 That my crimes, that my sins 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:42.380 are far more than you bring before me. 00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:44.400 Who will bring a charge 00:17:44.400 --> 00:17:47.799 against one whom God has chosen? 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:49.480 Listen to the answer. 00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:51.819 It is God who justifies. 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:54.059 God who declares you righteous. 00:17:54.620 --> 00:17:56.880 Oh yes, the charge is true in a sense. 00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:57.779 You are guilty. 00:17:58.400 --> 00:17:59.860 But now the gospel, 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:02.660 because of the atoning work of Jesus Christ 00:18:02.660 --> 00:18:04.900 and the cross not spared but given up, 00:18:05.360 --> 00:18:07.880 God can declare you righteous and just. 00:18:08.400 --> 00:18:10.420 He can maintain his justice 00:18:10.420 --> 00:18:12.519 and declare the sinner justified. 00:18:13.200 --> 00:18:14.620 That's the good news. 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:16.420 Notice in verse 34, 00:18:16.579 --> 00:18:17.599 question number two, 00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:19.519 the condemnation question. 00:18:20.179 --> 00:18:21.980 Who is he that condemns? 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:24.980 Now condemnation means 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:26.099 that you are found guilty 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:27.359 in the courtroom of God. 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:28.879 We've already said 00:18:28.879 --> 00:18:32.039 that the charges are actually true. 00:18:32.579 --> 00:18:34.859 That we are sinful by action, 00:18:35.039 --> 00:18:35.899 sinful by nature, 00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:36.899 sinful by word, 00:18:37.059 --> 00:18:37.919 sinful by thought. 00:18:38.099 --> 00:18:39.839 That we don't do the things we should, 00:18:39.939 --> 00:18:41.199 that we do the things that we shouldn't 00:18:41.199 --> 00:18:42.779 time and time again. 00:18:43.459 --> 00:18:44.899 And sin has a consequence. 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:45.900 Hence the wages of sin, 00:18:45.980 --> 00:18:46.420 we're told, 00:18:46.800 --> 00:18:47.480 is death. 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:48.800 But the gift of God 00:18:48.800 --> 00:18:49.680 is eternal life 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:50.920 through Christ Jesus, 00:18:51.120 --> 00:18:51.840 our Lord. 00:18:52.320 --> 00:18:54.720 Who is he that condemns? 00:18:55.160 --> 00:18:56.340 Well, the answer again, 00:18:56.480 --> 00:18:57.440 Sunday school answer, 00:18:57.600 --> 00:18:58.600 but nonetheless true, 00:18:59.060 --> 00:19:00.480 Christ Jesus who died. 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:03.240 So the condemnation fell on him, 00:19:03.860 --> 00:19:05.320 the innocent for the guilty, 00:19:05.880 --> 00:19:08.120 the one who was pure for the impure, 00:19:08.480 --> 00:19:09.580 the one who was right 00:19:09.580 --> 00:19:10.900 for the one who was wrong. 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:13.680 The condemnation falls absolutely, 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:15.860 but the condemnation fell 00:19:15.860 --> 00:19:17.360 2,000 years ago 00:19:17.360 --> 00:19:18.860 on the cross, 00:19:19.120 --> 00:19:20.100 on Christ. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:22.019 So that condemnation now 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:23.320 cannot fall 00:19:23.320 --> 00:19:24.920 on the Christian believer. 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:27.000 No charge will stand. 00:19:27.120 --> 00:19:27.340 Why? 00:19:27.460 --> 00:19:28.320 Because we have one 00:19:28.320 --> 00:19:29.560 who stood in our place. 00:19:29.920 --> 00:19:31.460 No condemnation will stand 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:32.420 because we have one 00:19:32.420 --> 00:19:34.540 who was condemned in our place. 00:19:35.080 --> 00:19:36.920 Christ Jesus who died, 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:38.200 more than that. 00:19:38.680 --> 00:19:39.000 You see, 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:40.660 the atoning work of Jesus 00:19:40.660 --> 00:19:42.359 is not just the Friday event, 00:19:42.720 --> 00:19:44.019 but the atoning work of Jesus 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:46.960 is the whole work of salvation, 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:48.619 Friday to Sunday. 00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:50.660 You want to include even ascension 00:19:50.660 --> 00:19:52.160 in his heavenly session 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:52.960 that he died, 00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:54.019 he was buried, 00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:55.160 he rose, 00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:56.180 he ascended, 00:19:56.559 --> 00:19:57.599 he sat down 00:19:57.599 --> 00:19:58.359 at the right hand 00:19:58.359 --> 00:20:00.339 of the majesty on high. 00:20:00.619 --> 00:20:01.640 That's who he is, 00:20:01.700 --> 00:20:02.660 that's where he is, 00:20:02.859 --> 00:20:03.920 that's what he did, 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:06.220 that's what he is now doing. 00:20:06.980 --> 00:20:08.240 So question number two 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:08.940 is who is he 00:20:08.940 --> 00:20:10.099 that condemns. 00:20:10.620 --> 00:20:12.240 Because he's at the right hand, 00:20:12.299 --> 00:20:13.240 he's not condemning us, 00:20:13.259 --> 00:20:14.599 he's interceding for us. 00:20:15.299 --> 00:20:16.099 Your prayer life 00:20:16.099 --> 00:20:17.059 might be inconsistent, 00:20:17.380 --> 00:20:18.140 so is mine. 00:20:19.180 --> 00:20:19.960 But let me tell you 00:20:19.960 --> 00:20:21.059 that his prayer life 00:20:21.059 --> 00:20:21.839 is perfect 00:20:21.839 --> 00:20:23.079 and persistent, 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:25.019 that he continually prays, 00:20:25.059 --> 00:20:26.579 he continually intercedes. 00:20:28.039 --> 00:20:28.620 And the third 00:20:28.620 --> 00:20:29.539 and final question, 00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:31.299 who shall separate us 00:20:31.299 --> 00:20:32.900 from the love of Christ? 00:20:33.579 --> 00:20:35.160 And we have lists here. 00:20:35.680 --> 00:20:36.700 We have trouble 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.299 or hardship. 00:20:37.400 --> 00:20:38.080 Let's just look at those 00:20:38.080 --> 00:20:38.720 for a moment. 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:40.220 Trouble are those things 00:20:40.220 --> 00:20:41.700 that are outside of ourselves. 00:20:42.900 --> 00:20:44.220 Hardship or distress 00:20:44.220 --> 00:20:45.779 can mean those things 00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:46.819 that are within ourselves, 00:20:46.960 --> 00:20:48.660 some internal strife, 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:49.799 internal struggles. 00:20:50.580 --> 00:20:52.140 And that really captures everything. 00:20:52.580 --> 00:20:53.400 Because the troubles 00:20:53.400 --> 00:20:54.019 of this life 00:20:54.019 --> 00:20:55.360 are either outside of ourselves 00:20:55.360 --> 00:20:56.759 or inside of ourselves. 00:20:57.600 --> 00:20:58.519 And Paul says, 00:20:58.799 --> 00:20:59.400 you name it, 00:20:59.840 --> 00:21:00.900 and the answer is none. 00:21:01.559 --> 00:21:02.900 What charge will stand? 00:21:02.900 --> 00:21:03.799 No charge. 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:05.480 Who is he that condemns? 00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:06.740 No one and nothing. 00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:08.700 And what shall separate us? 00:21:09.399 --> 00:21:10.919 And the answer is nothing. 00:21:11.440 --> 00:21:12.839 Nothing in this world. 00:21:13.359 --> 00:21:14.500 Nothing in this life. 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:16.000 Nothing in heaven above. 00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:17.299 Nothing in the earth below. 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:18.639 Not the past. 00:21:18.740 --> 00:21:19.419 Not the future. 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:21.000 Not any powers. 00:21:21.180 --> 00:21:22.460 Not any principalities. 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:24.500 Because you have that list 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:26.440 from verse 35 00:21:26.440 --> 00:21:28.080 in verse 35. 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:30.000 And then you have another list 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:31.160 from verse 38 00:21:31.160 --> 00:21:32.840 which has again 00:21:32.840 --> 00:21:34.140 these great words. 00:21:34.660 --> 00:21:35.820 Angels, demons, 00:21:36.039 --> 00:21:37.059 present, future, 00:21:37.559 --> 00:21:38.559 height, depth, 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:39.820 anything else 00:21:39.820 --> 00:21:40.900 in all creation. 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:42.240 So, 00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:44.120 the charge won't stand. 00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:45.720 No condemnation 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:46.600 will be found. 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:48.120 And no separation 00:21:48.120 --> 00:21:49.100 is possible. 00:21:49.700 --> 00:21:50.340 Now this is not 00:21:50.340 --> 00:21:51.360 your view of Jesus. 00:21:52.080 --> 00:21:52.720 This is not 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:54.299 the strength of your faith, 00:21:54.620 --> 00:21:55.840 the depth of your commitment, 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:56.939 but this is the strength 00:21:56.939 --> 00:21:58.319 of his commitment to you. 00:21:58.839 --> 00:22:00.379 This is what he says about you. 00:22:00.619 --> 00:22:02.000 This is what he says to you. 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:03.899 This is what he has done for you. 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:05.679 And the conclusion of this 00:22:05.679 --> 00:22:06.899 is magnificent. 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:09.000 Because we're told 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:10.839 that we are now described 00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:12.939 as conquerors. 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:13.259 No, 00:22:13.659 --> 00:22:14.639 not conquerors 00:22:14.639 --> 00:22:15.139 but rather 00:22:15.139 --> 00:22:16.879 more than conquerors. 00:22:16.959 --> 00:22:17.419 And with this 00:22:17.419 --> 00:22:19.579 I want to bring our time together 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.319 to a close. 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:21.879 No, in all these things 00:22:21.879 --> 00:22:23.839 we are more than conquerors 00:22:23.839 --> 00:22:25.480 through him who loved us. 00:22:25.839 --> 00:22:27.379 Now the audience 00:22:27.379 --> 00:22:28.639 understood a conqueror. 00:22:28.899 --> 00:22:29.720 They understood 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.240 a general 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:32.500 or the Caesar 00:22:32.500 --> 00:22:34.819 who succeeded in battle. 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:36.619 Because after the battle, 00:22:36.740 --> 00:22:38.240 especially a significant battle, 00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:39.679 there would be a parade. 00:22:39.879 --> 00:22:40.279 It was called 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:41.279 a Roman triumph. 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:42.699 These parades 00:22:42.699 --> 00:22:43.959 could last for days. 00:22:44.319 --> 00:22:45.279 And they would slowly 00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:46.019 make their way 00:22:46.019 --> 00:22:47.179 through the streets of Rome. 00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:48.359 And it would be 00:22:48.359 --> 00:22:49.439 like a build up. 00:22:49.740 --> 00:22:50.639 Because at the beginning 00:22:50.639 --> 00:22:51.319 of the parade 00:22:51.319 --> 00:22:52.179 you would have 00:22:52.179 --> 00:22:53.379 the prisoners of war, 00:22:53.380 --> 00:22:54.320 the slaves, 00:22:54.640 --> 00:22:56.180 those captured in battle. 00:22:56.540 --> 00:22:57.200 You would have 00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:58.560 all the loot 00:22:58.560 --> 00:22:59.740 or all the treasure 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:01.000 that was accumulated 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:02.160 because of the victory. 00:23:02.740 --> 00:23:03.300 Then you would have 00:23:03.300 --> 00:23:04.100 the soldiers. 00:23:04.760 --> 00:23:05.300 Then you would have 00:23:05.300 --> 00:23:05.960 the generals. 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:07.000 Then you would have 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:07.720 the statesmen, 00:23:07.800 --> 00:23:08.480 the politicians. 00:23:09.260 --> 00:23:11.180 And as the triumph 00:23:11.180 --> 00:23:12.840 proceeded through 00:23:12.840 --> 00:23:13.640 the streets of Rome, 00:23:13.720 --> 00:23:15.140 the last in the procession 00:23:15.140 --> 00:23:16.200 was the conqueror. 00:23:16.540 --> 00:23:17.520 The great general, 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:18.700 the Caesar himself. 00:23:19.100 --> 00:23:20.180 And all eyes 00:23:20.180 --> 00:23:21.300 would be fixed on him. 00:23:21.299 --> 00:23:23.799 Now what Paul is saying 00:23:23.799 --> 00:23:24.919 is take that image 00:23:24.919 --> 00:23:26.139 of the conqueror. 00:23:26.460 --> 00:23:27.139 Take that image 00:23:27.139 --> 00:23:27.879 of the victor. 00:23:28.299 --> 00:23:28.940 Take that image 00:23:28.940 --> 00:23:29.839 of all the city 00:23:29.839 --> 00:23:31.359 turning out to celebrate. 00:23:31.879 --> 00:23:32.339 And he says 00:23:32.339 --> 00:23:33.779 that is an inadequate image 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:34.659 to describe you, 00:23:34.839 --> 00:23:35.180 Christian. 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:36.960 Because you're more than that. 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:38.480 You're greater than that. 00:23:39.099 --> 00:23:40.279 Your status 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:41.680 is higher than that. 00:23:42.319 --> 00:23:43.099 Now the audience 00:23:43.099 --> 00:23:44.319 who received this message 00:23:44.319 --> 00:23:45.419 2,000 years ago, 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:46.559 and I would suggest 00:23:46.559 --> 00:23:47.599 the audience 00:23:47.599 --> 00:23:48.720 that receives this message 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:50.480 today has great difficulty 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:51.339 believing it. 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:52.740 Because it doesn't 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.880 seem to be true. 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:55.759 We look at ourselves 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:56.680 and we don't seem 00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:58.039 to be more than conquerors. 00:23:58.460 --> 00:23:59.720 We aren't said 00:23:59.720 --> 00:24:01.019 to be more than conquerors 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:02.019 by the society 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:03.180 that surrounds us. 00:24:03.860 --> 00:24:04.980 Certainly the evil one 00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:05.740 would never say 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:07.180 such a thing about us. 00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:08.960 But God's word 00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:10.019 is always true. 00:24:10.460 --> 00:24:11.400 He speaks the truth, 00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:12.000 the whole truth, 00:24:12.039 --> 00:24:13.200 and nothing but the truth. 00:24:13.660 --> 00:24:14.380 So if you are 00:24:14.380 --> 00:24:15.519 in Christ today, 00:24:15.940 --> 00:24:16.980 you are more than 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:17.680 a conqueror 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:18.279 through him 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:19.920 who loved us. 00:24:20.139 --> 00:24:21.819 And nothing will be able 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:23.500 to separate us, 00:24:23.639 --> 00:24:24.259 you and me, 00:24:24.319 --> 00:24:25.399 from the love of God 00:24:25.399 --> 00:24:26.720 that is in Christ Jesus, 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:27.460 our Lord. 00:24:28.099 --> 00:24:28.500 You see, 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:29.480 the love of Jesus 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:31.539 is not just emotional, 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:32.720 though it is. 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:33.819 There's an emotional element, 00:24:33.940 --> 00:24:34.399 of course. 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:35.799 It's not just sentimental, 00:24:36.859 --> 00:24:38.399 but it's powerful, 00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:39.519 personal. 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:40.899 It's a commitment 00:24:40.899 --> 00:24:42.059 that was achieved 00:24:42.059 --> 00:24:43.220 on the cross, 00:24:43.700 --> 00:24:45.940 fulfilled in his work. 00:24:45.940 --> 00:24:47.320 So he lived, 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:48.019 he died, 00:24:48.140 --> 00:24:49.320 he rose again 00:24:49.320 --> 00:24:50.160 from the dead, 00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:51.600 and in him 00:24:51.600 --> 00:24:53.320 we are more than conquerors. 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:54.360 He conquered, 00:24:55.400 --> 00:24:57.200 and we become conquerors. 00:24:57.620 --> 00:24:58.539 He succeeded, 00:24:58.740 --> 00:24:59.700 and we succeed. 00:24:59.799 --> 00:25:00.340 He won, 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:01.180 and we win. 00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:03.180 But the key is him. 00:25:03.880 --> 00:25:05.160 If you are in Christ, 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:06.400 all of these benefits 00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:06.960 and blessings 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:07.900 belong to you. 00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:09.220 But if you are 00:25:09.220 --> 00:25:10.420 outside of him, 00:25:11.019 --> 00:25:12.519 the charges still stand, 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.360 the condemnation 00:25:13.359 --> 00:25:14.899 condemnation still stands, 00:25:15.319 --> 00:25:15.859 and the threat 00:25:15.859 --> 00:25:16.639 of separation 00:25:16.639 --> 00:25:17.839 still looms. 00:25:18.659 --> 00:25:19.599 So with you this morning, 00:25:19.699 --> 00:25:20.599 I want you to hear 00:25:20.599 --> 00:25:22.619 what God has to say, 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:24.259 what God has to say 00:25:24.259 --> 00:25:25.119 about his son, 00:25:25.459 --> 00:25:26.479 what God has to say 00:25:26.479 --> 00:25:27.379 about the work 00:25:27.379 --> 00:25:28.079 of his son, 00:25:28.339 --> 00:25:29.740 and what God has to say 00:25:29.740 --> 00:25:31.240 about all who trust 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:32.099 in his son, 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:34.259 that this is who we are. 00:25:34.839 --> 00:25:35.719 Many years ago, 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:36.559 Abraham Lincoln 00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:37.939 was often asked 00:25:37.939 --> 00:25:39.419 during the American Civil War 00:25:39.419 --> 00:25:40.699 whether God 00:25:40.699 --> 00:25:41.699 is on our side. 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:42.660 And famously, 00:25:42.819 --> 00:25:43.400 he wrote a letter 00:25:43.400 --> 00:25:44.759 to one of his correspondents 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.460 that was published 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.620 in the newspaper. 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:47.380 Sir, 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:48.640 my concern is not 00:25:48.640 --> 00:25:49.299 whether God 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:50.340 is on our side. 00:25:50.660 --> 00:25:51.799 My greatest concern 00:25:51.799 --> 00:25:53.299 is to be on God's side, 00:25:53.720 --> 00:25:55.259 for God is always right. 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:57.680 Are you on his side today? 00:25:58.400 --> 00:25:59.960 Is your trust and faith 00:25:59.960 --> 00:26:01.400 in the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:26:01.779 --> 00:26:03.420 Because all of these promises 00:26:03.420 --> 00:26:04.519 then become yes 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:05.220 and amen 00:26:05.220 --> 00:26:06.420 in Jesus Christ. 00:26:06.700 --> 00:26:07.500 It doesn't matter 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.059 what you think 00:26:08.059 --> 00:26:08.759 about yourself. 00:26:09.100 --> 00:26:09.620 It doesn't matter 00:26:09.620 --> 00:26:10.799 what others say about you. 00:26:10.799 --> 00:26:11.859 It doesn't matter 00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:13.279 about your failings 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:14.539 or your limitations. 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:16.419 But if this is true, 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:17.440 and it is, 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.680 that the weakest 00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:19.759 of all Christians 00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:21.899 is more than conqueror 00:26:21.899 --> 00:26:22.839 through Christ Jesus 00:26:22.839 --> 00:26:23.680 who loved him, 00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:24.879 who loved her, 00:26:25.159 --> 00:26:26.599 and who gave himself 00:26:26.599 --> 00:26:27.940 for us. 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:29.619 If God is for us, 00:26:30.039 --> 00:26:32.599 who can be against us? 00:26:33.079 --> 00:26:33.819 Let us pray. 00:26:34.879 --> 00:26:35.839 Father, we thank you 00:26:35.839 --> 00:26:36.500 for your word. 00:26:36.839 --> 00:26:37.419 We thank you 00:26:37.419 --> 00:26:38.059 for the truth 00:26:38.059 --> 00:26:38.659 of your word. 00:26:38.660 --> 00:26:39.640 but we also thank you 00:26:39.640 --> 00:26:40.420 that you accompany 00:26:40.420 --> 00:26:41.240 your word 00:26:41.240 --> 00:26:42.740 with your spirit. 00:26:43.300 --> 00:26:44.100 That the spirit 00:26:44.100 --> 00:26:45.500 takes this truth 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:46.980 and applies this truth 00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:47.840 to human hearts. 00:26:48.360 --> 00:26:49.400 And I pray for each 00:26:49.400 --> 00:26:50.380 one of your people today 00:26:50.380 --> 00:26:51.500 that you would remind us 00:26:51.500 --> 00:26:52.279 of these truths. 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:53.680 That these are, 00:26:54.040 --> 00:26:55.600 these statements 00:26:55.600 --> 00:26:56.840 are who we are 00:26:56.840 --> 00:26:57.779 in Jesus Christ. 00:26:58.320 --> 00:26:59.000 And for any 00:26:59.000 --> 00:27:00.320 who might be hearing this, 00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:01.860 who are not yet committed, 00:27:02.320 --> 00:27:03.300 not yet converted, 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:04.440 not yet convinced, 00:27:04.840 --> 00:27:05.759 might they hear 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:06.800 what you have to say 00:27:06.799 --> 00:27:07.619 about your people. 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:08.619 Might they hear 00:27:08.619 --> 00:27:09.419 what you have to say 00:27:09.419 --> 00:27:10.240 about your son. 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:11.940 Might they hear 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:12.619 what you have to say 00:27:12.619 --> 00:27:13.379 about his work 00:27:13.379 --> 00:27:14.119 and might they place 00:27:14.119 --> 00:27:14.539 their hope 00:27:14.539 --> 00:27:15.579 and their faith 00:27:15.579 --> 00:27:16.559 in him. 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:17.980 So there would be 00:27:17.980 --> 00:27:19.159 no charge, 00:27:19.519 --> 00:27:20.680 no condemnation, 00:27:20.980 --> 00:27:22.099 and no separation 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:23.440 for them as well. 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:25.259 Hear our prayers, Lord. 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:26.839 Answer us, we pray. 00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:28.259 In the name of Jesus, 00:27:28.399 --> 00:27:29.079 we ask. 00:27:29.539 --> 00:27:29.960 Amen. 00:27:29.960 --> 00:27:30.200 Amen. 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:30.259 Amen. 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:30.299 Amen.