WEBVTT 00:00:00.420 --> 00:00:05.299 Well, good evening. It's lovely to be with you again this evening as we gather together in worship. 00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:13.380 I just want to say thank you for having me. It's been great to see you all again, to see many of you I haven't seen in a while. 00:00:14.019 --> 00:00:19.039 But remember, I live on the West Side, and you're welcome to come anytime to Bonnie Barvis. 00:00:19.580 --> 00:00:23.780 So please do come. Our communion season is in a few weeks' time. You're welcome to come. 00:00:24.260 --> 00:00:28.339 Fill the church. It's great to be together, and it's good to worship together. 00:00:28.339 --> 00:00:32.600 So let us worship God this evening. We're going to sing to God's praise in Psalm 95. 00:00:33.579 --> 00:00:37.359 Psalm 95, it's in the Scottish Psalter, page 357. 00:00:41.519 --> 00:00:45.340 Psalm 95, we're singing from the beginning down to the verse 6. 00:00:52.179 --> 00:00:57.120 And this psalm is a psalm that reminds us that we are all invited this evening. 00:00:58.340 --> 00:01:01.600 We are all invited to come and worship the Lord. 00:01:02.900 --> 00:01:07.640 No one is told to go away. Everyone is told to come. 00:01:08.520 --> 00:01:09.800 That's what the psalmist says. 00:01:09.960 --> 00:01:12.240 O come, let us sing to the Lord. 00:01:12.760 --> 00:01:13.760 Come, let us everyone. 00:01:14.280 --> 00:01:16.939 A joyful noise make to the rock of our salvation. 00:01:17.640 --> 00:01:19.520 Let us before his presence come. 00:01:19.900 --> 00:01:21.760 With praise and thankful voice, 00:01:22.159 --> 00:01:24.400 let us sing psalms to him with grace. 00:01:24.400 --> 00:01:26.940 And make a joyful noise. 00:01:27.340 --> 00:01:30.740 So we'll sing Psalm 95 from the beginning down to the verse marked 6. 00:01:31.040 --> 00:01:34.020 And we'll stand to sing, if you're able, to God's praise. 00:01:34.019 --> 00:01:48.879 O come, let us sing to the Lord. 00:01:48.879 --> 00:01:55.879 Come, let us sing to the Lord. 00:01:55.879 --> 00:02:05.319 A joyful noise make to the Lord. 00:02:05.319 --> 00:02:11.319 Let us before his presence come. 00:02:11.319 --> 00:02:13.319 Let us before his presence come. 00:02:13.319 --> 00:02:23.079 Let us before his presence come. 00:02:23.079 --> 00:02:30.459 With praise and thankful voice, 00:02:30.460 --> 00:02:31.460 Let us before his presence come. 00:02:31.460 --> 00:02:32.460 Let us before his presence come. 00:02:32.460 --> 00:02:33.460 Let us before his presence come. 00:02:33.460 --> 00:02:37.460 Let us sing songs to him with praise. 00:02:37.460 --> 00:02:39.460 Let us before his presence come. 00:02:39.460 --> 00:02:42.460 Let us before his presence come. 00:02:42.460 --> 00:02:44.460 Let us before his presence come. 00:02:44.460 --> 00:02:47.460 Let us before his presence come. 00:02:47.460 --> 00:02:48.460 Let us before him with grace, 00:02:48.460 --> 00:02:54.460 Over round him the 2nd through 22nd, 00:02:54.460 --> 00:02:58.460 For God for redemption take him 00:02:58.460 --> 00:02:59.460 For God for childcare, 00:02:59.460 --> 00:03:29.439 CHOIR SINGS 00:03:29.460 --> 00:03:59.439 CHOIR SINGS 00:03:59.460 --> 00:04:01.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:01.460 --> 00:04:03.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:03.460 --> 00:04:05.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:05.460 --> 00:04:07.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:07.460 --> 00:04:09.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:09.460 --> 00:04:11.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:11.460 --> 00:04:13.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:13.460 --> 00:04:17.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:17.460 --> 00:04:19.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:19.460 --> 00:04:21.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:21.460 --> 00:04:23.460 CHOIR SINGS 00:04:23.459 --> 00:04:29.819 Our Maker, let us walk. 00:04:38.519 --> 00:04:40.379 Well, let us come before the Lord in prayer. 00:04:41.579 --> 00:04:42.759 Let's pray together. 00:04:49.699 --> 00:04:52.319 Gracious God and loving Heavenly Father, 00:04:53.459 --> 00:04:56.699 we give thanks this evening that this is where we are found, 00:04:57.699 --> 00:04:59.719 that we are found not only on mercy's ground, 00:05:00.719 --> 00:05:02.479 but that we are found in the Lord's house, 00:05:03.180 --> 00:05:06.519 and to know that we are people who have been invited to come, 00:05:07.519 --> 00:05:09.560 that the Lord himself has invited us, 00:05:09.939 --> 00:05:11.899 that he has brought us here this evening, 00:05:12.679 --> 00:05:15.679 and we give thanks for even those words we have been singing, 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:19.539 that how the psalmist reminded us that we have all been invited 00:05:19.539 --> 00:05:22.079 to come and sing to the Lord, 00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:25.099 to make that joyful noise to our God, 00:05:25.319 --> 00:05:29.039 because he is a great God and a great King, 00:05:29.659 --> 00:05:31.240 that above all gods he is, 00:05:31.319 --> 00:05:33.279 the depths of the earth are in his hand, 00:05:33.859 --> 00:05:35.539 the strength of hills are his. 00:05:36.439 --> 00:05:37.899 And enable us then, we pray, 00:05:38.019 --> 00:05:39.500 to come like the psalmist came, 00:05:40.319 --> 00:05:41.560 to come on bended knee, 00:05:42.219 --> 00:05:44.759 in surrender and submission to our great God, 00:05:45.560 --> 00:05:47.560 acknowledging that he is the King of kings, 00:05:47.560 --> 00:05:49.740 he remains the Lord of lords, 00:05:50.420 --> 00:05:52.639 he is the one who is high and lifted up, 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:54.280 whose name is holy, 00:05:55.060 --> 00:05:57.600 and that we, as we meet with thee this evening, 00:05:58.220 --> 00:05:59.620 and as we meet in thy presence, 00:06:00.399 --> 00:06:02.720 Lord, our prayer is that we would know thy presence, 00:06:03.399 --> 00:06:05.000 that we would experience thy blessing, 00:06:05.680 --> 00:06:08.800 that we would all be able to say that it is good for us to be here, 00:06:08.800 --> 00:06:11.500 because it is here we have met with the Lord, 00:06:12.220 --> 00:06:13.900 and that the Lord has spoken to us, 00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:17.180 and reminded us about our need for salvation, 00:06:18.120 --> 00:06:20.520 to remind us that there is a heaven to be gained, 00:06:21.160 --> 00:06:22.560 and a hell to be shunned. 00:06:23.259 --> 00:06:25.000 We bless thee, O Lord, for the gospel, 00:06:25.580 --> 00:06:27.740 that it is the good news of Jesus Christ, 00:06:27.740 --> 00:06:31.560 it is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe, 00:06:32.400 --> 00:06:36.500 and we are reminded this morning of those who do believe in this congregation, 00:06:37.220 --> 00:06:39.379 as we gathered around the Lord's table, 00:06:39.980 --> 00:06:43.060 and as we gathered to remember the Lord's death until he comes, 00:06:43.639 --> 00:06:45.240 and to be assured that even tonight, 00:06:45.360 --> 00:06:48.340 Jesus is one who is praying for his people, 00:06:48.920 --> 00:06:50.519 that he is praying for our salvation, 00:06:51.240 --> 00:06:52.939 he is praying for our safety, 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:55.340 he is praying for our sanctification, 00:06:55.340 --> 00:06:57.100 to be made more and more like him, 00:06:57.100 --> 00:06:59.360 and even our eternal security. 00:07:00.260 --> 00:07:01.420 But Lord, our prayer tonight, 00:07:02.180 --> 00:07:04.140 is that more and more in this congregation, 00:07:04.340 --> 00:07:05.480 would know it for themselves, 00:07:06.340 --> 00:07:08.379 that they would know this Jesus who loved them, 00:07:08.900 --> 00:07:10.180 and gave himself for them, 00:07:10.720 --> 00:07:13.040 that they would know the wonder and beauty of the gospel, 00:07:13.640 --> 00:07:15.260 that God so loved this world, 00:07:15.820 --> 00:07:17.840 that he gave his only begotten son, 00:07:17.980 --> 00:07:19.540 that whosoever believes in him, 00:07:20.060 --> 00:07:22.160 would not perish, but have eternal life. 00:07:22.620 --> 00:07:24.700 And so Lord, our prayer is this evening, 00:07:24.939 --> 00:07:26.720 that we would have ears to hear, 00:07:27.100 --> 00:07:30.080 that we would have eyes to see more and more of Jesus, 00:07:30.820 --> 00:07:32.980 that we would have hearts to receive thy truth, 00:07:33.500 --> 00:07:34.980 minds to engage with it, 00:07:35.400 --> 00:07:39.860 and a will that is willing and ready to respond in faith and obedience. 00:07:40.720 --> 00:07:43.120 And so Lord, we pray for those who are out of Christ, 00:07:43.780 --> 00:07:45.720 for those Lord, even in our own homes, 00:07:45.720 --> 00:07:47.120 and our own family. 00:07:47.600 --> 00:07:50.800 We pray for husbands that are strangers to grace and to God. 00:07:51.440 --> 00:07:53.940 We pray for wives that are still uncommitted. 00:07:54.700 --> 00:07:57.720 We pray for our children that are on the broad road, 00:07:58.380 --> 00:08:00.580 that leads alone to destruction. 00:08:01.340 --> 00:08:02.900 But Lord, our prayer is tonight, 00:08:03.020 --> 00:08:04.200 that thou wouldest speak to them, 00:08:04.940 --> 00:08:07.900 that thou wouldest remind them and reassure them, 00:08:07.899 --> 00:08:11.359 that thou art the God who has provided a new and living way, 00:08:11.939 --> 00:08:13.859 in and through his Son, the Lord Jesus, 00:08:14.579 --> 00:08:15.959 and that we are to come to him. 00:08:16.399 --> 00:08:18.279 We're to come to him just as we are, 00:08:18.839 --> 00:08:20.519 saying like the hymn writer of old, 00:08:20.620 --> 00:08:22.339 that nothing in my hands I bring, 00:08:22.959 --> 00:08:24.919 but simply to thy cross I cling. 00:08:25.659 --> 00:08:29.399 And Lord, our prayer is that more and more would cling to the old rugged cross, 00:08:29.399 --> 00:08:31.560 realizing that this Jesus, 00:08:32.240 --> 00:08:33.799 he became sin for us. 00:08:34.319 --> 00:08:35.860 Even though he knew no sin, 00:08:36.379 --> 00:08:38.100 he had done nothing amiss, 00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:40.579 and yet he became sin for us, 00:08:40.620 --> 00:08:42.319 all so that we might be made 00:08:42.319 --> 00:08:44.519 the righteousness of God in him, 00:08:45.039 --> 00:08:47.379 all so that we might be presented faultless 00:08:47.379 --> 00:08:50.419 before his glory with exceeding joy. 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:52.559 The wonder and glory tonight 00:08:52.559 --> 00:08:54.539 is that sinners are able to be saved, 00:08:55.059 --> 00:08:57.460 that we are able to be brought from darkness to light, 00:08:57.980 --> 00:08:59.120 from death to life, 00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:00.519 from the dungeon of sin, 00:09:00.779 --> 00:09:02.899 to liberty and freedom in Christ. 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:05.620 And Lord, our longing is then that thy spirit 00:09:05.620 --> 00:09:08.340 would truly take the things of thy word, 00:09:08.940 --> 00:09:11.320 and apply them to our hearts and lives this evening, 00:09:11.840 --> 00:09:14.519 that there would be rejoicing in the presence of the angels, 00:09:15.179 --> 00:09:16.560 over sinners repenting, 00:09:17.019 --> 00:09:20.460 over people turning from sin unto the Saviour, 00:09:21.060 --> 00:09:23.379 turning from the way they are going, 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:25.820 to following in the footsteps of Jesus, 00:09:25.820 --> 00:09:28.240 hearing the voice of this good shepherd, 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:30.620 who laid down his life for the sheep. 00:09:31.180 --> 00:09:33.139 Lord, remember this congregation, we pray. 00:09:33.299 --> 00:09:34.519 We give thanks for them, 00:09:34.980 --> 00:09:38.340 for every memory we have of growing up in this congregation, 00:09:38.960 --> 00:09:40.180 and even the people here. 00:09:40.759 --> 00:09:42.620 We pray, Lord, for thy servant over them. 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:43.960 We pray for Calamurdo. 00:09:44.159 --> 00:09:46.000 We thank thee, Lord, for him, 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:48.580 and we ask that thou wouldest uphold him and support him, 00:09:49.200 --> 00:09:51.600 and grant him to know thy grace and thy strength, 00:09:52.159 --> 00:09:54.279 even during this time of vacancy. 00:09:54.940 --> 00:09:56.720 We pray, O Lord, that thou wouldest provide 00:09:56.720 --> 00:09:59.240 one who will work alongside with him, 00:09:59.720 --> 00:10:02.340 that in many ways, like Paul had Silas, 00:10:02.779 --> 00:10:05.320 or others had Elijah had Elisha. 00:10:05.860 --> 00:10:08.620 Lord, we pray that thou wouldest provide for this congregation 00:10:08.620 --> 00:10:12.019 a man who will work and who will sow, 00:10:12.539 --> 00:10:13.919 and who will sow in tears, 00:10:14.340 --> 00:10:15.600 that he might reap in joy. 00:10:16.220 --> 00:10:17.460 Bless him, Lord, we pray, 00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:20.679 even in endeavours to mix with one another 00:10:20.679 --> 00:10:23.740 at barbecues or at beaches, Lord, 00:10:23.799 --> 00:10:26.100 but we also remember the Back to Church Sunday too. 00:10:27.060 --> 00:10:28.639 And we pray, Lord, even as Christians, 00:10:29.220 --> 00:10:31.279 that we would be bold in inviting people, 00:10:31.740 --> 00:10:33.700 that we would compel them to come in, 00:10:33.700 --> 00:10:35.900 that the Master's house may be filled, 00:10:36.580 --> 00:10:38.060 that more and more would hear 00:10:38.060 --> 00:10:40.300 of this glorious gospel message, 00:10:40.800 --> 00:10:42.920 that they would hear that their soul might live. 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:45.820 For how shall they hear without a preacher, 00:10:46.400 --> 00:10:48.520 and how shall they preach except to be sent, 00:10:49.040 --> 00:10:51.080 knowing that faith comes by hearing, 00:10:51.520 --> 00:10:53.259 and hearing by the word of God. 00:10:53.800 --> 00:10:55.900 So, Lord, bless them, we pray, as a congregation. 00:10:56.600 --> 00:10:57.560 Remember them, we ask. 00:10:57.640 --> 00:10:59.220 We also remember the other vacancies 00:10:59.220 --> 00:11:01.020 in our own presbytery. 00:11:01.560 --> 00:11:02.940 We remember tonight's Shabbos, 00:11:02.940 --> 00:11:04.840 and we continue to remember them. 00:11:05.400 --> 00:11:07.100 And we think also of Grava too, 00:11:07.300 --> 00:11:08.540 and South Uist. 00:11:09.080 --> 00:11:10.740 But, Lord, we rejoice knowing that 00:11:10.740 --> 00:11:13.340 North Uist has called a minister, 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:15.060 and the minister has answered that call. 00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:17.160 And we pray for our brother David, 00:11:17.260 --> 00:11:19.960 as he prepares to take on that charge. 00:11:20.100 --> 00:11:22.560 And we ask, Lord, that thou wouldst bless him 00:11:22.560 --> 00:11:25.160 and his family, Lord, be gracious to them. 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:27.160 And, Lord, what we pray for ourselves 00:11:27.160 --> 00:11:28.100 as a presbytery. 00:11:28.220 --> 00:11:30.500 We pray for our denomination 00:11:30.500 --> 00:11:32.980 and even the kingdom of God, 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:35.659 knowing, Lord, that the harvest is plenteous, 00:11:36.179 --> 00:11:37.799 and the laborers remain few. 00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:40.240 But, Lord, we look not to ourselves, 00:11:40.360 --> 00:11:41.899 but to the Lord of the harvest, 00:11:42.460 --> 00:11:43.980 that he would thrust out laborers 00:11:43.980 --> 00:11:45.659 into this great harvest field, 00:11:46.299 --> 00:11:48.679 men who will plough the fields. 00:11:49.200 --> 00:11:51.240 Thou, O Lord, that thou wouldst break up 00:11:51.240 --> 00:11:52.340 even the fallow ground. 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:54.519 And as they sow in tears, 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:56.720 that, O Lord, the seed that is sown, 00:11:57.200 --> 00:11:58.840 that it would not fall by the wayside 00:11:58.840 --> 00:11:59.780 or among the thorns 00:11:59.780 --> 00:12:01.080 or onto the rocky ground, 00:12:01.820 --> 00:12:03.480 but it might fall into the good soil 00:12:03.480 --> 00:12:04.500 that thou hast prepared. 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:07.120 Bless, Lord, then thy truth to us. 00:12:07.620 --> 00:12:08.840 Bless the cause of Christ 00:12:08.840 --> 00:12:10.220 to the ends of the earth, 00:12:10.300 --> 00:12:11.980 those who have gone to the far corners 00:12:11.980 --> 00:12:12.820 of our world. 00:12:13.460 --> 00:12:14.879 Even as we think of those 00:12:14.879 --> 00:12:15.879 from this congregation, 00:12:16.060 --> 00:12:17.300 we remember tonight, Muriel, 00:12:17.379 --> 00:12:18.300 and we pray for her. 00:12:18.780 --> 00:12:20.180 We ask that thou wouldst bless her. 00:12:20.179 --> 00:12:22.659 And many others, Lord, who have left here 00:12:22.659 --> 00:12:24.179 and those who are witnesses 00:12:24.179 --> 00:12:25.299 in different places. 00:12:25.919 --> 00:12:27.579 But we give thanks that thou art the God 00:12:27.579 --> 00:12:28.339 who is sovereign, 00:12:28.919 --> 00:12:31.339 who is working all things together for good 00:12:31.339 --> 00:12:33.120 to those who are the called 00:12:33.120 --> 00:12:35.259 according to thine own purpose. 00:12:35.919 --> 00:12:37.399 So, Lord, remember us then, we pray. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:39.539 Remember places where there is wars 00:12:39.539 --> 00:12:40.939 and rumors of war tonight. 00:12:41.500 --> 00:12:42.599 We pray for peace. 00:12:43.159 --> 00:12:44.179 Peace, Lord, in Israel 00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:46.359 and even peace in Ukraine. 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:48.399 Lord, we ask that thou wouldst 00:12:48.399 --> 00:12:50.099 bring an end to these wars. 00:12:50.759 --> 00:12:52.219 And also, Lord, as we see even 00:12:52.219 --> 00:12:55.000 the difficulties in people's lives, 00:12:55.120 --> 00:12:57.939 where we see not even a day that goes by 00:12:57.939 --> 00:12:59.500 and there are different things 00:12:59.500 --> 00:13:00.219 that are going on 00:13:00.219 --> 00:13:01.659 and heartache and sorrow. 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:03.899 But, Lord, we pray that thou wouldst 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:04.739 speak to us 00:13:04.739 --> 00:13:06.339 and remind us, Lord, 00:13:06.399 --> 00:13:08.279 that there is this wonderful Saviour 00:13:08.279 --> 00:13:10.000 who came into this world 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:11.279 to bear our griefs 00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:12.959 and to carry our sorrows, 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:14.859 that he came to be wounded 00:13:14.859 --> 00:13:16.240 for our transgressions 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:18.279 and bruised for our iniquities. 00:13:18.980 --> 00:13:20.720 And so, Lord, help us then, we pray, 00:13:20.839 --> 00:13:21.919 to be people of prayer, 00:13:22.639 --> 00:13:24.299 but also people who are willing 00:13:24.299 --> 00:13:26.799 to tell it to the generation following 00:13:26.799 --> 00:13:28.939 that this God is our God 00:13:28.939 --> 00:13:30.860 and that he will be our guide 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:32.339 even unto death. 00:13:32.340 --> 00:13:34.820 Lord, speak to us then, we pray this evening. 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:36.300 Open up thy truth. 00:13:36.460 --> 00:13:37.700 Sanctify us through it. 00:13:38.180 --> 00:13:39.639 And, Lord, that we would see none other 00:13:39.639 --> 00:13:41.060 save Jesus only. 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:42.920 Go before us, then, we ask. 00:13:42.920 --> 00:13:44.560 Take away our iniquities. 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:46.040 Receive us graciously. 00:13:46.039 --> 00:13:47.259 For Jesus' sake. 00:13:47.860 --> 00:13:48.219 Amen. 00:13:48.219 --> 00:13:48.360 Amen. 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:52.439 We're going to sing again, 00:13:52.639 --> 00:13:54.019 this time in Psalm 90. 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:57.579 Psalm 90, it's in the Scottish Psalter, 00:13:57.699 --> 00:13:58.759 page 349. 00:14:01.139 --> 00:14:03.480 Psalm 90 in the Scottish Psalter. 00:14:03.539 --> 00:14:04.839 We're singing from verse 10 00:14:04.839 --> 00:14:06.959 down to the verse mark 12. 00:14:09.620 --> 00:14:12.019 Psalm 90 is the oldest psalm 00:14:12.019 --> 00:14:12.939 in the Psalter. 00:14:12.940 --> 00:14:15.620 It's 3,500 years old. 00:14:16.480 --> 00:14:17.940 It's a psalm that reminds us 00:14:17.940 --> 00:14:19.800 that the God we are worshipping this evening, 00:14:20.420 --> 00:14:21.220 he has no beginning 00:14:21.220 --> 00:14:22.760 and he has no end. 00:14:23.320 --> 00:14:25.720 He is from everlasting to everlasting. 00:14:25.940 --> 00:14:28.480 That's what Moses prays in Psalm 90. 00:14:29.460 --> 00:14:31.640 But Moses was one who was so conscious 00:14:31.640 --> 00:14:32.860 that the God, 00:14:33.020 --> 00:14:34.240 although he worshipped a God 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:35.000 who is eternal, 00:14:35.920 --> 00:14:37.000 when he looked around him, 00:14:37.960 --> 00:14:40.040 he knew that everyone around him wasn't. 00:14:41.140 --> 00:14:41.920 They were finite. 00:14:42.940 --> 00:14:44.480 Because he says there in verse 10, 00:14:45.480 --> 00:14:47.300 three score and ten years do sum up, 00:14:47.800 --> 00:14:49.360 our days and years we see, 00:14:49.940 --> 00:14:52.020 or if by reason of more strength 00:14:52.020 --> 00:14:53.680 than some four score they be, 00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:56.080 yet doth the strength of such old men 00:14:56.080 --> 00:14:57.620 but grief and labour prove, 00:14:58.140 --> 00:14:59.380 for it is soon cut off 00:14:59.380 --> 00:15:00.620 and we fly hence 00:15:00.620 --> 00:15:02.060 and soon remove. 00:15:02.540 --> 00:15:04.060 Who knows the power of thy wrath 00:15:04.060 --> 00:15:05.460 according to thy fear? 00:15:06.020 --> 00:15:08.100 So as thy wrath, Lord, teach thou us 00:15:08.100 --> 00:15:10.379 our end in mind to bear 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:12.420 and so to count our days 00:15:12.420 --> 00:15:12.899 that we, 00:15:13.300 --> 00:15:14.899 our hearts may still apply 00:15:14.899 --> 00:15:16.480 to learn thy wisdom 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:17.580 and thy truth 00:15:17.580 --> 00:15:19.720 that we may live thereby. 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:22.360 Moses looked at the world around him 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:23.659 and he said, 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:25.480 Lord, teach us to number our days 00:15:25.480 --> 00:15:27.519 that we may apply our heart 00:15:27.519 --> 00:15:28.820 unto wisdom. 00:15:29.779 --> 00:15:30.200 Psalm 90, 00:15:30.300 --> 00:15:31.259 we're singing from verse 10 00:15:31.259 --> 00:15:32.580 down to the verse Mark 12 00:15:32.580 --> 00:15:33.940 and we'll stand to sing 00:15:33.940 --> 00:15:34.440 if you're able 00:15:34.440 --> 00:15:35.700 to God's praise. 00:15:35.700 --> 00:15:36.200 Amen. 00:16:02.580 --> 00:16:04.040 � 00:16:26.220 --> 00:16:27.280 the stress of such old men 00:16:27.279 --> 00:16:57.259 CHOIR SINGS 00:16:57.279 --> 00:17:27.259 CHOIR SINGS 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:29.279 CHOIR SINGS 00:17:29.279 --> 00:17:31.279 CHOIR SINGS 00:17:31.279 --> 00:17:33.279 CHOIR SINGS 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:35.279 CHOIR SINGS 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:37.279 CHOIR SINGS 00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:39.279 CHOIR SINGS 00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:41.279 CHOIR SINGS 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:45.279 CHOIR SINGS 00:17:45.279 --> 00:18:03.200 To learn thy wisdom, and thy truth, that we be made in their mind. 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:05.200 Amen. 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:18.180 I'm not going to read the Word of God as we find it in the second book of Kings, and chapter 6. 00:18:19.539 --> 00:18:24.640 Second Kings, chapter 6. 00:18:26.840 --> 00:18:28.180 So what in the Old Testament? 00:18:33.200 --> 00:18:35.420 Second Kings, chapter 6. 00:18:36.120 --> 00:18:38.860 And we're picking up a reading at verse 26. 00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:44.059 And we're reading on into chapter 7. 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:52.220 Second Kings, chapter 6, reading at verse 26. 00:18:53.420 --> 00:18:56.440 Let us hear the Word of God. 00:18:56.440 --> 00:19:03.680 Now as the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, saying, 00:19:03.820 --> 00:19:04.960 Help my lord, O king. 00:19:05.600 --> 00:19:09.559 And he said, If the lord will not help you, how shall I help you? 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:12.299 From the threshing floor or from the winepress? 00:19:13.059 --> 00:19:15.580 And the king asked her, What is your trouble? 00:19:16.500 --> 00:19:21.200 She answered, This woman said to me, Give your son, that we may eat him today, 00:19:21.820 --> 00:19:23.519 and we will eat my son tomorrow. 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:26.099 So we boiled my son and ate him. 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:30.980 And on the next day I said to her, Give your son, that we may eat him. 00:19:31.599 --> 00:19:32.900 But she has hidden her son. 00:19:33.879 --> 00:19:37.259 When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:43.000 Now he was passing by on the wall, and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth beneath his body. 00:19:43.660 --> 00:19:47.299 And he said, May God do to me, and more also, 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:52.019 if the head of Elisha, the son of Shaphat, remains on his shoulders today. 00:19:52.019 --> 00:19:56.539 Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. 00:19:57.200 --> 00:19:59.619 Now the king had dispatched a man from his presence. 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:02.900 But before the messenger arrived, Elisha said to the elders, 00:20:03.400 --> 00:20:07.740 Do you see how this murderer has sent to take off my head? 00:20:08.359 --> 00:20:13.920 Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door and hold the door fast against him. 00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:17.160 Is not the sound of his master's feet behind him? 00:20:17.160 --> 00:20:22.600 And while he was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him and said, 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:24.320 This trouble is from the Lord. 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:27.019 Why should I wait for the Lord any longer? 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:30.840 But Elisha said, Hear the word of the Lord. 00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:32.580 Thus says the Lord, 00:20:33.259 --> 00:20:34.660 Tomorrow about this time, 00:20:35.300 --> 00:20:37.960 A say of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, 00:20:38.560 --> 00:20:40.680 and two sayers of barley for a shekel, 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:42.259 at the gate of Samaria. 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:47.220 Then the captain, on whose hand the king leaned, said to the man of God, 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:48.240 that's Elisha, 00:20:48.379 --> 00:20:51.339 If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, 00:20:51.940 --> 00:20:52.980 could this thing be? 00:20:53.920 --> 00:20:54.480 But he said, 00:20:54.559 --> 00:20:56.180 You shall see it with your own eyes, 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:58.099 but you shall not see it, 00:20:58.259 --> 00:20:59.279 you shall not eat of it. 00:21:00.379 --> 00:21:03.559 Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate, 00:21:04.099 --> 00:21:05.379 and they said to one another, 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:08.180 Why are we sitting here until we die? 00:21:08.900 --> 00:21:09.500 If we say, 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:10.539 Let us enter the city, 00:21:10.619 --> 00:21:11.740 The famine is in the city, 00:21:12.339 --> 00:21:13.660 and if we shall die there, 00:21:14.119 --> 00:21:15.059 and if we sit here, 00:21:15.140 --> 00:21:15.859 we die also. 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:19.000 So now let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. 00:21:19.440 --> 00:21:20.660 If they spare our lives, 00:21:20.740 --> 00:21:21.319 we shall live, 00:21:21.660 --> 00:21:22.779 and if they kill us, 00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:23.920 we shall but die. 00:21:24.660 --> 00:21:26.039 So they arose at twilight 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:27.559 to go to the camp of the Syrians. 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:30.640 But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, 00:21:30.779 --> 00:21:31.180 behold, 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:32.619 there was no one there. 00:21:33.160 --> 00:21:35.259 For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians 00:21:35.259 --> 00:21:36.839 hear the sound of chariots 00:21:36.839 --> 00:21:37.899 and of horses, 00:21:38.379 --> 00:21:40.019 the sound of a great army. 00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:42.079 So that they said to one another, 00:21:42.740 --> 00:21:43.119 Behold, 00:21:43.199 --> 00:21:45.639 the king of Israel has hired against us, 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:46.779 the king of the Hittites 00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:48.419 and the kings of Egypt 00:21:48.419 --> 00:21:49.939 to come against us. 00:21:50.419 --> 00:21:52.039 So they fled away in the twilight 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:53.559 and abandoned their tents, 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:54.439 their horses, 00:21:54.679 --> 00:21:55.359 and their donkeys, 00:21:55.879 --> 00:21:57.319 leaving the camp as it was, 00:21:57.679 --> 00:21:58.939 and fled for their lives. 00:21:58.940 --> 00:22:02.160 And when these lepers came to the edge of the camp, 00:22:02.740 --> 00:22:03.799 they went into a tent, 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:04.900 and ate, 00:22:05.360 --> 00:22:05.960 and drank, 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:08.920 and they carried off silver and gold and clothing, 00:22:09.559 --> 00:22:10.600 and went and hid them. 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:13.140 Then they came back and entered another tent, 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:14.519 and carried off things from it, 00:22:14.900 --> 00:22:16.059 and went and hid them. 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:18.140 Then they said to one another, 00:22:18.539 --> 00:22:19.799 We are not doing right. 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:22.240 This day is a day of good news. 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:24.039 If we are silent, 00:22:24.620 --> 00:22:26.200 and wait until the morning light, 00:22:26.859 --> 00:22:29.039 punishment will overtake us. 00:22:29.640 --> 00:22:30.640 Now therefore come, 00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:35.099 let us go and tell the king's household. 00:22:36.039 --> 00:22:36.680 And so on. 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:38.079 May the Lord bless that reading 00:22:38.079 --> 00:22:41.640 of his own holy word. 00:22:42.819 --> 00:22:45.420 Well, before we consider that passage this evening, 00:22:45.500 --> 00:22:46.319 we're going to sing again, 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:48.440 this time in Psalm 49. 00:22:49.359 --> 00:22:50.259 Psalm 49, 00:22:50.440 --> 00:22:51.680 it's in the Sing Psalms version. 00:22:51.680 --> 00:22:53.620 on page 64. 00:22:55.180 --> 00:22:56.420 Psalm 49, 00:22:57.259 --> 00:23:01.160 page 64 in the blue psalm book. 00:23:01.820 --> 00:23:04.259 We're singing from the beginning down to the verse 9. 00:23:05.920 --> 00:23:09.320 And if Psalm 90 was the oldest psalm in the Psalter, 00:23:10.160 --> 00:23:11.200 Psalm 49, 00:23:11.920 --> 00:23:12.820 it's not the youngest, 00:23:13.100 --> 00:23:14.400 but I would say it's the most solemn. 00:23:15.320 --> 00:23:19.120 It is the most solemn psalm in our Psalter. 00:23:19.119 --> 00:23:21.839 It has a message for all of us 00:23:21.839 --> 00:23:23.419 to remind us 00:23:23.419 --> 00:23:24.699 that our days 00:23:24.699 --> 00:23:25.759 are all numbered. 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:28.699 And it doesn't matter how much we have in life, 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:30.859 how much money we possess, 00:23:31.399 --> 00:23:32.839 or even how much we know, 00:23:33.539 --> 00:23:34.799 nothing can keep us 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:36.500 from meeting God 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:38.539 when we close our eyes 00:23:38.539 --> 00:23:40.019 and take our last breath. 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:42.200 It's a very solemn psalm. 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:45.200 And that's why the psalmist begins with the word, 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:46.779 listen. 00:23:48.480 --> 00:23:48.960 Listen. 00:23:48.960 --> 00:23:49.079 Listen. 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:51.119 Listen to me, 00:23:51.439 --> 00:23:52.439 all you peoples, 00:23:52.899 --> 00:23:54.679 all who in the world dwell, 00:23:55.039 --> 00:23:56.259 in the whole world dwell, 00:23:56.899 --> 00:23:57.579 low and high, 00:23:57.699 --> 00:23:58.740 both rich and needy, 00:23:59.220 --> 00:24:01.039 hear the message I will tell. 00:24:01.559 --> 00:24:03.179 I will speak with understanding, 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:05.619 wisdom from the heart I'll preach. 00:24:06.079 --> 00:24:07.639 I will listen to a proverb, 00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:09.899 secrets with the heart I'll teach. 00:24:10.539 --> 00:24:12.079 Why should I fear days of evil 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:13.859 when the wicked hem me in, 00:24:14.299 --> 00:24:16.019 those who boast of their possessions, 00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:18.900 by their trust in wealth they sin. 00:24:19.400 --> 00:24:20.440 There is no one able, 00:24:20.879 --> 00:24:21.579 there is no, 00:24:21.720 --> 00:24:23.359 there is no one who is able 00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:25.359 to redeem a soul from death. 00:24:25.819 --> 00:24:27.460 None can pay to God the ransom 00:24:27.460 --> 00:24:30.200 to prolong another's breath. 00:24:30.539 --> 00:24:32.039 And we'll sing down to verse 9 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:33.240 of Psalm 49 00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:34.200 and we'll stand to sing, 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:34.740 if you're able, 00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:36.119 to God's praise. 00:24:36.119 --> 00:24:36.240 Amen. 00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:52.359 For your deep love, 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:53.240 time, 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:59.279 If you're able, 00:24:59.420 --> 00:25:01.639 are they a person, 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:02.799 if you're able, 00:25:02.799 --> 00:25:06.240 the blessing I will tell. 00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:12.279 I will speak with understanding, 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:15.799 wisdom from the heart, 00:25:16.019 --> 00:25:29.019 I will listen to the caller, seamless with the harmony. 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:42.019 Why should I fear days of evil, when the break yet can be in? 00:25:42.019 --> 00:25:54.019 Those who boast of their possessions, find their trust in wealth they sin. 00:25:55.019 --> 00:26:06.019 There is no one who is able to redeem our soul from death, 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:18.019 none can pay to all the ransom, to prolong another's death. 00:26:18.019 --> 00:26:30.019 To lead him a life is costly, none sufficient might's campaign, 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:42.019 so that one should end immortal, free forever from the aid. 00:26:42.019 --> 00:26:55.160 Well, if we could, this evening with the Lord's help and the Lord's enabling, 00:26:56.160 --> 00:27:01.660 if we could turn back to that portion of scripture that we read, 2 Kings chapter 7. 00:27:01.660 --> 00:27:07.740 2 Kings chapter 7. 00:27:09.900 --> 00:27:12.519 And I want us to focus upon the words of verse 3. 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:18.300 2 Kings chapter 7 and verse 3. 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:24.480 Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate, 00:27:24.940 --> 00:27:26.799 and they said to one another, 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:32.039 Why are we sitting here until we die? 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:39.259 Why are we sitting here until we die? 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:48.980 My unconverted friend, 00:27:49.759 --> 00:27:52.819 I want to speak to you this evening, 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:56.480 and I want to speak to you about your soul, 00:27:57.660 --> 00:28:02.079 and I want to speak to you about where you stand in relation to Jesus Christ. 00:28:03.879 --> 00:28:07.900 I've spoken to my Christian friend over this communion season, 00:28:07.900 --> 00:28:12.320 and it has been good to spend time with Christian friends, 00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:14.380 to gather together in worship, 00:28:15.040 --> 00:28:17.620 to spend time around God's word, 00:28:17.880 --> 00:28:20.700 and also to enjoy the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:25.519 But my unconverted friend sitting here this evening, 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:27.519 I want to speak to you, 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:32.480 and I want to ask you the same questions that these lepers were asking themselves. 00:28:33.340 --> 00:28:36.880 Why are we sitting here until we die? 00:28:37.900 --> 00:28:41.560 Why are we sitting here until we die? 00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:46.980 Now, I don't speak to you this evening just as a visiting preacher. 00:28:48.040 --> 00:28:52.500 I don't speak to you as someone who doesn't understand where you're at. 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:58.620 I don't speak to you as someone who doesn't know what it's like to sit where you are. 00:28:58.619 --> 00:29:04.899 Lord, I speak to you as someone who used to sit where you are sitting. 00:29:04.900 --> 00:29:09.880 Because I was once an unconverted friend sitting in this church. 00:29:10.380 --> 00:29:15.259 I was once an unconverted friend sitting where you are tonight. 00:29:15.759 --> 00:29:19.220 In fact, I used to sit upstairs, second from the back. 00:29:19.600 --> 00:29:22.300 I used to sit upstairs, second from the back, 00:29:22.340 --> 00:29:24.680 and I used to think that the minister, Kenny I, 00:29:25.259 --> 00:29:27.720 that he couldn't see me sleeping in my pew. 00:29:27.720 --> 00:29:29.279 I was wrong. 00:29:30.480 --> 00:29:34.000 Because standing here tonight, you can see everything. 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:36.360 You can see everything. 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:39.579 And yet back then, when I was an unconverted friend, 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:41.420 I didn't listen to what was being said. 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.779 Nothing about Kenny I's preaching. 00:29:43.500 --> 00:29:45.339 But I didn't listen to what was being said. 00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:47.200 Instead, I spent my time sleeping 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:52.259 or counting the different colored squares on the window behind me. 00:29:52.920 --> 00:29:54.460 I don't want you to do that tonight. 00:29:55.440 --> 00:29:57.879 I want you to do as Psalm 49 was telling us. 00:29:58.819 --> 00:29:59.180 Listen. 00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:03.460 Give attention to what the Bible is saying. 00:30:04.119 --> 00:30:06.099 Because the Lord is able to speak to you. 00:30:06.920 --> 00:30:08.940 And the Lord is able to save you. 00:30:09.640 --> 00:30:12.359 That's why I want us to think about this question together this evening. 00:30:13.180 --> 00:30:16.200 Why are we sitting here until we die? 00:30:17.259 --> 00:30:19.940 Why are we sitting here until we die? 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:22.360 Because, you know, as we read, it's a question that was asked 00:30:22.360 --> 00:30:25.279 during a discussion between these four lepers 00:30:25.279 --> 00:30:28.180 sitting at the gate to the city of Samaria. 00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:31.580 And so this evening, I just want us to listen in to their discussion. 00:30:32.100 --> 00:30:36.299 And I want us to hear their concern and their conversation 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:38.940 and the conclusion that they came to. 00:30:39.700 --> 00:30:41.559 And there are three simple headings this evening. 00:30:41.700 --> 00:30:44.880 Their concern, their conversation, and their conclusion. 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:47.320 So first of all, their concern. 00:30:47.960 --> 00:30:49.660 The concern that was going on at the time. 00:30:49.660 --> 00:30:51.140 Look at verse 1 of chapter 7. 00:30:51.940 --> 00:30:52.519 Elisha said, 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:53.720 Hear the word of the Lord. 00:30:54.240 --> 00:30:55.000 Thus says the Lord, 00:30:55.000 --> 00:30:56.299 Tomorrow about this time, 00:30:56.500 --> 00:30:59.319 A seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, 00:30:59.720 --> 00:31:01.599 And two seahs of barley for a shekel, 00:31:01.960 --> 00:31:03.039 At the gate of Samaria. 00:31:03.759 --> 00:31:05.859 And the captain on whose hand the king leaned, 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:07.220 Said to the man of God, 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:10.180 If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, 00:31:10.660 --> 00:31:11.759 Could this thing be? 00:31:12.420 --> 00:31:12.960 But he said, 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:14.920 You shall see it with your own eyes, 00:31:15.200 --> 00:31:17.579 But you shall not eat of it. 00:31:17.579 --> 00:31:19.220 You know, 00:31:19.279 --> 00:31:21.359 When we come to 2 Kings chapter 7, 00:31:21.460 --> 00:31:22.339 We see that Elisha, 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:24.439 Elisha was the Lord's prophet. 00:31:25.179 --> 00:31:26.879 Elisha had been called, commissioned, 00:31:27.079 --> 00:31:29.439 And commanded to proclaim God's word, 00:31:30.000 --> 00:31:32.240 And plead with sinners to repent. 00:31:32.859 --> 00:31:35.480 Elisha was what you could call a foreteller. 00:31:35.899 --> 00:31:37.879 He was someone who preached and proclaimed 00:31:37.879 --> 00:31:39.659 The good news of salvation. 00:31:40.299 --> 00:31:42.939 But Elisha was also someone who was a foreteller. 00:31:42.940 --> 00:31:47.320 He prophesied and predicted future events. 00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:49.519 And that's what we see in these opening verses. 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:51.019 Elisha says there in verse 1, 00:31:51.100 --> 00:31:51.400 He says, 00:31:51.900 --> 00:31:53.180 Hear the word of the Lord. 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:55.420 Thus says the Lord. 00:31:56.080 --> 00:31:57.500 Tomorrow about this time, 00:31:57.980 --> 00:32:00.259 A seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, 00:32:00.620 --> 00:32:02.340 And two seahs of barley for a shekel, 00:32:02.680 --> 00:32:04.120 At the gate of Samaria. 00:32:05.380 --> 00:32:06.519 But the thing is, 00:32:06.700 --> 00:32:08.700 What Elisha foretold there, 00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:11.240 What Elisha prophesied and predicted, 00:32:11.240 --> 00:32:14.200 It seemed unbelievable. 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:17.700 In fact, it seemed too good to be true. 00:32:18.660 --> 00:32:20.660 It seemed too good to be true. 00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:23.039 Which is why the king's right-hand man 00:32:23.039 --> 00:32:25.700 Said to Elisha there in verse 2, 00:32:26.099 --> 00:32:29.000 If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, 00:32:29.460 --> 00:32:31.120 Could this thing be? 00:32:31.599 --> 00:32:33.559 Now the reason the king's right-hand man 00:32:33.559 --> 00:32:35.579 Doubted and even disregarded 00:32:35.579 --> 00:32:37.400 What Elisha had to say 00:32:37.400 --> 00:32:39.799 Was because Israel was at war. 00:32:39.799 --> 00:32:41.319 Israel was at war. 00:32:41.399 --> 00:32:43.139 They were fighting with their northern neighbours, 00:32:43.720 --> 00:32:44.000 Syria. 00:32:45.099 --> 00:32:47.240 Which, going by our news at the moment, 00:32:47.460 --> 00:32:48.599 Sadly shows us that 00:32:48.599 --> 00:32:51.159 There's nothing new under the sun. 00:32:51.960 --> 00:32:53.240 But in Elisha's day, 00:32:53.440 --> 00:32:55.079 Israel was at war with Syria. 00:32:55.639 --> 00:32:57.960 Because they were fighting over this city here, 00:32:58.059 --> 00:32:59.500 The city of Samaria. 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:01.240 And in the previous chapter, 00:33:01.339 --> 00:33:02.339 Which we read some of it, 00:33:02.720 --> 00:33:03.980 The Syrians, they captured, 00:33:04.099 --> 00:33:06.859 They took control of the city of Samaria. 00:33:06.859 --> 00:33:08.419 And as you'd expect, 00:33:08.599 --> 00:33:09.419 King Jehoram, 00:33:09.519 --> 00:33:11.319 Who was the king of Israel at the time, 00:33:11.859 --> 00:33:12.619 He wasn't happy. 00:33:12.939 --> 00:33:14.939 He wasn't happy that they had taken control 00:33:14.939 --> 00:33:16.039 Of his city, 00:33:16.139 --> 00:33:17.059 The city of Samaria. 00:33:17.779 --> 00:33:18.639 But the thing is, 00:33:18.719 --> 00:33:21.079 What annoyed and even angered the king most, 00:33:21.459 --> 00:33:23.699 Wasn't his fight with the Syrians. 00:33:25.139 --> 00:33:26.099 What angered him most, 00:33:26.179 --> 00:33:28.199 Was the famine in the land. 00:33:28.879 --> 00:33:30.119 Because like it was, 00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:32.519 During the first world war, 00:33:32.559 --> 00:33:33.699 And the second world war, 00:33:33.700 --> 00:33:35.400 Food was rationed. 00:33:36.500 --> 00:33:37.500 But as time went on, 00:33:37.580 --> 00:33:38.400 The rationed food, 00:33:38.759 --> 00:33:39.700 It ran out. 00:33:40.240 --> 00:33:41.539 And there was a severe famine, 00:33:42.120 --> 00:33:43.180 In the land of Israel. 00:33:43.900 --> 00:33:44.940 But like it was then, 00:33:45.000 --> 00:33:45.660 As it is now, 00:33:45.779 --> 00:33:46.640 War brings out, 00:33:47.059 --> 00:33:47.980 The worst in people. 00:33:48.140 --> 00:33:49.880 We hear all the stories on the news, 00:33:50.140 --> 00:33:51.920 About the wars that are going on in Israel, 00:33:52.120 --> 00:33:53.140 And also in Ukraine. 00:33:53.299 --> 00:33:55.160 Wars bring out the worst in people. 00:33:55.440 --> 00:33:57.220 And we see that even in the previous chapter, 00:33:57.360 --> 00:33:58.880 Because in the previous chapter, 00:33:58.880 --> 00:34:00.220 We read that the lack of food, 00:34:00.220 --> 00:34:01.600 And the famine in the land, 00:34:01.779 --> 00:34:03.819 It led to cannibalism. 00:34:05.180 --> 00:34:06.039 And we read it, 00:34:06.059 --> 00:34:07.200 I'm sure you read it with me. 00:34:07.880 --> 00:34:08.360 And you think, 00:34:08.420 --> 00:34:09.119 Is this really true? 00:34:09.199 --> 00:34:10.300 Did this really happen? 00:34:10.740 --> 00:34:11.760 That they were so hungry, 00:34:11.860 --> 00:34:13.480 They were eating children. 00:34:14.400 --> 00:34:15.340 And this angered the king, 00:34:15.420 --> 00:34:16.880 But he didn't direct his fury, 00:34:17.059 --> 00:34:18.920 And frustration towards the Syrians, 00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:20.320 Who were fighting with him. 00:34:20.480 --> 00:34:21.940 No, he directs his fury, 00:34:22.119 --> 00:34:24.280 And all his frustration towards God. 00:34:25.920 --> 00:34:26.599 Because well, 00:34:26.599 --> 00:34:28.420 Who do you blame, 00:34:28.579 --> 00:34:30.199 When something goes wrong in your life? 00:34:31.059 --> 00:34:32.599 Who do you blame for wars, 00:34:32.679 --> 00:34:33.199 And famines, 00:34:33.299 --> 00:34:34.219 And abuse of children? 00:34:35.059 --> 00:34:35.860 You blame God. 00:34:36.900 --> 00:34:38.339 When everything is going fine, 00:34:38.900 --> 00:34:39.759 God doesn't exist. 00:34:41.099 --> 00:34:42.460 But when things go wrong, 00:34:43.199 --> 00:34:44.079 God is to blame, 00:34:44.199 --> 00:34:45.239 For all the bad things, 00:34:45.319 --> 00:34:46.739 That happen in life. 00:34:47.639 --> 00:34:48.940 The question I'm often asked is, 00:34:49.039 --> 00:34:51.679 Why do bad things happen to good people? 00:34:51.679 --> 00:34:52.420 And people, 00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:53.839 They often direct their fury, 00:34:53.980 --> 00:34:55.860 And their frustration towards God, 00:34:55.860 --> 00:34:57.500 And towards God's servants. 00:34:58.019 --> 00:34:59.300 And that's what the king does here, 00:34:59.380 --> 00:35:01.599 Because the king wants to kill Elijah, 00:35:01.720 --> 00:35:03.380 He wants to take his head off. 00:35:03.880 --> 00:35:05.039 He's had enough of the king, 00:35:05.260 --> 00:35:06.300 Of the Lord's prophet, 00:35:06.380 --> 00:35:08.220 He's had enough of Elisha. 00:35:08.640 --> 00:35:09.019 In fact, 00:35:09.079 --> 00:35:10.480 At the end of the previous chapter, 00:35:10.620 --> 00:35:12.340 The king sent his right hand man, 00:35:12.599 --> 00:35:13.680 To tell Elisha, 00:35:14.120 --> 00:35:15.820 The king wants you dead. 00:35:17.480 --> 00:35:19.500 But Elisha responds to the king's death, 00:35:20.820 --> 00:35:22.539 By declaring in verse 1, 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:24.380 He says, 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:25.660 Tomorrow about this time, 00:35:25.860 --> 00:35:28.260 A sale of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, 00:35:28.360 --> 00:35:29.820 Two saires of barley for a shekel, 00:35:30.099 --> 00:35:31.160 At the gate of Samaria. 00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:32.780 Elisha tells him, 00:35:32.840 --> 00:35:33.840 He foretells, 00:35:34.500 --> 00:35:35.840 About this time tomorrow. 00:35:37.079 --> 00:35:38.800 In 24 hours time, 00:35:39.820 --> 00:35:41.400 There will be flour for sale, 00:35:42.400 --> 00:35:43.800 There will be food in the land, 00:35:44.579 --> 00:35:45.960 And the famine will be over. 00:35:47.000 --> 00:35:48.860 In 24 hours time, 00:35:48.980 --> 00:35:49.640 Says Elisha, 00:35:50.099 --> 00:35:51.440 There will be flour for sale, 00:35:51.579 --> 00:35:52.220 Food in the land, 00:35:52.240 --> 00:35:53.320 And the famine will be over. 00:35:53.320 --> 00:35:54.539 But as, 00:35:54.900 --> 00:35:56.100 As we read, 00:35:56.160 --> 00:35:56.860 Or as we said, 00:35:56.940 --> 00:35:58.280 What Elisha had prophesied, 00:35:58.340 --> 00:35:58.900 And predicted, 00:35:59.660 --> 00:36:00.940 It seemed unbelievable. 00:36:01.660 --> 00:36:03.059 It seemed too good to be through. 00:36:03.160 --> 00:36:04.120 This good news, 00:36:04.200 --> 00:36:06.400 Seemed too good to be through. 00:36:06.539 --> 00:36:07.480 Especially with Israel, 00:36:07.600 --> 00:36:08.220 Still at war, 00:36:08.300 --> 00:36:09.640 Fighting with Syria, 00:36:09.780 --> 00:36:11.200 This shortage of food, 00:36:11.280 --> 00:36:12.600 And this severe famine, 00:36:12.800 --> 00:36:13.360 In the land. 00:36:13.360 --> 00:36:14.740 And Elisha's good news, 00:36:14.820 --> 00:36:17.059 It seemed too good to be through. 00:36:17.800 --> 00:36:18.320 Which is why, 00:36:18.400 --> 00:36:19.700 The king's right hand man, 00:36:19.820 --> 00:36:20.420 He responds, 00:36:20.860 --> 00:36:22.400 To what the prophet has to say. 00:36:22.640 --> 00:36:23.019 And he says, 00:36:23.099 --> 00:36:23.300 Well, 00:36:23.440 --> 00:36:24.480 If the Lord himself, 00:36:24.559 --> 00:36:25.960 Would open windows of heaven, 00:36:26.300 --> 00:36:27.120 Could this thing, 00:36:27.260 --> 00:36:28.599 Actually happen? 00:36:29.700 --> 00:36:30.240 In other words, 00:36:30.260 --> 00:36:30.780 He was saying, 00:36:30.920 --> 00:36:31.800 To the Lord's prophet, 00:36:31.980 --> 00:36:32.880 To the Lord's preacher, 00:36:33.940 --> 00:36:35.120 What planet are you on? 00:36:36.579 --> 00:36:37.420 Get real, 00:36:37.720 --> 00:36:38.200 Elisha. 00:36:39.200 --> 00:36:39.880 You're talking, 00:36:40.099 --> 00:36:41.039 Absolute rubbish. 00:36:41.039 --> 00:36:42.000 I don't believe a word, 00:36:42.120 --> 00:36:42.880 Of what you're saying. 00:36:43.880 --> 00:36:46.039 We're not going to have food tomorrow. 00:36:46.920 --> 00:36:48.700 There's not going to be flour for sale. 00:36:49.340 --> 00:36:51.120 And this famine is not going to be over. 00:36:52.360 --> 00:36:53.079 But the thing is, 00:36:53.160 --> 00:36:54.539 Because the king's right hand man, 00:36:54.620 --> 00:36:55.420 Because he doubts, 00:36:55.660 --> 00:36:56.740 And even disregards, 00:36:56.800 --> 00:36:58.320 What Elisha had to say. 00:36:58.720 --> 00:37:00.519 Elisha gives another prophecy. 00:37:01.440 --> 00:37:02.800 He mentions another prophecy. 00:37:02.940 --> 00:37:04.099 He makes another prediction. 00:37:04.599 --> 00:37:05.240 He says there, 00:37:05.280 --> 00:37:06.240 At the end of verse 2, 00:37:06.820 --> 00:37:08.840 You shall see it with your own eyes, 00:37:09.099 --> 00:37:11.300 But you shall not eat of it. 00:37:11.300 --> 00:37:14.039 You shall see it with your own eyes, 00:37:14.300 --> 00:37:16.539 But you shall not eat of it. 00:37:16.539 --> 00:37:17.860 And with that, 00:37:17.920 --> 00:37:18.279 Elisha, 00:37:18.360 --> 00:37:18.840 The prophet, 00:37:19.380 --> 00:37:20.239 He foretold, 00:37:20.300 --> 00:37:21.559 That about this time tomorrow, 00:37:21.759 --> 00:37:23.320 In 24 hours time, 00:37:23.519 --> 00:37:26.099 He was saying to the king's right hand man, 00:37:26.219 --> 00:37:27.860 There will be flour for sale. 00:37:28.340 --> 00:37:30.300 There will be food to eat. 00:37:30.559 --> 00:37:33.119 There will be no more famine. 00:37:33.820 --> 00:37:35.119 And the king's right hand man, 00:37:35.380 --> 00:37:36.259 You will see it. 00:37:36.260 --> 00:37:38.760 But you will not eat of it. 00:37:39.760 --> 00:37:40.680 Because your life, 00:37:41.480 --> 00:37:42.100 Will be over. 00:37:43.560 --> 00:37:43.880 And you know, 00:37:43.940 --> 00:37:46.660 If you carry on reading through 2 Kings chapter 7, 00:37:47.300 --> 00:37:48.220 That's what you'll find. 00:37:48.940 --> 00:37:49.980 By the end of the chapter, 00:37:50.740 --> 00:37:51.960 The king's right hand man, 00:37:52.660 --> 00:37:53.220 Is dead. 00:37:54.220 --> 00:37:54.480 And you know, 00:37:54.520 --> 00:37:55.240 Elisha's message, 00:37:55.300 --> 00:37:55.800 It was clear. 00:37:56.500 --> 00:37:57.560 In 24 hours, 00:37:57.660 --> 00:37:58.880 The promise of good news, 00:37:59.040 --> 00:37:59.940 Is going to be there. 00:38:00.040 --> 00:38:00.840 There's going to be flour, 00:38:00.980 --> 00:38:01.740 There's going to be food, 00:38:01.980 --> 00:38:03.140 There's going to be no more famine. 00:38:03.139 --> 00:38:04.619 The promise of good news, 00:38:04.940 --> 00:38:06.779 Is going to be to all who believe. 00:38:07.839 --> 00:38:09.159 But for those who don't believe, 00:38:09.719 --> 00:38:11.319 Those who disregard God's word, 00:38:11.440 --> 00:38:13.279 Those who doubt God's servants, 00:38:13.420 --> 00:38:14.019 There's bad news. 00:38:14.059 --> 00:38:15.779 And he tells the servant here, 00:38:16.139 --> 00:38:17.219 The promise there, 00:38:17.480 --> 00:38:18.639 Is a promise of death. 00:38:20.139 --> 00:38:20.480 And you know, 00:38:20.519 --> 00:38:22.259 That was the thing about the king's right hand man. 00:38:22.960 --> 00:38:24.480 He disregarded God's word. 00:38:25.420 --> 00:38:27.440 He disregarded God's servant, 00:38:27.579 --> 00:38:29.039 And within 24 hours, 00:38:29.759 --> 00:38:30.420 He was dead. 00:38:30.420 --> 00:38:33.639 However old this man was, 00:38:33.700 --> 00:38:34.940 Probably quite a young man, 00:38:35.019 --> 00:38:37.019 If he's the king's right hand man. 00:38:37.740 --> 00:38:38.700 And it's safe to say, 00:38:39.720 --> 00:38:41.800 He wasn't prepared. 00:38:43.260 --> 00:38:44.380 He wasn't ready. 00:38:45.639 --> 00:38:47.300 He hadn't thought about his soul, 00:38:48.079 --> 00:38:49.619 Or where he stood in relation, 00:38:50.380 --> 00:38:51.099 To the saviour. 00:38:53.240 --> 00:38:53.900 And you know, 00:38:53.960 --> 00:38:54.980 My unconverted friend, 00:38:55.880 --> 00:38:58.220 How often I would remind it, 00:38:58.280 --> 00:38:59.460 That we're not promised tomorrow. 00:39:00.820 --> 00:39:02.119 How often do we say, 00:39:02.240 --> 00:39:02.860 That we don't know, 00:39:02.980 --> 00:39:04.360 What's around the corner. 00:39:05.099 --> 00:39:06.440 How often do we acknowledge, 00:39:06.579 --> 00:39:07.180 That we don't know, 00:39:07.280 --> 00:39:08.200 What a day nor an hour, 00:39:08.320 --> 00:39:09.920 Will bring in our lives. 00:39:10.519 --> 00:39:11.680 We saw that this week, 00:39:11.720 --> 00:39:12.720 Even in the news. 00:39:13.480 --> 00:39:15.380 We saw the sad, 00:39:15.460 --> 00:39:16.840 And yet the solemn sinking, 00:39:16.960 --> 00:39:17.960 Of that super yacht. 00:39:18.639 --> 00:39:20.720 Where not even all the money in the world, 00:39:21.260 --> 00:39:22.880 Could prevent what happened there. 00:39:23.720 --> 00:39:24.920 Do you know my unconverted friend, 00:39:24.920 --> 00:39:26.820 How often we are confronted, 00:39:26.820 --> 00:39:28.079 With the reality, 00:39:28.480 --> 00:39:30.380 And the finality of death. 00:39:32.880 --> 00:39:34.700 And that's why it's good to talk about it. 00:39:36.460 --> 00:39:37.659 That's why it's good to speak, 00:39:37.740 --> 00:39:39.539 And share about what's going on in our heart, 00:39:39.760 --> 00:39:41.059 And in our soul. 00:39:41.780 --> 00:39:43.320 And that's what these four lepers did. 00:39:43.900 --> 00:39:45.039 Because their concern, 00:39:45.159 --> 00:39:46.639 Led to their conversation. 00:39:47.000 --> 00:39:48.039 That's what we see secondly. 00:39:48.860 --> 00:39:51.079 So the concern led to their conversation. 00:39:51.079 --> 00:39:51.980 Look at verse 3. 00:39:53.000 --> 00:39:53.500 We read there, 00:39:53.599 --> 00:39:54.719 That now there were four men, 00:39:54.900 --> 00:39:55.579 Who were lepers, 00:39:55.880 --> 00:39:57.420 At the entrance to the gate. 00:39:58.079 --> 00:39:59.179 And they said to one another, 00:39:59.539 --> 00:40:01.219 Why are we sitting here, 00:40:01.960 --> 00:40:02.759 Until we die? 00:40:03.840 --> 00:40:05.299 Why are we sitting here, 00:40:06.119 --> 00:40:07.079 Until we die? 00:40:07.719 --> 00:40:07.960 You know, 00:40:07.980 --> 00:40:09.659 Unlike the king's right hand man, 00:40:09.880 --> 00:40:12.340 Who doubted and disregarded what he heard, 00:40:12.639 --> 00:40:13.679 These four lepers, 00:40:13.860 --> 00:40:15.840 Entered into a discussion. 00:40:16.400 --> 00:40:18.279 And they started talking about it. 00:40:19.079 --> 00:40:19.380 And you know, 00:40:19.380 --> 00:40:20.179 Some might think, 00:40:20.179 --> 00:40:21.179 That their conversation, 00:40:21.719 --> 00:40:23.419 Was pretty morbid. 00:40:23.859 --> 00:40:25.299 To be talking about death. 00:40:25.980 --> 00:40:27.500 Especially their own death. 00:40:28.279 --> 00:40:29.379 But the reality is, 00:40:30.419 --> 00:40:31.159 They were realistic. 00:40:32.299 --> 00:40:33.599 Because the famine in the land, 00:40:33.659 --> 00:40:34.339 And the lack of food, 00:40:34.419 --> 00:40:35.639 That wasn't their only problem. 00:40:36.359 --> 00:40:37.279 Because as lepers, 00:40:37.379 --> 00:40:38.719 And as we read there in verse 3, 00:40:39.079 --> 00:40:41.099 They all knew that there was something wrong with them. 00:40:41.980 --> 00:40:43.219 They all knew that they were living, 00:40:43.219 --> 00:40:44.659 With this deadly disease. 00:40:45.119 --> 00:40:46.940 They all knew that time was passing. 00:40:47.739 --> 00:40:48.779 That life is short. 00:40:48.780 --> 00:40:50.460 That their days were numbered. 00:40:51.240 --> 00:40:52.200 They all knew that, 00:40:52.400 --> 00:40:53.980 They were unclean lepers. 00:40:54.220 --> 00:40:55.080 That everywhere they went, 00:40:55.160 --> 00:40:56.080 They always had to shout, 00:40:56.280 --> 00:40:56.960 Unclean! 00:40:57.600 --> 00:40:58.040 Unclean! 00:40:58.680 --> 00:40:59.160 Unclean! 00:40:59.240 --> 00:41:00.680 They lived in isolation. 00:41:00.820 --> 00:41:01.940 That's why they're sitting at the, 00:41:01.940 --> 00:41:03.519 At the gate of the city. 00:41:04.180 --> 00:41:04.460 My friend, 00:41:04.540 --> 00:41:05.300 They all knew, 00:41:05.300 --> 00:41:06.500 These four lepers, 00:41:06.640 --> 00:41:07.500 All knew, 00:41:07.760 --> 00:41:08.920 That they were dying. 00:41:11.260 --> 00:41:12.720 They all knew that they were dying. 00:41:14.060 --> 00:41:15.019 Because as lepers, 00:41:15.120 --> 00:41:16.460 They were living with a deadly disease, 00:41:16.560 --> 00:41:17.140 That they knew, 00:41:17.420 --> 00:41:19.100 Wasn't going to get any better. 00:41:20.539 --> 00:41:22.160 It was only going to get worse. 00:41:23.240 --> 00:41:24.080 Because their illness, 00:41:24.080 --> 00:41:25.720 Was slowly taking over their body. 00:41:26.420 --> 00:41:27.660 And it was bringing with it, 00:41:27.720 --> 00:41:28.300 As it does, 00:41:28.380 --> 00:41:29.000 More pain, 00:41:29.180 --> 00:41:29.860 More problems, 00:41:30.019 --> 00:41:30.780 More fragility, 00:41:31.160 --> 00:41:31.820 More frailty. 00:41:31.820 --> 00:41:32.960 And they all knew, 00:41:33.080 --> 00:41:33.720 That this disease, 00:41:33.860 --> 00:41:34.940 Was causing decay, 00:41:35.180 --> 00:41:36.539 And would eventually bring, 00:41:37.380 --> 00:41:37.680 Death. 00:41:39.440 --> 00:41:40.640 And it was for this reason, 00:41:40.720 --> 00:41:41.400 That they all knew, 00:41:42.000 --> 00:41:43.080 That every day for them, 00:41:43.160 --> 00:41:43.660 Was a gift. 00:41:44.880 --> 00:41:46.120 Because it was one day, 00:41:46.260 --> 00:41:46.960 Less of life. 00:41:47.760 --> 00:41:48.920 And one day closer, 00:41:49.840 --> 00:41:50.360 To death. 00:41:51.559 --> 00:41:52.580 And as these four lepers, 00:41:52.660 --> 00:41:53.340 As they're sitting, 00:41:53.980 --> 00:41:54.600 And dying, 00:41:54.820 --> 00:41:56.320 Outside the entrance gate, 00:41:56.720 --> 00:41:57.660 Entrance to the city, 00:41:57.660 --> 00:41:58.600 Of Samaria, 00:41:58.599 --> 00:41:59.920 They begin this conversation, 00:41:59.920 --> 00:42:01.219 About their future. 00:42:02.400 --> 00:42:03.400 They stop thinking, 00:42:03.519 --> 00:42:04.480 About the here and now. 00:42:05.219 --> 00:42:06.099 And they start thinking, 00:42:06.380 --> 00:42:07.559 About what's ahead of them. 00:42:07.779 --> 00:42:08.699 And they ask themselves, 00:42:08.799 --> 00:42:09.860 The question that we all need, 00:42:09.980 --> 00:42:11.400 To ask ourselves this evening, 00:42:11.579 --> 00:42:12.839 Why are we sitting here, 00:42:13.059 --> 00:42:13.860 Until we die? 00:42:14.460 --> 00:42:15.559 Why are we sitting here, 00:42:15.599 --> 00:42:16.339 Until we die? 00:42:17.139 --> 00:42:17.420 And you know, 00:42:17.480 --> 00:42:18.079 You might think, 00:42:18.139 --> 00:42:18.920 That their conversation, 00:42:19.119 --> 00:42:20.360 Was a bit fatalistic. 00:42:21.099 --> 00:42:21.500 But you know, 00:42:21.519 --> 00:42:22.480 My unconverted friend, 00:42:22.579 --> 00:42:23.400 Their conversation, 00:42:23.819 --> 00:42:24.779 Was realistic. 00:42:25.400 --> 00:42:26.539 Because the reality is, 00:42:26.639 --> 00:42:27.239 As our bible, 00:42:27.239 --> 00:42:29.079 Often reminds us, 00:42:30.039 --> 00:42:31.199 We all possess, 00:42:31.339 --> 00:42:32.559 This deadly disease of sin. 00:42:34.959 --> 00:42:35.839 Whether we want to, 00:42:35.959 --> 00:42:36.659 Admit to it or not. 00:42:37.699 --> 00:42:38.039 In fact, 00:42:38.059 --> 00:42:38.479 Our bible, 00:42:38.759 --> 00:42:40.119 Likens leprosy, 00:42:40.759 --> 00:42:42.239 To the deadly disease, 00:42:42.759 --> 00:42:43.279 Of sin. 00:42:44.239 --> 00:42:45.059 And whether we're aware, 00:42:45.099 --> 00:42:45.639 Of it or not, 00:42:45.739 --> 00:42:47.039 Sin has a deadly grip, 00:42:47.099 --> 00:42:47.959 On all of us. 00:42:48.479 --> 00:42:49.339 Because sin has, 00:42:49.559 --> 00:42:51.259 Impacted and infected, 00:42:51.459 --> 00:42:53.039 Every area of our lives. 00:42:53.399 --> 00:42:54.419 And the sad reality, 00:42:54.419 --> 00:42:55.559 About sin, 00:42:55.659 --> 00:42:56.839 Is that it's hereditary. 00:42:57.239 --> 00:42:58.439 We pass it on, 00:42:58.500 --> 00:42:59.079 To our children, 00:42:59.219 --> 00:43:00.459 Whether we want to or not. 00:43:00.679 --> 00:43:01.879 And it's been passed down, 00:43:02.000 --> 00:43:02.419 To us, 00:43:02.579 --> 00:43:03.359 From generation, 00:43:03.619 --> 00:43:04.459 To generation, 00:43:04.459 --> 00:43:05.359 Because we were all, 00:43:05.359 --> 00:43:05.979 Conceived, 00:43:06.279 --> 00:43:07.059 In guiltiness, 00:43:07.319 --> 00:43:07.779 And sin. 00:43:07.859 --> 00:43:08.779 We were born in sin. 00:43:08.859 --> 00:43:10.000 We live in sin. 00:43:11.439 --> 00:43:12.319 And of course, 00:43:12.399 --> 00:43:12.939 In our youth, 00:43:13.659 --> 00:43:14.519 We don't really feel, 00:43:14.599 --> 00:43:15.500 The physical effects, 00:43:15.500 --> 00:43:15.979 Of sin. 00:43:17.139 --> 00:43:17.699 Young people, 00:43:17.759 --> 00:43:18.599 Don't think about, 00:43:18.959 --> 00:43:19.539 These things. 00:43:20.319 --> 00:43:20.939 I'm sure, 00:43:21.019 --> 00:43:21.839 The young people tonight, 00:43:21.919 --> 00:43:22.639 Don't think about, 00:43:23.119 --> 00:43:24.199 These things very often. 00:43:24.199 --> 00:43:25.439 Because they think, 00:43:25.439 --> 00:43:26.539 They've got their whole lives, 00:43:26.539 --> 00:43:27.239 Ahead of them. 00:43:28.119 --> 00:43:29.139 I thought that once, 00:43:29.359 --> 00:43:31.099 As an unconverted friend. 00:43:31.839 --> 00:43:32.879 But as time passes, 00:43:33.019 --> 00:43:34.339 And as the years roll on, 00:43:35.000 --> 00:43:36.039 The physical effects, 00:43:36.039 --> 00:43:37.299 Of sin become more, 00:43:37.519 --> 00:43:38.399 And more apparent. 00:43:39.099 --> 00:43:40.099 So that when we look, 00:43:40.139 --> 00:43:40.739 At ourselves, 00:43:41.419 --> 00:43:42.299 And even when we look, 00:43:42.339 --> 00:43:43.079 At others too, 00:43:44.079 --> 00:43:45.299 Those grey hairs, 00:43:46.159 --> 00:43:47.439 They're all increasing, 00:43:47.439 --> 00:43:47.919 In number. 00:43:47.920 --> 00:43:49.200 For some, 00:43:49.300 --> 00:43:50.380 Their hair has already died, 00:43:50.960 --> 00:43:52.019 And fallen out. 00:43:52.880 --> 00:43:53.579 Those wrinkles, 00:43:53.780 --> 00:43:54.700 They're spreading further. 00:43:56.019 --> 00:43:56.599 The eyesight, 00:43:56.780 --> 00:43:58.260 Isn't what it used to be. 00:43:59.059 --> 00:43:59.579 The hearing, 00:43:59.720 --> 00:44:00.940 Isn't what it once was. 00:44:01.420 --> 00:44:01.940 The body, 00:44:02.059 --> 00:44:02.680 Isn't as fit. 00:44:02.800 --> 00:44:03.619 It's not as fast, 00:44:03.680 --> 00:44:04.539 As it used to be, 00:44:04.840 --> 00:44:06.180 In our youth. 00:44:06.240 --> 00:44:07.539 And with every passing year, 00:44:07.619 --> 00:44:08.539 Just like the lepers, 00:44:08.639 --> 00:44:09.300 There's more pain, 00:44:10.039 --> 00:44:10.960 And there's more problems. 00:44:11.639 --> 00:44:12.460 There's more frailty. 00:44:13.159 --> 00:44:14.139 There's more fragility. 00:44:14.680 --> 00:44:15.940 And every one of them, 00:44:15.940 --> 00:44:17.179 They are all evidences, 00:44:17.179 --> 00:44:18.780 Of this disease of sin, 00:44:18.940 --> 00:44:20.760 That is slowly taking over. 00:44:23.960 --> 00:44:24.800 My friend, 00:44:26.019 --> 00:44:26.920 You're dying. 00:44:30.000 --> 00:44:30.800 You're dying. 00:44:32.440 --> 00:44:34.000 That's what the Bible tells you. 00:44:35.800 --> 00:44:37.119 We don't like to hear it. 00:44:38.059 --> 00:44:38.960 But you're dying. 00:44:39.860 --> 00:44:40.920 And there's no way, 00:44:40.960 --> 00:44:41.960 Of getting away from it. 00:44:42.220 --> 00:44:43.460 We can put it out of our minds, 00:44:43.519 --> 00:44:44.380 As much as we like. 00:44:44.380 --> 00:44:45.700 We can fill our lives, 00:44:45.880 --> 00:44:46.380 With as many distractions, 00:44:47.420 --> 00:44:48.460 As we want to. 00:44:49.440 --> 00:44:50.960 But that doesn't change the fact. 00:44:52.000 --> 00:44:53.380 The disease of sin, 00:44:53.460 --> 00:44:55.099 Is slowly taking over our life, 00:44:55.160 --> 00:44:56.519 And we are all moving closer, 00:44:56.980 --> 00:44:57.740 And closer, 00:44:58.360 --> 00:44:59.220 To the grave. 00:44:59.680 --> 00:45:00.320 My friend, 00:45:00.400 --> 00:45:01.500 We're all in the waiting room. 00:45:03.700 --> 00:45:04.740 And we're all waiting, 00:45:05.160 --> 00:45:06.820 To see who's going to be called next. 00:45:09.440 --> 00:45:10.640 Now maybe you're thinking, 00:45:10.800 --> 00:45:11.160 Oh Murdo, 00:45:11.720 --> 00:45:13.500 Murdo, 00:45:13.500 --> 00:45:14.180 Take it easy. 00:45:15.380 --> 00:45:16.440 Where's the joy? 00:45:17.300 --> 00:45:18.380 Where's the jokes? 00:45:19.220 --> 00:45:20.220 Where's the fun? 00:45:21.539 --> 00:45:23.000 You've been very fatalistic, Murdo. 00:45:24.500 --> 00:45:26.200 Know my unconverted friend, 00:45:27.140 --> 00:45:29.280 I want to be realistic with you. 00:45:30.559 --> 00:45:32.400 And sometimes we have to be realistic. 00:45:33.599 --> 00:45:36.440 Sometimes we need to stop skirting about this topic, 00:45:36.559 --> 00:45:38.000 And really speak about it. 00:45:38.000 --> 00:45:40.519 Because you know, 00:45:41.400 --> 00:45:43.340 Ten years as a minister, 00:45:43.840 --> 00:45:45.059 Something I thought I'd never do. 00:45:46.059 --> 00:45:48.119 But when you have to stand over an open grave, 00:45:49.239 --> 00:45:50.840 And speak to a grieving family, 00:45:51.199 --> 00:45:53.219 You are repeatedly reminded, 00:45:53.920 --> 00:45:55.860 Of the timeless truth of scripture. 00:45:55.860 --> 00:45:58.860 That the wages of sin, 00:45:58.860 --> 00:45:58.880 That the wages of sin, 00:45:58.880 --> 00:46:00.820 Is death. 00:46:01.700 --> 00:46:03.640 The wages of sin is death. 00:46:04.380 --> 00:46:05.980 So why are we sitting here, 00:46:05.980 --> 00:46:07.720 Until we die? 00:46:08.280 --> 00:46:09.760 Why are we sitting in church, 00:46:10.059 --> 00:46:11.240 Until we die? 00:46:11.320 --> 00:46:12.300 Why are we sitting here, 00:46:12.380 --> 00:46:13.059 Week by week, 00:46:13.160 --> 00:46:13.960 Month by month, 00:46:14.260 --> 00:46:15.019 Year by year? 00:46:15.019 --> 00:46:17.019 Some of you have been sitting here, 00:46:17.219 --> 00:46:19.340 Since I was sitting here with you. 00:46:20.480 --> 00:46:21.780 Why are we sitting here, 00:46:22.039 --> 00:46:23.539 Letting our life waste away, 00:46:23.900 --> 00:46:25.139 To a lost eternity? 00:46:25.460 --> 00:46:26.559 Why are we sitting here, 00:46:26.639 --> 00:46:27.619 Doing nothing, 00:46:27.780 --> 00:46:28.320 It seems, 00:46:28.559 --> 00:46:30.519 About our eternal well-being? 00:46:30.659 --> 00:46:31.719 Why are we sitting here, 00:46:31.820 --> 00:46:33.099 When we have the opportunity, 00:46:33.500 --> 00:46:34.440 Right before us, 00:46:34.559 --> 00:46:35.659 To seek the Lord, 00:46:35.860 --> 00:46:37.079 And to receive the promise, 00:46:37.259 --> 00:46:38.780 Of eternal life? 00:46:39.039 --> 00:46:40.159 My unconverted friend, 00:46:40.259 --> 00:46:41.400 Why are we sitting here, 00:46:42.139 --> 00:46:43.019 Until we die? 00:46:45.019 --> 00:46:46.199 Because the wages of sin, 00:46:46.239 --> 00:46:46.679 Is death. 00:46:48.860 --> 00:46:49.619 Thankfully Paul, 00:46:49.619 --> 00:46:50.440 Didn't stop there. 00:46:51.480 --> 00:46:52.099 He said, 00:46:52.199 --> 00:46:52.840 The wages of sin, 00:46:52.920 --> 00:46:53.259 Is death, 00:46:53.579 --> 00:46:53.599 But, 00:46:54.239 --> 00:46:56.860 But the free gift of God, 00:46:56.940 --> 00:46:57.920 Is eternal life, 00:46:58.079 --> 00:46:59.259 Through Jesus Christ, 00:46:59.780 --> 00:47:00.400 Our Lord. 00:47:01.639 --> 00:47:01.960 And you know, 00:47:02.019 --> 00:47:02.659 For these lepers, 00:47:02.800 --> 00:47:04.159 Their concern about death, 00:47:04.219 --> 00:47:04.880 It led to their, 00:47:05.119 --> 00:47:07.440 Conversation about, 00:47:07.579 --> 00:47:08.920 Wanting to find life, 00:47:09.099 --> 00:47:09.880 And it ended with, 00:47:09.960 --> 00:47:10.539 Their conclusion, 00:47:11.460 --> 00:47:12.340 Their conclusion, 00:47:12.539 --> 00:47:13.519 Which I want us to consider, 00:47:13.659 --> 00:47:14.420 Lastly and briefly, 00:47:15.019 --> 00:47:16.420 Their conclusion, 00:47:16.420 --> 00:47:17.420 Their conclusion, 00:47:17.420 --> 00:47:18.300 Look at verse 4, 00:47:18.300 --> 00:47:19.200 Concern about death, 00:47:19.700 --> 00:47:22.620 I hope you think about it, 00:47:23.420 --> 00:47:25.400 And I hope it will lead, 00:47:25.440 --> 00:47:26.200 To a conversation, 00:47:27.200 --> 00:47:28.440 About wanting to find, 00:47:28.500 --> 00:47:29.200 Eternal life, 00:47:29.300 --> 00:47:30.740 And that you'll come, 00:47:30.820 --> 00:47:31.840 To the same conclusion, 00:47:32.700 --> 00:47:33.440 That these lepers, 00:47:33.580 --> 00:47:33.920 Came to, 00:47:34.760 --> 00:47:36.160 So we see their concern, 00:47:36.820 --> 00:47:37.539 Their conversation, 00:47:38.500 --> 00:47:39.140 And then lastly, 00:47:39.240 --> 00:47:39.620 And briefly, 00:47:40.560 --> 00:47:41.280 Their conclusion, 00:47:42.660 --> 00:47:43.380 Their conclusion, 00:47:43.519 --> 00:47:44.200 Look at verse 4, 00:47:44.820 --> 00:47:45.420 Or we'll read again, 00:47:45.420 --> 00:47:45.960 In verse 3, 00:47:45.960 --> 00:47:47.659 Now there were four men, 00:47:47.820 --> 00:47:48.599 Who were lepers, 00:47:48.700 --> 00:47:49.860 At the entrance to the gate, 00:47:50.340 --> 00:47:51.360 And they said to one another, 00:47:51.480 --> 00:47:52.500 Why are we sitting here, 00:47:52.539 --> 00:47:53.320 Until we die? 00:47:54.059 --> 00:47:54.639 If we say, 00:47:54.740 --> 00:47:55.720 Let us enter the city, 00:47:56.059 --> 00:47:57.320 The famine is in the city, 00:47:57.800 --> 00:47:58.820 And we shall die there, 00:47:58.820 --> 00:48:00.700 And if we sit here, 00:48:01.019 --> 00:48:02.039 We die also, 00:48:02.820 --> 00:48:03.639 So now come, 00:48:04.240 --> 00:48:05.159 Let us go over, 00:48:05.380 --> 00:48:05.980 To the camp, 00:48:06.039 --> 00:48:06.780 Of the Syrians, 00:48:07.420 --> 00:48:08.559 If they spare our lives, 00:48:08.639 --> 00:48:09.220 We shall live, 00:48:09.820 --> 00:48:10.740 And if they kill us, 00:48:11.240 --> 00:48:11.720 We shall, 00:48:11.820 --> 00:48:13.180 But die, 00:48:13.179 --> 00:48:15.119 As the conversation, 00:48:15.119 --> 00:48:16.659 Between these four lepers, 00:48:16.859 --> 00:48:17.419 Continued, 00:48:17.579 --> 00:48:18.259 They all came, 00:48:18.339 --> 00:48:19.500 To the same conclusion, 00:48:19.819 --> 00:48:20.599 And their conclusion, 00:48:20.759 --> 00:48:21.059 Was that, 00:48:21.259 --> 00:48:22.199 If they stayed, 00:48:22.639 --> 00:48:23.359 And sat, 00:48:23.799 --> 00:48:24.579 Where they were, 00:48:25.299 --> 00:48:25.839 It would mean, 00:48:25.940 --> 00:48:26.599 Certain death, 00:48:27.460 --> 00:48:29.039 If you just stay, 00:48:29.099 --> 00:48:29.460 And sit, 00:48:29.559 --> 00:48:30.440 It means certain death, 00:48:30.500 --> 00:48:31.219 But if they got up, 00:48:31.239 --> 00:48:31.799 And if they went, 00:48:31.839 --> 00:48:32.539 Into the city, 00:48:32.859 --> 00:48:34.199 There was the possibility, 00:48:34.519 --> 00:48:35.239 Of life, 00:48:35.799 --> 00:48:37.139 So for these lepers, 00:48:37.279 --> 00:48:38.419 To stay and sit, 00:48:38.460 --> 00:48:39.399 Was certain death, 00:48:39.539 --> 00:48:40.379 But to stand, 00:48:40.500 --> 00:48:41.139 And seek, 00:48:41.299 --> 00:48:42.119 Was the possibility, 00:48:42.119 --> 00:48:42.679 Of life, 00:48:43.179 --> 00:48:44.440 To stay, 00:48:44.679 --> 00:48:45.199 And sit, 00:48:45.699 --> 00:48:46.899 Was certain death, 00:48:47.599 --> 00:48:48.699 But to stand, 00:48:48.960 --> 00:48:49.739 And seek, 00:48:50.599 --> 00:48:51.619 Was the possibility, 00:48:52.480 --> 00:48:53.259 Of life, 00:48:54.460 --> 00:48:57.119 You know, 00:48:57.159 --> 00:48:57.619 It reminds me, 00:48:57.639 --> 00:48:58.319 Of a conversation, 00:48:58.460 --> 00:48:58.960 I once had, 00:48:59.059 --> 00:48:59.539 With someone, 00:49:00.219 --> 00:49:01.259 That I worked with, 00:49:01.299 --> 00:49:02.279 When I was an electrician, 00:49:03.019 --> 00:49:04.960 He used to attend, 00:49:05.019 --> 00:49:05.539 Your church, 00:49:06.119 --> 00:49:07.759 I hope he'll come back, 00:49:08.699 --> 00:49:09.639 We were sitting, 00:49:09.639 --> 00:49:10.480 In the van one day, 00:49:10.599 --> 00:49:11.299 And we had been talking, 00:49:11.440 --> 00:49:12.239 About what happens, 00:49:12.279 --> 00:49:13.019 After death, 00:49:13.179 --> 00:49:16.019 A very random conversation, 00:49:16.960 --> 00:49:17.699 At lunchtime, 00:49:18.079 --> 00:49:19.879 But he put off the radio, 00:49:21.099 --> 00:49:21.539 And I remember, 00:49:21.619 --> 00:49:22.299 I'm turning to him, 00:49:22.299 --> 00:49:22.619 And he said, 00:49:22.679 --> 00:49:22.899 Murdo, 00:49:23.779 --> 00:49:25.480 What if you're wrong, 00:49:25.480 --> 00:49:28.280 What if you're wrong, 00:49:28.800 --> 00:49:29.440 About all this, 00:49:29.579 --> 00:49:30.079 Christianity, 00:49:30.340 --> 00:49:30.840 And God, 00:49:31.400 --> 00:49:32.380 What if there's nothing, 00:49:32.380 --> 00:49:33.159 After death, 00:49:33.920 --> 00:49:34.619 What then, 00:49:34.699 --> 00:49:34.860 Murdo? 00:49:36.099 --> 00:49:36.699 And I said, 00:49:36.760 --> 00:49:36.920 Well, 00:49:37.579 --> 00:49:38.440 If I'm wrong, 00:49:38.480 --> 00:49:39.320 About being a Christian, 00:49:39.860 --> 00:49:41.639 It's done me no harm, 00:49:42.260 --> 00:49:44.179 And I'm happy in life, 00:49:44.619 --> 00:49:45.920 I enjoy life, 00:49:45.920 --> 00:49:47.240 Yes, 00:49:47.240 --> 00:49:47.260 Yes, 00:49:47.300 --> 00:49:48.119 There are hard things in it, 00:49:48.180 --> 00:49:48.579 But I believe, 00:49:48.700 --> 00:49:49.380 That the Lord is good, 00:49:49.380 --> 00:49:51.740 But then I turned, 00:49:51.800 --> 00:49:52.400 The question round, 00:49:52.480 --> 00:49:52.800 To him, 00:49:53.659 --> 00:49:54.700 And I asked, 00:49:54.780 --> 00:49:54.860 Well, 00:49:54.900 --> 00:49:55.539 What if you're wrong, 00:49:56.980 --> 00:49:58.920 What if there is something, 00:49:59.139 --> 00:49:59.820 After death, 00:50:00.440 --> 00:50:02.240 What if God does exist, 00:50:03.099 --> 00:50:04.139 And you have to stand, 00:50:04.240 --> 00:50:04.680 Before him, 00:50:05.780 --> 00:50:06.559 Then what, 00:50:06.559 --> 00:50:09.920 And all he could say to me was, 00:50:10.059 --> 00:50:10.159 Well, 00:50:10.219 --> 00:50:10.440 Murdo, 00:50:11.000 --> 00:50:13.159 I will be in a lot of trouble, 00:50:13.259 --> 00:50:13.619 Won't I? 00:50:15.719 --> 00:50:17.420 And that's what these lepers were like, 00:50:18.059 --> 00:50:19.380 They had come to the conclusion, 00:50:19.619 --> 00:50:20.920 That to stay and sit, 00:50:21.579 --> 00:50:22.619 Was certain death, 00:50:23.500 --> 00:50:24.559 But to stand up, 00:50:25.099 --> 00:50:25.880 And to seek, 00:50:26.340 --> 00:50:27.820 Was the possibility of life, 00:50:28.320 --> 00:50:29.299 To stay and sit, 00:50:29.380 --> 00:50:30.259 Was certain death, 00:50:30.820 --> 00:50:32.000 But to stand up, 00:50:32.000 --> 00:50:32.860 And to seek, 00:50:33.239 --> 00:50:34.679 Was the possibility of life, 00:50:34.880 --> 00:50:36.079 And they acknowledge here, 00:50:36.079 --> 00:50:38.199 That they weren't 100% sure, 00:50:38.920 --> 00:50:39.699 They had doubts, 00:50:40.840 --> 00:50:42.480 They weren't 100% sure, 00:50:42.900 --> 00:50:43.299 They thought, 00:50:43.400 --> 00:50:43.500 Well, 00:50:43.759 --> 00:50:44.960 Maybe I could be wrong, 00:50:45.579 --> 00:50:47.179 We don't know what it's going to be like, 00:50:47.420 --> 00:50:48.860 We could die in the city, 00:50:49.039 --> 00:50:50.539 But they'd come to the conclusion, 00:50:50.799 --> 00:50:53.039 That it's better to make this commitment, 00:50:53.960 --> 00:50:55.299 Rather than stay and sit, 00:50:55.380 --> 00:50:56.799 And suffer where they are, 00:50:58.159 --> 00:50:59.500 Do you see what's being said there? 00:51:00.460 --> 00:51:01.119 They were saying, 00:51:01.219 --> 00:51:03.039 It's better to make this commitment, 00:51:04.099 --> 00:51:05.960 Rather than stay and suffer, 00:51:06.079 --> 00:51:07.739 And sit where they are, 00:51:08.199 --> 00:51:09.319 Because that will be fatal, 00:51:10.500 --> 00:51:11.059 And you know, 00:51:11.119 --> 00:51:12.519 If you think I'm fatalistic, 00:51:13.319 --> 00:51:13.539 You know, 00:51:13.579 --> 00:51:14.340 There are so many people, 00:51:14.440 --> 00:51:16.139 Who have a fatalistic view of salvation, 00:51:17.039 --> 00:51:18.119 I remember another time, 00:51:18.239 --> 00:51:20.440 When I was an apprentice electrician, 00:51:20.840 --> 00:51:21.539 I was 18, 00:51:21.639 --> 00:51:22.679 I was newly converted, 00:51:23.139 --> 00:51:24.519 And I wanted everybody to save, 00:51:24.639 --> 00:51:25.319 Be saved, 00:51:25.400 --> 00:51:26.519 And I still want everybody, 00:51:27.039 --> 00:51:27.759 To be saved, 00:51:28.500 --> 00:51:29.219 But this day, 00:51:29.299 --> 00:51:30.259 I asked my tradesman, 00:51:31.199 --> 00:51:32.099 I asked him the question, 00:51:32.199 --> 00:51:32.299 Well, 00:51:32.360 --> 00:51:33.299 Why aren't you a Christian? 00:51:33.300 --> 00:51:35.820 And I never expected, 00:51:36.220 --> 00:51:36.960 The answer I got, 00:51:37.720 --> 00:51:38.920 He said to me, 00:51:39.039 --> 00:51:40.160 If I'm going to be saved, 00:51:40.220 --> 00:51:40.940 I'll be saved, 00:51:41.380 --> 00:51:43.640 And there's nothing I can do about it, 00:51:44.160 --> 00:51:46.460 If I'm going to be saved, 00:51:46.539 --> 00:51:47.220 I'll be saved, 00:51:47.340 --> 00:51:48.080 And there's nothing, 00:51:48.420 --> 00:51:49.600 I can do about it, 00:51:49.880 --> 00:51:50.800 And you know, 00:51:50.840 --> 00:51:51.700 My unconverted friends, 00:51:51.820 --> 00:51:52.700 So many people, 00:51:52.800 --> 00:51:54.120 And you might even be one of them, 00:51:54.800 --> 00:51:55.580 So many people, 00:51:55.680 --> 00:51:56.600 They accept themselves, 00:51:56.700 --> 00:51:57.720 They excuse themselves, 00:51:57.840 --> 00:51:58.820 From coming to Christ, 00:51:58.900 --> 00:52:00.720 And committing their life to Christ, 00:52:00.719 --> 00:52:02.139 And becoming a Christian, 00:52:02.139 --> 00:52:03.579 Because they're hiding behind, 00:52:03.579 --> 00:52:05.459 The doctrine of God's election, 00:52:05.859 --> 00:52:06.819 And they say, 00:52:06.959 --> 00:52:07.859 If I'm going to be saved, 00:52:07.899 --> 00:52:08.459 I'll be saved, 00:52:08.519 --> 00:52:09.599 And there's absolutely nothing, 00:52:09.759 --> 00:52:10.980 I can do about it, 00:52:11.579 --> 00:52:13.899 But you know now, 00:52:14.500 --> 00:52:16.500 I'd love to relive that conversation, 00:52:17.019 --> 00:52:19.579 Because you know, 00:52:19.619 --> 00:52:20.639 My unconverted friend, 00:52:20.959 --> 00:52:22.299 The sad and solemn reality, 00:52:23.019 --> 00:52:24.639 Is that those who, 00:52:25.699 --> 00:52:26.480 Live like that, 00:52:27.059 --> 00:52:28.579 And those who think like that, 00:52:28.579 --> 00:52:30.579 Those who sit in church, 00:52:30.679 --> 00:52:31.920 And stay where they are, 00:52:32.340 --> 00:52:33.259 Until they die, 00:52:34.420 --> 00:52:36.380 When they die, 00:52:37.500 --> 00:52:38.420 They go to hell, 00:52:39.340 --> 00:52:40.840 And they go to hell, 00:52:40.900 --> 00:52:42.559 Not because they didn't hear the gospel, 00:52:43.619 --> 00:52:44.559 They go to hell, 00:52:44.699 --> 00:52:46.440 Not because they were never told the truth, 00:52:46.900 --> 00:52:47.799 About salvation, 00:52:48.619 --> 00:52:49.360 They go to hell, 00:52:49.539 --> 00:52:51.920 Not because they weren't prayed, 00:52:52.059 --> 00:52:53.219 Or pleaded with, 00:52:53.319 --> 00:52:54.179 To come to Christ, 00:52:54.420 --> 00:52:54.619 No, 00:52:54.679 --> 00:52:55.400 They go to hell, 00:52:56.119 --> 00:52:57.940 Because they stayed where they are, 00:52:58.579 --> 00:53:01.340 And they sat where they are, 00:53:02.340 --> 00:53:04.319 And now they're suffering in hell, 00:53:05.639 --> 00:53:07.299 My unconverted friend, 00:53:07.400 --> 00:53:08.579 Why are we sitting here, 00:53:08.920 --> 00:53:10.299 Until we die, 00:53:11.019 --> 00:53:12.119 Why are we sitting here, 00:53:12.199 --> 00:53:12.779 Until we die, 00:53:12.860 --> 00:53:13.579 Because you know, 00:53:13.659 --> 00:53:14.179 Our bible, 00:53:14.460 --> 00:53:16.059 Never ever tells us, 00:53:16.119 --> 00:53:16.619 To stay, 00:53:16.880 --> 00:53:17.539 And to sit, 00:53:17.779 --> 00:53:18.259 Do you know that, 00:53:18.980 --> 00:53:21.219 Your bible will never ever tell you, 00:53:21.360 --> 00:53:22.480 To stay and sit, 00:53:22.579 --> 00:53:23.079 Where you are, 00:53:23.139 --> 00:53:23.279 No, 00:53:23.480 --> 00:53:24.019 The bible, 00:53:24.019 --> 00:53:25.159 The whole book, 00:53:25.480 --> 00:53:26.639 Is a divine invitation, 00:53:26.639 --> 00:53:29.139 And it's full of divine imperatives, 00:53:29.519 --> 00:53:30.839 The whole bible, 00:53:30.980 --> 00:53:31.539 From Genesis, 00:53:31.799 --> 00:53:32.559 To revelation, 00:53:32.739 --> 00:53:34.420 Is a divine invitation, 00:53:34.599 --> 00:53:35.980 Full of divine imperatives, 00:53:36.219 --> 00:53:37.119 And you read them all, 00:53:37.219 --> 00:53:38.259 They're all there for us, 00:53:38.279 --> 00:53:39.319 And they're all saying to us, 00:53:39.739 --> 00:53:40.079 Come, 00:53:41.279 --> 00:53:42.039 Call, 00:53:42.279 --> 00:53:43.059 Upon the lord, 00:53:43.839 --> 00:53:44.920 Cry to the lord, 00:53:45.319 --> 00:53:46.779 Commit your life to the lord, 00:53:47.199 --> 00:53:48.119 Look to the lord, 00:53:48.239 --> 00:53:48.619 Listen, 00:53:49.299 --> 00:53:49.980 To the lord, 00:53:50.279 --> 00:53:51.059 Love the lord, 00:53:51.359 --> 00:53:52.119 Learn from the lord, 00:53:52.259 --> 00:53:53.039 Live for the lord, 00:53:53.400 --> 00:53:53.839 Ask, 00:53:54.179 --> 00:53:54.480 Seek, 00:53:54.779 --> 00:53:55.119 Knock, 00:53:55.119 --> 00:53:56.679 All these imperatives, 00:53:57.039 --> 00:53:57.559 My friend, 00:53:57.619 --> 00:53:59.339 Our bible is a divine invitation, 00:53:59.539 --> 00:54:01.579 Full of divine imperatives, 00:54:01.699 --> 00:54:03.059 And it never says to us, 00:54:03.359 --> 00:54:03.659 Ever, 00:54:03.799 --> 00:54:05.279 On any point in scripture, 00:54:05.719 --> 00:54:06.440 To stay, 00:54:07.420 --> 00:54:08.219 And to sit, 00:54:09.380 --> 00:54:10.119 Where you are, 00:54:11.719 --> 00:54:11.880 No, 00:54:11.920 --> 00:54:12.219 My friend, 00:54:12.279 --> 00:54:12.599 It says, 00:54:12.779 --> 00:54:13.079 Come, 00:54:14.339 --> 00:54:14.799 Come, 00:54:14.940 --> 00:54:15.259 Jesus, 00:54:15.460 --> 00:54:16.859 The free offer of the gospel, 00:54:17.159 --> 00:54:17.759 Says Jesus, 00:54:18.119 --> 00:54:20.279 Is come unto me, 00:54:20.980 --> 00:54:22.079 All you that labor, 00:54:22.219 --> 00:54:23.199 And are heavy laden, 00:54:23.199 --> 00:54:25.299 And I will give you rest, 00:54:25.919 --> 00:54:26.279 And you know, 00:54:26.319 --> 00:54:27.179 Like these lepers, 00:54:27.299 --> 00:54:28.179 You might be afraid, 00:54:28.819 --> 00:54:30.059 You might be apprehensive, 00:54:30.199 --> 00:54:31.659 About committing your life, 00:54:31.719 --> 00:54:32.519 To Jesus Christ, 00:54:32.599 --> 00:54:33.539 You might be unsure, 00:54:34.139 --> 00:54:35.219 You might be uncertain, 00:54:35.399 --> 00:54:36.179 What to do, 00:54:38.119 --> 00:54:39.299 That you know what to do, 00:54:40.699 --> 00:54:42.359 Speak to your minister about it, 00:54:42.619 --> 00:54:45.719 He would love to talk to you, 00:54:45.719 --> 00:54:47.299 About your soul, 00:54:47.300 --> 00:54:50.039 He would love it, 00:54:50.720 --> 00:54:51.740 Speak to your elders, 00:54:52.019 --> 00:54:53.180 If you know who your elder is, 00:54:53.220 --> 00:54:53.980 Or any elder, 00:54:55.100 --> 00:54:56.480 They would love to talk to you, 00:54:57.680 --> 00:54:59.180 Speak to another Christian, 00:55:00.560 --> 00:55:01.860 It's the conversation, 00:55:01.980 --> 00:55:03.080 A Christian longs for, 00:55:03.260 --> 00:55:03.860 Every day, 00:55:04.360 --> 00:55:05.760 To speak to someone, 00:55:05.900 --> 00:55:06.700 About their soul, 00:55:08.280 --> 00:55:08.580 And you know, 00:55:08.620 --> 00:55:10.080 Maybe like these lepers, 00:55:10.280 --> 00:55:10.740 You're afraid, 00:55:10.880 --> 00:55:11.560 You're apprehensive, 00:55:11.680 --> 00:55:12.180 You're unsure, 00:55:12.300 --> 00:55:12.960 You're uncertain, 00:55:13.800 --> 00:55:14.180 But you know, 00:55:14.260 --> 00:55:15.060 Like these lepers, 00:55:15.200 --> 00:55:16.780 You have come to this conclusion, 00:55:16.780 --> 00:55:20.360 I can't stay where I am, 00:55:20.660 --> 00:55:21.560 Any longer, 00:55:22.240 --> 00:55:24.760 I can't sit here anymore, 00:55:25.660 --> 00:55:27.400 I can't sit in my sin, 00:55:27.460 --> 00:55:29.540 I need to do something about it, 00:55:29.580 --> 00:55:31.900 I can't die and suffer in hell, 00:55:32.000 --> 00:55:34.600 Because I know that I need to come to this Christ, 00:55:34.840 --> 00:55:36.519 And commit my life to this Christ, 00:55:36.680 --> 00:55:38.180 Because like these lepers, 00:55:38.280 --> 00:55:39.400 When they started seeking, 00:55:39.740 --> 00:55:40.220 You know my friend, 00:55:40.280 --> 00:55:41.140 They made a commitment, 00:55:42.240 --> 00:55:43.480 And they came into the city, 00:55:44.040 --> 00:55:45.260 And as we read in the passage, 00:55:45.260 --> 00:55:46.580 When they came into the city, 00:55:46.780 --> 00:55:48.600 The Lord had prepared the way for them, 00:55:49.560 --> 00:55:50.720 The Syrians were gone, 00:55:50.820 --> 00:55:51.960 The Syrians had fled, 00:55:52.980 --> 00:55:54.340 The Lord had prepared the way, 00:55:54.420 --> 00:55:55.380 And they came into the city, 00:55:55.420 --> 00:55:56.300 And what did they find? 00:55:58.040 --> 00:55:59.060 They found life, 00:56:00.200 --> 00:56:01.600 They found life, 00:56:02.320 --> 00:56:03.680 They found good news, 00:56:04.660 --> 00:56:05.540 They found food, 00:56:06.500 --> 00:56:07.260 They found drink, 00:56:07.360 --> 00:56:07.960 They found gold, 00:56:08.060 --> 00:56:08.700 They found silver, 00:56:08.800 --> 00:56:09.600 They found it all, 00:56:09.599 --> 00:56:10.940 They found everything, 00:56:10.940 --> 00:56:12.259 They ever needed, 00:56:12.259 --> 00:56:16.639 And this news to them was so good, 00:56:17.239 --> 00:56:20.119 That they wanted to speak about it, 00:56:20.779 --> 00:56:22.440 And share it with others, 00:56:22.440 --> 00:56:26.019 And that's why you have a back to church Sunday, 00:56:26.019 --> 00:56:29.820 You want to speak about this good news, 00:56:30.340 --> 00:56:32.179 You want to share it with others, 00:56:33.079 --> 00:56:34.219 You found life, 00:56:34.920 --> 00:56:35.840 So my Christian friend, 00:56:35.920 --> 00:56:36.739 If you found life, 00:56:36.860 --> 00:56:37.239 Share it, 00:56:37.300 --> 00:56:38.119 Speak about it, 00:56:38.519 --> 00:56:39.780 Tell others about it, 00:56:40.519 --> 00:56:42.440 My unconverted friend, 00:56:42.500 --> 00:56:43.300 You need to come, 00:56:44.300 --> 00:56:45.119 And find life, 00:56:46.440 --> 00:56:47.360 Life everlasting, 00:56:47.360 --> 00:56:50.300 And you know, 00:56:50.380 --> 00:56:51.380 These lepers, 00:56:51.559 --> 00:56:52.640 They found good news, 00:56:52.680 --> 00:56:54.700 That they wanted to share it with others, 00:56:55.180 --> 00:56:57.620 And that's what we're doing here this evening, 00:56:58.500 --> 00:57:00.059 Because the good news of the gospel, 00:57:00.860 --> 00:57:01.559 Is that, 00:57:02.220 --> 00:57:04.000 Even though the wages of sin is death, 00:57:05.140 --> 00:57:06.079 The gift of God, 00:57:06.160 --> 00:57:07.059 This free gift, 00:57:07.220 --> 00:57:09.420 The free offer of the gospel, 00:57:09.780 --> 00:57:11.019 Is eternal life, 00:57:12.599 --> 00:57:14.180 And I'm not the first person, 00:57:14.519 --> 00:57:15.640 To present it to you, 00:57:15.639 --> 00:57:18.319 And I know I won't be the last, 00:57:19.119 --> 00:57:20.879 And I'm so thankful for those, 00:57:20.940 --> 00:57:22.199 Who presented it to me, 00:57:22.759 --> 00:57:25.119 But it's a free offer, 00:57:25.599 --> 00:57:27.099 Of eternal life, 00:57:27.239 --> 00:57:28.480 Through Jesus Christ, 00:57:28.599 --> 00:57:29.059 Our Lord, 00:57:29.579 --> 00:57:32.400 So why are you going to stay where you are, 00:57:33.139 --> 00:57:34.619 Why are you going to stay there, 00:57:34.679 --> 00:57:35.519 And just sit there, 00:57:35.879 --> 00:57:36.900 Dying in your sin, 00:57:39.059 --> 00:57:39.719 You know, 00:57:39.759 --> 00:57:40.379 As I said to you, 00:57:40.440 --> 00:57:41.500 I speak to you as someone, 00:57:43.119 --> 00:57:44.559 Who used to sit where you were sitting, 00:57:44.559 --> 00:57:48.940 Because I was once the unconverted friend, 00:57:49.519 --> 00:57:50.980 Sitting up at the back, 00:57:52.000 --> 00:57:52.860 Sitting and dying, 00:57:53.619 --> 00:57:54.400 In my sin, 00:57:54.840 --> 00:57:57.719 But you know my friend, 00:57:58.279 --> 00:58:00.699 You need to get up, 00:58:01.579 --> 00:58:04.279 You need to wake up, 00:58:05.739 --> 00:58:06.980 You need to come, 00:58:07.779 --> 00:58:08.659 To this Christ, 00:58:08.659 --> 00:58:11.359 And you need to come to him, 00:58:11.359 --> 00:58:12.239 With all your sin, 00:58:13.119 --> 00:58:15.019 And you need to seek forgiveness, 00:58:15.579 --> 00:58:16.559 From him, 00:58:16.619 --> 00:58:18.819 Because he's the only saviour of sinners, 00:58:18.820 --> 00:58:22.900 Do you know, 00:58:22.920 --> 00:58:23.420 I was thinking, 00:58:23.580 --> 00:58:24.539 Coming here this evening, 00:58:25.080 --> 00:58:28.480 My unconverted friend, 00:58:29.860 --> 00:58:31.800 If these pews could speak, 00:58:32.600 --> 00:58:36.220 If these pews could speak, 00:58:37.059 --> 00:58:40.080 They would tell how often we sat on them, 00:58:40.079 --> 00:58:43.420 If these pews could speak, 00:58:43.519 --> 00:58:44.299 They'd tell us, 00:58:45.039 --> 00:58:46.779 How many sermons we heard, 00:58:48.039 --> 00:58:50.679 If these pews in Kenneth Street, 00:58:51.219 --> 00:58:52.159 Could speak, 00:58:53.039 --> 00:58:55.039 They'd tell you how many preachers, 00:58:55.539 --> 00:58:57.639 Have pleaded with your soul, 00:58:57.880 --> 00:58:58.559 To be saved, 00:58:58.920 --> 00:59:01.980 If these pews could speak, 00:59:02.099 --> 00:59:03.319 They'd tell you how long, 00:59:05.319 --> 00:59:07.019 You've been sitting here, 00:59:07.019 --> 00:59:10.619 And you know, 00:59:10.679 --> 00:59:11.800 If these pews could speak, 00:59:12.719 --> 00:59:15.500 They would ask you this question, 00:59:16.900 --> 00:59:19.099 Why are you sitting here, 00:59:20.099 --> 00:59:22.139 Until we die, 00:59:23.800 --> 00:59:25.960 Why are we sitting here, 00:59:27.239 --> 00:59:28.619 Until we die, 00:59:29.619 --> 00:59:30.360 My friend, 00:59:30.480 --> 00:59:30.920 Get up, 00:59:32.320 --> 00:59:33.659 And go to Christ, 00:59:34.539 --> 00:59:36.880 Because there you will find life, 00:59:37.019 --> 00:59:39.280 Life eternal, 00:59:40.599 --> 00:59:42.840 May the Lord bless these thoughts to us, 00:59:42.920 --> 00:59:43.559 Let us pray, 00:59:44.719 --> 00:59:48.539 O Lord our gracious God, 00:59:49.699 --> 00:59:50.719 May give thanks for, 00:59:51.719 --> 00:59:52.900 The beauty of the gospel, 00:59:54.099 --> 00:59:56.039 That Jesus is there on every page, 00:59:57.179 --> 00:59:58.960 Reminding us that he has come, 00:59:59.639 --> 01:00:00.599 That we might have life, 01:00:00.599 --> 01:00:02.019 And have it more abundantly, 01:00:03.139 --> 01:00:04.219 And Lord our prayer is, 01:00:04.340 --> 01:00:06.199 That for all our unconverted friends, 01:00:06.199 --> 01:00:08.000 That they would come, 01:00:08.119 --> 01:00:09.119 And see this Jesus, 01:00:09.739 --> 01:00:11.419 That they would no longer sit, 01:00:11.519 --> 01:00:12.679 And stay where they are, 01:00:13.419 --> 01:00:14.719 But that they would come to him, 01:00:15.439 --> 01:00:16.379 Because he says that, 01:00:16.480 --> 01:00:17.960 Whosoever comes to me, 01:00:18.779 --> 01:00:20.619 I will in no wise cast out, 01:00:21.379 --> 01:00:22.879 Lord speak to us we pray, 01:00:23.619 --> 01:00:25.159 May thy word find lodgment, 01:00:25.159 --> 01:00:25.919 In our heart, 01:00:26.299 --> 01:00:28.259 And bear fruit to thy glory, 01:00:28.960 --> 01:00:30.319 Go before us and we ask, 01:00:30.379 --> 01:00:31.779 For we ask it in Jesus name, 01:00:31.780 --> 01:00:33.360 And for his sake, 01:00:33.940 --> 01:00:34.380 Amen, 01:00:34.380 --> 01:00:34.480 Amen, 01:00:34.480 --> 01:00:41.940 We're going to bring our service, 01:00:42.000 --> 01:00:43.140 To a conclusion this evening, 01:00:43.860 --> 01:00:44.840 And we're going to sing the words, 01:00:44.920 --> 01:00:45.900 Of Psalm 62, 01:00:46.400 --> 01:00:48.160 Psalm 62, 01:00:48.300 --> 01:00:49.240 In the Scottish Psalter, 01:00:49.239 --> 01:01:01.359 Psalm 62, 01:01:01.539 --> 01:01:02.839 It's on page 294, 01:01:02.939 --> 01:01:04.139 We're singing from verse 5, 01:01:04.239 --> 01:01:06.459 Down to the verse marked 8, 01:01:07.019 --> 01:01:13.399 Psalm 62 is, 01:01:14.279 --> 01:01:15.259 A psalm in which David, 01:01:15.659 --> 01:01:16.179 The psalmist, 01:01:16.279 --> 01:01:17.359 He tells his testimony, 01:01:17.360 --> 01:01:20.000 He tells us how much the Lord, 01:01:20.039 --> 01:01:20.680 Means to him, 01:01:21.380 --> 01:01:22.039 In his life, 01:01:22.840 --> 01:01:23.920 And I suppose that's what me, 01:01:23.960 --> 01:01:24.880 And Callum will be doing, 01:01:25.400 --> 01:01:26.320 In a few moments, 01:01:26.820 --> 01:01:27.140 So, 01:01:27.620 --> 01:01:28.660 Come along and, 01:01:29.019 --> 01:01:29.880 Callum will tell you, 01:01:30.220 --> 01:01:31.880 How he came to know the Lord, 01:01:32.539 --> 01:01:33.960 But what David does here, 01:01:34.019 --> 01:01:34.820 In Psalm 62, 01:01:34.820 --> 01:01:36.140 Is he tells his testimony, 01:01:37.000 --> 01:01:38.500 But he doesn't leave it there, 01:01:39.220 --> 01:01:40.740 He calls people, 01:01:41.000 --> 01:01:42.160 To place their confidence, 01:01:43.140 --> 01:01:43.840 And their hope, 01:01:44.620 --> 01:01:45.559 In the same saviour, 01:01:45.620 --> 01:01:46.240 That he loves, 01:01:46.239 --> 01:01:48.399 He says there in verse 6, 01:01:48.479 --> 01:01:50.059 He only my salvation is, 01:01:50.119 --> 01:01:51.539 And my strong rock is he, 01:01:52.119 --> 01:01:53.879 He only is my sure defence, 01:01:54.279 --> 01:01:55.599 I shall not moved be, 01:01:55.679 --> 01:01:56.619 That's David's testimony, 01:01:57.299 --> 01:01:58.799 The Lord is his salvation, 01:01:59.500 --> 01:02:00.919 Then he says there in verse 8 though, 01:02:01.919 --> 01:02:03.359 This is the application, 01:02:04.299 --> 01:02:04.919 You people, 01:02:05.759 --> 01:02:06.779 Place your confidence, 01:02:07.639 --> 01:02:08.679 In him continually, 01:02:09.399 --> 01:02:11.359 Before him pour ye out your heart, 01:02:12.059 --> 01:02:12.619 God is, 01:02:13.119 --> 01:02:14.039 A refuge high, 01:02:14.039 --> 01:02:15.300 So we're going to sing, 01:02:15.380 --> 01:02:16.099 Psalm 62, 01:02:16.340 --> 01:02:17.300 Verses 5, 01:02:17.380 --> 01:02:18.659 Down to the verse marked 8, 01:02:19.000 --> 01:02:19.800 And we'll stand to sing, 01:02:19.880 --> 01:02:20.279 If you're able, 01:02:20.519 --> 01:02:21.539 To God's praise, 01:02:21.539 --> 01:02:26.719 Can I possum to sing? 01:02:26.820 --> 01:02:27.159 Another prayer, 01:02:27.239 --> 01:02:29.179 May I stop you, 01:02:29.360 --> 01:02:31.079 Without, 01:02:31.340 --> 01:02:34.119 Slut $1% With and $art! 01:02:34.119 --> 01:02:41.119 upon my Lord alone. 01:02:42.339 --> 01:02:50.359 O will be render for my hope 01:02:50.359 --> 01:02:55.799 and expectation. 01:02:55.800 --> 01:03:05.800 The only my salvation is 01:03:06.560 --> 01:03:12.280 and my strong prophecy. 01:03:14.200 --> 01:03:21.800 The only is my sure defense. 01:03:21.800 --> 01:03:28.800 I shall not burden thee. 01:03:30.760 --> 01:03:37.360 In God my glory places 01:03:37.360 --> 01:03:45.800 and my salvation sure. 01:03:45.800 --> 01:03:55.260 In God the rock is of my strength. 01:03:55.680 --> 01:04:01.800 My refuge was secure. 01:04:01.800 --> 01:04:12.019 Give me the best of confidence 01:04:12.019 --> 01:04:17.760 in him continually. 01:04:17.760 --> 01:04:27.780 Be for him holy and pure heart. 01:04:28.780 --> 01:04:33.480 Lord is a refuge and 01:04:33.480 --> 01:04:38.420 we're going to give thanks for the food 01:04:38.420 --> 01:04:39.620 that's served next door. 01:04:40.200 --> 01:04:41.900 So please do stay behind if you can. 01:04:42.400 --> 01:04:44.560 It would be lovely to spend time with you 01:04:44.559 --> 01:04:52.159 fellowship. Lord, we give thanks for every good and every perfect gift that is truly from above, 01:04:52.679 --> 01:04:58.820 to know that thy son is the greatest gift. But we thank thee, Lord, for every reminder that thou 01:04:58.820 --> 01:05:05.279 are a God who gives, even in the food prepared for us, bless it to our body's use. And Lord, 01:05:05.360 --> 01:05:13.079 bless thy word to our souls. Because Lord, we ask that grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, 01:05:13.079 --> 01:05:20.940 Son, and Holy Spirit may rest and remain with us all, both now and forevermore. Amen.